MG Hector gathers 50,000 bookings

MG Motor India has announced that its first product for our market, the Hector SUV, has crossed 50,000 bookings. The model was launched last year and has been a blockbuster hit for the company, steadily selling nearly 3,000 units a month. The demand for the Hector in its initial phases was quite high, even resulting in the company temporarily suspending bookings for the SUV for a short period. The company has also confirmed that it has sold 20,000 units of the Hector SUV in India since its launch.

The MG Hector is on sale with multiple engine-gearbox options. The Hector comes with either a 143hp, 1.5-litre petrol or a 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine. A 48V mild-hybrid variant is also available with the petrol engine. Gearbox options comprise either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DCT automatic gearbox for the petrol, while the petrol-hybrid and diesel engines are only offered with the manual.  The company has already introduced BS6-compliant petrol engines and will roll out a BS6 diesel range soon.

MG Motor India currently has around 200 outlets in the country; the number is expected to hit around 250 by next month.

Along with the BS6-compliant Hector diesel, the company is also working on rolling out the six- or seven-seat Hector Plus that was unveiled at Auto Expo 2020. Additionally, the MG Gloster large SUV is also expected to come to India in around Diwali this year.

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BS6 Hyundai i20 petrol priced from Rs 6.49 lakh

Earlier this month, Hyundai announced that it had opened bookings for the BS6-compliant versions of the Elite i20, Grand i10 and Venue. Now, we can tell you that the BS6-compliant premium hatchback is priced from Rs 6.49 lakh and goes up to Rs 8.31 lakh, but is available as a petrol-only model.

The upgrade to BS6 also brings with it a revision in the variant list, with the base Era trim and the petrol-CVT Sportz+ and Asta(O) trims dropped from the line-up. Therefore, while variant to variant prices for the premium hatchback have increased by about Rs 15,000, the BS6 car’s starting price is about Rs 90,000 more than the BS4 car.

The variant-wise prices are as follows:

Variant	BS6 price	BS4 price	Difference
Era	---	Rs 5,59,693	---
Magna+	Rs 6,49,951	Rs 6,34,950	15,001
Sportz+	Rs 7,36,694	Rs 7,21,693	15,001
Sportz+ Dual Tone	Rs 7,66,694	Rs 7,51,693	15,001
Asta(O)	Rs 8,30,994	Rs 8,15,993	15,001
Sportz+ CVT	---	Rs 8,31,693	---
Asta(O) CVT	---	Rs 9,20,993	---

In terms of equipment, while Hyundai has yet to reveal official details, you can expect the entry-level BS6 model to come better equipped that the outgoing BS4 car. In BS4-spec, compared to the Era trim, the Magna+ gets additional kit such as a 2-DIN audio system, LED DRLs, remote locking, electric adjust wing mirrors and rear air-con vents.

Also expect fully loaded models to carry forward kit such as a 7.0-inch touchscreen, auto climate control, side and curtain airbags, reverse camera and more.

Under the hood, the BS6 i20 will get the 1.2-litre petrol motor from the Grand i10 Nios, which makes 83hp and 114Nm of torque in the latter. However, official power and fuel-efficiency figures are yet to be revealed.

Those looking to buy a petrol-automatic or diesel i20 will have to look to the BS4 model, with availability subject to stocks with dealers.

The BS6 i20 will continue to rival the Maruti Baleno, Honda Jazz and Toyota Glanza. An all-new model is expected to replace the current hatchback later this year, which will see the re-introduction of a diesel engine option.

Hyundai is currently getting ready to launch the new Hyundai Creta after showcasing the model at the 2020 Auto Expo. The mid-size SUV is set to launch on March 17.

(All prices, ex-showroom, Pune)

Also read

 

BS6 Hyundai Venue prices start at Rs 6.70 lakh

India-spec Hyundai Creta interior sketches revealed

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Turbo priced from Rs 7.68 lakh

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Hyundai aims to win back no 1 position spot lost to Seltos with all-new Creta

Stung by the phenomenal response to the Kia Seltos, which toppled the invincible Creta from the top slot in the SUV segment in terms of sales, Hyundai is planning a strong counter offensive with the all-new Creta. The second-gen SUV was unveiled at this month’s Auto Expo and is set to go on sale on March 17.  

