India's Tatas "Rule Britannia" after car buys

Jaguar is now an Indian beast" roared one Indian newspaper on Thursday as it lauded Tata Motors' long-awaited $2.3 billion (1.14 billion pounds) deal to bag the sleek British car brand and its chunkier Land Rover counterpart.

Next to a large image of Jaguar's shiny pouncing cat symbol and a smaller photograph of a smiling boss Ratan Tata dressed in a fighter jet jumpsuit, the Times of India mimicked a patriotic British song to declare "Tatas Rule Britannia".

"So what if the Kohinoor diamond -- once considered the ultimate symbol of Indian wealth and power -- now resides with the Queen of England?" the paper asked on its front page.

"It took a company from a former colony to come to the rescue of a beleaguered British brand."

Six decades after independence, the paper revelled in the news that an Indian firm that already owned one of tea-obsessed Britain's favourite brews, Tetley, and Anglo-Dutch steel maker Corus, now had the keys to a car brand which has ferried British prime ministers around London for years.

Tata Motors, whose garage houses a less flashy line-up of trucks, buses and cars, including the world's cheapest, sealed the deal for Land Rover and loss-making Jaguar with Ford Motor Co on Wednesday after emerging as the frontrunner in January.

Transfer of ownership is expected by the end of the next quarter and Ratan Tata, Tata Motors' chairman, says he wants to preserve the brands' heritage and keep their identities intact.

Ford bought Jaguar in 1989 and Land Rover in 2000.

Another daily, the Hindustan Times, compared Chairman Tata to Henry Ford, founder of the U.S. car giant and the man who gave America the Model T a century ago, bringing cars to the masses.

In January, Tata realised his dream of bringing a similar "People's Car" to India when he unveiled the Nano, set to be the world's cheapest car at $2,500 when it goes on sale later this year.

"Tata, after ensuring traffic jams on village roads in the future with Nano, has turned to the rich to sell Jags and Land Rovers," the Hindustan Times said.

The Tata Group's big-ticket forays abroad in the past few years have been a cause for celebration among the Indian media as signs that an economy and business community isolated for years from the rest of the world is finally making its mark.

"(The deal) will also reinforce the global perception of India Inc as a leader in international business, and not just in IT," the Economic Times wrote under a front page headline proclaiming "Indian Tiger Rides Jaguar".

Hyundai launches CNG Santro

Hyundai Motor India today a CNG version of its popular small car Hyundai Santro. The CNG Santro is pitted against the LPG version of Maruti's Wagon R LPG. While the Maruti Wagon R LPG comes at an ex-showroom price of Rs 3.49 lakh in Delhi, the CNG Santro is priced at Rs 3,25,361, ex-showroom Delhi.

Hyundai said that CNG has established itself as a reliable and eco-friendly fuel. The CNG kit will be sourced from Minda Auto Gas and the fitting will be done at the dealer end. All Santro CNG cars will run on petrol too. The CNG Santro comes with a switch, which the driver can use to shift between the CNG and gasoline fuel.

Apart from an AT (automatic transmission model), version the CNG Santro also comes in XK (non A/c), XL, and XO variants. All cars carry a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty. On the CNG kit and related fitment, there is an additional warranty of one more year.

A Hyundai Motor statement said that the car will have a CNG cylinder which carry 12 kg of CNG. The estimated running cost per kilometer on the CNG Santro is pegged at Re 1 a kilometer.

Hyundai said that the Santro's CNG kit is not only safe but has an advanced Lambda control system, which meets the Euro III emission norms. Hyundai has also tied up with Korean CNG specialist company NGVI for an exclusive CNG fitment arrangement.

Said Arvind Saxena VP – Marketing and Sales Hyundai Motor India: "CNG has established itself as an eco-friendly and economical fuel and HMI will now offer this choice of fuel to its Santro customers. We feel that this will increase the attractiveness of the Santro as it will considerably bring down the running cost. Also the fuel is eco-friendly which adds to its attractiveness"

Initially, the CNG car will be available only in Delhi. Later, the company plans to roll out the CNG Santro in other cities too.

Tata OneCat compressed air car by 2009

Tata Motors plans to launch the OneCat, a car running on compressed air by 2009.

The car is expected to be a five-seater with a glass fiber body, which would weigh just 350 kg and cost just about Rs 2 lakh. The project is backed for an undisclosed sum by Tata, which says it may also use the technology for power generation.

A BBC report has pointed out that Tata's backing makes the idea much more marketable and that the Indian company will be putting finishing touches to the engine.

