Ford Figo-: Ford to step into small cars with the Figo

If ever there was a single noteworthy indicator to suggest that the Ford Motor Company was not just determined and willing but also wanting to use finesse, cutting edge design and technology while having the gumption to burst in on the cut throat small car class of what is actually turning out to be the world's largest small car market it had to be Ford CEO Alan Mullaly jetting in to India to reveal his company's first ever modern B-segment offering in the world.

Well for India and for Asia-Pacific, Ford hasn't had a small car, preferring to use badge-engineered Mazdas for the purpose. However the grim economic reality in the developed world has forced Ford, like many other brands, to focus more closely and actively on Asia.

We have to be here because it is all happening in India as far as small cars are concerned," said Mullaly speaking exclusively to ZigWheels.com. "The global small car projections speak for themselves, and we don't want to miss out on a segment which could be as large as 70 to 80 per cent of the world's car production."

Mulally has confirmed that the small car will go on sale in the first quarter of 2010, between January and March. The new car will be called the Figo and is expected to function in the cut-throat Indian hatchback space. Pricing of the Figo will be very competitive on the same lines, and Ford is expected to go up against firmly rooted and established small-car competitors in terms of the product and its pricing.

The all new Ford B-segment offering is an all new car on a completely new platform which has been engineered by Ford using a global team but with its Indian arm spearheading much of the execution. This new car to be built as hatchback, notchback, even a small MAV (multi activity vehicle) and any other configuration which could slip into finer niches, is to be built at various Ford manufacturing facilities in Asia-Pacific and also in Europe but the programme gets underway first in India. This is by far the most significant detail which illustrates that Ford is now turning its attention even more fiercely with a determination which it hadn't displayed in its over 15 year journey in India.

The new small car, will be powered by either a 1.2-litre petrol or a 1.5 litre diesel engine, the right displacement sizes to make full use of the excise tax benefits earmarked by the Indian government for cars of its types and length. Alan was bullish not just about the proportions of the car but also its dynamics and more importantly the interior which would surely be a step forward for cars of this genre and class.

Ford Figo-: Ford bets big on small car

The Blue Oval's 500-million-dollar investment to ramp up its Chennai plant in anticipation of the high volumes it plans to achieve for its soon-to-be-launched small car.
Ford's tryst with India has been a long and lukewarm one, neither greeted with stupendous success nor catastrophic failures. A long and sustained stint in the country however has given Ford enough understanding of the way our seemingly bewildering automotive market works. Cost price is king, and small cars mean big volumes. After the fair selling Ikon Flair and piggyback picking-up sales of the Fiesta, Ford is now planning to enter the cut-throat Indian small car space. And from the looks of it, it could be more than well equipped to deliver a surprise.

The company's manufacturing facility near Chennai is ramping up in an aggressive manner to double its current capacity to 2 lakh units annually.

Maruti Ritz.

About Maruti Ritz.

Maruti Suzuki India has come up with another global hatchback - Splash - which has been renamed for Indian Market and has been christened Ritz. The name change is because of registration problem as Splash has been already registered by some other manufacturer.

Maruti Ritz is fifth global model for the Maruti Suzuki India after the launch of Swift, Grand Vitara, SX4 & A-Star. Based on an all-new platform, the production version has some hints of the Swift and SX4, interspersed with a C-pillar design that harks back to the concept.

At the Paris Motor Show in late September 2006, Suzuki presented `Project Splash`, a concept car showcasing a taste of the styling of the future production-version Splash (Ritz). The extremely positive response of the audience confirmed to Akira Kamio and his team that they had taken the right path for Ritz.

Design.

Unlike traditional hatchbacks, the rear end has allowed for a thicker C-pillar and made provision for a smaller quarter glass that is not very different from the Swift. With an overall width of 1.68 metres, the Ritz is 8cm wider than the Wagon R+. Smartly shaped headlights give it a friendly appearance, and they combine with a trapezoidal grille to form a “face” that reflects the new Suzuki family identity.

The Suzuki brand emblem proudly takes its place in the centre of the grille, and the entire front end of the car incorporates energy-absorbing structures for pedestrian protection.

The Ritz is streamlined rather than boxy, but it is uncompromised in terms of interior roominess, functionality, and configurability. Its profile displays a gently rising nose, A-pillars that blend into the roof and a roofline that gently slopes toward the back, culminating in an almost vertical tailgate. Short overhangs create a compact and neat appearance.

The tailgate has an inward obtuse angle to it, something seen more often on French hatchbacks. On the inside, the Ritz continues the raid on Suzuki's parts bin with the steering wheel, gear knob, door handles, indicator switches, etc first seen on the Swift/SX4. Though, that is where the raid ends.

