Car Models in India
In earlier days there were a few car models available in India. Ambassador and Fiat were the only two models that were manufactured in India and rest of the models had to imported. In 1980s Government of India launched Maruti in collaboration with Suzuki of Japan. Maruti revolutionized Indian car industry in a big way. But the main push for Indian automobile industrycame after 1991 in the post liberalization era. Industrial guidelines and investment climate was made more investor friendly. This prompted all the big automobile players such as Hyundai, Mitsubishi, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes et al. to invest in India and today most of the car models that are available elsewhere are also available in India.
Latest Cars
Chevrolet Spark
General motors would launch Chevrolet Spark in India in 2007. Spark is actually, the old Daewoo Matiz, which General Motors sells under the brand name of Spark. Chevrolet Spark would compete with Maruti Alto, Zen Estilo, Wagon R Hyundai Santro and Tata Indica Xeta for the market share.
Chevrolet Spark would be available in two versions of petrol engine: 795cc and 995cc. The 795cc, 6valve engine would compete with Maruti 800. It will deliver a power of 8KW . The three-cylinder design provides a very flat torque curve, which results in a less peak power delivery. The 795cc engine claims to give a mileage of 19.2kpl with a top speed of 142 km/hr.
The 995cc, 8valve engine would compete with Maruti Zen estilo and Hyundai Santro. It gives a maximum power of 48.5KW and a maximum torque of 87.3Nm. The car has completely new pedal box design with durable plastic moulded pedals. It has a noise-insulating mat between the engine compartment and the dashboard improves the sound insulating effect. The car claims a mileage of 17.85kpl with a top speed of 156Km/hr.
Chevrolet Spark has a monoform design, which maximizes the wheelbase, and in turn improves cabin space.Its body is made of high strength steel, which makes the car lighter and gives the required stability. Chevrolet Spark has a completely new torsion beam rear axle, which is coupled to angled shock absorbers and semi trailing arms. This results in greater precision wheel control.
Chevrolet Spark has precisely defined load paths with an energy absorbing hexagonal profile protect the passengers in the event of a head-on or rear collision. Optimised links between the B-pillar and the sills provide additional protection in the event of a side impact. ABS (anti lock braking system) and driver-passenger airbags would be offered as optional in 995cc variant.
Fiat Grande Punto
Fiat India has plans to launch Fiat Grande Punto shortly. Fiat Grande Punto is a premium B-segment category car that is highly successful in Europe. Designed by the famous Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, Fiat Grand Punto was given the Euro NCAP five-star rating for passenger safety.
Fiat Grande Punto would probably have 1.3-litre multi-jet diesel engine that would be manufactured by the Suzuki-GM-Fiat alliance engine plant. Fiat may also shorten the present length of Grande Punto, which is 4030mm, by 30mm so that it can comply with the new small car regulations and take advantage of an 8 percent excise saving.
Mahindra Ingenio
Mahindra & Mahindra is planning to launch a new multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) to take on the Toyota Innova and the Chevrolet Tavera in both the individual buyer and taxi segments. Mahindra has currently named the project Ingenio. The vehicle is expected to hit the market in 2008.
Mahindra Ingenio will be built on an all-new platform. Most probably it will be built on the conventional body-on-frame chassis but Mahindra is working on a monocoque platform too. Ingenio will come with a variety of engine options. Most likely it would be powered by Renault petrol and the "Eagle", a new state-of-the-art diesel engine. Mahindra Ingenio would be equipped with latest technology and will have contemporary styling and spacious interiors.
Mahindra Renault Logan
Mahindra & Mahindra will enter the sedan category of the passenger vehicles segment in India with the launch of the Mahindra Renault Logan. The vehicle is expected to be launched in the Indian market sometime in 2007. The Logan will be manufactured and marketed in India by a 51:49 joint venture company that M& M has set up in collaboration with French automobile major Renault. The new company will be known as Mahindra Renault Ltd.
Mahindra Renault Logan will be an entry-level, compact sedan. Logan is expected to be an affordable, reliable, durable, and low maintenance car. It will have several features that will appeal to Indian car buyers in the entry-level sedan category. These include sufficiently tall ride height, easy entry and exit, fuel-efficient engine and extra-large boot volume (all of 510 litres).
The Logan is expected to be competitively priced and would have low running cost. Renault has fine-tuned the technology to make it possible to delay the intervals between services for the car. For instance, the oil, spark-plugs and air filter in the Logan are changed only every 30,000 km in many of the markets that the car is currently available.
Presently, Logan is available with a 75 bhp, 1.4-litre petrol, 90 bhp, 1.6-litre petrol, and a 65 bhp 1.5 litre dCi diesel engine option. The choice of engines for the Indian version of the Logan has not been announced as yet.
Maruti Suzuki SX4
Maruti Suzuki is expected to launch Maruti Suzuki SX4 in India shortly. It is a mini SUV, which is more car like, and would compete against the more affordable SUVs. Maruti Suzuki SX4 has been jointly developed by Suzuki and Fiat, and is based on the Swift platform. The vehicle comes with switchable three-mode 4x4 system for 2WD, 4WD Auto mode and 4WD Lock mode.
