Corolla sedan has been available for a couple of years but has yet to benefit from the recent upgrade to Corolla hatch. The Thai-made sedan looks good and resembles a scaled down Camry in looks and even the way it drives. It scores plenty of equipment including a reversing camera, cruise control, reverse parking sensors, an attractive information display, Bluetooth phone and audio and a 6.1-inch LCD touch screen controller. More expensive models get a ToyotaLink multimedia feature that allows you to connect to maps and audio apps, but this one misses out. The 1.8-litre engine has variable valve timing and is good for 103kW of power and 173Nm of torque, the least amount of power and torque for the three cars on test. It weighs about the same at 1250kg, which translates into the least sporty drive. The seven-step CVT has an annoying tendency to rev the engine high when you accelerate hard but Toyota says it will achieve 6.6L/100km on regular unleaded. We didn't get that on test. The ride and handling has local input which shows in how the car behaves; it feels composed and comfortable on the open road. There's plenty of room inside, too. The rear seat has enough leg room for a medium-sized adult on a shortish journey. The boot is a decent size too but like the other two cars, the lid opens up a small aperture that restricts the shape and size of stuff you can put in. More load space is available from the 60/40 folding rear pew. The 15-inch steel wheels with plastic hubcaps look cheap but the capped price servicing is the cheapest of these three. Six services over three years will cost just $840. Mazda3 Neo It's patently obvious why the Mazda3 is so popular. Good looking, the "right" size, adequate performance and impressive Japanese build quality all figure prominently in the equation. But the base model Neo doesn't get a reverse camera nor a centre multimedia screen, there's no driver lumbar support and it only has a space saver spare. It does get cruise control, trip computer, 16-inch alloys and push-button start, though. Unlike its rivals here, you can also option a $1230 safety pack that gives you automated emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. Mazda3 Neo is the only one of these three cars with a direct injection engine and stop-start fuel-saving technology that contributes to an excellent 5.8L/100km fuel economy claim. The engine is rated at 114kW/200Nm (greatest output of the three) and Neo weighs in at 1296kg — similar to the others. In performance terms, the Neo is line-ball with Hyundai's Elantra 2.0 but uses a lot less fuel. The six-speed auto shifts smoothly and quickly with a willing kick down function. And the car has a composed ride/handling feel, easily coping with dodgy back roads. The engine can become raucous when pushed, though. Interior room is generous even though it's a "small" sedan. Neo offers plenty of room in the front and adequate rear seat legroom. As with the Corolla, the decent-sized boot is compromised by a small opening. Elsewhere in the cabin the instrumentation and controls are easy to use, although not as modern looking as the Elantra. Hyundai Elantra Active The sedan version of Hyundai's top selling i30 hatch is arguably one of the best looking of its kind, with a Hyundai Genesis style about its flanks. Engineers went to great lengths to tune Elantra's suspension to local conditions and the compromise between comfort and roadholding ability is impressive, except for the kick-back through the steering wheel on rough corners taken quickly. The Elantra has a sporty drive feel coupled with a willing if noisy engine. Give it the boot and it will suck down plenty of fuel. It's rated at 7.2L/100km. The multi point 2.0-litre has been around for yonks and should have been upgraded to direct fuel injection with this model change. With the new, stronger body comes a roomy interior with plenty of space for four or five at a squeeze. Hyundai puts Apple Carplay into Elantra which allows you to hook up your phone to the central display and view your phone contact list, run Google maps and listen to Pandora. It gets a reverse camera too and rear parking sensors, 16-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, decent audio, seven-inch touch screen with Siri voice control, auto headlights, cruise and LED daytime lights. But the interior has an acrid plastic smell that gets worse on hot days. The other two are odour free. As with the Corolla the Elantra doesn't have the driver assistance technology available as an option in the Mazda. Verdict All three have their own merits, but the Corolla drops off our list first because it's not as pleasant to drive and lacking niceties such as alloy wheels. The other two are hard to separate. The Elantra has the more modern and better equipped cabin, but under the skin it is old-tech. The engine is thristier and less powerful than the Mazda while the suspension isn't as sophisticated. There's no stop-start engine technology and you can't get any driver assistance features. So the Mazda remains on top of the pile in the small-car class, helped by great driving manners, lower RRP, rock-solid resale values and the latest engine technology. But the gap is much closer than it once was and Mazda would be well advised to update the cabin with a screen and reversing camera. You can only rest on your laurels for so long. At a glance Mazda3 Neo Price from: $22,490 Warranty: 3 years/100,000km Capped servicing: $1362 over 3 years Service interval: 12 months/10,000km Safety: 5 stars, 6 airbags Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 114kW/200Nm Transmission: 6-speed auto; FWD Thirst: 5.8L/100km Dimensions: 4580mm (L), 1795mm(W), 1455mm (H), 2700mm(WB) Weight: 1296kg Spare: Space-saver Hyundai Elantra Active Price from: $23,790 Warranty: 5 years/unlimited km Capped servicing: $747 over 3 years Service interval: 12 months/15,000km Safety: N/A, 6 airbags Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 112kW/192Nm Transmission: 6-speed auto; FWD Thirst: 7.2L/100km Dimensions: 4570mm (L), 1800mm (W), 1440mm (H), 2700mm (WB) Weight: 1270kg Spare: Full-size alloy Toyota Corolla Ascent Price: $22,990 Warranty: 3 years/100,000km Capped servicing: $840 over 3 years Service interval: 6 months/10,000km Safety: 5 stars, 7 airbags Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl, 103kW/173Nm Transmission: 7-step CVT; FWD Thirst: 6.6L/100km Dimensions: 4620mm (L),1776mm(W), 1460mm (H), 2700mm (WB) Weight: 1250kg Spare: Full-size steel

