Fiat Punto Sports Launching Tomorrow

Fiat India will launch the Punto 90 HP Sports version on May 18^th, 2012. The Punto 90 HP Sports will likely be offered only in the top-end Emotion variant and may be priced Rs. 30,000 (approx.) more than the regular Punto (75 Bhp) diesel Emotion variant which is priced at Rs. 6.84 lakh.

The Punto 90 HP Sport version is expected to come with cosmetic changes like chrome accented interiors, chrome exhaust tip, specially stitched gear knob,  gear lever cover, color coded ORVMs, door sills with ‘Punto’ letters embossed and ‘Sport’ branded body decals. The 90 HP Sports version will likely be made available in three colors namely, bossa nova white, exotica red and hip hop black.

Punto Sports at Auto Expo 2012
The Punto 90 HP Sports version will be powered by a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel motor that puts out 91.7 Bhp (93 PS) of power and 209 Nm of torque unlike the ordinary Punto which is powered by a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel motor that puts out 74.9 Bhp (76 PS) of power and 197 Nm of torque.
Performance wise, the Punto 90 HP offers more power on tap but still exhibits a turbo lag below 2,000 rpm and hence to keep the engine in the power band, frequent gear shifts are needed in city driving conditions.
Out on the highway, the Punto 90 HP performs better than the Punto (75 Bhp) as it accelerates faster to reach three digit speeds and it also has a better power-to-weight ratio, improving the mileage a little. The claimed mileage of the Punto 90 HP is 20.5 Kmpl which is slightly better than the claimed mileage of Punto which is 20.3 Kmpl.
Fiat launched the Punto 90 HP in the year 2010 and the car attracted a few enthusiasts who wanted more power and torque on the Punto diesel to fully exploit its handling characteristics.  In 2012, Fiat gave a minor cosmetic facelift and launched the 2012 Punto. And now, Fiat is gearing up to launch the Punto 90 HP Sports edition on May 18^th with cosmetic upgrades, targeting enthusiasts who are looking for powerful diesel hatchbacks.

Mercedes Benz M Class

Mercedes-Benz India has launched the new 2012 M-Class SUV priced at Rs. 56.9 lakh for the ML350 CDI variant and Rs. 66 lakh for the limited AMG edition. The M-Class will be made available to customers from July 2012 onwards, while the limited edition, of which only 100 will be made, is on sale now.

The new M-Class looks clean, sharper and more elegant than its predecessor. The new M-Class is 23 mm longer and 15 mm wider than the outgoing model. The interiors of the new M-Class have many changes such as redesigned AC vents, new central console layout and refreshed instrument cluster.

The ML350 is powered by a 3-litre, six-cylinder, common-rail diesel motor that puts out 258 Bhp of power and 619 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-gtronic (7-speed) automatic transmission. The new ML 350 can accelerate from 0 – 100 Kmph in 7.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 224 Kmph.

The new M-Class comes with a long list of standard equipment such as ECO start/stop function, reversing camera, active parking assist, airmatic suspension, tail lights featuring LED fiber-optic technology, attention assist feature, memory seats, thermotronic auto climate control, media interface,  electric parking brake and electric sliding sunroof. The airmatic suspension has an auto leveling feature which keeps the vehicle at the same level no matter what load it is carrying. It also allows the driver to select various comfort settings of the suspension.

The M-Class features an all-wheel drive system with selectable low-range gearbox as well for challenging off-road conditions. It can handle tarmac and testing off-road conditions with equal ease. The M-Class will face stiff competition from the segment leader, Audi Q7 and the BMW X5.

