India has emerged as one of the most lucrative markets for major car manufacturers. After crossing the 1 million production mark, India has become the fourth largest car market in Asia after Japan, South Korea and Thailand. While we a saw a number of small car launches in the year 2010, there are a few bigger ones that beg our attention to be included in the list. In 2010 many international car makers including Toyota Motors, Nissan Motors, Chevrolet and Volkswagen launched small cars and mid size cars for the Indian roads.Ford Figo is the absolute value-for-money car, no wonder then that it has been awarded the "Indian Car of the Year 2011". Although the Figo is based on Ford Fusion, which did nothing for the car maker or the buyers, its fresh design and maximum utilization of space with its wider wheelbase makes it one of the most preferred hatchbacks for those seeking space and style. The Ford Figo is offered in both petrol and diesel engine options. The 1.2 litre petrol engine produces 70 bhp of maximum power and 102 Nm at 4000 rpm of maximum torque while the 1.4 litre diesel engine produces 68 bhp of maximum power and 60 Nm at 2000 rpm of maximum torque. The price of the Ford Figo starts at Rs. 3.54 lakh (ex showroom Delhi).
After the revamped Fabia, Skoda launched the much anticipated SUV, Yeti. The vehicle has smartly addressed the emerging market of soft-roaders in the Rs. 14 to Rs. 18 lakh range at a time when there is fierce competition in the Rs. 20 lakh SUVs in India. Yeti's Unique Selling Points include a very handsome appearance and an enthusiastic 2.0 litre diesel motor that produces 138.1bhp @ 4200 rpm and a top torque of 320Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm. The Skoda Yeti is a good package; however, the lack of third row seats makes it suitable strictly for small families. Yeti prices start at Rs. 15.8 lakh.
Next to the Alto, the WagonR is the second bestselling car in the Maruti stable. And ever since MSI introduced the blue-eyed boy, we mean the new WagonR; the sales figures just went a notch higher. The boxy looks are now refined by the new curves and premium look with good chrome bits in and out. The new WagonR has an easy-to-drive attitude and the new K10 engine is very responsive. Interior space in the new WagonR is also commendable. The price of Wagon-R starts at Rs. Rs.3,31,450 (Ex-Showroom Price New Delhi).
Maruti Suzuki's new Alto K10 is equipped with a 1.0L, 998cc, 3-Cylinders, 12-Valve KB10 petrol engine that produces a maximum torque of 90Nm at 3500 rpm. The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 boasts of innovative new designs and powerful performance. The new Alto K10 also includes some interior and exterior changes including dual-tone finish and a new racy instrument cluster. Although the new Alto K10 is more expensive than the standard Alto, it has become immensely popular with the crowd. The new Alto K10 price starts at Rs.3,03,093 (Ex-Showroom Price New Delhi).
Tata Motors is popular in the Indian market for making 'value-for-money' vehicles. But it has boldly launched the premium vehicle called the Aria. Tata Aria is the first "Indian crossover "and boasts of superior build quality (at least by Tata standards) and phenomenal good looks. And as the Aria ads shows, it has the manoeuvrability of a sedan with the practicality of a SUV. The crossover is full of features that would instantly make you fall in love with it, such as Cruise control, rain-sense wipers and darkness sensing lights to name a few. Tata Aria is equipped with Tata's tried-and-tested 2.2 litre DICOR engine that we have earlier seen in Tata Safari. You get all of this and more for a starting Rs.12,90,901 (Ex-Showroom Price New Delhi ).
Volkswagen utilised the much cliched 'boot + hatch = sedan' formula followed by Maruti Suzuki and Tata and introduced the Vento. But wait before you judge the Vento's credentials. The VW Vento, indeed, looks so good that you would have no qualms about its origins. Vento has already made its intentions clear to some of the bestsellers in the segment like the Honda City. Vento is equipped by a 1.6 litre petrol and 1.6 litre diesel, both producing 104 bhp of maximum power. The Volkswagen Vento price starts at Rs. 7.90 lakh.


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23 December, 2010 BMW has launched its X1 compact SUV in the Indian market. The compact SUV will be available in three variants: Corporate Edition, Highline and Cool Elegance - the SUV will be powered by 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines.
The X1 sDrive 1.8i is powered by a 1995cc four cylinder petrol engine that develops 147.5 bhp of power and 20.4 kgm of max torque. The X1 sDrive 2.0d is equipped with a 1995cc four-cylinder diesel engine that gives close to 174bhp of power and an impressive 35.7kgm of max torque.
BMW India has launched the X1 as rear-wheel-drive only, which has helped the company price it in-line with its competitors. Much like the BMW 3 Series Corporate Edition, the X1 does not get some features, which are available in the Highline as well as the top-of-the-line Cool Elegance variant. The Corporate Edition lacks sunroof, i-drive interface, and 6-CD changer, and features only a single CD player. Instead of wood garnishing, the Corporate Edition gets simple black trim and fabric seats.
“The new BMW 'X1' sets the benchmark by bringing together features of a sports activity vehicle with spontaneous flexibility and outstanding fuel economy,” BMW India President Andreas Schaaf said.
The BMW X1 will be assembled at the company’s Chennai plant, where the 3 Series is also manufactured. With a wheelbase of 2760mm and at 4454mm long, the BMW X1 is ready to open up a new luxury segment in the compact SUV class. While the base 1.8i will retail at Rs 22 lakh, the 2.0-litre diesel base variant will cost Rs 23.9 lakh, the 2.0-liter Diesel Exclusive Variant is priced at Rs 29.90 lakh and the top-of-the-line Cool Elegance variant will retail at Rs 32.5 lakh.

