Tata Zest launched in India with a killer price tag

Over the last few years, Tata Motors has been going through an extremely lean phase suffering from dismal sales, a series of flopped models and negative customer sentiment following the Nano fiasco. Signaling its intent to bounce back from all that in one shot, Tata launched its highly-anticipated Zest compact sedan in India today. With a killer price tag of INR 4.64 to 5.99 Lakhs for the petrol and INR 5.64 to 6.99 Lakhs for the diesel variants, the Zest could shake up the segment dominated by a trio of competent cars from Maruti-Suzuki (Dzire), Hyundai (Xcent) and Honda (Amaze), the three largest car-makers in the country today. 

After impressing the show-goers at the 2014 Auto Expo in New Delhi earlier this year, the Zest and it’s hatchback counterpart Bolt are the first significantly-new models from Tata in some years. The Zest is also the first model born out of Tata’s “HorizoNext” initiative that was launched in 2013 with much fanfare to improve its ailing passenger vehicle business unit.

Designers at Tata have made the Zest look modern and stylish while still retaining the Tata family elements that we have grown familiar with. A bolder version of the 'smiling' grille with hexagonal mesh pattern makes its debut in the Zest flanked on either sides by stretched headlights with inbuilt projectors. The thin chrome strips in the grille and the unique foglamp housing with Daytime Running Lights are the other attractions up front. The profile exhibits a strong resemblance to the Vista and Manza and the boot looks better integrated than some of its competitors. While the almond-shaped wraparound taillights, the thick chrome strip and the two-tone rear bumper try their best to spruce up, the Zest's rear end, like all other compact sedans looks shrunken, bulbous and disproportionate.

Not believing what we saw virtually, we checked out the interiors of the Zest first hand and came back pleasantly surprised. The design, layout, fit and finish is unlike anything that we have seen in a Tata before. In fact, the overall quality levels are up there with the best that this segment has on offer. The list of features on offer is even more impressive. For about INR 7 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi, the top-end Zest's standard kit includes dual front airbags, Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribtion (EBD), Corner Stability Control, climate control, Harman-developed touchscreen infotainment system with USB, Aux and bluetooth connectivity, smart voice recognition and reverse parking sensors. Beat that, Hyundai!

The improvements continue under the hood too. Tata's much-hyped 'Revotron' petrol engine makes its debut in the Zest. Helped by a turbocharger, this 1.2-liter engine churns out 90 ps of power at 5000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque between 1750 to 3000 rpm. Tata has even incorporated three driving modes with suitable changes in engine mapping for the driver to choose from - Eco, City and Sport. The same 1.3-liter Quadrajet diesel engine is carried over from the Vista and Manza but Tata has now launched the segment-first AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) in the diesel variant. Apart from the base diesel variant that belts out 75 ps, all other diesel variants get 90 ps of maximum power.

With modern styling, impressive interiors that would make cars two segments higher run for cover, the segment-first diesel AMT and a mouthwatering price tag, we have no doubts that the Zest is all set to make it big and revive Tata's fortunes in passenger vehicles. Hurry up folks, Zest up your life before Tata jacks up these introductory prices. We can't wait for the Bolt and Nexon now!

All-new Hyundai i20 makes its global premiere in India

Busting the myth that expensive hatchbacks just don’t sell in India, the original i20 that was launched in 2008 went on to become a big-seller for Hyundai. With a price tag that was alarmingly close to some midsize sedans for the top variant, the i20 was a revelation, one that we perceive as a sign of the Indian market coming-of-age. We are least surprised then that Hyundai chose India for the global premiere and launch of the second-generation i20. Launched in New Delhi today, the all-new i20 is given the 'Elite' prefix (akin to 'Grand' in the new i10).

Adopting the Korean brand’s Version 2.0 of the popular ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design philosophy, the new i20, designed by Hyundai’s R&D Center in Germany, looks mature and modern. Viewed up front, the signature hexagonal air dam and stretched headlights are unmistakably Hyundai. The profile, which is now more sedate, sees significant changes. Gone are the series of creases and curves that adorned the previous-generation model, replaced by taut, cleaner and muscular lines. The pronounced shoulder line, flared wheel arches and blackened C-Pillar stand out in profile while the rear is all about those terrific taillights that has built-in LED elements and extend well into the tailgate.

