Kia has officially announced specifications for the CNG-powered Carens and Carens Clavis MPVs on the sidelines of the Sorento launch. Both MPVs will be available with a factory-fitted CNG kit with the 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated engine, and will be offered with a 60-litre CNG tank positioned in the boot. Kia has long expressed its intent to enter India’s growing CNG segment, and this officially marks their entry into this space. So far, the Carens was offered with a CNG kit, but as a dealer-level fitment. Prices for the Carens and Carens Clavis with factory-fitted CNG kit can be expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
In CNG spec, the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine will produce 93hp and 123Nm of torque – that’s 22hp and 21Nm less than the petrol-powered counterpart. Kia hasn’t revealed a fuel-efficiency figure yet, but says the engine has been calibrated to not compromise on performance. Kia has also retuned the suspension and upgraded the front disc brakes to account for the additional tank weight. Kia has also managed to retain the spare wheel positioned under the car.
The Celerio is positioned between the cheaper Alto K10 and the even more popular Wagon R in Maruti Suzuki’s line-up. Priced between Rs 4.70 lakh and Rs 6.75 lakh (ex-showroom), the Celerio is available in petrol and CNG versions with manual and AMT gearbox options, just like its rivals. While the second-gen model arrived on the entry-level hatchback scene in 2021, it hasn’t received a single facelift in the following five years, placing it at a disadvantage over some of its competitors. This Heartect platform-based hatchback goes up against the likes of the new-gen Tata Tiago and its own stablemate, the Wagon R.
Reasons to buy the Maruti Celerio
City slicker
The Celerio’s urban-friendly demeanour is great for regular commutes
One of the factors making the Maruti Celerio a great urban runabout is its 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. It builds power smoothly right from lower RPMs which, along with a slick 5-speed manual gearbox and a light clutch, make pottering around town an easy affair. Those seeking an even easier time commuting can pick the AMT (automated manual transmission), whose shifts are relatively smooth as far as AMTs go.
Helping matters further in the city is the plaint suspension, which soaks up bumps at lower speeds without much fuss. The light steering, tight turning radius and good front visibility also go a long way in helping you navigate compact parking spots and bustling city traffic. And despite its cost-friendly design, the height-adjustment feature for the driver’s seat means finding a suitable position isn’t too much of an issue.
Efficiency champ
This is Maruti Suzuki’s most frugal offering in the country
Not only is it easy to drive, but the Maruti Celerio will not have you complaining about fuel economy either. The petrol version with the 5-speed manual transmission has a claimed mileage of up to 25.24kpl, while the AMT option is rated at 26kpl – making the Celerio AMT the most fuel-efficient petrol car in the market. All variants of the Celerio come with an automatic engine stop-start function, further reducing fuel consumption. While this feature isn’t enabled when running on CNG (in VXi MT only), the claimed mileage of 34.43km/kg is better than that of the Maruti Wagon R CNG and the Renault Kwid CNG.
Roomy boot
The Celerio’s boot affords more space than some rivals
At 292 litres, the boot of the Maruti Celerio is bigger than those rivals such as the Tata Tiago and Renault Kwid. This is enough to accommodate two large suitcases and a couple of carry-on-sized bags, with still some room to spare. If you need even more space, the 60:40 split-folding rear seats will come in handy. On the other hand, the loading lip is high and relatively narrow, making loading or unloading heavier items cumbersome.
Reasons to avoid the Maruti Celerio
Ergonomic niggles
This interior has a few sore points that’ll take getting used to
Compared to most of its adversaries, the power window switches of the Maruti Celerio aren’t placed on the doors. The front ones are positioned on the dashboard, whilst the rear switches are found on the rear centre pedestal between the front seats. Buttons to operate the door and power-window locks are also on the dashboard. Then there are the thick A-pillars, which can obstruct your view at junctions and roundabouts.
The well-cushioned rear seats of the Celerio offer plenty of kneeroom for even taller occupants. However, headroom isn’t all that good, and the fixed headrests are positioned way too low to be effective. The angled design of these headrests also means that they poke into your back, which can be uncomfortable.
