Automobilestillnow

Chennai’s Madras Motor Race Track (MMRT) will play host to the fourth and final round of the MRF Challenge 2016 which will be held from February 17 to 19, 2017. With 211 points, German F4 champion Joey Mawson heads to the championship finale with a 27 points lead over Harrison Newey and a 40 points lead over Mick Schumacher. Mawson is the only driver to have finished in the points in all races this season. Schumacher and Newey have both shown tremendous pace all season, but the former has had three DNFs, while the latter has had two over the course of the season, so far. With over 100 points still up for the grab over the weekend, however, the championship will go down to the wire. The final round will once again see leading young drivers from across the globe competing against each other, including Red Bull Junior and F3 driver Dan Ticktum. He will be joined by 2015 Italian F4 Champion and F3 race winner Ralf Aron, who returns along with Japanese F3 Champion (National ...

These are the latest pictures of Tata’s all-new compact sedan, codenamed Tigor, that's being readied for launch later this year.   The new Tata car that got its official showing at the 2016 Auto Expo is the sedan version of the recently launched Tiago hatchback. As seen from the pictures, the tail section is neatly integrated with the rest of the body, and has a class-best 420-litre boot that is one of the main talking points of the Tigor. A new set of spy pictures show the car in its top-spec trim. Equipment such as a rear centre armrest, climate control and a reverse camera can be seen. It also gets a high-mounted LED stop lamp.   The compact sedan is expected to share much of its cabin features with its hatchback sibling, and will feature a Harman audio system with USB, aux and Bluetooth connectivity. ABS, dual front airbags, alloy wheels and fog lamps are some of the other features expected on the higher-spec versions.   Like the Tiago, the Tigor will be...

The Hyundai Creta has been on some phenomenal journeys with us right from the beginning, as it joined our fleet in Leh and was driven all the way to Mumbai, covering a whopping distance of 3,200km! Since then, this long-termer has been on its toes, clocking miles in and outside Mumbai. I put a couple of thousand kilometres on it in the past few months and it was clear why it was the most sought-after SUV in our fleet. To begin with, it is the top-of -the-line SX (O) variant which is loaded to the gills with all that one could ask for. Keyless entry and go, for example, is a feature I had become very used to. The factory-fitted infotainment system on the other hand was a saviour on my journey to work and back; it kept me entertained while I was battling Mumbai’s roads that are always chock-a-block. Bluetooth connectivity was a bonus as I could stream music through my phone, and make and receive calls too. The steering-mounted buttons to operate the music system and to receive ...

What is it? The A3 sedan is a very commendable entry point into Audi’s line-up and one of the more affordable German luxury cars for those just graduating to this segment. Audi has updated the car to keep things fresh until the next-gen A3 makes an appearance in 2018. A few visual changes aside, the 2017 A3 features an important mechanical change too – a new petrol engine. One of the most critical requirements of a luxury car is that it should make an impression in typical Audi understated fashion. Dominating the restyled face is a large diamond grille that Audis of today tend to sport, flanked by sharper, more angular, headlights that link the A3 to the new A4. The tail-lights are also new, composed of brilliant LED detailing, with indicators that swipe in the direction of the turn. The design is not dramatic like the Mercedes-Benz CLA, but it is neat, clean and likeable. What is it like on the inside? On the inside, things are much the same as before. One of the m...

The Swift has for long been a formidable player, gobbling up sales numbers in its segment. While its meteoric sale has slowed down recently, the latest generation Swift seems well-poised to win back the lost ground. We’ve stacked the 2017 Swift against the current Swift and also its popular rivals, the VW Polo, the Hyundai Grand i10 and the Ford Figo. Exteriors Current Swift New Swift VW Polo Ford Figo  Grand i10 Length (mm) 3850 3840 3971 3886 3765 Width (mm) 1695 NA 1682 1695 1660 Height (mm) 1530 1500 1469 1525 1520 Wheelbase (mm) 2430 2450 2469 2491 2425 Ground Clearance (mm) 170 NA 165 174 NA The 2017 Swift is one of the more compact cars in this segment, lying somewhere between the largest and the smallest car. Interestingly, when compared to the current Swift, the new Swift is actually shorter in length and height. However, with an increased wheelbase, the interior room, or at least the legroom, may turn out to be better. But against its rivals, it may still ...

The 2017 Suzuki Swift has finally been unveiled, revealing a radical exterior and interior design and sportier orientation. Here are five things you need to know about it: 1. It looks radically new Suzuki has done a stellar job with the design of the 2017 Swift – it has managed to retain the overarching design language of the original Swift while still adding enough bits and pieces to make sure it stands out from all previous generations. So, while you have that iconic curvaceous shape intact, you get distinctly new headlights and tail-lights and nose. 2. The India-spec car will be powered by the current engines The India-spec Swift will continue to use the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engine as the current car, though the diesel engine might be tuned to produce more power. The novelty that the 2017 Swift will offer will be automatic options with both the petrol and the diesel variant. Suzuki is also evaluating other engine options such as the new 1.5-litre d...

