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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
CARMA
India’s First Free Automotive e-magazine
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Vignesh Venkatakrishnan Ramakrishnan Praveen Srikanth Anjan Ravi Shreyas Hande Sunil Rao Raghavan Ravi Sathyajith Saishridhar Sai Srinivasan Swathi I.
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
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Previews
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Audi Q3 Ford EcoSport Volvo S60
Exclusives Solar World GT MMST Shootout
Features CARMA Tips Deeply Dismantled
MA i5
Used car Reviews Ford Figo
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
The SolarWorld GT
Nearly a decade ago, when the world was still a relatively peaceful place, I found myself reading a copy of the imported car magazine Car&Driver. I was mainly scouring the magazine for pictures of ‘foreign’ cars as people used to call them then. However, I reached a particular page which featured an event held in the USA. The cars featured in this event looked very very different and very radical such that I was disgusted with the plethora of humps and eggshell like shapes with tiny wheels half covered with black plastic. Years later, I found out that these ‘eggshell’ like shapes were called the Morelli design and the sci-
ence of these shapes is called Aerodynamics. Now why am I bringing up this topic you might wonder? Well for a start, as soon as I saw the pictures of the SolarWorld GT, Mr.Morelli was the first thing to pop across my head. Its really hard to imagine that this car which is powered completely by solar panels was designed and developed by a bunch of college students! In fact when the issue covering was being designed, some of the Carma staff thought the car was going backwards! This is the radical-ness I was talking about earlier.
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Let me give you a brief intro to the SolarWorld GT before the captain of the team takes over in his interview. What you’ve read about this car so far is absolutely right. This is indeed a car completely powered by solar panels and it can achieve a top speed of up to 100km/h! Thats better than the Reva! And yes, the car was completely designed and made by the students of Bochum University. The car is now being driven across the world to showcase just how effective and useful solar power can
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be. And yes you read that right, Driven Across The World! Three stages throughout Australia, New Zealand and USA have been successfully completed. The third stage was finished on the 22nd of March. Main sponsor is the Solarworld AG, which supports the project with dedication.
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Q The SolarWorld GT has come out in an excellent manner. However you must have faced a few challenges during the process of making it. The main challenge was to get the car road legal. Normally all cars we developed in our solar car project are for the world solar challenge in Australia. After we got the impulse from outside for a circumnavigation - at this time we have actually been in the building process of the car - we decided to make some changes and add some additional things to get the car road legal, because we were able to imagine how difficult it would be to get this car around the world not road legal. Another very difficult thing was the planning process for the tour itself. We know Australia and the US from different solar challenges but Europe, Russia and Asia are totally different things. So we had to set up a work group that would work on the planning for all parts of the trip continuously. I think that’s the two major task we had to find solutions. Q That is an interesting process you described. So how do you find the car in general? A year and half year before we present SolarWorld GT to the public we started with a brainstorming and creating process based on all of our experiences we had made in the past twelve years. What should be the main features of the car? Two doors, open spaced interior, should look like a sporty car, full carbon body etc. Then we started with splitting the car in all main parts and groups for started developing these constructions parallel to the development of the body structure.
Q An important question I often ask manufacturers and research students is this. Between Speed and Efficiency, which parameter did you prioritize more? Efficiency, definitely. The car can run up to 100 km/h but the focus was on an efficient engine and battery pack. We have a range of around 400km when powered only by the battery.
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Q I think the fact that the car can run at 100km/h and stil be efficient is a remarkable aspect. I think the top speed of your car is pretty good considering that the speed limit imposed in coun tries like the UK is 110km/h (70mph) In fact you might have heard of the Indian company Maini which makes the Reva in India and exports it to the UK and Europe as the G-Whiz. Despite having the car for nearly a decade, it still cannot match both, the speed and efficiency of the SolarWorld GT! However do tell me, how has the car behaved throughout the journey? We had some problems at the beginning of our tour with electrical parts but we could solve all of them. Well, a more difficult task was to solve the problems in our front chassis. But we learned a lot out of that and could develop the parts to the strangeness level that we need. Till the middle of the US tour the car was still running without major problems, just some of the tires has to be changed. So now we have a really reliable car. Q You indeed have an extremely reliable little car. I use the word ‘little’ judging by the photographs, but was there any design inspiration for the car? Yes its called the Morelli Shape. It’s the best aerodynamic body form you can find and that’s the base of our body development. Sure, a lot of design parts and things influenced the final look but Morelli has been our base of body development for the past five years. Q The Morelli shape seems to be a favorite nowadays.Realistically, how much would you price your car if it were on sale in the market? This is something we don’t think ever about. But the price must be over a million euros because of the cost of the development process, the manufacturing, the thousands of man hours and the pricey high quality materials. So for commercial production we have to change a lot of things and honestly to develop some parts better so as to have a car that people want to buy and that which is in an appropriate price range. Q Well I’m sure you will get there some day. But do you think a solar car is the future? Is it the answer to the crisis, which, every country seems to be facing regarding a clean and green fuel? It is a part of the future. Maybe not in ten years because there is a lot of work we have to put in the development of batteries and solar cells. However we can show now, how you can regenerate the necessary energy for your grid with less individual mobility. So I think they are a way in the future and they help us to develop all important aspects of the whole system(energy resource, storage and using). By Anjan Ravi As spoken to Tim Skerra, Studying industrial engineering(business and civil engineering) Head of circumnavigation from the students side. www.autocarma.in 06
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LUVing the Suzuki Ertiga! When Maruti Ertiga was launched in the Delhi Auto Expo 2012 in January, it took the
market by surprise because with the launch of this MPV, Maruti have covered all the segments in which cars are made. Previously named RIII concept which featured in the Delhi Auto Expo 2010, the Ertiga derives its name from Indonesian language. Ertiga actually means three rows. Although the looks and features clearly indicate that it is a Multi Purpose Vehicle, Ertiga is positioned in the sub-segment of Utility vehicles and this new segment is called as LUV-Life Utility Vehicle by Maruti. With this, Maruti officials claim they have created an entirely new segment in the Indian auto industry. Ertiga is the first utility vehicle which is targeted as a premium product and is equipped with such features which attract urban audience.
