Hyundai i10

Hyundai Motor Company launched its new city car 'i10' in India in October 2007. The compact car has been winning millions of hearts right from its very launch. The automobile is alluring both domestic and international buyers with its one-of-a-kind styling, refreshing looks and stunning features. Hyundai i10 is the perfect combination of innovative design and intelligent drive and promises the ride on Indian roads to be full of fun.

Engine

The powerful 1.1-liter iRDE (intelligent Responsive Drive Engine) petrol engine of Hyundai i10 cranks out maximum power of 66.7 PS @ 5500 rpm, with a maximum torque of 99 Nm @ 2800 rpm. As for the transmission, you have the option to opt for either manual or automatic one.

Design And Comfort

The design elements of Hyundai i10, usually found in bigger and more expensive cars, gives the customers a satisfaction of owning a worthwhile vehicle. The curved roof gives the 5-door hatchback a sporty look. Adding to the dynamic appearance is wide black waistline, which protects the body of the vehicle from nicks and dents. The one-touch open sunroof is a thoughtful addition to the car. The sunroof can be slide-opened as well as tilted. Hyundai i10 looks very attractive with body colored bumpers and offers a comfortable ride for five adults.

Interiors

The dual tone, beige interiors of Hyundai i10 provide a luxurious feel that is probably unseen in other cars of the hatchback category. The wheels of this car are pushed out to increase the space of the 'already spacious' cabin. The instrument cluster, AC and audio system are neatly integrated in the dashboard. The seats of Hyundai i10 are supportive and provide ample legroom and knee support. Adjustable headrests are provided on all the seats for neck support.

Ride And Handling

Seats of i10 are very comfortable and facilitate an effortless driving experience. To increase comfort for the driver, the gearshift has been mounted on the centre console, thereby opening up the space between driver and the front passenger seat. An easier and responsive handling is ensure by the 3-spoke steering wheel of Hyundai i10.

Safety

The safety features of Hyundai i10 include dual air bags, seat belts with pre-tensioner; anti-lock braking system (ABS) and auto door unlock system that is sensible to impact of collisions. There is also child seat fittings, which can be adjusted in the front.

Variants And Color

The variants of Hyundai i10 that are available in India include Asta, Asta w/Sun Roof, D-lite, Era, Magna (O) with Sun Roof and Sportz. The launch price of the car is around Rs 4 lakhs. It comes in vibrant colors including crystal white, stone black, oyster grey, virtual yellow, electric red, deep-ocean blue, champagne gold, blushing red, sleek white and alpine blue.

Hyundai i10 Mileage

Amongst the elite compact cars, Hyundai i10 has a mileage of 12-16 kmpl.

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Toyota Etios

Japan-based automaker giant Toyota has launched its brand new entry-level sedan 'Etios' in India, in December 2010. Priced between Rs 4.96 lakh (base variant) and Rs 6.86 lakh, the petrol-driven Toyota Etios promises to offer true value for money. The four-wheel wonder is all set to give its rivals a run for their money, with its swanky looks and power-packed performance. It is fully loaded with advanced safety features. The automobile flaunts a majestic frontal, with alluring rear end.

                                    

Engine

Under the hood of the petrol-driven Toyota Etios lies 1.5L 16 valve DOHC engine, that promises to offer unparalleled driving experience. The engine delivers maximum power of 90 PS at 5600 rpm, with a peak torque of 132 Nm at 3000 rpm. The engine is mated to 5-speed manual transmission. The engine is lightweight and promises to be highly fuel efficient.

Design And Comfort

Toyota Etios promises stands out from the crowd, with its sober looks. The car boasts of having a strong front grille and distinctive character lines that run along its sides. The automobile flaunts crisp crease lines on its bonnet. The rear end also looks impressive, with sparkling set of triangular tail lamps.

Interiors

The interiors of Toyota Etios are ergonomically designed, to make the sedan roomy and comfortable. Etios offers ample headroom and legroom. The spacious boot space of the automobile has low loading height, so that you can effortlessly load and unload your luggage. Storage spaces are located strategically in its interiors, that too within easy reach. Etios comes with as many as seven one-liter bottle holders and a cooled glove box. For entertainment on the move, Etios is equipped with sophisticated DVD/Audio Player. To ensure that everyone breathes cool, clean and fresh air, the AC of the sedan comes with powerful blowers, multi-directional vents and air-purifying filter.

Ride And Handling

The person driving Toyota Etios can acquire full control over the vehicle, thanks to its superior ride and handling quality. The electronic power steering of the sedan comes with a tilt function, so that the driver can adjust the steering according to his/her comfort. The improved electronic throttle control of the vehicle ensures good fuel efficiency.

