Latest News & Reviews from Indian Auto Industry
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When got to splurge more than a million on a new car, it’s SUV that first strikes the buyer. Sedans once enjoyed the status of most sought car type are now abandoned by market under the flow of SUVs and crossover that stormed the nation from every side. Yet, some makers stubborn on their marketing rules, are still found selling examples of those full-size sedans here, where a one of it is Hyundai Elantra that saw the makeover recently with a facelift for a new assignment of hope. To learn what has kept selling this sedan for this long in the nation, we did a sneak peek into its brochure to pen down the features it packs in various slots to lure the footfalls.
For a clear picture, taking technical first revealed this sedan is powered by option of petrol and diesel engine. A 1.8-litre displacement works for the former fuel-type, where a 1.6-litre is found with the latter. Each of them does derive option of manual and auto gearboxes. But looking down to the condition of India, maker has made base trim available only for diesel. The automatic transmission on other side only lures top-end buyers of either of them.
Starting off from the entry-level, obviously the diesel trim, is adorned with a leather-coveted steering wheel and gear knob. Chrome gropes door handles; bits like scuff plates, aluminium pedals naturally provide the shine. Option of height adjustment for driver seat, and steering make way for a comfortable driving option. Dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, audio system with AUX/USB and Bluetooth, cooled glove box, remote locking system, tinted glasses, steering mounted controls, electric adjustable ORVMs, front centre armrest with storage space underneath, rear seat armrest, sunglass holder, shift indicator, auto defogger, day and night rear view mirror and power windows with auto function for driver’s side burgeons the list.
The safety is managed by ABS, EBD, dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, clutch lock, impact sensing door unlock, rear defogger (with timer), adjustable (height) front seatbelts with pretensioner and key reminder.
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Trim just above the base, which will now serve as base for petrol buyers and second in line for diesel, holds the aforementioned features in the list. Additionally for its worth to get balanced for extra money shelled out, the Elantra S offers keyless entry and exit system, rear parking camera featured with display on rear view mirror, electric folding ORVM and luggage net & hooks.
For the concern of safety, carmaker had also provided electro chromic inside rear-view mirror.
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The SX trim of ELantra offers interesting list which wows us from the ventilated seats, 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat (power) up to the 4.3-inch touchscreen music system which doubles up as screen for rear parking camera. Cruise control and parking camera adds worth for those who preferred self-driven.
Automatic headlamps, curtain and side airbags, ESP and speed sensing door locks work for the safety.
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The last trim at bottom, SX (AT), gets the automatic gearbox and hill-start assist control for maximum money spend on Elantra.
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The intense heat of summer may have taken its toll on many of us, but automotive industry did not seem shaken by its stir. Reportedly, there are several launches lined up for the month of May which will leave buyers with number of options for the proceeding monsoon. Follow us to know more about them.
Tata Motors has taken the wraps off its new Nano called ‘GenX’. The same that was displayed at Delhi Auto Expo 2014 where this world’s cheapest car was hold back with a 5-speed AMT gearbox and an openable boot. The same will now hit sales floor with its redesigned front and rear bumper and other bits. Thus, with this new deployment in the drivetrain we expect the compact Tata to launch with a price tag of Rs 2.7 lakh as the universe’s cheapest automatic car.
The crossover did well, now it is time to unwrap the standard (hatchback) version of the same which will get hit as V40. After the introduction, this Volvo machine will take on BMW 1-Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. However, the change is not restricted only to outer shell. Buyers from India will also find Drive-E 1,984cc engine that will make 152PS of peak power and 320Nm of torque after mated to a six-speed gearbox. Two variants will turn out across the sales floor, where top-end will host numerous bells and whistles, and the one down the line will miss out most of them to keep the cost in check for a starting price of Rs 25 lakh (expected).
