Chevrolet Spark now in India

The new Chevrolet Spark is priced between Rs 3-4 lakh in India.

We won't get into the entire history of the Chevrolet Spark, and how it evolved from the Daewoo Matiz. Basically now it is a General Motors product, and the twice-refined version of the Matiz is now in India as the Chevrolet Spark. We sort of think this was the car India needed some two years back - that's when we carried our first article on the 'future' Spark. No matter, it is here now, and many of you might be considering buying it. At one look, the Chevrolet Spark has a new engine, new design, and new price. And a new name and company to market it. So how does it all hold together?

Chevrolet Spark: Engine and specs:

The Chevrolet Spark has got rid of the three cylinder engine of the old Matiz - and in its place is a new 995 cc four cylinder engine that produces more power than the newly released Fiat Palio Stile 1.1. You get 62.13 bhp (48.5 KW) at 5400 rpm, and 9.02 kgm (90.3 NM) of torque at 4200 rpm which are very decent for a car in this class. The five speed manual gearbox is quite capable and well-sorted out, and most auto mags have said that the Spark drives well, and the car feels sure-footed for something this small.

Chevrolet Spark: Engine specifications
Engine Type/Model	1.0L 4-Cyl SOHC Petrol
Displacement	995 cc
Power	63 PS @ 5400 rpm
Torque	90 Nm @ 4200 rpm
Valve Mechanism	SOHC
Bore	68.5 mm
Stroke	67.5 mm
Compression Ratio	9.3:1
No of Cylinders	4 cylinder
Cylinder Configuration	Inline
Valves per Cylender	2 valve
Fuel Type	Petrol
Fuel System	Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection
Transmission
Transmission Type	Manual
Gears/Speeds	5 Gears
Final Reduction Gear Ratio	4.44

From very, very far, you may mistake the Chevrolet Spark for a Matiz but get close and it vanishes. This car looks more contemporary, while we would say the earlier Matiz design was timeless. That's just a personal opinion, and don't bother much with it. You are going to like the way it looks. The Spark sports are edgier-looking headlights, a slightly pronounced bonnet, a little air intake, coloured indicators, a different waistline. The rear lamps are rounded, and there are Spark LT version has roof rails on top. And according to General Motors, there is less than 10 % of the old Matiz left in the new Chevrolet Spark - so practically, whether we call it a new Matiz or not, the little Chevy is an entirely new spark!

Inside, the Spark is mostly grey and black. Once you plonk yourself down in the driver's seat, the first thing you will notice is the speedo console which is placed smack above the centrally located AC vents. Visibility is not compromised, so that's not a problem, really. The average driver would feel comfortable with the seat and legroom, and legroom in the rear too would not be a problem for the passengers. However, try to seat three at on the Spark's rear seat, and you are going to face some crowding issues. The rear seat in the Spark does that 6:40 folding bit unlike in the similar sized Zen Estilo, so that is a good thing for carting slightly big things around at the rear.

Fuel efficiency is critical in a car like this, and the claimed figures are around 17 kmpl. Real world mileage figures would be a bit less - there is not enough data at this moment to give you a clear answer on exactly what it would be. Expect The Chevrolet Spark to offer 12 kmpl in stop and start city driving - say in Mumbai - and 14-15 kmpl in a city like Delhi with more open roads.

The Chevrolet Spark offers 62 bhp, and can do 0-60 kph in less 6-7 seconds in the real world. If you are good, you can get quite close to the 6 second mark. Remember that the Hyundai Santro and Zen Estilo have 1100 cc engines, so they would be fractionally faster than the Chevrolet Spark. But there is sufficient power to keep going happily in city traffic conditions, and on the highway, the sweetly placed gear ratios and the linear power delivery will keep you happy. Anyway, with a car like the Spark, you are not going to be racing the Accents and Vernas - this is not meant for that.

So what should be your decision on buying the Spark? The Spark comes with a three-year or 100,000 kilometre service warranty, one of the best in the industry. There are four variants available - starting from the barebones version Spark 1.0 E at an ex showroom price of Rs 1.1 lakh in Delhi. Very good, but you don't even get an AC in that version. Then come the Spark 1.0, the 1.0 LS and the 1.0 LT - these are the ones you should consider. So you have an ex-showroom price of 3.32 lakh on the 1.0 Spark, going up to 3.9 on the Spark 1.0 LT version. Got a bit of extra cash lying around, and go for the LT with the optional pack, which will cost 4.25 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. If you were always a Matiz lover, you SHOULD buy the Spark. No questions asked. On the other hand, if you are stuck between the Estilo, Santro and similar, think about what matters more to you - power, space, economy, looks and try to come to a decision based on all the parameters.

Here is our most important feature - the Chevrolet Spark photo gallery! - below. Take a good at the photos, and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Maruti Escudo, the new Grand Vitara, coming soon

Maruti plans to launch the latest version of its SUV Grand Vitara - the Suzuki Escudo - in India very soon. No firm dates are available as of writing this.

