Volkswagen Jetta launch in India soon

After the launch of the passat, Volkswagen is gearing up to launch the Volkswagen Jetta, its trump card for the Indian C-size market.

The Volkswagen Jetta will be pitted against the mid-size market leader Honda City, close combatant maruti sx4 and others like Chevrolet Aveo and Ford Fiesta. The second offering from Volkswagen India, the Jetta will be made at the Aurangabad plant of Skoda, which is a Volkswagen subsidiary.

Volkswagen has ignored the Indian market for long enough, preferring to launch the Skoda Octavias and Superbs when the Koreans and Japanese have carved up the mid-size car market among themselves. Now, Volkswagen is poised to launch the Jetta into a market that is red-hot with competition.

The Jetta will come to India in petrol and diesel versions, the diesel Jetta fitted with the same 1.9 litre engine which comes standard in Skoda Octavia. There will be a 1.6 litre petrol edition too. The Jetta will come with five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions, the latter possibly with six gears. The petrol model of Volkswagen Jetta is expected to come with two engine options: 100 BHP and 115 BHP.

The Volkswagen Jetta is actually the small car Volkswagen Golf, with a boot. (By the way, Golf too will be launched in India, though only later) However, the exteriors have been refined for a large car. The car will be the longest and widest in its category - yes, wider than even the Logan. The Jetta is based on the same A5 platform on which the Golf and the Skoda Laura are based.

Volkswagen will be able to price the Jetta competitively, since the car will be built in India at the Skoda plant from CKDs. Production will continue here till the Pune plant of Volkswagen goes on stream. At a later stage, Volkswagen hopes to roll out the Passat, Jetta and Golf from the Pune plant. It's not confirmed yet, but the Jetta will initially come as completely-knocked-down (CKD) kits from the Volkswagen plant in Mexico, where the bulk of Jettas are made for the global markets.

Volkswagen is building its Pune plant at a cost of Rs 2,450-crore, which will have the capacity to churn out 110,000 cars every year. It has been reported that even the Volkswagen Beetle may roll out of this plant in 2010.

On the exteriors, the Jetta's front does not look as sporty as the new Honda City or the Maruti SX4. The Jetta is more in the league of the understated elegance of the Passat and the Skoda. This is partly due to its pedigree -- the Jetta has been on the roads since 1980. Though the car has been refined over the nearly-three-decades, it has not had a complete facelift ever.

The Jetta goes by different names in different countries. It is also called Volkswagen Bora, Volkswagen GLI, Volkswagen Sagitar and Volkswagen Vento.

The Volkswagen Jetta is built with high-strength steel. Expect the same solidity and reliability of the ubiquitous Skoda. The foreign models of Jetta have a specially-designed door with an outer panel, which can be changed without changing the entire panel if damaged. There are six airbags in the running models of Volkswagen Jetta abroad, both for front and rear passengers, but it remains to be seen if the Indian models will have them. Two, we guess. Anti-lock braking system will be standard.

The Jetta has specially-designed headlamps with a VW logo integrated into the reflector.

The Mark 5 version of the Jetta in use abroad has often confused the regular car user. To reduce wear and tear, the windscreen wiper slightly changes its position on every parking, which may concern the user. Also, on cold start, the Jetta engine is noisier than usual, since a secondary air pump is in action for better start to the engine. It remains to be seen if the Volkswagen Jetta in India will come loaded with these features. The Mark 5 is the model currently in production abroad, including in Germany. A BS Motoring report said that the same model will be offered in India too.

According to a BS Motoring report, Volkswagen is likely to launch the Jetta in India at a price tag of Rs 7-9 lakh. Now, at this price, it is guaranteed to take a chunk of the mid-size market, since Honda will be ready with the completely-revamped New City only in 2009. Till then, Jetta will have a free ride, with only SX4 for competition. Last year, India's C segment of mid-sized cars saw the sale of 2 lakh cars. Volkswagen hopes to make a mark in this segment with the Jetta.

Renaultsport version of Laguna likely

French automaker Renault is said to be mulling over the possibility of rolling out a Renaultsport version of the Laguna.

Laguna is expected to get an innovative four-wheel steering system called Active Drive and the concept of the new vehicle is likely to be announced at
the forthcoming frankfurt auto show.

The new steering system, according to an auto industry report, will debut in the Laguna Coupé, late in 2008 and then would be tried in the standard car.
Meanwhile, reports added that at high speeds the Active Drive system, increases stability and helps the driver perform extreme maneuvers. It added that the system at low speed provides extra maneuverability .

The Active Drive technology is seen by auto experts as something that could point the way to the Laguna getting the Renaultsport performance badge. The company is thinking of having a chassis with four-wheel steering that could be used as the base for the car.

Though the decision on what engine would be used is pending, the company is keen on building the car with customer specifications in mind. The launch of the standard Laguna and the Coupe is expected by the end of 2008.

Mahindra AXE army vehicle

Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) has announced the launch of Axe its army off-roader model. The company plans to sell the vehicle to the armed forces
of India and Israeli. M&M is expected to invest close to $7 million in developing Axe.

