India launches satellite

Volvo Auto India today launched its first plug-in hybrid SUV in Delhi, the XC90 T8 Excellence. The premium carmaker has already received 50 orders from prospective customers in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and other parts of the country for the hybrid SUV. The first car is expected to be delivered by the end of the year. Priced at Rs 1.25 crore (ex-showroom Delhi), the XC90 T8 Excellence comes equipped with a standalone radar safety system that currently does not have a government backed-up satellite system for connectivity. The XC90 T8 Excellence, which comes to India as a completely built unit kit, is unlikely to attract any of the government incentives available to electric and hybrids cars under the Faster Adoption and manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles (FAME India). Tom von Bonsdorff, managing director, Volvo Auto India, told Autocar Professional that Volvo is awaiting more clarity from the government on incentives available under the current VAT. While the XC90 T8 … [Read more...] about Volvo Auto India launches XC90 T8 at Rs 1.25 crore

Renault India has kicked off its next phase of growth in India by launching its volume-getter model, the Lodgy MPV. Rolled out at an introductory price of Rs 8.19 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the entry model that comes fitted with the ABS, EBD and power steering, the top-end model costs Rs 11.79 lakh. This seven-seater MPV is set to rival the likes of the Toyota Innova, the Honda Mobilio and the Maruti Ertiga. The highlight of the Lodgy is its cavernous cabin and huge dimensions. The MPV is 4.5 metres long, 1.8 metres wide, 1.7 metres tall and rides on a 2.8-metre-long wheelbase. The Lodgy’s interior is similar to its sibling, the Duster, with many parts borrowed from the all-wheel-drive variant of the SUV. Renault has also equipped the Lodgy with a raft of features and fitments. The top trim will get a touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, rearview camera, parking sensors and dedicated AC vents for the second and third row. It also gets bottle-holders and 12V … [Read more...] about Renault India launches Lodgy MPV, plans sub-Rs 4 lakh model this year

Ahead of the launch of the facelifted Audi A3 sedan and the Audi A4 diesel later this month, the German luxury brand has launched an updated version of the A3 Cabriolet, a little over two years after the original was introduced in India. This soft-top car is on sale now at Rs 47.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). There are, as with most facelifts, a number of cosmetic changes, and these allow it to resemble the new A4 sedan more closely. They include a new design for the LED daytime running lamps – a signature on every modern Audi – as well as full-LED headlamps, a more pronounced hexagonal grille and more aggressive looking bumpers. At the rear, not much has changed, aside from a slight re-profiling of the tail-lamps. Like the earlier car, this one is pretty well equipped, with the likes of dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, a 7.0-inch MMI infotainment screen, satellite navigation, front and rear parking sensors with a camera and five airbags. Options include a … [Read more...] about Audi India launches 2017 A3 Cabriolet facelift at Rs 47.98 lakh

Isuzu Motors has launched an automatic variant of its MU-7 SUV in India at a starting price of Rs 23.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). In addition to the automatic gearbox, the MU-7 auto also gets a few new features. There's a new three-spoke steering wheel with audio controls, a new music system with satellite navigation, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera (for which, the touchscreen doubles up as display). Moreover, the dashboard now sports a dual-tone beige and black theme. Powering the car is the same 2999cc, four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel engine that does duty on the standard MU-7. The engine develops 161bhp and 36.7kgm of torque. The Isuzu MU-7 Automatic will be sold in India alongside the five-speed manual variants already on offer and will rival the likes of the Toyotra Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Ford Endeavour and SsangYong Rexton.  Isuzu Motors India currently assembles CKD kits of the MU-7 at the Hindustan Motors facility in Thiruvallur, near … [Read more...] about Isuzu Motors India launches MU-7 Automatic at Rs 23.90 lakh

Mercedes-Benz India has launched the diesel version of its C-class luxury sedan, C 220 CDI, in India starting at Rs 39.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The C 220 CDI, available in two trims — Style and Avantgarde — is powered by a 2.1-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that develops 168bhp. The C-class diesel will initially be brought into the country as a CBU import with local assembly expected to commence later this year. In terms of features, the top Avantgarde trim comes equipped with a high-resolution 8.4-inch screen for its COMAND infotainment computer, satellite navigation, LED ambient cabin lighting with three selectable colours, push-button start, a panoramic sunroof and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. It also gets the basics like three-zone auto climate control, rear-view camera and Bluetooth connectivity. The Mercedes C 220 CDI targets the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-series. Locally assembled C-class petrol introduced Mercedes has also introduced the … [Read more...] about Mercedes-Benz India launches C220 CDI at Rs 39.9 lakh

Audi launched the facelifted Q3 SUV in India today, with prices starting at Rs 28.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for Q3 S, Rs 33.99 lakh for the Q3 Premium, and Rs 37.50 lakh for the Q3 Premium Plus. The facelifted SUV gets styling tweaks to the exterior and interior along with added equipment. Styling-wise, the Q3 now gets the family front end with a larger more prominent chrome grille, slimmer headlamps and a new front bumper with prominent air vents. The rear end gets tweaked tail-lamps. The facelifted Q3 rides on 16-inch wheels in the Q3 S, while other variants get 17-inch wheels. Inside, the facelifted Q3 offers a choice of all-black or black and beige dual-tone interiors. The wood trim on the older model has been replaced by a textured metallic finish. The cabin also gets chrome inserts. In terms of features, the facelifted Q3 offers Audi's Drive Select, powered front seats, dynamic turn indicators, climate control and six airbags. Other features as per trim levels include, … [Read more...] about Audi India launches its fifth car this year – the facelifted Q3 SUV