All-new Maruti-Suzuki WagonR launched

Merely months after Hyundai launched the new Santro in a bid to gain supremacy in the entry-level hatchback segment, Maruti-Suzuki has hit back by launching the third-generation WagonR in India. Consistently a best-seller, WagonR has been a huge success story for Maruti-Suzuki with a loyal fan following. The launch of this new model - priced between INR 4.19 Lakhs and 5.69 Lakhs - is a move by the leader to not let Hyundai invade it's turf.

WagonR has never been a style statement on wheels. It was - and still is - boxy with a design that gives precedence to function over form. The new model is no different. The squar-ish headlights that WagonR has always been synonymous with are retained, albeit stretched at the edges and swept back on to the sides. A new grille with a chrome insert in the middle and an updated bumper housing a large air dam and trapezoidal fog lamp pods complete the changes in the fascia. In profile, the ‘tall boy’ look and proportions are left intact. To add drama, a floating roof effect has been brought in the C-pillars and the character lines along the doors and wheel arches are more pronounced. At the rear, the WagonR now gets vertical taillights that extend till the roof.

Interiors have gone through a thorough update as well with a bright dual-tone dashboard replacing the dull grey interiors of the outgoing model. A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Smartphone connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay takes prime place in the center console with manual air-conditioning controls placed beneath it. A 3-spoke multi-functional steering wheel and a digital tachometer greet the driver while the bigger cabin would help keep the occupants happy by offering more space and practicality.

Standard features on the new WagonR include driver airbag, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, rear parking sensors, central locking and front power windows. The top-end variant, apart from the touchscreen infotainment system mentioned above, gets additional goodies like a passenger airbag, steering-mounted voice control, electrically-retractable rear view mirrors, rear wiper, washer and defogger and a storage tray under the co-driver's seat. It's sad Maruti-Suzuki isn't forcing Hyundai to follow suit by offering passenger airbags as standard in the WagonR. Thankfully, it's atleast an optional feature on all variants.

The biggest surprise element in the new WagonR rests under the hood. While the 3-cylinder K10B engine has been carried over from the outgoing model, Maruti-Suzuki has pulled off a master stroke by adding the more powerful K12M 4-cylinder engine to the WagonR lineup. While the former delivers 67 horsepower and 90 Nm of torque, the latter delivers 82 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque. Both the engines come with the option of a 5-speed manual or an automated manual transmission (AGS). Suspension duties are handled by MacPherson struts with coil springs at the front and torsion beam at the rear.

Bookings for the new WagonR opened just a week back and Maruti-Suzuki claimed over 12,000 bookings at the launch event. Clearly, India's largest car-maker has another blockbuster in the making.

Ford Freestyle launched in India

Ford launched the all-new Freestyle, a cross-hatch based on the Figo, in India yesterday.

With prices starting from INR 5.09 Lakhs and going up to INR 6.94 Lakhs for the petrol and INR 6.09 Lakhs and INR 7.89 Lakhs for the diesel variants, the Freestyle is priced remarkably well and offers excellent bang for your buck. Four trim levels are on offer - Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and the fully-loaded Titanium +. 

The Freestyle is offered with two engine options. While the 1.5-liter TDCi diesel is carried over from the existing Figo and EcoSport, the petrol mill is an all-new 1.2-liter TiVCT unit from the Dragon family that debuted under the hood of the facelifted EcoSport. This 3-cylinder unit produces 95 horsepower and 120 Nm of peak torque. The diesel continues with the same tune that's found in the other Ford models, generating 99 horsepower and a peak torque of 215 Nm. Both the engines are mated to a new 5-speed manual transmission with an automatic sadly missing from the list.

Ford may have given the car a new name but there is no mistaking its identity. Look at it and you will know this is a jacked-up Figo. The fascia is differentiated by a new grille that gets a classy black mesh in place of the flashy chrome slats in the Figo. The headlamp also gets black inserts in place of chrome reflectors while the bumper is redesigned with a slim air dam underlined by a fake skid plate finished in silver. The fog lamp bezels extend upwards to form a nice C-shaped design element. All the usual tricks employed by hatchbacks-turned-crossovers - like the plastic cladding over the wheel arches, roof rails, bigger wheels and increased ground clearance - find their way on to the car. A pair of slightly-revised taillight clusters and a dual-tone bumper with C-shaped design elements matching the front rounds out the changes in the rear. 

