Automobile Reviews

In a recent twist of events, the Karnataka Government is mulling over plans to re-launch Tata Nano car as an alternative to the most common public transport, the Autorickshaw.

The Transport Minister of Karnataka, Mr. R. Ashok said they may possibly purchase up to 10,000 Nano cars, with an idea to use them as Auto, on rent.

He further adds that the Government and the Driver may jointly benefit from any proceeds generated from this, likely at a 40:60 ratio, in that order.

Meanwhile, the funds for this venture would most probably come from the Government straight away or they could get a loan. Same time, the variation in prices between a Nano and a standard Autorickshaw will be quite less, claims Mr. Ashok.

Not mention the issues prevailing over the current common autos. Grievances with the Auto Drivers go on. Next, to ponder over is gap between the number of people looking for transport and in the number of Auto rickshaws.

The introduction of the Nano Car as an Auto is expected to benefit the people delivering them improved luxury as well as more safety due to covered cabin.

However, chief aspect that may go against Nano Auto would be its mileage, with it claiming 20kmpl, next to the 25kmpl of a typical Auto.

In terms of environment friendliness, too it may fall behind as it emits 101grams of CO2 per km as against the 85-87grams by an Auto.

Toyota Motors Corporation is thinking to bring out a new small car in India in two year time. The car, expected for launch in 2012 will be take-off from its Daihatsu range of vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Senior Managing Director and Member of the Toyota Motor Corporation board, Dato Akira Okabe, claims that its model Daihatsu range of cars had already created a niche for themselves in South East Asian Countries.

He goes to confirm that they planning to roll out the model in India and was in the process of researching the Indian market for the same.

He further declares that in case the launch does happen, they would mainly focus on all the passenger vehicle segments counting the base level 600 cc.

In the meantime, the new variant of compact cars is expected to be developed from its earlier version, the Vios and the Yaris, sub-compact versions.

The vehicle claiming 30% to 40% localisation will as well have aggressive charges in India, China, and Brazil so on.

Daihatsu may also bring out its small variant in India, by the coming two years. The third model looking to make it to the Indian market by end of this year or beginning of next year is the first-class hatchback, the Toyota Etios.

Maruti Suzuki, one of the Premium India Vehicle Manufacturers declared, recently that had plans to bring out CNG variants of all its models, launched since the beginning of this year.

R.C.Bhargava, the Chairman of the Maruti Suzuki India claimed the rising demand amidst the consumer for the CNG version cars as the cause for putting a halt to production of LPG vehicles.

The Manufacturer is expected to start off this venture by introducing the CNG version of its maximum selling model, the Alto, as per some reports. Reports further claim that 5 CNG car models will hit the market, together in one day.

CNG models due for launch includes the Alto, Estilo, Wagon R, Eeco and SX4.

The K-1O Series variant of the Maruti Alto claims a mileage of 20.2 kilometres per litre, according to a research.

These CNG Cars may possibly be made available from the second week of August 2010. Even then, the actual date of launch has not yet been publicised.

Meanwhile, Shashank Shrivastava, the MSI Chief General Manager consider this a strategic move, to offer factory built-in CNG kits in the vehicles. He further says that they would be the first manufacturer to come out with such extensive variety of CNG cars in India.

The Alto car claiming an average of 20,000 units’ monthly sales and a total of 14 lakhs units, ever since its introduction in September 2000 also is likely to boost up its sales by twenty five percent, subsequent to the launch of the new model- Alto K-10, Shrivastava adds.

Volkswagen rolled out its small hatchback, the Beetle in top D-Segment on the Indian roads in December 2009. Having the size of Tata Nano, it gives the thrill of Sports Utility Vehicle.

Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 vies with other deluxe D- section cars from Fiat like the Fiat 500 as well as the Fiat Bravo, due for launch.

The principal European vehicle manufacturer has introduced just a single version of the car, which came out from the manufacturing plant in Mexico as a Completely Build Unit (CBU).

Equipped with 4 cylinder petrol engine option, the Beetle has six speed manual transmission gearbox. The only one variant available is power-driven using the 2.0L, 1984cc petrol engine. It has Multi Point Fuel Injection system.

The engine generates the highest power of 115bhp at 5400 rpm with maximum torque of 172Nm at 3200 rpm. Delivering utmost speed of 180kmph, the car can surpass the mark of 100kmph in only 11.2 seconds. It can supply 9kmpl mileage for urban roads as well as 13kmpl in the urban roads.

