Tata Nano diesel in 2009

Talk about Tata Motors and it is natural you would end up with diesel in the rest of the sentence,such is the influence of diesel in its line-up.How could the Tata Nano have been left behind when it came to diesel engines.

Come 2009 and we would diesel engines on the Tata Nano.Interestingly these engines would be made in association with the same german manufacturer FEV with whom mahindra have a tie-up for the diesel scorpio.So although not immediately I am not ruling out a hybrid version of the Nano as well.

No mention has been made of an automatic transmission variant right now.Although official figures are not yet out interms of fuel efficiency expect this diesel to actually give a tough time for two-wheelers forget other cars.

The diesel engine for the Nano would be a two cylindered 800cc CRDi[common rail]diesel engine.As with all diesels expect a significant premium on the retail price compared to its petrol siblings.Inspite of this I expect this version to be the best seller and even cannibalise sales of the Indica range.Who knows the good old autorickshaw may well be replaced by the diesel version of the Nano.

[source:Tata Motors]

Mahindra dealers take the less riskier route

Its not a good time to be selling pick-ups and SUV's even if it is the US market we are talking of.However Mahindra are all set to enter the US markets by early next year[2009] with their scorpio pick-up[not sure about its official name yet] and the SUV.

Yes mahindra says its different in that it would be cheaper and more economical[diesel and even a diesel hybrid] than its competitors but looks like even Mahindra dealers in the US don't have complete faith that an Suv or a pick-up would do well now,given the high oil prices.

Most Mahindra dealers in the US are arranging to sell the mahindra vehicles alongside other vehicles[from other manufacturers] rather than build a new facility.Perhaps isuzu's exit also has influenced them to some extent.Ofcourse for this arrangement the dealers would have to shell out between $125,000 to $150,000 to Global vehicles USA[who are the official importers].

[source:motortrend.com]

Rationing of Petrol & Diesel in India

As much as the government and bosses from oil marketing companies disagree ,rationing is definitely taking place in the sales of petrol and diesel at our petrol pumps[filling stations].

For the past few days infact the situation is getting from bad to worse.Not only do you have to contend with long lines you also have fuel not available signs at many of the filling stations.

Some pumps in urban areas are even stocking only premium fuels.The situation is worst in the case of diesel as demand is higher and dealers are allotted a fixed quantity[both petrol and diesel] by the oil marketing companies.Also diesel subsidies are higher which is further bleeding the oil companies.As a result of which diesel is facing a far more severe shortage than petrol.

It had to come to this with the government unable to increase prices and rising crude prices.

Now where is my electric car[reva/g-wiz],damn there is no electricity to charge it even.

Maruti Suzuki A-star Revealed

Spy pictures are out of the new Maruti Suzuki A-star and its courtesy,yes no prices for guessing team-bhp once again.

The A-star has a Nissan touch to it and although there are talks of nissan probably selling this car too in markets abroad am not sure if nissan engineers had a say in the design.Honestly speaking the production version is a dissapointment after what the concept looked like at the auto expo 2008.The a-star should be sold with a pricetag closer to the present Maruti Alto.

Also spotted was the Maruti Suzuki Splash which was even sporting a diesel badge,so maruti is all set to launch a small car[splash] with a diesel engine.Now maruti already have capacity constraints as far as their diesel engines are concerned so I hope maruti does know what it is doing.Whether the a-star too would have a diesel,I am not sure yet.




Regarding the interiors of the splash,Maruti we need beige interiors in India please.

As far as launch is concerned the splash is expected by october 2008 and the a-star was expected by early 2009[though maruti seems to be ahead of schedule as far as the a-star is concerned]

Please visit team-bhp for the complete coverage:
Here

[image source:Worldcarfans.com,driveline]

[source:team-bhp.com]

PS: The pictures appear to be have taken from inside/around the Maruti premises[an area where taking pictures would have probably been restricted] though I am not sure,anyways I do not hold any responsibility for the pictures concerned and am only posting pictures which are now completely in public domain.

The Maruti SX4 diesel will have to wait?

The demand for the Diesel Swift[both sedan and hatch] has now gone way beyond maruti's control so much so people are moving to competitors frustrated by the waiting period.Maruti[really speaking its parent suzuki] has really been very slow in adapting the dirty fuel diesel and has more or less concentrated only on petrol cars.Whatever diesel cars are actually available right now from the Maruti suzuki stable are possible only with the help of Fiat's Multijet range of diesel engines.It is just natural that there would be a shortfall.

