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AUGUST ‘09 CONTENTS
THIS MONTH’S COVER STORIES AT A GLANCE
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THE 200MPH ROADSTERS It doesn’t get better than this - the SLR Sterling Moss, Ferrari’s 16M Scuderia and the Bugatti Grand Sport back-to-back
EXOTIC SCORCHERS An Indian exclusive, we drive three of the most exotic supercars on sale in India today - Audi R8, Mercedes SL63 AMG and Porsche 911 Turbo P
TOP 10 CARS (PG 177) The cars that outshine the competition. We bring you the best vehicles in each segment. FUEL EFFICIENCY TEST (PG 150) We make your car buying decisions easy. India’s most fuel efficienct cars revealed
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SLR Sterling Moss, Ferrari 16M Scuderia & Bugatti Grand Sport
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AUDI@100: A SECRET HISTORY The truth about the company once called United Hut and Shed
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SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2.4 MT (PG 130) Maruti’s premium SUV gets a steroid boost. Does it work?
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REAR SEAT COMFORT (PG 161) Do you prefer being chauffered around rather being behind the wheel? See our unique report on the most comfortable cars in the business 0-100-0 TEST (PG 169) India’s quickest accelerating as well as decelerating cars from naught to 100km/h and back
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i20 DIESEL VS FABIA DIESEL (PG 142) Can Hyundai’s new diesel superhatch sideline the king of the segment? RITZ DIESEL VS PUNTO DIESEL (PG 98) The FIAT Punto looks great. It also has a fastastic diesel mill under the hood. Enough to shake the Ritz diesel from its throne?
JAZZ & SUPERB TRAVELOGUES
MITSUBISHI CEDIA SPORTS We drool over the new variant from Mitsubishi
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TRAVELOGUES The Jazz and Superb head down to South of India
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Jaguar and Land Rover in India New Jaguar XJ Breathtaking Ferrari 458 Italia All new Chevy Spark spied/ CNG variants for Maruti Alto Flying Spur lands in India/ A5 Sportsback preview Chevrolet Aveo and Camaro Special Editions Brand new Suzuki Kizashi / Aston’s smart iQ XC90 gets a lot cheaper/ McLaren pitstops in Mumbai Michelin rolls in a new tyre and Toyota rolls out the new Camry E for Efficient engines/ Nano passes crash test
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200 F1 COVERAGE Germany and Hungary 204 F1 TALK What’s making news in F1 206 JK TYRE NRC 2009 We bring you the action from the third round in Coimbatore 209 WRC COVERAGE Tables turn at the Rally Poland
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THE CAR INDIA COLUMNS Bunny Punia, Gavin Green and Mark Walton 48 INTERACTIVE Your views in our Inbox, cool stuff in Gearbox, ICE-COOL electronics for your car, Just in products and the Techno Bible 226 THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY All you need to know about the cars currently sold in India
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EDITOR’S LETTER dia.in www.carin
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THIS MONTH, CAR INDIA CELEBRATES ITS fourth anniversary and I would like to thank all you readers for your support on behalf of our entire team. I hope you enjoy reading the special stories in this bumper issue. We drove three exotic supercars namely the Audi R8, the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG and the Porsche 911 Turbo back-to-back for the first time in India. We also bring you the best 0 – 100 – 0 test across all segments as it would have been very easy to test the three supercars and announce the winner. Instead, we tested cars across the segments to declare a winner from each and every category. Thus, we connect with all our readers right from someone who drives a small hatch to a person who owns a supercar. There is the 200 MPH roadsters story from Car UK as well. This issue is not just about performance but also about the most comfortable back seat across all segments. Additionally, we have conducted a fuel efficiency test of the smallest car to the biggest SUV. Toyota launched a facelifted version of the Camry last month and made a statement that they will be going all out to make a real impact on the Indian car market as they prepare to launch their small car next year. The entire team at CAR India has worked very hard to bring you this magazine and I would like to thank the entire team for their efforts. Once again, I am grateful to all of you for your support.
ASPI BHATHENA EXECUTIVE EDITOR
CAR India Magazine, 401B, Gandhi Empire, 5th Floor, 2 Sareen Estate, Kondhwa Road, Pune 411 040. INDIA Tel: +91-20-32930291/2 Fax: +91-20-26830465 Email us at: carindia@nextgenpublishing.net EDITORIAL Executive editor Aspi Bhathena International editor John Sootheran Copy desk Monica Thakkar Art director Ramnath S Chodankar Features editor Bunny Punia Sr. Correspondent Sarmad Kadiri Staff writers and reporters Shridhar Chari, Adhish Alawani, Ajay Joyson, Saeed Akhtar Editorial contributors Nikhil Raghavan, Yoshio Maezawa, Navroze Contractor Staff photographers Sanjay Raikar, Sawan Sekhar Hembram Contributing photographers DPPI Production executive Dinesh Bhajnik Senior designer Ravi Parmar Designers Varun Kulkarni, Ajit Manjrekar Administration executive Roshni Bulsara EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Phil McNamara, H S Billimoria, Sam Katgara, Aspi Bhathena GROUP ART DIRECTOR AND PRODUCTION IN-CHARGE Atul Bandekar ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Marzban Jasoomani ADVERTISING Regional mktg. mgr. Ellora Dasgupta (North & East) Regional manager A.Mageshwar (Tamil Nadu & Kerala) Asst. manager advt. Chanchal Arora (Delhi), Area advt. mgr. Niladri S Majumder (Mumbai), Pramod Udupa (Bangalore), Y. Lingeswaran (Chennai) Sr. response executive Vidya Venkatesan (Mumbai), Sachi Kumar (Delhi) National circulation manager & subscription K. Srikanth Asst. circulation manager Kapil Kaushik (Delhi), Sanjeev Roy (Mumbai) Subscription supervisor Sachin Kelkar PUBLISHING Publisher Khushroo Bhadha CAR India is a licensee product of Bauer Consumer Media Ltd., UK.
NEWS-STAND DISTRIBUTION India Book House, Mumbai 400021 Tel +91 22 22840626, Fax +91 22 2835099 MARKETING & SUBSCRIPTION HEAD OFFICE Next Gen Publishing Ltd. 2nd Floor, Khatau House, Mogul lane, Mahim (W), Mumbai – 400016. India. Tel + 22 43525252 Fax + 22 24448289 REGIONAL MARKETING OFFICES Next Gen Publishing Ltd. Block No. 24 & 30, 1st Floor, Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase III, New Delhi – 110020. India Tel +11 42345678 # 903, 9th floor, ‘B’ Wing, Mittal Towers, MG Road, Bangalore -560001. India Tel +080 - 66110116
WE TESTED CARS ACROSS THE SEGMENTS TO DECLARE A WINNER FROM EACH AND EVERY CATEGORY
Unit No. 30, 3rd Floor, Modern Towers, No. 35/23 West Cott Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600014. India Tel +44 39149889 Fax +44 39149892 Chandan House, 3rd Floor, Mithakhali Six Roads, Ahmedabad - 380006. India Tel +79 40008000 Views and opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of Next Gen Publishing Ltd. Next Gen Publishing does not take responsibility for returning unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other material. All material published in CAR India is copyright and no part of the magazine may be reproduced in part or full without the express prior written permission of the publisher Published by Khushroo Bhadha on behalf of Next Gen Publishing Ltd., 2nd Floor, Khatau House, Mogul Lane, Mahim (W), Mumbai - 400016. Printed by Khushroo Bhadha Next Gen Publishing Ltd., 2nd Floor, Khatau House, Mogul Lane, Mahim (W), Mumbai - 400016. Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd, 1-1-60/5 RTCX Roads, Hyderabad - 20. Published at Next Gen Publishing Ltd., 2nd Floor, Khatau House, Mogul Lane, Mahim (W), Mumbai - 400016.
Executive Editor – Aspi Bhathena
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BULLETIN ALL THE AUTOMOTIVE NEWS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE THIS MONTH
The Brits move in TATA announces the launch of Jaguars and Land Rovers in India
TATA MOTORS, INDIA’S LARGEST FOUR-WHEELER manufacturer, bought the top notch British car brands Jaguar and Land Rover earlier this year. The Indian auto giant now launches some of the exclusive cars from these brands in India. The lineup includes two Jaguars – the XF and the XK for the classy performance car enthusiasts and three Land Rovers for the hardcore off-roading fans. Jaguar will offer the XK and XKR in India in both, coupe and convertible forms. The Jaguar XK epitomizes performance sportscars from Jaguar. The XKs will come powered with the 5.0-litre V8 engines producing a whooping 510PS of peak power with 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds. The XKs will come with a host of standard features like Adaptive Dynamics, Active Differential Control, Jaguar Drive Control, Jaguar Drive Selection and many more. Along with the XK, Jaguar is offering the XF which characterizes sports
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Ratan Tata at the launch of JLR showrooms in Mumbai
performance in a luxury saloon. The four-door saloon will also feature a highly powerful engine producing 510PS of peak power which can put a lot of other saloons to shame. The range of Jaguars will start from Rs 63 lakh (approximately, ex-Mumbai) and go up to Rs 90 lakh (approximately, ex-Mumbai). The range of Land Rovers on offer includes the Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport and the Discovery 3. The Range Rover, flagship model from the Land Rover range and a hardcore off-roader, comes with an option of either a twin turbo V8 diesel or a supercharged V8 engine. The Range Rover Sport is an SUV with amazing performance and offroading capabilities. The Discovery 3 will support you in every kind of terrain you decide to tackle. The Land Rovers will ensure that they cater to Indian SUV fans in the best possible manner.
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THIS MONTH 26 Jaguar launches new XJ
28 Ferrari’s new 458
40 Facelifted Toyota Camry launched
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JLR’s range at a glance
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1. Jaguar XF: The high performance saloon 2. Land Rover Discovery 3: Go anywhere, everywhere 3. Jaguar XK: The British sportscar 4. Range Rover Sport: Performance packed SUV 5. Range Rover: The hardcore Land Rover
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BULLETIN XJ walks in; X-Type walks out
Jaguar unveil the 2010 XJ while they also announce the end of the X-Type era
EVERY CAR ENTHUSIAST, AT SOME point in his or her life, craves to own a Jaguar. This craving for a Jaguar just goes up as the British marque unveils the all new XJ for 2010. The new XJ squeezes in modernity in every possible manner. The huge mesh grille with the slim headlamps housing xenons and LEDs make up the XJ’s fantastic front end. The long, four-door saloon sports a fully glazed roof at the top. A brilliant vertical stack of slim tail lights at the rear and the glazy black C-pillar add to the killer looks of the XJ. From the inside, it features a cockpit that will make any man yearn to have this car even more. The dials are in the form of TFT which make the instrumentation console a virtual one and it offers you a different feel for different driving modes that you choose. Though the complete details on the engines have not yet been disclosed, it
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is being said this Jag will feature a host of engines ranging from a 3.0-litre V6 diesel to a naturally aspirated or supercharged 5.0-litre V8 with tunings to produce anything between 380PS and 500PS. The XJ can be bought in the UK for a price tag between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 45 lakh. While Jaguar was announcing the
launch of the new XJ, they also declared the discontinuation in production of the XType. The car was launched by the British marque back in 2000 and has been the least expensive, entry-level car in the range of Jags. It is being said that the car will go out of production in Europe, however, it will continue to be sold in US.
No more X-Type from 2010
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BULLETIN Ferrari’s F430 replacement New Ferrari 458 Italia to get the highest specific output engine in Ferrari’s road going history
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THE NEW CAR TO BREAK COVER AT THE Frankfurt Motor Show in September will be the latest in Ferrari’s lineup of Berlinetta mid-rear engined sports cars. As is the case with any new Ferrari-Pininfarina offspring, it’s taken for granted that it would be breathtaking, so we tend to dive headlong into the spec sheet. Here’s the nitty-gritty sans all the blather. The 458 gets an all-new 4.5-liter V8 engine mounted behind the cockpit in a mid-rear layout with direct fuel injection - a Ferrari first. Any guesses as to how that name was derived now? Power is upped to 562hp and the redline is at a screaming 9000rpm. More significant is the fact that at 127PS/L, this baby has got the highest specific output engine in Ferrari’s history! There is 540Nm of turning force at 6000rpm of which over 80 percent is available right from 3250rpm. Despite the outrageous power hike, it consumes less fuel than the F430’s 4.3-liter, 483 horsepower V8 and also offers lesser emissions. A seven-speed dual clutch with the third generation E-Diff electronic differential takes care of the transmission duties - the whole shebang weighing 4kg less than the Scuderia’s. The E-Diff 3 and F1-Trac are now integrated, providing more accurate calculations with the ABS thrown in for good measure. With a relatively light curb weight of 1380kg, the Italia sprints to 100km/h from standstill in just under 3.4secs. It is also the first volume production Ferrari V8 to top the 320km/h mark, screaming like a banshee at the Assizes all the way to 325km/h. Intoxicating!
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BULLETIN Chevrolet’s nextgen Spark caught in the act
To be launched at the 2010 Auto Expo in Delhi IF YOU THOUGHT GENERAL Motors’ future in India is bleak, take a hike. Chevrolet is all set to make a huge dent in the Indian car segment with two very important cars in the coming few months. We shared the pictures of the Cruze under testing with our readers some months back. The guys at a leading automotive portal, www. carwale.com managed to pull off a great scoop recently with these pictures. The next generation Spark, based on the company’s M300 platform is undergoing rigorous testing in certain parts of the country. From the pictures it is pretty evident that the car that will come to India has a lot of resemblance to the Beat concept that was shown at this year’s Geneva Motor
Show. Of course as is the case with most production cars, Chevy seems to have toned down the aggressive lines of the Beat concept considerably. Nevertheless, the design angles look great and the car seems to have retained the cute rear end from the current Spark. The new Chevy will come powered with an option of a petrol as well as a diesel motor. We believe Chevrolet will launch the car at the upcoming Auto Expo in Jan ’10 in New Delhi.
Thanks to www.carwale.com for these stunning exclusive pictures
Maruti Suzuki launches CNG kit for Alto K-series engines in Swift and Zen
IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE THE NATIONAL CAPITAL greener, leading carmaker Maruti Suzuki introduced a retrofitted CNG kit for its best-selling model, the Alto in Delhi. The company authorized kit will be available for brand new cars for fitment before delivery. Maruti claims to have fine tuned the engine to suitably mate with the new system. The manufacturer said that the CNG tank has a capacity of 7-7.5kg. Maruti has priced the CNG kit competitively at Rs 43,545, excluding registration charges. What’s more, a buyer will still get the regular warranty (two years / 40,000km) offered by the carmaker on the Alto even after the fitment of the CNG kit. According to Maruti, the CNG equipped Alto will have a running cost of less than one rupee per km. However, Maruti Suzuki’s move for a greener environment hasn’t stopped with the CNG kit for the Alto. The carmaker is learnt to be adopting the new BSIV compliant K-series engines for the Swift and the Estilo models. According to sources, the Swift could be transplanted with a 1.2-litre K12 engine which produces 84 horses. Meanwhile, the new Zen Estilo would get a 1.0-litre K10 engine and a facelift as well. As seen, we spotted the upcoming Zen Estilo with a newly designed grille and headlights.
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The slighty refreshed Estilo with the 1.0 KB10 engine will be out soon
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BULLETIN WE HEAR SBI car loans get cheaper
The State Bank of India on July 1, 2009 launched a new SBI Ezee Car Loan Scheme for financing new cars. Car buyers can now get loans at reduced rates of 8 percent p.a. fixed for the first year and 10 percent p.a. fixed for the second and third year. An EMI Rs 1 lakh will be as low as Rs 1559 in the first year and Rs 1647 in the second and third year. The interest rate will be reset from the fourth year to the card rate as on the date of sanction. SBI has also announced full processing fee waiver during the scheme period to make it even more attractive.
Carnation commences operations Carnation Auto, a multi brand sales and after sales network, promoted by ex-Maruti Suzuki head, Jagdish Khattar has commenced operations. The company has opened nine workshops, which it calls Auto Solution Hubs, one each in Amritsar, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai plus two in Noida and three in Mumbai. Carnation aims to set up a state-of-the-art network of integrated multi brand auto sales, services and related solutions across the country. The company plans to have 30 such Auto Solution Hubs to be operational by March next year.
Henry Surtees dies
18-year-old Henry Surtees, son of John Surtees (the only man to be World Champion on both two and four wheels) was killed in an accident in the Formula Two race in England. Surtees died after being hit on the head by an airborne wheel from another car that crashed during the race. Massa’s, strikingly similar incident took place just six days subsequent to Surtees’, serving us a quick reminder that all is not glamorous in the world of racing.
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Bentley brings new Flying Spurs to India Here comes one of the fastest sedans to our land
BRITISH LUXURY CARMAKER, BENTLEY brought in two of its latest high-end models to India. Among them is the new Continental Flying Spur Speed, the most powerful fourdoor car Bentley ever made. The 6-litre, 12cylinder, twin-turbocharged engine of the sedan outputs a whopping 610PS of power and a maximum torque of 750Nm between 1700-5600rpm. Bentley claims that the mean machine can sprint from 0-100km/h in a mere 4.8 seconds. The model clocks a top speed of 322km/h, making it one of the AFTER THE A5 COUPE AND CABRIO, AUDI has finally unveiled the A5 sportback variant which will formally be displayed at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show next month. This third A5 model is said to combine the best of various vehicle genres such as the emotion and elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon. The A5 Sportback boasts a unique C pillar design with a dramatic kink as well as frameless doors. On the inside, it gets new door trims but the dashboard is no different than the one found in the rest of the A4 and A5 family. The engine line-up will remain similar to the A4 and A5 models with the top diesel and petrol models equipped with Audi’s Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. We expect Audi to bring this car to India next year.
fastest saloons in the world. In order to distinguish the Speed model from the regular Flying Spur, Bentley added a dark tinted chrome grille at the air intake and wider rifled sports exhaust tailpipes to the former. Besides, the Speed version sports 20inch multispoke wheels with Pirelli PZero performance tyres. Among other notables features are a retuned Servotronic steering system, uprated spring and damper settings and thicker anti-roll bars at the front and rear. The Speed’s selflevelling air suspension sits 10mm lower in comparison to that of the regular model. Meanwhile, Bentley also brought along the 2009 Continental Flying Spur which features a new ‘Naim for Bentley’ audio system. The 15 speaker, 1100 watt amplifier system is the world’s most powerful production unit fitted in a car. Both the models feature an advanced electronic stability programme (ESP), uprated to ESP 8.1 which provides a greater degree of driver interaction and control.
The A5 Sportback unveiled
It will be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show
Rolls-Royce announces its cheapest offering
The recession friendly limo is 35 percent cheaper than the Phantom ROLLS-ROYCE OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED The all-new engine is mated to an eightthe specifications of its most affordable car, the speed automatic ZF gearbox. The carmaker 200EX, nicknamed the Ghost. claimed that the vehicle The 200EX gets an Although sleeker, shorter and sprints from 0 to 100km/h in all-new 570PS engine cheaper than the company’s an awe inspiring 5 seconds flagship limousine, the with a governed top speed of Phantom, the Ghost has 250km/h. The chassis setup specs impressive enough to gives added stability to keep stand up to the brand name. the porky luxu-limo planted At the heart of the Ghost is a while spirited cornering. The 6.6-litre turbocharged V12 Ghost will be available from engine that pumps out 570 approximately Rs 1.3 crore PS at 5250rpm and a (UK) as against the maximum torque of 750Nm Phantom’s price range that at 1500rpm. starts from Rs 2.15 crore.
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BULLETIN GM India part of new GM Company GM INDIA IS NOW A PART OF THE STRONGER GENERAL Motors Company. The newly formed firm was created from the strongest assets of the parent company, General Motors Corporation. The company started operations with a new corporate structure from 10th July, 2009. It decided to end its regional operating structure and eliminated regional strategic boards as well as regional president positions. The company took the step to improve customer focus and speed. Under the new structure, Nick Reilly - present GM Group Vice President and President - GM Asia Pacific, will be named Executive Vice President of GM International Operations (GMIO) which will be based in Shanghai. Meanwhile, GM India reconfirmed its commitment to its customers, dealers, vendors and stakeholders in the domestic market. Karl Slym President and Managing Director, General Motors India, said that they have no intention to modify their products, brands or any other business plans here. In addition to the Chevrolet Cruze luxury sedan, GM India is committed to introduce a new mini car soon.
GM India announces buyback scheme for Astra, Corsa
GENERAL MOTORS INDIA RECENTLY ANNOUNCED AN OPEL Exchange Programme - a buy back scheme for all Opel car owners. Under the scheme, owners of Astra and Corsa models can exchange their cars for a new Chevrolet car. The company said that it will evaluate the used Opel cars and offer a suitable market price depending upon their physical condition and model year. As per the scheme, the company and its dealers would offer about Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh more than the existing market resale value of Opel cars when exchanged for a new Optra. What’s more, customers will be offered free accessories worth Rs 10,000 under the limited period exchange programme.
CHEVY AVEO SPECIAL EDITION GENERAL MOTORS INDIA INTRODUCED A SPECIAL EDITION OF the Chevrolet Aveo. The car has already bagged a number of awards since its launch in 2007. The Special Edition offers a variety of features enhancing luxury, style and safety depending upon models. It gets leather upholstery, a leather steering wheel and a leather
gearknob to name a few. The driver’s seat has a height adjustability feature whereas the rear armrest comes with cup holders. Customers will find chrome door handles both inside and out. An illuminated key cylinder adds to functionality and visual appeal. On the safety front, the Special Edition boasts of a driver airbag as well as anti-lock brakes.
Camaro TRANSFORMERS SE No it can’t morph into Bumblebee but looks cool all the same
WATCHED TRANSFORMERS 2: REVENGE of The Fallen and lusted after the yellow Autobot Bumblebee? GM is aware of it and so, to pacify boy racers like us, they recently launched the Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition pack. Exclusively an appearance pack, the Transformers pack makes your Camaro stand out with its black stripes on a yellow layout that exactly resembles the Camaro in the movie. In
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case some skull head fails to make the connection, there are Autobot shields on both door panels, the wheel caps and embroidered into the center console. The Transformers logos on the side sill plates and embedded into the black rally stripes ram the point home. The appearance package is priced at approximately Rs 47,000 and is available for both the LT and SS models in the US. Now how about Megan Fox as a factory option, GM?
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BULLETIN Toyota iQ under Cygnet skin
Aston plans their own little luxury mini hatch ASTON MARTIN RECENTLY released a teaser photo of the making of its luxurious city commuting mini car, the Cygnet. Along with it came a press release saying that they are using the critically acclaimed Toyota iQ as the base and the
concept could become reality soon. What made Aston Martin to choose the iQ? Well, they liked the intelligent design and the perfect city car package of the small car which also attained a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating.
Kizashi unveiled
Suzuki unwrap their first luxury saloon
SUZUKI ENTERS A WHOLE new segment of luxury saloons and plans to attack the likes of Honda and Toyota with their all new Kizashi. Designed and engineered based on the Kizashi Concept the car’s production version is a lot more subtle and ordinary from the outside. However, Suzuki has taken all possible efforts to make this car much more exciting than the competition. The Kizashi will be powered by a 2.4-litre engine which is expected to churn out around 180PS to 200PS of peak power. Transmission options will be a six-speed
four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 101PS at 6000rpm and maximum torque of 125Nm at 4400rpm. Meanwhile, sources add that the luxury carmaker could tweak the iQ’s suspension and brakes to go with the upmarket model.
manual or a CVT with paddle shifters. This Suzuki will feature as many as eight airbags as standard, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)4, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, projector beam headlamps and a tyre pressure monitoring system as far as the safety attributes go in addition to an all-wheel drive system. However, Indians will have to wait for some time before they can get a taste of this saloon since it has been launched only in the American market for now.
Ford jazzes up the Fiesta
Delphi introduces new powertrain mounts
Continuing on the success of the Fiesta range and taking the feedback from customers in a positive way, Ford has unveiled a new variant of its midsized sedan, the Fiesta. To be tagged the SXI variant and sold with both petrol and diesel options, this snazzier Fiesta gets visual treatments like a new front fascia with a chrome façade and dramatic crystal barrel headlamps, silver finish alloy wheels and chrome plated RVMs. ABS with EBD and airbags for both the driver and the co-passenger are standard and so is Ford’s PATS immobilizer system. The company has priced the SXI petrol model at Rs 6.99 with the diesel variant at Rs 7.99 lakh, both prices ex-showroom, Delhi
Holy mother of god, how advanced can advanced be? Delphi Corporation recently developed a new powertrain mount that uses Magneto Rheological (MR) fluid to absorb more engine vibrations and help control the powertrain movement during rapid direction changes. MR fluid is a suspension of magnetically soft particles in a synthetic hydrocarbon fluid. In addition to significantly reducing powertrain noise and vibration, the new mount can improve vehicle performance and stability and help isolate occupants from torque step events such as those generated by start-stop operation. The first application will be for engine mounts in the new (2010) Porsche GT3. Porsche is using the technology to improve traction and stability during hard acceleration and cornering.
Added goodies mark the birth of the SXI model
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For the Cygnet avatar, the iQ gets a distinctive Aston Martin front grille and design cues for headlights as well as the bonnet. Although nothing has been revealed about the engine, we believe Aston Martin will go ahead with the iQ’s 1.33-litre,
Innovative mounts change dynamic rate in real time
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BULLETIN WE HEAR TCS wins ‘Supplier of the Year’ award from Honda USA
TCS has been awarded the title of the ‘Supplier of the Year’ by Honda America Manufacturing Inc. (HAM) for the period of April 2008 to March 2009. At a ceremony attended by over 150 suppliers to Honda, TCS was awarded a certificate of appreciation in recognition of their continuous dedication towards performance and achievement in the information technology services category. Shelvasundar Somasundaram, BRM for Honda of America Manufacturing, received the award on behalf of TCS.
Apollo launches monsoon safe drive
It is always good to see major corporate houses take an initiative in social work. Recently, when heavy rains besieged Mumbai, employees of Apollo Tyres braved the downpour to distribute copies of a Safe Drive Handbook on Disaster Management to the public. The tyre major had been doing this public service for the last four years ever since the infamous 2005 Mumbai floods ravaged the city. This year, they aim to distribute at least 2,50,000 handbooks to the public.
Corrigendum
This is in reference to the July issue of CAR India, page no 22, report on Honda’s Rajasthan plant. The title of the small news story was misleading. We spoke to Honda and have been informed that currently they don’t see a need to start production in Rajasthan as the current manufacturing plants are meeting the demand. However, with car sales again on the rise, soon, work on constructing the Rajasthan plant fully will be underway.
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XC90 gets cheaper Volvo slashes XC90 prices by four lakh rupees
VOLVO CAR INDIA HAS ANNOUNCED A CUT in the price of its flagship sports utility vehicle, the XC90 by Rs 4 lakh in order to boost sales amidst the current economic downturn. The new price of the XC90 D5 is Rs 42.5 lakh, while the XC90 3.2 is available for Rs 43.5 lakh and the XC90 V8 is now for Rs 49.5 lakh. Volvo Cars India has also announced the opening of two new dealerships at Pune and Chennai.
Mumbai checks out Vodafone McLaren F1 car
The cellular service provider showcases Formula 1 car in India’s commercial capital VODAFONE SHOWCASED AN EXACT REPLICA OF the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car at Phoenix Mills in Mumbai from July 17 to July 19, 2009. The title sponsor and official mobile partner of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team brought the car to Mumbai for the second consecutive year for its customers who got a chance to sit inside the F1 car and get their pictures clicked, by activating some value added services of the company.
Big cars to become lighter on the pocket Additional excise duty on big cars reduced; automakers pass on benefit to customers
CARMAKERS IN THE COUNTRY HAVE begun to slash prices on large cars/utility vehicles with engine capacity of 2000cc and above following the reduction of excise duty from Rs 20,000 to Rs 15,000 in the Budget. In June last year, the government had imposed fixed excise duties of Rs 15,000 for cars with an engine capacity of 1500cc-1999cc and Rs 20,000 for 2000cc engines and above. These rates are now being unified at the lower level of Rs 15000 per unit. Most carmakers have already announced reduced prices and many
are slated to follow suit. Honda has announced a reduction of Rs 5000 on the Accord and the CR-V. Toyota has also reduced prices on their Camry, Innova and Land Cruiser models. Similarly, Ford and Mitsubishi have made cuts of up to Rs 6000 on their SUV range. Although the additional duty cut by the government is a welcome step, the reduction is limited only to large cars. The excise duty cut is hardly substantial, but in these dwindling times at least, something is better than nothing.
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BULLETIN MICHELIN RECENTLY INDUCTED A NEW RANGE INTO its Primacy family of passenger car tyres. The Primacy is a mid-level range with an equal emphasis on performance and comfort. The new Primacy LC (Luxury Comfort) range incorporates several new technologies that are said to absorb driving noise and reduce fuel bills. The Silent Rib technology minimizes tread noise and tunes whatever noise remains to a frequency that can’t be detected by the human ear. Gosh, what was once available only on Bose headphones is now on car tyres. Michelin has also developed the Full Silica tread compound which reduces friction between the rubber molecules, resulting in lower energy loss by the tread rubber. This decreases the rolling resistance which directly translates into better fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. To reiterate their commitment to saving the environment, Michelin have also introduced the ‘Green X Label’ on the sidewall of the Primacy LC tyres. This label guarantees higher fuel efficiency and reduced emissions while providing the core Michelin advantages of better performance, longevity, safety and wet grip. The Primacy LC range will replace the Energy XM in the French manufacturer’s widening range.
Michelin launches new Primacy LC tyre
New tech claimed to absorb driving noise and reduce fuel bill
Camry gets a facelift
Toyota gives Camry a new face, adds a few more features TOYOTA HAS LAUNCHED THE facelifted version of its luxury sedan, Camry in India. Though the facelift is largely cosmetic, Toyota has added a long list of luxury features to match the competition. On the exterior, the changes include a newly designed front grille, a new bumper, a futuristic HID headlamp and LED turn lights integrated into the wing mirrors. The fog lamps also get a stylish chrome rimmed makeover. Inside the luxurious interiors, Toyota has introduced a new dual zone air-conditioning system with Plasmacluster Technology and Minus Ion Generator which purifies the circulating air. A new multifunctional steering is also provided with controls for audio, Multi Information Display and A/C. In keeping with the current trend, Toyota has also added an auxiliary input to the six-CD indash high end music system. Adding to the long list of features is also a moonroof (sunroof in Toyota lingo) and intelligent windshield wipers.
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With a host of new features, Toyota claims to offer a much better deal with the Camry now
The Camry is filled to the brim with safety features including ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control and six SRS airbags to name a few. The powertrain remains the same with the 2.4-litre VVT-i engine mated to a five-speed
manual or automatic ‘box. The latest Camry will be available in two new shades - Dark Green Mica and Beige Mica. The car will come in four trim levels priced between Rs 21.26 lakhs and Rs 23.40 lakhs (exshowroom, Bangalore).
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New E-class could get more fuel efficient
Mercedes-Benz introduces new engines that do 19km to a litre Mercedes-Benz has announced the release of two new four-cylinder engines for the new E-class. They combine higher fuel efficiency with significant reduction in CO2 emission levels. Dubbed Blue EFFICIENCY, these engines make use of clever technology to dramatically cut fuel consumption and emissions. Both petrol and diesel versions of the E will get the Blue EFFICIENCY treatment. The 2143cc diesel powerplant in the E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY has an output of 136hp, and does 19km to a litre with CO2 emissions as low as 137g/km - a figure that is even lower than many small hatchbacks. The 1800cc petrol engine in the new E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY has an output of 184hp and does 13.8 km to a litre with CO2 emissions at just 169g/km. The model also includes the ECO start/stop function as standard. The new E-class will be introduced later this year in India, but whether these four-cylinder engines will be made available here, remains to be seen.
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First batch of Nanos roll out
The car also passes safety tests with flying colours It was a dream come true not only for Ratan Tata but also for India when the first Nano was delivered to a customer in Mumbai last month. The keys of a silver Nano LX were presented to its first owner, Mr. Vichare by none other than Mr. Tata himself. The occasion also marked the commencement of the delivery of the first batch of Nanos to customers across the country. Contrary to myths and speculations, TATA recently proved that the little car doesn’t compromise on safety in spite
of its low price tag. The diminutive car passed its first basic EC structural safety tests which are due to be enforced in India in 2012. The tests were conducted at UK’s MIRA test center under the supervision of Nic Fasci, type approval engineer from Britain’s Vehicle Certification Authority. Of course, these tests were slightly modified and the car was subjected to a 50km/h side impact and a 56km/h offset frontal impact test - the minimum requirement for any vehicle to be sold in Europe.
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THE CRITICS
Bunny Punia
Will we ever get to experience a decent rear wheel drive car in India? At a time when India is getting to see the best cars (and SUVs) from around the world, I believe there is a small section of enthusiasts including me, who are still being deprived of the kind of cars they would want to own, experience and thrash– rear wheel drive vehicles. Yep, I have always been crazy about drifting. I was and continue to be a huge fan of a person I consider the god of WRC - Colin McRae. He still has hordes of admirers from around the world and was responsible for sowing the first
I WAS AND CONTINUE TO BE A HUGE FAN OF A PERSON I CONSIDER THE GOD OF WRC - COLIN MCRAE. HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR SOWING THE FIRST FEW SEEDS OF DRIFTING IN MY HEART few seeds of drifting in my heart. I remember playing the famous game – the Colin Mcrae Rally – based on him. I bunked school, made excuses to ignore family outings and instead spent hours glued to the computer, drifting the Subaru Impreza around hills. Later, the most popular game series of all times, Need For Speed further made me a drift junkie. Almost every time after I finished playing these games, I used to head out for a little session with my Maruti Zen MPI in an empty field nearby. My obsession for sideways driving kept growing as the years passed by. A few days ago, I happened to stumble upon 42
probably the best drift video I have ever seen on YouTube by a nutcase called Ken Block. That guy has immense talent and instantly brought back my old memories. Of course, the harsh reality is that India still doesn’t have a decent, affordable rear wheel car for enthusiasts. And that’s a shame! So, what options are we few unlucky mortals left with? In the past year, I have tried playing around with the existing FWD vehicles like the mighty Chevy Captiva (4x2), the Honda City and even the little FIAT Palio. Practice hard and you can make them go sideways, although only for a few seconds. The trick is to go pedal to metal in first, hit the rev limiter and power shift to second. As the speedometer needle hits 70km/h, dip the clutch, fling the car around, pull the hand brake, turn the steering and make the rear step out. In a second, release the hand brake, dump the clutch, feed in oodles of opposite lock and stomp the throttle. You can drift for a few seconds in a front wheel drive car in this way. The adrenaline rush you get during that limited period of time is unparalleled. And if you are on a beach (I really don’t recommend this), you can have the rear out for a long time. But remember, repeating this antic on roads can ruin your tyres in a jiffy. In the worst case scenario, you can end up rolling the car a couple of times. In that case, how on earth are you going to convince the insurance guys it wasn’t your fault? My weakness for getting the rear out has sometimes put me in some scary situations. Like the big Honda CR-V 2.0 (manual) I was once trying to
play with, almost went on two wheels threatening to topple over. Even the long term Mahindra XYLO I use is subjected to my antics every now and then. Exiting slow corners instantly sees me dumping the clutch as my right foot goes down on the throttle, the rest you can probably figure out. The whole thing lasts a couple of seconds, however, it is a good way to get those lazy buggers on the road out of your way. What I really want to see on offer in India is a decently equipped midsized sedan with a 120odd bhp engine powering the rear wheels. There shouldn’t be any electronic gadgetry like traction control to spoil the fun and if priced this side of Rs 10 lakh, I don’t see why the country’s young blood wouldn’t think twice about the car when making vehicle buying decisions. We have seen examples of affordable RWD cars in India in the past – the Premier Padmini that won quite a few national races and the good old Hindustan Contessa that was a hoot around corners for its era. So why can’t we have a decent RWD now? Until a manufacturer wakes up to our cries, I guess I will have to do with the current options. Sigh! What you hold in your hands right now is our fourth anniversary issue, with some mind boggling stories put together by all of us here. I am sure once you are done reading the entire magazine, there would be a thing or two you would want to share with us. Do write to us at the usual address and at the same time, watch out for our 50th issue next month! b.punia@nextgenpublishing.net
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THE CRITICS
Gavin Green
For the key to the future simply look back 25 years JUST READ A FASCINATING couple of articles on the future of motoring in a small yet authoritative design trade magazine. Let me share some of the highlights, for they give an astonishing insight into the likelihood of us all driving electric cars in the next ten to 20 years, which our non-driving (!) prime minister repeatedly gushes is likely. The first piece chronicles the inexorable rise of the city car and highlights the pros and cons of electric cars. Of
I THINK WE WILL SEE A GROWING NUMBER OF ELECTRIC URBAN VEHICLES IN THE NEXT DECADE. I BELIEVE WE ARE ON THE CUSP OF CHANGE particular interest is a new project to mass-produce electric vehicles in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The manufacturer is a company called Enfield and, unlike many small British makers with big ideas, this one has serious financial backing from a Greek shipping magnate called John Goulandris and a serious engineering pedigree too, as the chairman is a highly experienced ex-NASA engineer. Apparently the electric Enfield will be a four-seater, has an aluminium body and a range of 65 miles – way more than one of those horrid G-Wiz cars or, for that matter, any other electric vehicle currently on sale this side of a Tesla. Did you know that a Toyota Prius 44
can run for only two miles on pure electric power? Astonishing, but true. The Enfield is actually rather a stylish little thing and looks a bit like an old Renault 5. Production is planned at the rate of 100 cars a week. An enthusiastic dealer network is in the process of being set up. The story, I should add, was written by an authoritative ex-CAR contributor, so it’s not one of those gushingly naive car stories that one frequently reads in the nonautomotive press. The second piece is titled ‘In Praise of Hydrogen’. It explains the many attractions of the world’s most abundant element – not least its lack of tailpipe pollution – and argues, forcibly, that the correct application of hydrogen is not in electric cars (such as fuel-cell vehicles) but in ‘normal’ internal combustion engines, in which hydrogen is substituted for petrol or diesel fuel. A few car companies, of course, agree with this, not least BMW. Hydrogen engines can run much leaner than petrol: they can run as high as 350-to-one air-to-fuel ratios (petrol can’t do much leaner than 20-to-one). Plus they don’t need catalytic converters or the myriad other electronic controls necessary to cleanse exhausts, therefore freeing up engine design. The article provides some answers to those two thorny hydrogen questions – how do you produce it efficiently and ecologically, and how do you store it? It suggests that nuclear power, supplemented by renewable sources, ensures ‘green’ well-to-wheel sustainability. In-car storage?
