Nissan India is ready to launch Sunny sedan on September 20th

Nissan will launch the much awaited Sunny sedan on September 20th. The Nissan Sunny is expected to be priced in the bracket of Rs 7-9 lakh and will stake its claim in the already over crowded mid-sized sedan category. The Sunny will rival the likes of the Hyundai Verna Fluidic, Ford Fiesta, Fiat Linea, Honda City and the Maruti Suzuki SX4. As we all know, the Nissan sedan is based on the V-platform (V- for Versatile) which first debuted in India as part of the Micra hatchback. The Nissan Sunny will be built at Nissan’s Oragadam unit near Chennai.

The exterior of the car gets design details which do remind us of the Micra hatch. The interior to is quite reminiscent of the Micra. The interior is finished in beige plastics. Some have criticised the interior for being to bland but Nissan claim a best-in-class legroom and overall space. The boot too is amply large and can swallow your weekend’s luggage without a hitch. The front end of the Sunny with the trapezoidal grille with chrome accents and the clear-lense headlights looks imposing. The Sunny might not be a head-turner but, it ain’t a bad looking mid-sizer either.
Nissan Sunny Sedan

Under the hood will be a petrol engine. Surprisingly, Nissan will not offer the Sunny with a diesel engine. The 1.5 litre petrol engine producing 99 bhp and 134 Nm of torque. Now, we have seen a sudden spike in the sales of diesel cars since the government of India hiked prices of petrol. Nissan is expected to introduce a diesel version of the Sunny later in the year. We can expect the diesel version a bit earlier than planned due to customer demand.

The Sunny is a tried and tested product since the car was first launched in markets like China and the United States. The Nissan Sunny is priced a notch below it competitors even in the overseas markets and hence we expect the Sunny to undercut the price of the Verna and the Fiesta in India. However, both the Ford and the Hyundai will have the advantage when it comes to a diesel engine. Also, ARAI has rated the Sunny’s 1.5 litre engine to return a descent mileage of 16.95 kmpl.
Nissan Sunny Sedan

So, the Nissan Sunny offers all that an average mid-sized car buyer needs. The rear seat is big and comfy with A/c vents for the rear passengers as well. The Sunny will be available in three trims – XE, XL, XV. Airbags will be standard even on the base variant. Apart from this, the car will come with push button start like that on the Micra. The USP of the car though, will be the rear A/c vents which is a premium feature that Nissan will offer on the mid-sizer.

Ample legroom at the rear with A/c vents is what Nissan dealers will highlight the next time you walk into a dealership. The car maker will announce the pricing for the car tomorrow at the launch event. Team ICB will keep you posted with all the developments from the event. Stay tuned to IndianCarsBikes.in

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New Hyundai i10 Vs Tata Indica Vista

In the recent developments in the Hyundai and Tata's camp, the Korean and Indian giants respectively have taken a step forward and unveiled the new variants of their popular faces. For Hyundai company, i10 has proved mettlesome during all the challenges faced and thus deserve to be modified for further grace and perfection. As a result, i10's latest version called the Hyundai i10 Magna Kappa 2 has been rolled-out in the auto market.The Indian leader in automobiles ,the Tata company has retaliated with the very fresh launch of Tata Indica Terra Vista 1.4 TDI.

The obvious aftermath, i.e the comparison of the cars reveals the pros and cons of going for any of these cars.In terms of fuel economy ,which is the basic requirement of the Indian market, i10 sets a niche' for itself by offering an overall mileage of 15.3 kmpl against the 12.8 kmpl of  the new Vista. If one talks about the basic features both cars are side by side but certain areas favor the new Hyundai i10. It possesses a folding rear seat for comfort and space increment and central locking for ease and safety, while Tata Vista has lack of these features.

Hyundai i10

Looking at the other components like control Hyundai i10 confirms the lead by providing steering adjustment facility but seeing at the steering type Vista stands out. It has rack and pinion type steering which is also hydraulic in nature. Also, i10 consists of front power windows and power steering in addition. Thus, handling and control have been taken care of actually by both the introductions and seem to attain equilibrium on this ground with i10 having the upper hand.