French engineer Negre is planning to sell the car in India by 2009, the report said. He hopes that the first buyers of the compressed air car will be people who care about the environment and would sell it for an economical price. Tata would be the only big firm Negre will license to sell the car and sales will be limited to India.

The car will be driven by compressed air stored in carbon-fiber tanks that can be filled in just three minutes. The tanks will be built into the chassis. The car can also be plugged into the mains for four hours and an on-board compressor will do the job.

For long journeys, the compressed air driving the pistons can be boosted by a fuel burner which heats the air so it expands and increases the pressure on the pistons. The burner will use all kinds of liquid fuel.

2009 Ford Mustang Warriors in Pink

Ford Motor Company, which has dedicated more than $95 million in cash and in-kind contributions for breast cancer education and research for 14 years, announces today that it is doubling its contribution to Susan G. Komen for the Cure each time it sells a ’Warriors in Pink’ package for the 2009 Ford Mustang.

“Thanks to the tremendous response from our dealers and customers to the 2008 ‘Warriors in Pink’ Mustang, we knew we needed to continue offering the package, and we’re happy to be able to increase our support for the Cure at the same time,” said Connie Fontaine, Ford Experiential Marketing manager.

Produced in a limited edition of 1,000 units, the Mustang with Warriors in Pink package was designed exclusively in support of Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure. New upgrades for the 2009 package are featured on the Ford display at the New York International Auto Show.

Available on the Mustang V-6 Premium Coupe and Convertible models, the Warriors in Pink package includes a unique grille and will add a pink ribbon and pony fender badge, pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leather seats with pink stitching, aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pink stitching and charcoal floormats with pink ribbon and contrast stitching.

Coupes also can be ordered with the all-new glass roof option. Three body colors will be available: Black, Brilliant Silver and Performance White.

Ford Warriors in Pink

Launched in 2006, the Ford Warriors in Pink campaign recognizes the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer.

Ford’s goal in 2008 is to donate more than $1 million for the Cure through these sales of the special Mustangs, Warriors in Pink apparel and other fundraising efforts.

The Warriors in Pink apparel collection for men and women feature important symbols signifying the message of hope, strength and unity in the commitment to the fight against breast cancer. All apparel is available on www.fordcares.com, and 100 percent of net proceeds are donated to Komen for the Cure.

The limited-edition 2009 Mustang with Warriors in Pink will be available through Ford dealers this summer.

Mustang is one of the greatest automotive sales success stories of all time. Nearly one out of every two sports cars sold in America is a Mustang, and the Mustang is also America’s best-selling convertible.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which helped launch the global breast cancer awareness and education movement.

Today, Race for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Race for the Cure, the foundation has invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill that promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-800 I’M AWARE.

50 new cars coming in 12 months!

The launch of the new Tata Indica flags off a frenzied rush among car companies, revved up by the success of recent launches, that will see as many as 50 new cars hitting the Indian market in the next one year.

These will cut across segments and price points and join the over 200 cars that are already in the market.

"According to our assessment, there will be 50 new cars in the next 12 months or so. In recent times, new models have done very well and people have come to believe that these are the most effective way to grab eyeballs," said Dilip Chenoy, head of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

Among the recent launches, Maruti Udyog's Swift, Ford's Fiesta and General Motors' Chevrolet Aveo have quickly raced to the top of the best-sellers list.

Not surprisingly, the investment banking community has become more bullish than ever on the sector and puts forth a list of new launches to explain its enhanced interest.

This includes premium compact Chevrolet Aveo UVA and compact Spark by General Motors; Grande Punto by Tata Motors; Getz diesel and a new compact by Hyundai; Swift diesel and the new Zen by Maruti Udyog; a new car by Volkswagen, Europe's largest car company, which is entering India; Fabia by Skoda; Logan by Mahindra-Renault; and either Jazz or Fit by Honda.

There will also be a clutch of offerings from DaimlerChrysler, which is likely to unveil a bunch of new cars any time, and its arch-rival BMW, which is going to build the 3 and 5 Series in India from next year.

Car companies are spurred on to launch new models because of the falling costs of launching a car as more and more vehicles roll out of common platforms.

For instance, the new Zen, to be launched next month, is derived from the Suzuki MR Wagon and will be fitted with an engine from the Wagon R line. It shares platform bits with the Alto and the Wagon R.

The falling cost of new cars is reflected in Tata Motors' ability to price the new Indica as a rival to the smaller Alto, Maruti's largest selling model.

