Mercedes have recently launched the 2012 version of the CLS 350. The front end looks stunning, courtesy the LED headlamps – with Adaptive high beam Assist for night driving – that add character to the vehicle. The rear is particularly tasteful and has a curvaceous design that is true to the essence of the original CLS. Under its skin is a 3498 cc V6 petrol engine that is capable of churning out 306bhp along with 370Nm of torque. Mated to a 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the CLS 350 can accelerate from 0-100 in just 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 250kmph. The interiors provide a multi-functional steering wheel with gear shift paddles along with a 17.8cm colour screen with COMMAND APS and a Harman Kardon – Logic 7 surround system to name a few. The price of the CLS is Rs.67.67 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom Mumbai).

The C Class also got a facelift and features a new-look LED day time running lights and a new front bumper that add substantial substance to the car – heck, it even looks sinister and close to the SL! There is a panoramic sunroof that has been thrown in along with features like the Attention Assist and Parktronic, including Parking Guidance. For increased safety, the new C-Class offers facilities like PRE SAFE and NECK PRO, ADAPTIVE BRAKE with ABS and ASR, Thermatic Cruise control along with brake drying function and a hill start assist. The facelifted C Class has the same 1796cc engine, which is mated to a 7-Speed Automatic Transmission.

Toyota has launched the diesel variants of their popular sedan the Etios and its hatchback sibling, Liva. A 1.4 litre D-4D common rail Diesel engine is on offer on both these models and it delivers a maximum power output of 67bhp and 170Nm of torque.

The engine is tuned more for efficiency, which is at a claimed figure of 23.59km/l. The prices for the Etios start at Rs.6.44 lakhs - Rs.7.87 lakhs (ex showroom Delhi) while the Liva is priced at Rs.5.54 lakhs (ex showroom Delhi).

Ford India has started working on its new, state-of-the-art integrated manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat. The facility is part of the American manufacturer’s $1 billion investment strategy and is likely to create 5000 jobs and produce 240,000 vehicles and 270,000 engines per year, which are scheduled to come off the line in 2014. Managing Director, Michael Boneham said “These new state-of-the-art facilities will help us reach the goal of increasing worldwide sales by nearly 50 percent by mid-decade to 8 million vehicles per year”. The new engine plant represents one of several new investments that Ford has made to support its aggressive expansion plan in India and throughout the globe. Earlier this year, Ford announced an investment of USD 72 million by 2012 to expand its already operating powertrain facility in Chennai. The company is also planning to strengthen its product portfolio by brining in eight new vehicles by 2015 and increasing its sales and service network to 200 outlets by the end of this year.