Samsung Note 3 launched; costs a cool Rs 49,900

New Delhi: Korean tech major Samsung on Tuesday unveiled in India Galaxy Note 3 smartphone that comes with a price tag of Rs 49,900, the highest price for any hi-tech mobile phone from the company's stable.

The company also announced the India launch of its first smartwatch Galaxy Gear, a wearable computing device, for Rs 22,990.

Both these products would be available from September 25.

"We have seen that customers have been demanding bigger screen and more productivity. The Galaxy Note 3 has a bigger screen compared with the previous version and is even lighter.

"We have not increased width of the screen, but have increased the size of display. The S pen in Note 3 does more than just simply making note," Samsung Mobile and IT (India) head Vineet Taneja said here.

Samsung Note 3 prise-wise is next to only Apple's iPhone 5 series that cost more than Rs 51,000.

"Samsung has already created a large user base for its high devices through previous version of Galaxy series. They would like to upgrade to Note. Also people who are using iPhone may see Note 3 as an option," gadget expert Rajat Agarwal said.

Weighing 168 gms, the Android-based Note 3 would have a 5.7 inch screen and 13 megapixel camera. The smartphone has an internal memory of 32GB with an option to add another 64 GB. The phone has 3200 MAH battery that is sufficient to give give a back-up for about a day.

The Note 3 will support 3G and 2G networks.

Samsung Galaxy Gear can complement Galaxy phone users. It allows making a call, seeing quick preview of incoming texts and emails.

"Gear comes with Bluetooth 4.0 and hence is compatible with most of Galaxy devices," Taneja said.


The Gear would be compatible with most of the Samsung Galaxy devises and the 10.1 tablet which the company would launch in October, Samsung Mobile Director Manu Sharma said.

Note 3 would have improved version of 'Find My Mobile' feature which will allow user to disable the phone when it is stolen or lost and allow users to remotely track or erase the data from their lost or stolen Note 3 phone, Taneja said. 

Criminals can’t unlock iPhone 5S with users’ mutilated fingers

Wellington: Apple introduced its hi-tech biometric security inclusive iPhone 5S and the experts were quick to react on the Touch ID feature with some claiming that such a feature could lead to more brutal crimes where criminals could mutilate fingers just to get the fingerprints.

However, security experts have dismissed all the claims and said that in order to unlock the iPhone 5S using the fingerprint scanner, owner of the finger needs to be alive and attached to the finger being used.

Chief technology officer at Validity Sensors, a California based provider of fingerprint sensor solutions, Sebastien Taveau said that the sensor in the phone is built in a way that the fingerprint image has to be taken from a live finger and a severed finger will not work with the feature, stuff.co.nz reports.

The report said that the iPhone’s Touch ID feature uses radio frequency scanning to detect the sub-epidermal layers of the skin and hence, it is indispensable for a user to be alive and attached. 

Apple iPhone 5S fingerprint scanner gets plaudits in early reviews

San Francisco: The fingerprint reader on Apple Inc's top-end iPhone 5S received an early thumbs up for ease of use from two influential reviewers, helping dispel concerns about the scanning technology which has been notoriously unreliable in other cellphones.

Apple's scanner is seen as a first step toward realizing the full potential for biometrics in personal electronics, heightening security for applications like banking and shopping while doing away with multiple passwords.

"The best part is that it actually works - every single time, in my tests," wrote reviewer David Pogue of the New York Times.

"It's nothing like the balky, infuriating fingerprint-reader efforts of earlier cellphones. It's genuinely awesome; the haters can go jump off a pier."

The Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg was also enthusiastic, calling it simple and reliable. But he noted that the gadget would inexplicably prompt him for a password when swiping a finger to make purchases, which he blamed on a bug.

"I have come to like it and consider it a step forward, despite a few issues," he said of the overall device.

Re-tooled iOS7 mobile software, a better camera, a more useful voice-activated "Siri" personal digital assistant and a faster processor combined to make the iPhone 5S the best smartphone on the market, he added.

