Chevrolet’s Beat, CNG Aveo U-VA and a new spark variant

Chevrolet which has become the fifth largest automaker in India is planning aggresive launches in 2008. GM plans to capture 10 percent market share in india by 2010. Though it plans many new launches like captiva SUV, new optra,aveo diesel and hummer H3, GM realises unless it populate cars in small car segment (which accounts for 2/3rd of indian car industry)like Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki, GM could not make it. “The mini car segment is not a segment: it is several segments and several consumers, from first-time buyers to those looking for a second car, so we need to look at it differently”, said Karl Slym, president and managing director of GM india. If General Motors able to capture 10 -15% in the small car segment, it can easily achieve the target. GM officials at the ongoing Los Angeles Auto Show have indicated that the Chevy Beat concept(showcased in Newyork auto show) will go into production and will focus on non-North American markets. Hence After Aveo U-VA and spark, chevrolet’s ‘beat’ codenamed M300 might be GM’s next small car for india. Beat will go into production in mid 2009 and it will be slotted between spark and U-VA. The production model will carry the spirit of the expressive Beat concept, offering compact, city-friendly dimensions and a small-displacement engine that delivers excellent fuel economy.
Chevrolet beat is styled at GM’s Design Studio in Bupyeong, South Korea , with input from GM’s global network of designers. the beat is based on the same platform on which suzuki’s splash is built (soon to be launched in india).
Unlike the spark and aveo U-VA, chevrolet can price the beat very competetively. This is possible since GM is constructing its own engine plant in india(GM currently import engines for all its models except tavera from korea which attracts haevy import duty). Chevrolet will use the 1.3L multijet (swift’s engine) diesel engine for the new beat. Beat will also be powered by an 1.2L petrol engine. GM is developing a new 1L diesel engine for asian markets which also may be used for the beat (but only after 2010).
a new spark variant and a CNG Aveo U-VA:
Before the beat, chevrolet may launch an another variant of spark possibly in 2008. “In the near future, we plan to roll out a mini car which is likely to be a variant of Chevrolet Spark”, GM India vice-president P Balendran told. The new spark variant may be equipped with the much proven 1.3L multijet (swift’s engine) diesel engine. GM could source its requirements from Fiat or Suzuki(1.3L multijet engine is jointly produced by Suzuki-Fiat and opel).
Chevrolet which has already launched a CNG variant of its mid-size sedan Optra is now planning a CNG variant of its premium hatchback Aveo UV-A. In 2007, General Motors has launched spark and optra magnum this year and will launch captiva SUV in january 2008. GM’s indian line-up is full - starting from a refreshed aveo U-VA, new spark variant, a small car, new optra and aveo diesel and the luxury sedan epica.

Tata-Fiat joint venture launch Fiat 500 in India

Mumbai, July 8 Fiat, which is aggressively trying to expand its presence in India, is launching its much-talked about two-door lifestyle car Fiat 500 this month. Unlike in the Europe, Fiat 500, which is imported to India as completely built unit, will not be a mass market product here. “It is primarily an image building exercise,” a Fiat source said.

However, the 3.55-metre car is expected to attract celebrity circuit, youth and auto enthusiasts. The price of Fiat 500 is expected to be around Rs 15 lakh.

The company, which has already established Palio in the upper segment of small cars in its comeback, is now on an expansion mode. With seven variants in diesel and petrol, Palio sells around 600 units a month. “We are selling as much as we produce. We are increasing our production to meet the market demand,” said the spokesperson of Fiat India.

The company hopes that the launch of Fiat 500 and Bravo would serve as an effective brand advertising initiative before the launch of the mid-size sedan Linea in September.

Linea is another locally produced model from Fiat, following Palio. Sources said that localisation in Linea will reach beyond 90 per cent in the current year. At the time of launch, Linea is expected to come up with 70 per cent local content. Fiat’s successful 1.3 multi-jet engines with 95 bhp will be used in Linea.

“Mileage will be our key selling point. We get good customer-feedback for Palio for which we guaranteed 16 km/litre mileage. Some have even said that they are getting 20 km plus mileage. Linea will also be positioned as the most fuel efficient car in its segment,” said a Fiat source.

Another Fiat model Grande Punto is scheduled to be launched in December. Meanwhile, the company is still pinning its hope on Palio to establish itself as a volume player in the Indian market. The company is reportedly working on CNG-variant of Palio.

