Bmw z2

Ther German automaker BMW is preparing another iteration of their affordable open air roadster, the Bavarian version of the Z car, that competes head to head with the world’s best selling drop top, the Mazda MX-5. With the release of the all new BMW Z4, the automaker has introduced a much more attractive version of their fun to drive convertible by trading in the rounded bodylines for a much more sculpted and angular figure. However as the cars get newer and equipped with even more features, the one time affordable compact sports car has turned into a much more luxurious and expensive vehicle straying from the original Z1’s roots.

As automakers are looking to downsize their lineups in an attempt to move more units, it would appear that BMW is trying to tap back into what made the original Z1 so popular with a future Z2 compact roadster. Combining the agility of a lightweight fun to drive vehicle with the best in German engineering at an affordable price point a new Z2 roadster for 2011 would be quite a treat.

Bmw z5

Perhaps the most interesting news of this Germanic trio, it seems BMW is working on a replacement for the funky-looking M3 Coupe. Even more interesting, however, is the name change that is rumoured to occur. You can forget getting mixed up with the M3 from the 3-series and M3 Couple from the Z-series, as BMW insiders are calling the new model the Z5.

The new look is a similar in profile (side-on) to the upcoming BMW Z4, yet the front-end of the Z5 is quite different, going for a less 'bulgy' and more angular look.The two-door coupe is currently in the testing phase

Sharing components of the upcoming Z4, the Z5 is also likely to borrow many elements from the X Coupé concept, such as tail lights.Furthermore, the next generation coupe is expected to be one of these ultra-light performance cars, somewhat similar to a Lotus Elise, for instance. As such, we can expect seminal handling and feedback from this rear-wheel driver.Sure, it won't come close to the Elise's mind-boggling 710kg mass, but in using aluminium, and even kevlar for areas such as the door panels, boot and bonnet, the new Beemer is expected to weigh in at around 1000kg.

Bmw z3

It takes a while to come to grips with BMW's 1.9 litre Z3 roadster. On first acquaintance, there are things about its layout and design, and the way it performs and handles, that are disappointing.

Longer liaisons don't make the picture completely rosy, but at least they provide time to adjust to some of the car's foibles, and to appreciate that it does have quite a few endearing features.

BMW obviously places a lot of store on the nameplate and the image the Z3 projects, because in size and performance it's close to Mazda's highly regarded MX-5 which sells for around $20,000 less. The manual 1.9 litre Z3 (as tested) costs $65,900 and the automatic version, $67,900. s

Of course the Z3 comes with more standard equipment than an MX-5, and its list includes dual airbags, ABS brakes, leather upholstery, electric seat adjustment, electric windows, airconditioning, alloy road wheels, six-speaker stereo system and advanced anti-theft security. In the NRMA's car security rating exercise, the Z3 was awarded an excellent 89 points out of a possible 100.

The styling of the Z3 seems to generate mixed opinion; some love it, others think it looks too 'retro' for a late 1990s sports car. Personally, I like it because it's distinctive, and dares to be different. One thing for sure is that the Z3 attracts attention and turns heads like few other sports cars.

Finish standards on the Z3 look very good throughout, but I don't like the matt paint finish on the inside of panels such as the bonnet, boot and doors. The body itself feels solidly built, which is understandable in view of the car's hefty 1230 kerb mass.

The test car's all black interior trim, with cheap plasticky inserts on the seats and doors, looked unnecessarily drab - brighter colours would enhance the appeal. Putting the hood up or down is a straightforward task, but the hood tonneau cover is fiddly and awkward to fit.

The Z3 is strictly a two-seater and it does that pretty well, with good leg room and shoulder space, but the cabin ergonomics didn't suit me. I found the closeness of the pedals and their uneven heights uncomfortable, and the fixed steering wheel was too low and too large. The left footrest is not of much use, due to its angled position.

Honda city

Honda has launched the newer version of Honda City with some cosmetic changes at its interior and exterior. Honda has also launched two new variants Honda City V MT which is available with manual transmission gearbox and Honda City 1.5 V AT that is available with automatic transmission gearbox. The new version of this most popular sedan will carry stylish five spoke alloy wheels and fog lamps that adds more style to its exterior. There are two accessories packages Elegance and Inspire is also introduced with the car but for that you have to pay Rs 34,000 to Rs 38,000 extra.  The third-generation Honda City has started wooing the Indian auto lovers. The new Honda City is a luxurious sedan model that has lot of advanced features to offer to its potential buyers - new i-VTEC engine, new aerodynamic design, more grandeur, increased interior space, and of course, top-notch performance. Honda City has been well known as a prestigious brand in Indian market since its first launch in 1998 and it maintains a significant market share in its segment and its new model should taken its popularity to a much higher level. In India Honda City has been awarded as the "Car of the Year".

