The Italian auto major seem to have taken the market feedback positively and have resolved almost all the issues in the one-and-a-half-year-old sedan. Sarmad Kadiri takes off in the new Linea T-Jet, Fiat’s latest turbo-charged phoenix.The first time I laid my eyes on this Italian beauty a year-and-a-half ago, I fell in love with it instantly and imagined myself driving an all-black Linea with a fine chrome trim around the tinted windows. And even though the ride and handling were up to the mark, I remained disappointed. I was not the only one.

Maybe too much is expected of Fiat, as the brand inspires passion, style and similar things normally associated with such a renowned Italian brand. Contrary to popular belief, the company engineers weren’t just sitting around, sipping cappuccinos all this while, but were scrupulously taking note of all the feedback and working to resolve them. About a year-and-a-half later, Fiat have come up with a new variant of the Linea that promises to leave all the irritants behind and offer a lot more in the bargain.

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Celebrating Skoda’s illustrious 110 years of motorsport heritage and its recent victory at the 2010 IRC championship, SkodaAuto India has today launched the Skoda Laura RS. Like the earlier Rally Sport or RS version of the Octavia, the Laura RS comes with direct injection technology coupled with a turbocharger on a 1.8 liter engine capable of churning out and a six speed short-shifting gearbox, making it music to the ears of enthusiasts. On the occasion, Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member & Director, Sales & Marketing, ŠkodaAuto India said, “The new Laura RS is a performance oriented product aimed at car enthusiasts who have an emotional connect with their car.

It’s not a product you choose on pure rationale as the RS badge evokes tremendous passion amongst the owners. Designed to provide maximum driving pleasure through performance and precision, the RS also continues to build on ŠKODA’s reputation for comfort and safety. We hope our customers enjoy this product as much as we do”

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LANDROVER The bold font on the lip of the bonnet looming large in your rear view mirror tells you what you need to know. You move over, letting it pass, admiring it as it whooshes by. Then, years later, you drive one. Oh yes, the little SUVs – the politically correct, image conscious, urban yuppie mobiles so favoured by young executives and soccer moms – is what Land Rover is after the Freelander.

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The most focused mainstream Jaguar ever is a stand-out, grin-inducing blast, but one more comfortable and composed than the aggressive looks suggest, too.Menacing styling/noise/performance, focused yet rich-in-class drive, dynamic abilities, the statement it makes. Not quite the Porsche 911 GT3 firebreather some may expect, cabin disappointingly similar to standard XKR, price tag

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Jaguar has revised the XF model range for 2012, giving it a new look that ties it in with the family face first seen on the Jaguar XJ luxury saloon. The XK has also been facelifted. The facelifted Jaguar XF is also now available with a new entry-level 2.2-litre diesel engine, driven by MSN Cars a few weeks ago, which is charged with near-doubling sales of the Jaguar XF range.

The range is headed by the Jaguar XFR, which also gets a dramatic new look for 2012. Visually, the most obvious change is at the front, where those new Jaguar XJ-style headlights give the 2012 Jaguar XF a refreshing new look. They are set off by a new front bumper, more upright grille, new wings and a restyled aluminium bonnet. The wings have new air vents set within, with a chrome strip carrying the Jaguar name. These are less fussy and more elegant than the original car. There are changes at the rear, too – again, it is the lights that are the biggest change. They now extend into the rear boot, and are set off by a chrome finisher that is smaller and more elegant than before.

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Hyundai Verna Transform

Hyundai Verna Transform – New luxury sedan with sporty look, dynamic style and available in Diesel, Petrol variant @ attractive price in India.

Hyundai Verna Transform Features:

• Powerful VTVT Petrol & CRDi VGT Diesel Engine
• Option for 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Diesel)
• Precise handling, ABS with EBD
• Plush two tone finish interiors, 2 Din Audio System
• Dual Height Adjustable Driver seat with Armrest
• Fully Automatic Temperature Control
• Electronically Adjustable outside Mirrors
• Interior Blue LED Illumination & racing inspired instrument cluster
• New design front grille with cascading mesh, Sharp Eye Head Lamp
• LED Turn Indicators on Outside Mirrors
• Stylish Fog Lamps
• Sporty Chrome Tipped Exhaust
• Chrome Dual Tone Rear Garnish
• New Rear Combination Lamp

New Verna Transform is available in six colors crystal white, stone black, sleek silver, blushing red, deep ocean blue and champagne gold

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Dual Front Airbags with Passenger Detection System. Active Head rest ABS with EBD. Silica Tyres Impact Sensing door unlock Engine Immboliser Keyless Entry with Security Alarm 18” inch Alloy Wheels. Projection Head Lamps 2-Tone Beige interiors Blue LED Illumination Leather Seats 7 Trim Cruise Control. 8-Way adjustable power driver seat with lumber support. Tilt & Telescopic steering Dual Zone fully automatic temperature control 6 Speaker system with USB, AUX, Amplifier, Woofer & Tweeters Santa Fe is available in Vanila. White, Phantom Black, steel blue & Sleek silver.Hyundai Santa Fe.