The dimensions and weights of both the cars have a lot of noticeable differences. If the kerb weight is taken into consideration it is crystal clear that Vista with a kerb weight of 1135 kgs it outnumbers the 860kgs of Hyundai i10. It is a surprising fact that Indica having a fuel tank capacity of 37litres, two litres more than that of i10, it provides a lower mileage.If the engine is scrutinised more, it conveys that there is a lot of gap in the figure of displacement between the two car engines. Tata Vista is the clear leader with a displacement figure of 1405cc in comparison to the 1197cc of i10. i10 possesses an iRDE2 engine which makes the car a lot advanced and energetic.

Tata Indica vista

Safety, an important determinant of a car's sales figure, cannot be ignored. i10 Magna Kappa2 earns more scores with not only the central locking facility but also the presence of an immobiliser. Hyundai i10's new model is only available in petrol while on the other hand, the TataIndica Terra Vista 1.4 comes only in diesel. The new Hyundai i10 kappa2 is available at a price starting from 4.23 lac and Tata Indica Terra Vista 1.4 starts with a price of 3.87lac.

Thus, Tata motors basically rely on their technology to produce masterpieces while if the Hyundai  automobile company is concerned it believes in keeping the old values intact even when latest techniques are applied in manufacturing.     

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New Mahindra Genio makes debut globally

Mahindra has announced the global range of pick-up trucks. The Mahindra Genio pick-up in both double and single cab configuration is all set to enter international markets. Mahindra & Mahindra has its presence in growing markets of Africa and Asia. Mahindra also plans to expand to countries in Latin America. The company will also launch the Genio in Australia, shortly. The Mahindra Genio is targeted at small and medium businesses and will cater to their ever evolving needs.

The Mahindra Genio with its mHawk engine is product that offers excellent utility as well as efficiency along with a well built and kitted out cabin. The Genio also offers business class comfort and safety. The pick-up also packs features similar to those found on passenger cars. The 2.2 litre mHawk diesel engine puts out 120 bhp@ 4000 rpm and 290 Nm @ 1600-2800 rpm. Mahindra will also offer the Genio with cruise control. The pick-up also gets DDAS (Digital Drive Assist System) which displays vital stats like current mileage and fuel level. It also has a class leading payload capacity of 1.25 tons and four-wheel drive.

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Chevrolet Beat Diesel is Chevrolet's latest diesel car

The new Chevrolet Beat TCDi could just be what the market wants, given the rising petrol prices, but let’s see if General Motors has really set the market.

GM’s SDE Smartech motor is related to the famous four-cylinder multijet diesel, which was jointly developed by GM and Fiat. For the

Beat, one cylinder was knocked off paring down the engine from 1,248cc to 936cc to make it the smallest diesel engine in any car today. Once fired up, the oil burner settles down being remarkably smooth and quiet when idling. Out on the roads, it feels at home in slow-moving traffic. The small engine ambles around in a higher gear with the rev counter needle hovering above 1,000rpm. The powerband spreads up to 3,500rpm and the short gear ratios, especially first and second, amplify the 15.29kgm of torque to make driving in the city remarkably easy.

In the powerband, the Beat diesel responds to throttle inputs with an assertive manner. But don’t expect it to be exciting. In our run from 20-80kph in third gear, the Beat diesel took 14.1 seconds — quicker than the Beat petrol (15.9sec) but is over a second slower than the three-cylinder 1.2-litre Polo diesel. The punchy mid-range can be gauged by the 40-100kph sprint in fourth gear which takes a respectable 16.48 seconds.

Once you head out onto the open road, the SDE Smartech’s lack of displacement becomes apparent. The run from 0-100kph takes a relaxed 18.5sec and overtaking manoeuvres are quite laborious.

 In our fuel runs, the Beat delivered 19.1kpl out on the highway and an astounding 16kpl in the city. The frugal nature of the Beat diesel is clearly its trump card. GM India has also improved the ride further by switching to new gas-charged shock absorbers and wider 165/65-R14 Goodyear tyres, making the ride quality superb for such a small car.

