'[Updated] IAB Picks – 18 Indian car and bike launches in September 2014' plus 15 more |
- [Updated] IAB Picks – 18 Indian car and bike launches in September 2014
- IAB Report – Mahindra names upcoming scooter ‘Gusto'; Launch on Sept 29
- IAB Report – 2014 VW Vento diesel AT launches tomorrow in India
- Indonesia Live – 23-seat Tata bus based on LP 713 showcased
- Indonesia Live – Tata Ace EX2, Xenon RX, Super Ace, LPT 913, Xenon CNG, Prima
- IAB Report – Modified Tata Aria showcased in Indonesia
- Report – Maruti working on low-cost hybrid technology for Alto, Swift
- IAB Report – Mahindra Xylo with body add-ons, dual-tone interior, updated suspension launched
- IAB Report – Yamaha India launches helmets for women and children
- Report – Toyota ‘Etios C’ under development to rival Honda City from 2016
- IAB Report – Tata Super Ace based ‘Angkot’ passenger van, Tipper shown at IIMS
- IAB Report – Tata Aria A-Tronic (Automatic Transmission) with more powerful engine debuts in Indonesia
- Report – 2014 Skoda Rapid 1.5 diesel gets 7-speed AT; Launch on Sept 25
- Indonesia Live – India-bound Honda Jazz, Jazz Mugen, Jazz Modulo
- Report – Honda Mobilio gets 20,000 bookings since launch
- IAB Report – Mahindra releases more teasers of new Scorpio
| [Updated] IAB Picks – 18 Indian car and bike launches in September 2014 Posted: 23 Sep 2014 06:15 AM PDT Note: The final pages of this list has been updated with new launches. With the festive season soon approaching, car and bike manufacturers are eyeing this period to see sizable volumes, with some companies expecting record sales in this time (September – November). As a result, expect the next couple of months to see plenty of action in new car and bike launches. Here are the anticipated new vehicles that will launch, or be available, or have their pre-launch bookings starting this month. 1. Maruti CiazThe Ciaz may have its market introduction planned for only by mid-October, however, bookings for the sedan start this week. Maruti is betting big on the Ciaz to hijack customers from the new Honda City and Verna. Detailed technical specifications of the Ciaz are available here. |
| IAB Report – Mahindra names upcoming scooter ‘Gusto'; Launch on Sept 29 Posted: 23 Sep 2014 05:34 AM PDT Calls it a global scooter. Mahindra Two Wheelers today announced that its upcoming scooter (codename: Mahindra G101) will be called as the Mahindra Gusto. The vehicle, powered by an M-TEC engine (displacement not mentioned) will be launched in the Northern and Western part of the country and in Nepal on September 29. The company has also announced that the Mahindra Gusto would be sold in South Asia, Latin America and Africa in “a few months”. Styled in Italy and developed at the company’s R&D facility in Pune, ‘Gusto’ is a derivative of ‘gust' which connotes “a sudden strong current of wind, symbolizing the spirit of freedom.” The scooter is described as having a stronger crankshaft and bearings, high inertia magneto, higher energy HT coil and a series regulator. Also Read: Mahindra Mojo showcased in Nepal Referring past reports, the Gusto would be powered by a 110 cc engine, to take the Honda Activa by the horns, and have a few segment-first features like the remote smart key. Competitors: Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Let’s Expected Price: INR 40,000 to 45,000, ex-showroom Launch Date: September 29 Mahindra Gusto – Press Release[Can't see the document above? Head to Slideshare] Mahindra Gusto – Spyshot gallery |
| IAB Report – 2014 VW Vento diesel AT launches tomorrow in India Posted: 23 Sep 2014 05:12 AM PDT Comes a day before the new Rapid. Official sources have confirmed that the 2014 VW Vento launches in India tomorrow. Much to everyone’s surprise, the VW Group has used the higher specification 7-speed dual clutch transmission on the 2014 Skoda Rapid (the Vento’s cousin sister) that will launch on the 25th (Thursday). The same powertrain will serve on the 2014 Vento. Exterior changes are limited to new headlamps, wheel designs and body colour options. [Image credit - Team-BHP.com] Inside, the biggest change on the diesel variant is the inclusion of the DSG automatic unit. Like the new Polo, the Vento will now come with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, revised instrument cluster with new MID, and silver inserts in the audio system area. Also Read: IAB’s review of the VW Polo 1.5L diesel Mechanically, the Vento will have its 1.6-liter TDI engine swapped for the new 1.5-liter TDI seen on the Polo. This engine is likely to make 105 PS (103.52 bhp) at 4,400 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,500-2,500 rpm. The 5-speed manual transmission will be a standard fitment, and the 7-speed DSG will come on select top-end variants. [Spy image from Team BHP] |
