Maruti Suzuki K-Series Engines

K-10 Hatchbacks : Same But Different!

One engine, one segment, four cars! There is no doubting the brilliance of the K10B engine, but how does Maruti Suzuki manage to keep all four models - Alto K10, WagonR, A-Star and Estilo - thrive despite their obvious similarities? ZigWheels brings all four K10 cousins together to find out

We've heard of shared engines and the likes, but in terms of sales and the sheer number of models it supports, Maruti Suzuki's K10B engine has few parallels in the Indian automotive scenario. Powering almost the entire A-segment range of the country's largest automaker, the K10B engine which made its debut with the A-Star has gone from strength to strength, finding its way into other models and creating a prolific display of variety, which now also includes the Alto K10, the new WagonR and the Estilo.

That being said, all the four aforementioned cars lie within almost the same price range. The company has been steadfast to deny any cannibalism as such - after all no matter what model the customer goes in for, it's another sale for Maruti Suzuki and a quick trip laughing to the bank. For the buyer however, the four models present a curious dilemma - same engine, similar specs, similar sized vehicles and tightly overlapping price brackets - which one is the one for them?

The team at ZigWheels was faced with a similar predicament while answering a bunch of queries from our readers, and decided to check out the four cars back to back to see how similar they really are, and where they differ. Fortunately for the buyer, and smartly for the company, each of the four cars has a strikingly unique appeal, and the bunch makes for very different cars. Here's what we found.

A-Star: Hot hatch ahoy!

Two years ago the pint-sized Maruti Suzuki A-Star made a big statement in more ways than one and for which it was also duly rewarded the 2008 ZigWheels Car of the Year award. Not only was it the first car from Maruti Suzuki stables to employ the efficient, emission-conscious and technologically advanced three-pot K10B powerplant, it also came well-equipped with safety features like ABS, EBD and dual airbags for the first time in the A2 segment. Being the second model from the second phase of Suzuki's world strategy plan, the A-Star offered something extremely fresh and different to the Indian buyers with oodles of cool quotient and jazziness without compromising functionality.

The car looks gorgeous in flesh and its design philosophy indisputably leaves imprints on the minds of the urban crowd. Unlike the conventional tallboy design, the round and curvy form of the A-Star is young and while some might find it to be a bit quirky for their taste, it's nothing less than a well-executed design helped by equally stylish and contemporary interiors. 

And by that we mean, a very neatly done dash with the tachometer dial resting right above the instrument console. The front seats are comfy and there is enough legroom on the front, even for lanky folks. But the rear seats are cramped and there is severe lack of space in the car including a very tiny boot. This puts focus on the largest and most fundamental difference that the new hot hatch has in contrast with its cousins - the A-Star is not exactly a car for the whole family but a very enjoyable and convenient mode of transport for urban couples or college-goers to get in and go shopping or clubbing!

Although the A-Star is more of a rock star than a teeny party-hopper! And I say so because even though the K10B powerplant pumps out a modest 67PS of power and 90Nm of turning force, the power delivery of the engine and the slick transmission unit coupled packaged inside the stiff chassis make the A-Star a complete hoot to drive. Surely then, the ride quality does take a hit with the stiff setup of the car, but it is not like the passengers are bouncing over every small dip and pothole. The steering wheel too feels a bit light but as one starts to go fast especially around bends, the A-Star's sporty character truly shines through and is bound to bring a big wide grin onto the driver's face.

And then there are modern-day safety features like ABS with EBD and dual airbags too in the A-Star to compliment its dynamic nature and poise.

With such first-class credentials of being a sportier, safer and looker of a car, the A-Star does attract a sizable amount of premium over the other K10B offerings. And the fact that Maruti Suzuki is producing the A-Star here in India and selling it across the global markets as the new Alto and also as the Nissan Pixo in few other markets points to the fact that world-class quality standards are being maintained in the Indian model as well. The cheeky aesthetics of the A-Star complimented by equally buoyant interiors and fantastic handling dynamics at its competitive price-point make it one of the best small cars in its class for the young and stylish urban dwellers.

THANKS . . . 

 

Tata Indica eV2 Launched

The Tata Indica eV2 will be priced between Rs. 3.95 - 4.77 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) for the CR4 diesel engine and Rs. 2.95 - 3.58 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) for the MPFI petrol offering

Above average fuel efficiency and negligible maintenance costs have made the Indica a hassle free lucrative long-termer in India. The car continues to pump Tata Motors passenger car sales volumes even after more than a decade of being introduced in the Indian market. The first wholly indigenous car to be ever manufactured in India by Tata Motors, the Indica began its real success run after being introduced in the V2 option.

While the petrol variants of the Indica V2 were cost-effective, the oil burning models were serious mile munchers and continue to be the preferred automobile for India’s taxi segment. But unlike its Vista cousin, which has been through some serious upgrades and engine transplants thanks to Tata Motor’s tie up with Italian auto biggie FIAT, the Indica’s underbelly has been largely untouched, at least until now!