Nissan Murano Launching Soon

The Japan based auto manufacturer, Nissan is planning to launch its latest mid-size SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), Nissan Murano in Indian market. Nissan might launch this SUV by 2012. With the launch of Nissan Murano, Nissan intends to tap into the potential offered by the growing SUV market of India. The Nissan Murano price falls in the range of Rs 35,00,000 

This stylish mid-size crossover SUV, Nissan Murano, was unveiled in December 2002 and thereafter it was reworked a number of times to make it up-to-date. The second generation of the Nissan Murano launched in the  year 2007 and was available for sale in the year 2008. The company launched a new version in 2009 and in 2010 as well. The company had introduced its first crossover Nissan Murano in US and Canada with a 3.5 litre, DOHC, V6 petrol engine that is still being sold with some upgradation. On the other hand, the mid-size SUV - Nissan Murano - is available with both petrol and diesel engine in the UK. In India, the petrol 3.5 litre engine is highly expected.

The Nissan Murano is equipped with 3.5L, 24-valve, SOHC, V6, petrol engine. Its powerful powerplant produces 252 bhp power at 6000 rpm and churns out top torque value of 334 Nm at 4400 rpm with the help of Continuously variable transmission (CVT). The compact SUV offers fastest acceleration in  its segment and enables it to go from 0-100 kmph in just 8.0 seconds and achieve the top speed mark of 210 kmph. Nissan Murano is a front wheel drive (FWD) vehicle which is also available with four wheel drive as an option.

Nissan Murano is a sporty vehicle with stylish exterior that is bound to attract the youth. The two-tone beige interior with colour coded wood makes its interior one of the best SUV interior in its segment. Other standard features that are available with Nissan Murano includes power windows, speed sensitive electronically powered steering, BOSE Audio system with 11 speakers, 20 inch alloy wheels, ABS (Antilock Braking System) with EBD, electronic stability control, airbags (which includes dual front, front side and side curtain), Bi-Xenon headlights, leather seats, dual-zone surround automatic climate control and many more things.

The five door mid-size SUV Nissan Murano is internationally available with eye-catching exterior and interior design job that give it a very special look. The exterior of the car is made distinctive with new styled front fascia and stunning rear design. The nose of the compact SUV possesses designer chrome slats along with Nissan logo that rest on the honeycomb grille. The Bi-Xenon headlights of the car create fantastic image of the overall frontal look; the headlights share the slot of front grille, very few cars have this type of headlight placing. The front fog lamps are positioned in 3D like cluster in round shape while the lower air intake sits between the fog lamps. The ORVMS are in body colour while the door handles are in chrome finish. The rear side gets funky LED tail lights and new design rear windshield along with rear defogger. The Nissan Murano comes with chrome tipped twin exhaust placed at the each ends of the lower side. Rear fog lamps, high stop lamp, reflectors, rear spoiler are other safety features.

The Nissan Murano comes dressed with elegant and first grade interior features. Leather seats and steering wheel plus ample illumination turn it into a luxury hotel's suite; the cabin seems more appealing with modern designed dashboard entities. The dashboard of the car comes integrated with funky instrument panel that is backlighted with various dazzling illumination. In centre dash, there are audio and AC controls set in distinguish style with chrome touch.

The Nissan Murano is equipped with four spoke powered steering wheel that has got mounted audio, bluetooth, and cruise controls with some illumination. The front and rear windows are powered while the both front seats are power adjustable with memory adjustment. Apart from that, there are other interior features that include interior mood lighting, 12 volt DC power outlets, auxiliary audio input jack, front seat back pockets, wood tone trim, etc.

Interior Comfort

The compact SUV Nissan Murano is believed to be introduced here with most comfortable seat rows and features. The driver seat of the car is 6 way manual adjustable with lumber support while the passenger seat is 4 way adjustable; all the seats are heated. The rear seat is 60:40 split fold-flat with automatic fold down and up feature, reclining rear seats with centre armrest. The front centre console comes with armrest.

The leather wrapped four spoke multi-functional steering wheel provides the driver several facilities including controlling audio system, activating cruise control and operating mobile phone with bluetooth options. You can also enjoy your selected music tracks with advanced audio system that is comprised of 11 speakers. Added to this, there is dual zone climate control system that offers the desired temperature inside the cabin.

