Maruti Suzuki Jimny


Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest passenger auto-manufacturer is planning to replace their not-so-successful sedan SX4 with the new generation model (codename - YL1), which will be showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo in February. The vehicle has been spotted several times during its test runs in different parts of the country, which further assures of Maruti's plans of replacing the existing model. Maruti Suzuki will launch the new model sometime in the third quarter of 2014. The existing SX4 model has never been a volume generator for Maruti Suzuki despite being a very capable product. So, with an objective to attract young buyers, MSI is now betting big on the next-generation SX4 in India. 

The design of the new sedan will be inspired by the Suzuki Authentics concept, which was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. According to the sources, the new SX4 will share platform with the Maruti Ertiga MPV, but new curves and styling elements will definitely mark a distinction. The new sedan will be bigger, more masculine and outgoing than its old version. From some specific angles, the vehicle resembles more like older Skoda Octavia. It will have large 16-inches alloy wheels that will not only help it look more agrresive but improve its ride quality. The new SX4 is likely get a raised rear and bigger boot space as well. 

According to sources, the new SX4 will share various features with the Swift and Ertiga. The next-generation Maruti SX4 will certainly be more up-market and look very refreshing. The dual tone color theme (Black and Beige) and dashboard design are borrowed from the Ertiga. The other features will include a multi-functional steering wheel, leather upholstery, an automatic climate control unit, puddle lamps and safety features like ABS (Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic brake force distribution), front airbags, tuned suspension system (front McPherson strut with an anti roll bar and rear semi independent torsion beam with gas filled shock absorber), Push-button starter, keyless entry and more.

The new SX4 is likely to borrow several features from its existing version like a stereo system with quality speakers, CD/ MP3, USB and Aux-in support, internal rear view mirror, a vanity mirror, front and rear trim pockets, big glove box for storage purpose etc. The new sedan will be more spacious and comfortable than the outgoing model. The new SX4 will be powered with same 1.4-litre K2 petrol engine that also does duty to the Ertiga. It produces a peak power of 94bhp and torque of 130Nm. The SX4 diesel will share diesel powertrain with Ertiga MPV. It will be power-packed with the 1.3-litre DDiS, Multijet diesel unit that produces a peak power output of 89bhp and 200Nm. Both the engines will be mated with a five-speed manual transmission. 

Maruti will also offer an automatic transmission gearbox with its petrol version. In terms of fuel efficiency, the new SX4 petrol and diesel versions prove to be better performer than its predecessor. As against the old SX4 petrol's 16.51kmpl of mileage, the new model is likely to get 6 percent more efficient. The new generation sedan will be manufactured locally at Maruti’s Manesar plant so to keep its cost around Rs 7.32 lakh to Rs 9.85 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the all new 'Celerio' at the 2014 Auto Expo. This is the same vehicle which was unveiled as A-Wind concept at the 2013 Thailand International Motor Show. The Celerio is basically the next-generation A-Star, which will also replace the ageing Zen Estilo. The Celerio will be sportier and more outgoing than the current A-Star. The front fascia looks very refreshing with all new dual chrome bars with embossed Maruti’s trademark. The chrome bars run parallel to the illuminated front grille and extend towards the projector headlmaps. The prominent side crease runs through rear door to front fender, enhancing the side profile of the car.

The Concept showcased at the Thailand Motor Show had 16-inch alloys, though the Indian version is most likely to have 14-inches wheels. The new A-Star will be bigger than its predecessor. The rear bumper is redesigned and registration plate is placed lower. The tail-lamps are likely to be same as the Alto 800. With overall dimensions of 3600mm (length) x 1600mm (width) x 1540mm (height), the hatchback will be taller than the A-Star. The wheelbase is increased by 65mm for better drivability and cabin space. It now measures around 2425mm. Though the concept unveiled had two paint options, Panoramic Blue and Energy yellow, the Indian version will come with all the regular colors.

