Before the 2015 Ford Endeavour comes to Indian shores, here are 7 things that you must know about the car

1.) All new Generation: There is a huge fanbase for SUVs in India. The kind of success the first-generation Endeavour tasted was unparalleled in its time. But since then the car hasn’t got any substantial updates. This is about to change with the introduction of the 2015 Ford Endeavour. In this new avatar the 2015 Endeavour is an all new SUV from ground up including the platform, the rear suspension and of course the design and interiors. This new platform has not just resulted in better driving dynamics and more space on the inside as well. 

2.) Aerodynamic Design: Although like any other SUV, the new Endeavour too might have a bulky yet aggressive design language, Ford has put some though it ensuring that it is aerodynamic. And for that purpose Ford has a specially crafted front bumper guard. The American car maker has also fitted aero kickers at the back along with a rear spoiler that cuts aerodynamic drag. That aside, the 2015 Ford Endeavour with its massive front chrome grille, a wide stance and the beefy looking wheel arches and alloy wheels give it an aggressive disposition. 

3.) New Engine: The 2.5-litre as well as the 3.0-litre diesel mill from the outgoing Endeavour have been given the boot in this new-generation model. The 2015 Endeavour now gets a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder unit that makes max power of 160PS and peak torque of 385Nm. This engine will come mated to a manual transmission as well as a 6-speed automatic one but will not feature a 4WD system. The higher variants will be offered with a 3.2-litre 5-cylinder unit that makes 200PS and 470Nm. This engine will only come with the 6-speed automatic transmission. 

4.) Premium Interiors: One of the biggest drawbacks of the current generation Endeavour is that its interior has started to look dated. Ford has addressed the problem and given the 2015 version fresher and better quality interiors. The dual-tone dashboard now looks a lot more premium and the top-end trim that we drove came layered with leather. The seats come with leather upholstery and are pretty comfortable to sit. The overall build quality is impressive too. The 2015 Endeavour comes with 3 rows of seating and offers a fair bit of space even for the passengers sitting on the last row. 

5.) Feature loaded: One of the other reasons why the previous generation model didn’t hit the right note on the sales charts is the lack of equipment. In this 2015 model, Ford has made it up for it and more. From electrically foldable last row, reversing camera, touch screen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth, AUX and USB. The 2015 Ford Endeavour also gets a dual zone climate control and separate controls for Air cons for the passengers at the back. The 2015 Endeavour will also come with a sun roof. The only thing it misses out on is a button start and keyless go.

6.) Terrain Management System: Like the high end Land Rovers, the next-generation Endeavour too will come with a Terrain Management System in the 3.2-litre version. It gets four modes to suit the kind of conditions you are driving in. The Normal mode is for a rough terrain but not hardcore off roading. Then there is Snow, mud and grass mode for softer surfaces that require more traction. The sand mode for dune bashing. And for those who want to climb upwards on a hill there is also the rock mode. Aside from all of this, the new Ford Endeavour also gets 4-wheel low and hill descent control.

7.) Competition: While Ford has made a strong product which looks butch, feels premium and comes loaded with features, competitors Toyota, Chevrolet and Mitsubishi too have been working on an offering in this segment. The new Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Trailblazer and the Mitsubishi Pajero too are around the corner, and each of them look mightily impressive. It seems like this segment is sure going to see some hardcore battle for the top spot.  

Courtesy : Zigwheels

Mini brings in the 2015 Countryman at Rs 36.50 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi and Maharashtra) via the CBU route

The new Mini Countryman gets a redesigned hexagonal front grille, with large Xenon headlights and LED fog lamps. In this new model, the ground clearance too has been increased and the overhangs have been shortened. On the inside the seating position of the new Countryman has now been raised for enhanced driving comfort and better visibility. Talking about seating, the rear now has a 40:20:40 split which makes it cartier replica watches uk flexible for accommodating luggage. The Mini Countryman also comes with an optional panoramic glass roof. 

Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India said, “The new MINI Countryman has pursued its path to success both on and off road. Selective design modifications for the exterior and interior along with innovative equipment features contribute to the more mature charisma and increased appeal of the new MINI Countryman. It is a perfect amalgamation of character, space and the ‘go-kart’ responsiveness.”

Under the hood, the Mini Countryman gets a 4-pot turbo diesel unit that fake rolex watches makes 112PS and has 270Nm of torque. Mated to a new six-speed Steptronic transmission, the Mini Countryman can touch the 100kmph marker in 11.3 seconds and can record a max speed of 185kmph. 

Considering the price, in the Indian market, the Mini Countryman competes against the Mercedes-Benz  GLA-Class and the Audi Q3. 

Courtesy : Zigwheels

TVS Motor’s Chairman - Venu Srinivasan has officially confirmed the launch of new TVS Apache 200, and a couple of other new models like a four-stroke moped and the reintroduction of its commuter brand TVS Victor in India

At the recently held Annual General Meeting (AGM) of TVS Motor, company Chairman Venu Srinivasan confirmed that in the next six months the much awaited new TVS Apache will be launched in India. The 2015 Apache will be the largest capacity motorcycle ever produced by TVS Motor in India, and will be powered by a 200cc motor. Srinivasan also said that TVS Motor will introduce a new four-stroke Moped and would also reintroduce TVS Victor commuter within the above mentioned timeframe.