Meanwhile, this front wheel drive vehicle is designed with German Engineering providing classy interiors. It makes use of the MK4 generation Volkswagen Golf/ Jetta platform.

The four seater car is 4,129mm long, 1,721mm wide and 1,498mm high with a wheel base of 2,502mm and ground clearance 120mm. It has a turning radius of 5.5 metres.

Fitted with power steering it offers ventilated front brakes and disk type rear brakes. The Emission Norm Compliance BSIV car has a fuel tank of 55 litres. It has 15 inch alloy wheel as well as 195/65 R15 tyre.

Not to forget, it provides safety features that is not a compromise in any way. These features cover Anti-Braking System with EBD, dual front and side impact airbags, seat belt alarms and tyre pressure monitoring system.

Though the interior is fashionable it gives out tight cabin space. The car with option to raise or lower its top as required also has eye-catching features such as heated front seats, remote keyless entry, cruise control, in dash CD changer as well as steering mounted audio.

The two door hatchbacks also features advanced and chic exteriors with mid mounted third stop lamp, two-doors with body colour handles and roof mounted antenna. Do not forget, the sporty exteriors also include Anti-intrusion beams that enhances safety, Tinted glasses, Black colour front grille, Stylish headlamps, advanced graphic instrument panel, parking sensors and stylish chrome finished tail lamps, Heat able Body Colour Out Side Rear View Mirrors on both side, and more.

Not to be outdone, the impressive interiors encompass dual tone beige dash board which is packed with advanced graphic instrument cluster and leather upholstery.

Other trendy interior features range from Leather Covered Steering Wheel, New Leather Covered Gear Shift Knob, Leather Seats, Floor Mats, Illumination of controls and gauges – blue, with red indicators, to Interior front centre dome light, Dual Front Vanity Mirrors, Three-spoke Leather Covered Steering Wheel, Leather Covered Gear Shift knob, V-Tex Trimmed Seat, Fully Carpeted Lined Luggage Compartment and a few more.

Remember, the car does not compromise on its luxury in anyway. The comfort features are Power Steering (Tilted, Collapsible and Height Adjustable), Climate Control AC with HVAC, Power Windows with pinch protection, Electrically Adjustable Side Rear View Mirror, Electrically Operated Remote Fuel Flap, Keyless Entry, On Board Advanced CD Changer and Height Adjustable Driver Seat.

Cup Holders on Floor Console, Cigarette Lighter in Front Console, Rear Wash and Wiper, Electrical Glass Demister, Front door storage nets, One-piece folding rear seat, Seat height adjustment for driver and front passenger seats, Glove box light, Interior front centre dome light and Front reading lights are also provided.

Other luxury features comprise Valet key, Two Folding keys with radio-frequency remote transmitter for central locking, eyelet, Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip odometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, warning lights, Coat Hooks on Door, Magazine Pockets in the Door Pads, Storage Net in Luggage Compartment and more.

Beetle 2.0 comes in various striking hues like Salsa Red, Black, Candy White, Sunflower, Reflex Silver and Laser Blue.

Rolls Royce will reach sales of 50 units in India, inclusive of its new model, the Ghost 2010 series. Ghost and other model, Phantom are expected to be the driving force for the sales figures.

The Ghost 2010 Series was launched in Hyderabad, recently. It will be priced between 2.5 to 2.7 crores, reports claim.

More and more users have already signed up for the vehicle. Demand has increased, so that the car can be made available only two to three months later. 50 is the target, claims Sharad Kachalia, the Director for Sales and Marketing, at Navnit Motors, an authorised Rolls Royce seller for West and South region.

He further adds that the car earlier catering to only royal family are now a common enough sight among young officials.

The current estimate up to now is 30 units of Rolls Royce in India, looking to go up more in the second half of 2010. Meanwhile, nearing 90 % of the 700 Rolls Royce cars are still operative after 60- 70 years in India.

Maruti Suzuki brings out its greatly looked-for and glorified hatchback model, the Ritz in the premium A2 Market Segment, in a bid to compete with its rival, which has rolled out the i10 model, just now in the Indian market.

Designed in a classic style, the latest Maruti Ritz offers incredible technology and power. Looking extremely elegant the vehicle also delivers great performance and is expected to be very cost-effective to run on roads.

The vehicle arrives in both petrol and diesel variants. It is expected to vie with other vehicles in the same segment that include Alto, WagonR, Swift, Zen and the lately-launched A-Star.

Engine Specification

Maruti Ritz VDI (ABS) BS IV is powered using a 1.3L 85 PS DDiS engine w/ Common Rail multi injection technology. The engine with 4 cylinders reports an Engine Displacement of 1248cc.

