After innumerable spy shots of the car and a subtle official teaser campaign, Skoda India has officially announced February 23, 2016 as the launch date of the all-new Skoda Superb. The new Superb will sit atop Skoda India's model range and is likely to command a premium over the outgoing generation. For reference, the outgoing Superb is priced between Rs. 22.13 - 26.83 lakh ex-showroom Delhi.

In India, the Superb is likely to be powered by a 1.8-litre TSI petrol and a 2.0 TDI diesel engine offered with manual and DSG gearboxes. The car will come with front wheel drive across the range. The car's feature list includes three zone climate control, a sliding and tilting panoramic sunroof, rain and light sensors, power adjustable front seats, park assist, a rear view camera and a 6.5" touchscreen infotainment display that supports MirrorLink, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.

As it stands, the Toyota Camry is the Superb's only direct rival, but by virtue of its expected pricing, the car could also be a threat to smaller luxury sedans such as the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.

Courtesy : Team BHP

The trademark applications suggest that Jaguar Land Rover’s first electric vehicles could be called the I-Pace and I-Type.

Jaguar Land Rover has filed trademark applications for the I-Pace, I-Type and Velar, two of which are expected to be electric models.

The British company is already known to be working on a new range of electric vehicles and its first all-electric model will be an SUV. This model is expected to take the I-Pace name for production. It will incorporate styling from the C-X75 hypercar, and is reported to offer a range of around 482.80km. Sources suggest that the all-electric SUV could use electric motors mounted at each corner.

The SUV is likely to be revealed at this year’s Paris Motor Show in October, before going on sale in 2017. When launched, the electric SUV will rival the Tesla Model X, Audi Q6 e-tron and Volvo’s planned electric version of the XC90, which is due in 2019.

The second trademark, I-Type, hints at an all-electric version of the F-Type sportscar. However, it could also be used for electric versions of the XE and XJ sedans.

Additionally, Jaguar Land Rover also filed a trademark application for the Velar name. The name has been previously used on the original Range Rover prototypes in 1969, which suggests that the badge may be used on an upcoming version of the luxury SUV.

Courtesy : Autocar

The Tivoli XLV will retain much of the standard Tivoli's styling but will be longer than the standard version.

Ssangyong is set to expand its Tivoli model line-up with a longer and more spacious version badged Tivoli XLV. Based on the XLV Air concept first revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015, Ssangyong will show a production-ready version of the car at the Geneva Motor Show, next month.

The Tivoli XLV keeps the same 2,600mm wheelbase as the standard Tivoli, but is stretched by 235mm from the C-pillar back, providing more storage space and room inside. In total, carrying capacity has increased to 720 litres with its rear seats in place – well up from the 423 litres offered by the standard car.

The XLV will look almost exactly the same as the standard Tivoli, with only minor styling flourishes at the rear end expected to mark the XLV out from its shorter sibling.

Powertrain options will include the same 1.6-litre diesel and petrol engines already offered in the Tivoli, coupled to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. It will be offered in both two- and four-wheel drive forms. Ssangyong says the Tivoli XLV “provides the versatility needed to meet a wide range of individual lifestyles".

The carmaker recently showcased the Tivoli in India at the Auto Expo 2016. However there is no official confirmation on the India launch of this model.

Courtesy : Autocar

The Niro hybrid SUV is based on an all-new hybrid-specific platform jointly developed with parent company Hyundai.

Korean automaker Kia has revealed an all-new hybrid SUV in the form of the Niro. Based on an all-new hybrid-specific platform developed with Hyundai, Kia has billed the model as a ‘Hybrid Utility Vehicle’, which means it combines crossover looks with hybrid technology.

A part of the company's plan to develop 11 hybrids by the end of the decade, the Niro is powered by a 102bhp, 1.6-litre Atkinson cycle engine paired to a gearbox-mounted 42bhp electric motor. The engine comes equipped with exhaust gas recirculation, direct-injection and what the company calls a 'long-stroke-narrow-bore specification'. There's also a exhaust heat recovery system that uses a heat exchanger in the exhaust system to help warm up the engine.

The electric motor is paired to a 1.56kWh lithium-ion polymer battery stored under the rear seats. Working in tandem, the petrol-electric hybrid powertrain develops 144bhp and 26.96kgm of torque. Power is channelled to the wheels via a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

In terms of design, the Kia gets a wide stance along with a long wheelbase and short overhangs to help maximise interior space. Exterior styling elements of the SUV include body cladding, the company’s signature grille, aggressively shaped headlights, flared wheel arches, roof rails and a rear skid plate.

The minimalist design of the cabin is in line with many modern hybrids. The Niro comes with the newest version of Kia’s infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen display.

To curtail noise, vibration and harshness, the Niro is fitted with specially designed engine mounts, equal-length driveshafts, and a damper inside the steering wheel hub. Other NVH measures include a special embossed foam under the carpet, and a dense insulating pad under the bonnet.
Besides giving the 12V battery a miss, Kia has also used high-strength steel, aluminium and light-weight seat frames to keep the crossover’s weight in check.

The Niro is also equipped with a host of safety and driver-assistance functions such as blind spot detection, cruise control, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking and a predictive energy control system that uses the cruise control and GPS to automatically adjust power output, determine when to charge the battery and when to use the battery charge.

The Niro will rival the likes of the Toyota Prius in international markets. Kia is also expected to develop a plug-in hybrid variant of the Niro, but at a later stage.

Courtesy : Autocar