Skoda Auto India unveiled the Rapid Onyx at an ex-showroom price of Rs 9.75 lakh nationwide taking forward the ‘One Nation. One Price.’ philosophy. The Rapid Onyx will be available in two colour options, Lapiz Blue and Candy White, across all Skoda dealerships in the country.

The Rapid Onyx sports a modern crystalline appearance synonymous with the brand’s signature design language. The black facade of the Skoda Signature Grille is perfectly complemented by its chrome surround. It dons glossy black 16-inch clubber alloy wheels with identical bolt covers, glossy black exterior mirrors, glossy black decor on the B pillars, as well as black body side molding and trunk lip garnish.

The Rapid Onyx’s interiors features contrasting dual-tone Ebony-Sand interiors, featuring premium perforated beige with wood design leatherette upholstery. The Super Sport Flat Bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel comes with black stitching. There is abundant chrome decor which adds a premium touch.

The Skoda Rapid Onyx features ‘Drive’ – the state-of-the-art 6.5-inch Colour Touchscreen Central Infotainment System comes equipped with SmartLink technology which will help you control selected apps like navigation straight on the infotainment screen and ensure seamless connectivity with your smartphone to keep you connected on the go, while also supporting USB/Aux-in/Bluetooth options. All the installed applications are certified as safe for vehicles and are compatible with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The Climatronic technology along with adjustable dual rear AC vents, 12 V power socket in front and rear center console, black waste bin for the front door pocket, scuff plates with Rapid inscription and rear windscreen sunblind make the Rapid Onyx even more compelling.

In addition, considerate touches include features like the height and length adjustable multifunction steering wheel, adjustable headrests, foldable armrests,central locking system with remote control, multi-functional display, height adjustable driver and front passenger seats and storage pockets on the back of the front seats.

Standard safety and security equipment in the Rapid Onyx includes a wide range of features, such as the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), five three-point seat belts and two airbags. In addition, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) is available in AT diesel variant and Hill Hold Control (HHC) is available in both AT Petrol and AT Diesel variants. A host of supporting functions include an all new state of the art anti-theft alarm, Parktronic rear parking sensors, anti-glare rear view mirror, and one-touch bounce back technology for windows.

The Rapid Onyx will come with the 1.5L TDI diesel engine and the 1.6L MPI petrol engine from the Skoda Rapid model range. The 1.5 litre TDI produces 110 PS of power and a torque output of 250 Nm while delivering an ARAI-ratified fuel efficiency of 21.72 kmpl (DSG) and 21.13 kmpl (MT). The 1.6 litre MPI or Multi Point Injection engine is at the core of the Rapid Onyx’s petrol variant. It delivers 105 PS of power and a peak torque output of 153 Nm while delivering fuel efficiency figures of 15.41 kmpl (MT) and 14.84 kmpl (AT).

The Rapid Onyx boasts of a 460L boot space and other intelligent storage solutions with bottle holders in the doors, storage compartment under the front centre armrest and cup holders in the front as well as the rear.

Skoda announced its 4 year service care program which consists of a 4 year warranty program and a 4 year (24 x 7) Road Side Assistance which is standard on all Skodas. Additionally, customers have an option to purchase a 4 year service package at a nominal price which ensures a hassle-free ownership experience.

SKODA RAPID ONYX PRICE SUMMARY:

Post the successful ‘The Call of the Blue’ Chennai event, India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd. hosted its second on-ground brand engagement activity at Eco Park, Kolkata yesterday. The event featured multiple activities like organising test-rides of Yamaha recently launched motorcycles, showcase and sale of Yamaha accessories, display of Yamaha vintage motorcycles from the customers along with an evening that concluded with the live performance by the music band – M-Sonic. The aim of such events is to establish a sense of pride and belonging amongst the Yamaha owners and loyalists.

During the national announcement of the brand campaign, Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India group of companies had said, “Yamaha’s global corporate mission of realizing kando should be expressively achieved through all of its products or related experiences. Being a #CustomerFirst brand, it is our duty to create delightful experiences for customers that can enrich their lives in the long run. The launch of “The Call of the Blue” should convey Yamaha customers or any customer of two wheelers about the brand’s commitment to provide highly advanced technology as well as treasuring style through its two wheelers. The launch of new products under the campaign launch will offer exciting experiences put together by the Yamaha uniqueness.”

He further added on this occasion,“Yamaha is extremely convinced to put together a brand engagement event following a vibrant riding culture of Kolkata which is also a growing market for Yamaha. The excitement and style that is offered to Yamaha customers through such initiatives is only what counts for us as a ‘kando’ creating company.”

