MG Motor India has announced that its new Premium SUV Gloster will be available in four variants such as Super, Smart, Sharp and Savvy. The Sharp and new top trim Savvy will be available with Twin Turbocharged Diesel engine with four-wheel-drive (4WD). The Savvy trim represents the flagship technology leadership proposition with Autonomous Level 1 Features.

The base trim Super will be available only in 7-seater combination, the Smart and Savvy trims would be available only with captain seats, The Sharp trim would be available in both 6 and 7-seater combinations.

Standard Equipment – Super

In terms of Safety, the all-new SUV comes standard with Dual Front, Side, & Full-Length Curtain Airbags along with Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control System, Roll Movement Intervention, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, and Anti-Lock.

Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and Rear Disc Brakes. The Super trim further adds advanced capabilities to its drivers including Driver Fatigue Reminder System, Reverse Parking Camera, and Electric Parking Brake with Autohold. It also features Front Parking Sensors in addition to the Rear ones, Front and Rear Fog Lamps, and ISOFIX Child seat anchors, along with Heated Outside Mirrors and rear windshield defogger

Standard design elements include Chrome-studded Front Grill, Exterior Chrome Door Handles, and Decorative Fendor and Mirror Garnish. All four variants also feature a Dual Barrel Twin Chrome Exhaust and Front & Rear Mud Flaps. LED Headlamps with Auto Leveling, LED Daytime Running Lights, and LED Tail lamps are a common sight in all MG GLOSTERs as well. Some of it’s the other design highlights of the Super trim are its Diamond-cut Multispoke Alloy Wheels and Turn Indicator on ORVMs.

Gloster also features Intelligent Start/Stop with 8-Speed Automatic transmission as standard Electronic Gear Shift. The Premium SUV also gives you impeccable privacy with sound absorbing windscreen.

All of the GLOSTER variants come with a 12.3” HD Touchscreen Infotainment System, USB, FM, and Bluetooth Music and Calling features are also available in all four variants.

The interiors of Super also extend an opulent touch and feel experience with All Black Interior Theme with Fabric & Leatherette upholstery. All four variants have Dashboard and Door Panel with Premium Leather layering and soft material touch.

Smart

This variant additionally comes with Electric Sunroof, Paddle Shifters & Steering Assist Cornering Lamps and flaunt Chrome-styled Front Guard Plate, DLO Garnish, Side Stepper Finish, and Roof Rails. The Super Variant features the Luxurious Brown Leather Interior theme with Diamond Stitch Pattern It perfectly accompanies its Chrome-plated Interior Décor having High-Tech Honeycomb Pattern Garnishes. Its interior upholstery also has a Leather finish with a Chrome-plated Trunk Sill Trim and LED-based Interior Reading Light (for all rows) & Red Ambient Lighting.

It has a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, PM 2.5 filter, Fully Automatic Powered Tailgate with Hands-Free Tailgate opening with Kick Gesture, Paddle Shifters, 12-Way Power Adjustment seat (including 4 Lumbar Adjustment), and 3 Zone Auto AC. Smart offers its customers a powerful 8-speaker system as well as Android Auto and Apple Carplay capability alongside the i-Smart 2.0 integration with over 70 connected car.

Sharp 2.0 Twin Turbo

In addition to the functionalities of GLOSTER Smart, it’s a ride like no other with MG GLOSTER Sharp having an on-demand Intelligent Four - Wheel Drive (4WD). Its All-terrain System has 7 different modes, namely Eco, Sport, Auto, Snow, Mud, and Sand. The Premium SUV is a class that extends luxury in style. It features Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof, Driver Seat & Outside Mirror Memory Function (2 sets), Wireless Charging, and also Driver Seat Massage & Ventilation. The Co-driver seat in Sharp also features 8 Way Power Adjustment Seat (Including 4 Lumbar Adjustment) What more can one expect? Sharp might probably be having it! For instance, there’s Blind Spot Detection and 360o Around View Camera that gives you a full-view around your gigantic SUV. It also has an Electro-mechanical Differential Lock.

There’s a 12 Speaker system with subwoofer and amplifier in GLOSTER Sharp as well. The vehicle also has 64 Color Ambient Lighting, Illuminated Front and Rear Metallic Scuff Plates and Outside Mirror with MG Logo Projection.