According to industry reports, the Axe is being tested by the Israeli Army and will soon be tested by the Indian Army as well. M&M plans to begin commercial production of the vehicle as soon as the it receives the order from the Army.

However, the company has clarified that it is not at all thinking of a civilian version of Axe. The company is sourcing the engine for Axe from an Israeli
firm and has no plans to develop its own engine for the off-roader. The Mahindras will continue to source the engine and as of now has no plans to put in their own engine.

The Mahindras, who are looking at a possible United States foray by 2009, said that M&M sales, including that of Logan, has grown 37 per cent in April-August 2007. The momentum is expected to be maintained during the remaining part of the fiscal, it is believed. It has been reported that the Indian automobile industry’s growth in the second half would continue at 10-12 per cent and M&M expects itself to continue growing at about the industry average.

Tata compressed air car production in 2008

Come 2008, and the Tatas will be ready with their Rs 1-lakh car. It is learnt that this will not be the only affordable technology that Tata Motors will introduce next year.

The Tatas are said to be mulling over bringing out cars fired by compressed air, the cheapest auto fuel in the world, said a report. Tata Motors will begin production of cars running on air fuel in 2008.

Expected to sport a price tag similar to that of the current Indica range, which is around Rs 3.5 lakh, the compressed air car is likely to look like the European variant called MiniCAT.

It is said that this car has the potential to deliver the lowest running cost across all passenger car segments, and could be much lower than CNG. The cost of a fuel refill would be about Rs 90, and each refill is expected to deliver a distance in the range of 150-200 km.

These pollution-free vehicles are expected to deliver a maximum speed of up to 220 km/hour and their debut may coincide with the launch of the Rs 1-lakh car, next year. Though the company has not confirmed the launch of the compressed air cars, it is believed that the engine and the technology is being further refined, and will require a couple of years more. Auto experts opine that Tata Motors is experimenting with the technology on its different models and mass production of the compressed air car could commence in 2008, for the domestic market.

It may be noted that Tata Motors had signed an agreement, earlier in 2007, with Moteur Development International (MDI) of France to source technology to develop engines powered by compressed air.

BMW to launch M3 and M5 sports sedans in India

German carmaker Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) on Tuesday said it plans to launch its sports car M series in India by 2008. The luxury carmaker’s announcement comes in the backdrop of an enthusiastic response to its products in the country.

BMW also announced the market launch of its luxury sedan 5 series. BMW said the prices of the 5 series will be in the range of Rs 37-45 lakh ex-showroom Delhi.

The German luxury carmaker has been apparently buoyed by the response it got from the country, selling 424 units of its 3 and 7 series.

This has also acted as a trigger for BMW to revise its target upwards by 20% from 1,000 to 1,200 units this calendar year.

BMW India President Peter Krnoschnabl was quoted as saying that July sales is expected to exceed the 100 unit mark.

BMW, which is also launching the SUV X5 later this year, says it has already bagged good orders for the 5 series.

BMW said its M series cars M3 and M5 will be rolled out as imports in the country, albeit as per orders from potential buyers.

The 3 series would cost between Rs 26 lakh to Rs 33 lakh, the carmaker said. BMW also sees the 3 series to be the primarily power its growth in the country.

BMW also has set ambitious targets for its 7 Series, which is a super luxury sedan.

The 7 Series will be priced in the Rs 74 lakh to Rs 1.25 crore range. BMW has set a sales target of 170 units for the 7 Series.

With this BMW will have a 5 product portfolio in India, including the X3 and X5 SUVs, apart from the 3,5,7 Series vehicles.

BMW, which has eight dealers in the country, is trying to expand its dealer base also as it raises its targets. By 2009, BMW plans to have 12 or more dealers in India.

The Munich headquartered BMW, founded by Karl Friedrich Rapp in 1917, had revenues of 49 billion euros in 2006 globally.

Meanwhile, BMW is likely to report a fall in quarterly global profit as rising production costs and the surge of euro against the dollar slashes its revenues from the US. The surge in rubber and steel costs are also a cause of worry for BMW. Last year, 24% of BMW’s revenues came from North America and only 22% from Germany, while United Kingdom contributed 11% and Asia chipped in with 13% of sales. The remaining revenues came from Europe.

No small car for $3000, says Ford

Small cars, yes. But not for $3000. This is what the Indian unit of US auto maker Ford Motor Co has clearly stated.

It is a known fact that as much as 80 per cent of the Indian car market comprises small cars, the main player in the segment being Maruti Udyog. Meanwhile, Tata Motors has already begun work on a car that will cost Rs 1 lakh. But, Ford is not thinking on the same lines. Ford bosses have clarified that the company isn’t looking at a $3,000 price tag. According to Ford India Managing Director and President Arvind Mathew, what the company is looking at is a small car but not at that price point.

