Car India (January 2020)

Renault Triber Chronicles – II | Travelogue





the triber handled whatever road we threw at her and
at highway speeds too. inside, the triber is a very
comfortable car with a host of features. the
refrigerated compartment kept our liquids and snacks
at a low temperature, the music system had us singing,
and at no point did we ever feel cramped. that is quite
a lot for a rs 6.3-lakh (ex-showroom) vehicle.
as for our journey, we started with Goa and
Gokarna, which are two places known for their
seashores. Kodagu thereafter was a completely
different type of trip and showed us a whole new side
of india. i cannot tell you all enough about how
amazing all these places are. in Goa, we visited a
different side of the place, a more rural part of Goa.
Gokarna is just serene, with beautiful beaches and
amazing people. Kodagu is forest land that has been
cultivated to a degree with plantations and two
stunning golf courses. i would recommend all these
places for a visit as they all have their own magic.
When we arrived back in pune, we were quite
tired and happy to be home. however, ask me to do
this again and i would happily agree. a big thank Rekha’s lovely
you to renault for the lovely triber, a car that really homestay sure
kept us happy
can do it all.



















I would recommend all these


places for a visit as they all



have their own magic










































www.carindia.in January 2020 car india 51

Cover Story | New Cars for 2020
























Story: Jim Gorde

Photography: Manufacturers


A plethora of new cars across all spectrums will be


making their presence felt this year. We got eyes on all

the new metal with 2020 vision














Aston Martin DBX


Aston’s first-ever SUV. That means a generous helping
of sport and handling, with loads of utility and ground
clearance in one doubtless exceptional vehicle.













































ASTON MARTIN DBX

Price: Rs 3 crore (approx)
Engine: 4.0-litre, biturbo V8, petrol
Output: 550 hp, 700 Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed, auto, AWD



52 CAR INDIA January 2020 www.carindia.in

Audi A8 AuDi A8 55 tFsi QuAttro


Audi’s flagship luxury saloon is expected to finally Price: Rs 1.2 crore (approx)
arrive in india. Armed with cutting-edge tech and Engine: 3.0-litre, biturbo V6, petrol
modern powertrains, most of which benefit from Output: 340 hp, 500 Nm
mild-hybrid tech. Transmission: Eight-speed, auto, AWD






































Audi e-tron AuDi e-tron 55 QuAttro


The first all-electric Audi. We’ve all seen it Price: Rs 80 lakh (approx)
previewed, now get ready to put your money Engine: 95-kWh battery, twin e-motors
down. Q5-like space and utility with a load of new Output: Up to 408 hp, 664 Nm
tech and over 500 km of range on a full charge. Transmission: Single-speed, auto, AWD































Audi Q8


The sportiest large SUV from ingolstadt,
the Q8 is the premium four-door,
sportier sport utility luxury coupé that
will battle the likes of the BMW X6 and
Porsche cayenne coupé head-on.


AuDi Q8 55 tFsi QuAttro

Price: Rs 90 lakh (approx)
Engine: 3.0-litre, biturbo V6, petrol
Output: 340 hp, 500 Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed, auto, AWD


www.carindia.in January 2020 cAR iNDiA 53

BMW M850i XDrive GrAn Coupé

Price: Rs 1.8 crore (approx)
Engine: 4.4-litre, V8, turbo-petrol
Output: 530 hp, 750 Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed, auto, AWD

























BMW 8 Series

Gran Coupé


The legendary 8 Series returns, but only as a four-door
Gran coupé for india. Expect a mix of petrol and diesel
as well as an M high-performance model.




Ferrari SF90

Stradale


The hybrid hypercar inspired by their
Formula 1 programme, the stradale-
legal SF90 Stradale packs a
combined 1,000 hp from its pairing of
4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and electric
power front and rear and Ferrari’s
new eight-speed F1-DcT.

FerrAri sF90 strADAle

Price: Rs 4.5 crore (approx)
Engine: 4.0-litre, biturbo V8,
petrol+electric motors
Output: 1,000 hp, >800 Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed,
dual-clutch auto, AWD



Ferrari Roma


Beautiful new compact Ferrari named after
one of the most beautiful italian cities, the
Roma is Ferrari’s challenger to the legend
that is the Porsche 911 Turbo as well as its
growing McLaren rivals overseas.

FerrAri roMA

Price: Rs 3.6 crore (approx)
Engine: 3.9-litre, biturbo V8, petrol
Output: 620 hp, 760 Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed, auto, AWD




54 cAR iNDiA January 2020

New Cars for 2020 | Cover Story



Hyundai Aura


The latest sub-four-metre compact sedan from
Hyundai brings a fresh new design, cleaner new
powertrains with choices of petrol and diesel as
well as manual and automatic transmissions.

HyunDAi AurA turBo sX

Price: Rs 8 lakh (approx)
Engine: 1.0-litre, in-line three, turbo-petrol
Output: 100 hp, 172 Nm
Transmission: Five-speed, manual, FWD







Hyundai Creta


New styling, new engines, and a whole new
attitude, the all-new creta is expected to raise
the benchmark even further. This time, there
may even be an all-wheel-drive option.


HyunDAi CretA CrDi

Price: Rs 10 lakh (approx)
Engine: 1.5-litre, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Output: 115 hp, 250 Nm
Transmission: Six-speed, manual, FWD










Hyundai i20


The all-new iteration of the popular premium
hatchback is expected to arrive as well, with the
new family styling and a host of updates in the
interior and powertrain departments. An N
performance model also seems on the cards.

HyunDAi i20 CrDi

Price: Rs 7.5 lakh (approx)
Engine: 1.5-litre, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Output: 95 hp, 220 Nm
Transmission: Six-speed, manual, FWD


Hyundai i30 N used for representation


Hyundai Tucson


The refreshed Tucson will bring a modern design
with an extensive equipment list. A new eight-
speed automatic is also expected to go with the
familiar extensively reworked turbo-diesel
engine. A T-GDi petrol could also be on offer.

HyunDAi tuCson CrDi At 4X4

Price: Rs 30 lakh (approx)
Engine: 2.0-litre, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Output: 185 hp, 400 Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed, auto, AWD


www.carindia.in January 2020 cAR iNDiA 55

Cover Story | New Cars for 2020








Kia Grand Carnival


TheluxuryMPV―let’ssayit,van!―segment
hasseengrowinginterestandKiaarekeento
stepinaswell.Withmultipleseatsandaslew
ofluxuryfeatures,Europeanbusinessclass
road-travelisjustsomelakhsaway.

KiA GrAnD CArnivAl D2.2

Price: Rs 35 lakh (approx)
Engine: 2.2-litre, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Output: 200 hp, 440 Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed, auto, FWD

















Kia K5


Sharpnewstylingandapotentnew
powertrainwillmakethissport-luxury
four-doorcoupéquiteaforcetobe
reckonedwith,wereckon.


KiA K5 1.6t-GDi

Price: Rs 20 lakh (approx)
Engine: 1.6-litre, in-line four, turbo-petrol
Output: 180 hp, 265 Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch auto, FWD

















Land Rover Defender


Off-road icons don’t get any more heritage
brought up than this name can manage.
Reimagined and thoroughly modernized, the
new Defender packs a slew of configurations
and engines and brings immense flexibility and
versatility across all surfaces.

lAnD rover DeFenDer 110 D240

Price: Rs 70 lakh (approx)
Engine: 2.0-litre, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Output: 240 hp, 500 Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed, auto, AWD







56 cAR iNDiA January 2020 www.carindia.in

Lexus LC


Among the most stunning leXus lC 500h
designs that looks set to drop
jaws even in the future, the Lc is Price: Rs 3 crore (approx)
the sportiest Lexus in the line-up Engine: 3.5-litre, V6, petrol +
electric motors
and is expected to have a hybrid Output: 359 hp, 600 Nm (approx)
powertrain with scintillating Transmission: 10-speed
performance on tap. (four-speed auto+cVT), RWD





Lexus UX


The most compact SUV from Lexus, the UX
is a desirable proposition positioned below
the NX and is more driver-focused, too. A
hybrid 250h could be offered, but there’s
the new 300e all-electric model as well.

leXus uX 250h

Price: Rs 40 lakh (approx)
Engine: 2.0-litre, in-line four, petrol
Output: 184 hp, 350 Nm (approx)
Transmission: cVT, auto, AWD











Mahindra eXUV300


The all-electric XUV300 is closer to being a
reality. The proportions will be the same, but
expect to see a slightly different front grille
for improved aero, with further changes to
accommodate the battery pack.

