Monday, June 21, 2010

Fiat Alfa Romeo

romeo

Alfa Romeo is one of the most stylish and fast Italian luxury cars. Fiat Alfa Romeo 159 was launched in the year 2005 although Alfa Romeo has been a part of Fiat group since 1986.The car was introduced to have aeronautical design integrated to luxury cars.

Fiat Alfa Romeo was showcased in Delhi at the 9th Auto Expo on Jan 2008. Alfa Romeo was launched in India with 2.5-litre V6 diesel engine that generated a power of 188 bhp and another 1.9-litre multi-jet petrol engine gives a power of 150 bhp. Alfa 159 will have the engines that has the 2.2L JTS and it delivers a power of 185bhp.The two diesel versions deliver power of 150bhp from 1.9L and 200bhp from 2.4L.

romeo

Fiat Alfa Romeo is considered to be one of the best looking cars. It has a V-shaped grille and bonnet and head light clusters are cylindrical. The waistline is broad upto the C pillar and interior of the car is amazing. High quality material has been used for the seats and instruments are angled towards the driver. The steering wheel is comfortably placed and it allows the driver to have an easy drive in crowded roads.

Fiat Alfa Romeo is a compact executive car with 4-doors and from grille to tail pipe the car measures 4.6 meters. Alfa 159 combines sport ness, technology and elegance in a its design.

Technology and Engine

fiat

Fiat Alfa Romeo uses Fiat Powertrain Technologies in the 1.9 JTD engine and it is integrated to Twin Stage Turbo technology that raises power to 140 kW and maximum torque goes to 400 NM from just 1.9 liters of petrol.

The 1.9 LTD engines uses FTP four cylinder diesel engine and it gives a power like a six cylinder vehicle. Fiat Alfa Romeo has low fuel consumption and it delivers a high power and torque.

The new engine of Fiat Alfa Romeo has been integrated to two versions of the motor and as compared to the previous 1.9 liter JTD engines, torque has been improved by almost 50% .The high performance of the car is attributed to the advanced turbo charging technology that works on the Two stage Turbo charging principle and the thermo- structural resistance of the motors has also been increased that allows increased cylinder pressure to 180 abr. The exhaust temperature can go to 800C.

The Two stage turbo charging enables the motor to combine small turbocharger’s response at low speed and it eliminates the Turbo lag and the second stage turbo charging is for deep breathing and it prevents breathlessness in engines.

Security and Comfort

fiat

Fiat Alfa Romeo has the TST technology that allows improved gas circulation and reduces fuel consumption. NOX emission is low. The engine has been passed for the Euro 5 emission standards. The compression ratio is lowered from 17.5 to 16.5.An improved EGR cooler has been attached. It has been awarded five-star safety rating by the Euro NCAP.

Features of Fiat Alfa Romeo

• Engine allows front-wheel drive
• JTS – Jet Thrust Stoichiometric the term used for Direct Injection Engine
• 5 – Speed manual Transmission
• Wheelbase: 2700 / 2703 mm (106.3/106.4 in.)
• Length: 4660/4661 mm (183.4/183.5 in.)
• Width: 1828/1830 mm (71.9/72.0 in.)
• Height : 417-1422 mm (55.7-55.9 in.)
• Curb weight: 1,430–1,680 kg
• Fuel capacity: 69 L – 70 L
• Torque = 400 NM from just 1.9 litres of petrol
• Power = 188 bhp

Pros and Cons

car

Pros:

• High fuel efficiency
• Integrated with latest technologies
• Comfortable to drive
• Stylish and elegant Italian design

Cons

• The luxury car Fiat Alfa Romeo is not very comfortable like a Mercedes
• The looks are not like a dynamic sportscar
• The technologies integrated to the vehicle are not improved over Audi
• Its price is high for average Indian buyer.


Cost:

The car has been launched to compete with BMW -3, Mercedes C –class and the Audi –A4 and the car is priced at minimum Rs 25 Lakhs in an Ex-showroom in Delhi.

BAJAJ DISCOVER 150 CC

Bajaj Auto launched the new Bajaj Discover 150cc on commuter segment, which comes at a low price of Rs 46,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi).The attractions of the new bike launched are its DTSi engine, 5- gearbox and performance in crowded streets. The bike gives a mileage of 65 kmpl.

