BMW X5 Hybrid SAV Coming Soon

The BMW X5 Hybrid is an innovative combination of BMW eDrive and xDrive to deliver efficient driving pleasure. This vehicle is an addition to the company’s growing range of electric cars with the concept X5 eDrive, a plug-in hybrid version of the new X5. BMW used the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) to present this vehicle showcasing a landmark efficiency in the SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) segment. The BMW X5 Hybrid guarantees both sheer driving pleasure as well as luxurious ambience, through the xDrive intelligent all wheel drive system and interior of the plug-in hybrid drive concept. The SAV can travel upto 19 miles (30 Km) and hit 75 mph (120 km/hr) in electric-only mode, and claims 74.3 mpg economy and 90g/km CO2 emissions.

Exterior

The ground breaking characteristics of the BMW X5 Hybrid is highlighted not only by the drive system and luxurious interiors but also through its precisely arranged design aspects. Just like the BMW i-series cars, the X5 eDrive also gets a blue finish on the grille slats, air intake bars and the rear bumper inlay which gives an appealing contrast to the Silverflake metallic exterior paintwork. Other additions in this eDrive includes specially designed roof rails, connector for charging cable and 21 inch light alloy wheels which have aerodynamically optimized design.

Interior

Just like most of the BMW’s the X5’s interior is elegantly austere, with solid construction and high-quality materials. The seats are nicely shaped and meet the ergonomic conditions for all types of passengers. There’s an additional 14 way seats adjustment which further adds to the comfort level. The boot space of this car is however compromised due to the presence of lithium-ion batteries.

Dynamics

The BMW X5 Hybrid is a part of BMW research project designed to prove that performance need not be sacrificed for economy. And the Hybrid X5 certainly proves this point by producing an amazing 1000 Nm of torque at 1000 rpm, which is far more than any other BMW. The vehicle has a four-cylinder petrol engine (likely to be the 2.0 Litre 245 bhp turbo engine from BMW 328i) in combination with a 95 bhp electric motor to power all four wheels through the BMW’s xDrive system.

 The 70kW motor gains its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from any domestic power socket. This can charge the vehicle to enable it to travel upto 30 km (19 miles) soley on electric power, thereby generating zero local emission. Also in order to make the battery safe from any accidents, it is mounted in a particularly crash-safe position underneath the load area. The BMW X5 Hybrid gets three driving modes, depending upon the requirements and situation; the intelligent hybrid drive option for optimum balance between sportiness and efficiency, pure electric drive and safe battery mode to maintain the current battery charge. Together the engine and the motor gives 0-62 mph in under seven seconds.

Conclusion

BMW is calling the X5 eDrive “the next logical step towards landmark efficiency” in the SAV segment. However now the question which remains is not whether the company will bring this technology as it is told in its vehicle or not, but when.

Datsun GO, the next hatchback from Nissan

The Japanese auto manufacturer, Nissan has unveiled its oldest brand Datsun in the Indian market with their latest addition Datsun GO. The history of Datsun dates back to year 1914, when it was first introduced as a light weight and economical car to meet the needs of young auto fanatics at that time. The company was phased out by Nissan in late 1986. But after seeing the rapid growth of hatchbacks in the South Asian market, Nissan decided in 2011 that they will have a 1.2 liter engine sister competitor to Micra and will be tagged as Datsun GO. Datsun is the third global auto brand for the Japanese Multinational company after Nissan and Infinity. Codenamed as K2, this low-cost hatchback will be launched at the Indian Auto Expo in Delhi in January 2014. Being one of the most stylish hatchbacks, Datsun GO is expected to launch in early 2014 with an ex-showroom price under 4 lakhs.

Exterior

When it comes to exteriors, Datsun GO has the most aesthetic and stylish among the hatchbacks in its segment. While reducing the cost of this, the Japanese have not compromised on the exteriors. From the front, the hatchback gets a hexagonal honeycomb meshed front grille with chrome plated surrounding endorsing the Datsun logo at the center. The bold and aggressive headlamp cluster with integrated turn indicators, athletic ducted air dam on a stylish front bumper, sleek ridges on the bonnet and single wiper front windshield, all give an energetic look to this Datsun GO.