Mazda revealed the all-new Mazda CX-3 to the world at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The all-new crossover SUV is the fifth model in Mazda’s line-up of new-generation vehicles to feature the full suite of the company’s award-winning SKYACTIV technology along with a stylish KODO – Soul of Motion design. With the global market launch set for Japan in spring 2015, the CX-3 is set to become a core member of Mazda’s model line-up. Click here for our detailed coverage of the LA Motor Show>>> European models will have a choice of three engines: the petrol SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre in two power versions and the new SKYACTIV-D 1.5-litre clean diesel. Six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic and SKYACTIV-MT manual transmissions will be offered either in front-wheel drive format or with Mazda’s new-generation all-wheel drive system. The all-new Mazda CX-3 will feature Mazda’s latest i-ACTIVSENSE active safety systems as well as superb passive protection from its lightweight yet stiff SKYACTIV-Body. Suited to the needs of a modern market, it also offers a generous infotainment package including the MZD Connect in-car connectivity system. The Mazda CX-3 will be on display throughout the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show along with the all-new Mazda MX-5, the 2015 Mazda CX-5 and the 2015 Mazda6, which are also making their debuts. The show is open to the public from 21-30 November. What do you think of the new Mazda CX-3 crossover SUV? Share your thoughts and opinions with us through comments below.

Hyundais, they’ve come a long way. From being the butt of jokes in the West, today’s Kia/Hyundai range of cars are winning accolades and topping sales charts across the world. On that note then, a ravishing concept from the Korean manufacturer appears. This is the Hyundai HCD-16 Vision G Coupe Concept, and has been unveiled at a media event at the Los Angeles Country Museum of Art, before its public unveiling at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this weekend.

Vision G Coupe Concept


The Vision G is a large grand tourer, has a coupe bodystyle with a “slingshot-like” profile, seats four and features styling that is “purposefully understated”. Hyundai insists that the design has a “chivalrous” theme going around it, with the car not having to stylistically shout to get noticed and respected. The Vision G Concept was designed in California, US, with the design team led by Christopher Chapman.

Vision G Coupe Concept

The insides are sumptuously appointed, with quilted ivory leather upholstery, golden accents and fine wood overlays. When the driver approaches the Vision-G, the doors automatically open, as if by a valet. Hyundai calls the “valet door” feature. The HCD-16 in the nomenclature represents Hyundai California Design center, and the number 16 denoting the 16th concept to come out of that facility.

Vision G Coupe Concept

The Vision G is powered by Hyundai’s 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, which produces 420 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 519 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Like the brand’s flagship Genesis sedan which also employs the same engine, the Vision G does away with conventional Hyundai badges, and gets winged Genesis badges, both inside and outside. The Vision G gives a fairly accurate representation of what a Genesis with two doors and more panache could look like.

