Tata Megapixel with expected 100 kmpl mileage

Combining a lithium ion phosphate battery and an on-board petrol engine generator for recharging on the move, the Tata Megapixel offers a range of up to 900 km with a single tank of fuel. With the petrol prices rising to record highs on a regular basis, will Tata put this dream vehicle into production?

 

Tata Motors presented at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show the Tata Megapixel, a new four-seater city-smart global range extended electric vehicle (REEV) concept for the performance-seeking and environment-conscious motorist anywhere in the world.

Ford Figo - INR 3.85 Lacs

Ford India has launched the face-lifted Figo, an enriched version of India’s “Most Awarded Car” with an enhanced Kinetic design, trendy new colours and a host of enhanced smart features. Prices start from Rs 3.85 lakh for the petrol trim and Rs 4.81 lakh for the diesel (both ex-showroom, Delhi). The new Figo will not only add many numbers to the sales chart but it will also be adding fear among its rivals including the Chevrolet Beat, Maruti Ritz and others.

Like we mentioned earlier today, the Figo facelift gets

Toyota Corolla Altis - INR 11.45 Lacs

Toyota India has launched yet another limited edition variant of Toyota Corolla Altis to mark the 10th Anniversary of the car in India, earlier in June-2012 the company introduced the Corolla Altis Aero limited edition. . The new edition is offered in only lower trim of Corolla Altis sedan – the Corolla J – that makes these trims more value for money.

On the exterior, the festive edition Corolla Altis include newly designed grille, new rear bumper, new rear combination lamp,

Toyota Fortuner SUV - INR 21.75 Lacs

Toyota India is in full-swing of introducing the Limited Edition models of its existing line-up, for this festive season. The line-up has been specially introduced to bring in new product excitement during the festive season. The line-up includes Liva TRD Sportlivo edition, Etios TRD Sportivo Limited Edition, Innova Aero Limited Edition, Corolla Altis Limited Edition and today launched the Fortuner TRD Sportivo Limited Edition.

The Fortuner Sportivo TRD Limited Edition launched today is available in both 4×2 manual and automatic transmissions,

Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 to start pricing at 2.44 Lacs

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has launched the most awaited vehicle of the year, the new Alto 800 with a prices starting from Rs 2.44 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This entry-level hatch by Maruti is expected to fetch the same huge response as the Maruti 800 did a long-back, and it will be sold alongside Maruti 800 (BS-III only) and the Alto K10, although the existing Alto F8D will be discontinued in India.

Thunderbird 500 from Royal Enfield at INR 1.82 Lacs

Royal Enfield has launched the much-awaited Thunderbird 500 in India at a price of Rs 1.82 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). This motorcycle was first showcased first showcased earlier this year at Delhi Auto Expo and due to production restriction, the launch was delayed massively. The Thunderbird 500 is one of the best cruisers available in the country, as it is more tech-savvy and advanced as compare to its predecessor and competitors. And its the most expensive Royal Enfield model to date.

In terms of looks and styling it is almost same like the Thunderbird Twin Spark but what is new is the 500cc engine which also powers the Classic 500. The engine displacement is 499cc and it generates maximum power of 27.2 Bhp at 5250 rpm with maximum torque of 41.3 Nm at 4000 rpm. The engine is mated to 5-speed gearbox. Royal Enfield claims that on a full-tank of 20 litres, the new Thunderbird will be able to travel a distance of 500 kms, this means that the new Thunderbird gives a mileage of 25 kmpl.

Club Class Tata Manza - INR 5.7 Lacs

Tata Motors has launched a revised line-up of the Manza Sedan for this festive season. Although the exteriors remain largely unchanged the interiors do get a handset set of new features including black leather Italian upholstery, a chrome instrument cluster, a new gear knob with chrome and leather combination finish, a two-tone dashboard, touchscreen multimedia navigation, steering mounted audio controls. Front and rear cabin lights, Tachometer and automatic climate control.

