Good Driving Habits

Concentrate while driving

Make sure you always have a clear head before driving. Alcohol and certain drugs, both illegal and legal, can severely impair your driving skills. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dangerous drowsiness. Get a good night's rest and don't drive for long stretches without a break.

Avoid Driving Alone When Tired

• Driving with someone else in your vehicle can increase your overall alertness. It is well recognized that when driving alone, especially when over-exerted, your chances of a crash are dramatically increased. 
   
    Never drive in a hurry Allow yourself plenty of extra time to reach your destination and allow for emergencies or traffic jams. Do not drive in a hurry. Allow yourself some extra time so that you can be more relaxed while driving and thereby cut down on the incidences of road rage, such as excessive speeding, tailgating and weaving in and out between cars. 
   
   

  Drive car with safety features

  Safety should always be a top priority when shopping for a vehicle. Research the safety performance of any vehicle you are considering buying including how the vehicle performs in crash tests. Both driver and passenger side air bags are now mandatory in all new cars. Look for side impact bags in many new models as well. When buying a used vehicle, look for one with air bags
   
   

  Follow Safety Rules

  • Always wear your safety belt and make sure all your passengers are buckled properly, even on short trips. If traveling with children, educate yourself on the many kinds of child safety seats and restraints. Make sure children ages 12 and under are always buckled up in the back seat, the safest place to ride.Try to follow all the traffic rules.
     
    by MARUTI 
   

Happy New Year 2012

Wishing A Very HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL VIEWERS.
hope that we make it more in new year. Best Of Luck For New Year.

Thanks for Your support

Thanks to all my blog readers(viewers).We have reached to 3 digits.Its not me but you all who have done it.
THANKS AGAIN.

Tata Pixel at Expo

ata Motors will showcase the Pixel city car concept at the 11th Auto Expo in Delhi.
The Pixel concept, which made its debut at the Geneva motor show in February this year, is based on the Nano, but has been developed mainly for European markets. It’s just over three metres long, and when it reaches India two years from now, will be up against the likes of the Maruti Alto. Like the Nano, the Pixel will be rear-engined, but will be powered by a three-cylinder petrol and a turbo-diesel.
The design and engineering - the work of Tata’s in-house engineers - incorporates scissor doors and a large glass area, including a panoramic roof. It gets a unique rear-wheel counter-steering system that gives the Pixel a turning radius of just 2.6 metres. The Pixel will form the basis of the next-gen Tata Nano, which is expected not before 2015.
Tata is also in the process of developing hybrid and electric versions of the future Nanos to help it meet future European emissions norms.
However, what’s not making it to the Tata Motors’ stall is the much-speculated diesel powered Nano. Although development on the Nano diesel is complete, the company is holding back the launch. This is a strategic move from Tata Motors, which is keen to push sales of the much-improved Nano 2012, which has been clocking good volumes, in recent months.
courtesy:-autocarindia

New Hyundai Sonata launch at Expo

Hyundai’s striking design efforts of late should make the Korean carmaker’s hall a huge attraction. Treat yourself to the absolutely stunning Veloster coupe, another class example of Hyundai’s fluidic design language. Oodles of sex appeal aside, the Veloster has a 1.6-litre petrol engine developing 138bhp and a raft of safety features like ESC, ABS, TCS, Brake Assist and six airbags. The Veloster sports an unusual 1+2-door layout where the passenger side has an additional rear suicide door.
Hyundai will also unveil a new concept car to the world called the HND-7. The company hasn’t revealed any information yet about it so you are in for a big surprise. The new Sonata that’s being geared up to replace the current-gen Transform gets the perfect stage for its India debut. Arguably the best looking Hyundai to date, it should be lapped up by executive car buyers in India. It’s not one for the enthusiast though, so don’t expect corner-carving capability, but rather chauffeur-driven comfort instead.
The second surprise from Hyundai will be a new SUV concept. It’s in the Rs 8-10 lakh range and is likely to be based on one of Hyundai’s existing platforms. The company wants to plug every gap in its portfolio so this Expo is a peek into Hyundai’s not-so-distant future in India.
by autocarindia.com