GM has also replaced the Beat’s hydraulic steering system with a sophisticated electrically-powered steering which provides variable assistance. The top-end variant comes with powered windows and automatic air-conditioning. ABS and airbags are also on offer. Fuel: Diesel

Installation: Front, transverse
Layout: 3-cyls in-line, 936cc
Bore/stroke: 69.7/82mm
Compression ratio: 16.5:1
Valve gear  DOHC, 4 valves per cyl
Power: 58.5bhp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 15.29kgm at 1,750rpm
Transmission: Front-wheel drive
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Construction: Five-door hatchback, monocoque
Weight: 1,027kg
Tyres: 165/65-R14, tubeless
Turning circle: 8.9m
Brakes: (f/r) Ventilated discs, drums

Verdict
With a young hip feel to it, the Chevrolet Beat diesel is easy to drive in the city and offers a comfortable ride. It may be a bit too small for a family car and the lack of a punchy engine shows on the highway. However, its USP is definitely the incredible fuel efficiency. The base PS version starts at Rs 4.29 lakh, and the next variant, LS, is priced at Rs 4.59 lakh. The LT is priced at Rs 4.99 lakh and the top-end LT with option pack is priced at Rs 5.45 lakh.

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Ford takes rivals Maruti, Tata and Toyota on a 'swap drive' through advertisement campaigns

NEW DELHI: Finally, Ford has stepped on the gas to exhibit the ruthless aggression that American gas-guzzlers have been known for in its marketing initiatives and advertisement campaigns.

In its latest 'Swap Your Drive' campaign, Ford India has used user testimonials of people driving rival brands such as Maruti Swift, Tata Indigo and Toyota Fortuner after they swapped their vehicles for a Ford car for a week.

It's the first time a vehicle maker in the country has directly named rival brands in its advertisements-something that FMCG and cola brands have been doing-to drive home its claims of superior fuel economy, drive experience and advanced technology.

Ford says the idea is not to take on its rivals but highlight how the consumers react to a Ford vehicle after they have experienced it for a week. 



"Every manufacturer has its product strengths and it communicates those using creative media. We have chosen the path of using real people and real experiences in our communication, which makes it more authentic and credible," says Ford India Vice-President (Marketing) Anurag Mehrotra.

Maruti Suzuki and Toyota declined to comment.

Interestingly, all the three rival cars featured in the advertisement-Toyota Fortuner, Maruti Swift and Tata Indigo-far outsell Ford competition in their segments, namely, Endeavour, Figo and Fiesta, respectively.

Industry experts call the aggressive campaign a sign of the times in a market that is slowing down.

"Carmakers are doing whatever possible to boost sales. They are either resorting to aggressive discounts and offers or aggressive advertisements," says Rakesh Batra, partner and head of automobile practice at Ernst & Young.

The world's second-fastest growing car market has of late been hit by high interest rates, rising fuel price and negative consumer sentiments.

After growing a breakneck 30% last fiscal, the Indian car market lost steam this year. Sales dropped for two consecutive months-15.7% in July and 5.7% in August.

Auto magazine ZigWheels Editor Adil Jal Darukhanawala says the Ford campaign merely exhibits a trend that has been played out umpteen times abroad. "Comparative advertisements are sign of the times. What's happening in India is in line with how automobile industry has progressed around the world," he says.

Such advertisements, adds Darukhanawala, can amuse, delight or infuriate. "It's a welcome thing if done tastefully, but is quite disgusting if it is done in a devious manner."

AGGRESSIVE STREAK
Hunto! While Ford is the first carmaker to name its rivals in a campaign, Indian vehicle makers have become much more aggressive than before in their campaigns.

Bajaj Auto set the pace in May when it came out with Pulsar's Hunto advertisement, in which it proclaimed that "Pulsar sells five times more than any Japanese sports bike in India."

It was perhaps the first time that any Indian automaker had taken on Japanese brands head on, but definitely not the last.

A few months later, it was the turn of Tata Motors to tease Japanese carmakers with its advertisement for Manza. It shows a few engineers of a Japanese carmaker being flown to a secret chamber where an executive, standing next to a Manza Elan, shoots some tough questions at his team members, who have no answers. 

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Nissan celebrate it's 25th anniversary

COMPANIES in South Tyneside are today celebrating the 25th anniversary of the launch of production at Nissan in Sunderland.

The borough has strong commercial and personal ties with the giant Japanese car firm – in some cases stretching back to 1986.

Hundreds of South Tynesiders have been employed at the plant and the borough maintains strong commercial links with Nissan, including Boldon parts supplier Hashimoto.

