Tata Motors has launched the Tigor facelift with a starting price of Rs 5.20 lakh for the base petrol variant and Rs 6.09 lakh for the base diesel trim.

Walk around the Tigor facelift and you will notice new features like the square chrome elements inside the headlights, the clear lens tail-lights and a shark-fin antenna. Chrome highlights are also visible on the door handles, the front bumper, the grille and the fog lamp housings. The updated Tigor is also available is a new Egyptian Blue colour scheme option.

The top-spec XZ+ trim is an addition to the variant line up. It comes equipped with a 7.0-inch Harman-sourced touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto compatibility. This also doubles as a display for the reverse camera.

Additional features on the Tigor XZ+ include faux-leather upholstery, driver’s side seat-height adjust, power-folding wing mirrors with integrated turn indicators and a shark-fin antenna.

Mechanically, the refreshed Tata Tigor remains unchanged. Doing duty in the 2018 Tigor is the same 86 PS, 1.2-litre petrol engine and the 71 PS, 1.05-litre diesel motor. With the petrol engine, you have a choice of either opting for a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox, the diesel only gets a 5-speed manual transmission.

The 2018 Tata Tigor will compete with the Ford Figo Aspire, Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Xcent and Volkswagen Ameo.

Datsun India has launched the new Datsun GO and Datsun GO+ at an introductory price of Rs 3.29 lakh for the GO and Rs 3.83 lakh, for the GO+ (ex-showroom). Deliveries to new owners will commence immediately at all Nissan and Datsun dealerships across the country.

Speaking on the launch, Thomas Kuehl, President, Nissan India Operations said, “The new Datsun GO and Datsun GO+ is conceptualized for the new-age Indian consumer, the millennials who are mature, smart goers, family oriented with a progressive and evolved mindset. Powered by Japanese engineering, Datsun GO and GO+ are equipped with fabulous new features and upgrades for a more comfortable, safe and stylish driving experience.”

The all new Datsun GO and GO+ gets a new interior design with new instrument cluster, anti fatigue front seats, premium instrument panel, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with voice recognition and Android Auto/ Apple Car Play.

The 2018 Datsun GO and GO+ also comes equipped with Ride Control Advanced Suspension system and race-inspired 1.2L HR12 DE petrol engine delivering an ARAI-ratified mileage of 19.83 kmpl.

The new Datsun GO and GO+ will be available in five grades and two new additional colours – Amber Orange and Sun Stone Brown respectively. Both the models will come with a standard warranty of two years ‘Datsun Care’ car service package that offers peace of mind to customers.

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), today launched its 5^th generation all new Honda CR-V in the Indian market. This is the first time Honda CR-V is introduced with a diesel engine option in India and the all new model will strengthen the company’s presence in the premium SUV segment.

For the first time Honda CR-V will be available in both diesel and petrol engine options and boasts of a range of features such as Panoramic Sunroof, LED DRLs and lighting system, segment-first full size driver information interface and advanced standard safety equipment.

The All new Honda CR-V comes a sharper front-end design elements, aggressive stylized headlights, surrounded by a wing-shaped LED DRL, and wide, muscular fenders. The long hood, longer wheelbase and short rear overhang give the new CR-V an upscale presence.

The all-new Honda CR-V builds on its legacy of spacious and versatile interiors and offers the roomiest CR-V cabin yet. User friendly amenities, premium accents and leather seating helps give the CR-V a more luxurious feel than ever before.

The 1.6L DOHC i-DTEC 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine has maximum power of 120 PS at 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 300 Nm at 2000 rpm, equivalent to a large-size diesel engine. It works together with a shift by wire nine-speed automatic transmission (Electronic Gear Selector) designed to offer good acceleration and an ARAI-ratified fuel efficiency of 19.5 kmpl for 2WD option and 18.3 kmpl for AWD option.

The 2.0L SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine provides 154 PS at 6500 rpm and 189 Nm of torque at 4300 rpm. It is integrated with a CVT automatic transmission that offers enhanced response and stability with linear acceleration.

