Honda hikes prices of City,Civic,Accord and CR-V

As expected, Honda today announced the hike in prices of City,Civic,Accord and CR-V. While ther price of city goes up between Rs30,000 and Rs35,000. However the price of Honda CR-V witness a steep hike in price. The price of CR-V price goes up by Rs 3,54,000.  The increase, necessitated by considerable depreciation of Indian Rupee and strong Japanese Yen against Dollar, is in the range of 4% to 20% on the current price.  Commenting on the price increase, Mr Jnaneswar Sen, Vice President, Marketing, said, “The rupee has depreciated by over 16% vs USD in the past 8 months. On the other hand, the Japanese Yen has strengthened by 10.5% during this period. These currency fluctuations have resulted in tremendous increase in cost of imports impacting the bottom lines, but so far, we have refrained from passing them on to the customer. But it is not possible to absorb the impact any more.”  The revised prices for City, Civic and CR-V will be effective from April 1, 2009 and for Accord from March 16, 2009.

The new prices, ex-showroom Delhi are as follows:

Production Model

Price Change Summary Ex-showroom Delhi Price (in Rs.)
Model Current New Difference W.E.F
CITY 1.5 E MT 751,000 781,000 30,000 1st April 09
1.5 S MT 799,900 832,000 32,100
1.5 S AT 869,000 904,000 35,000
CIVIC 1.8 E MT 999,900 1,050,000 50,100 1st April 09
1.8 SPORT 1,206,862 1,264,862 58,000
1.8 V MT 1,187,000 1,246,000 59,000
1.8 V AT 1,255,000 1,318,000 63,000
ACCORD 2.4 MT 1,672,000 1,772,000 100,000 16th Mar 09
2.4 AT 1,746,000 1,847,000 101,000

CBU Import Model

Ex-showroom Delhi Price (in Rs.)
Model Current New Difference W.E.F
CR-V 2.0 MT 1,770,000 2,124,000 354,000 1st April 09
2.4 MT 1,920,000 2,274,000 354,000
2.4 AT 1,990,000 2,344,000 354,000

Skoda to launch Superb on March 10th

You read it first at vicky.in

Auto makers are banking on new models to sail through the slowdown. Going by the sales of the Xylo and Linea, it seems this strategy is paying off. Now after the successful Fabia, Skoda is gearing up to launch the new superb soon.  Skoda will launch the superb on March 10th. Based on the same architecture as the VW Passat  this new superb is a notchback (as oppposed to Audi A6 based curent superb) and is bigger in all dimension than the outgoing one. Under the hood is the 1.8L turbo charged direct injected gasoling unit producing peak power of 160bhp and massive 255Nm peak torque. However what will make Accord owners jealous are the new superb’s DSG double clutch seven speed transmission. With 4,838 mm in length, 1,817 mm in width, 1,462 mm in height and a 2,761mm-long wheel base, the new Škoda Superb offers a number of smart technological solutions, including adaptive “look-round-corner” headlamps, a new electronic air conditioning system, an automatic parking assistant system, and more. The new generation of Skoda Superb, with its exceptional interior space, follows the tradition of the current modern generation. Expect the price of the new superb between Rs20 lakhs and Rs25 lakhs.

Have a look at Skoda Superb’s official web page www.skodasuperb.co.in

Vicky.in contributes for Eenadu

Its our pleasure to share with you readers that your favourite automotive portal – Vicky.in now contributes for one of largest selling newsdaily Eenadu.

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What wikipedia says about Eenadu

Eenadu, headquartered in Hyderabad, India, is the largest circulated Telugu news daily in the state of Andhra Pradesh. According to NRS (National Readership Studies) 2005 it has got a readership of 1,13,49,000 and is the second most read daily in India.

Mahindra Xylo – Review

Pictorial Review of Mahindra Xylo – Interiors

Mahindra Xylo: Just like a cinema where everybody wishes the end to be in a positive note, even when the story is about underworld. Whether its a hatchback or a pick-up the interiors of the car should be pleasing. Xylo which deterrant looks outside, unfortunately few bits are carried to interiors as well. The use of  hard plastics and tough mechanicals makes it little tough to live with.  Built quality is a mixed bag where it excels at some spots, it flips at others. But the acres of space for all rows of passengers will even outsmart your living room. You can even walk  between seats, our test drive Xylo E8 comes with captain seats for second row.

