The Skoda Octavia, the brand’s most successful model and a multi-million seller around the world, celebrates another remarkable milestone in 2019 – the 60th anniversary of its introduction. Originally designed to bring affordable and high-quality motoring to the widest possible audience at an affordable price, the design and engineering philosophies behind the Octavia remain the same today.

Over the years, the Octavia has proved itself to be one of the most adaptable and practical cars on the market. It has set World Land Speed Records, been transformed into a title-winning rally car and, become one of the most trusted cars used by the British emergency services.

1959-1971 first-generation Octavia
The eighth post-war car to be designed and built at Mladá Boleslav, the Octavia took its name from the latin word for eight – octo. Production began in 1959, with exports to global markets – including the UK – starting shortly after.

In terms of design and engineering, the Octavia featured the same advanced tubular backbone chassis design as its predecessor (the 440/445) but introduced more sophisticated coil spring suspension that transformed the driving experience. Power came from a 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine that developed just 40 PS. A modestly more powerful 1.2-litre, 45 PS engine arrived later the same year, followed by a range-topping 50 PS in March 1960.

By the early 1960s, Skoda’s export drive was in full swing. The Octavia’s combination of elegant looks, robust engineering and fine value made it a hit with the customers, while the availability of a new estate version – complete with split tailgate and 1,050 litre boot –broadened its appeal even further.

The arrival of the rear-engined 1000/1100MB in 1964 marked the end of the road for the first-generation Octavia saloon. However, with its replacement unsuited to an estate car layout, the Octavia estate remained in production at Kvasiny until 1971. Between 1959 and 1971, a total of 360,000 Octavias were produced, including more than 54,000 estate versions.

1996 – 2004: new-generation Octavia Mk1; 1,451,636 cars built
An all-new Octavia was one of the cornerstones of Skoda’s ambitious design and engineering programme following its acquisition by the Volkswagen Group in 1991. Within five years, the dream became a reality. Built on an all-new Mlada Bolelsav production line, it signalled the start of Skoda’s re-emergence as a mainstream car maker and proved an instant hit with buyers.

Such was the international demand for the Octavia, that the UK had to wait until 2006 for the first right-hand drive examples to arrive in retailers. By then the range had already expanded to include an estate version, along with a wide variety of engine and trim options. Skoda’s first vRS model – complete with 180 PS engine – arrived in 2001, along with a four-wheel drive estate variant.

2004-2013; Octavia Mk2; 2,274,529 cars built
The second-generation Octavia continued its predecessor’s success story. First shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2004, the Mk2 Octavia arrived with a sleeker design, a bigger cabin and more state-of-the-art technology.

As with the Mk1, the Octavia offered modern tech at a price that couldn’t be beaten. With a line-up featuring direct injection engines, six-speed transmissions and a DSG double-clutch gearbox, the Octavia became a serial award-winner, picking up accolades from both the motoring press and customer satisfaction organisations.

Such was the popularity of the second-generation Octavia that Skoda developed plans to create new production facilities around the world. In 2005, production began in Aurangabad in India, with China getting its own production line two years later. A new facility in Kaluga, Russia started building Octavias in 2009, and by 2011, nearly 38 per cent of all Octavia sales worldwide went to countries outside Europe.

2013-present; Octavia Mk3; More than 2,500,000 cars built to date
Today, the third generation Octavia continues to form the backbone of the Skoda model range.

The third generation introduced a range of new technical and safety features, along with a new crystalline look and an even more practical cabin. Facelifted in 2017, the Octavia range is now the biggest ever, with a huge range of trim and engine options, including Scout 4×4 models, luxurious L&K variants and vRS performance flagships.

Despite the Octavia’s remarkable development over the years, the 2019 version remains true to the design philosophy that underpinned the 1959 original. It may be bigger, safer and vastly better equipped, but it continues to deliver exceptional quality and value for money to Skoda customers.

From the very beginning of Ceed development 15 years ago, Kia has taken an open-minded approach to potential body styles. Many have been considered, and, in creating the all-new Ceed range, Kia’s European designers have been given the freedom to explore many different possibilities.

One additional idea stands out above all others, as Kia is set to welcome a new arrival to the Ceed model family later this year, the Ceed Crossover. Gregory Guillaume, Vice President of Design for Kia Motors Europe, explains: “There’s another style, another type of vehicle, that we feel very strongly deserves to be a new member of the Ceed family. It will the play the role that’s needed to make the Ceed range stronger and even more exciting, more appealing, to European consumers. The design will be nothing like you’ve seen in the Ceed family so far. This will be the next big surprise from Kia.”

