5th Autocar Performance Show 2009.
Autocar India hosted the 5th Autocar Performance Show (APS) from November 19th-22nd, at MMRDA grounds, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai. Even though Bollywood superstar John Abraham was present at the inauguration of the event, what stole the spotlight at this year’s Performance Show was a car that the most experienced F1 drivers would think twice about before getting behind its wheel. It’s twice as fast as an F1 car, needs a parachute to stop and drinks diesel. It is the JCB (Joseph Cyril Bamford) Dieselmax, holder of the land speed record for diesel- powered cars.
[Autocar India ]
JCB Dieselmax-Top Speed 563KMPH At Autocar Performance Show
Maruti Suzuki To Upgraded SX4, Launch By John Abraham
Maruti stops SX4 production pending revamp.
Auto News Posted at domain-b in Sept 2009.
Passenger car leader Maruti Suzuki India has temporarily stopped production of its most expensive car SX4. The model has been doing poorly in the market, especially since the launch of the new Honda City. The company has decided to revamp the car, and a new model would come in about six-eight weeks..
John Abraham roped in as brand ambassador for Maruti SX4.
Auto News Posted at BusinessOfCinema in Sept 2009.
"After negotiations, John agreed to be the brand ambassador for the car. The appeal of John and the tag line of the car, 'Men are Back' are in complete sync and so we signed him on. The details of the contract are still being worked out," an official from the company tells.. 
Maruti Suzuki to relaunch power-packed SX4.
Auto News Posted at TheEconomicTimes in Sept 2009.
Maruti will relaunch SX4 within a fortnight with a new 1.6-litre engine which will have a much higher pick-up. It will be more expensive than the current top-end Zxi variant, which comes at Rs 7.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).. The new SX4 will have an additional automatic variant, another first for any sedan from Maruti. It will deliver 165-175 newton metres of power, much higher then the outgoing model and will meet the latest emission norms..
Fiat Grande Punto India Test Drive
.jpg)
The Fiat Grande Punto is a car manufactured by the Italian automaker Fiat. It was unveiled to international market in May 2005. Grande Punto and the Linea sedan were both shown in India during the Delhi Auto Expo in January 2008. While Linea was launched in January 2009 in both petrol and diesel versions, Grande Punto is launched in June 2009. In India both the cars would be manufactured by the Fiat-Tata Motors joint venture in a new plant in Ranjangaon in Maharashtra.
Top Web Reviews for India Spec Fiat Grande Punto. .jpg)
Fiat Grande Punto First Drive.
Review Posted at Overdrive in June 2009.
Fiat has launched the Grande Punto in India with three engines, the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrols and the 1.3-litre multijet diesel. My first impression of the car was that it is rather pretty. And rather heavy. Both are true ... I first drove the 1.3-litre diesel and at 76PS, it isn't in the same state of tune as the Linea's 1.3 engine. But the engine isn't slow.. At highway speeds, the car can cruise and overtake, although the latter can sometimes take a downshift or two more than you planned. ..Full Review.jpg)
Fiat Grande Punto twin test: 1.3 Multijet & 1.4 FIRE.
Review Posted at Zigwheels in Aug 2009.
After we settled into the extremely comfortable driver's seat that offers nice support all around and laid our eyes on the well appointed dashboard, it struck us - this is exactly like in the Linea. The same silver finish centre console with the integrated Blaupunkt music system and climate control switches adorn the cabin of the Grande Punto as well. That itself gives the car a rather upmarket feel and mind you - the insides on the Punto are better finished than on the Lineas we tested a few months back. ..Full Review.jpg)
Fiat Grande Punto – Review in a nutshell.
Review Posted at Aditya Kavoor’s Blog in Aug 2009.
