Mahindra will launch the 125cc variant of the Gusto scooter in the first half of 2016. The new Mahindra Gusto 125 will rival the Honda Activa 125 and the Suzuki Access

Ever since the Mahindra Gusto was launched in the Indian market last year there have been rumours that Mahindra will be launching a higher displacement variant of the scooter soon. ZigWheels.com has learnt through its sources that the Mahindra Gusto 125 is almost production ready and the launch of the new 125cc scooter has been confirmed for early 2016. We expect the new Mahindra Gusto 125 to be showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo in February with a nationwide launch soon after. The scooter will be powered by an in-house developed 125cc motor churning out around 10PS of power and 11Nm of peak torque. The Mahindra Gusto 110 produces 8PS of peak power and 8.5Nm of maximum torque. Expect the claimed mileage figure for the Mahindra Gusto 125 to be around 55kmpl.  

In terms of styling the new 125cc scooter is expected to retain the design cues of the Mahindra Gusto 110 with minor tweaks to differentiate them. Expect the Mahindra Gusto 125 to retain all the features including the height adjustable seat with two different settings (35mm difference in seat height). The seat also has a self-locking mechanism, which means the rider doesn’t have to hold it manually while filling fuel or accessing the under seat storage. The kick lever has been provided at front on the Mahindra Gusto so one can kick-start the scooter while being seated. It also has a storage slot under the instrument cluster and will be offered with a multi-function remote flip key. Suspension duties will be handled by telescopic front forks and coil type setup at rear. While braking is done by 130mm dia drum brakes at front and rear. The Mahindra Gusto 125 is expected to be priced around Rs 55,000 and compete against the Honda Activa 125 and the Suzuki Access.

Courtesy : Zigwheels

With an expected price tag of under Rs 2 lakh, the TNT 25 is set to become the cheapest offering from DSK-Benelli in the country.

Benelli has had an eventful year, ramping up its sales and service and expanding vigorously to metros within the country. The Italian company, brought to our shores by the DSK Group in the form of DSK-Benelli, is now preparing to end the year 2015 on a high note with the launch of the Benelli TNT 25 tomorrow in Pune.

Set to be the cheapest, err... least expensive, offering from DSK-Benelli, the TNT 25 is also the first Benelli in the country to be powered by a single-cylinder engine. Liquid-cooled and mated to a six-speed gearbox, the 249cc mill puts out a peak power figure of 24.5PS at 9,000rpm and 21Nm of torque at 7,000rpm.

Style-wise, the TNT 25 borrows a lot of design cues from its slightly bigger sibling, the TNT 300, albeit with its own differentiators. The split seat, red trellis frame, multi-spoke alloy wheels, and gorgeous exhaust done up in a brushed gunmetal colour looks appealing, contrasting nicely with its signature white colour. The redesigned bellypan is larger now, and done up in white as well. Upfront, the TNT 25 gets the same 41mm upside-down forks as the TNT300, but the monoshock at the rear is now centrally mounted as opposed to the asymmetrically mounted unit on the TNT300. Braking duties are handled by a 280mm single disc upfront and a 240mm disc at the rear.

Like its other siblings, the DSK-Benelli TNT300 will be brought in via the CKD route, to be assembled at DSK’s plant on the outskirts of Pune. With an expected price tag under Rs 2 lakh, the TNT 25 will play ball with the likes of the KTM 390 Duke and Mahindra Mojo in the country. 

Courtesy : Zigwheels

The Detroit motor show 2016 will commence on January 11, 2016. Also known as the North American International Auto Show, the platform will showcase plenty of new and updated cars and bikes.

Among the new cars being unveiled will be the next-generation Mercedes E-class, the Infiniti Q60 and the all-new Volvo S90 along with a variety of US-specific models from automakers such as Cadillac, Chevrolet and Ford.

However, there are some manufacturers who will be giving the Detroit motor show a miss. British automakers, JLR and McLaren have confirmed that they won’t be present at the show, while Mini is reported to not be attending the event.

Some of the cars to be present at the event are:

BMW M2

The smallest M car from BMW is a replacement for the limited-run production 1M Coupe from 2010. The M2 is powered by a 362bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. When launched internationally, it will rival the likes of the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3.

