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ASTON MARTIN DB12 – Review

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Borrowing notes from James Bond’s DB5 from Goldfinger, like the silver birch paint finish and perforated black leather seats, Aston Martin’s special edition (which comes from the company’s limited-run division, aptly named Q) is absolutely lavish. There’s actual gold on the cabin controls, weaved into the carbon fibre detailing, and on the gear selector. There’s an eight of hearts embroidered into the sun visor. There’s a goodie bag with each of the 60 Goldfinger Editions which includes a slice of 35mm film from the original movie. Yes, this is all very, very silly, and even the most ardent fan will likely think it’s a bit much, but let’s not forget that there’s a DB12 underneath it all. We’d happily get over a little overt bling if we were lucky enough to put foot to throttle.

Pricing and Availability

  • £TBC
  • astonmartin.com

KIA SYROS – Review

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Words Srinivasan S

The moment you lay eyes on the Kia Syros, it’s clear that this isn’t just another compact SUV. Its bold, upright stance and muscular design give it a commanding presence, while its compact dimensions make it perfect for navigating tight city streets. The Syros is a head-turner, and its quirky yet attractive design is sure to make it a favorite among urban drivers.

Exterior Design

Kia’s Design 2.0 philosophy shines through in the Syros. The SUV’s high squared shoulders, chiseled bonnet, and upright posture give it a robust and confident look. The front fascia is dominated by the signature Digital Tiger Face grille, flanked by Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps and starmap LED daytime running lights (DRLs). These elements not only enhance visibility but also add a futuristic flair to the design. The side profile is equally striking, with streamlined door handles, integrated spoilers, and 17-inch dual tone alloy wheels that add a touch of sportiness. At the rear, the L-shaped LED tail lamps and shark fin antenna complete the modern, premium look. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof is a nice touch, letting in plenty of natural light and adding to the SUV’s airy feel.

Interior Design and Features

Step inside the Syros, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels both premium and practical. The 76.2 cm Trinity Panoramic display is the centerpiece of the dashboard, combining the infotainment system and instrument cluster into one seamless interface. This setup not only looks futuristic but also makes it easier to access key information while driving. The Syros introduces rear ventilated seats—a segment-first feature—that ensure passenger comfort during India’s scorching summers. While the ventilation is limited to the base of the seat, it’s still a welcome addition. The rear seats are also adjustable, offering both reclining and sliding functions to optimize comfort and cargo space. Storage is another area where the Syros excels. The cabin is dotted with clever storage solutions, including armrest storage, front door bottle holders, a rear AC console tray, and retractable cup holders. These small but thoughtful touches make the Syros a practical choice for everyday use. Other notable interior features include an air purifier, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and 64-color ambient mood lighting. These elements add to the overall premium feel of the cabin. The Syros also supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. One of the most refreshing aspects of the Syros is its use of tactile, mechanical buttons and knurled dials for controls like AC and volume. At a time when many car manufacturers are moving towards touch-sensitive panels, Kia’s decision to stick with traditional buttons is a breath of fresh air. The controls are well-marked, easy to use, and satisfying to operate, making the driving experience more intuitive and enjoyable. Performance During our test drive on the Delhi-Mumbai expressway, the Syros handled smoothly, with confident acceleration and stable handling. The suspension setup does a good job of absorbing bumps and potholes, ensuring a comfortable ride even on rough roads. The higher trims with automatic transmission come with paddle shifters, adding a sporty touch to the driving experience

