2012 Toyota Fortuner specification & Features

The upcoming model of the Toyota Fortuner has just been revealed in Thailand. This is the very same facelift that will be coming to India. Toyota has updated its Thailand website with images and specifications of the new SUV as well. The front end is where a lot has changed including the grille, the headlamps and the bumper. The rear end has also undergone a makeover and so has been the interior.

• The new Fortuner now looks more bolder than the earlier version especially with the huge chrome grille with horizontal slats. 
• The headlights get new projector lamps alongside conventional lights.
• The fog lamp housing has also been redesigned along with the front bumper which gets a scuff plate as well. 
• Now the old Fortuner looked bulbous from the front which is not the case with the new model

The new Fortuner retains the brute front end look with the lower side of the front fascia now being more flatter than the old SUV. Toyota has also got rid of the side cladding and replaced it with a nice muscular element. In profile the car is instantly recognizable though. At the rear, a redesigned bumper has been added and so has been a new tail lamp cluster. The new clear lense tail lights get an integrated, circular brake lamp as opposed to a rectangular one on the outgoing model.

The interior has also undergone a subtle makeover, the major change being the center console and the steering wheel. The old version had an interior which looked pretty similar to that of the Innova MPV. In the new version the dials too are new giving it a more fresh and unique feel. Now Toyota is offering a 4-speed automatic version of the Fortuner in Thailand which could also come to India. The lack of an auto box was one of the drawbacks the Fortuner faced making the drive a tad more cumbersome in the city, especially given its massive size.

Now, Toyota customers had been complaining about the lack of an automatic option in the Fortuner and this time Toyota might take heed of this and bring in the auto transmission. Despite the lack of an automatic gearbox the Fortuner has been selling only because of the brand and its street presence which is the most sought in India. The powertrain is to remain the same with e 3.0 litre D-4D Diesel with Intercooler Turbocharger which puts out 171 PS and 343 Nm.

The Fortuner’s main rivals in the market today are the Chevrolet Captiva, Mitsubishi Outlander and to an extent the BMW X1, all of which come with automatic transmissions. Secondly, the Captiva is also due for a makeover but expect the new Fortuner to arrive only in 2012 and not during this year.

Mahindra W201 World SUV may launch in India in September and October 2011

Mahindra W201 World SUV will be launched sometime between September and October this year, and already the branding program for what essentially is Mahindra’s most ambitious product yet, is underway.

The Mahindra W201 SUV will feature the same 2.2 Liter CRDe engine that the Mahindra Scorpio SUV comes with, but with a higher power and torque rating of around 136 Bhp and 320 Nm. Initially, we’re betting on a two wheel drive version of the SUV being available, which will soon e joined by an all wheel drive version. Contrary to some reports floating around, this SUV will not replace the Scorpio, but will actually sit a segment higher than the Scorpio.

Those who have been in the SUV tell us that this is Mahindra’s most refined product yet, with the fit and finish levels a marked improvement over the current Mahindra flagship, the Scorpio. Transmission options could include both a manual tranny and an automatic gearbox. By the looks of it, the Mahindra W201 World SUV looks quite butch, in true Mahindra tradition although we’d have loved to have seen the toothy grille replaced by something a little more pleasant looking.

Mahindra Xylo Mini Launch , Price, Features, Image

Mahindra Xylo Mini is expected to launch this year. This car is specifically designed to fit the Mini SUV segment which is still in its nascent stage. Mahindra Xylo Mini Price is speculated to be ranged within (5-6) lakhs. This car provides a wholesome package for the consumers who are looking for affordability, comfort and also off track road ventures. It’s also expected to feature equally powerful, robust and sturdy specifications as the earlier varient “Mahindra Xylo” which got launched in the SUV segment.