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Ertiga’s expected engine performance The seven-seater MPV or rather, LUV, is available in both petrol and diesel variants and three different trims. Based on Maruti Swift’s platform, Maruti Ertiga petrol is fitted with an all new 1.4 litre 1372cc K series (K14B) engine that produces a maximum power of 95 Ps at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 130 Nm at 4000 rpm. Being the K-Series engine, the USP of these engines is that they are more fuel efficient. The claimed mileage of Petrol Ertiga is 16.02 kmpl in highways and 12kmpl in city roads. The 1.3 L 1196cc DDiS Super Turbo diesel engine is the other engine that powers the LUV. The Maruti Ertiga diesel produces 90 Ps at 4000 rpm and 200 Nm at 1750 rpm. The claimed mileage of Diesel Ertiga is 20.77 kmpl in highways and 15 kmpl in city roads. Maruti MPV has a five speed manual transmission system and the car is front wheels
Design and Interiors
Maruti Ertiga is a proper seven-seater with foldable rear seats to increase the boot space. From the outside Ertiga looks like a mix of Swift and Ritz, more like an extended version of the same. Inside, it features three rows of front facing seats; the last row is strictly for kids (seriously, no leg space at all). Ertiga is based on Maruti Swift’s platform. Light weight materials contribute majorly in giving the interiors a more luxurious look. Decent leg room is available in the first two rows of seats.
drive and sports fine quality interiors, which makes it more appealing. Both petrol and diesel versions of the car come coupled to a five speed manual transmission as standard. All variants of the car are compatible with the new generation BS-IV emission norms, thanks to the Maruti’s new age K series engine, which is not only better in fuel efficiency, but also emits lower Co2 in the environment, the engines are refined too. Since the passenger cabin is too close to the engine bay, noise levels are bound to be more than normal inside the cabin. To prevent this, Maruti’s engineers have covered the engine bay with sound-deadening material and hydraulic engine mounts (for reducing vibrations).
The boot space isn’t that much but you can increase the same by folding the 2nd and 3rd row of seats. The dash and steering of Ertiga is similar to the new Swift but in combination of black and beige. The fully loaded variant of Ertiga comes with steering mounted audio controls, manual HVAC and dash-integrated music system. As far as safety is concerned, the top model of Maruti Ertiga (ZXi and ZDi) features dual airbags and ABS with EBD.
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Variants
The top-model of Ertiga (ZXi and ZDi) comes fully loaded with these features: Driver and Passenger Airbag, ABS, EBD plus Brake Assist, Security Alarm System: Door and Hood Sensing, Immobilizer, Information display integrated into meter cluster, Seat belt reminder (driver’s seat only ), Door left open reminder, Light-on and key-on reminder, Low fuel warning, Power steering, Tilt able steering wheel column, Steering wheel mounted audio controls, AC with heater, 2nd row AC, Radio,
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CD player and USB input, Power Windows, Central locking, Key-less entry, Internally adjustable ORVMs, ORVM mounted side turn indicators, Remote fuel lid opener, Body colored bumpers, Front fog lamps, Rear fog lamp, High mounted stop lamp, Front intermittent wipers and washer, Rear window defogger and Rear wiper and washer. All the variants of Maruti Ertiga is priced between Rs 5. 89 lakh – Rs. 8.45 lakh(ex-showroom Delhi)
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Exteriors and other specs. Maruti Ertiga exteriors are inspired from Ritz hatchback especially if styling is considered. In the front, the nose of car looks very similar to that of Ritz, with its slot-like grille and outward protruding bonnet. The radiator grille contains the Suzuki emblem. However, the lower part or chin of Ertiga is quite unlike Ritz, which is much wide and bulky. The air inlet in between the body color bumper is large complementing a MPV look and so are the enclosures that house the fog lights. The headlights are more
or less Swift type with bulged appearance and sweeping sideward. Ertiga LUV comes with tinted rear windscreen wrapping itself around the back rendering the MPV a ‘pillar-less’ look from the back. Even a wiper and defogger can be noticed on the rear windscreen. The tiny tail-lamps seem to have been designed with cost rather than visibility in mind. Body color bumpers continue at the rear also. The boot is not very spacious because of three seats in the MPV.
