Top 5 SUVs in January 2017; Vitara Brezza reports 8932 units of sales

                                

The segment of utility vehicles is growing in the Indian automobile industry despite demonetisation and heavy diesel vehicle ban in the few cities. In the period of April 2016 to January 2017, the UV segment has witnessed for 32.04 percent growth and addressed has the highest segment among all categories. The PV market sold a total of 6,18,427 units of utility vehicles in the April to January period. In the same period of the previous year, the UV category received 4,68,236 units.

Related: Maruti Ertiga Limited Edition Available At Rs. 7.85 Lakh

Coming to the last month (January 2017) sales, a total of 62,264 units of UVs sold by the PV market and represented double-digit growth of 24.47percent compared to the UV sales of 50,023 units in January 2016.  As per the report, the double-digit growth is achieved by the compact UVs like the Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Creta and Toyota Innova Crysta.

                                      

The list of top 5 SUVs in January is highlighted by the new Maruti Suzuki car, Vitara Brezza with 8,932 units. The Hyundai Creta has occupied the second slot with the sales of 7,918 units and reported highest sales compared to 6,589 units in the same month of the previous year. Creta is the top 1 SUV in January 2015.

Related: Top 10 Selling Cars In January 2017, Seven Cars From Maruti Suzuki

Mahindra Bolero is the 3rd SUV in the list with the sales of 6,598 units and reported the small growth compared to sales of 6,160 unit in January 2016. Bolero is the only SUV from Mahindra highlighted in the top selling UVs list. With sales of 5,198 units and 5,013 units, the Maruti Ertiga and Toyota Innova have occupied fourth and fifth places respectively. Ertiga has a marginal decline of 502 units in January compared to 5,700 units in the year-ago month.

Top 5 SUVs in January 2017: 

                                         

January 2016	Model	Rank	Model	January 2017
6589	Hyundai Creta	1	Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza	8932
6160	Mahindra Bolero	2	Hyundai Creta	7918
5700	Maruti Ertiga	3	Mahindra Bolero	6598
3982	Mahindra Scorpio	4	Maruti Ertiga	5198
3816	Mahindra TUV 300	5	Toyota Innova	5013

Mahindra launched TUV 300 in South Africa

The Indian utility vehicle manufacturer, Mahindra has launched the TUV 300 in the South African market at the basic price of R2,29,995, equal to Rs. 11,84,179.28 in Indian currency. In South Africa, the newly launched compact SUV is offered in top-end T8 variants only.

Related: Mahindra launched 2017 XUV 500 Sportz at Rs. 16.5 lakhs

As per the reports, the SA- specific Mahindra TUV 300 measures the length of 4,096mm, the width of 1,795mm, the height of 1,839mm and offered with the wheelbase of 2680mm. In South Africa, the TUV 300 is powered by the turbocharged, 2.5-litre mHawk100 diesel engine, which produces the power of 98.53hp (73.5 kW) at the speed of 3,750rpm and the torque of 240Nm at the speed range of 1,600rpm to 2,800rpm.

The South-Africa specific Mahindra TUV 300 is available with the rear-wheel drivetrain and standard 5-speed manual transmission to send the power to the back wheels. It is rated at the fuel economy of 18.52kmpl.

Related: Mahindra launched KUV 100 anniversary edition in India at Rs. 6.37 lakh

The compact SUV offers with the Micro-Hybrid technology that features auto start and stop functionality, 15-inch alloy wheels, chrome-framed fog lamps, roof rails, keyless entry, static bending headlamps, infotainment system features USB/aux and Bluetooth connectivity and driver information. 

In addition, the TUV 300 features the general key features like dual front airbags, second-row mobile charging ports, ABS with ABD. The South Africa-specific TUV 300 is available in four colors, Glacier White, Dynamo Red, Majestic Silver and Molten Orange.

Volkswagen to focus on petrol hybrids

As per the fresh report from the automotive bloggers, the German carmaker Volkswagen to focus on the petrol hybrid by discontinuing the small diesel engines. Currently, Volkswagen offers small diesel engines in its cars like the Polo. But, the company plans to discontinue the development of small engines.

The information from the automotive bloggers, the next generation Volkswagen Polo will be the final model featuring the small diesel engine that will be the four-cylinder, turbocharged 1.6-litre diesel engine.

Related: Volkswagen India to introduce Vento Highline Plus in India

The company’s official person said that the small three-cylinder and four-cylinder diesel engines to be replaced by the four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engines like 1.5-litre turbocharged engine offered in the new VW Golf. As per the latest Audi news, the VW Polo and Volkswagen Up! will feature the 12-volt and 48-volt electrical systems by end of the year 2021 to operate the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) electric motors.

