Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2017 i Car India

ASTON MARTIN HAVE INTRODUCED A SECOND DB11, NOW powered by a Mercedes-AMG 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 motor developing 510 PS and 675 Nm. The new DB11 surpasses the 100 km/h bracket in four seconds and goes on to a top speed of 301 km/h. Alongside, the marque’s performance division, AMR (Aston Martin Racing), have been pumping out limited-edition versions of their existing cars. The AMR division recently got their hands on the Vulcan track car to make the Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro, which is limited to just 24 units. Power comes from the naturally aspirated 7.3-litre V12 with 820 PS. The most changes have been the shortened gearing and extensive aerodynamic enhancements to produce increased downforce. Aston Martin have also teamed up once again with Zagato for a series of…

BMW HAVE A NEW WAY TO GO ABOUT BUSINESS: RELEASE MODELS IN CAMO AND LET them publicise themselves. They did that with the 8 Series, then the M8 and M8 GTE. The latest to get this camo’d release is the X2. The new X2 is positioned above the X1 — obviously — and will look far more purposeful and aggressive. No, it isn’t a sloping-roof sports activity coupé like its elder even-numbered siblings, the X4 and the X6. What it is, however, is a new challenge for BMW and a new opportunity as well. With the Audi Q2, Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Jaguar E-Pace, and the incoming Volvo XC40, the competition is heating up in this luxury-badged compact crossover segment. What can you expect from the X2? Dare we say, it…

The new Honda Jazz Privilege Edition is a further enriched version of the popular hatch, available now from Rs 7.36 lakh (ex-showroom). The Jazz Privilege Edition is available in three driveline choices: V MT, V CVT, and V Diesel MT, with an advanced infotainment system, enhanced interior and exterior and new safety and technology features. The Privilege Edition gets a special emblem on the outside, as well as rear parking sensors. The interior gets DIGIPAD, a revolutionary 17.70-cm advanced infotainment with audio, video and navigation system, Privilege Edition themed premium beige seat-covers, and premium floor-mats. The big addition is Honda Connect, with 20 ingenious features that run round the clock, providing a sense of safety, security and convenience.…

Hyundai have introduced the fifth-generation model of the new Verna with an introductory starting price of Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom). Hyundai have retained the profile of the outgoing Verna, with similar sloping coupé-like roof-line. Under the skin, the car has been completely revamped and is now based on the all-new K2 platform that also underpins the new Elantra. It features greater use of high-strength steel which makes it more rigid than before yet keeps it fairly lightweight. Hyundai have thus managed to free up more cabin space. The dashboard comes in a beige-and-black two-tone finish. The features include a new multi-function steering wheel, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with segment-first voice command, and even ventilated seats. The new Verna is now available only with…

THINGS SEEMED TO BE NICELY settling into place when the new Goods & Services Tax was about to be introduced. In principle, the GST was long awaited and much needed. But true to our wont, we have given that unique Indian touch to its implementation. We have five different rates for GST and four different rates for cesses. After 70 years of independence, we have still not got rid of our socialistic mindset. Look at other countries which have GST. There is just one rate of tax. be, in India, we could have had two. Surely, not nine. over the world, food is not taxed. In a poor country like India, only the likes of foodgrain is exempt; if you process food (which actually increases its life), you have to…

NEWS OF THE FIFTH-GENERATION Hyundai Verna making an entry into India created quite a buzz in the mid-size sedan segment. You may have noticed the competition gearing up their marketing plan by introducing limited-edition models and frequent television commercials to grab more eyeballs. In the last couple of years, while Hyundai were readying the new Verna, the Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz had already captured 80 per cent of the market share. Now, with the new Verna, the Korean car-makers are optimistic of eating into 35 per cent of the pie. So, does it have the potential to propel Hyundai back into contention? To get the answer we drove the new Verna in ‘God’s Own Country’ from Kochi to the beautiful waterfalls of Athirappilly. The new car shares the…