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JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) has received more than eighty international awards for its beautifully crafted vehicle during this year. The tally of awards was shared almost equally between the two brands. 28 global awards were brought by the Land Rover’s Discover 4 this will total to 144 since launch in 2004.

Land Rover’s Global Brand Director John Edwards said, “The Discovery 4 offers an exceptional breadth of capability. It is now one of the most highly-decorated vehicles ever and we are thrilled that it continues to receive such great recognition across the industry.”

Apart from the Discover 4, Land Rover Range Rover has been voted the “Car of the Decade” by readers of autocar.co.uk; the Range Rover Sport voted ‘Best 4×4? by Auto Bild (Germany) and the Freelander 2 was voted ‘Best Compact SUV’ at the Auto Express Car of the Year Awards.

Jaguar’s new XJ which went on sale earlier this year and got off to a flying start receiving more than 20 international honors including ‘Best Luxury Car’ from China’s Auto News, ‘Annual Limousine King’ from Quattroroute (Italy), ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ from Top Gear (UK), Automobile Magazine’s ‘2011 Design of the Year’ and ‘Best Executive Sedan’ at the Bloomberg Awards (US).

Jaguar Land Rover To Launch Cars In India This YearNew Land Rover Discovery 4 Grabs Couple Of Awards In LondonJaguar Land Rover Cars To Cost Less?ŠKODA WINS BIG AT WHAT CAR? READER AWARDS 2010State Bank Of India Sanctioned £175 To Jaguar Land RoverTags: jaguar land rover, jlr, JLR Awards

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As we reported earlier, BMW will be launching their new SUV the X1 in Delhi on 23rd December. The new small SUV from the BMW will be based on 3-Series segment and shipped here as CKD and then will be assembled at it Chennai plant.

BMW X1 should be out in three variants including given the buyers an option to choose 1 petrol and 2 diesel versions. Carwale has nicely captured images of the new X1 which was doing round in Mumbai as you see.

BMW X1 Corporate edition will not include sunroof, CD-changer and will be included with single in-dash music system. X1 SUV will be out as a rear-wheel drive.

BMW X1 high-end diesel variant will get brown and black leather upholstery while the petrol and the other diesel variant will come in beige or black upholstery.

We speculate that the new BMW X1 will be price between Rs 21.5 lakh to 32 lakhs respectively. More details to come till then stay tuned.

BMW X1 Pictures:

Source: Carwale

Ford Figo price hikeBMW Might Launch X1 SUV In India By Early 2010Ford Slashed Rates for Fiesta Models up to Rs 91000/-Live : Skoda Fabia LaunchTata Launched Safari Gx Variant Today In IndiaTags: bmw x1, BMW X1 Spy Pictures

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Audi India is gearing to launch the A8 luxury sedan in India on 10th January 2011. The luxury brand will launch in both petrol and diesel variant in India priced around Rs 91 lakhs and Rs 76 lakhs respectively. It is believed that the company will launch the petrol variant initially.

Audi India will first offer the local market with its powerful A8 4.2-litre FSI V8 engine that generates 367 bhp of maximum power and 445 Nm of maximum torque.

The Audi India diesel variant will get the 30-liter TDI V6 engine that pumps 247 bhp of maximum power and 550Nm of maximum torque. If believed the company might launch a powerful A8 powered by 6.3-liter produces 493bhp and 625Nm and will be launched second-half of 2011.

As we all know that Audi A8 teaser website that was out sometime back and fans can register on this website and log in with a new “Personalized Access Code” each time to access the site. Stay tuned for more updates.

Audi A8 Pictures:

2010 Audi A8 To Be Launched On 30th NovemberAudi Q7 Diesel Limited Edition Launched Today In IndiaAudi R8 V10 Launched At Rs 1.35 CroreAudi Q7 SUV Petrol Variant Launched At Rs 59.29 LakhFour Door Coupe – Audi A7Tags: audi a8

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Toyota today announced that bookings for the Fortuner will reopen on Jan 1 2011. The bookings were last reopened in July 2010 for a period of one month. The Fortuner launched in Aug 2009 has since sold more than 15000 units acquiring 57% market share in the mid SUV segment. To meet the high demand, the company had increased the production of the Fortuner to more than 950 units per month from the initial 500 units per month.

"The impressive sales recorded by the Fortuner speak of how well it has been received by our customers. Competitive price, powerful engine,exterior styling and a fulltime 4WD makes it a popular buy among SUV owners.The Fortuner has been widely accepted by the masses - individuals,families, corporates and businessmen. The current backlog of 3273 units will be cleared in about three months. We thank our customers for the unprecedented response received and for being patient through the waiting period .We look forward to serving them.

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Volvo Auto India launched the XC60 Luxury SUV today in Hyderabad. The XC60 is powered with the latest gen D5 twin-turbo diesel engine including high-tech features such as laser assisted automatic braking, turn with steering lights and power tailgate said by Sandeep Narayan, Director (Marketing and PR), Volvo Auto.

On the launch ceremony, he added “XC60 is a perfect embodiment of our brand’s core attributes of safety, comfort, quality, Scandinavian design and innovation. We are confident that in India, Volvo XC60 will give us a competitive edge in its segment.”

