The popular performance version of the Octavia- the RS has a new version- the RS 245 and straight away, it has some striking numbers. Starting with the price- at 35.99 Lakhs, the introductory price tag is quite brave to be honest. But again, only 200 units of this car will be available in India so yes, it does have that special touch to it.

Talking of more numbers- the RS 245 is equipped with the 2.0 Litre TSI petrol unit that churns out 245 PS and 370 NM of torque. Connected to a 7 Speed automatic Dual Clutch Gearbox compared to

the earlier version that had a 6- speed unit, the RS 245 is expected to leave behind its predecessor in terms of acceleration as it now crossed 100 Kmph in 6.6 seconds. Power is also 15 PS more compared to the older model. Skoda claims that the top speed of the Rs 245 is limited to 250 kmph. We told you, these are some really striking numbers.

While the performance has changed, the exterior remains the same mostly. A sports butterfly grille, gloss black touches, projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED tail lights, sporty tailpipes, the sport vRS badging, 18- inch glossy Black Dual Tone alloy wheels make this car very appealing to look at. We the like the way it looks like a normal sedan but has some prominent highlights to it that don’t scream performance but when you need it, it is all at your disposal. So much, that it will surprise many!

The interior does look like a normal Skoda Octavia apart from some exception like RS seats with perforated leather and red stitching, 3- spoke flat bottom steering wheel with paddle shift. LED ambient lighting, an 8 –inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, digital instrument panel, dual-zone Climatronic air conditioning suggest that comfort and convenience is in no way compromised for the sake of performance. Some optional features include Black Alcantara sport seats and a 12- way electrically adjustable driver and passenger seats.

The Skoda Octavia RS 245 also comes with loads of safety tech like ABS, ESC, Mechanical brake assist (MBA), multi- collision brake (MCB), adaptive front- light system (AFS), Anti- slip regulation (ASR) and Electronic differential lock (ESR). So, this car then does add a lot to the confidence.

Available in five colours like Race Blue, Magic Black, Rallye Green, Corrida Red, and Candy White. The Skoda Octavia RS 245 is a highly desirable performance car for enthusiasts who want to drive tastefully.

Suzuki’s popular Swift has been around for many years. After all, the Japanese manufacturer has been giving it all the important touches and updates over time, making it seem fresh and ageless.

After its latest update in 2016, the Suzuki Swift has now been launched in Japan with many changes and we could expect to see this in India towards the last quarter of 2020. Not only are the updates just cosmetic, we expect to see some changes related to engine and performance too!

Expected Features: The new Swift won’t have too many significant changes in terms of looks. Small changes like

a new grille and a redesigned front bumper could make it look like it got a much needed change but the overall look remains the same. Images also suggest a new look in terms of skirts and new alloy wheels. Auto folding ORVMs, cruise control feature, a new 4.2 inch MID colour display and new upholstery to refresh the feel inside could be a part of the new Facelifted Swift.  However, not much could be said about additions in terms of safety features as they remain the same. Electronic Stability Control and hill hold assist could new additions to the AMT variants.

 

Price:
The new facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift is expected to cost Rs. 20,000 more than the outgoing model. So prices could start at around 5.5 Lakhs and go all the way upto Rs. 8.20 Lakhs (Ex- Showroom Delhi).

 

Engine and Performance: The new Facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift 2021 could be launched with a 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine as seen on the facelifted Maruti Suzuki Dzire. The new engine produces 90PS power, 7PS more than the current Swift’s petrol engine while the torque remains unchanged at 113NM. We do think that’s a good step taken towards offering more power.

In terms of fuel efficiency, we expect the new Swift to fetch similar mileage figures as the existing Maruti Suzuki Swift. Howver, the engine in question comes with an idle start-stop feature which could help improve overall fuel efficiency. Speaking of the transmission, Maruti will continue to offer the facelifted Swift the 5 speed manual and AMT gearbox. Keeping in mind the BS6 norms, there would be no diesel engine on offer in the facelifted Swift.

 

So, would the new Facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift make you want to buy it? Or, would you consider any of the other hatchbacks in the market like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Ford Figo, Ford Freestyle, Hyundai i20 and the Volkswagen Polo?

 

The Nissan Magnite was launched on the 2nd of December and is expected to challenge rival sub-compact SUVs with Pricing, features and space as it's Trump cards. In just 5 days, the newest compact SUV has received 5,000 bookings, apart from over 50,000 enquiries. This is no mean feat given the meagre number of dealerships in India. 

The Nissan Magnite was launched with an introductory starting price of Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the entry-level variant. However, 60% of the bookings are for the top XV and XV premium variants.

This introductory pricing though is valid till December 31 only, after which

the entry-level XE variant will be priced at Rs 5.59 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Magnite offers a whole lot of features and creature comforts; with all Variants excluding the entry-level XE being available with two engine options including a turbo engine and a CVT transmission option. The top-of-the-line XV Premium is loaded with features such as 360-degree monitor, Digital instrument cluster, rear AC vents, 16” alloys, all-LED lamps, etc. The XV premium is also available with a Dual Tone roof option which makes the topmost CVT version available for Rs 9.59 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Magnite offers a spacious cabin with comforts like rear-seat armrest available from the Turbo XL Variant itself. The entry-level XE variant offers quite a list of standard features including all power windows, Rear wiper, washer, defogger, 16” wheels and fabric padding on the doors.

All Variants are available with a 1.0L naturally aspirated 3 cylinder petrol engine which produces 72PS of Max Power through a 5-speed manual gearbox. However, the 100PS turbo petrol engine is available only from the XL Variant onwards. All turbo variants get ESP, traction control, Hill holds assist and Hydraulic brake assist as standard. The turbo variants also can be had with the Xtronic CVT automatic gearbox.

Nissan is also offering a Tech Pack for an additional Rs 38,698 on the XV and XV premium Variants. The Tech Pack includes more features like an air purifier, puddle lamps, ambient light, wireless car charging, premium JBL speakers and LED scuff plates.

NISSAN India is not only targeting the CSUV segment with the Magnite; The non-turbo variants are aimed at the hatchback segment buyers who would want additional space, comfort and SUV appeal. For sure the Magnite will be a great success and will help rebuild the image of the almost forgotten Japanese car market in India. However, Nissan will have to put more effort to expand its sales and post-sales network, which is essentially the key to gain the trust of customers.