Metal hydrides should be used to absorb the hydrogen and store it at twice the density of liquid hydrogen. The article’s conclusion is punchy. I quote: ‘To re-equip or replace all of the world’s or even this nation’s vehicles so that they run on electric power [not least building the necessary new power stations, it argues earlier]… would be a monumental task that would bankrupt everybody. By utilising hydrogen, the engineer can use a new fuel with an existing technology.’ So what is this magazine? It’s called Design magazine. And to prove there really is nothing new about all the electric car/ hydrogen car excitement, the articles were both written in 1974. Yes you read that right. A quarter of a century ago the Arab oil ‘crisis’ sparked an explosion of electric/hydrogen car evangelism that makes Mr Brown seem positively restrained. Today the cause is climate change (in Europe) and the need for energy independence (in America). Unlike 1974, this time I think we will see a growing number of electric urban vehicles in the next decade. I believe we are on the cusp of change. But there is no more likelihood, by 2020, of our showrooms being full of electric or hybrid-electric cars, as gullible Gordon suggests, than there is of us all going on inter-galactic holidays in Richard Branson’s spaceships. As any car industry executive knows, and as history continually proves, the petrol or diesel internal combustion engine has a long way to go yet.
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THE CRITICS
Mark Walton
For the key to the future simply look back 25 years FOLLOWING THE NEWS that Austria will pay tribute to the 1970 F1 World Champion this summer with a brand new production called Jochen Rindt – The Opera, I’ve come to see that Formula One really is a rich source of drama and comedy, worthy of the higher arts. Which is why I’ve decided to write a short, three-act play, called The Tragedy of Ron Dennis, in the style of William Shakespeare. ACT 1, SCENE 1 Spotlessly clean banquet hall inside a vast Gothic castle.Enter Ron Dennis, the Duke, with two young courtiers. Dennis: Come, young sirrahs, and behold my new car, the McLaren-Mercedes MP4/22 – ’tis fast, I am sure! How I have waited for revenge on Ferrari! So drive like the wind, and bring me my trophies. Hamilton: Sire, ’tis my duty to obey, and this I shall do. I am exceptionally talented – we all know ’tis true! For sure, I am young, and new to this game, But I’ll give it my all – and Fernando, the same. Hamilton bows to his rival. Alonso: Right. Exit Hamilton and the Duke. Alonso is alone. Alonso: This foolish young rascal doth get on my nerves. I’ll see that the creep gets all he deserves. Alonso exits with a flourish and an evil Spanish laugh. ACT 1, SCENE 2 The Duke’s glittering trophy room. Enter Dennis and Alonso. Dennis: Look, Fernando: young Hamilton hath done me proud!
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He’s like a son to me, and he pleaseth the crowd! If only you could be as successful as he – but instead you finish second, and look kind of grumpy. Alonso: My lord, you insult me! I sorted the car! Hamilton’s a boy – I am your star! (Alonso draws sword) You must recognise my work and all I have done, and grant me the status of your Number One! Dennis: You can’t be number one. Hamilton is faster than you. Alonso: Then I shall wreak my revenge, by spilling the beans, and telling the King of all I have seen! We’ve been using Ferrari secrets – and I cannot wait To tell all the world! I shall call it… Stepneygate! Dennis (in shock): Secrets? Ferrari? The FIA? Get me my lawyer! I am betrayed! Enter Max Mosley the King, disguised as a Friar, surrounded by nuns. Mosley: Too late, Ron Dennis, for I am already here! And you must resign, to put McLaren in the clear! Dennis: I shall not go! Mosley: Then sound the bell and pass me my whip, You shall be excluded from the 2007 championship! Alonso exits with an evil Spanish laugh. ACT 2, SCENE 1 One Year Later Enter Dennis, Hamilton, and Martin Whitmarsh Dennis: You did it, young Lewis, I knew that you would! We’ve taken the 2008 title, and spilled Ferrari blood!
Alonso is washed up and Räikkönen’s done! And Mosley is splashed all over The Sun. Whitmarsh: We’re over the worst, and as far as I can see, Nothing can possibly go wrong now, for you, or you, or me! ACT 3, SCENE 1 One Year Later Enter Whitmarsh and Hamilton, looking very glum indeed Whitmarsh: Alack, our fortunes turn! How can this be? And all because you overtook Trulli! Hamilton: It was so awful, I thought I might cry! My father always told me never to lie. Enter Mosley and Dennis from stages left and right. Mosley: By Jupiter, Ron, I have thee by the balls now! McLaren is finished – unless you step down! Dennis: Oh tyranny, am I finished? Then let it be so. My time is up; and anyway, this year’s McLaren-Mercedes MP4/24 has proved to be dreadfully slow. I shall step down, for the sake of the team, Though of course I’ll announce things aren’t as they seem. It looks like I’m pushed, but in fact I shall jump! To launch a new supercar… Right in the middle of a dreadful economic slump. Dennis is banished. Whitmarsh: Oh sorrow, this great man doth tear at my heart! But now it’s time to make the MP4/24 competitive. Oh God, where do we start? All exeunt. Evil Spanish laugh echoes off-stage as the curtain falls.
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INBOX L O ET M F TE O TH R N E TH
What do you think? What have you been up to? What do you like? What’s just ruined your day? Tell us. Write to: CAR INDIA, 401B, Gandhi Empire, 2 Sareen Estate, Kondhwa Road, Pune - 411 040. INDIA. Email: carindia@nextgenpublishing.net
100CC CAR! I would like to share my unique creation with you guys. I have designed a car which runs on just a 100cc engine at a cost of approximately Rs 32,000. It has better load resistance due to the uniform distribution of load on its chassis. The transmission includes an automatic variation gear shifting mechanism. The power from the engine is transmitted to the rear axle through a chain drive as it causes minimum loss of motion. It can TECH EDUCATION This is my third month of buying CAR India. With all the information you guys are covering and the test drives on various cars all over the world, I was missing out on something by not buying your magazine earlier. The best is the ‘Bosch Techno Bible’ feature. It is a boon for me as I work as an In-House Trainer and Process Coordinator for a Toyota dealership in Surat. I share the information with my trainers who are surprised by my knowledge – a few among them comment that I am the best! I have noticed that in the past issue that you covered all the points, features, pros and cons, etc. for a test drive. For example, after reading Bunny’s excellent write-up on the LC 200, I feel as if I have personally experienced driving the vehicle. It has helped me a lot in my job as a trainer because I can have in-depth discussions on the LC 200 with my seniors. Thanks once again for getting me addicted to CI. Keyur, Surat
BE A NEXT-GENNER
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accommodate two persons and still reach up to 55km/h. The car’s lightweight (280 kg) helps improve its fuel economy. B. M. Bhosale, Pune This is completely out of the box and shows that great brains can churn out wonders. We would love to experience this little car someday if we drop into your city. Keep us updated on how its performing. THE ROAD AHEAD FOR JAGUAR How about sending suggestions to TATA Motors for improvements in the Jag? The X type is a failure and should be axed. Instead, hatchbacks like the Mini or the FIAT 500 that are prestigious and fun to drive should be made by Jaguar. It will not only lead to better sales and lower emissions but also improve the brand’s image. I know it is not the best time to invest money in a new model line-up, but with interest rates at rock bottom globally and a desperate need to improve sales, now is the time to start making a new model. Look at the sales of the 500. Also the XK needs to ditch the rear seats as they are almost useless. The car is better off being a two-seater like the Aston Martin Vantage. High hopes for the new XJ, hope it does not disappoint. Vivek Suresh Ruparel, via email
‘NORM’INAL DOUBT I have some doubts about BS III and BS IV norms. I am thinking of buying an Indigo CS LX as my budget is between Rs 4.5 to 5 lakhs. I wanted to buy the Swift or the Ritz but my wife wants to sit in big car. I am going to keep this car for the next three to five years. As per one of your articles, you have mentioned that Bharat Stage IV norms are coming into play across 11 Indian cities very soon. If I buy a car today which is certified according to Bharat III norms and after six months, when Stage IV norms are implemented, what will happen to the older cars which do not comply with the newer standard. Also, if I want to sell a Stage III compliant car, will there be a problem in getting a better value for it? What I understand is that after some modifications, a Stage III compliant car can be changed to adhere to Stage IV standards. Can you clarify my doubts? Pranay Kumar, Kolkata There won’t be an issue if you use a car that meets BS III norms once the newer BS IV norms come into play. As for the resale value, we don’t think there will be any difference. VITARA IS MY CHOICE The new Grand Vitara from Maruti has to be one of the best things to happen to me lately. I have been using a Scorpio for the last two years and wanted to upgrade to something better, powerful and yes, classy. I test drove the old 2.0-litre engine last month and was disppaointed to say the least. Just when I was almost putting down token money for a slightly used Honda CR-V, the news of the new 2.4 Vitara came out. Oh boy, I had to test drive one of these. Just five minutes into my drive, I was convinced this was the SUV for me. It was well within my budget and most importantly, could handle my monthly getaway to our farm house three hours away which is located 5km away from the nearest tar road! I guess the next issue is your fourth anniversary one, right? Does that mean we readers are in for something special? My fingers are crossed. Satpal Singh, Chandigarh Your wish has been answered. Flip to page 130 to read more about the new Vitara.
We are looking for smart minds to work for Next Gen Publishing. So if you’re either into content development or in the marketing field email us your updated resume at: hr@nextgenpublishing.net or call us on: Pune (020) 32930291 Mumbai (022) 43525221 Delhi (011) 42345678
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GEAR BOX
COOL STUFF THAT’S RELATED TO MOTORING IN SOME WAY OR THE OTHER
Audi turns
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Celebrate Audi’s centenary with these choicest picks 1
1. AUDI GRAND PIANO
What makes the Audi grand piano stand out is the one piece lid that extends all the way to the base without a break. Unfortunately it does not come with the R8 soundtrack as standard equipment. Not fair, Audi.
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3. AUTO UNION TYPE-C PEDAL CAR
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Feeling nostalgic about the days gone by, the smell of grease and burnt oil that’s so lacking in today’s maddeningly efficient cars? Then how about this intricately detailed limited edition pedal car? Get it for ‘your grandson’.
2. AUDI TACHOSCOPE CHRONOGRAPH
Audi is celebrating its century of existence this year and what better way to exemplify it than a chronograph that embodies the very best of German technology and Swiss precision. Obviously, watches like these create huge dents in the earth’s rare metal resources but do you really care, milord?
4 4. AUDI GOLF CART
7. AUDI CROSS PRO RS MOUNTAIN BIKE
So what if you have to leave your new R8 at the entrance to the plutocrat’s golf club? You can still flaunt the four intertwined rings courtesy this golf cart bag that draws design cues from Audi’s Quattro range of dune bashers.
And you thought Audi only makes cars. Well, what do you know, they manufacture two-wheelers too. But sans a V6, V8, V10, inline four or a V-twin engine. In fact, it doesn’t even have an engine at all. In other words, it’s called a bicycle. Seen one lately?
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5 6. AUDI DESIGN SOCCER TABLE
The monsoons are here thus outdoor games are out. So mama says no cricket, no racing and no football. Or does she? Sneak in this cool soccer table and a friend (preferably male) into your den and you will never want the monsoons to end.
5. AUDI DESIGN TRAVEL BAG
Those lousy Income Tax officials beating down your door again? Stash your Swiss bank account files into this sleek travel bag, summon a couple of supermodels and head off to Monaco. They are going to complement your TT as well as your Feretti yacht equally well. CAR India AUGUST 2009
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ICE COOL
THE LATEST IN-CAR-ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR RIDE
Ever thought of upgrading your old music box? Make a move this monsoon, things couldn’t get better
1. KENWOOD KDC MP543U
Theft Deterrent Faceplate 50W x 4 High power output Adjustable Subwoofer Level & Low Pass Filter Front AUX Input with Input Sensitivity Adjust WMA & MP3 Files Playback with ID-3 Tag Display CD-R/CD-RW Compatible Front USB Interface Ready Bluetooth Hands-Free support ready Apple iPod/ iPhone Interface Ready
2. KENWOOD KDC BT7043U
Maximum Output Power : 50W x 4 Front AUX & USB Interface with slide protection cover Subwoofer Level Adjustable
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LET THE
Dual Zone Source & Volume Control CD/CD-R/CD-RW, AAC/WMA/ MP3 compatible with ID-3 Tag Display Bluetooth Built-in (Hands-Free Profile with SMS) iPod Alphabet/Skip Search Function Rotary Encoder and Search Key for Easy Operation Built –in Bluetooth microphone
Folder Name Manual Search Function without Stopping Audio-play Front USB/ Auxiliary input Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile / Audio Profile Variable colour illumination- up to 1000 colours Customizable colour illumination for keys and display 24-bit Digital Analogue Converter
3. KENWOOD KDC DPX MP5110U CD/CD-R/CD-RW, AAC/WMA/ MP3 compatible with ID-3 Tag Display Separate Bass/Mid range/Treble Control & Source Tone Memory Maximum Output Power : 50W x 4 Dual Zone Source & Volume Control
4. KENWOOD KFC W3000L
300mm PP injection Cone Woofer Silver plate terminals Multi colour illumination (shown here- Aqua Blue)
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MUSIC PLAY
5. PIONEER AVH P4150DVD
JPEG/DivX/MP3/WMA/AAC playback on DVD and CD. Built-in MPEG1/2, Dolby Digital decoder. 96 kHz/24-bit Audio DAC and 10-bit video DAC 1 RCA Audio/Video input and 1RCA Video output Front USB and AUX direct connection Direct connection for iPod and iPhone* (audio & video). Touch sensitive 7” widescreen LCD colour screen AG (Anti-Glare) coated LCD colour screen Customizable key illumination(112 colours)
6. PIONEER DVH P4190UB
JPEG/DivX/MP3/WMA/AAC playback on
DVD and CD. Built-in MPEG1/2, Dolby Digital decoder. 96 kHz/24-bit Audio DAC and 10-bit video DAC 2 RCA Video inputs and one1 RCA Video output Front USB and AUX direct connection iPod & iPhone connection ready In built dust protection Multi channel processor for creating surround sound effects
7. PIONEER AVH P3150DVD
Direct connection for iPod and iPhone (audio & video) DivX/MP3/WMA/AACplaybackonDVDandCD Front USB direct connection; AUX-in by mini jack (front for audio & video) Advanced Sound Retriever
Customizable key illumination(112 colours) 5.8” touch screen LCD colour monitor Built-in GDC (Graphics Display Controller) RGB input 26 Pin for connecting navigation unit.
8. PIONEER DVH 3190UB
MOSFET 50W x 4 high power output Auto slide face front panel JPEG/DivX/MP3/WMA/AAC playback on DVD and CD 1 RCA Audio input and one1 RCA Video output Built-in MPEG1/2, Dolby Digital decoder. 96 kHz/24-bit Audio DAC and 10-bit video DAC In built dust protection Multi channel processor for creating surround sound effects
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JUST IN
MORE IN-CAR-ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR RIDE
Rock, Move & Shine With these products, we guarantee you will never come back from a Saturday night bash alone
1. KENWOOD KDV MP6339U
Full Dot LCD Display Maximum Output Power of 50W x 4 7Band Equalizer Sub woofer Level & Frequency Control DVD Video/ VCD/ DivX Playback, DVD±R/ RW Compatible WAV/ WMA/ MP3 Decoder with ID-3 Tag display Front AV Input, 1RCA Video Output 3 Preouts with 2.5V Pre-output Level Front USB interface with slide protection cover
2. KENWOOD DDX 8034BT
7” Wide VGA Colour TFT Active Matrix Display Motorized Reverse Tilt & 5 Step Tilt Angle
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Adjustable screen TV Ready with Optional TV Tuner Unit Bluetooth Built-in (Hands-Free Profile/ SMS/Audio Profile 5.1ch Gold Preouts with 5V Pre-output Level, 2 AV Inputs and 1 AV Output Dolby Digital/dts/ Dolby Pro Logic II/SRS WOW TrueBass decoders 13 Band Graphic Equalizer with dual zone sound management system DVD Video/RW, MPEG 1/2 Video, JPEG , Divx and VCD Compatible AAC, WAV, WMA, MP3 Decoder, with ID-3 Tag Display 3. KENWOOD KFC S6962 3 way speaker with peak output of 300Watts
6”x9” Mica cone woofer with fibre texture 50mm water resistant cone midrange 20mm PEI balanced dome tweeter
4. KENWOOD KFC S6972
4 way speaker with 450Watts peak output 6”x9” Mica cone woofer with fibre texture 70mm water resistant cone midrange Twin 20mm dome tweeters
5. KENWOOD KFC S6982 500Watts high performance 5 way speaker 6”x9” Mica cone woofer with fibre texture 70mm water resistant cone midrange Three tweeters- 20mm, 12mm and 10 mm ceramic super tweeter
CAR India AUGUST 2009
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GARMIN NUVI 215 AND 715
The Garmin nuvi 215 might belong to the entry-level range of Garmin’s GPS devices but it is quite an impressive piece of equipment. The 3.5-inch non-widescreen display is the ideal tool for your first step into the GPS world. It comes preloaded with street maps of India. In case you plan to abscond from this exciting country, you can download Monaco and other maps via the microSD card slot. You can also use it as a hands free speaker using the integrated Bluetooth technology. If you are interested in something better, though, have a look at the Garmin nuvi 715 with its HotFix technology, photo navigation and Park Position Recall features. What really popped out our eyes was the Garmin Lock anti-theft protection system that uses GPS technology to safeguard the sat-nav by locking it to a secure location of your choice. A2DP Bluetooth support means that you can pair it with your cell phone and enjoy tunes on the go.
MEGUIARS CAR CARE PRODUCTS
Meguiars is one of the one of the largest and the oldest manufacturer of car care products in the world with a history that can be traced back to 1901. The firm that started as a simple furniture polish laboratory and plant in the garage of founder Frank Meguiar, Jr. is now one of the world’s leading surface care products companies, providing highly specialized products for almost every conceivable type of surface. Their product range includes oxidation and scratch removers, car polish wax, swirl marks and headlight cleaners. Get them if only to hide the fact from your spouse that you are regularly acting out your Lonely Planet fantasies in the sedan your father-in-law gifted you.
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BOSCH TECHNO BIBLE
THE A TO Z OF AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY SUV
SUV is an abbreviation for a Sport Utility Vehicle which is designed for on-road as well as off-road applications. A typical SUV features a four-wheel drive (4WD) or an all-wheel-drive (AWD) mechanism. However, the term has been generally used for any two-box styled vehicle where the small box houses the engine and the large box houses the passenger compartment.
Swept area
This is the area of a brake drum or rotor that comes in contact with the brake linings. A greater swept area means greater friction while braking, which translates to a higher retardation force against the vehicle.
Suspension system
A suspension system consists of shock absorbers, springs, torsion bars, steering linkage, arms, etc. to cushion the passenger compartment of a vehicle from road irregularities. The system also keeps the wheels in constant contact with the road to facilitate traction and vehicle control.
Studded tyre
Strut
A studded tyre is a type of tyre with embedded metal studs designed to have efficient grip on snow or mud. The design offers better traction on such surfaces in comparison to normal tyres. However, several countries have banned the use of these special tyres on roads as the studs could damage road infrastructure.
A strut is a self-contained, pivoting suspension unit that integrates a coil spring with a shock absorber. The component connects the lower control arm of a car to the vehicle frame. Besides offering suspension it also has the task of carrying the weight of the vehicle. Struts are mostly used in frontwheel drive vehicles.
Bosch AQUATAK High Pressure Washer When it comes to car cleaning solutions, Bosch offers a range of AQUATAK high-pressure jet washers that are engineered to deliver the perfect wash. In spite of being small, the AQUATAK series with its powerful motor effortlessly removes dirt, dust and even grease adhered to vehicles. The high pressure washers come with a number of accessories to further assist cleaning. A Vario jet fan nozzle allows one to alter water
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pressure from high to low as well as between fan spray and a single jet. Meanwhile, a flexi-jet lance aids in cleaning areas hard to reach. There is also a roto nozzle which gives an oscillating jet to dislodge even the most stubborn dirt in seconds. What’s more, there is a brush and a detergent bottle for extra assistance in cleaning vehicles. Bosch offers three AQUATAK models in India with prices ranging from Rs 5500 to Rs 13,000.
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Stroke
Stroke is the distance traveled by a piston in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. In such engines, combustion expands the fuel-air mixture which in turn triggers cyclical movement of the piston from the bottom dead center (BDC) to the top dead center (TDC) or vice versa. The ratio of bore (piston diameter) and stroke plays a major role in an engine’s power and torque output.
Sunroof
A panel (often semitransparent) in the roof of a car that can be slid or tilted open to allow more light and/or ventilation into the vehicle is called a sunroof. While low end sunroofs are manually operated, the higher end versions are powered electronically.
Straight-cut gear
A straight-cut gear is the simplest form of gear with straight teeth lines that are parallel to the axis of rotaion. Also known as spur gears, they are used only for reverse gear in modern transmissions because of their noisier operation in comparison to helical gears. However, the cost of production of straight-cut gears is less as against producing helical gears. The former also needs lesser power to operate.
Supercharged Engine
Somewhat similar to a turbocharged engine, a supercharged engine uses a turbine system to force the air-fuel mixture into the cylinder heads under pressure, thereby triggering a bigger explosion to produce more power. However, the latter’s turbine system gets powered via a series of belts or chains from the crankshaft unlike the turbocharged engine where the turbines are powered by exhaust gases.
Stepside truck
Any pickup truck featuring some kind of indentation just behind its cab (a step on the side of the truck) to facilitate entering the load-bed area is called a stepside truck. Ford Motors named its similar products as Flareside, whereas, Dodge called such models Sportside.
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FIRST DRIVES 200MPH ROADSTERS
200MPH ROADSTERS THREE NEW SUPER-CONVERTIBLES. WE DRIVE THEM ALL
STARRING
Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport / Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M / Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss CAR India AUGUST 2009
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XXXR STORY FIRST DRIVE BUGATTI BUGATTIGRAND GRANDSPORT SPORT
NOW HE A
W
hen you see a supercar with a big hole in the top do you think poseur, or connoisseur? Does the driver want to be seen, or just to remove another filter between himself and the horsepower factory behind his head? Quick cabrios might generally be slower, bendier and softer than their closed compatriots, but the payoff is often ample. I’m talking about noise, the sound of intake hiss, exhaust bark and valvetrain chatter that makes up a huge chunk of an internal combustion engine’s character. Noise contributes to every one of our experiences. The pop of a champagne cork, the screech of a nail down a blackboard, the waaahhh of a Honda S2000 homing in on 9000rpm. Without Edmund Meisel’s pounding score to back up Eisentein’s visuals, the civilians fleeing for their lives down the Odessa Steps in Battleship Potemkin could just as well be on a 5km fun run for Cancer Research. It’s why the electric Tesla Roadster is interesting but missing a crucial element that 60
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E AR THIS There is no sound like it, nor any driving experience that even comes close. Bugatti’s Veyron – world’s greatest car – now available without roof. We drive it
Story Chris Chilton Photography Mark Bramley
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XXXR STORY FIRST DRIVE BUGATTI BUGATTIGRAND GRANDSPORT SPORT would make you fall in love, rather than simply respect it. So I hoped for big things in the noise department from the world’s most extreme supercar. How would a Veyron sound? Sixteen cylinders in a W formation, four turbochargers: not much of a precedent for that is there? Like looking at a picture of a beautiful model and wondering whether she’d sound like Jessica Rabbit or Janet Street-Porter, I had no idea what to expect. What I heard was a dragon with emphysema taking a long chug on a bottle of oxygen before hissing it out again. Phhhheeeeeewwwwssssssschhhh it goes again and again, the sound of air being drawn in through the beautiful aluminium air intake directly above my head almost entirely masking the bassy rumble generated by the expensive, reciprocating collection of components being fed beneath. It doesn’t erect the neck-fluff like the shrill shriek of a Ferrari’s V8 in full attack mode or the gruff roar of a Lambo V12, but what presence. The Veyron sounds like no other car on Earth. But, then, the Veyron is like no other car on Earth. Other cars claim to have gone faster than the Bugatti’s 407kmph top speed; some to have more than its 987bhp. But none demands you find Rs 9.5crore before being handed your own keys, has passed the full gamut of gruelling VW Group durability tests or is as easy and refined to drive as a Golf. And as if it wasn’t crazy enough already, now Bugatti has gone and lopped the roof off. This was not in the plan, according to CEO Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen. ‘I think a car like the Veyron should be a coupé,’ he told me. But customers thought otherwise and, because many of those customers already have more than one Veyron, Bugatti wisely agreed to whip out the air-saw. Only it wasn’t quite that easy. Blighted by reliability issues at the beginning of its life, the Veyron coupé was thoroughly re-engineered in the middle of its original development programme and massively
late to market as a result. So it seems only fitting that engineers had to take several steps backwards before making a single stride forward when turning it into a roadster. With the roof in place, only a dedicated spotter could tell it from the coupé. Even the roof glass is dark enough to be confused for metal. But those in the know will notice a subtly taller windscreen, modified front lights, new wheels featuring the Bugatti horseshoe motif and revisions to the air intakes. Those air intakes now serve a dual purpose, being structural components, a key part of the Bugatti’s rollover protection. And the doors, aluminium on the coupé, are composite on the Grand Sport because that gives them the extra strength required to contribute to the crash structure. There’s extra stiffness in the sill area of the carbon tub and around the transmission tunnel, a carbonfibre brace stiffening the B-pillars and a carbon plate beneath the transmission tunnel. Bugatti claims that the Grand Sport suffers from less torsional flexing than any other roadster in the world. It feels believable from the driver’s seat. The suspension is stiff – though not uncomfortably so – at low speeds, but there’s no hint of shudder from the shell, no wriggle from the rear-view mirror nor any shimmy from the steering column as the gigantic, specially made (and Rs 4lakh a pop) Michelin metric tyres steamroll their way over the lumps and ridges of a poorly surfaced suburban road in the south of France. The mechanical refinement is incredible: the Ricardo dual-clutch ’box slips its way almost imperceptibly through its seven gears, and while it always feels as if there’s enough latent power under your right foot to light London if the national grid went down, it’s so easy to mete out that you very quickly forget just how much this car is worth. That’s because you’re too busy wondering how Bugatti managed to make a two-tonne four-wheel drive car steer with such delicacy and
Spot the difference? No roof. Oh, and the windscreen’s a fraction taller. £200k please
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XXXR STORY FIRST DRIVE BUGATTI BUGATTIGRAND GRANDSPORT SPORT precision. I expected it to be a bit of a blunt instrument, all wheelsstraight punch and no finesse. Yet you can guide it through corners with tiny inputs, placing it how you would a car hundreds of kilograms lighter. Pushing moderately quickly you’re best off leaving the ’box in drive or selecting cogs yourself with the paddles – sport mode is brutal, a proper maximum attack setting that keeps the revs above 3500rpm by kicking down through the gears at the earliest opportunity. Exhilarating when you’ve got the freedom to explore the performance, the rest of the time its rawness feels at odds with the Veyron’s generally regal demeanour. But what happens when you can’t resist the call of the right pedal, when you really uncork it? The tyres measure 265 between the shoulders at the pointy end and 365 at the back, and both axles do their share of delivering that 987bhp, but surely they can’t contain it all? Can they? Flatten the right pedal and it doesn’t take long to find out. All 1343Nm of torque is abusing the gearbox by 2200rpm and doesn’t stop until 5500rpm, by which time everything on the other side of the glazing has turned into a smear of colour. There’s not a hint of wheelspin, not a blink from the ESP light, only absolute unbroken connection between wheels and tarmac. A gauge swings from 0 to 1000hp to let you know just how much of the W16’s capacity you’re calling on, but far from the luxury of an
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empty six-lane motorway, every time I really unleash the beast I’m concentrating so hard on not having the biggest accident since Chernobyl that I only catch a fleeting glimpse of it going the full distance. Any ensuing accident could only be your own fault though, for the Veyron is hugely stable and predictable. Such is the incredible traction on offer that you need never worry about inconveniences like over- and understeer, at least not in the dry and on the road. Pile into a bend too quickly and you might eventually feel the front gently pushing fractionally wide, but you’ll be going some when it does. Drifting? I’ll concede that I didn’t try. It takes big commitment and a lot of space to use the amount of performance at your disposal in a straight line, never mind with steering lock applied. The Veyron reaches 160kmph over a second quicker than a McLaren F1, but it’s only above that speed that you really begin to feel how ridiculously accelerative this car is. At first I thought the rate of acceleration was actually increasing but Pierre-Henri Raphanel, Bugatti’s ex-Le Mans and F1-driving pilote official, says not. It’s simply that your brain just isn’t used to this sort of thrust. Even supercars tend to slow beyond 160kmph, but the Veyron doesn’t. It takes the fight right to the laws of physics, pushing you through the air so quickly that it’s genuinely unsettling the first few times. And this is only the slow one. According to Bugatti, the extra 53kg the Grand Sport carries is responsible for the additional couple of
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I expected a blunt instrument, all wheels-straight punch and no finesse. Yet you can guide the Veyron through corners with tiny inputs
You pay Rs 11crore for a Grand Sport and Bugatti still loses money on every one it sells. Maybe parent company VW will eventually insist the next Bugatti is a rebodied Audi R8. Until then, everything is bespoke, from quadturbo W16 to exquisitely detailed dashboard instruments
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XXXR STORY FIRST DRIVE BUGATTI BUGATTIGRAND GRANDSPORT SPORT
It takes the fight right to the laws of physics, pushing you through the air so quickly that it’s genuinely unsettling
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tenths it takes to reach 100kmph compared with the blistering 2.5sec the coupé needs. But from there, the effect of that extra mass is diminished. Three hundred clicks, by which point many a fast car has expired, slides by in less than 17sec, about the time it takes the Golf GTI driven elsewhere in this issue to hit the ton. With the targa panel in place, the Grand Sport can achieve the same 407kmph top speed as the Veyron coupé – providing you’ve inserted the second key into the slot by the driver’s sill, which selects the top speed mode. This lowers the car and tweaks the front and rear wings to decrease drag and downforce. But with the roof off you can’t engage the top speed mode and are limited to ‘just’ 360kmph – still far beyond the capabilities of all but a handful of other supercars. You really need to give some thought to the weather before leaving the house though, because the Grand Sport is not your average coupé/ cabrio. The roof panel is a vast thing and really needs two people to manhandle into place. And once you’ve got it off, there’s not actually anywhere in the car to stow it. If you leave it at home and get caught out in a shower, there is something in the lunchbox-sized and foundry-hot front boot that can help. It’s an emergency canvas hood and looks suspiciously like an umbrella but is far easier to fit than a Lamborghini Murciélago roadster’s national service tent of a roof. Don’t go expecting to use much of the performance with it in place though: it’s rated only to a tame 160kmph. We didn’t have the chance to test it out, or even spend more time with the targa panel in place than it took to confirm that the Grand Sport feels quiet, snug and whistle-free. Wind whistle-free, at least: there’s still a surprising amount of sucking and hissing going on from the intake system.
