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Well, I always thought of having a fully established forum of my own, now that i have a domain and i have installed a forum.. I need audience(people) without which a forum would be incomplete, well as a matter of fact the forum is made by the people when they discuss the topics and become active. So i need everyones help to accomplish my task. So go ahead and register and introduce yourself in the forum. url - www.autocrust.com/forums
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Japanese automaker Nissan, which is currently selling its X-trail and Teana model is on the plans to launch the much popular crossover SUV Nissan Murano in India. Nissan is selling the X-trail in good numbers, while the Teana is also being sold in few numbers. By the end of 2008, Nissan had said that they have plans to have 8 models, which the Murano is one of them. Nissan is currently building a plant in Chennai along with Renault.
Nissan had recently unveiled the 2009 Nissan Murano, and this might be the one that will enter India. The Nissan Murano will be launched with a 3.5L V6 petrol engine that will deliver 265 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and will deliver a torque of 335Nm @ 4400 rpm. This engine was listed on Ward's "10 Best Engines".
The Nissan Murano has a great All-Wheel Drive system that automatically shifts power and balance during the course of cruising, cornering and from the stop.
The Nissan Murano calls itself the future of all car, because it has many features that are technologically advanced. The Nissan Murano has bluetooth technology inbuilt and navigation system which is getting quite popular and growing in India. The Murano will also have a push button ignition (starting the car with the push of a button).
When you start the car, you will find the seats, side & rear view mirrors, steering wheel all adjust to your comfort. This technology is called memory seats.
The 2009 Nissan Murano's design is one heck of a killer. If it enters India, i would call it the most beautiful and hottest SUV available. The Murano boasts of 50 standard safety features. Some of them are ABS, 6 airbags and roof mounted curtain airbags, Head restraints, automatic wipers and the latest Vehicle Dyanamic Control which lets you controls the car with the steering wheel completely.
The Nissan Murano will enter the Indian market in 2009, which will cost at a price bracket around 40Lakhs and will be competing with the Toyota Prado, BMW X3, Mitsubishi Montero and Mercedes-Benz M class.
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Fiat Motors are planning on a low-cost car that is said to be launched in emerging market of India, South America, China, etc. The new small car is said to be called the Legendary Fiat Uno. Along with the Fiat Uno, will be seen the entry of the C X-Over, which will pit against the CRV, Captiva and the rest.
The B-Compact (or) Fiat Uno
The B-Compact is placed between the Grande Punto and the Fiat Panda, which means that the Palio lies in between. The Uno might replace the palio, or might be in a complete different section. Fiat is known for its peformanced compact cars, and this time they are improving style, quality as well as Fuel Efficiency. There were a few renderings which i thought would be the Uno but it aint official, so i thought not to confuse ourselves.. Most probably the Italians might design it, so expect style!
The B-Compact is a mixture of practical, ValueForMoney and low running cost. The production of the Fiat Uno will begin during the year 2009, but i expect the car to be launched in India by early 2010, as Fiat is not that punctual in bringing cars here. Though the price and the specs is official yet, but i strongly suggest it lies in the category of 3L to 4.5L, and don't expect it cheaper than that. More information will come when launched officially.
CX-Over, The Fiat SUV
The CX-Over, is another vehicle that acts like an SUV and practical like an MPV, that costs around 30,500USD to 42000USD, which is around 13L-17L in Indian rupees, which means when it reaches India, it will cost around 15L-20L, which is not bad actually, if Fiat brings the car here, it will be great, that is if they bring the right engines and give the right price.
The length of the vehicle is said to be around 4.5m, which lies exactly in the CRV range, and low on consumption. Fiat will also offer a 2WD and as well as the 4WD version. Though there are no possible news of the car getting into India, but we hope Fiat to bring it. But might get late, the production starts in the new decade 2010.
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Tata motors had launched the new Safari 2.2L engine which replaced the previous 3.0L engine and Mahindra had launched its most technologically forward vehicle the Mahindra Scorpio mHawk along its 2.6L engine. These new vehicles are one of the most wanted in the segment and we compare the two on the basis of engine, exterior, interior, comfort, quality, performance & value for money.