The side profile of Datsun GO has got aerodynamic ridges and curves that not many hatchbacks have. The body colored door handles, black matt finish external rear view mirrors, forward slanting body, 13 inch wheels, tinted glass and clear lens indicator. The rear of the hatchback is packed with prominent tail light cluster, body colored bumper, cute rear windshield, high mounted stop lamps and stylish rear bumper with bold Datsun logo engraved on it. The hatchback measures 3785mm in length, 1635mm in width and 1485mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2450mm.

Interior

Like the exteriors of this hatchback, the manufacturers of Datsun GO haven’t left a stone unturned when designing the interiors. The overall coziness and pleasure of driving this hatchback lies in its soul which is its spacious and comfortable interiors. While the central console remains absent providing more space for the driver and the passenger sitting in the front, the gear shift knob lies in the leather pouch just underneath the dashboard consisting of sophisticated music system and chrome plated round shaped air conditioner vents. Premium fabric upholstery,dual toned interiors, adjustable seats, power assisted steering wheel, rear seat belts, enhanced leg space, cute yet aggressive instrument cluster with speedometer and fuel indicator are some of the interior features in this cheap hatchback.

Engine & Performance

Dastun GO will be powered bya three-cylinder, 1.2-litre and 12-valve petrol engine consisting of a Dual Overhead Cam Shaft (DOHC). To increase the mileage for this hatchback, the Japanese have kept the engine less powerful than its other counterparts. The 1198 cc, 3 cylinder inline DOHC 12 valve petrol engine produces a peak power of 67bhp at 5000 rpm, while generating a maximum torque of 104 Nm at 4000 rpm. The engine is projected to be comprising of five-speed manual transmission gear box setting. The key feature of this hatchback is its mileage boasting at 18-20kmpl on highways and 12-15 kmpl in city.

Safety

Datsun GO projects to be one of the most sophisticated cars in its segment when it comes to handling and safety. From the smallest turning radius to responsive electrically powered steering with tilt adjustment, drum brakes on the rear wheel to ventilated disc brakes for the front wheels, ABS with EBD and BA to McPherson Strut type suspension, the hatchback has all the essential handling features at such a low cost. Safety features include power windows, central door locking with remote keyless entry, airbags, engine immobilizer, child safety locks, side and front impact beams and bright halogen headlamps for improved visibility.

Specifications

Features	Base Petrol Variant (1.2L)
Engine	1198cc, 3 Cylinder, 12 Valve
Transmission	Manual
Fuel Tank Capacity	-
Power	67bhp @ 5000rpm
Torque	104Nm @ 4000rpm
Mileage (City/Highway)	19/13.5 km

Price

Version	Ex-Showroom Price
Datsun Go Petrol 1.2L	Rs. 3,50,000 - 4,00,000

Expected Launch Date

2014 Auto Expo Delhi

What is it About Supercars

Ask any car-lover and the answer will be the same – yes, they would like a supercar, thank you very much. However, being able to get hold of one isn’t that easy. With sky-high prices and limited production runs, it’s no wonder that any owner of a Ferrari Laferrari or Aston Martin One would have to deal with a great deal of jealousy from his or her friends.

But what is it that makes them so desirable? Is it the speed? With the cars on this list by Autoweb reaching speeds of above 250mph, there’s no doubt that there’s a lot of power in those chassis. Perhaps it’s the price – nothing is quite the status symbol of a car that set back the buyer more than a million pounds.

Perhaps it’s the look? One thing synonymous with supercars is that clean, sleek and polished look. No other car looks quite like a Pagani Zonda Cinque, or a Zenvo ST1.

Take a look at this list and imagine you won the lottery. Which one would you buy?

Five Essential Vehicle Maintenance Tips

 Five Essential Vehicle Maintenance Tips

Regular essential maintenance should be carried out on your vehicle to keep it in good condition. Follow these tips to prolong the life of your vehicle, ensure the safety of all passengers and save on expensive repairs.
1. Oil

 Check your oil regularly (about once a month) and always before long journeys. Too little oil could result in your engine seizing up or even cause it to blow up. Keeping an eye on levels will prevent you from having to pay for an expensive engine rebuild.

Park your vehicle on a flat area of ground, remove the dipstick, wipe clean and take a reading from the second insertion. If the oil doesn’t come up to the markers on the dipstick, you will have to add more.

Also check the colour of your oil, as dirty oil can damage your engine. In a diesel engine, the oil will immediately go black, but a petrol engine’s oil will slowly darken over time.

