Renault’s new low cost mini SUV spied for the first time

        These are the first spy pictures of Renault’s low cost mini SUV being tested in Europe. We are not sure whether the mini SUV will make it to India in the near future, but it will definitely bring Renault into one of the top car makers in India.

        As seen from the pictures, the front grill gives us a thought that it is a Dacia vehicle. Dacia is the sister concerned company of Renault which makes low cost cars for European markets. In fact the Duster SUV was famous as Dacia Duster before it was launched in India with Renault name.

        The test mule seen looks to be smaller than Duster, which means it might come under 4 meter length mark. The styling of the vehicle looks to be basic and the single wiper gives us the idea what Renault is trying to do, to develop a low cost SUV, which will suit better for developing markets like India.

        If launched in India, the Renault mini SUV will compete with Ford Ecosport, soon to be launched Hyundai min SUV and Mahindra S101, the test mules of which are seen many times on Indian roads.  

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New Mini Cooper launched in India, available in both 3 and 5 door options

        German luxury car maker BMW which owns Mini Cooper has launched the iconic third generation Mini Cooper in India. The new Mini Cooper S is available in both 3 and 5 doors options and is priced at Rs. 31.85 lakh and 35.20 lakh respectively (both prices ex-showroom).

        As of now Mini Cooper is available in only diesel option. The petrol powered Cooper S will come to India in early next year.

        The Cooper S features an all new 1.5 litre twin turbo diesel engine with 114 Bhp of power and 27.5 Kg of torque. Power is delvered to front wheels by 6 speed automatic gearbox. The new Cooper gets a new front and rear suspension and sits on the new UKL platform.

        The new Cooper S is bigger than the earlier model. In the exterior there are some changes such as bulbous and prominent nose, contrasting roof and some decals. In the interior, the speedometer has been moved behind the steering wheel and the central screen makes the pride of the dashboard. 

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Mitsubishi unveils 2015 Triton pickup in Thailand

        Mitsubishi has unveiled the new 2015 Triton pickup in Thailand. The Triton gets an upgrade 9 years after its launch which has been the best selling vehicle in one ton pickup market.

        The new Mitsubishi Triton gets a newly developed 2.4 liter turbo diesel engine that produces 181 Ps of power and 430 Nm of torque. A 2.5 liter variant with 178 Ps and 400 Nm and a 2.4 liter petrol with 128Ps and 194 Nm of torque will also be available when launched. The new Triton will be available in single, double and club cab variant options.

        The triton features 5 or 6 speed manual transmission or a 5 speed automatic one depending up on the engine. A rotary 4WD controller allows the driver to switch between 2WD and 4WD modes.

        The Triton pickup forms the base for the next generation Pajero Sport SUV which is expected to be unveiled for global markets in 2016. 

Mitsubishi Triton 2015 pickup video

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Volkswagen developing low cost MQB platform for emerging markets

        Volkswagen is currently developing a low cost MQB platform for a series of low cost models for emerging markets like India and China.

        Volkswagen’s low cost MQB platform could serve as foundation for Dacia like sub brand which the company mentioned to create in the upcoming markets.

        Volkswagen is planning to cut costs by using less of high strength steel and aluminium. There could also be simpler suspension, more basic interior cabins and also more emphasis on localisation of components depending up on where the car is assembled. 

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Toyota unveils Mirai fuel cell vehicle, has 300 mile range

        Toyota has unveiled the production ready Mirai fuel cell vehicle which has a range of 300 miles before it runs out of hydrogen. The Mirai fuel cell can refill hydrogen in just 5 minutes.

        Mirai meaning “Future” in Japanese gives Toyota an opportunity to get the tag line “the future has arrived”. Toyota Mirai will reach dealerships in japan in April 2015 and later will make its to North American shores as well. Toyota Mirai will cost around $60,000 when launched in Japan. 

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Honda FCV concept image gallery

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Honda unveils all new Fuel Cell Vehicle concept in Japan

        Honda has unveiled an all new Fuel Cell Vehicle concept in Japan which is expected to be launched in Japanese market by early 2016. Honda aims to sell the FCV concept in international markets as well, especially North America and Europe in future.

        Honda FCV concept is the second concept from Honda. The first being the FCX Clarity which was shown at Los Angeles Auto Show 2013.

        The FCV is powered by an electric motor which does 134 bhp, an increase in 60% compared to the FCX Clarity. The fuel stack size of FCV concept has also been reduced by 33%.

        According to Honda, FCV is the first vehicle to feature an entire fuel cell powertrain in its engine bay. Honda claims FCV can do 482 Km with full tank of fuel and refuelling time has been redued to just 3 to 5 minutes.

        Competing FCV concept will be Toyota’s fuel cell car Mirai, and Hyundai’s hydrogen powered ix35.

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