Fiat Bravo Premium Hatchback India Launch Possible

In India where every car manufacturer believes in extracting maximum possible sales from the market, some do think quite differently and one such brand is Fiat. The company has not been able to get enough sales during the past months but still the same is now planning to introduce another model soon. From the hatchback or small car category, it’s the world renowned Fiat Bravo.

The company has always been known for its top notch engineering and innovations and with the above car we can expect some such technologies to be offered. Fiat Bravo as being reported, will not be assembled or manufactured in India, instead it will be imported as a CBU unit.

This car again will not be targeted to get enormous sales but to build a better brand portfolio in India. Fiat Bravo will feature a 2 wheel drive system and will be available in both MPFI petrol and CRDi diesel options. The diesel seems to be most promising one of all the available resources and that’s why Fiat, alike other manufacturers, is working on making diesel engines more efficient than before.

Technically the car is expected to be available in one petrol and one diesel variant which are as below:

• A 1.9 Litre CRDi Diesel variant capable of delivering a 150 BHP of maximum power at 4000 RPM and peak torque of 305 Nm
• A 1,4 Litre T-Jet MPFI petrol variant delivering 120 BHP at 5000 RPM and peak torque of 206 Nm at 1750 RPM.

All the above models coupled with a 6 speed manual transmission system.

Dimension Of Fiat Bravo

• Length : 4336 mm
• Width : 1792 mm
• Height : 1498 mm

Being so powerful the car is expected to have a top speed of 190 KMPH and since mileage is a concern in India, the petrol variant of the same is expected to go 13 KM in a litre on highway while 11 KM in city. The diesel is expected to fall a little closer to the petrol one and will deliver about 14-18 KMPL.

I seriously cannot wait to see this beautiful car come to the Indian market and wait eagerly for the launch.

Honda Jazz 2011 Vs Toyota Etios Liva– Which Is Better And Why?

Ever since Honda came up with the revised prices of Honda Jazz and Honda City, the sedan as well as small car market seems to be blesses with a new life. The City has been already doing great, except for a drop in sales only because of the unavailability of a CRDI diesel engine variant. The Jazz has been able to survive the market with not so appealing sales but the day its price was cut, a major improvement in sales was observed.

Toyota Etios Liva Exteriors Vs Honda Jazz Exteriors

Toyota has worked really hard to produce a much affordable hatchback without compromising any quality since their tagline itself says Quality Revolution. To an extent the work is quite nice but there is no aggression in the car. It looks extremely simple with nothing so striking that it would make you fall for it. In fact it the simplicity that could draw anybody’s attention.

The front of Etios is just so simple with a chrome finished grille, sporty fender, nice alloys. Going backwards again we get really safe and not so drastic body lines with least styling and towards the rear you will get a nice spoiler. So all in all it is a fairly good looking car which could be considered when you are looking for a fine built, slight sportiness and elegance.

Coming to the Jazz which has been in existence for a few years, it is an eye candy and I am confident that most of you do agree with me. If you see one passing by it somehow makes your head turn. Maybe it is exclusiveness of the car, since it is less in number, or the sheer beauty of the car. It is extremely cute to look at, has got attractive body lines on the front  and the overall shape is really sporty and does not need any add-ons like a spoiler and alloys, in fact after installing the said, it looks much more sportier and better than Liva.

Honda Jazz Exterior Dimensions

• Length (mm) 3900
• Width (mm) 1695
• Height (mm) 1535
• Wheelbase (mm) 2500

Toyota Etios Liva Exterior Dimensions

• Length = 3775 mm
• Width = 1695 mm
• Height = 1510 mm
• Wheelbase = 2460 mm

The Jazz is longer, taller and has got a marginally longer wheelbase and is exactly same in width with the Liva. So you can a little more space in Jazz than the Etios. One of the things that is disappointing to me is the design which has been kept the same, with minor changes, for the 2011 model. But still I would say that in terms of looks Jazz is way ahead of Etios Liva.

