Renault-Nissan is also evaluating the possibility of launching a 4x4 variant at a later stage.

Last month, Renault and Nissan announced their plans to launch four new SUVs in India. These include two models based on the localized version of the CMF-B platform. We have just received new information on Renault and Nissan’s upcoming SUVs.

According to sources, Renault-Nissan aims to make these crossovers look, feel and drive like vehicles from a segment above. It is said to be the most ambitious project the brands have ever undertaken in India, with the senior management personally overseeing the development.

Unlike the Kiger and Magnite, which share the same platform, but have totally different designs, most of the sheet metal will be shared among the new CMF-B SUVs to optimize economies of scale. However, soft parts like the bumpers, grille, etc. will be different to give them a distinct visual identity. Each car will boast unique interiors while incorporating shared components.

Renault-Nissan’s new CMF-B SUVs are likely to get two turbo-petrol engine options, with as many as four gearbox options at launch. The carmakers are also evaluating the possibility of launching a 4x4 variant at a later stage.

Renault and Nissan haven’t revealed the exact launch timeline for the upcoming models. 7-seater derivates of the SUVs could also be on the cards.

Thanks to the Team-BHP fan (he prefers to remain anonymous) who sent this information in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts via this Team-BHP share page!

The Renault Duster is expected to be launched in India by late 2025.

Renault and Nissan have confirmed four new SUVs for the Indian market. The carmaker plans to introduce two midsize SUVs, which include the new Renault Duster and its Nissan version. Both models will also spawn their respective 7-seater derivatives.

Renault-Nissan has released a teaser showing the upcoming SUVs in their concept form. Both models will be based on the localized version of the CMF-B platform. 

The Renault version looks quite similar to the European-spec Duster. The aggressive-looking front end features a rectangular grille flanked by slim headlamps with integrated LED DRLs. The Nissan version adopts a completely different design with L-shaped LED DRLs connected by an LED light bar and a chrome strip running across the front end.

Renault and Nissan haven’t revealed the exact launch timeline for the upcoming models. However, we can expect the Renault Duster to arrive by late 2025, followed by Nissan’s 5-seater SUV and subsequently the 7-seater iterations.

As a rule, we always get the fully-loaded trim. Didn't buy the top variant of the Nissan Sunny as it was the beater car of the house. In the ensuing years, I did regret it.

GTO recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Even as gearheads, we can sometimes veer off the intended path due to a multitude of reasons. We have several gold-standard threads on Team-BHP with advice on purchasing cars, yet as an enthusiast, I have to sheepishly admit that I have broken the rules sometimes.

Pre-Owned Honda Civic

Bought it without a test-drive . The showroom was in the far suburbs (1.5-2 hours one way from my office) and I had an experienced petrolhead team member check it out in detail. But the real reason I was okay with not TD'ing it is, I pinged my contact at Honda Cars India. They did a detailed PDI & test-drive and gave me the all clear. Honda's team & engineers surely know more about cars than I do, so I was satisfied.

BMW 530d

Didn't bargain, ended up paying the asking price! Truth be told, negotiating on price is like pulling teeth for me. I love fixed-price stores. Had already lost on a few 530d deals because they were a hot moving item so I had to move fast. In the long run frankly, that supposed extra 1-2 lakhs I paid doesn't matter at all. I absolutely loved the car and was fine with paying a small premium to close it. Time is money. Plus, the car is now in its 11th year and I am still in l-o-v-e with it. I would do it again since, with used cars, you anyway save so much money that a lakh or two here and there doesn't matter for the right car.

Skoda Superb

Bought a car with a known failure point (DSG) and suspect long-term reliability. But we'd fallen head over heels for the Superb L&K as an all-round package, got a great deal (33-lakhs OTR) and are prepared for some maintenance headaches in the longer run. Skoda now offers long 8-year warranties (was 6 years at the time of my purchase), while I have access to great independent garages for the later out-of-warranty years. Am fine with 10 days of downtime in a year as long as the other 355 days bring me driving pleasure. In general now, my preferences are more aligned with European cars over the more-reliable Japanese.

Nissan Sunny

As a rule, we always buy the fully-loaded trim. Didn't buy the top variant Sunny as it was the beater car of the house. In the ensuing years, I did regret it. The top-variant's price premium was worth it for the keyless entry & go, alloy wheels, foglamps, nicer instrument cluster etc . Never again - only top variants for us. This was a rare detour.

Mercedes C180

Family bought the wretched C180 in the year 2003 over obviously superior cars like the Camry, purely due to the badge. Was eventually replaced with a spectacular C220 6-speed MT that we enjoyed for 9 years & 1+ lakh km.

