Fiat announces future expansion plans for India

After what seems to be eternity, the Italian car-maker Fiat that is struggling with falling sales, a limited model range and an under-fire after-sales network, finally announced its expansion plans for the Indian market. Though it has come a little too late, fans and owners of Fiat cars would be heaving a big sigh of relief now, as it was getting amply clear that the present volumes are unsustainable to operate a manufacturing plant in India. We at Anything On Wheels have been open in our love towards Fiat and, in fact, wrote as early as 2010 that Fiat needs to do something, really quick. It then is a sin on Fiat's part that their expansion plans are coming two years down the line. Better late than never, anyway.

It's all going to start with a face-lift of the Grande Punto and Linea in 2013. Though the Linea facelift made its global debut very recently, the Punto Evo, as it is called internationally, has been on sale since 2010. With significantly redesigned exteriors and interiors, the face-lifted Punto and Linea should be able to stage a comeback in the sales charts. Moreover, Fiat has also confirmed the launch of the next generation Punto and Linea in 2014, the latter of which will have the much-awaited 1.6-liter Multijet diesel engine under its hood. The existing Linea isn't going to be discontinued and will continue to be sold alongside the new model as the Linea Classic. Rejoice Punto and Linea owners, your cars are here to stay!

That's not all. An all-new B-segment Compact Utility Vehicle is also planned for launch in 2014. This model, that will share its underpinnings with one of Chrysler's models as well, is expected to be sold worldwide, including North America and Europe. Most of our media friends have already speculated this to be the 500XL, an extended seven-seat version of the 500L shown above. We will reserve our thoughts until Fiat makes it official though.

And we have saved the best for last. As if to answer our post on the non-availability of hot hatchbacks in our market, Fiat has decided to introduce its popular performance brand “Abarth” in India. Come mid-2013, we will be able to see stunning cars like the Punto Evo Abarth and 500 Abarth scorching our roads. Abarth is already popular in India and it is not uncommon to see Fiat cars prepped up with Abarth vinyls to get that 'hot' look. The news of its official entry is only going to make fans happier. Being a CBU import, duties and taxes will ensure that only hardcore enthusiasts with deep pockets would be able to own one. More than the volumes though, Abarth is sure to improve Fiat’s shattered brand image in India.

If all these plans come to fruition, not all of Fiat's problems are solved. They still need people to sell and service their cars. Fiat's earlier decision to partner with Tata Motors for sales and service backfired and it did Fiat more harm than good. Realizing the blunder, Fiat snapped ties with Tata and announced that it will be opening new stand-alone dealerships across the country. To start with, 'Fiat Caffe', a hi-fi brand store that aims to show customers the Italian way of life, have been launched in Delhi and Pune this year. With plans to open many such stores and stand-alone dealerships across India, Fiat hopes to improve its brand image and consequently, increase sales. Here is wishing them well in their endeavor!

2013 Ward's 10 Best Engines Announced

The festive season is fast approaching in the West and, in automotive terms, that means the beginning of yet another season of 'awards'. And what better way to kick-off than listing down the 10 best engines? Ward's Auto has did just that and announced the 10 best engines of the year 2013. What's special about these awards is that, when most other publications are busy giving away titles like Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year and even Automotive Technology of the Year, Ward's Auto ensures that the best power-train in the automotive business are recognized year after year.

A surprising element in the 2013 list is that, for the first time in seven years, every engine in the list is powered by gasoline with none of the diesel, hybrid and all-electric power-train making the cut this time. It looks like gasoline powered Internal Combustion engines, with their ever-improving efficiency and refinement, aren't going to be threatened by alternate fuels anytime soon.

Speaking about this result that seem to go against the industry's trend of popularizing alternate fuels and propulsion systems, Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World magazine said, "We're always excited to see the advancements being made in hybrids and all-electric vehicles. But there are still significant barriers for the average consumer to look past when considering these vehicles. The cost for most of them remains high, and the driving ranges of the battery electric vehicles will have to be extended to meet the needs of most people."

So, who are the winners? Ford has two entries in the list, with a whooping 3.8-liters being the difference in displacement between its two award-winning engines. BMW and Honda also take home two awards each, the latter's expertise in gasoline technology coming to the fore here. General Motors, Chrysler, Volkswagen Group (Audi) and Subaru garnered a place each in the list as well. Six of the ten engines in the list have managed to retain their spot from 2012, with the most note-worthy being Audi's 3.0-liter supercharged TFSI V6 engine that has managed to find a spot in the list for a fourth consecutive year.