I drove the top end Emotion Model which had an inbuilt Music system whose contols seem like an old transistor. The Air Con vents and the sliding controls are just too primitive. Its all black-black inside. The door side handles are’nt eye pleasing either. Fiat, its time. Change your inner wear.. The Fiat 1.3 MultiJet Diesel is a gem. Its Gold. I need not speak about it. Its a proven champion. ..Full Review.jpg)
Fiat Grande Punto road test : Making a Grand(e) entry.
Review Posted at Carwale in June 2009.
At first glance, the Punto looks like a hatchback version of the Linea.. The interior also reminds one of the Linea, but the space inside doesn’t seem to be so much when compared to the space the car occupies on the outside.. The dash sports an mp3 player and a climate control system, and the top-end Emotion Pack variant gets the Microsoft-developed ‘Blue & me’ technology that enables an occupant to synchronise their phone with the car to make and receive calls.. Full Review.jpg)
Fiat Grande Punto : Test Drive & Review.
Review Posted at Team-BHP in June 2009.
This is the 3rd generation Punto and has recently received a global face lift.. The mini-Maserati front end is the highlight of the car, the tear drop headlamps looking striking. Flared wheel arches are well integrated and add a bit of muscle to the car's profile.. The Grande Punto wears an overall proportionate design and looks particular smashing in red or black body colours.. To me, the Hyundai i20 was the best looking hatch on our roads, until I saw the Punto in the flesh.. While fit & finish are good on the outside, it's a different story on the inside.. Review + High Res Photos.jpg)
Fiat Grande Punto Test Drive.
Review Posted at Vicky.in in June 2009.
Running on Goodyear 195/60 tyres the Grande Punto is an excellent compromise between ride and handling.. But what also hampers the punto’s capability is its large turning circle radius (5.4m)! similar to palio.. The 1.2L gasoline mill is puny to pull this large hatchback. It’s very much underpowered.. Having driven all the variants, i would say 1.4L gasoline is the clear winner instead of 1.3L diesel unit. ..Full Review
Honda Jazz India Features: Interior & Exterior
|  |
| Honda Jazz Standard Features: Magic Seats Dual Front SRS Airbags ABS with Brake Assist EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) Integrated Audio with AM/FM CD MP3 + Aux in Steering Mounted Audio Control Front & Rear Speakers Auto Volume by Speed G-CON (G Force Control Technology) ECU Immobilizer Rear Micro Antenna Front Seatbelt Pretentioner with Load Limiter Driver Seat Belt Reminder Rear Windshield Defogger Rear Wiper Tilt Steering Column Power Door Mirror Average Fuel Consumption Display Distance to Empty Range Key Alarm Headlight Alarm Accessory Socket Dual Glove Box | |
| Honda Jazz Active Features: It has all the features of Jazz standard; plus Sports Pedal Tail Gate Spoiler Side Step Illuminated Garnish (front) Side Step Garnish (rear) Silver Finish on Front Gauges Front Grill & Fog Lamps |  |
| Honda Jazz Mode Features: It has all the features of Jazz Active; plus Body Side Moulding Mud Flaps Corner Protector |  |
Honda Jazz India Specifications (Specs)
|  |
| HONDA JAZZ SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Fuel Economy | 16.1 KM/L |
| Engine Type | SOHC i-VTEC |
| Displacement | 1198 (cc) |
| Power | 90@6200 (PS@rpm ) |
| Torque | 110@4800 (Nm@rpm ) |
| No of Cylinders | 4 (cylinder ) |
| Valves per Cylinders | 16 (valve) |
| Fuel System | PGM - Fi |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Overall Length | 3900 (mm) |
| Overall Width | 1695 (mm) |
| Overall Height | 1535 (mm) |
| Wheel Base | 2500 (mm) |
| Ground Clearance | 160 (mm) |
| Boot Space | 384 (liter) |
| Kerb Weight | 1055 (kg) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 (liter) |
| Turning Radius | 4.9 (meter) |
| Front Brakes | Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Drums |
| Wheel Size | R15 84T |
| Tyres | 175/65 |
Honda Jazz India Colours (Colors)
|  |
All versions of Honda Jazz are available in India in following colours.