Design and Style

The bike has been launched in two design models Black with blue graphics and Black with red graphics. The bike resembles the previous model of 100cc due to the presence of same body panel and same front look. The engine is all black and the graphics has been changed to make it look robust .The new bike has rather no improvement in design and looks. The overall look is very simple.

It has the electric start, Nitrox suspension, disc brake and wide rear tyres. The front suspension is 130mm telescopic suspension and gas-charged Nitrox suspension is present at the rear. The Discover 150 follows BS III emission norms and it has 1305mm wheelbase, 8L fuel tank, 121 kerb weight and 165 mm ground clearance.

Engine and Power

The engine capacity is improved over the earlier models. The new bike has 4-Stroke 144.8cc DTS-i engine that generates a maximum power of 12.8 Bhp @7500 rpm and maximum torque of 12.7 Nm @5500 rpm. The long stroke engine comes with the stroke configuration of 56mm x 58.8mm.The power is transferred to the wheels through the 5 – speed transmission pattern which is all down shift that provides smooth shifts.

Ride and handling

The bike does not get noisy or vibrates in low speed at fifth gear and on city roads it can be driven easily at 30 km / h .The gear ratio is designed effectively to provide easy gear transition on crowded streets.

The new bike has a longer wheelbase and rear tyres are wider, which makes the handling easy and rooted. Bikers on long drives can find it easy to balance the new model.

The new saddle is large and spacious, which improves the riding position. The light front portion and the handlebars have been designed in a way to make it easy to commute in crowded areas.

The tyres used are wider MRF tyres which provide appropriate balance to the biker on uneven roads.

The front disc brake provides quick response to make the halting easy and swift.

Other attractions are the electric start, maintenance free battery, alloy wheels and auto choke.

Advantages of the bike

  1. It’s a low cost bike.

  2. Rear tyres are wider and robust.

  3. Driving position is improved.

  4. Even in gear five the bike can be driven at speed 30 km /h.

Price

The bike is priced at Rs 46,000 (Ex-showroom price).

Engine

Type = DTS-I, 4 Stroke, Natural air cooled

Displacement = 144.8 cc

Max. Net Power = 13.0 PS @ 7500 rpm

Max. Net Torque = 12.75 Nm @ 5500 rpm

Suspension

Front = Telescopic, Wheel travel 130 mm stroke, Rear = Nitrox Wheel travel 110 mm wheel travel

Brakes

Front = 240 mm Disc Brake, Rear= 130 mm Drum Brake

Tyres

Front = 2.75*17″, Rear = 100/90*17″

Wheels

Aluminium Alloy Die Cast

Fuel Tank

Capacity 8 litres Full, Reserve 2.3 litres, Usable reserve 1.5 litres

Dimension and Weight

Wheelbase = 1305 mm

Ground Clearance = 165 mm

Kerb Weight = 121 Kg

Electricals

Battery Maintenance Free, 12 V, 7 Ah, Headlamp = 35/35 W, Tail lamp = LED Type

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Ford Ikon Flair

Ford Ikon embodies thrilling style with a fun-to-drive spirit. Ikon optimized suspension design, a balanced chassis and sharp steering precision; make it a fun machine to drive. Ford Ikon comes with highly developed Dynamic Safety Engineering (DSE) program. Some of the key safety features include side impact beams, crumple zones, a monocoque body and the latest in occupant restraint systems. Ford Ikon is available in six variants – 1.3 LXi, 1.3 Flair, 1.6 EXi, 1.6 ZXi, 1.8 EXi, and 1.8 ZXi.

This model of Ford Ikon is well equipped with many safer and comfort-providing features that are really important for secured driving. Those mentionable features of Ford Ikon are laminated windscreen, boot light, central locking and electric fuel cap release, center high mount stop light, steering column lock, child-proof rear locks , front and rear seat belts, anti-submarine seats, etc.

