Maruti Swift Long Term Review – 2 Months Report

The Maruti Suzuki Swift has truly become a household name in India over the last 25 years and why not? It is one of the most fun to drive cars made by the automaker and yet it excels at many other things as well. The Swift entered the MotorBeam long term fleet when I had just sold my Honda City and hence I started using this as my daily driver.

I was looking forward to the Swift for two things. One – it is always handy driving a compact car in Mumbai. The convenience is unparalleled. Second – I had the previous generation Swift diesel as my long termer for 18 months close to 6 years back and I loved every bit of it, which is why I wanted to actually live with the new Swift and see how it is as a daily car.

Let’s get straight to the engine. The new Z-Series engine drew a lot of flak for it being a 3-cylinder unit and slower than the previous K-Series engine and that does hold true. The K-Series unit was more refined and quicker as well, but the new engine doesn’t disappoint that much. I found in-city driveability to be very good and the Swift felt peppy enough to make day-to-day drives less boring. Sure, at low RPMs the engine does vibrate a bit and our test car used to vibrate a little more than usual.

Once the revs settle, the engine feels smooth and offers clean performance. I found the performance good on highways as well and it was fun redlining the Swift whenever I got a chance. In fact, I remember our Swift having some wheelspin in 3rd gear too when pushing hard.

But what about mileage? While the claimed figure is 24.8 km/l, I got a realistic figure of 14.5 km/l in the city and close to 17.5 km/l on highways. The number can differ based on your driving style and usage. The lowest I saw on this car was around 12.5 km/l on a shoot day.

I found the Swift quite engaging to drive. It darts well into corners and the driving position is spot on too. The steering though not feedback rich is still precise enough and the suspension has a firm edge. However, what I noticed on Mumbai’s poor roads is that every bump, every undulation, even the smallest ones make their presence felt in the cabin. A long drive in the city can make you feel a little tired if the roads are bad.

I was always in the driver’s seat and loved the comfort I got over there. The touchscreen is also intuitive to use but the sound quality at high volumes is strictly average. I really missed a front centre armrest in this car. The cabin is very plasticky as well and some premium touches would be really welcome.

It was a short stint with the Swift since we had send it back to Maruti Suzuki at the end of 2 months. Overall, a pretty sorted hatchback that won’t disappoint Indian customers across demographics.

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Hyundai May 2025 Sales Analysis – Creta, Venue, i10, i20, Exter, Aura

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In May 2025 the domestic sales of Hyundai at 43,861 units as against 49,151 units during the same period last year with a YoY drop of 11 per cent

Hyundai Motor India’s monthly sales report for May 2025 lands at 43,861 units, slipping marginally by 1 per cent over April’s 44,374 units and dropping 11 per cent from May 2024’s 49,151 figure. The midsize SUV segment leader, the Creta, stayed put at the top, climbing 1 per cent over last year but the MoM drop stood at 13 per cent.

The Hyundai Venue, however, continues to slide – down 19 per cent from May 2024 and 5 per cent short of April’s total, settling at 7,520 units. The Exter micro SUV recorded a domestic tally 5,899 units, slumping 23 per cent compared to last May. Still, it rebounded 9 per cent against April’s 5,416 tally. The updated version of the Exter is expected to launch sometime next year.

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios followed a similar trend, down 18 per cent YoY at 4,344 units but managed a 5 per cent gain MoM. The i20 premium hatchback posted 4,090 units, slipping 21 per cent compared to last year but recovering by 16 per cent from April’s local dispatch total of 3,525 units. On the sedan front, Aura rose to 5,225 units, improving 24 per cent over April and 18 per cent ahead of May 2024.