| Indonesia Live – 23-seat Tata bus based on LP 713 showcased Posted: 23 Sep 2014 04:32 AM PDT Body built by an outside company. A 23-seat bus based on the Tata LP 713 platform was showcased at the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS 2014). The top-hat of the bus is made by a coach builder. Seen in a dual-tone silver-and-green exterior color, the bus manages to look quite stylish. It gets two entry points, at the front and rear, and two emergency exits are seen on the other side. Inside, the bus has a seating capacity for 23 passengers, and judging by the design of the seats, it appears that it has been designed for inter-city travel rather than long distance journeys. Power for the bus comes from a 5,675 cc six-cylinder diesel engine capable of producing 130 PS (128.17 bhp) and 416 Nm of torque. The transmission is a 5-speed manual. The bus can hit a top-speed of 112 km/h, and can access gradients as steep as 30 percent. It has a turning circle of 13.5 meters and gets power steering. The LP 713 bus measures 7,125 mm in length, 2,092 mm in width and has a wheelbase of 3,800 mm. It’s GVW (gross vehicle weight) is 7,700 kg, and could find application as a school bus, or a tourist bus. 23-seat Tata LP 713 Bus at the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show – Image Gallery |
| Indonesia Live – Tata Ace EX2, Xenon RX, Super Ace, LPT 913, Xenon CNG, Prima Posted: 23 Sep 2014 03:39 AM PDT PT Tata Motors Distribusi Indonesia has showcased a range of commercial vehicles at the Indonesia International Motor Show 2014 (IIMS 2014). The Indian manufacturer market-launched the Ace EX2 (facelift) and the Prima truck at the show. Tata Xenon RXThe Xenon was showcased in its standard single cab pickup model and as a cold-storage transportation van. They are powered by a 3.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine capable of producing 73 PS (71.97 bhp) at 3,000 rpm and 223 Nm of torque between 1,600 – 2,200 rpm, and get a 5-speed manual transmission. Tata Xenon CNGThe Xenon CNG uses a 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine good for 101 PS (99.57 bhp) at 5,000 rpm and 161 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm, and gets a 5-speed manual gearbox. Tata Ace EX2The refreshed Ace gets a redesigned front fascia and a new dashboard. It is powered by a 702 cc twin-cylinder diesel engine capable of 16 bhp at 3,200 rpm and 38 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, and uses a 5-speed manual gearbox. An outdoor catering van based on the EX2 was also showcased at the show. Tata Super AceThe Super Ace gets its power from a 1.4-liter four-cylinder diesel engine good for 70 PS (69.01 bhp) at 4,500 rpm and 135 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm, and uses a 5-speed manual gearbox. Tata Prima LX 4023.SThe Prima was launched at the show, and the first truck was handed over to its customer. The LX 4023.S is powered by a 6.7-liter engine producing 227 bhp and 900 Nm of torque. It gets a 9-speed transmission. Tata LPT 913The 913 tipper seen here uses a 5,675 cc six-cylinder engine good for 130 PS (128.17 bhp) and 363 Nm of torque. Also Read: Tata Super Ace based 'Angkot' passenger van, Tipper shown at IIMS 2014 |
| IAB Report – Modified Tata Aria showcased in Indonesia Posted: 23 Sep 2014 03:16 AM PDT Changes purely cosmetic in nature. PT Tata Motors Distribusi Indonesia is showcasing a modified version of the Tata Aria at the ongoing 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS 2014). The SUV is given bumper extensions with a lower chin, a new expressive grille, large chrome wheels, side skirts, rear spoiler and wider tires. Inside, the dashboard and door handles of the car receive a faux wood finish, while the seats get a tan leather-like upholstery. Mechanically though, the Aria sees no changes. It continues to be powered by the 2.2-liter diesel engine which is good for 140 PS (138.02 bhp) and 320 Nm of torque. Indonesia is yet to get the updated Aria which sees a 10 PS increase in power. The Aria is available in Indonesia and elsewhere in the world with a 5-speed manual transmission only. Apart from the modified version, Tata also showcased the Aria A-Tronic with a 6-speed automatic transmission at the show. The standard Aria is priced at 268.3 million IDR (INR 13.64 lakhs). Modified Tata Aria at the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show – Image Gallery |
