Monday, May 31, 2010

Maruti enters its name in the Guinness Book of Records

Maruti Suzuki India, a major car maker in the country, announced on Sunday that it has managed to enter its name in the Guinness Book of Records by organizing the largest-ever car parade of its most popular compact hatchback Maruti Swift in India. Maruti Suzuki has set a new Guinness Book of World Record by bringing together 342 Swift cars at a car parade in Gurgaon, company said in a statement. This world record is a testimony to the ever-growing popularity of the Swift. The new record is a victory for all the 4.5 lakh Swift owners, the statement added.

Maruti Swift

The sales figures of Maruti Swift has crossed the mark of 4.5 lakh units since its launch in India five years back. The company produces over 12,000 Swifts on a monthly basis at its facilities in Gurgaon and Manesar, still, the car is enjoying a high waiting period of 2 to 3 months.

Maruti Swift

In the initial year of its launch about 61,200 units of Swift were sold in India, which was much higher then the target company had aimed for it of 50,000 units. The Swift model is among one of the most sought-after models in not only India but also in many foreign markets including Japan, Europe. In the Denmark, Swift had topped the chart in year 2006, and is among top three since then.

In the list of largest vehicle parades ever held in the world, BMW has a unique record on its name, the company had organized the largest ever parade of gathering 1,450 units of Minis in London in year 2009, at the occasion of the 50th anniversary of this BMW-owned small car.

Source:- Maruti enters its name in the Guinness Book of Records - New Cars

GM mulling to compete Nano with a new small car

General Motors, a US based leading car maker, is mulling the option of launching a new small car in India, in competition with Tata Nano which is the cheapest car in India. The company may launch this car in association with its Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SIAC), which has a 50% stake in GM India. Company may use its Chinese associations to launch a rival for Tata Nano in India, a leading Indian business daily reported on Monday.



SIAC is among the top car-makers in the Chinese market and sells vehicles across all the segments. On the other hand GM is not new in the compact car segment as the company already has three popular small cars in its India portfolio. This includes Chevrolet Beat, Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Aveo, all of these three cars have been designed at GM owned Daewoo Motors in South Korea.

Since the launch of Chevrolet Beat in January this year, GM India has become a leading car maker of this segment with gathering more than 10,000 bookings in the starting 24 days of its launch in India. The Beat model has been launched with a competitive price tag of Rs 3,42,981 - Rs 4,03,415 (Delhi ex-showroom). Launching a small car in India will certainly help both GM and SIAC in strengthening their position in the Indian market.

Besides this, the GM India is also eying on launching a LCV (lightweight commercial vehicle) in the Indian market, in partnership with SIAC, a segment in which GM India is yet to make a mark.

Source:- GM mulling to compete Nano with a new small car - New Cars

High demand, the new growth phenomena for auto industry

auto-industry of India, which is one of the fastest growing auto market in the world, is witnessing a high demand scenario in every segment of cars including entry level sedan Maruti Swift Dzire and luxury SUV Toyota Fortuner. According to Mr Mayank Pareek, managing executive officer (marketing and sales), Maruti Suzuki, the demand has been overwhelming in the market, especially for the newer models that were keenly awaited. It has been more than what the company anticipated.



Toyota Fortuner, a luxury SUV which was launched in India in Oct last year, is not available for bookings since the month of January as company has stopped receiving bookings for this model in a bid to clear the existing long backlog. At the time when bookings were stopped the Fortuner model was available on a long waiting period of three to four months. According to Mr Sandeep Singh, deputy managing director (marketing), Toyota Kirloskar Motors, the company dosn't has enough production to match the demand that has been phenomenal and beyond its expectation. The bookings have been closed as the company dosn't want people to wait for delivery endlessly after paying hefty booking amounts.

On the other hand, Maruti Swift Dzire, India's best selling entry level sedan is going through a robust demand phase with waiting period reaching up to three months for some variants. The Dezire model, which was launched in India in March 2008, is enjoying the top position in its segment since then. In recently launched compact cars the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Figo are among the highly demanded cars in India, both of these cars are enjoying a waiting period of about 1 to 2 months.

However, car-makers in in India are working hard on their expansion plans to enhance their production capacity and catch-up with this rising demand. This includes GM, Toyota, Maruti, Ford and Volkswagen.

