Will the Kizashi be an ice-breaker for Maruti Suzuki??

The Kizashi is debuting this year by February, but is MSIL really prepared to take on the D-segment. ZigWheels conducted a survey to know what a premium segment buyer wants.

Automobile manufacturers in India now have a stiff neck-to-neck competition. While car makers have been focused with 2011 for capturing the small car segment where Maruti can be called the champion for the compact car segment, MSIL now wants to find a spot in the more upmarket, aspirational section.

Badges can win it all here if their product is aimed right at what the customer wants. Concerning a vehicle coming from a company 28 years in the market, Maruti specifically knows what it is getting into. It could be the stepping stone for Maruti’s next ventures or a bad dream like the Vitara.

While talking about the customers of the D-segment market, where the buyer may or may not be well educated, but is almost always well informed on the set of wheels he/she drives. “I'm very sorry sir, we don’t have …”, this line (or excuse) will not work for this segment.

Here the customers are demanding, budding and want everything in place for the money they put in. It is more of an investment for this class of buyer and it is certainly more than just buying a product. The car here has to be extremely good-looking, extremely powerful, extremely tidy, in short, the extremes of everything. This segment is a brutal test of all aspects that come with a car. Even a single compromise on quality standards would not only be bad for the sales figures of the car, but, for the reputation of the manufacturer as well.

The highest number of customers lies in the small car segment, but, with this segment, where the numbers are relatively low, they want the best in looks, fit and finish, performance fuel efficiency. Not only that, even the after sales cannot be compromised in this segment, where an exclusive treatment is demanded by the buyer.

BMW X1 hits the Indian road

The BMW X1 has finally debuted in India and it is touted to be a market shaker. Unique, stylish and definitely uber cool, the X1 promises to live up to a lot of expectations and taking the X1 sDrive 20d Exclusive Edition to test is Vikram Gour who gets behind the wheel to see if this little compact possesses those signature 'Beemer' genes.

The Indian automotive industry is definitely evolving and car manufacturers are now looking at innovative ways of fitting their products to cater to various segments. Such trends have been rampant over the last few years in the small car segment; however the luxury manufacturers are also taking the bait. The latest segment creator is the all new BMW X1. This lifestyle sports activity vehicle (SAV) ushers in the premium compact segment and throws open the doors for a whole new level of motoring.

Belonging to the BMW stable means a lot. For starters, the vehicle has to be strikingly good looking, powerful, boast of exquisite fit and finish and above all it should be a joy to drive. Now, to pack all of that into a compact SAV is a tall order and BMW has left no stone unturned in making sure that the X1 lives up to being a BMW in every manner.

Starting with the looks department, the X1 is small, but well proportioned. Take a closer look and one will definitely notice the treatment to the metal surfaces which have been sculpted in a fluid fashion to offer the vehicle a robust stance which fits in well with the ‘X’ family of vehicles from BMW. The flat treatment to the grille and front bumper flanked by the headlight units create a wide visual presence when staring at the BMW X1 head on. Then you have the purposeful line that runs along the body of the X1.

This line not only works as an eye catcher but it also adds to the sporty character of the vehicle. The rear brings the design together neatly with its slanted rear glass and characteristic BMW taillights. Adding to the package are the silver trims on the front bumper and side skirts which mark the vehicle out as an agile mile muncher. Riding on neat 17 inch alloys shod with 255/50 R17 run flat tyres, the X1 is a head turner and I should mention that while I was out driving this car around town it drew in the crowds whenever I stopped. Even the larger X5 didn’t have this crowd-pulling ability. The X1 is a visual treat and to really appreciate it, you have to get a look at it in the flesh.

Open the door and get inside and you will be greeted with the typical BMW interior flavour. The neatly sculpted dashboard that houses the instrument cluster as well as the large screen for the iDrive functionality is reminiscent of the BMW 3-Series. Attention has been paid to the ergonomics for center console is tilted slightly towards the driver in order to allow for easy use of all the functions. The X1 is styled for the trendsetting individual and since this is a machine that begs to be driven, rather than being driven in, BMW has taken the pains to ensure that the owner gets a sense of personal control while seated in the cockpit.

BMW X1

The German auto mobiles introduces the cheapest BMW X1 in India. BMW X1 is scheduled to launch in January 2011. The cost of the car is supposed to be between 22 lakhs to 29 lakhs. BMW X1 India will be assembled in its Chennai plant with an investment of 180 crore.BMW X1 India will be in both petrol and diesel variant. BMW X1diesel engine will have the power of 177 BHP, torque 350 Nm and 1750 TO 3000 rpm. BMW X1 petrol on the other hand will have the power of 150 BHP, torque of 200 Nm and 3600rpm.The BMW officials claim that the BMW X1 diesel version takes 8.3 seconds to pick up a speed of 100 kmph while the petrol version takes 10.4 seconds to take on the same speed. Mr Andreas Schaaf president of BMW India said that "The new BMW 'X1' sets the benchmark by bringing together features of a sports activity vehicle with spontaneous flexibility and outstanding fuel economy.”