Here's what BHPian SidTheChamp had to say about the matter:

Back in 2014, I bought my then-second-year Swift Dzire primarily to occupy the parking space allocated to me.

It was a mad rush as I already communicated to the housing society that my car was coming so don't allocate the space to anyone else.

With very little time, went for a safe option Maruti. The showroom where I had initially booked Red Swift later backed out and said that stock was not available.

Thankfully there are multiple Maruti Suzuki dealers in Thane and another dealer promised to deliver White Swift Dzire.

No test drive, no PDI. Just went, paid and took delivery of the car. Thankfully it turned out reliable like a Maruti car.

Here's what BHPian Keeleri_Achu had to say about the matter:

Oh boy, here we go.

No test drive was done for any of the three cars we ever purchased - M800, Ritz or the Ignis. While I could be excused for the decision on M800 as I was too young, Ritz and Ignis are on me.

Ritz was bought 6 months after it was launched. There was no research done on the car. One of my father's customers who ran a driving school recommended Ritz when he was told we were upgrading the 800. We visited the dealership, just checked the car out and made the booking. No negotiations, no visits to other dealerships. Nothing. Heck, we didn't go for the full option just because the dealer said VXi was a better value. The dealer didn't even have a stockyard in town and the car was driven 100 km before delivery. No PDI was done and it was driven home by our driver at the time. The car turned out to be fantastic and served us well for 7 years.

Ritz was replaced only because I was going to the US and my parents asked for something smaller with an automatic transmission. This time I did put some effort and made a shortlist of cars - Ignis which was scheduled to be launched in a month, Baleno and Grand i10. Grand i10 was ruled out for its thirsty nature and Baleno was ruled out for its size. Ignis was booked as soon as the website went live. Again, one dealership, no negotiations. I did go to the showroom to check it in person once the display car reached the showroom. I was not available on delivery day and the car was picked up by my father and his friend. No PDI done. The car is at 40k KM now and I absolutely love it.

The cherry on top though is my 2013 CBR 150R It was not even in the list of bikes under consideration. The bike in my mind was FZ-S. I did some math in my head and showed my mother an R15 V2 which, as expected, was rejected. What I expected was the budget to be reduced and eventually settled on the FZ. Before I showed her the same though, I simply scrolled and showed her the CBR. And she said "Okay". Well, that was it. I was at the Honda showroom and made the booking. And as you would have guessed by now, No test drive, No negotiations, No PDI. The bike is at 75k KM now and still a joy to ride.

But safe to say, since then, all my recommendations to friends/family have been well thought out and done after test drives. Although I could never convince them about PDIs.

Here's what BHPian thomahawk had to say about the matter:

I bought a Tiago EV without doing the detailed Team-BHP PDI. I was afraid I would never buy a Tata after doing a proper PDI. I was far too excited about owning an EV and I only checked for serious flaws and ignored issues I knew were common in the model.

I realized my mistake once I took the car home and started using it. The horn pad on the left side of the steering and 12V socket on the dashboard were dead, the driver-side mirror couldn't unfold properly every time, there was a dead cricket inside the cabin light dome and there was no fluid in the windscreen washer tank. I don't understand how the car ended up with a PDI OK sticker from the factory.

A lesson learned the hard way.

Here's what BHPian shankar.balan had to say about the matter:

I am a ripe candidate for this thread.

Because I buy things mostly with my Heart. I am driven simply by a combination of function, aesthetics, passion and fantasy.

I saw the New 2020 Thar and bought it. Just because I loved its looks and go-anywhere ability.

I came across a person selling his Gypsy and bought it.

Because I just LOVE Gypsys. And this was my all-time fantasy - Dark Green. Bone Stock. Soft Top.

I live in Bangalore and not on a farm. And while our roads can be classified as off-road tracks, they still really don’t warrant a 4X4. But in my fantasy world, I'm a cowboy and hence I need to have a Jeepy thing or two.

I saw a Red Cooper for sale and made a bid for it. Luckily I was able to wrest it from the Doc who owned it then. I have always loved Mini Coopers and always wanted one- from the age of 4 or so. Yes, it is a superb car for the city and highways too and its growl is addictive. But here also, in my fantasy world, I’m the red car driver in the Italian Job.

Did I do a thorough PDI and investigation prior to buying? Nope, I did not, because a clean Civilian Gypsy is a very rare bird in these days and an R56 Mini Cooper remains a relatively rare object of desire.

However, in the case of my Thar, I did do a cursory check - cursory because I had already invested time and trouble in cultivating a relationship with the Showroom guys and Service guys from the day I booked it, and therefore took them mostly on trust.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Nissan even unveiled an electric R32 Skyline GT-R, but it was just a conversion project from the brand.

