Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 2015 Launched...!!

Hyundai India has brought in the 2015 Verna facelift in the country and the Korean automaker is calling it - 4S Fluidic Verna. Hyundai says 4S stands for - Style, Safety, Sophistication and Speed! Let’s look at the features, highlights and specifications of the new Verna 4S.

Price (Ex-Showroom, New Delhi):

Petrol Variants

•     Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 1.4L Base - Rs. 773,903
•     Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 1.6 S - Rs 884,939
•     Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 1.6 S (O) - Rs 938,217
•     Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 1.6 S (O) AT - Rs 1,011,378
•     Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 1.6 SX – Rs 1,015,505

Diesel Variants

•     Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 1.4-liter Base - Rs 894,910
•     Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 1.6 S – Rs 999,900
•     Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 1.6 S (O) – Rs 1,059,241
•     Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna SX – Rs 1,146,581
•     Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna SX AT – Rs 1,219,720

Engines:

Petrol

• 1.4-liter VTVT - 1,396 cc, Power- 107 PS @ 6300 rpm, Torque - 135 Nm @ 5000 rpm, FE 17.43 kmpl
• 1.6-liter VTVT - 1,591 cc, Power - 123 PS @ 6,300 rpm, Torque - 155 Nm @ 4200 rpm

Diesel

• 1.4-liter U2 CRDI - 1,396 cc, Power - 90 PS @ 4,000 rpm, Torque - 220 Nm @ 1,750 - 2,750 rpm, FE 24.8 kmpl
• 1.6-liter U2 CRDI - 1,582 cc, Power - 128 PS @ 4,000 rpm, Torque - 260 Nm @ 1,900 - 2,750 rpm, FE 23.9 kmpl

Dimensions:

• Length: 4,375 mm
• Width: 1,700 mm
• Height: 1,475 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,570 mm
• Ground Clearance: 165 mm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 43 Liters
• Tyres: 185 / 65 R15, 195/55 R16 Alloys  

External Features:

•     Refreshed front Fascia with twin-slat grille and swept-back projector headlamps
•     New bumper with larger air dam and new fog lamp housing with chrome inserts
•     Diamond cut alloys on 16-inch radials
•     Tweaked tail lights with new graphics and updated bumpers with reflectors
•     Blacked out door rims and chrome door handles
•     ORVMs with LED side repeaters

Interiors And Comfort Features:

• Updated audio system with built in 1GB storage along with Aux-in, USB and Bluetooth phone connectivity, along with multi-function steering wheel
• It features four speakers and two tweeters
• Leather seat upholstery along with leather wrapped - steering, gear knob, console and door armrest  
• Chromed AC louvers and door handles
• Adjustable driver seat and ‘Walk-in Ergo Lever’ - rear passengers can adjust the front passenger’s seat in front and backward direction for making legroom.

•     Glove Box cooling
•     Rear armrest with cup-holders and front armrest with storage
•     Rear view camera with inside-rear-view-mirror display along with rear parking sensors
•     Automatic headlamps and wipers
•     Automatic air-conditioning

Safety:

• ABS and EBD are standard
• Driver airbag starts from the second variant while top SX offers segment-first six airbags

Colors:

• Red Passion
• Sleek Silver
• Phantom Black
• Pure White
• Star Dust

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II launched in Chennai at Rs.4.5 crore

After the national launch in Delhi a couple of months ago, Rolls-Royce has launched the Ghost Series II in Chennai, priced at Rs.4.5 crore ex-showroom. Chennai became the first city in the south to witness the launch of Ghost Series II. The Ghost Series II gets several upgrades and features such as restyled face, new LED headlamps with framed daytime running lights, new bonnet design and bumpers, redesigned front seats, new paint and wheel options, satellite aided transmission and more.

“With Ghost Series II we, in the words of our founding father Sir Henry Royce have “taken the best that exists and made it better”, said Mr. Sven Ritter, General Manager for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Asia Pacific speaking at the launch. “We are delighted to launch the car in the biggest industrial and commercial centre in South India, Chennai, a growing metropolitan city and home to an increasing number of ultra-high-net worth individuals. Ghost Series II with its perfection, power of simplicity and luxury will give our South Indian clients an experience that is definitively rewarding and a pinnacle status symbol in celebration of their achievements.”
“No other brand understands luxury better than Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Ghost Series II is the perfect business tool for today’s successful Indian entrepreneurs and leaders. A cosseting, super-premium environment in which to conduct business and augment their leisure time”, said Ms. Vasanthi Bhupati, Director, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chennai.