However, he argued that owners of the previous-generation iPhone 5 may not have a compelling reason to buy the latest device unless they specifically wanted the fingerprint reader.

Many industry analysts view the iPhone 5S and the cheaper 5C as being modest improvements on the previous generation, reviving fears that Apple's most innovative days may be behind it. They said the mere fact of a fingerprint scanner was unlikely by itself to make the gadget a sure win in a crowded market.

Apple has embedded the scanner into the iPhone's home button, while other mobile devices usually have it on the back, making it awkward for the user and increasing the number of failed attempts.

Archrival Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (005930.KS) and fellow South Korean electronics manufacturer LG Electronics Inc (066570.KS) have had problems incorporating the technology into finished products.

Sony Xperia Z1 launched in India at Rs 44,990

New Delhi: Electronics major Sony on Wednesday launched waterproof premium smartphone Xperia Z1 for Rs 44,990 with an aim to double its share in the high-end mobile phone market to 20 percent.

Sony also unveiled next version of Smartwatch for Rs 14,990 which will be available in India from October.

"We want to be No 1 in premium smartphone segment which are phones priced above Rs 30,000 and double our market share from about 10 percent at present to 20 percent by end of financial year 2014. Therefore we have to double our speed of innovation and here we are with Xperia Z1," Sony India Managing Director Kenichiro Hibi said here.

Xperia Z1 is available across stores from today with an instalment option spread over 12 months at no cash down payment, nil processing fee and interest, he said.

The company unveiled next version of smartwatch for Rs 14,990 which will be available in India from October.

The launches of smart devices from Japanese major comes a day after Korean technology giant Samsung unveiled its high-end and highest priced smartphone Galaxy Note 3 for Rs 49,900 and its first smartwatch Galaxy Gear for Rs 22,990 in India.

Xperia Z1 is also the costliest smartphone offering from Sony's stable in India. Sony has introduced 20.7 mega pixel camera in this phone which is next to Nokia's Pureview 808 that was launched in the country last year.

"I like the 20 megapixel plus camera in the phone which does away need to carry a separate camera. Also you can store many songs in the phone," Brand Ambassador and bollywood actress Katrina Kaif said.

The company has incorporated 2.2 Quad core processor in phone which is close to speed of processor available for laptops and desktop PCs.

Xperia Z1 has 2GB RAM and internal storage of 16 GB which can be expanded to additional 64 GB through memory card.

"We plan to increase exclusive Xperia stores from 30 at present to 200 by end of financial year 2013. Sony will also double its sales counter reach to 8,000 by end of this fiscal ending March," Hibi said.

As part of promotional offer Xperia Z1 buyer will get free portable USB charger worth Rs 2,790, 8GB internet usage from Vodafone for 2 months and accidental insurance cover for six months from date of purchase.

Sony has tied up with movie retailers BigFlix to offer three months free subscription to Xperia Z1 buyers.

The company on the occasion also launched two lens style Cybershot camera, DSC-QX-100 for Rs 24,990 and DSC-QX10 for Rs 12,990, and a wireless bluetooth speaker for Rs 16,990 among others. 

Micromax Canvas Tab P650 launched; priced at Rs 16,500

New Delhi: Targetting the youth, Domestic handset maker Micromax on Wednesday launched its first tablet PC, Tab P650, in the Canvas series for Rs 16,500.

The 8-inch device, comes equipped with 1.2 GHz quad core processor, 1GB RAM and runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system.

"With today's launch, we aim to extend the Canvas experience to our users on the tablet PCs, supported by an entire eco-system of applications," Micromax co-founder Rahul Sharma said in a statement.

He said with the launch of this latest device, the company is looking at consolidating its position in the tablet category.

According to CMR's tablet PC market review, in the first quarter of 2013, over 905,000 tablets were sold by as many as 53 domestic and international vendors in the country.

