A report on German Auto publication Auto Motor Und Sport supports the notion that the MQB-based Audi A3 sedan will stun audience assembled at the Geneva Motor Show next March.
The A3 is the first Audi to be constructed on the MQB kit architecture that underpins a wide assortment of next generation Volkswagen Group models.
IAB readers are aware that the next generation Polo, taking shape in Wolfsburg, is developed on the same architecture and so are next generation Passat, Jetta, Laura and Golf cars.
Audi displayed the A3 concept model at the Geneva Motor Show this year. The production model, understandably smaller than A4 is 4.40 meters long, 1.84 m wide, 1.39 m high with a wheelbase of 2.63 meters.
As AMS is a European publication, the report fails to provide insights on the diesel engine. We can safely predict the 2.0-liter TDI from the Jetta/Passat to make it on to the A3. Audi could also look at the 1.6 TDI from the Vento after upping the power and torque.
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We have already discussed how the success of BMW X6 has provoked the rival Mercedes to go back to drawing board and make their own contenders. Touted as the Mercedes MLC, this coupe-crossover is purely conceptualized looking at the strong sales of the BMW X6 and Range Rover Evoque.
During an official press briefing to announce a $350 million expansion of their Alabama operations, Mercedes disclosed that the new MLC will head to production in 2015 in Alabama. Mercedes is planning to hire 400 employees specifically for the production of the MLC. Currently, Mercedes-Benz manufactures the M, GL, and R-Class SUVs in Alabama.
Supposedly a crossover between an SUV and sports coupe, the MLC will be based on the new M-Class platform. Sources suggests it will get the regular range of fuel efficient petrol and diesel engines including range topping AMG version with 544 hp. A seven-speed automatic transmission will do the cog shifting duties. Just like the X6, the MLC will not have any extreme off roading capabilities.
We are quite excited about the VW’s cheapest entrant in the Indian market – the VW UP! Revealed at the Frankfurt motorshow, the UP! promises to the change the game in the B segment. Its sleek design, efficient engines combined with VW legendary build quality, UP! will prove as a worthy contender in the market.
Volkswagen is equally excited with UP!, as it will be the group’s smallest car yet. However, the company is trying some innovative marketing ideas to demonstrate the practicality of a small car. Earlier we brought you a naughty tactic adopted by VW to demonstrate how UP! will liberate a lot of parking space due to its compact size.
Now, in a effort to demonstrate the huge amount of space inside, VW stuffed the UP! with 16 chicks. No wait. 15 chicks and one dude.
These girls are not acrobatic experts that can origami themselves into a matchbox. In fact, these are actually VW workers from the factory. They managed to fit two girls in the 252-litre boot, seven on the back seat, four in the front seats, two in the foot wells, and one more on the dashboard.
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OnCars.in has reported that Suzuki will launch the eagerly awaited Innova killer R3 in Japan before dispatching it to Maruti Suzuki dealer showrooms. The production specification model will bow in during the Auto Expo in January 2012.
Spyshots from enthusiast forum Team-BHP.com showed the Ritz-based seven-seater MPV constructed using components lifted from the new Swift.
The diesel engine, a must for a MPV in India, is sourced from Fiat. The 1.3-liter unit believed to come from the engine bay of the Suzuki SX4 and has experience-enhancing technology like a variable geometry turbocharger. According to the same report, it produces 95PS of power.
Priced at 1.1 crore rupees (ex-showroom) and bearing familial connections with not one, but three rural-area utilitarian vehicles (Tata Sumo, Force Trax, Mahindra Armada) hasn’t thwarted 20 wealthy Indians from aspiring for a brand new G55 AMG [read about the G55AMG to know everything about this monster].
Such customers are not seeking the kind of kit cars at this price band offer – Carbon fiber body parts, a golf course level of rear leg space, Arm-chair comfort, Nappa leather, four-mode Seat massage, Pin-drop cabin silence, etc – none of this is available on the G55. Darn, this warrior built for the German army back in 1970′s still has household-type switches on the dashboard and the seat belt for the middle passenger extends from roof-mounted clamp bringing imagery of drawing water from a well.
