Regular readers would have seen the 2012 Mercedes Benz ML-Class renderings posted earlier. It is now certain that the next generation model will use the hybrid powertrain developed for the S-Class.
The current generation Mercedes ML-Class which we reviewed earlier, didn’t throw up any major drawbacks even when we put it through some of the roughest possible terrain. The new model will be slightly smaller but the wheelbase will remain same, maybe Mercedes have struck the right balance between offering customers the best possible comfort and handling.
Our India-made Maruti Suzuki A-Star (dubbed Alto overseas) is enjoying the weather in Morocco under the name Celerio. Launched in three variants, the Suzuki Celerio has its eyes on the Kia Picanto, a popular car that uses the Hyundai Getz’ platform.
The Suzuki Celerio comes in three variants with the same 1.0-liter petrol engine, and if the source website can be trusted, only the top-end car gets air conditioning.
Weird
A start/stop system will be added to the Hyundai i10 in August 2010 reports Auto telegraaf. The Hyundai i30 is first in the Hyundai line-up to receive the start-stop motor which slips the engine into stand-by mode when idling prolongs.
Hyundai claims the i30 benefits from an fuel efficiency increase of of 7% after the installation.
The fuel economy improvements on the i10 post transplant is unknown, but the extra mpg could make it one of the most fuel efficient engines on the current crop of small cars in India.
TVS Motor Company has finally released the upgraded version of its controversial Flame 125 cc bike, but this time also it’s without the elusive twin spark technology.
The 2009 Flame is marketed as TVS Flame SR 125. A fatter rear tyre accompanied by new graphics and color schemes are the only changes the bike has undergone. The disc brake version is priced at Rs. 47,550/- ex-showroom.
click through for press release and information
We would have never known this if our good friend from Argentina and close follower of Indian Autos Blog, Gustavo Henrique Ruffo, would not have told us. We’re grateful to him for bringing this to our notice.
We are tracking a new, yet to be released Chevrolet hatchback which we and others in the blogosphere assumed would be named Viva. This car, which bloggers, industry experts and analysts claim is the next Chevrolet Aveo, urged us to cover it since an Indian journey was very much on the cards.
Coming back to the story, Chevrolet has officially announced this car would be called Agile (A-gee-lay). Like any car manufacturer does before a car’s release, they too launched a teaser website (http://www.chevroletagile.com.ar/)
Why are we telling this to you?
Well, GM Argentina has recognized our work by featuring us on the teaser site’s video. Launch http://www.chevroletagile.com.ar/ and pay close attention to the last part of the clip.
We’re there!
Gustavo tells us the Agile is one of the most awaited cars in his country and similar markets and literally millions would visit the teaser site.
Thank you GM, thank you Chevrolet, thank you GM Argentina, thank you Gustavo and a big big thank you to all my readers for making this happen.
We’re heroes in Argentina or should I say Somos héroes en Argentina
None of us have envisioned the 2012 Honda CR-V to look like this. The compact crossover which is a big hit in India for its style comfort and performance enjoys the same treatment in other countries including China, England and Brazil.
The overhauling process is going on now. In 2011, the new Honda CR-V could be displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The Japanese magazine which carried this rendering says the 2012 Honda CR-V will utilize the existing model’s platform.
Toyota has unveiled a new, more powerful version of their tiny iQ minicar.
Dubbed the iQ3 (iQ cubed), the new variant features a 1.33-liter dual VVT-i engine (both in the intake and exhaust manifolds) that produces 98 bhp and 125 Nm of torque.
Despite the added power, the Toyota iQ‘s acceleration is nothing to write about with 0-62 mph taking 11.8 seconds, but for Indian standards its fast.
Coinciding with the launch of new 220 DTSi, Bajaj today announced that it is going to roll out the world’s most fuel efficient engine series, called DTS-Si version 2.0, which incorporates 5 major innovations.
Designed and developed completely by ‘Ahead’, Bajaj Auto’s R&D, major changes include Oval Pent Roof Combustion Chamber for maximizing charge density; Molykote Piston to reduce friction and improve efficiency.
The DTS-Si version 2.0, which incorporates 5 major innovations could make it the most fuel efficient engine not only in India but also the world as Bajaj claims.
