Saturday, November 26, 2016

Hyundai Tucson Launched In India ; Price Starts at ₹ 18.99 Lakhs




Edited by : Shahen Tharammal

► PRICE :

2WD MT Petrol : ₹ 19.33 lakhs
2WD MT Diesel : ₹ 21.98 lakhs
2WD AT GL Petrol : ₹ 22.18 lakhs
2WD AT GL Diesel : ₹ 23.90 lakhs
2WD AT GLS Diesel : ₹ 25.52 lakhs


November 24, 2016 – The all-new Hyundai Tucson, which recently went on sale in India, has received over 200 bookings since its launch on 14th November 2016. It shows the interest the SUV has generated among buyers. Interestingly, about 75% of the demand is for the diesel variants and 55% bookings are coming for the top-spec diesel trim with automatic transmissions. The SUV is available in three trim levels – 2WD MT, 2WD AT GL and 2WD AT GLS – with prices ranging from Rs 18.99 lakh to Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). At this price, the Hyundai Tucson 2016 is competing against the Mahindra XUV500.

Engine options for the all-new Tucson include a 2.0L CRDi diesel and a 2.0L dual VTVT petrol. While the vehicle’s diesel mill is being offered across all trims, it’s only 2WD MT and 2WD ATGL variants that come fitted with the petrol engine. As a reminder, the first-generation Tucson was introduced in India in the year 2005, and discontinued within five years due to poor market demand. The compact premium SUV has now entered its third generation globally, and made its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in September, 2015.

Hyundai said that the Tucson is a Native American name which portrays an image of a ‘Strong Sun’ lending a premium character with performance to the Brand. The SUV has been designed on Hyundai Motor’s new development philosophy – ‘Innovation of Fundamentals’ – representing safety, performance, ride & handling, durability and low NVH through continuous customer-centric innovations.

EXTERIOR



The new Hyundai Tucson is a third generation car globally. The styling is modern and resembles the Santa Fe. The gaping hexagonal front grille is flanked by swept back headlamps that have two projector units apart from the reflector unit for high-beam. The LED day-time running lamps are integrated on the fog-lamp housing on the front bumper which also gets a faux skid plate. The side profile also imitates the Santa Fe with the shoulder line climbing up towards the tailgate. The black cladding around the perimeter of the car gives it a rugged look. It also gets the i20 inspired tail lamps that stand out on the creased tailgate.


INTERIOR


The interiors are not as dramatic as the exterior but premium nonetheless. The Tucson is a five-seater SUV and gets a spacious cabin. The seats will get leather upholstery as an option. The top spec variant gets an electrically adjustable driver seat while the rear seats can be reclined and also split 60-40 and folded up as well. Two-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, cruise control and push-button start are standard along with electrically foldable wing mirrors.

The dashboard is dominated by the touchscreen display at the centre with steering-mounted audio controls. It gets USB, AUX, Bluetooth connectivity along with GPS navigation. For safety, dual front airbags with ABS and EBD are standard across the range with the top-spec car getting six airbags.


ENGINE & TRANSMISSION



The Hyundai Tucson is offered with both petrol and diesel engines. The 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo-diesel belts out 182bhp of power and 400Nm of torque and comes mated to six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The 153bhp, 192Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol also comes with similar six-speed manual and automatic options. The Tucson gets only the front-wheel drive setup as of now expect the torque-on demand all-wheel drive Tucson to come in soon.

*The Tucson is slotted between the Hyundai Creta and the Hyundai Santa-Fe SUVs. It ideally competes with Honda CR-V and Skoda Yeti both being five-seater SUVs. But with its price tag it also competes with the Innova Crysta and D-segment sedans like Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla Altis and Chevrolet Cruze.


SPECIFICATION

Engines2.0-Litre Petrol2.0-Litre Diesel
Displacement1,999 cc1,995 cc
Max Power153bhp @ 6200 rpm182bhp @ 4000 rpm
Max Torque192Nm @ 4000 rpm400Nm @ 1750-2750 rpm
Transmission6-Speed MT & 6-Speed AT6-Speed MT & 6-Speed AT
Fuel Efficiency
MT: 13.03 km/l
AT: 12.95 km/l
MT: 18.42 km/l
AT: 16.38 km/l


VIDEO


By : Autocar India



Edited by : Shahen Tharammal
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2017 Acura NSX - Review



Edited by : Shahen Tharammal

► PRICE : 

Base price $ 156,000


After a protracted development process, the Acura NSX has returned after a 12-year hiatus. It's fair to wonder, then: What exactly has Acura cooked up in those 12 years? Well, while the previous-generation car was an elemental midengine, rear-wheel-drive sports car, the new NSX is a much more complex machine, boasting all-wheel drive, a twin-turbo V6 and a trio of electric motors for a full gasoline/electric hybrid experience. It's still Acura's flagship car, however, looking to compete with the world's best.