MAHinDrA eXuv300

Price: Rs 15-20 lakh (approx)
Engine: NA battery-pack, electric motor(s)
Output: NA
Transmission: NA










MG ZS EV


The first all-electric car from Morris
Garages is available to order now with
bookings already open. it was recently
awarded the coveted five-star safety
rating from the Euro NcAP. We’ve
already driven it. You may read our first
drive review on page 84 of this issue.

MG Zs ev

Price: Rs 20 lakh (approx)
Engine: 44.5-kWh battery, 105-kW electric motor
Output: 143 hp, 353 Nm
Transmission: Single-speed, auto, FWD


www.carindia.in January 2020 cAR iNDiA 57

Mercedes-Benz A-Class


The first step to the three-pointed star will soon be
the new A-Class, which received a styling and
equipment update. Expect a mix of new, more
efficient petrol and diesel engines. Whether the AMG
models make it this time round remains to be seen.





























MERCEDES-BENZ A 200
Price: Rs 29 lakh (approx)
Engine: 1.4-litre, in-line four, turbo-petrol
Output: 163 hp, 250 Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch auto, FWD













Mercedes-Benz B-Class


The new B-Class will offer even more versatility and
space with the revered badge still adorning the
grille. We expect powertrain similar to the
A-Class to be offered.



MERCEDES-BENZ B 200 d

Price: Rs 30 lakh (approx)
Engine: 2.0-litre, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Output: 150 hp, 320 Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch auto, FWD


Mercedes-AMG GT

4-Door Coupé


A four-door version of the Porsche 911-fighter from
Affalterbach, this is AMG’s Panamera fighter. Luxury,
performance, and thrill for four. One straight six is
in the line-up, but the rest are V8s.


MERCEDES-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ 4-DOOR COUPÉ

Price: Rs 2.8 crore (approx)
Engine: 4.0-litre, biturbo V8, petrol
Output: 639 hp, 900 Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed, dual-clutch auto, AWD



58 CAR INDIA January 2020 www.carindia.in

New Cars for 2020 | Cover Story



Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The new year brings a new GLA. The latest iteration of the
popular compact luxury SUV brings a new, even higher
body, a new heart, and several new features that catapult it
into the next decade. Petrol and diesel models are expected,
with a high-performance AMG model line expected to follow.

MerCeDes-BenZ GlA 200 d

Price: Rs 40-45 lakh (approx)
Engine: 2.0-litre, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Output: 150 hp, 320 Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch auto, FWD



Mercedes-Benz


GLB-Class

The all-new GLB aims to add more premium and practicality
to the sport utility vehicle. Up to seven seats are on offer
with a choice of accessories and personalization. Shares
platform and engines with the GLA, so expect similar choices
with little variation. You may read our first drive review of the
AMG GLB 35 on page 76 of this very issue.

MerCeDes-BenZ GlB 200 d 4MAtiC
Price: Rs 45-50 lakh (approx)
Engine: 2.0-litre, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Output: 150 hp, 320 Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch auto, AWD





Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class


The all-new GLE-class brings a wealth of tech and capability
with it, key being the 48-volt electrical architecture and the
E-Active Body control. With a mix of torque-rich and clean
engines, there should be some familiar badges around. AMG
as well as coupé models will follow.

MerCeDes-BenZ Gle 350 d 4MAtiC
Price: Rs 79 lakh (approx)
Engine: 2.9-litre, in-line six, turbo-diesel
Output: 272 hp, 600 Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed, auto, AWD





Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class


Not only is the flagship SUV revitalized and reimagined to
quite an extent, there is a proper yachtload of tech and
luxuries from the flagship S-class super-luxury saloon.
The last car impressed mightily, so we can’t wait to see
what this one’s like. And the Maybach version should be
just around the corner.






MerCeDes-BenZ Gls 580 4MAtiC
Price: Rs 95 lakh (approx)
Engine: 4.0-litre, biturbo V8, petrol + electric motor
Output: 489 hp, 700 Nm (+ 22hp, 250 Nm EQ Boost)
Transmission: Nine-speed, auto, AWD


www.carindia.in January 2020 cAR iNDiA 59

Porsche Macan GTS

The next coming of the Macan GTS packs a smaller biturbo V6
with 20 more horses and Nm of torque over the previous model.
A more responsive transmission, active suspension, and more
goodies are expected. Maybe, this time it won’t elude us.


porsCHe MACAn Gts
Price: Rs 95 lakh (approx)
Engine: 2.9-litre, biturbo V6, petrol
Output: 380 hp, 520 Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch auto, AWD









Porsche 911 Turbo


Among the most iconic sports cars, the 911 keeps evolving and
getting better and better. The Turbo ― well, they’re pretty much
all turbo’d ― is expected to get an even more potent motor.
Whether the 3.8 flat-six will be turned up or if it grows to a
rounded-off 4.0-litre is still a mystery.


porsCHe 911 turBo s
Price: Rs 2.9 crore (approx)
Engine: 3.8-litre, biturbo flat-six, petrol
Output: 640 hp, 750 Nm (estimated)
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch auto, AWD








Škoda Karoq


The all-new Karoq, which we’ve already driven,
will be the SUV below the Kodiaq. This Yeti-
replacement is built on the MQB platform and
affords generous space and excellent handling
dynamics. Only a petrol will be offered here.

ŠKoDA KAroQ 1.5 tsi

Price: Rs 16 lakh (approx)
Engine: 1.5-litre, in-line four, turbo-petrol
Output: 150 hp, 250 Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch auto, FWD






Škoda Octavia


The all-new Octavia, built on the MQB
architecture, brings sharp new styling,
reminiscent of the Škoda philosophy. Updated
tech includes a new infotainment interface and
even a Virtual cockpit for the driver.

ŠKoDA oCtAviA 1.5 tsi

Price: Rs 18 lakh (approx)
Engine: 1.5-litre, in-line four, turbo-petrol
Output: 150 hp, 250 Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch auto, FWD


60 cAR iNDiA January 2020 www.carindia.in

New Cars for 2020 | Cover Story








Tata Altroz


Tata’s latest premium hatchback has managed to impress and we
are curious to see at what price the company decides to offer it. The
Altroz will get petrol and diesel engine options, with a turbo-petrol
as well as a dual-clutch auto expected to follow. Read all about the
new Altroz in our first drive review on page 66 of this issue.













tAtA AltroZ revotron

Price: Rs 7 lakh (approx)
Engine: 1.2-litre, in-line four, petrol
Output: 86 hp, 113 Nm
Transmission: Five-speed, manual, FWD





















Tata Nexon EV


The all-electric Nexon sure got a lot of people to
take notice with its home-grown approach. The
potent battery pack and equipment list,
together with the refreshed design make it seem
even more futuristic.

tAtA neXon ev

Price: Rs 15 lakh (approx)
Engine: 30.2-kWh battery, 95-kW electric motor
Output: 129 hp, 245 Nm
Transmission: Single-speed, auto, FWD






Tata Gravitas


The popular Harrier will grow not just in size,
but also in internal room with a third row of
seats added to the mix. The engine may be
carried forward, but it will be uprated to add
more grunt to the package.

