2014 Ford Ecosport Review Price And Specifications India

2014 Ford Ecosport Review Price And Specifications India

Ford debuted the European production version of the all-new EcoSport at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, adding to its growing SUV line-up in Europe as part of the company's product-led transformation.

Built on Ford's global B-segment platform, the compact EcoSport will deliver the agility and fuel efficiency of a small family car with the flexibility, spaciousness, high driving position, and go anywhere appeal of an SUV.

Ford EcoSport joins the recently-launched Ford Kuga, as Ford builds on its SUV heritage with plans to sell one million SUVs in Europe over the next six years. Ford also plans to bring to Europe the next generation Ford Edge, a larger and more premium utility vehicle popular in the U.S. and other markets.

The all-new Ford EcoSport will offer a range of efficient powertrains, including the 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine - International Engine of the Year - a 110 PS 1.5-litre petrol engine, and a 90 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine expected to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency.

Ford debuted the European production version of the all-new EcoSport at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, adding to its growing SUV line-up in Europe as part of the company's product-led transformation.

Built on Ford's global B-segment platform, the compact EcoSport will deliver the agility and fuel efficiency of a small family car with the flexibility, spaciousness, high driving position, and go anywhere appeal of an SUV.

Ford EcoSport joins the recently-launched Ford Kuga, as Ford builds on its SUV heritage with plans to sell one million SUVs in Europe over the next six years. Ford also plans to bring to Europe the next generation Ford Edge, a larger and more premium utility vehicle popular in the U.S. and other markets.

The all-new Ford EcoSport will offer a range of efficient powertrains, including the 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine - International Engine of the Year - a 110 PS 1.5-litre petrol engine, and a 90 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine expected to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency.

"All-new Ford EcoSport for Europe is extremely economical, flexible and stylish, and will - alongside the new B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle, the best-selling Fiesta and all-new Tourneo Courier - complete a comprehensive small car line-up for Europe," said Nick FitzGerald, chief programme engineer, EcoSport.

EcoSport is the first Ford global model to be developed entirely in South America. Originally introduced in 2003, the groundbreaking first model established a new segment and has gone on to sell more than 700,000 units in the region. The new model was launched in Brazil in September 2012 and is expected to help drive further growth for Ford in both India and China after being introduced in those markets in 2013.

The Ford EcoSport's distinctive silhouette has been shaped to enhance fuel efficiency. The compact SUV's large front grille, short bonnet and raked front pillars, deliver a sporty and contemporary feel, and angular headlamps reinforce the modern look.

EcoSport will also be equipped with SYNC, Ford's voice-activated in-car connectivity system. As a first in Europe, the Ford SYNC AppLink system will offer drivers voice control of mobile apps on the move, including the leading music streaming service Spotify. Also, Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance will directly connect the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region.

Ford EcoSport also will offer a comprehensive package of driver assistance technologies including Electronic Stability Program and Hill Launch Assist.

Ford Ecosport Review Price

Ford EcoSport Ambiente 1.5 Ti-VCT

1499cc Petrol, Manual, 15.8 kpl

 6.22 lakhs

Ford EcoSport Trend 1.5 Ti-VCT

1499cc Petrol, Manual

 7.17 lakhs

Ford EcoSport Ambiente 1.5 TDCi

1498cc Diesel, Manual

 7.27 lakhs

Ford EcoSport Trend 1.5 TDCi

1498cc Diesel, Manual

 8.07 lakhs

Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.5 Ti-VCT

1499cc Petrol, Manual

 8.13 lakhs

Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.0 Ecoboost

999cc Petrol, Manual

 8.53 lakhs

Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.0 Ecoboost (Opt)

999cc Petrol, Manual

 9.06 lakhs

Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.5 TDCi

1498cc Diesel, Manual

 9.07 lakhs

Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.5 Ti-VCT AT

1499cc Petrol, Automatic, 16.5 kpl

 9.07 lakhs

Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.5 TDCi (Opt)

1498cc Diesel, Manual

 9.59 lakhs

source : www.netcarshow.com, www.carwale.com

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2014 BMW E92 M3 Review, Specs, Price, And Reliability

Unlike previous 3-Series coupes, this one shares no body panels at all with the saloon. It sits on a long wheelbase, helping reduce pitching over undulations. Somehow it's been "de-Bangled" of the sometimes-odd styling quirks of all recent BMWs. You don't have to persuade yourself it's a good-looking car. It simply is. Though a bigger car than the E46 coupe, on average it's ten kilos lighter. And it's very practical, too.