This new 2017 NSX is built in an all-new facility at Honda's Marysville, Ohio, plant. Its Japan-developed 3.5-liter V6 and nine-speed transmission are purpose-designed and -built for the NSX. On the chassis side, the NSX is a mix of aluminum and steel and is underpinned with a double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension with MR (magnetorheological) variable dampers all around. Carbon fiber is employed sparingly in the car's structure, but most of what you can see is used only for optional cosmetic dress-up items in the engine bay and cabin.

We're pleased to report that the NSX's advanced design doesn't detract from its mission. This is an exotic sports car that is easy to drive quickly every day. And it will accelerate to 60 mph in about 3.0 seconds while getting the fuel economy of what an Acura TL used to get back in the days of the old NSX. This organic driving experience in the face of its enormous complexity is probably the most striking accomplishment of the NSX.

And yet, as sophisticated as it is, the NSX lacks a sense of occasion. Its V6 doesn't have a particularly exotic sound to it, and the car's styling, while safe and well-proportioned, does not invite one to linger or admire. The NSX's creators chose not to showcase any of its extensive hardware. Consider that the NSX has a Quiet mode but not a Loud mode. The NSX has personality but not attitude. It's a supercar without swagger.

The question will be whether you see this as a draw or a turn-off. If it's the latter, you'll probably find the likes of the Audi R8 or McLaren 570S more appealing.(SEE ALL PHOTOS)


EXTERIOR


Every square inch of the Acura NSX's exterior body panel surfaces, fluid shapes, air inlets/exhaust outlets and even the positioning/shaping/thickness of the floating C-pillars serves a distinct purpose-one that has been carefully calculated through thousands of hours of complex computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in combination with extensive wind tunnel testing in the company's advanced facilities in the United States and in Japan.


"The idea that form follows function is fundamental to Acura design, and this philosophy is interwoven in the core of NSX, which is why our exterior concept is called "Interwoven Dynamic," said Michelle Christensen, exterior design project leader in the Los Angeles based Acura Design Studio. "The NSX is a visual expression of beautiful design and performance working together, influencing every decision we made-every surface, every millimeter, every design element of the new NSX is focused on enhancing performance."

From the acutely angled slope of the chiseled aluminum hood to the rakishly shaped Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights and tapered front grille, the front is supercar sleek. The distinctive headlights are bisected by massive mesh-covered air inlets from below and the front fenders are highlighted by a sharply creased character line running all the way from the grille towards thinly sculpted A-pillars.


Remarkably compact overhangs, fore and aft, foretell the design and engineering team's exemplary packaging of mechanical and electrical components, while the vehicle's overall sleek yet muscular stance conveys a sense of purpose and power. The hood line, roofline, floating C-pillars and rear quarter appear as one distinctive and unified curve. The massive yet lightweight high- performance wheel and tire package fit within the arching wheel wells with minimal gap and perfect proportion.


The rear of the vehicle is equally striking, highlighted by the signature floating C-Pillars, which cascade gently from the roofline to just forward of the integrated spoiler at the trailing edge of the rear deck lid, flanking an expansive glass panel that reveals the twin-turbocharged V-6 engine.


Further accentuating the exterior architecture of the new Acura NSX are a choice of eight paint schemes, each color in the rich palette carefully selected and engineered to accentuate the exterior's bold design while ushering in a new level of paint quality within the supercar segment.(SEE ALL PHOTOS)


INTERIOR


A complementary and essential component of the all-new Acura NSX's New Sports eXperience is its driver-centered interior design, where every element-materials, shapes, technology and layout-are optimized to enhance the driving experience. Exceptional ergonomics, a hallmark of the original NSX, have been further advanced. Moreover, as a pinnacle representation of Acura Precision Crafted Performance, the NSX is designed to provide outstanding comfort, quality and advanced, intuitive technologies, all presented in clean and modern aesthetic.


"The interior of the all-new Acura NSX is highlighted by what we call 'Interwoven Dynamic' design," said Michael Cao, interior project leader. "It combines the best attributes of intuitive, easy-to-use functionality and superior ergonomics with a clean and modern design aesthetic worthy of a next-generation supercar. It's the ultimate testimony to the beautiful simplicity of form following function."


Artfully sculpted and ergonomic seats are enhanced with supportive yet comfortable bolstering, firmly yet comfortably supporting the driver and passenger and clarifying the driving experience. Strategically placed console and door padding further elevate the driver and passenger lateral support. Materials such as leather and Alcantara® were carefully selected for the ideal combination of craftsmanship and dynamic driving support.