The dual-tone (black and beige) interior feels very airy and bright. The dashboard is simple yet stylish with the new CVT gear knobs and leather wrapped steering wheels. There is a centrally positioned touch-screen display with AC controls, three-pod instrument cluster, a three spoke steering and console integrated gear lever. The plastic quality will be up-market. The longer wheelbase grants ample cabin space. The ingress/egress will be easier. The new A-Star will offer the class-leading boot space. With various bells and whistles, the hatchback will be more comfortable and safer than its predecessor.

The next generation Maruti Suzuki A-Star will be powered with a 996cc, 3 cylinder engine, coupled with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) transmission. Initially, the Celerio will be available with a 996cc petrol engine; later, the vehicle might come in a diesel version as well. However, the diesel engine to be fitted in the A-Star is still under development. The similar diesel engine will also power other Maruti Suzuki hatchbacks as well. This powertrain will deliver a decent power and torque output, when compared to other competitors coming in diesel. The fuel economy and acceleration power is likely to be better than the old A-Star. Expected to be priced around Rs 4.5- 5 lakh, the all new Maruti Suzuki Celerio will compete against the Hyundai i10 and Chevrolet beat.

BMW 1 Series September 2013

Expected Launch: 3 September 2013
Expected Price: ₹ 18.00 - 20.00 lakhs
BMW 1 Series is not launched in India yet. Information on this page is tentative.

BMW 1 Series Preview

Now that Mercedes-Benz has launched the B-Class in India and also confirmed its plans to roll-out the A-Class here, BMW has announced the plans to bring the 1-Series hatchback to India. At the launch of the new facelift X6 in New Delhi, BMW India president confirmed that the smallest car in the BMW range will come to India by mid-2013.
The 1-Series hatchback is available in both petrol and diesel guise and is based on the new 3-Series platform. It is available in both three-door and five-door variants, but only the latter one is expected to arrive here. The 1-Series (F20) 116i and 118i gets a 1.6-litre petrol engine developing 136bhp and 170bhp respectively.
The diesel engine displaces 2.0 litres and produces 116bhp, 143bhp and 184bhp depending upon the variants. The 1-Series is loaded with features from the segment above, it gets parking assist, lane departure and collision warning, cruise control, smart phone and music player integration with Facebook and Twitter apps,OptionaliDrive and BMW ConnectedDrive. It remains to be seen how many of those features make it to the Indian market.
At the time of the launch around June 2013 the 1-Series will come to India as a CBU (Completely Built Unit); however, the CKD operations will begin by end of 2013 at the company’s Chennai facility. This will be the least expensive BMW in India – the starting price of this model will be around Rs 2 lakh cheaper than the X1 crossover and in direct competition with the A-Class.


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Tata Indigo eCS CNG

Expected Launch: August 2013
Expected Price: ₹ 5.50 - 5.80 lakhs
Tata Indigo eCS CNG is not launched in India yet. Information on this page is tentative.

Tata Indigo eCS CNG Preview

Tata launched the 2013 model range of the Indica eV2, IndigoeCS, Nano and Tata Sumo under their new customer focused strategy Horizonext. At the same event the company also unveiled the e-max CNG variants of the Indica, Indigo and Nano – confirming that the new versions will be launched over the next few months.

Tata will first launch the Indigo CNG facelift in August. The CNG variant of the sub-four meter sedan will incorporate all the features of the facelifted model. The CNG Indigo eCS CNG is based on the petrol model and is powered by the same 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 65bhp and 100Nm of torque. Running on CNG the same engine produces 56bhp and 90Nm of torque.

The cosmetic changes to the car include blacked-out headlamps, refreshed front bumper, new grille and extra bits of chrome to both front and rear. The additional features on the new version include electronically adjustable ORVMs and dual tone interiors. Tata has significantly improved the quality of the gear shifts, which has always been a complaint issue for the Indica and Indigo twins. Like most diesel cars, the Indigo eCS CNG occupies majority of the boot space – there is just about enough room for two travel bags.

We expect Tata to offer CNG option on both GLX and GVX trims. The prices of the CNG versions will be around Rs 50,000 higher than that of the standard variant.

