Auto-Trivia

SCOOP: Is this the 2012 Hyundai i20????

2011-06-24T17:30:00.000+05:30

Auto-Trivia is the first one to get eyes on this scoop! Hyundai just launched this very much looking new i20 as the 2012 Hyundai Accent in the US. Looking upon its dimensions, body sculpture and our knowledge that the 2012 i20 will be based on the new Hyundai Verna, we can definitely say that yes whenever in near future, this is going to be the i20 facelift. The competition in the Premium hatchback segment is really revving hard with many new launches and the upcoming Toyota Etios Liva, Honda Brio, MS Swift and Renault’s hatchback(most probably Renault Clio), etc. And this could, especially the new Swift could prove to be a big threat to the i20’s sales. Well in this case this 2012 Accent a.k.a i20 could be very strategic move to win the competition.

Looking at the front face you would definitely misjudge it as the 2011 Hyundai Verna.

The rear-end is derived from its big brother i30, just like that in the i10. The engine options are expected to be the same as of now. Though, due to the positive attitude of Indian people towards 1.6L petrol engines in hatchbacks, Hyundai might put up the 1.6L VTVT engine of the new Verna,but this could prove to be very costly. Also expect the 1.4L diesel engine of the new Verna to be put-up in it.

Now, let us take look at the interiors.

We already saw the exteriors that showed us the good probability of this car being launched here as the new i20 and now the interiors add to our confidence of this car surely being badged as the 2012 Hyundai i20. The picture shows the 6-speed gearbox, which we only expect in the diesel variant just like what we have now. All the interiors, the dashboard, the MP3 player, Steering wheel and all interiors are inspired from the new Verna.

Well, if this is coming here, we could say even the new Swift will have to struggle hard just like now against the Hyundai i20.

Stay tuned to Auto-Trivia for future updates.

Here are some detailed interior pictures.

General Motors too heading Chennai?

2011-05-10T01:34:00.001+05:30

Chennai is apparently becoming the Automobile Hub of India. Many famous Auto-Giants like Hyundai, Nissan-Renault, BMW, Ford, etc. are already present in Chennai. And now its the time for General Motors. Auto-Trivia is exclusively reporting this news. Sources close to us say that General Motors is coming up with a new project for Chennai Plant and has already started recruitment process for the Chennai Plant Project. The plant will take at least 2 more years to be completed and start operations. Expect some of the SAIC models or the Chevy Sail too to be manufactured here, as Chennai can prove to be a good Domestic as well as Export hub. As of now, we are only having this much. Stay tuned to Auto-Trivia for further exclusive updates.

Nissan Sunny, a.k.a 'Verna' to launch in USA!

2011-04-21T23:50:00.000+05:30

Yes, don't be shocked! US can have Asian Spec low-powered cars too! The refreshed, new Nissan Sunny, that was launched first in China a few months back and now it will soon be launched in India in early 2012.The road tests are already on. First it was Ford Fiesta that made its way too US, now this less powered Nissan Sunny too is soon to be there. Well its not less powered actually, but the US vehicles are very highly powereful than ours.

In US, the Sunny will be re-badged as Verna and will be powered by the same Asian spec 1.6L four-cylinder engine that features twin continuously vairable timing control, or CVTC. The power comes out to a fairly dismal 109 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Nissan will be providing 5-speed manual tansmission on 1.6S variant and X-Tronic CVT on all other variants.
Nissan equipped the 2012 Versa Sedan with a slew of features, including Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags and front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection, seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.Also, other safety features like, standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, child safety rear door locks, child seat upper tether anchors and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are included.
People's response on various American automobile website is really not good. Someone has commented on a website, "This new Versa looks like a Chinese design from a couple years ago. It’s kinda embarrassing.", one other comment was, "
Wow. That interior side view looks like a 98 corolla."!

Just imagine we accept this kind of cars very happily, because we haven't seen features and specs beyond them anytime here!

GM-SAIC Wuling HongTu spied!

2011-04-16T23:29:00.001+05:30

Seems General Motors is very busy with its Indian opertaions as of now. Beat Diesel and Wuling Hongtu are the upcoming cars from GM this Fiscal. GM's test runs were spotted previously with Beat Diesel and Wuling HongTu in Vadodara in December 2010. Again, Auto-Trivia itself has got this exclusive Scoop now. We caught the Wuling HongTu testing in Vadodara. Have a look at the video, it is just a short clip, but something is better than nothing!

GM is currently busy with their Beat Diesel launch also. Our close sources say that GM will be launching Beat Diesel by June, latest by July this year. So expect this Wuling Hongtu soon after that in end this year or early2012. Auto-Trivia will be back with more scoop! Keep coming and tell us your views and suggestions through the comment box.

Aston Martin enters India with an electrifying 20 Crore price tag!

