Fiat Punto Sports

Those of you who went to the Auto Expo will be conscious of this exhibit from Fiat, whose one-year old Punto is already starting to slip and slide in the fiercely contested battle of the family hatchbacks. Sure, the Grande Punto is roomy, has respectable handling, and snatches eyeballs. It’s tried and tested Multi-jet diesel is economical, silent and performs well at the traffic lights. But what about those who need a burst of adrenaline with a dash of style? Help is on its way in the form of the Punto Sports.

Armed with a variable geometry turbocharger, the diesel Punto will have significantly higher power and torque (95 bhp and 150lb/ft of torque). You guessed it right! It’s the same motor from the bigger Linea that’s shifted into the Punto, which will also get a black roof, stylish decals, and minor cosmetic modifications. We expect the racier Punto to cost about 30-50,000 more than the normal car.

Tata Aria

The Tata Aria is the Indian conglomerate’s most complicated automobile yet. It is a crossover (vehicle combining traits of a sedan and SUV) with four-wheel drive – meaning it can be used to transport people over long distances, as well as negotiate a swamp or a desert. The Aria comes equipped with a 2.2-liter common rail diesel engine that’s performing duties on the Safari currently. The high torque motor should greatly enhance the drivability of the vehicle. What we would like to see is reliable vehicles right from the start. Tata has an annoying habit of improving quality with time, and this could be the single biggest reason for customer hesitation. However, the assurance is that the quality of materials used, fit and finish and overall feel will be of the highest standard. If Tata can price this product well, then we see no reason why the Innova, currently sitting at pole position, can’t be pipped.

The Tata Aria should be positioned above the Safari, so prices will begin at 12 lakhs.

Skoda Yeti



Skoda India is bracing up to launch the Yeti in India, and the car should be in showrooms soon. Skoda’s already taking the car to showrooms in North India, and showing its customers what the mini SUV is really like.

It’s hard to classify the Yeti. From the front, it looks like a hatchback. From the sides, it’s more like a station wagon. Look at it from the rear, and it poses like an SUV would.

The Skoda Yeti will be powered by a 2.0 CRDI diesel engine that Superb and Laura drivers are well versed with. A 6-speed manual transmission should make it a fuel efficient drive as well. The Yeti is expected to come in three variants. The top-end model could be the L&K (Laurin and Klement) edition, filled to the brim with equipment. Corner function for fog lamps, flexible seating layout, four-wheel drive, and an advanced clutch mechanism will shoot up the cars appeal. It’ll also shoot up the prices though. We’re expecting the Yeti to start at around 15 lakhs. The top-of-the-ladder model could be close to 18 lakhs however.

Nissan Micra



Nissan’s Micra was revealed to the media at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and, subsequently, we got to see it during the plant inauguration in Chennai. On brief examination, we felt the quality of the plastics were very good and the car was constructed solidly. What may not be as good, however, is rear seat comfort – and understandably so, as this is a tiny hatchback for negotiating city traffic. The Micra’s 1.2-liter engine, which will produce around 80bhp, will be a treat to drive, and have the best top speed in its class. Nissan has laid emphasis on the fuel economy (this is India, remember?) and the Micra is expected to return close to 20km/l. A diesel variant is being worked on for the Indian market, and this engine comes from right under the Logan’s bonnet. A 1.5-liter diesel engine in a car that’s the size of a shoe! This should be India’s hottest diesel hatchback.

We don’t expect the petrol edition of the Micra to cost less than 4.25 lakhs when it hits showrooms this month.