Saturday, October 1, 2011

Mahindra XUV500

Overview of Mahindra XUV500





Mahindra and Mahindra has shaked the D-segment SUV market with the launch of its all New World SUV which was been codenamed as 'World SUV W201'. Mahindra has announced the official name for their new SUV, it will be sold as XUV500. The Mahindra XUV500 has been developed from scratch and only one thing is common in Scorpio and XUV500 - the mHawk diesel engine (which has also been fine-tuned to develop 140 bhp of maximum power and 330 nm of maximum torque). XUV500 has been in talks from last one year, now the time has come and Mahindra has finally launched the XUV500. Mahindra has priced the base model of XUV500 very competitively at Rs. 10.80 lakhs only (Ex-showroom New Delhi). Produced in Mahindra's Rs 2500 crore plant at Chakan, the total investment behind the project has been Rs 650 crore. XUV500 has been tested over 2.35 mn kms, with over 250 prototypes being built. The company expects to sell 2000 units of the XUV500 every month. Conceptualized with the aim of creating an altogether new category between the Scorpio and high end SUVs, the XUV500 is the next generation SUV targeted at Generation X, where the double O connotes the added Oomph value in the product.

Variants of Mahindra XUV500

- Mahindra XUV500 W6 4x2
- Mahindra XUV500 W8 4x2
- Mahindra XUV500 W8 4x4

Mahindra XUV is available in three variants: W6 4x2, W8 4x2 and W8 4x4 (all-wheel drive). The base variant W6 comes has following comfort, styling and safety featurs:

- Static bending projector head lamps with LED parking lights
- 6-inch monochrome infotainment display, Glass embedded antenna
- Integrated music system with CD/MP3, iPod & USB connectivity
- 4-Door speakers with 2 tweeters on dashboard
- DIS in-built in infotainment system, Intellipark
- Smart rain sensing wipers, Intelligent light sensing headlamps
- Digital immobiliser, Digital trip & tachometer, Disc brakes on all wheels
- Dual airbags (Driver + Passenger), ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Side impact beams, Crumple zones for crash protection, Tubeless tyres
- Full wheel caps, Racing-styled twin exhaust, Front and rear fog lamps
- Chrome Scuff plate for 1st and 2nd row, Streamlined Roof-rails, Cladding strips
- Sporty dual tone interiors, Cubic-printed centre console with metal accents, Twin pod cluster with 3D-dials
- Tilt power steering, Fully automatic temperature control (FATC) & dual HVAC
- Premium fabric seats, Power-foldable and adjustable ORVMs
- Centre arm rest with cup holders in 2nd row, Height adjustable seat belts (front row)
- 8-way adjustable seats including height and lum, bar adjust (driver's side)
- Cruise, audio, phone controls & voice command switches on steering
- Power windows with driver side express down, Remote tail gate opening
- Flip key with remote central locking, Storage spaces on centre console
- Reading lamps in all 3 rows, Conversation mirror, Tinted solar-reflecting glass
- Mobile charging points, Rear washer, wiper and de-fogger
- Follow-me home headlamps, Lead-me-to vehicle lamps, Illuminated key rings
- Puddle lamps, Entry assist lamp, Door ajar lamps, Camping lamp
- Remote fuel lid opener (electrically operated), Glove box with laptop holder
- Flexi seat configuration for convenient storage (60:40 fold 2nd row, 50:50 3rd Row)
- Flat fold 2nd and 3rd row seats, Umbrella holder

In addition to the above-mentioned features, the W8 and W8 AWD variant comes with following styling, comfort and safety features:

- Leather upholstery, 6-inch colour touch screen infotainment display, DVD player
- GPS Navigation with touch-screen and audio support, Tyre-tronics
- Side & curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with rollover mitigation
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent control, Alloy wheels, Telescopic steering

Fast Facts About Mahindra XUV500

- Base model (W6) is priced at Rs. 10.80 lakhs (Ex-showroom New Delhi)
- Top model (W8 AWD) is priced at Rs. 12.88 lakhs (Ex-showroom New Delhi)
- Powered by mHawk 2.2 litre diesel engine
- Maximum power is 140 bhp at 3750 rpm and torque is 330 nm at 1600 rpm
- ARAI certified mileage of XUV500 is 15.1 kmpl
- Is available in seven shades: Satin White, Volcano Black, Amazon Green, Moondust Silver, Tuscan Red, Opulant Purple, Dolphin Grey
- XUV500 will be manufactured at Chakan plant
- Will be exported to other countries in South East Asia, Western Europe and Africa beginning with South Africa
- Features six-speed manual transmission
- Available in both 2 wheel-drive and 4 wheel-drive
- Will compete with the likes of Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour, Renault Koleos and Toyota Fortuner
- Features ABS, EBD, Traction control, Hill decent control and 6 airbags
- Large touch-screen display for GPS navigation system and music system