Engines, Power, Variants and Transmission
Tata Safari - 4.5
The new Safari is equipped with the new generation light weight 16V 2.2L Dicor (Direct injection common rail) VTT (Variable Turbine Technology) engine, operated by a 32-bit electronic control unit. The 2.2L engine produces 140ps at 4000 rpm and torque of 320Nm at 1700 rpm.
The Tata Safari is available in 5 variants in 2 systems (4x2 and 4x4). The base Safari LX, Dicor 2.2LX is available at 6.68L and 7.46L respectively(ex-showroom Chennai). The Dicor 2.2 EX is available in 4x2 and 4x4 which is 8.64L and 9.53L respectively. The Dicor VX is available at 10.49L for the 2x2 and 11.42L for the 4x4.
The Tata Safari delivers a mileage of 11 in city and 14 in the highway, if driven properly.
Mahindra Scorpio mHawk - 4.0
The latest mHawk is equipped with an all new all 16V 2.2L CRDi (common rail direct injection) engine that produces a healthy 120bhp at 4000 rpm and torque of 290Nm @ 1800-2800rpm. This is an engine that you would love because of its quiet and no vibration nature. The engine is equipped with 2nd generation Bosch common rail system with solenoid injectors that manages the fuel supply to the engine.
The Scorpio has a 5-speed Manual Gear box. The Scorpio 2.2l Vlx mHawk engine costs about 9.3L + tax + this and that and all stuff, so the price comes upto 10L. It is in the price range where the Scorpio is hit badly and sadly wears out some buyers, as the Safari is equally powerful.
The Tata Safri gets the extra points because of the 4x4 variant available at the Scorpio price range.
Exteriors and Safety
Tata Safari- 4.5
The Safari is indeed a good-looking car with some extra add-ons and stuff, but the older safari had a more macho, sporty look, this one has a feminine look somewhere in the front, which is a bit disappointing for some people, while the rear and sides are still the same macho, hulky look. The new wheel cover at the back looks great and adds some sportiness in the car or should i say an SUV feel. The changes i would like for the Safari is the hood, the headlights, and a bigger bumper, that would spice it up and create a masculine look and sporty look in the car.
The Safari has a good safety system starting with the dual airbags, and ABS with EBD for more control over the vehicle and command on the road. The Safari comes equipped with anti-submarine seats that protect the driver and co-driver in the event of a collision and the Safari has been tested and gave good results. Tilt & collapsible steering was designed to reduce the frontal injury during collision. Rear vipers also available for clear view during rain.
Scorpio mHawk - 4.5
The main part where the Scorpio beats the Safari is in the exteriors section where the Scorpio maintains its macho and bold character, armored with add-ons that you would love to get it in your car. Get yourself bigger tyres and then see the Scorpio, it will be lovely. The feel is different than the Safari.
The first problem is the airbag, at the price of almost 10L, if the airbag is absent then its a big problem, safety is a growing demand for todays customers, but ABS is given as standard, but the Scorpio scores in areas of extra like tyre-tronics that tell you the exact air pressure and temperature of each tyre and engine immobilizer. The Scorpio plays with thieves, if someone tries to break in, the system gets tripped, the immobilizer locks the engine and cuts the fuel supply, and your car is safe.
The Safari scores well in safety but the Scorpio scores in Exterior style. So there is a tie,
Interiors and Comfort
Tata Safari - 4.0
The Safari's interiors are a pleasing one and has nice leg and shoulder room with great head room, there is an armrest in the second row, there is an AC vent in the second row which is low, way low. The Safari offers the comfort of a business class seat in kingfisher.. OK i am going too far, OK maybe air india's business class. The Safari offers goodies like LCD screen that no other car in its range provides.
Quality wise the Safari is not at all qualified, the seats and room is nice but when you look at the dash board, you feel like yawning all the way home, it looks soo dull. The thing is that Tata never had a good dashboard with goodies with quality. Along with the second row AC vents, there is a roof mounted AC for the third row passengers, creating cooling all around the cabin.
Mahindra Scorpio - 4.5
On the basis of space, the Safari beats it, but on the basis of quality, Scorpio kills the Safari. The Dashboard in the Scorpio is much better than the Safari and there are some improvements done. There are many storage areas in the Scorpio though. But the problem is that there is no roof mounted air-vents even at the rate of 10L, but there are second row air-vents, which might do a little job.
