Auto BHP Auto Industry Updates and Reviews

15Aug/100

Maruti Suzuki A-Star Automatic Launched

Maruti Suzuki has launched A-Star Automatic with a price tag of Rs. 4,81.000 (On-road Mumbai). Maruti A-Star Automatic is available in only one variant - VXi. It comes fully loaded with AC, Power windows, Power steering, Remote central locking, height adjustable driver's seat, tachometer, internaly adjustable outside rearview mirrors, ABS(Anti-lock braking system).

Price of Maruti A-Star Automatic

Here are the on-road prices of Maruti A-Star Automatic:

Mumbai ---- 4,81,000.00
New Delhi - 4,49,000.00
Kolkata ----- 4,69000.00
Chennai ---- 4,68,000.00

Shades Available in Maruti A-Star Automatic

- Healing Green
- Midnight Black
- Paradise Blue
- Silky Silver
- Sunlight Copper
- Artic White
- Azure Grey
- Desert Brown
- Bright Red

13Aug/100

Maruti Suzuki Launches 5 CNG Cars

Maruti Suzuki has unveiled its flagship CNG engine technology, 'intelligent-Gas Port Injection' or i-GPI on five popular models. The CNG vehicles were unveiled by Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment and Forests in the presence of senior government dignitaries and Maruti Suzuki management team. The models include SX4, Eeco, WagonR, Estilo and Alto and are being launched in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Gujrat. With this initiative, the CNG footprint of the company spreads across entry level cars, compact cars, sedans and MPV segments. As the CNG technology is factory fitted the customers will enjoy the full warranty benefits including extended warranty. To top it all, the CNG vehicles from Maruti Suzuki will enjoy the nationwide back up of over 2700 Maruti Service Stations.

The price of the CNG cars are as follows : -

Alto CNG - 3.23 lakhs
Estilo CNG - 4.05 lakhs
WagonR CNG - 4.11 lakhs
Eeco CNG - 3.64 lakhs
SX4 CNG - 7.47 lakhs

The i-GPI or Intelligent Gas Port Injection bi-fuel technology offers an intelligent ride. Intelligent as it ensures more power vis-à-vis retro-fitted CNG vehicles and offers a peppier ride experience at par with that of a petrol-fuelled engine, while achieving high fuel efficiency at the same time. The factory fitted CNG vehicles score very high on safety and reliability vis-à-vis the aftermarket retro-fitted options. Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles pass through all the quality checks, processes and systems similar to a regular car manufactured at Maruti Suzuki plants.

The factory fitted CNG vehicles use advanced Intelligent Gas Port Injection technology. Maruti Suzuki R&D team has integrated this technology with the Company's range of engines and products to bring the benefits to the consumers. In a leap over alternative aftermarket options, the i-GPI technology is a Dual ECU (Engine Control Unit) technology. The i-GPI technology uses separate injectors for each cylinder. Based on inputs from the ECU, metered CNG quantity is injected to the engine through gas ports. The quantity of CNG required for different driving conditions is controlled by the dedicated ECU, leading to more efficient fuel usage. Similar to the usual pre-launch evaluation, each of the cars with i-GPI CNG technology has been extensively tested for around 2 lakh kilometers in varied terrains. In addition, over 3,000 hours of bench tests have validated the design and performance to bring unmatchable combination of performance and reliability for the customers.

Advantage To The Customer : -

• Contemporary i-GPI technology
• Performance and Driveability at par with gasoline powered engine
• High fuel efficiency
• Lower running costs by 60 percent
• Peace of Mind: Full warranty coverage, Service support across the country
• Vehicle body design for CNG system
• Safety reinforced: High Quality Components, Integrated wiring harness, CNG system leak-proofing, toughened suspension
• Dual ECU system for enhanced performance
• Extensive performance testing
• No compromise on engine life

Government of India has committed to developing the infrastructure and network of the CNG stations across the country. This is in line with government's aim to reduce the dependence on import of fossil fuels. With the discovery of large gas reserves in the country the network of CNG supplies is set to expand rapidly in near future. Maruti Suzuki's launch of CNG technology vehicles will help create the eco system for use of a clean and cost effective fuel in India.

