(Telecompaper) Vodafone Group has increased the budget for its ongoing share buyback programme by EUR 20 million, to a total of EUR 520 million...

The 68-watt wall charger is down to a new record low of $23 ahead of Black Friday.

I am confused whether I should buy an Audi Q3 Premium Plus or a BYD Atto 3 Dynamic.

Lavya Garg, Gurugram

Autocar India says: Both are very different cars; one is combustion-engined, and the other an EV. The Audi is the safer choice as it feels more premium and can be taken anywhere without worrying about fuelling up. The Atto 3 doesn’t feel as premium but has a lot more tech that makes the Q3 look outdated. Being an EV, the Atto 3 is much easier to drive and has negligible running costs, but it will have poorer resale value.

Also See:

2022 Audi Q3 India review: Back with a bang

2022 Audi Q3 India video review

Audi Q3 Sportback review: The downsized Q8

BYD Atto 3 review: Characterful and slick to drive

BYD Atto 3 real world range test video

GOOD FOR: Features, Composed road manners

LOOK OUT FOR: AMT gearbox, Infotainment

The Tata Punch created the sub-compact SUV segment when it launched in 2021. The Punch has elevated seating, ample ground clearance, a fairly tough build, adequate space and practicality, and the ability to take on challenging road conditions. So, if you are looking for a used small car that has some of the advantages of an SUV, this deserves to be on your shortlist. Here’s what you need to consider. 

Tata Punch powertrain options

Since launch, the Punch has been powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 88hp and 115Nm. It can be had with either a 5-speed manual or an AMT. It features auto engine stop/start to aid fuel efficiency, which results in an ARAI-claimed economy of 18.97kpl for the manual and 18.82kpl for the automatic variants. In August 2023, Tata also introduced CNG variants to the Punch line-up, which uses the same engine but makes a lower 73.4hp and 103Nm. It can only be had with a manual, though. There’s also a Punch EV on sale, but we’ll only be focusing on the ICE version here.

If your usage is going to be only in the city with the rare outstation trip, go for either an AMT or a CNG variant. CNG will give you low running costs if your usage is high, and AMT provides convenience in city traffic. But, if you plan on mixed usage between the city and highway, it’s worth opting for a petrol-manual Punch.

Tata Punch variants, features

At the time of launch, the Tata Punch was available in four basic trims: Pure, Adventure, Accomplished and Creative. As for features, the range-topping Creative trim comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a rear-view camera, cruise control, two airbags, a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, auto projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, auto climate control, auto wipers, a rear wiper and washer, and 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The Tata Punch was also offered with a range of optional customisation packs (like Rhythm Pack and Dazzle Pack) for each trim, which brought in even more features.

Tata also introduced a few special editions along the way, like the Kaziranga Edition and Camo Edition, which brought in cosmetic differences and some feature additions. A sunroof was also added to the equipment list with the launch of the CNG variants. The top-spec Creative is the one to go for if you want all the features and budget isn’t an issue. Otherwise, you can even opt for one of the mid-spec versions with the additional packs, depending on which features you need.

Tata service centres are widespread across the country, and sourcing spare parts shouldn’t be an issue either. Preferably, look for an example that also has an extended warranty package so you get that additional peace of mind that’s necessary when buying a used car.

What to look out for in a used Tata Punch?

AMT gearbox

Although it isn’t common for the AMT gearbox to go wrong, it’s worth inspecting it if you’re buying a two-pedal Punch. Take a test drive and check if the car takes off from a standstill smoothly and without hesitation. Also, ensure that the shifts aren’t very clunky. These are signs of a healthy AMT ’box.

AC cooling

A few owners have faced issues with the Punch’s AC system. Before buying, check if it cools the cabin quickly and effectively, and also look out for any condensation in the front footwell.