Mahindra XUV500 vs Ford Endeavour

Think America and there are a few things that come to mind – big juicy burgers, stars and stripes, Led Zeppelin, hot dogs and massive gas guzzling trucks. And that last part of America is what has made its way into India in the form of the Ford Endeavour. The Endeavour is everything a SUV has to be. It is big on size and attitude, menacing to look at and built on a solid ladder frame chassis. Big old school indeed.
In terms of styling ,the Endeavour and XUV are as different as Lady Gaga and Mother Teresa. One employs a mindnumbing number of flowing lines and has spent long periods of time on the drawing board while the other seems to have been designed using just a pencil and a ruler. In a sense both cars are supposed to cater to different audiences – young and not so young. In terms of road presence, the Endeavour wins, no questions asked. The sheer size of the car is enough to make grown men go weak in the knees. But what the XUV does better than the Endeavour is turning heads. With its (some say) radical design and bright colour (ours was Tuscan Red) the XUV does not leave a single eye uncaught. Both, then, have their own pros and cons.
Under the Endeavour’s hood lies a noisy 2.5-litre diesel power plant that makes 143PS of power and 330Nm of torque. And when I say noisy, I don’t mean just outside. The engine transmits almost as much noise inside as it does outside. So in terms of refinement, the Endeavour loses out to its newer born rival. But then again, some might say that in this crude nature of the Endeavour lies its charm. Well, everybody’s entitled to their opinions, aren’t they? As far as performance numbers go, the XUV beats the Endeavour by 2.5seconds with the Ford taking in 15.3seconds to 100kmph dash while the Endeavour runs out of breath at 145kmph (to the XUV’s 183kmph). The XUV also outshines the Endeavour in braking performance, with it coming to a halt from 100kmph in 49.37m which is 7m less than the Endeavour’s 56.37m. Both get ABS, the XUV also adds ESP.
The surprising thing about the Ford is that inside the Endeavour does not seem as big as it seems from the outside. Quite possibly because of the relatively small steering wheel and the not so tall seating position. The interiors are a very plain affair with only a 6 CD changer and quite literally nothing else. This SUV is not that hard to wheel around in traffic if you are okay with doing three-point turns at every intersection.

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport review

How much ?

• Price as tested £2,000,000
• Price as tested £1,975,568

How fast

• 0-30mph 1.4 sec
• 0-60mph 2.6 sec
• 0-100mph 5 sec
• 0-150mph 10.2 sec
• 0-200mph  22.2 sec
• 30-70mph  1.7 sec
• 0-400m  no data
• 0-1000m  no data
• 30-50mph in 3rd/4th  2.4 / 3.5
• 40-60mph in 4th/5th  3.1 / 4.2 sec
• 50-70mph in 5th  3.8 sec
• 60-0mph  2.79 sec
• Top speed  253 mph
• Noise at 70mph  76 dbA

How thirsty?

• Test average  11.6 mpg
• Test best/worst  17.5 / 6

Government figures

• Combined/urban  12.2 / no data
• CO₂ emissions  539 g/km

How big?

• Length  4462 mm
• Width  1998 mm
• Height  1190 mm
• Wheelbase  2710 mm
• Weight  1880 kg
• Fuel tank  100.0 litres

Engine

• Layout W16 cyls , 7993 cc
• Max power 1183 bhp at 6400 rpm
• Max torque 1106 ft at 3000 rpm
• Specific output no data
• Power to weight no data
• Installation no data
• Bore/stoke no data
• Compression ratio no data
• Valve gear no data
• Ignition and fuel no data, Unleaded

Gearbox

• Type 7-speed Automatic
• 1st 3.18 / 10
• 2nd 2.24 / 14.2
• 3rd 1.68 / 18.9
• 4th 1.29 / 24.7
• 5th 1.06 / 30.1
• 6th 0.88 / 36.2
• Final drive 2.581

Suspension

• Front Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
• Rear Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Steering

