Connected Car Tech, MHEV Make New Discovery Futuristic

Connected Car Tech, MHEV Make New Discovery Futuristic

 

The design on the outside remains unchanged mainly, but the interior has received a makeover with the inclusion of new connected car technology. The split analogue dials with the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system on the old car has now been updated to a new 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display along with a bigger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment screen. The redesigned centre console provides a fast and intuitive interface with a simplified menu structure and pioneering design.

The connectivity on the inside is provided by dual-sim technology, with two LTE modems enabling the system to carry SOTA updates without compromising performance. Discovery owners can update as many as 44 individual electronic modules without the inconvenience of visiting a retailer.

The full-digital instrument cluster along with the Pivi Pro system allows for high-definition 3D mapping within the driver’s instrument cluster, with the central touchscreen free to control other applications. Besides, the customers can also add a full-colour Head-Up Display, putting high-resolution driving information directly into the driver’s eye line.

Another feature introduced with the Discovery is the Cabin Air Ionisation with PM2.5 air filtration technology. The system actively scans incoming air for quality and automatically uses advanced filters to reduce the level of allergens, toxins and harmful particulates in the cabin, enhancing driver wellbeing. Rear seat passenger comfort and convenience has been enhanced by the introduction of Land Rover’s Click and Go tablet holders instead of fixed rear screens. The tablets can use the onboard 4G Wi-Fi hotspot to stream content to keep the rear passengers entertained. Conveniently located USB-A charging sockets take care of maintaining the battery of the tablet charged and also help in cable management. This system adds to the versatility of the vehicle.

At the front, the steering wheel has received an update with the introduction of a new-look four-spoke steering wheel with hidden-until-lit switches and metal gearshift paddles. The old rotary gear selector has made way for a new tactile gear selector that provides instinctive control.

All new to the Discovery is the electric seat folding mechanism that can all be controlled from the central screen, improving the versatility of the vehicle. Customers also get access to a Remote app that lets them keep a tab on the fuel status, location of their car and also unlock and lock the doors. Owners can complete their connected car technology by choosing Land Rover’s new second-generation Activity Key that features touchscreen controls, a digital watch, unlock, lock and also remotely start the vehicle as an addition to the conventional fob.

Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Creative Officer termed the car as “a beautifully proportioned and sophisticated premium SUV”. He also added that the team has worked to enhance the characterful exterior and hugely versatile interior to maintain the Discovery’s position in the market as “the most capable and family-friendly full-size SUV in the world”.

The carmaker has introduced a trio of new straight-six Ingenium engines with 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology for enhanced efficiency, performance and smoothness. The MHEV system harvests and stores energy during deceleration and deploys it to assist the engine when accelerating. This setup provides the engine six-cylinder performance and four-cylinder efficiency and also helps refine the operation of the Stop/Start system. Along with the new engines, the Discovery is also available with the companies tried and tested four-cylinder P300 Ingenium petrol powertrain.

The 5th generation Discovery also comes equipped with advance driveline technology that can intelligently switch between two-and four-wheel drive as conditions demand, combining both the fuel-saving benefits of two-wheel-drive with the all-terrain capability of four-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive is continuously engaged to provide large reserves of traction from a standstill, but a clutch completely disconnects the four-wheel-drive hardware when there is no tractive requirement. Should the system detect wheel slip or a more dynamic driving style, four-wheel drive is re-engaged within 350 milliseconds. This helps the car maximise traction and on-road dynamics resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions without compromising on the vehicle’s trademark all-terrain capability.

Also, the Discovery comes with air suspension as standard that helps in better isolation of bumps and an enjoyable ride. The system also intelligently lowers the cars ride height while doing motorway speed to increase the aerodynamic efficiency and stability of the vehicle. Apart from the 250HP diesel model, every other Discovery gets adaptive dampers that firm up the suspension going into corners to provide better stability and soften them when the going gets easy. Owners can also choose to add the Terrain Response 2 technology to their cars that automatically primes the vehicle to suit the driving conditions. The new Wade mode helps the Discovery drive through deep water (up to 90cm) and even applies the brakes automatically when the driver disengages it to restore the full performance of the brakes from the first application.

