BMW M3 Launched

As the BMW launches its performance M3 sedan at Rs 1.19 Crore, the bar for under 5 seconds saloon raised to a new level. Apart from BMW M3 sedan, the Bavarian automaker also launched the M4 coupe at Rs 1.21 Crore. The M-Twins were launched by BMW fanatic and God of Cricket Sachin Tendulkar at the BMW Experience Tour 2014 held at the Buddh International Circuit BIC. Both the M-Twins will be imported as CBUs (completely built units) in the country. Lets dig deep to find the features and highlights of BMW M3.

DIMENSIONS:

• Length: 4,671mm
• Width: 1,877mm
• Height: 1,430mm
• Wheelbase: 2,812mm
• Unladen weight: 1,595kg
• Fuel tank capacity: 60-litre (approx)
• Tyre size-Front: 255/40 ZR18 95Y, Rear: 275/40 ZR18 99Y
• Alloy type: 18 inches, V-spoke light-alloy

EXTERnal FEATURES:

• Adaptive LED headlights with four LED rings sporting high beam assistance 
• Automatic headlights with rain sensor (headlight washer)
• Electronic Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs) with integrated LED side indicator
• ORVMs also features heating and memory function
• Heat protection glazing
• Two twin round shaped chrome exhausts 
• BMW signature ‘Kidney Grille’ with black finish with chrome frame and not to mistaken ‘M’ logo

INTERnal FEATURES:

• Dual Zone climate control with active carbon microfilter
• Floor Mats in velour 
• Upholstery in Cloth/leather combination with Carbon structure anthracite 
• Ambient mood lights
• Leather wrapped multifunction M steering wheel with gear shift paddles 
• M Carbon Roof
• Illuminated M logo on bucket seats for both driver and passenger 

COMFORT FEATURES:

• Electrically adjustable driver seat with memory function
• Electrically adjustable passenger seat 
• BMW infotainment iDrive Touch Controller with 22.35cm (8.7-inch) colored display
• Bluetooth and USB connectivity 
• Navigation system Professional with 3D Maps
• Electrically adjusted lumbar support for both driver and passenger 
• Mechanical  adjusted roller sunblind for rear side windows
• Electrically adjusted roller sunblind for rear window
• Smokers Package
• Automatic Start/Stop Function
• Rear View Camera 
• Park distance control (PDC) front and rear

 OPTIONAL FEATURES:

• Harman Kardon surround system, 600W, 9 Channels, 16 loudspeaker
• Surround view camera
• Storage package
• Full Merino leather upholstery 
• 19-inch alloy wheels 
• BMW Service Inclusive 

SAFETY FEATURES:

• Airbags - dual-front airbags, knee airbags, head airbags (front and rear) and side airbags (driver and front passenger) 
• Anti-Locking Braking system, Brake-Assist and CBC - Cornering Brake Control
• DSC - Dynamic Stability Control including MDM - M Dynamic Mode
• Run-flat indicator and spare wheel 
• 3-point seat belts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners with belt-force limiters at front; ISOFIX child seat mounting
• Taillight with Dynamic Braking Light
• Road-side assistance 24/7
• BMW Head-Up display with M-views - (Rpm, Speed, gear indicator with shift light, etc).

ENGINE:

• Engine: 3.0-litre, 2979 cc, 6-cylinder Twin-turbo petrol engine 
• Maximum power output: 431 hp @ 5500-7300 rpm
• Peak Torque: 550 m @ 1850-5500 rpm
• Transmission: 7-gear M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic and Active M differential 
• Fuel economy: 10.75 kmpl 
• Co2 Emission: 221.87 g/km
• Acceleration: 0-100 kmph in 4.1 seconds
• Top Speed: 250 kmph

Mercedes-Benz New C-Class Launched

Mercedes-Benz finally launched the new C-Class at Rs 40.90 lac (Ex-showroom Delhi). Also known as baby S-Class, the C-Class lock horns with the likes of Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series.