Now why Suzuki is not thinking seriously about diesel is perplexing.India is its main market now and boy do Indians love diesel.

Maruti did have plans to launch the diesel version of the SX4 sometime this year[2008] possibly with a tweaked 1.3L multijet engine but given the demand for these engines in the other cars Maruti would just not be able to sell any diesel SX4's due to lack of availability of the engines and hence have now postponed the plans for the disel SX4.

This should come as a shot in the arm for rivals especially ones who have diesel options.As far as the waitng period for the swift dzire goes someone just told me book now and get delivery only in 2009.

Government may consider Bio-Diesel

Diesel has been bleeding the oil companies and inspite of the raise in prices there is still a long way to go to overcome the under recoveries.Diesel being the lifeline of the country because of its mass usage in public transport,transport etc the Government just cannot increase prices to desired levels.

In order to overcome this problem the government is deciding to sell less diesel.No don't worry we are not taking about rationing but mixing of diesel with other bio-fuels[like the extract from the jatropha plant].Why diesel is because its diesel that forms the bulk of the sales and petrol sales are marginal in comparison.Although the government did start thinking in this direction way back in 2003 its only by September 2008 shall we even see a formal policy for the use of bio-fuel.Forget the date when we shall actually see its implementation.

One big factor working against the implementation of bio-fuels is the fear of the government of diversion of food for commercial purposes[a fear that is not completely baseless]

The ever increasing prices of crude and the subsidy burdens may just force the Government into considering bio-diesel as effective alternative to conventional diesel.

[source:Economictimes]

Ps:In case you did not catch up with the reason why the opposition parties[and even the government's own allies] are so critical about the government,Petrol prices have been increased by Rs.5,diesel by Rs.3 and each LPG cylinder now costs Rs.50 more.Automotive LPG prices are already sold according to the market determined price.

Hyundai to launch 1.2L petrol engined i10 soon

We are aware of a possible December launch of the diesel version of the i10 and perhaps even the automatic transmission but in a very suprising move, economictimes reports that Hyundai plan to launch a 1.2Lpetrol engine variant of the i10 as well within the next two months.

Even hyundai officials seem to have confirmed this move and the only bit they have not revealed is the pricing part but logically speaking expect it to be priced marginally higher than the existing 1.1L engine.The new 1.2L engine codes named "Kappa" is about 15bhp more powerful than the existing engine so it should be somewhere around the 80bhp tag without compromising too much on the mileage side whereas performance certainly would get a boost.

Now what has prompted this move is unknown perhaps the i20 launch has been delayed or the i20 is a bit more pricier than expected and there is a big gap in terms of pricing in the i20 and the i10 and hyundai don't have anything else in the portfolio take on the Maruti swift.With this boost in engine power perhaps hyundai is targeting the Maruti swift customer.

Hyundai are also planning to sell LPG variants across its entire line-up with the santro getting it by august 2008.The rest will get the LPG option a little later.

[Source:Economictimes ]

Honda to launch four new models in Japan this year[2008]

Honda wants to improve its market share in the Japanese market amid rising concerns that the Japanese have lost interest in cars.In order to garner interest Honda plan to launch four new models in the Japanese domestic market this year[2008].Honda are targeting a 15% marketshare by doing so.

The first of these four models is said to be an all new minivan and would be launched in just a few days time,May 29th 2008 to be precise.This minivan is supposedly called the Freed.It is built on the same platform as the all new honda jazz/fit and can seat upto eight people but in terms of dimensions should not be much longer than the Honda city and is being called a mini "mini-van"[the double usage is intentional].
An artists rendering of the new minivan

Now such a vehicle would be ideal for countries like India too and since it is based on the Honda jazz and city platform not be that difficult for Honda to manufacture in India even.The only problem which I can see is the lack of a diesel option which would most certainly kill the product in India.Even then given the honda brand name in India it may be able to sell a few in honda's stronghold the north indian markets[north india accounts for 40% of honda's sales].But worry not Honda's Ogawa[japan] engine factory is all set to be up and running by the first half of 2009 and apart from petrol engines it will also spin out diesel engines.Now whether that means we will see smaller diesel engines in cars like the honda city and the jazz is anybody's guess but there is certainly something to be optimistic about.

Actual interiors of the mini-minivan

Now as for the rest of the cars to be launched this year by Honda,yes you guessed it right one of them will most certainly be the next generation Honda fit aria or the Honda city as we know it here.AS for the rest I have a feeling one of them is already launched in the form of the all new jazz[however I am not sure if two entirely new models are in the pipeline as well].

