Tuesday 23 December 2014

Tata Bolt


The Bolt looks a lot similar to the Zest in a passing glance, there are new elements that visibly distinguish it from the sedan. The front grille is very similar, sans some chrome garnish, but the smoked projector headlamp units are an elegant touch. The fog lamp housing is carried forward from the Zest but the Bolt gets only a chrome strip instead of the Daytime Running Lights. The flowing character lines and chrome beltline are similar to the ones on the Zest but the blacked-out C pillar and an integrated spoiler look neat and give the car a floating roof effect. However, the C pillar is blacked out using a vinyl sticker, not an integrated fibre panel like the i20.Dashboard layout and equipment are nigh-on identical to the Zest but the all black interiors slightly dent the premiumness. On the flipside, the ‘snazzy java black’ finish will keep the enthusiasts happy. The orange inserts as seen in the preview pictures might be offered as an option. The centre console is lifted from the Zest and the piano black inserts and silver accents look as impressive. 

Monday 22 December 2014

DC Avanti: India's first Super car




DC Design, which is famous for vehicle customization, has forayed into producing a complete automobile with the DC Avanti. Considered as India’s first supercar, the DC Avanti will be offered for Rs 30 lakh. It will initially be equipped with a mid-mounted, Ford-sourced, 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 261 bhp and mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. A Honda-sourced V6 version with 394 bhp is planned for future release. DC Design is expected to start customer deliveries of its super car Avanti from January 2015.

Wednesday 3 December 2014

1,035 hp LaFerrari FXX K


The Ferrari LaFerrari is one of Maranello's greatest creations, the ultimate expression of today's Prancing Horse. At 950 hybrid horsepower, it's about as monstrous a machine as one could possibly build for the public roads. So the track-only version, well, that should be something else: Meet the 1,035 hp LaFerrari FXX K.Arriving with Pirelli slick tires, the FXX K clearly isn't street legal. What's more, it isn't even legal to compete in any sanctioned races series around the world. It remains, what Ferrari calls, an experimental car, and will be part of its Corse Clienti customer racing program, available only to Ferrari's most loyal customers. Basically that means it's not bogged down by regulations, allowing Ferrari to create what it deems to be the ultimate driving experience.The powertrain in the FXX K has been gently massaged, featuring new camshafts, a modified valve train and a reworked intake manifold. Now, the naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter V-12 produces 838 hp all by itself, boosted by the electric motor to create the staggering final figure. That motor is a tuned version of the HY-KERS system in the stock LaFerrari. It arrives with four settings that optimize its flow of juices based on the driver's preference: Qualify mode, for maximum one-lap performance; Long Run mode for consistency; Manual Boost mode where all the power is unleashed instantly; and Fast Charge mode, where the system does its best to recoup energy and recharge the battery.Beyond power, the aero package on the FXX K is, as one would expect, rather spaceship-like. The diffuser on the back is just preposterous and the front splitter appears larger than my dining room table. The split-rear wings effectively act as guide vanes to boost the spoiler's efficiency. As the air swoops of the sloping roof-line, the adjustable spoiler, which extends a further 60mm when fully deployed, helps improve total downforce by 50 percent over the production LaFerrari in low drag configuration and 30 percent in high downforce settings. Ferrari claims that 1,190 lbs. of downforce are created at 125 mph. That figure in of itself is pretty telling of this car's performance level.The safety nannies in the FXX K are tuned specifically for the track, meaning you don't have such a wide variety of intervention, rather you enjoy an ability to fine tune based on preferences and track conditions. The ABS, for instance, has five different settings to adjust its aggressiveness.What we have here is one of the world's fastest cars with a roof. Like McLaren's P1 GTR, it's an opportunity for its most trusted customers to experience Ferrari uncut -- gone mad. Only a handful of FXX Ks will likely be built, and buyers typically won't get to bring the car home. Ferrari will keep it at the factory, delivering it to the track when a buyer wants to go crazy. Pricing for the FXX K hasn't been released, but if you lack many dollars and many Ferraris, it probably doesn't matter anyway.