Nissan India today launched the Special Edition of its Sunny, refreshed with design elements and technology. The aesthetic of the Sunny Special Edition is defined by its refreshed stylish black roof wrap, new body decals and black wheel covers with new rear spoilers. Nissan’s flagship sedan, the Sunny is available in dealerships across the country at a starting price of Rs 6.99 lakh. The Sunny Special Edition will be available at Rs 8.48 lakh.

Underlining Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility vision, the Sunny Special Edition is equipped with the NissanConnect, an integrated connected car technology, with more than 50 features for security and convenience. The Limited Edition also has a built-in 6.2-inch touchscreen AVN with phone mirroring for enhanced infotainment.

Commenting on the launch of the stylish new edition of the Nissan Sunny, Hardeep Singh Brar, Director Sales, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd., “The Nissan Sunny is our flagship sedan and has enjoyed immense customer loyalty over the years. As a company that is always on the lookout for customer feedback, we are proud to present the Sunny Special Edition, an embodiment of this customer-centric product philosophy, smart technological upgrades and best-in-class spacious interiors that make it a perfect car for customers looking for a sophisticated driving experience.”

Features like geo-fencing, speed alert, curfew alert, nearby pit-stops, Locate My Car and Share My Car Location address the safety and car security concerns, along with the well-being of drivers. Keyless entry and push-stop-start via intelligent Key, and ‘Lead Me to Car’ which guides passengers to their cars, add a layer of convenience to the overall drive experience.

The Sunny Special Edition is available in two powertrains – 1.5-litre diesel and petrol engines. The petrol engine is paired with the performance-enhancing, globally popular X-Tronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), while the 1.5-litre diesel is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Dual airbags, speed-sensing door lock and driver seat belt reminder come as standard across all variants.

Jaguar’s supercar-rivalling XE SV Project 8 has confirmed its status as the world’s fastest four-door car by setting a new track record.

The 600PS, 200mph four-door road-legal sedan lapped the 2.238-mile WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in 1min 37.54sec – almost a second faster than the previous production sedan record – with racing driver Randy Pobst at the wheel.

The most extreme Jaguar yet produced, XE SV Project 8 is a sedan with genuine supercar performance. Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations engineers fine-tuned the car on some of the world’s most thrilling test tracks, including Germany’s famed Nurburgring Nordschleife. Late last year XE SV Project 8 lapped the 12.9-mile circuit in a record 7min 21.23sec.

Michael van der Sande, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations Managing Director, said: “This Laguna Seca lap record is another powerful demonstration of the Jaguar XE SV Project 8’s performance credentials. Designed, engineered and hand-assembled by Special Vehicle Operations, this record-breaking sedan is made for the world’s most demanding driving enthusiasts.”

Project 8 is the ultimate expression of Jaguar’s XE sports sedan. While based on XE’s lightweight aluminium-intensive monocoque, each of the 300 hand-built Project 8 cars are modified at the SV Technical Centre in Coventry to accommodate the specially tuned, supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine and a bespoke rear differential.

Unlike most high-performance production sedans, the all-wheel-drive XE SV Project 8 is studded with genuine motor racing technology such as F1-style ceramic wheel bearings, adjustable ride height and adjustable camber.

The front and rear fenders are bespoke to accommodate larger, wider, wheels which are necessitated by the larger brakes. The V8’s power is routed through all four Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres through an eight-speed Quickshift automatic ZF transmission, helping to propel the car from 0-60 mph in 3.3sec and an electronically limited top speed of 200mph.

In order to achieve this performance, the car receives significant aerodynamic and suspension upgrades, including a ‘Track’ mode for maximum downforce and further improvements to the damping, throttle and steering response.

Project 8 is available in two specifications. The standard four-seat model features Jaguar’s latest front Performance seats with magnesium frames, plus a more heavily contoured rear squab to maximise support. The optional two-seat Track Pack includes lightweight front carbon fibre racing seats with four-point harnesses fixed to a harness retention hoop in place of the rear seat.

With development of Aston Martin’s first all-electric production car – the Rapide E – progressing apace, the luxury British marque has confirmed a raft of technical details for the strictly limited 155-unit special edition.

Working closely with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) as its development partner, Aston Martin has utilised the hugely successful leader in Electric Vehicle (EV) technology to kickstart a new era for Aston Martin’s powertrain technology and overcome the technical challenges associated with packaging the battery system and motors within the space available.

Throughout the development process, the engineering team have focused on achieving effective cooling of the batteries and motor to ensure consistent performance, while strict weight targets have been stringently observed using lightweight alloys and carbon composite materials.

