With the launch of the new Maruti Suzuki Swift less than an hour away, we have managed to obtain the pricing details for the most hotly anticipated line up in the model, the ZDi.

The Swift ZDi with the 1.3 liter 75 bhp diesel engine has been priced at Rs 6.38 Lakhs, Ex-Showroom Delhi making it one of the priciest hatchback in its class. This makes it costlier than the Nissan Micra which has more features or the i20 Magna Diesel which has a more powerful engine, bigger boot space and better interiors.

Has Maruti shot itself in the foot with this pricing. Tell us more.

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Audi has officially unveiled the all new 2012 A6 sedan which is all set to take on the might of the new BMW 5-Series and Mercedes Benz’s E-Class.

The new A6 will make its market debut in early 2011  and will be available with a raft of engine options including a hybrid, which Audi says will have the performance of a V6 and fuel efficiency of a four cylinder.

Designed heavily on the lines of the new A8, the 2012 A6 sedan measures 4.92 meters (16.14 ft) long, 1.87 meters (6.14 ft) in width, it is only 1.46 meters (4.79 ft) tall and has a wheelbase of 2.91 meters (9.55 ft). The harmonious proportions – the long engine hood, the short overhangs, and the sweeping roofline – embody a character of athletic elegance.

Painted a high-gloss black, the large, low single-frame grill featuring beveled upper corners merges neatly with the sculptured front end. The horizontal orientation of the louvers underscores the width of the latest A6, as do the wide, low air intakes.

The interplay between soft surfaces and precise, hard lines dominates the side view of the new Audi A6. Typical for the brand, the sheet-metal body is roughly twice as tall as the greenhouse. The tornado line beneath the window edge runs across the entire flank; it forms a prominent shaded edge, lending strength to the body’s shoulders. Above the side sills lies the dynamic line, taking a slight upward turn. A high-gloss package accentuates the area around the windows.

The elegant line ends in a prominent tail end with a subtle spoiler edge. The matt black diffuser insert envelopes the two large, round tailpipes for the exhaust system. As is always the case on an Audi, the surfaces at the tail end are three-dimensional in shape. The styling of the two-part tail lights also echoes the trapezoidal shape of the headlights at the rear of the car.

More details and high resolution image gallery after the jump

Audi says that more than 20% of the body with add on parts such as the engine hood, the front fenders, the rear hatch and doors as well as bulkhead and cross member in the luggage compartment are all made of aluminium to keep the weight down. The front suspension is also aluminium and features five control arms while at the rear is a self tracking trapezoidal-link suspension. Adaptive air suspension with controlled damping and a dynamic steering system will also be available as an optional extra.

The new 2012 A6 will be available with five engine options at launch – two gasoline and three diesels. The gasoline range starts with 2.8 liter naturally aspirated V6 with 204 hp and 280 nm of torque which does the 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 7.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240 kmph along with average consumption of 7.4 liter per 100 kms the EU cycle.

The other gasoline option is the 3.0 liter TFSI supercharged V6 which develops 300 hp and 440 nm of torque. The TFSI model sprints from 0-100 kph in just 5.5 seconds on top a top speed of 250 kmph (electrically limited).

The diesel engine range has three options – starting with a 2.0 liter four cylinder TDI delivering 177 bhp and 380 nm of maximum torque. Next up is the 3.0 liter TDI V6 which develops 204 hp of maximum power and 400 nm of maximum torque or 245 hp of maximum power and 500 nm of maximum torque in its more powerful top of the line version.

The 2.0 liter TDI achieves 0-100 kph in 8.7 seconds and fuel efficiency of 4.9 liter per 100 kms in the EU cycle while the powerful 3.0 TDI V6 does the 0-100 kph run in 7.2 seconds or 6.1 seconds for the more powerful variant. The fuel efficiency figures stand at 5.2 liter per 100 kms for the 204 hp variant and 6.0 liter per 100 kms for the higher powered 245 hp variant.

Transmission options include a 6-speed manual transmission, a CVT, seven-speed S-tronic automatic depending on the engine on offer or the eight-speed automatic which will arrives in the hybrid. The transmissions will either drive the front wheels or quattro permanent all-wheel drive system depending upon the variant.