Unimpressive material quality and feature set
The Celerio’s cabin isn’t the most up-to-date in this segment
When compared to the new-gen Tata Tiago, the interior of the Maruti Celerio looks and feels a touch dated. There’s plenty of hard plastics which, even though are accompanied by shiny trim and a sculpted dashboard, feel pretty basic. The relatively simple design is backed by an equipment list that isn’t particularly competitive either.
For instance, even the top trim level of the Celerio doesn’t come with a rearview camera. There’s also no automatic climate control system, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both require a wired connection. The touch-infotainment screen is a 7-inch unit, whereas a similarly priced Tata Tiago offers an 8-inch setup. On the outside, the Maruti Celerio gets the old-school ‘flip-up’ door handles.
Imperfect on a highway
This hatchback isn’t particularly meant to be driven hard or fast
While it’s perfectly at home in the city, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio isn’t as good out on the open road. The lifeless steering aside, the body moves around enough – both of which robs you of confidence required to push the car any harder.
Hyundai India is offering an attractive range of benefits on select models in its portfolio. Depending on the model chosen, customers can avail up to Rs 1 lakh in benefits, valid until September 30, 2026.
Disclaimer: Offers/benefits may vary by city and are subject to stock availability. Buyers are advised to check with their local dealer for exact figures.
Hyundai Creta offers in September 2026
Benefits of up to Rs 1 lakh
The Creta mid-size SUV is available with benefits of up to Rs 1 lakh. The Korean carmaker’s best-selling model in India is offered with a trio of 1.5-litre engines, namely, a naturally aspirated petrol, a turbo-petrol, and a diesel engine. All engines are offered with manual and automatic gearboxes. Prices range between Rs 10.90 lakh and Rs 19.91 lakh, with the Creta taking on rivals like the Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, Skoda Kushaq, and Maruti Victoris.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios offers in September 2026
Benefits of up to Rs 70,000
Hyundai’s Grand i10 Nios is being offered with up to Rs 70,000 in benefits. Its most affordable model in India is offered solely with a 1.2-litre petrol engine paired to either a manual or AMT gearbox. A factory-fit dual-cylinder CNG kit can be fitted to this engine and is paired exclusively with a manual gearbox. The Grand i10 is priced between Rs 5.59 lakh to Rs 8.04 lakh and is Hyundai’s answer to the Maruti Swift and the Tata Tiago.
Hyundai i20 offers in September 2026
Benefits of up to Rs 60,000
The Grand i10’s elder sibling, the i20, is being offered with benefits of up to Rs 60,000. Standard versions of the i20 come powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine mated with either a manual or CVT automatic gearbox. The i20 is priced from Rs 5.99 lakh to Rs 11.59 lakh, and it competes with the Maruti Baleno, Tata Altroz, and the Toyota Glanza.
Hyundai Exter offers in September 2026
Benefits of up to Rs 50,000
Hyundai is offering benefits of up to Rs 50,000 on the Exter. The subcompact SUV was updated earlier this year with refreshed looks and feature additions. It is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine and is mated with either a manual or AMT gearbox. Like the Grand i10, it also gets a CNG kit fitted to this engine. The Exter’s price begins at Rs 5.8 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 9.46 lakh. It takes on the likes of the Tata Punch.
Hyundai Aura offers in September 2026
Benefits of up to Rs 30,000
The Aura compact sedan is available with benefits of up to Rs 30,000. The Aura shares the same petrol engine as the Grand i10 Nios and the Exter, along with a CNG version on offer. It is priced between Rs 5.99 lakh and Rs 8.59 lakh and competes with the Tata Tigor, Maruti Dzire, and the Honda Amaze.
The upcoming Hyundai Bayon-based midsize SUV has been spied testing on our roads once again ahead of its launch this festive season. This latest sighting gives us the clearest look yet at the upcoming model which will sit below the Creta in Hyundai’s lineup, but still measure over 4-meters in length.
Although it’s based on the international-spec Bayon, the India-spec model gets a complete different top hat with crossover-ish stance and sharp LED styling elements. It is expected to come with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with manual and CVT gearbox options. This engine will also be offered in CNG form with an underbody tank, making the Bayon-based SUV the first Hyundai car over four metres long to be powered by CNG.
Much like Maruti, this will give Hyundai a two-pronged plan to tackle the burgeoning midsize SUV market.
