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Maruti Ritz Goes For a Makeover
Maruti Ritz has a made splash in the market with its new avatar. The new images of the Maruti Ritz which is in fact sold as the Suzuki Splash in other global markets such as Japan and also in some countries in Europe have been released on Suzuki's Japan website.
The facelift starts off with a lower mounted nose which is accompanied by a one-piece grille. The headlamps get a lot more directional with a pointier finish. The fenders now dominate up above the bonnet 'V' while the rear joins the facelift with the bumpers getting fake air-vents. The rear bumper also gets sporty slats with a new profile. The overall looks still look very similar to the current Ritz with a slightly daring stance up front. The final facelift at the exteriors is rounded off with a flat design taillight against the curved one in the current Ritz. Looks like the company has finally heeded to the customers feedback as the previous design made the Ritz one of the ugliest looking car at the rear.
The nose job is also noticed on the interiors with small changes and lighter shades. The overall interiors will still carry on very much with the same design. However it is expected to surely move up a notch higher in terms of the material quality which was evident in the Swift and new Dzire. However, we’ll have to wait and watch for these changes in the actual physical model as there’s only so much you can make out from the images on the interweb.
The engine will be an 84bhp K-series 1.2-litre petrol and the 74bhp 1.3-litre diesel motors mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Maruti Ritz competes with the like of Hyundai i10, Ford Figo and the Honda Brio .
Date Published:
Volkswagen Vento and Volkswagen Polo Discount Dhamaka
Volkswagen Vento and Volkswagen Polo are looking to buck the trend for
the poor sales of petrol cars this season. The ever increasing
petrol prices have surely made the company go for a last ditch
effort to improve its sales and only time will tell if others are
to follow suit.The company has huge stocks of previous years Volkswagen Vento and Polo. So if you are planning to buy a petrol car you can surely turn it to your advantage. Normally most companies face the dilemma at the end of the year and usually clear the sales by the first quarter. However coming close to five months into 2012, Volkswagen has no other option but to clear its 2011 Polo and Vento petrol models. Of the current lot VW is the only manufacturer left to sell its 2011 cars though.
The 1.2 and 1.6 petrol Polo is now cheaper by a huge Rs 50,000 in cash. The deal also gets a lot tempting with free insurance and a two-year annual maintenance contract (AMC) worth Rs 60,000 collectively. The overall discount comes up to a whopping Rs 1.1 lakh if you buy this on road in Mumbai. These calculations are for the base Trendline variant.
On the other hand the Vento cousin also gets cheaper by Rs 1 lakh cash discount for the 2011 model. Even the 2012 petrol 1.2 Polo gets free insurance and AMC worth Rs 60,000.
The only trick you need to remember is if you register a 2011 model in 2012, the date of manufacture is what decides the value of a car so this can affect its price when you decide to sell it. Not many know about this, but used car dealers do have a sniff for them and you need to be smart when you quote the price compared to a car manufactured in 2012.
Date Published: May 08, 2012 - 11:41 pm
New Fiat Linea Launched in Turkey
Fiat Linea has made itself available in a new refreshed avatar in Turkey. The renewed Fiat Linea has undertaken the mid-life facelift and comes with a host of changes in terms of the styling and a refreshed cabin.
The facelift of the Fiat Linea starts off with the refreshed front grille, re-profiled bumper; new fog lamp clusters and comes with loads of chrome for a premium feel. On the back end of the car changes arrive in the form of minor tweaks with an additional chrome strip. The number plate has now moved on to the boot lid. However, the side profile seems to have been forsaken in the mid cycle facelift and looks pretty much a chip off the old car.
The inside is where most of the action takes place and this is where you will notice sweat and toil of the designers. The dash board looks way above its class and comes in a new three-layered two-tone style. The steering wheel is not much alien from the current car, but still manages to have a place of its own with the bits of silver while the centre console gets company in the form a new integrated audio system. The AC vents also sport a modern look and come with useful cubby holes above them. The gear lever, climate control knobs and the door pads are still kept untouched and look similar to the current car. The instrument cluster, with chrome-ringed recessed dials and circular centres, looks great.
The company is looking at the viability of bringing the new Linea for the Indian market as the current variant has really done well. The current Fiat Linea is arguably the best in terms of the ride and handling at its price point and looks way above its class. The Fiat Linea competes with the like of Skoda Rapid, Volkswagen Vento and the Nissan Sunny.
