Autocar India - News
India-bound Skoda Vision IN SUV interior sketch revealed
Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:47:00 +1000
Giving us the first glimpse of its all-new SUV for the Indian market, Skoda has revealed an interior sketch of the Vision IN concept that will make its world premiere on February 5 at the Auto Expo 2020.
Skoda has revealed the Vision IN SUV concept measures in at 4.26 metres in length – similar to that of the Brazil-spec Volkswagen T-Cross and the current-gen Hyundai Creta.
The interior sketch itself confirms the presence of a number of elements that are now becoming common across all new Skoda models. What’s bound to attract a lot of attention is the layered dashboard with a central AC vent – accentuated with the help of a thin chrome bar – which spans the length of the dash and connects the large, chrome-lined vents at each end. Skoda has also liberally used orange to liven up things on the inside, with parts of the dash, door panels, centre console and front armrest finished in orange.
Taking centre stage is a large free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, and right next to it, is the Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation. An interesting addition is what Skoda calls a ‘crystalline element’ placed atop the dash, and while it may look fancy, it could be a bit of a distraction on a sunny day.
A closer look also reveals the presence of knurled scroll wheels placed on the flat-bottom, three-spoke steering wheel, along with buttons for phone controls, voice command, lane assist and cruise control. Positioned centrally on the compact centre console is a small gear lever, confirming the presence of an automatic transmission.
Skoda's upcoming midsize SUV will be the first model based on the India-specific MQB A0 IN platform. What we can also tell you is the production-spec Skoda Vision IN SUV will have a 2,651mm long wheelbase, and will have plenty of space for rear seat passengers.
The Skoda Vision IN SUV is likely to derive styling cues from the international-spec Skoda Kamiq, but will get a few tweaks to suit Indian tastes. Expect Skoda to use more chrome elements both outside and in. Also expected on the production version of the Skoda Vision IN are automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, rear AC vents, two USB charging ports at the rear, drive modes, ambient lighting and more.
Engine options will likely include a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. There will be no diesel engine option on offer with Skoda’s midsize SUV, but a CNG variant could be on the cards.
Zac Hollis, Director of Sales, Service and Marketing, Skoda Auto India, recently confirmed the production-spec Skoda Vision IN SUV’s India launch will take place sometime between April-June 2021. By the time it arrives, the Skoda Vision IN truly will have its work cut out, in the face of competition from the next-gen Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Hector and Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming midsize SUV.
Do you like the minimalistic approach of the Skoda Vision IN SUV’s interior? Let us know in the comments.
Also see:
Next-gen Mini Clubman likely to be an SUV
Wed, 18 Dec 2019 08:00:00 +1000
Mini is considering an increase in the size of the Clubman for its next generation, turning it into an SUV. The shift towards SUVs globally, has triggered a steep decline in hatchback and sedan sales, necessitating a dealer retrenchment.
In the US, Mini is losing sales because it has only one SUV – the Countryman – which many Americans perceive to be too small to justify its purchase price. In a conversation with our sister publication, Autocar UK, chief designer Oliver Heilmer hinted that the next Clubman could move towards an SUV format. Currently, at 4.25m long and 1.80m wide, the six-door estate is only slightly shorter (46mm) and narrower (22mm) than its Countryman sibling; both occupy the same market pricing level.
At this stage, it’s unclear whether the Clubman will become substantially bigger or whether the latter will grow even larger, to provide two SUVs of distinctly different sizes.
The current-gen Clubman was launched in the Indian market in 2016 as a solitary Cooper S variant. It is powered by a 192hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol motor paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, currently priced at Rs 41.20 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). In our review of the Clubman, the car impressed us with its practicality, fun-to-drive nature and retro charm.
In related news, Heilmer refused to comment on Autocar UK’s report on the return of the Traveller moniker as an electric MPV that shares its parts with the BMW i3.
BMW stands by new design language
Wed, 18 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +1000
BMW has received “very positive” feedback to its radical shift in styling for certain models, including the X7, according to product boss Peter Henrich.
Henrich told our sister publication Autocar UK that he was “convinced” this bold styling direction – under design boss Adrian van Hooydonk – was the right way to go, and that customer data showed it was being well-received.
“This is crucial for success,” said Henrich. “BMW customers are demanding. They want to express something and are not afraid of a vehicle with strong character. They are looking for it.” As a result, the senior vice president of BMW product management says that the brand has decided to focus even more on bolder designs and strengthening the character of every model.
