Tata Nano Gets Expensive

Tata Motors will hike price of its cheapest car Tata Nano by Rs. 9000 from Nov 01. The vehicle maker said in a statement the price rise was to partially neutralise the steep increase in input costs in the last two years.

“Tata Motors is taking a minor price increase on the Tata Nano, effective from November 1, to partially neutralise the steep increase in input costs in the last two years. The average increase is about Rs. 9,000 (ex-showrooms), with prices varying from city to city and model to model,” the company said in a statement.


So far Tata Motors has increased the rate of Nano only for one time. In July, 2010, company has hiked the Nano’s price ranging between Rs. 3,700 and Rs. 6,894 (based on ex-showroom, Delhi prices).

The company has tied up with 39 banks, NBFC, cooperative and grameen banks to offer customers with loans for purchasing the Tata Nano at attractive rates of interest. More such arrangements are in process. As a result of these tie-ups, the Tata Nano can be owned at an EMI of less than Rs 3,000.

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World's fastest car Bugatti Veyron launched in India

Bugatti Automobiles, the Volkswagen Group company launched its super premium sports model  Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport on Thursday, 28th Oct, 2010. With this new launch in the country, the benchmark for luxury cars in India  just got higher.
The price of the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport begins at Rs. 16 crore. It is said to be the most expensive car  to ablaze the Indian roads. Guy Caquelin, Bugatti Automobiles Sales Market Manager (Middle East, Europe and India) commented that Bugatti has been performing good in Europe, Middle East and in America. Now they find the Indian automobile market as an emerging market for the company. That is why the company has decided to bring the model to India, added Caquelin.
    
The distribution of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport which is priced at Rs. 16 crore onwards will be done by the Indian dealer Exclusive Motors of the company. Till now, India’s most  expensive cars have been the Maybach and the Rolls Royce Phantom. These cars are available with the price of about Rs. 5 crore. Exclusive Motors Managing Director Satya Bagla commented that the cost  of the model will be dependent on the foreign exchange fluctuation. It will also be dependent on the levels of customisation which a buyer asks for. However, he commented that there is a sure chance for such expensive models because the Indian luxury car market is growing at around 25 per cent. The model Bugatti Veyron is approximately four times more expensive than those which are being sold in India. That is why, at present, they are testing the response of customers. When Caquelin was asked about any order for the model, he replied that the delivery for the same will take around six-eight months from the order date. Caquelin also said that this year, Bugatti is targeting between sixty and eighty units of the car for sale all over the world. He further added that globally, there have been certain queries from three to four Indians.

The company is also claiming that on production, the Bugatti Veyron is also the fastest car. The model has been prepared to drive on the general roads of the world offering a top speed of 407 km/hour . This includes an acceleration of 0-100km/hour in 2.7 seconds.

To Know More About Bugatti Veyron [PHOTO GALLERY] Click Here

All New Honda CBR250R Meluncur di Thailand

Honda CBR250R - Photo by dapurpacu.comBANGKOK (dp) - A.P. Honda Co.., Ltd.., Thailand, today, Wednesday (27/10), officially launched the all-new Honda CBR250R in Bangkok. The launch of this bike sports at once began selling Honda motorcycles 250cc engine capacity in the ASEAN market.Contributors Dapurpacu.com in Bangkok, Komar Johari, reported the launch carried out promptly at 13:00 local time (

Harga Honda CBR250R Tanpa C-ABS

Honda CBR250R photo by dapurpacu.comJAKARTA (dp) - PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM) will certainly come to sell all-new Honda CBR250R to Indonesia today, Wednesday (27/10), launched in Bangkok, Thailand. The assurance was conveyed directly AHM Executive Vice President Johannes Loman told Dapurpacu.com.Loman did not want to specify the CBR250R specification that will be sold in the country. When asked

Fiat Linea T-Jet Review

It could be conveniently said that the Fiat Linea was the first step in the reformation and resurgence of the Italian marque which has had a presence in India for a few decades now. While the Palio was still a car that had a more real world appeal, the model available in India was slightly dated, and nowhere close to the design and style oomph that the Italians have been known to incite amongst car lovers

. With the Linea, the company looked to change its image, and to some extent the C-segment sedan game in India-and it would not be inaccurate if we were to say that Fiat managed to do that to an agreeable extent. More heartening than anything was the fact that a properly Italian compact sedan, with the same drop dead gorgeous looks with which it graces streets in Europe, was available to be used and enjoyed by Indian car lovers.