The company has introduced a new top-end trim called the EXL. The other variants are LS, LX,VX and EX which replace the Aqua, Aura, Aura ABS and Elan monikers. The new Manza is available in six colors – Laser Red, Tyrian White, Castle Grey, Dew White and Jet Silver come with black roof, while Infinity Black colored Manza comes with silver roof. This roof color combination is only offered on the EX and EXL variants.

Nissan Micra Primo - Price Hike INR.22,000

Japanese auto giant, Nissan is all-set to launch a special edition of the Micra hatchback, called the Primo edition in India. The new trim gets LED lights, remote controlled rear view mirror, rear parking sensors and decals. Inside, a double din audio system with USB port has been added. The company is offering the Primo in four variants – two petrol (XL, XV) and two diesels (XV, XV Premium).

You will be getting all these premium upgrades for a moderate price hike of Rs 22,000 over the regular version of the car. So if you want to calculate the price of any Micra Primo Edition variant, just add Rs 22,000 over and above the original price of that variant.

Force Traveller 26 - INR 10.87 Lacs

Pune-based automobile company, Force Motors launched the all new Traveller-26, which has been said to be the world’s largest monocque van with price of Rs 10.87 lakh. As the name itself mentions, this vehicle has ability to accommodate 26 people on the board apart from the driver. The Traveller-26 was first unveiled at 2012 Auto Expo held in New Delhi earlier this-year.

Today, the all new Traveller-26 has been launched in three variants: Standard, School bus and Deluxe priced at Rs 10.87 lakh, 11.17 lakh and 13.78 lakh respectively. Power steering is standard on all variants and the Deluxe variant comes with factory fitted AC. Initially, this vehicle will be sold via 27 dealerships of the company in Maharashtra and Goa states.

Mercedes-Benz ML 250 - INR 46.5 Lacs

Last-month, we reported that Mercedes-Benz reported is aiming to assemble their SUVs M and GL-Class in India by early 2013. Today the company launched their first assembled car in India M-Class, the ML250CDI. The ML250 CDI is priced at an attractive Rs 46.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), which is Rs 10.4 lakh cheaper than the more powerful 350 CDI variant. Mercedes has aimed the ML250 CDI squarely with the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 which are actually a segment lower.

Powered by a 2143 cc diesel engine generating 151.5 kW @ 4200 rpm and 500 Nm torque @ 1600-1800 rpm, thank to the 7G TRONIC Plus automatic transmission. Mercedes Benz India states that the new ML250 CDI has a top speed of 210 kmph and an acceleration time of 9.0 seconds for 0-100 kmph. New Mercedes Benz ML 250 will return a mileage of 15.26 kmpl. It features 18″ ten spoke alloys while a kerb weight of 2160 kgs. Where dimensions are concerned, the new Mercedes SUV is 4808 mm long, 1906 mm wide and 1796 high. It has a wheelbase of 2915 mm.

Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton W - INR 17.67 Lacs

After lot of speculation if Mahindra could launch a Ssangyong Rexton II or the Rexton W in India. Mahindra today launched the new Rexton W SUV in India with a price-tag of Rs 17.67 lakh for the manual variant, while the automatic costs Rs 19.67 lakh (both prices ex-showroom, Mumbai). The SsayngYong Rexton W line-up consists of 2 variants namely: the Rexton RX5 which is the manual transmission version and the Rexton RX7 which is the automatic transmission AWD version.

This SUV will be sold through all Mahindra dealerships in India, where a special Ssangyong vehicle sales representative will be available to attend the Rexton customers. Assembled at Mahindra’s Chakan plant, the company’s first SUV from the SsangYong stable will compete with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. As of now Rexton has a localization of 22% and they plan on increasing this number in the future.

Toyota Etios Sedan - INR 6.25 Lacs

The Japanese car manufacturer, Toyota recently launched a limited edition of its Corolla, Etios Liva and Innova models in India. Today the company has launched a limited edition version of its Etios sedan, the TRD Sportivo, which incorporates several cosmetic changes similar to its Liva TRD Sportlivo edition. This TRD limited edition Etios is available in only two colors: white and silver

Like the Liva TRD Sortivo, the sedan too has been designed

Bajaj KTM Duke 200

Based on the customer feedback, Bajaj-KTM has now launched two new paint options for the baby Duke. The KTM Duke 200 is now available in Black and White paint jobs and the bookings for the paint option can be done at any KTM showroom across the country. The KTM Duke 200 was launched earlier this year, being offered only in neon orange color.

