Dhoni can be the man to take India forward: Dravid

The clamour for Mahendra Singh Dhoni`s removal as India`s captain might be becoming shriller by the day but former skipper Rahul Dravid feels he is the man to take the team forward as there is no viable alternative in sight.

"At the moment I don`t really see a viable alternative. I really think Dhoni can be the man to take India forward if he has the energy, passion and the enjoyment to do it. That`s again the key," Dravid told `ESPNCricinfo`.

"It`s really going to come down to a lot of these players actually sitting back themselves, once the emotion has gone back, and calmly reassessing where they`re at, and their roads to the future and the joy and enthusiasm they have to take Indian cricket forward. If Dhoni has it, I believe he is the right man to do it but that`s really up to him to decide," he said.

Dhoni`s captaincy in the series, which India lost 1-2, came under severe criticism from former players such as Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth, who felt the time has come to replace him.

Another player who is facing constant questions about his future after failing in this series is senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar. Dravid said the veteran will have to take a call after dispassionate introspection.

"He`s been a huge servant of the game and been fantastic for Indian cricket. He is a great player and this period has been difficult for him. He is a proud man and this would have hurt him. The thing is, people need to have a conversation with him and see what`s his state of mind, what he`s thinking and what his plans are.

"After that conversation, he himself will have to think about a few things because I`m not sure there are many people who can take the decisions regarding Tendulkar," he said.

"...If he truly believes that, `Yes, I can be around when India makes these foreign trips, if I can be around in South Africa, New Zealand, England, playing at my best,` then I think it makes sense for him to back himself and fight it out."

"If he, at any stage, doubts himself and believes that he can`t then he`s got to start thinking about his career, and what`s the future of Indian cricket as well. So it`s really going to be up to him," Dravid added.

The former middle-order mainstay said whatever the decision taken by Tendulkar, it should be respected by everyone.

"Look, it`s a pretty emotional time, he should take the emotion out of it, sit back, there`s time before the next Australia series, sit back calmly and reflect. And irrespective of whatever decision he takes, in the end we have to respect it," he said.

Analysing India`s meek surrender in the series, Dravid said the team is in transition but should have shown more intensity.

"Any time you lose a Test series at home, because India haven`t lost a lot at home, you could consider it a low point. You`ve got to accept a little bit that this team is in transition as well, you have to give a bit of leeway for that. I think India will be disappointed, they would have expected to beat England at home," he said.

"At the start of the series, and especially after Ahmedabad, you got the feeling that India felt they could have won the series. It hasn`t panned out that way. From that point of view, I guess you can only go up from here.

"India have lost a couple of series away from home, against England and Australia badly. There was always a feeling that, you know, India might not necessarily have been playing well abroad but India will always do well in India, and all of us I guess believed that as well. That has shown to be slightly not so true, and it`s time to introspect," he added.

Footboard heroes and zeroes:

Once again, the pamphlets are out, exhorting youth to be good when riding buses. Boys who want to impress by boarding buses on the move and hang on to the grab bars and windows near the footboards are being told by police that they are just zeroes. Strong message there.

Remember, Road Safety Week, that ritual involving rallies, ponderous speeches and pious pledges is just a couple of weeks away (see this slideshow from the event last year, which shows some school students on the footboard). The RTOs and the police simply cannot afford to have more disasters like the one on OMR that killed four students on their hands, certainly not when the Madras High Court is taking a close look at the situation. No one knows whether the MTC will be asked to participate actively during Road Safety Week in January 2013 and get its drivers to stop at traffic signals when they turn red.

I can vouch that it is almost impossible to avoid overcrowded buses and occasionally stand on step two at least, if you have to travel in Chennai during peak hour. A similar situation is true for suburban trains as well. But the question really is about the footboard 'heroes'. Why are these teenagers performing these death-inviting stunts, not just on MTC buses but on the MRTS suburban trains? Is it because they have little opportunity to engage in other sports? In Chennai, one would certainly think it is difficult to expend extra energy, given that public spaces are few, and access to sports severely curtailed. Why sport, it is impossible to even walk along roads.

Which brings us to the issue of alienation. Do the people of Chennai identify with their bus service? I think not. They appear to think it is at best a service that is meant for those who have no alternative, and the experience of using it often leaves one angry and frustrated. MTC crews in general would win a contest for rude behaviour hands down. There are some zeroes there as well.

So when the other ritual, Bus Day, is celebrated by colleges, students decide to give vent to their alienation by clambering on to the roof of the bus and hanging from every possible side. This appears to be their assertion of their importance and the momentary helplessness of the crew. Sometimes, the students extend the Bus Day behaviour to other days, singing loudly, making catcalls and banging on the sides of the vehicle, in a high-profile example of attention-seeking behaviour. (Incidentally, this is a different version of Bus Day in Pune).

All this would change if the Tamil Nadu government operated a professional bus service with good, comfortable vehicles that attract all types of commuters. It would also help if our leaders set a good example through demonstrable sincerity, and the police appeared more friendly to real heroes.

2,743 students take part in campus recruitment drive in Tiruchi:

A mega campus recruitment drive was organised jointly by the Centre for University Industry Collaboration, Bharathidasan University, and Shrimati Indira Gandhi College in association with Tata Consultancy Services – BPO sector, in Tiruchi a few days ago.

Students from 46 affiliated colleges of Bharathidasan University, SASTRA University, Alagappa University, and Madurai Kamaraj University attended the two-day campus recruitment drive held at Shrimati Indira Gandhi College.

As many as 2,743 students participated of whom 110 of them were selected. The Vice Chancellor, Bharathidasan University K. Meena gave away appointment orders to selected candidates.

