Entry posted on May 24, 2011 by
Shrawan Raja;
Read More on BMW
Our suspicion has turned out to be right. BMW India will launch the new X3 (F25) next month and there is a high likelihood that petrol engines will not feature on the brochure. Two diesels are planned instead – a 184hp/380Nm 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel (xDrive20d) from smaller BMW vehicles, and a bigger 258hp/560Nm 3.0-liter (xDrive30d) mill. Both CKD models, as their names indicate, will come with 4WD.
Sources add that a price war is on the cards with BMW trying to pip the Audi Q5 with a more aggressive price tag. At a later date, BMW could plan for either the xDrive28i or the xDrive35i, but they are not likely to be assembled in 2011.
Yet again the Nissan Sunny has been spied during testing. The recent spotting is by Overdrive reader Arun Krishnan. Arun’ spy pic clearly shows the front-end of the India-spec model, which we haven’t seen closely before. We contacted Nissan India a few days ago asking them about the V-Platform sedan’ launch date and name, and this is what they replied.
Nissan India’ Chennai-based spokeswoman to IAB -
The launch as we have communicated earlier will happen this year. However, the date and other details are still work in progress.
Sources tell IAB that Nissan Sunny arrives during the end of September with prices starting at 6.8 lakh rupees (ex-showroom). The Sunny will be sold in 170 countries and that includes America where it is badged Versa. The Sunny premiered in China in December last year with a petrol engine coupled to an automatic transmission.The two engine options under consideration for India are the 1.6-liter petrol (HR16DE) and 1.5-liter diesel engine (K9K).
Sources also tell IAB the name specific to India should be Almera. Nissan will not use Sunny or Versa as both of them have been employed on discontinued vehicle of other brands in India.
GM will introduce the Beat diesel in the first week of July with a 1.0-liter 3cyl diesel engine producing 57bhp and 140 Nm @ 1,750 rpm, making it the smallest car in India with a diesel engine. According to our sources, the compact Multijet-derived engine is highly fuel economical and returns close to 24kmpl. The spyshots tell us GM India is conducting test runs of the TCDi variant (fixed geometry turbocharger).
GM India might not want to position itself as a car manufacturer making the most fuel efficient cars. The notable success of the Cruze is partly credited to its powerful diesel engine. People who buy Chevrolet products, except for maybe the Spark, don’t look simply at fuel economy.
Hence we felt the twist could be in installing a VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) and pumping up power and torque. This should lend the Beat a more engaging drive. The DNA of the engine will not be disturbed, but the drivability can be greatly improved.
The VCDi model can have added features too. Instead of making it a stand-alone car, GM can install the VGT on the top-end LT variant.
GM India’s entry level babies – Beat and Spark are doing great in the Indian market constantly clocking 2,500+ units every month. However, if you want a bit of space at the back, certainly you need something bigger. The next ‘big’ car in the portfolio is the Aveo U-VA which is not doing so well. Its outdated technology combined with really dull looks means it is a bit of a [ Read More ]
After an encouraging attempt to showcase the Maxximo with a techy twist, Mahindra’ tried doing a similar TV advertisement with the Genio. The Xylo pickup is a utility vehicle with a rare tinge of style and the ad brings out its character and the person who it is aimed at. The Genio was spied several times by IAB, the dual cab version of which is expected on the market later in 2011. The single cab 1.25 tonne Genio pickup truck is powered by a 2.5-liter CRDI producing 75hp power and 220Nm torque.
Renault India, in its second innings, has launched its first car Fluence at Rs. 12.99 lakh rupees for the diesel variant. The 2.0-liter petrol variant is priced at Rs 14.40 lakh. Both prices are in ex-showroom New Delhi.
The company will begin its voyage with 14 outlets in 14 cities. It’s ambition is to expand to 70 cities with 100 outlets by the end of 2012. By 2014, it hopes to be in the top 3 international car manufacturers in India.
Exclusive to India on Renault Fluence -
1) India is the only RHD market in the world to have beige interiors.
2) Digital speedometer on both petrol and diesel variants is another first for India for Fluence.
It’s common sense to assume that Hyundai will work on a cosmetic upgrade for the i20. That’s the only model on the Indian portfolio pending for treatment. The company has given the i10 the Fluidic Sculpture touch, the Verna a full model change and the Accent a new grille. It can’t wait for too long as three new hatchbacks (Toyota Liva, Honda Brio and Renault hatchback) are arriving within the next eight months.
The best time pull out a facelift will be at the Auto Expo in Delhi next year. Crowds will flock to see the HA. Parking the i20 right next to this mass-market exhibit could bring it a lot of attention. Hyundai has used the Auto Expo to showcase cars that aren’t necessarily meant for India. They have used the show to share their vision and this creates a greater impact than bringing relevant models. Hyundai enthusiasts should push the company for Veloster coupe and new Azera at Auto Expo 2012.
Will Ford introduce the new Fiesta during the first week of July? That’s what two readers, who seem to know all about the vehicle, wrote in to us swearing by their sources. The new Fiesta could land in showrooms next month for display and feedback purpose. Dealers will commence bookings with the initial deposit of not more than 40k rupees.
There’s no donut on the variants except for the understanding that the top-end (Titanium?) model is feature-laden. Voice-activated controls, chrome garnish, iPod connectivity, mobile phone pairing, parking sensors and alloy wheels will ensure the Fiesta draws second glances.
Meanwhile in Thailand, under actual driving conditions, the new Ford Fiesta demonstrated its class-leading fuel economy in a journey, mostly on highways, from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. The sedan, with automatic transmission, and a preset air-conditioner, returned 19.79kmpl. It did not run on over-inflated tires, use special fuel or weight-saving techniques. The results were verified by Dr Saiprasit Koetniyom, a professor from the Sirindhorn Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering at King Mongkut University of Technology.
During the unveiling in Delhi, Ford officials said the new Fiesta will have class-leading fuel economy.
Our suspicion has turned out to be right. BMW India will launch the new X3 (F25) next month and there is a high likelihood that petrol engines will not feature on the brochure. Two diesels are planned instead – a 184hp/380Nm 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel (xDrive20d) from smaller BMW vehicles, and a bigger 258hp/560Nm 3.0-liter (xDrive30d) mill. Both CKD models, as their names indicate, will come with 4WD.