Hear that? It’s the gloriously unfiltered voice of 16 cylinders and four turbos sucking air. And pumping out 596g/km
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XXXR STORY FIRST DRIVE BUGATTI BUGATTIGRAND GRANDSPORT SPORT Why would we? Early summer sun, the winding mountain roads of the Cote d’Azur – the Grand Sport was made for dreamy days like this. There’s traffic up ahead and I take the opportunity to soak up the ambience. The Grand Sport likes to drive slowly as much as it likes bending the space/time continuum. And, like all Veyrons, it isn’t just monumentally fast, it’s also beautifully built. There’s a whiff of Bentley supercar about it, and I don’t mean that as a slight. The choice of materials, the markings on dials and gauges, the stitching on the modestly bolstered but hugging sports seats is evidence of real attention to detail. It sounds ludicrous to say so, but for all its bravado, the Veyron is an incredibly tasteful car. Bugatti claims its rivals are not other cars but rather lovingly crafted boats and the finest luxury homes. When it comes to quality, the Veyron is their undoubted equal. Well, maybe a luxury home with a really nasty novelty doorbell – the small ventilation sliders surrounding the Grand Sport’s engine-turned aluminium centre console feel a bit shoddy. But that’s real nit-picking, the sort you can’t help but do when you’re told something costs such an absurd amount of money. Trying to rationalise whether the Grand Sport is worth Rs 11crore is pointless though. I can tell you now that of course it isn’t worth that much money although, if you factor in the huge development cost VW wrote off, the Veyron actually costs far more to build than it costs you to buy. Is it a good buy? It’s an incredible achievement but it is not nine times as good as a Ferrari Scuderia 16M, another exciting supercar, albeit one very different in character. But will that matter to the lucky 150 who will be buying a Grand Sport? They probably already have numerous Maranello products tucked up under monogrammed tailored covers that fit better than most of our suits. When they sign a cheque for that Grand Sport they’re not just buying another supercar, they’re buying the supercar. They could have chosen something that was quicker
round a track or that sounded better, something lighter, something that screamed ‘racer’ or something that was more intelligent than a car whose whole design is based around meeting some pointless power and maximum speed targets. What does matter is that it exists, that someone as mad as Ferdinand Piëch was brave and powerful enough to give it the green light and stick with it despite knowing that he was flushing more money down the drain than a Columbian drug lord with the FBI pounding on his door. There’s a good chance that such a folly may never happen again, particularly in the leaner years that will likely BUGATTI VEYRON follow the current financial crisis, GRAND SPORT and a growing green awareness that makes driving cars that emit Price Rs 11crore (in UK) nearly 600g/km of CO2 as socially On sale Now desirable as that spider’s web the Engine 7993cc 64v quad-turbo punk down your street had inked W16, 987bhp @ 6000rpm, into his face in 1980. 1343 Nm @ 2200-5500rpm It’s a privilege to have been Transmission behind the wheel. You might drive Seven-speed dual clutch auto, a hot hatch, realistically aspire to a four-wheel drive Cayman and kid yourself that a Suspension Double Ferrari might be just a few years’ wishbones front and rear graft away. But the Veyron will Weight/made from 1990kg/ always remain a dream. So while carbonfibre, aluminium we’re dreaming I’ll stump up the Length/width/height extra imaginary Rs 1.5crore for the 4462/1998/1204mm Grand Sport. Dr Paefgen might Performance 2.7sec not agree, but when I’d paidRs 0-100kmph, 407kmph, 4.2kmpl, 74lakh for each of those cylinders, 596g/km I think I’d want to hear them earn Rating 11111 their keep. car
With roof on, the Grand Sport looks barely different from the standard Veyron. You lose 2mph, so best make do with 253 flat out
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WHAT WE MEAN BY THE GREAT OUTDOORS XXXR STORY FERRARI SCUDERIA SPIDER 16M
Ripping the roof off Ferrari’s most scintillating sports car, the F430 Scuderia, ought to ruin it. No it bloody doesn’t, says Ben Barry
Photography Mark Fagelson
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FIRST DRIVE FERRARI SCUDERIA SPIDER 16M
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Ferrari’s proud enough of this bit to put a window in its cover. And the noise it makes is simply biblical
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More power than the F430 Spider, 80kg less, nearas-dammit mpg and emissions – how very zeitgeist
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o some, the Scuderia Spider 16M will be sacrilegious. Here, they’ll say, is Ferrari’s most hardcore road car – the 430 Scuderia – with a poncey roof chop, a Rs 24lakh price hike (to almost Rs 1.5crore) and 90kg of additional structural ballast to help quell the inevitable scuttle-shake. Yet it still has the nerve to evoke the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team and reference – the 16M bit – its 16 constructors’ titles. It’s a car, those same doubters will scoff, for people who just don’t get it, a trinket for the all-the-gear-no-idea crowd on whom the finer points of lightweight construction, of Michael Schumacher-honed dynamics, of the inherent purity of a fixed roof are entirely lost. After all, its predecessor – the 360 Challenge Stradale – was never offered as a roadster, and for good reason. Yet that’s to miss the achievement of the Scuderia. The 360 Challenge Stradale was always fantastic, but in making it more hardcore, Maranello also made it more of a pain to live with on a daily basis. It was a niche product aimed at a different kind of customer, whereas the Scuderia simply improved the F430 by offering more thrills in a more rounded package. That’s why, since its late-2007 launch, the 430 Scuderia has outsold the F430 despite the Rs 28lakh gulf between their base prices. So, if the hardtop Scuderia was simply better than the F430, shouldn’t it follow that the Scuderia Spider is simply a better F430 Spider? Even the fact that it carries a Rs 43.6lakh premium over the F430 Spider hasn’t scuppered it – seems Ferrari customers have chosen to ignore the global downturn, greedily snapping up every last one of the strictly limited 499-unit production run. The key question, then, is this: can the Scuderia Spider outshine both the F430 Spider and the Scuderia Spider? To answer that, there’s a yellow 16M nestling under the famous Ferrari archway with our name on it, the sun’s baking hot and the CAR India august 2009
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XXXR STORY FIRST DRIVE FERRARI FERRARISCUDERIA SCUDERIASPIDER SPIDER16M 16M
same brilliant roads I drove the coupé on are beckoning. 16M? The badge pays V12 Enzo – you realise you’re dealing with a Ferrari homage to Ferrari’s 16 that’s very scorchio indeed. The basics remain pretty much untouched. There’s a F1 manufacturer’s Hood up it looks a little clunky – you can’t help but 4.3-litre flat-plane V8 sitting amidships and sending power titles. And the see it as a coupé that’s been fiddled with, much like to the rear wheels; a trick E-diff doing the mediating relationship is real: the (sorry Ferrari) a Nissan 350Z convertible looks like the between sides left and right; a Formula One-derived sixSpider is only 1.5sec slower round Ferrari’s coupé corrupted – but press one button and the fabric speed clutchless manual ’box. The engine’s lightly track than an Enzo roof vanishes beneath the roadster pods in around 25 breathed on for 20bhp and 5.4Nm over the F430; the seconds of noisy electric whirring. Suddenly the 16M bumpers and sideskirts are made from RTM (a strong and looks like it was designed as a roadster from the off. It’s light glassfibre-like material) while being, along with the more breathtakingly gorgeous. aggressive rear diffuser, tweaked to be more aero-efficient; there The rollover hoops’ mix of carbon on one side and yelloware titanium springs, lighter ZF dampers, more powerful and stitched Alcantara on the other neatly integrates them with the lighter carbon ceramic brake discs. So far, so Scuderia. rest of the car; the roadster pods themselves cleverly echo the And the raw figures are still awe-inspiring: 503bhp, 470Nm, elegant swoops of the engine air intakes, helping to visually 0-62mph in 3.7sec, a 317kmph top end, the hardtop only gaining a tenth on its way to 100kmph and extending itself by one solitary balance what’s now a flat expanse of rear deck. It’s a shame the hood won’t stow on the go, but it’s well insulated roof-up, and mph extra compared with the Spider. More power than the F430 with it down you’re well connected to the outdoors without being Spider, 80kg less to haul around, near-as-dammit mpg and bombarded by it. emissions – how very zeitgeist. The real benefit of losing the roof isn’t exposure to the Michael Schumacher wasn’t as closely involved with the Spider elements, though – it’s the extra exposure to noise. The Scuderia development programme as he was the 430 Scuderia’s, but he did Spider is a staggeringly loud car, yet the soundtrack is so sign this car off and, to be fair, the underpinnings are so similar otherworldly that it never becomes tiring. After hearing numerous that it was pretty much copy and paste, after which the sevenruns up and down an otherwise quiet hillside, photographer time world champion was ushered in to check for clangers. Mark Fagelson described the pops and echoes and induction Still not convinced? Consider this: the Scuderia Spider is the slurps as sounding like ‘an entire grid of racecars’. When our fastest ever fresh-air Ferrari to lap the Fiorano test track. And when you consider that its 1min 26.5sec is barely a whisker off the videographer tried to capture a full-bore blast (see it on carmagazine.co.uk), the soundwaves distorted so violently that Scuderia coupé’s 1min 25sec time – a car that itself matched the 74
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XXXR STORY FIRST DRIVE FERRARI FERRARISCUDERIA SCUDERIASPIDER SPIDER16M 16M
the audio track became unusable. ‘It’s spiking,’ he Forget what the purists body control is impeccable, yet in the adjustable might say of topless suspension’s softer mode it’s as absorbent as Pampers, with said. ‘I’ve not even had racecars do that.’ Ferraris. Your sensation no loss of control – in fact, the extra compliance just adds At idle the Scuderia emits a flat, busy, bassy blare of speed, power and not unlike an F1 car biding its time during qualifying. brutal noise is so much more control. The standard carbon brakes – along with the Under part-load at low revs it mimics the belly-deep more intense roof-off. standard semi-manual gearbox, these stoppers help account This is hardcore for a large portion of the Scuderia’s price hike over the rumblings of a lion pawing playfully at its rowdy F430, which comes with cast iron discs and manual ’box offspring. Just beyond 3000rpm, the note intensifies, – are strong, and work well from cold with a pedal feel that’s easy and there’s another kick in power and noise past 5000rpm as you to modulate, unlike the ceramics on the Lambo LP-560. And the hurtle to the 8500rpm power peak like an angry Chewbacca in a manettino switch on the steering wheel allows you to select from warp-speed Millennium Falcon. five settings, starting with a relaxed mode for slippery conditions, Or perhaps that was just the photographer screaming. With extending right up to the hardcore CST-off that sheds the fetters roof down and right pedal pushed towards the firewall, the V8’s of both traction and stability control systems while offering the battlecry is so dominant, and the acceleration and gearchanges so most hardcore drivetrain settings. The rear-view mirror does brutal, that the Spider becomes intimidating in a way even the shimmy, but the car doesn’t feel compromised, and there are none coupé can’t replicate. Grip the perforated leather of the steering of the light vibrations through the steering column that can wheel hard, promise yourself you’ll wait until every last red shift characterise structurally deficient cars. light has ignited in the wheel’s carbon top – it takes longer than Best of all, the Spider still handles like a Scuderia. Push too you think – then grab another gear. BANG! And it all happens hard, too early through a tight corner and you’ll receive a again, ferocity undimmed. It is without doubt the most visceral, cautionary finger-wag of understeer. But go in hard on the brakes, most life-affirming shot of acceleration I have ever experienced. get the nose tucked in, then stamp on the gas to capitalise on the That the Spider isn’t in-extremis intimidating – despite pendulum you’ve set swinging and the tail will sweep wide. Feed in everything the histrionics are telling you – just underlines what a more gas and it feels like the air in the 285/35 ZR19 rear Pirellis is clever balancing act Ferrari has pulled off. It’s over a year since I expanding as the tyres heat up, and the whole car gets on tiptoes as last drove the standard Scuderia, but the 16M feels equally you drift steadily on a cushion of air like a hovercraft oppositecomposed. The steering exudes a user-friendly lightness on first locking across a deserted beach. That’s a good thing, by the way, acquaintance, yet builds its well-judged weight with an not the precursor to some horrific seaside catastrophe. incremental progression that’s as intuitive as it is satisfying. The 76
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Just like the dynamics, the interior again strikes a strangely coherent balance between the dichotomies of racecar thrills and road-car manners. With carbon door cards, chequerplate flooring and carbon-shelled seats covered with a mix of grippy Alcantara (bolsters) and an advanced-looking honeycomb microfibre (centres), it certainly feels like a hardcore place to be. Yet it never feels spare, never uncomfortable, never tricky to climb into or out of. The seats have adjustable backrests, there’s a new iPod Touch in the centre console to replace the dated old single-DIN in the Scuderia, plus seatbelts instead of fiddly harnesses. And that leaves the F430’s replacement – to be revealed later this year – with some serious work to do. What to criticise about the Scuderia? I could never wish for more power, but extra lowdown torque and better mpg/CO2 figures would be a boon. The interior looks fantastic, so good in fact that you generally overlook that some switchgear is low-rent and the column stalks are cheap. The manettino is a great system for controlling the safety systems and drivetrain maps, but it defaults to the more hardcore suspension in every mode bar the first two. That means you have to look down to find the suspension button on the centre console every time you flick through the other modes (race, CT-off and CST-off) if you want a softer ride, where a press of the manettino button would be more seamless (it just so happens such a tweak is being worked up). And, while the gearbox’s 60-millisecond changes are impressive and its manual mode forges a deeply satisfying connection between engine and transmission, the Scuderia’s automated manual can feel somewhat abrupt as an auto and imprecise as a parking partner – a black mark against this car’s ‘yes, you really
could daily-drive it’ appeal. The challenge for Ferrari will be in offering a dual-clutch gearbox that builds on the oh-my-gawd excitement of the current manual mode, while doubling as a smooth and refined auto when pootling. Who’d bet against it? But back to that key question: does the Scuderia Spider 16M outshine the Scuderia and F430 Spider? Yes it does. Again, it’s FERRARI SCUDERIA just plain old better than the SPIDER 16M F430, but the fact that losing the roof has intensified – not Price Rs 1.58crore (in UK) detracted from – the Scuderia On sale Now, but all 499 sold driving experience makes this a Engine 4308cc 32v V8, very special car indeed. Of 503bhp @ 8500rpm, course, the only way you’ll get 470Nm @ 5250rpm one now is by going secondhand, Transmission perhaps you couldn’t find the Six-speed automated manual, extra Rs 24lakh anyway, and rear-wheel drive maybe you really are going to Suspension Double drive a three-bedroomed wishbones front and rear mortgage around a racetrack, in Weight/made from which case it’s Scuderia coupé 1440kg/aluminium all the way. Remember, though, Length/width/height that the chap in the soft-top will 4512/1923/1216mm be right behind you. Performance 3.7sec But if you’ve got the cash and 0-100kmph, 317kmph, 6.3kmpl, you’ve got the climate, don’t let 360g/km anyone talk you out of the Rating 11111 Scuderia Spider 16M. It really is that good. car
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FIRST DRIVE MOSS McLAREN MERC
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STIRLING MOSS: THE COMEBACK CAR
What inspired Merc’s fastest, final SLR? A certain famous racing driver and a record that’s stood for 54 years
Story Georg Kacher Photography Greg Pajo CAR India AUGUST 2009
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rescia on the eve of the 2009 Mille Miglia. Sir Stirling Moss stopped competing in the retrospective version of the rally a few years ago, but he can’t help coming back to see it off. Back in 1955, together with co-driver Denis Jenkinson, he set a record of ten hours and seven minutes – that’s an average of almost 160kmph – that still stands. Today, Sir Stirling is guest of honour, attending the first outing of the final version of the Mercedes McLaren SLR roadster. It carries his name. To celebrate the occasion, Mercedes has brought along an original 1955 300 SLR. Not the famous number 722 in which Moss scored his historic victory, but an identical car, which last competed in Reims 2008 with Jean Alesi at the wheel. When they’re parked side by side, the visual link between SLRs old and new is obvious. Common themes include prominent chromed sidepipes, the power dome behind the driving seat (the new one has one for the passenger too), a minimalist cockpit and a token
windscreen. Mercedes built six W196S racers for Le Mans, the Targa Florio, the Tourist Trophy and the Swedish GP. Out of the four roadsters and two coupés, one each is on display at the German Museum in Munich and at the French National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse. The remaining cars are still owned by the factory. Estimated values range from Rs 120crore for the one pictured here to about Rs 200crore for Moss’s number 722. Compared with such astronomical sums, the SLR Stirling Moss is a bargain at Rs 5.25crore(UK). Based on the SLR 722S roadster, its production run is limited to 75. Although only loyal SLR owners qualify to buy one, all are spoken for already. There are 14 different paint schemes and 12 leather colours to choose from, but silver and black are the clear favourites. With only four months to go until his 80th birthday, Sir Stirling Moss still looks like a young whippersnapper in his baby-blue balloon-silk overalls – worrying reports about mounting health
When you see them side by side, the visual link between SLRs old and new is obvious
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problems thankfully go unfounded. He’s tanned, fit and talkative. The most famous racing driver never to win the F1 title is totally at ease as he poses for pictures between the iconic W196S and (in Merc code) the wild new Z199. Today, this is his natural territory. ‘I’m afraid modern cars don’t do much for me,’ he says. ‘You see, I don’t like driving on the road anymore. Too much traffic, too many people who don’t know what they are doing. That’s why the only car I own is the vintage Osca which I still race occasionally. Whenever a transportation need arises, I call a taxi or ask Suzy [that’s Mrs Moss] to chauffeur me in her Smart.’ Yet he’s slowly warming to the 2009 SLR. ‘It’s brash and very aggressive,’ says Moss. And what’s his input in the project? Sir Stirling looks up and shrugs his shoulders: ‘I let them put my signature on it.’ Today, Moss is clearly more interested in being reunited with the car he used to push to the limit on these roads. ‘My threshold of fear
is much lower these days. That’s why I’d rather drive the W196S, which I can steer on the throttle and which has an absolutely wonderful handling balance. Modern cars are too fast, they stick to the tarmac like glue and they are loaded with filters like ABS and ESP. I hate assisted braking. In the past, Jenks would push a button and squirt a drop of oil into the brake drum to stop that particular wheel from locking up.’ Despite his age, Moss slides into the cockpit of the 1955 SLR with the litheness of a professional contortionist. It’s touching to see the old routines are still very much alive: pull the choke; depress the heavy clutch; push the tiny silver starter button; Usain Bolt-style muscle memory. When the engine coughs and splutters, he expertly massages the throttle to keep the revs above 2000rpm. While everybody watches with both index fingers deep inside their eardrums, Moss seems to relish every decibel he and his monster can create.
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FIRST DRIVE MOSS McLAREN MERC It’s a joy to watch the master in his element, especially when your very special vantage point is the driving seat of a following SLR Stirling Moss. The man himself makes the Dunlop radials squeal in anticipation as he lays on about 3500rpm and drops the clutch. First gear seems to reach close to 80kmph, second stretches to the point where my eyes start to burn, third expires at about 160kmph, and fourth runs us out of blacktop. Even following the vintage SLR is a physical experience, your nose capturing the forgotten scents of methyl and benzol. Meanwhile, the wind pushes your glasses into your face and your hair assumes a silent movie look. Insects spatter your teeth and you taste petrol on the air. In many ways, the latest Merc feels as vintage as the original. This car exposes you absolutely: there is no windscreen and no roof, and it looks utterly exhibitionist. The SLR Stirling Moss is as long as an E-class, wider than a Maybach and almost as low as Mr Hamilton’s single-seater. Wiser men would have brought a helmet. Me? I was at the mercy of bystanders shouting questions and offering pen and paper in misguided autograph requests. I now have a good idea of how exhausting it must have been to drive the old SLR at the limit. Even in the modern one, accelerating from standstill to 100kmph in 3.5sec without goggles, gloves and overalls feels like travelling on the wingtips of a 747. Trying to keep up with Moss brings back images of silver machines attacking and conquering the Futa and the Raticosa passes before storming back to Brescia, travelling at well over 160kmph on the final stage. On public roads. Mile after mile. Although the SLR roadster provides an intense and intimate motoring experience, it’s something of a caricature sports car: all posture, no real substance, despite the considerable input of McLaren’s Gordon Murray. Tellingly, one Arab potentate ordered three (one for himself, one for his wife and one for his son, just turned 18). But it’s this, the finale for the SLR, that’s dynamically the most convincing version. Unlike the rock-hard 722S, the Stirling Moss edition boasts compliant suspension. The front end no longer gets epileptic over ridges, and the rear end is less prone to getting out of step. The steering, which used to be ultra-sensitive around the straight-ahead, feels more relaxed and more progressive now, yet the turning circle is still more tank than car and the brakes are grabby (blame the awkward inverted pedal linkage). After 570 races in 84 different cars, it takes a special car to impress Stirling Moss. ‘You certainly don’t notice any lack of power or torque,’ he concedes. ‘I suppose one needs all those horses to compensate for the weight penalty. It also feels very safe: strong roadholding, sticky tyres, good chassis, awesome brakes.’ It’s the electronics and complex engineering that fox Moss. ‘I am curious what the reliability is like in everyday use. My SLR racecar was absolutely faultless in this respect. Despite the sophisticated desmodromic valve train, we only experienced one single engine failure, at a race in Monaco. The tyres were also much better than their reputation. I recall a sole incident upon arrival in Rome when a wheel came off. To get it back, the owner of the property made me rebuild the wall it had damaged.’ Can you imagine a modern racing driver doing that? There is no better way to capture the atmosphere of racing in the
Inspiration comes from 1955, tech is defiantly 21st century. And what a pair of exposed exhausts
It’s a joy to watch the master in his element, when you’re looking from a following SLR Stirling Moss
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Tall drivers will appreciate the restyled dashboard, which provides more space for long legs. Headroom is obviously infinite
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NOTHING CAPTURES THE ATMOSPHERE OF RACING IN THE ’50S BETTER THAN THE COCKPIT OF THE ORIGINAL SLR
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FIRST DRIVE MOSS McLAREN MERC ’50s than by comparing the cockpit of the original SLR with that of its new namesake. The W196S epitomises minimalism: a plate-sized rev counter with a pointer-imposed rev limit of 5200rpm; slim, fixed, tartan bucket seats; a removable wood-rimmed steering wheel; and an open transmission gate exposing a dogleg shift pattern. Since Moss kept hitting the wrong ratio, his mechanic fitted a detent that had to be flicked before engaging reverse. It did the trick. In stark contrast, the Z199 features carbonfibre cabin accents, leather instead of cloth, an automatic instead of a manual gearbox (and no tricky open gate), climate control instead of raw ventilation flaps, and a pair of small and poorly legible instruments. There is no radio, no phone and no sat-nav, but we notice shift paddles, an ESP Off button and a plump multi-function steering wheel that would not be out of a place in a diesel taxi. Oh, and there’s an air-brake that fills the rear-view mirror with a sheet of silver when you really want to slow down sharpish. If your neck muscles can bear it and if your eyes don’t water behind the visor, the SLR Stirling Moss runs out close to 354kmph. The old 300SLR was definitely no sluggard, but it ran out of steam at about 298kmph. The main distinctions between the two sports car generations concern weight and power: the 2009 model eclipses its predecessor by 345bhp, but carries an extra 734kg of body fat. That’s why the 1955 car feels so amazingly punchy above 200kmph, says Moss. Its direct-injection 3.0-litre straight eight develops 296bhp at 7400rpm and maximum torque of 317Nm at 5950rpm. The car’s supercharged 5.5-litre V8 is good for 641bhp at 1955 MERCEDES new 6500rpm and for a huge 820Nm at 4000rpm. But it’s no 300SLR specialised race-bred motor and, while the modern threevalver is electronically limited to 7200rpm, the old twoValue Rs120crore (in UK) valver is red-lined at a more adventurous 7800rpm. Both, Engine 2976cc 16v Straight however, will struggle to average more than 3kmpl. Eight, 296bhp @ 7400rpm, Whatever the car, it doesn’t look as if any current driver 317Nm @ 5950rpm will wrest Moss’s record from him. Could Lewis or Jenson Transmission average 157kmph over a thousand miles of public roads, Five-Speed Manual, Moss-and-Jenks-style? Rear-Wheel Drive ‘I don’t know. Perhaps it’s unrepeatable. Quite frankly, Suspension I don’t think anybody can drive from Florence to Wishbones Front, Bologna in just over an hour anymore. Irrespective of the Swing Axles Rear type of car, that’s history.’ Weight/made from Time to crown the true king of the road, the ultimate 817kg/Steel And Aluminium SLR, the definitive high-performance roadster. ‘You Performance 12sec already know I’m biased,’ Sir Stirling laughs. ‘I enjoy living 0-160kmph, 298kmph, 3kmpl in the past. The new SLR is a great car, but it may be a touch too perfect for someone who is used to seven inches of slack in the steering, directs the car primarily with the MERCEDES SLR throttle and keeps their foot down because it’s in his genes. STIRLING MOSS I owe the W196S a lot. It is an important legend-builder, and I can still see myself arriving in it in Rome, panda-eyed Price Rs 5.25crore (in UK) and tired but very happy. We changed tyres, checked the On sale Now oil, filled the 190 litre tank to the brim and after four hours Engine 5439cc 24v of sleep set off again for Brescia. I stopped once for one supercharged V8, 641bhp @ 6500rpm, 820 Nm @ 4000rpm minute and five seconds to spring a leak, and I ate a banana Jenks had peeled for me. The rest was ten-tenths racing, Transmission weaving through 800 participants out of which only 30 Five-speed auto, were really quick. It was a dream come true, and it’s a rear-wheel drive dream I still enjoy dreaming.’ Suspension When David Coulthard and Mikka Häkkinen entered Wishbones front, multi-link rear this year’s event in the W196S and the Z199, Sir Stirling Weight/made from was already on a plane home to England. What he left 1551kg/carbonfibre behind is the recognition that every era has its supercars. Performance 3.5sec 0-100kmph, 354 kmph, 3kmpl Yet the magic of Moss’s winner lives on after more than half a century. Its modern counterpart is living on Rating 111 reflected glory. car Sir Stirling himself proved the capability of the original 300SLR. Expect the new one to beat you from the lights in Dubai
The final McMerc is based on the SLR 722S roadster (left). Don’t go looking for the traction control switch on the original (above)
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Travelogue Honda Jazz
Jazzy Jaunt 1380km, two days, a Honda Jazz. Adhish Alawani drives all the way from Pune to the Jog Falls and back with memories to treasure
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PUNE
MAHARASHTRA
KOLHAPUR
SANKESHWAR
SAWANTWADI
GOA
KARWAR
KARNATAKA HUBLI
MUNDGOD
JOG FALLS
Story Adhish Alawani Photography Sanjay Raikar CAR India AUGUST 2009
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Travelogue Honda Jazz
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can only vaguely remember the last time I took out time for myself and drove to my heart’s content in the recent past. I have done a few road trips on motorcycles in the last six or eight months, but none in the lavish comforts of a car for at least a year. It was high time I got a break from demanding office chores and head to one of the innumerable scenic and remote places in our country I have always craved to explore. I have seen a lot of the Konkan area in Maharashtra and had enough of the beaches. I wanted to head to a destination uncharted by the traveler in me. And that was exactly 88
when Bunny came to my rescue. Being a hardcore touring guy, he suggested a host of destinations I could go to. After rejecting the western and northern areas, I decided on a trip to the south – the Jog falls in Karnataka to be precise. With the all-new Honda Jazz as our companion, we jotted down the route in three stages. The first and third part of the trip was going to be on the long straights of the NH4 which is a part of the Golden Quadrilateral. The second stage of our drive would be the most exciting as it would take us through the narrow state highways of Karnataka heading towards Jog
Falls and then Karwar passing through the small villages on the way. Due to time constraints, we had to cover a long trip in just two days. With over 750km chalked out for day one, Sanjay and I decided to set out as early as 5:15 am on Saturday, 27th June. With the Jazz tanked up the previous day itself, we set out on the first leg of the drive on the NH4 up to Hubli from where we had to take the right leading to the interiors of Karnataka. Once we reached the outskirts of Pune, we knew that the season we had chosen for the trip was not the perfect one with rains hitting us within the first half an
The fisherman tries to get hold of some fish in the Sharavati river
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Travelogue Honda Jazz
hour of our drive. Nonetheless, cruising at a steady pace we covered almost 200km before our first halt for breakfast. After a heavy missal pav, sheera and idli wada breakfast, Sanjay and I decided to take our next halt for lunch. The four-lane NH4 stretch from Pune to Kolhapur has always fascinated me. I remember the days when I used to go to Kolhapur with my family and my dad used to drive on this same route taking more than five hours to reach our destination. However, the road development in the past few years have cut down the PuneKolhapur travel time by more than two hours. While I was still
appreciating all the work done by the Maharashtra government, I was stunned to see the highways in Karnataka. About 70km after Kolhapur, we crossed the Karnataka border and the four lane highways turned into six lane ones. They have constructed bus bays and toilets after every 10-15km on this stretch which reminds me somewhat of the highways I have seen abroad. We traveled all the way down to Hubli via Belgavi and Dharwad. The NH4 wasn’t a six lane one all the way, but it has been maintained in a much better fashion than the stretch in Maharashtra. A few kilometers after crossing
Hubli, we took the SH69 and moved towards the south-west direction. Being a state highway, the road was narrow and wasn’t even close to what we call as flowing ones. Even after driving continuously at 90-100km/h with the A/C on, the Jazz’s fuel efficiency indicator was showing us an economy of 21kmpl – something really worth appreciating for a 1.2litre engine pulling a car of that size. Our speeds dropped as we drove through the villages on the broken roads. After about 50km, we arrived at Mundgod, a place that plays host to thousands of Tibetian refugees in India. It is probably the world’s largest Tibetian settlement spread
The Amboli ghat was one of the most scenic sections of the trip and offered an amazing drive as well The Honda Jazz strikes a pose at the entrance of the Jog Falls
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TRAVELOGUE HONDA JAZZ
THE HONDA JAZZ HAS BEEN ONE CRAZY COMPANION PROVIDING ME WITH COMFORT WHEN I WANTED IT AND EXCITEMENT WHEN I SAW THE WINDING ROADS
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Travelogue Honda Jazz over an area of 4000 acres comprising of 11 villages located at about 5-6 km from each other. A beautiful place with as many as seven monasteries, it familiarized us with the life of monks and local Tibetians. There is also the Attiveri Bird Sanctuary close to Mundgod but unfortunately, since it was the beginning of rains, we decided to omit the sanctuary and proceed to Sirsi. It was already past 2 o’clock in the afternoon by the time we left Mundgod and it was time we looked for a place to eat. We decided to head straight to Sirsi for lunch which was another 30-40km. After refueling on the outskirts of Sirsi, we stopped for lunch at a notso-attractive New Kamat Hotel. While Sanjay enjoyed his Nagli fish
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(a variety of fish found in rivers), I had to be content with the tasteless vegetarian food on offer before we headed towards Jog Falls. The route from Sirsi to Jog Falls took us through the forests of Shimoga district. The roads, though narrow are in good condition. Considering that the monsoons hadn’t arrived yet, and the Sharavathi river wasn’t flowing anywhere near to its full capacity, we knew we wouldn’t be lucky enough to see Jog Falls in their full glory. The Jog Falls are the highest waterfalls in the country with a drop height of 253 meters. There are quite a few hotels and guest houses around which offer accommodation to tourists who intend to stay near the Falls. After having spent some time at the rather
‘dry’ waterfalls, we began our journey towards Karwar – our final destination for the day. The route from Jog Falls to Honnaver comprises of extremely narrow and steep winding roads. The wet and slushy surface throughout indicated that it might have been raining for the past few days in that part of the state. We, however, were lucky to get a dry spell till Honnaver. This was the road where I was convinced by Honda’s new philosophy of making even the base model as safe as their top end model. Each variant of the Jazz sports ABS which helped us at a couple of places where the road was slushy and I had to brake suddenly. The ‘no-compromise on safety’ attitude that Honda has adopted is
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really worth appreciating. It had become pretty dark by the time we hit Honnaver which is located on the NH17. From here we took a right and proceeded northwards to Karwar. Unfortunately, heavy rains struck at this point and we had to continue driving while it was pouring cats and dogs. Driving in the darkness with heavy rains hampering vision further, was tough and we finally made it to our destination just past eight. Since Sanjay has his own house in Karwar, he preferred spending some time with his family while I opted for Sai International Hotel’s ‘Deluxe Suite’. The ‘Deluxe Suite’ makes sure that you have a T.V. (with cable connection) in your four-walled room and you get a separate bath for
yourself. We had covered exactly 795km since we left that morning. Honda’s brilliant suspension and ride quality ensured that the 15 hour drive was not exhausting. The Jazz had returned an overall fuel efficiency of 20kmpl with an enthusiast driving through the winding roads in the forests. With a wide grin on my face and content with my driving, I hit the sack. The next day, at sharp six in the morning, Sanjay and I were already heading towards Goa. The journey for the day was going to take us through South Goa, Panaji, Sawantwadi, Amboli Ghat, Sankeshwar, and Kolhapur and back to Pune. The drive from Karwar to Panaji is scenic at times as you drive along the coast. The route from
South Goa to Panaji is through cities. Being a Monday morning, we had to face the traffic of school buses as well as the transport trucks all through till Panaji. With more time on hand, I would have liked to spend a day in Goa to explore the beautiful churches and Goan architecture as well as indulge myself in some photography. We took a halt at Panaji, the state capital, for breakfast. The route from Panaji to Sawantwadi was nothing exciting especially after having driven from Jog Falls to Karwar through the beautiful forests. From Sawantwadi, we had an option of traveling northwards all the way up to Poladpur via the NH17 and then take a right, head to Mahabaleshwar
We took the long straights of the NH4 all the way to Hubli while going southwards. They definitely don’t qualify as an exciting part of the trip
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Travelogue Honda Jazz
With an overall fuel efficiency of 19.71kmpl in real world driving conditions, the Jazz is light on expenses for those long trips
Lensman Sanjay finally enjoys a spot in front of the camera as he has a cup of tea in Amboli ghat
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The new Jazz is still unseen by many and attracted a lot of attention throughout the trip
The complete setup of the Mini Tibet in Mundgod takes you straight into the Tibetian culture
The Honda Jazz has loads of interior space on offer, but can it beat this one?
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TRAVELOGUE HONDA JAZZ
THE JOG FALLS ARE THE HIGHEST WATERFALLS IN THE COUNTRY WITH A DROP HEIGHT OF 253 METERS
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The fuel efficiency indicator dropped to just below 19kmpl even after an exciting drive through the winding roads from the Jog Falls to Honnaver
and then proceed further to Pune or take a right turn from Sawantwadi itself and hit the NH4 via the Amboli ghat. We chose the latter option as it was going to take us through the more picturesque Amboli ghat and save us a lot of time as well. The last time when I traveled through the Amboli ghat was back in October 2008 on the Pulsar 200. I had great memories of the amazingly smooth, flowing and winding road that takes you up to Amboli village. With the Jazz with me this time, I was more than keen to drive there. The few spells of rain had made sure that everything around us was lush green. Climbing up the ghat in a car like the Jazz is definitely an aficionado’s dream. The 1.2-litre iVTec powering the Jazz never felt like it ran out of breath as I went ripping the car all
through the ghat section. Every corner was negotiated with utter stability and absolutely in the line that I intended to be on. Once at the top, we decided to halt for corn and tea along with some bhajjis. The pleasant and cool weather of Amboli ghat attracts a lot of tourists here and quite a few resorts have come up in Amboli which provide a lavish stay and delicious food to tourists all through the year. You could get a nice A/C Deluxe Couple Suite for close to one and half grand in Amboli. The stretch from Amboli to Sankeshwar took us through broken roads and a rather unpleasant drive. However, once past Sankeshwar, we took the NH4 again all the way back to Pune. With a lunch and fuel break just prior to Kolhapur, we were set to reach Pune by five in
the evening. The journey from Sankeshwar to Pune was just as uneventful as the previous day and we made it to Pune by 5:30 pm. We had covered 1380km in two days and the Jazz had gulped about 67 litres of fuel through the entire trip. The Honda had delivered a brilliant efficiency of 20.6kmpl over all sorts of road surfaces. I am not the sort of person who can travel for miles at a stretch. This was the longest I had driven in the shortest amount of time. And the Honda Jazz had been one crazy companion who provided me with comfort when I wanted it and the excitement when I saw the winding roads. The Honda had stood up to its image and has made me fall in love with it even more. Aspi, can we get one as a long termer for some more frequent trips? car CAR India august 2009
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SHOOTOUT FIAT PUNTO 1.3 VS MARUTI RITZ VDI
style or substance? Can FIAT’s gorgeous Punto succeed in stealing the limelight from the ever practical Maruti Ritz?
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SHOOTOUT FIAT PUNTO 1.3 VS MARUTI RITZ VDI
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mall is the new big in the country. We Indians have always wanted more in our cars - more features, more fuel efficiency and most importantly, more space without making a major dent in our pockets. Its human nature to follow the philosophy of more is never enough. Even the country’s hatch segment has already seen five new launches this year, from the Rs 1 lakh TATA Nano to the top of the line Honda Jazz. Maruti unleashed their premium hatch, the Ritz a couple of months back and while all was going well for India’s largest carmaker, FIAT decided to play spoilsport by pricing their offering, the gorgeous Grande Punto, bang in the middle of the Ritz range. We were surprised, for here was a package with the right mix of standard features and sexy Italian looks at an affordable price. So, does that mean the Ritz’s party has been
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spoiled even before it turned hot? Few know that the Punto came as an angel in disguise for FIAT and saved it from worldwide bankruptcy when it was launched overseas a couple of years back. It has the right mix of ingredients that buyers were looking for in a hatch. The car livened up a segment that had till date been associated with boring and dull cars. Developed by legendary designer Giugiaro of Ital Design and FIAT’s style center, the Punto, even three years into a worldwide launch, still looks the prettiest of the supermini lot in India. It oozes style from each and every angle and has the X factor that we youngsters often look for while making our car buying decisions. Is it just me who thinks that the front end looks like the Aston Martin DB7? The multi-spoke alloy wheels add more jazz and the swooping windshield imparts a graceful look.
The Ritz, in spite of being punchier, cannot outpace the Punto around a set of twisties for the latter handles brilliantly
The rear, though not as exciting as the rest of the car, nonetheless looks gorgeous with bulging wheel arches. The Maruti offering, on the other hand, might not be as bold and outgoing as its Italian counterpart but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t command a second look on the road. Developed as the Suzuki Splash initially, the Ritz has its own share of good design angles. The huge front headlamps stacked on each side of the slightly raised bonnet give the car a muscular look. Standard alloy wheels and wide tyres are sorely missed on the VDI variant here. In profile, the bonnet of the Ritz seems to finish too early into the windshield which is exactly what the Japanese wanted in order to liberate space on the inside. Stepping into the Maruti is easy and will be preferred by the fair sex as well as the elderly. You sit upright and everything seems to fall in place perfectly. Top
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1 3
2 4
5
1 We love the soft touch buttons for the audio system and the fully automatic climate control 2 Reminds you of the Linea right? The interiors look nice but the quality of plastics isn’t upto the mark 3 The top end Punto gets steering wheel mounted controls for the audio system and the Blue&Me package 4 The sticker looks nice, but hinders visibility in the RVM 5 Suspension joints intrude into the boot space
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SHOOTOUT FIAT PUNTO 1.3 VS MARUTI RITZ VDI marks to Maruti for ergonomics and the quality of plastics used. However, even the top of the line diesel (VDI) variant lacks a standard music system, steering wheel mounted controls and shockingly a height adjustable steering wheel and even a day/night rear view mirror! The list of features absent extends to electronically controlled outside rear view mirrors, keyless entry as well and a dead pedal for the left foot. However, the interiors feel airy, thanks to a high roof which liberates an extra 115mm at the front and 70mm of headroom at the rear as compared to the Punto.
The Punto, true to its sportier looks, has a low seating posture. It’s a little difficult getting in and out of the car after you switch over from the Ritz, but this is the way some of us like our car to be. The steering wheel, with audio and other controls, feels great to hold and we like the layout as well as the colour theme of the speedometer console. The Punto further earns brownie points for a multi-information display that has two trip meter and fuel efficiency displays. The black and silver theme looks good, although, touch the plastics and you’ll be disappointed. Even the air
though both cars use the same multijet engine, shorter gearing on the punto gives it better driveability in the city
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vents work flimsily. The central console, however, looks good and the soft touch buttons for the climate control and the audio system feel nice. There are more cubby holes than the Ritz here and nice touches come in the form of neatly slotted grab rails (as compared to protruding ones for the Ritz), a dead pedal and electronically controlled external rear view mirrors. The Punto also has an edge when it comes to interior space. Though it lacks in head room, it gains in other areas – 20mm more shoulder space and better knee room up front as well as at the rear. The slightly more spacious Punto also rides far better than the competition. Over potholes, broken roads or sharp undulations, the car feels planted. The suspension works silently and its ability to absorb whatever comes its way is stupendous. All this combined with a light steering wheel which is a boon for city traffic and the Punto adds up as a very good city car for a family of four or five. Comfort in this case doesn’t come at the cost of handling. The wide 195mm
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SHOOTOUT FIAT PUNTO 1.3 VS MARUTI RITZ VDI
Goodyear tyres work very well when you push the FIAT around corners, though at high speeds, the light steering does rob the driver of confidence. The Ritz also rides well, however, the suspension and tyres are noisy and sharp undulations, no matter how small, easily get transmitted to the occupants. The heavy steering though adds a touch of assurance at high speeds on the highway. The VDI comes with thin 165mm tyres which means all that torque while going fast around corners has them screeching away in agony. Both the hatchbacks come powered by FIAT’s famed 1.3-litre Multijet engine, however, their performance is completely different in each car. Maruti seems to have made the best use of the motor and the Ritz sprints past the ton mark in less than fifteen seconds. It impresses further in the top speed stakes but all this comes at a price. Low rpm drivability of the Ritz suffers and only once you are 104
beyond 2000rpm does it gather speeds seriously. The Punto, on the other hand, with its short gearing feels at home at low speeds. Slotted in fifth, one can ponder in traffic from as low as 30km/h. The roll-on figures further show the FIAT’s competencies. The downside is outright acceleration. The Punto is three seconds slower to 100km/h than its counterpart and highway cruising has the engine spinning at higher revs. We also didn’t really appreciate the soggy gearshift action on the Punto as compared to the precise short throw action of the Ritz. Maruti has always been known for pricing its products competitively, but this time FIAT has turned the tables in its favour by offering the base diesel Punto at a killer price. However, compare the top end models and the story changes. The top of the line diesel Ritz, the VDI with ABS costs Rs 5.20 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune). For another Rs 38,000, you can buy
A fuel efficient engine, practical and top class interiors and a great sticker price. What more can a middle-class family man ask for?