She said steps had been taken by the university to sign a memorandum of understanding with Tata Consultancy Services, Chennai, to train students of affiliated colleges of the university to suit the needs of the industry.

Senior Manager, TCS-BPO, Chennai Jayanthi delivered the keynote address. Gopinath Ganapathi, Director, Bharathidasan University Technology Park offered felicitations.

The Director, Centre for University Industry Collaboration, Bharathidasan University, M.Rajendra Prasad, and Shrimati Indira Gandhi College secretary S.Kunjithapatham were present on the occasion, a press release said.

Rhino killed, horn removed:

A rhino was killed on Sunday and its horn removed by suspected poachers at the Kaziranga National Park, forest officials said.

The full-grown female rhino was found dead at the Borbhog camp in the Burapahar range in the afternoon. Empty cartridges of AK-47 and .303 rifles, along with double barrel gun ammunition, were found at the spot.

This is the third incident of a rhino being killed in the Burapahar range within the last one and a half months.

A massive combing operation has been launched in the area to nab the poachers, sources said.

Altogether 25 rhinos have been killed by poachers in the national park this year while 70 rhinos have died, which include 23 deaths in flood and the rest due to natural causes.

Now, an airbag to protect your smartphone :

U.S. technology giant Amazon has devised a new motion-sensor technology for an airbag that can protect your gadgets including smartphones, cameras and tablets from cracking when dropped.

The system uses motion sensors, already built into most smartphones, to detect when a phone has been dropped — and the mini airbag is then deployed before it hits the floor.

A traditional airbag in cars is deployed upon impact, cushioning the passengers’ heads as they are thrust forward.

The phone system hopes to use similar techniques to prevent damage to the mobile upon inevitable impact.

The idea is the brainchild of retail and technology giant Amazon, which has patented the protective system for mobile phones, electronic readers such as Amazon’s own Kindle, computer tablets and cameras, the ‘Daily Mail’ reported.

This week the company won approval for the patent, which was filed in America by Amazon’s founder, Jeff Bezos, 48, a self—made billionaire who has forged a career from pioneering ideas.

“Prior to impact between a surface and a device, a determination of a risk of damage to the device is made. If the risk of damage to the device exceeds a threshold, a protection system is activated to reduce or eliminate damage to the device,” the patent said.

The patent details a system that utilises a gadget’s built—in gyroscope, camera, accelerometers and other onboard sensors in order to determine if the device has entered an airborne state.

If it has, the technology will release airbags to reduce potential damage — or possibly even change the trajectory of its fall by firing jets of air.

“This sounds like a feature worthy of Bond, codename SOS SMS. But airbags for windbags sounds like a lot of hot air to me. From a logistical point of view, the handset would have to be rather bulky to hide an airbag,” said Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at uSwitch.com.

Google Maps downloaded over 10 million times on iPhone within 2 days of launch:

The newly-released Google Maps for iPhone has been downloaded more than 10 million times within just 2 days of its launch at the App Store.
Jeff Huber, Google's senior vice president of Commerce & Local, confirmed the news on a post on Google+.
"We're excited for the positive reception of Google Maps for iPhone around the world. Congratulations to the Maps.
Team on the recognition for the passion and hard work they poured into it, for this release and over the last 7+ years," CBS News quoted Huber, as saying.
According to the report, Google's Maps app quickly jumped to the top free app on the App Store after its release late last week. The software was a bit of a surprise, with reports of its arrival coming just hours before it went live.
Google's app brings back some of the functionality no longer found in the built-in maps software, which Apple replaced with its own data and services as part of iOS 6, which includes Google's Street View technology and public transit directions, while also adding new features like spoken turn-by-turn driving directions and vector-based map tiles, the report said.
To put the 10 million number in perspective: Apple in October said that more than 200 million users were running iOS 6, about half of the some 400 million iOS devices sold until that point. Users on iOS 5 and below continue to run Apple's mapping software that uses data from Google. Neither company has said just how long that functionality will continue, the report added.

India tour much easier now: Boycott

England batting legend Geoffrey Boycott feels that India are no longer the force it used to be and touring the country has become much easier now a days for cricket playing nations.

Saying that Indian team is going through a transition phase, Boycott singled out a few star Indian cricketers who according to him are past their prime.

“Indians are not the force they have been in the past. Two great batsmen have retired in VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid while Sachin Tendulkar is no longer the great player he once was,” Boycott wrote in his column for The Daily Telegraph.

“Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan have been fine bowlers but are past their best. You could say touring India is a bit easier now because the hotels are better, English food in the big cities is excellent and travelling is so much easier,” he added.

Boycott’s comments came after England broke the 28-year-old jinx by defeating India 2-1 in the Test series in their own backyard after the fourth and final match ended in a draw in Nagpur on Monday.

The cricketer-turned-commentator lauded the victorious Alastair Cook-led team for turning around the series in their favour after the humiliating loss in the series-opener.

“Earlier this year we lost three Tests against Pakistan and one against Sri Lanka. We then batted appallingly in the first Test at Ahmedabad to lose by an innings. Suddenly everybody in India thought this set of England players would roll over and get beaten 4-0,” Boycott said.

“They deserve a lot of praise for showing character, determination and ability to come back and win well in Mumbai and Calcutta.”

When no one can’t Rajini can, CBSE tells you why:

LUDHIANA: Gags apart, Rajinikanth is not a superstar for more than flamboyant clothes and gravity defying stunts. His real stunt is his the journey of his life from bus conductor to one of the most famous entertainers around the world. It is Rajini's resilience and focus that the Central Board of Secondary Education wants students to learn as part of their school curriculum.

