The week that just passed not just witnessed official announcements, there have been a few new launches, too. Here's a brief recap of what happened last week. To read the full articles, please click on the corresponding picture.
1. Tata Bolt launch date
Tata Motors has announced that the Tata Bolt will be launched on the 22nd of January. Based on an updated version of the Vista platform which underpins the Zest, the Bolt has already started to arrive at dealerships. It can also be booked online against a deposit of Rs 11,000. The hatchback will be offered with two engine options: a Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre diesel and a 1.2-litre Revotron turbocharged petrol.
2. Mercedes CLA launch
The Mercedes CLA, which is scheduled to be launched on January 22, will be assembled in India. It will be the first among the MFA-based vehicles to be assembled in the country. It will be available with either a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (181 hp and 300 Nm) or a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder diesel (134 hp and 300 Nm). The CLA will be positioned directly against the Audi A3 sedan, and is likely to be priced INR 25 lakh onward.
3. Toyota Fortuner 2.5L, Fortuner 4x4 AT, updated Innova
While the next generation Fortuner and Innova continue to be tested, the current versions have undergone some updates. Starting with the Fortuner, an automatic gearbox is now available on the 4x4 variant. Prices for the vehicle start at Rs 24.7 lakh, ex-showroom, New Delhi.
There's also an addition at the lower end of the range, in the form of the 2.5-litre engined Fortuner. The vehicle adopts the said engine from the Innova, which in the Fortuner makes 142 hp of power and 343 Nm of torque. It will only be available in a 2WD version.
The Innova MPV has been updated as well. It now gets dual SRS airbags (for driver and front passenger) as part of the standard equipment. Prices for the updated Innova start at Rs 10.51 lakh and go all the way up to Rs 15.8 lakh, ex-showroom, New Delhi.
4. Hyundai price hike
Owing to the reversal of excise duty benefits and rising input cost, Hyundai has announced a price hike across its range. Effective with immediate effect, this increase varies between Rs 15,000 and Rs 1,27,000, depending on the model.
Hyundai managed to post record sales in 2014, but is not the only manufacturer to announce the hike. On the positive side of things, Maruti Suzuki believes the sales will not dwindle even with increase in purchase price of the cars.
5. Mahindra's 5 millionth vehicle
Indian utility major Mahindra & Mahindra rolled out its 5 millionth vehicle. The company took only two years to cross the 5 million mark from the 4 million figure in 2012. The 5 millionth vehicle, which rolled out of the facility in Kandivali (Maharashtra), was a Thar. With 7 vehicles planned for 2015, it appears that Mahindra will cross further milestone soon.