These new edition of the Ikon Flair is designed to garner the attention of the young icons who are keen begin their experience with four- wheelers with a world-class stylish sedan. The 1.3 L Ikon Flair 2006 comes equipped with the best-in-class features, a responsive Rocam engine and added special. The new Ford Ikon 1.6 EXi is powered by the 1.6 liter Rocam petrol engine, delivering 91 HP @ 5500 rpm and a peak torque of 130 Nm @ 2500 RPM. The new Ikon variant comes complete with a sporty steering wheel, power steering, power windows, central locking, tachometer, electric boot release and sparkling clear headlamps.

Ford Ikon

With the introduction of the 1.6 EXi, there are now 7 variants of the Ford Ikon for customers to meet their preferences for performance, luxury, styling and affordability. The 1.6 EXi is available with customized finance options at competitive interest rates, offering EMI s comparable with that of top-end small cars. Ford India plans to expand its dealer network across the nation to over 80 dealer outlets from the present 68, enhancing its consumer reach to more than 70 cities. Ford India is targeting a total sale approaching 50,000 units (including exports) in the calendar year 2002.

Ford Ikon is India’s largest exported car, with every two out of three cars exported from India being Ford Ikons. Recently Ford India Limited achieved the distinction of being the first Indian automobile manufacturer to start exports of Ford Ikon components to China. Ford Ikon is currently being exported as CKD units to South Africa, Mexico and Brazil.

SOHC Design – Simple and Effective: The 1.6-litre ROCAM single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with advanced engine architecture has been developed to operate reliably over extended periods in extreme conditions with maximum reliability and minimum maintenance. Primary design parameters for this new SOHC engine include: robust operation over 150,000 km, low internal friction, low weight and reduced manufacturing costs.

Ford Ikon

The engine configuration is based on a cast-iron cylinder block with an aluminum alloy head and a structural cast-alloy oil pan. It features a single overhead camshaft operating two valves per cylinder to maximize low-end torque and increase durability. A long-life, maintenance-free chain drives the camshaft, which operates the valves via low-friction finger followers and hydraulic lash adjusters.

The cylinder block provides efficient combustion chamber proportions with a good surface to volume ratio. It is one of the most compact and mass-efficient engines in the 1.6-litre class. The new Ford 1.6-litre RoCam engine features a cross-flow head design with staggered valves inclined at eight degrees. The combustion chamber is a heart-shaped depression with a smooth cusp and a central spark plug position.

Chain-drive SOHC: A single roller chain drives the overhead camshaft with a chain guide on the tension side and a pivoting tensioned arm on the slack side. It is operated by a hydraulic plunger to keep the system free from rattles for at least 240,000 km without adjustment.

Ford Ikon

Cooling System: A flow module mounted on the rear face of the cylinder head controls the cooling system. It is connected to a front-mounted, low-loss water pump by an internal gallery. The coolant control module incorporates all the connectors for the radiator and heater matrix, with a spring-loaded by-pass thermostat. It provides a parallel coolant flow split of 70/30 through the head and block to improve engine cooling and reduce thermal gradients in extreme conditions. A short water jacket is used to reduce the water volume and improve warming-up for lower exhaust emissions and improved fuel economy.

Sealing Integrity: The design and installation of all gaskets provide maximum resistance to leaks and special attention has been paid to the accessory drive system to improve its operating life and reduce noise. The crankshaft nose directly drives the oil pump, while the water pump, alternator, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor are driven by a single serpentine poly-vee belt drive. The belt material, groove profiles and geometry have been developed for long life; while a dynamic tensioned and in-plant gauging ensure the drive system can operate consistently in service for long periods without maintenance.

Engine: 1.3 L Rocam Petrol that generates 70PS @ 5500 rpm and 105 NM of torque @ 2500 rpm. It has a computer controlled engine management – EEC V – for improved power and fuel efficiency. The Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) plays a vital role in emission control by injecting metered quantities into the inlet tract for each cylinder at the optimum point in the combustion cycle.

Ford Ikon

Engine Power and Torque: The SOHC engine provides strong levels of low-end torque for maximum flexibility and strong performance even in fully laden conditions. Maximum power is 70kW @ 5,500 rpm, while peak torque is 137 Nm at 2,500 rpm.

