Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Tata Indica eV2 - The Most Fuel-Efficient Car in India


Tata Motors, launched the Tata Indica eV2, on  2011 March 10, the most fuel-efficient car in India with a mileage of 25kmpl, at a starting price of Rs 2.95 lakhs. The Tata Indica eV2 will be priced between Rs 3.95 - 4.77 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) for the CR4 diesel engine and Rs 2.95 - 3.58 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) for the MPFI petrol.


Indica eV2 comes with a CR4 common rail diesel engine. It has a displacement of 1396 cc delivering 70 PS @ 4000 RPM. It has a torque of 140 NM at a lower 1800-3000 RPM. The company claims that the new CR4 engine has resulted in 32% increase in power, 65% increase in torque as well as a 46% improvement on fuel efficiency. The petrol option will run on a multi-point fuel injection engine. Both these engines are compliant with BS4 emission norms


Advanced technologies like a Auto-Drive Assist, Clutch-to-Start, Smart Engine Management System Chip, Maximum Charge Combustion and Drag Reduction come together to make the Indica e V2 a powerful, fuel efficient and more aerodynamic design as compared to the previous model.

From the outside, the e V2 gets an enhanced look supported by its sporty alloy wheels, attractive decals, a new tail light cluster and rear bumper. Interiors have also been decked up significantly with an elegant shadow beige colour tone. The top trim sports a wooden finish centre console and host of other features like power windows, keyless entry, Bluetooth enabled music system and USB port, 4 spoke collapsible steering wheel, tachometer, rear parcel shelf, 60:40 rear seating and front and rear fog lamps. 


Indica eV2 range is available in four colours - Apple Green, Neo Orange, Arctic Silver and Mint White. The car comes with a warranty of 24 months or 75000 km whichever is earlier.


Indica eV2 Car Features:
Available in 4 colors Neo Orange, Mint White, Arctic Silver and Apple Green
Latest CR4 Diesel engine with 32% more power and better pickup
Four variants L, LE, LS, LX
Elegant shadow beige colour Interior
Auto-Drive Assist
Wooden finish centre console with Bluetooth enabled music system
Rear parcel shelf, 60:40 rear seating, front and rear fog lamps
4 spoke collapsible steering wheel, tachometer
Sporty alloy wheels
Power windows, keyless entry
2 Year or 75000 km warranty


Indica eV2 Mileage: 
25KMPL ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) Certified


Indica eV2 Technical Specifications:
1396cc common rail Diesel Engine, Bharat Stage 4
Power: 70 PS @ 4000 rpm
Torque: 140 Nm @ 1400-3000 rpm
Tyres: 165/65 R14
Seating Capacity: 5
Steering: Power assisted rack & pinion-Hydraulic
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Brakes Rear: Drum, Front: Disc
Fuel Tank Capacity: 37 Litre
Wheelbase: 2400mm
Length: 1665mm
Height: 1485mm
Ground Clearance: 165mm
Kerb Weight: 1080 Kg

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Jaguar XJ (2012) – Stunning Blend of Noticeable Styling and Driving Dynamics





First Look:


We haven't seen many of the luxury cars transforming themselves as drastically as the Jaguar XJ did in the model year 2011. The preceding-generation Jaguar XJ had plenty of modern mechanical assets underneath the conventional design of the car known as the classic XJ6 of the model year 1960s, and although, it seems a rather fruitful idea at the beginning, the sales for the car started falling. So, for the new XJ, Jaguar decided to dump the convention, and decided to give their iconic sedan a fundamental design internally as well as externally. The luxury sedan, which once appealed only to the customers having warm memories of string-back leather gloves, now is a completely spirited flagship.


The 2012 Jaguar XJ sees an all-embracing use of aluminum for its body panels and the basic chassis, which delivers comparatively light curb weight - around 4000 lbs for its base model - and makes the 2012 XJ comparatively lively handling and utmost effect from the array of 5.0 ltr V8 engines. It's not that they actually needed any sort of help. Even the base model of the XJ now generates maximum power of 385 bhp, while the same rating for its Supersport and Supercharged models goes up to 510 and 470 bhp, respectively and also generates spectacular acceleration.


