Mahindra unveils new brand position-'Rise'

Synopsis:

• Mahindra unveils new brand position – Mahindra Rise & new Core Purpose
• To invest Rs. 120 crore over 3 years towards promotion of the new brand position

Mahindra Rise to communicate with one brand voice, one face & one Mahindra core purpose




January 17, 2011, Mumbai: The US $ 7.1 billion Mahindra Group, one of India’s leading business houses with a vast global footprint, today announced a new brand position - Rise. The latter represents a new chapter in the history of this iconic 65 year old brand and seeks to communicate the new face of this diversified federation of companies with its increasingly global ambitions.

This is the first time Mahindra as a Group which spans everything from Aerospace to Automotive, from farm equipment to IT and logistics, will communicate with one brand voice, one face and one ‘Mahindra’ core purpose.

The Group intends to invest Rs. 120 crore over 3 years, in activities related to promotion of the new brand position.

“Rise isn’t just a word – it is a rallying cry which enables people to unify around shared ideas, values, principles, a way of life or a common goal. It is a call to see opportunities where others can’t and to set an example for the world. For Mahindra, Rise means achieving world-class standards in everything we do, setting new benchmarks of excellence and conquering tough global markets,” said Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group.

“Mahindra has always been known for its ingenuity and never say die spirit. Whether we’re transforming the lives of millions of farmers through our agri-prosperity initiatives, creating green and innovative urban living spaces or investing in new automotive technologies and factories that leave the lowest carbon footprints, Mahindra is many companies with just one purpose: Enabling people to Rise,” he added.

Two years ago, Mahindra’s Corporate Brand Council mandated StrawberryFrog, a New York based global advertising agency, to undertake anthropological and semiotic research across India and around the world which enabled it to create this unique positioning.

“Rise is a simple yet powerful verb which defines our Group and succinctly sums up the aspirations of our stakeholders and employees. When we spoke to customers across the world, all of them without exception expressed a strong sense of optimism about the future and shared a common desire to Rise, to succeed and create a better future for themselves,

their families and their communities. We strongly believe that the Mahindra brand epitomizes what our customers want – a company that empowers them to Rise,” said Mr. Ruzbeh Irani, Executive Vice President - Corporate Strategy, Chief Brand Officer - Mahindra Group and Member of the Group Executive Board.

The Group today unveiled the new brand position and the new Core Purpose:

We will challenge conventional thinking and innovatively use all our resources to drive positive change in the lives of our stakeholders and communities across the world, to enable them to Rise.

The spirit of Rise is based on the following three Brand Pillars:

• Accepting No Limits
• Alternative Thinking
• Driving Positive Change

                                       

Implicit in the Rise message is the belief that anything is possible, that we can achieve whatever we set our minds to. It seeks to unite the Mahindra workforce as a group of passionate individuals and unconventional thinkers who create world-class offerings and aspire to greatness.

At the core of the Rise philosophy is the customer. Mahindra believes that its actions, innovations, products and services empower the customer to overcome his own challenges, exploit his ingenuity and shape his own destiny. Everything we do centres around enabling the customer to Rise.

About The Mahindra Group
Mahindra embarked on its journey in 1945 by assembling the Willys Jeep in India and is now a US $7.1 billion Indian multinational. It employs over 1,00,000 people across the globe and enjoys a leadership position in utility vehicles, tractors and information technology, with a significant and growing presence in financial services, aerospace, after-market, real estate, hospitality, logistics. The Mahindra Group today is an embodiment of global excellence and enjoys a strong corporate brand image.

Mahindra is the only Indian company among the top tractor brands in the world. It is today a full-range player with a presence in almost every segment of the automobile industry, from two-wheelers to UVs, SUVs and CVs. Mahindra has acquired a majority stake in REVA Electric Car Co Ltd. (now called Mahindra REVA), strengthening its position in the Electric Vehicles domain.

The Mahindra Group expanded its IT portfolio when Tech Mahindra acquired Satyam Computer Services, now known as Mahindra Satyam.

