Mahindra e2oPlus Electric Car Launched In India; Prices Start At ₹ 5.46 Lakh

Mahindra has been aggressive with its electric vehicle portfolio this year. We first saw the e-Verito then the e-Supro van and now we get the e2oPlus, a 4-door variant of the smaller 2-door e2o hatchback. The Mahindra e2oPlus will be available in three variants with prices ranging from ₹ 5.46 lakh - ₹ 8.46 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Mahindra claims that the cabin space of the car has gone by over 150 litres and car is indeed very spacious. Our first drive review will tell you a lot more about the car. http://auto.ndtv.com/news/mahindra-e2o-plus-electric-car-launched-in-india-prices-start-at-rs-5-46-lakh-1469135

Upcoming Renault Cars in India

When Renault India announced its road map for the 2015-16 fiscal last year, it had three key products in its mind that will increase its market share in the industry - the Lodgy MPV, entry-level car Kwid and the much awaited facelift for its popular SUV Duster. With clear product strategy and smart marketing initiatives the carmaker has managed to become a key player in the Indian car market. Now the carmaker is gearing for the next fiscal and this is what Renault planes to bring to the table.

Renault Lodgy AMT

The Renault Lodgy has been one of the key products for the French carmaker in the Indian market. Being Renault first MPV in the country, the Lodgy was well designed, came with a powerful engine, and offered decent safety and comfort features. That said, currently the Renault Lodgy is the only MPV in its segment that still comes with only a manual gearbox, this is considering the fact that the new-gen Innova will come with an automatic transmission. Understanding the need of the hour, Renault is currently working on an AMT version of the Lodgy that will go on sale later this year in India. The MPV will use the same Easy-R AMT unit that does duty on the recently launched Duster facelift.

(Renault Lodgy)

Expected Price - 10 lakh - 12 lakh

Expected Launch - Second Half of 2016

Renault Kwid AMT

The Lodgy is not the only Renault India car that is about to get an AMT version. The carmaker is also working introducing an AMT version of its top selling hatchback Kwid. Renault showcased the Kwid AMT for the first time at the 2016 Auto Expo, which is also set to go on sale in India this year. Currently the Renault Kwid features only a 5-speed manual gearbox mated to a 799 cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine that efficiently churns out 53.2bhp and develops a peak torque of 72Nm. With the addition of an AMT unit, the Renault Kwid will be the only car in its segment to get one. Of course there is the exception of the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, but that comes in a slightly higher league and Reanult is ready for that too with a more powerful Kwid.

Expected Price - 3 lakh - 5 lakh

Expected Launch - Second Half of 2016

(Renault Kiwd)

Renault Kwid 1.0-Litre

As we mentioned above Renault is currently also working on a more powerful version of the Kwid that will be come with a 1.0-litre petrol engine. We saw a glimpse of the car at the Auto Expo 2016 andRenault has also started testing the car in India. The 1.0-litre version of the Kwid will initially come mated to only a manual gearbox as the car will be launched before the AMT version goes on sale. We also expect to see more safety equipment including dual airbags and ABS as standard on the Renault Kwid 1.0-litre.

Expected Price - 4 lakh - 6 lakh

Expected Launch - Mid 2016

Renault Kaptur

(Renault Kaptur)

Renault had official unveiled its 5-seater crossover - Kaptur earlier this month in Russia. Based on the Renault's European hatchback Captur, the car is on the French carmaker's road map for India. The Ranault Kaptur is not a sub-4 metre SUV and measures 4333mm in length, which brings it in the league of the Hyundai Creta and the upcoming Honda BR-V. Reports suggest that Renault will bring the car to India but not before launching it in Brazil which will be some time later in 2017.

Expected Price - 8 lakh - 12 lakh

Expected Launch - Late 2017

Hyundai, Kia to develop AI-based smart car

 The hyper-connected and intelligent car also aims to enable smartphone functions to be reproduced within a car. SEOUL: South Korea's top automaker Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia Motors on Tuesday announced a plan to develop artificial intelligence (AI)-based, internet-connected car to create a new future lifestyle with a "driving, high-performing computer". The driving computer means a car will become a high-performing computer itself as the car, to be developed by Hyundai and Kia, will self-drive based on AI and connect to electronic devices while driving based on internet connectivity, Xinhua cited a joint statement as saying. The main concept of the project is a "hyper-connected and intelligent car", which means an interaction between cars home as well as home and office in addition to AI-based self-driving.