Standing at 5399 mm in length, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is powered by a V12 engine pumping out a maximum power of 563 hp at 5,250 rpm and a peak torque of 780 Nm at 1,500 rpm. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds on to a governed top speed of 250 km/h.

Mercedes Benz India Records 25% Growth in January Sales!

The CLA-Class's Current Waiting Period Ranges From A Month To 45 Days Depending On Markets

Mercedes Benz India registers a whooping profit of 25 percent in the January 2015 - courtesy to - the fourth NGC (New-Generation-Cars) product in India - The CLA-Class (launched in January itself). Indeed the CLA-Class has received an overwhelming response and MB India has sold out its first month’s allocation (CLA is currently imported as CBU). Furthermore, the CLA-Class’ current waiting period ranges from a months to 45 days depending on markets.

Mercedes-Benz India estimates its current NGC portfolio to increase by 50% in 2015 and the CLA-Class will play a key role in this growth story. The CLA-Class will be a major contributor in this 50% additional growth in NGC volumes for 2015. Mercedes-Benz India have witnessed that with the introduction of the New Generation Cars, the average age of Mercedes-Benz customer has dropped from earlier 40+years, to 35 years, now. 

Mercedes-Benz India’s NGC offerings–The B-Class and A-Class which were launched in 2012 & 2013 respectively brought a large segment of younger customers who are new to the Mercedes-Benz brand, and this is a trend that has continued with the CLA & GLA-Class launches.

Eberhard Kern, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, commented - “The CLA-Class and the GLA has been highly appreciated by our customers across markets. Both these New Generation Cars have been able to cater to customer requirements successfully. The contribution of both the CLA and the GLA has exceeded our expectations and has contributed to 25% increase in our January 2015 volumes compared to corresponding month in 2014. We expect our NGC volumes to grow by 50% in 2015 and CLA and GLA will be playing a major role in this growth. We are glad to witness new young customers joining the Mercedes-Benz brand.” 

Honda Teases Civic Type-R, claims 270km/h!

The 2.0-Litre Direct Injection VTEC TURBO Propels The Civic Type R To An Astonishing Top Whack Of 270 Km/H

 Honda announced earlier that the hot Type R Civic is making its global debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Meanwhile - to keep the heat hotter Honda has teased few production specs pictures of the Civic Type R! The vehicle will carry heavy inspirations from the two Type R concept that Honda showcased earlier. The Type R will also introduce the Honda’s debutant VTEC Turbo engine with it. Sadly, we have to wait for couple of weeks for it, since 2015 Geneva Motor Show is in the first week of March.

Performance Focused Aerodynamics

Honda says the Civic Type R’s underside is completely flat and with the help of wide front splitter, deep side skirts and rear diffuser - it generates optimal downforce. Furthermore, the meaner rear spoiler - apart from adding the hotness in the Type R also delivers powerful additional downforce. The front bumper has been shaped specifically to inhibit air turbulence around the front wheels, cutting drag and enhancing high-speed stability. Moreover, it features enlarged upper and lower grilles in the front for better cooling of that VTEC Turbo, the front fenders also sport air intakes to aid cooling further.

Engine And Braking

Honda did not reveal the specs of the Civic Type R but the 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo is a power house. Honda says that the Type R features bespoke high performance Brembo brake package. The front wheel features four-piston calipers with 350 mm drilled discs. The Type R rides on 19-inch radials.

Honda Amaze CNG launched at Rs 6.54 lacs

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) has introduced a new Petrol/ CNG bi-fuel version of its Amaze compact sedan. Christened the Amaze 1.2 S MT Plus, the new variant is available from today onwards in the cities where the alternative fuel is on offer.    

Commenting on the introduction of the new variant, Jnaneswar Sen, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Honda Cars India said, “At HCIL, we constantly work towards enhancing customer experience through our products and services. We are extremely happy to bring the Amaze with a CNG option for our customers, which will not only be cheaper to run and maintain but also eco-friendly.”
According to the company, the new variant has been specially tuned to run on CNG, the suspension has been tweaked, and a specially prepared wiring harnesses to ensure high level of quality has been added. It will be offered with a 2-year warranty as standard.

