[New Times] While progress has been made in enhancing sexual reproductive health among youth in Rwanda, challenges such as gender-based violence (GBV), teenage pregnancies, HIV infections, remain.

[Daily Trust] The Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), a Nigerian non-profit organization, has organized a two-day training for Imams and Muslim Opinion Leaders (MOLs) from Kaduna and Kano States.

[Daily Trust] Stakeholders have decried the low representation of women in economic leadership, lamenting that despite the high percentage of women in the country, they are underrepresented in economic leadership.

[UNDP] Addressing the climate crisis and building a more gender equal world

[allAfrica] This election didn't make Kamala Harris America's first female president, but what her campaign achieved reaches far beyond the vote count. As the former president of Liberia and the first woman elected to lead an African nation, I know what it means to take on a challenge where the odds feel stacked against you.

[Capital FM] Nairobi -- Four-time Boston Marathon champion Catherine Ndereba has urged male athletes going through gender based violence (GBV) and other challenges to speak out.

[Nile Post] Uganda's delegation is taking a proactive stance at COP29 in Baku, presenting ambitious strategies in climate finance, sustainable energy, and climate adaptation--key areas for developing nations.

[Namibian] Dear media colleagues,

January 11, 2006 – If you are missing an old tax refund and wondering when it will show up, the answer may be “never”. That is because the IRS now uses software to identify possible cases of “refund fraud”. Unfortunately, the software appears to be error prone and tax payers are getting caught in the middle.

Lundi prochain, c’est le 11 novembre, et comme la majorité d’entre vous, les bons plans NoFrag du week-end ne travaillent pas. C’est l’occasion parfaite pour ralentir le rythme et de profiter d’un peu de temps libre. Vous n’y aviez pas encore pensé, mais vous voulez absolument une machine à popcorn. Elle ira très bien à […]

C’est par le biais du compte X de KAMI que l’on a appris que Take-Two avait communiqué sur les dates de sorties prévisionnelles de ses futurs titres. Ce qui nous intéresse particulièrement ici, ce sont Borderlands 4 et Judas. Pendant la séance de questions/réponses de la conférence aux actionnaires du 6 novembre dernier, le CEO indique […]

While many have resisted the urge to decipher the meaning behind the acronym RSS, the vast majority of technically knowledgeable online surfers have begun incorporating RSS into their daily routines. Why go through the hassle of understanding something new, the novice might want to know? Because it saves time, and time is a precious commodity these days.

The contents of an RSS feed can be read any number of ways. A variety of tools, both fee based and free, to read RSS feeds are available on the Internet.

Selecting an RSS Feed Reader

RSS Feeds
RSS also known as rich site summary or real simply syndication, arrived on the scene a number of years ago, but was only recently embraced by webmasters as a means to effectively syndicate content. RSS Feeds provide webmasters and content providers an avenue to provide concise summaries to prospective readers. Thousands of commercial web sites and blogs now publish content summaries in an RSS feed. Each item in the feed typically contains a headline; article summary and link back to the online article.

Benefit to the Webmaster
As the web has become more crowded webmasters have been striving to provide fresh and up to date content for their website visitors. Many webmasters have discovered they can easily utilize the information in RSS feeds to provide fresh web content.

Understanding RSS Feeds

While many have resisted the urge to decipher the meaning behind the acronym RSS, the vast majority of technically knowledgeable online surfers have begun incorporating RSS into their daily routines. Why go through the hassle of understanding something new, the novice might want to know? Because it saves time, and time is a precious commodity these days.

The contents of an RSS feed can be read any number of ways. A variety of tools, both fee based and free, to read RSS feeds are available on the Internet.

When determining what RSS feed reader to download, thought should be given to security. More an more publishers are using RSS feeds as a way to deliver podcasts or media rich-content. Users of desktop software will want to find an RSS reader that allows for rich media to be delivered safely and securely.

Selecting an RSS Reader

Reading RSS Feeds
While many have resisted the urge to decipher the meaning behind the acronym RSS, the vast majority of technically knowledgeable online surfers have begun incorporating RSS into their daily routines. Why go through the hassle of understanding something new, the novice might want to know? Because it saves time, and time is a precious commodity these days.
The contents of an RSS feed can be read any number of ways. A variety of tools, both fee based and free, to read RSS feeds are available on the Internet.