2. Tyres

A regular tyre inspection will save you money and could save your life. Hand-held tyre pressure gauges are inexpensive and a good way to check your tyre pressure at home. Running a vehicle on flat tyres results in inefficient use of fuel, and could damage the wheel rims.

Check your vehicle’s manual as tyre pressures differ from car to car. For example, double cab pickup trucks will require different tyre pressures to saloon cars. Incorrectly inflated tyres can cause your vehicle to pull to one side while braking. Also check the depth of your tyres’ tread to avoid an accident. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm.

3. Lights

Check your lights before every journey to avoid an accident or fine. If you don’t have anyone to check your brake lights, reverse your car up to a flat surface like a wall or garage door and check in your rear view mirror for the reflection. Bulbs are simple to replace, so keep a few spares handy in case one of them fails.

4. Brakes

The hydraulic fluid in your brakes needs to be checked regularly to ensure your safety. You can top up your brake fluid on some vehicles, but if the fluid level consistently drops, the cause should be immediately investigated. It is recommended to change your brake fluid every 1-2 years.

While driving, listen to the sound of your brakes for signs of brake-pad wear. If they become very noisy, the pad may have worn down completely and you may be rubbing metal on metal, which could result the brake discs having to be machined.

5. Fluids

Check and top-up coolant levels often to prevent your vehicle’s engine from overheating. Transmission fluids, screen wash and power steering fluids will also need to be periodically topped up or changed.

Following these essential maintenance tips will prolong the life of your vehicle and ensure that it functions safely and correctly. Always consult the vehicle’s manual or refer to a professional before undertaking any repairs.

Most Exclusive Features of Mercedes Benz A-Class

The latest Mercedes Benz A-Class to be released on 30th May, 2013 seeks to open up a new trend of vehicles in the compact segment. They have built the new A-Class afresh to the very last detail of the vehicle. It has several features that make it stand out on its own class. With markedly emotive design, powerful engines, extremely efficient emission norms and best in class security, this new compact SUV is set to become an important milestone for the German luxury auto manufacturer. Set to be launched by 30^th May, 2013, this car will be priced around €24,000.

Exterior

The exterior design has a sculptural shape with characteristic lines on its sides. It has defined edges with interplay of both convex and concave surfaces to bring about a play of light along the car sides thus resulting in a unique appearance. It has a pronounced V-shape with separate headlamps, a radiator grille having a central star of a Mercedes and additional air intakes on the sides of the vehicle. Light modules and LEDs behind the cover glass of the headlamps are arranged in a manner that will cause a "flare effect" used for driving during the day for driving lights as well as indicators. There is a feature line within the headlamp that causes the flare. LED modules are there for running lamps during the day and for the indicators there are some bulb sets.

On the roof there is a perfect interplay of excellent aerodynamics and a dynamic design. The roof has its surfaces smooth, taut and with an arcing curve. There is a roof spoiler that suitably hides all aerials while at the same time it gives the vehicle a sporty look. It also has shoulder muscles that are powerfully-shaped sitting just above the rear axle and they emphasize the coupe-like car character. The tail end is also well shaped with the tail lights having a surface finish that improves the flow of air around the car. It has airflow break-away car edges within the rear section that are well defined.

Interior

Interior design of the A-Class has the "Mercedes Benz Aesthetics No.2" which was unveiled at the motor show in Detroit back in 2011. It is made from materials of a high quality and the trim elements have an electroplated finish. There are thus real surfaces of metal with an effect of a "cool touch". The instrument panel is embedded with five round vents, whose outer rings have a high quality electroplated finish. There’s also an extensive range of seat coverings, in terms of the materials used like the leather, fabric or Artico/fabric colour combination. Sports seats with integrated head restraints are also available with all optional design and equipment lines. The sporty nature of the seats is accentuated by the opening between the upper edge of the seat backrest and the head restraint. On the back of the front seats this opening is edged with a frame in silver chrome in conjunction with the Light and Sight package, which can also feature ambient lighting.

Engine & Performance

The new Mercedes Benz A-Class gets powerful engines in the range of 80 kW that is 109 horsepower to 155 kW or 215 horsepower. These new four-cylinder models from Mercedes-Benz occupy a leading position by virtue of their performance, high efficiency and very low emissions. They impress with their smooth, superior power delivery and offer customers refinement at the highest level. Also they are extremely efficient and only manage emissions of 98 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.

