Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza – Indian car of the year 2017

The largest carmaker’s Vitara Brezza has been declared Indian Car of the Year 2017 by jury members (leading automobile experts) from famous publications. The Vitara Brezza was recognised the country’s best selling SUV as well as one of the top-selling cars in the country. It was launched in March 2016 in the utility vehicle segment and awarded ICOTY 2017 title in the short period.

Related: Maruti Baleno and S-Cross models get minor updates

Being a compact SUV, the model gets more sales in the current market and offers with exclusive safety features, outstanding fuel economy and attractive design. The Vitara Brezza is powered by the four-cylinder 1.3-litre DDiS engine that returns 90PS of power and 200Nm torque. It is offered with the single transmission of the 5-speed manual gearbox.

Currently, the compact SUV is available in diesel versions only and offered with the features, ABS with EBD, auto climate control, projector headlights, 7-inch smart play infotainment system, reverse parking camera, Apple CarPlay support and start/stop button.   

Related: 2017 Suzuki Swift Launched in Japan

Vitara Brezza is the special car designed and developed by Maruti Suzuki engineers. With its local design, the company has sold more than 60,000 units of compact SUVs in the country up to October 2016. Furthermore, the company has received 1.75lakh bookings and crossed 10,000 units sales for a month two times since its launch.

The company to launch Vitara Brezza petrol versions in the next year. Additionally, it will more probably offer with an automatic transmission. The new compact SUV gives the strongest competition to the Hyundai Creta, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV 300.

Maruti Baleno and S-Cross models get minor updates

The Indian largest carmaker has silently introduced the NEXA models, Maruti Baleno and S-Cross with the minor updates. There are no changes made in both model’s price. The Baleno gets the ISOFIX child seat points, which influences the model to protect with BNVSAP norms.

All versions of both cars get the safety features like ABS and EBD as standard features, seat belt pre-tensioner, reverse parking camera, LED DRLs with reverse parking sensors, as well. The Maruti S-Cross offers with the 16-inch gunmetal alloy rims.

Related: 2017 Suzuki Swift Launched in Japan

Baleno is the highest selling product in the hatchback segment in the current market and with the new features, it will get the highest range of sales. Maruti Suzuki has committed to introducing the Baleno RS performance based variant in the next two to three months. The Baleno RS is also to be sold via the premium outlets in the NEXA range.

The news regarding the S-Cross is emerging in the market that is the crossover to be offered in petrol versions. Besides, another news disclosed in the market is the company is working on the S-Cross facelift, which will introduce in 2017. Apart from these, the Indian carmaker silently offered the Nexa cars with the minor updates.

Related: New Suzuki’s Gujarat plant to manufacture 10k units of Maruti Baleno

In the Nexa network, another Maruti car Ignis will be added along with the Baleno and S-Cross. The Ignis has scheduled to launch on 13th January 2017 as per the fresh reports from Maruti Suzuki’s spokespersons.

2017 Suzuki Swift Launched in Japan

The 2017 Suzuki Swift (next-generation Maruti Swift) has launched in the Japanese market and the model will go on sale from 4thJanuary 2017. The company has tested the 2017 Swift for several times in the different places and finally unveiled it before at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.

Related: New Suzuki’s Gujarat plant to manufacture 10k units of Maruti Baleno

The global-specific Suzuki Swift gets the evolutionary redesign, design layouts and angular front fascia and rear fascia. With the new features, the fourth generation Swift model has a little more mature look compared to the previous generation models. The new Swift measures 3,840mm of length, 1,695mm of width, 1500 or 1525mm of height and 2450mm of wheelbase.

Being a new generation model, the Swift features the revamped interior with the flat-bottomed steering wheel, 3-spoke multifunction wheel, redesigned dashboard, HVAC vents, centre console, instrument panel, central tunnel, as well. Coming to the advanced features, the Swift comes with the new infotainment system included in the dashboard, Android Auto Smartphone and Apple CarPlay.

