Chevrolet unveils mini SUV concept named ‘Trax’

     Chevrolet has unveiled its mini SUV concept which is named as Trax. The Trax mini-SUW will be showcased at Paris Motor Show this year. Trax will compete with Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and Maruti Alpha XA in Indian market.

     The Trax is basically the Opel Mokka which will go on sale in Eurome this year. The Mokka is powered by a 1.4 litre petrol and 1.7 liter diesel engines. But in India Chevrolet might launch the Trax with a small engine, possibly a 1.6 liter diesel one. Trax is 4.2 meters long so any excise cuts is doubtfull. The Trax might get features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the Traction Control (TC) as well as the Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) systems, possibly in the top end variant.

     Chevrolet might change the name for the mini SUV ‘Trax’ as it might be confused with the famous Tempo Trax in India!

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Renault updates details of Duster on its Indian site, launch in June

     Renault Duster is the vehicle which has been waited in India by many SUV enthusiasts. The good news is that Renault has updated the details of Duster on its Indian site which means the launch is around the corner. Expect the Duster launch in India by June 2012.

Here is what Renault’s Indian website says about the Duster - 

Stylish Chrome grille

Twin barrel headlamps

16” Alloy Wheels, Front Fog Lamps

Keyless entry

ABS with Brake Assist & EBD

Dual front Airbags

Plush Leather Upholstery

4 Speaker Music System with USB, AUX-IN & Bluetooth Connectivity

Satellite Audio & phone control

Rear Defogger, rear wiper & washer

Electrically adjustable ORVMs

Rear parking sensors

A Boot capacity of 475 litres

     Renault has been testing the Duster on Indian roads for over two months. Spy pictures of Duster being tested near Chennai were posted on many automobile sites. The stylish and muscular body of Duster reminds us of a war tank and we believe the vehicle is built to be tough as it looks.

     The Duster is a major trump card for Renault which has not been able to convert its quality cars into success. The launch of Fluence, Koleos and Pulse might have given Renault the brand equity but the true potential of Renault is still not proven. Renault has plan properly for Duster, especially in the price issues to make a mark in Indian automobile industry.

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Maruti Suzuki Swift accessories price list

Price list of Maruti Suzuki Swift accessories in Bangalore as of 15-05-2012

Floor Mats (Rubber) – Rs. 999.00
Dicky Mat (Rubber) – Rs. 390.00
Mud Flaps – Rs. 390.00
Steering Grip – Rs. 2250.00 (Leather), Rs. 620.00 (Ordinary)
Body Side Moulding Set – Rs. 1175.00
Bumper Guard – Rs. 600.00
Body Cover – Rs. 1190.00
Wheel Caps – Rs. 1600.00
Reverse Horn + Switch – Rs. 290.00
Reading Light – Rs. 950.00
Rear Roof End Spoiler – Rs. 5,100.00
Body Graphics – Rs. 1450.00
Under Chassis Coating – Rs. 2300.00
Perfume – Rs. 329.00
Door Visors – Rs. 1850.00

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Renault launches petrol variant of Pulse hatch

     Having seen success (though little) from its diesel Pulse French car maker Renault has launched petrol variant of the car in India. Renault had launched the diesel Pulse earlier in this year at time of Auto Expo 2012. The Renault Pulse petrol is priced between Rs. 4.24 -5.5 lakh ex-showroom, New Delhi. It is available in three trim levels - RxE, RxL, RxZ . 

     The Pulse petrol is powered by Renault's XH5 petrol engine. The XH5 engine has 3 cylinders with capacity of 1200cc and 4 valves per cylinder and DOHC valve trian. It pumps out peak power of 75 Bhp @ 6000 rpm and peak torque of 104 Nm @ 4000 rpm. The engine is coupled to a 5 speed manual transmission. The overall dimensions of Pulse petrol are Length - 3805 mm, Width - 1665mm, Height - 1530, Wheel Base - 2450mm. It has a boot space of 251 liters. 

The Renault Pulse is available in 6 different colours:

Champagne Gold

Metallic Grey

Metallic Red

Metallic Silver

Pearl White

Solid Black

Price of Renault Pulse petrol (ex-showroom, New Delhi)

Renault Pulse RxE Petrol is priced at Rs. 4.25 Lakh

Renault Pulse RxL Petrol is priced at Rs. 4.99 Lakh

Renault Pulse RxZ Petrol is priced at Rs. 5.55 Lakh

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Next Generation Mahindra Scorpio in the making

     India’s largest utility vehicle manufacturer Mahindra has started working on the next generation Scorpio codenamed W201. The Scorpio has been a highly successful vehicle and it will not be wrong if we say Scorpio changed Mahindra’s fortune. Being in the market for over 10 years, Scorpio is still the favorite SUV to own under Rs. 10 lakh. Mahindra managed to sell over 50,000 units in a single year last year.

     The new Scorpio will not have monocoque chassis like the XUV500 but instead will be built on heavily modified version of current Scorpio. Mahindra believes latter-on-frame layout suits best for urban and rural markets and hence the new Scorpio will have one. The new Scorpio will have extended wheelbase, which means the third row will be more spacious now. A pick-up version will also be made for exporting to overseas markets.

     As far as the styling is concerned expect it to borrow some from XUV500. The new Scorpio will feature a new front grill, LED running lights and all the latest gadgets and gizmos. The new mHawk engine which produces 140bhp and 340 Nm of Torque will find its place under the new Scorpio’s hood. 

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Maruti Swift replaces Alto at the No. 1 position

     For the first time in last 7 years Maruti Alto has been moved to second position in terms of sales. Alto’s bigger brother Swift has overtaken the former selling 19.484 units as compared to Alto’s 17,842 units. Maruti Alto managed to sell 20,000 units every month from past 4-5 years. In fact Alto sold 32,000 units in March 2012.

     The greater demand for Swift is mainly due to its diesel variant. 80% of Swift sold are diesel variant and why not, the Swift gives a very good mileage of 20 Kmpl and has good performance too. At price point, it is the cheapest car in its segment which include Fiat Punto, Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo, Nissan Micra and Skoda Fabia.

     Maruti Alto though being easy to drive has a disadvantage of only petrol and diesel option. Also the launch of Tata Nano and Hyundai Eon has made Alto sales drop down and not to forget the ageing design. Couple of months ago a new car with Alto name plate was found testing in New Delhi which looked almost like the A Star. It is still not clear weather Maruti will replace the aging Alto with the new one.

     In spite of labour issues Maruti Suzuki has managed to bring down the Swift bookings to 4 months from earlier 7-9 months. We will have to wait and see for how much time the Swift is going to stay at the number one place. 

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Manufacturer wise India Car Sales Data April 2012

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