2016 Honda Brio Facelift Launched in India

Honda Cars India has just updated its product portfolio in India by launching the new Brio at Rs 4.69 lakh for the base (E-MT) variant and Rs 6.81 lakh for the top-spec (VX AT) variant (both ex-showroom, Delhi). The company is offering the hatchback in five color options - Taffeta White, Alabaster Sliver, Urban Titanium, Rally Red and White Orchid Pearl (available at a Rs 4000 premium). The launch of this facelift is the first major update to the popular hatchback, since it was first launched back in 2011. Consecutive launch of Amaze Facelift, New Gen Jazz and now the Brio facelift, is a clear indicator that Honda is aiming to increase its market share and strengthen its foothold in India.

On the exterior, the company has updated the Brio's front with a much bolder look. Similar to the new Amaze, the facelift gets a new front bumper with larger air intakes and a honeycomb mesh, along with a new high-gloss black and chrome finish front grille to complete the front bold look. Moving to the rear, the car receives a new tail lamp design and a new tailgate spoiler with high mounted LED Stop-Lamp to complete the sporty look of the car.

On the inside, the new Brio gets an all-new instrument panel and comes with spacious beige and black interiors which is similar to the new Amaze. The facelift also sports a premium looking instrument panel with carbon finish and silver accents along with smoothly integrated air vents, whereas the instrument cluster features a newly designed, triple-analogue, sporty meter that comes with white illumination. The upholstery comes with enriched seat fabric under the update.

Talking about features, the Honda Brio facelift now comes with an Advanced 2 DIN Integrated Audio (USB and Aux-in) with Bluetooth connectivity. There are now digital AC controls with Max Cool function. As for safety features, the Brio facelift comes equipped with Honda’s both active and passive safety technologies including Dual SRS airbags, ABS and EBD, Seat Belt Pretensioners with load limiters and Impact mitigating headrests. The front body structure of the Brio also features Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Technology designed to absorb impact energy.

Under the hood, the car is powered by the same four-cylinder 1.2-litre 16V i-VTEC petrol engine producing 88bhp @ 6600rpm of maximum power with 109Nm @ 4600 rpm of peak torque and a 1.2 litre 16V i-DTEC diesel engine producing 99 bhp @ 3600 rpm of maximum power with 200Nm @ 1750 rpm of maximum torque. Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed manual gearbox and now also a 5-speed automatic transmission on the top-spec variant that returns a fuel economy of 18.5 km/ l and 16.5 km/l respectively.

The Honda Brio made its debut at the 2014 Delhi Auto Show. The facelift comes with the standard 2 year/ 40,000 kms warranty and will compete against rivals like Renault Duster Facelift, Nissan Terrano, Hyundai Creta and Ford EcoSport.

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Toyota Etios Platinum (Etios Facelift) launched in India at Rs 6.43 lakh

Toyota Kirloskar Motor, subsidiary of the Japanese auto giant, has launched the facelifted versions of the Etios in India at Rs 6.43 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Christened as the Etios Platinum, the facelift is based on the same model which was launched in Brazil this year. Here in India, the facelift was launched with cosmetic and well as some mechanical updates.

Talking about the exteriors, Etios Platinum features a new V-shaped front grille with chrome accents, re-designed front bumper with wider air-vents and round fog lamps. Moreover, the side of the Etios Platinum gets chrome garnished ORVM with integrated turn indicators and 15-inch diamond cut alloy wheels. While the rear end of the Etios Platinum gets a boot-lid integrated rear spoiler and a resculpted bumper design with chrome accents.

Inside, Etios Platinum sports an updated instrument console and improved seat design with new covers. A rear centre armrest has also been added as a part of the facelift. Other features added to the new Etios Platinum are engine immobilizer and keyless entry. But, the highlight of the facelift are its updated safety features. ABS is now standard across all the variants. The company has added dual airbags and equipped the rear seats with ISOFIX mounting points for improved child safety along with reinforcing the cars against side impacts.