Its flagship company Mahindra & Mahindra Limited has recently earned the distinction of being the only Indian automobile manufacturer to feature in the top 10 list of the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index in India - 2010, created by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). CDP is an independent not-for-profit organization holding the largest database of primary corporate climate change information in the world.

Company press release dated 17 Jan 2011

GM to double production capacity of Chevrolet Volt Hybrid by 2012

GM Said to Plan Doubling 2012 Production Capacity of Chevrolet Volt Hybrid 


General Motors Co. Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson, seeking to boost sales of plug-in hybrids, plans to double 2012 production capacity for the Chevrolet Volt to 120,000, said two people familiar with the matter.
Volt output this year may increase to 25,000 from an original plan of 10,000.

Akerson said earlier this month. GM is working with suppliers to raise 2012 capacity from an earlier target of 60,000. It may not build that many if parts aren´t available or demand isn´t strong enough, said the people, who didn´t want to be named because the plans are private.

Akerson, who became CEO in September, wants to sell more of the $41,000 Volt and is pushing to use its Voltec gasoline- electric drive system for models sold by other GM brands. Akerson has said he wants GM to have more fuel-efficient models ready for a possible increase in oil prices to $120 a barrel.

"We want to stay sharply focused on technology," Akerson told analysts at Deutsche Bank´s Auto Industry Conference in Detroit on Jan. 11. "We don´t want to be caught flat-footed as we were in 2008."

As per a report on Bloomberg. For more details click here.

Renault's Ghosn says internal spying probe was legal

Renault had taken legal steps against three of its executives on charges of  leaking company information.

The three executives are Michel Balthazard, former vice president of advanced engineering at Renault, and his deputy Bertrand Rochette, as well as the former deputy director of the electric vehicles program, Matthieu Tenenbaum.

As per a Reuters report : 
"Renault's Ghosn says internal spying probe was legal"

Carlos Ghosn has claimed that the investigations done were legal and that any action taken against the concerned persons was done with due process. Ghosn said, "I personally followed the progress of this process step by step."

For a full report please click the above link.

Carlos Ghosn, is a Lebanese Brazilian-born businessman. He is the current CEO and President of Renault of France and Nissan of Japan. He was voted Man of the Year 2003 by Fortune magazine's Asian edition and is also on the board of Alcoa, Sony, and IBM. Ghosn became CEO of Renault, in 2005, succeeding Louis Schweitzer, while remaining CEO of Nissan as well. In 2004 he was added to the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame.

Ghosn joined Nissan as its chief operating officer in June 1999, became its president in June 2000 and was named chief executive officer in June 2001. His turnaround of Nissan has gained him celebrity status in Japan, where he has published books and even has a manga character based on him.

New Ferrari 2011: FF unveiled on www.ferrari.com ----- four-seater, four-wheel drive V12

 

The FF unveiled on www.ferrari.com 

A revolutionary four-seater, four-wheel drive V12 Ferrari: exceptional performance and versatility 

Maranello, 21^st January 2011 – The official Prancing Horse web site, Ferrari.com, has revealed the first photographs of the new FF, the company’s most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car. 

The FF - an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive) - ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept. A decisive break with the past, the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution. 

This new V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience. 

Designed by Pininfarina, the shape and proportions perfectly interpret the FF’s harmonious blend of sporting DNA and extraordinary usability. 

The FF features the company’s first ever four-wheel drive system. Ferrari’s exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 per cent over the rear axle). Completely integrated with the car’s electronic dynamic control systems, the four-wheel drive technology delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels. The FF is also equipped with the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo. 

Exceptional performance levels come courtesy of the new 6,262 cc direct injection engine which develops 660 CV at 8,000 rpm. In tandem with its transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, stunning acceleration figures (0-100 km/h in 3.7 sec.) are guaranteed. The new model’s class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/CV, along with its ideal weight distribution, ensures exceptionally responsive handling. The result is that owners will be able to enjoy the FF’s prowess over a wide range of uses: city driving, on low grip or snow-covered surfaces and on the track. 