[Source:Bloomberg]
[image source:edmunds.com]

Honda civic hybrid- Taking nature for a ride

Now its a well known fact that most of the save the planet claims regarding hybrids is just nothing more than shrewd marketing.But what's most interesting is the company which rides on the green tag has actually performed the worst when it came to real world conditions.

Auto express UK tested various hybrids under standard road conditions and the results are quite startling.Unlike manufacture claims Hybrids are nowhere as environment friendly or fuel efficient.Infact these green cars are emitting 56% more carbon dioxide than what the manufacturers claim.Auto manufacturers are taking undue advantage of the scare regarding global warming and are misinforming customers.Its upto federal agencies to ensure that consumers are not taken for a ride.

Of the cars tested not a single hybrid lived upto expectation and such was the Honda civic hybrid performance that the hybrid tag is called nothing but a marketing gimmick.Neither did it live upto its fuel efficieny claims but also polluted the environment much more than claimed by the company[Instead of the 109g/km of CO2 claimed in the makers' specifications, it was found to put out 171g/km. ].Now we know why Honda says it has taken nature for a ride.So if any of you are interested in the Honda civic hybrid[which in anycase is overpriced at Rs.20-25 lakhs] may this be an eyeopener.

But its not only the civic hybrid,even though other hybrids like the Toyota prius did not do so badly at the tests they certainly do not live upto the environmental friendly tag and all incentives by governments for such petrol-electric hybrid vehicles need a serious relook.

Whats the way forward,thankfully we have cars like the Honda Fcx,now that's an environmental friendly car true to its name but for the moment its best to stick to diesel and not get carried away by the manufacturers marketing brilliance.

[source: sify]

Ford's 1.4L duratorq engine now assembled in India

Ford's engine plant at chennai,India is now up and running and it will start assembling engines here from now on.

Ford has managed to achieve 50% local content for the 1.4L engine and oneday we may even see 100%.Although Ford will initially target the Indian market given the 250,000 engines capacity of the plant it would use it for exports as well.Although ford will assemble both petrol as well as diesel engines greater emphasis is being given to diesel engines which speaks volumes about the increase in popularity of diesels.

What this means is that Ford can cut down on costs and offer the diesel engines at competitive prices as well as ensure availability.

What this also means is for the immediate future a 1.4L diesel ford ikon cannot be ruled out

[source:Reuters]
[image source:machinist.in]

For details about the plant please visit:
Machinist.in

What does the future hold for the Ford Ikon.

Ford India have gone ahead and launched yet another limited edition,this time its the ikon again in the news.At a time when everybody is talking about increase in prices Ford has done the unthinkable and actually given us a cheaper offering.

But behind this generous decision was the fact that Ford's sales have fallen sharply in the passenger car segment and the ikon especially is facing the heat mainly because the car has been longer in the market now than the average age of its buyers.Ford have begun exporting the present fiesta to the south african markets[as the ikon].That means is the end of the road for the Ikon near.

It could well have been if ford's small car would have been here before 2010 but until then they have a huge gap to fill because of which they are forced to use the ikon. Ford have also not used their magical potion,the 1.4L TDCi engines.That could temporarily give the Ikon a new lease of life.The main problem ofcourse is it may cannibalise sales of its stable mates but unless there is a diesel variant I don't see the Ikon going on till 2010 even.

So Ford please go ahead and give the Ikon a younger heart so it gets back all its josh*.


Ps: The new limited edition offers AC,power steering and central locking and is priced at approx Rs. 4.49 lakhs ex-showroom.It has a 1.3L petrol engine.

*The Ikon is referred to as the josh machine in India.

[image source:about.com]

Hyundai i10 diesel by year end

This year end is going to see a slew of launches as far as the automotive industry is concerned.Will put up a detailed post in this regard later.But yes if you are buying a car and in no hurry waiting till the end of the year is the best bet.

Hyundai would be launching their diesel version of the i10 by the end of the year[last quarter of this year].If the success of the petrol car is any indication then the i10 diesel is all set to be a runaway success for Hyundai.Hyundai would also launch the automatic variant of the i10 at that time.Hopefully it is a CVT.Detailed specs would be put up later.

There is also the i20[october 2008] and the santa fe[end of the2008] which are set to debut in the Indian markets.

A car even cheaper than the santro is in the pipeline too.But don't expect it that soon.

For the immediate future expect few new variants[LPG,CNG] for the accent.This is expected by June 2008.