According to a media report, the iconic 'Skyline' name from Nissan could soon be reborn as an EV.

The report mentions that the next Nissan Skyline models will come in the form of an SUV, as well as a powerful electric fastback.

The new Skyline SUV will be based on the Nissan Ariya and is expected to debut as early as 2025. The Skyline electric SUV could have around 450 BHP of power output and will be sold in the US under the Infiniti brand. There will also be a 4-door fastback version, which will get a dual-motor configuration, powering all four wheels and producing around 443 BHP.

The 'Nissan Skyline' is an iconic name in the brand's sports car history. The nameplate was born in 1969 when Nissan merged with Prince Motor Company - the original makers of Skyline. While there were plenty of Skyline facelifts and even GT-R versions, the nameplate rose to fame in 1989 with the R32 Skyline GT-R. Later in the 90s, the Skyline GT-R models earned the nickname "Godzilla".

Earlier this year, Nissan even unveiled an electric R32 Skyline GT-R, but it was just a conversion project from the brand.

Source: BestCarWeb

Here's a list of 13 museums every auto enthusiast must visit.

BHPian JDMBOI recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Here is a list of museums & factory tours every petrol-head must go to, so fasten your seat belt and grab some drink because it's going to be a long ride.

• Porsche Museum.
• Nissan Heritage Collection
• Mercedes Benz Museum.
• Honda Collection Hall.
• BMW Museum.
• Koenigsegg Factory Tour.
• Museo Ferrari Maranello & Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari.
• Museo Lamborghini & Museo Ferruccio Lamborghini.
• McLaren Technology Centre.
• Museo Horacio Pagani.
• Museo Mille Miglia
• Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
• Silverstone Museum.

Porsche Museum

The Porsche Museum is an automobile museum in the Zuffenhausen district of Stuttgart, Germany on the site of carmaker Porsche.

History

The original Porsche museum opened in 1976 in a side-road near the Porsche factory. It was a relatively small works museum with little parking space and it was only big enough to hold around 20 exhibits (in rotation).
Porsche built the museum as a kind of "rolling museum" with rotating exhibits from a stock of 300 restored cars, many in pristine condition and still in full driving order. Originally there was discussion that the new museum would be built alongside a new Mercedes-Benz museum on former trade fair grounds in the Killesberg area of Stuttgart. After the new Mercedes-Benz Museum opened in the east of Stuttgart in 2006, Porsche went ahead with plans to upgrade and extend its museum in the northern district of Zuffenhausen next to the company headquarters. Originally costs were set at 60 million euros but days before the official opening ceremony on 29 January 2009, it was confirmed that the actual costs hit 100 million euros.

The new museum

The new Porsche museum stands on a conspicuous junction just outside Porsche Headquarters in Zuffenhausen. The display area covers 5600 square metres featuring over 80 exhibits, many rare cars and a variety of historical models.

Guided tour

Museum Tour

Discover the company’s history with all its milestones from its beginnings to the present day in an approximately one-hour guided tour of the Porsche Museum that is tailored to your individual wishes.

Public museum tour :

• Max. 25 people
• € 6.00 without entrance fee
• Duration approx. 60 min

Private museum tour

• Max. 25 people
• € 180.00 including admission price
• Duration approx. 60 min

Awareness Tour

Book a guided tour of a very special kind. The awareness tour enables participants to experience the company's history from a different perspective. It's not just about imparting knowledge, but also about the topic of self-awareness. We invite you to a change of perspective with aids such as blindfolds, wheelchairs and earplugs. In this way, interested parties are made aware of how to deal with people with disabilities. This tour is perfect as a team building measure.

Private awareness tour:

• Max. 10 people
• € 100.00 including entrance fee
• Duration approx. 60 min
• Age: starting at 12 years of age

Historic Walk

Accompany us on a journey through time along historical and modern buildings from our more than 80-year old history. Find out how the Zuffenhausen site developed from a design office to one of the most modern automobile plants in the world. Using historical images and documents from the company archive, we will show you the change and growth of our production facility, without entering the buildings.

Private historic walk tour:

• Max. 15 people (participation aged betwenn 8 and 14 years only with an accompanying person)
• € 150.00 without entrance fee
• Duration approx. 120 min

Factory tours

Take a look behind the scenes, where the heart and soul of the brand are at home: at the headquarters in Zuffenhausen. Accompany a sports car on its way through production and experience the perfect symbiosis of tradition and modernity.

We show you how the vehicles of tomorrow are made. In addition to the 911 and 718 models, the main plant has been producing Porsche's first full-electric sports car, the Taycan, since 2019.