Interiors have been spruced up as well. The dated center console with a plethora of buttons is gone, replaced by a brilliant 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC 3.0 software that supports Voice Commands, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Like all new Fords, the screen sticks out from the top of the dashboard between the two center air vents. The steering wheel, the climate control buttons and the rest of the interiors are borrowed from the Figo twins with a twist. The top half of the dashboard and the center console is now painted in a shade of brown that's sure to split opinion. 

The Freestlye comes fully loaded with a feature list that includes Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), six airbags, Active Rollover Prevention, Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Emergency Assistance, Ford MyKey, keyless entry with push button start, automatic climate control, electrochromic rear view mirror, power-folding and adjustable mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, height-adjustable front seat belts and reverse parking sensors with rear view camera. Now, that's a list that could put some cars a segment above to shame!

In addition to being the most affordable car to offer the protection of six airbags, ESP, TCS and the likes, the new Freestyle continues Ford's emphasis on safety by offering ABS with EBD and dual airbags standard across the range.

To match its crossover credentials, the Freestyle gets a revised suspension setup that's stiffer and more suited for mild off-road sojourns.

With crossovers being the flavour of the industry right now, the Freestyle couldn't have launched at a better time. With good looks, an exhaustive feature list, a pair of competent engines and sorted dynamics in its arsenal, this could just be the success Ford is looking for!

Volvo launches the new XC60 in India at ₹55.90 Lakhs

Volvo's desirable lineup of vehicles in India has yet another addition in the form of the all-new XC60. 

Based on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) that also underpins the latest XC90, S90 and V90, the second-generation XC60, launched in New Delhi yesterday, is only available in the top-spec 'Inscription' trim level, priced at ₹55.90 Lakhs ex-showroom across the country.

Powering the XC60 is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel engine that generates 235 horsepower and a peak torque of 480 Nm. Employing Volvo's Power Pulse technology that uses compressed air to spool up the turbochargers instantly to overcome lag, this 'D5' diesel engine is mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission. While the car is front-wheel-driven by default, the intelligent All Wheel Drive system can deliver power to all four wheels when necessary. Five different driving modes - Eco, Comfort, Dynamic, Off-Road and Individual can be chosen depending on the terrain to be tackled.

Internationally, the XC60 is also available with a T6 petrol engine and a T8 petrol-hybrid powertrain.  

With contemporary styling and exquisite detailing, this generation of Volvos look absolutely gorgeous and the XC60 is no exception. Sporting design cues similar to the bigger XC90, the new XC60 looks desirable and distinct. Playing a major part in that is the large chrome-lined grille with vertical slats up front, flanked on either sides by sleek LED headlamps. Featuring the signature 'Thor's Hammer' DRL elements inside, they look aggressive and intimidating. Trademark L-shaped LED taillights that follow the contours of the tailgate means you will not mistake the XC60 for anything but a Volvo.

Complementing the gorgeous exteriors are all-new interiors that take the game forward. Similar in design and execution to the plusher and more expensive XC90, the XC60's cabin looks unlike any other in the segment. The three-spoke steering wheel, the two-tone dashboard and the simple center console featuring unique vertical air-conditioner vents look great and feature excellent attention to details. Instrument panel comprises of a 12.3-inch digital display while infotainment functions are taken care of by the 9-inch touchscreen in the center console. 

The launch version gets a long list of equipment including air suspension, Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with massage function, 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, 4-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof and a hands-free powered tailgate. 

Volvos are amongst the safest automobiles in existence and the plethora of safety features on board make the XC60 live up to the brand's reputation. ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), an array of airbags, cross-traffic alert, Blind Spot Indication System (BLIS), steering assist, City Safety System which includes pedestrian and cyclist detection and automatic braking to avoid collisions up to 50 km/h, oncoming lane mitigation to avoid head-on collison and what not.. this is one fully-loaded vehicle!

Arriving in a segment full of competent rivals like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Jaguar F-Pace, the pressure was on Volvo to put their best foot forward to stand a chance of success. With the new XC60, the Swedish car-maker has delivered just that. 

