Here's Part 1 of the best stories from the auto world from the bygone week. Click on the image to go to the respective story.
1. Hyundai ix25
The production version of the Hyundai ix25 was photographed with no camouflage in China. Comparing it with the concept Hyundai submitted at Auto China 2014, the production Hyundai ix25 wears a chrome grille, foglamps, pared-down headlights, reworked rear registration plate enclosure and a new scruff plate. Chinese media await the car's launch in early October, while sources tipped IAB that the ix25 is India-bound in 2015.
2. 2015 Hyundai i20 interior
The second generation Hyundai i20's interior was captured by IAB reader Karan Manocha in New Delhi. The test car was strapped with a five-speed manual transmission and our eye witness' report is that the car's interior is a couple of notches above the current vehicle in design, finish and quality. The new i20, retaining the current powertrain options, will launch in India in September or October to unleash a fresh assault on the Maruti Swift.
3. Yamaha FZ v2.0, Yamaha FZ-S v2.0
Yamaha updated the FZ series bikes last week providing its sporty offering with optical and mechanical changes. Both motorcycles, the FZ and FZ-S, take on a more aggressive stance with reworked headlamps, fairing, seats, grab rails, etc. The instrument cluster has been reworked, and the engine displacement has been reduced to 149 cc (from 153 cc) though Yamaha claims it has given the bikes the same performance and better fuel efficiency, partly because they weigh less.
4. Mahindra S101
Dr. Pawan Goenka, president and executive director, Automotive and Farm Equipment Sector, told The Hindu newspaper that the company will come out with two SUV models in the compact segment next year. Dr. Goenka admitted that they predicted the SUV boom to unfold a year later than it did, but said the lineup would be strengthened soon. The two SUVs are predicted as the Mahindra S101 and the Mahindra U301 (sub-4m next generation Bolero).
5. Fiat Avventura
Fiat India put up the first teaser of the production Fiat Avventura on its website last week. Fiat will launch the instant crossover before the festival season, to rival the Toyota Etios Cross which has attracted 5,400 bookings since its launch in May, and the VW Cross Polo. The Avventura is a souped-up Punto with an exposed spare wheel that was revealed as a concept car at the 2014 Auto Expo.
