Weekly Wrap-up: Ford Mustang Confirmed, 2016 Elite i20 Update Launched, Vitara Brezza Official Images Leaked Online

This week was full of treats for all the Indian automotive enthusiasts out there. We kicked off the week with the revelation of Polo GTI’s launch date, which was followed a video that was released by Suzuki, detailing features of the India-bound Suzuki Ignis micro-SUV in action. Other leaks included the official images of Vitara Brezza making their way only, along with those of Innova Crysta. The week also brought-in a spree of launches, which included the likes of BMW 3-Series, Hyundai Elite i20 update, Jaguar XJ and the official announced, which confirmed that Ford Mustang will be coming to India. An exciting week for sure, which in all probability will only be outshined by the one coming up, courtesy of the 2016 Indian Auto Expo. So let’s check out what were the highlights of the past week and stay tuned for the detailed coverage of Auto Expo in the coming week.

Top Stories

Volkswagen Polo GTI Gearing up for a September Launch

Volkswagen has finally decided to bring Polo GTI to India. Though, this hot-hatch will rip Indian tarmac in September this year but, will be first showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. Sadly, this news is not all that great as the car will adopt a CBU route and is expected to be priced over Rs. 20 lac!. This news has been in the auto space as rumors for quite some time now,but finally autocar has confirmed the news but with  one big change, Volkswagen Polo GTI will be a three-door unit. Yes, this makes the product even more mouth watering for the performance oriented buyer. But still, the Rs. 20 lac price tag will do to the buyer’s hearts what the car does to its rubber. Read more

Skoda Rapid VRS can be Volkswagen's White Knight

Reports are out stating that the upcoming Polo GTI will be launched sometime in September 2016. The three-door hot-hatchback with the 190bhp power plant for a heart will be showcased at the upcoming Indian Auto Expo, but I don’t think that will be enough to deliver the German automaker with its salvation. The key to Volkswagen’s redemption lies in batch engineering and in a potential Rapid VRS coupe rendition. Read more

Suzuki Ignis Features Detailed in a New Video

The India bound Suzuki Ignis has been featured in yet another video. This time, the video has details of the car's features and capabilities. Launched in Japan at 1.382 million Yen, which is roughly Rs. 8 lac, the car not only looks good but also packs some serious abilities. The car belongs to the newly formed category called ‘Micro SUV’ which currently has only one car, KUV100. Read more

BMW 3-Series Facelift Launched At INR 35.90 lacs

BMW has launched an updated version of its executive sedan, 3-Series, at a price tag of INR 35.90 lacs (ex-showroom New Delhi). The same car was expected to be launched at the upcoming Indian Auto Expo. The car is launched only with four diesel variants for the time being, but a petrol version is expected soon. The 3-series competes against the like ofAudi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which are already doing better than the 3-Series. Read more

Toyota Innova Crysta Might be the Indian Moniker for the Next-gen MPV

Japanese automaker recently teased the upcoming next-generation Toyota Innova MPV on its dedicated Auto Expo page and now by the looks of it, the official moniker of the car for the Indian market has been leaked ahead of the company’s 2016 Indian Auto Expo showcase. The revelation came as a courtesy of an official image of the highly anticipated MPV, which a report by The India Today, claims was released by Toyota Kirloskar Motors. The title “Crysta” was reserved exclusively for special editions of the previous-generation Innova. Read more

Jaguar XJ Facelift Launched at INR 98.03 lacs

British luxury car manufacturer Jaguar, has launched the updated version of its flagship sedan the XJ at INR 98.03 lacs (Ex-showroom, Mumbai). The changes include minor nips and tucks on the front and rear, however, new all LED exteriors lighting have been introduced along with the latest DRL setup for the headlamps. This epitome of luxury will compete against the likes of BMW 7-series, Audi A8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Read more

