Cars & Bikes

Rev it up

They are all the rage, despite recession. Presenting five new sleek and droolworthy models that have just hit the road

Tata
xenon XT
Rs 7.80 lakhs*

Positioned as a lifestyle SUV, and not a pick-up, Xenon XT is a five-seater powered by a 2.2 litre Dicor diesel engine and comes as a two-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive. Xenon’s tall structure is accentuated by trademark ‘Tata’ grille, integrated flared fenders, large wraparound clear headlamps, and impressive roof rails. In the interior the charcoal grey accent highlights the ambience that incorporates convenient features like power steering, power windows, central locking, HVAC and electrically adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors). It has a 4x4 with an electrical shift-on-the-fly

mechanism and a limited slip differential. Electrical shift-on-the-fly mechanism holds the power to shift from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive while the car is moving and the limited slip differential helps to limit the speed and torque difference between two wheels. In addition, a rugged ladder frame structure, a matching suspension and alloy wheels improve the off road capabilities of the car. The load bed of the car is a 1518 mm x 1414 mm area that can be used to carry equipment for long journey and outings.

The side indicators are mounted on the outside rear view mirrors, while the roof rails come as standard to ease the further accessorisation of the vehicle.

It can be customised to suit individual tastes and styles through a wide range of accessories such as bed-liners, fog lamps, canopy, boot lid, rollover bars and the like which will be on sale along with the vehicle. Xenon has a length of 5.1m, width of 1.8 m and height of 1.7m. Cargo space is ample (1.40 x 1.40 x 1.40 meters) and can carry a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms.

It also has a higher ground clearance of 200 mm, an approach angle of 24 degree, ramp break over angle of 15 degree and departure angle of 21 degree. It also has a water wading depth of 300 mm. Its higher ground clearance, high approach, ramp over, departure angles and the extra grip of the 4WD means you need not stop when the road ends. It is one cross-terrain pick-up that just doesn’t compromise on drivability even while off-roading. Xenon XT carries a warranty of 2 years or 75,000 kms (whichever is earlier).

skoda
Fabia
Rs 4.98 lakhs*

The sleek looking Fabia 1.2 Elegance, based on the Volkswagen platform is Skoda’s contender for the ‘super hatch’ tag. It has all the comforts and roominess of a big luxury car and at the same time is compact too. In fact, Fabia has the feel of a shrunk luxury car. The jazzed up sleek exterior of the car is a smooth blend of aesthetics and functionality. But once inside the car you will know exactly what a super hatch is all about. The premium touch and feel will make you forget that you are sitting in a hatchback. Its increased height and breadth ensure that you get more head room and leg room. The Fabia has a spacious 300 litre boot space too, that makes it ideal for family holidays.

The Fabia comes with electric sunroof, integrated audio player, adjustable armrest between the front seats and a lot of practical storage compartments and pockets as standard equipment. The Skoda Fabia is lavishly equipped for a hatchback and the top-end variant titled ‘Elegance’ has ABS, EBD, dual front airbags, sunroof, 2 DIN sound system, alloy wheels, parkatronic, projector headlamps etc. The diesel Fabia 1.4 Tdi gives a top speed of 168 kmph, while on the acceleration front it can go from 0 to 100 km/hr in 15 seconds. The boot space is around 300 litres and with a height of 1513 mm, it offers as much headroom. It scores on offering legroom with a length of 3992 mm with a width of 1642 mm. The Fabia has been launched with an (85 bhp) 1.4 petrol litre and a (69 bhp) 1.4 diesel engine. Experts say the Fabia’s 3-cylinder engine will make the car capable of delivering a fuel economy of 14-15km per litre.

hyundai
i20
Rs 5.03 lakhs*

Within five months of its launch in Europe and overwhelming media response, Hyundai has launched its premium hatchback i20 here. Endowed with its purposeful stance, i20 is rich in practicality, stylistic cuts and detailing. Designed to meet high quality standards, the i20 offers a large interior cabin and stylish exteriors. It has AC/heating, tilt and telescopic steering, 60:40 split folding rear seats, dual tone beige interiors, 2 DIN CD + MP3 Music System, front and rear power windows, refrigerated glove box, a multi-information display and tachometer as standard equipment.

The extensive use of high-tensile steel and latest generation anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) makes i20 the safest car in its class. In addition are the six airbags.

i20 rides on an all-new platform with front MacPherson strut, rear torsion beam suspension with front and rear gas shock absorbers and tubeless tyres to deliver unmatched handling dynamics and ride comfort. The new motor driven power steering has also been tuned to deliver quick and accurate responses, resulting in effortless city driving.