Volkswagon Golf Expected Launch in June 2012

There are a good number of engines and trims of the popular Volkswagen Golf world over, but in India the most anticipated variant is Volkswagen Golf GTD. This model of the Golf is powered by a 2.0 litre, TDI powertrain that churns out a top power of 170 hp at 4,200 rpm and a peak torque of 350 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. The hatchback comes with standard  six speed manual transmission while you can opt for an automatic 6 speed gearbox as well. The stylish four wheeler covers 0-100 kmph in just 8.1 seconds, you can speed up to 220 kmph.

The exterior of the upcoming Volkswagen Golf is fitted with sound designing job that creates a magical effect on onlookers. The front nose has got adjustable halogen headlamps that has been incorporated with turn indicators and day time running lamps. The headlamp cluster are attached with radiator grille and bold Volkswagen logo at the centre. The slats get chrome inserts which give it a sophisticated appearance. The lower air intake sports honeycomb design in black treatment. The lower grille cluster is mingled with fog lamp cluster; it has unique designed vertically stacked clear and bright fog lamps. The Volkswagen Golf comes with body colour ORVMs integrated with turn indicators to provide clear vision to the trailing cars. Added to this, the door handles are also wrapped in body colour. The rear side of the Volkswagen Golf carries elegant and sporty image contributed by wider tail lamps, high stop brake light mounted on rear spoiler, soft and advanced hatch gate and chrome tipped twin exhaust system.

From the interior side the dashboard of Volkswagen Golf is more adventurous and is equipped with the latest hi-tech equipments; it includes bluetooth connectivity, digi­tal radio and compatibility with MP3 music players and wireless gadgets. The instrument cluster comes in twin dials and a multi-functional computer screen that displays important car running data such as fuel consumption, mileage, speed, estimated distance to refuelling, etc. Apart from that, the Volkswagen Golf comes with several comfort and convenience features that include driver seat adjustment, front seat centre armrest with storage, power steering with mounted audio and cruise control, AC, music system with four speakers, etc.

The much-awaited Volkswagen beauty - Volkswagen Golf - is reported to debut in India with the latest safety provisions. The car comes with whiplash-optimised front headrests, airbags, ABS with EBD, front fog lamps, day time running lights, Electronic stabilization programme (ESP), parking sensors, etc.

AUDI TT

Its good mix up of dynamism and design,unique sporty look makes this car different. With a double-clutch transmission, ample power, and grip for days, the 2008 Audi TT Coupe makes for a more enjoyable drive than the Roadster. Bluetooth, an iPod dock, satellite radio, and optional navigation round out the package. Unique, beautiful design, relatively comfortable for front passengers iPod integration is seamless but incomplete, and the Bluetooth setup has similar shortcomings. Interior storage is all but nonexistent. S tronic is slow, cramped cockpit that is hard to see out of, twitchy suspension The windows are short and the beltline/top of the doors is way too high and because the roof is so slow you can't raise your seat much; so you can't easily see out the sides or navigate in tight places with much confidence. I know this style is popular these days, but if you care about seeing where you are driving (obviously many people don't) then it's just plain annoying. I played with the magnetic suspension a bit. With it on, the ride was firmer but also a noticeably jittery; a lot of noise from the wheels and suspension. With it off the ride was a little softer and not so noisy, but a little less fun. It's much better than an A4 I tested a while ago - the suspension was so bad on that one that I even asked whether it was severely damaged in some way. On its own I think the TT's suspension is great; but compare it to a BMW suspension without any magnetic trickery and you'll see why BMW is the gold standard. I also found that when you aren't pushing the car, the S tronic transmission is slow to shift when you tell it to. If you were really pushing the car it would shift faster. This may make some sense, but it left me feeling disconnected from the car. And no matter how bad you think the back seat will be, it is worse. It's no good for anyone - not even small kids, or a baby seat. Even getting to it is a joke. I wanted a backseat just for my dog, but I'm not sure even he'd find it livable. Despite its great looks, in the end I just kept comparing it to what you can find in a BMW, and despite how ugly most BMWs are today, they are much better driver's cars. 

