Zen, the peppy little car we all loved, could make a comeback to the Indian markets by next year. Yes, you read it right; its about THE ZEN. Maruti may bring back the iconic name albeit in a different way you might have guessed. The company has been developing a car in India since quite a time now that is slated for a 2019 launch. Codenamed the Y1K, it is based upon the Concept Vision S showcased by Maruti during the Auto Expo (Delhi).

The new car will be slotted a notch above the existing Alto. The Vision S concept was based on the ultra-small SUV platform and was designed as the car for young, urban customers who want an SUV stance in their affordable vehicle. It had a refreshing design that was appealing to young people and we guess that Maruti would not change the design much.

Why a crossover design?

Well, the folks at Maruti got a pretty good response to the Ignis and they want to bank on the concept of a SUV-Hatchback crossover. Also, the current trend of our markets seems to be more inclined towards compact SUVs and the company would not want to miss out on it.

The original Zen was launched at a time when people had started to look beyond the successful Maruti 800 and wanted something else. The Zen was like a breath of fresh air in the segment with its new design and fun-to-drive nature, which made it an icon in our country. During its time, the car was a hot favorite among modifiers because of its sharp pricing, large engine (for its time) and precise handling among many other things.

Maruti would definitely wants to repeat history this time with the Y1K. The average car buyer now wants something new and has started to grow out of small-sized hatches. The recent success of some SUV-Hatchback crossovers reflect this too. By naming their car as Zen, Maruti can easily draw the necessary attention towards the new model without much marketing help.

The Maruti Y1K will, in all probability, use a 1.0-litre petrol engine. An AMT option, apart from a regular 5-speed manual transmission, could be on the cards as well. A prototype could come out for testing by early 2020 with a market ready model following later. This could result into one big success for Maruti if they turn it up right which they hopefully will do.

Via ETAuto

Also Read: Mahindra Marazzo MPV's twin barrel headlamps teased ahead of launch

American automotive behemoth Ford currently has no plans to bring any all-new model to our shores. This change in the company’s policy can to be attributed to many reasons, chief among them being the process of upgrading the newer models according to Bharat Stage VI norms (BSVI). The stricter emission norms mean the company will have to maker major changes to its cars and hence the lapse.

To keep the bandwagon running, Ford plans to rely heavily on facelifts of the current model line-up. Also, newer cars that are expected to arrive after April 2020 will actually not be independently developed Ford vehicles, but rather fruits of a JV between the company and other manufacturers like Mahindra.

Globally, the blue oval-badged company has reduced its platforms from 9 to just 5. This is part of Ford’s strategy to be competitive in emerging high-volume markets, such as India and China. The company plans to develop more versatile models according to the respective demands of this market, and is relying heavily on JVs for the plan to materialize. To let you know, Ford entered into a JV, last year, with Mahindra & Mahindra and both of them are looking forward towards profiting from each other’s strengths.

Ford could also launch the Ford Territory, in India, if it is inline with their plans. The Territory is a product of the Ford-JMC (Jiangling Motor Company) alliance and is based on the JMC Yusheng SM330 crossover. If done right, it could be a worthy rival to the Hyundai Creta.

Also, Ford and Mahindra are working on an SUV, which is reported to be based on the next-gen XUV500 (W601). The first product from this JV is expected to materialize not before 2020. The companies could also jointly develop electric cars, according to some reports.

As of now, ford plans to launch facelifted models of the Figo hatchback and the Aspire sub-compact sedan with new 1.2-litre dragon petrol engines, during the festive season. A facelifted Endeavour is also on the cards but that’ll not be coming before next year. It however remains to be seen whether Ford will bring the upgraded Mustang here or not, given the good response the car has received since its launch.

Via TOI

Also Read: Mahindra Marazzo MPV's twin barrel headlamps teased ahead of launch

August is turning out to be a great month for Indian car buyers. Almost all big auto companies are offering great discounts and buyback schemes, to grab a piece of the market. Top auto manufacturer Honda, too, is offering some big discounts this month. Let’s check them out.

Brio

Rs. 35,000

Honda’s stylish hatchback brio is being offered with a free one-year insurance cover upon buying the car. The car has a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 87 bhp of power and 109 Nm of torque. Transmission duties are performed by a 5-speed manual transmission. An Automatic transmission is also on offer. Honda Brio retails from Rs. 4.73 lakh and seems to be a good choice with the current offer.

WR-V

Rs. 60,000

The next car to benefit from Honda’s offer is the WR-V. The company is giving 50% off on insurance during the first year along with an exchange bonus of Rs. 20,000 on offer. It starts at Rs. 7.79 lakh, and is available with both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol powertrain is the same as what the Brio offers, while the diesel is a 1.5-litre unit outputting 99 bhp of power and 200 Nm of Torque. A 6-speed manual and an automatic option are available as transmission choice.

City

Rs. 65,000

The Honda City is among the most successful sedans of our country, and is currently on sale with some good offers. Honda is giving a full year of free insurance cover and an exchange bonus of Rs. 20,000 during this month. Engine choices for the car range between a 1.5-litre petrol producing 117.3 bhp-145 Nm and a 1.5-litre diesel, which is the same as the one doing duty in the WR-V. Both manual and automatic transmission options are available. Prices start at Rs. 8.77 lakh.

BR-V

Rs. 1.2 lakh

The BR-V is the company’s card for the compact SUV market of the country. It is also being offered with a free complete one-year insurance cover along with a Rs. 50,000 exchange bonus. You can get accessories worth Rs. 16,000 free with the car. Engine and transmission options are the same as the ones being offered on the city, and the car prices start at Rs. 9.45 Lakh.

