An impressive fact about Honda is that since the introduction of the Euro NCAP’s new rating scheme from February 2009, all Honda models tested have achieved 5-star rating.

The Civic is loaded with safety features such as its Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) — a radar-based autonomous emergency braking system designed to help prevent collisions with vehicles which are stationary or travelling in the same direction. The system is aimed at alerting the driver to an imminent collision both at low speeds, typical of urban driving, and at higher speeds typical of rural roads and motorways by studying accident statistics in Germany and extending the figures to the broader European community. Honda estimates that if all cars are fitted with CMBS, between 200,000 and 250,000 accidents could either be prevented or mitigated every year. Other safety features in the Honda Civic:

1) Vehicle Stability Assist 
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden maneuvers by applying braking assistance to any of the wheels as necessary and modulating the engine torque output as required.

2) Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure
Developed in the car-to-car crash testing facility at Tochigi, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure is now a well-established strength of Honda’s safety credentials. The ACE body structure is a Honda exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. The ACE Body Structure design utilises a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.

3) Pedestrian Protection
The new Civic also incorporates many features designed with pedestrian-protection in mind. Research has shown that these features can dramatically improve a pedestrian’s chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle. Features include windscreen wiper pivots designed to break away on impact, energy absorbing front wing mounts and bonnet hinges, as well as an unobstructed area beneath the bonnet allowing greater space for deformation.

4) Airbags and Seatbelts
On all models the driver and passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) front and side airbags are complemented by full length curtain airbags to protect all occupants. There are three-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts in all seating positions, the front seatbelts also have 2 stage Energy Absorption (EA) load limiting pretensioners. In the rear ISOFIX points ensure secure and correct installation and mounting of child seats.

In another significant development, the latest tyre tests by German Motoring Association ADAC produced commendable results for all the 3 Apollo brands available in Europe — Apollo, Vredestein and Maloya. Out of the 15 tyre brands tested in the 165/70 R14 size, Apollo’s Amazer 3G Maxx ranks in the first 4. Amazer 3G Maxx shared top ratings, with another brand, on dry and wet performance with an impressive overall score of 2.3.

While Vredestein is sold across Europe, Apollo was introduced in Germany, UK, Italy and Netherlands last year. Given the high acceptance and success of both its summer and winter tyres in the passenger vehicle and 4×4 segments; plans are now on to expand Apollo’s markets into Switzerland, Austria and Denmark.

Volvo’s 2.5-litre D5 diesel models offer the car maker’s globally successful safety and driver comfort technologies with a decent return to the litre. However, Volvo’s hefty price tags for these models coupled with its nascent stature as a luxury car maker in India has limited the sale of its cars. Putting things into perspective driven by consumer demand, Volvo has now introduced its entire model range with an all new 5-cylinder turbo D3 diesel engine, bringing down the prices of its models significantly.

The new D3 engines with their reduced displacement and a shorter stroke are designed to achieve maximum fuel efficiency. What differentiates the D3 from its larger D5 power train is its injection system that has a different type of piezoelectric fuel injector that minimizes consumption with exceptionally rapid and precise injection pulses under high pressure. Delivering 165PS of power and an impressive 400Nm of torque, the new D3 variants of the S60, S80 and XC60 according to the company will deliver a mileage of 18.5kmpl, 17.8kmpl and 14.7kmpl respectively.

Commenting on the launch of the D3 variants that further strengthen Volvo’s model offensive for India, Tomas Ernberg, Managing Director, Volvo Auto India, said, “Launch of D3 variants reiterates our long-term commitment of a more human-oriented approach called ‘Designed Around You’, where we continue making safe, technologically-advanced and Scandinavian designed cars around customers.”

Lower displacement and prices for the D3 variants however, has not resulted in a major hack of standard Volvo safety and multimedia equipment. Top-of-the-line safety technologies like Laser Assisted Automatic Braking, Whiplash Protection, Active Bending Lights, Dynamic Stability Traction Control and interior luxury features such as Electronic Climate Control, an Interior Air Quality System and plush leather seats will continue to be offered as standard on these entry-level diesel models.

The new D3 variants of the Volvo S60, S80 and XC60 models will be priced at Rs 23.99 lakh, Rs 31.99 lakh and Rs 33.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) respectively and will be available for retail at Volvo dealerships across India with immediate effect.

This analysis covers thehatchback as well as the sedan market. It covers the used car market in New Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin and Kolkata.

