Audi reveals A3 concept in Geneva

Geneva, March 02, 2011 – With several world premieres and appearances by legendary rally driver Michèle Mouton and a performance by singer Amy Macdonald German premium car manufacturer Audi has kicked off the 81st International Geneva Motor Show. The star of the show, however, was the Audi A3 concept. The four-seat notchback sedan integrates the full breadth of the brand’s technological expertise – from the improved MMI operating system, to the high-tech infotainment system, to the drivetrain. A five-cylinder turbo developing 408 hp, a seven-speed S tronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive ensure thrilling dynamics along with high fuel efficiency.

Among the technological highlights are the large rotary pushbutton of the MMI that now includes the touch pad, MMI touch, which makes the already operation even more intuitive and will soon be introduced in series production at Audi. Holders for iPads are installed on the back of the front seat backrests. The door handles with their brushed-aluminum clasps are recessed flush with the door. When the driver touches them, they power-extend.

Further premiers included the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro - the first mass-produced hybrid model from Audi that makes use of two drive systems. Delivering 245 hp of system performance and 480 Nm of torque, its 2.0 TFSI gasoline engine and electric motor ensure sporty dynamics while achieving an average fuel consumption in the normal cycle (NEDC) of under 6.9 liters per 100 km. The sportiest hybrid SUV on the market can drive up to 100 km/h under electric power alone and covers about three kilometers locally emission-free at a speed of 60 km/h.

With the new RS 3 Sportback Audi also revealed the newest member of the dynamic Audi RS family. It’s turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine pumps out 340 hp and delivers 450 Nm of torque at just 9.1 liters of fuel per 100 km on average. The Audi RS 3 Sportback accelerates from a standing stop to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds – a best-in-class performance figure. A further highlight on the Audi stand is the A8 L Security, which meets the strictest guidelines in force for civilian vehicles, with a host of special safety features available in addition to its heavy armoring.

The Audi RS 3 and Q5 hybrid have not been confirmed for the Middle East yet.

Nissan India Micra Road Test

By Ritesh Madhok

Nissan India had been a slow starter in India with only 2 models the Luxury Sedan Teana and the SUV X Trail both as CBUs for India. The Micra was the first small car that it launched for India and also set up a large manufacturing unit at Chennai jointly with Renault especially for the Micra. The Petrol Micra hit Indian roads a few months back is selling in decent numbers and Nissan is also exporting the Indian built Micras to many countries. Off late to play the number game in India every car model must have a Diesel variant and Nissan quickly realized this and got the Diesel version of the Micra. The Micra Diesel uses the tried and trusted 1.5 litre CRDI Diesel engine from its sibling the Mahindra-Renault Logan code named K9K. To know more read on the review of Nissan Micra Dci.

Nissan Micra Dci Exteriors

The Nissan Micra Dci from the outside is identical to the petrol sibling, its rather cute and looks very refreshing and has an sort of retro look to it. The Micras headlamps and the front end remind you of the Porsche, the cute pushed back rounded lights go with the overall rounded look. The large bumper up front looks sporty along with the air dams that go way down. A large round Nissan logo on the bonnet shouts its branding. The front grille is made up in two parts with a thick chrome strip running across Micras face. The side profile of the Nissan Micra Dci is very retro and has the classic round cut on the rear window quarter glass.

The round sloping roof and the rear end with its perfectly curved window and the slightly bulging tail lamps give it a Volkswagen Beetle kind of look. The rear as mentioned is very classy with the protruding tail lamps and a all new rear spoiler that the Diesel Micra gets. Also noteworthy here is the smart keyless entry where one can unlock the car without the keys by just pressing the button on the front door handle, provided you have the car remote with you, a real smart touch that even cars much bigger and expensive don’t have in India.