Cars from Hyundai has built an enviable reputation for smart packaging and excellent interior quality and the new i20 is no exception. The dual-tone dashboard that has a mix of black and beige looks rich and busy, hinting at the long list of features on offer. Amongst others, dual front airbags, Antilock Braking System (ABS), rear parking assist with steering adaptive display, steering-mounted bluetooth and audio controls, music system with 1GB internal storage, lane change indicator, service reminder, automatic headlights, climate control, rear air-conditioning vents, smart pedal, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a supervision instrument cluster are part of the kit. Though the new i20 in Asta trim has all the features that an hatchback would ever need, the absence of 6 airbags, rain-sensing automatic wipers, sun roof and navigation system, all of which were on offer in the old i20 at some point, is surprising.

The 1.2-liter Kappa engine with a power output of 83 ps at 6000 rpm and torque rating of 11.7 kgm at 4000 rpm and the 1.4-liter U2 CRDi diesel engine with 90 ps of maximum power at 4000 rpm and 22.4 kgm of peak torque between 1500 to 2750 rpm are carried over from the old i20. They are mated to a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed manual transmission respectively. Again, the 1.4-liter petrol variant with automatic transmission that was offered in the old i20 is conspicuous by its absence. A more powerful petrol engine would have put the long hood in the new i20 to good use, but it isn't to be.

The new i20 is available in a total of ten variants, five each in petrol and diesel. Prices for the petrol variants range from INR 4.90 Lakhs to 6.47 Lakhs while the diesel variants are priced between INR 6.10 Lakhs and 7.67 Lakhs. All prices are ex-showroom New Delhi. With just marginal increase in prices vis-à-vis the old model, the new i20 offers a host of improvements on almost all fronts. While that makes the new i20 appear to an easy sell, the strong pricing overlap with the Grand i10 and Xcent might be a dampener. 

Competing with cars like Maruti-Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Polo, Nissan Micra, Fiat Punto Evo and the upcoming Tata Bolt and Honda Jazz, the i20 is all set to make a splash in the premium hatchback segment. Are we looking at the next bockbuster from Hyundai then? Well, probably yes!

Audi launches the A3 compact luxury sedan in India

Despite being the latest entrant of the fabled German trio, Audi stormed to the top of the luxury car segment in India, riding on the success of its Sport Utility Vehicles. The Q7, Q5 and Q3 are still hot-sellers in their segments and the A4 too seems to be doing well for itself, going by the increasing number of them spotted on roads. The rise to the top might have been a simple affair for Audi, but it knows that there is a tough fight on hand to stay there. If the A3 sedan, launched in New Delhi today at mouth-watering prices, is any indication, Audi is well prepared. 

Launched in four diesel and a sole petrol variant, A3 is the first compact luxury sedan in India. While the base diesel variant, dubbed Attraction, is priced at INR 22.95 Lakhs, the top-end Technology variant costs INR 32.66 Lakhs, a whooping 10 grand higher. There are two variants in between, Premium and Premium Plus retailing at INR 25.95 and 29.95 Lakhs respectively. The petrol variant, in Premium Plus trim, costs INR 28.95 Lakhs. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi. While local assembly at its Aurangabad plant might have helped Audi in pricing the A3 competitively, the killer entry tag shows that it is gunning for big volumes.

Audi has introduced a new badging nomenclature in the A3, with the diesel and petrol variants sporting 35 TDI and 40 TFSI badges. This new nomenclature helps us differentiate high-power variants from the low-power variants sporting the same engine, something that wasn't possible visually before. Volkswagen Group's famous 2.0-liter diesel engine with 143 bhp of maximum power and 320 Nm of peak torque does duty in the A3 too. The petrol variant has a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine under the hood with 180 bhp of maximum power and 250 Nm of peak torque. While the diesel engine is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission, the petrol variant uses a 7-speed unit.

Externally, the A3 is obviously inspired by all the other sedans in the lineup. Sporting sharp headlights with characteristic kinks, a chrome-garnished hexagonal grille, a strong shoulder line connecting the lights at the front with those at the rear and those stunning scooped-in taillights, the A3 looks extremely impressive. It might not have its own identity in the Audi lineup, but who cares? The interiors are a different ballgame though. The chunky, 4-spoke steering wheel is unmistakably Audi but the minimalist dashboard with circular air-conditioner vents, pop-up Multi Media Interface (MMI) screen and a thin array of buttons look elegant.

The mid and top variants of the car are reasonably loaded with dual-zone climate control, cruise control, electronic parking aid, electrically-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, xenon headlamps with automatic range adjustment, fog lights and an optional panoramic sun roof among others. The base Attraction variant loses most of these equipment though. Seven airbags and a 7-inch MMI screen are standard across the range but the Touch control with handwriting recognition is exclusive to the flagship Technology variant.