Maruti Suzuki plans to add smaller EVs to its India line-up once it has developed the charging infrastructure needed to support them. At the company’s annual general meeting, Managing director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said, “As soon as our EV charging will be ready in India, we will add smaller EVs in our portfolio.”
More than 2,000 exclusive chargers installed across 1,100-plus cities
Claims around 90 percent share of India’s EV exports
Plans to build EVs, hybrids, CNG and ICE cars on the same line
Maruti Suzuki’s charging network plans
Maruti Suzuki has partnered with 13 charge-point operators and has already installed more than 2,000 exclusive charging points across over 1,100 cities. The company is also working to improve charging coverage on highways and expressways, while its plan for the top 100 cities calls for chargers at key locations around 5-10km apart.
The carmaker has set a larger target of more than 1,00,000 charging points across India by the end of this decade. The company has linked the introduction of smaller EVs to the expansion of this charging network.
Maruti currently sells the e Vitara as its only EV in India, while competitors Tata Motors and JSW MG Motor India already have smaller electric models on sale.
Maruti Suzuki expands EV exports
Maruti Suzuki is also expanding its electric vehicle exports. “We have started our EV exports to Europe first. Now, we are the largest exporter of EVs from India, with about 90 percent share in total EV exports from India,” he said. Takeuchi said the company exports vehicles to nearly 120 countries and shipped more than 4.4 lakh vehicles last year, a 34 percent increase overall.
Japan has become Maruti’s second-largest market, according to Takeuchi, while the company expects trade agreements to create further export opportunities in markets including the UK, Germany and France.
ICE, hybrid and CNG investments to continue
Maruti Suzuki will continue investing in internal-combustion engine, hybrid and CNG vehicles alongside EVs. Takeuchi said ICE vehicles would remain an important part of the company’s business, with compressed biogas also expected to support their continued demand.
“Investment in ICE facilities will continue to be an integral part of our manufacturing process,” he said. The company is designing its new manufacturing facilities to build different types of vehicles on the same production line, allowing production to be adjusted as demand changes. “In our new plants, we can make EVs, hybrid vehicles, CNG and ICE vehicles on the same line,” Takeuchi said.
Renault is set to introduce a turbo-petrol powertrain option for the Triber MPV by the end of September. With this engine borrowed from the Kiger, Renault would try to address one of the Triber’s major criticisms – its underpowered naturally aspirated powertrain. A factory-fitted CNG option will also be offered with this turbo-petrol engine.
1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine expected to produce around 100hp
Factory-fitted CNG option will utilise dual-cylinder technology
Renault Triber turbo-petrol engine specifications
Three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit will be the same as the one in Kiger
Nissan Magnite’s engine bay shown for representative purposes only.
The upcoming three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine on the Triber, codenamed HR10, is derived from the Renault Duster’s ‘HR13’ 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, albeit with one less cylinder. This engine is offered in the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite, with the option of a 5-speed manual or a CVT, and produces 100hp and up to 160Nm. This is 28hp and 62Nm more than the Triber’s naturally aspirated petrol engine and is expected to address the Triber’s criticism of being an underpowered MPV. However, it will be interesting to see whether the Triber turbo comes in the same state of tune and is offered with a CVT.
A factory-fitted dual-cylinder CNG option will be offered with the same engine
Renault will also offer the Triber with a factory-fitted CNG option, which will utilise dual cylinders placed under the boot floor for space utilisation. It is expected to be offered only with a manual transmission. This dual-cylinder CNG option will also be employed in the Kiger at a later date.
The Triber’s CMF-A platform, now called RGEP, has been modified to accommodate the new powertrains.
Currently, the Renault Triber is offered with an aftermarket CNG kit that can be retrofitted to the MPV’s manual variants. It comes with a standard 3-year/1 lakh km warranty (whichever is first).
With the under-the-hood changes, the turbo-petrol-powered Renault Triber is expected to offer everything the naturally aspirated petrol version offers. The prices, however, are expected to rise from the current model’s Rs 5.81 lakh to Rs 8.53 lakh range (ex-showroom).
Some newly released spy shots of Hyundai’s upcoming Bayon-based midsize SUV offer the first glimpse of its interior. This SUV is expected to launch in the festive season as an alternative to Hyundai’s other midsize SUV, the highly popular Creta. However, the spy shots here indicate that the Bayon-based SUV will offer a more modern interior layout.
