Tata Bolt launched at Rs 4.4 lakh

Tata has launched the Bolt in India starting at Rs 4.44 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the petrol variant, while the diesel variant starts at Rs 5.49 lakh. This is the homegrown carmaker’s second model, after the Zest sedan, from its HorizonNext product plan. It is built on the X1 platform like the Vista hatchback, but is thoroughly re-engineered, and shares most of its styling cues with the Zest. The Bolt is available in four trims - XE, XM, XMS and XT.

The Tata Bolt is available in both petrol and diesel guises. The petrol version uses the 89bhp 1.2-litre turbocharged Revotron motor that was seen first in the Zest. On the Bolt though, this engine has been tuned to make it smoother and more responsive. The diesel is the familiar 74bhp 1.3-litre Quadrajet that featured on the old Indica Vista and the base-model Zest. Both engines come mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, and unlike the Zest, there is no AMT automatic version, at least at launch.

On the inside, it carries over the same highly-improved cabin that the Zest introduced. Quality levels are up, while Tata’s traditional strength of great space is retained. Equipment levels are high; the top XT trim gets Harman touchscreen infotainment system, while the lower trims get a more conventional audio system. The touchscreen gets many class-first features like voice commands, video playback and satellite navigation. There's climate control and powered wing mirrors too. For safety, the Bolt gets dual front airbags and ABS with EBD and CSC (Corner Stability Control).

The Tata Bolt scores highly on space and equipment levels in its top trims, which are in the same league as premium hatchbacks like the Hyundai i20, Fiat Punto and Volkswagen Polo. Its pricing, however, is a little bit lower than those cars, which makes it a slightly better value proposition. What remains to be seen, however, is whether this vastly improved and more upmarket hatchback from Tata Motors can receive as good a response as its compact sedan sibling the Zest did.

Prices:

Petrol

XE - Rs 4.44 lakh
XM - Rs 5.15 lakh
XMS - Rs 5.40 lakh
XT - Rs 6.05 lakh 

Diesel

XE - Rs 5.49 lakh
XM - Rs 6.11 lakh
XMS - Rs 6.34 lakh
XT - Rs 6.99 lakh

(all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi)

Mercedes-Benz CLA launched at Rs 31.5 lakh

Mercedes-Benz has finally launched the long overdue CLA sedan in India starting at Rs 31.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). A direct rival to the Audi A3, the CLA is the cheapest sedan from the Stuttgart-based manufacturer.

Mercedes-Benz has launched the CLA with two engine and three trim options.

Familiarity comes through, thanks to the high-performance CLA 45 AMG, which was launched in India in 2014. Similar to a number of other Mercedes models like the A-class, B-class and the GLA, the CLA is based on the front-wheel drive MFA architecture. The CLA also uses the same engines as the GLA crossover, a 135bhp 2.2-litre diesel and a 181bhp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, both mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, powering the front wheels.

One single look, and the CLA attracts you with its A-class inspired face, coupe-like low roofline and the frameless doors. Being a compact luxury sedan, space and practicality is not the CLA’s forte, but it is undoubtedly a stunningly crafted car, with an equally luxurious cabin to go with it. Mercedes has loaded the CLA with features and goodies. The top trims get kit like a rain-sensing panoramic sunroof, onboard web browsing via phone hotspot, a navigation system, premium Harman Kardon music system and a reversing camera. It gets six airbags as standard.

Prices:

CLA 200 CDI Style - Rs 31.5 lakh
CLA 200 CDI Sport - Rs 35.9 lakh
CLA 200 petrol Sport - Rs 35.0 lakh
(all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi)

McLaren P1 GTR confirmed for Geneva motor show

McLaren will unveil the P1 GTR at the Geneva motor show 2015. The sportscar manufacturer has confirmed that the car that will debut in March, will be in production ready form. It is based on the regular McLaren P1 but with a host of weight-saving and track optimisation measures which give it a 10 percent power-to-weight ratio advantage over the standard car.

The cabin is race-inspired and hence, striped out. It has also been designed with a greater focus on driver engagement and weight saving, without compromising comfort or safety. A new steering wheel inspired by the MP4-23, McLaren's 2008 Formula 1 car, is exclusive to the P1 GTR.

Key controls are located on the centre of the wheel, allowing the driver to adjust the set-up and characteristics of the car without taking his hands from the wheel. The DRS and IPAS buttons for the Drag Reduction System (DRS) and Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) are retained on the steering wheel. McLaren adds that all the controls have been configured so they can be easily operated when the driver is wearing a full race suit, helmet and gloves.

The cabin is equipped with lightweight carbonfibre seats similar to those used in DTM touring cars and full six-point harnesses. These will be set up for each P1 GTR owner, and mounted directly to the chassis, thereby reducing weight as there will be no additional mounting brackets. The seats are compatible with a Head and Neck Safety (HANS) device. Unlike some stripped-out track cars, the air-con system is retained in the P1 GTR to ensure comfort during track driving. The carbonfibre MonoCage chassis is carried over from the road car, and weighs 90kg, including the upper and lower structures, roof snorkel, engine air intake cavity, battery and power electronics housing.

The McLaren P1 GTR was first revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August 2014.

Jaguar XE India launch at Auto Expo 2016

Jaguar’s much-awaited XE sedan will be launched in India at the next Auto Expo, scheduled to take place in February 2016. The car will take on the Audi A4, BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-class and Volvo S60. However, a company insider hinted that the XE could be priced slightly higher than rivals, owing to the fact that the XE for India is likely to be sold only in fully loaded form. Jaguar India wants to underscore the luxury aspect of its cars and company officials believe ‘base versions’ with few features work against that end.

While the final feature spec for India-bound XEs is not known as yet, what we do know is that a 161bhp, 2.0-litre diesel engine from Jaguar-Land Rover’s (JLR) latest Ingenium engine family will be the main motor for India. Eventually, a similar capacity petrol engine is also expected to join the line-up. Power will be transferred to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, though internationally, a six-speed manual will also be offered.

Jaguar has not yet confirmed if the XE sedan will be an import or locally assembled at JLR’s facility in Pune. Chances are, the first lot of cars will be imported with assembly operations commencing in the months to follow. Either way, Jaguar will have to ensure pricing is not at too much of a premium over rivals. The XE is Jaguar’s ticket to big sales and the carmaker simply cannot afford to price it out of contention in a segment as competitive as that for mid-size luxury sedans.