New Fiat Palio rendering

     Palio played a long lone battle for Fiat in India before the entry of Grande Punto. Palio was recently pulled up from the Indian market but it does not mean an end to the iconic model. Launched in 1993 Palio has come a long way and played a big role in Fiat's fortunes worldwide. Fiat is planning to launch a new version of Palio in the International markets by middle of next year. Codenamed Project -326 the new Palio is nearing its completion. Here is rendering of the upcoming new Palio.

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Tata Nano price to be increased by Rs 9000

     Tata Motors has announced that they will hike the prices of Nano by Rs 9000 on an average across all variants in response to the sharp increase in raw materials such as steel and rubber over the last two years. The company is intending to launch a deluxe version of the Nano in India by 2012 which will feature a larger, more powerful engines, power steering, air bags and ABS. The deluxe version would cost much more than the current LX variant and if Tata Motors can keep the price below Rs 3 lakh, it could put a cat among the pigeons in the luxury small car segment. 

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Euro NCAP Ratings for Cars Sold in India

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) is a European car safety performance assessment programme founded in 1997 by the Transport Research Laboratory for the UK Department for Transport and now the standard throughout Western Europe.

Mercedes Benz C Class: 5
Mercedes Benz E Class: 5

LandRover Range Rover: 4
LandRover Freelander: 5

Hyundai Atoz/Santro: 3
Hyundai Getz: 4
Hyundai i10: 4
Hyundai i20: 5
Hyundai Sonata Embera: 4
Hyundai Tucson: 4

Honda CRV: 4
Honda Jazz: 5

Ford Fusion: 4

Fiat Grande Punto: 5
Fiat 500: 5

Daewoo Matiz: 3

Chevrolet Beat: 4
Chevrolet Spark: 2.5
Chevrolet Aveo: 1.5
Chevrolet Captiva: 4
Chevrolet Cruze: 5

BMW 3 Series: 5
BMW 5 Series(2004): 4
BMW X5: 5

Audi A4: 5
Audi A6: 5
Audi Q5: 5
Audi Q7: 4

Suzuki Baleno: 1.5
Suzuki A-star: 3
Suzuki Grand Vitara: 4
Suzuki Ritz: 4
Suzuki Swift: 4
Suzuki SX4 Hatchback: 4

VW Passat: 5
VW Touareg; 5

Toyota Corolla Altis: 5

Skoda Octavia: 4
Skoda Laura: 4
Skoda Fabia: 4
Skoda Superb: 5

Nissan X-Trail: 4

Mitsubishi Outlander: 4
Mitsubishi Lancer: 1.5

Source: Team-Bhp

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J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2010 India Customer Service Index Study

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Chevrolet Aveo Mini SUV rendering

     Chevrolet has recently announced about the development of baby SUV based on the Aveo platform. Here is the rendering of the mini SUV by Mr Shoed R Kalaria.


     The new SUV will be designed and engineered at GM’s Korean R&D center (Beat and Cruze were also designed here). The new SUV will feature both front wheel drive and all wheel drive options along with 6 engine options.


     We hope, Chevrolet to act quick and launch in this lucrative Indian mini SUV market. 

Picture Source: Indianautosblog

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Bugatti Veyron launched in India

     Italian super car manufacturer Bugatti Automobiles (Volkswagen owned) has launched the world fastest car ‘Veyron’ in India priced at Rs. 16 Crore. This makes Veyron, the costliest production street car in the world. Bugatti Veyron is distributed by Exclusive Motors, located in New Delhi. Exclusive Motors is also the dealer for Bentley and Lamborghini cars in India. 

The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sprot’s body is made up of carbon fibre monocoque suspended via an aluminium frame at front and carbon firbe/ stainless steel frame at the rear. The car can travel at the top speed of 360 kmph with the roof off and 130 kmph with the roof in place. The cleverly designed roof can be folded in the boot and can be reoped with a touch of a button. It is equiped with a reversing camera and 2.7 inch monitor integrated in the rear view mirror. A “Puccini” sound system with digital signal processor also finds its place in the dashboard.

Bugatti Veyron is assembled by hand at the company’s headquarters in Molsheim, Alsace. Only 150 limited units will be built, of which 40 cars have already gone exclusively to the registered Bugatti customers. 

Press Release:

"Bugatti has been doing well in America, Europe and the Middle East. Now we see India as an emerging market for us, hence we have decided to bring the car to India," Bugatti Automobiles Sales Market Manager (Middle East, Europe and India) Guy Caquelin told reporters.

"The price of the car will be subject to foreign exchange fluctuation and the levels of customisation that a buyer demands," Exclusive Motors Managing Director Satya Bagla said.

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Mahindra W201 World SUV rendering

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New Nissan Sunny rendering

     Last week we had posted some spy pictures of the New Nissan Sunny which will make its Global appearance at the Guangzhou Motor Show, China in December 2010. Here is the rendering of the new Sunny done along the lines of the spy pictures.