Related: Maruti Suzuki’s future models to get full hybrid system

The next-generation Swift to be featured the three powertrain options. It is powered by the four-cylinder 1.2-litre K12C petrol engine rated at 67PS of power and 118Nm of torque. It will also be offered in the mild-hybrid variant with the WA05A electric motor that produces 3.1PS of power and 50Nm of torque. The third engine is the three-cylinder, K10C 1.0-litre petrol one with the output of 102PS power and 150Nm torque.  

The Suzuki Swift will be offered with the standard transmissions of 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and an optional CVT. The 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol and 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol with mild-hybrid to get the four-wheel drive system, whereas the 1.0-litre petrol is offered only in the two-wheel drive system.

Related: 2017 Suzuki Swift unveils in Japan on December 27

The Suzuki Swift will most probably debut at the upcoming 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March 2017. The India-specific Maruti Swift will introduce in the next year, along with its sister next-gen Swift Dzire. Both next-generation Swift family models to be produced from the Suzuki’s new Gujarat plant that will officially start in February 2017.

Ashok Leyland showcases all tipper trucks in its ‘Tipper Mela’

The biggest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Ashok Leyland has inaugurated the Tipper Mela in Ranchi to showcase its all tipper trucks. The entire range of tipper trucks, starting from 4 cubic meters to 23 cubic meters capacity, displayed in Tipper Mela to show its robustness as well as high cost of ownership. First time, the company has initiated the biggest program “Tipper Mela” to exhibit its all tipper trucks at one place. Based on the model, the prices of tippers available in between Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 30 lakhs.

Related: Indian Auto Sales Analysis in November 2016

In the event of Tipper Mela, Suvendu Moitra, Vice President of Ashok Leyland (Marketing), said Ranchi is one of the richest in natural resources so that this region plays a vital role in our national growth. According to Indian conditions, Ashok Leyland tippers are made in India and featured with all the latest technology. All tippers are supported by the world class customers with the company’s brand facility.

Currently, Ashok Leyland has 24 percent market share and it is expected to become the biggest market leader by 2019.

Related: Ashok Leyland launches locally manufactured first electric bus

SIAM’s Commercial Vehicle Show:

Apart from this, SIAM is to conduct the commercial vehicle show (COMVECS) at India Expo Mart located in Greater Noida, UP, India in the next year. The commercial vehicle show is organised in the March first week (1-3 day) and will showcase trucks, buses, commercial vehicle systems, tubes, tires and accessories.

Moreover, the companies will exhibit all kinds of commercial vehicles, including school buses, ambulances, army vehicles, mining and industrial related vehicles, pick-up trucks, all kinds of trucks and city buses at the COMVECS 2017, which is the single platform to showcase commercial vehicles, according to SIAM.

Related: Passenger Vehicle sales to cross 3 million units in FY2017

The Indian commercial vehicle industry has developed as one of the important sectors in the world. India is the second and fifth highest in bus production and trucks production respectively. The government and the automakers together planned to introduce the electric and hybrid vehicles in the CV sector under the FAME scheme.

The objective of this show is to showcase the emerging technological developments and understand the requirements of different users in various segments. The commercial vehicle show is the right platform to the companies to directly interact with the customers as well as gather the prerequisites.

Maruti Suzuki Bookings Fall 20% in November 2016

Maruti Suzuki, country’s largest carmaker reported that its bookings declined by around 20 percent in the last month, compared to the same period of the previous year, due to the ban of high-value notes aimed to vanish black money in the country. But, the company said that it has an improvement in this month and the bookings have raised by seven percent compared to December 2015.

Related: Indian Auto Sales Analysis in November 2016

Not only Maruti Suzuki, the automakers in India have posted limited sales and bookings during the month due to demonetisation. With the Baleno hatchback and new compact SUV Vitara Brezza, the company gets positive sales in the last month. Besides, the carmaker plans to launch its new products, Maruti Ignis and the performance based variant, Baleno RS in the next year.

Maruti Suzuki has announced that the Ignis to be launched on 13th January, whereas the Baleno RS will most probably make its introduction in March 2016. Apart from this, the auto major has committed to invest around Rs. 3,800 crores for its new R&D centre at Rohtak, which will be equipped in the next three years. Initially, the company to invest Rs. 2000 crore for the state-of-the-art R&D centre in Haryana by 2019.

