Tata Sumo Grande Exteriors – Pictorial Review

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Sumo launched in 1994 was the first indigenous UV and it went on to become a great success for Tata. In fact success of the sumo gave the Tata’s much needed confidence to transform itself into a passenger car maker. In its 13 year long journey Sumo faced many rivals but Tata has kept the vehicle alive with constant upgradation. But in recent years, image of the brand changed a lot. Sumo Victa has almost become a vehicle to transport BPO employees. Large families who contribute significantly to the sales in this segment keep them away from the sumo. Being India’s largest car maker and one of the successful utility vehicle maker Tata cannot afford to this. It has come out with a new sumo called Sumo Grande. This new sumo grande is being positioned as a family car. We test drive the new sumo grande to know whether it actually serves the purpose.

1) Tata Sumo Grande: The old school design are gone. Look at the new sumo, sometimes you may confuse it with a soft-roader. Bold lines and boxiness are now replaced by flowing lines and curved surfaces even though the underpinnings remain the same. Tata has borrowed few design cues from the new Xenon for the new sumo grande. The high bonnet, strong crease and grille gives a V shaped front. The V theme is carried on to the lower part of the bumper. The end result is the sumo grande retains the same masculine feel though in a different form.

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2) Tata Sumo Grande: The real attraction is the side profile of the vehicle. The tapered roofline, dynamic fenders and glass windows are sure attract every by passers. The waterfall fenders merges with the bumpers smoothly. Rear gets a new trendy tail lamp cluster but it looks bland without any distinct bumper.

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3) Tata Sumo Grande: Under the hood of the new sumo grande is the DICOR engine sourced from safari. The detuned 2.2L engine fitted with variable geometry turbocharger develops 120PS of peak power and 250Nm of peak torque which is available in the range of 1500-3000rpm. The DICOR is more responsive than the previous turbocharged and its refinement is comparable to Toyota’s Common Rail. Engine noise and vibrations are very minimal even at higher speed.

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4) Tata Sumo Grande: We managed to move past 60kph mark from stand still in 8 second and top speed is found to be in the range of 135kph. Riding this 4421mm longer grande is made easy with taller gear ratios which keep away the need of frequent gear shifts in city traffic. But the gearbox is very tight and we find it hard to engage the gears. In mileage or fuel efficiency section sumo grande goes with similar MUV’s like innova. Sumo grande returns 12kpl in our combined city and highway drive.

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5) Tata Sumo Grande: Chassis and suspenison system are carried over from sumo victa. But this time it has to do more work due to the increased wheelbase and weight. Tata has worked on with the steering to make maneuvering easy in the city. Ride quality is good at lower speeds.

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6) Tata Sumo Grande: Handling the car at high speeds will make you nervous. It’s must for third row passenger to fasten their seat belts. The leaf spring suspension at the rear transmits larger amount of the road shocks. Brakes sourced from safari is strong and gives a good control over this vehicle.

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7) Tata Sumo Grande: If you are safety conscious, then wait for few months. Tata might come up with safer sumo grande soon. There is no ABS, Airbags and rear parking sensors in this Grande.

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8) Tata Sumo Grande: is available in eye-catching colours like arctic white,arctic silver, quartz black, sunset orange, Marine Blue,Mineral Red and Zephyr green.

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Mitsubishi’s new Pajero SFX

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mitsubishi_hindustan_new_pajero_sfx.jpgNew Pajero SFX

An SUV buyer had only one oil burner till recently,but with the launch of Chevrolet’s Captiva he has another one now. Being the market leader Hindustan – Mitsubishi wishes to retain its customers with the launch of new Pajero. Mitsubishi will soon launch a facelifted Pajero called Pajero SFX.

Do what you do best:

Pajero which is the only true off-roader available you can get at Rs20lakh. Pajero’s off-road capablity has been its strongest selling point and with the new Pajero SFX conquering the terrain becomes more sweeter. Mitsubishi has increased the approach angle by 1degree and now stands at 40.5degrees. Ramp over break angle is increased by 0.5 degrees to a healthier 23.5degrees. More than all that Pajero SFX is equipped with fatter 265/70 R15 tyres and wider footprints to offer grip even on wet surfaces. Ground clearance of new Pajero SFX stands at 205mm (15mm more than the existing pajero). Mitsubishi – Hindustan has introduced three new colours – Limestone, Granite and deep purple for the new pajero SFX.

Fiat’s new Palio Stile Diesel

The new red logo is here! Yes, Fiat has rolled out its first car in India with the new red logo. The new red logo symbolizes the Fiat of modern age. Fiat which is trying hard to make a comeback into the Indian market has launched a diesel version of Palio stile. Launch of the Palio Stile multijet diesel version is first in the line of many exciting launches such as linea and punto lined up by Fiat through this year.