With the arrival of the all-new Ceed, Ceed Sportswagon and ProCeed, Kia’s best-selling model family hasn’t stopped growing, and the newest member will shake things up again. The new Ceed crossover will be named and revealed later in 2019.

American auto giant Ford has announced the launch of the 2019 edition of the Figo in India with pan India ex-showroom prices starting at Rs 515,000.

Redesigned with more than 1,200 new parts, the 2019 Ford Figo features a more stylish exterior and interior, an array of safety technologies and a new engine promising more power and fun-of-driving.

The New Figo will be available in a simplified line-up of three variants across two fuel options and seven colour schemes. This includes a top-of-the-line Figo Blu with sporty cellular grille, new 15-inch alloys, dual tone roof, stylish blue themed interiors and a segment-first six airbags.

“As a brand, Figo has been a preferred choice of first-time car buyer thanks to the practicality and value on offer,” said Anurag Mehrotra, President and Managing Director, Ford India. “Suited for the fast-paced lifestyle of today’s customers, the 2019 Ford Figo continues to surprise on every count – be it looks, the fun of driving attributes, safety and not to miss, the most-affordable ownership experience.”

Doing duty in the new Figo will be the small, light and fuel efficient three-cylinder 1.2-litre TiVCT petrol engine, being introduced for the first time. The naturally aspirated engine generates 96 PS of peak power and 120 Nm of torque while delivering an ARAI-ratified fuel efficiency of 20.4 kmpl.

For the diesel lovers, the new Ford Figo will come with the tried and trusted 1.5-litre TDCi engine delivering 100 PS peak power, 215 Nm of torque and fuel economy of 25.5 kmpl.

Both engines in the New Figo will be paired with a five-speed manual transmission that’s almost 15 per cent lighter and helps improve fuel economy while reducing NVH. It also requires 40 per cent lesser gear oil than its predecessor.

Offering greater power of choice, the New Ford Figo will also be offered with a six-speed automatic transmission. Paired to the latest 1.5-litre petrol, three-cylinder engine, the Figo Automatic will deliver a peak power of 123 PS and fuel economy of 16.3 kmpl.

The new Figo sports a redesigned front fascia compared to its predecessor and feature a dynamic three-dimensional cellular grille. This will make the car stand apart and make a statement.

The fog lamps in the new Figo are harmoniously integrated into the front bumper and will come with a chrome and Blue touch, depending on the trim. Headlamps with a black encasing in the new Figo will deliver a sporty yet premium look while the side and rear decals in the Blu trim accentuate its formidable stance.

The top-of-the-line Figo Blu will feature premium alloys and bigger 15-inch tyres to deliver confidence and planted drive dynamics. This trim will also offer customers rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and electrochromic inside rear view mirror (IRVM).

With sporty blue and charcoal black interiors, the inside of new Figo will be fully equipped with several convenience features including push-button start/stop, reverse parking sensors and camera, automatic climate control, USB slots among many others.

New Ford Figo will offer a host of innovations to keep its owners, informed, entertained and safe at all times. it will continue Ford’s leadership on safety, offering standard dual airbags across the variant line-up. For those looking for greater safety, it will offer up to six airbags on top Blu edition.

Going beyond airbags, the 2019 Figo will enhance occupant safety with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), thus helping drivers with better grip and a smooth drive. The New Figo will also enable its owners to navigate through quick turns with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) in the automatic variant.

To keep the customers entertained and informed, the new Figo will come equipped with a 7-inch homegrown infotainment system with touchscreen and built-in navigation.

The New Ford Figo will come with a first-in-class five-year or 100,000 KM warranty, which includes 2-year factory warranty and 3-year extended warranty. The promise of quality from Ford with its offer on standard warranty coupled with lowest scheduled service and parts pricing in the segment will ensure complete peace-of-mind for customers.

Figo (colloquial Italian for “cool”) was first introduced as a brand by Ford India in 2009 and was voted the 2011 Indian Car of The Year by a panel of leading automotive editors. With over 320,000 proud owners till date, the Figo has been one of the most awarded cars ever, and among the most selling Ford products out of the one million customers in India.

Variant-wise pan India ex-showroom prices:

Ford Figo (Petrol 1.2L TiVCT)

Ford Figo (Diesel 1.5L TDCi)

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd. launched the all new MT-15 (155 cc) in India with ex-showroom prices starting at Rs. 1,36,000. The new MT-15 (155 cc) mounts a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve, 6-speed transmission, 155cc fuel-injected engine along with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system on a Delta box frame.

