Honda Civic

The Honda Civic may not be as automatic a choice as it once was due to improved competition, but its variety of configurations, high fuel economy and ease of ownership keep it among the best compact sedans and coupes.
Pros

Comfortable and composed ride; good fuel economy; spacious interior; wide variety of engines available; available coupe body style.
Cons

Finicky sound system controls for most models; coupe's cramped backseat; hybrid's small trunk.
What's New for 2015

For 2015, the Honda Civic gains a new SE trim level. Offered only in sedan form, the Civic SE slots in between the LX and EX sedans.

Ford Mustang

TECH SPECS
Base price: $30,349; $54,949 as tested (GT Premium)
Engine: 5.0-litre DOHC, 32V V-8
Drive: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 15.2 city; 9.3 highway
Alternatives: Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

RATINGS
Looks: It looks good, in a tough, purposeful way, even with the top up. Differences from the coupe go beyond just the roof; a revised “muscle line” on the rear body-side, and recontoured trunk lid, give it a more linear appearance than the tin-top.
Interior: The range of at-the-wheel adjustment is less than optimal, and the cockpit design favours form over function, yet without appearing especially rich in fit finish. But it can accommodate four mid-size adults.

Technology: Mechanically, it’s the most sophisticated Mustang, yet still preserves that traditional pony-car persona. Adaptive speed control is a pricey $1,600 option on the test car, likewise the $2,000 for a package that includes an audio upgrade, memory seats and blind-spot monitoring. On-board IT includes most features and capabilities you’d expect, interfaced through the little-loved SYNC with MyFord Touch.

Performance: One of the smaller V-8s among its peers, the 5.0 is more a revver than a torque-monster so you need to row the gears to extract the best from it. Handling is on the fun side of competent, but lacks the taut balance and precision of the coupe. It’s no coincidence that the hard-core Performance Pack chassis set-up is not even available on the squishier-bodied convertible.
Cargo: The trunk is 19 per cent
roomier than on the old car and Ford claims its 323-litre volume (12 per cent more than Camaro convertible) can accommodate two large golf bags, even with the available premium audio subwoofer. Unlike in some European convertibles, cargo volume is unaffected by whether the top is up or down.

Fiat AVVENTURA

First unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo, the new Avventura is a compact crossover model from Fiat India. It is based on the Punto platform and shares majority of its underpinnings and interior with the former. It is the Italian automaker’s entry into the now trending hatchback-based compact crossover segment which has been getting a lot of attention from Indian buyers lately. Other players in this segment at the moment include the Volkswagen Cross Polo and the Toyota Etios Cross.

Chevrolet Camaro 2015

Since its introduction in 2009, the fifth-generation Camaro has been the most popular sport coupe on the road. Its stellar performance and refined looks have been a cornerstone of the Chevrolet lineup for years, and 2015 is no different.
To celebrate the success of Camaro, chevy is introducing a Commemorative Edition that features much of the best that Camaro has offered over the years. Available in five exterior colors, and an exclusive Adrenaline Red interior, this special edition is equipped with a host of performance accessories, including a new 20-inch wheel design with high-performance summer-only tires†, ZL1 spoiler, and body-colored accessory front splitter and available hood insert, to name a few. Special Commemorative Edition badging tops off this impressive package

Hyundai Accent 2015

With handsome styling, above-average performance and solid build quality, the 2015 Hyundai Accent represents a strong choice for a small sedan or hatchback in the subcompact car class.Strong acceleration; comfortable and quiet ride; spacious cabin has an upscale ambience; long warranty.

Real-world fuel economy falls short of EPA estimates; no rearview camera or parking sensors available.

The 2015 Hyundai Accent gets a newly styled grille, headlights and taillights, along with some changes to standard and optional equipment. Last year's SE hatchback has been renamed the Sport.

Mahindra Verito Vibe

The Mahindra Verito Vibe has been launched in India at a price of between Rs. 5.68 - 6.55 lakhs (ex-Delhi).

