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Thursday, March 08, 2012

Nissan Evalia Review

 Nissan could launch a MPV called NV200 for the Indian car market. Nissan plans to manufacture the NV200 in a joint venture with defence and commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland.

The Nissan NV200 is built on the modified Renault-Nissan B-Alliance platform and will have the 1.5dCi engine (the same engine block used on the Renault Logan). However, the NV200 will produce more power than the Logan.  This MPV could compete with the Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo.
Specs (Speculated)
Engine: 1.5-litre dCi engine
Power: 80-85bhp





 Mahindra had launched its Xylo in January 2009 and now the company plans to launch a Mini-Xylo. The Mini-Xylo will be less than four metres in length and will have a diesel engine. This could be a 1.5-litre diesel engine and as the Mini-Xylo is less than four metres, it will avail the 12 percent duty cut as well.

Mahindra is currently testing the Mini-Xylo and it can be expected to be launched by mid-2012. We can expect a price tag of Rs 4-5 lakhs. The Mini-Xylo will be based on the current Xylo’s body-on-frame design.

Specs (Speculated)
Engine: 1.5-litre




 

TATA MANZA CS REVIEW

 
Tata Motors has been expanding its range by adding more variants to its current portfolio. The Pimpri-based automaker launched the Aria 4x2 this month to fill in the price gap between the already existing Safari and the 4x4 version of the Aria. The Vista will soon get a facelift (as we had mentioned in our older story) where the car will get some features from its elder sibling the Manza.

Now, Tata plans to introduce the compact version of its Manza. Being built on the same platform as the Manza, it can tempt buyers of top-end Vista to opt for more rear seat leg-room and a larger boot, since the sedan has a longer wheelbase than the Vista by 50mm. It will even attract Manza customers who want can afford a lower variant of the Manza to shift to higher version of the Manza CS, since the Manza CS will avail the duty cut for being less than 4 metres. The Manza CS is likely to be powered by the same 1.4-litre SAFIRE and 1.3-litre Quadrajet engines and expected to come in by the end of 2011 or probably early 2012.
Specs (Speculated)
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol engine, 1.3-litre common rail diesel engine
Power: 90bhp, 93bhp
 
 

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

2012 Hyundai New ELENTRA

Just like the Sonata, the new fluidic Elantra is also just round the corner. However unlike the Sonata, the Elantra gets a rather sporty hue to its design. The large headlamps and ridged bonnet add to this feel. Short overhangs at the rear meanwhile give it a stout look. Inside, the new Elantra offers a more rounded design. A large chunky steering wheel offers controls for audio and Bluetooth telephony. The Elantra will be powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine which offers around 146bhp.
 








 

Fiat Bravo Ready to Launch in India

The Fiat Bravo is Fiat's new small family car that was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007. The car was designed by the Fiat style centre and Austrian automotive company Magna Steyr was involved in engineering most of the car’s body and fittings.

Once the Bravo is launched in India, it will the most expensive hatchback in the country. The idea behind launching this car is not to generate big sales numbers but rather to create a strong brand image with a high quality and truly world class product.

The Bravo in India will have a 1910cc, 16-valve turbocharged multijet engine. Developing an immense 150bhp@4000 rpm, the car will cover 0-100kph in about 9 seconds. The Bravo is a luxurious hatchback, with interiors to match.
Specs (Speculated)

Engine location: Front
Positioning: Transverse
Engine: 1910cc, turbocharged multijet engine
Max. Power: 150bhp @4000rpm
Length: 4020mm
Width: 1750mm
Height: 1420mm
Wheelbase: 2540mm 










Premier Rio face-lifted models launched at 2012 Delhi Auto Expo

Upgraded compact SUV comes with 3 engine options including a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel mill that's also on the Fiat Punto and Maruti Suzuki Swift

Premier launched three face-lifted variants of the RiO compact SUV at the recently concluded 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The new RiO looks much more dapper than the previous version with curvy headlamps, an integrated grille, spoiler and improved bumper. Inside, the upholstery gets beige treatment giving the cabin a livelier and airy feel.

The new RiO is offered in trims and 3 engine options; a 1.2-litre petrol mill that delivers 78 PS, a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine that puts out 66 PS and a 1.3-litre CRDI Multijet diesel engine – the same unit that does duty in the Fiat Punto and Maruti Suzuki Swift The Multijet mill is still in the works and will be out in April 2012.  The petrol and turbodiesel engine deliver a claimed mileage of 15 kmpl and 16 kmpl respectively. 