The BMW X1 India will bring on a new turn in the segment of luxury cars by getting it closer to the general crowd. This January 2011, one of the first luxury car to be launched in the Indian automobile market will be BMW X1 India.

KIA motors wants to run on Indian road

Kia Auto mobiles, a sister organisation of South Korean automaker Hyundai, is reportedly eyeing an India entry. The company plans to set up a plant in Chennai, near Hyundai Motor India's plant. The facility is expected to be ready by 2012 and will have an installed capacity of 3 lakh units.Kia’s best-selling global model include the C-segment Cerato/Forte, B-segment Rio and Sportage compact sports utility vehicle, Sorento mid-size compact utility vehicle and Soul, the urban crossover. For the first five months of 2010, Kia sold 820,613 units globally, an increase of 38.9% year-on-year. Sales in China rose 92.9% for the period.

Kia Auto mobile conducting a feasibility study to select a site for the plant near Chennai.”

“Based on data from Hyundai Motor which entered the Indian market in 1998, we are estimating costs and time to build the plant, as well as examining demand forecasts and Hyundai's sales figures there,” he was quoted in the report.

Hyundai sister organisation and its decisions are its own. If they want to enter they are most welcome. I have nothing more to add.Hyundai operates two plants in Chennai with a combined annual output of 6 lakh units a year. The company is in the process of shifting the production of Hyundai i20 out of Chennai to its Turkey plant. This will free capacity for 50,000-odd units. The plant in Turkey has a capacity of 1 lakh units per annum. The company says tax benefits in Turkey prompted it to shift the production. Park added that with little investment, the capacity at Chennai cab rise to 6.7 lakh units a year.

Honda Brio

Honda Auto mobile is readying the Brio small car for its official unveiling at the upcoming Thailand Motor Show.Rumours suggest Honda will name its upcoming small car “Brio” which means “funny small car.” Honda had showcased the small car concept, codenamed CV2, at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 in January.
The Honda Brio could be powered by a three-cylinder 900 cc engine, perhaps a de-tuned version of the 1.2-litre engine that’s on the Honda Jazz, to offer higher fuel economy and to cut down production costs. The Brio may be equipped with a 5-speed manual and an automatic (CVT type) transmission option as well.

The B-segment car market in India is already flooded with a slew of new entrants. The success of new cars such as the Ford Figo, Chevrolet Beat, Volkswagen Polo and Nissan Micra is encouraging global players like Toyota and Honda to introduce new cars.

Toyota Auto mobile , in fact, had showcased a hatchback and sedan variant of its Etios at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010. The Japanese giant is promoting its small car aggressively before its expected launch in December. And Honda is preparing the Brio to counter the Toyota Etios challenge. However, no launch dates have been announced with rumours pointing to a possible launch next year. There are also speculations that Honda will launch the Brio first in Thailand in March 2011 and then roll it out in India during the second half of 2011. This can be backed by the fact that Honda India is still undecided about commencing assembly operations at the company’s second plant in Rajasthan.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport launched in India!

It's one of the most desirable cars in the Auto mobile world and why not-with 1001 bhp pumping out of its 16 cylinder, quad-turbocharged engine, the Bugatti Veyron has been the fastest production car on the planet. Even after the SSC Ultimate Aero beat the original Veyron to claim the title, Bugatti then came up with the Veyron Super Sport-1200 bhp of power that decimated any of the competition! Enough of the history lesson-but the big news is that the Veyron is now in India! And we're not talking about grey imports. It's officially here! Jaws dropped and hyper ventilations put aside, Bugatti has launched this exquisitely crafted piece of machinery through Exclusive Motors-the wonderful guys behind the fully legal Lamborghini line up available in India as well.

The Veyron that will be sold in India through Exclusive Motors' showroom in New Delhi, is the 16.4 Grand Sport-yes, the same car that Vikram Gour drove in Italy a couple of weeks back. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Satya Bagla, Managing Director, Exclusive Motors said "We are pleased to launch Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport in India; the car is a modern statement of ultra luxury, speed and extraordinary style. We have introduced this car in the Indian market for the super premium luxury and sports car aficionados. We are thrilled with the launch of the Bugatti and are confident that the car will receive an overwhelming response from the customers of luxury. The model is a pure evidence of the brand's technological expertise. This hand crafted car is sure to provide the Indian audience with an unparalleled driving experience." Present at the launch Mr. Julius Kruta, Head of Tradition, Bugatti Automobiles SAS said, "Indians have always been great car enthusiasts, they know a lot about cars, so we are sure that they will appreciate the uniqueness of this car."