Referring to the rising demand of large size SUVs Volvo decided to bring down new XC90 ahead of the schedule. A source from industry earlier reported, this utility vehicle of Sweden will make its appearance by end of the year, but decision for launch is preponed now. Two trims will go on offer, Momentum and the Inscription. Both stand distinctly with regards to their varied headlamps. Panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, electrically operational boot, rear parking camera, navigation, 9-inch infotainment screen are some features found on the standard list. Top-of-line, Inscription, will see a new long list. A D5 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine good for 228PS max power and 470Nm peak torque shall make to this country with an 8-speed auto transmission. The new XC90 soon after the launch is believed to take on Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and Audi Q7, where both of them are dominant in the market for their size and sheer driving pleasure. It is expected to see the price somewhere between Rs 65-70 lakh for gaining entry in the showrooms.
A thick line is stretched between the luxury and performance. Getting both of them at the same time will excite everyone. Playing smart this time, Fiat will launch Abarth 500 in India for the expected price of 25 lakh. Pretty small in size than that of Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1-Series, as only these two hatchbacks fill the line in premium segment, a performance-packed 500 from Abarth will set the pulse racing from 137PS max power off a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The same machine also gives buyers an option of 163PS for those who thinks the earlier wasn’t a match of their taste.
Hence, those aforesaid launches are sure-footed for the buyers to get more than expected, after all the competition will just rise like soaring temperature.
If asked us which car should go off the production in India; we may point out a number of them for the reason, they don’t serve the purpose as per a perception of an enthusiast. The automakers on other side don’t think alike. Cars sold in India are solely based on the feedbacks of buyers. Yet, they may not comply with proper standards of a segment, but offered more in competitive price tags and packaging they sell well, like compact sedans and hatchback-based MPVs to name as of now.
Here, a source of the industry had pointed out feasibility of various models that will see the stoppage at production line during the year 2015.
Ford India with the unveiling of Aspire compact sedan has opened a can of worms for competitors. A promising product after the EcoSport will help it to attract more footfalls to showrooms. Thus, this new launch will also bring to an end the legacy of Ford Classic sedan.
Additionally, the next-gen Figo hatchback meant to launch soon will lead to the discontinuation of current-gen model. So, anyone out there aspiring to own a drivers’ car like Ford Classic with the 1.6-litre ‘petrol’ engine (and not diesel), shall plan a visit to the showrooms before the last unit escapes the gate.
Attaching the tag of ‘Ritz’ may bring fortune to a car, was misinterpreted Maruti, which as a result has brought the model to discontinuation due to lack of demand and its incompatibility in the lineup. Instead, a more premium hatchback will join Maruti’s baton in the replacement, tagged as YRA. Some credits to Ritz’s failure can also be directed towards firm impression of Swift, slotted at a shade above it.
Vista, Manza and Sumo Grande (aka Movvus) – Tata Motors has a chunk to discontinue. Yes, the company already pacing through rough patches is in the urge to sort a better way out to a new paradigm. Yet, the maker has recently launched Bolt hatchback, and Zest compact sedan, but hadn’t wiped out those old disappointments since now. As per the sales results, Bolt has successfully taken over Vista, and Zest delivering impressive results than the Manza.
Ford, in a despair need to continue momentum of the flow of footfalls at sales floor, will soon launch the Figo Aspire sedan. Again, this compact is for the mass segment, but isn’t the only example of its category. Aspire has a lot to counter, namely Honda Amaze, Maruti Swift Dzire, Hyundai Xcent, Tata Zest and others. For a striking chord against them, this product of the Blue Oval logoed automaker shall notch up to the mark. Though, there is still time for the launch. Mentioned here are some expectations about the talk, why this Figo Aspire of Ford will seek an attention. And will it be able to rock the sales floor just like EcoSport? Find with us in the posted blog below…
If someone had witnessed the Ford’s stall at Delhi Auto Expo 2014, they must have noticed the new line of ford products wore an Aston Martin-ish front grille; the reason that British car making company was once owned by Ford Motor Company, where designers took the advantage of such notes of collaboration here. Aspire on the exteriors takes on the spectators with a similar front grill infused of chrome slats and a new rear with a flashy chrome strip on the boot connecting both tail lamps. Projector headlamps, daytime running LED lights and some more cues from the new Fiesta sedan too are carried over.
