Latest news with #BharatNCAP


Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Tata Punch clocks six lakh units in record time: Details, what makes it so popular
Tata Motors has hit a major milestone with its compact SUV , the Punch, which has now crossed the 6 lakh unit production mark in less than four years since its launch in October 2021. Punch's rise has been nothing short of a phenomenon. It was the highest-selling car in India in 2024 and continues to hold a commanding 38% share in the sub-compact SUV segment in FY25. It currently accounts for over a third of Tata's total passenger vehicle sales and continues to show strong momentum with a healthy 15% year-on-year growth. Here's a quick look at what makes this car so popular in the Indian market. Tata Punch production milestone: What's behind the success A big part of this success story is Punch's broad appeal. Nearly 70% of its internal combustion engine buyers are first-time car owners, drawn by its compact dimensions, SUV styling, and safety credentials. Notably, it's also found favour among women buyers, especially in the EV version, where they make up 25% of the ownership. The Punch's practical size, higher ground clearance, and commanding view of the road make it a smart pick for many new drivers. Its reach isn't limited to metros either. As per Tata, 24% buyers come from Tier 1 cities, 42% from Tier 2, and 34% from Tier 3 towns, showing how Punch has made its mark across India's diverse landscape. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo How Tata makes CNG cars in Pune: Plant visit and production process | TOI Auto The SUV's wide powertrain lineup: petrol, CNG, and electric, adds to its versatility. The petrol version uses a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine making 88 PS and 115 Nm of torque, available with both manual and AMT gearboxes. There's also a CNG version with 73.5 PS and 103 Nm output, paired with a 5-speed manual. Tata's dual-cylinder setup in the CNG variant ensures usable boot space, which is rare in the segment. The EV version builds further on the Punch's credentials, offering clean mobility with the highest Bharat NCAP rating among Tata EVs. The Tata Punch comes with a lot of useful and modern features. It gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system by Harman with Bluetooth, navigation, and connected car tech using an in-built e-SIM. You also get a 6-speaker sound system and a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster. Comfort features include automatic AC and cruise control, while higher variants add a sunroof, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear defogger. Speaking of safety, the Punch ICE variant earned a 5-star adult safety rating and 4-star child safety score from Global NCAP, while the EV variant scored the highest ever rating among all Tata models under Bharat NCAP. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .


Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Tata Motors produces over 6 lakh units of Punch within 4 years of launch
Tata Motors ' compact SUV , the Punch , has surpassed a production milestone of 6 lakh units in less than four years since its launch in October 2021. The Punch was introduced as a sub-compact SUV aimed at providing an affordable SUV option to Indian buyers. In 2024, it became the highest-selling passenger vehicle in India, according to the homegrown carmaker. The vehicle is available in petrol, CNG, and electric powertrain options and has received 5-star safety ratings under both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP protocols. It accounted for 36 per cent of Tata Motors' overall passenger vehicle (PV) sales and held a 38 per cent market share in the sub-compact SUV category in FY25. More first-time buyers prefer Tata Punch ICE Ownership trends show that nearly 70 per cent of ICE Punch owners are first-time buyers, while 25 per cent of owners are women, according to the company statement. Geographically, the model has a balanced spread of demand, with 24 per cent of buyers from tier-1 cities, followed by tier-2 (42 per cent), and tier-3 (34 per cent).


Mint
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Mint
Maruti Suzuki hikes Baleno, Ertiga prices after making 6 airbags standard
Maruti Suzuki India has announced a price hike for two of its popular models, the Baleno and Ertiga, following the introduction of six airbags as a standard safety feature. The revised pricing, effective immediately, reflects an average increase of up to 1.4 per cent, the company stated in a regulatory filing on Wednesday. According to the automaker, the inclusion of additional airbags has led to a 1.4 per cent rise in the ex-showroom price of the Ertiga, while the Baleno will see a more modest increase of 0.5 per cent. Post-hike, the Baleno, a premium hatchback, now ranges from ₹ 6.7 lakh to ₹ 9.92 lakh, whereas the Ertiga, a popular multi-purpose vehicle, is priced between ₹ 8.97 lakh and ₹ 13.25 lakh (ex-showroom). The move aligns with growing consumer demand for enhanced in-car safety features, as well as stricter vehicle safety norms in India. Meanwhile, it was reported last month that the Baleno recently achieved notable results in the latest round of crash testing conducted under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP). The model secured a four-star rating for adult occupant protection and a three-star rating for child safety. The Baleno was assessed in two configurations, one equipped with six airbags and another with just two. The six-airbag variant earned 26.52 out of 32 points for adult protection, slightly outperforming the two-airbag version, which received 24.04 points. Interestingly, both models scored an identical 34.81 out of 49 in child occupant protection. In the Frontal Offset Deformable Barrier Test, both versions scored 11.54 out of 16. However, results varied in the Side Movable Deformable Barrier Test, where the two-airbag version surprisingly outperformed the six-airbag model, registering 14.99 points compared to 12.50. Despite the mixed results in side-impact assessments, the Baleno was lauded for offering a comprehensive range of safety features. These include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Hold Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), as well as front seatbelts equipped with pre-tensioners and force limiters.


Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Pioneer VREC-H520DC dashcam review: A worthy investment or just an expensive toy?
The Pioneer VREC-H520DC dashcam gets a clear HD display to preview recordings. Check Offers A recent survey of 3,000 car owners across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore found that nearly 48 per cent consider front and rear dashcams the most important feature new cars should come equipped with, ranked even above six airbags or Bharat NCAP ratings. The shift is tied to growing concerns about road rage, accidents, and insurance disputes, situations where video evidence can make a real difference. To address this growing interest, Pioneer introduced a range of dashcams in India in 2024, with prices starting at ₹ 5,399 and topping out at ₹ 23,499. One of the higher-end models in this lineup is the Pioneer VREC-H520DC, a dual-channel setup officially priced at ₹ 18,499. It offers features like a 2K QHD, 5 MP front camera with Sony's Starvis 2 sensor, a 1080p rear camera, GPS tracking, Wi-Fi connectivity and parking surveillance. On paper, it sounds well-equipped, but how does it perform in real-world conditions? Here's what we found. Pioneer VREC-H520DC: Design and build Inside the box, the H520DC includes the front and rear cameras, a micro-USB cable to connect them, a USB-C power cable, a 12V adapter, and two electrostatic mounting sheets. While installation is fairly straightforward, it's a bit disappointing that cable management clips aren't included, considering the price. The main unit resembles a compact digital camera and feels solidly built, while the rear unit is smaller and easier to hide, but doesn't match the front in terms of material quality. A 3-inch screen on the back of the front camera is bright and usable in all lighting. The front lens offers a 143-degree field of view and uses the Sony IMX675 Starvis 2 sensor. There are six buttons in total: four below the screen for navigation, and two on the side for power and switching channels. The Pioneer VREC-H520DC supports microSD cards of upto 512 gb. The front camera mount is adjustable in both rotation and tilt, but the rear mount only allows tilt adjustment once fixed in place. Fortunately, the electrostatic sheets can be repositioned easily for minor alignment corrections. Pioneer VREC-H520DC: App and user experience The camera pairs with Pioneer's 'ZenVue' app, available on Android and iOS. Once connected via Wi-Fi, users can view footage, switch channels, and transfer files. While pairing was seamless with Android during testing, we did face connection issues with an iOS device. The app itself is minimal and easy to navigate, but we did encounter a bug early on. After a firmware update, the on-screen text on the camera disappeared, and the menus were still functional but completely blank. A factory reset fixed the issue, but it's worth noting for users who may not be familiar with the settings layout. We were only able to fix the glitch because we had luckily remembered where the reset option was in the menu. After setup, the interface is generally straightforward, both on the app and the camera. Features like loop recording, parking mode (which requires a separate hardwire kit), and emergency event recording are available. ADAS alerts are also included. There's an option to turn off the sound alerts or entirely disable the feature if it becomes a distraction. Pioneer VREC-H520DC: Performance and video quality Like many dashcams, the unit warms up slightly in use due to its bright display and Wi-Fi chip, but not to an alarming level. Daytime video quality is quite sharp, and license plates are clearly visible from about two car lengths. Night performance is decent, too, with the Sony sensor doing a good job in low-light traffic. However, smaller plates on two-wheelers or autorickshaws can still be hard to read, especially in motion. The 1080p rear camera is sufficient for basic rear coverage during the day, though it doesn't hold up well in low light to be able to recognise plates while on the move. Still, thanks to the wide-angle lenses, coverage is broad enough to capture most relevant activity around the vehicle. The rear unit is small and easy to conceal. Motion sensing for automatic emergency recordings works reliably, and the sensitivity can be adjusted to suit different driving conditions. GPS data, including location and speed, is consistently recorded in the video files, which can be useful for insurance claims or reviewing incidents. Additionally, there is also a hotkey to start and stop recording the audio in case of emergencies. One of the four navigation buttons is mapped to the mute/unmute switch, which can prove useful when someone comes up to your window to have a chat. Whether it is a road rage scenario or a cop situation, you can always be rolling the tapes. Furthermore, the screen turns off the display, which makes it non-obnoxious is such situations. As for ADAS alerts, they didn't have much practical impact on typical city traffic. The only frequent alert was a vague 'front vehicle motion detected' message accompanied by a chime. Since looking at the camera while driving isn't feasible, these alerts don't add much to the experience and may be better left disabled. The image quality of the Pioneer VREC-H520DC is decent to serve the purpose which it is built for. Pioneer VREC-H520DC: Verdict The Pioneer VREC-H520DC delivers on its core purpose, which is capturing clear, reliable footage during both day and night. Its dual-channel setup, intuitive interface, and dependable build give it an edge over generic budget models. However, it's not without flaws, software bugs, limited ADAS utility and a few missing installation aids slightly undercut the experience. While the official ₹ 18,499 price tag is not very affordable, it can be considered for the price at which it is available on e-commerce platforms around the ₹ 13,000 mark. It is a capable option for users mainly interested in good-quality dashcam footage and basic parking surveillance. However, if your main goal is to add meaningful ADAS functions to an older vehicle, this model might fall short of expectations. Overall, the H520DC is a solid offering, being good at its primary function of recording accidental events and proof-keeping. First Published Date: 05 Jul 2025, 08:44 AM IST