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The top end models of Maruti Ertiga features splendid 15 inches of alloy wheels with tyre of 185/65 size. These alloy wheels give the entire vehicle a sporty look along with 185mm of high ground clearance. The base and mid variants get steel wheels of same tire size. The mid variants get full wheel covers. Maruti Ertiga ensures superb handling and brakes in
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the car with front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The front suspension of this MPV comprise of independent Macpherson struts, while the rear suspension includes nonindependent, torsion beam. Genuine turning circle radius and less body roll ensures great stability in Ertiga. The steering is also light weighted and good to handle.
The Final Say. This LUV is aimed at the great Indian family is totally worth the esteemed Maruti Suzuki who look for the cheap and best quality. With badge and would have a major share of the its compact and luxurious interiors, elegant market in the coming months. looks and a cost effective price tag; this car
LUVed by Shreyas Hande www.autocarma.in
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Car accessories, stereo, alloys and multibrand automobile spare parts.
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Deeply Dismantled An overview of the clutch system.
Have you ever wondered when you sit back at the traffic signals, why the vehicle doesn’t move even though you don’t switch off your engine?? Well yeah, you can say you’ve applied the brakes... The brake when applied, just stops the wheel from movement. So what about the power that the engine constantly produces? Does the engine have a sixth sense to recognise and stop at the traffic signals? Unfortunately....no. The master behind this whole operation is the clutch of an automobile. The clutch unit is generally found in between the engine and gearbox. Generally when you take driving classes the instructors ask you to press the clutch pedal and only then apply the brake. This is also for the efficient transmission of power.
Transmission of power in common terms means the transfer of power from one part to another part. More precisely, if the vehicle has to move, the wheel has to rotate and to rotate the wheel something has to give the power. The engine has the capacity to produce power. The clutch acts like a communication link between the engine and the wheel. Again, you never hear the term ‘clutch’ more accurately, it is called as the clutch plate. The clutch system is basically an arrangement of several plates in a described fashion. The plates generally found in clutch system are: • • •
Clutch plate, Friction plate; and Pressure plate.
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The pressure plate is near the gear box end. engine is not based on the clutch pedal actuThere are number of springs present in be- ation but based on the pressure. The springs tween the clutch and pressure plate. present compress and expand under pressure thereby the clutch works. The pressure is by Here is a simplified explanation for the working hydraulic systems. Amazing, isn’t it?? of the clutch: Apart from the manual and automatic modes, The flywheel begins to rotate taking the out- there is yet another system which offers us put of the engine. When the clutch plate is in best of both the world’s known as the ‘semicontact with the flywheel it takes up the power automatic transmission’ or DCT (dual-clutch and sends it to the wheels via the gearbox. So transmission). In these two clutches are prewhen you press the clutch pedal, the clutch sent which work independently actuated by plate no longer remains in contact with the hydraulic, pneumatic or electronic stimuli. flywheel and hence there the power does not One set of clutch is assigned for odd gears transmit. while other works for even gears. Dry and wet clutches are a simple classification based on the lubricating fluid’s presence or absence. Plate clutches are mostly of single plate, multi plate and conical types. In all of which pressure and friction plates are present. However in multi plate a sandwiched layer of these plates is formed. Conical has a bent structure at the ends and hence the name. Centrifugal clutches are also used in some cars. It is important to note that all these clutches are used only in manual transmission. Coming to an automatic transmission system you will be surprised to find that there is no clutch pedal in the driver’s cabin! Of course, there is a clutch system in the automobile, only difference is that the engagement and disengagement of the clutch with the flywheel of
Typically the term no clutch is a misnomer. There is always a clutch present or some similar system similar to it in an automobile. Clutch slip is also one of the common terms used. As mentioned earlier in the working the clutch plate is in contact with the flywheel. If the clutch pedal is pressed and released continuously the contact goes on and off. This is called as clutch slip. However in drag racing this is generally done a lot of times. But it is not advisable to let your clutch slip when you drive. Also drivers are advised to keep their foot on the floor board and not the clutch pedal when waiting at traffic signals. So the next time you drive your car, make sure you know your clutch picture perfectly!
