Revision time

PITSTOP

Based on customer inputs and to be more competitive, Toyota Kirloskar Motor have made some subtle changes to the Corolla. The front bumper has been revised and a mesh grille has been incorporated, while the taillamps are bright, combination units.

The headlamps now come on by themselves when they sense the light conditions fade. A new 10-spoke alloy wheel design has been incorporated, while the tyres "" though of the same size "" are now tubeless.

Inside, the Corolla gets new seat and trim fabric, while the top-end versions get perforated leather upholstery and a wood/leather combination steering wheel.

A keyless entry system with alarm is now standard across models, and Toyota has also added a printed radio antenna for the new audio systems.

There are no changes to the drivetrain, but the suspension damper ratings have been slightly tweaked to offer better ride comfort. Speak to your nearest Toyota dealer for more details.

Hum along

Venezuelan adventurer Tony Velasquez and his crew stopped over in Mumbai during their tour of India. The reason these guys find a mention here is that they are touring the country in style "" in a Hummer H1!

Their 6500cc turbodiesel Humvee has auxiliary fuel tanks placed on top, two GPS units, Iridium-powered satellite radio sets, an instant tyre inflation/deflation system and even racing seat harnesses gifted to Tony by Ayrton Senna.

The Goodyear-sponsored team said they were enjoying the Indian hospitality, but found driving such a big left-hand drive machine on Indian roads a bit of a task. Dr Enrique Cabrera, the navigator, relished the Indian cuisine but not the fuel prices "" $115 for a full tank (150 litres) as opposed to $3 in Venezuela. The Hummer expedition raises funds for a children's charity back in Venezuela and go on tour once every year.

These adventure freaks have completed trans-Alaska, trans-Sahara, trans-Asia, Australia and Amazon-Andes expeditions and are currently in India. Mongolia and China are next. We wish them all the best. Catch their adventures at www.hummerexpeditions.com