When Premier launched the Rio in late 2009, they had the idea bang on – A small cheap SUV to tackle potholes and provide good cargo space for daily commutes.
Unfortunately, they failed to capitalize on the idea because the product was not-so bang on. They basically rebadged the Zotye Nomad and brought it to India. This did not go very well with the Indian customers. So Premier has gone back to drawing board to rethink their strategy.
Our good buddies at Motorbeam have snapped a few pictures of the Facelifted Rio in Pune. They report that there were a few changes to the Rio such as:
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Most successful cars these days are crossovers and SUVs. The story of the BMW X1, X6, Dacia/Renault Duster, Hyundai ix35 and the Skoda Yeti are a testimony to the situation.
VW has sensed the demand for these faux SUVs and is planning to expand its existing line up of crossovers. The German czar has confirmed its interest in making one for distribution within the group.
Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Walter de’ Silva, Head of Volkswagen Group Design said
Crossover demand is expanding from mature markets to emerging markets and we have to cover this growing appetite with a multilateral expansion in the offer of our brands.
The sudden attention to the segment is because VW does not have model in the small SUV/crossover segment, which is Europe’s fast-growing niche in the first half with sales up 81 percent to 112,530 units. The king of the segment Dacia Duster moped most of the segment’s growth.
The company is not stopping there. VW wants to add crossovers of different sizes and with different design characteristics to appeal to a wider audience.
The Renault Duster is the most hotly anticipated SUV in India followed by the Ford Ecosport. Maruti is also betting big on SUVs to drive the growth and puts a concept on view at Auto Expo next month. In such a scenario, it is only a matter of time before this VW heads to India.
If you ask me wheth
er I have driven a SanStrom, I would say a resounding YES. Interestingly, not many people can say the same. Where the big daddys of the business like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai sell nearly 50,000 cars in a month, a little known company called San Motors in Goa sells a modest 2 or 3.
So yes, I have driven the SanStorm. Not the most pleasurable moment of my tiny life but still a memorable one nonetheless. After all, it was my first go at some wind-in-your-motoring.
The company is called San Motors and they make only one car called the Storm, hence the name – SanStorm – a two seater, soft-top convertible for a price of little under 6 lakhs.
The SanStorm is not the most refined product or powerful for that matter. It is powered by 1.2L engine from Renault which produces 60PS of power @ 5250 rpm and 94 Nm of torque @ 2500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 4-speed transmission which powers the front wheels.
Now, news comes in from Zigwheels that San Motors is planning an all new Storm with some more…..you guessed it right POWER! The engine will be sourced from Renault (as it always has been) and the body panels will be made in their own factory in Bangalore. The company is also planning to set up a few dealership countrywide to encourage sales.
What are your inputs for the new San Storm?
It’s one of those year, wherein you just have to say, “Picture abhi baki hai mere dost” (The show isn’t over yet). About 2-3 months ago, we brought you a scoop from BMW India about the launch of the 330D convertible. As the launch nears, BMW India has updated its website with all the details of the convertible.
The model coming to India is a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged diesel with 245bhp power output and 520Nm of torque. We would get the 7-speed automatic double clutch gearbox with paddle shifters behind the steering.
The 330d can hurl itself from 0 to 100 kmph in 7 seconds and on to a top speed of 245 km/hr. A three-piece top roof can protect you from the natural and unnatural elements completely in 22 seconds.
The 330D will be brought to India in form of a CBU so expect the prices to be on the dearer side. We have received no notification from BMW India about the prices at the moment.
With the vRS badge suffixing the Laura, the expectations were sky high. But did the Laura vRS deliver? Let’s find out!
What powers the Laura vRS?
If you were expecting some nuclear power station under the bonnet, you will be disappointed. The Laura vRS is powered by the same 1.8L, turbocharged petrol motor that powers the normal Laura TSi. Now, you must be thinking “Oh! Then I guess the output must have been boosted”.
Eeks! I am afraid not 
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Putting an end to the immense speculation on the status of the new City post the Thai floods, Honda has notified IAB that the launch is scheduled for the 14th of December in New Delhi. The refreshed model is similar to the model launched in Thailand a few months back.
Mechanicals are likely to be left undisturbed. Cosmetic touches such as new grille, tail lamps, fog light surrounds, honeycomb alloy wheel design instill energy into the aging segment leader. Honda has added the Eco Meter that promotes light-footed acceleration to the new model.
Will Honda revise prices of the City once again?
Hot hatchbacks are more of an on and off thing in the Indian market. Right from the Fiat Palio 1.6, Chevy SR-V to the current Punto 90 bhp, Vista 90 Bbhp, Fabia 1.6 and the Polo 1.6, they have graced us all but never really sold volumes. They are fast and practical and are all things to all men.
Among others, the Polo 1.6L has done better than initial estimates. The normal 1.2L just doesn’t cut it for the built-like-a-tank Polo. However, the 1.6L is only available in petrol which makes it expensive to buy and then expensive to run. Thus, most enthusiast prefer to stick the 1.2L version.
But according to Carwale, VW is researching on introducing a diesel 1.6L VW Polo for the masses to embrace. The company is planning to plonk Vento’s 1.6L TDI in the body of a Polo to make it a hot hatchback that will not be expensive to run.
By plonking the Vento diesel engine in the Polo the power to boost to 105 bhp with 153 NM of torque (i.e unless VW chooses to de-tune the engine). The power to weight ratio will be boosted thus enhancing the performance. More importantly, the fuel economy will be the critical deciding factor for the purchase process.
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Our friends at CarAdvice.com.au have put out a fascinating story after BMW and Toyota joined hands to produce greener cars through technology transfers. The Australian market has just received the US-spec Camry (India gets the Global edition with more chrome and different looks) and already the media is talking about sourcing a diesel engine through the link, an idea Toyota Australia does not rubbish.
To begin with, Toyota is expected to use BMW’s 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbo diesels on its vehicles for the European market. Diesel engines in Europe account for half the sales.
Toyota Australia’ product planning member -
If they [BMW diesel power] were offered to Australia we would take for sure.
In the Indian market the Corolla received a small diesel engine in mid-2010. There is a big question mark over the diesel engine for the new Camry expected to bow in during July-August 2012.
The Corolla could benefit hugely from a more refined diesel engine but the price will increase substantially as engines are expensive and the cost-saving FTA does not apply to European countries.
When Premier launched the Rio in late 2009, they had the idea bang on – A small cheap SUV to tackle potholes and provide good cargo space for daily commutes.