The new C-Class has been launched only in a petrol model and the diesel version will be launched later. With a tagline of The Best Knows No Alternative, the saloon embraces intelligent and innovative lightweight construction and now the aluminum hybrid body is 100kg lighter than its predecessor. Mr. Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said over 20,000 C-Class are already running on Indian roads with the introduction of updated model, the automaker looks to extend its reach in the hearts of Indian customers. CarDekho’s detailed comparison is already out and without a further ado lets have a look on the features, highlights and specification of Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Dimensions:

• Length: 4,686mm
• Width: 1,810mm
• Height: 1,442mm
• Wheelbase: 2,840mm
• Turning Radius: 5.61m (Diameter: 11.22m)
• Kerb Weight: 1,545kg
• Boot Space: 480-litres 
• Fuel tank capacity: 66-litre
• Tyre Size: 225/50 R 17
• Alloy Type: 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in vanadium silver shade

EXTERNAL FEatures:

• Panoramic sliding sunroof
• Front air intakes with twin chrome trim
• LED Headlamps with Intelligent Light System and variable light distribution
• LED licence plate illumination and LED rear lights
• Illuminated door sill panel
• Exterior mirrors – heated and electronically adjustable
• Heated rear window with timer control

Available in 5 eye catching shades: Cavansite Blue, Citrine Brown, Polar White, Iridium Silver, Obsidian Black.

INTERNAL FEATURES:

• 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel 
• Ambient lighting in 3 colors Polar (Ice-Blue), Solar (Amber) and Neutral (White)
• 5 different levels for ambient lighting brightness control 
• Folding rear seat backrests 40/20/40 split, 
• Electrically adjustable front seats with 3 memory settings
• Interior Lighting Package for lighting of footwells, door handle recesses, as well as rear reading lights (LED) and courtesy lights in all doors
• Roller sunblinds in left and right rear doors
• ARTICO leather upholstery

COMFORT FEATURES:

• Cruise control with Speedtronic variable speed limiter
• 4-way lumbar support for driver and front passenger
• Two zone THERMATIC automatic climate control 
• ECO start/stop function
• Steering wheel with paddle shifters
• KEYLESS GO starting function
• Outside temperature display
• Infotainment system with touchpad and Micro-USB, iPod, Dock and iPod Lightning cable connectivity
• Multimedia system with high-resolution 17.78 cm colour display
• Bluetooth interface with HD voice-capable hands-free function 
• Navigation with Garmin MAP PILOT

SAFETY FEATURES:

• 7 Airbags which includes side airbag for driver and front passenger (combined thorax/pelvis bag), Windowbags and Kneebag for driver
• Automatic front passenger airbag deactivation
• Adaptive brake with Hill-Start Assist
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Reverse parking camera
• ASSYST service interval indicator
• ATTENTION ASSIST that detect drowsiness and fatigue of driver

TECHNICAL FEATURES:

• Engine: 2.0-litre, 1991cc, 4-Cylinder Turbocharged petrol engine
• Maximum power output: 181bhp @ 5500rpm
• Peak Torque: 300Nm @ 1200-1400rpm
• Transmission: 7G-TRONIC PLUS 
• AGILITY SELECT provides 5 types of Driving mode-Comfort, Economy, Sport, Sport+ and Individual
• Fuel economy: 14.74kmpl 
• Acceleration: 0 to 100 kmph in 7.3 seconds
• Top Speed: 235kmph.

SsangYong to launch Tivoli by January 2015

SsangYong Motor Company has announced the name of the company’s all new B-segment crossover. Christened as Tivoli, the crossover is under development from the past three years. The automaker had already showcased the concept version at the recent international motor shows with the project name X100. The car will be launched in Korea by the first month of next year.

Apart from revealing the name, the company also revealed some of the latest rendered images of the car’s exterior and interior. The images shows that the cars share its designing cues from an urban SUV by embracing the rhythmical motion of SsangYong’s new design language.

With spacious and luxurious interiors, the crossover gives comfort to both front and rear row passengers. The car also features latest equipment to support and connect the IT devices along with enough storage space, thus bringing the practicality factor.

As far as engines are concerned, it is expected that the SsangYong Tivoli will either carry 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre diesel engine. While the car will be offered with a choice of two wheel or four-wheel drive, the six-speed manual or automatic gearbox will also be provided to the customers. Power outputs are yet to be confirmed, but the two-wheel drive diesel concept will emit around 120g/km of CO2. If launched in diesel, the car will be powered by Korando’s 2-liter diesel engine.

BMW India launches updated M5 at INR 1.35 Crore

BMW India has launched the updated M5 at an ex-showroom price of INR 1.35 Crore. The high-performance sedan will be available in dealerships across the country as Completely Built Units (CBU).
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India said, "Power delivery, torque, driving dynamics: the new BMW M5 embodies pure athleticism. Conventional rules do not apply to the new BMW M5. An independent production of BMW M GmbH, it remains faithful to the M philosophy, perfectly combining high performance with optimum everyday practicality. An uncompromising presence, a natural leader, it conquers every challenge. Whether on the open road or in the city, it is the perfect interplay of heartbeat, horsepower and exhilarating harmony."