CR-V

Rs. 1.65 lakhs

The Honda CR-V was the first soft-roader offered by the company, in India. Its famous for its car-like driving dynamics in a SUV-like body. Currently, the car is being sold with a whopping cash discount of Rs. 1.50 lakh. That’s definitely one big cash discount being offered on the car. It comes with two petrol engine choices, one a 2.0-litre unit while the other being a larger 2.4-litre unit. The former produces 154 bhp of power with 190 Nm of torque while the latter produces 187 bhp of power along with 226 Nm of torque. Prices start at Rs. 24.39 lakh.

Further, All the models are being given an additional corporate discount of Rs. 15,000. Its available to select MNC and government employees, and is applicable on select variants.

Also Read: Mahindra Marazzo MPV's twin barrel headlamps teased ahead of launch

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo played his first game in the Series A after making a sensational switch from Real Madrid to Juventus. Ronaldo, known to fans as CR7, is one of the highest paid footballers in the world and adds even more to his paycheck with numerous endorsements for brands across the world. Ronaldo’s garage reflects his lifestyle and his cars draw envious gazes just like he does on the field. Let’s take a look at some of the exotic cars that are part of his garage in Turin.

Bugatti Chiron

The Bugatti Chiron is the most powerful production car in the world today. Cristiano acquired the hypercar in September 2017.

The Chiron’s 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 engine produces 1.479 bhp and 1,600 Nm of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Bugatti claims that the Chiron can sprint to 100 kph in under 2.5 seconds and can hit 300 km/h in an eye-popping 13.1 seconds despite weighing 5 kilos less than 2 tonnes.

The Chiron’s top speed is ‘limited’ to 420 km/h for safety reasons. However, whispers emanating from the French supercar maker suggest it could hit 463 km/h. Bugatti is expected to test the claim sometime this year at the VW test track in Ehra Lessien.

Bugatti Veyron

The Bugatti Veyron was the previous record holder for the fastest production car in the world before its record was smashed by the Koenigsegg Agera RS. Christiano Ronaldo’s garage has seen a number of Veyrons go through its doors and the latest one is the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse.

The Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse is the fastest convertible car in the world and its 8.0-litre quad turbo W16 engine produces a humongous 1,184 bhp and 1,500 Nm, which allows it to sprint to 100 km/h from zero in 2.6 seconds and onwards to a limited top speed of 375 km/h.

Lamborghini Aventador

Cristiano Ronaldo garage also plays host to a Lamborghini Aventador. The Aventador, which replaced the Murcielago as Lamborghini’s flagship car, is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine that produces 691 bhp and 690 Nm of torque. CR7’s Aventador is painted in a stealthy matte black labelled by Lamborghini as Nero Nemesis. CR7’s Aventador sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3 seconds and has a top speed of 350 km/h.

Audi S8

One of the last cars Ronaldo acquired as part of Real Madrid was the Audi S8 sedan. Audi is a partner of the Los Blancos, which gifted cars from its line-up to the stars of the Champions League winning team. When Ronaldo was asked which Audi he wanted, he opted for the S8 sedan.

The S8 is a sporty version of Audi’s flagship A8 and is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 512 bhp and 649 Nm of torque. The large sporty limo sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h.

Maserati Gran Cabrio

Cristiano Ronaldo is the owner of the Gran Cabrio, a soft-top convertible from Italian sports car marque Maserati. Ronaldo’s trident-badged convertible is powered by a 4.7-litre V8 engine that cranks out 433 bhp and 489 Nm of torque. The Gran Cabrio from Maserati sprints from 0-100 km/h in a sedate 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 285 km/h.

Bentley Continental GT Speed

The Bentley Continental GT Speed is the go-faster version of Bentley’s flagship GT car and CR7 has been spotted numerous times in one. Propelling the Bentley Continental GT Speed is a 6.0-litre Twin-turbo W12 engine producing 602 bhp and 750 Nm of torque. The all-wheel-drive grand tourer sprints to 100 km/h from standstill in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 326 km/h.

Rolls Royce Ghost

Cristiano Ronaldo also has a Rolls-Royce Ghost as part of his fleet of exotic cars. The baby roller has been spotted numerous times with Ronaldo behind the wheel on his way to training. The Rolls-Royce Ghost is powered by a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 563 bhp and 780 Nm of torque. The Ghost wafts from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Ferrari 599 GTO

Ronaldo’s history with the Ferrari 599 is what you would call a mixed bag. While playing for Manchester United, he crashed his 599 GTB Fiorano in a tunnel near Manchester Airport. Thankfully, the crash didn’t deter him from putting down the cash for the manic limited edition 599 GTO. The 599 GTO draws power from a 6-litre V12 engine that cranks out 661 bhp and 620 Nm of torque. The 599 GTO sprints to 100 km/h from standstill in 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 335km/h.

Mercedes-AMG S65 Coupe

Cristiano Ronaldo loves his grand tourers and another example of this is the Mercedes-AMG S65 Coupe. The two-door version of the V12 AMG S-Class is powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 engine producing 621 bhp and 1,001 Nm of torque. The S65 AMG Coupe accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Mclaren MP4-12C HS

Cristiano Ronaldo also owns McLaren’s first-ever supercar after the legendary F1 in the form of the MP4-12C. However, CR7’s MP4-12C is one of just five cars to bear the High Sport name. The limited run of cars was done by Mclaren’s in-house custom gurus at McLaren Special Operations. The MSO Mclaren MP4-12C HS features a more aggressive front and rear bumpers than the regular car. The 12C High Sport’s engine has been tweaked to deliver 75 bhp more than the regular car and it cranks out 667 bhp.