The actor's life story will be taught to students of Class VI in CBSE affiliated schools. The focus will be on the dignity of work Rajini espoused, treating his job as bus conductor and his work as a celebrated actor with equal respect. The CBSE initiative is aimed at motivating children to achieve success with hard work and dedication rather than looking for short cuts. The lesson is from the perspective of Rajinikanth's close friend Rao Bahadur who was the driver of the bus in which Rajni was a conductor.

As the actor turned 62 on the much hyped 12-12-12, the CBSE initiative gave his birthday celebrations an extra zing.

'Curious why CBSE chose Rajini's story':

CHANDIGARH: Rajinikanth's life story has been included in a chapter for students of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in the Learning to Communicate (Course Book 6). While the lesson has reportedly been included to inculcate a sense of achievement among kids and motivate them to follow their goals and passion in life with persistent hard work, TOI speaks to city-based counsellors, parents and students who have contrary views on the subject.

DAV Senior Secondary School principal Rakesh Sachdeva said, "There are far more better and motivating life stories in history of our country to teach children. How about including stories of legendary Sukhdev and Rajguru? As far as Rajinikanth is concerned, I would say it's not the best choice."

For parents the question is simple - why take Rajinikanth's story when we have many other deserving personalities to emulate from our history? "He did everything for himself. Nothing that he did was for the country or a social cause," most opine.

Parents in city are now worried about the impact of this section of the curriculum on their children. Relevance of the topic for a Class VI student is raising concern for a parent Gopi Sawhney of Sector 18. "I don't feel Rajinikanth's life story is relevant for students - there is nothing much to learn as whatever he has done is for himself. No one but him can verify the truth. I think sacrifice of people like Sukhdev and Rajguru are much more relevant than the actor," said Sawhney.

Vandana Mathew, a teacher at St Anne's Convent School, said, "Everything depends on the point of view that has been presented by CBSE through Rajnikanth's life story. But I would still suggest CBSE to rethink its decision of including the chapter."

Meanwhile, students are an excited lot after hearing the news. Most are curious to know what is so special about the actor that made the Board select his life story. "I am excited as well as curious to know why Rajinikanth's story has been picked for CBSE course book," said Karan Bansal, a student of St Anne's Convent School.

40 million Windows 8 licenses sold, betters first-month sales of 7 Add to ...

Microsoft Corp has sold 40 million Windows 8 licenses in the month since the launch, according to one of the new co-heads of the Windows unit, setting a faster pace than Windows 7 three years ago.
The sales number represents a solid but unspectacular start for the touch-friendly operating system designed to combat Apple Inc.’s and Google Inc.’s domination of mobile computing, which has shunted aside PCs in favour of iPads and smartphones.

Time for Kohli to replace Dhoni as India captain: Gavaskar

Nagpur: Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar feels young Virat Kohli is the future of Indian cricket and he is ready to take up the captaincy job from incumbent Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the aftermath of the series defeat against England. England broke the 28-year-old jinx by defeating India 2-1 verdict in the Test series after the fourth and final match ended in a draw here today. Gavaskar said it is time the selectors look to the future as Dhoni seemed out of sorts in this series. "Till the fourth day of this Test I said there is no alternative to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, but now that Virat (Kohli) has come up with a 100 under trying circumstances I think he has discovered a good part about himself. I think he is ready to take on the mantle," the former India skipper said. "I think this is something to be looked at in a positive manner because that`s where the future is," Gavaskar told NDTV. He also criticised the Indian team for the humiliating defeat but Dhoni`s name came up for special mention for his ordinary and unaggressive captaincy in this series. "If India were looking for a win they should have shown the intent by declaring at the overnight score. England batted exceedingly well but our bowlers were ineffective and our batters didn`t do as much as they were expected to do. It was a team failure," he said. "You don`t put a forward short-leg and a silly point to just get wickets. You also put them to pressurise the batsmen and get his wicket somwehere else. When you crowd a batsmen with fielders in his peripheral vision pressure automatically come on him and that`s what he (Dhoni) didn`t do," Gavaskar said about Dhoni`s reluntance to deploy a more attacking field during England`s second innings. "I don`t think England necessarily played better than us but they were more determined. They didn`t lose heart after the defeat in the first Test in Ahmedabad and instead put in extra effort," he observed. The cricketer-turned-commentator also said that it is time Sachin Tendulkar should make a decision on his career as he felt the senior batsman was no longer enjoying his time on the field. "The important thing is how much you are enjoying the game. If you are not enjoying the game, enjoying to be on the field and doing things other than your speciality I feel that`s the time to move on. May be that`s happening to him (Tendulkar) and may be he will know that the time is right to go," Gavaskar said. "Quite clearly this series wasn`t good for him. In this Test he looked just a bit lost in (England`s) second innings, at least that is what I have gathered from his body language. May be that`s the sign. "As he said I think he will reassess his future before the Australia series," he added. The former opener said complacency also had a big role to play in India`s embarrassing defeat. "Complacency is a part of Indian psyche and you can`t do much about it. Everytime an Indian tries to be ambitious he is pulled down and that`s one of the reason why Indians don`t have the killer mentality," Gavaskar observed. "Having won the first Test in Ahmedabad that complacency factor came in. I don`t think India wanted to win (the series) as badly as England wanted. I didn`t look helpless out here, they looked capable but the instinct was missing," Gavaskar added.

Record China sales for iPhone 5 Add to ...

