Sabra at Heart - Automobile Blog

Ducati 1199 Panigale: Much Awaited Superbike

2011-09-28T04:27:00.000-07:00

Superbike lovers will get an opportunity to check out the new superbike from Ducati in November 2011. The Ducati 1199 Panigale will be showcased at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show that will be organized in Milan. For those who want to see the bike in action can check out the bike at the 2012 FIM Superstock Championship. The two stage introduction of the bike will give the development team make the required changes to enable it to take part in the race.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Low Running Cost

2011-09-28T04:14:00.000-07:00

Even though the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid may be several months away from launch, there are many car enthusiasts who are eagerly waiting for the launch of the car. Initially, Toyota planned to price the car at £31,000 but later decided to reduce the prices to £26,000 after the government decided to give it an electric car grant of £5,000.

Even though the car is a bit expensive when compared to other petrol cars, its low running cost can help in boosting the sales of the car. The car is the only electric car in its range that offers more than 14 miles which makes it easy to take the car for shopping with having to refill the car.

To recharge the battery, you can connect it to an ordinary household electric outlet. If you have forgotten to charge the battery, you can run the car with the help of the petrol engine.

The car is expected to hit the market in the first half of 2012.

Volvo C30 - The Perfect Car

2011-09-28T02:29:00.000-07:00

One look at the Volvo C30 and you will definitely appreciate the cool styling of the car. Another notable feature of the car is its practicality and the security the car has to offer.

Also, the smooth gearbox of the car will make your driving experience pleasurable car. The car will not burn a hole in your pocket as it is reasonably priced.

I could not think of any drawback in the car except for the fact that it had no hill start assist.

2012: Better Looking than its Predecessor

2011-09-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

The new Kia Rio will be available as wither a 5-door or a 3-door hatch back. The new car from Kia is likely to be 2 inches loner and one inch wider than its predecessor. Also, the height of the car will be about half-inch less than the 2011 version.

The wheelbase of the 2012 Kia Rio has been increased by about 3-inches which will help in improving the rear seat room. Even though the details of the US version of the car are not yet available, some details of the European version are available. The European version of the 2012 Kia Rio will either come with a 1.2 liter turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine or a 69-hp 1.1 liter diesel engine. The turbo charged gasoline engine is likely to give a mileage of 50-mpg.

2012 Toyota Camry: To be launched in New Zealand

2011-08-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

Toyota Camry lovers in New Zealand will be happy to know that Toyota has launched the seventh-generation Camry in the country. The company is planning to launch the 3 new models which will include 2 new variants named Atara.

Some of the new features that you can expect in the new Camry include a refreshing new design, spacious interiors, quieter ride and improved driving dynamics. The car will have a new 2.5L four-cylinder petrol engine that will come with improved power and will give better mileage when compared to its existing model. Also, the new Camry will come with 6-speed auto transmission when compared to the present 5-speed gearbox.

The company is planning to launch all the 3 versions of the car in New Zealand by March 2012. With the launch of the 3 models, the company plans to capture a major portion of the car market in New Zealand. The company also plans to capitalize on the Atara name and is planning to target the private buyers and user-choose part of the New Zealand fleet market.

Aston Martin: Luxurious Car

2011-08-19T09:59:00.001-07:00

Aston Martin V12 Zagato is one of the most awaited cars in U.S. made its debut a few days ago. The car made its debut last March at the Geneva Motor Show. The car comes with V12 engine that can generate 490 horsepower. A major aspect that differentiates it with its competitors is the system of advanced springing and dampers that transforms the car into positive luxurious touring. The car can reach the speed 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

Fiat 500: Brings back old memories

2011-08-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

Even though many people would have forgotten about Fiat, the launch of Fiat 500 is likely to revive the memory of the car. The new Fiat 500 will be launched by Gucci in New York Fashion Show on 8^th September.

With the launch of the car in the New York Fashion Show, the company plans to increase the aware level of the product.

2011 Kia Sportage: Good car but launch delayed

2011-08-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

Even though 2011 Kia Sportage was launched with much funfair at Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, the car is being launched in many countries this month. However, the positive review that it has received in many countries has made it one of the most awaited car in many countries.

The main reason for launching the new redesigned Sportage was to increase the market share of the car. However, this will not be easy as Hyundai Tucson is a market leader in the SUV segment in many countries and breaking its hold will not be easy.

Some of the positives of the car include spacious cabin, well-fitted interiors, easy to use controls and centrally located touch screen.

