Category: Cars&Motors

Ninth-generation Toyota Camry: What’s new

The next-generation Toyota Camry is a complete departure from the model that is currently on sale in India. It gets a wider front grille and sharper headlamps compared to the current model, while the rear profile comes with design influence from Lexus. The sleek headlamps come with integrated LED daytime running lights, while the large radiator grille gives it a bold look.

While the exterior of the sedan looks radically different, the interior too comes with some changes. The cabin gets a dual-digital display, while the centre console comes slightly tweaked. The sedan gets features such as individual climate zones for rear occupants, seat back screens, Type-C USB charging ports, curtains, and a JBL audio system. The interior of the sedan offers ample space and comfort thanks to the car’s massive wheelbase.

Also Read : Upcoming cars in India

Powering the new generation Toyota Camry sedan is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that churns out 222 bhp peak power. Power is channelled to the front wheels via an eCVT gearbox. The international market-spec Toyota Camry sedan gets an FWD version, but that is unlikely to be introduced in the Indian market. The current Toyota Camry on sale in the Indian market offers a fuel economy of 19 kmpl, which is expected to be higher in the next generation model.

Upon launch, the new generation Toyota Camry sedan will compete with rivals such as the new Skoda Superb as well as the BYD Seal EV. Besides that, it would challenge some SUVs as well.

Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India.

First Published Date: 18 Nov 2024, 13:01 PM IST

The 2025 Duster is based on the company’s CMF-B platform which underpins few of the global models as well. The company claims that the new platform has helped in increasing space for the passengers and luggage room. For the Indian model, the CMF-B is expected to be heavily localised to keep the prices competitive.

Also Read : Renault Duster to return to India soon? Spyshots trigger speculation

The 2025 Renault Duster measures at 4,340 mm in length, while the wheelbase will be 2,657 mm. This means that while the model is longer than its predecessor, the wheelbase is a bit shorter than the older model. Speaking of the design, the 2025 Renault Duster gets Y-shaped LED DRLs, a redesigned bumper with vertical air vents, and integrated round fog lamps. At the rear, it will feature Y-shaped taillights and a revised bumper.

Meanwhile in terms of features, the 2025 Renault Duster features a 7-inch digital cluster and a new 10.1-inch central touchscreen. There is wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Arkamys 3D Sound System and navigation with real-time traffic data. Additionally, the Duster will also get cruise control, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, all-4 disc brakes, electronic parking brake, wireless smartphone charger and 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system.

2025 Renault Duster: Expected specs

In the global market, the 2024 Duster has three engine options. There is a 1.6-litre petrol engine that comes with two electric motors and an automatic gearbox. The total power output stands at 140 bhp while the torque output is 148 Nm. Renault is claiming a fuel efficiency figure of 24.5 kmpl. The battery pack on offer is a 1.2 kWh unit that can be charged using brake regeneration. Moreover, the engine always starts on electric power.

Then there is a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V electric motor that runs on Miller cycle. The electric motor helps the combustion engine when the car starts or accelerates and this also helps in reducing average consumption.

Also watch: 2024 Renault Duster breaks cover with bolder design, new engine

The regenerative braking system charges the 0.8 kWh battery. This powertrain will be offered with a 6-speed gearbox in the 4×2 and 4×4 versions. In India, the Renault Duster is likely to get the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V electric motor. Interestingly, the South Africa model also gets 4X4 capabilities.

The global model also gets a LPG option which runs on petrol as well. There are two tanks, one for petrol while the other one is for LPG. Both have a capacity of 50 litres. There is a button placed on the dashboard that changes the fuel type.

It is yet to be seen which of the engine options will make it to the Indian market. The 2025 Renualt Duster will compete with other models in the compact SUV segment such as the HyundaiCreta, KiaSeltos, Maruti SuzukiGrand Vitara, HondaElevate and others.

Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India.

First Published Date: 17 Nov 2024, 10:51 AM IST

Next-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA: New platform

The new generation Mercedes-Benz CLA will be underpinned by the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture, popularly known as MMA. This platform has been engineered as an architecture dedicated to electric vehicles, with heavy technical and design influence from the EQXX concept. However, the platform is capable of housing a bespoke mild-hybrid powertrain as well. The upcoming CLA will come equipped with a mild-hybrid powertrain.

Also Read : Upcoming cars in India

Next-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA: New petrol engine

The new generation Mercedes-Benz CLA will come powered by a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder M252 engine, which comes paired with an electric motor. The new CLA’s engine will come smaller and weighing around 17 per cent lighter than the automaker’s current four-cylinder engine.

The cylinders of the new engine are positioned as close together as possible to keep the block compact. The exhaust manifolds are housed within the cylinder head itself rather than outside it, while the gearbox, electric motor and inverter will come integrated into one tightly formed unit, which will help the carmaker to keep the engine’s size smaller.

The engine will churn out power output between 134 bhp and 161 bhp through the front axle, or 188 bhp to both axles in the range-topping CLA 4Matic. The electric motor onboard the car will draw energy from a 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The carmaker claims that this powertrain will offer fuel efficiency replicating diesel engines.

Next-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA: New gearbox

Channelling power to the wheels for the new generation Mercedes-Benz CLA will be a newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This gearbox will be designated as 8F-eDCT.

Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India.

First Published Date: 18 Nov 2024, 12:53 PM IST