What you'll like:

• Robust build that has proven its reliability with the Logan / Verito

• Lots of interior space. Wide cabin easily seats 3 adults on the rear bench

• The frugal 1.5L Renault K9K engine has excellent driveability on tap

• A comfortable and balanced ride that soaks up bumps with ease

• Mahindra's low cost of ownership

What you won't:

• Boxy and dated design has been made more awkward at the rear

• Low on horsepower when compared to competitors, even hatchbacks

• Bare basic interior design and quality. Questionable ergonomics too

• Heavy steering means maneuvering in the city takes significant effort

• Deep penetration in the taxi segment makes personal buyers flinch

Renault Lodgy 2015

The Renault Lodgy has been launched in India at a price of between Rs. 8.19 - 11.79 Lakhs (ex-Delhi).

What you’ll like:

• An all-rounded & practical 7 seater MPV. 3rd seat row is usable too
• Priced between the Ertiga & Innova. Top variant is ~Rs. 4 lakh cheaper than the Toyota
• Robust, abuse-friendly build & construction
• 109 BHP diesel is fast, refined & fuel-efficient. 84 BHP variant has superb driveability
• Outstanding ride quality. Comfortable over any kind of road
• Car-like to drive. Balanced handling and dynamics
• Features: Touchscreen ICE, cruise control, navigation, adjustable lumbar support etc.
• Boot space of 207 - 1,861 liters. Innumerable passenger : cargo combinations possible

What you won’t:

• Limited 2nd row legroom. This seat lacks the fore & aft adjustment of its competitors
• 109 BHP diesel suffers from turbo-lag below 1,800 rpm
• Boxy, unappealing styling (especially the rear end)
• Low 3rd-row seat means you sit with your knees pointing upward
• 185/65 R15 tyres are too small for a people carrier. Same tyre size as the Swift!
• Renault's service network isn't a patch on that of Maruti or Toyota
• Owners of the mechanically-identical Duster have reported the occasional niggles

Nissan Juke 2015

The Juke puts the “fun” in “funky,” making it perfect for those who want a spry and speedy little runabout that also stands out in traffic. It’s powered by a 188-hp 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional. Sadly, a CVT is the only available transmission, which takes some joy out of driving. On the plus side, its light and informative steering makes it easy to fling around back-country curves or to jockey for position on a crowded interstate.

Toyota Corolla

If car shopping were computer software, the Corolla could be the default setting: It has the space, power, and features to meet most people’s needs, but is bland and uninspired. That’s the downside. On the positive side of the equation, it has the Toyota reputation for reliability. As a result, it brings a premium, despite not engaging the driver as do some of its competitors. Still, it remains a bestseller. If you’re more interested in the destination than the journey, the Corolla is for you.

Toyota is launching its Fun-Vii Concept under the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show's slogan of "Mobility can change the world".

We can't help thinking that mobility has already changed the world - after all, Toyota and its competitors already produce vehicles that allow millions of people to travel from one place to another every day, which seems like fairly world-changing mobility.

Maybe it's not all about movement, though. Maybe Toyota's vision of a near future when people, cars and society are linked will bring that 19th-century invention, the car, together with the computer of the 20th century into a real 21st-century world-changer.

Flippancy aside, the Fun-Vii has some neat features. Toyota sees it as the ultimate in vehicle personalization, effectively downloading a color scheme like an app which can then be displayed across your car. You can go for simple colors or even messages, but the idea is that the body can reflect your personality.

The interior features augmented reality navigation and Toyota says the interior features are freely adjustable to "match the mood of the moment". We expect this means the three seats can be moved around into any position or shape you choose, depending on requirements.

It also implements technology already in development to let the car speak with other vehicles and its surroundings, and a network update function ensures the car's software is all kept up to date.

Most importantly of all, Toyota wants the Fun-Vii to be... well, fun. With the Toyota GT-86 due to be officially launched at Tokyo  , Toyota's own slogan, "Fun to Drive, Again" seems more exciting in the context of world-changing mobility.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4h-SRXaEcQ&feature=player_detailpage

Toyota has never made a low-cost car like the Etios before.
It is the cheapest car in Toyota’s universe and sets a new benchmark for affordability by the world’s biggest car company.

Toyota has played safe with the Etios’ looks.
The design and styling is well proportioned and balanced, thanks to the long wheelbase.
But the design doesn’t break any new ground.
The Etios grille is typically Toyota and the sharp curve gives it some character, along with the prominent creases on the bonnet.
However, the small lights look quite tame as does the front bumper with a pair of tiny fogs.
The side profile again looks pretty anonymous but the crease swooping up in the lower half of the doors is a terrific touch.
Also, the large 15-inch wheels, standard on the V and VX versions, seriously improve the Etios’ stance.
The rear is the least attractive bit and the vertical boot lid and large triangular lights bear some resemblance to the Logan.