Technorati Profile

Hyundai i10 Kappa 1.2 small car launched; Magna, Asta and Spotz models

Hyundai has launched its popular small car, the Hyundai i10, with a new 1.2 liter engine which it calls the Kappa.




The original 1.1 liter i10 is still available in two models, D-Lite and Era. The 1.2 liter Kappa i10 will come in three variants - the Magna, Sportz and Asta. The i10 Kappa Sportz will be the top-end model, with sunroof, great interiors, and a bodykit.

The i10 in India had the Epsilon engine so far - the new Kappa all-aluminium engine replaces that in the 1.2 liter models, while the older D-Lite and Era will continue to be offered with the older 1.1 liter engine.

The i10 1.2 liter Kappa will also have an automatic transmission version - we have not seen a small car in India with automatic transmission in a long time now. The car will offer 80 PS (81 bhp), pretty good for a car this size. The Hyundai Kappa i10 1.2L will have a 0-100 kmph figure of 12.8 seconds and a top speed of around 165 kmph.

Pricing for the 1.2 liter Kappa versions of the i10 will be between Rs 3.89 lakhs and 5.43 lakh on-road in Mumbai.

Oh, I have to say this - the Hyundai i10 has an atrocious site. If you want to take a quick look at the i10 and figure out what new feature goes in which model of the i10 Kappa, you will be left gnashing your teeth. All you get are tables after tables. Hasn’t Hyundai got anyone who can write a few paragraphs of text? If you already know what the car looks like and wants to research more, the tables are definitely handy though

Volkswagen Jetta petrol and diesels launched in India

However, unlike previously believed, the Volkswagen Jetta is not priced to take on Honda City and Maruti SX4 in India. The cheapest Jetta 1.6L starts at 12.97 lakhs (petrol, Delhi), the Jetta Trendline diesel is priced at 13.22 lakh while the high end version, the 1.9 diesel TDI Comfortline model with DSG automatic transmission will cost as much at Rs 17 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).

The Volkswagen Jetta comes with three variants and 2 engines in India. The first is a 1.6 litre petrol and the second a 1.9 litre diesel pump deuse engine. At the current price, Volkswagen Jetta will compete with the Honda Civic, the lower models of the Skoda and the Camry.



The Volkswagen Jetta can reach a top speed of 187 kmph, which we think is a bit slow when compared to other cars which can attain nearly the same speed for a few lakhs less. The Jetta will come in 2 versions Trendline and Comfortline. The petrol Trendline Jetta comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox while the higher version - diesel Comfortline - will sport a six-speed automatic gearshift. The petrol Jetta, claims Volkswagen, can accelerate from standstill to 100 kmph in just 12.2 seconds, while the diesel Jetta will reach the same speed in 11.8 seconds.

Airbags are standard in the Volkswagen Jetta, though the full set of eight airbags are reserved for the higher diesel Comfortline model only. There are arm rests in the front as well as the rear, a quiet comfort while you go on long drives. The retractable armrests have thoughtfully-integrated storage space and cupholders. The Jetta has 2 AC vents at the rear too, besides 2-zone climate control. For added convenience, the Jetta incorporates coming-home and leaving-home lighting and rain sensors on windshields.

For safety, Volkswagen has loaded the Jetta with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the Electronic Stabilisation Program with steering assist. The car comes with a built-in anti-theft system.

The design of the Jetta mostly sticks to the model being sold abroad. The Jetta has a sporty radiator grille, elegant chrome trim on the side windows (Comfortline) and colour-keyed bumpers, door handles and door mirror housings with integral twin signals.

Functions like opening and closing windows, boot etc can be done with a remote control in the Jetta. The interiors are spacious and the glove box come with a cooling facility. The VW Jetta’s digital display gives information about average speed, fuel consumption and range. The Jetta boot can hold a total of 527 litres.

Though a good car in many respects, we feel the Volkswagen Jetta is overpriced. The high price has more to do with the fact that components of Jetta are imported from Mexico and assembled at Skoda’s Aurangabad factory. Once Volkswagen completes its Chakan plant and start sourcing spares from Indian suppliers, as it has promised, we feel the Jetta can be priced lower to offer strong competition in the Rs 9 lakh- Rs 11 lakh segment. It’s a good car, which deserves to be sold to a lot more people.