The A6 hybrid will be Audi’s only second model apart from the q5 Hybrid Quattro. The hybrid model will come with a 211 hp 2.0 TFSI engine paired with an electric motor developing 33 kW and 211 nm of torque. The A6 Hybrid will employ a parallel hybrid concept with electric motor sitting directly behind the TFSI, occupying the space of the torque converter upstream of the modified 8-speed tiptronic that drives the front wheels.

The hybrid system uses a lithium-ion battery pack which provides 1.3 kWh of nominal power and is stored under the luggage compartment. The hybrid can not only operate in the engine only or hybrid mode but can also run on pure electric mode to speeds upto 100 kph but  not for very long.

The A6 Hybrid accelerates from 0-100 kph in 7.3 seconds (claimed) with a top speed of 238 kmph and will return an impressive 6.2 liter per 100 kms equating to CO2 emissions level of just 142 grams per km.

The future range will also include Avant Station Wagon Model, a go faster S6 and bonkers RS6 model.

Image Gallery: 2012 Audi A6 Sedan

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Jaguar today launched the all new Diesel XF in India. This follows the launch of the highly acclaimed 5.0L naturally aspirated petrol XF and the supercharged XFR in 2009.

The new XF comes with the 3.0 liter AJ-V6 Diesel S engine developing an impressive 275 ps of maximum power and mammoth 600 nm of maximum torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed ZF 6HP28 automatic transmission which offers smooth shifts to complement the efficient and refined powerplant.

The result of all that power and torque is Exo X busting performance with all the grace and pace that Jaguar is renowned for and all this while sipping the sticky cheaper fuel! The XF Diesel S accelerates from 0-100 kph in just 6.4 seconds compared to 6.6 seconds for the recently launched EVo X!

More information after the jump.

The XF Diesel S also comes with technologies such as JaguarDrive Selector, JaguarDrive Control, Jaguar Sequential Shift and Dynamic Stability Control with Trac DSC mode. Inside the new XF Diesel S offers soft grain leather seats, Phosphor Blue halo illumination and interior mood lighting, seven-inch full colour touch-screen display and Jaguar Smart Key System^TM with Keyless Entry and Start.

The model has been customized by Jaguar engineers in UK specially for the Indian market with increased ride height to cope with Indian road conditions and a non DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) engine.

The new XF Diesel S has been priced at a competitive Rs 48.37 Lakhs, Ex-Showroom, New Delhi.

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German luxury automaker, Mercedes Benz has launched the new variants of M-Class SUV in the Indian market. Christened the M-Class Grand Executive and the M-Class Grand Sports, the new variants offer various styling tweaks and extra equipment and features inside out.

On the outside the M-Class Grand Edition gets redesigned darkened headlamps, LED daytime running lights integrated with the front bumper and massive 10 spoke 19 inch alloy wheels. The interiors have been upgraded with higher grade materials and new dual tone color scheme, AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel, heated and cooled seats and ‘Grand’ edition badge on the central console.

The new M-Class comes with permanent four wheel drive system, 4ETS traction control system and functions such as Downhill Speed Regulation, Acceleration skid control (ASR) and  the off-road ABS system. AIRMATIC air suspension with Adaptive Damping System, PARKTRONIC & NECK-PRO luxury head restraints, PRE-SAFE protection system, Seat Belt tensioners and seven airbags also find a mention in the standard equipment list.

The SUV continues to be powered by 2987cc V6 Diesel engine which develops 224 bhp of maximum power and 52 kgm of maximum torque. .

“The M-Class has been a popular model series in India. The “Sports Edition” and the “Executive Edition” are very aggressively priced considering the loadings and features of this marquee. We are confident that customers who expect highest standards from their vehicles will find the M-Class a vehicle that exceeds their expectations- both on and off the road.” said Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director, Mercedes Benz India.

The new Mercedes M-Class Grand Executive Edition has been priced at Rs 47.91 lakh while the Grand Sports Edition comes for Rs 54.11 lakh,  all prices ex-showroom Pune.

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Mitsubishi has also launched the new Montero at the Autocar Performance Show at MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai.