“The design team with Adrian van Hooydonk do an excellent job in designing and defining that character. The feedback received has been very positive. When first shown the X7, people said: ‘How big is the kidney grille?’ But customers never reacted like that and the car is a great success. It’s sold out for a very long period and people love it. There are always people specifically looking for something critical and afraid of something new. But we are very self-confident and will continue,” he said.
When asked if BMW would apply such radical design to next-generation versions of its models that have been traditionally more conservative – such as the 5 Series. Henrich said it was important each model got its own unique character.
“Each car has its own positioning,” he said. “In the early stages of development, we sit down – product, design and engineering – and define the character and the positioning. This is then the base for the design and engineering team. Some cars are more extroverted, more bold than others, as they have different messages to transmit.”
“The customer is looking for a different type of a car with a 3 Series to a Z4 or X6,” the BMW boss claimed.
On a related note, design chief Domagoj Dukec spoke about the BMW’s 2018 Vision iNext – a concept that previews a large electric SUV due in 2021. Dukec said that the two halves of the iNext's kidney grille were connected, and the vertical bars were replaced, to make way for the sensors required for autonomous driving. “We test what works aesthetically,” said the design chief, which “reinvented our icons and form language.”
However, BMW has decided to scrap the new grille design for the production car. “It wasn’t considered to be a BMW kidney grille anymore,” he stated. “The grille is critical, so the iNext, the i4 and the iX3 will get separated kidneys – we spent the money to have sensors that can see through the chrome.”
Also see:
Kia Seltos, Suzuki Gixxer SF250 win big at Autocar Awards 2020
Tue, 17 Dec 2019 21:32:00 +1000
It’s that time of the year – an evening when the best cars and bikes launched in the year are recognised and awarded; an evening the Indian automotive industry looks forward to. It’s time for the Autocar Awards 2020; and headlining the list of winners at this year’s Awards are the Kia Seltos, which won Car of the Year, and the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250, which won Bike of the Year.
The Seltos – which has generated tremendous response in the Indian market since its launch in August – also bagged the Midsize SUV of the Year award, and was the most popular with our audience as well, winning the Viewer’s Choice Car of the Year. It wasn’t just the Seltos that garnered applause – Kia Motors India won Manufacturer of the Year for getting its first product for India spot on.
Other big winners at the Autocar Awards 2020 included the MG Hector (Value for Money Car of the Year), Hyundai Venue (Compact SUV of the Year) Tata Harrier (Best Design and Styling), Honda Civic (Executive Sedan of the Year) and the Hyundai Kona Electric (Green Car of the Year).
On the budget car front, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso won the Budget Car of the Year title and the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios secured the Hatchback of the Year award. The MPV/Family Car of the Year award went to the seven-seat Renault Triber.
As for luxury cars, it was the new Audi A6 that won the Luxury Sedan of the Year, while the BMW X5 snapped up the Luxury SUV of the Year title and Porsche’s new-gen 911 bagged the Performance Car of the Year award. Another deserving winner was the Jeep Compass Trailhawk, which took home the Variant of the Year (Cars) title; and Mercedes-Benz India won the Technology and Innovation of the Year title for its MBUX infotainment system.
On the two-wheeler front, the Hero Maestro Edge 125 FI secured the Scooter of the Year title, and the Jawa Forty Two was a big hit with our audience, which saw it win the Viewer’s Choice Bike of the Year award. Updated in 2019, the Bajaj Dominar 400 won the Variant of the Year (Bikes); and other winners included the BMW S 1000 RR (Performance Bike of the Year), KTM 790 Duke (Premium Bike of the Year), Ducati Diavel 1260 S (Import Bike of the Year), BMW R 1250 GS Adventure (Adventure Bike of the Year) and the Triumph Speed Twin (Modern Classic Bike of the Year).
This year there was also a special set of awards recognizing some key figures in the Indian automotive landscape. Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director at MG Motor India, won the Man of the Year award; and race car driver Jehan Daruvala won the Motorsport Award, while the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways bagged the Safety award for the introduction of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019, as well as for introducing certain regulations to make cars sold in India safer.
