automobile news

LEGEND IS BACK - ALL NEW TATA SAFARI

2021-02-26T19:49:00.001-08:00

New Safari powered by 170hp 2.0-litre diesel engine
Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic
Prices range from Rs 14.69-21.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Adventure Edition package adds darkened cosmetic bits, brown upholstery to fully-loaded XZ+

Buyers have a choice of 7 variants to choose from with the fully-loaded variant offered in an additional Adventure Edition with minor cosmetic tweaks. Here is a look at what each variant has to offer for the price:

Tata Safari XE (Rs 14.69 lakh)

Tilt & Telescopic adjust steering
Projector headlamps
Daytime running lamps
Dual Airbags
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Hill hold control
Traction control
Roll over mitigation
Corner stability control
ABS with EBD
Four-wheel disc brakes
Rear Parking Sensors
Remote central locking
Power Windows
Reclining 2nd row seat backrest
Air conditioning with vents for 2nd and 3rd row
50:50 split folding third row
12V power outlet in 2nd & 3rd Row
Boss Mode – co-driver seat adjustment from rear
Roof Rails – carry load up to 75kg
16-inch steel wheels

Tata Safari XM/XMA (Rs 16.00 lakh/Rs 17.25 lakh)

Over the Safari XE

Drive modes – Eco, City & Sport
7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
6 speakers audio system (4 Speakers + 2 Tweeters)
Steering mounted controls
Follow Me Home headlamps
Fog lamps
Rear parking sensor display
Rear wiper and washer
Driver seat height adjust
Electric adjust wing mirrors

Tata Safari XT (Rs 17.45 lakh)

Over the Safari XM

Auto climate control
8 Speaker audio system (4 Speakers+ 4 Tweeters)
LED DRLs
Auto headlamps and wipers
Power folding wing mirrors
Rear centre armrest
Keyless entry and go
Ambient Lighting
18-inch alloy wheels
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Rear view camera
Cruise control
Android Auto & Apple CarPlay Connectivity
iRA Connected Car Technology – 1 year subscription free

Tata Safari XT+ (Rs 18.25 lakh)

Over the Safari XT

Panoramic sunroof

Tata Safari XZ/XZA (Rs 19.15 lakh/Rs 20.40 lakh)

Over the Safari XT

Oyster White leatherette upholstery
Xenon HID projector headlamps
Fog Lamps with cornering function
Terrain Response Modes – Normal, Rough & Wet
8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
9 speaker JBL audio system (4 Speakers + 4 Tweeters & Subwoofer) with Amplifier
Part-digital instrument cluster with 7.0-inch TFT display
6 Airbags (Driver, Co-Driver, Side & Curtain)
Hill Descent Control
ISOFIX child seat anchors
6 way electric adjust driver seat
Electronic parking brake with Auto Hold
18-inch machined alloy wheels
Auto dimming rear view mirror

Tata Safari XZ+/XZA+ (Rs 19.99 lakh/Rs 21.25 lakh)

Over the Safari XZ

Panoramic sunroof
Middle row captain seats option (6-seater)

Tata Safari XZ+ Adventure Edition MT/AT (Rs 20.20 lakh/Rs 21.45 lakh)

Over the XZ+/XZA+

Earthy Brown leatherette upholstery
Piano black and darkened trim inserts inside the cabin
18-inch charcoal grey machined alloy wheels
Piano black finished grille, door handles, roof rails
Charcoal grey skid plates
Safari badge on bonnet

Tata Safari iRA connected car features

As mentioned in the list above, the Safari from the mid-spec XT variant onwards comes bundled with Tata’s iRA or Intelligent Real time Assist connected car technology. Subscription to the service is free for the first year with owners requiring to pay a subscription fee to continue using the service.

The iRA system bundles various connectivity and security functions under multiple subheads broadly categorised under Remote Commands, Location Based Services, Vehicle Security and Live Vehicle Diagnostics. The iRA system also has a Gamification function that scores you based on your driving pattern and sharing driving scores of the best owners. As with connected car systems from other brands, the iRA supports over the air updates.'

Tata Safari Engine and gearboxes

There is just a single engine option on offer, Tata’s 170hp and 350Nm, 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine that was launched in the Harrier last year. As on the Harrier, a 6-speed manual gearbox is offered as standard with select variants offered with the option of a 6-speed torque converter automatic unit.

UPCOMING CARS TILL FEB

2021-01-12T20:14:00.003-08:00

BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine
₹ 44.00 - 49.00 LakhEstimated Price
Expected launch - 21st January 2021
Mahindra eKUV100
₹ 8.00 - 9.00 LakhEstimated Price
Expected launch - January 2021 (Tentative)
Tata Safari
₹ 18.00 - 23.00 LakhEstimated Price
Expected launch - January 2021 (Tentative)
Skoda 2021 Superb
₹ 31.00 - 34.00 LakhEstimated Price
Expected launch - January 2021 (Tentative}
Porsche Taycan
₹ 2.00 - 4.00 CroreEstimated Price
Expected launch - January 2021 (Tentative)
Tata Altroz EV
₹ 12.00 - 15.00 LakhEstimated Price
Expected launch - January 2021 (Tentative)
Rolls-Royce New Ghost
₹ 6.95 - 7.00 CroreEstimated Price
Expected launch - January 2021 (Tentative)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Facelift
₹ 60.00 - 75.00 LakhEstimated Price
Expected launch - January 2021 (Tentative)
Jeep Compass Facelift
₹ 17.00 - 18.00 LakhEstimated Price
Expected launch - January 2021
- Ford Mustang Facelift
  ₹ 75.00 - 76.00 LakhEstimated Price
  Expected launch - January 2021 (Tentative)
- BMW M5 Facelift
  ₹ 1.55 - 2.00 CroreEstimated Price
  Expected launch - January 2021 (Tentative)
- Audi S5 Sportback
  ₹ 80.00 - 85.00 LakhEstimated Price
  Expected launch - January 2021 (Tentative)
- Mercedes-Benz New S-Class
  ₹ 1.40 - 2.80 CroreEstimated Price
  Expected launch - January 2021 (Tentative)
- Audi e-tron Sportback
  ₹ 80.00 Lakh - 1.00 CroreEstimated Price
  Expected launch - January 2021 (Tentative)
- Honda New Jazz
  ₹ 8.00 - 12.00 LakhEstimated Price
  Expected launch - January 2021 (Tentative)
- Maruti Suzuki Wagon R EV
  ₹ 9.00 - 10.00 LakhEstimated Price
  Expected launch - February 2021 (Tentative)
- Maruti Suzuki Futuro-E
  ₹ 9.00 - 10.00 LakhEstimated Price
  Expected launch - February 2021 (Tentative)
- Mahindra New TUV300 BS6
  ₹ 8.00 - 11.00 LakhEstimated Price
  Expected launch - February 2021 (Tentative)
- Renault Kiger
  ₹ 6.00 - 8.00 LakhEstimated Price
  Expected launch - February 2021 (Tentative)
- CREDIT GOES TO CARWALE
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NISSAN MAGNITE LAUNCH AT 4,99,000 LAKH MOST AFFRODABLE SUV

2020-12-02T19:48:00.003-08:00

Nissan Magnite has the most affordable starting price - and by far - among sub-compact SUVs.
Magnite goes up to ₹9.35 lakh (introductory, ex showroom) for the top variant.
was officially launched in India on Wednesday at an introductory starting price of ₹4.99 lakh with the top variant at ₹9.38 lakh (all prices are ex showroom, Delhi). The introductory prices are valid till December 31 and after this date, the starting price will be revised to ₹5.54 lakh (ex showroom). Magnite is Nissan's bid to take on the extremely lucrative and closely fought sub-compact SUV segment which currently has the likes of Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Toyota Urban Cruiser, among others. At its price point, Magnite emerges as one of the most affordable offerings in this field of play.
Magnite gets two petrol engine options and there is no diesel on offer. Its 1.0-litre Turbo engine claims to be the star performer and pits out around 97 bhp of power and has 160 Nm of peak torque.
Mated to either a five-speed manual or an X-TRONIC CVT gearbox, Nissan's latest looks at offering a convenient yet peppy drive option in both city as well as highway road conditions. Nissan claims the new HRA0 engine borrows 'mirror bore cylinder coating' technology from its legendary sports car model - Nissan GT-R. This technology helps reducing resistance inside the powertrain. It also aids in cutting weight, improving heat management and combustion, thus improving the overall efficiency of the engine.
The Magnite also benefits from a spacious cabin and a high seating position. Its glovebox - at 10 litres - is the largest in the segment.
It is in terms of features that Nissan may have a trump card. Although Magnite does not get a sunroof or ventilated seats - both popular among Indian car buyers, it does put in a vivid and responsive eight-inch infotainment unit. Front, rear and side cameras assist in safe driving while an optional Tech Pack packs in an air purifier, wireless phone charging, ambient lighting and a premium sound system.
Additionally, there are five single-tone and three dual-tone colour options to choose from. Among all of these, the flare red garnet colour is of significance as Nissan claims it gets a special coating which helps it assume slightly varying shades when viewed from different angles.
Crucial for many, Magnite also claims to be frugal when it comes to sipping fuel. The ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of Magnite turbo engine with five-speed manual transmission is 20 kmpl. The option with CVT returns 17.7 kilometres per litre of fuel.
The first batch of Magnite has already started rolling off Nissan's plant in Chennai even as the car maker looks at bolstering its sales and service network in the country. And while Magnite appears to bring a whole lot to the table at an attractive price proposition, its fate here would also depend on how well Nissan is able to connect - or reconnect - with the customer base.

NEW HYUNDAI i20 launched

2020-11-06T19:38:00.000-08:00

Hyundai Motor India has launched the third-generation HYUNDAI I20 in India. Prices for the i20 premium hatchback start from Rs 6.80 lakh for the base petrol variant and go up to Rs 10.60 for the top-end diesel-manual. Prices for the turbo-iMT variant start from Rs 8.80 lakh with the turbo-DCT priced from Rs 10.67 lakh. Prices for the diesel Hyundai i20 start from Rs 8.20 lakh. These prices are ex-showroom India and applicable up to December 31, 2020. Bookings for the new i20 have already opened online or at Hyundai dealerships for Rs 21,000.

