Monthly Archives: March 2009

A-Star Gifted to the Star of Young Drivers Contest

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A couple of months ago Maruti Suzuki in association with Autocar announced the Young Drivers Contest. Winner of the contest was to be gifted the scintillating Maruti Suzuki A-Star.

The winner, Zubin Antalia, received the keys to the A-Star for his excellent performance and driving skills showcased in the contest. He is a Mumbai resident who has great knowledge and awareness of traffic rules and road safety. Zubin was awarded the car after the national finals held at the Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR) in the capital.

Maruti has many cars in its portfolio, but the A-Star is its latest creation and this competition was an effective way to promote its new car. Maruti has always been associated with road safety and has been actively involved in imparting world class driving training through its authorized driving schools and training centres. This contest was a part of Maruti’s mission to improve road safety and make Indian roads safer. In December 2008, the car manufacturer had introduced a National Road Safety Mission with a burning desire to impart driving training to at least five lakh people across the country in the next three years.

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Audi Q5 Coming to India This June!

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Brace yourselves! The Audi Q5 is planning to launch in the Indian car market by June 2009. The luxury car manufacturer has taken this strong decision of the new car launch despite the downturn in the market.

Though the Audi India stable is already enjoying the success of the Q7, the car manufacturer decided to offer a compact SUV to India for those so inclined. Audi Q5 was launched in Europe in 2008 with four versions but India will initially see only two variants. Similar to the Audi Q7, the Q5 will also offer both petrol (2L TFSI) and diesel (3L TDI) engines.

This luxury off-roader will be brought to India as a completely built unit. There is possibility of the Q5 being locally assembled in Audi’s Aurangabad plant, but the company first wants to ensure a good volume of sales or demand before taking up the task of local production.

Before the launch of the Audi Q5, Audi enthusiasts will get to see the all new upgraded version of the luxury sedan Audi A6.

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New Cars Still Envy the Old Cars

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The olds cars still shame the new cars despite the huge disparity in the quality. Though the car market has recently witnessed many new cars equipped with all-new innovative technologies and luxurious features, the old cars are consistently spreading their fragrance in the market. Among the old lot, cars like the Maruti Suzuki Alto, WagonR, Indica, and the Hyundai Santro still remain favourite among the car buyers. Surprisingly, these models are registering wonderful sales and have beaten more than 150 new cars in sales report in the past decade.

Though the new cars have created an enthusiasm and curiosity among the buyers initially, they often fail to retain the charm as the old models do. For instance, the new models like the Maruti Zen Estilo, Chevrolet Aveo UV-A, Hyundai Getz, Ford Fusion, Skoda Fabia, and the Fiat Palio have plunged into infancy just in few months of their launch.

When the Maruti’s new car models like the Zen Estilo and the A-star are not doing well with their sales, the old models like the Alto, WagonR, and even 800 are still grabbing impressive sales.

Hyundai’s flagship model Santro outshines it siblings like the i10 and the i20 in sales performance. Tata’s 10-year old Indica also holds the same fame even after the launch of its new versions, the Indica V2 and the Vista.

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Carazoo goes to the 2009 Geneva Motor Show

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The Salon International de l’Auto or, more popularly known as, the International Geneva Motor Show was initiated in 1905 and continues to hold the world at awe with its amazing displays of current and future cars and car accessories. The 79th International Geneva Motor Show is being held from March 5th to 15th, 2009, at the Geneva Palexpo.

The Geneva Motor Show has always been a lavish affair and this year is no different with Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Pagani, Spyker, Maserati, and Bentley finding their way onto platforms. A special hall christened the Green Pavilion is reserved to display cars and technologies that are developing concepts to go “green”. This 2000 square meter of space is designed and furnished differently from the other halls and also presents a bonus feature of educating drivers to drive their own vehicles in an “econoecological” (eco-friendly) manner.

