Kia Picanto spied testing in Chennai

     We guess Kia is the last company in the world to launch its car in India, and guess what? Kia Motors of South Korea has been found testing its Picanto small car in Chennai. Kia is less a known automobile company world over. But the fact is, it is the second largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea next to Hyundai. In fact Hyundai partly owns the Kia Motors.

     The Kia Picanto (which is also know as Kia Morning) seen in the picture is a left hand drive one which might have been imported to India for testing as red temporary number plates are seen. The Picanto is very similar in construction with the Hyundai i10 but has a different design theme. The Picanto very well sits in the entry B segment category in India which means, when it is launched, it will be priced around Rs. 5 lakh. A diesel Picanto could be a game changer in the segment but we guess it will happen less likely.

     The Picanto has a bold front end with tall bumpers and high bonnet. The side profiles nothing but reminds us of the Hyundai i10 and to some extent the Eon. The rear of the car is something which makes it different. The C shaped tail lamps and scooped boot are the differential highlights of this car.  We guess the Picanto will definitely make it at the Auto Expo 2012. 

Picture Source: riotengine

Skoda Yeti 4x2 launched in India at Rs. 13.2 lakh

     Sensing the market requirement, Skoda has launched 4x2 version of its mini SUV Yeti in India priced at Rs. 13.2 lakh. Skoda had earlier launched Yeti 4x4 in India with a price tag of over Rs. 18 lakh. Because of the high price tag for a small SUV, Yeti though being a good vehicle could not make a good impression in the Indian market.

     Now with 4x2 version, Skoda plans to revive the Yeti brand. The Yeti 4x2 come in 2 variants – Active & Ambition. The Ambition variant contains all the goodies such as ESP, Hill hold control and Vario Flex.

     The Yeti 4x2 Active is available at Rs. 13,20,970 and Ambition at Rs. 14,05,379 (Both prices ex-showroom, Maharashtra). Five colour options are available - Aqua Mist, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Cappuccino Beige, Agic Black, Mato Brown. The fuel efficiency of Yeti 4x2 has improved to 17.72 Kmpl.

Volkswagen Up spied in India, could be for Auto Expo 2012

     Volkswagen Up which was unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show this year has been spotted in Delhi, mounted on a truck. Mr Sandeep Singh has posted these images on NDTV’s Car And Bike facebook page. We guess the car has been imported from Europe for the coming Auto Expo 2012.

     The Up is the smallest car in Volkswagen’s portfolio which the company plans to launch in India soon, ofcourse in 5 door version unlike the 3 door one seen in the picture. Price of the Up is expected to start from Rs. 3.5 lakh. The Up unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show had a 1 litre petrol engine with 75 Ps of power and 23 Kmpl of fuel efficiency. A diesel option, it is still a secret. 

Scoop: Renault Duster spied in India

     The Renault’s SUV for India, the Duster has been spied for first time in India. According to Renault’s Indian website, the Duster will be launched in India in September next year, which means we see Duster on Indian roads by March-April 2012. The Duster will be Renault’s 4th launch after Fluence, Koleos and Pulse. The Pulse small car which is based on Nissan Micra will be officially launched at Auto Expo 2012 in January.


     The Duster is a key vehicle in Renault’s Indian portfolio. The current launches – Fluence and Koleos have not made a good impact on the Indian customers, thanks to their high prices and slump in car sales. This leaves Renault to depend heavily on the Pulse and Duster. Since Pulse is just a facelift of Nissan Micra, we doubt it will have anything to turn around Renault’s fortune. The only vehicle which according to us can keep the Renault on a success path is the Duster, but of course if Renault prices Duster sensibly.

     Now coming back to the spy picture of the Duster, Autocarindia could manage to get couple of snaps which the SUV was undergoing test runs. We have often seen car manufacturers test their new vehicles with camouflage in India before it is launched. There was a speculation about Duster’s launch in India, but since it has been spied here, it is definitely going to be launched in India.


     According to Autocarindia, the Duster will be available in 5 variants. The base variant will come with a 1.6 L petrol engine and is likely to be priced at Rs. 7 lakh. There will be two versions of diesel engine, both with 1.5L capacity (currently powering the Fluence) but with different power outputs. An entry level diesel variant will have 85 Bhp output where as the top of the line variant will get 110 Bhp output engine.

     Since the Duster is based on Logan platform, it will have the same interiors and switches of the Logan. But we guess Renault redesign the Duster interior to keep it fresh and attractive. The Duster will not come into under 4 meter length mark, so it will not have any excises sops. But according to sources, the Duster range in India will be priced between Rs. 7 -11 lakh. Let’s wait and see what Renault does.

Picture Source: Autocarindia

Tata Motors comes up with upgraded Nano

     The People’s car of India has just got better. Tata Motors has come up with an upgraded model of Nano with some changes in the interiors and mechanicals.  After series of attractive offers and discounts, this is the first major upgrade for Nano since its launch in March 2009. The upgraded Nano has already reached the dealers across the country and the best part is Tata Motors has not increased the price of the car.

     The upgraded Nano (also referred to as 2012 Nano) gets following beige dashboard, improved cushioned seats with new head rest at front, beige and black door trims, passenger side outside rear view mirror and new wheel caps. Apart from these cosmetic changes, engine power has been increased by 3 bhp which means Tata Nano now produces 38 bhp power as compared to earlier 35 bhp. There is no power steering option which was expected in an upgraded Nano. But Tata Motors have worked on the steering column to make the Nano steering much more lighter.

     The upgrade Nano will be available in new colour shades. Here are the colour options available on different variants.

Nano Std

Serene White (Old Shade: Ivory White)

Aqua Blue (Old Shade: Summer Blue)

Rouge Red (Old Shade: Racing Red)

Nano CX

Serene White (Old Shade: Ivory White)

Rouge Red (Old Shade: Racing Red)

Meteor Silver (Old Shade: Lunar Silver)

Champagne Gold

Papaya Orange

Neon Rush

Nano LX

Papaya Orange

Meteor Silver (Old Shade: Lunar Silver)

Champagne Gold

Mojito Green

Sunshine Yellow

Pearl White

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