Think the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios could do with a power upgrade?  The i10 N Line could be the model you’re looking for.  Unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show, the i10 N Line is the sporty version of the third-gen Europe-spec i10.  As you may know, the European i10 is closely related to the new Hyundai Grand i10 Nios on sale in India. 

The i10 will become the fourth N Line model, following the i30 hatchback, i30 Fastback and Tucson, when it arrives in 2020.  It will be offered with a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 99hp and 172Nm of torque, making it the most powerful i10 variant on sale.  Also on offer on the Europe-spec i10 are 66hp, 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol and 83hp, 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engines. 

Redesigned bumpers and front grille, exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels, and angular LED daytime running lights set the i10 N Line apart from the rest of the range.  It also features a rear skid plate and diffuser, along with bespoke colour options.  Inside, it receives an N-branded steering wheel and gear-shift lever, metal pedals and upgraded seats. 

The Hyundai i10 N Line will go on sale in Europe next summer.  Hyundai has been toying with the idea of bringing its sporty N Line to India as well so the i10 N Line could be on the cards for our market, further down the road. 

Would you like to see the Hyundai i10 N Line on sale in India?  Let us know in the comments section below. 

The electric Volkswagen ID.3, the brand’s most important model since the Golf, has been revealed ahead of Frankfurt motor show 2019, offering up to 549km of range.  Initially shown as a concept at the 2016 Paris motor show, the hatchback will be the first ID model to arrive on roads next summer, followed shortly by the production version of the ID Crozz SUV.  The company will add more members to its upcoming all-electric ID family already seen in concept form.  These include the Buzz, Vizzion and Roomzz, all of which will contribute to VW Group’s intention to sell three million EVs by 2025. 

Described as “an electric car for everyone”, the ID.3’s importance for VW is spelled out by its explanation of the model’s name.  The marque says the ‘3’ signifies “the third major chapter for the brand after the Beetle and Golf”, both broadly considered to be landmark cars for VW and the wider motoring industry. 

The ID.3 is the first car to use the new Volkswagen MEB platform, a scalable architecture built solely for electric vehicles, which will underpin all ID models and be used by other VW Group brands.  VW is also licensing the platform’s use to other firms, most notably major rival Ford – a move considered crucial in helping to recoup the vast costs of developing the chassis and lower prices through greater economies of scale. 

One major benefit of a bespoke electric platform is interior space.  While the ID.3 is only 3mm longer, 10mm wider and 60mm taller than the current Golf, its wheelbase is 145mm longer at 2,765mm, just 21mm shy of a Passat sedan’s.  Boot space is identical to the Golf, at 380 litres.  At the rear, there is a large spoiler that's required for aerodynamic efficiency.  The black roof and rear section, seen in these pictures,is made of glossy black plastic and will be standard across all ID.3s. 

The ID.3 will be offered in three battery sizes with two power outputs from its rear-mounted electric motor – a 45kWh battery with claimed range of 330km and generating 145hp; and 58kWh and 77kWh batteries, both with 198hp, delivering 418km and 548km of range, respectively. 

Full specifications have yet to be revealed but all variants will deliver 310Nm of torque, while the entry- and mid-level ID.3s will have a top speed of 159kph. 

A charging capacity of 100kW will be available on the mid-range ID.3, with a promised charging time of 30min for 250km of range.  The smaller-battery ID.3 will offer 50kW, but with an optional 100kW. The top-range ID.3 will be capable of charging at 125kW. VW is guaranteeing the battery for eight years or 1,60,000km. 

On the inside, the ID.3's dashboard is clear, other than a 10-inch protruding central screen as standard on which systems such as navigation will receive over-the-air updates.  There is an optional augmented reality head-up display, which projects relevant information onto the windscreen.  All controls – including those on the electrically adjustable multifunction steering wheel – are operated using touch-sensitive buttons.  The only conventional buttons are for electric windows and hazard warning lights. 

