The new Tata Hexa

Tata Motors unveiled the Hexa SUV at the Auto Expo '16 in production-ready guise.Interestingly, even though the Hexa is based on the same platform as the Aria, it looks more like an SUV rather than an MPV, thanks to an impressive job by Tata’s design team. 

In terms of the exteriors, the Hexa gets a dual-colored front bumper, dual hexagonal patterned front grille with chrome touches,smoked projector headlamps and 19-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle also features body-coloured integrated spoiler and roof rails.

On the inside, the Hexa features a spacious interior. The carmaker counts ample passenger room among its strengths and with the Hexa, their aim was to make the space more useable. The company has also focused on using better quality materials for the interiors. The Hexa gets an entirely new dashboard, a colour multi-info display (a first for a Tata car), a Harman-sourced 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with USB, aux, Bluetooth and SD card connectivity, and a new steering wheel.

The Hexa is powered by the 2.2-litre Varicor 400 turbo-diesel engine making 154bhp and a massive 40.79kgm of torque. Power will be sent to the wheels via an optional six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Hexa is equipped with four driving modes such as Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Rough Road.

Other features include cruise control, eight-way adjustable driver seat, ten-speaker JBL audio system, reverse parking camera and ambient lighting with eight colour options.

In terms of safety, the Hexa comes with six airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), vehicle dynamic control, traction control system and engine drag control system.

The carmaker will intend to secure a strong footing in the SUV-crossover segment in India with the new Hexa, and for that reason, it is expected that  Tata will price the Hexa aggressively.

Apart from the Hexa, the carmaker also introduced a new sporty compact sedan – project code named Kite 5 – and compact SUV Nexon.

Honda BR-V showcased at the Auto Expo '16

Honda has revealed the India-spec BR-V at the 2016 Auto Expo. The all-new SUV from Honda shares its platform with the Brio, Amaze and the Mobilio, but gets a more rugged and angular design theme along with a seven-seat layout.

The car is loaded up with a lot of chrome, right from the grille to the tailgate, door frames, door handles and even the wheels, which is bound to go down well in India. Also worth noting is that, in the flesh, it does have some proper SUV presence, and doesn’t look like merely a jacked-up version of the Mobilio. Honda, however, has been careful to brand it a ‘crossover utility vehicle’ or CUV, rather than an all-out SUV.

In terms of design, the BR-V gets SUV styling cues that includes butch cladding that runs around the entire car, a rising beltline, pronounced wheel arch flares and roof rails. At 2,660 mm, the BR-V's wheelbase is longer than that of Mobilio. The new car's interior features a seven-seat layout and an all-new dashboard design, which is more in line with Honda Jazz and City, unlike the cars it shares its platform with. In terms of engine details, the car is expected to use tweaked versions of Honda’s existing 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines.



The BR-V was not launched at the 2016 Auto Expo, and the company says that will only happen later in 2016. The SUV will be manufactured at Honda's Tapukara facility in Rajasthan with production expected to begin in April this year. It will compete with the likes of the Mahindra Scorpio, Renault Duster, Maruti S-Cross and the popular Hyundai Creta. The carmaker also revealed the new Accord at the Auto Expo. The company’s latest generation of the large sedan is set to arrive on our shores in petrol and petrol-hybrid guise, and will be imported into India as CBUs. Also on display are the Honda Project 2&4 concept, the Jazz racing concept and the McLaren Honda MP4-30 Formula 1 car.

Lamborghini Urus to go on sale in 2018

Lamborghini has finally announced that its Urus concept-based SUV will go on sale in 2018. The premium SUV will be made at the company’s factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese and will be the third production model to be made after the Aventador and Huracan.

This SUV is expected to draw a lot of inspiration from the Urus concept first shown at the Beijing Motor Show in 2012. The radically styled concept displayed extensive use of carbon fibre and a turbocharged 5.2-litre V10 motor with a transmission-mounted electric motor. Details are still scarce but expect it to be one of the most powerful SUVs ever made.

Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann said, “This is a proud moment for everybody in Lamborghini. The introduction of a third model line endorses the stable and sustainable growth of the company and signifies the beginning of a new era.”

Lamborghini will also expand its Sant’Agata Bolognese plant and is looking to invest “hundreds of millions of Euros” in the facility. This investment will increase the size of the plant from the current 80,000 square metres to around 150,000 square metres and the company intends to hire 500 new employees.