Date Published: May 07, 2012 - 11:34 pm
Mahindra Scorpio upgraded version Ready to Launch
Mahindra Scorpio has secretly started its evolution under the codename W105. The existing Scorpio in the market has completed a decade on the roads and is still going strong. In fact it’s the Scorpio that started a new lease of SUVs in the market like the Tata Safari etc.
The Scorpio will not be influenced by the single body frame of the blockbuster Mahindra XUV500 and will still carry on with the good old hardy body-on-frame which is tried and tested on both the urban and rural terrains. So in spite of the facelift avatar, the new Scorpio will still be hugely ripped off from the current platform. The changes are likely to be seen at the wheelbase which will be longer to improve the legroom in the second row. With an all-new body it will also get a dose of power with a 140bhp version of the M-Hawk engine. The new Scorpio could also come with an improved fuel economy.
Plans are on at full swing in the research facility at Chennai, known as Mahindra Research Valley (MRV). With new high-tech labs and facilities, we can expect the Scorpio to sting us sooner than expected. The company is not overwhelmed by the success of the XUV500 and very well realizes that its bread and butter still lies with tried and tested Scorpio. We expect it will hit showrooms in 2014.
The new Scorpio will also look to get off the tracks faster with a new pick-up version perfectly set up for export markets, which the company believes will be crucial in coming years.
At a time when cars were all about being sane and travelling with your family, the Mahindra Scorpio stung us all by surprise and also showed that cars can be for fun and adventure with the family. Only time will tell if the new Mahindra Scorpio King will be back with a bang.
Date Published: May 06, 2012 - 11:29 pm
Volkswagen Polo R Line Sports Variant Revealed
Moving onto the looks, they can easily be recognized by the strong sports attitude with a trendy front and rear bumpers. The radiator grille with R Line badge looks quite menacing with the black gloss. Then you have the deeper side sills and 16-inch ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels with the standard fog lights including a static cornering function.
The interiors get aluminum bits all over it with R Line logos stamped almost at every nook and corner of the car including the seats, headrests and the leather-trimmed steering wheel. The sports fever can also be seen on the seats upholstered in ‘Kyalami’ cloth, aluminum capped pedals and black cloth roof lining.
The Polo R line comes attached with radio/CD player with six speakers and multi-device interface for plugging in an iPod or other compatible devices, semi-automatic air-conditioning, multi-function trip computer, power windows, height-adjustable front seats, split-folding rear seats, electrically operated and heated-door mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors, front and rear reading lights, tyre pressure monitor and remote central locking.
However, as of now the Volkswagen Polo R Line is available only in the UK at Rs.13 lakh INR for the three-door version and goes up to Rs 13.54 lakh for the five-door version. Until then, you can still quench your need for thrill with the Polo 1.6 which does a 0-100km/h in 12.33 seconds. The Volkswagen Polo competes with the likes of the Skoda Fabia and the Hyundai i20.
Date Published: May 04, 2012 - 12:48 am
Mahindra Verito 2012 Avatar Revealed
The changes on the new Verito include a new front grille accompanied by a chrome strip, newly restyled front bumper and fog lamp housings. The B-pillar is blacked-out and the outside rearview mirrors get new mountings. At the tail end of the car, the changes have taken place at the tail lamps and bumpers. The number plate has now moved on to the redesigned bootlid.
With regard to the changes on the interiors, we do not expect much of activity at the mechanicals and most of them will remain the same. It is also expected to come with the same diesel engine. The best part of the facelift will be a huge cabin and better technology in terms of the dynamics. In fact the company had recently launched the rebadged Verito in April last year with some styling tweaks. The only reason for the facelift is looked upon as a buying time until it launches the sub-four-metre saloon. The launch time of the Verito is expected to happen in the coming months.
The new facelift avatar does not do much to change the image of the car. The car still struggles hard to shake off its taxi image and there is a lot left to be desired in terms of the quality. At a time when big brands like Nissan and Volkswagen are giving stiff competition in the sedan market, it is time the Indian companies also improved their standard.
In fact it is really strange that the number one SUV maker in India still struggles to even give a damn in the other segments. The new Mahindra Verito will compete with the likes of Nissan Sunny, Maruti Swift Dzire and the Tata Manza.
Date Published: May 03, 2012 - 1:11 am
Audi A4 Launching at Sunrise
The outer looks get a new front-end exterior design which is complemented by an attractive headlamp and new LED lamps which now appear as a continuous band. The top end models also get projector-styled Xenon headlamps.