Volvo XC60 SUV is priced at Rs 40.25 (ex-showroom, Hyderabad), and the SUV will be sold PAN India. “The pre-booking of the first batch of XC60 bears testimony to the faith our customers have for the Volvo brand, Narayan said, adding 90 cars have already booked.

“We are looking at 15 to 18 per cent size of the luxury car segment,” he said.

Volvo XC60 Pictures:

Will Volvo Car India Expanding In India?Volvo XC60 To Be Launched On 24th NovemberVolvo’s XC60 To Launch In IndiaVolvo To Launch 2010 XC60 This June2010 Volvo S80, XC60 And S60 To Be Launched In India In 2010Tags: volvo xc60, xc60 launch, xc60 suv

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor has registered a growth of 38% in sales in the year 2010, compared to last year. It sold 74759 units in the calendar year 2010 against 54320 units in 2009.

Commenting on the sales for the year 2010, Mr. Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director-Marketing, TKM said, “ We are very happy with the response we have received from our customers in 2010. This year has witnessed the most important launch in the history of Toyota in India – The launch of Etios and the unveiling of the hatchback Liva. The first batch of Etios – more than 400 units - have already been dispatched to the dealerships and we have begun delivering vehicles  to the customers. The vehicle are on display at most of our dealerships.

In 2011 we look forward to  a) the launch of  the hatchback Liva in April b) establishing the brand of Toyota among the masses with the Etios and hatchback Liva  c) giving our customers a Q Class Experience .

On behalf of TKM, I wish all our customers a wonderful year ahead and thank them for trusting us and our products for all these years. We look forward to serving them in 2011.”

Toyota also announced that bookings for the Fortuner will reopen on Jan 1 2011. The bookings were last reopened on July 2010 for a period of one month.The Fortuner launched in Aug 2009 has since sold more than 15000 units acquiring 57 %  market share in the mid SUV segment.

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Toyota today announced that bookings for the Fortuner will reopen on Jan 1 2011. The bookings were last reopened in July 2010 for a period of one month. The Fortuner launched in Aug 2009 has since sold more than 15000 units acquiring 57% market share in the mid SUV segment. To meet the high demand, the company had increased the production of the Fortuner to more than 950 units per month from the initial 500 units per month.

"The impressive sales recorded by the Fortuner speak of how well it has been received by our customers. Competitive price, powerful engine,exterior styling and a fulltime 4WD makes it a popular buy among SUV owners.The Fortuner has been widely accepted by the masses - individuals,families, corporates and businessmen. The current backlog of 3273 units will be cleared in about three months. We thank our customers for the unprecedented response received and for being patient through the waiting period .We look forward to serving them.

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Volkswagen Group India was in the spotlight for bagging four prestigious awards at this year’s CNBC-Overdrive Awards 2011 held here on January 4, 2011.
 
Dr. John Chacko, Volkswagen Group Chief Representative India and Neeraj Garg, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Division, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd. accepted the award for the Volkswagen Polo as Premium Hatchback of the Year. The Audi A4 TDI was awarded the Performance Car of the Year. The award was received by Clemens Ollmert, Head of Marketing, Audi India on behalf of Audi.

The other award-winning car was the Škoda Yeti which was awarded the SUV of the Year. Ashutosh Dixit, Senior General Manager-Sales and After-Sales, ŠkodaAuto India and Tarun Jha, Head of Marketing, Škoda Auto India received the award on behalf of SkodaAuto. Dr. Chacko also collected the Motorsport Award of the Year for Volkswagen Motorsport.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. John Chacko, Volkswagen Group Chief Representative India said, “We are extremely honored to achieve such success and recognition for the Group. It has been a constant endeavor to design cars with high degree of quality keeping in mind the needs of the customers. This validation by the CNBC Overdrive awards stands as a testimony to our endeavors and success story so far. It has been an excellent start of the year for us at Volkswagen.”
 
Volkswagen Group continues to strengthen its presence in India and is moving rapidly towards making a mark in the country. Currently the three brands of the Group offer in total 18 different models, from the high-end luxury sedan to the value-for-money compact car.

The theme and the context for the 11th edition of CNBC-Overdrive awards was “Go Green”. The awards aim at the road ahead for the auto industry with increasing need for green technology and environment conservation. The Overdrive awards have ensured that they truly reflect the choices and sentiment of all stakeholders and justify their stature as benchmarks in Auto excellence.

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ABT Sportsline offers performance improvements that make the Volkswagen Touareg seem even more superior: more horsepower and more torque – the ABT Touareg is a mountaineer, a workaholic, an elegant glider, a fast touring car and an agile XXL sports car all in one: with the 3.0 TDI, ABT POWER provides 282 HP (207 kW) compared to the series standard 240 HP (177 kW). The ABT POWER S technology even makes 310 HP (228 kW) available, while the torque is increased from 550 Nm to 580 Nm or 610 Nm. For the silky-smooth V8 turbo diesel with its 4.2 litre cubic capacity, 385 HP or 283 kW (series standard: 340 HP / 250 kW) and a torque of 870 Nm (series standard: 800 Nm) are available.

