The Contessa is a well-known name in the auto enthusiast circles. Produced between 1984 to 2002 by Hindustan Motors, it can be considered as the first and only Indian made muscle car. Though it was not an original design (based on Vauxhall VX), it was one of the few Indian manufactured luxury cars in the market when launched.

Coming to the car in question, this HM Contessa is what dreams are made of. It has been beautifully done by Chennai based firm Modsters Automotive. It is quite a well-known company and has many fine projects under its belt. However, one look at this and it instantly became our favourite.

The car now features an aggressive looking front facia consisting of a remodelled bumper, a new grille along with raked air intakes under the grille. To get things look more happening, it even gets a front spoiler which looks radical. And damn those eyes (read headlights) man, you’ll definitely fall for them. The headlamps now get a red LED surround lending it more character. The headlamp unit too has been completely changed is now a Bluetooth controlled LED unit.

The sides remain more or less the same with some tweaks here and there like the stylish rear view mirrors. The rear is the place where things get much hot again. The rear looks so good that some may rate it over the front. It now gets in-house made tail lights.

The tail lights are rectangular units with H-shaped brake light, housing indicators in between. They alone raise the hotness quotient of this car a notch higher. The bumper is also remodelled and there is a boot lid spoiler in place. Though not of much help for the aerodynamics, the spoiler for sure looks cool.

The whole car gets a Darth Vader finish (read glossy black) and looks as mean as it could be. The car now rides on custom 10 spoke, blacked out alloys and comes shod with low profile tires. There are also proper tyre stickers in place. The interiors also have been completely redone in Tan and has been given a temporary look. The interiors can be also made to order as per the customer preferences.

If you ever wanted to own a vehicle with ‘muscle car looks’ in India but didn’t have pockets deep enough to get one, this is perhaps your best shot at it. This Contessa, to say the least, looks intimidating and will not only make heads turn but rather get second or third glances too.

Also Read: Suzuki Intruder to Kawasaki Ninja 300: BEST 2 wheeler discounts of September 2018

Superhero movies are among the top grossing movies of all time. The genre has got a big boost since the last decade with people too getting more and more interested in such movies. Ever wondered what your on-screen superheroes drive in their real life. We have compiled a list of five such famous superheroes (actors actually) and two of their fancy rides. Take a look to know more about your superheroes.

Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark or Ironman)

Audi R8

Though he has done many popular flicks like Sherlock Holmes but his claim to fame is definitely the Iron Man franchise. The US actor also sports quite a good collection of cars as in his Tony Stark form. Seen here is a 2014 Audi R8 in white colour.

Nissan GT-R

The Iron Man also has Godzilla (read GT-R) stowed away in his garage. This one is a 2010 Nissan GT-R and is seen quite often in it. The black sports car is powered by 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that generates a maximum of 528 Bhp.

Dave Bautista(Drax the Destroyer)

Bentley Continental GT

The WWE wrestler tuned actor loves cars as much as you and us. The mighty framed Batista has many swanky rides in his garage. All his cars are painted completely white. This one here is a Continental GT which is among the world’s best grand touring cars.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP-640

Bautista also owns the original supercar slayer, Murcielago. This is one of the most desirable machines to ever have come down in market. The Murcielago LP-640 has a naturally aspirated 6.5 litre engine which churns out an earth shattering 631 Bhp of power. Interestingly, this car was also used in the Batman-The Dark Knight.

Ben Affleck (Batman)

Dodge Challenger Hellcat SRT

Though many still debate upon whether he is perfect for the role of Batman, we can affirm one the, the man has a perfect taste for cars. He got himself this brutal muscle car sometime back. The Dodge Challenger Hellcat SRTgets a 6.2 litre supercharged V8 churning out 707 Bhp.

Chevrolet Chevelle SS

This 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle tells us that Ben Affleck has a great taste for vintage cars too. The low slung, long bodied muscle car looks perfect to be in. the actor has modified the interiors and given them a modern touch.

Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk)

BMW i3

Off the big screen, Mark Ruffalo is just the opposite of that big green creature we’re used to see. And that reflects in his choice of cars too. The actor drives a simple and eco-friendly BMW i3. It was BMW’s first mass-produced zero emissions vehicle, launched as part company’s electric sub-brand, BMW i. As of December 2016, the i3 became the world’s third best-selling all-electric car in history, with over 65,000 units sold.

Tesla Model S

Another car which makes us stare in disbelief that whether it’s the same man who plays the Hulk. The Tesla Model S is an all-electric, zero emission car. It is powerful as well as electric, bringing in the best of both worlds. Apparently, Mr. Hulk likes to live simply off the screen

Chris Hemsworth (Thor)

Cadillac Escalade

The Australian handsome hunk is a true family man (sorry ladies, he’s taken). His preference of cars paints the same story as he mostly rides in SUVs. Talking about the car, the Cadillac Escalade is one of the biggest and powerful SUVs around. It has a6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine powering it, good for 420 horsepower. The hammer wielder has got one for himself in all black.

Cadillac SRX

Another Cadillac, this one is big enough to house his entire family, which includes his wife Elsa Pataky, his two sons Tristan and Sasha Hemsworth, and his daughter India Rose Hemsworth. The big burly SUV also matches his on-screen character.

Also Read: Suzuki Intruder to Kawasaki Ninja 300: BEST 2 wheeler discounts of September 2018

If you are planning to meet your friend over drinks on coming Monday (Sept 24th), you better exercise restraint or reschedule the plan as he is likely to ditch you. He might give you some lame excuse for not turning up but the truth is that he will be glued to his TV set, like other car enthusiasts. The good news is that Discovery Channel will air the first ever documentary on the iconic historic brand – MG (Morris Garages). Yes, it’s true. Aptly titled as The Art of Motoring: The Morris Garages Story, this 46 minute documentary is actually one of the best ways to get over Monday blues after a long hectic day.

