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We Tested the Saatva Classic Mattress (and Our Marriage) for a Month

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Saatva Rx Mattress Review 2024: A Luxury Bed Designed for People With Chronic Health Conditions

Are you suffering from chronic back or joint pain? The Saatva Rx Mattress -- a premium pillow-top bed -- might offer an effective zonal solution. Here's more about it.




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Frontier Fiber Internet Review: Plans, Pricing, Speed and Availability

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WOW Internet Review: Plans, Pricing, Speed and Availability

While this cable provider isn’t as well known as others, it still deserves some hype for its solid home broadband offerings. CNET has all the details.




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Google says Gems are ‘one of the most used Gemini Advanced features,’ adds file upload - 9to5Google

  1. Google says Gems are ‘one of the most used Gemini Advanced features,’ adds file upload  9to5Google
  2. Gemini Live is getting ready to chat with you about your files (APK teardown)  Android Authority
  3. Google thinks attachments could be the perfect conversation starter for Gemini Live  Android Police
  4. Google's Gemini AI may soon allow users to edit files using voice commands  The Times of India
  5. Gemini Live could soon start messing around with your files  Android Central





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Rivada secures key spectrum rights ahead of satellite constellation launch

(Telecompaper) Rivada announced it has secured new spectrum rights to support its planned satellite constellation and services. In the past year Rivada secured market access for its Outernet constellation in 18 countries and on every continent, including the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Colombia and...




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New Maruti Dzire variant-wise features, trims and prices explained

Maruti Suzuki recently launched the new fourth-generation Dzire with prices ranging between Rs 6.79 lakh and Rs 10.14 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It continues to be based on the Swift hatchback, shares the same platform and engine but sports a differentiated look. It even goes one up on the equipment front. The new Dzire is available in four trims – LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi+ – and we take a close look at all the features you get in each trim.

2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire trims, variants explained

The Dzire is powered by the same Z12E engine as the Swift: 82hp, 112Nm, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated. It’s available with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard on all four trims; the AMT is available on all but the base trim. The new Dzire also gets a CNG powertrain right from launch, available on the mid-spec VXi and ZXi trims. Coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the Dzire produces 69.75hp and 101.8Nm in CNG spec.

The new Dzire’s ARAI-rated fuel efficiency figure is 24.79kpl in manual form and 25.71kpl in AMT guise. Meanwhile, in CNG spec, the Dzire returns a claimed efficiency of 33.73km/kg.

New Maruti Dzire variant-wise features

Maruti Dzire LXi: Rs 6.79 lakh

Maruti Dzire LXi

Powertrain: petrol-MT

  • Projector halogen headlights
  • LED tail-lights
  • 14-inch steel wheels without covers
  • Shark fin antenna
  • Black and beige dual-tone interior
  • Fabric seat upholstery
  • Adjustable front seat headrests
  • Analogue instrument cluster with MID (multi-information display)
  • All four power windows
  • Auto up/down for the driver-side window
  • Keyless entry
  • Manual AC
  • Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
  • Six airbags
  • Rear defogger
  • 3-point seat belts with reminders for all seats
  • Electronic stability program (ESP)
  • Hill-hold assist
  • ABS with EBD
  • Reverse parking sensors

Maruti Dzire VXi: Rs 7.79 lakh–8.74 lakh

Maruti Dzire VXi

Powertrain: petrol-MT, petrol-AMT, CNG-MT

  • 14-inch steel wheels with covers
  • Chrome finish on the front grille
  • Turn indicators on wing mirrors
  • Body-coloured door handles and wing mirrors
  • Electrically adjustable and foldable wing mirrors
  • Silver insert on dashboard
  • 7-inch touchscreen
  • Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • 4 speakers
  • Steering-mounted controls
  • OTA updates
  • Voice assistant
  • USB and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Height-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Adjustable rear headrests
  • Day/night inside rearview mirror (IRVM)
  • Front roof lamp
  • Rear centre armrest with cupholders
  • Rear AC vents

Maruti Dzire ZXi: Rs 8.89 lakh–9.84 lakh

Maruti Dzire ZXi

Powertrain: petrol-MT, petrol-AMT, CNG-MT

  • Auto LED headlights
  • LED daytime running lamps
  • 15-inch single-tone alloy wheels
  • Chrome window garnish
  • Silver trim and faux wood insert on dashboard
  • Push button start/stop
  • Wireless phone charger
  • Key-operated boot opening
  • Auto AC
  • 6 speakers (including 2 tweeters)
  • Connected car tech
  • Reverse parking camera
  • TPMS

