The new Ford EcoSport Active variant launched in Europe. The Active trim will be more popular on models such as Fiesta Active, Focus Active, KA+ Active. Now EcoSport joins the Active family and it will help to fresh-up the aging compact sport utility vehicle. 

The new Active model features get more ground clearance, additional body cladding as well as some unique styling changes inside and out. These changes will give the compact crossover better rough road capability while also improving the aesthetic appeal. The Active version also includes a new design ( for Europe) 17” alloy wheels.

The Ecosport Active will come

with Active badging, tinted windows, contrast black roof, and black plastic fender flares. Apart from exterior changes, the interior could also feature special branded seats, scuff plates. The upscale interior offers superior occupant experience with the 8inch Floating touchscreen infotainment system. 

The New Ecosport Active variant gets powerful, fuel-efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol and 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engines, EcoSport is also available as sporty ST-Line and stylish Titanium variants. Advanced technologies include SYNC 3 connectivity, Pre-Collision Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and AWD system as an option as well.

Ford will also offer “convenient equipment packs” which group the most commonly selected options together. This reduces complexity and promises to give customers better value for money.

The new Ecosport Active trim will cost you  $21,645 in the UK. 

 

Stay tuned for further updates and please follow us on WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Hello everyone! Y'all may have seen the videos on my 2017 Nano GenX XT. “He” has been a gem of a companion for all of my trips and travels. Fuel costs have been just around? 1600 per month. Mind you he has run more than 33,000kms now without any squeaks or rattles.

Here's my initial 21,000km review of my stock Gen X Nano from 2019:

After running purely in stock condition for 3 years, in 2020 I decided to get my Nano modified to my unique taste. The lockdown meant that I had a

lot of free time too. Here's a detailed summary of my Nano’s transformation. 

Buckle up for the journey folks!

I have always been fascinated by the Megapixel concept by Tata motors. Tata was planning an improved “Pelican” (1000cc engine) version of the Nano based on this concept. The GenX was a preview of this model and sported a lot of design elements seen on this concept. So I started to plan on my modifications phase by phase.

First, I bought a red Nano scale model and worked on the body decals. I previously had tried doing Photoshop renderings which looked rather good and made me seriously think of implementing this project. Since the Gen X design was already 70% based on the Megapixel concept, I decided to complete the look.

          

Phase 1:

• 90/100 Osram headlamp bulbs

• VW type trumpet horn (Hella)

• White LED cabin light

• Seat covers with improved driver seat comfort

• Interior ambient red lighting.

I thought I’d start with the essentials first. After some research, I got to know about the Nano zone, a rather small car modification shop near Lakshmi Mills in Coimbatore. So after enquiring details, I first got the horn and headlamps done. He suggested Osram 90/100 H4 bulbs and Hella trumpet (VW type) horn. Both were fitted with separate relays and the work was done by his boys up to good perfection. So after a few days, I left the car with him for 2 days to get the seat covers and ambient lighting done. I had thought of a custom design for the seat cover keeping in mind the interior theme colors and asked him to get it done. As the driver seat was not providing enough support for my long thighs, I thought of extending the seat base as well. He said it can be easily done, and yes indeed! Everything was done to superb perfection and the workmanship was great. Some extra foam had to be designed to extend the base, that’s all. All this was done for just around? 8750. Till date, the seat is very comfortable and can keep me fatigue-free on any long drive. Satisfied with the work, I started planning the next major works.

I have detailed the first phase of modifications in my Nano’s second 30,000km update review on our Youtube channel.

Phase 2:

           As I was already planning for the Megapixel mods since the start of this year, I came across a few Nano images in Sri Lanka, which was running on 13” alloys from the Renault Kwid. So I too decided to get it done. However since I didn’t have the budget for alloys, I was trying to source some used Steel rims of the Kwid. Sadly, no luck. I tried asking the service centers but they too didn’t have 5 rims. At that time in February, a good friend helped me out in sourcing 5 Steel rims in Chennai.

         In the month of June, I had ordered a rear fog lamp assembly unit for my Nano from Boodmo. All GenX Nanos have this empty slot on the rear bumper which would perfectly fit the OEM rear fog lamp offered on the Zest, Nexon, Altroz, and even the original Nano LX. Did it cost me just around? 500 was a perfect fit in that slot. I asked the Nano Zone guys to make it work in tandem with the brake lights. Till date, it works perfectly.

