Nissan X-Trail Will Be Available In Three Colours And Mild Hybrid Tech

Nissan X-Trail Will Be Available In Three Colours And Mild Hybrid Tech

Nissan India has announced that it will offer its premium SUV X-Trail in three colours – Diamond Black, Champagne Silver and Pearl White. Showcasing the vehicle in front of just a few motoring journalists in India recently for reasons better known to it, Nissan India highlighted that the premium SUV will be offered with hybrid technology. 

Powering the vehicle is a 163 bhp, 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine coupled to a 12-volt mild hybrid system. The transmissoon is a CVT unit and the ICE is laced with a variable compression ratio. Distinctive and stylish in its appearance, the premium SUV – following in the footsteps of the earlier model, discontinued in 2014 – is expected to be priced at INR 4,000,000 approximately when it is commercially introduced.   

Expected to be launched ahead of the festive season, the X-Trail will be imported as a CBU in India, claimed an industry source. It will be positioned in the same segment as the Skoda Kodiaq and MG Gloster, he informed.  

Based on the Renault-Nissan CMF-C platform, the vehicle – to be offered as a five-seater and seven-seater – will be pack sophisticated features such as split LED headlamps, LED taillights, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a three-zone AC, ‘connected’ car tech, wireless phone charging, powered tail gate, powered front seats with memory function, 10-speaker Bose audio, panoramic sunroof, HUD display, ADAS functions and a 360-degree camera set up. 

Measuring 4,680 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width and 1,725 mm in height, the new X-Trail has a ground clearance of 210 mm. The wheelbase is 2,705 mm. With the doors opening at an 85-degree angle to provide easy ingress and egress, the premium SUV adds to the company’s single SUV portfolio that contains the Magnite. The Magnite is also the only model that Nissan India is currently offering in the market. In June 2024, the SUV – sharing the platform with the Renault Kiger – sold some 2,107 units in June 2024. In January 2024, 2,863 units of the vehicle were sold, according to the v3cars.com website. 

As per the sales chart of the Magnite on the site, the sales numbers have consistently dropped over the months from January 2024 to read 2,107 units in June. As a CBU import, the X-Trail is unlikely to add large numbers to the count of vehicles Nissan India sells every month. It is a premium SUV after all. 

Winning the Large SUV by Women’s World Cup of the Year award and the 2022-23 Japan Technology of the Year award, the new X-Trail has been praised in markets like UK for its seven-seater configuration as capable, classy and entertaining. The vehicle also bagged UK’s 4x4 Magazine’s awards for 4x4 of the Year in 2023. 

 

Image courtesy: Nissan

Maruti Suzuki Victoris SUV Launched In India, Aims To Disrupt Mid-Size SUV Segment

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has further expanded its product portfolio with the launch of the Victoris SUV.

The Victoris is being made available in multiple powertrain options, including petrol with strong hybrid, Allgrip Select (4x4) and factory-fitted S-CNG with an underbody tank design. Bookings are now open at INR 11,000.

The SUV can be had with a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain with EV mode and e-CVT transmission, a multi-terrain 4x4 system with four drive modes and a CNG variant with dual ECUs.

The Victoris will join the Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx, Grand Vitara and Jimny to further expand its play in the SUV segment.

The new SUV features a 26.03 cm fully digital instrument cluster, 25.65 cm SmartPlay Pro X infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates and Alexa Auto integration. It also introduces a segment-first Infinity by Harman 8-speaker system with Dolby Atmos, 64-colour ambient lighting, ventilated seats, powered driver’s seat, wireless charging with cooling and a panoramic sunroof.

On safety, the Victoris comes with six airbags as standard, Level 2 ADAS with more than ten driver-assist features, all-wheel disc brakes, electronic parking brake, and a 360-degree camera. In fact, the Victoris has scored a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for both adult and child occupants.

It comes with Maruti Suzuki India’s Arena Safety Shield, including ESP, ABS with EBD, hill hold control and a standard three-year/100,000 km warranty.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The new-age Indian customer is well-travelled, hyper-connected, socially aware, technologically progressive and environmentally responsible. To meet the aspirations of such customers, our new SUV the Victoris has ‘Got It All’. Victoris is a Latin word that means ‘victory’. We are confident the Victoris with its high technology, sleek design, intelligent and connected features, 5-star level safety and multiple environment friendly powertrains will win hearts in India. With Victoris we are strengthening our SUV portfolio and our overall market share.”

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “At Maruti Suzuki, we are always listening to our customers. Today’s young, and dynamic audience consider an automobile as a reflection of who they are – energetic, composed, confident and always moving forward. We gave this brief to our design and engineering teams for the all-new ‘Victoris’. SUVs may be the most loved segment today, but the SUV buyer has evolved. This new generation of young customers are ambitious, hyperconnected and value experiential living. The all-new Victoris is our answer to that shift - a progressive blend of tech, design and versatility. It is engineered with true SUV DNA and sets a new benchmark for what today’s automobiles can feel like. With the Victoris, we’re not just launching another SUV, we’re celebrating a new dimension to driving - one that’s ‘Got It All’.” 

