Tag Archives: India

NEWS

Suzuki Jimny Nomade lands in Japan, imported from India, priced from RM76k

Suzuki has officially launched a more practical five-door off-road SUV variant of the Jimny, known as the Jimny Nomade for the Japanese market.

Compared to the three-door Jimny Sierra still available there, the Jimny Nomade measures 3,890 mm in length, making it 340 mm longer, and resulting in a wheelbase of 2,590 mm.

The benefits? More spacious rear passenger seating, as well as increased cargo capacity, making it more practical.

The Jimny Nomade can be distinguished by its honeycomb grille structure with a Gun Metallic finish, as well as new color options including Sizzling Red Metallic and Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic.

In terms of power, the Suzuki Jimny Nomade retains the 1.5-liter engine that produces 103 hp and 134 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Additionally, the Jimny Nomade comes standard with a part-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system and maintains a 36-degree approach angle and a 47-degree departure angle.

In Japan, Suzuki sells the Jimny Nomade starting at ¥2,651,000 (approximately RM75,643).

For reference, the Suzuki Jimny Nomade is a completely imported unit from the Gurugram assembly plant in India, unlike the Jimny Sierra (3-door variant) which is assembled in Japan.

EV, NEWS

Hyundai Creta Electric debuts in India, 0-100 km/h in 7.9 Seconds, range up to 473 km

1 Comment

Hyundai India is set to launch an all-electric SUV, the Creta Electric, for the local market.

In terms of appearance, the 2025 Creta Electric showcases a different design compared to its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart.

A significant change is evident in the front, featuring a layered grille adorned with pixel patterns, more stylish LED daytime running lights, and headlamps integrated into the ends of the bumper.

At the rear, the previous layered light design has been replaced with a more modern lighting layout.

The side profile of the Creta Electric seems to retain elements from the internal combustion engine version, but it is enhanced with a newly designed 17-inch aerodynamic rim.

Inside the cabin, the Creta Electric is equipped with a new steering wheel, a gear shift lever borrowed from the Ioniq 5 model, a drive mode switch knob (Eco, Normal, Sport), and twin 10.25-inch digital display panels.

The Creta Electric also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, featuring a power socket beneath the rear seats that can be used for charging electronic devices.

In addition to the existing storage space, owners can store the charging cable in the frunk.

Hyundai has not disclosed detailed specifications for the electric motor of this SUV but has confirmed an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds.

There are two battery pack capacity options: 42 kWh with a range of 390 km, or 51.4 kWh offering a range of 473 km (based on ARAI cycle data).

The Creta Electric also supports 11 kW AC charging, allowing for a full charge in approximately four hours, and DC fast charging, which enables the battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 58 minutes.

The Hyundai Creta Electric will be officially launched at the Bharat Mobility Show on January 17.

NEWS

Kia Syros is EV9’s ICE-powered little brother made for Indian market

220 Comments

Kia has introduced its latest compact crossover, the Syros, which will compete in the Indian market. Although it may resemble the EV9, the automaker’s latest offering is powered by an internal combustion engine paired with a manual transmission.

It is also significantly smaller compared to the colossal electric SUV, measuring 3,995 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,665 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,550 mm. The Syros is built on the K1 platform, which is also used by the Hyundai Casper.

Despite the size difference, the Syros incorporates several design elements found in the EV9, such as ice cube-shaped LED headlights, Starmap LED taillights, and Kia’s Digital Tiger Face.

Its futuristic appearance is further enhanced by 17-inch Crystal Cut alloy wheels, flush door handles, and puddle lights with Kia logo projection.

The interior layout is also reminiscent of the EV9, albeit on a smaller scale. According to Kia, the Syros is equipped with various segment-first features, including a 30-inch Trinity Panoramic Display comprised of two 12.3-inch screens and a five-inch climate control display.

Additionally, it offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, a Harman Kardon premium sound system with eight speakers, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system.

Kia stated that the Syros also comes with a call center-assisted navigation system that allows drivers to receive real-time guidance. Software and connectivity features will be updated over the air (OTA).

Another segment-first feature introduced by the Syros is the sliding and reclining, 60:40 split rear seats, which also come with ventilation. Behind the rear seats is a fairly large boot space with a capacity of 465 litres.

In terms of safety, the Syros comes with six airbags and a Level 2 ADAS system that includes 16 features such as Front Collision Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Follow Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, among others.

Customers can choose between two available engines: a Smartstream 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 120 PS and 172 Nm, or a CRDi 1.5-litre diesel engine with 116 PS and 250 Nm. In addition to a manual transmission, an automatic transmission option is also available – both tasked to drive the front wheels.

EV

Vinfast invests RM9 billion to set up EV factory in India

EVEN in the face of challenges in the United States, Vietnamese EV manufacturer Vinfast continues to move forward by announcing plans to build a new factory in India.

The factory to be constructed in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu is expected to cost around $2 billion (RM9.29 billion), with $500 million earmarked for the first phase of the project.

VinFast North Carolina Factory Rendering

Construction of the Vinfast factory will commence this year, expected to operate with a workforce of about 3,000 to 3,500 people, and an annual production capacity of up to 150,000 units.

In addition to announcing the construction of the third factory, Vinfast will also establish a distribution network throughout India.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding, Vinfast Global Deputy CEO Tran Mai Hoa stated that this latest move demonstrates Vinfast’s commitment to sustainable development and the vision of zero-emission transportation.

“We believe that by investing in Tamil Nadu, we will not only bring significant economic benefits to both sides, but also help accelerate the transition to green energy in India and the region.”

So far, Vinfast has already offered a range of electric-powered products in specific markets, such as VF3, VF5, VF6, VF7, VF8, and VF9.