Related: Maruti Suzuki’s future models to get full hybrid system

The new Gujarat facility is the Suzuki’s fully owned manufacturing unit to be opened in February 2017. It will get around 10,000units production in the current financial year. The upcoming Ignis, Baleno RS and the next-generation models will be manufactured at the new facility.

Volkswagen introduces Beetle special edition in India

Volkswagen has launched the Beetle special edition in the Indian market, whereas the company has not disclosed the price details. The special edition will get the cosmetic upgrade and come to the Indian market via the VW dealerships soon. Being a German based carmaker, Volkswagen applies several cosmetic enhancements to the Beetle for the sporty appeal.

The styling updates of the Beetle special edition will add a more attractive look to the car. Under the accessory package of the Beetle special edition, the car covers the gunmetal 17-inch alloy wheels, Heritage Beetle side stripe, as well. The car also offers with the twin racing stripes in the form of decals on its bonnet and boot lid.

Related: Volkswagen plans to introduce the Golf GTI in India

Coming to the mechanical features, the Beetle continue the 4-cylinder 1,395cc TSI petrol engine that generates the power of 148bhp and torque of 250Nm. The special edition is available with the 7-speed automatic DSG gearbox.

The existing VW Beetle was launched in the Indian market in December 2015. The car comes with the single variant and available in four different colors, blue silk, tornado red, oryx white and habanero orange. In fact, the VW Beetle has fewer sales in the current market, while the special edition will help the carmaker to increase the sales.

Related: Volkswagen India to increase prices of all models by 3% from January 2017

The VW special edition will most probably cost little-bit higher than the current generation Beetle’s price of Rs. 30.97L (ex-showroom).

Indian Auto Sales Analysis in November 2016

The Government has banned the high-value currency notes to vanish black money in the country, which impacts indirectly sales of two-wheelers and commercial vehicles in the last month. Besides, the passenger vehicle manufacturers have managed to get the positive sales with the demanding products and new launches like Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza & Baleno, Toyota Fortuner & Innova, Hyundai Creta and Renault Kwid.  

Related: Top 10 Selling Passenger Cars in November 2016

The biggest PV manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki has reported 14.1% growth with the sales of 1,26,220 units in India , compared to 1,10,599 units in sales in November 2015. The mini car segment with the Alto and Wagon R raised by 8.2% in the last month. The demand for the utility vehicles, including S-Cross, Brezza, Ertiga and Gypsy, doubled and the compact car segment raised by 10.8% during the month.

Tata Motors and Toyota companies have reported 22% and 10% growth with the sales of 12,736 units and 11,309 units respectively in the last month. The utility vehicle major, Mahindra has declined 33% to 13,217 units in the last month from 19,662 units in November 2015.

Related: Upcoming Cars in India in 2017

The German brand, Volkswagen India reported 107% of highest sales growth in the Indian auto market with the new car and special edition launches. Volkswagen has sold 4,014 units in November 2016 and just 1942 units in the same month of an earlier year.

The commercial vehicle major, Ashok Leyland reported 7% growth in the last month with sales of 9,574 units, as against 8,971 units in November 2015. With the highest volumes of Renault Kwid, Renault India has reported 23% growth in the last month compared to year-ago month sales.

Related: Mahindra sales 22% down to 32,499 units in November 2016

Ford has sold 6,876 units and declined its sales to 21.6% in the last month, compared to year-ago month sales of 8,773 units.

Auto Manufacturers	November 2015 (Units)	November 2016 (Units)	% Change
Maruti Suzuki	110599	126220	14.1
Mahindra & Mahindra	19662	13217	-33
Volkswagen	1942	4014	107
Ashok Leyland	8971	9574	7
Tata Motors	10470	12736	22
Toyota	10278	11309	10
Renault	7819	9604	23
Ford	8773	6876	-21.6

Volkswagen plans to introduce the Golf GTI in India

Volkswagen is eagerly planning to bring the Golf GTI models to India after the launch of the Polo GTI in the last month.  The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the big brother of the Polo GTI, which is the performance based version of the existing Polo. To increase the product range as well as meet the Indian high market standards, the German maker has decided to introduce the Golf GTI in the country.

