Dongfeng Honda sells the current CR-V in China already. The new SUV is to be based on the same platform.

The table below shows the cars from Guangqi Honda (Right) and Dongfeng Honda (Left). Where Guangqi sells the Honda Accord (what was sold in India), Dongfeng sells the European version of the Accord. 

Similarly, where Guangqi sells the Honda Crider, that was unveiled only recently at the 2013 Auto Shanghai, Dongfeng sells the Honda Civic that we’ve seen in India, as the Honda Ciimo.

The left side represents Dongfeng Honda while the right side represents Guangqi Honda.

Now coming to the most important segment, the SUVs, where Dongfeng sells the all new CR-V, Guangqi does not have a similar product.

Hence, there will be a new SUV which will be sold by Guangqi that will have its competition as the Dongfeng Honda CR-V. The interesting facet is the new SUV will be based on the same platform as the new CR-V. This has been reported by the Chinese media without confirmations. In the future, expect to see two SUV’s, both based on the new Honda CR-V and both wearing the Honda badge, but competing with one another in China.

Now, whenever a new car goes on sale, the predecessor is retired from production. This is not the case in China where it is common to find up to three of four generations of a carline selling together.

In Honda’s case, the last generation Honda CR-V is also being prepped for a re-launch. The old CR-V will be positioned below the new SUV and the new CR-V. The old Honda City lives on in China as the Everus S1 while the old Civic, as we’ve pointed out, continues to run in China with mild modifications as the Ciimo.

The Chinese market is so vast that there’s one restrained model line for the interior or rural markets, and one international line for the metropolitan markets.

[Source - Auto.Sina.com.cn]

The Fiat Viaggio hatchback would get a completely redesigned rear.

We have already brought you the information regarding the hatchback variant which was expected to be unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2013. However, it was a no show.

There is a new development now. According to Mr. Jiang Ping, executive vice president of Guangzhou-Fiat, the hatchback variant of the Viaggio would be unveiled in the last quarter of 2013. A leaked sketch gives us an idea of how it would look like.

We’ve heard from Fiat’s Mike Manley that a new Viaggio model would be showcased at the Guangzhou Auto Show this year with production scheduled for late 2013 or early 2014. The Viaggio hatch is very likely the model Manley’s describing.

The proposed hatchback will compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback.

And there is also a compact crossover SUV based on the Viaggio’s CUSW platform. The details are sketchy as of now but the vehicle is slated for a debut next year.

The Viaggio sedan’s 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine is most likely to be carried over to the hatchback and the SUV as well. The motor is available in two states of tune – 120 bhp and 150 bhp. A 5-speed manual or a dual clutch automatic gearbox transmits power.

Since crossovers are highly sought after in India, we can’t help but think the Viaggio based compact SUV could be a valuable addition to Fiat India’s rather small portfolio. However, there was no mention about an SUV in Fiat India’s product plan till 2016.

[Source: Autohome.com.cn]

The British marque is celebrating its centenary year and that definitely calls for something extra special. Over these 100 years of existence, the ownership of Aston Martin has changed hands a number of times.

The iconic brand has teased a “very special concept” which is scheduled to be unveiled on May 19th. A video and a teaser sketch have been released to arouse curiosity among internet users.

The sketch of the concept suggests that it would be a homage for the legendary DBR1 racer of the yore which won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1959. The video says, “Aston Martin which celebrates our centenary year, encompassing the past, present and future in one exceptional design.”

[Can't watch the video? Head to Youtube]

The car will be unveiled at the Nurburgring’s hallowed Nordschleife track on the sidelines of the 24-hour race in which several Aston Marin racers including the Rapide S will compete. Nurburgring has been a testing ground for the recent Aston Martin sports cars and there could be no other apt place and time to unveil the concept.

Additional information regarding the special car has not been released yet. We expect it to be a one-off model which celebrates the brand’s rich heritage. In short, it could be a museum piece.

Stay tuned to know more!

It remains to be seen whether Indonesia will get the Etios with the ‘Indian-ised’ facelift updates such as the new grill, ORVM, new head and tail light assembly.

Otosia.com has managed to get their hands on a screenshot from the new vehicle registration authority in Indonesia that corroborates the Etios launch scheduled there for this year. Before a car goes on sale, the manufacturer or importer has to supply the necessary information regarding the engine and the transmission and that is exactly what PT Toyota Astra Motors have done yesterday.

