cars and bikes

German automaker Volkswagen has confirmed it plans to launch both hatch and saloon versions of its new Polo-based model in India. The company has also clarified that this new model will be called the Polo in India, although it is different from the Polo that is sold by VW in the rest of the world. Initially, VW had planned to manufacture just the hatchback version of the new Polo. However, after witnessing the rapid growth of the Indian saloon segment, it has now decided to manufacture a saloon version of the new Polo in India. The company has also said that it is considering the introduction of the new Passat CC model in India after some time. This version of the Passat features coupe-like styling and has just been launched in the German market.

These are the first official pictures of Suzuki’s new Alto (YC5) that will be making its debut at the Paris Motor Show this October. The new Alto will be known as the A-Star in the Indian market and will sell alongside the current version. Suzuki’s aim was to play safe and keep the design modern but generic so that it would appeal to a larger customer base. This is why the A-Star is not as radical as the A-Star show car. The flame-shaped lights are pretty distinctive and the large grille, which extends below bumper level, follows the latest design trends. Maruti is targeting a Diwali launch for the A-star and will price it at around Rs 3-4 lakh. The A-Star will come with Suzuki’s K-Series 1.0 litre as well as a 1.2 litre motor and will compete with the Hyundai i10 and Kappa. This is the first time Suzuki will manufacture a car exclusively in India and export it to global markets. Nissan too has inked a deal with Maruti for 50,000 units every year. Maruti will produce the YC5 with a Nissan badge for Nissan’s home and export markets.

FACTFILE NISSAN GT-RPrice Rs 60 lakh (est.) Length 4655mm Width 1895mmHeight 1370mmWheelbase 2780mmKerb weight 1740kgEngine 6-cyls in vee, 3799cc, twin-turbocharged petrolInstallation Front, longitudinal, 4WD Power 473bhp at 6400rpmTorque 60kgm at 3200-5200rpmGearbox 6-speed, double-clutch, semi-automatic Suspension (F-R) Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar Fuel tank 76 litresBrakes (F-R) 380mm ventilated discsTyre size (F-R) 255/40 ZR20-285/35 ZR20Boot 315 litres

Skoda has recently unveiled the all-new Superb, the second-generation of the Skoda flagship. Based on the VW Group’s A5 platform, which underpins the Laura, the new Superb has a substantially longer wheelbase; much like the previous Superb. However, the new Superb is no longer just a stretched last-generation VW Passat. This time, it has its own structure and suspension. Skoda has abandoned the saloon body of the current Superb and will offer the new model as a hatchback only. An estate, another first for the Superb, will be added later.

The new Superb’s twin-door concept allows the boot to open conventionally, or when more access is required for bulkier objects, the rear windscreen too opens along with the boot like a big hatch. The car maintains Skoda’s basic broad-shouldered look and grille. The details are however not as restrained. A sharp bonnet ‘V’ and central ridge are accompanied by very sharp-looking headlamps, that almost look like they have come off a modern BMW. The rear or C-pillar of the car is also much more upright and limo-ike. The rear of the car however is very uncharacteristic, with a Renault-like arrangement to the tail-lamps.

The interiors of the new Superb go more upmarket with better quality plastics and switchgear, notably the all-new multimedia steering wheel, which allows the driver to scroll through the built-in entertainment and navigation system.

If the current-generation car has a reputation for roominess, then the new car will be a revelation. It boasts more rear legroom and headroom than the current Superb. Also, with the rear seat folded, the Superb can pack in 1670 litres of luggage.

Powertrain options include 1.4 and 1.8-litre TSI petrols, and 1.9 litre and 2.0-litre diesels. Skoda has developed a 2.0-litre common-rail diesel as well, which is more powerful than the group’s Pumpe Duse 2.0-litre diesel. There is also a 3.6-litre V6 petrol, but that is unlikely to make it to India. Additionally, there’s the option of the group’s 2.7- and 3.0-litre V6 diesels if Skoda wants them. Skoda’s excellent twin-clutch DSG automatic gearbox will be an alternative to the regular six-speed manual.

As with all Skoda cars, pricing will be competitive and we expect approximately a Rs 1 lakh price hike over the existing model. The new Superb is unlikely to come to India before March 2009 as right-hand-drive production will take around a year to kick off. Unlike with the Octavia when the Laura came in, Skoda won’t retain the existing Superb after the new model is launched.