The new Montero comes powered by an upgraded version of the 3.2 litre inline 4 cylinder turbodiesel engine which now develops a very healthy 200 bhp, 37 bhp more than the older version, and a maximum 45 kgm of torque at 2000 rpm, up 5.9 kgm over the earlier engine.

The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission and meets Bharat IV emission norms. Cosmetic upgrades are restricted to redesigned front and rear bumpers.

The new Mitsuibishi Montero has been priced at Rs 38.95 Lakhs, Ex-Showroom, Delhi.

Stay tuned for more updates!

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The 2011 Tata Safari replacement that we all have been waiting for is here and it will be called the Tata Merlin! The scoop picture comes to you courtesy tusharsethi@team-bhp.com

Codenamed Safari18, the new 2011 Tata Safari Merlin has been in development for the past 2 years and will be launched in the first quarter of the next year.

The new Safari Merlin will feature the same 2.2 liter DICOR engine but with added refinement courtesy the dual mass flywheel and improved driveability thanks to the new and improved gearbox that is also being used in the recently launched Aria Crossover.

More details after the jump

source: tusharsethi@team-bhp.com

Other improvements include completely overhauled interiors which will have much better plastic quality, improved HVAC system and improved ride and handling.

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click to enlarge

Czech automaker, Skoda Auto has launched the Yeti crossover in the Indian market at an event held in New Delhi today.

The Yeti comes powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged CRDi diesel engine developing 140 bhp of maximum power and 32o nm of maximum torque and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and an advanced real time four wheel drive system.

The Yeti comes in two variants – Ambiente and Elegance and has been priced at

Skoda Yeti Ambiente – Rs 14.98 Lakhs Ex-Mumbai, Rs 15.4 Lakhs Ex-Delhi

Skoda Yeti Elelgance – Rs 16.18 Lakhs Ex-Mumbai, Rs 16.62 Lakhs Ex-Delhi

Visit the official Yeti site by clicking here!

Tech specs and detailed feature list after the jump.

Safety Equipment

Illumination

• Halogen headlights with manual levelling
• Front fog lights
• Corner function with front fog lights
• Warning lights on front doors
• Rear fog light
• Visibility
• Automatically dimming interior rear view mirror
• Automatically dimming external rear view mirror
• External mirror defogger with timer
• Rear windscreen defogger with timer
• Rear windscreen washer and wiper

Braking

• HHC (Hill Hold Control)
• ABS (Antilock Braking System)
• EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistant)
• Traction
• ASR (Anti Slip Regulation)
• TCS (Traction Control System)
• EDL (Electronic Differential Lock)

Stability

• ESP (Electronic Stability Programme)
• OffRoad Assistant
• Hill descent control
• Driveoff assistant
• Offroad ABS (Antilock Braking System)
• Offroad ASR (Anti Slip Regulation)
• Offroad TCS (Traction Control System)
• Offroad EDL (Electronic Differential Lock)
• Park Distance Control
• Parktronic sensors at rear
• Parktronic sensors at front
• Parktronic speaker at rear
• Parktronic speaker at front
• Parktronic display on central infotainment system

Airbags

• Dual front airbags
• Side airbags at front
• Curtain airbags at front and rear
• Switchoff function for front passenger airbag

Occupant Restraint

• Active front head restraints
• Occupant detection system for front passenger seat with seatbelt warning light
• Driver seatbelt warning light
• Seatbelt pretensioners for front seats
• Height adjustable threepoint seatbelts at front
• Three threepoint seatbelts at rear
• Height adjustable head restraints at front
• Three height adjustable head restraints at rear
• Two Isofix childseat preparations on outer rear seats
• Undercarriage Protection
• Cover for the engine and transmission
• Underbody protective cover
• Protection for the rear suspension arms

More

• Acoustic warning signal for overrun speed
• Fuel supply cutoff in a crash
• Side door protective strips
• Dooropen indicator
• Dualtone warning horn
• Childproof rear window and door locking
• High level third brake light
• Emergency triangle in the luggage compartment

Security

• Electronic Theft Deterrence
• Engine immobiliser with floating code system
• Security code for central infotainment system
• Remote Operation
• Remote control with foldable key, two
• Remote control locking and unlocking of doors and boot lid
• Remote control opening and closing of windows