Wednesday 26 November 2014

2015 Mercedes-Benz C Class


Older siblings in the family are influencers on their younger counterparts as children generally admire their elders and look to them as role models. Same is the case with cars, and the newest example is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C Class, as it inherits many character traits from its big brother S Class. The current generation S is certainly a technology and style masterpiece, so if the new C Class is inspired by the Mercedes flagship, then there should be a lot to like about it.
You would be forgiven for mistaking the new C Class for the S in a passing glance. A closer look will only leave you more impressed, because it’s not just a scaled down version of the flagship and the new C has its own details and styling upgrades. The S Class-inspired LED adaptive headlights are definitely the highlight of the front design, while the grille is shared with the younger and more youthful siblings. Bumper is sophisticatedly sculpted and the chrome lines add just enough finesse to it.

Thursday 13 November 2014

Scion iM


Scion iM, the concept includes a typical welter of show-car alterations; 19-inch wheels, dropped suspension, and a front wing/light stack borrowed from a smartphone video game. A five-door hatchback isn't the most youthful style of vehicle, and with no indication of any performance level or drivetrain, the iM doesn't seem to have any kind of sporting ambitions.

Wednesday 5 November 2014

Range Rover Sport




In essence, the Range Rover Sport is a little Evoque and a big slice off the Range Rover flagship. Until the B pillar, the Sport is akin to the Range Rover, then the roofline tapers down with the sleekness of the Evoque. The face is slimmer and gets winged headlamps with one of the best DRL designs ever. Two-bar mesh grille topped with bold ‘Range Rover’ letters looks imposing and when you combine it with the beefy styling of the bonnet and bumper, the Range Rover Sport certainly has a ‘don’t-mess-with-me’ personality. The smaller tail lamps and sharply raked tailgate are also nods to the youngest car in the line-up, however, the chunkier bumper adds a muscular note to the rear.

Saturday 1 November 2014

Renault Koleos



The 2014 Koleos carries over the design language of the model it replaces. It looks more of a smooth crossover than a rugged SUV. The face now gets a wider grille that stretches from headlamp to headlamp. It also houses a bolder and larger Renault badge. While new alloy wheels and chrome side-protectors are new in profile, rear is left untouched.

Wednesday 29 October 2014

Mercedes-Benz E Class 250CDI



The E Class has been the rock-solid nucleus of Mercedes-Benz, with more than 11 million units sold globally and over 23,000 in India. Year after year, this luxury sedan epitomizes vault-like solidity and superior integrity. The fine blend of safety, comfort, performance and equipment has made the E Class a popular choice among luxury car shoppers. Staying true to its lineage, the 2014 E Class has been optimized to appeal to a larger crowd, with a hint of contemporary enhancements.Of late, Mercedes-Benz’ strategies are hugely aligned with and responsive to the contextual and cultural conditions of the target population. This situational appropriateness resulted in a dramaticshift away from the wedge-shaped design language across the model range. The E Class too received a design refresh in 2014, but in a way that doesn’t disappoint its loyal fans and at the same time attracts a larger, younger demographic.
The most prominent exterior styling change is a more streamlined front end that accommodates sleeker, single-piece headlamps with DRLs. The twin-slat grille houses a commanding, illuminated three-pointed star that turns many heads at night. The well-sculpted sides flaunt more neatly styled lines. 18-inch alloy wheels neatly fill the wheel arches and provide a clear view of the massive disc brakes. The design of the taillights remains the same, but the horizontally structured LED taillights with new two-tone look emphasize the width of the car. The twin exhaust pipes are sleeker and the chrome treatment between them underscores elegance.