Ministry of registration confirms that the Etios Sedan is under process.

In Indonesia, PT Toyota are the official distributors and importers of Toyota cars. The registration confirms that the Etios sedan is due for launch. The Etios sedan will join its already existing Etios hatchback, which is called as the Etios Valco for the Indonesian market.

The Etios Valco is a more aggressive version of the Liva that launched in Indonesia this year.

It is also confirmed now that the Etios sedan will get a 1.5-liter engine (same as the one sold in India) coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The launch of the Etios sedan is expected in the upcoming months, possibly at the 2013 Indonesian Motor Show that’s scheduled to be held in September.

The prices of the Etios Valco start at about 135.5 million Indonesian Rupiah (about INR 7.62 lakhs). So expect the Toyota Etios to start at a slightly higher price as its a bigger variant and has a more powerful 1.5-liter engine compared to the 1.2-liter unit of the Valco.

[Source - Otosia.com]

The first of the models to enter India would be the Grand Cherokee which was unveiled at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show. The Grand Cherokee will go up against SUV’s such as the Audi Q5, Mercedes M Class and the Volvo XC60. All these SUVs feature two-rows of seats with seating capacity for five.

So what happens if Jeep should compete with the Audi Q7 and Mercedes GL Class which are SUVs with three-rows of seats seating 7 people?

Autocar UK reports that Jeep is considering to expand its model range with a more upmarket seven seat SUV. While Jeep has previously made an SUV with seating capacity for seven, the Commander, it was discontinued nearly three years ago.

Jeep could borrow the Dodge Durango’s platform for a three-row seven-seat SUV.

Coming up with a platform for a 7-seat off-roader is not an easy task. Which is why Jeep may consider asking its sister brand, Dodge, for one. Dodge makes a 7-seat SUV called the Durango which is pretty popular in the North America and the Middle East.

Another interesting detail is that Jeep may consider reviving the ‘Grand Wagoneer’ nameplate for the new SUV. The Grand Wagoneer was a popular SUV in the 90′s, characterized by its wood finished side doors!

A seven-seat luxury Jeep could also find a lot of potential in growing Asian markets such as India and China, not to mention America itself where people carriers are preferred. Ask Land Rover where the majority of the Range Rover Sport’s sales came from.

[Source - Autocar UK]

We got you pictures of how the 2014 X5 would look like, thanks to a brochure leak from a scale model making company. Today, there are more details of the new X5 available.

Firstly, the new X5 is expected to grow in size to better differentiate it from the smaller X3. The current X5 has only two-rows of seats with seating for five people. The new X5 on the other hand is expected to get the third row of seats once again.

Engine wise, the X5 is expected to retain the 3.0-liter six cylinder diesel engines and the eight cylinder petrol engines. However, a four cylinder turbocharged diesel engine is expected to form the base variant to compete with the Merc M Class.

The new X5 is expected to go on sale by the end of this year after it is unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Meanwhile, the X5 M, which is the performance oriented version of the X5 is expected to feature a few engine updates. While it will continue to use the same 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (as seen on the M5 and the current X5 M itself), the power output is expected to touch 570bhp from the current car’s 555bhp.

Thanks to the added power and the lower weight (which is now a standard part of all new models), the X5 M is expected to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds down from the current car’s 4.7 seconds.

The new X5 M is expected to be unveiled along with the new X5 at the Frankfurt Motor Show taking place in September this year.

[Source - AutoExpress.co.uk] [Image credits - cbt.com]

Since then, the Wrangler has been through two generations, the current Wrangler being the third generation model. The platform used for the third generation model is called ‘JK’.

The Wrangler JK was introduced in 2007 and then subsequently refreshed in 2010. Today, Jeep says that the one millionth Wrangler JK has rolled off the assembly line in its Toledo plant in Ohio, USA.

The Jeep Wrangler is announced for India in late 2013. Seen here is a test mule of Jeep in Pune. Image credit – Shatrughan Saxena.

The Wrangler is sold with two engine options. You can either spec a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 petrol engine or a 2.8-liter four cylinder diesel engine. Both engines can be had either with a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission.