Safety

The A-class gets a drag coefficient of 0.27 which is best in its class. It has the collision prevention assist system that is radar based. The suspension of the new A-Class is made up of a four-link axle with a power steering that is electromechanical with functions for assistance. It also has an Extended Traction Control (XTC). Dynamic handling is enabled as the center of gravity and seating position has been lowered greatly. It also has an electric brake for parking hence the handbrake lever is not necessary. If the electric brake is pressed at speeds of over 4 km/h then it acts as an emergency brake.

When one acquires a vehicle like the Mercedes Benz A-Class, they may require a DVLA phone number so as to be able to make enquiries on the driving documents and services required. They may make enquiries on how to get driving licenses, tax disc, medical and vehicle registration.

Porsche Macan

After having gained much success from the Cayenne model, the German luxury auto manufacturer Porsche has decided to come up with a smaller model of the same in the form of Porsche Macan. The car is expected to roll out in the market by the end of year 2014, however before that it will be debuted at the 2014 Frankfurt Motor Show. This baby SUV will be loaded with the same Porsche features like agility, lightweight and ease of handling. Initially named as Cajun, the company decided to change its name to Macan, which is an Indonesian word for ‘tiger’. This name is apt for the Porsche Macan as it combines suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics.

Exterior

The exterior profile of this all new hybrid is a complete blend of power, subtleness, versatility and fascination. It is expected to draw attention of every person going past it. Describing the car's design, Bernhard Maier, Member of the Executive Board Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG, said, "The Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of a SUV and is a genuine Porsche." Comparing Porsche Macan to the larger Cayenne SUV, this one sits a bit lower and has a sportier roofline that rolls more naturally into the rear-end. The alloy wheels and the body colored bumpers make the car rather more attractive. The xenon headlamps, electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors and the sun roof makes the car valuable and worthy. The overall dimensions of the car include a height of 64.5 inches, width of 75.8 inches and a length of 185 inches. The wheelbase of the car is about 110.6 inches to ensure good interior space and comfort is provided for the passengers.

Interior

The all new Porsche Macan is stuffed with features that provide interior comfort. The automatic climate control system of the air conditioner, power windows, electronically adjustable driver seat according to the driver's comfort, inbuilt music system, tinted glass and the leather seats that can be folded easily are some of the luxurious interior features offered by this hybrid. The air conditioning vents at the rear space, controls that are mounted on the steering wheel, automatic headlamp and wiper that has sensors, comfortable steering adjustment, rear side wiper, defogger and the cup holders embedded arm rest are some of the interior features offered by the car.

Engine & Performance

Initially it was heard that the Porsche Macan will be powered by a new 3.0 litre twin turbocharged V6 engine delivering 370HP of peak power and a torque of 400 lb/ft. However for those who expect more out this model, the manufacturers have also come up with three other options, which includes the 3.6 litre V6 engine producing 295 HP (used for Macan S), a four-cylinder engine that will deliver 220HP and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that produces 190 hp. It is believed that there will also be a hybrid model that will sport a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. This one will produce a maximum power of 241HP. Also mated to these engines will be a standard seven-speed manual transmission and an optional seven-speed, dual clutch PDK automatic transmission.

Safety

Parking sensors that are embedded at the rear side of the car ensure that the parking is made easy and is truly driven cautiously. The fog lamps ensure that the driver is provided with complete visibility even in adverse conditions. To ensure the safety of the passengers within, the Porsche Macan is provided with 6 airbags and seatbelts including that for the rear space passengers. Antilock braking system with Electronic Brake force Distribution together with the Electronic Stability Program are some of the safety features that are expected to come in hand with the version. These safety features together with the style and performance, does make the vehicle a strong option to buy for the SUV lovers.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCrZfR2aaRk[/youtube]

Conclusion

The Porsche Macan is expected to come into the market by end of next year and since it’s actually based on the Audi Q5 platform, the vehicle will be reasonably priced at $45,000. The vehicle is targeted to attract the young buyers with its low price tag as it won’t be stuffed with as much luxury equipments as its big brother, the Porsche Cayenne. Also some of the vehicles it be competing against will be the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, Mercedes Benz GLK and the Range Rove Evoque.

