Maruti Dzire 2024 Review: Safer Choice! Detailed Review
- Nov 13, 2024
- Views : 21363
With the festive season behind us, we did not expect this month to bring much activity to the Indian automotive scene. However, November 2024 proved us wrong, as we witnessed major launches like the Maruti Dzire and Skoda Kylaq, while Mahindra unveiled two new all-electric SUVs, further strengthening its position in India’s EV market.
Having said that, here’s a quick recap of all the new cars launched in India in November 2024.
Maruti launched its much-anticipated next-gen Dzire, with prices starting from Rs 6.79 lakh (ex-showroom). While the price increase is modest, the major highlight of the new Dzire is its five star safety in Global NCAP crash tests, which strengthens its appeal. It also features a completely different styling from the Swift, marking a shift from previous generations.
The 2024 Dzire comes equipped with features such as a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, 360-degree camera system, and six airbags as standard. Powering the Dzire is a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 82 PS and 112 Nm, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT gearbox. It is also available with a factory-fitted CNG kit, but only with the manual transmission.
After revealing some of its details in mid-October, Skoda launched the Kylaq with a starting price tag of Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom). While this wasn't a full launch, as complete pricing will be announced on December 2, bookings will also open on the same date, with deliveries set to begin from January 27, 2025.
The Kylaq is built on the same platform as its larger sibling, the Kushaq, and shares many of its styling elements. However, Skoda will offer the Kylaq with a single 1-litre turbo-petrol engine option that produces 115 PS and 178 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. The cabin is also well-equipped with features like ventilated and powered front-row seats, a single-pane sunroof, automatic climate control, and a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Mahindra launched its first 'Born Electric' offering, the BE 6e, starting from Rs 18.90 lakh (ex-showroom). However, you still have to wait for its full pricing details which are expected to be revealed at the upcoming Bharat Mobility Expo. Previously shown in its concept form as the BE 05, the all-electric SUV coupe will be available for viewing at Mahindra dealerships by the end of January 2025.
The BE 6e features Mahindra's fresh design approach with slim C-shaped LED DRLs, a sharp silhouette, sloping roofline, and a sporty rear end. It rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, which can be upgraded to 20 inches. Inside, the BE 6e offers a minimalist cabin with a cockpit-like center console. It features a dual display setup for the infotainment system and digital driver’s display, along with amenities such as a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a fixed panoramic glass roof with illumination, ambient lighting, and powered front-row seats. The BE 6e will be offered with two battery pack options: 59 kWh and 79 kWh, powertrain specifications of both options can be viewed here.
Alongside the BE 6e, Mahindra also launched the XEV 9e at Rs 21.90 lakh (ex-showroom), though full pricing details are yet to be revealed. The XEV 9e is an all-electric SUV-coupe, sized similarly to the XUV700, and will be positioned above the XUV400 and BE 6e. It will be showcased at Mahindra dealerships from late January 2025.
Like the BE 6e, the XEV 9e will be available with two battery pack options: a 59 kWh unit paired with a 231 PS electric motor, and a 79 kWh unit with a 286 PS electric motor. It also supports 175 kW DC fast charging, which can charge the vehicle from 20 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes. Inside, it features a triple-screen layout, with an entertainment screen for the front-row passenger, along with the main infotainment and digital driver's display. Other feature set is similar to the BE 6e, including a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and dual-zone climate control. On the safety front, it comes equipped with 7 airbags, level-2 ADAS, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and a 360-degree camera system.
Audi launched the facelifted 2024 Q7 in India at Rs 88.66 lakh (ex-showroom). Design changes include a refreshed fascia with an updated octagonal grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and new alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin retains its familiar layout with an all-black theme, contrasting silver accents throughout, and leather seat upholstery.
The updated Q7 comes equipped with features such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, now supporting third-party apps like Amazon Music and Spotify, a 10-inch digital driver’s display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Powering the SUV is the same 345 PS/500 Nm 3-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It renews its rivalry with the Volvo XC90, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Moving to the performance-oriented segment, Mercedes launched the AMG C63 S E Performance at Rs 1.95 crore (ex-showroom). Unfortunately, the new AMG C63 S no longer features the throatier 4-litre V8 petrol engine. Instead, it comes with a 2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 680 PS and a whopping 1020 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and offers an electric-only range of 13 km.