Ford Confirms Mustang for India, will go on Sale in the Second Quarter

It’s better late than never. The iconic Ford Mustang has finally made its entry into the Indian market, today. The vehicle will be launched in the second quarter of 2016. This 6th generation iteration is the first of Mustang to ever receive a right-hand drive setup since its launch, half a century ago. Read more

Renault Kwid Special Editions Confirmed for a February 3rd Unveil

The french automaker has confirmed that it will unveil new versions of its Kwid hatchback on February 3rd, during a press conference,which will be held at the Indian Auto Expo. The unveil will take place between 1:20 pm and 1:40 pm and the models being showcased might include the likes of Kwid’s 1.0-liter, automatic and other special editions (if any). These models will be sold alongside Kwid’s current 799cc model, which is offered with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox. The upcoming variants of the entry-level hatchback will be priced above the standard 799cc model. Read more

Maruti Vitara Brezza revealed in Leaked Images

Just before the world premiere of Maruti’s highly anticipated sub-4 meter SUV, Vitara Brezza, official pictures of the utility vehicle have been leaked online. The Compact SUV will be launched on 3rd February at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo, which will be held in the Greater Noida region. This particular offering from India’s largest automaker will rival the likes of Ford Ecosport and Mahindra’s TUV300. These images surfaced following the leak of Vitara Brezza’s variant-wise feature details. The car will be available in a total of 6 variants viz. LDi, LDi(O), VDi, VDi(O), ZDi, and ZDi+, all of which will come with driver's-airbag as standard. The dual-tone paint job seen in the images, however, is expected to be featured only on the ZDi+ variants. Read more

2016 Chevrolet Cruze launched at Rs. 14.68 Lacs

General Motors India has launched the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze at Rs. 14.68 Lacs (ex-showroom Delhi). Cosmetic changes on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze include a new front grille with curved edges. New LED daytime running lights have been placed on the chrome fog lamp surround whereas the headlights remain unchanged. New skirts have been added to the front bumper and an integrated spoiler has also been added to the boot. Read more

Jeep Renegade Spotted Testing In India, Showcase at Auto Expo

Jeep Renegade has been spotted while being tested on the Indian roads. The car can very well be the third offering from FCA- Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles in India. Spotted under heavy camouflage, the unique shape of the car gives it away. Initially, Jeep will be bringing Grand Cherokee and Wrangler Unlimited in the first wave and Renegade might follow soon. The FCA is currently offering  Fiat, Abarth, Maserati and Ferrari in India. Jeep will be the fifth addition to the portfolio. FCA had announced an investment of $ 280 million into Fiat’s Ranjangaon manufacturing facility along with Tata Motors Limited. Once the brand is established, Jeep Renegade might also be built locally for both RHD and LHD markets. Read more

Top Expert Reviews 

Brawn and Brains - Ford Endeavour 2.2 AT (4x2) | Expert Review

If I had to sum up the current era of motoring, I would call it the ‘Era of Downsizing’. Practically everything that we have loved is now, err..smaller. Take Formula 1 for example. Out went the glorious V10s and V8s; only to be replaced by something that is as big as your photocopier. Even back home in India, the sub 4-metre rule has given rise to a brigade of sedans that need the ‘compromise’ prefix, rather than ‘compact’.

Globally, most SUV manufacturers are making their humble giants shed weight too. Look at the new Pajero, the new Fortuner or even the new breed of SUVs like the Santa Fe and the Koleos. There’s this constant effort to make the boulder fit like a brick. Thankfully though, Ford thinks differently. I’m glad they do. The Endeavour remains as butch, as muscular and as imposing as ever. That’s a good start. Read more

Volvo V40 R-Design: Expert Review

Volvo’s direct rival to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1-Series, the V40 forms the basis for its Cross Country sibling which has been on sale for more than two years in the country. It is a fantastic looking car and in this dazzling red shade – it attracts eyeballs like Scarlett Johansson would in a big fat Indian wedding. Its charm forces you to stop whatever you’re up to, freeze and give a long gaze while it passes by. But is it all show and no go? We tried to find out. Read more

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