Nissan working on 2 cars below Micra for India

     Nissan with its hatchback Micra has had a good success in India. In fact Micra is one of the best cars in its segment with class leading performance and fuel efficiency. However the Micra’s price is a let down with Rs. 7.8 lakh on road for top end variant why would anyone go for it when then can get a Swift or Etios Liva for a good lakh rupee cheaper.

     Nissan is now planning to utilize its V-Platform (V-Versatile) for sub Micra cars in India. One will be an Alto challenger and the other one will positioned just below the Micra. More details about these two cars is still remove and we will bring in the latest news as we come across. Stay tuned to Automobile Planet. 

Tata Y1 Light Commercial Truck spied

     The next generation Tata Y1 light commercial trucks have been spied. The Tata Y1 LCVs will replace the Tata 407 and 708 EX series which gave phenomenal success to Tata Motors.  The Y1 series of light commercial vehicles come in 4-9 ton capacity range with a 11 ton truck possibility cannot be ruled out. Developed at Tata Motor’s Pimpri plant, the Y1 series of light commercial trucks will be manufactured at Tata’s Dharwad plant.

     The Y1 series of light commercial trucks will feature improved driver ergonomics which will reduce driver fatigue and consequently accidents. Apart from driver ergonomics there is possibility of bringing in CRDi turbo charged and intercooled engine to the lineup which will boost the truck’s performance and fuel efficiency. The Y1 series of light commercial trucks will be displayed at the 2012 Auto Expo.

Tata Y1 Series of Light Commercial Trucks

* Tata Y1 Series LPT 410

* Tata Y1 Series LPT 712

* Tata Y1 Series LPT 812

* Tata Y1 Series LPT 912

* Tata Y1 Series LPT 1112

Picture Source: Indiancarsbikes

All new Tata Sumo Gold launched at Rs. 5.23 lakh

     Tata Motors has launched the all new Sumo Gold with price starting from Rs. 5.23 lakh (ex-showroom Pune). The all new Tata Sumo Gold is the most powerful vehicle in its category with a 3.0 L diesel engine. The 3.0L diesel engine - CR4 Turbo - BS4 and Di Turbo BS3 has two different power outputs of 85Ps @ 3000 rpm and a torque of 250Nm @ 1000 to 2000 rpm and 70PS @ 3000 rpm and a torque of 225Nm @ 1600 to 2000 rpm respectively.

All new Tata Sumo Gold Key Highlights

Equipped with the new technologically advanced, BS4 3.0L diesel CR4 engine, delivering 85 PS power for enhanced driving pleasure. Also available in turbo engine.

Best in class 250 Nm torque, for excellent power and reduced gear shifts.

New generation styling with luxurious upholstery.

Smoother transmission.

Softened suspension for better ride quality.

Best in class, small turning radius of 4.9m.

Tallest vehicle in its category, with class leading seating space & comfort for all occupants.

Tata Sumo Gold, Mr. R. Ramakrishnan, Vice President, Commercial - PCBU, Tata Motors –

"The Tata Sumo Gold is a result of extensive consumer studies and field tests. The product has been designed to fulfil various requirements, long-awaited by the new generation customer."

All new Tata Sumo Gold Features & Specifications

Skoda Rapid microsite goes live, car launch on 16th November

     Skoda Auto will launch its new midsize sedan in India on the 16^th of this month. As the launch date comes closer, there Skoda Rapid’s microsite goes live. However you will not get many details about the car as of now.

     Skoda Rapid is based on Volkswagen Vento platform and shares the same engines with the later. The Skoda Rapid will come in 3 variants - Active, Ambition and Elegance. Since there is sharing of platform, Skoda might have saved much of the cost which is expected to be passed on to the customer. The Rapid is likely to be priced between Rs. 7-9 lakh.

     The Rapid in the front reminds us of the Fabia hatch with its prominent Skoda grill. The rest of the car is Vento, as we have said earlier that Rapid shares its platform with the Vento. Only in the rear, the crease on the sides of number plate gives some differentiation with the Vento.

     The strategy between Skoda and Volkswagen is not still understood. They both have a same car with different names and of course will come with different price tags. How will Skoda and Volkswagen convince the customer to buy their own product? Let us see how this strategy works in India. 

Check out the Skoda Rapid microsite

Skoda Rapid Video

2012 Toyota Camry spied in India

     If you think we are mentioning about the US spec Camry, you are wrong. Toyota is testing its next generation global model Camry in India. The spy pictures of the 2012 Camry was taken near Toyota’s plant in Bidadi, outskirts of Bangalore.

     The 2012 Camry looks very similar to the current model from its dimensions. However there will be some changes in the front and rear in the form of redesigned head and tail lamps, bumper and the grill. Interiors have also been tweaked to stay with the time.


     Expect the 2012 Camry to reach Toyota dealers by August 2012. We feel Toyota should come up with new pricing and marketing strategies to push Camry sales in India. The current Camry is priced too high and no wonder we see very little Camrys on Indian roads.


     Currently Toyota is focusing on positioning the Etios and Etios Liva in a suitable position as the segments they are in area already crowded. Since the B+ and entry level C segment is the most happening one, Toyota will divert its all attention on Etios twins rather than thinking much about Camry.

Picture Source: Indianautosblog

2012 Toyota Camry

Tata Winger CNG spied

     Tata Motors is best at tapping the untapped market. The success of Ace mini van is a classic example and the Nano is doing its best live upto the expectations. Tata Motors bought the dyes of the Renault Traffic mini van and launched the vehicle in India as the Tata Winger. Tata Winger has been a successful vehicle with the call center cabbies switching to it from the old Qualis and Taveras.


     The CNG version of the Winger mini van was spied testing near Tata Motors Pune factory. Currently the Winger is available in 2 diesel engine options with 68 bhp and 90 bhp outputs. The Winger is also available with various seating configurations ranging from 9 to 13 seats. Tata Motors by bring in the CNG version aims to reduce the operational cost of the Winger as most of the vehicles are owned by the drivers themselves who would be defiantly benefited with the low maintenance. And being CNG the Winger will be more eco friendly as well.

Picture Source: Indiancarsbikes

All New Ford Fiesta gets dual clutch automatic gearbox

     Ford India has launched another variant of its latest sedan All New Ford Fiesta with a 6 speed dual clutch Powershift automatic gearbox. However the automatic gearbox option is available only in top of the line petrol variant. The All New Ford Fiesta is the first sedan in C segment to get a dual clutch automatic gearbox which is otherwise seen in D segment cars like Skoda Laura and Volkswagen Jetta.


     The Powershift automatic gearbox has received lot of applause world over because of its performance and fuel efficiency. Earlier, the automatic gearbox was perceived as more fuel consuming but with the new technology, the Powershift automatic deliver fuel efficiency which is higher than the manual ones.

All New Ford Fiesta Specifications