Maruti Suzuki Swift 2011

Finally, after months of waiting, the most anticipated car of 2011 has been launched. After our first glimpse of the longer and trendier version of the new Maruti Swift at the Paris Motor Show last year, it’s taken the Japanese car maker a while to bring this new version to India. The small car will sit in India’s upper B-segment of the Indian car market, taking on the likes of a long list of cars namely the Hyundai i20, the Ford Figo, the Chevrolet Beat, the Tata Indica Vista, the Honda Jazz, the Volkswagen Polo, the Skoda Fabia, the Maruti Ritz and the Nissan Micra.

Now, coming to the new Maruti Suzuki Swift, the car is built on an all new platform that is longer and larger than the older platform, thus resulting in a bigger car overall. Interiors of the new Swift have received an applause worthy upgrade with features that include a CD player, USB port connectivity, steering mounted controls and an in dash multi information display (MID), all of which presents itself with a far more upmarket feel.

The new Maruti Swift comes with improved fuel efficiency norms, the petrol variant will offer a decent mileage of 18.6 kmpl while the diesel variant will offer a whopping mileage of 22.9 kmpl. The new Maruti Swift petrol variant adorns a 1.2 liter K-series engine with VVT which delivers a torque of 114 Nm @ 4000 rpm and power of 87 ps @ 6000 rpm. The diesel variant on the other hand is powered with award winning 1.3 litre DDiS engine that delivers 190 Nm of torque @2000 rpm and 75 ps power @ 4000 rpm.

Maruti Suzuki has launched the new Maruti Suzuki Swift Hatchback in India with prices ranging from Rs. 4.22 lakh to Rs. 5.53 lakh for the petrol variant and between Rs. 5.17 lakh to Rs. 6.38 lakh for the diesel powered variant.

Volkswagen Jetta

World’s second largest car manufacturer, Volkswagen launched their new Jetta sedan in the Indian auto industry today. The new Volkswagen Jetta follows VW’s new design theme of a more angular design. One can be forgiven for mistaking the Jetta for a Vento at first glance because of the striking similarity of design on the front end. The headlamps, though, are twin-lamp units, but are housed in a single Perspex housing that looks like the Vento’s.

Features like leather seat upholstery, a leather package for the steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever, day time running lights, Cruise control, Hill Start Assist, an electrically adjustable driver seats, rear AC vents, a touchscreen entertainment system with an integrated CD player, aux input and 8 speakers all comes as standard with this new version of the Volkswagen Jetta.

The all New Jetta is equipped with 2.0Litre, 4 cylinder CRDi engine with a maximum power output of 140PS @ 4200rpm and a maximum torque of 320 Nm @1750-2500 rpm. Mated to a 6 speed DSG gearbox and a Manual version, the new Jetta will have smoother gearshift and better responsiveness as compared to the older model. For ensuring optimum safety of its drivers and their co-passengers, the new Jetta will feature Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and 8 Airbags to minimize injury in the event of an accident or collision. A 3-point belt for the center rear seat is also a welcome feature in this new version.

Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, is confident about success of this new launch considering important market like India. The price range was set from Rs. 14.12 lakhs to 18 lakh for the top end variant.

Jazz Face lift 2011

The Honda Jazz was first introduced in India at a time when the premium hatchback segment was just beginning to build up. But due to it’s steep pricing, the Honda Jazz failed as a major volumes puller for Honda in India. Earlier, we had seen Honda slash the Jazz’s price in India by as much as Rs. 1.75 lakh. And now we have the new 2011 Honda Jazz facelift which has been launched at a starting price of Rs. 5.5 lakh.

The 2011 Honda Jazz now comes with a new interior design, which includes a Tilt steering column, Keyless Entry with answer back, Integrated audio equipment with MP3/CD, Aux-in & USB, Steering Mounted Audio Controls, Auto Volume by Speed, Magic Seats and Driver’s footrest.

Like on the original model, the new Jazz will be powered by a 4-cylinder 1.2 liter i-VTEC engine. The engine features Programmed Fuel Injection that delivers a maximum output of 90PS @ 6,200 rpm and a Torque of 110 Nm @ 4,800 rpm, while continuing to give an impressive fuel economy of 16.7 km/ltr (ARAI tested).