[Source:Economictimes]

The swift Dzire launched-Heres what the price list reads

Yes the launch is over and the all important pricing,it starts at 4.49 lakhs ex showroom for the Lxi petrol while the zdi diesel costs Rs.6.70 lakhs ex-showroom new delhi.

Here's the price list[all prices ex-showroom,new delhi]:

Petrol[1.3L]:

Lxi -> Rs.4.49 lakhs
Vxi-> Rs.4.97 lakhs
Zxi-> Rs.5.90 lakhs

Diesel[1.3L]:

Ldi-> Rs.5.39 lakhs
Vdi -> Rs.5.85 lakhs
Zdi -> Rs. 6.70 lakhs

For a detailed look at the features available I suggest you visit the official maruti link:
Here

Maruti say this is only introductory and they may rise prices at a later date.This makes the dzire[zdi] more costlier than the sx4 vxi petrol and very close to the price of the sx4 zxi.Very very interesting strategy.Unlike the sx4 ,the variant with airbags and ABS on the swift dzire is attracting a huge premium and hence I feel the intermediate model would be the most popular choice with the Vdi model being the favourite.
****************************************************

Maruti's press release:

Like the earlier Maruti Suzuki models, Swift and SX4, the DZire too is set to redefine the market and stir excitement in the entry level sedan segment. The DZire, which comes both in diesel and petrol engines, offers luxury feature options like integrated stereo, steering mounted audio controls, automatic climate control and power windows. It also comes with safety features like Dual Airbags, ABS with EDB, collapsible steering column and an i-CATS anti-theft facility. Many of these features are being offered for the first time in this segment.

Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki, S Nakanishi said: "The DZire is the seventh model Maruti Suzuki has launched in the last three years. It has a special place in our product strategy. Millions of Indians own compact cars. With growing incomes and better lifestyle, many of them want to upgrade to a sedan. But today, they are not able to find an entry level sedan that offers style, features and performance. The DZire offers all this, and at an attractive price."

Performance with Prestige
DZire offers customers the prestige associated with a sedan, while retaining the famed performance of the Swift hatch back. The Swift had, from the start, been conceived as a car that would be offered both as a hatchback as well as a sedan.

For the eleven Maruti Suzuki engineers who worked on the design of the DZire, the challenge was to integrate the boot into the overall personality of the Swift, while imparting the elegance of a sedan. In providing a high style quotient, the engineers have integrated the boot with just 30 Kilograms added to the car's weight ! The suspension and engine have been tuned for the sedan.Owing to this, the DZire has the highest power-to-weight ratio in its category. This ensures best performance and superior fuel efficiency.

The petrol version of DZire comes with a 1.3 litre, 16 valve, ALTec 32 engine, with a maximum 87 bhp at 6000 rpm. The diesel version comes with the 1.3 litre DDiS engine, offering a torque of 190 Nm at 2000 rpm.

DZire is offered in seven colours: Arctic White, Silky Silver, Clear Beige, Midnight Black, Bright Red, Azure Gray and Sovereign Blue.

Best of both worlds - more features, attractive price
In recent years, Maruti Suzuki has consistently delivered more features than competitor cars, at prices that are comparable or lower. This has been the reason for the resounding success of Swift (Petrol as well as Diesel), Zen Estilo and SX4.

With the DZire, Maruti Suzuki will take the story forward. Commonising platforms is emerging as a global best practice. This enables manufacturers to minimise duplication and prevent wastage. They are able to offer more features and superior styling in car models, at an attractive price.

The DZire is the latest example. By commonising platforms, Maruti Suzuki is able to offer more features and superior styling, while keeping the price attractive.Maruti Suzuki designers and engineers have worked to control the noise, vibration and harshness levels, thus ensuring the best in class driving pleasure and comfort.

A3 segment's new leader - Maruti Suzuki
While continuing to lead India's small car market, Maruti Suzuki has emerged as the market leader in the A3 segment as well during 2007-08. The company has sold a total of 41800 units in the last 11 months (Apr-Feb 2008) in the domestic market. This is the highest number of cars for any manufacturer in the A3 segment, according to the recent industry results published by SIAM.

The popularity of Maruti Suzuki cars in A3 segment also suggests that it has successfully expanded its image from being the leader in small cars to a company offering the full range of cars. With the launch of DZire in the A3 segment, the company is set to widen choice for the customer and further increase its lead over the competition.

Source:
Maruti Suzuki

Honda To bring in its diesel CRV soon,Marutis new small car.