Maruti Dzire ZXi+: Rs 9.69 lakh–10.14 lakh

Maruti Dzire ZXi+

Powertrain: petrol-MT, petrol-AMT

  • 15-inch dual-tone alloys
  • LED front fog lamps
  • Front footwell illumination
  • Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
  • 9-inch touchscreen
  • Arkamys-tuned sound system
  • Single-pane sunroof
  • Coloured MID on instrument console
  • Cruise control
  • Auto-fold wing mirrors on locking the car
  • 360-degree camera

Bookings for the new Dzire are ongoing for a token amount of Rs 11,000, and the introductory prices will be applicable till December 31, 2024. The Dzire rivals the Hyundai Aura, the Tata Tigor and the Honda Amaze, with the Amaze also due to receive an all-new generation next month.

Also See:

Maruti Dzire new vs old: price, engine, features comparison

2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire review: India's favourite sedan massively updated




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Skoda Kylaq price, size and specs compared with rivals

Skoda India has taken the wraps off the Kylaq and revealed its starting price of Rs 7.89 lakh. With the Kylaq, the Czech carmaker has forayed into the heavily populated compact SUV segment, taking on the likes of the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Mahindra XUV 3XO. The compact SUV space is the largest sub-segment in the Indian market, comprising more than 50 percent of all SUV sales.

The Kylaq is an important model for Skoda, positioned at the heart of the market. Here, we are looking at how it compares with its rivals on paper in terms of price, size, and specs.

Skoda Kylaq vs rivals dimensions

Skoda Kylaq vs rivals: dimensions
ModelKylaqNexonBrezzaXUV 3XOVenueSonetMagniteKiger
Length (mm)39953995399539903995399539943991
Width (mm)17831804179018211770179017581750
Height (mm)16191620168516471617164215721605
Wheelbase (mm)25562498250026002500250025002500
Ground clearance (mm)189208-201--205205
Boot space (litres)360382328364-385336405*
Wheel size (inch)1716161716161616

*Without parcel tray

At 3,995mm in length, the Kylaq fits just under the sub-4m mark to be in line with most other compact SUVs, although the XUV 3XO, Kiger, and Magnite are slightly shorter. Overall, the Kylaq sits in the middle of its rivals on nearly every metric, barring wheelbase length and wheel size. Skoda's compact SUV has the second-longest wheelbase, at 2,556mm, after the XUV 3XO, which offers the best-in-class cabin space. The XUV 3XO comfortably accommodates three individuals in the rear, while the others are best reserved for two adults. Therefore, the Kylaq is expected to have more interior space than most of its rivals, if not the XUV 3XO.

The Kylaq and XUV 3XO have the largest alloy wheels on offer and comparable boot spaces. It is the Sonet and the Nexon that boast the largest boots here, with over 380 litres of capacity, while Tata's compact SUV also claims the highest ground clearance, at 208mm.  

Skoda Kylaq vs rivals engine and specs

Skoda Kylaq vs rivals: engine specifications
ModelKylaqNexonBrezzaXUV 3XOVenueSonetMagniteKiger
Type3 cyls turbo 3 cyls turbo4 cyls NA3 cyls turbo/3 cyls turbo4 cyls NA/3 cyls turbo4 cyls NA/3 cyls turbo3 cyls NA/3 cyls turbo3 cyls NA/3 cyls turbo
Displacement999cc1199cc1462cc1197cc/1197cc (TGDi)1197cc/998cc1197cc/998cc999cc/999c999cc/999c
Power 115hp120hp103hp111hp/131hp83hp/120hp83hp/120hp72hp/100hp72hp/100hp
Torque178Nm170Nm137Nm200Nm/230Nm114Nm/172Nm114Nm/172Nm96Nm/160Nm96Nm/160Nm
MT gearbox6MT5MT/6MT5MT6MT/6MT5MT/6MT5MT/6iMT5MT5MT
AT gearbox 6AT6AMT/7DCT6AT 6AT7DCT7DCT5MT, CVT 5MT, CVT

The Kylaq is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 115hp and 178Nm of torque. From the other Skoda-VW cars that this engine does duty in, along with our drive in a prototype, we know it is responsive, relatively refined, and delivers strong acceleration. The 6-speed manual and the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes will also be carried over.

