automobile news

Volkswagen recently celebrated 10 years of Polo in India which made little sense as the new-generation model went on sale globally more than a couple of years back, yet there are no signs of it coming here anytime soon (instead VW will focus on SUVs and maybe the next generation model might be launched here, not before 2021 though). The Polo has a huge fan following in Indian among car enthusiasts and thus we decided to review the top-of-the-line Polo GTI at one of the best race tracks in the world, the ‘Green Hell’, better known as the Nurburgring. The ‘Polo’ name is synonymous with Volkswagen for many in the car world. Since the start of production back in 1975, the badge has seen itself representing 6 generations of the model. Right from the introduction of the limited edition Mk3 Polo GTI in 1995, VW has enjoyed good success with their hot hatch. They now look to build on the enthusiasm the GTI version has garnered. Exteriors  – Walk up to the new Polo GTI, and you wi...

Large SUVs like the Ford Endeavour are more popular in India for their heft than their capability off the road. So when Ford asked us to take its flagship SUV through a man-made off-road trail to get to know its potential on surfaces that you might never encounter in this SUV ever, we could just not say no. The setup The warm winter Saturday afternoon presented us with a fleet of Endeavours and instructors to take us on an off-road track laid out in a private compound. The layout included a variety of terrains and steep articulations that would put the SUV’s various safety and off-road technology systems to the test. The Endeavour we drove was the top-spec 3.2-litre variant, which puts out 200PS of maximum power and 470Nm of peak torque, paired to a 6-speed AT and a 4x4 drivetrain with a low-range option as well. It also has various terrain modes to choose between - Road, Sand, Snow and Rock, which can be selected using a dial on the central console. Here’s how the bi...

What is it? In a nutshell, the Trailhawk is the most rugged version of the Jeep Compass you can buy. The ‘Trail Rated’ logos on the SUV are no less than badges of honour from Jeep affirming this version’s off-road ability. The Trailhawk sits higher off the ground, its 4x4 system benefits from the new 9-speed automatic transmission's short gearing and the off-road mode selector see the addition of a dedicated ‘Rock’ mode, all to keep you covered for any off-road eventuality. But that’s not all that makes the Trailhawk special. It’s also the first Compass in India to get a BS6 emission norms-compliant version of the 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel. This upgraded engine and automatic transmission will also be rolled out to everyday versions of the Compass in the months to come. What’s it like on the outside? From a distance, the Trailhawk can pass off as any other Jeep Compass. The basic look is the same and it’s only when you get closer that you see the Trailhawk-exclusive e...

New, yet classic Despite striking a familiar pose, the 2020 MERCEDES BENZ G- CLASS is a brand-new vehicle. Only five parts are shared with its predecessor: the door handles, spare tire cover, headlight washers, sun visors and one small bracket under the hood. Everything else is different. The exposed door hinges are still there, but the lower corners are now rounded. The circular headlights remain, but they're now outlined with LED running lights. The five-passenger G-Class comes in two flavors in the US: There's a base, $124,500 G550 or a much hotter (and much more expensive) $147,500 AMG G63 Both use a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 -- in the G550, you get 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, but the AMG G63 gets a massive 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet. (The AMG-ified box on wheels can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds!) Regardless of engine tune, the G-Class uses a nine-speed automatic transmission, and comes standard with three ...

The new Force Gurkha Xtreme 4x4 from Force Motors is a true definition of a real beast. It may have a bland cabin but when it comes to its engine, transmission, transfer box, suspension and build, it’s every off-roader’s dream come true. Mind you, this vehicle is not for those who love to be pampered by a host of electronic buttons and up market upholstery. Off-roaders as well as the entire defence forces in the country will find this vehicle a real value for money. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Engine 2149cc , 4 Cylinder, Inline, TCIC Common Rail, Diesel Engine, 16 valve DOHC Peak Power 140hp@3800rpm Peak Torque 321Nm@1600-2400rpm Transmission G 32/5 Synchromesh with Dual Mass Flywheel, Overdrive 5 Forward, 1 Reverse (Manual) Front suspension Multi link with Pan Hard Rod & Coil Springs with Hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers and anti roll bar Rear suspension Multi link with Pan Hard Rod & Coil Springs with Hydraulic telescopic...