Tag: mpv

Ashok Leyland Stile MPV Unveiled

Ashok Leyland has unveiled the production version of the Stile MPV. The Stile is a rebadged Nissan Evalia and is stripped down to be priced lower than the Nissan. The Stile is ‘styled’ differently to its Nissan equivalent. It also gets a lower-spec version of the 1.5-litre Renault-derived K9K turbo diesel engine, which produces 75 bhp and 185 Nm of torque. Compared to this, the Nissan Evalia produces 85 bhp and 200 Nm of torque.

The Stile is expected to gain a CNG powered variant with a petrol engine serving as the base. Ashok Leyland has many body styles in mind regarding the Stile’s usage. These include but are not limited to 7/8 seat options for the passenger variant, an ambulance and a panel van.

The Ashok Leyland Stile is expected to be launched in September and further details including pricing will be revealed at the same time. The MPV was unveiled by Carlos Ghosn, the global Chairman and CEO, of Nissan and Renault, when he was in Delhi for the unveiling of the Datsun Go. The Stile will be sold from Ashok Leyland’s dealerships but will be manufactured by Nissan at Oragadam.

July 20, 2013
Honda Reveals Sketches of Brio-based MPV

Honda has unveiled sketches of a new Brio-based MPV in Indonesia, and the car is expected to debut at the Indonesia International Motor Show later in September. According to reports, it will be available with an updated version of City’s 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol engine, and Honda’s torque-heavy 1.5-litre 100 bhp diesel engine. 3 rows of seating for a total seating of 7 people will definitely increase its length over the 4 metre limit, so the car will not be eligible for an excise benefit.

The ‘low’ MPV or ‘LMPV’ (Codename: 2NH) has been given aggressive styling which should go down well with the masses. This is another attempt by Honda to do away with the admittedly staid designs of recent years, and the bulky LMPV seems to have enough character to push the Japanese automaker in the right direction. The front end is clearly inspired by the Brio with large inlets on both bumpers, The elongated wheelbase and low-slung roof line give it a sporty stance. A kink in the window line, attempts to reduce the MPV’s length visually and complements the dimensions of the car well . The car is flanked by very prominent character lines, and the flared wheel arches will surely grab some attention. A very interesting feature is the floating D-pillar which ends in a smooth curve halfway to the boot.

Unfortunately, this is all the information Honda has revealed as of now, but more news is expected in the coming months. The ‘low’ MPV should ideally make its India debut at the 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi. The MPV has tough competition with the Toyota Innova and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in the Indian market. But with it’s eye catching and aggressive styling, good engine options and the ever reliable Honda badge, it may just give them both a run for their money, as long as Honda are smart with the pricing. Watch this space for updates.

July 20, 2013
Maruti Suzuki India launches CNG Ertiga called the Ertiga Green

Rumours of Maruti’s plans of launching a CNG variant of the Ertiga have been doing the rounds for a few weeks, and now we can confirm that Maruti has launched India’s first CNG-equipped MPV. The Ertiga Green is available only in the LXi and VXi trims.

Maruti claims that the Ertiga Green has a mileage of 22.80km/kg. Bookings for the car are on for a price of Rs 10,000, with deliveries in 15 to 20 days. The Ertiga Green’s exteriors and interiors remain unchanged.

We continuously work to offer products that are high on fuel efficiency and low on overall cost of ownership. Ertiga Green, with a factory-fitted CNG system, is another step of Maruti Suzuki to meet today’s need of our customers

– Manohar Bhat, Vice-President, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India

The LXi variant comes with a price tag of Rs 6.52 lakh, while the VXi variant costs Rs 7.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Ertiga has been a success with over 87,000 units sold since its launch in April, 2012.

Ertiga Green is the sixth vehicle from Maruti Suzuki India with factory-fitted CNG kits. Alto, Wagon R, Eeco, SX4 and Estilo are already offered with factory-fitted CNG option. The new vehicle will be available in states with CNG infrastructure, including Delhi NCR, Gujarat, Mumbai, Pune, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, the company said.

June 16, 2013
Honda To Bring New Sedan, MPVs To India Soon

With a flurry of additions to its lineup at the Shanghai Motor Show, Honda is planning on launching some of its new models in India soon. The successful launch of the Amaze shows the Japanese manufacturer’s new direction. Earlier, Honda would stick to a few specific segments and churn out model after model pertaining to the same. However now, Honda is venturing into many new segments and the new Crider is a case in point.

Honda Crider

The Crider is the production version of the Honda Concept C, and is the rare occasion when a production model ends up looking similar to its concept. Smaller than the Accord, and dimensionally similar to the Civic, it aims to spawn a new segment to take on upcoming markets. The sharp lines on the muscular shell house a 4 cylinder 1.8-litre iVTEC engine producing 140 bhp.

Honda M-01 Concept

Honda is mulling a seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle. And we are, at this moment, studying the market whether we have to launch it or not…

– Jnaneswar Sen, senior vice-president, sales and marketing, Honda Cars India

Along with the Crider, Honda unveiled two MPV concepts at the Shanghai Motor Show, namely the Jade and the M-01. The M-01 is a full-size MPV, dimensionally similar to a Toyota Innova. The concept’s styling is not groundbreaking but looks fairly nice with smooth flowing lines and a strong, poised profile. The M-01 should come with diesel engines and a variety of seating options and an expectedly subtler design.

Honda Jade Concept

The second of the MPVs, called the Jade, is much more compact and borrows its styling from the Civic. It does look rather interesting, and seeing its length and low profile, it could perfectly fit into the almost defunct station wagon segment in India. With compact SUVs and MPVs like the Quanto and Ertiga doing rather well, Honda seems to have made a rather good move here. Not much information has been released about the three new models from the Jap manufacturer, keep checking this space for updates.

Image credit: Zigwheels

May 6, 2013