The color orange on the existing-Duke 200 is KTM’s signature color, but many found it too loud and not suitable for regular use (like for office purposes). However with the introduction of the neon orange baby Duke, it has become an eye-candy for every youngster in India. The KTM Duke 200 is most good looking and most admired motorcycles to have ever been introduced on the Indian roads.

Honda Brio automatic - INR 5.74 lacs

Honda India has launched the automatic variant of its hatch, the Brio in two trims – S(O) at Rs 5.74 lakh and V at Rs 5.99 lakh (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi), approximately Rs 60,000 more than the equivalent manual trim. The Brio AT is the first car in its segment to feature a 5-speed automatic transmission. The company has also introduced a new manual transmission version called as Brio EX , that takes the total variant number to 7; 5 manual transmission and 2 automatic.

The Automatic variant of Honda Brio will be powered by same a 1.2 liter i-VTEC engine which will generate 88 PS max power at 6000 rpm while peak torque is slated to be at 109 Nm at 4500 rpm mated to a five speed automatic transmission. The Brio AT gets similar auto ’box to the one doing duty in the Honda City but there are no paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

Honda City CNG Prices announced

Honda Cars India has launched the City CNG in the Indian car market. The CNG-Petrol dual fuel version of the City sedan will be available only on the top end V MT variant. Honda will ship out CNG kit ready cars with all the necessary modifications to dealerships, who will install the CNG kits into the cars. The modifications that will be made at the factory level includes a modified 1.5 Liter i-VTEC naturally aspirated petrol engine, beefed up suspension to handle the additional weight of the CNG kit and a modified fuel filling inlet, which will have separate inlets for CNG and petrol.

 2012 Honda City C-Segment Sedan

Ford Fiesta sedan 2013

Ford Brazil has unveiled the facelifted 2013 version of the Fiesta sedan at the ongoing 2012 Sau Paulo Motor Show. The Fiesta sedan’s facelift comes a couple of years after this model’s global unveil and is a mid career facelift for this sedan which is quite popular in the Brazilian car market. The facelifted Fiesta sedan’s front end is very similar to that of the hatchback version, which also saw a facelift a few weeks ago, at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The Aston Martin-esque front end of the car, that is soon becoming Ford’s family face, is the biggest change up front.

2013 All New Ford Fiesta Sedan Facelift Front

Volkswagen follows XL1 style

The XL1, which looks like an ugly cross between a platypus and an automobile finally has something useful to offer, apart from its slippery aerodynamics that is. Volkswagen’s R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg has just announced that a diesel version of the Up! hatchback is in the works. The diesel engined Up! will use a twin cylinder, 800cc TDI turbo diesel engine that will be borrowed from the XL1 concept. This engine is basically a chopped unit from the four cylinder 1.6 Liter TDI turbo diesel engine that a range of Volkswagen group cars like the Vento and Rapid sedans use.

2012 Volkswagen Up! 5 Door Hatchback

Honda Plans to launch Compact SUV in Brazil

The compact SUV market isn’t just hot in India, it is the segment to be in, in Brazil as well. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that every major car maker, from Volkswagen to Nissan, it busy showing off compact SUVs or crossovers in Brazil, at the ongoing 2012 Sau Paulo Motor Show. While Volkswagen just pulled the wraps off the Taigun compact SUV based on the Up! platform, Honda will follow suit come 2014, when the Jazz based compact SUV will be launched in the Brazilian car market. The Honda Jazz based compact SUV is already under development.

