There are a lot of people who ask us this question on which fuel type they should opt for when they are buying their next car. Here are 10 types of people who should stick to a petrol car over a diesel one.

Low runners

If your running isn’t much, and by much I mean less than 3-4000 kms a month, it makes more sense for you to stick to a petrol car. Why? Well because you need to take into consideration the fact that the main reason why you buy a diesel is because your running is a lot. You also need to keep in mind that a diesel car will cost roughly a lakh over a petrol car (model-model/car). In order to recover the cost in a short period, you have to run your car a lot more. So if you don’t intend on running much, opting for a petrol car is a better option.

Long term keepers

Well this point is mainly restricted to the Delhi NCR residents currently, but you never know when it may become a country wide phenomena. As of now, if you stay in Delhi NCR, you can only keep your diesel car for 10 years where as you can keep a petrol one for 15 years. This gives you an advantage of 5 years. Also, if this policy continues, resale value of diesel cars after 5-6 years will drop which means you will lose out when you are selling your diesel car as well.

Folks on tight budgets

Each and every car in the lower end of the spectrum has a price difference of roughly a lakh between petrol and diesel, variant to variant. So if you want all creature comforts at a lower cost, a petrol car will offer that better than a diesel car. Also, if you opt for a loan, if the car is cheaper, the amount of interest you pay is also cheaper. So a petrol car is a better option for those who want a cheaper car.

Folks worried about maintenance costs

Maintaining a diesel car is costlier than maintaining a petrol car. Paying extra for maintenance on a diesel car only makes sense when you do cover the extra mileage to recover the whole cost. However if you don’t run much, paying the extra amount for maintenance doesn’t make sense. We did an exhaustive report on the maintenance cost of various petrol and diesel cars. It boils down to the mileage you are clocking and how fast you can recover the money.

‘Ban-proof’ car seekers

Currently there is a lot of uncertainty on the future of diesel cars. Paris and London are proposing bans on diesel vehicles altogether in the near future. In India, the NGT has banned sale of cars that have engine size greater than 2000 cc in Delhi NCR. They are also proposing an extra green tax for those buyers who buy diesel cars. Even though the data shows that there is no logical reason for banning more than 2000 cc cars, the ban still goes on. So if you want to be unaffected by all these, sticking to a petrol car is a better bet. Hybrids and turbo petrols are the way to go.

Who may want to shift to alternate fuels at a later stage

If you find that the running costs on petrol are rising and that you want to reduce your carbon foot print, it is cheaper to get your petrol vehicle converted to CNG. In a diesel car, you can get it converted, but the process is very complex and is expensive as well. Also, shifting to alternate fuels like CNG will keep you away from most bans and schemes that the government will come out with. So if alternate fuels is what you are thinking about in the future, a petrol is what you should pick.

‘Refined’ turbo kick seekers

Now coming to something more enthusiast focused. The main advantage a diesel has is the torque is generates. A naturally aspirated petrol has no match to what a diesel can produce. But a turbo petrol does come close. It offers similar fun that a diesel offers. Yes, it may not be as fuel efficient as its diesel counterpart, but turbo petrols are as much fun as diesels.

Also, a petrol is car is high revving compared to a diesel one. So if an enthusiastic drive is what you are looking for, a petrol is a better option than a diesel.

Low NVH seeker

Diesels have come a long way in the past few years. Companies have spent a lot of money on R&D to make diesels quieter. Companies have succeeded as well. But if you compare a petrol version of a car to the diesel version of the same, the petrol will always be quieter and one with lesser vibrations. If you are looking for peace and comfort when you are sitting in your car, a petrol will be able to provide that better than a diesel.

Who love nice exhaust notes

This one is for the enthusiasts again. Yes, yes, most stock cars don’t have a nice exhaust, be it a petrol or diesel. But if you are looking to modify your exhaust, you will have to opt for a petrol car, without any doubt. Yes, there are a few diesel cars that can get decent exhausts as well, but when compared to their petrol counterparts, they can’t win. Also a diesel car with a good exhaust will pollute a lot more than a petrol one with good exhaust.

Fuel cost

Petrol and diesel prices are a bit high, and then low… the old, huge gap between diesel and petrol prices have disappeared. So that means that there is no big justification to go for a diesel car, unless you drive a hell of a lot. And considering the increasing number of restrictions, even a long-lasting diesel car may need to be junked after ten years or so, wherever you live in the country. If not today, tomorrow. Face it, there are just too many reasons to go for a petrol car now.

Image source: 2, 4, 9

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South Korean carmaker Hyundai is hard at work testing its upcoming rival for the Maruti Brezza. The upcoming sub-4-metre compact SUV is based on the Carlino concept from Auto Expo 2016 and could bear the name Styx when it arrives in India next year. The upcoming Hyundai Styx SUV has been spotted once again while testing, this time by Youtuber N.I. John.

The Hyundai Styx was spotted testing by the Youtuber on the highway between the cities of Salem and Coimbatore in the state of Tamil Nadu. The test mule of the upcoming Hyundai compact SUV was heavily camouflaged to keep it clear from those with roving lenses. The Youtuber mistakenly identified the SUV as Mahindra’s upcoming compact SUV, which is why the captions in the video all point towards that SUV, which is expected to arrive in the first half of 2019.

The Hyundai Styx is expected to look like a smaller version of the Creta, with Hyundai’s latest design traits making their way onto the exterior of the SUV. The test mule though heavily camouflaged could not hide the split headlight design or the cascading grille, which will feature an abundance of chrome. The Carlino/Styx test SUV is riding on a set of some rather snazzy alloy wheels, which look rather cool. The rear end of the SUV looks to be quite sculpted as well, though that could just be the camo at work.

The Carlino/Styx will be the first Hyundai vehicle sold in India to offer a turbocharged petrol engine. The engine, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit can produce 110 Bhp and 170 Nm of torque. The Carlino will be the second new Hyundai after the Santro to be offered with an AMT gearbox. The diesel engine on the Styx is expected to be the 1.4-litre unit found under the hood of the Elite i20. The diesel motor is more powerful than the one on the Maruti Brezza.

The Hyundai Carlino/Styx will be Hyundai’s first foray into the sub-4-metre compact SUV segment, where it will have to deal with the Maruti Brezza, which is currently the nation’s best-selling SUV. The Styx will also have to deal with the likes of the Tata Nexon and the Ford EcoSport.

With the upcoming Styx Hyundai is targeting the Vitara Brezza from Maruti as it looks to take a share of what is perhaps the most attractive and contested section of the Indian car market today – sub-4-metre compact SUVs. Hyundai is aiming for high numbers with the production version of the Carlino which could prove to be a very big threat to the Maruti Brezza’s dominance of the segment. The Korean carmaker is expected to get very aggressive with pricing to help the Styx take on the best-selling SUV in the country, which will be helped by the fact that the upcoming Hyundai SUV will offer petrol variants, something Maruti currently does not do with the Brezza.

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India’s roads can become a nightmare whenever it rains and sometimes areas can become waterlogged after a heavy bout rain as was tragically seen earlier this year in Kerala.

It is in these situations that SUVs can come into their own as they can tackle waterlogged areas with ease compared to other vehicles (sedans, hatchbacks, sports and supercars). In this post, we’ll take a look at the features and pricing of 6 SUVs with the best water-wading capacity.