VW promises next-generation ‘natural’ voice control on the ID.3.  For example, an occupant could say “Hello ID, I’m cold” and, in response, the system would increase the in-car temperature. 

There will not be traditional VW trim levels, given the maker’s desire to keep the line-up as simple as possible.  This is presumably an attempt not to complicate matters for customers, many of whom will be buying an electric car for the first time.  However, four option packs are expected to be offered in some international markets like the UK. 

The ID.3 will launch with the first edition powered by a mid-range 58kWh battery.  The allocation, unspecified by VW, has already been filled for major markets like the UK.  VW did say it had achieved its target of 35,000 pre-orders worldwide.  The standard ID.3 order books will open globally sometime next year, with deliveries in autumn. 

The ID.3 is the first carbon-neutral model made by VW, according to the maker.  They have said that all elements of manufacture and distribution will be powered by renewable sources or compensated by certified climate projects.  The model will be produced at VW’s Zwickau plant in Germany, which is set to produce 3,30,000 electric cars annually from 2021. 

There is no news of the Volkswagen ID.3 making it to our shores anytime soon .  The company will however, introduce a new range of MQB A0 IN -based models in India from 2021 onwards. 

Volkswagen has unveiled a new brand identity ahead of the Frankfurt motor show 2019.  The new brand logo is an attempt by the company to draw a line under the fallout from the massive Dieselgate scandal.  Termed ‘New Volkswagen’, the design revamp goes far beyond a new logo, according to chief operating officer, Ralf Brandstätter, who calls it a “pivotal moment” that's as significant as a new-car launch.  The new Volkswagen logo is two-dimensional, replacing the three-dimensional blue-and silver version that was unveiled in 2000. 

The roots of ‘New Volkswagen’ began following a board meeting after Herbert Diess took over the firm’s top role in the wake of the crisis.  At that meeting, VW looked beyond Dieselgate, to the declining profitability of several models, the upcoming EU 95g/km emission targets and the firm’s struggle in key regions such as the US. 

The result was the Transform 2025+ plan, under which several models were scrapped and extra focus was put on expanding VW’s SUV range.  Diess also approved the development of the MEB platform and a push to electric cars, along with heavy investment in digital services.  The first phase of Transform 2025+ was about ‘fixing’ VW – and the rebrand is the culmination of that and the launch point for the next step. 

VW’s first goal is to become a market leader in electric cars, with the aim of selling one million per year by 2025.  Brandstätter described that as “the lodestar of our strategy” and the key will be the economy of scale enabled by both, the flexible MEB platform and the firm’s bulk purchasing power when it comes to batteries. 

Closer to home, as part of the India 2.0 strategy, Volkswagen will bring in all-new MQB A0 IN platform-based SUVs and other models starting from 2021.  Earlier this month, the company launched the refreshed Polo hatchback and Vento sedan. 

As we inch closer and closer to the festive season, the ailing auto industry continues to hope for renewed customer sentiment and demand.  To that effect, Hyundai dealers have been authorised to push schemes across most of their product range, except three of its most recent launches – the Grand i10 Nios, Venue and the Kona Electric.  Read on to see how much you could possibly save, should you choose to buy a Hyundai vehicle this month. 

Hyundai Tucson

Save up to Rs 2.05 lakh
The Tucson is the Korean automaker’s flagship offering in the domestic market and is currently available with significant cash discounts, as well as exchange bonuses, amounting to Rs 2.05 lakh.  The SUV gets a pair of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engine options, along with manual and torque converter automatic transmissions choices.  There is also an all-wheel drive setup on offer on the top-spec trim.  A facelifted Tucson is headed our way in the coming months. 

Hyundai Grand i10

Save up to Rs 1 lakh
Not be confused with the recently launched Nios, the current iteration of the Grand i10 on sale in Indian was introduced back in 2017.  The 1.2-llitre petrol and diesel versions of the Hyundai hatch, which goes up against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Ford Figo, get consumer benefits and exchange schemes of up to Rs 1 lakh; the fleet version is also available with the same discount. 