2012 Mazda 3: Fuel Efficient Car

2011-08-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

With the price of fuel rising by the day, many car makers are putting in effort to make their products as fuel efficient as possible. The 2012 Mazda promises to be one of the most fuel efficient cars in the segment which promises to give you a mileage of 40 mpg on highways.

The new Mazda will come with a Skyactiv automatic transmission and Skyactiv 2.0 direct gasoline engine. The car will be available for sale in United States from October 2011.

2012 Kia Cadenza: What to expect from the new model

2011-08-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

Kia is planning to launch the 2012 Cadenza soon. Here are some features that we love in the 2011 Kia Cadenza and would love the company to include it in its upcoming model:

The 2011 Kia Cadenza is the value for money car that has several features that are only available in expensive models.
The look of the car is great, so we don't expect the company to make any major change in the new version of the car.
Also, the car is spacious and ideal for people who are looking for a car that they can use when holidaying with their family.

However, the 2011 Kia Cadenza was not perfect and we expect the company to make changes in the 2012 Kia Cadenza.

The steering is not smooth especially at high speeds.
The handling of the 2011 Kia Cadenza is not easy especially on city roads.
The noise of the wind when the car is driven at high speed is annoying.

2012 Kia Picanto: Compact yet Spacious

2011-08-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

2012 Kia Picanto is a 1.2-litre 4 cylinder car that can generate 86 bhp of power and comes with a torque of 121Nm. The car gives you a mileage of 18.7 km/litre and comes with a 4-speed auto transmission and 5-speed manual transmission option.

The car is compact yet spacious and ideal for people who are looking for a small car that they can drive in the city. The fully loaded model of Kia Picanto comes with features like alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheels, fog lamps, MP3 compatible CD player with USB port, keyless entry, electric folding mirrors and many other features. Some of the features that are available in the new Kia Picanto that are not available in other small cars include Vehicle Stability Management and Hill Start Assist Control.

Nissan Narava: To be made in Thailand

2011-07-25T00:18:00.000-07:00

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. have sealed an agreement to make the popular Nissan Navara in Thailand. The companies have agreed to manufacture the car the Mitsubishi Motor’s plant that is located in Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Thailand. The first batch of Nissan Navara is likely to roll out in 2012.

The product of the new car at Mitsubishi Motor’s plant is a result of the agreement that was signed by both companies in 2010. Earlier the companies agreed to start a joint venture that will help in developing mini cars for their business in Japan.

2012 Nissan GTR: Excellent Car at Affordable Prices

2011-07-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for car that offers world-class performance without burning a hole in your pocket, you must definitely consider the 2012 Nissan GT-R as a good option. Not only is the car easy to drive but it also has an acceleration for people who love to lay with the speed. Also, the interior of the car is excellent and it is surprisingly cheap when you consider the features it has to offer. The car offers a mileage of 16 mpg in city and 23 mpg on highways.

On the flip side the car seems a little bulky and people who love cars with manual transmission will not be happy as his option is not available in the car.

2012 Audi Q3: Features and Details

2011-07-24T19:54:00.001-07:00

After catching the attention of car lovers at the Shanghai Auto Show, Audi has come out with official details of the much awaited 2012 Audi Q3. The new Audi Q3 will weight 3,307 lbs and is 6.0 feet wide, 14.4 feet long and 5.25 feet high. The total luggage space is about 48.2 cu feet. Some of the features that are added 2012 Audi Q3 include Bose surround sound system, MMI navigation plus – a hard drive navigation system and illuminated woofers.

The car will be available in 3 engine options – two TFSI units and one TDI and will have a power range of 140 to 211. The new diesel version will he highly fuel efficient and will deliver a mileage of 45.23 mpg.

Some of the features of the car include:

(Source: audi.co.uk)

Engine and Transmission

Start-Stop system with energy recuperation
Efficiency program in the Driver’s Information System (DIS). Provides the Driver with fuel saving tips and a gear change indicator on manual models

Wheels, Tyres and Suspension

17” x 7J ‘10-spoke’ design alloy wheels with 235/55 R17 tyres
Electromechanical parking brake – which includes parking brake function when the car is stationary, auto release function to assist when pulling away andemergency braking function on all 4 wheels when on the move
Dynamic suspension
Tyre mobility system
Anti-theft wheel bolts

Audio and Communication

Concert radio which includes:

Single CD drive and SDHC memory card reader (up to 32GB) which are both MP3, WMA and AAC-compatible
MMI operating logic
Speed-dependent volume control (GALA)
TP memo – automatically saves traffic news when driving

