Monday, 11 April 2011

Maruti Kizashi




The Kizashi concept,  introduced at  the Frankfurt Motor Show, illustrated Suzuki’s progress toward developing a new  D-segment entry. The D-segment  is divided into two categories: family-oriented cars  characterized by cabin roominess and compact “entry luxury,” offering performance , prestige and quality. The new value that Maruti Suzuki will provide is unique to  the segment in that it combines affordability and emotional  appeal.
The Kizashi concept illustrated a high  degree of “status” by featuring an appealing blend of cabin roominess, graceful  styling, dynamism, character and a passionate spirit matched to Suzuki’s user-centered  functionality and performance engineering excellence. Maruti Suzuki realizes that  there's no point in entering the D-segment unless it can offer new value that can't  be given by any of the existing brands. It might be argued that all existing D-segment  cars whose affordability is a selling point are chosen by customers because  they offer a good balance of pricing on one hand and the rational factors of  equipment, driving performance, and cabin roominess on the other.

But the Maruti Suzuki's D-segment  car is different. With the D-segment entry, Suzuki is targeting emotional appeal  as a way to deliver a level of customer satisfaction far higher than what might  be expected from the car's price point. In other words, Suzuki is the first carmaker  to target an uncompromised combination of affordability and emotional appeal in  the D-segment. For  sportiness, the car's dimensions need to reflect a priority on  performance. So while  ensuring the cabin roominess that is essential in the D-segment, the car  is as lean as possible. And with regard to  design, Suzuki has thoroughly studied  the nature of sporty, exciting styling in the  D-segment and has concluded that the design of the new car should have two  themes: grace  and dynamism.

  Facts of Maruti Kizashi

- Is available in two variants: Manual and Automatic
- Is available in only three shades: White, Black & Silver
- Will be imported as a CBU (Completely Build Unit) from Japan
- Is powered by a 2393cc DOHC VVT engine: 178 Bhp with 230 Nm
- Safety features: 6 Airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP and Hill Decent Control
- Features dash integrated MP3 music system with 4 peakers
- Features dual zone automatic climate control system
- Gets huge 17 inch alloy wheels and boot integrated sporty spoiler
 Price is Rs. 16.5 lakhs for Manual and Rs. 17.5 lakhs for Automatic

 Price of Maruti Kizashi
- Maruti Kizashi  Manual - Rs. 16.5 lakhs
- Maruti Kizashi  Automatic - Rs. 17.5 lakhs

The Manual  version of Kizashi is priced at Rs. 16.5 lakhs and automatic version of Kizashi is priced at Rs. 17.5 lakhs.

Variants of  Maruti Kizashi

- Maruti  Kizashi Manual
- Maruti  Kizashi Automatic

Maruti  Suzuki Kizashi has been launched in two variants: Kizashi with six speed manual  transmission and Kizashi mated to six speed automatic transmission.

Bookings & Delivery of Maruti Kizashi

The company  has already started bookings for the Kizashi and deliveries will begin in March 2011. Kizashi  can be booked with an initial deposit of Rs 50,000/- at any Maruti Suzuki Dealers  immediately.

Design and Styling of Maruti Kizashi

After being  previewed by a trio of concept cars over the last two years. Maruti Suzuki’s Kizashi  has finally been officially introduced. Maruti Suzuki Kizashi’s thoughtfully crafted  exterior design is best described as the seamless melding of European style and  Japanese craftsmanship. Tailored for the driving enthusiast, Maruti Suzuki Kizashi’s  bold and aggressive stance is complemented by available 17" alloy wheels, contemporary  styling - with its lean proportion and minimal front overhang - injects the  sophistication appropriate to a performance-oriented sport sedan.

As with the Concept  Kizashi series, the front end of the production Maruti Suzuki Kizashi expresses  both strength and style, while the vehicle’s impeccably engineered body reflects Maruti  Suzuki Kizashi’s underlying strength and distinctive combination of capability and  refinement. At Maruti Suzuki Kizashi’s rear, the architecture accentuates the ‘sport’  aspect of Suzuki’s sport sedan. The visual dynamic is enhanced with the addition  of an integrated dual sport exhaust, communicating - both visually  and aurally - the  Maruti Suzuki Kizashi’s performance-imbued spirit. The track-tuned  suspension has been designed to get the best of the sedan to allow  it to compete with more performance-oriented rivals like the Mazda Mazda6 and  Subaru Legacy and Suzuki promises high-end Akebono-sourced brakes and optional 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance rubber.

