Cars for year 2012 !!! Reviews

Chevrolet Captiva

Engine: 2.2-litre diesel

Power/Torque: 184bhp/40.78kgm

Kerb weight: 1878kg

L/W/H: 4673/1879/1727mm

Expected: January 2012

Price: Rs 22-24 lakh

Chevrolet’s versatile SUV has just been given a face-lift and looks all the better for it. An imposing split grille in line with Chevrolet’s new family look and double-barrel headlamps are  the most prominent changes to the Captiva’s styling while clear lens tail-lamps complete the makeover.

The seven-seater will also benefit from revised interiors. On the engine front, the 2-litre motor will be replaced by a new 2.2-litre diesel unit. Peak power will see a spike from 148bhp at present to 184bhp on the new engine. Prices are likely to increase by around Rs 1 lakh when the new model is launched in the middle of 2012.

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Ashok Leyland Stile 

Engine: 1.5-litre dieselPower/Torque: 105bhp/24.4kgmKerb weight: 1269kgL/W/H: 4400/1695/1860mmExpected: Early 2013Price: Rs 7.5-9.5 lakh

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Audi Q3

Engines: 2-litre turbo-petrol, 2-litre dieselPower/Torque: 211bhp/30kgm,176bhp 38.7kgmKerb weight: 1565-1585kgL/W/H: 4385/1831/1590mmExpected: Mid-2012Price: Rs 25-35 lakh

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Fiat Punto Evo

Fiat is ready with a set of cosmetic upgrades for its Punto hatchback. To be called the Punto Evo, the car will receive a new front bumper with integrated foglamps, a new front grille and slightly reworked headlights. The tail-lights will also be tweaked and there will be a redesigned rear bumper too. The European Evo features a new dashboard though it remains to be seen if the Indian car will get this. The current engine options are likely to continue though we expect a small price increment across the range.


Engines: 1.2 litre-petrol,  1.4 litre-petrol, 1.3-litre-diesel, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 67bhp/9.76kgm, 89bhp/ 11.67kgm, 75bhp/20kgm, 90bhp/21.3kgm
Kerb weight: 1090-1145kg
L/W/H: NA/1687/1495mm

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Chevrolet Cruze (upgraded)

Engines: 2-litre diesel

Power/Torque: NA

Kerb weight: NA L/W/H: NA

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Chevrolet Sail Saloon

The Sail is Chevrolet’s weapon for a fresh assault in the midsize segment. Designed and developed in China by GM and SAIC, the Sail looks every bit a modern Chevy. The proportions are nice and styling is sharp all over. Interior space is a highlight and that should give it an edge over smaller rivals like the Maruti Swift Dzire.
Power will come courtesy a 1.4-litre petrol engine producing 102bhp, and eventually the 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced Multijet diesel. Interestingly, the Sail platform has its roots in the same Opel Corsa that was on sale in India till 2006; so the car should not be too expensive for Chevrolet to produce. Prices are likely to be affordable, ranging from Rs 6-7.5 lakh.   
Factfile:
Engine: 1.4-litre petrolPower/Torque: 102bhp/13.35kgmKerb weight: 1070kgL/W/H: 4249/1690/1505mmExpected: September 2012Price: Rs 6-7.5 lakh