The diesel engine vehicle offers the utmost power of 85PS@6,000rpm and the maximum torque can be 113kgm@4,500rpm. DOHC engine has 4 valves per cylinder claiming a CRDI Fuel Supply System. It also has 5-speed manual transmission.

The fuel tank capacity for the vehicle is 43 litres. The diesel variant is said to feature Emission Norm Compliance as well as Emission exhaust system like Exhaust Gas Recirculation.

Performance

The Front Wheel Drive model features Power Steering with Collapsible column. It portrays McPherson Strut & Coil spring as Front suspension, even as Torsion Beam & Coil Spring form the rear suspension.

The Ritz is fitted with Electronic Assisted Rack & Pinion steering gear type. It has a turning radius of 4.7m. The front brakes is ventilated disc type while the front tyres are locked using the drum brakes.

The vehicle avows maximum speed of 156 kmph, with an acceleration of 13.7kmph. The mileage in the city for the vehicle is said to be 17.7kmpl, while that is the highway is expected to be 21.1kmpl.

Exterior

Trendiest car of the kind, it is lined at its sides thus giving the vehicle a youthful and sporty appearance. The car sporting an aerodynamic design and aggressive look is supreme in its exterior. Class and elegance are the watchwords that make it up.

The vehicle features boomerang tail lights and headlights offering better vision. It is also fitted with body colour bumpers and internally adjusted ORVMs. Other features are coloured outside door handles and door mirrors.

The hatchback vehicle can claim 3715 mm for Length, 1680 mm for Width, 1620 mm for Height and a wheelbase of 2360 mm. It also offers good ground clearance at 170mm.

Interior

Not to be outdone it comes across as eye-catching and appealing with dynamic and spacious interiors. It delivers highest satisfaction to the users as well as soothes them. It has the capacity to seat 5 people.

The cabin lights fitted at both the centre and sides gives the car a shinning effect. Other interior features that add to its classy elegance includes tachometer, digital displayed trip meter, info display clock and temperature, seat back pocket, front seat under tray, radio + cd with speakers and more.

Meanwhile, the car also offers utmost comfort via its features such as 60: 40 folding rear seats, tilt Power Steering, front and rear seat head restraint, illuminated steering mounted audio controls, completely built- in stereo system, power windows, luggage space, cup holders, ticket holders and console box.

Some other comfort features are remote fuel lid opener, boot lid opener, cigarette lighter and antenna or more.

Safety Features

Compromise is not something Maruti Ritz VDI (ABS) BS IV caters to in terms of its safety. The front and rear fog lamps protect the vehicle against bad weather.

Intelligent Computerised Anti Theft System (Immobiliser iCATS) to serve as defence against theft as well as the front ELR seat belt with pretensioner to reduce the force during abrupt braking and collision, are fitted with the vehicle.

Other advanced safety features found in the car are child lock, central locking, ABS (Anti lock Braking System) with EBD and Dual front SRS Airbag.

Maruti Ritz is available in other variants like LXI, VXI, LDI, ZXI & ZDI. All the variants of this vehicle come in colours such as Fire Brick Red, Superior White, Bakers Chocolate, Silky Silver, Glistening Grey, Racing Green, Blue Blaze and Midnight Black.

Precision Cars India Limited in a joint venture with Porsche, the German Luxury Car Manufacturer launches the new diesel version of the Second Generation Porsche Cayenne, in India. It is also looking to import the vehicles.

Other variants rolled out in India covers Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Diesel and Cayenne S Hybrid.

The base model is powered with a 3.6 litre V6 engine generating 300 hp as well as featuring eight speed tiptronic S automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, Cayenne S model is fitted with a 4.8 litre V8 configuration also producing a total of 400 hp. Fuel consumption for this at 10.5 litres/100 km is improved by 23%.

Finally, the top-of-the –model range, The Cayenne Turbo brings out 500 hp due to the 4.8 litre twin turbo V8 engine. Not to be outdone, the Cayenne Diesel variant comes with its 240 bhp 3- litre V6 power plant.

These 5 variants are to be offered in the Indian Markets with expected price ranges from nearly Rs. 66 lakhs for its low end model to almost 1,27,10,000 for Cayenne Turbo.

At present, the company already have two showrooms. They also expect to set up additional five showrooms by the end of calendar year 2010.