The Scorpio has some new features that cars in the upper luxury segment like Merc E class has like intelligent headlights and vipers which act according to the environment, intellipark that helps you park your car with ease and tyretronics.
The Scorpio beats the Safari in quality, features and lookability (don't know what that means) but Safari beats the Scorpio in space and comfort of the seats. Due to the quality, the points must be cut, we are a developing nation and we demand the best quality.
Performance and Handling
Tata Safari - 4.5
Dead sure that the new Safari had improved from the previous 3.0L engine. Pretty sluggish below 1500rpm, but the areas around the middle is where the power, the torque and the true colours of the car shows, its much smoother when speed gained around 60-100, but at high speeds like 120 and above, i begin to grow old and puff and throws all its effort to reach the limit. Not a good sign, i can cross 100 easily with an Esteem.
If you like the speed limits very much, then this car is for you. When you feel like showing your dirty side of your face and rip the car, then the Safari roars, and allows a Maruti 800 to overtake you.
Mahindra mHawk - 4.6
The battle of the 2.2's as i heard, the mHawk has lesser power and torque, but have to admit how organized the car ratio's are. Turn your keys and feel the new engine going along with the beat of your heart.. Idle.. vibrationless, like as if it isn't a Diesel car. Handling the car is very neat with responsive steering wheels.
The start of the car might be a "little" sluggish, but you will be impressed as the car goes on to higher speed gaining speeds at the different gears really smooth. The break is also a feature to get impressed by with ABS as standard. An impressive thing is that the suspension and the handling of the car when in bad roads don't give the car a pogo-stick ride, its goes well in those areas. The new engine does it all, 3 cheers.
Value for Money
Tata Safari - 4.5
The Safari has many variants to choose from starting from 6.68L to 11.42L including the 4x4 range at the price of the Scorpio mHawk.
Mahindra Scorpio mHawk - 4.0
The Scorpio is a great car to drive with the new engine, but many features are missing in the car like airbags and roof-mounted AC, and at the price of 10L i don't think the car is worth the money for the missing goods.
Verdict:
The new Safari and new Scorpio was made to deliver great performance and they did. Both the engines are equally great, but the Safari lost points in features of quality and areas like that. The Scorpio mHawk is a great car too, but this car also looses points in some features that have said to be available in the car at that price. That disappoints me.
The Winner of the comparison according to the points scored is the Tata Safari.
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The Sumo Grande... People think it ain't true, is it a TATA? thats the question i heard from many people, according to them and me Tata is focusing on looks also nowadays. The Sumo Grande was showcased in the Auto show and hopes that the new Sumo will increase their sales.
The new Sumo Grande will get an engine which is familiar in the Indian roads. It will be equipped with a 2.2L DICOR engine which was introduced in the Safari range recently and this engine is said to produce a 120bhp with a max torque of 250NM.
The Tata Sumo Grande will be equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission and at a price that it will be launched a manual is the only possibility. The Sumo also has a turning radius or 5.25m
The Tata Sumo Grande shares the looks of the macho Tata Xenon, so the Sumo gets the same macho frontal look. There is a bit of the SUV look in the front but as it goes back it shows what it is, an MUV or as its called "a Family car". The Sumo was designed to satisfy customer needs like in departments of performance, Fuel Efficiency, looks, stability, etc..
The Sumo is bigger than before and taller than before. The rear was made clean and an area plated with chrome and clear tail lamps, a rear wiper is also available.When you get a side view of the car it shows that it is one of Tata's best looking cars till now.
The Sumo will have Power windows, steering, height adjustable drivers seat and has the best 3rd row in a car. The Sumo is defined to space in the interiors and also has armrest in the second row along with driver and co driver hand rest. The Sumo gets a new steering wheel with beige interiors. Roof integrated rear AC is also available. The 3rd row, this time faces the road and not sideways. A car that looks like an SUV and the amazing looks outside should have a great dashboard to match it, but the Sumo's dash disappoints.
This car will be launched anytime this month which will be priced at 6.6 - 7.49L(ex-showroom Delhi) and at that price the exteriors are worth it and if you dont care about the dashboard..go for it.