The changes also make their way to the bonnet in the form of a new six-corner single-frame grille. You can get them in shades of grey for the four-cylinder variants and black for the six-cylinders. The bumpers not wanting to be left behind sport a re-profiled trapezoidal-shaped fog lamp. At the rear, there are new tail lamps with altered LED graphics and a new bumper.
On the inside the Audi A4 spills luxury all over it and has a moved a notch higher in terms of the quality and the ease of use. The dashboard and bits of smart wood trim which is available as an option reminds you of the Audi A6 and Audi A8. The changes to the interior include a new design drive wheel, high quality dashboard, centre console trim applications and new switchgear as well. There is also the option of Audi Drive Select which enhances the efficiency of your car by controlling the cruise and air- conditioning to optimize the fuel consumption.
The Engines will however be carried over from the current car. Overall the new A4 is bigger and better in every way compared to its predecessor. The Audi A4 with the same old strong engines, luxurious interiors and a new look will look to stamp its authority in the entry level luxury car market.
Date Published: May 02, 2012 - 1:29 am
Hyundai i20 Upgraded Version Launched in India
The iGen i20 was launched in Mangalore at the Advaith Hyundai Showroom. The occasion also saw the new i20 keys handed over to its first customers. The new i20 also ensures that it has upgraded in terms of the safety, comfort and host of other features.
The new i20 comes in both petrol and diesel fuel options. The 1.2 L petrol engine comes with a peak power of 84 PS while the diesel comes with 90 PS power. The new Hyundai i20 includes some eye catch features like electrochromic rear view mirror that illuminates during night driving adding to the safety and the style statement. It also comes with all disk brakes and rain sensing wipers besides land change indicator, start stop button and the list just goes on. The looks of the car are filled with the fluidic lines all over the body which gives a motion feel even when it’s at a standstill.
The safety features of the i-Gen i20 include 6 air bags, clutch lock system, smart pedal system, speed sensing auto door unlocking, reverse parking sensors and so on. As per ARAI data, the i20 gives a mileage of 18.5 kilometer per litre, while the automatic model gives a mileage of 15 kilometer per litre. The car is available in 6 colours. Looks like the new i20 has been prepared to take on the competition which includes the likes of Maruti Swift, Ford Figo and Chevrolet Beat.
Date Published: Apr 30, 2012 - 12:59 am
Renault Pulse Reviewed For You
The Pulse in spite of its platform and technology rip off from the Nissan Micra still looks a lot different. However the Pulse has been smart enough to move from the fair looks which had been the downfall of the Nissan Micra to an extent. The Renault Pulse has got some bold lines and curves to appeal to both the sexes. The engine is the same 1.2-litre petrol engine which does duty on the Nissan Micra. Pulse will also feature the 1.5 dCi diesel engine that has proven its worth.
The Renault Pulse specifications come with an overall length, width and height of 3805 mm, 1665 mm and 1525 mm respectively. The wheel base of this vehicle is 2450 mm, which also creates maximum interior space.
The Pulse returns a mileage of 13.8 kmpl in the traffic and 17.3 kmpl on the highway, achieving an overall figure of 14.6 kmpl. At 6.25 lakh the top of the line RxZ is exactly Rs. 4300 cheaper than the Nissan Micra and this is where rebadged cars have an advantage over their elderly cousins.
The Renault Pulse competes with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, Skoda Fabia, Fiat Grande Punto, Volkswagen Polo, Chevrolet Beat, Ford Figo and off course the Nissan Micra. The Renault Pulse comes in shades of Champagne Gold, Metallic Grey, Metallic Red, Metallic Silver, Pearl White and Solid Black.
Date Published: Apr 26, 2012 - 11:37 pm
Audi Q5 New Avatar Launched at Beijing Auto Show
On the inside, one can see a host of styling changes. The new engines will be filled with vigour and efficiency. The 3.2 Litre petrol V6 is going to be replaced with the 3.0 liter supercharged V6 engine. The comfort is taken care by the twelve-way power front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment with the ergonomics also being fine-tuned.
Inspired from the MLP (Modular longitudinal Platform) of the Porsche Macan, the Audi Q5 will hit the roads before the Porsche. There is also news of a hybrid variant for the US market, which will be equipped with a 2.0 litre petrol engine and a 1.3 Kwh (54 bhp) electric motor. The start-stop system is standard in all versions.