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
Honda Jazz: Revealed, Reviewed, Tested, Compared & Analysed
|  The 1st generation Honda Jazz supermini was launched in Japan in 2001. Since then it has been introduced in over 130 countries all over the world. Also known as Honda Fit in certain markets, the 2nd generation Jazz hatchback was released in 2007 and made its India debut in June 2009. It shares its platform with the new Honda City sedan and has a near identical wheelbase (only 50 mm shorter), the same width but with a taller body. Honda Jazz comes with a premium price tag and will compete against rivals like Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Skoda Fabia, Chevrolet UVA, Fiat Grande Punto and Volkswagen Polo. |
TOP WEB REVIEWS FOR INDIA SPEC HONDA JAZZ.
| Honda's Jazz is very likeable and compact. Review Posted at ExpressBuzz in June 2009. We went to Goa to have a spin with the new premium hatchback from Honda and came back impressed.. This car was roomier than most family saloons.. Unlike the City, there is a proper music system which can take CDs and comes with a 3.5mm AUX jack, but sadly there is no USB support.. Ergonomically there is very little to fault with this ‘small’….err…large car. | Jazzing it up in Goa. Review Posted at WheelsUnplugged in June 2009. Looking down at the shape I suddenly realized I had seen those lines before - on the Innova. Indeed it is Innova-like because the Jazz is a mini-MPV. On the drive people who noticed did mention that it looked like Honda had made a shrunken (chhoti) Innova.. I have to say that my initial impression was not brilliant as during an overtaking maneouver, despite having dropped a gear, I barely made it past the ‘overtakee’ |
Honda Jazz: First Drive!Review Posted at ZigWheels in June 2009.
The Jazz is as much a car for practical use as it is for going out there and having some fun in the sun. Honda's 'magic seats' work wonders to create storage space on the inside where the rear bench can be folded upwards to liberate height or downwards to have a freer area lengthwise.. Fit and finish are exceptional - and this hatchback is even better put together than the acclaimed Honda City..
Honda Jazz First Drive. Review Posted at Autocar India in June 2009.
Honda’s new Jazz gets your attention right away thanks to its aggressive new shapes and tipped-forward stance.. Overall, comfort for a car in this class is amazing. Ride quality however is just about acceptable. The 65 profile tyres don’t absorb too much at low speeds and as the suspension has been raised and slightly stiffened for our roads, they can’t help much here.. As speeds build, ride quality improves..
Honda Jazz Test Drive.Review Posted at Vicky.in in June 2009.
Like any other Honda, jazz is modern but pleasing..The steering is light and would be perfect to zig-zag in the city. But it failed to gain weight in proportion to the speed. Hit the corner at high speed, turn her she moves with ease. The michelin175/65 R15 tyres offers excellent grip even on wet roads.. However the ground clearance is just about adequate and the drivers have an arduous task of gliding the jazz over bad roads.
Honda Jazz - Test Drive and Review.Review Posted at Team-BHP in June 2009.
All Jazz variants come standard with dual-front airbags, OEM sound system + steering controls and ABS / EBD brakes. Yet, no alloy wheels, no height adjustable seat, no dead pedal, no parcel tray, no arm rests, no lumbar support at this price!!.. This engine is no highway burner and is most suited to the city itself. In fact, the engine characteristics feel very NHC like (previous gen Honda City) in more ways than one.
All that Jazz. (UK-spec version)Review done by AutocarIndia & posted at HondaCarIndia.com.
It's only when you step inside that you realise the fuctional brillance of the Jazz. The interiors set a new standard for space efficiency and usability that other hatchbacks can't hope to match.. In fact, the rear seats are more comfortable than the new City's, thanks largely to the high seating position.. The Jazz's innovative design features will surely make it a benchmark in this class but lack of a diesel engine and its expensive price tag may limit its appeal.
