A flashy, fully loaded car parked next to a whether beaten 25 year old clunker. Which one is more attractive to a car thief? Guess again, no you are wrong.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)released its 2008 auto theft report for 2007, and similar to previous years. The shocking fact is thieves preferred to steal older model vehicles.

The oldies are true treasure for the car thieves. The car isn't worth much but the individual parts like the seats, sound system, air bags and other parts are worth a lot sold on the black market.



No 10. 2007 Toyota Corolla
Price Range: $13,700 - $14,600




No 9. 1988 Toyota Pickup
Price Range: $2,625 - $4,250




No 8. 1994 Nissan Sentra
Price Range: $2,675 - $4,125





No 7. 2004 Dodge Ram
Price Range: $9,825 - $25,500



No 6. 1994 Acura Integra
Price Range: $4,400 - $5,650




No 5. 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
Price Range: $5450 - $6,675




No 4. 1994 Ford F-150 Series Pickup
Price Range: $5,200 - $7,500




No 3. 1989 Toyota Camry
Price Range: $2,625 - $3,500




No 2. 1991 Honda Accord
Price Range: $3,150 - $4,350




No 1. 1995 Honda Civic
Price Range: $3,800 - $5,550

Its amazing how alike care are to us humans. There are some humans who are born to be ordinary and fade into obscurity one day, and there are humans who are born rule the world and live on even after their death. Parallel to this, there are cars that are born to rule the world or rather the roads, and none more so than the new Honda CR-V 2.0

This new CRV is a divine angel whose magic and charm has wooed us all. And if you thought that angels couldn't be owned, I have news for you, Rupees 17,15, 000 (ex-showroom Delhi) is all it takes to take her home. I know that is not a paltry sum by any means but angels don't come cheap my friend. I consider money spent on the CRV 2.0 as money well spent because it repays us with its legendary reliability, scorching performance, superlative drive quality and the sense of security which very few cars emanate.

On the looks front, the CR-V 2.0 is identical to the 2.4 litre variant, with a curving roofline, coupe-like window silhouette, daring two-part radiator grille, big cat-eyed headlamps, towering tail lamps and a sporty cab-forward design.

The interior of the CR-V has always been the epitome of refinement, comfort and elegance, and the same can be said about the CRV 2.0. With features like dual-zone climate control, multi-function steering wheel, 8-way powered diver seat, power windows, power door locks, and an in-dash CD player with AM/FM radio, the CRV 2.0 is perhaps one of the most heavily loaded SUV in its segment. The 2-litre CR-V also boasts of ABS, EBD, dual SRS airbags and Security Alarm with Immobilizer as safety features.

The smaller Honda engine though down on power is still very impressive. It is super refined, as smooth as the finest of Thai silk neckties and has good performance to boot, especially in the higher reaches of the power band. The 1,997cc engine makes 143PS @ 6,000rpm and 190Nm of torque @ 4,200rpm, enough to propel the CR-V beyond 160kmph. From standstill the needle climbs to the 100kmph mark in just 11 seconds, revealing that the CR-V still remains a capable performer in real-world driving conditions.

In fact you will not be able to really differentiate the difference in power because of the peppy nature of the motor and the 70kg weight difference that the two CR-V variants have between themselves.

The suspension system of the CRV 2.0 remains unchanged from the 2.4 litre variant and just being driven around in the car is sheer pleasure. Besides being a passenger's delight, this Japanese bombshell is a driver's delight as well displaying car-like dynamics.

There is a tad bit of anti-climax though in the form of the 2-wheel drive system instead of a 4-wheel one, but then Honda never meant the CRV to be a thoroughbred off-roader. It has left that to the likes of Ford's Endeavour and Mitsubishi's Pajero. With the advent of the Chevrolet Captiva many believe that the Honda CR-V 2.0L has its job cut out. I don't know who will prevail in the end, but I have a gut feeling that the CR-V 2.0 is going to make Captiva's life very very difficult.

Source: Full Throttle
5 Tips On Making Your Car More Fuel Efficient
15 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Quote
3 Fast Tips on How To Sell Your Car for the Most.
3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car

The much-awaited launch of the Skoda Fabia that had been in the pipeline for quite some time, finally made it to the Delhi shores to coincide with the 9th Delhi Auto Expo. Much has been said about the Fabia, which has been inundated in a flood of hype and hoopla. People are claiming it to be the ultimate hatchback and the pioneer of the premium hatchback segment in the country.

It is quite debatable if the prophecy of the so called car experts will come true, because the idea of an expensive hatchback comes grossly unappealing to our India psyche, and nowhere is this phenomenon more apparent than in the case of the Ford Fusion. Therefore, it will be rather interesting to see if Skoda Motors, a company that has built its commendable reputation in India on the backbones of cars like the Octavia and Superb will be able to come good with the Fabia.