Under the hood, the facelift continues to be powered by the same engine that is used in the current model. For the petrol variant, the Etios comes with the 1.5-litre engine that produces 90PS of power and 132Nm of peak torque, while the diesel variant is powered by the 1.4-litre D-4D engine which produces 68PS of power and 170Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties for all variants are handled by a 5-speed manual gearbox. On the mechanical front, Toyota has upgraded the engine mountings from rubber to hydraulic to absorb the jerks more effectively. Also, the company has adjusted the suspension a bit while, for the diesel variants, the clutch has been tweaked to make it easier to operate. The new Toyota Etios Platinum comes with a fuel efficiency of 16.78 kmpl for the petrol variant while the diesel version gives mileage of 23.59 kmpl.

In its segment, the facelifted version the Etios sedan competes against the likes of  Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, Ford Figo Aspire, Tata Zest, Hyundai Xcent, Nissan Sunny and Renault Scala in the Indian market.

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2016 Hyundai Tuscon Spotted Testing Ahead Of Launch

According to recent reports, The new Hyundai Tucson has been spotted testing in Pune ahead of its launch in October this year in India. Even though the spied car is heavily camouflaged, the tail-light enclosures give away its identity, confirming it as the third-generation Tucson. Hyundai had showcased the Tucson SUV at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo in February. Set to be launched in the festive season, the Tucson will be positioned below the Sante Fe and above the Creta in Hyundai’s SUV lineup.

First unveiled at the 2015 New York International Auto Show, the new 2016 Hyundai Tuscon SUV is the revamped version of its current model. As an International model, the new 2016 Tuscon will feature improvements economy, interior space, and handling. The Tucson was initially launched in India back in 2005 as a CBU (completely built-up unit) but the upcoming third-generation Tucson will most likely be assembled locally at Hyundai’s plant at Chennai.

Talking about the exterior, the new 2016 Hyundai Tuscon will be 1.1-inch wider, 3.0 inches longer, while the wheelbase has been lengthened by 1.2-inch than its predecessor which means that the India-bound 2016 Hyundai Tuscon will come with a wheelbase of 2,670mm and will be 4,475mm in length, 1,850mm in width and 1,655mm in height. The five-seater Hyundai Tucson gets the company's signature hexagonal grille framed by LED headlamps enhanced by sleek horizontal lines which not only manifests a bolder but also an urban stance.

Inside, the new 2016 Tuscon gets extra spacious by 1.2 inches, all thanks to its wider wheelbase. The five-seater also gets features like, heated and ventilated seats, a 405-watt sound system and leather upholstery. Another feature which the new 2016 Tuscon will sport is the all new Panoramic Rooftop.

Under the Hood, The India-bound Hyundai Tucson will most likely come with a 2.0-litre, CRDi diesel engine producing a maximum power output of 179bhp and maximum torque of 402 Nm, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The Tucson might also come with the FWD system. While in foreign countries, the Tucson is offered in four trim options: SE, Eco, Sport, and Limited. The base model is powered by a new 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder, which replaces the old 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four as the step-up engine. It makes 165 PS of power and 264 Nm of peak torque, and is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Moving up, there’s a 175-horsepower engine paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and front-wheel drive will be standard, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The Hyundai Tucson rides on 18-inch wheels all around, with 19-inch wheels as an optional accessory. Moreover, the upcoming Hyundai Tucson has a top speed of 201kmph and might also come with a fuel tank of 62 litres.

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson fills the large gap between the Hyundai Creta and flagship Hyundai Santa Fe SUV and is expected to be launched in India sometime in spring next year, with an estimated price between Rs 18 – 20 lakh. The India-bound Hyundai Tucson will come with a price tag of Rs 20 lakh - Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The new 2016 Hyundai Tucson will compete against the like of Mahindra XUV 500, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Chevrolet Trailblazer and the Tata Hexa Crossover.