Infiniti Q60

The Infiniti Q60 that has been seen testing on international roads will be unveiled in its production guise at the event. Earlier showcased as the Q60 concept at the Detroit motor show 2015, the production version of the coupé is expected to get styling similar to the concept.

Lexus LF-FC

Lexus is expected to reveal the production version of its LF-FC 2+2 coupe concept from 2010 at the show, with its international launch scheduled for mid 2016. The production LF-FC is expected to become the company’s answer to the Porsche 911.

Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet

Mercedes E-class

The new E-class will make its debut at the show with subsequent derivative models to follow later. The cars get styling in line with the S-class and C-class, as well as a range of new and revised engines. The car’s interior appears to be a cross between that of the S-class and C-class with digital instrument clusters and large infotainment display provided on top variants.

Mercedes SLC

The recently unveiled facelift of the SLK, the SLC, will be showcased at the event. The car gets styling changes to the exterior, updates to the interior and a line-up of new engines including a range- topping twin-turbo V6 engine for the new AMG model.

Porsche 911 Turbo, Turbo S

Porsche will introduce its facelifted 911 Turbo and Turbo S. Both models get revised styling, updates to the interiors and upgraded versions of the current twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, with as much as 572bhp on tap in the Turbo S.

Volvo S90

The replacement to the ageing S80, the S90 will become the company’s new Mercedes E-class rival. Powering the car will be engines from the new Volvo XC90 including the range-topping T8 Twin Engine hybrid. Also expected on the model is a new downsized hybrid powertrain.

Courtesy : Autocar

We take a look at all new sedans that will make their way to Indian shores in 2016. From Volkswagen's entry into the compact sedan segment to luxury cars like the BMW 7 Series, there is a wide spectrum of cars to choose from.

One of the most popular cars in the country is not a small cheap hatchback but a compact sedan instead. With more and more number of Indians able to afford a larger car every year, it is no surprise that most opt for a sedan as their family car. 2016 will see a huge number of sedans making its way to India including the long awaited compact sedan from Volkswagen to an all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New Hyundai Elantra

Expected Price: Rs 10-15 lakh

Expected launch: Late 2016

Hyundai has just refreshed the Elantra a few months ago but soon there will be an all new version of the car with even more updates. The car will have updated headlamps, tail lamps but will keep the overall look that the Elantra currently has. The new Elantra will also have a similar grille as the one found on the Hyundai i20 and the Creta. The new Elantra will now house the 2.0-litre engine that rakes up 149PS and 179Nm of torque. This one will be offered with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. In terms of safety, blind-spot detection will be available on multiple trim levels, while the top-trim will offer forward-collision warning with automatic braking. The introduction of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also be available on the new Elantra.

Skoda Octavia RS

Expected Price: Rs 15-20 lakh

Expected launch: Early 2016

Yes, the legendary Skoda Octavia RS will be back in India in 2016! Compared to the standard model, the new Skoda Octavia vRS has a new front bumper with a bigger air dam featuring a honeycomb grille and sleeker fog lamps. The new RS also has a lower ride height, new sporty alloy wheels that can be ordered in 18 or 19 inch sizes and red brake calipers. The rear bumper gets a large black air diffuser the top of which has a red reflector strip and incorporates twin trapezoidal chrome exhaust pipes at either end. The Skoda Octavia RS will come with a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine that generates 223PS of power and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox both of which when worked to optimum can catapult the car from 0-100kmph in 6.8-seconds and onwards to a top speed of 248kmph. The new Octavia RS will be priced at about Rs 20 lakh in India.

Audi A4

Expected Price: Rs 20-50 lakh

Expected launch: Early 2016

The Audi A4 is a very successful car in India and the new generation model will make its way to India in mid-2016 with a price tag of about Rs 35-50 lakh depending on the engine and drive train options. n the international market, the New Audi A4 is offered with varied engine options right from a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol to a 3.0-litre V6 diesel. However, India will not get all of these options. We expect Audi to bring in the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit and the popular 2.0-litre TDI diesel. Both these engines will come mated to Audi’s 7-speed S Tronic unit.  Based on a completely new platform, the new A4 sports a five-link fully independent front and rear configuration which will improve the ride and handling of the new A4.