12Aug/100

Mahindra Closes In To Ssangyong

Mahindra & Mahindra has been selected as preferred bidder by SsangYong. The preferred bidder status would require it to enter into a MoU with SsangYong Motor Company, followed by a detailed due diligence process. For those who don't know, SYMC is a Korean Manufacture of Auto and Aggregates. It sells seven models under five brands which include two large size sedans, four SUVs and one MPV. The company is seen as a major player in the Korean SUV segment having been recorded 1.3 million SUV sales from 1990-2009. It has a considerable dealer presence of about 1,200 dealers around the globe.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anand Mahidnra, VC and MD, Mahindra Group said that Korea is one of world's leading centers of automotive excellence and Ssangyong brings with it a rich legacy of R&D and innovation. Mahindra and Ssangyong will create synergy, which will make us significant global players. By getting selected as the preferred bidder by Ssangyong, Mahindra becomes the second Indian manufacturer after Tata Motors to acquire a foreign automotive company. Tata Motors acquired iconic brands Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008.

[Via: AutoCarIndia]

12Aug/100

Hero Honda to launch all New Hunk

Hero Honda is all set to launch the New 2010 Hunk. It is expcted to be launched in few days. Hero Honda New Hunk appears to be a decent looking motorcycle with its small fairing and has tank shrouds.

Changes/Additional features of New 2010 Hero Honda Hunk:

- Rear Disc Brake
- Digital and Analog Speedometer with clear fonts
- All New visor
- All New front fender
- Tubeless tyres
- LED tail lamps
- Attractive graphics on the tank
- Bull Logo on tank shrouds
- Maintenance-free battery

The tank shrouds are big and New Hunk's tank has good knee recess. Similar to some popular international bikes, New Hunk's telescopic fork is golden in colour. This nicely gels with the 5 spoke black alloy wheels. The gas holder of the rear suspension is also golden. Hero Honda's New Hunk embraces the contemporary black theme - the handlebar weight, alloy wheels, silencer guard and the grab rail of the New Hunk are painted black. Suspension is through telescopic fork at the front and the rear suspension is a 5 step adjustable gas charged one.

New Hero Honda Hunk is expected to feature digital plus analogue instrument cluster which is the latest trend among premium bikes. New Hunk's battery is the same 12V-7Ah and the ignition is through AMI(Advanced Microprocessor Ignition). New Hunk's engine is same as the X-Treme's 4 stroke 150cc engine. It develops 14bhp at 8500rpm of power and 12.8Nm of Torque. Hunk's 150cc engine is mated with a conventional 5speed gearbox. Similar to the TVS CVTi engine the Hunk's 150cc engine produces tumble induction for efficient burning which means more efficiency.

11Aug/100

Maruti to launch A-Star Automatic

Maruti Suzuki is set to roll out the automatic version of the A-Star by the end of this week. The A-star is powered by a 1 liter K-Series engine and the automatic version will be a boon for those who want an effortless driving experience without shelling out too much booty. Maruti will be using a 4 speed automatic gearbox and the car will weigh around 915 kgs as compared to 880 kgs for the manual one. The A-Star Automatic was recently launched in Malaysia and is manufactured by Maruti Suzuki in India and exported as a CBU. Naturally it will be priced more than the manual.

[Via: Motorbeam]

11Aug/100

Volkswagen launches the New Vento at Rs 6.99 lakhs

Delhi, August 12, 2010: Volkswagen , Europe's largest car maker launched it's much awaited entry level premium sedan the Vento today. The Vento will be available to customers starting at Rs 6.99 lakhs, for the 1.6 litre petrol variant and Rs. 7.99 lakhs for the diesel variant, Ex. Showroom New Delhi.

Speaking about Volkswagen's market introduction of the Vento, Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd said, "The New Vento, which stands for best in class features and German engineering is poised to set a benchmark in its segment. Designed for the Indian market it will be a strong addition to our product portfolio. Adding further he said, "The New Vento is an extension of our commitment towards the Indian consumers of providing the best quality products at competitive prices."