The Wrangler can also be specced as a two-door convertible, two-door hardtop or a four-door convertible or a four-door hardtop. Jeep had also launched several special editions of the Wrangler such as the Rubicon edition, the Unlimited edition, the Unlimited Sahara, Unlimited Mountain and the Islander to name a few.

Jeep has always come up with new concepts for the Wrangler to keep the exclusivity factor in check. Such as this Wrangler Recon concept for example.

Apart from the special editions, Jeep has a huge list of accessories from Mopar that can be kitted out on the Wrangler.

The Wrangler is all set to debut in India this October. We think Jeep would launch both, the two and the four-door version of the Wrangler in India.

[Source - Autoblog.com]

Despite BMW’s cover-up attempts intending that there’s nothing to see there, its evident to that the production model stays faithful to the concept first shown at Frankfurt two years ago. The i8 concept made its Hollywood premiere in the final scenes of Mission Impossible 4 that were filmed in Mumbai.

The exterior is designed in a manner to allow the best possible airflow around the body for minimizing air drag. The production model is said to have a three-cylinder turbocharged engine paired to an electric motor spinning the rear wheels. The engine produces about 223 horsepower and 300Nm of torque, while the electric motor, located on the front axle, makes 129 horsepower.

The fuel efficiency of the hybrid powertrain is about 33.3 kmpl. A 0-100 kph sprint is possible in under five seconds.

Although there are icons in the BMW lineup such as the M3 and M5 which are re-engineered variants of its family saloons, the i8 would mark’s BMW’s re-entry into the sportscar market 23 years after it laid its last creations, the M1, to rest.

[Source - AutoBlog.it]

The next gen Audi Q7 would shed as much as 800 pounds (363 kg)

The natural solutions are to downsize engines, employ hybrid powertrain and yes, reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. Weight reduction not only has a positive effect on economy and emission, but it also does good to the car’s dynamics.

We know that the next gen Audi Q7, which is scheduled to be unveiled next summer in Europe will shed a lot of weight. According to the German publication Automobilwoche, Audi insiders have revealed that the upcoming SUV would be weighing around 800 (363 kg) pounds lesser than the current model.

The next gen Audi Q7 will be based on the multi material version of the VW Group’s MLB (Modular Longitudinal Matrix) platform. The SUV will employ a combination of materials like aluminum, carbon fiber and high tensile steel to stay light yet rigid.

The SUV will share its platform with next gen VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. Production will take place at the Bratislava plant in Slovakia, alongside its platform siblings, just like the current version.

The next Audi Q7 is also expected to have a plug-in hybrid version. The SUV is expected to go on sale in 2015.

[Note: The current generation Audi Q7 is used for illustration purpose only]

[Source: Autonews.com via Worldcarfans.com]

After the Mid Cycle Action, the Ford EcoSport would look slightly different and will have more features

Scheduled sometime in 2016, the Mid Cycle Action (MCA), as Ford likes to call it, mostly will be an exercise of adding features based on the customer feedback. The standard equipment and technologies would improve but Ford will ensure that the prices stay within the original segment.

Talking to Caradvice.com.au, Trevor Worthington, director of passenger vehicles and SUV programs, Ford Asia Pacific said: “We already have a cycle plan for what we are going to do, but that cycle plan needs to have flexibility. Whether it be special value packs, a sports variant with a sportier-tuned suspension and bigger wheels, all of that stuff is really going to be down to the marketing organizations to assess.”

This is Shoeb’s version of the EcoSport facelift based on a leaked front-end shot of the next generation Ford Edge SUV.

Along with the feature addition, we could also see a slight change in the looks. Worthington says, “Clearly if you do an MCA it’s got to look different.”

The EcoSport’s lead designer Ehab Kaoud told Indian Autos Blog last week that lighting would be an area that would see technology and styling changes in the first lifecycle activity.

With the Ford SYNC, the EcoSport is not low on technology but features like reverse cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist are some of the probable additions that could go into the refreshed Ford EcoSport.

[Source: Caradvice.com.au]

The CrossBlue Concept was unveiled in Detroit earlier this year as a proposal for a flagship SUV for the American market.

Following the CrossBlue SUV came the CrossBlue Coupé SUV concept that was unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2013. The concept was VW’s first attempt at a hybrid SUV-coupé rivaling the BMW X6.

Expect future VW SUV’s to follow a similar design language.