Focussed on being fuel-efficient, the i20 comes with a 1.2 litre, Kappa, DOHC petrol engine with a max power of 80PS@5200 rpm and a peak torque of 11.4 kgm@4000 rpm. The Kappa engine provides class leading performance and offers the maximum power for any car in this segment. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The new i20 is Euro V ready and meets all the existing emission norms. The i20 has a one-size-fits-all cabin making both short and tall drivers comfortable. With taller tyres it rides marginally better at very low speeds.

Fiat
Linea
Rs 6.19 lakhs*

Equipped with multi-jet and fire engine, Fiat’s Linea hopes to make inroads in the C+ segment. Italian in design, Linea makes a powerful style statement, delivering outstanding performance and impressive mileage. The multi-jet engine provides a smoother ride, improved responsiveness, lower emissions, and exceptionally high fuel efficiency.

The petrol variants are powered by a revolutionary 1.4-litre FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine) engine that generates 89 bhp at 6000 rpm and a torque of 115 Nm at 4500 rpm. These highly efficient engines are coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and a hydraulic power steering, which provide excellent drivability and great steering control. The efficient suspension system guards the car on the toughest of roads, giving a safe and accurate drive experience. The front suspension comprising an independent wheel and the rear suspension with torsion beam are both associated with helical coil springs, double acting telescopic dampers, and stabiliser bar to beat bumps and potholes, exponentially improving the ride quality.

Linea can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 15.6 seconds, while on braking it comes to a standstill from 80 km/h in just 2.38 seconds, moving a distance of only 25.68 metres.

The contemporary Italian design is accentuated with dual parabola headlamp, aggressive front grille, curvaceous rear, and 15-inch alloy wheels. An ergonomically designed interior is complemented with dual tone interiors, leather finished steering wheel, impressive instrument panels, glove boxes, powered mirrors and a 12V power socket.

Linea comes with two revolutionary technologies: Blue&Me and My Car. Blue&Me is a technology jointly developed with Microsoft. Excitingly, any call can be made by simply dictating the number or by saying the name of the person whose number is fed in the mobile phonebook. ‘My Car’ allows customisation, with a variety of solutions, including digital odometer, digital real time mileage, service schedule reminder, buzzer setting for speed limit, distance to empty indicator and radio display.

mahindra
Xylo
Rs 6.12 lakhs*

Truly a world car, every single component of this vehicle has been sourced from only the finest across the globe, namely Bosch, Lear, Motherson, Nippon, Subros, JBM, Spicer, Visteon, Lumax, Alf, Asahi, Sharda, Rane and others. It has been tested in the deserts of Rajasthan, the dizzying heights of Leh, overloaded with 24 adult passengers and on potholes three times the depth of regular ones. Xylo is powered by M-Eagle CRDe. It provides maximum power of 112 Bhp at 3800 rpm with maximum torque of 240 Nm at 1800-3000 rpm. It is available

in four variants - E2, E4, E6 and E8. The base model E2 comes with single AC, power windows, power steering. It has surprising legroom and its theatre style seating ensures that none of the passengers feel left out of the conversation, even if they are seated in the back row.

Xylo comes with flatbed front seats and its additional unique features include foldable flight trays behind the front seats, individual reading lamps for each passenger and conveniently placed laptop and mobile charging points.

The doors are fitted with puddle lamps, giving passengers visibility while alighting from the car at night. Cabin lights shut gradually after a few minutes, giving passengers enough time to settle inside the car. A wide arm rest in the front row provides the driver and co-passenger with comfort, while an integrated foot rest allows easy entry and exit.

It features the tech-savvy Digital Drive Assist System (DDAS), an alphanumeric display in the centre panel with an onboard computer to calculate mileage and distance permissible. It also lets you know exactly which direction your Mahindra Xylo is headed in.

The Intellipark Reverse Assist has a visual prompt in the rear view mirror which shows you the distance between the rear bumper and any object behind your car. The 2 Din Entertainment System is also feature-packed. It enables playback from MP3s and CDs, SD cards and USB devices, giving you a superlative acoustic experience on the road. The driver’s seat is ergonomically designed with height adjustment control to maximise comfort on long drives. Lumbar support can also be adjusted to three positions while the unique tiltable steering wheel gives you the perfect driving position. An illuminated keyhole ring allows you to conveniently locate the keyhole even in pitch dark conditions. Utility spaces abound in the Mahindra Xylo with a well defined Centre Console housing space for CDs, magazines, etc.

*Base price mentioned