Selecting an RSS Reader

RSS also known as rich site summary or real simply syndication, arrived on the scene a number of years ago, but was only recently embraced by webmasters as a means to effectively syndicate content. RSS Feeds provide webmasters and content providers an avenue to provide concise summaries to prospective readers. Thousands of commercial web sites and blogs now publish content summaries in an RSS feed. Each item in the feed typically contains a headline; article summary and link back to the online article.

Understanding RSS Feeds

Whether you're an avid birder or just a casual observer of the native feathered friends that visit your neck of the woods, you can now set up the ultimate high-tech feeding and water station that's also incredibly low-maintenance. However, you might end up with even more visitors once word gets out.

Continue Reading

Category: Outdoors, Lifestyle

Tags: Kickstarter, Birds, nature, Smart Home, Artificial Intelligence, Animals, Wildlife

The S'Mouse City Model offers a modern tiny house take on the traditional shepherd's hut. Featuring a very compact but comfortable interior layout, the towable dwelling also comes with optional off-the-grid upgrades.

Continue Reading

Category: Tiny Houses, Lifestyle

Tags: Tiny Footprint, Building and Construction, House, Home, Micro-House

1&1 hat aktuelle Zahlen zu seinem Mobilfunk-Netzausbau genannt.

Nutzerinnen und Nutzer von Instagram und Facebook können sich künftig für weniger personalisierte Werbung entscheiden. Die Sache hat aber einen Haken.

But why do I continue to check my messages with the hope that she will text me to tell me that the whole thing was a major, cruel misunderstanding and that she is okay?

Astropad has introduced Bookcase, a unique smartphone case that transforms your phone into a dedicated e-reader.

Why does time seem to move faster as we age? Psychologists and neuroscientists have explored this fascinating phenomenon—and the results are surprising.

Vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin," does much more than strengthen bones; it can support the immune system, lift mood, and even reduce the risk of some severe diseases.

Riot Games has agreed to pay $100 million as a settlement in a 2018 lawsuit based on gender discrimination.

(Telecompaper) NEC Corporation has received an order for a next-generation supercomputer system from Japan's National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology...

Wat is de toekomst van lineaire televisie? De vraag dringt zich op want het lijkt dat er steeds minder gekeken wordt, vooral door de jongste generaties. De dagen van lineaire televisie als unieke service van broadcasters en operators zijn geteld. Dat neemt niet weg dat lineaire televisie als dienst en als kijkervaring zijn bestaansrecht behoudt...

(Telecompaper) Costa Rica's telecommunications regulator Sutel received offers from five bidders in its relaunched 5G spectrum tender, reports local daily El Mundo, citing Sutel board member Cinthya Arias...

(Telecompaper) Telcofactory has started the first phase of its roll-out plan as a new MVNO in the French B2C market segment...

(Telecompaper) New Ugandan operator Talkio Mobile has launched a festive campaign giving over 10,000 customers who book a Talkio SIM online automatic entry to a...

De Nieuw-Zeelandse handelscommissie is op zoek naar feedback over haar ontwerpbesluit om deregulering te overwegen van de Mobile Termination Access Services (MTAS) - waarmee klanten van het ene mobiele netwerk tegen gereguleerde tarieven kunnen communiceren met klanten van een ander mobiel netwerk via spraakoproepen en tekstberichten (SMS)...

Social media-apps kunnen voor afleiding zorgen, terwijl gebruikers zich ook zorgen maken over hun privacy. Daarom overwegen vier op de tien Nederlanders een of meer social media apps van hun telefoon te verwijderen, zo blijkt uit onderzoek van vergelijkingssite Slimster. I

This company profile analyses Canal Plus's activities in Belgium, which are part of the pay-TV provider M7. The company uses the TV Vlaanderen brand for Dutch-language services and the Télésat brand for the French-speaking part of the country. This report contains information on the company's current position and strategy in Belgium, gives an overview of its infrastructure and product portfolio, and looks at the market in which the brands operate and its competitors. Furthermore, the profile reports on the group's marketing activities, including its customer strategy. Lastly the profile contains Telecompaper's SWOT analysis.