yourself the Punto diesel Emotion variant. The looks of this Italian beauty alone compel us to pick this car as a winner. The Punto’s standard list of features can shame its rivals plus it rides and handles better and most importantly, has a reassuring big car feel to it. The Emotion Pack variant costs another fifty big ones which gets you goodies like steering wheel mounted controls, fatter tyres mounted on alloy wheels, Microsoft’s Blue&Me package and airbags for the front passengers. What you get with the Ritz though is peace of mind and of course savings of almost ninety grand! Maruti’s legendary reliability, after sales support, the largest workshop network in India and strong resale values too cannot be overlooked. Picking the Punto is one of those decisions that are made by your heart. But the Ritz makes practical sense out of the two here plus being cheaper means it whisks past its Italian counterpart as our winner. car
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SHOOTOUT FIAT PUNTO 1.3 VS MARUTI RITZ VDI car Road Test #129
FIAT PUNTO 1.3 EMOTION PACK 11112
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NEED TO KNOW
Overall height 1495mm
MARUTI RITZ VDI Price
Rs 5.01 lakh (ex - Pune)
Engine
1248cc, 75PS, 190Nm
Transmission
Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Performance
14.7 secs 0-100km/h, 170km/h top speed
Fuel efficiency
20.75kmpl (overall)
Wheelbase 2510mm Overall length 3987mm Width(excluding mirrors) 1687mm Front track 1473mm Rear track 1466mm Kerb weight 1190 kg
SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders Engine Layout Fuel supply Bore/stroke Cubic capacity Compression ratio Valvegear
Four Transverse Diesel 82.5 x 84.2mm 1248cc 17.6:1 DOHC, 4 valves per cyl
ENGINE OUTPUT Max power (PS) Power peak (rpm) Red line (rpm) Max torque (Nm) Torque peak (rpm)
76 4000 5000 197 1750
TRANSMISSION Five speed manual 1st gear 2nd gear
4.23 2.23
3rd gear 4th gear 5th gear Reverse gear
1.44 1.029 0.767 NA
Drive wheels
FWD
WHEELS AND TYRES Wheel size Tyre size
SUSPENSION Front Independent, MacPherson strut with coil spring Rear Non independent torsion beam axle ACCOMODATION Seating Head Room, F/R KneeRoomF(max/min) KneeRoomR(max/min) Shoulder space Fuel tank Boot space
15” 195/60 R15
BRAKES Front Rear
Ventilated disc Drums
5 915/890mm 890/690mm 840/625mm 1270mm 45 liters 280-1030 liters
DRIVER AIDS Airbags, ABS, adjustable steering, ORVMs, day/night RVM, dead pedal
STEERING Type Power assisted hydraulic rack and pinion Lock to lock 2.7
TEST RESULTS MAXIMUM SPEED (km/h) Gear True Speedo 1 34 39 2 65.4 109 3 101 109 4 137 145 5 154.5 165
BRAKING TEST From 80km/h to 0 From 100km/h to 0
OVERTAKING ACCELERATION Roll-ons 3rd 4th 40-60 2.94 5.06 60-80 4.05 4.53 80-100 7.24 6.17 100-120 15.55
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PERFORMANCE FACTORS Power/mass (PS/tonne) Power/litre (PS/litre) Torque/litre (Nm/litre)
5th 11.7 6.66 9.11 14.27
FUEL CONSUMPTION City 15.9 kmpl Highway 28.0 kmpl Overall* 18.92 kmpl * Overall is 25% highway and 75% city driving
TEST CONDITIONS Altitude Weather
30.27m/2.71s 47.65m/3.39s 63.85 60.89 157.85
17.5s
100
11.01s
80
6.66s
60
ACCELERATION (km/h)
3.51s
40
1.3s
20 0
550m above MSL Cool, windless, wet
TIME, SECONDS 0
0-400metres sprint: Terminal speed:
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
20.3s 107.5km/h
1km sprint: Terminal speed:
37.2s 136.6km/h
1111 11112 1111 11112 1111
Suspension: Ride Quality: Handling: Steering: Braking:
11112 11112 1111 1111 11112
CAR RATING Design & Style: Powertrain: Performance: Fuel Efficiency: Dynamic Ability:
11112 1111 1111 1111 11112
Space: Creature Comforts: Driver Appeal: Safety: Interiors:
CAR INDIA’s test and performance data is the sole copyright of Next Gen Publishing Ltd. No part of the data or text can be used in any form for any purpose or promotion or advertisement without the explicit written permission of the editor. Performance testing by Aspi Bhathena
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ORGASMIC BEAUTIES A date with three of the most exotic supercars on sale in the country leaves Bunny Punia mesmerized
Photography Sanjay Raikar 108
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FIRST DRIVE AUDI R8 4.2
THE YOUNGE S
Audi’s new supercar assault comes in the form of the R8. We 110
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a
E ST SUPERCAR
We
are the ďŹ rst to get behind its wheel in India - an exclusive! CAR India AUGUST 2009
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FIRST DRIVE AUDI R8 4.2
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udi’s name might be associated with luxury cars and big SUVs in India, but the fact is that this German carmaker recently stepped into the world of supercars as well. No, not the TT, I am talking about the real deal here. A car that looks quintessential Audi from the front with the rear taken right off a Lamborghini - the R8 is the fastest and the finest production car to have come from this company. Named after the five-time Le Mans winner, the R8 offers all the edgy lust of an Italian supercar - the right curves, sexy looks and a low swung roofline. The 24 day time running LED lights inspired by the Sydney Opera house look stunning. A long sweeping hood followed by a roof that gently flows into the rear uncovers the massive V8 engine that sits below a distinctive transparent engine cover. The contrasting silver side blades might look out of place but they have been designed with a purpose - to chuck air into the 4.2-liter 420PS engine. The R8 uses three lightweight materials in abundance - aluminum,
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magnesium and carbonfibre. Though the inspiration to design the car came from the Lamborghini Gallardo, only 15 percent of the parts are shared. 782 rivets, 382 self tapping screws and 99 meters of welding go into making every single R8. Weight saving has been given top priority with the aluminum body shell weighing just 210kg. Like all low supercars, getting into the R8 in itself is a difficult exercise. However once inside, the seats seem to hug you tightly and there is enough room for two big adults. You can easily see some parts taken from the Audi family models but the overall layout and quality, leaves no reason to complain. However, Audi could have probably played with more colours than just a simple mix of black and silver. The silver finished manual gearbox (yes!) is directly lifted from the Gallardo but the race inspired flat bottomed steering wheel does surprise you. Fire the engine and it instantly calms down into a deep rumble. Though Audi also sells a V10 option abroad, in India we only have the V8
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NEED TO KNOW
AUDI R8 4.2 fsi Price
Rs 1.17crore (ex-showroom)
Engine
4163cc, 417PS, 430Nm
Transmission
Six-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Performance
4.9 secs 0-100km/h, 300km/h top speed
Fuel efficiency
NA
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FIRST DRIVE AUDI R8 4.2
It will shred small pieces of rubber while accelerating from naught to a hundred in just under five seconds
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on sale. Good for me as I personally feel the V10s don’t sound as sonorous as the V8s. The engine (the same one used in the hot RS4) is basically a highly reworked Audi V8 mill with features like FSI, four valves per cylinder, two chain driven double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank and variable valve timing for both inlet and exhaust camshafts, along with a variable tract length intake manifold. What this basically means for nontechnical blokes is that the motor pumps out enough juice in the form of 420PS of power and 430Nm of torque. Though Audi offers the manual and the auto ‘box options in India, we got a chance to drive the former one and boy, did I thank the heavens for this. I don’t remember the last time I drove a car with this much power and a manual ‘box. The R8 is manically and insanely fast. It will shred small pieces of rubber while accelerating from naught to a hundred in just under five seconds (blame the low quality fuel in India), taking another eleven to go past 200km/h. The clocks, given the right roads, can show speeds of well over 300km/h as well. But it is not the car’s performance that impressed me the most, it is the way it handles and feels around corners. The Quattro
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system works brilliantly, making the driver exit corners in exactly the way he intended. For enthusiasts, the system further makes sure you can have fun with the rear stepping out while flooring the right pedal as the power is always distributed among the four wheels with of course, partiality to the rear ones. Perfect! But given the fact that in daily Indian driving conditions, the car will live most of its life slotted in the third and fourth cogs, does this baby have enough low end juice for city grinds? The answer is yes. Plus the fact that the seats are comfortable enough for long stints behind the wheel means that the R8 has to be one of the most accommodating supercars around. Head out to the open highways or sweeping roads and you will fall in love with it. If you are lucky enough to have a tunnel near your city, head there everyday, roll down the windows, go pedal to metal and enjoy that lovely grunt from the eight cylinders. For Rs 1.17 crore (exshowroom), the R8 also seems ‘cheap’ in the company of the other two cars here. Audi’s first step into the German supercar club, has already achieved success abroad. As for me, the R8 is a difficult weapon to fault. It’s hard to say, but yes, I am completely sold. car
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FIRST DRIVE MERCEDES-BENZ SL63 AMG
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THE BIG DADDY OF SUPERCARS The legendary SL gets AMG dope. Fast yet friendly, the SL63 proves that big doesn’t necessarily mean lazy. And it does that in style
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T
his one’s a thriller. Who said convertibles cannot be hardcore? Who said a supercar cannot glide over typical Indian roads? And who in the world thinks that naturally aspirated engines are passÊ? No other, I repeat, no other car sold in India today can make you shiver even while standing still. Blip the throttle and the exhaust crackles angrily to shatter any myths regarding naturally aspirated engines. It feels sensational, as if the mill has been tuned by buffs who spend their weekends watching V8 racecars. Lessons in sound engineering have been applied perfectly. Though the basic design of the car is seven years old, with AMG you get a grille of black mesh, a bold new chin spoiler, side skirts, a trunk lid spoiler and a black diffuser at the rear plus great looking 19-inch alloy wheels. This old lady can still give other modern supercars a huge complex. The SL is the longest of the three here and very low, so much so that the proportions almost start looking out of place. The reason is the longish hood,
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under which resides the massive V8 motor. Plus, unlike the R8, we got a chance to go top-less with the SL. When we drove this car first in May (along with the SLK 55), it had cream and beige interior. However, this time, we got one with a red and black theme on the inside and in my personal opinion, this one looked much better and sportier - just what you would expect from a high end Merc supercar. Bits and pieces seem to have been picked up from across the Merc range but I am not complaining as the quality of the leather used, the skillful craftsmanship and attention to detail is splendid. The seats surprisingly feel very comfortable and once with the top down, you never ever feel like you are sitting inside a rather small cabin for two. Fire the engine to life and you end up scaring away quite a few unsuspecting people around. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT sevenspeed transmission is an all-new unique concept available exclusively in this car. Fitted with seven speeds, four drive modes, a double-declutching
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FIRST DRIVE MERCEDES-BENZ SL63 AMG
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NEED TO KNOW
mercedes-benz SL63 amg
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Price
Rs 1.71 crore (ex-showroom)
Engine
6200cc, 525PS, 630Nm
Transmission
Seven-speed automatic, Rear-wheel drive
Performance
4.6 secs 0-100km/h, 250km/h top speed
Fuel efficiency
5.8kmpl (overall)
8/4/09 11:28:27 PM
FIRST DRIVE MERCEDES-BENZ SL63 AMG
The folding hardtop’s ability makes the SL two cars in one which really hasn’t been matched by anyone in this class and Race Start function, the ‘box offers unprecedented versatility. For fuss free city driving, it is best to drive with the transmission in C mode. Once on the move, you will be surprised in the way the SL literally glides over roads. A major boon for broken stretches comes in the form of adjustable ride height that the SL63 boasts of. In a lot of ways, the SL drives and feels like a lazy sportscar. It feels more like a long distance cruise missile rather than a very nimble exotic that is always raring to be revved hard and driven like a race car. The engine too seems to work in the same way. There is no sudden gush of power, rather a very linear flow of torque across the rev range. Once the rpm needle starts rising, the exhaust note changes its sound from a deep rumble to being simply riotous. Even the throttle response is urgent without being nervous. Most of this can be attributed to the fact that the peak torque of 120
630Nm comes in at a high 5200rpm. Even with a weight of 1920kg, the SL’s dimensions have no bearing on the way it handles. The AMG sports Active Body Control suspension that has modified elasto-kinematics with two settings. The steering feels super direct and livelier and with sport mode engaged, the SL takes on a different character. At Rs 1.71 crore (exshowroom), this three-pointed star is expensive. It is not an out and out sportscars but is satisfying to drive hard. The 525PS engine makes the car incredibly fast plus it sounds illegally naughty, handles it’s mass incredibly well and is a more complete performance package. Owners, for 90 percent of the time, won’t be driving it in maximum attack mode and that is when the SL slips perfectly into a luxury GT mode. The folding hardtop’s ability also makes the SL two cars in one which really hasn’t been matched by anyone in this class. car
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FIRST DRIVE PORSCHE 911 TURBO
THE ULTIMATE SUPERCAR Bow down to the king - the 911 Turbo aims at spoiling the party for every other supercar on this planet
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FIRST DRIVE PORSCHE 911 TURBO
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porsche 911 Turbo Price
Rs 1.44 crore (ex-showroom)
Engine
3600cc, 487PS, 620Nm
Transmission
Five-speed triptonic, all-wheel drive
Performance
4.0 secs 0-100km/h, 310km/h top speed
Fuel efficiency
6.0kmpl (overall)
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s far I remember the 911 has been the undisputed champion of the world of supercars. I grew up dreaming about driving this German marque some day. It’s the car all supercars desire to defeat. It has also received an international award under the supervision of the Global Automotive Elections Foundation as the only surviving car among the top five cars of the last century. There is so much history behind the 911, so huge a fan following and so many manufacturers trying to make a car that can rival it for once. Since its introduction in 1963, the 911 has undergone continuous development but the basic concept remains unchanged. Over the years, err, sorry decades, it has been modified by both privateers and teams for varying motorsport events – racing, rallying, drag races, et al. It is also one of the most successful competition cars ever. With all these things in mind, I stepped into the driver’s seat. My palms were sweaty, my heart was beating fast enough to burst a few
blood vessels and my hands were trembling. This was nothing short of a dream (ever since I was a kid) come true for me. Open the door and you realize that the car’s 1.44 crore sticker price is well justified. The illuminated door sills greet you while the aroma of the orange coloured leather intoxicates you. The 911’s low slung sport seats hugged my hide well while the side bolsters holstered all my spare tires! The contrasting orange and black looks superb with the buttons and switchgear nestled within their non intrusive homes click with precision. Twist the ignition, fire life into the engine’s twin-turbo turbines and after the goose bumps across your body settle down, its time to mash the gas and make the world look like the Matrix. You cant keep an eye on the fantastic five pod instrumentation console ahead for the power raging from behind your seats is brutal enough to pin you back into the seat and watch the road ahead for any suicidal homo sapiens. The Variable Turbine Geometry
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FIRST DRIVE PORSCHE 911 TURBO
tHE 911 CAN MAKE OTHER CARS WET THEIR PANTS. yet It is also perhaps the most pragmatic PORSCHE ever built (VTG) and VarioCam Plus tech gadgetry makes sure you don’t have wait for the turbos to spool up and the 911 will take on city traffic as if it was made for it. The moment you see a clear stretch of road ahead, it’s time to test the flat six’s 480 apocalyptic horses. The electronically controlled AWD ensures all this power is laid down via ZR rated tyres efficiently to send the car flying past the ton in four seconds. That’s less than the time you just took to read the last line! If your right foot does decide to push the car anywhere near to its limit, Porsche Stability Management is always more than happy to play the role of a life savior and save your bacon. My ride in the Porsche was too intoxicating and involving for me to really think about the way it behaved on Indian roads. Yes, I did feel every single pothole and undulation, but at no point did it the ride become bone 126
jarring. Porsche Active Suspension Management and AWD maintain amazing levels of confidence and stability through corners – not that I tested its limits as the Indian road conditions didn’t allow me to push the car too much. Driving the Porsche 911 Turbo has been nothing short of biblical revelation for me. This car delivers its blistering performance with stealth like ease and further proves just how far Porsche’s engineers have managed to extend the boundaries of the 911 design – the thing is pure Bauhaus bling. This supercar is beyond fast when pushed but as docile as a pussycat when driven around town. In the world of supercars, this one’s the only one you’ll ever need. I don’t have to think twice before proclaiming it as the best engineered and the most rewarding car to drive in its class. Porsche - there is simply no substitute. car
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FEATURE MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
IT MAY BE ONE OF THE lowest in the pecking order of the Mercedes-Benz coop, but that’s no reason to take the C-Class lightly. After all, it is the car assigned with the task of luring first time buyers of luxury compact cars into the Mercedes family. Not an easy task considering that all its competitors are brilliant in their own right. Obviously, the car has to be better than its already very good rivals if it has to keep buyers loyal to the brand. So, it should come as no surprise that Mercedes has chosen to load the car’s latest iteration not only with styling cues from the behemoth S-Class but 128
also armed it with enough tech to fend off the competition. Style wise, after a complete revamp, the C-Class now look miles ahead of the competition. The car’s sleek contours closely resemble its biggest brother with the elegant grille and the hallowed three-pointed star on the bonnet. The expression ‘understated elegance’ succinctly sums up the CClass as it does all Mercedes cars. Every component in the interior exudes solidity and attention to detail. The top-of-the-line Logic 7 audio system by home theater specialist Harman/Kardon is pure aural ecstasy. At the top of the lengthy features
list comes the innovative ‘PRESAFE(R)’ safety system that uses 60 electronic sensors that monitor steering angle, braking pressure and deceleration to determine if a crash is imminent. In case of the inevitable, the system tightens the seatbelts, moves the seats into a safer position and prepares the car for impact. If it detects a rollover, the system also closes the sunroof for further safety. The C-Class also has the ‘NECKPRO(R)’ head restraint system which, as the name indicates, acts as a safety mechanism for your neck and head. If you are in the mood for some
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MERCEDES-BENZ
C-CLASS With styling cues from the S-Class and advanced safety features, Saeed Akhtar reckons the new C-Class is back with a vengeance
With top notch Teutonic build quality, fantastic brand image and myriad safety features, the CClass is one of the best Mercedes ever
serious road carving just switch on the ‘Sport’ mode and let the car take care of the suspension. The ‘Agility Control’ firms up the suspension tauter than an Olympian gymnast, reducing body roll to ensure faster cornering. Other important safety aids like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Brake Assist (BAS) are part of standard equipment. The C-Class is offered in three trim levels with both automatic and manual transmissions. The impeccable levels of safety, style and comfort that have become a trademark of all Mercedes-Benz cars are visible in the latest iteration of the C-Class. car CAR India AUGUST 2009
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ROAD TEST MARUTI SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2.4
MYSTIC MAKEOVER
Photography Ramnath Chodankar & Sawan S Hembram
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E ARE CRUISING BACK TO PUNE after a day’s work in Mumbai. The engine is spinning at four thousand revs and the speedometer needle sits at 150km/h as the world zips past us. Even with four of us on board and the air-con running at full blast, there is still enough grunt left in the motor for maintaining the same pace on the expressway’s uphill sections. Had we been in the old 2.0-liter Vitara, this simply wouldn’t have been possible. Under the hood of the car I am driving is an engine with an extra 20 percent cubic capacity, an additional 32 percent torque and most importantly 37 percent more power. The latest Vitara weighs just 20 kilos more than its previous iteration. The above figures mean that the once anemic SUV now packs in enough juice to rival its much more expensive petrol powered rivals on the performance front and also overcomes its older sibling’s biggest flaw.
The new Vitara demands to be driven in order for you to feel the changes it has undergone. Bunny Punia did exactly that, taking the SUV all the way to the North Mumbai coastal belt
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ROAD TEST MARUTI SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2.4
There is a huge 37 percent hike in power output - evident in the performance figures
The Vitara first came to India with a potent V6 mill. However, with its tendency to guzzle gas faster than high powered luxo-limos around, its sales really didn’t pick up. In 2007, came the all-new lighter car, renamed the Grand Vitara, with a more efficient albeit smaller engine. It had the enthusiasts once again making a beeline for Maruti showrooms. The vehicle offered pretty good value for money and with underpinnings from Suzuki’s greatest 4x4 off-roaders, it could take you places. However, with the likes of the Honda CR-V and the Mitsubishi Outlander pampering us with their powerful petrol engines, it wasn’t long before Maruti got back to work for getting a bigger mill for India. From the outside, it will take you minutes before you realize the changes incorporated in the 2009 Vitara. The slightly reworked front grille with a fresh front bumper, the new 17-inch alloy wheels and the VVT badge are the only different visual elements. Not bad because the Grand Vitara always had a clean, crisp and muscular design with a brutish front end. The flared wheel arches are prominent and the 132
new alloys look better in them. Step inside and everything looks familiar. The overly black interiors and the quality of plastics don’t really compliment the sticker price of the car. Use of silver inserts can be seen at places and it is evident that the vehicle shares quite a few bits and pieces with other Maruti offerings. What is new is the inclusion of MID (multi information display), a revamped climate control system, an in-dash CD player and a few touches here and there. The fabric seats are supportive and comfortable and the driver gets adjustability for height as well. Within the first few meters of driving, the new engine makes its power felt instantly. The engine gets VVT (variable valve timing) as well as VIS (variable induction system) technology and has 166PS of power and 225Nm of torque on offer. It didn’t surprise us when the latest Vitara turned out to be 2.5 seconds quicker to 100km/h dash as compared to the previous model. The gap widens as speeds rise, with the 2009 car taking 14 seconds less to hit 140km/h. Top end has always been a strong point of this SUV and the new mill helps the car hit speeds
The simple three pod console now gets a multi-information display. The center console has been slighty changed
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ROAD TEST MARUTI SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2.4
Ajay’s smile bears testimony to the fact that the rear seats are comfortable and roomy
the top three cogs narrate a similar story. However, the soggy gear action and the tendency of the engine to resonate while pulling away from low engine speeds is annoying. The Vitara’s ride quality was always on the harsh side. Sharp undulations and minor potholes get transmitted to the passengers easily. In fact, both suspension and road noise creep into the cabin easily. However, with the all-wheel drive that has selectable 4WD modes, the vehicle can surprise you with its abilities to wander off the road. Ground clearance is also decent enough for serious outdoor adventures. The new Vitara sells for Rs 16.6 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). This makes it two and a half lakh dearer than the 2.0-liter variant. However, the next best option in this segment is the Outlander which retails on the wrong side of Rs 20 lakh. Simply put, at this price, there is really no real competition for the Vitara. It looks good, drives better now and the interiors are practical and roomy. One more reason to raise a toast to Maruti then? You bet! car 134
car Road Test #130
MARUTI SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2.4 MT 11112
Overall height 1695mm
in excess of 185km/h on the speedometer. The Grand Vitara is a great mile muncher but like its predecessor, it’s a heavy drinker as well. Keep the speeds on the wrong side of 120-130km/h on the highway and it sips a litre of fuel every 9km. Bring the speeds down to 90km/h and it still doesn’t do any better than 12.5kmpl. In city traffic, we managed to get just shy of 8kmpl. The new engine is not just about out and out performance. In the city, where the vehicle will spend most of its life, the Vitara’s motor simply shines. The roll on figures we got for
Wheelbase 2640mm Overall length 4540mm Width(excluding mirrors) 1810mm Front track 1540mm Rear track 1570mm Kerb weight 1614 kg
SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders Engine Layout Fuel supply Bore/stroke Cubic capacity Compression ratio Valvegear
Four Longitudinal Petrol 92.0 x 90.0 2393cc 10.2:1 DOHC, 4 valves per cyl
ENGINE OUTPUT Max power (PS) Power peak (rpm) Red line (rpm) Max torque (Nm) Torque peak (rpm)
166 6000 6500 225 4000
TRANSMISSION Five-speed Manual 1st gear 2nd gear
NA NA
3rd gear 4th gear 5th gear Reverse gear Final drive Drive wheels
SUSPENSION Front Rear
NA NA NA NA NA AWD
WHEELS AND TYRES Wheel size Tyre size
ACCOMODATION Seating Head Room, F/R Leg Room F(max/min) KneeRoomF(max/min) KneeRoomR(max/min) Shoulder space Fuel tank Boot space
17” 225/65 R17
BRAKES Front Rear
MacPherson struts Multi link
Ventilated disc Ventilated disc
5 1020/940mm 1255/1020 850/620mm 910/620mm 1400mm 66 liters 398-1386 liters
DRIVER AIDS Airbags, ABS, EBD, AWD, adjustable steering, ORVMs, day/night RVM
STEERING Type Power assisted hydraulic rack and pinion Lock to lock 2.8 turns
TEST RESULTS MAXIMUM SPEED (km/h) Gear True Speedo 1 52.1 55 2 100.6 106 3 142 147 4 169 177 5 179.2 187
BRAKING TEST From 80km/h to 0 From 100km/h to 0
OVERTAKING ACCELERATION Roll-ons 3rd 4th 40-60 4.15 7.48 60-80 3.95 6.92 80-100 8.12 6.93 100-120 5.00 8.03
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PERFORMANCE FACTORS Power/mass (PS/tonne) Power/litre (PS/litre) Torque/litre (Nm/litre)
5th 5.17 16.00 9.5 10.19
FUEL CONSUMPTION City 7.9 kmpl Highway 12.5 kmpl Overall* 9.05 kmpl * Overall is 25% highway and 75% city driving
TEST CONDITIONS Altitude Weather
27.48m/2.52s 44.81m/3.30s 102.8 69.36 94.02
17.92s 12.02s
100
8.35s
80
5.37s
60
ACCELERATION (km/h)
2.90s
40
1.58s
20 0
550m above MSL Warm, windless, damp
TIME, SECONDS 0
0-400metres sprint: Terminal speed:
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
18.5s 122km/h
1km sprint: Terminal speed:
34s 148.5km/h
11112 1111 1111 11112 1111
Suspension: Ride Quality: Handling: Steering: Braking:
1111 1111 1111 1111 11112
CAR RATING Design & Style: Powertrain: Performance: Fuel Efficiency: Dynamic Ability:
11112 1111 11112 1111 1111
Space: Creature Comforts: Driver Appeal: Safety: Interiors:
CAR INDIA’s test and performance data is the sole copyright of Next Gen Publishing Ltd. No part of the data or text can be used in any form for any purpose or promotion or advertisement without the explicit written permission of the editor. Performance testing by Aspi Bhathena
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TRAVELOGUE SKODA SUPERB
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OA, THEY SAY, IS beautiful in the monsoons. What they don’t add is that it pours like hell and all your plans of freaking out on the beaches or visiting the old Portuguese era monuments and churches go for a toss. It pours cats and dogs and all you can do is sit in the balcony of your hotel room, sip a cup of hot tea and stare at the never ending, spoilsport rains. Or, in my case, enjoy driving the Skoda Superb for three days in and around India’s 24x7 tourist destination. Luck seemed to favour me this month. My in-laws were coming to Pune and we had plans to go down south to Goa with a short stay at Belgaum. Days before they were to arrive, the good guys at Skoda decide to give us the new Superb for a short travelogue. This meant I could treat my guests royally in the Superb’s seven-star comfort and earn some much needed brownie points. Due to a limited team here at CAR (and BIKE India), I managed to get free at night and by the time we hit the road, the clock was well past ten. It was good for me as while my in-laws, better half and her sweet and a little annoying 136
younger brother slept in the comfort of the car. I made full use of the fantastic four lane NH-4 all the way to Belgaum. Three and a half hours was all it took for us cover 340km into the heart of Karnataka’s second capital. The potent diesel mill worked hard to make sure the fully loaded car covered miles at a surprisingly rapid pace while still delivering around 11km to a litre. Belgaum is where my better half’s younger sister is pursuing her graduation, thus while others met her and had a walk around the college campus, I caught my much needed forty winks being deprived of sleep due to the workload over the past few days. Breakfast was at the city’s well known Ramdev Hotel and by noon, we were on our way to Goa via the Amboli ghats. The other route, NH-4A, which goes through Londa and Ponda was in shambles the last time I was there and the Superb with its low ground clearance and with all of us on board would never make it. An hour into the drive, we were at the tip of the Amboli hills. With a mountain side on the left and a fantastic view of plains and small hills on the right, we couldn’t help but stop at
Reversing the Superb off the jetty (just seven bucks to hitch a ride) that took us to the Divar Islands near Old Goa
one of the tea shacks for snacks and enjoy the vista. A big gang of monkeys, however, made sure we continued on our journey immediately. The roads on this route were pretty good with minor undulations being taken care of by the Superb’s well sorted suspension. Although, with six of us on board and the huge boot filled to the brim, I couldn’t really take two wheels off the road while overtaking slow moving traffic. What I really made use of was the Skoda’s superb DSG ‘box with paddle shifts – a boon for spirited driving around hills. The steering too is precise enough for a luxury car of this segment and even with all that weight the car was carrying, the feedback was phenomenal. By five in the evening, we had entered Goa. We were now on NH117 which in spite of being a single lane highway, was wide with sparse traffic, allowing me to get into Panaji before six. Our resort, however, was a further 45min away (near Margao) and situated near the famous Colva beach. The white coloured Superb got immense attraction on the road and by the time we reached our hotel, the car
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MONSOON MAGIC
The Skoda Superb turned out to be a saviour in the rains during a planned at the last minute trip to Goa
Story & Photography Bunny Punia CAR India AUGUST 2009
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TRAVELOGUE SKODA SUPERB had a new paint scheme – red soil, typically found in this area, had marked its territory all over the lower body. Maharashtra was reeling under acute water shortage, however in this part of the country, all our plans to do what one typically does in Goa were shattered. The rains seemed to play hide and seek with us, coming down hard when we stepped out onto the beach only to stop once we were back in the hotel. Day two into the trip, we were lucky enough to enjoy Colva beach for an hour. Before we could manage to make a fort with the beach’s wet sand, it poured once again, melting away the tiny structure in seconds. We planned to visit the famous Dudhsagar waterfalls and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary the next day and hire a jeep once there. To our dismay, after an hour’s drive when we reached there, we were informed that both the places were currently shut for the public. No jeeps and no guides meant we turned back disappointed towards Panjim’s famed Miramar and Dona Paula beaches. The rains were down
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The narrow internal roads of Goa are blessed with beautiful views all around
to a slight drizzle and we could for once enjoy this place. The third day was reserved for Old Goa and its beautiful and ancient structures – the churches and heritage monuments. This part of Goa is really peaceful, but what I was really looking forward to was taking a ferry to the Divar Island – a five minute ferry across the river Mandovi. The Superb surprisingly had no issues while driving it onto the big boat. Divar Island is a small area with just the locals living there, devoid of any commercialization whatsoever and a huge church atop a small hill. The last day of the trip saw us finally enjoy Goa’s famous Baga beach. Being an off season, tourists were few, the weather was perfect and the shacks were the best place to relax, soak in the scenery and relish local Goan food. Our return journey in the evening was through a different route. While filling the Superb at one of the petrol pumps, the attendant, to my surprise informed me that the NH-4A route via Ponda and Londa had been resurfaced recently. This scenic
route that goes from within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is a delight to drive through. The ghat sections meant there was fog in abundance. The roughly 155km stretch from Panjim to Belgaum was done in a tad over two hours. After a heavy dinner, we dropped my sister-in-law to her hostel, my better half hoped onto a bus to Davanagere, 240km away (where she is pursuing her post graduation) while the four of us drove back to Pune. This time, I was easy on the throttle, maintaining 120-130km/h on the speedometer all the way to Pune. The Superb turned out to be a fantastic companion throughout the trip, its humongous boot swallowed luggage for six people and the most spacious interiors in its class made sure all of us never had a reason to complain. The overall fuel economy of 11.5kmpl too was impressive for the kind of driving I subjected it too, not to forget the load the car carried most of the time. Skoda, how about letting me loose on the 3.6 TSI for a quick cross-country dash while the monsoons are still here? car
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FIRST DRIVE MITSUBISHI CEDIA SPORT
LIKE FATHER UNLIKE SON Is the new sports version of the Cedia any different?
Story Ajay Joyson Photography Sanjay Raikar
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OMMI MAKINEN, 1996-99 WRC champion. Mitsubishi, 1998 WRC Manufacturer’s Championship. Twelve victories at the world’s most grueling rally - the Paris-Dakar. All this popped up in my mind when I saw the Ralliart logo on the new Mitsubishi Cedia Sports sedan. For the ignorant, Ralliart is to Mitsubishi like AMG is to Mercedes or Abarth is to FIAT and they are responsible for the accolades mentioned at the beginning of the story. Launched in early 2006, the 140
Mitsubishi Cedia was a kind of car that did most things well but had nothing special to offer. It was refined, fairly well kitted, drove decently well with a pleasant and classy interior, but it just didn’t have the spice that could make a C segment buyer sit up and take notice. Even with the Lancer lineage, the Cedia just did not look aggressive enough, dare I say, appears feminine. But its looks like Mitsubishi India has woken up from its slumber (maybe even hibernation) and launched a sports version of the
Cedia. Mitsubishi has revised the styling of its ageing saloon inside out and to put it straight, the Cedia Sports looks striking. A new sleek front grille with horizontal slats has replaced the older rather feminine looking one. They have also added sporty front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a rear spoiler. Another (very) noticeable change is the 15-inch alloy wheels from OZ. Interestingly, unlike many of its competitors, Mitsubishi has provided OZ alloys even for the spare wheel. The only disappointment is the new graphic
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MITSUBISHI CEDIA SPORTS
4
decals (spare the Ralliart decal, please) that do not look very artistic. Slip inside the car and you are in for more surprises. The first thing you would notice is the rally style three-spoke leather wrapped aluminum steering wheel. Look closely at the centre spoke and the MOMO logo is sure to blow you away. Although the dials and instrumentation remain the same, the dash has been tastefully finished in titanium and carbonfibre (faux, as usual). Nestled right in the center is a new Kenwood stereo. But wait,
3
how could I call it a stereo as it plays DVD, DivX, MPEG, JPEG, MP3 and all other digital formats on its touch screen interface. You can also hook your iPod and USB drive. Hell, it also works as a phone (with Bluetooth) and even has a navigation system that actually works in India. Mitsubishi have also replaced the old HVAC unit with a new single zone climate control system. The upholstery including the gear lever has been attractively done up in black leather with bright red accents. On the safety front, the
Price
Rs 9.9lakh
Engine
1999cc, 115PS, 178Nm
Transmission
Five speed manual, front wheel drive
Performance
11.8 secs 0-100km/h 196.5km/h top speed
Fuel efďŹ ciency
12.8kmpl (overall)
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1. Simple and elegant dash board Note the rally style MOMO steering wheel 2.Rear spoiler, bumper and side skirts looks aggressive 3. 15-inch multi spoke OZ alloys, another highlight of the Cedia Sports 4. Airy cabin, adequate legroom
car remains well kitted with ABS, EBD and two airbags. Sit in, buckle up, slot into ďŹ rst and step on the sporty alloy pedals and you could be in for a surprise, albeit of the negative kind. Because under all this glittery and dazzling body, the car is still a 2006 Mitsubishi Cedia which like I described in paragraph number two is not very, how can I put this, inspiring. This is really a cardinal sin given the presence of a Ralliart logo. But with all that exclusive equipment and an asking price of Rs 9.9 lakhs (All India), the Cedia can potentially make a good option. car CAR India AUGUST 2009
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T S E F G SLU remium p e h t in t n sel entra ie d t to take s l e t ia t la n e e t h o t p s e h Do ve enoug a h t n e m g king? e g n li u r hatch s e h t wn from o r c e h t y a aw nds out ďŹ i n a w la A Adhish
ikar a R y ja n a S y Photograph
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SHOOTOUT HYUNDAI i20 vs SKODA FABIA
T
HE HYUNDAI I20 MADE its entry in India earlier this year with a petrol engine residing in its bay. Since its launch, the i20 has caught everyone’s fascination primarily on the basis of its looks. For all those people with a prejudice that Korean cars are just about averagely styled, the i20 was a tight slap on their faces. With typical European looks, the i20 made sure that it scored full marks in making the masses fall in love with it at first sight. However, it was now time for the company to recapture hearts with a more efficient and wallet friendly car. As I have repetitively mentioned, the Indian market is turning heavily towards diesel powertrains. Hyundai took a right decision at the right time to get in the car’s oil burning variant in the form of the 1.4 CRDi to the local market. This move places the Hyundai into the premium segment of hatches in India which means we have a fist fight here. The Hyundai i20 takes on the Skoda Fabia, which again is powered by a 1.4litre diesel engine and has been the best in its class so far. So how does this comparison come through? Let us judge the cars based on five parameters that are essential for a car in this segment.
Design and style: A person purchasing a premium hatch is by no means going to compromise on styling. Hyundai designed and engineered the i20 in Germany making sure that it was dressed in the modern philosophy of flowing lines and aggression combined with elegance. This is where it wins the battle against the Fabia. Though the Fabia has also been an out and out European car, it is not as stylish as the i20. The German designers have given the i20 a beautiful curvy front end with a hint of sportiness that comes from the fog lamps and the huge trapezoidal lower front grille. The crease on the side extends from under the windshield in the front all the way up to underneath the tail lamps at the rear lending the car a more dynamic look. The Fabia, on the other hand, appears rather conventional from the outside. It was definitely a beautiful looking car when it was launched, but with newer and more stylish cars making their way into the market, the Fabia looks a bit aged with nothing exceptional on offer. Interiors and equipment: While Hyundai has worked brilliantly Above: The dark chocolate coloured interiors are a complete letdown especially after considering the beautiful exteriors
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SHOOTOUT HYUNDAI i20 vs SKODA FABIA
on the external looks of the i20, I wonder what went wrong on the inside. The i20 features a weird, dark chocolate colour on the fabric upholstery as well as on the dashboard. The steering wheel too sports the same colour and the overall feel of the car is a letdown. Even the plastics wear a not-so-expensive look and the ďŹ t and ďŹ nish is not up to the mark. On the other hand, the Fabia scores over the i20 in the interior department. You get a sense of the solid feel of a European car in the Fabia. The beige interiors
and the quality of materials are simply classy. The standard list of features on the i20 is fairly good with audio controls on the steering wheel that is adjustable for height as well as reach, a decent audio system and a multi information display for time, date, drive time, trip meter, etc. Surprisingly, Hyundai has offered six airbags, a sunroof, ABS with EBD and various other safety features (in the top end model) but missed out on the park assistance. But then, the Fabia has all those features along with the parktronic and
Left: The 1.4-litre CRDi motor doing its duties under the hood of the i20 packs in amazing performance for enthusiasts
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SHOOTOUT HYUNDAI i20 vs SKODA FABIA car Road Test #131
Overall height 1505mm
HYUNDAI i20 1.4CRDi 11112
Wheelbase 2525mm Overall length 3940mm Width(excluding mirrors) 1710mm Front track 1505mm Rear track 1503mm Kerb weight 1066 kg
SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders Engine Layout Fuel supply Bore/stroke Cubic capacity Compression ratio Valvegear
Four, In-line Transverse Diesel 75 x 79 1396cc 17.0:1 SOHC, 4 valves per cyl
ENGINE OUTPUT Max power (PS) Power peak (rpm) Red line (rpm) Max torque (Nm) Torque peak (rpm)
90 4000 5000 210 1750-2750
TRANSMISSION Forward speeds, Five-speed Manual 1st gear 2nd gear
3.615 1.962
3rd gear 4th gear 5th gear
1.257 0.905 0.702
Reverse gear Final drive Drive wheels
NA 3.471 FWD
WHEELS AND TYRES Wheel size Tyre size
SUSPENSION Front Mc Pherson Strut with Gas shock absorber Rear Couple Torsion Beam Axle with Gas shock absorber ACCOMODATION Seating Head Room, F/R Leg Room F(max/min) KneeRoomF(max/min) KneeRoomR(max/min) Shoulder space Fuel tank Boot space
14” 185/65 R14
BRAKES Front Rear
Disc Disc
5 NA NA NA NA NA 45 liters 370 liters
DRIVER AIDS Six airbags, ABS, EBD, adjustable steering, ORVMs, day/night RVM
STEERING Type Power assisted hydraulic rack and pinion Lock to lock NA
some more like the multi-function display which gives you vital figures like instantaneous fuel efficiency and overall fuel efficiency. The Skoda, though well-dressed and equipped from the inside, misses out on some small bits like audio controls and reach adjustable steering wheel. However, the Fabia can any day take away the honours for being a better car from inside than the i20. Engine and transmission: Hyundai has put a 1.4-litre CRDi powerplant in the i20’s bay which managed to impress me in every possible manner. The diesel motor in the i20 produces a peak power of 90PS which is almost 20PS more than the Fabia’s 1.4-litre diesel engine. Also, the maximum torque output of the i20 is a whopping 220Nm – 65Nm over the Fabia’s peak torque. Undoubtedly, the Hyundai wins the battle hands down when it comes to outright performance. Furthermore, the Hyundai motor is a lot smoother and more refined than the age old three pot PD engine from the Skoda’s stable. Plus, the i20’s oil burner is so good that it manages to deliver a fuel efficiency of 19kmpl (17.8kmpl in the u
TEST RESULTS MAXIMUM SPEED (km/h) Gear True Speedo 1 44.4 46 2 81.9 84 3 124.8 128 4 159.7 162 5 NA NA OVERTAKING ACCELERATION Roll-ons 3rd 4th 40-60 3.62 10.36 60-80 3.33 4.9 80-100 3.94 5.3 100-120 7.02 6.3
BRAKING TEST From 80km/h to 0 From 100km/h to 0
TEST CONDITIONS Altitude Weather
29.19m/2.61s 47.43m/3.39s
PERFORMANCE FACTORS Power/mass (PS/tonne) Power/litre (PS/litre) Torque/litre (Nm/litre)
84.42 64.28 150 21.63s
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5th 42.04 12.94 7.84 8.27
FUEL CONSUMPTION City 17.8 kmpl Highway 23 kmpl Overall* 19.1 kmpl * Overall is 25% highway and 75% city driving
13.88s
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SKODA FABIA 1.4 TDI Price
Rs 8.45 lakh (OTR, Pune)
Engine
1422cc, 68PS, 155Nm
Transmission
Five-speed automatic, Front-wheel drive
Performance
15.42 secs 0-100km/h, 162.3km/h top speed
Fuel efficiency
17.12kmpl (overall)
9.57s
80
5.63s
60
ACCELERATION (km/h)
2.93s
40
1.45s
20 0
550m above MSL Cool, windless, damp
NEED TO KNOW
TIME, SECONDS 0
0-400metres sprint: Terminal speed:
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
19.15s 116.33km/h
1km sprint: Terminal speed:
35.43s 148.49km/h
11112 11112 1111 11111 1111
Suspension: Ride Quality: Handling: Steering: Braking:
11112 11112 11112 11112 11112
CAR RATING Design & Style: Powertrain: Performance: Fuel Efficiency: Dynamic Ability:
11112 11112 11112 11112 11112
Space: Creature Comforts: Driver Appeal: Safety: Interiors:
CAR INDIA’s test and performance data is the sole copyright of Next Gen Publishing Ltd. No part of the data or text can be used in any form for any purpose or promotion or advertisement without the explicit written permission of the editor. Performance testing by Aspi Bhathena
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city and 23kmpl on highways). The brilliant engine has been mated with an equally good transmission. The i20 offers butter smooth gear shifts, however, after driving both cars backto-back, it is quite clear that the Czech is a tad better. Drive and handling: So with a great engine under the hood, is the i20 a fun machine to drive? Definitely. The car is a lot peppier than the Fabia. Let the tacho needle cross the 1800 mark and the i20 leaves a wide grin on the enthusiast’s face. At the same time, it feels a bit sluggish under 1800rpm which can get on your nerves in tight traffic situations. The enormous amount of torque starts building up from 1750rpm all the way up to 2750rpm giving you a wide range of revs through which you can play around in city traffic. The clutch and throttle peddles’ response is a bit jerky and gives a feeling of abrupt acceleration. This might turn out to be slightly irritating in the stop and go traffic where you are continuously engaging and disengaging the clutch. To add to this is the handling of the i20. The softer suspension poses a slight issue
Left: The interiors of the Fabia are not just classy but a notch better than some of the higher segment cars Right: The PD engine powering the Fabia is quite noisy and doesn’t perform as good as the i20’s CRDi
when it comes to taking the corners at relatively higher speeds. And this is exactly where the Fabia runs rings around the Korean car. Its superb suspension and rock solid handling make the Fabia a class apart. The Skoda is a wonder to drive around the bends although it lacks a bit on power. In addition to all this, the Fabia’s cabin is very silent translating to a peaceful drive unlike the i20’s which suffers from a lot of road noise. Value for money: All these factors show that the i20 and the Fabia are definitely in very close competition with each other. There are some merits and some disadvantages with each of the cars and it is quite tough to decide which
one is better. And then comes the pricing. The top end model of the Fabia is expensive than the top end model of the i20 by almost Rs 30,000, however, what you get for this premium is an overall robust feel. At the same time, the Hyundai offers you great performance at the cost of good handling. Both cars return almost the same fuel efficiency. It finally boils down to personal choice in the end. Those who are not really concerned about outright performance and value the feel good factor while driving, the Fabia is the car for them. Those who can do with the dark interiors, a slightly soft and mushy handling and those who crave performance can get themselves the i20. The choice is yours. car
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CAR COMPARO FUEL EFFICIENCY TEST
AND MIL E BEFORE W
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L E S TO GO WE REFILL Fuel economy still remains the top priority for car buyers in India, at least across most four-wheeler segments. We at CAR India decided to pit the most frugal cars in their respective segments against each other to pick a winner in every category. The rationale was simple - drive the cars around the same route in the city as well as on the highway to see how they fare. Bunny Punia decided to play judge as the kilometers were covered and the fuel gulped.
