Mercedes-Benz unveils the dynamic GLC and the stunning S-Class Cabriolet at the 13th Auto Expo

India’s largest luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz India has unveiled the much awaited dynamic SUV- the GLC and the stunning S-Class Cabriolet at the recently held Auto Expo in Delhi.

S-Class Cabriolet

GLC:
The GLC is a unique, sporty and dynamic SUV which combines the ultimate in driving comfort. The new design idiom combines sensual purity with dynamic sportiness and embodies a new interpretation of modern luxury. With a Cd value of 0.31, it sets a clear benchmark in this segment. The new GLC offers the DYNAMIC SELECT handling control system with five driving programs as standard. In addition to the ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and INDIVIDUAL settings which are familiar from other models, the new all-rounder is also be equipped with the Off-Road Engineering package. The nine-stage 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission also comes as standard for the GLC 300 4MATIC.
S-Class Cabriolet

Cabriolet:
The S-Class Cabriolet is the 6th variant of the current S-Class family and the first open-top luxury four-seater from Mercedes-Benz since 1971. The V8 engine of the S 500 Cabrio has an output of 335 kW (455 hp). The displacement stands at 4663 cc and the engine produces peak torque of 700 Nm from 1800 rpm. The S-Class Cabriolet is fitted as standard with the full-support AIRMATIC semi-active air suspension featuring infinitely variable damping control. The switch in the centre console can be used to open and close the soft top while on the move up to a speed of 60 km/h. Opening and closing take around 20 seconds.

Tata Motors Unveils Future Range of Passenger Vehicles at Auto Expo 2016

Tata Motors showcased its future range of passenger vehicles at the Auto Expo 2016. The product line-up features the new sporty compact sedan (project code named KITE 5), the production ready, lifestyle SUV- HEXA in automatic and manual variants, compact SUV – NEXON and the personalized editions of the new passenger vehicles from Tata Motors. The new hatchback has been showcased publicly for the first time at the Auto Expo 2016. While it carries the ‘ZICA’ label for the duration of the event, the new name will be announced after a few weeks, ensuring all necessary consumer/ branding and regulatory aspects are addressed, and the launch will take place thereafter.

Tata Zica

Key showcases at Auto Expo 2016:

ZICA: Making its first public appearance is the cool new hatchback from Tata Motors. Empathizing with the hardships being caused by the recent virus outbreak across many countries, Tata Motors, as a socially responsible company, has decided to re-brand the car.

The new car is backed by Tata Motors’ “Made of Great” campaign, with the motto, “What drives us from within is what makes us great”. Tata Motors is committed to doing what is right for its customers; the car, which has been designed for young people, has already received enthusiastic reviews from informed commentators, and the company is determined to place it in the market addressing all relevant needs of the target audience.

HEXA: On the sports utility vehicles (SUV) front, production ready HEXA, a path-breaking offering in the lifestyle SUV segment. First showcased as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015, it comes with a bold design and sharp cosmetic features reflecting the newly defined design language - IMPACT.

NEXON: The NEXON on the other hand is a bold, elegant and sporty compact SUV which comes with dynamic, new generation best-in-class diesel and petrol engines.

KITE 5:  Showcased for the first time globally, Kite 5 is another brand new product from Tata Motors. This highly anticipated sub-four metre sedan, is set to add to the Company’s revolutionary passenger vehicle portfolio. Embodying its new IMPACT design language and with best-in-class driving pleasure and the advanced ConnectNext system, the car promises to stir up the segment in India.

A treat for the speed enthusiasts will be the Sporty hatchback, developed by Tata Motors and Jayem Automotive. This performance version, represents an attitude of winning and staying ahead. This attitude is embedded in the car’s aspects of design and driving dynamics. This performance hatchback with stylized body kit comes equipped with the 1.2T Revotron engine, enhanced to 110 PS power and 170 Nm torque, delivering 0 to 100 km/h within 12 seconds.

