Nissan today announced the appointment of Rakesh Srivastava as Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd (NMIPL), reporting to Sinan Ozkok, President of Nissan India Operations.

Sinan Ozkok commented: “I am pleased to welcome Rakesh to the Nissan India team. With his rich experience and deep understanding of the Indian market, I am confident he will strengthen our sales and marketing functions and successfully deliver our customer-centric strategy.”

Rakesh has a proven track record in achieving growth and transformation in the Indian automotive sector and brings with him 30 years’ of successful leadership. He joins Nissan from one of India’s largest conglomerates, the JSW Group, where he worked as Director in charge of electric vehicle development. Prior to that, Rakesh has held senior management positions at Hyundai Motor India and Maruti Suzuki.

Rakesh Srivastava said: “I am excited by the opportunity to build and strengthen Nissan operations for our customers, partners and employees in India. Nissan is an iconic global brand and its leadership in technology and innovation will be a key driver and differentiator towards delivering value and aspiration to our customers in this competitive market.”

French carmaker Renault has launched its compact MPV Triber in India, priced between Rs 4.95 lakh and Rs 6.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The seven-seater Triber, which is less than 4 metres in length and is the second model from the company after Kwid which has been specifically designed and developed for the Indian market.

Venkatram Mamillapallehe, Country CEO and MD, Renault India Operations, said: “Triber aims to bridge the gap between Kwid and company’s other SUV offerings like Duster and Captur.”

Renault Triber is powered by 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine generating 72 PS of maximum power and 96 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine currently complies with BS4 emission norms.

The biggest selling point of the Renault Triber is its modular seating. The Triber offers the flexibility of different seating layouts, depending on the needs of the customer. The third-row seats can be clicked in or out, transforming the Triber into a 6-seater or a 7-seater depending upon requirement. With its third row folded down, the Triber can take in 625 litres of cargo in the boot, more than that of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Triber also comes with functional roof rails with a load carrying capacity of 50 kg.

Renault Triber comes equipped 8-inch multimedia touch screen features the MediaNav Evolution connected multimedia system. It is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. The multimedia system also allows videos to be played through USB plug.

Safety features include four airbags on the top-spec variant. ABS with EBD, front seat belt reminder and a speed alert system make up the rest of the safety net.

Renault is aiming to launch more products in Indian markets with an objective to double sales volume to two lakh units annually in the country within three years.

A new Golf is rolling up to the starting grid, marking the eighth generation. The design and digital innovations launch this bestseller – of which more than 35 million have been built – into a new age: the era of electrified drives, a digitalised and connected interior world, assisted driving and online-based functions and services. The next generation of the Golf will shape the era with new impulses.

The camouflage lets onlookers identify that the black and white lines are disguising a five-door vehicle with powerful proportions. And it makes no secret out of the fact that it is a Golf – because its visual DNA is unmistakable. Anyone taking a closer look will also see that the “Golf” designation has been integrated into the camouflage. However, the camouflage does not reveal one element: the finer details of the new design.

Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, said: “At this time, we will not disclose all details of the new Golf, but you can already perceive its elegant proportions.” The head designer continues: “The next generation will be a genuine eye-catcher!” The countdown to the debut of number eight has already begun: the new Golf will be celebrating its world premiere in autumn 2019.

Market leader Maruti Suzuki has launched the XL6 premium MPV. The Zeta manual is priced at Rs 9.79 lakh, while the AT bears a price tag of Rs 10.89 lakh. The Alpha manual sells at Rs 10.36 lakh while the AT sets you back by Rs 11.46 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.

The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is a premium MPV based on the Ertiga and will be sold exclusively through Maruti’s Nexa outlets. The XL6  gets its name by the virtue of being bigger than the Ertiga and comes with a six seat configuration with captain seats for the middle row occupants.