Hyundai Xcent

Save up to Rs 1 lakh
Essentially the compact sedan version of the Grand i10, the Xcent makes use of the same 1.2-litre petrol and diesel engines mated to a manual gearbox as standard.  There is also the choice of an automatic on the petrol.  All versions of the Hyundai, including the Prime fleet variant, can be had with Rs 1 lakh worth of exchange offers and cash benefits.  Though fairly competent, the Xcent has lost ground to the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze over the years.  However, the Korean automaker hopes to make up ground with its next-gen compact sedan, which has already been spied testing in India. 

Hyundai Verna

Save up to Rs 65,000
The Verna is Hyundai’s contender against the formidable Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Honda City.  Available with a pair of 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines, and similar capacity diesels, along with manual and automatic transmission options, the Verna is being offered this month with total discounts to the tune of Rs 65,000. 

Hyundai Creta

Save up to Rs 55,000
The Creta has been a consistent performer for Hyundai for quite some time now, but now soon has increased competition from new launches like the Kia Seltos and MG Hector.  As a countermeasure, the Korean automaker is expected to launch the second-gen Creta sometime next year.  However, to boost sales for the time being, Hyundai has started offering heavy discounts to the tune of Rs 55,000 on all variants of the midsize SUV, except the lower capacity diesels.  The Creta comes with a pair of 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, as well as a more frugal 1.4-litre oil burner. 

Hyundai i20

Save up to Rs 50,000
Falling in the same category as the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza and Honda Jazz, the i20 is popular for being well-kitted.  The premium hatchback from Hyundai makes use of a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.4-litre diesel motor, with the former also available with the convenience of a CVT auto gearbox.  While the lower Era and Magna+ variants of the i20 are eligible for comprehensive discounts of up to Rs 30,000, the higher Sportz+ and Asta (O) trims get additional benefits of up to Rs 20,000. 

Hyundai Santro

Save up to Rs 45,000
The Santro might be the most economical offering in the Hyundai range, but it manages to stand out in its segment owing to a long features list and a well-finished cabin.  With exchange and cash discount schemes of up to Rs 45,000, the Santro can be had with a 69hp, 1.1-litre petrol engine mated to either a manual or an AMT automatic transmission.  Notably, there is also a CNG variant on offer. 

Hyundai i20 Active

Save up to Rs 30,000
The i20 Active is essentially a jacked up version of the standard i20.  As such, it continues with the same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engine options, though it does miss out on an automatic gearbox.  Those looking for an i20 with a dose of ruggedness can opt for the Active and save up to Rs 30,000 in the process, this month. 

Disclaimer: Discounts vary from city to city.  Please check with your local dealer for exact discounts, which may not match figures quoted here. 

]]>Shirish Gandhi Shirish Gandhi Sizeable discounts available on Hyundai cars and SUVs2461402461401Mon, 9 Sep 2019 11:38:00 +1000414044Shirish Gandhi Autocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000Depending on the model, benefits of up to Rs 2.05 lakh can be availed on Hyundai&#8217;s range of vehicles for the month of September. Depending on the model, benefits of up to Rs 2.05 lakh can be availed on Hyundai&#8217;s range of vehicles for the month of September. Mon, 9 Sep 2019 11:38:00 +1000https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/sizeable-discounts-available-on-hyundai-cars-and-suvs-414044#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Autocar+India+Premium+hatchbacks+feed414044India Auto Inc divided on next step of electrification

As India Auto Inc continues to grapple with ever-tightening emission regulations spurred by efforts to curb pollution, there is a general consensus among major automakers about the eventual shift away from conventional internal combustion (IC) engines.  Electrification, at this point, seems to be the only way possible to strike the right balance between the need of mobility and that of reduced environmental impact. 

However, the strategy of introducing electrical technology in the modern automobile is resulting in two drastically different approaches being adopted and advocated for in the Indian automotive industry.  On one hand, automakers like Suzuki and Toyota are placing their faith in hybrids that use electric motors, auto start-stop functions and energy recuperation systems to eke out greater fuel efficiency from petrol and diesel engines, thereby reducing pollution.  On the opposite end, homegrown players like Mahindra and Tata are betting big on electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. 

