BMW 335Li LWB

A long-wheelbase version of the next-generation BMW 3 Series has been spotted and snaps of it have made their way to the web. This Chinese market version is meant for chauffeur driven buyers and could do well if launched in India.

While the 3 Series is known to be a driver’s car, in India where most buyers of luxury cars get them driven by chauffeurs, this LWB version makes good sense. The LWB 3 Series could bring back some of the buyers lost to Mercedes-Benz whose C-Class is considered a better buy for rear-seat occupying owners. The LWB 3 Series will bear the 335Li badge in China and is expected to make its official debut at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show in April.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL

While Mercedes-Benz’s pavilion at the Delhi Auto Expo witnessed huge crowds, a big crowd puller, the new 2013 SL made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show.

Mercedes-Benz has given the legendary SL another lease of life with the new 2013 model which though looks familiar has new design elements and technology to keep it fresh. The overall dimensions of the roadster remain nearly the same as its predecessor but the new SL is based on a new all-aluminium structure and body which Mercedes says weighs about 125kgs less than the current model. Continue reading →

New Ford Mondeo

Ford has taken the covers off its all-new Mondeo sedan at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show. This new Camry & Accord fighter is most likely to make its way to India in 2013.

Moreover the 2013 Mondeo is an all-new car and looks the part too. To be honest Ford has used many design cues from Aston Martin while designing the new Mondeo and it could be mistaken for a Rapide by those with an untrained automotive eye. It looks stunning and very proportionate from almost any angle. Continue reading →

New 2012 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai’s pavilion at the upcoming 2012 Auto Expo will showcase the next-generation Sonata sedan which will be launched at the event according to company sources.

Hyundai’s existing Sonata Embera has gotten really old in the tooth and was hardly selling and thus the move to bring in the all new Sonata or the i45 as it is known internationally. The new Sonata will be manufactured in India and is thus expected to cost considerably less than its rivals which include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry (new one expected at the Auto Expo), VW Passat and the Skoda Superb. While Hyundai hasn’t spilled the beans yet, we expect a price range of Rs. 15-18 lakh for the new Sonata. Continue reading →

A teaser sketch of I-oniq concept

Hyundai has released a sketch of what will be a radically styled new concept called I-oniq and will be revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

From the sketch it looks like a new shooting brake or a crossover of some sort. Hyundai doesn’t have a shooting brake in its potfolio and neither does it have a four-door coupe so this new concept could pave the way for one of those. Hyundai has named the concept I-oniq which it says previews the brands next evolution of ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language which we see on current models like the new Verna. Continue reading →

2012 Honda City launched

Honda has launched the refreshed 2012 model City with a few cosmetic changes, new equipment and a lower price tag.

The City now starts at Rs. 6.99 lakh for the Corporate Edition which puts it at par with rivals like the Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento etc and is good value for money for a car of this class.  Externally the 2012 City features a revised front and rear bumpers, chrome grille, rear taillights, new ORVMs with integrated turn indicators and new design alloy wheels in the higher spec variants. Continue reading →