Adding salt to Hyundai’s wounds is the fact that it has been beaten by its younger sibling – Kia – which had a dream launch in a tough Indian market. The Seltos also arrived at the end of the Creta’s lifecycle, which no doubt made the Kia SUV’s debut a lot easier. “The last few months of the Creta’s lifecycle has seen the sales numbers go down,” concedes SS Kim, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India. However, he is confident that with the next-gen Creta, the company will claw back the strong lead held by the Creta since 2015 in the midsize SUV segment. “We don’t always pursue volumes but for position and perception, and of course to show the response from customer, we want to become the number one player in the segment with the new model,” he said.

The grand unveiling of the new-gen Creta, by none other than Shah Rukh Khan himself, in front of a thronging crowd is just the sort of launch Hyundai wanted for what it considers the ‘king’ among SUVs. “With the Creta, we created a segment and now that segment has many other players and might be the fastest growing in terms of demand. With the new Creta, I think we can do even better than we had done in the past,” says Kim who is confident of eclipsing the sales performance of the previous Creta and even outselling its main competitor, the Seltos, which is effortlessly finding over 10,000 customers on average every month.

Hyundai has thrown everything it possibly can into the new Creta, including several class-leading features like an electronic parking brake, panoramic sunroof and the latest connected tech. It does miss out on the option of a head-up display (HUD), which is available on the higher-spec Seltos GTX and GTX+ variants. “An HUD is too expensive and customers don’t really see the value in it so it’s better to use the money elsewhere,” said a Hyundai source. And that money has been used in enhancing the cabin ambience. Hyundai has revealed some teaser sketches of the interiors, which reveal quilted textures and a nicely finished dashboard with flush surfaces for an upmarket look. The 10.25-inch screen is similar in size to the Seltos’. Under the skin, the new Creta will use the same running gear as the Seltos, including the identical engine and gearbox combinations. However, the suspension system “has been retuned and slightly softened for Indian roads,” said a Hyundai engineer.

Kim is hoping the market will bounce back in the second half of the year. “We are seeing a downward or more or less a flat trend now because the economy is not in recovery mode yet and there is a negative consumer sentiment. There’s also the transition from BS4 to BS6 which is impacting the market. I am hopeful that the market will pick up in the second half of this year. So with a bit of a recovery, I expect overalls sales this year to be better than last year.”

Given Hyundai’s strong desire to snatch back the Creta’s no. 1 status, company insiders have indicated that the new Creta will be launched with a particularly aggressive price that could even undercut the Seltos. “The price will rock the market,” said a Hyundai official. The fierce rivalry between Hyundai and Kia could trigger a fresh price war, the reverberations of which will be felt throughout the SUV segment and compel manufacturers to rethink their pricing strategies. The battle between Hyundai and Kia is just starting and that can only spell good news for SUV buyers.

Also see:

India-bound new Hyundai i20 engine details, features revealed

Minchul Koo, VP Design, Hyundai Motor Company interview video

India-bound 2020 Creta to get unique interior layout

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Honda City-based hatchback in the works

Honda is preparing an all-new hatchback based on the next-gen 2020 City sedan. A first set of patent drawings of this new hatchback have surfaced online, giving us a glimpse of what Honda’s newest hatch could look like.

For those who don’t know, Honda has been selling a City-based notchback – called the Gienia – in the Chinese market since 2016. Unlike the Honda Gienia, the new City-based hatchback gets styling that is more similar to the sedan’s, at least up to its C-pillar. The rear end has a proper hatchback-like design unlike the liftback-like looks of the Gienia. The new car’s character lines and roof design blend in well with the hatchback body style. When seen from the back, the hatchback bears similarities to the Mercedes-Benz A-class hatchback, with its wide horizontally placed tail-lights. On the inside, expect the new Honda City-based hatchback to feature similar dashboard and other bits from its sedan cousin. However, there will be differences in trims depending on market and variant.

Under the hood, we expect the City hatchback to be sold with either a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine or a 1.5-litre petrol with Honda’s e-HEV mild-hybrid technology.

Honda took the wraps off the latest-gen Jazz late last year and the model is now being introduced to most markets gradually. However, the new Jazz will not be brought to the Indian market. The new City hatchback could be a potential replacement for the Jazz in some markets. However, we expect the model to be China-focused, at least initially, and act as a replacement to the Gienia. 

In the Indian market, the current-gen Jazz will see mild-update that will include the introduction of BS6-complaint petrol and diesel engines, in the coming months. All-new Honda City prices will also be announced soon.

Do let us know in the comments section whether if a City-based hatchback would make sense for Honda in India as a Jazz replacement.

