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Mahindra which bought Reva was intended to spearhead the electric transformation of indian auto sector. But Tata Motor sprang a surprise with entries like Tigor electric and Nexon electric (with ziptron tech). Mahindra and Tata competed for EESL purchase of 10000 electric vehicles. The winner Tigor EV and runner Verito electric performance has been far from satisfactory.

With the Tatas addressing the issue with the higher range for Tigor and Nexon, Mahindra too wants not to be left behind. It promised 4 new electric SUV’s at 2020 auto expo. KUV 100 electric, Atom electric (quadricycle), XUV300 electric and Funster electric (built on next gen XUV500 platform).

Coming back to the original story, ekuv100 electric is first electric car to be price under Rs10 lakhs. With the price of Rs8.25 lakhs (post Fame -2 subsidy) kuv100 electric looks tempting but there lies a catch. Fame-2 subsidy by central government is meant for cabs not personal buyers. Hence price would around Rs10 lakhs for personal buyers.

ekuv 100 electric gets a 40kW 120Nm electric motor. Claimed range is around 150km range though the real world range would be around 100km. But fortunately it supports fast charging. It can be charged to 80% in 55mins. On a regular charger, it will take 5hours and 45minutes to 100% charge. Availability of Kuv100 is most likely to be in Delhi, Pune and Bangalore at least initially.

Who could imagine a new carmaker averages 15000 units in its first few months in the indian auto market. Kia has done the unbelievable which Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen and Honda could not do. Seltos has been a runaway success for Kia. Kia has already unveiled the premium MPV carnival which takes on Toyota Innova Crysta. Now comes another the ‘Sonet ‘ to knock out wide range of competitors – Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Ford Ecosport and Hyundai Venue.

Kia Sonet shares the same platform as Hyundai Venue. With more synchronization between sister brand (Hyundai and Kia) other manufacturers will find it difficult. Expect the sonet to come in wide range of engine and transmission options to choose from. Expect all the whistles and bells in the gizmos and in-car entertainment too. Kia Sonet SUV will get Bose sound system, 10.25″ touchscreen, front ventilated seats, UVO connected car tech, spacious cabin and an automatic gearbox (iMT) for sure

Following the success of vitara brezza, Maruti has unveiled futuro-e eyeing a pie in fast growing SUV segment. Success of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos has revolutionized the indian auto sector like never before especially in the dwindling sales season.

True to 2020 auto expo theme, Maruti has revealed futuro-e with electric drive train. However, what you bring sales nos to futuro-e is the 1.5L K-series petrol engine which is powering the XL6 and 1.5 DDiS225 diesel may feature if the SUV lovers continue to love the diesel engine in 2022.

The rake of the rear windscreen gives the Futuro-e a sporty silhouette with the combination of a glasshouse and thick C-pillar add some serious personality to the look. The coupe like design underscores the soft SUV stance. However the design is too futuristic for Rs15 lakhs SUV. Many of these elements will not feature when the car gets into production. Meme creators can save this to throw up a reality vs expectation challenge. We expect the Maruti to reveal the production SUV at 2022 Auto expo

Tata Motors which is on a roll for last few years! has stunned auto expo with two new models. Tata has already unveiled gravitas and H2X (hornbill) at geneva auto expo earlier. Hence many wondered about new models from Tata’s label.

Tata HBX

Tata has pulled rabbit out of the hat with the stunning HBX (near production ready hornbill SUV) which will take on Mahindra KUV100 and Maruti Jimny (if launched). Since its micro suv, its more likely to sit between altroz and nexon. Built on alfa platform similar to altroz,, it will be powered by petrol engine and electric variant initially. If there is demand, revotorq under the hood is not an arduous task.

HBX measures in at 3,840mm long, 1,822mm wide and 1,635mm tall, with a 2,450mm wheelbase and gets a 1.2L revotron engine devleoping 86bhp and 5-speed manual transmission. Near production concept also has a roof-mounted carrier and a couple of jerry cans.

Tata Sierra

Sierra – legendary brand is making a comeback, yes in an unexpected fashion tata has brought the legendary sierra back to indian auto scene. Sierra once loved for its true SUV character has now come back to take on the soft roaders (compact SUV). Unlike the older sierra, the new one is a soft roader, with harrier built on land rover platform occupying the most premium Tata product. Sierra is likely to settle between Nexon and Harrier with an eye on Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. Sierra will be built on Alfa platform (same platform for altroz and upcoming next generation nexon) etc.

Another notable highlight of the the Sierra EV concept has no rear door on the right-hand side, while the left features a sliding rear door with a cleverly disguised glass area and B-pillar.

Just like the old sierra, canopy is a single-piece side glass that also runs into the roof. The rear design too is rich in aesthetics with bits like the LED tail lamps and ‘Sierra’ embossing on the bootlid. However the front is familiar one which resembles Harrier in some sense.

 

MG Hector (the internet car) which made a mark in the burgeoning SUV segment is now in the news for bad reasons. Two Hectors in two different places seem to have caught on fire.

Whether the fire is due to any aftermarket modification done by the customer or because of issue in the car.