Nissan Motor India (NMIPL) has announced the launch of its first state-of-the-art National Training Centre – Nissan Academy, located at the Alliance JV plant in Chennai. The academy will enhance the skills and capabilities of Nissan’s dealership and service staff network across India, reinforcing Nissan’s commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience. Inaugurated by Frank Torres, DVP AMIEO & President, Nissan India Operations, the 10,500-square-feet training facility is designed to provide top-tier educational and training experiences across sales, technical maintenance, and body shop services for all Nissan Motor India dealership teams.
The Nissan Academy features an advanced mechanical workshop for hands-on training in vehicle repair, diagnostics, and aggregate overhauling. Additionally, it boasts a state-of-the-art body shop equipped with upgraded equipment and resources, offering training in a wide range of repair and maintenance techniques. This initiative will provide Nissan’s dealership teams with practical, high-quality training, aimed at enhancing customer service excellence across Nissan’s pan-India network. Over 1,000 technicians can be trained in a year at this academy, a key part of Nissan’s commitment to strengthening and expanding its dealership network and ensuring the highest standard of service across India.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Frank Torres, Divisional Vice President-AMIEO Region Business Transformation & President-Nissan India Operations, said, “The opening of the Nissan Academy – National Training Centre in Chennai marks a significant step in our commitment to delivering innovation and excellence in customer service to the Indian customers. By investing in the development of our dealership teams, we aim to ensure that our customers receive unmatched service quality and experience. This training facility will support our ongoing efforts to drive excellence in customer experience and satisfaction. Nissan remains committed to its India operations, dealers, partners, and customers. We remain on track for our plans announced earlier this year at the launches of the Nissan X-TRAIL and New Nissan Magnite.”
As part of Nissan’s steadfast commitment to the Indian market and to meet the evolving needs of its customers, the company recently expanded its product lineup with the launch of the New Nissan Magnite, embodying the ‘One Car, One World’ philosophy.
MINI India is all set to bring its global legacy to life with the very first edition of MINI United, a one-of-a-kind celebration of BIG LOVE and all things MINI. MINI United will be held in Bengaluru on December 7, 2024. This milestone event will mark the largest-ever congregation of MINI owners in the country, creating an unparalleled platform for the vibrant MINI community to come together in style.
Mr. Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, “MINI has always been more than a car – it’s an attitude, a bond, and a celebration of self-expression. Since 1959, MINI has inspired generations with its unmistakable design, agile performance, and pioneering spirit. With MINI United, we’re bringing this legacy to life in a way only MINI can. This event is about more than gathering MINIs, it’s about uniting people. It’s about discovering the new MINI family, sharing stories, and celebrating the bold, adventurous spirit that every MINI embodies. MINI United is where individuality thrives, and community comes alive.”
MINI United India will host MINI owners across India, driving their iconic cars to create the largest MINI convoy in India’s history. Scheduled to take place in Bengaluru, the event promises a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.
The event will see participation from MINI enthusiasts hailing from Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and other key cities in South India. The meetup point will feature engaging activities designed to foster connections among MINI owners, celebrating the spirit of unity that defines the MINI family.
MINI United is a celebrated global event that has brought together MINI enthusiasts from around the world, creating iconic moments for the brand and its fans. This Indian edition will carry forward the legacy, uniting the country’s MINI community in an unparalleled celebration of passion, individuality, and connection.
The Kia EV3 has arrived to redefine the compact electric SUV market, with a segment-leading range of up to 375 miles on a single charge and an innovative interior design that optimises space, comfort and accessibility. Kia’s first dedicated electric compact SUV is ready for all European journeys and lifestyles, and sets a new benchmark for design, efficiency and performance in a high-demand market segment.
The Kia EV3 leverages the premium-level technologies of the EV6 and EV9, both multi-award-winning vehicles, in a compact, efficient, spacious, and comfortable car. The EV3 can adapt to every lifestyle and has the flexibility and affordability to be the main car of the household. Following extensive testing in Europe in all driving conditions, the model is proven to perform equally well on highways, city streets, winding roads, and long journeys. This testing also included validation of range and charging, with the EV3 confirmed as one of the most efficient EVs on the market.