Ford Endeavour
Water-Wading Capacity: 800 mm 
Prices: Rs. 26.33 – 32.81 lakhs (ex-showroom)

The Ford Endeavour is the largest offering in terms of size from the American carmaker currently on sale in India. The massive seven-seater SUV is offered with two diesel engine options in India – a 2.2-litre turbo four-cylinder with 158 Bhp and 385 Nm of torque and the more powerful turbocharged 3.2-litre five-cylinder unit that cranks out 197 Bhp and 470 Nm of torque.

Ford offers four-wheel-drive only with the larger engine option. The Endeavour’s four-wheel-drive system comes with multiple driving modes which drivers can select to tell the SUV what kind of terrain it is dealing with. So if you want a large and extremely comfortable SUV with the ability to conquer nearly any terrain with ease and wade through waterlogged areas, the top-spec version of the Ford Endeavour is a really good choice.

Toyota Fortuner
Water Wading Capacity: 700 mm
Prices: Rs. 27.27 – 32.97 lakhs (ex-showroom)

The Toyota Fortuner is India’s best-selling premium SUV. The Toyota Fortuner is also the SUV of choice for many of India’s most powerful people in India and the current model is the second iteration of this premium sports utility vehicle to hit the country. The Fortuner comes packed with safety features and creature comforts and the engines on offer are very refined and easy to maintain.

The Toyota Fortuner is offered with two engine options in India – a 2.7-litre petrol (164 Bhp | 245 Nm) and a 2.8-litre diesel with 174 Bhp and 450 Nm on tap. Only the top-spec diesel variant of the Fortuner is offered with four-wheel drive as an option. So if you plan to go off the beaten-path, remember to check the top-spec Fortuner when choosing your SUV.

Force Gurkha
Water-Wading Capacity: 550 mm
Prices: 9.75 – 12.15 lakhs (ex-showroom)

The Force Gurkha is often overlooked by wannabe SUV owners thanks to the rather under the radar sales and service network of its maker, Force Motors. However, the Gurkha whose looks are inspired by the famous Mercedes G-Wagen is India’s most affordable SUV to offer three differential locks, something also seen on the legendary German SUV.

The Gurkha is only offered with four-wheel drive in the higher-spec Xplorer variants and draws power from a 2.6-litre turbo diesel engine that cranks out 85 Bhp and 230 Nm of torque. The Gurkha is only offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox. While the Gurkha may be missing out on some modern-day safety features, it is still one of the most capable SUVs on sale in India today and a throwback to the old-school way of going off-roading.

Ford EcoSport
Water-Wading Capacity: 550 mm
Prices: Rs. 7.82 – 11.89 lakhs (ex-showroom)

The EcoSport is Ford’s smallest SUV offering in India and is the vehicle that really ignited the flame for the compact SUV craze in the country. The Ford Ecosport comes packed with many features for its price including up to 6 airbags. The EcoSport offers good ground clearance as well at 200 mm. The Ecosport is offered with three engine options – two 1.5-litre units (petrol and diesel) and a 1.0-litre turbocharged Ecoboost petrol engine. The compact SUV is offered with both manual and automatic transmission options.

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
Water-Wading Capacity: 500 mm
Prices: Rs. 14.82 – 16.32 lakhs (ex-showroom)

The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is a dual-cab pickup truck which is, in fact, more popular than the Japanese carmaker’s SUV offering. Despite featuring a rather large wheelbase (which can be problematic in some extreme sections, the V-Cross is one of the most capable off-roading options on offer in India.

The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross draws power from a 2.5-litre diesel engine that cranks out 134 Bhp and 320 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. The V-Cross is a brilliant offering for those looking for a good-off-roading vehicle, that stands apart from almost everything else on the road with its pickup body.

Mahindra Thar
Water-Wading Capacity: 500 mm
Prices: 6.64 – 9.42 lakhs (ex-showroom)

The Mahindra Thar is the go-to SUV for many members of the nation’s off-roading community. With its short wheelbase, a four-wheel-drive system with a low ratio gearbox, the Thar has the ability to go almost anywhere off-road. The Thar is powered by a 2.5-litre cRDE diesel engine, that cranks out 105 Bhp and 247 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The Thar is a solidly built off-roading vehicle that is built for one reason only – going off-road at an affordable price – which is why it has gained a near fanatical following in the country’s off-roading community.

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Maruti launched the all-new, second generation Ertiga earlier this week and we drove the petrol versions, both manual and automatic yesterday. This model was already on sale in some international markets and is available in a total of 10 different versions in India. How good is the new Ertiga and most importantly, what are the key changes? Read on to know the answers!

Does it look better? 

In a word, YES! The new Ertiga has not only grown in dimensions, it now looks mature and bolder. There is simply no resemblance with the outgoing model. The raised hood, prominent four slate chrome grille and large headlamps dominate the front end and make the Ertiga look smarter than ever before. Even the bumper is sculpted rather well and looks far too sporty for a family MPV. No DRLs or fancy LED lights here but projectors do the job well.

The side profile showcases the new 15-inch alloy wheels. These aren’t fancy with a diamond cut look or chrome splash but yet look elegant and gel along well with the car. The shoulder line is prominent and merges into the D pilar which also raises your eyebrows for a reason. The glass area here isn’t too much and the metal sheet actually moves upwards and looks ‘different’. That said, the glass area for the front two doors is massive, which does make the interiors airy – more on this later.

The rear of the Ertiga is busy. Like the front lamps that are large, even the tail lights are huge – they are wide as well as tall. And then there is the prominent boot lip which looks German-ish and the bumper here, like the front one, is sporty for a MPV. All in all, though a busy rear, it does make you stare at the Ertiga. The overall design change sure is massive and we have quite a few heads turning around during our media drive. Before we move ahead to the interiors, here is our video review as well:

Does the cabin feel upmarket? 

Again, in a word, YES! Like the exteriors, the cabin of the new Ertiga wears a new design theme with no resemblance to the out going version. The dual tone theme works well with a lower beige part and a darker shade for the upper fascia. What really puts a smile on your face is the design – this includes the faux wooden inserts and the horizontal theme for the middle part (air-con vents) do stand out. Ditto for the flat bottom steering wheels and the speedometer console with the TFT screen, a lift off from the Ciaz (only for the petrol). I also love the climate control panel and the clutter free theme imparts a sense of being in a much expensive car. And then there are the dual charging out, space for the largest of mobile phones and ventilated cup holders, a segment first.

Getting in is easy and once seated, you appreciate the soft seat – thought this might be of discomfort over longer journeys. Both under thigh support and side bolstering is impressive and though the front central arm-rest is small, it gets the sliding function. Visibility is excellent and given the extra width and height, even tall drivers like me will feel at home. However, no dead pedal here, neither do you get a sunglass holder or a cooled glovebox. Even a cruise control is missing. Why Maruti?

Getting into the 2nd row is fairly easy, thanks to doors that open very wide. With the front seat positioned for my height, I still had about 2-3 inches of knee room at the back. The 2nd row gets a 60:40 split both slide and recline functions. You do get your arm-rest and a charging outlet but what really sets the ball rolling is the sense of space and airiness. Even shorter passengers will not feel hammered in and this is very essential to keep passengers happy. As expected, the 3rd row now gets additional space and you have extra 70mm knee room in here. This has been made possible by shifting the engine slightly forward. I did try my luck in here and first, getting in was fairly easy and once seated, its was not bad at all. I had still had about 2 inches of space between my head and the roof, visibility was nice, two cup holders, a charging outlet and guess what, even the 3rd row gets a 50:50 split with reclining seats. This is seriously good and average sized adults will not find a reason to complain. The only area where the Marazzo scores brownie points is in the optional captain seats for the middle row, which further frees up some space for 3rd row occupants.