2013 Honda Fit Twist Hatchback used as an illustration

2012 Tata Safari Storme SUV

The new 2012 Tata Safari Storme SUV is out! The Tata Safari SUV has been around for a long time, almost a decade and a half. First beginning life as a well equipped Indian SUV that has been within the reach of the middle class SUV buyer, the Safari has come to become a cult of sorts with a steady set of owners who swear by their Safaris. Though not as big a seller, as say the Mahindra Scorpio, the Safari has always been that SUV for the discerning buyer who likes to stand out. In that vein, the Safari has had a streak of individuality about it, be it the very first 2 Liter TCIC diesel engined version to the latest 2.2 Liter VariCor turbo diesel motor engined model.

2012 Tata Safari Storme SUV Front

Next-Gen Skoda Octavia/Laura

Last week, the next generation model of the Skoda Octavia(Laura in India), was caught testing on video. The new car, which is based on the Vision-D concept from Skoda is an all new model and is underpinned by the Volkswagen MQB platform. The MQB platform is also used by the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, the Seat Leon and the Audi A3. That effectively makes the 2013 Skoda Octavia the fourth car in the Volkswagen group and the first ever Skoda car to be underpinned by this brand new platform. The MQB platform will allow Volkswagen group brands to keep costs low, by sharing parts and production facilities.

Next-gen 2013 Skoda Octavia Rear

Tarago and Innova: Toyota’s International Success Doesn’t Stop

The Toyota Tarago - sold only in Australia - and the Toyota Innova - sold only in India - are two similar vehicles from one of the world's most trusted automakers. In fact, both vehicles are highly regarded by the critics and well suited to the markets in which they compete.

Take the Tarago to begin with. The vehicle, like the Innova, is a sporty, four-door 'people mover' with stylish, aerodynamic lines, a futuristic driver's seat, touch-screen information console, loads of safety features, and the most appealing feature for those looking to transport large numbers of people -- seven to eight seats.

Tarago comes in a range of vehicles, from a four-cylinder GLi and four-cylinder GLX (the GLX includes more bells and whistles than the GLi) to the six-cylinder versions of both vehicles. This is in fact one of the most recognizable people mover vehicles in Australia and also one of the most trusted: most Australian car review sites say the latest Tarago does not disappoint - the vehicles handles well, and the six-cylinder engine in particular has been described as providing 'ample acceleration', which makes for an 'effortless' drive, especially when overtaking other vehicles. 

The Toyota Innova, which is only sold in India, is built on the same design as the Tarago and offers many identical features and design specifications. For instance, the Innova holds the same number of people, features a similar-looking touch-screen console and offers the same outstanding safety features, including duel SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a specially-designed 'GOA' body that is engineered to minimize damage or injuries in the case of an accident. The Innova even features a back camera display, allowing drivers to more safely and effectively watch their back while backing out of a parking space or alleyway. 

Drivers in India describe the Innova as a comfortable, smooth ride that is a dream to take on long trips or a morning commute on the highway. Several sites have also noted how the Innova has only improved over previous editions, with a more well-apportioned interior in the recent model, better interior controls, including Bluetooth connectivity and a flexible interior, with seats that are able to be moved for storage and transportation of goods, or for transporting people.

If the reviews and design specs are any indication, both the Innova and the Toyota Tarago will be two more international success stories for Toyota.

Audi Vs BMW Markets in India

The battle of the Teutons just got interesting even as Audi India edged passed competitor and compatriot BMW India in the June 2012 sales. Audi managed to sell 759 cars amidst difficult market conditions even as BMW could manage only 750 units, 9 units lesser than that of Audi India. The Volkswagen group owned car maker Audi is fast catching up with BMW in terms of sales in the Indian car market on the back of new launches and aggressive price positioning. While Audi aims to displace BMW from the top perch in India by 2014, the sales momentum currently seems to heavily be in Audi’s favor to achieve that feat much earlier.

2012 Audi Q3 Crossover SUV

2013 Mini Cooper Interiors

The 2013 Mini Cooper range of sporty hatchbacks will now get a more conventional speedometer instead of the current dashboard design of mounting the speedometer centrally. The main reason for the central mounting of the speedometer being done away with is due to safety concerns. The central mounting of the speedometer is said to be distracting to the driver, which could possibly cause accidents. So, the current Mini range come with a digital speedometer in the conventional position along with th centrally mounted analog unit. However, the 2013 models of the Mini Cooper range will feature the speedometer behind the steering wheel.