The Kylaq comes with a single engine, whereas most competitors offer at least two options. However, it finds itself right in the middle of the pack in terms of power and torque figures – it's more powerful than all entry-level, naturally aspirated engines of its rivals but slightly less powerful than the turbo-petrol units. The XUV 3XO, with the 131hp TGDi engine, remains the most powerful in its class. Meanwhile, the Brezza gets the largest engine, but it's the only one to miss out on a turbo-petrol unit.

It’s worth mentioning that the likes of the Nexon, XUV 3XO, Venue, and Sonet are also available with a diesel engine. The percentage of diesel buyers in this class is less than the majority and shrinking, but the said models at least offer that option. The Brezza and the Nexon are the only models in this class to get a factory-fitted CNG kit.

Skoda Kylaq price

Skoda Kylaq vs rivals: price
Ex-showroom, IndiaKylaqNexonBrezzaXUV 3XOVenueSonetMagniteKiger
Entry-level price7.898.008.347.797.947.995.996.00
Top-spec price14 (est.)15.0013.9815.4913.5314.9211.5011.23

Skoda has yet to reveal the full price list of the Kylaq, though it has confirmed that the entry-level Classic trim will be priced at Rs 7.89 lakh. With prices expected to rise to about Rs 14 lakh for the top-spec Prestige automatic variant, the Kylaq is expected to be well-priced compared to rivals like the Nexon, Brezza, XUV 3XO, Venue and Sonet. However, the Magnite and Kiger continue to be the most affordable compact SUVs on sale in India. 

Also see:

Citroen C3 automatic vs rivals: price, specifications compared

Tata Nexon CNG vs rivals: price, specifications comparison




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2024 Kia Carnival image gallery




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2024 Kia Carnival review: Manners make the van

To say the Kia Carnival was a high-risk, high-reward product would be an understatement as big as the MPV itself. At the time of its launch in February 2020, the brand had only been in India for six months, and though its first product, the Seltos, was a runaway success, Kia was yet to become a household name. 

To then launch a premium diesel MPV positioned above the near-untouchable Toyota Innova Crysta, and that too with an investment in local assembly? It sounded crazy. Sure, it sold nowhere near as many units as the rest of Kia’s products (or the Innova), averaging about 3,600 units a year, but it carved a niche for itself deep enough to warrant a sequel.

Perhaps not many knew that the 2020 Carnival for India was really a 2014 model globally (Gen 3: YP) that was at the end of its life; in fact, the next model (Gen 4: KA4) was simultaneously going on sale in other markets. But, the YP lived on in India until April 2023, when it succumbed to the BS6 Phase II emissions norms. 

New Carnival is a generation-and-a-half leap over its predecessor.

However, rather than just launching the KA4 (it was shown at the 2023 Auto Expo) immediately, Kia opted to wait until it got a facelift so India would get the latest model possible and not lag the rest of the world like last time, and that’s the car you see here.

2024 Kia Carnival colours, dimensions, exterior design

History lesson over, let’s talk about the new Carnival, whose basic premise hasn’t changed much. It’s still a massive vehicle, at 5,155mm long, 1,995mm wide and 1,775mm tall, with an E-class-like 3,090mm wheelbase, which are gains of just 40mm, 10mm, 20mm and 30mm, respectively, over the previous car. 

It carves a silhouette similar to the previous car, even using the exact size of wheels - 18 inches, with a set of chunky tyres. Look closely, and you’ll notice the bonnet is longer, taller and more horizontal, while the front overhang is 20mm shorter and the rear overhang 30mm longer, all of which give it slightly more SUV-like proportions. 

Wheel size at 18 inches is exactly the same as the previous Carnival. 

Since this design is a facelift of a generation jump, the details are far removed from the previous car and in line with the newest Kias. The ‘Tiger Nose’ grille is wide, and hovering above it are LED strips that join the tall, slim headlamps pushed out to the very sides of the nose. Lighting is via prominent ‘ice cube’ LED projector elements stacked vertically, and even the fog lamps at the base of the bumper look similar. Spot the radar element in the centre of the air dam.

To break the monotony of the slabby sides is a vertical dappled brushed silver trim piece, as well as a black element between the doors. Sadly, the exposed rail over the rear wheel arch for the sliding rear door returns and is an eyesore, as is the huge gap under the floor (for the same purpose), which you’ll see when you open the door. 

Horizontal strip connecting the tail lamps help accentuate the width of the MPV. 

