The hottest Automotive Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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For Google, Automotive is the New Black

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 27 Feb 23
šŸ•¹ Technology Artificial Intelligence Automotive Partnerships Data Machine Learning
  1. Google is focusing on the automotive industry to boost its growth. They are looking to partner with car companies to provide advanced technology.
  2. A significant partnership with Mercedes-Benz was formed to enhance their navigation and geospatial data.
  3. Google will support car manufacturers with AI and machine learning to help develop smarter vehicles quickly.

šŸ”® Tesla AI Day & Why it Sucked šŸ›ƒ šŸ–²šŸ”­

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 29 Aug 21
šŸ•¹ Technology AI Robotics Innovation Events Automotive
  1. The Tesla AI Day featured a long event with a mix of entertainment and technology demonstrations. It included a humanoid robot dancing, which felt more like a show than serious tech discussion.
  2. Much of the event focused on music and visuals, taking away from the actual advancements in AI that Tesla is working on.
  3. Many viewers found the event disappointing because they expected more detailed insights into Tesla's AI projects rather than just entertainment.

Honda Elevate: Big on the Outside, Small on the Inside

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Engineering Product Reviews Consumer Tech Innovation
  1. The Honda Elevate feels cramped inside despite its big exterior size. The low seating and limited legroom make it uncomfortable for taller drivers.
  2. It lacks some modern features like a 360-degree camera and USB-C ports, which are common in newer cars. This can be a drawback for tech-savvy users.
  3. While it has some good safety features, it misses out on important ones like a multi-collision brake and pretensioners for seat belts, making it less safe than other options.

The XUV 400 Is a Buggy Car with Short Range

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Electric Vehicles Product Reviews Consumer Tech
  1. The XUV 400 has a poor range and is mainly suitable for city driving. It struggles to cover long distances without needing frequent charges.
  2. The car is plagued with bugs, including issues with features like Android Auto and unreliable performance that can make driving frustrating.
  3. Buying the XUV 400 can be risky due to its high cost and the troubling history of recalls from Mahindra, which suggests a lack of reliability.

The Citroƫn Basalt Costs 18 but is worth 9

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 15 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Gadgets Engineering Digital features
  1. The Citroƫn Basalt is overpriced at 18 lakh and feels more like it's worth 9 lakh due to poor quality and features.
  2. It lacks important features like a 360-degree camera, good seat comfort, and proper air conditioning, which makes for a disappointing driving experience.
  3. Safety features are minimal, and the infotainment screen is positioned poorly, making it hard to use while driving.
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Volkswagen Taigun / Skoda Kushaq: Performance over Comfort

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Product Design User Experience Performance Digital features
  1. The Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq are great for those who prioritize speed and performance, but they sacrifice comfort and digital features. They're not ideal for everyone.
  2. While the Taigun/Kushaq can reach high speeds, many buyers will be better off with cars like the Creta or Seltos, which offer more comfort and balance.
  3. Overall, if you want a car with fun driving experiences and can overlook some comfort issues, the Taigun/Kushaq might be for you, especially if you choose the 1.5-liter engine version.

The Seltos is a Marginally Worse Creta

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 11 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Cars Engineering Reviews Features
  1. The Seltos and Creta are very similar cars, with 95% of their features being the same. If you like one, you'll likely enjoy the other.
  2. The Creta offers a smoother ride and feels lighter when driving, making it easier to accelerate with less effort compared to the Seltos.
  3. While both cars have great features, the Seltos has some quirks, like a less comfortable headrest and a tendency to overreact with safety features, which may frustrate some drivers.

The 2024 Creta is Perfection

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 10 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Engineering Digital features User Experience Safety
  1. The 2024 Creta is very comfortable and spacious. It offers a high seating position, plenty of legroom, and smooth suspension, making drives feel enjoyable without bumps.
  2. Driving the Creta is effortless and fun. Its powerful turbo engine and light steering make it easy to handle, even in heavy traffic, and it feels stable at high speeds.
  3. The car has great digital features like wired CarPlay and a premium sound system. However, some tech issues exist, like non-multitouch screens and limited app functionalities.

My Requirements for a Car

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 08 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Consumer Tech Gadgets Transportation Innovation
  1. It's important to write down your car requirements clearly. This helps to avoid forgetting anything important during the decision process.
  2. Understand the difference between 'must-have' features and 'nice-to-have' features when making your list. This can help you focus on what really matters.
  3. Keep evaluating your requirements as you test drive cars. Sometimes what you thought was essential turns out to be less important when you consider the whole picture.

