Maruti offers Rs. 45000 discount on Maruti A-Star

Since a past few months, car manufacturers in India are witnessing sluggish sales, reason being higher rate of interest and rise in petrol prices.

To do the damage control Maruti India has come up with a discount offer on Maruti A-Star hatchback. Maruti India is offering an impressive discount of Rs. 45000 on Maruti A-Star to boost up its sales. This discount is split in a cash discount of Rs. 28000 along with an exchange price of Rs. 15000.

 Earlier, Maruti India managed to sell 4000 units of Maruti A-Star per month, but this figure has tumbled down gradually. The sales figures of Maruti A-Star in the month of May came down to 1734 units, which were followed to the mark of 1000 units. Sadly, the July sales of Maruti A-Star went down to 779 units, which is surely not remarkable. Therefore, to boost up its sales, Maruti India decided to offer a discount of Rs. 45000 on it.However, the major problem with Maruti A-Star is space. This hatchback is pretty cramped at the rear, which makes the passenger sitting at the back a little uncomfortable. In the last few months, it was seen that Maruti Zen Estilo managed to outsold Maruti A-Star, because, Maruti Estilo comes with better space.On the other hand, Maruti A-Star is brilliant handling car. The fuel efficiency of this hatchback is surely striking and comes with a responsive gearbox.

PHOTO GALLERY

Force One SUV launch on August 19

The most anticipated upcoming car these days is the Force One SUV, a new product of Force Motors Limited which is one of the best utility vehicle manufacturers in India.

It is being speculated that the new Force One will break cover on August 19th. Force One launch in highly anticipated as the company will foray into the passenger car segment with Force One. The Force One price is expected to be more than Rs10 lakh,this price tag can be highly competitive in the market comparatively with other SUVs in India such as Tata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio etc. Although, Force One SUV is ranked step above the Tata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio and various other SUVs in India.

 As per the Force One SUV specifications, the car may have a 2.2 liter common rail turbo diesel engine which is brought from Daimler. This engine will churn out a maximum power output of 140 Bhp and a highest torque of 350 Nm. Being a Daimler product the OM611 diesel engine in Force One is the cause which makes this SUV a step up than the other home grown SUVs in India.The dealerships of Force Motors has been enlisted, out of which 18 dealers in North, West and South India will participate in the retailing of Force One SUV. There is no news about any dealership center of Force Motors in Eastern part of India. The Force One SUV has been found doing test drives on some Indian national highways. The confirmation of this date is yet not officially announced but as per speculations, it is believed that the company will launch the SUV on August 19th. The time will tell whether Force One SUV finds its hold over the Indian market in such a tough competition or not.

The all new Renault Koleos to launch by September

The facelifted version of Renault Koleos will soon hit the Indian roads. Renault Koleos will be the second product by Renault after Renault Fluence in the Indian car market.

These two products are developed solely by Renault India, as Mahindra and Mahindra and Renault parted ways. According to the reliable sources, the new and enhanced Renault Koleos crossover is expected to be launched in the Indian car market by the end of the month of September 2011.This time around, Renault India will power the new Renault Koleos with the 2.0 litre DCi diesel engine, this diesel engine will have 14 valve 4 cylinder that will have the capacity of producing 110 PS of power at the rate of 4000 rpm along with 320 of Torque. Renault Koleos specifications are kind of perfect for the Indian conditions. This crossover is expected to make its appearance at the Frankfurt Motor show slated next month. As far as the new Renault Koleos price is concerned, this new crossover will be priced around Rs. 20 Lakh or so. The biggest competitors of the new Renault Koleos include Mitsubishi, Chevrolet captiva, Toyota Fortuner etc..It is expected that the new Renault Koleos SUV will be a 5 seater like other SUVs in India. To make its competition much stronger, Mitsubishi Outlander will soon be introduced with a seven seater variant. The Renault Koleos crossover appears to be pretty cool and smart. So it can be said that the Renault Koleos review have been pretty decent as yet, but what will be the reaction to the facelift version of Renault Koleos crossover is still to be known. Nonetheless, time will tell it all.