The Italian carmaker plans to spread its sales across the globe, and has identified the USA, China, the Middle East, United Kingdom, Germany and Russia as its main target markets. With a target of
3,000 units a year in mind, Lamborghini wants to double their current sales figures.

Tata Safari Storme facelift priced at ₹ 10.41 lakh

Although there has been no official launch yet, deliveries for the Tata Safari Storme facelift have already started. Dealers have been taking bookings for some time already for an amount ranging from ₹ 10,000- 50,000. The facelifted car has been priced in the same range as the predecessor – starting at ₹ 10.41 lakh.

The mildly updated Storme gets some styling tweaks inside and out and some additional equipment. On the outside, there’s a new Land Rover-like grille while inside, there’s a new steering wheel (similar to the one on the Zest and Bolt), and an all-black theme with silver accents.

Added features include rear parking sensors, centre armrest for rear passengers and a new audio system with a display screen, USB, aux-in and Bluetooth compatibility, and steering-mounted controls.
Mechanically, the updated Safari Storme gets the Aria’s 2.2-litre Varicor diesel engine that makes 148 bhp and 32.63 kgm of torque – an extra 10 bhp over the previous model.

Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi)--

LX - ₹ 10.41 lakh

EX - ₹ 11.61 lakh

VX - ₹ 13.02 lakh (4x4 - ₹ 14.34 lakh)

Mahindra XUV 500 facelift launched

Mahindra has launched the XUV500 facelift at ₹ 11.21 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) with some discernible cosmetic tweaks on the outside and new features on the inside.

Changes to the exterior include a new front grille with chrome inserts, new projector headlamps with LED light guides and a new design for the bonnet. The front bumper is also new as are the fog lamp housings.

The Mahindra XUV 500 facelift also gets new alloy wheels and ORVM puddle lamps.

Moreover, the window lining has been given a chrome treatment which gives the car a premium look.
Other changes on the outside include new door handles and a larger rear registration plate enclosure with a chrome appliqué above.

On the inside, the Mahindra XUV500 facelift gets a new black and beige theme coupled with blue lighting. Other features on offer (as per trim levels) include a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a rear-view camera, beige leather seats, new aluminium pedals, keyless entry with push button start and a bigger touchscreen for the infotainment system which also gets GPS navigation.

The Mahindra XUV500 facelift retains the same engine as the outgoing model – 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel motor good for 138 bhp and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It does get a new ESP stability control system known as ESP 9.

Mahindra says fuel efficiency of the XUV500 facelift has been improved and claims that the car will now return 16 kpl as against 15.1 kpl earlier.

The carmaker has also introduced a new top-end W10 trim of the XUV500 priced at ₹ 14.99 lakh for the 2WD version and ₹ 15.99 lakh for the top 4WD version.

FORD ENDEAVOUR FOR INDIA

The new Ford Endeavour will be adding some brute force to Ford’s India line up this year. Although the new Endeavour SUV will be based on the Ranger pickup sold internationally, the company has given the Endeavour a bit more differentiation than its predecessor, this time around. The new Endeavour’s large trapezoidal grille, big wheel arches and wheels give the new SUV loads of presence. 

Cosmetically, the new Endeavour retains pretty much everything seen on the concept, except for a different design for the alloys. Prominent design elements include LED daytime-running lights, aluminium front and rear scuff plates.  Ford has begun testing the next-gen Endeavour in India and the model was seen shod with chrome alloy wheels. Ford’s new SUV will take on the likes of the Fortuner, Pajero Sport, Hyundai Santa Fe and the SsangYong Rexton in our market.

The cabin of the new Ford Endeavour is likely to take a big leap in quality. It does look inviting even in pictures and the dashboard, with its central screen, is in sync with the times. Top-spec trims should get an 8-inch touchscreen system with Ford’s SYNC 2 infotainment along with sattelite navigation and a rear-view camera.

India-specific Endeavours will receive a 7- seat configuration with large front seats, and flat folding seats in the second and the third rows as standard. While cabin space is expected to be better than the outgoing version, we can only hope that the current model’s knee-up seating position in the second and third rows is also improved on.