Apple Inc. sold over 2 million units of its new iPhone 5 in its first weekend on sale in China, a record for the company’s smartphone in potentially its biggest market.
The news could provide a much needed boost for shares in Apple when the market opens in New York on Monday. The stock has fallen more than 25 per cent in the past three months partly because of concerns that growth in iPhone and iPad sales will not be sustained.

World's oldest person dies in US at age 115:

Washington: Less than two weeks after inheriting the title of the world's oldest living human being, 115-year-old Dina Manfredini, who was living in an Iowa nursing home died Monday, according to her family.

US media reported that the woman's granddaughter, Lori Logli, confirmed the death but would not provide information about how she died.

Guinness World Records said Manfredini became the world's oldest living person earlier this month after Bessie Cooper of Georgia died at the age of 116.

Manfredini was born in Italy April 4, 1897 and left for Iowa in 1920 with her late husband, Ricardo, according to the NBC News.

"I m old, old lady, but I work," she told the Des Moines Register in 2004. "Work hard. I like work."

New Luxury and Sports cars for 2013 - Updated

BMW 7-series facelift
While the changes may be difficult to spot, this is the facelifted BMW 7-series that is due for an India launch at the end of this year. Look hard and you may notice the new car’s thicker grille surrounds, full LED headlamps and restyled front bumper. The changes to the cabin are not all that comprehensive either and include new front seats, a redesigned iDrive system and a new rear-seat entertainment package. As before, the 7-series will be available with a choice of one diesel and three petrol motors, but in line with BMW’s push for improved efficiency, these motors will now come mated to the eight-speed auto ’box from the 5-series.
FACTFILE
Engine: 3.0-litre petrol, 4.4-litre petrol, 6.0-litre petrol, 3.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 315bhp/45.9kgm, 443bhp/66.3kgm, 536bhp/76.5kgm, 255bhp/57.1kgm
Kerb weight: 1900-1980kg
L/W/H: 5212/1902/1478mm
Expected: December 2012
Price: Rs 95 lakh-1.5 crore*
Honda New Accord
Once the king of its segment, the Honda Accord has lost ground to newer rivals like the Skoda Superb. Things could change when Honda brings in the all-new Accord in mid-2013. As is clear in the pictures of the India-bound US model, the design is a lot more mature than the current car’s, with crisper lines and a more athletic stance. The cabin sees an improvement too with a classier dashboard and even more space than before. Engine options will include a new, and more efficient, direct-injection 2.4-litre petrol (with the choice of a CVT gearbox), but there will be no V6 petrol as on the current car. The sad news is that, like before, there are no plans for a diesel variant, which will invariably limit the big Honda’s appeal in India.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.4-litre petrol
Power/torque: 182bhp/25.1kgm
Kerb weight: 1475kg
L/W/H: 4851/1849/1465mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 20 lakh*
Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel
As things stand, the XF is Jaguar’s bread-and-butter model in India. And it’s all set to get a whole lot more accessible. For starters, Jaguar is finally going to equip the XF with its base 188bhp, four-cylinder 2.2-litre diesel engine. So far, Jaguar had found it difficult to tune the engine to be compatible with local diesel available in India, but could bring in the motor, without a diesel particulate filter,  by end-2012. The new engine will give Jaguar just the right model to take on the Mercedes-Benz E 220 CDI, BMW 520d and Audi A6 2.0 TDI, which form the bulk of sales in this segment. New engine apart, what would really help bring the prices of the XF down is if Jaguar locally assembles the car alongside the Land Rover Freelander at Tata Motors’ plant in Pune. At present, the XF is brought into India as a completely built unit and the recent increase in customs duties has only worked to put it at a serious price disadvantage against its locally assembled rivals.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 188bhp/46kgm
Kerb weight: 1745kg
L/W/H: 4961/1920/1460mm
Expected: December 2012
Price: Rs 45 lakh*
Skoda Superb facelift

Skoda will give its cars a new corporate identity and the Superb will be the first recipient of the new look in India. The luxury saloon will get a larger, more angular front grille and the headlights get sharper detailing as well. Daytime running lights are another possibility. The makeover will extend to tail styling as well, with reshaped lights and a new bootlid that will now house the number plate. A slighlty revised dashboard could also be part of the update.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.8-litre turbo-petrol, 3.6-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 160bhp/25.5kgm, 260bhp/35.7kgm, 140bhp/32.6kgm
Kerb weight: 1567kg
L/W/H: 4838/1817/1482mm
Expected: Early-2013
Price: Rs 18-28 lakh*
Mercedes-Benz E-class facelift

Originally launched in India in 2009, the W212 series Mercedes-Benz E-Class is set to get its first update shortly. The updates will mainly focus on styling and, going by the spy pictures of the prototypes undergoing testing in Europe, the freshened E will look quite different. The big news is the updated E-class will lose the quartet of headlamps that have identified the car since the W210 model of 1995. In their place, the E-class will possibly get larger, single-piece headlights with square-shaped LEDs outlining the main lights. Other changes will include a lowered grille and restyled front and rear bumpers. The cabin is expected to receive a more comprehensive screen-based menu to replace many of the buttons on the dashboard. You can also expect more power from the improved powertrains.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.8-litre turbo-petrol, 3.5-litre petrol, 2.2-litre diesel, 3.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 183bhp/29kgm, 272bhp/35.6kgm, 203bhp/51kgm, 228bhp/55kgm
Kerb weight: 1732kg-1825kg
L/W/H: 4868/1854/1471mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 40-55 lakh*

