Porsche Macan SUV photos leaked

Images of the Porsche Macan have been leaked before LA motor show debut.

The first photos of the Porsche Macan were leaked online before the official unveiling at the Los Angeles motor show in November.

The car is based on VW group's MLB platform and its styling is inspired by the Cayenne though it sits lower. The rear design is distinct with slender tail-lamps and a tailgate-mounted spoiler. It'll also get LED headlamps. On the inside, it will also be influenced by the Cayenne with a three-spoke steering wheel and a familiar dashboard.

Although there is no confirmation yet, the Macan is expected to be powered by a range of V6 engines. Top of the range is rumoured to be a 3.6-litre V6 direct-injection turbocharged petrol unit making 395bhp while at the bottom end, there's supposed to be two four-cylinder units -- petrol and diesel. Other engines in this range are reportedly a 295bhp 3.6-litre V6 in the S, and a 250bhp 3.0-litre V6 in the Diesel S. A hybrid variant is also planned.

The carmaker wants to make the Macan one of its biggest sellers and Audi has also been involved in the development of the car as the new Q5 will share the same architecture.

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Honda Urban SUV patent images leaked

The leaked patent images show that the production version retains most of the styling details of the concept.

Patent images of the production version of the Honda Urban SUV have been leaked online.

First shown at the Detroit motor show in January, 2013 in concept form, Honda had confirmed that a production version of the car will be revealed by the end of 2013.

As per the leaked images, the Honda Urban SUV more or less retains the concept version’s styling details, except for a slightly altered headlamp design and different alloy wheels. 

Underpinning the 4300mm-long Urban SUV Concept is the next-generation Jazz’s platform. Our sources tell us that both exterior and interior styling is likely to differ slightly across global markets. We expect this SUV to be powered by Honda's new 1.5-litre diesel engine that does duty in the Amaze saloon. 

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito had previously described the global small car platform as strategically very important to Honda’s bid to boost sales from about four million units to seven million annually by 2017. He called the Jazz SUV a “younger brother” to the new CR-V.

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Honda Mobilio MPV to target Maruti Ertiga

Honda Mobilio, the new Brio-based MPV could make its way here by mid-2014 and give the Maruti Ertiga something to worry about.

Honda’s recently unveiled seven-seat, Brio-based Mobilio MPV could be the next big thing in the compact MPV segment in India. Unveiled in Indonesia, one of the largest markets for cars like these, the Mobilio uses a longer wheelbase to give it more space. The Maruti Ertiga, which is the current king of the segment here, came in last year and created quite a stir. Based on the Maruti Swift, it’s able to carry seven passengers, but it is also compact, affordable and easy to drive. And Honda wants a piece of the pie with the new Mobilio. 

Honda has made sure its seven-seater looks different from the Brio hatchback and the Amaze saloon. The front does resemble the Brio, as the basic proportions are similar, but a wider grille and a sportier new chin give the nose a new look.  

Honda has also used many visual tricks to help mask the car’s length and van-like proportions. There’s a kink in the window line, two upward moving cuts along the side of the body, massively flared wheel-arches and even a ‘floating’ design for the rear pillar of the car, the latter achieved using part sheet metal and part blacked-out glass. Big wheels hide the back of the body and complete the picture. The Honda Mobilio MPV looks best from the rear though – the wraparound look of the rear windscreen, the flared haunches, the big tail-lights and the attractive split at the bottom looking just stunning. 

But MPVs are all about space, and Honda has really given the Mobilio a leg up here. 

The Mobilio’s 2,650mm wheelbase is 245mm longer than even the Amaze’s, which itself has a longer wheelbase than the Brio. This should give the compact MPV plenty of space, especially considering how good Honda is when it comes to interior packaging. What’s important to note, however, is that Maruti’s Ertiga has an even longer wheelbase – at 2,740mm. The Mobilio fights back with a longer overall length and a roofline that has also been changed to create a more spacious cabin; the overall height is 105mm taller than the Amaze. This is also partly because of the 20mm increase in ground clearance to a solid 185mm. So cabin space should be pretty impressive.  

On the inside, the look of the cabin is familiar. The very compact and space-efficient dash has been carried over from the Brio and Amaze to keep costs down and the Mobilio gets the same slim front seats with the fixed headrests as well. 

Honda’s mini-MPV will also get an impressive set of engines. Unlike Maruti’s diesel Ertiga, where you have to wait a bit for performance to come surging in, thanks to the small, 1,248cc diesel engine, the Honda will be powered by the larger 1,498cc 98.6bhp i-DTEC diesel. We know, from the Amaze, that this motor provides instant throttle responses and plenty of pulling power at low engine speeds. 

The Mobilio will also be introduced in Indonesia with a version of the City’s current 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol motor that develops 116bhp and 14.6kgm of torque, and this engine is also likely to be sold in India.

With three rows of seats, Honda’s excellent packaging skills, aggressive styling and a strong diesel engine under the hood, the Honda Mobilio could just give the Maruti Ertiga some sleepless nights. Expect to see the car in India first at the Auto Expo in 2014, with the production version hitting our shores towards the middle of next year.

