New Honda CR-V
The latest Civic is out and it’s headed for an India launch in mid-2012. The design is more evolutionary than revolutionary (unlike the earlier car). In fact, the lines have been toned down which should make the saloon appeal to a wider customer base. However, the interiors are just as radical as before and feature a dual level split instrument console.
The new Civic should feature an updated version of the 1.8-litre, SOHC I-4 engine with improved refinement, emissions, economy and performance. Peak power will be around 140bhp. A diesel engine is also on the cards but is unlikely to make it to India before late-2013. Having tasted blood with its aggressive pricing for the Brio and Jazz, expect a surprise sticker price for this model too.
Factfile:
If you thought the Ambassador was dead, think again. A new pick-up variant for the rural markets has just hit the roads and now Hindustan Motors (HM) wants to cash in on excise benefits extended to sub-four-metre cars. Yes, a sub-four-metre Ambassador is on its way.
The length reduction is courtesy a shorter humped boot section, reminiscent of the original Amby
of the 1950s. The 1.5-litre diesel engine that currently powers the car will be re-tuned for improved performance and to meet newer emission norms. A CNG option will also be offered. Expect the car to cost Rs 30,000 less than the standard Ambassador. Love it or hate it, the Amby is here to stay.
Factfile:
Ford India has got an ace up its sleeve with the upcoming Eco Sport. Codenamed B515, this sub-four-metre-long mini-SUV will qualify as a small car to avail of a substantial 12 percent saving in excise duty.
The SUV will be based on Ford’s global B platform that also underpins the latest Fiesta, so ride and handling will be nothing short of special. Styling will be pure SUV. Also, as the spare wheel is not considered in the‘small car’ regulations when measuring body length, it will be mounted on the tailgate rather than under the body. This allows luggage space to be used more effectively.
The Eco Sport is likely to come with an upgraded version of the Figo’s 1.2-litre petrol engine and the 90bhp 1.5 diesel from the new Fiesta. Pricing will be the key to the Eco Sport’s success and Ford is working towards an aggressive price of Rs 6 lakh for the base model.
Factfile:
Please come back tomorrow to read more!
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 1
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 2
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 3
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 4
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 6
Honda has recently unveiled the new CR-V. As seen from the pictures, styling of the new car is a departure from the current model with the new model looking more aggressive.
The new CR-V is built on an all-new platform which should further improve the CR-V’s renowned car-like handling. Engine details have not been announced but the addition of a diesel engine in 2013 is likely.
The current CR-V is imported in India in fully built up form, which has meant prices have jumped over the years thanks to an appreciating yen. Good then that the new CR-V will be assembled locally, which means prices will be more Honda Accord than BMW 3-series.
Factfile:
Engine: 2.4-litre petrol*
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Late 2012
Price: Rs 20 lakh
New Honda Civic
The new Civic should feature an updated version of the 1.8-litre, SOHC I-4 engine with improved refinement, emissions, economy and performance. Peak power will be around 140bhp. A diesel engine is also on the cards but is unlikely to make it to India before late-2013. Having tasted blood with its aggressive pricing for the Brio and Jazz, expect a surprise sticker price for this model too.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.8-litre petrol
Power/Torque: 140bhp/17.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1198-1254kg
L/W/H: 4503/1753/1435mm
Expected: Mid-2012
Price: Rs 14-16 lakh
HM Ambassador (sub-4 metre)The length reduction is courtesy a shorter humped boot section, reminiscent of the original Amby
of the 1950s. The 1.5-litre diesel engine that currently powers the car will be re-tuned for improved performance and to meet newer emission norms. A CNG option will also be offered. Expect the car to cost Rs 30,000 less than the standard Ambassador. Love it or hate it, the Amby is here to stay.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Early-2012
Price: Rs 4.8 lakh
Ford EcoSport
The SUV will be based on Ford’s global B platform that also underpins the latest Fiesta, so ride and handling will be nothing short of special. Styling will be pure SUV. Also, as the spare wheel is not considered in the‘small car’ regulations when measuring body length, it will be mounted on the tailgate rather than under the body. This allows luggage space to be used more effectively.
The Eco Sport is likely to come with an upgraded version of the Figo’s 1.2-litre petrol engine and the 90bhp 1.5 diesel from the new Fiesta. Pricing will be the key to the Eco Sport’s success and Ford is working towards an aggressive price of Rs 6 lakh for the base model.
Factfile:
Engines: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA, 88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 6-7.5 lakh
Ford Endeavour
Ford Thailand has taken the wraps off the new Ranger pick-up that will form the basis of the all-new Endeavour SUV headed for India in late 2012. The design conforms with Ford’s global design language, so the final SUV version will look a whole lot more modern than the current dated Indian model.
The interiors are a step up too with a smarter fascia and use of better materials. Thai Rangers will be sold with a new 148bhp 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine and this motor could replace the 2.5-litre powerplant currently on the Endeavour. The new engine comes mated to six-speed manual and automatic transmissions which may be India-bound as well. A price hike seems imminent but Ford could offset this by offering the Endeavour loaded with features.
Ford Fiesta hatchback
There has been a lot of interest in the new Fiesta hatchback of late and if our spy picture of a test car is anything to go by, then Ford seems to have finally decided to manufacture the model in India.
The hatchback is identical to the saloon up till the B-pillar. Thereafter, the smartly executed hatch section gives the car better proportions than the Fiesta saloon. The interiors will be shared with the saloon as will the pair of 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. While it will be positioned as a premium hatchback, pricing will still be critical. If priced above Rs 6.5 lakh, the Fiesta hatchback could have the same fate as the Honda Jazz when it was first launched.
Factfile:
Engines: 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 107bhp/14.2kgm,
88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1153kg
L/W/H: 3950/1722/1475mm
Expected: Mid-2012 Price: Rs 6.5 lakh
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 1
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 2
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 3
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 4
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 6
Source: www.autocarindia.com
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