Hyundai Motor India Ltd. recently unveiled the Hyundai Venue alongside the global preview at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. 

Speaking at the unveiling of Hyundai Venue, S S Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “Today we are glad to unveil the Hyundai VENUE – India’s First Connected SUV at the most unique Venue. Hyundai Motor India is committed to lead the Indian Auto Industry by introducing world-class product. Hyundai VENUE will create quality time for customers making their life a Happy Life. Being India’s First Connected SUV not only makes Hyundai VENUE a New Benchmark in the segment but also demonstrates Hyundai’s unwavering emphasis on offering the highest quality and feature-rich products to the customers.”

“We believe the Hyundai VENUE will enable ease of life and empower the customers to have a safer, connected and more versatile car ownership experience. The advanced and intelligent Hyundai Blue Link will offer the customers control of their vehicle even when they are away from it.”

According to the Korean car maker, the Hyundai Venue has been developed and designed to meet the needs of Indian youth who seek future technology, space, comfort, safety and ergonomics with contemporary style.

The design of the new Venue exhibits confident body forms, delivering a new interpretation of Hyundai’s signature design language. The vehicle side profile showcases a solid and full volume wheel arch and strong character line, while the front bold mesh pattern grille includes the new Hyundai signature face. This unique character line continues through the tail lamps.

In-line with Hyundai’s promise of performance and innovation in mobility, Venue will have several firsts to its credit. It will be the first Hyundai India model to offer in-house developed 7-speed DCT technology in addition to the tried and tested 6-speed manual transmission and 5-speed manual transmission. The Kappa 1.0-litre Turbo (T) GDI petrol engine will also debut with the Hyundai Venue along with the choice of 1.2-litre Kappa petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engine.

The Kappa 1.0-litre T-GDI engine is developed by Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D division will open new era of next generation engines – it aims to combine performance and fuel efficiency. The 1.0-litre Kappa T-GDI has a compact lay out by integrating the exhaust manifold to cylinder head thus improving the fuel efficiency at higher rpm ranges.

Developed by Hyundai’s R&D Transmission team, the 7 Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is highly efficient and has least torque transfer interruption while shifting gears. The company claims that the transmission has been subjected to rigorous durability tests for ensuring high gear strength and better clutch friction materials to offer credible performance at high speeds, off-road, hill-sides and harsh climatic conditions.

Engine & Transmission (ARAI Certification Awaited)

Hyundai Venue has a spacious interior and comes with a host of comfort and convenience features including Electric Sunroof, Wireless Phone Charging, Air Purifier, Cruise Control to name a few.

Hyundai has positioned the Venue as India’s first Smart Connected SUV with an advanced connectivity solution- ‘Hyundai Blue Link’ which has an in-built and tamper-proof device powered by Vodafone-Idea eSIM and a cloud-based voice recognition platform from Global Artificial Intelligence Company. The Hyundai Blue Link is Hyundai’s global technology which is introduced in the Indian market with 33 features out of which 10 are India specific features for most practical and holistic connectivity. The Blue Link services will be complimentary for first 3 years and post which customers can further renew the services.

Broadening the spectrum of premium mobility in India, with affordable and accessible solutions, Skoda Auto India announces ‘EasyBuy’, an assured buyback program across the Superb model range. This program has been made available exclusively through Skoda Financial Services. The ‘EasyBuy’ program will empower the customer to buy a brand new Skoda Superb at an EMI of a car in lower segment.

Skoda ‘EasyBuy’ program offers an assured introductory buyback value of 57 per cent for a new Skoda Superb at the end of the three year contract term. At the end of the term, the customer can choose to return the vehicle to the dealer with no further liability subject to the vehicle meets fair wear and tear guidelines along with the kilometre allowance.

The program will also allow customers to retain the ownership of the Superb by paying off the outstanding amount. Consequently, through this program, the customer can choose to re-finance the Superb for another contractual term. ‘EasyBuy’ has a facility to trade in the existing vehicle and use the assured buyback value as equity to purchase an all new Skoda.

Zac Hollis, Director – Sales, Service, and Marketing, Skoda Auto India Pvt Ltd.“ŠKODA has built its brand on clever offerings and a strong value proposition. In addition to offering a premium product, the ‘EasyBuy’ program is a unique initiative that further emphasizes the brands effort to understand customer needs while providing them with a hassle free ownership experience.”