6.5” display screen – manually retractable
8 passive speakers in total, front and rear with a total output of 80 watts
Audi Music Interface (AMI) – provides connection to Apple iPod from 4th generation and Apple iPhone as well as USB storage media and MP3 players
Bluetooth interface – for hands free mobile phone connectivity and Bluetooth audio streaming (depending on compatibility of mobile phone)
Voice control system – for key telephone and radio functions
Preparation for SD card based navigation

allows SD card based navigation function and maps to be retro-fitted using parts from Audi Genuine Accessories

Interior Equipment

Dual-zone electronic climate control – temperatures can be selected separately by driver and front passenger and the system will electronically control the air temperature, volume and distribution. Includes separate defroster button for de-icing the windscreen and side windows more quickly, air vents for the rear compartment in the rear centre console and a ventilated glove box
4-spoke leather trimmed multi function steering wheel (gear change paddles available as a cost option on S tronic models)
Steering wheel adjustable for height and reach
Front centre armrest which can be moved forwards/backwards and is adjustable in angle. Also includes fold-up storage compartment and a 12-volt socket in the rear centre console
Door sill trims with aluminium inlays
Luggage compartment sill protection in stainless steel
Inlays in monometallic platinum (truffle beige when combined with Pistachio beige upholstery)
Front and rear floor mats in velour, to match the chosen carpet colour
Washer fluid level indicator
Smoking package
Cloth headlining
Electric windows, front and rear
Safety and security
Driver Information System (DIS) – 3.5-inch monochrome display in the dash board binnacle. The DIS shows the radio frequency/station or track title, telephone control menu and other display information from the infotainment system such as navigation (if fitted). Also includes an On-board trip computer with short and long-term trip memory, outside temperature display, digital speedometer, door or boot open warning and speedometer, door or boot open warning and efficiency program
Light and rain sensor – automatically switches the dipped beam headlights and windscreen wipers on/off depending on the light and rain conditions. Also includes coming home/leaving home function which delays the deactivation of the front and rear lights after locking and automatic activation of the lights when unlocking
Rear parking sensors – which facilitate parking by acoustically indicating the distance to obstacles; measurement is by ultrasonic sensors integrated discreetly into the bumper
Remote central locking with two foldaway keys
Front and rear fog lights
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP), including ABS, EBD, ASR and EDL
First aid kit
Warning triangle
Driver, front passenger, front side and head airbag system
Front passenger airbag deactivation switch
Seat belt monitoring
Tool kit and car jack
Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser

Seats

Standard seats in ‘Initial’ cloth upholstery
Includes manual adjustment for driver and front passenger seat height, forwards and backwards position, backrest angle, head restraints and seat belt height
ISOFIX child seat mounting for front passenger (with airbag deactivation) and outer rear seats including electric child locks for the rear doors
Split folding rear seat back

Exterior Equipment

Contrasting finish in anthracite metallic finish on the front and rear under body guard, wheel arch trims and lower door trims
Body coloured door mirrors; electrically adjustable and heated with integrated LED indicator signals
Heated windscreen washer jets
Halogen headlights with electric headlight range control and daytime running lights
Aluminium roof rails
Tow bar bracket preparation – includes the wiring to the spare wheel well and control unit and adapted engine cooling. The set of parts for retrofitting are available from Audi Genuine Accessories
Aluminium window trim framing the exterior side windows and the outer B-and C-post trims in high-gloss black
Windscreen with sunband for improved insulation of the windscreen and acoustic glass for reduced outside noise

Tuatara: World's Fastest Supercar

2011-07-19T06:52:00.001-07:00

Shelby Supercars recently announced the name of the yet to be launched supercar. The company named its new machine “Tuatara” which is inspired by the modern day New Zealand reptile. The reptile is known to be the direct descendent of the dinosaur and means ‘peaks on the back' in Maori.

According to the company the body of the car is made of carbon fibre and the wheels and chassis are made of space age material. The 7.0-litre V8 engine will be mid-rear mounted and will power the rear wheels of the car. Even though details on the performance of the car are not available, most experts believe that Tuatara will be the fastest car on earth that will beat the 267 mph record.

XL1200X Forty-Eight: To be lauched soon by Harley Davidson India

2011-07-13T01:20:00.000-07:00

Harley Davidson India is not leaving any stone unturned to ensure the success of its products in India. The company is planning to launch the XL1200X Forty-Eight in India. With the launch of this model the company will have 15 models in India.