Ssangyong has revealed preview images of its new XAVL SUV concept ahead of its public debut at next month's Geneva motor show debut.   The seven-seat XAVL is a new iteration of the five-seat XAV concept shown at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, and is said to be inspired by the second-generation Korando model from the 1990s. The new concept has a user-friendly interface with connected car technology and a digital display. Ssangyong also says it comes with new safety aids for pedestrians as well as drivers and passengers.   The concept is expected to be around 4630mm long, 1866mm wide, 1640mm high and has a 2775mm wheelbase. Those dimensions would pitch it in the same market as cars like the Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan X-Trail. It will be powered by both petrol and diesel engines and would likely sit below the forthcoming Rexton in Ssangyong’s line-up. The XAVL – which Ssangyong says stands for ‘exciting authentic vehicle long’ – could make production, but if it d...

Maruti is set to finally launch the Baleno RS this year following the model’s debut as a near-production concept early last year at the Auto Expo. Unlike previous reports, the RS’ 1.0-litre BoosterJet engine is expected to be detuned for the Indian car with the unit developing 102hp in place of 111hp as previously reported.  A five-speed manual gearbox will be offered as standard with no news yet of an automatic variant. In terms of styling, the car is expected to receive a minor body kit to set it apart from the regular Baleno.

Lexus is set to begin its first innings in India and plans to start it with three models. Sitting atop the range will be the Land Cruiser-based Lexus LX seven-seater SUV.  It will be available with the choice of petrol and diesel engines, with the petrol LX570 using a 383hp, 5.7-litre V8. The diesel LX450d will be offered with a twin-turbo 269hp, 4.5-litre V8. Initially, only the diesel SUV is expected to go on sale as a five-seater with a seven-seater petrol variant joining the line-up in October.

Suzuki pulled the covers off of the new Swift post Christmas last year with the model set to hit international markets during the course of 2017. The same is set to be true for India, with Maruti currently testing the new third-gen model for a launch by the middle of the year.  The car for India is expected to carry forward using the current crop of 1.2-litre and 1.3-litre petrol and diesel engines, though, unlike its international counterpart, is expected to get a new interior, specifically for the country.

The Honda Civic is set to make a comeback in India with a launch expected towards the end of the year. Set to fill the gap between the recently facelifted Honda City and the new Honda Accord Hybrid, the Civic is a part of Honda’s plan to refocus on the premium segments following the launch of a slew of updated and new volume- segment models. Here is what you need to know about the all-new India-bound Honda Civic: 1.    Tenth-generation Civic globally Honda sold the eighth-generation Civic in India from 2006, but the model was discontinued in 2013 as, without a crucial diesel engine option, it was overtaken by rivals in a segment that was on a decline. However, the carmaker is likely to relaunch the brand in India with the facelift of the tenth-generation Civic that made its global debut in 2015. 2.    All-new design The design of the new Civic is a big departure from earlier models, with a very pronounced coupé-like roofline and a notc...

The Geneva motor show is one of the largest and most prestigious auto shows in the motoring calendar, and often plays host to the debuts of the world’s finest supercars. This year’s show is no different, and with the doors set to open on March 9 we take a look at what’s Geneva-bound this year. Ferrari 812 Superfast Ferrari’s most powerful series production model yet – the 812 Superfast – will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show. The two-door model is essentially a significantly upgraded version of the F12berlinetta but it uses a larger, naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine and introduces a new chassis technology to the range. Jaguar XF Sportbrake Jaguar confirmed its XF Sportbrake estate at the Paris motor show last year with an image of the car in testing prototype guise. It’ll share engines with the standard XF for international markets, meaning a 2.0-litre diesel and 3.0-litre V6 petrol and diesel engines will make up the engine range. It’s unlik...

Mercedes is open to the prospect of creating AMG variants of the models from its forthcoming EQ electric sub-brand. “I don’t think they are opposite extremes,” Ola Kallenius, Mercedes’ R&D boss, said at the Detroit show. “AMG has always been about driving performance and offering customers a superior experience, but at the same time — and I think this is the sweet spot of AMG — they are cars you can really drive every day. Electrification will find its way into AMG. It’s not impossible that you’ll have a fully-electric version or an AMG variant of an EQ.” Early electrification will be through the 48V mild-hybrid system that Mercedes is set to roll out across its new generation of engines. Kallenius, in effect, confirmed that this will also make it to AMG’s V6 and V8 motors. Beyond that, the company is seriously considering a new range of fully-electric performance cars, with Kallenius keen to point out it has already produced the SLS Electric Drive, which was sold...

Since its launch in 2016, this Geely-owned brand has been trying to do things differently than  other carmakers with an aim to change the way people view and buy cars. It has now emerged that the company wants to do away with model year designations and instead, like the fashion industry, launch different colours based on the season. Lynk & Co has already said that their products won’t have traditional model names and instead use numbers for its models, like the Lynk 01, then 02, and so on. Lynk & Co’s senior vice president, Alain Visser, says, “My strong belief was, and still is, if you create a new car brand, do things differently. That doesn't mean everything that's been done over the last 100 years is wrong, but I think there's room for something else." The company’s target demographic group are millennials who, according to Alain Visser, are more interested in connectivity and easily integrating transportation into their lives without...