Toyota Etios Liva Interiors Vs Honda Jazz Interiors

Image – Toyota Etios Liva Interiors

image – Honda Jazz Interiors

Honda Jazz is good at style and comfort on the interiors whereas the Etios is slightly behind. The Dashboard of the Etios is quite unconventional and nice but the styling offered by Jazz is simply impressive. In spite of being an old design, the Jazz’s dashboard is amazing and offers a good quality finish. The interiors of the same are slightly roomier than the Etios but since there is not much difference in the proportions of the two there will be no drastic difference.

Feature wise in the Jazz you get Integrated Audio with AM/FM, CD, MP3, Aux in & USB, Steering Mounted Audio Control, Auto Volume by Speed, Magic Seats, Reclining Rear Seat(New), Dual Front SRS Airbags, ABS with Brake Assist, EBD  (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), G-CON ( G Force Control Technology), ECU Immobilizer, Front Seatbelt Pretentioner with Load Limiter etc. The Liva offers Dual SRS Airbags, ABS with EBD , Immobilizer ,Keyless Entry ,Driver Seatbelt Warning , Door Ajar Warning, Digital Trip meter, 2 DIN Audio System with CD / DVD, AM/ FM, USB / Aux-in support with remote control, 4 Speakers Audio System, Steering mounted Audio controls etc. So in features none is less than the other but considering the quality on the inside, the Jazz is better.

Toyota Etios Liva Petrol Engine Vs Honda Jazz Petrol Engine

Toyota Etios Liva Petrol Engine Specifications

• 4 Cylinder 16 Valve DOHC MPFI Petrol engine
• Engine displacement 1197 cc
• Max power  79 BHP @ 5600 RPM
• Max Torque 104 Nm @ 3100 RPM
• 5 Speed Manual Transmission
• ARAI certified mileage of 18.31 KMPL

Honda Jazz Petrol Engine Specifications

• No. of Cylinders 4
• No. of Valves 16
• Displacement(cc) 1198
• Maximum Horsepower PS(kW) @ rpm 90(66) @ 6200
• Maximum Torque Nm(kgm) @ rpm 110 (11.2) @ 4800
• Fuel Supply System PGM – Fi
• Fuel Efficiency 16.7 Kmpl (ARAI tested)

Both the cars equip a 1.2 Litre engine but there is a considerable difference between the performance of the two. The Etios’ engine produces peak power of 79 BHP and peak torque of 104 Nm whereas the Jazz’s engine, being of the same size, produces an appreciable 90 BHP and peak torque of 110 Nm. Being a petrol engine torque is not of much consideration but still the Etios’ engine kicks in slightly early than the Jazz and therefore is marginally more responsive but when considered the power only Jazz is bigger and better.

Toyota Etios Liva Performance & Handling Vs Honda Performance & Handling

Performance again is where Jazz is better as it has, not bigger but more powerful engine but considering the mileage only Etios is ahead with 2 KMPL. In overall ride quality and comfort again Jazz takes the lead. So it would be a no brainer to go for the Jazz if you want a car which pleases you with its driving dynamics and also has a consistent performance.

Toyota Etios Liva Petrol Price Vs Honda Jazz Petrol Price

Toyota Etios Liva Petrol Price (Ex-showroom Delhi)

• Toyota Etios Liva J is priced at Rs. 3.99 Lakhs
• Toyota Etios Liva G is priced at Rs. 4,59 Lakhs
• Toyota Etios Liva G (SP)* is priced at Rs. 5.05Lakhs
• Toyota Etios Liva V is priced at Rs. 5.49 Lakhs
• Toyota Etios Liva VX is priced at Rs. 5.99 Lakhs

Honda Jazz Petrol Price (Ex-showroom Delhi)

• Honda Jazz :  Rs. 5.50 Lakh
• Honda Jazz Select Edition :  Rs. 5.75 Lakh
• Honda Jazz X :  Rs. 6.06 Lakh (including standard kit)

Here you have a slightly confusing situation as Jazz starts at well around 5.5 Lakh whereas the Etios base can be bought for 4.00 Lakh. The next variant of Etios, the Liva G is priced at 4.6 Lakh and is also offered in a special edition which is again cheaper than the Jazz base. Coming to the top variants of the Liva the V and VX, the Jazz is finally comparable as it also starts somewhere near. In fact between the V and VX top of the line Liva models, Honda has positioned the Jazz Select model which is for 5.75 Lakh and the top end Jazz X is quite close to the Liva with a difference of only 6 k.