However, much interest has been generated by the proposed Rs 1 lakh Tata car. Ford India Managing Director Mathew has said that he is just curious as to what this car will look like. Meanwhile, reports said that Ford's global rivals which recently announced plans to sell small cars in India include Honda Motor and Volkswagen AG's Czech unit Skoda Automobilova AS. General Motors began selling a small car in India earlier this year.

Further, Nissan Motor Co has already announced that India’s own Mahindra & Mahindra will likely be its partner for a low-price car project for India.

Ford India, in the meantime, unveiled a diesel variant of Fusion priced at Rs 6.59 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The company has saidthat the diesel engine model of its mid-sized Fusion car is aimed at buyers who prefer cars, which run on diesel. Aimed at urban users, the diesel version is expected to be picked up as the fuel-price equation is in favour of diesel.

Ford India's domestic sales rose 45 per cent to 41,797 units in the financial year ended March 31, 2007. It also exported about 20,000 units, as completely-knocked-down kits, during the same period.

Honda plans small car for India

Small is big, so think the auto majors. As everyone makes a try at the market in this segment, Honda Siel too seems to be thinking on similar lines. The move is said to be prompted by the impressive 25 per cent growth rate in the segment.

A report said that Honda Siel Cars India is planning to enter the small car market in India. The Japanese car maker is studying the segment in India and plans to introduce a car with a sub-1.2-litre engine capacity. The report added that the company is also likely to spring a surprise by unveiling a new model for India altogether.

Honda Siel has said that the vehicle in the pipeline is a premium small car. A time-frame for the launch would be worked out soon. Honda currently sells the Honda City, Civic and the Accord, prime players in the executive sedan, luxury sports and large sedan segments. The car major is already present in the small car segment in Japan and the US. Honda executives said the Indian smal car would not be a variant of any of the existing models, though it could be replicated later in China or even in Europe.

Meanwhile, it is not just Honda who is looking at the small car segment. While Toyota Motor Corp is planning to manufacture small cars for emerging markets, including India, Tata Motors is already working on its Rs 1 lakh small car. Nissan Renault has also unveiling plans for a Rs 1.25-lakh car for the Indian roads, reports pointed out. All said, Maruti remains the largest player in both the overall Indian auto market as well as the small car segment, boasting of a 55 per cent share. Last year, it had sold over 5 lakh small cars out of a total 6.3 lakh sold in the domestic market.

To Chennai with love is BMW mantra

M Karunanidhi must be a happy man. Close on the heels of the mega Renault-Nissan-Mahindra venture setting shop on Tamil Nadu soil, it is now the turn of none other than BMW to roll in.

The car giant has unveiled its assembly plant at Chengalpattu, 40 km south of Chennai. With India promising to offer unique opportunities for growth in the premium automobile segment, the company has set up the plant with a capacity of 1,700 vehicles a year.

The automobile behemoth which has a distribution network of as many as 12 dealers in cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad, also has lined up an expansion on that front. Reports quoting sources aid that the dealership network will double by this year end. The idea is to grab all opportunities that arise for BMW’s three automotive brands.The brands being BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the report added.

On the pricing front, BMW officials said that the lowest priced 3- Series vehicle will cost Rs 2.6 million, while the higher range would cost up to Rs 4.2 million.

Significantly, India makes only the seats of the cars, while the remaining parts are imported. As per the new plan, BMW will manufacture the doors of the cars India and it will not export its Indian products.

Chennai is indeed turning hot on the auto front. It is only a matter of time before more Tamil Nadu cities also roll out the red carpet for global majors.

Bajaj Auto car by 2009

You just can’t beat a Bajaj, so said the ad lines years ago. The two wheeler giant has maintained its full allegiance to its ad jingle. Now after making a plash with some of the best bikes that ever came out of Indian manufacturing facilities, Bajaj is all set to roll out a car.

Bajaj Auto is rumoured to be possibly considering this as the company is finally eyeing an entry into the car market. With the Indian middle class now capable of purchasing cars and Bajaj sees a good market there. After being a dominant player in the two and three wheeler market in the country, the company sees an opportunity waiting to succeed in the car mart.

The company might enter the four-wheeler segment within two years, said reports quoting company top brass. Bajaj Auto is said to be on the look out for land in Maharashtra and Uttarakhand.

Recently Bajaj Auto launched a 200cc model of its hugely successful Pulsar. This bike has been launched for the niche market as the company feels that there is a market for high-end bikes in India. The company also has lined up plans to the lift the wraps on another high-end bike called Pulsar 220 in the month of May.

Will the Harley come to India?

If you want to see a Harley Davidson on Indian roads, snip import duties, the government has been told by the US bike maker. With the US government too locking horns with the Union Commerce Ministry on the issue of lobbying for the iconic motor cycle brand, the scene has got even hotter.

According to the bike maker there are import duties of 60 per cent that makes a Harley Davidson expensive in India. This apart, the additional 30 per cent local taxes may double the prices. While the bike maker looks forward to the government cutting import duties to the levels of average industrial tariffs in India, a Harley official said the company does not have definite plans as of now for India. But he added that the company hopes to be in India sometime in the future.

