Three superb new SUVs coming to India

This year has been a year of some great car launches. From hatchbacks to Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), every segment has seen the entry of a new model.

One of the recent entrants in this is the crossover launched by Tata Motors -- Aria.

The SUV and MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle) segment of the country is all set to get many more models in the coming future. Here is a little about three of them:

Mahindra Ssangyong Korando



The acquisition of Korean carmaker Sasangyong by Mahindra had the auto industry abuzz for a long time.

The two companies share special interest in the SUV/MUV segment and it is rumoured that the Mahindra Ssangyong Korando is expected to be in India soon.

The specifications about the new car are still not available, but the fourth generation Korando C is ready to hit the international market once again.

Volvo XC60


The car is expected to come to Indian shores by November 24.

The Volvo XC60 is a contemporary crossover and the company has put all its safety knowledge into making XC60 a very safe car across all categories.

The Volvo XC60 is expected to come in both diesel and petrol variants. The diesel variants include 2.4D 175hp, 2.4 D DRIVe 175hp and D5 AWD, 205hp engines. While there would be two petrol engines -- the 3.2 AWD, 238hp and T6 AWD 285hp.

The Volvo XC60 is claimed to have more energy than any other Volvo and is considered a visual feast. This makes the XC60 the prefect car for those looking for superior design, brand integrity and high-tech content.

BMW X1


The car is being launched in the premium compact segment in the price band of Rs 25 to Rs 30 lakh (Rs 2.5-3 million).

The car is expected to be available in five variants with a diesel engine in both manual and automatic transmission option.

It is expected to come with a 1995cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, diesel engine that produces 143bhp of maximum power at 4000rpm with 320Nm of maximum torque at 1750-2500rpm.

The same capacity engine capable of producing 177bhp of maximum power at 4000rpm with 350Nm of maximum torque at 1750-3000rpm would also be available.

The top end variant of the BMW X1 is expected to have the same engine with 204bhp of maximum power at 4400rpm with 400Nm of maximum torque at 2000-2250rpm.

The car also has features such as ABS (Antilock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), dual front airbags and side ITS head airbags, alarm system with remote control, engine immobilizer, front and rear anti roll bars, central locking, child lock, crash sensor, front and rear fog lamps, halogen headlamps, front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioner, belt force limiter and side impact protection.

New Mercedes Benz CLS

The old generation Mercedes CLS has made way for the New CLS which is actually a toned down version of the concept. “Seduction Has To Be Flawless”.

The new CLS – the new design icon from Mercedes-Benz

A generation ahead: The CLS-Class created a new vehicle category in 2003 by combining the elegance and expressiveness of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a sedan. The CLS delighted the public, astounded the competi-tion and created a new style icon: for years the CLS has endured as the only four-door coupé in its class, and since October 2004 it has been the car of choice for approximately 170,000 buyers worldwide. “Customers all over the world benefited from our bold move to launch a completely new vehicle con-cept onto the market”, explains a delighted Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. “And with its exciting de-sign, the new edition of the CLS also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door Coupé.”

Celebrating its world premiere at the Paris motor show (October 2 – 17, 2010), the 2012 CLS-Class will arrive in U.S. dealerships in mid-2011. The 2012 CLS-Class builds on the pioneering role of its predecessor with a fresh new inter-pretation. “The new CLS points the way forward for the future perceptible de-sign idiom of Mercedes-Benz”, explains Professor Gorden Wagener, head of de-sign at Mercedes-Benz. “At the same time it takes its inspiration from the great tradition of stylish, refined sportiness which has always been a feature of Mercedes coupés.”

Exterior: classic Coupé styling with distinctive front

The proportions remain as spectacular as ever: long hood, tightly-styled frame-less side windows and a dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear. The four-door Coupé from Mercedes-Benz immediately made its mark in 2003 as a new style icon. Though the proportions are the same, the secondgeneration of this design trendsetter has a completely new look.

What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not inte-grated into the hood but formed separately. This further highlights the long, sporty hood. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which unites the car with other Mercedes-Benz coupés and also enhances brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle’s ath-letic appearance.

Design brings high-tech features to life

Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the full LED headlamps, which are the world’s first to offer all of the dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design – inside they are di-vided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offers LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the high beam is activated, thereby creating a unique night-time design. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LED’s provide an unmistakable appearance as well as a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.

The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and surfaces. A unique “dropping line”, which begins above the front wheel-wells and slopes downward towards the rear, represents a new interpretation of a renowned design hallmark of his-toric Mercedes sports cars. A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the 2012 CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful stance of a predator waiting to pounce. The side profile is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology — a linking element to the rear of the vehicle. The shape is empha-sized by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and sup-ports the flat roof. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear.

The interior: design brings quality to life

The interior of the 2012 CLS-Class is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines discreet elegance with innovative details and handcrafted per-fection. The eye-catching cockpit features a wrap-around dashboard sweeping from the driver’s door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated seamlessly into the upper part of the instrument panel.

Watch the video of Mercedes Benz CLS here:

The CLS also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used, including a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. Highlights also include matte galvanized air vents which ideally compliment a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock.

Handcrafted perfection is reflected in details such as the stitched seat covers and dashboard. The individual parts of the leather dashboard are sewn to-gether by hand in a process which takes several hours, after which they are fit-ted and upholstered with high-quality padding. Prior to this process, the leather is also heated to preshrink it, so that it will retain its shape even after extreme exposure to direct sunlight.

The particularly exclusive 1.6-millimeter thick semi-aniline premium leather meets the highest standards of both look and feel. The natural pore structure remains intact thanks to a light pigmentation, and the leatherhas an especially warm and soft feel to it. Premium leather requires a very precise manual selection process and therefore a high amount of untreated leather.

