Maruti unveils new Alto 800, to launch on Oct 16

2012-10-11T17:28:00.002-07:00

Maruti Suzuki's Alto has been its best-selling car for the last 12 years. Now, Maruti is looking to recreate this magic with its all new Alto-800

The new Alto800, is taller, sleeker and way sportier to look at than the previous generation Alto, thanks mainly to higher-mounted headlights, a chrome strip running across its front grille, and sculpted bumpers. All this in an attempt to rework the magic the Alto created, over a 12-year reign as Maruti's top-selling product.

C V Raman, executive officer-engineering, R&D, says that the Alto800 is the largest selling model in India and we wanted to refresh the model, we wanted to bring in the new model, we wanted to give it better comfort, better design to our customer, to our loyal and new customers.

Maruti SuzukiMaruti has also spent considerable time refreshing the interiors. With all-new dual tone upholstery, a new dashboard that has been raised at the centre to accommodate the aircon vents. And a much nicer-looking Suzuki badge on the steering wheel.

And with the top-end version sporting a driver airbag and optional ABS, Maruti is looking to hook not just first-time car buyers, but also youngsters.

Looking at students, Maruti hopes that sales will be more than Alto but the new Alto scores over the old version in more than just appearance.

The headroom has been increased by 23mm & there's a lot of legroom which is increased by around 15mm & that's thanks to the seats that have been scooped in just like in the Alto K10.

Powering this Alto800 is a 796cc, the new engine produces 48PS of power & 69NM of torque, that is 11% more than the Alto that we already drive & that enhances drivability considerably. Now this Alto800 is mated to a 5 speed manual transmission & this gearbox is extremely precise.

Maruti claims that this new Alto 800 will offer 22.74kmpl which is 15% more efficiency than the previous generation Alto. The car will be available in three petrol variants, and three CNG variants. While the price is expected in the range of Rs 2.5-3 lakh, Maruti will formally launch the new Alto800 on 16th October.

Honda City Review and feature

2012-10-10T22:47:00.001-07:00

Honda City has emerged as the best-selling car in C+ segment now. Honda City is a marvelous sedan car which has ruled in its segment for more than a decade now. The first Honda City in India was launched back in 1998 and since then a lot of changes have been brought to the sedan on Indian soil. 2012 Honda City is the present model available in the country. The Honda City sedan clocks major share of sales in India because of the Honda’s global vision of creating products that maximize the joy of customers, with speed, affordability and low CO2.
In India Honda City has also been awarded as the "Car of the Year" in 2009. Its instant success is testified by the fact that the 3rd generation Honda City has sold nearly 1.36 lakh units since its launch in September 2008 and cumulatively 3.76 lakh units since its first launch in India in 1998. Honda City has 11th time achieved No.1 Rank in JD Power Initial Quality Survey in the mid size segment which is a record in itself. The new Honda City is exceptional is all senses. It leaves the competitors far behind and spectators watch this new car in an awe. It still flaunts the legendary style but at the same time adapts to the need of the hour so as to provide elegance to the owners. There has to be a feeling of pride when you stand beside your car or when you get inside it. Honda City lets you feel that pride. The new car is specifically adorned with cosmetic changes in the exterior as well as interior front so that every Indian buyers do not loose variety in City sedan.

The arrow shot form in the design of this car makes it dissolve in the air while on run. Electric sunroof is the major and most attractive addition from the preceding model. Further the headlights of the vehicle are very sharp which adds to its compatibility. 2012 Honda City leaves no room of question as Honda has worked aggressively on the facial aspects of the car. New premium chrome 3 slat front grille holds the signature Honda’s emblem. Front bumper has been rendered more sportiness and same is the case with rear bumpers which are given reflectors at the bottom. 10 spoke alloy wheels makes the car look luxurious while drive. The 2012 Honda City also receives Turn indicators on ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirror). Carnelian Red Pearl and Sparkling Brown Metallic are the two body colors added in the wish list of 2012 Honda City, thus making a total of 6 colors.

Not just the striking new looks but many value added features are given to new Honda City. Once stepped in the new Honda City, one would never like to come out. It’s such a plush experience to watch the premium beige seats done with high quality fabric and adore the equipments used in the City that leaves everyone rapt. New Blue combination lights enlighten the graphic meter to make it more endearing. Improved modern Centre Control Panel with stylish Chrome fittings gives the car an upmarket feel. Interiors are very spacious because of the multiple storage facilities available. To add to the convenience with music Honda City is equipped with advanced integrated audio panel. The introduction of new feature like Cruise Control System in high end models complements the look of the sedan car and makes it lavish with a deluxe feel.

The New Honda City now comes with enhanced ground clearance of 165 mm, 5mm more than its predecessor giving it an extra bit of comfort on bumpy roads. The length of the new City is 4440 mm (20 mm longer than its predecessor).Honda City is spread over 7 variants now-Corporate, E, S,S AT, V MT, V AT, V (Sunroof) MT and V (Sunroof) AT. The last two models are added in the 2012 Honda City and were not present in the previous version. This has turned all eyes towards Honda showrooms now. ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with Brake Assist (BA), Dual SRS airbags, pre-tensioner seat belts and G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) body with a high integrity survival zone make sure that the passengers are provided with active and passive safety in the car.