Powering the new M5 is the same M Twin Power Turbo V8 petrol engine, rated at 560bhp along with 680Nm of peak torque. The power unit comes mated to a seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters, endowing the performance sedan to finish the 0-100 kmph dash in just 4.3 seconds. Its performance-to-fuel-consumption ratio is boosted through Intelligent Lightweight Construction, Automatic Start/Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution and other tech.

On the safety front, the sedan comes equipped with air bags, Active M Differential, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including M Dynamic mode, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, Active Protection with Attentiveness Assistant and Active headrests (front).

BMW is offering the new M5 in Alpine White as non-metallic paintwork and in seven metallic paintworks including Black Sapphire, Imperial Blue Brilliant Effect, Monte Carlo Blue, Sakhir Orange, Silverstone, Singapore Grey and Space Grey.

Mercedes-Maybach S600 glides in at LA Auto Show

The LONG awaited Mercedes-Maybach S600 has made its world premiere in Guangzhou and the car made an appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Mercedes-Maybach will act as a new sub brand, providing an even more exclusive form for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class combines the perfection of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with the exclusivity of Maybach. Mercedes-Maybach S600 is longer in both length and wheelbase by 8.1 inches than the S-Class sedan. The company is also claiming that the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is also the world's quietest production sedan.

Many features distinguish the Mercedes-Maybach S600 from the normal S-Class with the length of the car leading the front. The extended length offer more space and large windows in the rear seats, satisfying the highest requirements of luxury and comfort. On the outside, the rear door has been shortened by 2.6 inches when compared to the long wheelbase S-Class and has no triangular window (they now adorn the C-pillars). There’s also a new side line and the double M Maybach Manufaktur logo inside an arched triangle make their mark on the C-pillars on both sides.

Inside, both driver and front passenger seat now get the executive treatment that is standard with special adjustment kinematics system. The rear seats are fit for kings with all the imaginable luxury and comfort features. These are individually adjustable multicontour seats with an ENERGIZING massage function. The entire rear seating system, seat-back lining, doors and nozzle coverings are surrounded with fine-wood trim with a handcrafted feel. Other exclusive features in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are trim parts in wood/chrome and leather at shoulder height in the door panels, a nappa leather roof liner, chrome-plated tweeter grilles and fiber-optic cables for the ambience lighting to the side on the armrest.

The Mercedes-Maybach S600 is powered by a V12 biturbo engine with an output of 523 hp and a maximum torque of 830 Nm available from 1900 rpm. The Mercedes- Maybach S600 completes the sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 5.0 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. The most important features of the V12 engine are the all-aluminium crankcase, one-piece chain drive, forged crankshaft in high-grade quenched and tempered steel, forged pistons, dedicated ignition coil with multispark ignition, hollow-stem outlet valves filled with sodium and a low-temperature coolant circuit with separate expansion reservoir.

Safety features are also in abundance with the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class coming standard with Intelligent Drive systems that include PRE-SAFE Brake with Pedestrian Recognition, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, BAS PLUS with Cross- Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus. Other features include a panoramic sliding sunroof with optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL technology and Burmester high-end 3D surround sound.

Chevy has Revealed the Next-Gen Sail Sedan

General Motors has revealed the third generation of the Sail sedan (next-gen Sail) at the on-going Guangzhou Motor Show in China. The vehicle comes with heavy alterations to its exteriors and interiors. Adding about the Indian debut, it’s still unclear whether GM India will launch this next-gen version in the country as the current gen vehicle attracts poor sale and holds a tag of ‘Made In China’! Moreover, GM India has recently given a mild facelift to the Sail siblings, so if it is even scheduled to launch, expect it to be later next year or in 2016. 

On the design front, Sail has really evolved from the current Sail and its more mature and streamlined. On the inside, the interiors of the sedan are carried over with heavy alterations. The infotainment system gets a large screen while instrumentation cluster looks dapper. 

Mechanically, the next-gen Sail sedan is likely to get the same set of SMARTECH powertrains of the on-going model. Speaking of the same, Sail currently gets 1.2 liter naturally aspirated petrol and 1.3 liter turbocharged diesel. The 1.2L SMARTECH petrol churns out 82.5 bhp and 108.5 Nm of peak torque. The Fiat-MultiJet derived 1.3L SMARTECH turbo-charged diesel engine chucks out 74 bhp and 190 Nm of max torque. The petrol gets a certified fuel economy of 18.2 km/l while diesel offers 22.1 km/l.