The ABT Sportsline Volkswagen Touareg also comes with the designer wheels ABT BR and CR. Both alloys are available in different sizes up to a powerful 22 inch version. It goes without saying that ABT also offers combinations with high-performance tyres, where the performance and the load index agree. Both the BR and CR wheels underline the contours of the Touareg and harmonise with the bodywork elements, which ABT has developed for the premium SUV: the sporty front grill and rear wing blend well into the vehicle’s design and the incorporation of the rear apron and the 4-pipe exhaust unit show exactly where the classy Touareg comes from.

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Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the second largest car manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter, today achieved a historic milestone by reaching the production of 6 Lakh units, the highest since inception in a calendar year.

On the occasion, H. W. Park, Managing Director & CEO, HMIL, said, “Today is one of the landmark days in the history of our company. Achieving this milestone is a testament to the growing popularity of Hyundai as a brand and immense faith that our customers have placed in us. With this we gear up for next phase of growth and remain committed in bringing world class products and service to our customers. ”

HMIL is the only Indian manufacturer to offer a full range starting from the compact Santro to the top end luxury SUV – Santa Fe and enjoys a market share of around 20%. HMIL sells 7 models with 47 variants in the Indian market. It currently exports approximately 42% of its production to around 120 countries across the globe with i10 being the largest exported model.

HMIL started operation in 1996 and the first Santro rolled out in September, 1998. Right from the beginning HMIL has always been the trend-setter. From the record of setting up the plant in just 17 months to becoming the 2nd largest car manufacturer in just 6 months to rolling out 150,000 cars in about 25 months, Hyundai has fulfilled everybody’s expectations. In August, 2010 Hyundai Motor achieved the remarkable distinction of reaching the 30 lakh car production in a record time of less than 12 years.  With this achievement, HMIL becomes only the second manufacturer in India to have achieved this distinction. It was also the fastest to reach the sales mark of 20 lakh (2 million) units in the domestic market in November, 2010.

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Shahzad Sheikh
27 December 2010

The Lexus LX570 luxury-off roader is getting a lick of new paint and a trim upgrade for the 2011 model year. UAE’s Al-Futtaim Motors has revealed that the flagship SUV will get the new soft semi aniline leather dyed in saddle tan tone and matched with a black tonality. The two-tone effect is continued on the dash and door panels.

On the outside it comes with a new exterior colour called ‘Starlight Black’ which features ‘the sparkles of  sparkles of a star filled night sky through a new “glass fake” photo luminescent material’. Now that’s got to be worth the entry-price alone – just don’t go losing it on a starry night!

The rest is unchanged so the same 5.7 litre V8 engine offering 362bhp with all the extraordinary gadgets and goodies. Saud Abbasi of Lexus said: ‘The styling revisions for the 2011 LX range are part of the brand’s strategy to broaden the appeal of the entire 2011 model year Lexus range by infusing new characteristics within the design element to enhance the emotional aspect of the brand.’

All 2011 LX570s are available with a five year warranty.
 

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The Land Rover's venerable Range Rover can tackle tough off-road terrain with extreme sportiness. It is one of the most performance-oriented SUV from the house of Land Rover. With its dashing style, high performance and luxury features, Range Rover Sport's Indian buyers are going to have a celebration time.

Range Rover Sport just like other models of Land Rover is a high performer. Though in the Britain it is also seen in the petrol version, for the Indian market currently it is available only in diesel version. It is powered by a 3.6-litre TDV8 twin turbo diesel engine which delivers maximum power of 272. The engine is supported 6-speed automatic transmission for a smooth ride. A well tuned independent suspension at the front and the rear offers comfort despite the hard terrain.

Range Rover Sport comes with such a powerful effect on the vision that the car looks moving even if it is still. The flared wheel arches with alloy wheels, power vents sit behind the front wheels and sharp muscular cues perfectly flows with the waistline. The stylish features are highlighted with the ‘floating’ roof and clamshell bonnet with a sportier raked windscreen. The rear does not stand behind either in terms of styling. It flaunts with body colour bumper, stylish tail lamps, provide a classic appeal to the car.

One cannot stop staring the cabin which is loaded with luxury. The charismatic style seen in the exterior is carried to the interior. Range Rover Sport is said to be the best model to be driven from the Land Rover's stable. The interior is blessed with sporty cockpit, well carved leather seats hugging the passenger and powered lumbar support that provide a complete back support offering a comfortable drive in long trips. The powerful climate control knows the best and keeps the occupants in the right temperature no matter what nature is playing outside. The drive turns more joyful and stress free Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound audio.

Standard safety features in the Range Rover sports includes central locking, abs, engine immobilizer, airbags, remote keyless entry, anti-theft alarm, crumple zones, collapsible steering, front/rear seatbelts.

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10.0 / 13.3 km/l (city/highway), 2.5L I-4 Diesel
2.5L Turbo mEagle CRDe, 112 bhp, Diesel
2.5L mDI CRDe , 95 bhp, Diesel
5-Speed Manual Transmission (MT) * Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

m-Eagle Engine. Impressive Design. Folding Rear Seats. ABS option on top-end variant. Power Steering. Spacious Cabin.

After months of waiting, the Xylo is here to sizzle its way into Indian hearts. This MPV from Mahindra & Mahindra is a perfect blend of compact, sleek, and bold exterior styling along with spacious and comfortable interior features. Known as the Ingenio in its fledgling stages, the Xylo meets all expectations in terms of technology, performance, and safety.

