THE NEW WAGON-R

Maruti has come out with a new WagonR. The changes seem to be more cosmetic than anything else though they have added some additional features to the upper versions. It seems to be starting a new trend of adding accessories usually found in bigger cars to the B segment cars. The top version comes with ABS, dual air bags and electric mirrors that are definitely new to this segment.

Other than that they have changed the grille, which makes the car look slightly better. The once odd looking front number plate which was comically located a little off from the center is now in proper place. But otherwise, changes don't seem to be much. Engine remains the same. Maruti just seems to have done a face-lift like they did with Zen a couple of years ago.

But what would be much desired and may become popular is the version that comes factory fitted to run on LPG – a first in India.

See more details and pictures on WagonR website.

NOW IT'S TWO WHEELER COs HIKING PRICES

After Maruti and Hyundai announced price hike on their cars, it's the turn of two wheeler companies to increase prices. Increasing input costs are forcing automobile manufacturers to hike prices. Now it's the turn of Bajaj and TVS to increase prices by Rs.500-1000 It would be no surprise if Hero Honda also falls in line. Read more.

CHEVY OPTRA HATCHBACK VERSION - SRV

GM India has launched hatchback variant of the Optra, called SRV. The SRV falls into the premium hatchback section, a category where others have not found success. Ford's Fusion and Hyundai Accent Viva are the two other cars that are currently available premium hatchback cars in India.

The SRV does not have multiple variants, and comes with a 1.6L engine that delivers 101bhp. But it comes with an option of additional features which GM calls 'option pack' which adds airbags, alloy wheels and a few more things. The SRV is priced at approximately 7 lakhs for the basic version, and around 7.5 lakhs with the option pack. See more details and specifications on GM India's webpage on the SRV.

HONDA CIVIC IS FINALLY HERE

Honda has finally launched the car that everyone is waiting to see in India - the Civic, Honda's most popular car ever.



Civic comes with a vTEC engine that delivers 132BHP, with manual and automatic transmission options, with 5 speed for even automatic transmission. The automatic transmission seems to be really hi-tec, with a manual override option just at the press of a button!

The Manual version of the Civic costs around 10.75 lakhs while the automatic is around 11.5 lakhs. For more details, see the Honda India website which has excellent details on the car.