BY SLAPPING A BOOT ONTO THE SWIFT HATCHBACK BACK IN 2008, Maruti Suzuki created an entry-level sedan that, although criticised for its gawky looks, immediately proved itself on the road and on the sales charts. Supported by Maruti’s excellent dealer and service network, the Swift DZire gained a firm reputation as a reliable workhorse, and attracted a wide following across the country. The second-generation car was launched in 2012, shortened to just below 4,000 millimetres in a quest for tax avoidance, and has since been the car to beat in the sub-four-metre sedan segment. Now, for 2017, the car has grown into its own identity by dropping the Swift moniker, and this third-gen car is simply badged Maruti Suzuki Dzire. The company has finally issued a much-overdue redesign, and we…

 APPLY ENOUGH EFFORT AND YOU CAN, according to countless toe-curlingly cheesy web memes, achieve anything. So it is with these two; performance cars as far removed from the ‘just add lightness’ ideal of a Lotus as can be. Were you to choose your ideal foundation for a ground-based missile able to lay waste to both endless straights and tricky curves with equal ease, you wouldn’t start with a four-door monster of a ’shell weighing two tonnes. Not unless you had a sense of humour. Panamera 2 cranks up the desirability while answering the question, ‘What do you do after a 911?’ And not unless you had a proven track record of — and penchant for — fast-car alchemy. AMG has been rubbing go-faster magic into Mercedes saloons for decades. To…

HOW DO YOU ENCAPSULATE ALMOST 50 years of high-performance engineering excellence with a century of heritage in a brand-new car that replaces a soulful tribute to an icon? An icon not just for Mercedes-Benz but for the automotive world in its totality. The SLS AMG paid tribute to the mind-bending 300SL Gullwing. And the Mercedes-AMG GT steps in as its successor. MERCEDES-AMG GT & GT S With minds exploding from revolutionary ideas and raw inspiration from projects so desirable and successful, the best next step is a clean slate. And that’s just what the engineering gurus in Affalterbach received. The goal? To create a sports car that was definitive, exciting, and enthralling, yes; but, furthermore, to succeed the SLS. Step one. An all-new engine. Enter the 4.0-litre BiTurbo V8. With…

FORCE MOTORS LTD ARE OFFERING A NEW TRAILER FOR N1 commercial vehicles. As a recovery accessory, it is particularly useful to transport an extremely damaged vehicle to the nearest garage without fearing further damage to it. Additionally, it can also be used to transport most four-wheelers. The icing on the cake is that you don’t need a truck to tow it around. Currently, the trailer has been tailor-made for the Force Trax Puller and Force Motors have announced that it can be coupled to any vehicle that is compatible with its braking and electrical systems. Bearing certification from the ARAI and VRDE, the five-metre-long trailer fits like a glove on the Force Trax Puller. The vehicle to be towed can be loaded on to the trailer’s aluminium platform with the…

SUNNY DAYS ARE A CONSTANT IN every racer’s prayers while the conventional crowd looks forward to cool nights courtesy of overnight rains. Well, this time, majority won. The tarmac remained dry during the day. The same could not be said about the soil off the shoulder of the track. In an effort to cut down on unnecessary drama, all races were shortened to the 2.1-km long club loop. MRF F1600 Race One Sandeep Kumar (Chennai) made the race seem pretty cut-and-dry after he cruised to a comfortable victory. Almost 10 seconds behind him, Chetan Korada (Chennai) and Arya Singh (Calcutta) were engaged in a fierce battle for the second place. Chetan claimed a well-deserved second place while Arya had to settle for the last step on the podium. Anindith Reddy…

Farewell Mercedes-Benz C-Class Variant: C250d Avantgarde Kilometres driven: 5,273 Like: Performance, cabin layout, build quality Dislike: Spare wheel takes up boot space WITH lONG WEEKENDS in August (and the monsoon rain gradually petering out), the setting was perfect for a quick getaway. And what could be a better driving destination than Goa? The plan was to take my family out on a long overdue driving holiday. My editor generously offered his long-term Mercedes-Benz C250d so that the trip would become comfortable for the missus and our son. The offer was too tempting to let go. The C-Class has been part of the Car India long-term fleet for the last couple of months but, engrossed as we were in bringing out the anniversary issue, there was no opportunity to take it…

