Mahindra is on the verge of putting the Xylo derived pickup trucks on sale. The Xylo pickup will be sold in single and dual cab configurations.

Indian Autos Blog has brought you three other sets of spy shots of the Xylo pickups in 2010. Caught testing in the congested Porur junction in Chennai, this looks like a display vehicle heading to a dealer stockyard.

Due to the chaotic nature of the traffic, it was not possible to sneak closer and get a clear shot. To get a better idea of the interior, you can look at the On Test Xylo Pickup’s interior spyshot post.

The Xylo pickup should coexist with the Bolero pickup trucks. The fit and finish is a testimony to its commercial nature. Unlike SRK’s rendering of the Xylo pickup almost two years ago, this will not be positioned as a lifestyle product.

Shoeb R Kalania's sketch of the pickup from April 2009

We have no reason but to believe Mahindra will use the 90bhp 2.5-liter mDI CRDe engine from the D2 Xylo variant on the pickups and marry them to the 5-speed manual transmission. Whether demand for pickup trucks is picking up or not, there will be plenty of takers for the product away from India.

Tagged as: Mahindra Xylo pickup, Xylo pickup

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The uber expensive hatch of India, may be up for a pleasant change. Honda’s very own Jazz may sit on the top of all super minis when it comes to price, but a lacks a quintessential feature – an Automatic Transmission.

Even its closest rival Hyundai i20 comes with this feature. And more importantly, for people who are willing to spend a sedan’s money on a hatch, this feature is certainly deal maker or breaker.

As the number of car sold in the Indian market with an Automatic box is on the rise, Honda will certainly be thinking on similar lines. The spyshots ‘thought to be’ of a face-lifted Jazz may just be a mildly modified Jazz with an Automatic transmission.

If you consider Honda’s previous product cycles, you will notice that the Japanese Czar doesn’t update products very quickly. The Civic took almost 5 years to just a mild facelift. Considering that timeframe, the Jazz is just a 2 year old baby.

Honda Jazz facelift has new alloys and bumper

Plus, the international Jazz comes with rear LEDs which are missing from the spotted test mule. The Indian Jazz might lack many of the features found on the international model. Honda might want to bring in a facelift and hope the exercise will improve numbers. Honda is also working on a compact diesel engine for the Jazz.

Honda Jazz facelift features a reworked front-end

If Honda is thinking of getting an AT box, we presume it would be a CVT one. But the real question is how much more would the AT version cost over and above the current one? The answer will only be revealed later this year.

Source – autocarindia.com

Tagged as: 2011 Honda Jazz, 2011 Jazz, Honda Jazz facelift, new Honda Jazz

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After wining countless awards this year, the Ford Figo has established itself as a strong contender for the customer’s money. It is certainly a good, solid product with an established fan following in a very short amount of time.

Clearly, Ford is not going to rest on its laurels. Here we have spied by our regular reader Muthu Narayan a new Figo being tested on one of the main roads of Chennai. This gives rise to a host of new possibilities.

Is this a Ford Figo 1.6 with AT?

The one thing that Ford’s baby lacks right now is an Automatic Transmission. As the sale of automatic cars is on the rise, it would be foolish for Ford’s part to not provide that option. And being an American Manufacturer, Automatic is certainly their home territory

This could also be the ‘Hot’ version of the Figo with a 1.6L engine that is currently exported to the Middle Eastern markets. Point to be noted is that the 1.6L Figo is already an automatic version. With the Germans betting big on the 1.6L hatch market, I am sure the Americans will not want to stay behind (though the Figo, Ikon, Endeavour and the Fiesta have not seen America, were not developed in America and don’t know where it is)

All things said; there is certainly something cooking the Ford camp.

But if you were given an option which one would you put your money on – A 1.6L Figo or a Figo AT? The comments section awaits your opinion.

Tagged as: Figo 1.6, Ford Figo 1.6, Ford Figo AT

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Will this product make sense for India?

So many auto manufacturers are planning mini SUVs for India, and the Sonic-based SUV could kick up some serious rivalry.

General Motors India is exploring various body style possibilities on the J300 platform that underpins the Sonic. It emerged recently that a SUV based on the new Aveo (now known as Chevrolet Sonic) had come together at the design studio in Korea.

Since there are no signs of the sedan or hatch for India, it is unrealistic to expect this mini SUV to arrive here anytime soon.

