SKODA VISION S CONCEPT SUV
Czech auto giant Skoda has come out with a Vision S Concept SUV, which is powered by a 228PS plug-in hybrid power-train comprising a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, two electric motors, and a lithium-ion battery pack. The car is expected to be launched globally next year and the Indian model could come with the Kodiak moniker. Apart from an appealing design and various exciting features, the car also has a hybrid power-train.
It also flaunts an aggressive front fascia with no less than 13 vertical slats on the brand-new grille.
It is flanked by sleek LED headlamps on both the sides, above oblong fog lamps that rest in a completely different housing. Moving back, we see strong character lines, including a prominent shoulder contour.
The six-seat interior is loaded with technology. The drivers will find a digital instrument cluster, a front-passenger infotainment system, and a digital centre stack with touchscreen controls.
The model also has premium leather upholstery, metallic trim, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
The 228PS plug-in hybrid power-train consists of a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, two electric motors, and a 12.4 kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery pack. To give the riders a better idea of the power generated by this mechanism, the concept accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in under 7.5 seconds. It will be launched in India next year and is expected to be priced around `30 lakh.
MASERATI LEVANTE
Bologna-based luxury car manufacturer Maserati finally unveiled its first SUV, the Levante—a beautiful yet luxurious and powerful combination. Expected to be launched in India next year, the Levante is likely to get some attention. Globally, the company will offer the Levante with three engine options. All of them are turbocharged 3.0-litre V6s, but they vary widely in output and even burn different types of fuel.
The base model packs 350 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque for a 0-62 time of 6.0 seconds flat—the same as the base Ghibli, but four tenths slower with a bigger form to move.
The new car offers a 430 hp and 427 lb-ft (more than the Ghibli S) for a 5.2-second sprint. While the diesel model has the least power, it also offers the most torque, at 275 hp and 442 lb-ft (slightly more than the oil-burning sedan) for a 6.9-second time. Whichever engine is chosen, it comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and a limited-slip differential.
With two sedans already out and a new sports car on the way, expect the Levante to be priced over a crore when it makes its entry into India market next year.
TATA TIAGO
Indian auto giant Tata showcased the Tiago hatchback in Geneva this year. The new car will be launched in India soon, and the carmaker displayed a slightly customised version of the hatchback, which was earlier showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi.
Earlier known as the Zica, the new hatchback had to be renamed after the deadly Zika virus affected millions in South America. The name Tiago was selected following an online contest where the public could submit their choice of names for the hatchback. The contest resulted in narrowing down on to three names—Civet, Adore and Tiago, of which, the third one was finally given the green light.
The car features a pair of three-cylinder engines—petrol and diesel, a bold new design and a strong suit of features. The Tiago will slot in between the Bolt and Nano, effectively replacing the Indica eV2 in our market, in a segment dominated by Maruti and Hyundai with the Celerio and i10, respectively. It will also spawn a yet to be named compact sedan derivative and is slated for arrival in showrooms later this year.
AUDI Q2
The Q2 unveiled at the Geneva Salon will be in India sometime early next year and will be priced between `18-25 lakh, thus making it one of the most affordable luxury cars in the country. The car is sportier with a bumper encompassing silver accent pieces and the smaller but sharper LED headlamps making the front look aggressive while the B and C pillars painted in a shade of gloss black give the floating roof effect. At the rear, the Q2 gets more distinct styling and has a prominent roof mounted spoiler. The car will only be available with a five-door and five-seater layout with a 405-litre boot space with the seats up. On the inside, it will get a design similar to its larger cousins with the MMI interface and the large screen mounted in the centre console.
In terms of engines, it will come with both petrol and diesel engine options. Internationally, it will have a 1.0-litre TFSI, 1.4-litre TFSI and 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engines, making power figures from 116PS to 190PS. On the diesel front, the Q2 will get a 1.6-litre or a 2.0-litre TDI engine. All the cars will have a front wheel drive layout with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic gearbox with the option of a Quattro all-wheel-drive layout on the top of the line versions.