Every once in a while, a car comes along that sets a precedent in terms of style and design, which others try to emulate and duplicate. Incase of the Fabia, it is quite impossible to miss the subtle shades of the Mini Cooper. But it is clearly apparent that the Maruti Suzuki designers did a better Mini Cooper emulation job with its Swift. Even though the Fabia is a hatchback, it will be rather unfair to call it small, it is infact bigger than even the Swift, which automatically makes it the largest car in the segment.

The Fabia has been designed in an uncomplicated way, not overtly flashy and chic. But it sure does have an elegant presence, which makes the car stand out in a crowd. Lets just say that when the design is concerned, the Fabia is a quintessential Skoda, sturdy, robust and to an extent macho. It won't sweep anyone of its feet but it will surely make one take notice.

The 3-cylinder 1.4 litre petrol and the 1.4 litre diesel engines have much to prove though. Acceleration is not as swift as that of the 4-cylinder variant available in Europe. At 85bhp, the petrol engine looks good on paper but in reality, due to the low torque a lot of gear change is required and it is the same of case of the 1.4 TDI. But the car has a solid suspension system and therefore perfect for Indians roads. In corners the Fabia is a smooth performer and has a superb grip on the road.

The Fabia's interior is spacious and perfect for the big Indian family, there is ample head-room and leg room and the boot has enough space to hold a goat. Being priced between Rupees 5 and 8 Lakhs, all the versions come fitted with rudimentary features power steering and power windows. The upper end versions also have ABS, airbags and CD player while the top end comes with a sunroof.

In Europe, where the Fabia was launched eight years ago, there are people who swear by it. We will have to wait and see if the Skoda Fabia lives up to its expectations and hype in India. As for now, it is still the Maruti Swift, which rules the domain of the hatchbacks.

Source: Full Throttle
5 Tips On Making Your Car More Fuel Efficient
15 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Quote
3 Fast Tips on How To Sell Your Car for the Most.
3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car

Wow! That's a common reaction when people first see the Chevrolet Captiva. Partly for it's great looks - partly for the price. The Captiva is such an impressive machine that it's sure to upset the SUV hierarchy in India. It's a pity we had to wait that long considering the fact that it was selling in its native Korean market under the Daewoo badge for quite a while. The Captiva has been captivating people in Europe and Australia since 2006.

But will the SUV have the abilities to woo Indian buyers? Taking notes from the class leaders, Honda and Ford, Chevy's designers have got the Captiva's styling spot-on. It's a little longer than the petrol CRV but much shorter than the diesel Endeavour. It looks as sleek as any cross over and modern from every angle, while body claddings add to the chunky, off-road appeal.

It's definitely going to give the CRV a run for its money, as many wanted the CRV in a diesel avatar. While the diesel Endeavour's truck like looks didn't appeal to many. But the Captiva does not come with a 4x4 option and will therefore, be able to tackle moderate off-road only. It is more at home on tarmac with a ground clearance of 197mm.

Hoping to capture the hearts and souls of Indian buyers with its new 7-seater SUV, the Captiva will be offered with a small yet powerful 2.0-litre next generation, transversally mounted, variable geometry turbo CRDI diesel engine. With the 16-valve, inline DOHC 4-cylinder unit, delivering 150bhp@4000 rpm creating a torque of 320Nm @2000 rpm, its performance is impressive. The oil-burner provides plenty of thrust from low down in the rev range and never feels strained when hauling the 1,820kg SUV around and gives around 8 kmpl in city driving.

The layout of the interior is attractive and the controls are ergonomically placed. The audio controls are on the steering wheels. It's got a solid feel about everything inside and has a climate control. The beige leather seats are comfortable and you literally sink into them.

The innovative 5+2 flexi-seating configuration permits you to take everything while you are going for a picnic, or on a holiday. There's a useful storage space beneath the floor, into which the rear seats fold in. An opening rear window gives easy access to the load space easily. Detailed storage options like glove boxes, cup holders, cubbyholes and armrests are simply delightful.

Inside the Captiva is as safe as a cocoon. The rigid monocoque body shell, ABS with EBD with dual front airbags ensures enough safety to its passengers. It's a rock-steady car and remains stable when negotiating corners, while the springs and dampers absorb surface imperfections with ease. Suspension layout consists of a McPherson strut configuration in front and an independent four-link design in the rear, giving the vehicle with car-like ride and handling abilities.

The new Captiva's good-looking and has a great diesel engine! Priced at 17.73 lacs (ex-showroom Delhi) it looks as though established class leaders from the likes of Honda and Ford have yet another worthy contender on their tail!

Source: Full throttle
5 Tips On Making Your Car More Fuel Efficient
15 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Quote
3 Fast Tips on How To Sell Your Car for the Most.
3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car

For the last decade, there has been one car which has been constantly busting its backside off ferrying us mortal humans to and from the airport, train stations, bus terminals, call centres and god knows where. As it so happens, when one gets used to something they tend to take it for granted, and this is what exactly happened to the first lady of the taxi world - the Tata Indica. But the times of reformation has set-upon the Tata Motors camp resulting in major surgical operations on their four-wheelers.