In the last year, the German carmaker has reported that VW will offer the new 1.5-litre diesel engine instead of the 1.6-litre diesel engine. However, the company is planned to introduce petrol hybrids. The VW Golf facelift will offer by the new 1.5-litre engines to replace the existing 1.6-litre TDI diesel and 1.4-litre TSI petrol engines.

Related: Which Volkswagen Is For You?

Currently, there is no Volkswagen car offered with the petrol hybrid in the Indian market, but the next-generation Polo will get the high-efficient engines.

Maruti Baleno RS To Officially Launch On 3rd March 2017

Maruti Suzuki, one of the biggest passenger car maker in India, has officially announced that the Baleno RS will be launched on 3^rd March 2017. The Baleno RS is designed based on the currently available Baleno, which has been retailing through Nexa network.

The Baleno RS also have the same dimensions of Maruti Baleno hatchback, which measures 3,995mm length, 1,745mm width and 1,510mm height. As per the reports, the wheelbase of the upcoming Baleno RS should be the same - 2,520mm.

Related: Maruti Ertiga Limited Edition Available At Rs. 7.85 Lakh

The new one is the performance based version powered by the highly efficient turbocharged engine, which may be 1.0-litre three-cylinder K10C BOOSTERJET petrol, which generates 110.54 hp (75kW) of power at 5,500rpm speed and the torque of 150Nm at the speed range of 1,700 to 4,500rpm. With the powerful engine, Suzuki has already launched the Baleno in the export markets. The new engine will be paired to the 5-speed manual gearbox and with the configuration, the Baleno RS has kerb weight of 950kg.

Being a new premium hatchback, the Baleno RS comes with the additional effects on the exterior, including modified bumpers, distinctive black alloy wheels and unique mesh grille. The interior of the Baleno will be featured all-black interior with the branded seat covers contains RS logo.

Related: Top 10 Selling Cars In January 2017, Seven Cars From Maruti Suzuki

Around one year back, the Baleno RS production concept has been previewed at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo. Now, the Baleno RS has been spied with the red color exterior for the first time in the country. It will be offered in the high-end variant (Alpha) and priced between RS. 8 to 9 lakhs (ex-showroom) to rival the Volkswagen Polo GT.

2017 Audi A3 Cabriolet Available In India at Rs. 47.98 Lakh

Audi, luxury carmaker has introduced the new Cabriolet model of the existing Audi A3 in India at the price tag of Rs. 47,98,000 in ex-showroom, Delhi. It is the facelifted model named as 2017 Audi A3 Cabriolet and the bookings are now open in the Indian market.

The new Audi A3 car features revised front bumper, modified grille, newly designed LED headlamps, sharper single frame grille, latest alloy wheels, new air intakes and tweaked tail lights. The Audi A3 Cabriolet interior is available with the standard MMI navigation system with the electrically foldable 7.0-inch display. Besides, the new car is available with the standard Audi phone box with wireless smartphone charging feature.

Related: Audi Launched Audi A4 Diesel In India At Rs 40.20 Lakh

Additional interior features of the Audi A3 Cabriolet are dual-zone climate control, which offers sunlight dependent control, Milano Leather seat upholstery, Audi parking system plus features a rear view camera and front & rear sensors. The Bang and Olufsen sound system and smartphone interface offered as optional. For the safety, the Audi A3 Cabriolet offers with the Anti-lock braking system with the Electronic-brake distribution system and five airbags. As per the reports, the Indian-specific version will not be equipped with the Audi virtual cockpit.

Related: Audi’s Quattro division set to rename Audi Sport

Being a facelift, the new Audi A3 Cabriolet is swapped the 1.8-litre TFSI engine, which delivers 180hp (132 kW) of power with the 1.4-litre TFSI engine rated at 110kW (150hp) of power. The smaller engine delivers 250Nm torque and mated to the standard gearbox of 7-speed S-Tronic. The new one has improvement of 2.6kmpl compared to the previous model and delivers 19.20kmpl.

Maruti Ertiga Limited Edition Available At Rs. 7.85 Lakh

To increase the sales of Maruti Ertiga, the Indian carmaker has launched the Ertiga limited edition in India at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 7.85 lakh in New Delhi. The new edition gets the additional equipment and unique styling compared to the existing standard Ertiga. This is the good news for the advanced generation customers, who look for the MUVs with special effects in terms of styling and technology.