One another highlight for the 2012 Jaguar XJ is its cabin. Despite the fact that all cars in its class are scrupulously constructed, a thespian design and discriminating details differentiates the XJ from its rivals. In simple terms we would like to tell that with the new XJ you will get a lot of value for your money. Even the base models of the XJ give you plenty of standard features, but as you move up the deal gets better. The Jaguar XJL Supersport has the capacity to meet or even surpass the performance of a Mercedes S63 AMG or BMW 760Li, but at the same time it costs around $20,000 less.


We admit the fact that choosing among the likes of Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series in addition to the Porsche Panamera and the Audi A8 is a tough nut to crack, because every model mentioned here comes with their own blend of style, value and dynamic substance. But, the 2012 Jaguar XJ has its own charisma and the customers understanding that will surely go for it.


What's New for 2012 Jaguar XJ?


For the model year 2012, the Jaguar XJ sees some personalized feature sets, like the XJ Supersport models comes with back-seat entertainment system as standard equipments (but the adaptative cruise control becomes an option), and the extended-wheelbase XJL Supersport now comes with a rear seat, which not only reclines, but also incorporates a massaging feature.


Body Styling and Features:


The 2012 Jaguar XJ comes in a single body style of full-scale 5-passenger sedans, which further are available in long-wheelbase (XJL) and regular (XJ) models.


The standard equipments for the base XJ includes the likes of 19 in wheels, a self-leveling and adjustable suspension, rear and front parking sensors, modifiable drive settings, automatic wipers, a rearview camera, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, automatic bi-xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a power trunk lid and keyless entry/ignition.


The cabin of the Jaguar XJ comprises of equipments such as a powered and heated tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated and heated power front seats (8-way passenger, 12-way driver, 4-way lumbar for both), heated rear seats, front seat memory functions and extensive leather upholstery.


The electronic features that comes standard in the car includes the complete digital LCD gauge cluster, a navigation system, a touchscreen interface, Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity, voice controls and a 14-speaker music system having a CD player, HD radio, satellite radio, an iPod interface and digital music storage.


Go for the Portfolio package and you will get added front seat adjustments having a massaging feature, 4-zone automatic climate control, ventilated and heated rear seats, a faux-suede headliner, extra leather trim and more color choices.


The standard equipments for the Jaguar XJL trim include all the features of Portfolio Package, and that's the reason why it's called the XJL Portfolio. Just as all the “L” models, the XJL also comes with extra rear seat legroom, manual rear side sunshades and rear vanity mirrors. The Executive Package for the car brings in rear flip-down trays, a power rear sunshade, chrome mirror covers, advanced floor mats and a wood-trimmed steering wheel.


The Supercharged XJ trim comes with an even powerful engine, 20 in wheels, special suspension tuning, automatic high beams (elective on XJL Portfolio and base XJ), adaptive headlights, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio system (a complete option on the XJL Portfolio  and XJ) and the power rear sunshade. The Supercharged XJL trims get all the normal “L” upgrades, but in addition get the back business trays as its standard equipments.


The Jaguar XJ Supersport comes with even more powerful supercharged engine, advanced leather upholstery, performance tires, a back-seat entertainment system (elective on all former trims) that lets in 2 headrest-bestrode screens and additional leather trim.


All the XJ models get an adaptive cruise control system and a heated windshield as optional. The adaptive cruise control system comprises of an advance emergency brake assist and forward collision alert. There also is a Sport Package, which later will be as optional on Jaguar XJ Supercharged and Jaguar XJ Supersport.


Under The Hood:


The power for the 2012 Jaguar XJ and 2012 Jaguar XJL Portfolio comes from a 5.0 ltr V8 engine generating maximum power of 385 bhp and 380 lbs-ft of maximum torque. Just as we've seen on all the other models of the XJ, a 6-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard here. In our performance testing a Jaguar XJL went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and considering the fact that the XJ is a tad lighter, we think that it will be even quicker. The estimated fuel economy for the model is of 16 mpg in city and 23 mpg on highways, which comes to a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg for their XJ, though the XJL delivers 1 mpg less over all.


The Supercharged models are also powered by the same 5.0 ltr V8 engines, but considering the fact that they are Supercharged, they generates maximum power of 470 bhp and 424 lbs-ft of maximum torque. In our performance testing the XJL Supercharged went from 0 to 60 mph in as fast as 4.5 seconds. The estimated fuel economy for this model is of 15mpg/17mpg/21mpg respectively for city, highways and combined.


