The Nissan Magnite officially unveiled.This new compact SUV is going to be the Make-it or Break-it product for Nissan India. 

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 seem to receive a dual-tone roof, blacked-out pillars and silver roof rails. At the back, the Magnite sports sharp looking LED 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 expected to be close to the concept with a large, centrally mounted 8” touchscreen and layered dashboard with an octagonal theme. Other expected features include:

• 4 airbags

• ABS with EBD

• Rear AC vents

• Rear 60:40 Split Seat

• Push button start

• 7 inch Digital instrument cluster

• Auto climate control

• Auto headlamps

• Auto wipers

• 360 degree camera

• Connected car tech

• Front and Rear seat armrests

• Auto folding ORVMs

• LED Projector Headlights 

• L-shaped LED DRLs

• 16-inch alloys

• Functional roof rails

• 336-litre boot space

• 205 mm ground clearance

• 8-inch Touchscreen infotainment Apple Carplay Android Auto

• 6 Speakers 

Powertrain

The Nissan Magnite is expected to 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 95PS Power through either a 5 speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox.

Pricing and launch:

The new Nissan Magnite will be launched by early 2021.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.

Morris Garages India has silently been developing a facelift version of their best selling Hector 5 seat Crossover SUV and now this facelift version has started to arrive at showrooms a few weeks ahead of its expected launch. Here's a quick summary on what to expect on the updated Hector.

The 2021 MG Hector gets cosmetic and feature upgrades to the exterior and interior.

Exterior updates:

• New front grille with Chrome studs (similar to Mercedes Benz cars)

• Glossy black strip connecting the tail lamps, replacing the red reflector.

• 18” dual tone alloy
  

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Apart from these updates, the 2021 Hector will look largely the same as the current model and will carry forward the same features including LED headlamps, DRLs and tail lamps, Roof rails, Panoramic sunroof and surround body cladding.

Interior and feature updates:

• Dual tone, beige and black interior theme

• Ventilated front seats

• Wireless charging

• Proximity auto door locks

While the design layout and quality will remain exactly the same, the 2021 Hector will get a dual tone colour theme while also offering some new features to have an edge over the Seltos and Creta. It will also receive Proximity sensing auto door locks which can automatically lock or unlock the car by sensing the distance of the key fob, without the need to press the request button on the door handles.

Other features including the large portrait-style touchscreen system, 100+ voice commands, ambient mood lighting, digital instrument cluster, powered seats, leather upholstery are expected to remain the same on the top spec variants.

The Hector will continue to offer class leading 625L of boot space, while also offering smart powered tailgate.

Powertrain:

The current range of engine will be carried forward to the facelift Hector as well:

• 1.5L turbo petrol non hybrid producing 145PS through 6 speed manual or DCT

• 1.5L turbo petrol with 48V mild hybrid producing 145PS through 6 speed manual

• 2.0L Fiat-sourced turbo diesel producing 170PS through a 6 speed manual.

Launch and price:

The new MG Hector facelift is expected to be launched officially before mid-January and the top spec Sharp Variant is expected to be priced around ?30,000 higher than the current Sharp trim level.

       Just as before, the new Hector will compete against the Tata Harrier, Jeep Compass. Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Tata Motors is getting ready for the launch of its new Sub compact crossover SUV, now named the PUNCH. Teaser images and videos have been released by the manufacturer, revealing just the front fascia. However, here are the complete details on the new micro crossover that we have figured out through spy images and videos.

Here are the details on the new Altroz turbo petrol:

The first crossover SUV based on the ALFA arc platform of the Altroz, with Harrier inspired styling.

Will be available with a 1.2L Revotron 3 cyl petrol engine similar to the Tata Tiago

and Altroz.

Will also include Engine auto Start/Stop system on specific variants.

Top spec variant will offer Projector headlamps, TFT instrument cluster, Cruise control, touchscreen system among other features.

DESIGN The Tata Punch is essentially the production spec version of the HBX concept showcased at the 2020 Delhi Auto expo. Except for the more traditional looking front bumper which houses the fog lamps, the overall design remains almost identical. The projector headlamps are located lower in the bumper with the LED strips on top, quite similar to the Harrier. The wheel arches are muscular while also featuring black cladding all around. Unlike the Nexon and Harrier, the cabin is more upright, lending a more tall-boy crossover look. Being based on the Altroz platform, the rear door handles are integrated into the C pillar design along with the 90 degree opening doors, similar to the Altroz.

The rear design is more traditional, with a simple chiseled tailgate and raked rear glass. The rear bumper houses the Registration plate, being flanked by big reflectors. Unlike the off road spec tyres on the concept, the Punch will get 16” dual tone alloys on the top spec variants. All except the base model is expected to get roof rails also. Similar to the Altroz, only the higher variants will get rear wiper with washer and defogger.

DIMENSIONS The Tata Punch will slot below the Altroz in both, dimensions and positioning. The HBX concept was 3840mm in length, 1822mm in width and 1635mm in height. While the width and height of the production version may differ slightly, the Punch will be longer than the Tiago while being taller than the Nexon. It is also expected to be similar in width to the NEXON.

INTERIOR The overall design and layout of the interior will be almost identical to the HBX concept. Similar to the Altroz, the Punch will offer a dual tone theme, with a centrally mounted freestanding 7” Touchscreen on top. The lower variants will also get the Harman monochrome audio system carried over from the lower variants of the Nexon and Altroz. On the top most Variant, the Punch will also offer the semi digital TFT instrument cluster setup similar to the Altroz XZ+.

Other features will include Cruise control, Auto headlamps and wipers, Smart key access with push button start, Engine auto start/Stop system, Auto climate control, Power windows and Auto folding ORVMs. The 7” touchscreen will offer 6 Harman speakers, standard Android auto / Apple carplay connectivity, What3words based navigation, IRA connected car features and Voice command controls for Media, FM, Auto AC and Calls.

While a front Armrest will not be offered, the rear seats will get a center armrest along with adjustable headrests only on the higher variants.

PRACTICALITY  Being almost as wide as the Nexon, the Punch will have a flatter rear bench, making it more comfortable for 3 abreast seating. Similar to the Altroz, the Punch will have a plethora of storage options including bottle and umbrella holders on the doors, a large cooled glovebox and cubbyholes in the center Console. The Boot space is expected to be at around 300L, which is better than the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100.

POWERTRAIN  The Tata Punch will continue with the same 1.2L 3cyl Revotron petrol engine from the Altroz. This engine produces 86PS of max Power and 113NM of peak torque with the option of a 5 speed manual gearbox or an AMT. The Tata Punch is also likely to offer an Economy drive mode for better efficiency. The higher variants will also offer Auto Engine Start/Stop feature.

It is likely that the iTurbo petrol or the Revotorq Turbo diesel could also be offered on the Tata Punch.

POSITIONING Being a feature loaded sub compact crossover SUV with the mentioned dimensions and powertrain options, the Tata Punch can compete with various cars across categories. The Lower specced variants could target the Renault Kwid and Maruti Suzuki Spresso. The mid level variants could aim for the 1.2L petrol versions of the WagonR, Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100. The most feature loaded top variant could rival the 1.0L non turbo variants of the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite; along with the 1.2L non turbo variants of the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet.

PRICING & LAUNCH 

       The Tata Punch sub compact SUV is expected to be launched in the month of October. Pricing is expected to start from Rs.4.99L for the base variant and go up to Rs.7L for the XZ variant. (All prices ex showroom) Stay tuned for further updates on the Tata Punch sub compact SUV.