Rapide E will be powered by an 800V battery electrical architecture with 65kWh installed capacity using over 5600 lithium ion 18650 format cylindrical cells. These are mounted in a bespoke battery pack where the original 6.0-litre V12, its gearbox and fuel tank were located. This battery system powers two rear mounted electric motors producing a combined target output of just over 610PS and a colossal 950Nm of torque.

Rapide E’s range target is over 200 miles under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), while the model is capable of charging at a rate of 1851,2 miles of range per hour using a typical 400V 50kW charger. However, the car’s 800V high-voltage battery system enables faster charging of 3101,2 miles of range per hour, using an 800V outlet delivering 100kW or higher.

Being an Aston Martin, the Rapide E is being developed with a high-performance objective. Projected top speed for the Rapide E is 155mph, with a sub-4.0sec 0-60mph time and a 50-70mph time of just 1.5sec. It’s important to stress that these figures are not restricted to a narrow window only when the batteries are fully-charged. Instead the target is for maximum performance on-demand throughout majority of the battery state of charge window, as would be expected from a conventional internal combustion-engined car. This includes the ability to drive a full lap of the Nurburgring with absolutely no derating of the battery and the ability to cope with the daily demands of repeated hard acceleration and braking.

The car’s exterior and underbody has also been aerodynamically optimised and complemented with newly-designed aerodynamic wheels. Shod with Pirelli P Zero, Rapide E’s bespoke tyres aim to deliver a lower rolling-resistance and reduced cavity noise, while still delivering superior dynamic capability. Rapide E aims to achieve higher levels of aerodynamic, frictional loss and cooling performance over the standard Rapide S.

It has also been an objective of the project to retain and enhance the feel, character and delivery of the V12-engined Rapide S. To this end, careful attention will be paid to the development and tuning of both the electric powertrain and the chassis, with particular focus applied to software integration. The rear-wheel drive Rapide E’s twin electric motors will drive through a Limited-Slip Differential, which combined with revised spring and damper rates ensures the pure handling characteristics for which the petrol-powered Rapide S is already renowned.

Though the Rapide E will be built in low volumes, it is being subjected to Aston Martin’s stringent and exhaustive testing protocols, with the dedicated WAE team working closely alongside Aston Martin personnel to ensure every aspect of the prototype test programme follows the marque’s established procedures. Uniquely, customers will be an extended part of the ongoing Rapide E programme, with their comments and driving experiences providing an invaluable stream of feedback that will help shape and improve future Aston Martin EVs.

In addition to WAE, the Rapide E programme enjoys the support of other technical partners including Hyperbat Limited – a new joint venture company between Williams Advanced Engineering and Unipart Manufacturing Group – as the battery manufacturer, Integral Powertrain for the electric motors, Xtrac for the transmission and the H1PERBAT project consortium with grant funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre.

Speaking of the Rapide E programme, Andy Palmer, CEO Aston Martin, commented: “Environmental responsibility and sustainability is a global challenge faced by us all. As a career automotive engineer, I’m proud that the car industry is leading the way in finding long-term solutions and reducing harmful emissions. As Aston Martin’s CEO, I take particular satisfaction working with Williams Advanced Engineering and our other associated technology partners to bring Rapide E to reality. As our first all-electric production model, Rapide E will fast-track our knowledge and help us ensure the character and high-performance capabilities of our future EV models and enhance the unique qualities found in all Aston Martins as we know them today. Rapide E will also serve as a critical step on our path to re-launching Lagonda as the world’s first zero-emission luxury marque”.

Rapide E will be built at the upcoming St. Athan production facility, announced as the future ‘Home of Electrification’ for both the Aston Martin and Lagonda brands. Aston Martin is accepting expressions of interest via its global dealership network, with pricing available on application.

Customer deliveries are set for Q4 2019.

Japanese car manufacturer Nissan has revealed the first sketches of the India model of the all-new Nissan Kicks which showcases the evocative flow of its robust exteriors. With a bold and dynamic design, the new Kicks stands to offer what India’s new consumer wants – agile movement on urban roads with the freedom to explore new terrains. Nissan Kicks’ progressive SUV exterior is engaging and provocative. The new V-motion grille, a signature motif in Nissan’s new global design language further adds to Kicks’ distinctive presence.

Nissan, is all set to introduce the Kicks into the market with design language and features that are intrinsic to SUV enthusiasts in India. A testimony to the company’s rich SUV heritage, the India version of the Kicks is bigger, more evolved, more intelligent and caters to the brand’s core audience, who are adventurous, look for bold and intelligent choices in life.

