The new Aria crossover SUV and Nano small car will not be effected by the price hike. At the start of the year, auto manufacturers in India opted for price hikes for their new model year cars owing to increased input costs. Maruti and Chevrolet vehicle price hikes were upto Rs 17,000 and Toyota Motors by Rs 3,000 to Rs 15,000 across their vehicle range.

Toyota did not increase the price of their Captiva SUV, Optra, Aveo UVA, and Aveo. Mahindra increased XUV500 price by Rs 55,000, and Hyundai made a price hike announcement in Dec 2011, and one can expect another hike sooner or later.

Elantra Coupe will have a wheelbase longer by 3 inches while comparing it to the Civic. Engine specifications will include a six speed manual gearbox with 1.8 liter four cylinder engine offering 148 hp and 131 lb/ft torque capable of 29 miles per gallon within city limits and 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Automatic transmission models will give 1 mile per gallon less both in city and highway. While the Elantra coupe is being displayed at the Chicago Auto Show it will only be launched this summer in dealer showrooms across North America.

Although Jaguar has been taken to the whipping post in regard with their supercars by automobile magazines and social media sites, they do not seem to be bothered. Now, it’s Jaguar’s C-X75 that is garnering all the hype and attention. The aesthetically shaped twin turbine powered super car has been the talk of town.

Just when the bubble had become a full circle, the Jaguar team announced that the C-X75 would indeed be produced. Supercar lover’s joy knew no bounds; however, it was short lived when Jaguar announced later that the turbines would not make it on the road. It has been reported that the turbines will be replaced with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. What’s happening? This was Jaguar’s chance! They’ve ruined it again. Its sad insanity yet prevails in the Jaguar camp.

Unfortunately now, Gupta who has been in hospital ever since has succumbed to his fire injuries.  German automakers Volkswagen are still investigating this stray incident of a Vento catching fire.  Reports are awaited on what could have started up the fire in the first place are awaited and the company is yet to make their final report known. There have been a number of cases of cars catching fire in the past but in all such fires the occupants have been lucky and have managed to escape before the fire engulfed the entire vehicle.

R15 Version 2.0 limited edition Yamaha bikes will be offered in Fiery Red which will be available for Rs.1,10,000 and 50th WGP Anniversary paint colors of and White will be priced at Rs.1,11,000 (Ex-showroom Delhi).

Considering demand, Yamaha is expected to bring out at least a few thousand of these bikes into their showrooms and bookings are now beginning to get underway at Yamaha dealers across the country. Yamaha has ensured that this latest offering comes with sturdier tyres and aluminum swing arm. Gears have been engineered so as to balance the extra width of tyres and Yamaha has also ensured that the bikes deliver better torque.

Considering these positive attributes, the Tata Nano is on its way to Goa to be used by Goa Cops. Goa is definitely less crowded than Mumbai but considering the narrow roads the Nano would be an ideal vehicle. Tata Motors will be offering the Tata Nano is special Goa police colors and will be used on an experimental basis to see whether they are suited as police cars or not. Though details of modifications as police cars have not been revealed, the Nanos are expected to have basic traffic police requirements such as walkie talkies, siren and flashers.

The 2.4 liter four-cylinder boasts of 201hp and 170 pound feet torque and with close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. If not any of these, individuals can opt for the first Acura hybrid that uses a 1.5 liter four-cylinder with a 20 horsepower IMA system. The ILX Hybrid boasts of excellent fuel economy. The EPA rating is 38 mpg on highway and 35mpg on city roads. Depending on requirement, individuals can opt for Premium Package or Technology package.

The tail lamps are compact and fixed high giving the rear a visually stunning look. The inside of the Altima has a defined layout. Most of the controls for features can be operated from the steering. The dash has an open layout and blends aesthetically with upholstery in the sedan. Lighting in the cabin has been implemented keeping in mind varied user requirements. Like on few of Nissan’s other line of cars, the Nissan Altima 2013 too will have the intelligent key system feature.

Though the company tried its best to keep the next generation Mini under wraps, spy photographers did manage to get a few pictures of the third generation of MINI. These snaps were not too distinct but they did let out a few details and through the disguise one can notice a host of features that would include Clubman style third door. The new MINI will be a left hand drive with a faint outline of the third door being noticed behind driver’s door which is smaller than what is seen on a three door MINI.

BMW was in for some flak when they fitted a single rear hinged club door to Clubman due to the fact that it was on the wrong side for right hand drives. Club Doors were also seen on Paceman Coupe and will be seen on the next generation MINIs. Though yet in initial stages it will be some time before the next generation MINIs are out and with or without new Clubman style third doors or not only time will tell.

When starting out, Mahindra XUV500 SUV production capacity was pegged at 2000 units each month at M&M’s Chakan plant. Plans are now being ramped to increase production to 3000 a month. For the 2nd round of bookings, a draw will decide which 7200 buyers would be allotted vehicles, thereby curbing a situation where prospective buyers are made to wait months for a new vehicle delivery.

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Pvt. Ltd (DTTIPL) has been appointed to validate the draw as per mutually agreed scope & terms between M&M and DTTIPL. Draw details will be made known on www.mahindraxuv500.com.