Related: Top 10 Selling Cars In January 2017, Seven Cars From Maruti Suzuki

The exterior of the Maruti Ertiga Limited Edition is available with the chrome fog lamp bezel, Limited Edition badge, alloy wheels and chrome finished body side moulding. The new version is offered in a new body colour (Exquisite Maroon) along with the two body paint choices, including Superior White and Silky Silver.

The Ertiga limited edition interior available with the newly designed dashboard with wooden inserts, premium seat covers, dual-tone steering cover, wooden inserts on the door pad and centre console, cushion pillows and white ambient light.

Related: Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS launches in March 2017

Coming to the Ertiga mechanical specifications, it is available in two types of engines, 1.4-litre K14B VVT petrol engine rated at 91.15hp (68 kW) and 130Nm of output and 1.25-litre D13 DDiS diesel engine, which produces 88.47hp (66 kW) of power and 200Nm torque. The new edition restricted to VXi and VDi trims, which priced Rs. 7.85lakh and Rs. 8.10lakh respectively.

With all-new features and look, the Ertiga Limited Edition will gain the good response from the customers in the passenger car market. Contact the nearest Maruti Dealer to get the best price quote for new Maruti Ertiga edition, which will be suited for the large-sized families.

Audi Launched Audi A4 Diesel In India At Rs 40.20 Lakh

The German based luxury carmaker, Audi has launched the 2017 Audi A4, which is the first diesel model of the existing Audi A4 in India, at the price tag of Rs 40.20 lakh in ex-showroom of Delhi. The new model is named as Audi A4 35 TDI and the bookings for this diesel car has opened by the authorised Audi dealers in India.

Related: 2017 Audi Q5 Luxury SUV Spied In Mumbai

Let’s come to the discussion on the mechanical specifications, the 2017 Audi A4 is powered by the four-cylinder 2.0-litre TDI turbocharged diesel engine, which generates the maximum output of 190hp power and 400Nm torque. This diesel car features the 2WD (front wheel drive system) and the 7-speed S-Tronic automatic (dual clutch) transmission.

The luxury diesel car can be accelerated from 0 to 100 kilometre per hour in just 7.7 seconds and reached the top speed of 237kmph. It has rated at ARAI-certified mileage of 18.25kmpl, which is 7% more fuel-efficient and 7% more powerful than the previous model.

                                   

Related: Audi to expand sport's RS range by 2018 

 The new Audi car available with four driving modes including Comfort, Dynamic, Auto and Individual, and key features like LED headlights, rear dynamic indicators, ARM Tornado designed 17.5-inch alloy wheels, 3-zone automatic climate control and standard LED ambient lighting.

In addition, the A4 diesel car comes with some advanced technologies like 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster (Audi virtual cockpit) with voice control and two display modes, 8.3-inch MMI Navigation Plus (infotainment system) with Apple CarPlay and MMI Touch. Android smartphone integration is the added advantage for the 2017 Audi A4 diesel. Audi phone box for wireless smartphone charging is the optional feature.

Related: Audi A4 35 TDI Diesel spied in India

The new car features 180-watt 10-speaker luxury sound system along with the standard equipment. For the safety, the new Audi A4 diesel offers ABS with ABD, Audi Parking Aid Plus, rear view camera and eight airbags.

Top 10 Selling Cars In January 2017, Seven Cars From Maruti Suzuki

Starting month of 2017, January registered good sales in the passenger vehicle segment and the top 10 selling cars have achieved positive growth. After many years, this is the first time top 10 cars have good sales in January 2017. As usually, Maruti Suzuki highlights the list of top 10 selling cars with seven cars, including Alto, Swift Dzire, Wagon R, Swift, Celerio, Baleno and Ciaz.

Related: Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS launches in March 2017

In the list of top 10 cars, almost all cars have posted double-digit growth. Maruti Alto occupies the first position with sales of 22,998 units and reported seven percent digit growth compared to the year-ago period sales, 21,462 units. The Swift Dzire with 18,088 units, Wagon R with 14,930 units and Swift with 14,545 units posted 29% growth, 17% growth and 3% growth respectively.

The fifth position occupied by the Hyundai Grand i10 with sales of 13,010 units in the last month. The model has 31% growth compared to the sales in January 2016 were 9,934 units. Again, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio and Baleno have reported 52% and 36% growth and occupied sixth and seventh places with the overall sales of 10,879 units and 10,479 units correspondingly. An interesting news is the Celerio outsold the Maruti Baleno after nine months in the PV segment. 

Related: Maruti Suzuki launched Swift DLX with airbag in India at Rs 4.8 lakhs

Hyundai sold 10,010 units of the Elite i20 hatchback in the month of January 2017 and the model reported 4% growth against year-ago period sales, 9,604 units. The smallest vehicle, Renault Kwid has 16% growth in the last month with the sales of 6,924 units.