Jaguar F-Type
Easily one of the stars of the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Jaguar’s gorgeous new F-Type sports car is on its way to India come 2013. A spiritual successor to the 1960s E-type, the F-type will initially be available in convertible form only, while the more India-friendly coupé will make its way here a year later. The F-type is a strict two-seater, and shares a lot of its underpinnings with the XK grand tourer, though it is considerably smaller than the larger Jag and similar in size to the Porsche 911. Buyers will have the option to choose between a pair of supercharged 3.0-litre V6s with power outputs of 335bhp and 375bhp, and also a range-topping 488bhp 5.0-litre V8, all of which will come mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Expect prices to start from Rs 1 crore for this leaping cat.
FACTFILE
Engine: 3.0-litre petrol, 3.0-litre petrol, 5.0-litre petrol
Power/torque: 335bhp/45.9kgm, 375bhp/46.9kgm, 488bhp/63.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1597-1665kg
L/W/H: 4470/1923/1296mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 1 crore onwards*
Audi S5
The S4 has already made its India debut and will be joined by other cars from Audi’s red-hot S performance range soon. Among the models due for launch are the S6 and S7, each of which is equipped with a stonking 414bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The S8 is on its way here too. It gets all the luxury trappings of an A8 and the same twin-turbo V8 as the S6 and S7, albeit with 513bhp on tap. It’s the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing. While the S6, S7 and S8 will cost a sizeable amount more than their current range-topping variants, the S5 coupé will actually cost less than the RS5 already sold here. It will also be less powerful than that car, but with 329bhp on tap, still promises to be an absolute blast to drive.
FACTFILE
Engine: 3.0-litre petrol
Power/torque: 329bhp/44.9kgm
Kerb weight: 1750kg
L/W/H: 4640/1854/1369mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 75 lakh*

NewSaloon cars for 2013 - Updated

Honda Brio saloon
Honda will expand on its Brio platform with the launch of a new saloon variant in India by mid-2013. While the Brio saloon will be significantly longer than the hatchback, overall length will be under the four-metre mark to allow Honda to avail of the lower excise duty on small cars. The Brio saloon will also feature larger rear doors and should offer slightly more rear-seat space than its hatchback sibling. Luggage space will see a significant improvement too.
There’s more – the Brio saloon will be the first car to feature Honda’s all-new diesel engine that has been developed specifically for the Indian market. This 1.5-litre engine will be available in two states of tune and will eventually power a whole host of Honda cars in the future. The saloon will also be offered with the Brio’s 1.2-litre petrol motor. Expect an aggressive Rs 6 lakh starting price for Honda’s Dzire-beater.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5 diesel
Power/torque: 86.7bhp/11.1kgm, NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 6-7.5 lakh*
Mahindra Verito sub-4m

Mahindra’s recent updates to the Verito have made it a far nicer car, and with the launch of a new sub-four-metre variant in March 2013, it is all set to become a lot more affordable too. As you’d have guessed, the length reduction is to qualify this variant of the Verito for excise duty sops offered on small cars. A truncated boot section and possibly a different front bumper will differentiate this car from the standard Verito. While luggage space will not be as generous, the new mini-saloon will inherit the Verito’s spacious cabin, tough build and excellent ride quality. Mahindra will sell the sub-four-metre Verito with the Renault-sourced 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine only. Pricing will be aggressive and could undercut the Maruti Dzire’s, which would make this a seriously well-rounded value proposition.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 65bhp/16.3kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: March 2013
Price: Rs 6 lakh*
Tata Manza CS
Tata knows all too well how successful a formula it is to chop a mid-size saloon’s boot to bring length under the crucial sub-four-metre mark to avail of the consequent excise duty benefits on small cars. Its sub-four-metre Indigo CS has been selling well since its launch, and Tata will hope to emulate this success with the Manza CS too that arrives in late 2013. In its CS form, the Manza will feature a substantially smaller boot section and is likely to get the Vista’s 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines. Pricing will be competitive and will allow Tata to plug the gap between the Indigo CS and the regular Manza.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 65bhp/9.8kgm, 74bhp/19.3kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 6-7.5 lakh*


Chevrolet Sail
Chevrolet wants a strong presence in every segment of the Indian car market and to this end the manufacturer will launch the Sail mid-size saloon in early 2013. Just like its hatchback sibling, the styling both inside and out is on the conservative side. However, its spacious cabin will give it an edge over the Maruti Swift Dzire, which should be its chief rival. Like the U-VA, the Sail will be powered by a 1.3-litre diesel engine and will also share its 1.2-litre petrol engine. Interestingly, Chevrolet will not offer a 1.4-litre petrol on the Sail as earlier believed. With the promise of excellent ride quality, decent comfort and prices ranging from an estimated Rs 6-7.5 lakh, the Sail could just ruffle the established order in the lower end of the mid-size saloon segment.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 85bhp/11.52kgm, 77bhp/20.9kgm
Kerb weight: 1095kg
L/W/H: 4249/1690/1505mm
Expected: Early 2013
Price: Rs 6-7.5 lakh*
Fiat Linea facelift
The turkish market received the updated Linea earlier this year and Fiat is planning to bring it to India in 2013. As part of its mid-life makeover, the Linea will get a new grille and a completely redesigned front bumper with lots of chrome embellishments. The tail is quite different too, with the most notable changes being the respositioning of the number plate from the bumper to the bootlid and the addition of a thick strip of chrome lower down. While the update also brings with it a new dashboard overseas, this is unlikely to make it to India. Expect the refreshed Linea to be accompanied by a small bump up in prices.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol, 1.4-litre turbo petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 88bhp/11.7kgm, 112bhp/21.1kgm, 92bhp/21.31kgm
Kerb weight: 1180-1230kg
L/W/H: 4560/1730/1487mm
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 7.5-10 lakh*
Ford Fiesta facelift
Last month’s Paris Motor Show saw the unveiling of the facelifted Ford Fiesta hatchback. We expect many of the styling updates to trickle down to the saloon version as well. Leading the list of changes is a larger hexagonal grille, in keeping with Ford’s new global design language. The headlights are slightly different too, while new creases give the bonnet more definition. This visual makeover could also be accompanied by the fitment of the tech-laden 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol motor that will eventually be offered on all of Ford’s small and mid-size cars.
FACTFILE 
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol, 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 123bhp/17.2kgm, 107bhp/14.2kgm, 88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1117-1157kg
L/W/H: 4291/1722/1496mm
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 7.5-11.5 lakh*
New Maruti Saloon
Maruti may have an expansive product line but believes there is still room for another saloon that can slot between the Dzire and SX4. This new saloon will not be under four metres and will come with a full-sized boot. Details about this new saloon are still sketchy but what the grapevine tells us is that this car will be built on a completely new platform and will have a new design language as well. What is safe to assume is that this new saloon will come with the same 1.3-litre diesel and 1.4-litre petrol motors from the Ertiga. A December 2013 launch is possible.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 93.7bhp/13.2kgm, 88.7bhp/20.4kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: December 2013
Price: Rs 6.5-8.5 lakh*
Mercedes-Benz A-class saloon