2020 Hyundai i20 exteriors and dimensions

The Hyundai i20 sits on Hyundai's new K-platform and the hatchback is now 10mm longer than the earlier Elite i20 at 3,995mm, 41mm wider at 1,775mm while height remains unchanged at 1,505mm. Wheelbase has grown by 10mm to 2,580mm. Hyundai claims the new i20 is significantly more spacious than the car it replaces with an 88mm increase in legroom and 40mm more shoulder room. Boot space too has grown by 26 litres to 311 litres. While based on the same underpinnings as the international-spec car, Hyundai India has cut short the i20's length by 45mm to help it meet our sub-four-metre regulations.

PHOTO CREDIT GO TO CARDEKHO

The new Hyundai i20 follows Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design theme and has taken on a significantly more assertive look. This comes through with design elements like the widened, squat stance, the full-faced grille with the wide, swept-back headlamps and chiselled bonnet. Moving along there are some very sharply defined bodylines and the unique taillamps with their Z-motifs and their linked chrome element. Other touches are the upswept glass-house with a strong chrome bordering, the unique C-pillar treatment and gloss-black boot-lid highlight. Higher-spec cars get a gloss-black grille with angular detailing, LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs, projector fog-lamps, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and contrasting front lip, side skirts and an ornamental rear diffuser. Despite having grown in size, the i20 only weighs about 1,100 kg on an average, with 66 per cent high-strength steel being used in its construction.

2020 Hyundai i20 interiors and dimensions

The interiors of the new i20 have been completely revamped as well. The flat, layered theme from newer Hyundais is seen here as well, with either an all-black with red highlighting or a dual-tone available as per the chosen variant. The i20 is unique here with its horizontally themed layout with a starked mid-riff running through the dash and integrating the AC vents. This theme is then followed in the lower-section with the wide AC controls and button arrangement. There is a floating panel to house the touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The new four-spoke steering wheel makes an appearance here too. Headlining features on top-spec cars are a sunroof, wireless charging with phone cooling, an air purifier, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto/Apple Carplay and seven-speaker Bose audio. Safety features highlights on the new i20 are six-airbags, TPMS and hill-start assist. The newest iteration of Hyundai's Bluelink suite of connected-car features makes an appearance here as well. Four variants are on offer: Magna, Sportz, Asta and Asta (O) variants.

Hyundai i20 engines and fuel efficiency

The 2020 Hyundai i20 is powered by a set of familiar engines, already seen on cars like the Venue and facelifted Verna. At the base of the range is the 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated Kappa four-cylinder petrol which makes 83PS when paired with a five-speed manual and 88PS when paired with the CVT. Torque output is 114 Nm. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder T-GDi makes an appearance here too, in its highest 120PS and 172 Nm form. This pairs with either a seven-speed DCT or a six-speed iMT. There is no manual option but Hyundai claims a 0 to 100 kmph time of 9.9s with the turbo-iMT. The diesel engine option is the 1.5-litre four-cylinder U2 CRDi diesel. Seen here in its non-VGT 100PS and 240 Nm, this motor pairs only with a six-speed manual.

The turbo-petrol i20 has a mileage of 20.25 kmpl. The 1.2-litre petrol with the manual returns 20.35 kmpl with the manual and 19.65 kmpl with the CVT. The diesel manual has a fuel-efficiency figure of 25.2 kmpl. Helping here is the co-efficient of drag of 0.33.

INDIAN BOUND NEW i20 TO LAUNCH ON 5 NOVEMBER

2020-10-27T20:55:00.002-07:00

Hyundai i20 2020 promises a host of design updates on the outside and now looks sportier than ever.
Hyundai i20 will offer petrol, diesel and turbo engine options and will get manual transmission, DCT, IVT as well as segment-first IMT.
There are six single-tone and two dual-tone colour options on i20.
i20 2020 is one of the most eagerly awaited car launches of the year and the carmaker on Tuesday officially released the images of the premium hatchback while announcing pre-launch bookings will open from Wednesday (October 28). Interested customers can make the bookings for Hyundai i20 2020 for a deposit amount of ₹21,000. The car will be officially launched in the country on November 5.
Hyundai informs that interested customers can make the bookings for the i20 at any of its dealerships across the country or make use of its online - Click2Buy - platform as well. For bookings made on Hyundai's digital platform, customers can also get a 10% cashback on the booking amount by using either ICICI or HDFC bank credit or debit cards.
From the official images released, it is clear that the upcoming i20 is significantly different from the previous model. This is highlighted by a new front grille, reworked head lights, a sculpted bonnet, new alloys and a stylish rear profile marked by redesigned tail lights.
The Korean car maker has confirmed that the new i20 will be offered in BS 6-compliant petrol, diesel and turbo petrol engine options. In addition, the i20 will also offer a choice between manual transmission, segment-first IMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission), 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) and IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission).
The new i20 from Hyundai gets significant design upgrades.
i20 will be offered in four variants - Magna, Sportz, Asta and Asta (O).
There will be six colour options to choose from on the new i20. These are - Polar White, Typhoon Silver, Titan Grey, Fiery Red, Starry Night and Metallic Cooper. The dual-tone options include Polar White with Black roof and Fiery red with black roof.
Hyundai had previously confirmed that the new i20 is going to be lighter but with enhanced crash worthiness. The company claims that it makes use of 66% advanced and high-strength steel for a robust 'superstructure.' Created using 5,400 tonnes stamping at the press shop, this superstructure forms the core of the new i20's safety features.
i20 is a key product launch from Hyundai, also because it has been a strong player in its segment since it was first launched in India back in 2008. "i20 has been a super performer brand for Hyundai that has perfectly resonated with the aspirations of modern Indian customers for more than a decade," says SS Kim, MD and CEO at Hyundai Motor India. "The all-new i20 is all set to re-establish benchmarks in the premium hatchback segment with its sleek style, thrilling performance and unmatched new technologies."
Hyundai is scheduled to officially launch the new i20 in the first week of November and the car will renew its rivalry against Tata Altroz, Maurti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza and Honda Jazz, among others.

Nissan Magnite, rival to Sonet and Venue, unveiled

2020-10-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

Nissan Magnite gets striking visual elements with some having functional capabilities.
The cabin of the car promises a decent list of features which can be further extended with an optional Tech pack at the time of launch.
Magnite carries the weight of a lot of expectations from Nissan.
production version has been finally unveiled after months of teaser images and specs being released by the Japanese car maker which is betting big and hoping to storm the extremely competitive sub-compact SUV segment here. Magnite indeed carries the weight of a whole lot of expectations for Nissan and will seek to challenge established players like Hyundai Venue and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza as well as relatively new challengers like Kia Sonet and Toyota Urban Cruiser.
Magnite was globally unveiled at an event on Wednesday but it's primary focus area is the Indian market which has seen sub-compact SUVs becoming the popular choice, and by quite a distance. The options are galore with almost every product seeking to woo and wow prospective buyers with looks, features, engine options and drive comfort. As such, Magnite also seeks to carve a niche for itself when it comes to these factors.
Magnite's face is flanked by extremely sleek LED bi-projector head lights, LED streak turn indicators, LED L-shaped DRLs and LED fog lamps. While the blackened front grille bears a slight resemblance to the Dastun cars, the bonnet is sculpted with character lines and there is a silver skid plate to complete a sporty front visual profile.
From the side, Magnite's design benefits from square wheel arches and a ground clearance of 204 mm. The vehicle gets 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels while the functional roof rails mean that the owner would actually be able to use these to store and transport luggage or even cycles
The windows are sufficiently large - the roof tapering slightly towards the C-pillar - while the doors close with a reassuring thud courtesy extra seals to ensure a check on NVH levels. There is also a very visible silver body cladding on the sides which begin from the front wheel arch and stop just short of the wheel arch at the rear.
The rear profile of Magnite manages to keep things simple while still attempting to grab eyeballs. This is because of the small but sleek LED tail lights and the 'Magnite' badge just under the rear wiper. The silver skid plate makes a comeback here and there is a brake light mounted on the rear spoiler as well.
There is 336 litres of cargo space - the rear seats can be folded in 60:40 split - which is sufficient for a vehicle in this segment although it appears that the lifting angle could be a little too high, especially for heavy luggage.

Step inside and it is clear that Nissan has worked overtime to ensure that the cabin of the Magnite is a major deviation from the cabin of other products offered by the company here.

An eight-inch infotainment screen almost instantly catches attention and offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This also puts out rear parking feed as well as a side camera feed which may be helpful during parallel parking.

There are six speakers inside the Magnite while Nissan is promising an optional Tech pack at launch which would replace these with premium speakers. The same pack would also ensure wireless phone charging system inside the Magnite, among other features like air purifier, puddle lamps and ambient mood lighting.

Since the doors open wide, getting in and out of Magnite may not be much trouble and the drive and ride position appears to be sufficiently high.

There are several storage space with the tall-floor center console section standing out because it is unique and ensures most of everything is well within the reach of the driver and front passenger.

The HVAC control dials are large and easily visible while the all-digital seven-inch TFT instrument cluster puts drive statistics and information like tyre pressure in a graphic-novel-like font and colour theme. All of these can be controlled using steering-mounted buttons. The ceter stack has a five-degree tilt in a bid to provide the driver with a cockpit-like feel.

Magnite's seats, according to Nissan, have been given added cushioning and bolstering with the company claiming best-in-class rear knee room and shoulder distance between front passengers. The rear seats also get a center armrest with two cupholders and a slot to place a mobile phone. And if that is not enough, there is a mammoth 10-litre glove box at the front.

Nissan has also equipped Magnite with a Drive Eco function which rates the driving by assigning scores while also suggesting ways to improve drive efficiency.

Nissan is also promising an engaging drive experience with a Turbo HTA0 engine option while buyers may also choose the company's much-acclaimed X-Tronic CVT transmission option. Magnite also claims to have the best-in-class turning radius of 5.0m.

The car maker says Magnite will come with a host of safety features which include dual airbags, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) for safer manoeuvering in tight spaces, Hill Start Assist (HAS), Traction Control, Anti-Roll bar and ABS with EBD.

At launch, Magnite will be offered in multiple colour options but Nissan is primarily highlighting the four-coat flare garnet red colour which assumes slightly different shades when reflecting different lights at varying levels.