tAtA GrAvitAs

Price: Rs 14 lakh (approx)
Engine: 2.0-litre, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Output: 170 hp, 350 Nm
Transmission: Six-speed, manual, FWD


www.carindia.in January 2020 cAR iNDiA 61

First Drive | Michelin Energy XM2+














































A Gripping Tale











The new range of Michelin Energy XM2+ tyres have been introduced in India

and Michelin have decided to go about their programme a little differently


Story: Jim Gorde Photography: Saurabh Botre


T yres are among the also consistently offer short and quick braking


performance, even in the wet.
most critical aspects of
performance, being the only
In the company’s private tests, the michelin
contact the car has with the road or
energy Xm2+ performed the 100 km/h to zero test
surface. today, it isn’t only about
about the same distance, within a metre, of the new
grip; there are several factors admirably well, with the worn tyre stopping in just
involved, including fuel efficiency, tyre’s performance figures. however, when
rolling resistance, road noise, cornering performance, compared to the competitor tyre, the new energy
and sidewall flex affecting handling. Tyre design and Xm2+ managed a distance 2.4 metres shorter on the
construction keep on evolving and, thus, every new new tyres and an even more significant 3.3 metres
iteration brings a whole lot more to the table. shorter on worn tyres.
now, as mentioned earlier, with the michelin With tyres, the equation is a bit of a trade-off.
energy Xm2+, the company has decided to do things a When inflated to the correct tyre pressure, new tyres
little differently this time round. there wasn’t just an will provide better rolling resistance and fuel
email with an image and description of the tyre, but we efficiency, but slightly lower grip levels. on the
were invited to the WaBCo Proving grounds in other hand, used or worn (or scrubbed, if you’re a
Chennai to actually have a go on the new rubber! Formula 1 fan) tyres will provide better grip because
this is primarily because the French major calls their tractive surface is better. traction is key,
the michelin energy Xm2+ the “forever new” tyre. especially when the road surface changes or if there’s
the promise behind that is substantial. michelin water on the road. too much water and the tyre and
claim the tyre will perform like new even when the its pressure can only travel up to a certain speed
tread depth reaches the tyre-wear indicator — the before it can’t displace the water fast enough and a
very aspect we would be putting to the test. they layer can build that breaks traction or “aquaplanes”,
claim the new michelin energy Xm2+ will not just leading to partial or even complete loss of control or
last longer — for up to 1.25 lakh kilometres — but directional stability.



62 car india January 2020 www.carindia.in





Brake Test



The new Michelin Energy XM2+
tyres make some bold claims and we
had to verify them ourselves. The
WABCO Proving Ground was an
ideal location: closed circuit
conditions, good tractive surface, and
a number of sprinklers, not to
mention a little rain adding more
than a little water to the already wet
surface. We would have two rounds
in each, the competitor tyre and the
Michelin Energy XM2+, both of
ZKLFK ZHUH ZRUQ H[DPSOHV EURXJKW GRZQ WR WKH W\UH ZHDU LQGLFDWRU %RWK VHWV
were shod on similar cars, the Maruti Suzuki Swift diesel, a popular hatchback, in
identical sizes: 185/70 R14.
The reference points were marked by cones. We would start at one end of the
straight, get up to 100 km/h, pass the warning cones and then brake at the cone
marker. The stopping point was marked by a set of four cones to provide a
reference for the optimum distance. The competitor tyres stopped just after the
marker cones. Normal braking procedure, yes, but I did feel that the distance
FRXOG EH D ELW EHWWHU 0HQWDO QRWHV PDGH 1H[W XS WKH QHZ ‹ ZHOO ROG DQG
scrubbed — XM2+ tyres.
Getting up to 100 km/h, the spray from the sprinklers approaching, I slammed
my right foot hard on the brake pedal. The Michelin Energy XM2+ tyres did
make a significant difference, with the
nose of the car just at the first set of marker
(Top) The tyres used for wet brake test
cones, over three metres — almost an
were down to the tyre-wear indicator
entire car-length — shorter by
comparison. There was also a lesser
(Below The Uptis, an evolution of the
amount of slip evident under braking,
X-Tweel airless tyre, was showcased
which, doubtless, helps in achieving the for the first time in India
shorter stopping distance.





Fast Lap



The WABCO Proving Ground,
apart from having a series of
courses, also has a long around the
facility. This includes a long
straight, a series of sharp bends, and
even a prolonged right-hand corner,
almost like a parabolica, before
getting on to the main straight
again.
The Michelin Energy XM2+
The Michelin Energy XM2+
tyres, new ones for this round,
offered good grip and commendably will be available in as many as 30
low levels of road noise. Silica sizes for wheel rim diameters
construction with what Michelin UDQJLQJ IURP WR LQFKHV WKH
call “Alternate Bridge Technology” majority of the subcompact,
compact, premium hatchbacks,
minimizes shuffling in the tread
sub-four-metre sedans, and
block, resulting in lower wear, while
the compound formulation itself compact SUVs, MUVs and
sedans. In India, the range starts
results in lower wear as well as
from Rs 5,090 at authorized
better braking performance.
Michelin dealers across the
country.



www.carindia.in January 2020 CAR INDIA 63





First Drive | Tata Altroz

























































































































66 car india January 2020 www.carindia.in

Alfa of







the Pride










The new Tata Altroz is going for gold.

Tata Motors’ new premium hatchback

spearhead has what it takes, but could it


topple the segment altogether?


Story: Jim Gorde Photography: Sanjay Raikar
















































































www.carindia.in January 2020 car india 67

S pearheading is never an easy job, especially when the arena



has some gladiators with a take-no-prisoners attitude. the battle is intense between
those vying for the pie, yet those who contribute to the pie do so with a clear head. the
“premium compact hatchback” segment has many takers and has shown a consistent
growth over the years. the discerning buyer knows what’s around and sees more value
in a lot packaged in less than the other way around. this sort of buyer will get a top-of-
the-line premium hatch rather than an entry sedan. this a view that Mayank pareek,
president of tata Motors, also shares. in fact, following the drive,
we had the opportunity to sit down and discuss all sorts of details
with him, among which was also that these very buyers get down tone XZ top-spec variant, all look thoroughly modern and should
to distinguishing the 3.8-metre long cars from the 3.99-metre ones. appeal to many.
the altroz, then, is tata’s first offering in this space. the interior, too, has definitely had a sensible job for the most
built on the new alFa (agile lightweight Flexible advanced) part. the quality of materials is good. the fit-and-finish of the
architecture, the altroz certainly feels up to the mark. the platform panels and elements has seen a remarkable improvement, unlike a
is modular and will allow them to introduce more models of all certain higher offering with its reverse opening centre storage and
sizes, with the freedom of increasing track width and wheelbase to ridiculous door design. in the altroz, the door panels are well-
suit model needs as well as a provision for electrification to fulfil finished, the door pockets fit large bottles with easy access, the
future needs. that said, the new altroz brings a design that is true arm-rest is flat and ergonomic, the mirror controls are now within
to the concept with a jazzy silhouette and some outstanding design reach, and the umbrella holder is also present and is easy to use.
elements, including bold wraparound headlamps and a floating all ticks there. good job! the flat-bottomed steering wheel is a
tail-lamp. the 45X concept’s elements have truly transcended into nice touch and it has controls on either side for the multimedia
the present production form — akin to its cousin, the range rover and info-display controls. that information display behind it has a
evoque, which was almost as if they began producing the concept, fully digital left half with a full-colour tachometer and fuel
design-wise — and, thus, looks like few other cars on the road and capacity display, efficiency, remaining range, alerts, and even
certainly grabs eyeballs. the unique front end, flowing side profile, power and torque graphics, while the right is an analog speedo.
flared wheel-arches with 195/55 rubber on 16-inch alloy wheels, perfect! accompanying that display, or rather those displays, is a
blacked-out rear section with those chiselled tail-lamp clusters — 7.0-inch floating centre touchscreen from harman. the altroz
with a hint of bMw i8, to me — and the black roof, in this dual- also gets automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a reverse

































































68 car india January 2020 www.carindia.in

Tata Altroz | First Drive





























(Above) Headlamp cluster looks sharp; fog
lamps below improve corner illumination
(Left) Cabin ergonomics are very good;
quality of finish also sees an improvement
(Below) BS VI-compliant 1.2-litre petrol
engine gains another horse






















































parking camera with guidelines, a 345-litre boot, and two unique aspects as a
result of its platform: a flat floor and doors that open a full 90 degrees — the
right angle to easy ingress and egress as well as ease of using a child-seat.
that said, safety has been a high priority for tata Motors and the altroz
This could well be benefits from a slew of features built into the body and electronics assistants


the car that brings that are part of the standard kit. these include a crash-energy mitigating
chassis construction with side intrusion beams in the doors. the car, which
weighs in at over a tonne, looks modern but feels solid and planted, but we’ll
home the gold for get to that in a little bit. the brakes are backed by abs with ebd and corner
brake control for safer overall performance. three-point seat-belts with load-
Tata Motors limiters and a crash-locking tongue are employed for the four main seats with
the middle rear seat making do with a two-point lap belt. there are dual
front airbags offered as standard, too.
Power comes from a pair of BS-VI ready engines. The first car I drove


www.carindia.in January 2020 car india 69

First Drive | Tata Altroz






























TATA AlTroz revoTron Xz
Price: rs 7.90 lakh (estimated)
Engine: 1,199 cc, three-cylinder, petrol
Max Power: 86 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 113 nm @ 3,300 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed, manual, front-wheel drive
Suspension: MacPherson Strut front, twist beam rear
Weight: 1,036 kg