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Maruti Suzuki Ritz VDI
Maruti might have invested a huge sum in the new K series engine plant but it is a fact that the brilliant Multijet oil burner from FIAT still remains the king when it comes to delivering the most per liter of fuel. The company has also been clever enough to make full use of the engine in the best possible manner - not only is the Ritz diesel a wonderful car for
enthusiasts but it is also a wallet friendly motor, keeping those on a cash crunch mission happy. Even with the top end diesel running on narrow 165mm tyres, the Ritz surprised us by stretching each liter of diesel for 32km on the highway and 17km in city traffic. What more can a common man ask for from a small hatch?
Hyundai Verna 1.5
With its sober looks and a diesel engine that is on the noisy side, the Verna might not be a hot seller for Hyundai in India, but it has a couple of aces up its sleeve. The 1.5-liter common rail engine that produces 110 horses cannot be overlooked at all. The Verna not only shames its other petrol counterparts when it comes to performance but also
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delivers exceptional fuel economy figures. The car’s tall gearing helps and so does its 236Nm of torque. Given the fact that the variable geometry turbocharger maximizes efficiency, we weren’t really surprised to see the car run for 26km to a liter on the highway and over 15kmpl in the city. Outstanding figures for a midsize sedan.
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CAR COMPARO FUEL EFFICIENCY TEST
Volkswagen Jetta 1.9 TDI
The VW Jetta makes use of the same engine that powers the Skoda Laura as well. Although the power and torque figures are the same, the Jetta has surprised us in the way it drives. The engine is torquey - 250Nm at just 1900rpm - and the brilliant DSG ‘box has always impressed us. Unlike other conventional automatics, this ‘box works cleverly, knowing when
to upshift when the driver isn’t going hard on the throttle. The direct injection engine with the Pump Duse technology does sound harsh but delivers well when it comes to stretching a liter of diesel. An overall figure of 16.5kmpl puts the Jetta ahead of the competition. It even wins by a whisker against its sibling, the Laura.
Audi A4 2.0 TDI
Isn’t the latest generation Audi A4 a sportier car? Yes it is and it looks hot. The 3.2 FSI makes the car the fastest in its class and it comes loaded with modern technology. At the same time, Audi has worked hard on reducing the A4’s body weight by using lighter materials. The new steel body helps reduce weight, yet it is stiffer. Even the air-con unit weighs less and sips
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less fuel as well. On the engine option list is the efficient 2.0-litre TDI unit on offer. With just 1520kg of aerodynamic and lowered body to lug around and 320Nm of torque on offer from just 1750 revs, the Audi A4 makes judicious use of fuel and returns an overall fuel economy of 13.25kmpl which is a whopping 10 percent better than its nearest rival!
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CAR COMPARO FUEL EFFICIENCY TEST
BMW 520d
The 5 Series is a premium sedan aimed at luring high flying executives, CEOs with a six figure monthly paycheck and rich spoilt brats. It delivers almost everything that an owner would want. The car is fast, fun and yet frugal as well. The latest 5 gets a lot of engine options to choose from including a 2.0-liter oil burner mill. Wait a minute, now isn’t
this a small engine for a car of this class with a sticker price of close to forty big ones (on-road)? Well no 177PS of power with 350Nm of torque for a 1520kg car is outstanding. This also means that the four-cylinder engine easily manages to outclass the competition when it boils down to drinking habits - an overall figure of 13kmpl calls for an applause.
Audi A8 3.0 tdi
Who in the world would really care about how fuel efficient this rupees one crore limo is. It is almost against ethics to feature a car like the Audi A8 here in a fuel efficiency article but this cruise liner hits back with some really impressive figures. The new 3.0 TDI Quattro features the first of a new generation of Audi TDI engines. It is unusually compact at
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just 440mm in length and the new turbocharged and twin-intercooler 24-valve unit employs common rail injection technology. The highlight here is the amount of torque this mill generates – 450Nm at just 1400rpm. The engine never really spins fast, be it city traffic or the highway, and thus helps deliver an overall economy of close to 12kmpl!
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CAR COMPARO FUEL EFFICIENCY TEST
Chevrolet Tavera
The single biggest factor responsible for the Tavera’s respectable sales figures even after five years of its launch has to be its frugal engine. Taxi operators swear by it and it is not unusual for them to extract more than 15km to a liter on the highway with a full load and the air-con working. Powered by Isuzu’s 4JA-IL direct injection diesel unit, the mill has
proved its reliable and economical nature over the years. The 2499cc engine is mildly turbocharged with an output of 80PS but most importantly, its peak torque of 186Nm is delivered at just 1800rpm. The engine’s brilliance shines with the UV running for more than 12km to a liter in the city thus making it the most frugal UV out there.
Audi Q5 3.0 tdi
For a SUV that weighs 1865 kilos and still manages to sprint past 100km/h in 7.5 seconds, would its fuel efficiency still be good enough to put it at the top of its segment? In the Q5’s case, yes! It employs the same 3.0-liter TDI mill that was first used in the A8 in 2003 and is currently being used in various Audi cars. Over the years, the engine has won accolades around the
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world for its performance as well frugal nature. Its high torque, power density and efficiency have established a new milestone in the country’s passenger car diesel technology. This engine is mated to a seven-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch transmission that maximizes efficiency further - 12.1kmpl in city and 17.8kmpl on the highway.
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CAR COMPARO FUEL EFFICIENCY TEST
VERDICT As expected, all the winners are
powered by oil burners. Without a doubt, diesel is fast replacing petrol as the preferred choice around the world. These powerplants are powerful, torquey and most importantly, more fuel efficient as compared to their petrol siblings. Even big vehicles like the Audi Q5 or even the Audi A8 manage to return
20.75 Kmpl*
MARUTI SUZUKI RITZ VDI Tank Capacity: 43 ltrs City: 17 Kmpl Highway: 32 Kmpl
18.35 Kmpl*
HYUNDAI VERNA 1.5 Tank Capacity: 45 ltrs City: 15.8 Kmpl Highway: 26 Kmpl
16.5 Kmpl*
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.9 TDI Tank Capacity: 55 ltrs City: 14.5 Kmpl Highway: 21 Kmpl
13.25 Kmpl*
AUDI A4 2.0 TDI Tank Capacity: 64 ltrs City: 11.5 Kmpl Highway: 18.5 Kmpl
13.01 Kmpl*
BMW 520D Tank Capacity: 70 ltrs City: 11.5 Kmpl Highway: 17.5 Kmpl
11.8 Kmpl*
AUDI A8 3.0 TDI Tank Capacity: 90 ltrs City: 10.5 Kmpl Highway: 15.1 Kmpl
14.5 Kmpl*
CHEVROLET TAVERA Tank Capacity: 55 ltrs City: 12.5 Kmpl Highway: 20.5 Kmpl
13.5 Kmpl*
AUDI Q5 3.0 TDI Tank Capacity: 75 ltrs City: 12.1 Kmpl Highway: 17.8 Kmpl
respectable figures, courtesy their new age engines. But the winner here is the Maruti Suzuki Ritz powered by FIAT’s famed Multijet 1.3-litre engine. This mill is remarkably fuel efficient and that’s the reason it has become the most commonly used motor in India. The original common-rail diesel technology, developed first by FIAT and known as UniJet, used two injections of fuel into the cylinder. The next development
created more control over the injectors, both by the computer and the physical behaviour of the injectors themselves. Named for its ability to have up to seven injections into the cylinder each time, the Multijet was born. The Ritz is able to stretch each litre of diesel to a shocking 32km on the highway while in the city, with a light right foot, the car sips a litre every 17km. Hence it clinches the title as India’s most fuel efficient car easily.
* Overall figures
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CAR COMPARO REAR SEAT COMFORT
Sarmad Kadiri heads rearwards into the unexplored world of the car’s back seat and narrates his amazing experiences
TAKING THE
BACK
SEAT
Photography Sawan S. Hembram
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I like the peace in the backseat, I don’t have to drive; I don’t have to speak, I can watch the country side, and I can fall asleep. Lyrics of the song ‘In The Backseat’ by The Arcade Fire It’s no walk in the park for car seat designers to get the right balance especially while designing the rear seats. The biggest hurdle is that the seats should not be overly firm or super soft. Designers tackle this situation by placing a thin layer of soft material over a denser base. They also depend on digital technology to get more accurate data to create a design that will fit the common body type of a costumer. CAR India meticulously rummaged through innumerable cars to decide the best in rear seat comfort from every segment. Of course, our prime focus was comfort but we also considered other frills like safety, how wide the doors open for easy entry/exit of passengers, the buttons/switches and their position, other luxury bits like mirrors, blinds, reading lights, et al to name a few. We also took into consideration the ride quality of the car. MAHINDRA RENAULT LOGAN The Logan sedan has proved to be big value for money and is probably the only car at its price that can render such shoulder room. The rear window button is situated in the center between the two front seats and bending to reach the buttons can be discomforting. The deep rear seats are not overly cushy but are comfortably firm, provide great back support. Like some other European cars, the rear windows do not go down completely. Another interesting aspect is the removable middle armrest.
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HONDA JAZZ The Jazz has magical seats full of nifty little compartments for your knickknacks. The rear seats are divided in 60:40 ratio with various folding arrangements to ‘Fit’ all your needs. The premium hatch offers sedan like legroom and a five star safety rating from Euro NCAP. The Jazz spells comfort and reliability, although the suspension might seem a little soft for some. Apart from a smart design and brilliant engine, you also get a personal cup holder! So, ‘Why so serious?’
TOYOTA COROLLA ALTIS Cool, comfort and classy – the Corolla Altis. The subtle drive coupled with aesthetic interiors and Toyota’s reliability makes it the unmistakable winner of this segment. Dressed in cool beige leather, the sofa-like seats hug you and provide all-around support. If you weren’t already spoilt with space, the front seats have been carved to provide some more room. The rear seats have a practical 60:40 folding ratio to increase the storage area. The Corolla Altis wins our hearts as well, at least in this segment.
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CAR COMPARO REAR SEAT COMFORT SKODA SUPERB The immense leg room in the car is simply ‘Superb’. The fine quality leather used for the upholstery adds to the car’s extravagance. There is storage space at the centre to dump knickknacks, separate A/C vent and reading light at the rear seat. There are manual blinds for both the rear windows and rear screen. The doors open to a large angle making getting in and out a breeze. All these features coupled with a brilliant ride make the Superb the obvious pick in this segment.
M&M XYLO While the Xylo was busy slaughtering sedans on the road we plonked ourselves on the third row seats to check out the seating comfort back there. We were surprised to find decent leg space, cup holders, A/C vents, adjustable reading lights and large second row windows for the convenience of passengers. The wide door angle and foldable second row seats made getting in or out pretty easy. Be prepared though as the ride tends to feel bumpy for mortals seated on the third row.
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CAR COMPARO REAR SEAT COMFORT TOYOTA INNOVA The Innova has been dominating this segment for years now. Toyota delivers great value for money with amazing reliability and the Innova is no exception. Both the front seats recline completely to join the rear seats making a makeshift bed, however, the independent bucket rear seat might be slightly uncomfortable for passengers on the heavier side. The legroom at the second row seats with the high roof is simply wonderful during long drives. We didn’t have to look any further in this segment.
MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS The E-class has become synonymous with quality, reliability and class leading ride comfort. The semi-active AIRMATIC Dual Control air suspension and ADS (Adaptive Damping System) assures smooth sailing over road bumps. The great ride topped with frills like a rear armrest, window blinds and independent rear A/C vents make it a clear winner in its segment. However, the electronic rear blind has controls accessible only to the driver. But the wide door angle and the smart foldable rear headrest further strengthen our decision.
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CAR COMPARO REAR SEAT COMFORT MERCEDES-BENZ ML CLASS The deep seats of this brute SUV are firm and ready for off-roading. To enhance the rear legroom the front seats have been scooped out at the back making it look super cool. The German feels solid, right from the thud of the doors to the foldable armrests. The rear seats are divided in 60:40 ratio to make room for all your camping gear. One also gets a separate control console for the air-con and vents. The rock solid ML is the clear winner in this segment.
AUDI A8
WIN
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NER
The synthesis of excellent seats, an exceptionally refined ride and overall comfort makes this Audi an outright winner. The new A8 has brilliant legroom and support for your feet. The window plus rear blinds and adjustable headrests can be fine-tuned by the driver and the passenger. Adding to its opulence is a fridge, a collapsible mirror, several cubby holes plus personal A/C vents. You also get your own deck of controls. The car’s adaptive air suspension irons out bumps making the ride silky smooth. Gliding in the A8 was relaxing and pleasurable making this Audi the unanimous choice for having the best overall rear seat comfort across all segments.
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QUICKEST CARS PERFORMANCE TEST
0-10
0-10 It’s time to burn some rubber as CAR India goes pedal to metal in a bid to find the car with the quickest 0-100-0km/h timings Words Bunny Punia Photography Sanjay Raikar In association with
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00-0
00-0 Eight of the quickest cars (and a SUV) also the amount of precious time lost on sale in India in their respetive getting back to a standstill. The ABS segments and over two thousand brake and electronics worked overtimed while horsepower on tap. Sounds fun, eh? The the tyres screeched for mercy. Read on aim here was not only to see how quick to know how each vehicle fared while the machines went past the ton, but we were having a blast, literally.
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0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 QUICKEST CARS PERFORMANCE TEST
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MARUTI SUZUKI SWIFT (Petrol)
HONDA CITY
ENGINE: 1298cc, 88PS, 113Nm WEIGHT: 1010KG 0-100KM/H: 11.59SEC
ENGINE: 1497cc, 118PS, 146Nm WEIGHT: 1100KG 0-100: 10.66 SEC
Although the smallest and the least powerful car here, it still means business. The Swift easily shows a clean pair of heels to its competition. The all aluminium 1.3-litre engine pumps out a healthy 88PS of power and this coupled with a lightweight of 1010 kilos means that the Swift sprints past the ton mark in just 11.59 seconds. The short gearing makes you upshift to third which does hinder the timing by probably half a second. The top end variant gets wide 185mm section tyres and this coupled with ABS makes the Swift come to a halt from 100km/h in just 3.24 seconds. All this at an affordable price means this Maruti is still a hit among the younger generation.
Honda has always been known for its engines. The first generation City was a heck of a machine but we were equally disappointed with the next one. The third generation model, however, has made us happy again. The VTEC loaded 1.5-litre engine produces 118PS - a full seventeen more than the earlier VTEC model. The gain in power shows with the City managing an impressive 10.66 second 0-100km/h dash even with two upshifts due to the short second cog. The brakes work well too, bringing it to a halt in 3.38 seconds. This gem of an engine can deceive first timers with its smooth operation, only to take a completely different character once given the stick.
SKODA RIDER
AUDI A4 3.2 FSI
ENGINE: 1781cc, 152PS, 210Nm WEIGHT: 1280KG 0-100: 9.01 SEC
ENGINE: 3197cc, 265PS, 330Nm WEIGHT: 1610 KG 0-100: 7.77 SEC
Remember the Octavia RS that Skoda sold some years back? It not only looked hot but was fast enough to shame cars costing more than double its price. However, with diminishing sales, the Czech maker decided to plonk the same potent 152PS motor under the hood of the regular Octavia, removed a few goodies and named it the Rider. Don’t go by the car’s sober looks for the mill is powerful enough to fly past the ton mark in a shade over 9 seconds. The tall second gear helps as you don’t waste time shifting to the third. However, we didn’t really appreciate the brakes - 3.64 seconds for coming to halt from 100km/h is no great feat. But at this price, we couldn’t have asked for more.
Simply put, the latest generation Audi A4 is outstanding low sporty looks, sexy LED day time light, optional 18-inch alloy wheels and a choice of engines that includes a 3.2-litre unit make it one of the most desirable saloons for enthusiasts. The FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) motor may look complex, but goes hard and sounds awesome. You get 265PS of power - three times that of other midsized sedans! The six cylinder engine loves being revved and is mated to a six-speed Triptonic gearbox. Pedal to metal, all it takes is just 7.7 seconds for the 0 to 100km/h dash. The four disc brakes work overtime and help the Audi shed speed rapidly - 2.73 seconds for the 100-0km/h deceleration is stupendous.
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100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-0BMW 530d
BMW 750Li
ENGINE: 2993cc, 173PS, 500Nm WEIGHT: 1600KG 0-100: 7.52 SEC
ENGINE: 4395cc, 410PS, 600Nm WEIGHT: 2055KG 0-100: 6.65 SEC
Who says diesel engines are sluggish and lazy? The amount of torque modern day oil burners develop is staggering. Take for instance, the 3.0-litre engine of the BMW 5 Series that does duty in the 530d. Considering the fact that Beemers are well-known to be the ultimate driving machines, it didn’t really surprise us when this car emerged the winner in its class. 173PS of power and 500Nm of torque help propel the 1600kg car past 100km/h in just 7.52 seconds. However, the brakes don’t perform that well, taking 3.01 seconds to come to a halt. Nevertheless, the BMW 530d is a fine example of how diesel engines can smoke their petrol counterparts today.
While the car’s owner will be relaxing in the cocooned confines of the rear seats, watching a flick on the LCD screens, the driver will be more than happy to enjoy every single one of those 410 horses. Late for a meeting? This 2055kg luxu-limo will easily jet past the ton mark in 6.65 seconds with those eight cylinders under the hood screaming their guts out happily. Bringing all that momentum to a halt in seconds are discs all-around aiding the grippy 245mm front and 275mm rear tyres. The way this humongous piece of metal gains speed with the gush of the twin-turbos spooling under the huge bonnet needs to be experienced firsthand.
PORSCHE CAYENNE TUBRO
PORSCHE 911 TURBO
ENGINE: 4511cc, 500PS, 700Nm WEIGHT: 2395KG 0-100: 6.2 SEC
ENGINE: 3596cc, 480PS, 620Nm WEIGHT: 1557KG 0-100: 4.0 SEC
The Cayenne delivers outstanding supercar performance, while still being practical and spacious like a SUV. We picked up the turbo variant that sells in India for Rs 1.18 crore (ex-showroom, mind you) and went bonkers extracting all that mighty power from the beast. The 4.5-litre eight cylinder engine produces nothing less than 500PS of power and a gut wrenching torque of 700Nm - figures we have never ever experienced before in a SUV. All this only means that even while hauling its porky weight of 2395 kilos, it can smoke almost everything on the road with ease. Just over 6 seconds to reach a hundred and just 2.7 seconds to come back to a halt help it clinch the overall runners-up position.
The fastest and the meanest cars to have come to us for testing ever, the 911 turbo made traffic come to a halt at our photo shoot location. The howl from the six cylinder engine that sits between the rear wheels and the legendary Porsche looks had us hooked. Never before have we tested a machine this potent and responsive. 480PS of power and 620Nm of torque (680 with overboost) for a car that weighs just 1557 kilos means just one thing: unadulterated adrenaline fuelled fun. 100km/h is dispatched off in seconds (4.0 to be precise) while jamming on the brakes gets the car back to a naught in just 2.7 seconds - absolutely mind boggling. Ladies and gentlemen, meet our winner for the quickest car in India.
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0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 -100-0-100-0-100-0 0-100-0-100-0-100 QUICKEST CARS PERFORMANCE TEST
ACCELERATION GRAPH ACCELERATION
100
80
60
40
0-20 0-40 0-60 0-80 0-100
20
MARUTI SWIFT ZXI
HONDA CITY
SKODA RIDER
AUDI A4 3.2 FSI
BMW 530D
BMW 750LI
PORSCHE CAYENNE
PORSCHE 911 TIRBO
1.25 2.80 5.09 7.90 11.59
1.29 2.88 4.95 7.44 10.66
1.23 2.38 4.97 6.88 9.01
0.95 2.31 3.82 5.66 7.77
1.11 2.14 3.63 5.21 7.52
1.18 2.19 3.56 4.98 6.65
1.17 2.11 3.40 4.71 6.18
0.80 1.60 2.21 3.01 3.96
TIME, SECONDS
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
DECELERATION GRAPH BRAKING
100-0
100
MARUTI SWIFT ZXI
HONDA CITY
SKODA RIDER
AUDI A4 3.2 FSI
BMW 530D
BMW 750 LI
PORSCHE CAYENNE
PORSCHE 911 TIRBO
3.24
3.38
3.64
2.73
3.01
2.94
2.7
2.65
80
60
40
20
TIME, SECONDS
0
174
1
2
3
4
5
6
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100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-00-0-100-0-100-0-10 100-0-100-0-100-0VERDICT
The 0-100-0 is often considered as the ultimate performance test. The term performance should not be limited to only the acceleration timing but also how the vehicle fares while braking. A strong engine, mated to the right set of gear ratios largely determines how fast a car will be. Of course, the weight of the car cannot be overlooked. Likewise, under heavy braking, the electronics, the disc brakes, the tyre compound and the contact area with the road matters. We narrowed in on eight different four-wheeler segments in India and decided to pick a winner in each segment. It wasn’t easy in some cases as we had to tally both the acceleration as well as the brake timings for the top two, and sometimes, top three contenders. Finally, it boiled down to the winners you see across these pages.
Lately, we have witnessed the best (and the fastest) sports cars from around the world being launched in the country. Porsche has always been at the forefront when it comes to providing cars made for a specific purpose. The 911 has a cult following among motoroids and car buffs and had us smitten as well. India gets both the turbo and the non-turbo variants and we were lucky enough to get the meaner one for this comparison. For Rs 1.44 crore (ex-showroom), you not only get one of the fastest Porsches ever made, but also one of the best handling, best performing and sexiest looking sports cars ever. The only two cars that got closest to it were the R8 from Audi and the AMG kitted SL63 from MercedesBenz. Read more about these three exotic supercars elsewhere in the magazine.
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FEATURE CAR INDIA TOP 10
Best Small Hatch
Best Premium Hatch
Best Entry-Level Sedan
Best Executive Saloon
Best Premium MidSize
Best Luxury Saloon
Maruti Suzuki Ritz
Honda City
super performers
Looking to put down your hard earned money on a new car? We bring you an exclusive feature on the machines that offer the best mix of value, performance, and curb appeal across several categories. These cars stand out in their respective segments and know how to strut their stuff. Their charms go beyond just good looks. These models are brilliant to drive, a bargain to buy and a shoo-in for our annual best ten list
Audi A4
Best Prestige Saloon
Honda Jazz
Skoda Laura
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Best MPV
Mercedes-Benz S-class
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8/5/2009 2:21:36 PM
MARUTI SUZUKI RITZ
FEATURE CAR INDIA TOP 10
BEST SMALL HATCH NEED TO KNOW MARUTI RITZ (VDi / ZXi) Price Rs 5.2-4.8 lakh (ex-Pune) Engine 1248/1197cc, 75/85PS, 190/113Nm Transmission Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive Performance 14.7/14.9 secs 0-100km/h, 170/162.1 km/h top speed Fuel efficiency 20.75/17.4 kmpl (overall)
MARUTI SUZUKI LAUNCHED THE SWIFT IN India a few years ago and the car set a benchmark in its own segment. There was hardly any other manufacturer in the country who could match the class of the Swift. However, the car was growing old and it was high time Maruti Suzuki brought something new to the market which could live up to its elder sibling. This led the company to introduce the Ritz to the Indian consumer. The car had been in the European market for some time before coming to India where it was being sold under the name of Splash. The Ritz’s styling and design suits everyone unlike the Swift which mostly attracts the youth. The tallboy design of the Ritz is refreshing since most of the hatches are trying to be lower these days. Also, it makes sure that the tall guys are quite comfortable driving this car. The Ritz offers a very good interior space. In fact, though it looks slightly smaller than the stout Swift, the Ritz offers a lot more room inside than its elder sibling. Plus there is the car’s simple yet decent interior which resembles the one in Maruti Suzuki’s very own Swift. Maruti has offered the Ritz in the Indian market with an option of two engines – a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel and a 1.4-litre petrol. The success of the 1.3litre Multijet engine offered in the Swift does not
need any introduction and Maruti continues to score full marks with this engine under the Ritz’s hood. With an amazing fuel efficiency which is in excess of 20kmpl, the Ritz 1.3 diesel is one of the most efficient cars on offer in the country at this point of time. The 1.4-litre petrol engine offers enough power to enliven the enthusiast in a driver. The top end model of the Ritz offers all the goodies like alloy wheels, ABS and airbags. The Ritz is not a fun machine that is an amazing car to drive around bends, but it does what it is meant to do pretty well. This small hatch has been designed and engineered to serve in the city and it will, by no means, fail to do so. The Ritz is a highly practical car to drive in the city with its small size and tractable character. Its dimunitive size also makes parking the car in those tight slots on the streets very easy. Overall, what Maruti Suzuki did by launching the Ritz in India is that they introduced a car that was highly fuel efficient and could do its urban duties in a precise manner. Plus, they provided ample internal room that every family guy would want from his car. There is probably nothing that this Maruti fails to pack in for a small hatch. Undoubtedly, the Ritz manages to live up to the benchmark its elder sibling set a few years ago. CAR India AUGUST 2009
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HONDA JAZZ
FEATURE CAR INDIA TOP 10
BEST PREMIUM HATCH FOR A LONG TIME IT WAS BEING SAID THAT Honda will enter the hatchback segment in India and when it does so, it will quite literally run down the competition. Undoubtedly, Honda did something quite close to what was being said as they launched the internationally appreciated Honda Jazz in India a few months ago. The Jazz entered the local market in the premium hatchback segment with every bit of potential to take on the opposition in the country. The Jazz carries itself in a very chic fashion. The triangular headlamps housing the indicators at the inner corner and the sleek front grille lend the Jazz a cute little hatch feel. However, look at it from the rear and you realize that it definitely packs in a lot of space which justifies its premium segment classification. What you see from outside is what you get from inside. The Honda Jazz has a lot of interior space and it is quite tough to digest the fact that you can get so much room from a hatchback. The rear seats are foldable backwards as well as forwards giving you the flexibility of making room at the rear according to your requirements. The Jazz also sits quite low like a hot hatch giving your drive the right amount of sporty touch. What drives this premium hatch is a 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine producing a peak power of 90PS. The hatch 180
drives fantastically around city traffic. The nimble response from the engine and the light steering makes it a dream to drive in tight traffic situations. Though the Honda engine is highly powerful, the i-VTEC technology takes care of fuel efficiency at the same time too. The hatch is supposed to do its duties mainly in the city and seldom on the highways. However, with the Jazz you are guaranteed to be happy anywhere you go. It offers a fantastic drive on highways where you can munch hundreds of miles with minimum fatigue. The suspension of the Jazz is so well sorted that it makes sure you are in utter comfort even on the worst roads. The handling of this Honda around corners will make you fall in love with the car all over again. It is quite appreciable that Honda has managed to find the right balance between power, performance and fuel economy in this car. The Jazz returns a brilliant fuel efficiency of close to 19-20kmpl on highways. If that was not enough, it will also make sure that it delivers close to 17kmpl in the city. Honda has adopted the philosophy of making even their base model as safe as the top model. This has led the Japanese manufacturer to provide airbags and ABS even on their bottom end version. Undoubtedly, the Jazz is the end product of a recipe with absolutely everything in the right quantity.
NEED TO KNOW HONDA JAZZ Price Rs 7.2-7.6 lakh (ex-Pune) Engine 1198cc, 90PS, 110Nm Transmission Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive Performance 13.5 secs 0-100km/h, 165km/h top speed Fuel efďŹ ciency 18 kmpl (overall)
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HONDA CITY BEST ENTRY-LEVEL SEDAN NEED TO KNOW HONDA CITY 1.5 MT/AT Price Rs 9.1-10.46 lakh (OTR, Pune) Engine 1497cc, 118PS, 146Nm Transmission Five-speed manual/ automatc, front-wheel drive Performance 10.7/12.9 secs 0-100km/h, 189/NA km/h top speed Fuel efficiency 17.7/15.9kmpl (overall)
HONDA SIEL CARS INDIA LAUNCHED THE third generation of the Honda City in the country last year end and raised the competition to an all-new level. The City came to the market with the intention of demolishing the competition and it successfully did so in an easy and simple manner. All that Honda did was that they introduced a car that was highly versatile. To start with, the Honda City carries an extremely aggressive stance. It has been styled on the lines of the new arrowhead design philosophy that Honda has adopted in recent times. Taking cues from the Honda Civic Type R, the City manages to make itself look so aggressive that there is hardly anything else in its segment which will pose a competition in its truest sense. With the futuristic front comprising of the big grille and the Honda badge plastered in the centre, the City makes sure that it gets all the admiration in this world. The car rides on 15 inches and sits 25mm lower than the model it replaced giving you a bit more of a low slung feel for a sportier ride. While the City impresses from the outside, it does fairly good from the inside as well. This Honda features class leading interior space, upto seven cup and bottle holders and ample space for everything that you would want to store in your car. The steering wheel is adjustable for reach and height and comes
loaded with audio controls mounted on it. The only downside of the City would probably be the quality and look of the vertically stacked audio console. But leave that aside and you are in for one beautiful car all around. Along with the styling, the Honda City also features quite a few utilities like split folding rear seats which can even be reclined back a little for that extra comfort. As the name suggests, the Honda City is meant to be an urban tool and it does its job brilliantly. The car comes powered with Honda’s trademark, super refined 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine which produces a peak power of 118PS. You can avail this engine mated with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic gearbox. The City is a highly tractable car in traffic and you can easily steer it around the chaotic conditions in urban areas with minimum effort and minimum gear shifts. Throw it in the corners and it will be more than happy to display its prowess when it comes to handling and stability. The City’s engine response, performance, handling and stability are good enough to make any car buff fall in love with it. The car delivers a brilliant fuel efficiency in excess of 17kmpl overall. Thus, Honda has flawlessly packed in everything that you would want from a car in this segment and made the City the best in its class. CAR India AUGUST 2009
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SKODA LAURA
FEATURE CAR INDIA TOP 10
BEST EXECUTIVE SALOON CAR INDIA’S REVIEW OF THE NEW SKODA Laura in July was titled ‘Crown of Laurels’. Looking back at the Laura, we are convinced that the story couldn’t have been more aptly titled. The Laura both in the petrol and diesel version really won our hearts. Although similar looking to the old Laura from the side, the front end has got a much needed makeover. Sweptback headlamps and a bolder grille now make up the new Laura’s face giving the car a powerful road presence. The rest of the car looks typical Skoda - bold and contemporary. Inside, the new Laura pampers you with the use of high quality materials. The lavish use of wood adds a classy touch and also exudes a sense of warmth. The ivory upholstery only heightens this sense. The driver’s seat is 12 way electrically adjustable and also has three programmable memory functions. The touch screen display integrated onto the centre console even has a six CD changer and SD card slot. Add to that dual zone climate control,sunroof, rear air conditioning vents, cruise control and a retractable window blind for the rear windscreen and you may feel that you are in a luxury saloon rather than a D segment car. The Laura has one of the largest boot in its class at 560 liters. This figure increases more than two fold once the rear seats are folded, and being a notchback makes it more 182
accesible increases practicality. The fit and finish levels are extremely good, comparable or maybe even better than some German rivals. The Laura’s long list of safety features also had us drooling. Xenon headlamps that swivel along with the steering, park assist, not less than six airbags, active front head restraints, automatic headlamps with washers and not to mention, electronic aids like ABS, EBD, ASR, ESP, Electronic Differential Lock and Hydraulic Brake Assist. Skoda has also put in a Tyre Pressure Monitor that continually monitor air pressure in individual wheels and gives warning in case of pressure loss The Laura is available in three engine options: the 1.8 TSI petrol, the 1.9 TDI diesel and the 2.0 TDI diesel. The DSG automatic transmission available on the diesel variants is easily one of the best auto ‘boxes we have come across. The DSG being a dual clutch unit is super quick and takes only around three to four hundredths of a second to shift, the gear changes are almost imperceptible. The Laura in both the diesel and petrol guise proved to be quite fuel efficient as well, returning an impressive 17kmpl in highway driving conditions and more than 12kmpl overall. The Laura is a very well engineered car with great handling, superior engine technology, impressive equipment levels and hence rightly wins our crown of laurels.
NEED TO KNOW SKODA LAURA 1.8TSI/1.9 TDI Price Rs 14.1-16.7 lakh (OTR, Pune) Engine 1798/1896cc, 160/105PS, 250Nm Transmission Five-speed manual / six-speed automatic, front wheel drive Performance 9.4 /13.4 secs 0-100km/h, 214/192.5 km/h top speed Fuel efficiency 12.5/16.4 kmpl (overall)
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AUDI A4 BEST PREMIUM MID-SIZE SALOON NEED TO KNOW AUDI A4 3.2 FSI Price Rs 44.59 lakh (OTR, Pune) Engine 3197cc, 265PS, 330Nm Transmission Six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Performance 7.7 secs 0-100km/h, 250km/h top speed Fuel efficiency 8.75kmpl (overall)
AUDI ATTACKED THE UPPER D SEGMENT IN India with the amazing A4 last year. Though the German manufacturer got in very few engine options then, the company now offers a host of powerplants for the A4 which range from a 1.8-litre petrol to 3.2-litre petrol and from a 2-litre diesel to a 3-litre diesel engine. The 3.0 TDI Quattro and the 3.2 FSI Quattro powered A4s are the most exciting of the lot. With V6 engines doing their duties under their hoods, the A4s will make sure you have adequate power to shoo away every other saloon in the segment. The smaller capacity engines include a 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI in the petrol range and a 2.0 TDI in the diesel option. The Audi A4 comes with a lot of gizmos and technologies that will make sure you have one hell of a drive every time you intend to have fun. The Quattro in the top end models is a permanent four-wheel drive with a torque distribution of 46:60 (front:back). The Quattro is always permanently active and acts rightfully to enhance grip. The A4 comes with those amazing electronics which make sure that you don’t lose your line even in the worst situations. The traction control keeps itself working to ensure that even on wet and gravelly surfaces, you don’t lose the necessary grip. The suspension is another important part of the A4 which acts like a hero in every different situation.
You get an option to set up the suspension in three basic modes according to your driving condition: Comfort, Auto and Dynamic. This new dynamic suspension system and a more forward placing of the front axle has increased the overall wheelbase and at the same time decreased the overhang weight of the car giving it a lot more planted feel. Various road conditions are adapted to by the onboard computers of the A4 which adjust various parameters like steering ratio, steering movement, throttle response, suspension damping and shift points which lend the A4 outstanding road behaviour. Leave behind the performance and just look at the A4 to believe that looks can actually kill. The muscular body of the A4 with the huge front grille and the headlamps with those beautiful white LEDs running underneath make a style statement. There is no doubt that this aggressive A4 is a wonder from inside as well. Though it runs on the huge 18-inch wheels with low profile tyres, the A4 doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable on bumpy roads either which are in abundance in our country. The A4, in short, is a package of high performance, styling, high tech stuff and comfort that just cannot fail to impress any mortal. Now how can a car of that calibre miss out a place in this list? CAR India AUGUST 2009
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BMW 5 SERIES
FEATURE CAR INDIA TOP 10
BEST LUXURY SALOON WHILE ITS MAIN RIVAL HAS STARTED looking and feeling dated, the BMW 5 Series still remains fresh. This is a luxury sedan in which dynamics, functionality and style converge in an effortless, compelling synthesis perfectly. Its looks still remain a strong point - the rings for the front lamps, the LED tail lamps and the almost sportscar like design lines flowing across the body make the 5 look the best in its class. It might be a super luxury car on the inside, but the exterior design leaves no stone unturned to hint at its sporty intensions. On the inside, you get the finest Dakota leather and the front seats present an irresistible invitation to lovers of fine driving. Being inside the 5 reminds you of what classy, faultless and functional interiors are all about. Though the design lines are typical BMW, the execution and quality of materials used is what matters. And it makes you feel pampered. Usage of real wood is in abundance and you can’t dismiss that iDrive system easily. It is a feature that has evolved over the years and become easier to use. The car is not just about lavish interiors but other factors like engine refinement, noise insulation, quality of seats, equipment levels, etc. The interiors can be best termed as a delightful fusion of style, functionality and robustness. The 5 is available in India with a list of engine 184
options namely 2.5 and 3.0-litre petrol units and 2.0 and 3.0-litre diesel mills. These engine options suit a variety of buyers including those who need the luxury and status of a 5 at a lower price and those who need performance as well as the low running costs of a diesel. The 3-litre diesel motor makes the car the fastest in its class by a good margin. There is so much torque and power on tap that it is hard to believe that it is a diesel motor. The engine lives up to true BMW characteristics and this combined with brilliant handling dynamics once again reconfirms why Beemers are often termed as the ultimate driving machines. Those with a flair for driving will love to be behind the wheel of the 5. In fact, it would be shame to be chauffeured around in one of these yet at the same time, BMW has fused in enough luxury and goodies to pamper the rear seat passengers. Only if the ride was a little on the softer side! The 5 is priced between Rs 42 to 53 lakh (OTR, Pune). Much has already been written about the car by journos around the world. It has always been one of the best luxury cars, having won the hearts of many especially people in Europe. We can hardly find a single fault with the 5 Series - a reason enough to crown it India’s best luxury saloon.