The air is buzzing with excitement & we too can’t wait for the D day. If you too love sports cars & have even an iota of interest in vintage cars, we are sure you too are licking your lips in anticipation. Yes, the documentary will not only give a sneak peek into MG’s rich legacy starting from 1920s till today but will also take you through the merciless World War & the other tough times when MG fought through financial adversities & came out even stronger.

MG is regarded as an icon in the world of cars & this documentary is a once in a lifetime opportunity to know more about this British Motoring icon – Up, Close & Personal. We are personally looking forward to see the insights & trivia behind its iconic ads – “Your Mother wouldn’t like it “. And of course, one cannot avoid getting goosebumps once transported to the world of the MG Car Club where every MG car is a symbol of pride. The fact that MG is likely to launch their first SUV in India in 2019 also eggs us on to block our calendars on 24th Sept, 7pm.

They say, “Owning an MG makes you a family” & car enthusiasts like us are ready to be bowled over by the astonishing heritage of MG shared by generations spanning across six continents. Having been earlier to MG Car Club’s HQ at Kimber House, UK in 2018, our Editor Bunny Punia reinforces the feeling further, “I believe there are very few auto brands in the world that take care of its consumers like MG does. The die-hard MG fans & their stories at MGLive! experience in 2018 brought that passion to life. I am really looking forward to the Discovery documentary to relive some of those memorable moments “.

To find out more about MG, don’t forget to turn up the volume on 24th Sept, 7pm on Discovery Channel. Trust us, it will be worth the investment – a 46-minute peek into one of the most legendary auto brands, with each minute detailing various aspects that surround MG – love for design, motorsports, innovation, car clubs, die-hard MG fans who sat behind the badge and their indestructible bond with MG.

Stuck with a client meeting at 7pm? Don’t lose heart. You can alternatively watch the documentary at 9pm (24th Sept) on Discovery Tamil or Discovery Turbo. TLC will premiere the same on 29th Sept, 8pm while Discovery Channel will have a repeat telecast on 29th Sept, 6pm. You can choose the day & time from these 4 options along with the most comfortable spot in your living room as per your liking.

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Also Read: Suzuki Intruder to Kawasaki Ninja 300: BEST 2 wheeler discounts of September 2018

The festive season is going to start in full bloom and all the major auto companies have already pulled up their socks for it. The are offering huge discounts and schemes to lure customers towards their products. Lets take a look at the offers now. 

Kawasaki Z1000

Save up to Rs 5 lakh

Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki is offering a huge discount of Rs. 5 lakh on its Z1000 bike. Some time back the company was offering huge discounts on many of its 2017 models but most of them have now been sold out. There is still one unit of the Z1000 remaining at the Delhi dealership and the same is being offered with that huge discount. The bike has a manufacturing date of 2017 but will be sold as a brand-new model.

Kawasaki Ninja 300 (2017)

Save up to Rs 40,000

Another 2017 Kawasaki bike, the company’s Chennai dealership has a single unit of Ninja 300 in store and is offering a hefty discount of Rs. 40,000 on it. It’s the 2017 non-ABS model of the Ninja 300. However, the bike is a brand new unit and not an old one. The current Ninja 300 has replaced it some-time before.

Triumph bikes

Save up to Rs 60,000

There are many offers available on Triumph’s line-up and they differ from city to city. Starting off with Mumbai, a dealership is offering free accessories worth Rs 25,000 with the purchase of the Street Triple models. Moving onto the Bengaluru dealership, they are offering a benefit of Rs 60,000 with the Bonneville T100. You can either get Rs 30,000 worth of accessories and Rs 30,000 cash discount or Rs 60,000 worth of accessories.

The Kolkata dealer is offering Rs 60,000 worth of accessories with the Street Twin and the Chennai dealer is offering a 50 percent discount on road-side assistance and insurance. This totals to a savings of Rs 25,000.

Suzuki bikes

Save up to Rs 13,000

Suzuki is also offering good deals in different cities. Kolkata dealers are offering up to Rs 900 off on all bikes. A Mumbai based dealership is giving out a discount of Rs 2,500 on the Gixxer, Gixxer SF and the Intruder (all variants).Bengluru on the other hand is dishing out the biggest slice. Dealers there are paying for the road tax on the Gixxer, Gixxer SF and Intruder, equating to impressive savings of around Rs 13,000.

Yamaha bikes

Save up to Rs 2,500

Yamaha Delhi dealerships are offering a discount of Rs 2,000 on its whole range. Meanwhile, dealers in Chennai are offering a discount of Rs 2,500 on all motorcycles.

Bajaj bikes

Save up to Rs 2,500

Bajaj dealer Autodenin Mumbai is offering all of its bikes with a discount of Rs 2,500. A dealer Hari Bajaj in Chennai is offering free insurance for one year with all Pulsar models.

Hero bikes

Save up to Rs 2,000

Hero is giving discounts as part of company’s ‘Guru Dakshina’ offer. Dealerships in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Chennai are offering a discount of Rs 2,000 on the whole Hero range. However, this discount can only be applied if you have a teacher in your family. A valid ID card would be needed to prove so. The offer is valid until the end of September 2018.

Other discounts on bikes

Save up to Rs 2,500

Online payment giant Paytm is offering a cashback ranging from Rs 1,000-2,500 on most motorcycle offerings from Suzuki, TVS, Hero, Honda, Yamaha, Bajaj, UM and Mahindra.

Yamaha scooters

Save up to Rs 2,500

Delhi dealerships of Yamaha are offering a discount of Rs 2,000 on all of its two-wheelers. The Chennai dealers on the other hand are offering free accessories worth Rs 2,500. Bengaluru dealers are also offering a 40 percent discount on accessories worth Rs 4,600.

Suzuki scooters

Save up to Rs 2,025

Cash discount of Rs 900 on all the models is being offered by Suzuki’s Kolkata dealerships. Chennai dealerships too are not behind and are offering a massive discount of 45 percent on accessories worth Rs 4,500 on all Suzuki scooters, except the new Burgman Street.