2013 Mini Cooper Interiors Spyshot

2012 Hyundai Elantra Fluidic Sedan

Hyundai India has yet again put the proposed diesel engine plant on the back burner even as the Indian government’s policy uncertainty on diesel fuel’s pricing and the taxation on diesel engined cars remains an unknown area. Due to these factors, the South Korean automaker is not yet certain of setting up a diesel engine manufacturing plant with an investment of INR 400 Crores at its existing production facility at Sriperumbudur, off Chennai. Currently, Hyundai imports all its diesel engines from South Korea. The car maker has been contemplating a diesel engine manufacturing plant in India for a while now.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Fluidic Sedan

2013 Volvo XC40 Crossover

At this year’s Paris Motor Show scheduled to happen later this year, Chinese Geely owned Swedish car maker Volvo will launch an entry level product in the form of the XC40 crossover, which is essentially a jacked up V40 with a more aggressive design to go with its crossover badging. Most of the specifications and interiors of the XC40 crossover are expected to be very similar to the V40 hatchback.  Even before the official unveiling can happen at Paris, the 2013 Volvo XC40 has been caught uncamouflaged. So, here it is, in all its undisguised glory.

2013 Volvo XC40 Crossover Spyshot

2012 F30 BMW 3 Series Sedan

BMW India will launch the all new 3 Series sedan, a very important car for the German luxury car maker, on the 3rd of August, 2012. The F30 3 Series sedan is the latest in the 3 series range and in its latest iteration, the car is both bigger on the outside and the inside. A grown up 3 Series sedan is what the F30 model actually is, with the length increasing by 93 mm, wheelbase by almost 2 inches and width by 1.5 inches. This car will be instrumental in BMW India fending off competitor and compatriot Audi,which is close on the heels of BMW in terms of sales figures in India.

2012 F30 BMW 3 Series Sedan

2012 Ford Classic Titanium Sedan

India has dumped the Fiesta moniker from the previous generation Fiesta, also known as the Fiesta Classic. The change in name could be due to the fact that Ford already has the replacement of the Fiesta sedan selling in India as the all new Fiesta. In a bid for brand differentiation, the Ford Fiesta Classic will now be known as the Ford Classic.

2012 Ford Classic Titanium Sedan

2012 Mercedez Benz B-Class MPV Sports Tourer

Mercedes Benz India will unveil the B-Class Sports Tourer on the 19th of July, 2012. The B-Class will be positioned as a sports tourer and will be the German luxury car brand’s least priced offering in India. The car is expected to generate big volumes for Mercedes Benz India even as the brand tries to fight its way back to the top. Currently, Mercedes Benz is the third largest luxury car maker in India, after BMW and Audi. Mercedes Benz will assemble the the B-Class Sports Tourer in India through the completely knocked down(CKD) at Chakan, off Pune.

2012 Mercedes Benz B-Class Sports Tourer

2013 Fiat 500X Crossover

It is of common information that Fiat has been working on a crossover based on the Grande Punto platform. However, instead of being positioned above the Punto, the crossover will join the Fiat 500 range, as the 500X model. The 2013 Fiat 500X Crossover is the Italian automaker’s answer to the Mini Countryman and will be pitted directly against the Mini in markets across the world. The Fiat 500X is expected to make its debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, with a launch to happen sometime in 2013. Like the 500L hatchback, the 500X crossover is also expect to share its engine range with the Punto.

2013 Fiat 500X Crossover

2013 Fiat 500L Hatchback

Italian automaker Fiat has begun taking orders for the 2013 500L hatchback, which is essentially a larger hatchback in the Fiat 500 range, aimed primarily at customers gravitating towards the BMW Mini range of sporty hatchbacks. For all its cutesy appeal, the Fiat 500 is a car that isn’t the most practical car in town when comes to doing duty as a primary car for everyday use. “While we don’t suggest something as gargoyle-esque as the Multipla, why don’t you look our cute, yet practical 500L model” seems to be the general refrain from the Italian automaker.