There was a small bit of a problem though. While the widespread opinion amongst car lovers and automotive journalists around the country seemed to be that the engines that were being offered in the car were lacking power, the same powerplants seemed to work just fine on Tata and Maruti Suzuki cars. We traced the problem to gearboxes with ratios inappropriate for Indian driving conditions ? they just didn?t work well in cohorts with the engines. The cars were still in line with the tenet that India prefers small, frugal engines, but for a vehicle that had inherently great underpinnings and suspension which imparted it with impressive handling and ride quality, the engine-gearbox combinations were game spoilers to a small extent. The shortcoming though is about to solve itself after a year and a half of the car being around, with the entry of the turbocharged, direct injection 1.4-litre T-Jet engine.

Before we get into the nitty-gritties of the car itself, a quick word on Fiat?s T-Jet engine. Based on a direct-injection technology in which fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber as opposed to in the manifold, the T-Jet family of engines subscribes to the new philosophy of European manufacturers opting to maximize the potential of small displacement engines. Volkswagen has been following a similar approach to petrol engines with its TFSI technology, and despite initial reservations the new way of treating fuel has taken off this side of the Atlantic in a big way. What seals the case massively in the favour of turbocharged direct injection is the responsiveness it imparts to engines ? from big torque of good driveability and fuel efficiency, to the high revving performance one would expect from a petrol mill. And all this with big savings in fuel and emissions, thanks to cleaner and more efficient burning inside the cylinderse.

The introductory drive of the Linea with its new powerplant took the cardunia team to the airstrip at the Amby Valley City at Lonavla near Pune. While testing and experiencing the car on a 1.5 kilometre straight with cones thrown in to test the car?s response to change in direction was far from the perfect way to evaluate the new car, it did bring a lot of things into stark notice. To start with, the quickness of the T-Jet engine in a straight line is encouraging. We?ll still need to subject it to real words roads, in different gears and over different gradients, but preliminary impressions are good. The figures on paper are interesting too ? pumped by a 2.2 bar turbo, the 1.4-litre T-Jet engine makes 114PS of power at a high 5000 rpm, but also manages to churn out a startling 207Nm of torque, which is commendable for a small-displacement petrol engine. The T-Jet version also gets bigger 16-inch wheels and wider 205/55 tyres, which should aid handling sufficiently for the enhanced speeds.

In a nutshell, the experience when compared to the current versions of the Linea is much more exciting, and looks further in the direction of customer satisfaction, especially so for performance minded buyers. Our final tests on real roads and surfaces will be more telling, and the ultimate judgment on the car will depend on how Fiat prices the car, so log on to www.cardunia.blogspot.com for our report on the car, real soon!

Toyota Prius Hybrid To Be Built in Thailand

Gas prices might not be high here in the Untied States currently, but they sure are in other countries and Toyota is reaping the benefits. The Priushybrid is selling so well, that Toyota is looking to extend production of the car to Thailand.

According to Japan’s Nikkei, Toyota would use Thailand as an export base for all of Southeast Asia. That might even include Japan, where the Prius has been the best-selling car for 15 straight months.

Thailand is currently building the Camry Hybrid, which should make it easy to expand Prius production. It will be so easy in fact, that production could begin by the end of this year. The car’s batteries and other various components will still come from Japan.

Currently, the hybrid is built in China and Japan. Toyota was going to bring production to the United States, but a slumping economy last year threw that plan into the grave.

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Nissan Micra Car Review in India

Read latest review on new Nissan Micra cars in India. Make a detailed research on Nissan Micra by knowing its features, specifications and highlights before making up your mind on buying a new Nissan Micra for you.

* Fuel Economy 18.6 km/l (Overall), 1.2L I-3 Petrol Available Engines 1.2L I-3, 74.9 bhp, Petrol Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Overview

Following the launches of the X-Trail and Teana, Japan's third largest auto maker launched its iconic sports car 370Z in India. All these cars managed to redefine the standards of automotive excellence in their respective segments. Now, to cater to the highly competitive small car segment, Nissan offers the all-new Nissan Micra based on the ground-breaking 'V' platform. The Nissan Micra is a true global car as it will be manufactured in four plants across the world and will be exported globally. However, the Micra is a product that has been specifically designed keeping in mind the discerning consumer needs of India. The car will showcase an excellent combination of newer generation avant-garde technology, outstanding design and highly developed features.

