Refreshed Volvo S60 and XC60 launched in India

Volvo’s entries for this festive season are its hot selling models, the S60 sedan and the XC60 crossover. Both these cars have got minor facelifts with a cosmetic makeover and a few additional features. Engines and transmissions wise, the facelifted models of the S60 and the XC60 retain the D4 and D5 turbo diesel units.

The D4 turbo diesel engine is a 2 liter-4 cylinder unit that pumps out 163 Bhp-400 Nm while the D5 turbo diesel engine is a 2.4 liter-5 cylinder unit that outputs 215 Bhp-420 Nm. Both engines come with 6 speed manual gearboxes. The engines power the front wheels of the S60 and all four wheels of the XC60 variants through an all-wheel drive system.

• Stylistic changes on the S60 include:
• New front bumper and grille
• New headlamps
• New design for the exhaust tips
• Daytime running lamps

The XC60 adds a single tone paint job, a new hood and rear bumper, in addition to the above listed styling changes seen on the S60. Coming to the interiors of both the cars, here’s a round up of the new features:

• All new Sensus infotainment system
• Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel
• TFT instrumentation cluster with three modes
• Sporty leather seats
• Revised city braking system whose speed limit goes up to 50 Kph

The ex-showroom Delhi prices of the facelifted Volvo S60 and XC60 are listed below:
Volvo S60
D4 Kinetic: Rs. 29.9 lakhs
D4 Summum: Rs. 32.5 lakhs
D5 Summum: Rs. 35.5 lakhs
Volvo XC60
D4 Kinetic: Rs. 40.5 lakhs
D4 Summum: Rs. 43.5 lakhs
D5 Summum: Rs. 46.55 lakhs

Volvo India sells five car and SUV models: V40 Cross Country, S60, XC50, S80 and XC90. These cars and SUVs are sold through a dealership network spread across 12 Indian cities: New Delhi, Gurgaon, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Ludhiana,Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi and Pune. Kolkata and Vishakapatnam will be the two other locations that will play host to Volvo dealerships in the next few months. So far Volvo has sold close to 2,500 cars in India since its launch, with nearly 1,000 cars being sold in the past year. In the coming months, the Volvo XC90 SUV will also be given a refresh in India. Also read: Volvo V40 Cross Country launch

Chevrolet Cruze facelift launched

The Chevrolet Cruze sedan has received a facelift this festive season, one that’s mild enough not to be noticed by most folks. The facelift for the Cruze is based upon what General Motors showcased last year, at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea.



The facelifted Cruze has since been launched internationally and India is perhaps the last market to get the facelifted version of the Cruze, before an all new model of this popular sedan arrives internationally in late 2015. The facelifted Cruze that has been launched in India comes with the following changes:

• Revised front bumper and airdam
• New front grille design
• New fog lamp housings
• New design for the 16 inch alloy wheels

Apart from these minor cosmetic differences, the facelifted Cruze’s LTZ variants also get two additional curtain airbags. Driver and passenger airbags, and ABS+EBD remain standard on the LT variant of the Cruze. The car is unchanged mechanically. A 2 liter turbo diesel engine that outputs 166 PS-380 Nm powers the Cruze, which is available with 6 speed manual and 6 speed automatic gearbox options. The car is a CKD import and is assembled at General Motors’ Halol factory in Gujarat. Here are the ex-showroom Delhi prices of the facelifted Cruze sedan:

• Cruze LT MT: Rs. 13.75 lakhs
• Cruze LTZ MT: Rs. 15.25 lakhs
• Cruze LTZ AT: Rs. 16.15 lakhs

The Cruze’s next-generation version has been spotted testing internationally. The next-generation Cruze will be based on a new platform called D2XX. The D2XX platform will serve as the base of many future cars from General Motors and the American car maker’s European brand Opel. The Cruze based on the new platform will be larger than the current variant, and will feature turbo petrol and turbo diesel engines. Also, the new model is likely to come with additional features and a revised design.

Mahindra XUV500 W4 variant price leaked: Below Duster and Terrano

The Mahindra XUV500′s new entry level variant called the W4 is due for a launch in the next few days. The brochure and spec-sheet of the W4 XUV500 was leaked a couple of weeks ago and now, we have the supposed price of this variant.

According to AutocarIndia, the W4 variant of the XUV500 will be priced at Rs. 10.99 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. At this price, the XUV500 becomes cheaper than many smaller SUVs such as the Renault Duster and the Nissan Terrano.



If the XUV500 is indeed made available at a competitive price tag detailed above, expect Mahindra to see some Scorpio VLX sales to be cannibalized by the XUV’s new variant.

The XUV500 W4 is unchanged mechanically. The SUV is powered by a 2.2 liter-4 cylinder turbo diesel engine that uses a variable geometry turbocharger to churn out 140 Bhp of peak power and 330 Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired to a 6 speed manual gearbox. In terms of safety features, Mahindra has equipped the XUV500 with driver and passenger airbags, and ABS+EBD. These features are par for the course if you consider what the competition has to offer at the price level of the XUV500′s W4 variant. To arrive at the lower price tag for the W4 variant, Mahindra has omitted many features on the said variant. These omissions are listed in our previous story here.
This cheapest Mahindra XUV500 W4 variant will also continue to have crucial features such as airbags, ABS. EBD and disc brakes.

Mahindra launched the XUV500′s W6 variant way back in 2011, at a cracker of a price tag. Back then, the crossover was priced at Rs. 10.8 lakhs. The competitive price tag saw Mahindra receive a deluge of bookings. Since then, Mahindra has been constantly raising prices of the XUV500, with the W6 variant now priced at Rs. 11.86 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi, nearly a full lakh higher than the launch price. Sales of the XUV500, after seeing an initial spike has now slumped. Mahindra will be hoping to add to XUV500 volumes with the latest cut-price variant.

Maruti A-Star out, YL7 in!

Maruti Suzuki will gradually phase out the A-Star in the run up to the launch of its replacement, the YL7 hatchback that is also known as the next-generation Suzuki Alto.



