Paul Joseph

Bosch working on Tata Nano variants

by Paul Joseph June 20, 2011 Featured

Last time I drove the Tata Nano , it wasn’t really a pleasant experience. The lack of power steering made sure I had a bicep workout whenever I planned to park the car. Adding to that, the drum brakes coupled with no ABS meant as much as I would just look at the brakes, they would lock up. But then again, I really couldn’t complain much considering the price of the car is so low. A little relief for people like me is that Bosch, the world’s leading auto equipments manufacturer, is testing various variants of the Tata Nano with added features. Targeted at emerging economies such as Asia and South America, Bosch wants to develop low cost components for the Tata Nano that would provide better fuel consumption, components and drivability. First in line is the Power steering. Even the top variant of the Tata Nano doesn’t come with a power steering. So people who are willing to pay a little bit more than the basic model do not get the luxury of Power steering. Coupled with the left OVRM, the power steering should be able to improve the drivability of the Nano. Second is the ABS which is absolutely essential for city traffic. The ABS will definitely improve the safety aspect of the car as its current brakes are appalling. We also hope that Bosch develops low cost disc brakes to replace the current drum ones which would make braking in a Nano a less nerve tingling experience. The above features bundled with the swinging rear windshield and diesel engine will escalate prices of the Nano, but with these features in place it is a much better car than Alto you will agree. What added features do you want to see in the Nano? Tata Nano with rear view mirror on left door Tata Nano with power steering reversing

Tagged as: power, price, safety

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Spare a thought: 2013 BMW 1 Series sedan

by Paul Joseph June 20, 2011 Featured

Last month BMW released photographs of the new 1 Series. We gave our perspective of the over at SteeringNews.com. However, as BMW is not sure whether it would bring the new 1 Series or for that matter any hatchback in India, we left the topic willy nilly. But when we saw a sedan rendering of the BMW 1 Series by TheOphilusChin, a strange thought struck our mind. Earlier this year at Geneva Motor Show, Audi showcased a concept version of the A3 sedan . It was basically an entry level sedan that will be placed below the A4. Powered by a five-cylinder pot and mated to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, the A3 sedan hopes to be the new entry point for the brand. Rumor has it that Audi India is working to bring the A3 to India by the end of 2014 at a price point of 20-25 lakh rupees. Like the other two VW group cars in that segment (Skoda Superb and VW Passat), the A3 is expected to add an interesting choice. Clearly, Audi India is bullish on this segment and has some major plans to use it to develop its presence in India. If BMW decides to outsmart Audi, then the BMW 1 Series sedan will definitely come in handy. It is said that the new 1 Series will spawn 6 different body styles by 2019. The BMW 1 Series sedan makes absolute sense for Indian market if they are able to price it right. This strategy of getting an entry level car which opens the window to the brand was earlier seen in the BMW X1. There is no lack of engine options for the new sedan. The same engines that do their duty in the hatchback can be mildly re-tuned to accommodate the excess weight. We can have 1.6L petrol or a 2.0L diesel engine mated to 6-speed manual transmission with preferably rear wheel drive. The BMW 1 Series sedan needs to be below 20 lakh rupees so that there is no confusion in the line-up. It needs to be relatively spacious although one can’t expect oodles of space, as it would then cannibalize the market share of the 3 Series. Basic level of equipments should be present on the 1 Series, but we’re not sure if India will distinguish the 1 Series from the 3 Series correctly. If BMW India somehow manages to package the product correctly, it has a deadly weapon to put some European and Japanese brands to rest. What do you guys think? [Source - TheophilusChin.com ]

