Fleet of BharatBenz buses and trucks spotted testing near Chennai

The Commercial Vehicles sector in India has evolved in the last few years with international players setting up shop to rival the two home-grown biggies, Tata and Ashok Leyland. Daimler, through its specific-to-India 'BharatBenz' brand, has been one of them, gaining share slowly and steadily. 

Starting off with their heavy duty haulage trucks, BharatBenz slowly expanded its portfolio to include trucks with capacity ranging from 9 to 49 tonnes. The first batch of BharatBenz branded buses were then introduced around this time last year. That's not all, there's more coming our way. This fleet of test vehicles from BharatBenz spotted running in close proximity to each other in the busy NH45 a few days back is proof of that. 

While three of the four vehicles spotted testing are already on sale, this bus with body built by 'Arrow' caught our attention. 

Bus bodies built on 12 meter chassis are quite popular in the intercity transportation sector with players like Ashok Leyland, Tata and Eicher being the big-sellers right now. With this bus, Daimler's next target appears to be this popular segment. The test vehicle was air-conditioned and had fixed windows. What made us feel good was the fact that passenger's safety has been well taken care of. A door for 'Emergency Exit' with provision to open from outside is present towards the rear of the bus on the right side while two openable emergency windows could also be seen on either sides.

Interestingly, a test mule of BharatBenz's Staff Bus that was launched late 2015 was also seen accompanying its bigger sibling. 

With an aluminique body built over frame borrowed from the Fuso Fighter, the Staff Bus is powered by a 3.9-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that belts out 140 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. With a 2x2 seating layout, the Staff Bus can accommodate 39 passengers apart from the driver. We had our eyes and ears wide open for clues but still couldn't figure out what was being tested. But the very fact BharatBenz is testing something on the vehicle within an year of launch is an encouraging sign for this segment.

As always, BharatBenz's bread-and-butter medium duty haulage trucks, the 914R and 1214R, was also part of the test fleet. 

With payloads of 9 and 12 tonnes respectively, these trucks are powered by the same 3.9-liter engine that does duty in BharatBenz's Staff Bus. The power (140 HP) and torque (420 Nm) figures remain identical as well. Launched in 2012, these two trucks were responsible for establishing BharatBenz as a credible alternative to the Tatas and Ashok Leylands. 

2015 saw BharatBenz launch the next generation of these trucks dubbed MD IN-Power. With improved fuel efficiency, higher payload, higher service intervals, radial tyres, Multi Drive Mode and optional features like air-conditioning and anti-roll bar, the trucks raised the segment standards. These test vehicles go on to show BharatBenz isn't getting complacent at all and hint at more things in store for the 914 and 1214 series.

Watch this space!

Toyota launches the new Fortuner in India

Any which way you look at it, the Toyota Fortuner has been a textbook success in the Indian automotive industry. Ever since its launch, this macho Toyota SUV sold in numbers unheard of for a vehicle priced above INR 20 Lakhs. And the less said about its competitors, the better it is for them. The Fortuner was so dominant that it sold more than the cumulative sales of all of its competitors. The launch of the new Ford Endeavour earlier this year finally proved to be a real challenge for Toyota and here they are wasting no time in launching the new second-generation Fortuner here.

The first-generation Fortuner made a name for itself with its butch looks and macho appeal. The new model tries to accomplish the same, albeit in a completely different way. Sleek Bi-beam projector headlights, funky character lines in profile, wrap-around rear windows with the unique kink and sharp LED taillights have transformed the Fortuner into one modern-looking SUV. The aggressive grille gets a healthy dose of chrome as do the foglamp surrounds and tailgate. Other traits like the extra large dimensions and imposing stance are carried over from the previous model.

