Tag: Auto

  • Mahindra BE 6 Interior: Tech-Forward Cabin with Minimalist Vibes

    Mahindra BE 6 Interior: Tech-Forward Cabin with Minimalist Vibes

    The Mahindra BE 6 is a modern electric SUV with a clean and smart interior. Its cabin is designed with new-age technology, soft-touch materials, and a simple layout. It gives a premium feel without being flashy. From spacious seats to a smooth dashboard and dual screens, everything is made for comfort and ease of use. The BE 6 offers a fresh take on what a futuristic EV interior should feel like.

     

    Cabin Highlights at a Glance

    Here are the top BE 6 interior features:

    Feature Details
    Dual 12.3” Screens HD digital displays for infotainment and driving information
    MAIA AI System Learns user patterns and enables voice-based functions
    Ambient Lighting Colour-adjusting lights to match drive modes with 16 million colours for top trims
    CapTouch Switches for Pack Three Select Easy switches on the Console & Steering Wheel
    Sustainable Materials Eco-friendly upholstery
    Comfort FATC with Rear AC Vents, 65 W Type C Fast Charging Ports for Front & Rear, Spacious Frunk & Trunk
    Cabin Preconditioning Remote-controlled cooling before entry
    Wireless Charging Pad for Higher Trims Cable-free mobile device charging near the front console

     

    Here are the interior features with further details –

    Clean Design with More Space

    The cabin feels wide and open. It is built on Mahindra’s new flat-floor platform, which removes the middle hump, giving more space for legs in both front and back. The seats are shaped to support the body and feel comfortable even on long drives. The dashboard has fewer buttons, smooth lines, and storage.

     

    Smart Dual-Screen Display

    The dashboard has two 12.3-inch HD screens. One screen shows driving data like speed and battery level, while the other is for music, maps, etc. Both screens are slightly curved, so they are easy to see while driving. The touch response is fast, and the icons are clear. This makes the cabin look neat and keeps everything in one place.

     

    Comfortable Seating for Front & Rear Passengers

    The front seats have electric adjustment and good back support. The rear seat is wide enough for three adults. It has a soft backrest and a flat floor, which adds more legroom. Rear passengers also get AC vents, charging ports, and small reading lights. Big windows give a better outside view and allow more natural light in.

     

    Premium Materials with a Modern Touch

    The materials used in the BE 6 cabin are soft and durable. The dashboard has a mix of textures, matte finishes, and subtle highlights. Ambient lighting runs along the door pads and dashboard. This adds a premium and modern look at night. Even the buttons and knobs feel solid and well-built. Each useful feature is placed within easy reach for both the co-passenger and driver alike.

     

    Cabin Light & Easy Controls for the Driver

    Ambient lighting adds a calm feel at night. The glass is treated to block heat and UV rays, so the cabin stays cool even in hot weather.

    The BE 6 has a flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted buttons. Drivers can manage calls, music, cruise control, etc., without moving their hands from the wheel. The seat is power-adjustable, while the display behind the wheel shows clear data. The central rotary dial replaces the usual gear lever. Overall, it saves space & gives a cleaner look to the centre console.

     

    Quiet Cabin with Safety Features

    The electric motor makes the ride hassle-free. Mahindra has added soundproofing materials to reduce external noise. The cabin remains peaceful even during highway trips. The safety features are excellently integrated into the cabin. These include seven airbags (top variants), ISOFIX mounts for child seats, a 360-degree camera view and much more. Alerts and visuals from the ADAS system (on top variants) appear on the screen for the driver to stay aware throughout.

     

    Connectivity for Convenience

    The BE 6 interior is built to keep passengers connected without effort. The infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. So, you can use the apps, call, or navigate directly from the touchscreen. In addition, the Bluetooth pairing is speedy, and multiple device profiles are saved easily. The car connects with a mobile app for various functions such as door lock or unlock, location tracking, etc. Such features improve the convenience of drivers and co-passengers when it comes to daily commutes. Besides, it makes the cabin more user-friendly.

     

    Final Thoughts

    Mahindra BE 6’s interior is a blend of smart technology, spacious design, and clean looks. It focuses on comfort, ease of use, and safety. The cabin is built for the modern Indian driver and has large screens, AI-based control, eco-friendly materials, etc. The BE 6 offers a space that feels advanced yet simple for daily commutes or long trips. So, BE 6 becomes a great choice for anyone looking for an electric SUV with a tech-friendly or relaxed cabin. It shows how your experience throughout the travel becomes smart and enjoyable.

