Volkswagen is teaching a new lesson on “What it takes to be a world leader” to all the automobile manufacturers. They led the development of European market, have been doing great job in China and now they don’t want to miss the Indian Growth story. Products like Phaeton, Touareg and Beetle will boost the aspiration level of owning a VW brand, while products like Polo, Vento and Jetta will ensure that VW is a big volume player in India. And what about German Engineering? They chose Passat to showcase the muscles of German Engineering.
I must say that VW actions are totally aligned to their vision to become Numero Uno by 2017~18.
Like everyone I was amazed by the advertisements of Volkswagen Passat so thought of reviewing the car. I drove the New Volkswagen Passat and was flabbergasted by the features. Here is the test drive review of the new Volkswagen Passat Bluemotion.
Looking at the exteriors, Passat hasn’t changed much. The major changes that I could spot were headlamps, Rear lights and new chrome front grill.
Headlamps are Bi-Xenon with oodles of chrome (Indians love it!). LED lights add upper-class touch to the headlamps. Two sets of lights below - one act as the fog light while the other acts as cornering light. When one takes a turn at a speed of 10 Kmph or less the requisite side fog lamp glows to give more visibility. At higher speed instead of side fog lamps, headlamps turn to give better visibility to the driver. And to top it all, the driver can also wash the headlamps incase he is facing any trouble after driving in mud. Now that’s what is known as German engineering.
Next feature that I noted was Outside Rear View mirror. Setting the outside rear view mirror is always a time consuming task. In Passat one save the required settings and select any of the saved setting anytime. In case of foggy weather these mirrors can be heated to get a clear view and in night the mirror will automatically adjust itself to give a dimmed view to the customer. Ah!!! Another example of German Engineering.
The car is equipped with Low rolling resistance Pirelli tyres which promise positive impact on improving fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Overall the car has elegant looks with excellent build quality. The subtle use of chrome adds subdued charm to the car.
Interiors of the car are quite impressive. Luxury is redefined by Napa Leather upholstery (for common man- Napa Leather is best form of leather). Both driver and co-driver seats are 12 way electrically adjustable seats. Air-cooled seats will provide chill to back and thighs in hot Indian summers and in winters same can provide warmth. It is needless to say that seats provide full support to thighs and back.
I was totally impressed by the ambient lighting. VW has used unconventional lighting to highlight its centre console. Red lights are projected on silver centre console giving perfect classy look. White lights behind the wooden garnish on the doors also add perfection to interior lighting.
An analog clock in the centre of dashboard gives “Retro Look” to quite modern and good looking interiors.
The only negative point I spotted was high tunnel height at rear. VW has to do something on this issue or else should brand their cars for four passengers..
The driving experience was amazing as well. The throttle pedal is hinged at floor making it more comfortable to operate. It is made more responsive by the amazing power of the engine. VW brought its most powerful 2.0 Litre engine for Passat. The engine delivers 170 hp power and 350 NM torque which is more as compared to Superb. (same engine family member is in superb as well). 3 digit figure was touched with ease and the maximum that I could touch was 200 kmph and after that I slowed down to reduce my heart beats. The car is equipped with 6 speed Dual Clutch transmission which gives smooth drive across all speed changes. VW has made the feature of cruise control much more usable for the customers.
German engineering has provided many features like Start-Stop, Hill Hold, ABS off, reverse parking sensors to enhance the driving experience.
Reversing the car was experience in itself. A camera is hidden behind the VW logo (just like Bond car). Reverse park assist made me feel as if Ghost was parking my car. After engaging the park assist I just relaxed and tasks like finding parking place and parking in tight location were done by car.
Normally start-stop system that is available in India is in very crude form. One has to press the clutch for 2~3 seconds to restart the vehicle. But this new Passat will start as soon as you release the brake pedal. The car won’t switch off if the battery usage is more than 60%. It just ensures that car will not switch off if there is a requirement of AC.