Here's to seeing more and more of these on road!

Renault launches the Captur in India between ₹9.99 and ₹13.88 Lakhs

Crossovers might be the ‘in-thing’ in India now but it was Renault that kicked off this storm way back in 2010 with the Duster. That was when the term ‘crossover’ was relatively unheard of and SUVs meant heavy, body-on-frame vehicles like the Tata Safari and Mahindra Scorpio. It’s quite ironic then the Duster has been left trailing behind by newer and modern rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Maruti-Suzuki S-Cross. Renault is now playing catch up and it hopes to do so with this, the Captur.

Launched in New Delhi yesterday, the Captur is available in three petrol and four diesel variants. While the RXE, RXL and RXT are common to both engines, the Platine Edition, a world debut, is exclusively available with the diesel engine. The petrol variants retail between INR 9.99 and 11.69 Lakhs while the diesel variants are priced from INR 11.39 Lakhs and go upto INR 13.88 Lakhs.

Under the hood are two engines that aren't new to us. The diesel is the tried-and-tested 1.5-liter K9K mill in the 109 horsepower tune that's seen in the higher variants of the Duster. The petrol option is the 1.5-liter H4K unit churning out 105 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque. The former gets a 6-speed manual transmission while the latter is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Automatic transmission is not on offer at the moment.

Despite sharing the nameplate and styling elements, the Captur we get is not the same Captur on sale in Europe. The Indian Captur is based on Duster’s low-cost ‘M0’ platform that also underpinned the Lodgy and Logan to name a few. As a result, the Indian Captur is bigger and potentially more abuse-friendly than the smaller but much-advanced Clio-based European Captur.

The naming confusion aside, the Captur looks every bit French and unmistakably Renault. The fascia is dominated by a V-shaped grille that houses a rather large ‘lozenge’ logo at the center. Subtle chrome highlights, along with sleek LED headlights and unique C-shaped LED DRLs lends the Captur a touch of class. The floating indicators, available on the flagship ‘Platine’ variant, looks pretty cool. The muscular profile is characterized by flared wheel arches and steeply-raked window line. The soft and rounded rear gives the Captur more of a crossover look than a SUV, just like its arch-rival from Maruti-Suzuki, the S-Cross. 

Renault is offering a host of customization options over and above the usual dual-tone colours with the Captur, a trend that’s fast catching up in the Indian market. 

Unlike some of its rivals, even the base variant of the Captur is well loaded. Don't believe us? Get this. All variants of the Captur get ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist, driver and passenger airbag, impact-sensing door unlock, speed-sensing auto door lock, automatic climate control, rear cooling vents, Smart Access Card for keyless entry, push button start, steering-mounted audio and phone controls, integrated 2-DIN audio system with USB, Aux and BlueTooth functionality, roof spoiler, projector headlamps and LED DRLs. 

While the ‘feature spread’ increases as we move up the variant ladder, the much-hyped ‘Platine’ variant gets exclusive goodies like side airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, cornering lamps, gold accents in the cabin, illuminated vanity mirrors and glove box and full leather upholstery. 

The interiors, though similar in appearance to the European model, isn’t the best of designs out there. Build quality, fit and finish are expected to be a notch above the Duster, given the premium positioning of the Captur. One of Duster’s strong points is the space on offer for five adults and the Captur should be no different, given that the platform underneath is the same. That would also mean the Captur is endowed with the Duster’s revered ride and handling characteristics. Add to that the 210 mm ground clearance and the Captur should have no problems navigating our roads. The absence of an All Wheel Drive option is inexplicable, considering the cheaper Duster offers it.

With style, space, features and exceptional ride by its side, the Captur sure is a competent crossover. But, the pricing isn't what we would call competitive. Sure, the Captur would bring in additional volumes for Renault but will it become a smash hit like the Duster did when it was launched?

Will the Indian public overlook the Creta and the S-Cross despite their cheaper price tags and stronger brand pull? Sounds tough, no? That's what the folks at Renault India have gotten themselves into. Let’s wait and watch how this plays out.