The driver's instrument cluster and center console have been designed to enhance the driving experience with intuitive layout and simple operation, creating a "simple sports interface" for the driver.


The next-generation Acura NSX interior also supports the idea of a customizable driving experience, employing a trifecta of advanced sound modulation technologies-Active Sound Control, Intake Sound Control and Active Exhaust Valve-that work in concert with the NSX's Integrated Dynamics System to deliver a tunable cabin sound experience commensurate with the desires of the driver and the driving environment.(SEE ALL PHOTOS)


SPECIFICATION


► Year:2017
► Make:Acura
► Model:NSX
► Price:$ 156,000
► Engine:V6
Transmission:9-speed DCT
► Displacement:3.0 L
► 0-60 time:3.3 sec. (Est.)
► Top Speed:200 mph (Est.)


FEATURES


When it was new in the early 1990s, the Acura NSX was priced at around $60,000. Adjusted for inflation, that'd be about $105,000 in 2016 dollars.

The 2017 NSX carries a base price of $157,800 including destination, and it's easy to crank up the dollars from there—meaning it comes in at an 8 out of 10 overall.


The NSX's base price has ballooned, even with inflation factored in—and prices rise further when the carbon-fiber fairy makes a visit.
Every NSX comes with a roster of goodies including power locks, windows, and mirrors; leather upholstery; keyless ignition; tilt/telescope steering; ambient lighting; dual-zone climate control; and a 7.0-inch touchscreen interface for audio, which controls Bluetooth audio streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and HD radio.


A multi-angle rearview camera is also standard, while parking sensors are an option. The NSX does not offer active safety features such as forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control.


Configuring an NSX pushes the price tag toward the $200,000 stratosphere. Carbon-fiber is a pricey—and sure to be a popular—add-on. Carbon-ceramic brakes are $9,900; a carbon-fiber trim package is $9,000; a carbon-fiber engine cover costs $3,600, while the carbon-fiber roof panel runs $6,000. There's also a package of carbon-fiber interior trim for $2,900.


A Technology Package tops off the interior with a nine-speaker ELS audio system, a navigation system, AcuraLink, and front and rear parking sensors. It's either $2,800 or $3,300, depending on whether you pre-pay for satellite radio.


Color and trim options polish off whatever change you'd expect from the dealer. Painted brake calipers are $700; full power seats are $2,500; an Alcantara headliner is $1,300; and special red or blue paint runs $6,000.(SEE ALL PHOTOS)


STYLING


The 2017 Acura NSX will one day be seen as the car that broke the Japanese luxury brand out of its styling doldrums. It's a neat riff on the supercar stylebook. It's inspired by a slew of supercars, but doesn't mimic them at all, and introduces a few new hooks to the songbook. 

The low, wide shape smothers the track from the grille on back. It's a bare few inches from the ground, and the NSX's grille rises to spread wide, wrapping LED headlights into its corners to create a subtle set of wings. It's striking from every angle and easily earns its 10 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

The NSX is the best-looking Acura in a generation; let's hope its influences play out far, and wide.
The shape is dictated by aerodynamics, but the outline isn't rendered entirely by airflow. The NSX wears big air intakes at the front and sides, and its side mirrors fly off on antennae like a Testarossa.

The shape is smoother than it might be; some of the ducts and scoops that could disfigure its body are formed into its outline. Air moves down the rear glass, for example, and gets diverted invisibly to cool the engine and clutch, then exits through massive and visually correct rear-end ducts.

Pretty details tie it all to the Acura lineup. A large Acura badge and calipers breaks up the stubby tail. Telegraphic LED taillights arrest the chiseled, broad rear fenders.

Inside, the spartan, Civic-like interior of the original NSX has given way to a luxe, leather-lined cockpit missing some traditional cues.

The first signal the car sends the driver is a mixed one. The console camelbacks where a shifter should be, but the NSX doesn't have a lever. It has the same push-button transmission controls as a Honda Pilot. It's a relief to find long paddle-shift controls behind the steering wheel. 

Look up, and the NSX's 8.0-inch digital display lays the virtual gauges on a slightly odd plane, tilted away from the driver. The pod's dominated by a tach, and toggles through color schemes from blue to red, based on the selected driving mode.

Switches and rollers run secondary systems from the steering wheel. A second screen—either 7.0 inches or 8.0 inches—runs the audio interface or the optional navigation.

