Ferrari 296 GTB Launched at `5.4 Crore

Ferrari has launched its newest model, the 296 GTB, at a price of `5.40 Crore (ex-showroom).
This is Ferrari’s first road car to feature a 6-cylinder engine. The plug-in hybrid sports car features a hybrid-electric powertrain with a mid-engine layout. Its 3.0-litre engine pushes out a combined output of 830hp and 740 Nm of torque. It is capable of a 0-100kph sprint in just 2.9 seconds, while it goes on to reach a top speed of 330kph. Paired to the engine is an 8-speed automatic transmission.

D-Max V-Cross vs BYD e6: Choose The Only Car You’ll Ever Need!

This should be illegal! No matter what, the rugged Isuzu DMax VCross 4×4 lifestyle pickup truck shouldn’t even be compared to the plush electric MPV – BYD e6. But we have a point! When it comes to car shopping, especially when you shell out over 30 lacs, you will always have a smaller car for regular city use. But here, we are taking you through a very interesting story where we will help you decide which one of these can be chosen for a one-car-garage, if you are planning to shell out the moolah!

From the outside, both these cars are light years apart. The V-Cross is actually longer than the S-Class at 5.3m in length and the road presence it offers is magnificent! With the facelift, the V-Cross gets modern elements, which make it even more luxurious and appealing. On the other hand, the BYD e6 is an MPV. It gets all the MPV design cues and interestingly, the dimensions of the e6 are closer to the Innova Crysta. But we don’t get fancy chrome or even fog lamps. Though we get the LED DRLs and LED tail lamps.

On the inside, the V-Cross and BYD offer lots of space. Interestingly, the e6 offers an enormous amount of room for the second row passengers while the V-Cross offers limited space; however it can carry 3 people if they squeeze in. The V-Cross comes with luxurious elements at the front and feels like a modern car. Inside the e6, cost cutting elements are visible. Be it the steering wheel or list of features, it is evident that the e6 feels a bit cheaper. It even misses out on a rear armrest and the basic cruise control feature. The e6 gets a 10.1 inch screen with a fancy rotate option. Even the V-Cross gets a basic screen with a poor rear camera without any fancy options like Apple Carplay. Both screens don’t feel upmarket and aren’t impressive to use. The e6’s seats are supremely comfortable. It could have come with seat coolers and power adjustments.

Under the hood, the V-Cross gets a 1.9L BS6 diesel which churns out 161bhp and 360Nm of torque. It sure feels like a truck to drive, but is manageable to drive within the city, except the fact that you will have to plan ahead when it comes to u-turns (turning radius is 6.2 meters!). Out on the highways, it is as easy as a hatch if you get used to the length of the vehicle during overtakes. The 6-speed AT is super smooth and with the 4×4 system, you can literally go anywhere with the V-Cross. The BYD e6 gets the most advanced Blade Battery system which offers 520KMs of range on a single charge and it takes around 1.5-2 hours for a full charge on a 50KW fast charger. The best part about the e6 is the plush and comfortable ride it offers. It is as good as a luxury sedan when it comes to ride comfort! Also, it feels planted to the road at triple digit speeds and seems quite a confident car to drive. It makes 92hp and 180Nm of max torque, with a top speed of 120kmph.

Both the e6 and Isuzu are well built with strong body panels. The Isuzu gets 6 airbags while the e6 gets 4 airbags. Also, the mighty V-Cross sprints to 100kmph in around 13 seconds while the e6 gets there in around 11 seconds. An interesting fact is that both cars have a comfortable cruising speed of around 110kmph, while the Isuzu has the added advantage of taking you anywhere.

Things in common are the pricing, seating capacity of 5 and massive boot space! The BYD e6 gets 580L of boot space which is more than enough to carry the luggage for a family airport run and the V-Cross gets a boot with which you can even move an entire 1BHK apartment. When it comes to practicality, the e6 is one of the best electric vehicles you can drive around without range anxiety issues, and you’ll love it for the space and comfort it offers. The V-Cross, on the other hand, is a sturdy, durable truck. The 2WD variant offers around 14-15kmpl and the 4WD Auto offers around 9kmpl, both of which are quite decent. When it comes to choosing the ultimate one for the money you spend, I would say, if you would want to support a greener nature, then the BYD e6 will be the option, and if you’re one seeking adventure, and a car that feels like it will last forever, then the V-Cross is the ultimate option.

2022 Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica
Lamborghini has launched the Huracan Tecnica at `4.04 crore (ex-showroom, India). It sits between the EVO and the Huracan STO. The Tecnica features design cues from the Lamborghini Sian and features a carbon-fibre bonnet, and a fixed rear spoiler. The Tecnica employs the same engine from the STO, pushing out 640hp from a 5.2-litre, naturally-aspirated V10 engine, with power being sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It also features rear-wheel steering and carbon ceramic brakes. It can sprint from 0-100kph in just 3.2 seconds.

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+
Mercedes-AMG has launched its flagship EV sedan, the EQS 53 in India at `2.45 crore. It comes to India via the CBU route. The EQS 53 features a 400V, 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. It can manage a range of 586 kms, and the battery management has been updated to deliver improved performance in Sport and Sport+ modes. The car uses an AMG-specific electric motor on each axle. The Dynamic Plus pack available on the EQS 53 ensures it makes 761hp in Race Start mode and maximum torque figure of 1020Nm of torque. This EV can go from 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 250kph. The EQS 53 also gets AMG’s Ride Control+ air suspension and rear-axle steering.

2022 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
Maruti Suzuki has launched the all-new Alto K10 at a starting price of `3.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The K10 sports an all-new look outside and inside, and the new K10 is bigger than the model it replaces. India’s most loved micro hatchback is powered by a new 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, K10C petrol engine that makes 67hp and 89Nm of torque. Paired to the engine is a 5-speed manual, or a 5-speed AMT gearbox. The company claims a fuel economy figure of 24.90kpl for the automatic model. Features-wise, the Alto K10 gets a 7-inch Smart Play infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital speedometer and more.

Honda CB300F Launched
Launched in one of the fastest growing segments in India, the CB300F has high hopes. The CB300F is available in two variants – Deluxe (Rs 2.26 lakh) and Deluxe Pro (Rs 2.29 lakh).. The CB300F is a handsome looking machine with its aggressive design elements like low-slung headlight, the golden upside-down fork and the sharp, intricate, ‘floating’ tank extensions. At the rear, the stubby exhaust can and sleek tail gives the bike a nice look. However the downside is that, even with such a good road presence, the bike looks like a chunkier Hornet 2.0.

The CB300F gets all-digital LCD instrument cluster features Bluetooth on the top variant (the only difference between the two versions) and Honda is also giving you all-LED lighting, a type-C USB charger, an assist-and-slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS and traction control. The Honda CB300F is powered by a 24.1hp, 25.6Nm, 293cc, 4-valve, oil-cooled, SOHC engine that’s paired to a six-speed gearbox, with a slip-and-assist clutch.

Out while riding, the performance from the engine doesn’t live up to the hype. It is more like a soft motor which is supremely comfortable for city use. It doesn’t feel as sporty or as aggressive as it looks. Also, the bike is not impressive at triple digit speeds. There are visible amounts of vibrations post 100kmph. The best part is how good the bike handles. With specs like Showa USD forks and chunky rear tyres, the bike feels confident and grippy. The light weight package is the highlight. With 789mm seat height, the bike feels accessible for most of the riders. Honda usually scores with the refined motor and handling. It goes the same with the CB300F as well. This is more like a comfortable big-city bike rather than a naked streetfighter.