Key interesting findings:

• Maruti, Hyundai and Honda are the most popular brands in the used car market.
• For every car of Honda in the seconds market, there are 3 cars of Hyundai and 5 cars of Maruti.
• Swift models constitute one-third of the Maruti hatchback seconds; Alto models make up another 25%.
• Whereas, Santro models constitute 50% of the Hyundai hatchback seconds.
• The Sedan category is dominated by Verna and Accent for Hyundai. And 2 out of 3 Honda sedans are City models.

Cost savings:

• The study reveals that Rs. 30,000 to 50,000 can be saved by buying a year-old hatchback instead of a new one. Similarly, Rs. 50,000 to 70,000 can be saved by buying a year-old sedan rather than a new one.
• The cost of a second-hand hatchback ranges from Rs. 2.5 lakh to 5 lakh, depending on the age of the car. The price of a second-hand sedan ranges fromRs. 4 lakh to 9 lakh, depending on the age of car.

Maruti’s hatchback models have less erosion in the seconds market when compared to other hatchbacks. Among Maruti hatchbacks –

• 2-year old models cost 75-85% of the value.
• 3-year old models cost 60-80% of the value.

In the Sedan segment, Maruti’s models have higher erosion. 4-year old Maruti models cost 50-56% of the value. Whereas 6 to 7-year old Honda & Hyundai models cost 50% of the value.

It is interesting to note that the buyers’ segment for cars older than 2 years has increased from 35% in 2009 to 50% in 2010 to 60% in 2011.

Popular models of 2011:

Hatchbacks

• Santro was the most popular brand followed by i10, in the Hyundai family.
• Swift was the most popular brand followed by Alto, in the Maruti family.

Sedans

• For Hyundai: Verna was most popular followed by Accent.
• For Maruti: SX4 was the leading brand and Swift Dzire came in second.
• For Honda: City & City ZX were at the forefront, closely followed by Civic.

Commenting on the study and analysis, Satya Prabhakar, CEO, Sulekha.com, said,“This study has unveiled some important and interesting trends pertaining to brand value, depreciation and cost savings in the used car market. These pointers will be useful to prospective buyers and sellers. Going by the growing number of listings on our site—there has been an increase of 35% in the last one year—it is clear that there has been a significant shift in the mindset of people with regard to owning used cars. The used car market will indeed be a phenomenon to watch out for in the next few years.”

Annexure: The complete report on the Used Car Market – 2012

Used cars data

• Three years’ data pertaining to second-hand cars of selective brands has been analyzed to determine trends and derive insights
• Over 85,000 significant advertisements have been analysed
• Three years’ data pertaining to second-hand cars of selective brands has been analyzed to determine trends and derive insights
• Over 85,000 significant advertisements have been analysed
• Lineage of cars bought and sold – Time series
• Comparison of the car make contribution
• Depreciation of the cars
• Value of your car
• Popular models in 2011

People are open to buying old cars. The trend of buying only a year-old car is going down and people are now open to considering older cars too

Cars which are older than 2 yrs are increasing every year from 35% in 2009 to 58% in 2010 to 70% in 2011

Comparison of Car Make

• The contribution of an individual make does not shift much and has remained consistent over the last 3 years
• Maruti still leads among the 3 brands with 55-60% of advertisements
• Hyundai has 33% of advertisements
• Honda has 10-15% of advertisements

“Consumers shopping for either a new or used vehicle will benefit this year from higher trade-in values along with loosening credit,” Banks said at a press briefing during the NADA Convention and Expo in Las Vegas. “For dealers, reliance on customer trade-ins will increase as they strive to meet the challenges of growing demand in a supply-constrained market.”

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the NADA Used Car Guide predicts used vehicle prices will increase by 1.8 percent by the end of the year, peaking in April and May. Used vehicle prices increased 3 percent in 2011.

“The slowing rate of depreciation on used vehicles over the course of the year will lead to even stronger trade-in values and enhance the equity that a consumer has in their vehicle,” Banks added.

Banks said fuel prices hovering at US$3.50 a gallon will increase demand for fuel-efficient compact and midsize cars with prices up by 2.7% and 2.1%, respectively, by the end of the year.

The NADA Used Car Guide predicts prices for large SUVs will increase by 1.4% this year.

“A 15% drop year-over-year in the used supply of large SUVs will offset the elevated price of gasoline,” he said.

The shares and warrants will be issued to Amar Investments Delhi, Bengal Rubber Company Ltd., Central India Industries Ltd. and Hindustan Discounting Co. Ltd., all part of the promoter group, Hindustan Motors said in a statement.