Photo Gallery

New Volkswagen Jetta, more details revealed

The German auto brand Volkswagen is gearing up to launch its new Volkswagen Jetta by 17th of this month in Mumbai.

There are huge speculations going around on the new Volkswagen Jetta price, as the exact price is well kept under the wraps and only going to be revealed during the launch. The potential competitors like the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze and Skoda Laura are more likely to be worried with the yet concealed price tag, and hopefully, if the new Volkswagen Jetta gets as much publicity as the Volkswagen Passat launch had received recently; the new Volkswagen Jetta is likely to give the supposed rivals a good run for their money.The new Volkswagen Jetta is believed to continue with the same engine, however, there might be changes in the performance based on the variation made. The new Volkswagen Jetta had been modified in two versions, the low-cost variant with slightly inferior designs for the American car market, while the other model for the European market with more luxurious interiors, the one which is going to be available in the Indian car market as well.As for the new Volkswagen Jetta specifications, like its older version the sedan will carry on with its 2 litre, 4-cylinder common rail diesel engine giving a maximum power output of 140 PS at 4200 RPM and maximum torque of 320 Nm@ 1,700-2,500 RPM. Now, coming to the new Volkswagen Jetta features, the all new sedan will be deployed with a six-speed manual transmission gear box. The new Volkswagen Jetta will be provided with AC vents with Climate control, a mobile device interface with iPod/iPhone adapter cable, electrically adjustable foldable and heated external mirrors, front, side and rear air bags are just a few among the rest of the very interesting all new Volkswagen Jetta features. With the fast approaching launch date of 17th August for the new Volkswagen Jetta, and another impending major launch of new Maruti Swift clashing on the same day, Indian car market is for sure going to witness some fireworks on this auspicious day.

HM to launch new vehicles this year

Hindustan Motors Ltd. is all set to launch a range of new vehicle models and variants in the current financial year, with the first product scheduled to be introduced soon.

The announcement was made by Mr. C K Birla, Chairman of the multi-billion dollar global Group, at HM’s 69th annual general meeting here today.Hindustan Motors, the country’s oldest car company, has decided to lay major emphasis on development and launch of new vehicles and products to ensure productive use of unutilized capacity and sustainable growth. As a consequence, research and design services have been revitalized with the establishment of a CAD-CAE-enabled R&D centre at Uttarpara in Hooghly. The new facility has started making a positive impact on design of the company’s products. The company will thus be able to enrich its bouquet of products speedily.Hindustan Motors has completed the development of a 0.8-tonne pickup, a 7 to 9-seater commercial passenger carrier on Ambassador platform, a 9-10-seater passenger carrier on LCV Winner platform and an upgraded cargo version Winner at its Uttarpara plant in Hooghly, West Bengal. Available in both diesel and CNG models, these vehicles will be launched in the market very soon. The company’s Chennai plant, where HM builds Mitsubishi range of vehicles, will witness the launch of new generation Pajero Sports Utility Vehicle, 7-seater Outlander and upgraded Montero.The company is developing a Euro IV-compliant diesel engine on CRDI platform in collaboration with a European company and the new engine should be ready for use in the current financial year. The CRDI Generation II fuel efficient engine will meet BS IV norms for both passenger and commercial range of vehicles, Mr. Birla added. Hindustan Motors will continue to augment its distribution network by setting up new dealerships. Special emphasis is being laid on promotional activities like road shows to increase awareness about the company’s products and services in different buyer segments. Road shows have just concluded in West Bengal, Assam, Orissa and Bihar. The Tamil Nadu-Puducherry road show will draw to a close on August 11. These will be followed by pan-India road shows of HM’s existing and forthcoming vehicles.

New Toyota Innova to arrive in India by 2012

 Toyota Motor Corp, the world’s largest auto maker is back into the news after Toyota Etios Liva hatchback launch last month.

