New Hatchbacks cars for 2013 - Updated:

We have compiled an array of exciting new cars coming in the next 12 months. Read on to find out what exciting new metal is in store for you.

Nov 21, 2012

If you plan to buy a new car, it might be worth waiting for these. Here is annual list of new cars that you can expect to see in the showrooms near you over the next 12 months. There’s something for everyone — hatchbacks, small saloons, big saloons, MPVs and SUVs of all shapes and sizes. Read on to find out what exciting new metal is in store starting this month.

Chevrolet Beat facelift
Its funky design may still be as striking as ever, but the Beat is due to get its first styling update sometime in 2013. As part of the refresh, the Beat will get reprofiled bumpers, a larger honeycomb grille and different wing mirrors, apart from tweaks to the front and rear lights. The mechanicals are likely to remain unchanged though.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 79bhp/10.9kgm, 58.5bhp/15.2kgm
Kerb weight: 965-1027kg
L/W/H: 3640/1595/1520mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 3.8-5.7 lakh*
Fiat Punto Evo
Free from its unsuccessful sales and service tie-up with Tata Motors, Fiat now needs fresh products to get customers back into its showrooms. And the Punto Evo could be just the right model to get the ball rolling. With a new front bumper, different grille and reworked head- and tail-lights, it looks quite different from the Punto on sale today. The European car also gets a new dashboard, though it is not certain whether this will make it onto the India-spec version. All other mechanicals are likely to be carried on from before, though.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.4-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 67bhp/9.76kgm, 89bhp/11.67kgm, 75bhp/20.08kgm, 90bhp/21.3kgm
Kerb weight: 1090-1144kg
L/W/H: 3987/1687/1495mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 5-7.5 lakh*
Hyundai New i10
Hyundai’s i10 may no longer be the massive seller that it once was, but that could change with the arrival of the new model in September 2013. Spied testing near Chennai, the new car (codename: BA) appears to be both longer and wider than the current i10, which points to a more spacious cabin. The camouflaged test car’s swept-back headlamps, hexagonal cues in the region of the front grille and rising shoulder line also hint that the new i10 will conform to Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language. Engine options will include the variable valve timing-equipped 1.2-litre Kappa petrol motor from the current i10 and also a new 1.0-litre petrol unit from the same engine family. But what will seriously boost the i10’s appeal is the new 1.1-litre common-rail diesel engine currently under-development at Hyundai. A lengthy features list and competitive pricing should mark this out as one of the cars to wait for in 2013. A compact saloon based on the new i10 is also believed to be under development.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol, 1.2-litre petrol, 1.1-litre diesel
Power/torque: NA, 79bhp/11.4kgm, NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: September 2013
Price: Rs 3.5-6 lakh*
Mahindra E2O
At long last, the follow-up to India’s first electric car, the next-gen Reva, is ready to go on sale in November 2012 in all probability as the Mahindra E20. In case you are wondering, this is the production version of the Reva NXR concept from a few years ago, though the new name is likely to follow Reva-owner Mahindra’s tradition to end car names with an ‘O’. To be manufactured at Mahindra’s new plant at Bangalore, this all-new electric car will come with an electric motor that derives power from 48-volt lithium-ion batteries capable of powering the car for about 100km on a single charge. Mahindra sees promise in this project and is considering leasing out the batteries which are an expensive component to replace. With prices likely to range from Rs 5.5-6 lakh, India’s latest EV won’t be cheap but sops on electric cars could bring prices down in the future.
FACTFILE
Engine: Electric
Power/torque: NA
Kerb weight: 850kg*
L/W/H: NA
Expected: November 2012
Price: Rs 5.5-6 lakh*
Maruti A-star facelift
The slow-selling Maruti A-Star is scheduled to receive a fairly comprehensive makeover in 2013.
On display at the recent Chengdu Motor Show in China (where it is sold as the Alto), the updated car looks a lot more grown up than the current model. It gets larger and more angular headlamps that flow into a new grille and also different front and rear bumpers. Changes to the cabin are likely to be restricted to new upholstery only, and the K10 engine will carry on unaltered.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol
Power/torque: 66bhp/9kgm
Kerb weight: 895kg
L/W/H: 3500/1600/1490mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 3.7-4.5 lakh*
Tata Nano variants
Tata will follow the Nano 2012 up with further upgrades to the car in 2013. Chief among these will be the option of power steering, which will address one of the Nano’s key weaknesses. A compact electric power-steering unit fitted under the steering column will make the Nano easier to drive. Among other likely additions are a hinged tailgate, alloy wheels and a dedicated glove compartment on the dashboard. You can expect this fully loaded version of the Nano to cost around Rs 25,000 more than the top LX variant. Tata will also launch the Nano with a CNG kit in the coming year, though the hugely anticipated diesel Nano is unlikely to make production before 2014.
FACTFILE
Engine: 0.6-litre petrol
Power/torque: 37.4bhp/5.2kgm
Kerb weight: 635kg
L/W/H: 3099/1495/1652mm
Expected: Early-2013
Price: Rs 2.2 lakh*
Volkswagen Polo Auto
Polo sales haven’t quite matched up to Volkswagen’s expectations. VW wants to turn things around, and the recent update that saw the top-end Highline variants get added kit and a price cut was only the start. The manufacturer is now readying an automatic version of the petrol car. If that doesn’t have you interested, the fact that this version will get a 1.2-litre TSI turbocharged engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox (codename DQ200) certainly will. Power will see a spike up to 104bhp, making this the most powerful hatchback in its class, and thanks to the dual-clutch ’box, fuel economy shouldn’t be bad either. Given the tech on offer, expect the Polo auto to cost at least Rs 1 lakh more than the petrol manual Highline. Further down the road, VW will also give the Polo a downsized 1.5-litre version of the Vento’s diesel engine, but it won’t be available anytime before 2014.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo-petrol
Power/torque: 104bhp/24.2kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H:3970/1682/1453mm
Expected: March 2013
Price: Rs 8 lakh*
* Estimated, ex-showroom, Delhi