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Hyundai i20 Automatic – Premium Small Car (Hatchback) with Automatic transmission at Premium Price. 1.4 Gamma Engine with Automatic Transmission Latest 1.4 litre Gamma petrol engine (100 ps Power) with advanced VTVT technology 4 speed automatic transmission 6 drive modes Cutting-edge variable line pressure system Smooth Drive Light aluminium alloy construction which enhances power, economy and engine life.

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Honda unveiled a prototype of its new small car, the Brio, at the 27th Thailand International Motor Expo 2010. The introduction of the car is a significant step for Honda in rapidly growing Asian markets. The prototype unveiled on Tuesday is meant for the Thai market, but it won’t differ significantly for India. Honda had showcased a concept version at the Auto Expo in January.The Brio is an attempt by Honda to enter a segment dominated by Maruti Suzuki Swift. When launched in India before the 2011 festive season, the car will sport a starting price of less than Rs 5 lakh. It will be the first time that Honda enters the volume segment and will pit the Brio against not just the Swift, but the Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo, Nissan Micra, Hyundai i10 and the Toyota Etios hatchback (which will be introduced early next year).

The car will be exported to other countries from India. Takanobu Ito, the president & CEO of Honda Motor Company, said: “The new model is critical to our business in Asia.” Developed to conform to Thailand’s Eco Car programme initiated by the government, the Brio is designed to meet strict emission norms and fuel efficiency targets. At 3.61 metres in length, it’s a tad shorter than the Chevrolet Beat and Swift, but a little longer than the i10. Honda’s small car will feature a 1,200 cc petrol engine, like the one on the Honda Jazz.

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Ford has just made its successful way in with the 2010 Explorer, although the car was not available with an EcoBoost engine, the company got more than twice amount of its sales with 65, 823 sold by the halfway mark. Despite lack of EcoBoost, the Explorer is now available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct injection and turbocharging technology. Those units is believed able to improve the fuel economy from 17 city, 25 on highway and 20 city only on the V6 models, 28 highway miles per gallon.

The output produced is estimated at 240 hp at 5,500 rpm, as well as 270 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. The Ford Explorer EcoBoost will be paired exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission and requires 87 octane fuel – not 91 or 93 octane premium fuel. Ford expects to be more emphasize for the engine in the first place. Ford will provide the more efficient EcoBoost in a limited number which will be only paired to the front- wheel drive models along with the maximum towing drop to 2,000 pounds.

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It’s once in a blue moon that someone dealing with automobiles day in and day out experiences that true frisson of excitement after a first drive. Aspi Bhathena experienced just that when he drove the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport in the sylvan surroundings of French countryside and on motorways recently This is it. There are cars and there is Bugatti. Like there are Formula 1 world champions and there is Tazio Nuvolrai, an all-time legend. Not an insignificant coincidence that Tazio Nuvolari raced the Bugatti cars in the 1930s. I also had a vivid recollection that my father, who was also my mentor, always used to say that Bugatti was one of the best cars ever made in the world.

The Bugatti brand ceased production after World War II. When the brand was being revived, Bugatti decided to make a car nobody had attempted to make so far or would attempt in the future. For example, when Ferdinand Piech said that the Bugatti would produce 1,001 PS of power and 1,250 Nm of torque, that kind of power and torque were unheard of in a road car.

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With the German manufacturer entry into the semi-sized SUV, the BMW X3 and a price tag of 41.7 lakhs, the only three words that come to mind are – Drool baby drool.Competition is not stiff only in the entry level cars when it comes to the Indian automobile market. While others have been trying to get the best piece of the pie, the mid sized SUV from BMW, the BMW X3, has been launched today. Adding to this, not only has the car been re-vamped or facelift, its an all new hooligan in a brand new suit. Mated with an eight speed Automatic Steptronic Transmission are two engine options – a 258 horsepower, six cylinder diesel engine and a 184 horsepower four cylinder diesel motor with the xDrive as standard as well. A wider track and a five arm axle makes the drive in the new BMW X3 better in all aspects. However, a slighly more tight suspension does compromise a bit on the ride quality. Having said that, despite its large size, it has minimal body roll and the 225/60 17 inch wheels mated with alloys make sure the Beemer stays in line.

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The X1 has premium appeal and the right price, a perfect combination for a hot seller. We analyse this BMW and return pleased with the experience.There is a fast-growing fascination for big wheels in India. BMW have been quick to recognise the market potential and have now targeted the heart of the segment by launching their smallest SUV, the X1. BMW already have the X6, X5 and X3 in the country, which have been received well. The Bavarian auto giant has introduced the X1 in three versions – the sDrive18i, which has a two-litre petrol, 152 PS, 200 Nm mill; the sDrive20d in two variants, a stripped down base and the Exclusive with all the bells and whistles. We got our hands on the latter and bring you this exclusive road test.