  • How the Kia Syros Handles in City vs Highway Conditions

    How the Kia Syros Handles in City vs Highway Conditions

    Are you looking for a car that delivers a smooth drive in both city traffic and broad highways? Look no further than the Kia Syros. Its compact SUV design, modern features, and robust safety features make it an appealing choice for daily use or long road trips. This model is more than a revolution, with a futuristic touch and sleek, ground-breaking exterior.

     

    Read on to learn more about the Kia Syros, including how it performs in different driving situations and how it feels behind the wheel.

     

    Compact Build for City Ease

    The Syros measures 3,995 mm long and 1,805 mm wide with a wheelbase of 2,550 mm. Its compact size makes it easier to park in tight spaces and manoeuvre through crowded streets. The impressive ground clearance of 189 mm ensures that the car glides over speed breakers without scraping the underside. The light and responsive steering helps to drive smoothly through slow-moving traffic.

    Features like a 360-degree camera and rear sensors also make reversing in tight lanes a breeze. Drivers of the 1.0 T-GDi petrol version say city driving feels effortless and smooth, even when bumper-to-bumper.

     

    Engine Choices for Urban Comfort

    The Syros offers two engine options. The petrol engine is a 1.0-litre turbo unit. This engine works well in stop-start traffic and shifts smoothly during slow-speed moves and quick overtakes when paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The diesel variant gets a 1.5-litre engine. Diesel is ideal if you want better mileage and fewer gear shifts in traffic. Drivers report that in the city, you can drive in second or third gear without much shifting. Overall, the Syros feels relaxed and easy-going in city driving.

     

    Fuel Efficient

    In real-world conditions, the petrol Syros’s city mileage is around 16 km/l, while the diesel version gives about 15–17 km/l. These numbers assume typical Indian traffic with slow starts and frequent stops. Still, users find this acceptable since the car feels calm and relaxed rather than jerky or strained. The combination of a responsive gearbox and light steering makes fuel waste less likely.

     

    Suspension Setup for Urban Roads

    Kia has enhanced the suspension of the Syros to help drivers ride through busy city roads and cruise through the highway smoothly. Driving through rough roads or potholes feels firm to handle, and it does not make the ride bumpy. You get better control over the body roll at slow speeds, and the car feels stable. Overall, it gives a comfortable balance between comfort and handling.

     

    Highway Comfort and Stability

    The Syros continues to impress when you drive through the highways. The turbo petrol engine pulls well when passing and merging at speeds of 100–120 km/h. The diesel remains refined even at higher speeds, with low noise and vibration levels. Paddle shifters in automatic variants offer extra control and could make overtaking feel more engaging. Drivers say long drives feel relaxing, with cabin insulation keeping highway noise under control. Fuel efficiency improves to around 14–18 km/l on open roads, making highway runs more economical.

     

    Highway Fuel Efficiency

    On highways, petrol versions provide about 14 km/l, and diesel versions achieve around 18 km/l. Diesel offers a bigger jump in efficiency, which is ideal for people who frequently cover long distances.

     

    Ride Quality on the Open Road

    Thanks to its wheelbase and suspension tuning, the Syros stays sure-footed at higher speeds. Stability remains good unless the roads get very rough; occasional bumps show through but are not bothersome. The steering feels stable at speed, and the car remains planted during lane changes or slight curves.

     

    Safety and Driver Assistance on Highways

    The Syros debuts as the first Kia model in India to earn a 5-star rating in Bharat NCAP testing for both adult and child protection. It also includes Level 2 ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and forward collision avoidance. These systems help reduce driver fatigue during long drives and improve highway confidence. Drivers report that smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality works well in both city traffic and flowing highways .

     

    Cabin Comfort for Long Drives

    Thanks to ventilated front seats, lounge-style rear seats, and adjustable ambient lighting, long journeys remain comfortable. The panoramic sunroof in higher trims brings in natural light and breaks cabin monotony on long drives. Generous boot space (465 litres) helps on highway trips with luggage. Overall, the Syros keeps passengers relaxed even on full-day drives.

     

    Navigation, Connectivity, and Infotainment

    A large 12.3-inch touchscreen and matching digital cluster provide clear, easy-to-use controls. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay keep your apps running smoothly, and over-the-air updates ensure the system stays up to date. Voice controls and connected car features like remote locking or car tracking add to usability during highway travel.

     

    Steering Between City and Highway

    The Syros’ steering adapts well to the road type. It stays light and easy in slow city traffic and becomes more stable at higher speeds. This dual nature helps in tight urban navigation and confident highway driving without feeling disconnected or tiring.