The new Honda Jazz facelift will be available in three variants: S, Select and X. The base Honda Jazz S is priced at Rs. 5.5 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. The top-of-the-line Jazz X on the other hand is priced at Rs. 6.06 lakh, while the mid-range Select comes with a price tag of Rs. 5.75 lakh. The old Jazz was priced between Rs. 7.12 lakh and Rs. 7.56 lakh.

Force One SUV

Force Motors is a company well known in India for its successful passenger vehicles, the Tempo Traveler and Gurkha. Now, the manufacturer is entering into the premium SUV segment with Force One, their first entrant in the passenger vehicle segment.

The Force One SUV is based on the Guandong Foday Explorer III which is sold in China. In fact, it is the very same vehicle that Force Motors will manufacture in the country with minor tweaks to make it suitable under Indian conditions. Equipped with a 2.2 liter FMTech Daimler engine putting out 141 PS at 3800 rpm, and a massive 321 Nm at 1600 rpm, this beast stands at a kerb weight of 2510 kilos.

Force One has designed the SUV to be a 7-seat vehicle with 3 forward facing rows. The company claims that it has a best-in-class comfort and space. It has an on-board computer with distance to empty, real time fuel-efficiency, gear selection etc. Daytime LEDs are standard on the vehicle while the car will also boast of electrically controlled ORVMs.

The current model will powered by a 4×2 drivetrain mated to the Daimler Mercedes Benz sourced 2.5-litre diesel engine will be available at a price tag of Rs. 10.65 lakhs ex-showroom all India. A 4×4 variant will be launched in March 2012 while a ABS-EBD equipped model will be launched by December 2012. The Force One will be available in four colours – Black, White, Maroon and Blue

Toyota launched its first hatchbak in India, Etios Liva. Toyota Etios Liva features basic requirements of Indian car market and the most inportant, "highest standards of quality at competitive prices".

Toyota has launched Etios Liva only in petrol variant for now. Toyota also planning to release the Toyota Etios Liva diesel variant anytime soon, Indian consumers are awaiting release of another power packed machine from Toyota Stable.

Toyota Etios Liva is loaded with a 1197 cc engine. It has 4-Cylinder 16V, DOHC engine that churns out 80 bhp of power while generating a maximum torque of 104Nm and assuring high fuel efficiency of 18.31 kmpl in petrol version. The Toyota Etios Liva has 175 / 65 R 14 tyre which will simply improve Liva's looks. The front grille of the Toyota Etios Liva gives a look of smiling face with its upper grille, lower grille and headlamps taken together. Even the basic version of Toyota Etios Liva comes with standard specifications and luxuries like - Dual SRS Airbags, ABS, EBD, Driver Seatbelt Warning etc.

The ex-showroom price for Toyota Etios Liva starts from 4.12 lacks to 5.97 lacks. Toyota has rolled out Etios Liva in five variants - J, G, G+, V and VX. Toyota will now face some real experts like Maruti, which is India's most successful car maker, and not to forget Hyundai and Tata.

Logan facelift - Mahindra Varito

Mahinda launched the new sadan Varito recently. Varito is nothing but a facelift & rename to Logan. Varito is a outcome of the end of the Mahindra-Renault joint venture a year ago.

Mahindra has done some changes in the design such as new grill, roof railings, mini spoiler & of course the logo. However, the new Mahindra Verito will retain the 1.5 Litre DCi Renault turbo Diesel engine besides the petrol variant. The engine and other specifications would be the same as these were in the Mahindra Logan.  Mahindra Verito had been launched initially in three engine options – 1.4 L, 1.5 L & 1.6 L. Both 1.4 & 1.6 L engines come as Petrol type whereas the 1.5 L engine is a diesel type. But 1.6 petrol engine is not in production yet.

The Mahindra Verito 1.5 liter, 4 cylinder, 1500cc diesel engine gives out maximum power of 65 hp at 4000 rpm and returns maximum torque of 160 Nm at 2000 rpm through a five speed manual transmission. Where as 1.4 liter is very fuel efficient and delivers hassle-free performance with a Maximum Power of 75 hp at 5500 rpm and a Maximum Torque of 110 Nm at 3000 rpm.

Price for this joyfull ride starts from 4.85lacks to 6.62lacks (Ex-Showroom Delhi).

New Age - Hybrid Car

You all may be fade up by rising fuel prices. Now the new age of automative is not so far. Welcome to the world of hybrid cars. All the major car manufacturing companies are running in the race of making most fuel efficient hybrid cars.  Fiskar Karma is one of the innovative hybrid supercar.

