Archive for October, 2009

Exclusive – New Honda Aviator Image Gallery

Honda_Aviator_new_110cc_110With new engine and added features, the Aviator has improved in departments that matter

Honda Motorcycles launched the new 110cc Honda Aviator with new features like Combi-Brake where front and rear brakes get activated jointly when the left lever is applied, telescopic front suspension to achieve smoother handling, lower vibration and more stable high-speed control.

The 110cc Aviator also has features like viscous air filter which needs less maintenance. A maintenance free battery is also part of the package along with the patented Tuff Up Tube tyres.

You can catch the entire press release by visiting this link.

Click through for high quality photographs.

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Entry posted on October 29th, 2009 and filed under Bikes, Honda

Exclusive – Mahindra Gio Images and Press Release

Mahindra_Gio_truckThe Gio is Mahindra Alfa+extra wheel+new drivetrain+steering system

Mahindra creates a new category by launching India’s first Compact Truck

Mahindra creates a new category with the launch of Mahindra Gio, India’s first 0.5 ton Compact Truck: Mahindra Gio – An entry level 4 Wheeler Cargo carrier offers unmatched mileage of 27 kmpl at an unbeatable price of Rs 1.65 lakh.

The New Compact Truck – Mahindra Gio

Mumbai, Maharashtra, October 28, 2009 — Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), a leading player in the small Commercial Vehicle segment in India, today launched the Mahindra Gio, India’s first 4 wheel 0.5 ton Compact Truck. A category creating vehicle in the cargo commercial vehicle segment, the Mahindra Gio combines the style, status, comfort and safety of a four wheeler with the low operating and maintenance cost of a three-wheeler. The Mahindra Gio is available at an amazing price of Rs. 1.65 lakh, ex showroom BSII; BSIII price is Rs 1.68 Lakh. Equipped with a high performance 9.1 HP Kohler engine, from Kohler, USA, the Mahindra Gio gives best-in-class mileage of 27 km per litre.

click through to read the rest

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Entry posted on October 29th, 2009 and filed under Commercial Vehicles, Mahindra

Exclusive 53 up-close images of Premier Rio

Premier_Rio_blackInterior plastics are nothing to write home about; the top-end with alloys looks stylish

Here are some of the details discussed during the launch -

- Zotye began their operations in China in the year 2005

- Premier will bring more Zotye products in the future into India as CKDs

- The Rio is expected to return a fuel economy figure of 16-18kmpl

- 500 vehicles will be assembled in the company’s facility every month

- Premier is using a 1,500cc diesel engine, adopted from Peugeot, that delivers 65bhp.

- The company will sell the car in BS3 spec till the regulations come in next year, which is when it will upgrade satisfy demands.

Click through for Interior and Exterior Image slideshow

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Entry posted on October 28th, 2009 and filed under PAL-Zotye

Premier Rio Exclusive – PR + Powepoint presentation image slideshow

Premier_Rio_priceWe’re delighted Premier is bringing in a product in yet another untapped segment

Oct 28 2009

Premier launches compact SUV in India

Premier (formerly known as Premier Automobiles) India’s pioneering car maker has re-entered the Indian passenger vehicle market with a compact SUV named RiO. The Premier RiO aims to cater to the segment between mid-size passenger cart and larger utility vehicles.

The RiO seats 5 people comfortably and is powered by Premiers 1489cc turbo diesel engine based on Peugeot technology delivering close to 65BHP and a fuel efficiency of about 16 kms per litre. The vehicle, based on a Dalhatsu model, will be sourced from China through a component supply agreement with Zotye Group, the Chinese manufacturer that sells close to 100,000 units per annum of this modal from its modern plant near Shanghai, China.

Premier win assemble the RIO at its Pune plant and sell it through its dealer network in a phased roll out starting with West and South India. The Company currently has 30 dealers that it is expanding to 100 in the next 8 months thereby creating an all India network. Premier is beefing up its sales and service support and will be offering a 3 year warranty for the RIO.

click through for more details and Image Slideshow

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Entry posted on October 28th, 2009 and filed under PAL-Zotye

We’re back from not two, but three new vehicle launches!

We’re back after attending not two, but three launches in Mumbai – Premier Rio, Honda Aviator 110 and the Mahindra Gio.

Rio-Gio — Some coincidence.

We’ll be updating the blog with all the images and information obtained from these launches. Apart from the press release, answers to questions we posed to the heads of the companies will also be sent through. Updating will begin shortly.

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Entry posted on October 28th, 2009 and filed under Announcements

We’re at Premier-Zotye Rio launch tomorrow; Surprise launch from Mahindra

mahindra_2011_world_SUV_W202

Indian Autos Blog will not be updated on Wednesday (28th October) as we will be at the Premier-Zotye Rio launch in Mumbai. Following this launch, in the afternoon, we have been invited to attend a Mahindra product launch also. We don’t know what the product is, we’re told its not the refreshed Renault Logan, Sandero or other Renault products.

Some of us are hoping that it will be the world SUV displayed above. What we really don’t want to see is a taxi variant of Xylo or a Scorpio variant with airbags. Mahindra has not created any hype regarding this unveil, so we don’t know what really to expect.

