German auto-giant Audi is set to launch its premium SUV Audi Q3 in the Indian. The Audi Q3 considered as the newest member of the large Quattro family. Joining the lineup with Audi Q7 and Audi Q5, which are already dominating the luxury SUV segment in India, the Q3 is expected to expand the foothold of Audi in India like its bigger brothers. Moreover, the SUV will create an entirely new segment, riding high on its past track record.

Audi Q3, the luxury class SUV form was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi in its compact for. The 2013 trim is expecting an official launch in upcoming days. After the unveil at Auto Expo, the premium SUV received tremendous response and the company claims that interested buyers have been crowding the dealerships since. Industry experts are unanimous in their forecasts about excellent potential of the Audi Q3 in India.

Audi India has positioned its new Sports-ute as a sporty, capable and adaptable city vehicle that will go up against the BMW X1 and the upcoming Mercedes B-Class Sports Tourer. Every feature of Audi Q3 highlight the German luxury carmaker’s innovative technology – the body, drivetrain, chassis, driver assistance and entertainment systems. With solutions right out of extravagance cars, the Q3 has features that put it up against premium class SUVs. This makes the Q3 a favourite amongst the younger segment. Featured along the idea of ‘Start Young’, the Audi Q3 witnessed a remarkable debut this year at the 2012 Auto Expo, where Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif took the wraps off the new Q3. And following the preliminary enthusiasm that the Audi SUV has raked up it is obvious that the new Q3 besides being the first choice of business corporate, is a searing desire even with the young go-getters that want a slice of the Q life.

Under the hood, the Q3 will house a 2.0-litre TDI engine that pumps out 177 bhp and 350 Nm torque. With an all-wheel-drive system coming as standard, the Q3 is a notch higher than the BMW X1. An automatic S-Tronic Transmission will drive the power from the diesel motor to the wheels. Audi is also expected to offer a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine that will arrive in the following model. This petrol motor will deliver 200 bhp peak power and 300 Nm peak torque. Other features include LED daytime running lights and start-stop technology, while the panoramic sunroof will feature as optional.

Arriving via the CKD (complete knock down) route, Audi will price the Q3 very competitively to eat into the sales of German competitors. The Aurangabad facility will be the platform for the Q3 assembly in India. We expect Audi to price the Q3 at around Rs 22 lacs.

Audi registered a sale record of 5,511 units from Jan 2011 to Dec 2011 with an annual growth of 84 per cent. The German automaker targets a sales record of 8,000 units in the current calendar and Audi Q3 has a significant role to play in accomplishing this goal.

The German luxury carmaker seems to have understood the symphony of customer’s desires, with India being the fastest growing market globally for the company. Moreover, Audi was confident on achieving its goal after looking at the stats that SUVs segment in India has seen a 13 per cent rise in sales recently. In addition, the country has atmosphere and road conditions that the German luxury SUV has been designed to run on, making it simple for the customers to choose.

Mr. Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India, commented saying, “The Audi brand will continue its aggressive strategy in India by launching exciting new models to boost its product family. We are buoyant about the performance of Audi Q3 and are sure that Audi Q3 will have the same success as Audi Q5 and Audi Q7. The interesting aspect of our ‘Q’ family of cars is that they share the same DNA and hence there is no compromise on the brute look or off road performance.”

Earlier during his visit to India for 2012 Auto Expo, Mr. Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG Marketing and Sales was reported saying, “India is a key strategic market for Audi and we are making a clear long-term statement in the country with ambitious expansion plans. Audi has seen a phenomenal growth rate since its inception in India five years ago. The Audi Q3 is a premium SUV in a compact form. Individual mobility has been very much a status symbol around the world, but it did not have the same paramount status in India. This, however, is changing and today for the Indian upper middle class, the automobile is replacing real-estate as the new status symbol. The Audi Q3 reflects this changing attitude and will, like a true SUV lead the way for ‘premium’ to enter the compact SUV segment. We look forward to bring other latest models from Audi to India in the near future. This is part of our commitment to the Indian customer.”