The Nissan Teana has this keyless entry feature. The roof also retains the boomerang shaped slits giving the top a aerodynamic touch. The other noticeable change is the addition of the 15 inch alloy wheels that help the drive in a big way, you will read about that in the drive part of my review. At the rear you get the dCI badging that proclaims this car as the Nissan Micra Diesel. Fit and finish on the outside is very good, the doors open wide aiding a comfortable entry-exit. The Micra looks smarter now with the upsized 15 inched alloys that go very well with the cars overall shape and design.

Nissan Micra Dci Interiors

The Nissan Micra Dci interiors also remain unchanged as compared to the petrol sibling. Interior of the Micra is very fresh and has a bright feel to it thanks to the use of light colors on the upholstery and dashboard plastics. The round theme is carried in the cabin and everything has a very round feel to it. The Instrument cluster is well designed and easy to read.

The MID or multi info display is placed in this cluster that tells you the trip meter, distance the car can travel with the diesel in the tank, overall average, and instant average of the car. The Steering now has the Nissan logo in chrome which the Petrol Micra still lacks, a fake metal plastic inserts on the steering and on the gear knob. The Climate control is again based on the round theme and looks very well designed.

The Nissan Micra Dci has a single glovebox and misses out on the extra glove box which is on the Petrol sibling has. MP3-FM radio comes as standard and the audio quality is very audible and clear and also has the AUX input port to connect your Ipod. The gear changer gets the fake metal touch and now feels much better to grip. Front seats are very comfortable but the driver seat misses out on the height adjust that the Petrol Micra has.

Rear seat is bench type with integrated headrests; these are not 60:40 split seats. Interiors are made of high quality material and the fabric used on the seats etc is also of good quality. The smart keyless start stop button is very clever touch so is the electric auto-fold mirrors on busy traffic city roads where you are always at the risk of touching the mirrors to a pedestrian or another vehicle.

Everything in here feels and works very well. A dead pedal-clutch footrest would have been more than welcome in here never the less the clutch is very light and not much foot pressure used to engage and change gears. Driver side airbag comes standard but the passenger side air bag is sorely missed. Overall the Nissan Micra Dci has a very roomy and fresh interiors among all other cars in its segment.

Nissan Micra Dci Engine – Drive

The clever thing that Nissan did was to utilize the Mahindra- Renault Logans Diesel engine on the Micra. This 1.5 litre CRDI engine codenamed K9K is an eight valve engine that produces 64 PS @ 4000rpm and generates 160Nm of torque as low as 2000rpm. The K9K engine is one of the most selling engines from the French car maker and has been doing an able duty on the Logans here in India.

This engine has the power to weight ratio advantage on the Micra as the Micra is much lighter than the Logan so performance and efficiency has drastically gone up. Crank the engine and the 1.5 dCI comes to life, the Diesel clatter is not very evident in the cabin thanks to the good job that the cabin noise dampers that Nissan has used. The engine is smooth and feels refined when revved.

Engage the first gear and the Nissan Micra Dci once on the move builds speed in a very sedate fashion, don’t expect instant pickup with the turbo kicking in but the Micra Diesel has a very linear power build up which is best experienced in the 2nd and the 3rd gear. Power is good enough and the pickup is good. Overtaking is easy and the Micra Diesel never feels out of breath. There is no turbo lag at any RPM as on a few 3 cylinder diesel small cars.

The drive feel is responsive and the Nissan Micra Dci sings away and crosses 100kmph easily on third gear. The upsized 15inch alloys also help in the drive quality and the car now feels very planted at all speeds. The Nissan Micra Dci touches the 100kmph speed barrier in about 15.3 seconds which is not bad at all. The gear shifts are positive and crisp and the ratios are tuned for a mix of city and highway driving styles. The suspension setup also remains ditto like that of the Petrol Micra, McPherson Sturt on the front and Torsion beams at rear iron out the bad roads that you put the Micra on.

The biggest USP that the Nissan Micra Dci has is the fuel efficiency figures that Nissan claims as the best in the segment. During my test run the Nissan Micra Dci returned with close to 22kmpl on the highway and close to 19kmpl on the city road conditions which is exemplary.