Let yourself be captured by the fascination of Porsche and take a look behind the scenes at the headquarters in Zuffenhausen. Accompany a sports car through the production process on a guided tour of the plant and find out what drives us and it: a perfect symbiosis of tradition and modernity. The new Porsche Production 4.0 - smart, lean and green. You can choose from three different factory tours. Children from the age of eight can take part if accompanied by an adult.

911 / 718 Tour

Together with one of our guides, you will visit the assembly line for the Porsche 911 and the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman model series. Where possible, we will show you selected production areas such as vehicle assembly or upholstery. Depending on the prototype construction, there may be short-term adjustments of the tour. The start and finish is the foyer of the Porsche Museum. You can book a private tour or an open tour with other visitors. Of course you can choose another language besides German or English. We will be happy to check whether a guide can lead you through our plant in your preferred language on this day.

Open 911/718 factory tour:

• max. 5 people (from 8 years with accompanying person)
• € 10.00 per person
• 8 – 13 years free (with accompanying person)
• 14 – 18 years 6,00 €
• Duration approx. 120 min

Private 911/718 factory tour:

• 1 – 15 people (from 8 years with accompanying person)
• € 150.00
• Duration approx. 120 min

Taycan Tour

Visit the assembly line of the first full-electric Porsche Taycan and the paint shop. The start and finish is the foyer of the Porsche Museum. The route between the museum and the paint shop on this tour is covered by bus. You can book a private tour or an open tour with other visitors. Of course you can choose another language besides German or English. We will be happy to check whether a guide can lead you through our plant in your preferred language on this day.

Open Taycan factory tour:

• max. 5 people (from 8 years with accompanying person)
• € 15.00 per person
• 8 -13 years free (with accompanying person)
• 14 – 18 years € 6,00
• Duration approx. 120 min

Private Taycan factory tour:

• 1 – 10 people (from 8 years with accompanying person)
• € 225.00
• Duration approx. 120 min

Powertrain Tour

Get exclusive insights into the three assembly lines of the boxer, V and electric motors. We explain to you what distinguishes the different motors. The start and finish is the foyer of the Porsche Museum. The distance between the museum and the new engine assembly is covered by bus. Of course you can choose another language besides German or English. We will be happy to check whether a guide can lead you through our plant in your preferred language on this day.

Private powertrain tour

• 1 – 10 people (from 8 years with accompanying person)
• € 180.00
• Duration approx. 120 min

Barrier-free museum

There is lots to discover. You can join a guided tour or you can look around the museum alone. We have almost 100 vehicles more than 200 small exhibits interesting information about Porsche The Porsche Museum is barrier free. Lifts take you to all floors of the museum. We have accessible toilets on the ground floor and on the third floor of the museum.

Price List

Entrance fees:

• Adults: 10 €
• Reduced price: 5 €

This price (Reduced price) applies to:

• Schoolchildren
• Students
• Persons with a voluntary social year pass
• Senior citizens
• People with disabilities
• Unemployed persons
• Porsche Classic Card holders
• Porsche Club members

Free entry for: Children up to 14 years. Children may not visit the museum without an adult. Person who accompanies people with disabilities. (mark "B" in the disability card)

Evening tickets from 5 p.m.

Price List

Entrance fees:

• Adults: 10 €
• Reduced price: 5 €

This price (Reduced price) applies to: Same as Above.

Continue reading BHPian JDMBOI's review for more insights and information.

The next-gen GT-R is said to be earmarked for production in 2028 or 2029.

Nissan showcased its latest "Hyper" concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show in the form of the Hyper Force. The new Nissan Hyper Force concept sits alongside 4 other concept vehicles, part of the brand's "Hyper" banner. This includes Hyper Urban, Hyper Adventure, Hyper Tourer and Hyper Punk.

The new Nissan Hyper Force is an all-electric supercar with solid-state batteries, powering all four wheels via Nissan's E-Force system. The electric powertrain is said to produce over 1,300 BHP, which, combined with the lightweight carbon-fibre construction, should offer an exhilarating performance both on and off the track. Nissan is also said to have taken help from its performance division, Nismo, to optimise the car's aero for better downforce and cooling.

Inside, the supercar concept features ambient lighting depending on the driving mode selected, of which there are two: GT (Grand Touring) and R (Racing). In GT mode, the cabin is illuminated in Blue, while in R mode, the lights go Red, and the displays separate and move towards the driver to provide essential track information.

The Hyper Force also comes with augmented reality to allow owners to compete against each other while on a circuit. There is also a virtual reality mode to "drive" even when the car itself is stationary.

The next-gen GT-R is said to be earmarked for production in 2028 or 2029. The next-gen model will be powered by the solid-state batteries previewed in the Hyper Force. Nissan will set up a pilot plant for solid-state batteries next year before entering mass production in 2028.

