Auto BHP Auto Industry Updates and Reviews

7Aug/110

Class lies in archaic beauty

Bentley Arnage has been Bentley’s age old pride as a flagship heirloom of its past. For those you relish in antique relics and have a passion for old-world elegance without much concern for latest technology then Bentley will capture your intent. Bentley Arnage is available as a regular Arnage R, the stretched-wheelbase Arnage RL or a higher-performance Arnage T powered by a turbo charged 6.75-liter V8 engine and a six speed automatic transmission that can zoom up to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. With a luxuriously rich interior of leather and wood, comfort and elegance gain prime preferences with this exuberant vintage beauty.

28Jul/110

Ford Ikon: A Sedan Version of the Ford Fiesta Mark V

The Ford Ikon is a sedan version of the Ford Fiesta Mark V on the Ford B3 platform and is manufactured and sold in India. Compared to the Mexican and South African Lkon (based closely on the European Mark IV and V Fiesta), the India Ikon has a cheaper suspension, interior and front end structure. In Mexico, Brazil and China, the Ikon was marketed as a Fiesta sedan. In Brazil, this was replaced by a new 4-door model based on the South American Fiesta. In South Africa, the Ikon was replaced by a different 4-door model based on the European Fiesta Mark and manufactured in India.

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26Jul/110

Hyundai i20: The car is the next level of class and comfort

The Hyundai i20 looks fresh and inviting. It comes with fresh style, fresh look in the interiors and with class leading safety with great driver dynamics. This new sparkling car is now riding high with its popularity and now is the most preferred car on the Indian roads. If you are aspiring for the affordable luxury than Hyundai i20 is the perfect choice for you and Hyundai i20 price doesn't make any extra load to your pocket. The Hyundai i20 comes with dynamic styling and therefore it is only right that the car rides on a new platform that can deliver an athletic and responsive driving experience.

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25Jul/110

Press Release – Chevrolet Beat Diesel

Chevrolet India has launched the Beat Diesel in India. The base model of Beat Diesel has been priced Rs. 4.29 lakhs (Ex-showroom New Delhi). It is available in nine attractive shades. All Chevrolet dealers have started accepting bookings of Beat Diesel. It is powered by 936cc diesel engine which generates maximum power of 57 bhp with maximum torque of 150 Nm


Main Features of Chevrolet Beat Diesel


- Advanced engine design, engineering & packaging.
- Combination of features and engine components package that provides improved performance.
- Significant improvement in NVH characteristics of the engine leading to more comfortable driving experience.
- Smart engine design and technology that provides optimum fuel efficiency in varied driving conditions.
- Higher low end torque delivery for improved driving experience in stop and go traffic conditions.
- Rigorously tested & proven in extreme Indian road and climatic conditions.


Price Of Chevrolet Beat Diesel in New Delhi


- Chevrolet Beat Diesel PS - 4,29,000.00
- Chevrolet Beat Diesel LS - 4,59,000.00
- Chevrolet Beat Diesel LT - 4,99,000.00
- Chevrolet Beat Diesel LT Option - 5,45,000.00


Pro-Vario Assist Featherlite - EPS (PAF EPS)


- Smoothest easy drive Electronic Power Steering
- Human Comfort Technology for higher power steering assist for lowest effort in parking maneuvers & low speed driving.
- Road speed dependant progressively variable assist levels above 40kmph for increased road feel & optimum vehicle control.


Intelligent Launch Support System (ILSS)


- ILSS ensures effortless launch, specially on gradients in conjunction with Advanced Insta-Torque Boost (AIB) &  Electronic Throttle.
- Electronic Clutch Switch detects clutch pedal has been pressed therefore optimum torque is delivered.


Advanced Insta-Torque Boost (AIB)


- Smart Turbo-charger with vacuum activated wastegate cuts in smoothly for instant torque build-up.
- Highest Torque per Litre in Mini Segment.
- Helps during overtaking maneuvers by sensing torque demand & providing instant torque through immediate engine RPM increase.