Safety

Kia has equipped the Syros with a comprehensive suite of safety features, making it one of the safest options in its segment. The inclusion of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) introduces 16 adaptive features, such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality. These features not only enhance safety but also reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. Standard safety provisions include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and a 360-degree parking camera. The reverse camera is crisp and clear, and the surround view monitor, blind-spot monitor, and parking collision avoidance reverse feature make parking in tight spots a breeze. Kia has paid special attention to both driving and parking safety, incorporating 13 driving safety features and 3 parking safety features. This focus on safety underscores Kia’s commitment to passenger protection. Positioning The Syros carves out a niche between the compact and mid-size SUV segments. While it shares some similarities with the Sonet, it also competes with higher trims of the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue. Its premium features and compact dimensions make it an attractive option for buyers eyeing models like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, or Honda Elevate. The Syros is positioned as a premium subcompact SUV, offering a blend of style, technology, and performance that’s hard to beat. Its strategic positioning allows it to appeal to a broad spectrum of customers, from young professionals to small families. Conclusion The Kia Syros is a well-rounded subcompact SUV that ticks all the right boxes. Its bold design, techpacked interior, and practical performance make it a strong contender in its segment. With segment-first features like the Trinity display and rear ventilated seats, the Syros is perfect for urban drivers looking for a stylish, feature-rich SUV that doesn’t compromise on space or safety. Kia has once again proven its knack for creating vehicles that resonate with Indian consumers. The Syros is a smart, stylish, and practical choice for city driving, offering a premium experience without the premium price tag. Whether you’re navigating crowded city streets or cruising on the highway, the Syros is a capable and comfortable companion. The Kia Syros is a game-changer in the subcompact SUV segment. It combines bold design, advanced technology, and versatile performance into a package that’s hard to resist. If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that stands out from the crowd, the Syros should be at the top of your list.

Availability

kia.com

Vivo V50 is now out in the market

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vivo has today unveiled V50, another addition to its V series. The vivo V50 is India’s slimmest (0.739 cm) smartphone in the 6,000 mAh battery categoryand the first-ever V series smartphone to feature an ultra-slim quad curved display. Continuing the V-series’ legacy of providing a segment-leading portrait experience, the V50 features a vivo-ZEISS co-engineered imaging system.

Adding another layer of vivo’s consistent adaptation to consumer preferences, V50 will be available in three  colors –  Red, Night and Titanium Grey.

The vivo V50 will be priced at INR 34,999 (inclusive of taxes) for the 8GB + 128GB variant, INR 36,999 (inclusive of taxes) for the 8 GB + 256 GB variant, and INR 40,999 (inclusive of taxes) for the 12GB + 512GB variant, and will go on sale starting February 25 across vivo official website, Flipkart, Amazon, and all partner retail stores.

Consumers can pre-book the V50 starting today at vivo exclusive stores and partner retail stores. To make the purchase more exciting, consumers can avail any of the below offers:

Online Offers

  • Up to 10% Discount on purchase from HDFC and SBI Bank cards OR up to 10% Exchange Bonus
  • 6-month No Cost EMI
  • 1-year extended warranty for free
  • vivo TWS 3e for just INR 1,499 when bought with the vivo V50 as part of a bundle deal

Offline Offers

  • Up to 10% cashback on select cards including SBI, American Express, DBS, IDFC First Bank, Yes Bank, Bobcard, Federal Bank, and J&K Bank; OR 8 months zero down payment; OR Up to 10% Exchange bonus as part of vivo V-upgrade programme
  • 1 Year Free Extended Warranty
  • Up to 40% off on vivo V-Shield Screen Damage Protection
  • vivo TWS 3e for just INR 1,499 when bought with the vivo V50 as part of a bundle deal
  • Up to 70% Assured Buyback for just INR 499
  • Free Premium Jio Access to 10 OTT apps for 2 months (on a ₹1199 prepaid plan)

Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, vivo India, said, “At vivo, we believe in the power of technology to bring joy to people through superior technology and seamless experience. The vivo V50 is a reflection of this commitment – crafted to meet the evolving needs of today’s consumers while effortlessly blending cutting-edge technology with elegant design.