NEED TO KNOW BMW 530d Price Rs 49.31 lakh (OTR, Pune) Engine 2992cc, 235PS, 500Nm Transmission Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive Performance 7.5 secs 0-100km/h, 248km/h top speed Fuel efficiency 11.12kmpl (overall)
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MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS BEST PRESTIGE SALOON NEED TO KNOW
MERCEDESBENZ S320 CDIL Price Rs 82.24 lakh (OTR, Pune) Engine 3498cc, 275PS, 350Nm Transmission Seven-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Performance 9.4 secs 0-100km/h, 226km/h top speed Fuel efficiency 7.75kmpl (overall)
THEY DON’T CALL THE S-CLASS THE BEST car in the world for no reason. The top model from Mercedes-Benz remains our favourite once again this time too. There are other cars which can compete with it, but the S is something of a special breed. When it comes to sheer prestige and sumptuousness, the ubiquitous Mercedes’ place is well reserved. Even in today’s times, when technology is as accessible to carmakers as a packet of detergent is to us, the S-Class remains a tough act to follow. It has always been a pioneer in safety and technological features with the latest gadgetry. The MercedesBenz S-Class is perhaps the most advanced car on this planet, with precision engineering, groundbreaking technologies and an interior fit for foreign dignitaries. Few other cars in India today can convey as much grandeur and success as this. Minimal buttons, ergonomic, classily appointed interiors that make you feel extremely special, especially with that black roof, a clean, uncluttered, fuss-free layout and quality and craftsmanship that is of the highest order - the S is like a jewel on four wheels. The ultimate symbol of understated power and opulence in its current ninth-generation avatar, the car in India is available in various options of engines
including a 3.0-liter diesel and 3.5 and 5.5-liter petrol ones. Those who have the extra dough can even opt for the long wheelbase L version. All engines perform brilliantly and do complete justice to their existence under the bonnet. The car’s performance is further aided by a long list of gizmos and keep the heft of the car in check to make you feel as if you’re driving a wide, squat hatch and not a 5.2 metre long, lardy, two-tonne heavy limo. The suspension utilizes Mercedes’ Airmatic suspension system has four air bellows supporting the weight of the vehicle. During cornering, the outside bellows inflate to reduce body lean by as much as 40 percent. Ride and handling capabilities are exactly what you’d expect from a high-end sedan and yet also what you wouldn’t. This car indeed is luxury and simplicity personified. The list of technical marvels goes on. The doors will be sucked in if you forget to close them properly, the wipers will get to work the moment the first rain drop hits the windscreen, the headlights turn on automatically much before it gets dark, et al. The S will cosset you in opulence and spoil you rotten without you having to ask for it. It has always been the world’s best car and continues to hold its supremacy even today. CAR India AUGUST 2009
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TOYOTA INNOVA
FEATURE CAR INDIA TOP 10
BEST MPV WITH LEGENDARY TOYOTA RELIABILITY, spacious interiors, excellent ride quality and high overall refinement levels, the Innova has single handedly transformed the Multi Purpose Vehicle segment in the country. Well suited to travel over different kinds of terrain, the Innova comes in handy for a variety of requirements. Now synonymous with MPVs in India, the Innova has held on to the number one spot in this segment for the last four years. It has been a tough act for other manufacturers to replicate its success. Designed keeping in mind large Indian families, the Innova has been appreciated for its aerodynamic styling, luxurious interiors and advanced safety features. The car has also been a favourite with fleet operators and India’s premium taxi segment as it offers the perfect fusion of form and function. The Innova has come a long way since its launch and the recent introduction of the vehicle’s facelifted as well as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) variants has only ensured a continued surge in demand. Having set the benchmark in this segment, the new Innova goes a step further in appealing to a wide variety of buyers with updated design elements in the form of a refreshed front grille and bumper along with redesigned rear combination lights. The new wood finish in the cabin enhances the somewhat ageing interiors. Toyota has 186
also given the Innova Automatic Climate Control Sytem which is unique in this sement. Moreover, steering mounted controls for audio and multi information display are also a segment first. The large Innova offers world class safety features including antilock brakes, airbags, disc brakes (albeit in the front only), three-point seatbelts for each seat, child protector locks on rear doors and rear parking sensors. Available in 2.0-litre petrol and 2.5-litre diesel engine options, the people mover’s oil burning variant is the popular choice. The motor does its duty exceptionally well and provides loads of torque at low revs which enhances tractability of the car. Both engines are hugely reliable, which goes without saying in a Toyota and economical which could the reason why the vehicle has been such a hit with the fleet operators. Straight line stability is of no issue and the car can cruise well above highway speeds with aplomb. The Innova’s handling is a delighful surprise taking into consideration its dimensions. The efficient suspension also soaks imperfections on roads with ease. Toyota’s bestseller offers a commanding driving position, can comfortably accommodate seven or eight persons and offers excellent value for money as a versatile family vehicle. There is hardly anything more an average Indian buyer can ask for.
NEED TO KNOW TOYOTA INNOVA petrol/ diesel Price
Rs 9.1-12.62 lakh (OTR, Pune) Engine 1998/2494cc, 136/102PS, 182/200Nm Transmission Five-speed manual Performance 13.2/17.5 secs 0-100km/h, 180.5/151.2km/h top speed Fuel efficiency 11/12kmpl (overall)
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CHEVROLET CAPTIVA BEST SUV NEED TO KNOW CHEVY CAPTIVA LT/LTZ Price Rs 22.8-24.87 lakh (OTR, Pune) Engine 1991cc, 150PS, 320Nm Transmission Five-speed manual / automatic, rear /all-wheel drive Performance 12.6/13.6 secs 0100km/h, 180/179km/h top speed Fuel efficiency 10.8/9.3kmpl (overall)
CHEVROLET ENTERED THE SUV SEGMENT in India with the Captiva last year. Launched in a category that was dominated for years by the Honda CR-V, it was a tough task for the American brand’s luxury crossover to find a foothold in the country. But the Captiva eventually managed to carve out a space for itself, and in style. The performance of the 2.0-litre diesel engine made sure that the Captiva became popular among customers looking for a punchy performance while the fuel efficient motor kept those with a lot of running to do happy. Even though the Captiva is powered by a small capacity engine, it churns out enough power and most importantly loads of torque to register fantastic performance figures. A 0-100km/h timing of 12.6 seconds with a top speed of 180.1km/h is by no means a small feat for an 1820kg SUV. The vehicle also feels at home while munching miles at a rapid pace on the highway. In fact, once the company rolled out the all-wheel drive variant, even hardcore SUV lovers had a reason to make a beeline for Chevrolet’s showrooms. Along with a decent ground clearance and enough low end juice, the Captiva can do some serious off-roading. The SUV runs on big 17-inch alloy wheels and is the biggest in terms of size in its segment. The front of the
car looks muscular with slightly swept back headlamps, an angular grille and a creased bonnet. The rear end of the vehicle, unlike its muscular front is more on the cute side with small tail lamps merging into the body. The twin exhausts protruding out from each side look sporty. Rich cream and black interiors with an airy feel justify the price tag that the car carries. The digital information display on the center console also is a practical touch. There is good use of silver finish inserts, be it in the steering wheel, central console or the air vents. This combined with a reasonably plush ride quality makes sure all the seven passengers travel in great comfort. The Captiva also scores high on the safety front as dual airbags and ABS with EBD ensure high safety standards. Other goodies like automatic level ride control, traction control as well as hill descent control. The recent introduction of an automatic transmission with an adaptive all-wheel drive for the LTZ model has further enhanced the appeal of this vehicle. At a starting price of Rs 20.1 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune), the Captiva offers unmatched versatility as well as performance with an impressive list of standard features. This unassuming Chevy is one of the best selling cars in its segment and is our SUV of the Year. CAR India AUGUST 2009
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AUDI Q7
FEATURE CAR INDIA TOP 10
BEST PREMIUM SUV BEING VERY FLAMBOYANT OR FLASHY beyond a point sometimes tends to make a lot of sense. That probably sums up Audi’s Q7 better than any other one liner. There wouldn’t be a more sinister manner to announce your arrival on four wheels. This lunacy is what we loved in the Q7 and that is why this gargantuan SUV has made it to this prestigious page three times in a row. This gigantic machine is hauled by 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine producing 500Nm of peak torque and a might of 225 horses. And if oil burners don’t match your tastes, then you have the option of a 4.2-litre V8 turbo petrol and a 3.6-litre V6 engine too. The former adds 130 more thoroughbred horses from Ingolstadt compared to the 3.0-litre diesel and is considerably quicker too. The optional air suspension in the Q7 is easily one of the best we have come across in an SUV, striking a faultless accord between ride and handling. In fact, the handling of the Q7 is very remarkable for a car of its size. The six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission works wonderfully well and makes gearshifts a smooth, seamless and incredibly quick affair. Add to this the world renowned Quattro four-wheel drive system and the Q7 has the capability to handle everything thrown 188
at it with elan. The plus point for that extreme exterior size is a humongous interior, so no worries about space inside the Q. The SUV seats seven in utmost comfort. The use of aluminium and wood trim in the interiors with leather seats look very stylish and distinguished. And needless to say the Q7, like any Audi, comes loaded with technology and equipment. The Q7 packs a state of the art stereo system from hi-fi specialists Bang and Olufsen, with a total of 14 specially designed speakers and is an acoustic delight. The Q7 also gets the latest version of Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI), which is arguably one of the simpler of such interfaces to operate. Safety wise too, it comes loaded with advanced active safety features like ABS, EBD ESP and airbags for all three rows as standard. The Q7 has been awarded an impressive four-star rating in the Euro NCAP and thanks to the massive size you can be assured no one would even dream of coming in your way. The Q7 has what it takes to be a premium SUV. Massive size, captivating looks, undisputed capabilities and a host of equipment and engines to choose from. For those who wish to do some outrageous things and still come out unscathed there is no looking beyond this stunning evil machine.
NEED TO KNOW AUDI Q7 4.2 FSI/3.0 TDI Price Rs 87/65 lakh (OTR, Pune) Engine 4163/2967cc, 355/233PS, 440/500Nm Transmission Six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Performance NA/9.1 secs 0-100km/h, NA/216 km/h top speed Fuel efficiency NA/9.5kmpl (overall)
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AUDI CENTENARY THE BACK STORY
AUDI: A SECRET HISTORY Awe-inspiring racers, off-roaders that morphed into rally-winners, and the most complicated genealogy you could imagine. By Mark Walton
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2 1 | BORN OF BOARDROOM SPAT August Horch was an automotive pioneer, working for Karl Benz in the 1890s just a few years after the first three-wheeled chuggabug had been invented. He started up his own car company in 1899, and the only reason he’s not as famous as Benz is because his name hasn’t survived on a modern car – only it has, sort of. Horch, pronounced ‘hork’, launched his first car in 1901. But in 1909 August was booted out by his own board. Legal wranglings stopped him starting another company called Horch, so his business partner’s son – doing his Latin homework – said: ‘Why not call it Audi, papa?’ Now, I’d have said ‘do your bloody homework, I’m trying to talk to Mr Horch!’ But he didn’t. Because the German word ‘horch’ is related to the English word ‘hark’, meaning ‘listen’ – and the Latin translation is ‘audi’. Clever little bastard.
Nope, not a Quattro but a 1939 Auto Union Type D. Kind of like the 1930s equivalent of Jenson’s Brawn GP car, but probably a bit harder to drive
2 | DRESS TO THE LEFT, SIR? In the days when people rode horses to get about, they kept to the left so they could keep the reins in their left hand and free their right hand to wave or chop a head off with a sword. Later, coachmen kept left and sat on the right. That’s why the first cars were right-hand drive too. Britain never questioned this convention, but some countries were a little hazy about it; in Germany, drivers generally kept right, even though their first cars were right-
handed too. All of Audi’s cars were right-hand drive until 1921, when the Audi Type K became the first car in Germany to be sold as a left-hander. Visitors to the Berlin motor show stood and stared. ‘Who’d believe it, Ingrid?’ This simple idea took years to catch on – Germany didn’t legislate for left-hand drive until 1938. 3 | DR PORSCHE vs… DR WHO? Dr Ferdinand Porsche is rightly famous for designing Auto Union’s grand prix cars in the mid-1930s – mid-engined, powerful, way ahead of their time. But Porsche was strangely obsessed with rear swing axles, which cause dreadful camber change under load, meaning – in a 500bhp GP car on skinny tyres – wild oversteer. But Porsche didn’t design all the Auto Unions. His deputy, Dr Robert Eberan von Eberhorst, took over at the end of the 1937 season. He designed an incredible 450bhp, 3.0litre, supercharged V12 with pannier fuel-tanks down the car’s flanks, to get the driver and engine closer to the centre of the car; and he replaced the swing arms with a de Dion axle. It was called the Type D (see left). Unfortunately the team suffered a massive shock when driver Bernd Rosemeyer was killed in January 1938, doing 437kph in a speed record attempt on a German autobahn; then World War Two got in the way. It was another 20 years before a mid-engined car won a grand prix again. Meanwhile, Eberhorst came to CAR India AUGUST 2009
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Britain in 1949, and designed the Aston Martin DB3. Another clever bastard. That’s two in this story so far. 4 | WAR STOPS PLAY It was not a grand prix that Bernie Ecclestone would have been proud of. The Belgrade GP took place in September 1939 and, with war in Europe looming, only five cars turned up – two Auto Unions, two Mercedes, and a local called Bosco Milenkovich, played in the movie by Alexei Sayle. During practice came the news that Germany and Poland were at war. On race-day it was announced that Germany and England were also at war. Then, after Tazio Nuvolari took the chequered flag for Auto Union, the drivers learnt that Germany and France were at war as well. History doesn’t record which national anthem was played at the prizegiving. 5 | YOU WOODEN BELIEVE IT Ingolstadt wasn’t always Audi’s home. The original Auto Union factories were in eastern Germany, which means they were commandeered by the Soviets after the war, and the 192
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company was dissolved. But with tens of thousands of sputtering two-stroke DKWs still on the road in the West, all badly in need of post-war parts and servicing, a brand new Auto Union company was formed in 1949, under the Allies’ Marshall Plan. Looking for a geographically handy location for its parts depot, the new company chose Ingolstadt, a sleepy garrison town with a bunch of sheds and barracks they could use. The workers called it the United Hut and Shed Company; thankfully for Audi it didn’t catch on. 6 | THE FIRST POST-WAR AUDI IS A MODEL NAME When Volkswagen bought Auto Union in 1964, the company was still turning out smoky twostroke DKWs that sounded like scooters. It quickly decided the range needed modernising, so it launched a boxy saloon with a new four-stroke engine. Hunting around for a name, VW raided Auto Union’s past and called the new car the ‘Auto Union Audi’. They were onto a winner – soon the Auto Union name was dropped completely, and the car became the Audi 72.
7 | UNTANGLING THE FOUR RINGS The Audi badge comes from four separate German car companies, who all got into financial trouble during the Great Depression and decided to merge in 1932. There was Horch and Audi, plus Wanderer and DKW, and they formed what became known as the Auto Union. The individual makes petered out during the build-up to World War Two, all except DKW, which enjoyed a resurgence in the post-war austerity years. In the 1960s a fifth company, NSU, was added; however, they couldn’t add a fifth ring to the badge, because that logo was already taken by a large sporting event. Amazingly, the company name Audi-NSU-AutoUnion AG was only dropped in favour of the snappier ‘Audi AG’ as late as 1985.
8 | BEHOLD THE SPORT-MUNGA In the 1970s, the German military wanted its own jeep. Luckily for Audi, in the 1950s and ’60s DKW had built a rugged but ugly offroader called the Mehrzweck Universal Geländewagen mit Allradantrieb – or ‘Multi-purpose Universal Cross-country Car with All-Wheel drive’ – shortened to Munga. So with a mash-up of Munga and Audi running gear and an Audi engine, the VW Iltis was launched in 1978. But a year before that, Audi’s chief chassis engineer, Jorg Bensinger, was cold-weather testing the Iltis in Finland. Bensinger noticed the bogstandard Iltis outperformed every other vehicle on the test route, and he had the germ of an idea. Bensinger fitted Iltis running gear to an Audi 80, along with Audi’s new five-cylinder engine, as a kind of engineering experiment. The experiment worked so well, the car was developed and launched in just three short years. And – as we all now know – that legendary car was called… the Audi Sportlich Auto Für Die Fahrt Auf Der Straße Mit Allradantrieb. If only they could have thought of something snappier. Might have stuck…
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AUDI CENTENARY THE BACK STORY Audi goes to Le Mans, via Norfolk. Didn’t steal a Lotus, though
9 | AUDI’S FIRST LE MANS CAR WAS DESIGNED IN NORFOLK Maranello, Stuttgart, Bologna and, er, Norwich. No, it’s not sexy, but Audi’s first Le Mans cars were designed by former Arrows F1 designer Tony Southgate, working for a company called Racing Technology Norfolk (RTN), in Hingham, near Norwich. Dallara built the first Southgate-penned car, the R8R spyder, and RTN built a closed-cockpit version, called the Audi R8C. Both were soon superseded by the massively successful, in-house Audi R8; but RTN later developed (and resprayed) the R8C to become the Le Mans-winning Bentley of 2003. car
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FIRST IMPRESSION LORINSER KITS
After Brabus and AMG, Lorinser enters the Indian market with an interesting range of aftermarket add-ons for the Mercedes-Benz line up of cars and SUVs
BLING
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FACTOR
Story Bunny Punia Photography Sanjay Raikar CAR India AUGUST 2009
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Clockwise from top: The gorgeous six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels definitely stand out. A neat rear bumper job. You can find the Lorinser badge at the strangest of places - this one’s on the side skirts. And that one’s of course on the hood!
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o you got yourself a spanking new Mercedes-Benz, eh? You dress up in the classiest way possible and head out to the most happening place in town for showing off your new set of wheels. Remember that Mercedes cars or for that matter other similar manufacturers’ cars are no more exclusive in India now, what with sales of luxury cars zooming up north with each passing month. That means there is every possibility of someone else sharing or even stealing the limelight from you. What do you do then? The answer is splashed across these four pages.
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For more than thirty years, Sportservice Lorinser has been successful in pioneering the tuning of Mercedes-Benz’s range of cars as well as tastefully altering the interiors and the exteriors for that added bling factor. Based out of Winnenden, Germany, the company offers aerodynamic body components, light alloy rims and performance boost engine modules for the three-pointed star. Mumbai based Automania, led by Rakhesh Mehta, is the sole official dealer for Lorinser in India. We got a chance to check out their work on the latest C-class as well the E-class.
The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. The rains decided to stay away, keeping the sky slightly overcast while the fog played hide and seek. The first view of the two Mercs coming our way didn’t exactly send goose bumps running across my body, but they did look more than inviting. I have always loved the C-class for its bold new looks and this one, in Cubanite Silver with a Lorinser body kit looked nothing short of stunning. The first thing that caught my attention was the car’s low profile tyres running on gorgeous 18-inch silver alloy wheels. Fret not, I did drive the car around
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Clockwise from top: In keeping with the luxury look of the E, the body kit too isn’t too flashy. The exhaust tips get the Lorinser treatment as well and so do the alloy wheels
the fabulous twisty road to Amby Valley and trust me, the low profile tyres haven’t taken a huge toll on the ride comfort. In fact, they just made the C handle a tad better around corners. The front end had minimalist changes like extended bumper lips and a Lorinser tag on the hood, although seen side-on, the new skirt was clearly more than distinguishable. At the rear, the treatment of the bumper with the twin exhaust vents seemed to be the best part. Rakhesh added that Lorinser also offers one more kit for the latest generation C-class as well as the older W203 series.
The E was also running on 18-inch alloy wheels and had additional goodies like skirts, new bumpers and a boot lip. Other small but neat touches like silver and white door handles and a honey comb racing grille behind the front alloy wheels added their own little sporty touch. The kits are also available for the yet to be launched W212 series E-class as well as the older W210 models. The price for the complete kit varies from Rs 2 to 6 lakh excluding the alloys which set you back between Rs 17,000 to Rs 1,25,000 a piece! You can also buy
engine modules that are priced between Rs 90,000 to Rs 3,00,000. All this does sound expensive but remember that Lorinser, unlike other local aftermarket companies, is a well-established and respected brand in the international markets and their products are of the finest quality. I am sure those who know the value of top class brands won’t mind shelling out an extra 10 percent of the cost of their Mercedes-Benz to make it even more exclusive. You can obtain more information by getting in touch with them at 9987417000. car
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SPORTS F1 1
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1. Mark Webber converts his first F1 pole into his first ever race victory despite a drive through penalty 2. Hamilton makes a great start from fifth and challenges for lead but runs wide and suffers a puncture 3. Sutil, running in points, had his race ruined by Kimi (again...sigh!) after they make contact
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HAMILTon takes a hungary win 5
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1. Lewis takes the chequered flag at Hungary. McLaren back in form 2. ‘Damn! This KERS is good’ - The first victory of any KERS equipped car 3. Kimi produces Ferrari’s best result of the season, finishes second 4. Massa’s horrific accident. He crashed into the barriers after losing consciousness 5. Massa’s pit crew cheer him from the sidelines
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sports F1 NEWS
Schumi returns to F1
The legend makes the most remarkable comeback in motor racing history, replaces injured Massa at Ferrari Ferrari have announced that the seven-time world champion, Michael Schumacher who retired from Formula One racing at the end of 2006, is to replace the injured Felipe Massa for the forthcoming races until the Brazilian is fit to race again. For Ferrari it was nobrainer to ask Schumi, who is still on its payroll as an advisor and brand ambassador, to take the seat of Massa. Although Schumacher may not have driven an F1 car since April 2008, there is hardly any element of doubt about the abilities of the German champion. This sensational decision came after Massa suffered a fractured skull in what can only be described as a freak accident. Massa was on his flying lap in the
qualifying session of the HUngarian Grand Prix when a suspension spring that got dislodged from Barrichello’s Brawn, hit him on his helmet at more than 250km/h. The impact knocked him unconscious and he later crashed head on into the barriers. Massa had to undergo emergency surgery following the accident and is yet to recover completely. Shumi will get behind the wheel of the 2009 Ferrari F1 car at the European Grand Prix in Valencia. Though the track may have been criticized as one of the most unexciting races of the calendar, Schumi’s comeback could probably make it the most watched Grand Prix ever. Make sure you keep your diary page clear for August 23.
BMW quits Formula One They are the second team to pull out within eight months of Honda’s departure from the sport BMW has announced that they will withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2009 season. They stated that this resolute step was necessary in view of the company’s strategic realignment towards sustainable and environment friendly motives. The move comes just days before the signing of an important new Concorde agreement between FIA, Formula One teams and the Formula One Administration that governs F1 commercially and binds the teams to the sport for the length of the contract. BMW have revealed that they are yet to decide on the future of the team’s facilities and employees. The team employs more than 650 staff members between its factory in Hinwil, Switzerland and its headquarters in 204
Munich. Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica are the current race drivers while Christian Klein is the official test driver. BMW first entered Formula 1 as an engine supplier to Brabham in 1982. Their first victory came in 1983 with Nelson Piquet. But BMW pulled out as an engine supplier in 1987 before returning in 2000 as engine partners to Williams. The pair was together for six years winning 10 Grand Prix and taking 17 pole positions. BMW acquired Swiss team Sauber in 2005 and subsequently renamed it as the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Last year Robert Kubica clinched the team’s first pole position in Bahrain and then a maiden win at the Canadian Grand Prix. However, the team has struggled this year and has scored just eight points to date.
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sports JK TYRES NRC
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Wet track = Gripping race Skidding wheels and smoking engines - the event had all the ingredients for a spicy race Report: Sarmad Kadiri 4
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DAY ONE The rain gods wanted to test the skills of participants and drivers had to negotiate high speed corners on the wet track at the 12th edition of the JK Tyre National Road Racing Championship on day one. Ashwin Sundar clinched the top position in the Formula Rolon. Everyone at the track including his team boss and India’s only Formula One driver, Narain Karthikeyan, were dismayed as Sundar’s car started emitting heavy smoke with just three laps to go for the finish. The young racer kept his cool despite the marshals showing the flag to caution him. Sundar managed to win mainly because he had consolidated a massive lead earlier on. Independent racer, Saran Vikram finished second while Shankar Narayanan of Team Amaron Pro Racing with Meco finished third. It was an interesting Formula 206
LGB Swift race as Chetan Anand went off the track forcing the precautionary yellow flags being waved throughout the race. The stewards hauled up some drivers for interrogation and seven of them were expelled for speeding or overtaking under the yellow flag. Former JK Tyre Junior Cup champion, Goutham Parekh finished second before the results were revised for infringements. He was elevated to the first position followed by his team-mate, Gokul Krishna and Meco Racing’s J. Mitra for second and third positions respectively. Formula Hyundai Endurance racer Narendran’s strategy of waiting paid off as he took the top honours. Narendran’s team-mate, Akhil Devrag and Sudananad Rajan took the second and third spots on the podium. The Super Saloon category saw an engrossing duel between B.
1. Ashwin nursing his car to victory after its engine begins to let go with three laps remaining 2. The Super Saloon cars entering C1 of the Kari Motor Speedway 3.Saran Vikram holds on to his position from Gaurav Dalal 4.Sailesh Bolisetti dives down the inside of Siddharth Kishore
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Vijaya Kymar of Prime Racing and T. Radha Selvarajan of Rad Racing. After leading in the first half, Radha lost the lead to Vijaya Kumar who eventually clinched the win in a thriller. Sailesh Bolisetti from Vizag and Rad Racing finished third. DAY TWO Ashwin Sundar struck again by finishing the race in super quick time. Saran Vikram from Chennai got hold of the second place and Gaurav Dalal had to settle with the third position. In the Formula LGB Swift, Sudarshana Rao from Team TVS Girling gave a scintillating performance to notch up a rousing win. Ajay Kini was disqualified for trying to overtake when the yellow flag was shown. Ajay’s exit helped R. Deepak move up to the second place and the third place was clinched by last year’s Junior Cup champion, Gokul Krishna from Wallace Sports.
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sports INDIAN Almost 40 students from various departments of IIT Mumbai worked on a project involving the designing and manufacturing of a Formula racing car for a competition held in the UK. The Formula Student ‘09 competition was held at Silverstone where students from 105 universities across 23 countries participated. The competition involved scoring on the basis of seven factors including the cost of project, presentation, design, acceleration test, skid pad test, sprint and endurance of the race car. The race car had to be conceived according to the regulations set by the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The Formula car, Agni ‘09, developed by IIT Mumbai was actively supported by SPEED from Bharat Petroleum. This car scored the second place in the cost event and the ninth place in the presentation. This achievement for a team of Indian students competing against over 100 other best teams in the world is worth appreciating. CAR India congratulates the team and SPEED for the fantastic result and making our country proud.
IIT Mumbai shines at Formula Student ‘09
Speed INRC 2009 gets underway
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The first round of Speed Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2009 got underway as the Rally of Coimbatore kicked off on 26th June 2009. The rally, sponsored by SPEED from Bharat Petroleum, attracted as many as 62 participating entries and was flagged off by India’s first Formula 1 racer, Narain Karthikeyan. Team Red Rooster’s Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik dominated the rally driving the Mitsubishi Cedia N+ and took away the honours of being the overall winners. Arjun Aroor Rao and Sandeep Sharma were placed second and third respectively. The event was organized by the Coimbatore Auto Sports Club in association with IMG Sports and ProSports Promotions. The next round of the SPEED INRC 2009 will be held at Bangalore followed by Kolkatta, Nashi, Chikmagalur and Shimla. If you are a rally fan and stay at any of the rally locations, don’t miss out on the next rounds of the SPEED INRC 2009 as it is going to get better and better as the season proceeds. CAR India congratulates Team Red Roosters for their success and wishes them all the very best for the forthcoming rounds of the SPEED INRC 2009.
CAR India AUGUST 2009
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sports WRC
The battle closes in
Hirvonen wins Rally Poland to take the lead in the WRC title run as Loeb fails to make an impression for the third time in a row Report: Adhish Alawani Photography: DPPI 210
Rally poland Three rounds ago, Loeb seemed to take away the WRC title with absolutely no rivals to budge him. He had been unbeaten in the first five rounds and was far ahead of the competition. However, after round eight, we have a new championship leader. BP Ford Abu Dhabi Team driver, Mikko Hirvonen has shown amazing consistency throughout the season. After winning the last two rounds, he takes the lead in the championship standings. Mikko took the ninth victory of his career as he drove his Ford Focus across the line with a comfortable gap of 1 minute 10.3 seconds. His second consecutive victory puts him ahead of Sebastian Loeb, the title holder for past five years, in the championship. Hirvonen took the lead from Loeb in the rally from the second stage on Friday and kept it till the last stage on Sunday. However, while Hirvonen was nailing the victory, Jari-Matti Latvala, Mikko’s teammate, made a mistake as his car clipped a sand barrel at the apex of a corner in the last stage. The misfortunate incident left Latvala’s Ford Focus with a broken right-hand steering arm which made his car spear into a metal barrier at the next corner. The car’s suspension broke and Latvala’s retirement came in leading to a denial of a perfect one-two finish for the team. With Latvala retiring from the race, Dani Sordo got an unexpected last minute promotion to second position. Henning Solberg put up an amazing show on the last day to Points bring his car on the podium. Petter Position xDriver 1 M. HIRVONEN 58 Solberg and Matthew Wilson 2 S. LOEB 57 3 D. SORDO 39 completed the top five at Rally 4 H. SOLBERG 27 Polland. Title defender Loeb 5 J. LATVALA 25 brought his Citroen across the line 6 P. SOLBERG 25 M.WILSON 19 in the seventh position and claimed 7 8 F.VILLAGRA 14 two points to stay close in the 9 S.OGIER 13 10 C.Rautenbach 08 competition with Hirvonen.
