Review and test drive of new Volvo S60 D3

Review and test drive of new Volvo S60 D3


new volvo s60 d3
Despite having been in India for over four years, Volvo hasn�t really featured on most luxury car buyers� shopping lists. Ironically, the company�s pursuit of high safety standards isn�t something that really registers with the Indian buyer. And brands like Audi, BMW & Mercedes offer more snob value, which Volvo just doesn�t seem to.

However, as unrelenting as the Indian buyer is, there is no denying the fact that we have a nose for value. It is with this very reason in mind that Volvo has introduced a new D3 diesel engine across its range, accompanied by a price drop. & by a drop in price we mean the �chucked out of an airplane without a parachute� variety. How does an ex showroom price of Rs 23.99 lakh for the base S60 Kinetic D3 sound? This makes the S60 the least expensive Volvo in the country & puts it right in the middle of Skoda Superb & Volkswagen Passat territory. And to think, it�s a CBU!

new volvo s60 d3 interior and steering
The fact that it�s a diesel really tilts things in its favour � diesel being the fuel of choice these days. The new 2.0 litre five cylinder engine is quite powerful & in city driving conditions you won�t need any more power than the 163bhp it produces. The build up of torque is linear & the initial bit of turbo lag isn�t really bothersome. Get past that & you are greeted with a strong mid range, typical of diesel engines, especially once past the 2000rpm mark. In fact the 40.7kgm of torque it makes is only 2.1kgm down on the bigger 2.4 litre D5. From here, ride the substantial wave of torque to 3500rpm, beyond which it starts to tail off. Although the engine is eager & free revving, it�s not a good idea to spin it to the upper reaches. It feels strained & gets quite vocal. So it feels best when you slot the six speed automatic gearbox in D & just punt around town or lazily cruise the highway.

The gearbox goes about its job without being intrusive & shifts are seamless for most parts. It�s meant for relaxed driving, & if you try to pick up the pace in a hurry, it lingers for a while before kicking down. It does have a tiptronic mode but even here, it won�t hold gears at high revs for too long & will upshift as soon as it can. This laidback approach is also evident in the way the suspension behaves. At slow speeds the S60 is comfortable, the ride is pliant & minor road imperfections are dealt with ease. The overall ride though is not very settled & sharp ruts do catch the suspension out. It isn�t the most enthusiastic of handlers either. There is a fair amount of body movement in bends & it isn�t as athletically gifted as a BMW 3 series.

new volvo s60 d3 engine view
What Volvo has done is to not skimp on the equipment that the car comes with. The S60 comes with the City Safety automatic braking technology as standard along with an electric driver�s seat, leather upholstery, climate control, traction control & active headlamps, even in the base Kinetic variant. The interiors feature the same quality materials which, though not class  leading, aren�t bad, especially at this price. The D3 Summum trim gets an electric passenger seat, sun roof, seven inch screen & is priced at Rs 26.99 lakh. The S60 then, is great value for money. It also means you get the usual quality that is associated with a Volvo and, typical of a Volvo, the seats, front & rear, are extremely comfy.

new volvo s60 d3 side view
It is very well loaded, relaxed & comfortable in most conditions & handsome to look at. A well rounded package and, at this price, it is surely going to attract a lot more buyers, especially those who don�t mind the lack of space at the rear. Buy it before the end of this month & you can avail the introductory prices which are Rs 70,000 lesser for the Kinetic trim & Rs 1 lakh lesser
for the Summum.
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Kobayashi is fastest as the Barcelona test ends

Kobayashi is fastest as the Barcelona test ends
Kamui Kobayashi put Sauber at the top of the timesheets as Formula 1's second pre season test closed.

The Japanese driver managed a 1m22.312s on Pirelli's soft compound in the final hour of the morning, the fastest time set over all four days in Barcelona.

Having ended the morning fastest, Kobayashi's time came under little threat in the afternoon as teams followed the established pattern of focusing on long runs.

The same was true of Pastor Maldonado, who got within a quarter of a second of Kobayashi in the morning before focusing purely on long runs in the afternoon   in the process racking up 131 laps over the course of the day.

Paul di Resta was the only driver to move up the order in the final session, as a switch to supersoft rubber produced a 1m23.119s   enough to demote Jenson Button & claim third.

Di Resta brought about one of the day's three red flags when he went off into the gravel on the outside of Campsa during the morning. The second & third came in the final 15 minutes, as a result of 'out of fuel' runs for Sauber & McLaren respectively.

McLaren driver Button was the last driver to get within a second of Kobayashi, although the Briton set his fastest time relatively early on in the morning on hard tyres.

Like Button & the three drivers ahead in the timesheets, Felipe Massa's lap chart also broke into triple figures. The Brazilian ended the day fifth fastest in the F2012, & completed several runs of around 13 laps each in the afternoon.

Mark Webber & Jean Eric Vergne both added to their lap counts in the afternoon, but with neither improving their times, stayed sixth & seventh, separated by just 0.018s.