Related: Volkswagen India to increase prices of all models by 3% from January 2017

In the global market, Volkswagen has released more GTIs in the country, but the company is now looking for the Golf GTI only for the Indian market. One of the Golf models will most probably launch in 2018 or 2019. One more point noticed by the company, that is, whether the Golf will have a great response in the market or not. In fact, the feature-rich and global-standard cars meet utmost level in the country than the company’s expectations. Expecting that, the GTI will reach the maximum levels.

Related: Sixth generation Volkswagen Polo gets evolutionary exterior

The Golf is the most important product of the German car manufacturer and one of the best selling cars in the worldwide. There is no idea which version will come to India, however the upcoming model will definitely sit above the Indian range Volkswagen Polo and GTi models. Coming to the price, the Golf GTI will be too expensive for the standard Indian customers, even though the company will bring it for a better proposition.

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI is designed based on the updated MQB structure and powered by the 2.0-litre EA 288 TSI turbocharged petrol engine. The engine is rated at 230hp of power and mated to the 7-speed DSG transmission.

Related: Volkswagen launched Polo Crest, Vento Crest, Ameo Crest editions in India

Before the Golf GTI, Volkswagen has planning to introduce entry-level Volkswagen Tiguan in the SUV segment, which will launch in India in the next year. The Tiguan is the first SUV from the VW group and to be developed based on the new MQB. It will cost around Rs. 30lakhs in the PV market and compete the existing SUVs.

Maruti Suzuki’s future models to get full hybrid system

The Indian carmaker plans to increase the hybrid range in the country so that Maruti Suzuki has recently considered the full hybrid technology for its future cars. Ultimately, the motto of the company is to introduce the full hybrid vehicles in India. The local unit Maruti has been imported the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology from its parent company Suzuki and introduced in the Maruti Ciaz followed by the Maruti Ertiga.

Related: 2017 Suzuki Swift unveils in Japan on December 27

The mild hybrid Maruti cars have received more acceptance from the customers as of increased fuel-efficiency and the company has sold more than 1,00,000 units of such cars so far. By this observation as well as in order to meet the upcoming fuel efficiency norms, the Indian auto giant has decided to introduce the full range of hybrid cars in the market.

According to C.V. Raman, ED of Maruti Suzuki (R&D), the future cars will get a lot of hybridisation from the company to reach the future fuel efficiency norms. The SHVS technology has an encouraging response so that we will defiantly consider it for future models.

Related: Maruti Ignis to manufacture at Gurgaon plant

Currently, Maruti Suzuki is working on the full hybrid technology for the next generation people to understand the full hybrid. The company is now studying the possibility of mild-hybrid tech introduction in the 2017 Maruti Swift, which launches in mid-2017 in India.

There is no plan of adding the mild hybrid technology to the Ignis, which is scheduled to introduce in January 2017, according to Raman. No special reason specified for this, but it could be based on the current tax rate (excise duty) structure that is low for small cars with hybrid technology. As of now, the hybrid and small cars to get the 12.5 percent excise duty in the country.

Top 10 Selling Passenger Cars in November 2016

The Indian automobile industry is quite tough in the November month as the Indian automakers have registered the negative sales due to demonetisation. But, the Indian passenger market has less impact on sales. Auto experts said that the demonetisation has impacted the sales of all kinds of vehicles, especially two-wheelers, large SUVs and commercial vehicles.

SIAM has released the list of top ten selling PVs (passenger vehicles) for the November month. As per the report, the India car maker, Maruti Suzuki has registered the positive sales growth and occupied top five places in the list of top-10 selling cars.

Related: 2017 Suzuki Swift unveils in Japan on December 27

In November, the Maruti Alto is the top selling car and reported 6% growth with the sales of 23,320 units compared to the year-ago month sales of 21,995 units. The Maruti Wagon R and Swift occupied second and third places with the sales growth 11% and 23% respectively. Unfortunately, the Swift Dzire has declined 8% to 14,201units from 15,463 units.