On the flip side, the flurry of new launches is reducing the life of individual models. Industry experts estimate the current life of a model at 2.5 years, half of what it was pegged at as recently as two years ago.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overlan Luxury

jeep has thoroughly updated its Grand Cherokee range for 2008, with a range of new features and a new interior that makes this Jeep the most luxurious ever. New soft-touch interior dashboard materials, interior colours and new textures all help to make the new Grand Cherokee even more desirable while a host of new features – tilt and telescope steering column, improved steering wheel and armrests for improved ergonomics and comfort, new instrument clusters and floor console with improved cup holders – all add to the high-class ambience.

In addition, Limited and Overland models get a new leather-wrapped parking brake handle and the Overland gets a new leather package on seats, doors and dashboard and heated second row seats.

The MyGIG infotainment system is a new option that offers owners the very latest integrated onboard systems. There’s MP3 player compatibility, a touch screen controlled navigation system as well as the ability to store up to 1600 songs on an integrated 20GB hard drive. The UConnect Hands-free Communication System uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication.

On the exterior, a new front fascia and grille surround with a new body-colour front sill and air dam give the latest Grand Cherokee a more modern look, together with a new range of alloy wheels and a new headlamp design.

Simon Elliott, Managing Director of Chrysler UK Ltd, said: “Our new leather package helps create a sumptuous interior to cosset driver and passengers and offers everything that customers want from a luxury SUV without the excessive price tag. As usual the latest Jeep offers outstanding value for money and the efficiency of a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine across the range.”

The latest Grand Cherokee is also still hard to beat off-road. Hill Descent Control now comes as standard on diesel models and is designed to mimic the safe downhill control offered by the ultra-low gearing usually found in hard-core off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

Elliott added: “If you think that all of these off-road gadgets never get used then think again. Driving up or down ice or snow covered roads will be made safer with 4x4 and Hill Descent Control, while anyone who has ever towed anything in wet and slippery road conditions can appreciate the benefits of being able to control your speed down a steep hill.”

For 2008, a whole new model will also be added to the range – the Grand Cherokee S-Limited.

The S-Limited model includes all of the refinements for 2008 and adds many of the visual enhancements that make the high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT-8 such a visual feast. These standard features include SRT-inspired exterior features including front fascia and side sill moulding, unique ‘Arrowhead’ 18-inch alloy wheels, SRT body-coloured wire mesh front grille and body coloured wing mirrors, rear spoiler and deep tint windows. On the inside the S-Limited gets the MyGIG ‘entertainment’ system as standard, SRT-8 leather steering wheel, gear shifter and aluminium bezel finishes and dark slate grey leather interior trim on seats, doors and dashboard.

Tata Motors to pay Ford less than $2.65

Tata Motors Ltd will pay Ford Motor Co quite a bit less for Jaguar and Land Rover than a media report of $2.65 billon, a source close to the deal said on Tuesday.

"That figure of $2.65 billion is highly unlikely," the source said. "You have to come south from that by quite a bit."

Earlier, media reports suggested that Tata Motors had signed a deal to buy the Jaguar and Land Rover brands for $2.65 billion.

Outlander to undercut CR-V

Hindustan Motors (HM) is planning to launch the Mitsubishi Outlander at a sub-Rs 20 lakh price in a bid to steal market share from its main rival, the Honda CR-V. Unlike the CR-V, which is completely imported (and hence attracts a 120 percent tax penalty), the Outlander will be locally assembled by HM in its Thiruvallur plant where the Lancer and Cedia are also assembled. Locally-assembled cars pay far less tax than imported cars and this is the key reason why HM can price the Outlander competitively.

The Outlander is similar in size and specs to the CR-V, and has a 2.4-litre four-pot petrol motor with Mitsubishi’s version of variable valve timing. Called MIVEC or Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control, the system features three different modes for low, medium and high engine speeds. Although it produces 170bhp, this motor is expected to be slightly detuned to account for the quality of our fuel.

Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a stepless CVT with six pre-selected ratios which can be controlled via paddles on the steering wheel, which is expected to be more efficient than a conventional automatic.

The Outlander has Mitsubishi’s All Wheel Control system, which, when engaged, transfers torque between the front and rear axles for maximum traction. For conventional road use, it functions as a front-wheel-drive. The driver also has the option of 4WD lock for negotiating extreme conditions, but there isn’t a low-range option available.

The Outlander has a very advanced suspension package which includes monotube dampers and coil springs at all four corners. Monotube dampers have a faster response time compared to conventional tube-in-tube dampers, and this eliminates wheel hop. The benefits are felt in both ride and handling departments. According to sources in HM, the Outlander will come in essentially one trim level which will be fully loaded to include a high-end entertainment system, replete with four six-inch speakers, twin dome tweeters, a 10-inch sub-woofer and a 650 watt amplifier as standard.