The Maruti XL6 is powered by a sole BS6-compliant 1.5-litre K15B engine that develops 105 PS of power and 138 Nm of torque. It will be available in two trim levels – Zeta and Alpha. Both variants will be available with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions, taking the total variant count to four.

To my surprise, the fuel efficiency figures remain the same as the Ertiga, despite the XL6 being very slightly heavier (by 20 kilograms) and longer. ARAI-ratified mileage figures stand at 19.01 kmpl for the manual and 17.99 kmpl for the AT. However, there isn’t a diesel powertrain on offer as of yet.

When viewed from the outside, the Maruti Suzuki XL6 looks completely different. In fact Maruti claims that only the side panels and the tailgate is common with the Ertiga. The rest of the exterior is completely new. The hood has been raised by 95 mm higher, and there is a broader, black and chrome finish grille. The headlamps get quad LED treatment and the LED daytime running light or DRL.

There is a lot more body cladding running through the bumpers and along the sides into the wheel arches. The bumpers are wider and protrude more making the car marginally longer than the Ertiga. The tailgate is new too as are the vertical-stack LED taillights. Black alloy wheels and black mirror housings are another new design element. The taller roof rails and stance of the car do make it appear to be higher riding than the Ertiga for sure. However, what was a bit of a disappointment though is given the premium positioning, neither does the XL6 get larger wheels nor higher ground clearance than the Ertiga. The 185/65 R15 tyres are the same that are used on the Ertiga; as is the 180 mm ground clearance.

Step inside the Maruti Suzuki XL6 and you will be welcomed by an all-black interior in comparison to the Ertiga’s two tone beige. The dashboard gets what Maruti is referring to as a stone-finish garnish unlike the faux wood on the Ertiga. Barring this it’s the same touchscreen, instrument cluster with TFT info screen and climate control system. The front central cup holders have an air vent each for air-cooling your choice of beverage. The seats are more bolstered and the steering is finished in black leatherette. However, the plastic quality and the other materials used in the passenger cabin feels similar to what has been used in the Ertiga. Considering that Maruti Suzuki is positioning the XL6 as a premium MPV, they ought to have used better quality materials.

Having said that, the XL6 still appears to be a good addition to Maruti Suzuki’s product portfolio and has the potential to garner good sales numbers.

S.S. Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited at the launch of Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS in New Delhi.

Korean automaker Hyundai has launched the Grand i10 Nios in India with ex-showroom prices starting at Rs. 4.99 lakh. The Grand i10 Nios is the company’s third generation i10 worldwide and India is the first market where the carmaker has launched the Grand i10 Nios.

The Grand i10 Nios will be built in the HMIL’s Chennai factory and will be exported to other markets too. The i10 brand has sold more than 2.5 million units worldwide and with the new generation, the company aims to establish its prowess in the hatchback segment in the global market.

Speaking at the launch of Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS, S S Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “The All New GRAND i10 NIOS is Made-in-India Made-for-the-World Product. The Indian Market is key and axis point of Hyundai’s global growth plan. The 3rd Generation All New GRAND i10 NIOS is our third Consecutive launch in India of highly successful i10 Brand. The launch of All New GRAND i10 NIOS will stand for our commitment to the Indian Market and fulfil our promise of creating a happy life for our customers”. “We at Hyundai Motor India believe in Progressive Design, Styling and Technology for our Indian Customers. NIOS means More, and the All New GRAND i10 NIOS is expression of our commitment to always offer More to our customers in Value Engineering and Best Quality along with First and Best-in-Segment features”, he added.

In terms of appearance, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios complies to the company’s global design language. It features the cascading grille on which are placed the boomerang shaped DRLs and the top-end models also get LED fog lamps which is a segment-first feature. The Grand i10 badge has been given a miss, while the ‘Nios’ badge now takes prominence on the boot. The X-shaped C-pillar, which was prominently talked about on the European version, gets the ‘G i10’ moniker, along with the X-inspired diamond cut alloy wheels. It also gets chrome door handles, blackened pillars, and auto-ORVMs with turn indicators on the top trim.

