HONDA SUV CROSSTOUR

The Honda Crosstour, the 2013 version of which was unveiled at the New York Auto Show this year, was originally designed with an idea of mating the best features of the SUV and Passenger Cars into a luxurious mid-size crossover that is just perfect. As the customers define it, it’s a Crossover which is neither boxy like a Minivan, nor as big as a SUV rather looks classy, sexy and cool, yet very spacious and luxurious.

The idea behind the facelift of the original Crossover that was first launched in 2009, as per the Executive Vice President, America Honda, John Mendel was ‘to take all features of the Crosstour that the customers love and expand on them.

The 2013 Crosstour V6 will deliver a better fuel economy with two drivetrain options which are 3.5-litre, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine and a 2.4-litre i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine. These will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and also use the Honda’s trademark Variable Cylinder Management technology.

The 2013 model has been designed such so as to make it more rugged and well defined. With new technologies like Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning along with enhanced Lane Watch system with a new RearView Camera and expanded driver side ORVM, the drivability of the Crosstour is sure to get better. 

The Honda Crosstour is one of the best midsized crossovers in the segment. Don’t believe us? Check the video to hear what the Honda Crosstour owners have to say about the car and also what’s new in the 2013 version. 

2013 HYUNDAI SANTE FE

The next generation crossover from Hyundai, Santa Fe that made its world debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show is making India impatient and excited.

 The new Santa Fe also incorporates the new Hyundai Fluidic design, making it look more urban. There have been several rounds of pictures that surfaced for the Santa Fe along with a Korean brochure that leaked early this year, increasing the excitement further.

The latest ix45 as it is known in several markets, is due early 2013, with looks similar to the Veloster and the facelift of the Genesis. These images show a 3rd row seating coming back to the cabin. Also, there are speculations about the Santa Fe including a knee airbag, lane departure warning system, Blue Link Infotainment system and a smart parking assist. On the outside, the new generation Hyundai Santa Fe has much sportier looks with the stretched headlights and prominent creases.
There are no confirmations yet but it is said that the current model is powered by a V6 4-cylinder unit has been made more fuel efficient and powerful with tweaks and further Hyundai is expected to bring in a 2.0-litre turbo 
engine which will be capable of delivering a 274bhp, to compete with the competition.

Watch this space for more details on Hyundai’s awaited SUV.

McLAREN 2013 GO SPORTY

The all new 2013 McLaren 12C Spider Convertible made its public debut for the first time at the Gooding & Company Auction preview at Pebble Beach this weekend, however it was shown digitally six weeks back.

The New 12C Spider is lightweight with a high-powered engine that churns out 616bhp, a unique Retractable Hard Top (RHT) folding roof system that can be lowered or raised on the move, and a carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis identical to that of the ground-breaking 12C coupe. Aside from shared architecture, the 12C and 12C Spider share a unique combination of spectacular performance with remarkable usability
The new 12C Spider will be priced from £195,500 in the UK and is now available to order from McLaren retailers across the globe. First deliveries to customers are planned for early next year. The 12C Spider, in new volcano yellow paint, was dramatically revealed with the drop of a Kabuki in front of a crowd of VIP guests attending Gooding & Company’s preview. McLaren received much more interest over the Pebble Beach weekend where the 12C Spider continued to be displayed along with the 12C GT3 Can-Am edition concept.

Performance

Having powered by the bespoke 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine mated to a 7-speed SSG dual-clutch tranmission, the new 12C spider boasts an impressive 616bhp output. Vehicle dynamics technology including Brake Steer, ProActive Chassis Control and the unique McLaren Airbrake combine to offer sublime comfort in all driving conditions; and yet deliver race car performance and handling on track. An overview of 12C Spider performance compared with the 12C is below:

	2013MP4-12C Spider (625 PS/616 bhp)	2013MP4-12C (625 PS/616 bhp)
0-62 mph	3.1 sec	3.1 sec
0-100mph	6.1 sec	6.0 sec
0-124 mph	9.0 sec	8.8 sec
¼ mile (400m)	10.8 sec @ 134 mph	10.6 sec @ 136 mph
V Max	204 mph	207 mph
CO2g/km	279	279

Technical specifications

McLaren is a carbon fibre pioneer. In 1981 McLaren gave a debut to a carbon fibre monocoque chassis in Formula 1 with the launch of the MP4/1 race car, and in 1992 the legendary McLaren F1 introduced the advanced composite technology to the world of road cars. It was natural then for McLaren Automotive engineers to apply its carbon fibre expertise when developing the ground-breaking one-piece molded chassis of the 12C. Its 165 lb ‘MonoCell’ requires no additional strengthening for it to feature in the 12C Spider. The result is a sports car almost identical to its fixed roof equivalent in performance terms, and weighing only 88 lbs more with the addition of a convertible roof system.

Behind driver and passenger sits a rear windscreen which may also be electronically lowered and raised. With the roof lowered this acts as wind deflector to minimise disturbance to the 12C Spider’s occupants. With the roof raised the rear window can be lowered, allowing the exhilarating noise of the 12C Spider’s V8 twin turbo engine to flood the cabin on demand at any time. With the roof raised the area under the tonneau can be used as an additional luggage area which provides useful storage space. Bespoke luggage (two soft bags) has been designed specifically to fit this space and is supplied as standard with every 12C Spider.

 The 12C Spider also features a passive Roll Over Protection System to maximise occupant safety. Each buttress contains a steel structure designed to absorb impact energy and protect both driver and passenger.