The Outlander comes with a 7-seat configuration but this option will not be offered in India as it requires a space-saver spare tyre to be used under the floor behind the third row of seats. Regulations do not allow the use of a space saver and hence a full-size spare has to be used which eats into the third-row seat area. Mitsubishi also focused a lot of development time on safety. Intelligent airbags that deploy according to the severity of impact are one such feature. The Outlander also boasts class-leading pedestrian impact ratings. HM plans to begin trial production of the Outlander by mid-2008 and launch it soon after

Ford India to launch small car in India in 2010

Auto major Ford India will be launching its small car in 2010, a top company official said here on Wednesday.

"We are working on the small car programme and will be launching it in 2010", Scott McCormack, Vice-President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford India told reporters here.

The firm plans to increase the installed capacity of its manufacturing facility in Chennai from the present one lakh units to 2.5 lakh units by 2010. "We are investing $500 million for the expansion initiative, which includes the small car programme and engine plan", he said.

McCormack said there is some softness in the passenger car segment. "In response to this we are making a few changes in the line-up to stay relevant. Ford Endeavour has done exceedingly well this year," he said.

He said Ford India has begun an experiment in Chennai on the lines of pilot projects by the company in South Africa and Brazil to provide integrated transport solutions to facilitate urban mobility.

Audi to drive in A4 comfort for local price

PUNE: Luxury car maker Audi may be a late entrant in the Indian market but it is fast making up for that. And here is the good news for all Audi lovers: the new A4, to be launched in India in July, will be imported initially but will sport the price tag of a locally assembled car. The reason: Audi will absorb the price difference till the time it starts assembling the car in the country by the year end.

“There will be only one price for the A4 in the country. We will absorb the price difference of a CBU (completely built-up) while selling at CKD (completely knocked down) rates since we will be launching the locally assembled A4 by the year end,” Benoit Tiers, managing director, Audi India, said. Audi will assemble the A4 at its plant at Shendra, near Aurangabad. The company had dropped the price of the A6 by Rs 2 lakh after it started assembling it locally.

Audi India expects to sell 500 units of the new A4 in the first year. The car was launched a few months ago in Europe. While the A4 is currently priced in the Rs 28 lakh to Rs 32 lakh range, A6 is priced in the Rs 40 lakh to Rs 50 lakh range. A8, the luxury model, is priced at about Rs 1.25 crore and Audi’s SUV costs Rs 52.75 lakh.

Audi is also launching a roadside assistance programme from April 1. “We are partnering with a specialist company who will pick up the car from anywhere in the country and take it to the nearest dealer, who will then attend to it. Or, a flying technician, either from the dealer or from Audi India, will go to the spot. The aim is to offer the fastest, safest service,” said Mr Tiers. He was in Pune for the inauguration of the company’s fifth showroom here.

Tatas to seal Jaguar-Rover deal

MUMBAI: The D-day is inching closer for Tata Motors. According to sources close to the development, India’s largest commercial vehicle company is likely to ink the Jaguar-Land Rover deal with Ford on March 26. Ford is scheduled to make the announcement on engines, pensions and other long-term agreements on that day, the sources said, adding that completion of the agreement, however, is scheduled to take two to three months as it is bound by regulatory approvals.

However, since Jaguar and Land Rover workers are on an extended Easter holiday, the announcement on the agreement would be made only on Wednesday. “We like our workers to be around when any significant announcements are being made,” said one source close to the deal.

A Tata Motor spokesperson said discussions are still going on and refused to put a date on the announcement. Tata Motors chairman Ratan Tata will lead the Tata delegation and Lewis Booth, executive V-P of Ford, will head the UK team to sign the deal.

TVS launches Apache RTR 160 in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, TVS on Sunday announced the launch of the new 2008 Apache RTR 160 at Hyderabad, at the company?s Performance and Capability Show organised at People?s Plaza, Necklace Road. As part of the show, daredevil and breathtaking motor bike stunts were performed by professional bike riders on the new TVS Apache RTR 160.

The company has provided a visually larger size presence without the weight of the bike being altered. The 2008 Apache RTR 160 comes with all new air scoops that help in quicker engine cooling and features data logging as in race bikes. These include 0-60 lap time and top speed indicators. ?These features are seen in international race bikes and are tuned to provide the RTR rider with flaunt value and tool for comparison of riding,? Mr R. Dilip, Vice-President (Sales), TVS Motors, said in a statement.