The rear, similar to the front, adopts slim vertical LEDs joined by a thin horizontal strip, highlighting the added width, while a brushed metal trim element in the bumper adds some character. The rear wiper, meanwhile, is hidden under the spoiler when not in use. 

Incidentally, the powered tailgate opening is wider than before, giving even better access to the mammoth 627-litre boot – that’s with all the seats in place, by the way, thanks to a deep underfloor storage as before, and Kia says it will hold four large suitcases. Fold everything down, and you’re looking at 2,900 litres of space. 

Deep underfloor helps free up some additional storage in the boot. 

The 2024 Kia Carnival is available in just two colours - Fusion Black and Glacier White Pearl - as that, the brand says, made up the bulk of the previous car’s sales. A small hint at the target demographic, if you will.

2024 Kia Carnival interior space and comfort

Where the previous model offered 7-, 8-, or 9-seat configurations, the new Kia Carnival only comes in top-spec Limousine+ spec, with seven seats in a 2-2-3 layout. This was by far the most popular layout in the previous model, owing to buyers primarily purchasing it for second-row use. 

The pair of vast captain’s chairs slide back and forth manually, requiring some muscle to move their bulk; that’s easier done once seated. They also slide left to right, but this is actually a functional requirement rather than a cool gimmick, as it might seem. With seats in their outermost position, you have ‘access mode’, placing them closer to the doors but also creating a gap between them to access the third row – the only access available. However, in this mode, their fore-and-aft movement is limited, so to access their full potential, they have to be pushed inward to the centre.

Middle row captain chairs slide back and forth as well as left to right. 

With this done, you can slide it a few inches further back and a few more still if you fold the third row away. And having them in the centre means they don’t foul with the third-row armrests, so you can fully recline the backrest and extend the ottoman with sufficient space to stretch out. For still more space, there’s a ‘boss mode’ to move the front passenger seat forward. 

There’s even some height adjustment on the second row, and you can vary the seat base angle to an almost comical level. These functions, along with the recline and ottoman, are now powered, but the controls are oddly located on the inner side of the squabs, making them difficult to reach when the seats are pushed together.

There's lots of adjustability for the second-row, including a powered ottoman.

In terms of creature comforts, the second row once again gets its own separate sunroof; the seats are heated and ventilated; there are manual window shades; and there’s a pair of USB-C chargers, unusually located in the seat backs of the first row. The cup holders, too, are between the front seats, so if you have the second row slid back, you won’t be able to reach them. 

There is a third climate zone for the second and third rows, but the AC controls are once again oddly located on the right side of the roof, above the driver’s seat, and you only get four small roof-mounted AC vents. That said, cooling didn’t seem to be a problem during our drive.

The third row is a three-seat bench, which feels tight for three adults but just right for two, though the placement of the seat belts might restrict you. The headroom is decent; you can recline the backrest, and with the sheer range of fore and aft sliding for the second row, legroom can be either too little or a whole lot. So, as long as the middle seats are kept upright, there can be sufficient space for all.

Third-row is a three-seat bench, but best only for two adults

The front seats are big and comfortable, though a little firm in the upper back area. They’re ventilated and heated, with 12-way power adjustment and memory function for the driver.

2024 Kia Carnival features and safety

Much like with the exterior, the cabin design and layout feel like the biggest leap forward for the Carnival. While the previous one was well-built, decently kitted out and practical, its look was decidedly last-generation. This one elevates things in every area, with the same futuristic design as all modern Kias.

Dashboard is in line with latest Kias and material quality is really good.

There’s a clean and horizontal layout to the dash, accentuated by the strip of ambient lighting on the passenger side and the slim AC vents in the centre. Below these, you’ll find a context-sensitive touch panel that switches between HVAC and audio controls, which looks cool but is frustrating to use in a hurry. 

Further down is a wide central console that really highlights the space between driver and passenger, and it’s put to good use with a big storage bin, wireless charging tray, USB-C ports and large cup holders. The gear lever has made way for a crystalline rotary selector that looks and feels upmarket.

Switchable HVAC and audio controls are frustrating to use in a hurry.

In fact, that sensation is only enhanced by excellent material quality all around and generous use of soft-touch materials, typical of a modern Kia. A particularly high-quality touch is the row of metallic toggle switches for seat heating and ventilation and a few other functions.