MARUTI SUZUKI VICTORIS
Overall Length (mm) 4360 Engine Specifications K-Series 1.5L Dual Jet Dual VVT Engine Strong Hybrid
Overall Height (mm) (unladen) 1655 Displacement 1462cc 1490cc
Overall Width (mm) 1795 Max Power 75.8kW (103.06PS) @ 6000rpm 68kW (92.45PS) @5500 rpm
Wheelbase (mm) 2600 Max Torque 139Nm @ 4300rpm 122Nm @ 3800-4800 rpm
Tyre Size 215/60 R17 Fuel Efficiency 21.18 km/l (MT)* 28.65(eCVT) *
19.07 km/l (ALLGRIP AT) *
27.02 km/kg (MT S-CNG) *
Fuel Tank Capacity Petrol - 45 L
CNG - 55 L
Suspension Front: Mac Pherson Strut & Coil Spring
Rear: Torsion Beam Type & Coil Spring

Mercedes-Benz India Launches ‘Dream Days’ Festive Campaign

Mercedes-Benz India Launches ‘Dream Days’ Festive Campaign

In celebration of India's dreamers and their aspirations, Mercedes-Benz India has announced the launch of its comprehensive festive campaign, ‘Dream Days’. Scheduled to run from 2nd September to 31st October 2025, the initiative is designed to make the ambition of owning a Mercedes-Benz more accessible than ever through a suite of tailored ownership benefits and experiential engagements.

The 360-degree campaign focuses on creating signature luxury experiences at every customer interaction. A core component is a range of innovative financial solutions aimed at empowering new and existing customers. For its entry and core model portfolios, Mercedes-Benz is introducing financial plans featuring exceptionally low monthly instalments, attractive interest rates and minimal down payments. First-time buyers will receive additional ‘Welcome Benefits’ when trading in their current vehicle.

Further enhancing flexibility, a unique ‘Seasonal Payment Plan’ allows customers to structure their payment schedules around periods of higher cash flow, such as bonus months, alleviating the burden of uniform monthly payments. A standout ‘Key to Key’ programme for select models like the S-Class enables customers to upgrade to a new vehicle after 24 to 36 months with zero down payment, effectively allowing them to own two new Mercedes-Benz cars within a four-year period.

Complementing these ownership advantages, Mercedes-Benz is elevating its customer service with nationwide ‘Service Clinics’. During these events, trained brand engineers will travel to various locations to provide personalised vehicle diagnostics and address owner concerns directly.

The campaign will culminate in the ‘Dream Days Festival’, a first-of-its-kind event touring six key cities: Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kochi. This two-day festival will offer participants hands-on driving experiences across specially designed tracks that demonstrate the capabilities of the brand’s sedans, SUVs, electric vehicles and high-performance AMG models. Attendees can also enjoy immersive brand experiences, such as the Burmester Sound Experience, fostering a deeper connection with the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "India is a nation built on dreams – from startup founders, entrepreneurs to seasoned executives, every dreamer deserves the luxury that they aspire for. This festive campaign, hence, underlines our commitment to fulfil the aspirations of our customers, offering flexible and curated financial solutions, supporting them with their purchase decision. We are confident these financial solutions will find immense value among customers, creating excitement and positive momentum in the market this festive season.”

Hyundai Marks 10 Years of Creta With New King And King Limited Edition Variants

Hyundai Creta King

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced the Creta King and Creta King Limited Edition to mark a decade of its popular Creta SUV in the domestic market. The company has also added new features to other Creta variants.

The Creta King includes features such as R18 diamond cut alloys, a driver power seat with memory function and a passenger seat with electric adjustments. It also comes with a dashcam, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and dual-zone automatic temperature control. The vehicle is available with a 1.5L petrol, 1.5L diesel and 1.5L turbo petrol engine. A new Black Matte colour is also being introduced.

The Creta King Limited Edition adds exclusive ‘King’ branding on elements like the seat belt cover, headrest cushion and key cover. This limited edition is available in Abyss Black, Atlas White and the new Black Matte colours.

The Creta King Knight, with its black design, also receives upgraded features including R18 matte black alloys, electric seat adjustments for the driver and passenger, a dashcam and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At HMIL, we have always believed in delighting our customers with fresh choices and enhanced experiences. Ahead of this festive season, we are excited to introduce the Creta King and Creta King Limited Edition in our SUV, the Hyundai Creta. These additions, coupled with enriched feature offerings in the Creta line up will reinforce our commitment to offering products that blend style, performance, technology and safety. We are confident that these new introductions will add to the festive excitement and further strengthen the appeal of Hyundai’s most loved SUV among Indian customers.”

Additionally, new features have been added across other Creta variants, including a dashcam, dual-zone automatic temperature control and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. The Creta N Line also gets these new features.

Honda Elevate Receives Festive Upgrades With New Interior And Styling Options

Honda Elevate

Honda Cars India has introduced a series of updates to its popular SUV, the Honda Elevate in time for the festive season. The enhancements include new interior colour options and exterior styling upgrades, aiming to give the vehicle a more premium and stylish feel.

The top-of-the-range Honda Elevate ZX grade now features a new Ivory interior theme, complete with ivory leatherette seats and soft-touch inserts on the doors and instrument panel. As an optional extra, customers can choose a new ‘Alpha-Bold plus Grille’ for a more commanding front profile, along with a 360-degree surround vision camera and 7-colour ambient lighting. With these additions, the Elevate ZX offers a choice of three distinct interior themes: Tan, Ivory and Black.

For the V and VX grades, Honda is introducing new black fabric upholstery, which replaces the previous shadow beige option. These variants also feature dual-tone interiors with ivory soft-touch inserts. The new Alpha-Bold plus Grille is available as an accessory for these models and the Crystal Black Pearl colour option is now offered across the V, VX and ZX grades.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “The Honda Elevate is a very successful model and has been greatly appreciated by customers for its versatility in both the domestic and export markets. With the introduction of the new ZX grade with ivory interiors and new enhancements across all grades, it is our endeavour to offer more choices to customers during the festive period and warmly welcome them into the Honda family.”

The Honda Elevate is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine and is available with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 7-speed CVT automatic transmission. The SUV continues to offer a range of safety features, including the Honda Sensing advanced driver-assist system in the ZX grade, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control.