Finally we shall get a diesel from Honda.Our country just loves diesel and it does not matter which segment you talk about diesel cars rule the roost.Honda was able to do well with the CRV inspite of having only a petrol engine option.With this diesel engine I expect Honda to not only rule in this segment[SUV] but win over many prospective premium sedan customers.

Now if only honda thinks about smaller i-ctdi engines for the smaller offerings like the honda city and the jazz.

The vehicle has been caught testing in India
***************************************************************************

The same person has also captured pictures of another vehicle which I presume is the Maruti Suzuki Cervo[dont know its official name in India yet] which as rumour had it was to replace the maruti 800[which is unlikely].This car is more in the wagon-r segment.

Heres the picture of the Suzuki cervo:


This car too has been caught testing at the same location.


Update:The autocarindia links are not working any more.Sorry.

[image source:nihoncars]

Renault's Indian Flopshow - The Logan

Yes now even renault admit that they are going nowhere with the Logan.Remember apart from the auto journalists a whole bunch of car lovers were very critical of the logan and its pricing strategy initially,where it was way too overpriced to be called a cheap car.It was a cheap car[not in terms of price] pretending to be an alternative to the Honda City.

After all the hype about it being a cheap car,the Tata Indigo was available at a much cheaper price.People certainly did not appreciate that which forced quite a few price-cuts for the company.Why the intermediate diesel variant was left out during launch is a complete mystery,the answer which I would surely like to know from renault.Also things like a lack of release for the boot from the inside,funny placement of the power window switches where not exactly designed keeping in mind the customer.Also Renault underestimated India and thought they could get away with a third world car here.

The official excuse from renault is:
"The sales target had been trimmed in line with the economic slowdown of the mid-sized car segment, where Renault's Logan sedan competes".

My prayers have been answered and Indian buyers have taught manufacturers a lesson.Manufacturers now know that just because it is a diesel and has a boot it will not sell.Expectations of the Indian buyer has now risen.

[Source:Reuters]

[Image source: ecofin.files.wordpress.com]

Review of The Maruti Dzire

Nope I have not got my hands on the Maruti Dzire[swift sedan].I am not amongst those lucky few.However the reviews of the Maruti Dzire are out and the one from thehindubusinessline is quite detailed.
From the review what can be concluded is that though you will get the features of the SX4,the dzire will remain its baby brother.The dzire may after all not be a threat to the SX4.Rear legroom is just the same as the swift and only the angle of the seat has been adjusted.Maruti have not offered a beige trim and an upmarket kind of feel to the interiors mostly to avoid clashes with the SX4.NVH too is on the higher side.Maruti has tried its best to ensure a difference between the SX4 and the Dzire by making sure the SX4 feel more of an upmarket choice compared to the Dzire and I must say I did jump the gun and proclaim an early death for the SX4.However let me still see the car personally and then I will take a final call.

Maruti have made rear visibility better which was one of the main complaints of the Swift hatch.The addition has not affected turning radius or ground clearance and extra weight is only 30 kg so the dzire should give more or less the same mileage as the swift hatchback and drive should also be exactly the same which is a good thing since the swift hatch is one fun to drive car.
Beauty lies in the hand of the beholder,however the review suggests it may take some time for us to accept the looks of the Dzire.For the front Maruti has given a chrome grill which is not present in the Swift hatch.There is lavish use of chrome on the boot too and so also the instrument cluster which has a white backlight unlike the orange on the swift hatch.

The all important pricing issue,the cheapest variant LXi[petrol] should be priced at around Rs.4.5 lakhs while the top end ZDi[diesel] should be priced at around Rs.6.2 lakhs.Prices mentioned are ex-showroom New Delhi prices.Even though the Zdi does have all the bells and whistles it is not exactly cheap and I expect the Vdi[diesel] variant to be the most popular.However let me warn you there is going to be a huge waiting list for this car and you may have to wait for quite a long while before you could own one.

Oh and the answer to the mileage[FE] kya hai question?The most conservative figures suggest 14kmpl in city and 19 kmpl on highways[for the swift dzire diesel] and this is no record run I am talking about.These are figures you and I can achieve.

Looking at the prices Maruti does have a winner in its hands,now the question is only how fast can I get my car.

The link to the review is here:
Thehindubusinessline

[image source:autoblog.com]

Update:
There will be a special online screening of the Dzire launch on the official website http://www.marutidzire.com for registered users as pointed out to me by a reader.Thanks for the information.