2013 Fiat 500L Hatchback

Mahindra TwoWheelers inaugurates Research and Development center at Pune

Two wheeler major Mahindra TwoWheelers inaugurated its spanking new Research&Development facility at Pune. This facility, into which Mahindra has already pumped in INR 100 crores will receive a further input of INR 500 crores towards developing new products in the coming years. Along with the inauguration of the new R&D facility, presided by Mr Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Mahindra group, Mahindra TwoWheelers made a few key announcements regarding future products for the Indian two wheeler market.

Standing from L to R : PS Ashok, Head – Research and Development, Mahindra Two Wheelers, Viren Popli - VP - Strategy & Market Development at Mahindra Two Wheelers, Anand Mahindra - Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group and Anoop Mathur, President – Two Wheeler Sector

2012 Renault Duster SUV

Renault India has just launched the Duster SUV, its fourth product for the Indian car market, in barely over a year of the Fluence breaking cover sometime last year. Marc Nassif, the Managing Director of Renault India did the unveiling honors. The Duster SUV has been launched both in petrol and diesel engined variants. The SUV can seat five adults and comes in front wheel guise for the Indian market. Coming to the all important pricing of the car, Renault India has done quite well to price the base petrol model of the Duster at INR 7.19 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi.

2012 Renault Duster SUV

Hero MotoCorp Laucnhes Ignitor 125

The country’s largest two wheeler maker and the world’s largest two wheeler maker by volume, Hero MotoCorp, has just launched their second product for this year, the 2012 Hero Ignitor motorcycle. This motorcycle, which was first showcased at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo is essentially a rebadged and restyled Honda CB Stunner. The Hero Ignitor 125, however will get only the carburetted version instead of the fuel injection that is available on the top end variant of the CB Stunner. The rest of the specifications of the Ignitor 125 are bog similar to that of the Stunner.

2012 Hero Ignitor 125cc Motorcycle

Rumor of Honda Jazz based crossover

Japanese automaker Honda could be the latest amongst the increasing crop of car makers wanting a pie of the fast expanding compact SUV and crossover range. The Honda Jazz hatchback, a spacious and practical car that has been a big seller for Honda across the globe could be the base for the crossover.This is pretty much what WhatCar has managed to glean from sources in the know about this project. For now though, it remains to be seen when the Jazz based crossover will debut in markets across the world as there has been no time frame revealed just as yet.

2012 Honda Jazz Hatchback used as an illustration

2012 Mahindra Maxximo CNG Mini Pick Up Truck

Mahindra &Mahindra has launched the CNG version of the Maxximo mini pick up truck at Delhi. The CNG variant of this mini pick up truck is priced at INR 3.99 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi. Pitted at the Tata Ace mini pick up truck, which has been the market leader in the segment it helped create, the Maxximo has been a decent success for Mahindra. Mahindra also has a passenger van variant of the Maxximo, which does duty in the semi-urban and rural parts of India as a people mover. The Maxximo is the only vehicle in it category to feature common rail diesel injection engine technology.

2012 Mahindra Maxximo CNG Mini Pick Up Truck

2012 Honda Civic Sedan

The new 2012 Honda Civic that was launched in markets globally many months ago is apparently a no-show for the Indian car market. According to AutocarIndia Editor Hormazd Sorabjee, the Japanese automaker is not planning to launch the new Civic to replace the older model, that has been around in India for quite a while now. Honda’s reluctance to launch the new 2012 Civic sedan in India stems from the lack of a diesel engine in its portfolio. Also, the car has been a dud in many markets across the world, with critics vociferously panning the car for being a damp squib in terms of the update.

2012 Honda Civic Sedan

Uncertainty of Hyundai i10's Diesel Version

The Hyundai i10 has been a big selling model for the South Korean brand in India, ever since its launch. A facelift imbibing the Fluidic design later, the i10 has motored on all along with a choice of two petrol engines. The car, while also featuring a LPG powered dual fuel model is yet to see diesel power coming aboard. This could change in the coming months, if the Indian market continues to show the huge tilt towards diesel engined cars. In that scenario, having only petrol engines for the i10 does not make sense as the car could be overtaken by competition, offering diesel power on its models.