The Supersport is powered by even more powerful V8 engine, which generates maximum power of 510 bhp and 461 lbs-ft of maximum torque. The estimated 0 to 60 mph sprint time for this model is of 4.7 seconds. The fuel economy for this model is expected to be around the fuel economy of the supercharged versions.


Safety Equipments:


The standard safety equipments for all the 2012 Jaguar XJ includes the likes of traction and stability control, antilock brakes, side curtain airbags, front side airbags, a blind spot warning system and active head restraints. The optional adaptive cruise control could get you boosted emergency brake assist and a forward collision alert system.


Verdict:


The 2012 Jaguar XJ is a stunning blend of noticeable styling and driving dynamics. The car also is a bit bargain.


Jaguar XJ (2012)



The original XJ was the last car designed by Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons and the latest car to wear the nameplate is as innovative, beautiful and desirable as its famous forebear.


Revolutionary, not evolutionary, the Jaguar XJ is truly a product of the 21st century and is the clearest indication yet of the singular sense of purpose behind Design Director Ian Callum's vision for the future of Jaguar.


The unique full-length panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with natural light allows the Jaguar XJ to offer an unrivalled sense of spaciousness and occasion for driver and passengers and at the same time retain the sleek coupé-like profile and lithe stance for which Jaguars are famous.


Lightweight Aluminium Architecture


The mould- breaking styling is matched by similarly impressive construction techniques pioneered by Jaguar. The lightweight aluminium structure - 50 percent of which is made from recycled materials - offers improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions. In conjunction with a lifecycle approach to design and manufacture this allows the Jaguar XJ to minimise its carbon footprint.


The weight saved by the use of aluminium - an average of 150kg compared to its rivals - also has benefits for performance and agility and is complemented by the most advanced, powerful and efficient Jaguar powertrains ever. The choice of engines has been enlarged for the 2012 range with the fitment of a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine (market specific). All engines are coupled to a shift-by-wire, six-speed automatic transmission controlled by the JaguarDrive Selector or steering wheel-mounted paddles.


Contemporary Cabin


The cabin of the Jaguar XJ blends elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing provides an eye-catching contrast to the beautifully-crafted leather and wood veneer surfaces. Both standard and long-wheelbase models are available, for an even more sumptuous and refined experience for rear seat passengers.


Advanced new technology has allowed Jaguar's interior designers to create an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a car cabin. Stunning 12.3-inch high-definition virtual instruments complement an innovative Dual-view 8-inch Touch-screen that allows the passenger to view DVD movies or TV programmes while the driver is provided with vehicle functions or satellite-navigation directions.


Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system that is comparable in audio quality to the best in-home entertainment. Advanced infotainment features also include hard-drive based audio and navigation systems and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.


2012 Enhancements


Subtle enhancements to the cabin are now available for the 2012 XJ range to allow greater personalisation and flexibility of use. A new Rear Comfort Pack offers seats that now feature electric adjustment of the backrest recline angle, four-way lumbar support and a massage function. Increased comfort is also provided by new winged headrests, footrests and the ability for the front passenger seat to be stowed away forwards when unoccupied to increase legroom even further.


On the long-wheelbase Portfolio derivative a new 'Executive Pack' transforms the rear of the Jaguar XJ into a high-speed mobile office space with the provision of fold-down laptop trays and an electric rear sunblind for increased privacy. The package also includes upgraded carpeting, combination wood and leather steering wheel, gloss wood veneer choices and chrome mirror housings.


Jaguar has always listened closely to customer feedback and in the case of the Jaguar XJ, this has led to a new interior colour combination. Available with the Premium Luxury and Portfolio trim levels the Jet/Ivory option features ivory seating with contrast jet stitching, piping and upper surfaces while the headlining is available in either colour, according to customer preference.


All Jaguar XJ variants are now available with an Illumination Package derived from that offered as standard on the Supersport model. This comprises illuminated treadplates, boot latch and front and rear air vents.


"An XJ should be the ultimate in comfort, design and refinement. The bespoke interior changes we have incorporated for the 2012 model make it an even more special car to drive or be driven in." Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars.

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