Nissan Sunny spied testing in Chennai

      Recently launched in China, Nissan Sunny was spotted testing in Chennai. The Sunny as it is known in China and other parts of the world has been built on the versatile 'V' platform which Nissan has created to manufacture many models over single platform. The lone small car from Nissan in India 'Micra' also shares the same platform with the Sunny.

       From the pictures, it is evident that the Sunny is tested along with a Indigo Manza, and we guess it is being done to get the fuel efficiency of the Sunny right. The Sunny sedan might be launched sooner than expected which was in second quarter of this year.


 
      The versatile 'V' platform has been designed by Nissan in Japan with focus on reduction in weight and number of components. Sunny will be launched with two engine options in India - a 1.5L petrol with 100 Bhp and a 1.5L diesel one currently powering the Micra hatchback. The Sunny is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 4.85 - 6.10 lakh (ex-showroom in India).  

Source: Autocarindia

Volvo S60 saloon launched in India

     Volvo has launched its S60 saloon in India priced at Rs. 27 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). The S60 saloon is available in both petrol and diesel engine options.

     The petrol engine which is badged T6 is a 3 litre, turbocharged, inline  with 6 cylinders producing 304 Bhp power and 44.8 Kg of torque via a 6 speed gearbox. The diesel engine is the same one powering the XC90 and S80 with 205 Bhp of power. Both the petrol and diesel options are available with all wheel drive as a standard option.

     The S60 features loads of safety features such as Pedestrian Detection system, Blind Spot Information System, Reverse Camera which can rotate upto 178 degrees, Radar based Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Auto Brakes.

     The S60 runs on 16 inch wheels with an 18 inch wheel as an option. It comes with a 2 year or 60,000 Km warranty. Two diesel engine and one petrol engine option is on the offer.

Hyundai launches nationwide free car care clinic

     Hyundai has announced a nationwide free car care clinic in India. The 10th nationwide free car care clinic will be held from March 5th to 14th 2011. Attractive gifts and exciting prices are available for the customers attending the camp. The prices include eight 1.5 ton Window ACs, sixteen other exciting awards and daily free extended warranty. Apart from this one lucky customer will get a Bumper prize of a 40 inch LCD TV.

Mahindra Gio compact cab launched in Uttar Pradesh

     Indian utility vehicle manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra has launched the Gio compact cab in Uttar Pradesh. Earlier last month, the Gio compact cab was launched in Bihar. Mahindra wants to dominate the rural passenger cab segment which has  not been touched by many vehicle manufacturers in India. 

     Mahindra has reported that it has created a new segment by launching Gio positioning it as an affordable people carrier across rural India. The report quoted M&M Vice-President (sales – automotive division) Vijay Nakra as saying “UP is an important market for us and the second place in the country after Patna, where we have launched Gio.” It was reported that the company is basically eyeing the large three-wheeler driver-owner segment for Gio. “The cab can also be used as carriage in public schools and large corporate campuses,”

     The Gio compact cab is priced at Rs. 1.95 lakh in UP. Although the cab is based on the Gio  pick up mini truck, it has been customized for passenger safety, comfort and ergonomics. The compact cab is driven by a diesel engine at present and an electric option is also on the cards.

Source: wheelsunplugged

Delhi Police to replace Ambassador cars with Maruti SX4

     The Delhi Police have decided to replace the good old Ambassadors with more faster and fuel efficient Maruti Suzuki SX4. Phasing out of Ambassadors have already started with the Commissioner B K Gupta being the first to replace his car with a brand new Maruti Suzuki SX4. So far Delhi Police have received 12 Maruti SX4s.

     According to the Commissioner of Delhi Police, four things were kept in mind while choosing the replacement for Ambassador cars which included fuel economy, maintenance cost, comfort and speed. The Maruti SX4 was the first choice as it is fitted with a fuel efficient diesel engine and is one of the comfortable cars in the market.

     The SX4s given to Delhi Police is fitted with radio tag installed for security reasons. The Commissioners car is equipped with number of luxury and safety features which will raise the bar for Govt. vehicles.

Delhi Police feels the replacement of old Ambassadors with SX4 will certainly change the way people perceive police vehicles in India.

     The Commissioner of Police Delhi, BK Gupta stated: “We are in the process of buying vehicles like Maruti SX4 that are easy to maintain and save fuel.” A proposal was sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs long time ago which was finally accepted.

SX4 used as Police car in China

 

 

BMW 320d Performance Edition launched in India

     BMW has launched a new variant of its 3 series saloon 320d named as Performance Edition in India. The BMW 320d Performance Edition will have the same engine as that of the 320d Highline and Corporate Edition but with a slightchange in the outlook.

     The 320d Performace Editon has BMW trademark kidney shaped gril finished in black (Hightline and Corporate Edition has chrome finished one), carbon fiber side mirror caps and a front splitter also finished in carbon fiber. The rear gets a carbon fiber spoiler on the boot. A 17-inch M double-spoke alloy wheels and a special silver-grey cheat-line running across the shoulder line are some of the other changes outside. In the interiors there are sporty pedals and M door sills.

     BMW has priced the 320d Performance Editon 2 lakh cheaper than the 320d Highline variant which is priced at Rs 31.65 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai.

Source: Autocarindia

Chevrolet Spark diesel could change the face of the game

     Couple of days back, the Chevrolet boss of India has hinted about Spark diesel to be launched in India soon with a new 1.0L TCDi diesel engine. Chevrolet might price the diesel Spark little higher than the petrol one. This makes the Spark to be the first car in the segment with a diesel option.


     A diesel car at the price of Rs. 3 lakh+ could change the face of the Indian car market. The cheapest diesel currently available in India is priced above Rs. 5 lakh. Car buyers are increasingly worried about the running cost, thanks to the petrol price hike. A person buying a car with budget of Rs. 3 lakh will definitely think about spending another 50K and go for a diesel car. The smaller three diesel engine from General Motors will give good average as well.

 Chevrolet might face a problem of Spark eating the share of the Beat which will also be available with the same diesel engine. Smart pricing and positioning of the cars might change the fortunes of the American auto major.