(Telecompaper) Singtel saw strong EBIT growth of 27 percent year-on-year to SGD 738 million in fiscal first half to September...

There are plenty of options for internet service providers in Gulfport. Here are CNET’s top picks.

Fayetteville residents can enjoy speedy internet plans offered by a bunch of different providers. These are the top options you should consider.

De drie grote Amerikaanse hyperscalers, Amazon, Microsoft en Google, lijken een wapenwedloop te voeren om hun netwerken wereldwijd uit te breiden. Zowel de cloud als specifiek de zware belasting van AI vraagt daarom. Het is een trend die vooral sinds begin dit jaar zichtbaar is...

Nog geen tekenen van een opleving in de markt voor netwerkapparatuur, op basis van de kwartaalresultaten van Ericsson en Nokia, terwijl Netflix wist te verrassen met een hogere omzet, zelfs met een seizoensgebonden vertraging in de klantengroei...

This report provides insights into usage of customer service apps from telecom providers. We report on the service apps for the following brands: Ziggo, Vodafone, hollandsnieuwe, KPN, Simyo, Odido, Simpel and Ben. Data is from August 2024.

(Telecompaper) Satellite broadcaster Sky Italia has launched new Black Friday offers for its 'Sky Wifi' fixed broadband plus pay-TV plans. There are no activation fees and the promos are available online until Cyber Monday (02 December).

I am looking for a luxurious family car between Rs 1 crore and Rs 1.5 crore. We’re a family of five – three adults and two kids – so my priority is comfort. It needs to be a recognisable brand, have a decent road presence and have updated technology. I will be driving the car, but my usage will be very low. I can extend my budget slightly if you strongly recommend a car. I am not in favour of EVs and would prefer petrol.

Mohit Sarin, New Delhi

Autocar India says: There’s a fair bit of choice for your budget, but we would suggest you look at the Mercedes-Benz GLE. It has a good road presence, is a very strong brand, the back seat is spacious, the MBUX infotainment system has the best on-board tech, and it is fairly reliable.

Also See:

Mercedes Benz GLE facelift review: Small updates for big Merc SUV

Mercedes Benz GLE facelift video review

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe review: The everyday AMG

Toyota had introduced Festival Limited Edition variants of the Glanza, Taisor and Hyryder a couple of months ago, with free dealer-level accessories. Now, Toyota is offering the same accessories packages at a discounted price on the Glanza, Taisor and Hyryder as part of year-end benefits.  

1. Glanza and Taisor get dealer-level accessories at discounted price
2. Other exclusive year-end offers extend to over Rs 1 lakh

Toyota Special Limited-Edition variants: what’s new?

All three cars essentially come with dealer-level accessories such as chrome highlights for the grilles and bumpers, 3D door mats, door visors and full body covers. These accessories can be availed on all trims of the Glanza, on the lower-spec E, S and S+ trims of the Taisor, and on the S, G and V trims of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. These, however, cannot be opted for with the CNG variants of any car.

The accessory package on the Glanza is available for Rs 17,381 (down from Rs 20,567); the one for the Taisor costs Rs 17,931 (down from Rs 20,160), while the Hyryder’s accessories package is listed for Rs 50,817 (no change from regular price). These prices are applicable till December 31, 2024.

Apart from these accessories, customers can also avail of other exclusive year-end offers worth over Rs 1 lakh, although Toyota has not specified the exact nature of these benefits. Toyota is likely to have extended these benefits in an effort to clear stocks before the year-end. 

Also See:

Kia Syros name confirmed for upcoming compact SUV

New Honda Amaze exterior design, interior previewed

Even in the rarefied space of super-luxury and high-performance cars, it’s only so often a new Aston Martin comes along, but boy, is it an occasion when one does. Boutique in the context of giants like Ferrari and Bentley, the British marque makes only a handful of ultra-high-end models, and with ownership and management in a state of flux over the last many years, things have been inconsistent, to say the least. But with new boss Lawrence Stroll at the helm, things appear to be charging forward with renewed vigour and focus, and you need not look any further than the DB12 as evidence of this.