BMW 3 Series facelift

Expected Price: Rs 20-50 lakh

Expected launch: Mid 2016

The BMW 3 Series will have a minor facelift in 2016. Although not really visible to the common man there are small updates that include new wheels and of course, a new set of tail lamps and headlamps. And that is about it. The car will also get a slightly updated interior and will get a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added in as well. The mechanicals for India will remain the same although there will be a new more powerful petrol engine internationally badged as the BMW 340i with 325PS of peak power and 447Nm of torque. The BMW 3 Series will also get a hybrid engine internationally but considering our government’s position on Hybrid technology, will not make it to India.

Volvo S90

Expected Price: Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 Crore

Expected launch: Mid 2016

The Volvo S90 will be an important car for Volvo globally and in India. For starters, Volvo has finally made a genuine competitor for the likes of the S-Class but at a price point that will be between the E-Class and the S-Class. The new S90 will get both petrol and diesel engines in India. But the best part about the S90 though will be the interior. It will get state of the art interior tech with the large touchscreen display that has made the XC90 all the attention in the world. The new S90 will also be available with a hybrid version which might make it to India too. There will also be a sportier version of the S90 eventually with a more luxurious edition of the car offered at an extra premium. Expect the S90 to be priced at Rs 75-80 lakh when it makes its way to India.

Skoda Superb

Expected Price: Rs 20-50 lakh

Expected launch: Early 2016

The new 2016 Skoda Superb will make its debut in India in early 2016 and will officially be displayed at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo. The new Skoda Superb will essentially go up against the likes of the Toyota Camry, the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA along with the upcoming Honda Accord sedan. On the exterior front, the new Skoda Superb looks a lot more aggressive and a lot sportier than the current generation car. In terms of engines, the Skoda Superb will get both a petrol and a diesel engine with both manual and automatic gearbox options. The petrol engine is expected to be a 1.8-litre TSI unit that also does duty in the Skoda Octavia. The diesel will be a 2.0-litre TDI turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which will invariably be the favorite of the indian car buying audiences. Expect a price tag of about Rs 30 lakh on the new Skoda Superb when it makes its way to India.

Jaguar XE

Expected Price: Rs 20-50 lakh

Expected launch: Early 2016

The Jaguar XE will make its way to India and will officially be launched at the Indian Auto Expo in 2016. The new car will be available with both petrol and diesel motors and will also come with a XE-S variant with 345PS of power. The design of the Jaguar XE is truly modern and attractive. It has a good mix of Jaguar family design cues in all its major elements. The front grille for instance resembles the XJ and the updated XF design and the long bonnet and gills are elements inspired by the gorgeous F-Type. The XE has a sporty stance in side profile accentuated by the sloping roofline and attractive alloy wheel design. The rear gets a lip for the boot lid, taillamps that don’t do justice to the rest of the design and split circular exhaust. Expect a price tag of Rs 35-50 lakh when the XE makes it to India and goes up against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4.

BMW 7 Series

Expected Price: Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 Crore

Expected launch: Mid 2016

The luxury sedan market in India would not be complete without the BMW 7 Series. When launched, the BMW 7 series will look sportier than its predecessor with a set of twin barrel headlamps combined with LED lights and daytime running lights. The new 7 Series will only be available in the long wheelbase version in India as has always traditionally been the case. The new 7 series will be available in 730d, 750iL and the range topping V12 powered 760iL. There will also be a hybrid version of the 7 series that will be sold in India. The new 7 Series comes with gizmos like a self park assist system, driver assisted autonomous driving, Sky lounge panoramic sunroofs and even laser headlamps. The 7 Series also comes with a smart touchcreen key that lets you control several aspects of the car and even lets the 7 Series automatically reverse out of a tight spot all by itself without a driver being present. Expect a price tag of over Rs 1 Crore when the car makes it to India.

Toyota Vios

Expected Price: Rs 5-10 lakh

Expected launch: Early 2016

Toyota’s Honda City rival will finally make it to India in 2016. The Vios will also take on the Hyundai Verna, the Volkswagen Vento and the MAruti Suzuki Ciaz amongst others. The Vios shares its grille with the Indian Corolla but has a sportier front bumper with a large octagonal air intake. Around the back, the Vios gets a set of large tail lamps and a large chrome strip running across the length of the booth in a bid to boost the premium appeal of the car. Expect the Vios to be offered with the 1.5-litre petrol engine as well as the 1.4-litre diesel engines found in the Etios and Liva. Gearbox options are expected to include the five-speed manual, seven-speed CVT box and the six-speed manual for the diesel. Expect the Toyota Vios to be priced around the Rs 8-11 lakh mark when launched.