The aerodynamic looks of new Honda City - at the utmost are the most inspiring. With an arrow-shot form of design, the front grilles of the car are very appealing. Further the headlights of the vehicle are very sharp which adds to its compatibility. Interiors are very spacious because of the multiple storage facilities available. To add to the convenience with music Honda City is equipped with advanced integrated audio.

Honda civic

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) has launched the newer version of its popular premium sedan segment model Honda Civic with some new exterior features and some interior cosmetic changes. The newer version of Honda Civic is more stylish than its older version and its front look has been enhanced with its stylish grille, fog lamps and sporty headlamps. The all new Honda Civic is available with three variants - Honda Civic S MT with manual transmission gearbox and Honda Civic V MT and V AT which is available with manual and automatic transmission option respectively.
The current Honda Civic, which was first introduced as the 2006 model year, is available now as Honda Civic S MT, Honda Civic V MT and Honda Civic V AT. All the three variants of Honda Civic are powered by a i-VTEC 1.8-litre, 4 cylinder, 16 valve, PGM-Fi petrol engine, which pumps out maximum power of 132 Ps at 3200 rpm and produces a peak torque of 17.5 kgm at 4300 rpm. Honda Civic S MT and V MT variants are mated with a five speed manual gearbox while the top end V AT variant comes coupled with 5 speed automatic transmission with paddle shift. The new Honda Civic has got front ventilated disc and rear disc brakes along with front McPherson Strut and rear double-wishbone type suspension. The car has power steering and tubeless 15 inch alloy wheels as well.

Honda has also introduced two accessories packages Elegance and Inspire with Honda Civic. The Elegance package offers rear door sunshade, Illuminated Side Step Garnish and Door Visor while the Inspire package offers Front Under Spoiler, Trunk Spoiler, Rear Under Spoiler and Side Under Spoiler. The fog lamps are optional in S grade in the Elegance and Inspire package. The all new Honda Civic is a luxurious sedan model which has lot of advanced features to offer to its potential buyers - new i-VTEC engine, new aerodynamic design, more grandeur, increased interior space, and of course, top-notch performance.

Bmw z8

Introduced at the 1999 Frankfurt Auto Show, the BMW Z8 sports car was the company's conception of what its famous 507 roadster would have been if built past the 1950s. Stylistically, it offered many of the same cues, such as a long, sloping hood with round headlight blisters, twin-kidney grille, distinctive vents aft of the front wheels and a striking leather interior with a simplistic layout.
Not all was retro, though. The Z8's aluminum space frame was draped with aluminum body panels, and hidden from view was BMW's typical front strut/rear multilink suspension arrangement. For power, the Z8 relied on the same engine used for the third-generation M5 sedan.
The BMW Z8 was always intended to be a "halo" car, designed to draw attention to BMW and lead to increased sales of other BMW vehicles. BMW produced it for just four years with an annual production rate of about 1,500 cars. Naturally, Z8 ownership is an exclusive club. Given that the 507 is coveted by collectors and a good one can fetch more than half a million dollars, a similar future might be in store for the Z8.

Bmw z4

f there wasn’t already a saying about marketing men never coming up with a great driver’s car, it’s time there was. And the new BMW Z4 could be the perfect example. Flash back a couple of years and those marketeers asked BMW customers what they wanted from a replacement for the Z4 Coupé and Roadster. A car that’s more practical with a more forgiving ride, came the response. Oh, and it must have a folding hardtop. Prospective Z4 buyers, it seems, were being lost to the Mercedes-Benz SLK. And the Bavarians baulked at that.

So in the German firm’s own words, the new Z4 has been built as a “conquest” car; its function is to capture customers from rivals such as Audi (the TT), Porsche (Cayman and Boxster) and, of course, Mercedes and its darned SLK.

You can imagine whispered chats in Munich corridors between engineers about bloody marketing men and their unreasonable and contradictory demands for a sports car that mustn’t be too sporty.

Give them credit; they’ve done their best to overcome this. They’ve even come up with a new BMW acronym, DDC, or Dynamic Drive Control. With three settings (Normal, Sport and Sport +) you can “tune” the throttle response, gear change time and steering to your liking. Spend extra on the Adaptive M suspension and the ride quality adjusts, too.