Let’s take a closer look at the rationale behind the stands of each of the carmakers. 

Suzuki and Toyota push for hybrids

The Japanese auto major Suzuki firmly believes that, at least in the near future, hybrids are the way to go.  The company claims to have found much success in improving the performance and fuel efficiency of its vehicles with the aid of mild hybrid systems, and with plans of introducing stronger hybrids down the line, it expects results to get even better. 

Estimating the price of a viable EV to be almost twice of a conventional vehicle at the prevalent cost structure, the company doesn’t currently see the business case behind EVs.  This is further amplified by the lack of an adequate charging infrastructure in the country. 

However, with larger adoption of hybrids, greater scale and localisation of common components, costs could come down and ultimately pave the way for EVs. “ One way to build scale is that you have many common parts or systems between EV and hybrid.  So hybrid can drive this going forward.  It has happened in many markets; I don’t see anything different happening with India,” C V Raman, senior executive director (Engineering), Maruti Suzuki India told Autocar India. 

Toyota, which is globally renowned for its hybrid systems in models like the Prius and Corolla, shares similar sentiments.  In an exclusive interview with Autocar India, N Raja, deputy managing director, Toyota India, commented, “With EVs, the main challenge is infrastructure, charging stations, charge times – all this has solutions in hybrid.”  The company believes hybrids to be “the most practical solution for reducing the fuel consumption and curbing pollution.” 

In view of their common strategies, Suzuki and Toyota are planning to make a big push for hybrid vehicles in India with the local procurement of hybrid systems, engines and batteries.  Toyota also plans to supply its hybrid system to Suzuki. 

One of the biggest hurdles to the proliferation of this technology in the country has been the high tax rates on hybrids vis-à-vis EVs which attract a significantly lower GST of 5 percent.  However, this could change if a recent claim made by the Minister of Road Transport and Highways – citing a possible consideration about GST reduction on hybrids – were to come through. 

Mahindra and Tata remain bullish about EVs

In stark contrast, homegrown automaker Mahindra has taken a call to invest significantly in electric vehicles. “ I don't think that one should confuse hybrid and electric vehicles as a two-part process.  One does not have to go to hybrids to get to electric.  The world did it only because at that time, electric technology had not matured, but now it has matured.  So, there is no reason why we have to do hybrid first before we do electric,” said Pawan Goenka, managing director, Mahindra & Mahindra at a recent industry event. 

Another rationale provided by Mahindra in its pursuit of EVs is the introduction of more stringent CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) norms in 2022, under which EVs would prove to be much more effective than plain hybrids. 

On similar lines, Tata Motor too is bullish about its stand on EVs.  The carmaker is planning to launch as many as four electric vehicles in the next 18 months.  This includes all-electric versions of the Nexon compact SUV and upcoming Altroz hatchback, a more powerful iteration of the Tigor EV (which, in its current form, is available only for commercial registration) and a fourth, undisclosed model. 

What will be interesting to see how the two opposing strategies pan out in the Indian automotive landscape. 

Hybrid or full battery electric vehicle – which in your opinion is the way forward?  Let us know in the comments section below. 

]]>Shirish Gandhi Shirish Gandhi India Auto Inc divided on next step of electrification2461402461401Sun, 8 Sep 2019 11:39:00 +1000414062Shirish Gandhi Autocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000While there is unanimity about the eventual shift away from IC engines, India&#8217;s auto makers have differing views on whether hybrids or EVs are the way forward.  While there is unanimity about the eventual shift away from IC engines, India&#8217;s auto makers have differing views on whether hybrids or EVs are the way forward.  Sun, 8 Sep 2019 11:39:00 +1000https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/evs-or-hybrids-indias-carmakers-divided-on-way-forward-414062#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Autocar+India+Premium+hatchbacks+feed414062Making EVs attractive more important than getting into EV race: Maruti

After aggressively pushing for electric vehicles, the government seems to have eased off the accelerator, giving India's automakers some room to breathe. 