2011-04-15T14:01:00.000+05:30

Aston Martin finally enters India today by launching One-77, Rapide and Vantage here. Aston Martin broke the record of Buggati's 16 Crore price tag! Yes, cars can be expensive than a Buggati too! Aston Martin launched the Aston Martin One-77 today for INR 20 Crores! Yes, that's INR 200,000,000! One-77 is now India's most expensive car. Aston-Martin has inaugrated its 1st dealership in India in Mumbai today and its Infinity cars only, the one with BMW dealership in the same city. Soon in May 2nd dealership will be open in New Delhi too. Vantage and Rapide are already on display in the showroom. India won't be getting the Cygnet any time soon unfortunately. Aston Martin Rapide is priced at INR 2.15 Crore and Aston Martin Vantage is priced at INR 1.55 Crore.

Aston Martin One-77


Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin Vantage

Keep visiting Auto-Trivia for more jupdates.

What's in 2011 Suzuki Swift?

2011-04-14T22:53:00.000+05:30

May is about to come and with that another word that comes to our mind is 2011 Suzuki Swift! After a launch of lots of premium and expensive cars this year, its time for common man to get a new car now. Suzuki will be launching the 2011 Swift this May when Swift will complete 6 years after its launch back in May 2005. So we thought to get you some information about 2011 Swift before its launch.

Suzuki won't disappoint you this time in providing ample features as the competition has heated up a lot in this segment now. First of all coming to Engine. 2011 Swift is powered by 1.2L Dual VVT petrol engine churning out massive 94bhp power and 118nm Torque and 1.3L DDiS diesel engine sourced from Fiat. Well these were the European specifications. We are sure about the diesel engine but there is still a doubt whether Suzuki will bring in here Dual VVT 94bhp engine or use the same so common K-Series 1.2L engine. Suzuki might bring it here to compete Jazz or not bring it here because VVT might make the car costly.

Various features like Engine Push Start-Stop button, Front Dual and Side Curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Program(ESP), ABS with EBD are available and expect all these features here too. Suzuki might bring in Push Start-Stop button to compete Nissan Micra and very less chances of 6 airbags to compete its biggest rival Hyundai i20. The new Swift is 9cm longer than its predecessor with the wheelbase extended by a further 5cm. It’s half a centimetre wider too. McPherson struts on the front and a new rear torsion beam on the rear equates to a stiffer but more compliant ride. In short, the new Swift will be a hell lot more sportier and comfortable than the current one. UK specs also include 16-inch alloys, Bluetooth (both for your phone and to stream music), iPod/USB port, electric windows throughout, keyless start, rear privacy glass on five-door models and cruise control, anyways don't expect the Cruise Control here as of now. Lets see what and when get it.

Keep coming here for more updates.

Ford Unwraps 2011 Fiesta!

2011-04-14T15:20:00.000+05:30

Ford Finally revealed the 2011 Fiesta. And as reported by Auto-Trivia previously, it was a just a revealing of the vehicle and not the launch. The launch date is 2-3 months still ahead from now. Ford has not given any launch date yet. Ford India’s Managing Director Michael Boneham and Marketing Director Nigel Wark pulled the wraps of the all new 2011 Ford Fiesta Sedan moments ago at Delhi today.

In the meanwhile, Ford will take bookings for the 2011 Fiesta, and initial deliveries are set to begin sometime in June, before which a formal launch, announcing the Fiesta’s prices will take place. Ford will be offering 1.6L TiVCT petrol engine churning out massive 118bhp power and 112nm torque and 1.4L TCDi 90bhp diesel engine.

As we reported earlier, Ford has got ample of features in this sedan. Cruise Control and Voice Control system and Automatic folding mirrors which are the 1st-in-class features. We are not getting the push start-stop system unfortunately. Ford has kept Dual Front SRS Airbags and ABS with EBD standard in all variants! This is the feature you should really appreciate for, because airbags and ABS with EBD are usually not standard in this segment cars in India and Ford has taken a step ahead here. But there is a negative also Ford is not offering 6 aribags option in the car. Nevermind, how many people really care about that in India? The car has High Intensity Energy Absorbing Body. Ford has not stated anything about 6-speed PowerShift Automatic Transmission and so the old 5-speed manual transmission only is expected. Connectivity features include Bluetooth for Music Streaming, Receiving calls,etc., Voice Control for calling people by just speaking their name or searching and playing the songs by just speaking their name,etc., iPod connectivity and USB. And also just like Figo it will also be having booming Bassy sound system of 4 speakers in door, most probably with subwoofers inside.

So, now it is very easy to say that Ford will create a strong impact in another segment other than hatchbacks. Just wait fr the launch. The pricing will be competitive, near to 7-7.5 lacs to 8.5-9 lacs.

Stay tuned to Auto-Trivia for more updates.