You can argue that Normal is too harsh while Sport + is too rigid, with a throttle response that’s overly sharp for drivers who value smooth inputs. But at least you have the choice.
For pottering about, the Normal setting suits the Z4. This latest model has grown in all directions apart from upward compared with its predecessor and it feels like a far more substantial car. The real impact of this growth becomes apparent as soon as the tarmac turns twisty – conditions you might imagine a BMW sports car would relish.
The Normal setting becomes too floppy in these more challenging circumstances, but select Sport + and the Z4 will take everything in its capacious stride. Nothing wrong there, but a Cayman or Boxster would demand your attention and reward you by momentarily knocking a decade or two off how old you feel.

Bmw x6

German automobile maker BMW is again going to create history with it’s highly acknowledged “X series” cars. Recent reports states that, BMW is all set for the launch of 7-seater SUV “BMW X7” cars in Chinese market soon. BMW cars has always been known for delivering the best road dynamics and with BMW X7, the company is planning to spread the charisma once again. With main motto of delighting the driver than occupants, BMW X series executes its punch line “the joy of BMW” perfectly well.

Bmw x1

At the forefront of many a mind at this precise moment will be the word ‘why?' Possibly prefaced by ‘Dear' and ‘God'. The X1 is the latest in an increasingly long line of confused and confusing BMW products. Much like the 5-Series GT, it demands a double take, just to work out exactly what you're looking at. Do you need glasses? Or does someone at BMW need medicating?
The whole soft-roader/crossover idea is hard to get your head around. Neither as good at being a car as a car, nor anywhere near as capable of SUV-ness as a proper SUV. It's a lifestyle statement, and that's a dubious concept whatever you're buying into: a novelty ringtone, a ‘wacky' hair cut. If something doesn't exist because it needs to, chances are it makes you look like a bit of tool. And the existence of a compact pseudo-SUV is a tough case to make.

But here's how to make it: the existing X-range, 3, 5 and 6, account for one fifth of all BMW's global sales, so from a purely fiscal point of view, that inevitable ‘why' is seen off with ‘well why wouldn't you?' The X1 should sell in droves.
Then there's the drive. The X1 feels as large as it looks. Which is to say, not massive, but it's no 1-Series. An elevated driving position probably has something to do with this, but so does a kerbweight of 1,670kg. That's a hell of a lot for what is, nominally at least, a small car. But with the flagship 123d that BMW is launching first, you get 201bhp and 295 lb ft of torque, delivered with typically Teutonic gusto through a seamless six-speed auto. So it may feel a little leaden at manoeuvring speeds, but once you're out and about it's genuinely brisk. And although in-gear acceleration is a far better measure of useful day-to-day performance, the standard stats are none too shabby either: 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 127mph.

Mahindra Verito with new sporty design, improved features now available at affordable price, petrol model starts from Rs. 4.82 Lacs and Diesel Verito starts from Rs. 5.62 Lacs. Verito offers same proven Renault diesel (1.5 Litre) and Petrol (1.4 Litre) Engine.

Mahindra Verito Mileage: 21.03 KMPL (Diesel) ARAI Certified
Mahindra Verito Features:

• Low running and maintenance cost
• 1.5 DCi CRDi diesel engine or 1.4 MPFI petrol engine option
• Petrol variants : G2 and G4 and Diesel variants : D2 , D4 and D6
• ABS with EBD, Driver Airbag, side impact beams, driver information system
• Unique ski racks and side cladding
• Huge 510 litre boot capacity with spacious seating
• Available in Seven Colors: Twilight Blue, Fiery Black, Java Brown, Mist Silver, Toreador Red, Rocky Beige, Diamond White
   

Volkswagen polo

Volkswagen offers six different cars in India, one car in hatch-back small car segment, one car in midsize sedan segment and four cars in Luxury segment. Other features, price and specification are given below…

Engine

This latest launch from Volkswagen comes equipped with a 1.2 litre powerful engine. The petrol engine of Volkswagen Polo is capable of yielding an output of 75HP @5400 rpm and a Torque of 110NM @3750 rpm. The diesel variant of this latest launch hatchback boasts of an output of 75HP @4200 rpm and torque of 180 NM @ 2000 rpm.

A View Worth Everything at Volkswagen Polo

Designed to deliver the best performance on road, this hatchback from Volkswagen comes equipped with various features that include:

• Body coloured bumpers with green tinted heat absorbing glass
• Halogen headlights
• Galvanized Body with 6 years Anti Corrosion Warranty
• Large 15” alloy wheels (Volkswagen Polo Highline)
• Storage compartment in front doors for 1 litre Bottles
• Sunglass storage inside glove box
• Single folding rear seat backrest & dashboard.  