The A3 looks good inside and out, features impressive kit, sports the much-aspired-for 'sedan' body style and, most importantly, boasts an "Audi" badge. Not for nothing then was the A3 crowned the 2014 'World Car of the Year'. Combine all these with killer pricing and the A3 is a definite blockbuster in the making. Do we see Mercedes-Benz scrambling across to bring in the CLA? Until that comes along, its going to be a cakewalk for Audi. What's your move, BMW?

Mahindra's new LCV spotted testing in Chennai

Tata Ace might still be the most popular Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) in India but Mahindra put up a very strong fight with its Maxximo. As the Ace family then expanded to accommodate the Super Ace above and the Ace Zip below with payloads ranging from 0.6 to 1 tonne, Mahindra could no longer pose a threat to its long-time rival.

Spotted testing in Chennai a couple of days back, this new LCV, which we believe is from Mahindra, will change that scenario. Clicked after several minutes of hot pursuit, this LCV is visually smaller than the Tata Ace and Mahindra Maxximo. That means it would, most likely, end up challenging the Ace Zip which has a 600 kg pay load.

Despite the heavy camouflage, certain significant elements of this new LCV are easily noticeable. The most prominent of them all is the slightly protruding front end, not much dissimilar to those seen in Ashok Leyland Dost and Mahindra's own Gio. Apart from the big air dam that can clearly be seen in the frontal shot, the test truck had most other styling elements concealed. The cabin appeared to be reasonably spacious for a vehicle with such a small footprint. The flat loading bay at the rear exposes the chassis underneath that also houses the spare wheel. Plastic wheel arches cover up the space above rear wheels nicely and the taillights seem to be sporting tiny LEDs that glow when braking.

Powertrain details are still unknown and so is the branding to be adopted for this new model. We presume Mahindra would like to build on the success of Maxximo and adopt a strategy similar to what Tata did with its Ace range for this new LCV. Along with the all-new compact SUV that we spotted testing earlier this month, Mahindra is expected to manufacture this new LCV at its upcoming greenfiled plant in Cheyyar, Tamil Nadu.

Honda launches the Mobilio MPV in India

Honda is on a roll, of late. With the all-new City decimating the competition and the Amaze hot on the heels of Maruti-Suzuki and Hyundai, Honda has seen its sales and market share grow tremendously over the past year. Keen to maintain the momentum and continue its growth trajectory, Honda launched the Mobilio in India earlier this week. Built on the same platform as the Brio and Amaze, Mobilio marks Honda’s entry into the MPV segment in India that’s currently dominated by Toyota Innova and Maruti-Suzuki Ertiga.

As these pictures reveal, the Mobilio shares its frontal design with the Brio and Amaze. The almond-shaped headlights seem to be carried over with little to no changes while the grille, bumper and air dam get noticeable changes. A unique front that’s not common with its siblings, like what Maruti-Suzuki did with the Ertiga, would have been nice. Moving on to the profile, a host of cuts and creases dominate the proceedings but the ones that really stand out are the kink in the window line and the treatment of D-Pillar. The sharp taillights that extend into the tailgate and the black inserts intended to break the mass of the bumper are the design highlights at the rear.

While the Brio and City makes do without one yet, the Mobilio, surprisingly, gets a sporty ‘RS’ variant. With projector headlamps, a more aggressive grille, sharper bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler and flashy alloy wheels, the Mobilio RS does indeed look sporty. Unfortunately, powertrain and mechanicals remain unchanged from the other variants.

The Mobilio is powered by the same 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol and i-DTEC diesel engines that powers the City. While the petrol engine produces a maximum power of 119 ps at 6600 rpm and a peak torque of 145 Nm at 4600 rpm, the “Earth Dreams” diesel engine delivers 100 ps at 3600 rpm and 200 Nm at 1750 rpm. Four variants are on offer – E, S, V and the sporty RS.

Following the famous ‘Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’ philosophy, Honda seems to have extracted every possible inch of space that this platform can eke out with the Mobilio offering three rows of seating that can accommodate seven passengers. The third row can be accessed by folding the second row forward. To aid practicality, both the second and third rows offer split function. The dual-tone interiors make the cabin feel bright and airy. Most of the interior appointments including the dashboard and switches are from the Brio and Amaze. Air-conditioning, front and rear power windows, central locking and tilt steering are standard across the range while Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are standard on all diesel variants. Features exclusive to V and RS variants include fog lamps, rear wiper with washer, armrest in the second row and dual airbags.

With the Mobilio, Honda’s recent run of success is all set to continue, the strong brand image and the positive vibes of the City and Amaze notwithstanding. That’s not all, the all-new Jazz is heading towards our shores too. Bring it on, Honda!