In 2011, Audi India opened new showrooms in Delhi, Chennai, Ludhiana, Surat and Indore. The German automaker plans to increase its foothold in India from the current 16 dealerships to 25 dealerships by the end of the current calendar. Audi recently opened its showroom in Nagpur and has two more showrooms coming up at Coimbatore and Lucknow.

The Mahindra Scorpio was launched in 2002 and will complete 10 years this year. In these 10 years, the Scorpio has achieved massive success for Mahindra, with the latest feast being the sale of 50000 units last year. Now the Scorpio has never got a major update, with the biggest changes being more powerful engines and new powertrains. Mahindra has kept updating the Scorpio with more features over time but never did the company make changes to the shape of the Scorpio. There is no doubt then, the Scorpio is too old and needs an update asap.

Mahindra is already said to be working on the next generation Scorpio, which is codenamed W105. It will be an all new model with major changes. The new Scorpio will be launched in the Indian market in 2014 and will continue to use a ladder frame layout. The new Scorpio will be bigger than the current version and will be more spacious as well.

Audi unveils its sports car Audi TT in India and it will be go on sale from June 2012. The new Sports Car Audi TT will be priced at around Rs. 48.36 Lakh (ex-showroom) in India.

Michael Perschke, Audi India Head was quoted as saying, “We are already a major player in the premium sports segment and I am confident that the introduction of the Audi TT will further help us consolidate our leadership position in the sports car segment in the country.”

Audi plans to sell over 50 units of the Audi TT Coupe in the next year.

Recently Audi India has raised the car prices India up to 14% due to hike in excise and custom duties in Budget 2012. In February 2012, the company’s sales in India increased by 33.33% to 600 units from 450 units in the same month last year.

At the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Volkswagen is revealing the Cross Coupé, a concept SUV that looks towards the future. This all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid vehicle shows how Volkswagen designers could envision a crossover that’s part four-door coupe, part compact SUV. The design team, led by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff, has created an intriguing study that impressively combines the best of the two worlds. Original, strong in character, and sculptural and dynamic, the Cross Coupé hints at the future of SUV design at Volkswagen.

The sporty Cross Coupé concept is based on Volkswagen’s new modular transverse matrix (MQB)—the first time a vehicle has been shown off this platform. The four-seater SUV is powered by two electric motors and a direct-injection turbocharged gasoline (TSI®) engine. The Cross Coupé can drive a distance of up to 25 miles purely on electric power.

Long wheelbase, short overhangs
The concept car is longer than a VW Golf and shorter than a Tiguan at 171.1 inches overall. At 73.5 inches wide and 60.0 inches high, it also falls neatly in between these two bestsellers. The Cross Coupé is thus sized in the globally popular A-segment. With a very long wheelbase of 103.5 inches—two inches longer than a Golf and an inch longer than the Tiguan—compared to its overall length, the Cross Coupé has correspondingly short overhangs: 33.7 and 33.9 inches, respectively, at the front and back. The powerful, muscular proportions are underscored by the wide 62.4-inch front and 63.5-inch rear track dimensions.

The Cross Coupé is still designed to be practical off-road as well as on pavement. The front approach angle, for instance, is 24.2 degrees and the rear departure angle is an impressive 32.5 degrees. The Cross Coupé reinforces its off-road credentials with excellent ground clearance.

Forward Looking Design
The defining features of the Cross Coupé’s styling are the long hood, a completely new frontal aesthetic, the set-back passenger compartment, and the low window line for an SUV. The Cross Coupé looks like it has been milled from a solid block, with extremely precise and modern lines. It also shows the direction in which Volkswagen design is developing.