Performance aside, Maranello’s latest model also offers standards of passenger space, comfort, in-car spec and equipment previously unheard of in such a high-performance car. It can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 litres extendable to 800) figures in its category, including four-door cars. 

A vast array of personalisation options and accessories has beendeveloped for the FF. These include six model-specific exterior colours and sumptuous interior trim incorporating specially selected and treated aniline leather. 

The FF, which will make its official debut in occasion of the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, is presented today with the first three photos from a dedicated shoot by Giovanni Gastel. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 

Engine
Type                                   65-degree V12
Overall displacement            6,262 cc 
Maximum power                   660 CV @ 8,000 rpm 
Maximum torque                  683 Nm @ 6,000 rpm

Dimensions and weight
Length                                 4907 mm 
Width                                  1953 mm 
Height                                 1379 mm 
Dry weight*                          1790 kg 
Weight distribution                47% front, 53% rear 
Weight/power ratio                2.7 kg/CV

Performance 
Maximum speed                   335 km/h
0-100 km/h                           3.7 sec

Fuel consumption and emissions (ECE+EUDC) 
Fuel consumption**               15.4 l/100 km 
Emissions**                          360 g/km

* European market version 
** With HELE system 

As per official company press release upto 22nd January, 2011

Click here: 

http://www.ferrarifour.com/Start.aspx?lang=en

10 most expensive cars of 2006..and still strong !!

Maybach 57S Price: $430,355 in US Rs 5.36 crore in India The Maybach 57 S has a 12-cylinder engine, goes from 0 to 100 in 5.2 seconds and is designed to be a sportier alternative to the other models. It has more power than the 57 or 62 models, 604 hp versus their 543 hp. As in the other models - Maybach 57 and 62 - the maximum speed is electronically limited. Top Speed: 250 kmph

Porsche Carrera GT Price: $440,000 in US Rs 5.47 crore in India   Despite claims that the Carrera GT supercar had gone out of production, the car is very much available in the US and is in the list of one of the world's most expensive cars. The car has 605 hp @ 8000 rpm, can go from 0 to100 in 3.9 seconds and has a ten cylinder engine - a type of rarely seen outside of racing. Top speed: 330 kmph

Maybach 62 Price: $448,153 in Europe Rs 5.59 crore in India Maybach's 62 ultra-luxury sedan is made by Mercedes-Benz and has proved that even a car this expensive to build can turn a profit. The Maybach 62 accelerates from 0 to 100 in just 5.4 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited but can be reached rapidly and with virtually no apparent effort. Top speed: 250 kmph

Mercedes-Benz SLR Price: $452,750 in US Rs 5.64 crore in India   The SLR McLaren is as comfortable and sophisticated as a street-legal racecar can be. It is a collaboration between Mercedes and legendary British racecar builder McLaren. With the help of a 617 hp and 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, the SLR sprints from 0 to 100 in just 3.6 seconds. Top speed: 343kmph

Koenigsegg CCR  Price: €458,000 in Europe Rs 6.94 crore in India   The Koenigsegg is a Swedish car that sports a supercharged V8 engine. It can go from 0 to 100 in 3.2 seconds with its hp of 806 @ 7000 rpm. The Koenigsegg CCR currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most powerful car in series production. Top speed: 395 kmph

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo Price: $ 637,723 in US Rs 7.95 crore in India   Started by former racing driver Steve Saleen, the Saleen car company produces some of the fastest cars in the world. The S7 is designed to compete with the fastest and most luxurious grand touring cars. It can go from 0 to 100 in six seconds has 750 bhp @ 6300 rpm and sports an all-aluminum V8, 2-valve. Top speed: 320 kmph