First to go on the operation table was the Tata Safari, which was followed by the Indigo. The latest recipient of the Dicor heart transplant is our taxi numero uno, the Indica. With a new refined engine under its hood, the old girl has blossomed into a nifty performer and all of a sudden the whole world is looking at it for the first time as a car they would love to take home.

The Indica Dicor DLG, the latest avatar of the Indica is the kind of car the common Indian man could do with. It is excellent value for money, solid performer and quite driver friendly, time to put pen to cheque Sharma Ji. The Dicor is a complete look alike of the regular Indica; they look so alike that one might mistake it for a Kumbh Ka Mela kind of case. The only thing perhaps which differentiates the Dicor from the lesser Indica's is the Dicor badge which adorns its posterior.

The interior has remained more or less untouched as well, closer introspection though brings to light the plastic material and the finishing, which has been considerably improved upon. But it looks like Tata paid more heed to the engine factor.

Someone should have knocked some sense into them to make the seats better positioned and the gearshift user-friendlier. Tatas thought it is the heart that matters the most and in the case of the Indica DLG, the heart has a Delphi 1600 bar common rail system that injects gasoline instead of blood. Although refined from the engine of the Indica Turbo, it still is a bit cranky and has quite a distance to cover before it catches up with the likes of the Swift LDI and VDI. Fuel economy, which has always been a Knight in shinning armor for Indica still, holds the fort strong though.

One can either hate the Indica Dicor or love it, but ignore it at your own peril. If you ask me if the Indica Dicor is a good buy, I will say yes. Watch out Swift because the old lady is back and back with a vengeance.

Source: Full Throttle
5 Tips On Making Your Car More Fuel Efficient
15 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Quote
3 Fast Tips on How To Sell Your Car for the Most.
3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car

Facelifts will no longer be limited to mere cosmetic alterations. No, I am not contemplating a plastic surgery; I was referring to what Mr. Ratan Tata had said in an interview regarding the changing face of his cars. And anyway, facelifts don't apply to ogres like me, once an ogre always an ogre. Speaking of facelifts, no Tata car has ever received a transformation as complete as the one the Sumo has.

The Sumo Grande is how the 21st century Tata family car will look like. It is a big bulky chunk of metal riding high on testosterone; the Grande is as butch as any SUV you will find plying on the road today. I can already envisage a horde of farmers in Haryana making a beeline to the nearest Tata showroom. When Rata Tata had stated that facelifts would no longer just be cosmetic alterations to bumper and new wheels, he meant exactly that.

The Sumo Grande has nothing on it, which could connect it to the earlier version. It looks like a completely different car. If you see a big bright SUV with a snazzy front radiator grille extending all the way down to the chin, simple and smooth side cladding and a futuristic posterior minus a defined bumper, don't mistake it for some expensive imported SUV, because it will in most likelihood be our very own Desi Sumo Grande.

The interior of the Grande keeps pace with the exterior in terms of style and quality; it is very elegant and well toned. The beige interiors and fabric upholstery lend an air of refinement and wealth to the Grande, and the faux wood centre console is top notch. With features like CD player, air-con, power steering, back seat headrest, a 2+2+2-seating configuration and accessory power outlet, the Grande doesn't leave one craving for a better SUV.

The best part about the Grande though is not the looks and the features but the heart, aka the engine. The 2179cc turbocharged diesel engine is highly refined and performs at par with its cousin the Safari. It is economical and competent performer on all terrains. But there is a flipside to every coin, with no ABS and airbags; the Grande is as barren in terms of safety as a certain Mr. Anupam Kher's head is in terms of hair. But do not let this bog you down, because at the price range of Rupees 6.7 lakhs and Rupees 7.68 lakhs, the Grande is an excellent buy and screams its guts out in terms of value for money, performance and comfort.

Source : Full Throttle
5 Tips On Making Your Car More Fuel Efficient
15 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Quote
3 Fast Tips on How To Sell Your Car for the Most.
3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car

Happy days are here for all those men like me running high on testosterone. The new Ford Endeavour Thunder+ is here. With its advent the Indian SUV segment has received a major jolt in the right direction. It reeks of raw power, attitude and charisma. It is the quintessential bad boy of the Indian SUV world; pay no heed to it at your own risk. The Thunder+ is a beast whose bestiality rubs off on the driver the proper way; it is the kind of car, which exudes confidence and makes one feel like taking to the mountains and the wilderness. Thank god for the Endeavour Thunder+ I say, because it is exactly what the doctor ordered for the serious Indian offroading cult.

The Thunder+ remains more or less unchanged in terms of looks. The 'Hurricane Gear', that one has to buy in addition to the existing Endeavour model, which included the rear ladder, rear watcher, front bumper over-rider, side decals, rear wheel lock & cover, and the roof rack, comes as standard fittings in the Thunder+. And plus it is for sure. As the Thunder+ comes with the puddle lamps and rear view exterior mirror with turn indicators also.