Now the Chinese media has reported saying that VW has decided to produce both the SUV’s in China. VW would want the production of the two SUV’s to start sometime during 2015. The cars will be made at VW’s brand new manufacturing facility at Changsha and interestingly, the ground breaking ceremony of the factory was conducted this week. This factory is a part of the Shanghai-VW joint venture.

The CrossBlue and the coupé will be based on VW’s MQB platform. While the coupé will be a five seater, the bigger CrossBlue will seat up to seven.

New interior theme is much more upmarket. The aircon dials resemble the controls on the Range Rover.

In the concept form, the CrossBlue had a 190bhp TDI diesel engine coupled to two electric motors making 54bhp and 114bhp respectively.

The coupé on the other hand was shown with a turbocharged V6 petrol engine along with the same electric battery assist as the bigger SUV. A peak power output of 415bhp gave the concept an impressive 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds.

The design of the CrossBlue and the CrossBlue coupé will inspire next generation VW SUV models such as the Tiguan and the Touareg. Expect the production Taigun to borrow a few elements from its bigger siblings as well.

[Source - Auto.Sohu.com]

Ford began making the Fiesta at the Cuautitlan plant in early 2009 and does not produce another model in this facility.

The publication cites sources familiar to the matter stating that besides Mexico, the Fiesta’s production in Chennai would also move to the Thailand plant. Ford currently utilizes the Rayong plant’s capacity to produce the Fiesta in hatchback and sedan styles. The Maraimalainagar plant only makes the Fiesta sedan.

Ford produces most of its new products in more than one plant as it operates globally in the busy C- and B-Segments. The Figo is an example of a Ford car having a single supply source (Chennai), as this is a product that came out before the the ‘One Ford’ strategy was applied globally, and is perhaps the last Ford product developed for one part of the world. That said, Ford India exports the Figo to at least 36 overseas destinations.

Ford’s spokesperson refused to comment on the report but said the optimization of its global manufacturing is perennially under consideration. The Fiesta is made in seven locations around the globe. The most recent plant to begin production of the car was in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil in late March. The Fiesta is a 37 year old brand and well over 15 million copies have been manufactured over the years.

It is not clear today, which Ford model will be made in place of the Fiesta in Mexico or Chennai. The production consolidation would be in place before the arrival of the next generation Fiesta, which the report adds, would be built on a more flexible platform that’s in line with Ford’s strategy of cutting down on its global platforms to reduce costs.

[Source - DetroitNews.com]

Slick footed VW Polo R Cup racer is a completely different animal compared to the road-going Polo

Any auto enthusiast would dream of reporting to work where a bunch of race spec cars are lined up next to each other, waiting to show you the right way to drive around Formula 1 race track.

The decals and bigger alloys gives the Polo a racing flavor. Also note the performance tires and exhaust.

Just before and shortly after my stint in the VW Polo R Cup racer, I had answers to two questions which plague me when I see a race on TV – Why are all racing car drivers short and why are they so fit? I will share the answers in this story.

Behind the wheel with TSI Power on tap

Wearing a helmet and trying to work my way through the roll cage to sit on the super slim bucket seat gave me the answer for the first question. Finding a good driving position with no adjustments is very tricky for a six footer like me. My helmet keeps kissing the roof and the seat is positioned so awkwardly.

Implantation of a roll cage meant that the car corners almost flat

However, crank up and rev the engine and you will leave these worries behind. The exhaust roars as the 1.4 litre TSI motor comes to life.

In its latest avatar the 1.4 liter TSI churns out 180 HP and 250 Nm of torque and is mated to the 7-speed DSG. Step on the accelerator pedal and the car leaps forward. The power delivery is almost instant, and never for a moment you feel the turbo’s performance falling behind. We couldn’t verify the figures but this motor is capable of pulling the car to 100 kph in under 7 seconds. On the back straight I could reach 190 kmph without any fuss!

The automatic gearbox has three options D (Drive mode), S (Sports mode) & Manual (paddle shifters). I didn’t even bother to check the car’s response in D mode, hello, I’m on a race track!. I tried to use the manual mode with paddle shifters for a lap but I ended up being way slower than what I could manage with S mode.

The interior is strictly business, there’s no aircon or driver adjustments to save power and weight.