Source:- High demand, the new growth phenomena for auto industry - New Cars

Proton to launch a small car in India

The Malasyian car maker Proton is soon going to launch its first car in the Indian market. The car would be a small car and is expected to be based on the EMAS concept recently showcased at the Geneva Auto Show. There are speculations that the car is designed by Italdesign Giugiaro of Italy. The hatchback would offer comfortable seating for 4 adults and would measure 3,550-mm length.



The the EMAS concept displayed at the Geneva Auto show would be used by Proton to develop many small cars for small car markets like India and China, informed the company sources. The top officials from the company quoted that the key markets Proton is focusing on, these days are India, China, Asean and the Middle East.

The reason behind the focus on these markets is the sizeability and the potential for growth. The company has already been in touch with some of the original equipment manufacturers and contract-assembly service providers. The company also mentioned that it wishes to make the most of time and reach Indian markets as soon as possible.

Apart from the small car for the Indian market, another small car in the company's global portfolio is the Savvy. The engine of this car is sourced from Renault. The same is supposed to be extended for Indian markets as well that is, the engine for the upcoming car might me sourced from Renault.

Its been more than a decade now that the company has been looking forward to debut in the Indian market. Initially there were news that the company is in talks with Hindustan Motors to take up a joint venture which was later shelved due to some financial constraints.

Source:- Proton to launch a small car in India - New Cars

Yamaha to increase its rural market share

Major two-wheeler players of Indian auto market, India Yamaha Motor is planning to establish its strong position in the rural market. The company is targeting to increase its sales to double digit in rural market by the next 5 years. The fully owned Indian subsidiary of the Japanese giant Yamaha sold 2.2 lakh two-wheelers in the Indian auto market last year.

yamaha sz

Now, the company is expecting to grow its total sales by up to 30 percent in the current calender year. Besides, India Yamaha Motor intends to open 1,000 new outlets in sub-urban and remote areas of the country by 2014. Pankaj Dubey, National Business Head of India Yamaha Motor said,"We will focus to strengthen our presence to continue growth in the rural market.

yamaha sz

The company has seen till now a good sales in big cities of Urban areas. The rural two-wheeler market is not fully used and hence gives a large growth potential, he added. The company is also planning to introduce its new 125cc bike, Yamaha SZ soon in India. It will also suppose to increase its sales volume in the rural areas. On the other hand, world's major sports bike player, Ducati motor has launched its most popular Ducati Monster in the Indian auto market.

Source:- Yamaha to increase its rural market share - Bikes in India

Ford Mustang AV-X10 2010 Auto Gallery

Ford Mustang AV-X10 2010 new auto gallery
Ford Mustang AV-X10 2010

Ford Mustang AV-X10 2010 new car
Ford Mustang AV-X10 2010

Ford Mustang AV-X10 2010 new car gallery
Ford Mustang AV-X10 2010

Ford Mustang AV-X10 2010 auto gallery
Ford Mustang AV-X10 2010

Ford Mustang AV-X10 2010 car gallery
Ford Mustang AV-X10 2010

Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink 2009 Car Pictures

new car Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink 2009 emblem
Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink 2009

new car Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink 2009 picture
Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink 2009

new car Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink 2009 image
Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink 2009

new car Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink 2009 gallery
Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink 2009

Car Market witnessing a flurry of buyers

The Indian automotive market is blooming like never before. Major car makers across all segments are busy redesigning their existing range or are involved in launching brand new cars in the Indian market. The purchasing power of the Indian buyers also seems to be on an all time high as the rush and blitz at various company showrooms is maddening.



With the demand increasing at a lightening speed, the car manufacturers are finding it difficult to meet the demands but are happy with such a positive response from the buyers. Most of the car models, whether they are the existing rulers are new entrants, are witnessing long waiting periods that on an average is around 2 months.

Maruti Swift has been the pride of the company since the time it was launched. Both Maruti Swift and Maruti Swift Dzire have waiting periods of upto two months. Joining the league is the Van-based model Maruti Eeco. Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo, Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Beat are the latest entrants in the Indian market and have already become immensely popular amongst the buyers.