Volkswagen Jetta

The all-new Volkswagen Jetta was introduced in India in 2008, by the world class German manufacturers, the Volkswagen. The all new Jetta has undergone a massive facelift recently and is now all set to rule the roads! They are regarded as the powerful diesel engine cars ever produced in the Indian market. The extreme and magnificently carved exterior is quite appealing from all the sides and enhances the sporty profile of the car with the exhilarating looks. This all new renovated model launched in 2011 and the engine of this model is made powerful both externally and internally. The ex-showroom price of this model ranges from 13.6l - 18. 96 lakhs, depending on the features exhibited.

Exterior

The Volkswagen Jetta is a complete blend of performance and style. The streamlines silhouettes and the distinct design make the version rather more eye-catching. The company logo embedded in the classy radiator grille makes the front view of the car simply irresistible. The bumpers are color keyed together with the black finish trims on the sideline of the windows adds in rather elegant profile to the car. Together with this, the twin signals on the door handles and the door mirrors make the car to achieve an incomparable profile. The ground clearance offered by the car is 152mm. The overall height of the car is 1453mm, length of 4644mm and width of 1778mm.

     

Volkswagen Jetta Colours

Volkswagen Jetta comes with the following colour options:

• 
  
  
  Reflex Silver


• 
  
  
  Black Uni


• 
  
  
  Candy White


• 
  
  
  Blue Graphite


• 
  
  
  Salsa Red


• 
  
  
  White Gold


• 
  
  
  Platinum Grey

Interior

Volkswagen Jetta has an awesome interiors that make it more and more adorable and wanting. This model is stuffed with luxury features starting off with the spacious interiors and this makes the car rather too elegant. The interiors are upholstered with the Corn silk Beige fabric which enhances the style and ambience of the car. The large touch screen display with the function keys is designed to obtain the perfect ergonomics together with the perfect orientation for the driver. The gear knob is high lightened with the chrome finishing and the character of the interiors is rather enhanced by the door handles. The armrest on the front center provides support and has a storage compartment with two cup holders at the front and the rear spaces. The two AC vents at the front and rear seats, glove box with cooler, two lights at the front foot well, automatic driving light control and automatic adjusting rear mirror are some of the features to give a memorable ride every time.

     

Engine & Performance

Volkswagen Jetta comes in two engine variants; 1.4L TSI petrol engine and 2.0L TDI diesel engine. The 1.4L TSI 4 cylinder petrol engine is capable of generating a maximum power of 122bhp at 5000rpm and a maximum torque of 200Nm at 1500-4000rpm. This powerful engine is embedded with 6-speed manual transmission setting. The 2.0L TDI 4 cylinder diesel engine is capable of generating a maximum power of 138bhp at 4200rpm and a maximum torque of 320Nm at 1750-2500rpm. This powerful engine is coupled with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox.

Safety

The all new face-lifted Volkswagen Jetta comes with a variety of safety features to ensure complete safety of the passengers within. In case of sudden braking, the interlocking of the wheels is prevented by the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), together with the Antilock Braking System (ABS), Brake assists, EDL and ASR. The eight airbags, running from the front till the back of the car ensures that the passengers within are secure all the time. The anti-theft warning system together with the sensors protects the luggage and car from thieves and ensures their safety. In addition to that, the front headrest, powerful and clear fog lamps, adjustable seat belts with warning alarm system also ensures the safety of both the car and the passengers within.

     

Specifications

Features	Petrol Variant (1.4L TSI)	Diesel Variant (2.0L TDI Trendline)
Engine	1390cc, 4 Cylinder, 16 Valve	1968cc, 4 Cylinder, 16 Valve
Transmission	Manual	Manual/Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity	55 L	55 L
Power	122bhp @ 5000rpm	138bhp @ 4200rpm
Torque	200Nm @ 1500-4200rpm	320Nm @ 1750-2500rpm
Mileage (City/Highway)	11.0/15.0 km	16.2/19.4 km

Price

Version	Ex-Showroom Price
Volkswagen Jetta 1.4L TSI	Rs. 13,84,177
Volkswagen Jetta 1.4L TSI Comfortline	Rs. 15,33,791
Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI Trendline	Rs. 15,19,861
Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI Comfortline	Rs. 16,70,143
Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI Highline	Rs. 18,37,169
Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI Highline AT	Rs. 19,24,355