Skoda Kylaq Expected to Compete Aggressively with Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Brezza.

Cars
13 Nov, 2024

Skoda Kylaq: New Contender in the Subcompact SUV Segment

Skoda recently launched its first subcompact SUV in India, the Skoda Kylaq, at an introductory price of Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). The SUV will be available for booking starting December 2, when Skoda is expected to announce the full pricing for each of its four main variants: Classic, Signature, Signature Plus, and Prestige. Expected prices have been circulating, giving potential buyers an idea of how it will stack up against its competition.

Projected Pricing: Competitive Strategy

Skoda is positioning the Kylaq to potentially undercut key competitors like Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, and Kia Sonet in certain top-spec variants. Below are the anticipated prices for each variant:

Variant	Price Estimate
Classic	Rs 7.89 lakh
Signature	Rs 9.89 lakh (expected)
Signature Plus	Rs 11.19 lakh (expected)
Signature Plus AT	Rs 12.29 lakh (expected)
Prestige	Rs 13.49 lakh (expected)
Prestige AT	Rs 14.59 lakh (expected)

These prices indicate that the Kylaq could offer a premium feel without a premium price tag, especially in the fully-loaded variant, providing value in the highly competitive SUV market.

Key Features and Amenities

The Skoda Kylaq aims to set itself apart with an array of features that include:

Technology and Comfort: A 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-inch digital driver’s display, wireless phone charging, 6-way powered seats for the driver and co-driver, ventilated front seats, and a single-pane sunroof.
Safety and Assistance: Skoda’s safety suite includes 6 airbags (standard across variants), electronic stability control (ESC), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), multi-collision braking, and a rearview camera, catering to the safety-focused segment of buyers.

Powertrain and Transmission

The Skoda Kylaq will be offered with a single engine option, a 1-litre turbo-petrol that delivers 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque. It will be available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic (torque converter) transmission, giving buyers a choice depending on their driving preferences.

Engine	Transmission
1-litre turbo-petrol	6-speed MT, 6-speed AT

Rivals in the Market

Positioned in the subcompact SUV category, the Skoda Kylaq will take on popular models such as the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Mahindra XUV300, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet. It can also be seen as an alternative to other compact crossovers like the Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, and newer entrants in the sub-4m segment, such as the Maruti Fronx and Toyota Taisor.

The Skoda Kylaq’s competitive pricing, along with its focus on premium features and safety, could make it a strong competitor in the subcompact SUV market, giving established players like Tata Nexon and Maruti Brezza something to watch out for.

10 Features the New-Gen Honda Amaze Could Inherit from the Honda Elevate

24 Nov, 2024

The highly anticipated new-generation Honda Amaze is set to make its debut on December 4, 2024, with a refreshed design, improved interiors, and a host of advanced features. The subcompact sedan is likely to borrow several premium features from Honda’s popular SUV, the Elevate, setting a new benchmark in its segment. Let’s take a closer look at 10 features that could make the new Amaze stand out.

1. Bigger Touchscreen with Wireless Connectivity

The new Amaze is expected to feature a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This would be an upgrade from the current 7-inch unit, enhancing the in-cabin experience.

2. Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster

A semi-digital instrument cluster with a 7-inch multi-information display, similar to the Elevate, is likely to replace the analog cluster of the outgoing model, offering a more modern and interactive driver interface.

3. Enhanced Sound System

To improve audio quality, Honda may equip the new Amaze with a 6-speaker sound system, an upgrade from the current 4-speaker setup. While not segment-leading, it promises to elevate the music experience.

4. Wireless Phone Charging

The inclusion of a wireless smartphone charger is a practical and premium addition. It reduces clutter in the cabin and aligns the Amaze with modern expectations.

5. Single-Pane Sunroof

Responding to consumer demand, the Amaze could finally introduce a single-pane sunroof, a highly desirable feature that rivals like the Maruti Dzire have already debuted in this segment.

6. Rear AC Vents for Added Comfort

To enhance passenger comfort, rear AC vents are likely to be added. This feature is already a standard offering in many of the Amaze’s competitors, making it a much-needed addition.

7. 6 Airbags as Standard

Safety is set to receive a major boost, with 6 airbags potentially becoming standard across all variants. This move aligns with Honda’s commitment to passenger safety and raises the bar in the subcompact sedan segment.

8. Lane Watch Camera

A lane watch camera, commonly referred to as a blind-spot monitor, could be introduced to aid safer lane changes. This feature, already present in the Elevate, is both a convenience and a safety enhancement.

9. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

The addition of electronic stability control (ESC) is expected, addressing a crucial gap in the current safety package. ESC helps maintain vehicle stability during sharp turns or slippery conditions, providing greater confidence to drivers.

10. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

The most groundbreaking feature the new Amaze could adopt is ADAS, a suite of safety technologies including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. If included, the Amaze would be the first subcompact sedan in India to offer ADAS, giving it a significant edge over competitors.