Honda scooters

Save up to Rs 2,000

Honda’s Aviator, Grazia and the Activa 125 are being offered with Rs. 2000 discount bby Chennai dealerships. There are no discounts on the company’s scooters in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata this month.

TVS scooters

Save up to Rs 2,000

Bengaluru dealerships of TVS are offering discounts of Rs 2,000 on the entire scooter range except the Ntorq 125. This includes the Jupiter, Wego, Scooty Zest and Pep +.

Hero scooters

Save up to Rs 2,000

The ongoing ‘Guru Dakshina’ offer is applicable on scooters too and dealers in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai are offering a discount of Rs 2,000 on all of its two-wheelers. This includes the Duet, Maestro Edge and Pleasure. However, this discount can only be applied if you have a teacher in your family. This will have to be proven with a valid ID card. This offer is valid till the end of September 2018.

Other discounts

Save up to Rs 2,000

Paytm is also offering a good cashback ranging from Rs 1,000-2,000 on most scooter offerings from Suzuki, TVS, Hero, Honda, Yamaha, Mahindra and Aprilia.

Also Read: Suzuki Intruder to Kawasaki Ninja 300: BEST 2 wheeler discounts of September 2018

One of the most anticipated motorcycles in recent times has to be the TVS Apache RR310.  It not only boasts of modern tech, thanks to parts sharing with the BMW G 310 R, but the RR310 also looks substantial and offers that extra bang for your buck. True, the recent price hike and never-ending waiting period have put a large question mark in the minds of prospective buyers but you simply cannot ignore the most powerful Apache ever. We spent a week with it and after riding it for over 600 km, here is our verdict on the bike in video form.

The TVS Apache RR310 was launched in December last year and comes with a 312-cc engine motor that is good for 34 horses and 27 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slick shifts, something we are a fan of. The motor has enough grunt for city usage and given the stick, performs very well. Open roads will see it registering a top whack of almost 165 km/h and it sprints from standstill to 100 in less than 7 seconds. Vibrations at high engine revs however remains a big shortcoming and this is something that should be corrected in the time to come.

The RR310 also comes across as a feature-loaded motorcycle with the bi-LED projector lamps, USD forks, petal discs with ABS, a comprehensive speedometer console, a Trellis frame and a reverse incline engine. And while it looks sporty, the riding posture is a lot more comfortable than you would think. This will be a boon for those who are looking at using the RR310 as a daily commute companion, something that the KTM RC twins cannot match up to. I did use the bike for long two-hour stints and did not have issues in terms of pain in the wrists or a back-ache.

So if you are planning to buy one and wanted all the answers to your questions, scroll up and hit the play button of the video. The RR310 might not be a perfect motorcycle, but it ticks a lot of boxes in the right way and that is what makes it appealing.

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Mahindra Scorpio and Ford EcoSport are two of the most popular SUVs in India. While the Mahindra Scorpio has established itself as a rough-and-tough off-roader, the Ford EcoSport made the sub-4-meter SUV segment extremely popular in India. Both the vehicles belong to different segments but a lot of customers do cross-segment buying. The price of Ford EcoSport starts at Rs. 7.82 lakhs and the top end of the vehicle is priced at Rs. 11.89 lakhs. The Mahindra Scorpio is priced between Rs. 10 lakhs to 16.35 lakhs.

Mahindra Scorpio Vs Ford EcoSport

To keep things similar, both the vehicles, Mahindra Scorpio and Ford EcoSport that are seen in the video are powered by diesel engines and both are manual variants. The Mahindra Scorpio is powered by a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine that produces a maximum power of 120 Bhp at 4,000 rpm and a peak torque of 280 Nm between 1,800 – 2,800 rpm. It comes with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Ford EcoSport is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine that produces a maximum power of 98.96 Bhp at 3,750 rpm and a peak torque of 205 Nm between 1,750 – 3,250 rpm.

The main difference between the two vehicles is the weight. The EcoSport diesel weighs 1,261 kg while the Scorpio diesel weighs 1,820 kg for 2WD and 1,920 kg for the 4WD version. The Scorpio used in the video looks like a 2WD version. The video shows that the Scorpio lunges forward soon after the start due to high torque and probably short gearing, but the EcoSport catches up with the Scorpio mid-way and takes a good amount of lead. Towards the end, the EcoSport is comfortably 3-4 seconds ahead of the Scorpio, which is quite a good amount of lead.

The Mahindra Scorpio is a seven-seater SUV and is bigger in size than the EcoSport. The sub-4-meter EcoSport can only seat 5 people. Both the vehicles have different target customers. Also, recently Mahindra launched a higher powered variant of the Scorpio which produces a maximum of 140 Bhp and 320 Nm. It should be noted that variants of EcoSport also offer a turbocharged petrol engine that produces segment-leading 124 Bhp – 170 Nm. Both the vehicles have enough power to comfortably cruise on the Indian highways and can munch endless miles without any problem.

Source

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American carmaker Ford launched its iconic muscle car, the Mustang in India two years ago in 2016. Earlier this year, Ford revealed the facelifted muscle car to the world and if the image below by Car Crazy India’s Instagram feed is anything to go by, then it looks like the facelifted 2018 Mustang’s launch on our roads is just around the corner.

The changes to the Mustang, which is the blue oval brand’s original muscle car, are not just skin deep though. However, the changes to the design are quite a few and include sleeker LED headlamps with three DRL strips. Other changes include a lower hood which features scooped out sections and what appear to be vents. The front grille has been reprofiled to add to the aggressive look of the muscle car while the turn signals have now been integrated into the front bumper.

The rear-end also sports a few changes including revised taillights and bumpers and the muscle car is being offered with a new alloy wheel design and colour options. On the inside, Ford is also offering a new 12-inch digital instrument cluster for new Mustang owners.

