Ford Figo Launched

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Ford unveiled its new small car Figo in September, 2009 in New Delhi with Alan Roger Mulally, Ford’s president and chief executive, making a lightening visit to the country for the unveiling. And now Figo has been launched and will compete with the likes of Maruti Ritz, Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz & Skoda Fabia. The Ford Figo, a new nameplate and a fresh face on the Indian market, signals Ford’s intention to compete in India’s largest and most important small car market segment. Ford Figo is the result of a significant Ford investment commitment to expand its plant near Chennai for volume production as a small-car centre of excellence regionally.

Variants of Ford Figo

Ford Figo is available in 8 variants, 4 of petrol and 4 of diesel:

- Ford Figo LXi
- Ford Figo EXi
- Ford Figo ZXi
- Ford Figo Titanium

- Ford Figo Diesel LXi
- Ford Figo Diesel EXi
- Ford Figo Diesel ZXi
- Ford Figo Diesel Titanium

The Top of the line “Titanium” variant of Ford Figo comes with:

- Body Coloured Bumpers
- Full Wheel Covers
- Body Coloured Outside Rear View Mirrors
- Chrome Finish Radiator Grille
- Air Conditioning
- Power Steering
- Power Windows
- Remote Central Locking
- Remote Boot Opener
- Remote Fuel Lid Opener
- Driver Seat Height Adjustment
- Removable Parcel Tray
- MP3 Player with 4 Speakers
- Bluetooth Phone Interface
- Rear Washer and Wiper
- Rear Defogger
- ABS with EBD
- Dual SRS Airbags

Engine Options In Ford Figo

Ford Figo has been launched with 2 engine options:

- 1196cc DuraTec Petrol - 70 Bhp
- 1399cc DuraTorq Diesel - 68 Bhp

[Via: CarsIndia ]

List of Cars Launched At Auto Expo 2010

Monday, January 11th, 2010

The 10th Auto Expo has been organized jointly by Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Auto Expo is India’s and Asia’s largest automotive show which will be held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi from 5th January to 11th January, 2010.

Click here for photos of Auto Expo 2010

Volkswagen New Polo 1.2 Review and Images Chevrolet Beat 1.2 LT Review and Images

Here is a list of cars which have been launched at the Auto Expo 2010:

- Volkswagen New Polo - Chevrolet Beat
- Tata Aria - Fiat Linea Dualogic
- Skoda Yeti - Fiat Punto Sports
- Fiat Punto Trendz - Maruti RIII
- Jaguar XJ - Audi Q7 4.2 TDi
- Honda Small Car - Maruti Kizashi
- Toyota Etios - Fiat Linea T-Jet
- Hyundai i10 Electric - Chevrolet Captiva Xtreme
- Chevrolet Aveo CNG - Chevrolet e-Spark
- Toyota Etios Sedan - Maruti Eeco
- Mahindra Scorpio Special - Mahindra Xylo Celebration
- Toyota Corolla Altis CNG - Toyota Prius

Skoda Yeti Launched

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Compact, attractively styled and full of surprises: This is Skoda Yeti . Very similar to the original Yeti concept, seen at Geneva in 2005, the production version adds five doors and a simpler front end, with a traditional Skoda grille and spotlights. Skoda also showcased Yeti Concept at the 2008 Auto Expo in India.

Skoda has finally launched the Yeti at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi. This 4.2 metre long, five-door vehicle bears the well-known features of the brand. An impressive front end with a ribbed grille and friendly looking headlamps confidently demonstrate.

Toyota Etios Hatch & Etios Sedan Unvieled

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Toyota India has unvieled the Etios - All new small car and sedan concept at the Auto Expo 2010. In addition to India, the Toyota Etios (the name means ‘the origin of’) hatchback will also be sold in Russia, South America and perhaps other emerging markets. With Honda also set to unveil its new small hatchback for the Indian market during the Expo, the two Japanese biggies will be facing off in a big way and for the first time, the two will be up against each other in the small car market.

Toyota has squeezed out costs of manufacturing Etios wherever possible to make it price-competitive in India and has made it stand at par with Maruti Swift. Etios will be come with two engine options - a 1.4-liter diesel that powers the Yaris and a 1.2- or 1.3-liter gasoline unit. Toyota also has 1.3L petrol engine (K3 series) but has not made it clear whether it will be downsized to 1.2L to meet the small car regulation norms to save on excise duty.

Maruti Eeco is Coming - Versa Replacement

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

Maruti Suzuki Versa had never been liking of Indian customers who want affordable, good loooking and comfortable MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle), as it was not a true value for money people mover. And now Maruti Suzuki India is all set to change all this with the launch of all new MPV - Maruti Eeco . They are planning to launch this new utility vehicle at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi.

It is expected to be powered by a 1200cc G12 petrol engine. Though there are no official news available about the launch date, price and specification of Eeco but we will provide all this once it is officially announced. The new engine of Eeco will be Bharat Stage IV compliant to meet the strict emission norms which will be in effect from April, 2011 in 11 cities in India. It is also expected that Eeco is going to replace the slow selling, almost extinct Maruti Versa. It is being speculated that base model of Eceo will be priced around 4 lakh rupees and top of the line fully loaded variant will be priced around 5 lakh rupees.