| Report – Maruti working on low-cost hybrid technology for Alto, Swift Posted: 23 Sep 2014 03:02 AM PDT To be offered in cars right from the Alto. In a bid to improve the fuel efficiency of its cars, Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, is working on affordable and low-cost hybrid technology. Over the next three to four years, the carmaker wants to introduce hybrid technology from the entry-level Alto till the Swift. According to sources who spoke to Economic Times, the development is in an advanced stage. A large portion of the work is being done in Japan, though Indian inputs are also being taken into account. Fuel efficiency gains in the range of 20 to 30 percent are being targeted. Maruti has showcased several electric and hybrid vehicles at motor exhibitions. Seen here is the SX4 Hybrid Concept at the 2010 Delhi Auto Expo. Maruti’s chairman, R C Bhargava, told the newspaper that he believes a low-cost hybrid system for small cars is necessary, and the company aims to recreate what it did with the AMT system. The AMT (automated manual transmission) adds the convenience of a clutch-less drive, yet it does not compromise on efficiency, and is only marginally pricier than a manual. The report says that the carmaker seriously believes in making hybrid technology affordable to masses. Also Read: Maruti Swift Range Extender (Hybrid) showcased at Auto Expo Under the proposed National Mission for Electric Mobility, 1.4 million electric and hybrid vehicles would be sold in 2020, and a minimum of 0.4 million tonnes of liquid fuel will be saved. Maruti Swift Range Extender Hybrid at the 2014 Auto Expo – Image GalleryMaruti SX4 Hybrid at the 2012 Auto Expo – Image Gallery[Source - Economic Times] |
| IAB Report – Mahindra Xylo with body add-ons, dual-tone interior, updated suspension launched Posted: 23 Sep 2014 02:28 AM PDT Available with two engine options. Mahindra has launched an updated version of the Xylo MPV today. On the outside, designers have given the MPV a chrome strip for the hood, new roof rails, side body decals and redesigned alloy wheels. The rear number plate enclosure gets a chrome strip too. Inside, changes are far more subtle. Revised seat fabrics, a dual-tone black-and-beige theme for the dashboard, a new instrument cluster, steering mounted audio and cruise controls and a Bluetooth-enabled music system are observed. Mechanically, Mahindra claim the suspension of the MPV will now offer a more comfortable ride and increased stability at higher speeds. The new Xylo is available with two engines to choose from. The base engine is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 95 PS (93.7 bhp) and 218 Nm of torque. The more powerful 2.2-liter mHawk makes 120 PS (118 bhp) and 280 Nm of torque. The mHawk is paired to the new 5MT320 gearbox, which will be introduced in the new Scorpio day after tomorrow. Also see: New Mahindra Scorpio teased again The Xylo range is priced between INR 7.52 lakhs to INR 10.93 lakhs, ex-Showroom, New Delhi. Refreshed Mahindra Xylo – Image Gallery |
| IAB Report – Yamaha India launches helmets for women and children Posted: 23 Sep 2014 02:20 AM PDT Yamaha Motor India Sales pvt ltd yesterday unveiled its exclusive line of helmets for women and children. This action comes on the back of the Delhi government’s move to make it mandatory for women pillion riders also to wear helmets. The helmets will be available at all Yamaha dealerships across the country and are priced between INR 990 and INR 1,380. For women, there are 3 helmets available, ‘Elmo’, ‘Avion’ and ‘Cosmo’ while for children there are the ‘Whiteknight’, ‘Blueking’ and, ‘Blackstar’ models. While the women’s helmets are priced at INR 1,175, INR 1,380 and INR 990 respectively, the helmets for children are priced at INR 1,350 for all models. All helmets were conceived and developed by Yamaha India Sales pvt ltd and are ISI certified, says the company. Roy Kurian, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Yamaha Motor India Sales pvt ltd, welcomed the Delhi government’s move. The launch of the helmets for women and children comes close on the heels of the Delhi government’s move to make helmets for women pillion riders mandatory. Yamaha India’s moves to increase rider safety and awareness include campaigns such as Yamaha Safe Riding Science for college students, Yamaha Female Riding Training for women, Yamaha Children Safety Program for school kids and the Yamaha Driver Safety Program for truck drivers. The company also recently unveiled its first mascot – termed ‘Zippy’ – to promote the Yamaha Children Safety Program for both parents and children. Yamaha helmets for women and children – Press Release[Can't view the document? Head to SlideShare] |
| Report – Toyota ‘Etios C’ under development to rival Honda City from 2016 Posted: 23 Sep 2014 02:04 AM PDT Based on the Etios’s platform. A report on the Economic Times says that Toyota is working on a mid-size sedan offering, which is slated for an Indian launch in late 2016. Three people with knowledge about the new car have confirmed to the newspaper. The Honda City rival from Toyota will be based on the Etios’s platform, and the car is internally named ‘Etios C’ or Etios Core. The development work on the car has already begun, and when launched, it will slot between the Etios sedan and the Corolla Altis in TKM’s (Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s) lineup. On their part, TKM refused to comment on the product. Analysts say that TKM is easily able to sell products in the premium