The Mahindra & Mahindra Xylo (pronounced as Zy-lo) boasts of a high-tech m-Eagle engine developed on the NEF CRDe platform similar in power to the mHawk engine in the popular Scorpio SUV. The Xylo is crafted with care and suave details added to every curve that blend with its masculine and aggressive styling for a look like no other. Built on a completely new platform, the Xylo will fill the long standing gap of a vehicle that stands proudly between SUV styling and MPV convenience.

The Xylo MPV is available in following variants: E4 (BS III), E6, E8, E8 ABS and D2 (BS III). Except for the D2, all variants are equipped with a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel m-Eagle CRDe engine that generates a power of 112 bhp at 3800 rpm and a torque of 260 Nm at 1800 to 3000 rpm. The D2 has a 2.5L mDI CRDe engine and can churn out power of 95 bhp at 3,600 rpm and a torque of 220 Nm at 1,400-2,600 rpm. m-Eagle engine is a revolutionary engine technology that helps deliver greater power output and enhanced fuel efficiency. A 5-speed manual transmission along with a power-assisted rack and pinion steering is standard for all variants for an easy and comfortable drive. A four-wheel drive configuration and an automatic transmission may be in the offering for future variants, but are currently not part of the line-up. Xylo can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in just 6.6 seconds.

An independent coil spring front suspension with double wishbone type anti-roll bar and multi-link coil spring rear suspension form an efficient suspension system on the Xylo for optimum riding comfort. Ventilated front disc brakes and rear drum brakes decrease stoppage time during hard braking.

The exterior styling of the Xylo is breathtaking. It is a refined blend of bold, aggressive, masculine lines with sleek, modern, elegant curves. The bold grille in the front flanked by upper-brow styled headlights present the Xylo with an attitude of defiance. 15-inch steel wheels (alloy wheel options available) with tubeless tyres maintain precision balance and grip on and off the road. Furthermore, body-coloured integrated bumper, wrap-around taillights, and twin-coloured outside rear view mirror highlight the exterior beauty of the car.

The Xylo's spacious cabin allows for seating of seven to eight passengers comfortably. Comfort features like power adjustable steering, folding rear seats, height adjustable driver's seat, and flat bed front seats make driving the Xylo an enjoyable experience even through rough terrain. Convenience features such as surround cool dual air conditioners, mobile charging points, foldable flight trays, express power windows, courtesy lamps, and MP3 CD player are some of the thoughtful appointments available as either standard or optional on the various variants.

Safety doesn't take the back seat in Xylo. The tough steel body construction disperses impact energy away from the interior and passengers in case of an accident. In addition, the special crumple zone, tubeless tyres, engine immobilizer, and intelligent reverse assist enhance the safety of car passengers. However, intelligent reverse assist is available only in top-end variants, E6 and E8. ABS is optional only on the top-end E8 variant of Xylo.

Intelligent Reverse Assist system is one of the major innovations in the car industry that comprises a camera to the rear of the car, a computer, and a steering sensor. The camera records a live image of the parking area that is displayed on the navigation screen. Through the displayed image, the driver tries to fit the car in the best parking position. This innovation helps ease the pain of parking.

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The Hyundai Santa Fe is the latest attempt made by Hyundai to scorch the fast-growing SUV market in India. The Santa Fe projects itself as a luxurious SUV with sleek lines in the design and fulsome interiors. Every inch of the Santa Fe spells luxury. Add to that ground-breaking technology, exemplary performance and advanced features, and you will have a car that’s truly well-appointed. Dynamic driving, smooth ride, precise handling, and incredibly quiet interiors make the Santa Fe a much yearned for car in India.

Hyundai claims that the Santa Fe’s craftsmanship is inspired by the heart and completed with technology. True indeed! The Hyundai Santa Fe will be the company’s premium offering in India and is a technology showcase for the car maker.

There are two-variants on offer; a two-wheel drive only (4x2) and a four-wheel-drive (4x4) variant. They come in a choice of four striking colours Phantom Black, Sleek Silver, Vanilla White and Steel Blue that add another streak of sophistication and offer yet another reason why one should buy the Santa Fe.

The Hyundai Santa Fe luxury SUV is equipped with a 2.2litre (2199cc), four cylinder, DOHC (16Valve), CRDi engine along with an electrically controlled Variable geometry Turbocharger. The Variable geometric Turbocharger gets an additional electronic control that improves engine power and acceleration while also reducing emissions. The 2.2 CRDi produces 194bhp @ 3800 rpm and 420Nm of torque between 1800-2500rpm. The powerful and economical engine is paired with a slick six-speed manual transmission gearbox.

The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with all-wheel-drive which comes into action if the vehicle is travelling over slippery road surfaces such as now, loose sand or similar such other surfaces that call for better traction. It is predominantly a front-wheel drive and has a user-selectable 4WD option which stays powered on up to a speed of 40 kmph after which it goes back to being a front-wheel-drive SUV. There will be two-variants of Santa Fe on offer - a two-wheel drive only (4x2) and the four-wheel-drive variant (4x4).

The engine has been provided with peizo-injectors for precise fuel injection control and high fuel mileage. The ARAI mileage claimed by Hyundai is 14.66 kmpl and considering the company’s history of producing efficient CRDi engines, we believe it to be true.

McPherson Strut type suspension at the front and Multi Link Type suspension at the rear work wonders and make your rides one of the most comfortable on the roads. The luxury SUV features ventilated disk brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear.