Also see:

Next-gen Honda City for India teased

Current-gen Honda City to skip BS6 diesel engine

Honda introduces 10 year/1,20,000km special warranty plan

Image source

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Yamaha Fascino, Ray ZR to use Maxxis tyres

Maxxis India has announced that it has partnered with Yamaha as its supplier for two-wheeler tyres. As per the understanding, Maxxis will provide tyres for the new Ray ZR, Ray ZR Street Rally and Fascino.

While all three scooters will run tyres of the same size, the Ray ZR Street Rally uses ones with a different tread pattern. Commenting on the announcement, Bing-Lin Wu, marketing head, Maxxis India, said, “We are extremely excited about this partnership. As the development unfolds, Maxxis and Yamaha will steer this partnership to provide best of synergies in one product for the customers. As we begin our 5th year of operations in India, this association will further strengthen our portfolio for scooter tyres in India. We are hopeful that the relationship will help us create a new market for Maxxis Tyres and penetrate deeper in rural markets. We look forward to a long standing and fruitful association with Yamaha.” 

The company also revealed that, apart from being factory fitment on the scooters, the tyres will also be available at select Yamaha and Maxxis dealerships across the country. Maxxis India is aiming to capture at least 15 percent of the two-wheeler tyre market in India by 2023. Last year, the company also entered into a partnership with Hero tyres to supply tyres for their scooters.

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2020 Geneva motor show preview

The Geneva motor show is one of the largest motoring events, with a number of carmakers using this stage to unveil their most anticipated models. Contrary to reports suggesting this year’s show would be postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, the organisers have said the event will go ahead as planned.

Concerns over the spread of the Covid-19 virus (coronavirus), which originated in China, led to the cancellation of the Mobile World Congress tech event that was set to take place in Barcelona this month.

But a spokesperson told our sister publication Autocar UK, that the Geneva show will go on as planned, and kick off on March 2, adding that event officials were “observing the situation and its possible implications for its employees, exhibitors and visitors”.

This news has been welcomed by the industry, as a number of big reveals have been planned. Among these will be the Audi A3 Sportback, the GTI version of Volkswagen's new Golf, Hyundai i20 and i30 facelift, the facelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Bentley Bacalar and much more.

However, a number of major manufacturers have decided to give this year's show a miss, and these include Lamborghini, PSA Group (including Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Vauxhall) and Jaguar Land Rover.

We walk you through the most anticipated cars that are scheduled to be showcased at the 2020 Geneva motor show.

Audi A3 Sportback

 

The new Audi A3 will follow hot on the heels of the fresh-faced 8th-generation Volkswagen Golf with a similar evolutionary styling, and a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains for the international markets. The 5-door hatchback will arrive first, followed by a new liftback variant in 2021, but the cabriolet is not expecting to make a comeback. As with the Golf, there won’t be an electric version, because Audi is developing a standalone compact entry-level EV that'll launch in 2021. However, the S3 and RS3 hot hatches will be brought back with more power and wilder styling than their predecessors.

Bentley Bacalar

 

Last year, our sister publication Autocar UK reported that Bentley's in-house coach-building arm Mulliner was working on an ultra-exclusive roadster with styling influenced by the striking EXP GT 100 concept, and it now looks like we'll see the finished product at Geneva. A preview video gave little away, but its name – inspired by a Mexican lake with bright blue waters – and the company's claim that it will represent "the future of coachbuilding" suggests it will be one of the most luxurious models yet to come out of Crewe.

Ferrari Roma

 

Maranello is yet to confirm that it will be attending the Geneva motor show, but the event seems a likely stage for the debut of its new Roma grand tourer. Sharing some underpinnings with the slightly softer Portofino convertible, the new 2+2 packs 620hp from a front-mounted, 3.9-litre turbo V8, and features a bold new design language aimed at attracting new customers.

Fiat 500e

Used for representation only.

Another icon tipped for rebirth is the fashionable Fiat 500 city car, which will gain a globally available electric option. Spy shots reveal that the new car will bear a strong resemblance to the retro-influenced current model, but company boss Olivier François has revealed that it will sit atop a brand-new, bespoke platform and has even hinted at the possibility of a feisty Abarth version.

Honda Civic Type R facelift

 

Honda recently revealed a facelifted version of its Civic hatchback for international markets. Featuring subtle design tweaks and an upgraded interior, the updated Type R will have its public debut at Geneva. The 320hp, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine remains, as do the fan-favourite triple tailpipes, but it comes with significant changes limited to infotainment upgrades and a restyled front end. In the Indian market, Honda offers the Civic only as an executive sedan, with a 141hp, 1.8-litre petrol, and a 120hp, 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine.