Standard features which is expected in this varient are

• Xylo mini is expected to give a mileage of 10 within city and 15 or more in the highways which gives a tough competition to the other cars within the segment
• Airbags, wheel locking when instant brakes applied, seat belt warning, adjustable drivers seat and also powerful fog lamps
• Adding to the list luxury features expected are foldable seats thats can be stretched as and when needed , varient body colours
• Air condition without the climate control facility
• Cooling vent available for the rear passengers
• Central locking
• Remote fuel filler
• Power windows
• Music system

Xylo Mini is aggressively designed

• This version will come with alloy wheels to give a tougher and stronger look and also fitted with puncture resistant tubeless tyres
• Car overall displays excellent features of safety, power, appearance as well as fuel efficiency

Mahindra W201 World SUV

Mahindra will first launch the two wheel drive version of the Mahindra W201 Global SUV, after which a 4 wheel drive version will follow.

The 2 wheel drive version of the W201 which will be a front wheel drive version will allow Mahindra to price the W201 competitively so as to ensure a decent performance for the product at the hustings. This is critical as the 2.2 Liter CRDE diesel engined W201′s not just needs to be a good seller but also needs to be seen and perceived by SUV buyers as a sales success in the premium SUV market.

When new version of Chevrolet Captiva SUV launch in India

Definite information about the facelifted Captiva SUV being launched in October this year and hence, here’s a quick update on what all the new Captiva would get along with the exterior and the interior refresh. The SUV, which now adopts the GM family styling with a prominent grille up front, looks much more aggressive than the current version.



This aspect of the SUV could endear it to many prospective buyers. Even on the inside, the twin pod cockpit layout that GM introduced with the Cruze and the Beat will be carried forward to the Chevrolet Captica SUV, thus making for an interior refresh. Engine options though could remain the same although General Motors does sell the Captiva globally with a new 2.2 Liter CRDI diesel engine producing 163 Bhp of shove and 350 Nm of twist.


So this engine might come along to India along with a new range of six speed manual and automatic transmissions. October is when General Motors India has lined up the new Chevrolet Captiva SUV for an Indian launch. With the Captiva SUV arriving in October, expect Ford India to ready up the new Endevour SUV in 2012, also with an automatic transmission option

2011 Volkswagen Touareg SUV Specification & Features

The folks at Overdrive have just spotted the facelifted model of the Volkswagen Touareg SUV being tested somewhere in and around Pune. With Volkswagen bringing both the upgraded Passat and Jetta to India, with the latter set to arrive in September, it is only a matter of time before the Touareg too arrives into the country along with a facelift to boot. The Volkswagen Touareg SUV is basically a reskinned Porsche Cayenne, or well the other way around.So, you get both stupendous off road ability as well great on road performance to make the rugged Touareg a terrific bet, both on the road and off it.  The new Touareg retains the V6 TDI diesel engine producing 240 Bhp and 550 Nm, but with a crucial addition, of that of the fuel sipping and emission reducing BlueMotion technology. With Volkswagen India planning to first usher in thus technology in its premium models before launching it on budget Volkswagens, the Touareg may very well get BlueMotion technology when it is launched in India.

The Touareg now features the new corporate grille of Volkswagen up front apart from a lower overall stance. Also, an eight speed transmission is expected to be the other major change that the Touareg now comes with to save on fuel.

Another big change on the new model is the shedding of almost 200 kilograms of weight making the car both faster and frugal. SUV roll into India expect in August of this year.

Renault Make Koleos facelift for Indians; New Version of Renault Koleos Price, Images, Specification & Features

The first images of the face-lifted version of the Renault Koleos are out ahead of its official unveiling which was earlier planned for the Frankfurt auto show later this year.

The new SUV gets redesigned front end as the design team has dropped the vertical split grille of the earlier model for a more conventional package with headlights that resemble that on the Latitude sedan. Mirrors now get integrated LED turn-signals. Renault has also improved the interior of the SUV and now offers more toys including hands-free entry and ignition, electronic parking brake, automatic headlights and wipers and Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control systems on the 4×4 version of the Koleos.

