Vicky.in Blog

Honda today said that Activa has achieved a milestone of 1.5 crore unit cumulative sales, and is India’s FIRST scooter to reach this landmark.

Celebrating this feat, Mr. Minoru Kato (President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.) rolled out the landmark 1,50,00,000th Activa from the assembly line of Honda’s scooter only plant in Gujarat.

Thanking customers and sharing how Honda’s iconic Activa has changed the way Indians ride to fulfil their dreams, Mr. Minoru Kato, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Globally developing markets similar to India, especially Thailand and Indonesia have already shifted to scooterization. Now, India is getting scooterized like never before. In just 7 years, scooter segment contribution to total industry has doubled from 16% (in 2009-10) to 32% (in 2016-17). And leading this trend is Activa which single-handedly re-activated the declining scooter segment way back in 2001 & become the Number One selling two-wheeler both in India and the World! Honda believes that there is huge future potential for scooterization, more so in tier-II and tier-III towns. The trust of Indian families has already made Activa the first scooter in history of Indian two-wheeler industry to cross 1.5 crore customers landmark.”

Tata Motors today signed a contract for supply of 3192 units of the Tata Safari Storme 4×4 to the Indian Armed Forces, under a new category of vehicles – General Service 800. The Indian Ministry of Defence had earlier floated an RFP for vehicles with three basic criteria – minimum payload capacity of 800 kgs; hard roofs and air conditioning. Tata Safari Storme triumphed Mahindra Scorpio to won the contract to supply the storme to Indian Army. The Tata Safari Storme 4×4 has completed a total trial duration of fifteen months in various terrains across the country, demonstrating supreme performance in the most demanding conditions with capabilities of coping with extreme on or off-road terrains.

Tata Safari Storme will replace the ageing fleet of Indians Armty’s Maruti Gypsy in the 4×4 light vehicle category,

Commenting on the recently bagged order, Vernon Noronha, Vice President, Defence & Government Business, Tata Motors Limited said, “We are very proud to have received this prestigious order for over 3000 units of the Safari Storme under the newly formed GS800 category. Tata Motors has been a leading supplier of mobility solutions to the Indian Armed Forces and this order is a testimony to our partnership with the country’s security forces. This variant of the Storme has been modified from the one available for civilians with an upgraded drivetrain and significantly modified suspension. The Safari Storme was conceived and designed keeping in mind the need for a rugged, comfortable and reliable vehicle, making it popular with law enforcement agencies. We will shortly commence delivery of these vehicles for the Army and Navy in a phased manner.”

Volkswagen today announced the launch of limited edition of the most popular carline Polo GT – Polo GT Sport. The new Polo GT Sport is equipped with a host of exterior and interior updates, giving it a sporty and dynamic guise. The Sport edition will be available across both the variants of Polo GT at all Volkswagen dealerships in India.

On the exterior, the GT Sport edition is packed with an all new glossy black spoiler, 16” Portago alloy wheels that stretch a bolder stance, Glossy black roof foil that supplements a definition of style and an attractive GT Sport side foil further complementing the distinctive look that the carline is made to offer. Matching the new exteriors the carline comes fitted with leatherette finished GT sport embossed seat covers that amplify the design identity of the new sport edition reserving the subtle and classy stance.

Announcing the launch of Polo GT Sport, Mr. Thierry Lespiaucq – Managing Director, Volkswagen Groups Sales India said, “Polo GT has been the first choice for buyers who seek strong power delivery and class leading efficiency both perfectly combined in a single carline. The GT badge has always instilled the pride of owing the best, and the Polo GT Sport edition takes it a notch higher further increasing the sport quotient of the vehicle. With this offering, we are providing our consumers with an option to choose a sportier variant of the most loved hatchback the Polo GT.”

Aimed at car buyers who seek a sportier feel from their vehicle, the Polo GT Sport combines the perfect engine with new sporty interiors and exteriors. Powered by 1.2L TSI and 1.5L TDI engine, the Polo GT produces a rush of 77kW/105PS and 81kW/110PS of power, respectively.

The Polo GT Sport is available at an attractive price with two color options, Flash red and Candy White, across all Volkswagen showrooms in India.

Hit by the falling sales, TVS seems to have discontinued the phoenix 125cc. The bike was a non-starter despite aggressive promotion by the hosur based two wheeler maker. Pitched against the mighty Honda Shine and Her Glamour the bike bombed in the market with very poor sales.