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2016 Ford Mustang GT Launched in India

The news all Mustang lovers have been dreaming for so long is finally here. Ford Mustang GT, the iconic pony car from the American carmaker has been finally launched in India. Introduced at a starting price of INR 65 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), Ford has brought us the sixth generation Mustang GT equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 under the hood. Ford India first unveiled the Mustang GT in the country right before the 2016 Auto Expo, promising a launch in the second half of 2016 and was Ford show-stopper at the expo. Staying true to its word the American carmaker has finally answered the prayers of us Indian enthusiasts who have been waiting for this iconic machine to come to your shores. But it surely comes with a heavy price tag owing to the fact that the car has taken the CBU route.

It has been 52 years since Ford first launched the Mustang and it took the company that many years to finally bring it to India. Why you ask, well for the fact that before the sixth generation Mustang, Ford never had a right-hand-drive model. Although, over the years there have been many Indian enthusiasts who imported the car to India, during times when the road norms were more lenient. All that said we finally have the car in India it is the modern day pony car that has reached our shores.

The India-spec version of the car will come with only the aforementioned range-topping 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine. The motor has been detuned from the Indian market, which now churns out 395.5bhp, a good 40bhp less than what the American version produces, which we drove last month. Even the torque has been brought down by 9Nm as the engine now develops 515Nm of peak torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels by a six-speed SelectShift automatic gearbox with steering-mounted paddle shifters. Ford offers the new Mustang GT with four different driving modes - Norman, Sport+, Track, and Snow/Wet modes. Each mode delivering power output as per its requirement.

Coming to how the car looks from outside, the new generation Ford Mustang GT retains its brawny looks along with the All-American Muscle styling. Right from the aggressive front section to its muscular character lines, the 2016 Mustang in no way disappoints us. The front end of the car features sharp projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, while the wide trapezoidal grille and central air dam together create a hexagonal shape. On either side of the air dam the car gets round fog lamps and of course the symbol of the galloping horse at the centre of the grille. The car even comes with 'Pony' projection puddle lamps on the ORVMs. The sleeker profile of the car is further accentuated by the more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass.

It is the side profile of the car that shows the imposing stance of the car with the long hood, slopping coupe-like roof line, 19-inch Magnetic Gloss paint machined aluminium wheels, and a protruding tail section. The rear end on the other hand comes with three dimensional tri-bar LED tail lamps and the GT badge at the centre all on a glossy black surface. Overall the new Mustang combines the classic styling of its predecessors and the modern features that make it worth of the price tag.

The new Mustang GT comes with a cozy cabin draped in all-black interior with heated/cooled leather accented seats, suitable for four adults. This popular sports coupe offers features like - 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford SYNK2 with voice control, dual-zone HVAC system, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, rear diffuser, rain-sensing wipers, and dual front airbags with additional curtain, side impact, and knee air bags among other features.

Also Read: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS Spotted Testing in India

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Rolls-Royce Dawn Launched in India

Rolls-Royce Dawn, the long awaited uber-luxury convertible from the British car maker has been finally launched in India, priced at INR 6.25 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The Rolls-Royce Dawn is the stylish 2+2 seater soft top convertible that shares its underpinnings with the Wraith coupe but is claimed to be an entirely different car with its own unique styling and features. It is the fourth Rolls-Royce model to enter the Indian car market after the Phantom, Ghost, and Wraith.

The Rolls-Royce Dawn is credited for being the first car in the legendary automaker's lineup to come only in the drophead version, with no hard top version available at present. Instead, the Dawn gets a retractable soft-top that can be opened or closed at speeds up to 50 km/h in just about 20 seconds.

In terms of looks, the Dawn has an uncanny resemblance to the Rolls-Royce Wraith, given the same underpinnings. Having said that, the company says 80 per cent of the body work that has went into the Dawn, is all new. The car comes with 2:1 wheel height to body height, a long bonnet, short front overhangs; a long rear overhang and a high shoulder line. In terms of dimensions, the coupe convertible measures 5285 mm in length, 1947 mm in width, 1502 mm in height, and comes with a long wheelbase of 3112 mm.

