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.

India’s safest hatchback, Tata ALTROZ, turns two! Marks the celebration with the addition of ALTROZ XT and XZ+ (diesel) to its #DARK range

Mumbai, February 9, 2021: Keeping the New Forever brand promise, Tata Motors, India’s leading automotive brand, today celebrated the 2nd anniversary of its premium hatchback – The ALTROZ, by extending the #DARK edition to its XT and XZ+ (diesel) trims. Since launch in July 2021, the ALTROZ #DARK has received an overwhelming response and there have been consumer requests to extend to additional trims. This extension is aimed at expanding its customer base and introducing premium styling &

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Rajan Amba, Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Customer Care, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. said, “The ALTROZ has created its own mark in the premium hatchback market with more than 1.2 lakh happy owners. With over 20% market share (YTD) in its segment, it has been very popular amongst customers. The addition of the #DARK to its portfolio last year further enhanced its style quotient. The ALTROZ offers true international standards of safety, design and performance and has played an important role in enhancing our New Forever range. We would like to celebrate the brands 2nd anniversary with our customers with these product extensions, making it more accessible and offering exciting feature updates. With increasing recognition from Indian consumers and earning incremental market share year on year, we are confident that ALTROZ is poised for more success in the future.”

The ALTROZ #DARK XT and XZ+ will carry forward the imposing persona of #DARK through its exterior and interior design. It will come with host of premium features including perforated leatherette seats, rear armrest, #DARK tint Hyper-style wheels, height adjustable driver seat, rear headrest, front adjustable seat belts, leather wrapped steering wheels, leather wrapped gear knob and more. #DARK Mascot on the new XT variant along with the dark theme exterior and interior will further accentuate the bold and premium appeal at the mid variants. Adding to the above, the top-of-the-line XZ+ variant will now be offered with new additional safety features like Brake Sway Control and iTPMS. (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) to make the car more desirable & safe.

Being the first vehicle on the ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) architecture, the ALTROZ has always set #TheGoldStandard and has been appreciated for its design and safety. With its laser cut design, highest safety rating, absolute comfort and thrilling performance it has created a benchmark in its segment. The ALTROZ comes loaded with features and is available in six variants with 1.2L Revotron Petrol, 1.2L i-Turbo Petrol and 1.5L diesel engine options.

Renault has released a teaser of its new compact SUV, currently named the Kiger. This new compact SUV shares the underpinnings and engine options with the upcoming Nissan Magnite compact SUV. Here are some clear details on what to expect:

Variants:

Similar to the Renault Triber, the Kiger too is likely to be available in four variants, namely the RXE, RXL, RXT and RXZ. 

Exterior:

Going by the Spy images, the Kiger is likely to feature a coupe-like profile with modern design elements. The front fascia will feature a large signature Renault

The Kiger will receive prominent body cladding and large squarish wheel arches which will be filled by standard 16” wheels. The higher-spec variants are also likely to receive a dual-tone roof option and silver roof rails. At the back, the Kiger will receive unique looking 3D tail lamps which resemble those on a few European models, a clean tailgate and a dual-tone bumper.

Interior:

The interior is likely to carry forward a few parts from the Triber including the centrally mounted 8” touchscreen, the centre console switches, buttons and the glovebox console too. The steering wheel is likely to be a brand new unit along with the digital instrument cluster.

Features expected on the top-spec variants include:

• LED headlamps and tail lamps

• LED fog lamps

• Rear wiper/washer

• Rear defogger

• Roof rails

• 16’ alloy wheels

• 8” touchscreen system

• Android Auto/ Apple car play

• Reverse camera

• Auto climate control

• Cruise control

• Digital instrument cluster

• Smart key access

• Push-button start

• Front and rear armrests

• Rear AC vents

• 60:40 split-folding rear seat

Safety features will include:

• 4 Airbags

• ABS with EBD

• Pretensioner seatbelts

• Smart key access

• ESP with traction control

• Hill hold control

Powertrains:

Similar to the Nissan Magnite, the Renault Kiger 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.

Pricing:

The new Renault Kiger will be launched with pricing by January 2021 and is also likely to be priced very aggressively with an 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 Nissan Magnite. When launched, the Kiger 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 Renault Kiger.