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Jaguar XE

Jaguar XE Preview

Jaguar has always been known to produce cars that slot into the higher sections of the premium category and this has been evident since the new look XJ and XF began production in 2009. It has however been missing a contender in the entry-level sports segment which is dominated by cars like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. However, this will now change when it launches the XE sports sedan next year. Aimed at giving the British manufacturer a chance at the volumes game we can expect to see an Indian debut by the middle of next year.

Interior
While the exteriors are clear thanks to the plethora of spy shots and press release images, the interiors are still a mystery. However, given the theme of continuation on the outside, we expect that it will be no different inside. The overall design is expected to be very close to that of the XF and XJ but with the obvious cost cutting measures like fabric/Alacantra seats and shiny but high quality plastic in place of wood for the trim options.

Engine and gearbox
The XE will be the British automaker’s first vehicle to be derived from an all-new aluminium platform and engine family called Ingenium which will comprise units in the capacity of 1.8-litres to 2.5-litres and have power outputs in the range of 184bhp to 300bhp. There is also expected to be a top-of-the-line RS variant which will be powered by the 3.0-litre V6 unit from the F-Type range.

Price and competition
We expect that Jaguar will price the XE in the range of Rs 28 lakh to Rs 45 lakh and launch it in mid- 2015. It will compete with the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The biggest move is expected to be that Jaguar will locally assemble the car in India in a bid to price it as competitively as possible.

Maruti Suzuki iK2

Maruti Suzuki iK2 Preview

Maruti Suzuki will enter a new segment in 2015 premium hatchbacks. Its first contender will be a four-metre plus hatchback which was shown in concept form at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show as the iK2. It has already been spotted testing on multiple occasions both in India and abroad where the latter’s sightings include an undisguised car.

Exterior
The YRA has the same standard Suzuki fascia but has been modeled using a combination of the Kizashi sedan and Swift hatchback. The pictures reveal the same sweptback headlights from the Swift but a new mesh grille and a V-shaped chrome base line running on the outer edge of the former. The air intake below the grille looks very similar to that of the VW Golf in terms of overall design but will most likely have a mesh design. Also included in the fascia is expected to be the LED light strip that debuted with facelifted Swift in 2013.

Interior
The YRA will make use of a lot of existing parts from the Suzuki parts bin for the interior. We expect common seats, steering wheel, climate control/AC knobs and buttons, music system. However, what appears to be new for this car is the instrument panel which is expected to have a rather cool looking blue back light and in higher- spec models a colour display between the gauges. On the feature front, we expect a capacitive touchscreen, 2-DIN music system and maybe even some drivers aids like ABS+EBD as well as traction control.

Engine and gearbox
It is expected to be offered with the 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engine for global markets but will make use of the 1.4-litre petrol engine and 1.3-litre Mutijet diesel engine for the India market. There is also a new three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which has been dubbed the Boosterjet. It will have an output of around 120bhp. The five-speed manual is expected to be standard across all variants while there is also expected to be an AT version as well as an AMT version for markets like India.
Competition and Price
The YRA on a global scale will compete with the likes of the VW Golf, Renault Megane and the new European-spec Hyundai i20. However, in large volume heavy markets like in India, we believe that Maruti Suzuki will have a shock pricing by which we mean that they will be able to take advantage of economies of scale and price the YRA/iK2 as low as possible.

Audi – Q7

Audi - Q7 Preview

The second generation of the Audi Q7 full-size crossover. With three-row seating and a large cargo area, it’s a full-size SUV by every standard except North America's. The next Q7's angular, metallic grille is directly inspired by the Crosslane concept the brand debuted at last year’s Paris auto show. 

Interior and Exterior

From the driver's seat, the Q7 emerges as the design leader. The interior is so contemporary, functional, and aesthetically pleasing that it may set the new class benchmark. We love the design and feel of the TFT instrument cluster, which corresponds to similar systems in the new TT and R8, especially since it’s augmented with a traditional screen in the dash. The user interface is intuitive and quick, although the cluster screen provides you with so much information and functionality, it’s hard not to worry about it being somewhat of a distraction.

