Audi's new Armour A3; next big thing in India

Jaipur: This year is going to witness a flurry of luxury car launches from 'The Big Three'; Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW. It promises to be the fiercest competition ever to gain the pole position in India's luxury car segment. With over 10,000 units sold last year, Audi India became the country's numero uno luxury car maker. What made it more interesting was that Audi didn't introduce a single new product in its portfolio last year, yet it managed to outsmart its two rivals

The time has changed, Mercedes-Benz and BMW seem aggressive with their strategies and are ready with a series of new cars and facelifts for the Indian market. Audi India, too, felt a need of new product to counter the other two. While Mercedes-Benz and BMW are betting on their premium hatchbacks, Audi opts for different path to capture the major chunk of luxury car segment in India. Like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, Audi already has A1 premium hatchback which is currently on sale in several international markets. However, the company gambled on A3 compact premium sedan for the Indian market. In simple words we can say that like Mercedes opened a new segment with A-Class, Audi is all set to start a new segment with its A3.

New Nissan X-Trail, Qashqai and e-NV200 to debut at Geneva Motor Show

Jaipur: Japanese carmaker Nissan has announced its lineup to be unveiled at the 84th Geneva Motor Show. The company will further enhance its crossover lineup by introducing the all-new Qashqai and the new X-Trail. Adding to it, the company will also debuts the zero-emissions e-NV200 and the GT-R Nismo at the show.

The all-new X-Trail combines advanced 4x4 capabilities with a host of design and engineering features that have become hallmarks of Nissan crossovers. It comes equipped with several advanced features such as bi-LED headlamps, Nissan Safety Shield and a fully-integrated third-generation NissanConnect navigation and infotainment system.

Built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance Common Module Family platform, the all-new X-Trail also offers significantly improved practicality, with a new ‘theatre-style' seating layout, sliding second row of seats and fully-integrated third row of seats with improved leg and headroom.

Volkswagen Golf gets new GTE variant

Jaipur: Volkswagen has unveiled the first pictures of the Golf GTE – a new plug-in hybrid version of the multi-award-winning Golf hatchback that combines the benefits of electric mobility with the dynamics of a Golf GTI.



The Golf GTE is due to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. It provides the fifth variety of drive type for the Golf, which is now available with petrol, diesel, natural gas (not in the UK), electric and hybrid power. The name of the Golf GTE reflects its position in the line-up alongside the iconic petrol-powered GTI and the diesel GTD. Where ‘GT’ stands for ‘Gran Tourismo’, ‘I’ stands for ‘Injection’, ‘D’ for Diesel and ‘E’ for Electricity.

The Golf GTE is driven by two engines: a 1.4-litre 150 PS TSI direct-injection petrol engine and a 102 PS electric motor. Together, they combine to produce power of 204 PS and a theoretical range of around 580 miles. Using the electric motor alone, the GTE is capable of speeds of 130kph. With the TSI engine as well, the Golf GTE can sprint from zero to 100kph in 7.6 seconds and on to 217kph. Torque is a remarkable 350Nm.

In pure electric mode (activated at the press of a button), the Golf GTE can travel up to 31 miles, depending on conditions, and the electric power can also be saved – for example when driving to a zero-emissions zone. The 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged in around three and a half hours from a domestic mains outlet, or two and a half hours from a domestic wallbox. The battery weighs 120 kg, giving the GTE a total kerbweight of 1,520 kg.

The Golf GTE uses a six-speed DSG gearbox with a triple-clutch system specially developed for hybrid vehicles. The electric motor is integrated into the gearbox housing, while further hybrid components include power electronics and a charger. An electro-mechanical brake servo and an electric air conditioning compressor make for energy-efficient braking and air conditioning.

Cars get cheaper, Sunny, Fiesta and Linea facelifts coming soon

Jaipur: Fiat will be launching the facelift Linea on the 4th of March. The upgraded Linea gets a major revamp on its instrument panel. The exterior also gets a refreshed look too. The Linea facelift will be launched on the 4th of March. Just like the Linea, even the Ford Fiesta and the Nissan Sunny will receive facelifts. The Sunny gets a new front grille and bigger headlamps, while the rear also gets a major overhaul. On the inside it gets piano black interiors, new music system with Bluetooth connectivity and even leather seats.

Budget cut meant a reduction in car prices. This makes the buyers happy and this will certainly help the stagnated automotive industry to grow once again. Most of the manufacturers have passed on the benefit to the customers. On the other hand, Ford is working on increasing its touch base in India as it further expands its dealership network. The company now has 304 facilities in 164 Indian cities.

Mahindra is planning to roll out its flagship SUV, XUV 500, with an automatic transmission by the second half of 2015. The newly developed 6-speed AT gearbox would be sourced from Ssangyong, which is also a part of Mahindra group. Ssangyong's ongoing automatic gear boxes are out of fashion Mercedes-Benz gearboxes

Manu Saale new Head of Research and Development for Daimler

Jaipur: Manu Saale has been appointed as the new Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development in India. Scheduled to take over from the 1st of April 2014, he would be replacing Dr. Jens Cattarius the current Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development who is said to take on a new role in the R&D centre in Stuttgart/Germany.

“With Manu Saale, being multilingual and Indian-born, we appointed an international expert and global player at the head of MBRDI. We are confident that the transferring of important specific know-how and expertise within Daimler R&D will further solidify MBRDI’s position as a strong player of Daimler’s global RD-network. We are committed to India and underline our confidence to this important growth market for Daimler. I am wishing both Dr. Jens Cattarius and Manu Saale all the best for their new assignments and thank both for their strong contributions and commitment to our company”, commented Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

In his address, he also expressed his sincere thanks to Dr. Cattarius for his commitment and achievements within the last three years, where MBRDI anchored itself within Daimler’s global R&D network and steadily grew to become the largest facility outside Germany.

2014 Skoda Superb Facelift Photo Gallery

Skoda Auto India has finally introduced the facelift version of its flagship seda, Superb at Rs. 18.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The sedan receives changes to both the exterior and interior. The front fascia gets a new butterfly grille, Octavia-like bumper, and new Bi-Xenon headlamps with integrated daytime running lamps. The rear profile gets a newly designed taillamp and the number plate is now moved up to bootlid from bumper. For our readers, we brings you the live images of the Superb facelift sedan directly from the launch venue.

New Maruti Swift Sport unveiled at Auto Expo

India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki has unveiled the sportier version of its flagship hatchback, Swift at the Auto Expo.  Christened as Swift Sport, the vehicle was recently launched in the Indonesian market.  It is expected that Maruti could introduce the sportier version of Swift to make its presence felt in the hot hatch segment.

The new Swift Sport has an aggressive and eminent look. The front fascia sports new grille which is integrated with big and distinguished finned fog-lamp bezels. Its high-intensity discharge headlamps with a metallic-Grey coating and newly designed rear combination lamps with a cylindrical design.