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.

Liked this, you may also want to read these

• June 22, 2010 -- 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Teaser Image + Video
• January 28, 2010 -- Ferrari Unveils F10 2010 F1 Challenger
• March 6, 2010 -- 2010 World Car Of The Year Finalist Announced
• March 13, 2010 -- Bajaj Sells A Record 5 Lakh Units Of The Discover DTS-Si
• April 6, 2010 -- Yamaha YZF R15 Limited Edition ‘Yamaha White’ Rolls Into Showrooms
• January 18, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Swift Gets 1.2 K-Series Engine
• March 2, 2010 -- Tata Motors Display Nano Electric Vehicle (EV) at Geneva

Maruti Suzuki has been ranked no.1 in the 2010 JD Power India Customer Service Index study for an eleventh consecutive year followed by Fiat at the second place, ahead of Honda, Toyota, Hyundai to emerge as the most improved brand this year.

The study, now in its 14th year, measures satisfaction among vehicle owners who visited their authorized dealership service center for maintenance or repair work during the first 12 to 24 months of ownership. The study measures overall satisfaction by examining five factors (listed in order of importance): service quality; vehicle pickup; service advisor; service facility; and service initiation. Overall customer satisfaction is measured on a 1,000-point scale, with a higher score indicating higher satisfaction.

Overall customer satisfaction with dealer service averages 812 in 2010, an improvement of 27 points from 2009.

Detailed Press Release after the jump.

J.D. Power Asia Pacific Reports:
Overall Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service in India Improves Notably from 2009

Maruti Suzuki Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service in India
For an Eleventh Consecutive Year

SINGAPORE: 29 October 2010 — Customer satisfaction with authorized dealer service in India has increased considerably from 2009, according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2010 India Customer Service Index (CSI) Study^SM released today.

The study, now in its 14th year, measures satisfaction among vehicle owners who visited their authorized dealership service center for maintenance or repair work during the first 12 to 24 months of ownership. The study measures overall satisfaction by examining five factors (listed in order of importance): service quality; vehicle pickup; service advisor; service facility; and service initiation. Overall customer satisfaction is measured on a 1,000-point scale, with a higher score indicating higher satisfaction.

Overall customer satisfaction with dealer service averages 812 in 2010, an improvement of 27 points from 2009.

“The strong improvement in industrywide CSI performance during the past year is reflective of the success that manufacturers in India had in enhancing the customer experience at their dealerships,” said Mohit Arora, executive director at J.D. Power Asia Pacific. “This is encouraging, given the challenges that dealerships face with recent increases in service volumes and the accompanying need to plan, modify and implement new systems and processes in order to accommodate the volumes.”

Maruti Suzuki achieves an overall CSI score of 849 on a 1,000-point scale and performs particularly well in all five factors. While still performing below industry average, Fiat, Hyundai and Skoda each improve notably in 2010, gaining 40 points or more from 2009.

The study finds that providing service customers with explanations of the work to be performed on the vehicle prior to servicing has a strong positive impact on the overall satisfaction. Implementation of this service standard has improved significantly from 2009.

“Customers who receive explanations in advance are able to determine the complexity of the work to be done and gauge whether the cost of service and the time it takes to complete the service are reasonable,” said Arora. “In addition, keeping customers informed of the vehicle status during servicing provides reassurance that work is being performed as explained, and helps customers plan when to pick-up their vehicle.”

The study examines the cost of operating new vehicles, both in terms of actual costs (including fuel; repair and maintenance; and tire expenses) and owner satisfaction with those costs. Due to higher fuel prices in 2010, the cost of new-vehicle operation has increased since from 2009 study–up 9 percent for petrol vehicles and 16 percent for diesel vehicles.

The study also finds that customers who are highly satisfied with the overall service performance of the dealer have higher levels of advocacy and loyalty to both dealerships and the brand. Among customers who are highly satisfied (service satisfaction scores averaging above 900), 86 percent state they “definitely will” revisit their service dealer for post-warranty service. In contrast, only 36 percent of highly dissatisfied customers (service satisfaction scores averaging below 748) say the same. Similarly, 86 percent of highly satisfied customers say they “definitely will” recommend the service dealer compared to 38 percent of highly dissatisfied customers.

The 2010 India Customer Service Index (CSI) Study is based on responses from more than 5,800 owners of more than 60 different vehicle models. The study was fielded from May to August 2010 and includes customers who purchased their vehicles between May 2008 and August 2009.

Liked this, you may also want to read these

• August 15, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches A-Star Automatic @ Rs 4.35 Lacs
• January 5, 2010 -- Autoholiks have arrived!
• May 7, 2010 -- HM-Mitsubishi unveils Outlander 2010 In India
• April 7, 2010 -- Giant Killer: Audi Q7 4.2 V8 TDI Quattro Launched In India
• September 26, 2010 -- 2012 Land Rover Evoque Detailed Ahead Of Paris Debut
• May 12, 2010 -- Honda Launches CB Unicorn Dazzler INR Rs 62,900 Ex-Showroom Delhi
• January 8, 2010 -- Toyota Launches Prius Hybrid @ 26.55 Lakhs!