Upgrading wheels:

           The wheels were received on 22nd June by paying a transport charge of? 500. Meanwhile, I had enquired about the cheap and best tire brands for 13-inch wheels, shortlisting CEAT, and Firestone. Did Firestone seem the cheapest? 2600 per tire whereas a CEAT would cost? 2750. After considering the fact that Firestone indeed was owned by Bridgestone and is the OEM tire offered on the Jeep compass, I decided to go ahead with it. However, after a couple of days when I went to get the new wheels fitted, Firestone was out of stock. I had to go ahead with CEAT, with a bargain of? 2700 per tire.

           The larger wheels and 155/65 R13 tires were a perfect fit on the hubs. However, I had to remove the front mud flaps as they were rubbing on the tires every time I turned the wheel. Since there were only 4 tires in stock, I had to return a couple of days later for the spare tire. Every Nano owner, including the Nano Zone shop owner, warned me that the 13” tire wound never fit in the small bonnet of the Nano. However, it was an easy cakewalk. The new spare tire was fitted to the new wheel and in no time was inside the bonnet of the Nano. The old tires were almost worn out and were given as exchange for? 700 only.

Fitting these larger wheels drastically improved the feel of the Nano. Here are the observations after a few days running:

• Road noise is non-existent

• Ground clearance increased by 15mm approx

• Grip is excellent

• Braking feels improved, although needs slightly more effort.

• Ride quality significantly improved

• Feels confident at higher speeds

On the flip side, there were a few down points:

• Increased body roll

• Front mud flaps can’t be fitted

• Fuel economy reduced by approx 0.2kmpl

• Speedo error of -3kmph

Overall, I was happy with the modification and so was my mother. I sold and couriered the stock 12” rims and wheel covers to another Nano owner in Bangalore for? 3550 including shipping. (The courier service idea was a mistake as the transport charge itself was 70% of the total cost of the wheels) The next thing the Nano needed was good looking wheel covers. However, I wasn’t able to find the right design suitable for my future modifications.

        I asked the Nano Zone owner to help get the right design. One of the available designs from PRIGAN seemed to impress me. Though it was a plain design, it seemed ideal for the re-design I had in mind. So I started working on a custom design based on the plain one. 

 

This was the custom redesign I had rendered.

Since repainting was not a good idea on the plastic surface as suggested by the Nano Zone owner, I asked him to do it using stickers. Gloss black and red reflectors were used to create this design and after a couple of days, on the 1st of July I got them ready my Nano was ready to cruise.

These custom wheel covers cost me? 1000. Impressive?

I also got the Probus mobile holder for Rs.650 from Amazon and did some DIY to get that stuck on the steering column panel. It doesn’t hamper road visibility and also works like a jugaad version of the Digital cluster navigation screens seen on premium cars.

Phase 3:

      I was planning on a few exterior modifications:

• LED DRLs with 3 way switch

• Black roof and door sills

• Megapixel front makeover

• Dashboard leather wrap

• Flip key

I don’t prefer overtly flashy modifications, however, I wanted to have unique looking LEDs.

With black roofs being the trend, I wanted to get that done as well along with black on the running board door sills. 

I was never a big fan of the thin French mustache of the stock Gen X, so decided to give it a larger, grille-like cohesive look as seen on the Megapixel concept.

A Nano club member had wrapped the gloveboxes in tan leather. I loved the idea and wanted to get something done on my Nano, but in line with the interior color theme. I decided to get red and black again.

I still had the stock key with the separate central locking buttons dangling on the rings. I wanted the keys to match the modifications carried out. So decided to get flip keys similar to other Tata cars.

         On 10th August I decided to get the LEDs done. Initially, I had planned the LEDs in the lines of the Nano Europa concept, but that seemed too simple. So after a lot of head-scratching, based on the suggestion of Mr. Nano Zone, I finalized this Feline-eye design. Nano Zone has some good quality options of flexible LED DRLs and the Cyan Blue seemed very cool and unique to me. So finalized on that.

I wanted these LEDs and the ambient red lighting to be connected to a 3-way switch:

1. The first point will keep them always ON irrespective of locking the car.

2. The second point is the total OFF position.

3. The third point is connected to the Nano’s central locking and doors and they work like follow me lights. Unlocking the car/opening the door turns them on and locking the car/starting the engine turns them off. Since they are connected to the interior cabin lamp, they too have a theatre dimming function which looks absolutely cool! I loved it!

