Archive for the 'India' Category Page 2 of 5

Launched at Auto Expo 2008: Honda CR-V 2.0L for India

on January 17, 2008 in India and SUVs. 5 Comments

Honda CRV 2.0 India

Honda cars India launched the 2.0 litre variant of their CR-V at the Auto Expo 2008 in New Delhi. Priced at Rs 17,15,000 Delhi ex-showroom, this Honda will take on the Chevy Captiva and might take even more buyers off of Maruti Grand Vitara.

This Honda’s 2.0L i-VTEC engine displaces 1997 cc and produces 143 bhp power at 6000 rpm and 190 Nm torque at 4200 rpm. HSCI says Honda CRV 2.0L is more fuel efficient and doesn’t compromising on performance.

In comparison with the 2.4-litre version.

Honda CR-V 2.0L costs Rs 1.25 lakhs cheaper
18 bhp lesser power and torque is 28 Nm lesser.
This Honda is 2 wheel driven (2WD) vs real-time AWD on 2.4L
Power steering is electrically assisted vs hydraulic assist on the 2.4L CRV.
Honda CR-V 2.0L gets a single CD audio system versus 6-CD changer on the 2.4-liter version.
The only visual changes outside are it doesn’t get a sunroof and door handles are body coloured (vs chrome).

5 Fiat Cars for India in 2008

on January 16, 2008 in India and Upcoming Cars. 27 Comments

Fiat has undergone a transformation globally in the past few years and now Fiat India is all set to revitalize their brand in India. Teaming up with Tata Motors and building of the Rs 4000 crore Ranjangoan plant in Maharashtra have been their first steps towards this. Moving forward, equipped with a new logo, FIAPL has lined up some of their internationally successful cars for India in 2008.

Fiat Linea

Fiat Linea India

Based on the Grande Punto platform and designed by Fiat Style Centre, Fiat Linea (a stunning beauty she is..) has been launched recently in the European market and is quite a success. For India this sedan will be manufactured at Fiat’s Ranjangoan plant with high localization and will be launched in the C-segment to take on the likes of Hyundai Verna, Chevy Aveo and Ford Fiesta. Expected to be priced in 7 to 8 lakhs bracket for the base version, Linea will hit the showrooms by the end of 2008 and will be offered with 2 engines – a 1.4 petrol and a 90 bhp 1.3 multijet diesel.

Fiat Grande Punto

Fiat Grande Punto India

One of the best selling cars in Europe and Fiat’s best selling, Grande Punto is another car that will be manufactured in India and sold through Fiat-Tata dealer network. Though not clear, Grande Punto will most likely be offered with a 1.2 and 1.4 petrols and the 1.3 Multijet diesel. Expected price is 5 to 6 lakhs.

Fiat 500 (Cinquecento)

Fiat 500 India

Call it a “City Car” or a “Fashion Car”, the Fiat 500 with its countless customizing options is outselling its production capacities everywhere its being launched. Nevertheless, Fiat India announced that it has plans to import the 500 as a CBU and sell it in India. It will be powered by a 75 bhp 1.3 Multijet diesel (MJD) engine Fiat will start deliveries in April. Its expected to be priced around 10 lakhs.

Fiat Bravo

Fiat Bravo India

Aggressive and definetely a hot hatch, Fiat Bravo is powered by a 150 bhp 1.9 Multijet diesel unit. Sadly like the Fiat 500, Bravo also will be sold in India as a CBU, which again makes it an exclusivity for people with deep pockets. Price is expected to be around 20 lakhs.

Fiat Palio 1.3 diesel

Though not an entirely new car for 2008, Fiat Palio Stile will get the 1.3 Multijet diesel (MJD) engine (that powers the Swift diesel) and this new variant will be called SDX. Expected to be priced at 4.7 lakhs for the base model (ex-showroom Delhi), it will go on sale some time in May-June 2008.

In summary, the Grande Punto and Fiat Linea will go on sale by the end of 2008 and Palio diesel by june. Until then, to show us how serious Fiat is about India, the 500 and Fiat Bravo will be sold as CBUs (Completely Built Units) but with high price tags, making them a bit unrealistic choices for a conservative practical person.

Auto Expo 2008: TATA Indigo CS, Indica DICOR and X1

on January 13, 2008 in Hatchbacks and India. 5 Comments

Even before all the commotion about the launch of the Tata nano, Tata has launched 3 new models – 2 new variants of their long running successful models Indigo and Indica and an all new Tata Sumo. They also showcased a new generation Indica and Xenon XT pickup truck which are to go on sale in the later part of 2008.

TATA Indigo CS (Compact Sedan)

Tata Indigo CS Compact Sedan

Tata added another variant to their Indigo line-up, a shortened version called the Indigo CS. This sedan with a shortened boot manages to offer 400 litres of boot space and is offered with two engines – a 65 bhp 1.2-litre petrol from the Indica Xeta and a 70 bhp 1.4-litre turbo diesel from the Indigo V series. All of these make this car fit into the small car category and make it eligible for excise duty exemptions.