Tagged as: bmw, india, indian, japanese, mind, renderings, series

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What’s making news elsewhere

by Paul Joseph June 20, 2011 Featured

Honda restarts Brio bookings in Thailand Honda has resumed taking orders for the Brio in Thailand after it shut down bookings due to the twin disaster in Japan. The Honda Brio was launched in Thailand six days after the Tsumani and earthquake struck parts of Japan. It recorded 5,000 bookings in the first month but bookings had to be halted in April due to crippled parts supply from Japan. 75% of these bookings were for the top-end model. The bookings have resumed and interested people can test drive cars at showrooms. Honda Thailand will ramp up production to 80% in July and resume normal production from September. Dacia prepares new engine for next gen Logan in Romania Romanian Dacia fans have reasons to cheer as the homegrown brand introduces two new engines displacing 900cc and 1,200cc next year. These turbocharged engines will replace two versions of the 1.6-liter engine used on Logan platform vehicles presently (codenamed K7M and K4M). Dacia will use the 1.2-liter turbo petrol on the next generation Logan tuned to produce 115hp. The 900cc will be a three-cylinder while the 1,200cc engine is a four pot. Turbocharging promises to enhance performance while keeping dioxide emissions in check. Renault India updates future line-up, shows third car for 2011 Renault India has updated the future line-up section on its website showing a third model for 2011. The French car maker is however not planning a third car this year, as the website suggests. The Koleos will debut in October after which the third launch will be in January, perhaps at the Auto Expo. This will be the V-Platform hatchback . The Duster SUV is expected in 2012 with high localization. Renault is expected to price the V-Platform hatch between 4-6 lakh rupees and the Duster between 8-10 lakh rupees. Ford close to finalizing Gujarat for hosting mother plant Business Standard has carried a story today on how talks between the Ford officials and Gujarat government are making headway. The company is looking for 550 acres of land to set up its mother plant that could cater to export ambitions. Ford plans to bring in 8 new models by mid-decade and without any heavy investment and expansion, it cannot meet the demand for these products. The Gujarat plant could be the home of the next generation Ka could roll out strapped with the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine. Ford is also working out plans to expand the Maraimalainagar facility outside Chennai where Fiesta, Figo, Classic and Endeavour are made. [Source - Business-Standard.com ]

Tagged as: honda, honda-brio, india, renault, renault india

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Jaguar to launch two new XKR-S variants soon

by Paul Joseph June 20, 2011 Featured

Jaguar XKR-S, the sportiest car of the British car maker Jaguar, is expected to be launched in two new variants in the Indian market including a sedan and a convertible version. As per recent media reports, the new Jaguar XKR-S will come powered by …read more

Tagged as: british, indian, jaguar, the-new

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Renault-Dacia Duster likely to hit Indian roads soon

by Paul Joseph June 20, 2011 Featured

Dacia, a Romanian car maker that is a fully owned subsidiary of the French auto giant Renault, is speculated to roll-out an all new SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) and ndash; Duster and ndash; in the Indian market in coming months. As per a recent media repor …read more

Tagged as: car-maker, french, sports-utility

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Toyota Etios Liva to launch on 27th at Rs 4 to 5 lakh

by Paul Joseph June 20, 2011 Featured

Toyota Etios Liva, one of the most awaited compact hatchbacks in the Indian market, is all set to hit the Indian roads on June 27th. The Indian subsidiary of the world and rsquo;s largest car maker Toyota Motors will be launching the all new Etios Liva i …read more

Tagged as: etios, etios-liva, indian, largest-car, the-world, toyota, toyota-etios, world

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Tata Motors should have newer technology and better products by 2020: Ratan Tata

by Paul Joseph June 20, 2011 Featured

The chief of the country and rsquo;s largest vehicle maker Tata Motors and ndash; Ratan Tata – has said that the company will be able to develop products with reliability, finish and technology as it should be more mature by year 2020. According to Mr. Tata …read more