Wednesday 22 October 2014

The world of million-dollar motorhomes




Welcome to the world of million-dollar RVs, one-of-a-kind motorhomes that are so big and so decadent, you can take your staff with you.Want a red carpet rolling out when you arrive at your destination? There’s an RV for that. Want a heated toilet seat? There’s an RV for that. Want a computer that rises out of your desk? There’s an RV for that, too.
The interiors are customizable so you don’t have to suffer generic seat fabric. Smart technology lets you  control anything with the touch of the button. Multiple TVs and bathrooms mean there will be no kids fighting in cramped quarters. Rooftop decks give you a place to work on your tan.
Of course, motorhomes at this level come with a hefty price tag -- starting north of $1 million. Whether you're traveling the country, glamping or just riding around the neighborhood, these motorhomes provide comfort, glamour and four expanding walls to call home

Friday 10 October 2014

New Mahindra Scorpio


Mahindra has launched a thoroughly updated model of the Scorpio at Rs 7.98 lakh. The new Scorpio gets a redesigned bumper, new grille and newly-designed projector headlamps with LED daytime-running lights. The rear gets minor changes to the bumper, new LED tail-lights and a roof-mounted spoiler. The hydroformed chassis is brand new and is stiffer than before. The new five-speed manual gearbox is claimed to improve shifts. Inside, horizontal AC vents, new instrument cluster, climate control and a new touchscreen infotainment system are new. The steering wheel taken from the XUV 500 comes with controls mounted on it. The 2.2-litre mHAWK and 2.5-litre m2DiCr diesel engines, however, have been carried over from the old Scorpio.

Wednesday 8 October 2014

Audi Q3 Dynamic



Modifications to the exterior are subtle, still recognizable. An all-chrome grille and aluminum skid plate are new in the front, while 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels add freshness to the profile. Clear lens taillights look particularly impressive and underbody guards on the rear bumpers ensure peaceful off-roading. Interiors are full of soft-touch materials that look good and are well assembled. Brushed aluminum accents and walnut brown wood inlays are specially made for the Dynamic Q3. Electrically adjustable front seats with 4 way lumbar support offer outstanding comfort and the rear seats are certainly the best in class,

Monday 29 September 2014

Volkswagen Polo GT TSI & GT TDI


One needs to work at Volkswagen to spot the design changes to the New Polo. But that’s not a downer because Polo is widely admired for its classic, sober design. Along with the subtle changes to the New Polo, the TSI and TDI get GT badging on front grille and the tailgate. GT TSI gets the badging on the C pillar as well. What add some sportiness to the New Polo GT’s exterior are the black rear spoiler and ORVMs.Open the door and the GT garnish on the doorstep welcomes you to a cabin that gets a more serious makeover. Contrary to the dual tone dashboard on the regular Polo, the GT gets an all-black, impeccably put together interior. The flat-bottomed steering wheel fits well in the hands and it makes ingress and egress easier. Aluminum pedal cluster adds to the sporting flair and, overall, the cabin feels premium.Both Polo TSI and TDI are priced at 7.99 lakh, ex-showroom New Delhi.

Friday 26 September 2014

Mercedes-Benz GLA


At the first glance, the GLA appears like an inflated A-Class and that’s no surprise because they are built on the same MFA platform. Essentially, the GLA is an A Class on steroids with a straighter roofline and better ground clearance. However, rugged touches like bulging lines on the bonnet, aluminum cladding and large air intakes on the bumper, and especially the taller stance give the GLA an unmistakable SUV look up front. Segment-unique 18-inch alloy wheels and brushed-metal roof rails add more character and style to the profile.  The rear is even more visually modern with A Class-inspired but larger taillights, integrated spoilers and sporty twin exhaust pipes surrounded by large aluminum insert. Moving the GLA along are two engines – a 2.0 litre turbo petrol or a 2.1 litre diesel. The petrol engine makes about 183 bhp and 300Nm of torque between 1200-1400rpm. It’s fast enough to keep an enthusiast happy and Mercedes claims that it will hit 100kmph in 7.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 205kmph. The diesel engine develops 134bhp and 300Nm with a 0-100 time of 9.9-seconds and 205kmph top speed. Although not as sporty as the petrol, it packs enough pulling power to accelerate briskly and be the pick of the bunch for highway driving. With a mileage of 17.9kmpl, the diesel GLA 200CDI will be a more popular choice.

Thursday 25 September 2014

Honda HR-V




Honda has revealed the first images of the HR-V compact SUV ahead of its unveiling at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The HR-V will be the European version of the Vezel, which was unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The new HR-V appears to be almost identical to the Honda Vezel in terms of styling and will be based on the same platform as the Jazz. That means the HR-V will have a centrally located fuel tank creating one of the most spacious and adaptable compact SUV cabins. Honda's Magic Seats ensure a wide range of seating configurations, with the ability to fold the second-row seats for additional cargo space. More details will be available after its unveiling at the Paris Motor Show.

