Vehicle Blog

Indigo's streak helps Tata sales

2011-11-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

After a Rather Moderate showing in December 2010, Maruti Suzuki's sales crossed the one million mark with the Alto, as ususal, leading with 33,118 units, its highest in the current fiscal year. Cumulative sales of the cars in this fiscal are close to 250,000 units.
The Hyundai i10 had a remarkable showing with sales of 16,694 units but the star of the month across segments was the Tata Indigo which nearly doubled its December tally to over 10,000 units. Combine that with the Nano, which has shown a strong revival after the November low, and Tata Motors was able to just cross the 30,000 mark, nipping at Hyundai Motor india's heels.
The Figo's dream run continues with 8,616 units sold which brings its aggregate sales to 60,000-and-odd since its launch last March. The Micra's sales were up a bit thanks to the availability of a diesel version launched in early December. In the midsize segment, the Ventro recorded 2,308 units and along with the Polo helped VW India top the 5,000 mark in the month.

After an avalanche of booking in December, Deliveries of the Atios saloon began and 1,651 were sold.
Mahindra's tried and tested Bolero racked up another milestone with 8,463 units. Its highest in this fiscal. In the luxury segment, Mercedes racked up 563 units in the month and Audi, which launched its flagship A8 L, sold 480 units.

Indigo surge helps Tata sales

2011-11-09T07:58:00.000-08:00

After a rather moderate showing in December 2010, Maruti Suzuki sales crossed the one million mark with the Alto, as usual, leading with 33,118 units. Its highest in the current fiscal year. Cumulative sales of the car in this fiscal are close to 250,000 units.
The Hyundai i10 had a remarkable showing with sales of 16,694 units but the star of the month across Segments was the Tata Indigo which nearly doubled its December tally to over 10,000 units. Combine that with the 6,703 units of the Nano. which has shown a strong revival after the November low, and Tata Motors was able to just cross the 30,000 mark, nipping at Hyundai Motor India's heels.
The Figo's dream run continues with 8,616 units sold which brings its aggregate sales to 60,000-and-odd since its launch last March. The Micra's sales were up a bit thanks to the availability of a diesel version launched in early December, in the midsize segement, the Vento recorded 2,308 units and along with the Polo helped VW india top the 5,000 mark in the month.
After an avalanche of booking in December, deliveres of the Etios saloon began and 1,651 were sold.

Mahindra's tried and tested Bolero racked up another milestone with 8,463 units, its best figures for this year. The Scorpio also had a good month with 4,304 units. Its highest in this fiscal. In the luxury segment. Mercedes racked up 563 units in the month and Audi, which launched its flasgship A8 L, sold 480 units.

Multijet Sales Multiply

2011-11-07T07:41:00.000-08:00

FIAT'S 1.3 Litre Multijet dieses engine whose production began in 2003 has crossed the four million mark worldwide. The engine which evolved from Fiat's common-rail system was developed in 1997 and is being constantly refined and sold in various contries.
The 1248cc engine is available with two power choices ranging from 75bhp with a fixed geometry turbocharger and 90bhp with variable geometry turbocharger.
In 2008, Fiat began manufacturing the 1.3 litre 16v Multijet at its facility at Ranjangaon. The Multijet engine now powers the Swift, Dzire and Ritz (where its is sold as DDiS) as well as the Still, Punto, Linea and Fiat 500. Ity also does duty in the Indica Vista and Indigo Manza where It's known as the QuadraJet. Now the SX4 diesel which will have a 90bhp engine will join the family. So far, an estimated 2.1 lakh units have been installed in cars in india in 2010.
Overseas, the Multijet does duty in the Panda and Punto family. It also powers the Lancia Ypsilon, and Alfa Romeo MiTo (where it is sold as JTDm).

Rolls Royace on a Roll

2011-11-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

Rolls-Royace Posted record sales of 2,711 cars in 2010, and india along with some other markets in the Asia-Pacific region were the biggest contributors, The Goodwood, UK-based company found 70 customers in india, up from just 10 in 2009. Rolls has a dealership each in Mumbai and New Delhi.
Rolls-Royace's global sales in 2010 are more than double its previous best of 1,212 cars in 2008, and a 171 percent increase over 1002 cars in 2009. The company's chief Torsten Muller-Otvos says, "We begin 2011 with a sustainable business model, a flexible workforce and great confidence in the future success of our company".
The company says that demand for its latest model, the Ghost, has been exceptional. Around 80 percent of Ghost customers have never previously owned a Rolls-Royace.
While the US reminded the biggest single market for Rolls-Royace in 2010, followed by China and the UK, strong growth was also seen in markets like India, Korea, Japan and Singapore.