Normally an AT car will start moving after shifting the gear pedal to drive mode, but this Passat will wait for throttle input to move. It is yet another step to improve driver comfort.
ABS off feature will not stop sporty mood of the driver and henceforth he can try some drifting as well.
I was totally impressed by the German Engineering.
The ride and handling is better as compared to earlier Passat. It is quite good and the vehicle will not loose line on high speed turns. Generally bigger luxury cars are not this stable. Thus there was another reason for me to get impressed.
Ah I guess I wrote entirely about features and am sure that I have missed few. For sure this is a Vehicle of future and is likely to become an extension of the drawing room. It will give all the comfort and convenience and excellent driving pleasure as well. I strongly propose a Test drive to all my readers.
Why Buy: Features, Build quality, excellent NVH, Engine performance
Why Deny: Rear Tunnel, more of self driven car (at this price Indians look towards chauffer driven car)
Showing posts with label Luxury Sedan Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luxury Sedan Review. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Maruti Suzuki Kizashi
A German Auto Analyst whom I met described Indian Auto Industry as most potent giant which is growing @ 14% annual growth rate. This huge auto market has been ruled by Maruti Suzuki for past two decades now. Maruti Suzuki conquers approximately 50% of the car market and it still managed to grow by 30% in 2010. This description by a German forced me think on Maruti’s performance in future. How long the market leader can sustain the 50% market share by making small hatches? When will they expand product portfolio by adding SUVs or Luxury sedans?
When bloggers like me were wondering over these questions, Engineers at Suzuki were working on something great. Engineers were instructed to craft a best machine where money was not a constraint. They worked hard and the result is out too.
Today Market leader announced “Something great is coming”. Maruti launched Kizashi (I am not sneezing….. It is pronounced as kee—zah—shee, meaning “Sign of good things to come” in Japanese.
Kizashi might not be an eye-turner on roads as far as exterior looks are concerned, but the build quality is very impressive. The front sports a large grille with a honeycomb mesh done up in a gun metal finish, the rear houses a neat inbuilt spoiler on the trunk lid and very neat triangle shaped dual exhaust holes. The neat lines give the car a nice wide sporty stance and the rear gels with the entire package well. The alloys gave a feeling of another BMW on road. To summarize, Kizashi has all styling elements present in a decent way. Henceforth, Kizashi can satisfy the needs of Niche people and create appeal in masses at the same time. The only disappointing news is that it will only be available in three colors (Black, white and silver) {I feel these three are the best colors for the car like this}
“Elegant” is the only word to describe the interiors of Kizashi. Rich Beige color hints towards the luxury offered by the car and perforated leather upholstery adds stars to this luxury. Utility Boxes in centre console and rear arm rest will open elegantly by a gentle push. 3D instrument cluster do the detailing job is a good way. Centre console comes down like a waterfall and it looks good too.
It will be tough time for people who always claim that in order to offer competitive prices. It comes with a neat in-car entertainment system, quality speakers, automatic climate control that is split for the front passenger and driver and it has rear air conditioning vents as well. In terms of features it overshadows the Honda Accord. Electrically adjustable seat with memory setting is offered to the driver and for Co-driver electric seats are introduced for the first time in this segment. It is needless to say that the seats are very comfortable.
Powering the Kizashi is a 2.4 liter petrol engine. It is J-Series (J24B) power plant from Suzuki which is capable of churning out 178PS at 6,500 rpm and generates 230Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is mated with 6-speed manual transmission. CVT option is also available. If one opts for the manual version the Kizashi is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in under 8 seconds. The engine was more powerful than me, as I lost my courage at 200 kmph. I was totally enthralled by the performance of the vehicle. Despite the large engine and the rocket like capability that this car possesses, it also answers to the Indian customers in terms of mileage. Fuel Efficiency of 12.5kmpl is quite good for a car in this segment
What I noticed about the Kizashi was its ability to take corners at a faster pace. This is a car that handles extremely well, holds its line without discomforting the passengers and at the same time it is a car that is capable of offering a great ride quality as well. Flat cornering, comfortable city ride, a very quiet cabin and yet responsive, nimble handling are all combined in the Kizashi. Suzuki says it’s because the chassis was designed first for stiffness, then added to for quietness, while the suspension was tuned to be as accommodating as possible while still preserving handling. However they got there, the end result is impressive, both on the street and on the track.