Source: Autoblog

Launched in India back in 2009, it was way ahead of its time - 6 airbags, 6-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 with all the bells and whistles.

BHPian jonesanto recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Posting it on behalf of a friend who is looking for a diesel SUV under 6 lakh in Bangalore and found a 2012 Nissan X Trail SLX Diesel AT for a 5 lakh asking price. This is an interesting SUV, launched in India back in 2009, way ahead of its time - 6 airbags, 6-speed AT with smooth shifts, 4X4 with all the bells and whistles. However, I value his friendship more than a car, and told him NO!

Suggested to look for first-gen Innova earlier models, my first preference. Scorpios, Safaris etc.

The reason for this post is to know if anyone thinks X Trail is a good buy today.

Thanks

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

Brilliant car, very sorted, you'll never meet an unhappy X-Trail owner (similar to the Skoda Yeti).

But too old. Buying an 11-year-old CBU doesn't make sense. Just asking for trouble. Even the best of cars age with time, and part replacements can be expensive.

Here's what BHPian TheFonz had to say about the matter:

I would also suggest not going for a second-hand 11-year-old discontinued CBU car however lucrative the deal or car.

Having said that, it would be wise to check with the local Nissan ASC or an FNG, with regards to service costs, parts availability and costs related to it. This will help your friend make an informed decision.

Here's what BHPian 2000rpm had to say about the matter:

I would buy it if this is the second car in the house and I get it for 3 to 3.5 lakhs.

Why don't you make that offer and see how it goes? Trust me, the seller is not getting any offers for this car!

Here's what BHPian vattyboy had to say about the matter:

If your friend wants to spend most of his time in FNGs for repair work and procuring the parts of the car then suggest him to buy it.

If this vehicle was a 2012 Innova then my answer would be different but for a 2012 Nissan (whose after-sales service is hit or a miss for their current cars) no way.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

A Ford EcoSport in front suddenly braked after seeing some potholes and my Nissan stopped in no time without any fuss and maintaining its straight-line stability.

BHPian swiftvxi06 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

On 27th July, while returning home from a client’s party, near Dhalai Bridge crossing, I noticed bhpian Dibya da’s (cdibya) Red Magnite passing by. Nevertheless, he saw my car and we stopped near a roadside tea stall. Dibya da told me about the road trip being planned for 26th August to Muktadhara Nature Resort in Ghatshila and he told me that I should take my car. My car has run very less, over the last two years and it would be a perfect opportunity to fully utilize the performance of the turbo petrol engine. I decided that I will go on the road trip. Bhpians Amitendra Da (SchrodingersCar) and Arindom Da (Nomadiclife) were organizers of the whole trip.

The next day, I paid advance to Amitendra da and booked my slot. In the meanwhile, it was decided that Dibya da (cdibya) would break the news on Independence Day in our Teambhp WB Whatsapp Group. Soon the D Day came and Dibya da made the announcement. All the members were very happy to hear about me joining the road trip with them.

On 25th Aug, after office work, I went and filled petrol in the car since we had to start early. I was really excited about the road trip. On 26th Aug morning, I left home around 7am to meet Dibya da (cdibya) near the Pepsi manufacturing plant.

That's me waiting to start the trip from home

Waiting for Dibya da near the Pepsi plant

From there we passed through the EM Bypass and from Avishikta More crossing we took Anwar Shah Connector and reached IOCL Uma Service Station where Bhpain Atamu da (edunata) was waiting for me. I picked up Atanu da and we moved towards Golpark where Bhpians Debdeep da (Dip27in) and Sashwat Da were waiting in the latter’s Mitsubishi Pajero. Bhpian Debdeep da (Dip27in) was indeed very happy to see me joining this trip.

Before I forget to tell you, we were accompanied by a very special guest in Dibya da’s (cdibya) Red Magnite, Shantigopal, a very cute and friendly Labrador.

Around 8am all of us proceeded towards AHD Uluberia for breakfast. Soon we crossed AJC Bose Road Flyover and took Vidyasagar Setu. It was drizzling lightly and being Saturday morning the roads weren’t crowded. Just after crossing the toll plaza at Vidyasagar Setu, was our first meeting with Bhpians- Subhasish (ron82x3), Abhishek Da (ABHI_1512), Pawan Da (PapaBravo).

We exchanged greetings and then proceeded towards AHD Uluberia. In the meanwhile, traffic has slowly started piling up at Kona Expressway and we managed to cut them off by using the bylanes.

Our White Beauty in action, image courtesy Abhishek Da (ABHI_1512)

We took NH 16 from Kona Expressway and I was following Sashwat da’s Pajero. After entering NH 16, we decided to floor our cars, and I also floored my Magnite.