Audi A3 Cabriolet to be launched in India in December

Audi unveiled the A3 sedan at the 2014 Auto Expo in India at the start of this year, where it was accompanied by its open top sibling - the A3 Cabriolet. The carmaker will launch this two-door four-seater vehicle for the Indian market in the coming month.

The A3 Cabriolet is based on the hard top A3 sedan and measures 4.42 metres in length, 179 metres in width and 1.41 metres in height. The car has a large wheelbase of 2.60 metres and gets a soft fabric roof that is stretched over a lightweight kinematic mechanism made of magnesium steel. The top can open or close electro-hydraulically at the press of a button, in less than 18 seconds, at speeds of up to 50kmph. In terms of appearance it looks similar to the A3 sedan but looks sportier than the sedan.

Globally, the Audi A3 Cabriolet is available in two petrol and one diesel engine options. The 1.4-litre TFSI churns out 140bhp of power and the 1.8-litre TFSI produces 180bhp of power. The former model accelerates to 100kmph from standstill in 9.1 seconds, while the latter does that sprint in just 7.8 seconds. Both these engines come mated to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. The oil-burner is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI engine producing 150bhp of power and does the 0-100kmph sprint in 8.9 seconds.

The Audi A3 Cabriolet displays a modern and youthful design and with its roof down multiplies the driving experience by far. Buyers looking for joy and style while driving will surely be delighted when this car goes on sale in our country next month. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 45 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.

For more details, visit the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btFVE2QAy-M

Tesla to enter India

Popular electric car maker, Tesla to enter India with new sedan at attractive price

Tesla Motors, the world's most successful electric car maker, plans to enter the Indian market with its upcoming sedan that will be priced at less than half of its existing model even as the country's high import duty remains abig obstacle, a top executive said. Tesla is working on its third-generation car — a smaller and affordable four-door sedan code named Tesla Model 3 — to target emerging markets like India.

"Our target price for Model 3 is in the range of $30,000 to $40,000 (approx Rs 18-24 lakh) that makes it an ideal product in the luxury car segment," said Jay Vijayan, chief information officer at Tesla Motors. Its existing vehicle, Tesla Model S, is priced in excess of $100,000 (around rs 61 lakh). "India is a huge potential market, but we need to have more affordable and economical cars," Vijayan said. He said support from the Indian government like its US counterpart, where each electric car is bundled with at least $7,500 direct subsidy, would be a key to bring its cars to Indian customers.

"India has one of the highest import duty in the world — in excess of 100% — that goes against our principal of importing car directly from our plants at Freemont in the US or the assembly unit in Netherlands," Vijayan said. "We have identified India is one of the potential markets in Asia to have a local assembly plant, but we need a definite policy from the government to support electric vehicles in the future," he said. Tesla plans to start a dialogue with the Indian government to rationalise import duty on electric cars and also develop a separate category for such vehicles. Tesla is currently selling Model S in only two counties in Asia. It sold over 5,000 cars in China and around 2,000 cars in Japan. India being the third largest automotive market in Asia is a natural destination in the future, company executives said.

"Tesla is not just a conventional electric car, but a full-scale motoring experience, that zooms 0-100 km per hour in mere 3.4 seconds and delivers the highest 500-km range on a single electric charge," Vijayan said. Electric cars have not gained much acceptance in India so far. Bangalore-based Reva, which is now part of Mahindra & Mahindra, had been selling electric cars in the country for more than a decade, but with little success. Lack of charging infrastructure, limited drivability and comparatively high price tags prevented electric cars from competing with petrol and diesel-run cars.

The Indian government has been planning to start National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, where it plans to sell 6-7 million of electric vehicles in the country by 2020. It is aimed at providing incentives to the tune of about Rs 14,000 crore for promotion of cleaner electric vehicle technologies with the aim of saving 2.2-2.5 million tonnes of fuel by the end of this decade. The policy is yet to be approved and implemented.

Audi A1 facelift revealed

The Audi A1 gets a much needed mid-cycle refresh after being on sale for quiet a few years
After revealing to the world its refreshed Audi A6 and Audi Q3 models,Audi turned its eyes to the Audi A1. The German carmaker has given a mid-cycle refresh to its Audi A1 and Audi A1 Sportback models which now comes with a retuned suspension.

Both the vehicles come draped in new paint combinations. The vehicles have also received a new front grille and headlamps. The German carmaker also claims that both the cars measure 3,980mm in length which means they are now two centimetres longer than before.

