Maruti Ciaz Z+, Maruti Swift Windsong, new VW Jetta, VW engine plant, BMW i8 launch, Ford EcoSport render - IAB Retrospect

Through part 1/2 of this IAB Retrospect story, we present the most important developments from the Indian auto industry last week.

Click on the photos to read the respective stories.

1. Maruti Ciaz Z+ and Maruti Swift Windsong edition launched

Maruti Suzuki has added a fully loaded version to the Ciaz, called the Ciaz Z+ which gets 16-inch wheels, a SmartPlay infotainment system, and leather wrapped steering and seats, over the standard equipment available on the Z trim. It's priced at INR 9.08 lakh for the petrol ZXi+ and INR 10.37 for the diesel ZDi+.

The company also launched a special edition variant of the Maruti Swift. It's called the Maruti Suzuki Windsong edition, and comes with customised exterior and interior, and added features like a Sony touchscreen music system, integrated reverse camera and parking sensors. Mechanically unchanged, the variant is priced at INR 5.14 lakh for the petrol version and INR 6.1 lakh for the diesel variant.

2. VW India inaugurates new engine plant, announces 2015 VW Jetta's launch date

German car maker Volkswagen inaugurated a new engine assembly plant in its Chakan manufacturing facility. The engine plant will be responsible for producing the new 1.5-litre TDI unit that does duty in the VW Polo, Vento, and Skoda Rapid. It has a capacity to produce as many as 98,000 engines annually.

Later in the week, VW also announced the 2015 VW Jetta's (facelift) launch date. The car, showcase at the 2014 New York Motor Show, will be launched on February 17. Mechanically it's expected to remain unchanged, while a few cosmetic revisions will be made.

3. BMW i8 launch date

The BMW i8 hybrid sports car is announced to be launched on February 18 in India, at an expected price of INR 2 crores. The car gets a petrol-hybrid setup that produces 360 hp and 570 Nm of torque.

It uses lightweight materials, and weighs 1,485 kg, which helps it achieve a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.4 seconds, and a top speed of 250 km/h.

4. Ford EcoSport European facelift render

In Europe, the Ford EcoSport compact SUV will soon lose its tailgate mounted spare wheel for a cleaner look. According to reports, customers in Europe don't fancy the design feature.

IAB's rendering artist, Shoeb, created a digital mock-up, with the rear having just the registration plate with a chrome garnish around it.

5. Suzuki announces 3 new plants in Gujarat

Suzuki has announced 3 plants in the state of Gujarat. These will contract manufacture products for Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL). The total capacity of the three plants is said to be 750,000 units annually.

The foundation stone for the first of the three plants was laid last week. The company says it will start production at the first plant by mid-2017, and that it has a capacity to produce 250,000 vehicles annually.