Once stepped in, the cabin is not an exception to other models of Ford lineup. Ranging from central console with a spaceship-esque appearance to steering wheels, there found the same screen and features straightly lifted from EcoSport. Beige leather upholstery may take on the board for top-end trims, where a one down the line will stay dormant with the plain-jane black plastic.
In the past, those who liked the seats of Ford and are unable to find themselves comfortable in the hard-board benches of other cars. Figo Aspire with no exception to this trait of business is also expected to hold the most comfortable space in its segment. As per some of our media friends who had already witnessed this sedan and released the minute details, referred it to boast great leg and knee room at the rear due to sculpted front seats.
There don’t happen the award-winning EcoBoost engine of Ford making its way to the list of engine options of Figo Aspire. Only two of them may majorly cater the segment’s buyers: a 1.2-litre (petrol) of 70PS and 102Nm alongside the 1.5-litre diesel of 90PS and 204NM. The conventional five-speed manual will see a marriage with those aforesaid engines, where no tint of an automatic gearbox erupted from anywhere in the rumours nearing the launch. However, a source even said of a more powerful trim tagged as S – apparently with the EcoBoost and an auto gearbox – may show up for a rich buying experience during the coming months.
At the end, nothing sells massively in India with a high price tag. If built to take on the masses, this number game for Figo Aspire must remain well-studied by the officials at Ford India. Although, the image of the carmaker wasn’t in a good shape for past many years; the Ecosport has proven a boon to them. Once again vowed not to repeat the mistake of the past-gen Fiesta, the company must aim to go with the bands between Rs 5-7 lakh ex-showroom. Hence, it is just tough to claim the lead at the throne captured by Swift Dzire and Honda Amaze, but believing in oneself can at least take them to the halfway, which isn’t a bad option either.
Carmakers started realizing the potential of diesel soon after the petrol prices sky-rocketed in India. Going extreme is just a case, and Indians loves those who go far the most. The things that matters at the bottom of car sale under the pretext of Rs 15 lakh are fuel-economy, maintenance cost, and drive quality – the last feat buyer looks at. Here, we have mentioned the best five diesel automatic cars, which are obviously hassle-free to drive, and do pinch the pockets not harder than 1.5 million INR, which translates they are the names to go by if not wished to hire a chauffeur (preferred self-driven) in the given budget.
The baby sedan of VW India, which also sounds as Polo hatchback in some countries, went livelier when it received the 7-speed DSG gearbox with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine of 103bhp. On the top, a facelift has worked wonders, which it was deprived for days. The drive experience with three-spoke steering wheel after the revamp adds a fair amount of character to the car.
The most sold Skoda in India, Rapid, too fared in the league of diesel automatics. After all, it comes under the parental control of VW Group. So, this move was just expected once the Vento DSG made to its sales floor. Too powered by the same engine of the German sibling, it holds a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder diesel machine worth of producing 103bhp after mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. Though, the black package for buyers from optional list adds a youthful character, which the Vento lacks sternly.
The biggest of them in terms of dimensions and engine displacement, it is a one example of its league. Selling the diesel automatics literally years back, this had given ‘Hyundai Verna’ an upper hand to take on the rivals. The refreshed (facelift) trim called as Verna 4S holds a 1.6-litre diesel motor of 4-cylinder under its bonnet producing 126bhp after mated to a 4-seed auto gearbox, where the ARAI claimed fuel-economy of 23.9kmpl doesn’t disappoint either for this big car. And icing on the cake is a bundle of features from Hyundai.
The show stopper has arrived – Tata Zest is the cheapest diesel automatic car in the country. Worked on the marketing tactic at the first point, Tata Motors countered huge amount of competition from the vicinity, which ultimately made Zest to stand on the juncture that to an extent also includes paltry buyers from hatchback markets looking out for an automatic option in the diesel trim. The thrills and chills are sent by a 1.3-litre unit of 4-cylidner consisted with a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), which even allows users to shuttle between the Sport and Auto modes to suit driving needs and extract much torque off the machine depending upon the condition.