Change of heart:

Palio stile which was launched in 2007 is currently available in 2 petrol versions – 1.1L and 1.6L Sport. The new Palio stile diesel is one of the most expected machines in 2008 as it is powered by popular 1.3L multijet diesel engine. Fiat, General Motors and Suzuki developed this diesel engine jointly and this engine has won many awards across the globe. We Indians know this engine as DDIS, yes, it is already doing the duty in Maruti Suzuki’s swift. This same 1.3L engine will power the Tata’s new Indica and General Motors new small car. Under the hood of the new palio stile diesel, the 1.3l engine produces a maximum power of 75 PS at 4000 rpm and a peak torque of 184 Nm at 2000rpm. These figures are almost the same as the Swift diesel. Fiat uses the same gearbox used in 1.9L palio diesel to derive power from this 1.3l Multijet diesel.

What’s new?

In addition to the new engine, Fiat palio stile diesel also gets plush new interiors, an attractive new front grills and attractive colours. The Palio Stile Multijet diesel will be available in 5 exciting colors – Furnace red, Magnesium grey, Ozone blue, Mint White and Carbon black, across 3 versions – SD, SDE & SDX. But the key factor which may lure hatchback buyer is the aggressive price tag. Fiat has priced the new Palio stile diesel very competitively. Palio Stile diesel base variant (SD) is priced Rs4,37,960, the mid SDE variant is priced Rs4,57,962 and top end SDX is priced Rs4,77,968. Fiat which sells 2500 units of palio diesel annually hopes to sell 6000 units of the car with the launch of new Palio stile diesel. Fiat’s palio stile diesel will compete Maruti Suzuki’s swift and the new Skoda Fabia. It seems that Fiat is finally has a winner on its hands, but wait till our test drive.

Few glimpses of Fiat’s palio diesel

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Yamaha’s YZF R15 to come with cutting edge technology

Yamaha which showcased two new 150cc bikes, today said that the YZF R15 will be equipped with next-generation DiASil (Die-casting Aluminum-Silicon) Cylinder. Yamaha’s “DiASil Cylinder” is an all-aluminum die-cast cylinder with 60% better cooling performance and 30% cheaper production cost than a conventional cylinder. Yamaha “DiASil Cylinder” , is the world’s first all-aluminum die-cast cylinder and it achieves cooling performance equivalent to that of a nickel-plated cylinder, which is currently recognized as the best in the industry, but at a significantly lower production cost than a nickel-plated cylinder.  DiASil  is a technology which brings together an ideal combination of material, manufacturing technology and environmental friendliness. The material used is a 20% silicon content aluminum alloy, the manufacturing technology is the Yamaha CF Aluminum Die-cast Technology (*3), which enables the production of an all-aluminum die-cast cylinder. It is Yamaha’s exclusive CF Aluminum Die-cast Technology that enables the mass production of a die-cast cylinder made completely of 20% silicon content aluminum alloy, something that could not be done with conventional die casting methods.  According to Mr. Sanjay Tripathi, Head of Dept- Product Planning & Strategy, “Conventional engine cylinders have a steel liner to reduce the friction resulting from the piston’s movement. The “DiASil” cylinder is made by the exclusive Yamaha Aluminum Controlled Forging (CF) technology. Because the “DiASil” Cylinder is all aluminum, it has excellent heat dissipation qualities and reduces engine weight at the same time. In comparison to cast steel liner type aluminum cylinders, the DiASil cylinder has 60% better cooling performance at 30% lower manufacturing cost and enables 30% lighter design which results in better power to weight ratio besides excellent recyclability.

Ford’s new Fusion Plus

ford_new_fusion.jpgFord has launched a new Fusion plus today. The facelifted fusion plus comes with a lot of new features. According to Ford, the new Fusion plus was developed in response to consumer feedback, and their desire for a Fusion with additional features and distinctive styling. The Fusion Plus has an all-new anti-lock braking system (ABS) and carries additional features such as 15-inch alloy wheels, body coloured outside rear view mirrors, body-colour bumpers, door handles, side moulding and deck lid. The new top end variant of Fusion+ also gets a special badge. The new Fusion+ comes at an attractive price of Rs.6,16,500 – DuraTec petrol and Rs.6,83,500 Duratorq diesel (Ex-showroom, Chennai). The introductory offer on the Fusion Plus this month (March) includes a MP3 player with 4 speakers, making it even more attractive.

Interview with Mr.Peter Kronschnabl, President of BMW India

It is hard to see such a happy president these days especially when higher interest rate hurts the most auto makers. But this man Mr.Peter Kronschnabl, President of BMW India have many reasons to smile. BMW India has sold 1387 beamers in 2007 well beyond its expectations and it has started 2008 in a grand way. The company has already sold 490 cars in the first two months of 2008. BMW sedans and SUVs have already become market leaders in their respective segments. For the year 2008, BMW hopes to sell 2,000 units in the India and by 2009 0r 2010 it hopes to beat mercedes and clinch the top position.