The biggest changes though come underneath the fancy new bodywork thanks to a revised engine and an all-new transmission. The Ford Mustang GT, the only variant of the Mustang currently being sold in India, retains its 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, though the output of the motor has been given a dramatic upgrade thanks to a slightly larger capacity of 5,038 cc (up from 4,951 cc) and direct and port injection.

The V8 engine on the Mustang for India now produces 454 Bhp and 569 Nm of torque, an increase of 59 Bhp and 54 Nm. The engine is now mated to a brand-new 10-speed automatic gearbox which sends power to the rear wheels. Ford claims that the 0-60 mile/hour time is under 4 seconds which is faster than that of the Porsche 911. Ford also offers magnetorheological dampers and a variable exhaust system as optional extras, with the latter allowing for multiple settings for the tailpipes including a quiet mode to ensure Mustang owners survive the wrath of their neighbours when starting up the muscle car.

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If you thought Toyota only made the most reliable and comfortable cars in the segment, you are in for a pleasant surprise. The Japanese giant showcased their design strength with the Inferno Orange dual tone Liva earlier this year but this new refreshed Etios Liva Limited Edition with red streaks definitely raises the bar in terms of visual appeal.

Available in a shade of Super White, the new Liva dual tone limited edition packs both style & substance in line with the expectations of young millennials like you. This fresh Liva oozes sportiness with a red & black dual tone grille, red front fog bezels & red door handles. And, it just doesn’t stop here. For someone like you who seeks adventure and enjoyment, there’s red garnish on the boot and decals on the side to show off your new found chic appeal when you go whizzing past other sober-looking cars on the road.

The new Limited edition Liva looks like a complete package with stylish interiors too. An all-black interior with subtle red accents on dashboard, gear stick and the ac vent bezels looks elegant & fresh. Other new features on the interior include a leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel and a 6.8-inch infotainment touchscreen which acts as the display for the reversing camera. The new dual tone Liva’s painted roof contrast is a direct factory build – a first in this segment.

With first class safety features like Dual Front SRS Airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) across all grades & models, Front Seat Belts with Pre Tensioner & Force Limiter & Isofix Child Seat Locks, this Limited edition Liva is as reliable as other Toyota cars.

The Toyota Etios Liva Dual Tone Limited Edition is priced at Rs 6,50,700 for the petrol version and Rs 7,65,700 for the diesel variant (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi). This new Liva has everything that India’s modern youth looks for : sporty looks, elegance, safety, reliability & comfort. And, if you are looking for a hatchback that’s an extension of your personality, then this is it.

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When NASA decided to test out their Mars Rover before actually sending it off to Mars, someone thought it would be a good idea to send it to the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Thankfully for the geeks at NASA, Colbert’s friend a certain Mr Neil deGrasse Tyson was around to help out. The video below shows what happened that afternoon in New York City with a comedian and the planet’s premier mind on space drove a Mars rover in New York City.

Stephen Colbert is the host of the late-night comedy show Late Night With Stephen Colbert, which he started hosting after David Letterman retired. Before that, he was known for hosting the satirical Comedy Central program ‘The Colbert Report’ from 2005 to 2014. His brand of parody-news has made him one of the premier comedy show hosts in the United States.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, on the other hand, is someone who is much more qualified to deal with something as spaceworthy as a Mars Rover. In 2004, he served on the President’s Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy, which became better known as the “Moon, Mars, and Beyond” commission and has narrated and hosted a number of TV Shows including the recent Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey and the four-part Origins miniseries of the PBS Nova series. He also spends time on the internet and on various TV shows, debunking idiotic theories like those by people who think the world is flat.

The duo meets up outside the studios, where the rather gigantic Mars Rover has been parked. Colbert’s first reaction to the Rover is that it looks like a Batmobile, before cracking a science joke about Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas).

Another joke about ‘Space Rocks’ happens gets the laughs out before the duo experience the first major problem with the Mars Rover, its rather slow opening rear entrance. After another Batman quip, where Tyson refuses to be Robin to Colbert’s Batman, the duo ‘blast off’ and travel around in the exact opposite manner compared to the Fast & Furious franchise at a speed the astrophysicist calculates to be 3 miles/hour (4.8 km/h). A speed which is quite a lot less than what is required to reach Mars in 9 months – 7-10 miles/sec (around 40,000 – 60,000 km/h).

The duo then travels about a bit more before having to reverse away from another car on the road with Tyson voicing the reversing sensors. After stopping off at a store to pick up essentials for Mars, they exit with a dozen eggs, which Colbert decides to run over with the Rover.

Finally after destroying the eggs and mimicking Star Trek Colbert returns to his studio. When asked about his parking by Tyson, Colbert replies its NASA’s problem and then delivers a tongue-in-cheek message to the police, “Come and Get Me on Mars, Copper” to end the hilarious test drive.

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Stunting in India is not as popular as it is in many other developed countries. An Indian lady-biker named Shilpa has attempted a stunt to create a world record. The attempt was made in the Leh city, Ladakh, JK and here is all you want to know about it.

Suicide Burnout at 12,000 feet

Even though regular burnouts can be dangerous if not handled well, suicide burnouts can be extremely hazardous. The world-record attempt was done under the supervision of an experience stunt rider who was present at the spot and was done by Shilpa.

The record attempt was done on a Honda Unicorn. The lady biker first attempted did a practise session and then attempted the whole thing with real fire. In suicide burnouts, the rider stands in front of the bike, which makes controlling the motorcycle a bit more challenging. In many cases, the fire is caused by the high friction between the tyre and the road but in this case, the fire was created by spraying fuel on the rear wheel on the Unicorn and using a lighter.

It becomes quite difficult to maintain the pressure on the front brake while standing in the front of it. Shilpa can be seen struggling to hold the bike in place in the first two attempts and even fell on the ground. However, in the third attempt the burnout lasted for quite some time and as per her, the attempt will be sent to the record-keeping companies for an official entry. This is yet to be announced as an official record as the record keepers verify various things before awarding a record.

