Hatches go head to head

In a battle of hatchbacks, we pit Hyundai’s Elite i20 against Fiat’s Punto Evo to decide which one is better on-road

Are you looking for a ­premium hatch that matches both your ­personality and pocket, but are confused which one to choose? We compare Hyundai’s Elite i20 with Fiat’s Punto Evo to help you select the best set of wheels.

Exterior

Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille, pulled back head lamps and visible creases on the ­bonnet — all contribute to a stylish front end. What catches your attention is its blacked out C-pillar (that holds the sides of the rear window in place). At the rear, large LED tail lamps adorn this premium hatch. But the placement of the reverse parking camera was not to our liking.

In the case of Punto Evo, it looks significantly muscular, with design elements such as swept back headlamps, a grille outlined by a thin strip of chrome, as well as chrome ­surrounds for its fog lamps. The rear has LED tail lights, which are quite sporty, and so are the chrome embellishments around the reflectors found in the rear bumper.

Interior

Inside the cabin of the Elite i20, the first thing you will notice is its two-tone interior and the center console. This hatch is high on features like electric ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) with auto fold, a cooled glove box and a reverse parking camera, to highlight a few. The rear offers better knee room for passengers, with the facility of AC vents. 

On the other hand, in the Punto Evo, stylish ambient ­lightning is a plus point. The dashboard looks premium with the piano black finish around the AC vents, along with the music system. Though the add-on ­feature of the rain ­sensing ­wipers might attract you, the missing parking sensors might disappoint you. At the rear, the knee room is not that great.

Performance

As for the on-road performance, both hatches offer a comfy ride, even on bumpy roads, while over the corners, their handling is good. If we talk about their respective power delivery, Elite i20 scores over Punto Evo. Overtaking is swift in Elite i20 in comparison to Punto Evo, which is a bit sluggish. In Elite i20, the gear shifts are jerk free, but in Punto Evo, it feels notchy.

Verdict

After comparing both the ­hatches, we think that Elite i20 is surely a better packaged ­product, be it its exterior and interior design or its ­performance on-road. When we talk about the Punto Evo, it does aim to ­provide sporty looks, but lacks in the engine output, which is a major drawback.

Elegance on wheels

Audi’s new sedan, A3, brims with elegance and style, but will it catch the fancy of the desi buyers?

THE GOOD

True elegance is what defines the Audi A3, which bears a neat and simple design thanks, to its sleek headlamps. A pair of black spoilers in the front further contribute to a sporty look. Sharp shoulder lines rising from the headlamp cluster all the way to back, help in giving it a rich look. On the whole, the overall design is pretty similar to that of Audi A4.

On the inside, the two-tone cabin feels very airy and ­spacious. The air vents, shaped like a turbine, will instantly catch your eye. There is plenty of room in the front while the cabin comes loaded with a bunch of ­goodies such as a 7 inch ­resolution screen, sun-roof, among many other features. 

Under the hood is a 2-litre diesel engine, which is mated with a 6-speed automatic ­transmission — ideal for Indian conditions. This sedan is well-suited to city as well as highway driving conditions. Therefore, overtaking vehicles is a swift affair in both the conditions. The ride and ­handling of the A3 is top notch, as the car can adapt itself to ­corners and small bumps with utter ease.

THE BAD

There is a bit of a turbo lag in this car, especially at lower speeds (below 2000 RPM). But the moment you reach within the mid-range (2000 – 3500 RPM), this sedan glides smoothly on the road. Another flaw that we can pinpoint is that the space at the rear is just about adequate, not great. Other cars such as the Mercedes A Class and the BMW 1 Series would be competitive within the Audi A3’s price segment. 

THE UGLY

The sloping roof line of the Audi A3 does pose to be a problem, as there is ­minimum amount of head room in the rear. The raised transmission tunnel in the rear of the sedan means that only two ­people can be ­accommodated at the back.

New wheels on the block

We spin around the Mobilio, Honda’s advent into the competitive MPV segment, and find out if it works for the Indian buyer or not

THE GOOD

The Honda products are generally known to be high on style, and the brand’s latest entry, Mobilio, is no exception. Applying a modern approach to design, the MPV’s (multi-purpose vehicle) exteriors have a touch of class. Features like the chrome highlighted grill, the sharp-edged line that highlights the side profile, the floating roof line and large wrap around tail lamps with plastic reflector inserts on the back, give the car a premium look. 

When we observe the ­interiors of this car, the first thing that catches the eye is the ample space. The cabin is quite big and roomy, especially in the front. Move back to the middle row and you notice that the seats’ sliding function makes for excellent legroom for the passengers. Another ­advantage that the middle row offers is the availability of air conditioner vents, which make those long journeys quite ­comfortable. The third row, too, offers decent amount of space wherein an adult can sit ­comfortably, but for a short ­distance.