The YL7 hatchback could be showcased at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, with an Indian launch soon after. Internationally, the YL7 will be known as the Suzuki Alto and will be the Japanese automaker’s entry level car. Maruti Suzuki has begun testing the 2014 Alto or YL7 quite extensively on Indian streets. In the next few weeks, expect to see big discounting on the A-Star as Maruti Suzuki dealers begin clearing out stocks in anticipation of the new model.
While Maruti Suzuki sells the A-Star in India, the same car bears a range of badges for international markets. Suzuki Alto, Suzuki Celerio and Nissan Pixo are three names that the A-Star is known as internationally and Maruti Suzuki has been a major exported of this budget hatchback. Nissan has announced the discontinuation of the Pixo from the European market and this announcement means that Nissan won’t source the Pixo from Maruti Suzuki anymore. Maruti will therefore be left with additional production capacity that the automaker can better deploy with the new Suzuki Alto/YL7 hatchback.



The phasing out of the A-Star in India marks the second instance of Maruti Suzuki discontinuing a slow selling hatchback over the last 12 months. The Estilo hatchback’s production has been stopped and the car is available at hefty discounts at most Maruti Suzuki dealerships. Coming to the replacement models for the A-Star and the Estilo, Maruti Suzuki is likely to replace both hatchbacks with a single car, the YL7/next generation Suzuki Alto. The YL7 could initially be available with the 1 liter K series petrol engine and a manual gearbox. Petrol-automatic, CNG, LPG and diesel options could be offered in the times to come.

Maruti Suzuki readying up Hyundai i20 challenger for 2015?

The Hyundai i20 is one of the most loaded B+ hatchback, features wise, in the Indian car market. While the i20′s ride and handling package is something that nobody would be gloating about, the car sells and sells well for the generous amount of features and high quality interiors it offers buyers. Also see: Future A-Star under testing in India – spy shots!



A new i20 is due for a launch next year, with the car being spotted testing in numerous locations including ones in India. The new i20 is likely to raise the bar further when it comes to the features on offer. Similarly, another large hatchback in the form of the Honda Jazz is likely to be launched in India next year.
With the Indian car buyers not hesitating to fork out sums close to 9-10 lakh rupees for a hatchback like say the Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo GT TSI/TDI and the Fiat Punto 90 HP, market leader Maruti Suzuki seems to have finally taken notice.

• A report on FinancialExpress talks about Maruti Suzuki developing a brand new hatchback code-named the YRA.
• The YRA hatchback could sit above the Ritz and the Swift hatchbacks, as Maruti Suzuki premium B+ hatchback offering.
• The car is likely to make its debut in 2015.

Apart from the three important points detailed above, other details of the YRA hatchback remain under wraps for now. Maruti Suzuki has steadily been upping the ante when it comes to the quality of its cars’ interiors. Right from the new Swift, cars such as the new Dzire and the Ertiga have shown marked improvements in the quality of interiors, a trait that needs to be carried over to the YRA hatchback.
Maruti is also likely to add many upmarket features to its new hatchback. Both petrol and diesel engine options are very likely to be offered on the YRA hatchback considering what competition offers. The YRA hatchback is a global model that will be manufactured at two major locations in the world, Maruti Suzuki’s factory in India and Suzuki’s European factory in Hungary.

Next-gen Skoda Fabia renderings!

Next-gen Skoda Fabia to retain size and add features
The Fabia hatchback‘s poor sales prompted Czech car maker Skoda to discontinue this car from the Indian market. Internationally though, the Fabia continues to enjoy good success, which is why Skoda is developing a next-gen replacement for the hatchback. The 2015 Fabia will make its European debut by the end of next year.



The buzz surrounding the next-gen Fabia suggests that the new model will not be based on Volkswagen’s versatile and cost effective MQB platform. Instead, the existing PQ24/25 platforms will be tweaked to accommodate the next-gen Fabia as well. Also see: New Skoda Octavia launched in India
From the initial indications, it appears that Skoda will not alter the size of the Fabia hatchback, but will outfit new features to the hatchback. Also, the 2015 Fabia will see major design changes to make the car look more appealing than before.



In a further step towards variant rationalization, Skoda will give the RS version of the Fabia a miss as the high performance variant isn’t doing the kind of numbers that the brand expects. The Volkswagen group, as a whole is moving towards a turbo charged engine line up across both petrol and diesel engines.
Expect the Skoda Fabia to also follow this approach and offer car buyers an all turbo petrol and diesel engine line up. The 1.2 TSI turbo petrol engine is likely to be entry-level petrol in the 2015 Fabia line up while the 1.2 liter and 1.5 liter TDI turbo diesels could round off the diesel Fabia range.
Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer. The DSG automatic gearbox is also likely to be given a miss in favour of an 8/9 speed torque converter as the Volkswagen group plans to outfit all its future sub-Golf cars with a new family of torque converters.
Although an Indian launch hasn’t been confirmed by Skoda, the car could eventually make its way here if and when Skoda needs a lower priced car to sit under the Rapid C segment sedan. The other sub-Rapid car that Skoda sells in Europe is the CitiGO hatchback, which is based on the Volkswagen Up!.

Chevrolet Tavera production restarted

If you run a cab business, there’s a fat chance that you’d be eager to read further. If you’re a family MUV buyer, you might still want to stop by and take a read. General Motors India has restarted production of the BS3 variants of the Tavera MUV, a popular choice among cab operators across the country.
The American automaker, which operates in India under the Chevrolet bow-tie, has obtained the required approvals to restart production of the BS3 Tavera, while those for the BS4 Tavera are under process. In the next few weeks, production of the BS4 Tavera variant is also likely to recommence. Also read: Chevrolet Tavera emissions non-compliance penalty 



General Motors had stopped production of the Tavera MUV after a mammoth emission fudging scam was brought to light by a routine inspection of GM India’s Halol factory by Automotive Research Association of India, popularly called ARAI.
The scam claimed its share of heads as General Motors, in a face saving move of sorts, showed many executives the door. With production resuming, expect GM India’s monthly numbers to go up as the Tavera has been a decent seller for the brand. The MUV is built at Halol, Gujarat.
While the BS3 variants of the Tavera are aimed at the cab operator segment, the BS4 variants are aimed at family MUV buyers. The BS3 Tavera features a 2.5 liter turbo diesel engine that pumps out 72 Bhp-170 Nm while the BS4 variant features a 2 liter, common rail-turbo diesel engine that outputs 105 Bhp and 263 Nm, a best-in-class figure.
Both engines drive the MUV’s rear wheels through five speed manual gearboxes. The Tavera is available in 7, 8 and 9 seater configurations, with the top end versions coming with captain seats for the first two rows. The Tavera received a mid life facelift last year, when GM India refreshed the MUV and equipped it with a new 2 liter turbo diesel engine to meet BS4 emission norms.