• Type Rack and pinion; Servotronic-System
• Lock to lock 2.75

Brakes

• Front 400mm carbon discs
• Rear 380mm ceramic discs

Wheel & tyres

• Size front 20in in
• Size rear 20in in
• Made of Alloy
• Tyres front 265/35 R20
• Tyres rear 365/25 R20

Top 10 videos of 2011

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/260441/

auto expo Delhi 2012

http://www.autocarindia.com/News/285414,renault-duster-to-debut-at-auto-expo.aspx

Audi Q3 at expo

http://www.autocarindia.com/News/285230,audi-q3-to-be-revealed-at-the-expo.aspx

Ninja 650R review

What makes the Ninja 650R enjoyable is power isn't delivered at high rpm. The 649cc motor comes into its own in the midrange and revs nicely to the top before losing some steam. The engine has an impressive punch to it.
Really nippy performance proves the Ninja offers a lot more than its 71bhp suggests. The ace in this Ninja pack is its remarkable ability to handle everyday riding, and shoot from rest to 150kph plus speeds with effortless ease. It’s light and easy to ride at low speeds, with a meaty clutch and a gearshift that feels precise still solid, more European than Japanese.
You get traditional telescopic forks in front, and a mono-shock behind. The nice wide handlebar allows an upright, comfortable seating position, ensuring the 650R isn’t a bike where you need to sit with knees tucked under your ears. The lightly stepped and low seat, at 790mm is one even a shorter rider will have no problem straddling. Massive 300mm double petal discs at the front and a single 220mm petal disc at the rear offer solid stopping power. Tyres are ample, tubeless Bridgestones.

Fact File

Engine

Fuel	Petrol
Installation	DDHC, 8 valve, Parallel Twin
Bore/stroke	83.0/60.0
Power	71bhp @ 8500rpm
Torque	6.73kgm @ 7000rpm

Transmission

Gearbox

6-Speed

Dimensions

Length	2100mm
Width	760mm
Height	1200mm
Ground clearance	145mm

Chassis & Body

Construction	Diamond High -tensile steel
Weight	204kg
Wheels	17inch alloys
Tyres	120/70 front, 160/60 rear

Suspension

Front	Telescopic front
Rear	Mono-shock

Brakes

Front	300mm Tripe pedal disc
Rear	220mm petal disc

Renault Pulse review

Renault’s entry into India has been challenging to say the least. Its first offering, the Logan, was a rebadged version of Romanian brand Dacia’s low-cost saloon. It struggled here, and caused Indians to associate Renault with ‘budget’. The fact is the French brand has good equity in Europe, with a vast motorsport and road-car history that spans more than a century.
 The Pulse is powered by the familiar Renault-Nissan 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, the latter of which we’re testing here. It produces a modest 63bhp and 16.3kgm and on urban roads, is immediately impressive. Initial engine response is good and there’s very little turbo lag. Half-throttle responses are also good and the Pulse ambles along at low speeds rather well. Mid-range performance is healthy and you have adequate passing power on tap. It’s only on the highway that you feel the lack of power and you have to constantly shift gears to keep the motor on the boil. With power tapering off as early as 3800rpm, you have a very small powerband to play with and the Pulse’s performance is a far cry from the likes of the Swift. Our timing equipment confirms this — the car takes a leisurely 16.2 seconds to reach 100kph. The motor is quite refined though; it settles into quiet idle and only sounds gruff when worked hard.

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 6.17 lakh (est. ex-shorrom, Delhi)

Engine

Fuel	Diesel
Installation	Front, Transverse
Power	63bhp at 4000rpm
Torque	16.3 kgm at 4000rpm

Transmission

Gearbox

5-speed manual

Dimensions

Length	3805mm
Width	1665mm
Height	1525mm
Wheel base	2450mm

Chassis & Body

Weight

1070kg

Performance

0-20	1.56sec
0-40	3.77sec
0-60	6.35sec
0-80	10.43sec
0-100	16.20sec
0-120	25.17sec

Economy

Tank size

41 litres

Venue Layout

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=217722233752871869294.0004afa0b5845d3f3140b&msa=0&ll=28.618206,77.240582&spn=0.034282,0.055189http://www.autoexpo.in/layout_plan_auto_expo.html
by autoexpo.in

