While sticking to its strategy of building only SUV’s and MUV’s, Mahindra and Mahindra has expressed its interest to build hatchbacks and sedans in association with other auto makers. Mahindra is already producing logan sedan jointly with French auto maker Renault. It is believed that Mahindra – Renault may build the Renault’s next Indian car – Sandero Hatchback. Malayasian auto maker Proton is also said to be in talks with Mahindra and Mahindra to bring its small cars to India. Anyway, we will see more hatchbacks and sedans running with Mahindra letterings in the near future. “We do not have anything specific on the anvil but we are open to a tie-up with another company for manufacturing small cars as well,” he said. “Our vision is clear that we want to be a dominant utlity vehicle player globally but like our involvement in other segments shows we are willing to participate in the greater eco system of the sector through partnerships,” Anand Mahindra said.
Yamaha Gladiator Red
Yamaha has launched a new colour variant of its 125cc bike Gladiator. Awaiting further details
2011 Suzuki Swift
UK auto magazine Evo has nabbed this next generation swift while testing in the snow. The next generation Suzuki Swift is expected by end 2010 or early 2011. Being on the largest market for swift, Maruti Suzuki may launch the car at the same time here in India. From the pictures it lookalike the next generation car will be spacious with more cabin room. Who knows Maruti Suzuki may pit this new generation swift against the Fabia and soon to be launched Honda Jazz and Fiat Grande Punto while continuing the current swift.
Spy Pictures of 2011 Suzuki Swift
Toyota hikes prices of Corolla Altis and Innova
Following Honda, Toyota has announced hike in prices of its models – corolla altis and Innova. While the Innova prices goes up in the range Rs10000 to Rs50000 depending on the variants, the prices of corolla altis goes up between Rs10,000 to Rs50,000. “So far, we have tried to absorb price increases (input costs) as much as possible, in order to limit the increase passed on to the customers. “However, due to unavoidable reasons such as recent changes in the rupee/dollar and yen/dollar exchange rate, we are now required to make necessary revisions in pricing,” Toyota Kirloskar Motor Deputy Managing Director (Marketing) Sandeep Singh.
Honda Accord V6 – Test Drive and Review
You read it first at vicky.in
A V6 under the hood, aerodynamic styling and express highway, What more you can expect to go for a blast! Honda has come up with a much powerful Accord. We driven the new Accord V6 in Delhi – Noida Express highway and here we tell you how V6 has changed the Accord…
The 3.5L V6 engine equipped with innovative technologies including VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) and drive-by-wire churns out 275PS of peak power at 6200rpm. Also at your foot is the ample 339Nm peak torque. Floor the accelerator, the engine gives out a nice throaty note. The roll in acceleration is impressive also is the top end performance. We managed to push the accord V6 to 230kmph but still felt the V6 has more to offer.Honda’s new cylinder-deactivation technology, which allows the engine to run on six, four or three cylinders depending on driving conditions for maximum fuel economy. Though we can’t gauge fuel efficiency of new Accord V6 in our brief test drive, we expect this accord to deliver the same fuel economy as the 2.4L one which means the increase in power at no fuel economy expense. Honda claims that the new Accord would give a mileage of 10 km per litre as per Automotive Research Association of India conditions. A five-speed automatic is typically standard with this engine. The automatic transmission shifts superbly under hard acceleration but downshifting gets little rougher. Coming back to the VCM, after the 1981 Cadillac V-8-6-4 which proved unreliable and was discontinued after a year., we did not heard of any three-mode cylinder deactivation system but Honda says there’s no chance of that.