Price of Mahindra XUV500

- Mahindra XUV500 W6 2WD - 10.80 lakhs
- Mahindra XUV500 W8 2WD - 11.95 lakhs
- Mahindra XUV500 W8 AWD - 12.88 lakhs

Mahindra & Mahindra has revealed the prices of XUV500, the W6 variant is priced at Rs. 10.80 lakhs, W8 variant is priced at Rs. 11.95 lakhs and W8 AWD variant is priced at Rs. 12.88 lakhs, which is very competitive and less than the expected prices! It is for sure that will all these comfort and safety features it will be a runaway success because other SUVs in this segment are priced around Rs. 15-20 lakhs. The main rivals of Mahindra XUV500 are Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour and recently launched Hyundai Santa Fe.

Engine and Transmission of Mahindra XUV500

- mHawk 2.2 litre transverse diesel engine
- Generates maximum power of 140 Bhp at 3750 rpm
- Generates maximum torque of 330 Nm at 1600 rpm
- XUV500 features a Monocoque chassis
- 6-speed manual gearbox
- ARAI certified mileage of XUV500 is 15.1 kmpl

Mahindra XUV500 is powered by the same 2.2 litre diesel engine which is doing duty under the hood of Mahindra Scorpio but it has been fine-tuned to generate maximum power of 140 Bhp at 3750 rpm and maximum torque of 330 Nm at 1600 rpm. Mahindra XUV 500 features a six-speed manual gearbox. The ARAI certified mileage of XUV500 is 15.1 kmpl which is decent considering the size and weight of the sports utility vehicle. XUV500 is available in both 2 wheel-drive and 4 wheel-drive versions. Mahindra is also planning to launch a twin-turbo variant of XUV500, which is expected to generate maximum power of 170 bhp with maximum torque of 400 nm.

Design & Styling of Mahindra XUV500

- Developed on all-new platform and has nothing to do with Scorpio
- Day time running LED lights looks very cool with orange turn indicators
- Clear lens projector double barrel head lights, tail lamps and fog lights
- Turn indicators integrated into ouside rear-view mirrors
- Puddle lights integrated into ouside rear-view mirrors
- 17 inch alloy wheels looks very good and give macho look to the SUV

As far as looks are concerned Mahindra's XUV500 looks huge with jeepish front grille which is dominated by Mahindra's logo in centre. But the mesh-type look in-between the front bumper and behind front grille looks cheap and doesn't give upmarket and premium look to the SUV. But one thing is very good and commendable that Mahindra has managed to develop a really wide and huge SUV. The headlights, tail lights and fog lights features clear lens for bright and clear view. The huge wheel arcs of XUV500 gives it macho and rugged look which is further enhanced by huge 17 inch alloy wheels. At the rear it doesn't feature rear tail gate mounted spare wheel, the spare wheel has been positioned under the body of Mahindra XUV500. Designed entirely in-house at M&M’s world class research and development facility the Mahindra Research Valley at Chennai, the XUV500 is also the country’s first indigenously developed monocoque SUV with the first transverse engine offering from Mahindra. The XUV 500 features day-time running LEDs like we have seen in many cars and SUVs by Mercedes and Audi. It was expected that XUV 500 would be the most handsome SUV in its class and will compete with the likes of Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour, Renault Koleos and Toyota Fortuner. But in my opinion XUV500 has nothing very unique in terms of design and styling. It seems to be a mixed bag and we have seen this type of styling before. Only two things are unique and eye-catching, the design of door handles and huge wheel arches. The rear has diamond shaped extruded thing in centre which again looks very chinese-type styling and awkward. The side view of XUV500 is the best and it gives a huge and clean look to the sports utility vehicle. XUV500’s large tailgate opens upwards and reveals large loading area with the rear row of seats folded flat.

