Peugeot's Comeback

PSA Peugeot Citroen's midsize saloon for india is currently being developed at the carmaker's Vigo plant in Spain, a company spokeperson told Autocar India. Production of this car is expected to begin in 2012. The Model is reportedly codenamed 'M3-M4'.
The spokeperson added that Peugeot's priority this year is to select the location for its plant and Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are in the short list.
Starting with the midsize saloon, Peugeot says it will "Sell a complete range of build-up cars" in india. The French carmaker's decision to launch the saloon in india makes it the last of the top ten global OEMs to enter india. Peugeot's short innings here in the late 1990's was called off following labour strife.
PSA Peugeot has not revealed details of its india plant but the fact is that it will be an export hub for some ASEAN markets. The spokepersons said the indian base will contribute to PSA Peugeot Citrogen's goal of reducing its dependence on European markets.
It has set itself goal to achieve 50 percent of its global sales from outside Europe by 2015, up from 39 percent in 2010 and 32 percent in 2009.
Peugeot's india team headed by Rajest Nellore, has already started visiting dealership to get a better understanding of the business dynamics in this market.

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Fiesta to become a 'Classic'

Ford is going to rename the current Fiesta the Fiesta Classic and repsition it with possibly a lower price when the al-new Fiesta is launched. Since Ford is going to sell the old and new Fiesta simultaneously, it is keen to create a strong distinction and price gap between the two models. The older Fiesta is likely to be sold only in a base trim version while the new Fiesta will come with stronger engines and all the bells and whistles. It is likely that the Ikon will be discountinied after the new model is launched to make way for the Classic which, at a revised price tag, will take over the mantle of Ford's entry level saloon.

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2011 Sees Blitz of Launches

Kizashi Drives in at Rs. 16.5 Lakh


Maruti Suzuki's premium saloon, Kizashi, will be imported as a CBU from Suzuki's Sagara plant in Japan. While the manual variant will cost Rs. 16.5 Lakh, the CVT will cost Rs. 17.5 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Under the hood is the same four-cylinder, 16-valve 2.4 litre DOHC motor doing duty in the Grand Vitara. However, the improved 2393cc VVT motor now churns out 176bhp while developing 23.4 kgmpg max torque. Deliveries begin this month.

New Audi A8 L is here


Audi's all new A8 L executive saloon will cost Rs. 87.32 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Audi will only sell the extended wheelbase version in india. The saloon has been launched with a 4.2 litre FSi motor, followed by the 3.0 litre TDI this month. Also planned is the 500bhp, 6.0 litre WI2 petrol variant around Diwali. The 4.2 litre V8 TDI variant - the same engine that made the A8 a popular choice abroad - will make its way here in early 2012.

G-Wagen to cost Rs 1.1 Crore


Mercedes-Benz's G-class has been launched in India as the AMG-turned G55. It has 5.5 litre petrol V8 that develops 507bhp and 71.4kgm of max torque at 2750rpm. While its design has not changed much over its 31 years lifespan, it is loaded with technology transmission, ESP, electronic traction control system and high performance 350mm front and 330mm rear ventilated disc brakes. Cost Rs 1.1 Crore (ex-showroom Mumbai).

New Maybach are here


Mercedes-Benz also launched its face-lifted Maybach 57S and 62. Both cars get mild styling tweaks including redesigned front bumpers that now feature daytime running LEDs. In addition, a new and more prominent grille will distinguish the larger 62 from the 57S. Both models come powered by 5513cc V12 engines. However, the 57S' peak power of 630bhp is considerably more than the 62's figure of 550 bhp. Prices starts at Rs 4.85 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi) fro the 57S and go up to Rs 5.15 crore for the 62

Tata gives Manza more Elan
Tata Motors has made cosmetic changes to its Manza saloon and has added a new top-end variant. The Elan. It will sport a premium-quality burgundy and beige interiors, dual-tone alloy wheels, chrome-garnished bottom weather strip, fog lamps, and a new Tyrian wine shade. Respording to customer feedback, the Elan has a 'delayed power window' - so even if the windows are left open and the key removed, they can be rolled up by just pressing the power window switch. Prices start at Rs 5.14 lakh for the Safire petrol renge and from Rs 5.91 lakh for the QuadraJet diesel range (ex-showroom, Delhi)

