Renault Scala first drive

Renault India had promised that they would deliver five cars to the Indian customer by the end of this year and with the Scala that number is now complete. Scala, which means ladder, is being marketed by Renault with the tag line of step up. So does it have the goods to encourage an Indian customer to buy it?

To begin with, it's a rebadged Nissan Sunny. And just like with the Nissan Micra to the Renault Pulse transformation, the Scala is a premium Sunny.

And again just like the Pulse, Renault have given the Scala a more edgier design. The front fascia is where the major, if not the only transformation that has taken place. The Renault badge resting on the gaping mouth which incorporates the front grille and air dam give the car a more aggressive stance as compared to its Japanese sibling. The headlamps, slightly stretched version of the ones on the Pulse adds to the stylish look. From the side eye car is exactly the same as the Sunny except for the new alloys. The rear has minor changes incorporated into it, like the chrome strip connecting the tail lamps and the blacked out area in the fender. But with these minor tweaks, Renault have managed to bring out a product which is superior in exterior styling as compared to the Sunny.

The interiors are exactly like the Sunny with the oval centre console being the standout element. But the interiors have a very spartan feel to it, a la Toyota Etios, the profuse use of grey not helping its cause. Considering that this will be offered as a premium option to the Sunny, Renault should have considered a little more bling.

The Scala comes with both petrol and diesel options with three model variants. The diesel will only be offered in the top two variants. Renault will also bring in an automatic petrol variant. We got the diesel car for the drive with the 1.5-litre K9K engine that produces 86PS and 200Nm. The numbers are sufficient for the highway but when we were climbing up the hills, regular downshifts were needed. The turbo lag below 2000rpm becomes an issue when you are going up a slope, especially when the car has four people in it, like it did in our case. Keeping the engine in its powerband becomes mandatory in a situation like this.

The ride quality is quite good. The Scala soaks up the bumps and holes that the roads have to offer. But the slightly soft suspension hasn't affected the handling of the car. It tackles corners efficiently with minimum body roll. You can really push the car and it will obey your commands. If only it had more low end grunt. The steering is not as light as the Sunny and gives better feedback.

New Mercedes-Benz B-Class !! launch in Sept-October 2012

Addressing the growing need for a luxurious and spacious touring vehicle with genuine on road capabilities Mercedes-Benz is seriously looking to tap into this demand with the pioneering effort of the B-Class

Recently unveiled at the Buddh International Circuit, the soon to be launched B-Class  owing to its multidimensional capabilities has been touted as a vehicle for the Sports Tourer segment.  Big on space and high on performance the new B-Class is ideally suited for the needs of a rising number of Sports Touring aficionados in India. Among other highlights of the vehicle is an aviation-inspired dashboard design, sporty 7G DCT gearbox and highly sophisticated trims and equipment.

The car was unveiled by Mr. Peter Honegg, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India in the presence of Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India and Bollywood celeb couple Genelia D’Souza and Ritesh Deshmukh. The unveil was followed by a First Drive Experience for the media fraternity around the Buddh International Circuit.

Steelbird launches its new helmets

Steelbird has launched three new ranges of helmets. While the Eve range is for women, the Cruze and Zorro ranges are for men.   

The Eve and Cruze light weight, open face helmets are available in pink, silver, red, baby pink, white and black colours with multi-coloured radium stickers. They feature anti-scratch visors, top air vents and replaceable interior cushions. Eve helmets cost Rs 1,139 while the Cruze costs Rs 1,349. 

The Zorro SB-34 full face helmets available in red on white, black on silver, blue on white and grey on black colour combinations, feature a flip-up jaw guard, dual tone colour, anti-scratch double visors with  air vents in the front and on top. The jaw guard features a double lock system. Zorro helmets cost Rs 2,199.

Land Rover Freelander 2 gets a facelift

After revealing images and details of the new Range Rover, Land Rover has now given a facelift to the Freelander 2. The headlamps now use LED lights with the daytime running lamps receiving a signature graphic. 17-inch wheels are now standard on the XS variant and there are also three new exterior colour options to choose from. The tail lamps are also now LED. Inside, the SUV gets a new centre console with the Terrain Response dial been replaced with switches. A new 5-inch screen displays the vehicle information like gear positions, fuel and temperature levels. The updated Freelander 2 also receives a Passive Start system which allows the engine to start-up as long as the key is somewhere inside the car and also an intelligent electric parking brake which decides the amount of brake force needed depending on the surface. The parking brake cannot be released unless the driver’s seat is occupied.