Hyundai i20

 

 

The next-gen Hyundai i20 premium hatchback will also be showcased at this year's show. The exterior styling has already been leaked, revealing a sportier and more aggressive styling at the front. A number of details have also surfaced about the India-spec i20, including interior and exterior design details, equipment list and engine options. The Hyundai i20 for India will come with a 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, and it is expected to be launched in mid-2020.

Hyundai i30 facelift

 

Hyundai's i30 family hatch will be more in line with the rest of the range thanks to the more aggressive front-end styling, restyled bumpers and new LED headlights. Inside, the i30 hatchback will gain a new digital instrument cluster and come with the option of a 10.25 infotainment touchscreen. However, there's no word yet on whether the hatch's mechanicals will be altered.

Kia Sorento

 

Kia will unveil the next generation of its Sorento SUV, and has confirmed that it will sit atop an all-new, purpose-built platform, and be available with a hybrid option for the first time. Preview sketches show off a more angular design than the previous model, with the designs for the headlights and tail-lights, and trim shapes inspired by the firm's US-market Telluride 7-seater.

Mercedes-AMG GT 73 4-door Coupe

Recently launched Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4-door Coupe used for representation only.

With its hybridised 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol V8 pumping out in excess of 800hp, the new GT 73 will not only be AMG’s most potent model yet but also the world’s most-powerful four-door grand tourer. It isn’t yet confirmed for a Geneva debut, but a recent preview video suggests the wraps are soon to come off. Despite its near-200hp advantage over the GT 63, the new model is also set to be the performance brand’s most economical yet, with its electric motor offering a zero-emissions range of around 50km. The German car marque recently launched the AMG GT 63S 4-door Coupe in India at a starting price of Rs 2.42 crore (ex-showroom, pan India).

Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLA PHEVs

 

Following the recent unveiling of the new A-class and B-class PHEVs, Mercedes looks all set to roll out a new plug-in hybrid option for the latest CLA and GLA. Both the compact sedan and its platform-sharing crossover sibling will use a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 102hp electric motor making a combined output of 218hp and an electric-only range of around 56km. The second-gen Mercedes-Benz GLA made its debut in India at the Auto Expo 2020, and is slated to be launched in our market in Q3 2020.

Mercedes-Benz E-class facelift

 

Mercedes-Benz will likely showcase the facelifted E-class at Geneva. The facelift will bring the model more in line with the new CLA, A-class and GLA in terms of design. That means the current rounded front end will adopt a more angular look, the light clusters at both ends will be reshaped, and the interior will feature the latest generation of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment software. Internationally, the more rugged All-Terrain estate version will return as well, taking the fight to the Volvo V90 Cross Country with plastic body cladding and jacked-up suspension. While the E-class facelift is headed to the Indian market, it won’t be the same version as this and is expected to arrive towards the end of 2020.

Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0

 

The range-topping GTS variant of Porsche’s entry-level sportscar has made a return with a naturally aspirated flat-six motor based on the unit found in the top-rung Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder. The new motor option comes in response to calls for a more potent and character-full 718 in the US, where the current model with the four-cylinder unit has been underperforming.

Porsche 911 Turbo

Used for representation only.

The current generation of the Porsche 911 has already had the 2S, 4S and the Cabriolet available in its international line-up for some time now, but the new 911 Turbo is yet to be revealed. Prototypes have begun shedding their disguise, suggesting an imminent unveiling, and we can see that the range-topper will sport a model-specific rear diffuser, reconfigured air intakes and redesigned lightweight alloy wheels. More significantly, the 3.8-litre flat-six will be boosted courtesy of a pair of sizeable turbochargers, while stiffer bushings and suspension tweaks will offer keener handling characteristics.

Rimac Two

 

Revealed in concept form for the first time in 2018, the Rimac C_Two is set to make its long-awaited production-spec debut at Geneva. The all-electric hypercar can power from 0-160kph in a little over 4sec, and continue on to a top speed of 415kph. Don't get too excited about trying it for yourself though – all 150 examples have already been sold.

Skoda Octavia RS

Used for representation only.

The hottest version of Skoda's new Octavia sedan and estate is set to receive a public debut at this year's Geneva show. It will be the brand's most comprehensive line-up of Octavia vRS models ever, with a plug-in hybrid joining the existing petrol and diesel engines. Outright power is expected to match the petrol, with a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine and electric motor working together to deliver nearly 253hp and up to 407Nm of torque. It should get manual and dual-clutch automatic gearbox options, along with front- and four-wheel drive. In India, Skoda recently launched the current-gen Octavia RS245 at a price of Rs 35.99 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India).

