The Hyundai Verna is the only toughest rival to the new gen Honda City. The facelifted BS6 Verna petrol has been priced between Rs.9.3L and Rs.13.9L ( ex showroom) till date. However, to make the Verna more affordable, Hyundai India have now added a new base variant to the Verna range. The new entry level E trim is priced at Rs.9,02,900 (ex showroom).

The entry-level E variant is almost similar to the S variant of the Verna in terms of looks and features. However, it misses out on a few features like an infotainment system, front USB charger and sunglass holder.

The

The diesel range still starts from the S plus variant at Rs.10.65L (ex showroom).

The Verna facelift is also offered with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged TGDI petrol unit which makes 118BHP and 172Nm through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder diesel that produces 113BHP and 250Nm through either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission

But what about hatchbacks? Well, they’re still in demand too and we think they still would be in the near future. After all, small, affordable and peppy cars are always good in have in congested cities. Speaking of small cars, the Kia Picanto has made quite a name since its launch a few years ago. Also known as ‘ Kia Morning’ in many countries, the Picanto is available in three engine options, funky colours and a few of the so called attractive features.

Based on the Hyundai i10 platform internationally, the Picanto is quite similar in size to that of the

The front end gets a new chrome ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, LED projector headlamps, a redesigned bumper with a new place for the fog lights and bigger air dams. Overall, we think Kia has tried to make the Picanto look a bit aggressive but the front actually looks like there’s too much happening there all at the same time. A bit cramped of sorts.

The rear and sides too don’t miss out on the 2020 updates. The rear bumper gets a diffuser, taillights are now LED and the alloy wheels get a new design. Yes, we know, it looks like it has fake exhausts. The look at the back is opposite from what’s happening in the front. There’s lots of space the designers could fill stuff in. Or not, perhaps.

Speaking of the interior, most things looked the same as the earlier models except for a few additions that would make it a highly attractive package in India. A large eight- inch touch screen Infotainment System with UVO connectivity suite, automatic AC, push button start- stop, an electric sunroof, ventilated front seats and a semi digital instrument panel with a 4.2 inch multi- information display. As keen drivers, we liked the electric sunroof bit the most.

Speaking of the heart of the matter, the Kia Picanto comes with three engine options- a 1.0 litre three cylinder naturally aspirated engine churning out 75 bhp and 95NM of torque, a four cylinder 1.2 litre engine making around 85 bhp and lastly, a 1.0 litre three cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 99 bhp. That’s a lot of choice for a small car! The three cylinder motors however get only a 5 speed manual gearbox whereas the four cylinder motor gets the option of a 4- speed automatic.

Safety too isn’t compromised. It has what most modern small hatchbacks come with- seven airbags, ABS, EBD, reverse parking assist, and many other features which we may not see in India even if the car is launched soon. The seven airbags option is also a great start in terms of safety for a small car like the Picanto and we do hope to see it if at all the car is launched in India.

Speaking of the Kia Picanto launch in India, Kia has expressed that it isn’t keen on entering the hatchback segment in India yet, especially when it is currently focussing on bringing the compact SUV Kia Sonet into India soon. But with times changing quickly, you may see the Picanto on Indian roads sooner than expected. Or, maybe not so soon. Well, only time will tell in case you’ve been waiting for this hatchback.

The Nissan Magnite production version was revealed a couple weeks ago. This new compact SUV is going to be the Make-it or Break-it product for Nissan India. Now we have got the details of the variants and features split up of the new compact SUV. Here are some clear details on what to expect:

Variants:

The Magnite will be sold in four variants, namely the XE, XL, XV and the XV premium. All variants except for the entry-level XE can be ordered with either the 1.0L non turbo or the turbo petrol engine. Let's take a look at the features on offer:

XE variant:

• 16” wheels

• Dual
  

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• Dual tone bumpers

• Roof rails

• All power windows

• 3.5” LCD display

• Dual airbags

• ABS with EBD

• Reverse sensors

• Central locking

• Pretensioner seatbelts

XL variant:

• Electric ORVMs with auto fold

• Auto climate control

• 6 speaker audio system

• Steering mounted audio controls

XV (High):

• 16” Dual tone alloy wheels

• LED DRLs

• LED fog lamps

• 8” touchscreen

• Wireless Android auto & Apple carplay

• 7” TFT colour instrument cluster

• Voice commands

• Reverse camera

• Smart key access

• Push button start

• 60:40 split folding rear seat

XV (Premium):

• LED bi-projector headlamps

• Cruise control

• 360 degree surround View camera

• Tire pressure monitoring

• All black interior

XV (Premium) optional:

• Dual tone roof

Technology pack

The Nissan Magnite will also be available with an optional Technology Pack on the XV and XV Premium variants. Features on this package include:

• Wireless smartphone charging

• Air purifier

• Ambient mood lighting

• Puddle lamps

• JBL speakers

Exterior

The production-spec Nissan Magnite seems to retain most of the concept’s design elements including the large grille, the Sharp creases and the funky alloy wheels. It has even the same sculpted bonnet and angular headlights. Since the Magnite was originally meant to be launched as a Datsun, the grille bears resemblance to the other Datsun models.

The side profile looks muscular with prominent body cladding and large wheel arches which seem to dwarf the 16” wheels. The higher spec variants also receive a dual-tone roof option, blacked-out pillars and silver roof rails. At the back, the Magnite sports sharp looking tail lamps which resemble those on the Triber's, a clean tail gate and a dual tone bumper. The Magnite is also set to be the first model in India to sport the new Nissan logo.

Interior

The interior too is quite close to the concept with a large, centrally mounted 8” touchscreen and layered dashboard with hexagonal AC vents.

Powertrain

The Nissan Magnite will be available with two engine options. The first will be the 1.0L Energy series, 3 cyl Naturally aspirated engine from the Renault Triber, producing 72PS Power through a 5 speed manual gearbox. The second powertrain will be a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit producing around 100PS through either a 5 speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox.

The XE variant will be available only with the 1.0L naturally aspirated engine.

Pricing and launch:

The new Nissan Magnite will be launched with pricing by early December 2020. The Magnite is also likely to be priced very aggressively with expected starting price of Rs.5.5L ex showroom for the entry level non turbo variant. The fully loaded top spec variant is expected to be priced equivalent to the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, one of its chief rivals. When launched, the Magnite will go against the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Ford Ecosport, Mahindra XUV300 and the Honda WRV as well. 

Stay tuned for further updates on the Nissan Magnite.