Tuesday 23 September 2014

2014 Dodge Durango



There's no doubting what the Dodge Durango was designed to do. Endowed with three rows and room for up to seven passengers, the SUV will carry a big family around, all while combining a well-appointed cabin with off-road ability in a user-friendly package. The Durango is divided into SXT, Crew, Citadel, and R/T models. All models start out with the 290-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6, though the SXT with the optional Rallye Appearance Package is rated at 295 hp. A 360-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with cylinder deactivation waits in the wings to add performance and hauling/towing capacity (standard with Durango R/T). All-wheel-drive systems can be selected for both engines. Six airbags protect occupants within the cabin and more than 45 safety and security features ensure that driving the Durango is always a safe experience. Second-row captain's chairs are an option, as are tech features like a blind-spot monitoring system, Rear Cross Path detection, adaptive cruise control, and Uconnect connectivity with Bluetooth, voice command, and navigation. Heated and cooled Nappa leather seats and a backseat DVD entertainment system are available too. Throwing all the backseats down furnishes a cargo volume of 84.5 cubic feet. Properly equipped, the Durango can tow up to 7400 pounds

Tuesday 16 September 2014

Mahindra e2o T2



The new e2o’s exterior styling remains unaltered and continues to be a mix of futuristic and quirky design. Projector headlamps and honeycomb mesh grille give this tiny car a sporty front but it looks a bit disproportionate in profile, thanks to its tall stance and short wheelbase. The rear gets an all-glass tailgate and a pair of small but nicely tucked in taillights. The body is made of ABS plastic and is attached to the space frame with glue. The panels are infused with colour during the manufacturing process, so they are scratch and dent proof to impacts of up to 15 kmph.Priced at Rs 5.72 lakh (on road, New Delhi) the e2o is not a cheap car to buy but it costs peanuts to run and maintain. Battery comes with a 5-year warranty and Mahindra says it lasts up to 1.25 lakh kilometres with 80% life still remaining. For driving 120km, the e2o consumes 12Kw/hr power and the cost of running is approximately 50 paise per kilometer. Moreover, service is free for the first three years. Even after three years, the customer needs to pay just the labour charge.

Sunday 14 September 2014

The world's most expensive Mobile Home




The world's most expensive mobile home has gone on sale in Dubai for $3 million, approximately INR 18 crores.
The humongous, 40-foot-long eleMMent Palazzo from Austrian company Marchi Mobile is covered with gold and comes with a ton of luxury features, including a 40-inch flat screen, a pop-up cocktail lounge, a fireplace, a master bedroom, and underfloor heating.But it is still a lot of money for something that could be considered a lot of ugly – at least on the outside. It looks like one of those creatures of the deep caught on camera during the raising of the Titantic. To drive something this hideous you need to have some deep pockets.However, as your mom used to tell you (unless she was really shallow) beauty is on the inside. That’s where the element Palazzo shines. It comes with its own, as CNN describes it, “portable, push-button, pop-up rooftop terrace.” It also features a pop-up cocktail lounge, a fireplace, a master bedroom, and underfloor heating.The amazing vehicle could also cater to any multi-millionaire or global superstar on the road.

Friday 12 September 2014

Mercedes-Benz launches CLA 45 AMG



 Mercedes-Benz  launched the CLA 45 AMG in India. The newest member of the AMG Performance Brand was launched by Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India at Buddh International Circuit.The CLA 45 AMG is priced at Rs 68.50 lakh ex-showroom Delhi and will be available for sales across all Mercedes-Benz India dealerships across India.Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “The launch of the CLA 45 AMG in India is a significant step forward towards the evolution of performance driving in the country. Boasting of the ‘most powerful four-cylinder series production engine in the world’ the CLA 45 AMG is an unmistakable result of Mercedes-AMG’s unsurpassable expertise in motorsports and engine development over four and half decades.”   The compact performance sedan with its new dynamic styling combines the sculptural forms with AMG's hallmark features. The CLA 45 AMG boasts the sporty AMG style, with the "twin blade" radiator grille encompassing the central Three Pointed Star. Three distinct openings in the front fascia enable an effective flow of air to the cooling modules; the outer black flics further optimise the air ducting. The side view features lines that blend perfectly with the side sill panels and the inserts are in matt titanium grey. The CLA 45 AMG features 18-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels in titanium grey finish.