Introduced in India, in the middle of 2008 by a German Car Manufacturer, Audi A4 3.2 FSI Petrol Sedan brings home to its users beguiling look, luxurious interior as well as solid performance. The sedan catering to its user demands and anticipated design concepts is also available in other variant option, which is the Audi A4 2.0 TDI (diesel). Mainly the classy consumers go for the Audi A4 sedan.

Audi A4 petrol sedan makes its appearance with a 3.2 FSI Tiptronic Quattro Engine that specify horse power of 255hp@6500rpm and a torque at 243 lb-ft@3250rpm. Its maximum speed attained is 250km/h. It can also reach to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds. DOHC aluminium 90-degree V6 engine reports variable intake valve timing and intake manifold with a displacement of 3.2 litres (190.57 cu. In) and stroke 3.65 inch.

The Quattro All Wheel Drive Sedan wears a 6 speed automatic transmission. The 6 speed manual transmission for a Quattro AWD and an Audi Multitronic Continuously Variable Transmission for FrontTrak FWD options are also made available.

Tiptronic Quattro engine clarifies 19 mpg for the city and 26 mpg for the highway. The vehicle comes with totally galvanised steel unibody. They usually have a multi-step anti-corrosion shield.

Meanwhile, the front dynamic suspension is 4- link with upper and lower control arms, stabiliser bar and separate coil springs/ gas charged shock absorbers. The dynamic suspension at the rear can claim a completely independent trapezoidal-link with stabiliser bar and separate coil springs/gas- charged shock absorbers.

The model has a curb weight of 3748 lbs also sports a Servotronic® vehicle speed-sensitive steering. The turning circle for the vehicle stands at 36.4 ft.

The patrons are already familiar with the significant charisma, as delivered by the vehicle, while on road. Resilient solo frame radiator grille featuring four overlying circles representing the Audi’s symbol is located in the front end of the car.

The modish bi-xenon head lamps at the front end also add to make it appear more appealing. The firm wheel arches makes the car wider. A spoiler and coiled tail lights are also sported by the vehicle, at the rear end.

Luxury and comfort goes hand in hand for the vehicle. It features soft leather in the cabin with ambient lighting. It is fitted with a driver tilted LCD with a smooth wooden trim, amidst the tachometer and speedometer delivering audio- information. The LCD assists the driver with routes.

Comfort specifications provided in the care are not complete without Audi symphony II AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, cassette player, Radio Data system (RDS) and Graduated Audio Level Adjustment (GALA), Satellite radio preparation for both XM® and Sirius®, 10-speaker sound system including subwoofer and centre fill speaker.

Other wide-ranging specifications in terms of safety are as well offered by Audi A4 3.2 FSI Petrol. They cover an Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP® 8.0), Antilock Braking System (ABS) with EBD and Front 3-point safety belts.

Not to forget, power central locking systems, Lower Anchorage and Tethers for Children seated at the back, Child Safety back door locks, reflectors, Anti-Theft Alarm Systems and Automatic door locking are provided too.

Dual Stage Front airbags, Sideguard Head Protection Airbags and Curtain Airbags supported saves the passengers from the force, following the crash.

Additional features offered are numerous. They include tinted glass, power outside mirrors, Heated Windshield washer nozzles, fog lights, and side indicator lights.

To know more about other vehicles available in the Indian market keep reading automobilereviews.co.in .

Sporting a modern, vibrant upmarket appearance Skoda Laura 1.9 PD L And K (DSG) AT (Diesel) also provides amazing performance.

Designed in up-to date manner with hi-tech functions, the Sedan has also bagged several awards like World’s Most Beautiful Automobile Italy 2004, Best Family Car Poland 2004, NDTV Profit Car India Executive car of the Year Award India 2006 and CNBC -TV 18 AutoCar Most technologically advanced car Award India 2006.

The Sedan has an 1896cc 4- inline Turbo-Charged Diesel engine with 8 valves also offers SOHC valve gear operation. It can as well accommodate MPFi fuel system. It offers a Compression Ratio of 19.0:1, attempting utmost 104@4000 ps@rpm horse power. Maximum torque offered also stands at 250@1900 Nm@rpm. This model with fuel tank of 55 litres capacity delivers 11.49 kmpl mileage in the city and 16.8 kmpl in the highway.

The car is fitted with Direct rack and pinion, electro-mechanical power assisted Steering. It supports MacPherson struts with lower triangular links and torsion stabiliser as front suspension, whereas the rear suspension is Multi-link axle with one longitudinal and three transverse links with torsion stabiliser.

