new small cars 2012

The new year around the corner, and so are the new cars!

Guess what, upcoming auto expo will further exaggerate this CAR-nival!

So the following are the upcoming SMALL cars which are sure to be launched in 2012 and don’t worry, everything here is legit and rechecked with industries’ finest automobile gurus!

This will be in the order of price.

1.       TATA NANO 2.0:

Yes, the 2.0 name isn’t the real name, but as the car’s name itself is scientific, so I’ve added this…

Let’s face it, NANO is still a crude car with so many things that aren’t world class, even TATA knows that and they are constantly trying to improve. They regularly check with the existing owners and ask for their suggestions and they’ve managed to further improve the car. There were some key issues, one of which is the rear area. There’s no boot release! So they’ve an opening rear hatch and much needed power steering.  Plus expect some minor tweaks in the interiors too! And a micro diesel engine is on the cards whose mileage can be compared to a two wheeler!

ENGINE OPTIONS: 600CC PETROL, 800CC DIESEL (ESTIMATED).

PRICES: 1.75L-2.25L FOR PETROL, 2L-2.75L FOR DIESEL.

EXPECTED: 1^ST QUARTER

2.     MARUTI SUZUKI 800:

Yes, the legend is coming back to reclaim its title from the new HYUNDAI Eon and TATA NANO. It promises to be the best cheapest yet reliable car of India. So there will be some compromises. Like, the engine will be the same old 796cc engine, used in the old 800 and ALTO. Many parts and components will also be shared with the ALTO, but the point is that when it’s launched at a price point of that of HYUNDAI’s or the TATA’s, I don’t think people will shift to the competition and will choose new 800 without second thoughts! Though In my views I would’ve loved it if they launched the SUZUKI CERVO and renamed it to 800!

ENGINE OPTIONS: 796cc petrol.

PRICES: sub 2L-2.75L

EXPECTED: 1^ST HALF

NEXT UP, THE COSTLIER AND BIGGER HATCHES AND NOTCHES!

3.     CHEVROLET SAIL:

Chevy has been very aggressive in the emerging markets like India and china. This model was completely designed in china and for china, but it’ll make it to India and hopefully to Thailand, Malaysia too! Looks aren’t as radical as the BEAT but it promises to be spacious from inside. However, it’s too early to talk about engine options and other attributes. But yes, diesel engine option will be available and also, it’ll be followed by a sedan version in the near future.

ENGINE OPTIONS: PETROL (1.2LTR), DIESEL (1LTR-1.3LTR - ESTIMATED)

PRICES: 4L ONWARDS FOR PETROL. 5L FOR DIESEL.

EXPECTED: 1^ST QUARTER

4.    FIAT PUNTO EVO:

Nothing much is new about this car, only the exteriors are inspired by the FIAT 500 and so it looks a li’l different. Interiors too, will be changed though it’ll cost a li’l more than the current ongoing model. Engine options are most likely to remain same.

ENGINE OPTIONS: 1.2 & 1.4LITRE PETROL, 1.3 DIESEL

PRICES: 4.5L ONWARDS

EXPECTED: 1^ST QUARTER

5.     MAHINDRA REVA NXR:

YES, finally a car for environmentalists! Remember the previous REVAs? Highly impractical and over priced…?? Well, now they’re trying to change that image… just look at it! Radical as before, it also looks like a normal car, which is a first for REVA! It’s a 2 door city car with 4 seats and covers 80kms in a full charge. A costly version may also follow with lithium ion batteries which can last for 160kms in a single charge!

ENGINE OPTIONS: battery powered electric motor.

BATTERY OPTIONS: LEAD ACID, (RANGE: 80KMS) & LI-ION (RANGE: 160KMS)

PRICES: 3.5L ONWARDS

EXPECTED: 2^ND HALF

6.    MAHINDRA VERITO MINI:

This is essentially a sub 4 meters version that avails the tax exemption and thus reducing the price substantially. It’ll sport a diesel engine sourced from RENAULT. Strong built and spacious interiors will be its USP.

ENGINE OPTIONS: 1.ltr DIESEL

PRICES: UNDER 5L

EXPECTED: ANYTIME NOW.

7.     TATA MANZA MINI:

Again, it is a sub 4 meter version car to reduce prices of the car. It will not have many changes as expected but the biggest surprise may still be the pricing of this car. But don’t expect this car to launch anytime soon.

