The new modern-day SUVs, in true terms, are nothing more than enhanced cars. They mostly offer better ground clearance, and some even offer an all-wheel-drive system. But you can’t think of doing serious off-roading with them as they are simply not made for that; at best they can blaze through dirt or a gravel track. Well, Jeep has decided to bring some seriousness to the SUV segment by launching one of the most iconic off-roaders in the world, the Wrangler. Jeep India has started assembling it at FCA’s Ranjangaon manufacturing plant near Pune and has become only the second plant in the world to roll out this 4x4 after the Toledo factory in Ohio, USA. The Wrangler is available in two versions—the Unlimited and the Rubicon. The former is priced at INR 5,390,000 and the latter at INR 5,790,000, both ex-showroom India. The new completely knocked down unit (CKD) is now almost INR 1,000,000 cheaper than the previous completely built unit (CBU) versions.

Commenting on the launch of the locally assembled Wrangler, Dr Partha Datta, Jeep India Managing Director, said, “Indian customers have always desired the legendary Jeep Wrangler, and I am pleased that today we are able to bring this to them, assembled in India. We have extended our points of sale and service for the locally assembled Wrangler to 26 across the country. I’m also happy to announce that we have introduced a MOPAR-original suite of over 120 Wrangler accessories and value packs which customers can order at our dealerships.”

Dr Datta added, “Jeep Wrangler’s capability is unmatched because our engineers always have and continue to test and improve our 4x4 technology to make it a global benchmark. This capability is complemented with a timeless design, modern comforts, the latest in infotainment technology and open-air freedom.”

The Wrangler has a colossal presence with its typical squarish design, the classic round headlamps, which are now all-LED, the imposing seven-slate front grille, raised wheel arches housing daytime running lights (DRLs) along with LED indicators and, of course, the solid-looking chunky bumper with LED front foglamps. The Wrangler is only available as a five-seater in India, but it comes in both hardtop and open-roof options.

Both the variants are powered by a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that has an output of 265 bhp at 5,150 rpm and torque of 400 Nm at 3,000 rpm. It comes standard with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Wrangler Rubicon

The top variant, the Rubicon gets state-of-the-art RockTrac Full Time 4x4 technology. This sophisticated system is operated by an electronic clutch which engages and disengages automatically depending on the amount of traction required. With a mechanical shifter, the gear range can be changed from 2H to 4L, 4H Auto and Part-Time 4L. 4H Part-Time and 4L modes. The Rubicon gets a Dana 44 front axle, which is ideal for off-roading due to its increased thickness of the axle tube, making it rigid and durable. To ensure that off-road trails don’t spring a nasty surprise at the Rubicon, Jeep has also installed TruLok electric front- and rear-axle lockers to neutralise any extreme condition.

The Front Sway Bar in the Rubicon can be electronically disconnected, allowing the front suspension to travel up to an additional 30 percent. With a press of a button, the Offroad+ feature lets the Rubicon adapt to different terrains by making adjustments to the throttle, Selec-Speed Control which uses hill-ascent and hill-descent control, traction control and transmission shift mode. It also sports a crawl ratio of 77:1 with a 4:1 low range ratio. The Rubicon gets 17-inch alloy wheels for extreme off-roading conditions and thick gauge boron steel underbody skid plates to protect its underbody.

Wrangler Unlimited

The Unlimited is a capable off-roader and can tackle the urban jungle as well.

Equipped with the Selec-Tran 4x4 system, the Wrangler Unlimited can automatically switch from 2WD to 4WD depending on the requirement of the conditions. It also sends power to the wheels with the optimum traction to overcome challenging driving situations. Like the Rubicon, it also comes with the Smart Lock feature for constant 4WD mode when needed. The Unlimited version comes with 18-inch aluminium alloys with all-season tyres.

The Rubicon boasts a ground clearance of 217 mm, while the Unlimited offers 214 mm. While both the variants have the same water wading capability of 760 mm (at 8 km/h), approach and departure angles at 36 degrees and 21 degrees, but Rubicon’s break-over angle is one degree superior to the Unlimited at 21 degrees.

Both the Wrangler models offer an array of features like an 8.4- inch touchscreen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster that reads out active safety and security features, vehicle speed, navigation, radio information as well as full-framed removable doors, a three-piece modular hardtop and a fold-flat front windshield. Both the models come equipped with two USB ports on the dashboard, another one in the centre armrest and additional ports for rear passengers. For additional practicality and safety, both the glove box and centre console are lockable.

In India, the Wrangler’s direct competition is the Land Rover Defender, which is available in both petrol and diesel and is priced from INR 7,657,000 lakhs to INR 11,200,000, ex-showroom India. (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.”