And we aren’t done yet – even with the 3rd row in place, boot space is simply impressive. You can easily place a couple of overnight strollers, two soft bags, a large tripod and more. And then there is the concealed storage space with proper hard covers – very useful to keep your expensive stuff from getting stolen.

Is there is a new engine in there? 

YES again! The new Eritga gets a new 1.5-litre petrol engine, the one that we first saw in the Ciaz a few months back. It replaces the older 1.4 unit and expectedly puts out more power and higher torque. In terms of numbers, power has gone up from 93 to 103 bhp and torque from 130 to 138Nm without hitting the ever essential fuel economy figure. The new Ertiga comes with a rated fuel economy of 18.69 kmpl for the AT model and 19.34 kmpl for the manual one.

Numbers aside, how does the petrol Ertiga drive? I was very impressed with the Ciaz petrol during the drive a couple of months back and the Ertiga delivered the same promise yesterday. I started with the manual first and it immediately felt more eager than I expected. There is so much torque available in the low rev range, you can potter in traffic at as low as 35-40 km/h in the 5th gear and yet pick up speeds with no unwanted protest from the powertrain. This also allowed me to crawl in slow moving traffic at 15-20km/h in the 3rd gear. And this does help a lot to keep the mileage figures high. Out on the open Gurgaon-Faridabad road, the engine delivered yet again, sounding great in the process. The gear shift action too is nice, something we expected in the Ciaz as well.

The automatic Ertiga is a very interesting product. It simply makes driving an easy task and fools you into believing that you are driving a much smaller vehicle. I agree its just a 4-speed set-up but until unless you will be hitting the highway every single day, I dont see any reason why this should not be the pick of the lot. Being a torque converter, there is no unwanted lag during shifts and though you don’t get an option to manually override the ‘box, it does allow you to be in the 1st or the 2nd gear – very useful during downhill drives. Do note that the automatic is only available with the VXI and the ZXI trims, not with the top spec ZXI+ variant.

What about the chassis? 

The new Ertiga makes use of the 5th generation HEARTECT platform which further sees strengthening at various places. Its also a stiffer chassis and yet, the new model weighs more or less same as the older version. The new chassis also brings along reduction in NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels but most importantly, a completely new suspension set-up lends a new found comfort level to the MPV. I agree its been a while since I drove the Ertiga but the new one, even without comparing to the older model, feels so comfortable. On the move, there is simply no way you can term it as a large people mover. It feels composed, rides over bad roads in a mature way and there is simply no underlying firmness so even sharper undulations are taken care of well. I would indeed term the ride as plush!

The Gurgaon-Faridabad stretch has ample opportunities for the crazy speeds and the long flowing curves had the Ertiga showcase perfect poise and balance. Yes, its not a great handling car by any means but for a MPV, it scores top marks. Handling is predictable, steering retains some feedback at higher speeds and brakes do what they are meant to be. However what matters is the way it drives for everyday users and Maruti has achieved a good balance in this regard. The steering for example is light at crawling speeds and this MPV feels agile in traffic, closing in on gaps across lanes easily. Good work there Suzuki (and Maruti).

Should you buy one?

The new Ertiga, inspite of being more expensive than the outgoing version, has no competition at India. The Honda BRV petrol is about 2 lakh expensive while the base Ertiga diesel is approximately Rs 1.2 lakh cheaper than the base Marazzo. If you are in the market for a proper 7 seater and will be driving along with your better half, little ones and parents, the Ertiga makes for the best choice in the price band. The makeover looks nice, there is increased cabin space, that important premium feel and an engine that delivers both performance and economy. Yes a few features are missing but that is definitely not a deal breaker. Infact, the new Ertiga is a very good (and cheaper) alternative to the C segment sedans, including its own sibling, the Ciaz. ‘enuf said!

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Tata has been building hype around its soon to be launched SUV, the Harrier, since a while now. The company had revealed its exteriors completely some time back in a video. Now, however the company has bombed another teaser on social media that gives us a glimpse of the interior design of Harrier. While the teaser does reveal any important information regarding the interiors, it does confirm the presence of a large infotainment unit among other things.

From what we know so far, a floating 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with MirrorLink, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay support will take up the centre portion of the dashboard. It will be supplied by Visteon, which also supplies infotainment units to Land Rover among others.

The interior will reportedly feature a dual-tone grey-and-brown colour scheme. Another important part from the teaser is the presence of a three spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, which looks like a typical Tata steering unit.

A silver band runs along the length of the lower dashboard and there are various silver accents on the interiors, the silver surrounds for the AC vents being an example.The interiors of the Harrier will be quite premium as it will be the flagship vehicle of Tata for some time until the bigger H7X arrives.

Going by some of the spyshots that have been doing rounds, the upholstery will sport a reddish-brown shade with a quilted pattern. Compared to the competition, the interiors will be quite plush and feature rich too.

The Harrier will be based on the new OMEGA platform, which in turn is based on JLR’s D8 platform. Powering the Harrier will be a by a Fiat derived, four-cylinder Multijet II diesel engine, dubbed as ‘Kryotec’. This is the same engine which powers the Jeep Compass in India.

No official figure is yet known on the engine output but expect it to produces 140 Bhp in the Harrier. The engine will reportedly be mated to a 6-speed manual and a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed automatic gearbox. Tata will also equip the Harrier with multiple drive modes and terrain response system, which will make it well suited to city as well as off road use.

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Chiranjeevi is one of the biggest names in the southern film industry, Telugu to be precise. The superstar turned politician was many times said to be the Amitabh Bachchan of the Telugu film industry. His son, Ram Charan Teja is also a hit film star and is climbing graphs of his career.

Chiranjeevi’s younger brother, Pawan Kalyan is also a popular actor tuned politician. Apart from their choice of occupation, this family has many other common interests as well, noteworthy among them being the love of cars. Chiranjeevi and his family have quite a lot of glitz and glamour stowed in their garages, let’s take a look at them.

Chiranjeevi

Rolls Royce Phantom

Rolls Royce Phantom is the epitome of luxury vehicles. It is the golden standard against all other lesser cars are measured for their luxury. It is also the most expensive vehicle from the British brand and also among the most expensive cars on sale in India. Chiranjeevi owns an older generation Rolls Royce Phantom which is powered by a 6.8-litre V12 engine. It generates a maximum of 460 Bhp power and 720 Nm of torque. The car also has Chiranjeevi’s signature 1111 registration number plate. He was also gifted another Rolls Royce by his son some time back on his birthday.

Toyota Land Cruiser

Many famous politicians and superstars own a Toyota Land Cruiser in India. Chiranjeevi is both a superstar and a politician and therefore, its not a surprise that he owns one. This Toyota Land Cruiser was a gift from his son on Chiranjeevi’s his 59th birthday. He is often spotted using this vehicles for various commutes and events. The current generation Land Cruiser sells for Rs. 1.19 crore and features a 4.5-litre V8 turbo diesel engine, which produces 262 Bhp of power along with 650 Nm of torque. This huge SUV is famous all around the world for its ruggedness and comfort in a reliable package.

Land Rover Range Rover Vogue

Another big, burly SUV to be owned by Chiranjeevi, the Land Rover Range Rover Vogue is one of the most premium SUVs in the world. Many Bollywood celebrities also own one of these British SUVs. The one he owns is an older generation model. It comes with a lot of luxury features and also has a powerful engine underneath. The Range Rover Vogue is among the most costliest SUV on sale in India and though he has an older generation model, it costed more than Rs. 1 crore when bought.

