notjustshrawan

With new engine and added features, the Aviator has improved in departments that matter

Honda Motorcycles launched the new 110cc Honda Aviator with new features like Combi-Brake where front and rear brakes get activated jointly when the left lever is applied, telescopic front suspension to achieve smoother handling, lower vibration and more stable high-speed control.

The 110cc Aviator also has features like viscous air filter which needs less maintenance. A maintenance free battery is also part of the package along with the patented Tuff Up Tube tyres.

You can catch the entire press release by visiting this link.

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The Gio is Mahindra Alfa+extra wheel+new drivetrain+steering system

Mahindra creates a new category by launching India’s first Compact Truck

Mahindra creates a new category with the launch of Mahindra Gio, India’s first 0.5 ton Compact Truck: Mahindra Gio - An entry level 4 Wheeler Cargo carrier offers unmatched mileage of 27 kmpl at an unbeatable price of Rs 1.65 lakh.

The New Compact Truck - Mahindra GioThe New Compact Truck - Mahindra Gio

Mumbai, Maharashtra, October 28, 2009 -- Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), a leading player in the small Commercial Vehicle segment in India, today launched the Mahindra Gio, India’s first 4 wheel 0.5 ton Compact Truck. A category creating vehicle in the cargo commercial vehicle segment, the Mahindra Gio combines the style, status, comfort and safety of a four wheeler with the low operating and maintenance cost of a three-wheeler. The Mahindra Gio is available at an amazing price of Rs. 1.65 lakh, ex showroom BSII; BSIII price is Rs 1.68 Lakh. Equipped with a high performance 9.1 HP Kohler engine, from Kohler, USA, the Mahindra Gio gives best-in-class mileage of 27 km per litre.

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We're delighted Premier is bringing in a product in yet another untapped segment

Oct 28 2009

Premier launches compact SUV in India

Premier (formerly known as Premier Automobiles) India's pioneering car maker has re-entered the Indian passenger vehicle market with a compact SUV named RiO. The Premier RiO aims to cater to the segment between mid-size passenger cart and larger utility vehicles.

The RiO seats 5 people comfortably and is powered by Premiers 1489cc turbo diesel engine based on Peugeot technology delivering close to 65BHP and a fuel efficiency of about 16 kms per litre. The vehicle, based on a Dalhatsu model, will be sourced from China through a component supply agreement with Zotye Group, the Chinese manufacturer that sells close to 100,000 units per annum of this modal from its modern plant near Shanghai, China.

Premier win assemble the RIO at its Pune plant and sell it through its dealer network in a phased roll out starting with West and South India. The Company currently has 30 dealers that it is expanding to 100 in the next 8 months thereby creating an all India network. Premier is beefing up its sales and service support and will be offering a 3 year warranty for the RIO.

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Interior plastics are nothing to write home about; the top-end with alloys looks stylish

Here are some of the details discussed during the launch -

- Zotye began their operations in China in the year 2005

- Premier will bring more Zotye products in the future into India as CKDs

- The vehicle is expected to return a fuel economy figure of 16-18kmpl

- 500 vehicles will be assembled in the company's facility every month

- Premier is using a 1,500cc diesel engine, adopted from Peugeot, that delivers 65bhp.

- The company will sell the car in BS3 spec till the regulations come in next year, which is when it will upgrade to the demands.

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These days countries like Norway and Australia are stressing on the road safety through innovative road safety videos. I feel that similar campaigns should be started in our country as well as the message sent out from the video is very simple and has a strong recall.

This kind of awareness campaign is very important in our country considering the number of two wheelers we have here. Everyday we add thousands of two wheelers on our roads. But how many of the riders are aware about road safety and the dangers awaiting them?

Through videos such as this one, people should be educated on the importance of safety and riding safely.

CBU or CKD? It is too early to decipher Maruti Suzuki's plans for Kizashi in India

One of our favorite picks - DWS, is reporting that Suzuki will launch the Kizashi in India during the Auto Expo in January next year. The Kizashi was launched in Japan a couple of days back and its international debut was conducted in the US back in July.

There is no clarity on the versions that will be offered in India. DWS says a 6-speed manual transmission will be launched next year with front wheel drive.

The 2400cc petrol engine on the Kizashi makes 185 horsepower and 170 ft-lbs of torque. EBD and ABS are standard. Initial test drive reports are positive and say the car can handle corners well.

