AHEAD

Words Khursheed Mistry

To sustain the growth momentum, the auto industry is adopting many new trends: from increasing digital sales to increasing safetyrelated measures, the sector is moving towards an optimistic new year. e Covid-19-induced restrictions led to a drastic slump in the Indian auto sector, however, despite the setback and obstacles, the industry has shown promising and optimistic growth trends thanks to the emergence of new technologies and innovation within the sector. New-age buyers expect to have a smooth and hassle-free experience throughout the journey, be it purchase or a er-sales, hence an increased focus on improving customer experience will sustain the growth further. e growing prominence of new consumer segments is changing the way companies reach out to and engage with prospective buyers. One of the major trends that would dominate the industry would be safety; it is believed that almost 52 per cent of the consumers in India are willing to pay more towards safety features. While the implementation of six airbags is the rst step towards this and other advanced safety features which are being o ered to Indian consumers who are increasingly aware of it.

Maruti Evx Concept

At Auto Expo 2023, Maruti revealed the eVX Concept, which is an electric SUV. It is built on an all-new platform that has been developed from the ground up by Suzuki. e eVX Concept has an automatic transmission and features a 60kWh battery pack of up to 550km. It features a rugged and sturdy design positioning it as a compact electric SUV. e eVX is aerodynamically e cient, has a smooth pro le with ush door handles, and is enhanced by its aero-optimised wheels. e all-electric platform allows for a longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs to maximise cabin space. While not much else has been revealed about the performance of the eVX, it is however con rmed that it features a dual motor setup for a 4x4 drivetrain. e interior of the eVX Concept promises to be packed with connected technology and will likely feature multiple large displays is expected for a market launch by 2025. Suzuki Motor Corporation has committed to a Rs 100 billion investment for the production of batteries and EVs in India, hinting that the eVX could be a locally manufactured and a ordable compact electric SUV with a possible price tag of Rs 25 lakh exshowroom onwards. marutisuzuki.com

Mg Marvel X

MG showcases its all-electric Marvel X SUV as a technology demonstrator which is touted as the world’s rst mass-production model to achieve Level-3 intelligent driving capability. Expected to launch on April 1, 2023, the MG Marvel X focuses on products that are electric-powered, self-driven and connected. Using a DC fast charger, the Marvel X can charge from zero to 80 per cent in 40 minutes, while a standard AC wall socket will take a claimed 8.5 hours to take the battery up to 100 per cent. e SUV comes with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), which essentially charges the battery when decelerating and braking. In terms of features, the MG Marvel X comes with adaptive cruise control, a fully-digital 12.03-inch instrument cluster, a huge 19.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ambient lighting, leather seats, power-adjustable ORVMs and driver’s seat, both with memory function, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging and 60:40 split-folding rear seats. e eSUV is an ideal choice for buyers who like large SUVs. e estimated price in New Delhi is 30 lakhs. mgmotor.co.in

Hyundai Ioniq 6

e Hyundai Ioniq 6 a seater coupe that is expected to launch in April 2025 has elegantly combined amazing performance with a stellar array of smart tech and delivers a driving range of up to 614 km with faster charging and sleeker style. With innumerable high-tech convenience features, Ioniq 6 is rede ning mobility. Its innovative V2L function helps supports a sustainable electric mobility lifestyle allowing one to freely use or charge any electric device. e Intelligent Front-Lighting System (IFS) featuring matrix beam LED technology, ensures that it automatically adapts to road situations, maximising high beam usage without the risk of dazzling oncoming drivers. As the system detects vehicles ahead, it is capable of partially turning o only the high beam lights that disrupt. e innovative digital side mirrors give a clear and wide-angle view of both sides of the vehicle even in bad weather conditions. e front seats are eight-way adjustable and fold at for a power nap with the push of a button. e interactive steering wheel features four Parametric Pixel LED that does everything right from welcoming the driver, to displaying the drive mode signalling the status of various vehicle systems. e highest level of safety and driver assistance features in the Hyundai line-up. With Hyundai Smart Sense, a cutting-edge Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), the IONIQ 6 has been equipped with the very latest safety and driving assist features for added peace of mind. e estimated price will start from 65 Lakhs. hyundai.com

Toyota Innova Hycross

Toyota Innova Hycross is a 7 seater MUV available in a price range of Rs. 18.3028.97 Lakh (Ex-showroom price in New Delhi). It is available in eight variants, a 1987 cc, BS6 and a single Automatic transmission. e new Innova Hycross has elevated its design; the stance and stature are accentuated by its glamorous yet tough Front Grille and a raised Bonnet Line heralding a new era. Not only the frontage but also the new Innova Hycross is cra ed with strong character lines and fender ares to magnify its presence from any angle. It is propelled by the latest 2.0L TNGA petrol engine and the most advanced h-generation self-charging hybrid electric technology. is sophisticated engine takes performance and fuel e ciency to new levels. e Innova Hycross is the epitome of comfort. e rstin-segment, powered ottoman seats with a long slide and panoramic sunroof with mood lighting and roof-mounted air-conditioning vents takes comfort notches higher. Advanced connected features like remote vehicle ignition, smartwatch connectivity, stolen vehicle tracker, nd my car, remote windows and trunk close optimise convenience. A host of sensors and cameras alert the driver if a vehicle is approaching from any direction while reversing the car and also help to keep the car centred in the lane and make the journey enjoyable. toyotabharat.com

Byd Seal

e BYD Seal has a clean and minimalistic style, measuring around 4.8 metres in length. e Seal EV carries some distinctive visual elements for the LED DRLs and headlamps. One of the unique highlights is that it’s based on cell-to-body technology which involves making the battery pack a structural part of the frame which will help in making driving a better and smoother experience. Visually, a side-angle view of the low-slung sedan paints an aerodynamic pro le. e roo ine is coupe-styled which adds to its fastback appeal. At the rear, the Seal gets connected LED tail lamps and again, a neatly designed pro le. Globally, BYD o ers the Seal EV with 82.5kWH and 61.4kWh battery packs, that claim up to 700km and 550km of range, respectively. However, the Indian version is expected to come with a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup which is rated at 312PS and 360Nm. e sedan also gets a performance variant which is rated at 530PS and can sprint from zero to 100km per hour in just 3.8 seconds. Premium features include a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a panoramic sunroof and a radar-based advanced driver assistance system. e BYD Seal is expected to launch around or in November 2023 and will be priced close to Rs 60 lakhs, posing as an a ordable alternative to perhaps the BMW i4. bydautoindia.com

Kia Ev9 Concept

Kia is turning toward electric vehicles. e brand has released its rst EV-branded electric vehicle, the excellent and sporty EV6. e next vehicle in the pipeline will be the EV9 which was showcased at the Auto Expo stall. e electric concept SUV previews Kia’s next electric car and is developed on an advanced E-GMP platform. It boasts some impressive numbers like a claimed range of 482km, a fast charging speed of up to 350kW, and a 10-80 per cent top-up time of around 20-30 minutes. e cabin is futuristic and makes use of sustainable materials like recycled plastic bottles and vegan leather. A launch in India could be on the cards a er the production model gets launched globally at an estimated price of 80 lakhs. kia.com BTI