The buyers are seen lined up at the company showrooms carrying the booking amounts, to be amongst the early buyers and make efforts to shorten the waiting periods. These companies are forced to ramp up their production in order to meet the demands. Ford and Volkswagen have already started with the second round of manufacturing.

Ford India is also planning to recruit 700 new employees with a view to meet the demands and occupy the expanded manufacturing capacities. One model that needs a special mention in this regard is Toyota Fortuner, an SUV that has been immensely popular ever since it was launched. Toyota Motors had to indeed stop further bookings of the car as the demand was much more than the company had expected.

Source:- Car Market witnessing a flurry of buyers - New Cars

Malaysia's Proton to launch a new compact car in India

Proton, a Malaysia based car maker, is planning to make its debut in the Indian market with launching a small car with a competitive price tag. The new car will be based on the the EMAS concept to which company has presented at the Geneva Auto show last month. The new small car will be a five-door hatchback designed by an Italian firm Italdesign Giugiaro. The concept which was shown at the Geneva auto show was a four-seater model with a total length of 3,550-mm.



The company is aiming to sell this car in markets like India and China, which are one of the fastest growing auto-markets in the world. Besides this new small car, the company has another compact car 'Savvy' in its global portfolio. The Savvy model will be powered with a 1200cc engine which will be out-sourced from Renault. It is speculated that the company may look for possibilities of sourcing engines from Renault for its India bound compact car too, as Renault has invested heavily at its engine production facility in Chennai. However, there is no confirmation form either of the company on this regard.

Its about a decade since the company is planning to enter in the Indian market, but due to the financial problems the company had rescheduled its plans. Last year, the company was in talks with the Hero group for a joint venture in India but these talks couldn't reached to the fruition.

Source:- Malaysia's Proton to launch a new compact car in India - New Cars

Mahindra bids for S Korean SUV maker Ssangyong

Mahindra & Mahindra, country's largest SUV maker has made bids to buy Ssangyong Motor Corp, a South Korea’s bankrupt firm. Interestingly, Renault group, a France based leading car maker which has recently ended a 5 year old joint venture with Mahindra group, has also made bids for this Korean firm. The Mahindra and Renault had entered into a partnership in year 2005 when both of the companies started manufacturing Logan sedan in India. But due to the recently surfaced differences on the issues like pricing and designing the joint venture came to an end in April 2010.

Mahindra Renault Logan

The bidding value for Ssangyong Motor Corp, which has around 2% market share in the Korean market, is expected to be in the range of $300-$500 million. The company sales some of the popular SUV's in the Korean market including Rexton and Kyron which will definitely help Mahindra & Mahindra in enhancing its operations in markets like South-Korea if it gets succeed in buying this bankrupt firm.

Company's expertise lies in turning around sick companies and therein lies the primary synergy for its interest in the company. It has identified value in this company and therefore, has put in a bid for the same, said Mr Pawan Kumar Ruia, in a statement to a leading business daily.

Source:- Mahindra bids for S Korean SUV maker Ssangyong - New Cars

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2010 New Car Pictures

New Mustangs Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2010
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2010

New Mustangs Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2010
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2010

New Mustangs Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2010
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2010

New Mustangs Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2010
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2010

New Mustangs Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2010
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2010

Ford Mustang Convertible 2010 New Car

new Ford Mustang Convertible 2010
Ford Mustang Convertible 2010

new Mustang Convertible 2010
Ford Mustang Convertible 2010

new car Ford Mustang Convertible 2010
Ford Mustang Convertible 2010

new car gallery Ford Mustang Convertible 2010
Ford Mustang Convertible 2010

new auto Ford Mustang Convertible 2010
Ford Mustang Convertible 2010

The New Opel Corsa GSi

The New Opel Corsa GSi
The New Opel Corsa GSi

The New Opel Corsa GSi

The New Opel Corsa GSi

The New Opel Corsa GSi

The new Opel Corsa GSi is 'more substance than show'. In contrast to the Opel Corsa OPC, the new GSi radiates subtle sportiness rather than uncompromising high-performance. Powerful 1.6 ECOTEC turbo engine produces 110 kW/150 hp at 5000 rpm, positioning the new sporty model between the Corsa Sport 1.7 CDTI (125 hp) and the high-performance Corsa OPC (192 hp).