Rolls-Royce continues to use its signature design elements on the Dawn that makes it a stellar looking convertible. The chrome grille sits higher than the one on the Wraith, while there are sleek headlamps with projector lights and smart daytime running lights surrounding it. There is a strip sequence LED lights just below the headlamp cluster and a large, brawny front bumper graces the front housing the big air intakes and a central air dam. The bonnet has been slightly redesigned but continues to hold the iconic - Spirit of Ecstasy.

Inside, the 2016 Rolls-Royce Dawn gets a plethora of wood and leather detailing, with a variety of bespoke options customers can choose from. Occupants can pamper themselves with a plethora of creature comforts like four-zone automatic climate control, bespoke premium audio system with 16 individually-tuned speakers, chrome decorative inserts; 10.25-inch touchscreen HD navigation display, Multimedia navigation system and Spirit of Ecstasy rotary controller with gesture sensitive touchpad. Rolls-Royce claims the Dawn has one the quietest cabins and has aptly named the car as a 'Silent Ballet.'

Under the hood, the new Rolls-Royce Dawn packs the same 6.6-litre twin turbocharged V12 petrol engine that is capable of churning out 563bhp of power and develops 820Nm of peak torque. The mill is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that propels the car to 100 km/h from standstill in just 5.0 seconds, before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

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2017 Porsche 911 Range Launched in India

Porsche India has launched the updated 2017 range of its halo sports car - the 911, in the country with prices starting INR 1.42 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi). Starting with the most affordable 911 Carrera, the list goes up to the range-topping 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, which has priced at INR 2.81 cores. The updated 911 range include - 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S, 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S along with a cabriolet version for each one of them.

In terms of changes the 2017 range features a sharper design language, advanced technological features and updated powertrain has been re-tuned to offer more power and performance. The new 911 range is also now loaded on tech wizardry with a host of in-car gadgetry on offer like the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system delivering improved connectivity and control.

Globally unveiled in December 2016, the 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S facelifts made their first public debut at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year. In terms of looks, the overall silhouette of the car remains the same on the new 911, but the updates are more detailed and extensive on the sports coupe. Some of the most prominent exterior features include the new four-point LED daytime running lights with projector headlamps, the larger front bumper a bigger central air intake with dark chrome accents. The 911 Turbo and Turbo S Cabriolet versions also get double fillets and side-mounted air blades. The rear too features new sharper looking LED tail lights and a slightly tweaked bumper to complement the changes made up front.

The interior of the new Porsche 911 lineup has also gone through a revamp and is now equipped with a number of new features. Sure, there still are a whole of buttons, but that continues to keep the feeling real on the performance car. A rev-counter sits on top of the dashboard, while three-part digital instrument cluster makes way behind the steering wheel. As mentioned earlier, the new 911 also gets the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with a 7-inch infotainment display for improved in-car connectivity allowing you to connect your smartphone to the car. iPhone owners need not worry as the car gets Apple CarPlay as well. the new Porsche 911 also come with an updated steering wheel with a host of control right within your reach.

The new 911 comes with improved technological features that is claimed to have improved the driving dynamics of the car. The top-of-the-line 911 Turbo S itself comes with optional Sport Chrono Package and for the first time, all 911s will come with a mode switch on the steering wheel itself. This particular feature has been derived from the 918 Spyder, which alloys you to choose from four different driving modes - Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.

Power on the 2017 Porsche 911 range comes from updated flat-six engines with the 911 Turbo and Turbo S using a 3.8-litre twin turbocharged motor that now produce 533bhp and  572bhp respectively. While the former can do a 0-100km/h sprint in flat 3.0-seconds, the Turbo S can achieve the same feat in 2.9-seconds making it the fastest 911 ever built. The Carrera twins use a similar twin-turbo unit that belts out 370bhp on the Carrera Cabriolet and 420bhp on the Carrera S models. All engines come paired to Porsche's 8-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission that has been updated for quicker shifts. And for that additional grunt while overtaking, the car comes with a special 'Sports Response Button' that when pressed pre-conditions the drivetrain to offer maximum acceleration for 20 seconds.