Mercedes-Benz A-class
Following the recent launch of the B-class, Mercedes will continue its charge down the price ladder with the introduction of the latest A-class hatchback. The new A-class is free from the ‘tall boy’ stance of its predecessors and, in that sense, looks more conventional. However, the new car seems designed for a younger customer base and looks really sporty and aggressive in the flesh. Its cabin is also far sportier and even space is surprisingly good. Like the B-class, the new A is underpinned by Merc’s new front-wheel-drive MFA platform and thanks to some clever engineering, it is really fun to drive. The electric power steering is the only weak link on the dynamics front really. Mercedes will equip the A-class with a 121bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol and a 1.8-litre diesel, both of which will come mated to seven-speed dual-clutch gearboxes. With prices likely to start from Rs 18 lakh, the A-class will be a stellar entry point to the Mercedes brand.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol, 1.8-litre diesel
Power/torque: 121bhp/20.4kgm, 134bhp/30.55kgm
Kerb weight: 1370kg
L/W/H: 4292/1780/1433mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 18 lakh*
Volkswagen New Beetle
Bigger and better than the model it replaces, the latest Beetle could be on its way to India in 2013. The retro-chic styling has evolved, the cabin is more spacious and the new underpinnings promise to make it better to drive too. Engine options could include a 158bhp 1.4-litre petrol and even a 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel. That should give the new Beetle enough ammo to take on the Mini Cooper – its only rival in the niche high-end hatchback market. Cute and cheerful as it may be, the new Beetle will cost serious money, with pricing in the region of Rs 25 lakh.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 158bhp/24.5kgm, 138bhp/32.6kgm
Kerb weight: 1360kg
L/W/H: 4278/2021/2048mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 25 lakh*
Volkswagen Cross Polo
Mini-SUVs are the next gold rush for manufacturers, and even Volkswagen has plans to enter the segment in December 2013 with the launch of the attractive Polo-based crossover. As is evident in the picture, the Cross Polo looks like a rugged version of the standard Polo hatch, and much of its appeal stems from the plastic cladding on the lower portion of the bumpers and doors, its smartly finished roof rails and, of course, those 17-inch wheels. On the inside, different upholstery will distinguish this car from the standard Polo. The Cross Polo will be the first VW product to get the new, made-for-India 1.5-litre diesel engine. A 1.2-litre TSI turbo-petrol mated to a seven-speed DSG auto could be an option as well. A Rs 6-8 lakh price-tag seems realistic for this crossover.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 104bhp/24.2kgm, NA
Kerb weight: 1171kg
L/W/H: 3970/1682/1462mm
Expected: December 2013
Price: Rs 6-8 lakh*

Refreshed Mercedes E-Class revealed

The E-Class gets the 'most comprehensive makeover' in Mercedes' history.

Dec 17, 2012

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its significantly updated E-class. The mid-life makeover includes revised styling, updated engines, a higher level of standard equipment, new safety features and hi-tech options. The changes are described as the most comprehensive in Mercedes’ history. The heavily revised E-class is set to get its first public outing at the Detroit motor show in January.

The major thrust of Mercedes’ efforts to increase the appeal of the E-class centres around its styling, which has been altered more significantly than is usual for a mid-life facelift, most notably at the front. The quad headlamp treatment, which had been a key design feature of the E-class since 1995, is gone, to be replaced by more conventional, prominent single-assembly headlights that feature LED daytime running lights as standard.