Aashish Deshpande – MD & CEO, Volkswagen Finance Pvt Ltd. “With our unique financing solutions coupled with the finesse of ŠKODA Cars, the launch of ‘EasyBuy’ is another step towards offering a one stop solution. One which is tailored to the financial and aspirational requirements of the customers. We are confident that this product will act as a true enabler for customer convenience.”

SKODA ‘EASYBUY’ PRICE COMPARISON:

Built to celebrate one of the most illustrious moments in Aston Martin’s motorsport history, ‘DBS 59’ is a limited run of 24 special edition DBS Superleggeras, the first of which has just been built at the company’s global manufacturing headquarters, Gaydon.

‘DBS 59’ was a special commission through ‘Q by Aston Martin’, the luxury brand’s unique personalisation service that allows for the creation of iconic sports cars through close collaboration with the Aston Martin design team. Commissioned by Aston Martin Cambridge, the project honours Aston Martin’s historic 1-2 finish in the DBR1 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each car represents one hour of this iconic victory in Aston Martin’s history, in which Roy Salvadori and Caroll Shelby took the chequered flag ahead of the sister car piloted by Maurice Trintignant and Paul Frére.

‘DBS 59’ honours the DBR1 through specially engineered styling cues, showcasing the expertise of ‘Q by Aston Martin’. Following a careful study of the DBR1’s own paint exterior, Aston Martin Racing Green was the outwear chosen for ‘DBS 59’. Gloss finish carbon fibre on the roof panel and strakes add a striking juxtaposition against the lustrous green.

Bronze details such as the ‘Superleggera’ bonnet badging, bespoke front grille, brake callipers and 21” forged Y spoke satin duotone wheels nod to the bronze switches and dials on the Le Mans winner. Further exterior details, such as the individually numbered roundel painted on the fender, and the bespoke tyre wall arrow decal, breathe the spirit of racing into the already impressive performance of the DBS Superleggera.

On the Aeroblade of ‘DBS 59’, ‘Q by Aston Martin’ has added a foil inlay – also in bronze – that outlines the original shape, chassis number and engine number of the DBR1 that won Le Mans in 1959.

For the design of the interior space, ‘Q by Aston Martin’ analysed the original seat material used on the DBR1 and recreated that same weave with each seat back and door insert trimmed in heritage style material. Bronze details continue in the hand-crafted interior space with unique bronze shift paddles and a bespoke ‘59 Edition’ logo embroidered on the seatback.

Finally, the interior combination of Obsidian Black and Chestnut Tan leather creates a calm sophisticated space that includes embroidery of the 1959 Le Mans circuit on the rear speaker cover. Also, embroidery on the sun visor gives the exact date the race took place and celebrates the 323 laps completed within the 24 hours. Accessories are also considered with a replica heritage racing helmet, 1959 blue race suits and replicas of Carroll Shelby’s race gloves.

The DBS Superleggera was launched in 2018 and features a 5.2-litre V12 engine, DBS Superleggera can reach a top-speed of 211mph making it the fastest Aston Martin series production in the company’s award-winning range. Bold styling cues and astonishing performance, make DBS Superleggera highly-desirable with ‘DBS 59’ the ideal machine for those that appreciate the lasting significance of the DBR1 victory.

Speaking of the ‘DBS 59’, Aston Martin Director – Q and VIP Sales, Simon Lane said: “The ‘DBS 59’ strikes a careful balance between a timeless design that respects our history and a modern take that celebrates our future. The DBS Superleggera is the most powerful production car ever produced by Aston Martin and so it is fitting that the ‘DBS 59’ special editions have been commissioned to mark sixty years since our iconic 1-2 win at Le Mans.”

The ‘DBS 59’ follows on from the success of other ‘Q by Aston Martin’ commissions including the Red Arrows Edition Vanquish S, the Cygnet V8 and the North Coast 500 series of six DB11 GTs.

The first extraordinary car has been confirmed for this year’s Concours of Elegance: a Ballot 3/8 LC famous for winning the first ever Italian Grand Prix in 1921. This impeccable piece of motorsport history is just one of a line-up of over 60 rare and exotic motor cars set to take their place in the glorious Fountain Gardens of Hampton Court Palace this September.

