Audi Q7 : Review

The Audi Q7 is a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by German automaker Audi since its unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006.

In its name Q7, the "Q" denotes a new family of vehicles for Audi, and the designation "7" marks its placement between the A6 and A8 in Audi's model range.

Though, its 4.2L FSI V6 Petrol engine is a real treat, the Diesel 3L TDI V6 is no less either, it'll pull your house off its place, such is the amount of torque!

Highlights
- 7-seater SUV
- All-wheel Drive
- Voice-activated navigation system
- Three panel sunroof

Pros
- Powerful
- Spacious
- Elegant and elite design

Cons
- Its massive size makes parking difficult in small parking lots.

The audi suv is price tagged (Indian Ex-showroom) from Rs. 52,00,000 (Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro) to Rs. 66,00,000 ( Audi Q7 4.2 FSI quattro). The rate may differ with change in city or country. It provides a fuel economy of : 7/9 kmpl (city/highway).

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2009 Chevrolet Monte Carlo : Review

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo has been the company's premier coupe. It has won more NASCAR Winston Cup races and championships than the any other car in this category. The 2008 2009 Chevrolet Monte Carlo offers most sophisticated driving experience on the road today.

A stunning fusion of fire and finesse, the Monte Carlo comes in four models:

• The Monte Carlo
• Monte Carlo LS
• Monte Carlo SS
• Monte Carlo SS High Sport

Here comes the specifications:

Engine
3.4L displacement overhead valves (OHV)
V6 cylinder configuration gas engine

DriveTrain
4-speed automatic transmission front wheel drive

Suspension
four-wheel independent suspension front and rear stabilizer bar

Exterior Features
steel rims 16 in. rims
space saver spare tire steel spare wheel
full wheel covers
Roof and Glass
intermittent wipers rear defogger

Safety
ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes 4-wheel ABS
child seat anchors emergency interior trunk release
rear center 3-point belt 2 front headrests
2 rear headrests remote anti-theft alarm system
engine immobilizer daytime running lights
dusk sensing headlamps auto delay off headlamps

Front Seats
5 person total seating capacity bucket front seats
cloth upholstery

Rear Seats
bench rear seat split-folding
folding center armrest rear heating ducts

Power Features
remote power door locks power windows
1 one-touch power windows power mirrors

Convenience
power steering tilt-adjustable steering wheel
front and rear cup holders remote trunk release
front door pockets front seat back storage
front 12v power outlet(s) front console with storage
overhead console with storage

Comfort
dual zone air conditioning interior air filtration
front reading lights dual vanity mirrors
trunk light

Finally, the Monte Carlo isn't only fast; it's safe, too. In U.S. government testing, the 2002 Monte Carlo earned the best possible front crash test rating for both driver and front passenger - five stars.

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Honda City enters into Third Generation with a New face!

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, unveiled its all-new third generation Honda City with a completely new design. This is Honda's third sedan launch after huge sale of its Honda City(older) and Honda Civic. In a market where looks play a vital role in the success of a product, it was a gamble which paid off.

The new Honda City comes with a 1500 cc i-VTEC engine, with both automatic and manual transmissions. It will be available in 6 colours – Habenero Red Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Bold Beige Metallic, Tafetta White and Crystal Black Pearl

The third-gen Honda City is 5mm longer, 5mm wider and 15mm lower than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been extended by 100mm, which means a more spacious cabin and better handling characteristics at higher speeds.

The interiors of the car look very attractive with the advanced looking meter design and soothing color contrasts of the new City promises its consumers with a stylish, spacious and comfortable lounge.

The price tag is of Rs 7.7 lakh and Rs 8.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Honda hopes that the new City would help the company arrest the ongoing sales decline in the Indian car market and improve sales.

The upcoming Fiat Linea could offer some substantial competition to the new Honda City - but the details and trim levels of that car remain to be seen. And in pure brand name stakes, FIAT does not hold a candle to Honda in the Indian market.

Overall the new Honda City is a great car, priced well, well-specified and launched at the right time to tempt those who were considering an SX4, or even those who were eyeing the recently launched Corolla Altis.

Currently, Honda City is being produced in seven countries and sold in 39 countries across the world. Bookings for the new City have started at all Honda dealers in the country, and deliveries will start in November this year.