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Mahindra Xylo: Steering wheel is large,chunky and difficult to hold.  Whether the driving feel gives the feed back or not, the awkwardly shaped gear lever transfers vibrations completely. But that does not says all, you sit high and gives commanding seating postion. The driver seat is also height adjustable and you can also adjust lumbar support. All the seats gets a headrest and adjustable arm rest.  However finding the right arm rest position with respect to seat belt and gear lever position needs lot of trials.

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Mahindra Xylo: Ride quality is commendable. Potholes and bumps are absorbed with ease. The soft independent suspension and comfy seats must be credited.  However the egress and ingress is not an easy task. Access to third row is like any other MPV.  Legroom and headroom is so good even for third row passengers. Third row is no longer meant for kids but the flip side you have to look for a roof carrier as there is no luggage space.

Wherever you are, Mahindra ensures comfort…

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Mahindra Xylo: There are plenty of intelligent engineering touches, lockable parcel tray under the driver seat, integrated folding tray on the back of front seats.lots of cabin light and air con vents with separate fan speed regualtor and full length grab bar for rear passengers ensures comfortable journey. Out for a trip, you can try a sinista after the launch by folding front and 2nd row seats to make a flat bed arrangement. Here Mahindra competes with Airbus. You can go on praising the comfort an convenience features of Xylo.

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Mahindra Xylo: comes packed with Digital Drive Assist System (DDAS) which tells you compass heading, range, trip ,speed ,gear indicator and mileage. It also comes packed with pictures of god. Xylo also gets digital clock, two DIN audio system, central locking,power windows and rear defogger. Definitely, Xylo is the most VFM product you can get.

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Mahindra Xylo: available in four variants – E2,E4,E6 and E8. On road prices (Chennai) of the variants are

E2- Rs 7,13,559

E4- Rs 7,64,566

E6 – Rs8,41,021

E8 – Rs8,78,223

Mahindra and Mahindra provided Xylo to vicky.in for the purpose of evaluation

Mahindra Xylo – Test Drive

Mahindra Xylo: move past without a glance!

In recent times other than Nano, we have not seen such a build-up around a car. Test mules with claddings spotted  almost in every city of India added the expectation. But when Mr Anand Mahindra unwrapped the xylo very few were excited (though the interiors are exciting but that’s different story)

But before that, Have you ever admired seeing an MUV, unlike sedans or SUV, MUVs are meant to be functional with no or little attention given to their styling. Xylo is no exception. Rather than a composite structure, it looks Mahindra’s trademark muscular grille, pulled back headlamps and slightly raked up windscreen doesn’t result in a impressive form. The short but stout doors reminds the Scorpio. Glasshouse is big and ensures airy cabin. A chrome strip running on the sides and the broad side steps adds muscle to Xylo. Horizontally opening rear door and nice tail lamp cluster forms the rear. Overall, Xylo looks big and muscular but lacks the pleasing look which the segment buyers love.

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Mahindra Xylo: Under the hood is the 2.5L CRDe engine which is essentially the same M2DI used in scorpio but equipped with Common Rail technology. Mahindra has also made fine improvements on this engine through the feedbacks it got from country wide test drives. This engine oozes out 112bhp at 3800rpm and 240Nm between 1800 – 3000rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard across all variants. However, you can expect an automatic gearbox before the end of 2009.

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Mahindra Xylo: Though the engine is not refined as some of its competetiors, the throttle response is so good and its easy to drive in city. But most of the Xylo are going to run between cities. Out on the highway, it justifies deterring style. The engine offers spirited performance, the turbo kicks in at 1800rpm and Xylo takes only 17s to reach 100kmph. However, what is more impressive is the fact that you can easily keep the Xylo at 120kmph. The engine does not feel strained but the oil burner is bit noisy. Noise insulation could have better. Xylo scores an impressive mileage figure of 13kmpl in our combined city and highway drive.