Brand New THAR from CRDe

2011-11-07T07:35:00.000-08:00

Here's a vehicle with an attitude against roads, and proudly so. Its 4 wheel drive mode, extreme approach and independent front suspension, mean that it can humble the most challenging terrain. A 2.5L CRDe engine puts quick, quiet and effecient power to the wide tyres, letting the Thar cruise where most wouldn't even dream of going. So it isn't surprising that Thar feeels offended having to put up with flat tar roads.

Jaguar eyes compact, cheaper segments

2011-11-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

- New models will include small sports car, saloon
- Rear-wheel drive, new platforms

Jaguar is set ot enter the pforitable but hyper-competitive compact executive market by 2015, says its new company global brand director, Adrian Hallmark. It's likely that the new model range wil kick off with a Boxster-rivaling roadster, inevitably raising comprisons with the legendary E-Type.
According to Hallmark, Jaguar has decided that it need, initially, at least, a small sports car for reasons of "image" and a saloon for reasons of "volume".
Hallmark further added that Jaguar needed smaller models at a lower price point. "We need to play in that world", he said, referring to the BMW 3 series and Audi A4. He added that should Jaguar give the new model line the green light, the aim would be to produce "elegant Cars with great technology that will position us above the competition".
Hallmark revealed that the carmaker was "at the beginning of the development process" which means the first model in the series will probably not arrive in the showrooms until mid-2015.
I understand that the new cars will be rear-wheel drive, using similar running gear and suspension systems to the XF and XJ and be based on a new platform.
One of the big engineering debates will be the extent to which the new platform will be built of aluminium. At this price point, its' more likely that the new compact Jaguar platform will be a mix of steel and aluminium, though it could still be bonded and riveted together like the XJ structure. The bulk of Jaguar Land Rover production is set to move to Solihull, so bosses are trying to harmonise the construction methods and technology of the Land Rover and Jaguar ranges as far as possible.

Peugeot's Comeback

2011-11-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

PSA Peugeot Citroen's midsize saloon for india is currently being developed at the carmaker's Vigo plant in Spain, a company spokeperson told Autocar India. Production of this car is expected to begin in 2012. The Model is reportedly codenamed 'M3-M4'.
The spokeperson added that Peugeot's priority this year is to select the location for its plant and Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are in the short list.
Starting with the midsize saloon, Peugeot says it will "Sell a complete range of build-up cars" in india. The French carmaker's decision to launch the saloon in india makes it the last of the top ten global OEMs to enter india. Peugeot's short innings here in the late 1990's was called off following labour strife.
PSA Peugeot has not revealed details of its india plant but the fact is that it will be an export hub for some ASEAN markets. The spokepersons said the indian base will contribute to PSA Peugeot Citrogen's goal of reducing its dependence on European markets.
It has set itself goal to achieve 50 percent of its global sales from outside Europe by 2015, up from 39 percent in 2010 and 32 percent in 2009.
Peugeot's india team headed by Rajest Nellore, has already started visiting dealership to get a better understanding of the business dynamics in this market.

Fiesta to become a 'Classic'

2011-11-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

Ford is going to rename the current Fiesta the Fiesta Classic and repsition it with possibly a lower price when the al-new Fiesta is launched. Since Ford is going to sell the old and new Fiesta simultaneously, it is keen to create a strong distinction and price gap between the two models. The older Fiesta is likely to be sold only in a base trim version while the new Fiesta will come with stronger engines and all the bells and whistles. It is likely that the Ikon will be discountinied after the new model is launched to make way for the Classic which, at a revised price tag, will take over the mantle of Ford's entry level saloon.

2011 Sees Blitz of Launches

2011-10-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

Kizashi Drives in at Rs. 16.5 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki's premium saloon, Kizashi, will be imported as a CBU from Suzuki's Sagara plant in Japan. While the manual variant will cost Rs. 16.5 Lakh, the CVT will cost Rs. 17.5 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Under the hood is the same four-cylinder, 16-valve 2.4 litre DOHC motor doing duty in the Grand Vitara. However, the improved 2393cc VVT motor now churns out 176bhp while developing 23.4 kgmpg max torque. Deliveries begin this month.

New Audi A8 L is here

Audi's all new A8 L executive saloon will cost Rs. 87.32 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Audi will only sell the extended wheelbase version in india. The saloon has been launched with a 4.2 litre FSi motor, followed by the 3.0 litre TDI this month. Also planned is the 500bhp, 6.0 litre WI2 petrol variant around Diwali. The 4.2 litre V8 TDI variant - the same engine that made the A8 a popular choice abroad - will make its way here in early 2012.