Under the hood, Mobilio ­features two engine variants — 1.5L (petrol) and 1.5L (diesel). Both the engines are refined and provide for a ­comfortable drive. Revving them hard isn’t really an issue, as the gear shifts are pretty decent. In a straight line, this MPV has good body control, while you get to know of its fine ride quality when it smoothly absorbs potholes and broken roads. Overall, 

when it comes to packaging and ­competing with other brands within the same category, Moblio makes for a good buy.

THE BAD

The similarity of the dashboard with that of the Amaze dampens the overall feel of the interiors, as one would expect a slightly spruced up layout. Another ­glaring flaw that we found in the interiors was that the third row lacks proper under-thigh support. As a result, only kids will be comfortable in this row during long journeys. If we talk about the drive, at a high speed (above 100 kmph), the steering feels really light. Now this seems like a major drawback, as the grip over the steering might loosen. The inconsistency of good quality material used in some parts, such as the door, is an area of concern as well.

THE UGLY

The NVH (Noise and Vibration Harshness) levels still leave a bit more to be desired from the car’s diesel engine. Also, the absence of a reverse camera, parking ­sensors and ­bluetooth ­connectivity are ­features that can be found in any ­segment. Their unavailability in the Mobilio is bound to put off many who are looking towards ­procuring a solid MPV from the Honda brand.

Sporty side up - Mercedes ML 63 AMG

The Mercedes ML 63 AMG promises to be an SUV combined with luxury and performance. But can it take you by surprise? Let’s find out. 

THE GOOD

An aggressive, striking front face which not only features a prominent chrome grille with a large three-pointed star logo, but also pulled back headlamps, day time running LED lights along with a sporty front, and a rear bumper with large air dams. However, the most distinct feature in this variant is the AMG badging on the rear with signature AMG quad-exhausts that give this SUV a tough look. 

When we talk about the insides of the car, the cabin feels spacious and luxurious. The front seats offer good support, with features like heating and memory function. For the middle row, passengers get two screens to keep themselves entertained while on the move. You also get performance steering for comfort. 

Under the hood is a V8, 5.5 liter, twin-turbo engine, which when unleashed, makes the SUV a thrill to drive. It comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which offers quick shifts. The exhausts note is outstanding and makes you feel like a racer. Plus, the AMG engine will make the car accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 4.8 seconds. It has a full time all-wheel drive system with active curve system and three suspension settings — comfort, sport and sport+. Considering the size and weight of the vehicle, the brakes are impressive. Overall, the AMG version packs in quite a few punches than its other sibling — the ML.

THE BAD

If we talk about the drive around corners, there is a bit of body role at high speeds, especially when the suspension setting is on the comfort mode. Also, if you compare it with brands such as the Range Rover Sport and the Porsche Cayenne, the Mercedes ML 63 AMG’s interior space is not really very exciting.

THE UGLY

The looks of both the versions (ML and AMG) end up being quite similar. That’s because besides the badging, one cannot really spot out a major difference between a regular ML model and the AMG derived variant. Let’s not forget that at the end of the day, a consumer is paying a lot extra for this performance-oriented machine. The only added advantage for a prospective buyer of the AMG variant is that he will get a much more powerful engine compared to the ML. But whether this will be a good enough reason for the Indian buyer to go for this SUV is what remains to be seen. 

Feature high, but a bumpy ride

Despite a rich features list, Mahindra and SsangYong’s Rexton RX6 doesn’t offer you a smooth drive on high speeds

THE GOOD

By sheer description, its ­muscular appearance, a high ranking features list and massive ground clearance sets Rexton RX6 worthy of a glance. A large prominent chrome grille with pulled-back headlamps comprising both daytime running lights and projector lamps make for a striking front end. LED-studded tail lamps with a wrap-around windscreen, further enhances its profile.

When you step inside the ­vehicle, the spacious and luxurious cabin with its dual tone interior, will instantly catch your eye, as it looks quite smart and sophisticated. This SUV feels big from inside, as a result of which, there is ­plenty of legroom for the middle row too. It comes loaded with a bunch of goodies such as a sunroof, a touch-screen infotainment system with GPS, a rear parking sensor, rain-sensing wipers, ­automatic headlamps and ­powered driver’s seat with ­memory, to mention a few.

Under the hood is a 2.7-litre, 5-cylinder diesel engine with the 4-wheel-drive ‘Torque on Demand’ system, which provides power to front wheels as and when required. Therefore, the power delivery is pretty smooth. Overall, the drive experience is pretty good and comfortable, as the car ­gobbles potholes and broken road without any hassles. Facilities such as ESP, Hill Decent do come in handy while going off-road and taking on the hills. You can call it one of the best Ssang Yong ­products in the Indian market.  