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Mahindra Xylo: Steering is a bit vague and tight. It’s not easy to park the Xylo. Look at the dimensions – (4525* 1770 * 1880mm) is too much for Indian traffic. However Mahindra’s intelligent park assist system helps you to park the Xylo. Xylo comes with Independent coil spring suspension at the front and non independent multi line coil spring system at the rear. The larger profile tyres offers enough grip even in muddy soil.

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Mahindra Xylo: The high ground clearance and ladder frame chassis itself defines Xylo handling chracteristics. Mahindra says the Xylo chassis 120% more stiffer than the Scorpio’s. However,body roll at hard cornering is discernable and its better to drive as Xylo lacks vital safety elements like ABS and Airbags. When customers are ready to shell out extra money for ABS and airbags in hatchbacks, I wonder why they won’t for an MUV. Manufacturers should wake up!

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Mahindra Xylo: All the four variants of Xylo comes in eight attractive colours- fiery black,reador red java brown,minty green,lucky lilar,gold shimmer, rocky beige and mist silver. You can pick black or walnut interior with any of these exterior colours.

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Mahindra and Mahindra  provided Xylo to vicky.in for the purpose of evaluation.

Mahindra launches new Scorpio

Mahindra today launched the new scorpio. The new scorpio gets hosts of new features and styling changes

* New projector lens headlamps

* New front bumper for the distinct look

* Chrome tipped grille (central tooth)

* New scorpio gets three parking sensors instead of present two

* New 2-DIN music system

* All the variants of new scorpio now gets 2.2L m_Hawk engine and 2.6L CRDe is now confined to Bolero and Xylo

* Scorpio M2DI will continue to cater to the needs of rural customers

* Transponder based ingnition key across all models

* Puddle lamps mounted on the doors instead of footstep as present now

* Scorpio logo embossed on side body claddings

* New scorpio also comes with Micro Hybrid Technology

* The top end VLX variant and low end M2DI variant gets micro hybrid technology.

“The Scorpio&aposs strong value proposition lies in versatility, its ability to morph and mould itself according to the changing template of customer needs. The new Scorpio will further enhance our domination of the UV market,”Mahindra& Mahindra  Automotive Sector President Pawan Goenka said.The new scorpio is priced at Rs 7.21 lakh (LX), Rs8.19 lakhs (SLE BSIII variant), Rs9.29 lakhs (VLX BS IV) and  Rs 9.98 lakh (VLX Automatic BSIV) ex-showroom Delhi.

Pictures of Mahindra’s new Scorpio

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Mahindra Renault launches logan edge connect

Mahindra Renault today launched a new variant of logan called logan edge connect. Logan Edge Connect features a high end music system with hands-free telephony integrated via Bluetooth .  Logan edge connect also comes with sporty decals, leather upholstery, Driver Information System (DIS), Reverse Parking Sensors, ABS & EBD. Logan edge connect is available in three new colours including the very popular Mystique Purple launched with the original Logan Edge. “With its eye-catching exteriors, plush interiors and innovative features, the Logan Edge Connect is an extension of the Logan Edge brand experience, redefining luxury for the Indian car buyer. Bluetooth technology, the unique Driver Information System and four vibrant colours are some of the striking features of the Logan Edge Connect which has been developed on the basis of evolving customer needs,” said Mr. Nalin Mehta, Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Renault Pvt. Ltd.

Prices of the Logan Edge Connect:

Ø Logan Edge Connect – 1.4 GLX – Rs. 545928 (ex-showroom Chandigarh)
Ø Logan Edge Connect – 1.6 GLS-ABS – Rs. 630728 (ex-showroom Chandigarh)
Ø Logan Edge Connect – 1.5 DLX – Rs. 675728 (ex-showroom Chandigarh)
Ø Logan Edge Connect – 1.5 DLS – Rs. 721227 (ex-showroom Chandigarh)
Ø Logan Edge Connect – 1.5 DLS-ABS – Rs. 740628 (ex-showroom Chandigarh)

Pictures of Mahindra Renault new logan edge conect

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TVS Scooty Streak – Test Drive and Review

When other manufacturers are making a mountain out of a mole hill, TVS has launched a new sccoty variant called scotty streak without much hype and fanfare. Many of you may not know scooty streak was launched. Surprisingly, i have not come across any advertisement as well.  Tough times needs frugal measures! Recession might be the cause for this low profile launch. However TVS has roped in tennis sensation Sania Mirza for the new streak. Soon, we would see streak with mirza on silverscreen and on websites.

