Honda to hike prices of Civic,Accord and CR-V

Honda is all set to hike car prices across models once again. This time the price hike would be between Rs 10,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh and will come into effect from January 2009.  “The rupee depreciation has impacted the company’s production costs, forcing it to go for a price hike despite a slowdown in the market. Many of the parts are imported and the rupee’s depreciation has made them expensive. Thus, we will be revising car prices with effect from the first week of January,” Sen said. He also added “The highest impact would be on the sports-utility vehicle CR-V, which is imported to India as a completely-built unit (CBU). The price of the CR-V will go up by at least Rs 1.5 lakh”. While price of the luxury sedan Accord will go up by Rs 30,000 – 50,000, Civic will likely to be dearer by Rs 10,000 – 20,000.

The new City could also witness a revision in price. “For the moment we do not plan to increase the price of City as its new model has just been launched and we have to make deliveries at the announced price. We have received as many as 5,000 bookings so far,” he said.  The imported content in the Accord is about 75% and in Civic about 22%. The new City has about 26% imported parts. The current price of CR-V variants is between Rs 17.7-19 .9 lakh, the Accord between Rs 16.9-17 .7 lakh and the Civic between Rs 11-12 .8 lakh (all ex-showroom Delhi).

Maruti A-star – Pictorial Review

Maruti A-star test drive report

While the Nano stole the media glare, Maruti lured the people with the A-star’s revolutionary styling. Maruti Suzuki made India proud by debuting a concept car in an Indian auto show. Months have moved fast, Maruti Suzuki A-star made its International debut in India few days back. Again proud to be a Indian for riding a car before your european counterparts could feel it. But, is just ‘made in India’ tag and Maruti Staple is enough to sell a car when earning money is getting tougher? Can A-star take on the products like Hyundai i10? When maruti itself is having number of proven cars such as alto and WagonR, why should you opt for A-star? We check out the A-star and tell the answers

1) Maruti A-star : Built on an all new platform, A-star is the fifth world strategic model for Suzuki. after the successful Swift, Grand Vitara, SX4 and Splash. . Designed by the japanese engineers to suit the european taste, this A-star will replace the alto in european markets, but in Indian markets Maruti will continue to sell Alto along with the new A-star. Styling of the A-star is typically european – the low slung grille, ellipitical glasshouse, sweeping oversized headlamps and compact dimensions gives the car the necessary character. A-star also has a good road presence. Sure, it will appeal the fair sex and be ready to share the keys with ur honey. However the straight the C-pillar and odd looking taillamp cluster are sore points.

A-star styliing is not just to raise eyebrows but functional too. In the ‘A’-star, A stands for Aerodynamics the car pierces the wind like a bullet. A-star slippery drag co-efficient stoods at 0.30 (for Hyundai i10 Cd is 0.33). The functional aspect of this aerodynamic reflects in A-star performance and fuel efficiency which we will see below.

2) Maruti A-star : While Hyundai made inroads into the Maruti’s territory with the launch of i10, Maruti is betting big on A-star to regain its glory. To counter the i10 kappa’s punch, Maruti Suzuki has equipped the A-star with the advance KB series engine. Suzuki has invested over Rs1200 crores this  and 3 years  to make this petrol mill . The new-generation three-cylinder, light-weight aluminum K10B engine produces 67ps @ 6200 rpm and torque of 90nm @ 3500 rpm. The engine is paired with a five speed autobox.

3) Maruti A-star : The flat torque of this engine and short throw gearbox makes the A-star an ideal car to negotiate the stop-go city traffic conditions. The engine loves to be revved but at high gears it feels short of torque than the expected.  The gearbox feels good unlike the one in the WagonR and Zen estilo. Response in highway is good, but, remember this is a 3 cylinder motor, it feels stressed as you move past three digit figure and runs out of gas after 140kmph. Also the engine is little noisy too. However we must agree that Maruti Suzuki has find somehow an engine delivering performance of a 4 cylinder motor and fuel efficiency of a 3 cylinder one. A-star returns 14kmpl in actual driving conditions

4) Maruti A-star : A-star’s compact dimensions -3.5m *1.6m*1.49m enhances its city driving character. However the claimed best in class turning radius of 4.5 meters seems little exaggerated. Steering response is good but it needs little effort to turn the wheel. But i believe its my personal opinion as i10 is my current companion to shuttle between home and office.

5) Maruti A-star: For the best compromise between handling characteristics and ride quality, Suzuki engineers have burnt midnight oil. A-star is suspended by MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear. The l55/80 R13 tyres offers good grip and helps to keep planted even at high speeds.

6) Maruti A-star: Maruti is offering the A-star in 9 colours including the three new additions – Desert Brown, Paradise Blue and Healing green.

P.S:Our sincere thanks to Jayakannan, ABT Maruti (massales@abtlimited.com), Guindy, Chennai (9994404350).