Smart Engine & Clutch Protection Mode (SECP)


- Engine Protection Mode manages engine torque & power output based on inputs from coolant temperature sensor and engine oil pressure sensor.
- Smart electronically controlled logic ensures launch RPMs are maintained in the safe zone.
- Clutch Assembly protection during car launch on grades – specially designed for Indian Driving Conditions & New Drivers.
- Aids Fuel Efficiency and minimizes clutch wear for lower running & maintenance costs.


Gas Charged Rebound Tuned Suspension (GRTS)


- GRT suspension tuned to maximise ride comfort and dynamic vehicle handling.
- Specially tuned suspension for Indian driving conditions & customer preferences.
- Wider tires aid better road grip and enhance high speed cornering as well as braking efficiency


Stylish Headlamps - With its twin-barrel design and polycarbonate outer lenses, the headlamps stretch from the front fascia to the back of the hood, providing enhanced lighting and style.


Dynamic Front Fog Lamps - Integrated into ‘shark fin-shaped’ bezels in the front bumper, these chrome-rimmed lamps increase illumination to let you enjoy your drive in every season.


Recessed Rear Door Handles - An integrated design for the rear door handles gives it a unique, sporty two-door appearance without sacrificing the four-door utility.


Muscular Side Profile - Crisp lines, dramatic wheel arches, steeply raked A-pillar; rising beltline and a rear swept roofline add thrill to your ride.


Satin Silver Roof Rails - Design to complement and enhance the dynamic, sporty appearance.


Unique Instrument Cluster - The unique steering column-mounted instrument cluster displays an LED backlit analogue speedometer, LCD digital tachometer and ice-blue illuminated controls.


Integrated Central Control Panel and Dash - Advanced integrated central panel with graphic infotainment display, HVAC controls, radio and CD player with MP3, USB and Aux-in compatibility, it makes on-board operation easier by giving you access to these key interior features.


Automatic Air Conditioning - Automatic climate control maintains the cabin temperature at a desired level.


Integrated Central Console and Dash - Innovative integrated central panel with graphic infotainment display, Air Conditioning controls, radio and CD player with MP3, USB and Aux-in compatibility.


Tilt Steering - Ensuring a comfortable drive, the tilt function helps to adjust the steering wheel according to the need of the driver.


Smart Cabin Space - Its 60:40 split-folding rear seat with cushion folding provides flexible seating and boot storage options for comfortable long drives.


Best in Segment Ground Clearance of 175 mm


Safety Cage - With nearly 60% of the structure constructed with high-strength steel, it adds strength to critical points and provides optimum protection to passengers by absorbing the energy during a collision.


Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) - Prevents the wheels from locking while braking and allows steering control, especially on slippery surfaces for those adventurous drives.


Dual Airbags - Equipped with dual front airbags and front seat belts with load limiters to ensure complete safety.


Advanced Low Rolling Resistance Silica Tyres - With wider profile for better road grip and improved fuel efficiency.

21Jul/110

Skoda Fabia: Simple, stylish and neat

Skoda Fabia is a car which makes you feel special. The sleek looking Fabia is the first car in India that is designed for with a huge passenger and cargo space and give the incredible looks. Skoda Fabia Ambiente offers the same features but embedded with the diesel engine. This car offers the all similar luxury features like a big car at the same times it is so compact which gives you the complete comfort and keeps you free from the parking problems, of course also can be fit for the congested areas.  It’s a good car for a good price. Skoda Fabia is divided into Classic, Ambiente and Elegance.

14Jul/110

Press Release: New Ford Fiesta Launched

DELHI, India, 14 July, 2011 - Ford India launched its global sedan, the All-New Fiesta, in the city today. The premium sedan, since its reveal earlier this year, has grabbed the attention of car buyers in India with its engaging and intuitive passenger communication technology. The globally evolved product brings to its segment a new meaning to passenger safety, delivers class-leading fuel efficiency and comes with first-in-segment smart features such as cruise control, electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and Advanced Bluetooth Voice Control. Ford India today also introduced its first-ever 1.5-litre powertrains – 1.5 L Ti-VCT and 1.5 L Duratorq TDCi engines that will drive the premium sedan. The engines are designed and tuned to deliver an uncompromising razor-sharp performance, addictive drivability and best-in-class fuel efficiency. Both powertrains will be manufactured in Ford India’s state-of-the-art engine plant at Maraimalai Nagar.