Comfort

Seats

• Height adjustment for driver and front passenger seats
• Lumbar support adjustment for driver and front passenger seats
• Front centre armrest, adjustable for length and height
• Rear seat centre armrest

Entertainment

• Škoda audio player with touchscreen controls
• 6.5inch LCD TFT colour display
• Škoda Swing audio player
• Integrated sixCD changer
• Eight speakers
• Audio controls on steering wheel
• Auxiliary audio input for portable media players
• SD/MMC data card reader

Climate Control

• Climatronic  automatic air conditioning with electronic regulation of cabin temperature
• Dualzone Climatronic
• Climatic  manually regulated air conditioning
• Adjustable rear air conditioning vents on rear centre console
• Rear air conditioning vents under front passenger seats
• Dual Climatronic display
• Automatic air circulation, including AQS (Air Quality Sensor)
• Odour filter and pollen filter

Upholstery

• Leather seat upholstery
• Leather wrapped steering wheel
• Leather wrapped gearshift knob
• Leather wrapped hand brake grip

External Mirrors

• Electrically adjustable external mirrors

Windows

• Front and rear electrically adjustable windows
• Onetouch operation
• Bounceback system
• Tinted windows

More

• Height adjustable steering wheel
• Length adjustable steering wheel
• Textile floor mats

Convenience

VarioFlex

Removable rear seats

Adjustment for rear seat backrest inclination

Length and lateral adjustment for rear outer seats

Information Display

• Central infotainment system
• Multi function display (MFD) of Travelling time, Distance travelled, Average speed, Immediate consumption, Average consumption, Travel distance before refuelling, Service interval, Outside temperature, Clock
• MaxiDOT large pixel display of multi function data and warning messages
• Gear change recommendation indicator
• Intensity adjustment of instrument illumination

Personal Comfort Settings

• Electronic setup for MFD, Convenience, Lights and vision, Time, Winter tyres, Language, Units, Assistant, Alternate speed display, Service interval
• Electronic Driving Aid
• Automatic front wiper system with rain sensor

Exterior Illumination

• Boarding spot lamps

Interior Illumination

• Reading lamps at the front and rear
• Illumination of front glovebox
• Illumination of luggage compartment

More

• 12V power socket in centre console
• 12V power socket in luggage compartment
• Front sun visors with vanity mirrors
• Two foldable roof handles, at front and rear
• Lightson acoustic signal
• Rear mud flaps

Storage

Luggage Compartment

• 416 litres luggage compartment space
• 1485 litres of total luggage space with rear seats folded forward
• 1665 litres of total luggage space with rear seats removed
• Two luggage restraint nets
• Four adjustable and foldable baggage hooks on horizontal rails in luggage compartment
• Four fixed load anchoring points in luggage compartment
• Rear seat centre armrest with through-loading
• Three-part split and completely folding rear seats
• Storage compartments in side panels under luggage compartment floor
• Removable rear parcel shelf

Passenger Compartment

• Storage compartment under the front passenger seat
• Storage compartment on the top of central dashboard, closed
• Jumbo box storage compartment under front centre armrest, with cooling
• Front glovebox with cooling and illumination
• Bottle holders in the front and rear doors
• Cup holders in the front centr console and rear seat centre armrest
• Storage compartments in the front and rear doors
• Eyewear compartment
• Storage compartments in the front and rear centre console
• Storage pockets on the backrest of the front seats

More

• Roof rails
• Coat hook on rear roof handles and B pillars
• Ticket holder on A pillar
• Retaining strip on front sun visors

Technical specifications 2.0 TDI CR/103 kW

Engine

Engine type turbocharged diesel engine, turbocharger with self-aligning blades, in-line, liquid cooling system, high-pressure direct injection system, 16V DOHC, transverse in front

Cylinders 4

Displacement [cm3] 1968

Max. power/revs [kW(bhp) at rpm] 103(140)/4200

Max. torque/revs [Nm at rpm] 320/1750-2500

Transmission

Wheel drive permanent four-wheel drive with automatic torque distribution, Haldex clutch

Transmission manual 6-speed fully synchronized

Chassis

Front axle McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabiliser

Rear axle multi-element axle, with one longitudinal and three transverse links, with torsion stabiliser