 

Engine and gearbox

The lighter Q7 is more efficient, and its drinking habits have become far more socially acceptable. The U.S. market gets a 3.0-liter TDI with 272 horsepower, as well as a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 with 333 horsepower. Both engines have their strong points. Once the diesel has moved beyond its initial turbo lag and reached 1500 rpm or higher, it rides a massive, 443-lb-ft wave of torque. Yet the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic helps mitigate any low-end dawdling with its adept gear selection. The diesel's soundtrack is muted, and it delivers its power with a subdued growl. Zero to 60 mph comes up in about six seconds, and the European model tops out at 145 mph.

Estimated Arrival and Price

The next-generation Audi Q7 will be unveiled next        year and come to market as a 2015 model. We expect that base prices will nudge slightly northward from the current model’s $47,695 sticker. 

Competition: BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-class, Porsche Cayenne.

 

 SsangYong  Tivoli

SsangYong Tivoli Preview

In January of 1954 the Ha Dong-hwan Motor Workshop was established, the beginnings of the company we know as Ssangyong today. By 1967 the company became Korea's largest exporter of buses to Vietnam. By 1974 it had co-established Shinjin Jeep Motor Co, Ltd and October of that year it began developing hard and soft-top jeeps. In 1988 the company changed its name to Ssangyong Motor Co, Ltd and by 1990 the Ssangyong Korando recreational sport jeep won first place in the Kypros rally.
“This is a car that will really put SsangYong on the map and change brand perceptions,” says Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK. “By any criteria but especially style, interior finish and value for money, Tivoli stands close scrutiny. The verdict from those who have already seen and driven the car is that we’re on to a winner. But ultimately it’s the customer who wins: this is a modern, safe, well-built and comprehensively equipped car, and with a price and warranty no one else can match. Anyone considering a small SUV will have to put it on their list.”

Interior and Exterior:

SsangYong has a pretty poor reputation when it comes to interiors, so the inside of the Tivoli may surprise potential buyers even more than how the car looks from outside. That’s because the design of the cabin can stand its ground next to most of the cars in this class, thanks in part to a seven-inch central screen available on higher-spec models, plus an adjustable instrument cluster that lights up in six different colours.

The controls are attractively laid out with big, easy-to-prod buttons and a chunky dial to operate the air-conditioning system. Higher-spec models get a nicely integrated seven-inch colour display screen in the centre of the dashboard that incorporates TomTom sat-nav (or a phone-mirroring system in mid-range models). Unusually, the six-speaker multimedia system features a HDMI socket, so videos from handheld devices can be played on the screen.

Engine and gearbox

 

 Fuel consumption is a claimed 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in urban environments and 6.7L/100km on the highway for an official combined figure of 7.8L/100km. During our testing we found it was a little thirstier than that, at 8.4L/100km (trip computer indicated) after a mix of urban, freeway and off-road driving.It’s equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turb- diesel engine producing a maximum of 115kW of power at 4000 rpm. The engine hits max torque of 360Nm between 1500 and 2800 rpm.It’s paired to an automatic five-speed transmission and offers selectable four-wheel drive with high and low range.

Audi  A3 Cabriolet

Audi  A3 Cabriolet Preview

 Mechanically, the A3 Cabriolet is almost identical to its saloon brother. Of course, it is slightly heavier because of the additional strengthening required in the floor and the sills, but dynamically, it should still prove reasonably exciting to drive. The A3 Cabriolet, like the A3 sedan and the Skoda Octavia, is built on the VW Group’s new MQB platform.

Interior and Exterior

Those looking for a rewarding driving experience are better catered for by the BMW 2 Series convertible, which has a sporty rear-wheel-drive setup, but for everyone else, the Audi A3 should do just fine. There's minimal body lean in corners and plenty of grip – particularly if you choose a model fitted with Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system.