CAR India AUGUST 2009
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THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY
the L good the bad & the ugly
ooking for a new set of wheels? Don’t know which one suits your requirements best? CAR India brings you the most comprehensive car buyers’ guide in the country. We have colourcoded various categories of cars and rated individual vehicles based on their relative performance in that segment. Apart from all the essential data, we have also provided an overall rating and summary of every model along with a list of other cars worth considering in that segment. For those who’ve been collecting CAR India issues, refer to our newly incorporated ‘tested’ column to find the road test of a car in one of the previous issues. For tips, questions, suggestions and advice write to us at carindia@nextgenpublishing.net
INDIA’S PUNCHIEST CAR BUYING GUIDE
How it all works All the segments colour code Small Hatchbacks Big Hatchbacks Mid-size Sedans Executive Sedans Luxury Sedans Super Luxury Sedans MUVs/MPVs SUVs Premium SUV’s Sports Cars Green Cars 226
INDEX Page No. 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 236 237 241 242 243 244 247 248
MANUFACTURER AUDI BENTLEY, Bmw FIAT FORCE MOTORS, FORD gm HINDUSTAN MOTORS HONDA HYUNDAI ICML, LAMBORGHINI, MAHINDRA MAHINDRA, MAHINDRA RENAULT MAINI MOTORS, MARUTI SUZUKI MERCEDES-BENZ NISSAN, PORSCHE ROLLS-ROYCE, Skoda TATA MOTORS TOYOTA VOLKSWAGEN, volvo
CAR India August 2009
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AIR BAGS
STEREO
ALLOY WHEELS
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Aug 08 Sep 08 NA NA
11111 11111 11111 11111
11.77 ✓ NA ✓ NA ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Nov 07 NA NA
11111 11111 11111
DATE TESTED
OVERALL RATING
POWER WINDOWS
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
✓ 7.7 250 8.75 ✓ ✓ 10.32 207.4 13.25 ✓ ✓ NA NA NA ✓ ✓ NA NA NA ✓
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
AUDI
AUDI A4
For: Audi technology. Against: Pricing. Verdict: Better than the 3-Series or C-Class. Alternatives: 1. Mercedes-Benz C-class 2. BMW 3-Series 3.2 FSI 2.0 TDI 2.0 FSI 3.0 TDI
44.59 33.79 33.79 45.78
3197/6 1968/4 1984/4 2967/6
6A 6A 6A 6A
330 320 280 450
265 143 211 240
1610 1520 1630 1790
64 64 64 64
480 480 480 480
245/40 R18 225/50 R17 225/50 R17 225/50 R17
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
A6 For: Roomy, striking and rapid. Against: Lacks driver engagement. Verdict: Good enough to worry Merc and BMW. Alternatives: 1. Mercedes-Benz E-class 2. BMW 5-Series 3. Volvo S80 3.0 TDI Quattro 2.8 FSI 2.7 TDI
50.84 44.15 45.80
2967/6 2800/6 2698/6
6A 6A 6A
450 236 280 162 380 177
1765 1615 1685
70 70 70
NA NA NA
225/50 R17 225/50 R17 225/50 R17
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
7.74 NA NA
250 NA NA
90 500 255/40 R19 90 500 255/45 R18 90 500 235/55 R17
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
9.7 230.1 5.2 249.4 7.8 241.4
6.1 7.2 11.8
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA NA
11111 11111 11111
✓ ✓
7.51 NA
225 NA
13.49 ✓ NA ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
June 09 NA
11111 11111
NA 9.1 NA
NA 216 NA
NA 9.5 NA
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA Nov 06 NA
11112 11112 11112
NA
NA
✓
✓
✓ ✓
NA
11111
A8 For: Clever tech. Alloy build. Against: Pricing. Verdict: Deserves to succeed. Alternatives: 1. Mercedes-Benz S-class 2. BMW 7-Series 4.2 FSI 6.0 W12 3.0 TDI
102.32 154.91 89.30
4172/8 6A 5998/12 6A 2967/6 6A
440 355 580 450 450 233
1800 1995 1830
Q5 For: Performance, diesel engine. Against: Ride, gearbox Verdict: Scaled down Q7 makes sense. Alternatives: 1. BMW X3 2. Mitsubishi Montero 3.0 TDI 2.0 TSI
55.00 48.00
2967/6 3600/6
6A 6A
500 243 350 155
1865 75 540 235/65 R17 2252 100 775 275/45 R20
✓ ✓
Q7 For: Size. Performance. Against: Pricing. Verdict: If size matters, then the Q7 has to be the choice. Alternatives: 1. Volkswagen Toureg 2. Porsche Cayenne 3. Mercedes-Benz ML-class 4.2 FSI 3.0 TDI 3.6 FSI
87.00 64.77 69.38
4163/8 2967/6 3600/6
6A 6A 6A
440 355 500 233 NA NA
2270 100 775 275/45 R20 2325 100 775 275/45 R20 2252 100 775 275/45 R20
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
R8 For: Performance, Design, usability. Against: Pricing. Verdict: An incredibly well-rounded performance car. Alternatives: 1. Mercedes SLK 55 AMG 2. Porsche Cayman 4.2 FSI
117.00
4163/8
6A
430 420
3605
75 480 235/35 R18
✓
✓
NA
*Conditions apply
Happiness comes on wheels this festive season
For details contact autoloans@tatacapital.com or SMS AUTO to 56070
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CAR India AUGUST 2009
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✓
✓ ✓
NA
11111
5.9
5.1
✓
✓
✓ ✓
NA
11111
5.7
✓
✓
✓ ✓
NA
11111
5.7 NA
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA
11111 11111
DATE TESTED
OVERALL RATING
AIR BAGS
✓
ALLOY WHEELS
POWER WINDOWS
9.6
STEREO
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
6.1 249.4
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY
TT For: Performance. Sharp looks. Against: Pricing. Verdict: Stylish, exclusive and fast enough for India. Alternatives: 1. Porsche Cayman 2. BMW M3 3.2 V6
55.00
BENTLEY
3189/6
6
320 255
1430
75
NA
245/40 R18
✓
✓
ARNAGE R
For: As British as the Ark Royal. Against: Nearly as big. Service backup. Verdict: Still rules da ‘hood. Alternatives: 1. Bentley Continental Flying Spur 2. Rolls Royce Phantom 3. Mercedes-Benz SL500 ARNAGE R 4d
275.00
6761/8
4A
835 406
2585 100 375 255/50 R18
✓
✓
250
CONTINENTAL GT For: A Bentley with Le Mans heritage. Against: Price. Service backup. Verdict: Makes the rest of the range look pre-historic. Alternatives: 1. Mercedes-Benz SL500 2. Porsche 911 Carrera 6.0 W12 2d AUTO
195.00
5998/12 6A
650 560
2410
90 370 275/40 R19
✓
4.8
✓
318
FLYING SPUR For: Fast and agile for a 2.5 ton car. Against: Price. Service backup. Verdict: Quickest saloon around. Alternatives: 1. Rolls-Royce Phantom 2. Mercedes-Benz S500 3. Bentley Arnage 6.0 W12 2d AUTO 2009 Flying Spur
BMW
200.00 NA
5998/12 6A 5998/12 NA
650 560 750 610
2300 2475
90 370 275/40 R19 90 NA NA
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
5.1 313.1 4.80 322
3 SERIES For: Assured mix of practicality. Driving pleasure. Against: Less personality for the price. Service backup. Verdict: Engaging and practical. Alternatives: 1. Mercedes-Benz C-class 2. Audi A4 320i 325i 320d Highline
31.61 38.46 35.72
1995/4 2497/6 1995/4
6 6 6
200 156 246 214 340 174
1390 1460 1445
63 480 225/50 R16 63 480 225/45 R17 61 480 225/50 R16
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
9.7 7.7 9.03
215 242 225
12.6 11.2 11.5
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA Sep 07 Apr 08
11112 11112 11111
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
6.3 8.65 NA 7.52 7.52
248 248 NA 248 248
12.4 8.25 NA 11.125 11.125
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Nov 07 Jan 08 NA Jan 09 Jan 09
11111 11111 11111 11111 11111
NA 5.38
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA May 09
11111 11111
5 SERIES For: Still one of the best. Against: Price. Service backup. Verdict: Buy it only if you love to drive. Alternatives: 1. Audi A6 2. Mercedes-Benz E-class 3. Volvo S80 525i 530i 520d 530d 530d Highline
46.68 52.73 42.11 49.31 53.42
2497/6 2996/6 1995/4 2993/6 2993/6
6A 6A 6A 6A 6A
246 300 350 500 500
215 258 177 235 235
1530 1540 1520 1600 1600
70 70 70 70 70
520 520 520 520 520
225/50 R17 245/40 R18 225/50 R17 225/50 R17 245/40 R18
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
6 SERIES For: Seductive without the top, substantial, with it Against: Price. Service backup. Verdict: Makes an unmatched style statement. Alternatives: 1. Porsche Boxter 2. Mercedes-Benz SLK-class 650i Coupe 650i Convertible
228
95.94 105.65
4799/8 4799/8
6 6
490 367 490 367
1725 1935
70 450 245/45 R18 70 350 245/45 R18
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
NA 6.79
NA 248
CAR India AUGUST 2009
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OVERALL RATING
DATE TESTED
ALLOY WHEELS
STEREO
AIR BAGS
POWER WINDOWS
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
AUDI TO FIAT
7 SERIES For: Loaded with cutting-edge technology. Against: Price. Service backup. Verdict: More stylish and more capable than its predecessor Alternatives: 1. Mercedes-Benz S-class 2. Audi A8 740Li 750Li 760Li
99.50 115.23 154.82
4000/8 6A 4395/8 6A 5972/12 6A
390 225 600 410 600 327
1935 1980 2180
88 500 245/50 R18 88 500 245/45 R19 88 500 245/45 R19
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
NA 6.6 NA
NA 250 NA
NA 6.2 NA
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA Mar 09 NA
11111 11111 11111
X3 For: Image. Sharp handling. Against: Ride. Versatility. Price. Service backup Verdict: Not as fast as it should be. Alternatives: 1. Mitsubishi Montero 2. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 3. Volvo XC90 xDrive 2.5i 51.26 2497/6 6A 246 215 1805 67 480 235/55 R17 ✓ ✓ 10.62 210 xDrive 2.0d
49.56
1995/4
6A
350 180
1825
67 480 235/55 R17
✓
✓
NA
NA
7.6 NA
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Feb 08 NA
11111 NA
8.1 NA
210 NA
12.3 NA
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
May 08 NA
11111 NA
X5 For: Wieldy. Handsome. Brisk. Against: No seven seat option. Service backup. Verdict: We love it. Alternatives: 1. Mercedes-Benz M-class 2. Porsche Cayenne 3. Audi Q7 xDrive 3.0d 75.75 2993/6 6A 520 235 2150 85 620 255/55 R18 xDrive 4.8i
94.81
4799/8
6A
475 350
2425
85 620 255/55 R18
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
X6 For: Looks, performance, exhaust note Against: Seats just four! Verdict: Radical, but works well as an attention magnet! Alternatives: 1. Mercedes-Benz M-class 2. Porsche Cayenne 3. Audi Q7 xDrive50i 82.00 4395/8 6A 600 408 2190 85 570 315/35 R20 xDrive30d
65.00
2993/6
6A
520 235
2075
85 570 315/35 R20
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
6.6 NA
250 NA
4.5 NA
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
July 09 NA
11111 NA
248
7.5
✓
✓
✓ ✓
NA
11111
6.7
✓
✓
✓ ✓
NA
11111
NA NA NA NA 18.9
F ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ -
- - ✓ ✓ ✓ - -
NA NA NA NA Aug 09
NA NA NA NA 11112
M3 For: Breathtaking performance. Against: Price. Service backup. Verdict: A legendary performance saloon. Alternatives: 1. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG M3Coupe
89.34
3999/8
6
400 420
1655
63 430 255/40 R18
✓
✓
5
M5 For: Can beat an M3. Against: Price. Service backup. Verdict: Everything a sports car can be with four doors. Alternatives: 1. Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4d SMG
FIAT
116.45
4999/10 7A
520 514
1855
70 500 225/40 R19
✓
✓
4.7
250
GRANDE PUNTO For: Looks, value for money Against: Rear seat, fit and finish. Verdict: The car that will turn tables for FIAT in India Alternatives: 1. Maruti Ritz 2. TATA Indica 3. Hyundai i10 1.2 Active (ex-Pune) 1.4 Dynamic (ex-Pune) 1.4 Emotion (ex-Pune) 1.4 E. Pack (ex-Pune) 1.3 Active (ex-Pune)
4.01 4.68 5.08 5.63 4.87
1172/4 1368/4 1368/4 1368/4 1248/4
5 5 5 5 5
96 115 115 115 197
68 90 90 90 76
1140 1145 1145 1145 1190
45 45 45 45 45
275 275 275 275 275
165/80 R14 165/80 R14 175/70 R14 195/60 R15 165/80 R13
-
✓ ✓ -
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 17.5 154.5
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- ✓ ✓ ✓
OVERALL RATING
✓
DATE TESTED
✓ ✓ ✓
ALLOY WHEELS
18.9 18.9 18.9
STEREO
AIR BAGS
17.5 154.5 17.5 154.5 17.5 154.5
POWER WINDOWS
✓ ✓
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
-
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
TYRE SIZE
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS) BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
45 275 165/80 R14 45 275 175/70 R14 45 275 195/60 R15
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
1190 1190 1190
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
76 76 76
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
197 197 197
MAX POWER (IN PS)
5 5 5
TRACTION CONTROL
1248/4 1248/4 1248/4
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
5.18 5.58 6.13
NO. OF GEARS
1.3 Dynamic (ex-Pune) 1.3 Emotion (ex-Pune) 1.3 E. Pack (ex-Pune)
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY
Aug 09 Aug 09 Aug 09
11112 11112 11112
Mar 09 Mar 09 Mar 09 Mar 09 Mar 09 Jan 09 Jan 09 Jan 09 Jan 09 Jan 09
11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112
LINEA For: Looks and equipment Against: Engine feels breathless at high rpm, rear space Verdict: Elegant and practical at the same time Alternatives: 1. Chevrolet Optra Magnum 2. Ford Fiesta 3. Honda City Active Petrol Dynamic Petrol Dynamic PK Petol Emotion Petrol Emotion PK Petrol Active Diesel Dynamic Diesel Dynamic PK Diesel Emotion Diesel Emotion PK Diesel
6.78 7.03 7.33 7.57 7.95 7.71 8.04 8.35 8.46 9.05
1368/4 1368/4 1368/4 1368/4 1368/4 1248/4 1248/4 1248/4 1248/4 1248/4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
121 121 121 121 121 214 214 214 214 214
94.2 94.2 94.2 94.2 94.2 90.5 90.5 90.5 90.5 90.5
1240 1240 1240 1240 1240 1291 1291 1291 1291 1291
45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45
500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500
195/60 R15 195/60 R15 195/60 R15 195/60 R15 195/60 R15 195/60 R15 195/60 R15 195/60 R15 195/60 R15 195/60 R15
-
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
13.9 13.9 13.9 13.9 13.9 11.79 11.79 11.79 11.79 11.79
158.9 158.9 158.9 158.9 158.9 168 168 168 168 168
12.37 12.37 12.37 12.37 12.37 16.37 16.37 16.37 16.37 16.37
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
✓
NA
NA
NA
✓
✓
✓ ✓
500 For: Size, technology, image. Against: Price. Verdict: The most stylish city runabout Alternatives: NONE 500 Lounge
17.67
1248/4
5
FORCE MOTORS
145
76
NA
NA 185 185/55 R15
NA
111
GURKHA
For: Hardcore mud-plugger. Amazing performance. Go-anywhere capability Against: Lack of creature comforts. Ergonomics. Edgy panels. Verdict: The ultimate off-road machine made in India. Nothing comes close Alternatives: 1. Mahindra Bolero 2. Maruti Gypsy King 2.6Euro III
FORD
5.44
2600/4
5
200 81.58 1785
63
NA
NA
-
-
NA
NA
NA
-
-
-
-
NA
1111
NA 15.8
NA 161
NA 17.4
✓ ✓
-
-
-
NA Dec 08
1112 1111
14.1 14.1 14.1 14.1 17.1 17.1 17.1
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓
- - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Jan 06 Jan 06 Jan 06 Jul 08 Nov 06 Nov 06 Nov 06
111 111 1112 1112 1111 1111 1111
IKON
For: Economical to own. Sturdy feel. Diesel option. Against: Petrol version heavy on fuel. Verdict: An engaging car with loads of steering feedback Alternatives: 1. Hyundai Accent 2. Mahindra-Renault Logan 3. Maruti Suzuki DZire 4. Tata Indigo 1.3 Rocam 1.4 TDCI
5.37 6.06
1297/4 1399/4
5 5
105 160
70 68
995 1006
45 400 175/70 R13 43 400 175/70 R13
-
-
FIESTA For: Refined diesel engine. Exciting petrol. Excellent interiors. Against: Stiff ride. Conservative styling Verdict: A great package in its new avatar. Alternatives: 1. Honda City 2. Hyundai Verna 3. Maruti Suzuki SX4 1.6 EXi 1.6 ZXi 1.6 SXi+ABS 1.6 Sports 1.4 EXi TDCi 1.4 ZXi TDCi 1.4 SXi TDCi+ABS
230
7.14 7.45 8.12 8.17 8.08 8.42 9.06
1596/4 1596/4 1596/4 1596/4 1399/4 1399/4 1399/4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5
146 146 146 146 160 160 160
101 101 101 101 68 68 68
1130 1130 1130 1130 1150 1150 1150
45 45 45 45 45 45 45
430 430 430 430 430 430 430
175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14
-
✓ ✓ ✓
11.87 176.5 11.87 176.5 11.87 176.5 11.87 176.5 16.83 164.48 16.83 164.48 16.83 164.48
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OVERALL RATING
✓ ✓
DATE TESTED
AIR BAGS
✓ ✓
ALLOY WHEELS
POWER WINDOWS
NA NA
STEREO
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
MODEL NAME
FIAT TO GENERAL MOTORS
ENDEAVOUR For: Mammoth presence. Tough build. Price. Against: Lacks performance. Poor ride quality. Low on space. Verdict: Good pose value and size at a decent price. No performance though. You’ll love it if you like trucks. Alternatives: 1. Chevrolet Captiva 2. Mitsubishi Pajero 2.5 4x2 3.0 Thunder+4x4
17.67 20.44
2499/4 2953/4
5 5
330 143 380 156
GENERAL MOTORS
1875 1995
71 71
NA NA
245/70 R16 245/70 R16
-
✓ ✓
NA NA
NA NA
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA
1112 1112
SPARK
For: Refined, efficient and frugal engine. Great cabin and ride. Against: Gearbox could have been better. Verdict: A great compact car with hardly any flaws. Alternatives: 1. Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo 2. Hyundai Santro 3. Tata Indica Xeta 1.0 1.0 PS 1.0 LS 1.0 LS Muzic 1.0 LT 1.0 LT OPT
3.19 3.33 3.52 3.77 3.86 4.20
995/4 995/4 995/4 995/4 995/4 995/4
5 5 5 5 5 5
90.3 90.3 90.3 90.3 90.3 90.3
63 63 63 63 63 63
1075 1095 1095 1095 1095 1095
38 38 38 38 38 38
NA NA NA NA NA NA
155/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13
-
✓
16 16 16 16 16 16
152 152 152 152 152 152
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓
- - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
May 07 May 07 May 07 May 07 May 07 May 07
11.4 11.4 11.4
✓
-
- - ✓ ✓
NA NA NA
1112 1112 1112
15.97 15.97 15.97 15.97 15.97 15.97
11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112
U-VA For: : Spacious cabin. Styling. Ride quality. Against: Fuel efficiency. Gear shift quality needs to be improved. Verdict: Good looking car with decent interior space for its size. Alternatives: 1. Hyundai Getz 2. Maruti Suzuki Swift 1.2 1.2 LS 1.2 LT
4.53 4.99 5.70
1150/4 1150/4 1150/4
5 5 5
110 110 110
76 76 76
1075 1095 1095
45 220 155/80 R13 45 220 155/80 R13 45 220 185/65 R14
-
-
15.80 151.5 15.80 151.5 15.80 151.5
AVEO For: Chunky looks. Contemporary interiors. Ride quality. Against: Gearbox. Bottom-end power. Handling. Verdict: Stylish, spacious offering for the price. Alternatives: 1. Ford Fiesta 2. Honda City 3. Maruti Suzuki SX4 1.4 1.4 LS 1.6 LT 1.6 LT OPT
6.83 7.29 7.93 8.49
1399/4 1399/4 1598/4 1598/4
5 5 5 5
127 92 127 92 147 104 147 104
1095 1095 1095 1095
45 45 45 45
400 400 400 400
185/60 R14 185/60 R14 185/60 R14 185/60 R14
-
✓
15.0 15.0 14.3 14.3
177 177 172 172
13.3 13.3 12.7 12.7
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA May 06 NA Nov 06
1112 1112 111 111
-
✓
12.8 12.8
176 176
11.8 11.8
✓ ✓
✓
✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA
1111 1111
-
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA NA Oct 05 NA
1111 1111 1111 1111 1111
SRV For: Looks. Sporty drive. Good suspension. Against: Fuel efficiency. Lack of boot space. Verdict: A flashy, sporty car for the young at heart. Alternatives: 1. Fiat Palio 1.6 -
1.6 1.6 OPT
8.01 8.60
1598/4 1598/4
5 5
140 101 140 101
1230 1230
60 275 185/65 R14 60 275 195/60 R15
OPTRA MAGNUM For: Elegant design. Nice interiors. Refinement. Space. Against: Driver appeal . Verdict: An all round solution for those who want to exhibit opulence on a budget. Alternatives: 1. FIAT Linea 2. Hyundai Elantra 3. Skoda Octavia 4. Ford Fiesta 1.6 MAX 1.6 LS 1.6 LT 1.6 LT OPT 2.0 MAX TCDi
8.97 9.34 10.41 10.78 10.07
1599/4 1599/4 1599/4 1599/4 1991/4
5 5 5 5 5
148 148 148 148 314
104 104 104 104 120.5
1265 1265 1265 1265 1370
60 60 60 60 60
405 405 405 405 405
185/65 R14 185/65 R14 185/65 R14 185/65 R14 195/60 R15
-
-
12.9 12.9 12.9 12.9 11.58
177 177 177 177 192.3
10.3 10.3 10.3 10.3 16.5
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
CAR India AUGUST 2009
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231
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✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA Jul 07
14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
- - - - - - - ✓ ✓
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
10.8 9.3
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Feb 08 Mar09
DATE TESTED
OVERALL RATING
✓ ✓ ✓
ALLOY WHEELS
16.5 16.5 16.5
- 11.58 192.3 - 11.58 192.3 ✓ 11.58 192.3
STEREO
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
AIR BAGS
-
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
60 405 195/60 R15 60 405 195/60 R15 60 405 195/60 R15
POWER WINDOWS
314 120.5 1370 314 120.5 1370 314 120.5 1370
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
5 5 5
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
1991/4 1991/4 1991/4
MAX POWER (IN PS)
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
10.58 11.73 11.98
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
2.0 LS TCDi 2.0 LT TCDi 2.0 LT OPT TCDi
NO. OF GEARS
MODEL NAME
THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY
1111 1111 1111
TAVERA For: Efficiency. Price. Space. Against: Refinement. Ride quality. Interiors. Lacks performance. Verdict: A good MUV for tour operators as well as large families. Alternatives: 1. Mahinda Scorpio 2. Toyota Innova B1-7str NY Edition B2-10str NY Edition B2-7str NY Edition NEO-LS B3-10str NEO-LS B4-7str NEO-LS B4 Captain st NEO-LT -L-7str NEO-SS-D1-7str
7.13 8.08 8.21 8.70 8.74 8.86 9.81 11.10
2499/4 2499/4 2499/4 2499/4 2499/4 2499/4 2499/4 2499/4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
186 186 186 186 186 186 186 186
80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80
1585 1585 1585 1585 1640 1640 1660 1660
55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
205/65 R15 205/65 R15 205/65 R15 205/65 R15 205/65 R15 205/65 R15 205/65 R15 205/65 R15
-
-
23 23 23 23 7.7 7.7 7.7 7.7
140.5 140.5 140.5 140.5 140.5 140.5 140.5 140.5
111 111 111 111 111 111 111 111
CAPTIVA For: Punchy, refined and efficient engine. Looks. Against: Gearbox, low rev response could be better. Verdict: A diesel alternative to the CR-V. Alternatives: 1. Ford Endaevour 2. Honda CR-V 3. Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0LT 2.0LT Automatic
22.85 24.87
1991/4 1991/4
5 5A
320 150 320 150
1820 1910
HINDUSTAN MOTORS
65 465 235/60 R17 65 465 235/60 R17
-
✓ ✓
12.6 180.1 13.6 179.5
1111 1111
AMBASSADOR
For: Space. Old-world charm. Against: Performance. Refinement. Efficiency. Ergonomics. Interiors. Verdict: Definitely not the car for this generation and age unless you belong to the babucracy. Alternatives: 1. Tata Indigo 2. Ford Ikon Flair 3. Mahindra Renault Logan Classic 1.8 Petrol Classic 2.0 Diesel Grand 1.8 Petrol Grand 2.0 Diesel
5.47 5.59 5.69 5.50
1817/4 1995/4 1817/4 1995/4
5 5 5 5
137.3 107.8 137.3 107.8
75 51.7 265 51.7
1104 1200 1104 1200
42 54 42 54
NA NA NA NA
165 R15 165 R15 165 R15 165 R15
-
-
17.3 124.8 NA NA 17.3 124.8 NA NA
10.1 NA 10.1 NA
✓ ✓
-
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
NA NA NA NA
11 11 11 11
MITSUBISHI LANCER For: Refinement. Rallying heritage. Modding possibilities. Reliability. Against: Outright performance. Disappointing interiors. Verdict: Though a good car going by its heritage, the competition has totally outclassed it. Alternatives: 1. Honda City 2. Chevrolet Optra 3. Maruti Suzuki SX4 4. Skoda Octavia 1.5 LXi 2.0 LXd (Diesel)
8.15 9.04
1468/4 1998/4
5 5
129 118
87 68
1010 1080
50 500 175/80 R13 50 500 175/80 R13
-
-
13.6 154.5 18.4 140
11.1 12.5
✓ ✓
-
✓ ✓
-
NA NA
1112 1112
12.8 NA 12.8 12.8
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA Mar 06 NA
1111 1111 1111 1111
MITSUBISHI CEDIA For: Refinement. Comfort. Space. Against: Wallowy ride. Performance. Handling. Verdict: A reasonably good car Alternatives: 1. Skoda Octavia Rider 2. Chevrolet Optra 3. Toyota Corolla Select Select LPG Spirit Sport
9.99 10.35 11.18 11.59
1999/4 1999/4 1999/4 1999/4
5 5 5 5
178 178 178 178
115 115 115 115
1210 1210 1210 1210
50 50 50 50
430 430 430 430
195/60 R15 195/60 R15 195/60 R15 195/60 R15
-
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
11.8 196.5 NA NA 11.8 196.5 11.8 196.5
*Conditions apply
Happiness comes on wheels this festive season
232
For details contact autoloans@tatacapital.com or SMS AUTO to 56070
We only do what’s right for you
CAR India AUGUST 2009
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AIR BAGS
STEREO
✓
✓
✓ ✓
NA
8
✓
✓
✓ ✓
Dec 08
11111
9.62 NA
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Oct 07 NA
11112 11112
18.0 18.0 18.0
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
-
July-09 July-09 July-09
11112 11112 11112
DATE TESTED
OVERALL RATING
POWER WINDOWS
8.9
ALLOY WHEELS
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
MODEL NAME
GENERAL MOTORS TO HONDA
MITSUBISHI PAJERO For: Pedigree. Chassis. Reliability. Against: Interiors. Price. Verdict: A very competent off-roader Alternatives: 1. Honda CR-V 2. Nissan X-Trail 3. Ford Endeavour 4. Chevrolet Captiva 2.8 GLX
23.19
2835/4
5
292.3 120.2 2060
92
NA
235/75 R15
-
✓
17
153
1111
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER For: Mordern looks, generous equipment levels. Against: Thirsty pet. Verdict: The first genuine scare to the CR-V Alternatives: 1. Honda CR-V 2. Nissan X-Trail 3. Ford Endeavour 4. Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 L
22.90
2360/4
6
226 170
2130
60
NA
235/75 R15
-
✓
11.8 186.1
MITSUBISHI MONTERO For: Off-road capability. Dakar Rally Champion. Against: Bland looks. Expensive. Verdict: A reliable, capable off-roader, if looks don’t matter Alternatives: 1. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2. BMW X3 MT AT
HONDA
41.10 46.10
3200/4 3200/4
5 5A
405 167 405 167
2195 2195
90 90
NA NA
265/65 R17 265/65 R17
✓ ✓
✓ 15.33 182.5 ✓ NA NA
-
✓ ✓ ✓
JAZZ
For: Interiors, engine. Against: Price, handling Verdict: A very versatile car for city use. Typical Honda and a pleasure to drive. Alternatives: 1. Hyundai i20 2. Skoda Fabia Jazz (ex-Pune) Jazz Mode (ex-Pune) Jazz Active (ex-Pune)
7.24 7.54 7.59
1198/4 1198/4 1198/4
5 5 5
110 110 110
90 90 90
1055 1055 1055
42 366 175/65 R15 42 366 175/65 R15 42 366 175/65 R15
13.5 13.5 13.5
165 165 165
CITY For: Punchy engine, class leading interiors, equipment levels Against: Lack of alloys, fog-lamps and CD player Verdict: A fabulous car that delivers unmatched performance and fuel-efficiency. Alternatives: 1. Maruti Suzuki SX4 2. Chevrolet Optra 3. Fiat Linea 4. Ford Fiesta 1.5 E MT 9.11 1497/4 5 146 118 1100 42 560 175/65 R15 ✓ 10.7 189 17.7 ✓ ✓ - Dec 08 1.5 S MT 1.5 S AT
9.67 10.46
1497/4 1497/4
5 5A
146 118 146 118
1100 1155
42 560 175/65 R15 42 560 175/65 R15
-
✓ ✓
10.7 12.9
189 NA
17.7 15.9
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Dec 08 Dec 08
11112 11112 11112
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Sep 06 NA Aug 06 NA
11111 11111 11111 11111
CIVIC For: Refinement. Handling. Looks. Interiors Against: Low ground clearance. Verdict: Lives upto all your expectations and more. Alternatives: 1. Skoda Octavia 2. Toyota Corolla Altis 3. VW Jetta V MT Sport V AT CVT Hybrid
14.21 14.42 15.03 16.85
1799/4 1799/4 1799/4 1339/4
5 5 5A 5A
171 132 171 132 171 132 121 95
1210 1210 1210 1290
50 50 50 50
405 405 405 405
195/65 R15 195/65 R15 195/65 R15 195/65 R15
-
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
9.21 206.8 9.21 206.8 11.7 192.3 NA NA
14.9 14.9 13.5 NA
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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OVERALL RATING
DATE TESTED
ALLOY WHEELS
STEREO
AIR BAGS
POWER WINDOWS
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY
ACCORD For: Performance. Equipment. Interiors. Refinement. Style. Honda reliability. Against: Nothing much. Verdict: Best car in its segment. Alternatives: 1. Skoda Laura 2. Toyota Camry 3. Nissan Teana ELEGANCE MT INSPIRE MT ELEGANCE AT INSPIRE AT ELEGANCE AT V6 INSPIRE AT V6
20.27 20.92 21.11 21.77 27.97 28.11
2354/4 2354/4 2354/4 2354/4 3471/6 3471/6
5 5 5A 5A 5A 5A
196 196 196 196 339 339
144 144 144 144 275 275
1450 1450 1540 1540 1620 1620
65 65 65 65 70 70
420 420 420 420 420 420
215/60 R16 215/60 R16 215/60 R16 255/60 R16 225/50 R17 225/50 R17
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA 11.93 11.93 9.48 9.48
NA NA 204 204 203 203
NA NA 11.55 11.55 9.2 9.2
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA NA Jun 08 NA May 09
11112 11112 11112 11112 NA 11112
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Mar 08 Jan 07 Feb 07
11112 11112 11112
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
CR-V For: Car-like driving experience. Comfort. Against: Price. Verdict: A great SUV just got better. Alternatives: 1. Chevrolet Captiva 2. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 3. Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 MT 2.4 MT 2.4 AT
26.65 28.50 29.38
HYUNDAI
1997/4 2354/4 2354/4
5 5 5A
190 143 218 161 218 161
1465 1565 1565
58 556 225/65 R17 58 556 225/65 R17 58 556 225/65 R17
-
✓ 11.03 187 12.25 ✓ ✓ 10.79 188.7 9.65 ✓ ✓ 11.30 191.3 8.8 ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
SANTRO XING eRLX For: : Refined. Comfortable. Efficient. Compact dimensions. Auto box option. Against: Performance. Verdict: A very competitive small hatch. One of the better deals around. Alternatives: 1. Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo 2. Tata Indica Xeta 3. Chevrolet Spark GL GL(AC) GLS(M) Automatic
2.95 3.54 3.92 4.15
1086/4 1086/4 1086/4 1086/4
5 5 5 4A
89 89 89 89
63 63 63 63
778 778 778 815
35 35 35 35
218 218 218 218
155/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13
-
-
16.4 16.4 16.4 19.3
142.2 142.2 142.2 140.3
19.9 19.9 19.9 14.7
✓ ✓
-
-
-
NA NA Feb 07 NA
1112 1112 1112 1112
i10 For: Great looks. Interiors. Gear shift. Ride quality. Against: Fuel economy Verdict: Easily the best Indian supermini, if a little expensive. Alternatives: 1. Maruti Suzuki A-star 2. Chevrolet U-VA D-lite Era
3.74 4.11
1086/4 1086/4
5 5
99 99
66.7 66.7
860 860
35 225 155/80 R13 35 225 155/70 R13
-
-
15.52 156.2 15.52 156.2
14.8 14.8
✓
-
-
-
NA Dec 07
11112 11112
1197/4 1197/4 1197/4 1197/4 1197/4 1197/4 1197/4
5 4A 5 4A 5 5 4A
112 112 112 112 112 112 112
80 80 80 80 80 80 80
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
35 35 35 35 35 35 35
-
✓ ✓ ✓
14.02 NA 14.02 NA 14.02 14.02 NA
15.12 NA 15.12 NA 15.12 15.12 NA
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
- - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA NA NA NA Sep 08 NA
11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112
i10 1.2 KAPPA Magna Magna AT Sportz Sportz AT Asta Asta sunroof Asta AT sunroof
234
4.47 4.96 4.76 5.22 5.40 5.56 6.03
225 225 225 225 225 225 225
155/80 R13 155/80 R13 155/80 R13 155/80 R13 155/80 R13 155/80 R13 155/80 R13
156 NA 156 NA 156 156 NA
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POWER WINDOWS
AIR BAGS
STEREO
ALLOY WHEELS
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA Feb 09 Aug 09 NA
11112 11112 11112 11112 NA
17 138 13.1 17 138 13.1 14.3 166.2 14.6 14.3 166.2 14.6 11.6 174.8 12.75
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
- - - ✓ ✓ - -
NA May 07 Mar 07 Mar 07 Nov 07
1111 1111 1111 1111 1111
NA
1112
NA NA NA Nov 06 NA NA NA NA
1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111
NA NA NA
1112 1112 1111
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
15.13 15.13 15.13 13.88 NA
DATE TESTED
-
OVERALL RATING
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
12 12 12 19.1 NA
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
MODEL NAME
HONDA TO HYUNDAI
i20 For: Interiors, ride quality, looks. Against: Underpowered engine Verdict: India’s new supermini Alternatives: 1. Maruti Suzuki Swift 2. Skoda Fabia Magna Asta Asta (O) 1.4 CRDi Asta 1.4 Gamma Asta
5.46 6.36 6.61 7.74 8.28
1197/4 1197/4 1197/4 1396/4 1396/4
5 5 5 5 4A
112 80 112 80 112 80 220 90 136 100
NA NA NA NA NA
45 370 175/70 R14 45 370 185/65 R14 45 370 185/65 R14 45 NA 185/65 R14 45 NA 185/65 R14
152.5 152.5 152.5 NA NA
GETZ PRIME For: Space. Ride comfort. Against: Fuel efficiency. Price. Verdict: One of those big hatches that created quite a wave, now marginalised by the competition. Alternatives: 1. Chevrolet U-VA 2. . Maruti Suzuki Swift 3. Tata Indica GLE 1.1 GVS 1.1 GLS 1.3 GLX 1.3 GVS 1.5 CRDi
4.32 4.75 5.12 5.49 6.17
1086/4 1086/4 1341/4 1341/4 1493/4
5 5 5 5 5
102 66.6 102 66.6 116 83 116 83 235 110
995 995 1095 1095 1137
45 45 45 45 45
294 294 294 294 294
155/80 R13 155/80 R13 175/80 R13 175/70 R13 185/65 R14
-
✓ -
ACCENT For: Efficient. Comfortable. Right price. Against: Dated looks, poor handling. Verdict: A practical family saloon that makes a lot of sense. Alternatives: 1. Chevrolet Aveo 2. Ford Ikon 3. Maruti Suzuki DZire 4. Tata Indigo GLE
5.51
1495/4
5
123
94
1023
45 328 175/70 R13
-
-
13.8
175
13.3
✓
-
-
-
✓ -
12.66 12.66 12.66 12.66 11.57 11.57 11.57 11.57
176.3 176.3 176.3 176.3 188.2 188.2 188.2 188.2
11.9 11.9 11.9 11.9 18.35 18.35 18.35 18.35
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
- - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ - - ✓ ✓ -
VERNA For: Stonking diesel, refined petrol. Against: Diesel engine not refined, petrol no too efficient. Verdict: An average car. Alternatives: 1. Maruti DZire 2. Chevrolet Aveo 3. Ford Fiesta 1.6 i 1.6 Xi 1.6 XXi 1.6 XXi ABS 1.5 CRDi 1.5 CRDi ABS 1.5 CRDi SX 1.5 CRDi SX ABS
7.27 7.57 7.95 8.12 8.38 8.58 8.88 9.08
1599/4 1599/4 1599/4 1599/4 1493/4 1493/4 1493/4 1493/4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
146 146 146 146 236 236 236 236
103 103 103 103 110 110 110 110
1100 1100 1100 1100 1173 1173 1173 1173
45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45
352 352 352 352 352 352 352 352
185/65 R14 185/65 R14 185/65 R14 185/65 R14 185/65 R14 185/65 R14 185/65 R14 185/65 R14
-
SONATA TRANSFORM For: Big size, comfortable ride, equipment levels. Against: Handling. Fuel efficiency. Verdict: A good attempt at matching the Honda Accord, but there still is some distance to go. Alternatives: 1. Honda Accord 2. Skoda Laura 3. VW Jetta 2.4 VTVT MT 2.0 CRDI MT 2.0 CRDi AT
15.59 16.61 17.82
2359/4 1991/4 1991/4
5 6 4A
233 175 314 150 314 150
NA 1489 1500
70 462 215/60 R16 70 462 215/60 R16 70 462 215/60 R16
-
✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA NA
NA NA NA
NA NA NA
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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POWER WINDOWS
AIR BAGS
STEREO
ALLOY WHEELS
15 15 15
✓ ✓
-
✓ ✓
-
NA NA NA
111 111 111
DATE TESTED
OVERALL RATING
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY
ICML RHINO
For: Value for money. Suspension. Against: Poor NVH levels. Fit and finish. Low end grunt. Verdict: ICML’s first passenger vehicle is a great contender for eating away sales from other MUVs. Alternatives: 1. Tata Sumo 2. Mahindra Bolero 3. Chevrolet Tavera S1 S2 Deluxe
7.53 8.11 8.57
1994/4 1994/4 1994/4
LAMBORGHINI
5 5 5
220 100 240 100 220 100
1633 1633 1633
50 50 50
NA NA NA
205/65 R15 205/65 R15 205/65 R15
-
-
NA NA NA
140 140 140
GALLARDO 560-4
For: : Genuine supercar. Against: Service network. Verdict: A genuine Lamborghini in every perceptible way. Alternatives: 1. Audi R8 2. Porsche Carrera S 3. Mercedes SL 500 Coupe Spyder (Ex-Delhi)
TBA 225
4961/10 4961/10
6 6
509 519 509 519
1500 1550
90 80
NA NA
NA NA
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA
111 111
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA
111 111
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
NA NA NA Sep 06
111 111 111 111
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
NA NA May 06 NA NA Jan 08
1112 1112 1112 1111 1111 1111
MURCIELAGO For: : The truest supercar of our times. Against: Quirky. Verdict: The definitve supercar. Alternatives: 1. Audi R8 2. Porsche 911 Carrera S LP640 (Ex-Delhi) LP640 Roadster
300 340
MAHINDRA
6496/12 6496/12
6 6
660 649 660 649
1665 100 NA 1690 100 NA
NA NA
BOLERO
For: Rugged. Reliable. Can handle the worst of terrain. Capable as a do-it-all MUV. Against: Lacks refinement. Verdict: : Get one if you have to haul a large number of people over bad roads. Alternatives: 1. ICML Rhino 2. Tata Sumo M2DI DIZ SLE SLX DI BSIII
5.77 6.31 6.47 6.87
2523/4 2523/4 2523/4 2523/4
5 5 5 5
180 180 180 180
63 63 63 63
1670 1670 1670 1670
60 60 60 60
NA NA NA NA
215/75 R15 215/75 R15 215/75 R15 215/75 R15
-
-
31.8 31.8 31.8 31.8
120.4 120.4 120.4 120.4
10.3 10.3 10.3 10.3
SCORPIO For: Smooth. Tractable CRDe engine. VFM SUV. Against: High-speed dynamics. Verdict: The best budget SUV around Alternatives: 1. Tata Safari 2. Toyota Innova M2DI LX CRDe SLE CRDe VLX mHawk MT VLX mHawk BS IV VLX mHawk AT
236
7.27 7.91 8.99 10.09 10.20 10.96
2609/4 2609/4 2609/4 2179/4 2179/4 2179/4
5 5 5 5 5 6A
278 278 278 290 290 290
116 116 116 120 120 120
1980 1980 1980 1980 1980 1980
55 55 55 60 60 60
460 460 460 460 460 460
225/70 R15 225/70 R15 225/70 R15 225/70 R15 225/70 R15 225/70 R15
-
✓ ✓ ✓
18.2 18.2 18.2 16.4 16.4 NA
149.8 149.8 149.8 155.2 155.2 NA
10.8 10.8 10.8 NA NA NA
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OVERALL RATING
✓
-
✓
-
11.5 11.5 11.5 11.5
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
- - ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA NA Feb 09
1112 1112 1112 1112
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ - ✓ ✓ ✓ - - ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA NA NA NA May 07 NA NA NA NA
NA NA NA 1112 1112 1112 11112 11112 11112 11112
DATE TESTED
ALLOY WHEELS
NA
AIR BAGS
STEREO
POWER WINDOWS
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
ICML TO MARUTI SUZUKI