THE BAD

What disappointed us was the sloppy gearbox, which seems a bit outdated, and the absence of cruise control further dampens the driving experience. A soft suspension and light steering do pose to be an issue when the SUV is on high speed and on bumpy roads. The third row caters to minimum leg and knee room, indicative of the fact that it is only suited for children, not for adults. 

THE UGLY

With no reverse parking camera on board, parking is an issue, especially in cramped spaces. In ­comparison to segment leaders like Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero-Sport, the Rexton falls short.  

Too Fast, Too Rough?

We get under the hood and find out if this latest cruiser (BMW 3Series GT) in the Indian automotive market is worth your money or not 

THE GOOD

In perspective, its length, clubbed with a wider appearance and a taller stance, defines the exterior look of the car. The combination of sleeker headlamps and the ­traditional kidney grille further highlights the design element. In profile, the short front overhangs and a coupe-like roofline ­further defines its GT-like ­characteristics. Unlike the normal 3 Series, the GT features frameless doors, which provide it a premium look. Once you step inside, the beige interiors feel spacious and comfortable. Electronically adjustable front seats provide the driver and co-­passenger a larger view. There’s plenty of ­legroom along with good under thigh support both in the front as well as the rear, whereas the boot offers massive space ­featuring wide loading bay and a huge tailgate. Under the hood is a 2.0-litre ­common-rail motor mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Where handling is concerned, we were impressed with the GT, ­considering its sheer size and weight. The gearshifts are quick and smooth, as the vehicle is eager to respond to those quick overtakes. There are 3 driving modes to choose from — Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport.

THE BAD

When we start looking at the flaws in this car, the absence of BMW’s new iDrive touchpad ­controller was deeply missed throughout. As one would expect from any cruiser of this type, the non-availability of electric steering adjust does spoil the driving experience to a certain extent. There is space for three people in the back, but unfortunately, like most other cars within this segment, the issue of a big tunnel does cause ­discomfort, particularly for the passenger sitting in the middle seat. The ride ­quality on the GT is fairly reasonable; however, larger bumps do tend to be an issue causing discomfort to its occupants. We also weren’t totally satisfied with the looks, as they are neither attractive, nor ­unattractive, but ­somewhere in the middle.

THE UGLY

The price factor stucks out like a sore thumb in the BMW 3 Series GT. Competing against its own sibling like the 3-Series and the 5-Series, the GT comes at an expensive price tag of `42.75 lakh (ex-showroom) Delhi. As for the price ­comparison, the 3 Series GT is about `6 lakh more than the normal top-end diesel 3 Series and just `3.5 lakh less than the entry level 520d, which comes with the same drivetrain. But in actual terms, what your extra money buys you is a spacious luxury cabin, which is more comfortable than its siblings, while offering similar levels of efficiency and driver involvement. But still, it has a lot to prove to the Indian customer in the days to come.

Just a good looker?

Hyundai’s latest SUV is well-built and stylish, but its high price may not let it compete with other cars in the same segment.

The Good

The 2014 variant of Hyundai Santa Fe has great road presence. The looks are agile, with chrome highlighted hexagonal grill, combined with swept-back headlamps, which give it a modern look. The biggest plus point is the introduction of LED day time running lights within the headlamp cluster, which were non-existent in its previous model. The interiors are a mix of beige and brown plastic, with a few silver accents here and there. Comfort-wise, the front row offers good support, while the middle row has the ­maximum space. Some new features include a push-start stop button, a reverse camera, cruise control, dual climate control and air-conditioning vents for all three rows. As for the performance, the six-speed ­automatic transmission on board is ideal for Indian use, as it offers ample power, both for city driving and highway cruising with overtaking being a swift affair. With three steering modes, this SUV handles bumps really well, thus suiting Indian roads.

The Bad

When we talk about the negative points of the car, the first thing that comes to the mind is the cabin. It surely has certain issues, starting with the third row, which cannot be utilised to its full potential due to a lack of adequate leg room. Therefore, it would be fair to say that the cabin is best suited for children only. Also, the non-availability of a sunroof ­within the model line-up is a bit ­disappointing, especially when it comes to competing with brands like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Fortuner. Another negative is the touchscreen for the audio system, which is a bit too small for our liking. From the drivability point of view, considering its sheer size, the model offers a fair amount of body roll, which can be a bit of a bother, ­especially when you are going fast on the SUV.

The Ugly

Competing against the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and Honda CR-V, the next generation Santa Fe does come across as expensive. As a result of this, we are not sure that the Indian buyer will opt for this SUV, given its ex-showroom price of Rs27.9 lakh. However, ­considering the overall packaging and the ­exhaustive list of features that have been ­included in this model, this is ­perhaps the best model upgrade in the Santa Fe series till date. Given that, would it be able to handle the heat, with SUVs like Fortuner and the CR-V ruling the segment, and ­foreign bands like Audi and BMW not far behind? It has a lot to prove to the Indian ­customer in the ­coming days. 