Infotainment

Owners have complained about the Punch’s Harman infotainment system crashing abruptly and rebooting on its own, so it’s best to get it inspected before buying. Ensure that your phone pairs seamlessly, the system isn’t laggy, and the software is up to date.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING

The Punch makes for a good family car as it has 90-degree-opening doors that make ingress/egress easy. It has received a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP for adult occupant protection.

Second hand Tata Punch price, resale value

You can find used examples for anywhere between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, depending on the trim, powertrain and year of manufacture. However, refrain from spending over Rs 7 lakh-7.5 lakh as you’d be better off buying a brand new one. As the Punch received an update recently, you can use that to haggle for a better deal.

Also see:

Updated Tata Punch launched, price starts at Rs 6.13 lakh

Updated Tata Punch price, variants, features explained

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch comparison: Lightweight champs

I’m thinking of buying a new car, but I’m confused between the Audi A4 and the Audi Q3 Sportback. The A4 is a bit cheaper, at Rs 46 lakh, but it’s going to be discontinued in 2025. The Q3 Sportback is a bit more expensive – Rs 50 lakh – but it’s newer and might hold its value better. What do you think I should do? I like the A4 a lot.

Purav Patel, Nashik

Autocar India says: Both the Audi A4 and Audi Q3 are good cars, but we would pick the A4 because it’s nicer to drive. In fact, the A4 is the best luxury sedan in its class thanks to a smooth and peppy engine, exceptional ride and a solid build. The Q3 is more practical if you are driving mainly on rough roads, and it has a more comfortable back seat – the A4’s a bit cramped at the rear. We understand the resale value concerns, but we would still pick the A4 over the Q3, and that Rs 4 lakh saving could offset the lower resale value when you eventually sell it.

Also See:

2022 Audi Q3 India video review

2022 Audi Q3 India review: Back with a bang

2021 Audi A4 facelift video review

2021 Audi A4 facelift review, test drive

I currently drive a BMW X5, and I’m looking to upgrade to the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV or the Range Rover Sport. What would you recommend?

Suraj M, Gurugram

Autocar India says: If you mainly drive within the city with the odd weekend outing, the EQS SUV is a good choice. It’s smoother and faster, has a futuristic interior and is far more refined than the Range Rover Sport. If you are planning to do a lot of highway driving, then the RR Sport is better. It also has a better back seat and more legroom than the EQS SUV. 

Also See:

New Range Rover Sport video review

New Range Rover Sport review: More than just good looks

Mercedes EQS SUV review: High on EQ

Mercedes EQS SUV video review

Contrary to the Mini in its name, the Countryman is a large, four-door, spacious crossover squarely aimed at family buyers. Now in its third generation, it has undergone some revolutionary changes, and for the first time ever, it’ll be sold with an electric heart, along with the ICE versions. For India, though, Mini has only introduced the Countryman EV as an import, which, due to its single-motor, front-wheel drive setup, is priced rather competitively at Rs 55 lakh. 

But India’s entry-level luxury EV segment is quite populated, by electric car standards at least. It includes the BYD Seal and Hyundai Ioniq 5 at one end – priced sub-Rs 50 lakh – and the Mercedes-Benz EQA (Rs 66 lakh) and BMW iX1 (Rs 67 lakh) on the other end. So, how does the new Mini Countryman EV stack up?

2024 Mini Countryman: design

With dimensions larger than a Jeep Compass, this new Countryman can be termed as anything but small.

Think Mini, and you’d visualise a compact hatchback. However, with dimensions larger than a Jeep Compass, this new Countryman can be termed as anything but small. Despite its size, a curvy design language and smooth body lines devoid of cuts or creases make it appear chic and urbane rather than brawny and intimidating. Executed with undeniable panache is the matte champagne-coloured garnishing around its closed-off front grille and on the C-Pillar and the front, side and rear skid plates. Even the Mini logos and the Countryman badge are finished in this shade.