The All-New Fiesta is available in four premium trims, across eight variants – Style, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Plus, with both petrol and diesel powertrain options in manual transmission. The 1.5 L Ti-VCT Style is priced at Rs. 823,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and the 1.5 L Duratorq TDCi Titanium Plus at Rs. 10,42,200 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Ford India is offering Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), airbags and steering wheel audio controls as standard features among others, across all eight variants in both petrol and diesel options. “We are excited to launch the All-New Fiesta to India and reiterate our One Ford vision by bringing you the first of the eight new global vehicles to be launched here by 2015. This premium sedan, with its many first-in-segment and innovative features, brings to its segment class-leading passenger safety, precision engineering and in-cabin technology and elevates the customer experience to a new level of engagement and connectivity while on the move,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director of Ford India.

“Ford India is proud to be the sixth manufacturing location in the world to produce the All-New Fiesta,” he added.

Bold new exterior and interiors - At first sight, the kinetic design and bold and sexy exteriors of Fiesta appear international and flamboyant, aerodynamic and sporty – and make a style statement. The All-New Fiesta’s seductive and aesthetic interiors reveal an advanced technological cockpit which is intuitive and impressively modern. The car comes equipped with exciting new features like an intuitive human-machine interface, first-in-segment Advanced Bluetooth Voice Control that allow for hands-free control over six functions such as phone, radio, CD, USB, iPod and electronic climate control.

The first-in-segment EPAS with Pull Drift Compensation technology adapts to changing road conditions leading to increased safety and control. Dual front air bags with ABS and EBD (standard across all variants) as well as an ultra-high strength body reinforced with aluminized boron steel in the All-New Fiesta make for an engaging and safe drive. The All-New Fiesta is being launched in seven exciting colours – Diamond White, Moondust Silver, Sea Grey, Chill, Panther Black, Squeeze and Kinetic Blue.

An engaging drive, unmatched safety - Powered by all-new fuel-efficient 1.5 L Ti-VCT and 1.5 L Duratorq TDCi powertrains developed for India and built in Chennai, the new sedan delivers excellent handling in city as well as highway conditions, without sacrificing its essentially sporty character. Both engines offer best-in-class fuel economy: 1.5 L Ti-VCT delivers 17 km/L and the 1.5 L Duratorq TDCi, 23.5 km/L1.

“Our extensive research revealed customers’ inclination and aspiration towards technology and we have the right product in the All-New Fiesta which addresses that requirement giving serious consideration to safety on the move. While adding dynamism and diversity to our showrooms across the country, this premium and engaging sedan brings in Ford’s global essence to the Indian market,” said Nigel Wark, executive director of Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford India.

Specially tuned front struts, bushings, damper stabiliser bars and a rear twist-beam axle provide sure-footed performance and comfort. The reinforced construction provides the necessary safety on the roads. Fiesta’s ability to hug the road and cruise quietly is made possible by its rigid body structure, which Ford engineers have strengthened in many critical areas. More than 55 percent of the structure uses high-strength steel with ultra-strong boron steel reinforcing several key points. The result is best-in-class occupant safety: passengers are better protected in the event of a side impact. Safety is also enhanced by standard front driver and passenger airbags on all models.

Lower cost of ownership and reliability - Ford India is offering a 2-year warranty/ 100,000 km to ensure the peace of mind that comes with owning the latest Ford. The years of research, superior materials and the best of engineering also bring to the customer a lower cost of ownership. “With a comprehensive mix of technology, safety and comfort features, the dynamic New Ford Fiesta packs in a peaceful and enduring ownership experience,” Wark added. Ford India offers a hassle-free service and ownership experience with the All-New Fiesta through its 189 3S grade sales and service outlets in 107 Indian cities.