Engine Option.

The Ritz has been launched with two engine options - one petrol and one diesel. The petrol one is the recently launched 1197cc, 4 Cylinders, K12M engine which generates 85 Bhp at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 117 Nm at 4200 rpm.

The common-rail diesel is 1248cc engine which develops maximum power of 75 bhp, manufactured at Manesar in India. All these engines will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

The gear lever is mounted high up and the driving seat is, like the steering wheel, adjustable for height. It controls an electric power steering system with about the right amount of weight but no true feel of the road. Its suspension is quite firm, in an effort to keep it agile despite the height, so it feels accurate enough in corners.

for more information please visit:
http://autos.maxabout.com/cvid0000836/maruti-splash-gt.aspx

Swift Dzire VXI

Review

Maruti DZire is the next value for money sedan in its segment from Maruti cradle after SX4 , SX4 was a good hit by sales number. Maruti has launched the Dzire in 6 variants - 3 of petrol and 3 diesel.
Base model of petrol version is available for Rs. 4.49 lakhs(Ex-showroom Delhi) and base model of diesel version is priced at Rs. 4.90 Lakhs(Ex-showroom Delhi).

Engines.

Maruti has launched Dzire with its new-generation 1300cc Multijet diesel engine and in a 1.3-litre petrol variant. It uses the same engines as the swift and there is very marginal increase in weight(30kg) which ensures that the performance is same like the swift.

The Petrol engine develops maximum power of 87 Bhp at 6000 rpm with maximum torque of 113 Nm at 4500 rpm and diesel engine develops maximum power of 75 Bhp at 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 190 Nm at 2000 rpm. Both the engines feel very refined and have enough power with resonable mileage.

Interiors, Safety features & Mileage.

To be more upmarket, interiors have been refreshed for the Maruti Dzire with the contemporary beige upholsteries, the stuff used is imported velvet in a combination of plain and checks. The Speedometer and tachometer looks good with crome surrounds and are white-lit which looks cool at night.

Steering has been borrowed from SX4, top end variant comes with steering mounted stereo controls like SX4. It comes with dash integrated audio system, power windows, power steering and remote central locking.

Safety features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, collapsible steering column and an i-CATS anti-theft facility. Many of these features are first-time offerings in the segment.

Without doubt Dzire's trump card is the mileage. Verna, Indigo come a distant second and only competition is from Mahindra Renault Logan.

Maruti is higher in terms of power also and it is the most economical since it uses a 5-point injection. Also the weight of Dzire is not significant to affect the mileage in comparison to its hatchback verion.

Pricing & Resale Value.

Maruti Suzuki has launched Dzire with an introductory price ranging from Rs 4,49,000 to Rs 6,70,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). The petrol variant will cost Rs 4,49,000 to Rs 5,90,000 and the diesel Rs 5,39,000 to Rs 6,70,000.
Maruti outsells all other cars and therefore you will have a better chance of reselling your car at a higher value than a Verna or a Logan. Dzire is offered in seven colours: Arctic White, Silky Silver, Clear Beige, Midnight Black, Bright Red, Azure Gray and Sovereign Blue.

For more information please visit:
http://autos.maxabout.com/cvid0000597/maruti_swift_dzire_vxi.aspx

Maruti Swift Desire LXI

VEHICLE SUMMARY

Name	Swift Dzire
Model	LXI
Car Body Type	Sedan
Segment	C Segmant
Top Speed	168
Fuel Consumption (highway)	13.00 kmpl
Fuel Consumption (city)	11.00 kmpl

VERDICT

FOR	Refined Engine Reasonably Priced
AGAINST	Boot looks like a add-on Cramped Interiors

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

Displacement:	1298cc, 4 Cylinder, 16 valve
Engine Type:	Petrol
Maximum Power:	87bhp @ 6000rpm
Maximum Torque:	113 Nm @4500rpm

DIMENSIONS

Length:	4160 mm
Width:	1690 mm
Height:	1530 mm

for more information please visit:
http://autos.maxabout.com/cvid0000595/maruti_swift_dzire_lxi.aspx