It has been reported that Harley Davidson has been lobbying hard through the US government for duty cuts. However, the Commerce Ministry has ruled out any customs duty concessions The government is adamant that bringing down duties on bikes won’t happen as of now.

While giving a thumbs up to the government move to accept Euro-III emission norms for large-engine motorcycles, the Harley official said that he was are extremely pleased that the Indian government has agreed to harmonize its emission norms with Euro-III standards. Significantly, India, till recently, had not specified emission standards for motorcycles with engine capacity above 500 cubic centimeters. This in turn had ruled out the import of vehicles from Harley Davidson, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. and Suzuki Motor.

Meanwhile, industry experts feel that despite the high duties, there exists a sizeable market in India for big bikes. If Harley hesitates, there are others who will grab the opportunity. Waiting in the wings are Suzuki with its GSX-R1000 and 749 cc GSX-R750, Yamaha with its 998 cc YZF-R1 and the 600 cc YZF-R6 and Honda with its proposed big bike.

Swift sedan to replace Esteem, launch at Auto Expo 2008

The Swift sedan which will replace the Esteem will make its debut at the Auto Expo 2008. Pictures and price details to follow.

Roll over Esteem, the Swift Sedan is on its way. Maruti Suzuki has apparently decided to bring the curtains down on its hugely successful model Esteem.

Taking its place would be the new Sedan version of its even more successful Swift. According to a report, this would mean that one of Maruti Suzuki’s most successful models is on its way to be phased out. In fact it is already being said that the company has halted production of the car.

The Esteem was unveiled during the 1990s as a spruced-up version of the Maruti 1000. It had then competed for market share with Hindustan Motor's Contessa Classic. The decision to stop its production comes after almost 14 years, though it had been a sought after car in the country. It may be noted that the car had sold 1000 units in November 2007. The report added that the car was actually called the Swift in some of its foreign markets. This includes the US too, it added.

As Maruti Suzuki gets set to roll out the new Swift sedan most probably by March 2008, the report added that the car would be powered by a 1.3 litre petrol engine akin to what the Esteem had. The auto maker also plans to roll out a diesel version by the end of 2008.

Meanwhile, the company is sad to be investing more money into its Manesar assembly line in a bid to bridge the demand supply gap of diesel cars. The auto maker is already witnessing huge demand for its Swift diesel vehicle, and has realized that the demand is more that what it can currently supply. The production capacity would go up to around three lakh engines per annum, compared with the current one lakh engines per annum.

GM Chevrolet Captiva SUV launched, priced at Rs 17.74 lakh

General Motors launched its premium sport utility vehicle, the new Chevrolet Captiva, for the Indian market 2008 Auto Expo.

The Captiva, which has been a huge hit in global markets, was well received here as well. It is expected that the combination of distinctive styling, refinement, safety features, comfort and versatility and powerful yet frugal diesel powertrain, will make the Captiva a sought after vehicle in the Indian market place too.

The SUV comes with aggressive clear-lens projection headlamps and wide tyres mounted on alloy wheels. A review report said that the sharp feature line across the length of the Captiva adds to the masculinity of its stance, while subtle chrome highlights and a bold coupe-style rear window treatment add feline grace to the overall visual package.

A large tailgate and substantial vertical tail lamps with indicators and reversing lamps contained in circular elements add to the beauty of the rear. The Captiva is powered by a 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder 16-valve diesel engine. The common-rail direct injection system and a variable geometry turbo (VGT) system gives the engine power to produce 150 PS of peak power at 4,000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. The car comes with a five-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox.

Built to accommodate at least 7 people comfortably, the SUV maximizes space well. It brings with it features such as a remote-operated tailgate glass and also features three 12-volt power outlets that are accessible to all passengers. Pre-fitted with driver and front passenger airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, and load limiters, safety features have been well thought of and executed.

Besides these safety aspects, the SUV comes with a four-channel ABS with brake assist-equipped discs which intelligently assists with pedal pressure when it detects an emergency braking situation.

Company officials say that the Captiva brings about an economical and power-packed diesel performance combined with spacious luxury and fantastic road presence.

Skoda Fabia: The smart small car

The much-awaited Skoda Fabia was launched in India on Wednesday at the Auto Expo. With a starting price of Rs 4.99 lakh which goes up to Rs 7.88 lakh for the premium variants, the Skoda Fabia has everything for the Indian car buyer enamoured by the Skoda brand but found the Octavia out of reach.

Skoda currently has three models in its portfolio, all of them in the sedan version. The Octavia, Laura and Superb have been the flagships of Skoda in India for a long time, which helped the Czech carmaker, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, build a formidable brand name in India. With the Fabia, Skoda makes its tentative footsteps into the hot small car market in India, which is growing at a tremendous pace.

The interiors in the Skoda Fabia are the best in class. The Fabia sports dual tone dashboard and multi textured fabric on seats and trim. The instrument cluster is modern, displaying exotic info like outside temperature, average speed, average fuel consumption and instantaneous fuel consumption. There is one-touch locking and unlocking of all doors from the driver's side.