THE NEW BMW M5 IS HERE, PACKING AN uprated V8, selectable AWD (All-Wheel Drive) and RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive), and the quickest ‘M’ car ever! Unveiled ahead of its public début at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new F90 M5 is the first M5 since the series started in 1984 to feature an AWD system. Thanks to a clever new M xDrive system, the ability to transfer all the power from your AWD M5 to just the rear wheels with the 2WD (Two-Wheel Drive) mode is possible. Also possible is the ability to drift around corners quickly, turning the rear tyres into smoke. Under the hood is the twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 now making 600 PS and 750 Nm. All this additional oomph comes courtesy of a modified exhaust manifold, new turbos…

MAHINDRA HAVE GIVEN THEIR FLAGSHIP SUV, THE XUV500, A BIT OF a tech update with the infotainment system now becoming a lot smarter than before. The XUV500 has received new tech updates, including Android Auto, Connected Apps, Ecosense, and Emergency Call. Android Auto, of course, allows your infotainment to mirror your Android phone, with special car-based apps also available to enhance your drive experience. Connected Apps are a bunch of pre-loaded apps that can be voice-controlled and work through Wi-Fi. The current app list includes Gaana, Criclive, Zomato, BookMyShow, Hashtag, and more. Ecosense is a driving analytics setup that tracks driving patterns and gives minute-by-minute updates on how well the car is driven through an Ecoscore. Lastly, Emergency Call works when your phone is connected to the car via Bluetooth.…

Mercedes-Benz have further extended their high-performance AMG product portfolio in India with the addition of not one but two iconic additions: the AMG GT R, the ‘Beast of the Green Hell’, and the AMG GT Roadster, priced at Rs 2.23 crore and Rs 2.19 crore (ex-showroom) respectively. The GT Roadster is the first convertible GT model in India, joining its fixed-head sibling, the GT S, in the line-up. Under the bonnet, a monster of a BiTurbo V8 does duty. In the Roadster, it makes 476 PS and 630 Nm that drive the rear wheels through an AMG SpeedShift seven-speed automatic. The Roadster gets more than its share of aural bliss. It is available with a choice of three soft-top colours, too. The Mercedes-AMG GT R is a recreated monster. Looks…

Mercedes-Benz India have launched the GLC ‘Celebration Edition’ to commemorate 70 years of India’s Independence and it will be available in a limited number. The new ‘Celebration Edition’ GLC-Class will be offered with a unique new paint scheme, called ‘Designo hyacinth red’. The GLC will also feature the LED logo projector fitted to the doors. There are some sporty touches such as the exterior mirrors in black with a high-gloss finish and the sports pedals. The limited-edition car also sees the addition of various bits of chrome both at the front and rear end of the car which enhance the aesthetics of the vehicle while also giving it a distinctive look compared to the standard GLC range. The GLC ‘Celebration Edition’ also gets the Garmin Map Pilot navigation system as…

BUYING A SECOND-HAND CAR As I am a family person I would like to know the important things to keep in mind while buying a second-hand car. This is the first time I would be making such a purchase and I need a little advice on what to look for when going for a car that was pre-owned. Rishabh Singh, Patna Dear Rishabh, That is a good question. The best thing to do when buying a second-hand car is to buy it from a known person whom you trust. That way you’ll know what you’re getting into when you decide to buy that car. Today it’s easy to buy panels and replace cosmetic parts that have sustained damage; however, if the car has sustained structural damage to its chassis it’s…

A BOUT 350 KM NORTH-EAST OF STUTTGART, A Panamera is on Porsche’s assembly line in Leipzig. The new model raised a lot of eyebrows owing to its evolved design, especially because of the drama of the rear-wing seen in the Turbo model. However, this isn’t about the wing. It isn’t even about the mad V8 twin-turbo diesel here. It’s about how much the Panamera has evolved from what it was. What it was intended to be was a four-door 911. Have they succeeded? To some extent, yes. However, people complained that it was ‘too ugly’ and ‘not Porsche’ enough. Let’s be factual, though. Looks are entirely subjective, and, as a car, it was a complete package and sure packed a wallop — even the base diesel V6. That’s the past.…