About Maruti Swift Desire

Maruti Swift Desire

Maruti has launched its entry level sedan, Swift Desire in both petrol and diesel engines.Passenger car market leader Maruti launched its entry-level sedan, Swift DZire. The new car is set to redefine the market and stir excitement in the entry-level sedan segment. The Swift DZire, offers luxury feature options like integrated stereo, steering mounted audio controls, automatic climate control and power windows. It also comes with safety features like Dual Airbags, ABS and CBD, collapsible steering column and an i-CATS car security system. The Swift DZire is the seventh model Maruti Suzuki has launched in the last three years in the Indian market. Under the new product strategy, the company is looking at large number of customers owning compact cars and with growing incomes and better lifestyle their appetite to upgrade to a sedan. DZire is pitted against other entry level sedans, like Mahindra Renault Logan and Hyundai Accent and offers more style, features and performance. The petrol version of DZire comes with a 1.3 litre, 16 valve, ALTec -32 bit engine, offering a maximum 87 bhp at 6000 rpm. The diesel version comes with the 1.3 litre DDiS engine, offering a torque of 190 Nm at 2000 rpm. The car comes in seven colours: Arctic White, Silky Silver, Clear Beige, Midnight Black, Bright Red, Azure Gray and Sovereign Blue. Incidentally, this is the seventh model from Maruti in the last three years.

Unveiling the new car in Ahmedabad, Rajesh Uppal, Chief General Manager of MSIL said that though the Company has two cars in the mid size segment- SX4 and Swift Desire, both are targeted at different types of customers. SX4 is targeted t the upper mid size segment, the Swift Desire is focused at customers wanting to upgrade their segment.

Base model of petrol version starts from Rs4.50 lakh and for diesel from Rs.5.40 lakh.

Maruti Swift Review

Maruti Swift Review

The New Maruti Swift is featured with Common Rail Direct Injection technology which gives the best performance with the all new Maruti Swift. In the category of B-segment cars Swift delivers new quality of power, response and fuel efficiency. Swift at present is available in three to five way door opening options. Safety features of the car include air bags, electronic brake force distribution and even brake assist. Power steering and spacious interiors are specialty of Maruti Swift.

Maruti Swift Description

The New Swift Diesel, Underneath that amazing body now lies the next generation of Common Rail Direct Injection Technology that is unlike anything you have ever experienced before. At the heart of this advanced technology lies a DDiS engine(The DDiS engine is manufactured indigenously at the new state-of-the-art plant at Manesar, Haryana) that delivers completely new levels of power,refinement, response and fuel efficiency, Swift is a clean-sheet design, built on a newly developed platform with three- and a five-door models on offer. Underneath the cutesy styling, though, it’s a lot less avantgarde, with contemporary (if hardly revolutionary) mechanicals. Suzuki has adopted torsion beam rear suspension – as is the class norm with cars in the B segment – instead of their usual three-link set-up, and fitted necessary modern safety systems such as electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. Accompanying those active safety systems are twin front airbags, and optional side and curtain airbags. Big-car features such as keyless ignition are also optional, There’s a choice of three engines: a 65bhp 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol, a 75bhp 1.5-litre petrol with variable valve timing, and a 1.3-litre turbodiesel with common-rail injection. There are also three gearboxes on offer, with a five-speed manual, robotised five-speed manual and four-speed automatic gearboxes available on selected engines.

About Maruti Suzuki

Knowing Maruti Suzuki.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL, formerly Maruti Udyog Limited), a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan, is India's largest passenger car company, accounting for over 50 per cent of the domestic car market.

Suzuki Motor Corporation.
Starting business in 1909 as Suzuki Loom Works, the firm was incorporated in 1920. Since foundation Hamamatsu, Japan, SUZUKI has steadily grown and expanded. During the post-W.W.II period, motorized bike 'Power free' which earned a good reputation was followed by 125cc motorcycle 'Colleda', and later by the pioneering 'Suzulight' lightweight car that helped bring Japan's automotive revolution. Each of these was epoch-making in their own right as they were developed and manufactured by optimizing the most advanced technologies of that period.

Today, constantly going forward to meet changing lifestyles, the SUZUKI name is seen on a full range of motorcycles, automobiles, outboard motors and related products such as generators and motorized wheelchairs.

The mark trademark is recognized by people throughout the world as a brand of quality products that offer both reliability and originality. SUZUKI stands behind this global symbol with a sure determination to maintain this confidence in the future as well, never stopping in creating such advanced 'value-packed products'.

1) Net sales ( 3,502,419) exceeded the pervious terms for the 9th consecutive year ( Growth of 10.7 %)

2) Operating Income ( 149,405 Million Yen) exceeded the previous terms for the 8th consecutive year ( Growth of 12.4 %)

3) Net Income (80, 254 Million Yen) exceeded the previous terms for the 7th consecutive year (Growth of 7%)

Today, the Suzuki brand is synonymous with 'value-packed' products, which offer quality, reliability and originality. An integral part of the Suzuki concept to deliver 'value-packed' products lies in ensuring that the company use the most modern manufacturing equipment and technologies together with factory workers and engineers. In addition, various activities are aimed at continually enhancing productivity, strict quality controls and effective communication.