The Indian audience can lay their hands on the new Audi Q5 soon after it is available for sales globally, probably after the Paris Auto show. The current Audi Q5 has been a huge hit and the facelift looks like it has all the makings of a successful sequel as well in the mid-size SUV segment. The 2013 Audi Q5 is expected to come with prices starting from 39,900 euros, which is just 150 euros more than the outgoing model. Combined fuel economy is estimated at 34 mpg and the hybrid delivers up to 37 mph in all-electric (EV) mode. The Audi Q5 competes with the likes of BMW 5 Series and its own Audi Q7 as well.
Date Published: Apr 26, 2012 - 12:12 am
Skoda Fabia Scout Surprise Launch
The Skoda Fabia Scout features list includes new stainless steel pedals and high quality leather upholstered seats. The comfort list comes with advanced features like power windows, remote locking, dual airbags for the driver and front passenger, remote locking, audio player, tinted glasses etc.
The driver comfort is maintained with the same ride height as the elder brother Fabia. It also comes with dual airbags, integrated music system, keyless entry and tinted glasses.
The Skoda Fabia Scout price starts at Rs 6.79 lakh ex-Delhi for the petrol version while the diesel variant costs Rs 8.10 lakh ex-Delhi.While this latest Skoda is a decent family choice, it is not much of power horse and doesn’t provide versatility that many buyers desire. The Fabia Scout will remain a front wheel drive car without the option of a four-wheel drive variant. There is not much you will miss if you ignore the Fabia Scout. However, the Scout will offer more space and a larger boot, which is makes worth a shot.
Launched under the price segment of Rs 9 lakh it will compete with the likes of Toyota Innova, Tata Aria and the Mahindra Xylo.
Date Published: Apr 24, 2012 - 11:49 pm
Mercedes Benz G63 AMG Revealed Before Launch
Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG has already been caught by the paparazzi and we bring you the sneak peek details of the Benz G63 AMG ahead of its much hyped launch at the Beijing motor show in China.
The new SUV has no qualms about its style and it bravely flaunts its restyled front bumper with large cooling ducts, a double slat grille, and side mounted exhaust pipes ending just before the rear wheels. The wheels are five spoke AMG alloy and is looked upon as the next successor to the G55 AMG.
At the heart of the matter is the twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 direct injection petrol engine. It develops 536bhp and 77.4kgm of pulling force. Compared to the good old G55 the new car has improved by some 43bhp and 6.08kgm of torque.
With a seven speed automatic gearbox, power is consistently channeled permanently to all four wheels for full control during off-road adventures. The SUV also has a touch of style with an automatic stop/start function. The robust beast also comes with loads of thought behind it with brake energy recuperation for added fuel savings.
The new G63 AMG with a makeover will be joined by a new range topping G-class line-up the G65 AMG model. However one might have to wait sometime though for the new beast to enter India as initially it is planned to be sold in only markets including China, Russia and the Middle East, which is a 603bhp twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 multi-point injection petrol engine with mind boggling 737lb ft of torque.
The feature list of the power machine includes hi-tech Distronic Plus radar controlled cruise control system, Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid Partktronic, which is includes a reversing camera as well. The standard ESP (electronic stability program) also gets a makeover with the inclusion of Trailer Stability Assist and a hill hold function.
Date Published: Apr 20, 2012 - 4:36 am
Tata Nano 2012 Sneak Peek Review
Tata Nano has this amazing knack of getting in and out. The Nano in spite of facing a spate of hurdles has come out unscathed with flying colours. On a serious note though the Tata Nano fits in with ease and is arguably the easiest car to park, well almost. However, the steering spoils the show which is too stubborn for a car of its proportions.
You will surely get a nice triceps work out with its tight 8m turning circle. So even though you might find a spot to park the car, you might as well give it a miss due to the pathetic steering. You would probably go for spot that requires less lock to lock maneuvering.
Where the Nano really scores is the busy city streets. For a small car it really gives you loads of confidence. All thanks to its nice and high seating position which makes for great visibility on the road and the short overhangs makes it so easy to figure out the dimensions of the car. So for a novice rider the Nano is an ideal car which requires very limited skill. At the most what worse can happen to an Rs 2-lakh car? On a serious note though, the bumper costs Rs 1,200 and a headlight at 1,300 which means you surely can try a few things about driving if you want it to play it real safe with your first car.
