Hyundai’s new discount offer for Government employees

Hyundai today announced a special discount offer for  government employees. Under this offer governement employyes can avail discount of up to Rs 31,000 on Hyundai’s various cars.  The scheme is offered during October and November, would be for both state and central government employees.  “We offer this special scheme to all the government employees, who will soon be enjoying the benefits of their Sixth Pay Commission arrears. It is an attractive scheme and this will be an added incentive for them to purchase a Hyundai car in this festive season,” Hyundai Motors Senior Vice President (Marketing and Sales) Arvind Saxena said.

In view of the fact that government employees are due to receive the arrears after revision in the Sixth Pay Commission, the arrears can be utilised as down payment for purchase and the revised salary increment would help them to accommodate their monthly installments, Hyundai said.  Hyundai also has tied up with State Bank of India, Axis Bank and HDFC Bank to offer finance schemes to the government employees for car purchase. Hyundai would offer discount for Santro, i10, Getz, Accent, Verna.

India tops fatal road accidents

This is the report which hurts all of us like anything. The mistakes made by you and I is now proving costly, India tops global list of fatal road accidents. In 2007 alone road accidents claimed more than 1.3 lakh lives in the country. “This is an alarming situation as we have been labelled as the country with maximum road deaths. China used to be ahead of us till two years ago, but not any longer. Of this, a majority of cases are of hit and run, which is an area of concern,” said Brahm Dutt, secretary, Road Transport and Highways, Government of India.  What’s more intrguing is the fact that India is still a newbie in global automotive market and it has only fraction of automotives what countries like United States have. The problem is clearly not because of plenty but due to mismanagement and absence of any stringent safety norms.

What Government proposes: The government has decided to constitute national and state level safety boards with experts on road design, vehicle safety and health as members. “The primary role of the boards, which will “come into effect very soon” through an Act of Parliament, is to ensure safety norms are followed by all stakeholders road builders and maintenence agencies, vehicle manufacturers and road users,” said K H Muniyappa, Minister of state for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways.

The government is also going to initiate talks with auto manufacturers to introduce more sophisticated safety gadgetry, as is done abroad. “Devices like airbags, anti-braking system, improved suspensions and the like, which will improve the safety of vehicles will be introduced soon,” added K K Kapila of International Road Federation (IRF). Dutt and Kapila were speaking at a conference on `Mobility and Safety in Road Transport’ organised in the Capital on Friday by IRF.

Straightfrmtheheart: Our road and traffic conditions are not even suitable to drive your vehicle, hence please don’t try to do stunts or race. We sincerely advise you to wear good helmet and proper riding gear while riding a bike. For the occupants of the car please ensure everyone of the occupants has worn seat belts. Atleast from today make sure that safety features of a bike/car also influence your buying decision. Only when you start demanding, these lofty manufacturers will think about it. Bear in min! atleast your kids should have safer cars and safer environment to drive.

Ford new ikon diesel

Ford will soon come up with a diesel variant of ikon the josh machine. As the ikon is fading out from the customers memory Ford is planning to rejuvenate the ikon with a facelift and Fiesta’s diesel engine. “Ford will unveil its refurbished Ikon by next month to expand its range of offerings in the country that includes Fusion, Endeavour and Fiesta”, said Michael Boneham, managing director and president of Ford India.

The facelift will not be a serious makeover for the ikon  but it will be cosmetic treatment to extend its life. A kink in the headlamps and an all new bumper with larger air dam is to tell you the ikon is a facelifted one. The rear tail lamp cluster of the new ikon also get a minor treatment. However what you will love most in the new ikon is the new heart. Ikon would start burning oil with the Fiesta 1.4L dura torq diesel engine. Remember Ford recently discontinued the Fiesta 1.4L dura torq to facilitate this launch. Ford had earlier offered ikon diesel till 2006.

