Mahindra Gio passenger cab launched in Bihar

     Mahindra has launched a passenger variant of its sub one tonne pick up Gio in Bihar priced at Rs. 1.95 lakh (ex-showroom). The vehicle is powered by single-cylinder, 441cc, diesel engine that produces 9.1 bhp and 2.2 kgm of peak torque. The engine compiles with BS3 norms. Mahindra claims the Gio 4-wheeler compact cab will deliver 30 kmpl. The 4 wheeler compact cab will compete with the 3-wheeler passenger carriers from Bajaj and Piaggio.

Mercedes Benz launches G Wagon(G55 AMG) in India

     German luxury automobile manufacturer Mercedes Benz has launched G Wagon cross country vehicle in India priced at Rs. Rs 1.1 crore (ex-showroom Mumbai). The G Wagon will be imported a CBU (Completely Built Unit). The G represents Geländewagen which in German refers to Cross Country Vehicle. The version launched in India is the AMG tuned G55.

     The G55 is powered by a 5.5-litre petrol V8 eninge developing 507 Bhp @ 6100 rpm & 71.4 kgm of torque @ 2750 rpm. The G55 weight over 2.5 tonnes and does 0-100 is just 5.5 seconds. The G55 is loaded with technology such as permanent all-wheel drive with three locking differentials, a 5-speed automatic transmission, ESP and electronic traction control system and high performance 350mm front and 330mm rear ventilated disc brakes.

One more Chinese MPV caught testing in India – this time its Hong Guang

    Few days earlier we had posted about General Motors testing the Wuling MPV Hong Tu in India. Now we have found one more MPV from the Chinese manufacturer Wuling being tested on India soil.

     The MPV in the picture with heavy camouflage is Wuling Hong Guang which was spied in Bangalore. Unlike the Hong Tu which is a competitor to Maruti Eeco, the Hong Guang is bigger in dimensions and is likely to compete against Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo. The vehicle has flexible seating arrangements of 2+2+3 and 2+3+3.

     Chevrolet has to position the Hong Guang as it might overshadow its own Tavera. Probable Chevrolet will position Hong Guang as a luxury people mover. Lets wait and watch.

Chevrolet Beat diesel launch in India by June 2011

     Chevrolet had revealed its plans of launching a diesel powered Beat in India. Now it has been confirmed that the diesel Beat will be launched in India by June 2011. But we could expect the diesel Beat launch any time before the speculated launch.

     Chevrolet recently launched LPG version of the Beat and is looking serious on the diesel variant to push sales. The petrol driven Beat could not make a big impact on the Indian market thanks to the series of new launches in the segment by other players.

     Goa on Wheels (a fellow blogger) could able to get spy pictures of diesel Beat being testing in Bangalore. To remind, General Motors has a designing and testing facility in Bangalore which was instrumental in developing the new 1.2L SMARTECH petrol engine which powers the current Beat.

     The white Beat in the picture has a TCDi badge which makes it confirm that the car is indeed run on diesel. Since we have spotted the car without camouflage it might be soon launched earlier than expected. The Beat diesel engine will be a 3 cylinder 1litre one promising a path breaking fuel efficiency.