Nico Rosberg achieved 139 laps during the day, second only to Kobayashi, after completing a full race simulation in the morning & several shorter runs in the afternoon.

The German ended the day eighth fastest, ahead of Heikki Kovalainen in the Caterham CT 01.

The Finn's day was interrupted by an electrical problem that forced the team to make an engine change, but he was eventually able to complete 70 laps. His best time came late in the afternoon.

A suspension problem meant Marussia was unable to complete a lap on the final day of testing for its 2011 car; the new MR 01 set to be unveiled in time for the third & final pre season test.
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Review and Test Drive of New Hyundai Sonata

Review and Test Drive of New Hyundai Sonata

We�ve just been driving the new Hyundai Sonata in Chennai & initial impressions are very promising. Hyundai hopes to emulate the success of its first generation Sonata with this car and, going by the looks alone, it is on the right path.

new hyundai sonata front view
The car really is quite stunning. Look at the nose & you can see channels flow outwards from the base of the grille in waves, the heavily raked windscreens allow the cabin to rise & fall gently, & even the heavy crease on the doors seems to be caused by the arc of fluid emanating from the front wheel. The Sonata, known as the i45 abroad, looks even more attractive from the rear, those beautifully detailed tail lights & the spot on proportions of the boot making it look really pleasing to the eye.

new hyundai sonata interior view
The dashboard is clearly divided between the driver & passenger, & Hyundai has used sweeping arches to clearly define each binnacle. Hyundai�s new front seats offer fantastic thigh support & are wide enough to support your shoulders. & even the elbow rests are perfectly placed & well padded.

There is plenty of space at the rear as well, & the seats feel comfortable. The wheelbase is larger than on the current car & as a result the Hyundai saloon almost has the same cabin volume as a Honda Accord. And, like all cars in this segment, you get rear air con vents & a very comfortable elbow rest.

While interior quality levels are not as good as those on the Accord, they are pretty close. Some bits like the black plastic on the centre console, vents, steering wheel & especially the stalks disappoint � their quality is not really up to what you expect.

The 2.4 litre direct injection GDI motor feels refined & develops 198bhp at 6300 rpm, but it doesn�t feel as powerful as the numbers suggest. The engine isn�t quick revving & things only really get frantic after 4000rpm.

new hyundai sonata side view
Hyundai will launch the Sonata with a six speed manual transmission & also a six speed automatic. We drove the automatic which worked well overall but felt a bit indecisive at times. You can opt to use the paddle shifters to stay in the preferred gear & driving in this �manual� mode is actually more pleasing.

Straightline stability is impressive & the ride quality is good too, although it does feel a bit stiff on sharper bumps. The new Sonata gets independent suspension for both the front & rear, important on a car of this size. The handling, like most Hyundais, is however compromised in favour of a softer setup; so while the new Sonata dives into corners very enthusiastically, it lacks the accuracy or finesse of something like a Skoda Superb in corners. However, the steering felt quite nice in the confines of the city.

new hyundai sonata rear view
The Sonata has a spacious & comfortable cabin & Hyundai has equipped the car generously too. Ride quality is comfortable & there will be sufficient performance on hand with the 198bhp GDI motor. It may not be blessed in the dynamics department & may lack the finesse of some of its competitors but assuming Hyundai gets the pricing right, the Sonata will give the Korean carmaker its best shot at regaining lost ground. & since Hyundai will be assembling the Sonata at its Chennai plant, expect the car to be priced at around Rs 21.5 lakh (ex showroom) for this model. If there�s one thing Indians know how to appreciate, it�s value for money, & Hyundai knows that too well.
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Mercedes Launched new GL 'Grand Edition' price specifications | features | functions


Mercedes Launched new GL 'Grand Edition' price specifications | features | functions


mercedes benz gl grand edition
Mercedes Benz has launched a facelifted version of the full size GL Class SUV which  is known as GL Grand Edition.












mercedes benz gl grand edition
This new GL features a reworked front end which have a big grille with 3 horizontal chrome bars & a larger & more prominent 3 pointed star at center. The front bumper is reprofilied as well as & the head lamps are now get dark tints. Additional styling includes new paint shades & restyled 20 inches alloy wheels. Interior enhancements of the Grand Edition include black / porcelain & black / maroon leather upholstery the velour floor mats & a �Grand Edition� badge on the centre console.





mercedes benz gl grand edition
Standard on all GL class models are features like the 4MATIC all wheel drive a AIRMATIC air suspension, Direct-Steer system & the Adaptive Damping System. It also have PARKTRONIC & COMMAND APS system with a reversing camera. Additional features includea off road ABS, Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) & Hill Start Assist.







mercedes benz gl grand edition
The new GL �Grand Edition� comes in to 2 variants : Executive which is priced at Rs 60.9 lakh & a Luxury which retails at Rs 65.5 lakh (ex-showroom price).
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Maruti launched new Swift Dzire launched features specification and all functions with price list

