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Toyota Announces Prices of 2020 Camry BS6
The Japanese carmaker, Toyota, recently announced the prices of its BS6-compliant Camry hybrid. The 2020 Camry hybrid is only available in one variant and costs Rs. 37.88 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This is Rs. 38,000 93,000 more than the BS4 Camry. Besides a cleaner powertrain, 2020 Camry also gets a JBL music system, ventilated front seats and a head-up display. This full-size sedan is only available with a 2.5-litre petrol engine, which churns out a peak power of 218PS. The petrol engine alone is good for 178PS and 221Nm while the electric motor pushes out 120PS and 202Nm.
2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid BS6
Opinion
Petrol engines, generally, don’t deliver great real-world fuel efficiency figures. Especially, if you drive a lot in the city. Although a hybrid system adds some complexity to the powertrain, its real-world fuel efficiency figures are usually pretty close to the claimed numbers. It makes them a viable alternative for those who put a lot of miles on the odometer. The Camry is a full-hybrid vehicle – as in, it can drive short distances without burning a drop of fuel. Even the mild hybrids like the 2020 Maruti Suzuki Dzire facelift have an impressive fuel efficiency figure of 24kmpl+ with the automatic. The BS6 Camry has a fuel efficiency figure of 23.27kmpl.
In terms of reliability, it’s comforting to know that Toyota has over 2 decades of experience making hybrid vehicles. The new Camry uses their 4th generation hybrid technology, which probably means that it’s quite refined and should be pretty reliable.
In these uncertain times, if you’re interested in a spacious sedan with low running costs and a low expectancy of surprise repair bills, then the Camry should be on your list.
Nissan Announces Prices of Datsun Go and Datsun Go Plus BS6
Nissan has just announced the prices of BS6-compliant Datsun Go and Go Plus. The Go MT’s prices range from Rs. 3.99 lakh to Rs. 5.9 lakh and it’s available in 3 variants – D, A and T. There’s optional equipment available as an add on for the A and T trims. The Go AT is available in T variant only with and without the optional kit. The Go CVT automatic’s T and T (O) cost Rs. 6.25 and Rs. 6.45 lakh, respectively.
For more details about the Datsun Go BS6, download the brochure from here: 2020 Datsun Go BS6 Brochure
2020 Datsun Go Prices (ex-Delhi)
D Manual
Rs. 3.99 lakh
A Manual
Rs. 4.95 lakh
A (O) Manual
Rs. 5.35 lakh
T Manual
Rs. 5.7 lakh
T (O) Manual
Rs. 5.9 lakh
T Automatic
Rs. 6.25 lakh
T (O) Automatic
Rs. 6.45 lakh
2020 Datsun Go Plus BS6
Along with the Datsun Go, Nissan also announced the prices of the Go Plus MPV. The prices of the Go Plus MT are between Rs. 4.2 lakh and Rs. 6.0 lakh. The Go Plus CVT automatic costs Rs. 6.7 lakh and Rs. 6.9 lakh for the T and T (O) grades. The variant lineup for the Go Plus MPV is exactly the same as the Go hatchback.
For more details about the Datsun Go Plus BS6, download the brochure from here: 2020 Datsun Go Plus BS6 Brochure
2020 Datsun Go Plus Prices (ex-Delhi)
D Manual
Rs. 4.2 lakh
A Manual
Rs. 5.1 lakh
A (O) Manual
Rs. 5.66 lakh
T Manual
Rs. 6.0 lakh
T (O) Manual
Rs. 6.26 lakh
T Automatic
Rs. 6.7 lakh
T (O) Automatic
Rs. 6.9 lakh
2020 Datsun Go / Go Plus Interior Cabin/Dashboard
Opinion
A few years ago, Nissan had launched the Go hatchback and Go Plus MPV under the legendary sub-brand Datsun. But, their quirky cabin never gained popularity among buyers. In fact, the first car that helped Datsun make a mark for itself was the Redi-Go. In these 2 cars, Nissan fixed the quirks such as bench seat in the front, awkwardly-placed hand brake lever and phone-driven music system and added some safety features. Last year, Nissan also added CVT automatic on the menu but the sales haven’t picked enough to appreciate the carmaker’s efforts. The BS6 versions probably won’t fare much better either because of the damp sentiment since the COVID outbreak.
The Go Plus offers tremendous value as it’s the most affordable 7-seater with an unbelievable starting price of Rs. 4.2 lakh. Although, its third row is best suited for kids. The Go and Go Plus are some of the most underrated, and therefore, some of the most value-for-money cars in India.