 

Further changes have been made to the grille, where there are now two options, one sporty and the other more traditional. The front bumper and bonnet are also revised.

 

The heavily structured rear wheelarches have been smoothed to give the car a more cohesive appearance. A new crease line runs from the rear door through to the tail lights, which retain the same shape but receive new LED-imbued graphics, whose horizontal emphasis is meant to widen the car visually. There is also a re-profiled rear bumper.

 

Globally, the standard E-class range will be offered with just one petrol engine in two states of tune. The turbocharged 2.0-litre unit is available with 181bhp in the E200 and 208bhp in the E250. A third petrol option will be offered in the yet to be revealed E63 AMG, which is tipped to offer an incremental increase over the 518bhp of the current twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8.

 

Two carried-over diesels are planned: a 2.1-litre four-cylinder with 134bhp in the E200 CDI, 168bhp in the E220 CDI and 201bhp in the E250 CDI, and a 3.0-litre V6 with 248bhp in the E350.

 

Among the new safety systems incorporated on the revised E-class is Collision Prevention Assist, a radar-based collision warning system with the ability to brake the car in order to reduce the severity of an impact.

 

The range of new and/or improved optional systems includes Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, which helps keep the car centred in a chosen lane and tracks traffic in tailbacks, and Brake Assist Plus with Junction Assist, which is able to detect cross traffic and pedestrians and can boost the braking power if the brakes are insufficiently applied by the driver to avoid an impact.

England end 28-year wait in India with 2-1 series win:

The last time an English side had defeated India in their own den was way back in 1984-85, under the captaincy of David Gower.

The day belonged to centurions Jonathan Trott (147) and Ian Bell`s unbeaten 116 even as the story remained the same for a hapless India who toiled without much success before the match was called off on the final day with England scoring 352 for four.

The hosts needed to take quick wickets to entertain hopes of a win but that did not happen as Trott and Bell batted off the first session to ensure the series triumph for the hosts.

The English players broke into wild celebrations the moment the two sides mutually agreed to a draw at the Green Park stadium. There was a feeling of bonhomie and the tourists hugged each other even as gloom descended on the Indian dressing room.

EARTH To Collide With NIBIRU......!

UPDATE: NASA scientists have reportedly confirmed that the planet Nibiru will collide with Earth on December 21st.
The Nibiru collision with Earth in 2012 has been predicted for a long time, but astrophysicists, cosmologists and astronomers around the world have now come to a consensus that Earth will indeed collide with the planet, which lies just outside Pluto.
Nibiru, in Babylonian Astronomy translates to “Point of Transition” or ”Planet of Crossing,”  especially of rivers, i.e. river crossings or ferry-boats, a term of the highest point of the ecliptic, i.e. the point of summer solstice, and its associated constellation. The establishment of the Nibiru point is described in tablet 5 of the Enuma Elish. Its cuneiform sign was often a cross, or various winged disc. The Sumerian culture was located in the fertile lands between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, at the southern part of today’s Iraq.

As the highest point in the paths of the planets, Nibiru was considered the seat of the summus deus who pastures the stars like sheep, in Babylon identified with Marduk. This interpretation of Marduk as the ruler of the cosmos was identified as an early monotheist tendency in Babylonian religion by Alfred Jeremias.
Natural disasters are accelerating exponentially and astronomers believe that they are being caused by Nibiru coming closer and closer to Earth.

Facebook to end on January 15th

PALO ALTO, CA –Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook will be shut down in January of 2013. Managing the site has become too stressful.
“Facebook has gotten out of control,” reportedly said Zuckerberg in a press conference outside his Palo Alto office, “and the stress of managing this company has ruined my life. I need to put an end to all the madness.”
“After January 15th, 2013 the whole website shuts down,” said Avrat Humarthi, Vice President of Technical Affairs at Facebook. “So if you ever want to see your pictures again, I recommend you take them off the internet. You won’t be able to get them back after Facebook goes out of business.”
Zuckerberg said the decision to shut down Facebook was difficult, but that he does not think people will be upset.
“I personally don’t think it’s a big deal,” he said in a private phone interview to a source close to a friend. “And to be honest, I think it’s for the better. Without Facebook, people will have to go outside and make real friends. That’s always a good thing.”

2012 Is world ends?

NASA Scientists answer questions on the following 2012 topics:

 

  Question (Q): Are there any threats to the Earth in 2012? Many Internet websites say the world will end in December 2012.

Answer (A):The world will not end in 2012. Our planet has been getting along just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012.

Q: What is the origin of the prediction that the world will end in 2012?

A: The story started with claims that Nibiru, a supposed planet discovered by the Sumerians, is headed toward Earth. This catastrophe was initially predicted for May 2003, but when nothing happened the doomsday date was moved forward to December 2012 and linked to the end of one of the cycles in the ancient Mayan calendar at the winter solstice in 2012 -- hence the predicted doomsday date of December 21, 2012.