If at all General Motors brings this model to India, they have to fit it with a locally made diesel engine. The 1.3-liter Multi-jet engine is the best bet for such a model along with the Beat’s 1.2-liter petrol engine, if this model is going to be under 4 meters long.

The localization content must be severe for it to be priced aggressively. Since GM India will have the Sail twins and the Aveo twins along with the existing Aveos sharing dealership space, it is very tough to determine where this SUV will fit.

Source – autoblog.com

Tagged as: Chevrolet Sonic crossover, Chevrolet Sonic CUV, Chevrolet Sonic SUV

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During a casual stroll around Mumbai, our rendering champ Shoeb R Kalania spotted a black Audi A7 with no badges or logos in the crowded streets of Mahim.

Audi A7 spotted in Mahim, Mumbai

Audi India is expected to launch the A7 in India once the A8L has settled down in India. The Audi A7 made its global debut in July 2010 and now we have for you the first spy shots of this car on Indian soil.

In all probability the variant caught testing is a 3.0 V6 Diesel. This 5 door coupe has massive road presence (16.31 ft. long and 6.27 ft. wide and 4.66 ft high) with its striking LED’s upfront and the its stunning shape.

The lines of a coupe are unmistakable and the car has a slight resemblance to the new gen A8.

On the inside too the car oozes of luxury with high quality leather, wood and aluminum finish all around and obviously the technology that is on board.

Audi A7 is a massive and stylish 5 door coupe

This car is a driver centric car and hence will sell in very minuscule numbers here in India but anyhow is sure to grab eyeballs. India debut is expected sometime middle of 2011, with pricing expected to be upward of 70 lakh.

Tagged as: Audi A7, Audi A7 India

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We have another exclusive today morning. A really massive one.

Caught somewhere in Pune, this Lunar Silver top-end variant looks like any normal Tata Nano on test.

Until you look at the hinge at the rear windshield.

According to the Ragav who sent this picture in, the entire tailgate will not lift up like a hatchback. Instead, the rear windshield will hinge on mounts provided on the roof. The glass can be pulled upwards to gain access to the area behind the rear seat. Observe the circled area of the image.

Confusion still exists as the parcel shelf will not permit items to be tossed into the luggage area. Perhaps the new model will come with a detachable parcel shelf or will lack one altogether?

The Tata Nano upgrade is expected with many goodies including electric power steering, 5-speed manual transmission and improved interiors.

Tagged as: Tata Nano, Tata Nano facelift, Tata Nano plus, Tata Nano upgrade

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Rushlane has posted spyshots of the upcoming Tata Safari facelift from a friendly encounter in Pune. As we have stated many times, the new Safari is going to be an improved variant. It will retain the existing mechanicals and has no connection to the Aria platform as some others suggest.

The new Tata Safari's front end will be redesigned

The new Safari will have a tweaked gearbox and steering system, better suited for city commutes. The suspension system has also adapted better to our road conditions according to our sources and the 2.2-liter DICOR engine is better refined.

The interiors, as we reported earlier, has received minor touch ups. There is a faux wood panel adjacent to the instrument panel. The AC vent, from these pictures, appears to have changed in line to the Vista and the Aria. The blue background lighting is a nice touch.

2011 Tata Safari's interiors will not differ radically

No major changes on the sheet metal is expected despite thick camouflaging on these test mule. The front fascia will be heavily reworked, but otherwise, expect the same features and fittings.

Source – rushlane.com

Tagged as: new Tata Safari, Safari Merlin, Tata Safari Merlin

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Our regular reader Hari who lives in Chennai spotted this Verna RB (RB is the codename of this vehicle) test mule standing across the street.

The Verna RB is months away from reaching showroom floors, but it is making waves already. It has been unveiled in China as the new Verna. In Korea, Hyundai sells this car as the new Accent and Russia has seen this car as the Solaris concept.

Examining the pictures closely, one can see the i20 connection straight away. The steering wheel is from the i20's inventory. The key hole, speedometer dial, driver side AC vent, door locks, rear view mirror and the two-tone dashboard are straight from the i20 Asta variant.

The car is expected to be more comfortable and spacious than the i20. The rear seats appear a lot bigger, but the downside is the absence of a height adjustable head rest. Hyundai has provided a central arm rest for the rear passenger that shouldn’t hide anything more than an ash tray and a cup holder.

Hyundai is going to finish parts of the door with dull gray. Blacked out pillars and fluidic sculpture design philosophy should keep the side profile interesting. Despite a lot of camouflaging, the Verna RB did not appear bigger than the Honda City.