Click on the image to visit the website

Another proof that Kizashi indeed is coming real soon. We have uncovered the Indian website for the most ambitious model from Suzuki which aims to take the fight to Toyota’s Camry and Honda Accord and also elevate the brand’s image as a maker of well built, nice driving cars.

The website is still under construction but has a fully working specification and highlights section and is also running the international commercial for the car. The Kizashi will come with a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine with VIS developing 185 bhp of maximum power mated to either a manual or optional CVT automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Other highlights include a high end 10 speaker audio system with digital sound processing, 425 watt amplifier, USB and iPod connectivity and bluetooth connectivity with wiresless audio streaming, dual zone automatic climate control, key less entry with push-button ignition, 8 air bags as standard and braking system components from Akebono known for supplying braking components that stop Japan’s bullet trains!

Its still now known if all the features will make it to the Indian model but given that its Maruti Suzuki’s first launch in the premium sedan segment, we expect it to come fully loaded right from the outset.

We will have more details for you. Stay tuned!

Liked this, you may also want to read these

• March 9, 2010 -- Stunning Pricing For The New Ford Figo! Petrol Starts @ 3.5 Lakhs, Diesel @ 4.48 Lakhs
• March 3, 2010 -- Bajaj soups up Platina 125cc for 2010
• August 29, 2010 -- Video: 2011 Bentley Continental GT Teaser Website Up
• November 18, 2010 -- Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X Launched @ Rs 49.95 Lakhs Ex Delhi
• September 1, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches Swift “One Million” Limited Edition
• September 2, 2010 -- Ford August 2010 Sales Jump Three Fold To 7,925 Units
• November 2, 2010 -- Harley Davidson To Be Made In India

Image Courtesy: www.autocarindia.com

These are the clearest spy pictures of the latest and the greatest Suzuki, the Kizashi sedan in India.

Image Courtesy: www.autocarindia.com

The car was spotted by an eagle eyed Autocar India reader in Pune. Why Pune you may ask and not somewhere in North where Maruti is located? Well the answer to that question is homologation for the Indian market at ARAI which is located in Pune.

Autoholiks coverage of Suzuki Kizashi sedan at the 2010 Auto Expo, New Delhi.

All this all tells us that the final launch might be closer than we expect. Kizashi is Suzuki’s answer to the likes of Honda Accord and Toyota Camry but with a USP, the driving dynamics which the company claims are as good as any European sedan out there.

The car is powered by a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine that develops 185 bhp of maximum power and 170 lb-ft of maximum torque. On pure size terms, the Kizashi lies somewhere between the Honda Civic and Accord, which is where we expect the car to be positioned in.

Stay tuned for more!

Image Source: Autocar India

Related Posts

• May 3, 2010 -- 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Turbo Concept With 290 Bhp Unveiled
• January 8, 2010 -- Auto Expo 2010: Suzuki Kizashi Sedan Makes An Apperance

India’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki has bettered its sales performance in August by reporting yet another sales record for the month of September 2010.

The company has sold a total of 1,08,006 vehicles in September 2010, the highest ever total monthly sales with the previous highest being August 2010 when it sold 1,04,971 vehicles. The company had sold a total of 83,806 vehicles in September 2009.

This is fourth occasion when company’s sales have crossed the 1 lakh mark enabling the company to achieve half a million sales in the first six months of the current fiscal.

Maruti Suzuki’s volume in the domestic market grew by 32.9 per cent. In the A2 segment, sales grew by 31.3 per cent while in A3 segment sales were 43.2 per cent higher, as compared to sales in September 2009. The sales growth in the C segment was 66.6 per cent over September 2009. The sales growth in B segment was 17.7% over September 2009.

Jump over for segment wise sales break up.

Related Posts

• September 1, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Reports Best Ever Sales In August 2010
• September 29, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid & Eeco Charge Electric Concepts To Be Used At CWG 2010
• September 17, 2010 -- Maruti Planning SX4 Diesel, Launch By Mid 2011
• September 1, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches Swift “One Million” Limited Edition
• August 29, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches Limited Edition Ritz Genus
• August 15, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches A-Star Automatic @ Rs 4.35 Lacs
• August 14, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches 5 i-GPI CNG Models – Alto, Eeco, SX4, WagonR, Estilo

India’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki today handed over first lot of Two Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid cars and One ‘Eeco Charge’ to Mr Arvinder Singh Lovely, Hon’ble Minister of Transport for NCT Delhi. The vehicles intended for use at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, were handed over by Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, in the city.

