Hot cars of 2008

[sunilpal]

Maruti Suzuki A-Star (Rs 3.5-4.16 lakh)

Maruti Suzuki is betting big on its new offering - A-Star. With the A-Star, Maruti is hoping to take on Hyundai i10 and lift the falling sales of cars. The new Maruti would be available in three models with a price range of Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 4.16 lakh.




A-Star car will be manufactured in Maruti Suzuki's Manesar (Gurgaon) plant and it will feature new-generation 998-cc KB series engine. A-Star can produce 67 BHP power and it can run upto 19.59 kmpl.

Text: V. R. Vinod Kumar

[sunilpal]

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Hyundai 'Kappa' (Rs 4-5.43 lakh) Hyundai has launched a new version of the i10, powered by Hyundai's 1.2-litre 'Kappa' engine. The new 1.2-litre unit complies with the latest emissions regulations. Also, it's more powerful and more fuel efficient than the earlier 1.1-litre engine, though the latter will continue to be fitted to the Santro and the base model i10.





The i10's 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine boasts of an aluminium block, double overhead cams (DOHC), 16 valves and a 32-bit microprocessor. This state-of-the-art engine produces 79 horsepower at 5,200rpm and 11.4Kgm of torque at 4,000rpm.



It also has a four-speed automatic gearbox. Prices start at Rs 4 lakh for the base model, going all the way up to Rs 5.43 lakh for the top-end version.
Image Courtesy: www.hyundaii10.co.in

[sunilpal]

Tata Indica Vista (Rs 3.49-4.88 lakh) The Indica Vista is powered by a 1.2L Safire (petrol), 1.3L Quadrajet (diesel) and the 1.4L TDI, which currently powers existing Indica. The 1.3L Quadrajet diesel is the internationally acclaimed one, which is already serving under Swift, Swift Dzire and Palio.





The car comes with a segment best 24 months (75,000 km) warranty and will be available in a range of 7 colours through 170 dealerships across the country.



It is priced at Rs 3.49 lakh ex-showroom Delhi for the 1.2L petrol Safire at the lower end going up to Rs 4.88 lakh ex-showroom Delhi for the top end 1.3L Quadrajet.



Image Courtesy: www.cars.tatamotors.com

[sunilpal]

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Audi R8 (Rs 1.17 crore) German luxury car manufacturer Audi has launched its Audi R8, complementing the Audi model range in India. The exclusive, mid-engine super sports car has been priced at Rs 1.17 crore (ex-showroom Delhi without CST, transportation, etc).




The Audi R8 4.2 V8-FSI is equipped with an engine displacement of 4,163 cc, a power output of 309 kW (420 hp) at 7,800 rpm and a maximum torque 430 Nm between 4,500 rpm and 6,000 rpm.



Embodied with best technology, Audi R8 can attain a top speed of 301 km/h with 0-100 km/h in impressive 4.6 seconds. No doubt, precision and performance are put beyond the limits.



Image Courtesy: www.audi.in

[sunilpal]

New Ford Ikon diesel (Rs 5.19 lakh)

Ford has launched a new version of its successful small sedan, the Ford Ikon, with new diesel engine and different looks in India.





The new diesel version of the Ikon would feature Ford's famous 1400 cc diesel Duratorq engine, which already does duty in the Ford Fiesta and Fusion. There is new 1.3-litre ROCAM petrol engine too, but the big news is the launch of the diesel version.



The 1.3 litre petrol version of the new Ford Ikon is priced at Rs 4.59 lakh ex-showroom Delhi, while the diesel is priced at Rs 5.19 lakh.



Image Courtesy: www.india.ford.com

[sunilpal]

Hyundai Accent CNG variant (Rs 5.55 lakh) Hyundai introduced a CNG variant of the Accent, which will run on petrol as well. The new variant is more expensive than the petrol-only version and is priced at Rs 5.55-lakh ex-showroom.




The Accent CNG is fitted with Hyundai's old 1.5-litre engine, which is compatible with CNG without needing any major modifications. Hyundai has tied up with Korea-based CEV, which will be providing CNG kits for the Accent. This kit comes with an advanced 'Lambda' control system that ensures that the car will meet Euro-III emission norms.



Image Courtesy: www.hyundai.co.in

[sunilpal]

Toyota Corolla Altis (Rs 13-14 lakh)

Toyota Kirloskar introduced three variants of the new corolla altis - 1.8G manual, 1.8GL manual and 1.8VL automatic.

The new corolla Altis competes with Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata Embera and Volkswagen Jetta. The engine of the new automobile can power at 140 bhp.