At this point, we believe engine displacements will remain same as the currently running Verna. The 1.5-liter diesel and 1.6-liter petrol will be offered. Technology might be supplemented and performance and refinement are expected to improve.

Hyundai is eying the Honda City with the new RB and perhaps the 1.6-liter diesel engine coupled to an automatic transmission and useful features like parking assist, steering mounted audio controls and a spacious passenger compartment is going to help them gain a good percentage of market share.

Tagged as: Hyundai RB, Hyundai Verna RB, new hyundai verna

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A member of the popular auto enthusiast forum The Automotive India managed to snap the Hyundai Verna RB test mule in Chennai city. The pictures are not clear due to poor light.

The most valuable learning is the test car had an automatic transmission.

The Verna RB is expected in India by the end of 2011 with the same petrol and diesel engines tweaked to perform better. The future of the current Verna is hanging in the balance because the RB sedan will be positioned in the same price band. Since the Verna’s facelift last year, its numbers have been better so the saving grace might just be that. Hyundai can continue selling the current Verna in fewer trims.

The Verna RB will be manufactured at Hyundai’s Chennai facility this year. We think it will be here before Diwali. After the RB, Hyundai will bring the HA small car, Elantra MD and the Sonata YF.

Source – TheAutomotiveIndia.com

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What you see here is believed to be the next generation mini truck from Force Motors to take on Tata Motors, Piaggio and Mahindra.

We’re uncertain about the displacement, payload capacity or dimensions of the truck. Force Motors could position this under the Trump 15 whose payload capacity is rated at 790kg. Perhaps this is a half-tonne payload truck to take on the Tata Ace Zip, Mahindra Gio and Piaggio Ape mini truck.

The vehicles in that category have sub-500cc engine displacements and are used to haul loads inside city limits.

Do you have more information on this Force LCV? Why don’t you lay it down in the comment box below?

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Thanks to our friends at Auto Car India here are spy pictures of the 2011 Maruti Suzuki Swift caught testing in delhi. The new variant for 2011 has received an interior as well as exterior facelift. It is also noticeable that the new Maruti Suzuki Swift is slightly bulkier. Stay Tuned as we track down more details. For the moment here are the spy pics of the Maruti Suzuki Swift 2011.

Video : New Suzuki Swift 2011

Spy Pics : Maruti Suzuki Swift 2011

New Features on the Maruti Suzuki Swift 2011 :

Dimensions :

A larger Swift – Taller by 155 mm ( More Head Room).

New Length – 3850 mm Old length – 3696 mm.

New Width – 1695 mm  Old width – 1690 mm

Wheelbase – 2430 mm Old Wheelbase – 2390 mm

New Crystal Clear Lamps in the front and rear.

Engine :

The new swift does not receive any upgrades in engine specs. It will come equipped with the current generation’s swift engine.

1.2l K-series petrol engine

1.3l DDiS diesel

Expected Price Tag : Around 5 lakhs.

2011 Suzuki Swift2011 Suzuki Swift Hatch Caught WildMaruti Suzuki Swift Petrol To Get K-Series Powered Engine Mill Soon In IndiaMaruti Suzuki Swift Goes For A Saloon For ChangesMaruti Suzuki Swift Might Get K12 EngineTags: Maruti Suzuki Swift 2011, Spy Pics Maruti Suzuki Swift 2011

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Thanks to our friends at Auto Car India here are spy pictures of the 2011 Maruti Suzuki Swift caught testing in delhi. The new variant for 2011 has received an interior as well as exterior facelift. It is also noticeable that the new Maruti Suzuki Swift is slightly bulkier. Stay Tuned as we track down more details. For the moment here are the spy pics of the Maruti Suzuki Swift 2011.

Video : New Suzuki Swift 2011

Spy Pics : Maruti Suzuki Swift 2011

New Features on the Maruti Suzuki Swift 2011 :

Dimensions :

A larger Swift – Taller by 155 mm ( More Head Room).

New Length – 3850 mm Old length – 3696 mm.

New Width – 1695 mm  Old width – 1690 mm

Wheelbase – 2430 mm Old Wheelbase – 2390 mm

New Crystal Clear Lamps in the front and rear.

Engine :

The new swift does not receive any upgrades in engine specs. It will come equipped with the current generation’s swift engine.

1.2l K-series petrol engine

1.3l DDiS diesel

Expected Price Tag : Around 5 lakhs.

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