February 1st, 2011
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More Dynamic, Full of V-shape cuts and nasal ridges, the refreshed 3-series is now even better to look at. The prominent creases on the bonnet lend the car a sense of aggression, and this design element mates well with the rest of the look. The double-kidney grille has been reworked, and is in fact more in keeping with current BMW grilles. The front bumper and chin have been reworked too and add to the strong ‘V’ look of the nose. The detailing of the headlights is new, there are new tail-lamps and the new 3, finally, has larger and more practical mirrors. A new alloy wheel design and a lip on the rear bumper complete the cosmetic mods to the 3-series. An interesting fact is that the tail-lamps now use LED technology which is more visible in bad weather.
The interiors are familiar, and the quality of the materials and the design continue to impress. This car is feature-rich, especially in the Highline version we tested, which has the latest version of BMW’s iDrive with dedicated short cut keys and a ‘back button. It is more intuitive to use, and the simplified graphic interface is nicer too. The switches and plastics, buttons, seats and steering wheel are all lovely to touch, with impeccably finished surfaces. While this car is all about the driver’s seat, many will choose to enjoy it from the rear seat too, which is the most comfortable in its class still, legroom is only decent, headroom is slightly cramped, and seating three abreast is difficult. Read more »
February 1st, 2011
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Softy-roaders, hard decision. You would think that shrinking an Suv would diminish its appeal. Not true, these scaled-down SUVs are better suited to our conditions. Our test tells you which one is the best
For something that spends most of its life in crowded urban environments, the full-size luxury SUV is becoming increasingly impractical. Manoeuvring its considerable girth and supertanker length on increasingly congested roads in an exercise in furrowed brows and extreme concentration; battling it out with rickshaws is best left to the chauffeur.
Which is exactly where the compact luxury SUV comes in, notably the BMW X3 and the Audio Q5. Smaller, but no less desirable, the Q5 and the X3 benefit from the reduced footprint of a regular saloon and the high seating position of an SUV. For the size, both seem overpriced, and maybe not exactly what your ego demands, but still are great cars to own and drive – as we found out. The X3 is not new. It’s been in India for more than a year, but didn’t have a diesel option for most of this time, and so, remained anonymous. Still, it’s interesting to note that X3 sales have grown since the launch of the diesel. The Q5 is new and is the X3’s only competition at present. Both have high-powered petrol options on offers, but we’re testing the more relevant BMW X3 2.0 diesel and the Audi Q5 3.0 TDI (the only diesel options available here). The Q5 is more expensive, but Audi hoes the extra equipment offered will offset the higher list price. Our aim is simple –find our which one we would take home. Read more »
February 1st, 2011
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AMG stands for raw factory-fitted, certified and warranted performance. Billionaires, reach for you Cheque books.
It’s fitting that Mercedes-Benz chose Rajasthan for the Indian launch of what are only some of the fastes and most powerful saloons and coupes in the world. It’s fitting it chose Rajasthan, because this was once a land of maharajas, because this was once a land of maharajas, palaces and fortunes. And a fortune is exactly what you will need if you want to own an AMG. It wouldn’t hurt to be a maharaja either.
You see, these cars may not look very different from their regular E-class or S-class stablemates, but under their hoods lie some of the most bespoke engines available to the enthusiasts. Which means you will pay anything between Rs 96 lakh (for the S 55 AMG) to Rs 2.67 crore (for the S 65 AMG). These are base ex-showroom prices, mind you. So, despite the global recession, Mercedes still see it fit to bring these cars into India. Apparently, those who have the money, still have the money. Read more »
January 27th, 2011
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What if it were possible to combine the locomotive charm of a racing Bentley from the 1930s with something as lavish as a manor? What if you could be brutish and over the top on the one hand, but still classy and sumptuous on the other? You can. Enter the Brooklands, the Bentley’s Bentley. The ultimate old-world, rear-wheel drive, massive turbocharged V8-powered rocked barge. Tonnes of old-world hand-built charm but with modern engineering and reliability thrown in. In essence a car that will age very little, its charms undiminished.
Now, hold on billionaire boys. Don’t reach for your bank statements. You can’t be the first one to roll into your country club in this car. There will only be 550 Brooklands built and the two allocated for Indian customers are already long gone. But read on to see what you missed.
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January 27th, 2011
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The new BMW 530d gives a new meaning to the words ‘diesel’ and ‘torque’. We drive India’s quickest diesel saloon.
