Maruti Suzuki Launches Kizashi
Market leader Maruti Suzuki India today launched its luxury sedan Kizashi. The car would be available in 2 variants: the manual variant will cost Rs. 16.5 lakh and the automatic version has been priced higher at Rs. 17.5 lakh (ex-showroom) in Delhi. There was a lot of expectation over the pricing of the car since Maruti will import the Kizashi from parent Suzuki's facility in Japan. Maruti Kizashi is powered by a 2400cc litre petrol engine that will churn out 185 bhp of power. Kizashi will compete with Toyota Camry and Honda Accord at the upper end and Honda Civic, Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla at the lower end. These vehicles are priced between Rs. 12 to 20 lakh.
As per industry estimates, the size of the luxury car segment in the country is over 55,000 units per year. Maruti currently commands nearly 50% of the total Indian car market which was at 1.87 million units in 2010. Maruti India has been trying to get into the bigger car segment for some time now. Its 1st attempt with Baleno did not meet with much success but the company was able to make a mark with the mid-sized sedan Maruti SX4 in 2007.
Ford planning to rename 2011 Fiesta
Ford India is going to re-name the existing generation Fiesta the ‘Fiesta Classic’ when the all-new Fiesta (code: B299) is launched later this year. Instead of giving a completely different name to the B299, Ford wants to stick to the original Fiesta name for its hottest car. The new Fiesta saloon that employs Ford’s global kinetic design theme is attractive as well as instant eye-catcher. It is bigger than the current-generation Fiesta and will acquire a more strong 1.6-litre petrol motor producing 118bhp. The diesel gets 90bhp from its 1.6-litre motor, up from the existing 1.4’s 68bhp and it will have a very useful 20.7kgm of torque. There’s more – this cars interiors are something that’s completely different from what you acquire to see in this class. The funky looking dash and high-class plastics make it feel like a truly modern auto and Ford has tuned this Mazda stage to its own very prominent standards. This should mean it has a comfortable outing and agile handling. Also, this car could get the option of a DSG-like dual-clutch automated gearbox.
Maruti to Launch Diesel SX4 in February
Maruti Suzuki India is scheduling to launch the diesel alternative of SX4 in India next month. The diesel variant will also be facelifted with few cosmetic changes inside out, which was also exhibited by Suzuki in China. The Maruti SX4 Diesel will be motorized by the same 90 PS diesel engine which propels the Linea and the Manza. Unlike the permanent geometry turbo on the Swift DDiS, the SX4 diesel will introduce the variable geometry version which not only offers more power, but delivers it more linearly. The business is scheduling to price the diesel alternative of the SX4 aggressively, which has not been doing too well due to the lack of a diesel option. The SX4 is at present available only with a petrol engine, which isn’t quite as fuel effective as some of its other counterparts.
Tata to Launch Manza Elan
Edo Competition’s Porsche Panamera
Edo contest presents the most influential Porsche Panamera Turbo with a host of goodies dubbed “Moby Dick”. The output of the Panamera’s twin-turbo V8 was increased from 500 hp to 750 hp, enabling the four-door vehicle to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in under four seconds, and to achieve an electronically governed top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph), depending on the tires used. As part of the engine modifications, the exhaust system was totally redesigned. The revised instructions complement the model of the new carbon fiber rear valance and a fantastic exhaust note adds to the driver’s enjoyment. The Panamera Turbo has also been fitted with aerodynamics package from Mansory, that was installed on customer request.
The new rear valance provides a lot of room for the extreme performance exhaust system developed by edo competition, featuring four large stainless steel exhaust tips and butterfly valves. The edo electronic lowering module offers precise handling and enhanced vehicle dynamics. The new 22" wheels do their element to enhance the Panamera’s athletic appearance. If desired, the wheels can be custom painted to match the exterior of the car or to provide a contrast. An upgraded interior provides the finishing touch in car. In order to perfect the visual and sensory aspect of the product, edo competition also devotes attention to internal upgrades. According to the customer’s chices, leather and fabric are combined with the finest wood, lacquer, metal or carbon fiber surfaces.
Low Sales of Kizashi in China
Audi expects to sell 4500 vehicles in 2011 in India
Audi India has set a aim of selling 4500 Cars in India in this year. It is 50% up from the 3,003 cars sold in 2010. Disposal income of new generation Indians is increasing and car makers have seen tremendous increase in sales in 2010. BMW grew by 73%, Mercedes by 80%. Michael Perschke, head of Audi India told that they are close behind the competition and working very hard.
Company is planning to launch new Audi A8, a long wheel based sedan later this month followed with A7 Sedan in end of May or early June. New variant of Audi A6 will be launched in the last quarter of 2011. As part of their forceful growth strategy, Audi India is planning to grow the dealership. Audi is going to add new dealerships in Surat, Ludhiana, Indore and Nagpur. At present Audi is using Skoda's plant in Aurangabad to assemble A4, Q5 and A6 models.
Green Light for Production of Lamborghini Estoque
The Lamborghini Estoque has received the support from Audi and will therefore lead to production. Another confirmation is that it will be based on the forthcoming Audi A9. The Italians’ fast, edgy Estoque is back on the cards after senior executives at owner Audi threw their hold behind the four-door supercar last week. Lamborghini first open the model at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, before putting it on the back burner. But now, senior sources at the German marque have declared that the Lamborghini Estoque is exactly what Lamborghini needs to more than double sales, and benefit economic independence. But Audi has done more than easily comment on the Estoque. By unofficially confirming policy for its individual A9 limo-coupé, it has also given Lamborghini the complete manufacture chassis.
Honda New Civic Gets Sunroof
Honda India has launched the new Honda Civic with sunroof in presence of famous Bollywood actress Chitrangada Singh along with Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, Director, Marketing and Mr. Jnaneswar Sen, Marketing, Vice President, HSCI. The introduction of sunroof gives the car an impressive panoramic feeling making it look brighter and bigger. The Sunroof was found to be the most attractive feature in the Civic based on the customer’s feedback.
Honda Civic will have a new shade Urban Titanium along with the existing colors available in the range. Speaking on the event of Honda Civic, Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, Director, Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India Limited. told that they are pleased to introduce the new Civic with sunroof which further augments the flair quotient of the car and make it even more desirable. They believe that this variant will greatly appeal to the customers for whom the style is a way of life.”
Volvo India to Launch S60 in India
Volvo is going to launch its popular super luxury sedan S60 in the next month in Indian market. Volvo S60 saloon will be worth around Rs. 30 Lakh. Volvo S60 will be imported to the country as a completely built unit which will attract a massive 110 percent excise duty. The muscular Volvo S60 has similar design flair as the Volvo XC60 crossover including the aggressive fascia, high waistline, and coupe like roof line. The car’s design is a refreshing change from the Germanic designs we see from European car-manufacturers.
The all new Volvo S60 is expected to be offered with the same 2400cc turbo diesel engine that is already available in the crossover Volvo XC60. The powerful engine of the saloon will be capable of generating a utmost power output of 205bhp. Volvo India managing director, Paul de Voijs , also hinted that the company would set up an assembly facility in India once the sales of Volvo Car India reaches 2000 units.