Porsche 911 Turbo S

Another one of CR7’s new toys for his garage is the Porsche 911 Turbo S (991.1). The 991.1 Turbo S is powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat six engine producing 553 bhp and 700 Nm of torque. The Turbo S could up its torque output by 50 Nm thanks to its overboost feature. The Turbo S features rear-wheel steering and sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 318 km/h.

Image source: 3,5, 7, 9, 11

Also Read: Mahindra Marazzo MPV's twin barrel headlamps teased ahead of launch

The highly awaited Hero XPulse 200 on-off road ADV motorcycle could be further delayed. According to a report on IAB, the launch of the Hero XPulse 200 could happen before the end of this fiscal, which means the motorcycle could be launched anytime before March 2019. Weeks ago, another report pegged the launch of the Hero XPulse in December 2018. In the worst case scenario, there could be an additional 3-month delay in the launch of the XPulse 200 considering the fact that car and motorcycle makers generally avoid December as a launch month. This is because buyers traditionally wait for the new year to make fresh purchases.

The XPulse is expected to be priced at under Rs. 1 lakh, making it India’s cheapest ADV bike, undercutting the Himalayan by over Rs. 60,000. The XPulse will share its engine and gearbox with the recently launched Hero XTreme 200. The 200-cc engine has been developed in-house by Hero MotoCorp’s research and development wing, and is air-cooled. The four-stroke motor puts out 18 Bhp-17 Nm, and operates with a two valve, single overhead camshaft-equipped head. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard. This engine gets fuel injection as standard, and a single channel ABS will also make it to the production version.

Key attributes of the motorcycle includes its long travel front and rear suspension, high ground clearance, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity for navigation and a high-mounted exhaust system. The telescopic front forks get 190-mm travel while the monoshock rear gets 170 mm of travel. The bike rides on a 21-inch front wheel while the rear wheel is sized at 19 inches. 220 mm of ground clearance and an 825-mm seat height mean that the motorcycle will ride tall, which is something that’s perfect for an on-off road machine. An LED headlamp, knuckle guards, a bash plate and a 14-litre fuel tank will be standard on the motorcycle.

Also Read: Mahindra Marazzo MPV's twin barrel headlamps teased ahead of launch

The Toyota Fortuner and the Mahindra Scorpio are two of the most popular large SUVs available in India. So it comes as no surprise that these two have been pitted against each other. Here is a video in which the two SUVs engage in a tug of war against each other. However, the result is one that will surprise you.

The Toyota Fortuner and the Mahindra Scorpio met in a field somewhere in India. The Fortuner with its 2.8-litre engine producing 174 Bhp and 420 Nm of torque seems to be a clear favourite to win this tug of war contest considering the Scorpio offers just 140 Bhp and 320 Nm of torque. Despite the Toyota’s torque and power advantage, the tug of war match ends up in a surprising stalemate.

So what could be the reasons for this unlikely draw in a tug-of-war contest? Let us explain.

1) Both SUVs are evenly matched in 4×4 mode – Both the Toyota Fortuner and the Mahindra Scorpio are quite equally matched when in 4×4 mode. While the Toyota may have the power and torque advantage, the Mahindra Scorpio manages to match the larger SUV in terms of traction, which could be due to the fact that it is lighter than the Japanese off-roader. In an even fight, the draw is not so surprising.

2) No Off-Roading Tyres – Both the Mahindra Scorpio and Toyota Fortuner seen in the video are shod with regular , highway terrain tyres, which are no good in an off-roading environment. With equally bad tyres for roughing it, neither SUV has an advantage over the other in terms of grip.

3) Driver Skill – With both SUVs quite evenly matched it comes down to driver skill to win a tug of war. Usually, the driver who accelerates away first wins these battles. However, the Mahindra driver doesn’t seem to be able to use this to his advantage, allowing the Mahindra to eke out a draw. With such a clear advantage on offer, the skills of the Scorpio’s driver desert him in his moment of triumph, leading to the surprising result.

Also Read: Mahindra Marazzo MPV's twin barrel headlamps teased ahead of launch

We’re less than 2 weeks away from the launch of Mahindra’s hottest new offering for the Indian market – the Marazzo MPV. Developed to be a global MPV, the Mahindra Marazzo will be launched on the 3rd of September, 2018. Mahindra has been constantly putting out teasers in a bid to build momentum for the Marazzo ahead of its official launch. The latest in the set of teasers put out by Mahindra is the twin barrel headlamp that the MPV will feature. The twin barrel headlamps of the Mahindra Marazzo will have LEDs, which are soon becoming commonplace on most new cars. Notably, the MPV will have the largest footprint of a Mahindra passenger vehicle.

It’ll get a monocoque body and a front wheel drive layout as standard. An all wheel drive layout could be offered in international markets, and possibly even in India on the top-end variants. The Marazzo will be sold in 7 and 8 seat layouts. The MPV will get beige interiors with an interesting dashboard design where the gearshifter is integrated.

The MPV promises to be the most spacious offering in its class, and will offer high levels of comfort. Individual arm rests for the first four captain seats and roof mounted AC vents for even cabin cooling are two such features aimed at boosting comfort.

A newly developed 1.5 liter turbocharged diesel engine with 120 Bhp-300 Nm is expected to power the Mahindra Marazzo. While a 6 speed manual gearbox is likely to be standard, no word about an automatic option is out yet. In terms of pricing, the Mahindra Marazzo is expected to start from under Rs. 10 lakhs, and is likely to sit in between the Maruti Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta – two hot selling MPVs in India.

