The new generation 2021 Mahindra XUV500 has been on test for more than a couple years now. Various exterior and interior details have been revealed by numerous Spy shots and videos. However now, a new video has surfaced online, uploaded by Mohini Sharma on December 17th. The spy video gives us a first look at the entire interior of what seems to be the mid spec variant of the new XUV500.

Interior:

First, the interior seems to get a dual tone, beige and black theme. The dashboard features two massive screens for infotainment, including the digital cluster. This mid spec variant also

The model seen in the video gets a flat-bottom leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise control and other controls as well. However the car gets only a manual switch for the day/night IRVM and a manual handbrake lever. The rear AC vents have moved towards the end of the center console instead of their earlier location on the B pillars. The top spec variants will get Dual-zone climate control as well. The seats seem larger than before and also seem to get longer squabs with better bolstering. The 2nd row seats get a 60:40 split folding function and a center armrest as well. Sadly, unlike the current model, the middle passenger doesn't seem to get a separate headrest.

The 3rd row seats seem larger than before and get a 50:50 split folding function just like the current model. The boot space, though small, is larger than the current gen model. The top spec variant is expected to get a powered tailgate as well.

Exterior:

After so many years of testing, the Mahindra XUV500 is near production ready. The exterior features LED headlights with signature LED DRLs, a large 7-slat grille, functional roof rails, 17” alloy wheels with 235 section tyres and all-wheel disc brakes as well.

High-tech features:

Mahindra also seems to be testing some advanced electronic safety and driver assistance systems on the new XUV500. These included a radar system, eyelid tracking tech and autonomous braking. Another feature which was reportedly getting tested was a 3D panoramic vision feature which would help the driver while reversing the car.

However, these high-tech features are not likely to make it into production, atleast for now. That said, the new XUV500 is definitely expected to get a significant level of connected car tech and smart features.

Engines:

The 2021 XUV500 will get 2 engine options. The 2.2 litre mHawk diesel engine will be upgraded to produce around 170bhp of power, mated to 6 speed manual and automatic gearboxes. The new M-stallion 2.0L, 4 cylinder turbo petrol is also expected to be offered with the same transmission options. Similar to the Thar lifestyle SUV, this turbo petrol engine is expected to produce 150bhp of Max Power. Like the current gen model, the new XUV is also expected to offer AWD option on the top spec variants.

Launch and pricing:

The new XUV500 is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2021 and will compete against rivals like the Tata Harrier and the Gravitas, Jeep Compass, MG Hector and Hector plus, Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. Similar to the first gen model, we can expect a ground breaking pricing strategy for the new gen XUV500 as well. This new second generation model is expected to be priced between ?13-22L, comprising a lot of variants.

Stay tuned for further updates on the new XUV500.

Tata Motors have revealed their flagship Safari 7-seat SUV on the 26th January 2021. The new Safari will be available in 6 variants in total.

The Variants include:

XE, XM, XT, XT+, XZ, XZ+

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

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 is largely similar to the 5-seat Harrier. However, the front grille gets a slightly different treatment, featuring the signature Tri-arrow pattern finished in Chrome.

The tailgate is 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 16” Steel wheels seen on the Harrier’s lower variants. The higher variants are also offered with a Panoramic sunroof.

The new Safari will be available with 7 seats as standard while only the XZ and XZ+ will be optional with a 6 seat configuration.

Here’s a detailed walkthrough on the features available on the different Variants:

XE:

Projector headlamps

Functional roof rails (75kg load bearing)

Halogen bi-functional DRLs

Central locking

All-black interior

Telescopic steering wheel

Front center armrest with cooled storage

Power windows

Manual Aircon

Rear AC vents

Digital MID

60:40 split 2nd row seats

Boss mode 2nd row

50:50 split 3rd row

16” Steel rims

Standard safety features include:

Dual airbags

Pretensioner seatbelts

All wheel disc brakes

ABS with EBD

Corner stability control

ESP with traction control

Hill hold control

Roll over mitigation

Hydraulic brake assist

Electronic brake prefill

Brake disc wiping

Engine drag torque control

ISOFIX child seat mounts

Reverse sensors

Engine immobilizer

Perimetric alarm

XM:

Front fog lamps

Rear wiper/washer and defogger

Electrically adjustable ORVMs

Driver seat height adjust

7” touchscreen system

Reverse assist display

6 speakers from Harman

Steering mounted audio controls

Rear armrest

Remote central locking

Multi drive modes : City, Eco and Sport

XT:

18” single tone alloys

Soft touch dash top

Dual tone interior

Reverse camera

Android Auto & Apple carplay

IRA connect features

What 3 words

Smart key access

Push button start

Power folding ORVMs

Cruise control

Auto climate control

Auto Headlamps & wipers

Mood lighting

Auto dimming IRVM

Tyre pressure monitoring system

XT+:

Panoramic sunroof

XZ:

Dual tone machined 18” alloys

Xenon projector headlamps

Oyster white Leather upholstery

Leather wrap steering and gear lever

7” semi digital instrument cluster

8.8” touchscreen system

9 speakers from JBL with subwoofer

6 way Powered driver seat

Driver lumbar adjust

Terrain response modes (Wet and rough modes)

Additional safety features include:

6 Airbags

Hill descent control

XZ+:

Panoramic sunroof

Powertrain:

       The Safari, just like the Harrier will be available with a diesel engine mated to a 6 speed manual transmission as standard. A 6 speed torque converter automatic transmission will be available only on the XMA, XZA and XZA+ variants. 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. Bookings for the new Safari will commence from the 4th of February onwards and when launched, 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 on the pricing.

Honda has revealed the new 2022 Honda Civic in prototype form, ahead of the official debut in 2021. The new Civic was unveiled on video game streaming site Twitch to establish a connect with a younger audience, which it believes is the target customer for the Civic. This 11th generation Honda Civic has completely transformed inside and out.

Exterior

The new Civic adapts Honda’s latest design language we have previewed on the Amaze and the new City. Honda has stuck with the wide and low stance the world has come to associate with the Civic, but instead

The new model gets deep-set LED headlights with angular LED daytime running lights flanking the slim grille. The front bumper is dominated by a large radiator grille, flanked by C-shaped black accents for the air intakes.

On the sides, there’s a strong shoulder line that runs from the front fender all the way to the tail-lights, and the window line features a kink on the D-pillar similar to the latest generation Accord sold overseas. This prototype gets 19-inch black alloys with 235-section Pirelli Pilot Super Sport tyres as well.

Similar to the front, the rear too is much simpler. The new car recieves a subtle boot lip spoiler, wraparound LED tail-lights and gloss black surrounds for the exhaust tips.

The new Honda Civic is expected to remain similar in size to the current-gen Civic but have a slightly longer wheelbase. The new Civic is based on an upgraded version of the current Civic’s platform, which is now more rigid to improve driving dynamics, as well as to enhance occupant and pedestrian collision protection.

Interior

The new Civic adopts a cleaner, simpler and mature design language on the inside too, and carries forward some elements from the new City. A freestanding 9.0-inch touchscreen takes the pride of place on the rather minimalistic dashboard. The new Civic will also come with a full-digital instrument cluster. Another highlight will be a honeycomb mesh finish that wraps across the width of the dash and subtly incorporates the AC vents. The centre console appears free of buttons, and only houses three dials for the climate control system.

The new Civic will also feature an electronic parking brake switch, just beside the transmission selector.

The new Civic will also get a host of active and passive safety features, new airbag designs and driver assistance systems, atleast for foreign markets. Though engine and transmission details have not been revealed yet, we are expecting more exciting options with the new Civic as compared to the current generation model.

Launch and pricing

The new Honda Civic will first be showcased in its final production form by early 2021 in the USA, while a market launch is set to take place closer to the middle of 2021. However, going by the dull sales of the current generation model in India, the 11th generation model is not expected to arrive in India before the second half of 2022. When launched, the new Honda Civic will face competition from the new-generation Hyundai Elantra and the new Skoda Octavia.