Inside, the refreshed Audi A1 and Audi A1 Sportback models benefit from the latest MMI infotainment control system and Wi-Fi hotspot function. The German carmaker has also decided to offer several  personalisation options to its customers – right from the coloured air vents to decorative decals for the body. The Audi Genuine Accessories package offers even more options, including add‑on parts and different wheel designs.

Mechanically, both the cars come equipped with new 3-cylinder petrol and diesel engine options. The base variants will be offered with a 1.0-litre petrol engine churning out 95PS of power. A 1.4-litre common-rail diesel engine delivering 90PS of power is also on offer.

Next in the line-up is a 1.4-litre direct injection petrol unit delivering 123PS of power or 148PS of power with the more powerful featuring a cylinder deactivation system. A 1.6-litre diesel engine producing 114PS of power and a 1.8-litre petrol with 189PS of power are also in the list. Audi has also retuned the suspension with optional adaptive damping available, as well as the Drive Select function that allows drivers to change the characteristics of the steering, damping, gearbox and throttle mapping.

New Mini Cooper launched in India for Rs.31.85Lakh

BMW Group has launched the 2015 Mini 3-door and 5-door variants in India. While the three-door model of the Mini will cost Rs.32 lakh, the five-door variant is priced at Rs 35 lakh. Both the prices are ex-showroom pan-India based.

The new Mini Cooper is powered by 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder diesel engine that is capable of generating about 114PS of power and 270Nm of torque.

In terms of dimensions, while the 3-door measures 3,821 mm in length, 1,414 mm in height, 1,727 mm in width and 2,495 mm in wheelbase; the 5-door Mini measures 3,982 mm in length, 1,727 mm in width, 1,425 mm in height and 2,567 mm in wheelbase.

Brought to life by BMW engineers, the new Mini Cooper has all the trademark Mini styling elements. It has a completely redesigned front grille that offers big air intakes and a black honeycomb-patterned grid specific for the Cooper S. On the back, the air outlet housing two fog lights is wrapped around the double exhaust tailpipes. The model also offers newly designed headlights and rear lights with full-LED headlights available as an option, the upright windscreen, and the floating roof. The new model houses a large high-res 8.8-inch central screen instead of the speedo.

Moreover, new graphics and a new insert give the new Mini a more mature look. A total of 14 exterior shades will be offered on the car, which includes Pepper White, volcanic Orange, Chili Red, Mini Yours Blue, while the optional metallic shades constitute of Moonwalk Grey, Blazing Red, Electric Blue, British racing Green, Iced Chocolate, Deep Blue, White Silver, Midnight Black.

Mini 3-door

In India, the Mini 3-door will spawn a Cooper D(diesel) and Cooper S (petrol). The Cooper D uses a 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine which makes 114 hp of power and 270 Nm of torque. The model comes mated to a 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. The car can achieve 0-100 km/h in a brisk 9.2 seconds with a top-speed of 200 km/h. The company claims the model to deliver fuel efficiency of 25.6 km/l.

The Cooper S is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-liter petrol engine producing 192 hp of power and 280 Nm of torque, paired to a similar 6-speed automatic gearbox. The Cooper S can attain 0-100 km/h speed in just 6.7 seconds, with a top-speed of 233 km/h. The company claims the model to deliver a fuel efficiency of 18.2 km/l. With the rear seats folded, the new 3-door Mini can take up to 731 liters of luggage.

Mini 5-door

The 5-door Mini in India comes only in single variant, the Cooper D. It is powered by the same a 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine which produces 114 hp of power and 270 Nm of torque. The car comes mated to 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. It can attain a speed of 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, while top speed is a claimed 200 km/h. Like the 3-door model, the 5-door also delivers an impressive fuel efficiency of 25.6 km/l.

Boot space in 5-door has gone up by 67 liters to 278 liters and now stands at a cavernous 719 liters with the rear seats folded. The 5-door will also be available in a range of 14 aforementioned exterior colors, with room for a lot of bespoke activity.

Jaguar XE first look

All-new Jaguar XE sedan will take on the likes of the BMW 3-series and Audi A4. India launch in late 2015.

Jaguar has taken the wraps off its new BMW 3-series rival, the XE.Jaguar will be hoping the XE’s impressive range of technical innovations – including a new chassis, new materials, new body, new assembly works, new engine range and a new engine plant – will help it to take on the 3-series as well as the Mercedes-Benz C-class and Audi A4.

