Ducati launched the Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak shortly after the standard 1260 and 1260 S variants, which were introduced earlier this month. Read on to find out the what the Pikes Peak edition offers over the S variant
Ducati India launched the Multistrada Pikes Peak edition to coincide with its record-breaking victory at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb competition. True to its name, the motorcycle comes with various features that make it the most agile Multistrada money can buy. At 21.42 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India), the Pikes Peak edition is priced at a premium of Rs 3.36 lakh over the 1260 S. So, let’s take a closer look to see what it packs over the Multistrada 1260 S.

While the Multistrada 1260 and 1260 S look more or less the same, the Pikes Peak edition wears a racing-inspired livery on the bodywork. The Pikes Peak variant features a shorter carbon fibre-plexiglass windscreen, whereas the 1260 S comes with a much larger touring windscreen. Carbon fibre is also present in the front mudguard, front fuel tank cover and front side bulkheads of the Pikes Peak edition. The seats feature an exclusive red stitching to demarcate it from the 1260 S. These additions make the Pikes Peak edition look a whole lot sportier than the 1260 S, or even the standard Multistrada 1260, for that matter.

Audi has given the A4 a minor refresh in its design, and it now comes with an enlarged standard equipment list, though there are no mechanical changes. The facelift for the fifth-generation A4 (the pre-facelift model sells in India) is expected to arrive in India some time in 2019.

Design-based changes include slightly sharper features, bigger side skirts and a new grille design. The top-spec S variant gets a more prominent rear diffuser and larger 19-inch alloy wheels, though lower trims stick with 17-inch or 18-inch wheels. A new Turbo Blue colour is expected to be exclusively available with cars in Black Edition specification.

Standard kit has increased across the range. All trims also now get a 7-inch infotainment screen and satellite navigation as standard. The entry-level variant now comes with a multi-function steering wheel and electric-folding mirrors while the Sport models feature four-way lumbar adjustment for the front seats and auto-folding door mirrors. S line and Black Edition models add high beam assist headlamps to this list.

The current A4 that retails in India is priced between Rs 41.47 lakh and Rs 46.94 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and rivals the likes of the BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-class (whose facelift is scheduled to arrive in October this year) and the Volvo S60 (the next-gen model is expected in 2019).

The new Audi Q5 SUV is now available with a 252hp petrol heart and two variants - Premium Plus and Technology.

Audi expanded its Q5 portfolio in India by launching the petrol variant of the SUV. The Audi Q5 petrol has been priced from Rs 55.27 lakh for the Premium Plus variant and at Rs 59.79 lakh for the Technology trim. (both prices ex-showroom, India). This SUV is the third new launch from the German brand in India after the Q5 diesel variant and the power-packed Audi RS5.

On the outside, both the petrol and diesel variants of the new Audi Q5 are visually identical. The SUV carries forward the striking single-frame grille and the five-spoke alloy wheels – although we would have preferred a more eye-catching design on the Q5 petrol. The only difference between the new model and the diesel is the ‘45 TFSI’ badge on its rear, representing its petrol heart.

Under the hood resides a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol TFSI motor producing 252hp and 370Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties are handled by the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission seen on the diesel variant. Power is sent to all four wheels via Audi’s signature quattro system. The driver also gets the option to select from five drive modes - comfort, dynamic, efficient, auto and off-road.

On stepping inside, you will be welcomed by a luxurious and premium cabin; as is expected from Audi. The interior of the Q5 petrol is identical to its diesel sibling, including the beige-black dual-tone upholstery. The large 8.3-inch infotainment system is sure to grab your attention; operated via a rotary knob placed on the centre console. The Q5 gets goodies such as Audi’s virtual cockpit, wireless smartphone connectivity compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three-zone climate control and more.

The Audi Q5 petrol competes against the recently launched BMW X3 xDrive30i, Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 and Lexus NX 300h. The Q5 petrol isn’t the last launch from Audi India for 2018, as it will be launching its flagship sedan – the all-new A8, later this year.