segment (Innova, Fortuner and Corolla), but has seen less success in selling entry-level products like the Liva and Etios. It is to be noted that the Etios was developed specifically with the Indian market in mind. Also read: 2015 Toyota Etios with new steering, infotainment spotted in Brazil The Etios C will naturally come with petrol and diesel engine options. Initially, the company plans to sell about 40,000 – 50,000 units per annum, and will see better productivity at TKM’s second factory in Bidadi, Karnataka. Competitors: Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Sunny, Maruti Ciaz Expected Price: INR 7.5-11 lakhs, ex-Showroom Launch date: Late 2016 Toyota Vios TRD Sportivo – Image Gallery (Unrelated)[Source - Economic Times] |
| IAB Report – Tata Super Ace based ‘Angkot’ passenger van, Tipper shown at IIMS Posted: 23 Sep 2014 01:48 AM PDT Modularity of the Super platform displayed. PT Tata Motors Distribusi Indonesia is showcasing various derivations on the Tata Super Ace at the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS 2014). Tata Super Ace ‘Angkot’ Passenger VanThe Tata Angkot was first shown at last year’s IIMS. This year, the model seems production ready. It should be noted that Tata themselves do not make the Angkot, rather it is outsourced to vehicle body builders. The intercity van has a single side entry point for rear passengers, and comes with side-facing bench seats at the back. While the design of the Angkot is relatively straight forward, the taillights bear high similarity to that of the Innova’s (or are they the Innova’s?). Tata Super Ace AmbulanceA Super Ace based ambulance was to be seen at this year’s IIMS. Apart from the ambulance livery and lights, the van gets long taillight units, a side entry and a rear hatch. Tata Super Ace TipperThe Super Ace platform is flexible enough to have a small tipper mounted, as seen in these images. There are no mechanical changes carried out to the powertrain, and it continues to use the 1.4-liter four-cylinder diesel motor good for 70 PS (69.01 bhp) and 135 Nm of torque. If launched in India, it would compete with the upcoming Ashok Leyland Dost Tipper. Tata Motors also displayed a water can carrier and a goods transporter application on the Super Ace, on the same chassis. Tata Super Ace water can carrierTata Super Ace goods carrier |
| Posted: 22 Sep 2014 11:57 PM PDT The engine is retuned for more power and torque. Tata Motors is showcasing the Tata Aria A-Tronic at the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS 2014). The Aria A-Tronic is the automatic transmission variant of the car with a more powerful diesel engine. Powering the Aria A-Tronic is the 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 156 PS (153.8 bhp) at 4,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1,700 – 2,700 rpm. For reference, the Aria sold currently makes 150 PS (147.8 bhp) at 4,000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque between 1,500 – 3,000 rpm. The drive is handled by a new 6-speed automatic transmission, as compared to the 5-speed manual currently seen. Visual differences in the Aria A-Tronic come in the form of fender badges, and clear lens taillights seen on the refreshed Aria. Tata did not announce the price at the show, nor did it speak about the market launch of this variant. However this is not the first time Tata is showcasing an automatic transmission on the Aria abroad. At the 2013 edition of the Geneva Motor Show, the Aria facelift was shown with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Tata Aria A-Tronic at the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show – Image Gallery |
| Report – 2014 Skoda Rapid 1.5 diesel gets 7-speed AT; Launch on Sept 25 Posted: 22 Sep 2014 11:41 PM PDT Has a higher fuel efficiency. Skoda Auto India will launch the Rapid with the 1.5-liter TDI diesel engine on September 25. The 1.5 TDI replaces the 1.6 TDI unit, while also adding the convenience of an automatic transmission. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 103.52 bhp at 4,400 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,500 – 2,500 rpm. The engine will come with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, while the mid-spec Ambition and top-end Elegance trims will get a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It should be noted that even the more expensive Octavia and Superb diesels get a 6-speed DSG. The Rapid manual is good for 21.14 km/l and the automatic achieves 21.6 km/l in the ARAI tests. For reference, the current Rapid TDI achieves 20.5 km/l. In terms of features, the top-end Rapid will come with cruise control, ESP (for the DSG variants) and parking sensors as new features. Also see: VW Vento facelift diesel DSG spotted at a dealership On the design front, the Rapid continues unchanged. However, Skoda will offer a Black pack on the top-end Elegance trim which adds tinted headlights, black alloy wheels, black foglight enclosures, grille and wing mirrors. The Black pack is likely to cost an additional INR 20,000 over the standard car. Competitor: Hyundai Verna 1.6 Diesel AT Expected Price: INR 10.5 lakhs ex-Showroom for Diesel AT Launch date: September 25, 2014 2014 Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI DSG – Image Gallery[Images from Autocar India] |