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is bigger than the outgoing Grand i10. It’s longer by 40 mm, wider by 20 mm while the wheelbase has been increased by 25 mm. The height however, is still the same. The interior too gets an overhaul and wears a premium look. The dashboard gets a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system which gets smartphone connectivity. The steering and the AC vents have been borrowed from the Hyundai Venue. There is new ivory-grey fabric upholstery on offer which further adds to the premium quotient.

The Grand i10 Nios will be powered by the 1.2-litre petrol and diesel engines. The 1.2-litre petrol produces 83 PS and 114 Nm mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 5-speed AMT as well. The 1.2 litre diesel churns out 75 PS and 190 Nm of torque. The diesel too is available with a 5-speed manual and an AMT. The petrol engine with the manual transmission returns a fuel economy figure of 20.7 kmpl (ARAI-ratified) while the AMT returns 20.2 kmpl (ARAI figures). The diesel on the other hand for both the diesel manual and automatic returns 26.2 kmpl (ARAI-certified).

On the safety front, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios gets ABS with EBD, dual airbags, rear parking sensors, driver and passenger seat belt reminder and speed alert system as standard across variant line up. In the top-end variant you get features like rear view camera, headlamp escort system, speed sensing door lock and impact sensing door unlock.

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is available in a total of 10 variants including the dual-tone options and there are six colour schemes on offer.

(L-R) Kookhyun Shim, Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff, Yong S Kim and Manohar Bhat at the launch of Kia Seltos

Kia Motors, the world’s 8th largest automaker today launched its first product in mid-SUV segment, the Seltos in the Indian market with an introductory price starting from Rs 9.69 lakhs (ex-showroom Pan India) for the entry level Petrol Smartstream G1.5 HTE model going up to Rs 15.99 Lakhs (ex-showroom Pan India) for the Diesel 1.5 CRDi HTX plus (6AT) and Petrol Smartstream 1.4 T – Gdi GTX (7DCT) and GTX plus top-end variant. The Seltos is available in both petrol and diesel variants with manual and automatic transmission options.

The company also announced the receipt of record 320,35 bookings for the Seltos so far which has set a new benchmark for the mid-SUV segment in the country. Kia Motors India is well equipped to handle the overwhelming demand for Seltos in the market. The company’s Anantapur plant has an annual production capacity of 3,00,000 units which will allow the company to smoothly cater to the increasing demand of Seltos in the country.

Commenting on the occasion, Kookhyun Shim, MD & CEO, Kia Motors India said, “The Seltos has been one of the most ambitious projects for Kia Motors and even more so for Kia Motors India. The Seltos marks the arrival of Kia in India for the first time, and we have put our heart and soul into this product. The Seltos is all about surprising everyone with its premium features, distinctive design, supreme quality, refined and powerful engine options, addictive performance and so much more. It is BS-VI compliant and has undergone extensive testing to meet emission norms even with the currently available BS-IV fuel, which makes it future proof. With the most advanced set of engine, fuel and transmission options in Seltos, we are confident to address all the unmet needs of the segment today. For our new age digital savvy customer, we have also designed a complete digital journey from booking, sales and delivery to aftersales service thereby ensuring the most evolved ownership experience ever. I am confident that Seltos will redefine the entire mid SUV segment in India. ”

Seltos is available in Smartstream 1.4 turbo petrol with a 6-speed manual/7-speed DCT, smartstream 1.5 petrol with 6-speed manual/IVT and 1.5 diesel VGT with 6-speed manual/6-speed automatic. Further, all the engines will be BS-VI compliant, making Seltos the first car in the segment to meet the emissions norms that will come into effect next year.