List of Exhibitors in Auto expo Delhi 2012

http://www.autoexpo.in/pdf/Exh_List_AutoExpo.pdf

auto expo Delhi 2012 calender

SIAM Looking Ahead Conclave 4th January 2012 Le Meridien Hotel, New Delhi Click here SIAM Auto Trade Dialogue 2012 5th January 2012 Le Meridien Hotel, New Delhi Click here Technology Day on “Hybrid/Electric Mobility – Drive the Change” 6th January 2012 Seminar: Hall No. 8 (1st Floor), Pragati Maidan, New Delhi Demo: Outside Hall No. 8 and designated path to be allotted Click here ACMA-FIEV 6th January 2012 Pragati Maidan Click here SIAM Styling & Design Conclave and Automotive Design Challenge 7th January 2012 Hotel Lalit, New Delhi Click here National Road Safety Week Valedictory Function 7th January 2012 Pragati Madian- Lal Chowk/ Hall No. 8 Auditorium Click here APMA –ACMA seminar 7th January 2012 Pragati Maidan Click here Option – a) Investment opportunity – Beyond SEZ Option – b) Investment opportunity with Modern Infrastructure Option –c) Investment opportunity for Sustainability 7th January 2012 Click here Invitational Golf Tournament 8th January 2012 Qutab Golf Club, Lado Sarai, Press Enclave Road, New Delhi Click here Green Freight India Seminar 9th January 2012 Gulmohar Hall India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road New Delhi – 110 003 Click here Meeting with MREPC 9th January 2012 Pragati Maidan Click here IPO Conference 9th January 2012 Taj Mansingh Click here SMMT/SIAM Workshop on New Energy Efficient Technologies 10th January 2012 India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road, New Delhi Click here Meeting with Japan – Sun and Sands 10th January 2012 Pragati Maidan Click here Seminar on 'Brand Protection through IPR Management' 10th January 2012 Casuarina Hall, India Habitat Centre Click here Developing Engineering capabilities at Tier2 /3 suppliers 11th January 2012 Pragati Maidan, New Delhi Click here

 

Schumacher Formula 1's top overtaker in 2011

http://www.autocarindia.com/News/285384,schumacher-formula-1s-top-overtaker-in-2011.aspxby autocar

Audi A8 L W12

My advice is to leave the tiresome act of driving to an underling and retire to the rear, where the deluxe surroundings – and 130mm of extra legroom – can be savoured at leisure.

 Price: £104,505; Top speed: 155mph (limited); 0-62mph: 4.7sec; Economy: 22.8mpg (combined); CO2: 290g/km; Kerb weight: 2055kg; Engine: W12, 6299cc, petrol; Power: 493bhp at 6200rpm; Torque: 460lb ft at 3250rpm; Gearbox: 8-spd auto

Renault Frendz

Straight off it’s worth bearing with the proliferation of touchy-feely buzzwords above. It’s easy to become jaded by inverted commas used when describing concept cars, English words often seemingly scattered at random as on a Japanese schoolgirl’s pencil case. But with the Frendzy, Renault has created a genuinely emotive product out of what is, essentially, a van with extra seats.
There is indeed warmth in the pale green and matte grey bodywork, while synthetic materials are used to recreate organic-feeling interior panels such as plastic floor and seat-back mouldings that genuinely look and feel like weathered hardwood, and faux leather interwoven with metal strands to hatch patchwork seat cushions.
 Price: na; Top speed: 81mph; 0-62mph: na; Range: 100 miles; Charging time: 6-8 hours; CO2: zero at tailpipe; Kerb weight: 1420kg; Engine: electric motor; Power: 59bhp; Torque: 167lb ft; Gearbox: direct drive, with reverse