“The Kia EV3 is an amazingly versatile vehicle, built and designed to accommodate the diverse needs and distinctive lifestyles of customers across Europe,” said Marc Hedrich, President & CEO of Kia Europe. “It also shows how a high-volume EV can be part of a broad ecosystem that includes in-car payments, over-the-air updates, bi-directional charging, digital upgrades and much more, to make driving more convenient than ever before.”
Built on Kia’s dedicated EV architecture, the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV3 is designed to prioritise the driving and ownership experience while making EVs available to a wider range of customers. It is part of Kia’s strategy to have 11 electric vehicles on the market by 2026, expanding to 15 models by 2027, with a fully electric product line-up in Europe by 2035.
The 375-mile range of the EV3 goes up to 479 miles when the vehicle is used purely in city driving situations. This is supported by i-Pedal technology and a Regenerative Braking System that offers the driver more flexibility and control by separating the level of regenerative braking from the full stopping control function. Full one-pedal driving can be used in all regenerative braking modes, as well as in reverse. The system also remembers the previously selected level when the vehicle is turned off, and automatically applies it when the vehicle is turned on again.
The efficiency and performance of the EV3 is aided by active air flap technology and a boat-tail shape, to improve aerodynamics. The drag coefficient of just 0.263 helps to reduce power consumption and increase the range. Extensive wind tunnel testing enabled Kia engineers to hone the EV3’s aerodynamic performance, including optimising the wheel shapes and enhancing the rear combination lamps. There are also new side sill undercovers, along with eight parts covering the underbody, for cleaner underfloor airflow and reduced drag.
Also helping drivers extend the range is the Driving Range Guide. Located in the instrument cluster, it displays the maximum and minimum driving ranges achievable depending on driving style, and an estimated range based on past driving efficiency.
400V fast charging technology enables the EV3 to go from 10-to-80% in 29 minutes for the 58.3 kWh battery version, and 31 minutes for the 81.4 kWh version. Up to 125 miles of range can be added in just 15 minutes. A stable charging power profile, combined with excellent efficiency, makes the EV3 one of the leading EVs for mile-per-minute charging in its segment. Fully compatible with European charging infrastructure, the EV3 is supported by Kia Charge, the brand’s network that offers access to more than 800,000 charging points in 28 European countries.
Kia is one of the leading manufacturers to bring Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging to the compact EV SUV segment. This feature enables the car to power external devices and allows customers to maximise the EV3’s accessibility. Every EV3 is also capable of bi-directional charging, including Vehicle-to-Grid, Vehicle-to-Home, and Vehicle-to-Building, which will gradually be introduced across European markets.
The EV3 features the world’s first highly efficient and super-compact thin HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) system that delivers consistent cabin comfort in all weather conditions, maximising comfort, and minimising power usage, without compromising range. The cleverly packaged system gives front-seat passengers an extra six centimetres of room in the footwell when compared with a conventional HVAC system. The highly efficient thermal management system, now in its fourth generation, improves heat pump performance, simultaneously absorbing outside air heat and driving heat (from powertrain components, for instance).
The EV3’s driving dynamics have been developed and tuned to meet the high expectations of European customers in terms of ride, handling, and steering. Even before the first test car was assembled, the EV3 went through an extensive virtual development, with hundreds of different setups tested on an advanced dynamic driving simulator. The resulting optimal geometries and compliances were then released for Kia’s European engineers to fine-tune the vehicle on European roads. The steering has been also specifically tuned for European driving conditions, with a focus on precision and linearity, enabling the EV3 to easily handle suburban curvy roads, city streets and motorways.
The vehicle’s suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including Highway Driving Assist 2, Smart Cruise Control 2, and collision prevention systems, have also been extensively tested on European roads.
The EV3’s spacious interior provides a ‘living room’ feel, with an array of usability features designed to make every journey comfortable and convenient. The clean, uncluttered dashboard has a triple-screen panoramic display. This combines a 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation screen and a 12.3-inch driver display screen, sandwiching a 5.3-inch segment display for climate control. A 12.3-inch head-up display puts all the necessary information within the driver’s eye line. As in the EV9, the EV3 achieves an excellent balance between touch and tactile controls for interior functions that help to minimise driver distraction.