The M.G.Windsor Obsoletes Fossil Fuel-powered Clunkers

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 04 Jan 25
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Electric Vehicles Innovation Consumer Technology Reviews
  1. The M.G. Windsor is a new electric vehicle that stands out for its great design and features. It's been said to offer a smoother driving experience than many other cars.
  2. While early technology can be rough and expensive, this car represents a significant improvement in electric vehicle technology, making it much more appealing than older options.
  3. Although the Windsor has limitations, like range and seat comfort, it is seen as a sign of how electric cars will get better and become more common in the future.

Scorpio N: Only for SUV Usage

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 03 Jan 25
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Gadgets Reviews Innovation Consumer Tech
  1. SUVs are built for specific purposes like going off-road or towing. If you donā€™t need to do those things, you might want a different type of vehicle.
  2. The Scorpio N has many features, but it can be uncomfortable, especially with poor legroom and noise while driving. It's not the best choice if you want a smooth ride.
  3. When comparing the Scorpio N to the Roxx, the Roxx offers better comfort and less body roll. If you want a better driving experience, the Roxx might be the better option.

Don't Hesitate to Buy a 4.4-meter Car

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 29 Dec 24
šŸ’¼ Business Automotive Consumer Goods Taxation Transportation Urban planning
  1. 4.4-meter cars are more spacious than smaller cars, offering better legroom for passengers and more boot space for luggage.
  2. Many people believe that 4.4-meter cars are bad for city driving, but they actually perform just as well as smaller cars in traffic.
  3. When buying a car, focus on the comfort and space it provides rather than just the length, as 4.4 meters is considered the sweet spot for most needs.

Mahindra XUV 700 Review: Cramped and Cheap

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 26 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Product Reviews Consumer Technology User Experience Digital features
  1. The Mahindra XUV 700 feels cramped and cheap, making it uncomfortable to drive. It's missing many features that are expected in this type of car.
  2. The interior has a lot of plastic and it lacks good quality finishes compared to other cars. It also doesn't offer some convenient features like auto wipers or a 360-degree camera.
  3. For better options, consider the Creta for a 2-row version or the Carens for a 3-row setup. They might be more comfortable and have better features.

The Kia Carens Is the Best 3-row Vehicle

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 25 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Reviews Consumer Electronics Digital features Safety
  1. The Kia Carens is considered the best 3-row vehicle, especially for those needing extra space.
  2. It offers useful features like ventilated seats and a cooled cup-holder, but has some comfort issues like limited legroom in certain seats.
  3. If you don't require a 3-row vehicle, options like the Creta may provide more comfort and features, making them a better choice.

Maruti Wagon R: The Best Car for 9 Lakh

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 24 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Consumer Electronics Digital features User Experience Product Review
  1. The Maruti Wagon R is a great car for those on a budget of 9 lakhs. It balances space, comfort, and decent features, making it a solid choice.
  2. While the Wagon R has strengths like good visibility and spaciousness, it lacks some advanced features like climate control and has issues with engine noise and performance.
  3. The car offers a unique blend of practicality and affordability, although it may not be ideal for spirited driving. It's well-suited for everyday commuting.

I Wish We Had US-style Minivans in India

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 23 Dec 24
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Automotive Lifestyle Travel Consumer Goods Comparison
  1. Indian MPVs are not the same as US minivans; they're just slightly bigger crossovers. US minivans are designed for comfort and space, while Indian options lack that refinement.
  2. US minivans offer lots of legroom and sliding doors for easy access, which makes them comfortable for tall people and easier for the elderly to use. Indian MPVs often don't have that same comfort level.
  3. Minivans in the US have more storage options and can carry large luggage, making them practical for families. Indian versions donā€™t provide the same versatility.

M.G. Hector: A Worse Creta at a Higher Price

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 22 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Consumer Electronics Digital features User Experience
  1. The M.G. Hector is expensive at 29 lakh but doesn't offer better value than the cheaper Creta and Seltos, which are priced at 26 lakh.
  2. It has some modern features like a 14-inch touchscreen and ventilated seats, but lacks certain practical aspects like good legroom and a USB-C port.
  3. Safety features are present, but the warning systems are confusing and could distract the driver, making it less user-friendly.

Mahindra 3XO: Cramped and Buggy

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 21 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Consumer Electronics User Experience Digital features
  1. The Mahindra 3XO feels cramped and uncomfortable for passengers, with low seating and insufficient legroom. Options to adjust the seats donā€™t solve the problem, making it hard to find a comfortable position.
  2. The car has a lot of digital issues, like problems with Bluetooth and CarPlay that make it unreliable. It also lacks modern features such as USB-C ports in the front, which is disappointing.
  3. Although the car has some safety features and performs well in acceleration, the confusing naming for driving modes and overall buggy experience makes it hard to recommend.

