Indian Autos blog

So obvious.

The 2011 VW Jetta’s front fascia is carried over from the VW Golf. The character line passing through the front fender isn’t exactly the way the real car will have it. It will blend in a lot more.

Powertrain options will closely match the current car’s lineup with the interiors finished off in a more imposing fashion. The next generation Jetta will make its international debut at Geneva, in March 2010.

With the exception of the four-door notchback version of the Polo, VW is formulating a plan to use the same platform to fabricate MPV, station wagon and convertible models. And what’s cool – It could be built right here in Pune!

The sedan version, based closely on the hatchback, with a longer wheelbase (10 cm extra) could also be sold in markets like Germany and UK in the coming years. In India, the Polo sedan could follow right after the hatch’s launch. Chances are both the vehicles could occupy the VW stall at the Delhi Auto Expo next January.

The VW Polo MPV (nicknamed Polo Raum) and the estate (Polo Variant) are still in their early stages. They could or could not come about. If it does happen, the MPV is confirmed to use the sedan’s extended wheelbase.

The convertible is further behind compared to the aforementioned models. The final call on the future variants will be taken in a few months.

The facelifted Mitsubishi Outlander that joins the lineup as a 2010 model was spied fully undisguised in China. We’ve already brought you the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander EX from America, a vehicle that will bear the new face of Mitsubishi and slightly altered cabin.

Here in IAB, updates never stop (except during a break or two here and there). Being true to what we’ve just said, both today and tomorrow, apart from the regular news stories, we will focus on the cars unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show that are relevant to Indian readers.

Due to some last minute goof ups, we were unable to attend the show and bring it to you live from there. Just because we could not make it there doesn’t mean we’re going to rely only on content that is freely available on the internet.

We can’t promise you anything at this point, but we are expecting some exclusive close-up images from where the action is taking place!

We won’t wait till the images come in, we’ll just publish with the company press release and images. As and when the images are shipped to us, we shall post it online for you all to see!

The 2010 Fiat Uno will share underpinnings with the next generation Panda. As a low cost model, it is developed to serve as an entry-level Fiat in developing markets.

The 2010 Fiat Uno could employ a frugal sub-1000cc petrol engine coupled to a 5-speed transmission, which is why it could make it to India to play WagonR or Zen Estilo alternative.

Design wise, the tail lamp will be placed high up, emulating the Punto, while the dug-in headlamps is another similar aspect.

As you can see, the Uno will be a basic A-B car but with standard safety features like airbags.

Our sources in the two-wheeler industry tell us Yamaha will launch the V-Max along with special editions of the FZ and Fazer day after tomorrow in Delhi.

The launch will happen in the presence of John Abraham. Yes, the stubbled star, you guessed it, is getting reinstated as the Japanese company’s brand ambassador in India.

Our source also adds lucky John will be gifted a new V-Max during the event to welcome him back into the Yamaha camp. And to gain some publicity.

Headlines Today – are you listening?

Yamaha V-Max technical specifications -

Engine – 1,679 cc liquid-cooled DOHC V-4 engine
Power – 197.4 hp @ 9000rpm
Torque – 170 Nm @ 6500rpm
Top speed – Governed top speed of 220km/h
Suspension – adjustable front and rear
Brakes – Front: radial mount 6-piston calipers, dual wave-type 12.6″ (320 mm) discs, brembo master cylinder
Rear – single piston caliper, wave-type 11.7″ (298mm) disc, Brembo master cylinder
Wheelbase – 66.9 in (1699.3 mm)
Dimensions – L 94.3 in (2395.2 mm) W 32.3 in (820.4 mm)
Seat height – 30.5 in (774.7 mm)
Weight – (dry), 683 lb (309.8 kg) (wet)
Fuel capacity – 4.0 US gallon (15.1 litres, 3.3 Imperial gallons)

It is now official. If google translation service from Slovak to English can be trusted, the Skoda Octavia’s successor will be launched by the end of 2010.

The Skoda Octavia is the company’s most successful model with its 14-year life cycle when it meets its end next year. The replacement model will be an all-new design and with smaller engines and lower equipment levels to bring down the price tag.

The car could be named Popular sticking to Skoda’s tradition of looking into its history books for naming new products.

If you know your Slovak, then why not head to the source and extract some more info for us? We’ve developed rashes scratching our heads.