scary Suzuki
Maruti Suzuki’s India division has released an updated version of its budget subcompact, the Alto K10, for the local market. The exterior keeps a restrained look, while the price starts at 399 thousand Indian rupees, which translates to about 300 thousand rubles at current rates set by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.
This places the Alto K10 at roughly two and a half times cheaper than the simplified Lada Granta that lacks ABS and airbags. Yet in the Indian market, those safety features already come standard on the base model.
Higher trim levels add air conditioning, power steering, and a multimedia system with a 7 inch touchscreen. A fully loaded version tops out around 433 thousand rubles in Russian currency terms.
The Alto K10’s dimensions are comparable to the Daewoo Matiz and Kia Picanto. Its powertrain consists of a 67 hp engine with 89 Nm of torque, paired with a five speed manual or a robotic automated transmission.
Fake Wrangler
Mahindra & Mahindra has begun road testing a new variant of the Thar frame SUV, prompting local media to dub it a fake Jeep Wrangler due to notable design echoes. This response has sparked debates about potential infringements from the Stellantis group against the Indian automaker.
The new model differs from the standard Thar by a longer wheelbase and a second door segment to provide more passenger space and a larger boot volume.
The second generation three door Thar, launched in India in 2020 and enjoying strong demand, runs about four meters in length. The maker expects the longer version to appeal to families that need extra space, with a local launch anticipated in 2023.
The most aerodynamic minivan
Geelys premium sub-brand Zeekr has unveiled a large electric minivan, the 009. It measures eight centimeters longer than the Kia Carnival at 5155 mm. The company promotes the Zeekr 009 as possessing the best aerodynamic figures in the MPV sector.
It posts a drag coefficient of 0.27, comparable to many sports cars.
To achieve this streamlined form, designers reworked the body lines and aero details. The result is a noticeable range extension of about 58 kilometers simply from shaving the Cx value. Chinese outlets estimate a single charge can push the vehicle as far as 700 kilometers under the European NEDC cycle. The drive system delivers over 500 horsepower, and the company plans a late August premiere for the model.
Youth pass for 1 million rubles
Jetour, a brand under the Chery umbrella, is rolling out the Dasheng crossover in the Chinese market. It targets a younger audience with a bold, entry level model line. The price spans from 100 thousand to 132 thousand yuan, equivalent to roughly 870 thousand to 1.16 million rubles.
Dimensions position the Dasheng alongside the Hyundai Tucson in size, and the front treatment borrows cues from the Lamborghini Urus with slim headlights and large intake grilles. The lineup will offer both gasoline and hybrid variants. The gasoline option hides a 1.6 liter turbo engine delivering about 197 hp and 290 Nm, while the hybrid uses dual electric motors and a 1.5 turbo delivering about 326 hp and 565 Nm.
The cabin minimizes physical controls and relies on a large central screen and voice commands. It also features assistive tech such as a digital dashboard, head up display, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assistance.
Beautiful Bentley
Bentley has announced a limited Mulliner Batur coupe run, with only 18 units planned. Each car will require several months of hand craftsmanship. While based on the Continental GT, the Batur presents an entirely new silhouette crafted by a bespoke body design.
Andreas Mindt, appointed design director for Bentley, brings a long tenure with the VW Group and previously contributed to designs like the Audi Q8 and the e-tron family.
The Mulliner Batur stands as the most powerful Bentley to date, powered by a six liter W12 twin turbo producing 740 hp and 1000 Nm of torque. Production is slated to begin in 2023, with a price tag around 2 million dollars. All units for this run have already sold out.
Ford retro SUV
Ford has unveiled retro styled versions of the Bronco and Bronco Sport inspired by 1960s design cues. A total of 1966 units are planned for each body style, aligning with the year of the original first generation release.
The Bronco Heritage lineup features a two tone finish with a white roof and grille that contrasts against the brand’s red badge. Pricing for the special Bronco Sport starts near 36 thousand dollars, while the Bronco SUV begins around 46 thousand dollars.
The most powerful sedan in the USA
Lucid Motors, an American EV manufacturer, has introduced a new performance variant of the Air sedan named Sapphire. The company markets it as the most powerful production sedan available.
The Sapphire configuration utilizes a front mounted electric motor and two additional motors on the rear axle to enable instantaneous torque distribution. An all wheel drive setup with regenerative braking helps balance cornering dynamics and traction.
The Air Sapphire can accelerate from a standstill to 160 km/h in under four seconds and completes a 402 meter drag run in under nine seconds. Mass production is planned for the following year with a starting price of 249,000 dollars.
Attribution: Automotive press coverage confirms the key specs and anticipated market timing for the Lucid Air Sapphire.