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2010 has so far been a very significant year for the Indian automobile sector. India has seen a number of launches by global car manufacturers and world class products coming to India.

The country also saw the incoming of made-for-India cars and production bases shifting to the country. Some Indian manufacturers like Tata grabbed global attention and are on the road to entering into the developed markets. But this is just the tip of the iceberg as there are many more significant events lined up to happen in the year.

Here is a look at all those brand new cars that will soon set Indian roads ablaze.

1   BMW X1

                   German auto giant BMW showcased this beauty at the Delhi Auto Expo and this next generation car has state of the art technology and features and is comparatively low priced.

BMW X1 is expected to be powered by a diesel engine and would fall in the price range of Rs 25-30 lakh (Rs 2.5-3 million).

It is not just the looks of the BMW X1, which in any case are stunning, but this beauty also promises to be a safe car equipped with ABS (Antilock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), dual front airbags and side ITS head airbags, alarm system with remote control and engine immobilizer, front and rear anti roll bars, central locking, child lock, crash sensor, front and rear fog lamps, halogen headlamps, front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioner and belt force limiter, side impact protection and many more features.

2 Tata Aria

                    Tata Aria is a versatile crossover, with features common to premium SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and it is thus bound to make a mark for itself.

It is an eight-seater luxurious MUV (multi-utility vehicle) built on the roadster concept and comes with a 2.2L, DICOR (Direct Injection Common Rail) engine.

This is being hailed as the most sophisticated Tata car ever and is expected to be in the price range if Rs 10-15 lakh (Rs 1-1.5 million).

The Tata Aria in India will come with a four-wheel drive option. The Aria was also on display at the recently-concluded 80th Geneva Auto Show. The Aria has a plethora of new and advanced features.

The brakes would be disc type coupled with ABS and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system. The ESP is the first of Tata cars to be offered with.

Aria is likely to handle very well on city roads and also off the road, as it is packed with a number of best-in-class features. Aria’s power steering, efficient braking system with ESP and standard ground clearance ensure hassle free driving.

3 Skoda Yeti

                   With a price tag of approximately around Rs 12-15 lakh (Rs 1.2-1.5 million), the Yeti would be placed between Skoda Fabia and Skoda Octavia.

The Skoda Yeti is an all new compact SUV (sports utility vehicle) and will have both petrol and diesel engine options.

This one is expected to be a great performer. Skoda Yeti would be introducing new engines and new technical solutions. Yeti’s off-road regime that adapts the settings of the electronic systems to driving on rough terrain and movable hooks in the luggage space are going to be a few new features..

Skoda Yeti’s front has a markedly shaped radiator grill surrounded by four headlights, whereas the rear is very basic. The car has compact dimensions and boasts of easy controllability and manoeuvrability. Skoda Yeti’s enhanced mudguards and silver under body protection strips assist while driving in rough terrain.

The glass spaces of the windows on Skoda Yeti stand-out in design and complement the electrically controlled two-part panoramic sunroof and crossways roof rack.

4 Nissan Micra

                  Nissan Motor Company’s first made-in-India car is expected to make its debut with a price tag of about Rs 4-5 lakh (Rs 400,000-500,000).

Nissan Micra will come with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and has been developed on Nissan’s V-platform. Micra was designed and tested in Japan and would be available in 150 countries worldwide. Nissan Micra would have stylish dual tone interiors with dual tone dashboard and an advanced instrument panel.

Micra will also have dual front airbags, ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) and anti-skid system make up for the car’s safety gear. News is that the Nissan Micra would come in six variants with both petrol and diesel engine option.

5 Maruti Cervo

                  The Maruti Cervo is all set to give competition to the higher models of Tata Nano. It is being speculated that the Maruti Cervo would be priced at Rs 1.5-2 lakh (Rs 150,000-200,000).

The car is a five-door hatchback model and has a spacious passenger cabin. It would come with a 0.7L, 660 cc petrol engine with a claimed fuel economy of 21-22 kmpl.

The braking system in Maruti Cervo will be conventional type that will follow front disc and rear drum brake. We can’t expect ABS system in this price range.

The car will also house newer shock absorbers. The suspensions are responsible for smooth driving which not only increase riding pleasure but safety also.

6 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

                Popularly called Evo X, the car would be available in 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed twin clutch transmission.

The price tag is expected to be around Rs 30 lakh (Rs 3 million) and this launch is a part of the revamped strategy from Mitsubishi Motor.

The car’s engine would have turbocharged MIVEC technology that controls valve timing electronically. The top speed of the Indian EVO X is said to be 250 kmph.

7 Toyota Avanza

             Toyota Avanza is to be positioned below the Toyota Innova and is likely to be a sort of mini Innova. The MUV (multi utility vehicle) is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 6-9 lakh (Rs 600,000-900,000).

                                                                          
The Toyota Avanza might have the 1495 cc engine present in Thailand model. This 1.5L petrol engine consists of 4 cylinder, DOHC 16 valve matted with VVTi technology.

8 Maruti Kizashi

           Kizashi is Maruti Suzuki’s first product in the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment. Kizashi falls in the D segment and is expected to come with a 2.4 AWD engine sporting 18-inch alloy wheels and a 425 Rockford Fosgate audio system with iPod and bluetooth connectivity.

The car is expected to cost around Rs 12 lakh (Rs 1.2 million). Kizashi reached North American showrooms in December last year and so far about 300-400 units have been sold.

Suzuki showcased all four trims of the 2010 Kizashi at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

9 Skoda Roomster

           Skoda Roomster will come as a five-door MUV from the Skoda stable. The MUV is likely to get 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines and 1.4-litre and 1.8-liter diesel engines.