Safety & Comfort Features of Volkswagen Polo

• CD MP3 Player changer with 4 speakers
• Power steering for better drivability
• Central locking with unique boot opener in company logo
• Height adjustable driving seats with a steering wheel tilt which improves the drivability of the passenger
• Advanced occupant safety
• Dual airbags (for both driver and passenger side)
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Anti theft immobilizer

According to the automaker, this latest launched Volkswagen Polo's 1.2L petrol variant will be ready for deliveries from march 2010 across all VW dealerships. The 1.2 litre diesel variant of Volkswagen Polo will be available the month of May 2010.

Maruti Suzuki kizashi

Maruti Sukuki India earlier today launched the much anticipated Kizashi Sedan at a price tag of Rs. 16.5 lakhs. The Kizashi Concept, first introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, illustrated Suzuki’s entry into the D-segment offering offering performance, prestige and quality at affordable prices.
Under the hood, the new Maruti Suzuki Kizashi will be powered by a 2.4 litre petrol engine and will be available in both manual and automatic variants. The 2400cc DOHC petrol engine is capable of producing 176 Bhp at 6500 rpm and 224 Nm at 4000 rpm. The six-speed manual variant comes at a price tag of Rs. 16.5 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) while the automatic variant is priced at Rs. 17.5 lakh.

The Kizashi will be on offer in three shades : Premium Silver Metallic, Super Black Pearl and Snow White Pearl. The fuel efficiency for the Kizashi is 12.53 Kmpl. The Bookings for the Kizashi have already commenced with an initial deposit of Rs 50,000/-, and deliveries are expected to start in March, 2011.
The Kizashi in India will be competing with the likes of Toyota’s Corolla, Volkswagen AG’s 2011 Jetta, General Motors’s Chevrolet Optra and Honda Motor Co’s Civic.

Renault Fluence

May 23, 2011: Renault India launched its brand Renault and the Renault’s flagship bearer, the “Renault Fluence” in India at an official event today in New Delhi. Renault Fluence is launched in two variants- 2.0L petrol and another 1.4L diesel. The Renault Fluence price in India is Rs14.40 lakh for the 2.0 L petrol CVT Automatic version while the 1.5 L diesel is priced at Rs12.99 lakh ex-showroom in Delhi. The event was organized at Hyatt Regency in New Delhi. As per the official communication to Cardekho, all the senior members from Renault India management team were available for interactions with the media after the event.

Renault Fluence Prices shown here are indicative prices only.The Renault Fluence Ex-Showroom price range displays the lowest approximate price of Renault Fluence car model throughout India excludes tax,registration, insurance and cost of accessories. For exact prices of Renault Fluence , please contact the Renault Fluence dealer.

Honda brio

NEW DELHI: Honda made an aggressive pitch in the high-volume compact car segment by rolling out Brio on Tuesday, pricing the base variant at Rs 3.95 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The lowest-priced car from the Japanese company's stable will compete with models like Maruti's Swift and WagonR and Hyundai's i10 and i20. 

After effecting major price cuts on its two models -Rs 66,000 cut on the City sedan and Rs 1.6 lakh reduction on Jazz - Honda expects the 1200cc Brio will lead its revival in India. However, the push comes at a time when demand for diesel vehicles has gone up in a big way and Honda does not have diesel engine. Company officials said they were confident that the Brio would manage to generate sufficient demand just as its R&D (research & development) centre works on developing diesel engine. Honda has fallen behind due to absence of diesel variants from its line-up and rising competition from companies like Volkswagen and Hyundai. 
While the overall car market grew at 30% in the last financial year, Honda's sales fell 4%. In the first five months of the current financial year (April-August 2011-12), the company's sales have dropped 13%, though this has happened in a struggling passenger vehicle market, which has managed only a 2% growth. "The Brio gives us entry into the big-volume segment," Takashi Nagai, president and chief executive of Honda Siel Cars India, said. Nagai did not speak on the company's profitability in India post the price cuts on City and Jazz, but industry analysts said Honda has decided to go in for volumes at the cost of margins.

"Yes, there is dieselisation happening in the market. But we are confident on the Brio as we feel that it will give an efficient total cost of ownership," Jnaneswar Sen, senior vice president (sales & marketing), said.. 