Maruti Suzuki Splash

Hyundai has launched their i10 model in the Indian market. Now, it's the turn of market leaders Maruti Suzuki to respond with a brand new vehicle for the Indian market. Maruti may replace its aging Wagon R with splash or may launch it as new model.
It will be 4th new model for the Maruti Suzuki after the launch of Swift, Grand Vitara and SX4. Based on an all-new platform, the production version has some hints of the Swift and SX4, interspersed with a C-pillar design that harks back to the concept. Unlike traditional hatchbacks, the rear end has allowed for a thicker C-pillar and made provision for a smaller quarter glass that is not very different from the Swift.
The tailgate has an inward obtuse angle to it, something seen more often on French hatchbacks. On the inside, the Splash continues the raid on Suzuki's parts bin with the steering wheel, gear knob, door handles, indicator switches, etc first seen on the Swift/SX4. Though, that is where the raid ends.
The Splash uses two new petrol engines and a common-rail diesel. A 1000cc, 65 bhp 3-cylinder and a 1200cc, 86 bhp 4-cylinder engine will power Suzuki's gasoline aspirations while the 1248cc, 75 bhp multi-jet engine manufactured at Manesar in India will complete the engine lineup. All these engines will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Market sources suggest that the company could be working on plans to bring the Suzuki Splash model here in India.
The new flexible compact car combines the sportiness of Suzuki's successful model Swift with the technologies and immense know-how of the Japanese world market leader in the mini car segment. The Splash is not the successor of any specific former Suzuki model, but a brand-new concept to satisfy the needs of customers in terms of roominess, compactness, modern design, aerodynamics, quality, driveability, performance and environmental friendliness.

HONDA -JAZZ SPY SHOT

THE ALL NEW HONDA JAZZ

New Tata Indica launched at Auto Expo 2008

The new Indica, code-named X1 till now, has been launched by Tata Motors. The Indica which initially faced teething troubles after its launch several years back has improved tremendously over time in all departments. The new Indica takes the successful model a step further.



The new Indica will co-exist alongside the older Indica versions, but will be priced higher.

The most important thing you notice are the different looks. It is overall sleeker and smoother - and even the Tata grille is beginning to look better! The swept back headlamp cluster, and the full length tail lamp cluster look attractive indeed.

The new Indica has prominent wheel arches. The car will sport a 5 speed synchromesh gearbox with overdrive, bigger 175/65 R 14 tubeless tyres and a twist beam suspension.



Size: The new Indica is longer than the current version by 320mm. Width is 1695mm, height is a respectable 1550 mm, and the wheelbase has also been lengthened by 70mm to 2470 mm.

The rear windscreen, according to Tata, helps give the passengers a more spacious feel in the cabin.

The new Indica will also sport new diesel and petrol engines and a new suspension.

The car will be available in the market towards the second half of 2008. So if you like what you see and want to buy it immediately, you are out of luck. A minimum of 6 months wait for availability is what you are looking at.

The car will be offered with a new 1.3 litre Quadra-Jet Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel engine and a 1.2 litre Safire MPFI VVT Petrol engine, which will be manufactured at the new Tata-Fiat joint venture plant at Ranjangaon in Maharashtra, besides existing Tata powertrains.











ANOTHER REVIEW...

Tata Motors kept the buzz going around its stall at the Auto Expo 2008 by unveiling the new Indica V3 on the first day. The new Indica will come into the market by the middle of 2008 and would sell alaongside the current Indica but with a different name. The new Indica is light years ahead of the current Indica in terms of design and performance. It has a more proportionate and sporty stance with the front end getting extra stretched headlamps and a larger grille.

The car looks like its the old Indica on steroids, its pumped up. The new Indica would compete with the premium B segment hatchbacks including the Getz, Swift, Aveo-UVA and Palio. The interiors are still under development and were not opened to the media at the expo however the instrument cluster has been moved to the center, a trend which i dont quite approve of for more reasons than one.

The new Indica is longer and wider than the current model with more legroom inside. The new Indica would be powered by a 1.3 litre quadra jet common rail diesel engine (sourced from Fiat and the same engine which does duty in the Swift) and a 1.2 litre VVT petrol engine which would be manufactured at the Fiat-tata plant at Ranjangaon in Maharashtra. The new Indica would have larger 14 inch wheels with 175/65 spec tubeless tyres and finally the tyres fill up the wheelarch unlike the current Indica. The new Indica is likely to be priced between Rs.4 - 5 lakh and would be launched by the middle of 2008.

I am sure the new Indica would be a success no matter what its called but Tata Motors would need to keep in check the small niggling problems which crop up and the fit and finish which was not upto the mark on their show car at the Auto Expo (see picture of door rubber beading coming off)

MORE PICTURES OF THE NEW INDICA FROM THE AUTO EXPO 2008