We will come back from both the launches and post high quality images with first hand information.

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Entry posted on October 27th, 2009 and filed under Announcements

Video – Australian 2-wheeler safety campaign

These days countries like Norway and Australia are stressing on the road safety through innovative road safety videos. I feel that similar campaigns should be started in our country as well as the message sent out from the video is very simple and has a strong recall.

This kind of awareness campaign is very important in our country considering the number of two wheelers we have here. Everyday we add thousands of two wheelers on our roads. But how many of the riders are aware about road safety and the dangers awaiting them?

Through videos such as this one, people should be educated on the importance of safety and riding safely.

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Entry posted on October 27th, 2009 and filed under Bikes

Nissan’s V-Platform details revealed to Indian media

Nissan_Micra_March_2010 - 1Nissan_Micra_March_2010 - 2

Nissan today called members of the media and briefed them on the V-Platform, the architecture that Nissan’s Micra will be based on. No photographs were allowed inside the screening room. The details discussed follows.

A new Yamaha YZF-R15 in the pipeline?

New R15 with LEDs and split seats in the works?

If sources are to be believed then there is a new model of the Yamaha R15 is in the pipeline.

Although not much is known about the technical aspects of this bike, there would be some cosmetic changes to it. The new bike could include split seat with rear LED tail lamp. The rear section of the bike is also expected to undergo some changes.

The company, some sources claim, has halted production of the existing version as it is about to bring in the new R15.

Is this the Auto Expo candidate for Yamaha?

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Entry posted on October 27th, 2009 and filed under Auto Expo 2010, Yamaha

110cc Honda Aviator launched in Delhi; Priced at Rs. 42,160

Honda has launched the 110cc version of its Aviator scooter in Delhi. We don’t have any images as of now, but we’re expecting it shortly. Attached here is the press release.

‘Live Your Style’ with Honda’s New ‘Aviator’

o Perfect blend of premium image, appealing style, quality and comfort
o New 110 cc Honda Engine to deliver more fun to ride experience.
o Fuel Economy increased by 15 %
o Various New exciting features like Combi-Brake, Maintenance-Free Battery, Viscous air filter along with telescopic front suspension, 190 mm front disc brake, 20 ltr large under storage box & tuff up tube in rear tyre make New Aviator a best in class premium scooter.

New Delhi, October 27, 2009: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), the 100% owned 2-wheeler subsidiary of the Honda Motor Company, Japan – the world’s largest manufacturer of 2-wheelers, today unveiled the New Aviator in New Delhi. With the tagline ‘Live Your Style’, the New Aviator is bound to make the mature Indian males truly ‘live their style’. It comes with a host of new features which enhance the style and premium element. It is an ideal vehicle for males who seek a premium-class product and have a flair for style.

click through to read the rest

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Entry posted on October 27th, 2009 and filed under Bikes, Honda

Suzuki celebrates its 100th year; decals A-Star

Suzuki_A-Star_centenary edition - 1With decals and special keychains, its all part of the centenary celebrations.

Suzuki’s centenary celebrations is doing all sorts of things to its cars. The Japanese car manufacturer is spreading the joy by introducing the A-Star (Alto overseas), SX4 hatchback and Vitara with centenary stickers on its cars in Japan.

Special features on Suzuki A-Star centenary edition

Special keychain, custom floor mats, body moldings, USB, AUX port and iPod connectivity are some of the features of this century milestone vehicles.

click through for image gallery

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Entry posted on October 27th, 2009 and filed under Suzuki

Fiat Punto Creative with extra equipment out in Brazil

Fiat_Punto_CreativeThe Creative version gets a bouquet of equipment to keep it fresh

A new variant of the Fiat Punto is launched in Brazil, in fact two new variants — the Punto Creative I and the Punto Creative II.

According to the Brazilian blogger, a new Punto with 1.6 ltr 16 valve flex engine is being tested in Brazil but the Creative I and II are the variants of the existing 1.4 ltr SAFIRE version.

MP3 CD radio, electric rear panel, knife type key, alloy wheels, rear spoiler and creative stickers are the goodies added to the Creative I.

click through to read more

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Entry posted on October 27th, 2009 and filed under Fiat

Fiat Linea with new color and engine debuts at Auto Expo

Fiat_Linea_cool_jazz_blueNew color and engine will distinguish the Linea from escort Indigo Manza

The Fiat Linea will be dressed in blue color and launched at the upcoming Auto Expo. The Linea will also be launched with the 1.6-liter Multijet engine during the occasion.

Many people feel the 1.3-liter Multi-jet was common and boring for a car that looks very unique. Fiat will address that concern with the punchy 105PS 1.6-liter engine. The engine is also being tested on the Grande Punto and the results will be out soon.

The new color seen above, is named ‘cool jazz blue’ available in India already on the Punto.

We’re not sure if Fiat will bring the 1.9-liter Multi-jet to next year’s show.

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Entry posted on October 27th, 2009 and filed under Auto Expo 2010, Fiat