Ram Charan Teja

Aston Martin Vantage V8

The Aston Martin Vantage V8 is a very classy sports car and not many examples of it are present in India. However, Ram Charan Teja owns one which he got as a wedding gift. Talking of power figures, the Vantage V8 is powered by a 4.8-litre V8 engine that churns out a maximum of 313 Bhp power and 370 Nm of torque. It has now been been replace by a new model but costed around Rs.1.86 crores when it was bought.

Range Rover Autobiography

Like father, like son. The same is the case for this father-son duo as Ram Charan Teja also owns a Range Rover, though his is the Autobiography model. The actor has been seen in it many times and it is among his most preferred choice of wheels. The top varinat of this SUV gets a 5 litre supercharged V8 petrol engine under its hood that churns out 499 Bhp of power and 625 Nm of torque. The top-end version of the Range Rover Autobiography is priced at Rs. 2.75 crores.

Pawan Kalyan

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

Chiranjeevi’s younger brother, Pawan Kalyan too is not behind in terms of four wheelers. He owns a swanky Mercedes-Benz G62 AMG, which is a very powerful SUV to say the least with immense off road prowess. The butch SUV is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 turbocharged petrol engine that makes 536 Bhp-power along with 760 Nm of torque. He drove his nephew Ram Charan Teja to his wedding in this same SUV.

Mercedes-Benz R-Class

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class was a popular MPV in international markets. The company has stopped selling it in India but nonetheless it was bought by him when it was on sale. The luxurious MPV is a luxurious alternative to the Toyota Innova and was available with both petrol and diesel engine options. The car also came with 4MATIC AWD systems. The vehicle came with a commanding price tag of Rs. 72 lakhs.

Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is the best selling SUV in the segment. The new generation Audi Q7 looks extremely sharp but Pawan Kalyan owns the previous generation flagship SUV of the carmaker. He uses the SUV powered by the diesel engine and is often seen moving around in it. The Q7 can last for ages and comes with various engine options.

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Crossing river beds is dangerous, especially when there’s water flowing. But doesn’t stop intrepid off roaders from pushing the limits of their machines, and of course their lucks. Here’s a Mahindra Thar DI that ventured into a river bed, only to get royally stuck. A Force Gurkha came to the rescue, and pulled out the Thar like a boss. Here’s the video. Jump to 4:06 for action. Hat tip to CentralIndiaMedia.

As the video indicates, the Force Gurkha crosses the river with ease and even ventures into deeper sections. A bunch of Thar CRDEs, an Isuzu V-Cross and even a Mahindra Scorpio Getaway cross the river without any issue. Things go awry when a Mahindra Thar DI tries to go to the same deep section that the Force Gurkha crossed with ease a few minutes ago and gets stuck.

Then, the Gurkha comes to the rescue, and after multiple attempts, finally manages to pull the Thar DI out. The rescue attempt shows that even the Gurkha struggling as the wet and slushy surface offers little grip. The Mahindra Thar DI’s wheels were spinning away in the slush, and even a couple of people acting as ballast in an attempt to improve grip levels proves futile. Finally, the sheer torque of the 4X4 low mode of the Gurkha, along with the Thar DI’s momentum helps save the day.

The Force Gurkha is one of India’s most capable off roaders. Priced at under Rs. 10 lakhs (base model), the Gurkha is offered in short wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB)trims. Both variants are powered by a 2.6 liter-4 cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that makes 80 Bhp-230 Nm. The Gurkha in SWB trim also gets a four wheel drive layout, snorkel, and differential locks on both axles. The Gurkha gets independent suspension on all four wheels. This set-up makes it very effective off the road.

The Mahindra Thar DI is powered by a 2.5 liter M2DICR turbocharged diesel engine with 63 Bhp-180 Nm outputs. Available only in short wheelbase trim, the Thar DI is sold with rear wheel drive and four wheel drive options. The latest version of this off-roader is also offered with a power steering. The Thar DI uses solid axles at the front and rear. However, there’s no snorkel, or differential locks offered as factory fitment although these accessories can be added through after market sources. Prices of the Thar DI start from about Rs. 6.54 lakhs.

The DI has a much more powerful sibling called the Thar CRDe. Better appointed and faster. the Thar CRDe is powered by a 2.5 liter turbocharged diesel engine with 105 Bhp-247 Nm outputs. The Thar CRDe is available with a four wheel drive layout and a mechanical locking differential (MLD) on the rear axle as standard. Prices of the Mahindra Thar CRDe start from Rs. 9.37 lakhs.

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Jawa Motorcycles have made a comeback recently and they are back with a bang. The company unveiled 3 new models on the day of unveil and the new model line up starts at a reasonable of Rs. 1.50 lakhs. The most affordable bike among the trio is the Jawa 42, and the most pricy being the Jawa Perak. In the midst of the trio sits the retro themed bike called Jawa, which has been priced at Rs. 1.64 lakhs. The Jawa 42 will come with six colour options two choose from and today we bring you a video, courtesy Mukesh Studios. P, that shows two of the best colours on offer. Let’s take a look at them.

So the colours we see in the video are Galactic Green, which is essentially army green, and Halley’s Teal, which is a lighter shade of teal. The other four colours on option are Stralight Blue, Lumos Lime, Comet Red and Nebula Blue. Both the colours showcased in the video suit the bike’s personality. The army green (Galactic Green) looks quite cool and brings a butch look to the Jawa 42. The Halley’s Teal on the other hand is more subtle and looks quite different from other paint schemes available.

The Jawa 42 is powered by a 293 cc four stroke engine derived from Mahindra Mojo’s engine. The engine produces 27 Bhp of power and 28 Nm of torque. The liquid cooled engine is Bharat Stage 6 emission norms ready. The engine’s power and torque figures are quite impressive and easily bests its nearest competition, the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The Jawa 42 also gets a single channel ABS as standard and features disk brakes at front along with drums at rear.

The engine has a distinctive exhaust note which is neither too loud nor too dull. The twin cigar shaped exhaust pipe further compliment the overall look of the bike. Mated to a six speed gearbox, the bike is designed to be a city smart cruiser with lots of low end grunt. Also, with the six colour options to choose from, there is some for every taste. Bookings of the bike are already open while full scale delivery will commence from January.

Also Read: Jawa 42 in military Teal colour and white: What they look like [Video]

Austrian performance bike maker KTM has just launched the ABS variant of their popular 200 Duke motorcycle in India. The new variant has been priced at Rs. 1.6 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). With this, KTM has resolved the biggest complain buyers had for the bike, its lack of ABS. The ABS system incorporated in the bike is made by Bosch and is most probably a dual channel ABS system. Compared to the older non-ABS 200 Duke, the ABS equipped bike is about Rs. 9,000 more expensive.

The 200 Duke is the most affordable bike in India by KTM, and among the fastest accelerating bike in its segment. The company has been quite late at equipping their 200 cc challenger with ABS. Other rivals like the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 etc have been coming with ABS since long now. Other than the ABS, no other change has been made on the 200 Duke and it still is visually the same.

The 200 Duke is also KTM’s best selling bike in India. The ABS version will be made available in three colour schemes, which are – orange, white and black. The ABS update is also in lieu with upcoming government norm that states it is mandatory for all 125 cc and above bikes to be equipped with ABS.

The engine and power output remain the same as before. The KTM 200 Duke gets powered by a 199.5 cc, single-cylinder, liquid cooled engine that produces 24.6 Bhp of power along with 19.2 Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The 200 Duke has a lot of low end grunt which makes it very quick off the line. However, it loses out on top end and has a lower top speed than some other bikes in the competition.

