Archive for October, 2009

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?

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Logan to be replaced by “new range pretty soon”

Up to 75% of the next Logan could be designed in Romania

We don’t understand Renault’s strategy in India, and thus cannot connect this story to our country.

Dacia, the low-cost car maker from Romania known for manufacturing the Logan (sold as Renault in countries like India) will replace the Logan range (Logan, Sandero hatch, MCV station wagon, pick-up) very soon with new set of vehicles.

With its cost-conscious attire, Logan was introduced 2004 in select European countries. Seeing numbers and positive reaction generated, it was then decided to manufacture the low-cost vehicle in other parts of the world including India. The Logan borrows a large chunk of components from Renault cars. Flat doors, symmetrical mirrors and low electronics content was intentional to send it through to outlets at rock-bottom price tags.

Dacia vice-president Constantin Stroe -

Logan is to stay for a few years, but it is going to be replaced by another range. A new family of cars will follow the Logan. All the people talk about Logan. Nice, but Logan has a short life. Dacia is perennial, Logan is changeable. Something else will follow the Logan, because its lifespan comes to an end in a few years time.

The Logan was never intended to be sold in India even though Dacia’s engineering team deriving inspiration from the Tata Indigo.

Suzuki_Kizashi_India_Maruti_Auto_ExpoCBU or CKD? It is too early to decipher Maruti Suzuki’s plans for Kizashi in India

One of our favorite picks – DWS, is reporting that Suzuki will launch the Kizashi in India during the Auto Expo in January next year. The Kizashi was launched in Japan a couple of days back and its international debut was conducted in the US back in July.

There is no clarity on the versions that will be offered in India. DWS says a 6-speed manual transmission will be launched next year with front wheel drive.

The 2400cc petrol engine on the Kizashi makes 185 horsepower and 170 ft-lbs of torque. EBD and ABS are standard. Initial test drive reports are positive and say the car can handle corners well.

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new_Mitsubishi_Montero_200hp - 1With 200hp and revised technology, the new Mitsubishi Montero is better car overall

Good news for all those who are looking forward to some ‘serious’ off-roading in their Montero.

The all-new Mitsubishi 3.2 DI-D Montero is going to give its customers the power of 200 horses. This completely revised version of Mitsubishi Montero will be out in international market shortly. The existing Mitsubishi Montero delivers some 165 PS.

Mitsubishi also claims that this vehicle will consume 17% less fuel than its predecessor and is of course a 4×4 equipped vehicle.

The extra 35 odd hp comes thanks to modifications to the bearings, cylinder heads, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, valve train, oil pump, turbocharger, injection system and ECU. The maximum torque available is 441 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The vehicle is available in both manual and automatic variants.

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