The all-new Fiesta at a glance

- Best-in-class fuel efficiency and low-emissions: 17 km/L (petrol) and 23.5 km/L (diesel) as per ARAI; BS-IV compliant engines1

- First-in-segment Advanced Bluetooth Voice Control: Hands-free control over mobile phone, radio, CD, USB, iPod and electronic climate control

- First-in-segment electronic power assisted steering (EPAS) with Pull Drift Compensation technology adapts to changing road conditions

- First-in-segment  cruise control: Fiesta’s cruise control allows the driver to set and maintain speeds while driving on highways

- Best-in-class Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH): A super quiet cabin and rattle-free ride

- Class-leading climate control: Superior air-conditioning with faster cooling and electronic climate control

- Class-leading safety: Front dual airbags, construction with high strength and boron steel provide better protection, Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)

- Rear Parking Sensors: Better control while reversing

- Eye-catching Kinetic Design: Sweeping bold lines, sculpted, clamshell bonnet and prominent wheel arches drive its attractiveness

28Jun/110

Press Release – Toyota Etios Liva

June 27, 2011, Delhi: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced its entry into the popular hatchback segment in India, with the launch of Etios Liva. Etios sedan and the hatchback Etios Liva - built on the same platform – have been specifically developed for the Indian customers. Etios Liva inherits its name from its sedan, Etios. The word Liva has been coined from the dynamic and positive terms - Lively and Live Life to the fullest - which reflects the spirit and image of the car. It is targeted at today’s youth whose spirit and belief is translated into the advertising line for Etios Liva -“LIV TMRRW 2DAY”.

Tagged – ‘Q Class Hatch’ - Etios Liva is stylishly designed and portrays a youthful and sporty image. Etios Liva will carry forward the ‘Q’ Class experience from Etios and will offer Toyota’s legendary QDR standard – Quality, Durability and Reliability at an affordable price.

Etios Liva will be available in four variants, J, G, V and VX, competitively priced between xxx and xxx ex-showroom Delhi. The product highlights include youthful and sporty design, best-in-class cabin space, superior ride comfort and best-in-class fuel efficiency.

Etios Liva was launched by Mr. Hiroji Onishi, (President, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, Marketing and Sales) in the presence of Mr. Vikram Kirloskar (Vice Chairman, TKM), Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa (Managing Director, TKM), Mr. Sandeep Singh (Deputy Managing Director-Marketing, TKM) and Mr. Yoshinori Noritake, (Chief Engineer of the Etios and Etios Liva, Toyota Motor Corporation).

Commenting on the launch of the Etios, Mr. Hiroji Onishi, President, TMAP, Marketing and Sales said: “India is an integral part of our global growth strategy. The Etios project is a milestone not only for Toyota in India but for Toyota globally. The Etios Liva has been designed focusing on the Indian customer’s aspirations, tastes and preferences that were gathered, studied and understood through extensive research. We are delighted by the overwhelming response received by the Etios customers. The Etios has been well accepted by our customers. We hope the Etios Liva will further reinforce the Toyota brand in India, making Toyota a household name.”

Mr. Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, TKM, said “The Etios project is the first of its kind not for TKM alone, but also for Toyota across the globe. The key to this project, is to make TKM self sufficient by increasing the level of localization. As announced earlier, we plan to locally produce engines and transmissions at Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts, in the third quarter of 2012. This will help us increase the local parts content in the Etios and further contribute to the social and economic growth, by enhancing self sufficiency, generating employment and expanding operations in India. Localization will further help us develop our suppliers and facilitate them to meet global standards of production. It will also generate employment and provide opportunity for expansion and growth, further strengthening our supplier base in India.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, MD, TKM, said “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Etios customers. After the good response received by the Etios, we further expanded our production in order to cater to the huge demand. The annual production capacity will be increased to 2,10,000 units by the second quarter of 2012.

In line with our ‘customer first philosophy’, we wish to keep our customers happy and satisfied by understanding the customer’s preferences and enhancing the product by incorporating their feedback. With the Etios Liva we have now entered the mass volume segment. Toyota vehicles are now available to all aspirational buyers in the middle income group.

At Toyota, we truly believe in growing with the society. We wish to sell many more vehicles and contribute to the growth of the Indian automobile industry. Entering into the mass volume segment will help us realize this aim.”