Maruti launched new Swift Dzire launched features specification and all functions with price list

new maruti swift dzire
Maruti has launched the 2nd generation Swift Dzire at a starting price for Rs 4.79lakh (ex showroom price). It is available in both petrol & diesel engine, the new sub 4 metre Dzire is also offered as a 4 speed automatic petrol variant.









new maruti swift dzire
The base petrol (LXi) variant is of Rs 4.79 lakh, rised up to Rs 6.19 lakh for the top ZXi model. The automatic system is only available in the VXi model, retails at Rs 6.54 lakh. Same is for the diesel version, the base model is of Rs 5.80 lakh & the top end for Rs 7.09 lakh.







new maruti swift dzire
The new Dzire compact saloon is some how different from the old car . Of 3995mm, it is 165mm shorter than the existing one. This is resulted in an very short boot, & a more notchback which look as opposed to a proper saloon. The boot space is of 316 litres & is a whole size down on the old saloon, but it is large enough to hold weekend luggage.






new maruti swift dzire
The engines are taken from the new Swift & it means that the Dzire will be powered by 86bhp, 1.2-litre petrol & 74bhp, 1.3 litre diesel motors. The K Series petrol engine is benefited from "Variable Valve Timing" & this has resulted in a 2bhp power bumps as compared to the old car. The 1.3 litre DDiS motor remains same.






new maruti swift dzire
On the front looks, the new Dzire is tweaked styling for differentiating it from new Swift. The front is having a slatted grille but the bumper is wider air dam  & larger enclosures for the fog lights. In the rear, the quarter glass is more conventional fall to it & the rear door is very larger as well. The cabin is designed identical to the new Swift�s, because the use of beige plastics on the lower portion of the dashboard, the door pads & the light seat fabrics really enhanced the ambience inside the car.



new maruti swift dzire
In terms of performance, Maruti claims that the petrol Dzire can hit 0-100kph in 12.6 sec, but the diesel Dzire will take 14.8 sec, before reaching the top speed of 160kph.









new maruti swift dzire
The new Maruti Swift Dzire competes with the likes of the Tata Indigo eCS, Toyota Etios and the Mahindra Verito.

New Dzire prices:          compared to                 Old Dzire prices:

LXi � Rs 4.79 lakh                            LXi � Rs 4.94 lakh
VXi � Rs 5.32 lakh                            VXi � Rs 5.47 lakh
VXi AT � Rs 6.54 lakh      
ZXi � Rs 6.19 lakh                            ZXi � Rs 6.39 lakh
LDi � Rs 5.80 lakh                           LDi � Rs 5.95 lakh
VDi � Rs 6.31 lakh                           VDi � Rs 6.46 lakh
ZDi � Rs 7.09 lakh                           ZDi � Rs 7.30 lakh

Tata Indigo eCS prices:

GLS (P) � Rs 4.54 lakh
GLX (P) � Rs 4.74 lakh
GVX (P) � Rs 5.04 lakh
LS (D) � Rs 5.36 lakh
LX (D) � Rs 5.59 lakh
VX (D) � Rs 5.88 lakh

Toyota Etios prices:

J � Rs 5.03 lakh
G � Rs 5.59 lakh
V � Rs 6.57 lakh
VX � Rs 7.03 lakh
GD � 6.56 lakh
GD (Safety option) � Rs 7.01 lakh
VD � 7.53 lakh
VXD � 7.99 lakh

Mahindra Verito prices:

G2 � Rs 5.04 lakh
G4 � Rs 5.23 lakh
D2 � Rs 5.97 lakh
D4 � Rs 6.20 lakh
D6 � Rs 6.76 lakh
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New upgraded Dio Scooter launched bye Honda all features and specifications

New upgraded Dio Scooter launched bye Honda all features and specifications


new honda dio scooter launched
Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India has launched the new Dio scooter. Dio now have a updated 110cc engine & Honda�s global moto styl.

New  Dio is powered by the identical 110cc engine that powers the Honda Activa and Aviator scooters. It develops 8bhp at 7,500rpm (1bhp more than the outgoing model) and 0.88kgm of torque at 5,500rpm. The motor is equipped with a latest cutting edge techno which help Dio to achieve a mileage of 55kpl, up by 15% than earlier Dio.

In addition, Dio also have Honda�s Combi brake feature which ensures the improved braking efficiency & riding stability. It is also the first Indian scooter that sport tubeless tyres. Other updation is increased leg space & wider seat for comfortable ride experience. Honda has tweaked Dio�s overall styling also; it get new frontal design which, according to Honda, �expresses dynamic & youthful moto scooter look�, a new 3D emblem & a elegant tail lamp.

Speaking on the occasion,Mr. NK Rattan, VP  Sales and Marketing of HMSI said, �The increased convenience & comfortable riding position of the new Dio will appeal to both style conscious young males & females. It is very affordable & it will be available by February end.�

New Dio is priced at Rs 42,362 (ex-showroom, Delhi) & is available in  5 colours i.e. sports red, matt axis grey, pearl sunbeam white, candy palm green & leblon violet.
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New upgraded Dio Scooter launched bye Honda all features and specifications

New upgraded Dio Scooter launched bye Honda all features and specifications


new honda dio scooter launched
Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India has launched the new Dio scooter. Dio now have a updated 110cc engine & Honda�s global moto styl.