After analyzing the car, I could only say that “Nobody understands India like MSIL does and it shows in the tuning, features and set up of this product”. There is no doubt that Kizashi is a good product, but whether market will accept the fact that MSIL can make luxury cars or not has to be evaluated after seeing the market response.
Why Buy: Ride and Handling, Build Quality, Engine performance
Why Deny: Expensive, No Diesel Engine
When bloggers like me were wondering over these questions, Engineers at Suzuki were working on something great. Engineers were instructed to craft a best machine where money was not a constraint. They worked hard and the result is out too.
Today Market leader announced “Something great is coming”. Maruti launched Kizashi (I am not sneezing….. It is pronounced as kee—zah—shee, meaning “Sign of good things to come” in Japanese.
Kizashi might not be an eye-turner on roads as far as exterior looks are concerned, but the build quality is very impressive. The front sports a large grille with a honeycomb mesh done up in a gun metal finish, the rear houses a neat inbuilt spoiler on the trunk lid and very neat triangle shaped dual exhaust holes. The neat lines give the car a nice wide sporty stance and the rear gels with the entire package well. The alloys gave a feeling of another BMW on road. To summarize, Kizashi has all styling elements present in a decent way. Henceforth, Kizashi can satisfy the needs of Niche people and create appeal in masses at the same time. The only disappointing news is that it will only be available in three colors (Black, white and silver) {I feel these three are the best colors for the car like this}
“Elegant” is the only word to describe the interiors of Kizashi. Rich Beige color hints towards the luxury offered by the car and perforated leather upholstery adds stars to this luxury. Utility Boxes in centre console and rear arm rest will open elegantly by a gentle push. 3D instrument cluster do the detailing job is a good way. Centre console comes down like a waterfall and it looks good too.
It will be tough time for people who always claim that in order to offer competitive prices. It comes with a neat in-car entertainment system, quality speakers, automatic climate control that is split for the front passenger and driver and it has rear air conditioning vents as well. In terms of features it overshadows the Honda Accord. Electrically adjustable seat with memory setting is offered to the driver and for Co-driver electric seats are introduced for the first time in this segment. It is needless to say that the seats are very comfortable.
Powering the Kizashi is a 2.4 liter petrol engine. It is J-Series (J24B) power plant from Suzuki which is capable of churning out 178PS at 6,500 rpm and generates 230Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is mated with 6-speed manual transmission. CVT option is also available. If one opts for the manual version the Kizashi is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in under 8 seconds. The engine was more powerful than me, as I lost my courage at 200 kmph. I was totally enthralled by the performance of the vehicle. Despite the large engine and the rocket like capability that this car possesses, it also answers to the Indian customers in terms of mileage. Fuel Efficiency of 12.5kmpl is quite good for a car in this segment
What I noticed about the Kizashi was its ability to take corners at a faster pace. This is a car that handles extremely well, holds its line without discomforting the passengers and at the same time it is a car that is capable of offering a great ride quality as well. Flat cornering, comfortable city ride, a very quiet cabin and yet responsive, nimble handling are all combined in the Kizashi. Suzuki says it’s because the chassis was designed first for stiffness, then added to for quietness, while the suspension was tuned to be as accommodating as possible while still preserving handling. However they got there, the end result is impressive, both on the street and on the track.
After analyzing the car, I could only say that “Nobody understands India like MSIL does and it shows in the tuning, features and set up of this product”. There is no doubt that Kizashi is a good product, but whether market will accept the fact that MSIL can make luxury cars or not has to be evaluated after seeing the market response.
Why Buy: Ride and Handling, Build Quality, Engine performance
Why Deny: Expensive, No Diesel Engine
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