Our White Beauty passing by Dibya da's Red Magnite, also seen is Abhishek da's Ford Ecosport fondly named as Bahon, pic taken by Debdeep da (Dip27in)

The drive was becoming an enthusiastic one as soon Subhashis (ron82x3) in his Ford Ecosport S Diesel started going ahead. Our Magnite was at its sweet spot, its instant thrust from its turbo petrol unit made sure that it was at ease with fellow members’ cars. I was driving above 80kmph and soon we reached AHD Uluberia where other bhpians especially from the Northern part of Kolkata were waiting for us.

AHD Uluberia was packed on Saturday morning and there I met fellow bhpians- Sumanta Da (Neversaygbye), Niladri Da (Mile_Breaker) Rhitobrata (HornNot Ok Please ), our beloved Billu Da aka Arindom Da (Nomadiclife), Kousik (Kousikjana) Dyutimoy (Mountain_Deep) Ananyo da (Breathe2drive ) Soumyadeep (Apollo_1999 ) Subhradeep (HORSEPOWER), Subhro (Tacho9000). We also met Bhpian Meethun Da (Mi2N) who just came to AHD Uluberia to say hi to all of us.

Debdeep Da (Dip27in) soon ordered breakfast comprising of Chicken Bharta, Butter Tandoori Roti and Dal Makhni and Coffee. Debdeep Da as usual was very jovial and cracked hilarious jokes which made everyone laugh out of their wits.

Debdeep Da clicking my pic

One of the group pics at AHD Uluberia

After breakfast, we did some group photo shoots. Soumyadeep also took some photos of our guest Shantigopal and also pics of White Beauty with his camera.

Group photo at AHD Uluberia

Yours truly with his Magnite Turbo, image courtesy - Soumyadeep

Soon, we started our journey towards Ghatshila around 11am. The route we all took was Kolaghat- Kharagpur City Bypass- NH49- Baharagora- Kokpara Toll- Dhalbhumgarh- Bara Juri Road.

I was maintaining a steady speed of 80 kmph and near Kharagpur Chowringee Round About, I lost my way. Instead of crossing the roundabout straight, I went towards Kharagpur town, but sooner I realized that I made a mistake and stopped the car and called Dibya da (cdibya), who told me to take a U-turn and take the left from the roundabout to continue the journey.

After crossing into Jharkhand, I noticed the roads were a bit better compared to the ones in West Bengal plus there were no haphazardly placed barricades near crossings as seen in West Bengal.

Stopping somewhere in Jharkhand for a photoshoot

After crossing Kokpara Toll, Atanu da (edunata) sat in the driver’s seat. Atanu da liked the brisk pickup of Magnite Turbo and soon he was at ease with the car, clocking some high speeds in no time. This was also the first time our White Beauty was driven at such high speeds.

The car performed well and was stable at that high speed too. There was a panic braking situation though when a Ford Ecosport in front suddenly braked after seeing some potholes and our White Beauty stopped in no time without any fuss maintaining its straight-line stability. Soon we crossed our surprise guest Shuvsee da’s (Shuvc) Mitsubishi Pajero.

With Shuvsee da and Subhro

After crossing some distance we took a right turn towards a small road which took us through the rural part of Jharkhand to Mukhtadhara Resort. It was a 3km narrow road through a village.

All of us reached the place around 1.30pm and stopped for a photo session and then continued our journey in a convoy of 14 cars. Muktadhara Resort is a beautiful resort situated amidst nature in Jharkhand. There was a small river following next to our resort.

Muktadhara Resort

Small stream flowing next to our resort

Our cars at the resort

The staff members allocated our rooms and then all of us freshened up and went straight ahead for lunch. The lunch comprised of delectable Bengali delicacies like Alu Posto, Moong Dal, Alu Bhaja, Mutton Curry, Chutney, Papad. The food quality and taste was amazing especially the lip-smacking mutton curry. Having detected with cholesterol some days back, all fellow bhpians were keeping an eye on me if I took more mutton or not than what was given to me.

After a hearty lunch, we went to our rooms to rest for some time since it was decided that we would visit Burudi Dam around 5pm. Little did I know that things will be totally different than what I had thought. To know more, continue reading…

Debdeep da, Subhasish, Amitendra Da and others were chatting in our room and I went to the washroom to freshen up. I came out and saw all of them suddenly left the room and couldn’t find my car key. I immediately understood something must be cooking in their minds… I came out of the room and didn’t find my car which was parked in front of our guest house. Nevertheless, I asked some fellow bhpians about my car and they said they didn’t know anything.

