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.