Renault has released a list of diesel engine options for the Koleos ranging from 150 bhp to 175 bhp. A 170 bhp petrol engine also makes the cut but in India, we could get the 150 bhp oil burner from the Nissan X-Trail. The main competition for the Koleos would come from the Chevrolet Captiva and the Mitsubushi Outlander both of which offer seating for seven unlike the Koleos which offers room for five.

We expect Renault to price the Koleos around Rs 18 lakh.
Renault is also coming up with the Duster SUV which could be priced under Rs 10 lakh.

SUV Force One Launch & Price in India; Force Motor's SUV Force One Logo, Specifications and Features

Force Motors Limited will launch it’s brand new SUV for the Indian market in July, at a price of around INR 13-15 Lakhs. The SUV, will be called the Force One and from the pricing that Force Motors has announced that the SUV will be priced, it looks like the SUV will sit above the likes of the Tata Safari and the Mahindra Scorpio.

Force Motors expects to sell 4,000 units of the Force One SUV this year and that is quite a modest number. Around 20 Force Motors personal vehicle dealers will sell the SUV across India initially and the dealers have been trained accordingly to sell the upmarket SUV, just as the clientile walking in to buy the SUV will expect.

Force Motors also has unveiled a brand new logo that will adorn the Force One SUV

Force One SUV Specification

• 2.2 Liter, 140 Bhp CRDI diesel engine from Daimler’s renowned line of diesel engines will power this SUV
• SUV will come with projector headlamps and running lights up front
• Dual rear AC vents
• Cruise control steering mounted controls
• Driver information system

Force One SUV is touted to be based on the Guangdong Foday Explorer III, the only parts that Force Motors claims to import are the panels and the interiors. So, this should clear a few apprehensions about the SUV being a Chinese import. Time then, to wait for the Force One SUV’s launch in July

Low Cost SUV for Indians by Renault - Renault Duster

Renault India launches the Dacia Duster SUV badged as the Renault Duster for India, in the second half of 2012, as a low cost SUV to be priced under 10 Lakh Rupees. Renault India though will hope that the Duster SUV doesn’t meet the same fate as the Logan.

India is a country whose road infrastructure is rapidly developing. But, at the same time, there are plenty of bad roads or even no roads in a large part of the country where a Sedan’s suspension and under body face a lot of trouble negotiating. It is precisely in such conditions where the low cost SUV which can seat 5 adults comfortably and costs slightly lesser than the C+ segment sedan will make a bunch of sense.

Also, over rougher roads, an SUV can maintain a higher speed comfortably. While vehicles like the Mahindra Bolero and the Maruti Gypsy do exist, the former is too utilitarian and the latter having a bone jarring ride that would leave most of your family fuming at you every time you drive across the slightest of road imperfections. So, a comfortable and rugged SUV under 10 Lakh Rupees is just what the Indian market is looking for and the Renault Duster could very well fill that void.

The Duster is available in both petrol and common rail diesel engine options with both 4X2 and 4X4 drive modes. This coupled to a 1.2 Tonne kerb weight makes it a light SUV that will be quick too with the 100 plus Bhp output of both the petrol and diesel engines.

FIAT Sedici SUV for India; FIAT Sedici SUV Images, Features & Specifications

The new compact SUV could be a revised version of the Sedici which the Italian automaker sells in Europe. FIAT might introduce this car in the country with certain modification to suit Indian driving conditions. The Sedici is manufactured in Hungary by Suzuki Motors and is based on the well known SX4 platform. At present FIAT porfolio in India does not include a SUV apart from the Linea sedan and the Punto hatchback.

Now, the Sedici was first introduced in 2006 at the Geneva motor show and was developed in collaboration with Suzuki motors. The more eagle-eyed folks would recognize the similarities between the SX4 in India and the Sedici as the Sedici is a high riding hatchback version of the SX4. The original Sedici was the creation of world famous designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and comes with an optional all-wheel drive. The car can switched from 4×2 to 4×4 with the touch of a button.