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New Honda fuel-cell car teased

Honda has released a sketch of a concept said to preview its next fuel cell car, due to launch in 2015

The Honda FCEV concept has been revealed in an official sketch ahead of its world debut at the LA motor show later this month.

 

The concept “expresses a potential styling direction” for the next generation of Honda’s fuel-cell electric vehicle. That model is due to launch in North America and Japan in 2015, followed by a European roll-out.

 

Honda’s American boss, Mike Accavitti said: "The FCEV Concept demonstrates Honda's vision for the future of personal mobility and our commitment to developing advanced alternative fuel vehicles.

"As we work towards the introduction of our next-generation fuel-cell vehicle in 2015, our long-term experience with fuel-cell technologies will help us pave a way towards a zero-emissions future."

Honda is currently supporting a small fleet of FCX and FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicles.

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2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo S bookings open

2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo S gets 50bhp and 5kgm bump up compared to standard Turbo variant; world premiere at Tokyo motor show.

After launching the Panamera facelift in India, Porsche has now begun taking bookings for the 2014 Panamera Turbo S, claimed to be the fastest and most powerful Panamera in the line-up.

The 2014 Panamera Turbo S produces close to 50bhp more than the standard Turbo variant, at 562bhp, from its 4.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Porsche says that this additional power output is down to two new turbochargers with larger compressors that increase air flow, while the charger injects more oxygen into the combustion chambers at high speeds. Torque is up as well by 5kgm to 76.4kgm. As a result, 0-100kph takes 3.8 seconds, while top speed is a claimed 310kph.

it also gets new 20-inch 911 Turbo 2 alloy wheels

While prices haven’t been announced yet, bookings for the new Porsche Panamera Turbo S are on in India. The standard Turbo variant is priced at Rs 1.99 crore, so expect this Turbo S variant to cost a bit more. The car will have its world premiere at the upcoming Tokyo motor show.

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Mercedes-Benz plots return of its straight-six engines

Mercedes-Benz's new modular straight-six engines will spawn three- and four-cylinder engines as well.

Development of Mercedes’ new in-line six-cylinder engines is well underway, Autocar has learned.

Long regarded as a defining characteristic of the brand, its straight sixes were phased out in the mid-1990s.

The engines are part of a new modular powertrain architecture that will spawn three and four-cylinder units as well as the six-pot versions. The new engines are expected to be launched in 2016 under the bonnet of the next-gen E-class, codenamed W213.

The forthcoming C-class is likely to receive the new engine family in 2017 as part of a mid-life makeover. The engine line-up will include the new three-cylinder unit that is said to boast enough refinement to satisfy Mercedes customers.

What’s being dubbed ‘Autobahn Pilot’ is also likely to arrive in 2016 on the E-class and in 2017 on the C-class. Company insiders say the system is an “autonomous driving assistant with an overtaking function”.

For the short term, sources have now confirmed that the new C-class AMG model will get a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine. It will drive a seven-ratio Speedshift automatic transmission and have the option of all-wheel drive. A nine-speed Speedshift is also under development and is expected to appear during the 2017 mid-life refresh.

Development work on the C-class plug-in hybrid is in its final stages, too, with Mercedes hoping to achieve a CO2 rating of 60g/km when the vehicle’s certification process is completed.

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BMW Z4 facelift launched at Rs 68.9 lakh

BMW Z4 facelift incorporates cosmetic changes as well as a bump up in power and torque.

The BMW Z4 facelift has been launched at a price of Rs 68.9 lakh for the Z4 sDrive35i, while the sDrive35i Design Pure Traction version costs Rs 69.9 lakh (ex-showroom, India). 

The facelift incorporates minor updates in the form restyled bumpers, new chrome gills within the front flanks, a new alloy wheel design, and a new grille and headlamp design. On the inside, there are subtle updates to the interior trim. 

Over and above that, the Design Pure Traction features different interior trim options and an orange body colour exclusive to this variant. There are no mechanical changes from the previous Z4, with the power output at 302bhp from the car's 3.0-litre, twin-turbo direct-injection engine. It comes mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Top speed is a claimed 250kph while 0-100kph is dispatched in 5.1sec.

Philipp von Sahr, president, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW Z4 embodies the excitement of dynamism and aesthetics in a more uncompromising style than ever before. The new BMW Z4 represents a time-honoured and yet alluringly contemporary interpretation of the traditional roadster concept. The classical proportions and unmistakable athletic character, armed with a raft of design and equipment innovations, bring more excitement to the new BMW Z4. Because when it comes to real driving pleasure, there’s one emotion that comes first: passion.”

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Manufacturers backing electric vehicles despite slow sales

Despite a slow global uptake of electric vehicles, manufacturers haven't lost their faith in them.

Car makers and governments are placing their faith in electric vehicles, despite the disappointing sales of the past three years.

Both BMW and the Volkswagen Group have recently spoken out in support of the German government’s aim to get one million electric vehicles on German streets despite tiny sales of electric vehicles last year.

According to industry sources, less than 4200 pure EVs and hybrids were sold in Germany last year in a market worth about three million new car sales each year.

