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Maruti Suzuki launches new compact, powerful, fuel efficient Swift DZire variants

Editorial Team — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:42:24 +0000

India’s car market leader Maruti Suzuki India Limited, launches its next generation new compact sedan, Swift DZire, in diesel and petrol variants. The petrol version of the more compact and revamped Swift Dzire is priced between Rs 4.79 lakh and 6.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and the new Swift Dzire diesel models are carrying price tags between Rs 5.80 lakh and Rs 7.09 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire

The sub-4000 mm long new Swift DZire is wider, taller, has a larger wheel base. The new Swift DZire is more fuel efficient by almost 7 per cent in petrol and 8 per cent in diesel models.

The refreshed Swift DZire avatar has 3995mm length, 1695mm width, which is 5mm wider than the existing Swift Dzire model. In addition, the newly launched Swift Dzire has a height of 1555mm with a larger wheel base of 2430mm, which is 40mm larger than the existing model. The all new Swift Dzire offers tighter turning radius of 4.8m and has ground clearance of 170mm. The optimized boot now measures 316 litres.

The front fascia of the revamped Swift Dzire now sports a uniquely designed bumper and grill, carries Suzuki’s characteristic U-Line theme, powerful fog lamps, and character lines on bonnet. Other modifications on the exteriors include ORVM mounted turn signal indicators, characteristic vertical lamps, motion theme alloy wheels and a wrap around cabin wind screen. The rear looks sportier with rear positioned antenna, integrated spoiler and trapezoidal tail lamps. The strong shoulder line and U-line theme is carried from the front for visual continuity.

The company enhanced the fuel efficiency of the new Swift Dzire. The petrol variant offers fuel efficiency of 19.1 km per litre (6.7 per cent higher than the existing Swift DZire at 17.9 kmpl).Similarly, the diesel variant returns a 7.8 per cent improved fuel efficiency of 23.4 kmpl (as compared to 21.7 kmpl than the existing Swift DZire).

The new 4-speed Automatic Transmission on the VXi trim (VXi AT) gives a fuel efficiency of over 17.4 kmpl.

The all new Swift Dzire petrol variant with 5-speed gearbox is powered by the all new K-12M VVT engine, which delivers a peak power of 87 Ps @ 6000 rpm and peak torque of 114Nm @ 4000 rpm.

The diesel variant of Swift Dzire with 5-speed gearbox is powered by a D13A DDiS intercooler turbocharger engine delivering maximum power of 75 Ps @ 4000 rpm and torque of 190 Nm @ 2000 rpm, said the company.

Photo: New Swift DZire

The top speed of the new compact Swift Dzire is 160 kmph. The petrol Swift Dzire zooms 0 to 100 kmph in 12.6 sec and the diesel version zips 0 to 100 kmph in 14.8 sec, said the company.

The refurbished Swift Dzire has a colour lines up of Pacific Blue (new), Glistening Grey (new), Bright Red Arctic, White Clear Beige, Silky Silver and Midnight Black

Introductory prices of petrol (ex showroom Delhi)

PETROL LXi VXi VXi-AT ZXi
Price Rs 4.79 lakh Rs 5.32 lakh Rs 6.54 lakh Rs 6.19 lakh

DIESEL LDi VDi ZDi
Price Rs 5.80 lakh Rs 6.31 lakh Rs 7.09 lakh

Honda mulls over launching Brio diesel models in India

Editorial Team — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:34:27 +0000

After Honda Motor entered the low-cost small car segment through Brio hatchback last year, the Japanese auto major is planning to lunch the diesel version of Brio in a year or two in order to increase its market share and also to tap the mounting demand for diesel cars in the domestic market. The Honda plan for the Brio diesel offering in India is after the ongoing petrol price hike and subsequent steep decline in petrol cars in the country over the past couple of years.

According to reports, the Brio diesel variant will be powered by the common rail i-DTEC engine, which the Hoda developed. Honda will fit the 1.6 liter light weight i-DTEC diesel engine on the Honda Civic by 2013.