Here is the video of the Tata Sumo Grande
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Mitsubishi Motors India had recently launched its SUV Outlander in India at the Auto Expo. The Outlander's release had been reaching our ears or at least our eyes for the past 2-3 years. So, now its finally here and Mitsubishi India had confirmed that the Outlander will officially go on for sale by June of this year. The car is related to the Peugeot 4007 and the Citroen C-Crossover in some way.
The Outlander is a very good looking and capable SUV that will compete against the CRV, the upcoming Santa Fe and the Chevrolet Captiva. The Outlander would be equipped with a 16V 2.4L DOHC MIVEC petrol engine that would produce 167bhp @ 6000 RPM which might sound to be the most powerful SUV in the category. There is a chance of the Diesel coming to India, but might take time. The Outlander comes with a paddle shift 6-speed automatic transmission, and also would come with a manual.
The Outlander shown at the auto expo looked great in silver. This car is mainly concentrated in heavy curves and lines that adds an aggressive character type. The front shape looks similar to Hyundai's Santa Fe. It has a real SUV look in it and uses a lot of chrome in the grille and handlebar. The rear is really unique as it might be the first car in India with a tail light other than red, if i am right. It has LED tail lights. The look is seriously modern and a monster, like a modern monster.
The inside of the Outlander is too damn impressing. It has all the stuff required. Buttons on the steering wheel, an all-black with some silver dashboard looked very luxurious along those seats even though it wasn't in beige. The seats looked comfortable with armrests and a lot of tubby holes were also found for storage. The problem is that i not sure whether its a 5 or 7 seater, as some say its a 5 seater, but i have seen in some models that there is an extra 3rd row. Hope Mitsubishi puts it as the competitors have it.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is definitely a worthy SUV to its competitors, but when it comes to service and all those it falls back. The Outlander will be released at the end of September or October.
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One segment that Hyundai had no success - the SUV segment, where they started with the Terracan and Tucson, where the Terracan ran out of business and Terracan is going to go out of business when one of Hyundai's popular cars in the US - Hyundai Santa Fe gets its doors unlocked soon, in the Delhi Auto Show and going to give the Honda CRV a serious competition.
Hyundai will be planning to have the largest car line up and refresh their showrooms with the latest available cars which will be meant for India. Lost in the Sands of time, the Koreans wanted to produce a car that would shake the automobile industry which will demand - quality, practicality, warranty, and all the words ending with "ty"(pronounced tea), similarly to the ty they made the Santa Fe which will be highlighting design, upmarket interiors and quality in raw materials as well as ride.
The design is totally unique. The Santa Fe will change the stats of the SUV segment and will definitely give the Honda and Ford a shake. A very cartoonish front like from the movie Cars, going along a really pushy side view with good lining and build quality. As for the rear a little bit of the Audi and the real armored SUV look except the lights that is. Put up everything on the notice board and "va la" a beauty, its a beautiful design with everything on it, just like your neighbourhood pizza hut.
The Santa Fe will be equipped with a 2.2L Diesel Engine that produce 148 bhp with torque of 335Nm and yes of course transmission, internationally manual and automatic available, and nationally don't know, chances of automatic are really low.
The Santa Fe is a 7 seater, an advantage over the CRV, and and fight for the Endeavour. The last row can be folded down for luggage. Hyundai guys are getting their heads onto the cars now. Really convenient stuff available, so far so good.
Interiors are also a good to see one, with not so fuzzy look, clean innova-ish look, not a copy but has that feel in it, wood, silver plastic and dark grey along with beige are used to spice up the business class seats, with ample legroom and third row with a decent boot. Extra space required? Break the seats and throw it to your neighbours house.. or you can fold it firmly to the floor, creating a very flat platform.
Have money to throw? Time to wait? CRV or endeavour in mind? then halt! The Hyundai Santa Fe looks like a champ on its way and will release in style. Definitely worth a wait for this baby. Well but if you want space and Endeavour in mind, go for that monster, go get em tiger, don't wait for the Santa Fe or CRV.