Safety

Toyota Etios is fully packed with all the latest active and passive safety features, which make sure that all the passengers enjoy a safe ride. Etios is especially designed to absorb impact of accidents. In case of frontal collision, the car's SRS airbags get inflated to avoid serious injuries on the head and upper torso. The sedan comes with Anti-lock braking system with EBD that ensures smooth stop and good control over the vehicle, when brakes are applied suddenly, in case of emergencies.

Price, Variants And Color

Toyota Etios is currently available in five variants - Etios J, Etios G, Etios G Safety, Etios V and Etios VX. The car is available in six vibrant colors that include Symphony Silver, Harmony Beige, Serene Bluish Silver, Vermillion Red, Celestial Black and White. The J and G variants of Etios come with Black colored upholstery, while the color of seats for Etios V and Etios VX are available in Black & Grey and Black & Red, respectively. The ex-showroom (Delhi) price of Toyota Etios J is Rs 4.96 lakh, while the G, G (with safety options), V and VX are priced at Rs 5.46 lakh, Rs 5.96 lakh, Rs 6.41 lakh and Rs 6.86 lakh, respectively.

Mileage

Offered at several petrol variants, Toyota Etios delivers an average mileage of 15-17 kmpl.

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Skoda Octavia

Skoda Octavia takes driving and riding experience to a new high. Launched in 2001, by Skoda Auto India Private Limited, this sedan is 'one of a kind' in its class. A sense of lavishness is felt in every aspect of Octavia. Impressive styling, design, voluminous interiors, powerful engine, advanced safety equipments and low fuel consumption of the sedan make it one of the most opted luxury vehicles, by the upper-middle class buyers in India.

                                      


Engine

The powerful 1.9TDi engine of Skoda Octavia delivers a power of 90 bhp @ 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 210 Nm @ 1900 rpm. On the other hand is the petrol variant of Octavia, powered by 1.8L MPI turbo engine, which generates a maximum power of 150 bhp @ 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 210 Nm @ 1750-4600 rpm.

Design And Comfort

The classy design of Skoda Octavia is pleasing to the eyes. Adding to its vivacity is the frontage, which is adorned with sleek front grill, surrounded by chrome plate. Front and rear bumpers, along with the door handles, are body colored. Sparkling head and tail lamps of the sedan make a bold statement. Five people can have a comfortable and silent ride in Skoda Octavia.

Interiors

Interior of Skoda Octavia is very stylish. The elegant central console sports an instrument cluster, with a broad choice of audio systems - Radio, CD player and CD changer. The electronically controlled Climatronic air conditioning system allows the occupants to set cabin temperature according to their needs. A feel of nature in the car is brought about by the electrically operated sunroof, which can be slide-opened at the touch of a button.

Ride And Handling

The chassis of Skoda Octavia is designed to make driving safe at high speeds and effortless, when cornering. The driver can drive confidently, even at elevated speeds, because the suspension of car is stiff. It can dispose off the biggest bumps even at high speeds. The driver's seat is electrically adjustable. Octavia's steering is power assisted, which enables effortless navigation through busy urban roads as well as highways.

Safety

Skoda Octavia is equipped with latest safety technology, so that its occupants enjoy a tension-free ride. The automobile has undergone rigorous safety tests. Dual air bags in the front portion of the cabin shield the driver and co-driver from impact of collisions. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) prevents skidding on slippery roads, when sudden brakes are applied. The high intensity Xenon headlamps ensure good visibility. Fog lamps have also been integrated on the headlights.

Variants, Price And Color

The variants of Skoda Octavia include L&K, RS, Elegance 1.9 TDI, Automatic, Rider 1.8 Turbo and Rider 1.9 TDI. The car is priced between Rs 12 lakhs and 12.5 lakhs. It is available in a number of attractive colors, including Cappuccino Beige, Anthracite Grey, Candy White, Magic Black, Corrida Red and Storm Blue.

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HM Ambassador

Hindustan Motors launched Ambassador in India in 1957. Based on Morris Oxford model, the four-door sedan is perfectly suitable for the harsh Indian roads. Although the automobile doesn't flaunt stylish design, as seen in other vehicles in its class, which appeals the present day consumers, it is much preferred by those Indian consumers who look for sturdiness in their vehicle. The car is primarily used by the politicians in India. Hindustan Motors currently manufactures Ambassador in its Uttarpara facility near Kolkata, West Bengal.

