Mahindra TUV300 Compact SUV launched

Mahindra & Mahindra introduced an all-new TUV300 (Tough Utility Vehicle) compact SUV within the price range of Rs. 6.90 lakh – Rs. 9.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune). Claimed as the toughest SUV in India, the Mahindra TUV300 takes on the Hyundai Creta, Ford EcoSport and Maruti Suzuki S-Cross. Available in three trim levels – T4, T6 and T8, the TUV300 has been designed at Mahindra & Mahindra’s Kandivli-based Mumbai office with inputs from Pininfarina. Whereas, the research & development of the SUV was carried out at Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) in Chennai.

Unlike the sketch and teaser images, the vehicle looks pretty alright in flash and might surely attract buyers due to its rugged feel. The Mahindra TUV300’s design is claimed to be inspired by a “battle tank” with features like raised shoulders, high front nose, flat roof, straight bonnet and high ground clearance. The compact SUV has a commanding road presence, thanks to its high ground clearance and bold stances. The vehicle sits on a new ladder frame chassis that makes it more compact and lighter than the Bolero. It’s the same platform that underpins the new Scorpio. On the front fascia, the car features bold grille with chrome inserts, static bending headlamps, black bumper, flat bonnet and rectangular fog lamps.

Though the side profile looks plain and boxy, in fact the vehicle’s tyres too look undersized due to square-shaped wheel arches. That said, the prominent character line, roof rails and blackened C-Pillar help the vehicle’s side profile look sporty. The vehicle’s rear profile too looks simple but has a neat design that gives it a no-nonsense appeal. With aggressive stances and rear-mounted spare wheel, it looks like a proper SUV despite being it the sub-4 metre vehicle. Other design elements include body-coloured door handles and wind mirrors, outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs) and vertical tail-lamps.

Inside the cabin, the car gets a dual-tone black and beige interior theme with hexapod centre console with piano black finish, and 7-seats (5 +2) configuration with two single jumper seats behind the second row. The compact SUV offers best-in-class headroom and legroom. The chrome bezel surrounded instrument panel features a multi information display (MID) in the middle, a speedometer on right and a tachometer on the left. It gets two large dials with chrome highlights that add more to its sporty appeal.

There is a three-spoke steering wheel with audio system controls, Bluetooth telephony and contoured palm grips. The power window switches and parking brake lever are positioned towards the rear end of the center console. It offers best-in-class boot space of 384-litres that can be expanded up to 720-litres. Mahindra claims that TUV300 is ready ahead of time to meet the upcoming safety regulation – October, 2017.

The Mahindra TUV300 is powered by a mHawk architecture based engine – called mHawk80 – that makes it more powerful and efficient than the Bolero. This 1.5-litre mHawk80 turbocharged diesel engine is capable to produce a maximum power of 84bhp and 230Nm of torque. This power-unit is boasted with the Micro hybrid technology which we have already seen on various Mahindra products including the Scorpio.

The compact SUV also gets the start-stop option that helps the engine save fuel and reduce emissions. This hybrid technology automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt, and gains life again once the clutch gets operational.The new Eco Mode system balances engine power for driving and AC usage. It also helps in achieving optimum fuel economy. Transmission options on offer are a 5-speed manual, and a 5-speed AMT (automated manual transmission). Mahindra claims that TUV300 returns a fuel efficiency of 18.49km/l. This makes it one the most frugal cars in its league.

Toyota Vios sedan likely to be launched by early 2016 in India

Toyota will launch the new Vios sedan in the Indian car market by early next year; to get 1.4-litre D-4D diesel and 1.5-litre VVT-i petrol engine.

Toyota, the Japanese automaker will launch three new cars in the Indian auto industry in 2016. The company will introduce the new Innova, Fortuner and the Vios saloon in the country next year. All three models are likely to be unveiled at the 2016 Delhi Motor Show. Here we will talk about the Vios sedan, which is expected to be launched by the second half of 2016. The company has already started testing the sedan on Indian roads.

Toyota will launch the Vios sedan to take on the likes of Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Ciaz, Skoda Rapid and others in the league. This means that the mid-sized will be priced under Rs. 10 lakh mark, and will be positioned between the Etios sedan and the Corolla Altis. Based on the Yaris hatchback, the Vios saloon will come with quality and spacious interiors. Dimensionally, the sedan measures 4,410mm in length, 1,700mm in width and 1,475mm in height, and has a large wheelbase of 2,250mm. It is expected to get a ground clearance of around 160mm, which is good enough to tackle Indian road conditions.