2008 5Best Cars - 5Best Cars for 2008

Despite a rapidly changing sales environment—escalating fuel prices and concerns about exhaust-gas content previously regarded as innocent—trucks still claim a big chunk of our new-vehicle market. Does this seem strange? If we’re worried about mpg and CO2, why do we love vehicles with carbon footprints reminiscent of the tracks left by stegosauri?

Style figures into the equation, particularly with SUVs, but there are really two key reasons. One, we still want the added utility to be found in this realm. Coupes and sedans don’t cut it when we’re loading mountain bikes, pop-up tents, and other vacation essentials. Two, those big carbon footprints are shrinking. Hybridity has found its way into the truck world, including even traditional body-on-frame big boys, Chevy’s Tahoe hybrid being the first example.

It certainly won’t be the last. More important, though, the nature of the vehicles classifiable as trucks is changing in response to changing times. This is particularly true among SUVs, where crossovers—a handily amorphous term we use for want of anything better—are well on their way to dominance.

To review, vehicles identified as crossovers usually have unit-body structures that trace their engineering heritage to front-drive passenger-car origins. The reasons for this trend are easy to understand. Unit-bodied vehicles are generally lighter than body-on-frame designs, with higher structural rigidity. Higher structural rigidity is a prime prerequisite for ride and handling goals, and nothing beats lower curb weights for achieving higher mpg.

A word on our categories. Vans and pickups are self-defining. Three of our five categories are devoted to SUVs, and beyond the required availability of four-wheel drive, two of the three are defined by size, the third, obviously, by price. The borderline for small is a max overall length of 184 inches. We also have a minimum height requirement—64.4 inches. Below that height, we consider the subject vehicle to be a car.

Avro Mirage 720 Ford GT

In 2007 Avro and Roush unleashed the 600bhp 600RE Ford GT. Just ten were made (and we’ve already seen one wrecked example) but Roush realised there was more to come from the engine. At the request of Brooklands-based Avro Motor Cars a further 120bhp has been found over and above the 600RE. And that’s 170bhp more than this Ford GT had when it left the factory.

The increase to 720bhp and 601lb ft comes mainly thanks to a larger Whipple supercharger. To make sure the 720 Mirage stays on the road the tracks are 5mm wider front and rear, there is adjustable KW suspension - that mean the car sits 25mm lower - and AP Racing brakes.

Perhaps the best feature though is the removal of the car’s American-spec rear bumper. Avro says it saves weight, but is also gives the Ford GT a clean, uncluttered look. And if you want the car to stand out, there’s the orange paint and black wheels. Yours for £179,400.

Suzuki Kizashi

The third car of Suzuki’s dramatic Kizashi trilogy had its world debut at New York, and we’re told this handsome sports sedan is close to the production vehicle. When it arrives in the US this Fall, the powertrain will be a 3.6-litre DOHC V6 delivering 300bhp via a six-speed auto’ with paddle-shifters. No price has been announced, but it will offer ‘good value’.

From the side, the Kizashi 3’s lines are simple and could be European (if it weren’t for the show car’s incredible 21in wheels). The front is distinctly Asian, with headlamps like the eyes of a Samurai in a Japanese print, and a deep U-shaped grille similar to the face furniture of the Kizashi 1 and 2.

The three cars showcase the new look of Suzuki. In Japanese, the word Kizashi conveys the feeling that something great is coming, and we’re promised that all Suzuki vehicles in future will be ‘dynamic, athletic, purposeful and will have real-world capability’.

Gene Brown, VP of marketing and PR says that for now, Suzuki is not aiming for high volume sales. Brown says Suzuki aims to be a ‘boutique brand’, higher in status if not price or volume to the Korean manufacturers. The Kizashi will go on global sale from 2010.

Kia Koup concept Car

Kia’s Koup. If you saw this compact coupe concept without its badges and had to guess who made it, there’s no way your first guess would be Kia. Its lines are simple and sporty, not a million miles from a Ford Puma. But it actually looks like our long-term Honda Civic Type-R from the front, and has hints of VW Eos along the flanks.

But however it looks the Kia Koup should be fun. It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre direct-injection engine producing 290bhp and has a tasty torque curve delivering 289lb ft from 2000rpm all the way to 4000rpm.

The interior is deliberately futuristic. Tom Kearns, chief designer of KMA says: ‘Kia strives to appeal to the emotional side of car enthusiasts who seek adventure and want to take a leap into the future with style and advanced technology. The Koup effectively delivers (that).’

Some US commentators thought the exterior design too understated. We’re told it’s close to production (the interior architecture certainly looks it), so go on Kia, make it happen –and bring it to the UK!