Seki Inaba, director of marketing at Honda Siel, said he expects the Brio's volumes to be at least at the level of the City sedan. Honda hopes that with Brio sales picking up, the company will generate enough volumes to start production at its second plant at Tapukara in Rajasthan. The company's Greater Noida plant has a maximum capacity of 1.2 lakh units, roughly double to what it sold in the last financial year.

  

Mahindra scorpio

Overview:

The Scorpio is a gentle yet powerful SUV from Mahindra & Mahindra. The new Scorpio reflects the muscular DNA of Mahindra with its aggressive stances, muscular adornments, strongly toned form, and revolutionary engine technology.

The first Mahindra Scorpio introduced in 2002 had set new benchmarks in the industry with its innovative styling, structure, and automotive technology. Since then, the SUV has undergone various modifications and changes to continue its story of domination.

The new Scorpio rightly tagged as 'Mighty Muscular' continues to retain Scorpio's worth and credibility in the market. It is introduced with a more powerful mHawk engine and revolutionary micro-hybrid technology. It also confirms to strict emission norms and makes the new Scorpio India's first BS IV car.

 

 

Powertrain and Performance:

The Scorpio is available in following variants: LX, SLE, VLX BS3, VLX BS3 HE AIRBAG, VLX BS4, VLX Automatic and VLX BS3 HE AIRBAG Special edition. The heart of all the variants is a refined 2.2-litre 4-cylinder mHawk diesel engine that is mated to revolutionary micro-hybrid technology. The engine generates a whopping 120 bhp of power and propels the car from 0 to 60 km/h in just 5.7 seconds.

The advanced mHawk engine is one of the most recent innovations in the Indian car industry and in the new Scorpio it is optimized for higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions. It is supported with Bosch common rail diesel technology with solenoid injectors to give an incredible boost to mileage and also help conserve the environment. Moreover, the mHawk's new 2-stage chain drive system and hydraulic lash adjuster drastically reduce the level of engine noise resulting in smoother and quieter operation.

In addition, the micro-hybrid technology enables the engine to intelligently switch off when the car is idle, eventually lowering fuel-consumption and reducing pollution. The system automatically starts the engine again when the clutch pedal is pressed. It also makes the car compliant to BS IV emission norms.

The SUV is linked to a 2-wheel drive with independent front with coil springs and anti-roll bar or a 4-wheel drive torsion bar front suspension. A multilink rear suspension with coil springs provides good ride stability and comfort.

A 5-speed manual transmission comes standard on the 2009 Scorpio and a 6-speed automatic transmission is present on the top-end VLX Automatic variant. The automatic transmission is fitted with user engaged and auto engaged modes for an excellent driving experience.

Under the user engaged mode is the 'N' and 'W'. 'N' is the normal mode for ordinary driving conditions and 'W' is the winter mode that can be switched over to on icy and slippery roads to improve the car's stability. It also has an additional 'M' mode that is the manual/engine brake mode that utilizes braking force of the engine for enhanced control on steep descents.

In the auto engaged mode there are 'Uphill and Downhill Mode' and 'Fast-Off Mode'. Uphill and Downhill Mode is the basic control unit of the transmission system that implements relevant gear shifts whereas the Fast-Off Mode helps to avoid any kind of rapid gear changes in case the driver releases the pedal quickly.

mahindra XUV500

Scorpio and Xylo owners stared, then let out a smile and a thumbs-up sign followed. People rolled down their windows, stopped their motorcycles, turned their heads in disbelief at the sight of the XUV500. Sure, they even asked what's with the name (and so do we), but they all universally agreed, it's a smart looking vehicle.

If this is the kind of response the XUV500 is getting in just its first day in Mumbai, I just wonder how well prepared Mahindra is to deliver the vehicle to potential customers. A few hundred of these Five-Oh-Oh vehicles are currently in Chakan and at stockyards across the country, but it seems, it may just not be enough. Nor will the 2000 units a month capacity that Mahindra has currently installed for its premium vehicle. 


All things point at yet another success story from Mahindra - their top honchos are rather delighted at the prospect. But the moot point is this, after the hype has died down, after enough backs have been patted on, it's crunch time. Mahindra believes it's their best effort and have made an honest attempt at it. Is it their best? Is the attempt honest? Is it Mahindra's ticket into the premium segment or is there some way more to go.? We tested the XUV, drove it flat out, crawled through the urban mess and generally fiddled around, played with all its gizmos and even got around to ask a few for their opinion. This is, our honest attempt at giving a true picture of the XUV500. Here it goes.