The A-Class hatch may not go on to be a big-volume seller, but its saloon sibling headed here in late 2013 could be. The A-class saloon’s striking looks will mark a radical departure from traditional Merc saloon design. As the CLA concept saloon laid bare, frontal styling is aggressive, while the nicely arced roof and tightly skinned boot make this an attention-grabbing design. This saloon will be significantly smaller than the C-class, but thanks to Merc’s packaging-friendly front-wheel-drive MFA platfrom, space will be decent. The cabin is likely to carry much of the exterior’s sporty theme. Power will be via a 1.6-litre turbo petrol and 1.8-litre diesel, and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox will be standard. With prices likely to range from Rs 20-24 lakh, the A-class saloon could turn the entry luxury car market on its head.
FACTFILE
Engine:  1.6-litre turbo-petrol, 1.8-litre diesel
Power/torque: 121bhp/20.4kgm, 134bhp/30.55kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 20-24 lakh*
Nissan Sunny Auto
The popular diesel version may contribute to the bulk of Nissan Sunny sales in India but the petrol model will get a lot more interesting come February 2013. That’s when Nissan will start selling the Sunny petrol with a CVT gearbox-equipped automatic option. Likely be sold at a premium of Rs 80,000 over the petrol manual variant, the automatic Sunny will make great sense for urban car buyers who drive themselves.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol
Power/torque: 97.6bhp/13.6kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: 4425/1695/1505mm
Expected: February 2013
Price: Rs 8.7 lakh*
Renault Scala Auto
If you’re among those who have taken a liking to the Scala and are considering the petrol car, then it is worth your time to wait for the automatic version, slated to go on sale in mid-2013. The car will receive a CVT-gearbox and like Renault’s alliance partner Nissan’s Sunny automatic, that will be launched around the same time, will cost around Rs 80,000 more than the manual variant. In case you have your doubts, Renault-Nissan’s Xtronic ’box is known to offer less of the ‘rubber band’ effect traditionally associated with CVTs and also better fuel efficiency than a torque converter auto.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol
Power/torque: 97.6bhp/13.6kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: 4425/1695/1505mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 8.9 lakh*
* Estimated, ex-showroom, Delhi
Skoda New Octavia
Skoda started its Indian innings with the Octavia and the name is all set to make a comeback to India on the Czech carmaker’s new D-segment challenger, which will go on sale in late 2013. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s flexible MQB platform, the latest Octavia will be longer and wider yet lighter than the current-gen model, which is sold in India as the Laura. Styling will also be much sharper and will carry Skoda’s edgier new design language. Like its predecessors, the new Octavia will be a notchback. Thanks to its larger exterior dimensions, the new car’s cabin will be more spacious, which should translate to a better rear-seat experience. The car could feature new engines but the 2.0-litre diesel and 1.8-litre turbo-petrol are likely to be carried forward. What remains to be seen is how Skoda will position the new Octavia, given that the Laura continues to be a strong seller even after all these years.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.8-litre turbo-petrol, 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 160bhp/25.5kgm, 140bhp/32.6kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Late-2013
Price: Rs 16-20 lakh

Tata Manza facelift
Tata is working on a comprehensive styling update for the Manza saloon. The car is expected in mid-2013 and may carry many elements from the Manza Hybrid saloon shown at this year’s Auto Expo. Frontal styling will be completely different, with a new smiling grille, sharp creases on the bumper and hawk-eye headlights. Moreover, the Manza could be the first Indian car to feature bi-Xenon headlights. Changes at the rear will include reshaped tail-lamps, a more angled bootlid and plastic cladding on the lower portion of the bumper to camouflage some of its bulk. The interior could benefit from a revised centre console and improved quality, though the current engine options are likely to be carried forward.
FACTFILE 
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 89bhp/11.8kgm, 89bhp/20.4kgm
Kerb weight: 1210kg
L/W/H: 4413/1703/1550mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 5.7-8.1 lakh*