Our test car was fitted with optional 19-inch alloys sporting the champagne scheme, although 17-inch alloys come as standard. A wraparound glass area and a blackened roof mask the Countryman EV’s height well, lending it a wagon-like silhouette. Adding to its feel-good factor are the (optional) LED DRL eyebrows and matrix LED tail-lamps that have a customisable light show upon locking or unlocking.

2024 Mini Countryman: interior, features

Like Minis of yore, its cabin is minimalistic with a circular theme.

Like yesteryear Minis, the Countryman EV’s cabin has a minimalistic theme with circular elements. The centre of attraction is a 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen, which is exceptional in terms of its usability and responsiveness, and its clarity is second to none. Furthermore, fun themes, funky animations and musical notifications will most certainly make you smile while operating it. This screen also doubles up as the speedometer and driver display, which is inconvenient to read on the move. You could consider opting for the Favoured Pack, which gets you a head-up display (HUD) bundled with several other extras, for an additional Rs 4.60 lakh. And while the HUD does make it convenient to read the speed, the unit is simply too basic, especially when compared to the ones available in hatchbacks at a fraction of this Mini’s cost.

The dashboard is replete with fabric made out of recycled materials. However, its open-pore texture might not be ideal for our dusty conditions. It is finished in blue and neatly fades into a shade of brown towards the rear half of the car; the seats are also brown. The champagne-coloured theme is carried over on the inside and is the most prominent around the air vents and on the vertical door handles.

The optional JCW Sport driver’s seat on our test car is too sculpted and firm for comfort; hence, it is an option we recommend you uncheck. It has a seat massaging function, though. Things are a bit better at the rear. Space is adequate, the backrest reclines, and even though the floor height is raised and you’re seated in a knees-up position, it is still quite comfortable. Also, accommodating a third passenger is possible due to a flat floor and a broad seat.

Being the more practical Mini, the Countryman has an abundance of storage areas; the central console shelf and door pockets are huge, and even its 460-litre boot is large. Sadly, it isn’t equipped with a spare tyre beneath the floor.

As far as its equipment goes, the Mini gets the aforementioned OLED touchscreen, LED lights, 17-inch alloys, rear-view camera and panoramic sunroof, among others. Customisable LED lights, electrically operable boot and drive modes are some of the optional extras bundled in the Classic Trim, which costs Rs 2 lakh more. In addition, buyers who want a head-up display, JCW Sport seats, 19-inch alloys and a Harman Kardon sound system will need to opt for the earlier-mentioned Favoured Pack. However, this Mini still misses ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, side and curtain airbags, and adjustable regen via steering-mounted paddle shifters.

2024 Mini Countryman: powertrain, performance

The talking point of this EV is its 66.45kWh (gross capacity) battery, which it shares with its platform-mate, the BMW iX1. But unlike its BMW cousin, which uses a twin-motor setup, the Mini makes do with a single-motor, front-wheel-drive setup. And while its motor makes 204hp, its 250Nm torque output doesn’t impress, especially when compared to turbo-petrol cars available at half its price.

There’s no storage area beneath its bonnet.

But then factor in the instantaneous responsiveness of its motor, and you never yearn for more pep while ambling around town or when driving in a leisurely manner, which is how most owners would drive their Countryman EV.

Demand more out of it, though, and its torque curve flattens quickly. The Countryman’s outright performance is lacklustre, and it doesn’t feel as effortless as its rivals. To put its acceleration into perspective, the Mini will sprint from 0-100kph in 8.6 seconds (claimed), slower than a similarly priced Volvo XC40 Recharge front-wheel drive’s 7.3 seconds or a Hyundai Ioniq 5’s 7.5 seconds.

Although adequate, its performance feels muted compared to its rivals.

Interestingly, the Mini features ‘Iconic Sounds’, which gives drivers the option to play synthesised motor sounds via the speakers. These sounds are loudest in the Go-Kart mode, wherein it’ll also emit its own version of ‘pops and bangs’ when you lift off the accelerator pedal. These certainly liven up the drive experience and add a degree of fun to the otherwise quiet and drama-free EV experience.