All the TVS bikes and scooters were upgraded to suit the latest BSIV regulation, however, phoenix was left out signalling the end of the motorcycle in the india market. TVS seems to have decided against updating the Phoenix for the Indian market citing poor sales.

However, the TVS  continues to produce the bike for its exports markets. Whether TVS will replace the phoenix with a new product and facelift and market it as a new package, only time will tell. TVS has earlier struggled with 125cc flame. 125cc segment has been elusive for TVS for almost a decade.

Maruti has revealed the 3rd all-new Maruti Dzire which will be launched in India on 16 May 2017. The company has revealed that the vehicle will come in four trims – LXi/LDi, VXi/VDi, ZXi/ZDi and ZXi+/ZDi+.

The Dzire is3995m long and now has a longer wheelbase (40 mm wider) and offers 20 mm extra front shoulder room and 30 mm extra rear shoulder room. Boot volume has increased from 316 litres to 376 litres.

Maruti has redesigned the seats as well for more comfort and better ergonomics. The cabin is appointed with a new three-layered dashboard, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and new switchgear

Based on the new ‘Heartect’ platform built with ‘ultra-high tensile’ sheet metal, the new Dzire will be safer than the outgoing version. It is designed to comply with new pedestrian safety and side and frontal-offset impact safety regulations that come into effect in India soon. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and driver and front passenger airbags as standard equipment across the range.

The official launch will happen on May 16

The Toyota Innova Crysta is one of the most popular options when it comes to MPVs in India. To celebrate its one-year anniversary in India, Toyota will introduce a new variant to further increase the MPV’s appeal on May 4, called the Innova Crysta Touring Sport. The Toyota Innova Crysta Touring Sport will feature cosmetic additions over the regular model and is already on sale in the Indonesian market as the Venturer.

The highlight of the Toyota Innova Crysta Touring Sport will be the new wine red colour, which is seen in this Indonesian-spec version. Additionally, the Innova Crysta Touring Sport will come with crossover-inspired cladding on the bumpers, wheel arches and side skirts. This one too will continue to ride on 205/65 R16 tyres as the standard variant, except the alloys will be same alloys will by black. The front grille meanwhile, gets some more chrome.

The cabin layout of the Toyota Innova Crysta Touring Sport will remain identical to the top-end ZX variant. It will come equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, a TFT multi-information display as well as the other features that appeared on the top-spec variant. The Toyota Innova Crysta Touring Sport will be available only in the 6-seater version, wrapped in black leather. It will also get Touring Sport-badged floor mats.

Since the Toyota Innova Crysta Touring Sport is a cosmetic update, the engine options will remain similar to the regular model. We believe it will be offered on both, the 2.7-litre 166PS/245Nm petrol and 2.8-litre 174PS/360Nm diesel motors.

The upcoming Toyota Innova Crysta Touring Sport will primarily compete with the Tata Hexa Tuff which is the only MPV presently sold with a crossover kit. We expect Toyota to price the Touring Sport around Rs 70,000-80,000 over the regular ZX trim.

Bajaj Pulsar RS200 advertised as fastest pulsar yet caught fire in the middle of the road. The bike is relatively new and has only clocked 18,500 kms,

Dhanish Ahamed a college student from Pasumalai, Tamil Nadu is a proud owner of Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 since the last 16 months. When Dhanish was riding to his college, just like any other day, Dhanish noticed that there was fire spewing out from the engine area.

Not sure of what to do, he immediately brought the bike to a stand still and parked it on the side of the road. Within minutes, the fire engulfed the fuel tank, post which the entire bike was on fire. By the time help arrived, the bike was completely gutted. Locals tried helping by throwing water, but it was of no help.

Dhanish mentions that the bike had no after market fitments, neither it was poorly maintained. The bike was serviced at regular intervals. The next servicing was due in another 1,500 kms. At the time of the incident, he was riding solo, and was at about 60 kmph. When we asked, if he has any idea about how the fire broke, he says he is not sure, but it could be due to short circuit.

The dealer and Bajaj team has been supportive towards the entire incident. Dhanish says that the dealer has already promised him a brand new Pulsar RS200 as a replacement

 

Nissan today shocked the market with massive price cut. Sunny is now cheaper by almost 2 lakhs (top end variant). Other variants also seen a drastic price cut. The base petrol XE trim is now priced at Rs. 6.99 lakhs and diesel top-end at Rs. 8.99 lakhs. The petrol CVT automatic transmission now comes in top end XV trim only at a price of Rs.8.99 lakhs, almost Rs. 2 lakhs less than before and the mid XL CVT has been discontinued. Sunny will take on the compact sedans like dzire, xcent, amaze, zest and ameo now.