You may need a bit of help here to de-confuse the E numbers. The E90 is the current 3 Series saloon. The E91 is the Touring. And the E93 will be the forthcoming coupe-convertible.

Unlike previous 3-Series coupes, the E92 shares no body panels at all with the saloon. It sits on a long wheelbase, helping reduce pitching over undulations. Somehow it’s been “de-Bangled” of the sometimes-odd styling quirks of all recent BMWs. You don’t have to persuade yourself it’s a good-looking car. It simply is. Though a bigger car than the E46 coupe, on average it’s ten kilos lighter. And it’s very practical, too.

There’s plenty of leg and headroom both front and back for four full-sized people. The long, deep 440-litre boot seems almost as commodious as a VW Jetta’s. The back seatbacks fold down individually. And between then there’s a ski-hatch. I didn’t have any golf clubs with me but reckon you could get four bagfuls in lengthways if you needed to.

It’s easy to get comfortable behind the wheel. An electric arm passes you your seatbelt. All the controls fall naturally to hand, except the gearstick, which, as in the E90 and E91, is about an inch too far back and can leave you brushing the iDrive button when you change gear.

The first E92s to the market will be the 218hp 325i and the 306hp 335i. These are the cars we tested. October sees the arrival of the 272hp 330i, the 231hp 330d and the 286hp 335d. Then in Spring 2007, the four cylinder 320i and 320d will finally reach a showroom near you.

The cars all come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or a new 6-speed automatic with ergonomic thumb and fingertip steering wheel shifters. Left to its own devices this box will change down four gears at once if you floor it from 50mph in 6th and will learn from the way you drive the car how you want it to behave.

With the twin-turbo 335i engine it’s sensationally quick, offering 0-60 in 5.3 seconds, yet a reasonable 29.7mpg combined if you take it easier. It’s also beautifully flexible, delivering maximum torque of 400Nm (295lb ft) all the way from just 1,300rpm to 5,000rpm. So it has better than diesel torque delivery as well as a high rev limit of 7,000rpm. Flooring it on the motorway we saw an indicated 160mph in no time at all (true speed-limited 155), a speed at which the car was rock-steady.

But the 6-speed manual is the real peach. That allows you to exploit the creamy smooth power delivery exactly the way you want to without the box changing gear half way round a corner. It’s a lovely, precise shift, allowing easy block changing and the whole car feels beautifully balanced, its informative steering telling you exactly which of the four wheels is close to or slightly past its limits of adhesion. 6th gives you a relatively relaxed 36mph per 1,000rpm cruise too, and a theoretical top speed of 182mph at 5,000rpm with the restrictor off.

In comparison, the 218hp 325i is a much more sedate machine, especially on 225/45 R17 ‘comfort ‘ tyres. The engine is still BMW smooth and sweet, of course, but just doesn’t have the rompaway grunt of the 335i. And with the DSC off, understeer is much more apparent. Your reward is a combined mpg of 33.6 which is not at all bad from a four seat coupe with a 0-60 of 6.6 and top speed of 153mph.

So does the car get the nod? Of course it does. Especially the 335i. It’s less powerful than an M3, of course, but the power delivery is so much nicer I’d have one in preference any day. And if it’s a toss up between an E92 coupe and a CLK, for me, at least, it would have to be the BMW.

BMW E92 M3 Coupe Pricing 

Major Standard Equipment*** 

4.0L V8 307kW 420Nm (bi-VANOS 3rd gen.) engine

Adaptive Xenon Headlights 

Carbon Fiber Roof 

SMG III 7-Speed transmission with DRIVELOGIC 

18" M Double Spoke Alloy Wheel 

18x8F/18x9R with P235/45ZR18 Front, P265/40ZR18 Rear Performance tires. 

Invoice $49,117

Base Price USA Port of Entry* $53,975

Vehicle Options List

Metallic paint $475 

Nappa leather $1,450 

Carbon fiber trim $300 

Aluminum trim NC 

Comfort Access $500 

M Multifunction Seats with Active Width Adjustment $1,900 

Front Heated Seats $500 / ZCW 

Power Rear Sunshade $350 

Head-Up Display $1,000 

Navigation System w/I-Drive $2,100 

Power Rear Sunshade $350 

Rear Park Distance Control $350 

19" M Double Spoke alloy wheel $1,750 

19x8.5F/19x9.5R with P235/40ZR19 Front, P265/35ZR19 Rear Performance tires. 