While this may look exciting, the stunt is quite dangerous. Taking precautions like wearing a safety gear is extremely important. Also, a fire extinguisher is extremely important while doing a stunt, especially if it involves a naked flame of fire. If attempting any such records, one should be at a place where it is safe and the fire has a low chance of spreading out.

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India carmaker Mahindra is set to refocus on larger SUVs and multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) after it lost its crown as the nation’s largest SUV maker to Maruti Suzuki thanks to the rampaging success of the Vitara Brezza. This new focus on larger utility vehicles claims a LiveMint report is because Mahindra is looking to avoid pushing deeper into an already crowded compact SUV market, where demand for Mahindra-branded vehicles has dropped in the past few years.

LiveMint claims that sources close to the carmaker claim that three of the next four launches from Mahindra will be bigger SUVs or MPVs. One of these sources told the publication, “If you look at the products Mahindra will launch in the next two years, including the recently-launched Marazzo, most of the offerings except one will be above four metres. This strategy makes sense since Mahindra still leads the space when it comes to bigger SUVs.”

Another factor in the switch towards larger SUVs and MPVs by Mahindra are the upcoming safety and emission norms, which will see prices of vehicles increase significantly in 2020. Another source told LiveMint, “Post the implementation of the safety and emission norms in 2020, prices are sure to rise. We think we will be able to hedge ourselves against this risk by playing in a segment where buyers are less price sensitive.”

Mahindra currently has three SUVs in the pipeline, two of which are set to arrive by early 2019. The first of these two SUVs that will arrive in India is the re-badged Ssangyong Rexton SUV that is expected to bear the XUV700 badge when it hits Indian roads before Diwali. The XUV700 will be powered by a tuned version of Mahindra’s tried and tested 2.2-litre diesel engine, which will come paired to a manual gearbox and an automatic transmission from Mercedes.

The second confirmed launch, expected to arrive in early 2019, will be the only compact vehicle to be launched if LiveMint’s knowledge of Mahindra’s upcoming plans is correct. The compact SUV codenamed S201 is based on the Tivoli, another one of the SUVs sold by Mahindra’s South Korean subsidiary Ssangyong. However, unlike the Tivoli, the S201 will measure in at under 4-metres in length. The S201 will rival Hyundai’s Creta SUV when it arrives on Indian roads.

LiveMint also claims that Mahindra is working on a 7-seater TUV300. However, this information is not accurate considering the TUV300 is a considered a 7-seater by Mahindra and measures in at under 4 metres in length, which would be contrary to LiveMint’s own reports. Instead, the third SUV will be a rebadged version of the Tivoli, codenamed S202, that is expected to arrive later in 2019. The S202, like the S201, is expected to make use of Mahindra’s new 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine that debuted on the new Marazzo MPV.

LiveMint has not made any details clear about the fourth vehicle in Mahindra’s large utility vehicle gameplan.

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The Ford Ecosport kickstarted the compact SUV revolution in India when it previewed the EcoSport for India at Auto Expo 2012. A year later, the EcoSport was on Indian roads and our nation’s car industry shifted towards SUVs for good. Earlier this year, Ford launched the facelifted EcoSport in India and in this post we list out the five different EcoSports for five types of Indian buyers

The City Runner: Trend+ AT 

If you are looking to purchase the EcoSport and your commute mostly involves driving through jam-packed city streets to and from work every weekday, then the automatic versions of the compact Ford SUV are your best options.

The 6-speed automatic gearbox is only available with the petrol engine and features a creep mode for moving about in stop-go traffic. The automatic Ford EcoSport also returns a mileage of 14.8km/l, which is quite good especially as you don’t have to worry about shifting gears everytime you are caught in slow moving traffic or in a bad jam. The most affordable automatic variant of the Ford EcoSport is the Trend + AT, which is priced at Rs 9.76 lakhs.

On a Budget: Ambiente Petrol

If you’re on a budget and want the blue oval brand’s SUV, then the base petrol Ambiente variant is the perfect EcoSport for you. The Ambiente Petrol is priced at Rs 7.82 lakhs and for that price, you get quite a feature-packed SUV that sports a music system with 4 speakers, rear parking sensors, multiple airbags, and ABS as standard equipment.

What you do miss on the base model include a large touchscreen infotainment system and rear camera along with automatic air conditioning, side and curtain airbags and leather upholstery among a few others.

Want a highway car: EcoSport Diesel – Any Variant

The Ford EcoSport’s diesel engine is a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder motor that delivers 99 Bhp @ 3,750 rpm and 205 Nm of torque at just 1,750 rpm. The low-end torque delivery means that you can easily stick the car in 5th gear and cruise on the highway with the engine barely ticking over while sipping fuel. The EcoSport diesel has a combined mileage of 23 km/l, which is quite difficult to beat. Prices for Ford EcoSport Diesel start at Rs 8.42 lakh ex-showroom (Delhi).

Want a fun car: EcoSport S Petrol

The Ford EcoSport S is powered by a tiny turbocharged 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine. However, the engine’s output is anything but tiny as it cranks out 124 Bhp @ 6,000 rpm and 170 Nm of torque @ 1,500rpm. The EcoSport S is the most powerful SUV in its class and its turbocharged engine makes zipping around in the city quite fun. Also, the EcoSport S is quite a hoot to drive around corners for an SUV and it is quite stable at high speeds as well. If you want a fun-to-drive SUV, then the EcoSport S Petrol is the variant that you should choose.

Want to arrive in style and feature packed: Signature Edition

The Signature Edition adds a host of cosmetic upgrades and features to EcoSport, including a glossy black front grille with chrome surround along with blacked-out fog lamp bezels and roof rails. The Signature edition also gets the sunroof as standard along with 17-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler as standard. Inside, the EcoSport Signature Edition also gets blue accents on the seat stitching along with the centre console and the instrument panel. The Signature Edition also gets Emergency brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and Hill Launch Assist as standard along with the usual array of features found on the Titanium model for around Rs 12,000 less than the price of the Titanium+ variant. The Ford EcoSport Signature Edition is priced at Rs 10.4 lakhs.