Engine
Hindustan Ambassador comes with three engine options for its variants. The Grand 2000 DSZ, Classic 2000 DSZ AC PS and Grand 2000 DSZ PW CL variants of the car are powered by 4-cylinder engine, which generates a power of 52 PS @ 4200 rpm and a torque of 106 Nm @ 2200 rpm. The Classic 1800 ISZ, Classic 1800 ISZ MPFI PS and Grand 1800 ISZ MPFI PW CL variant of Ambassador are powered by MPFI with 4-Cylinder OHC, which pumps out a power of 75 PS @ 5000 rpm and a torque of 130 Nm @ 3000 rpm. Avigo 2000 DSZ variant of Hindustan Ambassador gets 2000 DSZ diesel engine, which generates a power of 56 PS @ 4000 rpm and a torque of112 Nm @ 2500 rpm. The CNG variants of the car - Grand 1800 ISZ and Classic 1800 ISZ - are equipped with 4-cylinder OHC engine, which generates a power of 75 PS @ 5000 rpm and a torque of130 Nm @ 3000 rpm. The 1800 ISZ MPFI petrol engine of Avigo 1800 ISZ MPFI produces a power of 75 PS @ 5000 rpm and a torque of 135 Nm @ 3000 rpm.

Design And Comfort
Hindustan Ambassador features a distinctive design, with smooth lines flowing from the front to the rear end. The design of the hatchback represents old world elegance. Its muscular stance is complemented by its round halogen headlamps and simple-looking taillights cluster. Ambassador comes with the seating capacity for five people and offers a comfortable ride to its occupants.

Interiors
The seats of Hindustan Ambassador are supportive and comfortable. The Classic 2000 DSZ AC PS is fitted with an air conditioner and gets power steering. Power steering is also present in Ambassador Classic 1800 ISZ MPFI PS. Power windows are available in the Grand 1800 ISZ MPFI PW CL, Grand 2000 DSZ PW CL and Grand 1800 ISZ MPFI PW CL CNG variants of the car. Apart from air conditioning system and power windows, Avigo 1800 ISZ MPFI and Avigo 2000 DSZ feature leather-upholstered seats.

Ride And Handling
Hindustan Ambassador is equipped with independent suspension, with torsion bar springs and anti roll bar, with hydraulic telescopic double acting shock absorbers, at the front. The Semi-elliptical leaf springs, with hydraulic telescopic double acting shock absorbers in the rear end, work in combination to absorb the bumps and potholes on uneven Indian roads

Variants, Price And Color
The eleven variants of Hindustan Ambassador are Grand 2000 DSZ, Grand 2000 DSZ PW CL, Classic 1800 ISZ CNG, Classic 1800 ISZ, Classic 1800 ISZ MPFI PS, Avigo 2000 DSZ, Avigo 1800 ISZ MPFI, Grand 1800 ISZ MPFI, Grand 1800 ISZ MPFI PW CL, Classic 2000 DSZ AC PS and Grand 1800 ISZ CNG. The car comes with a price tag ranging from Rs 4.5 lakh (approx) to Rs 6 lakh (approx). Hindustan Ambassador is available in vibrant colors, including Kilder Green, Francoise White, Sherry Red, Symphony Gold, Crystal White, Ivory, Black, Grotto Blue, Forest Green and Thurston Grey.

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Tata Indica Vista

Tata Motors launched Vista, the next generation car in the Indica series, in August 2008. Vista is nothing, but the revamped version of the Tata's first passenger car - Indica. The automobile comes with refreshing looks, capacious interiors and attractive exteriors. State-of-the-art technology has been used in its engineering. Tata Indica Vista truly fulfills the needs of those Indian buyers who expect their cars to be spacious, stylish, and graceful.

Engine
The petrol-driven models of Tata Indica Vista are powered by 1.2L CVCP Safire engine, which produces a maximum power of 65 bhp 5500 rpm and torque of 96 Nm @ 3000 rpm. The two diesel variants of Tata Indica Vista are 1.4L turbocharged inter-cooled TDI engine and 1.3L Quadrajet Common Rail diesel engine. With 71 bhp @ 4500 rpm of power, the TDI engine delivers a maximum torque of 135 Nm @ 2500 rpm. The Quadrajet engine delivers a higher torque, of 190 Nm @ 1750 rpm, and churns out a power of 75 bhp @ 4000 rpm. All the engines of Tata Indica Vista have five-speed manual transmission.