Presenting the All-New Honda CR-V in India, Gaku Nakanishi, President & CEO, Honda Cars India said, “Today, we launch the globally successful All-new 5^th Generation Honda CR-V which has captured the imagination of SUV lovers across the world. Honda introduced the CR-V brand in India in 2003 as one of the first premium SUVs in the market. The All New CR-V distinctly offers Fun-to-Drive performance of an SUV and Driving comfort of a sedan which makes it a perfect Urban SUV. We strongly believe that the new CR-V has the potential to be a game changer in Premium SUV segment and we foresee a shift in consumer preference towards more luxurious and comfortable SUVs.”

The All New 5th Generation Honda CR-V is available in 3 variants bearing the following price tags:
• Petrol CVT 2WD – Rs 28,15,000
• Diesel 9AT 2WD – Rs 30,65,000
• Diesel 9AT AWD – Rs 32,75,000

The CR-V is available in a choice of 5 exterior colours – Golden Brown Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and White Orchid Pearl.

Deliveries of the All New Honda CR-V will begin immediately from the HCIL dealer network of 341 facilities in 231 cities across the country. The All New Honda CR-V will offer complete peace of mind.

• 3 years / Unlimited Kilometers warranty as standard
• Extended Warranty for additional two years / Unlimited kilometers
• Service interval of 1 year/ 10,000km whichever is earlier

The BMW X1 petrol variant has been launched in India bearing a ex-showroom price tag of Rs 37,50,000. The BMW X1 sDrive20i is locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai and has been introduced in an exclusive ‘xLine’ design scheme.

xLine is the perfect choice to further emphasise the off-road character of BMW X1. The boldly designed kidney grille slats in aluminium matt and grille frame in chrome high-gloss set clear visual accents. The 18′-inch light alloy wheels in Y-spoke style accentuate the dynamic character of the BMW X1 sDrive20i. Door sill finishers in aluminium with BMW lettering and sport leather steering wheel in the interior stylishly round off the xLine. This design scheme also features panorama sunroof and ambient lighting scheme in orange or white variable.

The two-litre four cylinder petrol engine of the BMW X1 sDrive20i is BS-VI compliant and produces a power output of 195 PS (192 hp) and a maximum torque of 280 Nm at just 1,350 – 4,600 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 224 kmph.

The petrol variant of X1 features an all-new seven-speed Steptronic sport automatic double clutch transmission that performs smooth gear shifts. The new transmission not only proves a more efficient conduit of power but also improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions. At any time, in any gear, the transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency.

The BMW X1 sDrive20i comes with Servotronic speed-sensitive steering assistance which allows parking and turning-off manoeuvres to be completed safely and comfortably with little steering effort. At higher speeds, drivers can especially look forward to the steering precision.

The BMW X1 comes equipped with safety features which provides optimal support in any situation with six air bags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Side-impact Protection, Runflat tyres with reinforced sidewalls, integrated emergency spare wheel, BMW Condition Based Service (Intelligent maintenance system), electronic vehicle immobiliser and crash sensor.

The BMW sDrive20i xLine comes standard with BMW ConnectedDrive features such as touch-enabled Navigation with iDrive touch controller and 16.5 cms colour display, BMW Apps, Wireless Apple Car Play, Park Distance Control (PDC), Rear-view camera, Connectivity through Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Ford India has introduced its compact sedan – New Ford Aspire at a competitive introductory price starting from Rs 555,000. Combining power, style and substance, the New Ford Aspire is a fresh take on compact sedans with many segment-best technologies, best-in-class safety, fun-to-drive DNA, and unmatched cost of ownership.

“The New Ford Aspire is a complete package, tailor-made for those who don’t follow the crowd and want more out of their car experience,” said Anurag Mehrotra, President and Managing Director, Ford India. “With many segment-best and industry-first features, New Ford Aspire ensures that every customer gets what they desire – be it looks, the fun of driving attributes, safety and the most-affordable ownership experience.”

New Ford Aspire compact sedan now offers Ford’s all-new, three-cylinder 1.2L TiVCT petrol engine that is small, light and fuel efficient. 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, New Ford Aspire comes with the tried and trusted 1.5L TDCi engine delivering 100 PS peak power, 215 Nm of torque and fuel economy of 26.1 kmpl.

Both engines are paired with an all-new, five-speed manual transmission that’s sportier and fun-to-drive. This new manual transmission is almost 15 per cent lighter and helps improve fuel economy while reducing NVH. It requires 40 per cent lesser gear oil than its predecessor. Drivers will experience slicker, more responsive gear shifts when they behind the wheel.