*Please Note All Prices are ex-showroom (Delhi)

Also Read: Maruti Baleno Limited Edition: This is IT!

Bang in the middle of this festive season, Maruti Suzuki has launched a new, special edition version of the best selling Baleno hatchback. Called the Baleno Limited Edition, the car gets a bunch of visual changes and feature additions. The Limited Edition car is now available at all NEXA dealerships across the country.

As for changes, the outside of the car get a few subtle changes in the form of front and rear skirting, side skirts and body moulding on the doors. On the inside, the car gets many more features such as black quilted seat covers with carbon fiber finish, 3D floot mats and an illuminated scuff guard. There are a few more accessories on offer with the Limited Edition Baleno, and these include premium cushions, smart key finder, NEXA key ring and premium tissue box.

Maruti is yet to reveal the price of the Limited Edition Baleno. Considering that both the Swift and Ignis hatchbacks have recently received similar ‘limited edition’ versions, it’s likely that the limited edition version of the car will be similar in terms of pricing. So, expect to pay about Rs. 30,000 extra for the new variant. We expect the Baleno Limited Edition to be sold as an accessory kit to be fitted by NEXA dealerships based on customer demand.

As for mechanicals, the car remains unchanged. It’s offered with three engine and three gearbox options. The entry level engine is a 1.2 liter K-Series petrol unit with 82 Bhp-113 Nm. This engine gets a 5 speed manual gearbox as standard, while a CVT automatic gearbox is offered as an option. The diesel engine offered on this car is a 1.3 liter, turbocharged Multijet unit with 74 Bhp-190 Nm. A 5 speed manual gearbox is standard with this engine.

Maruti also offers a more powerful, 1 liter-3 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine on the top-end RS variant of the car. This motor makes 101 Bhp-150 Nm, and is paired to a five speed manual gearbox. The Baleno RS is sold as a high performance variant in the hatchback line-up. Prices of the Baleno start from Rs. 5.48 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi.

Also Read: Maruti Baleno Limited Edition: This is IT!

Toyota Fortuner has always been the king of the segment. Many manufacturers tried launching their vehicles in the segment but failed miserably. Toyota Fortuner’s intimidating looks, reliable engine and value for money maintenance make it the first choice of many. The butch-looking Fortuner can look even more intimidating with a few modifications. Here are five such modified Toyota Fortuners that will grab all your attention on the road.

Hulk

The stock Toyota Fortuner has a lot of road presence. Here is an older-generation Fortuner that looks nothing like the stock SUV and rules the roads. It gets a 4-inch suspension lift kit that makes it even more intimidating. The grille has been replaced with a new one and it also gets an off-road snorkel. The vehicle now sits on a 4X4 adjustable suspension. The 16-inch off-road rims are aftermarket and are wrapped in Cooper STT Pro rubber. The all-black paint scheme adds the hulk look to the vehicle.

Loud face

Here is a new-generation Toyota Fortuner that does not get many changes but a new aftermarket grille. The SUV gets a glossy vertically slat front grille that gives it a new look. The new grille is much larger than the stock version and also adds an imposing look to the vehicle. The black parts on the white SUV give it a contrasting look.

Tourer

This is the grand touring version of the Fortuner that can be taken on the long routes with extra space for luggage. The SUV gets an aftermarket Land Cruiser-inspired grille and new headlamps with projector lamps and LED DRLs. The SUV also gets aftermarket tyres that make the vehicle more capable. It gets aftermarket roof rails and a top box that make extra space for additional luggage on the long trips.

TRD

Toyota also offers an official TRD Sportivo grille for the Fortuner but it is officially not available in India. Toyota officially only offers TRD front and rear bumpers in the market. However, the grille can either be sourced from foreign markets or a similar grille can be installed to add the sporty look. The official TRD grille comes in an hourglass shape and makes the vehicle look quite different from the stock version.

Lexus

Lexus is the high-end arm of Toyota and makes some crazy, aggressive looking models. There are many kits available in the market that make the front-end of the Fortuner look like Lexus SUVs. This is one such vehicle with the Lexus kit installed. The SUV gets an aftermarket grille and looks quite different from the stock model.

Source: 1,,3,4,

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Nissan India is months away from launching their first, all-new product in as many as five years. The Kicks is an important launch for the Japanese giant as this will carve the path for their future line-up of modern day options here in India. We drove the Dubai version a few days back and this is what we have feel about this compact SUV:

Mind you, the Kicks you see in the video above is not the one that will come to India. We will get a heavily revised model, one that will be longer and hence will have a higher street cred and increased passenger space. It will also get a revised design with a better-looking rear, updated cabin design and a diesel engine option. Nevertheless, with the buzz around the Kicks so high, we decided to bring you this first drive video.

Nissan’s Indian innings hasn’t been too good in the recent past. With dwindling sales figures, Kicks will be their only hope to regain the lost market share. The good news is that given how much I loved the Middle East version, the one that will come here will only be better and hence will have every reason to boost domestic sales. Nissan has already shared official teaser images and the design lines do look bold and muscular. Also, the tag line of ‘Nissan Intelligent Mobility’ further makes us believe that the Kicks will come with enough driver and passenger aids to make everyday motoring ‘intelligent’.

The Indian version will get both 1.5-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol engine options. We drove the latter in Dubai while the former is already offered in India in all their products. Automatic transmission option, either AMT or CVT, will be on offer. We are scheduled to drive the Indian version in December while the launch will take place by mid of January 2019. Expect the made for India Kicks to be priced from just under Rs 10 lakh. Given the increase in size, it will lock horns with the Hyundai Creta, the current segment leader.

Also Read: Next-gen Tata Sumo with Impact 2.0 design: What it'll look like

Mahindra has formally announced its foray into the luxury pre-owned segment in India. The new brand, which has been christened as ‘Edition’, will come under the Mahindra First Choice Wheels (MFCW) arm of the company. Mahindra claims it to be the first premium used cars franchise network in India. The first store of the ‘Edition’ brand was inaugurated in Juhu, Mumbai with luxury offerings like Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi and Jaguar on display.