There’s talk of Mahindra positioning the Marazzo as a premium offering, and selling it through a special ‘Prime’ zone earmarked for premium offerings. These ‘Prime’ zones will be housed within existing Mahindra dealerships. All said, the exact price and positioning strategy for the Marazzo MPV will be known only at the time of launch.

Also Read: Mahindra Marazzo MPV's twin barrel headlamps teased ahead of launch

Volkswagen India has introduced a new add-on, extended warranty plan for its complete model line-up, which includes the Polo, Vento, Tiguan & Passat. The add-on warranty package can be availed before the expiry of the vehicles’ existing warranty. The extended warranty will then kick in from the day when the standard warranty expires, and will cover the vehicle till the last day of the 7th year/before 125,000 kilometers on the odometer.

Volkswagen has taken this step to give peace of mind to its customers. By protecting the Polo, Vento, Tiguan & Passat, Volkswagen owners need not fear any unexpected repair work or high part replacement costs. The add-on warranty can be availed 30 days before the expiry of the valid existing warranty or 15 days post expiry. To qualify for this warranty, the vehicle must have undergone the scheduled services with a proper record in the service history log.

All warranty repairs must be carried out by an authorized dealer only. The add-on warranty is not applicable on taxi/commercial registration vehicles. The add-on warranty cover cannot be transferred to any other vehicle and remains with the original vehicle only. Add-on warranty will cover crucial components of the vehicle such as engine, brakes, transmission, suspension, steering, fuel system, air conditioning and cooling unit, oil seals & electrical system. The overall conditions to avail add-on warranty and claim any damage is same for every model. The cost of add-on warranty will vary for the Polo, Vento, Tiguan & Passat. For specific details regarding the cost of the extended warranty, do get in touch with your nearest Volkswagen dealer.

Many automakers in India are now backing their vehicles with 7-year extended warranties, which are commonplace in international markets. Buyers opting for such schemes must remember that aftermarket modifications of any kind could potentially void warranty. So, it’s very important that buyers read the terms and conditions of the extended warranty clearly before opting for it.

Also Read: Lifting a fallen 200 Kg Royal Enfield is very EASY: Even skinny guys can do it [Video]

Fresh after launching the new Outlander 7-seat crossover in India, Mitsubishi looks set for a bigger play in the country’s SUV market. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross crossover is the next big thing from the Japanese brand, with a 2020 launch on the cards. The Eclipse Cross is expected to take on the Jeep Compass and the upcoming Tata Harrier SUVs in India.

This has been confirmed by none other than Uttam Bose, the managing director of Mitsubishi India, who said,

The Eclipse is mainly sold in the US market (presently). All the norms such as the emission norms and crash test norms are not a problem. But speed alert and OBD-II needs to be incorporated. It will compete against the Jeep Compass and the targeted year would be 2020. All things could be evaluated. There are lots of advantages if it is in their manufacturing plant (Renault-Nissan) because the entire line up of vendors research and development is all based there. It is a ready-made made thing. But when it comes to distribution it is us.

Notably, the Eclipse Cross is one of the first Mitsubishi vehicles that has been jointly developed by the Japanese automaker along with Renault-Nissan. Mitsubishi is now a global partner of Renault-Nissan, and is expected to share vehicles, parts, platforms and production facilities. The SUV sits on Mitsubishi’s GS platform that it shares with the Outlander Sport. The Eclipse Cross was first introduced in 2017, at the Geneva Motor Show.

The crossover is sold internationally with three engine options: a 2 litre naturally aspirated petrol (150 PS-198 Nm), a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol (150 PS-250 Nm) and a 2.2 litre turbocharged diesel (150 PS-400 Nm). CVT automatic and 8 speed torque converter automatic gearboxes are on offer, with both front wheel drive and all wheel drive versions.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is feature rich. From LED headlamps and 18 inch wheels to a host of safety options ranging from 360 degree camera to adaptive cruise control, the crossover has enough to make it a best-in-segment vehicle. It’s likely to be assembled in India through the completely knocked down (CKD) kit route. A starting price close to the Rs. 15 lakh mark is likely. At that price point, the Eclipse will take on the Jeep Compass and higher variants of the Tata Harrier.

Via MoneyControl

Also Read: Lifting a fallen 200 Kg Royal Enfield is very EASY: Even skinny guys can do it [Video]

On the 4th of October, 2018, which is about a month away, Hyundai will reveal the name of the AH2 code-named hatchback, which is highly likely to be called the Santro, with an additional suffix – like old Santro Xing.

The all-new Santro will be an entry level, tall-boy hatchback, just like the original model. The media preview of the Santro, which is effectively the unveil of the car, will also happen in early October. The car’s official launch will happen a few weeks down the line, by the end of October. The all-new Hyundai Santro will initially sell alongside the Eon, and by the end of the year, is expected to fully replace the Eon.

Other details about the new Hyundai Santro include the fact that it will be the first car from the South Korean automaker to offer an automated manual transmission option. The AMT that will debut on the new Santro will be used in a range of other upcoming Hyundai cars including the QXi code-named, sub-4 meter compact SUV and the all-new Grand i10. Both cars are expected to arrive in India next year. The new Santro will be sold with a petrol engine, with options for dual fuel layouts such as petrol-CNG and petrol-LPG for specific markets of India. A diesel motor will not be offered, even as an option.

Apart from the tallboy stance, the new Santro is expected to be larger than the Hyundai i10, a car that was discontinued a couple of years ago. Also, the Santro is likely to borrow the 1.1 litre petrol engine from the i10, which indicates that it would sit well above the Eon in terms of price and positioning. A smaller, 1 litre motor with a lower horsepower rating could follow, taking the new Santro lower down the pricing chain for it to eventually replace the Eon. Driver and passenger airbags, and ABS could be offered on the new Santro, which will meet the upcoming Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP) norms.