G-Wagen to cost Rs 1.1 Crore

Mercedes-Benz's G-class has been launched in India as the AMG-turned G55. It has 5.5 litre petrol V8 that develops 507bhp and 71.4kgm of max torque at 2750rpm. While its design has not changed much over its 31 years lifespan, it is loaded with technology transmission, ESP, electronic traction control system and high performance 350mm front and 330mm rear ventilated disc brakes. Cost Rs 1.1 Crore (ex-showroom Mumbai).

New Maybach are here

Mercedes-Benz also launched its face-lifted Maybach 57S and 62. Both cars get mild styling tweaks including redesigned front bumpers that now feature daytime running LEDs. In addition, a new and more prominent grille will distinguish the larger 62 from the 57S. Both models come powered by 5513cc V12 engines. However, the 57S' peak power of 630bhp is considerably more than the 62's figure of 550 bhp. Prices starts at Rs 4.85 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi) fro the 57S and go up to Rs 5.15 crore for the 62

Tata gives Manza more Elan
Tata Motors has made cosmetic changes to its Manza saloon and has added a new top-end variant. The Elan. It will sport a premium-quality burgundy and beige interiors, dual-tone alloy wheels, chrome-garnished bottom weather strip, fog lamps, and a new Tyrian wine shade. Respording to customer feedback, the Elan has a 'delayed power window' - so even if the windows are left open and the key removed, they can be rolled up by just pressing the power window switch. Prices start at Rs 5.14 lakh for the Safire petrol renge and from Rs 5.91 lakh for the QuadraJet diesel range (ex-showroom, Delhi)

GM India's Beat goes Green
General Motors India's LPG Beat hatchback, the second compact with an LPG version after the WagonR is equipped with an LPG kit that features an advanced multipoint sequential LPG injection technology unlike the Venturi-type kit currently available. The car features GMI's new Smartech engine and comes with a three year or 100,000km warranty. While the LPG version, LT will cost Rs 4,53 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the LS variant will cost Rs 4.11 lakh

Ferrari Finally Coming to India

2011-10-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Ferrari is finally entering the indian market and will officially launch its full range of sports cars in April this year. It has tied up with the Shreyans Group as its sole distributor for india with a plan to first set up a Showroom in Delhi followed by Mumbai.
Ferrari's decision to partner with Shreyans comes as a surprise especially since Tata Motors was expected to be the retail partner of the legendary carmaker, given its alliance with Fiat and the close relationship between Ratan Tata and Ferrari boss, Luca di Montezemolo.
Vijay Maliya, who was keen to take up the Ferrari dealership, was also on the shortlist but eventually wasn't selected.
Delhi-based Yadur Kapur, who has a BMW and Rolls-Royace dealership was also in the running but in the end Ferrari chose the Shreyans Group, which deals in high-end luxury goods, to establish its network in India. Shreyans is also the sole distributor for Porsche in India and until recently, an Audi dealer in Mumbai as well.
With the super luxury car market in India booming and the inaugural indian Grand Prix this year, Ferrari (which is synonymous with F1) couldn't have timed its entry into india better. Also models like the 458 Italia and the upcoming four-wheel drive Ferrari FF are expected to find a significant number of buyers in India and this could see Ferrari record healthy double digit sales in its first year.
According to company sources, Ferrari has allocated 24 Ferraris for India in 2011 but 14 cars are already tentatively sold even before the official announcement of Ferrari's Indian operations.
Price start from Rs. 2.3 crore (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Ferrari California the Ferrari 458 Italia will set you back by at least Rs. 5 Crore.
The official entry of Ferrari into India will also come as a boon to existing Ferrari owners who, until now, have had to make do with unauthorised service support from independent garages.

Ferrari 458 Italia

Ferrari California

Hyundai's three-model blitz for 2011

2011-05-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

i45 will be new Sonata

Hyundai is in the process of testing its new i45 in india. The current-generation Sonata will be replaced by the all new Mercedes CLS lookalike, sometimes toward the end of 2011.
The current Sonata hasn't proved to be very popular among buyers in india recently and Hyundai hopes to change this with the launch of its contemporary looking i45. This aerodynamically sculpted car has a very attractive from with sharp cuts and flowing lines blended in with a great degree of sophistication. The front has a very strong 'V' shape to it which, along with its swoopy lines, have been carried forward on this inside as well.The central console has a cockpit-like wraparound feel for both the drive as well as the passenger and there are plenty ofbrushed aluminium and chromed-over bits.