"The new variant with bi-fuel option of Petrol/ CNG is being offered in the market to meet the needs of customers who are looking for an alternate fuel vehicle with high performance and low running cost,” said HCIL in a statement.
Launched in 2013, the Amaze has been the fastest Honda car to surpass the 1 lakh sales mark in India. Being offered in more than a dozen petrol and diesel variants, mated to manual and automatic gearboxes, the highlight of the Amaze remains the 1.5 i-DTEC diesel engine churning out 98bhp and 200Nm, while the petrol counterpart is powered by a 1.2-liter i-VTEC mill, same as the Brio.  
Price (ex-showroom Delhi):

Amaze 1.2 S MT Plus (i-VTEC) : INR 6.54 Lacs (including CNG kit installation)

Tata Nano Twist XE Launched at Rs 2.06 lac

India's Most Affordable Power Steering Hatch

After updating Nano with power steering in top-spec XT variant, the homegrown manufacturer Tata Motors has now launched its lower variant Nano Twist XE at Rs 2.06 lac (Ex-Showroom, New Delhi). Tata Nano Twist XE is the base variant of power steering equipped Nano Twist model lineup and is positioned below the XT variant as it is about Rs 40,000 cheaper.

The XE variant is offered in three eye-catching shades of Serene White, Meteor Silver and Royal Gold. In the features list, it still carries the A/C & power steering while ditches power windows, keyless entry, audio system and central locking which are available only in XT variant. On exterior, the XE variant gets black colored front bumpers, ORVMs and door handles (A Strict No-Body-Color-Theme).

Fog-lamps are also omitted in this base variant along with roof-mounted antenna, rear spoiler and chrome strip at the front. But the silver lining in this respect is that the XE variant is Rs 40,000 cheaper than the top spec XT variant, which will surely attract good number of buyers.

Mechanically, the Nano Twist XE remains the same and keeps on carrying 2-cylinder, 624cc petrol engine which churns a maximum power output of 37bhp with peak torque of 51Nm. The engine is mated to four-speed manual gearbox which transfers power of engine to the rear wheels.

Mercedes-Benz launches C 220 CDI in India

After launching the petrol C 200 in November last year, Mercedes-Benz has now introduced its diesel version, the C 220 CDI in India. Priced at INR 39.90 Lacs & INR 42.90 Lacs, the diesel avatar on the same line will first be imported as a CBU, while the CKD operations will commence at a later stage.
The C 220 CDI is propelled with a 2,143cc in-line four diesel mill, rated at 170bhp along with healthy 400Nm of peak torque, and the generated power is sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed DCT torque convertor. Except this new heart pumping under the bonnet, everything remains identical.

The C-Class is pinned on the Mercedes’ new lightweight modular MRA (Mercedes Rear-drive Architecture) platform, and is now 95mm longer and 40mm wider than its predecessor, whereas its height is reduced by 5mm. On the lines of its elder cousin- S-Class, the C-Class is also based on the German carmaker’s latest design language, and boasts a more sculpted and matured look. Its front fascia features a long hood that merges into the twin-slat grille with the three-pointed star at the center. This is well complimented with the new LED head-lamps and short front overhangs, whereas its rear is almost a complete imitation of the S-Class.

On the safety front, seven airbags, parking camera with park assist, ESP with curve dynamic assist, ABS, ARS (traction control) and brake assist comes as standard.

Prices (ex showroom Delhi):

C 220 CDI Style : INR 39.90 Lacs

C 220 CDI Avantgarde : INR 42.9 Lacs

India Bound: Skoda Reveal Interiors of the New Superb

Skoda has revealed the official pictures of the upcoming third generation Superb's dashboard. The Czech automaker will introduce the new Superb by mid of this month and it is set to go on sale in Europe by mid-2015. Speaking of the Indian launch, it is expected early next year.

Like its exteriors (Superb’s sketch released couple of months back), the cabin of the new Superb is bettered in terms of quality and material used. The design of the dashboard is in- line with the recent Skodas - Octavia that is on sale in the country and the new Fabia. Looking at the image, steering wheel is similar to the one debuted in the 2014 Superb facelift. Apart from this, it features a large screen infotainment system, electronic parking brake, park assist amongst other. Moreover, the image released is of Superb’s Laurin and Klement trim.