Emission Control Equipment: Low emissions on the 1.6-litre SOHC engine are achieved by a number of different features, which include: sequential electronic fuel injection, advanced gas dynamics and a smart open-loop Bosch Motronic engine management system. The latest techniques used by the Ikon power train team in the engine development and testing include: component and calibration development using computer-controlled test cells with fully dynamic engine dynamometers; computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for optimizing exhaust flow and rapid prototyping for the manifold development.

Air-conditioning: The Ikon’s air-conditioning system operates with environment friendly refrigerant R134A with no chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The air-conditioning system is integrated with the ventilation system and heater – optimal for India’s extreme climate. The Ikon is the only car in its segment with a dedicated AC vent for its rear seat passengers.

Ford Ikon

Central locking: Central locking is offered as standard across all the variants and can be operated using the key on either of the front doors. The remote locking fuel filler cap is connected to the central locking on all the series.

Transmissions and Gear Ratios: The Ikon offers the latest Ford iB5 manual five-speed transaxle, which has been significantly refined to improve reliability and durability in service and reduce shifting efforts and interior noise. Double-cone synchronizers are fitted to first and second gears to reduce downshift efforts and improve transmission durability. Other features designed to increase service durability include large, single cone synchronizers on third, fourth and fifth gears, wide final drive pinions and heavy-duty bearing seals.

The latest type of floating gearshift linkage gives the Ikon improved shift quality and reduced vibration. Engine torque reactions are eliminated from the shift mechanism by isolating the relative movement of the lever housing from the selector rods. Equal length side shafts reduce torque steer and improve refinement. The longer, right-hand shaft reduces engine vibrations.

Ford Ikon

Both Ikon models are fitted with the ‘B’ set of gearbox ratios that give a good spread of ratios from 3.58 to 0.76 and flexible torque. First gear is relatively low, for difficult surfaces and heavy loads, while the upper ratios are more progressively spaced. With a final drive ratio of 4.06:1, good low-speed lugging power is combined with easy cruising on main roads.

Comfort & Convenience: The Ikon’s compact exterior is, in fact, wrapped around a highly comfortable interior. Plush seats, ample headroom, a wide choice of stowage locations and an eye for convenience transform the interiors into a highly desirable place to be in.

Contemporary SEFI technology and computer controlled engine management system – EECV – for enhanced power and performance. Sporty good looks, luxurious interiors and generous boot space complete this special package. The new Ford Ikon 1.3 – a special value offering that takes you straight to the josh zone.

Ford Ikon

Best-in-its-class seating and lower back supports keep fatigue firmly away. Easy entry and exit, generous head, leg and shoulder room, a special rear comfort package that includes an extra aircon vent for the back, optimum reat seat inclination and two reat reading lamps, make the miles disappear effortlessly.

Safety: The Ford Escort has been designed on the principles of Dynamic Safety Engineering (DSE), which ensures that the car manages impact more efficiently, distributing loads more evenly through specific stress paths, and leaving the occupants protected.

Ford Ikon

Technical Specifications

Engine

1.3L SOHC


Displacement 1299 cc


Max. power 70 PS@5500 rpm


Max. torque 105 Nm@2500 rpm


Cylinders 4 in-line


Fuel injection SEFI


Compression ratio 10.2 : 1


Emission level Stage III
Transmissions

Ford B5 manual
five-speed transmission


Gear ratios:


1st 3.58


2nd 1.93


3rd 1.28


4th 0.95


5th 0.76


Reverse 3.62


Final drive ratios:


1.3 SOHC M5 4.06
Suspension
Front Independent MacPherson
struts with offset coil spring/damper units and lower L-arms in
optimised vertical bushes mounted on separate sub-frame.


Rear Semi-independent twist-beam
with strut-type coil spring/damper units. Dual-path body mounts.
Steering
Type Fixed ratio rack and pinion
with power assistance (PAS)


Turning diameter (kerb-to-kerb) 9.9 m
Brakes
Type Dual circuit, diagonally
split, hydraulically-operated disc front and drum rear. Vacuum servo
assistance. Rear brake pressure control valve.