Expect the i45 to come loaded with all manner of goodies like keyless to, paddle-shifts, and Bluetooth ad iPod connections.
Hyundai is likely to power the car with its latest-generation direct injection 2.4 litre petrol motor and with 198bhp on hand, the larger-engined i45 will have plenty of performance.Furthermore, since this new Theta II motor uses direct injection, it is likely to be more efficient as well.
We also expect Hyundai to plonk the 194bhp Sata Fe CRDi motor under the hood later in the life of the car as well. With a attractive Rs 17-18 lakh price tag, Hyundai should be able to tackle the slump in Sonata sales.

Factfile :

Price - 17-18 Lakh
Fuel - Petrol
Length - 4820 mm
Width - 1835 mm
Height - 1470 mm
Track (f/r) - 1591 / 1591 mm
Wheelbase - 2795 mm
Ground Clearance - 140 mm
Kerb Weight - 1506 kg
Engine - 2359 cc
Installation - Front, transverse, FWD
Bore / Stroke - 88.0 / 97.0
Power - 201 bhp
Torque - 25.5 kg
Gearbox - 6 speed auto / manual

The Royal Enfield Story

2011-05-14T03:29:00.000-07:00

Zero to Sixty in 6 months.

J. Raji is not a machine, neither are any of his team mates. It takes many man hours to lovingly hand assemble this legendary motorcycle full of contrasts. Modern engine but vintage styling, contemporary techniques but traditional beliefs. In fact only when J. Raji, considered a lucky charm, hands over the keys is the legend finally built. Referred to by locals as a temple. The Royal Enfield factory in Thiruvottiyur, 37 Kms. north of Chennai, is hallowed ground for motorcycle enthusiasts the world over. If you haven't visited yet, you should make a trip. Handcrafted since 1901.

Hyundai Verna

2011-05-12T04:52:00.000-07:00

Things may have been a bit quiet at Hyundai during the past few months and new car activity may have been relatively low. But that's all about to change, and how. Because waiting in the wings are three hot new cars that will give Hyundai's model range a new lease of life.
First up is the replacement for the current Verna. The current car or the MC never quite managed to excite customers, and that's despite having a peppy diesel engine.
The new Verna hopes to re-address that. Also known as the i25, or the saloon version of the i20, the new Verna for is very similar to the Solaris sold in Russia and has a less angular look than Verna sold elsewhere.

As you can see from the spy pictures taken at the Hyundai plant, it really is a modern and very attractive car. But the design is also a familiar one. The grille and headlights use thesame design language as the new i10. The upturned fog lamps at the bottom look unique, the cabin gets serverly raked A-and C-pillars and the flanks of the car are full of folds and multiple surfaces. Hyundai's 'Fluidic sculpture' design language which is full of sharp cuts, is clearly visible here.
In the spy pictures the interiors look fresh, attractive and well put together, The dual-tone dash has a very modern look to it, with the central console enclosed inside a 'Shield' = like section.
The steering looks similer to thei20's and we have pictures of the car with both climate control and the more basic air-con dials as well. Both these options will no doubt be offered as well. Other features visible on the india car are keyless start-stop, automatically folding mirrors and parking sensors. The new Verna also has a really long wheelbase, longerthan even that of the Honda City. And that should mean plenty of space on the inside. What remains to be seen, however, is if the low roof has had any effect on either the seating position or headroom at the rear.
The New Verna will be powered by a new DOHL 1.6 petrol called the Gamma. Power output will be closer to that of the City ad the Fiat Linea T-jet and in the reigion of 116-120bhp. Highlights of this new motor include Continously Veriable Valve Timing and a smart alternator for better fuel economy.

For those of you, who want real economy, there will be a diesel as well. This is likely to be the same 1.5 litre CRDi motor carried over, but in a slightly milder and more driveable state of tune.
The diesel Verna will get a six-speed manual and automatic versions of both cars will be on offer as well.
As long as Hyundai prices this car competitively, the Verna could easily become another one of Hyundai's bestsellers.

Factfile of the new Hyundai Verna :

Price - Rs. 7 - 10 Lakh.
Fuel - Petrol / Diesel
Length - 4370 mm
Width - 1700 mm
Height - 1470 mm
Wheelbase - 2570 mm
Kerb Weigt - 1110 kg / 1173 kg
Engine - 1591 cc / 1493 cc
installation - Transverse, front, FWD
Bore/Stroke - 77.0 / 85.4 / NA
Power - 121 bph / 110 bph
Torque - 15.8 kgm / 24 kgm
Fuel tank - 43 ltr.
Tyre size - 185 / 65 RI5
0-100kph - 10.2 sec* / NA