The Nissan Magnite was launched on the 2nd of December and is expected to challenge rival sub-compact SUVs with Pricing, features and space as it's Trump cards. In just 5 days, the newest compact SUV has received 5,000 bookings, apart from over 50,000 enquiries. This is no mean feat given the meagre number of dealerships in India. 

The Nissan Magnite was launched with an introductory starting price of Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the entry-level variant. However, 60% of the bookings are for the top XV and XV premium variants.

This introductory pricing though is valid till December 31 only, after which

the entry-level XE variant will be priced at Rs 5.59 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Magnite offers a whole lot of features and creature comforts; with all Variants excluding the entry-level XE being available with two engine options including a turbo engine and a CVT transmission option. The top-of-the-line XV Premium is loaded with features such as 360-degree monitor, Digital instrument cluster, rear AC vents, 16” alloys, all-LED lamps, etc. The XV premium is also available with a Dual Tone roof option which makes the topmost CVT version available for Rs 9.59 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Magnite offers a spacious cabin with comforts like rear-seat armrest available from the Turbo XL Variant itself. The entry-level XE variant offers quite a list of standard features including all power windows, Rear wiper, washer, defogger, 16” wheels and fabric padding on the doors.

All Variants are available with a 1.0L naturally aspirated 3 cylinder petrol engine which produces 72PS of Max Power through a 5-speed manual gearbox. However, the 100PS turbo petrol engine is available only from the XL Variant onwards. All turbo variants get ESP, traction control, Hill holds assist and Hydraulic brake assist as standard. The turbo variants also can be had with the Xtronic CVT automatic gearbox.

Nissan is also offering a Tech Pack for an additional Rs 38,698 on the XV and XV premium Variants. The Tech Pack includes more features like an air purifier, puddle lamps, ambient light, wireless car charging, premium JBL speakers and LED scuff plates.

NISSAN India is not only targeting the CSUV segment with the Magnite; The non-turbo variants are aimed at the hatchback segment buyers who would want additional space, comfort and SUV appeal. For sure the Magnite will be a great success and will help rebuild the image of the almost forgotten Japanese car market in India. However, Nissan will have to put more effort to expand its sales and post-sales network, which is essentially the key to gain the trust of customers.

Tata Motors will be launching their flagship Safari 7-seat SUV on 26th January 2021. The new gen Safari is essentially the 7 seat extended version of the Harrier 5 seat SUV based on the Land Rover derived OMEGA arc platform. Earlier this SUV was named the Buzzard at the Geneva auto expo, which was then changed to Gravitas for the Delhi auto expo last year. Now, Tata motors has finalized that it will be the successor to legendary and iconic Safari SUV.

Safari Dark and Camo Edition Rendered By TeamAutoTrend Studio.

Based on the Harrier, the Safari

will be around 60mm longer than the Harrier to accommodate the extra 2 seats while also being taller to provide better headroom for the 3rd row. Except for the larger dimensions and extra seats, the Safari will be largely similar to the 5-seat Harrier. However, the front grille will receive a slightly different treatment, featuring the signature Tri-arrow pattern finished in Chrome.

The tailgate will be more upright, giving the Safari a more boxy appearance and the SUV will also feature long functional roof rails for lifestyle utility. The top spec variants will receive 18” dual tone alloy wheels with the design similar to the Harrier's whereas the lower spec variants will carry forward the exact same 17” alloy wheels seen on the Harrier’s lower variants. The higher variants are also likely to feature a Panoramic sunroof.

The new Safari will be available in 6 or 7 seat configuration.

Other than these external differences, the Safari will carry forward the same features as on the Harrier:

• Xenon Projector headlamps with LED DRLs

• Auto folding ORVMs

• Rear wiper and defogger

• 18” Alloy wheels

• Automatic climate control

• Auto headlamps & wipers

• Cruise control

• 8.8” Touchscreen system

• Android auto & Apple carplay

• Harman audio system with 9 speakers

• Connect Next app suite

• Reverse camera

• 6 way Power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support

• Off White Leather upholstery

• Auto dimming IRVM

• Ambient mood lighting

• Rear centre armrest

• Smart key with Push button start

• Follow me headlamps

• Terrain response modes : Rough, Wet and City

Safety:

       Safety features on the Safari will include:

• ABS with EBD

• All wheel disc brakes

• Corner stability control

• 6 airbags

• Electronic Parking brake

• Electronic stability program

• Traction control

• Hill hold control

• Hill descent control

• Roll over mitigation

• Electronic brake prefill

• Hydraulic brake assist

• Brake disc wiping

• Perimetric alarm system

• Pretensioner seatbelts

Powertrains:

       The Safari, just like the Harrier will be available with a diesel engine mated to either a 6 speed manual transmission or a 6 speed torque converter automatic transmission. The 2L Kryotec turbo diesel produces 170PS Power and 350NM torque. From the XM variant onwards, the Safari will be available with three drive modes; Eco, City and Sport.

