Honda starts booking for CBR250R

Honda has started accepting bookings for its upcoming sport bikes CBR250R. Ever since Honda showcased CBR250R few months back, expectations are running high. Honda dealers across India have started inviting bookings for CBR250R. You can pay Rs5000 to book yourselves Honda’s CBR250R.  Honda will officially launch the bike in March 2011. Though the official price are not out, CBR250R might be priced between Rs1.6 to Rs2.3 lakhs.

For Honda CBR250R specifications and pictures

Maruti to launch seven models

It seems Maruti is planning to counter the offensive by competitors like GM, Ford and Volkswagen. Maruti plans as many as seven models in next 12-18months. We already reported you about the launch of Kizashi,SX4 diesel and new swift. Four more models will add up. The key point here is Maruti plans not only includes small cars but also MPVs and Sedans.

Call it an etios effect? Maruti plans to launch the new Dzire based on new swift platform soon. The new dzire will be sub 4-meter and will enjoy the tax benefit of small car. MPV based on RIII concept will hit the market by end 2011 or 2012 auto expo. Maruti RIII MPV is expected to take on the likes of Mahindra Xylo and Tata Sumo grande. Maruti also plans a diesel variant of gypsy or compact SUV (might be Jimny wagon). Maruti could use suzuki’s partnership with Volkswagen for its diesel requirement.  In addition to all these, Maruti also plans another small car in the alto segment. Cervo finally?? only time will tell.

Maruti to launch Kizashi on January 28

Maruti will make a bold step forward by launching Kizashi on January 28th.  Kizashi is the first luxury car by Maruti to be introduced in India. Maruti will import the kizashi as CBU (completely Built Unit) and could be priced upwards of Rs15lakhs. Kizashi will come with petrol engine 2.4litre, 4-cylinder engine. The same engine is currently used in Maruti’s luxury offering grand vitara. Kizashi would produce a maximum power of 185 BHP @ 6500 RPM and 235Nm of peak torque at 4000rpm. The engine is paired with 6-speed transmission.  Maruti kizashi will take on the likes of Skoda Superb, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

BMW launches X1 Price list

BMW today launched its low cost offering X1 SUV in India. The new BMW X1 was launched in New Delhi in three variants: BMW X1 sDrive18i (petrol), BMW X1 sDrive20d (diesel) and BMW X1 sDrive20d Exclusive (diesel) and can now be ordered at BMW dealerships across India.

Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India said, “The new BMW X1 is a modern vehicle that for the first time brings premium BMW characteristics into the compact vehicle segment. The new BMW X1 sets a benchmark by bringing together features of a Sports Activity Vehicle with spontaneous flexibility and outstanding fuel economy. The new BMW X1 is the perfect vehicle for customers focusing on areas such as leisure activities and lifestyle in their choice of car.”

The new BMW X1 will be CKD (completely knocked-down unit) produced in India and the all India ex-showroom prices are as follows –

The new BMW X1 sDrive18i  :  Rs22,00,000

The new BMW X1 sDrive20d  :Rs 23,90,000

The new BMW X1 sDrive 20d Exclusive:Rs 29,90,000

Zero down payment for Tata Nano

To make the finance easier for Nano customers, Tata is now offering 100% finance for its customers. Customers have to just pay Rs22,000 for insurance and registration. “Yes, there is zero down payment option. It depends on the profile of the customer too. Tata Motor Finance is already offering it. We just suggested this to others as well. It is up to the financiers to offer 100 per cent financing,” Tata Motors spoksperson said. Tata Motors Finance charges 14% interest for the 100 per cent loan scheme.

Maruti to launch new Swift, SX4 diesel and Kizashi

New year is just few days ahead, car makers have already lined-up their launches for 2011. Maruti which is under attack by european and amercial car majors, plans three major launches in 2011. As we reported you earlier, first one of this is Kizashi which will followd by SX4 diesel and Swift. Kizashi would be the Maruti big leap (in terms of segment) in the passenger car market. Maruti traditionally  a small car maker has often tried for an image makeover with the likes of esteem, SX4 and Grand Vitara, Kizashi is Maruti’s yet another bid in that direction. Kizashi is expected to be priced upwards of Rs15 lakhs and likely to positioned against the likes of Skoda Laura and Honda Accord.

The second big launch is the SX4 diesel which is longgg awaited. Maruti will use the same 1.3L multijet diesel engine that is already being used in Swift and dzire. Maruti is expected to employ turbo charged diesel engine in SX4. Maruti SX4 diesel will take on Volkswagen Vento.

The real big news is the next generation Swift. The 2011 swift will make it to India by the festive season in India. 2011 Swift will strengthen the Maruti arms in its fight to defend its market share against Ford Figo,Volkswagen Polo and Hyundai i20. The existing swift may be stripped and priced lower. We expect the current swift to sell along with new swift. Is it right? let us know what do you think

Mahindra launches Thar

Mahindra today launched Thar off-roader in India. Thar which comes with CRDe engine is priced at Rs. 5.99 lacs (ex showroom Delhi, BS IV variant)

The Thar CRDe is a true blue, stylish off roader, which is an evolved version of the Mahindra CJ340, the MM 540, the Classic and the Legend.  A typical Mahindra breed, the Thar CRDe, is now faster, stronger and more powerful and reflects the company’s legendary tough and rugged DNA.

The Thar will be launched in Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Mangalore and Jaipur by end December and the rest of India by January 2011. The Thar is also available with a DI engine as a base variant. The Thar DI will be positioned as a lifestyle vehicle for the rural market with both 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive options. The BS III variant will be priced at Rs 4.47 lacs, ex showroom Jaipur.

Speaking at the launch Mr. Rajesh Jejurikar, Chief Executive, Automotive Division, Mahindra &Mahindra Ltd, said, “Having realized the potential of this emerging segment of offroad enthusiasts and lifestyle seekers, we have launched the Thar in India. The Thar is an extension of our legacy and what Mahindra stands for. Popular amongst generations of off-road enthusiasts, style seekers and even war-veterans, not many vehicles share the same legendary past and iconic status of the Mahindra Thar.”

Mr Rajan Wadhera, Chief Executive, TPDS, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “The Thar is a manual 4×4 machine coupled with a powerful CRDe engine 77 kw (105 BHP) & drive by wire technology which is capable of providing it variable speeds and acceleration. To handle this excess power, THAR CRDe’s tough rigid ladder frame chassis has been optimised to enable crisp handling. Modern suspension layout of IFS and abuse resistant rear leaf springs delivers a great balance between ride and handling which is unheard of in this segment before. Light & responsive Integral power steering gives delightful manoeuvrability to the Thar”.

Pictures of Mahindra Thar


Maruti plans made in India car by 2012

Maruti plans a fully indigenous car in India by 2012.  Maruti is at final stage on finalising the design of the car. Maruti’s made in india car is sure to feature derivative of K-series engine. Remember, Hyundai has officially stated in the past that it is working on a ultra low cost small car. Hyundai’s small car would be positioned below santro. Coming back to the maruti story, Maruti’s made in  small car will take on Hyundai’s car. Maruti’s small car will sell along with  its existing low cost car Alto. Maruti has invested millions of dollars for its  R&D facility in rohtak. We could see the car/concept by 2012 Auto expo.