Maruti Suzuki SX4 facelift Launched

When Maruti Suzuki launched the SX4 back in 2007, it was a runaway hit for the Manesar-based company but times have changed a lot since then. A slew of new launches from competitors meant that the SX4 was in a dire need of an upgrade to remain in contention. After months of speculations and rumours, Maruti has finally given the SX4 a facelift with changes made to the cars interiors, exteriors and engine to give some stiff competition to its rivals.

On to the mechanical front, the petrol variant of the SX4 is powered by the same 1.6-litre engine producing 104.7PS at 5600rpm and a peak torque of 145NM at 4100rpm while the 1.3-litre turbo-diesel pumps out 90PS @ 4000 rpm and 200Nm of torque @ 1750 rpm. While both the petrol and diesel engines remain un-tampered with on the new SX4, the point that will impress our mileage obsessed buyers will be the efficiency figures. Maruti has been successful in improving the mileage of the new car by 6 per cent over its predecessor and the petrol variant returns an efficiency figure of 16.5kmpl and its diesel sibling 21.79kmpl (manufacturer figures). The SX4 remains the only model in Maruti’s portfolio to have three different engine options and the CNG variant offers a claimed efficiency figure of 22.1km/kg.

Exterior changes on the new SX4 include a more pronounced bumper along with two-tone front grille, fog lamp with dual-tone garnish and electrically foldable outside rear view mirrors with built-in turn indicators. All this features have combined to give the new car a sportier stance and also the length of the car has been increased by 10mm owing to the revised bumper. Apart from the four standard colours the new SX4 gets additional two shades, Serene Blue and Granite Grey.

Isuzu to set up plant in Andhra Pradesh

Japanese commercial vehicle and SUV major Isuzu will set up a manufacturing plant at Sri City in Andhra Pradesh's Chittur district, at a total investment of Rs. 1,500 crore.

 

The carmaker will start production of its MU-7 SUV and D-Max pick up by the beginning of 2016. It is currently importing fully built models from its Thailand plant and has already started sales operations in Hyderabad and Coimbatore. Isuzu is also in discussion with potential partners, including Hindustan Motors, to start CKD assembly of the models before it starts local production in its own plant.   

 

Though a relatively late entrant here, Isuzu is bullish about its prospects in the Indian LCV and SUV markets. "We feel in the next ten years the Indian market  will grow strongly," says Shigeru Wakabayashi, deputy MD, Isuzu Motors India. Its goal is to sell 80,000 vehicles in India and export 40,000 units annually. 

Mahindra e2o

 Mahindra & Mahindra owned electric car brand Reva has now officially announced to launch the much awaited e2o (ee-two-oh) on March 18 despite the 2013 Union budget didn't extended subsidy on electric vehicle, which was terminated last fiscal. The Mahindra e2o will sport the next generation Lithium-ion batteries and will have a range of 100kms on full charge. The e2o will enable users to carry out self fueling through any 15 amp plug point at home or at their workplace.