The Santa Fe’s exteriors have been adorned with slanting headlamps and tail lamps, a flowing waistline, and flared wheel arches. The silver colour complements the vibrant look of the Santa Fe and adds a touch of extravagance. The interiors have been beautified with quality materials and the finest technologies. The high-rigidity body has been beautifully crafted and is designed for the most effective impact distribution in frontal or lateral collisions to minimize deformation.

The projector headlamps with their fresh yet classy looks add class to the Santa Fe’s front fascia while the body-coloured front grille with chrome embellishments accentuates it further. For better visibility on those naughty weather days, there are fog lamps with clear lenses. Thermal wires are built into the mirror to remove frost or fog for greater driving safety in cold weather, while the pleasingly designed side repeaters enhance the Santa Fe’s exterior appearance. The car has also been equipped with a rear wiper. The massive doors come with attractive hatchback handles that are gentle enough, yet offer great grip. The dynamic SUV image is accentuated by dual exhausts. Their design hints of the thrill you get when driving the Santa Fe.

The cosy two-tone beige interiors have been packed with luxury and convenience features. Three rows of seats have been neatly arranged and the driver’s seat is 10-way power adjustable. The interiors are flexible though, and four distinct spatial arrangements of the seat are possible. It allows for creation of ample cargo space on a business trip or carrying of odd-shaped items on a holiday. The third row of seats comes with independent blower control.

The interiors of the seven seater are so inviting you would want to sit inside longer, drive further and visit new places. The seats come with head restraints which in the event of a rear-end collision automatically move forward to minimize the possibility of head and neck injury. In spite of being an SUV, there’s no question of feeling tired while driving the Santa Fe. The car comes with tilt and telescopic steering, and you feel as refreshed at the end of your trip as you were when you started out.

The inside of the Santa Fe truly enhances driving pleasure. The attractive silver paint and exquisite overall design impression are a pleasure to behold. The chrome rings in the instrument cluster add streaks of elegance to the interiors. The diverse control buttons are arranged for easy use from behind the wheel. Gear changes are timed just right by the shift indicator allowing the driver to enhance fuel economy.

The audio quality is fantastic and the steering wheel too features an audio remote. A 6-disc in-dash CD changer system makes any genre of music sound extraordinary. The auxiliary, USB and MP3 ports permit plugging in of various external devices into the onboard sound system for unlimited music access.

The dual zone fully automatic air conditioner automatically adjusts the interior temperature to match occupants’ settings, thus ensuring optimal riding comfort. A fan, generating in plasma, cleans the air and suppresses bacterial growth in the cabin. There’s a cooler unit to keep beverages cool for a long time.

The front McPherson strut suspension delivers excellent rigidity and durability for superior handling and collision safety. The multi-link rear suspension improves ride and manoeuvrability and allows a wider interior space for maximum utility.

The car’s massive 18-inch alloy wheels truly display the Santa Fe’s aggressive nature. They feature a silica-based rubber compound that offers excellent grip on wet surfaces and reduced rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency. Hyundai Motor has made safety the top priority when designing the Santa Fe. Aggressive yet safe, the Santa Fe has been equipped with six airbags and a fairly advanced ESP system that works well with the Traction Control and ABS package the car.

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17.67 km/l (Overall), 2.0L I-4 Diesel
2.0 TDI Common Rail Diesel Engine
6-speed Manual, Fully Synchronized * Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Permanent Four Wheel Drive With Haldex Clutch. Hill Descent and Off-road Traction Control. Stylish and Luxurious Interiors. Engine Immobiliser with Floating Code System. Spacious Passenger Cabin with Five Individual Seats. Six Airbags. Electronic Differential Lock (EDL). Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control.

Interestingly, the Skoda Yeti is the only SUV in the Skoda portfolio and borrows a lot from the company’s illustrious lineage. The Yeti has one of the most perfect combinations of safety, functionality and comfort, which we can see in the interior as well as the exterior of the vehicle. The Skoda Yeti has been manufactured to take on the rough and rugged Indian roads.

Skoda has launched the Yeti in two variants: Ambiente and Elegance. The Crossover SUV comes in a choice of six very appealing colors including Mato Brown, Brilliant Silver, Aqua Mist, Candy White, Magic Black and Corrida Red.

The Skoda Yeti Crossover SUV is equipped with a 2.0 TDI common rail diesel engine that is also found in the Laura and the Superb. The engine is capable of producing 138.1bhp @ 4200 rpm and a top torque of 320Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm. The powerful engine is paired with a manual 6-speed fully synchronized gearbox. Much similar to the Laura and Superb, the clutch sometimes slips and causes the car to stall, but once you raise the revs and release the clutch, the powertrain works amazingly fine.

The Skoda Yeti is equipped with a permanent four-wheel drive with automatic torque distribution and Haldex clutch. The Haldex torque sensing four-wheel drive system helps you to transfer up to 90 per cent torque to the rear wheels, and enables you to handle slushy roads with a lot of ease.

McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer at the front axle and multi-element axle, with one longitudinal and three transverse links, with torsion stabilizer at the rear axle make the ride in the Skoda Yeti smooth and comfortable.

When it comes to speed, the Skoda Yeti is surprisingly quick. Within a span of over five seconds, the crossover SUV can reach 0-60 kmph, and it takes just about 10.78 seconds to reach 100 kmph from a standstill. The Skoda Crossover SUV can reach a top speed of 185 kmph.