Clearly then, much attention has been given to the smaller details while the bigger ones seek to bring the focus on the car itself. Magnite holds a lot of promise, not just for Nissan but buyers looking for a sub-compact SUV at large. The launch is expected late November and expect the car maker to be extremely aggressive with the price structure of the vehicle in order to deal a mammoth blow to the rivals in the segment

Mahindra Thar 2020 launched in India at ₹9.80 lakh. Details here

2020-10-02T19:53:00.005-07:00

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) on Friday launched the all-new version of its sports utility vehicle Thar, priced between Rs 9.8 lakh and Rs 13.75 lakh (ex-showroom).

The company has introduced the model in two trims AX and LX with both petrol and diesel powertrain options.

The petrol AX trims are priced at Rs 9.8 lakh, Rs 10.65 lakh and Rs 11.9 lakh, while the diesel versions are tagged at Rs 10.85 lakh, Rs 12.10 lakh and Rs 12.2 lakh.

The petrol LX version with manual transmission is priced at Rs 12.49 lakh and the diesel trims are tagged at Rs 12.85 lakh and Rs 12.95 lakh.

The petrol trims with automatic transmission are priced at Rs 13.45 lakh and Rs 13.55 lakh, while the two six-speed automatic diesel variants are tagged at Rs 13.65 lakh and Rs 13.75 lakh.

The petrol trims come with a 2-litre powertrain that generates 150 bhp of power, while the 2.2-litre diesel variants churn out 130 BHP of power.

All the variants of new Thar come with a four-wheel drive set up.

The company said it has opened the booking of the model from Friday and the deliveries would begin from next month.

“Over the years, the Thar has been a part of Mahindra’s rich history and has found its way into the hearts of many as an object of desire,” M&M Managing Director Pawan Goenka said.

In its all-new avatar, Thar is a notch higher in its appeal, owing to its ability to be as comfortable on paved roads, as it has always been off-road, he added.

“We are confident that the Thar tribe will grow stronger as a new set of customers come into its fore, in addition to the traditionalists,” Goenka said.

Designed and engineered in India, the new Thar will be manufactured at the company’s Nashik plant.

The iconic model now comes with various features like 17.7 cm touchscreen infotainment system, adventure statistics display, cruise control, among others.

KIA SONET PRICE REVEALED - 4 TO 8 WEEKS WAITING

2020-09-18T03:43:00.001-07:00

Kia Sonet compact SUV is offered in four engine and five transmission choices; more than 25,000 bookings have been made so far Kia Motors India unveiled the Sonet last month and its intentions to make a big impact in the sub-four-metre SUV space have been clear with a wide range of powertrain as well as transmission options catering to different sets of customers. Moreover, the compact SUV packs premium amenities even in the mid-level trims and some of them are segment first. The Sonet was first showcased in its concept form at the 2020 Auto Expo and very little details have changed in the production model. The exterior comprises of a sleek front fascia with the signature Tiger Nose grille and sharp headlamps with integrated LED Daytime Running Lights. The bumper has faux air vents and central hexagonal air inlets and a deep fog lamp housing.

Priced between Rs. 6.71 lakh and Rs. 11. 99 lakh (ex-showroom), the bookings of the Sonet have already been soaring in India and the deliveries will commence from this month onwards. The white and grey mono-tone colour schemes along with the dual-tone red and gold shades are so far popular amongst the customers. Moreover, the GTX+ auto trim offered with turbo petrol and diesel have been the most sought after models in terms of booking but they have not been launched yet.

AUDI RS Q8 LAUNCHED PRICE RS-2.07 crore

2020-08-27T20:16:00.002-07:00

Audi RS Q8 launched in INDIA

Audi RS Q8 Price: The RS Q8 is priced from Rs 2.07 crore (ex-showroom).

Audi RS Q8 Seating Capacity: It comes in a 5-seater layout.

Audi RS Q8 Powertrain: Audi offers the RS Q8 with a 4.0-litre TFSI twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that develops 600PS and 800Nm. This engine comes paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. It also gets a 48V mild-hybrid system for torque assist and an on-demand intelligent cylinder system which shuts off four cylinders to maintain fuel efficiency during light load.

Audi RS Q8 Features: The RS Q8 gets 23-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels, four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and cruise control. It also comes with ambient lighting, Bang and Olufsen advanced sound system, and Audi’s MMI infotainment system

It has an electronically limited top speed of 250kmph with the option to increase it to 305kmph

It is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine which produces 600PS and 800Nm.
It is the fastest production SUV to hit the Nurburgring circuit (in Germany) with a lap time of 7 minutes and 42.2 seconds.
The RS Q8 features all-wheel drive thanks to Audi’s quattro system.
Built on the same platform as the Urus, the RS Q8 gets the complete works. At the heart of the beast, lies a 4.0-litre TFSI twin-turbo V8 petrol engine which is responsible for 600PS/800Nm of raw power capped by a limited top speed of 250kmph and 0-100kmph time of just 3.8 seconds. If 250kmph is not enough for you, the optional RS dynamic package plus comes with an increased top speed of 305kmph. The power is sent to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system using an 8-speed automatic transmission. It also gets a 48V mild-hybrid system for torque assist and an on-demand intelligent cylinder system which shuts off four cylinders to maintain fuel efficiency during light load.
The Audi RS Q8 also comes with all-wheel steering, Sport Adaptive Air suspension, and two driving modes. All this packed together, stands on massive 23-inch diamond-turned alloys. The RS Q8 gets almost the same design as the standard model, with some minor additions. These include RS badging on the single-piece grille and dual exhaust tips.
Even the cabin layout is similar to the standard Q8, except for the additions which clearly establish it as an RS model. From RS-specific screens to a virtual cockpit that features a lap timer, a G-force monitor and an acceleration timer, the cabin will basically encourage you to push the SUV to its limits.
f you still don’t feel like it, there’s enough to ensure you have a comfortable drive anyway. This is helped by Audi’s MMI infotainment system, four-zone climate control system, ambient lighting, cruise control, and comfort settings in the active suspension.
The RS Q8 also gets an optional Black Styling Package with blacked-out logos and the option of a panoramic sunroof, Matrix LED headlights, RS sports exhaust, Bang and Olufsen advanced sound system, and a head-up display.
The Urus retails for Rs 3.1 crore whereas the Cayenne is priced from Rs 1.19-1.92 crore.

MAHINDRA THAR 2020 MORE SENSIBLE - INDIA LAUNCH DATE 2 OCTOBER

2020-08-17T20:47:00.004-07:00

New-generation Mahindra Thar debuts 10 years after its predecessor; petrol and diesel engine options, with a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes.

After scores of spy photos and a seemingly endless wait, the all-new mahindra thar has finally been revealed in full. It’s no coincidence Mahindra chose India’s 74th Independence Day to unveil its next-gen off-roader, as it wants its new 4x4 to be viewed as an icon of freedom.

New Mahindra Thar retains familiar silhouette
Debut of brand new turbo-petrol and diesel engines
Gets an automatic transmission for the first time

With the new-gen Thar, Mahindra is looking to further the legacy of the off-roader, which traces its roots all the way back to the CJ3A that emerged in 1949. Over the years, the baton was passed on to the CJ3B, then the MM540, the Classic, Major and Legend, before the Thar arrived on the scene in 2010. A full decade later, the second-generation Mahindra Thar is here.

What are the highlights of the new Mahindra Thar?

As a concerted decision by the design team, new Mahindra Thar retains the recognisable shape of its predecessor, itself a throwback to Mahindra's classic 4x4s, along with its signature design cues – circular headlights, a seven-slot grille, chunky wheels and boxy tail-lights – all upgraded to look suitably modern.

Given their shared heritage, it was inevitable that the Thar would resemble the Jeep Wrangler and its overall proportions are similar. Interestingly though, it’s clear to see that Mahindra has worked hard on the grille design, as Ramkripa Ananthan, head of Design at Mahindra said, “The grille was a tough choice”. The Thar grille is a seven-slot design, like Jeep's, but the big difference is that, on the Thar, the grille is an insert into the front cowl, rather than the cowl itself having the slots integrated, as on the Wrangler.

Another important thing to know is that the 2020 Mahindra Thar is built on a new ladder-frame chassis and also has all-new suspension, including the dramatic shift from a rigid, non-independent leaf-spring rear suspension to a multi-link setup, which should do wonders for ride quality. There will be six colours to choose from - Red Rage, Mystic Copper, Napoli Black, Aquamarine, Galaxy Grey and Rocky Beige.

New Mahindra Thar’s interior?

Mahindra has previously stated its desire to make the new Thar more of a mainstream vehicle without compromising on its off-road abilities, and to that effect, has added more creature comforts to the new-gen 4x4. A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof-mounted weather-resistant speakers, a colour multi-info display for the instrument cluster, steering-mounted controls and cruise control will be part of the package.

There’s a forward-facing rear bench seat with a 50:50 split folding function, and the new Thar can be had with a factory-fitted hard top or an optional soft-top. Safety kit will include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Isofix child seat mounts, hill-start and descent assist, ESP with roll-over mitigation and three-point seatbelts for four passengers.

What about the new Mahindra Thar’s engine and gearbox options

While the original Thar was on offer only in diesel-manual configuration, the new Mahindra Thar will come with multiple engine and gearbox options, including a petrol engine and a choice of an automatic gearbox for the first time. The Thar debuts a new 152hp, 320Nm, 2.0-litre 'mStallion' petrol engine that gets a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard and also the option of a 6-speed automatic.

The new Thar’s diesel engine is a 132hp, 300Nm, 2.2-litre mHawk unit, which will be available with a 6-speed manual gearbox as well an Aisin-sourced 6-speed torque converter automatic

A part-time four-wheel-drive system will, of course, come as standard with both, the petrol and the diesel versions, as will a manual-shift trasfer case. Mahindra claims an unladen ground clearance of 226mm, a maximum water-wading depth of 650mm, and approach, ramp-over and departure angles of 42 degrees, 27 degrees and 37 degrees, respectively. This bodes well for its off-roading capabilities.

When will the new Mahindra Thar’s India launch take place?

After its reveal today, the new Mahindra Thar will launch on October 2, 2020. It will face competition from the new Force Gurkha, which is also expected to arrive in the coming months.