Maruti Suzuki has sold around 11,093 units of Baleno models and it has occupied the fifth place for the first time in the last month. The Baleno has the highest sales growth of 22% in November 2016, compared to the sales in November 2015.

Related: Upcoming Cars in India in 2017

Additionally, Maruti Suzuki cars, Vitara Brezza and Celerio have occupied seventh and eight places in the list. The company sold 9,719units of Vitara Brezza cars in the country, whereas the Celerio reported 37% growth with the sales of 9,543units.

Hyundai cars, the Grand i10 and Elite i20 have declined to 14% and 11% respectively in the sales and occupied 6th and 9th places. Renault India has launched the Kwid in the small car segment in the last year and reported cumulative sales during the year. The Kwid car has sold 7,847units in the last month and reported 43% growth compared to the corresponding month sales.

Related: Maruti Baleno RS to introduce in February 2017

Models	Units Sold in November 2016	%Change
Maruti Suzuki Alto	23320	6%
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R	15566	11%
Maruti Suzuki Swift	14594	23%
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire	14201	-8%
Maruti Suzuki Baleno	11093	22%
Hyundai Grand i10	11059	-14%
Maruti Vitara Brezza	9719	NA
Maruti Suzuki Celerio	9543	37%
Hyundai Elite i20	8917	-11%
Renault Kwid	7847	-43%

2017 Suzuki Swift unveils in Japan on December 27

Based on the Japanese reports, Suzuki to unveil the next-generation Suzuki Swift in the Japanese market on December 2017. The 2017 Suzuki Swift or Maruti Swift to be revealed in the global market ahead of the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. In fact, the previous reports indicated that the new Swift is to be premiered in Japan in May 2017 after its debut at the upcoming Geneva show. But, the company is planning to launch in December to compete the Toyota Vitz, which will receive a facelift the coming month. With the new platform, the all new Swift will rival the Toyota Vitz facelift scheduled to launch on January 12, 2017.

Related: Maruti Ignis to manufacture at Gurgaon plant

The next-gen swift will get the micro hybrid system and transmission options of 2WD CVT, 4WD CVT and 5MT. It is to be offered in hybrid ML, XG and XL regular variants and eight different colors.

The 2017 Swift brochure has leaked and revealed the price details of variants. The regular variants to be priced in between 1,343,520 yen - 1,875,960 yen (Rs 7.76lakhs to Rs 10.84lakhs). All-new Swift RS variants priced between 1,594,080 yen to 1,800,360 yen, equal to Rs. 9.21lakhs to Rs. 10.40lakhs.

Related: 2017 Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire and Swift models spied

In the Indian market, the 2017 Maruti Swift will introduce in the festival season of 2017, whereas the next-generation Swift Dzire will most probably launch in May 2017.

Upcoming Cars in India in 2017

The Indian passenger car industry welcomes 2017 New Year with the variety list of upcoming cars from the different auto manufacturers. The top upcoming cars like Maruti Ignis, Maruti Baleno RS, Volkswagen Tiguan, Next-gen Hyundai Verna, Tata Hexa, Hyundai Grand i10 Sportz (CNG) and Volkswagen Passat have been scheduled to launch in the early months of 2017. Besides, some of the companies announced the launch dates, Maruti Ignis to launch on January 13 and the Baleno RS planned to introduce in February month.

Maruti Ignis:

Maruti Suzuki to be opened the E-bookings for the upcoming sub-4metre hatchback in the first week of January, while the model to be made its launch on 13th January.

Key features of Ignis:

• Small hatchback/crossover
• Available in petrol and diesel versions
• AGS support
• Affordable

The Ignis will rival the small car range models, especially Renault Kwid in terms of design, price and specifications.

Maruti Baleno RS:

The Baleno RS is the upcoming performance based hatchback that features three-cylinder Boosterjet engine introduced in the global-specific Baleno. The Nexa network to sell the Baleno RS in the country along with the Ignis, Baleno and S-Cross.

Volkswagen Tiguan:

The German carmaker has sincerely considered the Indian market for the last two years and launched the new models. The Volkswagen Tiguan is the premium SUV expected to be launched in the first half of 2016.