BMW India debuted the second generation of the 6 Series Gran Turismo at the 2018 Auto Expo. Until recently, the car was only available with a petrol engine. BMW has now launched the 630d Gran Turismo, which comes in two trim levels - Luxury Line and M Sport. These are priced at Rs. 66.50 lakh and Rs. 73.70 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. In addition to the diesel variants, BMW has also introduced the 630i Gran Turismo Luxury Line, which is priced at Rs. 61.80 lakh (ex-showroom).

The 6 Series Gran Turismo is the replacement for the 5 Series GT. It's a 4-door coupe characterized by an arcing roofline, frameless doors with soft close function and a notchback rear end. The front looks similar to the current generation 5 Series sedan and features a twin-kidney grille flanked by twin-pod LED headlights. The rear features L-shaped LED tail lights and a retracting spoiler.

The interiors are similar to the new 5 Series as well. It comes with a leather-wrapped dashboard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control and iDrive Touch, BMW Apps and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 3-spoke multi-functional steering wheel and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Rear seat passengers get two 10.2-inch screens. Other features include 4-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, launch control, air-suspension, panoramic sunroof, automatic tail gate, BMW Display Key, Parking Assistant with 360-degree camera, remote control parking and wireless charging among others.

The 630d Gran Turismo is powered by a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel engine that develops 261 BHP @ 4,000 rpm and 620 Nm of torque @ 2,000-2,500 rpm. It is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and has 5 driving modes - Sport, Comfort, Comfort+, Eco Pro and Adaptive. The 6 Series GT also gets features like engine start/stop, Active Air Stream Kidney Grille and brake energy regeneration. The Luxury Line variant gets 18-inch alloy wheels, while the M Sport variant rides on 19-inch M light alloys shod with 245/45 R19 and 275/40 R19 tyres in the front and rear respectively.

Some of the standard safety features include ABS with Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Braking Lights, airbags, active headrests, Attentiveness Assistant, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), traction control, ISOFIX child safety seat anchors and run flat tyres.

The 630d Gran Turismo Luxury Line is available in 4 colour options - Mineral White, Glacier Silver, Mediterranean Blue and Royal Burgundy Red brilliant effect. The M Sport variant comes in 3 colour choices - Mineral White, Carbon Black and Bluestone.

Courtesy:- TEAM BHP

Mahindra has launched the TUV300 Plus in India at prices starting from Rs. 9.59 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The SUV is offered in 3 variants - P4, P6 and P8.

The TUV300 Plus is a stretched version of the standard TUV300. It measures 4,400 mm in length, 1,835 mm in width and 1,812 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,680 mm, while its boot space is rated at 696 litres. The P8 variant comes with folding second row seats. With the seats folded, the luggage capacity is increases to 888 litres. The vehicle has a fuel tank capacity of 60 litres. 

The TUV300 Plus has a similar front fascia as its sub-4 meter sibling. The front end features a 5-slat grille flanked by sweptback headlamps. The front bumper has a rectangular air dam with rectangular fog lamps on either side. The vehicle rides on 16-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels shod with 215/70 section tyres and the rear features a set of new tail lamp clusters and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

On the inside, the TUV300 Plus features a dual-tone dashboard finished in beige and black. The centre fascia has a piano black finish and houses a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which has features like navigation and voice messaging and Bluesense App connectivity. Further, it comes with a 3-spoke multi-functional steering wheel and a twin-dial instrument cluster with a central MID. The seats feature faux-leather upholstery. The power window switches are placed between the front seats, which have separate centre arm rests. The vehicle has 2 side-facing seats in the third row giving it a total seating capacity of 9.

The TUV300 Plus is powered by a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 120 BHP @ 4,000 rpm and 280 Nm @ 1,800-2,800 rpm and comes paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. All three variants get Mahindra's Micro Hybrid Technology with brake energy regeneration and ECO Mode. The air-conditioning system also has an ECO mode. 

Safety features like ABS with EBD and driver and passenger side airbags are only offered on the P6 and P8 variants. There and 5 colour options to choose from - Majestic Silver, Bold Black, Dynamo Red, Molten Orange and Glacier White.

Variant-wise ex-showroom prices:

P4 - Rs. 9,59,001

P6 - Rs. 9,95,000

P8 - Rs. 10,98,600

Courtesy:- TEAM BHP