Hindustan Motors (HM) is planning to launch the Mitsubishi Outlander at a sub-Rs 20 lakh price in a bid to steal market share from its main rival, the Honda CR-V. Unlike the CR-V, which is completely imported (and hence attracts a 120 percent tax penalty), the Outlander will be locally assembled by HM in its Thiruvallur plant where the Lancer and Cedia are also assembled. Locally-assembled cars pay far less tax than imported cars and this is the key reason why HM can price the Outlander competitively.

The Outlander is similar in size and specs to the CR-V, and has a 2.4-litre four-pot petrol motor with Mitsubishi’s version of variable valve timing. Called MIVEC or Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control, the system features three different modes for low, medium and high engine speeds. Although it produces 170bhp, this motor is expected to be slightly detuned to account for the quality of our fuel.

Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a stepless CVT with six pre-selected ratios which can be controlled via paddles on the steering wheel, which is expected to be more efficient than a conventional automatic.

The Outlander has Mitsubishi’s All Wheel Control system, which, when engaged, transfers torque between the front and rear axles for maximum traction. For conventional road use, it functions as a front-wheel-drive. The driver also has the option of 4WD lock for negotiating extreme conditions, but there isn’t a low-range option available. The Outlander has a very advanced suspension package which includes monotube dampers and coil springs at all four corners. Monotube dampers have a faster response time compared to conventional tube-in-tube dampers, and this eliminates wheel hop. The benefits are felt in both ride and handling departments.

According to sources in HM, the Outlander will come in essentially one trim level which will be fully loaded to include a high-end entertainment system, replete with four six-inch speakers, twin dome tweeters, a 10-inch sub-woofer and a 650 watt amplifier as standard. The Outlander comes with a 7-seat configuration but this option will not be offered in India as it requires a space-saver spare tyre to be used under the floor behind the third row of seats. Regulations do not allow the use of a space saver and hence a full-size spare has to be used which eats into the third-row seat area. Mitsubishi also focused a lot of development time on safety. Intelligent airbags that deploy according to the severity of impact are one such feature. The Outlander also boasts class-leading pedestrian impact ratings. HM plans to begin trial production of the Outlander by mid-2008 and launch it soon after.

The German Automaker Volkswagen is planning big and advancing for the Indian market, the Passat is said to launch soon and the Tiguan next year. This time, they have included a car in that segment where the cars are beginning jump onto the roads, the Volkswagen Jetta, which will be competing against the likes of Honda City, Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Fiesta, Maruti Suzuki SX4 and the Hyundai Verna.

The Volkswagen Jetta Happenings

The Volkswagen Jetta is actually the Volkswagen Golf, with a boot, and more quality interiors along with bigger engine. The Jetta is sold around in places like America and the middle east with bigger engines. This car would be out from Skoda's Aurangabad facility, as the owner of Skoda is Volkswagen themselves. The Jetta will be released in Petrol as well as Diesel.

The Germans will be offering two engines, that is the Petrol and the Diesel. The Diesel engine is already present in our roads, the 1.9L diesel engine that is currently found in the Skoda Octavia, again this is because of the owners of the two brands are the same. And also they will be having the 1.6L Petrol engine that will compete mainly against the SX4's man machine and the Verna's Horses along with the Fiesta's pleasure. The 1.6 will be powering either a 100bhp or a 115bhp.

The transmission will be a manual 5-speed and if the automatic comes, its a 6-speed automatic. But the automatic will be costlier, and will be competing against the lone automatic City.
Exteriors and Safety

The exteriors are pure Golf, the golf has the same exteriors, but the built has been changed and some parts has been changed for reducing the maintainance cost. The face is not that new, its been in the international market for a while now, but still has that style to compete against the competition. The body has to be a little more sportier in the front to compete against the SX4 though, but the back is the part where its shoes style. The Jetta looks like a bit above competition in size and practicality though. the clear lens and the shape is a resemblance to the Volkswagen family. The grille looks great and the fog lamp area is well laid out. The quality and built is really good and it looks muscular, now thats a place where the SX4 gotta struggle against this car. Though not that sporty lights in front, it gives that roaring look that is really acceptable for many people. The car looks great in yellow and black, but this colour wont be coming, we gotta do it ourself.