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari even allayed auto Inc’s fears saying no deadline has been set for the switch to EVs and it will “happen in natural progression”.  However, Maruti Suzuki and a few other automakers are going ahead with their plan to introduce EVs.  Maruti, however, believes there is no need to be in the race to bring out the first EV, and rather, “the race is to be in the mindspace of the customer,” C V Raman, the company's Senior Executive Director - Engineering told Autocar India. 

Raman confirmed that the carmaker will launch its first EV, possibly the Wagon R electric, by FY 2021.  He also said that in the current scenario, the cost of an EV will be double that of an internal combustion engined (ICE) vehicle.  Therefore, he doesn’t see Maruti being a large volume player in the market, in which the carmaker accounts for every 1 in 2 cars sold.  Moreover, the Wagon R EV is expected to be available for commercial use and not to private buyers. 

Increasing awareness about electric mobility will be crucial in attracting first-time buyers in a market where EV adoption is still at an early stage.  And that will only happen if the vehicles are affordable and charging infrastructure is easily available.  Sure, in one way, prices will reduce is if battery costs come down, which will happen over time, but Raman said building scale will also help. “ A lot of the components are still imported, so localisation is key to bring costs down,” he stated. 

Maruti believes the push towards hybrids can further accelerate adoption of electric mobility as there are many common parts or common systems between EVs and hybrids.  And this commonality can provide the requisite scale to bring costs down. “ This has happened in many markets, and I don’t see anything different happening with India,” Raman said. 

Suzuki’s tie-up with Toyota also includes sharing of hybrid technology.  In fact, the two Japanese carmakers are looking to make a big push for hybrid electric vehicles with Toyota supplying its hybrid systems to Suzuki. 

“We had the single battery system in the D13 diesel engine, now in the new K15B, we have the twin-battery system with a Li-on battery pack which improves the on-road performance of the vehicle, so the progress is going to be towards stronger hybrids going forward.  One important aspect of that is that the new Toyota-Suzuki global alliance, which helps us to get Toyota technology on to our vehicle,” Raman said. 

What should aid adoption of hybrids is the potential of the government reducing GST rates on hybrids, which currently attract the same tax as a conventional engine vehicle.  At a recent industry event, Gadkari said just with EVs, the government will consider reducing GST on hybrids. 

Interestingly, while both Suzuki and Toyota believe hybrids are an important stepping stone to electrics, homegrown carmakers Tata Motors and Mahindra believe a two-step process (via hybrids) is not required. 

]]>Nishant Parekh Nishant Parekh Making EVs attractive more important than getting into EV race: Maruti2461402461401Fri, 6 Sep 2019 17:30:00 +1000414047Nishant Parekh Autocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000Maruti believes building scale is essential to reduce EV prices, which in turn will make them more attractive to consumers. Maruti believes building scale is essential to reduce EV prices, which in turn will make them more attractive to consumers. Fri, 6 Sep 2019 17:30:00 +1000https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/making-evs-attractive-more-important-than-getting-into-ev-race-maruti-414047#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Autocar+India+Premium+hatchbacks+feed4140472019 Volkswagen Polo price, variants explained

Volkswagen has just launched a facelift for its Polo premium hatchback.  The Polo range now starts from Rs 5.83 lakh for the Trendline petrol and goes all the way up to Rs 9.89 lakh for the GT TDI; there are a total of eight versions of the Polo on sale now.  The Polo facelift only features cosmetic changes – there’s a new GTI-inspired front bumper with a honeycomb grille, new side skirts and new taillights, to name a few.  The facelift also gets a new Sunset Red colour in addition to the previously available colour options. 

Mechanically, the Polo continues to use the 1.0-litre petrol, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines.  The 76hp, 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol and the 90hp, 1.5-litre four-cylinder TDI diesel engines are available on all variants except the GT.  The Polo GT is equipped with either the 105hp, 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or the 1.5-litre diesel engine is tuned to produce 110hp. 