There are more pedestrian offerings like the Vantage and DBX, as well as more exotic stuff like the Valkyrie and upcoming Valhalla, but the DB coupe is always the heart of the brand’s range and arguably its most important model. You might look at its stunning but familiar form and think it’s a facelift of the DB11, but trust us, it really isn’t! They’ve trimmed the fat and ditched the V12 altogether (despite what the name might suggest), and have found even more power in the V8. It’s wider and lighter, there’s new suspension and a quick-acting e-diff, but most of all, it has a brand-new interior and gizmos to match. In fact, Aston says it’s created a new type of car altogether – the super tourer – where the performance of a supercar meets the long-legged luxury of a GT car.

Aston Martin DB12 exterior design

Though there’s no hiding its visual linkage to the DB11, but that’s no bad thing, is it? It borrows some elements from the DBS Superleggera too, and overall looks like a DB11 that’s been on steroids; the same essential silhouette but bursting at the seams. It’s 22mm wider, which only enhances that wide-narrow-wide ‘Coke bottle’ shape. The grille is huge now, extending to the base of the bumper and tipping forward aggressively, with a wide air-dam squeezing out from under it. The bonnet has more contours and troughs, and interestingly opens conventionally, unlike its predecessor’s, which was hinged at the front. Another cool detail are the wing mirrors with edge-to-edge fixed glass; the whole pod moves when you adjust it, rather than just the glass.

An import from the DBS is the huge air vent behind the front wheels, and the DB12 sits on 21-inch wheels front and rear with a massive 325-section rear tyre. Fun fact: it uses specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport 5S AML (Aston Martin Lagonda) tyres, much like the DB11 used Bridgestone Potenza S 007 (named after a certain fictional spy) rubber. Not much has changed aft of the doors (the ‘swan wing’ variety that open slightly upward), but again, that’s no bad thing. You still get the slim, C-shaped LED tail-lamps and the pinched roof that flows down into the wide tail. Intakes hidden in the C Pillars channel air through the boot lid and out of a small active spoiler, eliminating the need for big aero addenda. Unfortunately, the boot itself is tiny, at just 262 litres, so your grand touring would be capped at just a weekend.

When the starting point was so good, how successful the design enhancements are is up for debate. It’s lost some of the subtlety of the DB11 to be sure, but has gained more aggression in the process, and there’s no arguing it is still a stunning piece of metal.

Aston Martin DB12 interior and space

If the outside didn’t tell you this was a new-gen car, the interior surely will. The entire dashboard is new, for a start, and the first thing you notice is that though materials are as high-grade as ever, build quality has taken a huge leap forward. Our test car is trimmed in an uninspiring black on grey, but a quick play with the online configurator reveals that you can be a lot more adventurous depending on how deep your pockets are. Several wood, metal and carbon options are available, not to mention a smorgasbord of hide and stitching options that can be mixed and matched. There are even three levels of front seats; we have the Comfort spec, but you can also get Sport or Race seats with increasingly aggressive cushioning.

But on to the new dashboard, which takes on a more user-friendly design. The ‘waterfall’ centre console is high set and extends to the rear of the cabin, bringing into easy access not just the new 10.25-inch touchscreen, but an array of welcome physical buttons. These include shortcuts for climate control, suspension, exhaust, ESC, parking cameras and sensors, and lane-keep assist. Drive modes are selected via a rotary dial, at the centre of which sits a classy start/stop button. The four-knurled roller switches for AC and volume control work with an indescribably satisfying heft, and there’s a 911-style toggle for the gear selector.

But for all the added quality and functionality, the interior has lost some of its charm. It’s all straight lines and sharp angles, with none of the quirky design that set the DB11 apart from every other super-luxury car. Yes, the toggle gear lever is easier to use, but this is the first Aston in ages without the signature five buttons on the dash. Similarly, while the new 10.25-inch digital dial screen looks modern, it’s just a rectangle propped behind the wheel, and misses the flair of the old hooded binnacle.

Though there are rear seats, as you might have guessed from the low and pinched roof, there isn’t much room. It’s strictly for young kids, while medium-sized adults could perhaps bear the squeeze for short journeys; certainly not cross-continent jaunts. 

