Past year, Volkswagen dropped a bomb when they introduced their one of the most powerful hot hatchbacks, the Volkswagen Polo GTI. The model was introduced as a Limited Edition version which was limited to only 99 units in an overall. The GTI sports a powerful 1.8 TSI Turbocharged Petrol Engine that churns out 188 Bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque. But the thing that bothered enthusiasts the most, is its price tag. The Volkswagen Polo GTI landed with a price tag of ₹26 Lakhs, ex-showroom.
But in a bid to clear off the stocks, the prices were revised to ₹19.9 Lakhs, dropping the original price by upto ₹6 Lakhs. As per reports, dealers are offering a discount of upto ₹6 Lakhs on the Polo GTI, which is the Volkswagen’s most premium hatchback available in India right now.
Today, you can walk into any Volkswagen’s showroom and get your hands on a Volkswagen Polo GTI for ₹19.99 Lakhs, which certainly looks a good deal. That essentially means, you can get both Volkswagen Polo Trendline (Petrol) and the Volkswagen Polo GTI for the full price of the Polo GTI (₹26 Lakhs). The Volkswagen Polo Trendline starts from ₹5.46 Lakhs, ex-showroom, New Delhi.
On the other hand, the Volkswagen Polo GTI only comes in an exclusive 3-door variant which looks and feels more aesthetically pleasing and upmarket than the regular Polo. Coming to the interiors, there is an all new GTI steering wheel with red contrast performance stitching and paddle shifters. The Dashboard hold a bigger 8” touchscreen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The seats are very neatly stitched with signature GTI upholstery, but they lack automatic adjustment for this price range.
Also, the Polo GTI sports full LED headlamps with DRLs. The front bumper looks more aggressive than before and there is a new Honeycomb grille with red highlights that spreads through the headlamps too. The front Honeycomb grille also includes a signature Volkswagen GTI logo as standard.
The rear bumper is redesigned too, with a new rear bumper and twin chrome exhaust pipes. There are only 4-colour options that are available globally. The Polo GTI is available in Black, Red, White and Silver. Also, the car is offered with certainly more ground clearance than the European models, keeping the Indian road conditions in mind. Moreover, the Indian-spec version comes with 16” Alloys as standard, but you can definitely opt-in for the 17” ones too.
Tata motors has finally stopped the production of their iconic SUV, the Tata Safari Dicor recently. The most luxury SUV of its time, the Safari that made its debut in 1998 is finally dead. It has also been vanished from the official website of the Tata motors.
Safari was the first SUV that gave Indians the utmost taste of a luxury SUV. It will only available in the history books after the production of the same finally came to a halt at the Tata Motor’s factory situated in Pune. However, Tata Motors will keep-on producing and selling its successor, the Tata Safari Storme, but it will only be the available in the topmost 4×4 version in India.
The Safari Tale…
The SUV was introduced at the Indian Auto Expo held in 1998 for the very first time, much before the Common Rail Direct Injection (DICOR) Technology became standard. Back then, the Safari became Tata Motor’s most sought after vehicle due to it being massively comfortable and the amount of luxury that it was offering. Moreover, it was very well priced at 8.25 lakhs rupees (ex-Showroom, Mumbai).
Initially, the Safari came with a 2 Liter TCIC (Turbocharged, Intercooled) Diesel engine that made 90 Bhp and 186 Nm of peak torque. Definitely, it wasn’t a powerful SUV but still performed fairly. With a Kerb Weight of about 1,920 kilograms, Safari felt underpowered but still it became a huge seller due to its price being highly appealing and the amount of luxury and comfort it was offering.
About Half a Decade later, Tata came out with a 2.1 Liter Petrol version in 2003 that produced 135 Bhp on tap. That amount of power was quite enough for it, but due to an extremely poor fuel efficiency of about 5-7 kmpl, this engine died quickly. The petrol version of safari was rather expensive than its diesel counterpart. With a price tag of about 9.35 Lakhs, the Petrol version wasn’t able to survive longer.
