The TVS iQube electric scooter family has been enhanced with the unveiling of fresh bottom and top variants. With this upgrade, TVS iQube pricing commences from Rs. 94,999, introducing the base iQube 09 variant, and extends up to Rs. 1.85 lakh for the iQube ST 17, which is equipped with a 5.1 kWh battery, the largest found in any electric scooter presently available in India.
Changes in the FAME II support scheme have prompted original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to consider introducing cost-effective electric scooters. Well-known names like Ola Electric are popular in the under Rs. 1 lakh price bracket while Ather’s Rizta is almost at par. TVS Motor isn't far behind — they have recently unveiled a new bottom variant as well as a top variant to intensify the competition.
The TVS iQube is now available in several variants, ranging from the entry-level iQube09, to iQube 12, iQube S,M iQube ST 12, and finally the top-notch iQube ST 17. The announcement of the iQube ST isn’t recent, but its actual launch took place in 2024 due to multiple delaying factors.
According to the latest update, the standard ‘iQube’ range's base trim consists of two variants, namely iQube 09 and iQube 12. The formerly top-of-the-line iQube S has now been repositioned as a mid-spec trim, available in only one variant — 'iQube S'. The previously announced elite iQube ST is now finally on the market in two versions — iQube ST 12 and iQube ST 17.
The entry-level iQube 09 has a 2.2 kWh battery offering 75 km of real-world driving range, a peak speed of 75 km/h, and charges 0-80% in 2 hours. The iQube 12 features a larger 3.4 kWh battery, the size of the former base model. Both versions offer a decent set of technologies, like a 5-inch TFT screen with navigation and alerts for towing and theft.
Despite the launch of the affordable base iQube 09 variant which retails at Rs. 95K, grabbing ample attention, the just-released top-tier iQube ST is also turning heads. For instance, the lower iQube ST 12 shares the same 3.4 kWh battery as iQube 12 and iQube S, but the iQube ST 17 stands apart with a larger 5.1 kWh battery. Among the largest in India, this battery in the iQube ST 17 promises 150 km of real-world driving range on a single charge but does require a longer charging duration (4h 18m for 0-80% SOC).
Equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen TFT, digital document storage, TPMS, Alexa voice assistance, and more, both iQube ST variants are keeping up with the competition. The iQube ST 12 and iQube ST 17 are tagged at Rs. 1.55 lakh and Rs. 1.85 lakh respectively. The top-end iQube ST 17 also takes the cake with a top speed of 82 km/h, the fastest across all variants offered by TVS iQube.
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.
