Skoda Rapid launched in India

Skoda India’s made for India sedan and VW Vento, Maruti SX4 and Hyundai Verna challenger; the Rapid has been launched with a starting price of Rs 6.75 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi for the petrol variant.  The Rapid gets three variants, one diesel and two petrol ones. Prices for the diesel variant start from Rs 7.96 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.  

Powering the three variants is a 1598cc engine producing 105PS of power, the petrol at 5250rpm while the diesel at 4400rpm. The petrol engine produces a maximum torque of 153Nm at 3800rpm while the diesel produces 250Nm available from 1500-2500rpm, same as in the Vento. Standard for both the engines is a five speed manual while a six-speed automatic box is an option for the petrol variant. The Rapid sedan is available in three trim levels - Active, Ambition and Elegance. The Elegance trim gets all the bells and whistles including twin airbags and 15-inch alloy wheels. The Rapid fills the void between the Fabia and Octavia.

Renault Pulse diesel

Mumbai has a very love it or loathe it character. Locals love it and outsiders absolutely abhor it. Despite having moved here two weeks ago I’m still very much an outsider. I blame my pessimism entirely on the traffic that I secretly fear is draining the joy out of my job. After a particularly white knuckled drive in a Range Rover recently I seriously pondered the feasibility of ever enjoying driving again.

The Renault Pulse managed to assuage some of my apprehensions by proving to be an absolute delight to drive in the city. This is no surprise considering the Pulse is heavily based on the Nissan Micra. Revisions to the exterior account for the bulk of the changes. The changes are subjective; some may like the larger gaping grille and refreshed headlights up front but I lean towards the cute jelly bean shaped Micra. Renault has tried to pump up the aggression quotient but I’m not entirely sold.

Mechanically, the car is nearly untouched. Which means you get the same Renault developed 1461cc K9K turbo diesel that’s served in the Logan and Micra before this. This proven workhorse has a strong torque curve and the car pulls forward smoothly almost from idle while power comes in above 1500rpm. Ride quality, like the Micra is plush yet on the slightly stiff side. There’s no crashiness but the firm setup does communicate large undulations in the road. That and the pleasantly light steering, compact dimensions make the Pulse a ridiculously easy and almost stress free to drive through the worst Mumbai has to offer.

It’s the familiar circular grey plastics from the Micra inside as well. Though not classy the spunky interiors have plenty of space which is a big plus point. The top of the line RxZ we drove had a couple of nice touches like keyless start and electric folding mirrors. A driver airbag is standard and the passenger bag is optional however ABS is unfortunately not even an option.

The Pulse is old wine in a newish bottle but it tastes good nevertheless. It has been launched only in diesel option with two variants at the 2012 Auto Expo and prices start from Rs 5.7lakh. The RxZ which we drove costs Rs 6.25lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi, Rs 70,000 lower than the equivalent Nissan Micra diesel.

2012 BMW 3 Series

The smooth roads are twisty and going downhill, I haven’t blinked even once and the car is flowing through the corners with just the right amount of feedback from the steering, it’s well planted and doesn’t want to let go of the road. I find myself drawn into believing that Iam in some kind of driver’s utopia. But this is not a dream. It’s the all-new BMW 3 Series that will arrive in India in June 2012 and making the occasion even more special is the location - Spain’s majestic Catalan mountain range.

The changes in the car may not seem like a lot on paper but when we headed to the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona to drive it, it turned out to be completely different and a distinct step up from the present car.

I first drove the variant most relevant to India, the 320d. The engine specs are the same -2.0-litre common-rail engine which produces 184PS of maximum power at 4000rpm and 380Nm of torque between 1750 and 2750rpm. The car now offers four standard driving modes. The switch on the centre console allows me to choose between eco pro, comfort, sport and sport plus modes. The 8-speed automatic gearbox is new, replacing the previous six-speeder,and will be standard on all variants of the 3 Series sold in India.The unnecessarily heavy steering was the old 3’s Achilles heel but the 3 Series now has a new electronic power steering which is significantly lighter (a massive boon while parking and in city traffic) while simultaneously offering better precision and feedback than before. It also saves fuel in comparison to the hydraulic assist system because it consumes no power when the steering is held steady.

Then I hopped into to the 328i petrol which now trades in its straight-six (in the 330i that didn’t do well in India) for a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four and - in the Sport  variant - rides 10mm lower. This engine is good for an astonishing (considering the 2.0-litre displacement) 245PS of power between 5000 and 6500rpm and delivers a peak torque of 350Nm between 1250 and 4800rpm. Not only is this 9 per cent more torque than before, it means the car is nearly always at its torque or power peak. The 328i can hit 100kmph in just 5.9 seconds, a full second quicker than the old one, and that’s a very fast time. Part of the reason is the BMW twin-scroll turbo (it is not a twin-turbo despite the Twin Power moniker) which demonstrates a near complete lack of turbo lag and the general throttle response is wonderful. The other petrol is the 320i which uses the same 2.0-litre engine but in non-turbocharged 184PS and 270Nm tune and that is an engine that will power entry-level variants in India.

Suzuki introduces Kizashi Sport

Suzuki has introduced the Kizashi with a new Sport variant in UK. It
comes a with switchable 2/4WD as
standard equipment. The Sport model features a
host of external and internal modifications that
include a muscular front fascia (with chrome
accents) and lower grille; body side sill extensions;
lower body side mouldings with chrome accents; custom lightweight
18-inch alloy wheels and a
unique sport steering wheel with contrasting
stitching for its leather seats, gear shift surround
and parking brake boot.

When driving in dry and normal conditions, the i-
AWD system can also be operated in two wheel
drive mode where drive is predominantly to the
front wheels with minimum torque transmitted to
the rear wheels; this is simply operated via a switch on the dashboard
and can be altered when the car is in motion.

 In four wheel drive (i-AWD) mode the system sends power to the rear
wheels immediately upon
acceleration, with torque split – up to 50:50 front/
rear - remaining dependent on several factors including wheel slippage
and throttle and steering input.

 When in i-AWD mode, the control system monitors
the vehicle operating conditions via sensors and,
based on these sensed conditions will control the
system power coupling device so that optimum
torque is delivered to the rear wheels. This function
improves driving performance on rough roads and stabilises performance
in slippery conditions including snow covered ascents.