A couple of years more down the line, Mahindra launched the Scorpio and emission norms got tighter. It was time for Tata to respond to the same, so in 2005 Tata not just launched the Safari with a new 3 Liter DICOR diesel engine, but also performed a complete facelift along with some new features that effectively reduced the price.
The Safari’s new engine offered 115 Bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque, the performance boost that the safari was waiting for. And, its new price came out to be around 6.4 lakhs, which definitely was a Value for Money. Moreover, this new 3 Liter Dicor engine was un-reliable. That forced Tata to launch a smaller engine but with more power.
Later in 2007, the Tata Safari Dicor was born, with 2.2 Liter turbo-diesel engine, it came up with Common Rail Direct Injection Technology. This new engine produced 120 Bhp and 320 Nm of peak torque. Tata, as always, was offering both RWD and 4-wheel drive options. Now this was a complete all-rounder SUV as it offered not just ABS and twin air-bags, but with a huge list of other features as well.
The Tata Safari Legacy continued for a well 10 years, but sadly now it’s time to say Goodbye to the SUV that taught us feel what a luxury SUV is all about, but now, the Storme has taken over the Dicor.
The Horrific footage involving a shocking accident that took place on the Greater Noida Expressway has been revealed. The mishap involved three vehicles – a Maruti Suzuki Eeco, a Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire and a Lamborghini Huracan.
Post analysing the CCTV Footage, it is clearly visible that the person behind the wheels of the Swift Dzire was in a hurry, was cutting recklessly between the lanes and the moment Swift Dzire tried to cut through the left, it chips off the right side of bumper of the Lamborghini Huracan. To save itself from the mishap, the Lamborghini driver turned left sharply, which made the Eeco driver to take a sharp left too.
While the Lamborghini is made to remain stable during the sharp turns, the Eeco on the other wasn’t able to survive the sharp left-turn. This led the Eeco to flip multiple times taking the vehicle off-road and finally crashing into a drain before coming to a halt.
Courtesy – ANI
Meanwhile, the occupants of the Swift Dzire and Lamborghini Huracan left unhurt due to the minor impact as they continued their transit, the Eeco driver on the other hand suffered multiple serious injuries, due to which he died even before he reached the hospital.
Both the drivers of the involved cars, the Lamborghini Huracan and the Swift Dzire fled the spot. However, the Swift Dzire driver was caught later at the Khurja, Bulandshaher.
Courtesy – ANI
Verdict
A Case has been filed against the driver of the Swift Dzire. On the other hand, a police team is investigating whether the Lamborghini Huracan was involved and whether it was over speeding or not.
Tesla is among one of the fastest reputation gaining brand out there. As of now India hasn’t got any Tesla, but soon will. India will get their all new compact Vehicle – The Tesla Model 3 later this year. Until now, we have seen the car in the concept form only, but now, Tesla is all set to make this a reality. Moreover, everything else that you need to know is just below –
What the Tesla Model 3 really is?
This new compact model 3 will be the Tesla’s cheapest car across the world. Until now, Tesla has a Sedan with the name Tesla ModelS and a SUV with the name Tesla Model X as per their nomenclature, but the Model 3 will be a compact addition to their existing range of vehicles.
This Model 3 is focused upon the masses that need the futuristic technology, that don’t want a big car and those who don’t want to be extravagant about their spendings. The Model 3 range will start as low as $ 35,000 (approximately 23 lakhs INR).
Taking a quick glance at the features, the Autopilot is the feature to talk the most about Tesla cars. Due to this futuristic technology, Tesla cars can actually drive themselves without human intervention, but for a pre-defined period of time. Every variant of the Model 3 will be equipped with the Autopilot hardware.
The car will be the one to fulfill the 5-Star Safety Rating and will consist of a super-charging option. The Model 3 would sport a massive glass roof, that not only looks good, but also provides a nice sensation of space overall. All the functions of the car are easily customizable by a centrally placed large touch-infotainment display. The further details of screen size and other features aren’t released yet.