In India, Nissan’s tryst with the SUV began with Nissan Jonga. The iconic Nissan Jonga had been serving the Indian Army for 1965 to 1999 and went on to acquire an iconic status due to its inherent ruggedness, sheer power and all-terrain capabilities. Decades later, Nissan still continues its spirit of relentless innovation in the SUV segment, introducing iconic nameplates like Patrol, Terra, Pathfinder, Armada, X-Trail, Terrano, Juke and Kicks across more than 100 markets.

Indian auto major Mahindra has launched its new MPV, the Marazzo in India with prices starting at Rs 9.99 lakh. The Mahindra Marazzo will be available in four variants M2, M4, M6 and M8. The M2 is priced at Rs 9.99 lakh, the M4 at Rs 10.95 lakh, while the M6 and M8 will bear a price tag of Rs 12.40 lakh and 13.90 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom pan-India) respectively. All variants will be available in 7-seater and 8-seater configurations, with the 8-seater commanding a premium of Rs 5,000. The Mahindra Marazzo is powered by a new 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 121PS of maximum power and 300Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that drives the front wheels.

According to Mahindra, the styling of the Marazzo has been inspired from a shark and comes with a ladder frame chassis setup. The cabin boasts of features like a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 4.2-inch TFT display for the instrument cluster and a roof-mounted surround cooling air conditioning system for second and third rows. Other convenience features like rear seat entertainment and electrically adjustable captain seats are part of the interior accessories package designed by DC are optional extra.

Mahindra Marazzo MPV comes equipped with safety features like dual front airbags, a passenger airbag off-switch, a speed sensitive door lock/unlock feature, ABS with EBD and brake assist and Isofix child seat mounts as standard equipment on all variants.

The top-end M8 trim features 17-inch machined alloy wheels, LED daytime running lamps, leatherette seating upholstery, dual USB sockets for front and rear passengers, puddle lamps, cooled glove box with illumination, infotainment system with Android Auto compatibility, cruise control, reverse camera with display, automatic climate control and power folding and adjustable wing mirrors.

Renault Nissan Automotive Private Limited (RNAIPL) Plant in Oragadam

Nissan has announced its strategy for India that will see the company launch new products, strengthen the Nissan and Datsun brands, expand its dealership network, optimise flexible manufacturing and strengthen R&D facilities together with its Alliance partners in the country.

Under the strategy for India market Nissan aims to:

1. Launch a product offensive

• Bring the best of Nissan’s worldwide lineup to India, building on Nissan’s technological leadership in electrification and connected cars
• Build a strong line up for Datsun in India representing the best of Japanese engineering

2. Enhance both the Nissan and Datsun brands

• Reinforce Nissan as premium mainstream brand with wide appeal, building on Nissan’s SUV heritage and leading performance globally, starting with the Nissan Kicks
• Focus the Datsun brand on progressive mobility, with products offering high value to customers equipped with connected technologies

3. Strengthen network and teams

• Double its sales and service touch points and strengthen dealership network in the next three years, from 270 today
• Expand regional marketing and sales operations teams to four key regions across India
• Further develop the Nissan design centre in Chennai to ensure cars meet the rapidly changing expectations of Indian customers

4. Lead with Digitisation

• Hire 500 employees in FY 2018 at Nissan’s first Global Digital Hub in Kerala, with further expansion plans. Nissan Digital Hub will focus on innovations in mobility to enhance Nissan’s products worldwide and in India
• Improve customer service and satisfaction, and expand access to Nissan’s products and services, through digitisation and eCommerce

Peyman Kargar, Senior Vice President of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd, Chairman- Africa, Middle East, and India

“Nissan is committed to India and has built the foundations to succeed.” said Peyman Kargar, Senior Vice President of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd, Chairman- Africa, Middle East, and India. “Our strategy will strengthen both our brands for our customers across India. The Nissan brand will bring the best of global Nissan products and technology to our customers in India, starting with the Nissan Kicks. For Datsun, we aim to offer compelling products across segments offering value, connectivity and Japanese engineering.”

Since 2010, Alliance has invested Rs 61 billion in India and will continue to focus on the Indian market to further develop its engineering, research and development and manufacturing operations in India.

The Alliance is already India’s largest automotive research and development employer through the Renault Nissan Technology Business Centre for India in Chennai. Further, the Alliance’s plant in Chennai is a global manufacturing hub exporting to 106 countries.