Along with the powerful V6 engine, the Accord V6 also gets Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control which can be turned off by pressing it for a longer time. The new accord V6 runs on higher profile tyre with 17″ alloy wheels. Accord stays composed till 180kmph but after that it does not inspires confidence. Also the vague steering makes the driver to have extra bit of attention during cornering. Honda’s Active Noise Cancellation and Active engine mounts works in tandem with VCM and smooth out any vibrations and noise. Result, its hard to feel the mechanical changes except there is an Indicator on the IP which shows you are running on eco-mode. The instrument cluster and steering wheel is cool but sans the sci-fi digital speed read-out of civic. Remember, this sedan caters to fat wallet customers. That’s why Honda has added wooden touches all over the dashboard omitting audio controls in the steering wheel. The center console looks cluttered and soon Honda has to make an iDrive or MMi for the best user interface. Put this this small things behind. With the new Accord V6 , Honda has put perfect blend of performance, value and efficiency in a single package. The Accord has always been good and now it’s even better.
Honda launches Accord V6
You read it first at vicky.in
As you read it, Honda unveils the new Accord V6 in India. In 2008, Honda launched the new Accord with a 2.4L engine i-VTEC engine. The new Accord V6 displacing 3.5 litre engine generates 275 PS of peak power at 6200rpm and massive 339Nm of peak torque at 5000rpm. The advanced V6 engine comes with hosts of hi-tech features such as drive-by-wire, Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Control Engine Mount System (ACM). A 5 – speed Automatic Transmission with paddle shifts is a standard option. The new Accord comes in two variants Accord V6 and Accord V6 Inspire. Apart from the new powertrain, it comes packed lists of new features.
* Accord V6 gets 17″ dynamic sporty alloy wheels
* Dual Chrome exhaust pip finisher in Accord V6 as opposed to single in 2.4L Accord
* Bold front grille
* Side protectors
* Nice illuminated side step garnish in new Accord V6
* Turn Indicators are now mounted on ORVMs
* Inside the new Accord V6, are the new wooden interior finish
* On the mechanical side, the new Accord V6 gets VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist and Cruise Control)
In addition to the above listed items, the top Accord V6 Inspire variant sports
* Front Under Spoiler
* Side Spoiler
* Rear Under Spoiler
Honda Accord 3.5l V6 is priced between Rs 24.8 lakh and Rs 25.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Pictures of new Honda Accord
Honda Accord 3.5L V6 Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
As the Honda Accord V6 is getting nearer, we explain you the V6 engines VCM technology. The latest generation of Variable Cylinder Management system can activate and deactivate the engine’s cylinders as needed to meet the demands of both acceleration and fuel savings. When maximum torque is required, all six cylinders are firing. During steady cruising speeds , VCM shuts down one bank of cylinders. In this mode, the audio system’s Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC) function generates out-of-phase sound waves to cancel out any undesirable noise that may be due to the harmonics of 3-cylinder operation. As cruising speed increases the engine moves to a 4-cylinder mode for extra cruising power. To help keep engine vibration from reaching the cabin in every mode, active engine mounts automatically adjust their firmness to help absorb energy. The transition between the three operating modes is nearly seamless and goes unnoticed by the Accord’s passengers.
Mahindra Scorpio – Test Drive and Review
Xylo has done what Toyota’s Innova and Tata’s Safari failed to achieve. Yes, Xylo has cannibalised the sales of Scorpio by almost 25%. Customers who enter the Mahindra showroom are lured by Xylo (not bcoz of styling but for its VFM). Scorpio may have impeccable road presence but the Xylo scores over it typically all other factors. To prevent further cannibalisation and to make the scorpio fit for another battle, Mahindra has come up with a refreshed scorpio packed with even more features and at a significantly cheaper price tag.
Mahindra scorpio: Definitely as Mahindra says, scropio is the most muscular machine flying around. Flared up arches, wide track, spruced up bumpers and jeep inspired grille makes the scorpio most lovable for hardcore auto enthusiast. Mahindra has made scorpio even more attractive by adding nice style elements. The new scorpio gets a signature Mahindra grille with silver central tooth, multifocal headlights, provocative bonnet scoop, fog lamps, road armour bumpers, embossed side cladding and integrated rear footstep.