There will be two versions of the new Thar that will go on sale - AX and LX. The Thar AX is geared towards serious off-road enthusiasts and offers the basics, like a fixed soft top, side-facing rear seats as standard, 16-inch white steel wheels, a mechanical locking diff, power windows, power steering, a manual air-con, central locking and rear parking sensors. The 2020 Thar AX will get both engine options, but will only be available with a manual gearbox.

The Thar LX targets more lifestyle-oriented buyers with more creature comforts. You get the choice of a convertible or hard top, the 4-seat layout with a front-facing bench is standard, you get dual-tone bumpers, 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 255/65 R18 all-terrain tyres, LED DRLs and fog lamps, an eight-way adjustable driver's seat, the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and ESP. This version will come in petrol-auto, diesel-manual and diesel-automatic form.

what do you think about this amazing vehicle please tell me in the comment section

Kia Sonet premiered: What we know so far-

2020-08-09T20:38:00.003-07:00

With its stunning looks, generous equipment list, and plenty of engine and gearbox options, Kia’s Sonet looks set to carry on the company’s winning streak.

The Sonet will be feature loaded, with segment firsts like cooled seats
Petrol and diesel engines on offer along with manual, automatic and a clutchless manual gearbox too.
Shares common platform with sister brand Hyundai's Venue

Kia Sonet Exterior

At the front is the Kia signature Tiger Nose grille, with a knurled and chrome-finished lower edge, and multi-segmented 3D inserts, with the GT Line variant getting red highlights. Flanking the grille are slim LED headlamps, accentuated by the signature ‘heartbeat’ DRLs. The sharply cut bumper houses fog lights in what were intakes on the concept, and the large air intake area below has a hexagonal mesh and an aggressive silver-finished garnish. Topping off the front is the bonnet, with a muscular-looking power bulge.

Unlike the front, the sides are simpler, with more curvaceous doors devoid of any sharp design flourishes. Another interesting element retained from the concept is the blacked-out treatment applied to the top and lower edge of the C pillar, and the inset quarter glass that makes the pillar look nice and sharply swept back. The 16-inch alloys, too, are very similar to the concept’s.At the rear, the LED tail-lamps also feature the ‘heartbeat’ signature, and are connected by a reflector strip, lending them a continuous, single-element look. The bumper has a silver-finish faux skid plate and faux twin exhaust trims.

On the whole, the Sonet has a lot going for it visually

Kia Sonet Features

the siblings share very little – the dashboard, steering wheel, door pads and seats have their own unique style. Plastic quality is good, especially at the top; the lower half has some hard bits around, but on the whole, perceived interior quality is top notch.

Kia has not shared detailed specs or features, but it does look it has had the advantage of following Hyundai. Kia has matched the Venue on equipment and then added on some more too like, for example, a 7-speaker Bose sound system and ventilated front seats for both driver and front passenger.

he highlight, though, is definitely the massive, 10.25-inch touchscreen, which has the usual set of features, and also comes with in-built navigation, Kia’s Uvo connectivity suite, and controls for the ‘sound mood lights’ a la the Seltos, and the perfumed air purifier that the company says offers virus protection. Other prominent features include auto climate control, a sunroof, auto headlamps, a tyre-pressure monitor, cooled wireless phone charging, front and rear parking sensors and safety equipment like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill assist control (HAC), vehicle stability management (VSM) and brake assist.

Kia Sonet Price

Thus, as things stand, the Sonet looks well suited-up for battle in the hot compact SUV space. It’s a smasher to look at, it’s got plenty of kit, and will offer a wide choice of powertrain options too. We’ll have to see how it drives and how much will Kia ask for it. Given the brand’s success so far, they could get a bit ambitious on pricing, but then again, with so much competition and a lot of sibling rivalry too, Kia probably isn’t going to leave any loose ends, so expect a competitive price and a tight battle ahead.

Hyundai India has revealed the prices of Venue iMT variants as well as launched new Sport trims today

2020-07-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, Hyundai revealed that they are going to launch iMT technology with Venue sub 4 meter SUV. In Hyundai speak, iMT stands for Intelligent Manual Transmission. This will make Venue as India’s first car with such a technology. Today, Hyundai has launched Venue iMT. Along with that, they have also launched Sport trim on the Venue. Venue iMT is only on offer with 1.0 liter turbo petrol engine, whereas Sport trim has been introduced on all engine and transmission options of Venue. Below is the detailed price list of Hyundai Venue with iMT as well as all new Sport variants.

Hyundai Venue Price List – July 2020

The new Hyundai Venue Sport is priced at Rs.10,20,360 for the SX petrol variant going up to Rs.11.52,700 for the top of the line SX(O) diesel variant. Hyundai Venue with iMT is priced at Rs.9,99,000 for the SX variant and at Rs.11.08,500 for the SX(O) variant. All prices are ex-sh. Intelligent Manual Transmission or iMT as it is called, presents a clutch pedal free drive experience. Offered on the Venue SX and SX(O) variants. The new Sport variant has also been added to the range which will get powered by a Kappa 1.0 liter petrol engine and a 1.5 liter U2 CRDi diesel engine, offering 120 hp and 100 hp power respectively while both these engines now comply with the stringent BS6 emission standards. The Hyundai Venue is the country’s first connected car and most awarded SUV of 2019-20. It gets these additions, thereby setting new standards which will enhance its appeal to customers. Below is the list of features on offer with the new Venue Sport trim.

Engine & Performance The iMT technology on the Kappa 1.0 l T-GDi Petrol BS6 engine gets mated to 6 Speed manual transmission with an electro-mechanically actuated clutch. Customers would find this clutch pedal free drive which is set to enhance drive experience as it offers the right balance of power performance and manual transmission along with seamless comfort and a 2 pedal transmission.

Hyundai Venue Sport variant sees exterior updates such as a dual tone colour scheme of Titan Grey with Phantom Black Roof and Polar White with Phantom Black Roof dual tone colour options. It is seen with distinctive SPORT badging and red brake calipers. It also gets a Glossy Black front grille with Red insert, Dark Grey roof rail with Red insert, Red Inserts on the wheel arches and body side molding. The interiors sport dark grey upholstery with Sporty metal pedals and red stitching accents on seats and door trims.

Sonet, Kia's most-awaited car, all set to break cover on August 7

2020-07-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

Kia Motor is gearing up to showcase Sonet and announced on Tuesday that the world premier of the sub-compact SUV will take place on August 7. Sonet was first showcased in concept form at Auto Expo in February of 2020 and the production version is likely to retain most of the key exterior elements that were on display.

Kia made its India debut in 2019 but has catapulted itself among the big players in less than a year courtesy the success of Seltos. The Carnival MPV was launched at Auto Expo and has had some degree of success despite the challenges that plague the overall auto industry. The Koreans, however, are almost certain of Sonet's success because it fits right into the extremely lucrative - and extremely competitive, sub-compact SUV segment which currently has Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Hyundai Venue as the top players.

Kia has promised several segment-first features including a clutch less manual transmission unit. It is perhaps because of Sonet's imminent launch that Hyundai recently brought out the iMT technology in the Venue. Sonet's other highlights may similarly force other rivals to re-look at what their respective products may lack.

(Watch: Kia Sonet's clutchless gearbox could be the gamechanger)

In terms of styling, Sonet does borrow certain elements from Seltos and has a trademark prominent grille up front. And yet, the concept version already showcased hinted that the car will seek to build a unique identity of its own.

If Kia nails the pricing, apart from other promised factors, the Sonet could well emerge as yet another product with a mass appeal in the Indian market.

4 new sub-4 metre SUVs to be launched in the next 4 months: From 2020 Mahindra Thar to Nissan Magnite

2020-07-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

While the FY 2020-21 is not turning out to be as enthusiastic as one had expected for the automobile industry, the one segment about which still many automakers are much hopeful about is sub-4 metre SUV. The sub-4 metre SUV segment is already crowded with many options, and there are many more on the way.

Following are four new sub-4 metre SUVs which are expected to hit the showroom floors by the end of the second quarter of the ongoing financial year 2020-21:

1. 2020 Mahindra Thar

The Mahindra Thar is all set to get its first lifecycle makeover. The 2020 MAHINDRA THAR launch is scheduled to take place in the ongoing April-June quarter. It's likely to be the first of these upcoming small SUVs to arrive in showrooms.

The Mahindra Thar is well known for its off-road driving prowess but is very much scrutinized for its bare-bones appeal. However, all is about to change with the full model change, which will give it plusher interior and new-age features.The overall styling of the new Mahindra Thar will be evolutionary. The next-gen model will still get the upright stance clamshell bonnet, flared wheel arches, angular A-pillars and seven-slot grille. However, some new inclusions in the new model include LED daytime running lights, wider outside rearview mirrors, LED tail lamps and a new optional hard top cover.

On the inside, the Mahindra Thar is expected to become much more contemporary, with revised dashboard design, a completely revamped instrument console, new multi-functional steering wheel and some new-age features like a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, automatic climate control. Driver airbag, ABS and reverse parking sensors will be a part of the standard safety package.

Sitting on a new ladder-frame chassis, the all-new Mahindra Thar will employ an all-new 2.0-litre diesel engine that is said to have a maximum power of 140 HP. One of the turbocharged petrol engines

2. Kia Sonet

After promising launches in the form of the Seltos and Carnival, Kia is now gearing up for its next big thing in the Indian market - the Sonet. Showcased at the Auto Expo 2020 in a near-production form, the K will be a sub-4 metre SUV. The originally planned launch date is August, but the Coronavirus outbreak could lead to a change in that.

The Kia Sonet will share its underpinnings with the Hyundai Venue, but will have a completely different design.

Just like how the Kia Seltos is based on the platform of Hyundai Creta, the Kia Sonet will be sharing its underpinnings with the Hyundai Venue. However, as expected, the Kia Sonet will have a completely different design, some of the highlights of which will be the signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, slender headlamps and tail lamps with rounded outer-ends, wraparound design for the rear windshield and LED light guide across the width of the boot lid.

Inside, the sub-compact SUV is expected to be served with all the modern features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, colour MID, electric sunroof, cruise control, air purifier wireless charger and six airbags.