This time it is due to Toyota Innova makeover. The test mules of the face lifted Toyota Innova MPV were reportedly seen in Indonesia for some time now. The retouched Toyota Innova MPV, which was skeptical of hitting the Indian roads earlier, is however going to be launched towards the mid of 2012. The new Toyota Innova Price is likely to be Rs 8.1 lakh and around Rs 12.4 lakh for its top-variant.

 The new Toyota Innova will continue to have the same engine specifications with 2.5 litre D-4D diesel engine and 2 litre VVT –i petrol engine in Indian markets. The retouched Toyota Innova will be available in the international markets with automatic transmission, which is not for the Indian market, considering the excess cost involved. Toyota India is hoping not to add the automatic gearbox for the Indian variant of new Toyota Innova.



The exterior look of the Toyota Innova has undergone a major facelift as far as the recent pictures show. The front bumpers and the headlamps are changed to give the face lifted model to provide with more of an MUV look rather than the car appearance. The front grille is going to appear with a chrome finish, which the Toyota India wishes to retain as Indians prefer it that way.



The interiors of the retouched version of Toyota Innova doesn’t seem to have changed much except for the fabric used inside has been changed for good and the center ensemble also adorns a new look. The dashboard look, however remains the same. The face lifted Toyota Innova has been unveiled at the Indonesia International Motor Show.
In India Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo are competing against each other, with Toyota Innova’s bland look and Mahindra Xylo masculine bold look; it depends on the person’s individual choice as to which look they prefer. Notably, Mahindra is coming up with Mahindra Xylo Mini which will be an excellent option for those who want an MPV like Xylo but want to pay less. Mahindra Xylo Mini price is expected to be around Rs 6 lakh. However, there had been a slight change in the scenario recently with Tata Aria entering the auto market in 2010. Now, we have to sit back and see, with the retouched model of Toyota Innova entering the Indian market, as which of these MPV’s in India be able to woo customers the greatest.

PHOTO GALLERY

New Maruti 800 coming soon to rule hatchback segment

India's largest small car maker who won over the Indian customers with its small car Maruti 800, has decided to revive the popular hatchback.

Maruti India had been allegedly working on the current Maruti 800 replacement in a discreet manner; the spied pictures of which are obtained from our close source, which reveals that the new Maruti 800 appears to be based on the Maruti Alto’s platform. The New Maruti 800 will however position itself below the Maruti Alto with a difference of atleast Rs 40,000 between the price tags of each of them.The new Maruti 800 will be powered by the 796 cc three-cylinder engine similar to that of Maruti Alto, nevertheless modified slightly to meet the latest emission standards. The interiors of the new Maruti 800 are expected to be roomier than before. The price of the upgraded Maruti 800 is likely to be under Rs 2 lakhs clearly separating it from the Maruti Alto league, but placing it into more of Tata Nano category.

While the new Maruti 800 is expected to have a solid competition with Tata Nano, we also have another ace player, Hyundai H800 in the same price segment, which is speculated to be launched by November, this year. Hyundai H800, which is considered to be a stripped down version of Hyundai Santro Xing, and with the looks of Hyundai i10, is surely going to be a tough competitor in the race. The Hyundai H800 is expected to cost in the range of Rs 2.32 lakhs – Rs 3.30 lakhs.We have to wait and see how the Indian auto market is going to buzz with all the small low-budget cars, each of it, the best in its own manner contest against the other and finally, who remains the frontrunner.

The other hatchbacks offered by Maruti India are Maruti Zen, Maruti Zen Estilo, Maruti Ritz, new Maruti Swift and Maruti A-star. In the sedan segment cars, Maruti India has Maruti Kizashi, Maruti Swift Dzire and Maruti SX4. Other than these; Maruti India also offers Maruti Grand Vitara, Maruti Gypsy, Maruti Eeco and Maruti Omni.

Audi RS5 launched in Andhra Pradesh

Audi India launched its sports coupe, Audi RS5 in Andhra Pradesh with the price tag of Rs. 77.35 Lakh. With the launch of Audi RS5 high hopes came in for the Hyderabad Audi dealers. They aspire to sell around 300 cars this year.