The car is available in 4 variants; the XE, XL, the XE Plus which comes with factory-fitted accessories and the advanced XV. The six blazing colours that the Micra puts on to draw attention towards itself are Sunlight Orange, Blade Silver, Storm White, Pacific Blue, Onyx Black and Brick Red.

 Performance

Nissan Micra comes in a single engine variant - 1.2 litre petrol with 3 in-line cylinders. The powerful engine can churn out a maximum power of 75 bhp @ 6000 RPM and will give you a maximum torque of 104 Nm @ 4000 RPM. Paired with the engine is a five speed manual transmission. Micra boasts of optimum performance, ride and handling combined with agility and refinement.

Mounted on the Nissan's new signature V-platform, the suspension minimizes intrusion and takes on well to the Indian roads. The suspension set up comprises of McPherson Strut at the front and torsion beam at the rear. The cute looking hatchback also offers a great fuel economy of 18.06 kmpl.

Build & Styling

When it comes to interior & exterior style and features, Nissan Micra scores better than most of it contemporaries. Nissan Micra is a global car and hence the look is more international and also has a touch of sophistication.

Nissan Micra is adorned with stylish headlamps and fog lamps which are strategically placed next to the front grille. Body coloured bumpers, door mirrors add extra style to the Nissan hatch. Also featured in the car are sporty Bumpers, body colour door handles and tinted front headlamps covers.

The interior of the Micra feels quite spacious, thanks to its extra long wheelbase which enables a 'wheels-at-each-corner' stance. The hatchback can comfortably seat 5 adults and the 226 litre boot can accommodate two small bags and few small items.

The Micra hatch is available with attractive interiors featuring dual tone attractive dashboard that houses the advance instrument cluster including Drive Computer, digital clock and tachometer. The advance features in the Micra include electric power steering with tilt adjustment, climate control AC, comfortable seats, electric speed sensitive front and rear power windows, door ajar warning lamp, low fuel warning lamp, passenger side front and rear grab handles, rear sliding seat with 60:40 Split, electric heated door mirrors, driver and passenger vanity mirror and front map reading light.

Nissan's concept of safety shield is reflected in the Micra. The Nissan Micra has a full assortment of safety features such as driver and front passenger airbags, engine immobilizer, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, and security alarm system. Central Door Lock, Remote Keyless Entry and Intelligent Key With Push Button Ignition features are also available in the top end variant of the car.

PHOTO GALLERY Of Nissan Micra Click here

Maybach launches the XENATEC Coupe

ENATEC in colloboration with Maybach has launched a luxurious coupe model priced at Rs. 4.14 Crore. XENATEC wants to be on the same lines with the G-Power Hurricane RR BMW that set the world record of 372 km/hr, becoming the fastest sedan. XENATEC plans to offer the designer coupe to those with the need of speed but with a touch of luxury.

XENATEC made by Karosserie Manufacture Weinsberg, a segment of XENATEC Group in collaboration with Maybach is an outstanding, skillful and meritrious coupe. The luxury four wheeler is diagrammed and designed by Fredrik Buruchhardt, who is also the designer of Exelero. The XENATEC is an amalgamation of the most advanced features, exceptional driving performance and use of the topmost quality materials which is used in Maybach.


In the lines of the flambouyant Maybach 57 S limousine, this charaismatic machine will be driver friendly which will set new parameters for the luxurious four wheelers. Exclusitivity is what it will stand for, limited number of XENATEC will be crafted for distinguised car lovers worldwide. The luxury dip will come with a price tag of Rs. 4.14 Crore (excluding the local taxes).

The limousine sized to a sedan still holds the immaculate heart of the orignal luxury. The drive force is the same, the long luxury has been made into a two door luxury. There are major changes in the bodywork as it has been squeezed and also in interiors, keeping the driving pleasure the same.

The major noticeable changes is in the strong bodywork which has been redone. New doors without frame sidescreens which allow easy access to the rear are the changes made in the frontline.

The wind and rear screen is steeply put up for the sporty look, the roofline is lowered but it doesn't compromise with the comfort of the passengers. If you desire for more style, a glass roof can also be fitted.

The XENATECH Coupe offers rear track which has been increased by 20 mm and the standard wheel 20-inch or an optional of 21- inch which will leave you only to love speed. It will increase the overall performance of the super luxury car.

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Tata Planning New SUV In 2011

After launching the Aria, Tata is gearing up to launch many products in 2011. Aria - Tata's first crossover is built on completely new platform. This new platform will be used for many new vehicles in the future. 