New SUV cars for 2013 - Updated

Ford EcoSport
Ford Sees tremendous potential in the burgeoning mini-SUV segment and its EcoSport is just the product for the job. Striking in the flesh, the production version – due for an India launch in early 2013 – looks very similar to the concept that was premiered at this year’s Auto Expo. That means the car carries an imposing gaping grille, high bonnet-line and attractive wraparound rear windscreen. Most importantly, it looks like a proper SUV despite its sub-four-metre length. Even the cabin is quite funky, and comes with decent space. What’s great is that the EcoSport is just as good to drive as it is to look at. Built on Ford’s global B-platform that also underpins the latest Fiesta, the EcoSport feeds on corners, and the ride quality is quite accomplished. To be sold with the 1.5-litre diesel from the Fiesta, the EcoSport will also mark the Indian debut of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged, direct-injection petrol motor that promises to offer the performance of a 1.6 petrol with the efficiency of a smaller-capacity engine. The best bit? The EcoSport’s length and engine displacement qualify it as a small car, so pricing is expected at a very competitive Rs 7-9 lakh. We can’t wait!
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 123bhp/17.2kgm, 88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1243kg
L/W/H: NA/2060/1670mm
Expected: Early-2013
Price: Rs 7-9 lakh*
Maruti mini-SUV
As the interesting XA-Alpha concept from the Auto Expo made quite obvious, Maruti is developing its own mini-SUV, which could go on sale in the latter part of 2013. To be built on the Swift platform, the SUV will be a clean-sheet design and will come with lots of butch SUV elements. For starters, the SUV will have very short front and rear overhangs, which are also essential to keep length under the four-metre mark. The concept’s high-set five-block grille, heavy frontal cladding, oversized wheel arches and thick C-pillar are some of the other interesting design elements we expect to see on the production model. To keep costs in check, the new SUV could come with the Swift’s dashboard. Maruti will offer the production XA-Alpha with its range of K-series petrol engines and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine and there will be a four-wheel-drive version too. It will be interesting to see how Maruti prices its own mini-SUV vis-à-vis the Ford EcoSport.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 86bhp/11.6kgm, 88.7bhp/20.4kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 7 lakh*
Nissan SUV
Nissan’s model range is set to receive a fillip with the introduction of a new Renault Duster-based small SUV. Remember, Renault and Nissan are alliance partners and have succesfully badge-engineered each other’s products in India. The Pulse and Scala are, in effect, Renault’s versions of Nissan’s Micra and Sunny respectively. While the new Nissan SUV will adopt the Duster’s broad-shouldered basic design, it will differ from its Renault sibling with a restyled front-end, a new tailgate and possibly even some changes to the sheet metal. Changes to the cabin are likely to be minimal to keep costs in check and even the engines will be the same as on the Duster. The good news is, as per Renault-Nissan’s pricing structure, the new SUV will be cheaper than the Duster by a few thousands at the very least.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 102.5bhp/14.8kgm, 84bhp/20.4kgm, 108.5bhp/25.3kgm
Kerb weight: 1160-1308kg
L/W/H: 4315/1822/1695mm
Expected: August 2013
Price: Rs 7.5-11.5 lakh*

BMW X1 facelift
The launch of the Audi Q3 has seriously hurt BMW X1 sales in India. So you can be pretty sure BMW will step on the gas and bring in the facelifted X1 to India by January 2013. While the updated model retains the current X1’s basic design, it gets a more contoured front bumper with a completely redesigned lower section, as well as a slightly restyled rear bumper. Changes to the cabin are limited to a mildly reworked centre console, but higher quality materials should enhance the ambience inside. Let’s hope BMW also addresses the X1’s heavy steering with the update.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 150bhp/20.4kgm, 177bhp/35.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1500-1530kg
L/W/H: 4454/1798/1545mm
Expected: January 2013
Price: Rs 28-38 lakh*
Ford New Endeavour
The Endeavour that sells in India is essentially an SUV version of Ford’s Ranger pickup from the Thai market. With the new Ranger already on sale overseas, it’s only a matter of time before the new Endeavour breaks cover. In terms of design, the new Endeavour will look far more modern than the current model and even the cabin will benefit from a smarter design and better materials. Ford could also use the Endeavour as a launchpad for its new 148bhp 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine in India, and this motor could be offered with six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes. What is all but certain is that with the new model, the Endeavour will lose the current price advantage it has over its rivals.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 148bhp/38.2kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Late-2013
Price: Rs 22 lakh*
Honda New CR-V
First things first, the new Honda CR-V that is headed to India in January 2013 will not be available with a diesel engine, at least at the time of launch. If you are still interested, you should know that the latest CR-V looks like an evolution of the current car both inside and out. However, the easily identifiable shape is more aerodynamic and the cabin airier than before. Then there is the improved chassis stiffness that promises to enhance the CR-V’s already renowned dynamics, though the new electric power steering could be a dampener here. The powertrains are likely to be carried on from the current model. A word of caution here – since it’s a full-import like the current model, the new CR-V won’t be cheap with an expected price-tag of around Rs 28 lakh.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.4-litre petrol, 2.0-litre petrol
Power/torque: 185bhp/22.5kgm, 148bhp/19.6kgm
Kerb weight: 1500kg
L/W/H: 4528/1818/1654mm
Expected: January 2013
Price: Rs 28 lakh*
Hyundai New Santa Fe
Hyundai’s latest Santa Fe is out and it’s headed to India by mid-2013. Edgier, sharper and sportier, the new SUV’s design is a big departure from the current model’s tepid styling. It’s more of the same on the inside as well, with the new layered dashboard design among the highlights. The Santa Fe for India will sport an identical 2700mm wheelbase as the current model, but thanks to a larger rear overhang, space for third-row passengers will see an improvement. As before, the Santa Fe will be powered by a 2.2-litre diesel. While power and torque figures remain unchanged, the engine comes with tweaks for better efficiency and emissions. Hyundai could also bring in a smaller, 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel engine to try and give the SUV a better entry price-point. With an estimated price of Rs 24-25 lakh, the new Santa Fe looks set to build on the outgoing car’s strengths.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 194bhp/42.9kgm
Kerb weight: 1820kg
L/W/H: 4902/1885/1690mm
Expected:  Mid-2013
Price: Rs 24-25 lakh*
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Given the huge popularity of SUVs in India, it was only a matter of time before American SUV icon Jeep took the plunge into our market. The manufacturer, that is part of the Chrysler Group (now owned by Fiat), is studying the possibility of bringing in its line-up of SUVs to the country – starting with the attractive Grand Cherokee. Exterior styling carries the tough and rugged ethos of the Jeep brand, while its spacious cabin is quite attractive too. Powering the model for India will be a 3.0-litre common-rail V6 diesel engine that will come mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. In keeping with its go-anywhere appeal, the SUV will also get a low-ratio transfer case as well as Jeep’s Selec-Terrain off-road electronics. Interestingly, the Grand Cherokee is built on the same monocoque platform as the Mercedes M-class owing to Daimler’s earlier ownership of Chrysler, and this should translate to good on-road dynamics too. Jeep officials are aware that importing the Grand Cherokee could price it out of contention, so don’t be surprised if it is assembled in India by Fiat and launched under Rs 40 lakh.
FACTFILE
Engine: 3.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 237bhp/56.1kgm
Kerb weight: 2272kg
L/W/H: 4821/1943/1760mm
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 40 lakh*
Volvo V40 Cross Country
Among the many international launches at last month’s Paris Motor Show was the Volvo V40 Cross Country, a model that will go on sale in India in March 2013. Volvo’s weapon against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, the Cross Country crossover is based on the Swedish carmaker’s V40 hatchback. However, ground clearance has been raised to 173mm and the car has also been given a beefier body kit for a tough look. When it comes to India, the Cross Country is likely to feature the 163bhp 2.0-litre diesel D3 engine in a front-wheel-drive format. Internationally, all-wheel drive will only be offered with the petrol T5 engine that may make it here at a later stage. Volvo could price the V40 Cross Country at around Rs 30 lakh but is likely to brim it with equipment to make it more attractive than its German competition.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 163bhp/40.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1578kg
L/W/H: 4369/1802/1420mm
Expected: March 2013
Price: Rs 30 lakh*