What to Expect on Launch Day

With these potential upgrades, the new Honda Amaze is poised to redefine the subcompact sedan segment. The introduction of ADAS, 6 airbags, and premium features like a sunroof and wireless connectivity could make it a compelling choice for buyers.

Mark your calendars for December 4, 2024, to see how the new Honda Amaze sets a new standard in its class.

2025 Honda Amaze: New Design Sketches Reveal Bold Exterior and Modernized Interior

12 Nov, 2024

The much-anticipated 2025 Honda Amaze is set to launch on December 4, featuring a comprehensive exterior and interior redesign. Honda Cars India recently shared a teaser image, followed by detailed sketches that highlight the refreshed styling of this third-generation compact sedan, designed to capture a sophisticated and sporty appeal. Since its initial launch in 2013 and a second-generation update in 2018, the Amaze has been a popular choice in the Indian market. The 2025 update aims to elevate this appeal further.

Exterior Design

The new Amaze brings a bolder design inspired by Honda’s global sedans, particularly echoing elements from the Accord and the midsize Elevate SUV. The front showcases redesigned LED headlamps with a distinctive double-beam setup, each topped by an L-shaped LED DRL, adding to the sedan’s upscale look. A more muscular bonnet and updated front bumper with integrated fog lamp housings complement the new front grille, which features chrome accents for a touch of sophistication.

While these details come from initial sketches, the final production model might incorporate slight tweaks for a balanced design.

Interior Updates

Inside, the 2025 Amaze sports a redesigned cabin with a modern dashboard layout. The central console is finished in piano black and hosts a floating touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing the sedan’s contemporary feel. Wider rectangular HVAC vents, automatic climate control, and a refreshed three-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls add to the user-friendly appeal. The sketches also reveal the CVT transmission lever, dual cup holders, charging sockets, and a phone placement area on the center console, which may even support wireless charging.

Rear Design and Additional Details

The rear end sees significant enhancements, including sleek LED tail lamps, a restructured boot, and a redesigned bumper with updated reflectors. A shark-fin antenna and newly styled alloy wheels are also visible from the side profile, underscoring the car’s sporty yet refined stance. The semi-digital instrument console has received an update, further modernizing the driving experience.

Powertrain

The upcoming Honda Amaze is expected to retain its reliable 1.2L four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering around 90 PS of maximum power and 110 Nm of peak torque. Paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT, the Amaze offers flexible driving options for various preferences.

Competitive Landscape

With its updated design, the 2025 Honda Amaze will enter a competitive segment, taking on rivals like the soon-to-be-launched Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura, and Tata Tigor. By blending refined aesthetics with Honda’s reliability and performance, the Amaze is poised to capture the attention of compact sedan buyers.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not represent any official vehicle specifications. Final details may vary based on the production model. Readers are advised to verify specifications closer to the launch date.

New Maruti Suzuki Dzire 2025: Pre-Bookings Open with Fresh Design and Enhanced Features

04 Nov, 2024

Maruti Suzuki has officially opened pre-bookings for the highly anticipated 2025 Dzire, unveiling a teaser image that hints at a bold redesign. As India’s largest automaker, Maruti Suzuki aims to give the Dzire a distinctive look, setting it apart from the new Swift with a sleeker, more refined facade. The updated front end features a wider hexagonal grille with black horizontal slats that resemble air curtains, giving the sedan a more modern appeal. The new Dzire also showcases slender LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, accented by a slim chrome strip that connects to the Suzuki logo in the center. Additional exterior updates include redesigned alloy wheels, a refreshed bonnet and boot, new front and rear bumpers, updated fog lamp housings, and LED tail lamps connected by a chrome bar, adding to its refined aesthetics. Enhanced Interior and Advanced Technology The fourth-generation Dzire will feature a more premium interior inspired by the recently launched Swift. The cabin includes a floating nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera, redesigned AC vents, a triple-tone dashboard, a new steering wheel, and an updated instrument console. Maruti Suzuki is also adding a segment-first electric sunroof and six airbags as standard to elevate safety and luxury. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer of Marketing & Sales at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, commented, “With the All-New Dzire, we have crafted something that’s not just the best in its segment but goes beyond conventional expectations. Its modern design philosophy, superior comfort, and cutting-edge technology represent the perfect synthesis of what customers love about Dzire and what they aspire for in a modern sedan.” New Powertrain Options The 2025 Dzire introduces a new 1.2L three-cylinder Z12E petrol engine, replacing the longstanding four-cylinder K-series engine. This engine delivers 82 bhp and 112 Nm of torque, available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed AMT. Maruti Suzuki is also offering a CNG variant to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives. The new Dzire promises to set new standards in the sub-four-metre sedan segment, with a blend of modern design, advanced features, and efficient powertrain options poised to enhance the driving experience.