Fiat India Launches Grande Punto 90HP MULTIJET Hatchback

With high power comes the true driving experience. Keeping in mind this very thought, Fiat India today unveiled its latest offering in the premium hatchback segment: the Fiat Grande Punto 90HP MULTIJET. Armed with a 1.3 litre Multijet engine, powered by a Variable Geometry Turbocharger, the car will be India’s most powerful diesel hatchback.


Already setting the standard with its gorgeous looks and style, the Grande Punto 90 HP is poised to power through the competition and create a new benchmark for diesel hatchbacks in India. The Punto 90 HP MULTIJET’s engine will provide drivers with ‘class leading’ power of 93 PS and torque of 209 NM along with excellent drive dynamics – Ride, Handling, Braking and also superior fuel efficiency of 20km / l. The 1.3 litre Multijet engine, a validation of Fiat’s technological prowess, is also the only ‘locally produced’ Variable Geometry Diesel engine in this category.

To make the driving experience even more fun, the Grande Punto 90HP comes equipped with Dual Stage Airbags, ABS with EBD, Automatic Climate Control, Blue & Me technology, Integrated CD/MP3 player with USB, Alloy wheels with the widest tyres (in the category), Chrome plated door handles, swanky Red stitching on the seats, and a host of other exciting and new age features.

Customers will also have a choice of personalisation through a special accessory pack for the Punto 90 HP that includes a Rear Spoiler, Chrome Exhaust Tip, Stylish Body Decals, Sporty Aluminium Pedals, Leather Seat Covers & Punto branded Door Sill. This accessory pack shall provide discerning customers a ‘sporty feel’, along with the opportunity to stand out in the crowd.

The car will be priced at Rs 6.79 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Grande Punto 90 HP, delivering 93 PS of power, will be positioned within the ‘performance diesel’ segment and will compete with existing and future brands in this segment

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, President& CEO, Fiat India said. “The launch of the Grande Punto 90 HP MULTIJET is testament to Fiat’s commitment to innovation and consumer satisfaction. Through this new variant, discerning consumers will be given the perfect opportunity to enjoy both ‘high power’ and a ‘fun to drive’ experience. The Grande Punto 90HP MULTIJET will aim to consolidate our position within the ‘performance diesel’ segment which has been relatively untapped unto now. We are confident the Grande Punto 90 HP MULTIJET will mark a new chapter of power driving in the premium hatchback segment.”

The Grande Punto 90 HP MULTJET will be available in 5 electrifying colors: Bossa Nova White, Exotica Red, Medium Grey, Fox Trot Azure and Tuscan Wine. The car will be aggressively priced at:

GRANDE PUNTO 90 HP MULTIJET PRICE: Rs.679,000 Delhi (ex-showroom)

The Fiat Grande Punto, since its launch last year, has taken the market by storm with its beautiful design and impressive styling. With its design being attributed to Mr. Giorgetto Giugiaro – the ‘car designer of the century’, the car has won numerous accolades in the Indian auto sector, the latest being

• Car of the Year Award 2009 for Premium Hatchback - ET Zigwheels.
• Car with the Best Styling & Design by UTV Autocar Awards - 2010.
• The Most Beautiful Car of the year by BBC Top Gear -2009

The car’s sleek and aggressive looks have made many a head turn and many a jaw drop. With both critics and buyers taking dearly to this vehicle, the Grande Punto has made a sizeable mark in the Indian auto scenario. The new Grande Punto 90 HP MULTIJET along with the existing Fiat models are available through 175 TATA-FIAT dealers across 130 cities and can be booked from 18th July 2010 onwards.

Fiat now expands the Grande Punto range to 10 variants with a choice of 1.2 & 1.4 litre FIRE engines in Petrol and 1.3 litre MultiJet (76 HP) & (93 HP) engines in Diesel, thus offering ‘a Punto for everyone’.

With the promise of superior power and fuel efficiency, the Fiat Grande Punto 90HP MULTIJET is all set to light the Indian roads on fire thus assuring yet another significant step taken by Fiat in India

Courtesy: Fiat India Automobiles Ltd

Mercedes-Benz launches SLS AMG in India for Rs. 2.5 crores

Mercedes-Benz today launched its flagship super sports car for the Indian market: the SLS AMG. The statement from the global CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, Mr. Ola Kaellenius, encapsulated his aspirations for the product, “Today India joins the elite ranks of the first few RHD markets globally to launch this mean machine. Given the strong demand for this car, I assure you that it is really a very strong and positive statement and shows the esteem that India as a market holds for us.”

The SLS AMG has captivated people all across the world with its purist design, intelligent lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics. It is the first independently developed vehicle by AMG in its illustrious history spanning over 40 years. It not only takes AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, into a new era, but also demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order.

Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India commented: “The SLS AMG represents the true spirit of our brand- ‘The Best or Nothing’! It embodies passion, performance, design, technology and engineering excellence- values that make us one of the most exciting brands in the world, today.”

The innovative, puristic sports car design on the exterior complemented by the puristic , aviation inspired interior designs create a cutting edge , exclusive piece of art with superior driving dynamics due to the modified AMG 6.3 – litre V8 front mid-engine, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission , the AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and the light yet rigid aluminium space frame. With a solid body structure, AMG high- performance composite braking system, 3-stage ESP and other inventions this car exhilarates automotive enthusiasts while not compromising on the basic qualities of Mercedes: Quality, Safety, Reliability and Exclusiveness. The SLS AMG’s dry sump lubrication allows the car to do a 360 degree rotation while running showcased in the SLS Michael Schumacher film.

Additionally the SLS satisfies the desires of the most elite customers by offering a range of customization opportunities via the AMG Performance Studio.

The first Mercedes ever was a very successful race car, with the SLS AMG Mercedes-Benz AMG is leveraging its motor racing experience fully for customers and takes their driving experience to the next level!

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG also wins over the hearts in the F1 circuits where it is the Official F1™ Safety Car. This vehicle is deployed whenever hazardous situations such as accidents or bad weather endanger normal racing thereby ensure maximum safety in Formula 1 circuit. All Mercedes and AMG fans have been excited seeing the gullwing model together with the new Mercedes GP Petronas Team at the F1 circuits.

The SLS AMG was first presented in India during the Auto Expo 2010 at New Delhi. The response to the car from customers and aficionados in India has been overwhelming… just like in every other place in the world. Mercedes-Benz India has indicated about 10 confirmed bookings for this car received until June 2010.

Courtesy: Mercedes-Benz India

GM India launches Chevrolet Aveo CNG variant for Rs 6.31lakh

General Motors India today launched the CNG version of its Chevrolet Aveo mid-size sedan at a ceremony presided over by its President and Managing Director Mr. Karl Slym. The Aveo CNG is a bi-fuel vehicle with a full-size petrol tank that is one of the most environmentally friendly cars available in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Slym said, “The launch of the Aveo CNG is a testament to the importance that GM India attaches to green technology and environmentally friendly mobility solutions. Its running cost is approximately 57 percent lower than a similar vehicle powered by petrol and 25 percent lower than a similar vehicle powered by diesel. Because of the lower operating economics and the growing number of CNG stations being built across India, this new offering is expected to appeal to both individual and fleet customers. Under normal driving conditions, the Aveo CNG has a range of 180 to 200 kilometres on a full tank of CNG and is BS IV compliant.”

The Chevrolet Aveo CNG is equipped with next-generation computer-controlled CNG injection technology from Italy. In an industry first, all “critical to quality” CNG kit components are fitted at the factory – including the CNG injectors, selector switch, modified wiring and suspension – to ensure high-quality and trouble-free service. In addition, the body is reinforced to carry the additional mass of the cylinder. Sequential injection represents the most advanced level of evolution of CNG kit technology. The ECU (Electronic Controller Unit) calculates the opening times of the injectors for each cylinder and acts separately on each gas injector with the highest precision.

Aveo CNG Benefits include:
1. The sequential injection kit offers precise fuel delivery control through electronic injectors, ensuring efficient combustion.
2. The engine offers stable performance in CNG mode.
3. The Aveo has a CNG-compatible engine. Hardened valve seats and anodized pistons are used in the proven 1.4-litre VGIS (Variable Geometry Intake System) petrol engine. This ensures no engine damage or reliability issues in CNG mode.
4. Minimum service is required owing to the Aveo CNG’s advanced electronic operation.
5. The suspension has been reinforced to support the additional mass of the CNG cylinder in the trunk.

GM India engineers have done extensive testing and validation of the Aveo CNG. The Chevrolet Aveo CNG comes with a three-year/100,000-km standard warranty, which is an industry first in the mid-size sedan segment, and a service interval of 5,000 km or six months (whichever comes first). During the run of the Aveo in pure CNG mode will not impact the vehicle warranty.

It may be recalled that the Chevrolet Aveo finished first in its segment in the prestigious J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) two years in a row because of its class-leading quality attributes. It has also been rated best in class in terms of fuel economy by journalists across the country. In addition, the Aveo has won several awards since its introduction.

The Chevrolet Aveo is a global product that incorporates the latest technology and meets the highest standards of quality. It has been re-engineered for India based on extensive testing across the country to meet the specific needs of local customers, driving conditions and regulations. Its class-leading performance and long list of features make it an ideal city car. The Aveo is being sold in more than 140 countries around the world, including several European markets and the United States.

Courtesy: General Motors India