New  Dio is powered by the identical 110cc engine that powers the Honda Activa and Aviator scooters. It develops 8bhp at 7,500rpm (1bhp more than the outgoing model) and 0.88kgm of torque at 5,500rpm. The motor is equipped with a latest cutting edge techno which help Dio to achieve a mileage of 55kpl, up by 15% than earlier Dio.

In addition, Dio also have Honda�s Combi brake feature which ensures the improved braking efficiency & riding stability. It is also the first Indian scooter that sport tubeless tyres. Other updation is increased leg space & wider seat for comfortable ride experience. Honda has tweaked Dio�s overall styling also; it get new frontal design which, according to Honda, �expresses dynamic & youthful moto scooter look�, a new 3D emblem & a elegant tail lamp.

Speaking on the occasion,Mr. NK Rattan, VP  Sales and Marketing of HMSI said, �The increased convenience & comfortable riding position of the new Dio will appeal to both style conscious young males & females. It is very affordable & it will be available by February end.�

New Dio is priced at Rs 42,362 (ex-showroom, Delhi) & is available in  5 colours i.e. sports red, matt axis grey, pearl sunbeam white, candy palm green & leblon violet.
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New upgraded Dio Scooter launched bye Honda all features and specifications

New upgraded Dio Scooter launched bye Honda all features and specifications


new honda dio scooter launched
Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India has launched the new Dio scooter. Dio now have a updated 110cc engine & Honda�s global moto styl.

New  Dio is powered by the identical 110cc engine that powers the Honda Activa and Aviator scooters. It develops 8bhp at 7,500rpm (1bhp more than the outgoing model) and 0.88kgm of torque at 5,500rpm. The motor is equipped with a latest cutting edge techno which help Dio to achieve a mileage of 55kpl, up by 15% than earlier Dio.

In addition, Dio also have Honda�s Combi brake feature which ensures the improved braking efficiency & riding stability. It is also the first Indian scooter that sport tubeless tyres. Other updation is increased leg space & wider seat for comfortable ride experience. Honda has tweaked Dio�s overall styling also; it get new frontal design which, according to Honda, �expresses dynamic & youthful moto scooter look�, a new 3D emblem & a elegant tail lamp.

Speaking on the occasion,Mr. NK Rattan, VP  Sales and Marketing of HMSI said, �The increased convenience & comfortable riding position of the new Dio will appeal to both style conscious young males & females. It is very affordable & it will be available by February end.�

New Dio is priced at Rs 42,362 (ex-showroom, Delhi) & is available in  5 colours i.e. sports red, matt axis grey, pearl sunbeam white, candy palm green & leblon violet.
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Ferrari has launched the 2012 F1 car


new ferrari f1 2012 border=
Ferrari has revieled the new 2012 car which it hopes will return it to world championship winning glory.

After being forced to cancel its launching ceremony because of the heavy snow in Maranello, the team published the first images of the car on their official website .

Having promised a more radical approach with the car that it has had in recent seasons, the new Ferrari is result of very big effort at the factory under the guidance of a new technical director Mr. Pat Fry.

The snow that forced the cancellation of its launch is also means that plans for shakedown of the car at Fiorano have also had to be abandoned if the situation continued.

It is not clear till now that if the team will be able to complete any mileage prior to the 1st official test with the car at the Jerez in Spain next week.
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Review and Test Drive of New Sunny dCi features specifications

Review and Test Drive of New Sunny dCi features specifications

new Nissan sunny Dci front view
New Sunny is a car which has put Nissan back to the Indian car buyer�s.  This midsize saloon have massive interiors, an upmarket feel, a user friendly 1.5 petrol motor & keen pricing which evoked a surprisingly nice response in the market that is essentially shifted to the diesel power.  And now its popularity is set to take another leap forward with a diesel version which was launched at the Auto Expo this year in Delhi. The company wants to cash in on the premium in which diesel cars command's in indian market, which explains why the top end XV diesel is substantial Rs 1.10 lakh lesser than the similarly specced petrol sibling. Is that very much for a price gap? Or it is the Sunny diesel well worth the extra money Nissan is asking about it?

new Nissan sunny Dci engine
This answer lies under a swollen hood, where a more powerful version of the Renault sourced K9K 1.5 litre motor which powers the Micra is pressed into the duty. In the new Sunny, power is up by 21bhp upto 84bhp & there is an additional 4kgm of torque also. These gains are thanks to some additional hardware like an intercooler & beefier fixed geometry turbocharger.





Start the motor & you will be impressed with its refinement. There is very little vibration & apart from a distinct clatter at idle & a gruffness at high revs, it is fairly quiet too. Sitting in the back seat you would be hard pressed to tell which fuel is powering the Sunny.