Debuting on the EV3 is Kia In-Car Payment expanding the capability of the vehicle for in-car payments. The first partnership available is with Parkopedia, which will help drivers locate available parking and pay for it through the vehicle’s navigation screen. In-Car Payment’s convenience for drivers is part of Kia’s commitment to enhancing the driving experience and improving customer satisfaction across all touchpoints of a journey.
The EV3 offers the future of connectivity with over-the-air updates, video streaming capability4, features on demand via the Kia Connect Store and a Digital Key 2.0 that enables up to 7 customers to unlock and start the vehicle using a smartphone or smartwatch. It is also the first Kia vehicle that will feature Kia’s AI Assistant with ChatGPT that helps enhance the customer’s understanding, knowledge, and enjoyment of the vehicle4.
The EV3 incorporates the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy that harnesses the creative tension generated by the divergent values of nature and modernity to deliver a harmonious whole. Inside and out, the EV3 balances emotional and rational elements, representing the ‘Joy for Reason’ design pillar.
The unique interior ‘living space’ features relaxation seats, clever storage solutions, sliding tables, expansive head and legroom, intelligent mood lighting, and nature-inspired colours to enhance the well-being of drivers and passengers on every journey. The seats include mesh-like headrests on ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ variants for better ventilation and comfort.
The EV3, among many innovations, includes a new optional limited edition trunk liner, featuring a geometric wave reminiscent of waves and trash flowing into a net. The accessory is made from recycled materials, 40% of it recycled ocean plastic from the Pacific Ocean collected as part of the cooperation with The Ocean Cleanup. The seven-year partnership aims to find innovative solutions and contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet, enabling the removal of almost half a million kilogrammes of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The trunk liner is the first application developed through this partnership.
In addition, every EV3 features Kia’s 10 ‘must-have’ sustainable material solutions, such as bioplastics, recycled PET fabrics, and BTX-free paint. As part of its long-term sustainability strategy, Kia is aiming to have 20% of the plastics used in its vehicles come from recycled sources by 2030.
The EV3 is now available in Europe, and is on sale in the UK. In future Kia plans to introduce an all-wheel drive (AWD) variant, expanding the range of choice for customers beyond the current two-wheel drive (2WD) models
Caterham has launched its latest limited-edition model, the Seven CSR Twenty, to celebrate 20 years of the CSR chassis. It’s the first vehicle for the UK market that has been built in Caterham’s new multi-million-pound factory in Dartford. Only 20 examples will be made available to UK customers, with prices starting from £79,995.
This special edition features Caterham’s most compliant chassis and includes inboard front and fully independent rear suspension. The inboard front suspension provides more direct and composed steering, ensuring an engaging driving experience suitable for devouring road miles. While the independent rear set up creates additional rear end grip, comfort and composure. Combined, these allow CSR Twenty to deliver its performance confidently, regardless of road quality. The ultimate in point-to-point performance.
This, paired to Caterham’s most popular engine, the 210bhp variation of the 2.0 litre Ford Duratec engine used in the Seven 420, is a combination that has never been offered before.
The performance of the four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine delivers a brake horsepower of 210 (bhp), revs up to 7,600 rpm, 0 – 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 136mph. The model also includes a 5-speed manual transmission, and ventilated front discs with quad-piston calipers.
To signify the anniversary, the model boasts the most premium finish ever seen on a Seven.
Its interior features a satin carbon dashboard, CSR Twenty edition dials, a premium leather tunnel top, Alcantara gearstick and handbrake gaiters, plush, black carpets and leather Momo steering wheel.
For all 20 exclusive owners of the CSR Twenty, a numbered plaque from one to 20 is located between the seats on the rear interior panel.
In addition, the CSR Twenty seats are designed with premium leather, Alcantara inserts, red stitching and CSR Twenty logos, resulting in a Seven that is unmatched in terms of quality and finish.
The exterior of the car features a Seven 620-style nose cone and front wings, LED front and rear lights, black Mohair boot and weather gear, red brake calipers, a two-tone Union Flag grille and for the first time on any UK model, the exclusive-to-CSR Vulcan 15” alloys.
Customers also have a choice of two premium colours, Kinetic Grey and Dynamic Silver.