A Mercedes S-Class is available for that kind money with the aforementioned features.
So what is the G55 AMG customer looking for?
Customers adore the design of the G-Class, its raw and rugged appearance, the AMG-tuned powertrain that pumps out 503hp/700Nm and the feeling of driving a distinct or unique model. Besides the bone-shattering performance and the evocative note of the V8 motor through the sideways-mounted exhaust pipes, the G55 AMG is status message on wheels. A recent study showed that 99.5% of Mercedes customers in India haven’t off-roaded. You can argue that the path leading from home to work is an obstacle course, but only a few G55 AMG customers are going to be real exceptions. By doing so they will enjoy the experience of one of the best off-roaders money can buy!
It’s been only a week or so since Mercedes Benz India announced its plan to begin leasing its cars and how far are the competitors behind you ask?
The second contender in the lease battle will be BMW India which will soon start leasing their cars to individuals.
‘Leasing’, which is a fresh term for Indians, is a type of scheme provided by the company where it takes care of the insurance and the maintenance of the leased car for a duration of 3-5 years depending on lease plan.
It was none other than BMW’s President in India Dr. Andreas Schaff who revealed this plan at a recent press conference.
More information just dropped in on the Indian debut of the MINI brand. BMW has already announced that the MINI brand will make its entry into India in early 2012 with the official launch staged at Auto Expo in January. The new dose of info is that BMW and MINI will NOT share showroom space. MINI brand models will be retailed through 2-3 exclusive dealerships in India starting with the Delhi-NCR region and Mumbai next year.
As a cult brand, MINI will initially work on creating a liking towards the brand and then expand to 25 dealerships by 2015. A brand like MINI is all about lifestyle and making a statement.
The line-up for the Indian market is yet to be confirmed but all the cars would come through the CBU route initially. The starting price of the MINI range is 25 lakh rupees. Assembly of MINI models will begin sooner or later, but don’t expect a massive price drop.
Do you think MINI would make a BIG impact?
Stay in touch with the developments of the MINI brand by logging on to the official FB page. For scoops and exclusives on the MINI models, stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com.
At the launch of the Mahindra XUV500, we sat down for a chat with the engineering boss at M&M Mr Rajan Wadhera. We asked the outspoken Mr Wadhera if XUV will grow up into a brand and derivatives will follow under this nameplate. He responded “I think it is too early to talk about it. Let’s see what happens”
Mr Wadhera did not rubbish our claim but on the other hand Mahindra said the XUV name may not be used on models that are marked for exports.
On reading the dialogue, SRK came up with a drawing depicting a baby XUV dubbed ‘XUV250.’
Note that Mahindra does not have plans for a XUV250 though their mini SUV project (S101) could take a leaf out of the XUV’s book.
Shoeb hasn’t done a road-going car but a concept or display model instead pointing out some facets.
- XUV250 carries a design language similar to its bigger brother XUV500
- Front carries the signature 7 slot Mahindra grill and vents on bumper inspired by XUV500
- Huge headlamps extend till the far edges of the vehicle
- Chunky fenders provide the muscular/masculine look
- Smaller in dimensions and lighter in weight, the XUV250 can easily cut through traffic
- Power comes from a three-cylinder mill suiting the footprint of the vehicle
- Targeted at young urban population who are adventurous, want to give wheels to their attitude but don’t have the financial muscle for the XUV or Scorpio.
- Seating configuration is 2+3 with limited stowage area. Folding seats brings extra boot volume
- Can be a good off-roader due to its short wheel base and optional 4X4 function
What are your inputs for Mahindra’s mini SUV?
A report on German Auto publication Auto Motor Und Sport supports the notion that the MQB-based Audi A3 sedan will stun audience assembled at the Geneva Motor Show next March.