The Skoda Roomster will compete with Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Captiva and Toyota Fortuner and would fall in the price range of Rs 16-18 lakh (Rs 1.6-1.8 million).

10 Toyota Etios

            This is Toyota’s first hatch especially designed for India. The car is suppose to have DOHC 16-valve engine with a 1200cc displacement and is expected to be priced around Rs 5 lakh (Rs 500,000).

Toyota will be manufacturing the Etios in, both, hatchback and sedan variants. The Etios was at display at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 and evoked a lot of curiosity among onlookers.

The hatch and notchback segments of Etios have a sharp and big smiling grille that has been high-mounted especially for India and give the car a very tough look.

The launch date is not yet confirmed, but as per the speculations in the market Etios is expected to hit the roads by 2010 end

            This is Toyota’s first hatch especially designed for India. The car is suppose to have DOHC 16-valve engine with a 1200cc displacement and is expected to be priced around Rs 5 lakh (Rs 500,000).

Toyota will be manufacturing the Etios in, both, hatchback and sedan variants. The Etios was at display at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 and evoked a lot of curiosity among onlookers.

The hatch and notchback segments of Etios have a sharp and big smiling grille that has been high-mounted especially for India and give the car a very tough look.

The launch date is not yet confirmed, but as per the speculations in the market Etios is expected to hit the roads by 2010 end

Jet Airways has introduced attractive packages called Singapore Bonanza and Singapore Extravaganza to woo holidayers under its brand Jetescapes.

These holiday packages to Singapore were available with immediate effect with travel validity until 30 June 2010. Guests may choose between accommodation in 3, 4 and 5 star hotels with individual package prices.

The Singapore Bonanza includes return Economy class fare, three nights and four days stay in applicable hotels, airport transfers, an open bus tour with Singapore flyer to explore Universal Studios in Resorts World, Sentosa, travel insurance and a chance to earn 5 JPMiles on every Rs 100 spent, apart from baggage allowance for extra 10 kg. On the other hand, Singapore Extravaganza would have all the benefits of Bonanza package and would come with features like more sight seeing around the island nation.

According to Jet Airways chief commercial officer Sudheer Raghavan, ‘we are pleased to introduce Jetescape packages created for families with tours to some of Singapore’s popular spots at competitive prices.

We are confident the new packages will be popular with our guests thus complementing our thrice-daily services to Singapore from India.’ Jet Airways flies daily to Singapore from Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai respectively.

Both the semifinal matches of ipl 3 will now be played at Dr. DY PATEL cricket stadium in navi mumbai. the semi finals which were scheduled to be held in bangalore have been shifted due to the following developments at the chinnaswamy stadium in bangalore..
Two small bombs exploded outside a Bangalore cricket stadium as fans were heading to an Indian Premier League match on Saturday, injuring 10 people.
The blasts set off panic among the thousands of people streaming into Chinnaswamy Stadium to see the Bangalore Royal Challengers play the Mumbai Indians. The game started an hour late amid increased security.

 Explosion: An ambulance pictured after a bomb blast in Bangalore

Initial investigations show the explosives used in the blasts were locally made and of low intensity, M.R. Poojar, the city’s additional police commissioner told The Associated Press. He said no other details were immediately available.
Earlier, police and local cricket officials said the explosion was the result of an electricity generator blowing up.

 Search: Police and forensic officials inspect the area (above and below) after a bomb exploded outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore

As the D- day is nearing we have more on Endhiran coming out. Now it is about the theme music. AR Rahman who is working on Endhiran songs from London has completed the theme music first at the behest of director Shankar. The theme music comes where ever the Robot Rajni appears. Shankar will plan and film the visual sequences based on the music. The story boards for the sequences are being readied at a frantic pace by the team of Shankar.

Apart from its music Endhiran is also is special for its choreography by Prabhu Deva, lyrics by Vairamuthu, art direction by Sabu Cyril and cinematography by Ratnavelu. Another specialty will be the exclusive sound effects crafted by the Oscar winner Resul Pookutty. Pookutty creates the unique metallic sound effects for the Robot charcter.

Other than the Endhiran team there is one more person who very closely following Endhiran developments right from its scratch. That is the chief minister M. Karunanidhi. He had already enquired about the release date to Rajnikanth many times.

With plans perfect Shankar has allotted six months only for the graphics, animation and other special effects. So the release may be pushed little further than previously expected. Our sources tell us the music will rock in April and the film is a Diwali pleasure.

To, 15th April 2010

My Dearest Fans & Well wishers,

Thank you all very much for the love,support,encouragement & loyalty you shower upon me. My family and I are extremely grateful to each and everyone of you.

Ever since I started working at the age of 16 have worked extremely hard.After having entered the Tamil film industry in the year 1993 have worked even harder and spent sleepless nights to give you all quality films. Sometimes I have succeeded and sometimes I have failed. In the process have seen good times & also bad times. I have also faced many a crisis both personally & professionally. Yet you all continue to love and support me. I am speechless. Honestly, I would not have survived 18 long years in the Tamil Film Industry without your love,support & encouragement.

Formula Two (F2) is a fiercely competitive championship.Most of the drivers on the F2 grid have been racing for many years now and have loads of experience under their belt.

I had attended the official tests at Snetterton Circuit (6&7th April) & also at Silverstone Circuit (12th April). At the Snetterton test I was off the pace by 3 secs and at Silverstone Circuit was off the pace by almost 6 seconds.I still have a lot to learn & catch up. It is going to be a very tough task ahead. I may or may not succeed but I am definitely doing the best I can.

Wishing you all good health,happiness and prosperity now & forever.

Love,

Ajith Kumar.