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The 500C is punctuated with EFI and its vintage styling will floor all Bullet buffs

There has been a lot of activity in the biking world in India this year, big launches like Hero Honda Karizma ZMR and Bajaj-Kawasaki Ninja 250R to name a few. Its almost two months left for this calendar year to end but the good things are still coming. The next in pipe is the most powerful and largest displacement bike produced locally hitting the Indian markets - The Royal Enfield Classic 500.

The 500C debuted at the Cologne International bike show earlier. It is already made available to several overseas markets. Its 500cc engine punctuated with fuel injection, will take the title as the most powerful Royal Enfield and locally-manufactured motorcycle.

Pricing is expected to be around 1.3-1.5 lakh rupees. This motorcycle is surely for the people who are madly in love with Bullets and need some of that vintage styling to go along with latest technology.

The bike will be launched on the 4th of November. We’ll keep you posted on the progress and more info coming up in the next few days.

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A refurbished Avanza suiting Indian conditions could be a likely option

Talking to reporters at the Tokyo Motor Show, the company's higher officials said TKM (Toyota Kirloskar Motors) is working on a smaller MPV that will fit under the Innova. This vehicle will cost 6-8 lakh rupees.

Toyota is looking at introducing a five- or six-seater with a sub 2.0-litre diesel engine. This product will be marketed as a people mover. It is not known if Toyota would use an existing car, such as the low cost Avanza MPV, which it sells in other parts of Asia, as the backbone of this new project.

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Mahindra's Rodeo is pitched at youngsters who are seeking a stylish buy

With the festive season on and two new products in its stores already, Mahindra Two Wheelers is aiming at selling 7,000 scooters this month.

Mahindra has launched these products keeping in mind more than one category of customers. The Rodeo has been designed for the youngsters whereas the Duro is said to be suitable for the families.

All these models have been manufactured by the same Taiwan-based scooter manufacturer SYM with a 125cc engine.

These three products give you a gas mileage within the range of 50 to 58 kmpl under standard conditions and therefore said to be value for money products by the company. As of now, the company has around 300 dealerships and 80 service centres and is targeting customers in urban and semi-urban areas.

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With safety and emission levels meeting international standards, the Manza will be sold overseas

Launched yesterday at the NCPA in Mumbai, the Tata Manza was showcased for the press, most of who had not seen the car in flesh before. The function was presided by Mr Rajeev Dubey, President - Passenger Cars, Tata Motors. Mr Dubey explained the details of the car and a Audio-Visual was shown which was followed by the Q&A session.

Available in 7 colors and 4 variants the Manza would be priced starting at 4.80 lakhs for the petrol and upto 6.75 for the fully loaded Aura+ that runs using the renowned Fiat Multijet Diesel engine.

2 years warranty/75000kms warranty would be standard, while the Indigo CS, XL and the Marina would continue to sell along with the Manza.

Later on an electric variant would also see daylight - this was disclosed by Mr Dubey himself.

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Indigo Manza's boot looks more natural and neater than the Swift Dzire'

Tata Motors launches the next generation all-new Indigo MANZA

Tata Motors today launched its new generation sedan, the Tata Indigo MANZA. Built on its new car platform, the Indigo MANZA succeeds the highly successful Tata Indigo, which became a best-seller in the very first year of its launch in 2003 and has since then sold close to 275,000 nos of the range.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons and Tata Motors, said, “The Indigo Manza is a modern, contemporary sedan on a new car platform that has the potential to emerge as a class leader.”

The Indigo MANZA is an altogether new car. A complete new body on a new platform houses an all new interior and makes a bold styling statement. With a length of over 4.4m, a width of 1.7m, and a wheel base of 2,520mm, the sedan has grown in size and thus in interior space. The front wraparound three barreled headlamps– one of the most striking headlamp units on any car in India– add to the linearity while giving the Indigo MANZA a feline aggressive appearance. The large 15” wheels, ensconced in their flared arches, give it a higher and more commanding stance. The chrome inserts on the rub rails and outer door handles add that touch of class. The new rear monolithic angular shaped tail lamps give the profile an unmistakable noticeability for following cars. The trunk has a capacity of 460 litres to meet every need of travel.