Opel fans know just what the three letters GSi stand for:
plenty of fun, good value for money and no compromises in everyday use or driving conditions. The Corsa GSi combines the virtues of its compact dimensions with impressive performance over the entire rpm range, which actually positions the model in the next higher car class." The addition of the GSi to the Corsa model line expands the range to five gasoline and three diesel variants with a performance spectrum of 60 to 192 hp. Over 320.000 new Corsas have been sold across Europe since the fourth-generation's launch in October 2006.

Corsa GSi customers have the choice of a three or five-door variant. Powered by the 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine, the new Corsa has a top speed of 210 km/h and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) with variable progressive feedback curve and lowered sport chassis (front: 18 mm, rear: 15 mm) with ESP as standard ensure agile handling.

The Opel Corsa GSi's styling is also subtly sporty, with exterior modifications such as a front spoiler lip, rear apron lip and spoiler, color-keyed side sills, chrome sport tailpipe and 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior's dynamic ambience is emphasized by the comfortable, charcoal/red upholstered sport seats with high side support, a leather steering wheel with red inserts, red safety belts and aluminum-style pedals.

A new version of the Dacia Logan MCV

A new version of the Dacia Logan MCV
A new version of the Dacia Logan MCV

A new version of the Dacia Logan MCV

A new version of the Dacia Logan MCV

A new version of the Dacia Logan MCV

A new version of the Dacia Logan MCV, the best-selling station wagon in France, was launched following the Dacia Sandero and new Dacia Logan.

The fresh body styling adopting the new visual identity of the brand, an upgraded Lauréate model and the arrival of a Prestige version, new Dacia Logan MCV is an integral part of the renewal of Dacia, a generous and clever brand.

New Dacia Logan MCV obviously retains its successful formula of unbeatable cabin room for the price, impressive modular design and versatility in use, along with recognized reliability found in the previous generation.

The new Dacia Logan MCV was launched in France on October 3, 2008, naturally with the threeyear 100,000 km warranty. The entry-level price is as attractive as ever at just €8,900 in France.

The new Dacia Logan MCV is produced at Dacia's ISO 14001-certified Pitesti plant in Romania. The new model is 95% recoverable and contains 5% recycled plastic. The 70 hp dCi and 85 hp dCi models, emitting 140 g/km of CO2 and 137 g/km of CO2, respectively, both carry the Dacia eco2 signature.

2010 Dacia Duster Trophee Andros

2010 Dacia Duster Trophee Andros
2010 Dacia Duster Trophee Andros

2010 Dacia Duster Trophee Andros

2010 Dacia Duster Trophee Andros

Dacia has chosen to base its challenge in the 2009/2010 Trophée Andros ice-racing season on the so-called 'Silhouette' category. All the circuits visited by the Trophée Andros put reliability to the ultimate test, and this will give Dacia a chance to showcase the fact that robustness forms an integral part of the brand's DNA. The discipline also places a cap on excessively complex and costly technical solutions, while the chassis, gearbox and tyres, for example, are all carefully governed by the regulations, forcing teams to explore simple, ingenious solutions, an approach which totally fits the Dacia spirit.

Dacia's newcomer will get its first taste of ice racing in the hands of Alain Prost, with the brand seeking to spring a surprise by using the campaign to premiere Dacia Duster, the lines of which preview the 4x4 model that is due to go on sale in 2010. Dacia Duster's high body line and prominent wheel arches are clear pointers to its 4x4 credentials, while the bodywork of the competition version is perfectly suited to the specific demands of the Trophée Andros. The extensive front glazed surface area and the positioning of the windscreen pillars ensure outstanding forward and lateral visibility.

The Dacia brand has forged a reputation for challenging established thinking in the automotive world, delivering all the essentials… at just the right price.

The Trophée Andros stands out as one of motor sport's most exacting disciplines. In ice racing, the track conditions can change very quickly as a result of prevailing weather conditions, and driving calls for precision, rigour and race-craft, three qualities which all come naturally to a champion of Alain Prost's calibre.

