Bookings are now open for the next-generation Verna which is a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine, Customers can make a booking by paying Rs 21,000. After much anticipation new Verna has been launched in India with a base price of Rs 10.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The vehicle is offered in four different variants, nine colour options, and is available with two different powertrain options.
The new Verna's exterior design boasts several notable features, such as a split headlamp design where the upper unit serves as the LED DRL and the lower unit functions as the headlight. It also features a redesigned front bumper and grille, an LED light bar located above the bumper, dual-tone alloy wheels, a shark-fin antenna, two-piece LED tail lights, Verna lettering, a new rear bumper, and an LED light bar on the boot lid.
The interior of the 2023 Verna boasts a range of premium features, including an electric sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a fully digital instrument console that has been integrated into a single-piece screen. Other amenities include automatic climate control, Level 2 ADAS, and an eight-speaker music system sourced from Bose. In addition, the vehicle offers a Switchable-type infotainment and climate controller that enables the user to control both the AC and infotainment functions using the same set of knobs and dials.
Powering the new-gen Hyundai Verna are two engine options: the 1.5-liter NA petrol engine, carried over from its predecessor, and a new 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine. The latter, a T-GDi engine, produces 158bhp and 253Nm of torque, while the NA motor generates 113bhp and 144Nm of torque. The vehicle is available with a choice of three transmission options, including a six-speed manual unit, an IVT unit, and a seven-speed DCT unit. However, the 1.5-liter diesel engine has been discontinued.
The Verna competes with several popular models in India, including the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia. Below are the variant-wise prices for the Verna (all prices are ex-showroom):
New Verna 1.5 MPi MT EX: ₹10.90 lakh
New Verna 1.5 MPi MT S: ₹11.95 lakh
New Verna 1.5 MPi MT SX: ₹12.98 lakh
New Verna 1.5 MPi iVT SX: ₹14.23 lakh
New Verna 1.5 MPi MT SX (O): ₹14.66 lakh
New Verna 1.5 MPi iVT SX (O): ₹16.19 lakh
Turbo:
New Verna 1.5 Turbo GDi MT SX: ₹14.83 lakh
New Verna 1.5 Turbo GDi 7DCT SX: ₹16.08 lakh
New Verna 1.5 Turbo GDi MT SX(O): ₹15.99 lakh
New Verna 1.5 Turbo GDi 7DCT SX(O): ₹17.38 lakh
Nissan's best-selling Magnite has received a facelift, retaining its starting price of Rs 5.99 lakh. The updated model boasts subtle design changes, new features, and the same powerful engine options.
The 2024 Nissan Magnite facelift offers a refreshed design, enhanced features, and powerful engine options, making it a compelling choice in the sub-4m SUV segment.
KTM has officially launched the 2024 200 Duke in India, priced at Rs 2.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This updated model demands a premium of Rs 4,000 over its predecessor.
The 2024 KTM 200 Duke Bike is priced at Rs 2.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), slightly higher than its predecessor (Rs 1.99 lakh). With its enhanced features, design, and functionality, this updated model promises a richer riding experience.
Kia India has officially unveiled its highly anticipated EV9, a three-row electric SUV, priced at ₹1.30 crore in the Indian market. Originally showcased as a concept at the Auto Expo 2023, this luxury vehicle boasts an impressive ARAI-certified range of 561 kilometers on a single charge.
The Kia EV9 exemplifies luxury and innovation in the electric vehicle sector, offering Indian consumers a high-end SUV option that combines performance, technology, and safety.
Jeep India has unveiled the Compass Anniversary Edition to commemorate eight years in the Indian market, priced at Rs 25.26 lakh (ex-showroom). This limited-edition model is designed for adventure-seekers and features exclusive accessories.
The Jeep Compass Anniversary Edition is a unique offering that combines adventure, design, and innovation. With its exclusive features and robust performance, this limited-edition model is perfect for Jeep enthusiasts in India.
Mahindra has launched the ZEO EV, a 4W electric pickup truck, priced at Rs 7.52 lakh (ex-showroom), marking its entry into the electric commercial vehicle segment. This innovative vehicle targets those seeking sustainable transport solutions, aligning with Mahindra's vision for a greener future.
Mahindra's recently launched Thar Roxx SUV has achieved an unprecedented milestone, garnering 176,218 bookings within a mere hour of availability. This overwhelming response has resulted in an extended waiting period for prospective owners.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx has created a buzz in the automotive world, shattering records with its impressive booking numbers. As the company prepares to deliver its highly anticipated SUV, Mahindra is poised for a milestone moment in meeting customer expectations.
Kia Motors India has launched the 2024 Kia Carnival, a premium offering in India's luxury automotive market, priced at Rs 63.9 lakh (ex-showroom). This fourth-generation model embodies a perfect blend of luxury, space, and advanced features, creating a new era in luxury mobility.
The 2024 Kia Carnival offers an unbeatable combination of luxury, comfort, and practicality at a competitive price point. With its unique positioning and lack of direct competition, it is poised to capture a significant share of India's luxury automotive market.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has reaffirmed its dedication to the Halewood factory, with investments now surpassing a significant £500 million. Initially, back in 2022, the company laid out its vision for transitioning the factory to support electric vehicle (EV) production, and since then, it has shown substantial progress. Over the past 12 months, the company has dedicated an impressive 'one million hours' to construction, resulting in a 32,000-square-foot extension to the historic facility, which originally began as a car factory for the Ford Anglia in 1963.
This half-billion-pound investment includes an initial outlay of £250 million, primarily aimed at modifying the production line to accommodate JLR’s forthcoming Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform. This platform will support a new generation of medium-sized electric luxury SUVs. Though these future models remain officially unnamed, there is widespread speculation that the next generation of Range Rover Velar will be the first to roll off the new production line in 2025.
However, plans for Halewood to transform into an exclusively electric vehicle manufacturing facility have been postponed. Last month, JLR announced it would extend its investment in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles longer than previously planned. As a result, Halewood is now set to produce ICE, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV) side by side, before eventually becoming the company's first all-electric production facility—though, notably, without a fixed timeline.
Looking ahead, JLR has earmarked an additional £250 million to fully realize its objectives for Halewood. Considerable advancements have already been made, including the installation of 750 autonomous robots, ADAS calibration rigs, and laser alignment technology to ensure perfect part fitment. In the pursuit of creating a 'factory of the future,' state-of-the-art cloud-based digital plant management systems have also been integrated.
These investments have expanded the length of the production line from 4km to 6km, accommodating new battery fitment processes. Additionally, seven-metre build stations have been installed to cater to the different proportions of EMA electric vehicles. Previously, the factory was mainly focused on the production of the current Land Rover Discovery Sport, highlighting the substantial scale of transformation JLR is undertaking.
Moreover, JLR has prioritized training, offering High Voltage Training to over 1,600 employees, and has constructed a new body shop capable of producing 500 vehicle bodies per day. The paint shop has also been modified to meet the higher demand for contrasting roofs.
Sustainability remains a core focus. Halewood plans to install 18,000 photovoltaic panels, projected to satisfy 10 percent of the facility’s energy needs. This move aligns with JLR’s broader goal of becoming a carbon net zero firm by 2039. Despite significant progress, the company acknowledges there is still much work ahead to meet this ambitious target but proudly asserts that they are moving in the right direction.
In summary, Jaguar Land Rover's continuous and exponential investments in Halewood underscore its commitment to transforming the factory into a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing a diverse range of vehicles. As it carefully balances ongoing ICE production with its ambitious EV goals, JLR is set to position Halewood at the forefront of automotive manufacturing innovation.