| Indonesia Live – India-bound Honda Jazz, Jazz Mugen, Jazz Modulo Posted: 22 Sep 2014 11:32 PM PDT PT Honda Prospect Motor has showcased three currently selling Honda Jazz variants – Jazz, Jazz Modulo and Jazz Mugen – at the ongoing Indonesia International Motor Show 2014 (IIMS 2014). Honda JazzThe Jazz went on sale in Indonesia in the month of June across three trim levels, Type A, Type S and Type RS. All variants come with the City's 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine that puts out 120 PS (118.2 bhp) and 145 Nm of torque. Transmission options are a 5-speed manual gearbox and a CVT automatic. Irrespective of the variant, front dual airbags are standard on the new Jazz. The top-end RS, apart from having a full body kit, receives cruise control, engine starter button, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearlever. Honda Jazz ModuloThe Modulo add-on pack comes with new grille, side skirts, roof spoiler, body stripes, contrast mirror caps, alloy wheels, rear spoiler and dual tone seat covers with contrasting red stitching. Honda Jazz MugenThe Mugen kit endows the car with a glossy black grille, lip spoiler, tri-coloured body striping, fake carbon fiber mirror caps, wind deflector, rear spoiler, LED taillight element and dual chrome-finished exhaust tips. The interior is appointed with sport seats, leather-wrapped gear shifter, floor mats with red border and after-market dials on the dashboard. The Modulo and Mugen packs can be purchased separately and fitted to any variant of the Jazz. Honda Cars India earlier this year confirmed the new Jazz’s launch in the first quarter of next year. |
| Report – Honda Mobilio gets 20,000 bookings since launch Posted: 22 Sep 2014 09:43 PM PDT The Mobilio outsold the Ertiga last month. Honda Cars India’s new product, the Mobilio, has received 20,000 bookings so far. The MPV was launched two months ago, and competes with the Maruti Ertiga primarily. Last month, the Mobilio overtook the Ertiga in terms of sales by selling 5,530 units. For Honda’s Indian operations, the Mobilio accounted for nearly a third of domestic sales in August, and even forced the company to relocate production of the City sedan to the Tapukara plant in Rajasthan. Priced between INR 6.49 lakhs to INR 11.54 lakhs (ex-Showroom, New Delhi), the Mobilio is offered with a petrol and a diesel engine option. The 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol makes 119 PS (117.32 bhp) of power and 145 Nm of torque, while the 1.5-liter diesel does with 100 PS (98.59 bhp) and 200 Nm of torque. Both engines are available with 5-speed manual transmissions. The Mobilio claims to deliver 17.3 km/l in petrol guise and 24.2 km/l with the diesel engine. Also see: 2-row Honda Mobilio with black dashboard launched in Thailand Going forth, Honda will launch the new generation Jazz in March next year. The Jazz is expected to come with a 1.2-liter petrol and a 1.5-liter diesel engine. Honda Mobilio – Image Gallery[Source - Economic Times] |
| IAB Report – Mahindra releases more teasers of new Scorpio Posted: 22 Sep 2014 09:26 PM PDT Engine options carried over from current model. In a buildup to its launch on September 25, Mahindra has revealed two new teaser images of the new Scorpio. The company is running a contest on its social media channels, Facebook and Twitter, where it has teased the 17-inch alloy wheel and the silver-finished fender bezel of the car. The new Scoprio rides on a ‘third generation’ chassis which is reported to get a hydroformed manufacturing process. The SUV will be offered with a 2.5-liter m2DiCr engine (in the base S2 trim) and the 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine (on all other variants). The 2.2-liter will get a revised 5-speed manual gearbox and an automatic transmission will not be offered. Sporting a new front fascia, designers have given the Scorpio LED daytime running lights, projector headlights, a black grille with chrome accents, 17-inch alloy wheels and new bumpers. The rear sees changes to the taillights and back door, with grab handles having been added for easier entry/exit. Also see: Old vs New – New Mahindra Scorpio vs older model The Scorpio, despite its age and newer competitors, continues to rule the SUV market. Average monthly sales for this year was at 4,022 units. Competitors: Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, Tata Safari Storme Expected Price: INR 8.5-13 lakhs, ex-showroom Launch date: September 25 |
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