The Seltos will have two distinct design lines – Tech Line aimed at family-oriented customers and GT Line aimed at enthusiasts who are young at heart. The Seltos line up will get premium and smart features such as 8.0 inch heads-up-display, 10.25 inch HD touchscreen, a hi-tech sound mood lamp, a rear shade curtain, 360 degree surround view monitor, blind spot monitoring, world’s first connected air-purifier, highly advanced proprietary UVO connect system with 37 unique features for a wireless and seamless communication with the car, an 8-Speaker Bose Hi-Fi sound system with sound mood lamp and more. Host of safety features, ESC, VSM, 6 Airbags and use of AHSS- Advanced high strength steel. The Kia Seltos will be offered in a variety of 8 sensuous colors and will get 5 dual tone options to keep the young and dynamic character of the car intact.

Further easing the buying process, Kia’s partnership with eight leading banks of India will help the customers get the most attractive financing options with the lowest interest rates and desired paying back period. To add more comfort to the buying process for the customer, the company has designed a unique online purchase process, which begins with booking, selection, to financing and closes with delivery. Two leading banks of the country have tied up with the company to offer a complete online financing option to customers as well.

Seltos will come with Kia Motors’ comprehensive Promise to care service program which has been designed on the core philosophy of CARE-Connected, Adaptive, Responsive and Engage, which dovetails into a never before service experience for our customers. The service network of across 160 cities in India is supported by a digitized, IOT enabled Kia LINK app to efficiently manage service life cycle. Spare parts network ensures spare parts are available across the country through four parts depots in Chennai, Navi Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Kolkata. The Seltos comes with a 3 years comprehensive warranty, extendable up to 5 years. The offering includes 24/7 road side assistance of 3 years and scratch care program for one time free repair, amongst others.

Rudratej Singh, President and CEO, BMW Group India with the all-new BMW 3 Series

The all-new BMW 3 Series, the seventh generation of the sports sedan was unveiled at Gurugram. Locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai, the all-new BMW 3 Series is now available in diesel and petrol variants at all BMW dealerships across India.

Rudratej Singh, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group India said, “The 3 is the heart and soul of BMW. As the ultimate sports sedan, for over four decades, it has been the flag bearer of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’. In its new avatar, the 3 has outdone itself once again! Built for thrill and driven by technology, the all-new BMW 3 Series is an automobile that creates an impeccable harmony between the driver, the machine and the road. Enthusiasts waiting for the perfect luxury sports sedan will be undoubtedly drawn to its new design, generous space, luxurious interiors and host of innovative technologies. Our current patrons, who swear by the unmatched driving character of the 3, will be equally thrilled with its enhanced best-in-class handling and agility.”

The all-new BMW 3 Series makes an impression with segment-first technologies for an even better driving experience. Making its debut in the all-new BMW 3 Series is the BMW Virtual Assistant, a digital personality of the vehicle that responds to voice commands. It sets a new benchmark for voice recognition. Drivers can operate a number of car functions simply by speaking to their BMW Virtual Assistant. It can be addressed by saying “Hey BMW” or a customer-defined wake word, thereby adding an individual touch to the car. Hands do the talking with BMW Gesture Control, which is part of a rigorously thought-out operating concept that recognizes six pre-defined hand movements for control of a number of functions. The spread of driver assistance systems is more extensive than ever. The Reversing Assistant provides unmatched support in reversing out of a parking spot or through narrow driveways. It keeps a record of the last 50 metres driven and assists by taking over the steering.

Overwhelming driving comfort of the all-new BMW 3 Series is a result of the debut of lift-related damper control that reduces body movement perceptibly caused by bumpy road surfaces and dynamic cornering, which paves the way for sporty, authoritative handling.

The all-new BMW 3 Series adapts perfectly not only to a dynamic lifestyle but also to personal taste. It is available in three design schemes – Sport, Luxury Line and M Sport. Sport celebrates the gust of adrenaline with sporty style and self-confidence. Luxury Line indulges movement in style and endows elegance. M Sport package bestows masculine character distinguishing itself as an elite sports model.