One striking element is a shoulder line—the tornado line—that looks as if it has been cut with a razor blade. This runs just below the frameless windows, extending from the front to the rear fenders. The decidedly flared fenders create a very powerful stance and produce a silhouette that is reminiscent of a sports car, allied with the robustness of an SUV. The 20-inch alloy wheels, equipped with 265/45-section tires, enhance the sporty look. At the rear, a voluminous coupe-like C-post rises up over the wheelarches.

Radical Front Lights: The potential of the Volkswagen design DNA developed by Walter de Silva (Group Chief Designer) and Klaus Bischoff (Volkswagen Chief Designer) is shown in the concept car’s front section. In this instance, the characteristic horizontal lines of the “Volkswagen visage” become a link between present and future. Unlike today’s models, the designers have physically merged the twin bi-xenon headlamps with the radiator grille’s chrome-plated fins. Two chrome bars that ascend to the sides of the vehicle and link the headlamps are part of an entirely new lighting concept; the lower of the two chrome fins contains the Daytime Running Lights and the fin above it incorporates the turn signals.

The center of the bumper has an area painted in the vehicle’s color: a precisely shaped character line extends upwards to form a homogenous unit with the bars of the radiator grille. Right at the bottom of the bumper is another air intake, which is fitted with two additional smaller chrome bars. To the left and right of each inlet are the LED foglights.

Coupe-style roofline: The shallow line of the side windows also influences the rear of the car. The steeply raked rear window is typical of a coupe. The rear edge of the hatchback is finished off by a spoiler, which optically extends the roof surface and also optimizes the aerodynamics. The rear light clusters are kept slim and, in similar fashion to their counterparts on the latest production models such as the new CC, they feature a delicate, pale, horizontal bar that makes them look very elegant. The chunky rear bumper is, however, typical of an SUV and features integrated exhaust pipes on either side.

The Best of Both Worlds
Inside, the worlds of the SUV and the coupe form an exciting alliance. This four-seater has a significantly sportier design than conventional SUVs. For example, the dashboard has the precise lines of a coupe’s, yet is raised up like an SUV’s. The surface of the dashboard exudes a very refined quality, yet is also very robust. This robustness is also a feature of the controls and touch points inside the vehicle: for instance, the stability control systems and driving modes are controlled via two aluminum-alloy rotary switches, with the button for the electric parking brake located between them. The strikingly wide shift lever for the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) transmission is also made of aluminum: as well as providing some visual fun, it also is pleasing to the touch. Two robust but elegant grab handles are a feature of the center stack, which also incorporates the HVAC controls and air vents, and a touchscreen display that monitors all relevant vehicle functions, from on- and off-road navigation to the sound system.

Programmable instruments: Arranged behind the three-spoke steering wheel is a user-programmable instrument cluster. The driving mode‘s rotary control knob can be used to select between “Sport,” “City,” and “Offroad.” The screen display varies according to the mode selected: for instance, “Offroad” mode features a compass and a topographic map. Each of the three modes has a customized screen layout and different color scheme. Positioned centrally between the twin round dials is another multifunction color display that shows vehicle information, the phone menu, audio details, and additional navigational information.

Designed for long journeys: The Cross Coupé is fitted with four individual bucket seats that have solidly integrated headrests. The four passengers have ample leg-, head- and shoulder-room. The backs of the rear seats and the front passenger’s seat can be folded fully forwards to accommodate bulky items such as surfboards and bicycles. The seat backs have an outer synthetic covering so that they form a durable surface for such loads when they are folded down. There’s 13.4 cubic feet of trunk space behind the rear seats, which expands to 43.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

We are very pleased that the 2012 Camry has earned a five-star composite safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The fact that the Camry earned this five-star overall score after enduring a more rigorous NHTSA testing procedure targeted at raising the bar for overall vehicle safety is testament to the strong design, and safety-focused engineering expected from a top-selling vehicle.

The redesigned 2012 Camry features a reinforced body structure that utilizes high-strength steel construction to help withstand cabin deformity during certain severe collisions, absorb impact energies and help enhance occupant safety. Each Camry is also equipped with a class-leading 10 standard airbags to help protect occupants in the event of a collision. Like all Toyota models, the 2012 Camry is equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Comprehensive car insurance values these types of technology and can help reduce rates.