Sedans battle it out (Honda City vs Hyundai Verna)

Sedans battle it out

When it comes to mid-size segment sedans, auto enthusiasts in India have many options to choose from. But the main ­factors that play the deciding role for a potential buyer are the car’s style and utility. Two diesel sedans that claim to ­fulfill both these requirements are the 2014 entries of the Honda City and the Hyundai Verna. While Verna has brought out an upgraded ­version of their 2011 model, City makes a foray into the ­diesel segment with their ­latest version. We go through both the cars and tell you which one is worth your money.

Exteriors

Both the machines have a ­modern design approach, which is why they are considered segment leaders by many. However, Honda’s new design philosophy takes the City’s legacy one notch higher, providing novelty, especially towards the rear section of the car. Meanwhile, Verna is high on agile looks and a sculpted body line. The front ends of both vehicles feature substantial amount of chrome, though Verna offers LEDs, which is a plus point in terms of looks. Distinctive in their individual profiles, the City and the Verna are at par with each other when it comes to their appeal. 

Interiors

This is an area where the dynamics change. The Verna, with its two-tone dash (wood and silver inlays), is quite easy on the eyes. City, on the other hand, has a dash that features a glossy piano black panel, with the overall fit and finish being upmarket. Speaking of equipment levels, both models offer keyless entry and a rear-view camera, to name a few. However, elements such as sunroof, touch screen climate ­control panel and rear air vents are some additional ­features in City. 

Performance

With similar engine ­calibration as its previous ­version, the Verna offers a mute driving experience, though the steering response is not as impressive as one would have liked it to be. It’s good in straight line speeds, but when it comes to handling, especially around corners and curves, the Verna isn’t that great. The City scores well in this department, with minimum body roll as compared to the Verna.

Verdict

The high points of Hyundai Verna are its aggressive looks, equipment trims and refined engine, though the rear space is still a bit of an issue. Otherwise, improvements can be seen in the form of its recent upgrade. On the other hand, Honda City is more of a well-packaged product that offers value for money and an all round performance, with only the engine noise being its negative aspect. Taking all aspects into account, the Honda City is our pick.

Price

Honda City            Rs11.10 lakh

Hyundai Verna      Rs10.72 lakh

Auto Expo 2014

All you want to know about the ongoing Auto Expo 2014.

Affordable cars

At the Expo, you will get to see a lot of affordable wheels that are soon going to hit the market. While exploring the upcoming automobiles at the show, don’t forget to check out soon-to-be-launched machines such as Maruti Suzuki Celerio. Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan. Honda Jazz. Cheverolet Beat. Apart from cars, there are two-wheelers too.

Concept cars

This year, the Expo is flooded with concept cars and bikes. Prototypes that shows an innovative approach, a new style or technology are called Concept Vehicles. Many such cars and bikes will spawn into production in the near future. Here is a look at the cars like Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Datsun Concept (codename: I2). Honda XS-1. Cheverolet Adra COMPACT SUV Sedan. Ford figo concept. Renault kwid. Hyundai Venace (HND9). Tata Nexon and  connectnext. Nissan's Friend me. Datsun Redigo. Audi's quattro hybrid. And in two-wheelers Yamaha R25 and FZ-S. TVS Darken

Sports cars

The Expo is also showcasing a number of mean machines that are performance oriented, and are clubbed with agile looks. They are more suited towards good road performance, handling and thrill for the end user. Let's have a look at the Mercedes SLK. BMW Z4. Audi R8.

Muscular Machines (SUV)

SUVs have become a popular choice for Indian consumers, considering they are able to take on any terrain that comes on their way. Muscular exterior design, big power plants and ample of comfort are some of the key features of SUVs. SUVs like Hyundai's Sante Fe. Mercedes GLA. BMW M5 to name a few who steal the show at the expo.

Fancy Gimmicks

To attract more and more public to their counters, all the brands have arranged a lots of activities to engage the public. For example, Hyundai displays a screen where you can show your creative side and paint their car the way you want it. Another attraction is that when you approach the TVS counter, you can experience their dirt bike virtually by putting on funky 3d glasses.

Celeb Factor

A number of celebs made their presence felt at the expo. While actor Priyanka Chopra was seen posing with the latest Jaguar model, actor Kareena Kapoor Khan was seen strutting her stuff at the DC counter. As for the guys. while actor John Abraham was seen at the Yamaha counter, former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar posed with the brand new BMW i8.

Handy Information

Where: India Expo Mart, Greater Noida

Entry: Rs200 - Rs500

Nearest Metro Station: Botanical Garden