Toyota Fortuner TRD Sportivo Edition now available with 4X4 variant

Toyota has equipped the Fortuner 4×4 variant with a TRD Sportivo body kit. Previously, this kit was available only with the 4X2 MT and 4X2 AT variants of the Fortuner. The Toyota Fortuner 4X4 with the TRD Sportivo body kit is priced at Rs. 24.26 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.

Only 400 units of the TRD Fortuner are earmarked for the Indian car market. The low production number is more likely a marketing ploy to give this hot-selling SUV a dose of exclusivity as the TRD body kits can be fitted even to regular versions of the Fortuner through the after market kit route.  Also read: 2012 Toyota TRD Sportivo Fortuner launched 



The TRD body kit for the Fortuner 4X4 comprises of the following features:

• Dual tone front and rear bumper spoiler
• Rear roof spoiler
• TRD badges on the radiator grille and rear hatch door
• Side body stripes with TRD engraving

The Fortuner 4X4 TRD Sportivo can be specified in Super White and Silver Mica Metallic colors. The Fortuner is available in two other variants: 4X2 MT and 4X2 AT. The manual transmission equipped Fortuner features a 5 speed manual gearbox while the automatic transmission equipped variant features a 5-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox.
The full-time four-wheel drive function is available only on the manual transmission version of the Fortuner while the other variants make do with a rear wheel drive layout. All variants of the Fortuner are powered by a 3-liter common-rail diesel engine. This engine outputs 171 PS of power and 343 Nm of torque on the manual gearbox equipped versions and 360 Nm of torque on the automatic gearbox equipped version. Related: 2012 Toyota Fortuner road test

The Fortuner is a best selling SUV in India due to multiple factors such as the SUVs robust reliability, tough build, good resale value, a workhorse like nature, and Toyota’s badge value and reputation for excellent after-sales service. However, the SUV does have a few downsides such as cramped interiors for 7 well built adults, weak braking with drum brakes on the rear wheels and interiors that don’t befit an SUV whose top end variants cost about Rs. 30 lakhs on-road.

Facelifted Tata Indica Vista test mules prowl Indian roads

Tata Motors is in the pits when it comes to car sales with Honda being the latest car maker to overtake Tata in terms of monthly sales figures.



Tata won’t revamp its entire portfolio in a single shot. While the full revamp is an exercise that’s likely to take a good half decade, the Indian car maker has plans to arrest the sales slide include a range of refreshed models based on existing cars.
Vista spied without camouflage!
The first of such refreshed cars have already hit Indian roads in the form of the new Sumo Gold, 2013 Nano, 2013 Indica eV2 and the new Indigo eCS. The second installment of refreshes will be showcased at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, where the Indica Vista Facelift and Nano Diesel are likely to be unveiled. Test mules of both cars have been spotted numerous times at multiple locations in India.



The Indica Vista spotted on test reveals the following changes in terms of styling:

• Revised headlamps and front bumper
• New front grille
• Re-positioned turn indicators (above front wheels instead of being located under the ORVMs)
• New tail lamps
• Restyled hatch with number plate in middle
• Refreshed interiors

Apart from the styling changes, the 2014 Indica Vista could also get new features and better finish levels. The engine and transmission options will be carried over unchanged as the 2014 Vista is just a facelift and not a full-model change. Currently, the Vista is offered with two petrol and two diesel engines in various capacities. The petrol engines come in 1.2 liter and 1.4 liter capacities.
The diesel engines come in 1.3 liter and 1.4 liter capacities. All engines get a 5 speed manual gearbox. The Vista’s major selling points are its cavernous interiors, a large set of features and a competitive price tag. These plus points will be retained on the facelifted version as well. The Vista is one of the better selling cars in Tata Motors’ car range. Therefore, the facelifted model will have a lot riding on it.

Nissan Evalia Refresh launched in India

Nissan India has refreshed the Evalia with a bunch of new features. The Japanese automaker has also introduced two new variants in the Evalia range called the XL (option pack) and the XV (option pack).

The Evalia with the refresh is priced a few grand higher than the pre-facelift models. Before we get into the prices of the Evalia, we’ll fill you in what’s new on updated Evalia MPV.



The updated version of the Evalia gets the following new features,

• Split open Euro windows on the rear sliding doors
• Sliding/reclining captain seats in the middle row
• 15-inch alloy wheels
• 2-din audio system with USB connectivity
• Rear wiper
• Rear defogger
• Anti-glare internal rearview mirror
• Front row assist grip
• Glovebox lid

The MPV also gets the provision for roof mounted AC vents which can be retrofitted at the dealer’s end. All the features that Nissan India has added to the Evalia MPV are based on the feedback received from customers. When the Evalia was launched in India during September 2012, the glaring omission of many of the above features resulted in car buyers not buying this unconventional MPV. To revive the Evalia’s fortunes, the MPV has been refreshed just a year after its launch in India, something that car makers usually don’t resort to.
Apart from the addition of the various features, the Evalia’s mechanical bits remain unchanged. Powering this MPV is a 1.5 liter DCi turbo diesel engine that’s also found on the likes of the Nissan Sunny and Terrano. The engine on the Evalia is tuned to produce 85 Bhp of peak power and 200 Nm of peak torque. Low turbo lag, high fuel efficiency of 19.3 Kmpl (ARAI certified) and good driveability are the characteristics of this diesel engine. Transmission is through a 5 speed manual gearbox.
Here are the ex-showroom Delhi prices of the updated Nissan Evalia:

• XE: Rs. 8.78 lakhs
• XE+: Rs. 9.22 lakhs
• XL: Rs. 9.80 lakhs
• XL (option): Rs. 10.05 lakhs
• XV: Rs. 10.48 lakhs
• XV (option): Rs. 10.73 lakhs

Mahindra Xylo D2 MAXX 9 seater launched

Mahindra has launched a 9 seater version of the Xylo MPV. The 9 seat version of the MPV is called the Xylo D2 MAXX and the BS3 version of the same is priced at Rs. 7.12 lakhs, ex-showroom Mumbai.