Datawind has a 15.3 percent market share of the Indian market, while Micromax has a 12.3 percent share and Apple stood at number three with a 11.7 percent market share, the review said.

Sharma said the Canvas tab is the first device in the series and the company is planning to come out with a plethora of products soon. 

BlackBerry's BBM chat coming to Android, iPhone this weekend

Toronto: BlackBerry Ltd said on Wednesday that its popular BlackBerry Messenger instant chat application will be available for rival devices using Google Inc's Android software and for Apple's iPhone this weekend.

The struggling Canadian smartphone maker had announced plans to open up the service, often referred to as BBM by both fans and the company, back in May.

Once a unique tool to send short messages without running up SMS charges, BBM now competes with mobile instant messaging products from Facebook FB.N, Apple and others, and less directly with the micro-blogging service Twitter.

Android users will be able to download the application on Saturday, while iPhone users can get it on Sunday.

Apple's new iPhones fail to impress markets, analysts

New York: Apple's launch of two new iPhones raised fresh doubts about its strategy to expand its smartphone market share, prompting a slide in the company's shares and harsh analyst comments.

Some analysts said yesterday Apple had failed to slash prices enough to make an impact in key emerging markets or with budget-conscious buyers, and did little to show it has regained its edge in innovation.

Shares slid 5.4 percent to end at USD 467.71 in New York, a day after the technology giant presented the two new iPhones as part of an effort to regain momentum in the smartphone market.

While the new iPhone 5C is being offered to US customers at USD 99 with a subsidised carrier contract, the unsubsidised price will be USD 549 in the United States, and more than USD 700 in China.

Analysts at the research firm Trefis said the iPhone launch "turned out to be a dampener of sorts, as the company priced what was expected to be a significantly cheaper iPhone at a hefty USD 550 and did not introduce any new products such as an iTV or an iWatch."

"So much for the low end," said Credit Suisse analyst Kulbinder Garcha in a research note.

"We remain disappointed with Apple's decision to remain a premium priced smartphone vendor."

Garcha said that the new top-line iPhone 5S was "lacking real innovation" and that the lower-cost version may hurt sales of the premium product.

"The iPhone 5S has a new apps processor, improved camera functionality and new motion sensor functionality. However, these are not game changers and are more evolutionary rather than revolutionary changes," the analyst said.

Jefferies analyst Peter Misek said the new devices were "lovely phones" but that the launch "still leaves Apple with a product gap in the low-end."

Walter Piecyk at BTIG Research said Apple is not doing enough to target the customers buying phones without a carrier subsidy, which is the norm in many places around the world.

"The pricing on the iPhone 5C is simply not low enough to adequately address the significant global growth opportunity that we believe exists with unsubsidised prepaid customers that have not yet bought a smartphone," Piecyk said in a note to clients. 

Nokia introduces Urdu language mobiles; priced at Rs 2,500

New Delhi: Finnish handset maker Nokia on Thursday unveiled its first mobile phone in India built primarily to target about 15 crore Urdu speaking population in the country.

"I don't know about other countries but this is first mobile phone going to be launched in India whose language will be Urdu.

"When Nokia came to me 6 to 8 months back, I asked them if they could take a challenge to bring mobile phone for about 15 crore Urdu speaking people and I appreciate their initiative," Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal while launching the dual SIM mobile phone Nokia 114.

The phone is priced at Rs 2,579.

It will support nine languages including Urdu, English and Hindi.

"Over time we have developed supporting language capability in our device but one thing that we were missing was Urdu. I was told by the Minister that there are about 150 million Urdu speaking people in the country. We accepted challenge given by him," Nokia India Managing Director P Balaji said.

Nokia 114 will support talk time of up to 10.5 hours on 2G network, allow internet browsing, 0.3 megapixel camera, FM radio and video streaming among other features.

"We will be launching it pan India but our focus will be five markets- Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. It is available across stores now," Balaji said. 