Leblanc Mirabeau Price: $645,084 (Global) Rs 8.03 crore in India   Leblanc is ramping up production of its new Mirabeau supercar. The company hopes to make the vehicle street legal for the US by early 2007. With a six-speed sequential transmission, more than 700 bhp @ 7600 rpm, the Leblanc Mirabeau's interior is optimized for maximum acceleration. Top speed: 370 kmph

SSC Ultimate Aero Price: $654,500 in US Rs 8.17 crore in India   The most expensive American car is also the fastest. Automaker SSC estimates this vehicle is capable of going from 0-60 in just 2.9 seconds and the base model has a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine rated 787 bhp @ 6600 rpm. The SSC Ultimate Aero requires 104 octane gasoline. Top speed: 400 kmph

Pagani Zonda Roadster FC12S 7.3 Price $667,321 in Europe and US Rs 8.31 crore in India   Pagani is an Italian boutique automaker that builds radical-looking racecars. This version of its Zonda flagship has 555 bhp @ 5900 rpm, can go from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds and is propelled by mid-mounted V-12 DOHC engines. Top speed: 344 kmph

Bugatti Veyron 16.4
Price: €1,000,000 in Europe
Rs 15.17 crore in India
 
Volkswagen's production delays are finally over and the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is ready to hit the road. The car sports a W16 engine fed by four turbochargers, can go from 0 to 100 mph in six seconds and uses unique cross-drilled and turbine vented carbon rotors that draw in cooling air for braking.
Top speed: 407 kmph                             

Karizma Vs. Apache RTR Fi Vs. Pulsar 220 Fi

Karizma Vs. Apache RTR Fi Vs. Pulsar 220 Fi __._,_.___

Auto Industry is back on the rise in MoTown

This is a reference to a link from:

Official Google Blog : Auto industry off to a fast start in the Motor City

Excerpt from the blog:

"2011 is shaping up to be comeback year for not just Detroit, but for the entire auto industry. As a third generation Detroit-based automotive industry worker, I couldn’t be more excited for the future of Auto. The auto business is a great place to work and we have better things ahead of us."

by Michelle Morris, Industry Director, Google Automotive (and Detroit native)

For more details please click on this link:

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/auto-industry-off-to-fast-start-in.html

Hyundai i10 Kappa2 (new 2010)

 

With a view to remain a competitive leader Hyundai has relaunched the car as the  'Next Gen i10' with an updated engine and with a lots of cosmetic changes all around with a few interior modifications at a slightly increased price tag.

Background/History

Following a very successful Hyundai Santro, India’s second largest auto manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company had launched the i10 in the same hatchback segment in 2007 and since then it has gained much popularity. Hyundai i10 is a premium hatchback offering quality and better feature set at a lower price point. Certain features that are generally considered add-ons come as standard across all variants like AC, power steering, tachometer, electronic trip meter, electronic odometer, low fuel warning lamp, etc.

Engine & Mechanicals

The i10 Kappa2 variant is the first car in this segment to use variable valve timing or VTVT in Hyundai-speak. Although there is no change in max power or torque engine is significantly more refined than before and revs cleanly from 2000rpm to its 6000rpm red line. The Kappa2 has spread its power more evenly, unlike the earlier engine.

At low speeds you can move around in city traffic without making too many gear changes. Shortened gear ratios have also aided driveability. On wider stretches of the road you can rev the engine and feel the increased pep. This makes overtaking on highways a breeze.

A prominent gearshift indicator is housed in a big LCD screen on the right-hand side of the instrument panel. The indicator suggests the right gear for maximum efficiency depending on the vehicle road speed and engine speed. The company claims a fuel efficiency figure of 20.36kpl, which means it is second only to the Tata Nano in the race for better mileage.

Engine Type:                      1197 cc, 4 cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder DOHC with VTVT  
Maximum Engine Output:    80 PS @ 6000 rpm   
Maximum Torque:               11.4 NM @ 4000 rpm  
Maximum Speed:               180 kmph
Transmission:                     5 Speed (Manual) & 4 Speed (Automatic)

Suspension & Tyres

This is one area where the car remains untouched, although rear suspension could have been made a bit more supple.