Aston Martin DB12 features

Another significant change is the all-new E&E architecture, which was something previously borrowed from Mercedes-Benz. For a small-volume brand, outsourcing such a thing is usually the better way to go, but Aston Martin has invested in developing a new system in-house, which will be used in all upcoming models, including the upcoming new Vantage and DBX facelift. Though now free from the shackles of the last-gen Mercedes system used before, some parts remain, like the indicator/wiper stalk and the capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel.

The investment seems to have paid off, with a UI and UX that’s modern and feature-packed, on both 10.25-inch screens. The dials are customisable and change appearance with the drive modes, while the touchscreen response is good and animations are slick. Some icons are too small, however, making them tricky to tap on the move, and we found a few glitches in our test car’s system, like menus getting stuck on screen, concealing other functions. The optional 15-speaker, 1,170W Bowers & Wilkins music system not only sounds divine but also looks good with its aluminium speaker grilles, and you also get ADAS features.

Aston Martin DB12 engine, gearbox and performance

As we’ve seen in the likes of the DBX and Vantage, this may be AMG’s familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, but Aston Martin’s engineers have given it a character all of its own. It starts with the sound, which has a lot more depth and character to it, changing its note and volume as you pile on the revs, and always sounding good. And no, this is not just a function of adding a ‘loud’ button for the exhaust – although that is also available.

But as you prod the accelerator, too, you’ll start to see the changes. First off, while the DBX uses AMG’s 9-speed ‘MCT’ gearbox, the DB12 uses ZF’s 8-speed torque converter, mounted at the rear, and as is characteristic of the two, the ZF unit is a little bit smoother and not as aggressive with its shifts. What’s unusual, however, is that it can be slow to respond if you ask for a sudden downshift by prodding the accelerator – even in Sport+ mode. This is not the case in some of its other high-performance applications, and certainly puts a dent in the DB12’s ‘super tourer’ credentials. Things improve considerably when you dial it back by 10 percent, but more on this later. Shifts via the paddles are fine, however, though these have moved from the steering column to the wheel.

Find a good rhythm and you can really enjoy this spectacular engine. Yes, Aston’s short-lived ‘AE31’ 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 is no more, but you won’t miss it. The V8 is over 100kg lighter than the V12, produces 80hp and 100Nm more, and arguably sounds better too. As with the sound, the performance too feels entirely different to any of its Mercedes applications. Power delivery is progressive and swelling, rather than a sledgehammer whack in the mid-range. It’s not a high-strung, fast-revving engine, but every trip to the redline feels like a journey in its own right, thanks to the fluidity of the power delivery and, oh yes, that noise.

Ironically, this can belie the DB12’s prodigious 680hp and 800Nm figures because it doesn’t have the electrifying acceleration we’ve come to expect from such numbers. In fact, one potential Mumbai customer whose garage contains some pretty exotic stuff is said to have described it as ‘not that quick’ after a test drive. But that’s doing this powertrain a huge disservice, because it feels unique and soulful in a sea of one-note accelerative weapons. It’s not for crushing the quarter mile, but rather for cruising down the Golden Quadrilateral.

Aston Martin DB12 ride and handling

The new exterior design, cabin and tech are fairly obvious changes; the real secret sauce is in the chassis and suspension. The DB12 is 7 percent stiffer than the DB11, and while that might not sound like much, couple it with the thoroughly revised suspension and the changes jump out at you. If the DB11 was a 55-inch TV, the DB12 is still a 55-inch TV but one that’s moved from 1080p to 8k OLED. There is a much greater breadth of ability and definition, allowing it to be simultaneously more comfortable and sharper than before.

It starts with the steering that’s almost Ferrari levels of sharp and quick. It gives surprising agility to what is quite a large vehicle, but at no point does it feel overwhelming. What sets it apart, like the tune of the engine, is the oily-smooth feel you get through the wheel (which is now round, and not squarish like the DB11’s). It feels assisted and not race-car heavy – this is a luxury product, after all – but thanks to the deletion of some isolation bushes, there’s still a clear connection to the front wheels.

First instinct then is to dial it all the way up and charge into a corner at maximum speed, but you’ll soon be reminded that this is still more tourer, less super. Sharp steering notwithstanding, the chassis is still a little looser and freer than an all-out sportscar (stay tuned for the new Vantage), and pushing too hard makes it feel a little unwieldy. Even with those 325-section rear tyres, it will break traction, and you had better be on the ball when that wide rear end goes off.