Mahindra scorpio: Mahindra has replaced the 2.6L CRDe engine with advanced 2.2L m_Hawk engine on all variant making the scorpio first model to comply yet to be implementd Bharat IV emission norm. Mahindra also offers an optional micro hybrid system in the top end VLX variant. The 2.2L m_Hawk engine is extremely responsive and we are left with no word to explain those massive torque. Scorpio rushes forward with urgency ,your head gets thrown back, and the seat-of-your-pants. However the disconnected steering, too soft suspension and lack of safety features inhibits you push the engine to its edge.
Mahindra first introduced this start-stop hybrid system in Bolero but earned rant reviews on account of poor practicality. However Scorpio micro hybrid is good and non intrusive. The A/C does not goes off when the scorpio is in standby mode. The engine also starts as you depress the clutch without any hassle.
Mahindra scorpio: comes equipped with 2-DIN audio system and refreshed interiors. New scorpio gets two seductive colour themes – black allure and a new tan and beige combination. Unfortunately, Mahindra has carried forward the gear knob from bolero and xylo.A parking brake,electrically powered ORVM and digital immobiliser adds convenience to live with this beast.
Mahindra scorpio: With the price reduction(ranging from Rs 34,000 to Rs 70,000), Mahindra has also rationalised the variants of scorpio. Scorpio is now available in four variants – LX,SLE,VLX and VLX automatic. Scorpio also gets two new shades – Mystique Purple and Toreador Red.
Mahindra and Mahindra provided new scorpio to vicky.in for the purpose of evaluation
Skoda to launch diesel superb and superb V6
Skoda which yesterday launched superb in a single variant – Superb 1.8L TSI model, said that it would launch diesel variant and superb V6 before the end of 2009 or early 2010. Skoda’s name has been associated with diesel right from inception of Octavia. However Skoda shocked everyone by launching superb only in petrol variant. For the diesel lovers, Skoda will launch the superb diesel in next three to five months. The diesel superb will come with a 1968cc pumpe deuse motor pumping out 140bhp at 4000rpm and 320Nm of peak torque at 1750rpm. The diesel superb will be fitted with a six speed DSG with tiptronic gear changing. Skoda also said that it would launch the superb with the powerful 3.6L V6 FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) engine producing 259bhp. Remember, Honda is all set to launch to Accord V6. “In the next three to five months we plan to launch a two-litre diesel variant of the Superb,” said Thomas Kuehl, SkodaAuto India board member, Sales and Marketing. The 3.6-litre petrol variant of the Superb may come in at the end of this year or early next year, he added.
Skoda launches new superb
You read it first at vicky.in
As you read it, Skoda launches new superb in India. The new superb built on the Volkswagen’s passat platform debuted at 2008 Geneva Auto show. The new generation superb raised eyebrows through its extensive features list and superior engine line-up. The indian superb gets a 1.8L turbo charged petrol engine producing 160bhp and seven speed DSG transmission.
Stay tuned, more details are expected
Update:
Skoda’s new superb comes with an 1.8L turbocharged petrol engine producing 160hp in the range of 4500-6200rpm and an 1968cc pumpe deuse motor. New superb’s oil burner produces 140bhp at 4000rpm and 320Nm of peak torque at 1750rpm. While the gasoline superb gets seven speed DSG with tiptronic gear changing, the diesel superb comes with a six speed DSG with tiptronic gear changing. This notchback superb comes with ample boot space of 565litres which can be maximised to 1670litres by folding the rear seats. The dimensions of this 2 tonne machine are 4838*1817*1412mm. However the 158mm of ground clearance would pose serious problem on Indian roads. Both the diesel and petrol superb run on 205/55 R16 tyres. What is more impressive about this new superb is its list of comfort and safety features. Safety features of the new superb includes – eight airbags inlcuding rear side airbags, adaptive frontlight system with corner lamps, ABS with EBD and TCS. New superb also gets hill hold control and parktronic assist system. Electric sunroof, 12-way electrically adjustable driver and passenger seat with programmable memory, dual zone climatronic and an audio player with 6.5″ TFT touch screen willl give the sense of luxury at every step. For the time sake, the new Superb will be available in only one variant and is priced at Rs. 18,88,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Pictures of new superb
