However, the case is different for Volkswagen’s Polo GT TSI. It is fast like a hot hatch should be, it has an automatic transmission, it is comfortable and it is also very expensive for a hatchback. Yet, people have surprisingly opted it over many other options as it isn’t a rare sight to spot one on the road.

The older model of the Polo GT TSI had a 1.2 litre inline 4 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produced 105 bhp and 175 NM of torque, mated to its popular quick shifting 7- Speed Dual Clutch transmission. However, the BS6 version of

Only time will tell whether the absence of the DSG gearbox has made a significant difference to the GT TSI’s charm. However, the 1.0 engine could fetch more mileage than ARAI’s claimed 17.21 kmpl figure of the BS4 GT TSI.       

The BS6 Polo GT TSI is priced at Rs. 9.60 Lakhs (Ex- showroom) which is around 1.6 Lakhs more than that Standard variant of the VW Polo and around Rs. 50000 more than the Polo Highline Plus automatic.

The new avatar however is better as the VW Polo GT TSI gets a larger rear spoiler, a blackened roof, Black side mirrors and GT badges at the front and rear. But is the GT variant that much better than the Highline Plus variant? And is the new GT TSI all that better with the new engine and gearbox? We’ll surely let you know once we get our hands on one!

Ford is expected to bring in a limited number of its extreme Ranger Raptor pick-up to India. The Ranger is essentially a pickup version of the Ford Endeavour SUV. However, the Raptor is a specifically engineered high performance version of the regular Ranger, providing extreme capability of high speed over rough terrain.

The Ford Ranger Raptor with its combination of off-road skills, load-carrying capacity and unique Baja race-truck-like ability to monster bad roads at speed, certainly an enthusiastic-only kind of vehicle. With such unique performance oriented vehicles, Ford is keen on showcasing it’s unique engineering prowess and identity.

 The ladder frame chassis of the Ranger Raptor has been seriously strengthened to take the extra beating, the front suspension towers have been beefed up to take the extra load and at the rear, the load bearing leaf springs have been replaced by an Endeavour-like Watt’s linkage to provide greater directional stability. The Ranger Raptor also gets purpose-built 2.5 inch (diameter) off-road racing coil overs from race truck specialist, Fox. As a result, the Ranger gets 30 percent more wheel travel, and the ability to fly over rough roads at speed that would shake other SUVs to bits.  

The Ranger Raptor boasts of 283mm ground clearance. It gets 800mm of water-wading depth, and the massive 285mm tyres offer huge traction. While the engine is similar to the one that powers the Endeavour, the Raptor gets twin turbos, boosting the power to 213hp and the torque to 500Nm. The transmission though will remain the same 10-speed automatic gearbox seen on the Endeavour. The four-wheel-drive system will have six modes, including grass, gravel, snow and rock climbing modes. The truck will also have a Baja mode, which reduces chassis interventions for maximum attack over rough terrain. 

The Ranger Raptor features chunky bodywork extensions to match the wider track, the famous black Raptor grill and massive bash plates. The Raptor, just like the Endeavour will come as standard with ESP, rollover mitigation, Hydraulic brake assist, Hill Launch Assist and Hill descent control. 

The Ranger Raptor will be imported by Ford under the 2,500-unit homologation-free route. The Ranger Raptor is likely to be launched in the country by the second-half of 2021. However, this extreme pickup truck will be priced around or above Rs.70L. If you are a serious off road enthusiast and have a load of cash, then the Ranger Raptor is a good reason to get excited for you.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Source

Mercedes-Benz India has finally launched the EQC400 in the Indian market in keeping with the trend of electric SUVs. The EQC400 has been launched with introductory prices starting from Rs 99.30 lakh ex-showroom. 

Powertrain

The EQC400 is powered by an 80 kWh battery pack stored under the floor. The motor is capable of producing maximum power output of over 408bhp and max torque of 765Nm. The electric SUV will do a 0-100kmph sprint in just 5.1 seconds. Top speed will be limited to 180 km/h whereas the EQC400 is claimed to have a full range of 400km on a single charge.

The Mercedes-Benz EQC400 is based on the GLE platform and is powered by twin electric motors. Mercedes-EQ is a different brand altogether and select Mercedes-Benz India dealerships will have a separated EQ space along with designated staff and workers of the EQ brand. Mercedes is also said to have taken care of the charging infrastructure and network as well. Mercedes-EQ India100es in India. 

Exterior

In terms of exterior design, the EQC400 features a unique grille and futuristic headlamps, complemented by an LED bar, a few blue accents, and tail-lamps joined by an LED bar. This would look nothing like the other Mercedes SUVs in India.

Interior

On the inside, it features the typical new-age Mercedes layout, with dual-screen infotainment and instrumentation display. Other details like the bronze inserts in the air-con vents and unique seat design sets it apart. The electric SUV features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected tech, a massive sunroof, seven airbags and Attention Assist, amongst other convenience features.

Mercedes-Benz India will also offer 8 year/1.6 lakh kilometres warranty with the EQC400.

Price

Being an EV, buyers will get a lot of deductions and benefits with Mercedes claiming the on-road price of the EQC400 same as the ex-showroom price. However, the 99.30 lakh price is only for first 50 buyers and is likely to be increased later on.