BMW X1................

BMW(BAVARIAN MOTOR WORKS) as we all know, is famous for its performance oriented cars, recently rolled out its cheapest car in the Indian market the X1. X1 has been launched with a basic price of Rs 22lakh which makes it cheaper than Honda CR-V and many other similar vehicles.BMW will be assembling its X1 in the Chennai facility, thus as mentioned earlier custom duty will be levied only on certain imported parts.As a result the car comes with a astonishing price tag.

• EXTERIOR

The new BMW baby preety much looks like a traditional BMW car.Twin kidney shaped grille, twin barrel headlamps and huge square shaped wheel arches give the X1 a typical BMW look.However there are few new bits included in the car like,heavily sculpted bonnet can be observed through a bulge in the center of the bonnet, and splitter in the front gives the car more squarish look. Dimensionally the car is proportionately longer and wider rather than being taller, which gives the X1 a more Station wagon rather than SUV look.

The rear of X1 is simple but quite BMW like with sharp L shaped tail lamps, a downward slopping roof.Only one exhaust pipe available on the X1. 

Basically, the X1 is built on a 3 series estate(Example Indigo Marina) version platform and is differently tuned for off-roading purpose.A high ground clearance of 194mm, a long wheel base of 2760mm, and a different body style are the parameters which separates the X1 from the 3 series.  

• INTERIOR

In the interiors, many familiar bits are carried over from the 3 series.The steering wheel,gear lever,the center console and the seats are the same as they are used in the 3 series, but it doesn't really matter when the quality of the material is just perfect. The new bits includes a more curvy dashboard, new angular designed vents and some pieces of faux wood.However some parts of the dashboard like glove box, door pads ,handle bars are disappointing for the material quality.Overall ,material quality is impressive and the cabin feels solidly built and feels like BMW standard.The higher end version  comes with a BMW i Drive system, while the lower spec version comes with a single CD changer with aux and USB interface.

The front seats are very generous and are very comfortable.It provides excellent comfort and space for the front passenger.The road vision from the raised cabin height is very good, and the front seats arrangement gives a optimized driving position.There are lots of storage spaces upfront, and lots of small cubby holes for small storage bits. 

The rear space is very disappointing, with three persons seating abreast, the rear seats feels cramped and uncomfortable. The floor is not flat in the middle row due the car being a rear wheel drive(power transmitted to rear wheels) and the intrusion of the transmission system.The important priority has been given to the drive line as it being a SUV.

The trunk space is a reasonable 420 liters without the seats folded.The X1 has  a very unique seating arrangement in the form of 40:20:40, which is a first in any Indian car.The seats can be folded in the above mentioned configuration for added flexibility.The front seats are powered and has 3 configuration seat memory.   

• ENGINE, PERFORMANCE & GEARBOX

The X1 has two engine options, a 4 Cylinder, 16 valve, Dual overhead camshaft, 1995cc common rail direct injection diesel engine, producing a healthy 177Bhp and 35.69 kg-m of torque. The engine is straight over carried from the very popular 3 series a.k.a 320d. However even though the engine is same, the insulation is less compared to 320d, the engine makes noticeable noise till it gets warm, and there is a slight feeling of lag when u overtake some car or need that extra power when overtaking.

However the performance is good with a strong 100km/hr coming up in 9sec and can reach a maximum speed of 205 km/hr.The transmission is through a six-speed triptronic transmission.The manual mode is more crisp feels better to use than the automatic version.

• SAFETY

SIX AIRBAGS, electronic stability program, all wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes comes as standard on all variants.

• SPECIFICATIONS

DISPLACEMENT	1995CC	1995CC
MAX POWER	177bhp	150bhp
MAX TORQUE	35.69 kg-m	25.70 kg-m
TRANSMISSION	6-speed Triptronic	6-speed Triptronic
LxWxH	4454x1798x1545 mm	4454x1798x1545 mm
ENGINE	4cyl 16 valve DOHC	4cyl 16 valve DOHC
WHEELBASE	2760mm	2760mm
TYRES	225/70 R17	225/70 R17
SUSPENSION	(F)-Independent double joint tie bar axle (R)-Independent Double wish bone	F)-Independent double joint tie bar axle (R)-Independent Double wish bone
KERB WEIGHT	1500kg	1315kg
STEERING	Hydraulic Power assisted	Hydraulic Power assisted
BRAKES	(F)-312mm ventilated Disc (R)-300mm ventilated Disc	(F)-312mm ventilated Disc (R)-300mm ventilated Disc
Ground Clearance	194mm	194mm

AUDI Q7.......................

Audi a full fledged luxury car maker from Germany, and a subsidiary of Volks Wagen company is setting new benchmarks in luxury segment cars, the sale of Audi India has gone up by a 44.78% in 2010 as compared to 2009.In this post we will be getting introduced to the luxury SUV from Audi the Q7, which its overwhelming success has helped Audi to receive this milestone.