Elsewhere, the NSX sweeps the driver and passenger up in a leathery embrace, while big strokes of metallic trim outline the banks of controls and the horizon of the dash. Lightly treated leather can be ordered, and the NSX can go full-pimp with a carbon-fiber trim kit that looks just like similar treatments in other luxury and performance cars. That is to say, relentlessly showy and somewhat inexpensive.(SEE ALL PHOTOS)


DRIVETRAIN


This is a precise, fast car that drives smaller and lighter than its curb weight suggests. The NSX is also a car that flatters its driver, whether a neophyte or an experienced shoe. Its tenacious traction as you power out of a corner as almost as surprising as the resolute faithfulness with which the NSX's nose follows the driver's steering input. In other words, the NSX goes exactly where you point it, and it exits corners as though attached to a centrifuge.

Forward visibility is outstanding. The NSX's low cowl and slim pillars help make it a terrific fast-road companion, since the driver can easily place the car on the road. And although the suspension delivers exemplary control, the damping is supple such that the ride quality is really quite comfortable even on bumpy pavement. Even the brake feel, which is commonly grabby and hard to modulate among hybrids, is so natural that you don't even think about it. This car could easily be driven daily despite its eye-opening pace on a back road.

 Acceleration is comparatively anticlimactic. It's certainly a rapid car, but the sense of speed is deceptively muted by the flat torque curve. High speeds don't fluster the NSX, as it feels planted and secure. Shifts from the nine-speed transmission are terrifically quick and smooth.

But as technically accomplished as it is, the NSX lacks a sense of occasion. For starters, it sounds uninspiring in the cabin. Yes, a sound tube connected to the engine's intake directs the V6's sound directly into the driver's left and passenger's right ear. But a V6's sound is not as inherently captivating as what you might hear from a V8 or Porsche flat-6. We're glad Acura's engineers allowed a bit of the turbocharged personality to shine through (the turbo's bypass valves chuff audibly when you lift off the throttle) but the incessant hiss and synthetic bellow of the intake on a fast drive grows tiresome.(SEE ALL PHOTOS)


PERFORMANCE


The NSX's hybrid powertrain starts with a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Alone, it produces 500 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. When you add in the NSX's hybrid componentry, the NSX's maximum output rises to 573 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque. These are stout numbers, though they're tasked with moving the car's ample 3,803-pound curb weight. The V6's power is fed to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automated manual transmission.

Interestingly, the front wheels are not driven mechanically by the mid-mounted V6 engine at all. Instead, each front wheel is connected to its own electric motor. This twin-motor front axle gives the NSX all-wheel drive and, perhaps more significantly, considerable freedom in how and when those front wheels are driven. In a turn, for instance, the NSX can automatically add power to the outside front wheel while simultaneously slowing the inside wheel (via brake regeneration), which can enhance how eagerly the car turns in toward a corner. Or the NSX can do the opposite to help correct an oversteer condition.

A third electric motor is mounted to the engine's crankshaft to helps smooth out gearchanges and provide a torque-filling function at low revs when the turbos have yet to fully get up to speed. Not that they're asleep long, as the engine produces its max torque as low as 2,000 rpm.

Acura estimates that 0-60-mph acceleration will take just 3.0 seconds. If true, that would put the NSX neck-and-neck with the Audi R8 and Porsche 911 Turbo. Fuel economy, however, is where the NSX holds an advantage. The EPA says to expect 21 mpg in combined driving (21 city/22 highway), which is better than any other rival sports car. It's worth noting, however, that it's less of an advantage than you might think for a hybrid. The 911 Turbo, with its 20 mpg combined rating, isn't far back.(SEE ALL PHOTOS)


ENGINE


Sole powertrain in the NSX is Acura’s technologically advanced Sport Hybrid system: a racing-inspired 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 supplemented by three electric motors that are fully integrated to optimize total performance and collectively develop 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. The V6 features direct-plus-port fuel injection and dry-sump lubrication that allows it to be mounted low in the chassis to further optimize overall balance. A Direct Drive Motor sits between the engine and the NSX’s 9-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the Twin Motor Unit at the front axle independently energizes each wheel to provide additional motive force as well as steering/braking assist via torque vectoring. With their instant-on torque at launch, the motor array virtually eliminates turbo lag and always ensures superb throttle response.

► 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 plus 3 electric motors
573 horsepower (combined)
476 lb-ft of torque (combined)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/22 mpg


SAFETY


Providing for the safety of Acura customers and other road users has been a point of paramount importance for the Acura brand from its inception. Like all Acura vehicles, the 2017 Acura NSX starts with stable, precise and predictable driving dynamics-steering, handling and braking-as the foundation for active safety performance and collision avoidance. To provide a high-level of occupant protection in the event of a collision, the Acura NSX employs its advanced multi-material body design along with both primary and supplemental restraint systems, which work as a system to effectively manage the energy in a collision, minimizing cabin intrusion and mitigating occupant injury.