Maruti Suzuki SX4 is expected to come in two- and four- wheel drive. The car is currently sold in the European market in two variants. The "Urban Line", emphasises passenger car characteristics with fewer SUV design elements, while the "Outdoor Line" is more of an SUV in appearance. Maruti Suzuki SX4 would have 1590cc petrol engine, which delivers a power of 94bhp and a torque of 13.4kgm.
Mitsubishi iCar
Hindustan Motors has plans to introduce Mitsubishi iCar in India. Mitsubishi iCar is a 600cc, 12-valve, 3-cylinder car with a 4-speed auto gearbox. The car has a rear-mounted three-cylinder turbocharged engine hidden under the boot floor and a standard-fit, four-speed auto gearbox that drives the rear wheels.
Mitsubishi iCar's engine is located under the boot, which results in a good cabin space with plenty of leg and headroom in the front. Though the car's exteriors are small, it has enough space to seat four. With no engine at the front the steering is light but precise. Mitsubishi iCar's compact dimensions result in easy maneuverability and thus make it ideal for the narrow city roads in India.
The 600cc, turbocharged, intercooled three-cylinder engine of Mitsubishi iCar delivers a peak power of 63bhp. It has a good suspension to provide good ride quality. The car has several user friendly features like lots of storage space in front, neatly hidden cup holders and a decent-sized booth. Mitsubishi iCar roughly delivers a mileage of 16km per litre.
Skoda Fabia
Skoda Fabia is expected to be launched in India sometime in 2007. The car will be a hatchback and will be available in the petrol and diesel versions. Skoda Fabia is based on the Volkswagen platform. It will be Skoda's first small car in India. The car will compete with Chevrolet Aveo UV-A for the market share.
Skoda Fabia was launched abroad in 2000 and went in for a facelift in 2005. SkodaAuto is expected to launch the latest model of Skoda Fabia, i.e. Skoda Fabia 2007 in the Indian market. Skoda Fabia in India will have either 1.2 litre or 1.4 litre engine. There are rumours that Skoda may reduce the overall length of the Fabia to try and meet the requirements for the lower excise duty benefit. The car is likely to be priced in the Rs 7-9 lakh range.
Toyota Lexus LS 460
Toyota Lexus LS 460 is the new luxury sedan from Toyota that rivals the V-8 versions of the BMW 7-series, the Mercedes-Benz S-class, and the Audi A8. The car is going to be launched in India shortly.
Toyota Lexus LS 460 is equipped with an all-new 4.6L V-8 engine that is coupled to the world's first 8-speed automatic transmission. The car delivers a maximum power of 380hp and a torque of 370 ft-lbs. Toyota Lexus LS 460 has an all-new chassis and a reconfigured multilink suspension. Its engine will have a duel fuel induction system that combines both port and direct fuel injection.
Toyota Lexus has an Electronic Power Steering and "next-generation" Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which manages electronically controlled brakes (ECB), EPS, VSC (vehicle stability control), ABS, Brake Assist (BA) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). Some of the other technological features of Lexus include real time traffic updates on the navigation system, "Intelligent Park Assist" that assists in parking with just a little brake, power parking brake that has hill-holder/stop-light anti-rollback feature, HVAC system that monitors both cabin temp and body temperature, and 'smart card' that can be left in your pocket while you open the door and start the car.
Toyota Lexus LS 460 is available with rear-seat ottoman package. Passenger side includes a 45 degree recliner with adjustable leg rest and massager, individual DVD player, and hidden cooler
Hyundai Motors India
Hyundai ElantraElantra is a fully loaded entry level luxury car from Hyundai. Elantra is available in 2 different 4-cylinder, powerful engine configurations - a 1.8 litre DOHC 16 Valve Beta engine and a powerful 2.0 litre Turbo Intercooled CRDi engine.
The Elantra petrol engine features multi-point fuel injection and comes with a state-of-the-art microprocessor for precise fuel delivery, making it more fuel-efficient and more environment friendly.
2.0L Turbo Intercooled CRDi Diesel engine meets latest EURO III norms combines performance and handling of a petrol engine with the fuel efficiency of a diesel, delivering an unbelievable 112 ps of power and 25 kgm of torque.
Hyundai Elantra is equipped with latest safety features such as Electronic Brake Force Distribution System (EBD), Passenger Presence Detector (PPD), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assistance System (BAS), and Energy Absorbing Collapsible Steering Column.
Hyundai Accent
Hyundai Accent is a mid-sized sedan that offers facilities of a luxury sedan. Its extensive range of technologically advanced engines pack a lot more thrill into the driving. It is available both in the petrol and diesel variant.
The dynamically tuned all-wheel, Independent suspension gives the Accent surprising athleticism on the road, round the corners and on the trickiest of surfaces. Accent conforms to the global safety norms and have state-of-the art safety features such as reinforced steel sections in the front and back, dual side-impact bars on all doors, large crumple zones in front and rear, anti-lock braking system, collapsible steering column and anti-submarine seats.