Savvy 2.0 Twin Turbo

When it comes to redefining the set standards, GLOSTER Savvy is truly a fresh chapter in the Indian automotive industry. In addition to the features of Sharp 2.0, the Premium SUV’s Savvy also comes equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)* or Level 1 Autonomous, wherein a power-packed package of Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Parking Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control can be seen in the SUV. The British Legacy carmaker has truly upped the ante with its Savvy variant and auto-tracked India towards autonomous mobility.

i-SMART 2.0

Gloster’s i-SMART 2.0 comes with over 70 connected car features for Smart, Savvy, and Sharp such as Critical Tyre Pressure Voice Alert, Shortpedia App that gives short news summaries, and Anti-Theft Immobilization via Smartphone that remotely halts the engine ignition. It also offers 3D maps by MapMyIndia which gives information around COVID testing centres as well and various other alerts like potholes and speed checks. MG customers will also enjoy the Apple Watch Connectivity and will be able to operate their Gaana app with voice control, alongside personalized welcome and greeting messages. (MT)

State Bank of India (SBI) has entered into a strategic partnership with Uber to offer low-cost, tailored financing solutions as well as hassle-free loan disbursement to Uber’s fleet partners.

Both new and current Uber fleet partners will benefit from the partnership, which will enable them to easily grow their businesses and support the continued expansion of the ride-hailing sector in India. Easy loan disbursement will be made possible by the integration, assisting fleets in maintaining peak performance. The partnership guarantees that fleet partners can effectively manage their money and grow their businesses more quickly by utilising SBI's vast financial services network and Uber's technologies.

Vinay M Tonse, MD (Retail Business & Operations), SBI, said, “At SBI, we are committed to offering innovative financial products that support businesses across India. Our partnership with Uber highlights our focus on providing tailored solutions to a diverse set of customers. By offering affordable financing solutions to Uber fleet partners, we are helping to fuel the growth of the ridesharing sector while also ensuring that fleet owners have access to the capital they need to succeed.”

Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India & South Asia, said, “This partnership reinforces Uber’s commitment to its fleet partners and aligns with our vision of fostering growth in India’s ride sharing ecosystem. By providing affordable loans through SBI’s customised offerings, we aim to create an enabling environment that provides fleet partners with the tools they need to scale effectively and contribute to the overall development of the industry.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has attained a new wholesales milestone for its Innoa HyCross SUV.

Launched in November 2022, the Innova HyCross has crossed 100,000 unit sales milestone in India. The Innova HyCross is powered by the 5^th Generation self-charging strong hybrid electric system and comes with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and an e-drive sequential shift delivering 137 kW (186 PS) of power.

The hybrid system the company claims enables the Innova HyCross to operate 60 percent of the time in electric (EV) mode. The 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with a direct shift CVT in select variants, delivers 129 kW (174 PS) of power.

Sabari Manohar, Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are thrilled to share that the Innova HyCross has achieved milestone of 100,000 units. Heartfelt thanks to our customers for their trust and support as we continue to drive unparalleled mobility experiences. The hybrid technology option in the Innova HyCross continues to impress customers with its exceptional performance and remarkable mileage. Beyond efficiency, the HyCross strikes an ideal balance of space and luxury, making it a practical choice tailored to a family’s diverse needs. Its superior handling, unparalleled comfort, and top-notch safety features further amplify its appeal. Combined with Toyota’s trusted service standards, the Innova HyCross delivers a holistic ownership experience that resonates deeply with its growing base of satisfied customers.”

AstaGuru will showcase some of the world’s most coveted vintage and classic cars at its upcoming ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction, which will take place from 20 to 22 November 2024.

The auction will offer an exclusive collection of rare and meticulously curated vintage cars, providing a unique opportunity for collectors and automotive enthusiasts to acquire iconic pieces of automotive history.

The auction will feature an impressive lineup of vehicles, including a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Limousine, a 1946 Singer Nine Roadster, a 1946 Bentley Mark VI, a 1947 Lincoln Continental V12 Convertible and a 1948 Jaguar Mark IV, among others. These stunning machines, each a testament to the engineering marvels of their era, promise to transport bidders back in time, celebrating the golden age of motoring.