The XL1200X Forty-Eight is a part of the Sportster line series that has 120cc Evolution V-twin eingine that makes a 98Nm of torque at 3200rpm. Some of the features of XL1200X Forty-Eight include, low solo seat, side mounted license plate, peanut tank and unadorned rear fender. Some of the accessories that you can add to the bike include foot pegs, pillion seat and backrest.

2012 Hyundai Veloster: Sporty and Comfortable Car

2011-07-11T02:52:00.000-07:00

Ever since Hyundai has announced the launch of 2012 Hyundai Veloster, there is a great deal of enthusiasm among car lovers in Australia. The new sporty looking Hyundai Veloster is likely to be launched in Australia later this year and is likely to be available in a single engine variant. Even though the automatic transmission version of the car is available in Korea, the company is planning to launch only the manual transmission version in Australia. The car will have excellent driving comfort and spacious interiors.

2011 Toyota Venza: Comfortable and Spacious

2011-07-09T05:41:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Toyota Venza is an affordable midsize SUV that you easy to ride and is spacious. The vehicle drives like a car but has the space of an SUV. Most people who have bought the vehicle are happy with the new Toyota Venza are happy with their comfortable vehicle. The company has used upscale interiors to give it a rich look and the car is extremely comfortable. The fuel economy of the Venza is decent especially when you consider the cargo it can hold. However, it would have been better if the company would have given third row seating option.

Ducati Streetfighter: Excellent SuperBike

2011-07-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

With the launch of new Streetfighter, Ducati has proved its dominance in the superbike segment. Both the basic and the S version of the Streetfighter come with a 1098 cc engine which ensures that the bikers get their desired speed. To make the drive more pleasurable the company has used Showa suspension in the standard version and Ohins suspension in the S version. Also, the company has used the magnesium clutch, headlight brackets and cylinder-head covers to reduce the overall weight of the bike.

Kia Soul Echo: Value for Money Retro Styled Car

2011-06-28T23:51:00.001-07:00

Kia has given a retro look to its Soul variant which is likely to please many people. Kia Soul Echo is a highly fuel efficient car that will be loved by people who travel frequently in their car. Some of the standard features of the car include privacy glass, trip computer, tinted glass, air-con, leather steering wheel, electric windows and heated door mirrors. The seating is comfortable and the switches in the car are easy to use. It is an excellent value for money car that comes with a seven-year warranty.

Vespa LX50: Fuel efficient bike

2011-06-22T06:38:00.000-07:00

The Vespa LX50 was made using the prototype used by Piaggio in 1946 when it made its first Vespa. This environment friendly bike has a single 49.4 cc cylinder engine that can generate a maximum power of 3.2 kW. The maximum speed of the bike is 39 mph and you get a gas mileage of about 85 mpg.

To download the brochure of the bike, Click Here.

Kawasaki ER6N: Great Bike for Malaysians

2011-06-22T05:27:00.000-07:00

People who live in Malaysia are lucky to get their hands on the Kawasaki ER6N. It is an awesome bike that comes with a 649cc engine and a maximum of horse power of 71. This 6-speed manual transmission bike has a duel fuel injection system which makes your ride comfortable. The 41mm hydraulic telescopic front suspension minimizes the jerks and makes it easy for bikers to ride the vehicle on a bumpy road.

2011 Nissan Versa: Simple Economical Car

2011-06-19T05:13:00.001-07:00

2011 Nissan Versa is an ideal car for people who are looking to buy economy car. It is a simple car that is spacious comfortable. The mileage of the car is 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg in the highways. Another positive feature of the car is that it has a large trunk space which can be useful if you want to go on a holiday in the car. However, people who looking to buy a car that comes with the latest gadgets can avoid buying this car. The base of the car comes with a 1.6l engine while the higher end model of the car has a 1.8l engine.

Honda Ruckus: Smart bike for Smart People

2011-06-18T05:03:00.001-07:00

For all Honda fans who were waiting for a 50 cc bike from the company, here is the Honda Ruckus. This is the ideal bike for people who are looking to buy a bike that uses minimum gas. Also, if you hate changing the gears, you will be happy to know that uses electronic transmission which negates the need from manual transmission. The electric starter in the bike is smooth and ideal for people who don't like a kick start bike. The suspensions of the bike are good making it easy for people to ride the bike on a bumpy road.

