IAB Weekly Retrospect - Tata Zest, Hero, Renault Lodgy, Mobilio, Punto facelift

Here's part 1 of the best stories from last week in the world of automobiles. Click on the image to read the respective topics.

1. Tata Zest

Tata Motors officials confirmed to Indian Autos Blog that the Tata Zest will launch next month. The rival to the Maruti Swift Dzire is equipped with a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired to a five-speed transmission and a 1.3-liter Fiat diesel engine paired to an AMT or a five-speed manual. The review of the car is embargoed until tomorrow afternoon, but from what we can disclose, the car has begun well in the almost insurmountable challenge to reverse India's perception of Tata's passenger cars.

2. Hero Motocorp in Colombia

The foundation stone of Hero Motocorp's full fledged manufacturing plant at Villa Rica, Colombia was laid. The plant, with an annual production capacity of 78,000 units, is expected to start rolling out vehicles by the middle of the FY2016. Hero said it will invest USD 70 million (INR 419.2 crore) over the next 3-4 years on the Colombian operations.

3. Renault Lodgy

IAB readers Mr. Santhosh and Mr. Sivakumar gifted us an exclusive by photographing the upcoming Renault Lodgy testing in Chennai. Renault India had announced that the Lodgy and a small car (to take them to the A and B1 segment) would come next year. The Honda Mobilio competitor shares its chassis with the Duster, but offers a lot more cabin space for three rows of passengers and their luggage. Expect the Lodgy in India in the first half of 2015.

4. Honda Mobilio

The Honda Mobilio was back under the spotlight as the most happening car maker in India had announced the start of bookings for its Maruti Ertiga beater across all dealerships. The Mobilio is just days away from launch, and two weeks ago, we had reviewed the Mobilio petrol and the Mobilio diesel, besides revealing that the van would offer segment-leading fuel efficiency figures. Honda will also introduce the 'RS' variant sporting a virile body kit and projector headlamps.

5. Fiat Punto facelift

An increasing number of IAB readers have started spotting the Fiat Punto facelift at dealer yards across the country. The 'Fiat Punto Evo' launches in August retaining the current Punto's mechanical configuration. However the interior and exterior get a makeover receiving Indian specific styling updates such as a rounded new front bumper, new headlamps, new taillamps and a new rear bumper with a trimming of chrome.