The German carmaker has updated the equipment on offer across the entire Polo range, though it is worth noting that the prices of the hatchback have also increased by Rs 12,000-17,000.  We have compiled prices and a list of all the features available on each variant below. 

With car sales not showing many signs of recovering from the downward spiral, Maruti Suzuki is offering some attractive discounts and benefits on its cars being sold via the Arena dealership chain.  Here's a look at the deals you can avail at your nearest Maruti Arena dealership. 

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

Benefits up to Rs 1.05 lakh
The Vitara Brezza has long ruled the compact-SUV roost, despite lacking a petrol engine option, as offered by most of its rivals.  Now though it is facing stiffer competition, with Hyundai having recently launching its maiden compact SUV, the Venue.  Offered solely with Maruti’s tried-and-tested 1.3-litre diesel engine in its more powerful 90hp/200Nm state of tune, dealers are offering benefits of up to Rs 1 lakh on the compact SUV, including a complimentary five-year extended warranty.  Buyers not opting for the extended warranty can ask for equivalent cash benefits. 

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Benefits up to Rs 90,000
The Dzire has long been a strong seller for the brand over its three generations.  For the month of September 2019, Maruti is offering benefits worth up to Rs 90,000 on the compact sedan.  These benefits are being offered on the diesel model and buyers are being offered a mix of cash benefits, exchange bonus and a complementary five-year extended warranty package (diesel only) or its cash equivalent in additional discounts.  The petrol model, on the other hand, is being offered with benefits of up to Rs 60,000 across all its variants.  The Dzire is offered with Maruti’s tried and tested 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines with both available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox option.  The petrol unit has been upgraded to meet BS6 emission norms, with the diesel set to meet its end closer to the April 2020 deadline. 

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Benefits up to Rs 80,000
The hatchback sibling of the Dzire, the Swift has remained one of Maruti’s best seller for many years.  As with the Dzire, the Swift is offered with the choice of either Maruti’s BS6-compliant 1.2-litre K-Series petrol or 1.3-litre diesel engine with both units offered with either a manual or AMT gearbox option.  The diesel variants are being offered with cash benefits of up to Rs 30,000 along with a complementary extended warranty package (or equivalent cash discount if not selected) along with exchange benefits of up to Rs 20,000 (same for petrol) among others.  The petrol variants, on the other hand, are being offered with total benefits worth up to Rs 50,000 including an exchange bonus.  As with the Dzire, the complementary extended warranty package is only available on the diesel model. 

Maruti Suzuki Alto, Alto K10

Benefits up to Rs 70,000
Maruti’s long-standing best-seller is being offered with benefits of up to Rs 70,000 for both the 800cc Alto and the 1.0-litre Alto K10.  The Alto earlier in the year underwent a facelift which saw the engine be upgraded to meet BS6 emission standard along with the car getting a cosmetic makeover and meeting the upcoming crash- and pedestrian-safety regulations.  The new facelift also saw the deletion of the ‘800’ from the car’s name.  Maruti is offering cash benefits of up to Rs 40,000, along with exchange benefits of up to Rs 20,000 on both the Alto siblings. 

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Benefits up to Rs 70,000
Maruti’s rival to the likes of the Hyundai Santro and Tata Tiago, the Celerio is a petrol-only model and is offered with the carmaker’s 1.0-litre K10 unit paired with a 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox.  Maruti is offering the budget hatchback with benefits similar to the Alto siblings with cash benefits of up to Rs 40,000 and an additional exchange bonus of Rs 20,000. 

Maruti Suzuki Eeco

Benefits up to Rs 55,000
Maruti’s long-running people mover, the Eeco, saw an update earlier this year which saw the car meet the safety norms that came into effect earlier this year.  The update saw the addition of mandatory safety kit such as seat-belt reminders for the driver and co-driver, front airbags, ABS and a speed alert system.  The model of choice among many taxi operators, the Eeco is being offered with benefits of up to Rs 55,000 for the 7-seater and Rs 45,000 for the 5-seater variants. 