And the good news is that they have already managed to sell two Audi RS5.As per the MD of Audi India (Hyderabad), Mr. Rajiv M Sanghvi, till now Audi has managed to sell around 550 cars in Hyderabad in the last three years since the dealership opened in Hyderabad. This new model of Audi, which is Audi RS5 has already been appreciated internationally, so there are high hopes that it will also receive raving responses here too.Mr. Ravij M Sanghavi also told that Audi A7 SUV and Audi A4 sedans are quite prominent in the city and there is further more demand for Audi cars in other parts of Andhra Pradesh too. However, it is a known fact that Hyderabad adds the major lump to the sales of Audi in Andhra Pradesh. Right now, about 28% of the market share in the luxury car section in Andhra Pradesh is grabbed by Audi. The new sports coupe, Audi RS5 has a very athletic built along with a powerful persona. The most significant features of this luxury car include superior performance, stylish looks and impulsive responsiveness.The Audi RS5 comes with a sturdy V8 engine with a new and enhanced wheel drive system accompanied with a whole range of enhanced performance distinctiveness. This new Sports coupe by Audi symbolizes liberalism and as far as style and performance is concerned they are superb. As per Mr. Michael Perschke, the head of Audi India, the firm is pretty much confident that Audi RS5 will further make the Audi position much more stronger in the sports car section of the Indian Auto Market. Some other eminent and popular luxury cars by Audi India include, Audi A4, Audi A8, Audi A7, Audi R8, Audi TT, Audi Q5 and Audi Q7.

Hyundai H800 to compete with Nano and Alto

Many automakers across the world are into small, low-budget car production keeping Indian car market in mind.

They are of the opinion that if they succeed in the Indian car market, they stand a good chance of flourishing in other fast emerging auto markets throughout the world like the Brazilian auto market for example. We all are well aware that Tata Nano has been a major success, marketed as the world’s cheapest car and has been designed particularly for the Indian low income group. Today, many car makers are working in the same direction to attract the customers. Hyundai India draws the attention of our auto market, having come up with its new Hyundai H800 which is expected to be launched in November this year. Customers are eagerly waiting for this launch to happen and have their fingers crossed.

 The Hyundai H800 hatchback is believed to be a modest version of Hyundai Santro Xing. The exterior look and the interior appearance is said to be borrowed from its sibling Hyundai Santro Xing. However as per the leaked images of Hyundai H800 in the internet, the new hatchback resembles more like Hyundai i10 with an enlarged honeycomb mesh in the front. Though the external appearance may take after Hyundai i10, the interiors are different to cut down the costs. The head room space and the leg space are thought to have been reduced, while the wheel base appears to be similar to that of any other Hyundai small cars.The wonder car Tata Nano however fulfilled long-time dream of cutomers willing to buy a car when the car was launched in 2009, now the customers have a high expectation from Hyundai H800 with the Hyundai India track record.Hyundai H800 is going to put up a great fight against Tata Nano and Maruti Alto and why not when Maruti Alto is in great demand with its low price range between Rs 2.32 lakhs to Rs 3.30 lakhs with a good on-the-road performance. A close source has revealed that price of Hyundai H800 is expected to be under Rs 3 lakhs. We do not have the official specifications of this hatchback yet. But, is Hyundai H800 is going to be as popular as Tata Nano or Maruti’s Alto is what we have to wait and watch.

2012 Toyota Yaris

Toyota today announced prices for its next generation Yaris hatchback in Europe including the UK where the supermini is available for order now with first customer deliveries to take place in September.

The new Yaris is available in three- and five-door body styles with British buyers offered a choice of four grades (T2, TR, SR and T Spirit) and three engines including 1.0 and 1.33-litre petrol units and a 1.4-litre D-4D turbodiesel. On-the-road prices start from £11,700.

The entry-level engine for the range is Toyota’s three-cylinder 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol that generates 68bhp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 93Nm at 3,600rpm. Toyota says fuel consumption has been improved by four per cent over the outgoing model to 58.9mpg UK (4.8 lt/100km or 49mpg US), while CO2 emissions are down by seven per cent to 111g/km.