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Tata Aria production video

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Skoda Yeti dimensions

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Nissan Sunny Spy Photos

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Tata Venture Pictures

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Tata Venture Brochure released

     Tata Motors has released the Brochure of its Ace based mini van ‘Venture’ which will soon launched in India. Tata Venture will rival Maruti Omni and Eeco in Indian market. It is the lone vehicle in the diesel mini van segment and is expected to dominate the urban people mover segment. Mahindra is also developing a mini van based on Maxximo platform to rival the Tata Ventrue. Tata Venture was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2010 held at New Delhi in January.

Key features of Tata Venture:

• 4-cylinder, 1405cc Turbodiesel Engine from Indica turbo.
• Power Steering.
• Vaccum Assisted brakes. 
• 165 R14 tyres.
• Dual AC with Heater.
• All Front facing three rows of Seating.
• Digital Information System.
• Internally Adjustable Mirrors.
• Non-Leaf Spring Type Independent Front & 3-Link Rear Suspension.
• Expected price of Rs.4.2 lakh for Top-end variant.

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Maruti Suzuki Kizashi Spy Photos

Source: Autocarindia.com

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Mahindra Bolero gets some cosmetic upgrades

Mahindra Bolero VLX variant has got some cosmetic upgrades, which are 

• Dual tone Seats
• New Dash
• New Console (looks good)
• Remote fuel-lid opener
• New gear stick 

www.mahindrabolero.com/Bolero-Whatsnew.html

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Tata Indigo CS ‘Royale’ to be launched soon

Tata Motors will soon launch a new variant of its best selling compact sedan Indigo CS named ‘Royale’. The Indigo CS ‘Royale’ some additional equipment over the LX model, namely

• beige and chocolate brown two tone fabric-cum-leather seats
• 14" alloy wheels
• remote keyless entry
• ‘royale’ decal over side repeater lamps
• power adjustable OSRVM
• new "dark green black" mica shade

The price details of Indigo CS ‘Royale’ has not been announced.

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Skoda Yeti launch on 18th November

     Skoda Auto India will launch its mini SUV Yeti in India on 18th of November 2010. The announcement of the launch was made by Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member & Director, Sales & Marketing, Skoda Auto India on the occasion of launch of new facelifted Skoda Fabia.

     Skoda claims its has already received 1000 booking for the Yeti. Yeti was first showcased in India at the Auto Expo 2010 in January this year. It will be powered by a 2.0 Liter CRDi engine and is expect to be priced around Rs 15 lakh.

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Toyota Etios launch on 1st December

      Toyota Kirloskar Ltd will launch its maiden small car Etios “meaning origin of” on the 1st of December 2010 in India. Toyota has roped in ace musician A R Rahman as its brand ambassador to promote the vehicle. This is the first time when a car company has roped in a musician when its competitors are getting the job done by more glamorous hollyhood hunks and of course not to forget the star cricketer. One thing is for sure – we will surely get a brilliant tune for the car commercial like the famous tune from Rahman for the Airtel ad.

     Toyota has been working hard to deliver the best quality product for Indian customers. The Etios has been designed and developed keeping in mind of the Indian conditions and hence you can find the new ad with the tagline – World first, India first.

     After extensive testing Etios on the Indian roads, Toyota has raised the suspension by 20 mm for smooth gliding on the bumpy roads. Toyota has also added a steel plate under the chassis to prevent the stone hits to the fuel line and brake pads. Brilliant idea isn’t it.

     Etios hatchback have to compete with already packed B segment with i20, Polo, Swift, Fabia & Punto fighting for the pie. Etios sedan will also have to rub its shoulder with C segment cars like Vento, City, Verna and Fiesta. The big advantage on the Etios’s side is its a Toyota which is known worldwide for its high class quality. The price factor also plays a major factor as it is rumored that Etios is expected to be priced between Rs 4.5 to 5 lakh (for base variant). We might at last see a real competitor to the Swift. Do we?

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Tata Aria Price in Chennai

Tata Aria Pleasure Price in Chennai – Rs. 12,86,000/-

Tata Aria Prestige Price in Chennai – Rs. 14,08,000/-

Tata Aria Prestige+ Price in Chennai – Rs. 14,45,000/-

Tata Aria Pride Price in Chennai – Rs. 15,45,000/-

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Hyundai Santa Fe SUV launched in India

     Hyundai Motor India Ltd has launched the much awaited Santa Fe luxury SUV in India priced between Rs 20.95 – 22.95 lakh ex-showroom New Delhi.