The XE’s success has huge implications for Jaguar’s ability to fulfill its new model plan of the future.The car does not set out to shock, however. It employs and extends the new-generation Jaguar design style introduced with the XF sedan in 2008 and developed more recently in the F-type sports car range.

The new Jaguar is an all-aluminium, four-door, rear-drive sedan – slightly bigger than a 3-series but smaller than an A4 – that uses riveting and bonding techniques developed over the past decade that make it Jaguar’s lightest, stiffest sedan yet.

The XE will become Jaguar’s entry-level model. It is tipped to sell well over 100,000 units a year globally, when production hits its stride, and even more when other body styles are launched.

Design boss Ian Callum says that the new Jaguar XE will become “the defining sports sedan for Jaguar”.

His design team’s way of fulfilling that brief, he explains, was to start by giving the car a low driving position, a long, coupé-like roofline like the XF and placing the cabin as far rearward as possible to allow the car a long bonnet and short boot while still providing decent (although admittedly not class-leading) legroom and headroom in the rear.

Callum acknowledges the debt that the XE owes to the XF, which pioneered many facets of Jaguar’s modern design style: the sculpted bonnet with strong ‘power bulge’, the narrow headlights and ‘J-blade’ running lights, the rising waistline and long, confident curve of the coupé roof. The rear lights he describes as “a horizontal line intersecting a roundel” and they owe something both to the F-type and originally the E-type, just as the rounded window of the rear door carries suggestions of the Jaguar Mark 2.

2015 Ford Endeavour unveiled

Ford will be officially unveiling the new Endeavour tomorrow, however we have our hands on the first official images of the new SUV and all the important information.
The Endeavour is inspired by the new Ranger pickup, from where it borrows its platform. It looks butch and more intimidating than before. The SUV stays true to its concept form which was first showcased in Australia. Inside the cabin while things still look simple, there are added features in the form of Sync 2 enabled touchscreen music system which can be activated via voice input. The touchscreen system also houses Bluetooth, multimedia and climate controls. A new Active Noise Cancellation is also being offered in the Endeavour. Ford says that this feature reduces the external noise inside the cabin. Additionally the new Ford Endeavour also gets a sunroof and as many as 30 storage spaces.

Ford has paid special attention to the Endeavour’s off-road capabilities. The SUV comes with Terrain Management System which gets four settings – Gravel, Snow, Sand and Normal. The ground clearance is 225mm and the new Endeavour has a lockable torque on demand 4×4 system with an active transfer case. On the safety front there is adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and a cross-traffic alert system. Ford has placed seven airbags in the new Endeavour.

There are three engine options being offered with the new Endeavour. These include a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine and two diesels – 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre. Depending on the markets in which the Endeavour will be sold, customers can specify their SUV with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission and with all-wheel or two-wheel drive configurations. As for India, it will be one of the nine markets where Ford will sell the new Endeavour as the Everest. We may get the 2.2-litre motor in both manual and automatic guises.

Honda Amaze drives into the Guinness Book of World Records

The sedan has made its way to the Guinness Book of World Records in the 'Longest journey by a car in a single country' category

Honda Amaze has entered the Guinness Book of World Records with its recently concluded ‘Longest Drive Through Amazing India’, which explored the length and breadth of the country. This drive which covered an impressive 23,800km drive was done by Bunny Punia and Shantonil Nag.This 55-day journey which commenced from Jodhpur on September 15, 2014 saw the Amaze travel through mountainous terrains, coastlines, flat highways, congested city roads and the interiors of India as part of the ‘Honda Amazingly Indian campaign’. 

Speaking on the occasion, Hironori Kanayama, President and CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd, said, “We are happy to announce that Honda Cars India has added yet another milestone to its journey by entering The Guinness World Records for the Longest journey by car in a single country”.

“The drive through various terrains is testimony to the durability, quality and reliability ofHondaAmaze. These qualities have found their way into the Indian market and the car has garnered excellent response from the customers,” he further added.The ‘Longest Drive through Amazing India’ will be followed by a series of ‘webisodes’ on ‘Drive through Amazing India’ which will be hosted by renowned author Chetan Bhagat. In this web series, Chetan Bhagat will be travelling to the unexplored places of India which will be followed by contests, wherein people will be asked to post stories or photos about unexplored places of Amazing India. The short-listed candidates will further get a chance to travel and explore remarkable places of India.

This campaign was initiated to celebrate the success of Honda Amaze in the country and for reaching the one lakh units sales milestone.