2011 Fiesta brochure leaked before launch!

2011-04-14T10:09:00.000+05:30

Just a couple hours before the launch or maybe preview of 2011 Fiesta, its brochure has leaked and surfaced on internet. The brochure says that Ford will be having TiVCT petrol engine and TCDi Diesel engine in India. Also some features like, Mobile inspired center console, USB / Aux-in connectivity, Voice activated control system, Bluetooth, Electronic Cruise Control system, etc.

Voice Control system and Cruise control system will be the first-in-class! Also, this brings us a question to mind, does this mean that Ford will not have Push Start-Stop engine feature for Indian Fiesta??? Just cross your fingers and pray! Auto-Trivia will be back with more details this noon.

Keep Coming for more details.

Source: TheAutomotiveIndia.com

Infiniti premium cars to foray Indian market

2011-04-13T20:57:00.000+05:30

Premium car makers are going crazy about India. India has recently recieved many premium brands such as, Buggati, Maybach, Maserati, and Ferrari and Aston Martin almost there. Indian premium car market is really spiced up now.

Infiniti, Nissan's luxury sister will soon be launching their whole line-up here in India. Nissan was not ready to bring in Infiniti here a couple months back due to high import and custom duties here but seeing the continuous demand rise in the premium car market here, Nissan has finally decided to bring it here. Just like ferrari and Maserati Shreyans group will be importing Infiniti cars officially here.

The line-up includes 5 models, Infiniti G, Infiniti M, Infiniti EX, Infiniti FX, Infiniti, QX56. It is not clear uptill now whether we will get all the versions like there in USA, but its fine if you dont get Coupe options and just get sedan version as of now, because you atleast get an Infinti. And dont worry diesel fans, Infiniti has got diesel engines too for you! Take a look at the gorgeous 5 below,

Infiniti QX56

Indiniti EX

Infiniti FX

Infiniti G

Infiniti M

Stay tuned to Auto-Trivia for more updates.

2011 Ford Fiesta drives in tommorow!

2011-04-13T19:54:00.000+05:30

Yes guys, the day has come! Our wait is about to be over tommorow. Ford will be launching the 2011 Fiesta sedan here in India tommorow. Now, unfortunately we won't get the hatchback here in India, but let us be happy with what we getting.

Ford will be launching this gorgeous beauty tommorow at 12:00 p.m in New Delhi.Prices are likely to start from 7 lacs. This one is definitely going to break the market of Vento and Honda City and also will create a new record breaking demand in this segment. If you're planning to buy one, book it tommorow itself else you might have to wait for like people wait for Figo now.Lets hope Ford prices this one also reasonably like the Figo and achieves another milestone in its Indian history! For full details including prices get back to Auto-Trivia tommorow.

You can watch the launch live on web at this link.

Stretch Limos in India!

2011-04-10T11:13:00.000+05:30

Anyone would be shocked seeing a Limo on Indian roads. And so was I. Indian roads are very narrow to drive a Limo or a stretch car. Even if the road is broad somewhere, the traffic is a havoc. The 3^rd constraint of getting a Limo or a stretch here is, the import & custom duty which makes the imported cars extremely high. But there are passionate people in India who are ready to spend money like water for getting a Limo or building a stretch. There are custom built Mahindra Xylo, Ford Endeavour, Skoda Octavia, Mahindra Scorpio, Toyota Innova, Honda CR-V, etc. and also, very often seen in USA and Middle East Asian countries, Chrysler 300C Limo! Yes, all the above content is really surprising and also hard to believe, so we have their pictures for you! You can also get a custom built stretch or a Limo for yourself in Chennai. Executive Coach builders in Chennai do this work in India in good numbers. Click here to go to their website and see their gallery and get their contact details.

Maserati Arrives India!

2011-04-09T19:54:00.000+05:30

Maserati has brought in here 3 models, Quattraporte-Sport Sedan, GranTurismo-Roadster, and GranCabrio-Cabriolet. Quattraporte sports a 4.7L V8 petrol engine churning out massive 425-440bhppower.“The growth in luxury car market last year made us confident to enter here in 2011. Today we are very excited to enter India. We will offer the full product range to Indian customers,” the Maserati Asia-Pacific Managing Director, Mr Simone Niccolai said. “We will open our first showroom in Mumbai later this year. The second showroom will be started in New Delhi early next year. We will have presence in seven locations by 2015,” Mr Niccolai said.
The Indian market provides a good opportunity for the company, Mr. Niccolai said. “We are not thinking of targets here for the next two years but we surely see demand for our cars here.” The launch event was held at the National Garage Showroom and the price range of these cars starts from Rs 1.2-Crore and goes upto Rs 1.43-Crore (ex-showroom, Delhi). Maserati plans to sell 25 cars in the first year and make it more than 100 cars by 2015.

The cars will be delivered to the potential customers from July-August 2011. Maserati Quattroporte will be priced at Rs 1.23-1.43 Crore, GranTurismo is priced between Rs 1.2-1.37 Crore and the GranCabrio will be sold for Rs 1.43 Crore. (all ex-showroom, Delhi).