While I was in the room, fellow bhpians clicked pics with White Beauty

That's Subhasish ((ron82x3) sitting on top of the bonnet

With a heavy heart, I sat in Rhitobrata’s Maruti XL6 and all of us went to the nearby Burudi Dam which was 12 kms away from Muktadhara Resort. While going towards the dam, I had a partial glimpse of my car parked near the newly constructed guest houses and alerted everyone but everyone said nothing was there.

I was sad that I couldn’t click a photo of White Beauty at Burudi Dam. But still, we clicked group pics at the site. By that time it was slowly getting dark and we decided to head back to the resort.

Our cars

Burudi Dam

While returning to our guest house, I couldn’t see my car which I had previously seen near an under-construction site. In the evening, our beloved Billu da & Amitendra Da had arranged for lip-smacking snacks comprising of French fries, chicken pakoda, veg pakoda, fish finger and magic items comprising of butter masala corn, chicken seekh kebabs.

Evening Snacks

The evening saw bhpians performing to some top Bollywood numbers like Kajra Re. Billu da, Subhradeep, Kousikjana, enthralled the audience with their dance. It was a fun-filled evening yet our White Beauty hadn’t been found by then !!

We had a nice homely dinner comprising of Roti, Daal Fry, Paneer, Country Chicken Curry, Chutney and Rossogolla. Some of the guests at the resort were very happy to see Shantigopal, the cute rockstar of our road trip.

As the night passed, I became worried and started frantically searching for the car but it was nowhere to be found. I began asking every bhpian if they had seen my car but they said no. I kept asking Debdeep da who said that it was parked very safely and I could make out it was his master plan to hide my car.

Amidst this another development was happening, bhpian Soumyadeep’s Baleno car was unlocked while he was sleeping and some of the members opened the bonnet and removed the fuses from the fuse box and kept it carefully inside the glovebox of his car.

At around 12am Debdeep da, handed over my car keys which were hidden in Subhro’s Maruti 800 and told me to search for the vehicle. Me along with Koushik went to search the vehicle and after pressing the keys in the remote, noticed the indicators flashing inside a nursery. Little did I know that fellow bhpians had parked my vehicle carefully inside a nursery within the resort and covered the area with blue coloured nets so that white Magnite is not visible in the dark. Must say Debdeep da’s planning and execution was top-notch.

After getting back to my car, I was relieved and went to sleep.

The next day woke up around 7.30am and then went for a morning drive on the highway in our White Beauty with bhpian Soumyadeep and Ananyo Da. Both of them drove my car and appreciated the pick-up of the turbo petrol engine. While returning, we did a small photoshoot with White Beauty.

Photoshoot of White Beauty

Since it was a Sunday, we saw other guests coming to the resort. Our breakfast comprised of Lunchi (poori), Alu Dam, Boiled Egg/Omelette and Bread.

Fellow bhpians at breakfast

After breakfast, we decided to get ready to return to Kolkata. After freshening up, I found one of my shoes missing. Again I searched throughout the room but couldn’t find it. Again I went and asked Debdeep da and he again gave a witty smile. I knew he had hidden it. After some search, it was found inside a paper bag.

After a group photo, we set again for our return journey to Kolkata around 11am.

Group pic

While some of the members went to Burudi Lake while others continued their journey towards Kolkata. I was following Subhro (Tacho9000). Both of us refueled our cars for the rest of the journey. I followed Subhro for a considerable part of the return leg till Baharagora. I was driving all alone and was maintaining a speed of 75-80kmph. The return drive was an uneventful one. Reached Kolaghat where I was asked by some members to book seats at Aminia. Being a Sunday, Aminia was packed and there was a huge queue outside. I also checked out Express Food Plaza which was also packed with people. In the meanwhile bhpian Abhishek da (ABHI_1512) came and told me to follow him to Abhijit Hotel which was around 1 km from Aminia. Followed him there, being a Sunday, we were lucky to get car parking and ordered Mutton Biriyani, Mutton Kasha and Chicken Kebabs. Abhishek da was accompanied by Devarsi (DevOnWheels). Soon other bhpians came and after lunch, we had a small photo session once again.

Final photo session at Abhijit Hotel

While returning home, I was energized after having lunch and drove quite enthusiastically. I was following Bhpian Sumanta Da who was driving his Red Tata Indica Vista D90 and I was followed by Subhasish’s Ecosport which was driven by Subhradeep. Being a Sunday traffic was building up towards the city and it was already past 5pm. I reached home around 6.30pm. Our White Beauty covered a total of 513kms and had used 23 litres of petrol thereby giving an overall mileage of around 22kmpl.