KTM will continue to sell the non-ABS variant alongside the ABS equipped variant. As already mentioned, the ABS version costs only Rs. 9,000 more than the standard, non ABS model. With ABS aided brakes, the bike has become much more safer to ride, especially in emergency braking situations. Therefore, it will be a better choice for paying marginally more and getting the ABS equipped variant.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Interceptor & Continental GT650: Waiting periods, delivery timelines revealed

Mahindra has been making jeeps since 1947 in India. In fact, the original CJ-3B Jeep was its first ever vehicle and the current Thar is roughly based on the same platform.

Mahindra grew from a utility and farm vehicles company to a global giant it is now. Continuing the Jeep legacy now is the Mahindra Thar, which is among the best affordable off road machine you can get in India currently. It also is among the most modified vehicles of the country. There’s hardly any enthusiast out there who would have kept his Thar as stock. However, today we bring you a modified Thar which is a bit towards the wild side.

This mean machine pictured above has been converted into its current form by Sarbloh Motors, a modification house in Punjab.

It has been made for Mahindra Adventure campaign and looks ready to take on any challenge that mother nature may unleash on it. It has got an external metal tube cage while the rear section has been chopped to make it shorter. Let’s now take a deeper look into what all have got into the making of this outlandish Thar.

Starting  from the front, it now gets a host of modifications and upgrades. There is a unique custom bumper which has tow hooks attached to it. Then there is a big winch fitted at the front to help during emergency conditions.

The headlights have been kept stock but there is a LED bar between them. Custom, extra wide fenders increase the butch appeal of the vehicle and the big, off-road spec tires provide excellent grip and traction when on move. A snorkel also finds it place admist all this and increases the water wading capacity of the modified Thar.

Moving on to the side, the first thing to catch attention is the shortened length of the car. The rear frame has been chopped down to make it shorter and increase its off-road prowess.

The car has been painted in a dark blue shade with fiery orange livery on the side door panels. It now runs on a massive suspension setup which has been tuned for off road use.

The interiors are now more focused towards conquering the wild terrains. The stock seats have been replaced by bucket units and there are a lot of switches in the cabin now.

The short rear has a big fuel tank placed over it. A air cylinder has also been placed on the side, which will inflate a flat tire in no time. All in all, this wild child gets a thumbs up from us. It is among the more functional modification work we have seen in some time.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Interceptor & Continental GT650: Waiting periods, delivery timelines revealed

The Hyundai Creta is one of the most popular SUVs on sale today in India. Hyundai packs the SUV with a whole boatload of features that keep most owners smiling. However, if you want to upgrade your Creta without changing the overall design of the SUV, then Delhi’s Auto Marc garage may just be the place for you to go. In the video below, Youtuber Turbo Xtreme shows off a Creta which has been rather tastefully modified by Auto Marc.

The Creta has retained its overall look but has gotten quite a few cosmetic upgrades that add up to give the Hyundai compact SUV a more premium look and feel.

Up front, the biggest changes can be seen in the form of the new headlamps, which feature new Xenon units and DRLs along with turn indicators that move outwards towards the direction in which the car is turning, similar to what you would find on many German luxury cars. Other changes up front include DRLs on the surrounds for the LED fog lamps that double up as turn signals and a front bumper protector along with more chrome on the grille.

Step to the sides of the modified Creta and you’ll notice the dual-tone colour scheme, thanks to the roof and pillars being wrapped in black. The mirror caps are now in black as well to match the dual-tone theme and feature auto-folding function, which closes them whenever the Creta is locked and open when the SUV is opened. The mirrors too close when the Creta is locked. The beltline of the Creta also features extra chrome garnishing on the window frame.
Also seen on the sides are BMW-style running boards.

The rear end of the Creta too features a few upgrades including a new diffuser setup with what appears to be faux dual exhausts. The taillights too are now full Matrix LED units that indicate outwards in the direction the Creta is set to turn. Also, the reflectors are also lit up.

Step inside the Creta and you’re greeted by a very plush interior that features a dual-tone tan and black theme. This teme extends to the seat upholstery as well which is done in Nappa leatherette. The modified Creta also features wood trim finished off in a dark walnut finish. The wood trim can be found on the dash, around the gear lever on the door cards and on the steering wheel as well.

All these changes combine together to make the interiors and exteriors of this modified Creta a whole lot more premium, without compromising on the original design of the SUV.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Interceptor & Continental GT650: Waiting periods, delivery timelines revealed

South Korean carmaker Hyundai recently launched the all-new Santro in India and enjoyed a stellar sales performance during October. With the festive season over and the year about to end, Hyundai offering discounts of up to over Rs 1.5 lakhs on some of its cars and SUVs. In this post, we’ll take a look at these year-end offers from Hyundai.

Hyundai Eon
Max Discount – Rs 60,000

The Hyundai Eon is the carmaker’s entry-level offering in India and the carmaker is offering discounts of up to Rs 60,000 on the hatchback. The discounts include Rs 45,000 cash along with Rs 10,000 as an exchange bonus and Rs 5,000 more as a discount for corporate buyers.

Hyundai Grand i10
Max Discount – Rs 75,000

The Hyundai Grand i10 was recently upgraded with more safety kit and features. Hyundai is offering discounts of up to Rs 75,000 on this hatchback. The discounts include Rs 40,000 cash along with Rs 20,000 as an exchange bonus. Corporate employees get an extra Rs 5,000 discount and any customer who purchases a diesel variant gets an additional Rs 10,000 off.

Hyundai Xcent
Max Discount – Rs 90,000

The Xcent is Hyundai’s offering in the compact sedan category and it competes with the Maruti Dzire and Honda Amaze. Hyundai is offering discounts of up to Rs 90,000 on the Xcent sedan. This includes a Rs 40,000 cash discount along with another Rs 45,000 off as an exchange bonus and an extra Rs 5,000 back for corporate customers.

Hyundai Elite i20 & i20 Active
Max Discount – Rs 55,000

The Hyundai Elite i20 is the carmaker’s rival for the Maruti Baleno in the premium hatchback segment, while the Elite i20 is the crossover version of the large hatch. Hyundai is offering discounts of up to Rs 55,000 on the two cars which includes Rs 20,000 cash, along with another Rs 30,000 as an exchange bonus. Corporate customers get another Rs 5,000 taken off the final price tag.

Hyundai Verna
Max Discount – Rs 60,000

The Hyundai Verna rivals the likes of the Maruti Ciaz and Honda City in the Indian car market. Hyundai is offering discounts of up to Rs 60,000 on the Verna sedan. These discounts include Rs 20,000 cash. The same amount of money is being offered as an exchange bonus and corporate discount.

Hyundai Elantra
Max Discount – Over Rs 1.2 lakhs

The Elantra is the Hyundai’s flagship sedan offering in India and rivals the likes of the Toyota Corolla and the Skoda Octavia. Hyundai is offering benefits of over Rs 1.2 lakhs as part of its year-end discounts to help clear out stock. The benefits include free first-year insurance along with Rs 30,000 each as an exchange bonus and extra discount for corporate customers.

Hyundai Tucson
Max Discount – Over Rs 1.5 lakhs

The Hyundai Tucson is the most expensive offering from the Korean carmaker currently on sale in India. Hyundai is offering discounts of over Rs 1.5 lakhs on the Tucson SUV. These benefits include free first-year insurance and Rs 30,000 as an exchange bonus. Corporate customers can avail an extra discount of Rs 50,000.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Interceptor & Continental GT650: Waiting periods, delivery timelines revealed

Mahindra has just launched its new flagship vehicle for the Indian market – the Alturas G4 luxury SUV. A rival to the  likes of the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour, the Mahindra Alturas G4 is priced at Rs. 26.95 Lakh ex-showroom Delhi (and everywhere else in India).