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BMW has given supercar fans a first look at the new BMW M5 2011/2012 F10 supersaloon that will be the brand’s star attraction at China’s Shanghai Motor Show this month. The BMW Concept M5 is being dubbed as the latest reinterpretation of the famed M5, which was the first BMW saloon car to receive the famous M treatment more than 25 years ago. Don’t be fooled by the Concept M5 tag: this pretty much IS how the production version of the new BMW M5 will look, when it is fully revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. The price has not yet been revealed; the previous M5 sold for around £65,000 at the end of its life. BMW, though, hasn’t forgotten today’s need to go green, despite big expectations for huge power and performance. Thus, while this new M5 is already officially described as ‘faster’ than the outgoing BMW M5, it will also be much more fuel efficient. Much, MUCH more fuel efficient: BMW is predicting economy gains of around 25-30%, which will have a corresponding benefit on CO2 emissions, too. We expect the new BMW M5 to return not far off 25mpg – amazing results for such a potent machine.

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BMW has revealed the first details and images of its new generation 1 Series model, with an on sale date of 17 September 2011 at a price starting at Rs 14 lakh for the BMW 116i and Rs 15 lakh for the cheapest diesel, the 116d. Following later will be the new 116d ED model, which will become the first production BMW to break the sub-100 g/km CO2 barrier – promising 99g, together with 27 km/l, while still outputting 116hp. Like the previous model, the car is rear-wheel drive, in marked contrast to rivals like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

A BMW spokesman said on Twitter that the car promised ‘great economy and emissions but is still a driver’s car’. The car is somewhat longer and wider than the outgoing model, leading to 20mm more legroom and 10% more luggage space. While an evolution rather than a revolution in design terms, the new model is clearly distinguishable from the old, not least in its disproportionately large headlights which appear almost identical to those on the much bigger 5 Series GT.

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Audi A4 Price List – Cheapest Audi Luxury Car

The Superavant model of Audi is making an attempting appeal to every market. The Avant model of Audi is also available with A3 range with a bigger derivative. This model will be very much helpful to cannibalize the A4 Audi. The A6 model has already stroked a chord among all the Europe consumers. But for the rest of the world, this model is a 16 foot-plus hatchbacks, which does not sell at all. Simply the wagons fail to attract the attention of the people. That is the one and only reason why the product planned for on the A4 model even though Mercedes will derive its stylish people carrier and R-Class replacement from the next E-Class. Looking into the situation BMW has also made its mind to stick with its oddball 5 Series GT. In fact they are not in a mood of expansion.

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German luxury car maker Audi today announced the launch of Audi RS 5 sports coupe, priced at Rs 77.35 lakh ex-showroom in the Andhra Pradesh market.Audi Hyderabad, dealers for the city, aim to sell 300 units of all Audi models this calendar year and have already sold two units of RS 5. “We have so far sold 550 Audi cars in the city since the dealership opened three years ago. The new model, which has won many awards globally, will further drive the sales in the city,” Rajiv M Sanghvi, Managing Director, Audi Hyderabad, said after the launch. Sanghavi further said Audi A4 sedan and Audi Q7 SUV are driving sales for the dealership and there is a demand for Audi vehicles from even coastal districts and other parts of the state, though Hyderabad accounts for a major chunk of the sales.

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Power, security and luxury are foremost among the things that successful people around the world desire. Obviously, they don’t come cheap, but then who cares about the price in this segment of cars? The top three most popular luxosedans happen to be from the same nation that produced Boris Becker and, like the tennis star, they are athletic, agile and champions of the game. Another reason for their popularity is that they never fail to ignite grudging admiration in others. These are the flagship models and probably the world’s best cars as the manufacturers make it a point to offer the best of every automobile aspect possible with oodles of luxury, safety, performance, comfort and technology.

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A fully electric Audi A3 doesn’t generate much excitement, but such a car, the A3 e-tron concept seen here, can provide valuable insight into the status of EV technology within the VW Group. Based on the current Audi A3, the A3 e-tron is powered by a water-cooled electric motor that puts out 81 hp (up to 134 hp in short bursts) and maximum torque of 199 lb-ft. Audi is proud to point out that the electric motor weighs only 143 pounds. The lithium-ion batteries, however, tip the scales at a whopping 661 pounds. The batteries are located in three places: in the center tunnel where a Quattro driveshaft would normally reside, under the rear seat, and under the cargo area. The latter raises the cargo floor by about three inches compared to that of the conventional A3 Quattro. The batteries store 26.5 kWh—enough, Audi says, for about 87 miles of range. It takes nine hours to recharge via a German-standard 230-volt socket; no word on charge times using 120- and 240-volt U.S. standards.

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With an eye to drive up volumes in the Indian market, German luxury car maker Audi is looking at introducing the A3 sports sedan. It has initiated a study to assess the potential in the Indian market.Michael Pershcke, head, Audi India said, “We have certain products in mind which we want to introduce to gain leadership position in the Indian market. We are looking at adding on A3 to our portfolio and are conducting a market study to assess the feedback among consumers here.” Perschke declined to specify a timeline. He said the company was “seriously” looking at launching luxury sports utility vehicle Q3 in the Indian market next year.

Business sedan A6 would also find its way on Indian roads in August this year. It would, ho wever, be some time before the company takes a call on introducing smaller compact vehicles here. “We have a top-down approach. We want to establish our brand here, ensure our customers understand our positioning and the values that Audi stand for before bringing in and focusing on selling compact cars such as the AI in the country,” said Perschke.

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