The new Yamaha MT-15 is powered with an engine that offers 58.0 × 58.7 mm bore × stroke and a 11.6:1 compression ratio producing a maximum output of 19.3 PS (14.2 kW) at 10,000 rpm and maximum torque of 14.7 Nm (1.5 kgm) at 8,500 rpm. The new MT-15 strikes the ideal balance of agile acceleration, agile handling and advanced design and is targeted for young generation who are transitioning from lower end two wheelers and are simultaneously looking for snappy rides with maximum feel of torque and acceleration. The new Yamaha MT-15 sports 140 mm width rear tyre and 282 mm front disc brake with single-channel ABS for excellent stopping power.

Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India group of companies commented during the launch of the new MT-15, “Today’s customers look for variety and diverse range of products. We at Yamaha will always try to introduce new biking experiences to our customers & excite them with products & services that exceed customer expectations. Yamaha will offer 3 motorcycle series in India under “The Call of the Blue” campaign, the ‘R series’, ‘FZ series’ and the new ‘MT series’. With the new trends of motorcycling in India wherein the riders want diverse experiences with speed and controls, the entry of MT-15 is inevitable. The launch of the new MT-15 will further multiply the brand’s excitement as it would entice customers in exciting, stylish and sporty motorcycling with its unique torque and agility along with design excellence and engineering.”

The evolution of the MT DNA in international market has contributed to the proud and defiant look of the new MT-15 along with the technological pursuit of the machine’s essence that is backed by minimum ground clearance of 155 mm, weight (with oil and a full fuel tank) of 138 kg, VVA system providing sharp top-end power, a bypass type thermostat for the cooling system to reduce engine warm up time and a muffler with 3-stage expansion chamber for a clear sound at high rpm. While fine-tuning the rigidity of the pivot point of the chassis that directly receives the drive force generated by the rear wheel has been made, an ideal balance of vertical, horizontal and torsional rigidity is also achieved while a box-section steel swing arm is provided for an optimal balance of strength. All of such features present the uniqueness of quick-feeling handling, eventually facilitating the new MT-15 respond exactly as the rider intends.

Triumph Motorcycles India launched the latest Tiger 800 XCA priced at Rs 15,16,700 (ex-showroom).  The Tiger 800 XCA is the newest addition to an already strong adventure line-up of Triumph in India and also to Triumph’s 80-year-old legendary bloodline which is designed to handle on and off-road challenges flawlessly.

The Tiger 800 XCA is the most advanced Tiger model ever with new technological innovations, engine enhancement, premium specification, and style updates designed specifically to deliver a perfect ride.

The significantly updated Tiger 800 XCA features over 200 chassis and engine upgrades. These are complemented by a suite of major off-road improvements that work hand-in-hand with carefully crafted on-road enhancements.

The Tiger 800 XCA represents a huge step-up in rider technology with improvements including full-colour TFT instruments, up to six riding modes, high-specification Brembo front brakes, optimised suspension configurations, handlebar-mounted switch cubes incorporating elegant backlit buttons, distinctive signature all-LED lighting, updated cruise control, enhanced chassis, and premium bodywork.

A mass-optimised 800cc Triple engine now gives more immediate power delivery and a peak power output of 95 PS. It has even more character and a lighter exhaust system with a sportier soundtrack that together transforms the new generation engine. There is a new, shorter ratio first gear to enhance off-road traction, all-road low speed responsiveness, and more immediate acceleration that gives the rider a truly thrilling feel. In addition, the new Off-Road Pro riding mode allows an advanced rider to take complete control off road.

Tiger signature styling is now even stronger on the Tiger 800 XCA. New premium bodywork includes high quality painted finishes with updated side panel designs, along with higher quality badges, graphics and detailing to deliver real presence. This also gives the Tiger a more contemporary and dynamic stance that highlights the on and off-road bias, while retaining the distinctive and instantly recognisable Tiger 800 silhouette.

Shoeb Farooq, General Manager, Triumph Motorcycles India commented: “Tiger as a brand is important and central to our product strategy in India. With more than 1000 Tigers already on the road, Triumph Tiger undoubtedly is the largest premium adventure motorcycle in India. We are proud to launch the Tiger 800 XCA today which adds to our already strong adventure offering to Indian audiences. The new Tiger 800 has undergone years of research and development and is the best adventure-ready Tiger ever built. Triumph has developed a host of major new technology and performance updates designed to enhance the new Tiger 800 XCA’s capability both on and off-road. With developments that complement the Tiger’s accessible and agile easy riding style, as well as its existing distinctive Tiger poise and presence, the new Tiger 800 XCA is built for maximum adventure – every single day. We’re sure that its technological innovations and premium styling will appeal to premium adventure enthusiasts in the country.”