Offering greater power of choice, Ford is also introducing its latest six-speed Automatic Transmission on the New Ford Aspire. Paired to the latest 1.5L Petrol, three-cylinder engine, the Automatic New Ford Aspire delivers a peak power of 123 PS. According to the company, all three engines will be the most powerful in their respective categories.

The compact, sub-4-meter design in the New Ford Aspire has been smartly executed to ensure it looks proportionate from every angle. Redesigned front fascia features a dynamic three-dimensional cellular grille. New fog lamps are encrusted in a premium chrome surrounding and harmoniously integrated into the front bumper. Headlamps in the New Ford Aspire feature a black encasing that looks sporty yet premium. Similarly, new design tail lamps accentuate its formidable stance on the road. New Ford Aspire also features premium alloys and bigger 15-inch tyres to deliver confidence and planted drive dynamics.

The cabin in the New Ford Aspire features warm, beige interiors, adding to the premiumness and the enhanced sense of space. The seats have better support to make every journey comfortable, including a central armrest with two integrated cup or bottle holders in the rear.

The cabin is replete with convenience features including a reverse parking camera,  automatic climate control system, two USB slots, push-button start/stop, electrochromic IRVM, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps among many others.

New Ford Aspire compact sedan 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 Titanium+ trim.

Going beyond airbags, Ford Aspire will offer several features to enhance occupant safety such as Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), helping drivers better grip, while keeping the drive smooth.

The New Ford Aspire will enable its owners to navigate quick turns and bends with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS). Also in Automatic Transmission, the Hill-Launch Assist feature will ensure greater control on inclines.

The New Ford Aspire features Ford’s in-car infotainment system, SYNC 3 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen which allows drivers to control their entertainment and connected smartphone using voice commands.

SYNC 3 system is Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatible and will allow drivers to use navigation through their Apple CarPlay or Android Auto paired phones. The SYNC 3 system will also offer Emergency Assistance, a potentially lifesaving technology that automatically calls emergency services from a paired phone in case of an accident.

Ensuring complete peace-of-mind, the New Ford Aspire is the only compact sedan in India to come with a first-in-class five-year or 100,000 KM warranty, which includes 2-year factory warranty and 3-year extended warranty.

Alongside, the New Ford Aspire will continue to offer lowest scheduled service and maintenance costs in its segment – at just 38 paise per kilometre for petrol and 46 paise per kilometre for diesel over 100,000 KM.

“The 5-year warranty on offer with the New Ford Aspire reinforces our commitment of treating customers like family & ensures complete peace-of-mind through the ownership cycle,” said Vinay Raina, Executive Director, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford India. “I am sure customers will be delighted to see the exceptional value on offer with our newest product offering.”

The New Ford Aspire is produced at Ford India’s Sanand Factory in Gujarat, for consumers in India and all around the world.

The compact sedan is available in seven colours, including White Gold, Moondust Silver, Smoke Grey, Absolute Black Deep Impact Blue, Ruby Red and Oxford White.

All prices ex-showroom, Pan-India:

Datsun announced superstar Aamir Khan as its brand ambassador in India. An accomplished film star known for his versatility and risk-taking attitude, Aamir Khan will be seen in Datsun India’s new brand campaign #ExperienceChange.

Thomas Kuehl, President, Nissan India Operations, said, “We are delighted to have Aamir Khan join our Datsun family in India. Aamir advocates the bold and fearless attitude of the new generation who strive for excellence and embodies the spirit of Datsun. We are proud to have him onboard and be the face of our new campaign – #ExperienceChange.”

#ExperienceChangeaims to target young, optimistic, energetic and ambitious new generation of consumers. The first campaign featuring Aamir Khanwill focus on driving change with Datsun cars built using Japanese engineering and modern design aesthetics.

Commenting on the association, Aamir Khan said, “I am thrilled to be associated with an iconic brand that stands for quality and innovation… I look forward to being a part of the Datsun family and its fascinating growth journey in India.”

#ExperienceChange is a 360-degree multi-media campaign that will go live on all the key platforms – digital, print, radio, TV, OOH, dealerships and city activations this festive season. The campaign will showcase the new GO and GO+ along with Datsun’s highest selling model redi-GO.

