All-new Ford Fiesta undergoing final rounds of testing

Though Ford has already unveiled the all-new Fiesta in India, the fact that the car is still not on sale to the public makes this as significant as the spy-shots of other yet-to-be-launched models. Just like they did for the Figo, Ford seems to be doing some final testing in a fleet of all-new Fiestas before putting it in the market. Here is a group of Fiestas spotted in the NH45 (Chennai-Trichy Highway).

The new Fiesta is a head turner no doubt, more so in the unique-to-Ford 'Turquoise Blue' color that was loved so much in the previous Fiesta 1.6S. The trademark trapezoidal grille, the chrome-ringed foglamps, the sweeping headlights that extends well into the front fenders and the tipped-forward profile makes the car look aggressive and sporty. The rear though looks a bit bulbous and heavy because of the way in which the boot is integrated and the small taillights.

The Hyundai Verna has taken this segment by storm with many standard features on offer and Ford seems to be well-prepared with its own set of first-in-segment features for the Fiesta. The cruise control and voice-activated commands are touted to be the highlights of this car. Going by the reviews in the press, the rear passenger space seems to be the only negative aspect of this car compared to the competitors. Like all Fords, the ride and handling is said to be amongst the best in the segment. 

Whatever it is, Ford should bring the Fiesta at the earliest to stop Hyundai from running away with the initial popularity and sales. Wake up Honda! After the Vento and the Verna, the all-new Fiesta will be out soon to spoil your 'City' party further.

EDIT: New Tata Safari spotted testing in Pune (or) Is it Force Motors SUV?

For us auto-enthusiasts, every visit to Pune turns out to be a blessing as we get to see many yet-to-be-launched automobiles doing rounds there. Apart from being an automotive manufacturing hub, the fact that Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), that approves every automobile launched in the country, is located in Pune only helps matters. And I was not disappointed during my recent visit too. On the way back to airport yesterday, I happened to see this fully-masked SUV parked on the roadside in the Kirkee area of the city.

Since our car went past the test-vehicle in a flash, I was not able to observe the minute details. Though the full camouflage and design of the alloys makes its identity a little suspicious, there are reasons why I claim this to be the all-new Safari. The Global SUV (W201) by Mahindra has been steadily losing camouflage of late revealing many of its details while the new SUV by Force Motors looks much bigger and different in the spy shots released. More than everything else, the rear-view mirrors that look very similar to those in the existing Safari gives the strongest hint about its identity.

So, it is safe to assume that this is the all-new Safari, which the media claims would be renamed as Merlin when its finally launched. If it is so, then Tata has got the proportions of the vehicle absolutely perfect and spot-on. I really don’t know whether it’s the angle in which the snap was taken or the car really is so well-proportioned. The existing Safari, with its classic styling and legendary rear seat comfort has attained an iconic status in India and I just hope and wish that Tata would let the legacy continue with the all-new Safari. Oops, the new Merlin or whatever Tata likes to call it.

EDIT: There are quite a lot of claims that this is Force Motor's new SUV and not Tata Safari Merlin. I still have doubts about this being the new SUV from Force Motors. I have already posted some shots of the Force Motors SUV being tested in Pune and it looks quite different and bulky than this one. Anyway, it would be nice if someone can clear this confusion. Thanks!

Hyundai launches all-new Verna in India

It’s not news anymore that Hyundai, along with its sister brand Kia, is on a roll globally. With every new model launch, both the companies are churning out success after success with amazing regularity. But, India has been missing all these high-voltage action since late 2008 when the i20 was launched. Not any more, as here comes the first of a spate of models planned by Hyundai.

With so much pre-launch hype surrounding the car, the all-new Verna ought to be the next most significant launch of Hyundai in India. With consistent top-sellers like i10, i20 and Santro in the hatchback segment doing wonders for the brand, the mid-size sedan segment is the next natural progression for the company to establish its dominance.

What you see here is the weapon that will launch their assault. The new Verna brings the highly-publicized and super-successful ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design theme of Hyundai to India. It’s these two magical words that have transformed the company’s models from being dull and sober to stunning and swanky. And the Verna is no exception - it looks absolutely smashing.

The Verna not only entices you with its looks, but also with its wide range of powertrain options. With engine capacities of 1.4L and 1.6L in both gasoline and diesel variants and the option of choosing from a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic in gasoline variants and a 6 speed manual or 4 speed automatic in diesel variants, the car has a huge customer base covered.

Just like the i20 and i10 face-lift, Hyundai has loaded the Verna to the brim with a few segment-first features like reverse parking sensors with display in the rear-view mirror and six airbags, along with a host of other comfort and safety features. Priced between 6.99 and 10.75 Lacs, the car is sure to stir the segment and shake-up the leaders. Watch out Vento and City!

Ashok Leyland rear-engined bus spotted testing in Chennai

Not a week passes by without spotting something interesting in Chennai roads to ramble about. Just a fortnight ago, I had posted some snaps of an old Ashok Leyland bus being tested and speculated that the company may be testing the Neptune engine in that body. A couple of days back, I saw the iBus on test but could not manage to take snaps.

Not surprisingly, here is something interesting yet again. But surprisingly, it comes from the same company. Late yesterday night, I saw yet another Ashok Leyland bus with 'On Test' stickers and 'Test' registration plates on it. It was rear-engined this time and just like the previous ones, the body was far from perfect and showed signs of having taken quite a beating.

Spotting three models being tested in public roads by the same company in three weeks has left me completely baffled and clueless except for the fact that the Indian Commercial Vehicle segment should get ready for an extensive onslaught from the Chennai-based company once it completes its testing and launches these models for sale.

Nissan Sunny sedan spotted in Chennai

Nissan is slowly and steadily making inroads as a mainstream automotive manufacturer in India. With just a handful of dealers in major cities, the company is constantly selling around 2000 units of its Micra hatchback every month. And here is proof that Nissan is not planning to stop with that and is getting ready for an assault in the mid-size sedan segment.

On a casual drive off the GST Road in Chennai yesterday evening, I spotted this all-new Nissan Sunny/Versa sedan parked with minimum camouflage. Fresh on the heels of global premiere at the New York Auto Show last week, Nissan is expected to launch this sedan in India by end of this year or early next with the 'Sunny' badge.

Though the taillights and boot lip look similar to those on Swift Dzire, Nissan has managed to do a much better job with the integration of boot unlike the former. The other attractive elements include alloy wheels and the chrome surround over the front grille. Overall, there is nothing catchy nor offensive about the car's design. But, compared to competitors like Fiat Linea and Hyundai Verna, the Sunny definitely has to play catch-up.

The interiors too were very similar to the American version with the slab-like center console taking prime place. Having equipped the Micra with a slew of segment-first features, we can expect Nissan to do the same with the Sunny too. But, will it be enough for Nissan to shake up the segment? Let's wait and see.