Gaku Nakanishi, President & CEO and Rajesh Goel, Sr Vice President & Director Honda Cars India at the launch of All-New 10th Generation Honda Civic in India.

Japanese carmaker Honda has launched the much awaited All-New 10th Generation Honda Civic in the Indian market. The Civic is Honda’s longest-running automotive nameplate and its largest-selling model globally. The new Honda Civic aspires to excitie the customer with an engaging driving experience, sporty exterior design, premium interior, impressive driving performance and an advanced set of technologies and innovations.

Presenting the All New Honda Civic to customers in India, Gaku Nakanishi, President & CEO, Honda Cars India said, “We are delighted to expand our product portfolio in India with launch of the iconic and our global best seller Honda Civic. This is Honda’s 3rd new model introduction in FY19 and the launch of Civic completes our premium sedan line-up in India.” “We have received an overwhelming response during the pre-launch phase and we believe that the All New Civic will have the opportunity to revive the executive sedan segment in India,” he added.

The 2019 Honda Civic boasts of a sporty and aggressive styling with a wide stance, sharply defined character lines, and an aggressive new face. The sporty exterior of the new Civic is further amplified by its chrome front grill, signature LED headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), and distinctive C shaped LED tail lamps that truly highlight its unique brand identity.

On the inside, the 10th Generation Honda Civic presents a blend of spacious interior complemented by a modern and expansive cockpit design. Showcasing a completely redesigned cabin, the new Civic is integrated with premium quality soft-touch materials and an extensive package of intuitive controls that provide a unique customer experience.

Under the hood, the All-New Civic is powered by a 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that offers a very responsive driving performance and better fuel saving.

Also introduced with a diesel engine option in India for the first time, Honda Civic comes with the 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbo diesel unit from Honda Earth Dreams Technology series mated to a 6-speed manual transmission offering an engaging driving performance and an ARAI-ratified fuel efficiency of 26.8 kmpl.

Building on the foundation of its ultra-rigid and lightweight body structure, the all-new Civic utilises the most sophisticated chassis design in the history of Civic. The MacPherson Strut Front Suspension is engineered to provide engaging performance and a responsive feel for the driver. Mounted on a rigid sub-frame, a first for Civic, the new Multi-Link Rear Suspension provides agile handling with high degree of stability, both during normal driving and in emergency maneuvers. For Indian specification, the ground clearance of the 10th Generation Honda Civic has been increased by 20mm at front and 15mm at rear as compared to global specification.

The all-new Civic is designed to provide a high level of collision performance in a wide variety of collision scenarios, including offset and full-lap frontal collisions, side and rear impacts. The Civic is equipped with a wide range of Honda’s active safety, passive safety and driver-assistive features.

The new Honda Civic will be available in five variants – V CVT, VX CVT and ZX CVT trims in 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol line-up and the VX MT and ZX MT grades with the 1.6-litre i-DTEC Turbo diesel.

All New 10^th Generation Honda Civic Prices Ex-showroom across India:

Enrollment has reopened at the Ducati Riding Academy. Providing courses and experiences since 2003, the academy has let more than 10,000 motorcyclists from all over the world hone their riding skills on a Ducati.

The big change for the 2019 international season is DRE Road Academy, the new DRE course designed to let everyone take control on a built-in-Bologna Ducati. Designed for novices and expert riders alike, the courses – held at the Modena racetrack – give participants the chance to put the new models in the Ducati range through their paces while ensuring they take their riding skills to the next level.

DRE Racetrack, instead, offers a steep learning curve plus plenty of fun and excitement, not to mention the most beautiful, highest-performing bikes in the Ducati Superbike range. There are four courses, sub-divided according to participants’ abilities and requirements: they range from Track Warm Up – for those who have never ridden on a track yet are eager to take the so-called “baptism of speed” – to the Champs Academy. In between lie Track Evo and Track Master, courses which let those who already have a certain experience improve ride technique and lap times even further.

DRE Enduro Academy is a valuable experience for those who like to ride off the beaten track. Sat astride the new Multistrada 1260 Enduro and Multistrada 950, participants will learn a swath of off-road techniques and tricks, all under controlled conditions and supervised by expert, qualified instructors.