Logic 7 sound system $1,200 

SIRIUS Satellite Radio $595 

High Definition Radio $500 

Premium Package (ZPP) $3,100 

Cold Weather Package (ZCW) $750 

6-speed manual transmission NC 

Rear Spoiler Deletion NC

source : www.honestjohn.co.uk, www.m3post.com, www.thecarconnection.com

Readmore → 2014 BMW E92 M3 Review, Specs, Price, And Reliability

BMW X5 2014 Review, Price, Interior And Engine Diesel

The 2014 BMW X5 is new this year, and it's still one of the benchmarks in the mid-size luxury SUV class. The South Carolina-built, German-engineered SUV is still an aesthetically pleasing off-road and on-road wagon, one with good driving feel and enough onboard technology and off-road capability to earn its place in gated-community garages everywhere.

Mild evolution has its fan base, though, especially among German automakers. It's a formula the latest X5 nails. BMW's looked for ways to make the X5 more interesting to look at, more fuel-efficient, and more comfortable, and it's found more than a few, without dropping its moderate levels of off-road capability too low, without sacrificing too much of its innate BMW feel to the electronically controlled future.The X5 hasn't dramatically changed its sheetmetal, but the cabin's reworked handsomely, if not unabashedly. The new X5 is more gracefully sculpted than its ancestors, in measurable amounts but not in any dramatic fashion. There's plenty of X3 down the sides, where the tapered roofline and lower beltline nudge it gently toward a more sport-wagon-like form. The proportions make more visual sense, though it's not a huge transformation on the order of, say, the first- and second-generation Cayenne. In the cockpit, the monolithic bulge of BMW's latest dash designs shows up in swell form, made distinctive this time with a choice of neutral and brown leathers over the standard black leatherette. It's not so broad a palette until you reach into the more extreme colors on the option list. There's even a reddish-brown.

Claimed to be aerodynamically slipperier and about 200 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, the new 2014 X5 launches with two gasoline engines: a 3.0-liter, single-turbocharged inline-six with 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque in the sDrive35i and xDrive35i, and a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque in the xDrive50i. BMW claims 0-to-60-mph times of 6.2 seconds for the six and 4.9 for the V-8, but they’ll likely be slightly quicker in our testing. The last six-banger X5 we tested—a heavier piece, remember—did the deed in that same 6.2 seconds. In early 2014, a 3.0-liter diesel six will return to the lineup and again be badged as the xDrive35d. It will offer 255 horsepower, 413 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-to-60 time of less than seven seconds.

For the first time in the history of the X5, and right from the market launch, BMW will also offer a rear-wheel-drive model—that’s the somewhat clumsily named sDrive35i. This version breaks with the dogma of offering only all-wheel-drive versions on the X5, as BMW seems to have realized that the off-pavement activities of most X5s are restricted to the negotiation of gravel driveways.

The new BMW X5 occupies that performance space typical of German SUVs like the Mercedes M-Class and VW Touareg and, yes we're going there, the Jeep Grand Cherokee. There's diesel power available, insanely plush spin-offs with V-8 thrust, sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems that provide moderate amounts of off-road capability, and extravagant suspension systems meant to muddle the crossover roots enough to make it more than palatable on-road. The familiar 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter, twin-turbo, in-line six-cylinder engine is the base engine, good for 0-60 mph times of about 6.2 seconds. We've yet to drive it, but have spent half days in the spiffy new xDrive35d turbodiesel and the V-8-powered xDrive50i. If 0-60 mph times rule, the V-8's 4.9 seconds bests the diesel's 6.9 seconds--but in our estimation, the diesel's fuel economy and torque in-town feel more than makes up for the two seconds of slack.

Inside, the new X5’s cockpit shows only the slightest driver orientation, but expensive and pleasing shapes and materials are abundant, at least when one upgrades from the base model to one of three trim packages: xLine, Luxury Line, and M Sport. The gear selector is positioned on the center console where it belongs, and BMW offers three audio setups: the base system; the mid-level Harman/Kardon unit; and a top-of-the-line, 1200-watt, 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen system.

Outside, few will mistake the new X5 for its predecessor. It now features a huge and protruding front grille that connects visually with the xenon or LED headlights. The taillights resemble those of the X1, and the wrinkled body is littered with air vents and breathers, which BMW maintains have a positive effect on aerodynamic performance. Third-row seating is available.