So once again, dial it down a little, and the DB12 will really shine. Let it flow into corners, and you’ll find incredible composure even on a broken rural Indian back road. The new suspension takes it all in its stride, and in fact, delivers a ride quality that comes close to some of the best luxury cars. Best of all, it has sufficient ground clearance to tackle most speed breakers without the need for a nose lift function, and only on really serious ones would you have to be careful. Once again, then, it’s the touring side of the DB12 that somewhat outshines outright sportiness.

Aston Martin DB12 price and verdict

The Aston Martin DB12 is a phenomenal sports luxury car that so far improves on its predecessor, it’s genuinely hard to believe they share the same basic platform. It’s faster, sharper, more comfortable, more luxurious, techier, better sounding and arguably better looking too.

Trouble is, it has a bit of an identity problem, especially in the Indian exotic car context. In losing the V12, the DB12 has been given something of a symbolic repositioning; even though performance is greater, the perception isn’t. What doesn’t help is its price of Rs 4.59 crore (ex-showroom, before options) that puts it well north of the sharper Ferrari Roma. And without the pristine European cross-country roads a DB12 would normally find itself on, here in India, the DBX SUV is probably a more suitable grand tourer.

So what of the ‘super tourer’ rebrand, then? Though it certainly has the look and power figures, it hasn’t turned into a supercar. Instead, it’s widened its abilities as a luxury item, and would not feel out of place pulling up to an exotic boutique hotel, royal palace or industrialist’s daughter’s wedding. It mixes the contrasting qualities of the Roma and its other major rival, the Bentley Continental GT, to superb effect – equal parts sharp, plush and oh-so desirable. Aston Martins have always done things a little differently, and the DB12 does too. It remains the one that goes against the grain, but for those who choose it, there’s little it cannot do.

Also see:

Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH to race at 2025 Le Mans

I am looking for a luxurious family car between Rs 1 crore and Rs 1.5 crore. We’re a family of five – three adults and two kids – so my priority is comfort. It needs to be a recognisable brand, have a decent road presence and have updated technology. I will be driving the car, but my usage will be very low. I can extend my budget slightly if you strongly recommend a car. I am not in favour of EVs and would prefer petrol.

Mohit Sarin, New Delhi

Autocar India says: There’s a fair bit of choice for your budget, but we would suggest you look at the Mercedes-Benz GLE. It has a good road presence, is a very strong brand, the back seat is spacious, the MBUX infotainment system has the best on-board tech, and it is fairly reliable.

Also See:

Mercedes Benz GLE facelift review: Small updates for big Merc SUV

Mercedes Benz GLE facelift video review

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe review: The everyday AMG

Toyota had introduced Festival Limited Edition variants of the Glanza, Taisor and Hyryder a couple of months ago, with free dealer-level accessories. Now, Toyota is offering the same accessories packages at a discounted price on the Glanza, Taisor and Hyryder as part of year-end benefits.  

1. Glanza and Taisor get dealer-level accessories at discounted price
2. Other exclusive year-end offers extend to over Rs 1 lakh

Toyota Special Limited-Edition variants: what’s new?

All three cars essentially come with dealer-level accessories such as chrome highlights for the grilles and bumpers, 3D door mats, door visors and full body covers. These accessories can be availed on all trims of the Glanza, on the lower-spec E, S and S+ trims of the Taisor, and on the S, G and V trims of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. These, however, cannot be opted for with the CNG variants of any car.

The accessory package on the Glanza is available for Rs 17,381 (down from Rs 20,567); the one for the Taisor costs Rs 17,931 (down from Rs 20,160), while the Hyryder’s accessories package is listed for Rs 50,817 (no change from regular price). These prices are applicable till December 31, 2024.

Apart from these accessories, customers can also avail of other exclusive year-end offers worth over Rs 1 lakh, although Toyota has not specified the exact nature of these benefits. Toyota is likely to have extended these benefits in an effort to clear stocks before the year-end. 