Bob Laishley, Caterham Cars CEO, said: “This is without doubt the most premium Seven we’ve ever built. The interior of the car is a level up from what we’ve produced before thanks to an array of high-quality materials used throughout.
“When you combine this with the exhilarating and engaging handling of our CSR chassis, this really is a Caterham built for longer distance road trips.
“It’s a vehicle that truly celebrates 20 years of our CSR chassis and I’m proud to see it being hand built here in our new Dartford factory.”
Caterham will also make an additional 20 units available to the US market.
Hyundai Motor Company has shared initial details of the interior of its much-anticipated IONIQ 9, the brand’s first all-electric three-row SUV. This milestone addition to the IONIQ lineup underscores the company’s commitment to electric vehicle (EV) technology, cementing its electrification leadership.
IONIQ 9 signifies Hyundai Motor’s entry into the large electric vehicle sector, building on the success of the award-winning IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6. With its spacious and comfortable interior, IONIQ 9 is set to revolutionize the EV experience.
“IONIQ 9 offers the ultimate lounge-like environment,” said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center. “Its nature-inspired, lounge-like interior reflects our progressive approach of how we envision the technology, customer-centric design and tranquility, coming together seamlessly in the future of mobility.”
IONIQ 9’s ‘Aerosthetic’ silhouette gives way to an interior tailored to relaxation. Hyundai Motor’s advanced Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) provides a spacious cabin that features a flat floor across all three rows, enabling easy movement within the vehicle.
Beyond its impressive level of spaciousness, IONIQ 9’s interior features soft, elliptical design elements, such as the door trim and door handle, that contribute to a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.
As a large, three-row all-electric SUV, IONIQ 9 is capable of seating up to seven occupants comfortably. Its interior design delivers the versatility to accommodate different needs and situations, allowing each passenger to utilize the space flexibly.
Coupled with the IONIQ lineup’s groundbreaking electrification capabilities, IONIQ 9’s spatial innovations are set to deliver an unparalleled and distinctive customer experience.
More detailed information will be revealed at IONIQ 9’s World Premiere in Los Angeles later this month.
Bentley Motors has announced an extension of its forward-thinking Beyond100 business strategy, now called Beyond100+, from 2030 to 2035. Bentley has also confirmed that its first fully electric car to be revealed in 2026 promises to create an entirely new segment, the world’s first true Luxury Urban SUV. This model, designed, developed and to be produced at its headquarters in Crewe, will be the first of a new PHEV or BEV model to be launched every year over the next decade as Bentley’s product and investment offensive continues at pace with an ambition to be building only fully electric cars from 2035.
Bentley, already leading the way in the luxury hybrid car sector, will consequently further cement this position by extending the lifecycle of PHEV models beyond 2030, to 2035. And the Continental GT coupe, Convertible and Flying Spur models are now exclusively offered with an Ultra Performance plug-in V8 hybrid powertrain following the discontinuation of Bentley’s iconic W12 engine after over 20 years of production in Crewe.
Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said: “Four years almost to the day that Bentley initially outlined its Beyond100 strategy, we adapt to today’s economic, market and legislative environment to initiate a major transformative phase for tomorrow. Beyond100+ becomes our guiding light as we extend our ambitions beyond 2030, while maintaining our aim of a decarbonised future, including offering only fully electric cars from 2035, and reinforcing our credentials as the British creator of extraordinary cars for over a century and beyond.”
Beyond100+ also endures a fundamental reinvention of the Crewe manufacturing infrastructure, and helps secure Bentley’s future at Crewe for the next generation of products and colleagues.
The company has already made enormous strides in reinventing the historic Crewe site, creating an industry-leading certified carbon neutral facility, and focus now turns to building a ‘Dream Factory’ for an electric future.
The largest self-funded site investment programme in Bentley’s illustrious 105-year history continues with a new state-of-the-art Design Centre, Paint Shop and BEV assembly line, transforming an 85-year-old site for a new age of electrification, and a new benchmark in next generation, digital, flexible and high-value manufacturing operations.
Bengal Speed Festival 2024 put the industrial town of Haldia on India’s motorsports map as automobile enthusiasts, motorsports fans, and local residents made up a 5,000 strong crowd to witness the thrilling autocross action during the 2-3 November weekend.