Also Read: Lifting a fallen 200 Kg Royal Enfield is very EASY: Even skinny guys can do it [Video]

After a long break of 8 years, Japanese automaker Mitsubishi motors is considering another comeback into the budget car segment with the Xpander MPV. The Xpander is a prominent rival of the Maruti Ertiga in international markets.

Mitsubishi India Managing Director Uttam Bose said that the company will concentrate on SUVs in the near future, and that it is considering the launch of the Mitsubishi Eclipse crossover and Xpander crossover-like MPV in the midsize segment.

Mitsubishi Xpander was globally unveiled last year as a midsize utility vehicle. The Mitsubishi Xpander is an SUV-inspired Maruti Suzuki Ertiga rival with a bulky, angular appearance. Essentially a people mover, Mitsubishi Xpander is a seven-seater model and is equipped with LED headlamps, LED taillights, touchscreen infotainment system, 16-inch alloy wheels and more.

The ground clearance is measured at 205 mm, which is quite good for a market like India. Mitsubishi Xpander measures 4475 mm in length, 1750 mm in width and 1700 mm in height as compared to the Ertiga which is 4,296 mm in length x 1,695 mm in width x 1,685 mm in height. This shows that the Xpander is bigger in every aspect when compared to the Maruti Ertiga.

The Mitsubishi Xpander will be powered by a 1.5-litre DOHC petrol engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) that can produce 105 Bhp and 141 Nm of torque. The engine will be paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The new Xpander comes loaded with safety tech as well and comes with ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, ASC, Emergency Stop Signal system and more.

Speaking about launch timelines, Uttam Bose said that the models are expected to arrive only after two years. The company’s focus will be on improving localisation over the next five years in the country. Mitsubishi India is currently operating with 38 dealerships and aims to expand to 45 outlets by the end of this financial year. Expected timelines of the launch of the Mitsubishi Xpander in India is late 2019 or early 2020. As far as the pricing is concerned, the MPV should be launched  in a price band ranging between Rs. 7-10 lakhs.

Also Read: Lifting a fallen 200 Kg Royal Enfield is very EASY: Even skinny guys can do it [Video]

India has always been a big market for SUV’s and off-roaders. Funnily enough, people often don’t need to go anywhere to do off-roading, as the roads themselves provide enough of a playing field with enormous potholes and absurd breakers. Jokes aside, there are many manufacturers in the country, which provide proper 4×4 SUVs at an affordable price, if you want an off-roading experience that’s the real McCoy. Here’s a look at some of the best ones.

Maruti Suzuki Gypsy

Much has been said and written about this iconic vehicle. The Gypsy has now reached the end of its life cycle, and is due to be replaced by the Jimny, but enthusiasts still vouch for its amazing off-road capabilities. It features a 1.3-litre petrol engine producing 80 bhp power, 104 Nm torque, and is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It also has a 4×4 transfer case with both high and low ranges. Both hard-top and soft-top versions are available. With prices starting from Rs. 6.21 lakh, it is easily the cheapest true blue off-roader that one can buy today.

Mahindra Thar

Successor to the iconic Mahindra jeep, the Thar was made with only one purpose in mind, off-roading. This gem of a vehicle takes inclines and slopes in its stride and also offers a 4×4 transfer case with both high and low ranges available. Currently, the Thar is available with two diesel engine options – a 2.5-litre DI with 63 Bhp-180 Nm, and a 2.5-litre CRDe with 105 Bhp-247 Nm. Prices start from Rs. 6.7 lakhs, making the Thar the cheapest diesel 4×4 available in the country.

Force Gurkha

Again an SUV built only with off-roading in mind, the Gurkha looks the part with its fender-mounted indicators and snorkel exhaust. The car comes with a Mercedes sourced 2.6-litre diesel engine producing 85 Bhp and 230 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed gearbox. It comes with spartan interiors with the AC unit being the only luxury, but then again, this one’s for true off-roading so that’s justifiable to some extent. What it does come with is differential locks (front and rear) and a 4×4 transfer case, proving its mettle. It retails at Rs. 9.15 lakhs making it a bit costly.

Renault Duster AWD

Renault brought in the all-wheel drive version of the car a bit late but they made sure that its a strong package when it arrives. A capable off-roader in a compact body, the Duster also makes for a good regular car in case you want to use it as your primary car. It comes with a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 108 Bhp of power and 248 Nm of torque and a 6 speed gearbox. Retailing at Rs.12.79 lakh, it’s an attractive option for those who want everyday usability along with some weekend fun.

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross

This car looks butch. It has a real imposing stance and class-leading ground clearance. Since not many manufacturers offer pick-up trucks in the country, Isuzu has a clear advantage here. The D-Max has the necessary kit for a cross-continental trip and then some. It gets powered by an 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox producing 134 bhp and a healthy 320 Nm of torque. Prices start at Rs. 14.31 lakhs making it a smart choice.

Mahindra Scorpio

Another Mahindra to feature in the list, the Scorpio, is another car which has enough said and written about its capabilities and off-road prowess. It features a 6–speed gearbox paired to a 2.2litre mHawk turbo diesel engine producing 140 bhp and 320 Nm of torque to take on any terrain. The SUV also gets a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system and retails at Rs. 16.34 lakhs.

Tata Safari Storme

A direct competitor to the Scorpio, the Safari Storme has been going strong since more than a decade now. It is powered by a 2.2-litre Varicor turbo diesel engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox with 154 Bhp power and 400 Nm torque on tap. The four-wheel drive system is the same Borg Warner unit as the one on the Scorpio. This able-bodied SUV retails at Rs. 15.91 lakhs.