BlackBerry 9720 launched in India for Rs 15,990

Back in August, BlackBerry announced a new device called the BlackBerry 9720. The talking point about this device was that it had a dedicated BBM key and was the first BB device to be unveiled this year that didn’t run on BB10.

During the announcement, BlackBerry had promised that they would launch the device in the first-half of September, and moments ago the Canadian company officially launched the phone in India for Rs 15,990. It will be available from September 14 onwards.

Design-wise the BlackBerry 9720 looks like a mix of the Bold and Curve smartphones and it will be available in black, blue, pink, purple and white colors. As mentioned above, it sports a dedicated BBM key.

In terms of specifications, the device features a 2.8-inch (480×360 pixels) touchscreen display and is powered by an 806MHz Tavor MG1 processor supplemented with 512MB of RAM. Other features included are a 5-megapixel EDOF (Extended Depth of Field) rear camera with Image stabilization and 4X digital zoom, 512MB internal storage that can be expanded using a microSD card and a 1,450mAh battery which is good enough for up to 7 hours of talk time and 18 days of standby time.

Connectivity options include 3G support, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth and on the software front, the device runs on BlackBerry 7 OS version 7.1.

It will be interesting to see how the phone is received by users considering it doesn’t run on BB10. Potential BlackBerry users have complained about the lack of any new devices in the sub-Rs 20,000 segment but it remains to be seen whether the older OS still has any mojo left considering BlackBerry itself is focusing most of its efforts and marketing on BB10.

Nokia unveils camera mobile phones priced at $29

New Delhi: With an eye on people wanting to buy their first-ever camera phone, Finnish handset maker Nokia Monday unveiled the Nokia 108 and the Nokia 108 Dual SIM priced at USD 29 (Rs 1,800) excluding taxes.

"There remains a huge segment of the global population that has yet to own a camera phone. For the next billion people and beyond, we aim to bring new mobile experiences to ever-lower price points.

"Nokia 108 and Nokia 108 Dual SIM are examples of this commitment," Nokia's executive vice president for Mobile Phones,Timo Toikkanen said in a statement.

The Nokia 108 and Nokia 108 Dual SIM have a recommended retail price of USD 29, excluding taxes and subsidies are expected to start shipping in last quarter of this year, the statement said.

Though there are many camera phones below this price range but these two models are the first from Nokia in this price range.

Both the Nokia phone models have expandable storage of up to 32GB. The standby time for Nokia 108 single sim models is up to 31 days and up to 25 days for the Nokia 108 Dual SIM. 

Japan LCD screen giant plans $2.0 bn listing: Reports

Japan Display, the world's biggest maker of LCD screens for smartphones and tablet computers, plans to raise $2.0 billion in an initial public offering, reports said Friday. 

The IPO would be the biggest on the Tokyo Stock Exchange so far this year after drinks giant Suntory's food-and-beverage unit raised $3.9 billion. 

The Japanese liquid crystal display maker, whose clients include Apple and Sony, would raise as much as 200 billion yen ($20 billion) from a share sale that would give it a market value of 700-800 billion yen, Dow Jones Newswires quoted a source with knowledge of the deal as saying. 

The IPO is expected during the fiscal year to March 2014, Dow Jones and the leading Nikkei business daily reported. 

Japan Display -- set up last year through the merger of HitachiBSE -1.99 %, Toshiba and Sony's money-losing LCD units -- plans to use the funds to boost production of small and medium-sized screens as it faces tough competition from South Korean and Taiwanese rivals. 

The government-backed Innovation Network Corp. of Japan holds about 70 percent of the firm with the three electronics giants each claiming a roughly 10 percent stake. 

The merger was aimed at helping Japanese firms better compete in high resolution display technology, which has become the standard for smartphones, tablets and other electronic gadgets. 

Japan Display, which declined to comment on the IPO report, remains the global leader in the production of small and mid-sized LCD displays, with nearly 17 percent of the worldwide market, according to US-based NPD DisplaySearch. 