Hence, none of the cars beat Tata Zest, for the price it is offered for. And value proportion is also high either.
Distinctively late; it’s not the great news, Toyota Kirloskar Motors of India is about to launch a new car called Vios rated under the sub 4-metre category. Everybody else in the competition has a one of it, and they are doing pretty well despite the tough market scenarios created by the best examples like Maruti Ciaz, Honda City, Volkswagen Vento and others. Toyota too had a sedan of the smaller caliber called Etios, which even endowed a facelift recently. That failed attempt of Etios along with Innova had attracted only cabbies, led the company to take on a new step with Vios for a cool walk against premium rivals of the band. After all, except for Fortuner, Toyota in India enjoyed great time with the ‘fleet owners’ mostly, and less of passengers. Will this Vios give its maker a chance to surge into the segment with a zest and break ice with the new phase of branding? Find out with us in the blog posted below…
The design language of Vios is lifted from Corolla Altis. Tremendous aggression added on the front is due to hexagonal air dam, chrome strip on front grill, sweptback headlamps, supporting creases on bonnet. Shoulder lines flow prominently till rear, assimilating into the tail lamps lending it a tightly snug wrap. The wraparound tail lamps on the fall-flat tail gate are apparently of the outdated trend, but still it works well with Toyota till date.
Cabin design of Vios is touted to have straightly lifted from the Corolla Altis. The beige colour in combination with black suits the theme. The quality of build to last adjoin by plenty of storage space lends it a right cut in the sophisticatedly wrecking competition. List of equipments is topped to aim high-end buyers. Apart from the conventional music system, Vios in India could also receive an infotainment system and an automatic gearbox for the top-end variants.
Speaking about the comfort, there is plenty of knee room and leg room with seats provided by good support and cushioning. Every bit of space is used smartly to appeal the buyers who are mostly going to spend the time on backseat, said as per the conditions majorly seen with cars of this segment driven mostly by chauffeur. In fact, finely tuned suspension will just suppress the undulations and trajectories from the bad condition of roads in our country very suitably.
Though, the aforesaid story was of interiors. On outside over a measuring tape, Vios is neither the largest in its segment nor the shortest. It clocks a perfect balance between all the aspects and sits comfortably in the centre. Based on internationally available model, this sedan could measure 4410mm in length outpacing Verna and Vento of Hyundai and Volkswagen respectively. At 1700mm width, it still possesses more beef on the sides to envy Honda City and Vento. Scaling the height at 1475mm, Vios once again butches Vento.
Attaining the bottom line from car sales in India is an uphill task. Buyers demand load of features, style, power and an outstanding fuel-economy to complete the package. There appears, the former options can be adjusted if stretched the yields per litre extensively. Asked us, we believe in owning the example that has every of them aplenty. But Toyota Vios is expected to stand tall on the Indian buying sense at large from the diesel engine of 1.4-litre D-4D sending an output of 20kmpl.On the part of petrol, it isn’t that bad either; a 1.5-litre unit may relieve a fuel-efficiency of 15kmpl.
Sought after the fuel-economy, car that runs well on the crumbled roads and doesn’t gives a negative feedback for long duration gains a spot before the purchase. All praises for build-quality, Toyota has excelled here for years delivered cars that were rigidly made and offered low maintenance cost without a hassle on the drive. Vios not an exception to those claims of Toyota will hit the market robustly with agility and firmness.
After all, the price war has led a cut-throat competition in this segment. So, to overcome such hurdles Toyota needs to commence the sales with a very efficient tag, which can be raised further once the trust is developed.
Nothing comes as easy as a job of bifurcating Mini Cooper from the other hatchbacks in a global market, leaving the copies from China for exception. The new Mini that conquered the roads some days back with its fresh aura had once again strike the chord in premium segment with the launch of a S trim in petrol. The badge of S on front grille is the first difference between the diesel and petrol trim which one can spot without making a mistake. Though, the diesel Mini is a soft-target for the buyers who betray fun of driving over the fuel-economy, especially in the car like Mini. And this is well-understood by the designers and engineers. For enticing the enthusiasts, company has brought us the Cooper S – the go-kart like feel behind its steering is now powered by a mighty team of 192 horses at the dab of accelerator, clocks 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds and easily reaches up to the limit of 233km/h.
