Daily Car News Updates (21st December 2022)
Hyundai Motor India has unveiled the Ioniq 5 electric SUV. You can make bookings for the new EV from the brand's website for Rs. 1 lakh.
On its showcase, Unsoo Kim, MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India, said, "Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a grand statement of conscious consumerism. As committed, we will introduce this world-class BEV SUV to induce customer delight and usher in the future transformation of India's automotive landscape. Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a strong step in this direction, and with its intelligent technology and innovation, this BEV will bring us closer to a sustainable future."
"To foster and build an outlook that venerates the company's testament to India's progress, growth, and incessant development, we are glad to announce the commencement of bookings for Hyundai IONIQ 5 starting 21st December 2022 at this iconic landmark' Gateway of India'. Showcasing the technological prowess of Hyundai IONIQ 5, using the V2L feature, we illuminated the iconic 'Gateway of India' in a one-of-a-kind demonstration," he added.
The model has Parametric Pixel LED headlamps and a clamshell bonnet, 72.6 kWh batter packed, which promises a range of 631 km (ARAI Certified). It's electric motor produces 214 bhp and 350 nm of peak torque.
The company claims that EVs can be charged from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes using the 350 kW DC charger. It also provides charging for gadgets like laptops and smartphones on the inside, while it can also charge bigger machines like electric scooters and camping equipment using the socket outside the car.
Its other key features include a 12.3-inch digital cluster and touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bose sound system, connected car technology, six airbags, ABS with EBD, disc brakes, engine parking brake, etc.
The model will be slightly more affordable than Kia EV6 (Rs. 59.96 lakh), with Hyundai keeping the target price of Rs. 50 lakh for the model. It is the second all-electric model in India by Hyundai since the Kona Electric, which will be competing against the Mercedes-Benz EQB and Kia EV6.
MG Motor India announced selling 1 lakh cars in the Indian market since the company started its sales operations in 2019. MG Hector is the first launch in India, and since then, it has been the bestselling model, followed by the MG ZS EV and MG Astor.
Commenting on this achievement, Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director of MG Motor India, said, "We are grateful for the love and trust that we have received after establishing a solid foundation focused on employees, dealers, suppliers, and customers. Our dedication to bringing positive changes to the Indian mobility space through smart mobility solutions and creating a sustainable future is becoming stronger every day."
"In line with our core pillars - innovation, experiences, diversity, and community, we strive to give our best and delight every stakeholder who has put their trust in us from the beginning. Today, we are humbled as we reaffirm our commitment to making a positive difference in mobility and the community through our products and initiatives. We are thankful for the present and ecstatic about the future," he further added.
The company acquired this milestone just ahead of the all-new MG Hector's launch in January 2023. Besides, it was recently acknowledged as the leading carmaker in J.D. Power 2021 India Sales Satisfaction Study (SSI) and India Customer Service Index (CSI) study. The company also attained the second position among the mass-market four-wheeler vehicles in dealer satisfaction in the FADA survey.
The convertible Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet 4Matic+ is all set for its launch in India on January 6, 2023. It is the fourth 53-badged product in India, which will be sold as a fully imported model in the Indian market.
The German automaker confirmed the model's launch date in an official communication with TOI India. The AMG E53 has a 3 liter - 6 cylinder engine, with an electric motor that produces 429 hp and 520 Nm of torque.
The company claims the E53 Cabriolet can accelerate from 0-100 km/ in 4.5 seconds and has an electric top speed of 250 km/h. Besides, it is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels via the 4Matic + all-wheel drive system.
In terms of design, there would be changes similar to its sedan version. However, it will feature a new signature grille and a new front splitter. It has a flat-bottom AMG steering wheel, a large dual 12.3-inch instrument, and an infotainment screen.
Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet 4Matic+ will also provide comfort to its users by featuring a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, a Burmester sound system, four-zone climate control, and more.
The E53 Cabriolet will not have any direct rivals in the market. Nevertheless, the Indian price details of the model are yet to be revealed.