Maruti officials talked about the launch of the Escudo in India at the unveiling of the company's A3 class sedan, the Maruti SX4 in India. Globally, the Escudo is marketed as an urban cross-country vehicle that offers the riding comfort as a passenger car. That puts it in much the same class as a Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Chevrolet Forester - out of which only the CR-V is selling in any considerable numbers. The Escudo in India will also be compared to the Ford Endeavour which recently had a fresh go at the market. The expected engine options are a 2000cc petrol as well as a 2.7 litre diesel.

We expect the latest moel of the Escudo, with its clean-cut lines, to make the debut in India. As an SUV goes, it is pretty much what customers would expect - reasonably large and sophisticated, and moderate off-road capabilities.
Pricing details of the Maruti Escudo too are unavailable officially, though sources indicate that the SUV would be priced at Rs 12-15 lakhs ex-showroom in India. They also tell us that the expected launch will be in July 2007. Maruti had showcased the Escudo in the last Auto Expo in New Delhi, where it evoked considerable interest. The price, if true, will position it pretty much in the same price range as the Endeavour while keeping comfortably below the CR-V.

What we know so far is that the Maruti Escudo will be imported - mostly like as a compeltely built unit. Maruti can be expected to crank up the PR machinery before the launch - it's last SUV, the Grand Vitara, had a cold reception in India, and they company can be expected to pull out all stops to make sure the Escudo would not meet the same fate.

We have a few photos of the Japanese Escudo for you. Take a look at the photo gallery below, and do use the comments section to let us, as well as Maruti, know what you think about its upcoming SUV and what you want from it. Bookmark this page and come back later for more pictures in a while!

Tata intros Elegante concept sedan

Don't put off your car purchase because of this. We have been disappointed by Tata before at Geneva. And this time might not be any different.
But if we are not, and Tata truly plans to introduce the Tata Elegante, we might get a really good vehicle.

First things first:

What has happened is that Tata Motors has done the regular unveiling and noise-making at Geneva Motor Show 2007, and has unveiled a car. At this moment, it is unclear if it really is a concept car, or a future product that might actually hit the streets.
Here are the features we have learnt so far:

The Tata Elegante sedan will have a proper sedan look. It will not be dumpy like the Tata Indigo.
The Elegante will be larger than the tat Indigo. Will it be larger than the Indigo XL? No clarity there. We will have to wait till our pals return from Geneva I guess.

The Elegante sedan concept is built so it can have 4 cylinder transverse petrol or diesel engines, or even a nice and small V6 engine producing 20 to 200 PS power.
It will meet all European safety, crash-worthiness and emission standards. The Tata Elegante's other features are a satellite navigation system, cruise control, integrated blue tooth compatibility, heated mirrors, rain sensor, and front and rear parking sensors.

If you want to know if the car is actually going to be launched at some time in the future, come back after a few hours, We would have got hold of a few photos of the unveiling, and some confirmation of the car's final status by then.

Here is some breadcrumbs for those who are disappointed: Tata has said that some of the Elegante sedan's design elements have made their way into the next version of the Indigo and the Indica. So, if you are not happy with that, we suggest you go ahead and buy a Honda City as revenge!

Maruti SX4 — Sedan givez surprisez soon

Maruti's three-box car Suzuki SX4 has hit the Indian roads. Targeted at the A-3 segment, the all new SX4 sedan, from the country’s biggest car manufacturer, has been launched in two variants sporting 1.6 litre engine. The lower version of SX4, VXi, is priced at Rs 6.18 lakh while the higher variant, ZXi, comes at a price tag of Rs 6.89 lakh. The upper version of Zxi has been priced at Rs 7.24 lakh.

Maruti SX4 belches out a total of 102 horse power with the help of Suzuki's advanced, next generation M-series global engine. The car sports a 16-valve, DOHC, 1.6 litre engine which is capable enough to meet the stringent Bharat stage-IV emission norms. Plus, the car can be made compatible with the forthcoming Euro-V emissions norms too, if needed.

SX4 car has been especially groomed with Swift-like modern looks to take on the current segment leader, Honda City. The extended version of the same platform is being used for the SX4 that will currently be sold in China and India.

The company claims the new SX4 to be the tallest, longest and the widest car in the 'C' segment. With enough of legroom and headroom in the offering, it will be a complete driver's car. Cherry on the cake is its high ground clearance of 190mm. The short overhangs and the large glass area also adds to its beauty and makes it more featurish.

The interior of the sedan has been a given dual-tone theme of grey and skin colour. Unlike other Maruti cars, the quality of upholstery used seems to be pleasing. Leather seats are optional in the top-end ZXi variant and the music system comes as a standard feature.

Here's a surprise for the aspirational buyers who are not-so-sure about Maruti's fitments, when it comes to higher segment cars! SX4 offers an automatic air-conditioning with matt-silver dials and steering-wheel-mounted controls for the music system as a standard fitment in the top variant.