Skoda Kodiaq launched in India at ₹34.49 Lakhs

Hot on the heels of launching the powerful and sporty Octavia vRS, Czech car-maker Skoda is back with yet another all-new model for India, the Kodiaq. Unveiled late last year, the Kodiaq is the brand’s latest flagship, aiming to take advantage of the craze for high-riding SUVs and crossovers globally.

In India, Skoda has launched the Kodiaq in just one trim level - Style, priced at INR 34.49 Lakhs across the country. That puts it well above the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan, two similar-sized monocoque 5-seater SUVs and the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour, two big-selling body-on-frame 7-seater SUVs. 

Powering the Kodiaq is the popular 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine that also does duty in a host of other cars in the Volkswagen Group. In this application, the engine churns out 148 horsepower and a substantial 340 Nm of torque delivered from as low as 1,750 rpm. Paired to the mill is a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. With five driving modes to choose from and standard All Wheel Drive system, the Kodiaq can take those occasional off-road jaunts in its stride.

Clean, crisp styling has now become a Skoda trait and the Kodiaq is no exception. A bigger and bolder butterfly grille up front is flanked by twin lights on either sides, a design trait Skoda has used in the Octavia as well. The tall hood with prominent central ridges give the Kodiaq an imposing stance which is carried on to the profile through the recessed shoulder line and flared, squared-off wheel arches adequately filled with 18-inch wheels. The rear is pleasing to the eye with the contoured tailgate and Skoda’s signature crystalline taillight clusters particularly impressive.

In typical Skoda fashion, the Kodiaq’s cabin eschews flashy styling for a simple yet functional layout with top-notch fit and finish. The dual-tone beige and grey cabin feature fake wood-like inserts, which adds a bit of flair and proves to be a nice contrast. Three rows of seats mean the Kodiaq is a 7-seater, albeit with restricted legroom and headroom for the two occupants in the third row.

Skoda has equipped the Kodiaq with a full suite of safety features that include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control, ‘IBUZZ’ Fatigue Detection System, ‘PARKTRONIC’ hands-free parking assist, all-round parking sensors with rear view camera and a total of nine airbags. Kudos Skoda, that's as comprehensive as it could get!

Befitting its status as the brand’s flagship, the Kodiaq gets features like three-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, electrically-controlled hands-free tailgate, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 10-speaker Canton sound system, Ambient Lighting offering 10 colour options, powered front seats with memory function, roller blinds for the rear windows and ‘Power Nap Package’ for the rear passengers. 

That's not all, there's more. 

What’s a Skoda without those nifty ‘Simply Clever’ features? The Kodiaq has a few up its sleeve like the umbrella holders in front doors with in-built drain function, the door edge protectors that pop out to protect the doors from damage when opening in congested parking lots and the magnetized LED torchlight that can come in handy while changing tyres in the dark and recharge automatically while the engine is running.

With such an extensive equipment list, space for seven and proven ride and handling Skodas are known for, the Kodiaq could be that one car that serves all the needs of a typical, well-heeled Indian family. But, has Skoda positioned the Kodiaq optimistically, thus hurting its chances? They have, we're afraid! Let's see if the market decides otherwise.

Tata Nexon launched in India from ₹5.85 Lakhs

Thanks to the Tiago, Hexa and Tigor, Tata Motors is on a growth trajectory now after struggling for years with falling sales and dwindling market share. That trajectory is all set to receive a huge fillip with the launch of the Nexon, the brand's first compact crossover, today.

Available in four variants – XE, XM, XT and XZ+, the Nexon is priced between ₹5.85 Lakhs and ₹8.45 Lakhs for the petrol variants and ₹6.85 Lakhs and ₹9.30 Lakhs for the diesel variants. The top-end XZ+ variant also gets the option of a dual tone exterior paint job for a ₹15,000 premium over the regular variants. 

Powering the Nexon are a pair of engines developed in-house by Tata Motors. Both the 1.2-liter REVOTRON petrol and the 1.5-liter REVOTORQ diesel mills are turbocharged and generate class-leading 108 horsepower. While the 3-cylinder petrol engine generates 170 Nm of maximum torque, the 4-cylinder diesel generates 260 Nm of torque, the best figures in segment. A 6-speed manual transmission is paired to these engines at launch but we hear an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is on the cards and would be launched a few months down the line.