Winners at Autocar Awards 2020:
Car of the Year: Kia Seltos
Bike of the Year: Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
Manufacturer of the Year: Kia
Man of the Year: Rajeev Chaba
Value for Money Car of the Year: MG Hector
Viewer’s Choice Car of the Year: Kia Seltos
Budget Car of the Year: Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
Hatchback of the Year: Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
MPV/Family car of the Year: Renault Triber
Compact SUV of the Year: Hyundai Venue
Midsize SUV of the Year: Kia Seltos
Green Car of the Year: Hyundai Kona Electric
Best Design and Styling: Tata Harrier
Variant of the Year: Jeep Compass Trailhawk
Executive Sedan of the Year: Honda Civic
Luxury Sedan of the Year: Audi A6
Luxury SUV of the Year: BMW X5
Performance Car of the Year: Porsche 911 (992-gen)
Motorsport Award: Jehan Daruvala
Safety Award: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Technology and Innovation Award: Mercedes-Benz
Performance Bike of the Year: BMW S 1000 RR
Premium Bike of the Year: KTM 790 Duke
Import Bike of the Year: Ducati Diavel 1260 S
Scooter of the Year: Hero Maestro Edge 125 FI
Viewer’s Choice Bike of the Year: Jawa Forty Two
Variant of the Year (Bikes): Bajaj Dominar 400
Adventure Bike of the Year: BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
Modern Classic Bike of the Year: Triumph Speed Twin
2020 Porsche Macan GTS revealed
Tue, 17 Dec 2019 18:16:00 +1000
Porsche has just unveiled a new GTS variant of its popular Macan SUV, which offers dynamic and performance upgrades over the standard and S-badged versions.
The GTS is equipped with a down-tuned version of the twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 found in the top-rung Turbo model. Producing 380hp and 520Nm of torque, this engine bridges the gap between the SUV's base S and top-spec Turbo trims. Porsche claims a 0-100kph time of 4.7sec – a 0.3sec improvement over the old GTS – and a 260kph top speed.
Alongside the boost in power, the GTS comes equipped with Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) system as standard, which has been tuned for optimal dynamic behaviour. The GTS sits 15mm lower than the rest of the Macan range but can be lowered another 10mm with the optional air-suspension package.
Porsche claims that the suspension upgrades – alongside new 20-inch performance alloy wheels and large cast-iron brake discs all round – offer “the agility and responsiveness of a true sportscar”.
The GTS is differentiated from the rest of the Macan range with new side skirts and front and rear trim. The headlight bezels and rear-light bars are darkened, while a black rear diffuser, tailpipes and air intake surrounds – standard features of Porsche GTS models – also feature.
Inside, the armrests, door panels and seat centres are finished in Alcantara leather, with brushed-aluminium trimming featured throughout for a sporty appearance. The seats themselves are exclusive to the GTS, offering 8-way adjustment and enhanced side support.
Additional standard equipment includes a Bose surround-sound system, wireless smartphone charging, traffic- and park-assist programmes and a rear-view camera.
Closer to home, Porsche launched the Macan facelift in our market this year, priced at Rs 69.98 lakh for the standard variant and Rs 85.03 lakh for the S variant. Rivals for the Macan in India include the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and the BMW X4.
(All prices ex-showroom, pan-India)
Also see:
BS6 Skoda Rapid petrol to launch in April 2020
Tue, 17 Dec 2019 16:40:00 +1000
Aside from revealing the launch timelines for a host of Skoda’s models, Zac Hollis, director, sales, service and marketing, Skoda Auto India, has now revealed on Twitter that the BS6-compliant Rapid will arrive in April 2020.
@Zac_Hollis_ I am planning to buy Skoda rapid. Can you please tell when is BS6 rapid making its debut in India?
As reported by us earlier in the year, the BS6-compliant Rapid will get a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI turbo-petrol engine, paired with either a manual or a DSG automatic gearbox. The carmaker has already said that the 1.5-litre diesel shared with parent company Volkswagen’s mass-market models is set to meet its end, with the roll-in of the more stringent emission norms.
The new 1.0-litre unit is from the EA211 series and comes in two states of tune in international markets – 94hp/160Nm and 115hp/200Nm – with the more powerful iteration expected to be offered on the midsize sedan. The unit is also set to make its way into the Volkswagen Polo and Vento.
Aside from the launch of the BS6-compliant Rapid, Hollis has also confirmed that the all-new version of the midsize sedan will arrive by late-2021; also arriving in same year will be the brand’s all-new midsize SUV. During 2020, the carmaker will launch the new Karoq SUV in April, the limited-run Octavia RS245 (at the Auto Expo 2020), the Superb facelift (with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol), and a petrol-powered Kodiaq SUV.
When it arrives, the BS6 Rapid will rival the petrol powered Honda City and Hyundai Verna along with the BS6-compliant versions of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Volkswagen Vento, and Toyota Yaris.
Comments
Post a Comment