Also See:

Kia Syros name confirmed for upcoming compact SUV

New Honda Amaze exterior design, interior previewed

Marble fireplaces carved with Rudyard Kipling’s stories to carpets with line drawings of Mahabalipuram’s shore temple — India Design ID 2024 was all about a new craft idiom

The home decor brand supports artisan communities across the country and prefers to work as a small batch company

It isn’t often that a new car impresses me as much as the Toyota Hyryder has. The hybrid’s EV-like initial responses, fuel efficiency that’s better than most frugal diesel cars and a likeable package backed by Toyota are some of the reasons why I persuaded my wife to buy the SUV as soon as it was launched.

But while I have one at home, it’s hard to pry it away from my wife. So, I grabbed the keys to the one Toyota lent us as a long-termer.

I think the Hyryder’s design is very appealing, and its ‘Speedy Blue’ paint makes it quite striking, too. On the inside, the dashboard and doors have a nice leatherette padding, and the brown and black colour scheme certainly lifts the cabin’s perceived quality. You can’t ignore that it shares many parts with lower-priced Marutis, but it isn’t to the extent of feeling cheap or offensive at its Rs 20 lakh price.

The Hyryder’s ergonomics are spot on, with plenty of seat, steering and central armrest adjustment for you to get comfortable. However, the seats aren’t the comfiest, and the cushioning results in some body ache on longer drives. At the rear, space is adequate for two adults – it isn’t as wide as the Creta’s – although six-footers will find headroom tight even with the backrest fully reclined.

After several road trips and airport runs, I can confidently say that with a plus-sized check-in bag in the boot, there’s only about enough room for a laptop bag; you can slide a laptop bag into the slim storage beneath the boot floor, too. On either side of the boot, there’s a deep storage area that is useful to stow smaller items.

I must talk about the touchscreen and wireless charger as well; the touchscreen’s software is buggy, resulting in frequent disconnection and low call volume when connected to wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. We hope a software update solves this. The wireless charger is also flawed; it suspends charging often without reason, which is very annoying.

Also, the thin sun shade for the sunroof allows the cabin to be soaked in heat far too quickly when parked outdoors. A high-quality sunfilm on the sunroof could alleviate this issue.

Though Toyota has connected car tech, the vehicle locator is the only feature I found useful. It also tells you how much fuel is left and the current range, but I would have liked more information, especially related to fuel efficiency, and a trip log. You can’t unlock the vehicle via the app if you don’t use the app to lock it in the first place, which is quite strange. There is a pre-cooling feature, too, that I’ve used only once.

Rounding off the not-so-nice bits, when the engine/generator kicks in to charge the lithium-ion battery, the system occasionally makes quite a few sounds, which can take the uninitiated by surprise, and if you’re paying attention, you’ll also feel some vibrations at idle.

Now, let’s talk about the things I really love. The first is performance. A seamless and silent electric startup is something I truly appreciate. Next, the electric motor nicely complements the three-cylinder petrol engine, delivering almost electric vehicle-like responses, making it ideal for closing gaps or when overtaking. The torque curve tapers soon after, and the e-CVT makes the engine rev quite a bit when your foot is pinned to the throttle, emanating a rather unpleasant note.

But the highlight is its fuel efficiency. In Eco mode, the best I’ve achieved is 26.5kpl, with 80 percent highway driving and the rest in the city. With no effort to drive with the intent of maximising efficiency, the average city efficiency is about 20-21kpl in winter months, and this number drops to 18-19kpl in summer. An insider at Toyota explained that the e-compressor puts a high load on the hybrid system, which explains the lower efficiency when ambient temperatures are higher. Do note that these numbers are measured using the tankful-to-tankful method.

Lastly, the Hyryder’s suspension is on the firmer side, but driving manners and steering make it feel very confident at highway speeds. It also exudes an underlying toughness while dealing with poor, broken roads, which, to some extent, makes it similar to its rugged sibling, the Toyota Fortuner.

The Hyryder has been a fill-it, shut-it and forget-it car, one that goes about doing all that’s expected of it in a fuss-free and competent manner.

Also see:

Toyota Hyryder Festival Limited Edition launched

Kia Seltos vs Toyota Hyryder vs MG ZS EV comparison video

Toyota Rumion gets free accessories with new Festival Limited Edition

Of the total 9,10,376 motorcycles, which TVS sold in FY2023 (up 29%), the Raider 125 accounted for a 26% share