Tata Nexon       

The sub 4-metre subcompact SUV segment of which the new Tata Nexon is one of the most popular and most aspirational automotive segments in the country. Maruti Suzuki consistently sells over 10,000 units of the Vitara Brezzaevery month and the Ecosport single handedly helped recover Ford India's lull a few years ago. Mahindra has four SUVs in this segment too - the TUV 300, the Bolero Power+, the KUV 100 and the NuvoSport and even Hyundai and Datsun will soon launch brand new SUVs in this segment. So it was only obvious that sooner or later, any automaker who wants to be a real volume player in the Indian market needs to have a model present in this segment. Tata Motors first showcased a concept compact SUV called the Nexon at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo and an almost production ready version of the Tata Nexon at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo. While most of us expected the production SUV to be watered down version of the concept, the Indian automaker has surprised us by launching the Tata Nexon subcompact SUV that is very close to the concept's original look and design. And the last time that happened was when Jaguar launched the F-Pace! So read on to know more about the brand new 2017 Tata Nexon!

              Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq is the Czech carmaker's big bet as it aims at rapidly increasing volumes in existing and new markets worldwide. And why not, after all SUVs and compact SUVs with a crossover flavour are the 'it' segment and see much higher growth (and margins) than industry averages. This is of course just as true in India too, and which is why the Kodiaq becomes very important for us - and indeed Skoda India too! Believe it or not the Kodiaq is 160mm shorter in length than the Superb sedan! The Kodiaq is 4697 mm long and has a 2791 mm wheelbase. It shares the MQB platform and much else with the Volkswagen Tiguanand Seat Ateca - and a bit with the VW Atlas just unveiled in the US. But the Atlas is over 5 metres long and so is a different animal. The Kodiaq is looking to offer good quality, efficient engines, sharp design and value. And oh in case you're still in the dark on this - the SUV is named after an Alaskan bear species.

My favourite design element is the very 3D and extremely angular taillight cluster. Great job on the design by Jozef Kaban and team! The car's razor sharp sexiness is complemented well by a good fit and material finish - inside and out. The car also packs in what Skoda calls its Simply Clever solutions - neat innovations like the cargo bay light in the boot that detaches and doubles up as a flashlight, foldable tray tables for 2nd row passengers,

(Skoda Kodiaq gets clever touches in form of umbrella holders, door protectors and a huge boot)

umbrellas inside the frame of the front doors, etc. But these are features we have seen before. The Kodiaq has a new one that is totally apt for India. A pop out door protector - which basically sees a rubber guard emerge and envelope the edge of the door to avoid it from being damaged (or causing damage). As you shut the door it cleverly retracts itself in and so the door looks nice and smooth without the ugly rubber clamps on the after-market always-there door guards. Very neat trick! Kudos Skoda on that one.

Now we come to the all-important angle of pricing. Skoda says the Kodiaq will settle in at about where the Superb tops off. So expect pricing to hover in the Rs 30-35 lakh band. Anything higher and Skoda would have lost the opportunity in my view. Frankly even 30 lakhs is too high but that's where the market is right now. The Fortuner is crude by comparison, but has more bulk and grunt. Its ladder-on-frame chassis (as well as the Endeavour's) will make for better off-road capability. The Tiguan, Santa Fe and Kodiaq though will be the urban SUVs - without much need for hard-core off-roading. In that context I believe the Kodiaq could position itself as the value player by offering great build, efficient yet dynamic performance, good equipment and lots of space at a reasonably good price. The Kodiaq only arrives around Diwali 2017 so it's a bit of a wait I'm afraid!
 

	2.0 TDI/110 kW 4X4	2.0 TDI/140 kW 4X4	2.0 TSI/ 132 kW 4X4
Displacement	1968 cc	1968 cc	1984 cc
Max Power	147 bhp @ 3500-4000 rpm	187 bhp @ 3500-4000 rpm	177 bhp @ 3900-6000 rpm
Peak Torque	340 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm	400 Nm @ 1750-3250 rpm	320 Nm @ 1400-3940 rpm
Transmission	7-Speed DSG	7-Speed DSG	7-Speed DSG

                  Audi A5

Audi A5 Preview

              Renault Captur

Renault Captur Preview

Renault has finally launched the Captur in India with prices starting at Rs 9.99 lakh. The Renault Captur SUV gets a host of changes to keep it new yet pocket friendly as compared to the European version. The SUV shares its underpinnings with the Duster SUV, both models being based on the MO platform. However, the Captur is more premium of the two and packs in additional features as well. Here's everything you need to know about Renault's latest offering. 