Mahindra Xylo D2 Launched

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Mahindra India has launched the Xylo D2 , a new variant of its best selling Xylo. Equipped with a new 2.5 litre mDI CRDe engine, the XYLO D2 offers excellent power and torque and a high level of fuel efficiency at 13 kmpl. The XYLO D2 is available at an attractive price of Rs. 6,30,300 lakh (Ex-showroom New Delhi).

Press Release: Mahindra D2

“The XYLO D2’s mDI CRDe engine offers the best of both DI and CRDe technology. This includes greater fuel efficiency, lower maintenance and spare parts cost and decreased emissions and NVH levels. These advantages coupled with more power and torque and the XYLO’s value proposition of space and comfort, make the D2 ideal for long journeys,” said Mr. Vivek Nayer, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. At the heart of the XYLO D2 is the mDI CRDe engine which combines the benefits of both DI and CRDe technology. These include enhanced fuel efficiency, decreased maintenance and spares costs and lower emissions and NVH levels. This technologically superior engine complies with BS 3 emission norms and delivers a power-packed 95 bhp with 22 kilogram meter torque over a range of 1400 to 2600 rpm. The 2.5 litre engine is meshed with a five-speed manual gearbox and has been built on the Scorpio NEF CRDe engine family with relevant technological advancements.

When a burst of power is needed, the top mounted intercooler delivers. Dual pilot injection increases the XYLO’s drivability scores, while advanced engine damping, hydraulic lash adjustor technology and auto tensioner ensure minimum service frequency and a pleasurable drive. On a long drive, you can zip down the straights with the long wheelbase and multi-link suspension keeping the XYLO composed and rock steady. The vehicle also tackles sharp bends effortlessly and skirts bumps with ease. The XYLO’s value proposition of style, space and comfort continues with the D2 variant. Surround cool dual AC ensures that each passenger has a comfortable journey. Spacious third row seating allows you to stretch your legs, while a height adjustable driver’s seat makes the ride even more pleasant. Power steering ensures greater ease while driving and power windows allow you to roll down the windows at the mere touch of a button. An engine immobilizer ensures that the vehicle does not start without the right key, making this stylish Sedan Plus theft-proof.

Sleek contours coupled with structured edges and the signature Mahindra front grille give the XYLO the sophistication of a sedan and the aggressive stance of an SUV. Integrated bumpers, chunky alloy wheels and strong curves on the bonnet and fenders add to the car’s stature. Body side cladding with chrome rails and rear lamp clusters with well defined edges add oodles of panache to the car’s design. Stylish clear lens headlamps add to the car’s cool quotient. The Mahindra XYLO D2 is available in three elegant shades: Gold Shimmer, Mist Silver, Fiery Black.

New Toyota Prado Diesel Launched

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Toyota India has announced the launch of the New Prado Diesel in India. Inheriting the Land Cruiser’s DNA, the basic concept for the new Toyota Prado is based on the design philosophy which aims to create an exterior with the active feel expected of a four wheel drive and an interior that is refined and roomy. Specific improvements include a 3.0L Diesel engine, and the adoption of a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that allows driving stability at city and highway speeds. The new Prado diesel cane be booked right away at a price of Rs. 52.74 lakhs (ex-Showroom, Bangalore).

The 2010 Prado also features enhanced comfort features like 3-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Optitron Meter, Multi-information Display, Parking Assist System with front/rear sensors & rear camera and rich leather interiors. A host of Driver Assist Technology such as DAC (Down-hill Assist Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and A-TRC (Adaptive Traction Control) aid in outstanding off-road performance. The new Prado is available in five colours - White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Greyish Blue Metallic and Black.

[Via: Motorbeam]

Mahindra Bolero Clocks 35.15 kmpl Mileage In Marathon

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

Mahindra India recently organised the Mahindra Bolero Mileage Marathonat Kochi. A total of 32 Bolero families participated in the event which was a special customer-centric initiative. The Mileage Marathon, covering a distance of approximately 58 kms, was a close contest with the first runner-up, Mr. James C K, clocking an average of 31.35kmpl, while the second runner-up, Mr. Jamseer T S, clocked an average of 28.79 kmpl. The winners received exciting prizes and all participants were entertained by a variety of special programs & events.

[Via: motorbeam]

Honda’s New 110cc Bike Is Coming - Will Be Christened “CB Twister”

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

The much talked about new 110cc bike from Honda India is coming in a month’s time and is expected to be launched at the Auto Expo 2010. It is expected to be christened as “CB Twister”. Pictures of CB Twister has already started floating accross the new. As expected in new launches the bike has been unvieled before the launch.

Thanks to Motoring Team’s wagle eyed photographer, they have clicked 2-3 pictures of CB Twister which gives clear idea of what Honda is up to. The bike looks very sporty and aggressive in terms of looks and styling. It seems the designers had high end super bikes of Honda while designing the CB Twister. Honda has already promised it won’t compete with splendors and passions but a niche bike in the commuter segment. CB Twister is expected to be priced around Rs. 55000 (On-Road Mumbai).

[Via: Bikes India]

Hybrid Tata Nano planned

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

A hybrid version of the Tata Nano is being planned, according to company chief Ratan Tata. Talking in the South Korean Maeil Business Newspaper, Tata said that the move was driven by a need to build cars that were as cheap to run as possible.

He further added that low priced goods would create stronger demand than high-end products in India, and said that this trend would be mirrored across the world, making the development of globally releveant cars crucial. However, he did not put a date on when a Nano Hybrid would be put in to production, or reveal any details of how it would run or what it would cost.

[Via: Autocarindia]