Audi Q5 facelift
The facelifted Q5 is expected to come to India in January 2013.  Changes to styling will be minimal and will include a hexagonal shape for the front grille, new LED daytime running lights and a different front bumper with new chrome fog-lamp shrouds. The tail-lights will also get revised LED detailing and there will be a new rear diffuser too. The current range of Q5 engines will continue with the facelift, but could be tweaked for improved power and efficiency.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel, 3.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 211bhp/35.7kgm, 170bhp/35.7kgm, 240bhp/51kgm
Kerb weight: 1865kg
L/W/H: 4629/1880/1653mm
Expected: January 2013
Price: Rs 42-50 lakh*
BMW X6 facelift
BMW’s part sportscar-part SUV, the X6, has gone under the knife recently. The facelifted model, which should be available in India in the coming months, gets a more pronounced kidney grille, relocated front fog lights that now sit higher up in the air inlets and new horizontal LED strips in the tail-lights. The current engine options – the 4.4-litre V8 petrol and 3.0-litre diesel – are likely to continue unaltered, but could be mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox in place of the current six-speeder.
FACTFILE
Engine: 4.4-litre petrol, 3.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 402bhp/61.2kgm, 241bhp/55kgm
Kerb weight: 2190kg
L/W/H: 4877/1983/1699mm
Expected: December 2012
Price: Rs 77 lakh – Rs 1 crore*
Land Rover Freelander 2 facelift
Capable and comfortable as it is, the Land Rover Freelander 2 is getting a bit long in the tooth. New competitors like the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 have made this all the more obvious. Just as well then that the Freelander will be refreshed in mid-2013. While exterior styling changes will be restricted to detailing on the lights and a new finish to the front grille, the majority of the updates will be to the cabin. Chief among these will be a revised dashboard that will now come dominated by a seven-inch touchscreen for the new Meridian audio system and other controls, and also new switches in place of the Terrain Response rotary controller. Expect this update to be accompanied by a small hike in prices.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel, 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 148bhp/42.8kgm, 187bhp/42.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1880kg
L/W/H: 4500/2195/1740mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 38-44 lakh*
New Range Rover
The Range Rover has always been the benchmark for luxury SUVs, but in its latest avatar, it could push the goalpost even further. Styling may be evolutionary but the new Rangie is larger, lighter and more luxurious than before. Crucially, for chauffeur-driven Indian buyers, there is even more space in the rear seat thanks to a larger wheelbase. The new Range Rover, that will be available with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol and a pair of twin-turbo diesels, a 255bhp 3.0 V6 and a 335bhp 4.4 V8, promises to be more efficient and better to drive too. A lot of that is down to its use of an aluminium monocoque (a first for an SUV) that has resulted in a massive 420kg reduction in weight and increase in stiffness compared to the outgoing model. What will remain unchanged though will be its exorbitant price-tag. Expect fully loaded Rangies to cost as much as Rs 2 crore when launched in India in January 2013.
FACTFILE
Engine: 5.0-litre petrol, 3.0-litre diesel, 4.4-litre diesel
Power/torque: 504bhp/63.7kgm, 255bhp/61.1kgm, 335bhp/71.3kgm
Kerb weight: 2160-2330kg
L/W/H: 4999/2073/1835mm
Expected: January 2013
Price: Rs 1.4 crore onwards*