Front 240 mm dia. x 20 mm wide
ventilated discs


Rear 180 mm dia. drums with 30
mm wide shoes
Exterior Dimensions
Overall length 4140 mm


Overall width 1634 mm


Wheelbase 2486 mm
Interior Dimensions
Head room – Front 982 mm


Head room – Rear 968 mm


Leg room 1036 mm


Shoulder room 1325 mm
Fuel

1.3L SOHC


Fuel type Unleaded petrol


Fuel tank capacity (Litres) 45
Features
Safety 1.3 Flair
S – Standard. O -
Optional. na – Not Available.
Laminated windscreen S


Child-proof rear locks S


Front and rear side impact door beams S


Front and rear seat belts S


Headlamps-on warning buzzer na


Centre high mount stop lamp S


Sporty fog lamps S


Ford Dynamic Safety Engineering (DSE) S


Central locking and electric fuel cap
release
S


Sparkling clear headlamps S
Comfort and Convenience 1.3 Flair
S – Standard. O -
Optional. na – Not Available.
;
400 litre luggage compartment capacity S


Interior theme – truffle S


Instrumentation-black dials S


Smaller sporty steering wheel na


CFC-free air-conditioning S


Tachometer S


Power windows na


Two 45 watt speakers S


Boot light S
Power and Performance 1.3 Flair
S – Standard. O -
Optional. na – Not Available.
Euro III compliant S


5 speed manual transmission S
Handling 1.3 Flair
S – Standard. O -
Optional. na – Not Available.
Power steering S


4.9 metre turning circle radius S


Front suspension – McPherson strut
mounted on separate sub frame
S


Rear suspension – Heavy duty twist beam
with strut-type coil spring/damper unity
S


Brakes: front disc/rear drum S

Maruti Swift Dzire


dzire

Maruti Swift Dzire is the sedan version of Maruti Swift and it has been launched in six versions, 3 versions are petrol and 3 are in diesel. The car was launched in March 2008 and the new swift is a mid size vehicle and it is also called the 3- box version of Maruti Swift. Dzire has been introduced in the market in two versions 1.3 liters petrol engine version and 1.3 liters DDiS multijet diesel engine. The car attracts family customers and it performs better on India roads.

Maruti Swift Dzire comes with features such as automatic climatic control and five seater capacity. The new car also has safety airbags and collapsible steering. Maruti Suzuki has planned to produce the car in Indian units only.

New Looks and Comfort:

dzire

Swift Dzire has 5 doors and seating capacity for five passengers. A new grille, a new tail lights having horizontal turn indicators and a fog lamp insert are the attraction of the car. The interiors of the car are improved over Swift and wheelbase is same as you find in previous car. Shoulder room of the car has been raised and head room at the rear is also increased.

Dzire has got better looks and more space as compared to Swift and some luxury features such as Auto Temperature Control, 6 spoke alloy wheel and new integrated DIN stereo is also present in the car. Maruti Swift audio controls are also present on the steering wheel and the height of the steering wheel can be adjusted.The car has most of the security features such as the ABS and the security twin bags.

Engine and Power of Dzire :

dzire

The petrol engine of Dzire has improved torque and a 32 bit ECM on board is integrated.3L 1248 cc diesel version has got a direct ignition system and it delivers a power of 75 bhp at 4000 rpm and maximum power delivered by petrol version is 87@6000 Bhp@rpm .The vehicle gives a maximum torque of 113@4500 Nm@rpm in Petrol version and for diesel version the maximum torque is 190@2000. The engine is equipped with an intercooler and a turbocharger that helps it to reduce noise and vibration and clear exhaust.

Maruti Swift Dsire has been incorporated with the 5 step multi injection technology to reduce noise level and efficiency is increased for the presence of Double Overhead DOHC Camshaft. The engine type is MPI petrol – in-line – SOHC in petrol version and for diesel version the engine is made on the technology of Multijet – Ddis –DOHC. There are four cylinders and the compression ratio is 9.0:1(Petrol) and 17.6:1 (Diesel).

Safety and Drive:

dzire

Swift Dzire has been tested for BS III emission levels and the interiors of the car is equipped with almost all kinds of luxury features .There are audio controls on the steering wheel, climatic control, tilt posture and multi display functions. The exteriors are impressive and you find powerful lamps in the front for night visibility .Headlamp leveling adjustment is also provided in the car and you can even find a high mounted stop lamp and fog lamps in the rear bumper and in the front.