The plant is today marking the 25th anniversary of its opening by then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, on September 8, 1986.

Vic Young Nissan, of Newcastle Road, South Shields, is a franchised Nissan dealer.
Managing director Vic Young, who sold Nissan cars before the plant’s launch, has been connected to the firm since the early 1980s.

Even before the launch of the Wearside plant – which benefited from a ready supply of local skilled labour, the proximity of Port of Tyne and the area’s excellent road network – Mr Young built up a strong relationship with Nissan staff and managers, advising them on buying homes and even helping set up local educational facilities for Japanese children.

On a commercial level, the Nissan links have proved lucrative and long-lasting.
Mr Young adding: “There was a feeling of despair until Nissan moved to the area. There was no motor manufacturing around here and Nissan arrived with no preconceived ideas. But the relationship has worked out well for everyone concerned.”

Northern Truck Bodies, based at the South Shields site, also supplies Nissan’s commercial vehicles, while the borough car showroom sees 89 per cent of customers returning to buy vehicles made at the plant, with the Qashqai currently being the most popular model locally.

Geoff Ford, chairman of South Tyneside Manufacturing Forum, said: “The North East is the only net exporter in the UK and I believe a lot of that is down to Nissan.

“I have recently been involved with the talent retention scheme, which provides a portal for employers looking for people with the right skills, and the scheme is sponsored by Nissan.

“Nissan has been a useful employer for hundreds of South Tynesiders since 1986 and is of major economic significance to the region.”

The Sunderland plant has rewritten the records for UK car production, with volumes increasing from 5,139 cars in 1986 to 423,262 cars in 2010 – the first time a UK car plant had made more than 400,000 vehicles in one year.

To mark the milestone, a ceremony was held today, with a time capsule covering the past 25 years buried on the site, recreating celebrations held when the plant’s construction began.

As well as celebrating a record year for production, staff produced their six millionth car in January, shortly before the first shipment of the electric Nissan Leaf arrived in February.

In June, Nissan’s chief executive, Carlos Ghosn, visited the UK to announce that the next generation Qashqai would be manufactured in the UK, just as the model became the fastest UK-made car to reach a million units.
Staff are gearing up for production at the company’s new Battery Plant in the New Year, ahead of Nissan Leaf production beginning at Sunderland in 2013. Together with production of the new Qashqai, Nissan’s total investment in the plant now stands at £3.3bn.

As the company with the biggest turnover in the North East, the plant plays a fundamental role in the region and the UK, with every job at there generating four more elsewhere.

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Hyundai announced most improved car manufacturer of decade

Hyundai Motor Company is the car manufacturer that has improved the most over the last decade, topping Auto Express magazine's "10 years of Driver Power" survey.
"No brand has taken such a massive leap over the past decade as Hyundai," says Acting Editor for UK based Auto Express, Graham Hope. "Its range now is unrecognizable from 2002, and our readers regularly tell us that they are both pleased and proud to own a Hyundai Cars, which is reflected in its meteoric rise up our Driver Power ratings."

From over 300,000 surveys received over the last 10 years of the annual Driver Power survey, Hyundai has gone from being one of the poorest performing manufacturers for customer satisfaction to one of the five best brands. It has also risen from 28th place in the best manufacturer chart in 2002 to fourth place in 2011


Hyundai New Zealand's Chief Operating Officer, Tom Ruddenklau, says the result echoes what the company has been seeing in New Zealand in terms of customer satisfaction. "Kiwis are proud to have a Hyundai in their driveway and happy to share their experiences," he says. "We recently launched Hyundai Neighborhood, an online community on our website, where people can evaluate vehicles and service before buying and talk first-hand to current owners. It's a great forum to access honest reviews, get impartial advice and ask questions. "


The quality and reliability of the Hyundai product line up has attracted numerous awards both locally and internationally in recent years. The i30 is rated fourth in the Top 50 cars of the decade, and sent shockwaves through the industry when it was named the most satisfying car in Britain in the 2010 Driver Power survey. In New Zealand the i30 won the 2009 AA Supreme Winner award.


Meanwhile the recently launched Elantra has been named AutoPacific's Ideal Compact Vehicle, while the i45 is the 2011 International Car of the Year.


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