The award-winning engines and the cars in which they were tested are listed below in no particular order:

* 3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi S5)
* 2.0L N20 Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (BMW 328i)
* 3.0L N55 Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW 135is Coupe)
* 3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6 (Ram 1500)
* 2.0L EcoBoost DOHC I-4 (Ford Focus ST/Taurus)
* 5.8L Supercharged DOHC V-8 (Ford Shelby GT500)
* 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Cadillac ATS)
* 2.4L DOHC I-4 (Honda Accord Sport)
* 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Honda Accord)
* 2.0L FA DOHC H-4 Boxer (Subaru BRZ)

As always, to be eligible for this award, each engine must be available in a regular production model in the USA, in a vehicle with a base price below $ 55000. Currently in its 19th year, the awards will follow the tradition of crowning the winners at a gala event in the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Land Rover launches the all-new Range Rover in India, prices start from INR 1.72 Crores

If ever proof was needed that India sits high on the list of global automotive manufacturers, this is it. Merely days after going on sale in international markets, the all-new Range Rover, widely considered as the best luxury Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the world, was launched here today. Though Tata Motors' ownership of Land Rover would have influenced a quick launch here, the importance of India in the global automotive radar can't be undermined.

The new Range Rover, that is currently in its fourth generation, is launched in two trim levels – Vogue SE and Autobiography. While the former comes with only a diesel engine, the latter comes with a choice of diesel and petrol engines. Prices start at a stratospheric INR 1.72 Crores for the Vogue SE diesel and goes up to INR 1.84 Crores for the top-of-the-line Autobiography petrol. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi, which means that owning one on-road would set you back by atleast 2 Crore Rupees. The supercharged V8 petrol engine is a 5.0-liter unit that churns out 503 bhp of maximum power while the twin-turbo V8 diesel engine is a 4.4-liter unit that belts out 334 bhp of maximum power. While the V6 diesel option that is available in international markets isn't launched here, expect it to join the Indian line-up in the not-so-distant future.

Range Rover has always been the pinnacle of luxury in Sports Utility Vehicles and the new model takes it one step forward. Friends from media who have got to drive the new Range Rover have vouched for the quality and richness of the interiors. Every damn feature that you might think of and some more find their way into the Range Rover's cabin. A high-end Meridian audio system, 4-zone climate control, high-res screens for rear passengers, an 8-inch central touch screen with dual-view functionality and executive class individual rear seats are few of them. There are no shortage of other comfort and safety features either and the Range Rover is sure to pamper and protect its owners like emperors.

As much as they scorch the roads, Range Rovers are always known for their excellent off-roading prowess. Land Rover's patented Terrain Response System ensures that this luxury SUV feels at home in all terrains. In what is a global first for a SUV, the Range Rover boasts of an all-aluminum chassis that makes it significantly lighter than the previous generation model. Air suspension on all four wheels ensures that passengers are cocooned, with a ride quality that's comparable to ultra-luxury sedans. Though the basic shape hasn't changed since the first generation model made its debut in the seventies, the new Range Rover has evolved into an incredibly modern automobile with stunning detailing spread across its huge frame.

So, what are you waiting for my dear rich folks? Head to your nearest Land Rover dealer and sign a cheque for the new Range Rover. Don't dwell over its price, all good things in life comes at a cost. The Range Rover is no exception.

2012 New York - Honda debuts refreshed version of 9th generation Civic

That the wheels of fortune turn around and don’t stay still is a known fact. But, that it does so quickly was not known until now. Thanks to Honda, we have realized that fortunes change at the blink of an eye. The Japanese manufacturer learnt it the hard way recently with the Civic, which is not only one of Honda’s highest selling models globally but also one of the most successful nameplates in automotive history. Yes, the brand 'Civic' has existed since 1972 and has passed through eight full generation changes, closing in on 20 million customers across the world in the process. Moreover, the Civic has been the default benchmark in its segment for close to two decades now, with the eighth generation model being amongst the finest Civics ever made.

Yes, that is the model that's still on sale in India while rest of the world have moved forward to the next generation model.

So, when Honda launched the ninth generation Civic in 2011, they would have, at least, expected it to maintain the standards set by the previous model if not better it. All those plans were crushed into pieces when the media gave a collective thumbs down to the all-new Civic. Not one, not two, but every other journalist and automotive enthusiast who got to drive the new Civic gave it an ample dose of thrashing. Reviewers found the new Civic to be lacking in design, interior quality, driving dynamics and power output compared to the old Civic. Surprisingly though, for all the flak that it received, sales of the new model were not affected and the Civic continued to be a top seller, even in USA where it was heavily criticized.