By Swathi I
Are you a new reader? Catch the earlier Deeply Dismantled articles: The IC Engine in CARMA i3 The automobile gearbox in CARMA i4 www.autocarma.in
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Can ‘It’ be the future? believed, even by ‘It’ standards). Since ‘It’ floats on a cushion of air, ‘It’ can reach speeds several hundred hours per kilometer if required. Also, being compact, ‘It’ is more versatile and maneuverable than even your present day airAll you need to know about ‘It’ is this: ‘It’ can crafts. And thus, ‘It’ can travel through differtake you anywhere you want. On this earth, ent environments with equal speed and ease. that is. From the meanderings of the azure brooks in Amazon forests to the level sands of Even though ‘It’ zooms in and out of multiple Kalahari. From the spacious 23 lane freeway in landscapes at such high speeds, accidents are San Francisco to the one way crowded streets almost unheard of thanks to the anti-collision of Kolkata. If you still haven’t guessed it, ‘It’ is system ‘It’ comes loaded with. The anti-collision system consists of sensors that use LI—to put it bluntly—an automobile. DAR (Light Detection And Ranging) which Only, we are talking about ‘It’ in the year 2079. constantly update ‘It’ on the obstructions. This, Now, if you are wondering how ‘It’ can traverse coupled with GPS that constantly notifies ‘It’ terrains so diverse, let me remind you, this is ‘It’ of not only ‘It’s own location but also about we are talking about. ‘It’ has come a long way the location of other ‘It’’S in the vicinity, defrom the wooden wheels, horse driven wagons centralized traffic with a lot of airspace (reto the alloy wheels, fuel guzzling cars of your member, ‘It’ does not require roads to deterera. In fact, ‘It’ does not even have wheels. ‘It’ mine ‘It’s course) and air bags housed in every is driven by an anti-gravity propulsion sys- conceivable corner of ‘It’, makes accidents and tem enabling ‘It’ to float several feet above ‘It’ almost mutually exclusive. So much so that ground (Recently, a group of ‘It’ developers insurance companies had to invent new polihave claimed of having developed an ‘It’ that cies for them – covering only natural disasters can be launched into low earth orbits for short that cause unforeseen damage, not collisions. durations of time, but that is too much to be That is ‘It’. Don’t ask me what ‘It’ is. Don’t ask me why ‘It’ is called ‘It’. Don’t ask me what kind of name ‘It’ is. Just know that ‘It’ is ‘It’. Because you need not know more.
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CARMA | CARS UNLIMITED Now since fossil fuels are not in existence any more (I would like to give you due credit for having made this possible), the fuel that ‘It’ uses is hydrogen. Instead of storing ‘It’ in the bulk liquid or gas form, which is extremely dangerous to handle and store (yes, Hindenburg is not forgotten even now), Hydrogen is stored in single-walled carbon nanotubes, making the fuel tank miniscule and light weight. Some newer versions of ‘It’ are powered by miniature nuclear power plants which use the less volatile thorium instead of uranium making ‘It’ to last for decades in just one fill.
APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5 not too fond of. The whole structure of ‘It’ is made up of carbon fiber shells and reinforced steel which makes ‘It’ exceptionally immune to corrosion and unperturbed by what we might call air friction—creep friction is the technical word used.
Holographic projections and accessories completely personalized for the owner lend the last touch of luxury to ‘It’. Something which I’m enjoying completely right now. Right now. Right now, I’m driving my ‘It’ in your territory in your TIME. You see, spatial dimensions aren’t the only ones ‘It’ can travOkay. So ‘It’ is Fast and furious but what about erse. durability? Wear and tear is a phrase that ‘It’ is Adyasha Dash for Pulse72+
Did you know ?
The vehicle in the picture above is the Honda FCX Clarity. This Honda runs on a hydrogen fuel cell. It demonstrates electric car qualities such as zero emissions while offering 5 minute refueling times and long range in a full function large sedan. Follow CARMA on Facebook and Twitter to know more! www.autocarma.in
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Audi is Qing up the 3. Where? Right next to the X1! A Crossover is a vehicle built on a car plat-
form, combining features of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a passenger vehicle (station wagon or hatchback) in highly variable degrees. You would be wondering where we are heading with this Quentin Tarantino style opening- Yes, we are steering towards the one and only Audi Q3. This CUV shares a platform with the Volkswagen Tiguan and is clearly aimed at hunting down BMW’s X1. So I couldn’t help but compare the two beasts. The release of Q3 is
most appropriate now at a time when the sedans are losing out on popularity and the elite Indian groups are switching to SUVs. ‘Make hay while the sun shines’, they say and the Germans have done exactly that. The Q3 is indeed the smallest SUV and looks pretty similar to Q5 though shorter in length and wheelbase. Also, it is taller and wider than the X1. A ground clearance of 170 mm is paltry and proves that it is an off roader just on paper. Seriously, who would take their toy worth 40 lakh off road? For those who wouldthey would be really disappointed.
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Q3 is available in two engine variants– a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine and a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol mill. The initial batch would be fully imported from Spain and would have the acclaimed Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi has included the seven-speed S-tronic twin-clutch transmission (DSG) to make the car hotter. Hats off for that! The transverse engine layout is an interesting twist as it helps cut down the cost to a greater extent. The engine puts out 177 PS of power and 380 Nm of torque and provides and ego boost for the driver when he actualizes the raw power at the disposal of his foot.
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accommodate tall people easily. But the rear seats are cramped due to narrow space and so, though it is marketed as a 5 seater, in reality it is only a four seater
The Q3 is equipped with a stiffer suspension to offset the height disadvantage in its quest for superior dynamics. Though the X1 owners would be cursing themselves when they experience the smoothness of the Q3 on a decent stretch of tarmac, Q3 gets as bumpy as it can on bad roads. Off – roader? This? No way! The Rear seat can be folded in a 60:40 split or entirely to make way for a flat cargo bay. The Q3 clearly takes a dig at X1 by having a spare The interiors are top notch and way better wheel included. You thought you can get away than the X1. Front seats are too good and can with that BMW? www.autocarma.in
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Yeah. The Q3 likes to pose as well. www.autocarma.in
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It is a show-off too. The Q3 is also equipped with disc brakes on all 4 wheels, ABS, EBD and an emergency brake assist system as expected. The Quattro engine ensures superior grip and handling. In fact, the whole car is filled with electronic systems that you need the manual to decode some of the displays. Audi has moved on from classy cars to including flashy elements in the design. The point being stressed is that it is not just a competition for X1,
but a higher version- in the price category. This SUV is clearly targeted at youngsters who have rich dads. Imagine going to a 5 star hotel and eating Idlis while your mom sits by your side and shouts at the top of her voice that she can cook for ten more people at the same cost. That is exactly the situation. A Pajero or a luxury sedan can do better than Q3 but the coveted four words make the whole thing cool. A-U-D-I!