ENGINE OPTIONS: 1.2LTR PETROL & 1.3LTR DIESEL.

PRICES: SUB 5L, EVEN 4.5Ls!

EXPECTED: 4^TH QUARTER

8.     FORD ECOSPORTS:

Always wanted to buy a SUV but didn’t want the extra 3^rd row or the big size? Well, this might suit you perfectly! This small, or shall I say micro SUV is a sub 4 meters long car and may have a small, 1.5 ltr diesel engine that could cost us anywhere around 5-6lakhs! Wouldn’t this be a gr8 competition to MAHINDRA XYLO MINI? This might be placed with the premium hatchbacks. It’ll have 5 seats.

ENGINE OPTIONS: TOO SOON TO SPEAK.

PRICES: 5-6L (ASSUMED)

EXPECTED: JUNE-JULY

9.    MAHINDRA XYLO MINI:

Yes, it’s true; the XYLO will be launched in a smaller avatar that won’t have the 3^rd row of seats. It’ll be less than 4 meters of length to avail the tax benefit. It’ll be powered by a RENAULT powered 1.5ltr diesel engine and pricing is expected to be as competitive as any other premium hatchback or an entry level sedan! Though ford has already planned its rival in ECOSPORT!

ENGINE OPTIONS: (ASSUMED) 1.5LTR DIESEL

PRICES: 4.5-6L

EXPECTED: EARLY 2012

10. MARUTI SUZUKI DZIRE MINI:

Looks like TATA’s super hit concept of cutting a sedan’s boot space so that the car can be under 4meters of length to avail tax benefits, is a super hit! Not only sedans but even SUVs are following TATA’s lead! Even the grand supremo MARUTI SUZUKI has taken inspiration from this and has designed a smaller version of the DZIRE! It’ll be less than 4 meters in length and will be a li’l bigger than the SWIFT and much shorter than the DZIRE!

ENGINE OPTIONS: 1.2ltr PETROL & 1.3LTR DIESEL

PRICES: 4.5-6L

EXPECTED: MID 2012

11.    MARUTI SUZUKI ERTIGA:

Remember the futuristic MPV from MS in the Delhi auto expo 2010? Yes, its finally here and is all set to roll out! It has 7 seats is a big car though the proportions are small car like so you have to give it a 2^nd look to really FIGURE OUT that it’s a big car! It’ll be priced just below SUMO GRANDE AND XYLO, and will have both diesel and petrol engine options!

ENGINE OPTIONS: 1.2 ltr and 1.6ltr petrol engine plus a 1.3ltr diesel engine.

PRICES: 6-8L

EXPECTED: MID 2012

12.  NISSAN SUNNY DIESEL:

Well, the car has given a lukewarm response to all and all the critics are saying that it needs a diesel engine badly, so it’ll have the same old RENAULT diesel engine that powers the MICRA and VERITO.

ENGINE OPTIONS: 1.5LTR DIESEL

PRICES: 6.5-8L

EXPECTED: EARLY 2012

13.  SKODA RAPID:

Its nothing but a elongated version of SKODA FABIA which is exactly similar to VOLKSWAGEN VENTO. The exteriors are so much like VENTO, and interiors will be derived from the FABIA. Engine options might be exactly like the VENTO’s and will be a direct rival to the benchmark, HONDA CITY.

ENGINE OPTIONS: 1.6LTR DIESEL AND PETROL.

PRICES: 7.5-9L

EXPECTED: EARLY 2012

14. RENAULT PULSE:

I really can’t say much about this car, as it’ll be unveiled on the race day of 2011 formula one, delhi. But it’ll be as long a MICRA and will share many parts and even engine options!

ENGINE OPTIONS: 1.5ltr DIESEL AND A PETROL ENGINE.

PRICES: 5-7L

EXPECTED: VERY SOON.

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SUVs UNDER BUDGET

Looking for a 6-8 seater car in India in a price range of 6-13lakhs? Then read this 

article.

There are limitless options available in the Indian SUV market which is dominated by the Indian car manufacturers and they offer many options from SUVs to MUVs etc... It is largely dominated by the MAHINDRA BOLERO due to its ever rising rural 

demand…

let’s start with the

MAHINDRA

BOLERO :

What more can I say about this car? It’s rugged, made to serve only one purpose… “To move people from one place to another in places like the rural (real) India. It has barely changed since I was born. A very basic car with basic features. Though the urban population has ignored this car, this car still, has the throne of the highest sales in MUV, SUV market. It offers many many types of bodies, I can’t even remember how many!