Volkswagen Stuffe/Bora

Expected Price: Rs 5-10 lakh

Expected launch: Early 2016

Volkswagen is ready to jump on to the compact sedan bandwagon with the Polo Stuffe compact sedan. The Stuffe is still a code name for the car which could be launched under a different name, most probably Bora considering past compact 4-door sedans from Volkswagen. The Polo Stuffe will share mechanicals with the Polo and to qualify for the lower taxes should get the set of 1.2-litre petrol and diesel engines already on offer in the Polo. The petrol engine develops 75PS of power and 110Nm of torque while the diesel engine makes 90PS and a healthier 200Nm of torque. On the interior front, expect the same interiors that feature on the Polo to make their way onto the Stuffe too. The Polo Stuffe will take on cars like the Honda Amaze, Maruti Dzire, Hyundai Xcent and Tata Zest in the sub 4-meter compact sedan segment.

New Volkswagen Passat

Expected Price: Rs 20-50 lakh

Expected launch: Early 2016

The new Volkswagen Passat will make its way to India in 2016 and will go up against the likes of the Skoda Superb and the Toyota Camry along with cars like the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Although there is not a whole lot to write about when it comes to design, there is a sense of richness and quality about the Passat that few other cars in the category showcase. The Passat will get addons like LED headlamps and LED tail lamps too. The Passat will come with both petrol and diesel engines. The 2.0-litre diesel will make close to 200PS of peak power and will get a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox paired to a front wheel drive layout. Expect prices to start around the Rs 20 lakh mark and go all the way post the Rs 30 lakh mark for the larger engined versions.

Chevrolet Cruze

Expected Price: Rs 10-15 lakh

Expected launch: Late 2016

The new Chevrolet Cruze will be launched in India soon and will go up against the likes of the Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Jetta, Hyundai Elantra and the Toyota Corolla amongst others. We expect the Cruze to be priced between Rs 12-18 lakhs (ex-showroom).  The new Cruze now features a much more swept back design as opposed to the boxy sharp design that we are used to seeing on the current generation. We also think it looks much sportier than the current generation and will get LED daytime running lights. The Chevrolet Cruze in India is currently powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine making 165PS of peak power at 3800rpm and 380Nm or peak torque at 2000rpm. An upgraded version of this engine will continue to be provided on the Cruze with a few upgrades.

Courtesy : Zigwheels

Ducati CEO , Claudio Domenicali has hinted that the Italian bikemaker might launch a 1,100cc variant of the Scrambler motorcycle at the 2016 EICMA Motorcycle Show

Ducati seems to have hit gold with the new Scrambler range of motorcycles. The Scrambler803 version has sold over 14,000 units globally which has helped the Italian bikemaker in achieving record sales this year. To further capitalise on this positive trend, Ducati downsized the Scrambler and introduced a 40cc variant in the form of the Scrambler Sixty2 at the 2015 EICMA Motorcycle Show last month. The latest addition according to Motorcycle News is a 1,100cc variant of the Scrambler. Speaking to MCN, Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO said that a possibility of a higher displacement Scrambler cannot be discounted. 

Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali said, “An 1100cc model can still be a Scrambler as long as it keeps to the same formula and doesn’t try to be too technical or make things too complex. There will be a family of Scrambler motorcycles. All of these will be called Scrambler and they will be about simple fun; something that sits on the other side of the garage from the Ducati sportsbike and is perfect for a Sunday morning ride to get a coffee. These bikes will be about basic technology, just the bike and nothing more.”

We can expect the new Ducati Scrambler 1100 to debut at the 2016 EICMA Motorcycle Show and the new bike will be the third variant under the Scrambler family. Among the main reasons for the success of the Scrambler can be credited to its affordable price tag, retro modern styling and the fact that it is a simple fun to ride bike in an era where manufacturers are trying to load up their offerings with all the electronic wizardry possible. 

Courtesy : Zigwheels