Honda is testing its newly developed diesel technology, common rail i-DTEC, for Brio hatchback. According to reports, the Brio diesel variant may be powered by a 1.2 litre i-DTEC common rail engine.

Honda’s 1.6 liter i-DTEC turbo diesel engine produces a peak power of 120 Bhp of 4,000 rpm and peak torque of a gargantuan 300 Nm at 2,000 rpm. This engine is weighing just 170 kilograms, and is also expected to be highly fuel efficient
Diesel cars, which registered a 26% rise in sales in the first nine months of the current fiscal, accounted for about 60% of the passenger vehicles sold in the country. The diesel car sales got boost following the dip in sales of the petrol variants as a result of continuous petrol price hike. The drawback for Honda is that its popular sedan City is yet to introduce diesel variant.

Following steep decline in the sales of City due to petrol price hikes, Honda had slashed the prices of City variants two times in 2011. Honda first slashed the City price in July by Rs 66,000 offering the entry level sedan variant at Rs 7.49 lakh from the previous Rs 8.15 lakh. Honda relaunched the City in December after slashing its price by Rs 50,000 and thus bringing the entry level model to just Rs 6.99 lakh.

Similarly, Honda had brought down the price of its hatchback Jazz by Rs 1.60 lakh in August 2011 in a bid to boost its sales.

Maruti Suzuki rolls out new version of A-Star at Rs 3.66 lakh

Editorial Team — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:26:06 +0000

India’s largest car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki launched the revamped version of its compact car A-Star at Rs 3.66 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The top-end of the new spiced-up A-Star will cost Rs 4.47 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The company said that sales of the new “spiced-up” A-Star started from January 27.

The new version of the A-Star has been introduced in two new colours — Pearl Caffeine Brown and Metallic Glistening Grey.
Maruti has recast the interiors of the new variant of A-Star and clad in a sporty upmarket upholstery. The A-Star’s rear spoiler has been modified in a bid to give sportiness.

The new A-Star has rolled out with optional ABS and Airbags. The spiced-up A-Star is coming with 50-50 rear split seats to enhance user convenience and storage space.

Again, the new A-Star reworked the front seat head restraints reworked to give more space and has new alloys wheels.
The new variant of A-Star will be costlier on average by about Rs 1,000.

“The smart modifications in the spiced-up A-star are in line with customer feedback and seek to enhance the overall look, feel and comfort of the buyers,” Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) Chief General Manager (Marketing) Shashank Srivastava said in a statement.

Earlier, the company had rolled out the automatic version of the A-Star and currently it accounts for almost one third of the model’s total sales. The car is MSI’s Japanese parent Suzuki’s fifth global model and it manufactured only at Manesar in India.

MSI so sold a total of 3.81 lakh units of A-Star, which is the flagship export model of the company.

Powered by state-of-the-art, light weight, 998cc K10B petrol engine, A-star offers fuel-efficiency car 19 kilometers per litre, as tested by ARAI, Pune. Incidentally, A-star was the first model in Maruti Suzuki stable to have the K-series engine. The engine offers power of 67ps @ 6200 rpm and torque of 90Nm @ 3500 rpm. The flat torque curve comes in handy while negotiating the stop-go city traffic conditions with ease.
Price of the revamped A-Star variants (Ex-showroom Delhi)
LXi :          Rs 3.66 lakh
VXi :          Rs 3.97 lakh
VXi AT:    Rs 4.47 lakh
ZXi :         Rs 4.22 lakh
ZXi (with ABS and airbags): Rs 4.40 lakh

Hyundai launches new Eon variants at Rs 2.98 lakh, 3 LPG options

Editorial Team — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:57:39 +0000

Hyundai Motor India Ltd, the country’s largest passenger car exporter and second largest manufacturer announced the launch of three new variants of the Eon – D-Lite +, Era + and Magna +. Priced below Rs 3 lakh at 2.98 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) D-Lite + comes loaded with air-conditioning and power steering, said the company.

Tailored to offer higher value, all three variants will also offer LPG options. The all three LPG options are priced around Rs 27,000 higher.

