New Delhi: Honda Car India has begun accepting bookings for its soon to be launched hatchback, the Jazz. Prospective customers can visit a Honda dealership and book the new Jazz for a minimum down payment of Rs 21,000.

The car is about to begin its second innings in the country and although the previous model was unique to the market and was a well rounded package, its sky high price earlier and hatchback status kept sales at a dismal low. Honda is hoping that history does not repeat itself with the new Jazz.

Jazz's previous model was unique to the market and was a well rounded package, but its sky high price earlier and hatchback status kept sales at a dismal low.

Realising its folly, Honda began localising the parts and that helped it scale the price down to a competitive level. However, that did little to attract buyers to the showrooms.

The Japanese manufacturer hopes to taste success with the new Jazz and our first drive review did reveal the steps that it has taken in that direction. The car will be available with a choice of a 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol or a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine.

The car with the petrol engine will be available with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a CVT transmission. The diesel engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual.

The interiors resemble those of the latest generation City and carry forward the previous generation’s party trick, the Magic seats, which fold in myriad ways to liberate extra stowage space as well as seating options.

Surathkal: Two cars bang on each other face to face in Pavanje near surathakal. Driver is severely injured.

Car travelling from Mangaluru to Mulki smashed the car coming from opposite side. One of the driver is injured severely and other injured persons are taken to hospital.

Case is registered in police station.

German luxury automobile manufacturer Audi on Monday launched its latest version of super sports car Audi RS 7 Sportback priced at Rs 1.40 crore (ex-showroom Mumbai and Delhi).

"The combination of a powerful four-liter V8 engine with cylinder on demand technology, quattro drive and intelligent lightweight design makes the Audi RS 7 Sportback an outstanding piece of sports equipment for our discerning customers in India," said Joe King, head of Audi India in Mumbai.

"This beautifully superior car has delighted many customers since its launch last year and we are confident that the new Audi RS 7 Sportback will further entrench our brand as the leader in the luxury sportscar segment in India."

According to the company, the new vehicle boasts of the Audi Matrix LED headlamps.

"The LED headlamp cluster dynamically alters the high beam on a real-time basis with the sole aim of not dazzling the oncoming traffic and the vehicle(s) in the front," the company said in statement.

The new vehicle also sets a new weight standard with its hybrid aluminium design, making it roughly 15 per cent less heavy than a comparable all-steel body.

The luxury automobile manufacturer said that its new offering is powered by a twin-turbo V8 4.0 (TFSI) engine, which displaces 3,993 cc and produces 412kW (560hp) with a constant 700Nm of torque.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback consumes on an average 9.8 liters of fuel per 100km.

Second largest lux carmaker Mercedes-Benz on Wednesday launched a new variant of its popular compact SUV B-Class with a higher diesel engine, making it the third roll-out this year. The Pune-based Mercedes-Benz India had earlier this year announced 15 launches in the year, to claw back its lost number uno position, which it had lost to compatriot Audi from the Volkswagen stable a few years back. Last year, the Merc narrowed the gap with only a few hundred units difference.

The new B-Class comes in both petrol and diesel variants --B 180 Sport (petrol) and B 200 CDI Sport diesel - which are available for sale at Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the country from today. Claiming that the B-Class, priced from Rs 27.95 lakh (for the B180 sport with a 1.8-litre petrol engine) and at Rs 28.95 lakh (for the B200 sport with new 2.2 litre diesel engine, both ex-showroom Mumbai) is the only luxury tourer in the country, company's managing director and chief executive Eberhard Kern said the new SUV combines dynamic sportiness with high degree of safety, comfort and practicality.

The new luxury features include a panoramic sliding sunroof, reversing camera, memory seats, steering wheel with shift paddles, and 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission apart from new safety features like seven airbags, attention assist, adaptive braking, and hill start assist.

The company also launched a new A-Class with a higher diesel engine of 2.2 litre at a price range of Rs 25.95 lakh (for the A180 Sport with a 1.8 petrol engine) and Rs 26.95 lakh for the A 200 Sport with a 2.2 litre diesel engine, both ex-showroom Mumbai. The new A-Class diesel offers more power and performance with a new powerful A 200 CDI engine. Kern said the new B-Class diesel engine provides 25 per cent more power while still offering higher fuel efficiency than its predecessor, while the new A-Class with a more powerful diesel engine provides an additional 25 per cent power and 20 per cent additional torque, and features a sliding sunroof as standard. Kern said the launch of the new B-Class is intrinsic to Mercedes-Benz India's '15 in 15' under which the company will roll out 15 models including some brand new models and add 15 dealers, taking its overall dealership network to over 80 by the end of the year.

Kern further said Mercedes pioneered luxury touring in the country with the B-Class and this paved the way for our success in the segment, helping it become the no. 1 player in the luxury SUV segment.

