Sunday, September 9, 2007
Tata indigo
Solid build, adequate power, comfortable and spacious interiors at an affordable price. Choice of 6 variants for the Diesel version, four powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine and two powered by the turbocharged DICOR engine. Choice of 6 variants for the Petrol version powered by a 1.4L MPFI engine. A smooth 5-speed manual transmission provides quick responsive shifts. Elegant interiors with spacious cabin and ample rear legroom provide utmost comfort.
Tata Indica
An affordable hatchback with enhanced power, good fuel economy, and roomy interiors that give it a "big-car feel". There are 10 variants available which can be clubbed into 3 categories: Indica V2, V2 Turbo, and Xeta. The Indica V2 and V2 Turbo variants are powered by a 1.4 liter diesel engine that generates a power of 53 to 67 bhp and a torque of 83 to 127.5 Nm. The Indica Xeta variants are powered by a 1.2 liter petrol engine that generates a power of 64 to 70 bhp and a torque of 100 to 122 Nm. A smooth 5-speed manual transmission that is standard among all variants provides quick responsive shifts. Spacious rear seating with superb lower back support and roomy interiors.
Mahindra Scorpio
An SUV that stormed the Indian market and evoked an amazing response due to its performance, style, and unique features, now gets a sporty makeover. It comes in 3 diesel variants - Base, DX, and SLX. A turbocharged diesel engine delivers maximum power of 115 bhp and generates a 278 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard across all variants. Interior is aesthetically designed with dual tone fire resistant upholstery and comfortable seats that offer great back support.
Mahindra Bolero
A comfortable and spacious off-road MUV that signifies ruggedness, durability, reliability, and economic maintenance. A good choice of diesel variants include SLX, SLE, Diz, DI and Plus. Powered by a 2.5-liter engine that generates 63 bhp of power and 180 Nm of torque. A responsive 5-speed manual transmission is standard among all variants. Ergonomically designed anti-submarine seats, practical vinyl seating, and rubber flooring throughout the interior. Standard features on the Bolero include front fog lamps, power windows, power steering, and tinted window glass. Safety is ensured by features such as child safety locks, front/rear seatbelts, crumple zones, and collapsible steering.
Chevorlate OpetraMagnum
New Optra Magum is a masterpiece. Its flawless interiors will leave you stunned. Performance is the crying need of a car buyer. And that’s exactly what this car delivers to its owners.
Chevrolet Aveo
The Aveo's chrome-accented grille with the prominent cross bar and iconic gold bowtie badge distinctly underline its Chevy pedigree
Toyata carmy
The Camry had to keep an eye on its core 40-year-old buyers. That meant no Darth Vader masks, no funny shapes, no Bulgarian beards and definitely no flame surfacing. It had to be modern but not daunting, funky but elegant, forward-looking but not a leap too far. In short, it had to be a Camry, but unlike any before. The result is a shape that’s reassuringly familiar in its silhouette, but startling in the details, surfacing and generally extremely handsome. It’s an angular, masculine shape now, broad-shouldered and squint-eyed, much more dramatic and distinctive than the long, feminine, oval-eyed (and very American) old car, clearly aggressive and attention-grabby.
Some find the Camry too aggressive now, or too Oriental, but most agree that Toyota’s new ‘L-Finesse’ design language works well. The smooth, muscular surfacing is particularly pleasant, as is the clean cut of the greenhouse, and the sharp, dipping head – and tail lamps – look great too. Interestingly, the C-pillar marks a family resemblance between two generations of cars. The C-pillar in the current Corolla and upcoming one are virtually the same, and the new Camry’s C-pillar is clearly a development of the one on the old car. Clever!
However, there’s no such thing as a perfect design though – call them blemishes, the snout-like grille is slightly oddand so too the unnecessary BMW 7-Series-reminiscent Bangle-butt detract.
The car is fine in photographs and better on the road. The surfaces fill out, the subtle fretwork along the bonnet shines in the sun, giving the car serious presence. In our Big Test, against Skoda’s Superb and Honda’s Accord, the Camry prevailed in the debate on looks. Ultimately, though, the punters decide whether a car looks good or not. The ringing endorsement is that new Camrys have sold so well in India, despite a higher price.