The interior has remained unscathed. So one might wonder what makes the Thunder+ so special. It is the engine ofcourse, which has transformed from a wannabe offroader to a more than worthy offroader. The Endeavour Thunder+ makes use of the same engine doing duty with the 2.5litre version but has a larger bore and stroke, the power and torque has gone north by 8% and 15% respectively, and this is where the beauty of it all lies. The engine has been given a shine to such an extent that the moment you turn on the ignition you get the 'raring to go' kind of vibe from the car, and this just brilliant to see in an SUV.

Since the launch of the Thunder, there has been one profession, which has gone into overdrive, yes you guessed it right, the critics. They feel that the hike in price is not at par with the hike in power and performance, and raised the question if one really needs a more powerful Endeavour than the existing 2.5litre which is a scorcher in its own way. But I am certain that deep down inside, they have a soft spot for this new babe because the personality, charm and pride it projects is deadly infectious and gets to you before you can even bat an eyelid.

At Rupees 17, 32, 000 lakhs (ex showroom Delhi), the Endeavour+ is even cheaper than some of the lesser so called SUV's like the Chevy Captiva. To put it in one word, the Endeavour Thunder+ is like the automobile rendition of the famous bodybuilder turned Hollywood actor turned California Governor, and proud owner of tree trunk sized biceps, Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Ok that was more than one word I agree but what the heck, it's just impossible to describe the Thunder+ in one word. Go Endeavour go!!!!

Source: Full Throttle
5 Tips On Making Your Car More Fuel Efficient
15 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Quote
3 Fast Tips on How To Sell Your Car for the Most.
3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car

The reliable and lovable Maruti Esteem has breathed its last after having served us gloriously for over 14 years. With the demise of the Esteem, the mantle of Maruti's entry-level segment has fallen into the hands of the recently launched Maruti Swift Dzire. With the Dzire Maruti has taken Tata's approach by attaching a boot behind the Swift hatchback. From the front the Dzire looks almost identical to the Swift hatchback barring only the front radiator grille. The sideline of the Swift Dzire is similar to the Swift hatchback till the B-pillar, but beyond that differences are clearly visible.

The rear seems to have been stretched to make the Swift into a sedan. The rear doors have been stretched and redesigned to make them more appropriate for a sedan. From the back the Dzire looks a tad like the SX4 with a chrome strip running over the space for the registration plate. The large peeled back tail lamps have been modified to include a horizontal strip at the bottom incorporating both the turn signal and reversing light.

When the car is viewed from the back it looks attractive but when seen from the side, the front and the rear of the car don't seem to gel together. From this angel the Dzire looks disproportionate and looks as if two different cars have been fused together.

The Dzire, which is based on the Swift, shares many of its components with the latter. However for a longer car, its disappointing to see that Suzuki engineers decided to retain the same wheelbase as that of the Swift, which makes for the same cramped rear. The Dzire sits on 14-inch tyres, which look small for the car. 15-inches would have done a better job of filling up the gaping wheel wells. The finishing is not very impressive either with uneven panel gapping especially around the rear door and the boot, but the Dzire is not all bad. It has a generous size boot, comes loaded with features and is easy on the pocket.

The interior of the Dzire though quite similar to its hatchback sibling, looks better with beige coloured seat upholstery. The front seats, which have also been carried over from the Swift offer excellent support and remain very comfortable even on long drives. The Swift-like dashboard is well finished and comes with an integrated stereo, whose controls are all mounted on the steering wheel. ABS, airbags and climate control all come standard on the top-of-the-line ZXi model.

The same 1.3 litre petrol engine that did duty in the now defunct Esteem powers the Dzire. Churning out 87bhp the engine feels more refined than Swift's however. Also available is the brilliant 1.3litre DDiS diesel engine packing 75 horses. Priced in between Rupees 4.5 lakhs to 5.9 lakhs for the petrol and Rupees 5.4 lakhs to 6.7 lakhs for the diesel, the Dzire is sure priced very competitively. Even though the 3-box Swift may not have the looks to die for, it sure is an enticing package and great value for money. The Dzire might just do for Maruti what the Indigo did for Tata.

Source: Full Throttle
5 Tips On Making Your Car More Fuel Efficient
15 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Quote
3 Fast Tips on How To Sell Your Car for the Most.
3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car

It will be quite fair to assume that Tata Motors is in the top of its game. With the recent launch of the world's cheapest car the 'Nano' and the acquisition of that revered British institution of Jaguar-Land Rover (JLR), Tata Motors is red hot at the moment. And guess what; things have just got hotter at the Tata camp with the launch of the Indigo CS, which many feel is one of the best cars ever to roll out of their factory.

CS stands for compact saloon, a genre of cars whose birth mother is the now defunct Maruti Esteem. The Indigo CS can be described either as a stretched Indica or a sawed off Indigo, but with no frills attached. According to our laws, a car with a petrol and diesel engine of under 1200cc and 1500cc respectively, and a maximum length of 4 metres is entitled to a 12% excise cut. The CS measuring 3988metres in length and fitted with a 1198cc petrol and 1405cc diesel engine therefore qualified beautifully for this fringe benefit.