I FIRST FELL IN LOVE WITH CARS IN A SLIGHTLY UNCONVENTIONAL way. Growing up in a family that owned humble specimens such as the Premier Padmini and 118 NE, power was something I had heard about but not really experienced, and cars were slow, rumbling, and completely devoid of fun. In fact, the first hit of the thrills that can only come with a four-wheeled speed demon that I ever experienced was on the virtual world, specifically a game called ‘Need For Speed’. The Mustang, Ford’s mesomorphic pony car, has featured heavily in various iterations of the game. There were other muscle cars, too; however, none of them had quite the same exalted position in cut-scenes and emerging story lines as the Mustang. Even today, in the latest trailer for…

THE AUTOMOTIVE WORLD IS IN A TIZZY. THE MARKET HASN’T evolved per se, it has simply exploded. Novelty and distinction, apart from efficiency, remain priorities for many. Yet people don’t want a sedan or a boxy SUV. They yearn for a sports car, a coupé, sleek and striking. But, again, they want space, and all-road capability should the going get rough. How do you address so many needs, so many questions, with one answer? The long name says it all: Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupé. ‘Mercedes’ luxury. ‘AMG’ sport credentials. ‘GL’ all-road ability. ‘C’-class experience. ‘43’ six-cylinder engine balancing performance and efficiency with intelligent all-wheel-drive dynamics. ‘Coupé’ design with four doors. Breathe. We’ve already driven the erstwhile Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG, now Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupé, the larger and more spacious…

LOVE IS A BURNING THING, AND IT MAKES A fiery ring, crooned Johnny Cash in the early 1960s, and, maybe, it is when you’re a jet-setting King of Country with a signature baritone to match. If you’re a Mughal Emperor from the mid-1600s, though, it’s a 240-foot tall mausoleum of stark white that shines brightly in the sun. An enduring monument to his deep affection for his begum. To me, love is the open road, with my hands on the wheel and the roar of the engine to keep me company. The reason I’m talking about matters of the heart and how a Country legend, a Mughal monarch and a run-of-the-mill 21st-century scribe interpret it is because I decided to meld all three of these into one indelible experience. It…

A PERFORMANCE SUV ALWAYS demands the best from its tyres, for it has to have high levels of grip for sporty handling, low noise for a quiet ride, and efficient wet braking performance. This is where Goodyear come into the picture. Recently, the 119-year-old American tyre-makers launched a new range of tyres in South East Asia, called EfficientGrip Performance SUV. This new range is an addition to the already existing EfficientGrip tyre line-up. However, this is made for performance SUVs that demand nothing but the best. We were in Thailand where these tyres were introduced, and soon they would be on their way to India. These tyres are made from a medium compound that makes them durable. Goodyear have used their latest QuietTred technology that uses a noise deadening tread…

THE WEATHER GODS WERE AMUSED WITH ALL THE ACTIVITY at the Madras Motor Race Track, Chennai. That perfectly explains why we were treated to near-perfect racing weather during the day only to be cheated by sporadic rain under the cover of darkness. Although the tarmac remained dry during the day, the run-offs were slushy with a lingering threat to overturn any ambitious driver reckless enough to run wide. Taking this into consideration, all the races for the weekend were shortened to the 2.1-km-long club loop. For the spectators, it meant seeing cars race past more frequently. For the racers, it meant that opportunities were hard to come by and tougher to capitalise on. Thus, with its fair share of challenges and unexpected complications the race weekend was under way. Race…