Carazoo was an enthusiastic visitor to the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and came back with loads of photos of some amazing and some stunning and some real out-of-the-world concept cars. Feast your eyes on them below:

79th International Geneva Motor Show Concept Car79th International Geneva Motor Show Concept Car79th International Geneva Motor Show Concept Car79th International Geneva Motor Show Concept Car

For more pictures click here.
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Xylo’s Success Leads to Mighty Muscular’s Launch

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New Mahindra Mighty Muscular Scorpio Cars in India

A powerful sensation drives the car industry when one thinks about two new car launches by the same car manufacturer in a span of just one month. Look back to the month of January when Mahindra launched its powerful Mahindra Xylo. The car was launched with a symphony of brilliant styling, technology, performance, and safety. Further, what enhanced the worth of the car is the revolutionary m-Eagle CRDe engine. Amazingly, till date the Xylo has recorded 9000 bookings and the company is still planning to ramp up production to meet the increasing demand of the car amongst car enthusiasts.

The impressive number of Xylo bookings has driven Mahindra & Mahindra to introduce another new car in the Indian car market. It is the refreshed Mahindra Scorpio that is rightly tagged as the ‘Mighty Muscular’ Scorpio. The car is a true reflection of the muscular DNA of Mahindra.

The Mighty Muscular Scorpio beholds a strong demeanour that is complemented by a stylish new front grille with a glint of chrome in the middle, gladiator-like wraparound bumpers, striking bonnet with a new hood scoop, easy-to-grip door handles, and electrically-powered outside rear view mirrors. Powerful multi-focal headlights with sunrays reflector smoothen the night driving experience and an embossed Scorpio logo on the side cladding adds drama to the aggressive structure of the car.

In the car’s interior, you’ll find a dash of luxuries radiating warmth and elegance. The plush interior cabin is draped with rich fabric upholstery and comes with features such as advanced car audio system, sporty new gear knob, and ergonomically designed seats.

The most exciting introduction in the new Scorpio is the revolutionary m-Hawk engine under the bonnet. The Mighty Muscular is driven by a beastly 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine that generates 120 bhp and can make the car accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in just 5.7 seconds.

The new car with its advanced diesel engine and micro-hybrid technology is gentle on the environment and becomes the first car in India with Bharat Stage IV emission compliance. The SUV consumes 7 to 8% less fuel in city conditions compared to the previous m-Hawk BS III engine.

It is available in five variants – LX priced at Rs 7.21 Lakh, SLE at Rs 8.2 Lakh, VLX at Rs 9.2 Lakh, VLX BS4 at Rs 9.3 Lakh, and VLX Auto priced at Rs 9.99 Lakh (Ex-showroom New Delhi Price).

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Alto Preparing to Compete with Nano

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New Maruti Alto Cars in India

Maruti is preparing its small car ‘Alto’ to compete with the proposed Nano. The car manufacturer is trying to significantly reduce the car price but not in line with the Nano price segment.

The Rs 1 Lakh car has become a threat to the Indian car models especially the small cars. Even the used cars are expected to see slow sales after the launch of the Nano, forecasting the catastrophe used car dealers are cutting down the prices of the pre-owned cars.

Now Maruti is trying to do the same but not with immediate response. The manufacturer feels at present there is no such need to be afraid of the Nano because right now not many consumers may be able to own the car as Tata will initially produce only limited numbers of the car. But after Nano volume gain critical mass, Maruti will announce a significant mark down in the price of the Alto.

A question is still buzzing in the minds of many car enthusiasts. Why Maruti Alto and why not Maruti 800? Maruti 800 is presently the cheapest car in the country and the car manufacturer can easily push down the price of the car in line with the Nano. And overall the new M800 has all advanced and functional features that still retain the significance of Maruti’s iconic car in the car market. The only reason why Maruti800 was not chosen to take over the Nano is the incompatibility of the car’s engine to meet Bharat Stage IV emission norms.

Soon all the cars plying on Indian roads have to follow stringent Bharat Stage IV emission norms. And according to Maruti the Alto is the best option as its 800 cc engine can be easily upgraded to meet the proposed emission norms in the country.

It’s not easy to predict things at this stage, the exact scenario will only be revealed once the Nano actually makes its entry into the Indian car market.

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Chevrolet Spark Celebrating its Winning Attributes

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The venerable Chevrolet Spark is rejoicing a position that was enjoyed by the legendary Maruti 800 for decades. With over three million models sold globally, the car has tasted great success and acclamation.