FIAT might opt for the 1.3 litre oil burner for the India bound Sedici as the competition which could mainly come from Mahindra & Mahindra as well as Renault. Mahindra is also coming up with a mini Xylo by next year while Maruti Suzuki is working on the R III MPV. Renault will also be launching the Duster SUV which will be priced below Rs 10 lakh.

There is immense scope for a  five-seat SUV in the market as there are very few vehicles that offer space for five at a reasonable cost. Hence, the upcoming cars like the FIAT Sedici and the Renault Duster could be very important for both these companies. More importantly for FIAT who’s losses for 2009-10 stood at Rs 290 Cr. Thus, the Sedici could revive FIAT from the worst of times and could be the game changer for the Italian automaker in India.

When Audi Q3 Crossover SUV will launch in India

The much anticipated Audi Q3 Crossover SUV, which is Audi India’s challenger to the BMW X1 Crossover, could arrive into India early next year. This information was revealed by Mr Sirish Chandran, the editor of the Overdrive magazine. Apart from when the Audi Q3 will be launched in India, no other information regarding it’s price or the engine range has been revealed thus far. 

The Audi Q3 meanwhile is Audi’s entry level offering designed mainly to serve as a crossover that will be at home on Indian roads and their myriad range of imperfections like potholes, badly designed speed breakers and various other impediments to smooth motoring. In essence, a larger hatchback like size along with ease of manouverability could make the Audi Q3 a great bet in the crowded Indian conditions.

Coming to the other aspects of the Audi Q3, in all probability, the crossover will be brought into India as a CKD to be assembled at Audi’s Indian manufacturing facility to ensure that the automaker is able to price the Audi Q3 competitively in the Indian market, in which the BMW X1 is doing very good numbers. The Audi Q3 is priced at 29,900 Euros in Germany, which is around 8-10% more than the BMW X1.

A cheaper and more frugal front wheel drive, 140 Bhp, 2 Liter TDI diesel engined version of the Audi Q3 will be made available to various markets in the future as a low cost, fuel efficient variant, and it would be very interesting to see whether Audi India would dare to dump the Quattro all wheel drive layout for the cheaper front wheel drive keeping cost considerations in mind.

Engine options globally for the Audi Q3 include 2 liter TFSI petrol engines with 170 and 211 Bhp respectively while the 2 Liter TDI common rail diesel engine is rated at 170 Bhp. Considering the X1 has a 180 Bhp 2 liter diesel motor in India, the Q3 arriving with the 170 Bhp, 2 Liter TDI engine would be the best bet currently.

So, early 2012, perhaps during 2012 Indian Auto Expo is when Audi India will bring the Audi Q3 into India. Let us hope that Audi India takes a leaf out of BMW India’s book and begins assembly of engines and transmissions in India to ensure that it is able to keep the CKD duties at 10% instead of 30% for a more competitive price point for it’s CKD products.

2012 Mercedes Benz M Class Specifications, Features and Images

The 2012 M Class was originally scheduled to be unveiled at this years Frankfurt Motor Show. The new M Class now packs fuel saving technologies including brake energy recuperation and start-stop which has become a must have on most modern cars. Secondly, the diesel engines are much cleaner and greener as well as all the more efficient than those of the past. The 2012 ML250 gets a 2.1 litre turbocharged diesel engine with 201 bhp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The engine coupled to Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic transmission in conjunction with start-stop and brake energy recuperation returns a respectable 47 mpg. CO2 emissions have also come down to 158 gm/km. Other engine options include ML350 Bluetec with a 3.0 litre V6 diesel with 254 bhp. A diesel electric version has also been added to the line-up. The ML300 Hybrid uses the same 2.1 litre diesel engine from the ML250 in combination with a 20 bhp electric motor which further improves fuel efficiency. The ML300 Hybrid could be launched in the second half of 2012.

The looks of the 2012 M-Class were criticized by fans for being too bland upfront after the first images of the SUV leaked onto the interweb. The overall proportions of the SUV remain the same but its longer and wider than the BMW X5 which is the main rival of the big Merc. The SUV seats five and the interior now adheres to the latest Mercedes Benz design philosophy. The rear end especially looks fresh with those E-Class inspired tail lamps.