Q: Does the Mayan calendar end in December 2012?

A: Just as the calendar you have on your kitchen wall does not cease to exist after December 31, the Mayan calendar does not cease to exist on December 21, 2012. This date is the end of the Mayan long-count period but then -- just as your calendar begins again on January 1 -- another long-count period begins for the Mayan calendar.

Q: Is NASA predicting a "total blackout" of Earth on Dec. 23 to Dec. 25?

A: Absolutely not. Neither NASA nor any other scientific organization is predicting such a blackout. The false reports on this issue claim that some sort of "alignment of the Universe" will cause a blackout. There is no such alignment (see next question). Some versions of this rumor cite an emergency preparedness message from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. This is simply a message encouraging people to be prepared for emergencies, recorded as part of a wider government preparedness campaign. It never mentions a blackout.
›Watch the Video

Q: Could planets align in a way that impacts Earth?

A: There are no planetary alignments in the next few decades and even if these alignments were to occur, their effects on the Earth would be negligible. One major alignment occurred in 1962, for example, and two others happened during 1982 and 2000. Each December the Earth and sun align with the approximate center of the Milky Way Galaxy but that is an annual event of no consequence.
› More about alignment

"There apparently is a great deal of interest in celestial bodies, and their locations and trajectories at the end of the calendar year 2012. Now, I for one love a good book or movie as much as the next guy. But the stuff flying around through cyberspace, TV and the movies is not based on science. There is even a fake NASA news release out there..."
- Don Yeomans, NASA senior research scientist
Q: Is there a planet or brown dwarf called Nibiru or Planet X or Eris that is approaching the Earth and threatening our planet with widespread destruction?

A: Nibiru and other stories about wayward planets are an Internet hoax. There is no factual basis for these claims. If Nibiru or Planet X were real and headed for an encounter with the Earth in 2012, astronomers would have been tracking it for at least the past decade, and it would be visible by now to the naked eye. Obviously, it does not exist. Eris is real, but it is a dwarf planet similar to Pluto that will remain in the outer solar system; the closest it can come to Earth is about 4 billion miles.

Q: What is the polar shift theory? Is it true that the Earth's crust does a 180-degree rotation around the core in a matter of days if not hours?

A: A reversal in the rotation of Earth is impossible. There are slow movements of the continents (for example Antarctica was near the equator hundreds of millions of years ago), but that is irrelevant to claims of reversal of the rotational poles. However, many of the disaster websites pull a bait-and-switch to fool people. They claim a relationship between the rotation and the magnetic polarity of Earth, which does change irregularly, with a magnetic reversal taking place every 400,000 years on average. As far as we know, such a magnetic reversal doesn’t cause any harm to life on Earth. Scientists believe a magnetic reversal is very unlikely to happen in the next few millennia.
› More about polar shift

Q: Is the Earth in danger of being hit by a meteor in 2012?

A: The Earth has always been subject to impacts by comets and asteroids, although big hits are very rare. The last big impact was 65 million years ago, and that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. Today NASA astronomers are carrying out a survey called the Spaceguard Survey to find any large near-Earth asteroids long before they hit. We have already determined that there are no threatening asteroids as large as the one that killed the dinosaurs. All this work is done openly with the discoveries posted every day on the NASA Near-Earth Object Program Office website, so you can see for yourself that nothing is predicted to hit in 2012.

Q: How do NASA scientists feel about claims of the world ending in 2012?

A: For any claims of disaster or dramatic changes in 2012, where is the science? Where is the evidence? There is none, and for all the fictional assertions, whether they are made in books, movies, documentaries or over the Internet, we cannot change that simple fact. There is no credible evidence for any of the assertions made in support of unusual events taking place in December 2012.
› Why you need not fear a supernova
› About super volcanoes

Q: Is there a danger from giant solar storms predicted for 2012?

A: Solar activity has a regular cycle, with peaks approximately every 11 years. Near these activity peaks, solar flares can cause some interruption of satellite communications, although engineers are learning how to build electronics that are protected against most solar storms. But there is no special risk associated with 2012. The next solar maximum will occur in the 2012-2014 time frame and is predicted to be an average solar cycle, no different than previous cycles throughout history.
› Video: Solar Storms
› More about solar storms

Dhoni's bad time

Former players call for MS Dhoni's sacking as Test captain 

Srikkanth was of the view that Dhoni will be better of without the captaincy burden from now on. "Dhoni's become stale and doesn't know what to do when things go out of the way. He shouldn't be the Test captain anymore. Had I been the chairman of selectors, I would have picked Dhoni as a wicket-keeper batsman but it is time to look beyond him as a Test captain," Srikkanth said.