Launch & price:

        The new Safari is expected to be priced from ?15L to ?20L for the Manual variants and ?17.5L to ?21L for the Automatic variants. When launched on 26th January, Tata’s new flagship SUV will compete against the likes of the MG Hector plus and the next generation Mahindra XUV500. Stay tuned for further updates.

Hyundai India will be launching the new i20 premium hatchback in the coming weeks. Prior to its launch, the new premium hatchback has started to arrive at dealerships. There are few visible changes to the India spec i20 as compared to the European one. The i20 has been one among their best selling products and still is one among the most feature loaded hatchbacks in its category. This here is a quick walkthrough on the highlights of the new generation Hyundai i20.

Exterior:

       The new Hyundai i20, sports a completely different design language. On the front fascia, it features a new and

larger hexagonal cascading grille with a more swooping bonnet and angular headlamps. The headlamps will feature LED lighting on the top spec trims along with DRLs. Lower variants will get Projector units. Projector fog lamps are also expected to be offered. The new i20 will be longer and wider than the current model. The sides have sharp, dynamic creases lending the car a more dynamic profile. The window line features Chrome detailing which flows from the A pillar to the top of the C pillar whereas the snazzy Z-shaped LED Tail lamps are connected by a chrome bar running across the width on the Asta(O) variant. The new i20 will also receive unique looking 16” alloy wheels on the top spec variants.

Interior:

       The new Hyundai i20's interior features a fresh and clean layout with a wraparound layered design. The interior sports a flowing cockpit theme while being loaded with features. There are 7 slats running across the width of the dashboard, connecting all four AC vents. All Variants will feature an all black theme with few silver accents.

Variants:

       The new i20 will be offered in four variants:

• Magna

• Sportz

• Asta

• Asta(o)

 Here's an extensive list of features on the top spec Asta(O) variants of the new i20:

• 10.25” touchscreen system

• Blue link connectivity

• Fully digital instrument cluster

• Automatic climate control

• Air purifier system

• Ambient lighting

• Leather upholstery

• Split folding rear seats

• Electric sunroof

• Auto LED headlamps

• Cruise control

The new i20 will also offer more safety features:

• Pretensioner seatbelts

• 6 airbags

• ABS with EBD

• ESP with traction control

• Hill hold control

• ISOFIX child seat mounts

• Smart key access

• Geofencing & tracking

Powertrains:

       The new i20 is will be available with two petrol engine options and one diesel engine. The standard 1.2L 4 cyl Kappa petrol engine will produce 83PS Power through either a 5 Speed manual transmission or a CVT. The 1.0L 3 cyl turbo petrol powertrain is expected to be carried over from the Venue Turbo producing a maximum output of 120PS through either a 6 speed IMT gearbox or a 7 speed DCT. The 1.5L turbo diesel engine from the Venue is also expected to be on offer producing 100PS Power through a 6 speed manual transmission.

The 1.2L petrol will be available on all Variants with only the Sportz and the Asta variant getting a CVT option.

The 1.0L turbo petrol will be available on the Sportz, Asta and Asta(O) Variants. However, a 6 speed iMT gearbox will be available on the Sportz and Asta whereas the 7 speed DCT will be available only on the Asta and Asta (O) Variants. This means the Sportz variant will get only an iMT and the Asta(O) gets only the DCT.

The 1.5L diesel will be available on the Magna, Sportz and the Asta(O) variants with only a manual gearbox.

Launch & price:

       The all-new i20 will be launched on the 5th of November and will go up against the new Tata Altroz, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the new facelifted Honda Jazz and Toyota’s Glanza. Prices are expected to be around ?20000 to ?50000 higher than the current gen model which it will replace.