Audi Sport customer racing presents its fourth new model in just four years: Following on from the radically new second-generation Audi R8 LMS (2015), the Audi RS 3 LMS TCR touring car (2016) and the Audi R8 LMS GT4 sports car (2017), the evolution of the Audi R8 LMS GT3 was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on October 2, 2018.

Michael-Julius Renz, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH, and Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing, revealed the model with the international exhibition visitors looking on. The new version of the model, successful worldwide in sprint and endurance racing, is tailored closely to the customer requirements regarding technology and operating costs.

Bathurst, Daytona, Dubai, Laguna Seca, Nurburgring, Sepang and Spa: Ever since the Audi R8 LMS made its debut in 2015, it has engraved its name in the winners’ lists of the major endurance races. Worldwide championship titles, plus international success in the FIA GT World Cup and Intercontinental GT Challenge complete the track record for the young winning car. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement for Audi Sport: “In developing the evolution of the car, we’ve put even greater focus on our customers and their needs,” says Chris Reinke. “The pre-design stage for the second evolution of our current model generation centered on many discussions with our teams.” In addition to the pros who are successful with the race cars, amateur drivers have also clinched class victories or overall titles in America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

During the development project of the latest evolution, Audi Sport concentrated on providing these customers with an even better technical base than before. Optimization of the aerodynamics and cooling give greater consistency under various dynamic driving conditions. Durability of the power transmission elements is another focal area. For the teams, the evolution package of the Audi R8 LMS pays off both in terms of racing and economy: Moderate modifications of the overall concept and longer service intervals for the clutch and transmission represent sensible investments promising success in racing and optimally support amateurs. Whether the teams already own a second-generation Audi R8 LMS or buy a new model: the changes benefit everyone and are also suitable for retrofitting to existing race cars.

Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati has announced the launch of the 959 Panigale Corse in India at a price of Rs 15,20,000 (Ex-Showroom, India). The version coming to India is a special edition sporting a dedicated livery inspired by the Ducati Corse MotoGP colours.

Sergi Canovas, Managing Director of Ducati India Pvt. Ltd. said, “The Panigale has always been the definite Ducati superbike that allows biking enthusiasts to have an unparalleled experience on a race track. The 959 Panigale embodies absolute excellence through the advanced electronics package that inspires confidence and allows riders to explore the limit. In this special Corse livery, the 959 looks much more special and unique as the paint scheme is inspired by the colours of our MotoGP bike, the Desmosedici GP 18.”

The 959 Panigale Corse gets a 955 cc Superquadro engine that is Euro 4 type-approved. 152 PS (150 hp) of power at 10,500 rpm and a torque of 102 Nm (75 lb-ft) at 9,000 rpm are numbers worthy of a Superbike, which on the 959 Panigale Corse are managed not only by an advanced chassis but also by a top-of-the-line technical package.

To inspire confidence when riding at any speed in varying conditions, the 959 Panigale Corse is equipped with a state of the art electronics package which includes the latest generation two channel Bosch ABS 9MP, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire (RbW). Thanks to the Ducati Riding Modes, the electronic settings can be altered differently to give the bike three different personalities. The 3 Riding Modes available in the 959 Panigale Corse are Race, Sport and Wet. However, the version available in India is not equipped with the Ohlins suspensions, lithium battery, Ohlins steering damper and Ducati Performance titanium silencers by Akrapovic.

The Skoda Auto plant in Kvasiny has produced the 250,000th Kodiaq. Skoda’s first large SUV, which was revealed in autumn 2016, has only taken two years to reach a quarter of a million units. Today, the Kodiaq is one of the Czech brand’s bestselling models and is positively pressing ahead with writing its success story: in the first eight months of this year alone, over 100,000 vehicles were delivered to customers.

Michael Oeljeklaus, Skoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics, said, “Given that we only presented the Skoda Kodiaq two years ago, reaching a figure of 250,000 vehicles produced is an enormous achievement. The Kodiaq has changed the Skoda brand’s image and, in doing so, has also spurred on the sales of other models.”