The all-new BMW 3 Series is available in two diesel variants (BMW 320d Sport and BMW 320d Luxury Line) and in one petrol variant (BMW 330i M Sport) which are locally produced. The ex-showroom prices are as follows –

BMW 320d Sport – INR 41,40,000

BMW 320d Luxury Line – INR 46,90,000

BMW 330i M Sport – INR 47,90,000

The all-new BMW 3 Series benefits from slightly increased dimensions and a new striking design language that clearly sets it apart from its predecessor visually. The exterior embodies the modern and dynamic character of the new BMW 3 Series sedan with precisely drawn lines and strikingly contoured surfaces. The large BMW kidney grille and the headlights leading off it are dominant themes of the front end. Longer wheelbase, short overhangs and the redesigned Hofmeister kink accentuate the dynamic profile when viewed from the side. A wider and more powerful stance is instantly noticeable from the rear. A contemporary sporty look is created by the distinctive spoiler and slim three-dimensional L-shaped taillights with LED technology along with two large tailpipes. Best-in-class optimized aerodynamics have reduced the car’s drag coefficient to 0.23.

Despite larger dimensions, the car is now lighter than before, thanks to intelligent lightweight construction. A smart mix of materials in the car, such as aluminum in the bonnet, front side panels, front spring struts and engine sub-frame have led to a reduction of 55 kilograms.

The interior is designed to accentuate cabin spaciousness and the driver-focused cockpit. Extended shoulder and elbow room in the front and additional legroom and headroom in the rear contribute to a generous feeling of space. Filling up the cabin with a sense of spaciousness is the large glass sunroof. Through loading system includes rear seat backrests that can be divided in a 40:20:40 ratio for greater flexibility.

The newly designed sport seats with electrical memory function offer greater long-distance comfort for the driver and front passenger. Automatic air conditioning with three-zone control extends comfort. Optimised acoustic properties reduce noise levels and make the journey even more peaceful. Ambient lighting with six dimmable designs creates an atmosphere for every mood. Welcome light carpet, which is projected from the side sill, welcomes passengers in style.

Thanks to BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the petrol and diesel engines meld maximum power with efficiency and offer spontaneous responsiveness even at low engine speeds. The two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine of the BMW 330i produces an output of 258 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,550 – 4,400 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 5.8 seconds. The two-litre four-cylinder diesel engine of the BMW BMW 320d produces an output of 190 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 6.8 seconds.

Using the Driving Experience Control switch, the driver is able to choose between different driving modes to suit the driving conditions (ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport, Sport+).

The eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission performs smooth gearshifts. At any time, in any gear, the transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency. For even greater driving pleasure, it is available with steering wheel paddle shifters and cruise control with braking function as standard. This easy-to-operate system paves the way for ambitious drivers to achieve optimum acceleration under all conditions.

A host of BMW ConnectedDrive technologies continue to break the innovation barrier in automotive industry – BMW Gesture Control, Wireless Charging and Wireless Apple CarPlay. The modern cockpit concept BMW Live Cockpit Professional running on latest BMW Operating System 7.0 includes 3D Navigation, a 12.3 inch digital instrument display behind the steering wheel and a 10.25 inch Control Display. Park Assistant with Rear View Camera makes parking in tight spots easier by taking over acceleration, braking as well as steering.

BMW EfficientDynamics includes features such as 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic Transmission, Auto Start-Stop, Brake-Energy Regeneration, Electronic Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution and ECO PRO mode in Driving Experience Control.

BMW Safety technologies include six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor, ISOFIX child seat mounting and integrated emergency spare wheel under the load floor.