The technical specifications for this vehicle are yet to be released. However, what is known for sure is that it will have a single-charge drive range of 215 miles (346 km) approximately, which is quite effective for a regular everyday car like this. Recently, Tesla were in the news because the much talked Model X and Model S are amazingly fast due to the introduction of Ludicrous+ mode among them. Following this, Elon Musk also revealed that its slowest car, the Model 3 will hit 0-100 within 6 seconds. For the first time, Elon Musk also shared a video of the driving Tesla Model 3 –
Surprisingly Yes. The Bookings for Tesla Model 3 have been started by Tesla across the world, and yes, that includes India of-course. A lot of people were able to book this car by depositing a sum of $1000. Though Elon Musk revealed that the car will be launched in mid-2017, but due to enormous bookings and huge demand for this vehicle, the deliveries are expected to begin either in 2017 fall or the beginning of 2018.
With the Goods and Services Tax (GST) becoming live on 1st July, 2017. The smaller family of cars witnessed a slight drop in their prices. But it was the Ultra-Luxury family of cars that benefited the most due to GST. Ultra Luxury cars witnessed a massive drop in their respective prices.
With the price cuts as much as ₹67 Lakhs, Automobile Industry saw the most benefits oncoming due to implementation of GST. Check out the list below –
Bentley Bentayga – ₹27 Lakhs
Bentley’s Bentayga is one of the most premium SUVs on sale in the indian automobile market. Not only this costs much more than others, it is also the fastest among others. Thanks to the 6.0 Liter W12 Engine generating 600 Bhp and 900 Nm of peak torque. The Bentayga witnessed a price drop of ₹27 Lakhs approx.
BMW 7 Series – ₹11 Lakhs
BMW’s premium flagship sedan, the 7 Series witnessed a price drop upto ₹11 Lakhs. The flagship 7 Series got a new makeover past year which now comes with 4 engine options. The Base model 740Li comes with 3.0 Liter 6-cylinder Petrol which generates 322 Bhp and 450 Nm of peak torque. The Base Diesel model 730 Ld comes with 3.0 Liter 6-Cylinder which generates 262 Bhp and 620 Nm of peak torque. The 750Li saw a massive increase in power, thanks to the 4.4 Liter V8 which generates 450 Bhp and 650 Nm of peak torque. BMW also added a new model to their 7 Series range which holds a M-performance badge. This model, known as the 760Li, sports an enormous 6.6 Liter V12 generating 600 Bhp and 800 Nm of peak torque. This model is also based on BMW’s xDrive All Wheel Drive system.
Rolls Royce Phantom – ₹67 Lakhs
The Rolls Royce Phantom, the most expensive Ultra Luxury sedan on the sale in India, saw the largest drop in prices among this list. The Phantom comes either as a normal sedan or a more premium extended wheelbase version which obviously costs much more. The Phantom is also available wither as a convertible or a coupe. It sports a huge 6.75 Liter V12 which generates 455 Bhp and 720 Nm of peak torque.
Lamborghini Aventador – ₹24 Lakhs
The Aventador did go through a nice makeover this year which, came out to be as Aventador S, gets more aggressive proportions and even more power than before. Power comes from a same old 6.5 Liter V12 but is now tweaked to generate upto 730 Bhp and 690 Nm of peak torque.
Rolls Royce Ghost – ₹51 – ₹52 Lakhs
The Rolls Royce Ghost, which can be identified as the base model of the entire Rolls Royce range, saw a price drop of upto ₹51 Lakhs. The Ghost is also available in either normal or the premium Long Wheelbase version. It sports a 6.6 Liter V12 generating 564 Bhp and 780 Nm of peak torque.
Mercedes-Benz Maybach – ₹26 Lakhs
The Flagship Mercedes-Benz Maybach range saw a price reduction as much as ₹26 lakhs. The Maybach is available with 2 Engine options – in which both of them are Petrol motors. The S500 Maybach sports a 4.7 Liter V8 generating 454 Bhp and 700 Nm of peak torque. While the S600 Maybach sports a bigger 6.0 Liter V12 generating 530 Bhp and 830 Nm of peak torque.
