Weekly news round-up: Venue driven, Kia Seltos is SP2i, Ignis and Amaze score at GNCAP, and Tiago range updated

The highlight of the past week was clearly the Hyundai Venue drive. We got to experience the 1.0-litre Turbo petrol manual guise in our First Drive Review. Apart from that, the Kia SP2i was spotted undisguised ahead of its global preview and might be called Seltos. Meanwhile, Tata updated the Tiago with added safety features and the NRG with an automatic. Read on for all the highlights from the car world in our weekly round-up. 

2019 Hyundai Venue 1.0 Turbo Petrol First Drive Review

And after endless speculations and a barrage of spy pictures of the prototypes, we have now driven the real deal. In fact, what we have here might be the sweet spot in the Venue’s line-up,- thee SX 1.0 petrol with a six-speed manual.

Renault to examine merger proposal from FCA

Renault’s Board of Directors is currently examining a proposal received from FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) regarding a potential 50/50 merger between Renault S.A. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The merger would make the alliance the third largest in the world after Toyota and Volkswagen.

Harrier and Compass commence testing of BS-VI compliant diesel engine

FCA’s BS-VI compliant 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel engine from the upcoming Compass Trailhawk will also make its way under the hood of the standard versions of the Compass as well as the Tata Harrier. The duo was recently spotted undergoing testing together as both these SUVs share the same diesel engine, although in different states of tune.

Skoda Superb facelift and Skoda Karoq coming to India by mid-2020

Skoda has confirmed that the recently revealed Superb facelift and the long-awaited Karoq SUV will make it to our shores by the middle of next year. The Superb facelifts get subtle cosmetic updates and have a hybrid powertrain added to the line-up. On the other hand, the Karoq – which is the brand’s second SUV after the Kodiaq – will take a CBU route and will rival the likes of Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Compass.

Kia Seltos is the SP2i SUV in production guise

The production-spec Kia SP2i Signature has been spotted in production guise as the Seltos, possibly during its TVC/advertisement shoot. The official global reveal will take place in India on June 20 with a launch expected to take place later this year.

India-made Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Honda Amaze underwent GNCAP testing

India manufactured, Africa-spec Honda Amaze has scored four stars at Global NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) safety test. Meanwhile, the (Maruti) Suzuki Ignis has been rated by GNCAP as well. 

Tata Tiago range updated

Tata Tiago now comes equipped with standard safety features like dual front airbags, ABS and (EBD), corner stability control (CSC), and rear parking sensors. Additionally, the vehicle is also equipped with a seat belt and speed sensing alert system. Tata has also added a new AMT version in the NRG range but with the petrol engine only. 

New car launches in June 2019

The Toyota Glanza and the Jeep Compass Trailhawk will make its debut in the hot-selling hatchback and off-road SUV segment. Meanwhile, Kia and Renault will showcase the SP2i and the Triber, respectively.