With the Edition brand, Mahindra plans to not only expand MFCW’s product portfolio but also target a new customer base. MFCW also plans to open 5-6 more new Edition outlets this quarter and has set a target of retailing around 10-12 cars per outlet per month.

Group President Rajeev Dubey (HR & Corporate Services) and CEO (After Market sector), commented on the occasion and said,

Aspirational buyers with rising disposable incomes are increasingly looking to upgrade to premium car brands. ‘Edition’ offers them a unique opportunity to acquire their favorite car brand at a much more accessible price.

Also present on the occasion was Ashutosh Pandey, CEO, Mahindra First Choice Wheels, who commented,

Edition will help to drive our future growth by expanding our product portfolio and giving us access to an entirely new customer segment. We are expecting to open 5-6 more outlets in this quarter and are going to retail around 10-12 cars a month per outlet.

Currently, MCFW is among the top certified used car companies of India. It consists of 1,200 outlets in 500+ Indian cities, offering certified used cars to customers. One of the reasons for its popularity is that the company provides warranty and a comprehensive 118-point quality inspection and refurbishment program on the cars it sells.

MFCW also claim that they are the leaders in the online auction segment with their gross merchandise value of $1 billion. During a press interaction, company executives revealed that the company sold 2,40,000 cars in the previous year and 1,60,000 cars in the year before. The brand aims to cross 3,00,000 units this year.

The company reportedly had raised Rs 1,674 crore funding from Silicon Valley-based hedge fund, Valiant Capital and Cox Automotive. The ‘Edition’ brand aims to hit 5,000 functional stores by next five years in India.

Also Read: Next-gen Tata Sumo with Impact 2.0 design: What it'll look like

The Warthog is one of the most iconic vehicles in the Halo Game franchise and is used by the United Nation Space Command in the video game. Now, a hardcore Halo fan in the United States has built a replica of the iconic military machine which can be seen in the video below by GAMINGbible on Facebook.

The builder and owner of the Warthog replica is a phone technician named Bryant from Michigan, US, who has been playing the Halo games since 2003. The American built the Warthog replica on his own at a cost of around $11,000 (Rs. 8.01 lakhs). What makes this Warthog even more special is the fact that it is actually road legal.

Bryant made the Warthog on his own. He started off with a stripped down 1984 Chevrolet pick-up truck. He then started off building the roll cage from scratch and built everything else using structural angle irons. He also fitted the iconic tusks up front which give the Warthog its name.

Under the forward opening hood of the Warthog replica, sits the 350 cubic inches (5,735 cc) Chevrolet V8 petrol engine with quick fuel carburetters, long tube headers and vortec heads. Bryant also built a completely hydraulic steering set-up for the Warthog, which also features what appears to be a long travel suspension set-up and massive off-roading tyres. Bryant’s Warthog has a top speed of 85 miles/hr (136.79 km/hr).

The ‘original’ Warthog used in the game is one of the military transports used by The United Nation’s Space Command (UNSC) in the Halo franchise. As per the game’s story, the Warthog entered UNSC service in 2319 and can accommodate 1 driver and 1 passenger along with a gunner, though this can vary depending on the model used.

The gaming M12 Warthog, unlike its real-life replica, is by AMG Transport Dynamics and features a machine gun fitted at the back. The Warthog is powered by a forward-housed, low-profile, liquid-cooled, hydrogen-burning internal combustion engine (ICE) which is mated to an automatic infinitely variable transmission (IVT).

The Warthog is  6-metres long, 3.2-metres wide and 3-metres tall and weighs in at 3 metric tonnes. Its hull is made from ballistic polycarbonate, titanium, carbon nanotube. The Warthog has multiple applications in the game and is used for reconnaissance, transport, recovery, scouting and as an Anti-Vehicular/ Anti-Air /Anti-Infantry platform.

Also Read: Next-gen Tata Sumo with Impact 2.0 design: What it'll look like

Hyundai is all set to officially showcase the new Santro hatchback on the 9th of October, 2018, followed by the  official launch on the 26th of October. The tall-boy hatchback will feature the Santro badge, and a suffix is  likely to be added to this name. The car will take on the vehicles, such as the Tata Tiago and Maruti Suzuki Celerio. Here are  exclusive new details about Hyundai’s latest entry-level offering.

Render courtesy IAB

There will be five variants on offer: Era, Magna, Sportz, Sportz (O) and Asta. The Era variant will be the base model, and prices are likely to start from Rs. 3.5 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. ABS and EBD will be standard across  variants while twin airbags will be standard from the Magna trim. Steering mounted audio controls will also be offered from the Magna trim.

Class-leading features on the new Santro will include rear AC vents and a five-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Clearly, Hyundai wants to position the new hatchback as a car that offers a bit more than the competition, in true-blue Hyundai fashion. The car will get alloy wheels from the Sportz (O) variant  upwards, while the lower variants will ride on steel wheels.

The new Santro will be powered by a new, 1.1-litre 4 cylinder petrol engine. This motor will get a 5-speed manual  gearbox as standard while a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) will be offered as an option. Notably, the new hatchback will be the first Hyundai car to offer an AMT, and this feature will soon make its way into multiple new budget Hyundai cars including the next-gen Grand i10 and the QXi code-named sub-4 meter compact SUV.

Bookings of the Santro will open from early October 2018, and Hyundai is expecting a big, festive season for the hotly anticipated car. The Santro badge is coming back to India after many years, and a lot of Hyundai car fans are said to be eagerly awaiting the brand new, tall-boy hatchback. While the new car will initially sell alongside the Eon, it’s likely to eventually replace the latter.