Visual changes include a flurry of non-body coloured parts on the Xylo D2 MAXX, including the front and rear bumper, ORVM housings, front grille and door handles. The Xylo D2′s engine is the tried and tested 2.5 liter mDI CRDe turbo diesel motor that is good for 95 PS-220 Nm. This engine is paired to a 5 speed manual gearbox.

So, who exactly is Mahindra targeting with the Xylo D2 MAXX?

Cab operators in semi-urban parts of India (that are yet to embrace BS4 emission norms) who feel the need for extra seats are the prime targets of the Xylo D2 MAXX. The seating of the Xylo D2 MAXX is expanded for 9 through the addition of two side-facing seats at the rear. This move is likely to intrude on some amount of luggage space but then again, most cabbies prefer mounting luggage atop the vehicle through roof carriers. So, the loss in luggage space shouldn’t be much of a bother.
However, side facing seats at the rear can get very tiresome on longer journeys and is hence not preferred by family MPV buyers. The Xylo continues to be available in 7 seat and 8 seat versions. The 7 seat version features captain seats (2+2) for the first two rows and a bench seat accommodating 3 adults, for the third row. The 8 seat version features captain seats for the first row and bench seats accommodating 3 adults each for the second and third rows.
The Xylo, which comes in 5 variants: D2, D4, H4, H8 and H9, gets a more powerful 2.2 liter turbo diesel engine for the H4. H8 and H9 variants. The 2.2 liter turbo diesel engine, also found in the Scorpio SUV, outputs 120 Bhp of peak power and 280 Nm of peak torque. Like in the D2 and D4 models, this engine is also paired to a 5 speed manual gearbox. In India, the Xylo competes with the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Chevrolet Enjoy, Nissan Evalia, Toyota Innova and Tata Sumo Grande.

2014 Hyundai i20 spy photo and render surface

South Korean car maker Hyundai will launch the next generation version of the i20 hatchback next year. The i20 is a global car model and the facelifted version of the car, which is presently sold in India, already shows Fluidic design elements.



The next generation version of the i20, while featuring the Fluidic design language, will come with all-new styling. Apart from the new styling, expect a range of new features to be offered on the 2014 i20 as the car will compete with the recently launched Honda Jazz/Fit.



The 2014 i20 will also get larger than the current model, a factor that seems very likely from the spyshots, which indicate a rear end that seems to protrude more than the current i20. With additional space on its innards and a range of new features, stuff that is available only on cars a segment higher, the 2014 i20 could again be the benchmark in its segment, at least with respect to the Indian car market. Talking of India. the car has already been spotted testing on the outskirts of Chennai, the location of Hyundai’s Indian manufacturing facility.



It is only a matter of time before Hyundai unveils the car in India now that the South Korean brand has smartly launched the Grand i10 to fill the yawning gap that once existed between the i10 and the i20 hatchbacks. The launch of the Grand i10 gives Hyundai enough leverage to price the i20 at a level that rivals cars in the C-entry segment (Honda Amaze-Maruti Dzire-Ford Classic-Linea Classic). As buying power in India increases, more and more Indians are likely to prefer a fully loaded hatchback such as the i20 than a no-frills C entry sedan.



This phenomenon has been unfolding in India for more than a decade now. From the time when the Maruti Zen was considered to be a premium hatchback by most car buyers, who settled for the Maruti 800 or Omni, the Indian car market now offers feature filled, premium hatchbacks such as the Honda Jazz and Hyundai i20, at price points that would have been unimaginable (for a hatchback) a decade ago. And this trend only promises to accelerate in the coming years.
Sources: Team-bhp, AutoBild

BMW 5 Series Facelift launched in India

BMW India has given the hot selling 5 Series luxury saloon a nip and tuck job. The results of this mid life makeover are quite subtle and it’ll take a trained eye to spot the changes on the facelifted 5′er.




The car is now available in an all-diesel engine line up as the demand for petrol engined luxury cars in India is quite negligible. The BMW 5 Series is assembled at Chennai and four variants of the facelifted model have been released in the Indian market. Here are the variants wise all-India ex-showroom prices of the 2014 BMW 5 Series facelift.
BMW 520d Modern          :     INR 46,90,000
BMW 520d Luxury           :     INR 46,90,000
BMW 525d Luxury Plus    :     INR 51,90,000
BMW 530d M Sport         :     INR 57,90,000
Delving straight into the engine options on offer, the 520d model features a 2 liter-inline 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine that delivers 184 Bhp and 380 Nm to the rear wheels of this luxury saloon. The 525d model borrows the same 2 liter diesel engine from the 520d, in a higher state of tune, to output 218 Bhp and 450 Nm. The 530d model is the performance diesel of the lot, with a 3 liter-straight 6 diesel engine that churns out 258 Bhp-540 Nm.
0-100 Kph sprint times for the 520d, 525d and the 530d are 5.8 seconds, 6.9 seconds and 7.9 seconds respectively while top speeds are 231 Kph, 243 Kph and an electronically limited 250 Kph respectively. All engines come with an 8 speed automatic ZF gearbox with cruise control as standard and all variants of the diesel engined 5 Series saloon sold in India are rear wheel driven. Automatic start-stop and brake energy regeneration are standard features on all variants.
Here’s the gist of changes on the facelifted BMW 5 Series sedan,

• Mildly revised front grill
• Revised air intakes
• Chrome inserts around the fog lamps
• New tail lamps and rear bumper with chrome strip
• Chrome surround for infotainment screen
• Larger cup holders

Maruti Suzuki Swift with new features and 1.2 diesel engine: Rumor

Maruti Suzuki Swift with new features and 1.2 diesel engine: Rumor

The Maruti Swift is India’s best selling B+ segment hatchback and an average of 15,000 Swifts are sold here each month. So, when Maruti does decide to facelift the Swift, it is big news for the prospective B segment hatchback buyer. One such facelifted example of the Swift has been spied in India with images appearing on Team-BHP.  

