Hyundai ix20 teaser

Hyundai will reveal a brand new hatchback called the ix20 at this month’s Paris Motor Show. This new car is based on the 2008 HED-5 concept car and is expected to go on sale in 2011 in select markets around the world, possibly in India as well.

The ix20 was designed and developed at Hyundai’s European R&D centre in Germany and therefore boasts of European design cues and a taut exterior as can be seen from this teaser image which Hyundai has released. The ix20 is a large hatch and will be launched with a choice diesel and petrol engines and with manual and automatic tranmission. Continue reading →

Swift Parade 2010 (Gurgaon)

Maruti-Suzuki has launched a limited edition model of its best selling Swift hatchback in India. The ‘Swift One Million Edition’ commemorates Maruti’s feat of selling one million cars in India (achieved in March 2010).

What this means is that the new 2011 Swift we were hoping to get by 2010 end will now make its way to India only by mid-2011. That’s the art of prolonging the life of an ageing car model, which auto makers in India have mastered over the years. Continue reading →

M-Class Grand Edition

Mercedes-Benz’s slow selling luxury SUV the M-Class will get some cosmetic enhancement thanks to a new ‘Grand Edition’ package.

The Autocar reports that M-Class Grand Edition which will launch soon at a premium of about Rs. 5 lakh will get an exterior and interior styling pack and new equipment. On the outside the new M-Class variant will feature LED daytime running lights, dark tinted headlamps, an AMG grille and under guards, 19-inch alloy wheels and aluminium roof rails. Continue reading →

Finally the Polo 1.6 is here

Finally Volkswagen has given the good looking Polo some muscle. The puny three-cylinder engine is now joined by a mightier 104bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine which also does duty in the newly launched Vento sedan. Continue reading →

Royal Enfield expanding capacity

Royal Enfield has announced expansion plans spread over the next 2-3 years at the cost of Rs. 30-40 crore. The niche bike maker wants to double its capacity to be able to cater to the growing demand in India.

Royal Enfield’s growing popularity in the Indian market had led to long waiting periods for its bikes and the company wants to cater to this growing demands. The investment will see their annual capacity rise from the current 55,000 units to 1.1 lakh units. Some funds will also be devoted to its R&D department for improving its product range.

The company also revealed that it is working on a 500cc Thunderbird which should launch in 1-2 years time. It is also working on a high-end ‘Cafe Racer’ 750cc bike which will be primarily exported.

Force Motors to launch new SUV soon

Force Motors has announced plans to enter the passenger car segment by launching their first SUV in India by 2010 end.

Developed in-house the new SUV is said to be in advanced staged of development and has even been clicked in disguise undergoing testing. Force India’s Chairman told the Economic Times that the new SUV will be a completely new model and not related to its Trax rural MPV. Continue reading →