Datsun displays breakthrough new concept car at the Delhi Auto Expo

Datsun has introduced new GO-cross Concept exhibited for the first time in India at teh Auto Expo. Datsun GO-cross Concept showcases the company’s vision for a potential Datsun GO/GO+ family expansion in high-growth markets.

Koji Nagano, Executive Design Director (L),  Datsun along with Vincent Cobee, Corporate Head of Datsun poses with the Datsun GO-Cross Concept at the Delhi Auto Expo 2016

Also on display is Datsun GO+ with an all-new blue exterior colour and with a fresh, classy dual-tone interior, further enhancing the car’s appeal. The Datsun pavilion brought alive its 80-year heritage by showcasing the legendary Datsun Bluebird 1600 SSS (510) rally car. The Super Sport Sedan successfully raced in the US and brought motorsport glory to the brand in the early 1970s. It shares space on the stand with the Datsun GO-Rally show car created by a passionate group of Japanese engineers and designers. 

Datsun is showcasing its rich tradition at DAE, displaying vehicles which express its commitment to providing solutions for young up-and-coming strivers to help them achieve their dreams. The Datsun GO+ Smart features two gaming consoles in the rear of the popular MPV as entertainment options for children. The Datsun GO+ is already known for offering space and comfort to families.

Nissan to launch GT-R and X-Trail Hybrid in India

At this year’s Delhi Auto Expo Nissan announced it will bring its iconic GT-R sportscar and new X-Trail Hybrid crossover to India in the 2016 financial year. The GT-R will storm Indian shores in September 2016, while the new X-Trail Hybrid will follow before the end of the financial year. India will be the fourth market in the world after Japan, Thailand and Indonesia where Nissan will have introduced the X-Trail Hybrid.

Guillaume Sicard - President, Nissan India Operations at the shocase of X-Trail and GT-R in India

Nissan’s flagship GT-R sportscar delivers blistering performance. It is equally at home in real-world driving conditions as it is on the racetrack where it has shattered numerous records. The current GT-R’s twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine produces 550PS and 632Nm of torqu. Its 0.26 drag coefficient, one of the best amongst supercars, helps the GT-R slice through the air efficiently.

The new Nissan X-Trail Hybrid will come to India as the market's first ever full hybrid SUV, and brings Nissan's latest hybrid vehicle technology to India for the first time. The car comes equipped with the 2.0-litre MR20 DD petrol engine twinned with an advanced 31kw electric motor that enables both driving and environmental performance. 

The X-Trail Hybrid delivers sprightly driving response right off the line due to the 2.0L engine. Intelligent Dual Clutch Control is Nissan's original, highly efficient hybrid system that drives the wheels and regenerates electricity by using one motor. With one of the two clutches completely separating the motor from the engine, the system enables EV mode driving in high-speed situations with highly efficient energy regeneration.

The New BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport launched in India at Rs 75.90 lacs

The all-new BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport launched in India at Rs 75.90 lacs

BMW has launched the new BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport in India at Rs 75.90 lacs. The new BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport is locally produced at BMW Plant Chennai in a diesel variant and is available at BMW dealerships across India.

Exterior features include the M Aerodynamic Package, a choice of three individual exterior colours (including exclusive Carbon Black metallic), M light alloy wheels, BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line, M-specific vehicle key and Tailpipe cover with high gloss chrome covering. The interior elements create a sporty ambience with M leather steering wheel, Head- up Display, comfort seats for driver and BMW Individual roofliner anthracite. The all-new BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport will be available in Alpine White as non-metallic paintwork and in the following two metallic paint works: Space Grey and Carbon Black.

The sophisticated M Aerodynamics package includes an air breather, air curtains and aero blades to improve air flow. The exclusive 48.26 cms M light alloy wheels deliver more performance with an especially sporty tuning and an exclusive visual appearance. The Adaptive LED Headlights, the distinctive kidney grille in matt black and the athletic side contours generate a masculine look. The Adaptive M Suspension gets maximum potential out of the car and is available exclusively with the M Sport package. Features include Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension on the rear axle, with a set-up designed for a particularly sporty driving response.