New Nissan 370Z India

Nissan 370Z will be available with two variants with both manual and automatic transmission option. Both variants of Nissan 370Z will be powered by the 3.7L, 3696cc, V6, CVVTCS (Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System) with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology on intake valves that delivers excellent engine power and performance. This engine can produce 332Bhp of maximum power at 7000rpm with 365Nm of maximum torque at 5200rpm. This higher level of power and torque results in excellent acceleration and high engine performance so that Nissan 370Z can cross the 100kmph mark in just 6.8 seconds and can touch the top speed mark of 257kmph.

Nissan 370Z will be packed with number of features that make it very appealing and eye catching. Its sleek front grille, sporty headlamps and body colored ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) leave the viewer in awe. Nissan 370Z is packed with an array of advanced luxury features that include sports leather seats with non-slip cloth insert, leather covered steering wheel and gear shift knob, automatic climate control air-conditioning, heated seats, steering mounted audio controls, Bluetooth hands free system, etc. As per the safety concern, Nissan 370Z will be packed with all advanced safety features that any high end luxury vehicle offers. 

Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 which will be available in four engine variants, two TDI and two TFSI units, has the minimum drag coefficient of 0.32 making it more fuel efficient. Besides its sporty looks, the SUV is with the power inside becomes one of the really efficient off-roader. Its lightweight enables it to better maneuverability. The interiors contrary to the compact image of the SUV, has lots of space coupled with interior color choices as well. The SUV powered by 2000cc TFSI and the TDI engines with permanent four wheel drive makes the machine almost invincible. The 16-inch all alloy wheels fitted with 215/65 tires gives enough ground clearance to drive through any terrain. Though the customers may have an option of 17 or 19 inches as well, the SUV overcomes and remains steady on turns due to the advanced Electronic stabilization program (ESP). The xenon plus head lamps lights the roads ahead giving the best in the category road vision at night. The parking assistant is surely a help to park the vehicle safely. For hip hop lovers Audi is loaded with ultimate range of infotainment devices. To get you home safely from even strange places you have a GPS, online traffic information, side assist system and loads of other features that perhaps makes the Audi Q3 a car best in the category.

Audi specializes in putting an impressive clad to all its vehicles and continuing the same tradition, the Audi Q3 is also one of them. Besides being sporty in looks, the SUV has really efficiency packed in it. Its lightweight body enables maneuverability. At the time of designing Audi Q3 the company has thought of imparting the most progressive exteriors to the car. The single frame grill at the front with tapered upper corners gives it a class look. The engine hood has a dynamic curve covering underneath one of the best in class engines. Furthermore, the wedge-shaped headlights qualify and complete the front looks of Audi Q3. Higher versions of Audi have LED daytime running lights. Two large air inlets at the front give a feeling of the power of the engines. The sides of the Audi Q3 too bear the characteristic design features of Audi. A tornado line gives a sleek, slim and taut appearance to the Audi Q3.

The wheel arch of the car which has metal in two-third of its body has a muscular look. The roof of this compact SUV has slopes towards the ground, making it more aerodynamic. The dynamic line imparts additional flourishes near the side sills and the wheel arches have a muscular look, making the Audi Q3 the perfect off-roader. Characteristic features of Audi's Q-family siblings are more pronounced in Q3. The tailgate comprising of LED light strips has strong similarity with the tailgate of Audi Q5. The exhaust tailpipes of this wonder machine are found both on the left and the right below the rear bumper.

The Audi Q3 is available in twelve different shades besides five custom color options which are available on select add-on parts of this SUV. The standard version comes with black add-on parts such as underbody guard and wheel arches however, customers can order customization for these add-ons based on the color contrasting options available.

Exterior Measurements

With 4.39 m length (14.4 ft), 1.83 meters width (6.0 ft), and 1.60 meters (5.25 ft) height – the Audi Q3 becomes one of the most compact SUV's in its category. The aerodynamic design that eases optimum airflow both above and underneath the car adds to power and smoother ride.