Nissan Sunny prices
Variant	Old Price	New Price	Difference
XE Petrol	Rs 7,97,300	Rs 6,99,000	Rs 98,300
XL Petrol	Rs 8,64,133	Rs 7,59,000	Rs 87,133
XL CVT Petrol	Rs 9,61,364	—	Discontinued
XV CVT Petrol	Rs 10,95,263	Rs 8,99,000	Rs 1,96,263
XE Diesel	Rs 8,86,066	Rs 7,49,000	Rs 1,37,066
XL Diesel	Rs 9,52,035	Rs 7,99,000	Rs 1,53,035
XV Diesel	Rs 9,99,000	Rs 8,99,000	Rs 1,00,000
XV Safety Diesel	Rs 10,82,011	Rs 10,76,011	Rs 6,000

Hyundai today launched facelifted Xcent to take on the competitors and increase its share in the compact sedan market.

 Speaking at the Global launch, Mr. Y K Koo, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited said, “We are very glad to announce the global launch of the All New Xcent for Indian and Global customers. The fast changing trends and rising customer aspirations has always been the key driving force at Hyundai. Considering the evolving market dynamics and customer voice, we keep enhancing our products for customer delight. The All New Xcent symbolizes The Stylish Family Sedan for young and Modern Indian Family. With over 2.5 Lakh cars sold in Domestic and International markets since 2014, we are confident that the All New Xcent will create a new benchmark in its segment offering best Hyundai Experience.”

 

 Key Design Features (Front/Side/Rear) 

1. Cascade Design Grille with horizontal chrome slats – Bold New Design Identity
2. LED DRLs (New)
3. Fog lamps
4. Premium Two Piece Wraparound Tail lamp (New)
5. Wheel Air Curtains for better aerodynamic stability (First-in-Segment)
6. Dual Tone Rear Bumper with reflectors for Bold & Sporty Appeal
7. Shark Fin Antena (First-in-Segment)
8. 2 Tone Sporty Diamond Cut Alloys
9. Sleek Waistline Molding
10. Chrome Rear Garnish

 

 

 Key Features:

1. 7.0 Touch Screen Audio Video System with smart phone connectivity (Apple Car play, Android Auto, Mirror Link, Smartphone Navigation)
2. Voice Recognition and Navigation Support for more convenient and safe driving experience
3. Radio with DRM Compatibility
4. Smart Phone Holder with charging port
5. Steering mounted Controls
6. Rear Power Outlet
7. Battery Saver
8. Gear Shift Indicator for better fuel efficiency

 

 Key features:

1. Dual Airbags (Standard)
2. ABS
3. Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC)
4. Rear AC vent
5. Rear Defogger
6. Cooled Glove Box
7. Driver Seat Height Adjustment
8. Tilt Steering
9. Smart key with push button start
10. Rear Parking Camera and sensors
11. Spacious Boot – 407 Litres
12. Rear seat Armrest with cup holder
13. Leather wrapped Steering Wheel
14. Bright and Spacious interiors with new seat upholstery

 

Nissan India today announced its premium and  stylish Nissan Sunny will be offered at a very attractive starting price of Rs. 6.99 Lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi), making it the most affordable premium sedan in India. The Nissan Sunny’s new price range will be in effect fromApril 20, 2017, across India.

Arun Malhotra, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (NMIPL) said, “Nissan always strives to offer innovative products to our customers with a compelling and competitive value proposition. The Nissan Sunny is our flagship sedan which we proudly “Make in India” at our Oragadam Plant in Chennai. Local production of this car enables significantly lower costs and this helps serve our customers faster with global levels of quality products. We pass on these benefits to our customers with very competitive prices for the Nissan Sunny, our popular premium sedan.”

With its new breakthrough pricing, Nissan Sunny also gives the opportunity to intended compact sedan buyers to upgrade to a more spacious premium sedan (Nissan Sunny) at a nominal incremental price.

The new price offering now makes Nissan the frontrunner when it comes to offering the most affordable CVT options in both sedan and hatchback segments. Both Nissan Sunny CVT and Nissan Micra CVT models are competitively priced, making them the most affordable package for customers who are considering car powertrains equipped with automatic transmissions.

The Nissan Sunny will be available at the following prices:

Grade		Ex-showroom Price (Delhi) INR
Petrol	XE	6,99,000
	XL	7,59,000
	XV CVT	8,99,000
Diesel	XE	7,49,000
	XL	7,99,000
	XV	8,99,000