The twin 12.3-inch curved screen array feels bang up to date with its free-standing and hood-free design, and the graphics especially make it look techy and state-of-the-art. Touch sensitivity and smoothness aren’t up there with the best in the industry and are about the same as you’ll find in a Seltos; some might expect more at this price. 

12.3-inch touchscreen looks slick and techy, and packs in a lot of functionality.

The 12-speaker Bose audio system fills up the large cabin nicely, while other feature highlights include ADAS with Level 2 autonomous capability, eight airbags, a heads-up display, and powered, sliding rear doors that can be operated from the handle, the driver’s seat or even the key fob.

2024 Kia Carnival mileage, ride comfort and driving impressions

The changes to the mechanical makeup might seem nonexistent at first glance, but there are a few important ones. For instance, the engine might still be a 2.2-litre diesel, but it’s an all-new unit that, crucially, moves from a cast-iron block to an aluminium one. The steering, meanwhile, uses electronic power assistance rather than hydraulic, which is another big difference.

2.2-litre diesel engine now uses an aluminium block instead of a cast-iron block.

Power and torque are actually lower, at 193hp and 441Nm, and while Kia didn’t quote a figure, the kerb weight will no doubt have gone up. It doesn’t appear to have affected the driving character too much, though, and the Carnival’s powertrain remains unhurried but ample; Kia quotes a 0-100kph time of 10.7 seconds. 

The 8-speed torque-converter automatic, too, isn’t the most eager, and that’s just as well in a big MPV, but its reluctance to kick down a gear quickly for an overtake can be annoying when you need it in a hurry. There’s a sport mode and paddle shifters, too, but you’ll seldom find yourself using them.

While the obvious benefit of the aluminium diesel engine is weight reduction, the unfortunate side effect is greater engine noise. And though not loud and clattery like that of an Innova Crysta, it is something a premium vehicle at this price point should do without.

New Carnival's performance is unhurried but ample.

Kia has admirably stuck to its big diesel powerplant at a time when many are switching to petrol or hybrid, and apart from strong pulling power on the highway, its other advantage in a big car is fuel economy. The Kia Carnival’s fuel economy is rated at 14.85kpl by ARAI, but even in our day of hectic driving and shooting, we managed a respectable 10.9kpl.

Ride comfort is also important in a chauffeur-driven car like this, and the new Carnival largely delivers. It was a wise choice to stick to the same size of wheels and their chunky 235/60 R18 tyres, as they do provide a degree of cushioning to the ride. Overall, though, it offers a solid and stable ride at high speed, with some harshness over larger bumps.

Ride quality is solid and stable, with some harshness over larger bumps.

The new electric power steering (EPS) makes this big MPV very easy to manoeuvre at low speeds, and even when making lane changes on the highway, it gives a degree of confidence to the driver. That said, the previous hydraulic unit wasn’t noticeably heavy or cumbersome, particularly compared to that of an Innova Crysta.

2024 Kia Carnival price and verdict

With the generation-and-a-half leap that the Kia Carnival has taken, the advances over its predecessor are clear to see. It’s most evident in the features and tech, which now feel contemporary and right up there with the best. The updated look, which is modern and even a bit rugged, also adds to the appeal. 

For all the updates, however, the basic proposition remains the same: that of a luxurious MPV that pampers the chauffeur-driven owner in the middle row with vast space and the ability to stretch out while also providing space for three more in the back and lots of luggage.

As such, then, its price of Rs 63.9 lakh (ex-showroom), a jump of Rs 20 lakh (it is locally assembled as before), feels excessive. The fact is that MPVs are gaining better acceptance as desirable luxury transport; Kia, as a brand, has grown in stature, and buyers are willing to spend more. And Kia has chosen to make the most of it. There’s a gap between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 1 crore (bookended by two very capable hybrid Toyotas), and while the old Carnival was positioned at the lower end of this space, it’s now moved up to the middle.  

Carnival delivers in spades as a chauffeur-driven vehicle, but the price hike feels excessive.

On paper, the updates might not seem to justify it, but the truth is people are willing to spend for the premium chauffeur-driven experience, as evidenced by the 3,000-plus bookings the new Carnival has received since launch, despite its price. And when it comes to delivering that experience, there’s no doubt the new Carnival has got the goods.

Also See:

New Kia Carnival video review




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New Maruti Dzire variant-wise features, trims and prices explained

Maruti Suzuki recently launched the new fourth-generation Dzire with prices ranging between Rs 6.79 lakh and Rs 10.14 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It continues to be based on the Swift hatchback, shares the same platform and engine but sports a differentiated look. It even goes one up on the equipment front. The new Dzire is available in four trims – LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi+ – and we take a close look at all the features you get in each trim.