Qing behind the Q3. Sathyajith Saishridhar www.autocarma.in
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The Ford EcoSport
I’m sorry for not giving an introductory paragraph which usually deals with the manufacturer or the country associating them or something like that. This is going to be an extremely crisp preview of the Ford EcoSport, now that we have a good look at the interiors
and the exteriors of the production ready car. This is going to be like a test drive without actually driving the car and I’m sure I’ll be correct in whatever I describe about the car in the following pages.
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The EcoSport was conceived keeping in mind the current difficulties we are facing with regard to fuel cost, fuel economy, space and everything which the common Indian man wants. And as we all know, we are a tough bunch of people to please. Ford has got the design bang on! The EcoSport looked stunning in its concept form with its butch stance and the elegant and classy, Aston Martin type, front grille. This new grille by the way, is the highlight of Ford’s new design concept also seen in the American version of the New Mondeo shown in the picture. Yes, if Aston Martin decided to make a small executive saloon, this is what it would look like and the news gets even better as this is what future Ford’s would look like. The EcoSport takes on the grille and headlamp design as can be seen and the car looks brilliant. Anyway, the production version of the EcoSport looks exactly like the concept, sans the LED headlamp cluster and I can say that I saw that coming. Otherwise, the car looks well proportioned and qualifies for the usage of the word “Mini-SUV” and this is something we like a lot! Score: Ford! Now, the interiors. As can be seen from the picture, the interiors are a neat copy-paste job from the New Fiesta. I can’t say that I’m entirely pleased by this. I really wanted something more interesting from Ford. However, I’m more worried about the interior quality. You see, the New Fiesta is not what one would associate with the phrase ‘Excellent Build Quality’ or ‘German Precision’. No. The quality of the materials in the Fiesta is pretty bad for the price you pay and I really hope this is not the case with the EcoSport. I do, however, like the design of the instrument cluster which houses the neat speedo and tachometer dials.
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India will be getting a right side steering kit. Not to worry! From what can be seen on the images, standard equipment includes the usual array of Dual Airbags, ABS, climate control, music system with iPod and USB, Bluetooth and electric folding mirrors. Also featured is the Ford Command System which is voice activated. There also seems to be a keyless entry with push button start on offer. What really caught my eye was the availability of Traction Control and the Electronic Stability Program. These features really take the EcoSport to an entirely new level and I hope what I see is what Ford launches the EcoSport with. Fingers crossed on that. Now for the engine and transmission, Ford has already announced the debut of the all new Ford EcoBoost engine. This is actually a 3 cylinder, 1000cc engine which is turbo-charged and uses some really efficient and innovative technologies to produce 120bhp of power and 170Nm of torque! Now for less automative crazy people, let me give you a basis for comparison. The Hyundai Verna, which has a 4 cylinder 1600cc Variable Valve Timing System engine
produces the same amount of power and even less torque! The EcoBoost engine is truly remarkable and as a result of its turbocharging, expect the car to have impressive in-gear acceleration. The advantage of using a turbo is that is directly reduces the fuel consumed by increasing the pressure of the air taken in. Ford claims a reduction of fuel consumption by up to 20%. Accompanying the EcoBoost engine are a pair of gearboxes. The first one, the conventional manual, would be a 5 speed and given Ford’s history, would be an extremely smooth shifting manual not depriving a driving enthusiast of the pleasure. The second option would be that of a 6 speed dual clutch automatic also seen doing duty in the New Fiesta. I really can’t think of two better gearboxes to compliment the engine. In fact I think the DSG auto would be better to drive considering that a DSG makes very good use of turbo charged engines. Its like going to Baskin-Robbins and ordering Bavarian Chocolate. You just can’t go wrong with it.
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Apart from unbelievable ground clearance, the Eco sport’s short frame over-hang results in great departure and apprach angles. Ride and handling are important characteristics in a Ford. Once again it would be safe to say that the EcoSport would offer a brilliant mix of both. Do not be fooled by its SUV stance and high ground clearance, this is a Ford. As for the ride quality, I think it would be very good and would suit Indian roads considering that the EcoSport has a massive 200mm ground clearance. Which brings me to my next point and the question most people are asking. Can you go off-road in this? Well, yes to an extent. You can certainly go over extremely bad tarmac and places where there are no roads. Ford has even given the approach and departure angles and its safe to say that the EcoSport would certainly do a bit of offroad driving. The fact that the EcoSport can wade through 550mm of water is an added bonus. You need not think twice of taking this car deep into the Himalayas or crossing small
streams of water even. Finally, the price. This is the only aspect uncertain in this preview. I really hope Ford gets it right as I love the EcoSport. This could do to Ford what the XUV500 did to Mahindra; creating a huge waiting list! I really think Ford would have understood by now that they should price it aggressively considering that the Renault Duster is also right around the corner and is a worthy match for the EcoSport. Renault would definitely have a killer pricing for the Duster considering that it shares a lot of interior components with the Logan (now Verito) and as we all know, the more dull and boring the interior of a car is, the cheaper it is. Ford India, please do NOT do what you did with the New Fiesta. Get the pricing right. And then be prepared to issue waiting lists and lucky draw numbers!