Even in the United States, which is thought to be the most EV-friendly of Western markets, the penetration of battery-powered vehicles has not yet exceeded 10 percent. According to figures released at the recent Global Automotive Forum, between January and June this year, some 15,444 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were sold in California. 

This number breaks down into 9,700 EVs and 5,736 plug-in hybrids, together accounting for just seven per cent of the Californian market. 

In China, the world’s biggest market for new cars and one suffering from serious pollution, EVs are failing to make an impact. Between January and June this year, 5,123 pure EVs and 775 plug-in hybrids were sold in China.

Volkswagen chairman Martin Winterkorn was recently quoted as saying that Germany could hit the million target if plug-in hybrids were included in the calculation. VW bosses privately feel that only plug-in hybrids have any chance of widespread acceptance.

BMW has been bullish about the production prospects of its futuristic i3 EV. Analysts have also dramatically marked down the sales of the affordable Renault Zoe EV, predicting that the company will sell about 25,000 units next year, well behind the 50,000 suggested as the firm’s internal target.

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Toyota to show driver awareness research vehicle at LA auto show

The Toyota research vehicle will aim at reducing distractions for drivers.

Toyota will show a new research vehicle based around driver awareness at the LA motor show later this month.

The new driver attention research vehicle is aimed at reducing distractions for drivers, even before the car has set off.

The concept car will be accompanied by the results of Toyota's research into driver distractions, which includes disturbances associated with traditional voice-activated in-car infotainment systems.

The company will also reveal details of a new driving simulator, to be based at Stanford University, which it hopes will reveal new data on the way cars and drivers interact, which it hopes will help Toyota to move closer to a fully autonomous vehicle.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition uncovered

Limited-run Final Edition will be the last version of the SLS before production finishes next year

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition has been revealed ahead of its debut at the LA motor show later this month.

Set to be built in a limited run of just 350 units, the Final Edition will be the last batch of SLS models to be sold before the car is retired next year. The car will also be seen at the Tokyo motor show alongside the new S65 AMG.

The Final Edition is powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine producing 583bhp, and includes additional bespoke bodywork. It is also expected to include an upgraded interior over the standard car.

According to Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers, the SLS Final Edition represents the "ultimate, particularly attractive variant of our super sports car".

The Mercedes-Benz SLS will be replaced next year by a new model, codenamedC190, which will look to take on the Porsche 911 Turbo when it launches in 2015.

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Volkswagen issues global recall of 800,000 Tiguan SUVs

VW's Tiguan SUV recalled over faulty lighting circuits concerns; recall of upto 1.6 million 7-speed DSG-equipped cars also under consideration.

The Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV has been recalled in the UK over concerns that one of its lighting circuits could fail.

Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles built between 2008 and mid-2011 have been recalled to have a fuse replaced. VW says there's a chance the fuse could trip, which can lead to the failure of one of the Tiguan's on-board lighting circuits. The failure could lead to a partial loss of lighting on the vehicle.

Globally, Volkswagen Tiguan recall affects 800,000 vehicles, including 147,000 units in its home market of Germany. 

Although not an official recall yet, Volkswagen UK is also considering recalling up to 30,000 vehicles equipped with its 7-speed DSG DQ200 gearbox. If initiated, the recall would involve replacing the synthetic oil used by those vehicles with mineral oil, in a move intended to safeguard against electrical failures. As a worst case scenario, this could lead to a loss of drive.

The firm says it is currently in talks with VOSA over whether to issue a full recall for the UK, but a voluntary recall is already in place in other countries. Reports suggest that as many as 1.6 million vehicles worldwide are affected by the 7-speed DSG DQ200 recall. By far the largest market affected is China, where as many as 640,309 cars potentially in need of the oil change. 

VW is also recalling 4200 units of its Amorak in this country, and 239,000 units worldwide, to check for possible fuel leaks. The recall affects all Amarok vans built since launch in 2011 up to June 2013.Volkswagen won't comment on how much the global recall programme will cost, or whether the measures could harm profits for the group.

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New Honda City global unveiling on Nov 25

Global launch of next-gen Honda City in Delhi on November 25. Dealers commence bookings, but deliveries only in January.

Honda Cars India has stopped production of the current Honda City to make way for the all-new City (codename: 2CT) which is set to make its global debut in New Delhi on November 25. Last month, Honda sold a mere 31 Citys to dealers, which indicates that the company has completely exhausted its stocks. To clear inventory, dealers are offering discounts of as much as Rs 40,000 on the outgoing Honda City.

Honda dealers have already started taking bookings for the new Honda City, with a deposit of around Rs 50,000, but deliveries are expected only in January next year.

The all-new Honda City has been kept closely under wraps and, despite the launch being just a few days away, no spy pictures have emerged. Details on the new car model are sketchy, but according to company sources, the new Honda City is expected to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. As with the current car, the new City will be built on the same platform as the upcoming new-generation Jazz, and both will be locally assembled. The outgoing City’s 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine is likely to be carried over with some minor tweaks to improve power and efficiency, and for the first time, the City will get a diesel engine – the same 1.5-litre i-DTEC motor that powers the popular Amaze, albeit with a bump up in power. Despite the improvements to the petrol engine, the diesel will undoubtedly be the more popular choice.