Also Read: Next-gen Tata Sumo with Impact 2.0 design: What it'll look like

Royal Enfield has finally returned to the world of twin-cylinder motorcycles with the new Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. However, during the time it concentrated on single-cylinder engines, numerous celebrities from Hollywood and Bollywood megastars to talk show hosts and cricketers, all have been seen riding Royal Enfield motorcycles. In this list, we take a look at 12 of these celebrities spotted riding these classic thumpers.

Salman Khan

Salman Khan is better known for riding around on an Intruder 1800M, a massive cruiser built by the brand he promotes – Suzuki. So when Bhai decided to ride around on a Royal Enfield Desert Storm 500 in Manali, while filming Tubelight, there were quite a lot of surprised faces on social media. The Desert Storm is powered by a 500-cc single-cylinder fuel-injected engine that produces 27.2 Bhp and 41.3 Nm of torque, and is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

John Abraham

John Abraham is one of the biggest petrolheads in Bollywood today and his love for bikes is very well documented. John Abraham’s Royal Enfield of choice is a one of a kind board tracker called Lightfoot which was built by Jaipur-based custom bike builders Rajputana Customs.

Varun Dhawan

Varun Dhawan, the son of Bollywood director David Dhawan, made his acting debut in the 2012 movie Student of the Year alongside Alia Bhatt and Siddharth Malhotra. Dhawan is a recent convert to the Royal Enfield cult and can be seen riding on his Bullet 500, which features a custom green paint job.

Aditya Roy Kapoor

Actor Aditya Roy Kapoor is best known for his role playing the male lead in Mohit Suri’s romantic drama, Aashiqui 2. The actor has two cast iron-engined Royal Enfields and has been spotted riding them on different occasions. The actor’s two Royal Enfields include a cast iron 500 in black, and the AVL-engined Machismo 500 LB.

Jackie Shroff

Actor Jackie Shroff, best known for his roles in movies like Parinda, Ram Lakhan, Tridev and Border in the 80s and 90s, is another Bollywood actor with a custom Royal Enfield. Shroff’s Royal Enfield, which is called Skeletor, is a custom motorcycle made on commission by Varenchi Customs’ Akshai Varde. Skeletor is a bike that would look right at home in a Ghost Rider movie and is quite a wild beast to look at.

Jonty Rhodes

Jonty Rhodes, the former South African cricketer, often regarded as the greatest ever fielder to have graced the game, and is best known for his heroic catching exploits at backward point and for his famous diving run out of Pakistan’s Inzamam-ul-Haq in the 1992 World Cup.

Rhodes is a former fielding coach of the Mumbai Indians and his connection with India is quite deep, considering he named his daughter after our country. His ride of choice is a Royal Enfield Classic 500, and he has often been spotted in India riding the retro motorcycle.

Jay Leno

Former American talk show host Jay Leno is a petrolhead through and through and boasts of a massive collection of bikes and cars. Among the American muscle and big cruisers in Jay’s Garage is a Royal Enfield Classic Chrome, which he has been spotted riding occasionally.

More Royal Enfield riding celebrities in Part 2 of this story

Also Read: Next-gen Tata Sumo with Impact 2.0 design: What it'll look like

When Tata Motors launched the Nexon one year ago, there was one family from Madhya Pradesh that bought it without any delay. Cartoq got in touch with one of the family members, Yash Verma, who recently posted on Facebook about why he will always be a Tata owner, in which he talked about his family’s older car, a 2006 Tata Indica v2 turbo with nearly 2.80 lakh kilometres on the odometer, that he drives today.

Cartoq talked to Yash Verma to learn about his extraordinary Indica and his family’s love for vehicles from Tata Motors and this is what he had to say,

The 2006 Tata Indica Turbo was our first ever family car. In the time since we bought it, the car has been driven for almost 2.80 lakh kilometres. We usually used the car in the city or while moving to our hometown. It was driven for 7 years by our driver. Later, my dad drove it for some time. For the past two years, I have been driving the car to and from college which is around 50 kilometres. The Indica still gives a mileage of 18 km/l in the city without the AC on. With the AC running, the Indica Turbo gives a mileage of around 16 km/l. I recently had all the shock absorbers changed and a major service was done at a Tata authorised service station. It is still a great car and peppier than new cars.

He also spoke about the Nexon which the family bought last year. Here’s what Yash had to say about the Nexon SUV,

We bought the Nexon last year and it has been driven for around 24,000 kilometres till date. The Nexon is mostly driven by the driver and me. We have done a 2,500-kilometre trip in it and usually cover around 300 kilometres on weekends. It returns a mileage of 21 km/l on the highway. The Nexon is a great product by TATA and is really comfortable to drive in. The performance is fabulous and the only issue we have is the servicing, which is better compared to earlier, but still needs to improve. I love both my gems.

The Indica V2 turbo was first offered in October 2005 alongside the naturally aspirated version of the same 1.4-litre four-cylinder diesel engine as the regular V2. The Indica V2 turbo was produced till 2013 when the V2 made way for the Vista.

The Indica turbo diesel was offered in two guises with the regular version producing 62 bhp and 122 Nm of torque. The more powerful turbo engine featured an intercooler and cranked out 68 bhp and 127 Nm of torque. The Indica V2 turbo was offered with a 5-speed manual transmission.

With an Indica V2 turbo that is still running, it comes as no surprise that Yash Sharma’s family bought the Nexon without any issue. The Nexon is the latest offering from Tata Motors and marked Tata’s entry into the extremely competitive compact SUV segment.

The Nexon offers a unique design along with two turbocharged engine options with multiple driving modes. The 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine cranks out 108 bhp @ 5,000 rpm and 170 Nm of torque @ 1,750 rpm. The 1.5-litre turbo diesel, on the other hand, produces 108 bhp @ 3,750 rpm and 260 Nm of peak torque @ 1,500 rpm. Both engines come paired to either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox with the petrol returning a mileage of 17.88 km/l and the diesel delivering 23.97 km/l.

Also Read: Next-gen Tata Sumo with Impact 2.0 design: What it'll look like