Braking system hydraulic dual-diagonal circuit braking system vacuum assisted with Dual Rate system

Brake – front disc brakes with inner cooling, with single/piston floating caliper

Brake – rear disc brakes

Steering system direct rack and pinion steering with electro mechanic power steering

Wheels 7.0J*16″

Tyres 215/60 R16

Outside dimensions

Length [mm] 4223

Width [mm] 1793

Height [mm] 1691

Wheel base [mm] 2578

Ground clearance [mm] 180

Inside dimensions

Storage capacity [l] 416

Storage capacity with rear seats folded forward [l] 1485

Storage capacity with rear seats removed [l] 1665

Weights

Kerb weight [kg] 1543

Gross weight [kg] 2075

Liquids

Tank capacity [l] 60

Performance

Turning circle diameter [m] 10.0

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Nissan India has started taking bookings for the diesel variant of the Micra which will go on sale from December 2010.

The diesel variant will be powered by a simply 1.5 liter dCI engine delivering a modest 65 bhp and 16.3 kgs of maximum torque. The same engine also does duty under the hood of the Logan and is expected to perform much better in the ligher and smaller Micra and deliver sterling fuel efficiency too.

Although Nissan hasn’yt announced the pricing,  customers interested in the new Micra can book their’s for an initial booking amount of  Rs 50,000 at any of the 20 Nissan dealerships across the country. The Micra diesel is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 4.5 to 5.8 Lakhs.

“The success of petrol variant of Micra in the domestic market has given us huge confidence to introduce diesel variant within six months from the launch of petrol version. We are confident that the diesel-powered Micra would fulfill the discerning needs of Indian Customers.” said Kiminobu Tokuyama, MD & CEO, Nissan Motor India.

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As we mentioned earlier, Hyundai Motor India Ltd has launched the much awaited and delayed Santa Fe SUV in the Indian market.

The Santa Fe is powered by a 2.2 liter turbocharged CRDi diesel engine in the R-Line spec delivering an impressive 194 bhp of maximum power @ 4000 rpm and an equally impressive 429 nm of maximum torque between 1800-2500 rpm and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. This is the second generation of the Santa Fe SUV which debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show and received a mid-cycle refresh designed in Germany for the year 2010.

The Santa Fe comes loaded with will gadgets and gizmos which include – in-dash six-CD music system with USB and AUX-IN, steering mounted audio controls, Cruise Control, multifunction digital display and should anything goes wrong front, side and curtain airbags, active headrests, rollover sensor, 4WD (optional) ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and ABS (Anti Lock Braking System) + EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) will keep you and your family safe. The 4WD is a Borg-Warner Torque Management devicewhich diverts power to the wheels with best grip according to the amount of slip.

The styling is quirky and its nowhere near as good looking as its competition which includes muscular Toyota Fortuner, the classy Chevrolet Captiva, the sophisticated Honda CR-V and the butch in-your-face Ford Endeavour. The recently launched Hyundai’s with their fluidic design languages have all been quite a looker but the Santa Fe is different since it was launched way back in 2006.

The Santa Fe comes to India as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) and has been launched in two variants – the regular 2WD priced at Rs 20.95 Lakhs and 4WD priced at 22.95 Lakhs, all prices Ex-Showroom, Delhi. With such pricing we are afraid Hyundai has outpriced itself out of the competition yet again. On one hand you have the hugely capable and hot selling Toyota Fortuner which not only looks better and comes with proper four wheel drive system with low range gearbox but is also considerably cheaper than even the low-end 2WD variant and on the other end you have very competitive products like the Chevrolet Captiva and Ford’s Endeavour which again are much better looking and are a whopping 3-4 lakhs rupees cheaper!

The company has set itself a modest target of selling  100-150 for the remaining part of the year 2010 but we will be very surprised if Hyundai is able to come even close to its intended figure. The company has never had it easy in the upper end of the Indian car segment with long list of failures like the Terracan, Sonata, Elantra and the Tuscon and we might have another named added to the list very soon. Avoid this one if you can!

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Styled by IDEA, Italy, the styling is butch and modern

Tata Motors have launched the new Aria 4X4 Crossover in the Indian market at a ceremony held in Mumbai today.