Karma is driven by 'Q DRIVE' technology. This configuration consists of an internal combustion engine working in series with a generator and a Lithium-Ion battery pack to power the electric motor that turns the rear wheels. The Fisker Karma utilizes a 20 kW/h (200kW peak) Lithium-Ion battery with an extremely stable Iron Phosphate composition. Life on these batteries is 10 years or 100,000 miles. Charging time for these batteries varies with battery’s remaining charge capacity and whether 110v, 220v or 240v current is used. Time required to charge the batteries is between 6 hours and 14 hours. Fisker’s high-voltage charging station can easily be installed in homes with standard electrical service.

Apart from this electrical motor. This car consist of solar roof. The solar roof charges the lithium-ion battery to regulate the interior climate control systems. Can provide up to 200 miles (321km) of annual emission-free voltaic driving. In addition to this there is an internal combustion engine that serves only as a generator of sorts, to charge the electric motors’ batteries, it’s a 260-hp 2.0L GM Ecotec unit. Fisker claims even now, the Karma should be capable of 5.8-sec. 0 to 60 mph sprints and a 125-mph top speed.

This bundle of technology comes with the very high price tag. Price for Fisker Karma starts from $85000.

Hyundai Verna 'Fluidic'

Hyundai has finally launched its much awaited “new Hyundai Verna”, described as “Fluidic Sculpture”. This latest version of Hyundai Verna is available in eight  variants with different engine options namely – 1.4L petrol, 1.4L diesel, 1.6L petrol and 1.6L diesel and two SX models added with two optional variants. The 1.6L variants (both petrol & diesel) will be blessed with two different transmission modes i.e. manual transmission mode and auto transmission mode whereas 1.4L models will have only manual transmission mode.

The interior of New Hyundai Verna is packed with comfort, luxury and safety measures. The top end variants of the new Verna are fitted with push button start as standard along with keyless entry. Auto folding mirrors are also standard on this variant along with auto dimming center rear view mirror which are a segment first. The cabin of the new Verna has all the storage bins spread around for cans, sunglasses and other stuff; we sorely missed out on the rear door bottle holders. Six Air-Bags are standard on the top end variant of the new Verna which is again a segment first. The Standard version of New Hyundai Verna comes fitted with sturdy and impressive 16-inch alloys rims. However, with turning circle of 10.4m, Verna is capable of getting out of dense places without hardships and is easy to maneuver and park. This new Hyundai Verna is also loaded with excellent 2 DIN audio system that plays everything from CDs to MP3s and holds excellent accessories baggage. With audio and Bluetooth controls mounted on steering, new Hyundai Verna assists in keeping your mood contented throughout the journey.

Hyundai Verna 1.4L petrol engine delivers a mileage of 17.43 kmpl,  the 1.4L diesel engine offers some relief on customer’s face as it delivers an average of 23.50 kmpl. Furthermore 1.6L petrol engine provides an average of 17.01kmpl whereas 1.6L diesel engine Hyundai Verna delivers 22.32kmpl.

Honda CBR250R

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has finally launched its much-awaited CBR250R motorcycle in India and also disclosed the official pricing

It is powered by a single cylinder 250cc DOHC engine. The engine of CBR250R is light and compact and gives smooth and vibe free performance reflecting the sports character, and also retaining great mileage and sheer power of 25 Bhp, the company says.

The company claims that CBR's PGM-FI technology facilitates easy starting even in cold weather. Apart from reducing emissions, it also enhances performance and ensures great mileage, it says.

The ABS version of the motorcycle is priced at Rs 1,68,001 (ex-showroom Delhi) while the STD model would cost  Rs 1,43,001. The bike is available in three color options-red, silver and black.

Honda have already created enough buzz around this motorcycle that they have already received close to 2000 bookings and all these without even a test ride. That speaks volumes of this product and riding on the same crests, Honda plans to sell about 30,000 Rs  Honda CBR250R in India in 2011. However those who have booked this bike now, would have to wait another full month for deliveries.

Have a look at the stunning beauty in action.

Ford Fiesta 2011

Ford has launched its latest generation Fiesta saloon in India. The company hasn’t revealed the prices yet, but as per our sources the new Fiesta will be slightly cheaper than its main rival and the segment leader, the Honda City.