First shown in concept form at the 2014 Auto Expo in New Delhi, the Nexon wooed show-goers with its funky and futuristic design. Whilst there were doubts how much of those striking design elements would make it to production, Tata returned to the 2016 edition of the Auto Expo with the production version that looked barely different to the concept. Since then, the vehicle has taken its own sweet time to hit the market but, interestingly, the hype around the Nexon remained unabated.

Pitching against the trend-setting Ford EcoSport and the big-selling Maruti-Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the Nexon had to make an impact at first glance. Boy, does it do that with aplomb! Up front, Tata's familiar smiling grille with the 'Humanity Line' establishes the family connection. Merging seamlessly with the grille on either sides are stretched-back projector headlights. Fog lamps are placed on separate trapezoidal housings in the bumper. In profile, the flared wheel arches, the dual-tone paint job with the distinct, swoosh-shaped 'Ivory White' ceramic element underlining the windows and the steeply-rising beltline combine together to create a strong visual impression. The rear, with the tall bumper, high-set signature LED taillights and the thick ceramic element, is a bit too funky and is likely to polarize opinions. 

That said, the Nexon is a sure shot head-turner! Look no further if attracting stares is what you want.

All their recent launches have had much-improved interiors but, with the Nexon, Tata has taken an even bigger step forward. This is easily the best interiors yet in a Tata vehicle. We fancied our chances sitting inside one and the Nexon impressed with a spacious, well-designed and nicely put-together cabin. The familiar three-spoke steering wheel, the dashboard-mounted floating touchscreen and the flowing center console with a chunky 'Drive Mode Selector' knob are the visual highlights in the three-tone cabin that gets a liberal dose of classy 'brushed metal' inserts. Cleverly-designed storage spaces abound including an umbrella holder for each of the front doors, a feature hitherto found in luxury cars. 

Standard across the Nexon range are dual airbags, Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Corner Stability Control, ISOFIX mounts, Multi Drive modes with Eco, City and Sport, a comprehensive Driver Information System, front power windows and umbrella holder in the front doors. 

The list expands gradually as we move up the range. 

The top-end XZ+, as one would expect, is loaded to the hilt with features including Smart Key with Push Button Start, height-adjustable front seats, Park Assist with camera, front fog lamps with cornering function, Voice Alerts, 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system from Harman with 8 speakers tuned for surround sound, advanced connectivity options with Android Auto and Voice Commands, 16-inch machine-cut alloy wheels, Feline Eye-shaped Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), climate control, fast USB charger, remote central locking, chilled glove box and power-adjustable and power-folding mirrors.

The Nexon boasts a segment-best 209 mm ground clearance and 350 liters of boot space. With the rear seat folded, it expands to a whopping 690 liters. 

Overall, a capable product like the Nexon at prices that currently undercuts its chief competitors, the EcoSport and Vitara Brezza, should mean brisk business for Tata Motors. Yes, Tata’s image amongst private car buyers isn’t all that great but the 7,000 odd Tiagos sold last month show that the perception is changing. Come on, Tata, you are on for a biggie with the Nexon!

Hyundai launches the all-new Verna in India

Honda City has been ruling the roost in the mid-size segment since the late nineties. While competitors came in every shape and form, none but the Hyundai Verna (in its popular ‘fluidic’ avatar) managed to usurp the Japanese sedan. While the battle for supremacy is back with Japanese protagonists with the fourth-generation City and Maruti-Suzuki’s Ciaz vying for honours, Hyundai is not ready to cede further ground yet.  The all-new Verna, launched in India today, is the slingshot Hyundai hopes will bring it back into the hotly-contested battle.

With introductory prices ranging between INR 8.00 to INR 12.24 Lakhs for the petrol variants and INR 9.20 to INR 12.62 Lakhs for the diesel variants, Hyundai has played it smart by positioning the Verna bang in between the Ciaz and the City. Clearly, this is an attempt at pulling in buyers from both of them. 

At first glance, the new Verna appears no more than a facelift of the outgoing model, albeit a significant one at that. That's not true. Based on the K2 platform that also underpins the Elantra, this is an all-new generation of the car that made its global debut last year.