This makes the Alturas cheaper than both the Fortuner as well as the Endeavour.

The 4×4 variant of the Mahindra Alturas is priced at Rs 29.95 lakh – again across India.

Bookings for the Mahindra Alturas G4 are already open at dealerships across India, and deliveries will start soon.  This luxury SUV will be sold through a special dealership section that’s more premium, and each customer walking in  to buy the Alturas will be attended to by a specific sales representative.

Owners of this SUV will also get a specific relation manager to handle after sales service. Also, owners will get  access to a new premium loyalty program, called Purple Club, which wil give them an opportunity to earn and redeem  points based on engagements with the brand. The idea is to give buyers of the Mahindra Alturas a more premium  experience.

The Mahindra Alturas is offered in two variants – rear wheel drive and four wheel drive. Both variants have the same  engine and gearbox though. The engine is a 2.2 liter-4 cylinder turbocharged unit with 178 Bhp-420 Nm on offer. The gearbox is a 7 speed torque converter automatic gearbox sourced from Mercedes Benz. The Alturas is a 7 seat SUV built on a ladder frame chassis. It’s essentially the Ssangyong Rexton G4 with rebadging for the Indian market.

The Alturas G4 has plenty of street presence, and it’s actually larger than both the Toyota Fortuner and Ford  Endeavour, both in terms of wheelbase as well as other dimensions. These dimensions give the Alturas massive street  presence and also makes it quite spacious on the inside. Talking about the interiors, the SUV gets an extensive  feature list.

Features on the SUV include 9 airbags, ABS+EBD, ESP, anti-roll over protection, 8 way power adjustable driver seat, a  sunroof, 8 inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HID headlamps, 19 inch alloy wheels, a 360 degree parking camera, a dial for low and high range selection, dual zone automatic climate control and Nappa leather interiors. A standout feature is the driver’s seat automatically reversing when the door is opened from the outside in order to give the driver enough room to enter.

All in all, the Alturas G4 is the most loaded premium SUV Mahindra has ever sold in India. The vehicle is assembled  at Mahindra’s Chakan factory through the completely knocked down (CKD) kit route. Mahindra will be hoping that the Alturas is a lot more successful than its predecessor – the Ssangyong Rexton.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Interceptor & Continental GT650: Waiting periods, delivery timelines revealed

Station wagon means surefire flop in India. Traditionally, Indians have stayed away from this category of cars  despite station wagons being extremely practical for everyday use. The Tata Estate was one of the earliest  stationwagons that India had in the 1990s. Our rendering expert Vipin Vathoopan has put together a render of the  next-gen Tata Estate. Here’s what it could look like.

This render uses Tata Motors’ latest design language: Impact 2.0. However, the design of the Tata Estate takes a  classy approach with clean lines all around instead of radical looks that Impact 2.0 has now come to be known for.  Just like the original version, the next-generation Tata Estate, if ever put into production, is expected to be long  and low.

If put into production, t’s expected to have a five seat layout with emphasis on space and of-course, a massive boot.  Tata Motors has made no mention of resurrecting the Estate though and this render is purely a figment of imagination as of now. However, given the fact that Pratap Bose, the design head of Tata Motors, revealed that the Sierra would be one vehicle he’d like to resurrect in the future, a similar approach with the Estate can’t be ruled out.

If Tata Motors brings back the Estate, expect a radical departure in terms of mechanicals. While the original Tata  Estate used naturally aspirated and turbocharged, 2 liter diesel engines, the all-new version is expected to use a  turbocharged petrol or a petrol hybrid engine. This is in order to meet the tightening emission norms given the fact  that India will move to the very stringent Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) emission norms.

A minimalist interior design with a wide range of features is expected to offered on the next-gen Tata Estate. The  original was also quite loaded and Tata Motors would want to retain a similar flavour on the new model. From a  connected infotainment system and rear AC vents to airbags, ABS and a 360 degree camera, the next-gen Tata Estate is expected to be a well rounded car.

Currently, the only affordable station wagon sold in the Indian market is the Datsun Go+. Unlike most other station  wagons of the past, the Datsun Go+ is a decent seller. It recently received a facelift. The car is 7 seater although  the last row of seats can accommodate only children comfortably. The Datsun Go+ is powered by a 1.2 liter petrol engine that makes 67 Bhp-104 Nm. A 5 speed manual gearbox is standard. Prices of the Datsun Go+ start from Rs. 3.83 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Interceptor & Continental GT650: Waiting periods, delivery timelines revealed

Mahindra recently launched the Alturas G4 7-seater SUV in India at a starting price of Rs Rs 26.96 lakh. The Mahindra Alturas G4 is in essence, a rebadged version the Ssangyong Rexton. In this post, we’ll take compare the Alturas G4, with its biggest rivals the Toyota Fortuner (starts from Rs. 27.23 lakhs) and the Ford Endeavour (starts from Rs.26.31 lakhs) and find out which of them is the best, at least on paper.

Dimensions

The all new Mahindra Alturas is the largest offering from Mahindra on sale today at least in terms of dimensions. The Alturas is 4,850 mm long, 1,945 mm wide and 1,860 mm tall. The wheelbase of the Alturas G4 measures in at 2,865 mm long and the SUV has a ground clearance of 244 mm.

The Ford Endeavour is the closest of the new Mahindra’s rivals that comes close to it terms of size. The Endeavour is 4,892 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,837 mm tall. The Endeavour’s wheelbase is 2,850 mm long and the American SUV has a ground clearance of 255 mm.

The Toyota Fortuner is the smallest of the three SUV when it comes to size. The Fortuner is 4,795 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,835 mm tall. The wheelbase of the Fortuner measures in at 2,850 mm long and the SUV has a ground clearance of 215 mm.

In terms of size, the Alturas is a whole lot larger than its rivals. While the Endeavour may be longer in terms of length, it is shorter when the wheelbases are measured and the Toyota is positive. This means that the Alturas, which is both wider and taller than its American rival and should also offer more room inside the cabin thanks to the larger wheelbase. The Endeavour though offers better ground clearance. When it comes to size, the Fortuner doesn’t even seem to get close to the even second side.

Engine specs

Both the new Mahindra Alturas and the Ford Endeavour are offered with only diesel engines. The Toyota Fortuner, on the other hand, is offered with both petrol and diesel powertrains. The Fortuner is also the only SUV in the trio that is offered with a manual gearbox. All three SUVs offer four-wheel-drive with their higher-specced variants.

While the new Mahindra Alturas may have the smallest engine in terms of size at just 2.2-litres, the turbo diesel unit under its bonnet cranks out 178 Bhp and 400 Nm of torque. The Toyota Fortuner loses out here as well at least in terms of power with 174 Bhp though it offers its drivers 50 Nm extra torque compared to its rival from Mahindra. The petrol Fortuner’s 2.7-litre engine is only good for 164 Bhp and 245 Nm of torque.

Ford’s base engine version for the Endeavour is also a 2,2-litre turbo four diesel with only 158 Bhp and 135 Nm of torque on offer. The Endeavour’s larger 3.2-litre engine option it a five-cylinder turbo cranks out 197 Bhp and 470 Nm of torque. The Ford certainly has the most powerful engine on offer here.