The car is also expected to grow marginally in size, and combined with the fantastic interior packaging efforts we’ve seen in Honda’s recent cars, the new City could very well set a new class benchmark for cabin space. The interiors will be upgraded too with a more upmarket ambience and more equipment – one of the current car’s shortcomings. Expect segment staples like automatic climate control and Bluetooth connectivity to be on the list.

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Volkswagen evaluating sub-four-metre saloons

VW is evaluating a sub-four-metre Vento and an Up-based compact saloon for India. Only one will make it to production though.

German carmaker Volkswagen is in the midst of planning a compact saloon for India. Fast emerging as one of the most profitable segments to be in, the sales of compact saloons are booming despite the downturn in the market. The Maruti Swift Dzire, for example, even in these difficult times, averages approximately 16,000 cars a month. New entrants to this sub-segment are doing well too. Sales of the new Honda Amaze have steadily been rising. Honda sold a total of 9564 Amazes this month, and the trend is still on the up. 

As a result, putting together the right compact saloon has become priority number one at Volkswagen India, with the engineering and product teams working flat-out to get the right car to the market. 

But what makes for a successful compact saloon? Sure, it’s all about the right price to begin with, but as customers today evolve, there are other essential elements to the cars that are important too. The right amount of space, enough features to excite potential customers and the right powertrain are just some of them.

No wonder then, Volkswagen is pulling out all stops to get things right. Word from inside the company is that the German carmaker, crazy as it may sound, is working not on one car, but two! However, only one car will be finally chosen for production.

The first of this pair of cars VW is looking at to fulfill the compact saloon role is, obviously, a truncated or chopped Vento. The Vento may basically just be a Polo with an extended wheelbase and boot, but the sub-four-metre version will address many of the shortcomings of both cars. Built on the same 2552mm wheelbase as the Vento, this car will have more space on the inside than the Polo, and because it will be taxed as a compact, it will be much more affordable than the Vento. That’s two birds with one stone. Also, because VW will have to pay less tax, it will have a larger budget to spend on features, options and accessories.

The company, however, is facing a design challenge as the car will have to be heavily modified, both at the front and rear, to make it duck under four metres, and it could look odd. To compound matters, VW wouldn’t be able to sell this car in other markets, so justifying the expense will be difficult. 

Volkswagen is also looking at the alternative of an even more affordable sub-four-metre car. While the Vento is based on the Polo (PQ25 platform), the company could create a saloon version of the Up city car (PQ12 New Small Family platform) for markets like India, where legroom at the rear is important. The Up currently has a wheelbase of 2420mm. That’s shorter than something like the Dzire at 2430mm, yet longer than the Amaze’s 2405mm. But Volkswagen is unlikely to be able to package the interiors as tightly as Honda has; the latter masterfully uses a slim dashboard and flat seats in the Amaze and Brio for great space efficiency.

The German carmaker could, however, build the Up saloon on the Taigun’s longer 2470mm wheelbase; the Taigun, after all, is built on the same platform as the Up. This would help the manufacturer leverage tremendous economies of scale since the Taigun has all but been signed off for India.

However, whichever car VW opts for, it will have to move forward on a couple of issues before the car comes to market. For a start, there’s the issue of the diesel engine. The company’s 1500cc diesel is already being worked on (coded EA189), but it will have to be ready if VW chooses to go with the sub-four-metre Vento or the car won’t qualify for an excise cut. And should the Up-based saloon be selected, VW will have to work hard to fit its new 1,400cc three-cylinder diesel (coded EA288) under the hood. This engine will, in all likelihood, power the Taigun. But VW will have to extend the nose of the car to make it fit; the engine is a bit too wide. 

The other thing Volkswagen may have to do for the Indian market is lower its sky-high quality standards. All Volkswagens, Polos included, are built to the same exacting global standards, which often surpass the quality levels of many competitors. Most of the time, these details are invisible to the untrained eye. And spending money on something the customer can’t see, unfortunately, is a luxury VW can’t afford if it wants to stay competitive with the players in India. 

VW is clear; it wants the best possible compact saloon for India, and that’s great news if you are in the market for one.

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New Cars For 2014

In this week's podcast, we talk about the new cars that will come to India in 2014.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PyRTPWHZ8jw

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New Volkswagen Polo GT TDI vs Hyundai i20 CRDi

The new Polo GT TDI takes on the popular Hyundai i20. But does it have what it takes to tip the market in its favour?

With Volkswagen launching a diesel version of the Polo GT, a new challenger has risen to take on the reigning segment king, the Hyundai i20. The Hyundai has been a favourite in the market owing to its class-leading interior space and long equipment list. So, does Volkswagen's new product have enough on offer to win over customers? 