Just like the exteriors, the interiors have underwent a complete transformation. The cabin appears to be better built, better finished and more luxurious than the outgoing model. The feature list has expanded significantly as well with the Fortuner now getting automatic headlamps, smart key with push button start, fully automatic powered tailgate, leather upholstery, 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, paddle shifters (automatic only), cruise control and dual zone climate control as standard. Top notch safety kit include seven airbags, ABS with EBD, Whiplash injury protection, ISOFIX anchorage points and 3-point seat belts for all passengers.

Built on Toyota's New Global Architecture, the Fortuner shares its underpinnings with the Innova Crysta MPV and the Hilux pick-up truck. Two engine options - a 2.7-liter petrol developing 164 horsepower and a 2.8-liter turbo diesel churning out 175 horsepower - are on offer. The petrol variants are available in 2WD configuration only with the option of a 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, the diesel variants can be had with 4WD configuration as well. Transmission options in the diesel variants include a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearboxes. 

The petrol variants are priced between INR 25.92 to 27.61 Lakhs while the diesel variants are priced from INR 27.52 Lakhs for the 2WD MT variant to INR 31.12 Lakhs for the top-end 4WD AT variant. 

The new Fortuner's main rivals include Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Ssangyong Rexton, all using body-on-frame construction like the Toyota. By virtue of being in the same price point, monocoque crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe might also be cross-shopped by some. 

While the old Fortuner just started to lose a bit of its sheen to the new Endeavour, the arrival of the new Fortuner should bring Toyota back to pole position. Keep a close eye on this potential slug-fest between Toyota and Ford!

Volvo S90 launched in India at ₹53.5 Lakhs

In an attempt to gain market share in the rapidly-growing mid-size luxury car segment in India, Volvo has recently launched the new S90 sedan. Pitted against cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and Jaguar XF, the S90 sure has its work cut out.

At the moment, the S90 is available in just one variant and trim level - D4 Inscription - priced at INR 53.5 Lakhs ex-showroom Mumbai. Deliveries are expected to begin next month.

Volvo's new design language that debuted in the XC90 has been winning over critics and customers across the globe and the S90 is no different. The sleek LED headlights with the characteristic "Thor's Hammer" DRLs, the trapezoidal grille with vertical chrome slats and the wide air dam look very similar to the ones in the XC90. The silhouette exudes class helped extensively by the long hood, the near-flat shoulder line, the sloping coupe-like roof line and the almost 3-meter long wheelbase. Unlike the minimalist approach elsewhere, the rear is a bit loud with large C-shaped taillights and a contoured trunk lid. If distinct looks are what you are after, the S90 will emerge a strong contender trouncing its competitors.

The interiors, again, are very similar to the XC90 with a clean, uncluttered design accentuated by subtle and classy walnut inserts and chrome bezels. The center console is dominated by a large 9-inch 'Sensus' touchscreen that controls the infotainment system, navigation and the car's various settings. As one would expect from a car in this segment, the S90 is loaded with premium features including a 19-speaker 'Bowers and Wilkins' sound system, Nappa leather upholstery, four-zone climate control, electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats with memory function and powered seat cushion extensions, graphical Head-Up display, independent rear air suspension with multiple drive modes, powered Sunroof and a full safety suite.

Sharing its modular SPA platform with the XC90, the S90 sedan gets a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. The power is delivered to the wheels through an Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission. While this is the only engine option on offer now, Volvo might contemplate launching a more powerful diesel, petrol and hybrid powertrains later.

Well, the Volvo S90 has all that an average Indian luxury car buyer wants and more. It's priced well too, something that we rarely say when talking about luxury cars. But, will Indians look beyond the snob value associated with the German trio? Volvo certainly hopes so.

99 Volkswagen GTIs are all set to scorch Indian roads

Three long years after we lamented the absence of hot hatchbacks from mainstream auto-makers in India, Fiat did the unexpected by launching the Abarth Punto last year. While the car did succeed in whetting the interests of automotive enthusiasts across the country, it failed to set the cash registers ringing for Fiat. Unperturbed by the tepid response to it's only closest rival, Volkswagen has now followed suit with the introduction of its legendary 'GTI' nameplate in India.