Those looking for a bit more oomph can opt for the 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine rated at 98bhp at 6,000rpm and 125Nm at 4,000rpm. When linked to the firm’s latest Multidrive S (CVT) transmission, fuel economy is 56.5mpg UK (5.0lt/100km or 47mpg US) and CO2 emissions are 118g/km.

Diesel options are limited to the 1.4-litre D-4D engine fitted as standard with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and matched to a six-speed manual gearbox. The four-pot delivers an output of 89bhp at 3,800rpm and maximum torque of 205Nm between 1,800 and 2,800rpm.

According to Toyota, the diesel-powered Yaris’ combined cycle fuel economy has been improved by seven per cent to 72.4mpg UK (3.9lt/100km or 60.2mpg US) and CO2 emissions are six per cent lower at 104g/km.

PHOTO GALLERY

New Ford Fiesta launch tomorrow

American multinational company, Ford is all set to roll out its new modified sedan Ford Fiesta in India tomorrow. The early launch of this new car in the Indian auto market might be the result of the fear of loosing the agitation that the car has created in the market.

At present Hyundai Verna Fluidic is the most popular sedan and doing great business in the Indian auto market. The car has achieved a significant number of sales in the month of June. The only advantage for Ford Fiesta is that Hyundia cars have a waiting period of about 6 months, which might help new Ford Fiesta to divert the attention of Indian buyers.American auto biggie Ford claims that this new Ford Fiesta is going to be the best car in its segment as it would come equipped with the world class features and provide the best mileage at minimum maintainance cost. New Ford Fiesta is composed of a 1.5 Liter TDCI, turbocharged-intercooled diesel engine which generates a power of 89.72 bhp and maximum torque of 204 Nm. As per ARAI ratings this new sedan is expected to give a decent mileage of 23.4 Kmpl. Along with this new Fiesta will also come equipped with new features and high standard saftey features which include a dual-stage front-seat air bags, driver’s knee air bag, side air bags and side curtain air bags. This new Ford Fiesta with these features might boost the sales figure of Ford in India.Ford has not disclosed Ford Fiesta price yet, more details and price of this new Ford Fiesta will be announced on the day of launch thats is tomorrow. At present Ford Fiesta, Ford Endeavour and Ford Figo are the only three cars under the portfolio of Ford India. The company expects an overwhelming response for this smoking hot sedan which has already created a hysteria among the car aficionados in India. This sedan can be a game changer for Ford just like its hatchback Ford Figo, Ford expects to rev up sales with this new Fiesta.

New Chevrolet Captiva likely to be launched in October

The American auto-maker General Motors India made  the announcement of the launch date of Chevrolet Beat Diesel somewhere next month, now the speculations are high that they are going to launch the facelifted version of the SUV named New Chevrolet Captiva.

The facelifted version of this SUV incorporates some new features and a totally new design. Chevrolet Captiva launch is expected to be somewhere in the festive season of October.This car is likely to be equipped with a engine that will provide with much more power and torque that the current model of Chevrolet Captiva provides. As per the speculations this new car will not be available in the petrol version and will be equipped with the same amazing 2.0 L common rail engine which will give out a fantastic performance. The new Chevrolet Captiva is expected to be priced around Rs. 18-20 lakh INR.The launch of this new car with the Chevrolet Beat diesel is likely to increase the market share of General Motors in India. The company says that they do not  want to be confined to hatchback car segment, but they also want to expand their market in all segments.The Chevrolet Beat diesel is supposed to be launched in the month of July. This new car in diesel version will surely be liked by the Indian buyers due to the recent petrol hikes in the country. The car has 1,248cc multijet diesel engine which is capable of delivering a maximum torque of 150 Nm and a five speed gearbox. The car also has the capability of delivering a mileage of 24 kmpl, which is surely going to tempt the Indian customers.The SUV will add to the line up with Chevrolet Tavera and the Chevrolet Tavera Neo. The car will uproar the other SUVs in India like Honda CR-V, Ford Endeavour and the upcoming SUV's like Force One, Mahindra W201, Mahindra Kornado etc.

PHOTO GALLERY