     

    Tyre Grip and Performance Feel

    The 17-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels add style and traction, whether on wet city roads or highway lanes. All-season tyres grip well, and the tyre pressure monitoring system adds a safety layer. Braking feels strong and steady, with disc brakes on all four wheels and ABS with EBD ensuring stable stops.

     

    Final Take

    The Kia Syros is a balanced car that blends city ease with highway muscle. Its compact size, light steering, smooth gearboxes, and strong safety features make it perfect for daily drives and extended journeys. Petrol or diesel engines both offer ease in city traffic and steady cruising on the highway. ADAS features and cabin comfort add to the confidence of longer drives. The Syros handles real-world use well without making things complicated or costly.

  • AutoX Awards Winners Announced : These 10 Cars & Bikes are the ‘Best of 2023’

    AutoX Awards Winners Announced : These 10 Cars & Bikes are the ‘Best of 2023’

    The autoX Awards saw over 40 contenders compete for the coveted crown of ‘Best of 2023’, reserved for only the ten best vehicles of the year. After a gruelling Mega Test at the renowned ICAT facility in the NCR, here are the ‘Best of 2023.’ In order to recognise true innovation, performance, and engineering excellence, autoX proudly presents the results of its annual mega test and awards, which crown the Best of 2023.

     

    Every year, autoX meticulously compiles a comprehensive list of the best cars, motorcycles, and scooters launched in the past 12 months. These vehicles undergo rigorous testing by an esteemed jury, comprised of road testers with a collective experience of over half-a-century in evaluating cars and bikes. The criteria for the awards encompass a thorough analysis of quality, comfort, ride, handling, refinement, design, drivetrain, practicality, value-for-money, that elusive X-factor, as well as an all-important lap-time achieved on the test track.

     

    Five four-wheelers, three two-wheelers, as well as ‘Performance Car of the Year’ and ‘Performance Bike of the Year’ make up the ten most outstanding machines of the year, which are honoured with a ‘Best of 2023’ trophy at a prestigious award ceremony held at the Andaz hotel at Aero City in New Delhi.

     

    Transparency :

    The autoX awards put a premium not only on outstanding machinery but also on absolute transparency and impartiality. To ensure transparency, all the points are published, and the points from each jury member are averaged to ensure that no biases come into play – resulting in the fact that only the most exceptional vehicles receive this recognition.

     

    The Jury :

    The autoX team of seasoned road testers carefully score each vehicle across various parameters. The 4W jury consists of Founder and Editor-in-Chief Dhruv Behl, Managing Editor Ishan Raghava, Digital Editor Manav Sinha, and Road Test Editor Shivank Bhatt. The 2W jury consists of Digital Editor Manav Sinha, Road Test Editor Shivank Bhatt, and Principal Correspondents Karan Mathur & Dhruv Paliwal.

     

    Dhruv Behl, who has podium positions in rallying and racing – in everything from the Raid-de-Himalaya to the MRF Formula 1600 single-seater series – and two-time JK 1,000cc motorcycle champion Simran King set the lap times to provide an objective rating of performance.

     

    The Test Track :

    The annual Mega Test took place at the renowned ICAT (International Centre for Automotive Technology) facility and test track, owned by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The 2 kilometre track features two straights connected by a steep banking at each end. The autoX team also added a chicane, a slalom, and an emergency braking zone to provide a thorough assessment of vehicle performance.

     

    Dhruv Behl, Editor-in-Chief, autoX, said, “Our aim is to be as scientific and objective about this process as possible, with the final goal being to provide car and bike buyers, as well as enthusiasts, a definitive list of the top-ten machines of the year across segments. If you want to know which of the machines launched in the past year are truly outstanding, look no further than the autoX awards and, in this case, the ‘Best of 2023’.”

     

    Here are the ten autoX award winners :

    Best of 2023 : 4W

    BMW i7 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Honda Elevate Hyundai Exter Maruti Suzuki Jimny

    Best of 2023 : 2W

    Triumph Speed 400 KTM 390 Duke Ducati Monster SP

    Best of 2023 : Performance

    Lamborghini Urus Performante BMW S 1000 R

     

    The autoX Awards are an annual event and the Mega Test has now been conducted for well over a decade. The autoX Awards 2023 were done in collaboration with Indian Oil as Exclusive Fuel Partner, ICICI Lombard as Exclusive Insurance Partner, Tamil Nadu Tourism as Tourism Partner and BMC as Technical Partner.