HONDA JAZZ COMPARISON REPORT.
Honda Jazz Vs Maruti Ritz Vs Maruti Swift Vs Skoda Fabia Vs Hyundai i20. (Vicky.in)
Honda Jazz Vs Hyundai i10 Vs Maruti Swift Dzire Vs Ford Fiesta Vs Fiat Linea Vs Mahindra Xylo Vs Honda City. (Vicky.in)
Honda Jazz Vs Maruti Suzuki Ritz Vs Fiat Grande Punto. (Vicky.in)
TOP TEST DRIVE VIDEO REVIEWS FOR HONDA JAZZ INDIA.
ZigWheels Test Drive Honda Jazz (YouTube)
CNBC (Hindi Edition) Reviews Honda Jazz (YouTube)
NDTV Indepth Analysis of Honda Jazz (Tubaah)
Honda Jazz Launch Video (YouTube) CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE......
Fiat Linea India: Review, Comparison, Specs & Photos
The Fiat Linea is a family car released in 2007 by the Italian automaker Fiat as a world car in Eastern Europe, Latin America and Middle East. In India, Linea was launched in January 2009 in three variants - Active, Dynamic and Emotion. All these variants come in 1.3 ltr diesel and 1.4 ltr petrol engines. New Linea is based on the current Fiat Grande Punto platform and was designed by Fiat Style Centre and co-developed by Fiat do Brasil and Tofas from Turkey.
TOP WEB REVIEWS FOR INDIA SPEC FIAT LINEA.
Road Test: Fiat Linea Emotion (Diesel).
Review Posted at ZigWheels in Jan 2009.
While first impressions on the Linea are definitely positive owing to the uniqueness of its stature,...Overall, it is a stunning car - not in the sense of absolute beauty, but because we don't have anything quite like it running on Indian roads at the moment...It's when you look closely at individual components that you start having second thoughts. ..Full Review 
Fiat Linea Vs Rivals - Italian Wonder (Linea Vs Fiesta Vs Optra Magnum Diesel).
Review Posted at AOL Autos in Feb 2009.
Among the three top of the line diesel models, it is the Linea that demands a second glance...Its huge size can shame other cars in this segment for sheer road presence...At the rear, the dedicated aircon vents earn brownie points and so does the visor blind...One issue bothering me is the car's low roof...The diesel engine under the hood of these three cars are as different as chalk and cheese. ..Full Review 
Fiat Linea Review.
Review Posted at Mohan’s Blog in Feb 2009.
The Fiat linea commercial lives up to its tag line of “Admiration Guaranteed“...However, I am not much impressed with the quality of plastics in this car too. They are just very ordinary...Steering rake is adjustable and I don’t understand the logic behind having ignition key going vertically down. Slight noise of the engine was audible from inside, I would say it is much better shielded compared to other diesel engines....If this slow pick is a genuine issue, then this car wouldn’t be a good option for city drive. ..Full Review 
Fiat Linea Test Drive Report.
Review Posted at Autocar India in Nov 2008.
To put it in a nutshell, the Linea looks a lot more expensive than its price tag suggests...The seats are generally comfortable and come with a range of adjustments, but the front seats are forward sloping which robs the passenger of thigh support...Fiats have always been known for their ride and handling and the Linea doesn't disappoint. It rides exceptionally over bad patches of road. ..Full Review 
Linea vs City Comparison Report.
Review Posted at Team-BHP in Jan 2009.
The interior of Linea is not as exciting as the exterior. Having said that its not a dissapointment either...But on a closer look, you'd find cost cutting is evident here...The new City does not pretend to be a car of a higher segment like Linea, so basically you get what it is on the face value. The audio quality is better than the Lineas, but not many gadgets to play with. ..Full Review
Fiat Linea Review.
Review Posted at Vicky.in in Jan 2009.