All – around power windows is present in the car and sound absorbing features has also been added for the driver to have a smooth noiseless drive. Driver’s seat can be adjusted in various ways and on collision airbags are provided as safety of the driver. The steering wheel is collapsible to reduce collision impact on driver and seatbelts have additional features to reduce impact effect.

The brakes of the car have EBD technology, that distributes braking to all the four wheels and ventilated disc brakes with boosters are also present. Other features include the cup holder, child safety locks and tubeless tyres. Automatic climatic controls help clear mist and rear defogger is provided to have a clear rear view.

Front suspension of the vehicle is McPherson strut and coil spring type and rear suspension is Torsion beam and coil spring type. Rear brakes are drum brakes and front brakes are ventilated disc.

dzire

Other features of Swift Dzire:

• Displacement: 1298 cc
• Bore: 74 mm
• Stroke: 75.5 mm
• Cylinder Configuration: 4-inline
• Valve Gear Operation: SOHC
• No. Of Valves 16
• Maximum power: 87@6000 (Petrol) Nm@rpm, 75@4000 (diesel) Nm@rpm
• Maximum Torque: 113@4500 (Petrol) Nm@rpm, 190@2000 (diesel) Nm@rpm
• Transmission Type is 5 –speed manual and a reverse 5 speed manual is also present.
• Wheel Base: 2390mm
• Length = 4160 mm
• Ground Clearance: 170 mm
• Turning radius: 4.7
• Wheel type: Steel wheels in Lxi, Vxi, Ldi, Vdi and Alloy wheels in Zxi, Zdi
• Wheel size: 14″
• Tyre type: Tubeless
• Tyre Size: 165/80 R 14 (Lxi, Vxi, Ldi, Vdi) and 185/70 R 14 (Zxi, Zdi)
• Fuel tank: 43 L
• City Mileage 11 kmpl
• Steering Type: Rack and pinion, Pinion type electronic power assisted

Cost: The car has been launched for Rs 4.7 lakh for the base model and for extra additional features cost can go upto Rs 6 lakh. Ex-showroom price of Maruti Swift Dzire ranges from Rs 461,556 – Rs 673,327.

Bajaj launches Discover 150cc



Bajaj Auto launched the new Bajaj Discover 150cc on commuter segment, which comes at a low price of Rs 46,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi).The attractions of the new bike launched are its DTSi engine, 5- gearbox and performance in crowded streets. The bike gives a mileage of 65 kmpl.

Design and Style

The bike has been launched in two design models Black with blue graphics and Black with red graphics. The bike resembles the previous model of 100cc due to the presence of same body panel and same front look. The engine is all black and the graphics has been changed to make it look robust .The new bike has rather no improvement in design and looks. The overall look is very simple.

It has the electric start, Nitrox suspension, disc brake and wide rear tyres. The front suspension is 130mm telescopic suspension and gas-charged Nitrox suspension is present at the rear. The Discover 150 follows BS III emission norms and it has 1305mm wheelbase, 8L fuel tank, 121 kerb weight and 165 mm ground clearance.

Engine and Power

The engine capacity is improved over the earlier models. The new bike has 4-Stroke 144.8cc DTS-i engine that generates a maximum power of 12.8 Bhp @7500 rpm and maximum torque of 12.7 Nm @5500 rpm. The long stroke engine comes with the stroke configuration of 56mm x 58.8mm.The power is transferred to the wheels through the 5 – speed transmission pattern which is all down shift that provides smooth shifts.

Ride and handling

The bike does not get noisy or vibrates in low speed at fifth gear and on city roads it can be driven easily at 30 km / h .The gear ratio is designed effectively to provide easy gear transition on crowded streets.

The new bike has a longer wheelbase and rear tyres are wider, which makes the handling easy and rooted. Bikers on long drives can find it easy to balance the new model.

The new saddle is large and spacious, which improves the riding position. The light front portion and the handlebars have been designed in a way to make it easy to commute in crowded areas.

The tyres used are wider MRF tyres which provide appropriate balance to the biker on uneven roads.