SCORPIO GETAWAY For: Tons of luggage space. Value for money. Against: Cramped interiors. Poor high speed handling. Verdict: Fun, inexpensive vehicle for the outdoors people. Alternatives: 1. Bolero Camper 2. Tata Telcoline 4x4 3. Tata Xenon Scorpio Getaway
8.64
2609/4
5
255 110
1910
55 460 235/70 R15
-
-
NA
NA
NA
NA
XYLO For: VFM, interiors, engine. Against: Unsettled ride. Verdict: The best bang for your money in the MUV segment Alternatives: 1. Chevrolet Tavera 2. Toyota Innova E2 E4 E6 E8
7.12 7.62 8.33 8.75
2498/4 2498/4 2498/4 2498/4
5 5 5 5
235 235 235 235
114 114 114 114
MAHINDRA RENAULT
1830 1830 1830 1830
55 55 55 55
NA NA NA NA
215/75 R15 215/75 R15 215/75 R15 215/75 R15
-
-
16.4 16.4 16.4 16.4
154 154 154 154
LOGAN
For: Space, gearbox, ride and price. Against: Lack of power, poor fit and finish, ergonomics. Verdict: Spacious, comfortable and practical. A great sedan for a tight budget. Alternatives: 1. Ford Ikon 2. Maruti DZire 3. Tata Indigo 1.4 GL 1.4 GLE 1.4 GLX 1.6 GLX 1.6 GLS 1.6 GLSX ABS 1.5 DLE 1.5 DLX 1.5 DLS 1.5 DLSX ABS
MAINI
5.12 5.35 5.57 6.09 6.32 6.54 6.57 7.06 7.58 7.77
1390/4 1390/4 1390/4 1598/4 1598/4 1598/4 1461/4 1461/4 1461/4 1461/4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
110 110 110 128 128 128 160 160 160 160
76 76 76 85 85 85 66 66 66 66
1080 1080 1080 1080 1080 1080 1140 1140 1140 1140
50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
510 510 510 510 510 510 510 510 510 510
185/70 R14 185/70 R14 185/70 R14 185/70 R14 185/70 R14 185/70 R14 185/70 R14 185/70 R14 185/70 R14 185/70 R14
-
✓ ✓
NA NA NA 14.54 14.54 14.54 16.82 16.82 16.82 16.82
NA NA NA 165 165 165 152 152 152 152
NA NA NA 10.5 10.5 10.5 16.75 16.75 16.75 16.75
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
REVA
For: : Environment friendly. Operating costs. Styling. Against: : Impractical. Cramped. Performance. Limited range. Verdict: Good option for environment conscious city commuters who want limited mobility. Alternatives: 1. Maruti 800 LPG Standard AC Classe
3.70 4.18 4.69
DC DC DC
1 1 1
MARUTI SUZUKI
64 64 64
18 18 18
670 670 670
-
NA NA NA
145/70 R13 145/70 R13 145/70 R13
-
-
NA 56 NA
NA NA NA
-
-
- ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA NA
11 11 11
144 144 144
22.7 22.7 22.7
-
-
-
NA NA NA
111 111 111
NA NA NA
800
For: : Cheap!!! Reliable. Frugal. Inexpensive to live with. Against: Comfort. Space. Crash worthiness. Verdict: Does its job well for the entry level segment. Alternatives: 1. Maruti Suzuki Alto 2. Hyundai Santro STD STD (M) AC
2.18 2.21 2.38
793/3 793/3 793/3
4 4 4
59 59 59
37.5 37.5 37.5
650 650 665
28 28 28
NA NA NA
145/70 R12 145/70 R12 145/70 R12
-
-
21 21 21
-
*Conditions apply
Happiness comes on wheels this festive season
For details contact autoloans@tatacapital.com or SMS AUTO to 56070
We only do what’s right for you
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STEREO
ALLOY WHEELS
144 144 144 144 144
22.7 22.7 22.7 22.7 22.7
-
-
-
-
NA NA NA NA NA
111 111 111 111 111
NA NA NA NA NA NA
NA NA NA NA NA NA
19.7 19.7 19.7 19.7 NA NA
-
-
-
-
NA NA NA NA NA NA
112 112 112 112 112 112
21.2 21.2 21.2 21.2 21.2 21.2
-
NA NA NA NA NA NA
1112 1112 1112 1112 1112 1112
DATE TESTED
OVERALL RATING
AIR BAGS
21 21 21 21 21
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
-
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
-
POWER WINDOWS
145/70 R12 145/70 R12 145/70 R12 145/70 R12 145/70 R12
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
NA NA NA NA NA
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
28 28 28 28 28
TRACTION CONTROL
665 650 650 665 665
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
37.5 37.5 37.5 37.5 37.5
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
59 59 59 59 59
MAX POWER (IN PS)
4 4 4 4 4
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
793/3 793/3 793/3 796/3 796/3
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
2.41 2.44 2.47 2.52 2.55
NO. OF GEARS
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
AC (M) LPG BS3 LPG BS3(M) AC LPG AC LPG (M)
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY
OMNI For: Cheap-as-chips. Oodles of space. Maintainance. Against: Unsafe. Minimalistic. Verdict: A cheap van with dangerously dicey dynamics and safety issues. Alternatives: 1. Tata Ace Magic 8 E3 8 E3(M) 5 E3 5 E3(M) LPG E3 LPG E3(M)
2.63 2.66 2.61 2.64 2.79 2.82
796/3 796/3 796/3 796/3 796/3 796/3
4 4 4 4 4 4
62 62 62 62 NA NA
35.5 35.5 35.5 35.5 27.3 27.3
785 785 785 785 785 800
36 36 36 36 36 36
NA NA NA NA NA NA
145/70 R12 145/70 R12 145/70 R12 145/70 R12 145/70 R12 145/70 R12
-
-
ALTO For: : Price. Performance. Design. Better than a 800. Against: Rear space. Luggage space. Verdict: A deal at the price. Alternatives: 1. Maruti Suzuki 800 2. Hyundai Santro 3. Chevrolet Spark STD STD (M) LX LX (M) LXI LXI (M)
2.61 2.64 2.96 2.99 3.14 3.17
796/3 796/3 796/3 796/3 796/3 796/3
5 5 5 5 5 5
62 62 62 62 62 62
47.6 47.6 47.6 47.6 47.6 47.6
725 725 740 740 740 740
35 35 35 35 35 35
NA NA NA NA NA NA
145/80 R12 145/80 R12 145/80 R12 145/80 R12 145/80 R12 145/80 R12
-
-
136.5 136.5 136.5 136.5 136.5 136.5
20.5 20.5 20.5 20.5 20.5 20.5
-
-
-
-
- 15.51 155.5 - 15.51 155.5 ✓ 15.51 155.5
15.9 15.9 15.9
✓ ✓ ✓
✓
- ✓ ✓ ✓
Dec 08 Dec 08 Dec 08
1111 1111 1111
16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
NA NA NA NA NA Jan 07 NA NA
1112 1112 1112 1112 1112 1112 1112 1112
A-STAR For: : Fuel efficiency, handling, performance. Against: Gear shift, space at the rear Verdict: Ready to take on the fight in the A2 segment. Alternatives: 1. Hyundai i10 LXi VXi ZXi
3.87 4.16 4.56
998/3 998/3 998/3
5 5 5
90 90 90
67 67 67
860 860 860
35 35 35
NA NA NA
155/80 R13 155/80 R13 155/80 R13
ZEN ESTILO For: Styling. Fuel efficiency. Manoeuvrability. Against: Ride quality needs to be improved. Unstable at high-speeds. Verdict: Not as promising as it looks. Alternatives: 1. Hyundai Santro 2. Chevrolet Spark LX LX (M) LXI LXI (M) VXI VXI (M) VXI (ABS) VXI (ABS) (M)
238
3.45 3.48 3.77 3.80 4.03 4.06 4.33 4.36
1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84
64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9 64 64
855 855 855 855 875 875 855 855
35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35
212 212 212 212 212 212 212 212
145/70 R13 145/70 R13 145/70 R13 145/70 R13 155/65 R13 155/65 R13 155/65 R13 155/65 R13
-
✓ ✓
16.4 16.4 16.4 16.4 16.4 16.4 16.4 16.4
154.1 154.1 154.1 154.1 154.1 154.1 154.1 154.1
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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POWER WINDOWS
AIR BAGS
STEREO
ALLOY WHEELS
14 14 14z 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ -
-
-
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ -
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Sep 06 NA NA NA NA NA NA
1112 1112 1112 1112 1112 1112 1112 1112 1112 1112 1112 1112 1112 1112
✓ ✓ ✓
11.6 11.6 11.6 11.6 14.18 14.18 14.18
167.9 167.9 167.9 167.9 164 164 164
15.6 15.6 15.6 15.6 19.5 19.5 19.5
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ -
-
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA Aug 05 NA NA Mar 07 NA
11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112
NA NA NA 158 158 158
NA NA NA 8.75 8.75 8.75
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓
- - ✓ ✓ - - ✓ ✓
NA NA NA May 08 May 08 May 08
1111 1111 1111 1111 11112 11112
DATE TESTED
OVERALL RATING
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
17.5 144.9 17.5 144.9 17.5 144.9 17.5 144.9 17.5 144.9 17.5 144.9 17.12 143.33 17.12 143.33 17.5 144.9 17..5 144.9 17.5 144.9 17.5 144.9 17.5 144.9 17.5 144.9
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
✓ ✓ -
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
MODEL NAME
MARUTI SUZUKI
WAGON R For: Flexible interiors. Performance. Fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre. Against: Rubbery and notchy gearshift. Bland interiors. Verdict: A very practical and zippy car for small urban families. Alternatives: 1. Hyundai Santro 2. Chevrolet Spark 3. Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo LX LX (M) LX DUO LPG LX DUO LPG (M) LXI LXI (M) LXI DUO LPG LXI DUO LPG (M) VXI VXI (M) VXI ABS VXI ABS (M) AX AX (M)
3.54 3.58 3.73 3.77 3.83 3.86 4.05 4.08 4.07 4.11 4.39 4.43 4.84 4.88
1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4 1061/4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84
64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9 64.9
825 825 830 830 825 825 830 830 825 825 825 825 825 825
35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
145/70 R13 145/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13 145/70 R13 145/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13 155/70 R13
-
SWIFT For: Street fighter looks. Matching performance. Against: Luggage space. Verdict: The standard bearer amongst minis. Alternatives: 1. Chevrolet U-VA 2. Hyundai Getz LXI VXI VXI ABS ZXI ABS+Airbags LDI Diesel VDI Diesel VDI Diesel ABS
4.56 4.90 5.11 5.79 5.21 5.58 5.79
1298/4 1298/4 1298/4 1298/4 1248/4 1248/4 1248/4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5
113 113 113 113 190 190 190
88.2 88.2 88.2 88.2 76 76 76
980 1000 1000 1010 1065 1075 1075
43 43 43 43 43 43 43
232 232 232 232 232 232 232
165/80 R14 165/80 R14 165/80 R14 165/80 R14 155/80 R14 155/80 R14 155/80 R14
-
SWIFT DZIRE For: Frugal, powerful and practical diesel mill, great value. Against: Isn’t too good to look at. Verdict: It’s tough to find a better entry level saloon for that price. Great car, if only it looked a bit better. Alternatives: 1. Mahindra Logan 2. Tata Indigo 3. Ford Ikon LXi VXi ZXi ABS Ldi Vdi Zdi ABS
5.19 5.68 6.65 6.11 6.58 7.49
1298/4 1298/4 1298/4 1248/4 1248/4 1248/4
5 5 5 5 5 5
113 88.2 113 88.2 113 88.2 190 76 190 76 190 76
1170 1170 1170 1115 1115 1115
50 50 50 45 45 45
450 450 450 450 450 450
195/65 R15 195/65 R15 195/65 R15 185/60 R14 185/60 R14 185/60 R14
-
✓ ✓
NA NA NA 7.7 7.7 7.7
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- - ✓ ✓ - - -
July 09 July 09 July 09 July 09 July 09
1111 1111 1111 1111 1111
✓
- ✓ ✓
NA Jun 07
1111 1111
DATE TESTED
OVERALL RATING
✓ -
ALLOY WHEELS
AIR BAGS
162.1 17.4 162.1 17.4 ✓ 162.1 17.4 ✓ 170 20.75 170 20.75 ✓
STEREO
POWER WINDOWS
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY
RITZ For: Ride quality, frugal engines Against: Weak top end (petrol) Verdict: Maruti’s new winner this segments Alternatives: 1. FIAT Grande Punto 2. Hyundai i10 LXi (ex-Pune) VXi (ex-Pune) ZXi (ex-Pune) LDi (ex-Pune) VDi (ex-Pune)
3.94 4.25 4.89 4.68 5.20
1197/4 1197/4 1197/4 1248/4 1248/4
5 5 5 5 5
113 113 113 190 190
85 85 85 75 75
1005 1005 1005 1100 1100
43 43 43 43 43
236 236 236 236 236
165/80 R14 165/80 R14 185/70 R14 165/80 R14 165/80 R14
-
✓ ✓
14.92 14.92 14.92 14.71 14.71
SX4 For: Feature packed with great space and resonable performance. Against: Rivals are slightly faster and quicker. Verdict: A contemporary all-round package. Alternatives: 1. Honda City 2. Ford Fiesta 3. Chevrolet Aveo VXi ZXi ABS
7.38 8.15
1586/4 1586/4
5 5
145 103.4 1170 145 103.4 1200
50 50
NA NA
195/65 R15 205/60 R16
-
✓
12.4 179.2 12.62 ✓ 12.4 179.2 12.62 ✓
VERSA For: No. of seats. Lugging power. Car-like looks. Against: Seat comfort. Looks. Tacky interiors. Dynamics. Verdict: A practical and cheap urban solution for big families. Perhaps for tour operators too. Alternatives: 1. Tata Sumo 2. Mahindra Bolero 3. Chevrolet Tavera DX 5-Seater DX 5-Seater (M) DX 8-Seater DX 8-Seater (M) DX2 8-Seater DX2 8-Seater (M)
4.34 4.39 5.16 5.20 5.63 5.67
1298/4 1298/4 1298/4 1298/4 1298/4 1298/4
5 5 5 5 5 5
102 102 102 102 102 102
83.1 83.1 83.1 83.1 83.1 83.1
930 930 975 975 985 985
40 40 40 40 40 40
NA NA NA NA NA NA
155/80 R13 155/80 R13 155/80 R13 155/80 R13 155/80 R13 155/80 R13
-
-
13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5
149.6 149.6 149.6 149.6 149.6 149.6
11.8 11.8 11.8 11.8 11.8 11.8
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
-
-
NA NA NA NA NA NA
112 112 112 112 112 112
-
-
16.4 16.4 16.4 16.4
NA NA NA NA
NA NA NA NA
-
-
-
-
NA NA NA NA
111 111 111 111
9 NA
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
GYPSY For: Thorough off-roader. Against: Tarmac form. Handling and ride. Thirsty. Verdict: For those who tread the untrodden roads. One of the best off roaders. Alternatives: 1. Mahindra Bolero Invader 2. Force Motors Gurkha King ST (E3) King ST (E3)(M) King HT (E3) King HT (E3)(M)
5.71 5.74 6.03 6.07
1298/4 1298/4 1298/4 1298/4
5 5 5 5
103 103 103 103
81.1 81.1 81.1 81.1
985 985 1040 1040
40 40 40 40
NA NA NA NA
205/70 R15 205/70 R15 205/70 R15 205/70 R15
GRAND VITARA For: Good looks. Well priced in its class. Against: Harsh ride, thirsty engine. Verdict: Well rounded on/off-roader. Alternatives: 1. Honda CR-V 2. Ford Endeavour 3. Hyundai Tucson 4. Chevrolet Captiva 5. Mitsubishi Outlander MT (ex-Pune) AT (ex-Pune)
240
16.95 18.25
2393/4 2393/4
5 5A
225 166 225 166
1614 1636
66 398 225/65 R17 66 398 225/65 R17
-
✓ 12.01 179 ✓ NA NA
Aug 09 NA
1111 1111
CAR India AUGUST 2009
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AIR BAGS
STEREO
ALLOY WHEELS
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
11.2 10.6
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
OVERALL RATING
POWER WINDOWS
NA 10.5 NA 12
DATE TESTED
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
MODEL NAME
MARUTI SUZUKI TO MERCEDES-BENZ
MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
For: Comfort. Safety. Brand appeal. Against: Performance doesn’t match competition Verdict: Still the most comfortable. Alternatives: 1. Audi A4 2. BMW 3series C200K Manual C200K Auto C220 CDI Manual C220 CDI Auto
28.90 30.86 31.96 34.33
1796/4 1796/4 2148/4 2148/4
6 5A 6 5A
240 240 410 410
179 179 172 172
1455 1455 1520 1520
62 62 62 62
420 420 420 420
205/55 R16 205/55 R16 205/55 R16 205/55 R16
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ NA NA ✓ 10.84 222 ✓ NA NA ✓ 10.90 223
NA Apr 08 NA NA
11111 11111 11111 11111
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA
11111 11111
SLK For: Great engine. Chassis. Transmission. Looks. Against: Price. Verdict: A genuine sports car. Alternatives: 1. Audi TT 2. Porsche Boxster 200K 2d 350 2d
45.60 59.50
1796/4 3498/6
5A 7A
240 165 350 276
1390 1465
70 300 205/55 R16 70 300 245/40 R17
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
7.6 230 7.3 247.5
E-CLASS For: Big. Nice to drive. Well equipped. Against: Nothing really. Verdict: Packed solid with state-of-the-art technology and features. Alternatives: 1. Audi A6 2. BMW 5 Series 3. Volvo S80 E200K E280 E280 CDI
43.17 51.01 49.54
1796/4 2996/6 2987/6
5A 7A 7A
221 160 1570 300 234.3 1650 456 198.7 1615
80 540 225/55 R16 65 540 225/55 R16 80 540 225/55 R16
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
12.2 213.5 9.16 233.4 8.60 238
10.1 9.16 11.2
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA Apr 06 Apr 07
11111 11111 11111
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
6.8 5.9
9.9 8.8
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA
11111 11111
7.75 8.14
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Jun 07 NA
11111 11111
8.1
✓
✓
✓ ✓
NA
11111
CLS-CLASS For: Distinctive. Better to drive than the E class. Against: Lack of rear head room Verdict: Refreshing new looks. Alternatives: 1. Mercedes-Benz SL500 2. BMW 650i CLS350 CLS500
70.00 83.00
3498/6 4996/8
7A 7A
350 276 460 308
1730 2170
80 505 245/45 R17 83 505 245/40 R18
250 250
S-CLASS For: Luxury. Dynamics. The tag of “World’s Best Car”. Against: Price. Verdict: Elegant looking with top of the line luxury features. Alternatives: 1. BMW 7-Series 2. Audi A8 S320 CDIL S500L
82.24 117.48
3498/6 5461/6
7A 7A
350 275 530 388
1925 1985
90 560 235/55 R17 90 560 235/55 R17
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓
✓
9.4 226.2 5.4 249.4
SL-CLASS For: Superb - an icon redefined. Against: Expensive. Verdict: Even the other half are envious. Alternatives: 1. Bentley Continental GT SL500
130.00
4966/8
7A
460 310
1845
80 317 255/45 R17
6
249.4
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✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Jul 07 Feb 07
11111 11111
6 6
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA
11111 11111
15 14
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Oct 06 NA
11112 11112
DATE TESTED
OVERALL RATING
AIR BAGS
✓ ✓
ALLOY WHEELS
POWER WINDOWS
7.7 8.5
STEREO
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY
ML-CLASS For: : Great softroader and an SUV with a brand image. Against: Price tag. Verdict: State of the art technology and looks. Alternatives: 1. BMW X5 2. Porsche Cayenne 3. Audi Q7 ML320 CDI 4MATIC ML350 4MATIC
74.00 74.00
2987/6 3498/6
7A 7A
510 227 350 271
2185 2135
95 500 255/50 R19 95 500 255/50 R19
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
10.16 219.18 8.1 Na
MAYBACH For: Powertrain. Equipment. In cabin sound insulation. Against: Price. Verdict: A technological extravaganza. Alternatives: 1. Rolls-Royce Phantom 2. Bentley Arnage 57 62
600.00 600.00
NISSAN
5500/12 5A 5500/12 5A
900 557 900 557
2735 110 605 275/50 R19 2855 110 605 275/50 R19
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
5.3 5.4
250 250
X-TRAIL
For: Ride.Equipment. Diesel engine. Against: : Bottom end torque. Price. Verdict: A diesel alternative for the CR-V. Alternatives: 1. Chevrolet Captiva 2. Honda CR-V 3. Hyundai Tuscon 4. Ford Endeavour ELEGANCE COMFORT
23.99 27.52
2184/4 2184/4
6 6
314 138 314 138
1520 1520
60 827 215/65 R16 60 827 215/65 R16
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
13 13
172 172
TEANA For: Refinement. Space. Features. Against: Outright performance. Service. Spares. Verdict: An exceptionally good car for those who like being chauffeur driven. Alternatives: 1. Skoda Superb 2. Honda Accord 3. Toyota Camry 230JM
23.67
PORSCHE
2349/6
4A
224 170
1459
70 476 205/65 R16
✓
✓ 12.84 196
✓
✓
9
✓
✓
✓ ✓
Aug 07
11112
BOXSTER
For: Power. Open-top fun. Against: Price. Service backup. Verdict: A genuine sports car. Alternatives: 1. Audi TT 2. Mercedes-Benz CLK 3. Mercedes-Benz SLK Boxster S
52.88
3387/6
6
330 295
1385
64 150 235/35 R19
5.4
292
9.6
✓
✓
✓ ✓
NA
11112
5.4
292
9.6
✓
✓
✓ ✓
NA
11112
CAYMAN For: Absolute driver’s car. Against: Price. Service backup. Verdict: A typical sports car from Porsche. Alternatives: 1. Audi TT 2. Mercedes-Benz CLK 3. Mercedes-Benz SLK 3.2 S
57.38
3387/6
6
330 295
1340
64 150 235/40 R18
✓
✓
*Conditions apply
Happiness comes on wheels this festive season
242
For details contact autoloans@tatacapital.com or SMS AUTO to 56070
We only do what’s right for you
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POWER WINDOWS
AIR BAGS
STEREO
ALLOY WHEELS
8.3 7.9 8.3 7.9 8.3
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA NA NA NA
11112 11112 11112 11112 11112
DATE TESTED
OVERALL RATING
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
MODEL NAME
MERCEDES-BENZ TO SKODA
911 For: Do you really need to ask? Against: Price. Service backup. Verdict: One of the best performance cars that you can buy. Alternatives: 1. Mercedes-Benz SL 2. Bentley Continental GT 3. Mercedes-Benz CLK Carrera Carrera S Carrera Cabriolet Carrera S Cabriolet Carrera 4S
74.00 83.90 83.90 93.80 89.61
3596/6 3824/6 3596/6 3824/6 3596/6
5A 5A 5A 5A 5A
370 400 370 400 370
329 360 329 360 329
1436 1461 1436 1461 1551
64 64 64 64 64
135 130 135 135 100
235/65 R18 235/65 R18 235/65 R18 235/65 R18 235/55 R18
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
4.9 4.7 5.1 4.9 5.7
283 292 284 276 274
CAYENNE For: Porsche badge. Against: Ride quality. Service backup. Verdict: Adulterated, but a Porsche all the same. Alternatives: 1. Audi Q7 2. BMW X5 3. Mercedes-Benz ML350 5d S 5d Turbo 5d Triptronic
58.06 75.14 113.78
3198/6 4511/8 4511/8
ROLLS-ROYCE
6A 6A 6A
310 253 420 345 623 456
2160 100 540 255/55 R18 2225 100 540 255/55 R18 2355 100 540 255/55 R18
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
8.9 6.8 5.5
213 240 265
7.4 6 6.4
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA NA
11111 11111 11111
✓
✓
5.8
240
6
✓
✓
✓ ✓
NA
11111
16 16 16 NA 17.12 17.12 17.12 17.12
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA Jun 08 NA NA NA NA Mar 08
11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112
PHANTOM
For: Massive presence. Against: Massive presence. Verdict: Out of my way, little man. Alternatives: 1. Mercedes Maybach 2. Bentley Flying Spur 3. Bentley Arnage 4d Auto
SKODA
400.00
6749/12 6A
720 459 24595 100 460
NA
FABIA
For: Fuel efficieny, lot of cabin space, ride quality. Against: Price, engine clatter from diesel, sluggish performance. Verdict: An exceptionally well equipped hatch with a lot of space. Great interiors. Alternatives: 1. Maruti Suzuki Swift 2. Hyundai Getz 3. Ford Fusion 1.2 P Active 1.2 P Classic 1.2 P Ambiente 1.4 MPI Elegance 1.4 Active TDI 1.4 Classic TDI 1.4 Ambiente TDI 1.4 Elegance TDI
5.43 5.81 6.51 7.78 6.50 6.88 7.81 8.45
1198/3 1198/3 1198/3 1390/4 1422/3 1422/3 1422/3 1422/3
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
108 108 108 132 155 155 155 155
70 70 70 85 68 68 68 68
1050 1050 1050 1090 1090 1090 1090 1090
45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45
300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300
185/60 R14 185/60 R14 185/60 R14 185/60 R14 185/60 R14 185/60 R14 185/60 R14 185/60 R14
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
19.10 19.10 19.10 NA 15.42 15.42 15.42 15.42
160 160 160 NA 162.3 162.3 162.3 162.3
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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STEREO
ALLOY WHEELS
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Sep 06 NA NA NA
11112 11112 11112 11112
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
June 09 NA NA NA Jan 06
11112 11111 11111 11111 11111
11.1 11.5
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Apr 09 May 09
11111 11112
22 22 22
✓
-
-
NA NA Apr 09
11111 11111 11111
OVERALL RATING
AIR BAGS
214.2 10.75 ✓ 174.8 15.7 ✓ 174.8 15.7 ✓ 174.8 15.7 ✓
DATE TESTED
POWER WINDOWS
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY
OCTAVIA For: Bulletproof build. Imposing stance. Peppy and frugal diesel. Against: Ground clearance. Rear legroom. Verdict: A car that brought a segment alive, and for a very sensible reason. Alternatives: 1. Toyota Corolla 2. Hyundai Elantra 3. Chevrolet Optra Magnum 1.8 Ambiente Petrol 1.9TDI Ambiente 1.9 TDI Elegance 1.9TDI L&K
11.43 12.45 13.57 15.06
1781/4 1896/4 1896/4 1896/4
5 5 5 5
210 210 210 210
152 91.2 91.2 91.2
1350 1330 1330 1330
55 55 55 55
530 530 530 530
195/65 R15 195/65 R15 195/65 R15 195/65 R15
-
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
9.1 13.5 13.5 13.5
LAURA For: Loaded with technology. Performance. Equipment list. Against: Price. Verdict: A genuine D-segmenter loaded with all the goodies. Alternatives: 1. Honda Civic 2. Toyota Corolla 3. Volkswagen Jetta 1.8 TSI Ambiente MT 1.9 TDI Ambiente MT 1.9 TDI Ambiente AT 1.9 TDI Elegance MT 1.9 TDI Elegance AT
14.08 14.43 15.22 15.94 16.72
1798/4 1896/4 1896/4 1896/4 1896/4
6 5 6A 5 6A
250 250 250 250 250
160 105 105 105 105
1350 1350 1350 1350 1350
55 55 55 55 55
560 560 560 560 560
205/55 R16 205/55 R16 205/55 R16 205/55 R16 205/55 R16
-
✓ ✓ ✓
9.4 214 NA NA 13.4 192.5 NA NA 13.4 192.5
12.5 NA 16.4 NA 16.4
SUPERB For: Performance. Comfort. Luxury. Presence. Build. Equipment list. Knockout price. Against: The Badge. Verdict: : A genuinely well equipped luxury sedan. Alternatives: 1. Honda Accord V6 2. Toyota Camry 3. Nissan Teana 1.8 Petrol 1.9 Diesel
21.70 23.40
1798/4 1968/4
TATA MOTORS
7A 6A
250 160 320 140
1567 1471
60 565 205/55 R16 60 565 205/55 R16
✓ ✓
✓ 9.69 201 ✓ 10.92 198
NANO
For: Sheer value for money. Space. Price. Against: Built to a price. Verdict: A real ‘car’ for a very very low price. Alternatives: 1. Maruti 800 2. Used Maruti Suzuki Alto 3. Used Hyundai Santro Base CX LX
244
1.45 1.70 2.00
624/2 624/2 624/2
4 4 4
48 48 48
35 35 35
600 600 600
15 135 135/70 R12 15 135 135/70 R12 15 135 135/70 R12
-
-
29.6 106.2 29.6 106.2 29.6 106.2
-
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165/65 R13 165/65 R13 165/65 R13 165/65 R13 165/65 R13 165/65 R13 165/65 R13 165/65 R13 165/65 R13 165/65 R14 165/65 R14 165/65 R14
-
-
17.8 17.8 17.8 17.8 17.56 NA 25.5 25.5 25.5 16.37 16.37 NA
147.5 147.5 147.5 147.5 153 NA 134.8 134.8 134.8 155 155 NA
12.6 12.6 12.6 12.6 14 NA 18.5 18.5 18.5 16.5 16.5 NA
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
- - - - - ✓ - - - - - ✓ ✓ - ✓
NA NA NA NA Apr 06 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
111 111 111 111 111
1405/4 1405/4 1248/4 1248/4 1172/4 1172/4 1172/4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5
135 135 190 190 96 96 96
71 71 75 75 65 65 65
1135 1135 1140 1140 1075 1075 1075
37 37 37 37 37 37 37
217 217 232 232 217 217 217
175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/70 R14 175/70 R14 175/70 R14
-
-
NA NA 17.22 17.22 NA NA NA
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
NA NA 18 18 NA NA NA
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA NA Oct 08 NA NA NA
1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
-
- - - ✓ - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ -
DATE TESTED
OVERALL RATING
217 217 217 217 217 217 217 217 217 217 217 217
ALLOY WHEELS
37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37
STEREO
AIR BAGS
995 995 995 995 995 995 980 980 980 1050 1050 1105
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
65 65 65 65 70 70 54 54 54 68 68 70
TYRE SIZE
100 100 100 100 122 122 85 85 85 130 130 140
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
1193/4 1193/4 1193/4 1193/4 1405/4 1405/4 1405/4 1405/4 1405/4 1405/4 1405/4 1396/4
NO. OF GEARS
POWER WINDOWS
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
TRACTION CONTROL
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
MODEL NAME
SKODA TO TATA MOTORS
INDICA For: Reliable and efficient diesel. Space. Economical to run and maintain. Against: : Refinement. Build quality. NVH. Verdict: One of the cheapest cars to own and run. Alternatives: 1. Chevrolet Spark 2. Hyundai Getz Prime 3. Fiat Palio Stile XETA GL XETA GLE XETA GLS XETA GLG XETA GLX XETA GLS LPG DL DLE DLS DLG TC DLX TC DLG DICOR
2.74 3.03 3.23 3.49 3.93 3.65 3.45 3.71 3.89 4.25 4.42 4.53
NA 111 111 111 1112 1112 1112
INDICA VISTA Tera TDI Aqua TDI Aqua Quadra Aura Quadra Tera Safire Aqua Safire Aura Safire
4.14 4.29 4.95 5.24 3.70 3.94 4.21
-
INDIGO For: Exceptional VFM . Space. Against: Poor refinement. Build quality. Verdict: Incredibly cheap and efficient three-box saloon at the price of a hatch. Alternatives: 1. Ford Ikon 2. Mahindra-Renault Logan 3. Maruti Suzuki DZire GLS GLX LS DICOR LS TDI LX TDI CS LS DICOR CS LE TDI CS LS TDI
4.94 5.30 5.64 5.34 5.76 5.18 4.36 4.66
1396/4 1396/4 1396/4 1405/4 1405/4 1396/4 1405/4 1405/4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
117 117 140 132 132 140 132 132
85 85 85 70 70 85 70 70
1155 1155 1155 1155 1155 1065 1065 1065
42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42
450 450 450 450 450 380 380 380
175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14
-
-
16 16 19.5 19.5 19.5 NA NA NA
157.9 157.9 154.2 154.2 154.2 NA NA NA
14.5 14.5 18.9 18.9 18.9 NA NA NA
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
111 111 111 111 111 NA NA 111
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POWER WINDOWS
AIR BAGS
STEREO
ALLOY WHEELS
-
-
14.5 14.5 14.5 18.5
160.9 160.9 160.9 143.2
12.1 12.1 12.1 16.5
✓ ✓ ✓
-
-
✓ ✓
NA NA NA NA
111 111 111 111
-
-
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
✓ ✓
-
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA
111 111
-
-
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
✓ ✓
-
-
✓ ✓
NA NA
-
-
✓ ✓
NA NA NA NA NA Jun 08
111 111 111 111 111 111
✓ ✓
- ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA NA Nov 07 NA
1111 1111 1111 1111 1111
DATE TESTED
OVERALL RATING
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14 175/65 R14
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
410 410 410 410
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
TYRE SIZE
42 42 42 42
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
1130 1130 1130 1130
TRACTION CONTROL
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
117 117 140 132
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
5 5 5 5
MAX POWER (IN PS)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY
INDIGO MARINA GLS GLX LS DICOR LX DICOR
5.19 5.58 6.18 6.75
1396/4 1396/4 1396/4 1405/4
85 85 70 70
INDIGO XL For: Lots of leg space. Against: Too heavy for the engine capacity. Enormous body roll Verdict: Stretched beyond imagination. Alternatives: 1. Hyundai Verna 2. Ford Fiesta 3. Chevrolet Aveo 4. Mahindra-Renault Logan Petrol Grand DICOR Grand
7.53 8.28
1396/4 1396/4
5 5
124 101 140 70
1150 1185
42 450 175/65 R14 42 450 175/65 R14
XENON For: Huge load bay. Spacious. Torquey. Against: Refinement. Gearshift quality. Fit and finish. Verdict: Perfect for outdoor personalities. Alternatives: 1. Scorpio Getaway. XT 4x2 XT 4x4
8.50 9.56
2179/4 2179/4
5 5
320 140 320 140
1860 1860
65 65
NA NA
205/75 R16 205/75 R16
NA NA
SUMO For: Practical. Spacious. Efficient. Cheap to own and maintain. Against: Boxy looks. Build quality. Interiors. Ride and handling. Performance. Verdict: Good, rugged option for tour operators and rural customers. Competition is better, but pricier too. Alternatives: 1. Chevrolet Tavera 2. Mahindra Bolero Spacio SA Victa EX Victa GX Sumo Grande LX Sumo Grande EX Sumo Grande GX
6.07 6.25 7.16 7.40 7.80 8.42
1948/4 1948/4 1948/4 2179/4 2179/4 2179/4
5 5 5 5 5 5
117 68 117 68 190 91 250 120 250 120 250 120
1700 1700 1705 1940 1940 1940
65 65 65 65 65 65
NA NA NA NA NA NA
215/75 R15 215/75 R15 215/75 R15 235/70 R16 235/70 R16 235/70 R16
-
-
NA NA 22.3 17.11 17.11 17.11
NA NA NA NA 140.2 11 ✓ 144 10.87 ✓ 144 10.87 ✓ 144 10.87 ✓
SAFARI For: Big. Spacious. Rides well. Mile munching capability. Diesel option. Against: Not efficient. Build. Refinement. Body roll. Verdict: Big, spacious and comfortable, but not nimble. Alternatives: 1. Toyota Innova 2. Mahindra Scorpio 3. Chevrolet Tavera LX DiCOR 2.2 4x2 EX DiCOR 2.2 4x2 EX DiCOR 2.2 4x4 VX DiCOR 2.2 4x2 VX DiCOR 2.2 4x4
246
8.93 10.29 11.16 12.31 13.32
2179/4 2179/4 2179/4 2179/4 2179/4
5 5 5 5 5
320 320 320 320 320
140 140 140 140 140
2170 2170 2170 2170 2170
65 65 65 65 65
981 981 981 981 981
235/70 R16 235/70 R16 235/70 R16 235/70 R16 235/70 R16
-
✓ ✓
15.2 15.2 15.2 15.2 15.2
159.2 159.2 159.2 159.2 159.2
9 9 9 9 9
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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OVERALL RATING
NA
-
-
-
-
✓ 11.46 181 ✓ 11.46 181 ✓ NA NA
11.7 11.7 NA
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA Oct 08
11112 11112 11112
12.7 12.7
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Jun 06 Jun 06
11112 11112
11 11 11 12 12 12 12
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓
- ✓ ✓ ✓ - - ✓ ✓ ✓
NA NA Dec 05 NA NA NA Aug 05
11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112 11112
5.92
✓
✓
✓ ✓
July 09
11112
DATE TESTED
ALLOY WHEELS
NA
AIR BAGS
STEREO
POWER WINDOWS
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
TATA MOTORS TO TOYOTA
TELECOLINE For: Butch looks. Character.. Against: Wheezy engine. Pricey. Poor interiors. Verdict: An opportunity wasted due to illogical pricing and lifeless interiors. Alternatives: 1. Bolero Camper 2. Scorpio Getaway TL 4x4
8.18
TOYOTA
1948/4
5
186
93
1920
60
NA
205/80 R16
-
-
NA
NA
NA
COROLLA ALTIS For: Good mix of performance, interiors and ride quality. Against: Does not excel in any particular field. Verdict: A potent D-class performer with a Toyota badge. Alternatives: 1. Honda Civic 2. Skoda Octavia 3. VW Jetta 1.8 G 1.8 GL 1.8 VL
12.37 13.90 14.93
1794/4 1794/4 1794/4
5 5 4A
170 132 170 132 170 132
1615 1615 1635
50 430 195/60 R15 50 430 195/60 R15 50 430 195/60 R15
-
CAMRY For: Space. Comfort. Lavish interiors. Loaded with equipment. Slick mechanicals. Against: Size. Not performance oriented. Verdict: Perhaps the most comfortable chauffer driven car in its segment. Could do with a more driver-oriented chassis and suspension. Alternatives: 1. Honda Accord 2. Nissan Teana 3. Skoda Superb W-1 W-2 (AT)
25.47 27.44
2362/4 2362/4
5 5A
224 167 224 167
1545 1545
45 535 215/60 R16 45 535 215/60 R16
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
11.4 201.8 11.4 201.8
INNOVA For: NVH. Refinement. Ride. Handling. Performance. Space. Interiors. Bullet-proof build quality. Against: Hardly anything. Verdict: A very capable machine, tough to fault. power. Can do a little off roading. Alternatives: 1. Chevrolet Tavera 2. Tata Safari 3. Mahindra Scorpio G Petrol 8STR GX Petrol 8STR VX Petrol 8STR E Diesel 8STR G Diesel 8STR GX Diesel 8STR VX Diesel 8STR
9.07 9.94 11.84 8.59 9.85 10.60 12.62
1998/4 1998/4 1998/4 2494/4 2494/4 2494/4 2494/4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5
182 182 182 200 200 200 200
136 136 136 102 102 102 102
1520 1520 1520 1570 1570 1570 1570
55 55 55 55 55 55 55
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
205/65 R15 205/65 R15 205/65 R15 205/65 R15 205/65 R15 205/65 R15 205/65 R15
-
✓ ✓
13.2 13.2 13.2 17.5 17.5 17.5 17.5
180.5 180.5 180.5 151.2 151.2 151.2 151.2
LAND CRUISER V8 For: Super-luxurious. Smooth, powerful, refined. Against: Poor fuel efficiency, expensive to buy and run, old-hat image. Verdict: If you can afford one, think of it as a Lexus LS for bad roads! Alternatives: 1. Audi Q7 2. Mercedes-Benz ML-class 3. BMW X5 4. VW Touareg V8 VX (ex-pune)
81.64
4461/8
6A
650 286
2720
93 620 285/60 R18
✓
✓
10.71 210
*Conditions apply
Happiness comes on wheels this festive season
For details contact autoloans@tatacapital.com or SMS AUTO to 56070
We only do what’s right for you
CAR India AUGUST 2009
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✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Aug 08 Aug 08 Aug 08
11111 11111 11111
-
✓ 11.36 202 ✓ 11.36 202
1075 ✓ 10.75 ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Nov 07 NA
11111 11111
✓
✓
✓ ✓
NA
11111
NA NA NA ✓ 9 211.65 7.625 ✓ NA NA NA ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NA Jan 08 NA
11111 11111 11111
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Apr 08 NA Jan 08
11112 11112 11112
DATE TESTED
OVERALL RATING
AIR BAGS ✓ ✓ ✓
ALLOY WHEELS
POWER WINDOWS ✓ ✓ ✓
STEREO
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY (IN KMPL)
TOP SPEED (IN KM/H)
11 16.5 16.5
0-100 KM/H (IN SEC)
✓ 13.53 179.5 ✓ 12.09 182 ✓ 12.09 182
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
✓
TRACTION CONTROL
TYRE SIZE
BOOT SPACE (IN LITRES)
FULE TANK CAPACITY (IN LITERS)
KERB WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IN KG
MAX POWER (IN PS)
MAX TORQUE (IN Nm)
NO. OF GEARS
CUBIC CAPACITY IN CC/CYLINDERS
MODEL NAME
PRICE (IN LAKH RUPEES)
THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
For: Impeccable build quality, steering response, stability and suspension. Diesel option Against: Slightly pricey. Not too good looking Verdict: Makes tremendous sense for India. Looks could have been better Alternatives: 1. Skoda Laura 2. Honda Civic 3. Toyota Corolla 1.6 Trendline 1.9 TDI Trendline 1.9 TDI Comfortline
14.63 16.01 18.72
1595/4 1896/4 1896/4
5 5 6A
148 102 250 105 250 105
1343 1420 1459
55 527 205/55 R16 55 527 205/55 R16 55 527 205/55 R16
PASSAT For: Ride quality. Well equipped. Against: Pricey. Verdict: Comfortable, well-built luxury car. Alternatives: 1. Skoda Superb 2. Honda Accord V6 3. Toyota Camry 4. Nissan Teana Highline DSG Highline DSG S
24.87 26.92
1968/4 1968/4
6A 6A
320 142 320 142
1476 1476
70 70
NA NA
215/55 R16 215/55 R16
TOUAREG For: Size. Build quality. Comfort Against: Price. Verdict: Ultimate in Volkswagen technology Alternatives: 1. Audi Q7 2. Porsche Cayenne 3. Mercedes ML-Class V6 TDI
VOLVO
50.47
2967/6
6A
500 225
2321 100 555 255/60 R17
✓
✓
NA
NA
NA
S80
For: Build quality. Safety. Against: Fuel efficiency. Brand appeal. Verdict: Good looking, solidly built luxury car. Alternatives: 1. Audi A6 2. BMW 5 series 3. Mercedes-Benz E-class D5 3.2 V8 AWD
45.70 53.04 44.00
2400/5 3192/6 4414/8
6A 6A 6A
400 185 320 238 440 315
1647 1653 1810
70 480 225/50 R17 70 480 225/50 R17 70 480 225/50 R17
-
✓ ✓ ✓
XC90 For: Powerful. Built like a tank. Added safety. Against: Heavy on gas. Dated looks. Verdict: V8 muscle makes it the quickest 0-100 SUV. Alternatives: 1. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2. Mercedes-Benz ML-class 3. Porsche Cayenne D5 AWD 3.2 AWD V8 AWD
248
54.26 55.48 62.81
2400/5 3192/6 4414/6
6A 6A 6A
400 185 320 238 440 315
2080 2060 2111
68 483 205/65 R16 80 483 205/65 R16 80 483 205/65 R16
✓ ✓ ✓
✓ 10.94 194.66 6.75 ✓ NA NA NA ✓ 8.17 209.04 4.62
✓ ✓ ✓
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Rni no. Maheng/2005/16216 Postal Reg No. Mh/mr/west/181/2009-2011 Licence No. Mr/tech/wpp-20/west/09-11. Licenced To Post Without Prepayment At Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office G. P .O. Mumbai 400 001
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