And, unlike the other diesel cars which deliver a sudden burst of torque as the turbo comes on a boost, this engine delivers power in a very linear way. It also responds eagerly from low revs & pulls well till around 3500rpm. Push past this & the engine starts feeling a bit strained & power tails off. So, the engine feels best when you shift up early & make the best of its 20.4kgm of torque.

new Nissan sunny Dci side view
Based on Nissan�s lightweight '�V�' platform, the new Sunny is 1097kg bantam weight, which plays a key role in delivering an nice performance. This is the fastest sub 100bhp diesel car which has a clear performance edge over its lesser rivals like the Etios & Manza diesel cars. It is not too far behind the Skoda Rapid & the pricier Verna either.






new Nissan sunny Dci interior view
While the gearbox is slick & very easy to operate, the clutch which has been beefed up to take an extra torque,  feels more heavier than in the petrol Sunny & as a result a constant gear shifting can take a toll on your left leg. The light steering also makes parking in tight spaces a cinch & not many cars are easy to manoeuvre in town than the new Sunny.







The Sunny diesel�s front suspension has been tweaked to take a heavier motor. The damping is bit firmer & this flattens the ride quite nicely. It is only at low speeds & over sharp edges that the lightweight Sunny feels  jittery. Up the pace & the ride smoothens out & in fact it is more comfortable, specially on the highway where the Sunny�s consistent poise gives the driver a good level of confidence. With a full load too, the suspension copes well & the saloon feels planted over most road surfaces.

new Nissan sunny Dci rear left lights
The handling though is more comfort oriented than sporty  fair enough given the kind of car it is. There is considerable body lean in bends & while the light steering weights up the faster you go, it do not have enough feedback to keep you completely in touch with the road. That is unlikely to bother most owners who will end up driving the Nissan car in a relaxed manner  &  for that, the it's dynamics are perfectly acceptable.

While the Sunny�s light weight helps its performance & economy, the flipside is that the Sunny lacks that th solid feel you get from even cars like the Tata Manza. It is quite obvious that in its quest for weight saving, Nissan has also skimped on some essentials like sound deadening. There is quite a bit of road & tyre noise entering the cabin.

But this lightness does translate into good fuel efficiency figures. Thanks to the linear power delivery on the 1.5 litre motor, you can get around town on small throttle applications. This helps the Sunny deliver a mileage of 13.6kpl in the city. On the highway it ran for 18.7km on 1 litre of diesel.

new Nissan sunny Dci back seating
There are no surprises with the rest of the car. The cabin remains unchanged except for the addition of a new gear knob  &  also new silver inserts on the steering wheel. The Sunny has big windows  &  skinny pillars, so visibility is pretty good all round. Most of the switchgear is easy to use too, but a couple of controls, like the one for the power mirrors, are tucked away out of sight. Getting comfy could be an issue too � the steering wheel only adjusts for height,  &  there�s no seat height adjustment. Cabin quality, though better than the Etios  &  the Manza, doesn�t feel as rich or solid as, say, a Rapid or a Vento.

Front  &  rear legroom  &  headroom is better than most cars in its segment � sitting under the roof�s highest point, the tallest of seat occupants won�t fall short on headroom. But the cost cutting shows through in the thin cushioning on the seats; we wish Nissan could rectify this  &  also give the rear seats more under thigh support. The light beige colour adds to the feeling of roominess as well, but it has a tendency to soil easily.

As for equipment, you get two airbags, ABS, automatic climate control, MP3 player, powered mirrors  &  alloy wheels as standard on the top end XV version.

Verdict



new Nissan sunny Dci rear view
This addition of a diesel motor makes the Sunny a complete saloon that is more in tune with Indian needs. In this latest guise, it is refined, has adequate power, is fuel efficient  &  easy to drive thanks to a responsive  &  tractable engine. The huge cabin  &  boot add up to make it a near perfect midsize family saloon. What lets it down is its price � at Rs 8.78 lakh for the top end XV model, it is on the expensive side, which puts it closer to plusher  &  better equipped midsizers. But if you�re still willing to sign that cheque then you will find a car that may not enthuse you but one that you can happily live with day in  &  day out without burning a hole in your pocket.

Tech Specs

Nissan Sunny dCi review, test drive

Fact File


What it costs
Ex-showroom (Delhi)Rs 8.78 lakh
Warranty24months/50,000km
Engine
FuelDiesel
InstallationFront, transverse
Type4-cyls in-line, 1461cc
Bore/stroke76.0/80.5mm
Compression ratio17.9:1
Valve gear2 valves per cyl, SOHC
Power84bhp at 3750rpm
Torque20.39kgm at 2000rpm
Power to weight76.57bhp per tonne
Torque to weight18.58kgm per tonne
Transmission
TypeFront wheel drive
Gearbox5-speed manual
Chassis & Body
ConstructionFour door saloon, monocoque
Weight1097kg
Tyres185/65-R15
SpareFull size
Suspension
FrontIndependent, MacPherson strut, anti roll bar
RearNon independent, torsion beam, anti roll bar
Steering
TypeRack & pinion
Type of power assistElectric
Turning circle10.6m
Brakes
FrontVentilated discs
RearDrums
Anti lockYes
Performance
0-201.12
0-403.03
0-605.15
0-808.70
0-10012.89
0-12019.65
0-14030.90
Range at a glance : Engines
Petrol1.5-litre 97bhp Rs 5.78-7.68 lakh
Diesel1.5-litre 84bhp Rs 7.98 to Rs 8.78 lakh

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Audi confirms about the new Lamborghini SUV specification features

Audi confirms about the new Lamborghini SUV specification features


new audi lamborghini suv
Codenamed LB736, will be powered by  retuned new V10 engine, whose production will be limited to only 1500 units in one year.