DACIA DUSTER Prepared by Renauld Sport Technologies

The competition version of Dacia Duster has benefited extensively from the motorsport expertise of Renault Sport Technologies. Its glass-fibre body conceals a tubular chassis which houses a three-litre, 24-valve V6 engine from the Renault-Nissan Alliance range. The powerplant has been carefully tuned in order to optimise its performance potential at the high altitudes at which the races will be held. It delivers peak power of 350hp at 7,500rpm and maximum torque of 360Nm at 5,500rpm. The 6-speed sequential gearbox ensures fast, precise gearshifts, even when drifting through corners at full speed. The mid-engined layout offers perfect weight distribution, whilst the low centre of gravity ensures enhanced control.

The double wishbone suspension and long-travel dampers have been specifically engineered to allow Dacia Duster to take in its stride the different conditions it will encounter during the Trophée Andros campaign. The competition version of Dacia Duster is equipped with limited slip differentials which are indispensable for the extreme conditions. This feature, which is also seen on other Renault Sport Technologies-developed competition and road cars, ensures efficient traction irrespective of the road surface, driving style or type of corner. The competition version of Dacia Duster also incorporates a four-wheel steering system for complete cornering control. This mechanical system links the front and rear wheels, and can be rapidly adjusted to meet the demands of each circuit.

DACIA DUSTER COMPETITION CAR
Technical Data

* CHASSIS
o Tubular steel chassis
o Double wishbone suspension, front and rear

* Engine
o Renault-Nissan Alliance VQ 30
o Position: mid-engined
o Six cylinders (V6)
o Number of valves: 24
o Cubic capacity: 2,987cc
o Bore x stroke: 93mm x 73.3mm
o Maximum power: 350hp at 7,500rpm
o Maximum torque: 360Nm at 5,500rpm
* TRANSMISSION
o Six-speed SADEV sequential gearbox
* BRAKES
o Front: 260mm-diameter ventilated steel discs
o Rear: 265mm-diameter steel discs

* Wheels
o 5.5" x 16" (magnesium)
o Tyres: Continental Racing Contact 3

* Dimentions / Weight
o Length: 4,001mm
o Width: 1,900mm
o Front/rear track: 1,690mm
o Wheelbase: 2,500mm
o Weight: 950kg

New Holden Cruze 2010

Holden Cruze, 2010
Holden Cruze, 2010

Holden Cruze, 2010

Holden Cruze, 2010

Holden Cruze, 2010

The all-new Holden Cruze made its Australian debut at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show signalling the company's latest entrant in the competitive small car segment. Holden Cruze is the first of General Motors' new wave of global products and enters Australia's small car segment equipped with striking road presence, advanced interior comfort and high levels of safety features. Powered by a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or optional 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine, Holden Cruze will go on sale in the second quarter of 2009.

Exterior styling
With a wide track, long wheelbase and its wheels located at the outer edges of its body, the Holden Cruze sedan's 'four-door coupe' styling delivers the presence of an upscale mid-size sedan. State of the art manufacturing processes ensures gaps are minimised and margins in the exterior design deliver high levels of quality, fit and finish. Holden Cruze has been designed to appeal to drivers who value sophisticated design combined with sporty good looks.

The Interior
The Holden Cruze boasts one of the most advanced interiors of any small car on the market offering exceptional quality and functionality, while delivering sportiness and luxurious comfort. Stylish and spacious, the Holden Cruze interior offers exceptional fit and finish and comfort with contoured sport seats and a dual cockpit design which houses an advanced integrated centre panel with graphic information display and CD with MP3 "plug and play" functionality. An integrated centre stack houses the infotainment display, radio and HVAC controls resulting in a fresh and contemporary look. With generous rear passenger leg, head and shoulder room this small car comfortably sits five adults, and when combined with one of the largest range of standard features from the base model customers do not need to compromise on large car features. Storage, functionality and convenience applications found on the new Holden Cruze are plentiful with 60/40 split rear seats, seatback pockets, a centre console CD storage, a shopping bag hook and six cup holders.

Safety
Safety was an overriding objective in the development of Holden Cruze. Significant advancements in structural strength and a full offering of active and passive safety systems should combine to make the all-new Holden Cruze among the safest in its class. The Holden Cruze's stiff structure helps to minimise noise and vibration as well as assuring a good crash safety performance and optimal ride and handling properties.

