Solid as rock, the Chevrolet Cruze might cause rock slides in the D-Segment territory
The Chevrolet Cruze coverage on Indian Autos Blog has been very comprehensive. We have left no stone unturned in the Cruze chapter. Perhaps only a test drive report is missing from the picture, which will also be brought to you later this month.
At its launch event in Mumbai today, Vice President of GM India, Mr. P Balendran, who stressed that the Cruze is an very important vehicle for GM not only in India but all over the world left a few people in disbelief when he announced the price of the car.
Priced at 10.99 lakhs for the LT and 12.45 lakhs for the LTZ model, cars like the the Civic, Altis, Jetta and the Laura have no where to hide. Considering its the best seller in China and is fast climbing the sales chart the world over, the Indian consumer will also put India on that list, I think.
The launch function began with a small A/V presentation of the Cruze. Its features were highlighted and teaser videos were aired followed by a group of girls playing on their violins.
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The BMW Z4 convertible is yet another unique model in the Indian lineup
BMW India unveiled its 2-door Roadster Z4 here in Mumbai in a very stylish function conducted today morning at the ongoing India Couture Week.
The sexy and chic convertible model was showcased to select members of the press by Mr Peter Kronschnabl, President BMW India, who explained to us that the Z4 “outlines the expression of joy which epitomizes the quality of the BMW brand by combining the ultimate driving experience with maximum sporting potential and distinctive design.”
Available only with a petrol engine, the Z4 is strapped with a 3,000cc engine mated to a 7-speed auto transmission.
Questions were answered by the BMW President in a very witty manner – he said that BMW would bring the Mini brand here in the near future and as is the case with the BMW Motorcycle lineup. He said BMW is the number one luxury brand in India, not once, but thrice during the interaction.
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A BMW Z4 with the covers on sits in a trailer transporting it to the launch floor
Driving down the main roads of Mumbai at 7.30 PM, I notice a trailer carrying something with a weird shape. I moved closer and my initial thoughts were correct – it is a car.
I tell myself it must be a car that was involved in an accident, and is transported to workshop for repairs.
Wrong.
I happen to see the BMW logo on the wheel when the neatly covered car gets upset by the oncoming wind.
Well well.. I begin to think hard which BMW has such a low-slung stance, long wheelbase and is on the Indian radar — instantly the Z4 pops into my mind. Luckily I have my cam onboard — Click Click and I have a fully covered BMW Z4 in its memory.
The driver sees me and immediately stepped on the gas — he’s driving a truck for pete’s sake — how will that ever be faster than my 100+hp Verna?
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Audi India launched the Q5 here in Mumbai this afternoon. This sporty SUV is the smaller sibling to the mighty Q7, recognizable by the similar tough-and-tidy looks. The launch function was conducted at the Audi lounge at India Bulls and Managing Director of Audi India Mr Benoit Tiers, donning an elegant suit with a sparkling red tie presided over the event.
The prices for the Q5 are quite attractive starting at INR 3,829,000 for the 2.0 TSI (petrol) and 4,419,000 for the 3.0 TDI (diesel). This vehicle would be available in five vibrant colors
Audi expects to sell 100 Units of the CBU this year which should not be a difficult task after seeing its multi-fold growth pattern from the time of its arrival in India.
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Sources in the two-wheeler industry inform us the Honda CBR superbike will be launched in Mumbai on the 27th of this month. The high speed motorcycle is pitted against rivals Suzuki Hayabusa and Yamaha R1.
Mahir Majid is a regular reader of Indian Autos Blog and when we heard he was going to buy an i20, we immediately asked him to give his account of buying and experience. His car is hardly a week old and we’ve quizzed him comprehensively and his first impressions should help you decide whether this is the car for you.
When did your passion for cars begin?
I have been passionate about cars since childhood. Dad owned a Toyota Cressida 1984 and then a Honda accord 1986 which was used for a good 13 years and then got a 2007 dodge charger which he still drives. I have driven all the above.
Here in India mom got me a 1995 Maruti 800 for familiarizing me with the Indian road manners and then finally moved over to the Hyundai i20.
When did you buy the i20?
I had booked the Hyundai i20 end of January and got the delivery after almost 50 days on 7th may 2009.
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Sources have confirmed to us that the Skoda Laura facelift (Skoda Octavia to foriegners) will be launched in India on the 22nd 20th of this month. Engine options are rumored to be no different. The launch function is also said to happen in Mumbai.
Ford has launched a limited edition petrol Ford Fiesta EXi priced at Rs. 5.55 lakhs (ex-showroom Mumbai) with 2 DIN MP3 player, driver seat adjustment and reading lamps.