Land Rover has also decked the Freelander 2 with a rear view camera and ‘Hitch Assist’. The latter displays a graphic superimposed on the camera, displaying the position of the tow ball. The driver can also control the navigation system, his phone, audio or climate control via the ‘Say What You See’ voice activation system. A premium Meridian audio system with a choice of 380W or 825W is now available. Buyers can also choose the trim to deck their Freelander 2 in with a choice of premium Windsor or sport-themed electric leather seats.

The engine options remain unchanged, two diesels - the 2.2-litre 150PS TD4 and 190PS SD4 with four-wheel drive. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the two-wheel drive 150PS eD4 engine. Land Rover claims that this engine will deliver a fuel efficiency of approximately 16kmpl. All Freelander 2 models now come with Intelligent Power System Management which incorporates regenerative charging.

Launched – New BMW X3 sDrive18d in UK

BMW has launched the new X3 sDrive18d in UK, its first rear-wheel drive model in the range. It is powered by a 145PS 2.0-litre diesel engine which is available with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims that the X3 sDrive18d will race from 0-100kmph in only 9.9 seconds and also achieve a top speed of 193kmph. Using a host of EfficientDynamics technologies, the new rear-wheel driven X3 claims to deliver a fuel efficiency of 19.47kmpl

 The BMW X3 sDrive18d SE is priced at Rs 25.01 lakh on-road in UK.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Aviator Collection revealed

      The 2012 Pebble Beach Concours in California has gotten off to a flying start quite literally with Rolls Royce showing off its new special edition Phantom Coupe Aviator Collection. The collection is inspired by company co-founder Charles Stewart Rolls – a passionate aviator and only the second man in Britain to have received a pilot license – and the Supermarine S.6B racing seaplane, which, powered by the Rolls- Royce R-Type engine, won the prestigious Schneider Trophy in 1930. 

     Finished in Aviator Grey, the luxury coupe has a contrasting matt finish to the hood, grille surround and window frame. Inside, a combination of wood and metal hint strongly at an aeronautical theme. The lower fascia is veneered in mahogany and fashioned to imitate early airplanes. The metal foil upper fascia features a Thommen aviation-grade clock with blood orange needle tips embossed on the dash. The clock is complemented by matt black dials for power reserve, speedometer and fuel gauges. Even the transmission tunnel is finished in anodised aluminium and feature lines that echo the oil cooling veins on the S6B seaplane.

        Other touches include leather floor mats and polished aluminium cup holders, which the car maker calls the ‘Rolls-Royce of cup holders’. The most special touch, perhaps, is on the leather-lined glove compartment, which has an embossed Charles Rolls quote following his first flight with the Wright Brothers in 1908: “The power of flight is as a fresh gift from the Creator, the greatest treasure yet given to man.”

Flas News !! 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo- Launched

Fiat has launched a new 500 Turbo performance edition in United States of America. Employing a 137PS turbocharged 1.4-litre MultiAir engine, this new variant mated to a 5-speed transmission, boasts of better steering calibration, sports suspension, upgraded brakes and stiffer shocks. Similar to the top of the line Abarth variant, the Turbo also delivers a throaty exhaust note that the Abarth is known for.

A unique aero kit and smoked-out headlamps differentiate the Turbo from the base model. The interiors get a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, sports seats and a Dr Dre audio system. Priced at Rs 10.84 lakh ex-showroom, the Turbo falls a few thousand rupees short of the range topping Scorpion.

Bajaj Discover 125 ST Review

Evolution is a fact of life and for the better part, it has always led to new and improved beginnings. When it comes to machines though, how the evolution turns out pretty much depends on the manufacturer. So when Bajaj announced the arrival of their new Discover ST, we were left guessing on what the next step for this popular commuter would be. The first glimpse pretty much got raised eyebrows from all of us. Bajaj, as usual, had got it right again. After the awesome new Pulsar 200NS, we didn’t think the company could do any wrong - and they have proved us right with the new Discover ST.