The car boasts of having five-star Euro NCAP ratings, along with some excellent safety features, including EBD, ABS, traction control, brake assist and multiple airbags. The price of the car ranges from Rs 13 to 14 lakh.



Image Courtesy: www.toyotabharat.com

[sunilpal]

Sumo Grande (Rs 6.70-7.68 lakh)

Sumo Grande will be available in 3 variants Lx, Ex and Gx and in seven colours. The Sumo Grande sports comfortable three rows seating.



Power steering, power windows, motorised ORVMs, height adjustable driver's seat and a state-of-the-art CD/MP3 music systems further add to the comforts and convenience.

Beige interiors are complimented by fire and stain resistant fabric upholstery. Dual HVAC with roof-integrated louvers ensures personalised climate adjustment for the occupants in each row.



The Sumo Grande range is priced in the range of Rs 6.70 to Rs 7.68 lakh.



Image Courtesy: www.sumogrande.com

[sunilpal]

Honda Civic Hybrid (Rs 21.50 lakh)

Honda Motors Co introduced India’s first hybrid vehicle - Civic Hybrid. A hybrid vehicle is basically driven by a conventional petrol engine with an assisting electric motor that is powered by a battery.





The Civic hybrid has a smaller 1.3 litre gasoline engine (the normal Civic is powered by a 1.8 litre engine) but delivers around 50 per cent higher fuel efficiency. The hybrid version costs around Rs 21.50 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), almost double the price of the conventional variant.



The company also launched premium Accord! The new look, redesigned Honda Accord has a larger wheelbase and luxury features. The ex-showroom price for the car starts at Rs 16.53 lakh.



Image Courtesy: www.hondacarindia.com

[sunilpal]

Chevrolet Aveo U-VA (Rs 5.11 lakh)

General Motors India launched a new variant of its hatchback Chevrolet Aveo U-VA. The car is fitted with 1150cc engine, which delivers 75 bhp. This is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment fitted with smooth gearbox.



Moving on from its base model, the new U-VA comes with a number of additional interior and exterior features including wider windscreen driver airbag and ABS system for enhanced occupant safety as well as keyless entry with burglar alarm for improved vehicle security. The car is priced between Rs 3.98 lakh and Rs 5.11 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).



Image Courtesy: www.chevrolet.co.in

[sunilpal]

HM Outlander (Rs 20.20 lakh)

Hindustan Motors launched its SUV - Outlander at a price of Rs 20.20 lakh (ex-showroom). It was launched in India launch after its successful debut in countries like North America, Japan, Australia, Canada and West Europe.


The Outlander's all wheel control is powered by a 2.4 litre, 16-valve Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Electronic Control system petrol engine. The car is capable of giving a maximum power of 170 PS/6000 rpm and has a flat torque of 226 N-m/4100 rpm.



Its rigid body leads to superior handling stability with aluminum roof panels that are lighter. This reduces roll and ads to a sedan-like driving stability. The car is assembled at HM's Tiruvallur facility near Chennai.



Image Courtesy: www.outlander.in

[sunilpal]

Fiat 500 (Rs 13 lakh)

The 500 created news around the globe last year when it was re-launched in its 21st Century avatar. It will come with the highly efficient 1248cc four-cylinder turbo-diesel motor that generates a whopping 75 bhp and 14.8 kgm.


Then there is the cool looking hatch, Bravo - complete with a glass roof, grey-black alloys and the trademark Fiat 1910cc turbo diesel motor that develops 150 bhp at 4000 rpm and a fantastic 31 kgm of torque at 2000 revs.
Both the cars will pinch the buyers' pockets. While the 500 costs Rs 13 lakh, the Bravo costs just Rs 23 lakh!!!.



Image Courtesy: www.fiat500.co.in

[akhilesh dubey]

COOL Yaar

Originally Posted by sunilpal

HM Outlander (Rs 20.20 lakh)

Hindustan Motors launched its SUV - Outlander at a price of Rs 20.20 lakh (ex-showroom). It was launched in India launch after its successful debut in countries like North America, Japan, Australia, Canada and West Europe.


The Outlander's all wheel control is powered by a 2.4 litre, 16-valve Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Electronic Control system petrol engine. The car is capable of giving a maximum power of 170 PS/6000 rpm and has a flat torque of 226 N-m/4100 rpm.



Its rigid body leads to superior handling stability with aluminum roof panels that are lighter. This reduces roll and ads to a sedan-like driving stability. The car is assembled at HM's Tiruvallur facility near Chennai.



Image Courtesy: www.outlander.in