Renault launches Scala CVT Automatic with 17.97 Kmpl of mileage

Renault has launched the Scala CVT Automatic with the next generaton X-tronic CVT transmission. 

It was Nissan Sunny which was expected to come with an automamtic transmission, but its partner Renault has taken an upper hand by launching the Scala automatic variant. Renault claims the Scala automatic variant will deliver 17.97 Kmpl of fuel efficiency. Nissan Sunny might follow soon with an automatic variant.

With increasing city traffic, automatic variants are slowly picking up in India. But as of now there is no diesel automatics offered by any car manufacturers here in under Rs. 10 lakh segment. The Scala automatic is not different; it comes in only petrol variants. So will the diesel automatics are the next big thing? We certainly think so...

Some bits about Renault Scala CVT -

1. It comes with the next-generation X-tronic CVT transmission.

2. Impressive figures of 17.97 Kmpl.

3. Available in RxL and RxZ petrol variants.

4. It is just 30 Kg heavier than the manual variant.

Here is what Marc Nassif – MD, Renault India Pvt. Ltd. Said during the launch of the car - “With more and more cars on the road as well as frequent stop-and-go traffic, India has been seeing an increase in demand for automatic sedans in recent years. However, despite the growing interest for these cars, petrol automatic vehicles are still limited to a 6% share in the premium sedan segment because they deliver lower mileage and higher cost of ownership. The Scala X-tronic CVT aims to bridge this gap by offering class-leading fuel efficiency, reliability and performance. With the next-generation X-tronic transmission, customers will be able to experience a new technological benchmark in automatic transmission, which offers a smoother ride, convenience and savings, making the Scala CVT an attractive choice for those opting for an automatic premium sedan.”

Renault has still not announced the price of Scala CVT, but we guess it will cost Rs. 50,000 more than the regular manual transmission model.

What is X-Tronic Transmission?

According to Renault –

The X-tronic CVT combines innovative structure and the flexibility of a CVT transmission to offer world-class fuel efficiency and performance. The transmission’s use of an auxiliary gearbox enables the world’s highest transmission ratio, even broader than 7-speed automatic transmissions, aimed at achieving light weight, compactness, and fuel efficiency.

Currently, conventional CVT transmissions use larger pulleys to achieve higher transmission ratio, but are often constrained by the space limitations of small cars. The new-generation X-tronic CVT overcomes this obstacle and achieves the widest range of transmission ratio coverage (3.46:1) using a sub planetary gear, allowing smaller pulleys to reach higher transmission ratio. It also achieves reduced oil stirring friction by increasing the distance between surface of transmission oil and pulleys. With this pioneering arrangement, the X-tronic CVT transmission produces around 30% less friction and is 10% smaller as well as 13% lighter than conventional CVT models.

In terms of ride quality, X-tronic CVT transmission allows for infinite gear change ratios, leading to smoother gear shifting, accurate speed control, smooth and stable engine braking, better responsiveness to quick throttle and, above all, a smoother driving experience. With its flexibility, the transmission avoids the shift-shock fluctuations in torque transmission experienced with conventional automatic transmission while also maintaining optimum torque.

Source: MotorBeam

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Start your Hyundai with a smart phone by 2014

Hyundai’s Near Field Communication and Blue Link technology to make cars more technologically advance.

Starting a car with the mobile phone is not far away. Be it banking or food processing, technology is moving forward to reach the common man and the automobile industry is not lagging behind. Hyundai recently demonstrated smart phone based connectivity concept for cars. Using smart phone NFC (Near Field Communication) Hyundai wants to use smart phones to unlock the car and to start it as well. Isn’t it technology at its best? Well how does it happen? Here it is...

You have to just swipe your smart phone at a sensor placed outside driver’s door and the car unlocks. Again by swiping the phone at the on-board touch screen you can start the car which means there will be no key knob. Paring the smart phone with the touch screen you can sync all your contacts and apps along with navigation destinations and streaming audio. With voice recognition features you can shout any commands and the system will respond to it, helping the drivers searching and reaching the destination easily.

Google has announced that Hyundai and Kia will integrate Google Maps and Places into its telematics systems. Hyundai’s Blue Link technology and Kia’s UVO services will soon help drivers to use Google Maps and Places on board the car. Since all these features are based on current technology, they could be available as early as 2014. So does the next generation i10 come with all these features? We feel definitely it does as Hyundai are good at tapping the market before anybody does.

