Ford India is soon to launch a new updated top spec variant of its best selling Ecosport compact SUV. This new variant will be called the Signature Edition and will get some significant changes on the exterior and interior.

Exterior:

The new Ecosport SE will not be available with the tailgate mounted spare wheel as standard. Just like the globally sold Ecosport, the Indian SE Variant will also let go of the tailgate mounted spare wheel and instead, will have the number plate on the tail gate. The rear bumper also gets a larger skid plate design. The reverse camera will be

According to the Ministry of road transport and highways, it is not necessary for vehicles weighing under 3.5 tonnes and equipped with tubeless tyres with Tyre pressure monitoring system to have spare tyre. Hence, the tailgate mounted spare tire will be available as a paid option on this Signature Edition variant. As standard, this new variant is not likely to receive a spare wheel and instead it will get a puncture repair kit.

At the front though, the Ford Ecosport SE will remain exactly the same without any changes.

Interior:

On the inside, this new Ford Ecosport Signature Edition will get some new features and significant updates. This new Variant will get Tyre pressure monitoring system integrated into the brand new 12.3” touchscreen system expected to be launched exclusively on this variant. This new super-large touchscreen will also get Android auto and Apple carplay compatibility along with the existing Ford Pass connected car features. The centre console too will be significantly different on this updated top spec variant.

All the other features including Auto headlamps and wipers, Cruise control, Electric sunroof, Auto Climate control and keyless access will be carried forward from the existing variants.

Powertrain:

The Ford Ecosport will continue to retain the very same 1.5L Petrol and Diesel engine options with a 5 speed Manual transmission as standard. At present, only the Titanium plus petrol is available with a 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox. This gearbox is also likely to be available on the new Signature Edition variant as well.

At present the Ford Ecosport ranges from Rs.7.99L to Rs.11.19L (ex showroom) for the petrol range and Rs.8.69L to Rs.11.49L (ex showroom) for the Diesel range.

Stay tuned for further updates on the new Ford Ecosport Signature Edition.

The Kia Carnival premium MPV was launched earlier this year as Kia’s flagship model in India. However, now Kia motors India is developing a new mid size MPV to be positioned below the Toyota Innova Crysta.

This new mid-size family MPV will be based on the Kia Seltos’ platform with better crash protection and extended dimensions. This new MPV will be positioned between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (4,395mm in length) and Toyota Innova Crysta (4,735mm in length), and will directly rival the Mahindra Marazzo (4,585mm in length) in terms of dimensions and positioning. This new MPV is likely to have both

Exterior:

Exterior design is likely to include the front fascia similar to the Seltos, featuring sharp LED headlamps and LED fog lamps. The signature” Tiger-nose grille will also feature the knurled Chrome finish. The proportions are expected to be spot on for this new MPV and is also expected to feature split LED tail lamps. 16 or 17 inch alloy wheels are expected too.

Interior:

The interior of this new MPV will also carry forward a lot of design elements and materials from the Seltos and the Carnival. Similar to the Seltos and the Sonet, a large touchscreen is expected to be the mounted on the dash top, while being connected to a colour instrument cluster.

Features:

In terms of features, the new Kia MPV will be fully-loaded with equipment from the Kia Sonet and Seltos as well. Here are the expected features:

• Leather wrap steering

• TFT colour instrument cluster

• Cruise control

• Auto headlamps

• 10.25” Touchscreen

• UVO connected car tech

• Auto climate control

• Rear AC vents

• Leather upholstery

• Smart key access

• Easy fold rear seats

• Electric sunroof

• Rear seat Sun blinds

• Powered tailgate

• Wireless charger

• 360 degree camera

Engines:

Similar to the Seltos, the new MPV is expected to get a 1.5L petrol and a 1.5L diesel engine. Both engines are likely to produce an identical 115PS of Max Power. While the petrol engine is likely to get a CVT option, the diesel range is also expected to offer a torque converter automatic transmission apart from the standard 6 speed manual.

Safety:

Since the Kia Seltos scored a rather disappointing 3 stars at the Global NCAP crash tests, the new MPV is likely to feature better strengthening and crash protection. Apart from standard safety features such as dual airbags and ABS, the new MPV is expected to include the following:

• 6 airbags on top Variants

•  ESP

• Traction control

• Hill hold control

• All wheel disc brakes

• Smart key access

• UVO connect assist

• 360 degree camera

Launch and pricing:

Since the Maruti Ertiga is available only with a petrol engine for now, and the Mahindra Marazzo gets only a 1.5-litre diesel engine, this might be a good opportunity to cash in on the MPV segment by offering both options with great features at competitive prices.

This new MPV is expected to be launched later in 2021 and will compete against all 7 seat MPVs including the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, the XL6, the Mahindra Marazzo and the Toyota Innova Crysta. The higher Variants may also compete with the new MG Hector plus.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Tata motors is getting ready to launch the new Tata Altroz turbo in the coming months. Ahead of launch, images of the Altroz turbo petrol seemed to have popped on the features and downloads section of the official website. As previewed by the Spy images, the car looks similar to the standard Altroz except for that ‘iturbo’ badge on the rear fascia next to the right side tail lamp. Apart from the new badging there seem to be no changes to the exterior.

The Altroz turbo petrol will be offered with a 1.2-litre turbocharged Revotron 3 cylinder petrol engine that produces

The Turbo petrol option could be available on the XT, XT(o), XZ and XZ(o) variants. These turbo petrol variants will be available with a Sport mode instead of the Economy mode and also include Engine auto Start/Stop system.

The ‘Tectonic Blue’ shade from the Nexon will also be made available on the Altroz. The top spec variants are also expected to receive new features such as 60:40 split folding rear seats as well.

Pricing for the new turbo petrol equipped version is expected to start from Rs.7.99L for the XT variant and go up to Rs.8.75L for the XZ(O) variant. (All prices ex showroom) Stay tuned for further updates on the Tata Altroz turbo version.