A new kid on the block - SX4 diesel, watchout

     The SX4 diesel might be a late entry into the Indian mid-size diesel segemet, but the car promises to ruin the party of Ventos, Manzas, Lineas and ofcouse the Vernas. The Fiat sourced 1.3L multijet diesel engine with Turbo, which the Suzuki calls it as DDiS seams to give better performance than the Linea. Fiat might be kicking itself for transfering the technology of 1.3L multijet diesel engine to Suzuki. This is not the first time Suzuki has bullied the Fiat, even the engine in Swift which is same as that of the Punto, delivers better performance and mileage than the later, thanks to light weight and value engineering from the Japanese.

     The sales of SX4 had sky-dived in the recent past, that was manily due to the lack of diesel option. The SX4 which the company calls as 'Men are Back' indeed lives upto the proverb with is ruggedness and high ground clearance. The large wheels and high ground clearance gobbles the potholes like a devil.

      

     With the launch of SX4, not only the diesel rivals such as Vento, Linea, Manza and Verna are concerned, the bench marker in the segment, Honda City will also face the heat because of the pricing. With the price of Rs. 7.74 lakh for the base variant which goes up to Rs. 8.60 lakh for the top end one (All prices ex-showroom New Delhi), a great chunk of Indian customers will opt for SX4 and since being a Maruti is an advantage.

      The other car which the SX4 will closely compete is the Etios, but by the time Toyota would launch the Etios the SX4 diesel would have dominated the segment. What you say???

New Volkswagen concepts revealed for Geneva Motor Show

     Volkswagen had announced that it will show 7 new concept cars at the Geneva Motor Show. Of them two concepts have been ready and the pictures are available on the net.  The two concepts in the pictures are designed by Italdesign Giugiaro studio at the European patent office. Volkswagen now owns Italdesign Giugiaro design studio.

     The first concept is a tall and narrow five-door hatchback model with seating for four passengers, while the second model appears to be a sportier looking three-door variant with a lower roofline and more aggressive lines, in the likes of the Scirocco. We can't tell for sure, but it is possible that these two cars are roughly the same size as the Polo.

New Volkswagne Concept 1

New Volkswagne Concept 2

Maruti Suzuki SX4 diesel launched, priced at Rs. 7.74 lakh

     Maruti Suzuki has launched the diesel powered SX4 in India with price starting from Rs. 7.74 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). The diesel SX4 will be available in 3 variants - LDi, VDi and ZDi.

     The SX4 diesel is powered by the same 1.3L multijet engine, but the turbo helps to produce power of 90 Bhp. The same engine powers the Fiat Linea and recently launched refreshed Tata Manza. The SX4 diesel has been priced competitively at Rs. 7.74 lakh for VDi and Rs 8.62 lakh for top of the line ZDi variant. Volkswagen Vento diesel is priced between Rs. 7.99 to 9.23 lakh and Fiat Linea between Rs. 7.40 lakh to Rs. 8.71 lakh (All prices ex-showroom New Delhi).

BMW launches new sub-brand 'i'

BMW has launched a new sub-brand 'i' thorugh it plans to market a range of advanced standalone hybrid, range-extender and plug-in electric models.


The first vehicles to be come under the 'i' brand will be i3 & i8 both of which will be released in 2013. The two vehciles are known for their alternate drive system which have been designed to overcome the extra weights of the batteries.

LifeDrive as the BMW calls the new architecture uses alluminium chassis to cover the drive train and the passenger compartement made up of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic developed in association with SG carbon.
 

The i3 with is an extension of BMW's Mega City vechicle, will be powered by an all-electric driveline which uses a 170 Bhp electric motor along with a lithium ion battery pack can cover a range of 100 miles. Several models inculding a range exteder is also under development.


The i8 known to as EffecientDynamics concept car is powered by BMW's upcoming 1.5L petrol engine and electric motor similar to that of the i3.


Both i3 and i8 will be manufactured at BMW's Lepzig factory, which attracted 400 million euro of frest investements.

Source: Autocarindia

BMW i sub-brand with i3 / i8 [video]

Jaguar planning to launch BMW 3 Series rival

     Tata Motors owned British marquee Jaguar is planning to launch a small sedan to rival BMW 3 Series. With the increasing demand of the luxury cars in India BMW 3 Series has been the favourite of the first time luxury car buyers because of its price and quality. Also on cars is Sporty 4x4 crossover which is expected in 2014. The two models are planned under project codenamed X760.

Source: Autocarindia

BharatBenz – the new brand from Daimler for India

     German automobile giant Daimler AG has unvieled a new brand for India named ‘BharatBenz’. With the increasing demand of commercial vehicles in India, Daimler aims to gain maximum foothold with this new brand in the segment. The new brand BharatBenz will be limited to commercial vehicles like buses and trucks from Daimler Group in India.

     Under BharatBenz brand, Daimler has invested Rs 4,400 crore at a facility in Oragadam near Chennai which will manufacture 6 to49 tonnes commercial vehicles. Bharat Benz will compete with players like Sweden’s Volvo, Germany’s Man and America Navistar in India heavy vehicle segment.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG & Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars -

We would have liked to come to the country earlier but there was a slowdown. We are very clear that we want to take a leadership position in India. We have chosen a very promising product for this market.

2012 Proton Exora spied

     Proton has been in news for some time in India. The Malaysian company wants to set its foot hold in growing Indian car market but somehow is not able to make it. The company is searching for a potential partner to launch its cars namely Savvy and Saga initially and more products in the future.

     Proton Exora is one of the successful models in Proton line up. The MUV with its dashing looks and practicality would give a stiff competition to Innova in India. The next generation/ 2012 Exora has been spied being testing in winter conditions. However the 2012 will be a facelift with changes to front, rear and also on the side body panels. Interiors are expected to be same and so do the power trains. Hope we could see the new Exora in India soon.