Aria is the first indigenous made 4X4 Crossover that according to Tata is a sedan and SUV blended in one car – with sedan like finesse, handling and ride quality and SUV like performance, offroading capability and stance. The new Crossover delivers a lot of firsts for a Tata vehicle and is loaded with all the conceivable features that you normally associate with the Germans, no we aren’t kidding, sample this, when was the last time you heard Tata and the following features in the same breath – Selectable 4X4 with Torque-On-Demand system, three row theater style flexible seating, 6 Air Bags (Yes SIX, front drive and passenger + Curtain), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), TCS (Traction Control System), In-Dash GPS Navigation system, Rain sensing automatic wipers, darkness sensing automatic headlamps, steering mounted music and phone controls, Cruise Control, ABS (Anti Lock Braking System) + EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), Front and rear disc brakes, Leather upholstery and last but not the least Electrically adjustable and retractable outside rear view mirrors! Phew!

The Aria is powered by the heavily revised version of the 2.2 DICOR engine with 140 ps of maximum power and 320 nm of maximum torque and comes with dual mass flywheel for added refinement. The engine itself is a pretty advanced unit featuring 32 bit ECU, 4 valves per cylinder, variable geometry turbocharger and dual overhead camshaft! The engine is mated to a new Mark II gearbox which offers perfectly matched gear ratios for optimum performance under all conditions and precise gearshift action. The selectable torque on demand Adapterra 4×4 system delivers torque to the wheel that needs it the most and also aids high speed handling. The system can also be switched off via a switch on the dashboard in which case it operates as a 4X2 and helps fuel efficiency since the engine doesn’t needs to work as hard.

The suspension is high tech too with the front having an Independent Double Wishbone With Coil Spring and the rear featuring an advanced 5-link setup.

The Aria has will come in 3 trim levels, all with selectable Adapterra 4×4 - Pleasure 4X4, Prestige 4X4 and Pride 4X4, the details of which we already provided you in our earlier post which you can read by clicking here and eight color options – Castelle Gray, Arctic Silver, Walnut Gold, Sardinia Red, Quartz Black, Pearl White, Surf Blue and Night Shade Black.

Price start from Rs 12.91 Lakhs Ex-Showroom, New Delhi for the base Aria Pleasure 4X4 going all the way upto Rs 15.5 Lakhs for the top end Aria Pride 4X4 with leather upholstery.

City wise pricing details, image gallery and press release after the jump.

Image Gallery: 2010 Tata Aria 4X4 Crossover

Variant Delhi Bengaluru Chennai Kolkata Mumbai Aria Pride      (Leather upholstery) 15.50 15.58 15.45 15.52 15.85 Aria Prestige (Leather upholstery) 14.50 14.57 14.45 14.52 14.82 Aria Prestige (Fabric upholstery) 14.13 14.19 14.08 14.15 14.44 Aria Pleasure (Fabric upholstery) 12.91 12.96 12.86 12.93 13.18

Press Release

Tata Aria, the first Indian four-wheel drive Crossover, hits the road

• A sedan & and an SUV blended in one car — with sedan like finesse, handling and ride quality and SUV like performance, offroading capability and stance
• 2.2 L diesel commonrail powerplant delivering 140 PS power and 320 Nm torque
• Luxurious premium leather upholstery & three-row theatre-style flexible seating
• Selectable 4×4 with Torque-on-Demand System
• Electronic Stability Programme with Traction Control System to maintain stability
• 6 airbags to protect occupants from every side
• In-dash GPS-based Navigation provides destination guidance
• Automatic darkness sensing lights & rain sensing wipers
• Steering mounted phone and music controls
• Cruise Control
• Automatic climate control
• ABS & EBD to aid steerability and control in emergency braking
• Electrically adjustable and retractable ORVMs
• Available in 3 trim levels – all 4×4 – Pride, Prestige, Pleasure

Mumbai, October 11, 2010: Tata Motors today launched the Tata Aria, the first Indian four-wheel drive crossover, a luxurious creation with the finesse of a sedan and the muscle of an SUV all blended in one car.