The BMW X5 carries a base price of nearly $53,000, in line with other European-badged luxury SUVs. At the price, it's still without a few features we think should be standard--and are standard on some mass-market utes. A rearview camera is a $400 option; any color other than flat white or flat black brings a $550 upcharge; and leather upholstery costs $1,400 at minimum. Navigation is standard equipment on most versions; it comes with the iDrive controller with its new touch-write surface, and BMW Apps, a connectivity suite that runs via an iPhone app. (Android users: give it a few months.) If you want all-wheel drive, you'll need to step up into the X5 xDrive35i, which is priced from just over $56,000. In the $70,000 and up range, the X5 V-8 can be trimmed out with Dakota leather, Bang & Olufsen audio, a rear-seat entertainment system, and more. Our pick? Probably the winning turbodiesel five-seat model, lightly equipped with surround-view cameras and navigation, for the best long-term value of the lineup.

source : www.caranddriver.com, www.thecarconnection.com

Readmore → BMW X5 2014 Review, Price, Interior And Engine Diesel

BMW E46 3 Series Review, Price, Interior, Exterior and Engine

The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the 3 Series compact executive cars produced by BMW, produced from 1998 when it succeeded the BMW E36.

The E46 was released in 1998 to worldwide markets in the sedan body style. In 1999, a coupé and touring body style became available to all markets, and the sedan was released in the United States. A convertible and hatchback body style was released in 2000, the latter only for Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The E46 experienced enormous success in all markets and was widely considered the performance benchmark of its class. The record selling year for the E46 chassis was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide. The main competitors during the E46's production run were the Acura TL, Alfa Romeo 156, Audi A4, Infiniti G, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Saab 9-3 and the Volvo S40.

BMW M GmbH produced a high-performance variant of the E46 chassis, designated the M3. This version had a larger, more powerful engine, sportier suspension, a limited slip differential, and various aesthetic modifications. The M3 was released in 2001 and was available only in the coupé and convertible body style. It was offered with two transmissions: a standard 6-speed manual or an optional sequential manual gearbox.

Traction Control – The DSC / Traction Control was probably the thing I liked least about the M3. It does some really silly things. Pulling out of a junction near my house that always had gravel, the TC would kick in at around 5mph. The car throttles back instantly, not at all subtle and unlike any other TC I’ve experienced. This results in your head lurching forward. The car then suddenly is ready to try again and re-applies the power, and your head snaps back. But as we’re still on the gravel the wheels begin to slip a little again and so power is taken away instantly again and your head is on the way forward. All this happens in a second or two but the result is you looks like a complete numpty doing the “Kangaroo Petrol” thing away from the junction. I ended up having to turn off the TC coming up to this junction in the end. I had similar issue overtaking a van once where the whole power on-off-on thing happened about 4 or 5 cycles, awful. The TC is way too aggressive and shouldn’t even be getting involved at such low speeds. Then I had an incident a few years back in the rain where the car over steered badly accelerating out of a wet corner at around 80mph. From what I read the CSL has a much improved TC system with an intermediate setting between full on and full off. This is a good thing.

For the most though the TC means you don’t spin off into the scenery when you run out of road or talent. Even on a slightly greasy surface the M3 would spend a lot of time sideways if it weren’t for the electronics. Over-steer is nice and controllable though. The car is poised and balanced and you can drift like Tiff Needel if you like that sort of thing.

Gear Shift – On my manual car the gear shift got progressively more notchy the longer I owned the car. This seems to be a case of “they all do that sir” and it was improved a little by lubricating the linkage occasionally. The pedals were perfectly positioned for rolling my foot over while braking to blip the throttle on the down change. The six ratios are well spaced and provide stunning acceleration, albeit without the brutal sensation of a turbo rally replica. The SMG seems to be a Marmite-esque love it or hate it thing with passionate opinions for and against on the forums. I’ve never driven one so can’t comment.

Handling & Ride – Eventually the memories of the Subarus faded and the M3 too started to become just a little too hard for my ageing bones. This wouldn’t be a problem if I didn’t live in the countryside and have to suffer some pretty awful roads. As well as feeling too jarring on these surfaces the M3 also can feel quite “fidgety” on uneven surfaces too. Unsurprisingly the car feels most at home on smooth roads. Show it anything from a motorway to a fast sweeping A road and progress can be immensely fast and satisfying. Even more so when you consider you can have a family of 4 and all their luggage with you as I did shortly after I got the M3 when we travelled to Scotland for the weekend

The Toys – Coming from a Subaru the bee em felt like a Rolls Royce in terms of comfort and equipment. My car had pretty much every option fitted and now I’m ruined. Driving a car without automatic Xenons, Heated seats or TV will be hard work from now on. Little touches like the ability to hold down the lock button on the keyfob to close the windows and sun roof are excellent. The key itself charges while in the ignition and so its battery is always fine too.