The luxury SUV competes  against the likes of Mercedes Benz M class, BMW X5 and the rarely heard VolksWagen Touraeg.With the lowest price in its segment and the toughest looks, Q7 has been successful in winning the hearts of many Indians.

   The exterior of the car shows the ruggedness and the property of it being a SUV. With an overall length over 5 meters its the longest SUV in its segment.

The front end of the car looks very dynamic with the large traditional grille, with the integrated licence plate, the big AUDI symbol looks beutiful.The LED day time running lights and the LED turning indicators looks very stylish, so does the air scoop in the bumper.

The rear of the car looks more like station wagon rather than a SUV, the loading area is quite low which is more a utility than a SUV.The sharp LED tail lamps looks quite distinctive, along with the lights integrated into the bumper. The chrome tipped twin exhaust pipe looks good.

The interior comes with a lot of hi-tech features which are never found on a basic car. Starting with new interior lighting scheme.The new MMI(Multi Media Interface) offers variety of features like the music system, satellite navigation system, tuning up radio stations, a telephone directory, car security system, suspension settings, opening and closing of sunroof.It also offers car statistics which assist the driver without going to a garage, like tyre air pressure,battery level,average fuel consumption.In short MMI controls your car.The MMI has a 10GB hard disk for storage.The MMI browsing is done through circular knob provided behind the gear lever.A camera situated in the rear bumper shows the rear view of the car in the 7.2 inch screen,and with the assistance of front and rear parking sensors the parking of this long vehicle is easy.A ultra high definition BANG&OLUFSEN sound system with a 14 loud speakers and surround sound facility gives absolutely precise sound for enhanced hearing.The suspension has 4 mode of setting  for  comfortable ride & handling in any tarmac.The interior trims are available in aluminium and  wooden finish.Dual zone climate control AC is standard.

The material quality of the Q7 is undoubtedly has improved over previous version.The utilization of space in the car is practical Example:-AC vents have been placed in the door pillar.Second row passengers get screens to enjoy the movies.The car is a genuine 6 seater and their is a plenty of space for all 6 passengers.The flat folding seats of the car justifies that the car has a very flexible seating arrangement, flat folding seats also provides huge luggage bay.Big sunroof on the top the car is very aesthetically appealing, and it serves as a insulator for the heat as well. 

There are two engine options available in the Q7 both are powered by diesel, and includes common rail technology.The more popular is 2967cc V6 24 valve engine producing 236 BHP and 525NM of torque. With a maximum of 216 km/hr it has decent speed and can cruise on 140 km/hr effortlessly.  The sprint of 0-100 km/hr comes up in 8.5 sec so there is no lag for acceleration despite  its weight .The gearbox is a 8 speed transmission which is Triptronic. Triptronic transmission allows you to use the  transmission in a automatic as well as manual mode. QUATTRO  a technology patented by AUDI, is a permanent all wheel drive technology which powers all the four wheels at same time and every time,  so mileage is let down, but person buying a car which is costing Rs 60 lakh would really don't mind about the mileage.

The image clarifies the off road ability of Q7 , along with it being a luxury car which offers excellent comfort level.

Suspension is a high-tech adaptive air suspension system which uses air  instead of oil to reduce the shocks produce due to uneven roads and potholes.  It gives great ride quality along with superior off road handling.Their are 5 different setups for suspension mode for optimized performance.Automatic,comfort, dynamic, off load, lift.The dampers(shock absorbers) are infinitely variable and also there is ride height control, and precise loading level for easy loading of luggage. 

Safety features include all wheel disc brakes, electronic brake force distribution, a speed sensitive steering wheel which cuts the power steering at certain speed to avoid a collision if the driver falls asleep and turns the vehicle accidentally. Front and side curtain bags are standard for front and rear passengers.Overall safety is top class.

VERDICT:- At price of Rs 56 lakhs this car has good value for money and serves both the purpose as luxury car and a sports utility vehicle, but customs(IMPORT) duty increases the price massively and without duty the car price would be anything between 35-40 lakhs. Audi Q7 has been more popular as compared to BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz with the buyers, due to its competitive price and also the road presence of a big SUV.

Technical Specifications:-

MODEL	3.0 QUATTRO	4.2 QUATTRO
ENGINE	3.0L  V6 TDI COMMON RAIL	4.2L TDI V8 COMMON RAIL
MAX POWER(BHP)	236@4200rpm	335@4000rpm
MAXTORQUE(NM)	550@1750rpm	760@2000rpm
TRANSMISSION	8-SPEED TRIPTRONIC	8-SPEED TRIPTRONIC
TYRES	255/55 R18	255/55 R18
SUSPENSION	ADAPTIVE AIR SUSPENSION	ADAPTIVE AIR SUSPENSION
LxWxH	5089x1984x1797	5089x1984x1797
KERB WEIGHT	2325	2450
GROSS WEIGHT	3150	3275
TOP SPEED	218	240
0-100 KM/HR	8.4	6.5
FUEL TANK	100lts	100lts
TRUNK SPACE(APPROX)	775lts	775lts