Hyundai Motor India has launched the Sonata Transform, a face lifted version of the Sonata luxury sedan, which was launched nearly two years ago. Quite similar in appearance, the car is powered by the advanced second generation Theta family of gasoline engine, which produces 175 bhp at 6000 rpm of maximum power and 23.8 Kgm of torque at 4000 rpm. This engine sports a variable intake system and variable valve technology, and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The diesel variant of the Sonata Transform is powered by a 4-cylinder, 2-litre common-rail engine with a variable geometry turbocharger that does 150 bhp and 32.1 Kgm of torque at 2000 rpm. There is a choice of 6-speed manual or 4-speed auto transmission on this engine. 

Interestingly, the Sonata Transform offers new features like new alloys, smart key which incorporates remote door opening, keyless ignition and engine immobiliser, new head and tail lights, six airbags for enhanced safety for both driver and occupants. Separate climate control for driver and passenger, steering remote control for the audio, MP3 player with USB and Auxiliary port and complete leather pack which includes seats, steering wheel and gear knob. 

Other features of the car include rear defoggers, fog lamps, twin exhaust, 2-tone beige interior, automatic headlamp off (battery saver), woodgrain finish inserts on steering, dashboard, and door panel. The Sonata Transform also packs active and passive safety systems like ABS, EBD, six airbags (dual front, side and curtain airbag), seat belt pre-tensioner with load limiter. Passive safety includes features like crumple zones, side impact beams, and impact sensing door unlocking system.

Fiat introduced its new higher mid-size sedan, the Linea, in Mumbai recently. The Linea is made at Fiat's plant in Ranjangaon in Pune, and marks the company's commitment to India. Launched in India after Turkey and Brazil, the Linea was designed at Fiat's styling studio in Italy and is based on the Grande Punto platform. 

Structured on a wheelbase of 2603 mm, the car is powered by a 1.4-litre 16V FIRE petrol engine that does 90 bhp and a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger that does 89 bhp. Arguably the most spacious in its segment, the Linea flaunts a brigade of features that includes a steering adjustable for tilt and with multi-function switches, powered door mirrors, two airbags, ABS, built-in stereo, Blue & Me advanced infotainment system that was developed in association with Magneti Marelli and Microsoft. 

With a local content of an estimated 65 per cent, the Linea, which is available in 10 trim levels, is priced in the range of Rs. 6,17,940 and Rs. 8,35,105 (Mumbai). By the end of 2009, the L:inea, according to Rajeev Kapoor, CEO of Fiat India, is expected to reach a local content level of 90 per cent. It is also expected to get new engines in the near future. First in line of three launches that Fiat will undertake this year, the other two being Bravo and Grande Punto, the Linea is also expected to boost the company's service standards. 

Speaking to media persons during the launch, Kapoor said his company plans to sell 24,000 Lineas in 2009, out of which 3,000 are to be exported to South Africa. Fiat's COO International, Silverio Bonfiglioli, reiterating India's importance said Fiat, through its sourcing office in India, will source metal parts, machined parts and others to a tune of Euro 250 million by the year 2010.

The first export shipment of Maruti Suzuki's World Strategic Model A-star set out for Europe from the Mundra Port recently. The pilot consignment, comprising 1,534 A-star cars to the UK (1,458) and Italy (76), is expected to reach the European ports by early February 2009. The shipment was flagged off by Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Sandeep Mehta, CEO, Container and Logistic Business, Mundra Port and Special Economic Zone Limited, and Masahiro Kato, Director, Managing Corporate Officer, NYK Line, Japan. The A-Star is christened as Suzuki Alto in Europe and represents Suzuki's re-entry into the European small-car market. The A-Star's export to Europe also highlights the fact that a car made-in-India has earned a place on Suzuki's global list, turning Maruti into Suzuki's global hub for small cars.

Volkswagen India has successfully achieved its target of appointing 15 dealerships in India at the turn of the year 2008 to 2009. The company recently announced the appointment of Volkswagen Pune as its authorised dealer. The Pune dealership adds to the line of Volkswagen dealerships at Delhi, NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Cochin, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Goa and Kolkata. 

The Pune dealership is located on the Ahmednagar Road at Wagholi on the outskirts of Pune and like every other VW dealership, offers best-in-class pre and post sales ownership experience.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has launched the Xylo MPV. Referred to as Engenio until it was re-christened as Xylo, the MPV targets a market that is looking for a vehicle that costs as much as sedan and is capable of carrying more people in the same levels of comfort, style and amenities. To be sold through 44 dealerships by February, the Xylo was developed completely in-house by Mahindra engineering with close involvement by the suppliers. While an estimated 136 suppliers supported the Xylo programme, the MPV flaunts understated styling and can seat up to 8 people in high levels of comfort. 

Claimed to be spacious than most MPVs and utility vehicles available in India currently, the Xylo is powered by a 2.5-litre, 112 bhp common-rail diesel engine from the Mahindra Nef family of engines made at Igatpuri near Nashik. A product that is the least costly per unit price to build for Mahindra, the Xylo has its body mounted on ladder chassis with the drive going to the rear via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Suspension includes independent setup at front and multi-link at the rear. Good ride and a tighter handling is achieved by a optimised suspension set up and enhanced geometry along with gas shocks all round. 

Among the unique features of the Xylo are independent AC louvres, 2-DIN stereo system and the tech-savvy Digital Drive Assist System (DDAS), an alphanumeric display in the centre panel. It tells the date, time, inside, outside temperature and relative humidity. It also indicates the direction in which the Xylo is headed in. Press a button tells the gear the car is in and the speed. The DDAS also tells how long the fuel will last and helps share information on average speed and the instant mileage clocked, which helps to achieve optimum mileage. 

Offering arguably the best package amongst UVs and MPVs when it comes to features and appointments, the Xylo prices start at Rs 6,24,500. The top-end E8 Xylo trim costs a highly aggressive Rs 7,69,000 ex-showroom Delhi.

Setco Automotive, a premium automotive clutch manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government. This includes an Rs250-crore investment plan over the period of next two to three years, and includes a putting up of a new SEZ Unit with an investment of Rs 75 crore for its growing global market. 

Expected to generate employment for 600 people, Setco also proposes to invest around Rs 50 crore at its existing Kalol Plant (near Baroda) for modernization and expansion in the course of the next 2 years. The company will be investing an estimated Rs 100 crore for its joint venture with FTE of Germany for the manufacture of hydraulic clutch systems. For the same, the company is building a plant at Kalol, and close to the existing plant. This plant is expected to generate employment for 500 people over the next 3 years.

Commercial vehicle major, Ashok Leyland has bagged an order for 139 vehicles, worth US$ 10.5 million, from the Honduras Armed Forces (HAF). These vehicles, which include 4x4 Stallion trucks, the 4x4 Topchi trucks, 4930 Tractor and Falcon Long Bus (both a/c and non versions) in left hand drive configuration, will augment the transport resources of the HAF to carry out key poverty eradication programmes and for other humanitarian purposes. 

The Honduras order marks Ashok Leyland's foray into Latin America and is followed by the commercial vehicle maker's entry into Thailand. Following trials, the Stallion 4x4 and Stallion 6x6 have been approved by the Royal Thai Army and an initial lot of 10 Stallion 6x6 vehicles have already been supplied. For the Indian army, Ashok Leyland is the largest supplier of logistics vehicles. The vehicles are tried and tested in altitudes ranging from sea level to over 5,500 metres and in temperatures ranging from -35 degree Celsius to +55 degree Celsius.