Maruti Suzuki has made ready a lot of 14 future technology vehicles for the use at Commonwealth Games. These include 10 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid Cars and 4 Maruti Suzuki ‘Eeco Charge’ vehicles. The balance vehicles will be handed over to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee for use by the Officials during the Commonwealth Games.

On the occasion Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi said, “I am happy that engineers at Maruti Suzuki have developed these future technology vehicles. This project has helped our engineers to increase their knowledge and enhance their R&D capability. We are grateful to the Government for their leadership to promote green technology in automobiles. Maruti Suzuki is happy to be associated with the Commonwealth Games national initiative, through these vehicles.”

Maruti Suzuki has developed the SX4 Hybrid vehicles and ‘Eeco Charge’ concept vehicles as a part of the demonstration fleet. The demonstration of the fleet of SX4 Hybrids and ‘Eeco Charge’ vehicles at the Commonwealth Games 2010, is in line with the ambitious NHPP and MNRE program outline.

SX4 Hybrid and ‘Eeco Charge’ concept development has been taken up by Maruti Suzuki as a part of the Government initiated and SIAM coordinated NHPP & MNRE National Hybrid Propulsion Program (NHPP) and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Sources (MNRE)’s High Energy Density Battey Development Program.

More details on SX4 Hybrid and Eeco Electric after the jump.

‘SX4 Hybrid’

SX4 Hybrid is a Full Parallel Hybrid with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) on a sedan platform. SX4 Hybrid presents a case of evolution of transportation system with elements of flexibility, style and eco-friendliness. SX4 Hybrid offers mobility solution in an eco-friendly yet stylish manner.

The hybrid system used in the SX4 Hybrid features an electric motor and twin clutch arrangement with advance Lithium-ion battery technology. This concept combines a 1.2 litre K-series petrol engine and a 50 kW electric motor along with 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission. Together, these provide high fuel economy with lower emissions. The SX4 Hybrid is also capable of running solely on its electric motor, offering a further boost to fuel efficiency and zero emission modes in city driving. The SX4 hybrid offers 25 per cent more fuel efficiency compared to conventional gasoline vehicle.

‘EECO Charge’

‘Eeco Charge’ is a zero-emission, pure electric vehicle developed on a MPV platform. It is powered by a 50kW motor and a 24kWh Lithium-ion battery. On full charge it promises a driving range of around 100km and attains top speed of 100 km per hour. The ‘Eeco Charge’ also has the ‘Sport Mode’ for acceleration enthusiast. The battery for ‘Eeco Charge’ has been packaged under floor for better drivability and retaining ample boot space. The real time display of State of Charge and ‘Distance to Empty’ addresses user’s anxiety. The ‘Eeco Charge’ can be charged using household power source

Source: Maruti Suzuki

Related Posts

• October 2, 2010 -- Record Sales For Maruti Suzuki In September 2010
• September 17, 2010 -- Maruti Planning SX4 Diesel, Launch By Mid 2011
• September 1, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches Swift “One Million” Limited Edition
• September 1, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Reports Best Ever Sales In August 2010
• August 29, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches Limited Edition Ritz Genus
• August 15, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches A-Star Automatic @ Rs 4.35 Lacs
• August 14, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches 5 i-GPI CNG Models – Alto, Eeco, SX4, WagonR, Estilo

India’s largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki is reportedly working on the diesel version of the Sx4 which may be launched in the market by March 2011.

According to sources, the SX4 diesel will use the more powerful VGT version of the Fiat sourced 1.3 liter DDiS engine delivering  90+ bhp. Fiat is using the same engine on the Linea sedan and the recently launched Grande Punto 90 Hp while Tata is using the same engine for its Manza sedan.

Suzuki uses a 1.6 liter diesel engine sourced from Fiat in the SX4 for the international market but the same engine cannot be used here because of the cost and capacity constraints. Maruti wants to price the SX4 diesel very competitively which has been getting delayed for sometime now because of capacity constraints across its four production lines in Gurgaon and Manesar.

Source: thehindubusinessline

Related Posts

• October 2, 2010 -- Record Sales For Maruti Suzuki In September 2010
• September 29, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid & Eeco Charge Electric Concepts To Be Used At CWG 2010
• September 1, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches Swift “One Million” Limited Edition
• September 1, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Reports Best Ever Sales In August 2010
• August 29, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches Limited Edition Ritz Genus
• August 15, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches A-Star Automatic @ Rs 4.35 Lacs
• August 14, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches 5 i-GPI CNG Models – Alto, Eeco, SX4, WagonR, Estilo

Image for illustration only

India’s largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki today have announced the launch of a limited edition of the Swift, called the “Swift One Million Edition”.

