Latest news with #BMWX4
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
FASTag Annual Pass: Cost, availability, eligibility, annual savings explained
The central government recently announced the new FASTag-based annual pass for private vehicles, priced at ₹3,000. The FASTag annual pass will be valid for a year from the date of issue or for 200 trips, whichever comes first. This will help reduce the cost burden for private vehicle owners and reduce congestion on highways. If you are planning to buy a FASTag annual pass, here's all you need to know. If you are planning to buy a FASTag annual pass, here's all you need to know. What is the FASTag Annual Pass? The FASTag annual pass is a yearly subscription that makes travelling seamless for private vehicle users. Unlike the existing FASTag system, where users need to load the digital wallet with money under a prepaid system, the annual pass requires you to purchase it only once a year and tracks the usage based on the number of trips made. The existing system will continue to run alongside the new annual pass. Also check these Vehicles Find more Cars Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Cabriolet 2999.0 cc 2999.0 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 1.30 Cr Compare View Offers BMW X4 2998 cc 2998 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 96.20 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Toyota bZ4X 72.8 kWh 72.8 kWh 405 Km 405 Km ₹ 70 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe 2024 1950 cc 1950 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 65 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Lexus LBX 1498 cc 1498 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 45 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING MG eHS 16.6 kWh 16.6 kWh 52 km 52 km ₹ 45 - 55 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Also Read : FASTag Annual Pass launched at ₹3,000, valid for 200 trips a year The FASTag annual pass will be applicable only on national highways, while state highways won't be eligible under the same FASTag Annual Pass: Eligibility & Availability The FASTag-based annual pass will be available only for non-commercial private vehicle owners, including cars, jeeps, vans and more. This essentially makes the pass valid for private car buyers. Commercial goods and passenger vehicles will not be eligible for the annual pass. Instead, they will continue to use the existing FASTag toll collection system. The FASTag annual pass will be available from August 15, 2025. FASTag Annual Pass: Validity The annual pass will be valid for up to one year from the date of issue, or for 200 trips in a year. If you happen to utilise all 200 trips before the year ends, you will need to purchase the annual pass again, which will then be valid from the date of issue. The one-time payment makes the process more seamless, especially if you tend to forget recharging your FASTag wallet more often or simply drive on the highways often. FASTag Annual Pass: Does it cover National Highways and Expressways? The initiative falls under the National Highways Fee (Amendment) Rules, 2025, and will apply only on National Highways. The state highway tolls won't be eligible for the annual pass. For instance, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (NHAI) will be eligible under the annual pass, but the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg won't be eligible, since these are state highways. FASTag Annual Pass: How to buy one? You will be able to purchase the annual pass from mid-July onwards via the Rajmarg Yatra app, the official website of NHAI, or the MoRTH website. The annual pass will be linked to your existing FASTag on the vehicle and will be activated within two hours of making the purchase. The FASTag annual pass is only available through government channels at the moment and is not available on other third-party platforms. FASTag Annual Pass: Does it really save money? The annual pass can bring down the toll cost by a healthy margin for regular highway users. If you paid ₹50 per toll for 200 trips, you'd spend about ₹10,000 in a year. This comes down to just ₹3,000 a year with the annual pass, making it just ₹15 per toll. For instance, the toll cost between Mumbai and Bengaluru comes to about ₹1,500 on a one-way trip with about 20 tolls on the way. This would drop down to about ₹300 with the annual pass, apart from the ₹320 spent on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Similarly, travelling on the Delhi-Chandigarh highway (NH-44) costs about ₹325 in tolls across four plazas. This will reduce to just ₹60 for a one-way trip. FASTag Annual Pass: Other Benefits The government says the annual pass will help reduce wait times, ease congestion, and minimise disputes at toll plazas. The move also addresses concerns regarding toll plazas located within a 60 km range. FASTag Annual Pass: Will it cover parking? No. The annual pass will only work on toll plazas and won't cover parking at malls or other paid parking spaces. The existing FASTag system will continue as the same. FASTag Annual Pass: Should you buy? It depends on your usage when it comes to buying the annual pass. If you travel anything between 2,500-3000 km in a year via national highways, the pass makes sense and will lead to significant savings. However, if you seldom drive outside the city and do not use toll roads often, the existing FASTag system should be your pick. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Portronics Mopcop 4 car vacuum cleaner review: Does it worth buying and keeping in your car?