2024 Mini Countryman: ride, handling

Its Mini-ness is evident when you find yourself on a winding section of a road.

The Mini-ness of the Countryman EV becomes evident when you find yourself on a winding section of a road. Its sharp steering and pointy front end make it feel very agile, and despite its size, it still handles in a ‘go-kart-like’ manner. Ride quality isn’t harsh or jarring per se, but you hear each and every ‘thud’ and ‘thwack’ while driving on our less-than-perfect roads on account of a noisy suspension that’s further exacerbated by its upsized, optional 19-inch wheels. The suspension noise seriously hampers the driving experience, coaxing you to drive with more caution than what the Countryman EV can actually handle.

2024 Mini Countryman: verdict

It’s hard not to be enamoured by the charming new Mini Countryman. Besides oozing character, it carries forward the traditional go-kart-like driving mannerisms associated with Minis, all while being spacious and practical. But the Countryman EV’s proposition isn’t complete – rivals are more comfortable, offer better performance and provide more equipment. So, like other Minis, even this ‘practical’ Countryman is purely an emotional purchase, and if you decide to take the plunge, be rest assured that it’s a car that’ll make you smile every time you’re behind the wheel.

Also see:

2024 Mini Countryman video review

Mini Countryman Electric launched at Rs 54.90 lakh

Electric Mini Cooper JCW gets 258hp

Data gathered from several consulting firms by HT Digital indicated that Bengaluru has maintained its position as the top option for non-resident Indians wishing to invest in India’s residential real estate market, particularly those seeking affordable and mid-segment homes.  The … Continue reading →

The real estate industry in Mumbai has suffered the most as a result of the heavy rains and the numerous cases of waterlogging that have been reported. Real estate experts claim that between July and August, during the monsoon, walk-ins … Continue reading →

Are you trying to find a cozy haven with a view of the city skyline? The desire for luxurious living is growing, and renowned builders like Nitara Projects are fostering this desire by offering strong, innovative, and tastefully designed premium … Continue reading →

Taking amazing photos when you’re exploring the world on your own isn’t an easy task, but having the right tools can help you get there. Here are three amazing photography gadgets every solo traveler can buy without spending a fortune because they come with a low price tag. Bluetooth Shutter Bluetooth shutter barely costs any […]

Jared and guest host Morgan Overholt are back together this week to cover the latest news in SEO and beyond, to talk about progress with their respective side hustles, and to share some weird niche sites and discuss their strategies.…

The post Semrush Buys Search Engine Land! Google Search Falls Apart? appeared first on Niche Pursuits.

We've rounded up some top early Black Friday discounts available at Best Buy right now. Save on TVs, laptops, appliances, and more.

Access Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage, for 42% off -- the lowest price we've seen.

Save $449 on a lifetime Babbel Language Learning subscription and learn 14 new languages with this deal.

We've tested every iPhone model on the market, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Here are your best options.

Code faster and work smarter with a Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 license, now on sale for 94% off.

Fr. Apostolos Hill shares a homily about love based on the Epistle reading from 1 Corinthians 13.

Nationwide predicts a fifth of first time buyers will pay the tax going forward, affecting activity.

The council says instead of selling the land to Lex Greensill it wants to turn it into woodland.

Organisers of the Great Dorset Steam Fair say it costs about £5m to run the event each year.

Customers are some of your best leads. According to a 2022 HubSpot Blog survey of more than 500 sales professionals, more than 70 percent said that upsell and cross-sell drives up to 30 percent of their revenue.

Through the unparalleled espousal of theory of planned behaviour, this study intends to significantly add to the current knowledge on social networking sites (SNS) in <i>eWOM</i> information and its role in defining intentions to buy green products. In specie, this study seeks to first investigate the part played by <i>attitude towards SNS information</i> in influencing the <i>acceptance of SNS information</i> and then by <i>acceptance of SNS information</i> in effecting the <i>green purchase intention</i>. Besides this, it also aims to analyse the influence exerted by first <i>credibility of SNS information</i> on <i>acceptance of SNS information</i> and then by <i>acceptance of SNS information</i> on <i>green purchase intention</i>. In doing so, it also examines how well the age of the SNS users moderates all these four associations.