Verdict

With the Nissan Micra Dci, Nissan surely is taking the Indian market very seriously. The Micra was always a very good car and now with the able Diesel engine plunked in makes it a irresistible car with super high fuel efficiency figures that none of the competitors can match yet and smart innovative features like the keyless entry-exit and button start-stop which even cars much bigger and costlier than the Micra don’t have.

Pro Drag Racing at Yas Drag Racing Centre kicks off with a blast

Abu Dhabi, 29th January 2011 – Pro Drag Racing kicked off with a blast at the Yas drag racing center this Friday.

Spectators witnessed leading drivers from across the GCC going head to head in the first round of the ultimate test of speed, across seven classes of professional racing including: Pro Modified; Outlaw 10.5; Super Eliminator (7.50 Index); Pro Bike; Super Street Bike; Pro 6; and Super Street 8. The pro drag racing is comprised of four races with a grand total of AED 1.4 million in prize money up for grabs.

Harley-Davidson of UAE to Showcase 2011 line-up at Gulf Bike Week

Featuring VRSCF V-Rod Muscle, XL883N Iron 883™, Forty-Eight Sportster and FLHXXX Street Glide Trike

Dubai, UAE: 27 January, 2011- Harley-Davidson of UAE today announced it will showcase its 2011 motorcycles at the Gulf Bike Week, which will be held from 10-12 February at the Dubai Festival City.

Known for producing bold, tenacious bikes, Harley Davidson of UAE maintains its tradition with its 2011 line-up consisting of the VRSCF V-Rod Muscle, XL883N Iron 883™, Forty-Eight Sportster and FLHXXX Street Glide Trike.

Marcel Bode, General Manager, Harley-Davidson of UAE, said: “The 2011 line-up is an expression of Harley-Davidson's passion for motorcycling. We are dedicated to create bikes that are tailored to the uniqueness of each individual rider. Having the canvas of Gulf Bike Week 2011 especially during the excitement created by Dubai Shopping Festival not only highlights the bikes, but also attracts worldwide appreciation for these legendary machines.”

Power and aggression are two attributes highlighted in the 2011 Harley-Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle. The 1250cc Liquid-Cooled, Revolution V-Twin engine delivers a staggering 86 pounds of force per foot of torque, reached at 6,500 rpm. The high performance Brembo triple-disc brakes with available ABS, ensures the rider seizes and controls the power. The integrated LED lights under the rear fender and on the mirrors, along with the fastback-style tail section and massive angular air-box, give the V-Rod muscle lines that are clean, athletic and powerful.

A true sports model bike is found in the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL883N Iron 883™. Styled to mimic the garage customs of the 1950s, the 883cc Air-cooled, Evolution engine has been powder coated in black to protect the fearless image. Designed for racing, the bike features a chopped rear fender and solo seat, with black low-rise drag-style handlebars. It also sports a black headlamp with a black headlamp visor, stop-turn-tail lights and black 13 spoke cast aluminum wheels for that definitive Sportster finish.

The 2011 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Sportster has a 1200cc Blacked out Rubber-mounted Evolution V-Twin engine with polished covers and is part of Harley-Davidson’s Dark Custom line. Designed for the charismatic younger generation, the Forty-Eight has a distinctive look with the classic bulldog shoulders stance, giving it a certain Spartan appearance. The all steel peanut tank pays tribute to the traditional Harley-Davidson style. Riders can expect an aggressive and sporty ride with exceptional steering leverage without sacrificing comfort.

Style, luxury, versatility and performance come together in Harley-Davidson’s three-wheeled motorcycle called the FLHXXX Street Glide Trike. This 2011 model has a 1690cc rubber-mounted, Twin Cam 103 V-Twin Engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection. The 40-Watt two-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system with streamliner and passenger floorboards contributes to total comfort, and the 4.4cu.ft. trunk holds up to 22.7kg of cargo.