Volvo

Volvo

Volvo’s new V40 hatch will be available in Australia from March.

The small car will bring a raft of new safety technology to the small car segment, including pedestrian airbags and the ability to tell your phone where you left the car.

It has a range of four- and five-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with maximum power varying between 85kW and 190kW.

It might be joined by the soft-road V40 Cross Country, a tougher version of the V40 which would not be available until the second half of 2013.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen

Volkswagen is set to have a busy year with the launch of its new Golf and Beetle.

The larger but lighter seventh-generation Golf will arrive between May and June, powered by a choice of petrol and diesel power plants.

Launch engines are expected to include a 1.4-litre, 103kW/250Nm petrol engine and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 110kW and 320Nm.

A successor to Volkswagen’s successful Golf GTI hot hatch is not expected to go on sale in 2013.

The new bug will be released in February with the brand’s petrol-powered, four-cylinder 118TSI engine. 

Buyers will be able to choose between manual or dual-clutch automatic variants, but the convertible version might not make it here.

Australian buyers might also miss out on the high-performance Beetle R, which was shown in concept form in Germany last year.

Skoda

Skoda

Skoda’s new Rapid will arrive in sedan form for Easter.

The Rapid is smaller than Skoda’s Octavia sedan and will be available with a range of Volkswagen-sourced petrol and diesel drivelines.

The Rapid may also arrive Down Under in hatch form, along with the new Skoda Octavia, which is launched in Europe next month. 

Renault

Renault

Renault will bring an injection of style into its line-up by introducing the fourth generation Clio in Spring.

The new Clio features vastly improved dynamics and class-leading crash performance.

Renault showed off its next-generation Clio RS at the Paris motor show in September 2012 and there’s a chance the turbocharged hot hatch could go on sale before 2014.

Mini

Mini

Mini’s increasingly diverse range will expand in 2013 with the launch of its new Paceman hatch in about March.

The three-door Paceman is based on the all-wheel-drive Countryman – the largest Mini yet – and will be one of the more expensive models in the Mini range.

The Paceman will be joined by a John Cooper Works edition of the Countryman about the same time, as well as the second edition of Mini’s high-performance Cooper S Grand Prix model.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is off to a running start with the new turbocharged B250 hatch going on sale in time for 2013.

A new A-Class hatchback will arrive in March, offering drivers the opportunity to stay in touch with social media when behind the wheel. 

Mercedes-Benz will target more blue-collar brands like Ford and Volkswagen with  the new A-Class, which could surpass the C-Class sedan as the manufacturer’s most popular model.

Mazda

Mazda

The Mazda2 and Mazda3 will soon receive an updated look as well as new engines and gearboxes to bring them into line with competitors.

Mazda2 will be released in the third quarter next year. The car should feature a range of updates including a change away from the current car’s dated four-speed auto gearbox.

A spokesman for the brand said it was possible that Australia’s best-selling car, the Mazda3, would be revised in the fourth quarter of 2013.

The small car range will benefit from styling changes that bring it into line with the svelte new Mazda6.

It will also get a new range of more efficient engines.

Hyundai

Hyundai

Hyundai is launching just one new car in 2013, a wagon version of its i30 hatch.

The i30 tourer will be available before Easter, priced from only $29,990.

The car will share the i30’s petrol and diesel engines and be available in both manual and automatic forms.

Honda

Honda

Honda will add to its green credentials by adding a hybrid option to the Jazz city car.

The Jazz Hybrid will go on sale in February, looking quite similar to existing petrol models. Final specification for the car has not yet been confirmed, but its fuel use should be close to the Honda Insight’s 4.3L/100km frugality.

Honda will also introduce a diesel version of its Civic hatchback in March. It will be one of the most fuel-efficient cars on sale, with the 88kW 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine using just 3.6L/100km of fuel. 

The Hybrid CR-Z coupe is in line for a minor facelift in April that should freshen up its look.

