VR Tech Times

The Sorento is Kia’s first hybrid car to hit the Indian market. A few weeks prior, MG Motor India also launched its first hybrid car, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV . The Sorento is a strong hybrid, meaning it has a relatively small battery pack and isn’t designed for extended periods of pure-electric driving. On the other hand, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV is a plug-in hybrid, which means it gets a much larger battery that delivers a usable all-electric range. If you’re looking to purchase a 7-seater hybrid SUV under the Rs 30 lakh price point (ex-showroom), the Sorento hybrid’s base variant (HTE) and the Hector Tomahawk PHEV’s top-spec variant are both within your reach. We examined their spec sheets closely to find out which of them is more value-for-money. Kia Sorento hybrid base-spec vs MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV top-spec: Dimensions Sorento is larger overall, while Hector Tomahawk PHEV has a bigger boot   Sorento Hybrid HTE Hector Tomahawk PHEV Essence Length (mm) 4,815 4,745 Width (mm)...

Maruti Suzuki recently updated the Baleno with new features, cosmetic changes and, most significantly, a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It is available with petrol and CNG powertrains, with manual and AMT gearbox options on offer, and is priced from Rs 6.10 lakh onwards. But does it have what it takes to be the right premium hatchback for you? Here are three reasons to consider the Baleno and two reasons why you may want to look elsewhere. Pros 1. Spacious and well-equipped cabin The Baleno has a spacious cabin, particularly at the rear, with ample headroom and legroom for tall passengers. The seats offer good cushioning and under-thigh support, while rear passengers get dedicated AC vents and USB charging ports. The 318-litre boot is useful for everyday needs, although the loading lip is high. The equipment list is also a highlight, with the Baleno being the only in its segment to offer Level 2 ADAS and ventilated front seats. A head-up display is another useful addition...

One of the biggest drawbacks of single-cylinder engines, especially higher displacement ones is widely agreed to be the vibrations. Until now, companies have mostly stuck to using counter balancer shafts as the preferred way to keep them under check but with QJMotor’s latest patent in the US, we might just have a more interesting and, potentially, more affordable way to deal with them. Uses a smaller ‘dummy’ cylinder as a counterweight More cost-effective than gear operated counter balancer shafts Single-cylinder engine with a V-Twin-like configuration A dummy piston in the second cylinder only cancels out vibrations Technically speaking, the patent has been filed by QJMotor’s parent firm, Geely Auto Group, and it demonstrates an innovative approach to controlling engine vibrations in a single-cylinder mill. The patent drawing shows an engine crankcase with two cylinder bore holes at an 80 degree angle, visually resembling a V-twin engine. In the patent images, the larger bore on the ...

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is not just the bestselling premium hatchback but among India's bestselling cars. The updated model, then, is a big deal. We tell you all that's changed and how it all comes together. from Autocar India https://ift.tt/g4DiSRc

The Kia Sorento is now on sale in India as the Korean carmaker’s flagship ICE-powered SUV. It contends in the three-row premium SUV segment, directly rivalling the likes of the monocoque-based Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, and Jeep Meridian. Additionally, the Sorento’s pricing overlaps with that of the ladder-frame-based Toyota Fortuner , which is one of the most popular SUVs in the Rs 30 lakh-50 lakh price bracket. While the Fortuner isn’t as up-to-date or premium as the Sorento is, the Toyota SUV has accrued a reputation for toughness, reliability, and off-road prowess. Below, we’ve put together the top-spec diesel variants of the Sorento and Fortuner – the HTX(A) and 4x4 AT NeoDrive 48V, respectively – to see which one delivers more bang for your buck. Kia Sorento vs Toyota Fortuner: Top-spec variant dimensions Sorento is longer and wider, while Fortuner is taller   Sorento HTX(A) Fortuner 4x4 AT NeoDrive 48V Length (mm) 4,815 4,795 Width (mm) 1,900 1,855 Height (mm) 1,785 ...