Offering a gross weight of 2010 kg, the model measures 4572 mm in Length, 1485 mm in
Height and 1769 mm in Width. It claims a wheelbase of 2578 mm. The front wheel drive car features also 7 speed automatic gear.

Safety is something the model does not concede on. The advanced features provided comprises of Antilock Braking System, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Child Safety Lock, Central Locking and Keyless Entry.

Skoda Laura 1.9 PD L And K (DSG) AT is excellent in terms of its comfort and convenience. It offers luxury specifications such as Air-Conditioning, Power Door Locks, Power Windows, Power Mirror and Power Seat.

Other features are Moon Roof, Sun Roof, AM / FM Radio, CD player and Leather Seats.

Keep reading automobilereviews.co.in to know more about the vehicles in the Indian market and to get the latest updates on them.

Hyundai Motor, leading car manufacturer rolls out the all new entrant, Verna in an attempt to take over the market of luxury sedan cars in India, designed mainly for perfection in performance, comfort and safety. Hyundai Verna comes in both petrol and diesel variants. It features an egg shell design, aerodynamic from the outside with a generously spacious interior.

The main variants of Verna available are the Hyundai Verna I Petrol 1599 cc, Hyundai Verna XI Petrol 1599 cc, Hyundai Verna XXI Petrol 1599 cc and Hyundai Verna CRDi Diesel 1493 cc

Hyundai Verna CRDI VGT SX A/T 1.5 is the first Diesel Automatic in the segment, fitted with a powerful diesel engine. It displays excellent ride quality, with High Fidelity 2 DIN Music System. However, the model does not provide any Air bags and Alloy Wheels are also featured only in Top- End variants like SX VTVT, SX VGT, and SX VGT A/T.

The new Verna has dimensions of 4310mm for length, 1695mm for width and 1490mm for height. Meanwhile the vehicle can report a wheel base of 2500mm measure and a ground clearance of 170mm. It can claim a mileage of 17.1 km / litre in the highway and 12.8 km/ litre in the city, with a total mileage of 13.66 km / litre.

Engine Specifications

Verna, featuring a 1.5 CRDi 1493cc diesel engine generates a thrilling power of 110PS@4000rpm and 236Nm@1900rpm. The Verna model offers a 4 speed automatic transmission. The fuel tank capacity of the engine can be estimated as 45 litres.

Performance

Verna 1.5 CRDi provides anti- roll bar and MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring Front suspension. It also features Couple Torsion Beam Axle for the Rear suspension. The model is fitted with a power assisted Rack & Pinion standard steering wheel. The tyres also measure 185/65 R14. Equipped with Anti-Lock Braking system, the model also offers bigger and more effective disc brakes.

Comfort And Convenience

The new Verna offer more in terms of elegance, luxury and functionality as compared to earlier versions. It accommodates an upgraded audio console with a high quality 2 DIN Music System. It features 4 speakers with 2 tweeters. The electrically adjustable ORVM and a new full wheel cover, add on to the aesthetic appeal of the car.

Other feature enrichments cover Air conditioner, Height Adjustable Front Seat Belts, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Power Steering, Steering Adjustment, Central locking, Rear Defogger and Remote Boot/ Fuel Lid.

Exterior Features

Hyundai Verna, synonymous with stylish designs and aesthetic integrity leaves a strong presence on the roads in India. The new model, though it maintains the old contemporary European looks, features design alterations to include luxurious interiors, and improved exterior features.

The stylish radiator grille adds to the visual appeal. The model also offer exterior features such as Body Colour Outer Door handles, Rear view mirror, Rear Defogger with Timer,
Chrome Rear Garnish and Chrome Strip on Waistline Moulding.

Interior Specifications

The new Verna provides generous space in the interior, with a seating capacity of 5 persons. It gives you a refreshing riding experience. Cup-holders and folding Rear-seats add on to the luxurious interior of the car. The car comes equipped with tachometer, AM/FM radio and CD player.

Safety Features

Hyundai focus mainly on the safety and security aspects of their cars. The new Verna also comes fitted with safety features that include collapsible steering column, central locking system, front fog lamps, and clutch lock system. It also offers Anti-Lock Braking System and Child Safety Locks.

Pricing

Meanwhile, the all new Hyundai Verna CRDI VGT SX A/T 1.5 is available in various colours options like Noble white, Ebony black, Bright silver, Passion red, Dynasty red, Real earth, Husky blue, Deep pearl blue and Kyara. The CRDi VGT model is estimated to cost Rs 8 Lakh, approximately.

To know more about other vehicles available in the Indian market keep reading automobilereviews.co.in.