Maruti Suzuki launches the new Swift Diesel
Maruti Udyog Ltd. lauched its new Swift Diesel introduced today, its powered by a new 56 kW (75 hp) turbocharged 1.3-litre DDiS (Diesel Direct Injection System) engine that develops 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque with fuel consumption of 4.6 l/100km (51 mpg US).
Author Review : The new Swift diesel’s 1.3 litre engine is rather powerful compared to its competitors. Even though its a Diesel engine it does a quick pick-up and rides more like a petrol engine, real smooth. Now everything apart from the engine, the dashboard, the interiors, the exterior is exactly the same as the Swift Petrol. Average mileage of 15.6 kmpl. But from my riding experience I think the brakes could be better. But for an on-Road price of 5 lacs (approx.) its a fair deal. 
Maruti Udyog Limited (MUL), Suzuki Motor’s Indian subsidiary, has unveiled the new Swift Diesel in India. The new Swift subcompact is a global car for Suzuki—designed for world markets, it is to be manufactured in Hungary, Japan, China and India.
The engine that powers the Swift Diesel is an improved and more powerful version of the engine that won Engine of the Year 2005 award in the 1–1.4 liter category in Europe, and is manufactured by Suzuki in India under license from Fiat and Opel.
The new engine combines a fixed geometry turbo with an intercooler. The 1,400 bar common rail injection system features 5-injection technology. An electronic control system in the engine sub-divides the principal injection into smaller multiple injections, leading to more homogeneous combustion. Combined with cooled exhaust gas recirculation, this brings emissions down to a Bharat Stage III rating (comparable to Euro 3), and cuts noise and vibration as well.
The plant is under a joint venture company—Suzuki Powertrain India Limited (SPIL)—in which Suzuki Motor holds 70% and MUL the remainder. The new facility has a capacity to manufacture 100,000 diesel engines annually, which is being scaled up to 300,000 engines.
TATA Indigo XL : Longer, Faster, Better
Tata Motors on Saturday launched the long wheelbase Indigo XL in Kochi. This premium version of the Indigo, the Indigo XL is a luxury sedan with a wheel base of 2650 mm, a stretch of 200 mm and top-of-the-line features. The Indigo XL surpasses sedans in the premium and luxury segments for its rear seating space and comfort.
It is equipped with 6-way powered front seats with lumbar support and a separate rear air conditioner with independent controls. The seats are made from the finest European leather. Rear seat incline is designed to optimise passenger comfort and has a central armrest with cup-holders and rear seat convenience trays. The Indigo XL will launch two new powertrains on this car. The XL sees the debut of the 1.4 DiCOR common-rail motor and though this engine displaces an outwardly similar capacity, the 1396cc motor is very different from the 475 motor. A twin-cam 16-Valve motor, this motor uses Delphi’s 1600 bar common-rail system and three injections per stroke. Valves are actuated by a spur cam shaft and there are hydraulic lash adjusters as well.
Hyundai to launch new compact car by year-end (2007)
Hyundai Motor India’s next offering in the compact car segment is all set for a November launch. The company’s new small car codenamed `Pa’ which is to be positioned between the Santro and the Getz, is most likely to carry a 1.1-1.2 litre engine. Perhaps again a Maruti WagonR competion ?
“The new car is likely to be launched around November 2007. We may be using the same petrol engine being used on the Santro or we may bring in a new 1.2-litre engine. With the launch we will address the growing compact car market with three offerings,” Mr H.S. Lheem, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India, said. Further, with growing sales of its diesel cars, Hyundai is also considering to launch a diesel variant of the Getz in the latter half of the current year with the diesel engine being initially imported from its plant in Korea. “We may be using the same petrol engine being used on the Santro or we may bring in a new 1.2 litre engine.” Also plans to launch a diesel variant of the Getz.
Honda Seil unveils upgraded version of luxury sedan : Honda Accord
Honda’s Indian joint venture Honda Seil Cars India (HSCI), revealed the upgraded version of Accord. The case against buying a Honda Accord, if there was one, just grew weaker.Honda expects to sell around 300 accords every month and with only marginal price hike, they should not have any trouble with that. Prices start at Rs 14.92 lakh for 2.4-manual (an 28,000 over the last model) and the V6 retails at Rs 17.32 lakh (an addition of Rs 39,000) and ensure that the Accord’s trump card of better value than the competition still holds.
The company which manufactured cars at its Greater Noida Facility in uttar Pradesh, would be setting up a second plant in India with an investment of $200 million ( Rs 900 Crore) through internal accruals. The plant is likely to come up in Rajasthan. Honda will be doubling its capacity at its Greater Noida plant to one lakh unit this year 2007, while new plant will have an installed prodution capacity of 2.50 lakh units, though the company will start with 50,000 units.
About the ride
What has changed ? Well not much actually, few minor updates over the last model. The oversized lamps are replaced by smaller triangular units which get LED parking/brake lights. The third brake light is integrated to the boot lid and the reverse lamps are placed along the numberplate housing on the boot. The rear bumps is lower to aid lading luggage. The new rear lamps are high-mounted and this gives it a new Identity. The bumper does lok heavier at the edges though. The front portion did not have any change this time. The 2.40litre variant like the V6 earlier now gets indicators on the side view mirrors, a new trend 
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Published on Saturday, Jan 20th, 2007 at 5:41 pm under categories : Maruti-SuzukiTags :
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Published on Wednesday, Jan 17th, 2007 at 5:45 pm under categories : TATATags :
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Published on Friday, Jan 12th, 2007 at 4:13 am under categories : HyundaiTags :
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Published on Wednesday, Jan 10th, 2007 at 5:20 am under categories : HondaTags :
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