Mahindra S101 compact SUV spied for the first time

Mahindra’s new compact SUV codenamed S101 to take on the Ford Ecosport and Maruti Alpha XA

The first ever pictures of Mahindra’s new compact SUV codenamed S101 has been posted by Autocarindia. As seen from the picture, the compact SUV looks to be sportier aiming directly at the Ford Ecosport and Maruti Alpha XA. Of course the compact SUV will be under 4 meters length, the second offering by Mahindra in the segment after the Quanto.

Mahindra S101 compact SUV will be positioned below Quanto and we expect it to be priced aggressively. The test mule seen in the picture is probably in its early stage of development and as we know Mahindra it will take probably 9-10 months to be launched in the market.

Along with S101, an upgraded version is also on the cards (codename S102) for the export market. Mahindra has also invested heavily on the engine development at Mahindra Research Valley Chennai to develop a range of petrol and diesel engines for its future products. Three petrol and three diesel engines is reported to be under development with capacities of 1.2, 1.5 and 1.6 Liters.

Mahindra in association with its Korean company SsangYong Motors is developing new vehicles for India as well as abroad with parts sharing between the two to keep the costs low. Stay tuned at AutomobilePlanet.com for more updates on Mahindra’s new compact SUV S101.

Picture Source: Autocarindia.com

Honda stops Jazz production in India

Jazz production stoppage speculates coming of the next generation Jazz

Honda has stopped production of Jazz hatchback in India. Dealers have been told not to accept any bookings further while already booked Jazz will be delivered to the customers in time.

Honda has been developing the next generation Jazz which will come by 2014. The Jazz 2014 will feature a diesel engine probable the 1.5L i-Dtec of the Amaze. A diesel option will give a level playing option for Jazz which the car has been devoid since its inception.

As we all know about Honda’s design philosophy, the next generation Jazz too will be an eye catcher with futuristic design.

Scania launches Metrolink buses and coaches in India

Scania, another major Swedish commercial vehicles manufacturer apart from Volvo has launched three new buses and coaches at the BusWorld India 2013, Mumbai. The three models launched are Scania Metrolink HD 45-seater, Scania Metrolink HD 49-seater and Scania Metrolink HD 53-seater.

Scania Metrolink HD 45-seater

This is a 12-metre 4x2 model with 45 seats, a Scania 9-litre 310 hp Euro 3 engine, Scania Opticruise 8-speed automated gearchanging. The vehicle is 2.6 m wide, 3.7 m high and fitted with a 465-litre fuel tank.

Scania Metrolink HD 49-seater

13.7-metre 6x2 model with 49 semi-sleeper seats (or 53 without calf support), a Scania 13-litre 360 hp Euro 3 engine, Scania Opticruise 8-speed automated gearchanging. The third axle is hydraulically steered for easy manoeuvring. The vehicle is 2.6 m wide, 3.7 m high and fitted with a 465-litre fuel tank.

Scania Metrolink HD 53-seater

This is a 14.5-metre high-capacity 6x2 model featuring 53 semi-sleeper seats (or 57 without calf support). It has the Scania 13-litre 410 hp Euro 3 engine, Scania Opticruise 8-speed automated gearchanging. The third axle is hydraulically steered for easy manoeuvring. The vehicle is 2.6 m wide, 3.7 m high and fitted with a 465-litre fuel tank.

Mr. Anders Grundströmer, Managing Director Scania Commercial Vehicle India and Senior Vice President Scania Group says 

“It is with great pride that Scania makes India the first market worldwide to enjoy the benefits of the Scania Metrolink, a new range of intercity coaches, with a distinct Scania character, bristling with state-of-the-art technology. Scania has been at the forefront, developing new coach concepts and technologies during more than a century. It gives us great pleasure to now bring the world-renowned Scania buses and coaches to India. Our products are known for their outstanding fuel economy and high uptime, and ensuring low operating costs. “Scania Metrolink is a premium product that is completely in line with Scania's mission to be a trusted partner for the transportation industry in India.”

Honda starts e mail campaigning of Amaze in India

Today we received an e mail from Honda campaigning its new diesel sedan Amaze. The campaign picture emphasises on the interior space of Amaze, but there is no mention of diesel apart from i-DTEC written on the car. Couple of weeks ago Honda had displayed Amaze on its Indian homepage with the tagline “Coming in 2013”.

According to sources, Honda Amaze, both petrol and diesel has reached India and has gone to ARAI for homologation. So paparazzis in Pune get ready to snap some spy pictures of Amaze.

Honda in its website has posted comments from Indian automobile gurus who have applauded the car for its brilliant space, design and of course the diesel engine. Will the Honda Amaze become the car of the year 2013? lets wait and see...

Chevrolet Enjoy Voyage exterior pictures

Chevrolet Enjoy Voyage interior pictures

New Honda CR-V to be launched on 12th February, to cost less

Next Generation Honda CR-V 2013 launch in India with less cost than the current model.

Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are known for their bulky look, ruggedness and off-road capabilities with driving dynamics and comfort as a last option. But the Honda CR-V SUV has a different definition. The CR-V might look like an SUV, but in terms of driving and handling, it makes the best of the luxury cars shy away with it. No wonder Politian in Karnataka prefer CR-Vs to any luxury car. The creature comfort in a CR-V is almost next to none in its segment.

We all know Honda has launched the fourth generation CR-V in international markets and will soon launch it in India as well. The spy pictures of the new CR-V have been published in the web during its test runs around Noida. The good news is that Honda will launch the new CR-V 2013 in India on 12^th of February 2013. In fact Honda’s Indian website has already updated the CR-V page with the new vehicle’s pictures.

The fourth generation Honda CR-V 2013 SUV, though some call it as a crossover will be launched in India with much lower price than the current model. The new Honda CR-V 2013 will be assembled in India unlike the currently model which was imported as Completely Built Unit from Japan and hence commanded extra tax duties. Assembling the new Honda CR-V 2013 in India helps Honda cuts cost which can be passed on to the customers. The current CR-V is selling at Rs. 28 lakh and we expect the new one will be priced around Rs. 20 to 22 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). The new Honda CR-V 2013 will be assembled at Honda’s Noida plant.

The new Honda CR-V will come with 2 engine options. A 2.0L 153 Bhp i-VTEC engine will power the 2WD models and the bigger 2.4L 185 Bhp will do the duty on the All Wheel Drive (AWD) model. Honda will retain the 6 speed manual and 5 speed automatic gearbox on the new CR-V as well. The new Honda CR-V features as improved suspension system and full length under body tray from low NVH levels. The vehicle is expected to be priced between Rs. 20 – 22 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

No diesel option

Now the big question is, does the new Honda CR-v 2013 come with a diesel engine? No, Honda has no plans to launch the diesel variant of Honda CR-V 2013 in India. Probably later Honda might consider diesel as an option, but we have to wait till the Amaze diesel gets going in the Indian market. With recent proposal of deregulation of diesel prices in India, Honda might stick on to its renowned petrol power trains for new Honda CR-V 2013.