The all-new BMW 3 Series is available in Alpine White (non-metallic) and in following metallic paintworks – Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey and Mediterranean Blue. The all- new BMW 330i features the following upholstery combinations in Leather ‘Vernasca’ with décor stitching – Canberra Beige | Black, Cognac | Black and Mocha | Black. The all-new BMW 320d features following upholstery combinations in Leather ‘Vernasca’ with décor stitching – Canberra Beige | Black and Mocha | Black. It also offers Sensatec with combinations – Canberra Beige | Black and Black | Black.

The BMW 3 Series customers have the freedom to choose a financial plan of their preference, thanks to BMW India Financial Services. Customized and flexible financial solutions can be designed as per individual requirements. BMW 360˚ offers exclusive financial packages with great value and absolute peace of mind. With low monthly payments, assured buy-back value (up to INR 23 lakh) and flexible end of term options, customers enjoy a hassle-free ownership experience.

BMW Service Inclusive and BMW Service Inclusive Plus further reduce cost of ownership of the all-new BMW 3 Series. Customers can choose from a variety of service plans according to duration and mileage of their preference. These service packages cover Condition Based Service (CBS) and maintenance work with a choice of plans ranging from 3 yrs / 40,000 kms to 10 yrs / 2,00,000 kms. Additionally, another unique facility allows BMW customers to extend the service and repair packages during the run time by just paying a differential amount. BMW India now also offers service packages for older cars. Optional BMW Repair Inclusive extends warranty benefits from third year of operation to maximum sixth year, after the completion of the standard two-year warranty period.

Since its global debut in India, Kia Seltos has captured the imagination of auto enthusiasts and industry rivals alike making it one of the most anticipated car launches of 2019.

The reason for all the interest and excitement is quite simple to understand since the compact and mid-SUVs are the segments that’s driving industry growth in an otherwise dismal time. Also the fact that the Seltos marks Kia’s foray into the world’s fourth largest auto market makes this vehicle all the more important.

Therefore, when Kia invited us to Goa for an exclusive media drive, we were naturally thrilled to get behind the wheel of the Kia Seltos. So what are you waiting for? Hop in with us to find out how it fared.

Design and Engineering

Kia’s very first product for India flaunts a bold, distinctive and dynamic design. It is a collaborative effort of Kia’s global design centres that did extensive research on the current and upcoming trends of car design around the world and tailored it for the Indian market.

The design of the Seltos is sure to spark conversations and turn heads wherever it goes. From the dominating front fascia with the wide signature tiger nose grille, the muscular shoulder line and intricately and sharply designed front and rear full LED lights the Seltos looks commanding and confident all-round. The crystal cut alloys compliment the dimension of the Seltos and lends it a powerful stance.

The robust design character of a conventional SUV co-exists with sophisticated exterior design details and is drawn out from real life inspirations, such as a long hood, a robust and sophisticated character line on the front bumper, and sharp lines pressed into the bodywork. Its strong shoulder line, matched with a glasshouse, which tapers towards the rear of the car, as well as rear bumper with a metallic muffler effect, lends the compact SUV an air of sportiness.

The engineers have done a wonderful job keeping the NVH levels well contained resulting into a quiet passenger cabin. Seltos will be available in eight attractive colour combinations and five two-tone colour options. By using different colours and two-tone roof combinations, customers can select their car based on their tastes.

It is common knowledge that Hyundai and Kia share their R&D, and the Seltos is built on what is essentially is the next-generation Creta platform (due in 2020). Compared to the current Creta, the length has been increased by 45mm (4315mm) and the width by 20mm (1800mm), while the height has been decreased by 45mm (1620mm). The wheelbase has been increased by 20mm (2610mm) and this has translated into more legroom for rear passengers. Despite the lower height, headroom seems to be as much as that on the current Creta, while boot space, at 433 litres, is 28 litres more than the Creta.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside the Kia Seltos and you will be welcome into a spacious, stylish and premium passenger cabin. One can choose between an all-black interior or beige, however, both look nice. Interior quality is top notch and fit and finish is easily the best-in-segment. Both the front and rear seats are large and comfortable with adequate leg, shoulder and headroom.