Some find the Camry too aggressive now, or too Oriental, but most agree that Toyota’s new ‘L-Finesse’ design language works well. The smooth, muscular surfacing is particularly pleasant, as is the clean cut of the greenhouse, and the sharp, dipping head – and tail lamps – look great too. Interestingly, the C-pillar marks a family resemblance between two generations of cars. The C-pillar in the current Corolla and upcoming one are virtually the same, and the new Camry’s C-pillar is clearly a development of the one on the old car. Clever!
However, there’s no such thing as a perfect design though – call them blemishes, the snout-like grille is slightly oddand so too the unnecessary BMW 7-Series-reminiscent Bangle-butt detract.
The car is fine in photographs and better on the road. The surfaces fill out, the subtle fretwork along the bonnet shines in the sun, giving the car serious presence. In our Big Test, against Skoda’s Superb and Honda’s Accord, the Camry prevailed in the debate on looks. Ultimately, though, the punters decide whether a car looks good or not. The ringing endorsement is that new Camrys have sold so well in India, despite a higher price.
Maruthi ZenEstilo
his ain't no Zen. It's more a Wagon R. Because it shares more parts with the Santro's nemesis, rather than it does with India's first 'sport' hatch. The engine's the same as the Wagon R, ditto with the gearbox, and so is the platform. What is different is the tin work – absolutely enchanting – and the refinement of the package.
The Estilo – that's Spanish for style – is no grounds up design. It has been drawn from the Suzuki MR Wagon, which continues to sell in Japan, albeit in a new avatar now. What he have here is their phased out design. Sounds unpleasant on paper but looks brilliant on the road. While the Zen was a proper hatch, the Estilo tries to impart Maruti's trademark big small car feel with a mini MPV look characterised by the front sloping A-pillar complete with a quarter glass that merges almost in a straight line into the bonnet. Big headlamps seem inspired by those on the new Wagon R, although they look more palatable on this front end. The inside lines drop to make a trough with the flat grille which adds to the design symmetry. It looks pointy but purposeful with its cab forward design. Flared wheel arches add to the chunky looks. The tapering glass area gives a raised shoulder effect as you move along the side and adds to the MPV feel. A mini-Innova at that…
bigger sized transmission inside the car. Remember, the Japanese version had a sub-700cc engine while the Zen Estilo had to gobble a 1061cc unit. But this wasn't the biggest challenge. That would be getting down the NVH levels. Drive it, and you will notice how the Estilo, although it drives like a Wagon R, goes one step ahead in the refinement zone. The start-up crackle is followed by silky smooth bristling from the free-revving engine. And you'll almost forget about it until you hit closer to its max speeds when the growling begins. There is a certain amount of roll you'll come to expect from a 'tall boy' design but in a straight line the ride is pretty much on rails. It doesn't lose composure at high speeds and follows instructions much like a well-behaved kid. But make sure you are not harsh on it and keep the steering inputs to the minimum. Of course, you don't need to worry about that in our city traffic.
It's clever how Maruti has managed to wring more space from this 'Wagon R derivative'. The Estilo is actually shorter in length by a few millimeters. Doesn't sound much? It will when you try and park on a Sunday at a mall's crowded parking lot.
The Estilo – that's Spanish for style – is no grounds up design. It has been drawn from the Suzuki MR Wagon, which continues to sell in Japan, albeit in a new avatar now. What he have here is their phased out design. Sounds unpleasant on paper but looks brilliant on the road. While the Zen was a proper hatch, the Estilo tries to impart Maruti's trademark big small car feel with a mini MPV look characterised by the front sloping A-pillar complete with a quarter glass that merges almost in a straight line into the bonnet. Big headlamps seem inspired by those on the new Wagon R, although they look more palatable on this front end. The inside lines drop to make a trough with the flat grille which adds to the design symmetry. It looks pointy but purposeful with its cab forward design. Flared wheel arches add to the chunky looks. The tapering glass area gives a raised shoulder effect as you move along the side and adds to the MPV feel. A mini-Innova at that…
bigger sized transmission inside the car. Remember, the Japanese version had a sub-700cc engine while the Zen Estilo had to gobble a 1061cc unit. But this wasn't the biggest challenge. That would be getting down the NVH levels. Drive it, and you will notice how the Estilo, although it drives like a Wagon R, goes one step ahead in the refinement zone. The start-up crackle is followed by silky smooth bristling from the free-revving engine. And you'll almost forget about it until you hit closer to its max speeds when the growling begins. There is a certain amount of roll you'll come to expect from a 'tall boy' design but in a straight line the ride is pretty much on rails. It doesn't lose composure at high speeds and follows instructions much like a well-behaved kid. But make sure you are not harsh on it and keep the steering inputs to the minimum. Of course, you don't need to worry about that in our city traffic.