Tata Hexa

While many may argue that the Hexa is not a true SUV, it for sure has good off-roading manners. We even posted a video on our website, which shows Hexa’s off-roading prowess. While it’s crossover looks may polarise opinions, in terms of performance the Hexa comes with a 2.2-litre engine good enough for a healthy 154 bhp power and 400 Nm of torque. It has a six-speed gearbox and is available both as a six-seat or a seven-seat option. Carrying a price tag of Rs. 17.89 lakhs, this one is a good choice if you have a family.

Mahindra XUV500

The XUV500 is the most premium offering from the Mahindra stable and rightfully so. Its imposing body and high ground clearance make it fit for off-roading purposes along with a powerful engine. It also gets a 2.2-litre engine producing 155bhp/320 Nm torque. It also gets both automatic and manual transmissions. The XUV500 AWD retails at a price tag of Rs. 17.85 lakhs.

Jeep Compass

Though it may be the most expensive SUV on the list and may seat only five, but man, this one is a real gem. Its high sales figures reflect the Compass’ popularity in India. Jeep is a name synonymous with off-roading all over the world and their affordable Indian entry is no different. It looks great, has a powerful motor to boot and can tame any surface you throw at it. It comes with electronic stability control, electronic rollover mitigation, hill start assist, dual airbags and Isofix child-seat mounts on the rear seats. It features a powerful 2-litre diesel engine producing 171 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. Coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox, this one can ride for sure. It is priced at Rs. 21.35 lakh, and though it’s a tad expensive, it definitely is a great SUV.

Also Read: Lifting a fallen 200 Kg Royal Enfield is very EASY: Even skinny guys can do it [Video]

Indian roads are famous for their unpredictability. You never know what you may come across even if a road seems clear. We recently did a story on how a KTM rider encountered a metal grille on road while riding at high speed. Today we bring you another video, which raises the same issue albeit a bit differently.

The video is apparently made using a dash cam fitted inside the car. In the video, we see mild traffic on what seems to be a highway. The car in subject is a Toyota Innova Crysta with ABS-enabled brakes. It is traveling at around 130-140 kmph and there is another Innova going at a similar speed, some distance ahead. Suddenly the Innova in the front applies its brakes heavily, and the Crysta, traveling at 140-150 Kmph, follows the action immediately. Now, a non-ABS car would get into an uncontrollable skid at such speeds, but thankfully due to ABS, the Crysta maintains traction. The car then comes to one side of the road and stops.

It seems the reason for such heavy braking action was some traffic cones lined up on the middle of the road with a Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire in the same soup, as the Innova later found itself in. But as already mentioned, we can’t blame the roads or obstacles, as these conditions have to be anticipated in India.

What saved these people is the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)-equipped brakes, which didn’t lock under such heavy braking. Under ideal conditions, upon being applied, brakes are most efficient at stopping the vehicles just a fraction of a moment before the wheels lock. Simply put, braking power is highest just before the wheels get locked. The ABS system just does that, avoiding the wheels to get locked by releasing the brakes a little bit at a point when they are about to get locked and then reapplying them. This takes places several times in a second to maximize the braking efficiency. In non-ABS brakes, if the wheels get locked under hard braking, the vehicles slips off into a mostly uncontrollable skid resulting many times into heavy casualties.

On roads such as ours, ABS is a necessary safety feature, which should be made mandatory by the government. Also, doing speeds, such as 130-140 Kmph is absolutely unsafe. Had the car been going at 80 or even 100 Kmph, there would have been no such drama involved, though we advise you to stick around 80 Kmph or the speed limit as applicable.

Video courtesy Velocedad

Also Read: Lifting a fallen 200 Kg Royal Enfield is very EASY: Even skinny guys can do it [Video]

There has been a lot of hype building around the two-door compact SUV Jimny and the hot hatch Swift Sport. Speculations were rife that Maruti Suzuki is planning to bring both or at least one of them to our shores. Well, it turns out that the company has left speculators speculating and is not going to bring any of those uber cool cars to the country. This was confirmed by CV Raman, R&D Chief at Maruti Suzuki, to ZigWheels during the recent Ciaz launch.

That the Jimny and Swift Sport will not be coming here might come as a definitive blow to many enthusiasts and potential buyers, but the reason for it is quite clear. Maruti has always been known for playing it safe regarding new model launches and positioning. The automaker feels that there is no big market in India for a two-door compact off-roading vehicle. The vehicles belong to a niche segment, and while many may show interest, few buy one for themselves.

A look at the sales figures of the Mahindra Thar and the Force Gurkha confirms this fact, though bitter it might be. The company also emphasised that it’s quite unlikely that anyone would pick the Jimny as their primary car. It would remain more of a recreational vehicle. With the Swift Sport too, Maruti has had a similar story to tell. While having already learnt its lesson the hard way by launching a hardcore version of S-Cross (1.6) and experiencing failure with it, the company is treading rather cautiously.

The Swift Sport, if launched anyway, would be too expensive – on the higher side of Rs. 10 lakh – and be seen as a niche product. Cars like the VW Polo GT, Fiat Punto Abarth and Baleno RS have rather sluggish sales. This points towards the fact that these vehicles are still limited to auto enthusiasts. The regular car buyer may show some interest but not always with the intention of driving one home. The average customer still wants a good, economical family car in the end. With this, both the Jimny and Swift Sport are now unlikely for India!