The Toyota Hyryder / Grand Vitara is actually a Mediocre Vitara

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 20 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Reviews Digital features Safety User Experience
  1. The Toyota Hyryder and Grand Vitara have poor comfort and driving features compared to competitors like the Creta and Seltos. Many aspects like seat comfort and engine sound were disappointing.
  2. The car has some good features like various cameras and a remote AC start, but it lacks important safety features like side airbags and lane departure warning. This makes it feel incomplete for the price.
  3. Overall, both the Hyryder and Grand Vitara feel similar but offer limited benefits. Buyers may find better options in other cars for the same price.

Jeep Compass: Overpriced and Worse than the Creta

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 19 Dec 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Reviews Consumer Tech Engineering
  1. The Jeep Compass is deemed overpriced compared to the Creta, with major discomfort and driving flaws that make it less appealing.
  2. Although the interior quality is acknowledged as high, issues like cramped space and a firm suspension diminish overall comfort.
  3. While it has unique features like cooled seats and good digital connectivity, its complex climate controls and some digital limitations reduce usability.

What to Look for in a Non-Electric Car

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Jan 25
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Electric Vehicles Engineering Innovations
  1. If you choose a non-electric car, go for a petrol engine. They are quieter, less vibrating, and provide a fun driving experience.
  2. Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCT) are great for both quick acceleration and smooth driving. They work well for people who enjoy spirited driving and those who prefer a comfortable ride.
  3. CNG cars are better than diesel ones because they are less noisy and respond better, but keep in mind that CNG filling stations are not as common. Avoid manual and AMT transmissions as they tend to perform poorly.

Tata Curvv EV: Too Many Flaws Ruin a Great Foundation

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 13 Jan 25
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Electronics Reviews Innovation Consumer
  1. The Tata Curvv EV has good core features but is ruined by many design flaws. From cramped spaces to annoying design choices, these issues add up and make the car less enjoyable.
  2. Comfort is an issue with the Curvv, as it has poor legroom and headroom, making it hard for taller people to feel relaxed while driving or riding it.
  3. The driving experience is mostly positive with smooth acceleration and a good handling feel. However, buyers should test the car's range under worst-case conditions to ensure it meets their needs.

Nexon EV 45 Review: Don't Buy

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 13 Feb 25
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Electric Vehicles Consumer Electronics Product Reviews Engineering
  1. The Nexon EV 45 has many flaws, making it hard to recommend. It's cramped and lacks good driving features, leading to a lack of confidence while driving.
  2. While the car drives smoothly and has modes for different driving styles, it has serious stability issues at high speeds and pulls to the left, which is dangerous.
  3. The digital features are lacking, with poorly located ports and unreliable tech like voice assistants. Additionally, the stereo and overall comfort can be improved significantly.

Honda City: A Fallen Hero

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 10 Jun 25
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Digital features Performance User Experience Design
  1. The Honda City has many disappointing features compared to its competitors, especially the Verna. Its performance, comfort, and technology don't meet expectations.
  2. The car's design is flawed in several areas, like awkward storage spaces and poor seat adjustments. Some important details, like warnings and features, seem neglected.
  3. Overall, the Honda City feels outdated and lacks many modern comforts and performance enhancements, making it less appealing compared to other options in the market.

Maruti Ciaz: Good Riddance

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 09 Jun 25
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Reviews Performance Design Innovation
  1. The Maruti Ciaz lacks good performance, with poor acceleration compared to older models like the 2013 Ritz. Many features, like noise and engine refinement, are disappointing.
  2. Comfort features in the Ciaz are hit or miss, with good headroom but some hard parts and a cramped feeling in certain positions. The driving experience is easier in traffic but has issues with gear visibility.
  3. Digital technology in the car feels outdated, with small screens and poor music quality. There are also limited charging options, making it feel less modern than competitors.

BMW X3 Review: Buggy and Overpriced

Kartickā€™s Blog ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 30 May 25
šŸ•¹ Technology Automotive Consumer Electronics Reviews User Experience
  1. The BMW X3 isn't worth the extra money, as it's only slightly better than a much cheaper Creta.
  2. The X3 has serious bugs, like seat adjustments malfunctioning and trouble connecting to features like CarPlay.
  3. Overall, for its high price, the BMW X3 has too many issues. It should be more reliable and luxury-like for the cost.