Compared to the standard C-Class, the AMG C63 S E Performance boasts a more aggressive design with a larger grille, bold air dams, and 20-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tyres. Inside, it features AMG-specific upgrades along with amenities like a panoramic sunroof, MBUX infotainment system with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and a Burmester audio system.
German carmaker BMW launched the new-gen M5 in India at Rs 1.99 crore (ex-showroom). It arrives as a completely built-up unit and is positioned above the M4. Powering the 2024 M5 is the 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 727 PS and 1000 Nm. The hybrid setup is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers an electric-only range of 69 km. With power sent to all four wheels, this setup achieves 0-100 kmph acceleration in just 3.5 seconds.
The M5 features a lightweight M Carbon roof, reducing weight by 30 kilos (over standard 5 series), along with 21-inch alloy wheels and several blacked-out exterior elements. Inside, it comes with exclusive M upgrades along with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ambient lighting, and an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
BMW also updated the M340i, which now carries a price tag of Rs 74.90 lakh (ex-showroom), a Rs 2 lakh premium over the model it replaces. The updates are minor and it now offers two new paint options, Arctic Race Blue and Fire Red. It also comes equipped with blacked-out 19-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers. Inside, it features an all-black cabin theme with leather seat upholstery that includes blue-coloured stitching.
It continues to feature the 3-litre straight-six turbo-petrol engine that puts out 374 PS and 500 Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and accelerates from naught to 100 kmph in just 4.4 seconds.
The final launch from BMW's stable was the updated M2, priced at Rs 1.03 crore (ex-showroom), marking a Rs 5 lakh premium over the outgoing model. The updated M2 features styling revisions, including blacked-out M2 badging, quad exhaust system, and new metallic paint shade options. Interior updates include a flat-bottom steering wheel and an updated 14.9-inch infotainment system.
The 2024 M2 also gets a power surge from its 3-litre straight-six turbo-petrol engine, now producing 480 PS (20 PS more) and up to 600 Nm (50 Nm more). Transmission options include a 6-speed manual alongside the standard 8-speed automatic. BMW claims a 0 to 100 kmph acceleration time of 4 seconds for the automatic variant and 4.2 seconds for the manual, while the 0 to 200 kmph sprint takes 12.9 seconds and 13.7 seconds, respectively.
MG Motors introduced two new variants for the Hector Plus: the Select Pro, priced at Rs 19.72 lakh, and the Smart Pro, at Rs 20.65 lakh (ex-showroom). The key highlight of the Select Pro variant is the addition of a CVT-type automatic transmission option which was previously available only with the manual gearbox. This makes the automatic option more affordable by Rs 2.55 lakh.
As for the Smart Pro variant, it now offers a 7-seat configuration alongside the previously available 6-seat layout. Both variants come with features such as LED projector headlights, a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car technology, a wireless phone charger, and a powered driver’s seat.
Citroen launched the Xplorer Edition for its compact SUV offering the Aircross. Priced from Rs 8.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Aircross Xplorer Edition features a range of cosmetic changes on the exterior as well as in the interior, along with few feature additions. It will be offered with Plus and Max variants, with either Standard Pack or an Optional Pack.
The Xplorer Optional Pack includes a rear entertainment screen and dual-port adapter over the Standard Pack which features body decals, hood garnish, and footwell lighting. It is offered with either the 82 PS 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine or the 110 PS 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, and a 6-speed automatic. The Aircross Xplorer Edition Standard Pack carries a price premium of Rs 24,000 over the regular variants.
If you have been eyeing the Maruti eVX, we have some news for you. Suzuki has globally unveiled the eVitara, the production-ready version of the eVX concept. We expect Maruti to launch the eVX (eVitara) in India by the coming summer. Globally, it will be offered with two battery pack options: a 49 kWh pack paired with a 144 PS/189 Nm electric motor, and a 61 kWh pack available with either a 174 PS/189 Nm or a 249 PS/300 Nm motor. While the claimed driving range has yet to be revealed, it’s expected to offer up to 600 km.
Feature highlights include a digital driver's display, a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless phone charging, automatic climate control, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold. In India, the Maruti eVitara is expected to be priced from Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom).
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