D-Lite+ is loaded with air conditioning, power steering, gift shift indicator and body coloured bumpers, it is priced at Rs 2.98 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Era + will further offer front power windows and central locking, it is priced at Rs 3.12 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi ).

The Magna+ comes with a 2-Din audio system with USB, Aux and many more features, it is priced Rs 3.42 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The LPG variant that forms part of Hyundai’s Blue Drive (eco-friendly) range comes with factory-fitted separate petrol (32 litres) and LPG (34 litres) tanks that guarantees enhanced safety to customers with a two-year warranty. The special ‘Toroidal’ tank gives larger boot space than conventional LPG-fitted models. The Eon runs over 1,200 kilometres on a full tank of LPG and petrol.

Nissan ties up with ABB, 4R Energy, Sumitomo to assess residential, commercial use of lithium-ion battery

Editorial Team — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:53:23 +0000

Nissan North America, Inc., (NNA) and ABB, the world’s leading power and technology group, along with 4R Energy and Sumitomo Corporation of America, have formed a partnership to evaluate the reuse of lithium-ion battery packs that power the Nissan LEAF, the world’s first and only all-electric car designed for the mass market, said the company.

It indicates that Nissan wants to use the lithium-ion battery beyond powering its electric car LEAF and to enter the energy storage system segment. Nissan JV is studying the commercial viability of grid storage solution and develop a prototype to effectively reuse Nissan LEAF batteries.

The purpose is to evaluate and test the residential and commercial applications of energy storage systems or back-up power sources using lithium-ion battery packs reclaimed from electric vehicles after use. The team plans to develop a LEAF battery storage prototype with a capacity of at least 50 kilowatt hours (kWh), enough to supply 30 average homes with electricity for one hour.

Electric vehicle batteries, such as those that power the Nissan LEAF, have longer lives than those of personal computers or cell phones, with up to 70 percent capacity remaining after 10 years of use in an automotive application. This longevity allows them to be used beyond the lifetime of the vehicle for applications such as a smart-grid community energy management system or battery energy storage.

Innovative energy storage solutions are expected to become a key component of the smart grid, contributing to greater efficiency, reliability and performance. They will facilitate further integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, into the grid. The evaluation of Nissan batteries, through the partnership, will help determine their suitability for the power industry as a cost-effective energy storage solution.

Ford unveils 2012 Fiesta RS World Rally car

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:16:01 +0000

New Ford Fiesta RS WRC

Ford unveiled the all new Ford Fiesta RS World Rally Car which will adorn the car in the 2012 FIA World Rally Championship, the company said.

Ford World Rally Team director Malcolm Wilson and Ford of Europe motorsport chief Gerard Quinn unveiled the livery for the eye-catching Fiesta RS WRC at the Autosport International Racing Car Show in Birmingham, motorsport’s traditional start-of-season showcase event.

The Fiesta RS World Rally Car, with its four wheel-drive transmission and 1.6-litre Ecoboostengine will once again spearhead Ford’s challenge in the 2012 and 2013 championships.

The car, based on the best-selling Fiesta road car, claimed a clean sweep of the podium in both the first and final rounds of its debut season last year. Finland’s Jari-MattiLatvala and co-driver MiikkaAnttila, who topped the world rankings for special stage victories in 2011 and won the final round of the championship in Rally GB last season, are confirmed as team leaders for 2012.

Mahindra SsangYong Rexton, electric car Reva NXR to roll out in India by Oct-Nov

Editorial Team — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 09:23:42 +0000

Mahindra & Mahindra, a part of the US $ 14.4 billion group, announced at the Delhi Auto Expo that it would launch SsangYong Rexton, Mahindra Reva NXR, the electric car, and a compact SUV before the festive season this year. Mahinda also announced the launch of Maxximo Passenger Van to debut in Q1 of next financial year and a sub 4-metre Verito in the last quarter of FY 13.

One of the most anticipated launches from Mahindra would be the SsangYong Rexton which has been displayed at the Delhi Auto Expo. Mahindra is scheduling to bring in Rexton to India along with its compact SUV before the festive season this year. Mahindra also plans to roll out its electric car, Reva NXR during the same time.

