Tuning – VW Polo by JE design

The JE Design body kit for the VW Polo looks good. But the prices seem exorbitant

Now, for all of those who are eager to see a VW Polo in all its “Sport” glory, here’s one that won’t make it to India.

These pictures show you what can be done with the forthcoming VW Polo, so that all you wanna be “Cool & Bad” dudes can take your Polos to custom shops and get them heavily modified.

Here’s one by JE Design, Germany. The Orange body paint with black stripes looks good, but would personally like to see a “Electric Blue” with Orange stripes or “Metallic Grey” with Black stripes. Notice how the strips are carried on from the roof to the bonnet. The treatment lends it a meaty and arrogant look.

For an average driver, this car would only feel more intimidating as it grows in his rear view mirror. The twin exhaust centered at the rear is very sporty along with a “diffuser” treatment. Not sure of the material that JE Design have used, but the carbon fiber like treatment to the entire section is very desirable.

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Entry posted on February 8th, 2010 and filed under Tuning, Volkswagen

Rendering – Chevrolet’s new Aveo for India

President and Managing Director of Indiia, Mr.Karl Slym told IAB that next year, GM will bring this hatchback to India under a different name. Like the path followed with the Chevrolet Beat, which essentially is a Spark replacement in Europe, the Chevrolet Aveo replacement which is the T-Series offering of the 300 platform you see here will be sold alongside in India.

We don’t know anything about the engine options. Possibly the 1.2-liter engine offered on the Beat could be tuned for slightly more power/torque and placed under the bonnet of the entry-level model. Interior spy shots of the next generation Aveo revealed the presence of automatic transmission and steering column mounted instrument cluster.

The rear door handle, like on the Chevrolet Beat, is hidden away in the C-Pillar. Ed Welburn, Global design chief of GM disclosed to us that the new range of models would share components to reduce input costs. We have to wait and see which these components are.

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Entry posted on February 8th, 2010 and filed under Chevrolet, Renderings

Indian wrap – 54 Prius, 5 Mercedes Benz SLS, 2 Maxximo

54 Priuses booked in India -

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has received 54 orders for their hybrid vehicle Prius, which was launched at the Auto Expo last month. The Toyota Prius is available for an ex-showroom price of Rs 26.55 lakh and Rs 27.86 lakh rupees. Toyota had requested a consignment of 200 vehicles which it hopes to sell before the end of this year. Deliveries of the Prius begin in March.

Mercedes Benz finds 5 buyers for SLS AMG -

Mercedes Benz India Limited has found its fifth buyer in India, reports Times of India. The 2 crore rupee Mercedes Benz was showcased at the Auto Expo last month with gullwing doors, an AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW (571 hp) peak output, 650 Nm of torque.

Mahindra plans 2 Maxximo variants

Mahindra plans to launch two new variants of the Maxximo – a passenger carrier (taking on the Tata Ace Magic) and a CNG edition of the pickup truck in the coming months. The Maxximo is powered via 2-cylinder CRDI engine, which this segment has not seen so far. The wrap around headlamps with reflectors, dead pedal, larger cabin, drive by wire throttle and 850kg payload capacity makes the Maxximo a superior vehicle on paper compared to the market leader Tata Ace.

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Entry posted on February 8th, 2010 and filed under Mahindra, Mercedes Benz, Toyota

Spied – Clear shots of new Chevrolet Captiva diesel

The new Chevrolet Captiva comes with a 2.2-liter engine and a different front facia

Half way through 2010, General Motors will launch the facelifted Chevrolet Captiva with a bigger and more efficient 2.2-liter diesel engine. According to earlier reports the new engine has been designed by VM Motori in Italy keeping in mind the hard-hitting Euro 5 emission standards.

While the GM India camp has remained silent on this matter, we expect the new Captiva here by the end of 2010. As the Captiva is a CBU, we find no reason why GM will continue shipping an older Captiva which has a less capable engine.

The power and torque values of the new Captiva are 10% higher. The new model comes equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, a gear more than the existing model. There is no news on the automatic transmission, but that should be introduced at a later date. As we said before, the Captiva’s front end did not go well with the muscular body. It will be taken care with the new model which has a smaller radiator grille and a larger grille on the bumper.

The existing Captiva, imported from Korea, comes with a 2.0-liter diesel engine.