This was the fifth year of the National Autocross Championship qualifier with other supporting 4W Autocross being held in Haldia which witnessed a neck-to-neck competition amongst the top drivers of the eastern zone.
With the support of Shrachi Sports as Title Sponsor, this event got a great boost. Other sponsors such as Vamcy Merla, Haldia Municipality and Haldia Development Authority among many other organizations also extended their patronage to make this event a grand success.
The event was a combination of 4Wheeler Autocross and East Zone Qualifier of Indian National Autocross Championship 2024. The total number of entries registered for the event was a staggering 146 amongst which there were two lady participants.
In 4W Indian National Autocross Championship Qualifier, Karan Chaudhury clocked the best timing of the event with 1 minute 56.337 seconds followed by Saujatya Kole, Areeb Rahman, Nilanjan Banerjee and Uday Ganguly.
Saujatya Kole registered the fastest time with 1 minute 37.636 seconds in Open Autocross followed by Karan Chaudhury, Raunak Jana, Uday Ganguly and Sourabh Choudhury.
Speaking on the occasion, Saurav Chatterjee & Sk. Ajgar Ali, the main organisers of this event explained that autocross is not only about raw speed; one has to match that with driving acumen and physical stamina as well. They also added that the aim of the event is to woo the youth away from road racing to regulated motorsports, where safety of the drivers is of paramount importance.
The goal of FMSCI, the apex body of Indian Motorsports, is to identify young budding talents from the regional zones and thus Bengal Speed Festival 2024 is a big step forward to the eminent goal.
Calcutta Motor Sports Club and Kolkata Automotive Sports Association along with Motor Sports Association of Eastern India, the organising motorsports clubs of Bengal Speed Festival 2024 shall together be the guiding force of raw talents in the near future.
This October, Uber riders in London will have the chance to experience high-end luxury and sustainability in one ride, as a fleet of ultra-luxurious Lotus Eletre Hyper-SUVs joins the Uber Green fleet for a limited time. Riders can book these cutting-edge electric vehicles via the Uber app’s Uber Green option and experience the future of zero-emission transport.
With nearly 30% of Uber’s miles in London now fully electric, the initiative supports the city’s journey toward a cleaner, greener future. To encourage more riders to go electric, Uber has launched a special competition: the rider who saves the most emissions by the end of November by taking Uber Green trips will win free Uber Green rides for a decade.
Riders will have until November 30 to rack up their electric miles. All Uber riders can track the emissions they’ve saved by taking Uber Green using the in-app Emissions Savings tool, which launched earlier this year.
Andrew Brem, General Manager for Uber UK, said: “We’re thrilled to team up with Lotus to combine cutting-edge luxury with sustainable travel. Uber drivers are already leading the way, going electric far quicker than regular motorists – making London Uber’s global capital for electrification. Now we’re excited to allow our riders to experience one of the world’s most exciting electric cars.”
Conor Horne, Commercial Director of UK and Ireland at Lotus said: ”We are incredibly excited to partner with Uber to have a fleet of our all-electric Lotus Eletre available in London via the app for passengers to experience and enjoy. We hope this initiative will not only enhance the riding experience for Uber customers but also contribute to a greener city, something we at Lotus are very passionate about.”
Uber Green, which first launched in central London in 2021, allows riders to book a zero-emissions ride for the same price as an UberX, since its launch Uber has saved 55,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in London. Drivers taking Uber Green trips also earn 10% more on those trips compared to an UberX. Uber drivers are making the switch five times quicker than regular motorists.
The Eletre, Lotus’ first all-electric Hyper-SUV, redefines the passenger experience by combining luxurious comfort with cutting-edge technology. Passengers can enjoy a spacious interior designed for relaxation, featuring premium materials and a world-class infotainment system.
Through the combination of exceptional aerodynamics, outstanding comfort, and true Lotus performance, the Eletre is the perfect option for those seeking an exceptional drive with a new luxury experience.
The cars will be licensed and managed via Otto Cars, London’s largest private hire provider. Gurinder Dhillon, Otto Cars CEO, said: “We are delighted to power-up this concept for Uber and Lotus. Let’s prove that a sustainable ride can be a thrilling experience, without the smoke.”