Also Read: 3 Upcoming Hyundai Hybrid SUVs You Should Wait For

Creta Electric

Model	May 2025 Sales	May 2024 Sales	YoY Growth
Creta	14,860	14,662	1%
Venue	7,520	9,327	-19%
Exter	5,899	7,697	-23%
Aura	5,225	4,433	18%
Grand i10	4,344	5,328	-18%
i20	4,090	5,169	-21%
Verna	930	1,381	-33%
Alcazar	922	944	-2%
Tucson	60	168	-64%
Ioniq 5	11	42	-74%
TOTAL	43,861	49,151	-11%

Verna continued its downward stretch – falling to 930 units, dropping 33 per cent YoY and 7 per cent from April. Alcazar moved 922 units in May, nearly flat compared to last year but dipping 9 per cent from April’s count. The Tucson premium SUV’s volumes were trimmed to 60 units, down sharply from 168 in May last year and 65 in April.

The Ioniq 5, Hyundai’s EV offering, dropped to 11 units in May, a 31 per cent fall over April and down 74 per cent YoY while the Kona Electric was discontinued a while ago. May’s numbers suggest Hyundai held steady in the face of weaker year-on-year demand mainly due to the scheduled maintenance at the factory.

Also Read: 4 Upcoming New Compact Cars Under Rs. 10 Lakh – Hyundai To Tata

The Creta, Aura, and Exter offered were the only ones enduring positive volume increase while Venue, Verna and Tucson saw the heaviest declines. The brand is currently planning to introduce as many as 26 new models by FY30.

The post Hyundai May 2025 Sales Analysis – Creta, Venue, i10, i20, Exter, Aura appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com - Latest Car & Bike News by Surendhar M.

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New Mahindra XEV 9e Variants Leaked Ahead Of Imminent Launch

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Mahindra to make the XEV 9e line-up more lucrative by offering all its features and its biggest battery pack in new configurations

The Mahindra XEV 9e, which went on sale in March, is soon going to receive some new configurations. The revised line-up will give customers more choices, making the model more appealing.

Currently, Mahindra offers the XEV 9e in Pack One, Pack Two, Pack Three Select, and Pack Three grades. The Pack One, Pack Two, and Pack Three Select grades are available in a standard-range variant, while the Pack Three grade is available in a long-range variant.

According to a leaked government certification document, Mahindra plans to launch the Pack Three Select grade in the long-range variant soon. Thus, customers who want to XEV 9e in a configuration that offers the maximum possible range won’t be forced to choose the range-topping Pack Three grade, which retails at 30,50,000 rupees (ex-showroom) in the long-range variant.

Also Read: Production-Spec Mahindra Thar Electric Spied For The First Time

The same document reveals that Mahindra is set to introduce the Pack Three grade in the standard-range variant soon. This will make the Pack Three grade more accessible and ensure customers who want the fully-loaded XEV 9e but don’t need its maximum possible range don’t have to unnecessarily shell out extra money.

The standard-range variant of the Mahindra XEV 9e comes with a rear-mounted motor that produces 170 kW (228 hp) and 380 Nm of torque and a 59 kWh LFP battery pack. It can travel up to 542 km on a full charge. The long-range variant uses a higher-output rear-mounted motor generating 210 kW (282 hp) and 380 Nm of torque and a 79 kWh LFP battery pack. It can travel a much longer distance – 656 km.

Also Read: Top 10 Car Brands May 2025 – Maruti, Hyundai, Mahindra, Tata, Kia

Configuration	Price (ex-showroom)
Mahindra XEV 9e Pack One Standard-Range	21,90,001 rupees
Mahindra XEV 9e Pack Two Standard-Range	24,90,000 rupees
Mahindra XEV 9e Pack Three Select Standard-Range	27,90,000 rupees
Mahindra XEV 9e Pack Three Select Long-Range	TBA
Mahindra XEV 9e Pack Three Standard-Range	TBA
Mahindra XEV 9e Pack Three Long-Range	30,50,000 rupees

The new configurations of the Mahindra XEV 9e should fill the whitespace between the current top two configurations and slot in the 28-30 lakh rupee (ex-showroom)-range. Mahindra could launch them as early as July.