The new Honda City is only cosmetic and no change has been done under its skin. The Honda City still comes equipped with a powerful 1.5L, 4 cylinder and 16 valves new generation i-VTEC engine that delivers a good balance of 116.38bhp power along with excellent fuel economy of 16.8 kmpl with Automatic Transmission and 15.6kmpl with Manual Transmission (Test results as per Rule 115 of CMVR). In line with the Honda’s policy of reducing impact on the environment the engine is E10 compliant and has Euro IV emission levels. Further the 5-speed manual and automatic (in selected models) transmission with paddle shifts offers much more convenience in handling the car. The unique Paddle Shift gear transmission option makes you able to switch gears without using the clutch pedal. Honda City has a Rack and Pinion type of steering system having a minimum turning radius of 5.3m. Front brakes are disc type while the rear brakes are drum type. Fuel tank capacity of the vehicle is 42 litres. The innovation and design theme that Honda has put in City is phenomenal and other car makers definitely need to pull up their socks now as Honda City is back in roaring action.

Honda City Mileage

The new i-VTEC with EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) technology of Honda City offers high engine performance with increased fuel economy. The company claims a mileage of 16.8 kmpl for the manual transmission models and 15.6 kmpl for the automatic transmission models. Experts believe that it offers mileage around 14kmpl in city roads while on highway it gives 17kmpl which makes it the quite fuel efficient car in its segment.

Power of Honda City

The new Honda City is available in total seven variants powered by a 1.5 litre petrol engine that produces 116.38bhp of power @ 6600rpm and 146Nm torque @ 4800rpm. The 1497cc i-VTEC engine is made of 4 cylinders with 16 valves and takes fuel through electronic fuel injection system. 2012 Honda City is available in both manual and automatic gearbox.

Honda City Colours

These colors are available with all variants of Honda City

Sparkling Brown Metallic
Alabaster Silver
Taffeta White
Bold Beige Metallic
Alabaster Silver Metallic
Habanero Red
Carnelian Red Pearl

Polished Metal Metallic
Urban Titanium Metallic
Tafeta White
Crystal Black Pearl

Acceleration & Pick-Up

There has been no change in the engine specification of2012 Honda City and the same 1.5 litre petrol engine is doing it duty in the facelift version. The 1497cc powerplant of new Honda City offers great acceleration to cross the mark of 0-100 kmph in just 10 seconds and enables it to achieve the top speed mark of 170kmph.

Honda City Exteriors

View

The 2012 Honda City has been reviewed from all angles. A new fascia has been given to the Honda City and the new looks are totally enticing. Adding a sunroof to the option list has taken Honda City far ahead of competitors. It looks amazingly beautiful with the first-in-class electric sunroof which lets sunshine and fills the compartment with breeze all over. The outside rear view mirrors are dressed elegantly with turn indicators, an added practical option. In the front the look is changed with a premium chrome radiator grille. Ample of chrome gives a feeling of luxury and holds Honda badge proudly. The ground clearance is enhanced considerably at 165 mm thus giving a top-notch stance to the car. New Honda City is in no way an underdog. It has everything to lure Indian customers. The new 10 spoke alloy wheels are commendable and look jaw-dropping while the car moves. A new set of rear combination tail lamps are rendered to the 2012 Honda City sedan enhancing its style quotient. Bumpers are completely changed right from front to rear and are given much sporty look following the arrow shoot design. At rear, reflectors are placed intelligently below the bumpers. All these new features make the car truly exceptional.

The new Honda City has dynamic styling. Honda uses the reflector lenses in its headlamps instead of the more expensive projector type headlamp that reduces the overall manufacturing cost of this car. From the rear side the new Honda City seems like a BMW 3-series.

Exterior Measurements

The dimension of the new Honda City are- its length is 4,440mm, width is 1,695mm and the height of this car is 1,485 mm. The wheelbase of the car is 2550 mm and the total ground clearance is 165 mm. These measurements are standard throughout the range of Honda City but the kerb weight varies accordingly. The kerb weight values are as follows-Honda City corporate-1085 kg, Honda City E-1090 kg, Honda City S-1100 kg, Honda City V MT-1095 kg, Honda City V AT-1145 kg, Honda City V MT (Sunroof)-1110 kg and Honda City V AT (Sunroof)-1160 kg.