Two engine and transmission options are expected to be offered — a 2.2-litre 148 bhp and a 197 bhp 3.2-litre diesel. The former is likely to be paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox and the bigger engine is likely to come only with a 6-speed auto. An array of safety and assistance systems such as start assist, assist to control ascent, descent and curve when on a hill, a warning system for lane departure, a system to indicate blind spots, adaptive cruise control and ESP are also to be included.
We believe that Ford will stick to an aggressive pricing strategy for the new Endeavour, and it could start from ₹ 18 lakh. It certainly looks like the best Endeavour yet, and has all the ingredients to become a success in our market.

Jaguar C-X17-based model "is not an SUV"

Jaguar Land Rover boss Ralf Speth has said that the new Jag, based on the C-X17 concept showcased last year, will be a sport-biased offering. Although a 4x4, the new car should not be called an SUV, according to Speth. This C-X17 based model is expected to make it to global markets in 2016, and has been confirmed to be heavily focussed on on-road dynamics rather than off-road.

“A Jaguar SUV is not possible,” said Speth. “SUVs and 4x4s are for Land Rover. The Jaguar concept is far more road-orientated. It will need a different kind of name.” For now, the JLR crew seems to be referring to it as a sports crossover. The car will be dynamically and aggressively styled, yet will offer something very different from what a Land Rover offers.

“Mike Cross and his vehicle dynamics team will do an extraordinary job to make sure that it is sensational to drive on the road. It will be something special in that regard. Of course, it will not be anything like a sports car, but it will have a very specific character that sets it apart,” said Speth.

Audi likely to make TT-based crossover

Audi is likely to put the TT offroad concept into production. If it happens, it will be the third and final iteration of TT concepts that will make it to production, alongside the TT Shooting Brake and the TT Sportback.

The first of these, the TT Shooting Brake was unveiled at the Detroit show in January 2014. It was followed by the TT offroad concept at the Beijing motor show in April and finally, the TT Sportback at the Paris show in October.

Audi's technical chief Ulrich Hackenberg said at the recently concluded LA show, “All of the concepts are under analysis. We have done clinics, which have been very positive. They have shown a strong tendency for SUVs, so if we were start with one, I’d say there is the strongest chance for the SUV version.” Any one production version is likely to arrive in global markets by 2015.

The Audi TT offroad concept is a four-door compact SUV that’s powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system. It has a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that features an integrated electric motor, sending power to the front wheels. The rear wheels are powered by a second motor.

Subaru Forester

Subaru has revealed its new performance SUV. Teased last month wearing the trademark pink STI badge, this is the brand new Forester tS.
It's described as STI-enhanced rather than a fully-fledged STI model, tS in fact being shorthand for ‘tuned by STI'. A bit like M Division's watered down stuff, but then the M135i is a belter, so that's not necessarily criticism.

As a result its engine stays the same, save for a small ECU tweak to boost its responses a little. In the Japanese market - the only place the Forester tS will be sold officially - that means 250 bhp from a turbocharged 2-litre flat-four petrol engine.
And, rather unfortunately, Subaru's Lineartronic CVT transmission. That means only two pedals but a whole lot of droning as the car simulates an automatic gearbox without the use of any actual gears. Ho hum.
More exciting are the mechanical upgrades. The ride is lower, the front suspension strengthened and a Brembo brake package much more performance-minded than before. There's also extra cooling for the transmission oil, not something an SUV typically cries out for.
Those beefier brakes sit behind some quite excellent 19-inch BBS alloy wheels, while there's a subtly tasteful bodykit and a smattering of STI badges. We'd screwdriver them off for the full Q-car effect, though.
Just 300 will be built, and sold for the yen equivalent of £24,000. 

SsangYong Tivoli

SsangYong has revealed that its new crossover will be called Tivoli, after the Italian city. Along with the official name of the car, SsangYong also showed three sketches which point to what the sporty Tivoli would look like. The production model is likely to hold true to the XIV concepts (Adventure and Air), showcased at this year's Paris motor show.

The car's exterior design gives off an urban crossover vibe and the inside is a neat blend of style and space. Equipment on offer will likely include Bluetooth-capable audio system, a rear-view camera, dual-zone auto climate control and a host of safety features.