The exterior rear view mirrors are stylish and have a heating function to top it. This, says Skoda, helps the Fabia driver get a better view during monsoons, bad weather etc. The mirrors are power-adjustable too.

As part of the music system comes an auxiliary audio output, which can be used to plug in your iPod. The electric sunroof has both slide and tilt functions. AC vents are present on both front and rear, with climatic temperature control.

On of the innovative additions in the Skoda Fabia is a reverse parking sensor, an added convenience which even many big size cars in India do not have. Parktronic gives an audio visual warning when the car reverses towards an obstacle.

The Skoda Fabia comes with a large number of small storage spaces, unseen in any other car. There is a twin storage illuminated compartment, besides thoughtfully created spaces under the armrest, below the roof and all around the doors. Its seems one will never run short of space to store maps, bottles, magazines and other knick knacks in a Fabia. To add to the multiple storage spaces, the Skoda Fabia also comes with a large 300 litre boot.

Skoda has also incorporated well-intentioned additions like height adjustable front driver and passenger seats, adjustable steering, anti-glare interior rear view mirror and the like.

To tackle the tough and unforgiving Indian roads, the Skoda Fabia has an underbody protection to save the vital parts. The car has anti-lock braking system (ABS) and dual SRS airbags in the front. Many of these features are still to make their way into many of the upmarket C segment cars in India.

The front grille of the Fabia is distinctly Skoda, with vertical fins and the prominent Skoda logo. Projector headlamps make the front look different from the earlier Fabia, which reminded an Octavia from the front. Front and rear lamps come in the higher variants. There is also a rear windscreen wiper and washer.

Suzuki A-Star concept car launched

Apart from the Tata 1-lakh car launch, Day one of the Auto Expo 2008 also saw the launch of the Suzuki A-Star concept car.

The A-Star concept car is a hatchback powered by a 1-litre petrol engine, to be made well within all emission regulations of the Euro 5 norms and a carbon dioxide emission lower than those of European competitors. The A-Star has a prominent front grille, angular headlights, and thin-strip tail-lights flowing onto the rear door. The A-Star is the fifth world car launched by Suzuki after the Swift, Grand Vitara, SX4 and Splash.

The A-Star has been jointly designed by Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Motor Corporation. The design is mainly European with some Indian accents. Designed by two Indians, Saurabh Singh and Kumar Gogu, at Maruti Suzuki India's research and development team, the A-Star has a design that derives its inspiration from an elephant's trunk, its eyes and curves of flower petals.

The company said that production of the A Star will start in October 2008, in the Manesar plant, and the company might start exporting the vehicle to its European markets by the end of 2008. The company expects the Manesar plant to sell as many as 3 billion units globally by the 2008-2009 fiscal.

The Suzuki launch coincided with the unveiling of other car makers’ vehicles at the Pragati Maidan. While General Motors launched its premier sports utility vehicle, Chevrolet Captiva, expected to take on the Honda CR-V and Mitsubishi Pajero, German giant Volkswagen said that it would introduce new models including Jetta and Phaeton in 2008.

25 new car launches at Auto Expo 2008

Around 25 launches, including four global launches, have been lined up for the 9th Auto Expo. On Day One, Tata’s Rs 1 lakh car was unveiled.

Maruti Suzuki unveiled its A-Star hatchback concept car and also showcased its 1.1 litre Splash, which would be produced in India for the entire European market. Another major, General Motors India, will launch its bestselling SUV Captiva in India. Meanwhile, Japan’s Honda Motor would showcase its technologically advanced fuel cell car FCX and a hybrid Civic, besides a Jazz prototype, which would be launched in India in 2009.

The expo will be held over a display area of 1,20,000 sq ft, making it only second to the Shanghai Motor Show. The show, which is expected to host over 12 lakh visitors, is also expected to generate Rs 20 crore-plus business. It has been reported that the previous edition had done a business of Rs 10 crore plus.

SIAM officials have said that around 2,000 exhibitors would be present. Of these, a good 40 per cent are leading global players. The event has also been accredited by the Organisation Internatinale Des Constructeurs D’automobiles (OICA) of France. All these features cement the fact that the Indian automotive industry has a growing importance in the global arena. The confirmed participation of various automobile and automotive giants and delegations from 25 countries, including France, Brazil, Japan and Korea, explain this.

The Auto Expo will also provide a platform to automobile manufacturers and ancillary makers from the US, Japan, China, Germany, France and Italy.

Bajaj Lite small car concept launched in Delhi

2008 AUTO EXPO: BAJAJ LITE SMALL CAR

Bajaj's small car offering - the Bajaj Lite - was today unveiled in New Delhi ahead of the Auto Expo 2008.

While the launch of the Tata People's car approaches, Bajaj has surprised by unveiling it own cheap passenger car, the 4 seater Bajaj Lite concept, 2 days before the Auto Expo 2008 opens.

Not a bad looker at all, especially the lights and bumper - some might even say it looks better than the Zen Estilo. However, remember that this is a concept vehicle - the actual Bajaj Lite might look very different indeed.