The work quality and fitment were genuine and the end result was simply WOW! No matter where we go, they make a statement and turn heads. Here are some glimpses:

     The next thing in line was the black detailing. I left the car with them the whole day of 13th August and took delivery in the evening. The work was again impressive and the Nano started to look more mature and sporty.

     The gloveboxes and the speakers had to be removed from the dashboard to get the wrapping done.  So had to drive without music and storage boxes for 2 days. On the final day when the boxes were ready, I decided to get the flip keys done. Left the car with them on the 20th morning and got the keys done by evening. Since the gloveboxes needed a bit more time, I got them fitted the next day afternoon. Though there is a bit of misalignment with the stitching line of the wrap and the gloveboxes take a bit more effort than before to open and close, the overall look is very premium and modern. Additionally, I also got noodle mats for the floor.

All this cost me a total? 7700 which is quite an impressive bargain.

After getting all these done, I made a teaser video of my Nano Megapixel edition for our channel and followers 

By the second week of September, I decided to finish the mods and left my Nano at Nano Zone. I had to be with them to direct them with the cutting and shaping since it was not an easy design, to begin with. The badges on the boot were removed and the work was started. The front and rear grille lights too were to be done. After 2 days of work with black and silver stickers, the Megapixel edition was ready. The Nano Zone guys were kind enough to do a full-body wash before polishing and handing over the key to me.

Here's the “angry Bulbasaur” face at night:

All these mods cost me? 36,250 starting with the headlamps, horn, and completing with the body stickering.

Here is the detailed video on my “Tata Nano Megapixel edition”. I have covered all accessory details and drive feedback with the new 13” wheels:

As of now, I have also fit a center armrest for the front seats with a storage box. Due to the unusual size of my Nano's seats, the armrest had to be custom designed in order to fit perfectly. It is a removable unit and works perfectly well. Long drives will be even more relaxing than before!

As of today, my Nano has run around 33,700km and still going strong. Regarding service and repairs, I have spent just around? 6800 till date and hope the maintenance costs stay that way for years to come.

I am loving my Nano and living the Nano life, the Megapixel way!

While there weren’t any significant players that could knock it off, the tech savvy world is difficult to keep up with. Not too difficult for new cars as they come up with updated tech. So naturally, it is important to keep up with fight competition and Hyundai has done just that. Launched in March this year, the new Creta not only looks different but also comes with updated tech, new features, new engines and much more!

Exterior:
Starting from the front, the new Creta gets new LED DRL’s, new triple beam headlamps and a typical new- gen huge front grill. The side profile looks beefier

but the 17- inch diamond cut profile wheels gives a sort of a geeky vibe. The LED striped tail lamps at the rear and a twin ‘tip’ exhaust give it a very different look, obviously. We personally think the looks of the Creta 2020 are a bit average. While it has a muscular feel to it, there are elements that make it seem low key and toned down. A combination that is quite difficult to make it a success.

 

Interior:
The inside of the new 2020 Creta is more interesting. The top of the line variant gets a mix of while and black while the Turbo GDI variant gets all Black interior with red highlights. A refreshed dashboard, 10.25 inch infotainment touchscreen system, a 7 inch instrument panel, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, air purifier, a TPMS system, a cooled glove box, LED reading lamps, a BOSE audio system, raise- able sun blinds, a new steering wheel takes this car to a whole new level in this segment in terms of the ambience it offers.
 

2020 Hyundai Creta Price and variants:

The variants of the Creta 2020 are well spread out. Starting from the E variant, EX, S SX, and SX(O) at the top, prices begin from 9.99 Lakhs Ex- showroom and go upto 17.20 Lakhs. While it does seem like a competitive price especially in the mid variants, the top variants go a tad higher. The car comes in many colors though- 10 of them!

 

Engine and power:

The 2020 Hyundai Creta comes with three BS6 engine options- a 1.4-litre Kappa Turbo-GDi petrol engine that produces 140PS and 242Nm of torque. In typical Hyundai style, it is mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The second petrol engine option is a 1.5-litre MPi motor that produces 115PS and 144Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed manual transmission unit or a CVT gearbox. The third option is a 1.5-litre U2 diesel engine that produces 115PS and 250Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter unit.

 

While Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier and MG Hector have been making the competition in this segment pretty melodious. The 2020 Creta with its features and price has been making the right kind of noises.