The NSX's innovative multi-material space frame utilizes cast aluminum nodes-including a world's first application of ablation casting technology-and highly rigid extruded aluminum frame members for superior crashworthiness and occupant protection with light weight and high rigidity. The NSX also utilizes the world's first application of a three-dimensionally formed and water jet-quenched ultra-high-strength steel for its A-pillar construction, which offers robust structural rigidity including roof-crush performance.

Furthermore, the multi-material space frame design and the packaging of hybrid componentry, including the vehicle's lithium-ion batteries and high-voltage systems, have also been optimized for both occupant protection and for the safety of emergency personnel (first responders).

► Standard primary and supplemental restraint systems include:

Single-stage driver and dual-stage passenger multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS)
Driver knee airbag
Side airbags
Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor
Three-point seatbelts with a load-limited equipped automatic tensioning system
(SEE ALL PHOTOS)



FUEL ECONOMY


The 2017 Acura NSX manages 21 mpg city, 22 highway, 21 combined from its hybrid all-wheel-drive powertrain, according to the EPA, which earns it a respectable 6 out of 10. 

Those numbers are excellent for a car capable of 0-60 mph times of 3 seconds, and a top speed of 191 mph. In absolute terms, those gas-mileage numbers are a lot lower than, say, an eight-passenger Honda Pilot.


VIDEO


Video by : TFLCars




Edited by : Shahen Tharammal
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Wednesday, November 02, 2016

Best Sedan Cars In India For 2016



HONDA CITY



► EXTERIOR : The revised sedan is not a completely new product and development has taken place in terms of a sporty and aggressive design. This is based on the carmaker’s ‘Exciting H Design’ philosophy which is expected to make its way to all the upcoming cars from Honda. The changes include the modifications to the front and rear profile of the vehicle. The revised front grille displays a singular broad horizontal slat laden with chrome. It tapers upwards at the edges and gets the Honda emblem in the centre. The grille extends down to the bumper which sees another thin horizontal slat before the air intakes. The double barrel headlamps are wider. The front bumper, which houses the circular fog lamps with honeycomb surrounds, gets redesigned air intakes. The bonnet has two vertical creases to channelize the air.

The side profile of the car also exhibits the creases meant to reduce the overall aerodynamic drag. Though the overall length of the vehicle is the same, the wheelbase is longer. The top end variant of the car stands tall on swept back design alloy wheels while the lower models get wheel caps with a similar shape. A slight change can be seen on the rear bumper but what is worth mentioning is the two-part layout of the tail lamps. The outer part of the tail light extends into the sides of the car, while the inner part is on the boot lid. The chrome strip running horizontally above the licence plate slot spreads across the rear linking the lamps. The car is tall from behind but the height is unrecognizable thanks to the horizontal lines added to the back.


► INTERIOR : The interiors of the new Honda City are very similar to the layout of the previous car. However, the plastic quality has improved. It now gets a beige and black colour scheme with leather upholstery on the top spec variants while the lower variants get a fabric trim. The steering wheel has been revised and is larger than the previous one. It gets more buttons on it for audio connectivity, phone controls and cruise control.

The instrument cluster has three circles with the one in centre for the speedometer, the left one for the tachometer and the one on the right side to display the other information like the trip metre, the fuel gauge and the instant fuel consumption. The speedo boasts of two colours for the backlight- blue and green. If you are driving efficiently, the blue light turns into green. For tuning the car to the best possible efficiency, the automatic car’s dashboard gets an ‘Eco’ button. A centre arm rest is also present.


ENGINE & GEARBOX : The new Honda City is being offered with two sets of engines and gearbox options. The diesel engine is the 1.5-litre i-DTEC unit from the Amaze sedan that churns out 98bhp and 200Nm of torque while the petrol is the retuned version of the 1.5-litre i-VTEC unit which produces 119bhp and 145Nm of torque. The diesel is mated to a six –speed manual while the petrol gets an option of a five-speed manual CVT gearbox.

► PRICE : The new Honda City price range starts from Rs 8.25 lakhs to Rs 12.76 lakhs


MARUTI SUZUKI CIAZ



► EXTERIOR : The design of the Ciaz is based on the Suzuki Authentics concept which was showcased first at the 2014 Shanghai Motor Show in April and then shown in production form as the China-spec Alivio sedan. It gets an aggressive front fascia with a trapezoidal front grille that features ample amount of chrome. The sweptback headlights and the elongated hood further enhance its street presence. The side profile is a rather conservative affair but one that works for Maruti Suzuki. It features delicately flared wheel arches, chrome door handles and a strong shoulder line which works well with the forward leaning stance of the car.