Standard features in the RiO include power steering, front power windows, electrically operated door mirrors, roof rails, central locking and CD/MP3 player. Prices start from Rs. 4.7 lakh for the base model and Rs.6.35 lakh (ex-showroom prices, Pune) for the top-of-the-line trim which also comes with ABS, keyless entry and alloys.   

Based on a Daihatsu model, the Rio is sourced from China’s Zotye Group, which sells almost 1 lakh units of the model per year globally. Premier has developed an aggressive plan to boost RiO sales by offering a three-year warranty on the RiO. The company has also set up 50 dealerships across the country and plans to double that number by end 2012. 


Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Comparison Test Mahindra XUV 500 Vs Tata Aria

Tata Aria:A ladder frame layout vehicle.

1):Price 13.2 lacs to 18 lacs for Pure 4X2 and Pride 4X4 variant respectively.

2):Engine,in-line-four,2179 cc turbo diesel unit called ‘VTT DICOR’ which produces 138 bhp @ 4000 rpm and 32.6 kgm of torque@ 1700 rpm.

3):Transmission:5 speed manual.

4):GC=200mm,Kerb weight=1992 kg(4X2 pure)and 2218 kg(4X4 pride),fuel tank capacity=60 lts.

5):Warranty=3* years/1,00,000* kms,whichever comes first.

 

Mahindra XUV 500:Mahindra’s first monocoque design..

1):Price 13.1 lacs to 15.6 lacs for W6 4X2 and W8 4X4 variant respectively.

2):Engine,in-line-four,same as Aria 2179 cc turbo diesel unit called ‘M-Hawk’ which produces 140 bhp @ 3750 rpm and 32.63 kgm of torque at 1600 to 2800 rpm(That’s a wide spread torque!!)
3):Transmission:6 speed manual.

4):GC=200 mm,Kerb weight=1790 kg(W6 4X2),fuel tank capacity=70 lts.

5):Warranty 2* years/50,000* kms,whichever comes first.





Tata Aria:- 
1):The front is quite plain with a good big grill which dominates the front,only problem is that somewhere this front design resembles a grown up Indica Vista,but still for the people who love the plain designs,this is the one to go.

2):The double barrel type headlights have projector too which adds to both style and safety.

3):The aggression is missing while there is sophistication in this look.
4):Yeah,the look is plain and quite simplistic but no doubt it looks expensive,in other words no person can even doubt this vehicle as a low cost vehicle.

5):The big wide grille and small wrap-around type(or pulled up type)headlamps combo gives Aria quite a distinguished image too and its really quite easy to recognize it coming,it may look like a grown up Vista or Manza but still looks totally masculine.

Mahindra XUV-500:- 
1):First word that came to my mind was ‘DISAPPOINTMENT’ after I was the XUV for the first time.Why?I always praised M&M for making aggressive designs with the extremely aggressive grille dominating the front,but in XUV they have tried to make something and it came out as something else.

2):No matter how it looks,but the front bumper could have been quite smaller and grille could have been bigger.Still it looks like M&M have kept aside their classic design language and have gone a bit too much overboard while designing XUV.

3):Its delight for those who love those fancy designs but is a turn off for simplistic people.

4):Headlights,oh,they are the lights I simply love.They look great and in fact they are the only part in front which gives the XUV that quite aggressive look when combined with that high bonnet and that aggressive scoop like crease running on the bonnet.And do not forget that LED treatment too..

5):Cheetah resembling lines look more like they resemble a tiger and being true if you take a close look then Scorpio or Safari or Aria all looks like they are built more tougher than the XUV.In other words,those people who love fancy highlights,the XUV is definitely for them.But remember,these fancy things does not delight people for long time.
 
 
 
 
Tata Aria:-
1):Looks more like a van than an SUV.
2):Looks like a warship with its big dimensions,just look at her and you will understand that its cumbersome.
3):No signs of aggression present,only sophistication and simplicity is there.
4):The roofline resembles more to hatchbacks then the SUV/MUV.
5):Compare to XUV,then you get disappointed s XUV looks more compact,tough built and modern.While Aria looks quite dated here.

Mahindra XUV-500:-
1):High,tough and aggressive lines running all around gives the XUV really butch looks.
2):The crease on the lower side doors simply adds to the presence.
3):How to ignore those unique door handles and the scoop above the rear wheel arch.
4):Look at here at any point and what you get is a piece of muscle,it’s a simply SUVish look.
5):To minor attention to detail adds that tail light,those tough looking alloys and many cuts and curves it has.No doubt,the XUV simply clean bowled the Aria when it comes to side view.
 