  Adding more on it, Skoda started teasing the new Skoda since December 2014 and till now the company has revealed the sketch of the same. Seeing the sketch, the design draws heavy inspirations from the Skoda’s VisionC concept which was showcased at last year’s 84th Geneva Motor Show . Moreover, the daytime running LEDs and Bi-xenon lamps positioning hints of the one in the Octavia. Speaking of the engines, though the details are not out yet but the new Superb will borrow the existing updated powertrains from its sibling - 2015 Volkswagen Passat, which is bound to enter India this year.

Ford inaugurates Vehicle Personalisation Centre in India

Ford India has become the first company to launch a Vehicle Personalisation Centre in the country, enabling the new EcoSport buyers to customise their SUV with a host of vehicle personalisation options. Located in the premises of firm’s Chennai facility, the Vehicle Personalisation Centre is spread over 35,000 square feet. The center was inaugurated by John Cooper, Vice President Customer Service Division at Ford Asia Pacific and Nigel Harris, President, Ford India.

“Customers today view vehicles as an extension of their own personalities and are keen to customize their cars to stand out from the clutter. Our customers today are socially conscious who don’t compromise and want things done their way. They desire for enhanced levels of personalisation to make vehicles look distinctly theirs,” said John Cooper. “Adding to the overall brand ownership experience, we will provide customers peace of mind through premium quality customization options that they can trust without compromising on safety, quality or vehicle warranties.”

To begin with, the Vehicle Personalisation Centre will offer three customization options on the Ford EcoSport. The initial offerings include:

• Spare Wheel (Cover) Pack for all variants
• Alloys Pack that offers premium quality alloys and rear-spoiler for Ambiente and Trend trims.

Sports Pack that includes rear-spoiler, LED scuff plate, roof cross-bar for Titanium and Titanium (O) trims.

“Our company is committed to design innovative solutions that delight customers by delivering ‘what they want and value’. Our innovation-led approach has helped us democratize in-car technologies and offer unique service packages that deliver class-leading cost of ownership. The Vehicle Personalisation Centre is an extension of this customer-centric innovation,” Cooper added.

Hyundai Verna Booking Commenced in India

As Hyundai is prepping up for the launch of Verna, the dealers across the country has started taking the advance booking of updated model with an upfront payment of Rs 21,000 to as high as Rs 51,000. The facelifted Verna is slated for the launch on 16th/17th of this month. The updated model will feature daytime running LEDs placed alongside with fog lamps, LED taillamps, redesigned bumper and twin-rear fog lamps.

We called dealers of Delhi NCR, Jaipur and Mumbai and got mixed reports. Advance booking of car in Jaipur is yet to open while in Delhi it starts at Rs 51,000. While few dealers from Mumbai said the booking amount is Rs 21,000. Moreover, availability of the ongoing model is reportedly stopped by the automaker to make way for the facelifted version.
The updated model will get a new front profile which is based on Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy. The new model also gets a large twin slat grille and a bigger air dam.
On the list of updated features, the car will get a large touchscreen infotainment unit. The system also incorporates a built-in navigation system. If the Verna shares its features with sibling Solaris available in Russia, it will also ditch its 4-speed automatic gearbox to sport new 6-speed automatic transmission. Mechanically, the car remains the same and will carry forward 1.4 or 1.6 CRDi diesel engine and 1.4 or 1.6 VTVT petrol engine.

Porsche releases the Cayman GT4

Porsche’s Cayman range gets a new big brother, the GT4, to its line-up. The new Cayman GT4 shares its components with the focussed 911 GT3, resulting in the same lap time across Germany’s ‘Green Hell’ of 7 minutes 40 seconds as a 2011 911 GT3.

The engine under the umm... boot, is a 3.8 litre flat-six borrowed from a 911 Carrera S, developing 385bhp of maximum power. Equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox with dynamic mounts, the Cayman GT4 can touch 96kmph from a standstill in 4.2 seconds. Top speed on the track is a claimed 292.8kmph.