Vehicle safety and the development of technologies that forward the safety mission, such as Camry’s available Blind Spot Monitor, are excellent active safety systems that can help reduce car insurance costs.

The Nissan Pathfinder Concept, which will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, takes all of Pathfinder’s traditional SUV hallmarks and wraps them in a new platform and dramatic new aerodynamic body.

With thoughtful technology, comfortable seating for seven (instead of five) and ample cargo room, the 4-wheel drive Pathfinder Concept previews the next-gen production Pathfinder that is scheduled to go on sale in the fall of 2012.

Maruti Suzuki has unveiled the Ertiga MPV at the Auto Expo 2012 and said that the market launch of the mini-MPV will take place in end of March or beginning of April.

Ertiga is the first compact MPV, multi-purpose vehicle. Maruti calls it as India’s first compact 3 rows MPV – which is 4,265mm long, 1,695mm wide, 1,685mm tall and 2,745mm wheelbase – class-leading fuel economy – 1.4-litre VVT petrol engine making 70KW/130Nm and 1.3L diesel engine with 66KW/200Nm.

ARAI fuel efficiency figure is 20.77kmpl for the diesel and 16.02kmpl for the petrol. Ertiga is available in 1400 cc petrol and 1300 cc diesel engines. Maruti says Ertiga’s diesel version will have a mileage of 20 km per litre.

It has a new K14 petrol and a super turbo DDIS engine. The K14 engine develops 94PS of power at 6000rpm and 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm while the diesel produces 88PS of power and 200Nm of torque.

The interior, mirrors and dashboard styling are similar to the new Swift but will have beige interiors, instead of black. This 7-seater MPV with three rows of seats will have an option of 2, 3/4, 5 and seven seats. It will have a twin air- conditioner unit. In terms of safety, the Ertiga gets dual airbags and ABS.

The dashboard is a clear adaptation of the one on the current Swift. Boot space varies between 135 to 735 litres depending on whether the last rows of seats are folded down or not. The last row of seats is accessible through a folding middle row although it is best left to kids or luggage.

Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Officer, Executive General Manager of Suzuki Motor Corporation says compact, small, light weight and efficient cars hold the future. Ertiga is designed for families that are socially connected.

The price of the car is expected to vary between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 8.5 lakh.

Based on the Fiesta, the high-rise wagon will go on sale with a price tag starting from as low as $22,000. The Ford EcoSport is aimed directly at urban, style-conscious motorists who place economy, practicality and agility above off-road ability.

In fact, the EcoSport – a name that will stick for Australia – will be made only with front-wheel drive. But it will have a fresh range of engines. Top of the list is Ford’s EcoBoost 1-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine. Ford claims it has the same power and will return similar performance to its 1.6-litre normally-aspirated engine thanks to direct-fuel injection and turbocharging.

Ford claims 4.5 litres/100km and 140 grams of CO2 per kilometre – but says however good this engine is, it can’t match an even more frugal 1.5-litre turbo-diesel. The SUV will also be available with a 1.5-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine.

The diesel version – a smaller-capacity derivative of the Ford/Peugeot 1.6-litre turbo-diesel – can get fuel economy about 3.9 L/100km when matched to a five-speed automatic.

Ford production director for the B-Car category, David Filipe, tells Carsguide that the EcoNetic diesel engine – available in Australia’s Fiesta – is unlikely to be available in the EcoSport because the drivetrains selected are already efficient.

But he hasn’t ruled out the SUV being a potential recipient for alternative engines, though in the shorter term, sees fuel-saving add-on technologies being introduced.

“We are looking at stop-start systems and other technology,’‘ he says. “We have also been very aggressive on weight reduction.’‘ But he didn’t have final weight figures for the car.

