Iveco Daily Minibus starts being sold in Brazil with an eight-speed automatic transmission

Lexus has begun selling the new ES 500e in Brazil, marking the arrival of the brand's first fully electric sedan. This top version of the eighth-generation ES is available at all dealerships for the price of R$ 549,990.

This price represents an increase of R$ 150 thousand compared to the ES 350h, a hybrid model launched in August for R$ 399,990. Lexus emphasizes that the ES is the best-selling car in its world history.

Previously, the company had already made the electric SUV RZ 500e available in the Brazilian market, which was launched in May for R$ 499,990.

Built on a renewed platform, the sedan features larger dimensions compared to the previous generation, measuring 5.15 meters in length and 2.95 meters in wheelbase.

The electric system uses DIRECT4 all-wheel drive, combining a front motor generating 227 hp and 27.3 kgfm with a rear motor of 98 hp and 17.3 kgfm. The combined power reaches 343 hp.

With a battery capacity of 74.7 kWh, the vehicle offers a range of up to 378 km, according to the cycle established by Inmetro. Furthermore, on fast DC chargers, the recharge process from 10% to 80% is completed in just 28 minutes.

Among the innovative features, the Interactive Manual Drive stands out, allowing the driver to simulate gear changes; in M mode, the driver can control power delivery through the paddles located behind the steering wheel.

The ES 500e also incorporates the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 driver assistance package, which includes features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane centering, in addition to being equipped with ten airbags.

Inside, the multimedia center features a 14-inch screen, the largest ever offered by the manufacturer, and the Mark Levinson audio system has 17 speakers.

Buyers have access to the LexusCare program, which extends the warranty at no additional cost for up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometers. This benefit is considered unprecedented among luxury brands in Brazil, according to Lexus itself.

To utilize this extension, the owner must perform maintenance at authorized dealerships after the expiration of the basic five-year warranty. Lexus has 15 dealerships in the country, and customers can also use the Toyota network for maintenance and service checks.

Maruti Suzuki continues to update its range of vehicles. Recently, the updated Baleno Facelift was introduced, and now the company is preparing to release the updated Maruti Fronx model. Work on the phased version of this car is underway, and its test samples have been spotted on the roads multiple times.

The new version of the Maruti Fronx has been spotted again, with the car completely covered in camouflage. Nevertheless, some design elements are visible even under this camouflage. The car will feature elements such as dual-function LED daytime running lights (DRLs), split headlights with black internal elements, and a large front grille.

Changes are expected in the front grille of the updated Fronx. Protective skid plates may be added to give the crossover a bolder appearance. The car has also been seen with existing alloy wheels.

The overall exterior look of the updated version will remain similar to the current Fronx, with significant changes focusing specifically on the front end. The rear section is not expected to undergo radical changes. The new Fronx will be equipped with a range of new features, including Level 2 ADAS, which was previously implemented in the Baleno Facelift.

Level 2 ADAS features will include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beam assist. In the cabin, the company plans minimal changes, but options such as keyless start, automatic climate control, six airbags, a 360-degree camera, a Head-Up Display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support will be available.

The car will retain characteristics such as electrically adjustable rearview mirrors, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, wireless phone charging, a 9-inch touchscreen system, ventilated seats, and other conveniences.

The main change might occur in the engine. The new Fronx may be fitted with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder Z12E engine, used in the company's latest models such as Baleno, Dzire, and Swift. According to available data, Maruti is also working on an economical hybrid system that could potentially appear in the Fronx, although its release is not expected anytime soon.

Currently, the car is available at a starting price from 6.90 lakh rupees for the exterior. When used in CNG mode, fuel consumption is 28.51 kilometers per kilogram.

Maruti is working on creating a new seven-seater car model that was recently spotted during testing. This is not the first time a future seven-seater model from the company has appeared. It is assumed that Maruti is releasing an electric seven-seater MPV.

In the MPV segment, Maruti Suzuki dominates with the Ertiga model. However, other manufacturers have started offering electric vehicles in this segment, and Maruti intends not to fall behind, so the company began preparing for this project.

The latest spy shots allowed for a look at some details of the front end, side profile, and interior of the vehicle. The absence of an exhaust pipe in these pictures indicates that the car is electric. Additionally, signs of a battery pack under the floor and high-voltage cables are visible.

This upcoming electric seven-seater SUV is internally codenamed YMC (Maruti YMC). This will be Maruti's first electric seven-seater model. Currently, little is known about the car from Maruti Suzuki. The car's design features SUV characteristics, and its exterior appears inspired by the e-Vitara. It is possible that the company is using the Heartec-e/27 PL platform for this car, as the e-Vitara was developed on it.

The company could potentially introduce this vehicle next year, although Maruti Suzuki has made no official statements about it. The latest shots also showed the rear of the car, equipped with end-to-end LED taillights. The company may launch this model through Nexa showrooms. The car might be fitted with 18-inch wheels, as well as all LED lighting elements, body cladding, and other exterior options.

Furthermore, the car may be equipped with ADAS systems, a TFT instrument panel, and other features. This model could enter the market with a 61 kWh battery and a claimed range of 500 kilometers.