The body of the Cayman GT4 highlights 3 pronounced inlet openings at the front and a large fixed rear wing are part of an aerodynamic package which is systematically designed for down force. If you politely ask Porsche, and pay a lot of money, the performance capabilities of Cayman GT4 can be pushed even further. These available options include the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, full bucket seats made of carbon fibre composite, and a custom Sport Chrono Package featuring a Track Precision app.

The chassis features a 30mm lower ride height and a massive brake system are again shared with the 911 GT3. The insides of the Cayman GT4 aim to enhance the experience of unfiltered driving enjoyment for both driver and passenger. Standard sport seats, which are upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara, offer excellent lateral support. The new Cayman GT4 sport steering wheel guarantees ideal control and direct steering feedback due to its compact dimensions.

2015 Hyundai Verna Facelift

Hyundai India is prepping up to launch the 2015 Verna and it does not seem to be like ‘i’m getting a fresh new face.’  instead of it, things are expected to change mechanically too. Ever since the launch of City, sales of Verna dropped significantly, Ciaz has just worsen the scenario. Let’s see what’s the mid-life refreshed Korean sedan, launching on 17th of February, has in its bag.

PROJECTOR HEADLAMPS WITH DRLS AND LED TAIL LAMPS:

The new Verna is coming with projector headlamps, which are also present in the current-gen model. But unlike ongoing car’s LED positioning lamps, the new sedan features daytime running LEDs placed beside the fog lamps. Just like its Russian counterpart (went on sale recently, known as Solaris there), the Indian version too is likely to be equipped with LED taillamps. Moreover, the refreshed bumper sports twin-rear fog lamps.

TOUCHSCREEN INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM:

Though Verna (Solaris) launched in Russia did not get it but reportedly the version launching in India is getting a large touchscreen infotainment unit. The system also features a built-in navigation system. Moreover, at present Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is the only car in the segment that offers a touchscreen unit with navigation, introduced recently in the Z+ trim.

NEW 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:

Solaris with the recent update received a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai Verna in India at present is being offered with ancient 4-speed automatic transmission which was also installed in the previous Hyundai i20, but company decided not to offer it with the Elite i20. Considering this, it is expected that Hyundai will offer the new 6-speed automatic in the 2015 Verna. Speaking of the engines, the current motors will be carried forward in this update.

FRESH NEW look:

Apart from all, 2015 Verna is getting a fresh new face which faintly reminds you of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy. It features a large twin slat grille and a bigger air dam. The bonnet in the new Verna is more sculpted compared to the ongoing model.

RIDE AND HANDLING:

Reportedly, Hyundai has worked upon the suspensions and steering response of the upcoming Verna. Since the current car is criticized for its not so confident steering feedback and soft suspension setup, expect improved ride and handling similar to that of Elite i20.

Mercedes AMG-GT to be launched in March 2015

When Mercedes-Benz launched the SLS AMG in 2010, the world took notice. It was without debate a gorgeous car, with wicked character thanks to its 6.3 litre naturally aspirated engine and of course the gullwing doors that made this beauty every auto enthusiast’s wet dream. Come 2014, Mercedes-Benz announced that the SLS AMG’s production would be stopped only to be replaced by another successor – the Mercedes-AMG GT. The SLS AMG has been Mercedes-Benz and AMG’s flagship car and now the baton has been passed on the AMG GT.

The AMG GT houses a 4.0 litre bi-turbo V8 engine that produces 462PS of power and 600Nm of torque while it ‘S’ variant sibling dishes out 510PS of power with 650Nm of torque. Both vehicles claim a 0-100kmph sprint in under 4 seconds with a top speed of 300kmph plus. The engine is mated to a seven speed dual clutch automatic transmission and an electronic differential.
The AMG GTs which will hit the Indian shores will be devoid of features such as lane keep assist, collision prevention and radar guided cruise control. The AMG GT is a light weight car as most of the components used in its manufacture are aluminium, which gives it a good power to weight ratio along with kick-ass dexterity around tight corners.
The AMG GT has five drive modes varying from comfort all the way to the race mode. It also comes with an individual mode where one can have personal settings for the suspension, steering, engine response, exhaust etc. Prices for this machine haven’t been announced yet, but we’re assuming it will be in range of Rs 2-2.5 crore.