Based on the platform as that of the Hyundai Venue, the Kia Sonet will likely come with the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol (120 PS/172 Nm), 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel (100 PS/240 Nm) and 1.2-litre N/A four-cylinder petrol (83 PS/114 Nm) engines. However, unlike the platform-mate, it will be available an intelligent Manual Transmission.

3. Nissan Magnite

Nissan is increasing its focus on SUV segments in India. The Japanese automaker recently launched the TURBOCHARGE PETROL VERSION ON NISSAN KICKS,and the next launch is going to be the Nissan Magnite – a sub-4 metre SUV to be positioned below the Kicks.

nissan magnite

Unlike the Nissan Kicks, the Nissan Magnite (name TBC) will have a proper SUV design with more conventional proportions and an upright stance, which include some fine details like contoured front bonnet, floating roof design and all LED elements in headlamps and tail lamps. Carrying its fresh image in the interior cabin as well, the Nissan Magnite will be enriched with many modern comfort and convenience features, given that the segment has already shot up with much competition.

The Nissan Magnite will be an only petrol-powered model, and the sole engine in question here is said to be the HR10 1.0-litre three-cylinder mill with 95 PS of maximum power. The HR10 engine is basically a downsized version of the HR13 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which is available in India in the Nissan Kicks.

4. Renault HBC

The Renault HBC is not the commercial name for the upcoming sub-four metre SUV from Renault, and like its name, much of its details regarding design and interiors are still under wraps. SPY SHOTS suggest a really sporty design for this model.

The Renault HBC will share its platform and engine with the Nissan Magnite.

The Renault HBC will share the CMF-A+ platform with the Renault Triber and the Nissan Magnite. Features like daytime running LEDs, LED tail lamps, digital instrument cluster and large touchscreen infotainment system are expected to be offered in the Renault HBC. Apart from the basic chassis, the Renault HBC will also borrow the 95 PS 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine of the Nissan Magnite.

Benelli SRK600 Spied Undisguised; Will Replace TNT 600 Globally

2020-05-28T22:13:00.001-07:00

Italian bike maker Benelli is finally readying its middleweight successor to the TNT600 and the model could be called the SRK600 or the SR600K, which was recently spied. The leaked images come from what appears to be a factory floor and reveals the new Benelli SRK600 completely in the production-spec guise. This also suggests that the new offering is closer to its global debut than we earlier thought given the Coronavirus pandemic and an official announcement is just weeks away. The new SRK600, as the badging goes, is also likely to make its way to India in the future, replacing the aged TNT600 in the segment. Other bits that we do know is that the new Benelli SRK600 will get LED lighting including the headlamp, indicators and the taillight. There will be daytime running lights too, while a fuel tank mounted console hints at keyless ignition as one of the fancier tech on the street-naked motorcycle.

The leaked images of the Benelli SRK600 reveal a great deal about the new Benelli SRK600 including its trellis frame. The design language is sharper than that on the TNT and there’s a nice touch of angular lines across the fuel tank and the tail section. The single headlamp too dresses sharp and is reminiscent of the Kawasaki Z800’s twin headlamp unit. We also notice the split seats while the side-mounted rear shock absorber on the motorcycle. The instrument console is expected to be a fancy TFT screen, keeping up with the times.

In terms of hardware, the TNT600 replacement is likely to get a heavily updated 599 cc in-line four-cylinder, engine that will meet the Euro5/BS6 emission regulations, while also receiving a bump in power and torque figures. The outgoing Benelli TNT 600 makes 86.24PS and 54.6Nm of peak torque. The 6-speed gearbox is likely to see improvements as well. For other cycle parts, reports suggest Matsuchi-sourced USD forks at the front with adjustability. Braking performance will come from Brembo with M4 monobloccalipers. Dual-channel ABS is a given, but it will be interesting to see if Benelli also adds IMU to the ensemble.

The Benelli SRK600 is definitely ready and we can’t wait to see it on open roads. The bike will lock horns against the Kawasaki Z900, Suzuki GSX-S750, Triumph Street Triple, Ducati Monster 797 and the likes in the segment. The SRK600 or the SR600K is expected to be on sale globally by the end of 2020. Meanwhile, the India launch can be expected sometime next year.

PRESIDENT RAM NATH EXPECTED TO GET MEW MERCEDES-BENZ S 600

2020-05-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

President Ram Nath Kovind was expected to get a new Mercedes-Benz S 600 Pullman Maybach Guard in time for the next Republic Day; savings generated by this and other cost-cutting measures will aid the poor affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

In a bid to cut costs during this trying time, the President of India’s office has adopted several measures, one of which is said to be Ram Nath Kovind’s new Mercedes-Benz S 600 Pullman Maybach Guard will not be bought. Before these initiatives were put in place, our President was expected to be seen in his new high-security limousine at the 2021 Republic Day celebrations.

The latest Mercedes-Benz S-class Pullman Maybach Guard was unveiled for international markets in 2018. It is a formidable yet extremely comfortable vehicle. It easily costs upwards of Rs 15 crore (on-road, including options) and is fitted with ERV (Explosive Resistant Vehicles) 2010-level and VR9-level protection for its occupants. The former means it can withstand up to 15kg of TNT from a distance of 2m; while the latter indicates that it’s capable of withstanding 7.62x51mm rifle rounds – even bullets fired from an AK-47 will not be able to penetrate this S-class’ floor, body or glass. Since it is meant to carry the President of India, it is expected to have some classified modifications for both safety and comfort.

The interiors of the S 600 Pullman Maybach Guard are as plush as you can imagine, putting even business class seats on airplanes to shame. Despite weighing more than five tonnes, this armoured limousine is no slouch thanks to the 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 engine that puts out 530hp and 830Nm of peak torque.

As its replacement is not due soon, the President of India is expected to continue to use the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Pullman Guard (based on W221 S-class) that made its global debut back in 2011. This model came into use during the tenure of President Pranab Mukherjee and still offers a near tank-like resilience against ballistics and the like; it comes with VR7-level protection. It’s as opulent and customisable inside as its more modern counterpart; but is powered by a slightly smaller, 5.5-litre twin-turbo V12 petrol engine producing 517hp and 830Nm of twisting force.

Other measures taken by the President’s office to cut costs include a less-than-usual lavish spread for visiting dignitaries, a moratorium on new construction at Rashtrapati Bhavan and a limitation on flower decorations. The savings from these cutbacks are to help the nation’s poor that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

Coming back to high-security Mercedes cars, there aren’t many S-class Pullman Guard models in India. However, you do end up finding the ‘standard’ S 600 Guard in India from this generation (W221), which are owned by many businessmen and even some celebrities.

ALL NEW TIGUAN 5 SEATER LAUNCH IN INDIA WITH PRICE TAG OF 24 LAKH

2020-05-13T20:56:00.001-07:00

TIGUAN
5-seat Tiguan will sell alongside 7-seat Allspace
Will be a petrol-only model to start with
Expected to cost in the Rs 23-26 lakh

Volkswagen recently launched the 7-seat Tiguan Allspace 2.0 TSI in India which, in effect, replaces the regular 5-seat Tiguan. The smaller Tiguan came only with a 2.0 TDI diesel engine and was discontinued with VW phasing out all its diesel models in the industry-wide move to BS6 emission norms.

The big news, however, is that the 5-seat Tiguan will return to a showroom near you, in the not-too-distant future. VW's plan is to launch the smaller Tiguan later this year but the disruptions thrown up by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic could delay the reintroduction.

The re-launched 5-seat variant will be substantially different from the outgoing model, and, in fact, will be the facelifted 2020 model. VW plans to locally assemble the new Tiguan to save on import taxes and offer it to Indian customers at a more affordable price.

There will sufficient visual differentiation between the 5-seater and Allspace variants. The facelifted 5-seater Tiguan will get a new nose and changes to the rear as well. Fresh details on the nose include a neatly executed and minimalist grille that seamlessly blends in with the headlight cluster, the lamps appearing to be nestled within. The new grille and headlight combo looks terrific and is similar to that on the new VW Golf 8. And what's also nice is that the LED bits in the headlight appear to have a three-dimensional effect. VW has also substantially freshened the Tiguan's chin with an integrated 'X' shape and cuts and creases.

However, the biggest difference over the previous Tiguan is under the hood. Out goes the diesel and in its place comes a 150hp, 1.5 TSI turbo-petrol engine, similar to the one under the hood of the Skoda Karoq. Also expect a willing 7-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox or DSG as VW calls it, with paddleshifters and features like hill-descent control and an electronic parking brake.

The carmaker may also launch a variant with a 48V hybrid system and a coasting function in a bid to increase efficiency and make up for the loss of the diesel, but this will be at a later stage.

Upgrades on the inside include a larger touchscreen, a digital cockpit or digital instrument cluster, and this could also be the first VW car in India to get connected car tech.

To keep costs down, VW is also likely to launch the Tiguan as a front-wheel drive only for now. The facelifted 5-seater Tiguan is likely to be assembled at Chakan near Pune, and with expensive kit like the diesel engine and four-wheel-drive knocked off, the Tiguan will be far more competitively priced - somewhere in the region of Rs 23-26 lakh.

The Tiguan may not have had the strongest starts in India, but VW India is hoping to cash in on its global popularity. In fact, the Tiguan is now VW’s global bestseller with 9,00,000 units sold in 2019, overtaking the erstwhile Golf. So, with an attractive price, a capable petrol engine and plenty of kit, this is an SUV you should keep an eye out for. Expect high-quality interiors, good driving manners and a subtle charm that will grow on you once you get to know it well.

Next-gen Mahindra Thar ready for August launch

2020-05-10T21:23:00.000-07:00

Mahindra has readied the next-gen Thar and it has been spied yet again ahead of launch later this year. The spotted SUV has been covered with white plastic sheets which is generally applied to newly manufactured units before being dispatched to dealership yards. At the same time, chances are that the all-new Thar will soon make spy debut completely undisguised as the launch inches near.

With the generation change, Thar will grow into a more aggressive and butch looking SUV. It will use an evolutionary design with the similar front round headlamps, wide and flat bonnet, brick-shaped tail lights. Also, it will come with a hard-top option as well. The latest image reveals that the SUV will also feature front bumper located fog lamps, also the 18-inch black-painted alloy wheel design seems to be new. While its final appearance is yet to be revealed, overall the all-new Thar seems to connect to its original design.

