Hyundai Eon vs Maruti Alto

In the final analysis, you do pay more for an Eon but in return get more bang for your buck. It’s just too hard to argue against its value quotient and it is for this the Eon is our choice.
by autocarindia.com

2012 Toyota Fortuner - Exclusive first drive

Most automobile manufacturers today have begun to give a similar family face across all models in its lineup. Toyota's siblings until recently looked different from each other but now even the Japanese manufacturer has decided to give their models a family treatment. That brings us to the SUV you're seeing here, it is the new Fortuner that will be soon be seen on Indian roads. When you look at it, the first noticeable change one will notice is the new front end. The new face looks fresh as it now gets sleeker looking headlamps with projector lights (now self levelling), headlamp washers, a new trapezoidal design three-tier front grille that's now seen in most Toyotas across the world and a sharper front bumper that also houses redesigned front fog lamps. The bonnet too has more prominent lines while the air scoop has got become slightly bigger. This new design gives the Fortuner a more car like look and is less butchy when compared to the present model (which may not be a good thing for an SUV). The front also has a resemblance to the bigger Landcruiser’s.
From the side, there seems to be no change except for a newer design 12-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels and body coloured mirrors that now feature turn indicators, the previous model made do with chrome mirror housing. At the rear, the taillamps have been redesigned and feature prominent twin circular lamps while the entire unit is of a clear lens type. The tailgate layout too is new and now houses a chrome garnish with an embossed name tag. The rear bumper has been altered and the reflectors look similar to the Innova's. New colours too will be available; the Fortuner we drove had a new blue shade.
Step inside and one will notice the same grey-beige interior scheme but with a newer centre console that houses a touch screen DVD stereo (in the top end V variant) and features bluetooth mobile phone connectivity. The screen also displays the reverse camera's video input. Mock wood inserts are now of a darker grey shade while the centre console surrounds are brushed aluminium. The SUV also boasts of a new design instrument cluster that is bright and easier to read. The steering wheel is similar in design to the Corolla's and is a combination of mock wood and leather, apart from stereo controls it also features controls for hands-free mobile connectivity.

Audi Q5 2.0 TDI first drive

What do Katherine Heigl and Gul Panag have in common? Both make us line up at the box office. Both make guest appearances in our dreams. Both have graced several magazine covers. Both make it to our list of top ten pin up girls. Aside from all this, there is also another similarity that is not quite as obvious. They both drive Audi Q5s. Now India is no stranger to the Q5. It’s been around for quite some time now. At first with the 2.0-litre TFSI and 3.0-litre TDI engine and recently, with the 2.0-litre TDI oil burner.
Now design wise the Audi leaves nothing to be desired. The strong family lines from the Q7 make its presence felt rather strongly. Muscular shoulder lines and the excellent Audi build quality makes this a premium SUV that most people aspire towards being seen in. As with all Audis the interior of the Q5 is very well appointed. Classy, well put together interiors with all necessities within reach of the driver’s hands as well as the brilliant Multi Media Interface guarantee the driver kilometres and kilometres of pleasurable driving. The seats are supportive and do not tire you out with their typical adjustable lumbar support. Even in the rear, space is ample and three people can sit in reasonable comfort while two can be seated in complete luxury. The instrument cluster gives you all the information you would need in a simple yet elegant layout. Altogether, an eye pleasing yet functional cabin.

2012 Toyota Innova - Exclusive first drive

The Innova doesn’t need an introduction. It went straight to the top of its class when it was launched six years ago and is still untouchable. In fact this probably is a record of sorts - despite being on the market, essentially unchanged, it still commands a waiting list! Despite being the staple of taxi fleets all over the country it still is very popular among private buyers. How then do you improve upon an MUV that is nearly close to perfection? The last revision to the Innova was the mild facelift a couple of years ago and now it gets a second facelift.
 So what’s new? The most noticeable change is the revised front end. Gone are those tear-drop headlamps and in come sharper and sleeker headlamps that give the face an all-new look, the trapezoidal front grille is similar to other Toyota models and very similar to the new Fortuner while the front bumper is also completely redesigned and accommodates new fog lamps

Inside, it’s the same dashboard with minimal changes. A double-din DVD stereo system is standard in the top end variant. The screen also displays the parking camera video. Mock wood surrounds in the centre console have been removed and is replaced with a brushed aluminium effect console. The instrument cluster too is different and the steering wheel is straight out of the Corolla offering stereo and mobile phone controls in the higher variants.
There are no engine upgrades and it’s the same 2.5-litre diesel that does duty. The common rail engine puts out 102PS of maximum power at 3600rpm and peak torque of 200Nm is available from 1400-3400rpm. The petrol version; a 2.0-litre 16-valve engine produces 132PS of maximum power at 5600rpm and maximum torque of 181Nm at 4000rpm. The Innova has always been a comfortable vehicle to travel in and has been the benchmark in its segment. The new upgrade hasn’t changed the car drastically but makes it feels fresh. The prices are not yet confirmed but expect a marginal increase over the older model. The new Innova will be launched at the Delhi Auto Expo and expect the waiting period to only increase.

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Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-i

Fact File

Engine

Fuel	Petrol
Installation	Inclined from vertical
Type	178.6cc
Bore/stroke	63.5/56.4mm
Compression ratio	9.5:1
Valve gear	2 per cylinder, sohc
Power	17.02bhp at 8500rpm
Torque	1.45kgm at 6500rpm
Power to weight	115.7bhp per tonne

Transmission

Type	5-speed
Gearbox	1-down 4-up

Chassis & Body

Wheels	6-spoke alloy, 17 inches
Tyres	90/90 front, 120/80 rear

Suspension

Front	Telescopic forks
Rear	Gas shocks, elliptical swingarm

Brakes

Front

260mm disc

Rear

130mm drumA larger footprint, four extra kilos and improved performance should have adversely affected economy. But our test proves the price paid has been minimal as DTS-i tech and an overall efficient engine keep the 180 almost as economical as before. Remember, this Indian sportsbike achieved cult status by virtue of not compromising economy despite it being a performance machine. The 180 is good for 43.3kpl in city conditions, and 46kpl on the highway.

Bajaj Avenger 200 DTS-i

Fact File

Engine

Type	198.8 cc
Bore/stroke	67/56.4 mm
Compression ratio	9:5:1

Dimensions

Length	2195 mm
Width	750 mm
Height	1070 mm
Ground clearance	169 mm

Suspension

Front	Telescopic forks
Rear	Hydraulic shocks,elliptical swingarm

Brakes

Front	260 mm
Rear	130 mm drum

Economy

City	33.8 kpl
Highway	35.7 kpl