Maruti Suzuki Omni

Benefits up to Rs 35,000
The Omni is no longer being manufactured by Maruti for a few months now.  The long serving van in its lifetime remained a popular choice particularly with cargo transports in its commercial guise and also found use as taxis and ambulances.  Dealers are offering discounts of up to Rs 35,000 on the budget people-mover if they have units lying in stock. 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Benefits up to Rs 25,000
The new Wagon R seemingly bucked the downward sales trend in July this year with strong sales of over 15,000 and becoming the bestselling model for the month – a five-place jump over the previous month's standings.  Dealers are offering benefits of up to Rs 25,000 across all variants of the tall-boy hatchback.  Unlike its predecessor, the new Wagon R is offered with a choice of petrol engine options – the familiar 1.0-litre K10 unit and the new for the model BS6-compliant 1.2-litre K12 petrol unit used by the Swift and Dzire.  Buyers can additionally opt for a factory-fit CNG model based on the 1.0-litre model. 

Disclaimer: Discounts vary from city to city.  Please check with your local dealer for exact discounts, which may not match figures quoted here. 

Since the time of their introduction in the Indian market, the Volkswagen Polo and Vento have soldiered on for years; largely unchanged, barring a few minor updates.  Today, Volkswagen has rolled out yet another round of facelifts for the Polo and Vento, which aim to add some freshness into the aging models as we close in on 2020.  The Volkswagen Polo facelift is priced at Rs 5.82 – 9.88 lakh, while the Volkswagen Vento facelift is priced from Rs 8.76 lakh. 

As part of the update, the Volkswagen Polo and Vento both now get a honeycomb-mesh grille, front bumper and new tail-lights, which are reminiscent of the Volkswagen Polo GTI hot-hatch, and add a dash of sportiness to the appearance of both cars.  Higher-spec variants of the new Polo and Vento also get gunmetal-finish alloy wheels in a new design. 

Volkswagen has also equipped the new Polo and Vento with its Volkswagen Connect (connectivity suite) as standard on Highline trim and higher.  Volkswagen Connect is a dongle based feature and it can be transferred across different Volkswagen cars.  The connectivity suite allows trip tracking, driver behaviour and statistic tracking, location sharing and fuel cost monitoring to name a few features. 

All variants of the Polo and Vento now also get a seat-belt reminder system, rear parking sensors and a speed alert system.  Dual airbags and ABS have been standard across the Polo and Vento range, and that remains unchanged with the facelifts. 

On the engine side of things, the Polo continues with the 76hp, 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol and the 90hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine options.  The Polo GT variants also continue to have the BS4-compliant 105hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and the 110hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine on offer, both of which will be phased out by the time BS6 emission norms come into effect on April 1, 2020.  Also carrying over engine options is the Vento facelift, which continues with the same 105hp, 1.6-litre petrol, the 105hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and the 110hp, 1.5-litre diesel engines. 

The German carmaker has also introduced a new 5 year standard warranty for the diesel variants of the Polo, Ameo and Vento.  Volkswagen claim this will result in a 30 percent reduction in the cost of ownership for these cars. 

]]>Amaan Ahmed Amaan Ahmed Volkswagen Polo, Vento facelifts launched, priced from Rs 5.82 lakh2461402461401Wed, 4 Sep 2019 13:08:00 +1000414002Amaan Ahmed Autocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000Updated for 2019, the new Volkswagen Polo and Vento get styling bits which are similar to those on the Polo GTI hot hatch. Updated for 2019, the new Volkswagen Polo and Vento get styling bits which are similar to those on the Polo GTI hot hatch. Wed, 4 Sep 2019 13:08:00 +1000https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/volkswagen-polo-vento-facelifts-launched-in-india-priced-from-rs-582-lakh-414002#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Autocar+India+Premium+hatchbacks+feed414002