Great news this as far as the Indian Auto mobile enthusiast is concerned and before so many of you go on commenting about the lack of roads and space and infrastructure and what not in India to drive this car-who really cares! Because if you want one of these beauties in your garage you're going to have to shell out an awesome Rs 16 crore for the base version-optional equipment and add-ons will obviously cost extra!

Bajaj Ktm Duke 125 cc

The KTM 125 Duke is all about enhancing the lifestyle of young riders passionate about pure riding fun, making a style statement and enjoying state-of-the-art technology in a superb new bike. KTM is all about making ultra cool bikes guaranteed to stop the traffic and attract a crowd of admirers! We could go on, but we will stop it there for now!
When will the launch happen

While sources say the KTM Duke 125 would be launched only in 2011 and we can expect Bajaj could be making a push for the KTM Duke 125 to be rolled out in the early months. The KTM 125 Duke is expected be launched in Europe by March next year. , but no word on whether it will be imported to the United States.
What will the price be?

Various sources say that the bike’s launch is expected to be in March 2011 at a price a little above Rs. 1 lakh similar to Yamaha YZF-R15. We are a litle wary of any price speculation – wile we would like to see it launched at aroud Rs 1 lakh, frankly, it could be priced anywhere up to Rs 1.5 lakh. Despite Bajaj’s decision to manufacture the bike locally, the technology and some of the imported parts mean it won’t be cheap but not necessarily super-expensive either. The upcoming Honda 250R is going to be priced around Rs 1.5 lakh – so pricing it above that would make it dead on arrival. So… let’s wait and see.
Is it stylish?
bajaj ktm 125 duke bike photo

Of course. Tha’s some Auto mobile serious style there reminiscent of bigger KTM bikes. The photos of the Duke 125 reveal a muscular fuel tank with the seats and rear end tapering off at a high angle. The low slung exhaust has a short reach and finishes off just behind the engine. Rumors suggest the Duke’s frame could even be handle a higher-powered engine should the need arise. The bike will be built in India to keep costs down but expect total KTM quality control.
Do we really get to burn the tarmac?

The Duke 125 gets its grunt from a liquid-cooled fuel-injected engine with a claimed output of 15 bhp at 10,500 rpm and 8.9 lb-ft torque at 8000 rpm. The engine is fed its power via a six speed transmission. Top speed however, is electronically limited to 80 kmph. This might be only for Europe and could get changed for different countries where the Duke 125 might be sold. If the gearing is right, 15 bhp could mean a top speed of around 130 kmph.

In India Auto mobile , for example, the Duke 125 will be sold by Bajaj Auto and the restrictions would not apply. The expected fuel efficiency is around 30 kmpl and the fuel tank capacity would be 13 litres with 2.5 litres for reserve.
How does it ride?

The Duke 125’s suspension unit consists of an inverted 43mm fork and rear shock, with both units offering 6.3 inches of travel. Initial test rides by auto mags abroad
And how does it stop?

KTM developed the single disc brakes at the front and rear with the guidance of industry-leader Brembo. The bike is a lightweight unit as well. With its 11-liter gas tank full, the little zapper weighs in at a lithe 118 kg.
KTM 125 Duke: Technical Specifications

Read our story about the 2011 KTM 125 Duke bike’s tech specs

Engine : Four-stroke; Single Cylinder
Valve Timing : 4-valve DOHC
Displacement : 124.7 cc
Bore x Stroke : 58 x 47.2mmc`
Peak horsepower : 15 hp @10,500 rpm (Indian version may get 19 hp )
Peak torque : 12 Nm
Starter /Battery : Electric starter
Ignition System : Bosch
Transmission : 6 speed
Fueling : Electronic fuel injection
Final drive : 14:45
Cooling : Liquid cooled
Clutch : Multi-disc wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Frame : Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, steel subframe
Front suspension : Inverted WP 43mm fork, 6.3 inches travel
Rear suspension : WP monoshock, 6.3 inches travel
Front brake : 280mm disc
Rear brake : 230mm disc
Tires front/rear : 110/70 x 17 x 150/60 x 17
Wheelbase : 1350 +- 15 mm
Steering Head Angle : 65°
Seat height : 810 mm
Fuel tank : 11 litres
Weight : 128 kg with full tank fuel