Aerial view of Renault Nissan Automotive Private Limited (RNAIPL) Plant in Oragadam

The continued commitment to the Indian market will be driven by a three-part plan focused on people, processes and product innovation:

1. People

— Optimise opportunities for transfers and advancement between manufacturing, R&D and other operations for all employees

– Train plant workforce to prepare for the increased demands of manufacturing next-generation cars; 10% of employees to be trained in the first year

– Reinforce flexibility of manufacturing through career mobility between Alliance organisations, recruitment of people with future-technology skills and, in areas where there is a surplus of skills today, offering a voluntary option of financial support for plant employees who wish to pursue opportunities elsewhere

2. Processes
– Reduce complexity through greater use of common platforms as part of the Alliance 2022 goal for 9 million cars per year globally to be based on four common platforms by 2022
– Substantially increase plant utilization enabling greater efficiency

3. Product innovations
– Harness opportunities in India from our global leadership in electrification, connected cars
– Further enhance India as a global hub for innovation, and continue to build capacity to develop products to meet the expectations of Indian customers.
– Hire 1,000 more engineers at RNTBCI to further enhance the Alliance’s number one position in R&D in India

“In the coming years in India, we will grow and our workforce will shift towards highly skilled jobs to lead the technological changes coming to the auto industry in India,” said Peyman Kargar. “Our aim is to ensure our operations in India are best in class, and that India becomes an even more significant global hub for Nissan and the Alliance in manufacturing, engineering and research and development. Our strategy in India is to invest in talent and people.”

To celebrate the spirit of festive season, Datsun India has announced the launch of the stylish redi-GO Limited Edition’ 2018 across two variants and is priced at Rs 3.58 lakhs for the 0.8L MT version and Rs 3.85 lakhs for 1.0L MT version. The Datsun redi-GO Limited Edition’ 2018 will be available in three colours – white, silver and red at all Nissan and Datsun dealerships in India.

The Limited Edition’ 2018 Datsun redi-GO comes with restyled exteriors which includes roof wrap, stylish body graphics and front-rear bumper under-covers. In addition, features such as the front signature red insert on grill and rear tailgate graphics enhance the sporty looks. The refreshing interiors of the car carry red and black leather upholstery seats with accents on AC vents, Rear Parking Assist Sensor (RPAS) with distance display device, satin chrome gear bezel, chrome inside door handles and carpet mats.

Peter Clissold, Vice President – Marketing at Nissan Motors India Pvt. Ltd. said, “This festive season, Datsun wants to make the celebration more special by delighting customers with the powerful and vibrant redi-GO Limited Edition. The refreshing design along with power packed performance is a testimony of our commitment towards customers to offer progressive mobility solutions.”

India had been at war since its independence in 1947 and most of the disturbance occurred along the Himalayan ranges. A young country, trying to put its pieces together was fighting an existential war. The Indian Army needed a vehicle that was not only strong enough to face the elements of nature at high altitudes but could also survive the violent conditions of the ‘ground zero’.

At the same time, Japanese auto major Nissan was earning its name as an SUV maker. After the success of its first-generation Patrol SUVs, Nissan had recently launched the second generation 4W60. The Indian Army was interested in P60 vehicles to serve at the toughest war zones on the planet. The two entities came together, and Vehicle Factory Jabalpur was sanctioned in 1965 to customize P60. The Japanese SUV maker started the production from Jabalpur Ordinance and Guncarriage Assembly from which it derives the acronym JONGA. Nissan JONGA ran on a 4-litre, inline petrol engine with 6 cylinders that gave an approximate power of 145 bp and 330 Nm of peak torque. It was often referred to as a bulletproof engine, as it was built for rugged and harsh conditions. The 4×4 quickly gained its name among army men. Its brute force and confident infusing structure and design came handy during wartime.

JONGA was modified to suit several military requirements- ambulance, signal vehicle/rovers and recovery vehicles. It was very successful on the mountainous terrains, and the Indian Army participated in several expeditions and rallies with the vehicle. It was part of one of the most enterprising ‘surgical strikes’ undertaken by India during the 1971 war. Para Commandos used to travel on JONGAs, modified to hold guns and other supplies. India went on to be victorious in the 1971 war and helping Bangladesh in its liberation.

In 2009, the JONGA again made headlines in local newspapers in Madhya Pradesh, for the last 500-km celebratory drive from Mhow cantonment area to Jabalpur. The army may not be using JONGAs officially anymore but war veterans who have spent weeks and months with the vehicle still remember it fondly as ‘the Rhinoceros’ for its ability to charge towards its destination like a warrior on wheels. The love that bloomed in the most treacherous of situations is still alive. Many army men and their SUV enthusiasts across India still own these war heroes.

The JONGA has found its place in many articles of pop-culture, for example cinema and wartime literature. While next generation JONGA owners modify the vehicle with big off-road tyres, paint it in vibrant colours and glittering accessories. On the other hand, more conservative owners like to keep it as original as possible. One thing common to the two groups is that they cherish the stories that they have created together.