The Discovery borrows the ClearSight Ground View technology from the Defender. This new technology provides the driver with a clear view of the obscured ground directly beneath the front of the vehicle using the central touchscreen and a combination of forward-facing cameras. This is the closest Land Rover has come to their futuristic transparent bonnet concept. The system supports the drivers when negotiating steep off-road inclines or hidden urban obstacles.

Talking about the technology inside the car Land Rover’s Chief Engineer, Mike Cross said “New Discovery combines superb all-terrain suspension geometry with rewarding dynamics and excellent body control while maintaining our family SUV’s famed ride quality and comfort”. He also added, the changes made to the suspension design and the new platform has allowed the company to create a seven-seat SUV that is versatile, capable, refined and yet fun to drive.

In conclusion, the Discovery is a seven-seat sophisticated premium SUV that encapsulates Land Rover’s design evolution with an intelligently packaged interior that embodies the spirit of family adventure which has characterised the SUV for more than 30 years. The latest future-ready fifth-generation Discovery is available with four engine options with more than one Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology model. The Discovery starts at £53,050 and extends up to £67,290 for the range-topping HSE diesel variant in the UK. (MT)

JSW MG Motor India Announces Seven-Year Anniversary Offer On MG Hector

MG Hector

JSW MG Motor India has introduced a customer programme for the MG Hector SUV during August 2026 to mark seven years of the model in India. The promotion offers benefits of up to INR 60,000, including exchange allowances, loyalty rewards, corporate incentives and price adjustments.

The MG Hector was launched in 2019 as an internet-connected passenger SUV. The range starts at an ex-showroom price of INR 1.19 million. Under the promotion, financing options include 100 percent on-road price funding for terms extending up to 84 months, alongside complete financing options for vehicle accessories.

Vinay Raina, Chief Commercial Officer, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The MG Hector has enjoyed an extraordinary journey over the past seven years, earning the trust of thousands of Indian families and redefining expectations in the SUV segment. As we celebrate this important milestone, we wanted to thank our customers with an ownership programme that delivers value far beyond the purchase of the vehicle. The Anniversary Programme reflects our customer-first philosophy and our commitment to making the MG Hector ownership experience as rewarding as the product itself.”

The vehicle features front and rear bumpers, a redesigned front grille, alloy wheels and updated exterior colour choices. Cabin updates include multi-tone interior schemes, synthetic and leather trims, front seat ventilation, an adjustable steering column and a power-adjustable driver seat.

On the inside, it gets a 14-inch portrait touchscreen display with gesture control capabilities, a digital instrument cluster and over 70 connected vehicle functions. Additional features include digital key functionality, remote air conditioning management, and automated maintenance notification systems.

Hyundai Motor India Targets Million Connected Vehicle Sales By 2027

Hyundai BlueLink

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has announced that it has exceeded 800,000 connected cars on Indian roads and aims to reach cumulative connected vehicle sales of one million units by 2027. The manufacturer targets crossing two million cumulative connected vehicle sales by 2030.

Connected vehicle penetration across Hyundai Motor India’s Indian product range has expanded from 4 percent in 2019 to 20 percent in 2026, supported by sales in models including the Creta, Venue and i20. The company's connected mobility infrastructure operates on its Hyundai Bluelink platform, which provides over 70 functions covering safety, security and convenience. Available systems include remote vehicle monitoring, diagnostics, location tracking, in-car payments via Hyundai Pay, remote immobilisation and voice commands supported in five languages.

Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “The growing adoption of connected vehicles reflects the evolving expectations of customers and the increasing role of technology in shaping mobility. As we move towards our goal of 1 million connected car sales by 2027, we remain focused on advancing software-defined mobility and expanding connected technologies across our portfolio. Our upcoming mass-market electric SUV, which will offer next-generation connected car technology as standard across all variants, marks an important step in strengthening the convergence of connected and electric mobility while delivering future-ready ownership experiences for customers.”

Hyundai Motor India introduced OEM-fitted connected vehicle technology to India in 2019 with the launch of the Venue, followed by over-the-air map updates on the i20 in 2020. The company deployed its Audio Video Navigation Telematics platform in 2022, followed by its Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system with controller over-the-air update capability in 2025 to support software-defined vehicle development.

The platform has provided roadside assistance and emergency responses to over 0.5 million motorists, supported 15,000 crash notification interventions and assisted law enforcement agencies with vehicle recovery operations.