A quick look what what the Bajaj lite concept offers:

Launch date is expected to be a couple of years down the line - so no, we are not going to see Bajaj's small car battling it out with Tata's small car on the streets of India.

Expected fuel efficiency of the Bajaj Lite is 35 kmpl. That is higher than the rumoured fuel efficiency of the Tata small car which is 25 kmpl.

The Tata small car is expected to cost Rs 1.25 lakhs - when it is out on the streets. That day is not too far away. But the Bajaj car is gonna be a long time coming.

The Bajaj Lite concept will offer a pterol and a diesel engine. So is that 35 kmpl for every liter of diesel or petrol? No answers yet. If you know the answer, please add it in comments below.

According to Rajiv Bajaj, managing director of Baja Auto, the car will have a transmission which is unique in that it won't be an automatic transmission or a geared vehicle but something in between.

Discussions are going on with Renault for mass production of the Bajaj Lite.

The price which renault is targeting for the small car is $ 3000, which translates to Rs 1,17,000 at current exchange rates. But this is just a figure - production costs and exchange rates boith could change massively by the time the car is ready for production.

TOP TEN CARS IN INDIA

1. HYUNDAI SANTRO

THE SANTRO IS, SIMPLY, TERRIFIC VALUE FOR MONEY

THIS IS, IN SOME WAYS, THE TOUGHEST CATEGORY in which to win. Buyers in this segment want everything - fuel economy, power, ride comfort, reliability and performance. Running costs must be low, and the purchase price must be sensible. And the car should hold its resale value over reasonable periods of time. Tall order, eh? Well, the Hyundai Santro does it all. It's been around for some time now, but with timely styling updates made by Hyundai, the Santro still looks and feels quite contemporary.


2. MARUTI SUZUKI SWIFT

STYLE, PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING - THE SWIFT IS AN ENTHUSIAST'S CAR!

THIS ONE REALLY IS SOMETHING SPECIAL. SOME small hatchbacks, with their nondescript styling and complete lack of character, are bought because the buyer cannot afford a bigger, better car. You often drive small hatchbacks because you have to, not because you want to. Not so with the Maruti Swift, which won our Car of the Year 2006 award in January this year. To begin with, it's one of the best-looking cars on sale in India today. An iteration of the sporty, aggressive-looking Concept-S, which Suzuki first showed at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, the Swift was extensively tested and developed in Europe. Suzuki say 'the Swift has been engineered for European sensibilities,' and if it's good enough for the Euros, it's good enough for the rest of the world!


3. TATA INDIGO

THE INEXPENSIVE, SPACIOUS AND FUEL EFFICIENT INDIGO IS A BRILLIANT ENTRY-LEVEL FAMILY SALOON

INDIAN CAR BUYERS HAVE A SPECIAL AFFINITY FOR three-box saloons. Whether it's because of 'prestige' connotations, additional boot space, or simply the desire to own a car that's bigger than the one in our neighbour's garage, three-box saloons are a big hit with us. Especially if they are reasonably- priced, cheap to run, and big on cabin space. Enter the Tata Indigo. We aren't saying it's the last word in refi nement, style, or driving dynamics. However, there's no getting away from the fact that the Indigo offers maximum bang for your buck. What matters here is cabin space, fuel economy and ride comfort, and the Indigo is strong on all those front

4. HONDA CITY

WITH ITS HIGH LEVELS OF REFINEMENT, RIDE COMFORT AND FUEL EFFICIENCY, THE CITY IS RIGHT ON TOP

THERE'S NO OTHER WAY TO PUT IT, SO LET'S JUST say this right up front - the Honda City is a stupendous car. This is one of those very few cars where the 'premium' tag is more than mere marketing-speak. In thought, design and execution, the Honda comes out on top.

5. SKODA OCTAVIA RS

IF CARS ARE MUSIC, THE RS IS PROPER HEAD-BANGING ROCK AND ROLL. BRAVO!!!

FOR ONCE, WE CAN TAKE A BREAK FROM TALKING about fuel effi ciency, ride comfort, refi nement and cabin space. Not that the Octavia RS is lacking in those departments - certainly not. But it's just that it also has one attribute which very few cars in India can lay claim to. Performance

6. MAHINDRA SCORPIO CRDe

IT TAKES THE ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH AND KEEPS GOING WHERE OTHERS CAN'T...


M&M HAVE COME A LONG WAY IN THE LAST TEN years. From the ubiquitous 'jeep,' they've moved on to bigger, better things. And the Scorpio is their fi nest achievement to date. We're not saying it's perfect, but as a budget- spec, entry-level SUV, the Scorpio is not bad at all

7. HONDA ACCORD

EXCELLENT FIT AND FINISH, BRILLIANT ENGINE AND A VERY REFINED CABIN - CERTAINLY THE BEST LUXURY SALOON IN INDIA!