It’s a bit of a mind bender this. You’re probably wondering what the hell is going on here. Well, the digital realm knows no boundaries, so one of India’s most popular cars in recent times just played the core of a premium brand’s entry level model in Photoshop. ‘Automotive Manipulator’ Theophilus Chin has imagined what a sub-Evoque, Range Rover SUV could look like; and he chose the Hyundai Creta as the base for what will essentially be Land Rover’s cheapest.

Most of the bodywork from the Creta has been shaved off, and digitally re grafted with Range Rover Sport elements; apart from the glasshouse and the roof. The front end is straight off the RR Sport, with a few tweaks to accommodate itself into the Creta’s volume. Range Rover or Land Rover branding above the grille would have sealed the deal. The rear view mirrors also come off a Range Rover, we believe.

Hyundai Creta Land Rover Render (2)

The sides also have a distinct Range Rover touch, with Evoque like wheel arch trim and a waistline that emanates from the front fender. A rear quarter window has been added, which gets a prominent kink at the bottom. New alloy wheels come off the new Discovery Sport. The back end of this automotive anomaly seems like the new Range Rover Sport rear ended into a Creta, while some wittiness has gone into making those Creta-Range Rover hybrid tail lamps. The roof rails and “shark fin” rear antenna are still retained from the Hyundai though.

A sub-Evoque Range Rover, if it happens at all, will draw swords against the likes of the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA Class It’ll be an interesting car, but won’t look anything like the renders above, which is just some good food for thought.

Hyundai has introduced an Audio Video Navigation System in the Elite i20 Asta (O) and i20 Active SX models. The system features a large 17.78cms (7”) Touch Screen with pre-loaded Maps, satellite-based voice guided navigation, rear camera display and other in-car entertainment and connectivity features.

The system comes with Bluetooth Connectivity that lets the user sync their phone with it and implement functions on screen including dialing, answering and sync their music. The built-in navigation features intuitive and suggestive keyboard allows the user to search locations and helps to reach their destination conveniently. It also imbibes pre-saved routes for easy access.

Using the multimedia’s touch screen and paired compatible Bluetooth mobile phone, one can browse contacts, place calls and even navigate to contacts’ addresses all without touching the phone.

The Buddh International Circuit makes a fitting location to thrash out Yamaha's potent new, twin-cylinder 300, the YZF-R3. The Japanese company shook the Indian sportsbike scene with its YZF-R15 a few years back, bringing with it a rich pool of bike technology at the time – fuel-injection, liquid-cooling, four valves per cylinder, a steel spar perimeter frame, six-speed gearbox and a lot more. The bike maker has already upped that game with the V2.0, making the R15 sharper, and adding premium bits including an alloy swingarm, which makes now the right time to introduce Indians to a whole new next level, the R3, a serious Ninja 300 challenger.


You can see the R3 lives up to its rich YZF lineage, looking racy, faired and ready to attack a race track. Where Honda's CBR bikes seem to look tamer today, the YZFs are getting sharper, sleeker and a touch wilder looking. The R3's steeply raked front fascia stares ahead with a macho, twin-light 'don't mess with me' air. The visor bubble is smartly integrated, easy to peer through and works well on track to provide excellent wind protection. Instrumentation is smart and modern with all essential information prominently displayed on a soothingly lit backdrop, and the R3 comes with all the high-quality feel you can take for granted on any Yamaha bike in India.

Grips offer top-notch, plush feel, and the switches, though little used at Buddh, are crisp, and smooth to operate. The levers are easy on your fingers and mirrors solid feeling, and easy to adjust. As with all track-focussed sportsbikes, the R3 comes with a forward biased riding position, that worked perfectly at the fast, flowing Buddh track but isn't overly aggressive for regular street use either.

Since the advent of democracy in 1976, Spanish politics has been dominated by the two largest parties: the Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE) socialist party and right-wing Partido Popular (PP) party. In the 2011 national, regional, and local elections, the PSOE—in power since 2004—was handed widespread defeats, giving the opposition right PP outright majorities in 8 of the 13 regions that were up for grabs, and, nationally, installing PP party leader Mariano Rajoy as prime minister.

The electorate soured on the austerity measures the PSOE had adopted to cope with the country's considerable economic problems—not the least of them the highest unemployment rate in the euro zone—but the PP government has taken many measures even further: It raised income taxes, introduced labor reforms that make it easier for employers to fire workers, weakened the system of collective bargaining (thus lowering wages), and reduced both the numbers and salaries of public-sector, public-health, and education employees. The months following the election turned the spotlight on the indignados—the “indignant ones”—who gathered in Occupy Wall Street–style protests against the cutbacks in major cities nationwide; demonstrations have continued sporadically since then.