Wednesday 10 September 2014

Audi A3 Sedan




Audi has launched the A3 Sedan - the first compact luxury sedan to be introduced in India. Adjudged the World Car of the Year 2014, the Audi A3 is priced at INR 22,95,000/- ex-showroom Delhi and is available at all Audi dealerships across India.

Isuzu MU-7



The MU-7 is unmistakably an old-school SUV that blows you away with its very aggressive front fascia. Wide tooth grille, sharp projector headlamps and beefy bumpers coupled with the large intercooler intake scoop on the bonnet lend the MU-7 the beastly looks of an SUV.Once you move to the side, the sheer length of the car (4955mm) makes it look slightly disproportionate, but the flared wheel arches, hefty footboards, body-coloured roof rails and 16” alloy wheels help maintain the tough looks in profile as well. Compared to the front, there’s less drama on the rear but nice detailing on the bumper, large chrome inlays around the number plate and a black strip on the bumper that neatly connects the taillights make the rear equally impressive. Sitting at a commanding position on board, you really are lord of all you survey. Dashboard layout is conventional and plastic quality is mediocre, but the build quality is remarkable and SUV-like.  Faux wood trim on the armrests, dashboard and door handles look classy and upmarket though.The MU-7 comes with a Kenwood infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, a useful rear camera, optional satellite navigation etc but lack of steering mounted controls is distractive and a definite downside. 
While first and second rows are amazingly spacious, the virtually-on-the-floor third row forces the occupants into a squatting, knees-up position. While same is the case with other SUVs, MU-7 has the advantage of more legroom that allows you to stretch your leg and sit more comfortably. The leather seats might be a bit flat and shapeless compared to the Fortuner, but they are not uncomfortable either.

Fiat Punto Evo



Fiat has launched the new Punto Evo at Rs 4.55 lakh. The Punto Evo comes with a host of first-in-class features like rear AC vents, premium soft touch two tone dash, ambient light, all four auto down power windows, dual stage driver side airbag, smart wipers and 16” alloys, which is available at an attractive price point. Besides, it offers best-in-class 3-year warranty with option of extending it to 2 more years and convenient service intervals of 15,000 km. FIAT is also offering 3 year/ 45,000 km total repair and maintenance program for New Punto Evo customers

Monday 8 September 2014

2014 Ford Fiesta




The 2014 Ford Fiesta will be available in three trims in diesel with a compelling starting price of Rs. 769,000. Powered by Ford’s proven 1.5 L Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, the 2014 Ford Fiesta offers outstanding fuel economy of 25.01 Km/L coupled with excellent drivability. Ford upgrades its hands-free connectivity system with segment-first smart technology – SYNC®with Ford AppLinkTM and Emergency Assistance (EA) via SYNC.

Thursday 4 September 2014

Honda Mobilio



Honda’s first MPV for India, Mobilio, is set to break new ground in the MPV market with its stylish look, superior performance and a practical cabin.If you said MPVs are boring, eat your words. Agreed, the Mobilio’s face is nigh-on identical to the Brio but the sharp bumper design adds more aggressiveness to the Mobilio’s visage. Move to the side and rear, sharp lines and chiseled facets give the car a sporty attitude. What I liked the most about the Mobilio’s design is the beltline that kinks downwards at the B pillar. This simple but clever design touch yields an airy greenhouse and a feeling of spaciousness. The large, wraparound tail lamps, floating D-pillar and black inserts on the bumper gel neatly with the rest of the styling and the Mobilio is best

Maruti Ciaz


Maruti cars have never been stylistic standouts but the Ciaz is absolutely more assertive than anything else from its maker’s stable. The four-slat chrome grille looks neat, so do the large dual headlamps with projectors. Remarkably, all variants of the Ciaz will get projector headlamps. The well-molded bumper adds some zing to the front, however, the chrome accents around the fog lamps as seen on the concept car would have made it