Incorporating Hyundai's newest corporate design trait - the 'cascading' grille, Verna's fascia looks more grown up and mature. On either sides are stretched headlamps with inbuilt projectors and LED Daytime Running Lights. The projector fog lamps, a segment first, are placed in separate housings on the bumper. The grille surround, the horizontal slats and the fog lamp surrounds are all dipped in chrome to satiate the never-ending craze for the shiny metal. In profile, the Verna retains the tipped-forward stance as before but the multiple cuts and creases are gone, now replaced by a prominent shoulder line. At the rear, Elantra-esque split taillights with LED elements look brilliant and gives the Verna a sort of 'mini Elantra' demeanor. 

As we have seen with newer Hyundai cars, the interiors aren’t what one would term aesthetically pleasing. Having said that, the build quality, fit and finish appear top notch as usual. The dual tone dashboard features a wing-shaped center console that houses a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the top variants. Interestingly, the seats are given the dual tone treatment as well with beige and black applied in equal measure. The new Verna is longer and wider than its predecessor, thereby liberating more headroom and legroom for the occupants. Despite that, the Hyundai is no match for the humongous space on offer in the rear seats of the Honda and Suzuki-badged rivals.

As is the norm these days, the new Verna is loaded to the hilt with features. Standard features across the lineup include dual airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), central locking, ISOFIX mounts, power windows, cooled glove-box, tilt steering and rear center armrest with cup holders. The kit in the top-end SX(O) variant include electric sunroof, side and curtain airbags, ventilated seats, projector headlamps, cornering lamps, leather upholstery, smart hands-free trunk, push button start/stop, Auto Link and rear curtain, a few of which are firsts for the mid-size segment.

Powertrain options in the new Verna are now restricted to the 1.6-liter engines. While the 'Gamma' petrol engine churns out 121 horsepower and 151 Nm of torque, the 'U2' CRDi mill generates 126 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. Mated to these engines are a 6-speed manual gearbox carried over from the outgoing Verna or a new 6-speed automatic transmission shared with the Creta and the Elantra. The 1.4-liter engines and the dated 4-speed automatic box have been shown the door.

With the new Verna, Hyundai has carefully retained the old Verna's strengths while simultaneously rectifying the car's weaknesses. But, is that enough to pull in customers from the City and the Ciaz that are running away in the sales charts? For sure, an interesting battle is brewing up and we will have to wait and watch for the results.

Jeep Compass launched in India; base variant priced at a superb ₹14.95 Lakhs

After months of testing our patience, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) finally launched the much-awaited Jeep Compass in India today. Priced between ₹14.95 Lakhs and ₹20.65 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi, Jeep’s first ‘Made in India’ product sports an aggressive price tag, especially the entry-level variant.

Available in three trim levels – Sport, Latitude and Limited, the Compass targets a wide spectrum of customers and price points. Two engines, a petrol and diesel, are on offer. While both are turbocharged, the former is a 1.4-liter TwinAir mill that generates 162 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque and the latter, a 1.20-liter MultiJet II that churns out 173 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox, the latter only available on the petrol variants. Similarly, four-wheel-drive and Jeep’s famous Selec-Terrain traction system are available only on the top-end diesel variant. So, there goes your dream of owning a Compass diesel with automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive option down the drain!

The variant glitches aside, the Compass is a compelling proposition from Jeep. 

It’s major draw, obviously, is its appealing styling. Jeep’s designers got it spot on in terms of balancing the brand’s rich heritage and styling cues with the current trend in the market. The trademark seven-slat grille flanked by simply-yet-classy wraparound headlights look as smart as ever while the tall hood and the bumper gives the Compass a mini Grand Cherokee look. In profile, typical Jeep traits like the flared and squared-off wheel arches and bold stance make quite an impression as does the classy chrome-lining on top of the windows. The rear is a bit underwhelming in comparison but that’s no reason for complaint. The Compass looks like a proper SUV and you don’t have to hear the common ‘hatchback-on-stilts’ comment ever again if you own one. 