The Seltos comes equipped with features such as 8.0-inch heads-up-display, an embedded SIM with a full connectivity suite, 10.25-inch HD touchscreen, a hi-tech sound mood lamp, a rear shade curtain, 360 degree surround view monitor, blind spot monitoring, world’s first connect air-purifier, highly advanced proprietary UVO connect system for seamless and wireless communication with the car, 8-Speaker Bose Hi-Fi sound system and more.

Performance and Handling

The Kia Seltos will be powered by Smartstream – newly developed third generation BS VI compliant powertrain for high efficiency and powerful performance. The Seltos, by offering BSVI diesel and petrol engines, reiterates Kia Motors’ commitment towards offering cleaner mobility solution. The vehicle will come in petrol (1.5-litre), turbo-petrol (1.4-litre) and diesel (1.5-litre) powertrain options and will be offered in three automatic transmission options – IVT, (Intelligent continuously variable transmission) 7DCT, 6AT and, along with 6-Speed Manual Transmission – giving customers options to choose the combo that conforms to their driving style.

The 1.5-litre petrol that puts out 115 hp and 144 Nm is paired with a CVT automatic, while the 1.4-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol that puts out 140 hp and 242 Nm of torque, is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. On the 1.5-litre diesel unit that makes 115 hp and 250 Nm, the auto option is a 6-speed torque converter.

To further elevate the driving experience the Seltos gets multiple driving modes that alters the responsiveness of the car and transforms the car’s driving character aiming to optimize the performance on all conditions. Drivers can choose from ‘Normal’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Sport’ mode. The Eco mode is tuned to maximise vehicle range by using fuel-saving measures, while Sport mode increases responses from the steering and electric motor to maximise the dynamic driving feel of the car. Normal mode provides a healthy balance between the two. It also comes equipped with multiple grip controls. Drivers can choose from mud, wet and sand mode depending on road condition.

We tested the 1.5-litre diesel automatic. The engine delivered linear power from as low as 1,200 rpm and responded well to throttle inputs. The ride and handling is better when compared to the Hyundai Creta. The suspension set up is well tuned for Indian roads and irons out the broken stretches with relative ease. The body roll is well contained and the braking is confidence inspiring. Overall, the Kia Seltos was a joy to drive and grabbed eyeballs wherever we went.

Safety and Technology

Kia Seltos comes equipped with the globally famous UVO connect, an advanced connected car technology which offers an array of convenience and safety features. The UVO boasts 37 smart features under five distinct categories i.e. Navigation, Safety and Security, Vehicle Management, Remote Control and Convenience. The UVO facility will be free for the first three years for its users.

Kia has paid utmost attention to ensure that every drive in the Seltos is relaxing and safe. It offers a full range safety which includes, active, passive, health safety, security and maintenance. The Seltos gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, HAC, VSM and is built on robust structure, which has high usage of advanced high strength steel (AHSS) that fortifies the Seltos’s core and keeps the occupants safe in an unfortunate event of a crash.

Additionally, the front and rear parking sensors, blind view monitor ensures that the visibility of unseen vehicles is not compromised, giving the driver confidence at all times. Working in tandem with the safety tech, the Seltos comes equipped with an array of advanced UVO connected car technology features. The UVO technology can be summoned via a dedicated button on the IRVM. The IRVM also has dedicated roadside assistance and SOS button that alert the dedicated call centre– in case of an emergency. The car is fitted with an Anti-lock Braking System, a Traction Control System, a Brake-Assist System and Hill-start Assist Control, as well as front and rear parking sensors, for assistance when parking.

Safety being central to all Kia products, the Seltos, also gets, rain sensing wipers and auto headlamps, thus allowing the driver to focus more on the road conditions ahead.