SOME SPECS:

a.      Prices: Rs. 5,78,007 - Rs. 6,80,284

b.   Engine options: 2.5L DI Turbo Diesel producing 64bhp @3200rpm and torque of 180nm@1500rpm, and 2. 2.49L CRDe producing 98bhp @3800rpm and torque of 255nm@1800rpm

GOOD FOR:

1.     Ruggedness of the car, take it anywhere and I’ll not disappoint you.

2.     Cost of maintenance is barely present.

3.     Practicality of use in the harsh places where the term “road” ceases to exists.

4.     It’s like a jeep, only with more space to carry more stuffs and people around

5.     The most cheapest SUV In India!

      Throw the car in any deep potholes, even if you manage to bump it, it will not cost you a fortune when repairing.

BAD FOR:

1.     No practicality in the urban areas, there are many soft-roaders to take its place.

2.     Engine, fails to impress when driven on the road.

3.     Get inside the car and the space and refinement, feel of a big car will not be there 

because its poorly designed, or should I say, not at all designed!

4.     Impossible to maneuver in traffic.

        XYLO:

This is Mahindra’s attempt to fill the void between the Bolero and Scorpio. It has been placed with the arch rival Toyota innova. On the looks department, it might not impress everyone but step inside the car and it easily impresses the critics with the seating space and feel and the well laid out design. It feels very modern from inside. The engine is good, and the refinement though is a li’l less than that of the innova, but the height of the seats makes you feel like sitting in a much bigger 

SUV! Everything else is decent and impressive, so to conclude, it’s a gr8 car to buy!

SOME SPECS:

a.      Prices: Rs. 7,09,452 - Rs. 9,35,464

b.     Engine: (2.5 ltr mDI CRDe 4 Cylinder, Inline, Turbocharged producing 96bhp @3600rpm and 220nm torque @1400rpm) and (2.5ltr mEagle producing 114bhp @3800rpm and torque of 260nm@1800rpm)

GOOD FOR:

1.     It feels like a much taller innova when inside.

2.     Top notch refinement will highly impress you.

3.     Gr8 pricing also makes it a gr8 deal!

4.     Its Mahindra so no issues with after sales of it.

BAD FOR:

1.     Weird exterior design doesn’t impress many!

2.     Again, the rear design also looks like a trunk pasted on the car.

##NOTE## ALL NEW VERSION OF THE XYLO, WITH ONLY FIVE SEATS COMING SOON!

SCORPIO:

This car is a game changer for them. This SUV is one of the cheapest car to buy and it has more electronics than it’s competitor. Everything is perfect of this car though the modern headlights and front part really gives it a mighty “killer” like stance. Over all, it’s a gr8 SUV to buy and also acclaimed by all the critics. Two diesel engine types are offered, the new 2.2ltr and the old, reworked 2.5ltr engine, which is now tuned for efficiency.

SOME SPECS:

a.      Prices: Rs. 7,32,507 - Rs. 12,29,037

b.     Engine: (2.5ltr M2DI, 4 Stroke, Turbo-Charged, DI Engine producing 71bhp@3200 and 200nm@1800) and (2.2ltr mHawk CRDe, 4 stroke, Turbo charged, DI producing 122bhp@4000 and 290nm@1800)

GOOD FOR:

1.     Scores highly in the looks compartment.

2.     Ask any previous owner, everyone will recommend you this car.

3.     Cheapest to keep and maintain.

      

      BAD FOR:

NONE!

Moving on to the TATAs.

They offer two cars in this segment, one MUV and one SUV.

(MUV) SUMO GRANDE: 

successor to the SUMO, it has a good designing language, shared by the xenon, but this it’s a gr8 car to look at, it has a 2.2ltr engine, shared with the safari, yet it is somewhat like a cheap version of safari.

SOME SPECS:

a.      Prices: Rs. 5,96,960- Rs. 8,46,783

b.     Engine: (2ltr diesel producing 90bhp and 190nm) and (2.2ltr producing 120bhp and 250nm)

GOOD FOR:

1.     Everything reminds you of the safari.

2.     2^nd cheapest car in this segment.