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Entry posted on February 8th, 2010 and filed under Chevrolet, Spy pictures

Spied – Facelifted Brazilian Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta sold in Brazil has just received a facelift. The facelifted model will be launched in the market in the next two months according to Noticias Automotivas, who has published these images.

While the locally sold Fiesta has nothing to do with the above images, we think Ford could take the same approach when its the Fiesta’s turn to go under the surgeon’s knife. It seems like the Brazilian Fiesta has been inspired by the current generation Fiesta hatchback sold in Europe. The Ford Kinetic Design has been mildly applied on it.

The Ford Ikon’s design was well executed when it received its facelift in 2008. Ford shouldn’t try too many things with the Fiesta. The Kinetic Design language will gel with a car only if it an ingredient in the original design. Hanging curves and angles on a design that is many years old is not going to help it look better.

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Entry posted on February 8th, 2010 and filed under Ford, Spy pictures

Random Thoughts – Brake problems hit hybrids, Ford joins list

Some Ford Fusion hybrids have braking issues which will be rectified

If you think hybrids are the future of automobiles, hit your “Brakes” and wait. Over the last few months we witnessed the massive recall of Toyota vehicles in the US and UK to fix faulty accelerator pedals. This is followed by Honda’s recall of its City and Jazz models across many countries to fix faulty electronic windows switches on the driver’s door.

The latest cause of worry is one of Toyota’s best selling cars in the US – the Prius. Toyota has acknowledged a problem with the brakes on the Prius. The hybrid Prius has an advanced regenerative braking system that converts kinetic energy to electrical energy. Apparently, the problem is caused by a glitch in the brake software that has forced the company to issue a massive recall of 270,000 Prius vehicles in US and Japan.

Well, Toyota is not alone. It appears that one of the other best selling hybrid cars might have an problem as well. Ford has launched a “Customer Satisfaction Program” aimed specifically for Ford Fusion Hybrid (sedan, not connected with the Fusion sold in India) customers. Cars manufactured prior to Oct 17, 2009 will receive a free software update to reduce the chances of a brake failure. Ford has not acknowledged a fault with the braking system on the Fusion hybrid, but indicates that the customers might experience a “different brake feel” due to the switch between the electronic and hydraulic brake systems.

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Entry posted on February 8th, 2010 and filed under Ford, Hybrid cars, Toyota

Quote of the day

Karl Slym

“We get a choice of separate products now from our joint venture in China with SAIC, the first part of it is that we shall pick up LCVs from that portfolio, and secondly bring in three varieties of these vehicles to India at Halol.

Our facility at Halol, having manufacturing capacity of 85,000 units, is capable of producing LCVs for which we are planning to start manufacturing in 2011. It’s very exciting as its going to be a whole new segment for us to begin with here.”

- President and Managing Director of GM India Karl Slym tells The Hindu

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Entry posted on February 8th, 2010 and filed under General motors

New Volvo S60 promotional film

Here’s the official promotional video of the upcoming Volvo S60. The smaller Volvo S60 is in India by the end of the first quarter of 2011. Volvo has not spoken about the prices but we expect it to be between 30-35 lakh rupees.

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Entry posted on February 8th, 2010 and filed under Volvo

Toyota Etios could be launched in December 2010

The Toyota Etios sedan comes three months ahead of the hatchback

After unveiling the Etios concepts at the Auto Expo in January, Toyota is conducting the ‘Q’ World programme, a two day event where it will display the Etios concepts and the other vehicles it sells in India in 10 cities across India.

Toyota wants to ensure maximum visibility to its products and the new Etios concepts, which it is banking on for multiplying its production volume. According to Autocar India, Etios sedan will come in two variants and will be launched in December 2009 or January 2011. The hatchback model will come three months later.

Mr. Sandeep Singh, deputy MD, Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor -

It could be launched in December 2010 or by early 2011

Toyota will make the Etios in its second plant in Bidadi. The construction of the facility is half way through and initially it will be able to churn out 70,000 cars a year. Production can be ramped up to 200,000 units a month, which Toyota aims to do in the coming years.

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Entry posted on February 8th, 2010 and filed under Toyota

Rendering – Honda New Small Concept (Exclusive)

Honda’s small car could take on the Suzuki Swift with a smaller 1.1-liter petrol engine

After an extended period of absence, photoshop freak SRK is back in action. The first of his drawings is this – production model of the recently showcased Honda New Small Concept.

SRK has not taken the trouble to crystallize a new design. He’s given the concept realistic door handles, pasted a new bumper with fog lamps, toned down the lines around the car and colored it using new paint.