Wednesday 3 September 2014

Mercedes-Benz B Class Edition 1

Mercedes-Benz India, which is observing 2014 as the “Year of Excellence,” has registered a strong half-yearly growth of 25% and a significant contributor to this growth trajectory has been the NGC portfolio comprising the A-Class and B-Class. Celebrating the overwhelming success of its New Generation Cars (NGC) portfolio, the Stuttgart car maker recently introduced the A-Class and B-Class ‘Edition 1.’These two adorable baby Mercs have already found appreciation among young Indians and the Edition 1 takes them to new heights with some tasteful touches. Over the previous long weekend, I took the B Class Edition 1 on a roadtrip not just to find out what’s new in the special edition, but to explore the capabilities of the B Class as a sports tourer.

Tata zest


In what could potentially lead to a dramatic perception change of the company, Tata is set to launch the all-new Zest compact sedan. Zest looks promising, but will it help transform Tata’s fortunes and give the company a new identity? Tata Motors has launched the Zest compact sedan in India starting at Rs 4.64 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the petrol variant and Rs 5.64 lakh for the diesel. With class-leading design and features, the Zest is a revolution in Tata’s passenger car busines

Hyundai Elite i20


The Elite i20’s exterior represents the latest iteration of what Hyundai calls Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language. However, Hyundai has ditched the rounded fluidic edges for a bold design with sharper character lines. Dominating the front is the signature hexagonal grille, but this time with honeycomb mesh surrounded by chrome accents. The lower bumper is adorned by a plastic mesh strip that neatly connects the fog lamps.With its impressive fluidic design, interior quality and avant-garde features, the i20 redefined the benchmark in the segment. Now, in its second generation, the i20 has been justifiably christened the Elite i20 and let’s find out what makes an already good car even better. 

Thursday 8 May 2014

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

In Outlander language, 'Sport' means shrunken. The much sharper looking smaller 5-seat sibling of the original Outlander features a fair share of upgrades to its already robust packaging. Available with premium features well beyond what its stature would suggest, like rain detecting windshield wipers, heated side mirrors, HID headlights, a backup camera and panoramic glass roof, there isn't much to add to the cute-ute. Instead for 2013 Mitsubishi has focused on improving areas of criticism like the lack of any actual sportiness despite the little tyke's designation. Power is still a modest 148 horsepower from the 2.0-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder, but enhanced calibration of the CVT should improve acceleration and soften up the shift feel. Whether equipped with FWD or All-Wheel Control, the revised rear multi-link suspension ought to enhance ride comfort and handling to better suit the Sport. Arguably the best looking vehicle wearing the three-diamond badge the Outlander Sport didn't need much sprucing up, but Mitsubishi redesigned the front bumper section with a new grille and fog lamp design, tidied up the rear bumper as well as made 18 inch wheels standard for all four trim levels.

Dodge Journey 2014


With room for five to seven passengers, Dodge pitches the Journey as the "most affordable" crossover SUV on sale today. It certainly offers a lot of content. The base Journey AVP already starts with 17-inch steel wheels, stability control, seven airbags, a 4.3-inch Uconnect Media Center, and soft-touch interior. Higher trims include the SE, which brings roof rails, LED taillights, and tinted glass. Next, there's the SXT, moving the Journey onto 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tucking an array of features like foglights, restyled front and rear bumpers, optional all-wheel drive, available 8.4-inch touch-screen Uconnect Media Center, and front and rear floor mats into the fold. Then, there's the Crew model, endowed with a leather interior, heated seats and steering wheel, flat-folding front passenger seat, remote start, and more. Finally, there's the top-of-the-line R/T, equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, a six-speaker premium sound system, and carbon-colored 19-inch wheels. The base engine is a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter I-4, but it's noteworthy that the Journey's fuel economy doesn't take a big hit when the optional 283-hp 3.6-liter V-6 is selected. At its worst, a V-6-powered Journey with optional all-wheel drive is rated 16/24 mpg city/highway. Properly equipped, the Journey can tow up to 2500 pounds.