Also read:
The swift Dzire launched-Heres what the price list reads

Maruti Dzire- What your heart desires

Ratan Tata to Launch Tata Xenon in Thailand

Tata group chairman Mr.Ratan Tata is all set to launch the Tata Xenon pick-up truck in Thailand on March 28th at the Bangkok International Motor Show.

Thailand is the second largest market in the world as far as Pick-up trucks are concerned and that is why the importance Tata is giving to this market.

The Xenon would have a load carrying capacity of 1 tonne and have the VTT dicor engine which presently does duty in the Tata Safari in India.The Xenon would be manufactured in Thailand and sold in domestic[Thai] markets as well as exported to other markets.

{image source:autonovita.blogosfere.it]

Swift Dzire to be launched on 26th March-Confirmed by Maruti

Since this seems to be the hottest topic have once again posted the launch date of the Swift Dzire[sedan from Maruti].Finally Maruti itself has made a statement and the launch date has been confirmed as 26th March.
****************************************************************
" The image of a hatchback and styling of Swift is carried forward to the Sedan. The new car will be available in both petrol and diesel variants," Maruti Suzuki India Ltd Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales) Mayank Pareek

The petrol variant is expected to be priced between Rs 4.75 to Rs 5 lakh, while the diesel variant would be available for above Rs 5.5 lakh.
****************************************************************
The Dzire project, which started in 2005, is a planned progression of the Swift hatchback.

The Sedan will be available both in petrol and diesel versions, with the diesel engine being the same as current one in the Swift hatchback and the Dzire will now sport the same 1.3 litre multi-jet engine of Fiat.
****************************************************************
[Source:Sify,Economictimes]

Also Read:
Maruti all set to kill the SX4

Maruti to launch Swift sedan on March 6th 2008[Edit:Now 26th March]

Maruti Swift Sedan to be priced between Rs.5-6 lakhs

Review of the Maruti Dzire.

Maruti all set to kill the SX4

Update:
Opinion changed,Read the Maruti Dzire review first.

Economictimes has put up further details of the swift sedan and Maruti is all set to storm the markets with the swift sedan,especially the diesel variant.The most interesting fact is that the swift sedan is projected to have a base price less than the Mahindra Logan as well as the Tata Indigo dicor[common rail].The diesel car[starting price] would be priced between 5.2 lakhs and 5.4 lakhs while the petrol[starting price] would be under 5 lakhs.

Another interesting observation is that yes there would be a ZDi version[i.e. a version offering ABS+airbags,climate control,integrated music system[most probably with steering based controls as well],alloy wheels and all the other stuff available on the Maruti SX4.There would be two engine variants a 1.3L petrol version and the multijet 1.3L diesel.

This brings to mind a very important question ,why go ahead with the Maruti sx4 instead of the swift sedan ? What is that one big thing which would differentiate the Swift Sedan[dzire] and the SX4 .The swift sedan diesel is more than adequate on the power front while being much more frugal when it comes to your fuel bills.The initial cost too is less and the most important part is that because the swift and the SX4 share so much it would not be so different from inside both the cabins.Yes you say space but trust me you could sacrifice that easily,as it is not an enormous difference.I don't know how the swift sedan will be to drive but something tells me city folks would appreciate the dzire more than the SX4.Even the best marketing guy will have a tough time keeping a customer away from the swift sedan and instead sell him an SX4.For the "Aam Aadmi" after all why pay such a hefty premium for the SX4 when there is little to choose between the two and in all possibility the interior of both the cars would be identical.

I am sorry to say but Maruti is all set to shoot itself in the foot for the greed for additional customers.The swift sedan will undoubtedly kill brand SX4 and the success Maruti did achieve with selling a premium[better put as expensive] car.Future customers of premium cars of Maruti are certainly not getting any positive signals.The SX4 is all set to go the Baleno way,the countdown has begun.

[Image source:Yahoo autos]

Also read:
Maruti to launch Swift sedan on March 6th 2008[Edit:Now 26th March]

Review of the Maruti Dzire.

Ford India considering the 3.0L TDCI Endeavour

If certain sections of the media are to be believed then ford are planning to launch an all new 3.0L TDCi Endeavour real soon.

Tech specs:
2953cc
Power-> 156ps@3200 rpm
torque -> 380Nm@1800 rpm

I believe the 2.5L TDCi was good enough,the problem is the vehicle just does not give you that luxurious and comfortable ride.Don't know if this engine upgrade would make it any popular.

While we are at the subjet of engines how about Ford India giving us this engine:
175bhp 2.2-litre TDCi diesel