Even after a ride of over 2,000km the car still seems fresh out of the showroom. The car has a smart mix up with the likes of a short wheelbase, fixed rear hatch and beefed-up suspension points help the torsional rigidity of the body shell considerably. Surely, you might want to think twice before calling this a cheap car. The car holds its sanity in spite of the worst of terrains.
The bad roads do highlight poor ride and handling of the Nano, especially the small 12-inch wheels, it bucks a fair bit. Be ready for some tossing and churning as well. In spite of well studded seats for the 2012 model you might feel a bit off too much thigh support at the front seats.The engine has surely come off age with the 2012 model which makes the Nano score.
However do not expect to zip through the traffic light at the first gear itself. The car is still a huge understatement to the word power. On a philosophical note though the Nano teaches you how to perform in spite of all the shortcomings it brings. The Nano still keeps going without too much trouble and you need not worry too much about it. The Nano 2012 high end variant goes up to Rs 2.40 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). You might also have a look at the likes of the Hyundai Eon and the Maruti Alto.
Date Published: Apr 18, 2012 - 11:21 pm
Mitsubishi Montero back with a Bang
Mitsubishi Montero has been launched in a new updated avatar. The renewed Montero comes with a host of style statements and extra features. The styling updates include revised exteriors, restyled front, new bumpers and loads of features on the inside. The Mitsubishi Montero comes with a 3.2-litre diesel engine which delivers a maximum power of 200bhp. The 2012 Montero is priced at Rs 40.50 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi.
The interiors have also not been spared of the changes and come with posh leather seats and with new finish on power window-switch panel. The style statement is further added with the new interior illumination colour. The instrument panel also joins the makeover with a new set of dials in a new colour. Apart from its awe inspiring design and the majestic looks, it pampers you and gives you that kingly treatment.
Montero is one of those cars which will make you wonder if you really need one. Just get inside and you'll see where your extra money was spent on. The vehicle is available in solid white, black mica and cool silver metallic shades. The SUV has been equipped with a powerful engine, which delivers commendable top speed. The driving position aboard the Montero also provides the driver excellent visibility of the road ahead and the high seat position makes sure that the driver sees what is immediately in front of the bumper.
The Mitsubishi Montero with a powerful 3.2L 4-Cylinder DOHC inter-cooled turbocharged diesel engine comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Being a 4x4, the Montero has the capability of taking on even the roughest of terrains. Standard features include driver and passenger-side airbags, ABS brakes, child safety rear door locks, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, front bucket seats and a rear-window defogger.
The Mitsubishi Montero competes with the likes of Honda CRV, Toyota Fortuner and its own Mitsubishi Pajero. Mitsubishi has also reduced prices of the Cedia saloon which now starts at Rs 7.99 lakh ex-showroom Delhi.
Date Published: Apr 17, 2012 - 11:56 pm
Maruti Swift Goes Alpha With its Limited Edition
Maruti Swift is now available in a special limited-edition variant of its Swift Petrol called the Swift Alpha. The new limited edition car comes in the VXi petrol variant. With the launch of the new Swift Alpha, Maruti is surely leaving no stone unturned to keep its numero uno status. The new Swift Alpha comes with loads of strings attached to it. The best part is all these improvements comes with absolutely no extra cost.
The new strings include a host of upgrades like Bluetooth-equipped audio system with speakers, door-sill guards, a body-coloured rear spoiler, mud-flaps, seat-covers, designer floor mats and door visors. This variant also comes with carbon fibre trims on the dashboard & door pads and not to forget the attractive stickering. The move is looked upon as a measure to bolster the sales of the Petrol variants which have not been able to match up with its diesel cousin. In fact, their last report states that of all the Swift hatchbacks sold, only 20% of them were powered by a petrol engine, while the remaining 80% sold were diesel powered.
Maruti claims that customers save as much as Rs 8,000 if they opt to get these upgrades done versus getting them from the aftermarket. The company has also fastened the delivery period for Swift. Previously buyers had to wait up to 8 months but the company has increased the production of Swift to 20000 units per month which has brought down the waiting period up to just 2 months. However only time will tell how the new avatar of the Maruti Swift fares in the current era of rising fuel costs where almost all the petrol cars have taken a back seat.
The Maruti Swift virtually faces no competition from its other contemporaries but just for the sake of comparison you can also have a look at the Nissan Micra and the Chevrolet Beat.
Date Published: Apr 16, 2012 - 11:54 pm
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