The Ford EcoSport in Europe will soon be getting a new Active version with the growing popularity and positive customer feedback of the Active trim on models such as the Fiesta and Focus. Ford has confirmed the unveil of the off-road inspired EcoSport on the 6th of November.

Going by the Active versions of the Fiesta and Focus, this new model will feature an increased ground clearance, additional body cladding as well as some unique styling changes inside and out. These changes will give the compact crossover better rough road capability while also improving the aesthetic appeal.

The teaser image reveals that

the Ecosport Active will come with Active badging and black plastic fender flares. Apart from exterior changes, the interior could also feature special branded seats, scuff plates and unique wheels.

The European Ford Ecosport offers AWD system as an option as well.

Besides announcing the EcoSport Active, Ford of Europe has planned a new “series strategy” that will be introduced later this year. As part of the change, models will be available in three main trim levels including Active, ST-Line and Titanium. Certain models, such as the Fiesta and Focus, will also offer X series and Vignale variants.

Ford will also offer “convenient equipment packs” which group the most commonly selected options together. This reduces complexity and promises to give customers better value for money.

Stay tuned for further updates on the Ford Ecosport Active.

Mercedes Benz has revealed the new 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-class a couple months after the debut of the new-generation S-class. Following S-class tradition, the new Maybach S-class promises to raise the bar for luxury limousines by offering greater interior space and a host of new comfort-oriented features.

Design:

At 5,469mm, the new Maybach S class is a  significant 180mm longer than the long-wheelbase version of the new S-class, which translates to the wheelbase, which is 3,396mm long – 31mm longer than even the outgoing Maybach S-class.

However, Mercedes-Benz has only made small exterior additions to help distinguish the Maybach from lesser S-classes. These changes

include the signature Maybach grille with slim vertical bars and a ‘Maybach’ inscription on top, a central chrome fin on the bonnet, a chrome applique for the lower parts of the front and rear bumpers, 34-spokealloy wheels, larger rear doors, Maybach insignias on the C-pillars and an optional two-tone paintjob with a ‘dividing line’, which can take up to a week to be completed.

Interior:

The Maybach S class retains the minimalistic interior design of the new S-class, while also including the second-gen MBUX infotainment system, a 12.8-inch tablet-style OLED infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument display and up to three screens for rear-seat passengers.

The interior also gets wood finishes for the front seatbacks, with a matching finish applied to the rear-centre console as well. The new Maybach S-class gets individual ‘Executive’ rear seats and a Chauffeur package as standard. The backrest of the Executive seats can be reclined by as much as 43.5 degrees, and the backrest of the front passenger seat can be tilted forward by as much as 23 degrees to free up even more room at the back, allowing the rear-seat passenger to stretch out and relax.

The Maybach also features a massage function integrated into the rear seat calf rests, a neck/shoulder heating function for the rear passengers, adaptive rear lighting, powered rear door opening and closing, an optional rear refrigeration compartment between the Executive seats and active road noise compensation included in the Burmester 4D sound system to produce counter-phased sound waves.

Other features include an active ambient lighting system, which employs 253 LEDs, a head-up display with augmented reality, along with an optional Interior Assist function, which uses cameras to track movements of the car’s occupants and proactively trigger certain functions.

Powertrains:

The new Maybach S-class gets only a 4.0L twin turbo V8 assisted by a 48V ‘EQ Boost’ mild-hybrid system that can provide as much as 20hp in short bursts. This powertrain can produce upto 496hp and 700Nm torque. A 9-speed automatic gearbox is standard, along with all-wheel drive.

The 2021 Maybach S-class also gets a rear-axle steering system, which turns the rear wheels by up to 10 degrees in the opposite direction of the front axle when parking, and by up to 4.5 degrees in the same direction as the front axle at speeds of over 60kph. This provide a tighter turning circle (11.2m) to the new Maybach S class.

Safety:

 The new Maybach S class is equipped with 18 airbags as standard.

Other safety features include the Pre-Safe Impulse side function (part of the E-Active Body Control suspension), which lifts the car up by 80mm when it detects an impending side-on crash. The E-Active Body Control suspension is a part of optional extras.

Like the standard S-class, the new Maybach S-class, too, gets Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities, and by the second half of 2021, will be able to drive entirely on its own on certain stretches with dense traffic upto a max speed of 60kph in Germany. As with all Level 3 autonomous-certified vehicles, the Maybach S-class will require the driver to be alert at all times and ready to take to the controls again, should the situation demand it.

Launch and price:

The new Maybach S-class will be launched in the first half of 2021 initially in China. An Indian launch is likely to happen only by the year 2022, only after the launch of the standard S500. When launched, the new Maybach S-class will be priced at around Rs.2 crore (ex-showroom).

Stay tuned for further updates.

Honda has launched the new WR-V facelift after the delays due to Corona virus pandemic. The updated WR-V is available with a petrol and diesel engine options.

Exterior:

On the outside, the new WR-V gets more aggressive front and rear bumpers with a new grille with horizontal slats, new LED projector headlamps, new LED tail lamps, LED DRLs and roof rails. Additionally, both the petrol and diesel versions get separate new 16” alloy wheel designs.

Interior:

The interior gets new design pattern on the upholstery and updated quality materials. Features like Power windows, electric foldable ORVMs, 16” alloy wheels, driver seat height adjust, 7”

Digipad2.0 touchscreen system, reverse camera, automatic climate control and projector headlamps are standard on both the variants of the new WR-V facelift.

The VX variant additionally gets LED projector headlamps, LED fog lamps, front center armrest, cruise control, electric sunroof, Smart key with push button start and a leather wrap steering wheel.

Engines:

The new WR-V is available with BS6 complaint 1.2L petrol and 1.5L Diesel engines producing 90PS & 100PS of maximum power and 110NM and 200NM of Peak Torque respectively. The petrol is available with a 5 speed manual transmission while the Diesel is available with a 6 speed manual gearbox.

Price:

The new WR-V will take on the BS6 versions of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and Ford Ecosport. The petrol versions of the WR-V are priced at ?8.5L & ?9.7L while the diesel versions are priced at ?9.8L & ?10.99L for the SV & VX variants respectively. Honda is additionally offering the WR-V with a 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty as standard to provide peace of mind & hassle free experience to its customers.