The Ballot 3/8 LC was a cutting-edge French racing car, capable of 125 kmph at a time when many normal road cars struggled to hit half that. The engine’s double overhead camshafts, four valves-per-cylinder and hemi-spherical combustion chambers were the works of a genius mind belonging to Ernest Henry.

These innovations led to its victory at the Italian Grand Prix which, incidentally, would have ruffled a few feathers. The two French Ballots competing took first and second spots, while a Fiat 802 – the Italian crowd’s favourite – took third. But the Ballots won for their strategy, conserving fuel and tyres against the much faster Fiat, and not once stopping.

Gathering the rarest and most exquisite vehicles from throughout automotive history, the 2019 Hampton Court Palace Concours of Elegance promises to be the best yet. Last year the event welcomed a wondrous array of automotive masterpieces, from a 1903 Panhard et Levassor O4R to a 1997 McLaren F1 GTR Long Tail and beyond.

Although the Concours of Elegance’s main display of around 60 vehicles will be the focal point, nearly 1,000 cars will be on display during the three-day event. A number of 2018’s features will be returning, including the Royal Automobile Club Trophy – contested by winners of the nation’s best car clubs – and the Future Classics class. Last year’s Future Classics included the unique Rolls-Royce Sweptail, one-of-seven Aston Martin Vantage V600 and McLaren Senna chassis #001.

Concours of Elegance Managing Director, Andrew Evans, said: “Having this incredible Ballot 3/8 LC – the very car that claimed victory at the 1921 Italian Grand Prix, no less – at the Concours of Elegance is a wonderful privilege. The Ballot 3/8 LC perfectly encompasses everything that is a great about our concours entrants – the car sees regular use, it’s fantastically rare and it holds an important place in automotive history. This one car is really just a taste of what we have in store this year; our special features, our partners and the quality of the cars on display are undoubtedly all the best yet.”

As Ford marks Mustang’s 55th anniversary on this National Mustang Day, enthusiasts everywhere are celebrating the world’s best-selling sports coupe for the fourth consecutive year.

From Australia to Peru, Mustang reigns as the best-selling sports coupe in the world for 2018, selling 113,066 cars, according to data from IHS Markit. 2018 not only marks the fourth straight year of Mustang’s global leadership as world’s best-selling sports coupe, but also as best-selling sports car in the United States, where Ford sold 75,842 Mustangs last year.

“We broke the mold when Ford launched the Mustang 55 years ago,” said Jim Farley, Ford President, Global Markets. “Nothing says freedom, the wind in your hair and the joy of driving like Mustang; it’s an icon. The roar of its V8 on a spring day, there’s nothing better. No wonder it’s the most popular sports coupe in the world.”

Mustang was available for purchase in 146 markets in 2018, based on worldwide Ford sales data. More than 500,000 sixth-generation Mustangs have been sold worldwide since 2015, with the pony picking up an additional half point of global share last year to capture 15.4 percent of the segment. This was fueled in part by the new Mustang Bullitt, which exceeded global sales forecasts by 25 percent.

Global sales data are based on IHS Markit 2018 total new vehicle registrations for all sports car segments. U.S. sales are based on 2018 industry reported sales.

The ninth edition of Royal Enfield’s global marquee ride – One Ride will be held across 35 countries on Sunday, April 28, 2019. This flagship event of Royal Enfield encourages enthusiasts from around the world to ride as ‘One’. The aim of this ride is to celebrate the passion that riders have for motorcycling and Royal Enfield motorcycles and ride together.

From newbies to experienced riders, One Ride will see motorcycling enthusiasts of all ages from diverse regions and social identities come together on this day for a ride that is inclusive and fiercely unique. The camaraderie of thousands of Royal Enfield enthusiasts will be enlivened over the world as they gear up to participate in One Ride, along with their fellow riders participating on this day.

This year, rides are being organised in more than 300 cities in India and 35 countries (Bogota, Medellin, Milan, Rome,Paris, London, Bangkok, Shah Alam, Jakarta, Kathmandu, Dubai, Kuwait) globally. Enthusiasts can either join a ride or host a ride by visiting the official website. (royalenfield.com/oneride)

The theme for this year’s One Ride is ‘Ride as One’ and is in line with Royal Enfield’s philosophy of promoting exploration and camaraderie among the leisure motorcycling community across the world.

Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director MG Motor India at the unveil of the MG eZS

MG (Morris Garages) recently unveiled its global pure electric SUV – the MG eZS, scheduled for launch across international markets soon. To be introduced in India by December this year, MG eZS will be one of the first global pure electric SUVs in the country.

The MG eZS EV is the perfect car for people who want to go electric considering the environment and desire the latest modern vehicle with connected mobility features. The MG eZS will be launched in India by the end of this year and subsequently be launched in some other markets like the UK, Germany, Australia, Thailand and Middle East coinciding with the Indian launch.

“With a modern design and advanced technology, the MG eZS will herald a new chapter in environment-friendly solutions in India. While the petrol version of the MG ZS had already become a popular choice globally, we are confident that its zero-emissions electric equivalent will bring accessible electric motoring to the customers in India upon its launch by the end of this year,” said Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India.

“We hope by the time we launch the vehicle; the government would have announced the much-needed subsidies and incentives for the EVs under the recently announced FAME II scheme so that the people are encouraged to by the environmentally friendly mobility solutions. More details about the specifications and features of the eZS will be announced at a later stage,” added Chaba.

With a country-wide network of 120 sales and service outlets across India, MG aims to ensure a seamless ownership experience for its Indian customers. In addition, the carmaker will take appropriate measures to educate the Indian audiences around EV driving range anxiety and charging infrastructure. The eZS will also house the carmaker’s iSMART Next-Gen, which will debut in India starting with the MG Hector SUV which will go on sale in June this year.

It may be recalled that MG India had already announced the launch of the Hector, with inbuilt internet connectivity. Scheduled to go on sale in June this year, the MG Hector will come with several industry-first features housed in a 10.4-inch Head Unit. The Hector’s touch screen is designed with a vertical interface that allows the driver to control the entire car system with just a touch or voice command and comes pre-loaded with entertainment content. The iSMART Next Gen featured in the Hector comes with an industry first embedded M2M with Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPV6) ready for 5G.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India with the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster

The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster was launched in India with prices starting at Rs 64.90 lakhs (ex-showroom). With powerful driving dynamics and a progressive design, the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster offers the versatility of everyday commute and track driving. The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster is available at all BMW dealerships across India as a Completely Built-Up Unit (CBU) model from today onwards.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India said, “BMW has a rich history of roadsters that have stood out as icons of pure driving pleasure. The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster is our brand-new addition to BMW’s long history of engrossing roadsters. With dynamic proportions, emotional design and thrilling sportiness, this open-top two-seater takes the classic roadster into the world of tomorrow. When the roof opens, there are no limits to driving pleasure in the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster.”

The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster is available with a choice of two engine variants – the BMW Z4 sDrive20i and the BMW M Performance model, the BMW Z4 M40i. The all-new BMW Z4 M40i is the sportiest model combining the elegance of a roadster and the athleticism of an M automobile.

The two-litre inline four-cylinder petrol engine of the all-new BMW Z4 sDrive20i produces an output of 200 PS (197 hp) and a maximum torque of 320 Nm at 1,450 – 4,200 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 6.6 seconds.

The BMW Z4 M40i conjures the power from a three-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, whose inherently instantaneous response, hearty appetite for revs and smoothness combine with improved efficiency. The three-litre engine of the BMW Z4 M40i produces an output of 345 PS (340 hp) and a maximum torque of 500 Nm at 1,600 – 4,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 4.5 seconds. The engines are mated to a 8-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission that performs smooth and flawless gear shifts.

The exterior of the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster features the long bonnet, the classic soft top and the short overhangs define the characteristic roadster silhouette of the car. At the push of a button, the classic soft-top opens and closes electrically in ten seconds. The newly designed BMW kidney grille sporting a new mesh design and vertically aligned headlights conveys pure dynamism. The standard LED headlights or optional BMW Adaptive LED Headlights ensure a prominent stance on any road.

With large air breathers on the front wheel arches and aerodynamic air vents, the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster looks and moves like a true driver’s machine. The distinctive rear spoiler stands out elegantly from the surface while the lateral design lines flowing in at the shoulders frame the slim LED rear lights. The rear apron that combines with the diffusor and exhaust tailpipes, radiates a special presence and sporting flair.