Mahindra will re-introduce the Stallio motorcycle in FY 13 along with launching its premium product, the Duro DZ nationally.

In the Heavy Commercial segment, Mahindra Navistar Automotive Ltd (MNAL) will launch its 49 tonne tractor, the 25 tonne construction tipper in addition to its range of buses (32 and 40 seater). MNAL will also introduce its Integrated Trucking Solutions in the form of applications on their trucks.

Honda unveils 110cc Dream Yuga, 150cc CBR150 and New CB Shine among 7 new models

Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:11:14 +0000

Honda Motorycles and Scooters India (HMSI) unveiled 110cc mass motorcycle Dream Yuga, sporty performance motorcycle CBR 150R, new 2012 model of CB Shine and new 2012 model of CBR 250R (new color) at the Delhi Auto Expo.

Honda also displayed its New 2012 model of Dio in automatic scooter and the twin-engined VT 1300CX super bike as well as new performance bike CBR 1000RR Fireblade in the big bikes portfolio.

The 110 cc mass motorcycle Dream Yuga is expected to go into production by May 2012 and priced at around Rs 46,000.

Honda has also displayed at the Delhi Auto Expo its first mass-production motorcycle, the iconic 1949 “Dream D” and World MotoGP champion Casey Stoner’s RC 212V MotoGP bike.

The 110cc Dream Yuga
The Dream Yuga is powered by a 110 cc engine delivering 9 PS of power at 7,500 rpm. The Dream Yuga will give a mileage of 72 kmpl, claimed Honda. The Dream Yuga mobike comes with optional tubeless tyres.

CBR 150R sports bike
The CBR 150R, Honda’s wildly popular sports bike across the globe, is another attraction from the Honda stable at the Auto Expo.

CBR 150R has light and compact DOHC 150cc liquid-cooled engine which produces peak power of 18 BHP @ 10,500 RPM and peak torque of 12.6 Nm @ 7500rpm. Honda CBR 150R has twin tubular frame which increases the stability of the bike, liquid cooling and PGM-FI increases the efficiency of the engine giving maximum output with minimum effort.

The CBR 150R looks similar to its 250cc model and features front and rear disc brakes, mono suspension, 17-inch alloys, tubeless tyres, tandem seat, and an O2 sensor that significantly reduces emissions.

CBR 150R will be available in 2 variants– Standard and Deluxe. The Standard variant will be available in 2 shades – Black with Pearl Sunbeam White and Sports Red with Pearl Sunbeam White. The Deluxe model (with special sporty graphics) shall be available in Black with Candy Palm Green & Vibrant Orange with Pearl Sunbeam White colour.

New Honda CB Shine
The refreshed Honda CB Shine is all about two new colour options – Force Silver Metallic and Monsoon Grey Metallic¬- and fresh decals. Besides this, the CB Shine will soon be available in 3 variants: spoke wheels with drum brakes (with tuff-up tube), alloy wheels with drum brakes (with tubeless tyres) and alloy wheels with disc brakes.

CB Shine’s 125cc engine delivers a peak power of 10.3 BHP and mileage of 65 kmpl. With its added capability to develop high torque at low rpm, the Honda engine ensures smooth ride.

The new CB Shine now comes with a new colour and stylish body graphics in all colours. The new avatar of CB Shine now comes in 2 new colours – Force Silver Metallic and Monsoon Grey Metallic. CB Shine will continue to be available in its existing colours – Black, Geny Grey Metallic and Rebel Red Metallic. The revamped CB Shine now comes with new standout graphics on the fuel tank.

In its refreshed avatar, the new CB Shine will soon be available in 3 variants: Spoke wheels with drum brakes (with tuff-up tube), Alloy wheels with drum brakes (with tubeless tyres) and Alloy wheels with Disc brakes (with tubeless tyres).

