Category: Compact-SUV

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BMW X3 launched in India – Sportier and Modern 3rd Generation

By: Javed Ali Khan

BMW India has started the year 2022 by launching the 3rd generation X3, with better sportier dynamics and modern amenities.  The vehicle up for sale are two petrol variants with an introductory price of Rs. 59,90,000 for X3 xDrive30i SportX Plus and Rs. 65,90,000 for X3 xDrive30i M Sport. The Diesel variant will be launched later.

“The new evolved third-generation BMW X3 is here to continue the model’s trailblazing success in the premium mid-size SAV segment. The refreshed design and driving performance make BMW X3 a luxurious and practical
car that is agile on and off-road.” – Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said.

The car boasts of fresh Kidney grill design, adaptive LED headlights, LED rear lights – all of which add up to the overall looks of the vehicle. The M Sport package features larger air inlets finished in high-gloss black and air curtains. The interior of X3 welcomes its owner with an open arm and boasts features like Multi-function Sport Steering Wheel, electrical seat adjustment with memory function, exterior mirror package and if you opt for M Sport then you are pampered by Sport seats, Sensatec perforated upholstery, M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, M interior trim adding the performance-oriented ambiance, panoramic glass roof, and Welcome Light Carpet to name a few.

The two-liter four-cylinder petrol engine is linked with an eight-speed automatic Steptronic sport transmission, which performs smooth and almost
imperceptible gear shifts, which produces an output of 185 kW / 252 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1,450 – 4,800 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 km /hr in just 6.6 seconds with a top speed of 235 km/h.

BMW with its latest safety features like six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor, ISOFIX child seat mounting, and integrated emergency spare wheel under the load floor makes driving sound and safe for its owners.

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Mahindra Roxor – Rugged and Reborn

Article: Javed Ali Khan

Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA) had conceived, designed, and engineered an ‘out and out’ off-road vehicle for the American market but ‘Roxor’ had to face heat when Jeep came up with a lawsuit. As per Jeep, the ‘Roxor’ had a resemblance to their very successful Wrangler SUV and this resulted in a ban on the sale of Roxor in the USA by Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

Today in 2021, post the above-mentioned Fiasco, MANA has finally announced the launch of ‘All New’ Roxor which is redesigned, has a strong boxed steel frame, steel body, 2.5L turbo diesel engine by Mahindra. As per MANA, it is a perfect machine for farmers, ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts, and rural property owners.

Although, Roxor has 75’’ of height, 148’’ of length, and a wheelbase of 96’’ but still the vehicle looks quite rugged and strong. The Roxor has enough juice in it as it has a towing capacity of 3490 lbs which is the result of the 2.5L turbo diesel engine, pumping 144 lb-ft of torque.  Roxor is available in two models, the Base model which starts at 18899 dollars, and the All-Weather model which starts at 26299 dollars with the scope of customization from the options available on the Roxor website.

As per Mr. Viren Popli, President and CEO, Mahindra Ag North America and Mahindra Automotive North America, “The ROXOR brand has built a passionate following with off-road enthusiasts and rural lifestyle customers. We are excited to bring this unique SXS back into the market. We are redefining the SXS category with this strong and rugged machine. It is designed and built for reliability and performance that will exceed customer expectations.”

In the future Roxor may get introduced in the Canadian market as MANA has kept a tab for the same on their Roxor US website.

 

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Mahindra S210 named ‘XUV 3oo’ – launch in Feb 2019

By Admin

Pictures: Mahindra

Mahindra has named S210 as ‘XUV3oo’ – pronounced as XUV, 3 double ‘Oh’ and with this, company has entered the very successful – ‘sub 4 metre’ – sub-compact SUV segment of Indian automobile market. Although earlier, Mahindra had launched Quanto which was later renamed as NuvoSport with an aim of achieving success like Ecosport did for Ford India.

    
The upcoming, all new, ‘XUV3oo’ will be pitched against the very successful Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford Ecosport and the Tata’s Nexon which recently achieved NCAP 4 star for adult safety and 3-star rating in child occupancy protection. XUV3oo is based on SsangYong Tivoli platform which has received multiple safety and ergonomic awards including a Grade 1 safety award from the 2015 KNCAP (Korean New Car Assessment Program), automotive safety test.