On the looks front, the CS has similar features like those of the Indica but, barring the boot, which falls 50litres short of that of the Indigo, most of its original characteristic have been retained. What strikes one about the CS most is the excellent paint finish, which is at par with that of any premium sedan. The interior even though sparse as far as features and goodies are concerned is a big improvement over other models, with better plastic quality, comfortable and better-positioned seats, better finishing and use of softer materials. The extra cushioning has been given to the front seats as a result of Tata's interaction with its customers, who would like to view the edge of the bonnet. The interior remains roomy, but there is a dearth of knee room and the thin-ribbed steering wheel feels a tad uncomfortable to grip.

The CS has borrowed the petrol 1,198cc engine from the Xeta and the 1,405cc inter-cooled diesel from the Indica V2 and the DiCOR diesel from the Indica DiCOR. Its drive quality and ride quality is pleasant and especially in the case of the diesel variants, which provide generous pick-up. It is pleasing to see that the diesel engine clatter, though prominent outside, is not intrusive inside, giving the passengers a better driving ambience. Fuel economy for both petrol and diesel variants remains more-or-less similar to that of the Indica, which spells wonderful news for prospective buyers.

Being priced in between Rupees 3.79 Lakhs for the base petrol version and Rupees 4.54 Lakhs for the top-end diesel TDI, the CS is cheaper than most hatchbacks sold in the country. Tata Motors surely seems to have developed a knack of hitting the jackpot over and over again.

Source: Full Throttle
5 Tips On Making Your Car More Fuel Efficient
15 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Quote
3 Fast Tips on How To Sell Your Car for the Most.
3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car

God has built terrains inhospitable to mankind, terrains where no man can go to. What did mankind build to counter this, the Mitsubishi Pajero. In its rather illustrious lifetime, there is no terrain which this brawny Paris to Dakar winner hasn't conquered. Ask any diehard offroader for his choice of a perfect SUV and the name Pajero is likely to echo unanimously alongwith that of the Land Rover. The new Pajero SFX thanks to a shot of steroids is bolder and tougher, and this couldn't spell better news for all those offroading freaks, including me. With an increased approach angle of 1 degree, the SFX now stands at 40.5 degrees while the ramp over break angle has been upped to a fine 23.5 degrees. The ground clearance now stands at an astounding 205m.

If that was not enough, the new Pajero sits on fatter 265/70 R15 tyres with wider foot prints that grips wet surfaces without any fuss. The dual tone shades which have become a trademark of the Pajero remains but the hues have changed, the SFX is available in new bright color schemes-granite, flame, deep purple, limestone, carbon, graphite. The all new interior is very impressive with its soft brown panel, plush leather seats, body colored headrests, modern dials and soft dash light. It also features a host of electronic gadgetries and safety features like power steering, central locking, climate control, ABS and front SRS airbags. The 2.8L turbocharged intercooler diesel engine blends in beautifully with the transmission system, which means great offroad fun. Refinement is like the Pajero SFX's middle name, it has a super select four wheel drive system (SS4-II) with 4 different drive modes which evenly distributes torque on demand, thus making mincemeat of the harshest of terrains.

The Pajero SFX is by far one of the most capable SUV's in the world; very few other SUVs come close to matching its versatility, durability and offroad capability. At Rupees 18.81 Lakhs, the Pajero SFX is very reasonably priced considering the fact that lesser mortals like the CRV and the Captiva are cheaper by only a few thousand. So, will the Pajero SFX steal the show away from the Captivas and the CRVs, I sure hope so.

Source: Full Throttle
5 Tips On Making Your Car More Fuel Efficient
15 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Quote
3 Fast Tips on How To Sell Your Car for the Most.
3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car

Fiat Motors India is red hot at the moment. It has been the topic of much debate in automotive circles in recent times with the intended launch of its 500, Bravo, Linea and the Grande Punto, cars which it hopes will change the fortune of the company in the country. But as of now, it is the Fiat Palio that is holding the company's flag high in India. Its latest Palio 1.3 Multijet is a car with immense potential, and a diesel engine said to be the finest in the world among small engine capacity.

The Palio 1.3 Multijet designed by I.D.E.A of Italy is one charming looking car. But for the all-new body-coloured radiator grille, tail lamps, headlamps, and inventive Fiat badge and in case of the range-topping SDX, shiny new alloys, it would have looked like a photocopy of the 1.2 petrol version of Stile.

On a slightly disappointing note though, the interior remains unchanged and thus seems dated. The instrument controls look outdated from a bygone era and so do the slider air-con controls. The Palio multijet doesn't boast of a wide range of features, as it comes only with the basic air-con, power steering and power windows. But that aspect can be overlooked, as this car doesn't belong to high-priced section-it costs Rs. 5 lacs and doesn't compete with the state-of-the-art high profile cars. It has its own qualities though-spacious interiors and comfortable seats, attributes carried forward in all its erstwhile models too.