2012 Hyundai i10 Hatchback used as an illustration

Ford Figo hatchback’s next generation model

Here are a rash of new details about the Ford Figo hatchback’s next generation model that will debut in India during 2014. The car will replace the current Figo, which has been a best seller for Ford India. Codenamed the B562, the next generation 2014 Ford Figo will be built at the spanking new Sanand manufacturing facility of Ford India. The car is currently being developed by Ford Brazil and will be launched in the Brazilian market by the end of 2013. Like the current Figo, the next generation model is expected to be available with both petrol and diesel engine options.

Brazilian Ford Figo/Fiesta hatchback used as an illustration

Market Rumors flow about 2012 Mercedez Benz B-Class

Mercedes Benz India has made no bones about the fact that it intends to capture back market share that it has lost to competitors and compatriots, Audi and BMW over the past couple of years or so, with a slew of product launches aiming to bring in big volumes. The first car in this new crop of Mercs will be the 2012 B-Class Sports Tourer, which could break cover as early as July 2012, according to a report carried by our friends over at Overdrive. The 2012 B-Class sport tourer will be Mercedes Benz India’s entry level product, competing in the same price range as that of the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1 crossovers.

2012 Mercedes Benz B-Class Sports Tourer

2013 Jaguar XF Sedan and XJ Luxury

The 2013 versions of the Jaguar XF sedan and the XJ luxury saloon have just been unveiled at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed. another launch at Goodwood was the XF Sportbrake version, essentially an estate variant of the XF sedan. This car though is not very relevant to the Indian market given the traditionally poor sales estates have had to endure in this part of the world. What is very relevant indeed is the 2013 XF sedan and the XJ luxury saloon, as both cars are sold in India. The facelifts on these cars are minor with the bigger story being that of the updated engines and transmission.

2013 Jaguar XF Sedan

2012 Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Delhi Ex-Showroom Price INR85,000

In line with its strategy of launching the Pulsar 200 NS in a phased manner across the country, Bajaj Auto has now made its flagship motorcycle available at the country’s capital, New Delhi. The Pulsar 200 NS was first launched in Maharashtra a couple of weeks ago, in a low key launch ceremony held at Pune. The motorcycle is priced at INR 85,000 ex-showroom Delhi, which translates into on on-road price of INR 94,300. This launch now represents the first instance of the Pulsar 200 NS being available in the northern part of India. The Pulsar 200 NS will be launched on other parts of the country in the next couple of months.

2012 Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS

2012 Hyundai Elantra Fluidic Sedan

Hyundia India has begun testing the 2012 Elantra Sedan sans camouflage hinting at a launch that could happen in the near future. The Elantra Fluidic, which was showcased at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo, is also known as the Avante in international markets. This D-segment car has been a huge success for Hyundai globally and when the car arrives into India, it will be a long due replacement for the now-discontinued Elantra sedan, which the South Korean car maker used to sell in the country many years ago. The uncamouflaged 2012 Elantra Fluidic car has been spotted on the outskirts of Chennai, a city which plays host to Hyundai’s Indian factory.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Fluidic Sedan Spyshot

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe 7 Seater Crossover

South Korean automaker Hyundai is planning to launch a new flagship crossover that will take on the likes of the Audi Q7 and the Mercedes Benz M-Class. This crossover is expected to sit above the 2013 all new Santa Fe crossover, that Hyundai showcased a few months ago. while the Santa Fe will be available with two wheelbase variants, a shorter 5 seater and a longer 7 seater model, the new luxury crossover is expected to be bigger than the Santa Fe and will be capable of seating 7 adults. Given that it will be positioned as a luxury crossover, expect a range of safety and creature comforts.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe 7 Seater Crossover used as an illustration

Launch of 2012 Renault Duster SUV at UK

Renault India has begun building the Duster SUV at its Oragadam factory off Chennai, which it shares with Japanese alliance partner Nissan. The 2012 Duster SUV will be exported to the United Kingdom, where the SUV has just been launched at a starting price of GBP 8,995, which corresponds to an equivalent of about INR 8 lakhs. The SUV is available in both petrol and diesel engined variants for the UK market, just like it is in India. However, the UK spec Duster gets only two engine tunes. The 1.6 Liter petrol engine produces a peak power of 105 PS while the 1.5 Liter K9K diesel engine produces 110 PS-240 Nm.

