Of new sedans and super prototypes
The
two companies that have tasted success only i n bits and pieces in the Indian automotive market are trying to get their ambitions back on track with two exciting launches. Ford i s going back to its roots and using a campaign similar to the one it first used for the Ikon—its first hit in
India, emphasising on the fun and performance aspects of the Freestyle to get buyers enthused. The other company that is trying desperately to woo mass market success is Toyota and with the Yaris, it’s hoping that it will be taking the number one spot in this segment.
Both these cars are good but whether they can make a big dent to the top cars in these segments remains to be seen. The big three, MarutiSuzuki, Hyundai Motor India and Honda Cars India are too well trenched and have really good products. We drove both of them days before their launch and are bringing our impressions to you in this issue.
We also drove the 2nd generation Amaze and discovered that instead of cost cutting measures that Honda has been resorting to in the past, the new Amaze seems to be an improvement all around (even though some have expressed a dislike for its looks). With CVT automatic options available, our first drive report shows that it is poised to be a winner.
Apart from these new cars, we have the first drive of the Nexon in its AMT guise, first drives of a slew of vehicles from JLR including the new Velar in India, the new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport in the UK and the F-type SVR.
We also have an exclusive first drive of the Ferrari 488 Pista prototype even before its global media drive and European launch and we go deep into the heart of the super car to discover what makes it special.
That’s not all. For die hard Maruti-Suzuki fans looking to buy a hatchback, we answer the simple yet pertinent question– whether you should opt for the Baleno or Swift? Which of these is a better choice?
Enjoy another packed issue of AUTO TODAY and till next month, keep watching our show on INDIA TODAY TV and drive and ride safe!