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Toyota Model Wise Sales May 2025 – Innova, Fortuner, Glanza, Taisor, Hyryder

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Toyota recorded 29,280 units in May 2025 as against 23,959 units during the same period last year with a YoY surge of 22 per cent

The domestic passenger vehicle sales figure of Toyota for May 2025 stood at 29,280 units – marking an 18 per cent rise over April and a 22 per cent year-on-year climb. The Innova and Hycross duo continue to shoulder the company’s volumes, recording 8,882 units with 4 per cent growth while the numbers were up 15 per cent compared to April.

The Glanza also held steady month-on-month, posting 4,753 units which translated to a 15 per cent MoM jump and 5 per cent on YoY basis. The Taisor has picked up momentum as well, contributing 3,035 units – an increase of 25 per cent over April and 39 per cent more than May 2024. The Hyryder emerged as one of the standout performers, doubling its figures year-on-year to 7,573 units and registering a 63 per cent improvement over April, reaffirming its traction in the midsize SUV space.

In contrast, the Rumion showed no change in year-on-year terms but saw its numbers shrink by 22 per cent from April, totalling 1,917 units. The Fortuner posted 2,571 units in May, slightly ahead of last year but dipping 11 per cent from April’s tally. The Hilux and Camry both lost ground on a month-on-month basis, sliding by 7 per cent and 5 per cent respectively, despite showing double-digit gains year-on-year.

Also Read: Toyota Fortuner & Legender 48V Hybrid Trims Launched At Rs. 44.72 Lakh

Model	May 2025 Sales	May 2024 Sales	YoY Growth
Innova	8,882	8,548	4%
Hyryder	7,573	3,906	94%
Glanza	4,753	4,517	5%
Taisor	3,035	2,180	39%
Fortuner	2,571	2,422	6%
Rumion	1,917	1,919	0%
Hilux	322	283	14%
Camry	198	122	62%
Vellfire	29	62	-53%
TOTAL	29,280	23,959	22%

Among the lower runners, the Vellfire fell sharply when compared to May 2024 but saw a 45 per cent bump from the previous month although from a very small volume. The LC300 remained flat once again, posting zero retail numbers.

Overall, Toyota appears to have maintained a healthy pace through May, buoyed by consistent performers like the Innova range and Hyryder while also seeing improved contribution from the Taisor and Glanza. The month-on-month growth suggests dispatch momentum continued for four of the volume players while some struggled.

Also Read: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ (Affordable Fortuner) Patent Leaks, Launch Soon?

The Japanese auto major introduced the 48V mild-hybrid spec Fortuner and Legender in India with improved acceleration and lowered emission standards. The brand is expected to bring in its first EV to India before the end of this year.

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Next-Generation Mahindra Bolero Spotted Testing

Mahindra Bolero Next-Generation Spotted Testing, Will Utilise The New Flexible Architecture (NFA) Platform

Mahindra was spotted testing the next-generation Bolero in India. The new Bolero, utilizing the brand’s New Flexible Architecture (NFA) platform, will be among the first models. The spy shots provide us with an early glimpse into the proportions of the SUV bearing the iconic name.

Styling

Mahindra has kept the boxy proportions of the outgoing model for the next-generation Bolero. There are circular LED headlights and vertical taillights. The tailgate hints at a rear-mounted spare wheel with its upright proportions.

The next-generation Mahindra Bolero will be based New Architecture (NFA) platform. It is a monocoque platform which supports ICE, hybrid and electric powertrains. Reports suggest that the manufacturer will use this platform to develop SUVs for Indian and global markets.

Launch Details

The Chakan manufacturing facility will produce the NFA-based SUV. The plant has a manufacturing capacity of up to 1.2 lakh units in the initial phase. We expect Mahindra to reveal concepts of the SUV on August 15, 2025.

The details are under wraps when it comes to the next-generation Bolero and Bolero EV. Updated diesel engines shall power the iconic SUV. However, the possibility of a petrol-hybrid Bolero cannot be denied.

