Tata Motors launches bulletproof Safari in India

     It is the first time in the Indian automobile history that a vehicle manufacturer has launched a bulletproof variant. India’s home grown automobile manufacturer Tata Motors has launched an armored Safari SUV which costs Rs. 60 lakh, making it the cheapest armored vehicle in the country. The vehicle can be purchased directly from the Tata Motors dealers unlike other bulletproof vehicles which has to be modified after sales. The bulletproof Safari though would sell in few numbers, it will definitely grab the attention of politicians and high profile businessmen in India.

     
     You will hardly find any difference in the bulletproof Safari from outside, but it can withstand an underbelly hand grenade explosion without affecting the fuel tank, thanks to the use of explosive suppressant material. The glass area can also withstand heavy artillery and ammunitions.


     The bulletproof Safari has got NIJ Level III/B6 protection and car run for 50 Km distance with flat tyres at the speed of 50-60 Kmpl. Suspension systems has been fine-tuned to manage the added weight of armory. The vehicles done 150 Kmpl as top speed and can ascend a slope of 60%.


     Last year Tata Motors had launched armored versions of Land Rover vehicles.

Honda Brio Indian preview postponed

     Japanese auto giant Honda has postponed the preview of its small car Brio in India because of the devastating tsunami and earthquake that hit Japan last week. Honda Brio was to be previewed in India on 17th of this month.


     The company said in a statement "In light of the recent devastating earthquake that hit Japan, causing massive damage to life and property, Honda Siel Cars India has postponed the Honda Brio India preview event scheduled to be held on March 17, 2011. Honda Siel Cars India extends heartfelt condolences to all those who have suffered or lost their near and dear ones in this tragic disaster and stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Japan,"

Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo Edge Special Edition launched in India

      India's largest car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki has launched a Special Edition model of its small car Zen Estilo named Edge. The Zen Estilo is powered by the same 998cc 3 cylinder K-Series engine that generates 67bhp and 90Nm of torque.

      The Zen Estilo Edge Special Edition features more cabin entertainment and thrill with 2 Din Radio + CD player + MP3 player. 

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