Mercedes Benz M Class 2012 First Images on Internet

The first images of the 2012 Mercedes Benz M Class have leaked onto the internet. Thanks to folks at Germancarforum who are carrying the brochure images of the new Mercedes Benz SUV. The new M Class seems to have grown into a more bigger SUV compared to its older sibling. The 2012 model looks longer and could also sport a longer wheelbase. If I was to have a guess and this is just pure speculation, the new M-Class might have a wheelbase similar to the Gl-Class.

The old M-Class was a bit cramped on the inside and Mercedes Benz could make an attempt to rectify it this time around. The GL Class is a huge, 5 meter long SUV with awesome road presence but boxy styling. The M Class on the other hand is a more follows a more dynamic design philosophy. The M Class is characterized by the wrap-around rear glass with a hidden D-pillar. The new models proportions look impressive although the front styling is a bit bland compared to the old version. The front grille lacks the thicker horizontal elements which gave the old M Class a masculine look.

As we move towards the rear, little has changed on the sides apart from what looks like a longer platform than the earlier. At the rear the wrap-around glass dominates and a major aesthetic change that has been made to the rear is the tail lamp cluster which now resembles the one on the new Mercedes Benz E- Class.

Inside, the centre console would seem more familiar as the latest versions of cars from the shinning star share a similar dashboard design. Wood and leather has been employed to make the interior more upmarket. Even the steering wheel has wood as well as brushed steel inserts which do look classy.

When New Force Gurkha will Launch in India; Force Gurkha with Price & Launching Date

Touted to be one of the toughest SUVs in India that could take almost anything an accomplished off road driver could throw at it, the Force Gurkha, based on the legendary Mercedes Benz G-Wagen’s genes,  was somewhat of a legend until Force Motors mysteriously decided to simply discontinue the product even as hopes of the new OM611 CRDI Diesel engine were running high. Now, the Indian off road enthusiasts have something to cheer about as Force Motors will relaunch the Force Gurkha in the next six months with a refresh.

Buying the previous generation Force Gurkha was an experience in itself. Force Motors, which practically didn’t have any personal vehicle dealership, meant that the Gurkha buyer had to order the Gurkha through one of Force Motors’ Commercial Vehicle dealers. Apart from the poor dealership experience, the Gurkha also came saddled with a six month waiting period, if Force Motors accepted your order in the first place that is. While the SUV’s mechanicals were pretty much bomb proof, it’s fit and finish on the interiors left much to be desired.

Confoundingly, Force Motors drivers used to drive the Gurkha all the way from the Force Motors’ factory at Pithampur to the customer’s city for customer deliveries. Now, a brand new SUV being at the mercy of the drivers for a couple of thousand kilometers isn’t exactly how you’d want your SUV to be delivered. At a price tag of almost INR 8 Lakhs, a Force Gurkha customer obviously expected a better deal on the interiors, which never materialized until the Gurkha was pulled off production. In the meantime, rumors abounded about the Force Gurkha getting the OM611 CRDI Diesel engine, which was first launched on the Force Traveler Passenger Carrier.

Even as enthusiasts fervently waited for the brand new engine, which brought in more refinement, performance and fuel economy aboard, to be offered on the Gurkha, the Gurkha was pulled off the production line quite abruptly, leaving many an off road enthusiast high and dry. Things seem to be moving in the right direction at Force Motors under Prasan Firodia’s leadership with him announcing that the gurkha would be relaunched soon.

We anticipate the OM611 CRDI Diesel engine to finally be available on the Force Gurkha along with improvement to the overall fit and finish levels. Also, the buying experience will undergo a massive improvement as Force now has a brand new passenger vehicles sales and service division with well trained staff who will ensure that buying a Gurkha would be a much more pleasant experience than ever before. So, if you’re in the market for a go-anywhere SUV that can actually be much more practical than the Mahindra Thar, time to start saving up.