The person who shot this on-test car claims that cruise control and keyless entry with push button start are the major additions to the Swift facelift. The international version of the Swift facelift has already gotten these changes, and other changes include an idle-stop system and LED day time running lamps. These changes could make it to the Indian version of the facelifted Swift as well.

A more interesting aspect of the test mule has to do with the engine is uses. The car spotter claims that the on-test Swift was equipped with the new 1.2 liter turbo diesel engine that Suzuki is developing under its new line of diesel engines.

Suzuki is developing a new family of diesel engines for its car range. These turbo diesel engines will come in capacities of 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 liters. In a couple of years, Suzuki plans to use the new range of diesel engines on its cars. This move will allow the Japanese car maker to stop using the Fiat Multijet diesel engines on its cars, for which it pays a chunk of money as royalty to Fiat.

First impressions of the new 1.2 liter turbo diesel engine, that was supposedly featured in the test mule of the Swift is that it was less punchy than the 1.3 Multijet engine and that it had heavy turbo lag. Since the 1.2 liter turbo Suzuki diesel engine is a work-in-progress, expect both performance and well as the turbo lag issue to be worked upon before the engine’s official launch. This turbo diesel engine is said to be a couple of years away from production, and the next generation Swift model could be the first car to feature Suzuki’s new 1.2 liter homebrew diesel.

Honda’s A-Entry small car could roll out from Gujarat

apanese car maker Honda has plans of launching a small car that will be positioned under the Brio hatchback in terms of pricing. This hatchback is likely to be launched in India and in other developing car markets around the world in 2017. That’s the gist of the information presently available about the new Honda A-Entry small car.

What to expect from the new Honda, which could be pitted against the Maruti Alto and the Hyundai Eon?

As Honda cars have always carried a reputation of coming with a premium feel and high quality levels, expect the new small car to be no different. To achieve a price tag between  Rs. 3 lakh to 4  lakh though, Honda will have to resort to some cost cutting.

Also see: Upcoming cars from Honda in 2014 and 2015

The all-glass tail gate of the Brio hatchback and the lack of additional sound proofing on the Amaze compact sedan are two such examples of cost cutting bits from Honda. Don’t be surprised if the new Honda small car comes with similar cost cutting bits.

A petrol engine that measures under 1 liter in cubic capacity is likely to power the new Honda small car. Honda does sell Kei cars in Japan with turbo and non-turbo petrol engines measuring just 660cc. So, such engines or an all new unit developed specifically for the new Honda small car are likely to be used.

A diesel engine option might not be in the scheme of things for the new Honda hatchback as cars costing less than Rs. 4 lakh in India don’t come with diesel engines due to cost considerations. Maruti Suzuki’s decision to equip its small cars like the 2014 Alto and the WagonR with an 800cc turbo diesel engine could force Honda to change its mind.

Where will Honda build the new small car, a product that could bring in monthly sales of 10,000 units?

Honda’s current factory at Manesar is running at its full yearly capacity of 120,000+ cars. From 2014, Honda will be capable of producing 120,000 cars/year from its new factory at Tapukara, Rajasthan. This factory will also house a diesel engine plant as Honda has plans of  dieselizing its new range of cars like the Jazz, City, Mobilio and Urban SUV.

In the next 5 years, Honda is likely to grow out of both the Manesar and Tapukara factories just when the budget small car is launched. Rumours indicate that Honda is looking at setting up a 3rd factory in India. Gujarat could be the possible location of Honda’s new factory.

Volkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI sedan launched

Volkswagen India has just launched the 1.2 TSI engined version of the Vento sedan. The car is priced at Rs. 9.99 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi and is on sale from October 10th at select Volkswagen India dealers.

At present, the Vento TSI will be available in select cities. For now, Volkswagen India hasn’t revealed when this car will be available nationwide. The Vento TSI will replace the Vento AT, as Volkswagen’s new C segment automatic car.

The Vento TSI is the second car in Volkswagen India’s line up, after the Polo GT TSI, to use the 1.2 liter TSI turbo petrol engine, a unit that churns out 105 PS of peak power and 175 Nm of peak torque. The 1.2 liter TSI engine is a step up from the naturally aspirated 1.6 liter petrol engine, in terms of torque output (175 compared to 153 Nm) and fuel efficiency (16.93 Kmpl compared to 15.83 Kmpl) while the engine displacement is reduced to 1.2 liters.

The Vento TSI’s petrol engine is paired to a 7 speed DSG dual clutch automatic gearbox, a transmission option that’s much more advanced than the heavier and slower shifting conventional torque converter units. The 1.2 TSI-DSG engine-gearbox combination is aimed at driving enthusiasts, who like the torquey response of a turbo petrol engine and the sporty quick shifting nature of a dual clutch gearbox.

Turbo petrol engines are the rage across the car world as they offer good low-down torque and fuel efficiency from a lower engine capacity. Volkswagen is phasing out naturally aspirated petrol engines from its global engine line up and this is one reason for the German car giant’s Indian set up shifting focus to TSI power. This said, Volkswagen will continue to sell the Vento’s petrol variants with a 1.6 liter MPI engine and 5 speed manual gearbox. At present, the 1.2 TSI engine is meant only for the Vento AT variant in the sedan’s variant line up.