On the cosmetic front, as it is already affirmed the S on front grille surely take its way out. But other change like the front grille itself is a prominent improvement. The standard petrol car kits up with three slat front grill unlike to the honeycomb treatment given here. The bumper is freshly baked out of the factory for this S model. Turning to its rear, the body colored theme flourishes entire tail gate, where in diesel the chrome strip garnish the section just above the number plate. S badge in the nomenclature is one such distinction here too. The sides are not noteworthy for the Mini S, but for trained personnel it is way more unlikely to the diesel and other options with regards to the ‘alloy wheels’. Blackened 10-spoke alloy wheels are up against the silver ones of Mini D. And not to forget, the S badge here in the profiles once again marks it as the powerful Mini Cooper (S) of the petrol guise.
Moving inside the cabin, Cooper S is not way unrecognizable from its other siblngs. Lot of instruments and details are straightly lifted. The 6.5-inch and 8.8-inch infotainment make way to the list. Talking about the features in detail, more and more of them are opted as standard comparatively; after all, this car is entitled to enthusiasts.
Lift the lid of engine bay, and a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder twin-turbo can be seen resting peacefully, grumbling with the 192 horsepower and 280Nm of torque. The entire traction is send to front wheels. That 6-speed automatic gearbox sweetly handles the 0-100km/h setting in 6.7 seconds, also returning the fuel-economy of 18.2 kmpl in the ARAI tests, despite the max-speed of 233kmph.
Overall, Mini Cooper S is car that is always fun to drive, though a one buys it in the diesel trim even. Powerful petrol motor is the right choice to go for, and Cooper S scores every possible number on the paper. From our industries’ sources who proven lucky enough for a chance behind its steering wheels said, the car is bliss to drive. Pure enthusiasts will not afford to miss the fun of a go-kart behind this powerful machine.
B-Class facelift launch in India may have turned many heads from the segment of niche buyers at entry-level. Though, on the aspect of reforms it wasn’t a big ticket towards the big league. At the cosmetic front, it wore several changes, but engineers have focused on technical aspects equally to deliver better experience than their first attempt in the compact MPV. We strolled around this vehicle several times, and moving our goggles down the face, it was then realized the hot blazing sun focused the tweaks that one can find only if watched carefully. So, just go through the account we have studied, and take a glimpse into the next level amendments of B-Class which it may apparently see in the form of a total makeover except for another facelift.
On the face, B-Class facelift holds up a new twin-slat front grill with the bold star logo on the forehead. Fresh bumper and cool LED headlamps were too stylish for the cars of this gen. Its sides weren’t a new treat to the eyes, but those 16-inch replaced the 17-inch shod with high profile tyres will ease the driving experience. And the fresh set of bumpers sets it for a hike in length by 34mm. Concluding its last bit of the changes carried, some chrome inputs around the exhausts make it up for a flashy good-bye.
Affirming a branding statement, the nomenclature is introduced with B200 CDI model against the B180 CDI, the reason was its updated diesel engine that sends more power than before, which we will study later on.
Step inside, and one would realize most of it had remained unchanged. Ranging from soft-touch materials to the build-quality, air-con vents and dashboard with brush metal finish are from the past model. Excluding it for the big change, minute amendments like C-Class steering wheel, new color for the tripmemter and a tint of sportiness on the instrument cluster are worth of the feeling of sitting behind a steering of B-Class facelift. The CLA sibling has lent its operation system and the large HD color screen to it for an advanced console. The cabin as an overall experience offers a spacious treatment, with enough room for knee and leg at the rear even. It’s the boot that to an extent caused sour experience on our note despite measuring 488-litres. That’s the spare wheel in the space leaving us grumbled for not stacking our baggage and suitcases properly snug in that small closet.
