Uno Minda introduced a special subwoofer that is installed under the car seat

Tata Motors is working on creating a new SUV. According to reports, developers are creating a mid-size crossover under the codename Kuno. The company aims to expand its portfolio of mid-size electric vehicles, and this new car will compete with the MG Windsor.

According to Autocar, the launch of this model could take place between 2027 and 2028. It is expected that this SUV will have a length of 4.3 meters and will be assembled at the Sanand plant in Gujarat. Employees familiar with the project reported that the company plans to produce between 80,000 and 100,000 units annually.

The main target audience for the Tata Kuno will be buyers of family cars who place great importance on space, comfort, and everyday practicality. The car will combine the coupe-crossover concept, similar to the Curve, with positioning similar to the Sierra lifestyle. Thus, Tata will present a new model with a different body type, aimed at mid-sized consumers.

This vehicle will be part of Tata Motors' product portfolio along with the Next Generation Nexon (codename Garuda), Curve, and Sierra. Currently, information regarding the commercial name, final specifications, and price remains unknown.

It is reported that Kuno is being developed taking into account the needs of consumers interested in mid-size SUVs who are considering options like the MG Windsor and other monocoque electric vehicles. Since the car will be built on a fully electric platform, this will simplify the engineers' work.

Previously, Tata vehicles were produced on platforms suitable for both internal combustion engines (ICE) and electric vehicles (EV). However, in the case of Kuno, an electric platform will be used, which will provide greater freedom in determining the placement of the battery, engine, and cabin. The focus during development will be on passenger capacity, luggage storage convenience, and ease of daily use.

How much this car differs from other Tata electric models remains to be seen. Final characteristics and cost will also play a decisive role. Currently, there are no details regarding the battery, range, charging capacity, and powertrain. Tata Motors' direct competitor in this segment is the MG Windsor, and Kuno will be the third product in the company's mid-size electric segment.

If you are looking for a stylish, affordable, and feature-rich SUV, now might be the best time to buy. However, if you want something truly standout, the choice of options becomes more limited.

The new brand Chery is entering this market with iCAUR, which introduced two distinct electric vehicles this year, aiming to please the buyer's inner child. Even the bright orange dealerships are designed to resemble model car boxes.

While the smaller V23 model, featuring a 'Cruiser' retro style and custom wrapping capability, attracted the most attention, the larger 03T model is also of significant interest.

Unlike attempts to imitate classic SUVs, the 03T boasts a sportier and more modern exterior, with hints of Japanese angular city design.

Features and Performance

The model is available in two transmission variants. The dual-motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) version delivers 205 kW of power and is equipped with a 69.7 kWh battery, providing an advertised range of 436 km. The smaller Rear-Wheel Drive (2WD) model, tested over a week, is more restrained: its single motor transmits 135 kW to the rear axle. Nevertheless, its 65 kWh battery is almost the same capacity as the AWD's and has an advertised range of 431 km.

Both variants support fast DC charging, allowing them to charge from 10% to 80% in just about 30 minutes.

During a trip to a rural Parkrun on a cold Saturday, the 2WD 03T provided a comfortable and stable ride even on rougher dirt surfaces. The author happened to speak with the owner of an identical 03T, who was thrilled with his purchase and charges it exclusively using solar panels at home. This is another characteristic of electric vehicles: if they are not connected to solar panels, they essentially become a vehicle with an unreliable energy source that predominantly relies on burning coal.

Regarding dynamics, the 2WD test unit proved adequate, not outstanding. If truly effortless performance is required, one might consider paying an extra R60,000 for the AWD version. Furthermore, the test vehicle's charging consumption was slightly higher than expected; by rough calculation, the real-world range is closer to 350–400 km.

Minimalist and Practical Interior

The interior features an angular and simple design, matching the overall exterior aesthetic, and the perceived quality is impressive. However, the vehicle lacks physical buttons or controls, and in the author's opinion, the vehicle relies too heavily on its large 15.6-inch touchscreen. Even mirror adjustments are done via this screen.

Wireless charging with 50W capacity is conveniently located on the upper center console, and there are also three USB ports, including a Type-C port. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay operate wirelessly.

The 03T demonstrates acceptable practicality thanks to ample legroom and headroom for rear passengers, as well as a 450-liter trunk. The trim levels are generous: all models feature black leather upholstery, cabin lighting, climate control, and electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation.

Driver assistance functions include adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot detection, forward collision warning, and rear collision warning.

Conclusion

The iCAUR 03T 2WD combines a distinctive angular design, comfortable ride, and rich features with useful daily practicality. The main compromises are average performance, a screen-centric cabin, and real-world range, but it remains an attractive electric SUV for drivers who value individuality over sheer speed.

The price for the 03T 2WD is R639,900, while the AWD version is sold for R699,900.

Hyundai has released its new mid-size crossover model, the Bayon. This new SUV is available in several trim levels: HX 2, HX 3, HX 3 Plus, HX 5, HX 6, HX 8, and HX 10. In the most basic configurations, the manufacturer offers a manual transmission.

The Bayon is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that generates 115 horsepower and 143.8 Nm of torque. Additionally, the company offers a six-speed manual and a CVT transmission. The trunk capacity of this SUV is 505 liters. Vehicle dimensions are: length 4245 mm, width 1810 mm, and height 1605 mm, with a wheelbase reaching 2600 mm. The starting price for this vehicle is 9.99 lakh rupees, including export duties.

Let's look at the features of the most affordable, base version of the Hyundai Bayon. Primarily, this concerns safety and protection features. Six airbags are standard, even in the base variant. Furthermore, the car is equipped with driving assistance systems such as hill start assist, electronic stability control, vehicle stability control, ABS, and electronic brake force distribution.

Additional safety features include an emergency stop signal, rear parking sensors, Highline tire pressure monitoring system, day/night IR cameras, headlight beam assist function, central locking, automatic door unlocking upon collision detection, automatic door locking upon speed detection, keyless entry, seatbelt reminders, immobilizer, Isofix child seat mounts, and front disc brakes.

Regarding the exterior appearance, this version features LED projector headlights, H-shaped LED daytime running lights and turn signals, as well as H-shaped LED taillights and an LED top stop light. The car also has a rear spoiler, a shark fin antenna, and 16-inch steel wheels supplied with covers.

The interior features a color scheme of black and olive-gray tones. It includes fabric upholstery, a D-shaped steering wheel, manual adjustment of the driver's seat height, a fixed center console armrest, height-adjustable front seat headrests, and a digital instrument cluster.

In terms of comfort and convenience, the vehicle is equipped with front and rear electric windows, manual air conditioning, rear air vents for climate control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, as well as front and rear Type C USB charging ports, a power outlet, and electrically adjustable side mirrors.