The 2013 Volkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI is available in a single variant with the following features as standard,

Exterior

“Lakeside” 185/60 R15 alloy wheels
Halogen headlamps with black finish
Chrome finish on trunk and fog light surrounds

Interior

Leatherette seat covering
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Leather wrapped gearshift knob and handbrake lever handle
Chrome interior trim
3 grab handles above doors, folding, with coat hooks
Sunglass holder inside glove box
Front centre console including 12V outlet
Trunk illumination

Comfort and Convenience

‘Climatronic’ automatic air conditioning with rear AC vents, dust and pollen filter
Two Din RCD 320 music system with USB, Aux-in, SD Card, Bluetooth and 4 speakers
Speed-sensitive electronic power steering
Remote control central locking
Instrument cluster with multi-function display
Multi-function steering wheel
Steering wheel, tilt and telescopic adjustable
Height adjustable driver’s seat
Rear parking sensors
Lane change indicator – triple flash
Speed sensing auto door locks
Outside rear view mirror, electrically adjustable

Safety and Security

Electronic Stabilization program (ESP)
Hill hold function
ABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Dual frontal airbags, driver and co-passenger side
Electronic engine immobilizer with floating code
3 point front seat belts
Pinch guard safety for all 4 power windows
High mounted third brake light
Front disc brakes
Fog light, front & rear

Six colour options

Shadow Blue
Candy White
Pepper Grey
Terra Beige
Deep Black
Reflex Silver

Nissan Terrano launched at premium pricing starting at Rs. 9.6 lakh

Nissan Terrano launched at premium pricing starting at Rs. 9.6 lakh

 

The Nissan Terrano has finally been launched with a bit of a premium price tag. It is available in seven variants (six diesel and one petrol) priced between Rs. 9.6 lakh for the base XE diesel going up to Rs. 12.46 lakh for the top-end XV Premium diesel. At this pricing, the Nissan Terrano definitely cannot be called value for money, considering it is but a badge-engineered Renault Duster.
Suddenly, the Renault Duster appears attractive when placed next to the Terrano with this kind of pricing. Sure, the Nissan Terrano has a bit more to offer than the Duster in terms of safety kit (all variants have at least one airbag, and the mid and top variants have ABS with EBD), but that does not quite justify the price tag. However, Nissan really didn’t have a choice, given it was launching a badge-engineered Renault product, and if it was priced too close, it would have cannibalized Duster sales. So far Nissan claims to have got about 6,000 pre-bookings for the Terrano.

Prices and variants

Petrol models
Nissan Terrano XL : Rs. 9,79,300
Diesel models
Nissan Terrano 85 XE : Rs. 9,59,999
Nissan Terrano 85 XL : Rs. 10,66,300
Nissan Terrano 85 XL Plus: Rs. 10,94,050
Nissan Terrano 110 XL: Rs. 11,33,300
Nissan Terrano 110 XV: Rs. 12,16,350
Nissan Terrano 110 XV Premium: Rs. 12,46,350
(All prices ex-showroom, Delhi)

Can the Terrano justify the premium price tag?

To put these price tags in perspective, the Renault Duster is priced at Rs. 7.99 lakh for the base petrol variant (the Terrano does not have an equivalent). The base diesel variant of the Renault Duster is priced at Rs. 8.73 lakh, which is Rs. 87,000 cheaper than the Nissan Terrano. Of course, you don’t get an airbag in the Duster, in terms of equipment, but all other features are similar. In fact, none of the Nissan Terrano variants offer steering audio controls, while the Duster does.

Nissan Terrano vs Renault Duster at a glance

What the Terrano does offer is slightly more sophisticated styling in comparison to the Renault Duster. It gets full body coloured bumpers on all variants with a redesigned front and rear. Interior passenger space and utility space is exactly the same. The Nissan Terrano though offers a higher level of safety features compared to the Duster. The Renault Duster offers two airbags in the 110 RXZ variant and the 85 RXL option pack variant. It also offers ABS only on the RXL 85 Option Pack, and all the 110 PS variants.
Let’s consider the top-end variants for a moment: the Renault Duster RXZ 110 PS vs the Nissan Terrano 110 XV Premium. The Duster is priced at 12.18 lakh, which is about Rs. 28,000 cheaper than the Nissan Terrano – pretty close indeed. Both vehicles are equal on features, except for steering audio controls, which the Renault Duster offers.
Would you be willing to pay a premium for the Nissan Terrano then?

Nissan Terrano vs Mahindra Scorpio at a glance

Compared to the Mahindra Scorpio, the Nissan Terrano seems even less value for money. The top-end Mahindra Scorpio VLX AT (automatic) 4×4 variant is priced at Rs. 12.56 lakh ex-showroom, and besides the six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, it is loaded with features including cruise control, steering audio controls and tyre pressure monitoring – all features the Terrano does not have. The Mahindra Scorpio VLX 2WD manual transmission variant, which would probably be a more apt comparison being a two-wheel drive is priced nearly Rs. 1.5 lakh cheaper at Rs. 10.96 lakh ex-showroom!
Do you think it’s still worth paying a premium for the Nissan Terrano?

Tata Nano CNG eMax launched at Rs. 2.52 lakh: Now cheapest car to run

Tata Nano CNG eMax launched at Rs. 2.52 lakh: Now cheapest car to run

 

This is probably India’s cheapest car to buy and run, at least among those that consume fossil fuels. Tata has just launched the Tata Nano CNG eMax in two variants, priced at Rs. 2.52 lakh for the CX variant and Rs. 2.77 lakh for the LX variant, ex-showroom Mumbai.
The Nano CNG is a hugely practical car as far as city commuting cars go, and now comes with lowest running costs and is among the greenest cars as well, with the lowest per kilometre emission of carbon-di-oxide at just 75.6 grams per km.

High on fuel efficiency, low on cost

The Tata Nano eMax CNG is a bi-fuel car that can run on both petrol and CNG. It has a 15-litre petrol tank and two CNG cylinders capable of holding up to 5Kg of gas under the front seats. The rated fuel efficiency on CNG is 36 km per Kg, while on petrol it has a rating of 25 kmpl. Combined, that gives the Tata Nano a considerable driving range, while on CNG alone it can do over 150 km, ideal for those who want cheap city transport. On CNG, running costs are just about Rs. 1.30 per km, which is cheaper than some motorcycles as well.

Added features

The Tata Nano LX eMax CNG gets a few additional features that include lockable glove boxes, redesigned front seats and leak detection sensors that will shut down gas flow in the event of a cylinder leak. It also has an interlock sensor that makes sure the engine is shut off during CNG filling.
The car also has some innovations with its CNG-petrol fuel system to ensure the driver has adequate power at all times. It is equipped with a two-cylinder sequential gas injection system with an engine management system that switches between CNG and petrol as the need be. If a driver wants extra power for overtaking, for instance, and presses the accelerator, the car will switch back to petrol for an additional boost in power. The engine can also be started on CNG alone instead of petrol and switching between petrol and CNG can also be done manually by a push-button on the dash.
It is powered by a two-cylinder, 624 cc engine that puts out 37.5 bhp of power and 51 Nm of torque on petrol, while in CNG mode it makes 32 bhp of power at 5,500 rpm and 45 Nm of torque with a four-speed manual transmission.
The Tata Nano CNG will be sold in Gujarat, Mumbai, Delhi and Lucknow to start with until CNG use spreads to other cities. It comes with a 4-year or 60,000 km warranty as standard!