Although mechanical details are unclear still, the XIV concepts were displayed with efficient 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines. The Tivoli is likely to follow suit, but official details are expected only closer to launch. It’s been scheduled to go on sale internationally by mid-2015.

Volvo V60 Cross Country showcased at LA Auto show 2014

Volvo has just unveiled the rugged V60 Cross Country at the LA Auto Show. With the Cross Country edition, the height of the car has been raised by 65 mm over the standard V60. In addition, it has high profile tyres, front and rear skid plates, side scuff plates and bumper extenders. It also gets under body cladding to add to the ruggedness.

A diesel-only engine line-up includes a base D3 unit and a new 179 bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder D4 turbodiesel with either front or all-wheel drive system. Volvo says the new model offers "a sporty, connected yet comfortable driving experience with the freedom to explore new horizons".

The V60 will be available to order in the first quarter next year in the international markets.

Kia kx3

Kia has revealed a new SUV concept called KX3. It has been designed and created specifically for the Chinese markets by Dongfeng Yueda Kia, the Korean carmaker’s joint venture in China.

The KX3 concept has a 1.6-litre T-GDI direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine that sends power to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. On the outside, the mesh grille has some matte chrome surrounds and the headlights and tail-lights are wraparound LED units. Kia also claims that the interior has been given production-ready elements. The carmaker says the KX3 has the “latest in-car connectivity technology, with easy-to-use smartphone functionality” and it comes with “a high level of standard equipment, and a wide range of options, to ensure the greatest possible value to buyers”.

Standard equipment of the KX3 is likely to include side and curtain airbags, a start-stop button, cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, rear ventilation outlets, an auto climate control and a rear-view camera.

Reportedly based on the Hyundai ix25 the 2590mm-long wheelbase of the KX3 concept allows for a lot of cabin space and a large boot. Kia also says that the new concept is capable of earning a five star rating in C-NCAP (Chinese New Car Assessment Programme) tests.

Audi Q8

Luxury carmaker Audi has confirmed that it will put a new Q8 SUV into production. The new SUV – based on the next-generation Q7 which is slated to be unveiled at the 2015 Detroit motor show – will go up against rivals like the BMW X6, Range Rover Sport and upcoming Mercedes MLC. 

 

"The Q8 will come," said technical chief Ulrich Hackenberg at the LA auto show. "It will be something new, following designs established on the Prologue concept. It will be positioned as something more emotional and more sporty than the Q7. The Q7 will be a car for seven people, the Q8 will be more coupe like."

 

The Q7 will be one of the last Audis with the current design language and the Q8 will have some visual differentiation to the Q7 both inside and out. The Q8 has been granted official production approval and is progressing through a development programme that aims to have it on sale within the next three years. 

 

The official sketch.

The upmarket crossover forms a crucial part of Audi’s growth strategy that will see it extend its line-up by no fewer than 11 new models by 2020. Five of those models have been identified as additional SUVs in the form of the Q1, Q2, Q4, Q6 and Q8.

 

This will push Audi’s range to a 60-strong model line-up, with the company predicting that 40 percent of its annual sales – around 8,00,000 units – will come from SUVs. Company boss Rupert Stadler admitted that more investment would be diverted to SUVs as a result. 

 

The Q8 has been conceived to extend Audi’s reach at the top of its line-up and to provide the company with added sales in potentially crucial markets such as China, the Middle East and the US.

 

In terms of performance and technology, the Q8 is described as being on par with Audi’s A8 flagship sedan, albeit with the added ability to head off road thanks to its raised ride height and, on top-end models, adjustable air suspension. 

 

A range of V6 and V8 petrol and diesel engines will be offered, alongside plug-in hybrids and possibly an all-electric version to rival the upcoming Tesla Model X SUV. 

 

The Q8 is set to receive its own, unique five-door body styled under the stewardship of new Audi design boss Marc Lichte. Among the various elements expected to set it apart from the more practical second-generation Q7 is a racier front end with a more sporting grille, more obvious tapering around each corner, shallower side glass, a generously sloping roofline and a more heavily angled rear window.

 

The basis for the Q8 is the second-generation MLB (modular longitudinal architecture) platform. Insiders say the MLB structure has far greater flexibility than that used today, with added scope for variability within the wheelbase and track widths in a move that, it is suggested, will lead to a wider differentiation between the models planned by the VW Group’s various brands.