Talk about the safety features and the car has it all. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution with dual front airbags will be available as standard in the top-end variant.

For quite sometime, MUL lacked a larger presence in the C-segment, which included Honda City, Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Verna from the competitors, even while ruling the small car market in the country. It now hopes to beef up its presence with SX4 in this segment, replacing the ageing Esteem and already phased out Baleno.

As if wanting to build an aura around the new model, the company is launching SX4 first in India, even before in Japan , the homeland of Suzuki, which happens to be the majority shareholder in MUL.

The SX4 will enter the European market only around autumn this year. Incidentally, the SX4 sedan is Suzuki's second global car to be launched in India, after Swift. The SX4 to be launched in Europe too will sport the same engine.

Tatas’ Rs 1 lakh car ready

Even as Singur continues to be a hot bed of controversies and political battle, Tata’s Rs 1-lakh dream car is getting ready for roll out. The car is in fact ready and is undergoing tooling and testing.

According to reports quoting Ratan Tata, the vehicle is expected to hit the roads between October and December, 2008. The car is ready for production and the project is on schedule.

The company’s proposed Singur plant is currently under the spotlight as local farmers, led by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, are opposing land acquisition for the car factory. West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has, however, reiterated that the Tata car project is irreversible.

Meanwhile, Italian auto giant Fiat, which has a joint venture with Tata Motors to manufacture cars and transmissions, engines, is expected to to sell the new small car in Latin America and other foreign markets. Fiat would also give technical and design related suggestions to Tata Motors for the project, said a report.

Tata has said that Fiat has shown interest in selling the small car in other markets where it has strong brand value.

However, it is being rumoured that the Tatas will see the pricing suffer because of inflation. The Tatas are trying to launch the car with a price tag of Rs 1 lakh, but if the inflationary and input cost pressure continues, the car may cost a little higher. Variants of the car might increase its marketability.

Renault Logan launched by Mahindra

April 18, 2007: The much awaited beauty has just rolled out to grace the Indian tarmac. Logan, the sedan from French major Renault has been launched in India by Mahindra and Mahindra.

Good looks, competitive pricing and the Renault - Mahindras combo make Logan worthy of a long drive. According to reports, the base models of the petrol and diesel variants are aggressively priced between Rs 4.28 lakh and Rs 6.44 lakh. Logan comes from the Nashik facility of the Mahindras.

Available in Toreador Red, Fiery Black, Sahara Beige, Mist Silver, Turf Green and Diamond White shades, the car is available in select Mahindra & Mahindra showrooms with Mahindra and Renault branding.

The companies have said that the car was be available for booking in 10 cities from April 14 onwards and the customers have started get their Logans four weeks after the booking date. Equipped with three engine options, namely 1.4 and 1.6 petrol and 1.5 diesel, Logan uses the JH gearbox that has already proved its worth in the Renault range, said a report. While the 1.4 petrol engine delivers 75 hp, the 1.6 litre returns 84 hp, the diesel sibling gives only 65 hp. Both the engines are meshed with a five-speed manual gearbox, it added.

The wide-bodied vehicle calls fro an applause as it is Renault's foray into the Indian passenger car mart. The Mahindras hold 51 per cent stake in the joint venture company named Mahindra Renault. The French auto major keeps the remaining 49 per cent. The joint venture partnership has invested about Rs 7 billion in setting up a facility with a production capacity of 50, 000 cars per year, said the report.

Tipped as a fuel-efficient machine, Logan is capable of returning an average of 16 to 19 km per litre in common rail diesel (CRDi) engine and 10-13 km per litre with the petrol engine.

Mitsubishi 2008 Lancer :: Keep Watching

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer will be revealed just before the North American International Auto Show.

Prior to the start of the mega North American International Auto Show which is to get underway in Detroit, Mitsubishi will have a gem to unveil. The Detroit car show will be open to the public from January 13 to 21, 2007.

The automaker has begun giving out the tiniest of details about its January 2007 plans. Motoring enthusiasts, however, are in the know. Mitsubishi will lift the wraps off its all-new 2008 Lancer.

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact sports sedan, and the new version would sport a front end that would a variation on the concept car Concept X's shark-nosed front end. A wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines are the first to hit your eye. According to the company, the aggression in styling is to convey an unmistakable brand identity.

Complete with a a longer wheelbase and wider track, the new Lancer would be slightly shorter than its earlier models. An all-new 152 hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder, with twin camshafts would power the vehicle.

Meanwhile it is also learnt that the Lancer-based Evo X four-door is in he wings and will be shipped to Canada. This will make Lancer the first Mitsubishi in North America to offer an optional continuously variable transmission.

So get set for the all-new Lancer. It is now left to be seen if Mitsubishi’s promises turn true with the new machine that is designed to charm.