SAIC Motor, a global Fortune 500 company with a presence in over 100 countries and JSW Group, a revered Indian corporate with varied business interests entered into a joint venture – JSW MG Motor India Pvt. Ltd. in 2023.
At the time of formation of the joint venture, JSW MG Motor India announced that their goal will be to build a smart and sustainable automotive ecosystem while continuing to stay focused on developing a diverse portfolio of vehicles to give car buyers better access to advanced technologies and futuristic products with attractive value propositions.
Fast forward to September 2024 and JSW MG Motor India has launched their first car since the formation of the JV – the MG Windsor EV. Launched at the price of a manual compact SUV, the Windsor, combining the comfort of a sedan and the expanse of an SUV, will be offered with innovative aerodynamic design, spacious and premium interiors, smart connectivity, driving comfort, and many hi-tech features.
Built on a ‘Pure EV Platform’ with BaaS – a unique ownership program, MG Windsor is being offered at an industry disrupting price of Rs 9.99 lakhs + Rs 3.5 per kilometre of battery usage – a path-breaking ownership concept introduced by a carmaker for the very first time in India.
And for the conventional purists who believe in the age-old concept of outright purchase, the Windsor comes at an unbeatable ex-showroom price of Rs. 13.49 lakhs for the base variant going upto Rs 15.49 lakhs for the top trim.
Recently, we were invited for the national media drive of the MG Windsor. Read on to find out all that you want to know about the newest kid in the block.
Design and Engineering
The MG Windsor is being positioned as a CUV or Crossover Utility Vehicle. It is an interesting cross between a sedan and a compact SUV. From the engineering standpoint, balancing and blending two different body styles isn’t an easy task, however, the designers at MG deserves a pat on their back for pulling it off well.
The MG Windsor measures 4,295mm in length, 2,126mm in width, and stands 1,677mm tall. The best-in-segment 2,700mm wheelbase ensures that the MG Windsor offers a great balance between ride & handling and comes with a specious passenger cabin.
The MG Windsor features an AeroGlide design language, which is futuristic and transcends the concept of traditional segmentation. The nose and bonnet have a distinct two-deck layout. The horizontal daytime running lamps strip forms the base of the bonnet, while the headlights sit below in the bumper. Integrated into the headlight area is a mirror-like panel that reflects images with clarity. MG has added some black trim bits bracketing the headlights, with the one inside connecting the two units and carrying the Morris Garages lettering, above which sits an illuminated MG logo.
MG’s AeroGlide design language is more prominently visible when viewed from the side. The MG Windsor features smart flush door handles which look very trendy. The R18 diamond cut alloy wheels further enhances the striking good looks of the MG Windsor. At the top, the roof rails add to the aesthetics.
At the rear, the LED tail lights look sleek, and the lower bumper edge is finished off with a nice diffuser-style contrasting black panel. Topping the rear is a spoiler with an integrated stop light. Overall, the MG Windsor EV looks impressive and is sure to turn heads on the road.
The NVH levels are also well contained. The MG Windsor is being offered in three variants: base trim Excite, mid-level variant Exclusive, and top-of-the-line Essence; and four colours: Starburst Black, Pearl White, Clay Beige, and Turquoise Green.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the MG Windsor EV and you will be welcomed into a premium passenger cabin with aero lounge seats that can be reclined upto 135 degrees, coupled with the expansive infinity view glass roof, adding to the business class experience.
The cabin is spacious with adequate head, shoulder and knee room for both front and rear passengers along with easy ingress and egress. The seats are well bolstered & comfortable and wear an opulent look. The front seats are ventilated with the driver’s seat coming with a 6-way adjustable option.
Immersive entertainment and smart connectivity features are powered by a massive 15.6-inch Grand View Touch Display in the central console. For music lovers, the MG Windsor also comes equipped with nine speakers (4 speakers, 4 tweeters, 1 subwoofer) that make your listening experience more pleasurable.
The MG Windsor also allows you to choose from an array of 256 ambient lighting options with auto change technology and make your drives express the way you feel. Other features in the MG Windsor includes Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, multi-function steering controls, wireless smartphone charger, wooden finish highlights, driver armrest storage, rear-centre armrest with cupholders, and 604 litres of boot space – all of which makes the MG Windsor an attractive proposition.