Strip Tease

Like the GT650R, a strong 90-degree V-twin motor also powers the GT650N, with peak power at 73.68 PS and a staggering mid-range, as the 67 Nm of torque is served right from 7,250 RPM. Unlike the performance-oriented ‘R’, the streetfighter has been designed to be more apt for city riding. Due to time restraints during this exclusive ride we could not test the naked GT, but we did feel the bike’s ECU has been retuned and there is a definite change in the torque curve. The V-twin offers ample torque throughout the powerband, due to which it is not necessary to shift down while overtaking. Just a twist of the throttle is enough to let you surge ahead. Another highlight is the free revving engine that comfortably goes beyond 10,000 RPM and has a stunning top-end. The first gear went up to 81 km/h and the second can run up to 135 km/h at red line. Using the six-speed transmission I managed to reach 160 km/h on the speedo without much struggle, but ran out of road. The company claims a figure of 210 km/h.

Rolls Royce Ghost EWB review

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 3.05 crore (ex-showroom, India)

Engine

Installation	Front, longitudinal
Type	V12, 6592cc, twin-turbo, petrol
Bore/stroke	89.0/88.3mm
Power	563bhp at 5250rpm
Torque	79.53kgm at 1500rpm

Transmission

Gearbox

8-speed automatic

Dimensions

Length	5569mm
Width	1948mm
Height	1550mm
Wheel base	3465mm
Boot volume	490 litres

Performance

0-100

5.0 sec (claimed)

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition

This is the Maserati Four Door. Doesn’t sound as exciting as ‘Quattroporrrrte’, does it? The name tells me a lot about the car – it tells me that the Italians are capable of injecting soul into something even as mundane as a saloon. This car is anything but mundane, and that’s exactly what I discover on my day out with Maserati’s bombshell.   

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

From Rs 1.56 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Engine

Fuel	Petrol
Type	8 cylinders in vee, 4691cc, petrol
Power	440bhp at 7000rpm
Torque	49.5kgm at 4750rpm

Transmission

Gearbox

6-speed auto

Dimensions

Length	5097mm
Width	1896mm
Height	1423mm
Wheel base	3064mm
Boot volume	450 litres

Chassis & Body

Weight	1990kg
Tyres	245/35-R20 (f), 295/30-R20 (r)

Performance

0-100

5.1 sec*

Economy

Tank size

90 litres

New Chevrolet Captiva review

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

21.4 lakh (ex-Mumbai, est)

Engine

Fuel	Diesel
Installation	Front, transverse
Type	4cyl, in line, 2231cc turbo diesel
Bore/stroke	86/96mm
Power	184bhp at 3800rpm
Torque	40.78kgm at 2000rpm

Transmission

Gearbox

6-speed manual

Dimensions

Length	4673mm
Width	1849mm
Height	1727mm
Wheel base	2707mm

Chassis & Body

Weight

1978kg

Performance

0-100

9.6 sec

Economy

Tank size

65 litres

by autocar

Hyundai Veloster review

The Hyundai Veloster is an over-engineered solution to what is, at best, a negligible problem. In an effort to attract customers from two disparate segments, Hyundai has employed an unusual 1+2 door configuration (one large one on the driver’s side, and 2 smaller ones on the passenger side) to distinguish the Veloster, in both form and function, from its competition.

Your admiration of the Veloster concept is likely to hinge on whether you consider the project a commendable stab at producing something different or, alternatively, see it as a superficial and cynical attempt to hijack new sales ground with flagrant gimmickry.
We’re not entirely sure whether either argument deserves the high ground to itself, but there is a nagging suspicion that the Veloster’s component parts don’t quite add up to an entirely satisfying whole.
As a hatchback the car loses a door, but gains only a modicum of style; as a coupe it gains a door, but doesn’t acquire the extra measure of dynamic talent that would have earned it a genuine shot at the Volkswagen Scirocco or Vauxhall Astra GTC.
by autocar

Fiat Panda 1.3 MultiJet review

This is the turbodiesel version of Fiat’s latest Panda, a rare breed in the budget city hatchback class. The engine in question is the 1.3 Multijet II diesel that’s much-improved over the original version, and it rides in a Panda that at its core shares hardware with the second-generation model (which is likely to remain on sale for a while after the new version makes the showroom) but has nevertheless been very substantially reworked. So although its wheelbase remains the same it has grown, to provide a bigger boot and more interior space.