Interiors and Comfort Features of Mahindra XUV500

- Power steering, Power windows, Remote central locking/Keyless entry system
- Climate control system, very unique design for AC vents
- Dash integrated music system, AUX, Bluetooth and USB support
- 8-way adjustment for driver's seat, Electrically adjustable and retractable ORVMs
- Global positioning system, AC vents for rear passengers, DVD player
- Dual-tone theme for upholstery, dashboard and central console

Mahindra XUV500 is the most spacious and feature-rich sports utility vehicle in its segment. It features modern looking twin-pod instrument cluster, very stylish central console and all-new interesting design for the AC vents. The top-model of XUV500 will feature Remote central locking/Keyless entry system, climate control system, Cruise, audio, phone controls & voice command switches on steering, 6-inch colour touch screen infotainment display, AUX, Bluetooth and USB support, Flip key with remote central locking , 8-way adjustment for driver's seat, Electrically adjustable and retractable ORVMs, Centre arm rest with cup holders in 2nd row, Global positioning system, AC vents for rear passengers, Dual-tone theme for upholstery and dashboard, rear wiper/washer, Mobile charging points, height adjustable driver's seat and many cubby holes plus bottle/glass holders. The steering wheel of XUV500 has controls for the music system and Mahindra has designed it very well, the bottom has silver matte finish and rest of the part is leather clad. The design of central console is very good with integrated music system, controls for the automatic climate control system and integrated global positioning system.

Safety Features of Mahindra XUV500

- Front and rear disc brakes, 6 SRS airbags: front, side and curtain
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
- EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), Hill decent control
- Reverse parking sensors/Reverse guide system, Cruise control and Traction control

XUV500 is the safest Mahindra with host of safety features like Front and rear disc brakes, 6 SRS airbags: front, side and curtain, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), Reverse parking sensors/Reverse guide system and Cruise control plus Traction control.

Shades Available in Mahindra XUV500

- Satin White
- Volcano Black
- Amazon Green
- Moondust Silver
- Tuscan Red
- Opulant Purple
- Dolphin Grey

Mahindra XUV500 is available in seven shades: Satin White, Volcano Black, Amazon Green, Moondust Silver, Tuscan Red, Opulant Purple and Dolphin Grey.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Volkswagen Jetta 2011 Coming in 17th August 2011


Volkswagen Jetta 2011
Expected in 17th August 2011
Estimated price: Rs 15-18lakh


Volkswagen had recently updated its Jetta and Passat on the engine considering the BS IV norms and the German manufacturer based in Chakan, even revised its pricing. Next year, Volkswagen will launch an all new Jetta, which will be based on the Golf platform, but will stand out in the looks department.

The 2011 Jetta has been completely overhauled, inside and out. Its new wheelbase and exterior length are significantly bigger than its predecessor – resulting in superior performance, more space and greater comfort. The styling characteristics in the side profile of the Jetta meld into yet another interpretation of the ‘design DNA’ conceptualized by Walter de Silva, the Italian Head of Design for the Volkswagen Group and the German Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand, Klaus Bischoff.

The new Jetta is mostly expected to be launched by Mid 2011.The new and bigger Jetta will give the Skoda Laura and maybe by then launched Renault Fluence a run for their money.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Maserati coming to India this April



Maserati coming to India this April


Maserati, also known as a luxury car which is a Ferrari under the skin is all set to arrive onto the Indian shores. Like Ferrari, Maserati is also owned by the Italian Fiat group and benefits from the technological prowess of the Maranello based sports car maker. The brand’s cars will be sold in the country at a price ranging from Rs. 3 to 5 crores.

Maerati has not yet announced which models from their product portfolio they plan to bring to India. The company primarily manufactures three models – Quattroporte, GranCabrio and GranTurismo. There are variants in each model family, along with customization options, but the details on which models will make it here are yet to be divulged.

The Quattroporte range is that of a four-door sedan and is powered by a 4.2-litre V8 engine with more than 400PS. The estimated price for the Quattroporte range in India could be Rs. 3 crores.

The GranTurismo family is a 2 door, 4 seater coupe powered by the same 4.2-litre V8. The company had also showcased a MC Stradale version of the GranTurismo which boasted of a more powerful 450PS engine. Expect the price to be a little more than Rs. 4 crores.



The third model is the GranCabrio, which is powered by a 4.7-litre V8 putting out around 440PS of power.
Known for their elegant design, yet supreme handling sports car like nature, Maserati cars are in a league of their own. They appeal to people who prefer elegance and style over flashy design, arrive in an understated manner, and yet, want the blue-blooded power in tap whenever they are in the mood.