Aim/Purpose: The current study investigates the relationship between mobile and email marketing and consumer impulse buying tendencies in Pakistan. Background: Technology has become a primary driver for all business operations, which has dramatically transformed the wireless communications marketing paradigm. However, researchers have claimed that further inquiry is still needed to explore the role that distinct and emerging global technologies have on marketing communication strategies. This study explores the linkage of mobile and email marketing on consumers’ impulse buying behavior in Pakistan. Methodology: Primary data were collected through the distribution of 1000 questionnaires among students of different universities within two provinces of Pakistan: Punjab and Khyber Pakhton Khan (KPK). The study was conducted between November 2016 and March 2017. The authors received back 950 surveys, which is a very significant rate of return (95%). Of those submitted, 900 surveys were deemed eligible for analysis after improper documents were eliminated. Structure equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to test the study’s hypotheses. Contribution: This study assists organizations in improving marketing campaigns by focusing more on mobile devices (m-devices) and email medium to better comprehend consumers’ assessment processes at a lower budgetary cost. Such digital considerations could provide innovative possibilities for marketers in approaching their target market by adopting novel methods for information sharing. Findings: The findings revealed a positive association between mobile and email marketing on consumers’ impulse buying tendencies. The comprehensive analysis affirmed; however, there is a higher positive relationship of mobile marketing results compared to email marketing outcomes. There are favorable benefits in considering such emerging methods in marketing communications as promotional strategies are considered by organizations. Recommendations for Practitioners: Marketers are encouraged to evaluate the potential of using both emerging mediums to take advantage of consumer impulse buying habits where m-devices and emails approaches are utilized. Future Research: Future inquiries might examine the global influence of m-devices and email technology toward other buying tendencies of consumers: exploratory, online, variety seeking, habitual, and other emerging complex on-demand buying behavior.

A couple of years ago (I think just after the initial acquisition and when Flickr was being expanded) they offered an "automatic uploader" that scoured your computer and uploaded all images automatically. This sounded great - until I realised you had no control on what was uploaded. My Flickr account has so much junk in it that it would be really hard to clear out - as I have my photos PLUS images I've purchased PLUS images I've downloaded and even scans and stuff like that which I'd never wanted uploaded. These aren't even in albums - so I can't delete them except one-by-one. Fortunately I have my privacy settings set - but not everybody did, and Flickr is a great source for competitive intelligence as a result. Some of the stuff you can find is in the category of "how stupid can you get" (and is a real lesson in the importance of privacy settings). I found a table for a major manufacturer giving volume sales per month 2016 vs. volume sales per month 2015 and YTD value sales. When I was doing the work it was actually current data - invaluable to my client as it was the sort of stuff you cannot ever expect to find but proves there is such as thing as serendipity.

I do recall some colleagues and friends saying that one of the mobile apps that did exactly that by default. Thankfully I have never used any of automatic uploaders. All photos are added manually one by one. Not exactly high tech but a lot safer.

So the wait is over. When it was announced that Verizon was to buy Yahoo! there was concern as to what was going to happen to Flickr. Yahoo! never did much in terms of developing Flickr and what it did do was rubbish. Trying to add the location of your photo is an interesting experience … Continue reading SmugMug buys Flickr – should we stay or should we go? →

Car shoppers have been dealing with inflated vehicle prices for a few years now. With the average price of a new car still pretty high, one option that may have crossed your mind is to buy a car with a salvage title. In the vehicle marketplace, there’s a major stigma attached to buying salvaged cars, […]

The post Should You Buy a Car With a Salvage Title? appeared first on Clark Howard.