Lamborghini is close to unveiling a dramatically styled & luxuriously equipped SUV concept which previews its long touted third model line, a senior source at parent company Audi has confirmed about that.





This SUV concept is set to getting its 1st public airing in Beijing motor show in this April. The production of the car version will go on to join a successor to today�s Gallardo & the recently introduced Aventador in what will be at least a 3 strong Lamborghini line up in 2016.

�I can�t comment in detail, but the speculation in the press is largely correct,� a source said about the reports outlining Lamborghini�s plan to gauge a public response to a LM002 successor with the SUV concept.

new audi lamborghini suv rear view
Conceived as a upmarket rival of the likes of the Maserati Kubang & soon to be confirmed Bentley SUV, the new Lamborghini is set to sell in small numbers are likely to be fewer than 1500 units an year. Prime markets for performance orientated 4 wheel drive will be US, the Middle East & China.

Nothing is official but it is suggested that the 5000 mm long 4 seater will be a retuned version of  Gallardo�s 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine. A hybrid version is also envisaged. It is said that to combine the standard V10 engine with a electric motor & a lithium ion battery pack.

It is known by a internal codename LB736, the new SUV is expected to share its underpinnings with the next generation Audi Q7, it is also set to provide the basis for the new Bentley off roader. This is so called MLB structure is already undergoing an intensive development at Audi & will be subjected to a dramatic weight reduction programme. As a result the Lamborghini�s new SUV will come under 2000kg.

An unprecedented fourth model is still under consideration � a low-slung four-door saloon, previewed by the well received Estoque concept first seen at the 2008 Paris show. Our source said it �shouldn�t be ruled out as a further addition to the line-up, should studies reveal there is a market
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Test ride and full review of New Hero MotoCorp Impulse specifications features

Test ride and full review of New Hero MotoCorp Impulse specifications features

new hero motocorp impulse stunting
The Hero MotoCorp's new Impulse is the 1st bike to wear a Hero MotoCorp badge & the company has boldly gone ahead to kick start a new on-off road segment with the bike.












new hero motocorp impulse front view
The motorcycle looks piece. It's long & black mudguard is like a beak, above which there is a high headlamp. Wide handlebars come with knuckle guards to keep mud far from your hands when riding in rough, while just behind, the fuel tank comes clad with the large scoops. As every go anywhere bike must be, the bike is tall with a high seat that purposefully pulls over the tank. The Impulse has come with a big LED tail light.






new hero motocorp impulse brakes
Powering the Impulse there is a 149.2cc, 4 stroke, air-cooled & single cylinder engine, which generates 13.2bhp of power & 1.36kgm of torque. The Impulse uses a 5-speed gearbox which shifts smoothly in the universal, 1-down, 4-up pattern. This engine offers a good low & mid range punch.








new hero motocorp impulse silencer and tyres
The Impulse is no poser. You get a massive 245mm ground clearance which comes armed with long stroke front suspension & a special high pressure gas charged rear damper. To improve the ground clearance, its exhaust loops around engine before exiting besides the pillion seat. The metal brake operating pedal is having a serrated finish which offer's a maximum grip in the muck. The rear sprocket have a solid plate which prevents the chain from slipping when riding through a rough terrain. The Impulse uses a high tensile steel which ensures that this chassis & swingarm are more stronger than the conventional bikes.

new hero motocorp impulse rear lights
A highlight to the new Impulse is a sense of confidence that you can take on any terrain astride the motorcycle. A good upright riding position & wide handlebars which give the bike very comfortable seating position & make it much easy to steer. The double cradle frame is a robust & it aids handling. Capable suspension & meaty tyres tackle indian roads as well. On a smooth test track the Impulse feels sure footed, quickly changing the direction with a forgiving feel that soon gives the rider enough confidence to start sliding the motorcycle.

Off the road, a big 19 inches front rim easily clambers over the obstacles. The bike is effortlessly able to soak in a beating & its 17 inches rear rim with a 110/90 Ceat rear tyre offers a enough purchase.

new hero motocorp impulse speedometer
The bike is undoubtedly well suited to our roads. It can tackle college trips or office commutes over the pathetic roads without batting the eyelid, just as easily doubling up as a leisure bike to chase dirt trails with. The Impulse is sure to hold much appeal for urban as well as rural bikers with its fun, hardy & a confident nature.






new hero motocorp impulse racing
The company has priced the motorcycle well at Rs 66,800 (ex-showroom,New Delhi) & the bike enters Indian showrooms from last week of October onwards.