Performance

The  new Polo GT TDI is powered by the 1.6-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine from the Vento, rather than the usual 1.2-litre, three-cylinder diesel. It makes a strong 103.5bhp. Refinement levels are good and the engine is pretty quiet as well. Power delivery is strong and performance is punchy and smooth. It’s equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox and reaches the 100kph mark from standstill in 10.51 seconds.

The i20, on the other hand, is powered by a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 88.7bhp and 22.4kgm of pulling power, both slightly less than the Polo GT. The motor is smooth for the most part and flexible enough for both spirited driving or a relaxed cruise. It has a lighter clutch than the Polo and feels effortless to drive, especially in the city. It’s equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox and reaches the 100kph mark in 12.88 seconds. It does not feel as fast as the VW.

Ride and handling

The Polo impresses in this department and is definitely the sportier of the two here. The suspension does a good job of suppressing undulations on the road, and the ride is generally pliant at low speeds and a lot more composed at higher speeds. The front tyres afford abundant grip, and the Polo inspires a lot of confidence. The brakes are only average and a little grip from the rear tyres would have been good.

This is where the i20 doesn’t impress as much as the Polo. Its soft suspension is comfortable at city speeds, but the exceedingly light steering makes it a little difficult over rough surfaces. There is some body roll too, you will not want to turn corners too enthusiastically either. It feels pretty stable when driving in a straight line however, but it isn’t anywhere close to the Polo as far as handling is concerned.

Interiors

The GT TDI’s interiors are pretty simple and a bit boring in comparison to the i20’s, but the quality of materials used and the fit and finish are much better than the Hyundai’s. It’s easy to find a comfortable driving position thanks to seat height adjustment and a steering that is adjustable for reach and rake, although the Polo’s high dashboard may hamper visibility for shorter drivers. The dials are easy to read and super functionality of the switches is very impressive too.

The i20’s interiors are typical Hyundai and have been put together well. The cabin design looks more exciting than the Polo’s, with two-tone interiors, a brushed silver central console and an information screen on the dash top. The big dials are clear, the chunky controls are effortless to use, and all the controls fall to hand easily. The quality of plastics is also good, especially on the dashboard and the door pads, but not quite up there with the VW.

Space and practicality

The VW does fall a bit short here – its rear seat is down on headroom and legroom, especially if you are on the taller side. The front seats, however, have decent space and there are plenty of cubby holes for storing stuff. This makes it best for owners who drive themselves around. The door pockets also offer generous space to store big bottles. What it lacks in rear seat space, the Polo makes up for with its 294-litre boot, which is usefully big and is well shaped too.

In terms of absolute space, the i20 does better than the Polo. The front seats are well contoured and comfortable, but the cushioning is a tad hard. The rear seats are comfortable too and space in the back is much more. Three adults can sit comfortably in the back seat. Its 295-litre boot is fairly large and can accommodate generous amount of luggage. The i20 is the one to choose if you travel with a full complement of passengers.

Equipment

The Polo GT TDI is available only in one high-spec variant, similar to the standard car’s Highline trim. It gets 15-inch alloy wheels, aluminium pedals, leather-wrapped gear lever, steering wheel and handbrake, ABS, two airbags automatic climate control, steering-mounted controls, rear parking sensors, fog lamps, electric mirrors, height adjustable driver’s seat, a two-DIN music system with USB, aux and Bluetooth, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel.

Like all Hyundais, the i20 is very well equipped, and this top-end Asta trim has just about everything the Polo GT gets, and then some more. It has ABS, rear parking sensors and camera, two airbags, front and rear fog lamps, LED daytime-running lights, 14-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker audio system with USB, aux and Bluetooth, automatic climate control, a cooled glovebox, electric folding mirrors and a height adjustable driver's seat.

Verdict

While the Hyundai does trump the Volkswagen in terms of space and equipment, it simply doesn't feel as well put together and fun to drive as its German competitor. The Polo GT TDI is fast, efficient and fun to drive, and if you drive yourself, this should definitely be your choice of premium hatchback.

 

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New 2013 Toyota Innova vs Tata Aria

The Innova's ruled its segment for a while now, but there isn't much separating the updated version's new Z trim and a top-end Aria. Which is better?

What’s new?

The Toyota Innova SUV has been in the Indian market for quite some time. It was first launched here in 2005 and this is its third facelift. Customers, however, are still lapping it up and Toyota sells an average of 4,800 Innovas a month. But with fresher competition having hit our market over the past few years, the Innova’s sales have seen a slight decline, which explains why Toyota has tried to keep things fresh and introduced this facelift. The most noticeable change is the massive three-slat chrome grille and the fog lamp surrounds, also layered with chrome. There’s a big chrome strip on the new SUV that runs along the sides, but the rear is pretty much unchanged, save for some chrome garnish on the boot.

The very capable Tata Aria is an SUV we really like, and it’s a real shame that Tata’s MPV got off to such a poor start. It is one of the most comfortable cars in its class (more so on long drives), it’s bigger than the Innova and this translates to acres of room inside, it’s got a powerful yet frugal 2.2-litre diesel engine, and it’s built to be tough. With the Innova’s prices headed skyward, the top-of-the-line Z trim that we’re driving is only Rs 3,000 cheaper than the fully-loaded Tata Aria 4x4 Pride, which is priced at Rs 15.10 lakh. The question is, does the Tata Aria SUV deserve a second look at this price, or is the Innova still good enough?