Mr. Yoshinori Noritake, Chief Engineer of Etios and Etios Liva said “With the Etios Liva, we aspire to offer the best suited car for the Indian customer at an affordable price, while providing a vehicle that is “one class above”. After interviewing and studying the customer preferences in India, we found, the need for affordably priced, quality cars was constantly growing. We first observed various aspects that were sought after by the customer and then enhanced the features and performance aspects that were truly needed while doing away with the excessive design elements.

The stylish, sporty and trendy Toyota Etios Liva has been designed to appeal to today’s youth. We have also added style by offering aero kits with front, rear and side skirt that is sure to make heads turn. The sporty steering wheel, instrument panel -designed to give a aircraft cockpit image, a premium audio system, audio system with Aux in, USB and a wireless remote adds on to the fun, youthful and sporty image of the car.”

Talking about the Etios Sales and Marketing strategy in India, Sandeep Singh, DMD-Marketing, TKM, said “ The marketing campaign for the Etios Liva is exciting, innovative and abreast with the latest marketing tools, digital initiatives and promotions. Promotional activities targeting the youth have been planned in the popular youth hangouts like malls, pubs and also in colleges. Music maestro A R Rahman, the Brand Ambassador for Etios and Etios Liva has composed a special tune for Etios Liva ad campaign. He will also feature in a trendy music video. The music composed by Rahman, captures the spirit of today’s youth and the sporty image of Etios Liva – “Bari Humari Hai” (Its our turn now). Watch out for Rahman’s Etios Liva tune in the TV commercial and the music video on your television screens starting today.

We have more than 20,000 happy Etios customers across the nation. Etios has been received well and appreciated by our customers. The sale for Etios was overwhelming, as we sold more than we actually planned. We have brought down the waiting period to less than a month by increasing the production. We look forward to serving more and more customers with Etios Liva and hope that we continue to delight our customers with the Q Class experience. Etios Liva will go on sale and is on display at all our dealerships starting today. We currently have 158 dealerships and will expand our dealer network to 175 by the end of this year. We aim to come closer to our customers and help them avail the best of Toyota’s “Q” Class Service.”

Etios Liva is priced between Rs 3,99,000. and Rs 5,99,000. ex showroom, Delhi.

Vehicle Outline

(a) Exterior - Etios Liva is designed around the concept of ‘Bold Simplicity’. A cutting-edge and leading design that aims for a body frame and stance that stands out in a crowd. A distinctive front grille with a smile line, sculpted surface and dynamic character-line in the front and rear, enhance the presence of the Etios Liva. The aero kit – with front and rear bumper skirt, side skirt and roof spoiler. The roof has a unique design for better aerodynamics and clean appearance.

(b) Interior - The two toned ergonomically designed interiors are comfortable and sporty. The area surrounding the driver’s seat is given the image of a cockpit by separating the operating zone from the display zone. Large centre meter panel, that provides excellent visibility and easy to read dials. The interiors are simple yet functional, giving a high sense of quality.

The Etios Liva has best-in-class cabin space, large boot space with 251L capacity, a spacious 13L cooled glove box, seven one litre bottle holders, mobile holder and many more such useful storage spaces inside the car.

(c) Performance and Comfort - A newly developed 1.2L, 16V DOHC engine coupled with a 5-Speed manual transmission that produces high output for superior driving performance. The torque is available at low rpm for less gear shifting and stress-free city driving.

The Etios has a best-in-class mileage of 18.31kmpl as certified by testing agency.

Electric power steering for excellent maneuverability and tilt steering ensures a good ergonomic driving experience. The steering comes with audio controls for comfort at the driver’s fingertips.

The flat type rear floor design offers ease of movement for rear seat passengers. With its rigid body structure and world class Mac Pherson Strut, the Etios has superior dampening performance providing superior ride comfort.

A class-first ‘clean air filter’ which is standard across all grades for purified air in the cabin.

(d) Safety - The Etios has various active and passive safety features like (i) Energy absorbing body shell (ii) Driver & Passenger Air bags and (iii) ABS with EBD and (iv) Seatbelts. It’s centrally located combimeter reduces eye movement and hence the driver can concentrate on the road.