The Volkswagen Jetta has been made by high strength steel. The cage is really powerful. 6 airbags are provided in the international market but only 2 or maybe even 1 might come in India. Independent suspension are given and seatbelt pensioner's and tyre pressure monitoring system also is provided.

nteriors and Comfort

The interiors of the Jetta is very spacious, however tall you are, the Jetta will find it big for you. The interiors are of truly business class travel, with a combination of black and beige. The rear legroom is also said to enormous. The seats are low and might be comfortable. The cockpit is maid for the driver, all the buttons are reachable and easy to know.

The dynamic safety chassis for the Jetta gives a successful synthesis of outstanding sportiness and convincing comfort qualities. The multi-link rear axle improve handling, safety and driving kindness.
Specifications:-

Wheelbase 2580 mm
Length 4550 mm
Width 1760 mm
Height 1460 mm

The Volkswagen Jetta is the longest, widest and has the longest wheel base in the category, and defeats the Logan too in width. So all the titles goes to the Jetta.

Verdict:

The VW Jetta will be coming in the middle of 2008. The City and SX4 better watch out, and they have another car on the comparison list in the petrols, the city will catch up with the new 2009 Honda City, but thats not gonna happen in another 2 years, but what happens to the SX4? Lets wait and watch.

There was once an era when the Corolla used to rule the segment, and had overtaken all its competitors. What happened? It was the Civic from Honda that was the end of the era, even after many discounts and offers, it could still not get the Civic, and now they've got a new one, better to get the back its dignity, Corolla, the world car.

The redesigned version of the Corolla covers were taken out in the 2007 SEMA show where people were ready with their cams eagerly waiting for the first glance.
Engine, Power and Transmission

The Corolla ready for the US is getting a 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder engine which will produce 158bhp, but that s none of our business, but will also anger you as they get better engines with lesser price.. arrg. So, what we will be getting is a 1.8L DOHC petrol engine, which will be producing 132bhp, the power is exactly to that of the Civic and little better torque. They will be getting the traditional 5-speed manual, or the Toyota Corolla might be getting the Automatic Version too.
Exteriors, features and Safety

The all new Corolla is designed from quality products keeping in mind the style and shape. It was designed by the Toyota Design in association with styling studios from Italy. Ah yes! Italy, people will like that country's design. It offers all new body with sleek, stylish shape and with these styling, space inside is made up. The new one is a wide fella, it is lower, and much much sportier than compared to the old one. Although the parts are borrowed from the Camry, the fit and finish is not that impressive, deep lines are seen on the hood.

There are lines and curves that add a defined look to the overall profile. The front and side is brilliant, amazing styling and will definitely give a peck on the Civic, but where the problem is the back, its spoiled the sportiness of the overall look, it created a simple business type of style. The Safety features include the usual dual front passenger airbags and side airbags and effective headrests, and including ABS. Some of the others are rear defogger, fog lamps, seat belt pretensioner.
Dimensions Of The Car

Overall Length: 4,540mm
Overall Width: 1,760mm
Overall Height: 1,465mm
Wheelbase: 2,600mm
nteriors and Comfort

The interiors are modern and refreshed, better than the current one and much cleaner. The wood days are over in the center console, but are used in the door hand rest. A new steering wheel might be on the loose. The instruments are well laid out and there is an extra glove box this time, one after the other. The Corolla now is said to have an enormous legroom, well even this will have. The storage areas are also big and enhanced. 60/40 split seats at the rear add an extra comfort to the passenger to access the boot.

Overall, the Interiors are well laid out and clean, but unlike the Civic the Corolla ain't funky with lights.
Verdict:

The new one is definitely a good one from Toyota and will definitely take the dog for the walk from the Civic. Tough choice between the customer will be created.

News, pictures, reviews, and announcement of the new car from has been released and flying all over the internet, after a good response of the i10, Hyundai will be bringing most of their new series, and one of them is the i30 which will soon make to India, maybe in mid-2008. The sporty wagon will be placed in a dead region of the upper high hatch, that is the SRV segment where there will be more competition heading, like the Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris.