2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire trims, variants explained

The Dzire is powered by the same Z12E engine as the Swift: 82hp, 112Nm, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated. It’s available with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard on all four trims; the AMT is available on all but the base trim. The new Dzire also gets a CNG powertrain right from launch, available on the mid-spec VXi and ZXi trims. Coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the Dzire produces 69.75hp and 101.8Nm in CNG spec.

The new Dzire’s ARAI-rated fuel efficiency figure is 24.79kpl in manual form and 25.71kpl in AMT guise. Meanwhile, in CNG spec, the Dzire returns a claimed efficiency of 33.73km/kg.

New Maruti Dzire variant-wise features

Maruti Dzire LXi: Rs 6.79 lakh

Maruti Dzire LXi

Powertrain: petrol-MT

  • Projector halogen headlights
  • LED tail-lights
  • 14-inch steel wheels without covers
  • Shark fin antenna
  • Black and beige dual-tone interior
  • Fabric seat upholstery
  • Adjustable front seat headrests
  • Analogue instrument cluster with MID (multi-information display)
  • All four power windows
  • Auto up/down for the driver-side window
  • Keyless entry
  • Manual AC
  • Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
  • Six airbags
  • Rear defogger
  • 3-point seat belts with reminders for all seats
  • Electronic stability program (ESP)
  • Hill-hold assist
  • ABS with EBD
  • Reverse parking sensors

Maruti Dzire VXi: Rs 7.79 lakh–8.74 lakh

Maruti Dzire VXi

Powertrain: petrol-MT, petrol-AMT, CNG-MT

  • 14-inch steel wheels with covers
  • Chrome finish on the front grille
  • Turn indicators on wing mirrors
  • Body-coloured door handles and wing mirrors
  • Electrically adjustable and foldable wing mirrors
  • Silver insert on dashboard
  • 7-inch touchscreen
  • Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • 4 speakers
  • Steering-mounted controls
  • OTA updates
  • Voice assistant
  • USB and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Height-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Adjustable rear headrests
  • Day/night inside rearview mirror (IRVM)
  • Front roof lamp
  • Rear centre armrest with cupholders
  • Rear AC vents

Maruti Dzire ZXi: Rs 8.89 lakh–9.84 lakh

Maruti Dzire ZXi

Powertrain: petrol-MT, petrol-AMT, CNG-MT

  • Auto LED headlights
  • LED daytime running lamps
  • 15-inch single-tone alloy wheels
  • Chrome window garnish
  • Silver trim and faux wood insert on dashboard
  • Push button start/stop
  • Wireless phone charger
  • Key-operated boot opening
  • Auto AC
  • 6 speakers (including 2 tweeters)
  • Connected car tech
  • Reverse parking camera
  • TPMS

Maruti Dzire ZXi+: Rs 9.69 lakh–10.14 lakh

Maruti Dzire ZXi+

Powertrain: petrol-MT, petrol-AMT

  • 15-inch dual-tone alloys
  • LED front fog lamps
  • Front footwell illumination
  • Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
  • 9-inch touchscreen
  • Arkamys-tuned sound system
  • Single-pane sunroof
  • Coloured MID on instrument console
  • Cruise control
  • Auto-fold wing mirrors on locking the car
  • 360-degree camera

Bookings for the new Dzire are ongoing for a token amount of Rs 11,000, and the introductory prices will be applicable till December 31, 2024. The Dzire rivals the Hyundai Aura, the Tata Tigor and the Honda Amaze, with the Amaze also due to receive an all-new generation next month.

Also See:

Maruti Dzire new vs old: price, engine, features comparison

2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire review: India's favourite sedan massively updated




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Skoda Kylaq price, size and specs compared with rivals

Skoda India has taken the wraps off the Kylaq and revealed its starting price of Rs 7.89 lakh. With the Kylaq, the Czech carmaker has forayed into the heavily populated compact SUV segment, taking on the likes of the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Mahindra XUV 3XO. The compact SUV space is the largest sub-segment in the Indian market, comprising more than 50 percent of all SUV sales.

The Kylaq is an important model for Skoda, positioned at the heart of the market. Here, we are looking at how it compares with its rivals on paper in terms of price, size, and specs.