Hyundai Bayon-based SUV interior: What do the spy shots reveal?
Credit: Ankan Baruah via YouTube
Among the most notable elements visible in the spy shots is a new curved set of displays, similar to the dual 12.3-inch screens found in top-spec variants of the smaller Venue. By contrast, the Creta comes with dual 10.25-inch displays at most, and its infotainment system doesn’t natively support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – a separate USB adapter is required for that. We expect the Bayon-based SUV to rectify this shortcoming with updated infotainment software.
A dual-tone steering wheel resembling that of the Venue can be observed too. Like many of Hyundai’s newer cars, the steering wheel is expected to bear the four-dot motif that signifies ‘H’ in Morse code. Its black-and-white finish likely informs the overall colour scheme of the cabin as well.
Credit: Ankan Baruah via YouTube
In the second spy shot, we can clearly see a black-and-white finish for the door liners. The Bayon-based SUV also looks to have circular interior door handles.
Hyundai Bayon-based SUV: What else do we know?
On the outside, the Bayon-based SUV is anticipated to adopt Hyundai’s latest ‘Art of Steel’ design language, which is seen in newer global models like the eighth-gen Elantra and fifth-gen Tucson. Expect the Bayon-based SUV to sport T-shaped light bars at the front and rear, squared-off wheel-arch cladding, new alloy wheels, edgy proportions, and lots of cuts and creases on the bodywork.
The Bayon-based SUV will differ majorly from the Creta in powertrain offerings. We exclusively reported in July that the upcoming Hyundai SUV is expected to get the Creta’s 115hp 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with its respective 6-speed manual and CVT options. However, this engine will also be offered in CNG form, which will make the Bayon-based SUV the first Hyundai car over four metres long to be powered by CNG.
An underbody CNG tank is expected for the Bayon-based SUV as well, allowing it to directly rival the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, which is the only CNG-powered midsize SUV with an underbody tank at the moment.
मुंबई में रहने वाले लोगों को महंगाई का एक और झटका लगा है। 1 सितंबर से दूध, कंप्रेस्ड नेचुरल गैस (CNG) और पाइप्ड नेचुरल गैस (PNG) के दाम बढ़ गए हैं। रोजमर्रा की इन जरूरी चीजों के दाम बढ़ने से आम लोगों की जेब पर अतिरिक्त बोझ पड़ने वाला है। CNG और घरेलू PNG के दाम बढ़ने से अब वाहन चलाना और घर में गैस का इस्तेमाल करना पहले के मुकाबले महंगा हो जाएगा। नई कीमतें 1 सितंबर की आधी रात से लागू हो गई हैं। वहीं बॉम्बे मिल्क प्रोड्यूसर्स एसोसिएशन (BMPA) ने भी दूध के दाम बढ़ा दिए है। जानें कितना बढ़े CNG, PNG और दूध के दाम
दूध के बढ़े दाम
बॉम्बे मिल्क प्रोड्यूसर्स एसोसिएशन (BMPA) ने डेयरियों और स्थानीय फार्म से आने वाले दूध के थोक दाम में 9 रुपये प्रति लीटर की बढ़ोतरी करने का फैसला किया है। मुंबई में दूध के दाम बढ़ने की संभावना के बीच सीधे फार्म से मिलने वाले दूध की कीमत 110 रुपये प्रति लीटर तक पहुंच सकती है। एसोसिएशन के मुताबिक, पशुओं के चारे और उनके रखरखाव पर लगातार बढ़ रहे खर्च के कारण यह कदम उठाया गया है। थोक कीमत बढ़ने के बाद आने वाले दिनों में इसका असर ग्राहकों की जेब पर भी पड़ सकता है।