It's clever how Maruti has managed to wring more space from this 'Wagon R derivative'. The Estilo is actually shorter in length by a few millimeters. Doesn't sound much? It will when you try and park on a Sunday at a mall's crowded parking lot.
Maruthi - 800
THERE IS LITTLE THAT the ubiquitous Maruti 800 needs in terms of a conventional introduction. If the Volkswagen Beetle claims to be the public favourite in Europe, the Maruti 800 probably betters that record in the Indian market. While Maruti continues to offer newer variants of the car, a good number of them do make their way to some antique shops. In the 20 odd years that the little 800 has been around, it's seen a number of changes. From being a cute little matchbox to the metallic colour tones and the essential attempts to look bigger, Maruti has tried it all. However if there's one variant that stands out the most, it has to be the five-speed gearbox coupled with the MPFi engine. The same configuration still does duty in the Maruti's new bestseller, the Alto. Unfortunately, the 800 is now relegated to a less powerful motor with a four-speed ’box.
Amica
It's still a while away, but this is the next big (small) thing from Hyundai. Essentially the replacement for the Santro (which is called the Atos or Amica in Europe and elsewhere) for the international market, this new Hyundai is as good as all-new.
The powertrain – albeit extensively modified – is the only bit being carried over from the current car. To be unveiled officially at the Frankfurt motor show this September, Hyundai's new small car is expected to be called the Amica in certain markets and the Atos in others, and we expect one of these two monikers to feature in India too.
Though exact specs are not available as yet, the new Hyundai will slot in between the Santro – which will carry on being sold in facelifted form – and the (facelifted) Getz in the Indian market. Bigger than the Santro, the Atos/Amica is expected to be a little over 3.6 metres long and almost 1.6 metres wide. Most of that increased length will go between the wheels, with wheelbase increasing to over 2.4 metres. And that obviously will translate to a much bigger interior with improved legroom. In fact, cabin space will be closer to that of the Getz. Boot volume, at best, will be marginally more than the 218 litres of the Santro though. It's still a while away, but this is the next big (small) thing from Hyundai. Essentially the replacement for the Santro (which is called the Atos or Amica in Europe and elsewhere) for the international market, this new Hyundai is as good as all-new.
It's still a while away, but this is the next big (small) thing from Hyundai. Essentially the replacement for the Santro (which is called the Atos or Amica in Europe and elsewhere) for the international market, this new Hyundai is as good as all-new.
The powertrain – albeit extensively modified – is the only bit being carried over from the current car. To be unveiled officially at the Frankfurt motor show this September, Hyundai's new small car is expected to be called the Amica in certain markets and the Atos in others, and we expect one of these two monikers to feature in India too.
Though exact specs are not available as yet, the new Hyundai will slot in between the Santro – which will carry on being sold in facelifted form – and the (facelifted) Getz in the Indian market. Bigger than the Santro, the Atos/Amica is expected to be a little over 3.6 metres long and almost 1.6 metres wide. Most of that increased length will go between the wheels, with wheelbase increasing to over 2.4 metres. And that obviously will translate to a much bigger interior with improved legroom. In fact, cabin space will be closer to that of the Getz. Boot volume, at best, will be marginally more than the 218 litres of the Santro though. It's still a while away, but this is the next big (small) thing from Hyundai. Essentially the replacement for the Santro (which is called the Atos or Amica in Europe and elsewhere) for the international market, this new Hyundai is as good as all-new.
It's still a while away, but this is the next big (small) thing from Hyundai. Essentially the replacement for the Santro (which is called the Atos or Amica in Europe and elsewhere) for the international market, this new Hyundai is as good as all-new.
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