VOLKSWAGEN

NEW TOUAREG

Since the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7 and BMW X5 have now become household names, it isn't surprising that Volkswagen wants to get its share of the pie too. Now there's a new Touareg and it's most definitely going to make an appearance at the Auto Expo 2012. The 'new' bit in the Touareg refers to the new front-end that is in sync with all the current-gen Volkswagen models and also a new range of engines. Likelier options will be the 225 bhp 3.0 TDI engine followed by a 3.0 V6 that produces 280 bhp. Both motors will be paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and will of course, duly receive the standard fare of SUV party tricks.

NEW BEETLE

The much-discussed New Beetle will be officially launched in India at the Expo. Among the engine options will be a 2.0-litre 140 bhp diesel (same as on the Jetta/Passat), a 2.0 TSI petrol paired with a six-speed auto 'box and, if we're lucky, the 2.5-litre, 170 bhp petrol with a 5-speed manual transmission. Unlike the older, New Beetle, the interiors on the 2012 Beetle will be in tune with the current Volkswagen family, the previous car being nearly a decade old when it was launched in India. Hopefully, the new Beetle will have a more enthusiastic run than its predecessor.