Christopher Hudson, Managing Director, Clarion Events Middle East, said: “We are proud to have Harley-Davidson of UAE, a brand that is renowned for producing legendary motorcycles for decades, partner with Gulf Bike Week 2011. The company, a pioneer at building daring and powerful motorcycles will have its new 2011 line-up on exhibition. Gulf Bike Week is gearing up to be three days of non-stop excitement and breathtaking performances from talented riders and international superstars - Amy Winehouse, Pharrell Williams and Mike Poser.”

Harley-Davidson takes pride in building bikes that are comfortable and unique for its riders. The company believes that every rider is different. The Harley-Davidson Fit Shop, now in Dubai, will be able to customize any model’s seat, suspension, foot-controls, handlebars and add accessories resulting in a one-of-a-kind bike that suits the comfort and visual needs of each rider for that ultimate riding experience.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise.

Honda launches all new 2011 Odyssey for GCC markets

Honda Motor Co. (Middle East Office) announced the launch of all new Honda Odyssey in GCC markets.

The completely redesigned 2011 Honda Odyssey improves on its award-winning1, class-leading design with a more distinctive style, higher fuel economy and greater interior versatility. Improvements to the fourth-generation Odyssey represent a new Honda vision for the "ultimate in family transportation."

The 2011 Odyssey's enhanced aerodynamic shape with a lower roofline contributes to class-leading highway fuel economy, while the improved interior packaging maintains similar functionality as the previous model. A wider stance creates a more accommodating interior while accenting the exterior's dynamic appearance. Significant improvements for convenience include a new "3-mode" second-row seat design along with a simpler-to-operate, 3rd-row Magic Seat®. The third row provides improved legroom, along with better visibility from the side windows - a functional improvement resulting from the exterior's signature "lightning-bolt" belt line.

Exterior Styling

The 2011 Odyssey dramatically departs from conventional MPV styling with its low and wide stance. Compared to the previous generation, the 2011 Odyssey's slightly lower roofline and wider stance contributes to a sleeker, stronger and more dynamic presence with improved aerodynamics. The “lightning-bolt” belt line further emphasizes the 2011 Odyssey's sporty appearance while enhancing outward visibility for third-row passengers. Aggressive body-to-wheel proportions reduce the perception of vertical height common to most MPV designs. Fender flares further accent the vehicle's secure and stylish persona. The availability of projector beam HID headlights and form-fit fog lights further contributes to a sophisticated and upscale appearance on applicable models.

Interior Styling

The interior of the 2011 Odyssey embraces a "cool and intuitive" theme consistent with its increased levels of technology and family versatility. The dashboard's simple and clean lines accent the depth of the cabin for an open and spacious feeling.

The Odyssey exemplifies quality from its ergonomically friendly controls and sensible human factors, such as the positioning of grab handles, bins and pockets; intuitive switches and controls.

Interior Versatility and Functionality

To fulfill its mission as the ultimate family vehicle, the 2011 Odyssey interior focuses on providing three rows of comfortable, adult-friendly seating together with a large interior volume and plentiful storage capabilities. Multiple seating configurations can accommodate between one and eight adult passengers simply by adding, folding or removing the modular seats.

Improved body rigidity for 2011 Odyssey has resulted in a quieter cabin at highway cruising speeds with less background noise, which helps make conversations inside the cabin more audible.

Numerous storage pockets and cup holders are included for every passenger. A convenient flip-up trash bag ring extends from behind the center console and can secure a small disposable bag to help keep the inside of the vehicle clean.

The Odyssey's seating, instruments and controls are designed around the driver. For driver comfort, the driver's seat features 10-way power adjustable seating (8-way power adjustable on Odyssey LX). Meters, gauges and displays are easy to locate and read, and the controls for audio system, navigation system and climate control system are within reach and feature large buttons and knobs.

The “3-mode” design feature of the second row seat provides the ability to expand the distance between the seats by up to 40 mm each to increase comfort and enhance third-row access when child seats are being used in the second row. The second-row middle seat has the ability to move forward, which brings child seats within a more convenient reach of the first row. The third mode can transform the middle seat into a large, comfortable armrest with cup holders and a center tray for electronic devices.