The interior creates a dynamic and exclusive ambience: electrically adjustable front seats for driver and passenger in leather upholstery offer perfect lateral support and great comfort. Another attraction is the Panorama glass roof which provides a perfect view of everything the day has in store. The BMW TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the new BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport has fuel injection technologies. It is also complemented by the new Launch Control feature for maximum acceleration when required. The 3.0 litre diesel engine combines Common Rail direct injection and a turbo charger with variable turbine geometry to deliver a power output of 190 kW / 258 hp and an impressive torque of 560 Nm. It takes just 6.9 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/hr and the top speed is 230 km/hr.

The new X5 xDrive30d M Sport comes as standard with BMW xDrive – an intelligent all-wheel drive system that monitors driving situation constantly and distributes drive power smoothly between the axles. BMW xDrive splits drive variably to the front and rear axles to suit the driving situation and the surface. In terms of safety, it has six air bags, Anti-Lock braking system, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC); Cornering Brake Control (CBC); Hill Descent Control (HDC); Side-impact Protection; Electronic vehicle immobiliser, integrated emergency spare wheel and crash sensor.

The new BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport includes the next generation BMW iDrive (on-board Driver Information System) with touch controller, BMW Navigation Professional (integrated Global Positioning System – GPS) with 26 cm colour display with 3D maps, 16 loud speakers with 600 Watts high-end Surround Sound system from Harman Kardon, host of BMW Apps and Connectivity through Bluetooth / USB devices. Park Distance Control (PDC) rear and front along with rear view camera come as standard features. 

Legendary Jeep Brand Enters One of the World’s Largest Automobile Markets

Jeep brand marked another milestone today when the brand was introduced to India at the 2016 Auto Expo in New Delhi. With a line-up of three SUVs – Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the high-performance Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT – Jeep brand sales in India will start in mid-2016.

Jim Morrison and Kevin Flynn with the newly unveiled vehicles from Jeep

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) announced last year its intent to invest approximately $280 million in its manufacturing joint venture, Fiat India Automobiles Private Limited, with Tata Motors Limited. The investment in the manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon, India, will support the production of a new Jeep vehicle and is expected to begin production in 2017. Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee will be sold with diesel and petrol engines through a network of dealers located in key metro cities.
  
The Grand Cherokee will be offered in two variants; Grand Cherokee Limited and Grand Cherokee Summit. Both the variants come equipped with Bi-Xenon headlamps with distinctive Jeep daytime running headlamps. The rear of the Grand Cherokee offers large tail-lamps with signature LED lighting, a rear aerodynamic spoiler and a wide window in the tailgate. The Summit variant will be fitted with 20-inch alloys whereas the Limited variant will have 18-inch alloys.

The Grand Cherokee Limited will feature dual pane sunroof, premium leather seats, Selec-terrain traction control, 5-inch touch-screen infotainment system, memory seat for the driver and 8 way power adjustable front seats. Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit will additionally get ventilated front seats and 8.4-inch touch-screen navigation and infotainment system along with rear DVD entertainment system. The car will also feature a Harman Kardon 19-Speaker sound system will be offered with active Noise cancellation. 

The leather wrapped steering will hold a SRT logo with paddle shifts positioned behind the wheel. Both the Grand Cherokee Limited and Summit are powered with a 3.0L CRD Turbo V6 Diesel engine generating an exhilarating power of 240 HP and 570 NM of torque. The Grand Cherokee Limited is equipped with Quadra Trac II and the Grand Cherokee Summit gets the Quadra Drive II traction control. The Grand Cherokee SRT bears a 6.4L 470-hp HEMI V8 engine that feeds a Quadra-Trac Active On-Demand 4WD system. An eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters helps drivers go full throttle on the track, to reach a hair-raising top speed of 258 kmph.

The Grand Cherokee comes standard with advanced, multistage driver and front-passenger airbags and supplemental side-curtain airbags. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) coordinates Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM).The Antilock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist, All-Speed Traction Control and Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is activated when the system detects loss of traction. The Grand Cherokee SRT additionally features a Brembo high-performance braking system with a four-wheel disc antilock brake system (ABS) which provides the stopping power for the Grand Cherokee SRT. 