Range Rover Vogue – ₹50 Lakhs
The entire Land Rover range got a reduction in their prices due to the fluctuation of British Pound earlier this year and now, the price drop is as much as ₹50 Lakhs. However, there is a variety of engine options available on the Vogue. The base diesel, which is 3.0 Liter V6 generates 245 Bhp and 600 Nm of peak torque. The more powerful diesel, which is a 4.4 Liter V8 generating 335 Bhp and 740 Nm of peak torque. Coming to the petrol motors, there exists a 3.0 Liter petrol generating 335 Bhp and 450 Nm of peak torque. And, a 5.0 Liter V8 which generates 543 Bhp and 680 Nm of peak torque.
Range Rover Sport – ₹25 Lakhs
Much like the likes of its elder brother, the younger sibling Range Rover Sport became cheaper by as much as ₹25 Lakhs. It is also available in a variety of engine options. The Base 3.0 Liter V6 petrol which generates 335 Bhp and 450 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, the base diesel is a 3.0 Liter V6 which generates 289 Bhp and 600 Nm of peak torque. There are also a couple of premium engine options available such as the petrol V8 and the diesel V8, which are same as in Range Rover Vogue.
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta – ₹24 Lakhs
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, which is now set to be replaced by the company’s flagship model known as 812, has got a price reduction by upto ₹23 Lakhs. It sports a massive 6.2 Liter V12 that generates 730 Bhp and 690 Nm of peak torque.
Porsche Cayenne – ₹24 Lakhs
This German Luxury Cars brand offers a wide range of models across its entire range. With the introduction of GST, the reduction gets even better. The max discount on the Cayenne that can be attained is as much as ₹24 Lakhs. It comes in either a 3.0 Liter V6 generating 245 Bhp and 550 Nm of peak torque or a huge 4.8 liter V8 which generates 500 Bhp and 700 Nm of peak torque.
Range Rover Evoque – ₹13 Lakhs
The Range Rover Evoque, which is the smallest and most affordable range rover did undergo a big price cut as well. With a price reduction of upto ₹13 Lakhs, the Range Rover Evoque is now very well priced. It comes in either 2.0 Liter Petrol which generates 237 Bhp and 340 Nm of peak torque or the 2.0 Liter Diesel which generates 177 Bhp and 430 Nm of peak torque.
Porsche 911 – ₹13 Lakhs
The 911 is of the most customizable cars available on sale in India right now. There are plenty of options available to suit every individual. With this much design options, it is available in a wide variety of engine options. Their latest release in the 911 range is the GT2RS, which is the most powerful and relentless 911 ever.
Audi A8, Audi Q7 – ₹8 Lakhs
The Audi A8 and the Audi Q7, are the most premium cars in their respective segments. Both of them did not witnessed a massive price drop, but for the die hard Audi fans, it is all that they need. The A8 is available in 2 Petrol and 2 Diesels engine options, while the Q7 is only available in 3.0 Liter V6 Diesel, which generates 245 Bhp and 600 Nm of peak torque.
Ford Mustang – ₹6 Lakhs
The Ford Mustang is the cheapest V8 on the sale in india right now. Not only this is the most affordable V8, but it is now much more well priced. It is powered by a 5.0 Liter naturally aspirated V8, which generates 396 Bhp and 515 Nm of peak torque.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) became live on 1st July, 2017. This new taxation system allowed a large number of manufacturers to revise the prices of their entire range.
With the Price Revision by some of the major Two-Wheeler manufacturers such as Honda, Suzuki and Bajaj, now its turn of Royal Enfield to announce their post GST prices accordingly.
Under the new GST Taxation, Royal Enfield witnessed a reduction in prices of their entire Range which falls under the 350cc Category. For their range with engine capacities greater than 350cc, there will be a suitable price hike.
Here are the revised prices post GST application. Here’s the price list shared by Royal Enfield including all its model range. (ex-showroom, Chennai)
The Bullet – Electra saw the biggest price cut overall. The new Royal Enfield Bullet – Electra will now cost Rs. 1.41 Lakh as compared to earlier Rs. 1.43 Lakh. Whereas, on the other hand, Himalayan saw a price hike of Rs. 3000 approx. It will now cost Rs. 1.84 lakh as compared to Rs. 1.81 Lakh before.