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Well, I always thought of having a fully established forum of my own, now that i have a domain and i have installed a forum.. I need audience(people) without which a forum would be incomplete, well as a matter of fact the forum is made by the people when they discuss the topics and become active. So i need everyones help to accomplish my task. So go ahead and register and introduce yourself in the forum. url - www.autocrust.com/forums 
Japanese automaker Nissan, which is currently selling its X-trail and Teana model is on the plans to launch the much popular crossover SUV Nissan Murano in India. Nissan is selling the X-trail in good numbers, while the Teana is also being sold in few numbers. By the end of 2008, Nissan had said that they have plans to have 8 models, which the Murano is one of them. Nissan is currently building a plant in Chennai along with Renault. 
Mitsubishi Motors India will star in the fastest-growing SUV market when they launch the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Outlander is a very promising competitor to the CRV and the recently launched Chevrolet Captiva, and will be priced at an impressive 15.5-16L range. The Mitsubishi will be the cheapest 7-seater SUV next only to the Endeavour. 
(Click the images for enlarged view)
Fiat Motors are planning on a low-cost car that is said to be launched in emerging market of India, South America, China, etc. The new small car is said to be called the Legendary Fiat Uno. Along with the Fiat Uno, will be seen the entry of the C X-Over, which will pit against the CRV, Captiva and the rest. 
The B-Compact is placed between the Grande Punto and the Fiat Panda, which means that the Palio lies in between. The Uno might replace the palio, or might be in a complete different section. Fiat is known for its peformanced compact cars, and this time they are improving style, quality as well as Fuel Efficiency. There were a few renderings which i thought would be the Uno but it aint official, so i thought not to confuse ourselves.. Most probably the Italians might design it, so expect style!
The CX-Over, is another vehicle that acts like an SUV and practical like an MPV, that costs around 30,500USD to 42000USD, which is around 13L-17L in Indian rupees, which means when it reaches India, it will cost around 15L-20L, which is not bad actually, if Fiat brings the car here, it will be great, that is if they bring the right engines and give the right price.
Rumors were spread that the spy shots of a new Tata car was taken which was heavily disguised, and the member of WCF (WorldCarFans) forum thought it was the next generation Safari. The Tata Safari had been given a new engine recently, and has some quality issues. Is this really a Tata Safari? lets check out some pictures from the concepts of the past from Tata. 
Tata motors had launched the new Safari 2.2L engine which replaced the previous 3.0L engine and Mahindra had launched its most technologically forward vehicle the Mahindra Scorpio mHawk along its 2.6L engine. These new vehicles are one of the most wanted in the segment and we compare the two on the basis of engine, exterior, interior, comfort, quality, performance & value for money. 
Scorpio mHawk - 4.5
Mahindra mHawk - 4.6
The Sumo Grande... People think it ain't true, is it a TATA? thats the question i heard from many people, according to them and me Tata is focusing on looks also nowadays. The Sumo Grande was showcased in the Auto show and hopes that the new Sumo will increase their sales.
The Tata Sumo Grande will be equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission and at a price that it will be launched a manual is the only possibility. The Sumo also has a turning radius or 5.25m
The Sumo will have Power windows, steering, height adjustable drivers seat and has the best 3rd row in a car. The Sumo is defined to space in the interiors and also has armrest in the second row along with driver and co driver hand rest. The Sumo gets a new steering wheel with beige interiors. Roof integrated rear AC is also available. The 3rd row, this time faces the road and not sideways. A car that looks like an SUV and the amazing looks outside should have a great dashboard to match it, but the Sumo's dash disappoints.
Here is the video of the Tata Sumo Grande
Mitsubishi Motors India had recently launched its SUV Outlander in India at the Auto Expo. The Outlander's release had been reaching our ears or at least our eyes for the past 2-3 years. So, now its finally here and Mitsubishi India had confirmed that the Outlander will officially go on for sale by June of this year. The car is related to the Peugeot 4007 and the Citroen C-Crossover in some way.
One segment that Hyundai had no success - the SUV segment, where they started with the Terracan and Tucson, where the Terracan ran out of business and Terracan is going to go out of business when one of Hyundai's popular cars in the US - Hyundai Santa Fe gets its doors unlocked soon, in the Delhi Auto Show and going to give the Honda CRV a serious competition.