A Growing Market in India

AstaGuru’s Vintage and Classic Car Specialist, Muzammil Kazi, shared his insights on the evolution of the vintage car market in India. “We did our first auction in 2018, and it was a surprising success,” Kazi noted. “At the time, these cars weren’t available online or marketed in the way they are now. You’d have to go to a dealer or connect with a seller directly, which made it hard to find these rare cars. But our first auction was a hit, with all lots selling successfully.”

The vintage car market in India, according to Kazi, is far from saturated. “The market is 100 percent growing. These cars were imported to India in limited quantities, and you wouldn’t find brands like Ford or General Motors here in the same way as abroad. Cars like the Fiat, Ambassador, or old Maruti SS80 were more common, but the rare vintage gems we are showcasing today are difficult to find.”

Kazi also emphasised that the scarcity of such cars means the market still has significant potential for growth. “The cars we have on display today are curated from various collectors across India, and it’s very rare to see them come together in one auction,” he explained.

Safeguarding Online Bidders

AstaGuru’s online auction platform also ensures that bidders are fully protected throughout the process. “We have a strong set of terms and conditions for the cars we sell,” Kazi explained. “We only auction cars with up-to-date paperwork and in proper running condition. Once a car is sold, we ensure the buyer receives it only after the seller submits a No Objection Certificate (NOC), making the transaction smooth and secure.”

Record-Breaking Bids

The auction has seen some impressive bids in the past. Kazi highlighted one of the highest bids to date: a Mercedes-Benz 111 230S, which was estimated at INR 2.1 million but eventually sold for INR 6.8 million. Another standout was a Rolls-Royce, which had an estimated value of INR 7-8 million but sold for a remarkable INR 18 million.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

For classic car enthusiasts and connoisseurs, the ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction represents an unmissable opportunity to acquire some of the rarest and most beautifully restored vehicles in the world. With its rich history and pedigree, each car in the auction is a testament to the artistry and engineering excellence that defined its era. Whether a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vintage automobiles, this event promises a truly memorable experience for all involved.

As the vintage car market continues to grow in India, AstaGuru is setting the stage for an exciting future for collectors and car lovers alike. The ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction is expected to draw attention from around the world, offering a rare chance to own a piece of automotive history.

Tata Motors-owned British luxury car brand Jaguar has unveiled its new brand identity, which it says recaptures an ethos to Copy Nothing that traces its roots back to the words of its founder, Sir William Lyons. 

The new identify is based on Exuberant Modernism, a creative philosophy, which the company says underpins all aspects of the new Jaguar brand world. 

Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, Jaguar, said, “Jaguar has its roots in originality. Sir William Lyons, our founder, believed that ‘A Jaguar should be a copy of nothing’. Our vision for Jaguar today is informed by this philosophy.  New Jaguar is a brand built around Exuberant Modernism. It is imaginative, bold and artistic at every touchpoint. It is unique and fearless. This is a reimagining that recaptures the essence of Jaguar, returning it to the values that once made it so loved, but making it relevant for a contemporary audience. We are creating Jaguar for the future, restoring its status as a brand that enriches the lives of our clients and the Jaguar community.”

The four symbols of change – Device Mark, Strikethrough, Exuberant Colours and Makers Marks - each representing the future design philosophy for the luxury carmaker.

Device Mark celebrates modernism through the geometric form, symmetry and simplicity.

Strikethrough sees the linear graphic generate a unique presence and an immediately recognisable visual for Jaguar.

The Exuberant use of colours marks a cornerstone of Jaguar’s new brand identity.

Makers Mark consists of the newly reimagined Jaguar ‘leaper’, which the luxury brand said is part of its mark of provenance. 

On 2 December 2024, Jaguar will present its first global public installation under its new brand philosophy at the Miami Art Week.

Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar, said, “To bring back such a globally renowned brand we had to be fearless. Jaguar was always at its best when challenging convention. That ethos is seen in our new brand identity today and will be further revealed over the coming months. This is a complete reset. Jaguar is transformed to reclaim its originality and inspire a new generation. I am excited for the world to finally see Jaguar.”