With a production volume of 250,000 vehicles within roughly 23 months, the Skoda Kodiaq is one of the Czech car manufacturer’s central drivers for growth worldwide. Two years ago in September 2016, the brand’s first large SUV rolled into the spotlight at Berlin’s ‘Kraftwerk’ event venue. The Kodiaq celebrated its exhibition premiere at the Paris Motor Show that same month and production of the bold SUV started in 2016 at the Czech plant in Kvasiny. The Skoda Connect range of connectivity services, which is now part of the standard equipment for practically all of the brand’s model ranges, also made its debut in the Kodiaq. The 250,000th Kodiaq is a SportLine in Meteor Grey. The milestone vehicle will be delivered to a customer in France.

The Skoda Kodiaq is currently manufactured at six car factories. In addition to the Czech plant in Kvasiny, the large SUV is also produced at sites in Changsha in China, Nizhny Novgorod in Russia, Aurangabad in India, Solomonovo in Ukraine and Ust-Kamenogorsk in Kazakhstan.

The brand’s first large SUV impresses with a high level of functionality for day-to-day life, excellent value for money, an exceptional amount of space, Skoda Connect’s innovative connectivity offerings as well as state-of-the-art assistance systems for safety and comfort.

With the emotive Kodiaq bodywork, Skoda transferred its expressive design language into the SUV segment for the first time. The appearance of the Kodiaq is characterised by the Skoda -typical clear-cut, precise lines, the distinctive radiator grille and the bold wheel arches. The Skoda Kodiaq is the first of the brand’s models to be available with an optional third row of seats, allowing up to seven people to enjoy excellent travelling comfort in the large SUV.

In addition to the Kodiaq, Skoda’s SUV portfolio currently includes the compact SUV Karoq as well as the Kamiq, which is produced in China for the local market. Soon, the Skoda Kodiaq will be taking on yet another pioneering role – as the first of the brand’s SUVs to bear the RS initials, which adorn Skoda’s sportiest models. The emotive design of the Kodiaq RS comes alive thanks to the interplay of elegant lines, sporty contours and the typical robust nature of an SUV. The 240- PS Skoda Kodiaq vRS will make its debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show in October.

German luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has announced the introduction of the new C-Class, one of its most popular executive saloons, now in its fifth generation. The new C-Class range comprises – the C 220 d Progressive, the C 220 d Prime, the more powerful C 300 d AMG Line.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes equipped with a new BS VI engine: the four-cylinder OM 654 diesel powertrain in the C 220 d and the C 300 d AMG Line. The new C-Class was launched by Michael Jopp, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India. The C 220 d variant will be available across all the Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the country with immediate effect while the C 300 d will be available in Q4, 2018.

Michael Jopp, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz India said, “Introduction of fascinating products and their continuous honing has been key to our success and with the launch of the new C-Class, Mercedes-Benz yet again set a very high benchmark in the luxury sedan segment. This model update is the biggest in the history of the C-Class. In total, we have changed some 6,500 components, more than half the number of components in an average C-Class sedan. The C-Class we launched today is the sportiest and most dynamic of all time and it perfectly underlines its positioning of ‘Never Stop Improving’. The new C-Class is loaded with a variety of technologies and features that enhance driving pleasure, and offer unmatched luxury. We are confident that these enhancements will add a dash of athleticism and uniqueness to one of the most popular models in Mercedes-Benz’s rich product portfolio.”

He further added, “Selling over 30,500 units since its inception in India, the C-Class has been one of the best-selling luxury sedans for the Indian market and remains a key contributor to our continued success in the market. With a young and attractive product portfolio, a qualitative network that is expanding and remains a benchmark of luxury experience, a delightful customer service and carefully curated innovative brand outreach programmes; we are glad to be the most preferred choice for a luxury car buyer today. We are glad that our customer centric strategy for India is on the right track and paying results.”

Technical specifications of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The interiors of the C-Class have been significantly enhanced with a new 10.25 inch media display screen and new generation telematics, NGT 5.5 smartphone integration adding better appearance and connectivity in line. The AMG Line interior in the C 300d exudes a more visible and tangible sense of sportiness in this variant, while the expressive body styling of AMG lends the exterior of the C-Class a sporty, exclusive touch. The AMG Line interior in this variant will be available in Saddle Brown and Black upholstery options.

The new C-Class range is priced as follows –