For more information please visit:

http://www.marutisuzuki.com/suzuki-motor-corporation.aspx

Maruti sx4

About Maruti Sx4
Maruti Suzuki SX4 is an A3 segment sedan car. Launched in India by Maruti Udyog Ltd., the sedan comes across as a perfect blend of style, performance, safety, and comfort. The combined efforts of Suzuki and Maruti that have gone into its manufacture have made SX4 popular amongst the car connoisseurs of India. Available in dazzling colors and two variants, Maruti SX4 has almost bowled over the Indian buyers, who dream of owning a luxurious car.

Engine
Maruti SX4 is powered by 1.6 L 16-valve M-series engine that generates maximum power of 87bhp @ 6000rpm and maximum torque of 145 Nm @ 4200 rpm. The 1298 cc engine is equipped with MPFI ignition system. The suspensions, brakes, and transmissions were regulated in Europe, with further fine-tuning done to suit the Indian roads.

Design And Comfort
With 4,490 mm length and 1,735 mm width, Maruti SX4 is designed to suit the crowded Indian roads. The muscular and dynamic exterior styling make the sedan look very grand. The vehicle comes with an electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirror. Adding to the graceful appearance of SX4 are its 15" large wheels, arched bumpers and wrap-around head and tail lamps. The car offers a luxurious and comfortable ride.

Technical Specifications of Maruti SX4

Overview
Model	Maruti SX4
Body Type	Sedan
Number Of Doors	5
Seating Capacity	5
Fuel Capacity	43 Litres
Dimensions
Length	3695 mm
Width	1735 mm
Height	1560 mm
Wheelbase	2500 mm
Ground Clearance	170 mm
Minimum Turning Radius	4.7 m
Weight
Kerb Weight	980 kg (LXi) 1000 kg (Vxi) 1010 kg (Zxi)
Engine
Type	1.6 L 16 V
Number Of Cylinders	4
Displacement	1586 cc
Transmission	5 manual
Max. Power	87bhp @ 6000rpm
Max. Torque	145 Nm @ 4200 rpm
Suspension
Front Suspension	Independent suspension with gas-filled McPherson strut & anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension	Semi independent torsion beam with gas filled shock absorbers
Brake
Front	Ventilated Disc
Rear	Drum
Steering Type	Rack & Pinion with Electronic Power Steering
Tyre Size	195/65R15 175/65R14 185/65R14 175/65R14

For more information please visit

http://www.india-server.com/cars/features/maruti-sx4-107.html

Honda city handling & safety

Handling and Safety

The new Honda City offers more safety features, especially for pedestrians. The engine hood hinges, front fenders, front grille and front windshield support structure are especially designed to absorb energy easily and bend out of the way whenever possible for better pedestrian collision safety. Other safety features include dual front SRS airbags, active headrests to prevent whiplash injuries for the front passenger and driver, with the usual combination of ABS (Antilock Brake System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).

Stereo and Accessories

The new Honda City packed with the advanced integrated audio system that offers passengers the liberty to integrate with any of the advanced equipments like iPod, MP3 player, USB Memory and Mobile phone with MP3 player. This advanced audio system offers high quality sound with advanced fuctionalities and it comes with steering mounted audio controls and separate remote controls that enhances driving comfort.
The new Honda City is equipped with an effective and powerful air conditioning system with heater that offers the atmosphere that passengers required. Its powerful blower with advanced compressor, along with resr under-seat ducts offers an unforgettable driving experience with total comfort.

Honda city interiors

Interior Appearance

The interiors of the new Honda City is very attractive with dual tone dashboard that is packed with the advanced looking instrument panel and beige upholstery. Honda City offers stylish, spacious and comfortable room with generous leg space, excellent front visibility and enough head space for a 6ft tall person. The instrument cluster of Honda City is also placed to the most appropriate place for easy access. The all new Honda City interiors is designed to meet the needs of customers by providing a variety of convenient, multi-purpose storage places.

Interior Comfort

The rear seats of Honda City is set bit higher than its front seats so that all passengers sitting on the rear seat can get a good view out, and all seats are comfortable enough. Under the rear passenger seats of Honda City there is a powerful blower is placed with special and advanced compressor along with the under seat ducts that offers an unforgettable total comfort experience.