India Today
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Tata begins production of Harrier.ev
Tata Motors has officially commenced production of the the first unit was rolled off the production line at Tata Motors' Pune of the are set to begin in July Motors officially began accepting bookings for its flagship electric SUV, the on July 2, following the announcement of its pricing on June 27. Given below are the variant-wise (ex-showroom) prices of the (kWh)Price (ex-showroom)Adventure (RWD)65Rs 21.49 lakhAdventure S (RWD)65Rs 21.99 lakhFearless+ (RWD)65Rs 23.99 lakhFearless+ (RWD)75Rs 24.99 lakhEmpowered (RWD)75Rs 27.49 lakhEmpowered (QWD)75Rs 28.99 lakhadvertisementReinforcing its commitment to safety, the has achieved a 5-star rating under Bharat NCAP, securing a perfect 32/32 for adult occupant safety and 45/49 for child protection—one of the highest safety scores in the is offered in various configurations, featuring two battery options: 65kWh and 75kWh. Both are equipped with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) single-motor setup by default, while the 75kWh variant also offers an all-wheel-drive (AWD) dual-motor configuration for enhanced output for the RWD versions stands at 238bhp and 315Nm, whereas the AWD variant produces 313hp and 504Nm, positioning the among the most powerful electric SUVs in the Indian it comes to driving range, the 65kWh RWD variant offers a claimed 538km, while the 75kWh RWD and AWD versions deliver up to 627km and 622km, respectively (as per the MIDC Part 1 + Part 2 cycle).Charging capabilities are a highlight, with support for DC fast charging up to 120kW, enabling 20–80% charging in just 25 minutes. Additionally, the can gain 250km of range in only 15 minutes. For home charging, Tata offers 7.2kW and 3.3kW AC chargers. The SUV also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) at up to 3.3kW and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging at up to the features 19-inch alloy wheels with aero inserts, LED bi-projector headlamps, dynamic turn indicators, and illuminated ORVMs that project the "Harrier" logo. Customers can choose from four exterior colours: Nainital Nocturne, Empowered Oxide, Pure Grey, and Pristine White—along with a distinctive Stealth Edition with matte black finishes and dark-themed the offers a premium cabin experience dubbed the Zenith Suite. Highlights include ventilated and powered front seats (6-way for the driver with memory and 4-way for the passenger), a voice-activated panoramic sunroof, manual rear sunshades, rear headrests, and Power Boss Mode for added rear legroom. Storage is generous, with a rear boot capacity of 502 litres, expandable to 999 litres, and a frunk offering 35 litres (QWD) or 67 litres (RWD) of space. Ambient lighting adapts to drive modes and music for an immersive cabin the technology and safety front, the SUV includes Level 2 ADAS with over 20 features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking capable of detecting pedestrians, vehicles, and cyclists. Other notable features include seven airbags (including a knee airbag), ESP with i-VBAC, Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS), TPMS, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlamps, and an SOS emergency call bolstering customer confidence, Tata Motors is offering a lifetime battery warranty, underscoring its focus on long-term reliability and customer to Auto Today Magazine- Ends