Design, Features & Safety

Mahindra certainly has the macho large SUV design nailed thanks to the Alturas G4. The follows Alturas G4 comes with quite a few modern touches including LED headlamps and Mahindra’s signature lighting effect.

In terms of Design, it is once again the Alturas that ends up the winner here. While the Ford is a proper throwback to old-school off-roaders while the Fortuner looks like it is trying too hard to be cool.

The Interiors are another place where Mahindra has managed to differentiate itself from its rivals. The leather-wrapped dashboard is a first in the segment and takes levels of luxury and refinement to a whole new level thanks to features like multi-zone climate control, large touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity among many others.

Overall verdict

The New Mahindra Alturas is no slouch when it comes to a stat war for the best premium SUV in the country. With its aggressive price tag and feature-rich exterior and interiors, The Alturas is ready to give its rivals a bloody nose, though it does have a task ahead on its hands to get customers away from the reliable Fortuner.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Interceptor & Continental GT650: Waiting periods, delivery timelines revealed

The Tata Hexa in the video below looks like every other SUV bearing that name on the road today. However, if you look more closely, you’ll notice the black headliner inside the SUV. The reason for the black headliner becomes apparent once you get inside this Hexa and look up and find yourself looking at a Rolls-Royce style lit-up headliner by pressing a button. This headliner for the roof is the work of Mumbai-based youtuber Vinay Kumar.

While there are many options available for installing these Rolls-Royce style headliners on cars, they require quite a bit of wiring work to be done, which could void your warranty. Vinay Kumar’s solution which is called Stargazer (Rolls-Royce calls its fibre-optic implementation Starlight) is a plug and play unit which works when connected to the 12V socket of your car.

Vinay Kumar’s solution is also perhaps the most affordable option and calls for a blacked out roof, which his team do for every car that they install the headliner on. Prices for the Stargazer headliner and black roof installation start at Rs 23,000 for the unit with 250 LED and the black roof. The next option sports 400 LED lights and costs Rs 35,000. The third option gets 600 LED lights on the headliner and costs 43,000. The next option features 1,200 LEDs which comes in at Rs 50,000. The top-of-the-line option gets 2,000 LED lights in the headliner unit and costs Rs 60,000 to install.

The SUV used for the install shown in the video is a Tata Hexa, which is currently Tata’s flagship offering for the Indian market. The Hexa is powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged DICOR diesel engine that cranks out 197 Bhp and 400 Nm of torque. The Hexa is offered with both petrol and automatic gearbox options with higher-spec variants also getting four-wheel-drive as an option.

However, the Stargazer headliner unit that is seen in the video above is not just limited to the Hexa. The Starlight headliner unit can be installed on any car, no matter how big or small it is, as long it has a 12 V socket installed on it. Also, the lighting pattern can be customised and owners can choose any design they want and can even opt for just a certain section of the roof to be lit up if they want. Also, instead of the white lights owners can also opt for RGB lighting. However, these customizations will cost extra.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Interceptor & Continental GT650: Waiting periods, delivery timelines revealed

We had previously brought you a story on the abandoned exotic cars of India. The likes of Bentleys and Range Rovers left to die is not a pleasant sight ever. However, if you thought this happened only in India, you are utterly wrong to assume that. Today we bring you several cars that have been abandoned to rot in China.

Ferrari Enzo

The Ferrari Enzo is among the most iconic cars to have ever come out of the Marenello based manufacturer. It was named after the company’s founder, Enzo Ferrari himself and was launched in 2002. There were only a total of 399 units made and had a lot of technology from the F1 cars of that time, like the carbon body shell, active aerodynamics and the traction control system. One more unit was later on made to be donated to the Vatican City church.

Ferrari 458 Italia

The Ferrari 458 Italia is the last naturally aspirated V8 engine car by the company. It had a radical design which was unheard of before and a very beautiful silhouette. The engine powering this beauty was a 4.5 liter V8 engine which made 562 Bhp of power and 540 Nm of torque It is succeeded by the Ferrari 488 GTB, which has a similar design theme but a more powerful turbocharged engine. Talking about the sad state of this one here, this red hot beauty has been abandoned for a god-knows-why reason n the basement of a parking in Chengdu.

Rolls Royce Phantom

The Rolls Royce Phantom is an extremely expensive and highly comfortable vehicle. One of the most revered names in the automotive industry world over, it is known for its massive size, sheer opulence and the huge road presence it commands among other factors. This one here has been abandoned after it got involved in a serious accident and has damaged its rear wheels and axles badly. These cars are built like a tank and seeing its current state, it can easily be assumed that it took a good deal of beating to end up like this.

Bentley Continental GT

The Continental GT is the best selling car from the company and also the most popular one. With a starting price mark of more than Rs. 3 crores in India, it’s not a cheap car to be abandoned as such.  Previously, the GT came with only one engine option, the 6.0 liter W12 unit. The Continental GT is also among the cars that the Bachchan family owns. The one above was found in an abandoned parking lot in Chengdu, where a lot more exotics were found rotting.

Bentley Flying Spur

This one is another exotic that was found among around 200 luxury cars that were abandoned in a parking lot in Chengdu, China. As you can see, shrubs and bushes have made this Continental Flying Spur their home. It was a luxury four door sedan by the company based on the Continental GT platform. However, here it lies now, neglected.

Nissan GT-R R34

The current generation Nissan GT-R, commonly known as the ‘Godzilla’, is famous for its supercar beating potential which it offers at a relatively affordable price. The above seen car is an older R34 generation car which was equally famous around the globe. This car still has enthusiasts vouching for it the world over and a well maintained example can fetch a lot of money in used car auctions. The Nissan GT-R R34 is powered by a 2.6 liter 6 cylinder engine making 276 Bhp and 397 Nm. It is really sad to see this iconic car lying in such a state. Makes us wanna pack our bags and leave for China, only if we could bring them here.

Range Rover Vogue

Another example from the exotic car dump yard cum parking in Chengdu, this one looks like it has been eating dust for long. The Range Rover Vogue is considered to be the S Class of the SUV world, and is famous around the world for offering the best mix of comfort and off-roading. It is owned by many personalities in India too, ranging from Bollywood to politics field.

Maserati 4200 GT Spyder

Now this one’s really in a sad shape. The Maserati 4200 GT Spyder is a beautiful car and this one here was left in a pretty bad shape in Yulin in Shaanxi Province. Thieves have ransacked this beauty to a great extent. As apparent from the picture itself, its wheels are missing, the lights and the windshield are smashed. The 4200 GT Spyder was is powered by a 4.2 liter V8 engine that produces 385 Bhp of power.

Maserati Quattroporte

The Maserati Quattoporte is among the best looking luxury 4 door sedans in the world. Its name simply means four-doors, as Maserati is usually known for making high performance sports cars. This Italian beauty here is a forth generation Quattroporte which was powered by a 2.8 liter twin-turbo V6, producing 284 Bhp of power. Spotted in Beijing, it seems like it has been here for long.

Toyota Supra

The Toyota Supra is one of the best examples of the JDM engineering prowess. It is known the world over for its mod potential, handling and performance. The Supra was further made an icon by the first Fast and Furious movie, seen in it as the orange colour car of the protagonist. It was powered by a 3.0 liter 6 cylinder engine that had a range of power outputs, from 217 to 330 Bhp. How this Supra ended here is not clear but any enthusiast would be very sad to see its current condition.