All models of A3 Cabriolet come with a 5.8-inch display screen that's used to control most of the car's systems and allows Audi to cut down on buttons that could make the dashboard appear cluttered. Go for the Technology Package and the screen grows to seven inches, as well as getting clearer graphics.Moving up the range to Sport models adds climate control, the acoustic roof and larger alloy wheels, while S line trim adds things such as super-bright xenon headlights and a subtle bodykit.

Engine and gearbox

 

It’s impossible to argue with the superb fuel economy of the 1.6-litre A3 diesel, but its performance isn't much to write home about for a sporty cabriolet – 0-62mph takes 11.4 seconds. Choosing the basic 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel knocks more than two seconds off that 0-62mph time, but it feels even quicker than the figures suggest. The top-of-the-range 182bhp 2.0-litre diesel gets from 0-62mph in just 7.9 seconds and tops out at 150mph.

The 148bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine makes a strong case for itself. It's the cheapest model to buy in the range, but is much quicker than the entry-level diesel, with 0-62mph taking 8.9 seconds. The 178bhp 1.8-litre petrol model does the same sprint in 7.7 seconds. The 296bhp S3 is the quickest of all – it has to be limited to a top speed of 155mph and takes just 5.4 seconds to dash from 0-62mph.

Renault KWID

 

 

Renault KWID Preview

Renault is currently one of the mass-market/budget car players in the Indian market without a vehicle in the A-segment. Its alliance partner, Nissan, had launched the Datsun budget brand in 2013 and currently has two vehicles with this moniker. Looking to join the fray, Renault has unveiled a hatchback-based crossover called the KWID.

Interior and Exterior

The Renault KWID has lines similar to that of the Datsun GO but now gets body cladding, flared wheel arches and a forward leaning stance giving it a muscular appearance. It is the first car in the Indian market to debut the French automaker’s honeycomb grille and new headlight design. It gets an aggressive front bumper design that extends outwards and in the top spec variants houses the fog lamps.

The KWID appears to have the same interior from the Pulse which is basically the layout of the Nissan Micra. However, while the layout is the same, the feature list will have many first in segment items. It gets a fully digital instrumental cluster, Media-NAV infotainment system, front power windows and AC. While the instrument cluster, power windows and AC are expected to be standard across all variants, we believe that the Media-NAV infotainment system will only be offered in the top-spec variants.

Engine and gearbox

The engine is expected to be an 800cc three-cylinder unit that will produce around 50bhp and 90Nm of torque. Power will go to the front wheels via a five-speed manual.

Competition and Price

The KWID is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4.5 lakh and will compete with the Chevrolet Spark.

Volkswagen Taigun

 

Volkswagen Taigun Preview

Volkswagen intends to rule the car world and to do that it needs to tap emerging markets to draw the volumes. And, the introduction of a sub-brand, which would offer more affordable cars for these markets including India, is one of the steps in that direction. What it also needs is more affordable cars from the Volkswagen brand itself. But, not just any car; it needs an SUV. The latter is, after all, one of the fastest growing segments.

Interior and Exterior

The company will offer this sub-4-meter vehicle with features including an air conditioning system with heater, a power steering system with tilt function, power windows with one touch operation, electrically adjustable and foldable outside mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel, an advanced infotainment system with Radio, CD/MP3 player, Smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth audio streaming and lots of other advanced features. Apart from these, we can expect other utility features such as accessory power socket, storage compartment, bottle and cup holders, foldable rear seats, height adjustable driver seat and other advanced important features.The company has blessed this sub-4-meter SUV with some of the most attractive cosmetics that makes it look dynamic in comparison to any other vehicle of its class. The front profile of this concept version is fitted with a sleekly designed radiator grille that has chrome plated slats along with the company logo in the center. The headlight cluster is equipped with high intensity LED lights, but the production version might get a different light setup. The bumper comes with dual tone color scheme and fitted with the silver coated protective cladding. The bonnet has two expressive lines that compliments the chrome plated front grille. Unlike the conventional SUVs, this concept version has been displayed with roof mounted LED spotlights, which gives it a magnificent look.