Fact File


Price Range (in lakhs)*
Ex-showroom priceRs 66,800 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Engine
FuelPetrol
Type149.cc single-cylinder, air cooled, four stroke
Power13.2bhp at 7500rpm
Torque1.36kgm at 5000rpm
Power to weight98.5bhp per tonne
Transmission
Type5-speed, 1 down, 4 up
Dimensions
Length2100mm
Width820mm
Height1160mm
Wheel base1360mm
Ground clearance245mm
Chassis & Body
Weight134kg
Wheelswire spoke
TyresFront 19inch, rear 17inch
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Nissan Sunny vs Skoda Rapid camparison reviews features specifications

Nissan Sunny vs Skoda Rapid camparison reviews features specifications


new nissan sunny and skoda rapid
After we drove new Nissan Sunny in petrol guise, we felt with a diesel engine under its hood, the new car may become a sure shot winner. But when the Sunny diesel was finally launched at the end of the last year, the company priced it a bit too ambitiously. It�s a probably a reflection of confidence Nissan has in its new mid sizer which is poised to turn fortunes of company around. So will customers see Sunny in the same light? Let�s remember that this car deftly straddles the lower & upper ends of the mid size segment, but now in diesel guise, it comes perilously close to the more upmarket Skoda Rapid, which is our current champ. So is the addition of a frugal diesel to the practical Sunny worth the extra money? Or does it make sense to fork out around Rs 25000/- more for the Rapid?

Looks matter

With its class leading 2600mm wheelbase, the Sunny is a very big car, but what is astonishing is that despite its size, it is a full 108kg lighter than the Rapid which is a great tribute to Nissan�s lightweight V platform on which the Micra hatch is also based. The Sunny�s big dimensions & splashes of chrome give it a distinctive & mature stance,  &  from many angles it looks like a mini Teana. The large rear houses a spacious 490 litre boot, but the downside to this is a massive rear overhang which ruins the car�s proportions. The bulging bumper  &  thin tyres don�t help,  &  when viewed from the rear it looks quite odd.

The Skoda Rapid on the other hand has none of these problems. The Rapid is basically a Volkswagen Vento with the traditional Skoda nose stuck on it. But it does look attractive in the flesh  &  the combination of a large grille in the company of a chrome strip  &  big headlights lends it character. The side of the car remains unchanged, which means the Rapid, like the Vento has a rather boring profile, but it looks more balanced than the Nissan. The altered bootlid, taillights  &  rear bumper don�t look out of place either. While the Sunny looks more distinctive the Skoda definitely has better proportions.

Interiors

New nissan sunny interior view
The Sunny diesel�s interiors reveal no significant changes over the petrol model  &  hence feel very familiar. In fact, there are lots of Micra carry overs like the entire dashboard � only the music system  &  central air con vents are different. The interior plastics don�t feel as rich as the Rapid�s  &  some of the buttons don�t have a quality feel either. But there are plenty of good bits too. The chrome highlights look good  &  the big AC controls are easy to use. Also, the driving position is slightly elevated  & , thanks to the skinny A pillars  &  large glass area, visibility is really good. This makes life in crowded streets much more manageable. A more supportive front seat would have been welcomed, though. Also, the grey colour of the dash looks a bit dull  &  the Sunny�s cabin could have done with some richer textures.

new skoda rapid interior view
The Skoda Rapid�s interiors are all but identical in design to the VW Vento with similar quality levels that are a notchabove the Sunny�s. Overall, the plastics feel rich but there are some low rent surfaces on the door trim  &  the lower dash. This saloon, made for emerging markets like India, clearly isn�t built to the same uncompromising standards as other Skodas, but next to the Sunny it�s a cut above.

The Rapid�s ergonomics are spot on.  The driving position is really comfortable with the steering, seats, pedals  &  gear lever positioned exactly where you want them to be. We also loved the front seats, which have generous thigh support & cushioning with just the right amount of firmness. The Rapid has the most comfortable rear seat as well. Again, thigh support is good  &  you are sat at a decent height. The backrest is a touch too upright though. The Sunny may have more rear space than the Rapid, but the seat itself lacks sufficient thigh support & the seat squab is a bit too short as well.

The Sunny gets one back in being the better equipped of the two. It comes with steering mounted controls, climate control & auto folding mirrors � features absent on the Rapid. The Rapid is the more sparsely equipped, despite having features like the clever lever behind the front passenger seat that allows the rear seat passenger to push the front seat forward.

Engine, gearbox  &  performance

The Sunny uses the same 1461cc common rail motor as the Micra, but it has been tuned for more power & now produces  a healthy 84bhp  &  20.39kgm of torque. Initial engine response is good  &  there�s very little turbo lag. This engine�s petrol like linear power deliver makes it extremely easy to drive in town. Even on the highway, it doesn�t feel out of breath thanks to strong mid range performance,  &  the Sunny cruises very well. But past 3800rpm the engine doesn�t have too much to give  &  it�s best to short shift to keep the engine in the meat of its powerband. With power tapering off early, you have a narrow band to play with & the Sunny�s outright performance is a far cry from the Rapid�s. Our timing equipment confirms this � the car takes 12.89 seconds to reach 100kph  &  this figure, though respectable on its own, looks ordinary next to the Rapid�s, which is a good 1.4 seconds quicker. The Sunny�s motor however is quite refined  &  it�s only when you work it hard that it sounds like a diesel.