The Tata Aria redefines several benchmarks with its design and technologies, offering class leading features that take comfort and safety to a new height. The selectable 4×4 is equipped with aTorque-on-Demand System which significantly enhances all-terrain capabilities. It is the first in its segment with an In-dash GPS-based Navigation System. It is also among those rare cars in India to offer advanced safety features like the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), which ensures the car’s stability, and six airbags to ensure safety in exigencies.

Finesse of a sedan in the Tata Aria

The Aria’s styling is a blend of bold proportions, uncluttered lines and uncompromising aesthetics. The aggressive, well planted stance is tempered by a lunging silhouette and a dynamic roofline. Wraparound dual barreled headlamps complement the signature Tata grille. Chrome detailing on the sides accentuates its premium class. The interiors reflect the same richness and elegance in design, layout, and visual appeal. Premium leather upholstery enhances richly textured trims in single or dual tone themes. Air-conditioning louvres on pillars and a sweeping row of roof utility spaces add to the distinctive appeal.

Passengers can simply walk into the Aria, rather than having to climb up or get down into the cabin. The three-row theatre style flexible seating ensures ample space. Like the driver’s and the front passenger seat, the second row seats can also be slid fore and aft to increase legroom. Both the second row and third row seats can be fully collapsed to make the car even roomier for accessories and luggage for that weekend sojourn.

The height-adjustable driver’s seat and the tilt adjustable steering help configure the most comfortable driving position. The glasshouse offers commanding visibility, aided by electrically adjustable ORVMs. There is no need to look back even to park – a Reverse Guide Camera helps you with exactitude. As you drive out, the In-dash Navigation System guides you to your destination, the Driver Information System continuously indicates essential drive data, the Cruise Control allows you to set speed, and the Automatic Climate Control, through roof-mounted AC vents, keeps the cabin temperature ambient. The 2-DIN music system and Bluetooth, along with steering mounted phone and music controls, helps switch between music and conversation at the touch of a button. Other features do not even require raising a finger – Darkness Sensing Lights will come on automatically, as will Rain Sensing Wipers. Roof utility bins, a glove-box chiller and conveniently placed cup holders helps keep every thing you want within easy reach.

Muscle of an SUV in the Tata Aria

The Aria’s stylish design is inlaid with the DNA of an SUV, manifested in its stance, power, driveability and safety.

Its 2.2 litre Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) engine, with variable turbine technology and 32-bit ECU delivers 140 PS power and 320 Nm torque. It is equipped with a dual mass flywheel which isolates torsional vibrations from the powertrain, thus providing a NVH free environment in the cabin. The new Mark II gearbox is perfectly mated to the engine ensuring smooth power delivery and precise shifting.

The suspension is designed to achieve an optimal balance between ride comfort and control and stability, both on normal roads and in offroading. Its low-roll characteristics and higher soaking capacity further ensure a sedan-like ride quality and SUV-like offroading capability.

The 4×4 Adapterra Torque-on-Demand System on its own senses terrain conditions and automatically supplies torque in varying proportions between the front and rear axles, depending on the terrain. It helps off-road driving as well as stability on normal roads.

The Aria boasts of best in class safety features, making it one of the safest cars on Indian roads.

The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) senses any mismatch between the driver’s intended direction and the actual direction of the car, and automatically intervenes to apply braking force to the appropriate wheel and stabilises the car. Along with ESP, the Traction Control System (TCS) maintains stability under situations of sudden acceleration.

The Aria is equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels resulting in superior braking effectiveness and better control. The Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Breakforce Distribution (EBD) aids steerability and control in emergency braking situations and on slippery surfaces.

The Aria’s frame is constructed with advanced hydroformed members. Hydroforming enhances their rigidity while reducing weight. Besides, the body shell has crumple zones and the doors have side impact bars. Six airbags (driver, front passenger, side and curtain airbags) protect occupants from every side. Besides India, the Aria satisfies all current crash safety norms in European markets.

The Tata Aria variants

The Tata Aria is being launched in three trim levels, all with 4×4 – the Aria Pride at the top end, the Aria Prestige and the Aria Pleasure, each in eight colour options. While the Aria Pride is fully loaded, features will vary in the Aria Prestige and the Aria Pleasure (details in www.tataaria.com). The Tata Aria is being made available, to begin with, in 25 cities through 69 dealerships.

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