Tata has said that it would launch a new SUV and new pick-up truck based on the Aria platform. Tata is also believed to be working on exporting Aria to many countries. “We are looking to export the Aria to the SAARC countries and South Africa, followed by Europe. This product should perk up the image of our capabilities.” Mr S.G. Saksena, Head, UV Unit, Tata Motors, said.

Tata's SUV market has grown 21 per cent to 1.54 lakh units for the April-September period this year. Tata Motors' share in the segment has grown 22 per cent to 19,000 units in the same period, which he hoped would get a significant push from the Aria.

New Skoda Fabia launched in India

Today Skoda India gifted the Indian automobile lovers with the brand new facelift of Skoda Fabia. This time, the Skoda Fabia with a facelift has been successful in attracting the visitors with its perfect amalgamation of superb taste and refinement on four wheels. The model was unveiled at the grand launch which was held today, that is, on 12th October, at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Mumbai. The Press conference associated with this launch was preceded over by Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Director and Board member sales and marketing, Skoda Auto India. CarDekho Team provided the live coverage of this event along with the latest updates on the launch. The first super hatch by the auto major is equipped with the all powerful 1.2 L Petrol engine. The all new Skoda Fabia has been attractively shelved at Rs. 4.19 Lacs (Base Variant).

The same engine currently powers the Volkswagen Polo. The much talked about Fabia with a new facelift displays enhanced performance and newer capabilities due to the capability of the powerful engine. The 1.2L engine is delivers an impressive power of 75PS at 5400 rpm. The model also provides a superb torque figure of 110Nm at 3750m. The car has been launched in three engine options each of which comes in three power variants. The engine incorporated in the all new Skoda Fabia is the famous 1.2L, 3 Cylinder, 75bhp, MPI petrol engine (Same engine that comes in Polo petrol). Other variants are blessed with 1.6 MPI, 105 bhp petrol engine (same engine that comes in Polo sports and Vento petrol) and 1.2L, 3 Cylinder, 75 bhp, TDI diesel engine (Polo diesel's engine).

The Skoda Fabia with a new facelift has got some interesting and attractive cosmetic features and other features as well. The car is blessed with a great design and style.The refurbished engine in the car has left a drastic effect on the performance of the car. The other features include a New Tail lamp Wider tyre, larger fog lamp, Dash (Center console) same like Polo and Vento, dual tone dashboard, manual AC, MP3 cd player, Dual Front Airbags, ABS (Antilock Brake Syatem), Motor speed regulation (MSR), Engine Braking Control (EBC), Dual Rate Brake Assist, 14 alloy wheels in elegance (top end variant), height and reach adjustable steering wheel.


Skoda Fabia has always impressed the customers with its features, exteriors, interiors and performance. The existing model of Fabia is available in both options of the diesel and petrol engines. The petrol engine comes with a three-cylinder 1.2 HTP engine along with a power output of 51 kW, while the diesel one is equipped with a three-cylinder 1.4 turbo engine with a power output of 51 kW. This one also provides high-pressure direct injection system, OHC and transverse in front.

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Tata Venture to be launched soon

One of Tata’s new model assaults, the Venture van that was shown at the Auto Expo 2010 will be launched before the end of CY 2010. The Venture is based on the rugged body on frame design of the Super Ace 1.0 Tonne pickup truck. Its party piece will be interior space – Coming in three seating arrangements – 5,7 and 8, the Venture is set to give Maruti’s Omni and Eeco sleepless nights. To make the deal sweeter, the Venture will come with a tried and tested 1.4L turbocharged diesel engine from the Indica producing 70bhp.

Apart from interior room, the Venture will also score highly in value for money – It is expected to start at just Rs 4.5 lakhs and will go up against Mahindra’s upcoming passenger variant of the Mahindra Maxximo. So how did they make it? You see, the Venture is under 4000mm long and sports a 1.4L diesel engine meaning it attracts lesser taxes. It will be the most spacious vehicle within the 4000mm mark as its van like body style will make maximum use of available space. To go up against hatchbacks, the Venture is aimed at large families looking for value for money transportation. We quite think that the Venture could be come an instant hit with cabbies if  Tata open up to them.