Ford

Ford

Ford’s Fiesta city car is also in line for an update that will see it receive a turbocharged petrol engine. The new car will arrive in August, powered by the Blue Oval’s new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, and it will also bring Ford’s Sync connectivity system to the Fiesta line.

June will see the local debut of the Ford Fiesta ST, a three-door hatch powered by a turbocharged 1.6 litre engine with 132kW and 240Nm.

As with Ford’s Focus ST, the Fiesta ST will only be available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Holden

Holden

Holden will also introduce an automatic version of its entry-level Spark hatchback.

Mr Devereux says the brand launched Spark as a manual-only car without acknowledging that buyers in the city car market “almost exclusively want auto”.

The automatic Spark will be available in January and should re-ignite flagging sales of the $12,490 hatch.

Audi

Audi

Audi’s calendar for 2013 includes an all-new A3 hatch and several performance cars that will have well-heeled petrol heads readying their chequebooks.

The new A3 Sportback will arrive in May, followed by the regular version in about July. The cars will be available with a range of four petrol and diesel engines ranging from 77 kW to 132 kW, as well as manual and dual-clutch transmissions.

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The car is up to 90 kilograms lighter than the previous version, and is among of raft of premium hatchbacks that aim to woo Australian buyers in 2013.

Land Rover Launches new Freelander 2 S Business Edition in India

Land Rover has rolled out a new, price cut S Business edition of its flagship SUV Freelander 2, which will be a new base variant of the car priced at around Rs. 2 lakh cheaper than the existing one. In order to make it more affordable, Land Rover has cut down some features like the sunroof, rear camera, front doors' puddle lamps, driver and passenger's arm rests and powered front seats. The company has also replaced the 7-inch touchscreen and NAV unit with a smaller 4.2 inch colour display with a 6-speaker audio system. In terms of design, the car 

The engine too remains the same- 2.2-litre TD4 turbo diesel, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which delivers the maximum power output of 148bhp and 420Nm of peak torque. The power is transmitted to all four-wheels.

Other than the above-mentioned features that the Freelander 2 S Business edition gave up, it remains all the same by heart and design, and most importantly, its performance hasn't got affected. The Land Rover Freelander 2 S Business edition is priced at Rs. 37.63 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 VXi with airbag launches at Rs. 3.31 lakh

Maruti Suzuki India has silently introduced the Alto 800 VXi airbag variant in the country. The VXi airbag variant of Alto 800 is priced at Rs. 3.31 lakh for Non-Metallic paint and Rs. 3.35 lakh for the Metallic paint (all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi). The information has been fetched from the company's official website. Airbag is the only new safety measure added to the car with an additional cost of Rs. 18,318, while all the features remain the same.

Talking about the features, the new Alto 88 VXI sports all-door power windows, central locking, left side rear view mirror, rear spoiler, drive side airbag and some other add-ons over the LXi variant. The Alto 800 is powered by a 796cc petrol mill that churns out the maximum power output of 48bhp and 67Nm of top torque. The engine transmits the power to front wheels via a five speed manual transmission. When compared to the previous generation Alto, the new Alto 800 is more spacious and has an improved fuel efficiency.

Ferrari 458 'Speciale' Edition to debut at Frankfurt

Third version of the famous 458 Italia, the Ferrari 458 Speciale is all set to make its public debut at the coming Frankfurt Motor Show, this September. The 458 Speciale is the latest product of Ferrari’s core philosophy of extreme technological innovation and research which, in this instance, has yielded powertrain, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics advances that transform the already exceptional 458 Italia into a car genuinely worthy of the “Speciale” moniker. The result is a completely new, uncompromising, streamlined sports car concept.

Ford EcoSport gets pricier

Ford India had launched the much-awaited compact SUV, EcoSport at a very aggressive pricing of Rs. 5.59 lakh. Now, the depreciating value of rupee has forced the carmaker to increase the prices of this compact SUV by around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000, depending on the variant.