Interior of Maruti Kizashi

The Maruti Suzuki Kizashi will offer cloth or leather seats, as  well as a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate audio  system with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth capability. The Kizashi is  manufactured  at the automaker’s Sagara, Japan, assembly plant. The interiors  of Maruti Suzuki Kizashi seems to be very  luxurious and spacious in comparison to other cars in this segment which  are Toyota Corolla, Skoda Laura, Volkswagen Jetta, Honda Accord and  Hyundai Sonata Transform. The dashboard and instrument cluster of Maruti Suzuki  Kizashi are in all grey which looks rock solid and gives Kizashi very upmarket  look.

Engine - Maruti Kizashi

- 2400cc DOHC
- 176 Bhp at 6500 rpm
- 224 Nm at 4000 rpm

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi is equipped  with a standard 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine offering a more potent  standard engine than many competitive best-sellers. The engine employs both an  aluminum block and cylinder heads, providing a lightweight installation; aluminum  pistons with low tensile force rings deliver improved power and efficiency.  Dropped-forged connecting rods, rotating on a forged steel crankshaft, contribute  to the inline four’s durability, and a balancer shaft delivers improved engine balance  and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). In addition to this excellent  new powertrain, and to even further enhance the Maruti Suzuki Kizashi’s strong  efficiency story, Suzuki is developing an even more fuel efficient hybrid version that  will be added to the lineup in the future.

Suspension & Brakes of Maruti Kizashi

An  exceptionally  rigid steel unibody - with reinforced front suspension and multi-link rear suspension  constructed with embedded aluminum - allows  for crisp, nimble handling with  excellent stability, sophisticated ride and reduced  chassis vibration. Engineered from  conception to be all-wheel-drive capable,  the Maruti Suzuki Kizashi offers a newly  developed advanced all-wheel-drive  system with highly advanced controls that  evokes and promotes a  natural sense of heartfelt driving enthusiasm and  safety. Maruti Suzuki  Kizashi’s sophisticated braking system offers standard  four-wheel disc brakes and includes  suppliers such as Akebono, a world-leader in  NVH control and analysis and a leading brake supplier for automotive and high-speed rail  applications.

Safety Features - Maruti Kizashi

Maruti Suzuki  Kizashi is very strong when it comes to safety, both manual and automatic variant  of Kizashi features Anti-lock braking system, Electronic stability control, Hill decent  control (in AT variant only), Electronic brake distribution, front, side and curtain  airbags (total 6 airbags).

Shades - Maruti Kizashi

Maruti Suzuki  Kizashi is available in three shades:

- Premium  Silver Metallic
- Super Black  Pearl
- Snow White  Pearl

As a car manufacturer of India Maruti has left no stone unturned when it comes to the  different car  segments in the market. One after the other they have managed to release  extraordinary  vehicles into the market and all of them together form the proud collection of the  Maruti range. Amongst  these cars is the Maruti SuzukiGrand Vitara XL -7. This is amongst the many sports  utility vehicles that you will be able to find on the Indian soil. This car  caters to a specific kind of target market namely the ones with a spirit of adventure. This is  because it has many such features that can compliment the spirit of a freebee.

The Maruti Suzuki Grand  Vitara XL-7 can give you a top speed of 183 km/h with its 24 valve six cylinder 2.7 liter engine. This  extra ordinary power that the SUV can easily generate  enables the owner  to take on the most challenging of terrains all through India. These include the  mountainous regions and the highways alike. The Maruti SuzukiGrand  XL-7 stands  upon 16 inch tires which provide it with a superb road grip which it is able to maintain  even on remarkably high speeds.



The high  power of the Grand Vitara is complimented by the stylish design of the exterior. This big machine has been creatively  designed to sport a contemporary look which is pretty much in tune with  the modern aesthetics. The various safety features add to the value of the car. These  include the anti lock braking system which provides for effective braking plus the  dual air bags which provide with soft cushioning in the case of an impact . These are part of the standard equipment that you get with the Maruti SuzkukiGrand  Vitara XL-7.



