CarBike360 Weekly Wrap-Up | That Mattered This Week (29th May-3rd June): Kia Sonet facelift, electric scooter price hike, Mahindra XUV400 booking

Welcome to this week's automotive Carbike360 news wrap-up! We bring you the latest updates from the industry, including exciting developments in the world of cars and electric vehicles. 

In this edition, we highlight the upcoming facelift of the Kia Sonet, the partnership between MediaTek and Nvidia to revolutionize connected car technology, the booking details for the Mahindra XUV400, the anticipated launch of the 5-door Mahindra Thar with a sunroof, the introduction of the Range Rover Sport SV with its powerful performance, the upcoming launch of the Volvo C40 Recharge EV in India, and the price hike for Ola's S1 and S1 Pro e-scooter models. 

Stay tuned for all the details and insights in this edition of our weekly news wrap-up.

Kia Sonet Facelift to Launch in India By End of 2023

Recent reports say that the Kia Sonet is expected to receive its initial mid-lifecycle facelift before the year comes to a close. Once again, the SUV was sighted and undergoing testing in South Korea. 

The facelifted version of the Kia Sonet is anticipated to showcase significant cosmetic enhancements both in its interior cabin and exterior design. Furthermore, it is likely to incorporate new and advanced features, while the mechanical aspects are expected to remain unchanged.

MediaTek, Nvidia Partner on Connected Car Technology

On Monday, MediaTek Inc and Nvidia Corp made an official announcement regarding their collaboration on groundbreaking technology aimed at revolutionizing the automotive industry. Their joint efforts will focus on the development of advanced vehicle infotainment systems capable of streaming games and videos, as well as engaging with drivers through the use of AI.

Mahindra XUV400 Booking & Waiting Period Details Unveiled

The Mahindra XUV400, an electric variant of the Mahindra XUV300, is now offered with two motor pack options. During the FY23 press meeting, Mahindra confirmed that bookings for various SUV models, including the all-electric XUV400, are now open. Customers who book the electric XUV400 can expect a waiting period of approximately six months from the date of booking.

Upcoming Mahindra Thar 5-Door SUV to Get a Sunroof; Official Launch Next Year

The highly anticipated 5-door variant of the Mahindra Thar is scheduled for an official launch in CY24. However, prior to its release, a recently surfaced spy shot has created quite a buzz on the internet, confirming the inclusion of a sunroof in the 5-door Mahindra Thar. This marks the first time that a Mahindra Thar model features a sunroof. 

According to sources, automotive enthusiast Niklesh Singh captured the spy shots near Wakad in Pune. The 3-door version of the Thar has already achieved remarkable success in the Indian market, surpassing 1 lakh units in sales since late 2020. Currently, there are around 58,000 units of the 3-door Thar yet to be delivered.

Range Rover Sport SV Launched; Can Sprint 0-60 Mph in 3.6 Seconds

The recently unveiled Range Rover Sport SV has joined the lineup with one of its most potent powertrains to date. This new model delivers outstanding performance, exceptional Range Rover capability, and enhanced design. The automaker has equipped the Sport SV with an audio sensory system and their most advanced suspension system, which is typically found in Class 7 vehicles.

Volvo C40 Recharge EV Launch on June 14 in India | Check Specs and features

Volvo has officially announced the launch date for the C40 Recharge EV in India. The vehicle will be introduced in the country on June 14th, marking the Swedish luxury automaker's second electric vehicle offering after the successful release of the Volvo XC40 Recharge, which has garnered significant attention and interest.

Why do Ola S1 and S1 Pro get a Price Hike of Rs. 15,000?

Previously, the 3kWh version of the S1 model carried a price tag of Rs 1.15 lakh. However, due to a subsidy revision, the price of this variant has been increased by Rs 15,000, resulting in a new price of Rs 1.30 lakh. Similarly, the range-topping S1 Pro model now has a price of Rs 1.40 lakh, reflecting a price increase of Rs 15,000 for Ola's flagship e-scooter.

On the other hand, the entry-level S1 Air model is available in three variants, each equipped with different battery capacities: 2kWh, 3kWh, and 4kWh. These variants boast IDC ranges of 85km, 125km, and 165km, respectively. Importantly, the prices for these specific variants have remained unchanged at Rs 84,999, Rs 99,999, and Rs 1.10 lakh, respectively.

Ampere Electric Raises Prices of Primus and Magnus EX by up to Rs. 39,100 Following FAME II Update

Ampere has now joined the ranks of manufacturers implementing price revisions in response to the FAME II subsidy revision. This has impacted several models including the Primus, Magnus EX, and Zeal EX. 

The Ampere Zeal EX has experienced a price hike of Rs. 20,900, bringing its new retail price to Rs. 95,900. Similarly, the Magnus EX has become pricier by Rs. 21,000, now priced at Rs. 1.05 lakh. 

The top-tier Ampere Primus has witnessed the highest price increase of Rs. 39,100 and is now available at a retail price of Rs. 1.49 lakh.