TATA Indica V2 DICOR

Another engine option has been added to the Indica line-up. Its the common rail 1.4-litre 70 bhp diesel unit thats offered in Indigo DICOR. This engine is much smoother with better torque and a more linear power delivery. Its priced at 4.25 lakhs (delhi ex-showroom).

New TATA Indica (X1) 2008

new Tata Indica 2008

The all new completely redesigned Indica (codenamed X1) has been unveiled and will go on sale along with the current Indica lineup later this year. Dimensionally, this 2008 model X1 is 4.7 inches longer and 1.2 inches wider with a 70 mm longer wheelbase over the current Indica. The immediately visible details on this Euro style hatch are the bigger headlamps and the new grille. It also has a centrally mounted instrument cluster inside. This Indica X1 will be offered with two engines – a common rail 1.3 diesel (based on the Fiat’s engine in Swift diesel) and a 1.2-litre petrol with VVT.

Images from team-bhp
read the TATA motors press release here.

Launched at Auto Expo 2008: GM India brings in Chevrolet Captiva

on January 12, 2008 in India and SUVs. 3 Comments

Chevrolet Captiva India

GM India plans to hold a 10% share in Indian Automotive market by 2010 and towards that end they launched the much talked about urban SUV Chevrolet Captiva at the Auto Expo 08. With a Delhi ex-showroom price tag of 17.74 lakh rupees, Captiva will mainly be competing with Honda CR-V (current segment leader) and other SUVs like Suzuki Grand Vitara, Ford Endeavor, Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Pajero.

This Chevy can seat 7 passengers and in addition to all the luxury and safety features a car of this class is expected to have, Captiva has an edge over the CRV with its diesel engine. This 2.0-liter VCDi modern diesel engine is the one from Optra Magnum but with a VGT turbo and setup to produce 150 bhp power and 320 Nm torque. Sadly though, it lacks the 4WD.

Chevy Captiva India

This trailer video has 1:26 mins of footage showcasing the Captiva.

Launched at Auto Expo 2008: Tata Sumo Grande 2.2

on January 12, 2008 in India and SUVs. 6 Comments

Tata Sumo Grande
Image source: Economic Times

The new redesigned Tata Sumo has been launched at the 9th Auto Expo 2008 and is now called Tata Sumo Grande. With a longer wheelbase, Sumo Grande has the same 2.2l DiCOR engine from the Tata Safari but tuned to produce 120 bhp power and 250 Nm torque.

Tata says this MUV is designed and setup for better urban runabouts and combines the best of the worlds of an SUV and a family car. With 3 variants to choose from and priced from Rs 6.5 lakhs to Rs 7.5 lakhs, its geared at Toyota Innova and will hit the showrooms in February.

Here’s the video presentation with some good footage of Tata Sumo Grande’s features that was showcased at the Auto Expo ’08

And heres what Tata says in their press release:

TATA Sumo Grande
The new Sumo Grande combines the looks of an SUV with the comforts of a family car. It has been specifically designed to satisfy the needs of city customers in the areas of driveability, maneuverability and fuel efficiency. The Tata Sumo Grande sports an all-new styling with clean, chiselled looks matching with flowing contours. The tall aggressive stance is complimented by large, clear headlamps, and a cutaway air dam in the front. The clean, rear look, with the spare wheel tucked under the body, is accentuated by attractive taillights and a chrome overlay.

Designed with a longer wheelbase of 2,550mm (existing 2,400mm), the Tata Sumo Grande sports comfortable 3-row seating with best in class third row seats. Beige interiors are complimented by fire and stain resistant fabric upholstery. Dual HVAC with roof-integrated louvers ensures personalised climate adjustment for the occupants in each row. Power steering, power windows, motorised ORVMs, height adjustable driver’s seat and a state-of-the-art CD / MP3 music system further add to the comforts and convenience of a family travelling in the Sumo Grande. The vehicle is powered by the new generation 2.2-l direct injection common rail (DICOR) engine, fitted with a variable geometry turbocharger creating a perfect blend of performance and fuel efficiency. Maximum power and torque of 120ps and 250nm, coupled with high-torque levels over a wide RPM band enhance driveability in stop-start city traffic. For a vehicle of its size, the Tata Sumo Grande is extremely maneuverable with the turning circle radius of 5.25m, similar to a small car.

The Tata Sumo Grande will be available in 3 variants – Lx, Ex and Gx — all of which have two seating configurations: 6+1 and 7+1. The vehicle will be available in seven colours, including four new shades: sunset orange, zephyr green, mineral red and marine blue. The Tata Sumo Grande range is priced in the range of Rs6.55 lakh to Rs7.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It comes with an enhanced warranty of two years or 75000kms. (whichever is earlier). An additional two years’ warranty can be availed through the extended warranty option. The vehicle will be available in showrooms across the country from the first week of February 2008.

redlineblog – Indian Car Reviews

Archive for the 'India' Category Page 2 of 5

Launched at Auto Expo 2008: Honda CR-V 2.0L for India