NEW THIS MONTH HYUNDAI VERNA The fifth-generation Verna arrives sporting more style, quality and substance than ever before. Yours from Rs 9.45 lakh MERCEDES-AMG GT R The Beast of the Green Hell has officially arrived, mad 585-PS V8 and all. Road or track, it's ready. From Rs 2.99 crore LEGENDS PRICES Ex-showroom, Pune (subject to change) BO: Available only By Order NA: Price not available FEATURES F: Front only D: Driver airbag only O: Optional equipment ASTON MARTIN BENTLEY BMW FERRARI FIAT GENERAL MOTORS GENERAL MOTORS HYUNDAI HYUNDAI LAMBORGHINI LAMBORGHINI MAHINDRA MAHINDRA MASERATI MASERATI MINI NISSAN RENAULT RENAULT TATA MOTORS TOYOTA VOLKSWAGEN VOLVO…

THE SUCCESSOR TO FERRARI’S entry-level GT car, the California T, has been announced. Called the Portofino, it is powered by an evolution of the twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8, now developing 600 PS. The Ferrari California has been around since 2008 and has been quite successful, but passionate enthusiasts were left wanting more from the car’s 4.3-litre V8 motor. That resulted in the updated California T, launched in 2014 with a new twin-turbo 3.9-litre motor developing 560 PS and 755 Nm. While the California has enjoyed its time in the sun, Ferrari have brought out its replacement, the Portofino, named after a famous Italian port. Ferrari have announced that the new Portofino will be unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Under its hood is a familiar twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8, which now…

MARUTI SUZUKI HAVE ANNOUNCED A COMPLETE REVAMP OF THEIR True Value operations, set to make pre-owned car deals more transparent for their customers. Maruti Suzuki plan to set up a network of independent True Value outlets across the country, with a display area for pre-owned Maruti Suzuki vehicles. These outlets will be digitally integrated through a portal so that customers can get access to the details of all the cars available at True Value outlets across the country. Maruti Suzuki claim the cars will be carefully selected to ensure quality and reliability, with over 376 parameters set by the company. If vehicles pass the criteria set during evaluation, the refurbishment and service requirements are also identified and the car is refurbished at Maruti Suzuki workshops. The cars are later inspected…

Škoda India have launched the Rapid Monte Carlo edition, inspired by their motor sport heritage, priced at Rs 10.75 lakh (ex-showroom). The Rapid Monte Carlo features unique details such as the black front grille, dual-tone 16-inch black alloy wheels, black roof, boot-lid spoiler, and rear diffuser. The interior of the car is inspired by Škoda’s motor sport heritage and features a flat-bottom steering wheel, red-and-black leatherette seats, sporty stainless steel pedals, and an all-black dashboard. The Monte Carlo also gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SmartLink, compatible with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Rapid Monte Carlo is available with a choice of petrol and diesel motors. The 110-PS 1.5 TDI turbo-diesel and 105-PS 1.6-litre MPI are available in a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes.…

Maruti Suzuki have launched a sportier version of the Ciaz, which gets sharper additions to the bodywork, priced from Rs 9.39 lakh (ex-showroom). The popular Ciaz will now be available in a sleeker and sportier ‘S’ version. The Ciaz S sees the addition of a body kit which includes a front lip-spoiler, side-skirts, rear skirt, and a boot-lid spoiler. The car also comes with black leather seats with grey chrome finishing. The Ciaz S will be available with both petrol and diesel options and all the features of the Ciaz Alpha variant. The price for the new Ciaz S is Rs 9.39 lakh for the petrol and Rs 11.55 lakh for the diesel Smart Hybrid, both ex-showroom.…

IT’S COME A LONG WAY Teslas offer a better range than many other electric cars, but if this is a 3 Series rival then potential converts might take some persuading: 354 km for the basic, 500 km for the bigger-batteried Model 3. WEIGH TO GO Part of the cost-reduction strategy for the Model 3 involves greater use of steel rather than the aluminium that dominates the S and X. At 1,610 kg it’s no lightweight, but still much less than the bigger models. REAR-DRIVE ONLY Initial Model 3s have one electric motor, which drives the rear wheels. Twin-motor versions will follow, with drive to all four wheels and the promise of improved performance. The driving experience remains enjoyably analogue, with rock-solid cornering LESS IS LESS Tesla learn quickly. Air-vent design…

