The globally renowned manufacturer of off-road vehicles, Jeep, has unveiled its latest addition, the Avenger 4xe. This SUV comes with an all-wheel drive and a hybrid technology system, setting new standards in the compact SUV market. Unlike other vehicles in Jeep’s 4xe line, the Avenger 4xe is not a plug-in hybrid but combines two electric motors of 28bhp each and a mild hybrid 48-volt system with a well-established 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that provides 132bhp.
Riding on the success of the Avenger, which saw about 90,000 orders, almost 30% of which were fully-electric, in Europe alone, Jeep has amplified their offering with the new Avenger 4xe. The model was introduced by Eric Laforge, the Head of Jeep Brand in Enlarged Europe. He clearly expressed his belief that the Avenger 4xe is the latest embodiment of Jeep’s deeply-rooted tradition of success, especially in the all-wheel drive domain.
The powertrain of the Avenger 4xe includes a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a smart all-wheel-drive system which maintains a 50:50 distribution between the front and back wheels at low speeds. The distinct rear electric motor springs into action at speeds exceeding 90km/h and goes into standby when speed crosses 30km/h. The driver can choose among four Selec Terrain modes, namely Auto, Snow, Sand&Mud, and Sport. The AWD model of Avenger 4xe can race from 0 to 100km/h within 9.5 seconds and can reach to a top speed of 194km/h. Its competitors in the FWD e-Hybrid domain tend to lag behind by 10 km/h.
In terms of design, the Avenger 4xe stands out with its unique aesthetic features. It is available in two new trim levels: Overland and Upland, both of which sport their own unique design elements. A rear towing hook, standard roof racks to augment the load capacity, and scratch-proof front and rear bumpers are some of its notable features. Fog lights have also been thoughtfully positioned higher on the newly designed front bumper, giving the vehicle its unique look.
The new model stands out not only for its performance but also its comfort and practicality. For instance, the Avenger 4xe offers new seats made of robust, water-resistant material and a spacious cabin. The standard M+S tyres offer reliable grip in diverse weather conditions, and the optional All Terrain 3PMSF tyres provide superior performance in difficult terrains.
Jeep’s unique all-wheel drive technology, that is available whenever needed without compromising fuel efficiency, is one of the noteworthy features of the new Avenger 4xe. The SUV also boasts a new Multilink rear suspension system for improved rear axle articulation, providing heightened comfort on irregular surfaces.
Consistent with Jeep's commitment to safety, the Avenger 4xe comes equipped with the latest safety technologies. Enhanced brakes, advanced driver-assistance systems, and superior stability control ensure optimum safety and reliability under all driving conditions.
The new Jeep Avenger 4xe is set to be available in Europe for orders in the Upland and Overland trim levels by the fourth quarter of 2024. Pricing details are yet to be announced, but it's evident that the prices will be higher than the FWD-only ICE, mild-hybrid, and fully-electric versions given the advanced features it offers.
Design Highlights:
Key Features:
Variant Pricing: The Ebony Edition is approximately ₹15,000 more than the standard AX7 and AX7 L variants.
Safety Update:
Rear Seat Belt Reminders: All Mahindra XUV700 variants now come standard with rear seat belt reminders, enhancing passenger safety.
The XUV700 Ebony Limited Edition is now available for bookings, offering customers a unique blend of style and performance.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2025 CLA, introducing both electric and hybrid variants to its lineup. This move signifies a shift from developing separate electric models to integrating diverse powertrains within a single model range.
Electric Variant:
Porsche is working on an all-new SUV that will be available with both petrol and hybrid powertrains, expanding its portfolio beyond its existing electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) offerings. This upcoming model is expected to provide customers with a blend of performance, efficiency, and adaptability to evolving market trends.
New Model Strategy and Market Positioning
Engine Specifications:
New Turbocharged Engine: The foundation of this hybrid system is a newly developed 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, internally designated as the G20E. This engine is engineered to support both plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid configurations.
Compact Design: Featuring a shorter piston stroke and lightweight construction, the Toyota G20E engine is optimized for hybrid integration without significantly increasing the vehicle's weight.
Performance Expectations:
Power Output: In standard road versions, the G20E engine is anticipated to produce over 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. For motorsport applications, outputs exceeding 600 horsepower are projected.
Motorsport and Production Integration:
Versatile Application: The G20E engine is designed for both competitive motorsport and consumer vehicles, aligning with Toyota's strategy to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions across its performance lineup.
Prototype Testing: The engine has been showcased in the mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept, indicating ongoing development and testing efforts.
Future Outlook:
By integrating hybrid technology into its GR sports cars, Toyota aims to balance high performance with environmental responsibility, ensuring compliance with stringent emission standards in various markets.
As development progresses, more detailed specifications and launch timelines for these hybrid-powered GR models are expected to be announced.
Aston Martin is set to introduce its latest flagship grand tourer, the 2025 Vanquish, to the Indian market on March 22.
This new model succeeds the DBS Superleggera and positions itself as a direct competitor to the Ferrari 12Cilindri.
Performance and Powertrain:
At the heart of the Vanquish lies a formidable 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, delivering an impressive 835 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that channels power to the rear wheels, the Vanquish accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 345 km/h.
Design and Features:
Exterior:
The 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish is anticipated to be priced above ₹6 crore (ex-showroom) in India, excluding optional features. This pricing positions it as a premium offering in the luxury sports car segment.
With its blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology, the Vanquish aims to set new benchmarks in the Indian automotive landscape.
Tesla is advancing its plans to enter the Indian market by submitting homologation applications for its Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles (EVs). This crucial step ensures that the vehicles comply with India's regulatory standards before their official launch.
Progress Towards Indian Market Entry:
The Indian government is considering reducing import duties on specific EVs from the previous range of 70%–110% to 15%. This reduction aims to encourage foreign manufacturers like Tesla to enter the Indian market. However, to benefit from these concessions, manufacturers are required to commit to domestic production by investing at least $500 million within three years.
Implications for the Indian EV Market:
Tesla's potential entry is poised to invigorate the Indian EV sector, offering consumers advanced electric mobility options. The Model 3 and Model Y are expected to appeal to a broad audience, aligning with India's push towards sustainable transportation solutions.
As Tesla progresses through the homologation and certification stages, further details regarding the official launch dates and vehicle specifications tailored for the Indian market are anticipated.
Design and Dimensions:
Despite the heavy camouflage, the Tata Sierra's distinctive boxy silhouette is reminiscent of the original model. When observed next to the Hyundai Creta, the Sierra's larger dimensions are evident, suggesting a more spacious interior and commanding road presence. The test vehicle was equipped with alloy wheels, indicating a focus on both style and functionality.
Powertrain Options:
The upcoming Tata Sierra is expected to offer both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) variants:
ICE Version: Anticipated to feature a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering 168bhp and 280Nm of torque. Additionally, a 2.0-litre diesel engine, currently powering the Harrier and Safari models, may be available, producing 168bhp and 350Nm of torque.
EV Version: Set to utilize Tata's Gen2 EV platform with the acti.ev architecture, the Sierra EV is expected to debut later this year, aligning with Tata's commitment to sustainable mobility.
Market Positioning:
The Tata Sierra aims to blend nostalgic design elements with modern features, targeting consumers seeking a robust and versatile SUV experience. Its availability in both ICE and EV formats reflects Tata Motors' strategy to cater to a diverse customer base in the evolving automotive landscape.
As testing progresses, more details regarding the Tata Sierra's specifications, features, and launch timeline are anticipated, generating excitement among automotive enthusiasts and potential buyers alike.