Last year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received more than 1 million reports of identity theft! And the AARP found that, “American adults lost a total of $43 billion to identity fraud in 2023.” So, it makes sense that — if protection exists against identity theft exists — you want it. There’s no shortage of […]

The post What Is Identity Theft Insurance and Should You Buy It? appeared first on Clark Howard.

If you’ve traveled enough, you’ve experienced a horror story with lost or misplaced luggage. Money expert Clark Howard says that airlines often struggle to get baggage from Point A to Point B. Airlines have gone through a roller coaster of sorts. The onset of COVID-19 sank travel demand in 2020 and 2021. When restrictions were […]

The post Should I Buy an AirTag for My Checked Airport Luggage? appeared first on Clark Howard.

Jitterbug makes both flip phones and smartphones for seniors. Take a look at the product line, monthly costs, device activation and actual customer reviews.

The post 6 Things To Know Before Buying a Jitterbug Phone on Lively appeared first on Clark Howard.

So, you’ve found a great deal on a new TV. Now you have to decide whether to buy an extended warranty at the point of purchase. Will it be worth it? In this article, we’ll discuss whether an extended warranty for a TV makes financial sense and get money expert Clark Howard’s thoughts. Is an […]

The post Should You Buy an Extended Warranty for Your TV? appeared first on Clark Howard.

Plus: Chrysler minivans recall, the SRT High Performance Tour and Fiat 500 by Gucci.

Privacy: We’ve seen how our digital children’s privacy is violated in everything they buy with cash or credit, in a way our analog parents would have balked at. But even worse: our digital children’s privacy is also violated by tracking what they don’t buy — either actively decline or just plain walk away from.

Amazon just opened its first “Amazon Go” store, where you just pick things into a bag and leave, without ever going through a checkout process. As part of the introduction of this concept, Amazon points out that you can pick something off the shelves, at which point it’ll register in your purchase — and change your mind and put it back, at which point you’ll be registered and logged as having not purchased the item.

Sure, you’re not paying for something you changed your mind about, which is the point of the video presentation. But it’s not just about the deduction from your total amount to pay: Amazon also knows you considered buying it and eventually didn’t, and will be using that data.

Our digital children are tracked this way on a daily basis, if not an hourly basis. Our analog parents never were.

When we’re shopping for anything online, there are even simple plugins for the most common merchant solutions with the business terms “funnel analysis” — where in the so-called “purchase funnel” our digital children choose to leave the process of purchasing something — or “cart abandonment analysis”.

We can’t even simply walk away from something anymore without it being recorded, logged, and cataloged for later use against us.

But so-called “cart abandonment” is only one part of the bigger issue of tracking what we’re interested in in the age of our digital children, but didn’t buy. There is no shortage of people today who would swear they were just discussing a very specific type of product with their phone present (say, “black leather skirts”) and all of a sudden, advertising for that very specific type of product would pop up all over Facebook and/or Amazon ads. Is this really due to some company listening for keywords through the phone? Maybe, maybe not. All we know since Snowden is that if it’s technically possible to invade privacy, it is already happening.

(We have to assume here these people still need to learn how to install a simple adblocker. But still.)

At the worst ad-dense places, like (but not limited to) airports, there are eyeball trackers to find out which ads you look at. They don’t yet change to match your interests, as per Minority Report, but that’s already present on your phone and on your desktop, and so wouldn’t be foreign to see in public soon, either.

In the world of our analog parents, we weren’t registered and tracked when we bought something.

In the world of our digital children, we’re registered and tracked even when we don’t buy something.

Joey Gallo's $8 million mutual option was declined by the Washington Nationals on Sunday, making the first baseman/outfielder a free agent.

Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' Infowars broadcasts could end next week as he faces a court-ordered auction of his company's assets to help pay the more than $1 billion defamation judgment he owes families of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Over the past 20-plus years, I have met with hundreds of business owners around the country consulting on a variety of topics including tax, business valuation, exit planning, and risk management.

The largest obstacle in executing a management buyout is finding the financial ability to pay for the business.