As reported before in this column, the diesel engine has turned more powerful than before. To be specific, it is the same displacement of 2.2-litre but company has compelled it to deliver 135PS, which is approximately 26PS more than the earlier one, alongside the 300NM of torque. A 1.6-litre petrol continues to do the job like it used to do before with its 120PS of peak output.
The driving ergonomics are based out of the city’s culture. Light steer, easy cornering, and compact structure make it thoughtful for the lady drivers even. Other than its urban jungle oriented nature, the affordable Mercedes MPV also performs the highway run very peacefully. The three digit figure on speedometer do not takes away the confidence either. Mercedes had officially rated the top-whack at 210kmph. Other factors that were aiding the drive culture are ground clearance and revised suspension which were already on-board of the past model. The refined diesel engines, well-insulated cabin, and on the top of all – a better fuel-economy (approximately 20kmpl) – is like an abundantly decent package for the Indian buyers. After all, that’s the price differentiating others and B-Class facelift from each of them. Petrol motor comes at a price of Rs 27.95 lakh, where the diesel is costlier by Rs 1 lakh, falls at Rs 28.95 ex-showroom Mumbai.
Hence, buying a one of the B-Class facelift is altogether a style statement (not excluding the status quo) as well as utility; both of them bind together in the wrap of luxury and German engineering. So, from our perspective, B-Class facelift isn’t a loss statement at all. Have your say in the comments section below…
The market of hatchback-turned-crossover is very acute in India for many reasons; number one is the pricing, and second is lack practicality like a compact SUV – after all it is a hatchback underneath the skin with the raised ground clearance. Though, despite those negative claims working against the segment, India sees a number of them on road, Fiat Avventura, Toyota Etios Cross, Cross Polo, and now the Hyundai i20 Active to name some of the league. Here, minus the competition, we are about to explain the feature list of Hyundai i20 Active, and how it suits the condition of competition in the present day scenario.
Hyundai i20 Active Base Variant
Hyundai is pronouncedly known for packing feature more than expectation, where the base i20 Active stands witness to those sayings. Manual AC vents including for the rear seats, halogen headlamps with escort technology, central locking, power windows on front says a bit of convenience. Further showing its generosity, carmaker also gave the 2-DIN integrated radio MP3 music system with 1GB storage, USB and AUX connectivity (no Bluetooth included and no tweeters for rear). Cooled glove box is standard, but option of adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel is missing.
Hyundai i20 Active S Variant
The second from bottom and the top-end variant for petrol buyers, i20 Active S includes all features from the base variant but adds rear defogger, ABS, driver airbag, electrically adjustable mirrors, impact sensing door unlock, projector headlamps with daytime running lights and cornering lights, adjustable driver’s seat, steering mounted controls, rear tweeters, Bluetooth connectivity, and the 16-inch diamond cut alloys makes up for the treat.
Hyundai i20 Active SX Variant
This variant is only for diesel buyers. Packed up to the core, buyers will get the automatic headlamps, chrome on door handles, leather on steering and gear knob, telescopic and tilt adjustment for steering wheels, rear wiper with washer, smart key with push start button, front passenger airbag, steering position indicator on supervision cluster, 60:40 split rear seat with adjustable headrest, clutch lock, 2nd power outlet and cluster ionizer for the air-condition including entire functions of S variant.
Petrol
Hyundai Active i20 1.2 Base Variant: Rs 6.69 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai)
Hyundai Active i20 1.2 S Variant: Rs 7.43 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai)
Diesel
Hyundai Active i20 1.4 Base Variant: Rs 8.0 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai)
Active i20 1.4 S Variant: Rs 8.74 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai)
Active i20 1.4 SX Variant: Rs 9.32 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai)
Petrol
Active i20 1.2 Base Variant: Rs 6.38 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)
Active i20 1.2 S Variant: Rs 7.09 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)
Diesel
Active i20 1.4 Base Variant: Rs 7.63 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)
Active i20 1.4 S Variant: Rs 8.34 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)
Active i20 1.4 SX Variant: Rs 8.89 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)