Engine and gearbox

Efficient high-tech engine. The four-seat Taigun is powered by a new and fuel-efficient 1.0-litre TSI engine (turbocharged, direct injection petrol engine) with 81 kW / 110 PS (from 5,000/min). Average fuel consumption is just 4.7 l/100km (110 g/km CO2). This enables a range of around 1,000 kilometres (with a fuel tank capacity of 50 litres). The direct-injection turbocharged engine of the Taigun extends the range of the three-cylinder petrol engines based on the EA211 engine series by adding a configuration with direct fuel injection plus turbocharging technology, thus opening a new chapter in Volkswagen's downsizing strategy.

The engine is very fuel-efficient, and it offers high torque at low engine revs (175 Nm from 1,500/min). The concept vehicle (weight: 998 kg) accelerates to 100 km/h in just 9.2 seconds with the new engine. On the "Autobahns" of the country in which it was developed, namely Germany, which essentially do not have a speed limit, the Taigun would reach a top speed of 186 km/h. The engine is combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
 

Price and competition

Volkswagen Taigun is yet to be launched, however the car will rival against the segment's hot seller Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano. The prices of the car will fall in the vicinity of the EcoSport, which is the least expensive in this segment. Volkswagen might hit a sweet sport when it comes to prices to dethrone Ford EcoSport and thus the car will come in a price bracket of Rs 8 to 10 lakh.

Land Rover – Discovery Sport

Land Rover – Discovery Sport Preview

 The new Discovery Sport is another creatively proportioned Rover. In photos, it looks compact, but to see it in person is to do a double take at just how diminutive it is. It looks like it’s always farther away than it is. At 180.7 inches long, it’s about nine inches longer than the Evoque but still a couple inches shy of competitors like the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3.Discovery Sport will help Land Rover right that imbalance in the sales ledger.

Interior and Exterior

 

It feels small from the driver’s seat—in a good way. There’s sufficient space, but sightlines give a good feel of where the car’s corners are. You sit high, with a nice view down through the side windows and over the hood. The back seat is likewise spacious, with ample room for six-footers to sit behind six-footers. Here, too, visibility is excellent—certainly better than in the Evoque, with its style-over-substance roofline pinching the rear windows to almost comedic slits. Then again, the Discovery Sport is a real vehicle, whereas the Evoque is a fashion accessory, a turbocharged purse poodle.

While the Discovery Sport’s ride is suppler than the sportier Evoque’s on smooth roads, over bumps it is still awfully flinty. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, but our example was fitted with optional 20s. We’d be very interested to see how much the smaller wheels and tires help the ride. Without the Evoque’s sporty mien, our skidpad laps in the Disco ended in gross understeer at just 0.78 g. All of the vehicles in our last roundup of this class handily topped that number, but the Rover’s 179-foot stop from 70 mph is competitive.

Engine and gearbox

 

The Discovery Sport will be powered by the same engine range that features in the outgoing Freelander 2 model for the first model year, the Ford EcoBoost four cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 243 PS (179 kW; 240 hp) (the only engine option for North America) and the Ford Duratorq four cylinder 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine, producing either 150 PS (110 kW; 150 hp) or 190 PS (140 kW; 190 hp).

Price and competition

At 180.7 inches long, it’s about nine inches longer than the Evoque but still a couple inches shy of competitors like the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. .A base LR4 starts at $51,395—and includes a third row that seats real people in actual comfort.

Ford New Figo KA

Ford New Figo Preview

The Ka is the new hatchback concept from Ford, developed under the code name ‘B562’. Like the EcoSport, this hatchback is also developed by Ford Brazil indicating that this product will primarily target emerging markets including India.