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Cruizing along the highway that consists of the Corolla, Civic and Laura

At the Paris Motor show in October 2008, GM revealed a compact sedan (in the American sense) named Cruze. A year later, the Cruze was launched here in India. Surprisingly, GM India chose to sail the diesel version before the petrol and only the manual version was decided to go with it. With just one engine option, hopes were not very high and the trusted Civic and Corolla, formed a ruthless opposition.

With Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla Altis & Honda Civic peeping from the top in the upper mid-size segment of the Indian automobile market, the Chevrolet Cruze has rattled the ladder with 1,100 pre-launch bookings giving rise to a possibility of a scary fall to those on the higher levels. Taking full advantage of the customers in the festive mood, the Cruze missile it seems, has hit the target.

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Solid as rock, the Chevrolet Cruze might cause rock slides in the D-Segment territory

The Chevrolet Cruze coverage on Indian Autos Blog has been very comprehensive. We have left no stone unturned in the Cruze chapter. Perhaps only a test drive report is missing from the picture, which will also be brought to you later this month.

At its launch event in Mumbai today, Vice President of GM India, Mr. P Balendran, who stressed that the Cruze is an very important vehicle for GM not only in India but all over the world left a few people in disbelief when he announced the price of the car.

Priced at 10.99 lakhs for the LT and 12.45 lakhs for the LTZ model, cars like the the Civic, Altis, Jetta and the Laura have no where to hide. Considering its the best seller in China and is fast climbing the sales chart the world over, the Indian consumer will also put India on that list, I think.

The launch function began with a small A/V presentation of the Cruze. Its features were highlighted and teaser videos were aired followed by a group of girls playing on their violins.

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The BMW Z4 convertible is yet another unique model in the Indian lineup

BMW India unveiled its 2-door Roadster Z4 here in Mumbai in a very stylish function conducted today morning at the ongoing India Couture Week.

The sexy and chic convertible model was showcased to select members of the press by Mr Peter Kronschnabl, President BMW India, who explained to us that the Z4 "outlines the expression of joy which epitomizes the quality of the BMW brand by combining the ultimate driving experience with maximum sporting potential and distinctive design."

Available only with a petrol engine, the Z4 is strapped with a 3,000cc engine mated to a 7-speed auto transmission.

Questions were answered by the BMW President in a very witty manner - he said that BMW would bring the Mini brand here in the near future and as is the case with the BMW Motorcycle lineup. He said BMW is the number one luxury brand in India, not once, but thrice during the interaction.

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BMW plans to sell 60 of these a year; At 59 lakh, how many numbers did you expect?

12 October 2009
BMW makes its debut in the roadster segment in India with the launch of the new BMW Z4.

Modern, Emotional, Authentic. The new BMW Z4 offers a pure driving experience that sets the pulse racing, resulting in an unforgettable roadster experience that none of its rivals can match.

Mumbai. The BMW Z4 Roadster was unveiled today at the India Couture Week in Mumbai.

The new BMW Z4 represents the re-birth of the roadster – powerful and stylish with a modern interpretation. It is the only vehicle in this segment to combine classic roadster proportions with a seating position close to the rear axle, rear-wheel drive and a fully-automatic retractable hardtop. Driving with the roof down, this two-seater offers a refreshingly intense experience of the sunshine and the wind rushing by – and driving with the hardtop closed, it provides all the comfort of a Premium Sports Coupé. The appeal of this two- seater lies in its unique combination of elegance, agility, and supreme comfort.

The new BMW Z4 will be available in the petrol variant – BMW Z4 sDrive35i – and will be available across India at an ex-showroom price of INR 59,00,000 (Ex-showroom price excludes RTO registration charges, tax, insurance, handling charges; Octroi and entry tax if applicable). Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India said, “The BMW Z4 outlines an expression of joy which epitomizes the qualities of the BMW brand by combining the ultimate driving experience with maximum sporting potential and distinctive design. More than anything the new BMW Z4 is an expression of sheer driving pleasure. With the new BMW Z4, we want to reach out to new target groups in India who appreciate a pure driving experience, high standards of elegance and value, and suitability for everyday driving and comfort.”