Dubai: Driverless vehicles could soon be travelling alongside you on the city’s roads as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the commissioning of a study on using ‘autonomous cars’ in Dubai.
Autonomous cars (driverless cars) are the latest developments of global smart mobility systems, and this technology is based on electric vehicles fitted with smart sensors to enhance the safety element and avoid crashes.
The project comes as part of the RTA’s endeavours to use the latest technology in the field of smart mobility solutions to be considered for use in Expo 2020.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said, “The RTA has set up a team for studying the use of autonomous cars (driverless vehicles) to map out a strategy and a work plan for addressing the latest developments in this field, and identifying the standards and specifications required in these vehicles along with the needed infrastructure and safety legislations. In this context, the RTA has approached a host of international manufacturers of smart vehicles to examine technological alternatives on offer, and plan for real-life experiments for using such vehicles in Dubai under the supervision of the RTA.”
 
Al Tayer said that a delegation from the RTA has visited a number of European countries to examine the latest models undertaken by smart cities across the globe in the field of smart mobility.
“The team has also visited some businesses and manufacturers of smart vehicles to check the best international practices of this line of industry, and review the latest studies and researches published by key specialist international research centres in this regard.

The facelifted Mercedes A-class has been spotted testing on international roads. It is likely to be launched globally in 2016.

The A-class facelift has a new face, which is dominated by a single bar grille, and LED headlights on the sides. The tail-lamps are slightly tweaked and there’s a sportier dual exhaust system. On the inside, it is expected to get a new steering wheel, new switchgear and an upgraded infotainment system.

In terms of mechanicals, the facelifted A-class will get the engine options from the facelifted B-class.

Considering that Mercedes offers the A-class in India as a CBU, it could bring the facelifted model to our shores sometime after its international launch.

Maruti launched the Ertiga MPV back in 2012, and created a new segment with it. Now, three years down the line, Maruti’s popular MPV is in line for a mid-cycle refresh. Maruti is expected to launch the updated Ertiga in India by mid-2015.

The Ertiga shares many parts with the Swift hatchback and the Dzire sedan. The Swift has received its mid-cycle facelift, and a similar list of changes is expected on the Updated Dzire and Ertiga as well.  

The Ertiga facelift will get exterior tweaks, such as an all-new grille with chrome slats and updated front-bumper with chrome inserts. The alloy wheel design for top-spec trims and the wheel-cap design for the mid- and lower level trims will be all new. The interiors will be spruced up, and will now get new upholstery, automatic climate control for the Z-trims and a push-button start system. The infotainment system is also expected to see an upgrade along with power folding wing mirrors.

The updated Ertiga is expected to continue with the choice of powerplants available in the current version. However, there will be updates for better fuel economy. 

With the mid-cycle facelift, the Ertiga will be able to compete better with the likes of the Honda Mobilio and the upcoming Renault Lodgy MPV.

Hair conditioner for shine
Wash your car with a hair conditioner containing lanolin. You'll become a believer when you see the freshly waxed look, and when you find that the surface will repel rain.

Fizz windshields clean with cola
When it rains after a long dry spell, a dirty windshield turns into one big mess. Get rid of streaks and blotches by pouring cola over the glass. (Stretch a towel along the bottom of the windshield to protect hood paint.) The bubbles in the cola will fizz away the grime. Just be sure to wash the sticky cola off thoroughly or your cleaning efforts will end up attracting dust and dirt.

Vodka on the job
When your windshield-washer reservoir needs filling, raid the liquor cabinet to make your own washing fluid. In a screw-top gallon jug, mix 3 cups vodka (the cheapest you can find) with 4 cups water and 2 teaspoons liquid dishwashing detergent. Screw on the cap and shake well, then pour as much fluid as needed into the reservoir.

Shine those car lights
Keep your headlights polished (and yourself, safe) by applying window cleaner and rubbing vigorously with an old pair of panty hose.

A one-step window cleaner
Clean your windshield and car windows by rubbing them with baby wipes stored in your glove compartment. What could be easier?

Clean your blades
If your windshield wiper blades get dirty, they'll streak the glass instead of keeping it clean and clear. Make a solution of 1/4 cup household ammonia to 1 quart cold water. Gently lift the blades, and wipe both sides with a soft cloth or paper towel soaked in the solution. Then wipe the blades with a dry cloth before lowering them into place.

Add 1/4 cup household ammonia to 1 quart water, pour it into a plastic bottle with a water-tight cap, and keep it in your car for washing the windshield and windows. As soon as your windshield begins to get dirty, take out the solution and apply it with a sponge; then dry the windshield with a soft cloth or paper towels.

Baking-soda car cleaner
Pour 1/4 cup baking soda into a gallon-sized jug, then add 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and enough water to fill the jug almost to the top. Screw on the cap, shake well, and store the concentrate for later use. When it comes time to wash the car, shake the jug vigorously and then pour 1 cup of cleaner base into a 2-gallon water pail. Fill the pail with warm water, stir to mix, and your homemade cleaning solution is ready to use.

A surprising no-wax washer
Add 1 cup kerosene to a 3-gallon pail filled with water and then sponge the solution over your car. You won't have to spray the car before washing or rinse or wax it once you're done. And the next time it rains, rainwater will bead up and roll off the car, lessening the likelihood of rusting.