Skoda reveals plan to launch small car in India

Czech auto giant Skoda will roll out its first compact car - Fabia - in the country by the end of this year, as the Volkswagen Group firm seeks to gain share in one of the world's fastest-growing automobile markets.

"We are planning to launch the car by the end of this year. Fabia is very well accepted globally and with our experience in the car business, we are confident of receiving a similar response from the Indian customers as well," Skoda India Managing Director (Commercial) Karsten Bogun said.

Although Bogun did not reveal the price of the much-awaited car, Fabia is likely to be come with a premium tag and would be placed above Maruti Swift and Hyundai Getz that cost between Rs 4-5 lakh.

In the last five years, Skoda India has sold over 43,000 units, including luxury sedan Octavia. This year the company has set a sales target of 17,000 units. The company has a plant in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.

Buy New Alfa Romeo Mito Car

Welcome to the Alfa Romeo Mito. This is Alfa’s new baby, with a name inspired by the cities where the car was designed (Milan) and will be built (Turin). Only the Italians could get away with something like that.

Alfa Romeo is claiming the Mito draws styling inspiration from its stunning 8C Competizione supercar. Namely the frameless doors, distinctive nose, and LED taillights. You’ll never know that underneath the Mito shares parts with the Fiat Grande Punto. Compared to its sister car the Mito is longer and wider, and a little lower, to emphasise the sportiness.

To make the Mito even more sporting, all cars will come as standard with Alfa’s new DNA chassis system. Three settings – Dynamic, Normal and All-Weather – adjust the engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox to suit the conditions.

As well as having sporting pretensions Alfa Romeo is also making sure the Mito is highly customisable. Having watch Mini’s success, and learnt lessons from Fiat’s launch of the 500, the Mito will come with a large options list. Even the headlamp and taillight surrounds will be switchable so, Alfa says, you’ll be able to give your car ‘eye-liner’.

Mercedes gives M-Class a facelift

Mercedes-Benz is using next week's New York auto show to unveil a facelifted version of the second-generation M-Class SUV.

The M-Class has racked up 300,000 sales worldwide since 2005. However, strong competition in the luxury-SUV segment has led the German carmaker to tweak the appearance of the M-Class in a bid to boost its appeal until the planned arrival of the third-generation model in 2012.

Among the changes are a lightly altered front end with a redesigned bumper, larger headlights, more prominent three-slat grille and new fog lamps.

There are subtle changes toward the rear with new exterior-mirror housings, standard roof rails, new taillamp lens design and a deeper bumper with an optional stainless-steel protection plate.

Inside, new leatherlike door trim and a four-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles appear on all models, as do Mercedes-Benz's Pre-Safe occupant-protection system and NeckPro anti-whiplash headrests.

Among the optional equipment is a new entertainment and navigation system incorporating Mercedes-Benz's latest-generation telematics that include Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

Gasoline engine choices for the standard M-Class remain the same: a 3.5-liter, 272-hp V6 and a 5.5-liter, 388-hp V8. Also, a 3.0-liter diesel V6, rated at 211 hp, is added to the lineup.

They are joined by the powerplant in the facelifted version of the storming ML63 AMG, powered by a 6.2-liter, 510-hp V8. The AMG version also gets a bold new body kit, standard 20-inch wheels, and revised interior with a flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel and upgraded sport seats.

2008 New Ford Focus CC Car

The Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet completes the newly revamped European Focus lineup of three, four, and five-door wagon body styles. Like the last generation model, the new CC car will be manufactured at Pininfarina's Bairo plant.

New Ford Focus CC Car of 2008 Details:
The four-seater will come in three trim levels and with three different engines, including a 1.6-liter 100-horsepower Duratec four, a 2.0-liter Duratec 145-horsepower four, or a 136-horsepower Duratec turbodiesel. Whether in Trend, Sport, or Titanium trim levels, we still would not mind seeing a few CCs on our shores. Despite the unnecessary chrome trim on the upper lip of the grille, the hardtop convertible is especially fetching in dark red.

Having already taken the wraps off the more conventional four-door sedan, three- and five-door hatchbacks and wagon body-styles in Frankfurt, Ford of Europe is preparing to unveil its new hard-top convertible version of the new European Focus. Unfortunately, this model won't be available in the US market, so we'll have to settle for the images Ford has released of the new Focus CC until we bring you the live shots from the Geneva show floor next month. The CC also joins the ST hot-hatch and the upcoming RS in the new Euro Focus line-up.

