This rendering of this blue oval is two years old, but it remains highly relevant. If you have been reading our predictions on Ford’s future model line-up, you know why we’re featuring this here.
Ford is working a SUV smaller than the Endeavour for India, but it won’t reveal its name or particulars. We suspect this is the EcoSport, but what we’re not sure of, is the model that will land up on our roads.
You see, Ford opted to bring in the earlier generation Fiesta and rebadged it as the Figo. The currently running EcoSport is fully based on this vehicle, and we suspect Ford will consider that option for India. What you see here are the drawings of the new EcoSport that will base itself on the current generation Fiesta.
Come festive season, Maruti is seriously turning up the heat in the market. Bending the laws of economics, the company is offering higher discounts despite robust sales since the past three months. The company has even adopted aggressive marketing measures like launching 5 CNG cars on the same day and two special edition models (SX4 Royale, Ritz Genus) in the past month.
Economics also say that festive discounts are common but only when the company has a pile up of inventory waiting to be sold. Such is not the case with Maruti. The company has almost negligible inventory with waiting lists stretching from 1-6 weeks on different models and that too when other competitors have ample immediate supply.
We believe it is the heat from the competition is the major cause of these drastic measures. After all this July, for the first time in history, Maruti’s market share fell below 50%. Primary reason for this drop is the slew of launches from other manufacturers in the hatchback segment (read as Maruti’s home turf). This heat is only going to increase as Toyota and Honda are also entering the fray.
Whatever the reason may be, we at IAB are more than happy because the consumer shall win in the end. The discounts offered on various models (might not pertain to all states) are as follows:
* Old WagonR: Rs 42,000
* New WagonR: Rs 19,000
* Swift: Rs 5000
* SX4: Rs 60000
Nissan’s newest TV commercial in America showcases technology found in everyday Nissans with a twist. It’s a treat to watch, it gives us a sense of what to expect. Nissan shouldn’t reserve its line-up of models in India to just the Micras and X-Trails. They must both funnel down technology found on bigger Nissans and eventually think of bringing the bigger Nissans to India as well.
Ford today introduced a 5-speed automatic transmission on the 4×2 Ford Endeavour. The Endeavour is equipped with a 3.0-liter CRDI engine that pumps out 156PS of power and 380Nm torque. The Endeavour 4X2 AT is also fitted with ABS and (EBD) Electronic Brake force. Standard dual stage front driver and passenger air-bags combined with seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters take care of you in the case of any mishaps.
Vince Burlapp has posted a couple of images of the upcoming Toyota Yaris (codename – 830L). The new Yaris is considerably reworked and will go on sale in Japan next year. There will be four engine options ranging from 1.0-1.4 liters. CVT will also be present on the Yaris, which will be accompanied by a sedan variant shortly.
The Yaris is expected to be slightly bigger than the outgoing model according to latest reports. The car is being testing in Germany, the styling will stay similar to the current car. A hybrid powertrain is expected in the future which will lock horns with the Honda Jazz hybrid, we’re told.
The Yaris has been on the Indian radar for a long time. Toyota’s senior management in India recently said they were focusing on the Etios and have no immediate plans for Yaris or Vios (Yaris sedan). We think the next generation Yaris, in hatch and sedan form, is a good bet for India. This completely depends on the level of success the Etios meets with.
The innovative thinking that brought the Tata Nano to market is symbolic of what Tata Technologies has to offer the manufacturing industry. Tata Technologies was front-and-center in engineering and developing the Nano; working closely with Tata Motors and with a significant number of the Nano project suppliers.
Warren Harris, Tata Technologies’ President and COO speaks out at San Jose, California at a “BETTER INNOVATION on Tour” program.
Let’s be very clear from the start – Volkswagen has its hands full here in India keeping up with the demand for the Indian market. Unable to ramp up production, the lines outside VW dealerships are only getting longer. We don’t imagine VW working on any limited edition Polo for the Indian market this year or even the next.
Dubbed IKKS Polo, this Polo special series is only for Europe. It’s a Polo with handsomely equipped and can be bought with either petrol or diesel engine.
The Polo IKKS is built upon the Comfortline variant and features include reversing assist, front armrest, media ports, 16-inch alloy wheels, rich upholstery, and special gray and black shades.
According to Autocar UK and a bunch of other leading news websites, Hyundai has revealed its facelifted i10 ahead of its motor show at Paris this month.
We don’t blame you if spy shots of this very Hyundai leaked by an Indian auto magazine caught your attention last week.
The revised Hyundai i10 carries the design language used on the Avante/Elantra. The hexagonal grille and melted headlights have been fused into the i10′s nose seamlessly.
Autocar UK adds the interior receives a small upgrade. A silver surround to the centre console and a standard gear-shift indicator with blue lighting on the dash are the minor additions. The significant change is under the hood with the addition of variable valve timing. The 1.2-liter Kappa engine works better, the 1.0-liter engine for the international markets which is Euro 5 compliant is able to produce 68bhp. In India, Hyundai should continue selling the 1.1-liter Epsilon engine alongside the 1.2 Kappa (with variable valve timing).
The new i10 range heads to the UK on 2 January. In India, the new i10 will be launched on the 23rd of this month. This is Hyundai’s answer to the Ford Figo, which has rocked the boat.