Maruti A-star – Test Drive

Maruti A-star Pictorial Review – Interiors

1) Maruti A-star: Though the interiors of the A-star are not exciting as Hyundai’s i10, its not plain jack either. For a existing maruti customer, the interiors of the A-star is certainly impressive. The dual tone interiors looks fine and are pleasing. The sporty tacho which sits outside instrument panel is a nice design touch.

2) Maruti A-star: Igress and egress is not easy. But once you get into the driver seat, you would start praising the ergonomics. Controls and switches are in reachable limit. It offers comfortable seating postion, but if you are short, you would feel the absence of height adjustment (not offered even in the top end Zxi variant). The storage spaces in A-star is nothing to boast about – glove box, door pockets and boot space are very small but you can’t expect everything from an A-segment car.

3) Maruti A-star: Seats are little bit stiff but offers enough comfort. Fabric and pink stripe on the seats gives a upmarket look. Leg room and knee room at the rear is just about decent. However a six foot occupant could find it difficult your head will ram against the lowest part of the roofline. Also,blame the raised shoulder line which results in claustraphobic rear seating.

4) Maruti A-star: While the handling chracteristics of the A-star is impressive, ride quality is also surprsingly good. The larger shocks are absorbed with aplomb and the road noise is also minimal. But the engine noise sneaks especially at idling and lower speeds.

5) Maruti A-star: It nice to see safety features coming up in small cars.  ABS with EBD is standard in VXi and Zxi variants. Top end A-star Zxi also gets two airbags. Integrated CD player might soon become a conventional feature, manufacturers are taking note of Indians love for music.  We test driven the A-star when the rain god was in full swing, lack of rear wiper was felt.

6) Maruti A-star: A-star comes in three variants: LXi, VXi and the top-end fully loaded ZXi. Sunroof – nowaday hot item among Indian car buyers is offered as an optional fitment.  The most catching fact about the A-star is its attractive price tag. A-star comes in the price range of (Rs3,46,775- Rs4,11,775).

Verdict: A-star’s interiors may not be as attractive as Hyundai’s i10, it may not be powerful as i10 and not cheap as chevrolet spark, but it is frugal,eco friendly and comes with Maruti Suzuki’s badge. True to its sporty DNA, A-star handles well while ensuring good riding quailty. Wt else you wish from a entry small car.  A (new) – star is out and its time to cheer!

P.S:Our sincere thanks to Jayakannan, ABT Maruti (massales@abtlimited.com), Guindy, Chennai (9994404350).

Vahan Show: Interview with Mr.Manohar Bhat, Commercial Business Head (South), Maruti Suzuki

The big launch is done, Maruti Suzuki’s A-star has made its international debut in India. Maruti has now took the centrestage not just in making profits for Suzuki but also in designing and production of global models. Down the line in three years, you could expect a model designed,engineered and produced solely in India. We interview Mr.Manohar Bhat, Commercial Business Head (South), Maruti Suzuki. Even during the current economic slowdown, he is happy and exudes confidence in every word. He is very bullish on A-star and told us that the  ultra frugal KB series engine will make into Maruti’s other models as well.  But he denied the specualtion that the SX4 would get a diesel engine. Speaking about the Kizashi, he said that the car would be positioned between Civic and Accord. Catch the interview….

Maruti_suzuki_a-star_interview.flv

Fiat Linea to come in three variants

Fiat is finally gearing up for the big launch – linea in Dcember. Fiat linea which will hit the market by mid december will come in three variants with two engine options. Linea will come with a 1.3L diesel VGT and 1.4L petrol engine. The multiple engine options will help the Fiat to take on the different competetiors like Honda City and Ford Fiesta paralely. Fiat linea will come in three variants  – Active, Dynamic and Emotion (high end). However, thre pricing is going to be the key. Though the Linea is expected to be priced between Rs7 – Rs9lakhs, we are little apprehensive about it considering the linea will have only 55% localisation initially. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Fiat to launch Linea in December

The wait is over! Fiat today officially commenced production of its linea sedan in Ranjagaon plant built jointly with Tata Motors. With the production commencement ,you can expect the linea to hit the showrooms as early as next month. Fiat officially confirmed the launch of Linea in December. The pricing of the car would be decided closer to its launch next month, chief executive Rajeev Kapoor said.. The Indian unit of Italy’s Fiat expects to sell 2,500 Linea sedans a month in India, chief executive Rajeev Kapoor added.

Maruti new Alto Xcite Limited Edition – Pictorial Review

For the 2009 Maruti Alto Xcite limited edition pictures and review visit http://www.vicky.in/slideshow/maruti-suzuki-alto-xcite-limited-edition/

1) Maruti new Alto Xcite Limited Edition:The new body coloured bumper, body coloured door handles and graphics on the body panels makes the alto to look afresh. The utilatrian look of alto is concealed to some extent with the introduction of these features.  But surpisingly inspite of the badge, new alto xcite comes limited edition comes with ‘Xcite’ sticker on the rear and side door. It lookslike a cheap advertisement sticker rather than sign of limited edition.