Tyre type:               Tubeless
Tyres size:              155/80 R13   
Suspension Front:    McPherson Strut with coil spring
Suspension Rear:    Coupled torsion beam axle with coil spring


Exteriors & Looks

The company has given much emphasis to the fact that design plays a big role in the choice of cars. In the front the new hexagonal grille is in line with the new design family across its range. It has certainly made the i10 look much more aggressive than before.

The massive air dam uses a honeycomb grille that gives a sporty touch, the round fog lamps have been replaced by sharper, rectangular units and the larger headlamps look striking even from a distance. All these changes come together to create a look that gives the little i10 more presence on our roads.
On the side the outside rear view mirrors have been given integrated turn signals and body coloured side moulding, usually found on more premium segment cars. The rear bumper too gets a body coloured rub strip with reflectors and parking sensors. The tail-lamps also wear a longer, more angular look.

Interiors & space (Cabin & Boot)

Although the i10’s overall length has increased by 20mm there is no change in legroom inside the cabin. The steering column is now tilt-height adjustable and comes with mounted audio and bluetooth controls. The seats are more cushioned and furnished with better fabric. All displays now get a blue backlight for some added zing when driving at night.

Another welcome change is the two-tone dashboard. The darker tan colour increases safety as it reduces reflections on the windscreen while driving during daytime. Secondly, it also goes tastefully with the gun-metal finish on the centre console.

Drive & feel

The cabin is well insulated from the engine noise. Uniform door space and controls are there for all the occupants. The sharp MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) and the suspension set-up provide everything for you to drive in the traffic with ease. Its 165mm ground clearance for city areas is another advantage.

The ride and handling is a familiar story. The chunky steering wheel lets you point the i10 in the intended direction without effort but a bit more road feel would certainly be welcome. As there are no changes to the suspension setup and even the tyre sizes are unchanged, the car retains its slightly stiff feel which means you are unsettled over potholes and bad roads.

Is the new i10 overwhelmingly better than before? No. Apart from an improved engine, changes are largely cosmetic but with a nominal hike in price and a raft of new features, it promises to be better value.

Equipments & feature-specs

The i10 comes with front and rear door full size arm rest, rear parcel tray and seat back pockets. The car is equipped with front power windows and air conditioner with heater in all variants. Rear wiper, rear power windows and defogger is available in the Magna variant family.

Other new interior features include USB connectivity on the integrated music system, bluetooth integration for the mobile phone and a digital fuel meter. Apart from the buzzer-type parking sensor, you also get height adjust for the driver’s seat on the higher variant. The top variant also gets a foldable key with keyless entry, which is again a feature found on more upmarket cars.

The company also offers top-end safety features like Anti-lock Braking system (ABS), seat belts with pretensioner, dual airbags for the driver and the front passenger, auto-unlocking doors which automatically unlock on sensing an impact and a high-mounted rear stop lamp.
As earlier the car comes with options for sun-roof and automatic transmission in the higher variants.

Prices (ex-showroom Kolkata)

MODEL                       Solid                   Metallic
Magna                     Rs. 422,932         Rs. 426,510
Sportz GLS              Rs. 453,183         Rs. 456,761
Sportz Option           Rs. 483,270         Rs. 486,847
Sportz AT GLS         Rs. 509,638         Rs. 513,217
Asta GLS                 Rs. 527,535         Rs. 531,114
Asta AT WS GLS     Rs. 600,374         Rs. 603,951

Maruti Suzuki WagonR (new 2010)

The new WagonR is actually an all-new car on a completely new platform with just the name being the same as the car it is replacing. Everything about the car has changed- new engine, new transmission, new interiors, and new design. The car has been given a much deserved upgrade and by addressing key issues it has received a new life.