Interior Measurements

To reduce the previous odd look of Honda City, Honda has made the new Honda City 45mm lower than older one, but still it maintains a good amount of headroom. Honda City designers changed the seat rail design and also reduced the thickness of cushion (though its comfort is maintained) to reduce the seating position of driver by 15mm. Its rear seats offers storage space under it and Honda claims that you can store your umbrella there.

Engine Capacity and Performance

All three variants of Honda City are equipped with the same capacity engine - its all three variants are equipped with a 1.5L, 1497cc, i-VTEC engine that offers high engine performance. Its 1497cc powerplant produces 118PS power and and 146Nm torque. There are few more improvements in this new i-VTEC engine. Its new engine features 4-valves per cylinder, with larger 28mm diameter intake valves. Its valve area is increased by 4% and it reduces the over all pumping losses and offers maximum output.

Honda city exteriors

Exterior Appearance
The new Honda City comes with a dynamic styling with its aggressive front grille that offers bold and distinctive look to this car and it seems that its front is inspired by the Honda's global product Honda Civic. Honda uses the reflector lense in its headlamps instead of the more expensive projector type headlamp that bit reduces the overall manufacturing cost of this car. From the rear side the new Honda City seems like a BMW 3-series with its aggressive looking bumper and tail lamps.

Exterior Measurments
The dimension of the new Honda City are - its length is 4,395mm, width is1,695mm and the height of this car is 1,470mm. The designers of this car have definitely taken some design cues from its luxurious sedan model Honda Civic especially for its dashing front look.

Wheels

As for the wheels, the new Honda City get either a 5-spoke alloy wheel with 15 inch size, or those funky Y-shaped 5-spokers alloy wheel with the 16 inch size. At the Indian market, the new Honda City is available with a 3-piece 5-poke designed wheel cover with 15 inch size. The tyre sizes of new Honda City are 175/65R15 and 185/55R16.

Honda City

Honda City Review

Overall

The third-generation Honda City has started wooing the Indian auto lovers. The new Honda City is a luxurious sedan model that has lot of advanced features to offer to its potential buyers - new i-VTEC engine, new aerodynamic design, more grandeur, increased interior space, and of course, top-notch performance. Honda City has been well known as a prestigious brand in Indian market since its first launch in 1998 and it maintains a significant market share in its segment and its new model should taken its popularity to a much higher level. In India Honda City has been awarded as the "Car of the Year".

Honda City Description :

The aerodynamic looks of new Honda City - at the utmost are the most inspiring. With ba arrowshot form of design, the front grilles of the car are very appealing. Further the headlights of the vehicle are very sharp which adds to its compatibility. Interiors are very spacious because of the multiple storage facilities available. To add to the convenience with music Honda City is equipped with advanced integrated audio.

The New Honda City comes with a 1.5L, 1497cc, i-VTEC engine with four cylinders and 16 valves. This i-VTEC technology offers higher fuel efficiency with increased engine performance. Further the 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts that offers much more convenience in handling the car. The unique Paddle Shift gear transmission option make you able to switch gears without using the clutch pedal. Considering the performance aspect of the car it has a capacity to provide a maximum power of 118PS at the rate of 6600 rpm. On the other hand it delivers a torque of 146Nm at the rate of 4800 rpm. Honda City has a Rack and Pinion type of steering system having a minimum turning radius of 5.3m. Front brakes are disc type while the rear brakes are drum type. Fuel tank capacity of the vehicle is 42 litre. Presently Honda City is available with three variants with both manual and automatic gear transmission and with six exciting colors. In order to transform the Honda City into once comfort zone paasenger just needs to start up the AC system with a heater added which is capable of transforming the inside space as per required.

Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

The new i-VTEC with EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) technology of Honda City offers high engine performance with increased fuel economy - it offers mileage around 14kmpl in city roads while on highway it gives 17kmpl which makes it the most fuel efficient car in its segment.

Power

The new Honda City is available with three variants out of which its two variants - Honda City 1.5 E MT and Honda City 1.5 S MT are equipped with 1.5L, 1497cc, i-VTEC petrol engine with the 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that is able to produce 118PS power @ 6600rpm and 14.9Kg-m torque @ 4600rpm while its another variant Honda City 1.5 S AT is also equipped with the same engine that produces the same power only the difference is that it is equipped with the automatic transmission gearbox.

Acceleration and Pick up

The 1497cc powerplant of Honda City offers great acceleration to cross the mark of 100kmph in just 10 seconds and make it able to achieve the top speed mark of 170kmph.

For more information please visit

http://www.cardekho.com/carmodels/Honda/Honda_City