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The Red Bull F1 car covered the Bandra-Worli stretch in under 3mins

David Coulthard must have never imagined performing in front of such a huge crowd gathered at the Bandra-Worli sea link where he showed off his driving skills and the performance of a F1 car in the Red Bull Speed Link event yesterday.

The crowd began to flow in right from 11.30am for the scheduled 2pm drive. The centre of attraction was always the F1 car, which was prepared to race on the public road by the hard working RedBull F1 team.

At 2pm, DC arrived in racing overalls and sent the crowd into a frenzy. Everything was set and DC started the car to big cheers from the Mumbai crowd. Capable of head-spinning speeds, the Red Bull F1 car covered the Bandra-Worli stretch in less than 3mins!

Following the speed run, it was time to show the crowds some moves, and DC began doing donuts in front of the VIP stands. But the action came to an abrupt end as the 2nd round/lap had to be called off due to an overheated engine.

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A BMW Z4 with the covers on sits in a trailer transporting it to the launch floor

Driving down the main roads of Mumbai at 7.30 PM, I notice a trailer carrying something with a weird shape. I moved closer and my initial thoughts were correct - it is a car.

I tell myself it must be a car that was involved in an accident, and is transported to workshop for repairs.

Wrong.

I happen to see the BMW logo on the wheel when the neatly covered car gets upset by the oncoming wind.

Well well.. I begin to think hard which BMW has such a low-slung stance, long wheelbase and is on the Indian radar -- instantly the Z4 pops into my mind. Luckily I have my cam onboard -- Click Click and I have a fully covered BMW Z4 in its memory.

The driver sees me and immediately stepped on the gas -- he's driving a truck for pete's sake -- how will that ever be faster than my 100+hp Verna?

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The Red Bull F1 Speed Link that’s happening tomorrow at the Bandra-Worli Sea Link got underway today as Red Bull technicians brought the F1 car's engine to life.

The RB F1 team have been working over the past few days to get the car assembled in Mumbai. Except the tires, everything else was successfully bolted on to the car.

The action began today when RB racing driver David Coulthard arrived at the scene after which the team manager Tony Burrows gave a thumbs up which meant the car could be started. Well it was eye candy seeing the routine the team went through to start the car, it lasted only for two minutes and the car was revving switching on the adrenaline pump -- the whole place came alive and went berserk when the car was revved hard.

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Kawasaki Ninja 250R waiting to be unveiled

97 EXCLUSIVE Kawasaki Ninja 250R Images after the jump

BAJAJ AUTO LAUNCHES MUCH AWAITED KAWASAKI NINJA 250R

BEST 250cc MOTORCYLCE IN THE WORLD

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH PROBIKING OUTLETS

Mumbai 7th October 2009: Bajaj Auto, today announced the launch of the much awaited Kawasaki Ninja 250R in India. It is widely acknowledged as the best 250 cc motorcycle in the world. In India it will be available exclusively through Bajaj Probiking showrooms.

Powered by a 249cc parallel twin engine that belts out 33PS of power, it is a true supersport motorcycle that draws its lineage from the legendary larger Kawasaki Ninjas. But what makes this motorcycle unique is its near-perfect combination of performance, riding comfort and ease of handling. As a result it is as popular among casual riders as it among serious enthusiasts. Not surprisingly it is the LARGEST SELLING 250 cc motorcycle in the world.

In India, in a market cluttered with overpowered litre class motorcycles, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R will be the ONLY supersport motorcycle whose performance is practical for Indian conditions. And with a price tag of less than Rs. 3 lacs, it is well within reach of those seeking a supersport motorcycle.

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A late entry, but at least we get the Fuel Injected version with 33 PS

Bajaj Auto has finally introduced the baby Ninja, the 250cc twin cylinder sports motorcycle to the roads of India. Many will agree that the entry is late, but better late than never, we say.

India also gets the more advanced Fuel Injected version as opposed to a carbureted one which sells in some other parts of the world. Present on the launch today were the MD Mr Rajiv Bajaj and Mr Eric Vaz President (New Projects) who were visibly thrilled to showcase such a product to the performance bike-starved Indian customers.

The Ninja is priced at Rs 2,69,970 Ex Showroom Delhi. After the frugal Discover, Bajaj now has got into the the performance mode and the Ninja stands as its flagship model which was earlier held by the Pulsar 220. The KTMs are also coming in three month' time and they should prove even more interesting.

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