When it comes to user experience for car owners, a lot depends on the experience inside the cabin of the vehicle. While a range of features often define the user experience, cleanliness and good hygiene also play key roles in that. Many car owners often take their vehicles to local shops, fuel stations to clean the exterior and interior of their cars. However, many owners rely on doing things on their own. A few accessories can be highly useful if you also believe in the DIY (Do It Yourself) method. Portronics Mopcop 4 car vacuum cleaner comes as a handy car accessory that can be useful to clean the car's interior with or without a power cord plugged in. Deep cleaning the interior once in a while is a useful solution to keep the cabin odour-free and hygienic. Besides that, regular vacuuming can ensure the car's interior remains free of dust particles and day-to-day dirt as well. This can be done easily with car vacuum cleaners, available in the market, online and offline. Also check these Cars Find more Cars Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Cabriolet 2999.0 cc 2999.0 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 1.30 Cr Compare View Offers BMW X4 2998 cc 2998 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 96.20 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Toyota bZ4X 72.8 kWh 72.8 kWh 405 Km 405 Km ₹ 70 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe 2024 1950 cc 1950 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 65 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Lexus LBX 1498 cc 1498 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 45 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING MG eHS 16.6 kWh 16.6 kWh 52 km 52 km ₹ 45 - 55 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Recently, we got our hands on the Portronics Mopcop 4 car vacuum cleaner and here is our review of it. Portronics Mopcop 4 car vacuum cleaner: Design and build The Portronics Mopcop 4 car vacuum cleaner comes with a sleek and compact appearance. It comes wearing a black and silver colour finish. Despite being built of plastic, it seems sturdy thanks to the tough build quality. The manufacturer claims the filter is washable and reusable, which is visible through the transparent front panel. It gets a one-press dust reliever button as well. It gets a wide range of multi-purpose nozzles provided with the device that allow the user to clean the car's interior nooks and corners. The Portronics Mopcop 4 has a single push button to operate the device. Using this same button, one can turn on or off the device and toggle between the normal (Eco) and high (Max) vacuuming speeds. It has an LED light, which could be handy in dark conditions. There is an LED digital display showing the mode of vacuuming. The vacuum cleaner comes with a long power cable, which measures nearly four and a half meters in length. It can be used to plug into the in-car DC 12V socket and power the device. Unlike many other car vacuum cleaners, the Mopcop 4 comes with an inbuilt battery, which allows the device to run without being plugged into the charging socket as well. The manufacturer provides a Type A to Type C cable as well, which can be used to power the battery pack of the device for cordless use later. Portronics Mopcop 4 car vacuum cleaner gets a wide range of multi-purpose nozzles provided with the device that allow the user to clean the car's interior nooks and corners. Portronics Mopcop 4 car vacuum cleaner: Performance This Mopcop 4 is primarily a car vacuum cleaner that worked pretty well during our review. It was easy to reach the nooks and corners of the interior of the car using the different multi-purpose nozzles. During our review, we didn't try to clean any wet dirt, but while trying to clean the dry dirt from seats, floor mats, and dashboard, the result was satisfactory. While the vacuum cleaner works well when it is plugged into the 12V DC socket, we also tried to test the device's battery for about 20 minutes at a stretch, blending both the vacuuming modes, and it worked well. Portronics Mopcop 4 car vacuum cleaner: Verdict The Portronics Mopcop 4 car vacuum cleaner comes as a useful device, promising the functionality of keeping the interior clean for day-to-day use. At a sticker price of about ₹3,000, this device is a handy one to keep in the car, but remember that at a similar or cheaper cost, there are some car vacuum cleaners in the market that offer the functionality of tyre inflator as well. First Published Date:
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Roads in Indian cities flooded due to heavy rain. Here's some driving tips for flooded roads
As heavy rains sweep across India, they bring much-needed relief from the scorching summer. But for motorists, it also means a serious uptick in waterlogged streets, traffic snarls, and car troubles. With reports of road flooding in parts of Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities, the water can cause major damage to vehicles and pose serious safety risks if an individual isn't prepared for the worst-case scenarios. Taking a few precautions before you drive out during the rains can save you from expensive repairs and potential danger. Remember, when in doubt, park it out. It's always safer to wait than to risk driving through deep water. Here are a few essential tips to protect your car and ensure your own safety while driving in critical situations: Also check these Vehicles Find more Cars Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Cabriolet 2999.0 cc 2999.0 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 1.30 Cr Compare View Offers Maserati MC20 3000.0 cc 3000.0 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 3.69 Cr Compare View Offers BMW X4 2998 cc 2998 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 96.20 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Toyota bZ4X 72.8 kWh 72.8 kWh 405 Km 405 Km ₹ 70 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe 2024 1950 cc 1950 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 65 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Lexus LBX 1498 cc 1498 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 45 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Avoid waterlogged roads If you see a stretch of road submerged in water, take a different route, even if it's a longer one. Driving through deep water can lead to engine hydrostatic lock, a costly issue that occurs when water enters the engine. Know your vehicle's wading depth Every car has a limit to how much water it can safely wade through, known as the wading depth. For hatchbacks and sedans, this is usually around 300mm. SUVs can go slightly deeper (up to 500–600mm), but even then, caution is key. Check your car's manual or the manufacturer's website for accurate information. Maintain a steady speed If you absolutely must cross a waterlogged area, do so at a steady, slow pace in first gear, keeping the engine revs up. Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, which can splash water into the engine bay or cause loss of control. Turn off the AC Switching off your AC helps reduce the load on the engine. Also, keep the windows slightly open to prevent fogging and ensure visibility. Avoid cranking a submerged engine If your car stalls in water, do not attempt to restart it immediately. Starting a waterlogged engine can cause permanent internal damage. Instead, call for roadside assistance or a towing service. Use hazard lights and fog lamps Visibility during heavy rain or in low-lying flooded areas can drop drastically. Turn on your fog lamps and hazard lights to make your vehicle more visible to others. Dry your brakes after exiting water After you cross a flooded road, lightly tap the brake pedal while driving slowly. This helps dry the brake pads and restores braking efficiency. Keep tyres properly inflated Under-inflated tyres increase the risk of aquaplaning, where the car loses traction and control on wet surfaces. Make sure your tyres have enough tread depth and correct pressure before heading out. Get monsoon-proof accessories Use rubber floor mats, waterproof car seat covers, and door visors to protect your interiors from muddy water and moisture. A car body cover can protect the exterior if you park in open areas. Service and inspect electrical systems Moisture can cause major issues in the car's electrical systems, especially in older vehicles. Ensure your battery, wiring, fuses, and lights are in top shape. Anti-rust coating for underbody protection is also advisable. Additionally, it is always useful to have a working GPS and an emergency contact app on your mobile device. This helps you find alternative routes and connect to assistance quickly if you get stranded. Stay safe, drive smart and tackle flooded routes responsibly! Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major car brand discontinues ‘funky' motor after 10 years with ‘no plans to replace it'
Other models have been highlighted as alternatives END OF THE ROAD Major car brand discontinues 'funky' motor after 10 years with 'no plans to replace it' A MAJOR motor brand has announced it will axe a popular "funky" luxury SUV from its lineup with no plans to replace it. The unique motor is expected to be axed as soon as stock runs out, and will not get a facelift or a model upgrade next year. 2 The BMW X4 is a compact luxury crossover, and has four doors, though sometimes referred to as a coupe 2 The larger and more refined second-generation X2 was a big part of the discontinuation of the X4 BMW is scrapping its popular X4 Coupe SUV from its production lineup - and is expected to take it off the market as soon as next year. First revealed in 2014, the SUV quickly became popular with motorheads who love to drive adventure vehicles with a bit of luxury. However, over the decade, the car failed to maintain its position as the leading Coupe SUV, with passionate motorists eventually falling out of love with the vehicle. Due to a lack of popularity, the German brand is expected to stop the production of X4 after the 2024 model year. BMW will reportedly kill the X4 after the 2025 model year. Company officials additionally confirmed the Mercedes GLC Coupe rival won't live to see another generation. But its not all bad news, as BMW still has the new X2 crossover coupe as an alternative. The price gap between the X4 and X2 has also been substantially narrowed. And those who are after a larger, or more stylish SUV can look into getting their hands on the big X6. BMW M135 is a power-packed hot-hatch that's precise, solid & slick… everything about is 'sheer driving pleasure' The German luxury brand says the new X3 can also provide a more in-between sized vehicle, which unlike the X2 has RWD underpinnings and a six cylinder engine. It is not yet known exactly when BMW will end production of the X4. This year has already seen 30 cars on the chopping block, with already 20 more set for next year.
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major car brand discontinues ‘funky' motor after 10 years with ‘no plans to replace it'
A MAJOR motor brand has announced it will axe a popular "funky" luxury SUV from its lineup with no plans to replace it. The unique motor is expected to be 2 The BMW X4 is a compact luxury crossover, and has four doors, though sometimes referred to as a coupe 2 The larger and more refined second-generation X2 was a big part of the discontinuation of the X4 BMW is scrapping its popular First revealed in 2014, the SUV quickly became popular with motorheads who love to drive adventure vehicles with a bit of luxury. However, over the decade, the car failed to maintain its position as the leading Coupe SUV, with passionate motorists eventually falling out of love with the vehicle. Due to a lack of popularity, the German brand is expected to stop the production of X4 after the 2024 model year. Read More Motors News BMW the X4 after the 2025 model year. Company officials additionally confirmed the Mercedes GLC Coupe rival won't live to see another generation. But its not all bad news, as BMW still has the new X2 crossover coupe as an alternative. The price gap between the X4 and X2 has also been substantially narrowed. Most read in Motors And those who are after a larger, or more stylish SUV can look into getting their hands on the big X6. BMW M135 is a power-packed hot-hatch that's precise, solid & slick… everything about is 'sheer driving pleasure' The It is not yet known exactly when BMW will end production of the X4. This year has already seen 30 cars on the chopping block, with already 20 more set for next year.