At the rear, the Ciaz gets the standard wrap around tail lamps which lend the car a premium look. The rear bumper is large and includes integrated reflectors. There’s also a lip spoiler and chrome badges across all variants.


► INTERIOR : Inside, the Ciaz gets a simple and clutter-free design. The dashboard design is reminiscent of other Maruti models including the Ertiga and the Swift Dzire with its all-beige treatment. The car gets keyless entry and start, Aux-in, USB, Bluetooth streaming with telephony, automatic retract for the ORVMs, reversing camera and navigation system. It also gets a sunshade for the rear windscreen, which will be appreciated by occupants at the rear.

The integrated audio system is a touch screen unit – a segment first. The steering gets controls for the audio system and telephony controls on the left unlike the competition that has buttons spread on either sides. The faux-wood and aluminium inserts, light colour of the upholstery and plastics lend a bright and airy feel to the interior. In terms of safety, all but the base variant get ABS-EBD and front airbags. The base variant on the other hand has to make do with driver-side airbag.

► ENGINE & GEARBOX : The petrol versions of the Ciaz continue to use 1.4-litre K-series petrol engine producing 94bhp and 134Nm of torque. While there is no difference in the diesel engine either, it now gets Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), larger battery and braking energy recuperation. The larger battery is charged by the brakes, which help in engine start-stop, also the battery assists the crank in developing torque and takes some load of the engine. The Ciaz hybrid has ARAI rated efficiency of 28.09kmpl, making it the most efficient car in the country. The petrol model continues to return 20.79kmpl. The diesel engine comes coupled with the five-speed manual gearbox, the petrol on the other hand is available with a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission.

► PRICE : The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz price range starts from Rs 7.75 lakhs to Rs 10.73 lakhs


HYUNDAI VERNA




► EXTERIOR :  Hyundai had infused some freshness into the car in 2015 with the Fluidic version 2.0 design philosophy, increasing the car’s resemblance to its elder sibling, the Sonata. The car retained its predecessor’s silhouette. The creases along the side profile and on the bonnet have been revised, giving the car a fresh look. The front grille has been revised with two chrome slats while the headlamps get an edgier swept-back design. The rear of the Verna continues the understated look with redesigned tail lamps, a two-tone rear bumper and a concealed exhaust.


► INTERIOR : Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic’ design philosophy not only influences the car’s exteriors, but the interior too. Hyundai cars rank high on the value for money scale when it comes to features and quality, and the same can be said about the Verna. The car offers a plush look and feel and the beige and black interior with faux wood inserts help brighten things up. The instrument panel is backlit in blue and displays a host of information, which can be controlled through the steering mounted controls. The centre console features the controls for climate control and the audio player with 1GB internal memory and multiple connectivity options. While the Verna does miss out on rear air conditioner vents and a few other creature comforts, it’s the only car in the segment to offer six airbags.

► ENGINE & GEARBOX : The powertrain options of the new Verna have been carried over from the previous car. The base petrol variants are available with a 1.4-litre VTVT engine which produces 106bhp and 135Nm of torque while the high-end variants get a 1.6-litre VTVT unit churning out 121bhp and 155Nm of torque. The diesel variants also get the option of either a 1.4-litre CRDi unit producing 89bhp and 220Nm of torque or a 1.6-litre CRDi unit which is good for 126bhp and 259Nm of torque. While the petrol variants come with a five-speed manual gearbox, the diesels are offered with a six-speed manual stick. A four-speed automatic gearbox is also available in the top-end petrol and diesel variants.

► PRICE : The Hyundai Verna price range starts from Rs 8.02 lakhs to  Rs 13.33 lakhs


VOLKSWAGEN VENTO



► EXTERIOR : Design wise, not much has been changed in terms of the layout of body panels. The Vento continues to exude typical Volkswagen design cues with its neatly designed front/rear end, taut shoulder lines and a compact profile.

The Vento now gets a re-profiled bonnet with deeper creases and new front grille with triple chrome slats. There’s also a new front air dam and front fog lamps with integrated cornering lights. Move onto the rear and you will notice the old layout of the taillights albeit with revised internals, a thin chrome strip on the boot lid and a restyled rear bumper with chrome inserts and reflectors.


► INTERIOR :The design of the interior remains the same as before, but Volkswagen has introduced new colour themes and updated the equipment list according to the trim level. The Vento gets cruise control, cooled glove box and a dead pedal as all-new equipment. Standard features, meanwhile, include climate control, rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable rear view mirrors, ABS, twin airbags and a rather good sounding audio system with Bluetooth connectivity.