Demo - Near Field Communications (NFC)

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Next Generation Hyundai i10 to come with a compact sedan version

Hyundai's Next Generation i10 hatch and sedan in the works.

The next generation Hyundai i10 has already been caught testing with heavy camouflage near Chennai. The new i10 will be premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show held in September 2013 and is likely to be launched soon in India. The interesting news is that, the next generation i10 will also come with a compact sedan version which will be placed between i10 and i20 hatchbacks.

Hyundai Assan (JV between Hyundai and Turkey’s Kibar Holding) has confirmed that a compact sedan will be made using the next generation i10’s platform. So expect the Hyundai i10 compact sedan to be launched soon after the hatchback.

The highlight of next generation i10 is the 3 cylinder 1.1L diesel engine. The 1.1L diesel engine is the scaled down version of 1.4L diesel currently powering the i20 diesel hatchback. Hyundai might add a turbocharger and bring it in the Hyundai i10 compact sedan. As it is a compact sedan, it will be less than 4000 mm in length, the trend seen currently in Indian market.

         

Hyundai is investing $300 million at its Chennai plant to set up a flexible engine plant and new press shop facility. The new 1.1L diesel engine will be produced here and exported to Africa and South Eastern markets. Currently Hyundai manufactures its petrol engine at the Chennai plant and the diesel engines are imported from South Korea.

Apart from the diesel engine, the next generation i10 will feature a powerful petrol engine. The 1.0 litre TCI engine (unveiled at Hyundai’s power train conference in South Korea last October) produces 105 bhp and 137 Nm and is very likely to be ducked under new i10’s hood.

Source: IAB

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2014 Tata Safari to get more powerful engine and automatic transmission

Tata Safari is no doubt a dream SUV for guys in India. The name ‘Safari’ commands respect not only on the road but off the road as well. In spite of its age, the Safari has managed to win hearts of many Indians.

Tata Motors recently launched a new variant of Safari named ‘Storme’. The Safari Storme was showed at Auto Expo 2012 and Tata Motors took over 10 months testing the vehicle before its launch. Now Tatas plan to add a more powerful engine to the beast along with an automatic transmission. With 140 Bhp of power the Safari is already a power house in its segment and with a more powerful engine it will stand above all in the competition.

The automatic SUV trend started with Mahindra Scorpio automatic, which in spite of its bulky structure is an ease to move around in tight traffic thanks to its automatic transmission. An automatic transmission in Safari will add more fun to the vehicle which the Safari has been devoid of since its launch. Indeed the Beast is getting better!

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Maruti SX4 facelift spied, will be launched early 2013

Perhaps the only vehicle in Maruti stable not to get a facelift was the SX4 sedan and finally the car has joined the facelift bandwagon. A facelfited SX4 was spied in Gujarat with minimal camouflage in the front. From the picture it is evident that there will be some changes in the front though very minimal like that of the Ritz.

The facelfited SX4 will get new headlamps, redesigned grill and bumpers. The interiors might not get anything, but expect the change in the texture of the front dashboard, again as that of the Ritz. Along with a facelift a CNG version is also on the cards. 

The SX4 could not get much sales in spite of having a diesel engine, thanks to the competent cars from rivals namely Volkswagen, Skoda and Hyundai. Currently Maruti is offering over Rs. 65,000 discount on SX4 models. Hope Maruti get some customers for SX4 after the facelfited version is launched. 

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New Honda CR-V 2013 interior pictures

New Honda CR-V 2013 dashboard

New Honda CR-V 2013 interiors

New Honda CR-V 2013 steering wheel

New Honda CR-V 2013 boot space

New Honda CR-V 2013 rear seats folding

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Maruti Suzuki launches Limited Edition Alto K10 Knightracer

Maruti Suzuki has launched a limited edition variant of Alto K10 christened as Knightracer to boost the sales of Alto K10 model which has been suffering since the launch of Alto 800. The Alto K10 Knightracer comes with 11 new features and is available on both LXi and VXi trims for just Rs. 13,490 extra cost.

The new features in Alto K10 Knightracer are –

• Rear roof spoiler
• Knightracer body graphics
• New wheel covers
• Body side molding
• Left side ORVM
• New fabric seat covers
• Rear shelf parcel tray
• Steering wheel cover
• JVC mp3 & USB player

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