New Honda Dio
Claiming to be India’s first Unisex Moto-scooter for youth, Honda launched the all new Dio at the Delhi Auto Expo, 2012. The revamped Dio now comes with a 110cc engine, the same engine powering Activa. Honda has replaced the previous 102cc mill on the earlier model of Dio. The updated Dio model has claimed to have reduced emissions rates and delivers 15% more fuel efficiency. There’s a new Combi-brake feature for improved stopping power, enhanced leg space and tubeless tyres – an industry first for automatic scooters. The new Dio will be available for sale from January 2012 end in five exotic colours – Sports Red, Matt Axis Grey Metallic, Pearl Sunbeam White, Candy Palm Green and Leblon Violet Metallic.

New CBR 250R sports bike
Honda unveiled the refreshed version of the new sporty CBR 250R at the Delhi Auto Expo. The revamped CBR 250R will be available from February 2012.

The new CBR250R will come with a tri-color sporty option – Pearl Heron Blue in addition to the 2 existing dual-tone colour options- Candy Ruby Red with Accurate Silver Metallic and Asteroid Black Metallic with Accurate Silver Metallic.
The revamped CBR250R is powered by the newly developed liquid-cooled 250cc, 4-stroke, 4-valve single-cylinder DOHC engine of CBR 250R delivers lightning performance with 25 BHP power @ 8500 rpm and 22.9 Nm torque.

Honda all new CBR 250R incorporates Combined Anti-lock Braking System (World first in 250cc performance motorcycle category). The electronically controlled fuel injection technology – PGM-FI significantly enhances the performance and fuel efficiency of CBR 250R. In addition, the O2 Sensor and Catalytic converter makes CBR 250R more Eco-friendly and meet Euro 3 Emission norms.

CBR 250R has Y shaped headlights and Double layered cowling to increase Style quotient and aerodynamics of the bike. Its tandem seat, silver blue backlit digital meter and irregular pentagonal muffler add to the comfort and style of bike. CBR250R comes with widest rear tyre 140/70-17 in the category and advance Pro-link suspension.

The new options of CBR250R will soon be available in- Standard Variant and C-ABS variant.

Honda VT1300CX
Honda also unveiled the VT1300CX super mobike at the Delhi Auto Expo. The VT1300CX is zoomed by its 1312cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin engine. Equipped with a single-pin crankshaft, dual balancers and Programmed Fuel Injection system, it gives ultimate performance with truly impressive V-twin sound and feel. Honda claims that the VT1300CX is a fuel efficient mobike.
The VT1300CX will be available from end of February 2012 and in two colour options: Glint Blue Wave Metallic and Graphite Metallic.

The VT1300CX features high-mount steering head, ultra-low seat and stretched 1,805mm wheelbase.

The VT1300CX also features long & slim fuel tank, distinctive 9 Spoke alloy wheels, fat 200mm rear tyre paired with slim 90mm front tyre, prominent chrome headlight and LED tail-light.

New 2012 CBR1000RR Fireblade
Honda launched the 20th Anniversary special edition of its iconic performance bike CBR1000RR Fireblade at the Delhi Auto Expo.

The new CBR1000RR Fireblade boasts a host of advanced features like new ‘Balance Free Rear Cushion’, dynamic style packaging, revised fuel injection settings of the liquid-cooled DOHC 999cc engine, new wheels, new front & rear suspension systems and advanced LCD instrument panel.

The 2012 CBR 1000RR special edition shall be available in 3 exciting colours: Pearl Sunbeam White, Victory Red & Graphite Black.

The 2012 CBR1000RR Fireblade comes with optional electronically controlled C-ABS (Combined Anti-Lock Braking System).

Vespa scooter makes a comeback, to hit domestic market in March 2012

Editorial Team — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:48:43 +0000

Vespa scooter is returning to India after over a decade. Italian two-wheeler manufacturer Piaggio, the parent company of Vespa, has unveiled its range of new Vespa scooters at the Delhi Auto Expo, Piaggio Vehicles announced while unveiling the two-wheeler.

The company plans to launch the 125cc modified Vespa scooters in March, 2012. The revamped Vespa scooters will be launched in five colours. Initially, the Vespa in new shape will be available in 35 major cities in India.