Before signing off, I want to thank Dibya da once again for encouraging me to make this trip and special thanks to Amitendra Da & Arindom Da for arranging such a wonderful trip. And last but not least, thank you Debdeep da for filling in the fun factor in the trip by hiding my car and my shoes. It was indeed a memorable road trip.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I am not sure of Nissan's future in India whereas Maruti has solid service and reliability.

BHPian Superleggera recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Dear Friends,

Am in search of an automatic small car and considering all the factors (price/looks/features/ownership reviews) have zeroed down on the below cars. Requesting your view and expert advice to choose between these two.

Nissan Magnite VX Premium: (~13L OTR In Bangalore)

What I Liked

• VFM Proposition
• Have all the modern features
• Turbo Charged Engine mated with CVT
• Great Looks in its segment
• 4 Star GNCAP rating

Cons

• Spoke to existing owners and Nissan service seems to be a problem
• Not sure of Nissan's future in India
• Lot of negative user reviews with rattling issues, niggles and other engineering issues

Maruti Fronx Delta Plus AMT (~11.5 L OTR Bangalore)

What I liked

• Rides well
• Relatively new model
• Maruti Service and Reliability

Cons

• Felt overpriced for what it offers
• No features for what we pay
• AMT
• Questionable Maruti safety and build quality

I am thinking to go with Magnite, and would like your suggestions before I finalize the car.

Other cars considered, but not shortlisted are:

• Maruti Baleno/Toyota Glanza - Nissan Magnite felt more VFM compared to these two models
• Hyundai Exter - Polarizing looks, too small in person, cramped interior, high-end model is overpriced for what it offers (No wireless Apple carplay/android auto)
• Tata Punch - Felt cheap compared to similarly priced cars in its segment.

Here's what BHPian ByKaizen had to say about the matter:

I agree with the cons about Nissan service, I owned Nissan Sunny from 2015 till 2022, and I tried different service centers (across Chennai and Trichy) and none of them was satisfactory. If I list down what kind of issues they created during each service that will need a separate post but in a single line - they will test your patience and you will feel why we bought Nissan. (But as a product Nissan Sunny was a gem of a car).

You do not like Kiger? (Renault service will be better than Nissan for sure as I hear from my brother who owns Duster for the last 8 years).

Here's what BHPian robincsamuel had to say about the matter:

I would choose the Nissan Magnite mainly for its 1.0 Turbo Petrol engine and CVT transmission. I had the opportunity to drive my friend's car, and I absolutely loved it. Although Nissan's future in India is uncertain, the car itself is really nice.

Have you checked out the Kiger? I haven't seen it in person, but I think the interiors are better based on the pictures.

Here's what BHPian raptor_diwan had to say about the matter:

Definitely, you should go for the Nissan Magnite. I have been using the Magnite, but mine is the manual variant. Regarding the service, I'm not sure about your city, but in Chennai, I have a nearby service center and the work seems to be good. I haven't had any problems so far. As for the car itself, it is indeed a great value for money, as you mentioned in many places.

The riding quality is good, and currently, the best CVT option is available in the Nissan Magnite. I had taken a test drive of the CVT Magnite, and it was fantastic. I should have gone for it, but due to my father insisting on the manual variant, I chose the manual.

In my opinion, the Magnite CVT is perfect. The product itself is good, so don't worry too much. Just make sure to take the extended warranty for 5 years.

And let's not forget about the smoothness factor in the comparison between CVT and AMT transmissions.

Here's what BHPian SoumenD had to say about the matter:

Well if you’re doubtful of Nissan service, why not consider Kiger? Same car with a different skin and Renaut service should be better. Only difference is, Kiger while scoring the same 4* GNCAP was awarded an unstable bodyshell rating.

But compared to Fronx, both would be better safety-wise. At that price point my recommendation for automatic seekers is either Magnite/Kiger or Amaze CVT (if you’re ok with sedans). Amaze is backed by Honda's reliability.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Nissan is also working on its version of the SUVs in parallel.

According to a media report, Renault could launch the next-generation Duster in India by Diwali 2025. It is said that a 3-row version of the SUV could follow a year later.

Renault has reportedly started work on the two SUVs for the Indian market. Codenamed P1311-R and P1312-R, these are said to be B+ and C segment models based on the CMF-B platform. Nissan is also working on its version of the SUVs in parallel.

The upcoming Renault Duster will borrow design cues from the Dacia Bigster Concept. Spy images have already been spotted, revealing a slim grille flanked by LED daytime running lights, V-shaped taillights and squared-off wheel arches filled with 5-spoke alloy wheels.

Reports suggest that Renault could offer the Duster with petrol powertrains. The carmaker might also consider introducing electrified versions depending on the demand.

Source: Autocar Pro