Design And Comfort
The contemporary exteriors of Tata Indica Vista make a bold style statement. Adding to the beauty of the vehicle are its new central character line on the hood and sharp crease lines on the door below the beltline. The petal shaped headlights also look stunning. The 'trademark' smiling front grille and tall taillights make the car stand out from the crowd. A comfortable ride for five people is assured by Tata Indica Vista.

Interiors
The dual tone grey and beige interiors of Tata Indica Vista are elegant and spacious. The instrument cluster is positioned in the centre of the dashboard. This enhances the in-driving passenger involvement and improves driving visibility. There is a utility space in the floor console under the seat. The deep glove box is spacious enough to store a number of small items.

Ride And Handling
The driver's seat of Tata Indica Vista is height-adjustable, while the steering wheel is tilt-adjustable, ensuring an effortless driving experience. Transverse stiffness is enhanced by a sub-frame construction. A better ride, comfortable drive and improved handling are facilitated by the new twist beam suspension and gas-filled shock absorbers. High strength steel panels have been used in the body of the car, to enhance the bending stiffness

Safety
Although Tata Indica Vista is not equipped with safety features such as airbags and ABS (Anti Brake locking System), the vehicle offers a safe and comfortable ride for its occupants.

Variants, Price And Color
Aqua, Terra and Aura are the three variants of Tata Indica Vista. Each of these three variants is powered by a different engine - TDI, Safire, and Quadrajet. Tata Indica Vista is available in a variety of vibrant colors, including cavern grey, infinity Black, Noble Blue, Arctic Silver, Solar Orange, Marine Silver and Gala Red. The variants of the automobile are priced between Rs 3.49 lakhs and Rs. 4.88 lakhs.

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Maruti Suzuki Alto

Maruti Alto is a city car that was launched, by Maruti Udyog Ltd., in India six years ago. All through the years, the vehicle has maintained its position - of being one of the 'best selling' city cars in the country. The high fuel economy, good mileage, marvelous features and affordable price - all contribute to make Alto a premium compact car every Indian would love to buy. Maruti Alto Standard and its variants - the LX and LXI - are also exported to foreign countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Chile.

Engine

Maruti Alto is powered by 796 cc MPFI engine. With three cylinders, and four valves per cylinder, with 32bit ECM, the maximum power output of the car is 47 bhp @ 6200 rpm. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 20 seconds and delivers a top speed of 138 km/h. The maximum torque of Maruti Alto is 62Nm @ 3000 rpm. Low engine friction makes the car fuel-efficient as well.

Design And Comfort

Maruti Suzuki Alto car is 3495 mm long and 1475 mm wide, with the overall height being 1460 mm. Its wheelbase is 2360 mm and ground clearance is 160 mm. The dynamic front grill, with Suzuki logo, and beautiful bumper enhance the front view of the car. The trendy fabric, clear lens, and artistically designed head and tail lamps further add to the overall appeal of the car. A family of four can comfortably fit into this compact car.

Interiors

Interiors of Maruti Alto car are specially designed for utmost comfort of its occupants. A long drive is a pleasurable experience, thanks to the easy-to maintain fabric seat upholstery. The vehicle is equipped with electronic trip meter that helps you to calculate the distance traveled. All the important documents can be neatly placed inside the front door pockets. Cabin lamp serves as the source of illumination for the interiors of the car.

Ride And Handling

Riding Maruti Alto comes across as a very comfortable experience. The cooling system is quiet effective and keeps the cabin temperature pretty cool. The electronic power steering of Maruti Alto LXi reduces the driving effort and makes it easy to maneuver the car on crowded roads. Parking is the least thing to bother about, when it comes to Maruti Suzuki Alto, because the compact car can be parked in a very limited space as well.

Safety

The front and rear seat belts and head restraints of Maruti Alto provide considerable protection to passengers. The integrated Intelligent Computerised Anti Theft System (iCATS) is a thoughtful addition to the vehicle. The side door beams of the car are built with high tensile steel, which safeguard its occupants against the impact of front, rear and side collision. Apart from this, the vehicle is equipped with collapsible steering column and side-impact beams that act as shock absorbers.

Variants, Price And Color

Standard, LX and LXi are the three variants of Maruti Suzuki Alto. The powerful car comes with the most affordable price. The current price of Maruti Alto Standard is Rs. 2, 48,810 (approx), while the LX and LXi variants are priced at Rs. 2, 83,902 and Rs. 3, 02,476, respectively. The fuel efficient and affordable car is available in vibrant colors including Caribbean blue, superior white, pearl silver, bright red, wine red, brilliant yellow, midnight black and silky metallic silver.

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