► ENGINE & GEARBOX : The diesel-powered models feature a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 103bhp of power @4400rpm and 250Nm of torque @1550rpm. This TDI unit makes peak power at 2,000rpm and redlines at nearly 6,000rpm. The petrol powered models, on the other hand, come with either the 1.6-litre MPI or the 1.2-litre turbocharged TSI engine. The latter produces 105bhp of power and 175Nm of torque, while the 1.6 MPI engine produces 105bhp of power and 153Nm of torque. Volkswagen is offering a 5-speed manual and 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox, depending on the version.

► PRICE :The VW Vento price range starts from Rs 8.26 lakhs to Rs 12.71 lakhs


VOLKSWAGEN AMEO



► EXTERIOR : In terms of looks, the Ameo will follow the traditional VW design which is subtle yet elegant. The front fascia of the Ameo is very similar to that of the Polo with the twin slat grille and a chrome underline and rectangular fog lamps. The profile is identical to the Polo till the C-pillar. The Ameo’s C-pillar has been thinned out with a quarter-glass added to make it feel roomy. The stubby boot fits the four-metre bill, but doesn’t gel with the overall flow of the design. The tail lamps are similar to the Vento but with a kink on the inner side.


► INTERIOR :The interior has been carried over straight from the Polo. The top of the dashboard is black, while rest of the trim is beige to make the cabin look roomier. The Ameo gets rear AC vents from the Vento, but that apart, the feature list has been taken over form the Polo. The top spec car gets cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, a touch-screen infotainment system, all four power windows and electrically adjustable wing mirrors. Like all VWs in India, airbags are standard on all variants, while the middle and top spec trims will get ABS-EBD.

► ENGINE & GEARBOX : The Ameo had been launched with the petrol engine only. It started with the 1.2-litre three-cylinder MPI engine tuned to produce 108bhp and 250Nm powers the compact sedan and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Volkswagen has also started offering their 1.5-litre diesel engine on the Ameo. The four cylinder turbo-diesel develops 89bhp of power and 230Nm of torque. It is offered with the five-speed manual as well as the dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox. We also expect VW to offer the 1.2-litre TSI with the seven-speed automatic with the Ameo just like the Polo GT TSI.

► PRICE : The VW Ameo price range starts from Rs 5.38 lakhs to Rs 9.55 lakhs


TOYOTA ETIOS


► EXTERIOR :  The Etios was originally called the EFC, or the Entry Family Car. Etios means Spirit and Principle which Toyota intends to give to its customers in India. More than 2,000 engineers in India and Japan have worked in close collaboration for four years to ensure that the perfect blend of local design sensibilities and unmatched global quality standards is integrated into the Etios.

The facelifted car in 2014 came in a new premium pearl white colour apart from the standard colours like symphony silver, serene bluish silver, celestial black, harmony beige, vermillion red and white. While the facelifted vehicle gets a revised front grille, the fascia is in line with Toyota's new design language which was first seen on the new Corolla. The silhouette and rear of the car remains unchanged, nonetheless, the vehicle gets a new 12-spoke design for the alloys. It also gets electrically adjustable mirrors.



► INTERIOR :Coming to the cabin, the most welcome change that the company got in 2014 is dual airbags across all its variants as a standardised safety measure. The Japanese carmaker focused on safety and equipped all the models with driver and passenger SRS airbags. The Etios sedan gets reverse parking sensors and a buzzer warning for seatbelt, doors open and headlights on. The car comes packed with features like steering mounted audio controls, wood finish armrest, chrome door handles, new seat fabric with height adjustable seats for driver, combimeter with new LCD display and digital clock and a cooled glove box. The Etios now gets two new rear speakers in addition to the speakers in the front. The infotainment system is a 2-DIN audio player with Bluetooth, USB Aux –in and a remote.

► ENGINE & GEARBOX : Toyota has powered the diesel Etios sedan with the 1.4-litre diesel engine which produces 67bhp of power and 170Nm of torque. The petrol version of the sedan is powered by the 1.5-litre petrol DOHC mill that churns out 88bhp of power and 132Nm of torque. In both these models the engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox

► PRICE : The Toyota Etios price range starts from Rs 7.1 lakhs to Rs 9.14 lakhs


MARUTI SUZUKI SWIFT DZIRE




► EXTERIOR : On the outside, the new DZire sports a new bumper design, headlamps with a black tinge, fog lamps bezel with chrome accents. The additional chrome elements and the restyled bumper give the car a more elegant appearance. Further improving the looks are the new alloy wheels. However, when viewed from the rear, this new model looks pretty similar to the old model with the same wraparound taillights and the stubby boot lid.