Toyota Etios Liva Petrol Vs Honda Jazz Petrol

The conclusion is quite difficult to get to as the Liva is more of an entry level hatchback whereas the Jazz now sits right below the premium hatchback segment. In case you want a fine at quality, good at driving, affordable and elegant looking car you can go for the Liva J and Liva G or Liva G Special edition. But if you want a little extra performance with are willing to pay a few extra thousands then Jazz is certainly better. It is better in quality, ride, handling, has better looks and also feels much more sporty. It also does make you feel like you are sitting in the same old expensive Jazz and the price cut does not reflects on the car’s looks or finish.

In terms of safety also the Jazz offers all the features as standard such as ABS, EBD etc. whereas the cheaper variants or base ones do not offer the same. If I were asked to choose one from the two I would go with the Jazz definitely as Honda’s have always been known for their comfort, quality, reliability and consistency. So we would love to award the Jazz as the better car but still if one of you is looking for a easy to afford sedan and can compromise on safety, go for the Liva.

Hyundai Eon– 800 CC Hyundai HA Official Name In India

Hyundai has been readying its 800 CC car for India for a long time now and the launch is not so far now. The official name of the Hyundai HA or Hyundai 800 in India will be Hyundai Eon. Hyundai’s small car Eon will most likely replace the Hyundai Santro in India and will be priced very aggressively to share Maruti Alto‘s territory in India. The expected price of Eon in India is between Rs. 2.5 Lakhs and Rs. 3.5 Lakhs. This is surely a cut-throat pricing in the small car segment and will bring about intense competition in this space. From the initial pictures and spy shots shared on the web, the design and visual appeal of the Eon seems to be vary appealing. Also the size of the car seems to be sufficient for comfortable commuting with 4 adults in the car, however with 5 adults it maybe little congested in the back seat.

The launch is likely to happen in October 2011 with the festival season being a good time to get into the market when the buying sentiments are high with the car buyers. We are keeping an eye on the developments and will keep you posted on the launch and other details as soon as they happen. 

Fiat Punto Evo Facelift With Two New Engines Launched At Frankfurt Motor Show 2011

Fiat is one of the world’s finest and technologically most advanced automotive manufacturers and offers some amazing products including the globally popular Fiat Grande Punto. Soon after the success the company came up withFiat Punto Evo which is a an iteration of the Grande Punto and is better in many ways.

This Italian major has a passion for innovation and to showcase their work in front of the world. The best way to do this is at International auto fairs which are held in different parts of the world and to name some w have Paris Motor Show, Frankfurt Motor Show etc. Coming to Frankfurt Motor Show, which is around the corner the company has a nice plan to showcase the new Evo with some cosmetic improvements and two new engines.

The most striking feature on the front is the positioning of the turn indicators, which are now just above the fog lamps or below the headlamps. Other highlighting features of the car is a new grille, new and crystal clear headlamps, restyled front bumpers, new alloy wheels, redesigned rear bumper with new reverse lamps.

Talking about the new engines, it will sport the globally acclaimed 1.3 Litre Fiat Multi-jet Diesel unit which after a little bit of improvements, now develops 85 BHP compared to the previous 75 BHP. The same unit incorporates a couple of technologies like variable oil pump and an intelligent alternator which together save fuel and deliver a mileage of 28 KMPL on European roads.

For the petrol version, the car equips again one of the revolutionary engines, Fiat MultiAir unit. With 900 CC  of displacement and twin turbocharged cylinders the unit produces a peak power of 85 BHP and peak torque of 145 Nm and this very unit is mated with a six speed manual transmission. The manufacturer is known for impressing the masses with its products and I hope it will succeed this time as well.