BAD FOR:

1.     Cramped interiors.

2.     Missing x-factors that makes you want to buy it.

(SUV) SAFARI:

Ahh… what can I say.. I think it’s the best Tata ever! Best looking car, best engine in its class, not so costly, and the list is endless…

SOME SPECS:

a.      Prices: Rs. 7,94,078- Rs. 12,65,320

b.     Engine: 2.2ltr diesel producing 140bhp and 320nm

GOOD FOR:

1.     Beast type looks, stands out in the crowd.

2.     Best engine performance.

3.     One of the most comfortable car for long distance.

BAD FOR:

1.     It has Efficiency issues, as the body weight is too much.

2.     Costly car to maintain.

##NOTE##: ALL NEW SAFARI COMIING SOON.

Toyota:

They have had conquered this segment with the qualis, and now the innova.

INNOVA:

You cannot finish your journey without seeing 2-3 innova in every 2-3 kms. Yes, it’s a very popular car, is the 2^nd most sold car here thanks to its refinement, Toyota’s brand image and so on… it can easily seat 7 people and can drive them from Delhi to jaipur with ease.

SOME SPECS:

a.      Prices: Rs. 8,40,756-Rs. 12,66,017

b.     Engine: 2.5 Liter producing 102bhp@5600 and 200nm@1400

GOOD FOR:

1.     BEST car to drive.

2.     Best in class refinement.

3.     Gr8 car to be driven in.

 BAD FOR:

1.     Prominent “taxi” image hampers the sales!

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Super cars in India!

Super cars in India!

So what if we don’t have roads suitable for premium cars… so what if we don’t have the traffic conditions to drive in our costly car… we have the guts to drive in India! Where 15 people die every minute, Indian roads are the most unsafe roads in the world… but still we have the guts to drive in such conditions and yes, most of us survive at the end of the day… ;)

Now, if you have 1crore to 5crore rupees to spend on a 2seater or two door sports car, don’t want to import and want to purchase from the company who is India presently, the one you wish to drive on weekends because you are a car freak, you, surprisingly, have more 10 options to choose from.

We have automotive giants, FERRARI, ASTON MARTIN, MERCEDES-BENZ, PORSCHE, MASERATI, ROLLS ROYCE,  AUDI and BMW with their offerings…!!

FERRARI

Ferrari 458 Italia Coupé & Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Coupe

Yes, Ferrari IS IN INDIA! And they offer two cars! Well they cost somewhere around 2.5crore for the Italia and 3.37crore for the fiorance. Need I say anything about these? All I can do is give u the specs to stare and imagine them…!!

Ø  Top speed: 340KM/HR AND 350KM/HR

Ø  Power: 562bhp@7000rpm and 612bhp @7600rpm

Ø  0-100 km/hr: 3.4seconds and 3.7seconds

Ø  Engine: (4500cc, v-type, 8cylinder) and (6000cc, v-type, 12cylinders)

007’s own sports car, the

ASTON MARTIN

They have entered in India, with their two versions of V8 VANTAGE, the coupe (a car with only 2 doors) and the roadster (the convertible).

Both of them weigh a li’l less then 1.8tonnes, and share a same engine, a 4.4 liter V8 engine producing 426 bhp @ 7300 rpm. And 470nm of torque @ 5000rpm powered by a 6 speed gear box. This car is known for its sound that it produces. And its one of the best sound that one should hear! It can reach a top speed of 290 km/hrs and can touch the triple digit speeds less than 5 seconds (But you won’t get the disappearing color, rockets, ejection seats though… :P) . The coupe is available for a price tag of 1.35 crore for the coupe and 1.45 crore for the convertible version.

Ø  Top speed:290 km/hr

Ø  Power: 426 bhp @ 7300 rpm

Ø  0-100 km/hr: 4.9 seconds

Ø  Engine: 4400cc, v-type, 8 cylinders.

Mercedes- Benz AMG SLS

This car has been resurrected from the history. Remember the gull wing car which had the space frame for the first time in the history of cars?

It has a massive 6.2 liter petrol engine, naturally aspirated engine (with no turbo or superchargers). Still it produces a massive 571bhp that charges the car to reach 100 km/hr in just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of a “electronically limited” 320 km/hr. recently it appeared in the new transformers. Boy it’s a thing to watch. It still has that gull wing type doors that are marvelous! It costs 2.08 crore…!