इससे पहले इस महीने महाराष्ट्र के बड़े सहकारी दूध संघ गोकुल ने भैंस के दूध के दाम में 2 रुपये प्रति लीटर की बढ़ोतरी की थी। इसके बाद मुंबई और पुणे में भैंस के दूध की कीमत 78 रुपये प्रति लीटर हो गई है। लगातार बढ़ती कीमतों से आने वाले समय में आम लोगों के घरेलू बजट पर भी असर पड़ सकता है।
CNG-PNG के भी बढ़े दाम
मुंबई में आज से कंप्रेस्ड नेचुरल गैस (CNG) और घरेलू पाइप्ड नेचुरल गैस (PNG) महंगी हो गई है। महानगर गैस लिमिटेड (MGL) ने CNG के दाम में 2 रुपये प्रति किलोग्राम और PNG में 1 रुपये प्रति SCM की बढ़ोतरी की है। कीमतों में बदलाव के बाद मुंबई और आसपास के इलाकों में CNG अब 88 रुपये प्रति किलोग्राम की दर से मिलेगी। कंपनी के अनुसार, नई कीमतें 1 सितंबर की आधी रात से लागू हो गई हैं। मिडिल ईस्ट में बढ़े तनाव के चलते गैस की लागत बढ़ी है।
Indraprastha Gas Shares: दिल्ली में सीएनजी के भाव बढ़े तो इसके निवेशकों की दौलत बढ़ गई। वीकेंड पर CNG (कंप्रेस्ड नेचुरल गैस) के भाव प्रति किग्रा ₹3.89 ऊपर चढ़े तो शेयर 3% से अधिक उछल पड़े। ब्रोकरेज फर्म ने बढ़ती लागत का असर कम करने के लिए यह फैसला किया है और एनालिस्ट्स का मानना है कि इससे मार्जिन पर दबाव हल्का होगा और EBITDA में सुधार होगा। इसने शेयरों में जोश भर दिया। फिलहाल बीएसई पर यह 2.37% की बढ़त के साथ ₹151.10 पर है। इंट्रा-डे में यह 3.18% उछलकर ₹152.30 तक पहुंच गया था।
इंद्रप्रस्थ गैस का कहना है कि एलएनजी के आयात की लागत में तेज उछाल के चलते गैस के दाम बढ़ाने पड़ रहे हैं। वैश्विक स्तर पर एलएनजी के भाव फरवरी में अमेरिका और ईरान के बीच जंग छिड़ने के बाद से लगभग दोगुना हो चुके हैं। अब इंद्रप्रस्थ गैस ने भाव में बढ़ोतरी की है, जिसके बाद दिल्ली में रिटेल सीएनजी प्राइस प्रति किग्रा ₹83.09 हो गया है और बढ़ी हुई कीमतें 29 अगस्त से लागू हैं। युद्ध शुरू होने के बाद से 27 अगस्त तक के छह महीने में दिल्ली में सीएनजी के भाव 7.8% ऊपर चढ़े हैं यानी इसमें मौजूदा बढ़ोतरी को शामिल नहीं किया गया है तो इस दौरान यूरोप TTF (टाइटल ट्रांसफर फैसिलिटी) गैस 105% और एशिया जापान कोरिया मेकर (JKM) एलएनजी 113% ऊपर चढ़ा है।
Indraprastha Gas की कैसी है सेहत
चालू वित्त वर्ष 2027 की पहली तिमाही अप्रैल-जून 2026 इंद्रप्रस्थ गैस के लिए झटकेदार रही। जून तिमाही में कंपनी का शुद्ध मुनाफा तिमाही आधार पर 29.5% गिरकर ₹341 करोड़ और ईबीआईटीडीए 30.4% फिसलकर ₹293.4 करोड़ पर आ गया तो ईबीआईटीडीए मार्जिन भी 10% से 6.4% पर आ गया। हालांकि रेवेन्यू इस दौरान 10% बढ़कर ₹4,586 करोड़ पर पहुंच गया। सीएनजी वॉल्यूम सालाना आधार पर 6% बढ़ा और डोमेस्टिक पीएनजी वॉल्यूम 7% चढ़ा।
एक साल में कैसी रही शेयरों की चाल
इंद्रप्रस्थ गैस के शेयरों ने निवेशकों को तगड़ा शॉक दिया है। पिछले साल 8 अक्टूबर 2025 को बीएसई पर यह ₹223.55 के भाव पर था जोकि इसके शेयरों के लिए एक साल का रिकॉर्ड हाई लेवल था। इस हाई लेवल से 6 महीने में यह 36.66% टूटकर 2 अप्रैल 2026 को ₹141.60 पर आ गया जोकि इसके शेयरों के लिए एक साल का रिकॉर्ड निचला स्तर है। अब आगे की बात करें तो इसे कवर करने वाले 31 एनालिस्ट्स में से 24 ने खरीदारी, 4 ने होल्ड और 3 ने सेल रेटिंग दी है।
वैश्विक ब्रोकरेज फर्म सिटी ने ₹180 के टारगेट प्राइस पर इसे खरीदारी की रेटिंग दी है। ब्रोकरेज फर्म का कहना है कि सीएनजी के भाव में 5% की तेज बढ़ोतरी सोचा-समझा कदम है, जिससे वॉल्यूम ग्रोथ पर अधिक असर नहीं पड़ेगा। सिटी का मानना है कि इस बढ़ोतरी से ब्लेंडेड रियलाइजेशन यानी औसत कमाई में 1.8/scm की बढ़त हो सकती है। इससे हाल की तिमाहियों में मार्जिन में लगातार आ रही गिरावट को रोकने में मदद मिलेगी। जून तिमाही में EBITDA मार्जिन गिरकर कई सालों के निचले स्तर 3.4/scm पर आ गया था। ब्रोकरेज फर्म का मानना है कि स्पॉट एलएनजी की ऊंची कीमतों और कतर से भारत को मिलने वाली कॉन्ट्रैक्टेड एलएनजी सप्लाई में लगातार रुकावट के चलते सिटी गैस डिस्ट्रीब्यूटर्स के लिए गैस की लागत भविष्य में भी ऊंची बनी रह सकती है।