The ergonomics has never been Fiat’s forte. but this linea is an exception. The ergonomics may not be the best in its class but good. The central console is legibly placed and controls are accesible. The steeply rakish windscreen and useless front quarter glass hampers you from getting the clear view. ..Exterior Review , Interior Review
TOP VIDEOS FOR FIAT LINEA INDIA TEST DRIVE REVIEW.
Times Drive Fiat Linea (YouTube, Video review by TimesNow)
City vs Linea vs Fiesta (TimesNow)
Fiat Linea vs Swift Dzire vs Fiesta (YouTube, Video comparison by Overdrive )
Fiat Linea Road Test (YouTube, Video review by Overdrive)
Related Links:
Fiat Linea Specifications & Features (Auto Junction)
Fiat Linea Pictorial Review (MotorBeam)
Fiat Linea Photo Gallery: Pepped-Up Pictures (ItaliaSpeed)
Fiat Linea Launch Event at Taj Mumbai (Team-BHP, Page1 Page2)
Fiat Linea Official Website (LineaIndia)
US Spec 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe : The Game Changer
First Drive: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
Affordable? Yes. Cheap and cheerful? Not anymore.
Review Posted at TheDetroitBureau on April 01 2009.
Now comes the second car to bear the Genesis badge, in this case a striking blend of styling, power and sporty handling dubbed the Genesis Coupe. Its debut should have the competition seriously concerned. And that’s no joke...Sure, there are a few nits to pick, particularly the lack of a telescoping steering wheel. ..Full Review 
First Drive: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
Review Posted at Autoblog on March 31st 2009.
Hyundai was committed to build a performance-tuned sports car. Using the internal designation "BK," the automaker benchmarked the segment-leading Infiniti G37, Mazda RX-8 and BMW 335i. What finally debuted at the 2008 New York Auto Show was a rear-wheel drive coupe...Hyundai is initially offering six different Genesis Coupe models: 2.0T, 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Track, 3.8, 3.8 Grand Touring, and 3.8 Track (a seventh model, the lightweight 2.0T R-Spec, won't arrive until later). ..Full Review , Video
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Bottom Line.
Review Posted at TheCarConnection.com on March 31st 2009.
Like the Infiniti, Camaro, and Challenger, but unlike the Mustang, Hyundai’s Coupe sports an independent suspension at all four corners. A five-link setup based on the Genesis Sedan hangs out in back...Our only significant complaint about the new Coupe is something most drivers won't notice at first. After many miles behind the wheel, our testers tired of the constant feedback through the steering wheel. ..Full Review
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe first look.
Review Posted at CNET on April 24th 2009.
Standard on the Genesis Coupe is an electronic stability control system that, while of merit on the street, was a hassle on the track. The system was so sensitive that even touching the rumble strips that marked the course's edge caused the system to dramatically cut power...Rolling onto the track just past turn two, we get our first taste of the 210 horsepower, turbocharged 2-liter's acceleration. At first there's the slightest hint of lag, but the turbo spins up quickly, along with the speedometer. The acceleration isn't exactly life changing, and actually feels about on par with the Honda Civic Si. ..Full Review 
First Test: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track.
Review Posted at Motor Trend in 2009.
Shift the configuration 90 degrees, though, and the 3.8-liter Lambda is ready for rear-drive duty, as in the Genesis sedan and the Kia Borrego SUV. Now it trickles its way into the Genesis Coupe...Perhaps most pleasing is the fact that the 3.8 consumes good old-fashioned 87 octane. Every other rear-drive import in its class, including the 370Z, Mazda RX-8, and BMW 135i, guzzles costlier 91 octane. Plus, the 3.8's estimated fuel economy of 17 city/26 highway is better than that of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo BMW (17/25) and the 1.3-liter rotary Mazda (16/22). ..Full Review , Specs
Related Links:
Comparison Road Test: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 vs. 2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe (Edmunds.com)
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe vs. 2009 Infiniti G37 Comparison Test (Popular Mechanics)
Comparison Video: Part 1 - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V-6 vs. 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track (YouTube)
Comparison Video: Part 2 - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V-6 vs. 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track (YouTube)
World's Cheapest Car Tata Nano Test Driven in India
Tata Nano Review - is it worth the Hype?