The front disc brake provides quick response to make the halting easy and swift.

Other attractions are the electric start, maintenance free battery, alloy wheels and auto choke.

Advantages of the bike

  1. It’s a low cost bike.

  2. Rear tyres are wider and robust.

  3. Driving position is improved.

  4. Even in gear five the bike can be driven at speed 30 km /h.

Price

The bike is priced at Rs 46,000 (Ex-showroom price).

Engine

Type = DTS-I, 4 Stroke, Natural air cooled

Displacement = 144.8 cc

Max. Net Power = 13.0 PS @ 7500 rpm

Max. Net Torque = 12.75 Nm @ 5500 rpm

Suspension

Front = Telescopic, Wheel travel 130 mm stroke, Rear = Nitrox Wheel travel 110 mm wheel travel

Brakes

Front = 240 mm Disc Brake, Rear= 130 mm Drum Brake

Tyres

Front = 2.75*17″, Rear = 100/90*17″

Wheels

Aluminium Alloy Die Cast

Fuel Tank

Capacity 8 litres Full, Reserve 2.3 litres, Usable reserve 1.5 litres

Dimension and Weight

Wheelbase = 1305 mm

Ground Clearance = 165 mm

Kerb Weight = 121 Kg

Electricals

Battery Maintenance Free, 12 V, 7 Ah, Headlamp = 35/35 W, Tail lamp = LED Type

Mahindra Bolero


bolero

Mahindra & Mahindra‘s Bolero model is an advanced multi utility vehicle equipped with the Common Rail Diesel engine (CRDe) technology. It has been launched in colors red, Diamond white and Java Brown and special models have been launched in colors mist silver and golden Sahara beige.

Bolero has been launched in models SLX, SLE, XL, XLS, LX, MDI, DI and VLX CRDe .The previous models of Bolero have been renamed and all the models are equipped with the latest technology. The new CED technology has been incorporated to Bolero that comes with a minimal operating cost and it increases fuel efficiency. CED technology has been introduced in 2-Wheel Drive and in 4-Wheel Drive in Bolero.

Looks of Mahindra Bolero

bolero
The looks of Mahindra Bolero have been improved to make it stylish and its leather wrapped steering wheel is changed. Even the new instrument cluster is improved. The new Bolero VLX has the integrated electronic computer-controlled engine management system.

New Mahindra Bolero has been equipped with standard equipments and the looks of the vehicle has been improved from the previous models. Mahindra Bolero comes with aggressive grills, clear lens headlamps and a stand out wheels that adds to its style although it is not categorized into stylish car segment and is termed “a forest car.”

The features of new Mahindra Bolero are the new dash panel, electronic shift transfer case and attractive seats that match the interiors. The vehicle has been made available in Metallic colors. The design makes it look muscular and its high ground clearance helps it to move easily on broken uneven roads.

Seats are provided for seven passengers in the vehicle and the cabin is exclusive in looks. Extended wheelbase and increased legroom helps the travelers to have a comfortable long distance drive, even on rugged roads. The roof is raised and an Aluminum footstep on the rear and sides helps the passengers to have an easy entry into the vehicle. The vehicle has provisions for modular seating arrangements (for a large family).

Drive and Comfort of Mahindra Bolero

mahindra

It is very comfortable to drive a Mahindra Bolero because the injection pressure is not related by engine speed. The driver’s seat is properly placed and there is plenty of space for placing magazines, bottles, a large glove box is present and a mobile holder and a 12V charging point is also present. Bolero is known to be a safe vehicle and the anti roll bars hold the vehicle on tough bends. Brakes are strong and a seat belt and door open warning system is also present.

Fuel efficiency is high that normally ranges from 9.5 on city roads to 13.2 km/l on highways. The performance of the vehicle is good and shifting ears is easy.

Engine and Power

bolero

Mahindra Bolero engine is 2.5L I-4 Diesel, 2.5L Inline 4 (Turbo) XD3PU and 2.5L I-4 97bhp.The engine is equipped with technology CRDe and transmission system is 5-speed Manual Transmission.