The impressive level of standard safety features across the range:
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
* Traction Control (TC)
* Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
* Brake Assist (BA)
* Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
* Six airbags including driver, front passenger, front side and curtain airbags
* Seatbelt retractor and lap pretensioners with seatbelt load limiters
* Sixty-five percent of the structure is high-strength steel
Holden Cruze CD Feature Highlights:
* 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or optional 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine
* 5-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
* 16 inch steel wheels
* Body coloured door handles and mirrors
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC) incorporating:
o Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
o Traction Control (TC)
o Brake Assist (BA)
o Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
* 6 airbags including:
o Front airbags for driver and front passenger
o Front side impact airbags
o Side curtain airbags
* Automatic headlamps
* 6 speaker audio system with MP3 compatible in dash CD, radio and MP3 "plug & play" functionality with graphic information display
* Air conditioning
* Steering wheel audio controls
* Cruise control
* Trip computer
* Power windows, front and rear

Holden Cruze CDX, specific feature :
* 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine
* 5-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
* 17 inch alloy wheels (4)
* Front fog lamps
* Leather steering wheel
* Leather appointed seats
* Heated front seats
* Rear park assist

The new generation Jaguar X-Type

The new generation Jaguar X-Type
The new generation Jaguar X-Type
The new generation Jaguar X-Type
The new generation Jaguar X-Type
The new generation Jaguar X-Type
The Jaguar X-Type gets a fresh look for 2008, along with a host of new features inside and outside the vehicle and a new automatic transmission in the acclaimed 2.2 diesel. With significant revisions including nearly 500 new components, the new generation Jaguar X-Type retains all the original car's strengths, and adds some new ones of its own.

The new Jaguar X-Type's exterior styling is significantly refreshed - with changes that reflect some of Jaguar's new saloon car design language - with subtle interior revisions and greater choice of trim and equipment, further emphasising the Jaguar X-Type's premium car credentials.

For the first time in this model range, the new Jaguar X-Type now offers the combination of diesel power with automatic transmission - pairing the 2.2 litre diesel with a six-speed automatic, and the one-touch control of Jaguar Sequential Shift - broadening the new model's appeal to buyers who previously could not have this combination in an Jaguar X-Type.

The new Jaguar X-Type automatic diesel combines high levels of refinement with optimised performance and economy, and promises more choice and even greater luxury, to appeal especially to a younger, more family-orientated audience.

The diesel-automatic alternative
For the first time in the Jaguar X-Type range, buyers can opt for diesel power and an automatic transmission. The 2.2 litre diesel is paired with a new six-speed automatic gearbox, which has the added attraction of 'one-touch control' Jaguar Sequential Shift, for manual gearchanges.

The six gear ratios are chosen to deliver refined cruising while maintaining sporty performance - the balance that Jaguar research shows an Jaguar X-Type owner wants. Where the 2.2 litre diesel with manual transmission can achieve maximum torque from second gear, the new combination can achieve maximum torque in all six gears, utilising optimum gear change points to ensure best use of the available torque. This delivers significant benefits to performance 'feel' and the performance of the diesel automatic is impressively close to that of the diesel with the manual transmission. In the new Jaguar X-Type saloon, the 2.2D manual version has headline figures of 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds (0-100kph in 9.1 seconds), a maximum speed of 134mph (216kph), a combined economy of 47.1mpg (6.0l/100km), and a CO2 rating of 159g/km. The respective figures for the 2.2D automatic are 9.5 seconds (9.9 seconds), 129mph (208kph), 41 mpg (6.9l/100km) and 184g/km. The comparative figures - shown in full in the specification tables - are similar for estate versions.

Thanks to the new transmission's advanced electronic control, it offers rapid responses to shift commands, and a choice of operating modes. Moving from fully automatic to 'manual' mode automatically selects a 'Sports' setting: this delivers more involving, sporty shift dynamics - with the added benefit of simple, one-touch up- or down-shifts using the Jaguar Sequential Shift programme.

As well as the changes needed to install the new transmission, extensive measures were taken to optimise cooling, weight and noise, and vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics. These include at a physical level, a greater volume of and improvements to sound insulation materials, while in the electronic arena the Engine Speed Control (ESC) smoothes downshifts and the torque converter is given a degree of slip that both improves its NVH qualities and gives improved drivability and economy.