Maruti Udyog
Maruti 800Maruti 800 comes in two variants - Maruti 800 Standard and Maruti 800 AC / Deluxe. Maruti 800 is the most popular entry segment car in India. With the introduction of Maruti 800 in 1980s, Maruti Udyog Limited broke the hegemony of Ambassador and Fiat in the Indian car market.
Maruti 800 has great fuel efficiency and very low maintenance cost. The small size and low turning radius of the car makes it easy to drive in the heavy traffic of big cities. Maruti 800 comes with basic safety features such as collapsible steering columns, laminated windshields and high mount stop lamp.
Maruti EsteemMaruti Esteem is one of the most popular cars of Maruti. It comes in three variants-LX, LXi, and VXi. Its strengths include low running costs and smooth and powerful engine.
Maruti Esteem is equipped with a powerful 1298 cc, 4-cylinder engine. It has excellent pick up and reaches 0-60kph in 5.01 seconds. It delivers a maximum output of 85 bhp @ 6000 rpm. Maruti Esteem is highly fuel-efficient and has number of safety features such as collapsible steering column, steel side impact beams, and laminated windshields.
Sports Cars
Ferrari 248 F1
Racing CarFerrari 248 F1 is the fifty second single seater built by Ferrari specifically for use in the Formula 1 World Championship. The unique feature of 248 F1 racing car is the introduction of an eight cylinder V configuration engine, with an overall capacity of 2400 cubic centimetres. The car has been christened on these key figures relating to the power unit.
The chassis of 248 F1 is lighter that that of its predecessor. Other significant improvements include revised cooling system, engine air intake, size of the fuel cell, the aerodynamic elements on the side pods and the layout of the exhaust. The rear suspension has been designed to increase the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the rear end.
Ferrari F2001 Racing Car
Ferrari F2001 racing car was designed by Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne. Due to new regulations, the aerodynamics of the car had to be redesigned and as a result F2001 had a lower nose, a higher front wing and longer flanks. The traction and launch control system were reintroduced in Ferrari F2001 and the car's suspension was designed accordingly. Ferrari F2001 had some trademark Ferrari features such as periscope exhausts and the small bargeboards.
Lamborghini India
Lamborghini GallardoLamborghini Gallardo is a super luxury car. It has structural aluminium spaceframe, based on aluminium extruded parts welded to aluminium casted joint elements. It has aluminium double wishbones front and rear suspension systems, anti-roll bar, anti-dive and anti-squat, self-adjusting FSD dampers. Gallardo can delivers a peak power of 368Kw at 7800 rpm.
Gallardo is equipped with several high-end features like optional e gear replacing six speed manual gearbox; new Callisto wheels and sports set up, with racing steering wheel, steering and suspension; sequential gear shifting system with paddles mounted on the steering wheel etc.
Lamborghini Murcielago LP640Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 is a super luxury car that caters to high-end buyers. Murcielago is powered by 12 cylinders 6496cc engine that delivers a maximum power of 471 kW at 8000 rpm and a maximum torque of 650Nm at 5400 rpm. The car can attain a top speed of 340 km/h.
Lamborghini Murcielago has a tubular frame made from high-strength steel alloy with carbon fibre structural parts. It has independent front and rear double wishbones, anti-roll bars, anti-dive and anti-squat.
Ford MotorsFord EndeavourFord Endeavour is an SUV, available in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drives. It is powered by 2.5L inter-cooled turbo diesel that delivers maximum power of 112ps/3500.
Ford Endeavour's high ride height, balanced wheel well openings and substantial proportions below the bodyside mouldings lend it an impressive appearance. It is quite spacious and can seat 7 passengers comfortably with easy in-and-out access to the third row seats.
Ford Endeavour is equipped with all the necessary safety features such as dual airbags for driver and passenger, individual seat belts in all seating positions, 4-wheel anti-lock brake system, a high visibility "command" driving position, side-door intrusion beams, collapsible steering column, child-proof rear door locks, and fuel tank shields.
Ford FiestaFord Fiesta is the latest premium mid-sized sedan from Ford. Engineered specifically to adapt to demanding Indian road conditions, the Fiesta combines its high stability with exceptional driving comfort.
Fiesta's contemporary automotive design effortlessly mixes brawn with beauty. It is a perfect combination of style and solidity. Fiesta comes in both diesel and petrol option. Its 'Dura' Technology ensures that the drive is exciting smooth and economical.
Ford Fiesta is structurally engineered to withstand severe collisions and is loaded with state-of-the art safety features such as ABS (Anti-lock brake system) and EBD (Electronic brake distribution).
Ford Mondeo
Mondeo is the first Ford to be created digitally using C3P, a Ford computer engineering tool. It offers world-class standards of safety, new powertrain technology, sophisticated driving quality, spacious interiors and an extensive list of standard features.
Ford Mondeo has all aluminium, electronically controlled, 2.0L Duratec H E engine that generates whopping 142.7 ps at 6000 rpm. The engine is equipped with the latest technology for long service life and low maintenance requirements. A highly refined chassis and suspension system adds to the superb drive quality.
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