rising India’s another car manufacturer…
International Cars and Motors Ltd is now making news and occupies top pages in magazines for its Rhino SUV to Joint venture with Chinese company Chery for the small car. After Tata and Mahindra this Himachal based company ICML is making india proud. ICML is formed by the tractor manufacturer Sonalika and has a JV with UK based MG rover (Tata earlier marketed its indica In Europe through MG Rover). ICML has rolled out its first product – Rhino MUV(Multi Utility Vehicle) last year, the Rhino resembles India’s popular MUV Toyota Qualis in most sense and competes with Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Safari, Chevrolet Tavera and Toyota Innova. Though the Rhino is not available throughout the country (since the current Rhino meets only BS II norms), ICML has planned to sell 2000 Rhino’s in a month i.e., 24000 Rhino’s in a year. ICML will launch a refurbished rhino called Rhino RX soon . Rhino RX comes in three variant s1,s2 and Dlx.
Engine and Powertrain:
Current Rhino is powered by an Isuzu 2.0-litre Turbocharged inter-cooled diesel engine(same engine which powers the ambassador) sourced from Hindustan motors which develops 75PS at 4200rpm and a maximum torque of 155Nm at 2500rpm (turbo kicks in at 2000rpm). Now ICML powers the new Rhino RX with a much powerful engine. Unlike the existing Rhino this time Rhino gets its engine from Rover’s Galileo series G1 engine which features a rotary oil pump. This new G1 engine is developed in association with Lotus engineering and develops 101PS at 4200rpm and generates 220Nm of torque at 2400rpm. This engine is Euro III complyable which could help ICML to export the new Rhino. 5 speed manual is offered to derive power from this engine. Soon Rhino will embrace the CRDi technology through a Euro IV compliant 2L,130bhp engine Galileo G2 engine.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency (manufacturer’s claim):
According to ICML, Rhino RX can reach 100kph from standstill in just 14 seconds and can reach a top speed of 160kph. Rhino delivers 17kpl making for a 850km range with 50L tank.
Design and Engineering:
The boon and bane of the Rhino lies in its close resemblance to qualis. Rhino’s styling may be out of date but the boxy structure still lures many customers. Rhino is not a show stopper but very utilitarian from almost flat windscreen to boxy passenger cabin. ICML has sorted some of the teething problems associated with the current Rhino i.e. Poor plastics and body panel alignment/gaps. In the front, Golden ICML logo on the simple chrome grille looks nice along with clear lens wraparound headlamps and ORVM (Outside Rear View Mirrors) integrated indicators. The front bumper which houses the fog lamps and air dams which would have lend muscular image is spoiled due to slim wheel arches and not so oversized wheels which are very necessary for MUVs. Rhino RX. Rhino’s hood has given a slant to aid aerodynamics. Two tone treatment, colour coded door handles and wide side steps is a treat for pedestrians view.Top hinged door with a larger tail gate and stepped up bumpers at rear ensures practicality.
Inside the Rhino Rx it looks more upmarket with bright and airy cabin. Instrument panel houses tacho, speedo,fuel gauges and telltales.Silver centre console houses oval air conditioned louvers. USP of the Rhino could be its strong air conditioning which are tested in 50+ temperatures to sub zero chill in Himachal. This strong air con is dispersed all over the cabin through appropriate vent and high end variant of Rhino RX offers twin air con with controls for third row passengers. Split/slide side windows at the rear ensures good visibility for rear passengers too. Leg room is generous for all passengers and the middle row splits to accommodate the last row passengers.
On the road:
Hydraulic power steering which gets lighter on the move along with the 5.6m turning radius eases the Rhino RX to drive in city conditions. 205/65 Bridgestone tyres grips the tall profiled rhino well. Braking department is taken care by ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear. The ladder framed Rhino RX features independent suspension at the front and semi elliptical leaf springs at the rear..
Safety and Special features:
No ESP or traction control though it is very imminent for Tall profile MUVs we cannot expect for this price. This 8/9 seater has collapsible steering column and dual impact side beam for the safety of its occupants.Power windows, heater,fog lamps, rear defogger,roof rail,high mounted stop lamp, Internally adjustable RVM, remote fuel lid opener, leather wrapped steering wheel and single DIN CD player are the long list of special features which makes Rhino RX DLX a superb package.
Service and Price:
Currently Rhino is available in northwest of India barring Delhi but with EURO III compliant engine and more upmarket look it will be launched soon throughout the country. ICML offers 6 free services and warranty for 50000km or 1yr. The existing Rhino is priced in the range of Rs5.45 – 6.85lakhs. For the much powerful Rhino RX the prices are expected to be higher.
Clearly utilitarian Rhino and upmarket Rhino RX is a right step for a new manufacturer. Through more JVs ICML wants to be a serious player in Indian Car industry. But before launching new products ICML must offer good service which not only brings credibility for it but also will make the ICML odd in the bunch of grooming manufacturers.
More from ICML:
ICML group has developed hydrogen and battery-powered three-wheelers, which was displayed at the Auto Expo in Delhi. The Sonalika Group (parent of ICML) had discussions with Malaysian automotive firm Proton for its passenger cat. International Cars & Motors Ltd (ICML) is likely to partner Chinese car maker Chery Automobiles manufacturer of QQ (General Motors sued ‘Chery’ for copying Chevrolet Spark) to roll out its small car in India next year. ICML is planning to launch a premium hatchback in the 300,000-400,000 rupees price range, which is the fastest-growing car segment in India.