Yearly Archives: 2011

Mahindra XUV 500 Launch

We had predicted that the prices of the Mahindra XUV 500 would start some where above the Rs. 12 lakh mark.  Well we were off the mark and by a considerable margin.  The prices of the Mahindra XUV 500 start at Rs. 10.80 lakhs for the W6 version through Rs.11.95lakh for the 2 wheel drive (front wheels are the driven wheels for all 2 wheel drive variants) W8 version and going up to Rs. 12.88 lakhs for the fully loaded four wheel drive W8 version.  The vehicle features a monocoque construction which is a first for Mahindra and has a new cable operated system for gear changing to make gear changes smoother and less stressful.  In the first phase of the launch the vehicle will be available only in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengalooru and Hyderabad.  The vehicle will be launched in South Africa tomorrow and will go to other right hand drive markets such as Australia and SAARC countries and will ultimately be available even in Western Europe which will require the vehicle to be left hand drive.

The Mahindra XUV 500 is the second Cheetah to be launched in the automotive space in India, the first being the Kawasaki Bajaj KB100 RTZ which had an add of the bike morphing into a cheetah and back with the tag line being ride the cheetah.  Mahindra are saying that it is the lithesome cheetah that has inspired the lines of the vehicle and that is evident from its pronounced haunches.  The face to is supposed to be as per the looks of the cheetah and that explains the strange looking cuts.

Picture Courtesy: Indianautosblog.com

Mahindra has done its homework rather well and has not made the mistake that Tata made with the Aria by pricing it above better established and multinational players and found that people were not willing to pay a premium for a Tata however well the vehicle may have been made.  Force Motors also have a lot to fear since their one trim only Force One is dangerously close to the XUV 500 in price and when seen in comparison looks dated and has a body on chassis construction though advantageous in rough road and off road conditions but definitely not possessing the dynamics of a monocoque.  The world seems to prefer soft roaders (monocoque constructions) and Mahindra has caught on to the trend.

Kudos to Mahindra so far.  However, the taste of the pudding can only be found out by eating it and the abilities of the XUV 500 will truly be known after the vehicle is driven.  We somehow have a suspicion that even there it wouldn’t disappoint.

The festive season is near, and Mahindra 2 Wheelers introduces ‘Long Drive Offer’ a Rs. 1500/- discount with which Mahindra suggests you buy more petrol. This offer is valid from September 15 – October 31, 2011, at M2W dealerships across the country.

Festivals are usually the time to visit near and dear ones, to seek blessings and to share happiness. However, increasing fuel costs may have dampened the joy of travelling and visiting friends and relatives. This unique offer is our way of ensuring that all our customers can enjoy a worry-free festive season,” said Mr. Viren Popli, Sr. V.P Marketing, Sales and Customer Care, Mahindra 2 Wheelers.

We do wonder if the Rs. 1500 discount might actually entice you to buy yourself a Mindra 2W, so here’s our review of the Mahindra Duro to help you make a deicison.

It has taken four years of hard work for Mahindra to unveil their latest and perhaps technologically most advanced baby, and proudly show it to the world.  At Pune yesterday, Mahindra took the camouflage and wraps of the XUV 500 and let the world see what it looks like.  The price and other details are yet to be announced and Indian Autos Blog.com says that Mahindra will be doing that today.  However some details are available.  The engine is the Mhawk 2.2 litre diesel which does duty in the Scorpio, but in the XUV its power has been bumped up to 140 PS from 120 PS.  The exterior styling is smart, but some could say that it is over done with too many cuts, protrusions and bumps.  The face is perhaps the most controversial with too many elements going into the styling.  The interiors are classy though some may say a bit crowded but ergonomics seem to be spot on. All in all it is a handsome vehicle with a lot of street credo.  It features ESP, ABS and EBD, hill descent control, traction control, cruise control and automatic climate control.  Have to see what the price will be though.  But don’t expect it to come cheap.  However, if it is above the Rs. 12 lakh range then will it go the Tata Aria way or will it make a furrow for itself?

Picture Courtesy: Indian Autos Blog.com

Picture Courtesy: Indiancarsbikes.in

Marco Simoncelli will continue to get the backing of the Honda factory for next year in MotoGP similar to what he has been having since 2010.  He will yet again ride the factory spec bike in the San Carlo Gresini team and this means that Andrea Dovizioso has now no chance of getting a factory ride.  His options seem to be either the Honda LCR team riding a satellite spec bike or the Tech3 Yamaha team which will also offer him only a satellite machine.  Dovizioso is likely to announce his plans at Motegi this weekend.

Lewis Hamilton has given a demonstration drive of one of the older generation McLaren Formula1 car on Nice road on the outskirts of Bengalooru, the IT city of India.  His drive was witnessed by a crowd of over 40,000 people who cheered the car and driver.  Hamilton himself has said that he found the experience incredible even though he has visited India many times before.

Motoroids.com is carrying news of Royal Enfield launching the Chrome and Desert Storm versions of its 500cc classic, on the 29th of September, 2011 at Juhu Beach in Mumbai.  The classic series has been a runaway success for Royal Enfield.

Pics courtesy: Motoroids.com

MV Augusta has released pictures of the slightly cheaper but uber cool Brutale R 1090 which is a pared down version of the 1090RR.  It is not coming to India anytime soon but no harming in drooling over the pictures right?

Pictures courtesy: Motoroids.com

Carwale.com has posted pictures of a Ssangyong Rexton without any camouflage and without any number plates.  The pictures have been taken in India.  Ssangyong is now owned by Mahindra and Mahindra has said that it will bring the Rexton to India not as a Ssangyong but as a Mahindra.  That means that the front grille could undergo changes to keep in line with the Mahindra family look.

Picture courtesy: Carwale.com

Autocar India.com has broken news and pictures of the 2012 Ducati Street Fighter 848 that has been unveiled to the world.  The bike which features the trademark trellis frame and the L twin configuration of Ducati, looks mean and aggressive and will have immense street presence.  For more details head to Autocar India.com

Picture Courtesy: Autocar India.com

Hyundai India has had failure after failure in the SUV segment.  The Terracan did not receive the response that Hyundai anticipated and the Tucson too had the same problem.  So when Hyundai launched the Santa Fe it was cautious.  It limited the number of vehicles that it would import as completely built units and deliver to the customers.  But the demand for the Santa Fe has been healthy and that has emboldened Hyundai to launch a new variant with a six speed automatic transmission and four wheel drive.  Apart from this the car also offers push button start and a smart key.  The prices of this Santa Fe start at Rs. 24. 36 lakhs (ex showroom Delhi).  The vehicle features the now usual ESP (electronic stability programme) and ABS (anti lock braking system) with EBD ( electronic brake force distribution).