(e) Special Treatment - To adopt to the various diverse climate and usage conditions in India, special treatment and countermeasures have been implemented.

- Good ground clearance of 170mm

- Under body protection to prevent damage to fuel and brake lines.

- Anti-corrosion steel sheets at areas prone to rusting and stone hits.

- Chipping resistant paint on rocker mould & fender.

7Apr/110

Press Release – Fiesta Classic Launched

Chennai, India, 7 April, 2011 – Legends are known to reinvent themselves for a new innings. After establishing a strong foothold in the Indian market by winning over 100,000 customers, Fiesta – the legendary sedan from Ford is set to better its success story in the B segment with the new `Fiesta Classic’. The Fiesta Classic will address a much broader customer base with two new trims – LXI and CLXI. With this the Classic becomes more attractive and affordable with the petrol variants starting at Rs. 549,030 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and diesel variants at Rs. 648,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). In its new form, the much acclaimed sedan will be available to more customers who now can experience the Fiesta Classic’s superior drivability, aesthetic styling and best-in-class fuel efficiency with an all new interior package.

“With a proud and loyal customer base, the Fiesta has been one of the main stays of our product brand portfolio in India. With the elegant Fiesta Classic’s thrilling on-road dynamics, refreshingly classy new interiors and proven frugality we invite more customers to experience and benefit from the additional new variants we are offering with our classy product.” said Michael Boneham, managing director and president, Ford India.

Spirited performance and proven drivability - The new Fiesta Classic retains its core characteristics of surefooted balance on the road, responsive steering and compliant suspension. Its reputation as a driver’s car is enhanced by its refined, trusty and proven 1.6 Duratec and 1.4 Duratorq powertrains, which deliver on the optimum mix of gripping performance and frugal fuel consumption.

Class and style within customers’ reach - The elegant new Fiesta Classic gets a refreshingly classy new interior with Ebony and Jasper Blue coloured instrument panel, a new centre and floor console finished in Graphic Metallic, new seats with soft feel fabric and enhanced dual-tone door trims. In addition, all the product variants will display the ‘Classic’ moniker and will be available in a striking new body colour – Colorado Red. It is offered in both petrol and diesel engine options across three variants – LXI, CLXI and SXI to suit growing customer requirements.

Reliable as well as frugal - Thrilling performance and fuel efficiency are signature attributes of the Fiesta Classic, which customers have been experiencing and enjoying throughout their ownership. This was proven once again by delivering 30 kmpl with the diesel and 20 kmpl with the petrol, as per a cross-country drive undertaken by a leading automotive magazine. Recently, Fiesta was ranked highest by TNS for Customer Satisfaction in the `Midsize Segment’, in their latest Automotive 2010 India Total Customer Satisfaction (TCS) study.

In addition to the new Colorado Red, customers can choose from the existing six colour options –Moondust Silver, Diamond White, Panther Black, Sea Grey, Morello, and Chill. Encouraged by the existing Fiesta Classic, Endeavour and The Figo’s remarkable success and popularity, Ford India plans to bring the all-new global premium sedan Fiesta into India later this year. This is part of its strategy to bolster Ford India’s portfolio with eight new models by middle of the decade.

26Mar/110

Honda Launches CBR250R in India

Mumbai, March 22, 2011: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), the 100% owned 2-wheeler subsidiary of the Honda Motor Company, Japan – the world’s largest manufacturer of 2-wheelers, shall release its long awaited global Road-Sport motorcycle “CBR250R” in April, 2011. Honda’s first affordable global sports bike - CBR250R marks the Company’s entry in high performance 250cc segment in India. CBR250R will have the largest engine displacement of any vehicle produced by HMSI. Taking India to the global platform, CBR250R will be exclusively manufactured and exported worldwide from India &Thailand.

Background - Honda’s development team realized that riders now want much more and demand for 250cc models is higher than ever. Based on understanding customer needs, the goal was to create a 250cc model that can meet the bring the fun of riding to riders of all kinds, ranging from entry level riders who aspire to upgrade to seasoned riders who already have the large motorcycle experience. Thus came Honda CBR250R- the perfect companion of riding enthusiasts who desire ‘To Know the Unknown.’