Background/History
Though the car originated in Japan it had remained fundamentally unchanged since its launch in 1999 with a few cosmetic and interior changes. Yet with its functionality and ease of use it made practical sense and was eventually one of the largest selling cars of the Maruti Suzuki stable and turned into its blue-eyed boy.

Engine & Mechanicals
The new engine is an all aluminum light weight engine based on Suzuki’s new K-series engines developed to meet BS-IV stage norms. There is a new cable-link type transmission replacing the old notchy gearbox. This has smoothened gear shifts and easier power delivery thereby making the drive more comfortable. The new engine is more fuel efficient and the company claims an ARAI certified mileage of 18.9 kmpl.

Engine Type:                       998 cc, 3 cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder all aluminum  
Maximum Engine Output:     68 PS @ 6200 rpm   
Maximum Torque:                90 NM @ 3500 rpm  
Maximum Speed:                180 kmph
No. of Gears:                       5 Forward + 1 Reverse

Suspension & Tyres
The top of the line Vxi variant comes with tubeless tires for a sportier ride. While isolated trailing link with coil spring suspensions come across all variants offer a cushier ride. Thus the ride has improved over the previous car delivering a better experience.

Tyre Type:                  Tubeless(Vxi), Radial (Lxi & Lx)   
Tyre size: (Vxi)           155/65 R14   
Tyre size: (Lxi & Lx)    145/80 R13   
Suspension Front:       McPherson Strut with coil spring
Suspension Rear:        Isolated trailing link with coil spring

Exteriors & Looks
The design cues remain from the old WagonR territory with its tall stance remaining – at 1670 mm it is one of the tallest in its segment. But looking from the front the car seems more SUV-like in appearance with the raised hoodline and a wider grille. The company can afford to do so as it has room to differentiate among its 5 hatchback offerings.
It has even given a blue tinge to the headlight to give it a prominent blue-eyed look. It has kept clean side to give the doors a wide feel, giving the overall impression of a bigger car. Although it is a fresh look - designs are a purely subjective matter and hence appeal differently to different persons.

Interiors & space (Cabin & Boot)
As always cabin space is ample and airy. The tallboy stance gives the passengers a high seating position adding to the ease of getting in and out of the car and the SUV-like feel. At 3595mm the length of the car has increased and the rear seat has also been pushed back a bit more to make space for more legroom. This has improved long distance travel comfort but sacrificed some of the boot space.
The dash has also been refreshed with a few shared features of the Swift like the music system and AC controls. Innovations have improved storage space with a bigger parcel tray and front passenger under seat tray. The new dual toned dash and seat fabric give the cabin a more upmarket feel than its older version.

Equipments & feature-specs
The new lineup offers a wide range of feature set to pamper the customer. Tilt-adjust steering, Electronic power steering, integrated music system and AC, all 4 power windows, central locking, 60:40 rear seat split, front and rear seat belts, front and rear fog lamps, rear wiper, washer and defogger, Computerized Anti Theft System (i-CATS) and engine immobilizer. The company also offers the option of airbags and ABS on the top variant.

Drive & feel
The car feels smooth and comfortable at low speeds. Despite its tall size, body roll is lower than expected and at high speeds the car feels more planted. The power steering does not feel too light at high speeds and feels just right when turning at low speeds. Minor potholes are easily gobbled up by the improved suspension. The power delivery is even and there is no lag but there is a slight jump in power once it reaches 3000rpm. Engine noise is felt inside the cabin but more like a slight hum and is easily ignored.

All in all the WagonR was good family car and now it is a great family car. What the company has managed to do is take an already best selling product and improve it even further to ensure its selling spree. Given the update on the car and its price positioning Maruti Suzuki is all set to compete with the new players in the Indian hatchback space.