The 1248cc 4-valve diesel engine producing 75bhp is the same unit found under the hood of the Maruti Swift diesel. But on the Palio, it doesn't feel as fleet-footed as it does on the Swift.

The torque is impressive at 184nm and is available from 2000rpm onwards. Owing to the perfectly spread torque across the rev bands, the Multijet, even though not as impressive as the Swift, is a very drivable car, both in the city and on the highway. The mileage is impressive at 12.2kmpl for the city and 16.2kmpl on the highway.

There are a few notable chinks in the Palio that may not go down well with all those who look for perfection in all its splendour, like the imprecise gearshift and brakes, which tend to lock up easily.

For the same reason ABS is badly missed. There is also a prominent diesel clatter but good insulation restricts the noise to the outside only.

Despite its few failings, the Palio Multijet is car not anyone would have any grievances against. It is a car, which spells elegance, presents great value for money, makes one experience an enjoyable and undisturbed ride, and what's more-is economical too besides looking extremely alluring.

Isn't that something that sounds like a great bargain? After all, what more can you ask for from an automobile that costs even less than what you would believe would make a dent in your pocket? Ranging between Rs 4.32 and Rs 4.70 lacs, it satisfies many potential buyers' requirements but more than that, it fulfils many of their aspirations of possessing a dream car that combines quality, class, affordability and of course utility.

Source: Full Throttle
5 Tips On Making Your Car More Fuel Efficient
15 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Quote
3 Fast Tips on How To Sell Your Car for the Most.
3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car

Can one improve upon 'perfection'? Obviously, it's a little far- fetched idea and hence remains wishful thinking. But only on a more general level.

There are exceptions to the rule which make you do a double take with a Wow! And guess what? The blokes at BMW have done it. They should be credited with the doing the impossible - disproving the myth, and going several steps ahead with upgrading their model.

Do they have what I call the 'perfection' bug? Seems like it. Why on earth would they otherwise perk up a car which was already smashing in almost every respect? It was no secret that the previous BMW 320d was a car which was as hot as it could get. With a stellar fast and economical diesel engine and a cabin which was unbelievably comfortable and luxurious, they ruled the roost. The only drawback, if one could call it one, was its stiff ride quality. And guess what? The engineers at BMW have ganged up on it too.

The new BMW 320d Highline is the car which is going to be the next buzz word for the coming generations to get obsessed with and talk about in awe and amazement. It is an automobile which comes within a whisker of being labeled as 'perfect.' Having removed even the wee bit of a grievance of being a tad inflexible in its ride, it's time for their researchers to earn even more plaudits.

In appearance, the BMW 320d Highline looks ditto like its previous model, barring the new trademark alloy wheels. The interior s which was in a class of their own has been further enriched for you to ogle at the soft touch beige leather and wood trim paneling. In its new avatar, the inside resembles, to a large extent, the 325i and comes with idrive system which is located up in the centre console. The powered seats are as comfortable as ever before. On the flip side, the rear legroom is a bit cramped - thanks largely to the high transmission tunnel. The Highline has been given a boost in the features department as well. It now comes laden with xenon lamps, rear parking sensors, side window blinds and a menu button, simplifying the system, besides the standard features like ABS, airbags, traction control and climate control. Also in the pipeline in the new 320d is a sunroof/moonroof.

The BMW320d Highline under the hood carries an all new 1995cc 4 cylinder 2nd generation common rail diesel engine too, a marginally smoother than the previous unit, and operates at a pressure of 1600 bar. The multiple fuel injection system helps reduce noise level to a large extent. The horse power in the new unit gets increased by 14% and now stands at a very respectable 170bhp, while its maximum torque has gone upto 34kgm. The new engine is highly refined and doesn't run out of steam at high-speeds, and the torque is available from as low as 1750rpm and goes up till 4500rpm. It is a very fast car with a top speed of 216kmph, and the 0-100 dash has quickened by a second from its current timing of 8.6 seconds. What is interesting to note is the fact that the increment in power hasn't resulted in a lesser fuel economy, which stills sits pretty at 11.2kmpl in the city.

If I go to the extent of calling the new 320d is flawless, it won't be an exaggeration. Why isn't it a fine blend of perfect handling, stability, power and comfort?

Costing a whopping Rs 30,70, 000 lacs (ex showroom Delhi), it's more than value for one's moolah. What one gets in return for the extra 2% is a car which is more stable, luxuriously comfortable, and swifter with refined sophisticated features. Howzzat for a smart cool deal? A great bargain for sure!

Source: Full Throttle

In the automotive world, the Honda Accord has carved out quite a venerable niche for itself. Every conversation on the Accord invariably starts with 'ohs' and 'ahs' and ends with a sigh. Such is the magic that it has spun. You will definitely agree that it is indeed very hard to talk about the Accord without going into superlatives.

