cars and bikes

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.

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.