2012 Mercedes Benz M Class spotted in Mumbai

     The next generation 2012 Mercedes Benz M Class has been spotted at ‘Air Cargo Complex’ Mumbai. We feel the 2012 M Class would have been flown to India for the Auto Expo 2012 being held at New Delhi in January next year.

     Mercedes Benz in its future plans had announced that it will assemble M Class SUVs in India. Currently GL and M Class vehicles are imported from Europe. The next generation M Class features fuel saving technologies such as smart oil and water pump, and AC compressor. It is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 producing 240 horsepower paired to a 7 speed automatic transmission.

2012 Mitsubishi Mirage debuts in Japan, might come to India

     Mitsubishi has unveiled its latest 2012 Mirage small car at Tokyo Motor Show. The Mirage is built exclusively for developing markets, so India could be one of its destinations. The Mirage will go into sale in Thailand in March next year.

     The Mirage is built with the theme "satisfy the needs of people all over the world". The styling is simple with traditional Mitsubishi grill. The silhouette is decent which reflects ample space in the interior. The interior design is again simple and clean and gives airiness to the cabin.  

     A 1.0 liter 3 cylinder gasoline powers the Mirage. The engine has variable valve timing and start stop system. The engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission which is expected to deliver 30 km per liter of fuel.

     Mitsubishi will certainly consider launching the car in India, sensing the demand for B segment cars. A diesel engined Mirage could create wonders here with its simple and functional looks. Having said this, Mitsubishi’s Mirage is still a mirage for India. Let us hope to see this small beauty here as soon as possible!

Toyota Innova and Fortuner facelift India launch at Auto Expo 2012

     Toyota will launch the facelifted Innova and Fortuner at the Auto Expo 2012. The facelifted Innova and Fortuner were spied testing on Bangalore roads few days ago. The Innova facelift includes changes in the headlamps, front bumper, grill and tail lamps. The head lamps are sharper now which extends further to the fenders. However there will be no change in the mechanicals. In the Fortuner again you see some cosmetic changes in the front and rear. The only change will be an addition of automatic transmission 4x2 variant.

     With these changes, Toyota wants to keep Innova and Fortuner look fresh to compete with new MUV/ SUV launches. Of late Toyota is feeling the heat from competitors especially from Mahindra. Mahindra launched XUV500 with a surprising price which is 5-6 lakh cheaper than the Fortuner.  With Chevrolet Maruti and Nissan coming up with new MUVs, the Innova dominance is put to test. But since Innova has proved its mettle it will be difficult for any new vehicle to compete with it. 

Suzuki Regina city car concept

     Suzuki has unveiled an all new Regina city car concept in Japan. The Regina concept will be placed just below the Swift. With this concept, Suzuki shows its company’s vision for next generation compact cars which will be more fuel efficiency and environmental friendly. The Regina concept displays Suzuki’s latest technology in reducing weight and improving efficiency by superior aerodynamics.

     The Regina city car concept weighs 730 Kg and seats 4 persons. It is 3550mm long, 1630mm wide and 1430mm tall and has a 2425mm wheelbase. The interiors will be minimalistic with highlight of green all over. Fuel efficiency as claimed by Suzuki is a class leading with 32 Kmpl.

     The Regina city car concept will be showed at the Tokyo Motor Show in December this year.

Cars to be launched at Auto Expo 2012!

     The Auto Expo 2012 being held at New Delhi in January next year will be a fascinating auto show. Automobile manufacturers in India as well as world over is expected to bring their latest products to the show, most of which will be launched in India. There will launches in almost all the segment and fuel efficiency with environmental friendly theme will be the highlight of the show.

Here are some of the expected launches at the Auto Expo 2012

Sedans

Ford Fiesta 2011 Automatic Transmission

Chevrolet Cruze 2012

Honda City Facelifted

Maruti Swift Dzire Compact Sedan 2012

Mahindra Verito Low Cost Compact Sedan

Tata Indigo Manza Compact Sedan (CS)

Honda Civic Facelift 2012

Hyundai i45 / Sonata 2012

Audi A3 Low Cost Luxury Sedan

Audi A4 Facelift 2013

Audi S Series – S6, S7 and S8

Fiat Linea 2012 Facelifted

Chevrolet Sail Sedan 2012

Hatchbacks

Renault Pulse Small Car Based on Nissan Micra

Fiat Grande Punto 2012

Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 2012

SUV & MPV

Maruti R3 Production MPV – Maruti Ertiga

Honda CRV 2012

Tata Safari Merlin

Renault Duster

Audi Q3

Ford EcoSport

Hyundai Compact SUV

Nissan NV200 MPV India

Toyota Innova 2012

Force Motor MPV Based on Mercedes Viano

Mini Xylo

Two Wheeler and Bike

Yamaha Scooters

New TVS Apache RTR

KTM Duke 200 CC Sports Bike

Concept Vehicles

Suzuki Regina Concept Mini Car

Maruti Suzuki SUV Concept

Mahindra Scorpio LX 4x4 launched at Rs. 9.17 lakh

     Mahindra has launched a four wheel drive variant of Scorpio LX at Rs. 9.17 lakh ex-showroom, New Delhi.  There are no external changes to the vehicle except for the badge.  This new variant features a free rotating hub. Powering the Mahindra Scorpio LX 4x4 will the 2.2 liter mHawk CRDe powerplant which produces 120 hp of peak power and 290 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a five speed manual gear box.

List of features on the Scorpio LX 4×4

•    Immobilizer

•    Tilt power steering

•    Four wheel drive lever

•    Rood rack

•    On the move 4×2 to 4×4 shift functionality

•    Power windows

•    Central locking

•    Tubeless tyres

•    Rear spoiler

Chevrolet Sail spied in India

     Chevrolet’s new B plus segment hatchback ‘Sail’ has been spied in India. The Sail will replace the existing Chevrolet U-VA and a sedan version of Sail is also expected which will replace the Aveo sedan.  

     The Sail hatch has been designed nicely unlike the U-VA. The well proportionate front and rear ends have been designed to give a big car feel. The side profile also gives roominess to the car. In the rear, the tall tail lamps embedded in the D pillar make the Sail look like a MUV.

     When launched, the Sail will get Beat’s 1.2 liter petrol engine and a 1.3 liter Multi Jet diesel will come after an year. Chevrolet will display the Sail hatch and sedan at the upcoming Auto Expo 2012. 

Picture Source: Zigwheels & Autocarindia