EVERY TIME WE DRIVE THE ACCORD, WE CAN'T help marveling at the sheer all-around capability of the car. It looks good, is spacious and comfortable, rides and handles well, and there's a choice of two absolutely sparkling engines

8. CHEVROLET TAVERA

SPACIOUS, COMFORTABLE, RELIABLE AND FUEL EFFICIENT - AN MUV FOR ALL REASONS, AND ALL SEASONS...


FORGET THE 'LIFESTYLE VEHICLE' HYPE AND ignore the marketing hoopla, and you begin to appreciate the Chevrolet Tavera for what it is - an honest, hard-working multi-utility vehicle that's not afraid to get its hands dirty. It may not be the last word in refi nement and creature comforts, but if you need a reliable workhorse that'll get the job done, the reasonably- priced and frugal Tavera makes a lot of sense.

9. TOYOTA INNOVA

CONTEMPORARY STYLING, LEGENDARY TOYOTA RELIABILITY, HIGH LEVELS OF REFINEMENT - THE MOST VERSATILE MPV AROUND


THE RIGHT CAR, AT THE RIGHT TIME, AT THE RIGHT price - that's what Toyota do best. Sounds deceptively simple, but it's a tough act to follow. When Toyota chopped the best- selling Qualis from their lineup last year and launched the all-new Innova, there was no dearth of people who were saying it just won't work. The Innova was more expensive and its styling was a radical departure from the boxy-looking Qualis.

10. MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS

IMAGINE A FAST, QUIET, LEATHER-LINED CLOUD AND YOU HAVE THE MERCEDES-BENZ S350


EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THE S-CLASS IS THE preferred mode of transport for the rich and the famous. And rightly so. Few cars offer the same mix of power, opulent comfort, great safety and outstanding performance as the S-class does. In India, the recently launched S350 has almost no competition.

Specifications of the Tata Nano

The cheapest car

Tata Motors on Thursday unveiled its 'People's Car', the 4-door Nano, which will be the world's cheapest car with a dealer price of 100,000 rupees.

Following are some details on the car, which was presented at the Auto Expo in New Delhi.

· Length: 3.1 metres

* Height: 1.6 metres

* Width: 1.5 metres

·

* Engine: Rear-wheel drive, 2-cylinder, 623 cc, multi-point fuel-injection petrol engine. Engine is rear mounted. Tata said it was the first time a 2-cylinder gasoline engine was being used in a car with single balancer shaft.

* Safety: Tata said the Nano has an all sheet-metal body, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat-belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Tyres are tubeless.

* Environment: Tata said tailpipe emission performance exceeded current regulatory requirements, and the Nano had a lower overall pollution level than two-wheelers made in India. It said high fuel efficiency (20 km/litre) ensured low carbon dioxide emissions.

Top 10 Super Luxury Cars in India

As the car market is booming with small cars and sedans, super luxury car makers too are making a beeline to India. There are at least a dozen models of super luxury cars sold in India. The one’s we rank as the Top 10 Most Popular Super Luxury Cars in India follow.

Lamborghini Murcielago

There are a few automobile brands that are so steeped in history, glamour, and awe-inspiring technology that hyperboles come naturally when we talk about them. With a starting price of Rs. 3 Crore (ex-showroom Delhi), the Lamborghini Murcielago is being offered in India with a 6.5-litre, 12-cylinder, engine generating a peak power of 631 bhp at 8,000 rpm. It can touch an estimated top speed of 340 km and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in just 3.4 seconds. In 2006, six cars were already bought by Indians. Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 is a super luxury car that caters to high-end buyers. The company plans to sell only 50-60 cars per year in India.

Mercedes Maybach

The other Mercs and Beamers feel like commonplace in comparison to this new Palanquin among cars. The elitist club can now buy this palace on four wheels. The numbers of its owners in India are in single digits. The new Maybach 62 and, the slightly smaller variant, Maybach 57 are offered in India. The Maybach looks sturdy and is unmistakable on the road. With a wide-range selection of standard and optional equipment, there are over two million different ways in which Maybach customers can personalise the design and fittings of their high-end luxury saloon. Individualisation is further expanded with a range of high-quality accessories developed specifically for the Maybach, from a made-to-measure luggage set to a Sterling silver champagne flute, from a humidor to a golf bag. A sliding glass rises up to compartmentalise the rear. The 5.5-litre, V-12, twin-turbo motor along with a five-speed automatic transmission generates 550 bhp and an outstanding 902 Nm of torque. The 62 is estimated to top 250 km/h easily and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Price starts at Rs 5.5 Crore (ex-showroom Delhi).

Bentley azure

The England-based car maker Bentley rolled out two convertibles since its entry into India in 2003. The Azure two-seater coupe is for kings and oil magnates. Bentley has restricted the sales number to maintain exclusivity. With a starting price of Rs 3.8 Crore (ex-showroom Delhi), the Bentley Azure is surely for the super rich of India. Surprisingly, the dealers in Delhi are getting orders even from Ludhiana and Bhiwandi, which are districts in Punjab and Rajasthan. With a 5.9-litre engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, the car generates an amazing 552 hp and can touch an estimated top speed of 317 km/h.