Lightning Performance - The newly developed liquid-cooled 250cc 4-stroke 4-valve single-cylinder DOHC engine of CBR250R delivers excellent performance of 25 BHP and is easy to handle.

Advanced Technology - With 27 pending patented technologies, CBR250R is a bike of many technological firsts. CBR250R is world first  in high performance 250cc category incorporating Combined ABS . Making CBR250R more Eco-Friendly are the electronically controlled fuel injection system PGM-FI  , O  sensor and catalyzer which meet Euro 3 Emission standards.

Global Styling - Inspired from Honda’s global fun bikes VFR 1200F and CBR 1000RR Fireblade, the sporty full-cowl body and distinguishing Y-shaped headlights of CBR 250R present a highly advanced design full of functional beauty. The aerodynamic layered style fairing and cowl design enables optimal control of wind both for engine cooling and ride comfort. Upping the style quotient of the bike are 5 spoke aluminum cast wheels, tubeless tyres, stylish rear grip and sporty split seat. Lending a futuristic effect is the brilliant blue LCD backlit instrument panel while completing the feel & sound are the elegant triangular muffler and compact exhaust system.

High on Comfort & Convenience - CBR250R’s slim and compact single-cylinder engine reduces front projection and provides abundance of comfort through telescopic front suspension with 130mm stroke and highly flexible seating position. The light and compact frame of highly rigid diamond shape in a truss structure, offers easy handling and steady control as sports model. Upping the user convenience quotient is lockable utility space under pillion seat and easy to maintain center wet air cleaner with viscous element.

CBR 250R makes its stylish debut in three stunning two-tone hues- Candy Ruby Red& Accurate Silver Metallic, Sword Silver Metallic& Accurate Silver Metallic, and Asteroid Black Metallic& Accurate Silver Metallic. Representing good value for money that exceeds the Customer’s expectation, CBR250R will be available in – Standard variant and C-ABS variant priced attractively at Rs. 1.51 lakh and Rs. 1.77 lakh respectively (Ex-Showroom, Mumbai prices).

Excerpts from Company officials - “Due to the earthquake/ tsunami in Japan and the loss of life, we are not conducting any launch event. However, in India Year 2011 marks beginning of a new Era for Honda. With new aggression, Honda Bikes has set up plans for rapid expansion to serve customers better. To meet the expectations of existing customers, our second manufacturing facility at Tapukara, Rajasthan will soon be operational from early 2nd half of 2011 taking our total production capacity to 22 lakh units in FY 2011-12.”, said Mr. Shinji Aoyama, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.

“With price starting Rs. 1.51 lakh Ex-Showroom, Mumbai, CBR250R truly is India’s first affordable Global sports bike. CBR250R will be available to customers from mid-April, 2011 onwards. We shall be providing availability by the end of April, 2011 at 400 Honda Exclusive Authorized Dealerships (HEADs) across India. We plan to sell 30,000 units in the first year”, said Mr. N.K. Rattan, Operating Head – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.

12Mar/110

Yamaha VMAX at Japanese Design Exhibition

In the bid to emphasize on relevance of design in an automobile sector, Yamaha India Private Limited lately showcased its flagship muscle motorbike VMAX at the 3 day long Japanese plan Exhibition 'Good Design is Good business'. As part of a Exhibition, the panel of intend experts from Yamaha Bikes take a part in the presentation session to the throw light on a design view of VMAX, & why it is an important part of automobile manufacturing.

Commenting on occasion, Mr. Jun Nakata, Director - Marketing & Sales, Yamaha India Motor alleged, "Being supported via bodies - METI, FICCI & IDC, and Good Design Exhibition is exclusive platform to arrive to spectators & industry similar. Our presence at this Seminar is very important to demonstrate a technical ability of our products & showcase the Yamaha DNA. Since 2008, Yamaha Bikes has been pulling out the stops when this arrived to brand renewal & technological advancements. Basically every model that a bikes fans drooled over in a past made in the roads to Indian market -  the Yamaha VMAX, MT 01 & R1 the racing Yamaha R15, the lord of a streets FZ, a powerful commuter SZ range & the potent YBR".