Inside, changes will be major. It will use a different layout for the dashboard, touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a multi-info display in the instrument cluster, a manual AC, power-folding wing mirrors, multiple USB ports, new steering, seats, and a reposition 4x4 lever. That said, the most major update will be seen in the form of front facing rear seats. This set-up will carve out more space and safety for the passengers at the back.

In terms of mechanicals, the updated Thar will most likely feature a 140 PS 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, along with a 163 PS 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The petrol unit might be kept initially just for the imports. The transmission options may include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

As far as launch is concerned, expect the company to introduce the new Thar within next two to three months.

RANGE ROVER DEFENDER SOON WILL GET V8 ENGINE

2020-05-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

Range-topping V8 model expected to develop around 500hp
Development undertaken by JLR’s Defender engineering operation
Likely to debut by late-2021

Having debuted the Defender globally last year, Land Rover is now working on a new rang-topping V8-powered iteration of the rugged SUV. Images of an undisguised Defender test mule with quad tailpipes – usually reserved for JLR’s V8 models – have surfaced online, hinting at the development of the V8 model.

Sources close to the firm have confirmed to our sister publication Autocar UK the project’s existence, but the official JLR response is: “We are unable to comment on the specific nature of these [technology development] programmes.”

Autocar UK obtained registration data for the SUV that shows it has a 4,999cc petrol engine, suggesting it’s powered by the ‘AJ’ 5.0-litre supercharged V8 used in the Range Rover Sport SVR and Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography.

However, production of the long-serving AJ will come to an end before this year is out, with JLR expected to move to using BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8s under a wide-reaching powertrain deal struck between the two firms. This alliance began with the intention to develop electrified powertrains, but sources close to the German manufacturer revealed last year that it had been extended to include supplying JLR with a range of internal combustion engines.

Although the use of the 4.4-litre V8 has yet to be officially confirmed by JLR, Autocar UK understands that it’s merely a formality.

It’s plausible that the 5.0-litre engine is being used primarily to test the Defender’s dynamic responses with the weight and power increases.

The V8 Defender is expected to be a low-volume special variant rather than a series-production mainstay. Land Rover may well be stockpiling the Ford-built V8 for use in the Defender, because emissions targets are much less of a priority for low-volume specials.

Interestingly, as per sources JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division isn’t directly involved with the project; instead, it’s an offshoot of the existing Defender engineering operation.

It’s likely, then, that the engine won’t offer as much firepower as full-on SVO cars, such as the 575hp Range Rover Sport SVR, though it is expected to be tuned to near the 500hp mark. Gearbox duties are likely to be handled by an 8-speed automatic unit supplied by ZF. These figures could make it a potent rival to the Mercedes-AMG G63.

JLR engineers have previously hinted to our sister publication that the G-class was used as a benchmark for higher-end Defender variants and, with the hot G63 making up a high proportion of G-class sales, it’s only natural that the British manufacturer would want to cash in on the sector.

Either way, chassis revisions will be required to ensure the V8 Defender is capable of handling such power. The Defender’s aluminium-intensive body structure, said to be the stiffest Land Rover has ever produced, provides a strong base for engineers.

Expect the quad-exhaust system to make production, along with the usual larger wheels, lower ride height and subtle non-SVR body add-ons necessary to mark out the V8.

The V8 Defender is likely to make its debut late next year, with JLR currently prioritising the development of its hybrid and new series-production models.

Earlier this year, Land Rover opened the order books for the Defender in India, along with revealing prices for the variants and derivatives going on sale in the country. The SUV in India is available in both three-door 90 and five-door 110 body styles, in a choice of five variants and with only a 300hp 2.0-litre petrol engine on offer

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FORD PUMA CRETA RIVAL COMING TO INDIA

2020-05-05T21:35:00.000-07:00

The Puma ST will get sporty cosmetic updates.
It will likely share the Fiesta ST’s 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.
The model has not been confirmed for our market yet.

Ford has confirmed that a hot, performance-focused ST version of its new Puma crossover will be revealed later this year. For context, the PUMA sits above the EcoSport in Ford’s international line-up and it shares its underpinnings with the Fiesta hatchback.

A preview image – the first official acknowledgement of the model’s existence – suggests the crossover SUV’s performance-inspired bodywork will bear a strong resemblance to recently spotted prototypes of the model.

The image gives little away as to how the Puma ST will be told apart from the standard car. However, the wheels are of a similar design to those of the Fiesta ST, with which it will likely share its powertrain.

This 1.5-cylinder three-cylinder engine puts out 200hp and 290Nm of torque, enough to send the hot supermini from 0-100kph in 6.7sec and on to a top speed of 232kph. The larger, higher-riding Puma will likely make some slight performance sacrifices.

Prototypes seen lapping the Nürburgring sported a prominent lower body kit that extended around the car from the splitter-style front bumper all the way to a new rear bumper that houses twin exhausts.

Additional upgrades look to include lower, stiffer suspension and bigger brake discs, while an optional limited-slip differential, selectable driving modes and a launch control function will likely be available.

Closer to home, no official announcement has been made regarding the Puma SUV being brought to India. Ford has, however, entered a joint venture (JV) with Mahindra, which will result in the co-development of a variety of SUVs in the years to come. A Hyundai Creta-rivalling FORD PUMA is based on mahindra xuv 400 which will came in upcoming 2 or 3 years.

THANKYOU FOR READING

i20n upcoming most powerful hatchback 200 hp

2020-05-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

Hyundai has teased a sportier N derivative of the all-new i20 premium hatchback. Expected to debut later this year, the hot hatchback made a brief appearance in a video of the standard hatchback followed by the words ‘to be continued’.

What’s evident from the teaser is that the i20 N will wear larger alloy wheels, along with featuring a prominent roof-mounted spoiler and sporty side sills with red accents. It’s also safe to expect a different bumper design on both ends to give it a more aggressive look to go with its character.

Expect the cabin to also feature sporty touches, while still carrying over most of the bits from the standard hatchback.

On the mechanical front, the i20 N is expected to get lower to the ground, along with featuring stiffer suspension, uprated brakes and tweaks to the steering ratio to enhance handling. Under the hood, the N is expected to get a larger, more powerful engine as compared to the standard hatchback. The engine in question is likely to be a 1.6-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol unit with output in the region of 200hp. Test mules have hinted at a 6-speed manual gearbox being paired with the engine.

For India, Hyundai recently upgraded the current petrol i20 to meet BS6 emission norms, with the all-new model expected to arrive later this year. The carmaker is also considering bringing its N performance brand to India, with the company having shown the pre-facelift i30 Fastback N at the 2020 Auto Expo. The i30 N is expected to be the first N model to arrive in our country, but it remain to be seen if the new i20 N will also be considered.

ABARTH PUNTO VS BALENO RS VS POLO GT - WHO WILL WIN ?

2020-05-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

Car manufacturers in India are gradually warming up to the idea of practical hatchbacks that can be fun to drive. Volkswagen was the one to start the trend in India with the Polo GT range and Fiat followed with the Abarth Punto. Now though, the country's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki has decide to enter this small yet growing segment with the Baleno RS. The company is all set to launch its most powerful hatchback early March. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS though, will have tough comeptition in the form of the Fiat Abarth Punto and Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, especially the latter. While one may expect this to be another cakewalk for Maruti Suzuki, the waters ain't that calm. We pit these cars against each other to find out which one offers the maximum bang for each buck.

Powertrain: The Upcoming Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS will be powered by a 1.0 litre three cylinder Boosterjet petrol engine that will generate about 100 hp of power at 5,500 rpm and 150 Nm of torque between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm. The new Boosterjet engine is the company's first turbocharged engine in the country and it'll be paired to a 5-speed manual transmission only initially. In terms of driver aids, the Baleno RS might only feature ABS with EBD. The Volkswagen Polo GT TSI is powered by a 1.2 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 103 hp of power and 175 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox, making it the only automatic car in the segment. In addition, the Polo GT TSI also comes with traction control, unique to it among these three cars. The Fiat Abarth Punto get a 1.4 litre T-jet petrol engine that develops 145 hp of power at 5.500 rpm and churns out a peak torque of 212 Nm between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, which is the car's weakest point as it offers rubbery shifts and affects performance and robs some of the driving pleasure. Clearly, in terms of power, the Abarth Punto is the the winner but it's the Polo GT TSI that is has the most well-rounded and tractable powertrain.

Dimensions: The Baleno RS will measure 3,995 mm in length, 1,745 in width, 1,510 mm in height and will have a wheelbase of 2,520 mm. Similar to the Baleno, the RS will have a boot capacity of 339 litre, which is enough for most practical purposes. In comparison, the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI measures 3,971 mm long, 1,682 mm wide, 1,469 mm tall and has 2,469 mm of wheelbase. The Abarth Punto is 3,989 mm in length, 1,687 mm in width, 1,505 mm in height and has 2,510 mm of wheelbase. The Baleno RS at 3,995 mm of length is the longest car of the lot and at 2,520 mm its wheelbase too is the longest, leading to more cabin space. In terms of width too, the Baleno RS leads, although by a small margin only over the Abarth Punto. Overall, the Baleno RS has the most spacious cabin of the lot, closely followed by the Abarth Punto and the Polo GT.

Equipment: All three hatchbacks are equipped with a host of features, but what stands out is the cruise control, hill hold control, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and cooled glovebox that are offered on the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS will get features such as a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity along with rear parking sensors with camera, navigation as well as automatic headlamps with LED daytime running lamps. The Abarth Punto feels left out in terms of features as neither does it have a fully-loaded touchscreen nor does it have traction control. While both the Baleno and Polo GT sport impressive build and material quality inside the cabin, the Abarth Punto feels left out here as well.

Prices: The Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS will be launched around March, 2017 and we expect the car to be priced at just about Rs 8.5 lakh, which would undercut the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI that is priced at Rs 9.05 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. The Abarth Punto is the most expensive car here with a price tag of Rs 9.95 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi and comes with the most powerful engine and the quickest performance too but loses out on cabin quality and overall driving pleasure. Hence, from a value perspective, the Polo GT TSI is the overall winner as it strikes a good balance between performance, quality and convenience. The Baleno RS is close but misses out on some features, however, if Maruti Suzuki can price it aggressively, the scale could swing in its favour. The Abarth Punto is a brilliant car that is held back by a disappointing transmission and average material quality, despite being the most expensive of the lot. If you're looking to buy on e of these, we suggest to hold on for a few more days till the launch of the Baleno RS. Who knows? Maruti Suzuki might just have a pleasant surprise in store for all!