Ashok Leyland Stile MPV launched at Rs 7.49 lakh: But will it sell?

Ashok Leyland Stile MPV launched at Rs 7.49 lakh: But will it sell?

 

The low-selling Nissan Evalia has got a second shot at the hustings – Ashok Leyland launched the Stile MPV, which is a rebadged Evalia, with restyling, detuning and cost-cutting to boot.

The final outcome has ensured that the Ashok Leyland Stile sits well below the Nissan Evalia in terms of positioning in the Indian car market, at a base price difference of over Rs. 1.2 lakh below the Evalia. It’s not really aimed at private car buyers and is primarily meant for the Indian commercial vehicle market.

Prices and variants

The Stile will be built at the Nissan factory in Oragadam, on the same production line as the Evalia. The MPV will be sold in 7 and 8 seat versions. While the Stile shares most parts with the Evalia, here’s a gist if how Ashok Leyland has managed to undercut the Evalia’s pricing with the Stile.
Stile LE: Rs. 7.49 lakh
Stile LS: Rs. 8.29 lakh*
Stile LX: Rs. 9.29 lakh
The Stile’s base variant starts at Rs. 7.49 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi, while the same version of the Evalia (XE) is priced at Rs. 8.7 lakh. Comparing the top end LX variant of the Stile to the XV variant of the Nissan Evalia (Rs. 10.24 lakh), we find that the Stile comes with a much lower price tag as well as much lower level of equipment.

How is the Stile different from the Evalia?

Ashok Leyland plans to sell the Stile to cab operators and hotel fleets rather than family car buyers. This strategy is meant to clearly position the Stile as below the Evalia – and that is just one of the many such differences.
Before getting into the features and equipment bit, let’s take a look at the Stile’s mechanicals. The MPV features a detuned version of the Evalia’s 1.5 litre K9K diesel engine. With a power output of 75 Bhp and 185 Nm torque, the Stile’s 1.5 litre K9K motor loses about 10 horses and 15 Nm of torque to the Evalia. This gives the Stile a marginally better fuel efficiency of 19.5 kmpl, just 0.2 Kmpl better than that of the Evalia, despite the weight savings that the Stile manages owing to it losing many features. The gearbox is the same 5-speed unit, with a front-wheel drive layout.
Let’s now look at the omissions on the top-end version of the Stile. While the Evalia’s top-end variants come with a factory fitted stereo player, tachometer, trip computer with real time fuel consumption read outs (Multi information display), push button start, keyless entry, electrically adjustable ORVMs, door pockets, central storage bins between the front seats, reverse parking camera and tilt adjustable steering, all these features are missing on the Stile. Important safety bits such as ABS, EBD and twin airbags are also notable omissions on the Stile.
Adding up all these features and comparing the prices of the Ashok Leyland Stile and the Nissan Evalia, one does come back with a feeling that the Stile’s top-end LX variant is seriously under-kitted for the kind of money Ashok Leyland is asking, which at Rs. 9.29 lakhs is a bit steep for what is a stripped out people-mover with bare-bones luxury. The Stile does attempt to redeem itself with captain seats for the second row, a lockable glovebox and AC vents for the second row of passengers, and a rear wiper and defogger. But then again, these features are also likely to be offered on the facelifted Evalia in the coming months.
If that happens and Nissan dealers continue to offer the Evalia at a discounted price, as is the case currently, the Evalia will make much better sense in terms of value-for-money, than the Stile. So, Ashok Leyland’s strategy of targeting the highly price sensitive cab operator market, who seek more value than family MPV buyers, might not work for the Stile after all. Also, Ashok Leyland’s small commercial vehicle (SCV) dealer network, with 130 outlets, isn’t that much more widespread than Nissan India, which is catching up, as it already has 99 dealerships. So, the case of Ashok Leyland having a significantly larger dealership network that can ensure the Stile gets enough traction with buyers, isn’t a possibility here.
Will the Stile prove to be yet another example of badge engineering failing spectacularly in the Indian market? There’s a good chance of that happening.
As a cab operator or a family MPV buyer, your other options include the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Mahindra Xylo and the Chevrolet Enjoy, all of which come with a wider dealer and after sales network than Ashok Leyland. Also, the prices of comparable variants of the above MPVs, vis-a-vis that of the Stile, make them better bets value-wise. And value sells big in India!
*(price to be confirmed)

Confirmed! Diesel Jazz and City from Honda in 2014

Honda has tasted first blood with the tremendous sales success of the Amaze compact sedan’s diesel engined variants and the Japanese car maker is eager for more. In 2014, Honda has plans of launching the next generation versions of the Jazz hatchback and the City sedan in India.
We now have confirmation from Jnaneswar Sen, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Honda Cars India, that the 2014 Jazz hatchback and the City sedan will be launched with turbo diesel engines. Exact details and specifications of the diesel engines that Honda will use in the new Jazz and City are currently unavailable.



That said, we have a hunch that the 1.5 liter i-DTEC engine found in the Amaze compact sedan’s engine bay will be shoehorned into both the 2014 Jazz and City models. As this all-aluminium turbo diesel engine was developed mainly with the Indian car market in mind, expect to see it on more Honda cars sold here. The engine comes with a fixed geometry turbocharger and outputs 100 PS-200 Nm. Clearly, the addition of a variable geometry turbocharger could bump up the power and torque figures, stuff that could be apt for the 2014 City sedan, which is a much bigger car than the sub-4 meter Amaze.
Along with diesel engine options, both the 2014 Honda Jazz and the City will get petrol engines too. Expect manual and automatic gearboxes to also make it to the variant mix of both these cars. When it is launched in early 2014, the Jazz will be making a comeback into the Indian car market nearly 2 years after it was discontinued here. In case of the City sedan, the car’s existing version will be replaced by the new model. The Jazz will sit in the B+ hatchback space while the City will continue to operate in the C segment sedan space. Keep your eyes peeled out for both these cars that could be unveiled at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo.

