Automotive news for January 2018
It seems like yesterday that 2018 started. But January is already over. And the amount of time I got to sit and write blog posts in the first month is very evident. In order to make the best of this situation, I am starting with this monthly automotive news summary series. So, here is a summary of all the interesting things that happened in the month of January 2018 (in case you missed it).
New Cars Launched In India
Kwid Special Edition
The Renault Kwid Special Edition was launched at the starting price of Rs 2.66 lakhs ex-showroom. It has some lime-accent graphics and highlights. One of the best parts of this Special Edition is that it comes with Reverse Parking Sensors as standard irrespective of the variant you choose.
New Audi Q5
The 2018 Q5 was launched at the starting price of Rs 53.25 lakhs ex-showroom. It has grown in dimensions and now mimics the design of the larger Q7. It comes with the same 2.0L TDI engine, but mated to a new 7-speed S tronic automatic transmission. It does 0-100 kmph in 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 218 kmph. ARAI claimed fuel efficiency is 17.01 kmpl. There are no plans for a petrol-engine Q5 for now. Direct competitors for the Q5 are the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Land Rover Discovery Sport, BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60.
Datsun redi-GO AMT
Datsun launched the AMT variant of its small car redi-GO at the starting price of Rs 3.80 lakhs ex-showroom, but only with the 999cc 3-cyl petrol engine. In terms of pricing, it is cheaper that Kwid AMT. This version claims a fuel efficiency of 25.17 kmpl.
Lamborghini Urus
The first Super SUV, Lamborghini Urus was launched here in India just 38 days after its global unveil at the price of Rs 3 crore ex-showroom. The Urus comes with a 4.0L Twin Turbo V8 engine, in the front of the car. The engine produces 641 bhp and 850 Nm of peak torque. This performance SUV can do 0-100 kmph in just 3.6 seconds and then 200 kmph in 12.8 seconds. It has the top speed of 305 kmph, which also makes it the fastest SUV in the world. It is based on the MLB platform, which is also the base for the Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7.
Lexus LS500h
Lexus’s flagship luxury sedan LS500h was launched in India at the starting price of Rs 1.77 crore Ex-showroom. It is powered by a 3.5L V6 petrol engine combined with a 310.8kV Lithium ion battery, delivering 15.38 km/litre in a BS6 compliant vehicle. The LS 500h goes up against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 L and the Jaguar XJ L and in fact is here at a great time considering both Mercedes-Benz and Audi are planning to launch their updated flagship sedans in 2018.
Isuzu V-Cross 2018
The 2018 Isuzu V-Cross was launched at Rs 14.26 lakhs (Standard variant) & Rs 15.76 lakhs (High variant), ex-showroom. While the powertrain remains the same, it is marginally expensive than the previous version. This is the first major upgrade which includes a host of new cosmetic changes, features and equipment on board. It gets LED DRLs instead of Fog Lamps, LED taillights and a redesigned tail-gate. More upgrades are in terms of safety – ABS as standard, Electronic Stability Control & Traction Control System are available on the top-end ‘High’ trim. Also a new Ruby Red exterior color has been introduced along with the previous Brown, Black, Silver, Grey and White options.
Range Rover Velar
The Range Rover Velar was launched at Rs 78.83 lakhs ex-showroom. It is positioned between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. It competes with the BMW X6 and the Porsche Macan. Globally, the Velar has received a great response – it has pre-booked till March 2018 and the deliveries were supposed to start January 2018.
Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition
The Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition marks the model completing six years in India. It is priced at Rs 50.20 lakh (ex-showroom). The ‘Landmark Edition’ is based on the SE variant of the Evoque and gets minor exterior and interior updates. It will be offered in three exterior paint colours (including the Luminescent Moraine Blue you see in the photo below). Also part of this limited edition are gloss-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a new body kit and body-colored lower door cladding. There is also a graphite finish for the grille, a Carpathian Gray finish for the fender vent and tailgate lettering and the Contrast roof.
On the inside, the Landmark Edition gets grained ebony leather seats with light lunar stitching in contrast; with the centre console finished in dark satin-brushed aluminium. It is comes equipped with a gesture-operated powered tailgate, along with all the other features of the SE variant.
The Evoque Landmark Edition is available only with the 180hp, 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine; it’s not offered with the 240hp 2.0-litre petrol motor.
Mercedes S350d BS-VI edition
India got its first BS-VI (Bharat Stage 6) complaint vehicle – the new Mercedes-Benz S350d. It complies with the Emission standards which all automobile manufacturers need to comply by 2020. The S 350 d features the most powerful diesel car in Mercedes-Benz history.
Maserati Levante
Maserati also launched its first SUV, the Levante at the starting price of Rs 1.75 Crore ex-showroom. It comes powered by a 3.0L V6 diesel engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine develops 275PS of power, enough to do 0-100 kmph in 6.9 seconds. The Levante has a claimed top speed of 230 kmph. And yes, it can go off-road as it has an all-wheel drive system. The Maserati Levante competes with the Jaguar F-Pace, Porsche Cayenne and the BMW X6 in India. All of these come powered with a diesel engine and are priced upwards of Rs 1 crore.
What Next?
It is February already! And next up is India’s Auto Expo 2018
The Best CAR Blog Ever is going to be there and we’re going to have some fun! Wait and watch! Follow me on Instagram @thebestcarblogever and Facebook Page /thebestCARblogever to get notified about everything from the Auto Expo first.
I’ll be there to bring you the details first on February 7 – 8, 2018. Auto Expo 2018 is open for the general public from February 9 to February 14, 2018 at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. For more information visit the official website. And to book your tickets, go to Book My Show.
#AE18xTBCBE coming soon!
5 Comments
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