The Skoda�s 1.6 litre diesel is marginally bigger, but it�s significantly more powerful than the Sunny�s Renault sourced K9K motor. But in traffic, the Sunny�s linear power delivery is easier to cope with than the Rapid�s sudden power spike past 1800rpm. However, the Rapid always feels like it has a surplus of power. Throttle response is crisp, the VW EA 189 motor is free revving  &  power doesn�t suddenly fall off. There is a constant surge till the engine runs out of revs. Drive the Rapidon the highway  &  it lives up to its name. It�s an effortless cruiser  &  the potent mid range gives it very effective overtaking capability.

The Rapid�s biggest drawback is the sharp diesel clatter it has at idle. Once on the move, the engine smoothens out, but even then it�s loud enough to remind you that there is an oil burner under the hood.

On the road

new nissan sunny rear view
Both cars have a similar independent front  &  non independent rear suspension layouts, but variations in their setup means there is nothing similar about how they behave on the road. The Sunny�s ride feels a bit skittish at low speeds  & d though the front suspension is stiffened on the diesel version, it never feels as pliant as it should. You can also hear the suspension thump through the light body. At speed though, the Sunny�s ride evens out  &  it feels pretty flat  &  consistent. Straight line stability is impressive too & the Nissan feels composed even at three digit speeds. Like its looks, there is nothing sporty about the way the Sunny attacks corners. Its handling feels safe  &  predictable with decent body control  &  no nasty surprises. But it simply doesn�t have a surplus of grip or a communicative steering,  &  it�s certainly not a car that enjoys being hustled. The light steering, linear power delivery  &  easy controls make it a
stress free car to drive in the city though.

new skoda rapid rear view
With its stretched wheelbase  &  pliant suspension, the Rapid�s ride is pretty decent, especially at low speeds where it does a great job of filtering out sharp edges. However, when you up the pace, the Rapid�s soft setup gets the nose pitching on an uneven surface, which can be disconcerting especially when you are braking. And while the light steering is both direct  &  precise, it�s a bit numb at highway speeds. As a result, the Rapid isn�t too much fun to drive,  &  that�s a shame given the performance on tap. What�s nice is that despite the bags of torque it produces, torque steer is minimal, allowing you to open up the throttle at every opportunity.

Verdict

The Sunny shines in many areas. Its class leading space, easy to drive nature,  &  long list of standard features make it a very good proposition. Its 1.5 litre engine is very efficient too. But you can�t get away from the fact that it�s nowhere near as nice to drive as the Rapid  &  doesn�t feel as premium either.
& it�s not as frugal as the Nissan but its solid build, generous seats  &  classy environment make it feel a notch superior. Add the punchy engine, better dynamics  & much  smarter looks to the equation, the Skoda more than justifies the Rs. 25,000 extra you have to shell out.


fact file of nissan sunnya and skoda rapid
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Bajaj Has revealed the new pulsar 200NSspecifications features reviews and functions with price

Bajaj Has revealed the new pulsar 200NSspecifications features reviews and functions with price


new bajaj pulsar 200 NS front lights
Bajaj has unvieled a latest generation of the iconic Pulsar Bike, an brand new 200cc motorbike, dubbed it as new Pulsar 200NS (it mean "Naked Sports").




new bajaj pulsar 200 NS
This bike uses a new liquid cooled, 199.5cc  4-valve, carbureted engine with a new triple spark plugging system which is coupled with a 6 speed gearbox. The new engine produces 23.18bhp at 9500rpm & 1.86kgm of torque at 8000rpm. Bajaj company claims that this new Pulsar is capable of 0-60kph in 3.61sec and 0-100kph in 9.83sec.






new bajaj pulsar 200 NS
The chassis are steel fabricated, twin-spar and a perimeter type frame, with a rectangular type tube section swingarm which offers over 3 times the lateral stiffness of the existing Pulsar 220. It also employs a gas filled monoshock suspension & under a belly mounted exhaust, which keeps center of gravity very low. The bike comes with a petal type disc rotors front and rear, measured 280mm and 230mm, with a  17 inch alloy wheels and tubeless tyres at both ends.





new bajaj pulsar 200 NS
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. K Srinivas who is the President-Motorcycles of Bajaj Auto said, "Pulsar has now celebrated a 'Decade of Dominance' with 10 years of leadership in the Indian performance motorcycle market. The Pulsar 200NS showcases the next leap in technology and design and will set the standard for others to follow. We believe that 2012-13 will be an exciting period where Bajaj Auto will excite customers both here and abroad."






new bajaj pulsar 200 NS
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