Anyway, when scooty pep plus is still going strong unaffected by the launch of Kinetic Flyte, Honda aviator and Suzuki Access. What’s the need of another scooterette with the same engine?? we dig out..

TVS Scooty Streak: is new with modern razor edge styling. A prominent ridge at the front apron, nicely shaped headlamp and sharp wing mirrors makes the scooty streak to stand out. But at the side, streak is unexciting. Rear is dominated by a large chunky LED tail lamp with integrated turn indicators.  TVS has mastered the art of using LEDs. First an impressive apache RTR now it is used nicely in Streak. The contemporary styling is certain to get cheers from its target segment – young girls.  But at some angles, streak reminds me of cheap chinese electric scooterette.

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TVS Scooty Streak: uses the same 90cc, 4-stroke air-cooled engine churning out 5bhp at 6500rpm and 5.8Nm of max torque at 4000rpm.Though the performance is not streak’s virtue, this tiny motor offers commendable performance. The refined and smoother pick-up impressed us. The low and mid-punch is superb and the motor is peppy. Streak top speed is a decent 67kmph and it got from nothing to 60kph in 10 seconds. However a higher displacement motor with more power would be exciting.  Scooty streak delivers an impressive mileage of 47kmpl in city conditions where it is going to be used most.

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TVS Scooty Streak: while the wheelbase of streak is identical to scooty pep +, it is 1kg heavier than the latter. Also it uses wider puncture resistant 90*90-10 tyres at the front and the rear. The fuel tank capacity is slightly reduced to 4.7L from 5L. You can throw gloves and chocolates for your kids in the glovebox. Underseat storage space is huge and it can swallow a full face helmet.

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TVS Scooty Streak: The broad floorboard and exquisitely detailed pillion footrests makes both the rider and pillion to sit comfortably. But i’m talking about sania mirza’s not jordan’s. External fuel fill is a nice option, however, filling fuel is not as easy as in Kinetic flyte or Bajaj Kristal. You have to get down to top fuel as the fuel lid is placed in the rear cowl below the pillion grab handle.

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TVS Scooty Streak: uses a frame with the engine as a stressed member that links to the scooter’s single rear shock absorber. Suspension at the front is through proven telescopic forks. The all aluminium shock absorbers offers a decent ride. 110mm drum brakes at the fore and aft are quiet adequate for this vehicle. But rear brake locking clamp and fluorescent ignition slot found in most scooters are absent in streak. Steering is quiet nimble and precise at city riding speeds.

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TVS Scooty Streak: comes equipped with lots of usable features like external fuel fill, LED tail lamps, lockable glove box and mobile charger. Fit and finish are of top notch.  Easy to decipher instrument cluster houses speedometer, odometer and fuel gauge. Streak also gets a convenient button-operated self-start with an optional kick starter. Soft plastics and top notch paint quality is sure attract many Hunks.

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TVS Scooty Streak: is available in five colours – breezy blue, mystic mauve, super red,perky pink and magic black. The Streak is priced at Rs. 35,800 ex-showroom.

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Verdict: TVS has once again sucessfully upgraded the scooty and made it contemporary. The attractive styling, peppy engine and price which are scooty strength is carried forward in a nice way and scooty lovers will surely love this scooty streak. But how about others, say an urban male who prefers a hassle free ride but without much compromise in performance. As the traffic conditions worsen this number is all set to raise,the sucess of a Aviator and Access conveys the same. We expect a better performing scooter from TVS. Till then let girls have all the fun with scooty and streak

TVS provided Scooty Streak to vicky.in for the purpose of evaluation