The Bolero SLX and DI model comes with the Four Wheel Drive option and the engine is 2.5L (Turbo) diesel engine offers 5-speed manual transmission. Power generated is 63-68 bhp and it gives a torque of 180 Nm. Bolero VLX CRDe gives a flat torque in various speed ranges and it has advanced dampers to reduce jerks when you shift gears. The 2.49 liter engine of Bolero VLX produces a power of 97 Hp.

Transmission of the vehicle is NGT 530R and it has been introduced with low NVH levels (noise, vibrations and harshness). Mahindra Bolero has a VAS system that is the sophisticated Voice Assist System that gives warning in case the seat belts is not fastened or the left door is open.

Bolero has been cleared with BS III emission norms and a maintenance cost of Bolero is also low. The models of Bolero have independent front suspension that has a coil spring suspension and leaf spring in the rear. MDI and DI versions have lead springs in the front. Power steering has the SLX and SLE standards.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mahindra Bolero

Advantage:

• Bolero can be easily driven even on rough roads.
• For long distance travel, it is an ideal choice.
• Off roads drive is extremely comfortable and the vehicle has ample space for a big family
• Fuel efficiency is ok.
• Interiors are good.
• Ground clearance is high.
• Bolero is comfortable to drive on Indian roads.
• It is a strong vehicle.
• Service Centers are available in various parts of the country.

Disadvantages

• Looks of Mahindra Bolero be improved.
• Performance and comfort can be improved.
• It is a kind of forest vehicle, good on highways but not easy to drive in metro – city crowds.

bolero
Cost of Mahindra Bolero

Mahindra Bolero VLX CRDe is priced at Rs 6.49 in an ex-showroom and the general price of the vehicle is Rs 6.90 lakh.

Chevy Malibu


Is the new Chevy Malibu good enough to take sales away from the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the nation's top-selling cars this year? Car and Driver, the bible of driving enthusiasts, seems to think so. The magazine just put the Malibu on its latest Top Ten Cars list, and Editor-in-Chief Csaba Csere has said Chevy's new sedan is better than the Camry—and close to a match for the newly redesigned '08 Accord.

My reaction to this is, whoa! The Malibu is the best Chevy I've ever driven that wasn't a Corvette, and much better than the kind of cars we had come to expect from General Motors (GM) until recently. But better than a Camry? I don't think so. Yes, I know Consumer Reports recently removed the 6-cylinder engine version of the Camry from its recommended list because of quality glitches. But there's a reason the Camry is America's top-selling model. It's still a great car, and its average selling price is considerably lower than the new Malibu's (details on that later).

What you can say about the Malibu—and this is high praise—is that it's a credible competitor that can hold its own with the Camry and Accord for the first time. If you want to support a domestic manufacturer, you can buy one with little fear of being disappointed, which wasn't the case before. However, for my money the class act in the segment is the '08 Accord. And the Malibu still has to prove it can match the reliability and resale value of the Toyota (TM) and Honda (HMC), to say nothing of Nissan's (NSANY) Altima and Ford Motor's (F) Fusion.

That said, the '08 Chevy Malibu represents a quantum leap for Chevy. Like the new Saturn Aura, which is built on the same platform, the '08 Malibu is a good-looking, solidly put-together car with a classy interior at a reasonable price. Chevy has also stiffened up the car's frame and given it an independent rear suspension and hydraulic power-assisted steering (on the V6 powered version), so the new Malibu is surprisingly sporty to drive. In fact, the big problem right now is finding one to buy: GM says the '08 Malibus sell within a week of hitting a dealer's lot.

The new Malibu comes in three styles: the basic LS, starting at $19,995, the LT, starting at $20,955, and the LTZ, starting at $26,995. The LS only comes with a 169-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 3.6-liter, 252-horsepower V-6 engine paired with a smoother 6-speed automatic is available as an option on the LT and comes standard on the LTZ. You can also get the LTZ with a 4-cylinder engine paired with the 6-speed automatic.

A 164-horsepower "mild" hybrid Malibu, in which the 4-cylinder is aided part-time by an electric motor (the engine also shuts off at idle, and regenerative brakes capture the energy normally lost during braking), is also available. The hybrid's base price is $22,790, and the car qualifies for a $1,300 federal tax credit.