Tuesday 22 April 2014

Renault Fluence


Fluence is the perfect car to mark Renault’s entry into Indian market. Even though it didn’t sell in huge numbers, Fluence left an impression with its massive road presence and impeccable driving dynamics. As Fluence gets a second chance, the French marque’s roots have grown deep enough to make the car a comeback kid. Lets find out what’s new in the new Fluence. Always a graceful car, the Fluence now gets a new front-end treatment with the Renault family face integrated into it. New glossy black grille now houses a large Renault badge and headlamps get projectors and shiny black mask with chrome eyelashes. All-new front bumper is complete with daytime running lights, fog lamps and new air intakes. Body-coloured side cladding and new alloy wheels are a welcome change in profile.

Renault Koleos



The 2014 Koleos carries over the design language of the model it replaces. It looks more of a smooth crossover than a rugged SUV. The face now gets a wider grille that stretches from headlamp to headlamp. It also houses a bolder and larger Renault badge. While new alloy wheels and chrome side-protectors are new in profile, rear is left untouched.Interiors aren’t a drastic upgrade over the outgoing model either

Tuesday 15 April 2014

Datsun on-DO sedan


Datsun has officially launched its first vehicle in Russia, the on-DO sedan. According to the press release, that the sedan would be priced below 400,000 Roubles (Rs 6.8 lakh). It is a four-door, five-seat roomy family sedan with a class-leading trunk capacity of 530L. Power will come from a proven 1.6-litre, petrol engine, rated at 87 hp. However, it is not yet sure about Datsun’s plans to bring this car to India.

Sunday 30 March 2014

Ferrari 458 Speciale



The 458 Speciale joins the Ferrari range alongside the 458 Italia and 458 Spider and, like all special-series Ferraris, is aimed at a specific kind of owner, in this case those looking for an even more focused sports car that offers extreme driving emotions. Whether on the road or on the track, drivers will feel immediately at one with the 458 Speciale thanks to the speed with which it responds to every input and the consequently natural control that it offers, even in extreme manoeuvres. This finely-tuned handling balance enables the car to reach the highest performance levels of any Ferrari V8.

Tuesday 18 March 2014

Toyota Etios Cross

Automobile manufacturer Toyota unveiled its first crossover vehicle Etios Cross at the 12th Auto Expo.According to the company, the new variant will add to the existing models of the passenger vehicle which includes Etios Liva and Liva 1.5 Sportiovo. "Etios was launched in India with a vision to offer the Indian market a quality Toyota vehicle at an affordable price. As this vehicle category has been increasingly growing, the needs of the customers have also diversified," said Akio Nishimura, chief engineer, Etios, Toyota Motor Corporation.The Cross will be available in three engine options: 1.5-litre petrol that produces 90bhp, 1.2-litre petrol with an output of 80bhp and 1.4-litre diesel with a maximum power figure of 68bhp.The company said the price of the new model will be announced in May 2014.

Friday 14 March 2014

Tata Bolt




Tata Motors has unveiled the all-new Bolt hatchback ahead of Auto Expo 2014. Bolt comes with several segment first features and a new design language on the exterior and the interior of the car. In the ZEST, the projector headlamps complemented by chrome accents, the daytime running lights, the rear treatment of LED lamps, the trendy 15” alloy wheels, combined with a signature Buzz Blue colour, add up to a dynamic and stylish pouncing stance. Matching aesthetic design with function, the BOLT’s floating roof spoiler not only provides an extra-sporty touch but also aids in aerodynamics. The sporty, confident look is further enhanced with fog lamp Bezels

Tata Zest Sedan


Tata Motors, said, “We at Tata Motors are delighted to showcase to the global market the much awaited next generation cars – the ZEST, a stunning and exciting new compact sedan,ZEST  have been designed and developed based on three key fundamental principles, namely, DesigNext, DriveNext, ConnectNext. 
ZEST  a result of the collaborative design inputs from the three Tata Motors design studios in Pune, Coventry (UK) and Turin (Italy), come with several segment first features and a new design language on the exterior and the interior of the car.  