True to its legacy, the GTI is the hottest hatchback on sale in the country with specifications that would make cars like the Mini Cooper S and Fiat 595 Competizione feel insecure. We aren't joking. With a 1.8-liter turbocharged petrol engine underneath, the GTI produces 192 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, the latter limited by the capabilities of the infamous 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI can race from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds with a claimed top speed of 233 km/h. Now, that's some serious performance!

Visually, the GTI has no pretensions to hide its Polo roots and carries the same straightforward and timeless design that we all love. Being available only in its 3-door avatar, exclusivity is guaranteed though. In addition, visual tweaks like full LED headlights with red accents, honeycomb mesh grille with red inserts, sharper front and rear bumpers, dual chrome-tipped exhausts and 16-inch 'Salvador' alloy wheels provide the much-needed differentiation from the regular Polos. Just like the GT twins, there are no Polo badges anywhere in the car. The letters 'GTI' proudly sit on the grille as well as the boot-lid.

While the interiors look similar to the normal Polos at first glance, the GTI will have better build quality, fit and finish as it is imported fully built. The materials used are expected to be a couple of notches better than the regular Polo as well. The cabin gets a few sporty bits like a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and sporty bucket seats with contrasting red stitching on them. Safety kit on offer include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ISOFIX anchorage points, all round disc brakes, front and rear Park distance control, Hill start assist and electronic locking differential.

So far, it's all been so good. What's not is the GTI's whopping price tag of INR 25.99 Lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. That kind of money could fetch you 3 GT TSIs or 3 Abarth Puntos after a bit of haggling! It's definitely super pricey, but then, Volkswagen isn't looking to make a success out of this launch. They have smartly limited the number of units to just 99 and we are sure there are more than enough folks out there with pockets deep enough to splurge on the GTI.

Folks like us can't buy one, of course, but would we mind taking one out for a spin and end up grinning ear to ear throughout the time the car is with us? Absolutely not, and that's what Volkswagen wants!

Maruti-Suzuki Baleno RS with 'Boosterjet' engine spotted testing in Chennai

With more than 100,000 units sold in just over a year since launch, the Baleno has been a runaway success for Maruti-Suzuki in India. In fact, production constraints at the Gurgaon plant and export commitments strictly restricted the number of units that could be sold in the domestic market. Let's not forget India is the manufacturing hub for the Baleno with Maruti-Suzuki exporting the hatchback to global markets including Japan and Europe.

The success of Volkswagen's GT twins opened up the performance hatchback segment in India with Fiat following suit with the powerful Punto Abarth. Maruti-Suzuki's intentions to offer one became apparent at the 2016 Auto Expo in New Delhi when the Baleno RS Concept made its debut. Testing on public roads started soon afterwards.

Spotted testing in Chennai yesterday, it appears Maruti-Suzuki is not done with the testing schedules of the Baleno RS yet. Slated for launch before end of the year, this car would be the launch pad for Suzuki's 'Boosterjet' engine in the Indian market. The 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection mill is already on offer in the Baleno globally where it generates 110 horsepower and 160 Nm of torque. In comparison, the existing 1.2-liter petrol engine generates 83 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque from its four cylinders. Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and Baleno's lightweight chassis, the RS is expected to be a genuine performance hatchback unlike the decked-out limited-edition RS that was offered in the Swift sometime back.

While Maruti-Suzuki does not offer the Baleno in black now, the Baleno RS is expected to be offered in one, similar to the car being tested. Additionally, it could also get visual add-ons like a different grille pattern, more muscular front and rear bumpers and subtle skirting all around to differentiate itself from the regular Balenos. The interiors are also expected to get subtle visual embellishments along with a few additional features.

When it goes on sale, expect the Baleno RS to be priced at a premium over the regular variants. Given that Maruti-Suzuki surprised us with competitive pricing across the existing Baleno range, shall we expect the same with the Baleno RS as well? Let's wait and watch.