The design of the interior also focus on the sportiness of the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster. Inside there is a clearly structured arrangement of control elements, complemented by the driver-orientated cockpit design that enhances the focus on the driving experience. The light package lends an elegant ambience that invites passengers to relax.

The electric seat adjustment is easy to use and the memory function allows the driver to save preferred settings. The through-loading system can utilize greater storage space when transporting larger items. The practicality of the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster features an increased storage space behind the seats with a retaining net, large cupholders under the centre armrest cover and roomy door pockets.

The roadster’s model line-up is spearheaded by a BMW M Performance version. The BMW Z4 M40i combines the performance of a sports car with the freedom of a two-seater convertible. Numerous details inspired by BMW M motorsport set powerful accents and provide an exceptional measure of dynamics and agility. Some standard features like 19-inch M light alloy wheels, cerium grey finish in the BMW kidney grille, exterior mirror caps and trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes advertise a particularly sporty character.

In the interior, standard specification for the BMW Z4 M40i includes a leather and Alcantara interior with blue contrast stitching and blue piping. As an alternative to the standard Quartz Silver, the trim finishers can also be specified in High-Gloss Black, Aluminium Mesh Effect or Aluminium Tetragon. Further, M sports seats with additional adjustment options along with an M leather steering wheel form a part of the high quality cabin space.

The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster features cutting-edge safety technologies. It provides optimal support in any situation with airbags front and side airbags for the driver and passenger,  Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist , Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control (CBC), side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor and an emergency spare wheel.

The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster features a new radically revised and modernized cockpit. The BMW ConnectedDrivefeatures the new BMW Live Cockpit Professional that comes with BMW Operating System 7.0. The layout features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in a hexagonal frame and a high-resolution (1920 x 720 pixels) touchscreen information display. Together, the two displays provide a large amount of information – all in the driver’s direct field of vision. Customizable and personalized displays in the instrument cluster and the menu display in the central information screen can also be configured.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional also features an adaptive Navigation system (integrated Global Positioning System –GPS) with 3D maps, the next generation BMW iDrive with touch controller, Wireless Apple Car Play and connectivity through Bluetooth and 2 USB ports. Also, available now are many driver assistance features like Active Park Distance Control (PDC), rear view camera assisted optional Parking Assistant function and Driving Assistant function. Other optional features include a high-end Surround Sound system from Harman Kardon with 12 loudspeakers and 408 Watts of output, a first ever full-color BMW Head-Up Display screen with a resolution of 400 x 800 pixels and Wireless Charging function.

The ex-showroom prices are as follows:

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), today unveiled the first design sketch of its newest and India’s First Connected SUV – Hyundai Venue. There will be a special preview of the Hyundai Venue on April 17 in India followed by a global unveil at the New York Motor Show.

The concept behind the Venue embodies the characteristics of ‘the place to be’, en route to the final destination, wherever that may be. From everyday workplace activities to weekend fun, Venue aims to be a great fit in accommodating busy lifestyles with an abundance of playful and practical features including seamless safety, versatility and connectivity.

The Volkswagen Brand celebrates the world premiere of the ID. ROOMZZ at Auto Shanghai, one of China’s biggest car shows. The multi-variable all-round model is the next member of the ID. family and gives you a taste of what is to come in the upcoming series version of the zero-emission SUV that will hit the Chinese market first in 2021. Auto Shanghai will have its doors open from April 16 to April 24, 2019.

Just like the compact ID., the ID. CROZZ, the ID. BUZZ, the ID. VIZZION and the ID. BUGGY before it, the sixth member of the fully electric family is based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB).

The ID. ROOMZZ has a number of innovations on board: as its name suggests, the concept car sets trendsetting impulses when it comes to variability of the vehicle interior, boasting completely new seat configurations, high-quality materials and customizable light. What is more, the IQ.DRIVE systems are brought together in the ID. ROOMZZ: in ID. Pilot mode, the vehicle can be driven autonomously without an active driver (level 4).

“The I.D. ROOMZZ shows us what we can expect from full-size electric SUVs in the future. The puristic look emphasizes the clear function and the user experience is intuitive and natural,” says Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer at the Volkswagen brand.