Fiat Panda 1.3 Multijet Easy

Price as tested: £13,200 est; Top speed: 104mph; 0-62mph: 12.8sec; Combined mpg: 72.4; Co2: 104g/km; Kerbweight: 1035kg; Engine type: four cylinder in-line turbodiesel; Power: 74bhp at 4000rpm; Torque: 140lb ft at 1500rpm; Gearbox: 5-speed manual

Toyota Yaris hybrid review

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Price: £17,500 (est); Top speed: 110mph (est); 0-62 mph: 12.0sec; Economy: 75mpg (combined); EV range: 1.3 miles; Engine type, cc: 1496cc, 4cyl, 16v; Motor: Battery electric; Power: 73bhp + 26bhp; Torque: na; Gearbox: stepless CVT

Should I buy one?

If saving fuel and producing a minimum of CO2 are vital to your motoring, this will be a good car to own, though it will take genuine real-world testing to affirm that it’s usefully better than the Yaris diesel, which emits only 104g/km of CO2 and costs a cool £3000 less. The rear coup, we can’t help thinking, will come when Toyota unites a modern, small capacity direct injection turbodiesel with its Prius mechanicals. That’ll be a real economy car.
by autocar

TVS Apache RTR 180

Fact File

Engine

Fuel	Petrol
Installation	Inclined from vertical
Bore/stroke	62.5/ 57.8mm
Compression ratio	9.5:1
Valve gear	2 per cylinder, sohc
Power	17.3bhp at 8500rpm
Torque	1.58kgm at 6500rpm
Power to weight	126.3bhp per tonne

Transmission

Type	5-speed
Gearbox	1-down-4-up

Suspension

Front	Telescopic forks
Rear	Gas shocks, rectangular swingarm

KTM Duke 200 review

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 1,25,000-1,50,000 (estimated)

Engine

Fuel	Petrol
Type	Single-cyl, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 200cc
Power	25bhp
Power to weight	182.4bhp per tonne

Transmission

Gearbox

6-speed, 1 down, 5-up

Dimensions

Wheel base	1361mm
Ground clearance	170mm

Chassis & Body

Weight	137kg
Wheels	17-inch, Multi-spoke alloy
Tyres	110 x 17-150 x 17 inches

Suspension

Front	USD Telescopic forks
Rear	Adjustable monoshock, alloy swingarm

Brakes

Front	300mm disc
Rear	230mm disc

Economy

Tank size

10.5 litres

Mercedes CLS 350 review

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 71.1 lakh, (ex-showroom, Mumbai)

Engine

Fuel	Petrol
Installation	Front, longitudinal
Type	6-cyls in-vee, 3498cc
Power	306bhp at 6500rpm
Torque	37.7kgm at 3500-5250rpm
Power to weight	176.4bhp per tonne

Transmission

Gearbox

7-speed automatic

Dimensions

Length	4940mm
Width	1881mm
Height	1416mm

Chassis & Body

Weight	1735kg
Tyres	245/45R 17

Suspension

Front

MacPherson

Brakes

Front	Vented discs
Rear	discs

Economy

Tank size

89 litres

New BMW X3 review

The new BMW X3 is both longer and wider than the outgoing model, it feels like a barely scaled down version of the X5. Although it does look far more attractive than the earlier X3, the design isn’t jaw-dropping. The details of the car look attractive and the sections are nicely designed, however it does take time to get used to looking at the tucked-in waistline, the pitch forward belt-line and the very upright bonnet. Despite all that, you can’t help but marvel at the new X3.

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 41.2-47.99 lakh (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Engine

Fuel	Diesel
Installation	Front, longitudinal
Type	1995cc Diesel
Power	181bhp at 4000rpm
Torque	38.74kgm at 1750rpm

Transmission

Gearbox

8-speed automatic

Dimensions

Length	4648mm
Width	1881mm
Height	1675mm
Wheel base	2810mm

Chassis & Body

Weight	1790kg
Wheels	8J x 18
Tyres	245/50 R18

Skoda VisionD Concept