2020 Next-Gen Thar Is The Next Mahindra TO Go On Sale
Veejay Nakra, CEO of Automotive Business, Mahindra, confirmed to CarAndBike that the next SUV in line for launch is the next-generation Thar. Interacting with CnB, Mr Nakra said:
“Thar is around the corner. I guess it’s a matter of time when we will officially open it up for bookings. I think there are far more important matters at hand right now, to look at, to ensure that we get those right. Once we have all of that under our belt, we will be ready to launch, and talk to you specifically a bit more on the launch of Thar. Yes, it’s around the corner, and out of our next launch, that’s clearly going to be the first launch.”
Mahindra’s off-roader is likely to get a turbo-diesel and a turbo-petrol engine as well from the mStallion range, which was on display at the recent auto show. A 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine are rumoured to find their way under the next-generation Thar’s hood.
2020 Mahindra Thar (Camo)
Opinion
The 2020 Thar is one of the most important product launches of the year for Mahindra. Yet, Mahindra didn’t showcase it at the 2020 Auto Expo. It could have drawn a lot of potential customers to Mahindra’s Pavillion. Instead, the showstopper was an electric convertible SUV concept. While the Funster looks wallpaper-worthy, it’s not likely to see the light of day – ever. At the 2016 auto show, Mahindra had the XUV Aero concept – a coupe SUV – on display. It never materialized. Nevertheless, the Thar holds promise for Mahindra as there’s no other off-roader as capable, as affordable and with as much aftermarket support as the Thar.
Rumour: 5-Seat Volkswagen Tiguan To Get BS6 Update
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 5-seat
Volkswagen added the 3-row Tiguan AllSpace to its lineup this year. However, the 5-seater Tiguan didn’t receive the BS6 upgrade. Autocar is reporting that the 2-row Tiguan is also getting BS6-compliant engine and will go on sale soon. The big news here is that it might get a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and a front-wheel drivetrain. The same engine is also available in the T-Roc compact SUV. This should bring the cost down to Rs. 23 – 26 lakh. A 48-volt hybrid version may also join later to make up for the lack of diesel engine in the lineup. Buyers with high running usually prefer the diesel engine for its higher fuel efficiency. The hybrid powertrain could fill that gap pretty well.
Rumour: Strom R3 Electric Trike – 200km Range, Rs. 4.5 Lakh
Strom R3 Electric Trike
According to a report, the Indian EV startup Strom is about to soon commence sales of its R3 electric trike with a starting price of Rs. 4.5 lakh. Strom had first showcased the R3 in 2018. It’s a quirky and compact electric vehicle that’s smaller than even the Tata Nano.
Strom R3 EV Trike – Pros
Compact dimensions – easy to drive and park in tight spots
SUV like ground clearance of 185mm
Respectable driving range of 120, 160, 200km
Quirky styling
No toll tax at most booths as it falls in 3-wheeler category
Top speed of 80kmph
Automatic AC
Internet-connected features
Low starting price of Rs. 4.5 lakh for an electric vehicle
3-4 hours for a full charge
Most affordable car with a sunroof
Impressive storage capacity of 400 litres
Most affordable personal electric vehicle
Low advertised running cost of Rs. 0.4/km
90Nm of instant electric torque, short wheelbase and rear-wheel drivetrain should make it a fun car to drive
Multiple driving modes
An affordable option for staying safe in the COVID era
Convenience of an automatic transmission
Unique dual-tone body colour combinations
Strom R3 Trike EV – Cons
Styling will not suit most mass-market buyers
3 tracks will make it difficult to avoid potholes
Uninspiring warranty of just 1 year/15,000km – well below the industry standard
Unknown long-term reliability – both, from technology and manufacturer standpoint
New product from a new company with no history and no experience in making electric vehicles
A single row of seating
No official details about battery capacity
Sourcing parts, later on, can become a challenge if the company doesn’t survive
Potential concerns regarding privacy and data security because of constant tracking by the carmaker for IoT services
Opinion
In these uncertain times, a mode of transportation that’s affordable – to buy and to run – is exactly the thing we need. It can help you stay safe, maintain distance from others and avoid public transport. It’s affordable. The Strom EV is environment friendly. It’s compact. However, a vehicle as unconventional as this R3 is a tough sell, even during a recession. On top of that, a car from a brand no one has heard of with a warranty that raises more questions than it answers is difficult to justify.