The New Vento will go on sale from September 6, 2010 across India in all Volkswagen dealers.

The petrol variant of the Vento is equipped with a 1.6 litre engine with an output of 105PS @ 5250 rpm and a Torque of 153NM @ 3800 rpm. It is paired with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gear box and boast of fuel efficiency of 15.83 Km/l and 14.4Km/l respectively. The diesel variant is also equipped with the 1.6 litre engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, with an output of 105PS @ 4400 rpm and a Torque of 250 NM @ 1500-2500 rpm and has a fuel efficiency of 20.54 Km/l.

The New Vento will be available in two trim levels including Trendline, Highline.

The interior is equipped with storage compartment in front doors for 1 litre Bottles, sunglass storage inside glove box, foldable roof handles with coat hooks, front and rear centre armrest, cupholders and "Livon" fabric upholstery are proof of the sure instinct of high design quality which interprets the classic elements of the Vento in a contemporary way. In exteriors too, the Vento offers Body colored bumpers, Chrome inlays in front grille, body coloured exterior door handles & mirrors (Highline), rough road package with increased ground clearance and partially zinc coated body with 6 years anti-rust warranty. With regards to safety, the Vento Highline is equipped with ABS, Front Airbags for driver and co-driver, Anti Theft system with interior surveillance and back up alarm.

On comfort, the Vento Highline offers adjustable front co-driver seat from the rear, CD MP3 Player with 4 speakers, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, climatronic automatic air conditioning with rear AC vents, remote control for central locking. Multi function information display including door opening warning, height adjustable driving seats, a steering wheel adjustable for reach and rake which improves the drivability of the passenger are also available. The Vento will establish a leadership position in its class with category defining attributes of space, style, comfort and safety. It will be manufactured at Volkswagen's Chakan plant with an annual capacity of 110,000 cars.

9Aug/100

Yamaha India stops the production of G5, Gladiator and Alba

Today Yamaha India announced the close the production of of G5 and Alba (both 106cc) and Gladiator.Also Yamaha made it clear that the models won't be upgraded to BSIII norms. Yamaha launched the three new bikes in last week for the Indian Market, so company want to concentrate more on the new launched, said by Yamaha India.

9Aug/100

Honda India launches Jazz X

Honda Cars India have added a new variant to its Jazz hatchback. Christened as Jazz X , it comes with new features such as rear parcel tray, alloy wheels and front fog lamps. Jazz X is priced Rs7,45,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). The 'X Edition' is an addition to the Jazz line-up boasts premium styling, spacious interiors, versatile utility and remarkable performance and fuel efficiency. The Jazz X aims at getting customers back into the showrooms and give the slow moving hatch a second lease of life.

Additional Features in Honda Jazz X:

- Alloy Wheels
- Rear Parcel Tray
- Front Mud Flaps
- USB Port in Music System
- Front Fog Lamps
- Height Adjustable Driver's Seat

9Aug/100

Suzuki India Launches Slingshot in India

Suzuki India has launched the Slingshot in India. Its is powered by a 124cc engine and is available in two variants - Slingshot Alloy and Slingshot Spoke. Both the models are kick start and have drum brakes. The prices are Rs. 53000 for the alloy variant and Rs. 51000 for the spoke variant. In terms of design and styling the SlingShot 125 looks very plain jane and simple in comparison to other bikes available in this segment like recently launched Pulsar 135 and even the smaller segemnt bike - CB Twister looks better than the SlingShot 125. The instrument cluster of Suzuki SlingShot 125 is plain jane with a large speedometer and fuel gauge with other tell tales on right side of speedometer.

7Aug/100

Toyota India Launches Fortuner Anniversary Edition

Toyota has launched Fortuner Anniversary edition to mark its first anniversary. The Fortuner anniversary edition comes with:

- Front bumper spoiler
- Rear bumper spoiler
- Rear roof spoiler
- Chromer muffler cutter.

Toyota will sell only 250 units of Fortuner Anniversary edition. Toyota Fortuner Anniversary edition is priced Rs. 20,45,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).