The E46 was developed as an evolutionary replacement for the BMW E36 chassis. In late 1995, the general exterior design of the E46 by Erik Goplen was chosen and as a result DesignworksUSA was contracted by BMW to work alongside BMW Group's in-house design team to create the exterior body work in February 1996. Based on the E36 body shell, the design team put an emphasis on improving aerodynamics and increasing the car's aggressive stance. Design patents were filed in Germany on 16 July 1997 and in the US on 16 January 1998. While the styling of the E46 was seen as an evolution of the extremely successful previous generation 3-series, it was not immediately embraced by either the buying public, or the automotive press. Word leaked out in the press that the BMW stylists were unhappy in raising the roof-line, and the general "rounding" of the body panels in comparison to the more squarish E36 series. Chris Bangle was responsible in 1996 for the production saloon exterior, as evident in the 1997 design patent. Goplen designed the production coupe and estate.

An emphasis was put on reducing unsprung weight and increasing structural rigidity rather than increasing power output: the highest displacement model at release, the E46 328, had only 3 horsepower more than the E36 328. To counter this small power increase, the body shell of the E46 was claimed by BMW to be 70% more rigid than the E36's, and aluminum suspension components were used increasingly in order to decrease unsprung weight. In tune with BMW's core values, the E46 was released with a front engined rear-wheel drive layout with 50/50 weight distribution. This balance allows for optimal handling in regard to the drive train layout.

source : http://ottomate.wordpress.com/ wikipedia.org

Readmore → BMW E46 3 Series Review, Price, Interior, Exterior and Engine

BMW M3 Review, Price, Interior, Eksterior, And Engine

Review BMW M3

BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series developed by BMW division, BMW M. M3 models taken from the 3-series E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 and models available with coupe, sedan, and convertible . Upgrading from version 3 regular series including a more powerful engine and responsive, system control / suspension / brakes are more powerful, more aerodynamic body, and emblems 3 color "M" (Motorsport). Over the years the M3 and M5 competitor becomes a vehicle for the Mercedes-AMG and Audi Quattro GmbH (Audi RS). M3 coupe last launched in Germany on July 5, 2013. Henceforth, the name continues to be used for a version of the M3 sedan, but the coupe name to be changed to M4.

Just like the BMW 4 Series has taken over from the previous 3 Series Coupe, the BMW M4 replaces the old BMW M3 Coupe. The new BMW M3 saloon is a straight replacement for the previous model.

Interior BMW M3

Production versions of the BMW M4 and M3 will debut together at January’s Detroit Motor Show, with first deliveries here in June 2014. The folding hard-top Convertible will arrive later in the year. But our sources tell us the 3 Series GT, 3 Series Touring and forthcoming 4 Series Gran Coupé won’t get the ‘M’ treatment.

Price BMW M3

The BMW M4 coupe will cost from £56,653 when it arrives here, with the M3 saloon starting at £56,175.

Looking the Part, Inside and Out

Outside, the M3 wears a heavily-sculpted front bumper, a discreet hood bulge and flared fenders all around. Air curtains mounted in the front apron team up with "Air Breathers" - that's BMW-speak for fender vents - to optimize airflow around the wheel arches and improve aerodynamics. Around back, a diffuser with inset quad tailpipes and a Gurney-style spoiler provide both style and function. Eighteen-inch rims are fitted as standard, while 19-inchers can be specified as an option.

The M3's cabin is closely modeled after the standard 3-Series, which means it includes a quartet of simple, driver-friendly analog gauges and a tablet-style 6.5-inch display screen mounted atop the dashboard that displays stereo and vehicle information. Shell out for the optional navigation system, and the screen is upgraded to a larger 8.8-inch unit.

All secondary systems are controlled through BMW's iDrive infotainment setup, which has evolved over the years from a bewildering complex unit to surprisingly simple and user-friendly system. Redundant controls on the steering wheel and dashboard provide alternate means of accessing the electronics.

The optional navigation system is available with Google point-of-interest search and real time traffic information, and it also features a touchpad mounted on the iDrive knob that lets users write out phone numbers, contact names and navigation destinations - and also zoom in or zoom out the map - with a finger.

Setting the M3 apart from the standard 3-Series is an M-specific instrument cluster, a sporty three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, sports seats and carbon fiber trim on the dashboard and on the center console. Naturally, liberal helpings of M badging are also part of the package.

Notable options will include a head-up display, a front collision warning system, full LED headlights, and, on the performance end, lightweight and extra fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes.

source : http://www.leftlanenews.com, www.autoexpress.co.uk

Readmore → BMW M3 Review, Price, Interior, Eksterior, And Engine