MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS TIPPER TRUCK...
DaimlerChrysler has been pondering about entering the Indian commercial vehicle segment for quite some time now. Finally, they took the plunge recently, with the Mercedes-Benz Actros tipper. The two variants they offer – the 4040K 6x4 and the 4840K 8x4. Powering the Actros is a 12,000cc six-cylinder behemoth that develops 394 horsepower at 1800 rpm and a staggering 190 kgm of torque at just 1080 revs – which DaimlerChrysler claims is the most powerful amongst tippers in India. The motor is paired to a 16-speed 'Telligent' gearbox that selects gears automatically, leaving the driver to concentrate on moving the mass.
BAJAJ PULSAR DTS-FI MOTORBIKE.....
Bajaj's design brief for the DTS-Fi was to create a no-compromise machine for the performance motorcycle enthusiast. This, they have achieved. The motorcycle boasts a highly refined (low noise, no vibes, slick shifts and all) 220cc motor that makes a heady 20 bhp and 1.95 kgm of torque. And it is effortless, free-revving and can roll along at 50 kph in top gear should you feel the need. And return 50 kpl while you are doing that. It's almost like having your cake and eating it too.
TATA MOTOR INDICA 'XETA' HATCHBACK.....RS 2.78 LACS
The XETA i the photo iss the GLS mid range package with air-conditioning and power steering. The rest of the creature comforts give this version a miss. But the package was more than adequate to get under the skin.
But let's talk some numbers. 20kmpl on the highway and 12kmpl in the city rounds off to an astounding 14kmpl overall.
GM(India).....CHEVY AVEO, SRV, AVEO U-VA HATCHBACK..
The Aveo U-VA has been designed by Italdesign’s Giorgio Giugiaro. This five-door hatchback looks somewhat similar to the Hyundai Getz but according to company officials, the Aveo- U-VA has class-leading performance, courtesy a VGIS (Variable Geometry Intake System) powertrain. Although this has not been formally announced, we expect the engine to be a 1400cc unit
The Chevrolet Optra SRV is a hatchback version of the Optra sedan. Coupled with tweaks to the 1.6-litre VGIS engine, this will be one hot hatch and will be more expensive than all other hatchbacks in India. The front end has been restyled and doesn’t resemble the Optra which we know. The SRV has a leaner, sleeker look with all new raked back headlamps
The Aveo sedan has an interesting front, which is supposedly designed keeping in mind pedestrian safety in the event of an accident. Viewed from the side, the Aveo looks similar to the new Ford Fiesta, against which it will be positioned.There seems to be decent space in there and quality seemed up to mark. The car will be offered with a choice of either 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines, while those who want diesel power will have to wait.
MAHINDRA SCORPIO
The all-new Scorpio. And its forty-three new features. At first sight, the rear 'tower lamps' look striking. The bulbous tail lamps might not appeal to many at once - what with their wannabe cutesy touches straight out of the Toyota Aygo - but rest assured, they have an uncanny knack of growing on you.The engine, punchy and eager as ever, is the same 2609cc, 115PS common-rail diesel powerplant. The big change, though, is the five-stage multilink suspension setup at the rear.
TOYOTA CAMRY
If the Camry's styling is a revelation, there are even more pleasant surprises waiting for you once you get inside. Everything is as you would expect on a more expensive European luxury car - elegant and fashionable in a mature, restrained way. The suits will love this. There's a six-CD, six-speaker, in-dash sound system (MP3 and WMA compatible), a multi-information display (which gives you details like the ambient temperature, average speed and cruising range etc.), dual-zone air-conditioning, and steering wheel-mounted control buttons for the stereo system and for the AC.
MERCEDES-BENZ E-280
With a unique seven-speed automatic transmission and an even bigger than before compliment of electronic safety systems, the E280 is a veritable technological tour de force.
CHINKARA 1.8S
The Chinkara is a new way of looking at getting the 'fun' back into driving. Everything from the colour of the body to the colour of the interior to the position of the pedal to the reach-and-rake of the steering to the length and position of the gearlever to the configuration of the suspension components (phew!) is finalised based on what you are most comfortable with. It is much like a bespoke velvet glove. That goes really fast. Your very own Ferrari FXX for about Rs 7.4 lakh. Why not?.