Tagged as: country, largest-vehicle, the-country

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2011 Hero Honda Glamour – The lowdown

by Paul Joseph June 20, 2011 Featured

Hero Honda has launched the 125cc Glamour/Glamour FI with a few nips and tucks. Those familiar with Hero Honda’s facelift tradition will won’t have to be told that the mechanicals remain untouched. The cosmetic elements have been enhanced. Hero Honda has planned for continuously refreshing its products to keep the interest alive on the bikes. 2011 Hero Honda Glamour facelift changes New Stickers Redesigned Front cowl and visor Sportier muffler cover New digital + analogue meter console New trapezoidal headlight Tank extension Maintenance-free battery 2011 Hero Honda Glamour Price The prices haven’t seen much of change yet the new goodies on offer will excite the customer and will surely affect the sales, that too in the favor of the company. According to the Hero Honda website the indicated price of the Glamour is PGM FI (Front Disc): Rs. 70,018 (On road Bangalore) Front Disc Variant: Rs. 61,130 (On road Bangalore) Front Drum Variant: Rs. 57,781 (On road Bangalore) 2011 Hero Honda Image Gallery [Source - BharatAutos.com ]

Tagged as: bangalore, bikes, customer, hero, hero honda, sales

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Honda CBR250R concept by Ride It

by Paul Joseph June 20, 2011 Featured

At the time when the Indian motorcyclists are getting ready to lay their hands on this 250cc other parts of the world have people who have started conceptualizing and customizing it to their tastes. A new concept called “Race” from Thai tuners Ride IT is in the design and development phase in where are pondering over giving the CBR250R a thorough makeover. The new paint and sticker job could just be stage 1 of the tuning operation. They have also used light weight carbon fiber wherever possible and equipped the bike with an all new exhaust. The entire stickering and the rear seat cover makes the bike fit for display on a racing track. It would not be a bad idea if HMSI seek some ideas from these concept models and introduce one in the Indian market. After all no one minds an extra option specially in our country where products sell more because of their looks rather than the capabilities. Coming back to the Honda CBR250R in India I’m yet to see one on road yet. I’m glad that at least one bike manufacturer has taken this step of introducing a 250cc bike while keeping the price within the range of most of the people.

Tagged as: bike, honda, india, indian, price, time

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Kittisak Racing modifies Honda CBR250R

by Paul Joseph June 19, 2011 Featured

Kittisak Racing a Thailand based bike tuner/modifier showcased their newly tuned CBR 250R at the BKK MotorBike Fest 2011 which was a part of the Bangkok International Motor show. According to Kittisak Racing, the Honda CBR 250R which has not even completed an year in its life cycle was a perfect bike to play with and showcase the capabilities of both the tuner and the bike. The CBR250R has proved how comfortable the bike is both on the track and for everyday use as its if very affordable on price and is highly efficient on fuel consumption. Sure the bike is a lot of fun in its stock form but there are a lot of enthusiast who want to upgrade the performance soon after getting used to the stock output. The CBR is one of the most affordable sports bike and further modification usually does not involve second thought for its owners. It is for such customers Kittisak has come out with their own version of the CBR 250R which includes a host of performance modifications but what catches your eyes first is the stark yellow paint job which has been called the Bumble Bee (Yes slightly influenced by the Chevy Camaro from the Transformers movies) . After studying the bike, Kittisak Racing was cure enough of the flexibility of the engine of the bike and hence it proved to be the perfect choice for them. The list of additions is exhaustive but everything is highly desirable and purposeful. A few important modifications on the long list – * Carbon Kevlar Stop lamp and Tail * Engine Protector * Frame slider * Darkened Front Headlamp with Angle Eye, LED and projector. * DID performance chain setup * Yoshimura Full Freeflow Exhaust System * LED turn lights * Handlebar stabilizer * Ban Diablo Tire and Brembo rear petal disc setup * Bumblebee Yellow Paintjob with fairing graphics The bike is a now a tasty composition of performance and looks and will keep all those who are hungry for more horsepower and looks satisfied for long. Honda CBR250R customized by Kittisak Racing Source – motor-modified.co.cc

Tagged as: bike, honda

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