The company has also updated the new prices on its official website. While the base 1.5-litre petrol Ambiente model is now priced at Rs. 5.82 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), up by around Rs. 23,000 , the top of the line 1.5-litre diesel Titanium optional now costs Rs. 9.37 lakh, up by around Rs. 37,0000 from Rs. 9 lakh. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost Optional variant' price too hiked by Rs. 38,000, which is now priced at Rs. 8.66 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Similarly, other variants of the vehicle also costs about Rs. 30,000 to 40,000 more.

The high demand and long waiting period for EcoSport has already forced Ford's dealers to stop taking bookings for the vehicle.

Updated prices of Ford EcoSport (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

Ford Ecosport 1.5 Ti VCT MT Ambiente - Rs. 582,300.00

Ford Ecosport 1.5 Ti VCT MT Trend - Rs. 677,290.00

Ford Ecosport 1.5 Ti VCT MT Titanium - Rs. 788,290.00

Ford Ecosport 1.5 Ti VCT AT Titanium - Rs. 867,290.00

Ford Ecosport 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium - Rs. 828,290.00

Ford Ecosport 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium Optional - Rs. 866,290.00

Ford Ecosport 1.5 DV5 MT Ambiente - Rs. 701,300.00

Ford Ecosport 1.5 DV5 MT Trend - Rs. 788,290.00

Ford Ecosport 1.5 DV5 MT Titanium - Rs. 899,290.00

Ford Ecosport 1.5 DV5 MT Titanium Optional - Rs. 937,290.00

Skoda to display Rapid Spaceback and Yeti facelift at Frankfurt Motor Show

Skoda, the Czech automaker will showcase two new exciting models at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new Skoda Rapid Spaceback and facelifted Yeti will take centre stage on the Skoda stand, showcasing the brand's dynamic design and technical innovation. The world premier of the Rapid Spaceback and facelifted Yeti is a part of Skoda's strategy of introducing eight new or facelifted models before the end of 2013.

The new Rapid Spaceback applies fresh and original thinking to an established and typically conservative area of the compact family hatchback market. With stylish exteriors and interiors, the Rapid Spaceback also offers a vast array of personalisation options that allow buyers to tailor the car to their own tastes. Among the styling options are a large panoramic glass roof and extended tailgate glazzing.

The rear passengers in the Rapid Spaceback enjoy the highest level of knee and headroom in the class, while the 415 litre boot (extendable to 1,380 litres) offers exceptional practicality. The cabin builds on the strengths of the standard Rapid and adds new steering wheels, fresh upholstery fabrics and new trim. The vehicle also features some clever elements such as dual-level boot floor, ice-scraper inside the fuel cap, and a host of holders, nets and hooks all around the interior. The engine range comprises of four petrol and two diesel units. The line-up will also include a GreenLine version with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.

The facelift version of the Skoda Yeti will be available in two different variants - Yeti and Yeti Outdoor. The former has been designed to look and feel at home in the big city, and features body-coloured bumpers, side protective mouldings and rear panels to give a smoother, sleeker look. The Yeti Outdoor, in contrast, features black plastic mouldings that sit perfectly with the SUV’s rugged and adventurous image.

Six different engines will be available across the revised Yeti line-up, with the option of front-wheel-drive or all wheel drive with a new fifth-generation Haldex coupling. In addition, the facelifted Yeti offers new alloy wheel designs and fresh interior design features, including steering wheels, new seat fabrics or decorative trim pieces. The Yeti can also be equipped with a parking camera for the first time.

Upcoming Cars 2013 India

Upcoming Cars 2013 India From Tata

Tata Indigo Manza Diesel Hybrid: Tata has announced to launch first Hybrid Indian car, Manza Hybrid in India in 2013. It would run on diesel engine with parallel electric motors. Tata Manza Diesel Hybrid is tuned to produce less than 90gms/km co2 emission. There would be more goodies with new technology. Price is expected to be 8-10 lakh.