 
 
 
Tata Aria:-

1):This is where Aria makes a good comeback and really pleases more than the XUV.

2):Looks modern and compact too if you look from back.

3):The chrome finished strip above number plate with ‘Tata’ engraved on it and the chrome finished exhaust tips really give Aria a pleasing back view.

4):The tail light design is quite disappointing,although it resembles Tata people mover family but they would have looked better with transparent or crystal clear covering plastic.

5):Still the rear seems to be perfectly designed with everything at its correct place.

Mahindra XUV-500:-

1):Tail lights are looking great in that configuration,I think M&M call it cheetah claw type!!

2):Something looks missing,oh yes,that shape just above the number plate is the culprit.

3):SUVish design language with the added spice of style.

4):Everything looks at its place only one part is the culprit,rest the design language is great.

5):The black part of rear bumper adds to butch looks but exhausts could have looked better.
 
 
 
 
Tata Aria:-

1):Shut the doors and you get a good satisfying thud,yes,every thing looks really tough and tightly put together.It feels more robust and better put together than the XUV.

2):Just like exterior,no fancy touches inside too.You get a plain but very functional dashboard.

3):Fit and finish is really good and quite satisfying,in fact once you can be doubtful if its really a Tata product.

4):The steering position could have been better and same is with the pedals,rest everything is simply great.

5):Great seating space is there and with the added advantage of movable middle row,you can really carry 7 adults in a comfort and most important ‘it gets a really good boot space’ while the XUV misses this.

Mahindra XUV-500:-

1):You enter inside and you are ‘WOWED’ but this happiness is not that long,touch the interiors and plastic quality lets you down.

2):Very functional and thought out cabin with some smart storage too,although it can’t beat the TALIBANI grenade compartments provided on Aria’s roof but still its smart.

3):Seats are comfy and driving position is also great.

4):Middle row legroom is better than Aria,but then seats feel quite less supporting/comfy then the Aria.

5):Everything is okay,only problem is that the ‘boot’ is not there,only seats are available.
 
 
 
 

Tata Aria:-

1):It’s a mile muncher,so both ride and handling betters up as the speed builds up.

2):low speed ride is nowhere as good as XUV,nor the handling is.While at high speeds,its far far more confident than the XUV.

Mahindra XUV-500:-


1):If you travel in the city most of the time,then look at it and for cross country movers,a mile muncher is always better.

2):Low speed ride is far better than Aria but as the speed builds up,this machine starts loosing her confidence.
 
 
 
  
 
 ENGINE
 
 Tata Aria:-

1):The 2179 cc common rail turbo unit from Tata is quite a good engine which is having acceptable levels of refinement and quite good drivability.

2):Turbo lag is enough but once turbo comes to life and this pulls like a locomotive.

3):Not very wide spread of torque and hence there is quite small rev range to play with(ie:The fun starts at about 2k rpm and ends at 3.5k rpm)but in the powerband,the XUV is nowhere near this UV.

4):The massive kerb weight and a quite unsuitable combo of engine and transmission really puts the UV down.Also the FE is quite good but could have been better.

5):This engine is not for city dwellers,this is a mile munching engine and is best on highways only.Yes,this engine is even greater for hills.Why?Because in the powerband this engine pulls away without any single signs of stress,weather there is any incline with full passengers on board.

Mahindra XUV-500:-

1):The highlighting point is only ‘M-Hawk’,this engine was already good in Scorpio with a FGT and now with an added advantage of VGT good has already gone better.The engine is refined and offers grea drivability.

2):The widespread torque in the rev range makes this engine really responsive especially between 2000-4000 rpm,if you are in this rev range then just tap the throttle and the vehicle starts pulling.

3):Although this engine also pulls quite good but the 2.2 DICOR unit’s pulling is still unmatched by this engine.

4):Low kerb weight+good power+ quite good gearbox=great overall performance and FE.

5):This is not a cross country running engine,why?Because the power and torque figures look good on paper but does not translate the same way on the road,this engine feels strained when it comes to high speed cruising as well as climbing hills or inclines.



HEAD LAMP



INTERIOR & METER CONSOLE





MAHINDRA XUV 5OO 's OWN SPECIFICATIONS


AVAILABLE COLOURS


 Thanks for reading..