Spark is a burning torch for General Motor that is gradually spreading its light across the length and breadth of the Indian car market. Even on foreign soils the car is equally gaining momentum. The winning attributes of the Spark that make it popular worldwide are its timeless beauty, brute power, outstanding performance, spacious interior, impressive mileage, and flamboyance character. It is also a great city commuter that can easily navigate through congested city roads.

To celebrate the high sales of the car, General Motors has offered car discounts on its range of car models in India. The company offers an attractive discount of Rs 55,000 on the winning Chevrolet Spark, Rs 28,000 on the Tavera, Rs 50,000 on the Aveo, Rs 30,000 on the Aveo U-VA, and Rs 70,000 on the Optra Magnum.

The success of Spark in the global car market is a sure sign of its credibility and with this the manufacturer is sure to register higher sales volume in the approaching months.

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New Honda Accord on its Way

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Good news for Accord lovers! New Honda Accord with a 3.5-litre V6 engine is on its way and is expected to be introduced in the Indian car market next week. The new engine will churn out an awesome power of 279 bhp that will mark new milestone in the successful history of the Accord. The new car is likely to carry a price tag of around Rs 25 Lakh.

The present generation of the Accord is a complete blend of style, comfort, and elegance. The aggressive looks and striking presence makes the car one of the most commanding sedans on Indian roads. And above all what makes the car a hot choice amongst car buyers is the revolutionary 2.4-litre i-VTEC engine that generates 179 bhp.

It’s clear that if a power of 179 bhp has made the Accord a success then the engine delivering a power of 279 bhp will definitely set new benchmarks in its segment.

Possibilities are there that the manufacturer may not make modifications in the exterior and the interior as the car already has impeccable and eye-catching structure, style, and beauty. Just a replacement of the engine with a more powerful technology is enough to ignite new excitement in the market.

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Volkswagen’s Polo BlueMotion Concept Car

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New Volkswagen Polo Cars in India

Volkswagen is ready to reveal its green and fuel efficient Polo BlueMotion concept at the Geneva Motor Show 2009. The car is expected to make its debut in the U.S. market by 2010.

Excitingly, the Polo concept is going to enthrall the audiences with its outstanding appeal, green character, and unmatched performance. The presence of the car will compliment this year’s ‘green’ theme of the Geneva Motor Show.

The car is powered by a new three-cylinder direct-injection 1.2-liter TDI engine that produces 74 bhp and emits 87 g/km of CO2. The small size of the engine ensures fuel consumption of just 3.3L/100km making the car one of the most economical models in the world. Besides keeping minimum engine size, the company has also equipped the car with latest fuel saving technologies. It also features an advanced engine start/stop system and a regenerative braking system which help to reduce alternator related engine loads.

The company has stressed on every minor detail to make it fuel efficient like 10mm reduction in ride height, a modified front end, an aerodynamically optimized underbody, aerodynamic exterior, and 15-inch alloy wheels. Looks like the car is going to break all records in term of mileage and emission and these two characteristics will prop the car to flourish in the market when it will actually witness the commercial launch.

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2009 Election Surges SUVs’ Sales

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With approaching 2009 election, car manufacturers are experiencing a sudden rise in SUV demand. As SUVs are easily driven on rough terrains and carries large number of seating capacity, they are preferred by most of the politicians for their election campaigns and rallies than a sedan or a small car.

Now the car manufacturers are following the ‘ant strategy’ storing their food so that they can utilize it at the time of actual need. The car brands like Ford, Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M), and Tata Motors are storing their warehouses with SUVs foreseeing the demand of these vehicles in the forthcoming elections in the country.

The Mahindra Scorpio, Ford Endeavour, and the Tata Safari are favourite among the politicians. Earlier, the Tata Sumo and the Toyota Qualis served the Indian politicians a lot during the election campaigns and rallies but now as they are discontinued, other SUVs from different brands have taken over their positions. It seems the elections excitement is not just among the politicians but also among the car manufactures who see this as an opportunity to make profit.

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