The limited edition celebrates Maruti Suzuki’s landmark of selling one million cars a year, achieved in late March. The one millionth car was a Swift and it rolled out of the Company’s state-of-the-art plant at Manesar.

The limited edition Swift will be available in a special “Goldsmith Black” color and will come loaded with features like body graphics, dash integrated stereo with USB input, leather seats, cushions, foot mats and an artistic decal for the exteriors.

Pricing details after the jump.

Speaking on the occasion Mayank Pareek, Managing Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales) said, “It is indeed a moment of pride for us. Swift One Million Edition is our gesture to show gratitude to our customers who have strongly supported us in our journey to reach milestone of one million sales in one year.”

Highlighting the product Mr Pareek added, “The interiors of the Swift One Million Edition have aesthetics of a commemorative edition. The new features and the characteristic body graphics together compliment the sporty character of the Swift. We are confident that this special edition will bring pride to the select owners who get to possess it”.

The Swift One Million Edition is available in Vi version (Petrol) at a price of Rs. 483,079 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Only 1,000 units of this celebration model are being offered.

Related Posts

• October 2, 2010 -- Record Sales For Maruti Suzuki In September 2010
• September 29, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid & Eeco Charge Electric Concepts To Be Used At CWG 2010
• September 17, 2010 -- Maruti Planning SX4 Diesel, Launch By Mid 2011
• September 1, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Reports Best Ever Sales In August 2010
• August 29, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches Limited Edition Ritz Genus
• August 15, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches A-Star Automatic @ Rs 4.35 Lacs
• August 14, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches 5 i-GPI CNG Models – Alto, Eeco, SX4, WagonR, Estilo

India’s largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki has had a fantastic August month posting their best ever sales performance for a single month.

The company sold a staggering 104,791 units in the month compared to 84,808 units sold in the same month last year. The total sales figure also include exports of 12,117 units.

Once Maruti’s bread and butter model, the 800 sales are at an all time low selling just 1919 units, massive 29.8 percent drop when compared to the previous year. Overall the A2 segment, which comprises of Alto, A-Star, WagonR, Ritz, Estilo and Swift has grown by a 25.7 percent to 65,953 units. Sales in the A3 segment which comprises of SX4 and DZire has also grown by an impressive 34 percent year-on-year to 10,479 units.

MUV sales which include the Gypsy and the Grand Vitara are down to just 166 units.

The outlook for Maruti remains positive with the launch of the all new Swift later this year or early next year and the recent launch of high tech i-GPI CNG equipped models. Expect even bigger sales number from the already largest car maker in India.

Related Posts

• October 2, 2010 -- Record Sales For Maruti Suzuki In September 2010
• September 29, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid & Eeco Charge Electric Concepts To Be Used At CWG 2010
• September 17, 2010 -- Maruti Planning SX4 Diesel, Launch By Mid 2011
• September 2, 2010 -- Honda Sales Jump 38.75 Percent in August, Best Sales Month Ever!
• September 1, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches Swift “One Million” Limited Edition
• August 29, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches Limited Edition Ritz Genus
• August 15, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches A-Star Automatic @ Rs 4.35 Lacs

Maruti Suzuki has launched the limited edition Ritz Genus to commemorate its first year in the Indian market. The car was launched in May 2009 with two engine options – a 1.2 liter K-Series engine and the famed 1.3 liter DDIS diesel engine and has sold over 86,000 units since then.

The new Ritz Genus will have a production run of ‘only’ (some limited edition this!) 5000 units and will come in the VXi/VDi trim with some  extra features thrown in. Apart from the usual VXi/VDi features, the Ritz Genus will come with the following extras

• Stylish Body Decals and ‘Genus’ decal on the rear doors
• Keyless Entry
• Rear Wash & Wipe (for the first time on a Maruti diesel)
• Dash Integrated MP3/Radio Music System
• Tilt Adjustable Steering Wheel
• Dual Tone Dashboard
• Body Side Moulding
• Parcel Tray
• Exclusive ‘Emerald Blue’ Color

The new Ritz Genus has been priced at Rs 4.52 Lakhs for the petrol and Rs 5.31 Lakhs for the diesel, all prices Ex-showroom, New Delhi.

Related Posts

• October 2, 2010 -- Record Sales For Maruti Suzuki In September 2010
• September 29, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid & Eeco Charge Electric Concepts To Be Used At CWG 2010
• September 17, 2010 -- Maruti Planning SX4 Diesel, Launch By Mid 2011
• September 1, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches Swift “One Million” Limited Edition
• September 1, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Reports Best Ever Sales In August 2010
• August 15, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches A-Star Automatic @ Rs 4.35 Lacs
• August 14, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches 5 i-GPI CNG Models – Alto, Eeco, SX4, WagonR, Estilo