Creature comforts include twin air conditioning (on top models) sporting roof mounted ducts for rear passengers and plug-in windows for the second row. Power steering, power windows, parking aids, keyless entry, engine immobiliser, rear wash/wipe are some of the options that will be available on the Venture. Since this is a van lacking any sort of protection from front impact, we expect strong beams and optional airbags. Collapsible steering and side impact beams will be standard.

At Wheelosphere, we have been impressed by Tata’s new model onslaught and mentioned this several times. The Venture, like the 5-seat Xylo will take on the current crop of hatchbacks but will appeal to a different kind of audience. It is sure to appeal to many and will help Tata maintain their second position. Tata seem to be churning out many winners these days.

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2010 Jaguar C-X75 Concept

2010 Jaguar C-X75 Concept

Honda City ‘Exclusive’ Launched in India

The new car offers a unique combination of sophisticated styling and fine quality. To add to the luxurious feel and elegance of the car, Honda has added leather seats and leather steering too in both the manual and automatic versions. The manual version of the newly launched City also has a leather gear shift knob.

The appearance has further been accentuated by chic and trendy chrome trunk garnish and chrome door sash moulding along with an ‘Exclusive‘ rear badge and body-coloured mud flaps. This is certainly going to add value to the ownership experience of the Honda City ‘Exclusive’, won’t it?


A new colour Urban Titanium has been added. The existing colours Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver, Crystal Black Pearl, Bold Beige Metallic and Habanero Red would still be available. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, Director Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. said, “Honda City is one of the most successful and desirable brands in the country. The ‘exclusive’ variant is aimed at further delighting our customers with exclusive luxurious features during this festival period.”

Adding to the stylish and trendy look of the car is a Chrome trunk garnish and Chrome door sash moulding along with an 'Exclusive' rear badge and Body coloured mud flaps that enhances the ownership experience of the Honda City 'Exclusive'.

With this, the Honda City range also gets a new colour- Urban Titanium - apart from the existing colours- Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver, Crystal Black Pearl, Bold Beige Metallic and Habanero Red.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, Director Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. said that Honda City is one of the most successful and desirable brands in the country. The ‘exclusive’ variant is aimed at further delighting our customers with exclusive luxurious features during this festival period, he added.

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Learn the 5 Motorcycle Skills That Could Save Your Life

Riding a motorcycle can be seriously hazardous to your health and even to your life. Motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to be killed in a crash than drivers or passenger in a car. Even experienced riders face considerable risk; for newbies who may lack the skills and haven't built up the miles and the years that develop good cycling judgment, riding that machine can turn into a very scary trip. That's no reason not to ride, but it's plenty of reason to learn the five skills that could save your life.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pays a lot of attention to motorcycle hazards, and they've identified five skills and practices that can make the difference between enjoying your ride and becoming a statistic.

1. Ride the bike that works for you. Especially when it's your first bike, don't be seduced by all that horsepower. Test drive the bike you want: lay it down. Now find out whether you can push it upright. A huge bike might impress your friends, but when it goes over, you're the one who has to shove it back upright. If you can't do that easily, it's not the bike for you. Start with a bike you can handle, and build your skill and strength.
2. Learn your bike. Learn its performance characteristics and its limitations. Settle in with the manual and read it. All the way through. The road and other drives will provide enough surprises; you don't want them from you bike. Take a motorcycle safety course; you'll learn a lot, and what you learn can keep you alive
3. Get expert at cornering and braking. Your ride is much lighter than a car, and much more nimble and responsive. Get to know your bike's cornering and braking characteristics on all kinds of pavement, in all kinds of weather, so you know what you can ask of it, and how it'll deliver. You'll use those skills the most at intersections, and that's where you're at greatest risk for collision with a car.
4. Drive defensively. Stay alert, and monitor your surroundings- road conditions, changes in pavement, the weather, vehicles behind you, beside you and in front of you-constantly. Assume that drivers in cars don't see you; you'll be right more often than you'd wish. Assume that drivers in cars will not give you the right of way, even if it's yours; you'll be... ditto. Look ahead, watch for traffic patterns, slowing, and clumping. Anticipate what could happen up ahead, and have a plan for how you'll handle it.
5. Drive respectfully. Always, and especially in heavy traffic, treat other vehicles and drivers the way you'd want them to treat you. Allow room when you pass, don't cut in too sharply in front of cars, and don't gun it down the shoulder. You need the good will of every driver on the road. Earn it.

Practice these five skills, and even when the road's bad and the weather's worse and the cars act like you're not there, you'll improve your odds of coming home safe and in one piece.