CONCLUSION
ABARTH PUNTO AND BALENO RS both are discontinued in India the only option available in India is polo gt .

I HAVE TO BE SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE I LOVE EXPENSIVE SHIT -ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM

2020-05-02T22:29:00.000-07:00

Meet the eighth generation of the Rolls-Royce Phantom which comes 14 years after the previous one to, once again, stake claim to the ‘world’s best car’ title. That it has come after so long makes the arrival of the Rolls-Royce’s flagship an even more momentous occasion, like the coronation of a new king and with it, the continuity of a royal bloodline.

If there is any car that can claim to be the king of the car world, it’s the Phantom. It has been around since 1925 and is the longest running nameplate on a car ever. But what has really distinguished this Rolls-Royce model over eight generations and 92 years is that it has stood to represent the pinnacle of automotive luxury. “A Phantom is a Phantom is a Phantom,” said Rolls-Royce CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, to drive home the point that it’s the ultimate benchmark and there’s nothing quite like it. In fact, Rolls-Royce likes to refer to the Phantom as a ‘luxury good’ that many of its super-rich owners would buy, just like a yacht or a private jet, to indulge their lifestyles.

To make the world’s best car even better was never an easy task for the engineers, but with the new Phantom, they were given a great starting point – an all-new aluminium spaceframe that makes its debut in the latest Rolls. In fact, this new platform will underpin future Rolls-Royce models including Project Cullinan, which is the internal name for first ever Rolls-Royce SUV.

Rolls-Royce engineers opted for an aluminium chassis not because it’s lightweight but mainly for its superior torsional rigidity which is a good 30 percent more than the outgoing Phantom. A stiffer chassis is good for refinement and ride quality, which are key attributes that define a Rolls-Royce. However, to really smother the road and deliver the famed Rolls-Royce ‘magic carpet’ ride, engineers had to conjure their own magic on the suspension and tyres. The mighty Phantom rides on air springs, which come with only one setting and can’t be manually adjusted. But, forward-facing cameras read the road surface and signal the suspension to alter its stiffness accordingly. Pretty high-tech for a Rolls, isn’t it? But it’s with the tyres that Rolls-Royce has gone the extra mile to eke out that last bit of ride comfort.

The importance of tyres can never be underestimated and is the suspension’s first line of defence, especially over ridges, sharp edges and ruts, where the tyre sidewall is responsible for the crucial ‘secondary’ ride comfort. Rolls-Royce has ditched run-flat tyres because their stiff sidewalls hurt ride quality, so instead, the massive 22-inch rubber on our test car came with soft sidewalls, which greatly benefit low-speed ride, especially on broken services. The down side is that directional stability and handling does suffer, but to compensate, the Phantom now gets electronic stabilisers to keep any on-road waywardness in check. The tyres also get a layer of sound-deadening foam that lines the inner walls to muffle tyre noise. Is that a bit of overkill? Not if you consider the 6mm of double-glazed glass all around and 130kg of sound deadening material stuffed throughout the car, in the quest to make the Phantom the quietest car in the world.

The Phantom also gets four-wheel steering or rear wheels that steer in the opposite direction by three degrees to make manoeuvring for you and your chauffer that much easier. The Phantom has a turning circle diameter of 13.7m for the extended version, which is pretty damn good for a car with a 3,772mm-long wheelbase.

Under the Phantom’s long hood is a 6.75-litre V12 engine again, but apart from sharing the same displacement and cylinder configuration, it’s completely different to the one in the previous Phantom and is more of a reworked version of the Ghost’s 6.6-litre V12. Its power output of 555hp is similar to that of the outgoing car but twin turbochargers (a first on a Phantom) boost torque to a colossal 900Nm, which is developed from as little as 1,700rpm. Boosting torque was given priority to enhance the ‘waftiness’ of the Phantom, which is the core of a Rolls-Royce’s majestic character.

And majestic is what the new Phantom still looks despite a few modern elements that have been introduced in the design. The signature ‘Parthenon’ grille doesn’t sit quite as proudly on the nose as before and is now flush with the body and a bit canted rearwards too. “There’s a reason for this,” lets on Philip Koehn, director of engineering. “In the previous Phantom, the front grille caused a bit of turbulence which hit the middle windscreen but in the new car we’ve deflected the turbulent airflow above the body” he says. This is further proof that, when it comes to refinement, Rolls-Royce is unflinchingly uncompromising.

INTERIOR

Rolls-Royce’s signature ‘coach doors’ or rear doors hinged at the back, open wide for easy access into a cabin that is truly fit for a king. Seated in the rear, I shut the electrically operated doors with the touch of a button (the chauffer can do it from the outside as well) to hermetically seal me off from the outside world.

You can spend the whole day inside a Phantom just soaking up the unadulterated luxury oozing out of every pore. There’s richness in every small detail; right from the deep-pile carpets, the exquisitely stitched leather trim and fine-grain wood, to the soft leather seats with the feather-filled headrests. Seat comfort is something you won’t complain about even in the standard-wheelbase Phantom, which has an abundance of legroom, while the extended version has an excess of it to the point that I can sit with my legs fully stretched-out. You sit nice and high in the sumptuous rear seats, which can be amply reclined. The sofa-like seats will heat or cool your backside and even massage you. This latter function is what I discovered accidentally and in the process also exposed a minor design flaw.

My knee would knock a button on the switch panel on the door, which inadvertently activated the massage function. This kept happening a couple of times which made me wonder why the cluster of switches couldn’t have been moved forward. Koehn has received this feedback and is well aware that the switch placement, directly in line with a passenger’s knee, is not optimal but says. “Moving it forward would make passengers stretch to reach them.” And that’s when you realise how much thought has gone into making the switchgear fall easily to hand. You don’t have to stretch or bend to reach any of the switches (and crease your suit or gown by doing so) but simply sit back, close the doors via the button on the C-pillar, and activate the air con, stereo and all the seat functions via the rotary dial cluster in the centre console of the arm rest. Even the small table and individual entertainment screens flip down with press of an easily accessible button. The switches themselves are wonderfully damped, as are the traditional organ-stop plungers that control the air flow. You also get a coolbox complete with a pair of champagne flutes.

Upfront, the seats aren’t as lavish as the back but they are hugely comfortable and come with a wide range of adjustments. For the first time on a Rolls, the front doors too can be electrically closed with the touch of a button, which relieves the front occupants from the undignified task of stretching out for the door handle. The Y-spoke steering wheel is as massive as ever but now comes with a plethora of buttons. Also giving a nod to modernity is the digital instrument cluster, which replace the analogue dials, and a heads-up display for the driver.

The ‘starlight’ roof is a special Rolls-Royce feature that only covered half of the roof in the previous phantom, but now on the new car it runs all the way to back. The extended Phantom has a whopping 1,344 fibre optic lights randomly scattered in the headliner. The electrical architecture allows each of these lights to be individually controlled, allowing Rolls-Royce to give you your own customised constellation! But while Rolls-Royce can promise you the stars, it can’t give you the sun or the moon. There is no sunroof, not even as an option, in the new Phantom.

The real star of the show in the new Phantom, however, is what the Rolls-Royce calls ‘The Gallery’. It’s an incredibly creative idea that allows owners to customise their cars to a different level to make them works of art – literally. A single piece of fixed glass spans the width of the dashboard, covering a blank space that begins from one end of the dashboard and extends behind the retractable screen till the instrument cluster on the driver’s side. Essentially this blank surface acts a canvas for works of art, which owners can commission from their favourite artists or, choose from several unique compositions that Rolls-Royce has already created.

Giving owners the opportunity to have a masterpiece inside their car is a masterstroke, and what Rolls-Royce has ensured by having The Gallery in the new Phantom is that no two cars are the same. You can’t have it more exclusive than this.

DRIVE

The place to be in a Phantom is at the back and my experience begins sitting behind the chauffer. It’s an incredible experience being whisked away in a car that just effortlessly glides forward like it’s on a cushion of air. The roads in Switzerland are super smooth and have strictly-enforced speed limits, which only serves to accentuate the Phantom’s utterly relaxed demeanour. The odd, sharp edge we encounter in the form of a railway crossing registers as a distant, muted thud. The new Phantom simply soaks up the road quietly and efficiently, leaving you oblivious of the surface you’re travelling on. The ultra-low noise levels add to the sense of calm. Rolls-Royce wasn’t joking when it said it was making the world’s quietest car even quieter. The big V12 engine is barely audible and there’s hardly any road or wind noise either. The cabin is so eerily silent that you could almost hear a ghost cough.

The softly sprung Phantom, however, does ever so slightly heave up and down. It’s not something most owners may notice but being terribly prone to sea sickness I’m super sensitive to any low-frequency pitching movement. I would have preferred slightly stiffer dampers for a flatter ride but Koehn felt that it would hurt the secondary ride. “We could have made the dampers stiffer to reduce the pitch but then the low-speed ride comfort may have suffered,” he said. There’s no doubt that the Phantom doesn’t like to be rushed and feels best driven in an unhurried way, even though the massive V12 is capable of propelling this 2,610kg car to 100kph in 5.1sec.

I realised that, when I hopped into the front seat to drive the Phantom for the first time, the long-travel throttle pedal and the engine are calibrated to deliver power in a measured way. So when you bury the pedal in the thick carpet, the Phantom picks up momentum like an Airbus thundering down a runaway. There’s a slickness with which the engine and transmission work together to a deliver a creamy wave of torque for the driver to effortlessly surf on. The way the Phantom masks speed made it genuinely impossible not to break the speed limit.

IF YOU WANT TO BUY🤣🤣🤣🤣?

That’s a difficult question to answer, especially if the price of a minimally specced Phantom, after paying nearly 200 percent in taxes and duties, is expected to cost Rs 8 crore (on road), rising to around Rs 9.5 -10 crore for a car with a decent amount of customisation. Terms like ‘value for money’ and ‘bang for your buck’ are not part of a Phantom buyer’s lexicon. What they are looking for is the ultimate luxury car and one that they are unashamed to flaunt. The new Phantom also takes customisation and exclusivity to a different level, with its concept of the bespoke Gallery. View the Phantom not just as an automobile but also as a work of art which, with its ludicrously high price tag, might just start making sense, but only if you are a billionaire.