Toyota Yaris

 

The all-new Toyota Yaris hatchback will make its first public appearance at Geneva, after being unveiled late last year. There’s a brand-new platform underneath, while powertrain options include a bespoke new three-cylinder, petrol-electric hybrid. It’s also more compact and dynamically focused than the outgoing model, with Toyota claiming a minimal interior space deficit as a result of the shrinkage. Closer to home, Toyota offers the Yaris in India, though it's in the sedan form, with a BS6-compliant, 107hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

 

Soon after the standard Mk8 Golf's unveiling, the new GTI will bring its trademark blend of performance and practicality to the Geneva motor show. We're expecting the usual sporty styling embellishments to cloak a 245hp reworking of VW's EA888 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which will push the hot hatch from 0-100kph in under 6sec, and on to a top speed of 250kph. A diesel-powered Golf GTD is also set to appear alongside the GTI. For the Indian market, Volkswagen has been evaluating the introduction of the performance-focused GTI variant under the new import norms. If launched, the VW Golf GTI will likely be offered in limited numbers – just like the brand's previous hot hatch, the Volkswagen Polo GTI – and could be priced at around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also see:

Toyota small SUV teased ahead of Geneva debut

Upcoming cars and MPVs from Auto Expo 2020

Upcoming SUVs from Auto Expo 2020

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Review: 2019 Honda Civic long term review, second report

I loved the old Honda Civic. Back in its prime, a combination of wildly futuristic looks, punchy performance, rock-solid reliability, sharp handling and a surprising amount of comfort and luxury won it not only a strong fan following, but also Autocar India’s Car of the Year trophy in 2007.

It was sad to learn the car was being discontinued, but there was a glimmer of hope when we learnt it would be making a comeback in 2019. And it came back strong, with a striking new set of clothes and diesel engine. It was, however, the petrol version that joined our long-term fleet; you would have read Sergius’ first report of it in the November 2019 issue. While he pressed it into duty for the urban grind, I decided to take it for a short drive into the countryside on New Year’s Eve.

GOT THE LOOK: Few mainstream cars can turn heads like this one.

Three passengers and their luggage were loaded into the car, and though they were sceptical before they got in, once snugly inside, they admitted they were pleasantly surprised. It’s far more spacious and comfortable than it looks, apart from having to duck under the sloping roof to get in and out.

The 200km round-trip began with the agonising task of driving out of Mumbai city – in this case, onto the Ahmedabad highway, NH48. The crawl through the toll gates, weaving in between trucks and buses was infuriating, but I was happy with the Civic’s quick and sharp steering. For the most part, I was happy to be driving an automatic car too; a clutch pedal would only have added another layer of toil to the slow drive. However, the moment I tried to squeeze the car into a traffic gap, I’d feel a hiccup from the gearbox before it sprung into action – and if you know anything about Mumbai traffic, you also know that this could mean the difference between a clean slate and a scratched fender.

GEAR FACTOR: CVT auto not well suited to highway use.

If anything, though, the CVT plays an even bigger spoilsport out on the open road. If you want to increase your pace, kicking down on the accelerator will result in a loud bray from under the bonnet and very little acceleration. You’re forced to switch to ‘Sport’ or use the paddles; but even then, the experience is far from seamless. This also takes its toll on fuel economy, and despite my best efforts, I couldn’t get the on-board fuel computer to show me anything higher than 10kpl. The sad bit – as we know from the last Civic – is that this 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine (bless its old-school, naturally aspirated heart) is a joy to rev out on a highway. It’s just hamstrung by a poor gearbox; it deserves better. What I did love on the highway was the Civic’s rock-solid stability at speed, marred only by quite a bit of road noise.

CLEAN & CLEAR: Has more ground clearance than you might think.

What surprised my compatriots and myself alike, however, was that the Honda never once bottomed out. We’re all familiar with the old Civic’s reputation, and though this one looks low, it actually has a good ground clearance, and its firmer suspension keeps it from grounding on broken roads and big speed breakers, of which we encountered ample on our journey.

One night of revelry later, as we rolled back into Mumbai and into a brand-new decade, it would suffice to say the pace was far slower, and I’d learnt to drive around the CVT’s idiosyncrasies. The diesel is the one you want if you do a lot of highway driving, and this petrol-auto is definitely better suited to the city. The draw of the Civic lies more in its looks and the (surprising) space and comfort it offers. Now, if only they’d give it the petrol powertrain that it deserves.

Also see:

2019 Honda Civic long term review, first report

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