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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.