2) Maruti new Alto Xcite Limited Edition:Get inside the new alto xcite limited edition. You would be shocked, this mileage ka muncher gets sporty dual tone seat covers.

3) Maruti new Alto Xcite Limited Edition: Central locking system makes into the new Alto Xcite limited edition. Really an usable addition to the car. Yet another usable addition in the alto xcite limited edition is the rear parcel tray. Will help you to store your luggage properly.

4) Maruti new Alto Xcite Limited Edition: is priced Rs2,98,775. i.e Rs16000 over the regular alto. New Alto Xcite limited edition will be available till the november end

P.S:Our sincere thanks to Jayakannan, ABT Maruti (massales@abtlimited.com), Guindy, Chennai (9994404350).

Maruthi to develop an all-new “made-in-india” model from scratch by 2011

India’s leading automaker Maruti Suzuki has announced that they are planning to launch a car completely build in India by 2011. The made in India car will be another major step in the company’s efforts to achieve its goal of developing products on its own. “Our ultimate aim is to have products developed on our own,” Rao said.

Maruti seems to have come off age after more than two decades it was formed as a joint venture between Japan`s Suzuki Motor and the Indian government, it is set to develop an all-new model from scratch by 2011 using its Indian engineering strength.  “We have started the ground work to launch a car which is conceived, designed and developed fully in India,” Maruti Suzuki India Managing Executive Officer (Engineering) I V Rao told media. The company has been strengthening its engineering and design competencies as it plans to nearly double its engineering workforce by 2010 from 560. “We would like to close March next year with 740 engineers and reach 1000 by 2010,” he adds. The company is hopeful of rolling out the car in the next four years, he added. Rao’s statement indicates the fast-growing stature of Maruti within Suzuki’s overall global plans and clearly brings out the future strategy of the Japanese carmaker.

“The launch of the car is very important to us for many reasons, like India is the only country where this model is being manufactured. We expect that the A-Star will enable our company to reach a different level in our export,” MSI Chairman R C Bhargava said. The new hatchback will be manufactured at Manesar production facility in India. It would be powered by a 998cc K10B petrol engine and would be available in three variants in the domestic market. A Made-in-India car is the one, which will be developed almost entirely in the country, using the technical expertise and know-how of Indian engineers. A 100% Indian-made car, sure a pride in its own sense for the company and for the country as a whole!

Volkswagen to drive in Beetle in 2009

Beetle would be soon buzzing on Indian roads. By next year Volkswagen, Europe’s largest carmaker, has planned to import and sell its new brand Beetle in India. Kurt Rippholz, the head of communications of the Volkswagen Group in India, confirmed to DNA Money that the Beetle would be in India in 2009. “We will position it as a lifestyle car, in the niche segment in India. Even in the home market (Germany), the Beetle comes for ?30,000 and is positioned as a lifestyle vehicle for a certain few.” He added that the pricing for India is yet to be decided.

Volkswagen is present in India as Volkswagen India, SkodaAuto India and Audi India. At present the carmaker have a 30,000 unit manufacturing capacity at Aurangabad and is in the course of setting up a 1.1 lakh unit facility at Chakan (Pune), which is programmed to go on stream next year. The Aurangabad plant rolls out Skoda cars ‘Superb’, ‘Laura’, ‘Octavia’ and ‘Fabia’; Audi ‘A6’ and ‘A4’; and Volkswagen ‘Jetta’ and ‘Passat’. Once Chakan becomes its operation, production of Fabia hatchback will shift from Aurangabad.
Rippholz said despite a global slowdown, Volkswagen Group’s capex and investment plans for India remain on course. The company has noticed Rs 3,600 crore for the nation and will be launching two new cars based on its global ‘Polo’ platform in 2010. One would be a hatchback while the other would be a sedan. “We are developing a new Polo platform and the two cars will roll off this new platform with specifications for Indian market built in. This platform is specifically being designed for BRIC countries,” Rippholz added.

Maruti Suzuki’s new Alto Xcite limited edition

You read it first at vicky.in

A day after the A-star launch Maruti Suzuki reiterates its stand of not phasing out alto with the launch of limited edition called .Alto ‘Xcite’. The new Alto Xcite limited edition comes with the following new features

* New Alto Xcite limited edition gets body graphics on body panels and a xcite badge

* Similar to recently launched 800 uniq, new alto xcite limited edition also gets body coloured bumper

* New Alto Xcite limited edition comes  with a refreshed interior – new seat covers and new door trims

* Central locking system is new in new alto xcite limited edition

* Rear parcel tray is added to the features list.

The new alto xcite limited edition will be available till November end. New Alto xcite limited edition comes with a premium over the current alto. Price increase of Rs10,000 – Rs12,000 is expected.p