The Toyota Vios sedan will be offered in two engine options. The petrol version is likely to get a 1.5-litre VVT-i engine that is good for 107bhp of power and 141Nm of torque, while the oil burner is likely to be the same 88PS, 1.4-litre D-4D engine that also powers the Etios. Both manual and automatic transmission version will be on offer.

Ford plans to launch Mustang in India

Ford India has plans to launch at least four new products this year in different segments. Besides launching the new-generation Ford Figo, Figo Aspire sub-compact sedan and the new-gen Endeavour, the company is planning to bring its iconic sportscar - the Mustang - to India.

The India-bound Ford Mustang model will go through many changes when compared to the global one. The most important one of those will the right-hand drive steering system, which has never happened before in the history of Mustang. The Indian version of the Mustang will also, for the first time, will have independent rear suspension. Interestingly, the Indian Mustang will power a 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine, which was last seen in the third-generation model of the car.

Ford India will launch the Mustang in three engine options - a 2.3-litre EcoBoost, 4-cylinder (305bhp, 406Nm), a 3.7 V6 (300bhp, 365Nm) and a 5.0-litre V8 (420bhp, 528Nm). All the engines will be offered with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearboxes.

Though the company hasn't revealed the pricing details yet, we expect it to be priced around R

s.

 50 lakh.

Honda BR-V SUV unveiled

Honda has unveiled the new BR-V at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2015. The new SUV will first go on sale in Indonesia, and then will head to India sometime next year. The new Honda BR-V comes in a seven-seat configuration and will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and the Ford EcoSport.  

Sporting a squarish look up front, the SUV gets a chrome-laden grille and new headlamps that have projector beams and chrome inserts. The front bumper is new and gets a wider air dam and two chrome-ringed fog lamps as well. A matte silver faux skid plate is also seen at the lower end of the bumper. 

From the side, the BR-V bears resemblance to the Mobilio MPV thanks to similar-looking doors and window-line, but comes with additional ground clearance along with 16-inch alloy wheels. The BR-V also gets roof-rails and additional body cladding on the doors, to give it a proper SUV look. The rear styling of the BR-V is a clean departure from the Mobilio’s rear. The tailgate does not get a mounted spare wheel; it features large LED tail-lamps which are connected via a thin strip.

As predicted by us earlier, the Honda BR-V does get a completely unique dashboard design. This new dashboard is more in line with the upmarket Honda City sedan and the Jazz rather than the Brio, Amaze and Mobilio. It gets a dual-tone layout where the top half gets a darker shade with a silver border separating it from the lighter bottom half. In addition to the AC vents that are similar to the City, the BR-V also gets the City's infotainment system and touchscreen HVAC controls. The instrument binnacle is also identical to the Honda City with three circular units. However, the BR-V is likely to use the same steering wheel with mounted controls as seen on the Mobilio and Amaze. It also gets separate AC vents for the second row passengers. 

The Honda BR-V for Indonesia comes with a 120bhp 1.5-litre petrol motor mated to either a six-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. For India, the diesel engine is likely to get a bump in power. On the safety front, the BR-V gets dual front airbags, ABS and EBD along with the Vehicle Stability Assist system. We expect Honda to unveil the India-spec BR-V at the Auto Expo 2016 to be held in Delhi early next year. 

New 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport unofficially unvealed

Mitsubishi, the Japanese automaker is all set to globally unveil the 2016 edition of its popular SUV Pajero Sport tomorrow. Slated to be introduced 2015 Bangkok Big Motor Sale, the all-new Pajero Sport comes with some major design changes and cosmetic addition. Now before the global unveiling some new information has surfaced giving us details regarding the price and variants of the 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

According to reports the 2016 Pajero Sport will be offered in three variants 2.4 GLS, 2.4 GT and 2.4 GT AWD. Reportedly Mitsubishi has priced the GLS variant at THB 1.13 million (INR 20.74 lakh), the GT variant at THB 1.25 million (INR 22.77 lakh) and the range-topping GT AWD at THB 1.45 million (INR 26.41 Lakh).

As for the information we are aware of, the 2016 Pajero Sport speaks a whole new design language and is based on the company’s Dynamic Shield design. Based on Mitsubishi’s famous pick-up truck fifth-generation Triton, the new Pajero Sport uses the same ladder-frame chassis that underpins the latter. The front fascia is fashioned with stylish projector headlamps with L-shaped LED daytime running lights and an X-shaped chrome grille. Additionally the new wide airdam and sporty front bumpers that house the foglamps adds to the new Pajero Sport’s aggressiveness.