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Toyota iQ - The Future Automobile

 

The Toyota iQ is an Earth-friendly micro concept car, first unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. The car was designed by ED2, Toyota's design studio in southern France. The iQ is called a 3+1, meaning it is capable of carrying up to three adults along with a child or luggage in comfort.

The iQ concept is equipped with miniaturized technology to help free up interior space. The design is intended to place emphasis on low fuel consumption, maneuverability and environmental friendliness. It also features a panoramic glass sunroof.

Production will begin in Japan in late 2008 and is believed to be the first model in a series.

iQ will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. The engine details : 998cc 3cyl, 67bhp, 67lb ft @ 4800rpm. and 0-100km/hr 14.1sec. iQ has been designed to meet Euro NCAP’s top five-star safety rating.

A newly developed differential allows iQ to have a more compact engine compartment and front wheels placed at the very corners of the car, with very short overhangs.

A flat under-floor fuel tank has allowed shorter rear overhangs to be developed, helping reduce the car’s overall length.

The pushed-forward dashboard features temperature controls with an LCD display, as well as a 5.8-inch screen for satellite navigation system.

The size of the heater/air conditioning unit has been significantly reduced, without sacrificing performance. As a result, the front passenger area can be moved forwards towards the base of the windscreen, freeing up additional cabin space.

UK sales are scheduled to start in January 2009 with an estimated £10,000 price tag. Europe and Japan are the intended markets, but the iQ is being whispered for U.S. sale as a 2010 model. Toyota expects to sell 100,000 units of the iQ in its first year of production globally.

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Toyota Altis Launched in India

The much awaited Civic fighter from Toyota, the Corolla Altis was launched in India today. The new Corolla Altis was formally launched at the Noida Expo ground and will be soon available at your nearest Toyota dealership.

The new Corolla Altis retains the previous versions 1.8 litre engine but produces more power at 132 bhp at 6000rpm (against the old versions 125 bhp). The Altis will come with a manual 5-speed and a 4-speed automatic transmission. A diesel Altis variant is also coming in 2009.

The new Corolla Altis looks bigger and is roomier on the inside too. Infact the Altis looks like a smaller sibling of the Camry. Two new tech gadgets have been introduced, an electrochromatic inner rear view mirror which reduces glare and an automatic headlamp washer.

The Altis comes in three variants - 1.8G manual (base model), 1.8GL manual and the 1.8VL automatic. The new Corolla Altis is priced between Rs 10.83 lakh - Rs 12.86 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and Toyota plans to sell about 2000 of these each month.

I think it will be a tough ask as the new Altis is not even half as exciting as the Honda Civic. But buyers may appreciate Toyota's improved rear seat which is better than the Honda's and the ride is more pliant too. Other than that i don't see the Altis overtaking the Civic. What do you think?

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Skoda Fabia (India) - a mIXeD reaction !!

The Czech car manufacturer, Skoda Auto of the Volkswagen Group, has introduced its second generation Skoda Fabia in India as a 2008 model. The Fabia in India arrives after much awaited, 4 months delay. It is launched with the following trim levels :

• 3 diesel version (Classic, Ambiente and Elegance) and
• 1 petrol version (Elegance) only.

The diesel Fabia gives amazing fuel efficiency, which is close to 14.1 km/litre in the city and 18.5 km/litre on the highway. The Petrol variant delivers approximately 14.7 km/litre on the highway. The price is tagged close to 8 lakhs.

Coming to features. The look is somewhat similar to Maruti Swift but comparing the Interior, Safety and features of Fabia with it is useless. European Engineering is unmatchable. The mileage is the best you can get from cars of such high class. The beauty speaks for itself and the boot space is the largest among so called small cars.

And now the cons. The price tag is a bit higher (overprice is tweaking the common man), in the Indian market, as compared with present small cars. The diesel engine noise is very irritating and it sounds as loud as an indica, perhaps even louder. Combined with the poor service & costly spares of skoda, this car is not getting the right pick up. Expected to give swift a tough competition but the result seems to go the other way.


I’m sure those of you who think twice before spending your money would look for better options, may be buy a Fiesta/City/Aveo/Jazz. But still, if we want to purchase some good car in lesser amount, its not wise to call that overpriced. What's your stand ?

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