With the introduction of SHVS – smart hybrid technology, the Ciaz sales were increased in January 2014 and occupied in 10thposition. The Ciaz hybrid is becoming as the tenth best-selling vehicle and reported 20% growth in terms of sales compared to previous period. This is the first car in India introduced by the SmartPlay touch-screen infotainment system and SHVS in the country.

Models	Units Sold in January 2017	% Change	Units Sold in January 2016
Maruti Suzuki Alto	22,998	7%	21,642
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire	18,088	29%	14,042
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R	14,930	17%	12,744
Maruti Suzuki Swift	14,545	3%	14,057
Hyundai Grand i10	13,010	31%	9,934
Maruti Suzuki Celerio	10,879	52%	7,141
Maruti Suzuki Baleno	10,479	36%	7,698
Hyundai Elite i20	10,010	4%	9,604
Renault Kwid	6,924	16%	5,985
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz	6,530	20%	5,431

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS launches in March 2017

Maruti Suzuki, the Indian carmaker has confirmed to launch the performance based version of the existing Baleno hatchback, named as Baleno RS in the next month, according to the company sources. The Baleno is going to be the next coming launch from the market leader after Maruti Ignis, a small crossover.

Related: Suzuki revealed all-new Wagon R and Stingray in Japan

In 2017, the Baleno RS will be the second launch as well as second RS variant by Maruti Suzuki after the launch of Ciaz RS in October 2015. The performance based hatchback will get the 1.0L Boosterjet engine, which returns the output of 100hp of power and the torque of 150Nm. The new model comes with the standard 5-speed manual gearbox.

The Baleno RS will be the first turbocharged petrol engine (1.0-litre BoosterJet) offered by Maruti Suzuki in the current market. In fact, the Baleno RS concept has showcased at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo (motor show) along with the newly launched Maruti Ignis.

Related: Maruti Suzuki launched Swift DLX with airbag in India at Rs 4.8 lakhs

The Baleno RS will get the V-shaped grille, projector headlights, rear bumpers and sporty front. Inside, the performance based variant features the touch screen infotainment system, Apple car play, RS badging seat covers, Sporty steering wheel, as well.

Like the Baleno hatchback, the RS variant to be sold via the Maruti Suzuki’s NEXA network. The Baleno RS will competing the existing Volkswagen Polo GT and Fiat Abarth Punto. Coming to the price details, the Baleno RS to be available in the price range of Rs. 8 lakh to Rs. 9 lakh.

Mahindra launched 2017 XUV 500 Sportz at Rs. 16.5 lakhs

The utility vehicle manufacturer, Mahindra has launched the XUV 500 Sportz limited edition in the current market at the price tag of Rs. 16.5lakhs. The new limited edition developed based on the existing XUV 500 W10 grade and offered in both manual and automatic versions. The XUV 500 Sportz manual version is priced at Rs.16.5lakhs, whereas the XUV 500 Sportz automatic variant priced Rs. 17.56lakhs in ex-showroom of Mumbai.

Related: Mahindra launched KUV 100 anniversary edition in India at Rs. 6.37 lakh

The limited edition featuring the additional exterior cosmetic upgrades for a new look, including mirror decals, sporty bonnet decals and side decals, orange colored roof rails, inserts on fog lamps and door handles, darker alloy wheels with red brake callipers and a Sportz badge on the dashboard, C-pillar and key. All the features were available in the pre-facelift of the Mahindra XUV 500.

Moreover, the Sportz edition retrieves the features from XUV 500 W10, like reverse camera, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with GPS-guided navigation, climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth and USB support, iPod connectivity, Mahindra’s Blue Sense system, automatic headlights and start-stop button.

Related: Mahindra XUV 500 and KUV 100 to get new variants to counter rivals

Speaking about the specifications, the Mahindra XUV 500 is powered by the 2.2-litre mHawk 140 turbo diesel engine, which generates the maximum output of 140PS power and 330Nm torque. The special edition featured the standard wheel drive system (AWD) and offered with the 6-speed manual or Aisin-sourced 6-speed Automatic gearbox.

Suzuki revealed all-new Wagon R and Stingray in Japan

The biggest Japanese carmaker, Suzuki has revealed 2017 Suzuki Wagon R and 2017 Stingray models in Japan. The all-new Wagon R gets the new changes in styling and additional design cues compared to its predecessor. The new one gets the tallboy design and upright two-piece grille at the front side. The grille edged by the square headlamps on the Wagon R standard model.

The hybrid model gets the separated two-piece units on the body-colored panel, a thick band of chrome surround the grille, as well. The front bumper on the standard model is different from the hybrid model.