Though, quite naturally, smaller than the regular Prius, the c’s specs are good to give even the regular model a run for its money. It is 19.1 inches shorter, 246 kg lighter and packs a smaller 74 PS, 1.5-litre petrol engine under the hood instead of a 1.8-litre mill. The smaller Prius has 87.4 cubic feet of passenger space as against the 94 cubic feet of its larger cousin. At 17.1 cubic feet, boot space is also only marginally less compared to the regular Prius’ 21.6 cubic feet.

Toyota says the increased interior volume has been achieved by placing the hybrid battery and fuel tank together below the rear seat. In employing Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive to the smaller Prius c platform, each of the system’s major components was redesigned to reduce weight, scale and improve efficiency.
It will be offered in four trims and have several premium features such as automatic climate control, 3,5-inch display, AM/FM/CD stereo with Bluetooth hands-free and audio connectivity, remote keyless entry, USB port, steering-mounted audio controls, nine airbags, remote keyless entry and 15-inch steel wheels, as standard.
Three distinct drive modes will be on offer: Normal, Eco, and EV mode. Eco mode improves efficiency by governing climate control and throttle. Under certain conditions, the EV mode allows the Prius c to be driven solely on electric power for distances under 1 mile) while remaining below 40 kmph.

Armed with a a new 1.6-liter Turbocharged-Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) engine the 2013 Hyundai Veloster is now capable of producing 201PS @ 6000 rpm and 195Nm of torque from 1750 – 4500 rpm. The Veloster Turbo spec model’s Gamma engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that has traditionally been used on more expensive high performance engines, but Hyundai has brought this technology down its line-up from the Sonata 2.0T.

Other unique features on this performance focused Veloster model includes two larger free flowing circular exhausts that replaces the urban spec model’s trapezoidal center exhaust. In terms of exterior design ques the Veloster Turbo’s face can easily be distinguished by signature eight individual headlight LED accents.

For more accurate on track performance, the Veloster Turbo features a quicker ratio steering rack and electric power steering that adjusts assistance instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy.Full leather seats with the word “Turbo” stitched into the seatbacks on the inside helps deliver a unique interior look and feel to the coupe.

The Veloster Turbo is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifter and Shiftronic controls rather than the base Vesloster’s EcoShift DCT. The Veloster Turbo has the same a 104.3-inch wheelbase, but the Turbo is 1.2 inches longer (167.3 inches) and 6 inches wider (71.1 inches).

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster will begins sales in the US in summer and will give immediate competition to already popular models like the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper/Clubman S. But a better power-to-weight ratio than the competition and a unique sport-tuned steering and suspension hardware set up on the Veloster Turbo may just cut the deal in favour of the Koreans.

The Tata Safari Storme is more understated elegance than head-turning flamboyance. It has clean, smooth lines that give it a buttoned-down corporate look. It sports a new grill, projector headlamps and a ‘power bulge’ on the bonnet. The rear gets chrome-tipped exhaust and a new, half greyed-out tailgate with the spare tyre now underneath the SUV. On the inside, the Storme is more spacious and has new luxurious beige seats matching the leather-wrapped steering wheel and wood-accented dashboard and door trims.
Aside from the new Safari, Tata Motors also showcased its new range of Ultra LCV and ICV comprising a series of variants from 5 to 14 tonnes. The range will be powered by new generation 3-litre (140 PS) and 5-litre (170 PS) common-rail, 16-valve DiCOR engines, offering higher aggregate life, longer service intervals and low NVH.

Also displayed is Tata’s LPT 3723, India’s first 5-axle rigid truck with a payload of 25 tonnes. The truck is powered by a Cummins 6BT 5.9-litre engine (209 PS power at 2500 rpm) mated to a 9-speed gearbox.
Tata Motors also showcased some stunning new initiatives on alternate fuels including the Tata Starbus Fuel Cell Concept and Tata Paradiso G7 Multi-axle Coach.

Others attractions at the Tata pavilion include, among passenger vehicles, a Tata Nano concept, the Tata Pixel concept, the Tata Indica Vista Concept S2, the Tata Manza Nova concept, the Tata Aria, AT concept, the Tata Sumo Gold and the Tata Xenon concept. Other commercial vehicles displayed are the Tata Prima 7548.S, Concept, the Tata Prima 3138.K AT, the Tata Venture Ambulance, the Tata Ace Refresh and the Tata Super Ace (left hand drive).

Speaking at the launch, Ashish Chordia, CEO, Ducati India said “The new Monster 795 has been eagerly awaited in India and we have priced it attractively to make it easier for Ducatisti to own their favorite brand. This is an important model for our market and we expect it to contribute to our sales significantly. ”