Royal Enfield unveils new Bullet Classic 500 EFI

The new generation bullet is born! Royal Enfield has unveiled the next generation Bullet classic 500 EFI at Cologne International bike show. With the unveiling of new Bullet Classic, Royal Enfield has given one of the most important and significant updates in the Bullet’s long history. In 1932, the Royal Enfield “Bullet” was originally created in Britain. Now, 76 years later, Royal Enfield’s newest model celebrates these early “Bullets”. The new “Bullet 500 Classic” harks back to the ‘G2’ Bullet of the early 1950s, retaining the quintessential classic British style that is inextricably linked to the Royal Enfield name.

Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 EFI: Royal Enfield has carefully tweaked the style of the Bullet Classic, but retains its retro roots.  The round headlamps with his young guard, the analog valves, the individual semi with visible steel springs and deep-drawn fenders of the rear tire result in a successful combination of style elements of the’50s.

Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 EFI: Though the retro design is intentionally retained, Royal Enfield has given the Bullet Classic a necessary update to comply the stricter Euro III emissions regulations.

Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 EFI: The new 500cc, air cooled, Fuel Injected mill with a bore of 84mm and 90mm stroke produces an impressive power output of 27.2bhp (up by 5bhp) at 5250rpm and 41Nm (up by 1Nm) of max torque at 4000rpm. According to Royal Enfield, this new Bullet can hit a maximum speed of 129kmph and fuel efficiency / economy figure is claimed to be 28.5kmpl (consumes 3.5L of gasoline for running 100km). The engine is mated with a advanced five speed gearbox (left-side). But the EFI engine still retains the old school pushrod construction.

Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 EFI: New Bullet Classic 500 EFI comes with contemporary features like electric start and 280mm Disc brake at the front. The new Bullet Classic will be retailed for available in three colours – black, red and blue. Royal Enfield will launch the Bullet Classic next month in Germany but France and other european markets have to wait till mid 2009. However there is no word on Indian launch of new Bullet Classic 500cc EFI.

Honda may launch City Diesel and Jazz diesel in India

To cater to the growing demand for diesel cars among Indian customers, Honda may come up with a smaller diesel engine for the recently launched city. “We do feel the necessity of having a smaller diesel engine and are seriously studying the possibility. The development from scratch takes around three years. India is so popular for diesel cars because of high price difference—as much as 30%—between petrol and diesel. India is (the) only…(major) country in the world with such price differentials. In countries such as China, (those in) Europe, and Japan, this difference is only 10-12%,” Masahiro Takedagawa, president and CEO, HSCI said.

Unlike the other manufacturers such as Toyota or GM, Honda has very few diesel powered cars leaving the diesel advantage to others. Except the popular i-DTEC engine which Honda uses for its Accord and CR-V, Honda has no diesel models in its line-up. But as the market share of diesel cars continues to raise in markets like Honda is in need to come up with diesel to continue its leadership.  Remember we reported you earlier on Honda testing the CR-V diesel in India http://www.vicky.in/blog/honda-cr-v-diesel/

For City and Jazz Honda may produce a smaller i-DTEC engine.

Honda Unicorn Grand Prix GP Edition

Honda has launched a new limited edition variant of its 150cc product Unicorn. The new Unicorn Grand Prix edition comes in a racing blue, white and green livery highlighting its racing DNA. According to Honda “the limited edition Unicorn Grand Prix Edition is derived from Honda’s racing DNA and the new sporty graphics reflect true racing attitude.” Honda last year rolled out repsol GP edition of Unicorn and sold 2000 units of the bike within few months of its launch. Honda Unicorn limited Grand Prix (GP) edition will be sold in a limited number of 3500 units and retails for Rs 59,290 (ex-showroom Delhi).