The 2011 Odyssey's 60/40 split 3rd-row Magic Seat provides a comfortable seating area and can quickly and conveniently folds down into the floor to accommodate cargo.

New Technology Highlights

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on the Odyssey Touring grade. The system features an 8-inch, high-resolution VGA color display and uses GPS technology to provide turn-by-turn guidance to a destination. The 2011 Odyssey navigation system provides voice guidance both in Arabic & English languages and has a wide variety of features and functionality like 60GB hard drive, and the option to import a favorite photograph to use as "wallpaper."

DVD Rear Entertainment System with 16.2-inch Ultra-Wide Display

A state-of-the-art, factory-fitted Rear Entertainment System (RES) with an ultra-wide display is standard on the Odyssey Touring grade. The RES can simultaneously display two different sources of programming side-by-side, such as a video game and a movie. The two programs being played can be easily switched from side to side, so the viewers don't have to change seats. The wireless headphones supplied with this system can be tuned to either input source as desired. The system includes a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port for attaching high definition players and certain gaming consoles.

"intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID)

The Odyssey EX-L model has an 8-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen with customizable features. Called the i-MID, this screen provides the driver with a variety of information. It can keep the driver updated about such items as the audio system, Bluetooth® Hands Free Telephone information, general vehicle information and the rearview camera image. Personalized wallpaper using a JPEG-format photo can be added via the USB Audio Interface.

Audio System

The Odyssey Touring grade comes equipped with a state-of-the-art 15GB memory Hard Disc Drive (HDD) audio system that can digitally store approx. 175 CDs. And the EX-L grade comes equipped with 2GB flash memory that can digitally store approx. 18 CDs, thus eliminating the need for a 6-CD changer.

Safety

An extensive list of safety equipment comes standard on every Odyssey. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage, multiple- threshold front airbags; and active front seat head restraints. Also, a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle is intended to help absorb energy in the event of a collision.

Powertrain

Powering the Odyssey is a robust, yet efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). To conserve fuel when power requirements are low, the VCM technology can allow the engine to operate using only three or four of its six cylinders as conditions permit. A six-speed automatic transmission, standard on the Odyssey Touring, helps it achieve a best-in-class city/highway fuel-economy. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Odyssey LX and EX-L.

Chassis & Body

A long 3,000 mm wheelbase, wide track dimensions, advanced suspension design and features such as VSA with traction control contribute to the Odyssey's excellent overall handling. The Odyssey's hydraulic power-steering automatically increase the power assist at slow speeds, like while parking, and it also automatically reduces the power assist, like while on highway, so that the driver has more feedback.

Standard on the Odyssey LX and EX-L are 17-inch wheels, while 18-inch wheels are standard on the Odyssey Touring. The tires on all models feature low-rolling resistance construction to aid in maximizing fuel economy.

The 2011 Odyssey is extensively redesigned to become more lightweight and rigid allowing for the vehicle's high levels of safety, increased fuel economy, refined handling and a comfortable ride. Aerodynamically, the Odyssey is more efficient with a 5.5-percent reduction in Cd (aerodynamic drag) compared to the previous model.

Colors

The 2011 Odyssey is available in 7 exterior colors:

 Tafetta White.

 Alabaster Silver Metallic.

 Smoky Topaz Metallic.

 Crystal Black Pearl.

 Celestial Blue Metallic.

 Mocha Metallic.

1Awards

Automobile Magazine 2011: One of the winner of “All Star” awards

Edmunds.com 2010: "Top Recommended" minivan award

U.S. News and World Report 2010: "Best Minivan for the Money"

Automotive Lease Guide 2010: "Best Minivan for the Money"

Kelley Blue Book: One of the ten "Best New Family Vehicles of 2009"

Kelley Blue Book: "2009 Best Resale Value Award" in the van category