Interiors are well-designed albeit lacking a wee bit in terms of visual appeal. That said, the Compass is well-loaded. Standard across the range are dual airbags, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Parking Brake, Isofix child-seat anchors, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill Start Assist, touchscreen infotainment system with built-in compass, Voice Commands and BlueTooth functionality. remote keyless entry, all season tyres, customizable 3.5-inch Driver Information Display, Driver Seat Height Adjust, 60/40 split rear seat and front and rear arm rests. 

As we progress higher, features like push-button start, cornering lamps, roof rails, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, dual-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, scuff plates, bigger 7.0-inch touchscreen display, reverse park assist with camera, side and curtain airbags and dual-tone roof are part of the kit amongst others. 

We hear Jeep has worked hard in terms of localizing critical bits and pieces in the Compass which helped in bringing down the launch price. If true, that should also help potential owners by lowering the cost of ownership as well. 

Jeep also launched the Mopar sub-brand that will be responsible for after-sales and service of the Compass. Of the 50 dealerships operational across the country right now, 48 are Mopar-ready as of now. The count is rapidly increasing as well.

With 5,000 bookings garnered even before the official price announcement, the Compass has given Jeep’s parent Fiat a new lease of life in India. The car-maker’s plant at Ranjangaon, Pune would not only be manufacturing the Compass for domestic requirements but also for all Right Hand Drive markets worldwide. 

Amidst an outcry of criticism on the ambitious pricing strategy adopted by Jeep when they debuted the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee in India, there was one ray of hope in the form of the ‘Made-in-India’ Compass. That hope has now come true. Jeep has delivered and it's time we Indians pay them back!

Maruti-Suzuki launches the new Dzire in India, prices start at ₹5.45 Lakhs

One of the most-important and hugely-anticipated new cars of 2017, the all-new Maruti-Suzuki Dzire, was launched yesterday. Currently in it's third-generation, the Dzire has now ditched the Swift prefix and grown into an independent nameplate.

The petrol variants are priced between INR 5.45 Lakhs and 7.94 Lakhs for the manual and INR 6.76 Lakhs and 8.41 Lakhs for the automatic variants. Prices for the diesel range between INR 6.45 Lakhs and 8.94 Lakhs for the manual and INR 7.76 Lakhs and 9.41 Lakhs for the automatic variants.

Unlike the two previous iterations in which the Dzire was just a Swift with an ungainly boot added on, the third-generation model has been designed and developed as a sedan from scratch. That has worked out very well as the integration of the boot and the overall proportions have improved considerably, making the new Dzire a good-looking car. That's a statement we do not make often for compact sedans. 

The fascia is similar to the upcoming new-generation Swift that recently went on sale globally. The swept-back headlamps and the profile of the new hexagonal grille are pretty much the same as the hatchback but the bumper and the chrome detailing are unique to the Dzire. The profile is where the Dzire really makes a mark with styling cues inspired by the lines in the Baleno and the Ciaz. You would also notice that the A-pillar itself has been redesigned to suit the characteristics of a sedan and isn't upright as it was before. The short and stubby boot doesn't look forced and has a Kizashi touch to it, something we can't complain about. As is the norm these days, a thick strip of chrome running across the bootlid adds bling.

The new Dzire is built on Suzuki's safer and lighter HEARTECT platform that also underpins the Baleno and the upcoming new Swift. As a result, the car is wider by 40mm, sits lower to the ground by 7mm and has a 20mm longer wheelbase. 

Though the basic layout of the interiors are shared with the new Swift, Maruti-Suzuki has redesigned the center console and the air-conditioning vents to give the Dzire a distinct look and feel. The two-tone beige and black cabin gets shiny wooden inserts and bits of chrome for good measure. The leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel is all new and looks well-designed. The rear seat appear to be significantly more spacious and comfortable than the previous generation model, thanks to the increased wheelbase and features including rear air-conditoning vents and a center armrest with cup-holders.

The new Dzire has a standard safety pack with all variants coming with a driver and passenger airbag, Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, ISOFIX child seat anchorages and seat belt pretensioners with force limiter.

Other features across the lineup include LED projector headlamps and Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), precision-cut alloy wheels, automatic climate control, push Start/Stop button with smart keyless entry, automatic headlamps, one-touch up/down power window for the driver, electronic trunk opening and electrically-adjustable and retractable rear view mirrors. Like all recent Maruti-Suzukis, the new Dzire also gets the SmartPlay infotainment system with inbuilt Navigation and Voice Command. The touchscreen unit is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link, offering a host of connectivity options.