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GONE HYBRID

Volkswagen has one more 'first' in their kitty as the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid touches 298kmph at the Bonneville Salt Flats being driven by Motor Trend Associate Road Test Editor Carlos Lago and becomes the fastest production based hybrid car to reach that speed at the esteemed Bonneville Salt. The car however was a little modified as per the Southern California Timing Association rules during the SCTA annual speed week, though little is known about the modifications.

The regular 2013 Jetta Hybrid comes with a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4 cylinder TSI petrol engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. When running on petrol, the car is capable of delivering 150bhp and the electric motor provides it 27bhp more power

The Jetta Hybrid is a part of the Volkswagen’s Think Blue strategy. The ‘Think Blue Strategy’ is the initiative that encourages eco-friendly mobility. Marc Trahan, Executive Vice President,

 Group Quality, commenting on the achievement said that the group is proud of Jetta’s performance and further adds that it was a real challenge for the team to integrate complex hybrid elements and generate power that is required.

FORD ECOSPORT

THE ULTIMATE 3 BECOMES THE LEGEND

BMW 3 Series is a luxurious sedan which is a combination of luxury and utility resulting in the ultimate driving experience. It features bold exteriors and an athletic body that exhibit power and control over the road. The petrol variants of BMW 3 Series that are 320i and 330i generate a maximum torque of 200 Nm at 3600 rpm and 300 Nm at 2500~4000 rpm respectively. The power offers by them are 115 KW at 6400 rpm and 190 KW at 6600 rpm respectively.

The BMW 3 Series 320i has a four cylinder 2.0L inline engine offering 115KW while 330i variant of BMW 3 Series has a 6 cylinder 3.0L, Inline engine generating 190KW. Both diesel variants of BMW 3 Series the 320D Corporate Edition and 320D Highline have a 2.0L engine containing 4 cylinders that offers horsepower of 130KW. Where, the fuel economy of 320i is 7.2kmpl in the city and 10.9 on the highway, 330i gives a mileage of 5.6kmpl in the city and 9.6 on the highway. The mileage offered by 320D Corporate Edition and 320D Highline is greater than its petrol variants. Both 320D Corporate Edition and 320D Highline render a mileage of 8.5kmpl in the city and 12.8 on the highway. 

The diesel engine variants of BMW 3 Series including 320D Corporate Edition and 320D Highline generate a power of 130KW at 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 350Nm at 1750-3000rpm. 

The interiors of the BMW 3 Series include Dacota leather upholstery, leather steering wheel, Automatic Air conditioning,6 CD changer, Hi Fi Loud Speaker system, Central locking with electronic immobilizer and crash sensor, front sliding armrest, Interior mirrors with automatic anti dazzle function, multi function steering function, Bluetooth interface, Radio Professional, Rain and lights sensor, Rear centre armrest with two cup holders, electric seat adjustment for driver's seat with memory, Sports leather steering wheel with gear shift paddles, Storage nets on the front-seat backrests ,electric sun blinds for rear windows. 

Safety features of the BMW 3 Series include ABS, Concerning Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Run flat indicator, Safety battery terminal clamp, Bumper system with aluminum impact absorbers at the front and steel impact absorbers at the rear, integrated side impact protection, Ergonomic seat belt system at the rear and 3 point seat belts for all the seats at the rear, warning triangle with first aid kit, Inertia-reel seatbelts at the front and for the two outer rear seats with belt tensioner and belt force limiter.

3 SERIES MILEAGE

alking about the fuel economy of the new 2012 BMW 3 series, the athletic and  powerful engine of this luxury sedan are a real thoroughbred. Its sporting genes genes are visible on every terrain and every mile of the way. Both the petrol and diesel engine being extremely fuel-efficient and best-in class performers make the BMW 3 Series an outstanding vehicle in terms of performance and fuel consumption. No doubt in a world where the fuel prices are having the characteristics of a rocket, going up and up and reaching the sky level consumers are vary of the luxury vehicles that consumes a lot fuel and don’t deliver in terms of mileage. However, the unique marriage of the outstanding power delivery and superlative efficiency is the USP of the BMW cars. The 2.0L engine comes mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission will almost impeccable gear shifts. The 1997cc petrol engine combined with the BMW Twin Power Turbo Technology and twin scroll turbocharger with Valvetronic, Double-VANOS and High Precision Injection translates into an innovative package that delivers 14.79kmpl.  

THE ULTIMATE POWER 

The 2012 BMW 3 Series comes in five guises out of which BMW 320d, BMW 3 Series 320d Luxury Line, BMW 3 Series 320d Sport and BMW 3 Series 320d Luxury Plus are all diesel variants and the only petrol variant is BMW 3 Series 328i Sport Line. The diesel variants holds a 1995cc engine four-pot,under their hood which is considered to be one of the best four-cylinder  diesel mill in the auto world , it is still a bit jerky and will not  turn on silently, however these luxury cars are always up for action and has the willingness to perform when you rev hard. The 2.0L diesel engine comes mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission gearbox which effectively churns out 184bhp peak power @ 4000rpm and 380Nm torque @ 1,750-2,750rpm. The single gasoline variant also holds a 2.0L four-cylinder petrol motor with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger produces 245bhp power and 350 @ 1,250-4,800rpm . All thanks to the direct injection and the turbo chargers the engine is torquey and likes to be revved hard. Akin to its diesel sibling the petrol motor too is not refined at still and generates a coarse snarl when pushed a bit hard. 

Acceleration & Pick-Up

The BMW 320i picks up amazingly from 0 to 100kmph in a matter of 9.8 seconds and can touch a top speed of 215kmph. Its other variant 330i can attain a speed of 0-100kmph in just 8.6 seconds and can touch a high speed of 235kmph. The diesel variant of BMW 3 Series picks up a speed of 100kmph from 0kmph in just 9.39 seconds and attains the top speed of 216kmph.