FEED THE GREED FOR SPEED- ABARTH PUNTO

2020-05-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Clark Kent in his fancy blue suit, meet the epitome of alter ego, meet the new India-spec Fiat Abarth Punto. While this car can be regarded as a ‘souped-up’ version of the Fiat Punto Evo, its manufacturer, quite apparently, doesn’t want you to believe it’s a Fiat – You’ll be quick to realize that the Fiat badge is conspicuous by its absence on this car.

This is simply because of the fact that Abarth boasts of a fine racing heritage and while it has been under the ownership of Fiat Auto since 1971, and its cars almost always have been heavily modified Fiats, Fiat has always deemed it appropriate to let these performance versions have their own distinct identity. Read our Fiat Abarth Punto review here to find out how this performance-tuned motTurn on the ignition and the engine
~~roars~~ purrs to life. We expected the car to have a relatively loud exhaust, with decibel level almost flirting with the prescribed limits. However, the engine idles with a rather muted growl and feels pretty refined. Once on the move, the Abarth Punto feels pretty relaxed and unhurried in the way it gains speed. However, sail past the 2000 rpm mark and the Abarth Punto dons the superhero suit and the red cape. The turbo, which has by now hit its optimum threshold, ensures that the Abarth Punto charges forward fiercely. True to the claimed figures, the Abarth Punto can sprint to 100 km/h from a standstill in roughly 9 seconds and we even managed to achieve a speedo-indicated 190 km/h. However, what’s really worth a mention here is the effortless manner in which this car achieves speeds of around 140 km/h.

Put the pedal to the metal, however, and the blend of low-down torque and a power figure that starts dipping soon after 5500 rpm leads to a not-so-thrilling top-end performance. In this respect, the Abarth Punto is much like its Diesel-sipping cousin – there’s a lot of punch, but an unexciting high-end performance. That said, play in the meat of the powerband and you’ll be amazed to see how effortlessly this car can surge past most of the traffic. Also, while we don’t see buyers of this car aiming for a stellar fuel efficiency, the Abarth Punto, with an average fuel mileage of 9-10 km/l, ensures that the missus doesn’t put a restriction to the joyrides.Around a Corner?

Fiat India managed to strike a good balance between the original Punto’s ride and handling characteristics. The post-facelift model, however, fails to feel anywhere as poised. Thankfully, however, the Abarth Punto, even on being based on the Punto Evo, is just the right companion on your apex hunting trips. Throw this car into a tight corner and the high grip levels instill enough confidence in you to push even harder. The Abarth Punto’s steering offers enough feedback and is pretty direct too. There’s some body roll when cornering really hard, but it never gets really unnerving. And unlike what we anticipated, the Abarth’ed Punto impressed us with its decent ride quality. This car can just glide over most of the small-sized craters and speed-humps and even the slightly larger undulations don’t really pose a threat to this car’s composure. The Abarth Punto gets an all-disc brake setup. The car exhibits an impressive braking performance and the brakes are sufficiently potent to safely haul down this car from really high speeds. or has left the insatiable performance junkies in us buzzing with excitement.

Designed by the world's leading Italian designers, the Fiat Punto Abarth was the most underrated car in India. The car was the 'mad' version of the Fiat Punto, a family hatchback. But, with sales hitting rock bottom, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group decided to withdraw the Fiat brand from the indian market in November 2018. However, there were still few Fiat lovers left in the country who were interested in the car and they decided to look around for it.

Six hardcore Fiat fans friends looked around and eventually found a dealer showroom which had unsold Fiat Abarth's. The friends booked Abarth Punto on 18th Jan 2019 and the deliveries were made on 8th Feb 2019. All the six cars, manufactured in 2018, were sold at a discount of Rs 2 lakh. The ex-showroom price of Fiat Punto Abarth is Rs 9.5 lakh. Not a bad deal at all!

Under the hood, Fiat Punto Abarth was powered by the1368 cc petrol engine. The 145 bhp generated would set anybody's heart racing and if that doesn't impress you then the 212 Nm of torque in the range of 2000-4000 rpm via a 5 speed manual transmission to the front wheels certainly will.

On the outside, Fiat Punto Abarth gets several aesthetic changes when compared to the original Fiat Punto. Abarath was designed to be a show stopper and has a scorpion emblem to ward off anyone off the roads. The sporty exterior of the car is further enhanced by the body graphics, sporty side skirting and the colour coordinated mirror caps.

Lenght x Width x Height	3989x1687x1505 mm
Wheel Type and Size	16 inch alloy
Engine Type/ Displacement	1.4 litre turbocharged petrol
Power	145 bhp
Torque	212 Nm
Top Speed	195 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	8.8 sec
Transmission (Gearbox)	5-speed manual

Interiors of the Fiat Punto Abarth also scream "sporty". The scorpion-adorned instrument cluster of the Abarth Punto gives out information that the driver needs while pushing the limits of the car. Aluminum sports pedals and sport seats just enhance the overall look and feel of the car.

Should you buy the Abarth?

The car was launched as a hot hatch with an explosive performance. The outstanding strength and power, and perfect braking stability made it something that was worth considering. However, the launch price and the 155mm ground clearance together with the complete lack of after sales support made it a tough buy. But, if you can get it at Rs 7.5 lakh (ex-showroom) like the six friends, then this could surely be a head-turner on the roads.

NO MATCH FOR THIS HATCH - VW POLO GTI

2020-04-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen recently celebrated 10 years of Polo in India which made little sense as the new-generation model went on sale globally more than a couple of years back, yet there are no signs of it coming here anytime soon (instead VW will focus on SUVs and maybe the next generation model might be launched here, not before 2021 though). The Polo has a huge fan following in Indian among car enthusiasts and thus we decided to review the top-of-the-line Polo GTI at one of the best race tracks in the world, the ‘Green Hell’, better known as the Nurburgring.

The ‘Polo’ name is synonymous with Volkswagen for many in the car world. Since the start of production back in 1975, the badge has seen itself representing 6 generations of the model. Right from the introduction of the limited edition Mk3 Polo GTI in 1995, VW has enjoyed good success with their hot hatch. They now look to build on the enthusiasm the GTI version has garnered.

Exteriors – Walk up to the new Polo GTI, and you will be greeted with a sense of familiarity. Everything looks different, yet quite similar. Talking about the exterior of this car does very much mean talking about the exterior of the Polo facelift that is being sold internationally. That is to say that the designers have done a very decent job in making the car look quite distinct, but understated at the same time.

Compared to the Indian model, the headlamps have been slimmed and dragged a bit on the sides, and the tail lights have also seen a similar treatment applied to them. The car has also dimensionally grown, and that is very much visible. The side has one sharp character line that curves up along with the shape of the GTI badge on the side. The car also has dual exhausts, which are very much the real deal.

Speaking of the GTI badge, the car gets distinct red stripes up front that very neatly flow into the headlamp assembly. Unfortunately, that is about where the differences end. Unlike the previous version, this car is a 5-door only, and hence to the average person’s eye, this car might as well be a normal Polo. While the facelift is indeed a big leap over the Indian model, the GTI version’s red brake callipers and the aforementioned GTI badges are the only differentiators over the outgoing Polo facelift from the outside.

Interiors – Open the solid-feeling doors and step in to be greeted by a sea of red. The new POLO GTI gets quite a bit of cosmetic elements that differentiate it from the normal version. There is a flat-bottomed steering wheel right in front of the digital driver’s display. Arguably the biggest change in the Polo facelift is the technology in it. The digital driver’s display is very intuitive to use and is quite customizable. The infotainment system is quite large, and easy to use, and comes with Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

Volkswagen has gone overboard with sporty elements inside the cabin to make you feel unique and special

The seats look very much like the old GTI’s seats. They are quite unique as compared to the existing lineup of the Polo. The seats also offer nice support and cushioning and would be comfortable on long journeys, and corners. With all the distinction inside the car, it looks like Volkswagen wants you, the driver, to know that you are driving a Polo GTI with 200 HP more than anyone else. Quality of the cabin is quite top-notch and the touchpoints are lined with soft-touch materials. The cabin is practical, certainly more practical than the previous GTI as it has more doors.

Performance – The new Polo GTI drops the 1.8 TSI motor in lieu of the 2.0-litre TSI that outputs an impressive 200 PS (an uptick of 8 PS) and 320 Nm of torque at just 1500 RPM. The turbocharged mill has little lag to contend with and takes off in a jiffy, doing the sprint to the ton in just 6.7 seconds, top speed being 237 km/hr. There is a good amount of grunt and a lot of enthusiasm from the engine to catapult forward with no hesitation but it’s the tall gearing which robs some speed from the GTI. Refinement levels are great but once you hit the mid-range, it becomes quite vocal, emitting a very loud roar near the 6500 RPM redline – more sound than thrust for sure

DSG offers quick shifts, however, the GTI is also available with a manual

Turbocharged petrol motor has a lot of punch throughout along with a loud exhaust note as you near the redline

This car doesn’t hesitate at all till 200 km/hr post which progress dulls a bit. The Polo GTI comes with a 6-speed gearbox – manual and automatic, we drove the latter whose DSG unit showed its Achilles’ heel once again of not revving high enough on get-go (there is launch control though to circumvent this problem) and upshifting a tad bit earlier when you near the redline. Fuel economy is decent by hot-hatch standards at 8-10 km/l with a 40-litre fuel tank.

Excellent ride and handling balance along with a feedback-rich steering inspire a lot of confidence around corners

The steering offers good feel and feedback but doesn’t carry the most weight, similarly, body roll is well contained but there is some roll when you push it hard and of course some understeer too as you close in on the limit of the chassis. But the Polo GTI has good balance and grip, it feels composed and inspires a ton of confidence too. Volkswagen doesn’t let you turn off ESP completely but in Sport mode, it isn’t as aggressive to intervene, letting you play around quite a bit as there is ample amount of grip on offer. The brakes are very strong and surefooted, offering great feel and bite.

THANKYOU FOR READING