What are they like to drive?

The Innova is the nicer to drive of the two, especially in the city. The clutch and steering are light and easy to use. In fact, it feels almost like a mid-size saloon to drive, despite its size. The Toyota’s larger engine coupled with its lighter body means that it’s quicker to respond to your right foot, which is useful, especially in traffic; it’s easy to slot the SUV into gaps between cars. At high speeds, it’s stable and quite comfortable too and the suspension does a good job of absorbing the rough stuff. However, with a full load, the Innova does tend to bob a bit on the highway. The Toyota Innova’s engine is also the more vocal of the two, and the noise and lack of power are something you’ll definitely notice when you’re driving fast. Another grouse we had is with the long-throw gear lever; though nice to slot, it looks and feels a bit tacky in a car like this.

Start the Tata Aria up and you’ll notice that the engine feels quite refined – it’s much quieter than the Innova’s 2.5-litre unit, and the SUV is also the quieter of the two on the move. The one we’re driving is the 4x4 variant, but there’s a small button that changes it to 4x2 mode, and this sends power only to the rear wheels, which improves fuel efficiency. In 4x4 mode, whenever the car is short on grip, the engine can send up to 45 percent of its power to the front wheels, but you will rarely find need to use this mode in everyday driving situations. The Aria is 200mm longer than the Innova, so naturally, parking it in the city is a task on its own. And although the Aria is quite nice to drive, the gearbox, clutch and steering aren’t of the same quality or as light to use as the Innova’s. 

Ride and Handling

Both these cars are huge MPVs, so they’re going to handle like big MPVs. The Aria has more body roll when you take it round a corner quickly, while the Innova feels a bit more composed and points into corners well. Once you get used to the roll on the Aria, however, it drives really well too, giving the driver plenty of confidence from the hydraulic power assisted steering wheel.

The Aria even drives well when fully loaded; the suspension soaks up bumps well and little of it can be felt in the cabin. And despite having a smaller engine, the Aria is quicker to 100kph than the Innova by 1.84 seconds. The Toyota’s engine produces less overall power and as a result can’t hold on to high speeds for prolonged periods.

What are they like inside?

The Toyota’s cabin holds on to its airy feel, and to justify the premium, there’s a new faux wood finish on the armrests and gear knob and hints of chrome on the dash, which lift the ambience of the cabin. The steering wheel is the same as the one on the Corolla and the fit and finish and overall feel of the buttons and wheel are solid. In fact, the entire dashboard feels solidly built.

This top-spec Z version of the Innova is a new trim in the range and it comes only with individual ‘captain’ seats for the middle row. However, the lower variants have the option of a conventional bench instead. The seats are very comfortable, especially on long drives, but the third row is a little lacking in thigh support and is best suited for children. The middle row is adjustable and can be moved forward to liberate more room for the third-row passengers. Legroom for the middle row is good, but the Aria is more spacious thanks to its longer wheelbase and overall length.

The Innova comes equipped with a very useful rear-view camera that uses the touchscreen infotainment system as a display, but the lack of parking sensors means that you can’t afford to take your eyes off the screen.

Step into the Aria and the cabin, though airy, doesn’t feel as premium as the Toyota’s. There are nice bits though, like the air-con vents that are neatly integrated into the dash within the faux wood panels. However, the entire dash doesn’t feel as solid as the Innova’s. The Aria’s steering-mounted controls feel flimsy and you often end up pressing them when you’re turning the wheel. The Aria is huge, so it’s a good thing it has parking sensors, which are quite effective, and since our test car is the now-discontinued 4x4 ‘Pleasure’ variant, it doesn’t come with a reversing camera. The top 4x4 Pride variant, however, does get a camera. The air-con unit, though effective on the whole, doesn’t do as good a job cooling the front two seats as the Innova’s unit, so if you’re driving on a hot summer’s day, you’re going to feel a little uncomfortable in the Aria.

The Aria comes with a second row bench and not captain seats. You sit higher in the Innova than in the Aria, but thigh support in the Tata is better, and its third row seats are comfier, especially on long drives. The Aria has lots of useful roof-mounted storage areas, more than you could have asked for in fact.

Overall, where the Innova trumps the Aria is clearly quality. The Tata just doesn’t feel as well put together as the Toyota, which is possibly what puts some quality-conscious buyers off.

 Buying and owning

The facelifted Toyota Innova is available in three trims – G, V and Z – and two configurations, a seven-seater and eight-seater (the Z is only a seven-seater). All of these versions are available only as diesels, but if you really want the petrol, it can be built to order. The base GX seven-seater costs Rs 12.45 lakh, and it’s Rs 5,000 more for the eight-seater. The VX costs Rs 14.53 lakh and the newly introduced Z trim – the one we’ve tested – retails for Rs 15.06 lakh.