Ferrari 250 GTO: Better returns than gold

2011-06-15T07:20:00.001-07:00

When I was browsing the net for details on the Ferrari 250 GTO, I came across a starling fact. In an article in “The Telegraph”, Chris Evans pointed out how investment in Ferrari 250 GTO can get you better returns that gold. According to Chris, an investment of £6,000 in 1961 will get you a return of 2800 percent, which means that you can sell your investment for £150,000.

However, if you bought a new Ferrari 250 GTO in 1961 for £6,000, you can get about £15 million for your car. This fact is surprising but true.

2011 Suzuki GSX-R750: Great On Road Bike

2011-06-15T02:33:00.000-07:00

The new 2011 Suzuki GSX R-750 comes with new engine tweaks and chassis but retains the white and blue color scheme. The new engine has more power and better fuel economy when compared to its predecessors. Also, the new stainless steel exhaust comes with a titanium muffler that has reduced the emission level of the bile. The company has also introduced new front and back brakes that have helped in reducing the weight of the bike.

The 2011 Suzuki GSX R-750 was recently in the news for participating in the Motorcycle USA’s SuperSport Shootout this year.

Suzuki Burgman 400: Road Cost Price Freeze

2011-06-15T00:38:00.001-07:00

In an attempt to improve the competitiveness of its bikes, Suzuki has decided to freeze the road cost price of its bike. This means that all comprehensive road bike range including its popular Burgman 400 model that is purchased from a participating dealer between 1^st June 2011 to 31^st July 2011 will come with free Compulsory Third Party insurance, 12 months registration, stamp duty, freight and other dealer charges. This means that you can now get your Burgman 400 ABS for just $9,890.

2012 Yamaha DT 50

2011-06-15T00:22:00.001-07:00

Yamaha DT is the range of motorcycles and mopeds from that have been developed, keeping in mind the needs of the common man. This series has several engine options depending on the requirement of the user and their budget. Yamaha DT 50 is the lowest displacement that is available in this series. The first model of this series was released in the year 1968 was called DT-1 which was an instant success. Soon the company started to make different models to gain market share in this popular segment.

Yamaha XJ 600: Sets a New Drag-Racing Record

2011-06-11T04:28:00.000-07:00

Yamaha XJ600 was recently in the news for setting a new drag-racing record. On May 14^th the bike set a new record when it reached a speed of 96.53 mph in 14.12 seconds. However, the bike that set the record was the highly modified version of Yamaha XJ600. For instance, the internal combustion elements of the bike were replaced by the two Angni motors and Lithium Ion Batteries.

2011 Kawasaki 1400 GTR: Excellent Features

2011-06-11T02:02:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a bike that comes with latest gadgets and offers get speed, then you must take a look at the 2011 Kawasaki 1400 GTR. Some of the features that are available in the bike include temperature display, economical riding indicator, K-ACT mode indicator and an icon to display Fuel Economy Assistance Mode. The mode-select button is placed near the left grip which makes it easier for the rider to change the display without taking the hand-off from the handlebar.

2012 Suzuki V-Strom

2011-06-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

Even though detailed information is not yet available, sources tell us that Suzuki is working on a new adventure bike. Many experts believe that the new bike from Suzuki will be the popular Suzuki V-Strom. The new Suzuki V-Strom is likely to come with an 800 cc engine, instead of the 650 cc engine that is used in 2011 version. The company could showcase the new bike at the motor shows that are organized in autumn.

New Audi A2: Get a glimpse at Frankfurt Auto Show

2011-06-06T07:29:00.001-07:00

If you wanted to get a glimpse of the much awaited Audi A2 e-tron concept, book your tickets to the Frankfurt Auto Show. The company is likely to showcase its hatchback model at the Frankfurt Auto Show that will start in September this year.

The new Audi A2 will retain the chassis that was used in the original A2. Also, the new Audi A2 is likely to be more expensive than the Audi A1 and the Audi A3. This new car from Audi is likely to compete with the luxurious BMW i3.

Subaru XV Concept: Showcased at Australian International Motor Show

2011-06-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

After the huge success of the Subaru XV Concept in Shanghai Auto Show this year, the company is planning to showcase the car in the Australian International Motor Show that will take place in Melbourne on 1^st July.

Subaru XV Concept will come with 2.0L 4-cylinder DOHC engine that will come with Lineatronic CVT transmission. It has a trendy design that will appeal to both young and the old. The exterior of the car will feature panoramic glass roof, hexagonal-shaped rear and hawk-eye headlamps. The car will come with alloy wheels that have silver spokes and black rims.