Performance and Handling
The MG Windsor comes equipped with the powerful PMS Motor which is IP67 certified. Impressive performance is derived through a 38 kWh Li-ion battery pack and four driving modes (Eco+, Eco, Normal and Sport) that deliver 100KW (136PS) power and 200Nm of instant torque, offering a range of 331 kilometres. The battery can be charged in 40 minutes at any DC fast charger. The prismatic cells battery meets the optimal safety standards and is certified to operate with durability and stability.
The throttle response in great with almost no power lag. Driving the Windsor both within the city or on the highway feels like a breeze. The MG Windsor stays firmly planted on the ground even while navigating tight corners. The engineers at MG has achieved a commendable balance between good ride and handling. The suspension set up featuring MacPherson strut in the front and torsion beam at the rear is well tuned for Indian road conditions and absorbs the undulation on the road with relative ease. On the whole, the MG Windsor promises to be a good city car while also proving its worthiness on the highway.
Safety
With growing awareness among consumers, safety has emerged as one of the top priorities of carmakers around the world. The MG Windsor comes with 6 airbags (dual front, side & curtain) as standard across all variants. It also features 360° surround view cameras and rear parking sensors to ease your parking woes in tight spaces especially in the crowded neighbourhood within the city. Electronic stability programme, electric parking brake auto hold, hill-start assist control, auto dimming inside rear view mirror, hill descent control, rain sensing wipers, and tyre pressure monitoring system are some of the other features in the MG Windsor EV which assures you of great all around safety.
Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS)
For the first time in India’s passenger vehicle segment, JSW MG Motor India is introducing an innovative ownership plan through Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) offering, which makes owning an electric CUV at the price of a manual engine-based compact SUV possible. This flexible ownership program eliminates the upfront cost of the battery, enabling customers to pay only for its usage. Essentially, buyers pay a nominal fee per kilometre driven, which is 40% of the fuel costs of conventional vehicles. This model significantly reduces the initial acquisition cost and lowers the per-kilometre expense, ensuring an economical and hassle-free ownership experience.
In addition, the company is offering a first-of-its-kind lifetime battery warranty to the first owner of MG Windsor. With the eHUB by MG app, the company is offering one year of free public charging, making it easier than ever for Windsor owners to power up anytime, anywhere. JSW MG Motor India is also introducing its 3-60 assured buyback plan for the Windsor which ensures that it will retain 60% of its value after 3 years/45,000kms.
Verdict
The MG Windsor is the first car that has come out of the JV between JSW & MG Motor India. The whole team has worked very hard to bring this car to India. As a crossover utility vehicle, the Windsor successfully manages in merging the comfort of a sedan with the expanse of an SUV, making it an ideal car for the Indian household. With its delightful features and easy to drive dynamics, MG Windsor will certainly invite newer sets of customers to try EVs. It is an ideal vehicle for customers looking to beat the bustling urban roads and tighter spaces in smaller towns, in comfort and style. With its advanced features, innovative design, and disruptive pricing, the Windsor most definitely sets a new benchmark.
The most powerful W12-engined Bentley – the highly exclusive Batur Convertible – has begun its final suite of sign-off testing. Created by Mulliner, Bentley’s in house bespoke division and the longest standing coachbuilder in the world, the Batur Convertible is the third car in Mulliner’s Coachbuilt family, following the Bacalar barchetta and the Batur coupe. Strictly limited to just 16 units, the Batur Convertible is the most powerful W12-powered drop-top Grand Tourer in Bentley’s history.
Bentley announced the retirement of the W12 engine earlier this year, with the last engine leaving the production line in July. The 16 customer examples of the Batur Convertible will be among the recipients of the final W12 engines, each producing 750 PS as the most powerful iteration of the engine ever developed.
The validation activities include durability for both the engine and whole vehicle, environmental compatibility and sunlight simulation, high speed stability, aerodynamics, noise and vibration, and driving dynamics. More than 120 individual tests in all cover everything from the quality of the surface finish of the gold “organ stop” ventilation controls to the new W12 engine hardware and software. Over 58 weeks of vehicle validation have been scheduled across a pair of pre-series cars – Batur Convertible Car Zero and the Batur Convertible Engineering Car.