Honda City Interior

View

Honda City falls in the C+ segment sedan car with royal interiors and seating capacity for 5 people. The interiors of the New Honda City integrate an elegant and attractive design. The rich Beige interiors with superior seat fabric and improved neo Centre Control Panel with stylish Chrome garnish gives the car an upscale feel. The instrument cluster of Honda City is also placed to the most appropriate place for easy access. The New City adorns a soft lit Blue Meter Graphic which lends even more premium-ness to the car. The interiors of the new Honda City are very attractive with dual tone dashboard. The Corporate grade of the City comes with all new Black interiors and will appeal to customers who are looking for affordability in a premium sedan. Honda City offers stylish, spacious and comfortable room with generous leg space, excellent front visibility and enough head space for a 6 ft tall person. The all new Honda City interiors are designed to meet the needs of customers by providing a variety of convenient, multi-purpose storage places.

Chrome door handles, Door armrest with fabric inserts and silver ling on door makes one feel as if he/she is sitting in an aircraft. Advanced integrated audio panel with USB/AUX/MP3/AM/FM with front and rear speakers and a wireless audio remote keeps the entertainment quotient going. Air conditioning with heater is powerful enough to bid goodbye to heat. The steering is easily be tilted as per convenience of the driver and is given with audio controls on it. Cup holders, driver seat adjustments, chrome plated hand brake knob, tweeters and floor mats lets one feel like a king in Honda City.

Interior Comfort

Cruise control feature has been newly added in the 2012 Honda City. This system automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle in top end variants. The rear seats of Honda City are set a bit higher than its front seats so that all passengers sitting on the rear seat can get a good view out, and all seats are comfortable enough. Under the rear passenger seats of Honda City, a powerful blower is placed with special and advanced compressor along with the under seat ducts that offers an unforgettable total comfort experience. Other features which provide comfort in 2012 Honda City sedan are power windows, power door mirror, power door lock, rear and front seat centre armrest, Fuel consumption display with warning, accessory socket, day/night mirror, headlight alarm, key alarm, foot rest, headlight adjuster for its height, driver side pull pocket, keyless entry, front seat back pocket, passenger vanity mirror and coat hanger.

Interior Measurements

Honda City has raised the ground clearance and still has good amount of headroom. Honda City designers changed the seat rail design and also reduced the thickness of cushion (though its comfort is maintained) to reduce the seating position of driver by 15mm. Its rear seats offers storage space under it and Honda claims that you can store your umbrella there.

Honda City Engine and Performance

All the variants of Honda City are equipped with the same capacity engine 1.5L (SOHC), i-VTEC engine that offers high engine performance. Its 1497cc powerplant produces 116.38bhp power at 6600 rpm and 146Nm torque at 4800rpm. There are 4 cylinders in this engine and the engine features 4-valves per cylinder, with larger 28mm diameter intake valves by Electronic fuel injection. Its valve area is increased by 4% and it reduces the overall pumping losses and offers maximum output. The mighty engine is mated to a synchronized 5 speed manual with an option of Automatic transmission in the high end variant. Honda India claims to deliver a class-leading 16.8kmpl mileage with new Honda City.

Wheels

As for the wheels, the new Honda City gets either steel wheels or 10-spoke alloy wheels with 15 inch size (15x5.5J). The tubeless tyre sizes of new Honda City are 175/65R15. Alloy wheels are added in the 2012 Honda City which makes it look fantastic.

Braking & Handling

The larger diameter disc brakes at the front wheel compared to the older version of Honda City and the new brake master cylinder has been made longer but with a smaller diameter. Drum brakes do their duty in the rear wheels. Honda claims that it allows a more powerful brake booster performance and offers a lower pedal ratio for a more linear brake pedal feel.ABS (Anti lock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) offers high safety in case of instant braking. The rack and pinion steering system with power assist makes the drive butter smooth. McPherson Strut with Stabilizer and coil spring suspension is used in the front and torsion beam axle with stabilizer and coil spring suspension is used at the rear.

Handling & Safety

The new Honda City offers more safety features, especially for pedestrians. The engine hood hinges, front fenders, front grille and front windshield support structure are especially designed to absorb energy easily and bend out of the way whenever possible for better pedestrian collision safety. Other safety features include dual front SRS air-bags, active headrests to prevent whiplash injuries for the front passenger and driver, with the usual combination of ABS (Antilock Brake System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). Rear windshield defogger is very helpful in winters, while the G-CON structure creates protective shell around the passengers thus reducing the impact of a crash. The crumple zones ensure added safety of passengers and pedestrians. An extremely protective pretension seatbelt and limiting force-control belt arrangement is present in 2012 Honda City for keeping the inmates in position after an impact.

Stereo & Accessories in Honda City

The new Honda City is packed with the advanced integrated audio system that facilitates passengers to connect any of the advanced equipments like iPod, MP3 player, USB Memory and Mobile phone with MP3 player. This advanced audio system offers high quality sound with advanced functionalities and it comes with steering mounted audio controls and separate remote controls that enhance driving comfort. Front and rear speakers provide high quality sound inside the cabin.

The new Honda City is equipped with an effective and powerful air conditioning system with heater, offering the atmosphere that passengers require. Its powerful blower with advanced compressor, along with rear under-seat ducts offers an unforgettable driving experience with total comfort.

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