Related: Maruti Suzuki launched Swift DLX with airbag in India at Rs 4.8 lakhs

On the other hand, the Stingray gets the noticeable and flat single-piece front grille surrounded by the vertical LED headlamps. The front bumper is unique from the Stingray compared to the other models. The all-new Stingray borrows the design inspiration from the American carmaker Cadillac’s Escalade SUV.  

The new variants have a similar look from the sides and identical to each other with the body-colored B-pillar, which divides car in front and rear sections. The new car featured by the rear side glass at the bottom, wing mirror on the door, mild fender flares, as well.

Related: Maruti Suzuki discontinues sale of S-Cross crossover lower variants in India

On the back side, the Suzuki Wagon R gets the Japan-specific Alto’s rear styling with the clean tailgate and tail lamps. Moving to the inside, the horizontal dashboard features the centre console with the color display for MID. As per the news, some of the variants additionally featured the heads-up display on the driver front side. Some of the features to be borrowed from the Maruti Ignis, including touchscreen infotainment display, four rectangular air-con vents, as well.

Related: Maruti Suzuki Launched Wagon R VXi+ in India at Rs. 4.69lakhs

Speaking about the mechanical specifications, the standard car is powered by the 3-cylinder 660cc petrol engine rated at 52hp of power and the torque of 60Nm. The Hybrid version featured by the SHVS Suzuki’s mild hybrid technology for more fuel economy. The Stingray model also offered in both standard and hybrid versions.

Mahindra launched KUV 100 anniversary edition in India at Rs. 6.37 lakh

The growing utility vehicle maker, Mahindra has released the first-anniversary edition of the Mahindra KUV 100 in the Indian market at the affordable price tag of Rs 6.37lakhs. The new model is developed based upon the existing high-end variant K8 with two exterior color options, including a Dazzling Silver colored body with the Metallic Black roof and Flamboyant Red.

Related: Mahindra XUV 500 and KUV 100 to get new variants to counter rivals

The new anniversary edition gets the new black colored premium theme and the large sized 15-inch alloy wheels. Moreover, the KUV 100 K6 and K6+ variants will get the spider 14-inch alloy wheels. As per the reports, the potential customers also get the four accessory kits to personalise the existing KUV 100, namely premium interior and exterior kits and sporty exterior and interior kits.

With the introduction of accessory kits, the KUV 100 gets the new look. Mahindra has sold more than 42,000 units of the small crossovers since its market launch in January 2016.

Related: Mahindra KUV 100 Anniversary Edition Showcased at Autocar Performance Show 2017

On the occasion of the KUV 100 anniversary edition launch, Pravin Shah said: “we would like to thank our customers for their valuable support in the new SUV segment”. We at Mahindra are usually updating our products according to the latest trends. Now, we have introduced new KUV 100 avatar with the special accessory kits to gain the best results from the young customers.

The starting price of the KUV 100 is Rs. 4.58lakhs in Delhi Ex-showroom, whereas the new variant will be offered at Rs. 6.37lakhs. The difference between the existing top-end K8 variant and the new avatar is Rs. 13,000 only. Mahindra also announced that we have opened bookings for new KUV 100 K8 at all Mahindra dealerships.

Maruti Suzuki launched Swift DLX with airbag in India at Rs 4.8 lakhs

                                   

The largest carmaker has introduced the updated edition of the existing Swift DLX with the driver’s airbag and the model is priced at Rs 4.8 lakhs in ex-showroom of Delhi. There is no announcement on the company’s official website about this report but published in the newspaper. Besides, the new variant available with all features offered in the earlier Swift DLX, like power windows for all doors, music system with USB, speakers and Bluetooth, blacked-out pillars and central locking.

Related: Maruti Suzuki discontinues sale of S-Cross crossover lower variants in India

Other the driver’s airbag, the new Swift DLX gets no additional features and develops based on the Swift LXI grade. Being a popular hatchback, the Maruti Swift DLX edition is offered by the regular 1.2-litre K-series petrol engine that is mated with the 5-speed manual gearbox.

With the mechanical specifications, the Swift DLX generates the maximum output of 84.3PS power and 114Nm torque. The petrol car returns the mileage of 20.4kmpl.

Related: Maruti Suzuki Launched Wagon R VXi+ in India at Rs. 4.69lakhs

Moreover, the company has committed to launching the next-generation models of the Swift family in this year and which will be developed based on the Baleno hatchback. As per the news, the 2017 Swift Dzire will arrive in May 2017, whereas the Maruti Swift will be reached the showrooms in the coming festival season.