डिस्क्लेमर: मनीकंट्रोल.कॉम पर दिए गए सलाह या विचार एक्सपर्ट/ब्रोकरेज फर्म के अपने निजी विचार होते हैं। वेबसाइट या मैनेजमेंट इसके लिए उत्तरदायी नहीं है। यूजर्स को मनीकंट्रोल की सलाह है कि कोई भी निवेश निर्णय लेने से पहले हमेशा सर्टिफाइड एक्सपर्ट की सलाह लें।
August was a busy month for the Indian car market, bringing several new models ajd variants, as well as updates. The BMW X1 LWB and MG Hector Tomahawk EV and PHEV were among the fresh launches, while the Mahindra Scorpio N received a mid-lifecycle update. The Mahindra BE 6 gained the ‘Sporteq’ suffix, while three existing models added new trims: the Range Rover SV Ultra, BYD Sealion 7 Dynamic and Skoda Kylaq Sportline. After such a packed August, September is also set to see more car launches.
Kia Sorento
Launch: September 4
The Kia Sorento will be the brand’s new flagship ICE model in India, and it will be offered with both strong-hybrid and diesel powertrains. The 1.6-litre strong-hybrid version will produce 238hp and 380Nm, while the 2-litre diesel will make 202hp and 441Nm.
The Sorento gets Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille, large vertical LED headlights with Y-shaped LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), LED fog lamps and vertical aero vents at the edges. Kia has not revealed the alloy wheel size yet, but they are likely to be 19-inch units. At the rear, the Sorento gets squarish tail-lamps with an inverted L-shaped LED signature, a large roof spoiler and a two-tone bumper.
Inside, there is a connected panel housing the infotainment and instrument cluster screens. Kia has not revealed their sizes, but both are likely to be 12.3-inch units. Other features seen in the official images include ADAS, ventilated front seats, a digital interior rearview mirror (IRVM), an electrically operated tailgate, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof.
The Sorento is expected to be available in both 6- and 7-seat layouts. Kia has already started accepting bookings for the Sorento and upon launch, it will compete with the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron and Jeep Meridian.
Maruti Baleno facelift
Launch: September 5
The Maruti Baleno is currently in its second generation, which was launched in 2022, and is due for an update. Previous spy shots of the Baleno facelift have suggested a redesigned front end with a new grille featuring a horizontal bar in the centre connecting the headlights. Test mules have also shown a new bumper without the front fog lamps seen on the current model.
Image credit: Harsh Vlogs via YouTube.
From the side, the only expected change is a new alloy wheel design. At the rear, the facelift could get a redesigned bumper, while the tail-lights are likely to remain unchanged. Inside, the Baleno could retain the current 9-inch touchscreen; however, update the upholstery and add new features.