An important element of PP policy is its opposition to any further devolution of powers to Spain’s autonomous regions, which are responsible for their own education, welfare, and health care budgets—and where chronic borrowing and overspending have contributed significantly to the nation’s economic crises. Rajoy’s determined centralism has only added fuel to separatist sentiments, especially in Catalonia, where parties advocating outright independence won the regional elections in late 2012. In 2013, the regional parliament set the date for an independence referendum in 2015, although this is unlikely to go ahead because it’s unconstitutional.

THE ECONOMY
The introduction of the euro in January 2002 brought about a major change in Spain's economy, as shopkeepers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and real estate agents all rounded prices up in an attempt to make the most of the changeover from the old currency, and the country became markedly more expensive. This did little to harm Spain's immense tourism machine, at least until the recession began to take its toll in 2009. A weaker euro and an improvement in global economic conditions brought the hospitality industry bouncing back in 2012 and 2013; this reflected, in some measure, a return on the government's €1.5 billion loan to "de-seasonalize" the industry (reducing its dependence on the summer beach-bound holiday market) and expand both the eco-friendly and the upscale cultural components of the Spanish travel experience. With the economy staging a slow recovery (the economy shrank by some 1.2% in 2013), tourism remains a bright spot: Spain's 60-million-plus visitors contribute around 12% annually to the country's GDP.

RELIGION
The state-funded Catholic Church, closely tied to the right-wing PP and with the national Cadena Cope radio station as its voice, continues to hold considerable social and political influence in Spain, with members of secretive groups such as Opus Dei and the Legionarios de Cristo holding key government and industry positions.

Despite the church's influence, at street level Spain has become a secular country, as demonstrated by the fact that 70% of Spaniards supported the decidedly un-Catholic 2005 law allowing gay marriage. And although more than 75% of the population claims to be Catholic—attendance at Mass has been bolstered over the last decade by strongly Catholic South American and Eastern European immigrants—less than 20% go to church on a regular basis.

More than 1 million Muslims reside in Spain, making Islam the country's second-largest religion.

THE ARTS
Spain's devotion to the arts is clearly shown by the attention, both national and international, paid to its annual Principe de Asturias prize, where Prince Felipe hands out accolades to international high achievers such as Philip Roth and Annie Leibovitz, and to homegrown talent such as the golfer José María Olazábal and writer Antonio Muñoz Molina, who has taught at the City University of New York.

Film is at the forefront of the Spanish arts scene. Acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar notched another triumph in 2013 with his comic take on air travel in I’m So Excited!, starring Spanish leads Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz (who also teamed up with her husband, Javier Bardem, under the direction of Ridley Scott for The Counselor).

In contrast, Spanish music continues to be a rather local affair, though the summer festival scene, including the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim and WOMAD (World of Music and Dance), serves up top names to revelers who come from all over Europe to soak up music in the sun.

While authors such as Miguel Delibes, Rosa Montero, and Maruja Torres flourish in Spain, few break onto the international scene, with the exception of Arturo Pérez Reverte, whose books include Captain Alatriste and The Fencing Master, and Carlos Ruiz Zafón, author of the acclaimed Shadow of the Wind, The Angel’s Game, and Prisoner of Heaven. Spain's contribution to the fine arts is still dominated by three names: the Mallorca-born artist Miquel Barceló; the Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida, who died in 2002; and the Catalan abstract painter Antoni Tàpies, who died in 2012.

SPORTS
With Real Madrid and FC Barcelona firmly established as international brands, and La Liga recognized as one of the world's most exciting leagues, soccer remains the nation's favorite sport. The national soccer team, known as La Roja ("The Red One"), is the only team in the world to have won the European Cup twice and the World Cup in succession. La Roja was a serious contender for its second successive World Cup in summer 2014, but was eliminated early in the group stages. After fútbol, what rivets the Spanish fan's attention are cycling, tennis, basketball, and motorcycle racing. Alberto Contador, who won the 2012 Vuelta de España; Rafael Nadal, the first tennis player to hold Grand Slam titles on clay, grass, and hard court; brothers Pau and Marc Gasol, who play for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies respectively; and Marc Márquez who in 2013 was the youngest winner ever of MotoGP, are national heroes.