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Audi Q3 S (2WD) Launched 19 August 2013

Expected Price: ₹ 25.00 - 29.00 lakhs
Audi Q3 S (2WD) is not launched in India yet. Information on this page is tentative.

Audi Q3 S (2WD) Preview

Audi had launched Q3, the compact crossover, in 2012 and since then it has been their highest selling vehicle with around 1850 units sold. The Q3 is offered with the 2.0 TFSI Petrol engine and the 2.0-litre TDI Diesel engine options. The former produces 208PS and 300Nm of torque, while the oil burner produces 174PS and 380Nm of torque.Both engines are offered with the famed Audi four-wheel-drive ‘Quattro’ as a standard fitment over the range.


However, the Q3 sales have now dipped with change in taxes for CBU cars – the Q3 is no longer the entry-level model in Audi India’s range. Also with Mercedes launching both the A-class and B-class with diesel engines and the BMW 1-series launch nearing, the luxury car market is getting hotter at the lower end, thus creating the need for an even cheaper variant of the Q3.
Audi is already offering a base version of the Q3 with minimal features to keep the price of their smallest SUV in check but even this is significantly on the higher side due to the Q3 being a CBU. Recently, a test mule of the Audi Q3 was spotted sans the Quattro badge and this may be Audi’s attempt to make the Q3 more affordable by offering it in the two-wheel-drive guise.

Our inside sources confirm that Audis is indeed looking to launch a two-wheel-drive version of the Q3, which will be called the Q3 S. It is also likely that the German car maker may this version at its Aurangbad Plant from CKD kits in a bid to further bring down the price. With this 2WD variant being added to the line-up, Audi will target the BMW X1, its closest competitor.  


The 2WD drive option is expected to be available only with the lower trims of the Q3 with the Quattro featuring with the top spec cars. The entry-level variant will be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine with power output of close to 150bhp and 280Nm. The power will be delivered to front-wheels via six-speed manual gearbox.
We expect that the 2WD Q3 to be price around Rs 28 lakh to compete with the Mercdes-Benz B-Class and BMW X1. This stripped-down budget variant is expected to be launched in August 2013. 

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Skoda Octavia 2013

Expected Launch: October 2013
Expected Price: ₹ 14.00 - 18.50 lakhs
Skoda Octavia is not launched in India yet. Information on this page is tentative.

Skoda Octavia Preview

Skoda recently launched the 2013 Octavia globally. This third generation model has been completely re-designed both inside, outside and has drawn inspiration from the Vision D concept. The new car from Czech manufacturer has a seeming resemblance to the 2013 European spec Skoda Rapide that is based on the same design philosophy. We won’t get the Europe spec Rapid anytime soon, but the D-Segment Octavia is due for launch this October.

Skoda has moved towards softer lines and more rounded edges to give the Octavia a classier, premium and more modern feel. It has become longer (up from 4.5 meters to 4.6 meters) and wider (up from 1.7 to 1.8 meters) and the wheelbase has gone up by 108mm.This means that interior cabin space has been increased significantly. Also the increased wheelbase means better handling and also improved for the passengers.

However, despite the significant increase in all around proportions the new car is 102kg lighter thanks to parent company Volkswagen’s MQB platform. This will be the same platform that is expected to underpin a host of future models from the German automaker’s stables – including the India-bound next generation Jetta, Superb and Passat. 

In front, the Octavia gets the new Skoda grille which will grace all future models from the Czech automaker. Among the revisions, most significant are the new headlights and tail lamps. The base model has been fitted with halogens up front and normal lights at the back. The top-end variant on the other hand gets bi-Xenon with day-time LED running lights in front and full LED lights for the tail lamp cluster. However, the good news is that Skoda seems to have retained its signature ‘C’ shaped tail lights in both trims.

On the sides, the car is pretty similar to its predecessor save for sharper lines and slightly flared wheel arches. The wheels too have been revised and now feature a sharper design, almost similar to those found on some of the newer VW sedan cars.   

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