What Honda should do, unlike Suzuki did with the A-Star, is borrow as many things possible from the concept. If their small car looks identical to the concept, then Honda will once again have the upper hand in terms of design over Toyota Etios hatchback. Honda should not produce a vehicle that doesn’t share a common vein with vehicles like the Civic and City just because it costs considerably lower.

We’re told Honda could use a 1.1-liter petrol engine on the 2CV (codename). Atypical a Honda, diesel engines could be saved for another day. Honda could target the Suzuki Swift with its sub-5 lakh price tag and the Swift Dzire with a sub 6 lakh price tag.

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Entry posted on February 8th, 2010 and filed under Honda, Renderings

Does the Polo-Fabia relationship really decide pricing?

VW PoloThe VW Polo shares underpinnings with Fabia. Will it play havoc in pricing?

VW rolled out the 11,111,111th Polo from its Chakan plant in Pune. The milestone car was launched in the presence of the German President Horst Kohler. Set up in March 2009, the Chakan plant rolled out its first Polo in December 2009.

The Economic Times reported that VW may export the Polo in CKD / CBU versions to East Asian, Gulf and African markets. It would be interesting to learn the differences in the domestic and the export versions should this strategy be adopted.

Also on offer would be accessory kits/sport packages at the dealer level. VW Chief General Manager (Marketing and PR) Lutz Kothe (at the 10th Auto Expo. in Delhi) -

We will be offering cosmetics like safety features, entertainment systems and sports packages in our Polo cars. These features will be available at the dealers end during bookings,

We are eagerly awaiting to understand the definitive pricing for the Polo. There has not been an official statement from VW yet, but going by street talk, we can consider a pricing similar to the Skoda Fabia (if not, a bit more aggressive and a step up over the Swift).

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Entry posted on February 5th, 2010 and filed under Volkswagen

Mahindra Scorpio Automatic transmission launched in Egypt

The refreshed Scorpio with an automatic transmission is now in Egypt

Mahindra Scorpio Automatic variant has been launched in Egypt. The Scorpio Automatic utilizes a 6-speed fully automatic gear box and a 2.2 litre mHawk engine.

Mahindra launched Scorpio petrol and diesel versions in Egypt in partnership with the Bavarian Auto Group back in 2008. The Bavarian Auto Group also assembles and distributes other automotive brands in Egypt.

Farid El Tobgui, chairman, Bavarian Auto Group -

With its unique combination of ruggedness, utility and style, the Mahindra Scorpio has acquired a large fan following in Egypt and the Scorpio Automatic will only further enhance the brand equity of this iconic SUV. We are also pleased to extend our association with Mahindra in Egypt where it is a well respected brand name

The Egyptian Mahindra Scorpio will have airbags, ABS, child locks among other safety features. The transmission is permanently sealed and doesn’t require oil top-ups or servicing that can put it in a potentially harmful position.

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Entry posted on February 5th, 2010 and filed under Mahindra

Random Thoughts – How can Tata sell EVs?

Tata’s Indica Vista EV (Electric Vehicle) will be available to customers in India in 2011, reports Rediff. Brands like GM and REVA have plans to boost production and market EVs aggressively.

The Indica Vista EV will also be exported to European countries where there is adequate facilities for charging. India’s yet to install a proper facility and we have heard many times in the past that companies are working with the government to make it happen.

India’s not yet seen a proper electric car. The REVA can only seat two adults comfortably and is cramped for tall people. It doesn’t have decent luggage space or features found on petroleum powered automobiles. The Tata Indica Vista or Chevrolet Spark EV with electric powertrain can offer the comfort and convenience that they otherwise offer, and still cost less to run.

The Indica Vista EV was showcased at the Delhi Auto expo last month and will be available at dealer showrooms in 2011. The Tata Indica Vista Electric could cost between Rs 600,000-700,000 bracket, not bad for a large hatchback that costs a fraction to run, is silent but comes with extra torque.

Tata could try handing out a hundred EVs to its Indica Vista diesel/petrol customers on a trial basis. Their feedback could be very valuable as they can point out where exactly the cars lags behind in real world conditions. The company can use this information to make changes to the product or understand where the improvements can be carried out. This is a better process than selling them, receiving feedback, and then making changes.

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Entry posted on February 5th, 2010 and filed under Electric vehicles, Tata
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