GM Chevrolet to launch Captiva Automatic

While the other players in the segment are riding on the advantage of having Automatic variants of their  products, GM doesn’t want to lag behind.  Soon GM will come up with an automatic variant of Captiva. This new Captiva Automatic will complement the existing manual 2-Wheel Drive variant. Yes, the captiva automatic will come with a standard four wheel drive. With the launch of new Captiva automatic, GM will be ready to up its ante against the mighty 2.4L,4WD Honda CR-V. The existing 2WD manual captiva variant will continue to fight against 2.0L CR-V and upcoming Mitsubishi Outlander. Expect the pricing of the new Captiva Automatic (AT) to be slightly upwards of Rs20lakh.

Update: Chevrolet Captiva Automatic (A/T) will hit the market in January 2009. On the road, Mumbai Captiva costs Rs25lakh (Rs2.5Lakhs premium over the manual version). You might feel the price is on the higher side, but Chevrolet Captiva Automatic package includes a four wheel drive (4WD).

Pictorial Preview on Indicruz Crossover

Ever since Tata expressed its desire of building a crossover with the Xover and Indiva concept speculations started raising from every quarters. Slowly spy pictures of the crossover (Indicruz) started appearing but it took shape when Tata Motors itself announced that would soon launch a crossover between safari and sumo. Mr Krishnan VP (Commercial), Tata Motors confirmed the same to us. When we started digging out information on Indicruz crossover we got a surprise gift. Our eagle eyed reader Yogesh caught Indicruz and the next generation indigo in Pune – Solapur Highway close to the Tata motors plant. We give you an exclusive preview on Tata’s indicruz crossover with few undisguised pictures sourced from Auto CZ.

Pictures of Indicruz Crossover

Tata indicruz crossover: In the age when SUV’s are failing to move away from the showrooms, its logical for Tata Motors to produce a crossover especially when it wish a place in European markets. According to the books, Crossover is a vehicle which is designed to lookalike a SUV but offers comfort like a car with good handling chracteristics and fuel efficiency. Tata which is enjoying a fair amount of success with the gas guzzling Safari SUV is looking for the Indicruz Crossover to fight against Innova and upcoming ingenio.

Tata indicruz crossover: The styling of the indicruz is typically Tata and follows the rule book of MUV’s. There is nothing to excite at the same time nothing looks odd. The rakish profile and sloping roofline is as typical of any MUV. Remember, Tata plans to sell Indicruz in european market as well and hence there are subtle european styling cues as well. The high bonnet line which emanates from under the trapezoidal grille will ensure this Indicruz comply european pedestrian safety norms. On the sides of the bonnet line are mounted pull back headlamps sourced from new Indica Vista. The bonnet line goes backwards all the way to merge with belt line which ends at the rear. Though the shoulder line is less pronounced flared up wheel arches gives a elegant side profile. The large rear windscreen is bounded by christmas tree tail lamps on both sides. Overall styling of the indicruz is typically Tata and follows the rule book of MUV’s.

Tata indicruz crossover: Is expected to be powered by the same 2.2L DICOR engine which currently serves under Safari and Sumo Grande. The VTT (Variable Turbine Technology) engine will be mated with a 5-speed gearbox. Tata may also strap a FIat Sourced petrol engine under the indicruz hood.

Tata indicruz crossover: According to Auto, the IndiCruz is 4.85 meters long with a wheelbase of 2.85 meters. Good enough to hold three row of seats. However the usablity of third row depends on the packaging strength of Tata Motors. Going by the history of Tata products, we hope that the Indicruz would be a true eight seater.

Tata indicruz crossover:

Tata indicruz crossover: will not replace the safari as quipped by new but will co-exist with the Sumo Grande and Safari DICOR. We expect the price of the Indicruz Crossover to be around Rs10 lakhs


Paris Auto Show: Hyundai i20

Hyundai has officially lifted the lids on all new i20 at the ongoing paris auto show. i20 – part of Hyundai’s popular i-series is designed to meet the bigger rivals such as Honda Jazz, Ford Fiesta (Hatchback) and Skoda’s Fabia. “Engineers have driven the Ford Fiesta and Honda Jazz and the i20 aims to combine the best parts of these big sellers but without the premium price tag,” UK marketing director Andrew Cullis said.