Anjan Ravi www.autocarma.in
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CARMA TIPS
APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Top 15 ways to maintain your car!
1.
Keep all the fluids and oils clean and topped up.
2.
Pay attention to your car’s instrument panel. If the “check engine”, “Low oil pressure”, “Brakes” or any other warning light comes on while driving, have your vehicle looked at as soon as you can.
3.
Keep a check on engine temperature. If u notice any unusual increase in engine tem perature get your vehicle checked.
4. Leaks, irregular noises, unusual smell, difference in the engine performance, occasional sputtering, grease splattered on the wheels, different feel of the brake pedal - these are the types of early signs that indicate a problem that needs to be taken care of. 5.
At least once a year have your car checked out in a repair shop. There are plenty of things underneath the car that only can be checked when the car is lifted.
6.
Use good quality or original spares for your car.
7.
Drive smoothly. The full-throttle acceleration will cause many parts of your car to wear faster. The same goes for the hard braking.
8.
Rustproof your car body if you live in a rust belt area.
9.
Wax your car once in a while - this will keep the paint finish looking shiny longer. The wax also protects the body panels from corrosion.
10.
Clean the the windshield wipers regularly, when you wash your car, make sure to wash under the wipers.
11.
Check the engine oil regularly and change it as often as recommended.
12.
Keep your engine from overheating
13.
Change the spark plugs at recommended intervals.
14.
Change the air filter regularly.
15. Check tire pressure regularly as under-inflated tires wear faster and will cause poor fuel economy. www.autocarma.in www.autocarma.in
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Volvo’s ‘Oh-so-S’’ 60 First, I want to apologize for the very corny title. But, the S60 is something that demands one, only because you are numb for words and at the same time you know you want to buy one if you have a heavy enough pocket. Volvo has been in and around the Indian scenario, mostly bird watching, releasing a few buses from their plant until someone decided they wanted to bring about a big time game changer. Agreed, Volvo is probably pretty late to enter the sedan sector. They gave enough time for the germans to make their nests and mark territories. But what they also did was their home work. It’s not easy to give the BMW, Merc and Audi a shiver. But Volvo just did. The S-60 is nothing new for this Swedish born safety obsessed brand. It is something they always had in stock and had been re-working on. The current S60,
as Volvo puts it, is the ‘naughtiest’ Volvo ever made. Well, that requires some on-road testing. We’ll get there shortly, sometime in June when Volvo Chennai gets its vehicles. The S60 comes in 3 variants – the base D3 Kinetic, the D3 summum and the D5, which is the same with a D5 engine instead. But what I’m interested in right now is the D3 Kinetic – the lowest end. Why? Because it comes with a great value for money.
The Engine So, what makes this Volvo different? It’s the engine - the new D3 2.0 litre 5 cylinder in-line diesel drinker. The 3 series, C class and the A4 are 2.0 litre diesels too. What’s special about the S60? It is the additional fifth cylinder that will do wonders to your power delivery.
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40.7 kgm of torque takes its twists all the Interiors way up to 3500 rpm where the D3 churns out a huge 163 brake horse power. It may Moving to the interiors, I must say that the innot a performer when it carries so much terior set up reflects maturity. Not just Volvo’s, metal, but it’s definitely a heart winner. but also you, who bought the Volvo. It is not, in any way complicated. In fact, it is simple The Looks and elegant, which is what works for the target audience. One element that might give you an Coming to the looks, I have to admit that the odd feeling is the location of the front central S60 isn’t that athletically well off to match a C a/c vent just below the 5 inch display screen. It class or a 3 series. The split headlamps in the suddenly looks lonely. That is probably because front do work with me, but it seems to be a we are quite accustomed to having 2 a/c vents at rip from the E-class. (or the E class is a rip off the centre in our other sedans. Well, some cusfrom the S60, whatever.) It does look gorgeous toms have to be broken somehow. The a/c confrom various angles. The finish, side chrome trol dials have an unusual position as well. The skirts and the chrome along all the window engine start-stop button adds to some cooloutlines do show off some design detailing. ness value. The steering mounted electronics adds another point in the advantages column. www.autocarma.in www.autocarma.in
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Comfort and Other Features The Verdict Volvo hasn’t compromised on the comfort parameter. The S-60 is a very passenger friendly vehicle. The rear leg-room is very convincing as well. The a/c vents in the rear, customary in every sedan, ensures quick internal cooling. The other features that accompany the S-60 are climate control, parking sensors, cruise control and heated seats (available in D3 Summum and D5 only). Having a PhD in safety, Volvo has equipped the S60 with ABS, brake assist, air bags all around, traction control, ESP, engine immobilizer, crash sensors and side and front impact beams to reduce passenger compartment damage. Having a fully-loaded vehicle may not give you favourable fuel economy figures. The S-60 drinks a litre for every 13 km in case of in-city driving and an approximate 18 km in case of highway cruising.