Tata Motors PV - Kerala

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has announced consumer offers and vehicle special editions across its internal combustion engine and electric vehicle portfolios in Kerala for the Onam festive period.

The festival promotions run through August 2026, offering financial benefits up to INR 225,000, priority delivery slots and vehicle financing packages. As part of the seasonal campaign, the manufacturer has introduced the Sierra Jubilee Edition, Nexon Camo Edition and Punch HBX Pack to its product line-up.

The maximum benefits vary by model across both powertrain platforms – Internal combustion engine (ICE) models include benefits up to INR 54,500 on the Altroz, INR 72,500 on the Nexon and INR 77,500 on the Curvv.

The Harrier and Safari both get benefits up to INR 47,000, while the Sierra includes a loyalty benefit of INR 30,000. In the electric vehicle segment, savings up to INR 60,000 for the Nexon.ev and INR 55,000 for the Curvv.ev is being offered by the automaker. The Harrier.ev features benefits reaching INR 225,000, which includes a loyalty benefit of INR 100,000 alongside complimentary insurance coverage.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “Onam is a celebration of cherished traditions, meaningful reunions and the progress that every family takes pride in. It is a season of gratitude for how far they have come and optimism for the road ahead. Through our 'Celebrate How Far You've Come' campaign, we are celebrating the aspirations, achievements and milestones that make every customer's journey and success unique. Kerala has always been a deeply important market for TMPV, and we are delighted to mark this festive season with special editions, attractive offers and seamless ownership solutions across our safest and most diverse range of cars and SUVs. We look forward to celebrating with our customers their next milestone and creating many more joyful memories.”

At present, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles operates 85 service centres across Kerala to support vehicle maintenance during and after the sales campaign.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Launches Nexon CAMO Special Edition

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Launches Nexon CAMO Special Edition

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has launched the Nexon CAMO, a new special edition of its popular compact SUV, with prices beginning at INR 999,000 ex-showroom in Delhi. The introduction coincides with the brand’s celebration of a decade since the Nexon’s original debut and the trust of over 1.1 million customers, marking the model’s enduring success in the Indian automotive market.

The new CAMO variant distinguishes itself with two exclusive premium paint schemes, named Munnar Mist and Coorg Cloud. The former is a dynamic dark green that shifts to a sophisticated grey in shadows and reveals rich green and golden tones under sunlight. In contrast, the latter is a contemporary grey-silver finish with subtle metallic highlights, designed to offer an understated yet premium aesthetic that complements the SUV's rugged character.

TMPV has equipped the Nexon CAMO with a significant technology upgrade, headlined by an Ultra View Twin HD Digital Cockpit. This features a 31.24-cm infotainment system and a 26.03-cm digital instrument cluster, both from Harman, with the latter including embedded navigation. The technology package is further enhanced by an integrated dashcam recorder that is part of the 360-degree camera surround view system, which also includes a blind spot view monitor.

The special edition is not solely about aesthetics and screens, as it also incorporates a comprehensive suite of comfort and safety features. The cabin includes ventilated leatherette front seats, a voice-assisted panoramic sunroof, and an immersive nine-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer. Safety is addressed through seven Advanced Driver Assistance Systems functions calibrated for Indian roads, six airbags and electronic stability control, ensuring the CAMO is as secure as it is stylish.

Maintaining the Nexon’s hallmark versatility, the CAMO is offered across all three powertrain options: a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel and the segment-exclusive 1.2-litre turbocharged iCNG with twin-cylinder technology. With multiple transmission choices available, the automaker has positioned the Nexon CAMO as a distinctive and aspirational package for a wide range of SUV buyers, reinforcing the model's legacy of innovation as the festive season approaches.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, "Since its launch a decade ago, the Nexon has provided comfortable, safe and enjoyable journeys for over 1.1 million families, becoming one of India's most iconic nameplates with an unmissable presence on the roads. This success has been built on constantly raising the bar in safety, technology and design while keeping these innovations accessible to a wider set of customers. The Nexon CAMO carries that spirit forward, with two striking new colours and an elevated technology package that makes it the most distinctive Nexon yet. Timed perfectly for the festive season, it gives customers an even stronger reason to make the Nexon their own."