GM India's Beat goes Green
General Motors India's LPG Beat hatchback, the second compact with an LPG version after the WagonR is equipped with an LPG kit that features an advanced multipoint sequential LPG injection technology unlike the Venturi-type kit currently available. The car features GMI's new Smartech engine and comes with a three year or 100,000km warranty. While the LPG version, LT will cost Rs 4,53 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the LS variant will cost Rs 4.11 lakh

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Ferrari Finally Coming to India

Ferrari is finally entering the indian market and will officially  launch its full range of sports cars in April this year. It has tied up with the Shreyans Group as its sole distributor for india with a plan to first set up a Showroom in Delhi followed by Mumbai.
Ferrari's decision to partner with Shreyans comes as a surprise especially since Tata Motors was expected to be the retail partner of the legendary carmaker, given its alliance with Fiat and the close relationship between Ratan Tata and Ferrari boss, Luca di Montezemolo. 
Vijay Maliya, who was keen to take up the Ferrari dealership, was also on the shortlist but eventually wasn't selected.
Delhi-based Yadur Kapur, who has a BMW and Rolls-Royace dealership was also in the running but in the end Ferrari chose the Shreyans Group, which deals in high-end luxury goods, to establish its network in India. Shreyans is also the sole distributor for Porsche in India and until recently, an Audi dealer in Mumbai as well.
With the super luxury car market in India booming and the inaugural indian Grand Prix this year, Ferrari (which is synonymous with F1) couldn't have timed its entry into india better. Also models like the 458 Italia and the upcoming four-wheel drive Ferrari FF are expected to find a significant number of buyers in India and this could see Ferrari record healthy double digit sales in its first year.
According to company sources, Ferrari has allocated 24 Ferraris for India in 2011 but 14 cars are already tentatively sold even before the official announcement of Ferrari's Indian operations.
Price start from Rs. 2.3 crore (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Ferrari California the Ferrari 458 Italia will set you back by at least Rs. 5 Crore. 
The official entry of Ferrari into India will also come as a boon to existing Ferrari owners who, until now, have had to make do with unauthorised service support from independent garages.

Ferrari 458 Italia

Ferrari California

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Hyundai's three-model blitz for 2011

i45 will be new Sonata


Hyundai is in the process of testing its new i45 in india. The current-generation Sonata will be replaced by the all new Mercedes CLS lookalike, sometimes toward the end of 2011.
The current Sonata hasn't proved to be very popular among buyers in india recently and Hyundai hopes to change this with the launch of its contemporary looking i45. This aerodynamically sculpted car has a very attractive from with sharp cuts and flowing lines blended in with a great degree of sophistication. The front has a very strong 'V' shape to it which, along with its swoopy lines, have been carried forward on this inside as well.The central console has a cockpit-like wraparound feel for both the drive as well as the passenger and there are plenty ofbrushed aluminium and chromed-over bits.

Expect the i45 to come loaded with all manner of goodies like keyless to, paddle-shifts, and Bluetooth ad iPod connections.
Hyundai is likely to power the car with its latest-generation direct injection 2.4 litre petrol motor and with 198bhp on hand, the larger-engined i45 will have plenty  of performance.Furthermore, since this new Theta II motor uses direct injection, it is likely to be more efficient as well.
We also expect Hyundai to plonk the 194bhp Sata Fe CRDi motor under the hood later in the life of the car as well. With a attractive Rs 17-18 lakh price tag, Hyundai should be able to tackle the slump in Sonata sales.

Factfile :


Price - 17-18 Lakh
Fuel - Petrol
Length - 4820 mm
Width - 1835 mm
Height - 1470 mm
Track (f/r) - 1591 / 1591 mm
Wheelbase - 2795 mm
Ground Clearance - 140 mm
Kerb Weight - 1506 kg
Engine - 2359 cc
Installation - Front, transverse, FWD
Bore / Stroke - 88.0 / 97.0
Power - 201 bhp
Torque - 25.5 kg
Gearbox - 6 speed auto / manual

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