(Left) ALFA-arc (Below) Unique (Above) Floating
allows for 90° 16-inch alloys get tail-lamp cluster is
opening doors 195/55 rubber truly eye-catching



excellent. it’s a speed-dependent unit and, as such, makes light
work of low-speed manoeuvres and is equally able at highway
speed, lending greater confidence when changing lanes and
overtaking. the suspension set-up is nothing short of phenomenal.
it’s pliant, absorbent, and appreciably gradual in its working,
soaking up undulations and rough patches with ease and
maintaining its course uninterrupted.
The Revotron petrol engine is reasonably strong and refined and
pulls cleanly. the altroz is only slightly heavier than the tiago
and, thus, the 1.2-litre three-pot does more than an adequate job.
being bs-vi compliant, it’s also cleaner and further optimized.
There is no need to rev up to the red-line and the Altroz finds its
sweet spot between 2,000
and 4,000 rpm. torque
peaks towards the mid-
was the petrol. it gets an enhanced version of the 1.2-litre three- 3,000s, so there’s enough
cylinder from the Tiago, with 86 hp and 113 Nm. A five-speed punch. The five-speed
manual is standard. exiting the parking of the beautiful suryagadh manual does a good job
luxury resort in jaisalmer, it was evident that the space in the car of transferring the power.
was immense, but the compact proportions make for easy With fourth and fifth
manoeuvring once you get used to them. a few elements still gears both overdrive,
prevail where style gets priority over practicality, notably the a- efficiency on the go is a
pillar extensions with glass which, from the driver’s point of view, given. there are two
only makes for a larger blind spot. secondly, the seats feel mediocre drive modes on offer, too:
at best and not on a par with the rest of the car. better side city and eco. push the
cushioning and shapelier bolsters would do wonders for the feel. little leaf button below
Finally, the gloss-finish large piece of trim on the dashboard, in the gear lever for eco
front of the front passenger seat, is blinding when the sun hits it at mode. what it felt like was a dulled response for most part of pedal
certain angles — a major portion of my onward north-west route at travel and that does get rather dull, but it helps with fuel economy.
two in the afternoon. That definitely needs to be replaced with a cruising in top gear, i managed to get the onboard display up to
matte black or darker colour with less reflective properties. That 17.6 km/l. Not bad at all. I can also confirm that Pareek did
apart, there wasn’t anything else to really complain about. mention a dual-clutch automatic option is being considered as an
where the altroz shines is in the ride and handling department. automated manual (aMt) simply wouldn’t cut it in the segment.
the steering feel is commendable and the responsiveness is (Turn the page over for the drive of the Altroz Revotorq diesel.)


70 car india January 2020 www.carindia.in

Eye on the Pie






Following a quick drive in the new tata Altroz, we had a chance to sit down with
Mayank Pareek, president – passenger Vehicle Business unit at tata motors, and
get his thoughts on some matters. here are some excerpts






(L-R) Tata Motors big-wigs
Rajendra Petkar, CTO;
Guenter Butschek, CEO and
MD; Mayank Pareek, President
of Passenger Vehicles








































On the AltrOz competition is there. aMT [automated Manual Transmission] won’t
discerning customers buy a top-spec hatchback and not an entry work. We don’t have it [because] it was a conscious choice. in the
sedan. They know 3,995 [millimetres of length] is a premium hatch. premium segment we can’t do aMT, it stops much lower. You need a
They are willing to pay more than a 3,800 [mm long car]. Our target is dcT or cVT. We can get it [dcT or dual clutch Transmission] sooner
12 per cent of the premium hatchback segment. than you expect.

On the emissiOn nOrms And mOdel lines On tAtA mOtOrs deAlerships
Whatever had to be phased out has already been phased out. Today One dealer can have 20 outlets, depending on management
every product we have has been launched after 2016. The Hexa [BS Vi] bandwidth or resource availability. Most people can manage at best
will not be made available on 1 april, but a little later. Very late, we two or three outlets. You have to service the car; how do you provide
decided a different marketing strategy for it. We think there’s a big that assurance to people? You cannot fragment dealers, selling 10
slot available. if we could do it [BS Vi conversion] for eight cars, we vehicles, 15 vehicles. no. 100 has to be there. if i make one visit, my
can do for nine cars. cost is not covered. it is about holding common inventory and selling
through lot of places. i think competition must be there. complacency
On the current mArket situAtiOn sets in very easily. Some manufacturers started with one dealer in one
This month [december 2019] is critical, we must do a good retail. state; they had to change it immediately. We are continuously
Today, Tata Motors’ margin is six per cent ― which is the highest in tweaking.
industry. it so happens interest rate was taking away three per cent.
How will a dealer earn? My target is to bring it to one per cent or less. On the pricing strAtegy
This year is a pause year. Tiago we priced at an eight per cent discount to the competing car.
Loan approvals are down as well, from 90 per cent to only 69 per Today we are at a premium to that car. So, you inch up, you establish,
cent. Thousands of bookings were cancelled. test it, experience the car. Price is a band. Keep discovering the
resistance point, wait for some time, inch up. That calibration is
On An AutOmAtic AltrOz tough. Here, gut feeling comes. You get resistance at Kolkata, first
automatic is critical; it accounts for 16 per cent [of the segment]. place you get price resistance. Wait for some time. inch up.






www.carindia.in January 2020 car india 71

(Below) Turbo-diesel
1.5-litre four is
punchy and efficient


EVOTORQ TURBO-DIESEL IS A DIFFERENT
r altogether. The engine is from the Nexon — the
tre four-cylinder — and it’s been tuned down to 90 hp
00 Nm. Torque peaks from 1,250 rpm and stays strong
s the ideal use spectrum of the rev-range. The biggest
ence is the added weight. The Altroz diesel is on the
building block and, as such, the 110-kg-odd difference
ight at the front leads to some interesting changes in
dynamics. Compared to the Revotron petrol, the diesel feels
way punchier. The front suspension feels a tad stiffer,
making it a tiny percentage firmer on the steering feel front,
but it also abundantly adds to its planted feel. Another
difference is that the diesel gets slightly narrower and taller
185/60 tyres on the same 16-inch wheels. It feels sprightly
and extremely potent and is capable of using its torque to its



72 CAR INDIA January 2020 www.carindia.in

Tata Altroz | First Drive





advantage — be that getting up to speed quickly
or eking out more km/l from its oil-burning
combustion motor. I managed an indicated 22.5
km/l on the drive back and the car just felt better
and better. The engine noise is barely audible
inside the cabin and the suspension, when driven
spiritedly, felt even better.
I have to say I was very impressed with the car.
It’s a fantastic package; and not just for a Tata. It
has the goods to turn the segment on its head. The
one unknown quantity remains the consistency of
quality. If it stays as good as it felt on that first
drive a year and 10-15k kilometres later, this could
well be the car that brings home the gold for Tata
Motors. A+ for effort.




(Above) Boot (Right) Ride
volume is a quality is great
very usable and so is the
345 litres steering feel





TATA ALTROZ REVOTORQ XZ

Price: Rs 8.90 lakh (estimated)
Engine: 1,497 cc, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Max Power: 90 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque: 200 Nm @ 1,250-3,000 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed, manual, front-wheel drive
Suspension: MacPherson Strut front, twist beam rear
Weight: 1,150 kg


























































www.carindia.in January 2020 CAR INDIA 73

First Drive | Audi Q8



















Best of Both













The first drive of the all-new Audi Q8 was held in Dubai.


