Nissan Micra - Price in India, Testdrive report and Review with Specifications

Nissan Micra is available with three variants XE (the base variant), XL (mid) and XV (the top end variant) which are priced in the range of Rs 3.98 lacs to Rs 5.28 lacs (ex showroom New Delhi). With this pricing, the Micra will go up against the new age 1.2-litre small hatchbacks in the Rs 4-lakh-bracket like the Hyundai i10, the Chevrolet Beat and the Maruti Suzuki Ritz.

Micra from Nissan will be manufactured simultaneously in many countries such as Thailand, India, China and Mexico. This model will be sold in 160 countries globally including the Indian Market. The Micra is based on Nissan’s new V (‘Versatility’) platform, which will be used as the basis of some more future models in the pipeline.

What you'll like:

• Cute styling, quality, well-designed interiors
• Driver airbag standard across the range (including base variant)
• Compliant ride quality. Suspension tuned for comfort
• Value add: Keyless entry & go, engine start / stop button, electric folding mirrors, climate control
• Best in class turning radius and fuel efficiency. ARAI = 18.06 kpl 
• Without the engine & transmission, the Micra is at an 87% localization level.
• Well-shaped boot. Capacity = 251 liters. Rear seat can fold away, but no 50:50 /60:40 split
• Lock the car and the mirrors fold in automatically. Convenient. IIRC, only the Hyundai i20 provides this feature amongst the hatchbacks.
  If you press the lock button, and one of the doors is accidentally left open, the Micra won’t give you a lock confirmation beep. Instead, she throws out a 3 second long warning beep.
  Standard warranty : 24 months / 50,000 kms. With extended warranty package, 48 months / 80,000 kms. 
• Fuel tank capacity = 41 liters.

What you won't like:

• Unknown after sales service and wafer thin dealer network and narrow reach across the country
• Unknown  maintenance costs and resale value
• Lack of rear seat neck restraints 
• Ordinary three-cylinder petrol engine, dull to drive.
• Missing under-thigh support from the rear seat 
• ORVMs are a size smaller
• Nissan's cost of ownership is yet to be known
• Boot release lever missing on the inside. Fuel lid release placed next to the bonnet lever to save costs.
• Before driving off, you need to press the “lock” switch on the driver’s control panel to lock all doors. Merely locking the driver’s door ( from where the door open handle is) will lock only that single door.

All Micra variants have been equipped with a driver side airbag, and this needs special care on passengers to wear seat belt. Hopefully, Nissan sets a trend that other manufacturers follow. Hope ABS too becomes a mandatory feature soon on Indian roads. In a segment dominated by Maruti, Tata & Hyundai, Nissan needs a differentiator. That’s why the driver airbag is standard.

Nissan sells the XV variant with dual airbags, ABS & EBD brakes, climate control, keyless entry & go, engine start / stop button, tilt-adjustable steering, 4 power windows, engine immobilizer, 4 speaker audio system with CD / MP3 / AUX compatibility, multi-information display (with real time + average fuel efficiency, and distance to empty reading), electric mirrors (adjust + fold in action) and rear wash / wipe. Alloy wheels are conspicuous by their absence on the top variant.

The base XE version is seriously basic, with no wheel covers, no tachometer, no parcel shelf, no music system, no power windows, no central locking, no ABS and no fog lamps. Even the seats are different - the front buckets have integrated headrests and the rear bench is not as contoured. The mid level XL comes with power windows front and rear, a music system, remote keyless entry and even includes a tachometer. The XV though, quite naturally comes loaded with goodies - intelligent key with push button ignition, fog lamps, climate control and electrically adjustable mirrors. It also has a front passenger airbag and ABS, EBD and brake assistance.

Fuel Efficiency and low weight are among the strengths of the V-platform and both these crucial factors are intrinsically linked. The key here is an all new light weight and fuel efficient three cylinder 1.2 litre engine which is tuned for drivability and low end torque to suit the Micra’s urban focus. A cleverly conceived engineering concept by Nissan, which has seen the car’s individual parts count reduced by 18 per cent. Despite its lightness, it does feel very well screwed together and tightly constructed.

Cabin is impressively spacious for the front passengers, especially for shoulder room. Under normal driving conditions, it’s refined and the three-cylinder engine is impressively smooth thanks to the clever counterweight fitted to the crank pulley. The tight 4.5m turning circle of Micra makes placing the car in tight situations very easy. The steering is light, but the driver can still sense the position of the front wheels.

Engine
It isn't as bad as it seems though, especially when you start the engine and get driving. Under the Micra's hood is a 1198cc three-cylinder petrol engine that has sound pedigree on paper - 76PS @ 6000rpm and 104Nm @ 4000rpm. Nissan has done a good job with tuning the engine and has matched it well with the 5 speed manual gearbox to make the Micra peppy and very driveable.