Sporting an all new CR 4 Common Rail Diesel Engine, Tata Motors now introduces the all new Indica eV2 , which has been built on the same platform as its predecessor, but with its newly plonked 1396cc mill the e V2 boasts a  32% increase in power and 46% increase in fuel efficiency. 

Advanced technologies like a Auto-Drive Assist, Clutch-to-Start, Smart Engine Management System Chip, Maximum Charge Combustion and Drag Reduction come together to make the Indica e V2 a powerful, fuel efficient and more aerodynamic design as compared to the previous model.

From the outside, the e V2 gets an enhanced look supported by its sporty alloy wheels, attractive decals, a new tail light cluster and rear bumper. Interiors have also been decked up significantly with an elegant shadow beige colour tone. The top trim sports a wooden finish centre console and host of other features like power windows, keyless entry, Bluetooth enabled music system and USB port, 4 spoke collapsible steering wheel, tachometer, rear parcel shelf, 60:40 rear seating and front and rear fog lamps. 

But all said and done, the first thing that ought to catch your attention with this car is the mileage that is clearly the USP behind its timely introduction in the small car segment. If you haven’t already seen the numerous ‘most fuel efficient car in India’ hoardings sprawled all over your city roads, you should know that the new e V2 offers a mileage of 25 kmpl, certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for the CR4 diesel engine.

The Tata Indica eV2 will retail for Rs. 3.95 - 4.77 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) for the CR4 diesel engine and Rs. 2.95 - 3.58 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) for the MPFI petrol. However, be advised Tata has announced that it will increase the prices of its passenger vehicles effective April 1, 2011 and Indica prices are expected to go up by Rs. 7000 -9000.

Being offered in four exciting colours- Apple Green, Neo Orange, Arctic Silver and Mint White, the new e V2 is a modern day small car offering unmatched fuel efficiency and a host of new technologies that will make it an extremely desirable option in the competitive small car segment no matter what the criteria. 

THANKS . . .

Bulletproof Range Rovers now in I ndia

Jaguar Land Rover India recently unveiled armoured versions of its Range Rover & Discovery models in Delhi. Estimated price Rs 3.75 - 4 crores.

Considering the premium SUV bracket that it represents, Tata Motors acquired iconic British SUV brand Land Rover has enjoyed a positive growth trajectory since its foray into India two years ago. For a country largely obsessing over small cars, it was a challenge for the world renowned SUV major to make a strong impression amongst the scattered high-end SUV buyers in sub-continent; and it has done just that.

Riding on the overwhelming response to its wide range of premium SUV’s with their immense off-roading capabilities, Land Rover has now introduced armoured versions of its Discovery and Range Rover models said to be priced between Rs 3.75 to 4 crores respectively.With its inbuilt state-of-the-art 4X4 all terrain capabilities, the extra bit of ballistic armour now clad on its already burly body is Land Rover’s idea of bringing forth the most versatile, luxurious and indestructible SUV yet to be seen in India. 

The Armoured Range Rover whilst retaining its superior on-road and off-road performance capabilities will now be padded up with B6 Level ballistic and blast protection in accordance with European standard EN1063 level B6. With an assault rifle armouring level, which is virtually indistinguishable from the standard vehicle this bulletproof, blastproof  SUV is now one of the safest automobiles to hit Indian roads.

SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY FEATURES:

• The latest Armoured Range Rover benefits from a new 375bhp 5.0-litre LR-V8 petrol engine designed specifically for the armoured version. 

• A new Thin Film Transistor (TFT)-LCD technology creates a virtual instrument cluster on the dash and displays the information you need when you need it

• Comes with the first touch-screen dual view technology capable of showing passenger entertainment and driver information at the same time

• Unique new Range Rover front lamps make optimum use of Bi-xenon and LED technology. 

• The Armoured Range Rover features optimum occupant protection with 360 degree under-skin protection, and ISOCLIMA glazing for ultimate optical clarity.

• In addition to the high level of standard features there are a range of options available. This includes tinted rear windows, intercom system, an under-bonnet fire extinguisher, tamper proof exhaust and self-sealing fuel tank.

Combining Land Rover’s legendary all-terrain capability with discreet, state-of-the-art protection the armoured version of the Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover models will become highly versatile and safe transportation for five people, with a generous 500kg payload.

Although virtually indistinguishable from the standard model, the Discovery Armoured features ballistic steel armour and glazing which makes it practically impenetrable and completely blast resistant.

Run-flat tyres, bullet resistant glazing and under-floor shielding coming as standard with this edition, the protection seems more than adequate for the smooth performer.  Guided by its well-acclaimed Terrain Response™ system, which enables the driver to configure the vehicle's performance to suit virtually any surface, the armoured SUV will be worth every penny spent to protect its righteous owner.

With its broad range of capabilities provided by these specially armoured cars the new  Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover models will be an ideal choice for individuals, celebrities, government agencies, security organisations and businesses.

More details on the Armoured Range Rover and Discovery can be found at www.landrover.in

                    THANKS . . . 

                 ABDUL  RAZAK . MV    ATHAVANAD

                                razakrazu143@gmail.com