Tata Indigo Manza Diesel Hybrid : Upcoming Cars 2013

Upcoming Cars 2013 India From Fiat

Fiat would launch 2013 Fiat Linea in India in January 2013. It would have all new front and rear look. Front grill and bumber have changed, they are more luxurious now. Headlamps are also changed. New Interior has luxurious look. Expected price is 8-10 lakh.

2013 Fiat Linea : Upcoming Cars India

Upcoming Cars 2013 India From Kia Motors

Kia Motors has planned to make their way into Indian Car Market with hatchback car. Hatchback segment is the most hot segment in India. Kia Picanto, first showcased in 2011 Geneva autoexpo, would have i10 engine as its heart. Kia Picanto has aggressive look and expected to be priced at 4-6 lakh. Kia Picanto is expected to be launched in January 2013.

Kia Picanto : Upcoming Cars India 2013

Upcoming Cars 2013 India From Renault

Renault has 5 cars in India Market. 1 hatchback – Pulse, 2 sedan – Fluence and Scala, 2 SUV – Koleos and Duster. New addition to their product line, Renault Sandero would be utility hatchback vehicle. With expected price of 6-8 lakh, Renault Sandero would be powered by 1.6 litre diesel engine.

Renault Sandero : Upcoming Cars India 2013

Upcoming Cars 2013 India From Mitsubishi

Quick Facts about Mitsubishi Mirage : Expected launch date : Jan-Mar 2013, Entry Level Fuel Efficient Car, Light weight and Aerodynamic design, basic dashboard, Aimed to Developing countries like India. Price : 5-6 lakh approx. Mileage : 22 kmpl

2013 Mitsubishi Mirage Price In India

Upcoming Cars 2013 India From BMW

After getting good response for BMW X1, BMW might introduce new 1 series in India in 2013. BMW 1 series is luxury hatchback cars, price starting from 18 lakh. It would come with 1.6 litre petrol and 2.0 litre diesel engine. Expected to arrive in March 2013.

BMW 1 series : Upcoming Cars India 2013

Upcoming Cars 2013 India From Honda

Honda Brio Diesel Much much much awaited honda brio diesel is expected to arrive in 2013. That would be the first diesel car from Honda in India. Price expected to be 5-7 lakh, it would be powered by 1.4 litre honda diesel engine. Same engine would power Honda Jazz, Honda City later on. Honda Brio Diesel Sedan is also expected to be launched.

Honda Brio Sedan Diesel Price India

Upcoming Cars 2013 India From Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki might launch diesel version of small hatchback, Maruti Suzuki WagonR. Sales of petrol cars are down due to fuel price hike. Diesel version of such car would boost up sales. But s its diesel heart, it would be bit costly.Maruti Suzuki Diesel WagonR Price is expected to be 4-5 lakh.

2013 Maruti Suzuki Diesel WagonR India

After BMW, Audi; Mercedes may hike prices next week

Coimbatore: Luxury car major Mercedes-Benz India may take a decision next week on increasing prices of its models to offset the rise in input costs following the rupee's depreciation, the company said on Friday.

The matter has been considered over the past few months and a decision will probably be announced by next week, Eberhard H Kern, managing director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, told reporters here.

He refused to divulge the quantum of increase.

Earlier this month, the BMW group said it will increase prices across models, including the Mini, by up to 5 per cent amid higher import costs due to the declining rupee. German luxury car maker Audi had said on July 10 it would hike prices in India by up to 4 per cent.

Mercedes-Benz India plans to alter its strategy of purchasing and sourcing in India, considering the local
currency's depreciation, said Mr Kern, who was here for the launch of the E 63 AMG 5.5L and the opening of a showroom.

The company has increased its investment to Rs. 850 crore in its plant in Chakan, Pune, and plans to double capacity from the present 10,000 units by the year end.
     
On the launch of the compact sports utility vehicle or SUV, Mr Kern said the GLA would be showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year and will be brought to India next year.