Hyundai is readying a brand new super-compact, micro SUV/crossover based on the Grand i10 Nios platform. Going by the latest spy images from abroad, this new micro SUV, codenamed the Hyundai AX1 is likely to feature quirky and unique styling with headlamps positioned lower on the front bumper and the LED DRLs with turn indicators mounted on top.

 

 

The overall profile is quite upright with a steeply raked windshield and a boxy silhouette. The rear door handles are likely to be positioned on the C-pillars and the new car is expected to feature 16” alloy wheels.

The top-spec variants are expected to feature projector headlamps, touchscreen system, automatic climate control and smart key access with push-button start.

 

The new Hyundai AX1 could be powered either by the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine from the Santro or the 1.2L Kappa petrol from the Grand i10 Nios. The 1.0L turbocharged petrol unit from the Nios/Aura Turbo can also be expected. Transmission options could include a 5 speed Manual as standard with the 1.2L petrol receiving a CVT automatic too.

The Hyundai AX1 is being developed for India along with other South-East Asian markets. In India, the new micro SUV could compete with the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, the upcoming Tata HBX and the Mahindra KUV100.

Renault India has launched their new Kiger compact SUV. The new Kiger is based on the CMF-A+ platform which is also shared with the Nissan Magnite. The Kiger offers two petrol engines with both, manual and automatic gearbox options. This is the first compact SUV from Renault to go on sale.

Exterior:

    The new Renault Kiger features a familiar design language previously seen on the Kwid. It features a coupe-like design with a muscular stance. The grille and headlights have been significantly upgraded compared to the Kwid though. The grille is larger and gets more Chrome treatment, similar to the Triber and

is flanked by LED DRLs which also include the indicators. The actual headlamps are located lower down in the bumper and the top spec variant get Pure Vision LED headlamps. While all variants get 16” wheels as standard, the higher variants get alloy wheels. The rear features C shaped LED tail lamps and a very sculpted tailgate. The higher variants also get silver finished rear skid plate. The sides feature black decals that look like body claddings and even the higher variants don't get Chrome door handles.

Interior:

    The interior of the Kiger gets a traditional, yet stylish layout. The higher Variants get an 8” touchscreen floating at the centre on top of the dash with a high centre console that also includes a large storage compartment under the armrest which can be closed by a Tambour-door sliding lid, as seen on the Tata Nexon. The top Variants get a 7” TFT instrument cluster along with two gloveboxes. The Climate control console, window and mirror controls, starter button, gear lever and the steering wheel are shared with the Nissan Magnite. The door pads are vastly different compared to the Magnite while the glovebox design is identical to the one seen on the Triber.

The Kiger also claims to have segment-besting 405L boot space as standard.

The top spec RXZ Variant will get the following features:

• LED headlights and DRLs

• 16” dual tone alloys

• Functional roof rails

• Rear wiper & washer

• Smart key access

• Push button start

• Power windows (Auto up/down for driver)

• Auto fold ORVMs

• Height adjustable driver seat

• 8” touchscreen system

• Steering mounted audio controls

• Wireless Android auto & Apple carplay

• Reverse camera

• Auto climate control

• Rear AC vents

• Interior ambient lighting

• 7” TFT instrument cluster

• Twin gloveboxes

• Cooled lower glovebox

• Front and rear armrests

• Rear adjustable headrests

• 60:40 split-folding rear seat

The RXZ variant also gets 3 drive modes as standard including Normal, Economy and Sport modes.

Safety features:

      Standard safety features on the Kiger include:

• 2 airbags

• ABS with EBD

• Pretensioner seatbelt for driver

• Engine immobilizer

• Reverse sensors

      The top spec RXZ offers the following safety features:

• 4 Airbags

• Smart key access

• Rear adjustable headrests

• Rear wiper and washer

• Reverse camera

While the Nissan Magnite offered ESP, traction control, hill hold assist and brake assist as standard on all turbocharged Variants, none of the Variants of the Kiger offer those safety features.

Variants:

      The Renault Kiger will be available in 4 Variants:

• RXE

• RXL

• RXT

• RXZ

Powertrains:

       The Kiger will be offered with two petrol engine options. Both 1.0L engines are the same as seen on the Nissan Magnite. The naturally aspirated engine will produce 72PS of Max Power and 96NM of Max torque through a 5 speed Manual gearbox. Unlike the Magnite, the Kiger also offered a 5 speed AMT gearbox with this engine as an option from the RXL Variant onwards.

The turbocharged engine produces 100PS of Max Power and 160NM of Max torque with the manual transmission while the CVT Variants produce 152NM of Max torque. The base RXE Variant is not ava with the turbocharged engine option and only the RXT and RXZ turbo Variants get the option of a CVT.

Launch & price:

        The Renault Kiger is expected to give tough competition to all other compact SUVs while also lasting the success streak of Renault from the launch of the Triber. The Kiger is priced neck-to-neck with the Nissan Magnite, starting from Rs.5.45L (ex-showroom) for the RXE and going up to Rs.9.55L (ex-showroom) for the top spec RXZ Turbo CVT Variant. This pricing makes the RXE Renault Kiger the most affordable compact SUV in the Indian Market today.

Stay tuned for our detailed reviews and updates.

While the Jazz has been popular for being a spacious hatchback, some new updates ensure it stays updated with technology. Of course, a petrol and diesel BS6 engine is also something it receives but it just doesn’t stop there.

From what is expected, the new 2020 Jazz receives updates on the exterior. A fresh look at the front and rear is something which is most likely while the overall profile remains similar. The version displayed at the 2020 Auto Expo displays updates like LED DRL’s, Projector headlamps, new dual tone alloy wheels, LED tail lamps.

The new Jazz at the auto Expo

also displays many changes to the interior. A new Dashboard, a two spoke steering wheel, new touch screen infotainment system, white highlights and an all new centre console, magic rear seats, cruise control, auto headlamps and auto wipers. We aren’t sure if all the updates would land in India but we do expect the Indian version of the 2020 Jazz to come with some updates, if not all.

The debuted version also comes with many safety features such as an electric parking brake, ABS, EBD, SENSING technology which is Honda’s collision mitigation braking using a wide angle camera in the front and eight sonar sensors.

Engine options for the India bound Honda Jazz 2020 could remain the same- the 1.2 Litre i-VTEC that produces 90 PS of power, 110 NM of torque and the 1.5 Litre i-DTEC engine that produces 100 PS, 200 NN of torque would most probably be upgraded to meet BS6 emission norms. The petrol option currently comes with a 5 speed manual and CVT transmission while the diesel option comes mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox only. However, the new Jazz Diesel could receive CVT transmission from the Diesel Honda Amaze.

When launched officially in India, the 2020 Honda Jazz will compete with Toyota Glanza, Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz. While it would feel more premium than the outgoing model, prices are expected to stay between Rs. 5.50 Lakhs and Rs. 9.50 Lakhs (ex- showroom).