Next-gen Hyundai Verna:

Hyundai is seriously working on the next-gen Hyundai Verna that is scheduled for the next year and featured the bumper with angular fog lamps, projector lights and LED DRLs. Priced between Rs. 10 to Rs. 15 lakhs in ex-showrooms.

Tata Hexa:

With a muscular design template, the Tata Hexa will enter the Indian car market in January 2017. It is to be received the redesigned interior with the specially decorated cabin and exterior. The model equipped with the advanced safety features. Expecting price should be in the range of Rs. 12 to Rs. 18lakhs.

Maruti Ignis to manufacture at Gurgaon plant

Maruti’s upcoming small crossover, the Ignis to be manufactured at the company’s Gurgaon plant, as per Autocar India report. The small premium urban hatchback model is scheduled to launch on January 13, while the e-bookings to be started in the first week of January 2017. The Ignis concept car has been showcased by the Indian carmaker at the 2016 Auto Expo along with the Baleno RS, which will most probably launch in February 2017. The Baleno RS is the sportier version of the most popular premium hatchback, Baleno and previewed with the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine.

Related: Maruti Baleno RS to introduce in February 2017

Both cars, the Ignis sub-4metre hatchback and Baleno RS will be sold via the NEXA outlets like the Baleno and S-Cross crossover. The Maruti Celerio with auto gear shift (AGS) technology has welcomed market in India so that the Ignis will also be available with the AGS. The fresh reports recommended that the updated AGS will be offered on the diesel and petrol variants.

The Ignis to be fitted with the chrome inserted fog lamps, projector headlights, daytime running lights with LED indicators and black alloy wheels. The Ignis comes with the spacious interior available in ivory and black colors and also featured the Smartphone integration – Smartphone Linkage Display Audio (SLDA) System.

Related: Maruti Ignis crossover launch on January 13, 2017; teased on Nexa site

The small crossover is to be manufactured at the company’s Gurgaon plant, where the existing Vitara Brezza is currently under production. The entire production of the Baleno is shifted to Gujarat to decrease the pressure on the plants at Gurgaon and Manesar. Coming to the price details, the Ignis to be available at a slight premium price in the country.

Volkswagen India to increase prices of all models by 3% from January 2017

Volkswagen India is the German based auto (car) manufacturer plans to increase prices of all its models from January 2017. As per the latest news, prices of the VW India-specific models to be hiked by around 3 percent based on the model and version. The recently launched Volkswagen Ameo will also be affected by the price increment.

In the country, Volkswagen is available with the five products such as Polo, Vento, Jetta, Beetle and Ameo that is priced at Rs. 5.24lakhs. The existing Polo is also offered the high end variant of Polo GT in the country. The VW Beetle is one of the expensive products in the VW range and priced at Rs 27.83lakhs in ex-showroom of Delhi.  

Related: Sixth generation Volkswagen Polo gets evolutionary exterior

To increase the Polo range in the market, the company has launched the performance based version, VW Polo GTi that costs Rs. 26lakh in ex-showroom, Delhi. Additionally, Volkswagen has made its entry in the highly demanding subcompact sedan segment (sub-4metre sedan) with the Ameo. It has also introduced the Ameo Crest, Vento Crest and Polo Crest editions in the Indian passenger car market.

Moreover, the Volkswagen Tiguan and the next generation Passat models expected to be launched in the next year with the higher range of platforms and specifications. Volkswagen India is also working on the next generation Polo hatchback and Vento sedan models, which will get the new mechanical specifications, evolutionary designs and features.

Related: Volkswagen launched Polo Crest, Vento Crest, Ameo Crest editions in India

Along with VW, the other automakers like Tata Motors, Toyota, Hyundai India and Nissan also announced prices increment in the country. Toyota will increase the model’s prices by 3 percent from the coming January. Tata will hike prices by Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 25,000 based on the variant, whereas Nissan will increase prices by Rs. 30,000. Hyundai has already hiked prices of all model by up to Rs. 1lakh but the increment will be applicable starting the next month.