Piaggio has its range of Ape three-wheeler passenger vehicles namely Ape City, Ape Xtra Passenger as well as pick-up vans and four-wheeler trucks in India.

The Vespa scooter series will sport 125cc engines and will be available in the market from March. Piaggio indicated that the new series of Vespa would be launched in India without a local partner.

More than four decades ago, Piaggio had given the production licence of Vespa scooters to Bajaj Auto and the joint venture came to an end in 1971. After over a decade, Piaggio entered into a tie-up with LML Motors in 1983 to make and sell scooters in India.

Piaggio also introduced the Moto Guzzi as a brand at the Delhi Auto Expo. Piaggio also plans to introduce the Norge Tourer, Aprilia Tuono, Mana, Dorsoduro and RSV4 in India.

Mahindra showcases SsangYong series Rexton, Korando E, Actyon Sports & XIV-1 Concept at Delhi Auto Expo

Editorial Team — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:43:31 +0000

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., (M&M) unveiled four world class products from the SsangYong stable namely Rexton, Korando E, Actyon Sports & XIV-1 Concept for the first time in India at Delhi Auto Expo 2012.

Mahindra SsangYong Actyon Sports

The four new SsangYong vehicles namely – the Rexton, the Korando E, Actyon Sports and the XIV-1 Concept – were unveiled by Dr Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive and Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. & Chairman, SsangYong Motor Company and Mr. Yoo-Il Lee, President, SsangYong Motor Company.

REXTON
The Rexton off-roader is powered by a 2.7 litre turbocharged common-rail diesel engine under the hood which is good for 184 PS of maximum power and a massive 402 Nm of torque.

The all terrain Rexton is expected to hit the domestic market in the next six to seven months, say company sources. Rexton SUV has a spacious and luxurious cabin and offers three rows of seating making room for seven occupants. Rexton’s second and third row of seats can be folded to make a vast luggage area.

Rexton will be loaded with safety features like tyre pressure monitoring system, enhanced parking brake technology, forward collision warning and avoidance system, ABS with EBD, ESP and SRS airbags as standard equipment.

Apparently, the year 2012 see a stiff competition from various auto makers in India coming out with a series of SUVs. Maruti Suzuki is launching its concept SUV XA Alpha, Premier new compact SUV Rio, Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport, revamped Tata Safari Storme and Toyota’s new Fortuner apart from Mahindra Ssang Yong Rexton. All these models were displayed at the Delhi Auto Expo.

Also, Rexton SUV is available in five-speed manual gearbox and an automatic gearbox.

KORANDO E
Also on the display is the future electric car of SsangYong Motor, the Korando E. Korando E is purely an electric car concept model based on the Korando C, and is an attempt to present the stereotype of small SUV electric cars by combining SsangYong Motor’s design DNA, specialized in SUVs and the future-oriented identity of electric SUVs.

ACTYON SPORTS
The all new Actyon Sports pick-up is expected to open up a whole new market in India. The Actyon Sports offers the cabin comfort and luxury of a premium SUV complete with a sunroof, RDS & Bluetooth audio, rear view camera, hinge sprung tailgate and a trip computer. Not to mention functions such as ESP and dual airbags fitted to make Actyon Sports a genuine alternative to a conventional 4×4.

Actyon Sports is powered by a 2.0 Active Diesel Engine complying with Euro 5 emissions standards and offering highly competitive economy. CO2 emissions have been reduced to 186g/km, representing a nine per cent improvement over the engine’s previous performance. This impressive efficiency is achieved without any compromise in performance. Peak torque of 360Nm is maintained across a wide range of 1,500 to 2,800rpm, while 190Nm is delivered at a near-idle 1,000rpm.

Mahindra SsangYong Sports XIV-1

XIV – 1 CONCEPT
The new compact crossover concept from Mahindra SsangYong – the XIV-1 Concept has attributes of a B-segment SUV with the affordable running costs, claims the company. The XIV-1 concept is a showcase for SsangYong’s design and engineering.