Source: MotoWagon

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Tata’s Next Big SUV Launch In India Is The New-Gen Sierra

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Tata Sierra is being readied for a launch around the festive season of Diwali (Oct-Nov) 2025 in both ICE and EV versions in India

Tata Motors recently launched the Harrier EV in the Indian market. Now, it is gearing up for its next big launch in India, which will be the Sierra SUV, launching in the second half of this year. Tata Sierra will be making a comeback after nearly two decades in the country and it will be presented in both ICE and EV versions. The SUV made its first public appearance at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo in pre-production form. It has also been spotted testing multiple times, revealing the exterior and interior details.

It has been learnt that Sierra EV will launch ahead of the ICE version. It is likely to go on sale later this year around the festive season of Diwali (Oct-Nov) and the ICE version following it within 3-4 months. The latest sightings of the Sierra test mule revealed that it will be the first Tata model to boast of a triple-screen setup. Each screen will measure 12.3-inch while serving as a digital instrument cluster for driver, central infotainment system and front passenger screen.

This triple-screen setup is reminiscent of the Mahindra XEV 9e which went on sale a few months back. Some of the other prominent features in the SUV will be a four-spoke steering wheel, dual-tone dashboard, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a Harman sound system.

Also Read: Tata Motors Introduces 5+ Never-Seen-Before Features In The Harrier EV

Tata Sierra is likely to borrow a few safety features from the recently launched Harrier EV in the form of 540° Surround View camera, HD rear view mirror, Level 2 ADAS suite and 7-airbags. The production version will lose out on some of the exterior elements that we saw in the concept model such as roof rails, B-pillar kink, star-shaped alloy wheels.

At the heart, Tata Sierra ICE is expected to be powered by the same 1.5L turbocharged GDI petrol and 2.0L diesel engines as the Harrier and Safari. These engines could be offered with a choice of manual as well as automatic transmissions. On the other hand, the Sierra EV could share the dual-motor AWD configuration with Harrier EV, equipped with similar battery pack options.

Also Read: Tata Safari & Harrier To Get New Diesel & Petrol Engines In Near Future

Tata Sierra will be positioned higher than the Curvv in the brand’s portfolio. The new Sierra, unlike the previous model of the 90s, will not be offered in a 7-seater configuration, instead it will come in 5-seater and 4-seater layouts. The standard version will be a 5-seater with rear bench seats while the 4-seater version will offer captain seats in the rear row as well for added comfort.

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India Engages China Amid Rare Earth Magnet Import Stalemate Threatening Industries

India seeks China’s cooperation to resolve rare earth magnet import delays

India has initiated diplomatic engagement with China to address a critical disruption in the import of rare earth magnets, a key component in electric vehicles, gear systems and various electronic products. The delay in shipments has raised concerns across multiple sectors, including automotive, aerospace, clean energy and electronics.

The issue centers on the lack of approvals from China’s Ministry of Commerce, which has stalled shipments for over two months. This comes despite the Chinese embassy in India endorsing import applications for nine Indian component manufacturers such as Continental Automotive, Mahle Electric Drives and Hitachi Astemo.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) recently alerted the Indian government about dwindling inventories and potential manufacturing halts if the situation persists. Industry executives have emphasised that even though rare earth magnets account for a small portion of total production costs, their absence can halt entire assembly lines due to their role in crucial components.

India imported approximately 870 tonnes of rare earth magnets worth Rs. 306 crore in FY25. However, of the 17 firms that submitted applications for imports, eight—among them Minda Instruments, Nippon Audiotronix and HMC MM Auto—are still awaiting End User Certificate (EUC) clearance from Chinese authorities, further deepening supply chain uncertainties.

This trade tension arises in the context of broader Chinese export control measures implemented on April 4, which China attributes to national security concerns. These controls have affected multiple countries including the US, Germany and Japan, adding global weight to the standoff.

While India looks to resolve the matter through diplomatic channels, industries reliant on high-tech components are preparing for possible disruptions should the deadlock continue.

Source

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