Wednesday 12 March 2014

McLaren P1

The design of the McLaren P1 reminds me of a fancy pro cycling helmet. The trick for any over-performing car is to let it go as fast as the engineers can dream while making sure that it does not lift off the ground at highest speeds, sending clients into orbit. The P1 can reach 217 mph, so keeping it on the ground is fundamental here. Acceleration to 186 mph can happen in just 16.5 seconds, way more than quick enough to launch a Cessna at the county airstrip.he $1.15-million 2015 McLaren P1 is sort of the dark and mysterious one of the three new hypercars of the green apocalypse. The other two are the more marquee-hogging $845,000 Porsche 918 Spyder and the $1.4-million Ferrari LaFerrari. The P1’s so-called IPAS hybrid powertrain (i.e. Instant Power Assist System which is McLaren-talk for the hybrid setup used on Formula One cars), can boom out 903 hp. It slings you from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.6 seconds. At maximum.

Monday 10 March 2014

Mahindra Komodo 4X4






The Indian auto market is one of the fastest growing markets on the globe. It may not be riddled with sporty coupes and large SUVs, but small city cars and affordable 4x4s is the region’s speciality. Mahindra — a longtime Indian automaker – has been a staple in the market for durable and long-lasting off-roaders. But how would a modern Mahindra translate in today’s market? Designer Makrand Patil thinks that the brand needs to evolve into a worldly competitor with his design for a new SUV

Tuesday 4 March 2014

Hyundai Santa Fe


The new Santa Fe embodies ‘storm edge’ design concept, which is an evolution of the fluidic sculpture philosophy. The magnificent three-bar hexagonal front grille is certainly in vogue in contemporary automotive design. HID LED headlamps with trendy daytime running lights further enhance the visual impact. Dual tone skid plates add to the sportiness, too. Side profile is equally impressive with 18-inch 2-tone Diamond Cut alloy wheels, muscular wheel arches, clean lines and roof rails.

Thursday 23 January 2014

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S500)


The new S-Class has grown over its predecessor in every dimension. However, neat lines and elegant detailing disguise the enormous size of the car. The signature chrome grille is flanked by swept-back LED headlamps and topped with the upstanding three-pointed star mascot. Chiseled into the profile are two flowing contour lines, and the dropping roofline is reminiscent of the CLS. The all-LED tail lamps are completely integrated into the body and is one of the best designs I've ever seen. Overall, the design remains conventional.The new S-Class is the first ever car made without a single electric bulb. Instead it uses 500 LEDs that save energy up to 75%. 

Sunday 12 January 2014

Fiat Panda 4X4




Fiat calls it the the only A segment four-wheel drive model. The successor to a bestseller which first appeared almost 30 years ago, the new Fiat Panda 4x4 is a perfect interpretation of the spirit of the times, proving itself able to unite consolidated off-road capabilities with a refined design and compact, efficient architecture. The Panda 4x4 is ready to tackle mountain mule tracks and the urban jungle with the same ease. The new Panda 4x4 improves itself once again and reasserts its admirable capacity to compete with off-road cars of much greater dimensions

Wednesday 8 January 2014

Jaguar C-X17






Jaguar’s first ever sports crossover concept vehicle – the C-X17 – made its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The C-X17 has been created as a design study to introduce Jaguar’s all-new advanced aluminium monocoque architecture, codenamed iQ[Al], on which an exciting range of future Jaguars will be built.

Wednesday 1 January 2014

Chevrolet SS


The last time Chevrolet sold a proper rear-wheel drive sports sedan was the Impala SS, 17 years ago. But back in February, Mark Reuss, head of General Motors North America, unveiled a new Chevy sports sedan – one with rear-wheel drive, sensible rear seating and a 6.2-liter Corvette V-8 that boasts 415 hp and sprints to 60 mph in less than five seconds.
We were intrigued. And now we’ve driven it. Can the 2014 Chevrolet SS silence the skeptics and compete with Europe?
Fashioned from a Holden Commodore sold by General Motors’ Australian division, the SS received mixed grades upon its reveal – many lamenting about the car’s muted design, while others bewailed the lack of a manual transmission.