‘FASTBACK’ OR ‘ STYLEBACK’, CALL IT WHAT YOU MAY but the Tigor is one car that you cannot ignore. It is Tata Motors’ third offering in the past one year and certainly not the last one. It’s a stylish sub-four-metre car that promises to open up new avenues for Tata Motors. To see how exactly the Tigor will do that, we spent a day with it to get to know it better. Tata Motors have changed their design direction quite aggressively and this has resulted in their cars looking more stylish with each new model. The new Impact Design philosophy seems to be working quite well; just take a look at the Tiago and the Hexa. The Tigor follows the path taken by its cousins and paints a pretty picture…

'TEASE’ OR ‘TEMPT’ APTLY DESCRIBES WHAT Jeep India did to the curious Indian minds before launching their entry-level SUV, the Compass. We saw a number of test mules in full camouflage roaming on the streets of Pune and suburbs, forcing us to reach for our smartphones to click a “spy shot”. However, in the last two months we have not only driven the Jeep Compass but have also viewed it on television where two buddies go on a road trip, and also in advertisements that run on a loop on satellite television. Today we finally got a chance to put this new SUV — named after the most important navigational instrument, the compass — to test and see if it really shines through all that razzmatazz. First things first: the…

Not 10 minutes into our safari and we had already spotted a tiger. Talk about a stroke of good fortune WE’VE BEEN ON TWO forays into jungles already and, to be fair, we’ve seen some amazing creatures. However, we are yet to spot one of the big jungle cats that the forests of Karnataka are known for. No tigers, no leopards, no nothing. We were assured that both Bandipur and Kabini were tiger havens. “You’re certain to spot one at Kabini for sure, guaranteed,” said our guide in Bandipur. Pity I can’t take him up on his guarantee. As I drove to our next destinatio, Bhadra, in the Creta, the auto climate control keeping the Karnataka heat outside where it belonged, I had pretty much made my peace with the…

FORCE GURKHA RAINFOREST Challenge (RFC) India 2017 is the regional version of the much-acclaimed RFC Malaysia which currently holds the distinction of being one among the top 10 toughest motor races in the world. Recently, the fourth edition was successfully held in Goa. Competitors registered in a driver and co-driver format to tackle various off-road challenges set across 26 special stages (SS), spread over six days. These challenges get progressively tougher and are designed to test physical and mental endurance, team spirit, driving, and vehicle recovery skills. The terrain includes, but is not limited to, ruts, trenches, gullies, flooded streams and treacherous slopes. Clean and consistent performance in each stage is the best way to stay in the lead considering the fact that penalties are easy to accumulate. Points are…

AFTER SCORCHING THE track with some thrilling performances during round one, racers circled back to Coimbatore’s Kari Motor Speedway before the heat died down for round two. The premier-class Euro JK 17 comprised four races while the smaller LGB Formula 4 consisted of three over the weekend. EURO JK 17 Race One In a thrilling opener for the weekend, Nayan Chatterjee clinched the win with a lead of just one-100th of a second over Australian driver Ricky Capo after starting from P4. In spite of setting the fastest lap (1:01.038), Anindith Reddy lost the battle against the duo and had to settle for third place. The winner of all the races in round one, Vishnu Prasad, was unable to finish the race. Race Two The reverse-grid formation came into play…

TWENTY-ONE-YEAR-OlD OlE CHRISTIAN Veiby emerged victorious from a tough weekend that saw a lot of rain on the first day of the competition. Veiby and co-driver Stig Rune Skjaermœn are now placed first in the championship, having overtaken India’s Gaurav Gill (co-driver Stephane Prevot) by a scant two points. The dire conditions on day one took their toll on both drivers, as Gill collided with a tree stump, causing his Škoda Fabia R5’s steering to bend, and Veiby slid off the course twice. However, Gill’s accident lost a lot of time, and he found himself a shade under 17 seconds behind his young team-mate at the end of day one. He powered on and made up for lost ground on day two, however, climbing up from third to finish second…