Specifications

• Engine: 1198cc, Petrol
• Configuration: Inline, 3-cylinders
• Power: 76PS @ 6,000rpm
• Torque: 104Nm @ 4000rpm
• Transmission: Five-speed manual
• Drive Wheels: Front
• Overall Length: 3,780mm
• Overall Width: 1,665mm
• Overall Height: 1,530mm
• Wheelbase: 2,450mm
• Kerb Weight: 895 - 930kg
• Tyres: 165/70 R14
• Boot Space: 226 litres
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 41 litres
• Turning Radius: 4.65m 

Verdict: Nissan Micra is meant as a city car , ideal for point to point drives. However, I had seen many Micras in NH47 on long commute. Micra is also positioned as a cool youth car and on second looks, more neat than GM Beat. Buy it for city drives!

Volkswagen Polo 2010 - Price in India & Compare the signature style, solid city car for you!

German auto major Volkswagen is the market leader in China and is eager to replicate its success in India. However they have launched the flopped Jetta in India at double the price and hopes to sell it with huge advertising blitzkrieg! However their marketing team, in my opinion will hopefully touch gold with the pricing of new Polo, a hugely successful volkswagen car in germany and europe!

See the details below and my verdict at the end.Also note that the german word volkswagen(meaning "people's car") is pronounced "folkswagen" in english.

Volkswagen has launched the New Polo in India, it was showcased at the Auto Expo 2010 but prices were not announced. It was first unvieled the all new 2009 Polo at the Geneva Auto Show '09. 

Engine Options of VW Polo
New Polo is available with three engine options:

1. New Polo 1.2 Petrol - 1198cc - 75 Bhp Power and 110 Nm Torque
2. New Polo 1.2 Diesel - 1199cc - 75 Bhp Power and 180 Nm Torque
3. New Polo 1.6 Petrol - 1598cc - 105 Bhp Power and 153 Nm Torque

Variants
You have the option of buying the Volkswagen Polo in highline, comfortline and trendline trims.

1. New Polo 1.2 petrol Trendline, Comfortline, Highline
2. New Polo 1.6 petrol Highline
3. New Polo 1.2 diesel Trendline, Comfortline, Highline

The top of the line Highline variant comes with Dual SRS Airbags, Alloys, ABS, Climate control, Leather Interiors, Rear washer/wiper & Parking sensors. The 1.6 Petrol is available only in Highline variant.

Features
The cars has some unique features that include storage compartment in front doors for 1.5 litre bottles, sunglass storage inside glove box, folding rear seat backrests and the two-tone dashboard. Polo also offers remote keyless central locking that includes remote window up/down on the highline, which is unique in the segment.

No other car in this class has such a mature and high-end image as the New Polo. It may not have the flair of the Grande Punto or the futuristic shape of the Jazz but it looks every bit a Volkswagen with its strong haunches and solid look. The typically Volkswagen grille and stunning headlights only add to the appeal. All in all New Polo looks awesome from almost all angles. The squarish tail lamps may not be very new in design but looks very good and suits the overall stance of Volkswagen Polo.Same is with headlamps which have a black outlining like we have seen in the Ford Fiesta. 

Volkswagen New Polo is the best in terms of looks and styling in comparison to other B+ segemnt cars which consists of Skoda Fabia, Honda Jazz, Ford Figo, Hyundai i20, Tata Indica Vista and Maruti Suzuki Ritz. Only Fiat Grande Punto is the car which looks better than the Volkswagen New Polo

Talking about the standard features - the tilt and telescopic steering, green-tinted heat-blocking glass, body coloured bumpers, halogen headlights and galvanised body with 6 years anti corrosion warranty.Right from the high-grade materials to the exquisite workmanship, the New Polo promises an optimal blend of design, comfort and functionality. The interiors are functional and offer a host of pockets to store various knick-knacks. The materials used are neat and the cabin generally offers an overall feel good factor. 

Safety
Comfort, quality and safety have all taken a considerable leap forward. Polo was specifically designed to attain the recently established, stricter and more comprehensive, 5-star EuroNCAP rating. The higher structural rigidity of the Polo’s bodyshell contributes to these results. In the footwell area alone, intrusion - related to the car body’s deformation strength in a frontal crash – was lowered by 50 percent! In the case of a side impact, the intrusion value was reduced by 20 percent. The New Polo is loaded with a wealth of advanced safety equipments, which makes every journey as safe as possible. A comprehensive airbag system for occupant protection, along with an ultra high-strength steel frame, makes for an indigenously structured passenger cell. Add to that, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) which provides individual wheel braking preferences. It’s all about sitting back and enjoying the drive with the reassurance of security.

Mileage
The Volkswagen Polo petrol offers a mileage of about 12 kmpl in the city and 16 kmpl on the highway

Resale value
Volkswagen announced an ambitious plan for india and going by that resale value should be good for VW Polo (and it should not go by the way of opel!) Anyway, except for Suzuki, rest of teh clan doesnot command any high resale value either! Fiats are obviously the lowest of the lot though!