Usually driving in the 4X4 mode increases the fuel efficiency of a car. However, the Yeti, with its advanced technology, scores big when we are talking fuel efficiency in a 4X4 crossover. The Skoda Yeti gives an excellent fuel mileage of 17.67 kmpl.

The Skoda Yeti comes across as a unique and rugged looking crossover SUV, and yet it maintains the tank-like signature style of Skoda. The bold radiator grille with chrome surround clearly states the Skoda brand feel. Another Skoda characteristic feature is the Skoda pressing rising from the logo in the middle of the radiator grille.

The functional design of the crossover is emphasized by higher positioned headlamps and fog lamps. At the rear, the taillights go all the way to the wings, and when activated, the traditional ‘C’ lights up. The rear fog lamps are unique too. The Yeti features a black, textured rear bumper with a silver coloured brush guard, which adds to the off-road looks of the car.

But don’t be deceived with its rugged exteriors. The interiors of the Yeti are absolutely luxurious and soft. The Yeti features five individual seats, with those in the rear featuring the unique VarioFlex system. The Yeti has the ability to easily adapt to your various storage needs with its maximum cargo space.

Both front seats of the Yeti are height adjustable and come with adjustable lumbar support. The dashboard and central console are well designed. The dual tone interior design of the Yeti gives it a lavish stance.

In-car entertainment is superb in the Skoda Crossover. The Yeti is equipped with a 6.5 inch LCD TFT Colour Touch Screen, which also doubles up as a display for the Climatronic and Parktronic systems. The audio controls are placed on the steering wheel for ease of use. The Skoda Yeti features eight speakers and an integrated six-CD changer system, and is also equipped with an auxiliary audio input system as well as an SD/MMC data card reader.

The Skoda Yeti is equipped with a Climatronic system that comprises of electronically controlled dual zone air conditioning for the left and right sides of the cabin. Additionally, its Air Quality Sensor (AQS) constantly monitors the quality of the air circulating within the vehicle.

The safety features in the Skoda Yeti Crossover SUV include Engine Immobiliser with floating code system, remote central locking for the doors and the boot, Hill Descent Control, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), airbags and active head restraint among many others.

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06 December, 2010 General Motors India has said that it will increase its car prices by up to two-and-half per cent across models due to increasing input costs.
“We will be increasing the prices of our models between 1.5 and 2.5 per cent from January first week next year to offset rising input costs. The increasing input cost is our biggest concern. After the commodity prices reached its bottom, now all materials like steel, aluminium and rubber are rising and Some component prices have increased between 5 and 10 per cent.” General Motors India (GMI) Vice-President P Balendran said.
GM’s last price hike came in June-July this year. GM recently crossed the one-lakh sales mark in a calendar year for the first time since its inception in the country.

The company plans to enhance its dealership network to 300 from current 219 by March 2011.
“We will open more dealers in the Tier-II and Tier III cities coming days. We will increase our dealership network to 240 from present 219 by this month-end," he said adding "the dealership network will increase to 300 by March 11.”
General Motors plans to launch six new vehicles in the Indian market including, van, hatchback, small car and SUV.

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11/14 km/l (city/highway), 2.2L I-4 Diesel
2.2L Turbocharged In-line 4 m-Hawk, 120 bhp, Diesel
5-Speed Manual Transmission (MT)
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (AT) * Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

India's first BS IV Car. Revolutionary Micro-Hybrid Technology. Powerful mHawk Diesel Engine. Effortless Acceleration. Fire Retardant Upholstery. Excellent Driving Experience. Automatic Transmission only on Top-End Variant.

The Scorpio is a gentle yet powerful SUV from Mahindra & Mahindra. The new Scorpio reflects the muscular DNA of Mahindra with its aggressive stances, muscular adornments, strongly toned form, and revolutionary engine technology.

The first Mahindra Scorpio introduced in 2002 had set new benchmarks in the industry with its innovative styling, structure, and automotive technology. Since then, the SUV has undergone various modifications and changes to continue its story of domination.

The new Scorpio rightly tagged as 'Mighty Muscular' continues to retain Scorpio's worth and credibility in the market. It is introduced with a more powerful mHawk engine and revolutionary micro-hybrid technology. It also confirms to strict emission norms and makes the new Scorpio India's first BS IV car.

The Scorpio is available in following variants: LX, SLE, VLX BS3, VLX BS3 HE AIRBAG, VLX BS4, VLX Automatic and VLX BS3 HE AIRBAG Special edition. The heart of all the variants is a refined 2.2-litre 4-cylinder mHawk diesel engine that is mated to revolutionary micro-hybrid technology. The engine generates a whopping 120 bhp of power and propels the car from 0 to 60 km/h in just 5.7 seconds.

The advanced mHawk engine is one of the most recent innovations in the Indian car industry and in the new Scorpio it is optimized for higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions. It is supported with Bosch common rail diesel technology with solenoid injectors to give an incredible boost to mileage and also help conserve the environment. Moreover, the mHawk's new 2-stage chain drive system and hydraulic lash adjuster drastically reduce the level of engine noise resulting in smoother and quieter operation.

In addition, the micro-hybrid technology enables the engine to intelligently switch off when the car is idle, eventually lowering fuel-consumption and reducing pollution. The system automatically starts the engine again when the clutch pedal is pressed. It also makes the car compliant to BS IV emission norms.