Building on its strengths
The new Jaguar X-Type announces its arrival with a fresh new look that reflects Jaguar's new design language.

The exterior surfaces are clean, confident and above all, contemporary, visually confirming the new Jaguar X-Type as a thoroughly modern Jaguar. The frontal styling introduces a new '3D' bright mesh grille, with a bold frame and body coloured outer surround that echo the design themes of both the XJ and XF. And the new Jaguar X-Type is proud of its Jaguar identity, with a new Jaguar 'growler' emblem prominently mounted within the mesh grille.

New front bumper covers define the new Jaguar X-Type's face, with taut, clean lines and neatly integrated side marker reflectors. A bright 'splitter' in the lower air intakes also adds visual width to the new Jaguar X-Type, while the front bumper neatly incorporates colour-keyed sensors for the next-generation park-aid system and re-profiled covers for the headlamp power-wash system where those features are fitted.

The redesigned rear bumper continues the clean, confident theme, with smooth, simple surfaces that shrink the visual mass of the rear of the car. Echoing the bright splitter in the front, a full-width bright chrome signature blade gives the new Jaguar X-Type a strong identity in line with the rest of the Jaguar range. In another neat touch, a new roof-mounted Antenna Pod for saloon and Estate replaces the previous aerial.

The lower, sportier profile is underlined by cleaner, more modern side mouldings, while replacing the side indicator repeaters with bold new Jaguar 'ingot' badges adds a striking piece of jewellery to the front fenders - very much in line with new Jaguar design. The Sport pack also offers a subtle body-coloured rear boot-lid spoiler.

The new door mirrors offer maximum functionality (including the options of memory settings and power foldback), and are either body-colour or - in some markets - have chrome highlights. They also include integrated side repeaters - again, a feature common to the new XJ and new XF.

The strong new growler grille badge clearly identifies the X-Type as a Jaguar, and there is a new script style for the X-Type badge. High-specification models are appropriately identified by an Executive or Sovereign badge, but aside from this, simplicity is the key with the all-wheel drive, AWD badges and engine identifier badges seen on the previous generation X-Type deleted, for a cleaner look.

Completing the external visual changes, the new Jaguar X-Type introduces two new five-spoke alloy wheel styles - the 17-inch Barbados and 18-inch Abaco - while the exterior colour palette ranges from Porcelain White to the new Ultimate Black, with Pearl Grey, Glacier Blue, Chilli, Winter Gold, Liquid Silver and Emerald Fire among the other choices.

The inside story
The interior freshening of the new Jaguar X-Type complements the exterior changes, focussing on contemporary Jaguar design, but with familiar levels of comfort, luxury and craftsmanship.

The new Jaguar X-Type introduces four new seat styles, each with its own matching door trim.
One has leather borders with sport cloth centre cushions, and bold new horizontal twin-needle stitching - complemented by door trim pads matching the two seat trim colours, Champagne or Warm Charcoal. Those seats also have electrical four-way adjustment, for both driver and front passenger.

Customers wanting a sportier interior trim can choose the Sports Pack. In soft grain leather with twin-needle diamond stitching for the centre cushions, in contrasting colours - Warm Charcoal leather with Stone stitching, Ivory or Spice with Warm Charcoal - the Sports Pack seats have ten-way adjustment with driver's seat memory function, and the luxurious diamond-stitching pattern repeated in the matched door trims.

The range-topping Luxury Pack also offers ten-way adjustment, with memory, plus a subtly different all-leather style, combining horizontal stitching and contrasting piping - Champagne leather with Warm Charcoal piping (or vice versa), and Ivory leather with piping in another new colour, Oyster. The Luxury door trim matches the seats, but adds traditional walnut inserts.

A dark, distinctively-grained Rosewood veneer is a new option with a fresh, contemporary design feel, and depending on model includes the automatic shift surround and ashtray lid.

Piano Black is a modern, stylish and luxurious option that is often seen as an expensive option on some rivals, but which comes as standard as the facia highlights on the opening trim level for the new Jaguar X-Type. These same models also include a Charcoal leather gearknob on manual versions, Piano Black shift knob and surround on petrol automatic versions, and leather with Piano Black inserts for the new diesel automatic combination.