The final judgement, needless to say, is on a positive note. Not every car delivers so much value for money. Volvo has taken it to a whole new level. The ex-showroom price is around Rs. 25 lakhs whereas the not-so-loaded 3 series is almost at the same level, the moderately loaded C-class and A4 are marked at Rs. 25 lakh and Rs. 29 lakh respectively. The S-60 proves to be the all round winner. The only disadvantage of owning the Volvo is that some people might think you are driving a bus. Hats off to the Volvo team.
By Vignesh Venkatakrishnan Ramakrishnan
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
MMST Shootout!
Irungattakottai, Chennai The world’s best super cars. All in one track. Are you really sure you want to go ahead?
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Merc C63 AMG
Engine and torque Value 6L V8, 61kgm
Power Output 457bhp
Gear Box 7g tronic gear
Top Speed 250kmph limited
0 - 100 kmph in 4.5secs
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Jaguar XKR
Engine and torque Value 5 L V8 , 63.7 kgm
Power Output 503 bhp
Gear Box 6 A/m
Top Speed 250kmph limited
0 - 100 kmph in 4.6 secs
Gear Box 6 A/M
Top Speed 250 kmph Limited
0 - 100 kmph in 4.6
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Rolls Royce Ghost
Engine and torque value 6.6v12, 79.5 kgm
Power Output 563 bhp
Gear Box 8 A/M
Top Speed 250 kmph Limited
0 - 100 kmph in 6.2 secs
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Nissan 370Z
Engine and torque value 3.7v6, 37 kgm
Power Output 332 bhp
Gear Box 6M
Top Speed 250 kmph Limited
0 - 100 kmph in 6.2 secs
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Porsche 911 turbo
Engine and torque value 3.8L, 65.6 kgm
Power Output 473 bhp
Gear Box 6M
Top Speed 320 kmph
0 - 100 kmph in 3.7 secs
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Porsche cayman
Engine and torque value 2.9L, 30.6 kgm
Power Output 265 bhp
Gear Box 6M
Top Speed 256 kmph
0 - 100 kmph in 5.8 secs
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Aston Martin Rapide
Engine and torque value 6L V12, 60.2 kgm
Power Output 470 bhp
Gear Box 6 A/M
Top Speed 300 kmph
0 - 100 kmph in 5.3 secs
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Bentley Continental GT
Engine and torque value 6.0 W12, 71.4 kgm
Power Output 567 bhp
Gear Box 6 A/M
Top Speed 320 kmph
0 - 100 kmph in 4.6 secs
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Audi R8 V8
Engine and torque value 4.2 V8, 43 kgm
Power Output 430 bhp
Gear Box R-Tronic or 6M
Top Speed 302 kmph
0 - 100 kmph in 4.6 secs
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Audi R8 V8 (tuned)
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APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
BMW Z4
Engine and torque value 3L v6, 40.8kgm
Power Output 300 bhp
Gear Box 7 A/M
Top Speed 250 kmph Limited
0 - 100 kmph in 6.18 secs
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Bentley Continental Engine and torque value Flying Spur 6.L W12, 66.3 kgm
Gear Box 6 A/M
Top Speed 312 kmph
APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Power Output 552 bhp 0 - 100 kmph in 5.2 secs
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BMW M3
Engine and torque value 4L V8, 40 kgm
Gear Box 6 A/M
Top Speed 250 kmph Limited
APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Power Output 414 bhp 0 - 100 kmph in 4.5 secs
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Mercedes SL 500
Engine and torque value 5L V8, 46 kgm
Power Output 410 bhp
Gear Box 7 A/M
Top Speed 250 kmph Limited
0 - 100 kmph in 6.2 secs
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Engine and torque Lamborghini LP 560-4 value 5.2Lv10, 54 kgm Gear Box e- gear or 6 M
Top Speed 325 kmph
APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
Power Output 560 bhp 0 - 100 kmph in 3.7 secs
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Ferrari 458 italia
Engine and torque value 4.5 L v8, 55.1 kgm
Power Output 570 bhp
Gear Box 7 A/M DSG
Top Speed 325 kmph
0 - 100 kmph in 3.4 secs
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Ferrari 250 GTO
This month’s vintage classic - The Ferrari 250 GTO! All young guys would know how forty five year old entities can rile you to the core. Well, your uncles you meet at functions or your lecturers for example. The list goes on. But there are other things that are old but still make you sit up and fantasize. That was not a suggestive statement Gentlemen- I was just describing The Ferrari 250 GTO. The car was manufactured first in 1963-64. As of today, the total count of 250 GTOs is 39. That, is one exclusive thing you can lay your hands on. During the time of release, it was priced at a whopping USD 18,000
Ferrari. Don’t curse your grandfather. C’mon you know he could not have done anything. And now to the specs - It is powered by a V12 engine that puts out 302 horsepower and scoots to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds that is good to do 174 mph tops – incredible numbers for 1963 and still decent today. The styling is simply iconic, perhaps the most recognizable vintage Ferrari ever. That has obviously led to lot of fake 250 GTOs. The 5 speed manual transmission gear box and disc brakes made it a technically sound car during it’s time.
and each buyer had to be approved by Enzo
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The car, was virtually unbeatable on the track too for two years-Until Shelby showed up to Le Mans with his Daytona Coupes . The car was sold in an auction for USD 31 million. Motor Trend Classic placed the 250 GTO first on a list of the “Greatest Ferraris of all time”. If you want a 250 GTO nowadays you need only shell out $10 million. Assuming you can find
APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5
one. You can’t. And even if you do, it probably isn’t a real one. Over one hundred times as many phonies have been built than actual 250 GTOs. Now that we’ve known it’s not easy to get one – well except if your last name reads Ambani or Mallya , we raise a toast to one of the greatest and beautiful cars of all time.
