Which is your favourite sedan of 2011

In 2010, we saw a flurry of hatchbacks rush into the Indian market and this year, it’s all about sedans. From Toyota Etios to Nissan Sunny that was previewed recently, five sedans in the C Segment are competing neck-to-neck.



When Toyota Etios is completely made for India and priced aggressively starting from Rs 4.96 lakh, you can’t expect the real character of a Toyota car from it. Hyundai Verna, on the other hand, has been there for a while now as one of the most admired cars in the segment. Now, it’s gone under the knife and come out with a dynamic and futuristic design. With prices starting from Rs 6.99 lakh, Verna is a champion in terms of killer looks and the Hyundai reliability.



Ford, too, is on a complete makeover mode to come out with a desi image in India. The immense success of the Figo hatchback last year was a boon for the company, yet the poor resale value and high maintenance of the sedans forced Ford to phase out the Ikon and introduce the global Fiesta in India. With prices starting from Rs 8.23 lakhs, the Fiesta sports a kinetic design and intuitive, aesthetic interiors.



Just like the Micra plunged into the overcrowded B segment last year, a swarming C segment welcomes the Nissan Sunny, too. In the first look, the Sunny resembles a downsized Teana and that’s great. Although Nissan claims the Sunny is not a Micra sedan, there are many cues on the dashboard to object that claim. The company is confident on the back of Micra’s success, however, they need to price it strategically to win the competition.



Renault is making a new beginning in India as well. The Logan failed to lure customers and got the complete ‘taxi image’ instantly. Logan has given the company a good learning about the Indian market and customers and the resultant product is the Fluence. Priced at Rs12.99 lakh, the Fluence offers a combination of style, practicality and engineering. However, will it be able to compete with the likes of Chevy Cruze, Honda Civic and Toyota Altis? Let’s wait and watch.

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GM launches Beat diesel at Rs 4.29 lakh

Beat just got smarter with all new 1.0 XSDE SMARTECH Common Rail Diesel engine from Chevrolet made exclusively for India. With a power output of 58.5 PS and torque of 150 Nm, this engine promises an impressive mileage of 24* kmpl. (*As certified by Certification Agencies as per rule 115 of CMVR)



It has a Fixed Geometry Turbocharger with vacuum operated wastegate for smooth, efficient operation and superior torque delivery from very low engine RPMs for a peppy drive.



The Beat Diesel’s three-cylinder DOHC engine features state-of-the-art Common Rail Fuel Injection technology for outstanding emission performance and fuel economy. Its electrically controlled throttle body further reduces carbon emissions.



The Beat Diesel’s 65 per cent high-strength steel body cage ensures a high level of occupant safety. Sixty per cent of the body is made of galvanised steel for extra corrosion protection.



Engine is equipped with Launch Support Logic which assists the driver to launch the car effortlessly on slopes.



Aluminum alloy DOHC cylinder head with Light weight, graphite coated low friction pistons offers improved performance, high fuel efficiency and longer engine life.



GM says that as an added benefit, the engine is the quietest powerplant in its segment and provides outstanding performance in stop-and-go traffic conditions.



Aimed at meeting the highest quality and performance standards, the diesel version of the Beat has been extensively tested at proving grounds with harsh terrains and climatic conditions for intensive durability, quality and performance.



It also incorporates an advanced technology maintenance free timing chain drive system and added anti-corrosion protection. The engine oil only needs to be changed every 15,000 km or 1.5 years, for lower maintenance costs.

The Beat Diesel’s SMARTECH engine is complemented by a High Torque Transmission that offers smooth, effortless gear changes. Its hydraulic clutch requires extremely low pedal effort.

The Smart Engine and Clutch Protection Mode minimises clutch wear while further improving fuel efficiency.

The company also stated that with Pro-Vario Assist Featherlite Electronic Power Steering (EPS) with human comfort technology provides power steering assistance while parking and driving at low speeds.

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Chevy Camaro platform underpins new GM vehicle in Chicago

General Motors has big plans for the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. At the exposition opening this week, GM will unveil a pair of new vehicles, although details on what form they'll take remain scarce.

The news comes from reports quoting GM's North American president Mark Reuss. All he's revealed at this point is that one of the two cars will be based on the Chevrolet Camaro's platform. That tells us it will be a front-engine/rear-drive vehicle, but little else. So, commence speculation: Camaro Z28? Chevy Zeta-platform sedan? (Which we think should be called Chevelle, because hey, if Dodge can call its sedan Charger...)

As for the second car slated for the Windy City salon, your guess is as good as ours. So we'll just have to sit tight and see what the General has got in store for us.

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Artist's Rendition of 2013 Porsche Cajun Small SUV

It's no secret that Porsche is working on a new model to further expand its range in the SUV segment. In fact, the German sports car maker not only confirmed the vehicle but also announced that it is being developed under the working name "Cajun". Further details remain unknown including of course the Cajun's styling direction and whether or not it will be a three-door (most likely) or five-door model.

Nevertheless, Teamspeed member and rendering specialist Wild-Speed has come up with a styling proposal for the Cajun. The artist designed the crossover as a three-door model with a sloping roofline incorporating styling elements from the latest Cayenne, Panamera and the 918 Spyder (notice the head lamps). You can check out the renderings in high resolution after the jump.

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Australia: Now you see the New Mazda2 Sedan, now you Don't

The Mazda2 four-door small sedan has been dropped from the firm's lineup in Australia, just eight months after launch. The reason is Mazda's decision to switch production of the Australian market version of the small car from its Thailand factory, which manufactures both sedan and hatchback body styles, to the company's Hiroshima plant in Japan, which builds only the hatchback version.

The Japanese automaker said the move was dictated by the success of the Mazda2 in the Thailand region and the fact it could not guarantee supply to the Australian market.

Mazda Australia spokesman Steve Maciver told reporters that the company does not except the loss of the four-door model to harm local sales as the five-door model was the most popular in the range.

An updated version of the Mazda2 hatchback with refreshed trim and all-new colours is due arrive in Australian showrooms this month. It will continue to be offered with 76kW 1.5 litre petrol engine, available with both manual or automatic transmissions.

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Volkswagen Intros New R-Line Sport Package for Touareg SUV

Volkswagen Touareg shoppers now have one more box to tick on the options list as the German automaker has released the third and final R-Line package for the luxury SUV model, aptly called 'Exterior'. As its name suggests, the new package gives the Touareg a more aggressive appearance on the outside. It includes a bodykit with a front apron, chunky side skirts, a bespoke roof spoiler and a rear apron that incorporates a diffuser in a matte black finish with openings for the chrome tail pipes.

The exterior styling kit can be combined with the two other available packages, and in particular the standard R-Line, which includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a sports suspension, stainless steel door sill plates, a sports steering wheel with decorative inserts in piano black, stainless steel pedals and aluminum trim on the dashboard, and the R-Line Plus that adds sports seats in a two-tone leather finish.

The R-Line Exterior package is available on all models except the Hybrid, and in true VW-fashion, pricing depends on the engine option with the kit costing (in Germany) €1,840 when ordered on the V8 TDI and €2,200 on the V6 petrol model.

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Techart Rolls Out GrandGT Styling Program for Porsche Panamera

Seen for the first time at the Auto Zurich Car Show last December, Techart’s GrandGT styling program for the Porsche Panamera is now available for sale. The tuner’s box of goodies include a full carbon fiber body kit complemented by beefier alloy wheels, and a variety of cockpit modifications.

The exterior styling kit starts off with a new…

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