Vehicle Summary

• Model: New Polo 1.2 Petrol High
• Car Body Type: Hatchback
• Segment:B+ Segment

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

• Displacement: 1198cc, 3 Cylinder
• Engine Type: Petrol
• Maximum Power: 75 Bhp @ 5400 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 110 Nm @ 3750 rpm

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS

• Seating Capacity: 5
• Tyre Size:185/60 R15
• Turning Circle: 4.97 mtrs.
• Steering: Power
• Brakes: Front Disk, Rear Drum
• Ground Clearance:168.00 mm
• Trip Meter:2
• Airbag: 2
• Gears: 5 Manual

DIMENSIONS

• Length: 3970 mm
• Width: 1682 mm
• Height: 1453 mm

The Volkswagen Car Configurator
Volkswagen Car Configurator, is an easy to use online tool which leads you in four steps to your favourite car. The car configurator intuitively helps you combine the desired car variant with your preferred choice of option / accessories, to address your needs perfectly.Checkout the simple Car Configurator

Interesting TV commercials/video you would like to see

• The Polo Safety and toughness (indian tv commercial)
• VW 2010 (europe - polo accessories video)

Price

The Volkswagen Polo is available on the road between Rs ~434,000(trendline) and Rs ~700,000(highline).

Waiting period
In the booming indian market as of May 2010, waiting period for Polo is around 5 to 6 months.Please note that it is around 3 months - 6 months for other top selling cars in this range like Suzuki Swift Dzire(maximum waiting period of say 6 months and best buy for value for money, service, space and resale), Hyundai i20 (korean make with top class features and low class engine with say 3 months). Readily available cars are Skoda fabia (Volkswagen owned czhech car, which is notorious for its service), Fiat punto(solid and great value for money car with good engine, but with  low class interiors and notorious resale).Toyoto Etios sedan, as I heard from the toyota showroom in Bangalore, will arrive in January 2010 in this range and already have thousands shown interest.Volkswagen Polo sedan is also expected to arrive India in last quarter of 2010.

Verdict
Compared to competition, polo has demerits like little lower backseat space inside, low power from 1.2 litre(engine is not the best in class where even the suzuki fares much better!). Driveability of Polo in city is fantastic, but in highways you would crave for more power as focus for Polo India is fuel efficiency! And what you get is a Solid, stable, safe, SIGNATURE STYLE car, high in image and self esteem primarily for use in city - there, it fares high on competition like swift dzire, hyundai i20, skoda fabia, fiat punto - you have a solid german car in hand! So, if these are high on mind, just go for Volkswagen highline model!

Toyota Corrolla Altis Test drive and Review

Toyota Corrolla is the world's largest selling car, as the company claims in its advertisements.

Due to the different positioning and luxury strings attached in different world markets, it makes different impressions to you, as the model you would have seen or experienced. In some places, it is positioned as entry level midsize stripped of any luxury features and interiors. And in some places fitted with commentable interiors and features, as a luxury midsize sedan. During my research, I had driven and seen lots of Corrola Altis as a popular and conventional beauty in Europe, China, Singapore and India.

When I bought the new Corrolla Altis in India, almost soon after its launch in late 2008, the numbers were yet to pickup on the streets. Now I see so many a day on the road in Bangalore, India.

The Altis is a massive improvement over the old Corolla as far as looks, interiors and comfort features are concerned.

Pros:

• Stylish and beautiful looks - conventional though
• Overall build quality and finish
• Comfortable drive and very comfortable driver seat positions
• Sturdy and reliable even in very high speeds.
• Ground clearance - best in it class
• Beautiful and ergonomic interiors - best in its class
• All disc brakes and safety features
• Toyota Brand Name, Spares, Service and Reliability 
• Good fuel economy for this class
• Fuel economy and usefully appealing meters
• Smooth gear transmission, though gear change could have more short and sporty
• Pleasure to drive
• Great service and low maintenance cost, in its class
• Excellent Resale Value, even after years

Cons: 

• no side air bags
• 4 speed AT(instead of a nice to have 5 speed AT)
• Lack of Parking sensor as standard equipment

Tips and Notes:

1. See the CNG version of Corrolla Altis:  Toyota Altis CNG
2.  toyotabharat.com Corrolla Altis 2010 features and specifications
3. Bangalore's best Toyota service centre: People say from experience it is Nandi Toyota. Heard some complaints about Ravindu on service, from friends. For this reason, I decided to buy from Nandi, though many ofmy friends got better deals and freebies from Ravindu. My frank advice is when you buy, you could simply go and buy from Nandi or Ravindu, depending on who gives you the best deal. However, it would be wise to stick with Nandi for service!

Other interesting cars, available at comparable price:

Before you make a buying decision, testdrive these interesting cars, available at similar price:

• Honda Civic (recommended testdrive)
• GM Cruze Diesel (avoid)
• Toyota Innova 2.5 V with ABS (recommended testdrive- different class altogether, but people do consider it) 

Verdict: Excellent Buy, if you look for a comfortable and reliable family car, with feel good interiors, good ground clearance for practical driving in Indian roads laden with humps and gutters, a car with great service, low maintenance cost, good fuel economy in its class and a good resale.