The upgraded TVS Apache has been anticipated since the company showcased the TVS Draken x21 250 concept during the 2014 Auto Expo. In the meantime, competition took advantage and launched a slew of vehicles in the sporty 150-200cc motorcycle segment of India – such as Bajaj Pulsar AS 150 and 200, Suzuki Gixxer 155, refreshed Yamaha FZ FI and KTM RC 200. This week Honda showcased an interesting new model – Honda CB Hornet 160R during the 2015 RevFest. 

And though it’s not official yet, but the new TVS Apache 200 should be launched during this festive season, simply to make up for the lost ground. Company executives also told the media during the 2015 AGM that TVS will be launching some models in the festive season, which further strengthens the chances of the new TVS Apache 200 being launched before October 2015 in India.

The details about the new TVS Apache 200 is still sketchy, but going by a few pictures of test mules posted online by TeamBHP, it seems that the new model will come powered by a new 200cc single cylinder, air-cooled petrol engine. The motor could be mated with a 6-speed gearbox, come equipped with fuel injection and produce peak power just under 25PS. 

Often the final production tends to vary from the test mules, so we expect the new Apache 200 to come with a sharp but minimalistic design. It will get sporty clip-on handlebar, digital instrument console, headlamp with LED daytime running lights and probably a split seat to complete the sporty stance. Disc brakes in front and rear could be offered as standard.

At the back the TVS Apache 200cc will get a pair of sleek indicators, LED taillight, monoshock suspension and a conventional up-swept exhaust. With the recent tie-up between Michelin and TVS Srichakra we won’t be surprised to see the next-gen Apache to be running on specially developed soft compound performance tyres. In terms of safety features, the 2015 TVS Apache 200 would offer ABS as an option.

Courtesy : Zigwheels

Honda has announced that the CB Trigger has been discontinued from the Indian two-wheeler market. The 150cc bike will be replaced by the soon to be launched Honda CB Hornet 160R

While the Revfest event was all about showcasing upcoming products and launching the Honda CBR650, officials of the Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer also made an important announcement. Honda announced that it has discontinued the CB Trigger from the Indian two-wheeler market. This move really doesn’t come as a surprise because the CB Trigger was positioned as a premium 150cc offering but with the new Honda CB Hornet 160R coming into the picture it was an evident shift by Honda. The Honda CB Trigger was launched as a replacement to the CB Dazzler in 2013 but despite being a good motorcycle, it could never achieve the success attained by the erstwhile Unicorn.

One of the main reasons for the CB Trigger not performing with respect to sales as expected by Honda can be the pricing of the bike and the Japanese two-wheeler giant have to blame themselves for the poor run of the CB Trigger in the Indian two-wheeler market. Another aspect for the withdrawal of the Honda CB Trigger from the Indian market is cited to be the revised emission norm (BS IV) that is expected to come into effect next year. Production of the Honda CB Trigger would be continued as it is still in demand in export markets. Talking about features, the Honda CB Trigger was the first Honda motorcycle in India to offer all-digital instrument console and was equipped with optional CBS, disc brake at front and rear, viscous air filter and tubeless tyres. It was powered by a 149cc, air-cooled motor producing 14.5PS of power and 12.5Nm of torque. The Honda CB Trigger was priced between Rs 68,667 to Rs 78,234 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Courtesy : Zigwheels

To be retailed exclusively through Maruti's Nexa showrooms, the S-Cross is available with two diesel engine options and five trim levels.

Maruti’s latest premium offering, the S-Cross, has been launched starting at Rs 8.34 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It is available with two engine options and in five trim levels, and is the first model to be sold out of the Nexa showrooms – Maruti’s premium dealerships.

The car manufacturer calls the S-Cross a ‘premium crossover’ and rightly so — it looks more butch hatchback than rugged SUV. It gets off-roader elements like skid plates, body cladding and roof rails.

As for the engines, the S-Cross DDiS 320 has a 1.6-litre diesel that makes 118bhp and 32.6kgm of torque, while the DDiS 200 gets a 1.3-litre diesel unit that churns out 89bhp and 20.39kgm of torque. The bigger engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, and the smaller unit to a five-speed manual. Reining the car in are disc brakes both at the front and rear. Both variants are also claimed to be quite frugal – the DDiS 320 is said to deliver 22.70kpl, while the DDiS 200 delivers 23.65kpl.

Maruti has done well to equip the S-Cross with a long list of features. While there are five trims to choose from — Sigma, Sigma (O), Delta, Zeta and Alpha – the top trim gets fitments like projector headlamps, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, climate control and Maruti’s SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system. It's good to note that safety kit like dual front airbags and ABS is standard across all trims.

Considering that the S-Cross is only going to be retailed through the Nexa channel - which according to the company will have around 100 dealerships in the next six to eight months - the model may not be able to achieve the sales volume that Marutis are usually associated with, but in combination with the Nexa experience, the S-Cross is likely to aid the carmaker in taking another big step towards achieving a premium brand perception.

The Maruti S-Cross rivals the likes of the Renault Duster, the Nissan Terrano and the recently launched Hyundai Creta.

Courtesy : Autocar