Also Read: Lifting a fallen 200 Kg Royal Enfield is very EASY: Even skinny guys can do it [Video]

Volkswagen plans to provide a facelift to its existing model of the Vento. With the competition launching fresher versions, the company too plans to revamp its models. Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen India, has confirmed to IAB that the company is working on changing the car’s appearance. “We are working on, obviously, some changes in the appearance of the car,” Knapp said.

The company will completely redesign the new vehicle in a couple of years, but for now they are aiming to keep up with its competitors by launching the facelifted Vento. Rendering artist Shoeb Kalania has worked on a render that shows the facelifted Volkswagen Vento in its best possible look. The render shows a new front taken directly from the sixth gen Polo.

It packs in a low-profile grille layout, full-LED headlamps and a redesigned bumper with more pronounced contours. It also features reshaped fog lights and cornering lights. The updated car also flaunts new machined alloy wheels. Some interior changes might also be on the cards. Volkswagen may introduce a revised instrument cluster, and an upgraded infotainment system along with new upholstery. The overall design and layout are likely to remain as is.

The Volkswagen Vento currently comes with three engine options – 1.6 MPI, 1.2 TSI, and 1.5 TDI. These engine options will be carried over on the facelifted model as well. The 1.6-litre MPI engine is a naturally aspirated petrol motor that produces 105 PS and 153 Nm of torque. The 1.2-litre TSI is a turbocharged petrol unit that develops 105 PS and 175 Nm of torque and the 1.5-litre TDI is a turbocharged diesel unit that delivers 110 PS and 250 Nm of torque.

Both types of transmission options are available, a 5-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. The car is expected to be launched by 2019. Also, expect Volkswagen to maintain the same clever pricing strategy. It now remains to be seen how it fares against the competition.

Also Read: Lifting a fallen 200 Kg Royal Enfield is very EASY: Even skinny guys can do it [Video]

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is India bound and will launch here in December 2018. The Interceptor 650 is likely to be priced at Rs. 3 lakhs which is Rs. 1.2 lakh more than Classic 500. At Rs.3 lakh, the twin cylinder, 650cc Royal Enfield will be as cheap as the 300cc Kawasaki Ninja, and more than Rs. 2 lakh cheaper than the cheapest Harley Davidson motorcycle sold in India. We spoke to a Royal Enfield dealer in Delhi who confirmed this price point.

The café racer version – Continental GT 650 – will be launched at a slightly higher price range as both bikes share engine and other mechanical parts. However, the design of the Continental GT 650 is completely different. Both models will not have any rival in this segment, as most of the bikes at this price are out and out sportsbikes.

The Royal enfield Interceptor 650 made its global debut last year, and the Indian debut at Rider Mania in Goa. In terms of styling, Royal Enfield has given retro design theme for Interceptor with round headlamps and a single piece handlebar, positioned quite upright, thus making ride more relaxed.

Lots of chrome has been used around the body, which will give the bike retro theme. The Interceptor 650 comes with 41 mm telescopic front suspension and dual gas charged shock absorbers at rear. The suspension will be tuned for a comfortable ride as the bike is meant mainly for street riding and relaxed touring. The brakes on Interceptor 650 consist of a 320 mm single disc at front and a 240 mm disc at rear, with dual channel ABS as standard.

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is powered by all-new 650 cc air-cooled, fuel injected, twin cylinder engine churning out 47 Bhp of power at 7,100 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is mated to 6 speed gearbox with slipper clutch, and the top speed is around 160 Kmph. The engine is tuned for good torque at all rpms, and the Interceptor 650 comes with 13.7-liter fuel tank. The company has opted for a fairly low 9.5:1 compression ratio on the new engine, and the fuel injected system comes from Bosch.

Via GaadiWaadi

Also Read: Lifting a fallen 200 Kg Royal Enfield is very EASY: Even skinny guys can do it [Video]

Royal Enfield riders know the pitfalls of lifting their heavy motorcycles if it ends up on its side on the ground. However, Youtuber Jabir E K shows off a method that allows even the skinniest of people can lift a 200-kilo Royal Enfield that has fallen onto its side in a way that ensures that you don’t hurt your back, or look like a fool while lifting.

The weight of Royal Enfield motorcycles, which weigh in at around 200 kilograms on average, can either give you a backache that lasts for days or makes you look like a downright fool for purchasing a heavy bike.

Following conventional wisdom, we are told to either pull the bike up or push it up. However, if you are on the skinnier side of the human weight spectrum or you don’t pump iron like a bloated wrestler, then trying to pull a fallen 200-kilo Royal Enfield up from the ground may see you end up flat on your back.

The other more commonly used method is to push the bike up from the side it has fallen on using the handlebar and the grab handles at the rear. While easier, this method puts pressure on your back which can result in at least a bad backache, slipped disc and in some case an injured back.

Jabir’s method, demonstrated by his younger brother, is a lot easier and puts less pressure on your back. First, the teen puts the side stand on and then puts the Royal Enfield Thunderbird into gear to lock the rear wheel. Then the teenager sits on the saddle facing the side the bike has fallen on. He then extends his hands to grip the handlebar and the grab handle.

Using his hands he pulls the bike up while pushing with his legs to help expedite the process. As the Enfield gets to a vertical position, he changes position before slowly letting the bike rest on the side stand. This method works even if your bike has fallen on the side where the stand is present. All you need to do is put the bike in gear, and pull and push it up using the method shown, before opening up the side stand and letting the motorcycle rest on it. So, next time you find your heavy Royal Enfield or any big bike on its side, use this method to save your self from both pain and shame.

Also Read: Lifting a fallen 200 Kg Royal Enfield is very EASY: Even skinny guys can do it [Video]

Planning to get a new thumping Enfield Classic 350 or a Bullet 350? Stop right there, we’ve got some news. Royal Enfield is planning to bring in dual-channel ABS for its 350 bike range. A post on Team Bhp by a forumer claims that the company will be launching ABS across the 350 range on 27th August. The bikes to be benefited are the Classic 350, Bullet 350 and the Bullet ES.