Image source: 2,3, 4,5, 8,9, 6,10

Also Read: Royal Enfield Interceptor & Continental GT650: Waiting periods, delivery timelines revealed

Royal Enfield dealers across India are taking bookings for the recently launched twin cylinder engined Interceptor  650 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles. Sharp pricing has meant that the interest in both motorcycles has been  overwhelming, and enough to push waiting periods to 3 months. If you book today, expect to wait no less than 3 months for delivery of the Royal Enfield Interceptor and Continental GT.

As for delivery timelines, the first batch of Interceptors are expected to be delivered in January 2019 while  February 2019 will see the second batch getting delivered. Minimal deliveries could happen in December as well, but  most people who’ve already booked the motorcycles will get them in February. Test rides of the Interceptor 650 are  now available at most Royal Enfield dealerships while test rides of the Continental GT 650 will commence soon.

A good thing about the booking process for the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 is that it has  been centralized. Your bookings will directly go to the Royal Enfield factory with the dealer no longer having any  control over delivery timelines. This is expected to lower dealer interference with bookings and queue jumpers may  not longer be entertained thanks to the new, centralized system in place.

The Interceptor, whose prices start at as little as Rs. 2.34 lakhs in specific parts of India, is the least priced  twin cylinder engined motorcycle that money can buy in India. The Continental GT 650 is the next cheapest twin, with  prices starting from Rs. 2.49 lakhs. Both motorcycles use the same engines and mechanicals but styling and riding  postures are quite different.

While the Interceptor has an upright riding position, and is meant to be an everyday motorcycle for city streets and  highway rides, the Continental GT 650 has a sporty, cafe-racer styled riding position and is positioned at riders  seeking a retro motorcycle mainly for shorter rides. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 also has a slightly higher  tank range.

Both motorcycles are powered by a newly developed, 650cc parallel twin engine that gets a 270 degree firing angle.  The motor makes 47 Bhp-52 Nm, and features four valve heads, a single overhead camshaft, air-oil cooling and fuel  injection. Initial reviews of this motor suggest that it’s a very smooth, free revving unit, much unlike what most  Royal Enfield motors are. A 6 speed manual gearbox with slipper clutch is standard, and both the bikes are capable of  hitting speeds in excess of 160 Kmph. The 0-100 Kmph run is dispatched in under 7 seconds, making them extremely fast motorcycles for Indian roads.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Interceptor & Continental GT650: Waiting periods, delivery timelines revealed

Stancing is one of the hottest trends globally in the modification industry. Stancing refers to modifications which focus on making a car low slung, giving it a lowered ‘stance’. Such cars are said to be stanced cars or low riders due to their extremely low ground clearance and low profile tyres. India too has some good low rider cars and while they still may not match up to international standards, they look gorgeous nonetheless. Here’s a list of five hottest low riders in our country.

Civic

Honda Civic is considered to be among the best mod friendly cars not only in India but in the whole world. The 8 generation Civic that was on sale in India was a looker in stock form too. However, the one pictured above has been turned into a smoldering hot low rider Civic.

It gets low profile tyres, 18 inch rims with five spokes and a lowered suspension setup. other changes include a reworked front bumper and headlights with corona rings among other subtle changes. Done in red with hints of black, this one looks absolutely menacing.

Lancer

Mitsubishi gave us a taste of some JDM sauce when it brought the Lancer to India. Now many of you might have heard the term JDM within mod circles and wondered what it means. JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market and means cars that were primarily made for the Japanese market and are more ‘go’ than ‘show’

Talking about the Lancer here, it is easily among the best examples of Lancer in our country and looks straight out of a fast and Furious movie. It gets extreme low profile tyres, gorgeous multi spoke silver rims and lowered suspension. Other changes include a redesigned bumper, new grille and updated headlamps among others. This low, flat and sleek Lancer is just the coolest thing one could see today.

Swift

The Swift needs no introduction. The sporty little hatchbacks has been ruling our hearts even since its debut in 2005. The latest generation Maruti Suzuki Swift is even more fun and good looking than others. This one here is a last generation model and a complete stunner. We have seen many examples of modified swifts and also have brought them to you but this one is another level thing.

It gets a lowered suspension setup, low profile tires, and blacked out multi spoke rims to give it that stanced look. This Swift also gets a wide body kit to compliment the whole low rider look. A new wide bumper, new grille, custom headlights, wide fenders with scoops, raised bonnet and roof spoiler, all come together to create a visually stunning package. Absolute Bonkers we say.

SX4

Did you know that the SX4 was actually sold as a crossover hatchback in many countries. Maruti Suzuki strapped a boot on it when they decided to bring it in India, as crossovers weren’t the ‘in’ thing back then. That probably defines its high ground clearance and tall stance.

This one however is exact opposite to the stock car. Changes on the car include the usual low rider stuff such as a lowered suspension, wider low-profile tyres and cool looking multi spoke rims. It also gets a redesigned bumper which further lowers its stance and other subtle bits like blacked out side mirrors and black contrasting roof.

Vento

Though the Volkswagen Vento might not be selling very well now, it was a sales success when it was first launched in India. The sedan version of the popular Polo hatchback had a similar design theme with clean lines and typical German looks.

The one seen here has been done quite tastefully as it looks classy rather than wild. It gets beautiful rose gold rims shod with low profile tyres along with a lowered suspension setup to make it a low rider. The body has not been played around with much and retains its stock form. However, it now gets a matte black finish which looks great on those golden wheels.

Image Source – 1,2,3,4,5

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Mahindra launched their most expensive SUV yet, the Alturas G4 on 24th November and we got a chance to sample it off the road near Jaipur. The Alturas G4 is sold in both 4×2 and 4×4 versions and the we had the latter to our disposal for an off-road experience across natural terrain. Here is our photo-log of the event.

We drove to Achrol, a small village about 30 mins North of Jaipur in a convoy of about 16 Mahindra Alturas G4 4×4 SUVs.

The Alturas, all lined up for the off-road drive ahead. We stuck to both 4H (4×4 High) and 4L (4×4 Low) for the selected route. Ride height isn’t adjustable but 244mm of ground clearance is more than adequate.

The sandy terrain (part of an old sand dune) had its own natural routes like this one. We didn’t use the hill descent control – instead in 4×4 low, we let the SUV roll ahead with just a tap of the brake lever.

4×4 High was more than ample for uphill sandy tracks like this one. Do note that the ESP comes with active roll-over program, brake assist, traction control, electronic brake distribution, ABS, hill start assist and emergency stop signal.

And then we hit the specially made 4×4 section! All that 420Nm of torque surely came in handy – 16% more than the XUV500.

We were given quick instructions and guidance by Mahindra’s in-house expert, Manish Sarser…

..and post that we were allowed a free run here. Look at that massive lift! The Alturas remain calm and composed.

Hero shots like this one were easily possible. Even in 2H (normal 4×2), some of us managed to drive through thanks to the clever traction control set-up that works like a diff lock.

Brand new Alturas were subjected to antics like these.

And then we hit the loose sandy areas where getting the rear out in 2H was rather easy. Remember, the Alturas puts out 178 bhp of power from the 2.2-litre Diesel engine.

Note that we had the traction control OFF for these pictures : otherwise the system kept cutting off the power immediately

We also subjected the Alturas to crazy lean angles like this one. No problem whatsoever.

After spending a few hours in the wild, it was clear that the Alturas, inspite of its weight and size, is very capable off the road. But how many buyers will shell out that extra Rs 3 lakh for the 4×4 version? Our fingers are crossed.

One parting shot showing the wheel articulation – most of us were quite impressed with this new Mahindra’s capabilities off the road.

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