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The Ford Figo
After the failure of their station wagon/hatchback – Ford Fusion and Fusion+, Ford has come back with this little wonder. It’s the usual Ford with much, much more to offer.
for a city hatch. The head lights styling is just pure awesomeness. It is very different from the regular or conventional head lights in the other cars that come in its range. The headlights give it a lot of attitude which is much deserved. The tail lights start from the top of its rear making The Ford Figo (petrol) it look so much like the Fusion. There is not Overall rating: 8.5 that great an appeal as that of the headlamps, but it is still succeeds to be an identification Advice: By far, the Figo is the best hatch we mark. The Figo comes with both front and rear have ever driven. The rating speaks for itself. wipers. One thing that surprised us was that it had a wash fluid sprayer at the rear as well! That’s something you don’t see in most cars in Detailed Review its class that come with rear wipers. Both the set of wipers and washers were working perExteriors fectly. The ground clearance is good enough to save its belly from getting hit by road irreguThe exterior design of this particular Ford is larities. very streamlined. It curves down to its rear end. It is very well sculpted and looks stunning
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Interiors
youthful character of the car. Every small bit The Figo comes with a Bluetooth enabled of this car has been given attention to detail to Audio system! That’s again something most live to its character. hatchbacks don’t offer. Other features include electrically adjustable side view mirror adjust- The seats are very comfortable. The air-con ment, mobile charger ports, Electric power throw is just brilliant even at the 2nd level steering (EPS) assist.The cost cutting had to of fan speed! The suspensions and shocks are have an impact, so Ford decided to have pow- good enough to resist road irregularities. The er windows only for the front. The rear win- ride quality is so good that it gives you a blessdows have manual mechanical scrolling sys- ed feeling. The stress of driving just disappears tem like the ones you see in the early Marutis. when you’re behind the wheel. There’s absoThe quality of plastic used for the dash is very lutely no engine noise in the cabin and very good. The air-con vents are also styled pretty less external noise. The ride is so smooth that well. There are a few dummy buttons that ex- you just can’t feel the speed. Usually, at around ist though. The lights and warnings in the in- 80 – 90 kmph, cars tend to vibrate vigorously. strument cluster work fine. The design of the There’s absolutely no vibration adding to the speedo and tacho dials is also quite the funky ride pleasure. No other car in its range offers such ride quality. type and adds to a very
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CARMA | CARS UNLIMITED The rear leg space is very good – definitely the best in class. Though designed for a family, two adults can be seated comfortably at the back. This is because it’s built on the same chassis as that of the mid-segment Fiesta. This would also mean better handling! The boot space is good. You can store around 5 bags easily. Rear seats are also fold-able, but not split-able. The driver position is slightly higher when you compare the Figo with the Alto and the Tata Indica. However, its on par with the Maruti Suzuki Swift. When you feel so comfortable driving, you’ll want to have an arm rest on the left which is what this car lacks. But there’s no hatch in the current market trend that gives an arm rest for the driver.
APRIL 2012 Volume 1 Issue 5 however not that easy. But you’ll probably get used to it. The clutch is in a good condition as well. Manoeuvring is just brilliant. Ford goes for a non conventional Hydraulic Power Steering set up instead of the Electronic Power Steering that is available in most cars in it’s range. This has definitely helped Ford in the handling parameter. The suspensions and shocks are in a pretty good condition – very capable of tackling road irregularities. It’s pretty impressive to know that this car is actually an all-rounder.
Mileage: 11kmpl in city. It is pretty much what the other cars in the range give. Tyres: The stock tyres are R14/ 175 and are uniformly worn Performance: The interior design though comes with Ford’s 0 – 60 without air-con: 4.5s 0 – 60 with air-con: 5.8s basic flaws: Pretty good for its class! 1.The indicator lever is on the left of the steering wheel when it is supposed to be on the The Verdict right. 2.The lever that releases the bonnet is near the The Figo is not just another car. It’s the lord of left passenger’s door. the hatchbacks that has a spark of life within. It is an all rounder that understands, gives and I can probably adjust with 1, but flaw number behaves however you want it to. We’re not sur2 - Seriously, what logic is that? These 2 flaws prised why it’s the car of the year 2010. are evident in all the Fords produced in India.
For some exotic cars, you need an invitation to buy one. But for this, you need something Going Techie more than just a piece of paper. You need a The Figo has a 4 pot petrol heart that delivers blessing. refined performance. The battery was replaced May Figos bless us all. Amen. a month after purchase (pretty sad). It comes with a 5 speed manual gear box. The shift is By
Praveen Srikanth
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