On the inside car can easily  provide  accommodation for seven adults. The car can give you a decent pick up  even when it is fully  loaded with passengers and rest assured there is enough comfort  inside the car for all the riders to be at ease. The seating arrangement of the Grand  Vitara is flexible and can be rearranged to load up cargo if that be your need. The  SUV comes with an excellent factory fitted air-conditioning system that can cool  the car in a matter of minutes. It is also fitted with an air filter that removes all the  harmful particles from the air inside the car. Although the Maruti SuzukiGrand  Vitara is a decent SUV it is not that easily available to the public.






Mitsubishi Pajero



Mitsubishi  Pajero 4×4 SFX Comes with exciting new features. 3.2L Common Rail turbo diesel delivers a thumping 147kW of power and 441Nm of torque. That’s enough grunt to tow 3,000kg-. Yet the manual Pajero 4WD sips just 8.4L/100km†. Throw in Mitsubishi’s All Terrain Technology (MATT™), Sporty New design


Mitsubishi Pajero
2.8l Engine
Mitsubishi Pajero is equipped with 2.8L Turbocharged Inter-cooled diesel engine, which generates a power of 118 PS @ 4000 rpm and a peak torque of 292 Nm @ 2000 rpm. The car gets 5-speed manual transmission, delivering seamless gear shifts. It promises to deliver a top speed of 150 km/h and a mileage of 7.8 kmpl within the city and 11.1 kmpl on highways.

Design &Comfort
The body-on-ladder design of Mitsubishi Pajero gives it a sturdy appearance. Its tall stance and good ground clearance provide easy ingress and egress. The exteriors of the SUV look very simple, but elegant. Adding to the overall appeal are the bulky silvered colored bumpers, chrome front grille and six-spoke alloy wheels. The seats of Pajero are very comfortable, especially for the front and second-row seat occupants, who get hand-rests with cup-holders.

Interior
The dual-toned interiors of Mitsubishi Pajero are voluminous, with a
touch of elegance. The SUV is equipped with a standard music system, with tuner and MP3 CD player. The height-adjustable driver's seat comes with lumbar support, to ensure a relaxing ride during long drives. Adding to the comfort to the rear seats occupants are the hand-rests with cup holders. The third-row seats are fully-foldable, which provide extra boot space.

Ride & Handling
Mitsubishi Pajero comes with an efficient suspension system, which absorbs all the bumps and potholes on uneven Indian roads. Riding in the SUV is very comfortable, both on slow moving city traffic and on highways. The off-roader maintains stability on tough road conditions. It is extremely tough on rugged terrain and smooth on highways.
Mitsubishi Pajero SUV.


Safety features
Mitsubishi Pajero is fully packed with the latest safety features, ensuring all-round protection to the people riding in it. The standard safety features found in the SUV include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), traction control, immobilizer, driver and passenger air bags and child safety locks.

Variants, Price & Color
In India, Mitsubishi Pajero comes in three variants - GL, GLX CRZ and SFX. The SUV is priced at Rs 21 lakh (approx) and is available in seven exterior colors, comprising of Navy, Carbon, Graphite, Deep Purple, Granite, Blaze and Limestone.

Dimensions

    - Overall length :-4755mm
    - Overall width :-  1775mm
    - Overall height :- 1900mm
    - Wheelbase :- 2725mm
    - Track :-1465 Front mm
    - 1480 Rear mm
    - Ground clearance :- 205mm
    - Kerb weight :- 2155kg
    - Gross vehicle weight:- 2800kg
    - Seating capacity :- 6

Fuel Systems

    - Fuel supply system :- Injection Pump
    - Tank capacity :- 92 litres

Brakes

    - Front:-15” ventilated discs
    - Rear:-15” drum in disc

Engine

    - Type:-2.8 litre 8 valve SOHC Turbocharged intercooled Diesel
    - Displacement :-2835 cc
    - Bore x Stroke :- 95.0mm x 100.0mm
    - Max. output – PS (KW) /rpm:- 118.6 (87.2) @ 4000 rpm
    - Max. torque – kg-m(Nm)/rpm :- 29. 8 (292) @ 2000 rpm