Verdict

The Kia Seltos features contemporary and stylish design with plush and spacious interiors. The vehicle boasts many segment firsts with class leading safety features, making the vehicle capable to disrupt the segment and create a niche for itself. The Kia Seltos will be available in two trims – Tech Line and GT Line – and will get features such as 8.0 heads-up-display, 10.25 HD touchscreen, a hi-tech sound mood lamp, a rear shade curtain, 360 degree surround view monitor, blind spot monitoring, world’s first connect air-purifier, highly advanced proprietary UVO connect system for seamless and wireless communication with the car, 8-Speaker Bose Hi-Fi sound system and more.

Kia has dropped a bomb in the industry with it aggressive pricing strategy with the Seltos with introductory ex-showroom prices starting at Rs 9.69 lakhs for the base HTE 1.5-litre petrol variant. When one compare the price with all the creature comforts and features that’s pact inside the Seltos, it turns out to be one of the best value propositions in the market presently and it sure to give all its rivals a run for their money.

Kia aims to reach out to every possible customer even in the remotest corners of the country. The company plans to begin retail sales with the highest number of touch points for any new car entrant in India. The company will cater to its customers through 265 customer touch points owned by Kia authorised dealer partners, spread across 160 cities. As part of the company’s customer-centric strategy, on/offline sales system will be available from day one of sales, while digitizing the entire customer journey from sales to services, including introduction of digital showroom.

Hyundai Motor has revealed the first sketch of the All-New i10 ahead of its public world premiere later this year at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). The latest addition to the Korean automaker’s i-range features a new-look dynamic design, which shows a contrast between its soft surfaces and sharp lines. Proportions for the all-new model have been redefined in width, height and wheel size, resulting in an energetic and agile look.

The All-New i10 has a young and dynamic design that stands out in the A-segment. Its wide front grille expresses a sporty character and incorporates the Daytime Running Lights, thus continuing this feature of the i10’s heritage. The triangular air curtains accentuate the width and stance of the car, as well as improving aerodynamics. The X-shaped C-pillar, visible from far away, clearly identifies the car and draws the eye to the pillar-mounted logo. Unique triangular volumes visually emphasise the width of the car and highlight the position of the wheels at the four corners.

Set to become a leader in its segment, the All-New i10 will also feature a range of new connected car and safety features. Blue Link, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and a rear-view camera offer a comprehensive driving experience without compromise. The new model has one of the most full-featured safety packages in its class. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist utilises a front radar sensor to detect not just cars but also pedestrians in front of the vehicle. The car is also equipped with Driver Attention Warning and Lane Keep Assist System as standard. Drivers of the All-New i10 can also add the optional High Beam Assist feature.

Bentley Motors’ historic site in Crewe is already famous for producing the models that have carried its “flying B” emblem on the bonnet for one hundred years, but thanks to a new biodiversity initiative, the company is now creating a buzz with the introduction of 120,000 “flying bees” of a different kind.

With the help of local beekeepers, two national hives, which are collectively home to 120,000 British Apis Mellifera honey bees, have been successfully installed on grassland at the edge of the Bentley site. The area has been sown with bee friendly wild flowers – and as it borders the Cheshire countryside, it is proving to be the perfect habitat for the bees, who are settling in well and showing promising signs for the first honey harvest at the end of the summer. Each hive has the potential to create around 15kg – or approximately 50 jars of honey.

Peter Bosch, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing explains: “Although our Pyms Lane site is over 80 years old, we’re constantly looking for ways to improve our environmental footprint and achieve our goal of carbon neutral operations. “We already have the largest solar car port in the UK on our site – which means that all of our electricity use is now either solar or certified green – so we’ve also started to look at ways we can use our site to increase local biodiversity.

“Bees populations are in decline in the UK, so installing two hives to help boost biodiversity is a great way to make use of the grassland at the edge of the site. Our “flying bees” are honeybees that have been bred by local beekeepers with over fifty years’ experience. With their help, we’re checking on them every week and it’s great to see that they’re already starting to produce the first Bentley honey”.