Renault Captur Exterior

The Renault Captur is designed as a crossover using the French car maker's global design language and has been positioned as a premium offering. India gets the Captur (with a C) moniker, same as the European version, unlike the Russian version that uses 'K' in its name. The design is quirky on the compact SUV with the bold grille and diamond logo up front, but looks smart and likeable, and very urban too. While the standard name is Captur, Renault India has added the 'Platine' suffix to the top-end variants to differentiate more effectively.

The Renault Captur is a lot premium and comes with some bold styling and a bunch of premium equipment. Up front we have a stylish chrome accented grille, flanked by LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights and a primary set of C-shapped LED DRLs on the front bumper. The SUV get s faux silver skid plate as well along with some subtle lines on the bonnet that give the Captur an imposing stance.

Renault Captur Interior

In line with rivals in the premium UV space, the SUV will also be available in seven-seat layout along with the usual five-seat configuration. Styling will be more upmarket in tandem with the Brazil-spec model and there will be a raft of tech inside. 

Renault Captur Engine specification & Transmission

Specifications	Petrol	Diesel
Displacement	1498 cc	1461 cc
Max Power	105 bhp @ 5600 rpm	108 bhp @ 4000 rpm
Peak Torque	142 Nm @ 4000 rpm	240 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Transmission	5-speed MT	6-speed MT
Fuel Tank	50 Litre	50 Litre

The Renault Captur gets power from the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel and 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines shared with the Duster. The diesel motor produces 108 bhp of power at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 240 Nm at 1750 rpm. On the other hand, the petrol engine churns out 105 bhp of power at 5600 rpm and a peak torque of 142 Nm at 4000 rpm. The diesel engine comes mated with a 6-speed manual, while the petrol motor gets a 5-speed manual gearbox. The option of an automatic is likely to be on offer.

Renault Captur Prices (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

RXE Petrol	Rs 999999
RXL Petrol	Rs 1107999
RXT Mono Petrol	Rs 1169999
RXT Petrol	Rs 1186999
RXE Diesel	Rs 1139999
RXL Diesel	Rs 1247999
RXT Mono Diesel	Rs 1309999
RXT Diesel	Rs 1326999
Platine Mono Diesel	Rs 1388999
Platine Diesel	Rs 1405999

Renault Captur Dimensions

Lenght	4329 mm
Width	1813 mm
Height	1619 mm
Wheelbase Petrol	1498 cc
Wheelbase Diesel	1461 cc
Tyre Size	215/60 R17
Ground Clearnce	210 mm
Boot Space	392 L

The new-gen Captur is 4329 mm in length, 1813 mm in width, and 1619 mm in height. The car is a little longer but a bit narrower and shorter in height when compared with the proportions of the Duster. The wheelbase measures 2673 mm, same as the Duster. On the other hand, the Captur has a ground clearance of 210 mm (un-laden). In these proportions, the Captur SUV looks upmarket and stylish with the Renault family front grille, dual-tone alloys, and the all-LED head lights and taillamps.

Renault Captur Competition

In the premium UV space, Renault Captur will go up against strong contenders including Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV500 and Toyota Innova Crysta. It is believed that the higher spec variants in the range will be filled to the brim with features and will take on Hyundai Tucson in that space.

source - carandbike.com

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Overview

Mercedes Benz CLA was received well in Indian market upon its launch, ringing in cash register since its introduction in 2014. To give a boost to the already popular model, Mercedes Benz has given a subtle facelift to the premium sedan. The 2017 Mercedes Benz CLA gets mild aesthetic changes to the exterior and interior, while the mechanical set up has been retained. Outside, it sports reworked headlamps with smoked treatment and full LED lights. Front bumper has been tweaked and it gets larger air intakes, while the diamond grille is now standard on the sedan. Rear profile `of the 2017 CLA sports an integrated flush and the alloy wheels have been replaced with multi-spoke lines. Cabin gets updates like the new instrument cluster with red needles and new upholstery. Additionally, it gets an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Mercedes’ COMMAND system. Under the hood, the sedan continues to use 2.0 litre, petrol engine and a 2.1 litre oil burner. Both the engines use the 7-speed automatic transmission and power is directed to the front wheels.