All these negative publicity forced Honda to come out with a significant facelift in just a year after the new model was launched, something that has never happened in the automotive industry, atleast in the recent past. Referred to as an 'emergency refresh' in industry circles, the face-lifted Civic made its debut a few hours back at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

Without touching the main sheet metal portions of the car, Honda has done a brilliant job and has brought in much-needed flamboyance to the Civic's design. Headlights and taillights get some elaborate detailing along with a bigger mesh grille and bumper that now accommodate more chrome than before. Just like the eighth generation Civic, taillights now extend into the boot and the new Civic creates an overall impression of a mini Accord. The interiors have been refreshed too and Honda has added luxury and safety content to make the Civic feature-rich. As always, Sedan and Coupe body-styles are available with customers also getting a wide choice of power-train to choose from - Natural Gas, Hybrid, Regular and Si. With all these changes, the Civic is now better equipped to handle pressure from strong competitors such as Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus and Volkswagen Jetta.

Sadly for us, India isn't on the list of markets where Honda is planning to launch this Civic. Though its rather unfortunate to miss out, there just isn't a market for premium petrol cars in India. So, what got us excited then about the new Civic then? It was these shots of the sporty Civic Si variant, which is back with killer looks and stunning road presence to go with its powerful engine and sportier handling.

Let the prayers for getting this in India begin!

Driven #17: 2012 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Royal Enfield continues to enjoy an enviable situation in the Indian automotive market. With an image that rivals the best of international brands, every new launch from Royal Enfield creates a flutter that is quite unimaginable. Needless to say then, every model in the company's portfolio comes with waiting lists that extends to as much as six months for some models. The new Thunderbird is the latest sensation to hit the market from the Chennai-based manufacturer.

Ever since it's unveiling at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi, the new Thunderbird 500 has been creating ripples across the biking community. After what can be termed an agonizing wait for the fans, the Thunderbird 500 was finally launched last month. Along with it, the existing Thunderbird 350 was also given a facelift. Will the new Thunderbird twins carry the brand's legacy forward? Will they hit the bull's eye yet again? With these questions in our mind, we rode the new Thunderbird 500 to find out. Read on.

TO LOOK AT:

Without an iota of doubt, Royal Enfield has got to have one of the best-looking portfolio of motorcycles in the Indian market today. All its models, with the lone exception of Thunderbird, follows the same 'classic retro' theme and end up looking great. The Thunderbird, being the company's first cruiser, marked a departure from that trend and came with a relatively-modern design that was equally impressive nonetheless. Now, ten years and legions of customers and fan-following later, the Thunderbird has got its first major facelift.

The basic shape and proportions of the old Thunderbird have been carried over and the new model is a perfect evolution of the original. As a result, it is instantly recognizable as a Thunderbird and will not be mistaken for anything else. What is different though are the modern touches thrown into the mix to inject the Thunderbird with a dose of modernity. The projector headlamp with LED ring, the muscular fuel tank, the three-dimensional badges and the streaks of 5 Light Emitting Diodes that make up the taillight are the elements that stand out at first sight. They not only look great and work well, but also lends a premium touch and feel to the Thunderbird. While the profile has been left untouched, the shape of the seats has changed.

Knowing the pulse of the market, Royal Enfield has done well to satisfy our fetish for chrome. The housings for instrument cluster, shrouds for headlight, taillight and indicators, suspension springs and exhaust pipe are all finished with the shiny stuff, which adds to the bling factor. In a perfect contrast, the engine and transmission casings are now painted black which aids visual appeal. The edges of the engine fins, that come painted in a shade of silver, is a neat little touch. Though the tear-drop shaped fuel tank is chunky, the offset fuel-filler cap looks a little weird. The superbly-shaped individual seats and the nicely-angled backrest enhances the 'cruiser' character of the Thunderbird.

It has to be mentioned here that Royal Enfield has gone crazy with the attention to detail in the new Thunderbird with even the foot-pegs getting the 'RE' branding.

TO SIT ON:

Step over the new Thunderbird 500 and the first thing that you notice is the strikingly-modern instrument cluster. You will be forgiven even if you decide that this cluster doesn't belong to a Royal Enfield. Having last rode the Classic 500, the instrument cluster in the new Thunderbird, with its blue back-lighting and LCD display, is a refreshing change to the eyes.