He says transmissions will be a five-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. There may be a six speed manual for the bigger diesel engine. He says the dual clutch box is shared with the Fiesta and will be available later in the launch timetable.

“We have no plans for an all-wheel drive version.’’ Filipe says. “We know how to do it but it’s up to market demand. But I can’t see a lot of buyers of B-segment cars wanting AWD. In C-segment cars, yes, there is demand.

The Kuga is one example of demand in this segment.’’ Ford Australia spokesperson Sinead Phipps says it’s too early to give drivetrain, specification and pricing. But she has confirmed that the 1-litre turbo-petrol is one of the engines coming here. Filipe says the EcoSport has been specifically designed and engineered so it drives like a nimble small car. “It doesn’t drive like an SUV,’’ he says.

“We had a German team – the one that built Fiesta – do the ride and handling of the platform. It is an SUV that can be interpreted for all global markets. “There’s no reason we can’t take the EcoSport into the US,’’ he says, even though that market is not on the agenda.

Filipe also says the small SUV has been developed for all markets with a Euro-5 level of emissions and has “a strategy’’ to be a five-star NCAP crash-rated car. Of the launch of the EcoSport, Ms Phipps says: “It will create its own segment in the small-car class.

“We see it being particularly attractive to urban buyers who want the same level of flexibility in bigger SUVs – including our Territory – but want it in a smaller size.’’ Ford’s Asia Pacific and Africa president, Joe Hinrichs, says the EcoSport – which uses the new Fiesta small car as its base – will spawn more models. One is believed to be a coupe.

Australia currently sources two passenger cars from India – the Hyundai i20 and the Suzuki Alto – and some commercial vehicles. Ford is soon to complete a massive increase in its Indian factories, opening new car and engine plants in west and expanding its existing plants in the east.

Mr Hinrichs says India will lay a bigger role in providing smaller vehicles for the global market. Ford Australia will also launch a mid-size SUV in March, the Kuga, which is built in Germany. In 2013, the EcoSport will be followed by a 4WD wagon based on the Ranger utility and built in Thailand.

Maruti new corporate philosophy is ‘way of life’. The Maruti stall is one of the largest, if not the largest at the 2012 Auto Expo. It is divided into several zones where several products are displayed. It also includes the Suzuki Motorcycles zone Since last expo in 2010 there has been a dramatic change in the Indian automotive landscape” Shinzo Nakanishi, MD and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd “The choice of automobile will dictate the way of life of customers” – Nakanishi.

The new compact SUV is called XA α (XA Alpha). It is aimed at both on and off road usage. The design is derived from Indian wrestling. It takes inspiration from the various wrestling poses. The Lava red colour denotes passion and power. It is over four metres long and almost as big as the Skoda Yeti. Tag line is the Wild Urban Very impressive styling looks chunky beefy and rugged. It is similar design to what we saw on the Ford EcoSport yesterday with square boxy lines but with very strong accents.

Big fenders nice very nice grille and front air dam on beefy bumpers. Looks like suicide doors at the moment. Evoque coupe-like profile narrow windows small glass areas. Fat C pillar adds a lot of strength to profile, looks very Dakar-ish Power plants will be in both petrol and diesel, petrol may be a 1.3. Nice rear end slim tail lamps Narrow rear wind screen. Also fat chunky bumpers at rear. Since this a concept things will change. Overall very impressive looking.

The RE60 is fuel efficient car and gives 35 Kilometer per liter Mileage. Its name is RE60 because its a low-emission car which only produces a 60 g/km of CO2.

“We make about 520,000 three-wheelers a year of which only 200,000 are sold in India and rest exported. So we see markets like Sri Lanka, which could be the first export market has huge potential for RE60,” he said.

Bajaj Auto has been working with Renault SA & Nissan Motor Co on a ultra low-cost mini car project. But some how original plan plans have changed and Bajaj has made this car on its own. Renault and Nissan will sell the four-wheeler under its own name.

Bajaj RE60 Small Car Price:
Expected Between 100000/- to 200000/-