2012 Renault Duster SUV

2013 Renault Fluence Sedan Facelift

The Renault Fluence sedan is all set t get a mid career cosmetic facelift come 2013, and the facelifted model has already begun doing in what seems like the testing rounds. The good folks over at CarScoop have managed to snag a few images of the on-test camouflaged Fluence. Minimal camouflage on the test car’s front and rear indicates that the facelift will most likely be a minor one. The front end is expected to get a  revamp with revised styling. Expect new headlamps, a different grille and front bumper up front. The rear is expected to see revised tail lamps and a new bumper.

2013 Renault Fluence Sedan Facelift

2012 Chevrolet Optra Magnum Diesel Sedan

The Chevrolet Optra Magnum, which first began life as the Daewoo Nubira and then the Lacetti is a South Korean car that has been selling in India for more than half a decade, in the form of the Optra initially, and then as the Optra Magnum. The car, which sits in the Indian C-segment in terms of positioning is available only with a turbo diesel engine heart, and a stonker at that, with 120 Bhp of peak power and 305 Nm of peak torque. The car, although priced well never really took off in India. Now, the car has reached the end of its model life cycle with GM India planning to discontinue it over the next few months.

2012 Chevrolet Optra Magnum Diesel Sedan

2012 Fiat Grande Punto Hatchback Facelift

Italian automaker Fiat has just launched the Punto hatchback with a mid career facelift in the UK market. The 2012 Punto, as the facelifted is known as, comes with many changes on the cosmetics front. The car gets brand new headlamps and fog lamps along with a new front bumper. Overall, the look of the car from the front has been changed quite a bit when compared to the existing model. The rear of the car also gets a makeover with a new bumper, a new tail gate design and new tail lamps. The interiors also get a once over with new materials used.

2012 Fiat Grande Punto Hatchback Facelift

Facelifted Tata Winger expected to get 2.2 Liter DICOR Turbo Diesel Engine

Our roving eye in the sky, EarthFusion, is back with a juicy bit about the Tata Winger. Tata Motors is testing a 2. Liter DICOR turbo diesel engine on Winger MPV. The Tata Winger MPV, a van that is strikingly similar to the previous generation Renault Traffic, will get a makeover in the future and along with the facelift, the 2.2 Liter DICOR engine is said to be big change. Currently, the 2.2 Liter DICORturbo diesel engine is used in a range of Tata vehicles, ranging from the Sumo Grande to the top of the line Aria crossover. However, on the Winger, the engine is expected be in a state of tune similar to that on the Sumo Grande.

2012 Tata Winger MPV

2012 Chevrolet Sail Hatchback India

The 2012 Chevrolet Sail hatchback will be launched in India before the Indian festive season of Dusshera-Diwaliand this car will be positioned in the B+ hatchback space, populated by the likes of the Maruti Swift, the Hyundai i20 and the Ford Figo. This car will replace the Aveo U-VA hatchback, which has been a perennial dud for GM India, ever since it was launched in the Indian market many summers ago. The 2012 Sail hatchback, developed by GM’s Chinese partner SAIC, will also bring a key change to the table, in the form of a diesel engine under the hood.

2012 Chevrolet Sail Hatchback India

2012 Renault Duster SUV Pre-Launch Advertisement for India

Renault India is betting big on the Duster SUV, that the French automaker plans to launch in the country on the 4th of July, 2012. Renault has begun sending out emails to prospective Duster customers across the country even as many Renault dealers across India have already begun accepting bookings for this hot new product. Renault has chosen to position the duster SUV as an alternative to sedans, and this is quite evident in the pre-launch advertisement which shows sedan owners glum about not owning a Duster SUV, which is shown performing a variety of off road activities, the exclusive preserve of an SUV.

2012 Renault Duster SUV