Diesel Versus Petrol. Torque versus BHP. These never-ending debates have once and for all been settled (in my mind at least) after a long hard drive in the BMW 530d. Power freaks like me can rattle of BHP figures of most cars from memory, But torque? I have to admit I couldn’t remember a single figure – until now.
Fifty-one kgm – now that’s a figure I won’t forget in a hurry because it not only makes the 530d the torqueiest saloon produced in this country but the quickest as well. But what does it for me is the effortless manner in which this diesel delivers its continent devouring grunt which even the most powerful petrol motors, that scream to dizzy revs to produce their top-end energy, can’t hope to replicate.
It’s the easy access to performance that makes high-powered diesel the way to go – even for enthusiasts Unlike the equivalent 530i petrol, you don’t’ have to wring out the power or work hard to enjoy it.
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January 27th, 2011
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What you see here is the face-lifted version of Audi’s Sixth-Generation A6. If you find it hard to spot the differences, it’s not your fault. As is with any Audi mid-life facelift, they are numerous but extremely subtle. Look and you could spot the new front bumper, redesigned air ducts for improved engine bay cooling, new headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights, new tail-lamps and an edgier rear bumper.
Understated as the changes to the outside are, the firecracker under the hood is anything but that. Sitting longitudinally between the front wheels is Audi’s 290bhp, 3.0-lite supercharged direct-enjection TFSi engine that replaces the existing naturally aspirated 252bhp 3.2-litre V6. Running a conservative 11psi of boost and a high (for a forced induction engine) compression ratio, it approaches sportscar territory with its power and 43kgm of torque; this in a car that’s supposed to be a premium saloon, mind you.
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January 27th, 2011
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Sheer desirability and the wind-in-the-hair quotient make the 650i the perfect car for the convertible kind of day. Shame about the price though.
A convertible in India is about as relevant as a surfboard in Switzerland. Hot, dusty and humid conditions for most of the year make you want to hit the AC button the minute you climb into your car. Open-top motoring isn’t exactly practical in this country, which is why it’s extremely rare to spot a convertible. Curiously, it’s the exclusivity of convertibles that makes them desirable and when the weather is right, there’s no denying the special charm of driving with no roof.
It’s sheer desirability that the BMW 650i Convertible is all about. It looks stunning, especially with the hood down, and by Indian standards this is a full-fledged exotic. The long silhouette, those mean-looking hooded brows, the super-wide ‘V’ on the bonnet and the gorgeous skinning results in the perfect interplay of curves and surface. Some however, don’t appreciate the way the rear spoiler blends with the boot. The soft-top doesn’t take too much away from the design and the 6-series looks great even with the roof up.
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December 3rd, 2010
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Yeti- Skoda’s newest launch is an extended hatchback of sorts, with its 4.2 meters length. That sure is the first thing you are bound to notice about this car. So what should we call it – hatchback or an SUV; what is a Yeti? It would be a better option to call it Skoda’s crossover. Without a doubt, Yeti is one of the most interesting vehicles on sale this year. The styling of the Yeti is a mix match of a hatchback and an SUV, and will take some time to get used to the new and distinct looks on the exterior of the car. For once, you can mistake this car to be a tall hatchback if you consider it from the front, but when you move to the rear, you realize that it is smaller and more compact version, when compared to an SUV. This four-wheeler wonder sure is going to be a visual treat for the Indian car connoisseurs. With latest safety features and a powerful engine, Skoda Yeti comes with a stylish look – both on the interiors and the exteriors. It is customized for the ever pot-holed Indian roads as well as the silky-smooth highways. Yeti is a unique blend of tough exteriors and gentle interiors.
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August 19th, 2010
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Many would have an abstract answer for this one but, if we take an in depth look at the Indian roads one will find it covered with pits, holes and cuts making it a bit difficult for the bid cars to roll on. Of course, the metros do have expressways and wide roads thought but, as and when you take a turn to the interiors of the metro cities things are no different. Big cars no doubt come up with a lavish ride, comfort seating, less worry and grand price tag. However, an average working man finds it best to buy a small car that easily suits his requirements in every aspect.
Recognizing this Maruti and other Automobile Brands are coming up with more small cars specifically for Indian market. By far, Maruti Alto, Maruti Swift, Tata Nano, Ritz, Chevrolet Spark and many other small automobiles were ruling the roads. It would be convenient for the buyers from India to choose from a wide range of cars that suits their budget and requirements both at a time. If we take a look at the global automobile market the choice of small and affordable cars, the list is comparatively long such as Honda Civic, MINI Cooper, Toyota Corolla and many more. Read more »
