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:
- Beige interiors
- Crystal clear headlamps
- ABS
- Better Interior quality
- New alloy wheels
Keen eyed viewers will notice that this test mule is actually a Nomad II – the successor to Nomad from Zotye.
The new Nomad II comes in two engine options:
- 1.3L petrol engine with 68.5 PS @ 6000rpm and 113.5NM of torque @ 4500rpm
- 1.5L petrol engine 78 PS @ 6000 and 134NM of torque @ 4500
A detailed look at Nomad II
Premier is reported to have finalized a deal with Fiat for their Multi-jet diesel engines which will be used in the new Rio. The new Rio will debut in 2012 as soon as Premier completes its testing.
Are you excited about the new Rio?
Source: MotorBeam.com
Premier Rio Plus should be launched by Fiats Multijet Engine outrightly, then it will certainly make a diffrence as the Product is good but they should be careful with the Pricing.
I have just returned from Premier Plant at Chinchwad, Pune which is the only place you can see, test, buy and service your RiO, at least for now, if you are a Pune citizen! I have just two NEWS to share for all the ‘something different’ lovers –
1. The attendance of your requirements is pathetic even before you BUY any product, i.e. at the marketing level so to say; despite of the sincere efforts of the miserably under-qualified, entirely inappropriate and most untrained ‘reception personnel’ I ever met in my life. No to mention the level of disappointment you go through against the anticipations and aspirations.
2. The ‘Face-lifted’ version (I am looking for Petrol GLX model) is NOT available and the poor uninformed guy had no idea whatsoever about the waiting time for it. No responsible or accountable person was found in the vicinity who can answer the queries or facilitate the buying decision.
The pictures are all good but where’s the real thing…? It’s not a Ferrari after all, be little practical Premier…!
Oh and the upcoming mini Renault CUV also.
The Rio should also come with a 4WD version. Then it would be taken seriously by its present competition like the Suzuki Maruti Gypsy, Mahindra Bolero and the upcoming Ford EcoSport, Mahindra Mini-Xylo and the other Mahindra-Ssangyong mini suv, Renault Duster and the upcoming small Hyundai CUV and Maruti CUV.
The Rio should also come with a 4WD version. Then it would be taken seriously by its present competition like the Suzuki Maruti Gypsy, Mahindra Bolero and the upcoming Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster.
Premier is long forgotten, no dealer network, no service centers, and the technology is far behind it’s competition. But Fiat’s multi-jet diesel may change peoples mind. Didn’t ever thought this segment would become so hot.
Hope they get it right this time…
Maybe..just maybe..it may help Rio to share, showroom space with a established motor company in India to get some credibility to their brand and grab some eyeballs. Since they have Engine from Fiat maybe they can find some space in the opcoming Fiat outlets. It helped Fiat to get customers while based in TATA shops. (I say shops with full intension, TATA has very few showrooms, outlets are more like shops that is to say it polietly.)