Honda launches Brio Exclusive Edition with added features on 2nd anniversary

Honda launches Brio Exclusive Edition with added features on 2nd anniversary

 

Honda Cars India has launched a limited edition Honda Brio hatchback with a few additional features, calling it the Brio Exclusive Edition. This car is based on the Honda Brio S MT model and is priced at Rs. 4.92 lakh ex-showroom Delhi.
The Honda Brio Exclusive has been timed to coincide with two years of the car’s launch in India and just in time for the festive season, when car sales in India usually pick up.

The vehicle is priced about Rs. 25,000 more than the regular S MT variant of the Honda Brio, but attempts to stand out in the crowd. So just what do you get for that extra cash, and is it really worth it?
The Brio Exclusive is available in three colours – Tafetta white, Alabaster Silver and Rally Red. It will have an Exclusive Emblem on the tailgate to highlight this festive edition. It comes with an all-black interior theme (the regular Brio is all beige, with a black-top dashboard). It also features premium fabric upholstery in black and dark grey, with a grey roof lining.


At the rear, the most visible difference is a tailgate spoiler just above the rear glass hatch. It also has door visors, a chrome exhaust tip and audio-only reverse parking sensors. It also gets illuminated door sills with Brio branding in them.
There are no mechanical changes and the car continues to be powered by Honda’s tried-and-tested 1.2 litre petrol engine that puts out 86 bhp of power and 109 Nm of torque. The Brio is a light and easy car to drive in the city with good pickup, light steering and good all-round visibility. The S-MT variant comes with an in-built music system that plays USB and Aux-in, with radio (but no CD), steering audio controls and powered mirrors.
So are these changes worth the extra cash? Not really. If you’re really not a fan of dark interiors, the rest of the accessories could easily be installed aftermarket for a lower cost. Of course, if you want that exclusivity, sure, pick it up.
 

Ashok Leyland Stile Preview

Ashok Leyland Stile Preview

 

Ashok Leyland showcases the Stile, which is a van that shares the same platform with the Nissan NV200. Both the vans will be built on the same assembly line....read full reviewAshok Leyland showcases the Stile, which is a van that shares the same platform with the Nissan NV200. Both the vans will be built on the same assembly line. However, the powertrains on them are different. The Stile will be powered by a 1.5-litre engine (not the 1.5 dCi) and this engine will churn out about 130bhp of power. At present testing is going on the Stile and Ashok Leyland can reduce the power to increase the fuel efficiency.

The Stile has a low floor that makes ingress and egress much more easier. The Stile will be available with a wide seating options as it will come with two and three rows of seating. The Stile will also be available as a cargo as Ashok Leyland will even be sold in the commercial vehicle market. Ofcourse the power on the commercial vehicle will be lesser and the interiors basic. There is a good possibility of a CNG powered Stile in the commercial market.

Suzuki Wagon R 7-seater concept MPV unveiled !!!

7-seater variant of the Wagon R will take on the upcoming Datsun Go+; likely launch in India by late 2014 or early 2015.

 

 

Suzuki has showcased a 7-seater variant of the Wagon R at the recently concluded 2013 Indonesia International motor show (IIMS).
Currently only a concept car, the 'Karimun Wagon R 3 Rows Concept' features a body that is extended after the rear wheel arch. However, the wheelbase on this concept is unaltered, which could point to a sub-four-metre overall length. The current Wagon R's length is 3595mm. The concept also gets a larger (wider) rear quarter glass and a larger rear overhang.

On the inside, the third row gets a very short seat squab, but unlike the Datsun Go+, the seat height should be good. Even then, the third row would be suitable for children at best.
Low-cost, sub-four-metre, 7-seaters could be the next big 'small' thing in India, and Maruti could very well debut this MPV version of the Wagon R here. The Mahindra Quanto is already part of this niche club, and the recently unveiled Datsun Go+ will make its way here some time in 2014. What's more, the lack of rear impact or safety test norms allow cars like this to pass the muster with ease. Maruti could well bring its Wagon R MPV here by late 2014 or early 2015.

Maruti Alto 800 Anniversary edition launched

To celebrate the first anniversary of the Alto 800, Maruti has thrown in a few new features and priced it at Rs 3.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

 

 

The Maruti Alto 800 is a year old in India and the country’s largest car maker has promptly rolled out an Anniversary Edition version of this car to mark this event. The anniversary edition of the Alto 800 is priced at Rs. 3.12 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi and gets a bunch of features.



Here’s a round up on what you’ll get when you order an Alto 800 in Anniversary Edition trim.

• Purple Haze paint shade for the body
• New Graphics
• Side strips
• Body colored left ORVM
• Blacked out B Pillar
• Rear parcel tray
• Refreshed seat fabric
• Optional stereo system

The engine and transmission remain unchanged though. The Alto 800 continues to operate with a 796 cc petrol engine that pumps out 47 Bhp-69 Nm. This engine is a tweaked version of the older F8D motor that the previous-gen Alto used to come with. The tweaking has meant that the Alto 800 is not only more powerful but is also more fuel efficient than the older version. Apart from the tweaked engine, the Alto 800′s gearbox gets a new cable shift mechanism for smoother gear shifting.
Marking the one year anniversary of the Alto 800 isn’t the only reason behind Maruti Suzuki’s decision to launch the Alto 800. Hit by high petrol prices, petrol powered cars have been taking a beating in the Indian car market. To prop up low sales, car makers are offering big discounts on petrol cars. Along with the discounts, refreshed variants and special edition models are being launched to make petrol engined cars more attractive to prospective buyers. The Alto 800′s anniversary edition seems like one such exercise from Maruti Suzuki.
The Alto 800, along with the Alto K10, is India’s largest selling car model. Discounts of up to 50,000 rupees are being offered on the Alto 800. The car is available with two fuel options, petrol and CNG. If you think that the Alto 800 is too slow for your tastes, you may consider the Maruti Alto K10, a similar car that comes with a 1 liter K Series petrol engine that churns out 67 Bhp-90 Nm. The bigger engine makes the Alto K10 a pocket rocket on city roads.