After much speculation, the all new Honda Accord has finally taken guard in India. The 8th generation Accord looks more European in character and style than the outgoing edition. It is a regal sight with its fine seamless corners, strong shoulder line and chiseled flanks. The big all new chrome radiator grill and the flashy twin-eyed swept back headlamps makes for a rather charming face, even though a tad boxy. The rear is a bit like that of the BMW 7 Series, come to think of it, the new Accord has shades of the 7 Series all over it.

The interior is exactly what it should be, luxurious, comfortable and roomy. There is more space and legroom than the outgoing edition. The soft-touch beige leather upholstery, copious amount of space and the neatly laid-out dash makes one wonder that it can't get any better than this. The wood paneled dash is not much different from the previous version except for a few deft changes. The Accord has always boasted of state of the art comfort enhancement and safety features and this been very much carried forward in the new version. This is a luxury sedan and is armed to the teeth with features like multi-functional steering wheel, integrated entertainment system, traction control, ABS, 6 airbags, EBD, climate control and rear air-conditioning panels.

The good-looks and the luxury are all good, but at the end it all boils down to one thing, the engine. In case of the new Accord, there are three petrol engine variants, 2.4 litres with an I-VETC engine, 2.4litre Elegance and 2.4litre Inspire with manual and automatic transmission. With a class leading power of 180ps channeled to the rear wheels, the new Accord is a hoot to drive and handle. The latest rendition of the much storied Accord handles even better than its predecessor inspite of an increase of 80mm and 25mm in length and width respectively. All the variants needless to say are very fast and stable, but the best thing about the Accord is the fact that fuel efficiency has improved by a good 8%. The 5 speed automatic transmission gels well with the smooth power steering. But there is a minimum amount of body roll present, and that is about the only shortcoming one can find in this venerable car.


Priced at Rupees 16.49 lakhs (Ex showroom Delhi) for the manual transmission version and Rupees 17.24 lakhs (Ex showroom Delhi) for the automatic, the new Accord is truly inspirational and carries on with Hondas tradition of improving with every new model.

Source: Full Throttle

For a couple of reasons, used cars are a growing priority for luxury-brand automakers like Porsche. First, many people who buy high-end, expensive cars tend to graduate from a used car to a new one. Second, used cars are an important profit center for dealers, especially when new-car sales are slow. Finally, as leasing has become common, it’s important for car companies to protect used-car values.

In leasing, the customer effectively borrows the difference between the upfront cost of a vehicle and what it’s projected to be worth at the end of the lease. The more a used car is worth at the end of a lease, the less the leasing customer has to borrow, which in turn lowers monthly payments.

Luxury auto brands are also promoting the sale of off-lease cars and trade-ins as “certified pre-owned” cars, or CPO for short. Unlike most used cars, CPO cars are inspected and refurbished by the dealer, and come with a warranty. That can add $1,500 or more to the price of a luxury car, but many customers feel the additional comfort level is worth it.

In all, the luxury brands are trying to get their new-car dealers to sell more used, off-lease vehicles. That keeps them out of the hands of independent used-car dealers who can give the brand a bad name, and away from wholesale auctions where prices are rock-bottom. If the actual market price of a vehicle coming off lease is lower than the automaker and its finance company expected, the automaker can incur a loss.

I spoke in New York on May 28 with Mick Pallardy, vice president for the eastern region for Porsche Cars North America. Pallardy, based in Herndon, Va., is responsible for Northeast markets from Virginia to Maine. The following are edited excerpts:

BNET: Do people really move up from used cars, or is there a used-car mindset that says, “I’ll only buy used, let somebody else take the hit on depreciation”? (According to Automotive Lease Guide, the average new car depreciates 40 percent as soon as it’s purchased, or 55 percent after three years.)

Mick Pallardy: It’s (Porsche is) really an aspirational brand. Certified pre-owned is how a lot of people first gain access to the brand. About 60 percent of CPO customers go on to buy a new Porsche. If you include all used cars, not just certified pre-owned, it’s 70 percent.

BNET: How much is an average car worth after a certain amount of time? Is there a rule of thumb?

MP: It’s hard to say specifically, because we have so many different models and so many different trim and equipment levels. For the 911 (model), especially, we have people scouring the country for a specific model, or a specific feature, or a specific color. They look all over the country, they have all these online tools, they look all over, and when they find what they’re looking for, they’ll either come get it, or pay somebody to ship it to them.

BNET: I read that Porsche had record sales for CPO (691 cars in April 2008, versus 548 in the year-ago month; 6,581 in 2007, versus 6,114 in 2006).

MP: Just about every month is a record.

BNET: Are you pushing that program?

MP: We have programs in place (to encourage the dealers to buy CPO vehicles and sell them at retail). For the next fiscal year we will also be enhancing the CPO warranty, to something that’s in keeping with the brand. You don’t want it to go to the independent (used-car) dealers, because of the customer handling. You want the customer handling to be in keeping with the brand.