We spoke with Mr.Peter and he shared with us the secret behind the BMW success in India. He told us BMW is very much committed to give Indian customers the same international experience enjoyed by western customers. Soon you can buy the new beamers at the same time when your european counterparts gets the opportunity. “BMW is trying hard to decrease the time taken between the Indian and International launch of their future products” Peter said. Whether BMW will bring the Mini brand to India? curious to know the answer for this million dollar question! just watch the interview.

Interview with Mr.Peter Kronschnabl, President of BMW India

BMW opens Rs6 crore dealership facility in Chennai

BMW India today announced opening of KUN exclusive its dealership facility in Chennai. BMW which eyes top position in Indian luxury car segment has been aggressively expanding its dealership facility. The ultramodern showroom will give the same international experience as any BMW dealership worldwide. The chennai dealership facility KUN exclusive covers 20000sq ft and it is built at a cost of Rs6crores. The design of the showroom is based upon Reception at the Car (RATC) and Urban Street Display Concept which is Signature BMW layout. The facility would be equipped to service approximately 20 cars a day.

BMW India today also announced the Chennai debut of the BMW M cars. Speaking at the occasion Mr Peter Kronschnabl said `The year 2007 was a demanding year and saw a successful market entry into India by BMW. Asserting that “there is no standing still at BMW India during 2008,”. BMW plans to launch X6 in India soon.

Few glimpses of KUN Exclusive and beamers

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Interview with Mr.Venu Srinivasan, Chairman and Managing Director of TVS Motors

Flame must be one the most expected also the most controversial bike in the history of Indian two wheelers. After facing the stay from the Madras High Court over the use of twin spark technology, TVS has come out with a new Flame which uses a “universally accepted and traditionally proven” single spark plug ignition system. Has the twin spark controversy affected the TVS Motors? “Yes, we lost financially but we will now come back and regain it,”said Mr Venu Srinivasan,CMD, TVS Motors.

We spoke with Mr Srinivasan at the sidelines of the launch of new Flame. In this interview, he talks not just about the new Flame but also the TVS Motors 2008 line-up. He answered to our queries on powerful apache, 125cc scooter,LPG bikes and safety in two wheelers. Watch the interview to know his answers.

Interview with Mr.Venu Srinivasan, Chairman and Managing Director of TVS Motors

TVS new Flame – a brief test drive

During the launch of the new Flame, TVS said that with the Flame 125cc you don’t have to make any compromise. It will suit your image, will weigh less on your monthly fuel budget also it will give you hottest riding experience. We manage to do a brief test drive of the new Flame. Here’s our findings.

* There is no difference between the earlier launched Flame and this new one. A closer look at the engine tells you the spark plug fitted at the left side(to the rider) of the engine is missing. A 3 Valve badge is in place of that spark plug.

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* In the short drive, there is no discernible difference in terms of performance in the new Flame. But it seems the beat that is associated with the twin spark flame is missing. TVS claims the Flame can be pushed upto 96kmph.

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* With the short test drive, we can’t comment on fuel economy. TVS claims the new flame would return 60-65km per litre.

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TVS rolls out single spark Flame

TVS today launched the much expected new Flame. The new Flame is powered by 4-stroke 125cc three valve engine which is propelled by unique dual induction system,coupled with a universally accepted and traditionally proven single spark plug ignition system. TVS claims with the new engine Flame has become even more sweeter to ride. Except for the number of spark plugs nothing has been changed for the new Flame. The new Flame is priced Rs46000. With the new Flame TVS plans to capture 12% market share in executive segment. TVS hopes to sell 15000units initially by festive season it expects to sell 25000 units of flame.

news you must know:

* TVS incurred a sales loss of around Rs100crores due to the legal battle with Bajaj.

* Around 600 Flame with twin spark plug engines are in the hands of customers. TVS will convert these bikes to single spark plug engines soon. Since the modification needed is minimal, conversion will take little time

* TVS claims the new Flame would return 60-65km per litre

* TVS hopes to capture a market share of around 20% by the end of this year

* TVS has sold more than 600 units of scooty teenz electric

* In 2009 you can expect new variants of Flame

* In 2008, TVS will come out with a new platform.

* Atleast three new bikes or variant of existing bikes will be launched in 2008.

* TVS is currently selling bikes in 52 countries and in 2008 it will add 10 more countries as its export market.

* As of now, export markets will also receive Flame with single spark plug engine.

* For the export markets, Flame is likely to be priced in the range of $700-$750

* TVS is working with AVL for a number of projects

* TVS will soon come out with a new star city sport

* TVS is manufacturing only star city in its Himachal Plant

Here are few glimpses from the glitzy event

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