So why 125 ST when the Bajaj already had the Discover 100, 125 and 150? The Discover saga originated in 2004, and the bike was the first to move away from the ‘just a commuter’ tag in the 125 cc class. And Bajaj didn’t have to do much. A nice, sleek design complimented by a very peppy 125cc motor, the Discover was an immediate hit. The second generation of the Discover spawned 100cc and 150cc variants and gave the brand a good spread throughout the segments. The sports tourer, as they call it, is for those who commute long distances. Makes sense actually considering there are lots of people whose commutes involve in-city travel and highway jaunts as well. The ST then is pretty much the next generation Discover and it gives us a fair idea about what we can expect from Bajaj in the future.

 Designe:

While the first and second gen Discovers were more or less identical to look at, the new ST is on a different level altogether. The headlight and the front fairing are a nice blend of the old gen Pulsar and the new 200NS. The front mudguard has a nice chiselled look and adds a lot of character to the front of the bike. The newly designed tank has all the right curves, and it’s not just the aesthetics; the knee recesses accommodate the knees beautifully too, for a change. The centre panel is a silver piece of plastic which also incorporates the fuel cock and sports the “4-valves” moniker. This however is the only bit on the bike which does not really gel with the otherwise fantastic design.

Mercedes Benz opened his first showroom in Lucknow

  Making Lucknow firmly on the map as a market with appetite for luxury products, iconic car brand Mercedes Benz opened its first showroom in the city on Friday. This would be the first such dealership by a luxury car maker in Lucknow as well as Uttar Pradesh, which bears testament to the economic growth and sustained prosperity that has come to the region over the last few years.

Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Benz India, Debashis Mitra said "growth is now from tier-II cities. So called smaller towns have seen rapid growth over the last few decades and their consumption pattern is also changing now with prosperity being sustained over a longer period of time".

He said that they saw a huge aspirational demand for luxury cars in the Lucknow region when they toured the area as part of the "Pure Fascination" campaign in 2010 and also gauged that the buying power for luxury cars was present in Lucknow.

"We already derive substantial sales volume from Lucknow and adjoining cities and thought that taking a dealership to Lucknow would help us expand our network and reach out to customers much nearer to their homes" said Mitra. Besides Lucknow the dealership, Smart Hoops, and its state of the art service centre would cater to Kanpur, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Mirzapur, Agra etc.

Managing Director, SRM Smart Hoops Ltd, Neeraj Agarwal said that the dealership will display full range of Mercedes Benz cars which start from Rs 32 lakh going up to a few crores for a car. He said that they hope to sell about 50 cars by the end of this fiscal and hope to double the number in the next year.

Debashis Mitra said that Mercedes Benz is present in 31 cities in India and as part of the network expansion plan to open 5 new dealerships in the coming months.

"Till three years back Delhi and Mumbai used to command 70 per cent of our sales. But now they only have a 50 per cent share which shows that sales volume is now increasingly coming from non metro cities. There are more than 1.5 lakh dollar millionaires in India and most of them now come from cities like Lucknow which we want to reach out to" said Mitra.

Mercedes Benz sold 7,400 odd cars last year in India and with its fast network expansion hopes to increase market share from newer towns and growth cities. With other luxury car brands also lining up to open their dealerships stores in Lucknow

Honda City S automatic Launched in India

Honda has now got more options available for City buyers. Customers who aspired to have an automatic variant of the City but were deterred by the high Rs 9.62 lakh price can now opt for the mid-level S AT trim at Rs 9.09 lakh. Both the prices are ex-Delhi.

What the City S AT trim misses out from the higher spec V AT is chrome-tipped exhaust, fog lamps, turn indicators on ORVMs, 10-spoke alloy wheels  and on the inside gun-metal finish on the dashboard and cruise control. Similar to the V trim, the City AT has a 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Currently the other manufacturers offering an automatic transmission in the mid-spec are Skoda with its 6-speed auto in the Rapid Ambition and Ford with the 6-speed dual clutch in the Fiesta Style trim. Prices are Rs 8.42 lakh and Rs 9.13 lakh respectively, ex-Delhi.

