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. 

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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