The new Fiesta gets a more powerful 1.6-litre petrol motor producing 120bhp. The diesel gets 90bhp of max power from its 1.6-litre motor, up from the current 1.4’s 68bhp and it will have a very useful 20.7kgm of torque, giving it a very petrol-like feel.

The car will be targeted at the premium end of the midsize market and will take on the Honda City for price. Ford is banking on technology to push sales of the new saloon. The car comes with plenty of features including voice control tech with Bluetooth to pair with mobile phones. It also features pull drive compensation, a suspension feature that helps reduce understeer in a front wheel drive car. The Fiesta will also get rear parking sensors as part of the features list.

More information is available here

Hyosung superbikes

South Korean two-wheeler manufacturer S&T Motors Corporation, in collaboration with Pune-based Garware Motors, launched its Hyosung brands of 650-700 cc superbikes India at a price range of Rs 4,75,000 to Rs 5,69,000 (ex-showroom-Delhi).

The superbikes on offer include GT650 R and ST 7. The GT650 R is a 650cc sports bike which is priced at Rs 4,75,000 for single tone colour and Rs 4,90,000 (ex-showroom-Delhi) for dual tone color. The ST 7 model is a 700cc cruiser bike priced at Rs.5,69,000 (ex-showroom-Delhi).

Initially, the bikes would be available only in Pune, Mumbai, National Capital Region, Bangalore and Goa. The company plans to open five more dealerships in Hyderabad, Cochin, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh within the next 2 months.

Garware Motors will gift a special welcome kit comprising of performance t-shirt, cap, helmet, glares, and leather key chain to the first 500 customers. The company is also planing to launch the GT250 and street version of the GT650 in the country.

By the end of first year, the company will produced 2000 units. Garware Motors has tied up with HDFC bank for financing the bikes for its customers. A riding club has been performed for owners of Hyosung bikes, it is called as Hyflyers. Spares will be easily available for both the bikes and mobile service vans will do service at the doorstep of the bike owner.

Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection by Audi

Turbo fuel stratified injection (TFSI) denotes a type of forced-aspiration engine where the fuel is pressure-injected straight into the combustion chamber. FSI (VAG) direct injection technology increases the torque and power of spark-ignition engines, makes them as much as 15 percent more economical and reduces exhaust emissions.

Audi is the first manufacturer in the world to claim the combination of direct injection FSI technology with forced induction in volume production. The exceptionally broad torque plateau of the TFSI engine on the one hand permits a fuel-efficient driving style with few gearshifts, and on the other hand means that only light accelerator is needed to produce impressive thrust.

Here is the metal sculpture:

This turbo engine achieves a compression ratio of 10.5:1, a figure that is otherwise typically achieved only by naturally-aspirated engines. This, coupled with the advantages of petrol direct injection, plays a crucial role in boosting the thermodynamic efficiency compared with both manifold injection engines and conventional turbo engines.

As a result the 2.0 TFSI embarked on its success story in the Audi A3 Sportback. It is now also on offer in the Audi A4 and A6. It is available in three performance versions ranging from 170 bhp to 220 bhp. The 200 bhp version, which is used in the Volkswagen Golf GTI, provides a level of propulsive power that truly befits that car's status.


Advantages of TFSI engines:

1. Injection pressure can be regulated
2. Better fuel distribution and better fuel charge inside the combustion chamber
3. During the injection process the fuel gets evaporated, cooling the cylinder chamber
4. Higher compression ratios, which translates into more power
5. Increased fuel combustion efficiency
6. Higher power during pick-up of vehicle.

Maserati - All range in India

After German & Swidish car manufacturer, its time for Italian brand to make exclusivity to the Indian car market. This time its Maserati to launch its its complete range of cars in India. The price ranges from Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 1.43 crore ex-showroom, New Delhi. As per the managing mirector of Maserati Mr Niccolai, the first showroom will be in Mumbai later this year. The second showroom will be starting in New Delhi early next year. They are aiming to have presence in seven locations by 2015.

The cars will be imported by Shreyans Group. The company which also deals in Ferrari cars for our country.

Koenigsegg Agera - Launched in India

Its time for Swidish car manufacturer to enter the Indina car market. Recently Koenigsegg, the Swidish super car manufacturer launcher their car 'Agera' in India.