SourceBNET.com

BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) US sales up 9.6 percent in April. Year-to-date sales are down 4 percent.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI) today reported April vehicle sales of 31,448, an increase of 9.6 percent from the 28,692 vehicles sold in the same month of 2007. For the first four months of 2008, BMW Group sales are still down 4.0 percent, to 99,977 vehicles versus the 104,125 sold January through April of 2007.

Among other factors, April sales results were positively affected by new products all launched this spring (BMW, BMW X6, BMW 1 Series, MINI Clubman).

BMW Brand Sales

BMW brand sales were up 5.6 percent, to 26,735 vehicles compared to 25,310 vehicles sold in April 2007. Year-to-date, BMW reported sales of 85,100 vehicles compared to the 92,670 reported in the same period a year ago, a decline of 8.2 percent.

BMW Automotive Sales

Monthly sales of BMW brand automobiles increased 3.2 percent in April, to 20,930 versus 20,290 in 2007. Year-to-date, BMW automobile sales are down 6.7 percent to 67,083 versus 71,906 reported in the same period last year.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicles

Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles were up 15.6 percent for the month, to 5,805 vehicles compared to the 5,020 reported in April 2007. Year-to-date, BMW SAV sales are down 13.2 percent to 18,017 vehicles from 20,764 in 2007.

MINI Brand Sales

MINI USA reported a 39.4 percent increase in April sales, to 4,713 cars compared to 3,382 cars sold in the same period a year ago. MINI USA also reported sales of 14,877 for the first four months of 2008, an increase of 29.9 percent over the 11,455 sold in the same period a year ago.

  Table: Sales BMW of North America, LLC, April 2008

April   April     %    YTD      YTD       %
2008    2007          2008     2007

BMW brand                26,735  25,310   5.6  85,100   92,670   -8.2

BMW passenger cars      20,930  20,290   3.2  67,083   71,906   -6.7

BMW light trucks (SAVs)  5,805   5,020  15.6  18,017   20,764  -13.2

MINI brand                4,713   3,382  39.4  14,877   11,455   29.9

TOTAL Group              31,448  28,692   9.6  99,977  104,125   -4.0

BMW Certified Pre-Owned

CPO sales were up 25.4 percent in April, to 9,237 over the 7,368 reported in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the division reported sales of 34,461 automobiles, an increase of 30.7 percent, compared to the 26,376 vehicles reported in the first four months of 2007.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models, X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sport Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusa.com
www.bmwmotorcycles.com
www.miniusa.com
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Sales BMW of North America, LLC, April 2008

YTD      YTD
April 08 April 07    %   April 08 April 07    %

1 Series                  1125        0            2621        0
3 Series                11,401   13,142  -13.2%  38,414   46,335  -17.1%
Z4 Roadster and Coupe    1,021      911   12.1%   2,680    2,817   -4.9%
5 Series                 4,783    3,592   33.2%  15,673   14,720    6.5%
6 Series                 1,006      802   25.4%   2,422    2,723  -11.1%
7 Series                 1,594    1,843  -13.5%   5,273    5,311   -0.7%
BMW passenger cars      20,930   20,290    3.2%  67,083   71,906   -6.7%
X3                       1,777    2,307  -23.0%   5,967    8,981  -33.6%
X5                       3,373    2,713   24.3%  11,395   11,783   -3.3%
X6                         655        0             655        0
BMW light trucks (SAVs)  5,805    5,020   15.6%  18,017   20,764  -13.2%
BMW brand               26,735   25,310    5.6%  85,100   92,670   -8.2%
Cooper Hardtop           3,083    2,716   13.5%  10,250    9,282   10.4%
Cooper Convertible         651      666   -2.3%   1,880    2,173  -13.5%
Cooper Clubman             979        0           2,747        0
MINI brand               4,713    3,382   39.4%  14,877   11,455   29.9%
TOTAL BMW of North
America, LLC           31,448   28,692    9.6%  99,977  104,125   -4.0%

Source: BMW of North America, LLC

Tomohiko Ikeda, president and CEO of Subaru of America, Inc. honored five dealers celebrating their 25th anniversary with the franchise at the Subaru National Business Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“On behalf of Subaru of America, I’d like to congratulate our dealers who have celebrated twenty-five years with Subaru,” said Tim Colbeck, vice president of sales for Subaru of America, Inc. “The commitment our dealers make to the core values of the Subaru brand has resulted in the Company having some of the highest owner loyalty rates in the business.”

The following dealers were recognized for 25 years with Subaru:

• Southern Oregon Subaru, Medford, Ore.
• South Shore Subaru, South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
• Dan Perkins Subaru, Milford, Conn.
• Bowser Subaru, Pittsburgh, Pa.
• The Car Store, Norwich, Vt.

Now featured at Subaru Dealers nationwide is the completely redesigned, bolder, more SUV-like 2009 Subaru Forester. The 2009 Subaru Forester comes with standard All-Wheel Drive, is pre-wired for XM(R) or SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio and now has a longer wheelbase which yields improved interior roominess and ride quality.

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

Web site: http://www.subaru.com/