The I30 was first a concept code named FD, and now the official images are released. There are some sporty cracks who would like to get their hands on this bad boy and strike the road. But they will have to wait a little. The Hyundai i30 is said to be the hatch of Elantra, just like the SRV which is the hatch of the Optra.
The I30 has a choice of 2 engines – petrol and a diesel. The 2.0L CRDi Diesel engine will produce 138 bhp and a torque of 304Nm, incredible! Pah! And the 1.6L Petrol engine said to produce 120bhp at 154Nm of torque. It has more power and Torque than the Chevrolet SRV.

The Hyundai I30 might come in an automatic transmission and a 5-speed manual.
Sleek, Sporty as it looks like, the design shares with its cousin – the Kia Cee’d. Made for Europe, the car’s build quality is not that much appreciated. Strong lines and curves along with a broad figure, delivers a low sporty styling. Design and styling done in the Hyundai Motor Europe Design and Technical Center in Russelsheim, Germany, the I30 is a true European design from Europe inside and outside. Wiped away headlights and swift lines along the back with huge tail-lamps bring back the beauty of the car. The rear is armored with heavy lines.

Some of the features are spoilers with brake lights, antenna, defogger, pull out door handle, Body colored side view mirrors.
The I30 is said to have enormous space, and provides a range of features. Starting with the traditional vertical Air-Con Vents from the Elantra, the glove box comes with a cooler and the instrument cluster comes with a light that doesn’t strain your eyes and a digital meter that shows fuel, kms, etc. The Steering wheels is also from the new Elantra with controls in it. The dash is made clean with colors of coal, silver and lights of blue. The I30 comes with a lot of storage compartments; it is said to have 20 storage compartments. There is an armrest for the driver which has a different compartment if opened.

The I30 has a good legroom and can accompany 5 adults easily. The boot of the I30 is huge. Well you can see it for yourself in the picture given. The I30 also come with dual airbags and ABS for Safety.

HONDA IS promising an all-new hybrid car that will make petrol-electric technology more affordable. Arriving in 2009, at an estimated cost of Rs 12 lakh, the new model has been described by an insider as a family hatch and, like the Toyota Prius, will be a standalone model. Up until now Honda’s hybrid strategy has been to bolt on hybrid systems to normal production models.

The new hatch could share a platform with the production version of the CR-Z, the hybrid coupé unveiled at the recent Tokyo Motor Show.

“Hybrid is the most appropriate technology for small cars,” said Honda Europe President Shigera Tokagi. “Making a global small hybrid will make it more affordable than existing hybrids.”

A Honda source predicted that the new car will be “very practical”, implying some MPV features and the company hopes to sell 200,000 a year globally. By contrast Honda sold 200,000 hybrids from 1999 to the end of 2006.

Honda is also forging ahead with improved diesels, planning to make its oil-burners as clean as its petrols. A cleaner and more powerful version of the current 2.2 diesel will be launched in next year’s new Accord. Called i-DTEC, it will also be available with an auto ’box. The firm also plans to produce an even cleaner development which will meet stringent Euro 6 regulations which come into force in 2014.

Tata Motors is on a roll at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi. Apart from the much-awaited one-lakh car, Tata has unveiled four new passenger vehicles, the most interesting of which is the New Indica. When it goes on sale in the latter half of 2008, it will be sold alongside the current Indica, but will be more expensive.

Two new engines provide power -- the petrol is a 1.2-litre variable-valve timing enabled motor, while the diesel is the 1.3-litre Multi-jet common-rail diesel already doing duty in the Swift D. Both engines will be manufactured at the new Tata-Fiat joint venture plant at Ranjangaon near Pune.

The new Indica is bigger than the current car, and this only means more interior space. Also new is the non-independent rear suspension and the wider tyres.

The current Indica gets a change of heart too. It gets the 1.4-litre DiCOR engine from the current Indigo. Priced at Rs. 4.25 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi), it will be sold alongside the current turbo and no-turbo diesel Indica V2's.

Also on display is the new Indigo CS. Measuring less than four metres in length and powered by a 65bhp petrol and 70bhp turbocharged, inter-cooled diesel engine, this saloon can take advantage of the excise cuts for small cars.