Indeed, XUV3oo resembles SsangYong Tivoli but the overall look and appearance is based on XUV5oo cheetah inspired design especially the headlamps, the fog lamps and wheel arches. The SUV will also boast of dual LED DRLs and LED tail lamps giving it a bold and charismatic road presence and yes one has to appreciate that boomerang effect to the DRLs at the front makes you stop doing everything and look at XUV3oo with deep breath.

XUV3oo will have – first in its class – dual zone FATC (Fully Automatic Temperature Control), all four disk brakes and seven airbags. The SUV will have a – expected – 1.2-litre petrol motor and the 1.5-litre diesel motor linked to 6-speed gear box and will have highest torque in its segment, as shared by the Mahindra team.

The interior straightway looks rich with premium upholstery and a touch screen infotainment system making driving surely a pleasure. The car also has ESP, ABS, cruise control apart from air bags as safety features. Not to forget, it will even have an option of Sun-roof but will be launched without an automatic transmission.

The car will be sold through the mainstream Mahindra showroom and not from premium store in store showroom specifically meant for selling Alturas G4. Mahindra, currently, is also working on the electric version of XUV3oo which will be out in 2020.


The sub compact SUV will be built in Nasik plant, will be available both in petrol and diesel and will be available in the Indian market in the first half of 2019.

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Mini Urban Drive in India

By Admin

Pictures: Mini India

Mini, the brand which is owned by BMW, started its very own ‘Mini Urban Drive’ platform in India, which promotes and provides ‘Go-Kart’ like feeling among its users. The very first drive was held in August in Bengalauru where products like New Mini Hatch, New Mini Convertible, The All New Mini Countryman and the flagship Mini Clubman were present. The event will be organised throughout India in 7 major cities which are Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Chandigarh and Delhi and will over by October, 2018. The idea behind the event is to promote and showcase the safety and performance hidden in the various models of Mini.

This is what Mr. Vikram Pawah, Chairman, BMW Group India said, “The MINI Urban Drive provides a perfect opportunity for auto enthusiasts to be inspired by MINI’s ultimate combination of driving fun, top-notch quality and unique style. It offers participants not only the legendary driving experience of a MINI, but also significantly increasing safety at the wheel- whether in everyday traffic, performing rapid overtaking manoeuvres or at full –throttle on the racetrack. With MINI Urban Drive, we continue to extend the MINI lifestyle to more customers and look forward to welcoming more members to the MINI way of life.

Through out the event trained Mini Sales consultants will be present to assist users in a professional manner and provide details related to the products available for the drive. This would help customers to identify the Mini matching their lifestyle. Not only this, Mini India is accepting the booking of its products during the course of event.

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BMW support for flood-affected customers in Kerala

By Admin

Picture: BMW India

Kerala recently faced one of the worst floods in its history. Keeping in mind the issues to be faced by car owners, BMW India has decided to extend special service support for flood-affected customers in the State. A special task force has been deployed at various service points to assist the customers in best possible manner and bring vehicles back on roads. Spare parts availability is being prioritized and arrangements are being made to satisfy the demand arising out of flood affected vehicles.

 

BMW has increased the team size of technicians and service advisors for faster repairs and deliveries of affected vehicles. They have also come up with complimentary Road Side Assistance for towing of vehicles. The customers are being provided ‘On-site insurance support’ and surveyors for swift and fast insurance claims. Chairman of BMW Group India, Mr. Vikram Pawah, said, “Continuous heavy rainfall in Kerala region and flooding of low lying areas across the state is a cause of great concern. We stand with our customers in meeting any challenges they might have to face due to inclement weather conditions. BMW India has taken special measures to ensure that its customers receive prompt response to their service and insurance requirements.”

 

The support with regards to insurance claims involves daily visits of surveyors – Both, BMW partnered and Non-BMW collaborated insurance companies – for fast assessment and processing of insurance claims. Also, BMW India has requested that customers should not attempt to re-start the engine of a stalled vehicle as it may damage the engine. The owners of the vehicles getting affected by the flood can call BMW Roadside Assistance at 18001032211 for assistance.