The car features a 5 litre V8 bi-turbo engine develops more 940 hp on 95 octane regular fuel. The Agera has over 1000 Nm of torque from 2500 rpm and 1100 nm from 3500 to 6000 rpm. Agera, the Swedish verb “to Act”, can reach 100 Kmph in just 3.1 seconds and can reach a top speed of 390 Kmph. Incidentally the engine is built by Koenigsegg themselves and weighs just 197 kilograms only. Where as the carbon fiber body Weighs 70 kg Including the 80 liter integrated empty fuel tanks. It has the newly Developed seven-speed gearbox for the act features a world's first dual-clutch system for a single input shaft gearbox.

Finally this piece of art is in India and at a stratospheric price tag of Rs 12.5 crores.

2011 Audi R8 Spyder in India

The German sports car company, Audi wants to grow rapidly in India. Recently they have launched the open top version of Audi R8 Spyder. It uses 5.2L, 525 bhp, 530 Nm of torque, V10 petrol heart, new Audi R8 Spyder accelerates from 0-100 kmph in a mere 4.1 seconds. Making things even more interesting is the lightness of it all with Audi’s Space Frame technology that limits the R8 Spyder’s weight to just 1720 kg. The sound of the V10 itself should be all the equipment you need, but Audi has plonked in loads of gadgets to spoil customers silly. Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, LED lights, seat belt microphone, Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated seats, etc. are a sure-fire way of indulging yourself. Its  an optional 6-speed sequential transmission with an automatic and manual mode that can be operated via paddles on the steering wheel.

The element that makes this R8 the Spyder, is very well engineered as well and seamlessly blends with the car’s lines. Weighing only 42 kg, the soft top can be deployed in just 19 seconds. The inside of Spyder is similar to coupe, which means long legged persons are going to have hard time accommodating. However, the seats are quite comfortable and adjustable, offering sufficient side bolstering.Most of Audi R8 Spyder interior features are quite similar to that of coupe. It means, Spyder too features 465 watts of Bang & Olufsen goodness with mated to about 12 speakers. It is not up to sonorific splendor that B&O system of A8 is. However, it proves sufficient enough for the R8's small cabin.

Audi open-top sportscar will be available in India starting from April and will be priced at Rs. 1.47crores (Ex-Showroom). Demand for luxury cars has drastically increased in India, and Audi expects to meet customer demands fully, explained Michael Perschke.

TVS Apache RTR 180 with ABS

The first ever bike with ABS is finally out of the box. TVS has launched their popular saleing Apache RTR 180 with ABS.  The company has given its premium segment offering formidable stopping power with ABS technology which significantly improves braking and is a prominent safety measure often found on all modern-day cars.

The ABS system prevents the brakes from locking under emergency situations and at the same time improves overall braking performance by reducing stopping distance and time in all weather conditions like dry or wet, thus helping in improving the overall safety of the rider. Technology is jointly developed by TVS along with Continental Corporation.

Checkout the rest drive taken by CNBC TV 18 team:

The only difference you can point out is the ABS sticker on the fuel tank. Apart from this there are hyper sepped sensor near front wheel cover & ECU head unit near front side panel (including some more wires).

The bike will come priced at Rs 78,880, ex-showroom, New Delhi. The company has declared that this is only the introductory price of the motorcycle, so prices are subject to change, soon. The RTR 180 ABS comes at a premium of approximately Rs 9,000 over the regular 180.

Maruti Suzuki Swift 2011

          India's largest car manufacturer Maruti is expected to launch the most awaited 2011 Swift by the end of April. The 2011 Swift will come with new hart. Its petrol version will have 1.2-liter top line1.5 K-Series engine and the diesel will occupy 1.3-liter engine.
           Apart from the fresh looking exterior, the interior has also been redesigned. The new Swift 2011 is taller than the existing Swift by about 155mm. This is a good increase to new length of 3850 mm (compared to existing length of 3696mm) which still helps to keep the New Swift in small car category in terms of tax rules by keeping is less than 4 meter in length. This increase in length will add to more space inside swift and make it more appealing car to buy.
          The width has also been increased from 1690mm to 1695mm which is not a considerable change. The height of the new Swift is 1510mm compared to 1530 mm of the existing swift which is slightly lesser in height. The wheelbase has been increased to 2430 mm compared to 2390 mm which will add to a better handling & performance.
Have a look at the beauty

          With all these specifications, the car is expected to cost little more than the existing car. Price value of Swift 2011 is expected somewhere between 5.5laks to 7.0 laks