Prices (ex-showroom Kolkata)

    Variant                                             Metallic              Non-metallic
WAGON R LX BS4                         Rs. 343,703.67      Rs. 340,509.40
WAGON R LXI BS4                        Rs. 373,549.58      Rs. 370,355.30
WAGON R VXI BS4                        Rs. 398,970.09      Rs. 395,775.82
WAGON R VXI BS4 WITH ABS       Rs. 429,991.54      Rs. 426,797.27

Tata Nano

A lot has been written about the award winning Nano ever since Mr. Ratan Tata announced the project till the date of its official launch. Still a lot can be said about it. It is a wonder not only for us Indians but the whole world, and not because it catapulted India’s image as a small car R&D hub, but because it is a beacon of what is to come from carmakers across the world.
The Nano has innovations from every angle of it. Sure, it is no luxe mode of transport but it is very good at what it aims to do and betters it than cars at double its price!

Engine & Mechanicals
It is a rear mounted engine hence consumes less power in transmission to the wheels. The engine is peppy and it is easy to overtake in city traffic. Although when climbing on flyovers it seems to groan want for more grunt. The company claims an ARAI certified mileage of 23.4 kmpl which is highest from any petrol driven car on the Indian roads.

Engine Type:                      624 cc, 2 cylinder, MPFI   
Maximum Engine Output:    35 PS @ 5250 rpm   
Maximum Torque:               48 NM @ 3000 +/-500 rpm  
Maximum Speed:                105 kmph
No. of Gears:                      4 Forward + 1 Reverse

Suspension & Tyres
The tyres given in the front are smaller than the rear to improve mileage.

Tyre Type:            Radial & Tubeless   
Front Tyre size:    135/70 R12   
Rear Tyre size:     155/65 R12   
Spare Tyre size:   135/70 R12

Looks & interior space
The Nano does look quirky with its bloated balloon design. But it is the car that gets the look from every eye on the road. More value for the money after all!
The cabin space is roomier than most cars in the hatchback segment. There is enough space to seat 4 six footers and its seating position is also high. This gives the feel of a bigger car and a better view of the road.

Equipments & feature-specs
The top of the line LX variant comes with AC, front & rear fog lamps, body coloured door handles, tinted windshield, front power windows and central locking.
Although there are no airbags in any variant seatbelts are provided for both front & rear passengers across all variants.

Drive & feel
The car has a turning radius of 4 meters which makes it excellent in maneuvering in city traffic and tight parking spots are a breeze given its ultra small size. However the steering does feel tight when turning at low speeds and reminds you that it has no power steering. You are left unsettled once you run into a pothole, but for car of this size the ride is rather comfortable. The AC is good and does not bog down the engine. Cabin feels nice and reassuring but the engine does sound noisy from the outside.

Being a rear-engine car it makes it more vulnerable to accidents in the city as the engine is easily affected. Another drawback is the placement of fuel cap under the front-lid, making a trip out of the car compulsory at the service station.

The final verdict is that it is a small car and at its given price point, its performance and features cannot be a comparison factor. The car has its own segment and has as a lot to offer to the Indian population and the World. Sure, the car has had a lot of bad press and adding to that is negligence of the Company to address those issues. But time will tell if the service provided by the company is improved the Nano will make a big mark on the Indian car buyer.

Waiting period/launch date
Initially the car had a long waiting period stretching upto 20 months and that too in select cities, but now the car is available throughout the country and off the showroom floor.

Prices (ex-showroom Kolkata)
                                       RACING RED/                       CHAMPAGNE GOLD/           
MODEL                            IVORY WHITE/                         LUNAR  SILVER/     
                                       SUMMER BLUE                     SUNSHINE YELLOW
Nano BS II                           Rs. 132,617                                       NA
Nano BS III                          Rs. 143,917                                       NA
Nano BS IV                         Rs. 145,207                                       NA
Nano CX BS II                      Rs. 157,617                                Rs. 160,616
Nano CX BS III                     Rs. 169,665                                Rs. 172,755
Nano CX BS IV                    Rs. 171,149                                Rs. 174,325
Nano LX BS III                            NA                                      Rs. 195,130
Nano LX BS IV                           NA                                      Rs. 196,853