The SUV is linked to a 2-wheel drive with independent front with coil springs and anti-roll bar or a 4-wheel drive torsion bar front suspension. A multilink rear suspension with coil springs provides good ride stability and comfort.

A 5-speed manual transmission comes standard on the 2009 Scorpio and a 6-speed automatic transmission is present on the top-end VLX Automatic variant. The automatic transmission is fitted with user engaged and auto engaged modes for an excellent driving experience.

Under the user engaged mode is the 'N' and 'W'. 'N' is the normal mode for ordinary driving conditions and 'W' is the winter mode that can be switched over to on icy and slippery roads to improve the car's stability. It also has an additional 'M' mode that is the manual/engine brake mode that utilizes braking force of the engine for enhanced control on steep descents.

In the auto engaged mode there are 'Uphill and Downhill Mode' and 'Fast-Off Mode'. Uphill and Downhill Mode is the basic control unit of the transmission system that implements relevant gear shifts whereas the Fast-Off Mode helps to avoid any kind of rapid gear changes in case the driver releases the pedal quickly.

The Scorpio is aggressively structured with a well-toned body structure complemented by an imposing new front grille with a glint of chrome in the middle, gladiator-like wraparound bumpers, sporty decals, illuminated spoiler, and electrically-powered outside rear view mirrors. The stimulating new bonnet scoop with its low-drag intake design keeps the Scorpio cool and calm and the new chunky door handles add extra muscle to the car. Furthermore, the embossed side cladding and the sporty new fog lamps add expression to the car's aggressive characteristics. The seamlessly integrated rear footsteps further lead to admiring glances.

On the inside, the car is draped in rich and unique fabric accented with dual colour themes. The ergonomically designed seats of the car are fitted with new foam contours and 'Body Pressure Mapping' to enhance seating comfort and push refined comfort to new heights. In addition, the race-inspired gear knob, steering wheel mounted controls, styling parking brake, and 2-DIN audio system complemented with aesthetically designed controls, highlight the beauty of the intimate ambience. The centre of the cabin, with a futuristic centre bezel, reflects a mix of modern and classic touch.

When it comes to safety, the new Scorpio is packed with a host of advanced technologies like the anti-lock braking system, cruise control, fire retardant upholstery, crash protection crumple zones, tubeless tyres, smart rain and light sensors, and digital engine immobiliser. The 2009 Scorpio is also equipped with an Intelligent Parking System that warns the driver about any obstacle while reversing and a 'Tyretronics' system that gives live update of the exact air pressure and temperature in each of the car's tyres.

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9.7 / 13.4 km/l (city/highway), 2.6L I-4 Diesel
2.6L turbocharged CRDe, 115 bhp
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) * Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Multi-function Steering Wheel 'Follow me home' lamps Theatre style interior illumination. Headlamp leveling switch. Fire resistant upholstery. Stylish Body Decals.

Mahindra and Mahindra launched its global lifestyle SUV Scorpio Getaway in India on June 21st. Scorpio Getaway hails from the pick-up segment or the lifestyle SUV segment. Mahindra Scorpio Getaway is a new category offered from the Scorpio stable. It is built on the Scorpio platform. It is designed keeping the younger generation in mind and their needs for SUV. Scorpio Getaway is launched in two versions - Getaway 2-wheel drive and Getaway 4-wheel drive.

Both the variants are powered by a 2.6L turbocharged engine SZ CRDe, turbo-charged and Common Rail Diesel Engine. The exterior and interior are classy. The sporty decal, full wheel caps and two tone interiors add up to its overall look. Getaway' gear shift offers five speed manual transmissions for smooth drive. This vehicle gives a tough competition to Ford Endeavour and Mitsubishi Pajero.

Mahindra Scorpio Getaway is propelled with 2.6L turbocharged engine SZ CRDe, Common Rail Diesel Engine with an output of 115 bhp and torque of 277NM. The two-wheel drive is enhanced with a 5-speed manual transmission and covers 0 to 100 kmph in 19.7 seconds. The 2,609 cc, in-line 4 comes with 2 valves per cylinder, where as the 4-wheel drive comes as an option.

The handling is smooth and comfortable. The front suspension is enhanced with double wishbone with torsion bar and the rear suspension with semi-elliptical leaf spring. Stabilizer bar that acts as a shock absorber protects from bums on the road and keep the wheels in constant contact with the road improving the traction control. The braking is just adequate. Power and collapsible steering wheel comes with the 5.6m turning radius. Fuel tank offers 80 litre capacity and the vehicle also meets the Bharat Stage III Emission Norm Compliance.

Mahindra Scorpio Getaway is stylishly built that perfectly suits the Indian roads. The body coloured bumper, waterfall grille features the distinctive design. Wheels take their drive on 16" steel radial tubeless tires. “Follow Me Home” headlamps with head lamp leveling switch play as a convenient feature giving clear night visibility. The elegant grace of the interior invites you to step inside. The tilt adjustable power steering, electrically adjustable outside mirrors and the driver door mounted controls provide comfort to the driver. The instrument cluster includes newly designed and easy to access gauges providing precise reading. Front power windows and central locking system completely adds to the convenience. Seating looks comfortable allowing five passengers' capacity and full fabric seat with fire resistant upholstery.

Safety is taken care with collapsible steering column & split intrusion beams, Crash protecting crumple zones, power locks and anti-theft alarm with remote control.

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