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will offer rugged and impressive exteriors. Removable tops and doors help turn it into the only open-air 4x4 vehicle in the market. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features 17-inch wheels. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has washable interiors to keep the mud and dirt at bay. There will be a lockable storage space offered in the interiors. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped with mounted controls for the touch-screen provided for entertainment and navigation. 

The Wrangler Unlimited is fitted with an Alpine Premium Audio system. The car comes with the Command-Trac Shift-On-The-Fly 4WD system to help the vehicle manoeuvre over rugged paths. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited comes with a 2.8L CRD Turbo Diesel DOHC I-4 engine powering the wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission. It’s capable of tackling rough off-road terrain with its Command-Trac Shift-On-The-Fly 4WD. 

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited protects with the best-in-class safety and security features including standard advanced multistage front airbags. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) senses when the driver begins to over- or under-steer and applies individual brakes and controls the throttle as needed to help put the driver back on track. Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) determines when a rollover may occur and applies braking force to help reduce the likelihood of such an accident. A Brake Assist System and a Four-Wheel Disc Antilock Brake System (ABS) has been provided for improving vehicle control and decreasing stopping distances on both dry and slippery surfaces. The fuel tank features a 2.5-mm skid plate designed for safer and more secure off-roading.

Jaguar launches the all new XE in India at Rs 39.90 Lacs

Jaguar announced the launch of of its sports saloon, the all new Jaguar XE in India with prices starting from INR 39.90 lacs (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

Katrina Kaif with the All-New Jaguar XE

The All-New Jaguar XE offers a choice of 2.0L 147 kW Turbocharged Petrol and 2.0L 177 kW Turbocharged Petrol meshed with 8-speed electronic automatic transmission. The 2.0L 177 kW petrol engine achieves a class-leading acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds.

The All-New Jaguar XE model and pricing (ex-showroom Delhi):
1. Jaguar XE 2.0L Petrol Pure (147 kW) : INR 39.90 Lacs
2. Jaguar XE 2.0L Petrol Portfolio (177 kW) : INR 46.50 Lacs

The All-New XE catches the eye, standing out from the competition because of its upscale proportions. The signature 'J-Blade' running lights are an instantly recognizable Jaguar design feature. In the rear lights, a horizontal line intersecting a roundel is an iconic styling feature inherited from the iconic Jaguar E-type. The strongly-sculpted bonnet is a testament to Jaguar's expertise in working with aluminium, creating a taut, muscular appearance. The raked windscreen and the rising waistline accentuate the streamlined, coupe-like profile, adding to the sense of movement.

The spacious cabin for the front seat passengers creates a cockpit-like feel. The 20.32 cm touchscreen for the new InControl Touch infotainment system takes centre stage in the sweeping curves of the instrument panel. Directly ahead of the driver, is the reassuring familiarity of two large, sports-car analogue dials and message centre inspired by F-TYPE. The contour-hugging front seats are mounted low, creating a sports-car like driving position. 

Customers have a wide variety of 7 colour options to choose from on the All-New Jaguar XE such as the Polaris White, Rhodium Silver, Blue Fire, Dark Sapphire, Odyssey Red, Italian Racing Red and Ultimate Black

Datsun GO-cross to debut at Delhi Auto Expo 2016

Japanese brand, Datsun will be participating for the second time in India’s biggest automotive show, Auto Expo 2016.

The brand’s potential is embodied in an exciting new showcar – the Datsun GO-cross Concept, making its Indian debut at the Delhi Auto Expo. Sharing space with it will be the Datsun Bluebird 1600 SSS (510) rally car, which brought Motorsport glory to the brand in the early 1970s. 

Enriched versions of the the Datsun GO and the Datsun GO+ will also be shown. The Datsun GO+ Smart display vehicle will invite showgoers inside to experience its roomy interior space and tempt them with onboard gaming consoles.