     Santa Fe is offered in both 4x2 and 4x4 variants, the later being costlier by around Rs 2 lakh. It is powered by a 2.2 liter CRDi engine which pumps out 197 bhp of maximum power @ 4000rpm and maximum torque of 420Nm between 1800-2500rpm. The engine is mated to a six speed manual transmission.

     Both 4x2 and 4x4 variants are well equipped and comes with ESP, Cruise control and Six air bags. Santa Fe is available in four colour options – Phantom Black, Sleek Silver, Vanilla White and Steel Blue. The SUV will be imported as CBU units from Korea. Hyundai claims the SUV will deliver 14.66 km per a liter of diesel.

Hyundai Santa Fe Specifications

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Piaggio Ape Mini Truck launched in India

     Italy based Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (PVPL) has launched a 0.5 tonne capacity mini truck in India. Mini truck named as Ape mini truck is priced at Rs 1.74 lakh across all over India. The Ape mini truck fits in the hot sub one tonne light commercial vehicle (LCV).

     Ape Mini Truck delivers an impressive economic figures of 29 kmpl and come with 15 month warranty and 5 free services. It will take on the lone player in the segment Mahindra Gio and soon to be launched Tata’s Ace Zip.

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Scoop: Next Generation Iconic VW Beetle spy photos

     The Next Generation VW Beetle has been designed to be more masculine unlike the present one which is very cute looking. The Next Gen Beetle seams to be more roomier, perhaps to attract 'Men' as well.

Source: Carscoop

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New Nissan Sunny official sketch revealed

     In our earlier post we had mentioned about the Nissan Sunny – the Micra based sedan from Nissan. Now the official sketch of the Nissan Sunny has been revealed. Nissan Sunny is termed as ‘New Global Sedan’ and is build on the Nissan’s versatile V platform. Styling of the Sunny has been very dynamic and will differ in looks from its hatchback sibling Micra.

     Nissan Sunny will make its international debut at Guangzho, China in December this year. After the international debut the car is expected to come to India by mid 2011. It will come in both petrol and diesel engines, the latter being sourced from Renault (1.5L currently used in Logan). It will be manufactured at Nissan’s Oragadam plant near Chennai.

     In India, Nissan Sunny will compete with cars such as Maruti Swift Dzire, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Verna and Chevrolet Aveo. 

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Scoop: Next Generation Hyundai Verna spotted testing in India

     Hyundai recently unveiled the next generation Verna codenamed RB in Russia. Now the car has been spotted by Autocarindia reader Chris Sekar near Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu during its test drive with heavy camouflage.

Source: Autocarindia

      Hyundai had announced the launch of the new Verna in India by early 2011. Now that the car is being tested we can be sure that it will launched in time (January 2011)..

     The new Verna is built on the lines of Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language. The ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language has also been used in other two cars in the Hyundai stable namely Sonata and Elantra. The new Verna will incorporate Hyundai’s new technology 1.4L and 1.6L Gamma petrol engine which deliver maximum power of 106bhp and 122bhp respectively. Both engines will have transmission options of a four speed automatic and a five speed manual one.

     Hyundai is working on the ride quality and comfort in order to compete with its competitors like Maruti SX4, Volkswagen Vento and segment leader Honda City.

Next Generation Hyundai Verna Pictures

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New facelifted Skoda Fabia launched in India

     In order to stay in the small car competition post April 1 2010 (After the BS IV norms in 13 major cities came into existence) Skoda has launched a new facelifted Fabia in India.

     Now Skoda Fabia is available in 3 engine options –

• 1.2L MPI (petrol): 75 bhp @5400 rpm and 110 nm of max torque @ 3750 rpm
• 1.6L MPI (petrol): 105 @ 5250 rpm and 153 of max torque @ 3800 rpm
• 1.2 TDI (diesel): 75 bhp @ 4200 rpm and 180 nm of max torque @ 2000 rpm

     All the three engines have been borrowed from Skoda’s sister concern company Volkswagen. These are the same engines you find in the Polo. Along with engine changes there is some cosmetic changes as well to the new Fabia. A new front end, a new steering wheel and a new stereo are something to be noticed in the car. However some parts have been borrowed from other models like the steering wheel from the Laura and the stereo from the Polo. The car is available in three variants – Classic, Ambiente and Elegance with 5 different colour options.


     The most striking issue is the price. Skoda has priced the new Fabia very competitively with the base variant is available at Rs 4.35 lakh going up to Rs 5.99 lakh for the top end 1.6L petrol variant (All prices ex-showroom Mumbai). Though Skoda is little late to respond, we thing the price factor will play a major role in giving hard time for its competitors.


Speaking at the launch, Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member & Director, Sales & Marketing, ŠkodaAuto India said,   “The new Škoda Fabia underlines Škoda’s belief in providing its customers with clever and intelligent mobility solutions.  We are confident that the New Škoda Fabia will surpass the expectation of all and will be received well by our customers”.

New Skoda Fabia Price

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