Ø  Top speed: somewhere around 320-350 km/hr

Ø  Power: 571 bhp @ rpm

Ø  0-100km/hr: 3.7 seconds

Ø  Engine: 6200cc, v-type, 8cylinders.

PORSCHE

They offer 911. With Only one car in its Indian portfolio, it will have a tough time in India, due to the surprising competition list. Yet this car is a gr8 performer. Pricing starts at 1crore and goes on till 1.68crore. The car looks fantastic, its well known for its looks, old, yet pretty. From inside, it’s a German, so expect some good level of pampering inside. Rev the engine to 7000 rpm and you will hear the sweet sweet sound of the engine. Unlike other cars, the handling at high speed is amazing, and pleases all the auto critics. Only thing that confuses the buyers of this car, is the number of options available. We have seven! 911 carrera 4, carrera s, carrera s, targa 4, targa 4s, turbo, turbo cabriolet (convertible). The costliest being the convertible version. All the engines have different power output, so I think Indians will most probably go for the turbo version, so it produces max. 480bhp.

Ø  Top speed: near 300 km/hr

Ø  Power: 470bhp@6000rpm

Ø  0-100km/hr: less than 4.5 seconds

Ø  Engine: 3600cc, flat-6 type, 6cylinders

AUDI

R8, is the car that they offer. It is practically a Lamborghini, as they share engines, transmission. But let’s keep that beauty aside, and focus on the r8. Its radical shape and true sports car like looks make it the most desirable car in the world. I mean just look at it… it looks mean, and powerful, and watch it from the rear view mirrors; it feels like the car is hunting you…!! Audi has done some serious engineering in it, most of the parts are carbon fiber. So yes it weighs very less kgs. Therefore, it reaches a top speed of 300 km/hr +. In India we get 3 versions, 4.2 liter v8 in automatic and manual version and a 5.2liter spyder (convertible) v10 version. The prices start from 1.15crore for the 4.2ltr manual, to 1.44crore for the 5.2liter.

Ø  Top speed: 300km/hr

Ø  Power: 420 – 525bhp

Ø  0-100km/hr: less than 5 seconds

Ø  Engine: (4200cc, v-type, 8 cylinders) and (5200cc, v-type, 10 cylinders)

BENTLEY

CONTINENTAL GT, is the car offered by them. Its more of a gentlemen’s sports car or The one who would want to take a sports car to his work. Its not quite a sports car, as it weighs more than 2tonnes. But from inside, it offers what a true sports car cant even think of, leather seats, premium wood finish. It has a class that no other car offers. But as said, its not a true sports car, its more of a premium sedan, disguised as a sports car! It has a rear seat, so you wont sell it when you have kids! ;) Rs. 1.65 crores is the price of it.

Ø  Top speed: 320 km/hr

Ø  Power: 567bhp@6100rpm

Ø  0-100km/hr: 4.8 seconds

Ø  Engine: 5998cc, w-type, 12cylinders.

MASERATI

GranTurismo and GranCabrio are the offerings in our country… they are quite same, only difference is the convertible top. This has to be the sexiest car of the world. Just look at it! This is what we call “fine Italian designing”. It’s got the looks to kill for. It’s as beautiful as a Ferrari, but whole lot of cheaper than it... It starts from 1.23crore to 1.46crores for the convertible. Get inside, and you’ll be greeted with all leather interiors. It has two engine options available, a 4.2liter and a 4.7liter engine.

Ø  Top speed: 295 km/hr

Ø  Power: 400bhp@7100rpm

Ø  0-100km/hr: under 5 and half seconds.

Ø  Engine: (4200cc, v-type, 8 cylinders) and ( 4700cc, v-type, 8 cylinders)

ROLLS ROYCE

Phantom coupé This car is the big daddy of all super cars, literally! From the massive engine, weight, interior, REFINEMENT, basically everything!step inside, and you will think that it is a 1^st class private jet. Top gear, has termed the car “highly paid assassin” because at that price of 4crore, it is not a car to race in , but step on highways, and it will surely impress you with the BIG v12 engine burning inside it. Don’t even care to ask about the mileage. Pls! (:D) and you know what, at a speed of 100km/hr, all you hear is the clock on the dash board!!!!!

Ø  Top speed: 250km/hr

Ø  Power: 453bhp@5300rpm

Ø  0-100 km/hr: under 6seconds.

Ø  Engine:6800cc, v-type, 12 cylinders.

-stealthracer