Like its predecessor, Ford of Europe's new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is being built in Bairo, Italy, by Pininfarina. The drop-top Focus boasts a stiff body to maintain handling integrity and class-leading luggage space over rivals like the Peugeot 308 CC and Volkswagen Eos, regardless of whether the roof is up or down. The new Focus CC will be offered with three engine options and three trim levels: a 1.6-liter/100-hp and 2-liter 145-hp Duratec gasoline fours, and the 2-liter Duratorq turbodiesel with 136 hp, in either Trend, Sport or Titanium spec.

2009 Infiniti FX - Auto Shows

This year’s Geneva auto show marks the first time Infiniti has unveiled a brand-new product outside its U.S. sales stronghold, as the exhibition plays host to the all-new 2009 Infiniti FX crossover.

Built on the prodigious FM platform—which also underpins the Nissan 350Z, the Infiniti G sedan and coupe, the Infiniti EX35 crossover, and the Infiniti M sedan—the FX will remain a five-seater and continue to wear rakish styling.

In 2009 Auto Show:

The styling is more evolutionary than anything, so you’ll still be able to pick an FX from a crowd at first glance. Nevertheless, the new version’s headlamps are much faster, cutting back into a point along the fender, which themselves have gained more pronounced bulges.

The grille is wider and shorter, which serves visually to reduce front-end height. At the rear, the lower portion of the liftgate is less curved and more upright, much like that of the smaller EX35. And since all new vehicles apparently have to wear fender vents, the FX now has them, too. At least they’re functional—unlike most fender baubles—and Infiniti claims they reduce front-end lift by five percent.

The FX will be available, as before, with a V-6 and a V-8. The company is playing coy with V-6 details, but the V-8 is an all-new 5.0-liter unit rated for a hefty 390 horsepower—those numbers are up from 4.5 liters and 320 horsepower in the previous FX45. The displacement bump means, of course, that the top model will now be called the FX50.

Infiniti will release details on the V-6 version at this month’s New York auto show, and we expect the V-6 model to also jump in displacement, from 3.5 liters to 3.7. V-6 FXs will continue to be available with rear- or all-wheel drive, with the top-dog FX50 having all-wheel drive as standard.

For 2010, Infiniti will debut diesel and hybrid powertrains, but the diesel is unlikely to make it to the U.S. at that time. Instead, look for a hybrid FX, probably with a V-6 mated to electric motors.

New Ferraris off to spread the Magic Car

The Ferrari Magic India Discovery set off from Mumbai today. Two 612 Scagliettis, escorted by a little 500 and a Fiat Bravo, plus a fleet of support vehicles which include Tata Safaris and an IVECO Panther - the Italian version of the Hummer, set off on a voyage of discovery around India.

The 612 is named after Sergio Scaglietti, an erstwhile Modenese coachbuilder and close associate of Enzo Ferrari himself. The car has a 5748cc V12 engine which pumps out 540bhp, enough to power the car to 300kph. The 612 can seat four people.

This eclectic fleet will cover more than 13,000 kilometres as they wend their way through India’s verdant countryside, taking in places of historical and cultural significance over 74 days on the road. Where are the roads in India to really enjoy a Ferrari? Follow these exotic Italian cars to find out, as we track them both on our website and in the magazine. The route these cars will follow has been chalked by Autocar India, and we will bring you regular updates and photographs along the journey.

The Magic India will go around India in an anti-clockwise direction, heading south to Thiruvananthapuram via Goa and Mysore and then heading up the east coast to Kolkata. From Kolkata, the Ferraris will wend their way north to Delhi and Shimla, before heading back to Mumbai on May 7.

Opel Meriva concept

Opel (Vauxhall wasn’t represented) chose to showcase the Meriva concept for the first time in Geneva. It features the FlexDoor system – a combination of conventional front doors and rear-hinged rear ‘suicide’ doors.

Unlike the similarly apertured Mazda RX-8 – where the two doors interlock to close, eliminating the B-pillar –the B-pillar remains. But that’s not to dismiss it – the Meriva’s doors are actually an ingeniously simple solution for families and the elderly. Conventional rear doors separate front and rear passenger compartments when they’re open, making it hard to load children into the back. They’re also difficult for the elderly. The Meriva solves the kid problem, while a handle on the B-pillar allows the less mobile to lower themselves backwards into the car.

There are neat touches elsewhere too: a panoramic roof split by a central steel beam, a variable height boot floor and tailgate and rear door glass designed to maximise visibility.