If the exterior doesn’t bowl you over, the Etios’ interior certainly will.
There is not a shadow of a doubt that the Etios is the most comfortable car in its class.
The rear seats with their large squabs, perfect backrest angle and the right amount of cushioning are supremely comfortable.
If there is one criticism, it’s the flat design of the back seat which doesn’t have deep contours to hold you snugly.
But there’s a reason for that. The Etios is a genuine five-seater.
The rear seat is remarkably wide to easily accommodate three people but what makes it even better for the middle passenger is a near-flat floor tunnel which intrudes by only two inches into the cabin.

The front seats with just the perfect amount of padding are again the most comfortable we have sat in.
They are perfectly contoured to give the right amount of support to your lower back.
It’s not just the seats that are generous; the Etios has more space for luggage as well.
There is a massive 595-litre boot, seven full-sized cupholders and a 13-litre chilled glovebox which is the biggest we have seen.
The seats, however, don’t flip or fold.

The raised driving position is terrific.
However, taller drivers might have a problem as the steering wheel, even after adjustment, is a touch too low.
Outside visibility is simply excellent, thanks to the slim and tucked- back A-pillar and the centrally mounted instrument cluster doesn’t get in the way either like in the Indica Vista.

For the rear passengers, there is an extra vent in the centre which works really well.
Electronic climate control is not an option on any variant but you don’t really miss it.
What you do miss is power adjustment for the outside mirrors, which is not available as an option on any variant.

The top-of-the-line VX model gets bright red seat fabrics and a red gear knob to match.
It also gets a flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel which is great to grip, looks distinctive, and adds a sporty touch.
Interior quality is pretty good but clearly the Etios doesn’t have the richness or upmarket feel of the Vento or the City.
Plastic quality is about average and there are some signs of cost cutting like the flimsy sun visors and the single wiper.

Under the skin, the suspension has been tuned for Indian roads and there’s sufficient ground clearance to clear the worst potholes and speedbreakers.
Toyota engineers have managed to pare the Etios’ weight as this large mid-size saloon weighs a mere 930kg, an astonishing 80kg lighter than the Swift Dzire.

The Etios’s 1.5-litre motor comes with twin cams and four valves per cylinder but despite all that hardware to breathe better, it ends up producing just under 90bhp.
This figure may seem modest but when you factor in the favourable power-to-weight ratio, the Etios feels like it’s up there with some 100bhp saloons.
The Etios is quite quick off the line and it’s largely because of the gearing which is a touch short.
That’s because the Etios saloon shares the gearbox with the less powerful hatchback, which needs shorter gearing.
The broad torque spread of the engine also helps driveability and the Etios has a wonderfully linear power delivery, making it a very easy car to drive in town.

The gearshift too is quite slick but you won’t need to use it much as the Etios pulls away smartly from low revs.
Flat-out performance is more than adequate and the Etios always has a spring in its step and feels light on its toes.
In fact, the Etios’ low weight helped it achieve class-best fuel economy of 17.64kpl in the ARAI driving cycle.

Rev the 1.5-litre engine hard and it does get quite vocal and there’s a bit of road noise too.
The Etios has been set up to breeze through town rather than carve up a twisty road.
The steering is quite light and requires little effort but it’s not quick.
However, the tight turning circle and light weight give the Etios agility about town no other mid-sizer really has.
If there is a fault with the steering, it’s the dead zone around the straight-ahead position.
It’s not driving enthusiasts that the Etios is aimed at but the family man who wants comfort and practicality in a sensible, hassle-free package.
The Etios may not wow you with its looks but remember that it’s been designed and developed keeping Indian tastes and requirements in mind. Hence it blows away the competition in key areas like space and comfort, fuel efficiency and ease of driving.
The Etios is a car you can buy with your eyes shut because, like most Toyotas, you can’t really go wrong with it. Expect the Etios to be priced highly competitively in the region of Rs 5 to 7lakh to take on the Dzir