Here is our first impression



Story: Aspi Bhathena












































































74 car india January 2020 www.carindia.in

W e were flown to Dubai lower, and 35 mm wider than the Q7 and can take up

to 22-inch wheels.
for a day to drive the all-new audi
the interior has a clean layout and ease of use with
Q8. Having stayed up the whole
two touchscreens measuring 8.6 and 10.1 inches and a
night for a 4.20 am flight to Dubai,
i was not in the best physical
seats provide good support and comfort. there is
condition to test-drive the car. virtual display for the driver. the ventilated leather
another aspect that i would like to plenty of space inside the cabin to transport you in
highlight for audi is that in the absence of good comfort and luxury. as expected of audi, the quality of
photography it is very difficult to do justice to the SuV. the interior is top-class and it is well-appointed.
after a short briefing and a quick lunch, we were the 55 tfSi V6 petrol engine SuV we drove produces
ready for the drive. the Q8 is the first SuV under 340 hp and 500 nm of torque. Most probably this is the
audi’s new design head, Marc lichte, and marks the only engine option we will get in india. this engine is
beginning of the design language for the new SuVs to mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and the
come from audi. power is put down on the road via audi’s quattro all-
the radiator grille has grown and now has an wheel-drive system. the 55 tfSi also gets a 48-volt mild
octagonal shape, with both vertical and horizontal slats. hybrid system which allows for coasting and also helps in
the sharp Matrix leD headlamps with daytime improving fuel consumption. one can also get the all-
running lights merge into the octagonal grille. big air wheel steering system as an option.
intakes under the headlamps and the silver bash-plates the suspension set-up is five-link at the front and
give the big SuV a menacing look from the front. rear with adaptive air suspension and you can adjust
while the low roof-line of a coupé sedan and the the ride height. braking is taken care of by disc brakes
quattro blisters give the Q8 a dynamic look, the front and rear.
narrow, high-gloss black element with an integrated After a short briefing on the dos and don’ts on the roads
leD light strip adds to the wide look from the rear. of Dubai, we started off in a three-car convoy. we were
the body construction is audi space frame using instructed not to overtake or lag behind. the 100-odd-km
multiple materials such as aluminium and high tensile drive started with navigating through city traffic before
steel. the SuV is 67 millimetres shorter, 40 mm hitting the highway. once on the highway, the SuV
came into its own and started munching miles with
Once on the highway, utmost ease. Driving in the sand was also a part of this
drive where we tried to have some fun.
it is very difficult to do a test-drive in a place like
the SUV came into Dubai because the road surface there is very good and

her own and started there are a lot of speed cameras. furthermore, there are
hardly any winding roads to test the handling of a car.
therefore, we shall be able to do a proper in-depth
munching miles road test of this car once it comes to india. at the

moment, all i can say is that the SuV feels refined and
with utmost ease comfortable. i wish audi had made arrangements for a

photographer for us to get some good pictures.




























aUDi Q8 55 TFSi QUaTTro

Price: rs 90 lakh (estimated)
Engine: 2,995 cc, V6, turbo-petrol
Max Power: 340 hp at 5,000-6,400 rpm
Max Torque: 500 nm at 1,370-4,500 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed, automatic,
all-wheel drive
Cabin balances luxury Suspension: Five-link front and rear, air
and sportiness well
Weight: 2,095 kg


www.carindia.in January 2020 car india 75

First Drive | Mercedes-AMG GLB 35


























































A Touch of







(G-)Class







AMG are on a roll, SUVs sell, and everyone

loves the big, boxy G-Class, right? So, just how

nailed-on is a new AMG-fettled Merc compact


SUV that looks (a bit) like a G-Class?


Story: Georg Kacher Photography: Jordan Butters





























76 CAR INDIA January 2020 www.carindia.in

www.carindia.in January 2020 CAR INDIA 77

Its 306 hp is Golf R territory, but our


car weighs about 1.7 tonnes








78 CAR INDIA January 2020 www.carindia.in

Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 | First Drive


‘H EY, MERCEDES! TAKE ME TO



Ronda, but on the scenic route.’ In
10 years from now, the driver of
any new well-spec’d Benz may say
exactly these words, then sit back,
relax and let the car do all the
work. But this is 2019 and,
apparently, there are three different
routes to Ronda, with varying degrees of scenic. We opt
for the longest loop, but as soon as it’s logged in, the
voice comes back on and warns of roadworks. Foiled.
‘Is there anything else I can do for you?’ Yes, you can.
I’m cold and my back needs a physio. She ponders for a
moment before she obliges: step by step the cabin temp
goes from 19.5° to 22°. Then she offers me a choice of
massages. We agree on level three upper torso and,
moments later, magic pneumatic hands are kneading my
spine. ‘Seat heaters, please.’ A split second later, three
red dots light up and soon all my worries seem so far
away.
MBUX, Merc’s user interface, is a real asset. What
could easily feel like a spy in a cab in fact resembles a
near-perfect butler; Alexa with a degree in TLC. Unlike
some rival interfaces, it makes life easier, safer, more
enjoyable. The GLB 35 is more than just a host for
MBUX, of course. It’s the new top model in the equally
new GLB line-up, the GLB being Merc’s new X3/Q5/
Disco Sport rival combining the G’s chunky charm with
seven seats and pricing from £33k (Rs 30 lakh) (our 35
costs £70k, that is, Rs 63 lakh).
The engine is a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre four
good for 306 hp. That’s VW Golf R territory, except
that our accessory-laden GLB weighs about 1.7 tonnes
as tested and has the drag coefficient of a Dobermann,
not a Whippet. The numbers tick all the boxes, but it
takes high revs to summon them and not all the noises
you hear are of natural origin. Comfort mode packs the
400 Nm of torque in lazy cotton wool, Sport+ releases it same size as the Lamborghini Urus has fitted as (Above)
with a vengeance. But there’s no hybrid, mild or standard. Wearing Conti SuperContacts, the big wheels Weather-led
late switch to
otherwise. mar the ride, encouraging the GLB to tramline on the plan-B route
The body looks as if someone pulled the plug in the motorway, catching crosswinds and struggling to hold didn’t deprive
middle of the morphing process from G-Class to GLA. the road in the wet. us of great
The boxiness of the legendary G is still the dominant Whereas the wheels are a clear case of less is more, driving roads
theme, but now with rounded edges, the whale-tooth the upgrade to the 35’s brakes is definitely worthwhile.
Panamericana grille out of the AMG GT, a tapered and The initial response could be a smidge more aggressive
bespoilered rear end, and an interesting upward kink in and the pedal feels a little soft, but the feedback is nicely
the window-line that makes the car look shorter and linear, modulation is spot-on, deceleration is rapid and
taller, more like a serious off-roader. This stance can be progressive. Even on long A-road descents, fading was
further enhanced by the extra-cost off-road kit. never an issue.
Our car sits on optional 21-inch wheels. That’s the And today is a day when you need good brakes, as the




PICK-UP: 0 MILES (0 KM) 10 MILES (16 KM) 75 MILES (120 KM)





They say this will be the Our fully loaded test car MBUX is today’s
best-selling compact costs around £70,000 best user interface.
Merc. Hmm. I approach (Rs 63 lakh). No way, Voice control is like
the GLB 35 with doubts guys. No way. It just talking to a friend.
in my mind. doesn’t feel that special,
at least not yet.



www.carindia.in January 2020 CAR INDIA 79

MERCEDES-AMG GLB 35

Price: £49,000 (est) (Rs 44 lakh),
£70,000 (or Rs 63 lakh, as tested)
Performance: 306 hp @ 5,800 rpm, 400 Nm @ 3,000
rpm, 5.2 seconds 0-100 km/h, 250 km/h (limited)
Powertrain: 1,991 cc 16v turbocharged four-cylinder,
eight-speed dual-clutch auto, all-wheel drive
Weight: 1,600 kg (est)
Efficiency: 13.3 km/l, 171-173 g/km CO2
On Sale: Spring 2020

























Squint and you
could mistake it for
a Škoda Yeti. But no
Yeti went this hard

































Good all-road
ability is standard;
dirt options are
mostly cosmetic





134 MILES (216 KM) 187 MILES (301 KM) 201 MILES (323 KM)



Hit a bumpy surface and It doesn’t feel that I hate the transmission;
the dashboard rattles fast. But at least it’s both the ’box itself and
and drones. The leather quicker than — its stalk. Changing
looks, feels, and smells hang on, was that a your direction of travel
fake on any surface. police car? is a test of patience.