The familiar twin circular pods are carried over, with the left pod housing the speedometer, digital odometer and twin trip meters and the right pod housing the tachometer and other tell-tale lights. For the first time in a Royal Enfield, the new Thunderbird comes with features such as twin trip meters with provision for displaying the average fuel-efficiency of each trip and a service due warning. The speedometer is calibrated in, surprisingly, miles per hour too. While all this is great, the instrument cluster wasn't clearly visible in bright sunlight which proved to be a constant distraction while riding. Again, for what is a first for Royal Enfield, hazard lights are available as standard, a feature that will come to the fore on those highway rides. Quality of instruments and switches have improved significantly with only the tiny black buttons for hazard lights, mode selection and reset looking flimsy. The 'engine kill' switch that is chunky and finished in a bright red colour, is especially attractive.

Though the front seat is scooped up and has enough width to accommodate even the biggest of riders, the angle in which the seat is shaped does make us feel strained. The pillion rider's seat, in contrast, lack width but compensates with a backrest that is perfectly angled and adds to the riding comfort. In line with the 'cruiser' theme, the handlebars are high set and the seating posture is particularly comfy. The pedals for resting the foot are nicely positioned too. If not for the harsh vibrations that filter through to your body when the engine is in full blast, the Thunderbird 500 would have been exceptional.

TO RIDE:

 
The new Thunderbird comes in both 350 and 500cc versions, with the latter being a new addition to the Thunderbird family. The engine though isn't new. It's the same 499cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke unit that powers the Classic 500 and belts out a maximum power of 27.2 bhp and a peak torque of 4.17 kgm. Turn the ignition on and the trademark 'bullet' thumps fill the air. Start moving, continue turning the throttle and rev hard until you touch the 5500 rpm redline. That's when the exhaust note gets ballistic and addictive.

When we rode the Classic 500, we were amazed by this engine's excellent low and mid-range. It is no different in the Thunderbird 500. In fact, we felt it a tad better than the Classic 500 when it comes to urban driveability. Its so good that you will be able to move forward from standstill in second gear or amble along in third gear at 20 km/h. Just a flick of the throttle and the Thunderbird 500 responds with abundant power and torque in all gears. This makes it an extremely comfortable motorcycle to ride both inside the city and out on an open highway. Though the indicated top speed is 130 km/h, the Thunderbird 500 feels supremely comfortable at speeds of 80 to 90 km/h when all the moving parts seem to be in perfect harmony with each other. The gear ratios are well placed but the gears shift with a typically-noisy clunk that has now become a characteristic of Royal Enfield motorcycles.

The Thunderbird 500 is equipped with telescopic forks up front and dual gas-charged shocks at the rear, as a result of which the ride is plush even over broken stretches of tarmac. Similar to the old Thunderbird, straight line stability is excellent and the Thunderbird 500 stays firmly planted on the road even at triple digit speeds. What's more impressive though is the way in which the Thunderbird 500 approaches corners in an agile, composed and predictable manner. Yes, the Thunderbird is still incredibly heavy, but it is now more agile and effortless to maneuver with the tyres providing good levels of grip. With a kerb weight of 195 kg, we didn't expect that to be honest. Despite possessing disc brakes in both front and rear wheels, braking continues to be a sore point. The brakes lack bite and the Thunderbird doesn't lose speeds as quickly as expected.

Coming to the most important criteria in the Indian context, the Thunderbird 500 ran 28 kilometers to a liter of gasoline, which is not bad considering the power on tap from the 500 cc engine and the weight that it needs to haul along.

SPECIFICATIONS:

* Engine Type: 4-Stroke, Air-cooled
* No of Cylinders: 1
* Displacement: 499 cc
* Maximum Power: 27.2 bhp @ 5250 rpm
* Maximum Torque: 41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
* Transmission Type: 5-Speed, Constant Mesh
* Tires: 90/90 R19 (Front), 120/80 R18 (Rear)
* Brakes: 280mm Disc (Front), 240mm Disc (Rear)

WE VOTE FOR:
* Modern yet classic styling
* Long list of features
* Excellent cruising ability
* Relatively better handling

WE VOTE AGAINST:

* Pricing (500cc variant)
* Inadequate braking capability

TO SUM UP:

There is no denying the fact that the Thunderbird 500 is a feather in the cap of Royal Enfield. With good looks, advanced technologies, great list of features, plush ride and excellent cruising ability, the Thunderbird 500 is what most avid bikers in India were eagerly waiting for. But, at a price of INR 182,571 on-road Mumbai, it doesn't come cheap. It's reliability with all the modern gadgetry isn't proven yet and its brakes might scare you till you get used to it. But overlook these facts and you will understand that there is absolutely nothing else on sale like the Thunderbird 500. It's for this reason we think the new Thunderbird 500 will be a huge success. If the price bothers you, go get yourself the Thunderbird 350. It gets everything that the 500 has, sans the engine.