Next generation Suzuki Alto unveiled in Japan, for Japan market

        World’s largest small car maker Suzuki has released images of the next generation Alto for Japanese markets. The next generation Suzuki Alto will be launched in Japan on December 22, 2014. It will replace the earlier model which made its debut in 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Will it come to India, probably not as Maruti has recently launched the Alto K10, which is basically a modified Alto 800.

        Looking at the design Suzuki designers have tried to give a distinct identity to the car. The unusual shaped headlamp, fiat inspired front grill and upward kinking of rear door window is something we see for the first time in a Suzuki car. There also a sportier looking model with dual tone colours theme with black bumpers, hood scoop and side cladding.

        The new Suzuki Alto could be powered by the same 660cc 3 cylinder petrol engine that pumps out 54 Ps of power at 6,500 rpm and 63 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. It might also get a CVT gearbox along with 5 speed manual and 4 speed automatic.

        The most interesting fact is the new Suzuki Alto will be offered in 2 and 4 Wheel Drive options. Fuel efficiency is expected at 21 Kmpl. A more powerful turbocharged engine is also on the offer.

        A small car with 4 WD option? That’s the vehicle suited for India roads. Suzuki, are you listening. 

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Tata Zest gathers 6 months waiting period

        Tata Zest, the compact sedan from Tata Motors developed under its “Horizonnext” strategy has gathered waiting period of up to 6 months for some of its variants. This brings a long gap for any Tata vehicle to gather this much of waiting period. Its was Nano small car when launched in 2008 had managed to gather some waiting period.

        The long waiting period for Zest is attributed to supply chain constraint and inadequate production capacity. In the month of October 2014, Tata Zest sold more than Honda Amaze, and such popularity of the car had created demand more than the production. Till date Tata Motors has sold over 10,000 units of Zest since its launch in August 2014. According to company sources, the petrol variant of Zest is also gathering momentum in sales. 

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Scoop: Suzuki YRA hatchback spied with little camouflage

        Suzuki is developing a bigger hatchback than Swift for India as well as international markets. The test mule has been spied many times in Europe with heavy camouflage. Now, pictures of the car with little camouflage have surfaced on the net.

        It is evident from the pictures that, Suzuki YRA hatchback has dimensions bigger than the Swift. The front end though resembles the Swift (because of headlamp design), YRA hatchback features a new grill inspired by Nissan. The side profile reminds us of yet another Suzuki hatchback S-Cross, where as the rear end seams to be all new design from Suzuki. Thought not pretty enough, the rear end gives a broad bold look to the car.

        Interior pictures show an all new dashboard design. The massive boot offers luggage space that will shy any mid size sedan. More details from the hood is still remote. Suzuki might ponk in its 1.5L diesel which is almost in its final stage of development.

        When launched in India by around 2016, YRA hatch will compete with Hyundai Elite i20 and soon to be launched new Honda Jazz. With the dimensions of YRA, it will surely be miles ahead of its competitors as far as space and comfort is concerned.  

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Mahindra P601 pick up mini truck spied, to feature dumbbell shaped headlamp

        Mahindra is testing its P601 pick up mini truck in and around Chennai where it has its R&D facility (Mahindra Research Valley). From the latest spy pictures we see dumbbell shaped headlamps which look cute on this mini truck.

        Looking by the size of the vehicle it might be positioned between Gio and Maxximmo mini truck. It will have payload capacity of 600-700Kg. A rumour of two wheel bases of the vehicle is going around which means the payload can be increased to 1 ton also.

        Mahindra P601 will compete with Tatas range of mini trucks which has seen huge success in this segment. 

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Tata Nano discounts November 2014

        Tata Motors is offering huge discounts on its range of Nano cars. The discounts range from Rs. 80,000 for the regular model and Rs. 35,000 for the Twist and eMAX CNG models.

 

        The problems with Tata Nano persisted right from its launch. Firstly the transfer of its factory and later the fire issues made things difficult for Nano. Also the build quality and the engine noise issues worsend the problems for the car.

 

        Tata Motors has worked hard to revive the brand name Nano. They bought in lot of changes in the interior as well as exterior to make the car more valuable. Addition of a power steering was a good move, however the sales of the car did not pick up even then. Tata Motors sold just 1,654 units of Nano in October 2014 as compared to 2,120 units in the same month last year.

 

        Upcoming additions like automatic transmission, bigger fuel tank and openable rear tailgate give some hope of the car. As of now its the best time to buy a Nano car. If you are planning, just go and buy one. 

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Mitsubishi launched Pajero Sport automatic, priced at Rs. 23.55 lakh

        Japanese car manufacturer has launched automatic variant of its popular SUV Pajero Sport in Inida. The Pajero Sport automatic is priced at Rs. 23.55 lakh Ex-showroom, New Delhi.

        Mitsubishi Pajero Sport automatic is available in only 4x2 variant only. It is positioned below the top of the line 4x4 variant. The automatic Pajero Sport gets chrome grill finishing and redesigned bumper as exterior changes. Interiors gets some changes in the form of automatic climate control, reverse parking camera and an infotainment system.

        Under the hood is the same 2.5L 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine that pumps out 175 bhp of power and 35.7 Kg of torque. Power is transmitted to rear wheels by 5 speed automatic transmission which can be controlled by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

        Mitsubishi is working on a new platform for its global SUV based on it Triton pickup truck which is expected to replace Pajero Sport. In India Pajero Sport competes with Toyota Fortuner and Hyundai Santa Fe in a price sensitive market. 

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Ford unveils next generation Ford Endeavour, goes on sale by 2015

        Ford Motors Company has unveiled the next generation Endeavour which will go on sale in 2015. Ford Endeavour which is known as Ford Everest in international marketsd has good presence in countries like China, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

        Next Generation Ford Endeavour concept was shown in 2013 and the model unveiled retains all most everything seen on a concept prototype. The new Endeavour gets daytime LED running lights, aluminium front and rear cuff plates and large hexagonal grille. In the inside there is an eight inch touchscreen and Ford’s new SYNC2 infotainment system.

        Known for its all terrain capabilities, the new Endeavour will get safety systems like hill start assist to control ascent, descent and curve when on a hill, a warning system for lane departure, a system to indicate blind spots, adaptive cruise control and ESP.

Next Generation Ford Endeavour Picture Gallery

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