Powering the new Dzire are the same pair of engines as the previous generation model - the 1.2-liter, 4-cylinder K-series petrol and the 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder DDiS diesel. While the former generates 82 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque, the latter churns out 74 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque. Both the engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission while some variants are also offered with the option of a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

When Maruti-Suzuki teased the all-new Dzire a month back, we wrapped up the post stating it's time for competition to run for cover. We couldn't have been more truer. Even before it's prices were announced, the new Dzire has apparently amassed 33,000 bookings across the length and breath of the country. That's about ten times the monthly sales of the next best-selling compact sedan. Expect the new Dzire to shatter sales records and command a long waiting period.

Tata Motors launches the all-new Tigor in India, prices start from ₹4.70 Lakhs

A little over an year after unveiling the car in concept form at the 2016 Auto Expo, Tata Motors launched their all-new compact sedan, the Tigor, yesterday. Along with the Indigo eCS that pioneered the segment and the Zest, the Tigor is Tata's third compact sedan on sale in India.

The Tigor is essentially a Tiago with a boot and so shares the design, powertrain and underpinnings with it's hatchback sibling.

Under the hood are the same 3-cylinder petrol and diesel engines that power the Tiago. While the 1.2-liter Revotron petrol churns out 84 horsepower and 114 Nm of torque, the 1.05-liter Revotorq diesel engine churns out 69 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque. Both the engines are currently mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox while an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is reportedly in the works. Both the engines get a first-in-segment 'Multi-Drive' modes - 'Eco' for superior fuel economy and the default 'City' for a peppy driving experience. 

The petrol variants are priced between ₹4.70 Lakhs for the base XE trim and ₹6.19 Lakhs for the top-end XZ(O) trim. On the other hand, the diesel variants retail at prices ranging between ₹5.60 Lakhs for the XE and ₹7.09 Lakhs for the XZ(O). The closest competitors to the Tigor are Maruti-Suzuki Swift Dzire, Hyundai Xcent and Honda Amaze, each of which the Tigor undercuts by a significant margin.

Wearing the company's new IMPACT design philosophy that has been very well received on the Tiago and the Hexa, the Tigor is an impressive effort from Tata Motors. Compared to the Tiago, changes to the front end are minimal with just minor tweaks to the headlights and the bumper. The side profile is where the Tigor stands out, thanks to the sloping roof that merges with the boot lid in an almost 'fastback' fashion. The folks at Tata call this 'Styleback.' Though the terms 'compact sedan' and 'stylish' in the same sentence sounds like sacrilege, there is no denying the fact the Tigor is one stylish automobile to look at. That rear end, especially, with the neatly-integrated boot and the split LED taillights, does create an impact! 

As you would expect, the interiors are very similar to the Tiago’s with the Tigor getting the benefit of a few additional features.

The cabin is well-styled, boasts superior fit and finish and comes loaded with features that will not just make the drivers happy but also keep the rear seat occupants engaged. Standard features in the top-end XZ(O) variant include a Harman-designed 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and voice command recognition, automatic climate control, rear parking assist with camera, projector headlamps, electric boot opening, premium knitted roof liner, customizable air vents and a comprehensive app suite with dedicated apps for Navigation (NaviMaps), sharing music on-the-go (Juke Car App), a BlueTooth-based remote (Tata Smart Remote) as well as the Tata Emergency Assist that shares the co-ordinates of the vehicle to the emergency contacts in case of a collision. 

What's disappointing though is the complete absence of safety features in the base XE variants. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Corner Stability Control (CSC) are present from the mid variants while Dual Airbags are restricted to the top two trim levels only. This is a step backwards considering most rivals now offer dual Airbags and ABS as standard across the range.

As an overall package, the Tigor is hard to fault at with the only weak link being the modest 3-cylinder engines. But then, those power-hungry customers can be catered to by the Zest in the same showroom. 

We hope the positive effect of the Tiago rubs off on the Tigor and the car takes off in the sales charts. Tata just can't afford to lose the momentum they have gained with the Tiago and the Hexa. Come on, bring the Nexon already!