► INTERIOR : inside, the dashboard and the overall layout of all the controls remain the same although Maruti has added quite a few new features as standard to keep up with the modern trend in car technology. Thanks to the updated feature list, the top-spec trims now come with engine start/stop button, new upholstery, front and rear charging socket, electrically foldable rear view mirrors, audio and Bluetooth control on the steering wheel, reverse parking sensors and much more as standard.

► ENGINE & GEARBOX : The new Dzire comes powered by either the 1248cc DDiS diesel engine or the 1197cc, K-series VVT petrol engine. While the former develops 75bhp of power and 190Nm of torque, the petrol delivers 85bhp of power and 115Nm of torque. Maruti says it has made several changes in the engine hardware leading to improved thermal efficiency and reduced frictional losses.

The new Dzire, as a result, returns a claimed fuel efficiency of 26.59kmpl for diesel, up by around 13 per cent over the outgoing model. Meanwhile, the petrol-powered model comes with a fuel efficiency of 20.85kmpl, marking an improvement of over 9 per cent.

► PRICE : Swift dzire price range starts from Rs 5.39 lakhs to Rs 8.69 lakhs


HONDA AMAZE



► EXTERIOR :  The new thick horizontally slatted grille is typical of all new Honda cars. The front bumper has been completely redone and looks sporty with split air dam. The overall body-shell remains the same as the older Amaze and so does the side profile, except for the new design of alloy wheels. The tail lamps have been reworked and give a fresh lease of life to the busy tail design.



► INTERIOR :The Brio-like dashboard of the older Amaze has been replaced with the more stylish version resembling the Honda City. The black-top dash gets silver accents around the rectangular AC vents along with a brand new centre console. It still misses out on the display screen for the infotainment system but gets a 2-DIN music system with Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity. Steering mounted audio controls and automatic climate control are present. The beige interior makes the Amaze look roomy.

The 400-litre boot of the Amaze is largest in the segment – it is quite commendable considering the car is under four-meters in length. The only complaint that we have about the interiors is that the rear seats don’t split or fold. On the safety front, the petrol continues to miss out on ABS for the lower variants unlike the diesel which has ABS and EBD standard. The higher-spec trims get dual front airbags.

► ENGINE & GEARBOX : The Honda Amaze petrol is powered by refined 1.2-litre i-VTEC producing 88bhp of power and 109Nm of torque, the same unit that powers the Brio, with the ARAI fuel economy of 17.8kmpl. The sub-four metre sedan also gets a CVT automatic petrol variant with an ARAI fuel efficiency of 18.1kmpl. The Honda Amaze diesel sedan is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre i-DTEC oil burner that produces 98bhp of power at 3600rpm and 200Nm of torque at 1750rpm of which the latter is completely flat and does not drop until we get near the redline. The diesel versions have an ARAI fuel efficiency of 25.8kmpl.

► PRICE : The Honda Amaze price range starts from Rs 5.64 lakhs to Rs 8.58 lakhs


TATA ZEST



► EXTERIOR : The Tata Zest follows the same principle as that of the Bolt hatchback in terms of design and overall appearance. The side profile remains the same up to the C-Pillar but thanks to the boot has a different appearance. At the back, the lights have a similar design to that of the hatchback with a stubby boot lid. All variants are being offered with alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers and chrome inserts on the outside, the final being added for premium appeal.

Above the base XE variant, projector head lamps, chrome weather strips on windows and OVRMs with LED indicators are standard. The top-spec XT variant also gets chrome garnish on the fog lamps, LED daytime running lights and LED guide rings on the head lamps.



► INTERIOR :The interiors are exactly the same as the hatchback including the overall layout, features and upholstery. The list includes Harman touch screen music system, gauges behind the steering wheel and two-tone upholstery across all variants.

The feature list is exhaustive with the top-spec XT (petrol and diesel) getting a touch screen infotainment system developed by Harman for Tata, climate control, power windows, electrically adjustable OVRMs, rear parking sensors, dual-tone interiors, door-coordinated cabin lights and day night adjustable rear-view mirror.

► ENGINE & GEARBOX : In terms of engines, Tata will offer this compact sedan with the 1.2-litre Revotron engine which is petrol powered and produces 84bhp/140Nm. The diesel engine on the other hand is the 1.3-litre Quadrajet diesel. Transmission options include the five-speed manual as well as an AMT which is a first for Tata especially in this segment.

► PRICE : Tata Zest price range starts from Rs 5.21 lakhs to Rs 8.70 lakhs



Edited by : Shahen Tharammal
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