Image credit: Harsh Vlogs via YouTube.
Under the hood, the facelifted Baleno is expected to continue with the existing powertrain options. These include a 90hp 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT choices, along with a 77.5hp CNG version available only with the manual gearbox. It will continue to rival the Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20 and Toyota Glanza.
BMW 7 Series, i7 facelifts
Launch: September 11
BMW opened bookings for the facelifted 7 Series and i7 flagship sedans on August 1, soon after their global debut earlier this year. In India, the company currently sells the 740i petrol and 740d diesel versions of the 7 Series, along with the eDrive 50 and M70 xDrive variants of the all-electric i7. These versions get several updates with the facelift, although BMW is yet to confirm which variants will be introduced in here.
In international markets, the facelifted 740i and 740d continue with their 3.0-litre straight-six engines, but with uprated outputs. The 740i makes 400hp and 580Nm, up by 19hp and 60Nm, while the 740d develops 313hp and 670Nm, an increase of 27hp and 20Nm. Both continue to use 48V mild-hybrid systems, 8-speed automatic gearboxes and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The i7 also gets a larger 112.4kWh battery in both variants, up from 101.7kWh. The lower 50 trim now comes only with xDrive all-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive and produces 455hp and 660Nm, up by 6hp and 10Nm. The M70 xDrive now makes 680hp and 1,100Nm, gaining 30hp and 85Nm. Charging speeds have also improved.
Visually, the updated 7 Series and i7 have a more monolithic look. They get new split LED headlights, slimmer and more upright kidney grilles with an illuminated surround, and larger bumper air intakes. The side profile remains largely unchanged apart from the side skirts and alloy wheels, while the rear gets new wraparound LED tail-lamps, a redesigned tailgate and a revised bumper.
Inside, BMW has redesigned the dashboard around a 17.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 14.6-inch passenger display and a pillar-to-pillar Panoramic Vision display at the base of the windscreen. The steering wheel is now a four-spoke unit, similar to those used in BMW’s Neue Klasse models, while the centre console and transmission tunnel have also been updated.
Rear passengers get powered seats with heating, ventilation, massage and lumbar support. The 31.3-inch 8K Theatre Screen can now be operated by touch, while the rear-door displays have also been updated to control the rear-seat experience. Other key features include ambient lighting, a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system and 4-zone climate control. The BMW luxury sedan competes directly with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which also received a facelift this year.
Porsche Cayenne Electric
Debut: September 30
Porsche announced prices for the Cayenne Electric in November last year, and the SUV is now set for its physical showcase. The standard Cayenne Electric is priced at Rs 1.77 crore, while the range-topping Turbo Electric costs Rs 2.27 crore (both ex-showroom).
Both trims of the Porsche Cayenne Electric get a 113kWh battery and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup as standard. The more powerful Turbo Electric produces 1,156hp and 1,500Nm with Launch Control, allowing it to sprint from 0-100kph in 2.5 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 260kph. It has a claimed WLTP range of 537km. Whereas, the standard Cayenne Electric makes 442hp and 835Nm with Launch Control, does 0-100kph in 4.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 230kph. Its claimed WLTP range stands at 542km.
The Cayenne Electric keeps a similar overall shape to the ICE-powered Cayenne. However, the EV gets a closed-off grille, with two air vents on either side of the bumper to cool the battery and electrical components. These vents are larger on the Turbo trim. At the rear, there is a full-width LED light bar with illuminated Porsche lettering. The bumper has also been redesigned with horizontal black elements.
Inside, the Cayenne Electric gets a three-spoke steering wheel and digital driver’s display, similar to the ICE model. Porsche has also added a new 14.5-inch curved touchscreen infotainment system that flows into the centre console. An optional 14.9-inch passenger display is also available at an additional cost. Other features include 8-way electrically adjustable front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and wireless phone charging.
Inside, the Cayenne Electric gets a three-spoke steering wheel and digital driver’s display, similar to the ICE model. Porsche has also added a new 14.5-inch curved touchscreen infotainment system that flows into the centre console. An optional 14.9-inch passenger display is also available at an additional cost. Other features include 8-way electrically adjustable front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and wireless phone charging.