             Ford wants to double its line-up of SUVs and crossovers in the US market from 7 to 13 models by 2020 to cater to huge local demand. Out of these, three models have already been given the go-ahead for production.  In a statement, Ford vice president of US marketing, sales and service, Mark LaNeve said, “SUVs are the top-selling segment in the US. That is why we are introducing five new SUVs in the US by 2020.” The line-up will include the next-gen 2018 Ford Expedition, new-age Bronco and the EcoSport. While the first two are expected to be manufactured in the US, the Ecosport is likely to be exported from India in early 2018. Ford also has plans to launch an electric compact crossover in the same year. Sources also suggest that two new models based on the next-gen Focus and next-gen Fiesta will make up the rest of the line-up. The Expedition is the largest SUV in Ford’s line-up and is based on the F150 platform. The new model is expec...

           Last year we were the first to break the news that  Jeep was keen on launching petrol variants  of the models sold in India. Now, the carmaker confirmed this with the introduction of a new petrol variant to its Wrangler line-up priced at Rs 56 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The petrol Wrangler is available in the five-door Unlimited body style, but in place of the 200hp 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel, it now gets a larger displacement 285hp 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 motor. Torque, on the other hand, is down from 460Nm to 353Nm. As on the diesel model, a five-speed automatic gearbox paired with an all-wheel-drive system does duty on the petrol Wrangler too. The new pricing puts the Wrangler in line with mid-sized luxury SUVs such as the Mercedes GLC and Land Rover Discovery Sport, though the iconic American off-roader still lacks any direct rivals in its segment. The petrol model’s pricing also positions it well below its diesel sibli...

           Italian design house Pininfarina has teased its H600 luxury sedan concept ahead of its public debut at the upcoming Geneva motor show with the Hybrid Kinetic Group. Little has been revealed about the concept, but a short press release said that it will have the “perfect combination of pure design and eco-friendly technology” with “new energy propulsion”, hinting at a potentially all-electric powertrain. A picture was released in the preview, showing the sleek rear of the luxury saloon wearing the Hybrid Kinetic Group's badge. Among the Hong Kong-based electric vehicle company's portfolio is an electric bus and a car that can be fuelled on bio-alcohol, propane and natural gas. Pininfarina, which was acquired by Mahindra in 2015, will also be showcasing a sportscar concept at Geneva, developed with two-time Formula 1 and Indy 500 champion, Emerson Fittipaldi.

              Honda and Hitachi have agreed to a deal in principle to develop, manufacture and sell electric car motors. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Japan-based venture and are set to finalise a definitive deal next month pledging to invest a combined total of around Rs 260 crore. Honda will continue to use its own motors, which it currently manufactures in Japan, as well as motors from this new venture.  Hitachi already provides parts for Honda and counts Renault, Nissan, Toyota, VW and Ford among its clients. Hitachi Automotive Systems has been selling motors for electric vehicles since 1999. Once the deal is formally agreed, the companies will set up manufacturing and sales functions in the US and China. A name is still to be decided for this new company but a planned date of establishment has been slated for July 2017. Five billion yen (around Rs 260 crore) is being invested in the venture and the...

             Following the successful launch of the Tiago hatchback last year, Tata is now preparing to launch its compact sedan sibling. Officailly badged as the Tigor, the all-new compact sedan is set to launch in the coming months Showcased at last year’s Auto Expo, the Tigor shares much of its exterior styling with its hatchback sibling but with a completely restyled rear to help integrate the sedan’s boot. The interiors too, share much with the Tiago with a familiar dashboard and equipment on offer though Tata is understood to be giving the Tigor additional kit to make it feel more premium as compared to its sibling. Under the hood, the Tigor will use the same 85hp 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol and 70hp 1.05-litre diesel engines as the Tiago with both motors paired with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. AMT options are also expected. The Tigor has been called by many as a replacement to the Tata Indigo eCS and will be positi...

          We had reported a few months ago that Mahindra is readying an all-new MPV (Codename: U321) which is likely to rival the popular Toyota Innova Crysta. The carmaker has further announced that it is investing Rs 1,500 crore at its Nashik and Igatpuri plants in Maharashtra and the investment includes development and manufacture of this new MPV. While the investment in the Nashik plant will be towards the manufacturing of vehicles, investment in the Igatpuri plant will be for the manufacturing and supply of engines.  Mahindra’s Innova rival is still in development and is slated to hit showrooms in the second-half of this year. Camouflaged test mules of the vehicle have already been sighted near Mahindra’s vehicle development centre – Mahindra Research Valley – on the outskirts of Chennai, which is usually responsible for initial vehicle development and testing. Going by the spy shots, this new vehicle has the traditional tall MPV st...