Tata's ageing Sumo has also been at the recieveing end of the scalpel too. The Sumo Grande is longer than the outgoing Sumo, and so has more interior space. New is redesigned beige interiors and the front-facing third-row seats. The 2.2-litre DiCOR engine, similar to the one powering the recently launched Safari, but de-tuned to 120bhp, is what will help the Sumo Grande get over what was one of the previous generation Sumo's greatest weaknesses -- its lethargy. It will be in showrooms by February 2008 and is available in three variants -- the Lx, Ex and Gx. It is priced at Rs. 6.55 lakh to Rs 7.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Tata Motors unveils the People’s Car


A comfortable, safe, all-weather car, high on fuel efficiency & low on emissions

Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group and Tata Motors, today unveiled the Tata ‘NANO’, the People’s Car from Tata Motors that India and the world have been looking forward to. A development, which signifies a first for the global automobile industry, the People’s Car brings the comfort and safety of a car within the reach of thousands of families. The People’s Car will be launched in India later in 2008.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi, Mr. Ratan N. Tata said, “I observed families riding on two-wheelers – the father driving the scooter, his young kid standing in front of him, his wife seated behind him holding a little baby. It led me to wonder whether one could conceive of a safe, affordable, all-weather form of transport for such a family. Tata Motors’ engineers and designers gave their all for about four years to realise this goal. Today, we indeed have a People’s Car, which is affordable and yet built to meet safety requirements and emission norms, to be fuel efficient and low on emissions. We are happy to present the People’s Car to India and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to many families who need personal mobility.”
Stylish, comfortable
The People’s Car, designed with a family in mind, has a roomy passenger compartment with generous leg space and head room. It can comfortably seat four persons. Four doors with high seating position make ingress and egress easy.

Yet with a length of 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, with adequate ground clearance, it can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas. Its mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the powertrain at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and manoeuvrability, which will set a new benchmark among small cars.

When launched, the car will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. Both versions will offer a wide range of body colours, and other accessories so that the car can be customised to an individual’s preferences.

Fuel-efficient engine
The People’s Car has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Performance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system.


Meets all safety requirements
The People’s Car’s safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements. With an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Tubeless tyres further enhance safety.

Environment-friendly
The People’s Car’s tailpipe emission performance exceeds regulatory requirements. In terms of overall pollutants, it has a lower pollution level than two-wheelers being manufactured in India today. The high fuel efficiency also ensures that the car has low carbon dioxide emissions, thereby providing the twin benefits of an affordable transportation solution with a low carbon footprint.


About Tata Motors
Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company, with revenues of US $ 7.2 billion in 2006-2007. With over 4 million Tata vehicles plying in India, it is the leader in commercial vehicles and the second largest in passenger vehicles. It is also the world's fifth largest medium and heavy truck manufacturer and the second largest heavy bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America. Tata Motors and Fiat Auto have formed an industrial joint venture in India to manufacture passenger cars, engines and transmissions for the Indian and overseas markets; Tata Motors also has an agreement with Fiat Auto to build a pick-up vehicle at Córdoba, Argentina. The company already distributes Fiat branded cars in India. Tata Motors’ international footprint includes Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Co. Ltd. in South Korea; Hispano Carrocera, a bus and coach manufacturer of Spain in which the company has a 21% stake; a joint venture with Marcopolo, the Brazil-based body-builder of buses and coaches; and a joint venture with Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Company of Thailand to manufacture and market pick-up vehicles in Thailand. Tata Motors has research centres in India, the U.K., and in its subsidiary and associate companies in South Korea and Spain.

On the eve of the Auto Expo, Bajaj Auto has showcased its small car concept to the world. The company is currently conducting a feasibility study with Renault on a small inexpensive car. But Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto, was quick to add that though the car would be a compact intra-city one, it would not be costing Rs 1.17 lakh. “We need to make profits, and at that price it’s just not possible, but pricing will be competitive,” he said.

Rajiv Bajaj also confirmed that the company has also developed two engines for the car, a petrol and a diesel which are both two-cylinder units. According to Bajaj, “the company is also developing a very unique transmission that will offer the best of a manual and automatic gearbox.”

The car will be made at a new plant in Chakan that will have an initial capacity of 250,000 units per year.