Chevrolet Trax coming to Paris Motor Show 2012

Chevrolet has announced that it will be showcasing the new Trax at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The company claims that the Trax has enough space to accommodate five people in comfort. In addition to a 60:40 split rear seat, the Trax boasts of a front passenger seat which can be folded flat. Storage facilities are also plentiful starting with a 358-litre boot with various bins above and on both sides of the centre stack. There is also stowage space available under the cargo floor.
The engine line-up includes 115PS 1.4-litre turbocharged and 140PS 1.6-litre petrol units as also a 130PS 1.7-litre turbo diesel. While the 1.4 and 1.7 engines will be mated to a 6-speed manual as standard, the 1.6 will be offered only with a five-speed manual. There will be also the option of a 6-speed auto and AWD on both the 1.4 and 1.7 engines. Manual powertrains will also come with stop/start function as standard.
More detais, keep in touch with us..

Send your feed back.

Premier Rio 1.3 diesel Ready for Run

India's oldest car-marker Premier, formerly known as PremierAutomobiles, said it started delivery of the diesel version of its new compact sports utility vehicle Rio from today. Prices for the PremiercRio 1.3 litre diesel start at Rs. 6.7 lakh (ex-showroom Pune).

 

Premier, whose Fiats still dot the city roads, has a sales and service network of 55 dealers that is being raised to 100 by December. It is also setting up 200 authorised service centres called Pass (Premier Authorised Service Stations) to service Rio, which offers a mileage of 19 kmpl.

Premier Rio 1.3 diesel

Jaguar's new XKR special edition

 Jaguar’s 5.0-litre supercharged XKR supercar is now available in special edition trim that includes new interior and exterior styling elements to spruce up the looks and add a fresh aura to the powerful and fast cat. 

On the inside, the XKR special edition features Scraffito grain leather upholstery that can be specified in either Navy or Truffle shades. The instrument binnacle, seats, door and rear quarter casings all sport the new Scraffito grain leather as standard. The Navy colour option comes with a London Tan contrast micro-piping and London Tan nuback carpets. Poltrona Frau Jet leather headlining is standard while Poltrona Frau canvas leather headlining is an option. The Truffle colour leather option offers micro-piping in an ivory shade for the interiors and carpets. A Poltrona Frau canvas leather headlining is also available in this shade. 

All of this action and drama along with a spine tingling V8 soundtrack can be yours for a princely sum of Rs. 1.27 crore (ex-showroom) New Delhi.

Jaguar's new XKR special edition

 

Maruti all-new 800 based on Alto !!!!

Maruti Suzuki has been working on an all-new 800, which will be based on the Alto platform.
The car will be powered by the same 796cc three-cylinder motor (F8D) from the Alto, which has been modified to meet the latest emission norms. The new Alto 800 will slot in below the Alto, is expected to have all-new interiors, and will be a tad more spacious than before. The design is rather basic, with the nose getting high-mounted headlights, a slim, slot-like grille and there is a huge secondary air-inlet opening above and below the bumper. Maruti has provided a wider, U-shaped rear-windscreen for better visibility, and there is a wide tailgate for better accessibility to the cargo bay.
The new 800 is likely to share a lot of running gear with the current car. It will also have a basic but cost-effective MacPherson strut setup in front and a coil spring torsion beam axle at the rear. Expect better interior packaging to liberate a few vital centimetres. Crash protection should be better than the old car too, thanks to the Alto’s more up-to-date chassis.
Maruti is targeting a sub-Rs 2 lakh price for the new Maruti 800 to distance it from the Alto by at least Rs 40,000 and put it smack into Nano territory.

Audi launches A8 L 4.2 TDI

Audi INDIA has added a 4.2-litre engine option to its A8 L luxury saloon lineup. This newer 4.2-litre diesel engine produces 350bhp & is mated to an 8-speed gearbox with Audi’s trademark Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Abhishek Bachchan is the 1st customer of the A8 L 4.2 tdi which is priced at Rs 1.1 crore, ex-showroom, Maharashtra.

The Audi A8 L also comes with other engine options, such as a 3.0-litre TDI, a 4.2 FSI petrol and a range-topping 6.3-litre w12. 

New BMW 3-series

Engines: 2-litre petrol, 3-litre petrol,2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA L/W/H: NA
Expected: End-2012 Price: Rs 22-35 lakh

New Kawasaki Ninja 250R