Review Posted at India.com in 2009.
- HIGHLIGHTS
- Ultra-compact, tall and with free-flowing lines...
- ..the fact that there is no engine under bonnet in the front helps the Nano offer deep foot wells and so lots of legroom for front passengers.
- ..to ensure that the stability and handling of the Nano is not compromised, the car has been given wider 155/65 tyres at the rear..
- ..the precise throw and clear shift quality of the gearbox came as a surprise to me.
- Fold down the rear seat and the parcel tray fixed to it and you can reach the luggage area.
- Rear seat passengers may also find the performance of the air-conditioner wanting during the summer months.
Test Driving the Tata Nano.
Review Posted at NY Times in March 2009.
- HIGHLIGHTS
- Only 122 inches long, the Nano is the shortest four-passenger car on sale in India, though it looks bigger than it is because of its height and wide stance.
- Despite being a fraction of the size of most economy-car engines, the all-aluminum engine provides reasonable pep.
- Engine noise is also far less than one might imagine given the size and simplicity of the Nano.
- The turning circle of the Nano is undoubtedly one of its best parlor tricks: With a turning radius of only four meters,..
- The steering lacks power assistance but directs the car nicely.
Tata Nano test drive: why world's cheapest car should silence the cynics.
Review Posted at Times Online in March 2009.
- HIGHLIGHTS
- The car is more than capable of accommodating four “healthy” six-footers...
- With the engine weight being in the rear, the non-power steering is responsive enough...
- The ride quality isn’t bad either, even on India’s less-than-pristine roads...
- The boot has a volume of 130 litres, enough for a couple of modest overnight bags.
- The one serious drawback is the lack of pick-up from the 624cc two-cylinder engine.
- At higher speeds there is a fair amount of vibration and the noise levels rise quickly.
- It has a top speed of 106kph and can reach 100kph in 29.7 seconds.
Test Drive: The Tata Nano goes for a song.
Review Posted at Financial Times in April 2009.
- HIGHLIGHTS
- So, the Nano has about one third of the usual number of parts.
- Wiring is centralised; wheels are mounted with three, rather than four, bolts; the seats are in one single moulded piece.
- The two-cylinder engine is fixed on a common cradle along with the transmission, rear suspension, exhaust and radiator, reducing the infrastructure required for each part.
- The result is a 600kg car versus 683kg for its nearest competitor, the Maruti Suzuki 800, which sells for twice the price.
- The Nano is powered by a 624cc engine compared with the Maruti 800’s 796cc motor.
- ..this is definitely not a highway car.
- The engineers say they have given the Nano above average ground clearance of 180mm.
.jpg)
Tata Nano: first test drive.
Review Posted at Telegraph.co.uk in April 2009.
- HIGHLIGHTS
- Its interior is unexpectedly roomy, with comfortable high-backed head-rest seats, central instrument dials...
- The car's battery sits under the driver's seat, while the fuel tank is under the front passenger's. Both are protected by a steel seat rail bar which doubles as a side impact protection bar, but makes it difficult for rear passengers to stretch their legs.
- Below the bonnet are two strengthened steel prongs which crush to absorb the impact in a collision and protect the passengers.
- But the key feature, and the one which makes me consider buying one a serious possibility, is its exceptionally low fuel consumption...
Other Useful Web-Links for Tata Nano.
- High-Resolution Photos at www.erodov.com & www.4geeksfromnet.com
- The Making & History Of Tata Nano at www.motorbeam.com
- Detailed Review of Tata Nano at www.overdrive.in
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Custom Search
|
|
Most Recent Posts
.jpg)