Tires & Wheels

    - Tires :- 265/70R 15 1125 Tubeless
    - Wheels :-15 X 7.00 JJ Alloy wheel

Suspensions

    - Front:-Double wishbone torsion bar with stabiliser bar
    - Rear:- 3 Link coil spring rigid axle with stabiliser bar

Performance

    - Minimum turning radius :-5.9 m
    - Maximum climbing ability :- 35.0 degrees
    - Approach angle :- 40.5 degrees
    - Ramp breakover angle :- 23.5 degrees
    - Departure angle :-25.5 degrees
    - Top speed :- 150 Km/hr

Steering

    - Hydraulic Variable Power Assisted.

Gear Transmission

    - 5-speed manual

Sunday, 10 April 2011



A quite revolution of a very pleasing sort will hit Indian roads on the form of the Toyota Etios, the first mass market sedan from the Japanese numero uno company. Impressive in its build and make-up, Adil Jal Darukhanawala was at the wheel as we put it to the test on our varied terrain to see whether it stacked up well in dynamic ability as well as in the overall drive experience.

he the Japanese are circumspect in most things, not to mention the term fastidious and it shows in their approach to automobiles in India. Toyota is renowned for not letting much out of the bag, infuriatingly so but the unflappable Japanese giant dismisses this with a smile hiding the steely resolve underneath it all. Many a time this has been masked under the "we take the step-by-step approach" and while it might
sound a bit presumptuous trust me when I say it is anything but that for this is how Toyota plays the game.



The new Etios is a step the Japanese car maker should have taken at least three-four years ago but many a circumstance delayed it and that allowed many a carmaker, local and multi-national to establish their small car credentials and garner the spotlight. The time taken was not to delay but to rethink the very manner in which Toyota goes about conjuring up a new model series from concept to design to engineering and on to manufacture and marketing. Toyota needed to think out of the
box, especially in terms of trying to meet aspirations of a new vibrant segment of Indian society wanting to acquire a car in keeping with their worldly wise aspirations.


This thought process of trying to undo certain Toyota tenets without compromising build integrity and minimum performance standards took some effort but it began to show in stark contrast to previous Toyota new model launches. Toyota took the wraps off the Etios concept almost a year ahead of series production – at the 2010 Auto Expo in Delhi this January. It wasn't a mock-up or such but two fully engineered prototypes of the sedan and hatchback were the highlights of the show. What wasn't so very well taken in was that their make-up and build were the result of thousands of hours of diligent customer research. If that wasn't all, Toyota's product planners and engineers brainstormed with customers at specially organized clinics where the company benchmarked many a rival car, both within the segment and also those which straddled it, to come up with a product that we managed to drive for the first time at the Toyota-owned Fuji Speedway in Japan in late October this year.


Not much seems to have changed on the exteriors since the unveiling at Auto Expo but now we have most of the details of what is truly the biggest challenge for Toyota ever, not just in India but also as a template for other demanding markets of a similar order elsewhere in the world. The basic floorpan was tooled to be flexible enough to do duty not just as a hatchback and a sedan but could also be employed to make a panel van or an MPV or also a mini-soft-roader. Both the sedan and the hatchback will see the light of day on December 1 when none other than Akio Toyoda, president and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation, gives the symbolic green light to commence roll-out from the new manufacturing facility. This new unit has been set up at Bidadi itself and will have an installed capacity to build 70,000 units per year. Of course production ramp up will be in stages and that is the reason why Toyota will first begin selling the Etios saloon with the hatchback following suit around February-March 2011.




The Etios sedan is a pure and simple no-nonsense offering and it doesn't heighten peoples' expectations as much as it reinforces the belief in a product that will be right, in consumers' minds. What to many looked more like a Logan-proportioned and styled outfit remains the same but overall the fit and finish is top class. Much work has gone into making the monocoque as light as possible without sacrificing structural integrity and knowing how weight is the bugbear of fuel efficiency, performance and emissions, Toyota's engineers have got this aspect sussed just right.
 4,96,000 to 6,86,500