Rolls Royce Phantom

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars came back to India, after a gap of 50 years, with its launch of the Phantom super luxury sedan. The company hopes to sell 7-8 units this year through its dealer. The Rolls-Royce Phantom has emerged as the clear market leader in its class. The car made its debut in January 2003 and recently the company also introduced a longer wheel base version, which Indian customers can order for if they so wish. The Phantom's long wheelbase and rigid body help ensure superior ride comfort. Rolls Royce Phantom has a 6.75-litre V-12 engine that generates a massive 453 bhp. The car of Maharajah's has its price start at Rs 3.5 Crore (ex-showroom Delhi).

Bentley Arnage

In a world of designer flamboyance, the Arnage is meticulously handcrafted and imparts a sense of occasion every time you step into it. It is one of the fastest cars in India with an estimated top speed of 250 km/h. It has its price starting at Rs 2.25 Crore (ex-showroom Delhi). It is powered by a 400 bhp, 6.7-litre V-8 turbocharged engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. It is available only as a rear-wheel-drive model in India. Bentley plans to sell 25-30 units of its total worldwide production.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur

It is Bentley's big car. Big power output, big price tag, and a bigger garage needed too cosset this luxury coupe. The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a high performance coupe with an amalgam of exquisite design, peerless craftsmanship, and unforgettable driving dynamics. It is available as a four-wheel-drive and powered by a 553 bhp 5.9-litre turbocharged engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It can travel at a maximum estimated speed of 312 km/hr going from 0 to 100 km in 4.9 seconds. Sold only as one variant, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur starts its price at Rs. 2 Crore (ex-showroom Delhi). Bentley plans to sell only 10 units of the Flying Spur in India per year. It would take about six months from the date of order in India to deliver the vehicle, as it is a completely imported unit.

Porsche Carrera GT

The Porsche Carrera is a real sports car. The timeless 911 silhouette has become a design classic. Its ultra-low road clearance makes it impractical for our roads. It's too fast for our traffic, but you will still want it. It runs on 93-octane petrol that's available only in Delhi and Mumbai. The uncompromising 603 hp, V-10 powered two-seater aims to establish a standard of performance beyond the reach of today's super car elite. If you accept Porsche's early claims, the Carrera GT is estimated to scorch its way to 100 km/h in less than four seconds, reach 192 km/h in less than 10 seconds, and break the magic 330 km/h barrier flat out in sixth gear. The suspension, like much of the Carrera GT's mechanical package, is race car-inspired. The Carrera GT starts at a price of Rs. 1.75 Crore (ex-showroom Delhi).

Mercedes-Benz S Class

A simply brilliant car is all you can say about this Merc. The S-Class has been the choice of kings, statesmen, and business tycoons in India for decades. It is loaded with technology and every possible comfort and safety feature available. The new S-Class saloon continues to reflect the Mercedes tradition of understated elegance, being universally attractive and yet managing to infuse far more excitement into its overall design theme. The S-Class comes with a 3.5-litre V-6 petrol engine that churns out 272 bhp and a 5.5L V-8 petrol engine that generates 388 bhp. A 7-speed automatic transmission is standard. The estimated fuel economy of the car is 6/9 km/l (city/highway). Potential customers of the S-Class are likely to be some of the most discerning, what with the saloon's price starting from Rs 77.64 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

BMW 7 Series

BMW has set ambitious targets for its 7 Series, which is a super luxury sporty sedan.

BMW India believes that the introduction of the 7 Series to the Indian market is an important step towards their bigger Asian objective. A new hydrogen model is also planned. Part of its appeal is that it really is a pleasure to drive. Easily one of the best cars in its class for driver involvement, the steering is light and direct, the acceleration never anything less than ample. With a new-look grille and a lower and wider bonnet, the 7 Series takes some of its styling inspiration from the sensational CS concept. The 7 Series in India comes with a 231 bhp, 3.0-litre Inline-6 diesel engine and three petrol engine options: a 4.0L V-8 that delivers 306 bhp, a 4.8L V-8 that produces 367 bhp, and a 6.0L V-12 that generates 445 bhp. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard across all variants. The estimated fuel economy of the car is 7/12 km/l (city/highway). The 7 Series starts its price at Rs. 74 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Audi A8

The Audi A8 3.0 TDI is a serious contender against the Mercedes S Class. The A8 is available in three variants. Audi added a new sporting dimension in the luxury segment with its compelling handling, pioneering technology, and exclusive design and equipment. This sedan redefines the notion of sports appeal in the luxury segment.

The 3.0-litre Turbo diesel V-6 engine produces 228 bhp. The 4.2-litre V-8 engine generates 345 bhp. The 6.0L W-12 engine delivers 450 bhp. All engines are coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel-drive configuration. It has a meager 5 km/l estimated mileage in the city and gives an estimated 7.5 km/l on the highway, but that does not stop those who want to flaunt their style. It has a starting price of Rs. 65 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).