Lastly, equipment upgrades on the new Porsche 911 range include  Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) roll compensation and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB). The cars also get new GT sport steering wheel, leather trimmed sports seats and new 20-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels.

Model                             Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)

911 Carrera                     INR 1.42 Crore

911 Carrera Cabriolet     INR 1.55 Crore

911 Carrera S                     INR 1.63 Crore

911 Carrera S Cabriolet      INR 1.76 Crore

911 Turbo                     INR 2.25 Crore

911 Turbo Cabriolet            INR 2.39 Crore

911 Turbo S                     INR 2.66 Crore

911 Turbo S Cabriolet     INR 2.81 Crore

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2016 Datsun Redi-GO 'Urban Cross' Hatchback Launched in India

Datsun India has launched its much-anticipated most affordable compact hatchback, the Redi-GO in the country at what was the car's global unveil, with prices starting at INR 2.38 lakh, going up to INR 3.34 lakh (all ex-showroom, Delhi) for the range-topping variant. The Redi-GO is available in a total of five variants - D, A, T, T(O), and S. Datsun will manufacture the Redi-GO at the Renault-Nissan Alliance's facility in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu. Positioned as an 'Urban Cross' and below the Datsun GO hatchback and GO+ MPV in India. The Redi-GO will be Nissan's challenger in a segment that is essentially the bottom rung of the Indian car market. The automaker has managed to undercut the competition in terms of pricing inclusive of the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800, Renault Kwid, Hyundai EON.

Based on the same CMF-A platform as the Renault Kwid, as the platform is shared by the Renault-Nissan alliance. The Redi-GO looks completely different from the Kwid in terms of design. While the Renault looks more muscular and sits squat, the Redi-GO is taller and more compact to look at. According to the folks at Datsun India, it's an urban cross and considering its best-in-class ground clearance of 185mm, they say that it'll give a bunch of SUVs a run for their money. Speaking of which, the Datsun redi-GO measures 3429 mm in length, 1560 mm in width, and 1541 mm in height. The wheelbase measures 2348 mm and the hatchback gets a decent boot capacity of 222-litres. Datsun is hoping to attract young buyers with the Redi-GO and has styled it in a smart, youthful manner to ensure the car appeals to its target audience.

The design is more aggressive, with the front sporting slightly narrow, wide headlights and the familiar looking grille in between and a more muscular hood. The top of the line car also gets daytime running light DRLs that are mounted on the front bumper. The sides are nice to catching with chiseled lines, while the rear looks appealing with neat looking, well-proportioned tail light that accentuate the tallboy design. Sadly, the Datsun Redi-GO will not get alloy wheels as standard even on the top of the line variant. The taller stance has helped Datsun liberate more headroom for the occupants and give the interiors a sense of roominess. Datsun also claims this has helped make ingress and egress easier and its spacious interiors will be one of the car's biggest highlights.

Inside, the Datsun Redi-GO comes with a clean and clutter free cabin and is loaded with the all the essential features including a 2-DIN audio system, USB and AUX connectivity, CD player, two speakers, power steering and front power windows on the range-topping trim. The top-end trim also features daytime running lamps, while the driver side airbag is available as standard. The Redi-GO is available in five color options.

Under the hood, the Datsun Redi-GO uses the same 799cc iSAT (Intelligent Spark Automated Technology) three-cylinder petrol engine as the Kwid that is tuned to produce 53bhp of power at 5678rpm and 72Nm of torque at 4386rpm. The motor is paired to only a 5-speed manual gearbox. That said, the Redi-GO will also get the larger, 1.0-litre engine and AMT as the Kwid, likely to be added to the lineup in the future. Source

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