The refined interior of the CLS is further reflected in the generous use of high-quality trim elements, located on the instrument panels, center console and door linings. Customers can choose between high-gloss brown burl walnut or high-gloss black ash. The wood has been perfectly fitted around difficult con-tours for a masterful handcrafted finish, and the wood trim has been matched according to grain as part of a sophisticated selection process to create a consistent overall impression.

For an even more progressive look, black piano lacquer or carbon fiber trim elements are also available. Handcrafted as well, up to seven layers are applied and polished for the piano lacquer trim until the high-gloss finish is achieved.

Car Care During the Rains

It’s been raining cats and dogs and the challenge the monsoons pose to your car is not trivial. The following tips will help you not only keep your car shining and smiling, but also ensure you have a safe and enjoyable drive in the rains.

1. We all know bald tyres drastically reduce your traction on wet roadways and offer little resistance to hydroplaning. Ensure that your tyres’ tread level never falls below 3mm.

2. Get your car polished. Teflon coating protects the car’s panels and metal parts. Even very minor scratches on the car’s body cause rust, so don’t forget to touch up the scratches.

3. Replace your wiper blades regularly. Older vehicles may need to have the whole wiper arm replaced. The arms wear out over time and can’t keep enough pressure to clear the windscreen, even with new blades installed. Use the windshield washer fluid generously as recommended by the manufacturer. Using a blend of water and washer fluid will clean the windscreen more effectively than washing with plain water.

4. Rain water moistens the brake drums which can cause lower braking efficiency. Brake well ahead of your stop and with reduced force when roads are slick. Avoid using your brakes; if possible, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.

5. It’s very crucial to protect the car’s under-body from rust and the best measure is to give it a coat of anti-rust at an authorised service station or other professional after-market outfit.

6. Fill the battery to the brim and ensure the battery is fully charged. Apply petroleum jelly on the connecting point of the battery so that it remains dry; grease is also advised but it could damage the battery outlet joints.

7. Headlights illuminate the darkened conditions around you and help other drivers to see you coming. So it is important to check all your lights and ensure they’re all in good health. Do not use your high beams; they can reflect off droplets and make it even more difficult for you to see.

8. Ensure your defrosting and air-conditioning units are working properly so that you can de-fog the windows in rainy conditions. Use the de-frost mode with AC ON, in fresh air mode to clear the windscreen of condensation whenever the windscreen gets fogged up.

9. Every car should have a good emergency kit. The kit should meet your individual needs and be equipped with items ranging from spares, torch, fuses, tyre inflators, to safety kits and other items to attract or provide help. You can even keep cigarettes in your emergency kit, but not to relieve stress during an emergency. Rub the tobacco all over your windscreen and it causes water to form droplets and quickly roll off the glass rather than stay there and hinder your vision.

10. Water may sneak into the car’s interior and damage the car mats, flooring, seat covers and even some of the electronic wirings under the carpet. Moreover, it will also create a bad odour. Replace the existing mats, covers and carpets with rubber or plastic ones. It’s also advisable to roll a waterproof electrical tape on the electrical wires to prevent any kind of short circuit in the car. Also buy a waterproof car cover and keep the car covered when not in use.

Improve Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency

It’s really exasperating to see fuel prices skyrocketing, right? We can only feel helpless in the face of recurring and economy-driven price fluctuations. Seeking measures to improve fuel economy is the only way to combat rising fuel prices. Do not disregard these simple guidelines; each little step can really start adding up to significant savings to your budget.

Check Tyre Pressure

Keeping the tyres well inflated is one of the simplest things you can do to help improve your car’s fuel efficiency. You can improve the mileage by about 3.3 percent if you keep your tyres inflated properly, according to the DOE.

Lighten Your Load

Empty out your boot of unnecessary items. For every extra 45 kg you carry, your fuel efficiency can drop by 1-2% in a typical vehicle.

S-L-O-W D-O-W-N

The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Driving within the speed limit recommended by the manufacturer helps save fuel. Driving just 5mph over the speed limit can affect fuel economy by up to 23%. Likewise, quick acceleration consumes too much fuel; accelerate slowly and gradually.

Do Fuel Quality/Types/Additives Help Mileage?

Petrol pump attendants often try to convince you to go for ‘Speed petrol’ or ‘X-tra Mile diesel’. But this need not necessarily help improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Always use the grade recommended for the vehicle by the manufacturer. Higher octane fuel may not only be a waste of money but may harm the vehicle, as well. However sticking to one brand of fuel is always good for the engine. Know more about Octane Ratings

Tune Your Engine

A well-tuned engine can improve fuel economy by up to 4%. So change your oil and follow your car manufacturer’s recommendation on servicing.

Clean the Air Filters Regularly

Air filters keep impurities from damaging your engine. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy by as much as 10%.

Keep the Windows Closed

Driving with your windows open considerably reduces mileage, far more than keeping the AC on while driving along highways. So preferably keep the windows closed and the AC on if you want to keep cool. Of course the air-conditioning decreases fuel efficiency considerably, so use it judiciously. Windows down or A/C on — which is more fuel-efficient?

Clean Spark Plugs

Ensure your spark plugs are in good condition. Renew the plugs and wires at intervals specified by the manufacturer. This will keep all cylinders firing properly resulting in higher efficiency.

Don’t Be a Clutch-Driver

Never keep your foot on the clutch while driving. When you do this, pressure is being placed on your clutch, and it not only reduces mileage, but also wears out the clutch plate, replacing which is not cheap.

Keep the Car in Showroom Condition

It’s always prudent to keep the car in the showroom condition. Remember that any modification to the car, such as broad tyres, diffusers etc., will adversely affect the mileage.