Interior and Exterior

The interior of the Figo hatchback mimics that of the EcoSport and the Fiesta in terms of both layout and overall design. The quality of the materials used as well as the feature list is just as good as the other Ford models. Equipment on the top spec diesel and petrol variants is expected to include AC, SYNC music system, auto-folding OVRMs, reversing sensors with camera, rain sensing wipers and auto dimming internal mirror. 

The next generation Figo looks bigger that the current Figo hatchback and this is down to what appears to be a larger wheelbase. The fascia of the next generation Figo hatchback is similar to that of the current generation Ford models, the headlights on the concept cars were projector lamps but on the standard model it will be bulb and reflector units.

Engine and gearbox

The Figo hatchback will be offered with one petrol and diesel engine. The former is the 1.2-litre four-cylinder mill currently producing 68bhp/102Nm. In the new car, we believe that it will produce around 75bhp and 102Nm. The diesel will be the 1.5-litre four-cylinder mill from the Fiesta which produces 89bhp and 204Nm.

Price and competition

It will compete with the likes of the Honda Brio, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10 and the Tata Bolt. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 4 lakh to Rs 7 lakh for the top-spec diesel model.

BMW  6 Series Gran Coupe

BMW  6 Series Gran Coupe Preview

The BMW E63/E64 6 Series is the chassis designation for the second generation BMW 6 Series. The BMW E63/E64 replaced the BMW E24 6 Series 14 years after production had ended, whilst adding a convertible to the lineup. The BMW E63/E64 6 Series uses a shortened chassis from the BMW E60 5 Series (which formed the fifth generation BMW 5 Series), and shares similar functions including the BMW iDrive. The BMW E63/E64 6 Series' design was based on the BMW Z9 Concept, whose exterior was redesigned by Adrian Van Hooydonk, whilst David Carp designed the interior of the car. The BMW E63/E64 6 Series was introduced in autumn of 2003 in the Frankfurt Auto Show, and premiered in the North American Auto Show.

Interior and Exterior

The 6-Series Gran Coupe comes standard with leather upholstery, a navigation system with a 10.2-inch display, voice command functionality and 20 GB of storage space, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, dynamic cruise control, a rear-view camera, a nine-speaker, 205-watt AM/FM/CD stereo system with HD radio and a USB input, a sunroof, a proximity key, xenon headlights, LED foglights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Available on the options list of the Gran Coupe are technology items such as a Surround View parking camera system, Parking Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, a Lane Departure Warning System and Active Blind Spot Detection along with the BMW Head-Up-Display. The latest incarnation of this system projects vital information onto the windshield in full color. For audiophiles, the Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System provides what BMW describes as "a feast of aural pleasure seldom experienced inside a car."

Engine and gearbox

A twin scroll turbo six-cylinder model badged as the 640i and a twin-turbo V8-powered version offered as the 650i and all-wheel-drive 650i xDrive.The 640i makes use of BMW's N55HP coded six-cylinder, which features the company's TwinPower Turbo tech with direct injection and variable valve timing. Officially, it puts out 315 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,000 rpm and 330 lb-ft. of torque from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm.

BMW says the engine allows the car to hit 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds before it tops out at a governed 155 mph. Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

To make the 650i, BMW shoehorned in its N63 4.4-liter V8, which receives some upgrades over the standard 650i coupe with BMW's latest variable valve timing system. It cranks out 445 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm - that's a 45 pony jump - and 480 lb-ft. of torque between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm - a 30 lb-ft. increase. 

Price and competition

BMW has launched the facelifted 6 Series Gran Coupe for Rs 1.14 Crore (All India ex-showroom) at their 2015 Bridal Fashion Week event in Delhi. As a so-called four-door-coupe, the 6-Series Gran Coupe faces competition from the sporty Audi A7, the Porsche Panamera and the slightly larger Jaguar XJ as well as the car that created the segment, the Mercedes-Benz CLS.