Indian Autos blog

The Ford Fiesta Classic was launched a few hours ago here in Chennai and IAB, as usual, brought the details to you first. The Fiesta Classic is not part of the eight new products for India by 2015 but that does not make it an irrelevant or minor launch. There is plenty of action in the entry-level sedan segment.

The Swift Dzire still demands long waiting periods, the Etios’ reception has been like as thought its been serving customers well for the last 15 years. The Indigo Manza has the attention of every sedan buyer’s with acres of space and well-finished interiors.

Ford believes there are many first time buyers who want a sedan. The Ikon’s been laid to rest and a large gap existed in Ford India’ portfolio between Figo and Fiesta. It is also a good idea to convert Figo enquirers into Fiesta customers

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Bentley today launched the Continental GT at 1.9 crore rupees ex-showroom, Delhi.

The Bentley Continental GT is powered by a 5,998cc twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing 552 bhp at 6,100 rpm, and torque of 650 newton metres at 1,600-6,100 rpm. Torsen-based permanent four-wheel drive is a standard feature.

The Continental GT accelerates from 0 to 100kph in under 5 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 318 kilometres per hour.

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Audi has finally made it official that their BMW X1 rival – Audi Q3 will debut at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 19th. The junior crossover will be offered in 2 engine choices and 3 power outputs:

• 2.0-liter TFSI with 168 hp
• 2.0-liter TFSI with 208 hp
• 2.0-liter TDI with 168 hp

After unveil, the company says that the Q3 will enter production later this year and will be produced at SEAT’s factory in Martorell, Spain later this year.

Unlike other German cars, we predict that this baby crossover will hit the Indian market immediately after the global debut. Otherwise, the BMW X1 will only extend its lead in the market. The Q3 will be assembled at the VW Group factory in Aurangabad. We can expect the formal unveiling during the Auto Expo 2012.

Mercedes’s X1 rival – Mercedes GLC will only be completed by the end of 2013.

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With an extremely overwhelming response from prospective buyers, the Etios has become a victim of its own success. But now the waiting period has also taken its toll on the hatchback cousin – the Liva and the Etios Diesel. Toyota has delayed the launch of Liva and Etios Diesel to 2012.

The reason for this delay is the Etios’s success. The company plans to use this period to completely focus on Etios by introducing a second shift and bringing down the waiting period by as much as 50%.

In a press release, Toyota stated -

We thank our customers for the response we have received for the Etios and also for the patience shown through the waiting period. We would also like to sincerely apologize, to people eagerly awaiting the hatchback – Etios Liva, for the postponement of the launch. We will do everything we can to limit inconvenience caused to our customers

Senior TKM official had this to add -

We were earlier looking at an end-of-the-year launch for the diesel variants of Etios and Liva, but now it may only be launched in the first half of next year

This is certainly a welcome move because the waiting period has proved to be a disaster for the Etios. Toyota faced booking cancellation to as much as 50%. Also, launching a new product with inadequate production capacity will only create more bad blood for Toyota in the future.

Ford has launched the Classic variant of the Fiesta which replaces the existing Fiesta range. There are two variants of the petrol and diesel each. The Fiesta Classic eyes the Swift Dzire and Toyota Etios buyer.

Ford Fiesta Classic features

- Classic car with affordable price

- 1.6L (101PS) petrol, 1.4L (68PS) diesel

- LXI, CLXI and SXI variants

- New dual tone instrument panel

- New graphic metallic center and floor console finish

- New ebony and Hub-styled seat fabric and door trims

- Colorado Red is the new color addition

Ford Fiesta Classic prices (ex-showroom, Delhi)

- LXI (petrol) – 5,49,030 rupees; CLXI (petrol) – 5,99,000 rupees

- LXI (diesel) – 6,48,000 rupees; CLXI (diesel) – 6,89,000 rupees

Ford Fiesta Classic target customer

30-40 year old male, married with kids, in a joint nuclear family, needs outstanding fuel economy, rich features, good ride and handling.

click through to read the press release and view images

Simone Niccolai, Managing Director Asia Pacific and Ashish Chordia, MD Shreyans Group (Maserati’ official distributor in India) pose for a picture with the 4-door Maserati at the event held in Delhi this afternoon.

IAB representative Ujwaldeep Singh attended the launch of Maserati brand in India this morning and was shocked to find out that the entire lineup was made available to Indian buyers. Bookings were formally opened today, but deliveries will begin only by July.

Here are pointers from today’s press conference -

# In 2014 Maserati will complete its successful 100 years
# Selling cars in 62 countries + India = 63 countries now, worldwide
# 1st dealership in India will be in Mumbai, 2nd will come up in New Delhi in early 2012
# Seek to open up 7 functional dealerships in India by 2015
# 5,776 cars were delivered across the world in 2010. 18% growth from past year
# US is the largest market for Maserati. China No.4 and largest in Asia (54% growth compared to past year)
# Bookings for the entire lineup now open.
# Deliveries shall start by July-Aug this year
# Prices subject to the contents that customer will be willing to put in the car
# Project on building up a SUV is in process. Timeline was not divulged.

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All the manufacturers seem to have been gripped by ‘Special Edition’ fever. Now Mahindra&Mahindra has launched a Special Edition Bolero with some rather interesting features (and some usual ‘special edition’ features too).

First let’s get done with the usual ones. As expected, this ‘Special Edition’ Bolero comes with leather seats and body graphics. It also comes with Blue vision headlamps and a distinct wire mesh that sets it apart from a normal Bolero.

Now for the interesting ones:

This particular Bolero will be equipped with Super Intelligent Bolero Tele Alert System (BTAS) that warns the owner of theft attempts on his cell phone. You can also lock or unlock the car using an SMS if you are far away from the car.

Only 1,000 such Boleros will be made. So if you want one, be prepared to shell out Rs. 80,000 more than the normal version. And yes, you also get a 3 year warranty for that money.

It also comes with a CD MP3 player so that you can play your favorite songs all the time.

As the French car maker tries to find a place to establish a factory in India, Overdrive is reporting on the future plans of Peugeot for India and boy are they exciting! First up, the company has narrowed down on two states to establish their factory – Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu. Now, it is all about which state makes the best offer. The plant will take two years to  [ Read More ]