Pictures of Hyundai i20

Hyundai i20: Designed with Europe in mind by Hyundai’s European Design Centre in Germany this new i20 is slightly longer and wider than the Getz. While the tear drop headlamps and large air dam reminds the i10, the twin crease on the bonnet and the bold chrome-topped grille flanked by piercing teardrop headlamps at the front  gives the i20 an upmarket look. chunky standard-fit 16-inch 12-spoke alloy wheels The shoulder line that runs along the car ends in a distinct manner. Over it stacked are the swap around tail lamps. Similar to other i-series cars – i10 and i30, i20 also features ‘H’ boot lid. Overall the styling of the i20 is swanky and appealing.

Hyundai i20: is internationally available in four engines. Of these engines, the Indian i20 may come with 78bhp, 1.2-litre petrol emitting just 123g/km and a 1.4-litre turbodiesels. Both the engines is fitted with a five-speed manual transmission.

Hyundai i20: Though the new i20 got a brand new chassis platform, Hyundai – Kia developed the i20 similar to their popular hatchback ceed. The height.of i20 is same as the ceed(1480mm) while increasing the other dimensions. With a wheelbase of 2525mm (70mm larger than the Getz) you would expect a roomy hatch.

Hyundai i20: Going by the history of Hyundai, the i20 will also come with a long list of features. Expect climate control, a powerful four-speaker radio, CD and MP3 audio system with integrated data display screen, a multi-function steering wheel, sun roof, height-adjustable driver seat, reach-and-rake adjustable steering wheel, keyless entry and electrically operated windows and side mirrors with the i20

Hyundai i20: The Hyundai i20’s five-seater gets 60:40 split flat-folding rear bench with a low lip for easy loading into the 295-litre rear loadbay. I20 also offers numerous intelligently positioned interior storage spaces including a large cooled passenger glovebox and two cupholders.

Hyundai i20: At the front, i20 features MacPherson strut and at the rear it gets torsion beam suspension that are tuned to deliver the taut ride quality. Hyundai claims the new rack and pinion steering setup has also been tuned to deliver quick and accurate responses resulting in excellent urban agility.

Hyundai i20: Built on an all-new platform i20 will replace the ageing Getz hatchback in western countries. However in India i20 will co-exist with getz and expected to be priced between Rs5-6 lakhs. Launch of this i20 will happen sometime in November.

Hindustan – Mitsubishi launches Outlander

Hindustan – Mitsubishi today launched a new SUV called Outlander in India. Positioned in the premium SUV segment, the outlander will compete with Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Captiva. “We have launched the Outlander in India in keeping with the policy of offering the latest from the Mitsubishi stable to the Indian customers,” Hindustan Motors Chairman C K Birla said.

Developed on the latest lancer platform this crossover is meant to run on tarmac. However, Outlander comes with a four wheel drive option. Outlander’s front Mac-pherson strut and rear multi link suspension offers confident handling on city streets and country trails.The 215mm ground clearance will help you to glide over any obstacles. The 2.4L MIVEC engine powered Outlander is available with six speed manual or CVT with six speed paddle shift. But there will be no diesel option. Though the Outlander launched in India is a five seater, the flexible seating arrangement will help you to carry a lot while touring. The low-floor height design and other elements in Outlander’s high-efficiency packaging realize a luggage compartment VDA volume of between 774 and 882 liters, depending on the second row seat slide position, with five passengers on board. Moreover, with the second row seats tumbled forward, VDA volume increases to a cavernous 1,691 liters The list of safety features Outlander boasts inlcudes – ABS with EBD, dual airbags and engine immoblizer. Available in six colours – river blue,silver dew,cascade white,sunrise yellow,pasture green,new moon black and twilight red Outlander comes in variants. Outlander is priced at Rs 20.2 lakh (ex-showroom).

More details are expected