80 CAR INDIA January 2020 www.carindia.in

Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 | First Drive





The AMG goodies don’t turn straight that’s a perfect spot to put Race Start to the test
Without really looking for it, we find a long, narrow

the GLB into a sports car. But and to accelerate in a rather rapid 5.2 seconds from
standstill to 100 km/h with two hardcore upshifts barely
they do make fast driving interrupting the flow. Top speed is an electronically
governed 250 km/h.
If we were in a hurry, we would use the toll road that
more rewarding crosses Andalusia from France to the Portuguese border

— usually quiet, because most locals cannot afford it.
But we steer clear, because Andalusia only gets
interesting off the beaten track, where several national
weather is intermittently appalling and some of the parks beckon, not to mention the picturesque white
roads are much grippier than others (and some aren’t villages in the high Sierras and the green clefts that
roads at all). The plan to drive inland from the coast meander in countless steps to mountain peaks.
towards Cordoba via the mountains turns out to be a To make the AMG side of the GLB shine, select
bad one. First, heavy rain starts pelting down. Then Sport or better still Sport+ before tackling the twisties.
thick fog descends at the rate of a 737 cleared for the This move sidelines start-stop and the coasting mode
final approach. Next, snow starts to fall in fat, heavy while speeding up the torque distribution. It also gives
flakes, hitting the windscreen like a swarm of ESP a longer leash and selects the firmest damper
translucent reeling butterflies. Before the photographer setting. Sport+ is tuned to further delay upshifts and
can reach for his anti-depressants, I turn off left, down trigger early downshifts. It also holds the gear almost all
the hill again and back towards the coast. the way to the red-line and it fakes heeling and toeing to
We have the road to ourselves and the car does its keep up the momentum.
best to help us make good progress. The adaptive LED All these goodies don’t turn the AMG GLB 35 into a
headlamps carve out a constantly varying sharp-edged (Below) sports car in crossover clothes, but they make fast
cone (or you can engage close-range high-intensity off- Cabin is more driving more involving and rewarding. Limitations?
A-Class than
road lighting), the fully variable all-wheel-drive system Not enough front-end grip in the wet and wild lift-off
G-Class, just a
sends the torque to the wheels that need it most, and bit higher up weight transfer with ESP off, the balanced composure
splash plates divert spray from the brake discs. Only the
cornering grip disappoints, but this is a common
problem on rainswept Balearic by-roads. In conditions
like this, the 18-inch footwear fitted to the base GLB
clearly is the more pragmatic choice.
If you think of Andalusia simply in terms of the Costa
del Sol — busy with pale pensioners from Germany and
the UK spending the winter at budget hotels watching
cable television and drinking local beer — you need to
drive west past Estepona, in the direction of Gibraltar,
and experience an unspoilt waterfront and its wildlife.
While the partly rocky coastline is flocked by migratory
birds and vast cormorant colonies, the swamps a couple
of miles inland are populated by herons, storks, and
flamingoes.
The GLB could have taken us right down to the
shallows where egrets feed and sandpipers breed, but
why intrude and on top of it run the risk of damaging
the vulnerable alloys, each of which must cost as much
as a crate of the very finest Jerez sherry? The secondary
roads that lead away from the shoreline are virtually
empty bar the odd tractor and a string of lorries
transiting between quarry and harbour.




241 MILES (388 KM) 291 MILES (468 KM) 300 MILES (483 KM)



Down to a quarter of a Race against time to It did the job the
tank. The readout says the airport aided by Mercedes way. Swiftly,
8.7 km/l. We should augmented-reality safely, in style and in
just about make it. sat-nav. comfort, hitting the
sweet spot of the market.






www.carindia.in January 2020 CAR INDIA 81

First Drive | Mercedes-AMG GLB 35









































It’s a 35, not a 45,
but that’s plenty
quick enough



repeatedly at odds with the rather harsh ride. Seven Seats? Occasionally, Maybe
Comfort mode is little more than an electronically induced sleeping Sometimes marketing-led decisions backfire. The
pill featuring very late upshifts and the tardiest throttle response this optional third row of seats in the GLB accommodates
side of the Queen Mary. Having said that, it is still possible to dial in two humans, so long as they’re not taller than five feet
even more sluggish sub-calibrations labelled Moderate and Reduced. five inches. Even then, they should have flat heads
and stubby feet. With the driver and six passengers
The AMG community may appreciate the additional Supersport
instrument graphics that depict one large digital centre read-out aboard, the boot is titchy. With only two up, however,
the cavernous cargo deck swallows 1,805 litres.
flanked by two wing-shaped bar graphs. Other AMG cues include the
thickly rimmed steering wheel with straight-ahead marker, the low-
flying front splitter, and the restyled rear apron housing two extra-large
tailpipes. No money in the world buys the 421-hp engine of the
Mercedes-AMG A 45 S and that’s probably a good thing due to the
GLB’s significantly elevated centre of gravity.
If you want some combination of the tall and boxy looks, the off-road
ruggedness and, perhaps, those kids-only third-row seats, you don’t
need to go for the AMG version. There are perfectly decent engines
available in less expensive GLBs and we’re only a couple of years away
from the zero-emission equivalent, the EQB. And don’t overlook the
current GLC — which is roomier and can be had with a noticeably
more powerful engine — and the sleeker, smaller new GLA.
But logic be damned. I suspect a lot of people will buy the AMG for
looks and image alone. It’s funky, not too big, and very well equipped,
albeit at a steep price. For me, it’s an acquired taste. And I have one last
chance to acquire it.
Hey, Mercedes! Take me to Ronda and then to the airport. My flight
departs at 3.15 pm.’ The computer with the velvety synthetic voice It maintains a fine
demurs. Apparently, there’s not enough time for the detour to Ronda.
Hmm. Let’s see…
In full aggro mode, the red SUV throws itself with verve into the first balance of weight
esses, almost immediately finds its rhythm, establishes full turn-in
confidence on the dry tarmac. With the transmission in manual, there’s and effort, with
a bracing sequence of second-third-second-third shifting, with only a
short excursion into fifth. The power-assisted steering, which felt too the faintest trace
light and detached in Comfort, is definitely on the case again in Sport+,
carving one neat radius after the next into the crumbling surface with
surgical skill, maintaining a fine balance of weight and effort, refraining of waywardness
from excessive self-centring, but with the faintest trace of waywardness.
A broad smile pops up in the rear-view mirror. Made it in time… just.



82 CAR INDIA January 2020 www.carindia.in

Big Wheels, Big Mistake Less Than Meets the Eye
No less an authority than Robert Lesnik, One glance at a fully equipped GLB will make
Merc’s head of exterior design and one your neighbours green with envy.
of the most gifted car designers of the Unfortunately, the perceived beauty is in places
age, claims the huge 21-inch optional only skin-deep. Most of the bright work is real
rims and the contrasting cladding work metal, but the doors need to be slammed shut,
wonders for the street cred of the GLB loose chippings pepper the wheelhouses like
35. But our 300-mile (483-km) test in machine-gun fire, wind noise keeps killing the
Andalusia highlights the price you pay, radio, and there is a poltergeist squatting
in road noise and roadholding. somewhere in the chassis. The column-
mounted gear-change stalk looks flimsy, feels
cheap and sounds hollow.
































































































www.carindia.in January 2020 CAR INDIA 83

First Drive | MG ZS EV



























































































The W
The Wattatt Age

















MG Motor’s second SUV for India is here but it’s different. It’s all-newent. It’s all-new and all-electric!
MG Mot or’s second SUV for India is her e but it’s differ

Story: Sarmad Kadiri Photography: Sanjay Raikar




84 car india January 2020 www.carindia.in

The Watt Age


















MG Motor’s second SUV for India is here but it’s different. It’s all-new and all-electric!








www.carindia.in January 2020 car india 85

MG ZS EV

Price: rs 22 lakh (estimated)
Battery: 44.5-kWh lithium-ion, water-cooled
Range: 340 km (arai certified)
Max Power: 105 kW (143 hp)
Max Torque: 353 nm
Suspension: MacPherson strut front,
torsion beam rear
Weight: 1,502 kg

T he MG ZS eV MiGht Sound like a surprisingly, a few familiar bits can be spotted on the ZS eV too.