New Car highlight
Thinking the Meriva was a bit dull, then realising it was a brilliantly simple solution to a common packaging shortfall

New Skoda Superb Cars in India

New Skoda Superb Cars in India:

Skoda has recently unveiled the all-new Superb, the second-generation of the Skoda flagship. Based on the VW Group’s A5 platform, which underpins the Laura, the new Superb has a substantially longer wheelbase; much like the previous Superb. However, the new Superb is no longer just a stretched last-generation VW Passat. This time, it has its own structure and suspension. Skoda has abandoned the saloon body of the current Superb and will offer the new model as a hatchback only. An estate, another first for the Superb, will be added later.

The new Superb’s twin-door concept allows the boot to open conventionally, or when more access is required for bulkier objects, the rear windscreen too opens along with the boot like a big hatch. The car maintains Skoda’s basic broad-shouldered look and grille. The details are however not as restrained. A sharp bonnet ‘V’ and central ridge are accompanied by very sharp-looking headlamps, that almost look like they have come off a modern BMW. The rear or C-pillar of the car is also much more upright and limo-ike. The rear of the car however is very uncharacteristic, with a Renault-like arrangement to the tail-lamps.

The interiors of the new Superb go more upmarket with better quality plastics and switchgear, notably the all-new multimedia steering wheel, which allows the driver to scroll through the built-in entertainment and navigation system.

If the current-generation car has a reputation for roominess, then the new car will be a revelation. It boasts more rear legroom and headroom than the current Superb. Also, with the rear seat folded, the Superb can pack in 1670 litres of luggage.

Powertrain options include 1.4 and 1.8-litre TSI petrols, and 1.9 litre and 2.0-litre diesels. Skoda has developed a 2.0-litre common-rail diesel as well, which is more powerful than the group’s Pumpe Duse 2.0-litre diesel. There is also a 3.6-litre V6 petrol, but that is unlikely to make it to India. Additionally, there’s the option of the group’s 2.7- and 3.0-litre V6 diesels if Skoda wants them. Skoda’s excellent twin-clutch DSG automatic gearbox will be an alternative to the regular six-speed manual.

As with all Skoda cars, pricing will be competitive and we expect approximately a Rs 1 lakh price hike over the existing model. The new Superb is unlikely to come to India before March 2009 as right-hand-drive production will take around a year to kick off. Unlike with the Octavia when the Laura came in, Skoda won’t retain the existing Superb after the new model is launched.

Small Cars for India, Hybrids and EVs get Budget sops

The Union Budget has been tabled, and the auto industry has received its share of sops and benefits. Of course, while some within the industry might argue that these benefits aren’t what they were hoping for, the fact of the matter remains that the buying price of vehicles has come down, particularly small cars and two-wheelers which have received a reduction in excise from 16 percent to 12 percent. In hard cash, this would translate to a saving of Rs 2000 for a bike buyer to about Rs 10,000 for someone looking at a hatchback. Hybrids on the other hand have received a 10 percent reduction in excise from 24 percent to 14 percent. For Honda and M&M who are keenly looking at this niche with their Civic hybrid and Scorpio hybrid respectively, this is indeed good news. Electric vehicles like the Reva, Hero Velociti and TVS Scooty Teenz enjoy a tax reduction from 8 to zero percent. For vehicles using alternative fuels such as biodiesel or gasohol however, there remains a grey area as to how much they will be taxed. We’ll keep you updated as we get a clearer picture.

Small Cars for India:

Taxes on recycled scrap steel and aluminium and steel melting have been reduced to zero from the previous five percent. This definition is ambiguous however, and open to interpretation, and whether this will also contribute to lower car prices remains to be seen. A fact of the matter though, is that auto makers who until now were lamenting rising material costs can look at ways of leveraging this reduction in raw material costs to widen their margins.

Motorsport enthusiasts can also seek succour in the knowledge that “encouragement to sports” has been exempted from Fringe Benefit Tax, and raw materials for sporting goods have been exempted from duty. So now you can get that carbon fibre monocoque cheap!

Corvette C6 New Car(2008)

GM sees the Corvette as a genuine Porsche 911 rival, so much so that it claims to have benchmarked this lightly revised version of the sixth-generation car directly against it. The 911. Yes, you read that right.

It also claims that the Corvette is the word's best-selling sports car. Yes, you read that right too. But, then, it's a home player in the American market. The fact that Britain accounts for annual sales in double figures makes a tiny impact on that claim, but it is something that GM is keen to redress.

If you like the idea of a big noise and a big shove in the back when you floor the throttle, the Corvette is your kind of car. Open the taps and you're immediately assailed by V8 thunder, while the horizon suddenly gets noticeably closer. This is a quick car, though it's also colossally high-geared, so the sense of unstoppable momentum really builds as you climb up those tall ratios. And you really need a long stretch of empty road to enjoy it to the full.