The real-world testing campaign started with an extensive 3,000 kilometre , five-country drive across Europe to simulate real world conditions. The route left Germany and travelled through Italy, France and Spain, across mountains, highways and cities, with the cars pausing briefly for an afternoon in Monaco for photography before continuing their journey to Idiada in Spain, where high speed testing will begin on private test tracks.
Paul Williams, Chief Technical Officer for Mulliner, comments: “The purpose of an engineering validation public road drive is to test a vehicle’s performance, safety, and reliability under real-world conditions. It allows our engineers to assess how the vehicle operates in a variety of environments, traffic scenarios, and weather conditions that cannot be fully replicated in controlled testing environments. This stage is critical for identifying potential issues, validating system integration, and ensuring the vehicle meets regulatory standards and customer expectations as part of the engineering development test program. At the start of the project it was clear that this car had to be the ultimate open-air Grand Tourer and so every element from the exterior design, engine power and hand-crafted interior has been created without compromise.”
At the proving grounds, the Batur Convertibles will begin seven weeks of durability work on handling tracks, mixed road conditions, high speed testing and abusive surface conditions. During all of these activities data and feedback are collated ensuring the technical targets are being met.
The Final W12 Grand Tourer The Batur Convertible furthers the innovative design DNA introduced by its coupe sibling that will ultimately guide the design of Bentley’s future cars.
Created by Mulliner, the Batur Convertible follows the exquisitely hand-crafted Bacalar barchetta and Batur coupe. With the Batur Convertible, Mulliner continues its long tradition of crafting truly individual cars, tailored to the wishes of each of its extraordinary clients.
The Batur Convertible retains the most powerful version of Bentley’s iconic W12, with a 750 PS, hand-assembled 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine that has metaphorically and literally powered Bentley’s success for the last two decades. The Batur Convertible will be the last ever Bentley to use this incredible powertrain.
The convertible roof delivers an aesthetic of beauty as a modern, tactile alternative to a hardtop roof. A combination of insulation material, sealing system refinements and acoustic treatments create a cossetting environment in a system which can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h), transforming the car from a luxurious coupe into an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button.
Mulliner’s in-house design team will help co-create every Batur Convertible with its customer, working together through a specially created Mulliner visualiser that allows any part of the car to be customised in colour and surface finish. Endless samples of unique materials bring texture to the process, and the resulting designs will be truly individual and created by the customer – limited only by their imagination.
Batur Convertible Car Zero Like all Mulliner Coachbuilt vehicles, the Batur Convertible is infinitely customisable – with each customer able to specify the colour and finish of literally every single surface of both the exterior and cabin of the car.
The engineering development car – Batur Convertible Car Zero – has had the same level of attention to detail as a customer’s own specification. The exterior paintwork is a bespoke colour – Vermillion Gloss over Vermillion Satin Duo tone – that provides a vibrant colour across the contemporary surfaces. The bodywork is underscored by front splitters, side skirts and rear diffuser in high gloss carbon fibre.
The front of the car features a grille of exceptional art – with the main matrix finished in Gloss Dark Titanium, accented with contrast chevrons in a horizontal ombré pattern that flows from Beluga in the centre and lighten to the vibrant sides in Vermillion Gloss. The “endless bonnet” line is finished in Gloss Dark Titanium paint, as are the 22” wheels – with the spokes in Gloss and Satin Black Titanium with Vermillion Gloss accents.
The second development car – known simply as the ‘Engineering Car’, features an entirely different specification. Midnight Emerald exterior paintwork is finished with a high gloss carbon fibre body kit and Satin Dark Titanium finished bonnet brightware and lower bumper meshes The wheels are tri-tone – with a Satin Dark Titanium body, gloss Porpoise accent faces and gloss Mandarin pinstripe. The same combination of Satin Dark Titanium and Mandarin is joined by gloss Beluga for the three-colour ombré fade to the front grille. The cabin echoes the exterior, with Cumbrian Green and Porpoises leather being accented with Mandarin stitching and piping, complemented with machined titanium Organ Stops and Bullseye vents. The veneer is Mulliner’s exquisite “guitar fade”, where the colour across the width of the cabin changes gradually from gloss Beluga, to high gloss carbon fibre, and back to gloss Beluga, and finished with a laser-etched audio signature of the W12 engine.
Power Drive 