The new changes made to the design can be quite evidently seen from the SUV’s side profile. You’ll notice some new changes like a well-defining bodyline, bumpy wheel arches and some new sleeker window panes. Towards the rear you’ll vertically-oriented taillight enclosures with an arrow-like design kink, a rectangular windscreen and a chrome enclosure for the registration plate holder.

Under the hood the next generation 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will be powered by a new 2.4-litre four-cylinder MIVEC diesel engine that can delivers 181 PS of power and 430 Nm of torque. The transmission duties on the other hand will be taken care of by a 6-speed automatic gearbox alongside a 6-speed manual transmission.

As for the India-bound model, it is quite likely that Mitsubishi will introduce the new Pajero Sport at the 2016 Indian Auto Show in Delhi early next year. Upon its launch the 2016 Pajero Sport will go up against the like of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Ssangyong Rexton and the upcoming Chevrolet Trailblazer.

New Volkswagen Passat expected by February 2016

Volkswagen's new Passat or B8 is likely to come to India only by February 2016. Earlier rumoured to have been dropped from the list of new models altogether, senior Volkswagen spokesmen, however, made it clear that the project is still very much alive.

"We are working hard to get the car to the Indian market, but there's still a lot to be done." The right-hand-drive cars need to go through the process of homologation and VW is likely to want a more affordable Bharat Stage IV (Euro IV) version of the new 187bhp 2.0-litre TDI as well. This is because the Euro V version will have plenty of expensive hardware that VW will want to delete on the Indian car.

There are other factors that could also potentially delay the process. VW is keen on increasing the assembling process of the new Passat sedan in India, compared to what it was for the earlier model, but is likely to wait for a plant upgrade, which is expected to happen later on in the year. And then there's the fact that that global demand for the new car is huge, meaning VW India will have to fight to get some cars or kits allotted for the Indian market.

Despite the difficulties involved, VW India is keen to get this car here. While the earlier Passat was only a moderate success, Volkswagen seem pretty confident that the new B8 will fit in. A lot of this has got to do with how the car has changed. While the Passat has always been a very practical car that was big on the inside, big on comfort and big on value, the new car is big on luxury too. And that's just right for the Indian market. There's more bling in the design of the exterior, the insides are much better appointed, and VW has also upped the ante on technology and connectivity.

What's also likely to be a challenge is the fact that it is likely to compete with compact sedans from Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Both the CLA and A3 are likely to cost a bit less than the new Passat in India, and could make life difficult for VW as Indian car buyers seem keen on luxury brands. And then there's the C-class, A4 and the BMW 3 that will be within striking range too; especially with the Passat prices likely to start around the Rs 35-lakh mark.   

The new Passat may have been made more spacious, comfortable and luxurious for Chinese customers, but Indian car buyers are likely to enjoy these benefits too. Question is, will Indian car buyers be willing to pay upwards of Rs 35 lakh for it? 

2015 Toyota LandCruiser revealed

Toyota has revealed a new-look LandCruiser ahead of its local debut in October.The rugged machine benefits from new safety technology, upgraded engines and revised styling inside and out.Toyota's facelift includes bluff new styling that brings it into line with SUVs such as the Kluger and Fortuner. A hexagonal grille, set-back headlamps and heavily sculpted bonnet will make the car unmistakable off the beaten track.

The model's popular twin-turbo diesel V8 has come in for changes that lift power by 5kW to 200kW and reduce fuel economy to 9.5L/100km, though its peak torque  remains unchanged at 650Nm.The 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine alternative retains its 227kW and 439Nm outputs, tough Toyota says its fuel economy will be sharpened by the time the car arrives in Australia.Both motors drive all four wheels through six-speed automatic transmissions.

A revised cabin includes new padding on touch points, along with regrouped controls, additional storage, and a larger 9.0-inch display screen for high grades that also features a new instrument cluster home to a 4.2-inch TFT driver display.
Available with seating for five, seven or eight passengers, the new LandCruiser is crowned by a top-end Sahara version that now includes a front radar and front camera with forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking capabilities along with active cruise control and automatic high beams.
The latest LandCruiser 200 Series is one of four rough and ready machines set to bolster Toyota's position at the top of the sales charts this year.The iconic off-roader will join upgraded versions of the Prado four-wheel-driveand HiLux ute as well as the brand's new Fortuner SUV in showrooms before the end of the year.Toyota will confirm full pricing and specifications for the LandCruiser closer to its launch date.