bunch of acronyms but, in reality, it spells the
The flowing centre console looks good and has a nifty sliding
company’s expertise in the eV space. For an
cover for the cubbyhole. there’s an unconventional rotary gear knob
electric car, it looks rather conventional and it’s
to select drive, neutral or Reverse and tapping on the dial engages
about the same size as the hyundai Creta and
and show battery info. keRS is a useful feature that recovers a
the kia Seltos. it’s only once the front grille is Parking. a set of buttons control the electric driving modes, keRS,
popped open and the charging socket is revealed moving car’s kinetic energy under braking or coasting and stores it
that the curious bystanders go ‘oh, electric!’ in appreciation. in the battery. Since the battery pack is neatly packed underneath
a few elements make the design stand out — such as the sizeable the car, the floorboard is higher than usual and robs some of the rear
front grille with starry chrome specks or the large MG logo seat’s under-thigh support. the cabin is practical and spacious,
centrepiece which glows when the ZS is being charged. While the probably the best in the segment.
london eye-inspired led daytime running light layout looks the features of this internet car depend on the variant you choose:
unique, the scuff-plates at the bottom of the bumper give it a rugged the standard excite or the range-topping exclusive. We drove the
feel. Like many European designs, the side profile is understated latter which, apart from the usual tricks, gets a useful PM 2.5 air-
and the gradually rising shoulder-line that spikes toward the C- filter, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and MG’s latest i-Smart
pillar gives the car a dynamic stance. it looks rather conventional eV 2.0 infotainment system with six speakers. MG have tied up
from the rear with a narrow glass and high-set tail-lamps. like the with a host of experts to offer a range of functions such as in-car
hector, there are several badges, including “internet inside”, on the Wi-Fi (a segment-first), battery range, car info, and things like
boot and the one on the front fender announces “electric”. this navigation, streaming your favourite music or get the city’s weather
Copenhagen Blue colour did manage to attract plenty of delhiites prediction. Mysteriously, the top-end doesn’t get android auto or
and their zillion eV-related queries. Apple CarPlay, at least for now. But it does get silver-finished roof-
Step into the cabin and it’s a lot more premium, with good quality rails and a huge panoramic sunroof which covers almost 90 per cent
materials and craftsmanship. Soft-touch plastic, brush metal of the roof, which seemed like an overkill to me.
highlights, fine leather, and fancy rotating a-c vents — all a notch Coming to the crux of things, the ZS gets a 44.5-kWh ternary
above the hector. during my recent trip to MG’s headquarters in liquid-cooled lithium battery produced in-house by MG Motor’s
Shanghai, i noticed how the company had borrowed some cabin parent company, SaiC, in partnership with Catl (one of the
parts from Volkswagen, their partners in the Chinese market. not world’s largest battery manufacturers). The battery pack supplies


86 car india January 2020 www.carindia.in

MG ZS EV | First Drive



































(Top) Apart from a
portable charging cable
with every ZS EV, MG will
also install this AC fast-
charger free of cost


(Top Right) Ever
wondered what lies
under the bonnet of an
EV? The electric motor
makes 143 hp and 353
Nm of torque


(Below) The cabin
boasts of good quality
parts and is a notch
above the Hector




























































www.carindia.in January 2020 CAR INDIA 87

First Drive | MG ZS EV




























electric current to a 143-hp permanent-magnet
synchronous motor, which, in turn, employs a single- (Top) The i-Smart 2.0 offers
a multiple readouts like
speed transmission to power the front wheels. and, yes, battery range, music info
it’s impressive. Mainly because the entire 353 nm of and weather report
torque is available almost instantly. in normal mode, it (Right) The flat floorboard
feels zippy and immediately clears off any apprehension makes the rear seats very
one might have about electric cars. Sport makes it even usable. No shortage of
more lively and i won’t be surprised if it is as fast or even space either
quicker than a few conventional cars of its size. instead of
the usual roaring motor, there’s the peculiar whizzing of
the electric motor as the single speed ensures a seamlessly not only its performance, but the ZS eV’s decent road behaviour will surely
surge till it maxes out. in fact, the claimed 0-100 km/h in surprise you. Although the steering weighs well, it feels artificially induced and
8.5 seconds doesn’t seem too off the mark either. MG doesn’t necessarily translate into razor-sharp precision, but the eV remained
claim that the ZS has a range of 340 km (ARAI certified), impressively flat and held the line pretty well. It feels quick to change
which, in real-world driving conditions, would probably directions and the spirited motor makes it surprisingly fun to drive. the
be close to 250 km on a single charge. suspension, in spite of lugging around a heavy battery pack, is well-sprung and
to improve the range, it is best to drive the ZS eV in keeps the body movement in control. It just flattens out broken roads really
the eco mode. Yes, the accelerator response is toned well and only a deep pothole can be felt in the cabin.
down a fair bit but is usable within the city and there’s Since we drove the car in winter, we would like to see what impact our
enough range to skip charging for another day or so. harsh summer would have on the battery range. however, going by our first
MG’s strength is that they are offering a whole range of impression, the peppy motor and a decent range make the ZS eV a
charging options. Five to be precise. along with every ZS seemingly practical car for highways and cities. the biggest talking point,
eV, the company not only provides a portable charging according to me, should be the comprehensive safety kit it offers, including
cable but also installs an aC fast-charger free of cost, six airbags, dust- and water-resistant battery, and an unmatched five-star
which takes about eight hours to fully charge the car. if euro nCaP rating.
there is an MG showroom in your vicinity, you can also
use their dC charging once in a while as it takes less than
an hour to juice up 80 per cent of the battery. In case the
battery runs dry in the middle of nowhere, you can even
call for the roadside mobile assistance.






































88 car india January 2020 www.carindia.in

Now read your favourite magazine wherever you go...




Available on PC... Mac... Tablet... or any other handheld device!















DRIVEN: Audi Q8 MG ZS EV Tata Altroz Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 Porsche Taycan 4S Polestar 1 `130.00


FIRST DRIVE



MERCEDES-BENZ GLC










TRAVELOGUE
Volume 15 / Issue 06 / January 2020 Renault Triber Chronicles - II
Kia Seltos Tiger Trails - I












Tata Altroz Audi e-tron Aston Martin DBX Kia K5
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé Porsche 911 Turbo S
Ferrari Roma Lexus LC MG ZS EV Hyundai Aura

and many more cars expected in 2020
















TESTED
Hyundai Elantra 2.0 AT



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Available on Digital Platform Partners









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First Drive | Polestar 1




Weight of






Expectation





































What started as a badge on fancy Volvos

has evolved into a manufacturer in its own

ULJKW ,V 3ROHVWDUĶV ŒUVW FDU DQ\ JRRG"


Story: James Dennison






Y OU COULD HAVE FORGIVEN relentless, with the motors and engine working in unison to
The performance is not so much neck-snapping as
Polestar for playing it safe when it came to
delivering their first model since becoming
deliver you early for your appointment with the horizon.
When you have a play with the drive modes (five in total) and
an independent manufacturer in 2017. A
nice SUV — they always do well, don’t
electric mode, with zero CO2 output, for up to 125 km —
they? Maybe, an electric version of one of select the Pure setting, you get to swoop along entirely in
parent company Volvo’s existing models? more than any other plug-in hybrid. That long distance isn’t
But, no, Gothenberg decided that what the world really achieved by making you go ridiculously slowly, either — you
needed was a 600-hp, carbon-bodied plug-in hybrid GT. One can easily keep ahead of the flow of traffic.
that costs £139,000 (Rs 1.25 crore). Don’t you just love those What’s more impressive, though, is the way the Polestar
crazy Swedes? handles. Weighing 2.4 tonnes (and using the same platform as
The Polestar 1 is intended as the brand’s halo car, designed the Volvo S90), it has every excuse to feel like a tub of lard,
to warm potential customers up for less expensive future yet it’s quite the opposite. Agile, lithe, and deliciously neutral
models, starting with the Tesla Model 3-rivalling Polestar 2. through corners, the 1 is a real driver’s car. Thank the Öhlins
But what of the Polestar 1, considered in its own right — Dual Flow Valve manually adjustable dampers and the
what’s it actually like to drive? And does it come close to brilliantly judged body control they deliver. Six-piston
justifying that giddy price, which puts it among such Akebono front brakes generate staggering stopping power.
esteemed company as the Bentley Continental GT and Great-looking, fast, and a peach to drive — what’s not to
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé? love? Actually, a few things. Ride comfort on the standard
It’s certainly got the power to match both, backed up by damper setting is firm — and switching requires a trolley jack.
1,000 Nm of torque — enough for 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds Not bone-shaking, but lagging behind the standards of most
and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). This comes about other GT cars with adaptive suspension. Then there’s the
through a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre petrol cabin. It’s fine in the Volvo S90, but doesn’t feel like £139,000
engine (borrowed from the Volvo XC90), two 80-kW (109- (Rs 1.25 crore) worth. And, finally, practicality. We’re not
hp) electric motors on the rear axle, plus a 34-kW (46-hp) expecting XC90 levels of luggage space, but less than half the
crank-integrated starter-generator. boot capacity of a Continental GT is disappointing.