DRE Travel experiences have also been revamped. Routes and activities have now been upgraded, thanks also to a fresh partnership with world-renowned tour operator Boscolo. The Dream Tour is an electrifying 5-day ride on your favourite Ducati through the stunning switchbacks and hills of the Tuscany-Emilia Apennines. The Adventure Tour is pure enthusiasm and enjoyment, a unique 4-day fun-filled ride experience in the midst of nature on the new Multistrada 1260 Enduro and Multistrada 950.

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd. has announced a new Darkknight edition for the Fascino scooter, enabled with Unified Braking System (UBS) along with additional feature like maintenance free battery. The price of the new Fascino Darknight edition is Rs. 56,793 (Ex showroom Delhi).

Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India group of companies said on the occasion, “Yamaha is committed to establish its uniqueness through exciting, stylish and sporty products and experiences. Yamaha Fascino has already gone up and about its unique style and excitement in the market. The new DARKNIGHT edition will further create an urbane style which is in line with Yamaha’s efforts to add DARKNIGHT editions in many other two wheelers.”

Just twelve months after it was revealed as a concept car at the Geneva International Motor Show, the McLaren Senna GTR is revealed as a fully-fledged track machine – uncompromised, unconstrained and unshackled by road or racing regulations.

McLaren Automotive’s most track-focused Ultimate Series car has evolved in key areas to deliver on its promise of hypercar power and accessible handling with the aerodynamics and chassis of a thoroughbred racer. The result is a machine able to lap circuits faster than any McLaren outside Formula 1, providing its owners, of all abilities, with an unparalleled track driving experience.

The McLaren Senna GTR takes the road-legal McLaren Senna – already the lightest, most powerful and track-focused but road-legal car that McLaren builds – several steps further into the realm of ultimate performance. Without the constraints of road or racing regulations, the new Ultimate Series car is more powerful, weighs less, boasts an incredible 1,000 kg plus of aerodynamic downforce and uses suspension derived from McLaren’s GT3 race programme.

Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive, said: “The McLaren Senna GTR is a perfect example of our determination to bring our customers the Ultimate expression of track driving performance and excitement. The McLaren Senna was designed from the outset to be an extreme track car, but the 2018 McLaren Senna GTR Concept suggested how much more further we could go and now, free from the constraints of road car legislation and motorsport competition rules, we have pushed the limits of what is technically possible to advance circuit driving capability to another level entirely.”

The McLaren Senna GTR, which joins the McLaren Senna and McLaren Speedtail in the brand’s Ultimate Series, succeeds legendary predecessors the Le Mans-winning McLaren F1 GTR of 1995 and the McLaren P1 GTR of 2015 and keeps the name that honours the memory of three-times McLaren Formula 1 World Champion, Ayrton Senna.

Each new McLaren Senna GTR offers its owner virtually unlimited opportunities for personalisation by McLaren Special Operations Options, from paint colours in the MSO Defined portfolio to unique, multi-hued liveries as an MSO Bespoke commission that imagines a wholly individual expression of track car artistry.

Just 75 McLaren Senna GTRs will be built to customer order at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, UK, with first deliveries commencing September 2019. Priced from £1.1 million plus taxes, all cars were allocated to owners within weeks of the order book opening following the McLaren Senna GTR Concept debuting at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show.

Aston Martin DBX – the British luxury marque’s first SUV – has continued its intensive development programme this week at Pirelli’s official test facility, close to the Arctic Circle in Sweden.

Pirelli’s R&D Sottozero Centre at the Flurheden Proving Ground provides a range of extreme environments, from snowy roads to ice handling courses, allowing Aston Martin’s vehicle dynamics specialists – led by Aston Martin Chief Engineer, Matt Becker – to put the DBX prototype to the test.

Becker said, “The Aston Martin DBX needs to be ready for a wide range of multi-terrain surfaces, so in addition to testing the car in normal day-to-day situations, we need to test it in extreme conditions such as these. Testing these prototypes in cold climate conditions helps us to assess the car’s early dynamics and crucially ensure confidence inspiring sure-footedness on low grip surfaces. This car propels Aston Martin into a new segment and our engineering team are enjoying the challenges of developing a quality luxury SUV experience through this robust testing schedule. Progress is on-track and I am confident that we will deliver over and above what our customers would expect from an Aston Martin SUV.”

The Aston Martin DBX will go into prototype build at St Athan, Wales in mid-2019, before full production commences in 2020.