CarToq tried to confirm the rumour from several dealers and got a mixed response. Two dealers confirmed the development that ABS is on the anvil soon on the 350cc Royal Enfields but another dealer said that he had no information about the crucial safety upgrade. From the looks of it, the exact dates for the introduction of ABS on Royal Enfield’s 350cc Classic, Bullet and ES motorcycles could move up or down a bit, but it looks like Royal Enfield has finally bitten the bullet.

It must also be noted that the company is going to offer a dual channel ABS, which is much better than the single channel ABS system. In a dual channel system, there are separate sensors for both the wheels, monitoring locking and skidding under hard braking. Most of the bikes that feature ABS now use this system but there are some exceptions like the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200, which get a single channel ABS that acts only on the front wheel.

Technical specifications are likely to remain the same. Expect some minor cosmetic changes on the range, which could be inspired from the Classic Pegasus edition. The current 350 range engine is a 346 cc unit churning out 19.8 Bhp and 28 Nm of torque. Safety features like ABS are a must nowadays, especially in case of heavy Royal Enfield bikes that gain great momentum when doing high speeds.

While many may think that ABS is not much effective on low power bikes or bikes having less than 30 Bhp of power, truth be told, ABS is extremely necessary even in such bikes. It can mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations. If you are having definite plans to get a 350cc Royal Enfield from the Classic, Bullet or ES range, we recommend that you wait for a while and get the ABS version instead. You will have to shell out some extra money for the ABS-equipped bikes, but it’s definitely worth it.

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The Volkswagen group is set to unleash a series of cars and SUVs into India as part of its new plan to get a bigger piece of the Indian car market. The first vehicle to bear the Volkswagen badge as part of this new push into India will be the Volkswagen T-Cross SUV. The Volkswagen T-Cross, which will rival the Hyundai Creta in India, has been spotted completely undisguised in Brazil.

The T-Cross SUV spied in Brazil is bereft of any form of camouflage which allows us to have a clear look at the compact SUV’s design ahead of its official reveal later this year. The overall design of the T-Cross SUV seen on the test mule appears to be quite similar to the T-Cross Breeze convertible SUV first seen at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show but has enough brawny SUV styling elements to appeal to those who want something other than a Hyundai Creta.

The front-end features sleek headlamps joined together by a grille with three horizontal slats and the VW badge front and centre. The front bumper plays host to the multiple lights including the fog lamps along with a large air dam. Sitting underneath the centre of the bumper is a large silver skid plate which gives the T-Cross a more rugged look.

The Brazil-spec T-Cross SUV is underpinned by Volkswagen’s MQB-A0 platform for emerging markets and its wheelbase is a little longer (9mm) than the one on the European-spec SUV. This increased wheelbase length is seen at the sides of the SUV, where the rear doors are larger than the ones on T-Cross meant for Europe. This, combined with a less tapered roofline, should give passengers more room at the rear. A chrome strip runs from the bottom of the A-pillar and over the windows before tapering down towards the tail lamps. At the rear, the T-Cross SUV features a small spoiler on the roof and large taillamps with LED elements.

The Volkswagen T-Cross SUV for India is based on a slightly tweaked version of the MQB A0 platform underpinning the Brazilian version. The made-for-India architecture, dubbed the MQB A0 IN, will also underpin Skoda’s new 5-seater SUV along with more upcoming cars from the VW group.

Volkswagen will preview the T-Cross for emerging markets in November with the SUV set to enter India in 2020. However, Skoda’s version of the T-Cross will enter India ahead of its Volkswagen sibling. The all-new Volkswagen T-Cross SUV for India will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Skoda’s version the T-Cross and the Tata Harrier, among others, when it hits the Indian streets in 2020.

Spy Pics Source 

Also Read: Yamaha R15 V3 fuel tank panels falling apart, but owners now happy [Video]

Hyundai has pulled the wraps off the facelifted Elantra sedan, one of its global best sellers. The facelifted Hyundai Elantra is expected to be launched in India sometime later next year. It will compete with cars, such as the Toyota Corolla Altis, the all-new Honda Civic and the Skoda Octavia.

The main changes to the facelifted Elantra are in the design department, while the interiors get new features. Mechanically, the facelifted Elantra sold in India is expected to be more or less unchanged. The car will continue to sit in the D-Segment sedan space, with similar pricing as the current model that starts from Rs. 13.65 lakhs.

Talking of changes, the facelifted Elantra gets a completely revised front end with a new grille, new headlamps, revised bumper and fog lamp housings. The alloy wheels are new and that’s pretty much it as far as the changes to the sides of the car go. At the rear, new tail lamps and a bumper are the key changes. The number plate has moved from the boot lid to the bumper.

On the inside, a key new addition is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment console that packs Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. As for safety features, the facelifted Elantra gets a blind-spot monitoring system, a forward-collision warning system, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with active lane control and a rear view camera with cross traffic alert. However, many of these safety features may not make it to the Indian models.

In India, the Hyundai Elantra is currently sold with a 2-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine with 148 Bhp on tap and a 1.6-litre, turbocharged diesel engine with 126 Bhp. Both engines get 6-speed manual and torque converter automatic gearbox options. This combination is expected to be carried over to the facelifted car without any changes. A turbocharged petrol engine could also be introduced keeping the Bharat Stage 6 emissions in mind.

Also Read: Yamaha R15 V3 fuel tank panels falling apart, but owners now happy [Video]