90 CAR INDIA January 2020 www.carindia.in

POLESTAR 1

Price: £139,000 (Rs 1.25 crore)
Powertrain: 1,969 cc 16v
turbo-supercharged four-cylinder,
two e-motors,
eight-speed auto, AWD
Performance: 600 hp @ 6,000 rpm,
1,000 Nm @ 2,600 rpm, 4.2 seconds
XS llitt
l
0-100 km/h, 155 mph (250 km/h)
ea
hea h h givess Weight: 2,350 kg
Oc
Oc
Efficiency: 145 km/l, 125 km EV
range, 15 g/km CO2
A l tar, n t
Vo r u r ree
e
ee
ee
e
e
e
mostly w lll


























































The performance is not so


much neck-snapping as



relentless, an engine and


two motors in unison
Shapely rear
end has tiny
capacity; blame
the batteries
and e-motors




www.carindia.in January 2020 CAR INDIA 91

First Drive | Mercedes-Benz GLC













































































































We visited Bengaluru to spend some time behind the wheel of

the new Mercedes-Benz GLC which now comes with a smart AI

voice assistant. Here’s what the SUV and its latest gadget were like




92 car india January 2020 www.carindia.in

Story: Harket Suchde Photography: Saurabh Botre



www.carindia.in January 2020 car india 93

First Drive | Mercedes-Benz GLC



T his isn’t a story about the wisecracking Marvel


anti-hero who also goes by the name Deadpool (and is often referred to as the
merc with the mouth). it is instead a story about the new Mercedes that, like
Mr Pool, is quite chatty and dishes out some quick-witted quips too (minus
the r-rated content, of course).
but before we get to the vehicle’s party piece, let’s talk about what it is. it is
the new glc, specifically the 220 d 4Matic or 2.0-litre diesel all-wheel-
drive variant in lay speak. now, this isn’t an all-new, built from the ground up and drawn up on
a completely fresh piece of paper type deal. it is, in fact, somewhere between a mild facelift and a
full-blown change up. so, the platform, dimensions, and silhouette all remain the same. there
are a few easily spotted changes, though.
take the grille, for instance. it has these interesting bevels across its slants that give it a more
3D effect. the suv also now sits on 19-inch alloys with a spoke-style design which is very
modern and adds a bit more aggression to its overall stance. it also gets a tail-lamp unit that sits a
bit more flush along the body and features leD fixtures as standard to go with the fresh
headlamp design that also incorporates full-leD lighting and a super-slick Drl design. the
bumpers, too, get a bit of a design tweak but you’d have to be quite familiar with the old design
in order to spot the differences.
this isn’t a criticism, though, because the glc was a good-looking hunk (hunk...geddit?) of
metal to begin with and this glow-up, while not a dramatic one, is still significant enough to
enhance its attractiveness. it is, of course, a five-seater suv and since it does sport the three-
pointed star, the cabin is proper regal. exotic fabrics and materials, lots of leather, a soft-touch
dash, and interesting accents are the norm. speaking of which, gone are the glossy wood accents
from the previous generation, the ones that were prone to smudges and fingerprints, and in
comes a svelte open-pore walnut wood detail instead. the dash is as clean and classy as ever and
the seats offer superior comfort levels as always.
the cabin retains its roomy sunroof and now gets sun visors for the rear windows. another
change is that Mercedes have found a space under the boot floor for the spare tyre. so, there’s no
longer a “space-saver” eating up precious space in the 550-litre boot. you also have ambient
lighting to help set the mood and a few new tech touches. there are no usb ports, with the
german brand choosing to bring in type-c ports only instead, which could pose a problem if
you don’t have a converter handy. you do get wireless charging to make up for this and the
type-c ports are present in the second row along with 12v charger ports, so you do have options
— just not the most convenient one.
the 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display now responds to touch inputs and that
protruding coManD console with rotary control has been swapped out for a much sleeker
touchpad too. this, along with the MbuX (Mercedes-benz user experience) voice assistant
and in-built lte connectivity, has turned the glc’s approach to infotainment on its head and
in the best way possible.
as i said earlier, the party-piece is undoubtedly the voice assistant that works a lot better than
you would think. it responds to ‘hey, Mercedes’, recognises indian accents, and understands




(Right)
In-built LTE
allows for a
rapid
emergency
response


(Left)
The luxurious
cabin receives a
few choice
upgrades


(Right)
Out go the
cumbersome
controls and in
comes the flat
touchpad







94 car india January 2020 www.carindia.in

www.carindia.in January 2020 car india 95

First Drive | Mercedes-Benz GLC


























Mercedes-benz
GLc 220 d 4Matic

Price: rs 57.75 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 1,950 cc, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Max Power: 194 hp at 3,800 rpm
Max Torque: 400 nm at 1,600-2,800 rpm
Transmission: nine-speed, automatic,
all-wheel drive
Suspension: Multi-link front and rear
Weight: 1,835 kg


different commands such as ‘i want to eat biryani’ and ‘change the ambient light to *insert colour
here*’, among others. it isn’t all serious either, well, kind of. there are a few entertaining
commands you can put in, the responses to which are very, umm, german. here are a few
instances: ‘hey Mercedes, tell me a joke’, to which the MbuX responds, ‘i can’t, i’m too busy
watching the road’. or ‘hey Mercedes, follow that car!’ ‘this is not a hollywood movie.’ this
Mercedes has got no chill. there are more fun commands and equally amusing responses to try,
but i’ll leave those a surprise.
you can also use the brand’s bespoke 24x7 concierge service to beam information to your
infotainment system. this includes an automatic emergency call with gPs location to the
appropriate authorities in the event of an accident. and, being a 21st-century connected vehicle,
there’s a companion app for the glc too. with the app you can lock or unlock the doors,
monitor fuel levels, location, battery levels and even tyre pressure, and can even check the stats
on your recent trips, among other things.
so, that’s one big change covered. the other is the engine. the new glc gets the brand’s
more modern 1,950-cc, four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 194 hp at 3,800 rpm and 400 nm of
torque from 1,600-2,800 rpm. that’s 24 more horses from an engine displacing 200 cc less than
before. and, goes without saying really, is bs vi-compliant too. it is mated to the same 9g-
tronic torque-converter automatic gearbox as before, though. the engine is smooth, refined,
and offers a good punch low down. there’s no serious turbo-lag and the brand claims a 0-100




(Right)
19-inch wheels
improve the
SUV’s stance


(Left)
The 2.0-litre
turbo-diesel
churns out 194
hp and 400 Nm
of torque


(Right)
Spacesaver
now goes under
the boot shelf











96 car india January 2020 www.carindia.in

km/h sprint in less than eight seconds. What’s really impressive on the GLC
the nine-speed automatic gearbox feels a little
hesitant to respond to throttle inputs in comfort and
eco modes, but pop the suv into sport using is the ride quality. Whether you are
Dynamic select and it gets much, much better. so, you
can hold triple-digit speeds and take advantage of riding hard across bumps or darting
cruise control on highways without any worries.
what’s really impressive on the glc, though, is the
ride quality. whether you are riding hard across bumps into corners, the SUV holds its own
or darting into corners, the suv holds its own and
doesn’t let you down. there is a bit of body-roll, but
the glc manages that well enough too. the steering is drive experience was the dead pedal or more like dead and nearly buried
both communicative and well-weighted, so that’s pedal. now, i wear size nine sneakers — so fairly average — and just over
another plus. the brakes work well too. the glc is half the width of my foot could actually fit on the pedal. it was fine for the
the “first-ever locally made suv to get active braking half a day we spent driving around, but i’m sure long road trips will
assist”, which uses a bunch of technologies to help you exacerbate the annoyance of said diminutive dead pedal.
avoid collisions. i didn’t want to test this on public Price-wise, you’re looking at shelling out rs 57.75 lakh (ex-showroom) for
roads, but i did check the braking performance in the 220 d 4Matic. and you get the all-wheel-drive system and the off-
general. it worked well, bringing this sizeable suv to road package as standard here in india. a fairly decent price tag for a luxury
an urgent stop without much drama. five-seater suv that looks the part, is well-suited to being the family ride,
the one deterrent that took away from the glc and now shows off its talkative side.













































































www.carindia.in January 2020 car india 97

First Drive | Porsche Taycan 4S






























































































Green with Envy








Don’t think of the basic Taycan as merely a


planet-saving Porsche. It’s also great fun


Story: Georg Kacher







98 car india January 2020 www.carindia.in