Skoda Kylaq vs rivals dimensions

Skoda Kylaq vs rivals: dimensions
ModelKylaqNexonBrezzaXUV 3XOVenueSonetMagniteKiger
Length (mm)39953995399539903995399539943991
Width (mm)17831804179018211770179017581750
Height (mm)16191620168516471617164215721605
Wheelbase (mm)25562498250026002500250025002500
Ground clearance (mm)189208-201--205205
Boot space (litres)360382328364-385336405*
Wheel size (inch)1716161716161616

*Without parcel tray

At 3,995mm in length, the Kylaq fits just under the sub-4m mark to be in line with most other compact SUVs, although the XUV 3XO, Kiger, and Magnite are slightly shorter. Overall, the Kylaq sits in the middle of its rivals on nearly every metric, barring wheelbase length and wheel size. Skoda's compact SUV has the second-longest wheelbase, at 2,556mm, after the XUV 3XO, which offers the best-in-class cabin space. The XUV 3XO comfortably accommodates three individuals in the rear, while the others are best reserved for two adults. Therefore, the Kylaq is expected to have more interior space than most of its rivals, if not the XUV 3XO.

The Kylaq and XUV 3XO have the largest alloy wheels on offer and comparable boot spaces. It is the Sonet and the Nexon that boast the largest boots here, with over 380 litres of capacity, while Tata's compact SUV also claims the highest ground clearance, at 208mm.  

Skoda Kylaq vs rivals engine and specs

Skoda Kylaq vs rivals: engine specifications
ModelKylaqNexonBrezzaXUV 3XOVenueSonetMagniteKiger
Type3 cyls turbo 3 cyls turbo4 cyls NA3 cyls turbo/3 cyls turbo4 cyls NA/3 cyls turbo4 cyls NA/3 cyls turbo3 cyls NA/3 cyls turbo3 cyls NA/3 cyls turbo
Displacement999cc1199cc1462cc1197cc/1197cc (TGDi)1197cc/998cc1197cc/998cc999cc/999c999cc/999c
Power 115hp120hp103hp111hp/131hp83hp/120hp83hp/120hp72hp/100hp72hp/100hp
Torque178Nm170Nm137Nm200Nm/230Nm114Nm/172Nm114Nm/172Nm96Nm/160Nm96Nm/160Nm
MT gearbox6MT5MT/6MT5MT6MT/6MT5MT/6MT5MT/6iMT5MT5MT
AT gearbox 6AT6AMT/7DCT6AT 6AT7DCT7DCT5MT, CVT 5MT, CVT

The Kylaq is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 115hp and 178Nm of torque. From the other Skoda-VW cars that this engine does duty in, along with our drive in a prototype, we know it is responsive, relatively refined, and delivers strong acceleration. The 6-speed manual and the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes will also be carried over.

The Kylaq comes with a single engine, whereas most competitors offer at least two options. However, it finds itself right in the middle of the pack in terms of power and torque figures – it's more powerful than all entry-level, naturally aspirated engines of its rivals but slightly less powerful than the turbo-petrol units. The XUV 3XO, with the 131hp TGDi engine, remains the most powerful in its class. Meanwhile, the Brezza gets the largest engine, but it's the only one to miss out on a turbo-petrol unit.

It’s worth mentioning that the likes of the Nexon, XUV 3XO, Venue, and Sonet are also available with a diesel engine. The percentage of diesel buyers in this class is less than the majority and shrinking, but the said models at least offer that option. The Brezza and the Nexon are the only models in this class to get a factory-fitted CNG kit.

Skoda Kylaq price

Skoda Kylaq vs rivals: price
Ex-showroom, IndiaKylaqNexonBrezzaXUV 3XOVenueSonetMagniteKiger
Entry-level price7.898.008.347.797.947.995.996.00
Top-spec price14 (est.)15.0013.9815.4913.5314.9211.5011.23

Skoda has yet to reveal the full price list of the Kylaq, though it has confirmed that the entry-level Classic trim will be priced at Rs 7.89 lakh. With prices expected to rise to about Rs 14 lakh for the top-spec Prestige automatic variant, the Kylaq is expected to be well-priced compared to rivals like the Nexon, Brezza, XUV 3XO, Venue and Sonet. However, the Magnite and Kiger continue to be the most affordable compact SUVs on sale in India. 

Also see:

Citroen C3 automatic vs rivals: price, specifications compared

Tata Nexon CNG vs rivals: price, specifications comparison




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