The Tata Aria is available in three configurations – 4x2 Pure, 4x2 Pleasure and 4x4 Pride. The 4x2 Pure costs Rs 10.17 lakh, while the 4x2 Pleasure costs Rs 12.32 lakh and the 4x4 costs Rs 15.10 lakh (Although our test car is the 4x4 Pleasure, it’s a variant Tata doesn’t offer anymore; you can only order the 4x4 in fully-specced Pride trim).

Bear in mind that Tata is trying hard to sell more Arias, so there are usually very tempting discounts on offer. Currently, the Aria is available for a discount ranging from Rs 1.5 – 2 lakh.

The Innova returns 10.3kpl in the city and 13.8kpl on the highway, while the Aria manages 9.8kpl in town and 13.8kpl out on the highway. So both cars are almost on par as far as efficiency is concerned.

Equipment and safety

The Innova comes with a decent amount of features. It’s got a colour touchscreen with Bluetooth, aux and USB connectivity that doubles up as the reversing camera monitor. Other features include keyless entry, steering-mounted audio controls, driver’s seat height adjustment and two airbags.

The Aria 4x4 is actually even better equipped. There’s satellite navigation, cruise control, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, driver’s seat height adjustment, rain-sensing wipers, a cooled glovebox and a total of six airbags. It’s also got ABS and disc brakes for all four wheels; the Innova uses drum brakes at the rear.

Verdict

The Tata Aria has a lot going for it. It’s a very capable and spacious MPV, it comes loaded with features and looks imposing on the road. It’s a comfortable highway cruiser and is decently fuel efficient for its size. And with Tata offering tempting discounts on the car, it becomes even more of a value proposition. It’s clear that this is one severely underrated car. However, what lets it down is quality; the cabin just doesn’t feel as well made as the Innova’s and you get the feeling that the car is not built to last. The facelift has added to the Innova’s appeal, but what really keeps it ahead is that it gets the basics right.

Robustly engineered and beautifully built, the Innova feels like it will last you a really long time, and that makes the high asking price seem worth it. It’s a car you know you can drive for over 1,00,000km without it feeling worse for wear. So although the Tata comes quite close, it’s still the Innova that’s the MPV king.

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New Nissan Qashqai SUV revealed

Nissan takes wraps off all-new Qashqai, which boasts a more premium feel, improved efficiency and a sportier silhouette

Nissan has unveiled the second generation Qashqai SUV for international markets.

Designed in London, engineered in Cranfield and Barcelona and built in Sunderland, UK,  the new Qashqai is armed with a smart new exterior look, more fuel-efficient engines, and, perhaps most significantly, a much higher quality, more premium interior.

The first-generation Qashqai, built in Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the north east of England, has been the most successful model in Nissan Europe’s history, selling around 1.5m units in Europe since 2007 and 2m units worldwide.

“The first car had to make a real ‘wow’ when people saw it,” said Stewart Callegari, Nissan Europe’s product planning chief. “It needed a big impact, and it has done that. With the second generation, we’ve already made the segment and are the market leader. So rather than make one big wow with the car, we took a more mature approach and made a lot of improvements in small areas to appeal to a wider range of European customers.”

With the new Qashqai, Nissan’s main areas of focus were “enhancing the level of technology and design” and “improving the dynamic performance, while maintaining the package, price and size of the current car”, according to Callegari.

The new Qashqai broadly shares its proportions with its predecessor, growing slightly in length and width, but dropping slightly in height. The new car has a much sportier silhouette, but interior space is improved over the previous model.

“We were tempted to do radical again but more sensible to do what we’ve done,” said Darryl Scriven, the lead exterior designer of the car. “We have a huge customer base and have a responsibility to them - if we did radical we’d leave other brands to collect the successful elements we leave behind and our customers.”

More distinctive front and rear ends feature on the evolved look of the new car, along with more sculpted body sides. Front-end features include Nissan’s latest V-shaped grille, wraparound front headlights and a clamshell bonnet, while at the rear there’s an evolved version of Nissan’s ‘Boomerang’ rear lights.

It’s inside where the biggest improvement over the previous Qashqai lies. Higher quality, more premium materials are used in an interior that gets a completely new look.

“We had to improve on the premium element,” said Paul Ray, the interior design leader on the project. “Understanding all the products out there, they’ve caught us up and we want to lead again.”

The new Qashqai is the first European model to be based on the firm's Common Alliance Platform. By 2020, 11 Renault and 3 Nissan cars will be based on platform which will be produced in factories in 10 countries.

Top-spec models get leather and Alcantara trim to emphasise this premium feel of the new crossover, but the improvements extend to a greater use of soft-touch materials right down to the bottom of the range. The five-seat interior is also made more functional, with improved storage space and room for passengers, plus a bigger, more accessible boot.

Among the standard specification is expected to be air-conditioning, 16in alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, and stop-start on all the engines.

The launch engine range for international markets includes a base 113bhp 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol, a 108bhp 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel and a 128bhp 1.6-litre dCi turbodiesel engine.

Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive offered on the 1.6 dCi. All-wheel drive models also get multi-link rear suspension, front-drivers get twist beam rear suspension. MacPherson struts are used for the front suspension. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on all engines, with a CVT auto’ offered on the 1.6 dCi. Nissan is calling this CVT Xtronic.