A special mention about the reconfigured 7-speed DSG gearbox is that it upshifts lightning quick. And the downshifts are even quicker! You can carry a lot of speed around the corner and the S mode always puts you in the right gear. The gearbox is my favorite feature in this Polo R, how I wish I had the same unit on my daily Jetta!

The Race ABS takes some getting used to. I was always left wanting for more bite as I haven’t driven a car with Race ABS before. The pedals have longer travel with brakes tuned to have a delayed bite so that one can brake late going into the corner.

If there is one thing I could ask for in the Polo R, it has to be the HPS (Hydraulic Power Steering) instead of the EPS (Electronic Power Steering) which despite being razor sharp still lacks the natural feel and feedback of a hydraulic system.

Now its time to share the answer to my second question – Why are race drivers are so fit?

Seven hot laps on a hot Delhi afternoon, each of them spent attacking the apex at every corner with your pulse racing like you’re on a never-ending rollercoaster drains you out like as though you’ve used the treadmill for an hour. And remember race cars have cabins that aren’t air-conditioned.

Nevertheless, at the end of the day, I can say with a wide grin that I will be more than happy to lap the BIC or any racing circuit in a VW Polo R Cup racer again. At any time on any given day!

2013 VW Polo R Cup Racer Image Gallery

[Can't watch the video? Head to Youtube]

We have been bringing you every single detail about the new S Class in progressive steps so that it is easy for you to assimilate them. You see, talking about the new Merc’s endless array of features can’t be done in a single post.

Here is a comprehensive video which demonstrates the capability of the S Class’ Magic Body Control (MBC) feature and explains how it works. You can see the difference in the car’s composure over bumps with and without the MBC. As Mercedes claims, it is nothing short of a magic!

The 2014 Mercedes S Class has smitten us by its brilliant engineering

Basically the MBC is a highly sophisticated mechatronic system. It uses a stereo camera mounted on the car’s front windshield to scan the road ahead. The camera tells the car’s electronic brain what it sees and then the adaptive suspension system reacts accordingly. Everything happens in split seconds and the system can operate within 130 kph.

The end result is a ride which is as smooth and jolt free as it can get on a car travel. The structural movement of the car is kept at an absolute minimum as the suspension takes all the pounding thereby isolating the occupants from what lies underneath.

Even if your distracted chauffeur misses to spot the bump in advance, you won’t spill your drink, which by the way can be heated or cooled in the console placed between the rear seats! Simply brilliant, isn’t it?

Renault Denmark claimed that an upgraded version of the system shall host a replaceable battery and will be launched around September this year.

We drove the Renault Fluence Z.E. in Portugal in November 2011, you can read about it here.

The Fluence Z.E. is ought to receive a facelift in accordance to the regular Fluence facelift sooner or later and can be equipped with efficient batteries and improved power consumption in favor of increased travel range. Compared to the regular Fluence, the Fluence Z.E. has a blue tint to the badges, body work and the lights. This distinguishing factor is almost certain to stay on in the redesigned car.

Most of these improvements were recently showcased by Renault’s alliance partner Nissan in the Leaf, which enhances the car’s range from 175km to 200km.

“Renault will continue to support production and development of the Fluence Z.E. electric car with the fast battery replacement system for Better Place Inc.“, said a Renault spokesperson in Denmark.

Renault Fluence Z.E. Image Slideshow

[can't see the slideshow above? Head over to Flickr]

Renault Fluence facelift Image Slideshow

On Thursday, Chrysler said the SUV’s production has been delayed by a month. It said the delay isn’t a worry and assured that dealers will have plenty of inventory by September.

Preventing Chrysler from a timely launch are “a wide range of issues” that they say are usual before the launch of any new product. The Cherokee replaces the Liberty and is the auto maker’s most important launch of 2013. Chrysler’s Toledo North assembly plant is making the product.

Detroit Free Press says Chrysler’s first-quarter profit had declined by 65% compared to last year’s as the Liberty was pulled off the shelf. The new product launch is expected to help Chrysler to a large extent to post better numbers in the following quarters.

The Cherokee is based on a Fiat platform and will feature a 9-speed transmission, both firsts for a Jeep vehicle. The Cherokee will begin appearing in dealer yards in September. About 200 Cherokees are going to be built next week for regulatory testing and media test drive purposes, the report adds.

[Source - Freep.com]