Skoda Laura RS Launched In India At Rs. 15.19 Lakhs– Price, Specifications, Features and Details

Skoda has launched the much awaited Skoda Laura RS in India at an ex-showroom Maharashtra price of Rs. 15.19 Lakhs. The Skoda Laura RS or Rally Sports Special edition has been launched keeping in mind the needs of automobile enthusiasts in India. The new Laura RS comes packed with additional comfort, convenience and safety features. The Laura RS is powered by the 1.8 Litre TSI Petrol Engine with a max power output of 158 BHP which is one of the the highest power in this segment of cars in India.

The RS takes inspiration for design and performance directly from the racetrack. Sporty Alcantara leather seats with lateral support and an RS emblem set the tone for the interiors, while ensuring comfort of the drivers and passengers even on the longest drive. A three-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel with a six-speed manual transmission continues to combine with high-performance with style and safety.

The Laura RS sports an attractive exterior which reveals its high-performance heritage. Its character is perfectly captured by the 16″ alloy wheels, aerodynamic spoiler on the boot and the aggressive chrome dual exhaust. The understated style of the RS is further reflected in the xenon curve projector headlights with dynamic leveling, corner function, with front fog lights and the LED position lamps. The new Laura RS will be available in four sporty shades of Sprint Yellow, Race Blue, Candy White and Magic Black.

Salient Design and Features of Skoda Laura RS in India

LED position lights

The independent LEDs for the position lights are located above the fog lights in the RS. In keeping with the RS design philosophy they enhance both performance and appearance.

Steel sports pedals

Race-bred alloy steel pedals, rubber grips and stylish grey-trimmed floor mats ensure the perfect blend of performance and practicality in the RS.

16” Draconis Alloy wheels

16″ alloy wheels complement the sporty exterior of the RS. Equipped with 205/55 R16 tyres, they provide safety, performance and enhanced driving comfort. From rally to road, the Skoda Laura RS inherits the best of Skoda’s rich motorsport experience to offer the motorsport enthusiast a luxurious blend of comfort, control & charisma.

Volvo Developing Plug-In Hybrid Bus Which Runs On Battery Power

Volvo is developing a plug-in Hybrid Bus for long distance commuting using electric power from Batteries. Such buses can travel long distances without leaving any exhaust fumes whatsoever. Three buses will be tested in Gothenburg, Sweden, supported by the European Union.

Volvo currently has the world’s most efficient hybrid solution for buses and trucks. Volvo Buses has sold more than 250 hybrid buses globally, which are reducing fuel consumption by up to 35% and thus also reducing energy consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions by an equal amount.

Supported by authorities including the Swedish Energy Agency, Volvo is developing a plug-in hybrid bus. It is essentially the same Volvo hybrid bus as today, where the brake energy is recycled and utilized by the electric motor. But, with a new type of battery and charging equipment it will also be possible to charge the battery via the electricity network.

The concept is based on placing battery charging stations at the end stations of the bus lines. By charging the battery there for five to ten minutes, it could significantly extend the time that the bus is able to operate only on electricity.

This could entail distances of up to ten kilometers, with the corresponding advantages in the form of silent traffic with no local emissions. It can be controlled so that the bus operates on electricity in densely populated areas or in particularly sensitive environmental areas, while the diesel engine can be used on other parts of the route. This technology will generate considerable opportunities to significantly reduce energy consumption. The reason is that electric engines have very high efficiency.

Volvo Buses expects to have a prototype bus ready for testing in 2011. The next step will be taken in autumn 2012, when a field test will commence in Gothenburg using three chargeable hybrid buses. The field test will commence in autumn 2012, but Volvo Buses does not know yet when the company will be able to offer this bus in the market.

These buses are expected to be quite expansive considering from Indian public transport authorities point of view and may take some more years before such technologies can be adopted and used in India as it required some infrastructural developments at the bus stations or bus terminals to provide for charging station and electricity needed to charge these buses. We hope such silent and environment friendly buses do make their way to Indian roads some day in the coming decade.