“The new CVT gearbox aims to mix CVT smoothness with DCT connection,” according to Nissan engineer Mark Fowler. “We want to eliminate the rubber band feeling and noise under heavier throttle load, deliver a more connected feel, while maintaining the smoothness. There’s a ‘step shift’ feel to the shifts, like a normal auto’. We think we’ve really moved on the technology here.”

A new Chassis Control system features, derived from the GT-R and said to give the function of a limited-slip differential. An Active Ride Control system is said to boost ride comfort. The equipment and technology levels on the Qashqai have also been significantly increased.

The Nissan Connect 2 infotainment system is offered, which includes sat-nav and a full suite of connectivity options. A whole host of safety technology is offered under the Nissan Safety Shield banner, including traffic sign recognition, automatic braking, moving object detection for parking, and park assist.

The seven-seat Qashqai +2 has been dropped from the range, effectively replaced by the new X-Trail, but Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn confirmed Nissan plans to launch a further five crossovers globally in the next 18 months.

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Volkswagen already offering discounts on new Polo variants

The Volkswagen Polo GT TDI, CrossPolo and even the 1.6-litre petrol Vento all have discounts available on them.

Following the launch of the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI and Cross Polo earlier this year, the carmaker introduced another Polo variant in the form of the diesel-powered Polo GT TDI in September. And there’s good news in store for buyers interested in the new 1.6-litre diesel engine-equipped Polo. Just two months after the new car’s launch, Volkswagen dealerships are already offering the car with a flat Rs 25,000 discount.

What’s more, dealerships are also throwing in three years’ worth of insurance for free, along with three years of extended warranty and three years of free maintenance for the car. This scheme applies only if you buy the hatchback on loan though.

Some dealerships are also offering a Rs 15,000 cash discount on the Volkswagen Cross Polo to try and counter the poor demand for the hatchback in India.

The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol-powered Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, however, doesn’t have any discounts or schemes available on it.

We also found out that the 1.6-litre petrol variant of the Volkswagen Vento also has the same deals going on it as the Polo GT TDI, which is a Rs 25,000 discount, or three years’ worth of insurance, extended warranty and maintenance free if you buy the car on loan.

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Audi A4 Celebration edition launched

The Audi A4 Celebration edition comes with a lower price tag of Rs 25.99 lakh, fewer features and the 141bhp 2.0-litre TDI engine.

Audi has launched the Celebration edition A4, which essentially loses out on a few features and comes with a cheaper price tag of Rs 25.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India) compared to the standard A4.

The Audi A4 Celebration edition loses out on features like a sunroof, 17-inch alloys, cruise control, Audi Drive Select, electric wing mirrors, front parking sensors and the wood trim on the dashboard. The front passenger seat’s electronic adjustment function also gets deleted.

What it does come with, however, is features like Bi-Xenon headlamps, electrically adjustable driver's seat, three-zone airconditioning, eight airbags and rear parking sensors.

Powering the luxury car is the lower powered version of the 2.0-litre TDI engine that produces 141bhp and 32kgm of torque.

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Exclusive! Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at Auto Expo

New hatchback and compact saloon to replace Vista and Manza; debut of new petrol engine family.

Tata Motors will kick off its new product offensive with ‘Project Falcon’, which will spawn a new hatchback and sub-four-metre saloon based on the company’s existing X1 platform that underpins the current Vista and Manza.

However, according to company insiders, the Falcon siblings are essentially all-new vehicles and have "no resemblance to any existing Tata product”. In fact, Tata Motors is likely to drop the Vista and Manza names altogether, to drive home the point that these models represent a fresh innings for the company that has been badly struggling with an ageing and dry product pipeline. It is unlikely, however, that Tata Motors will use ‘Falcon’, which is just the project designation, as the market name for the new cars.

‘Falcon 4’ is the project code for the hatchback, which has been styled in Tata’s European design studio. It will eventually replace the Vista when it goes on sale towards the end of 2014 and will come with both diesel and petrol engine options. The 1.3-litre Fiat Multijet diesel is carried over from the Vista, but a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, based on the current Xeta engine, will debut in the Falcons. This engine will be the base motor in an engine family that Tata Motors is developing, which, in the future, will include larger-capacity engines and direct fuel injection.

‘Falcon 5’ is a new sub-four-metre saloon that will replace the current Manza and will be positioned above the existing Indigo eCS when it goes on sale next year. Again, this new saloon will use the Manza’s 89bhp, Fiat-sourced 1.3 diesel, but petrol power is likely to come from a more powerful version of the new 1.2 turbo-petrol, producing in excess of 100bhp. 

It’s likely that the Falcon 5 will be launched a couple of months before the hatchback (Falcon 4) and around the festive season next year. Both the Falcon cars will be unveiled at the Auto Expo next February.

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Skoda Octavia vs Volkswagen Jetta

Video Comparison

The new Skoda Octavia has been making waves since its launch in India but how does it fare head to head against its cousin the Volkswagen Jetta.

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