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Amazfit Balance – Review

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Words- APURVA CHOUDHARY

The Amazfit Balance positions itself as a hybrid smartwatch that bridges the gap between dedicated sports watches and everyday smartwatches. The watch features a 1.5-inch AMOLED display that’s brighter than your future, with impressive specs – 480 x 480 resolution and effective automatic brightness adjustment. However, there’s a catch – unlike premium competitors, it lacks sapphire glass protection. The aluminum frame keeps the weight down to just 35g, and at 10.6mm thin with a 46mm case diameter, it maintains a sleek profile while offering enough screen real estate for easy viewing. The rotating crown, while functional for navigation, feels less robust than the rest of the build. Think of it as the sensitive artist in a family of athletes – it gets the job done, but requires gentler handling than you might expect from a sports watch. During our extended testing, the GPS proved incredibly precise – offering sidewalk-level accuracy. The watch achieves instant GPS acquisition and provides clear navigation with uploaded GPX files. The Balance plays a health detective with impressive dedication. Its sleep tracking is like that friend who remembers every detail of last night’s party – catching not just your main sleep but even those “I’ll just rest my eyes” moments that turn into accidental naps. The AI features, while prominently marketed, prove less practical in real-world use. They often feel more like checkbox features than truly useful tools, suggesting that Amazfit might better serve users by focusing on core functionality rather than AI capabilities.

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹14,999
  • amazfit.com

OnePlus 13R – Review

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Words – SRINIVASAN S

The OnePlus 13R is the latest addition to OnePlus’s lineup, aiming to strike a balance between premium features and affordability. Designed for power users who demand performance without breaking the bank, the 13R promises to deliver a flagship-like experience. The OnePlus 13R arrives in a sleek, minimalist box that reflects the brand’s signature style. Inside, you’ll find the phone, a Type-A to C cable, a 80W SuperVOOC charging adapter, a SIM Tray Ejector tool, and a grippy, charcoal grey protective case. Right out of the box, the13R feels premium with its matte glass back. The phone is slim (0.80 cm) lightweight (206 grams), and comfortable to hold (7.58 cm width) making it ideal for one-handed use.
The 6.78-inch 1.5K 120 Hz ProXDR display is a visual treat. The colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and the brightness is more than sufficien t for outdoor use. The near bezel-less design adds to the
immersive experience, whether you’re scrolling through social media or watching videos. The OnePlus 13R sports a sleek, modern design with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. The camera module is neatly integrated into the back, giving the phone a clean and polished look. The alert slider, a signature OnePlus feature, makes a return, allowing you to quickly switch between sound profiles.
The phone feels sturdy and well-built, with an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. This makes it durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear, giving you peace of mind in various environments. At the heart of the OnePlus 13R is the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth, lag-free performance, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or running demanding applications. During our testing, the phone handled everything we threw at it with ease. Games ran smoothly at high settings, with no noticeable frame drops. The advanced cooling system keeps the phone from overheating, even during extended gaming sessions.
The phone runs on AI-powered OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15, offering a clean and intuitive user interface. Features like Zen Mode, customizable always-on display, and seamless app transitions
enhance the overall user experience. The software is snappy and responsive, making navigation a breeze. The OnePlus 13R features a triple-camera setup, headlined by a SONY LYT-700 50MP primary sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). The 50MP Wide Camera with 8MP Ultra Wide camera,
50MP Telephoto camera and 16MP Front camera offer versatility for different shooting scenarios.
In daylight, the primary camera captures stunning photos with excellent detail, dynamic range, and accurate colors. The ultra-wide lens is great for landscapes and group shots, though there’s some
distortion at the edges. The macro sensor is a fun addition, allowing you to get up close and personal with your subjects. Low-light performance is impressive, thanks to OnePlus’s Nightscape mode. Photos taken in dimly lit environments are bright, detailed, and relatively noise-free. The 16MP front-facing camera takes sharp selfies and handles video calls with ease. On the video front, the 13R supports 4K recording at 60fps, with EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) ensuring smooth footage. The
results are crisp and vibrant, making it a great choice for content
creators.
The OnePlus 13R packs a 6000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of heavy usage. Whether you’re streaming videos, gaming, or browsing the web, the phone has enough juice to keep up with your demands. The highlight, however, is the 80W SuperVOOC charging. With the included adapter, the phone goes from 0 to 100% in just under 25 minutes. This is a game-changer for users who are always on the go and don’t have time to wait around for their phone to charge.

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹42,999 onwards
  • oneplus.in