Toyota and Honda wants Indian Government to Redefine Small Cars

Toyota and Honda Motors, two Japanese carmakers, have requested the Indian government to transform the standards of classifying small car. And this is because of that the small cars have low tax compared to other car segments. Both the car manufacturers have said that emission norms, passenger safety, and fuel efficiency should be used to classify a car into a small or large car.

Toyota and Honda are both very renowned carmakers of the country and their opinions are expected be viewed seriously by the Indian government. Currently, under the government policy, a car with the length of 4-metre length and has a 1,200 cc petrol or 1,500 cc diesel engine has a lower 8% excise duty compared to 20% duty and there will be an additional Rs 15,000 levied in case of any other cars manufactured in India.

It is also interesting to note that both the companies, Toyota and Honda, are launching small cars in the near future

Honda Launches Facelifted Civic

The new facelifted 2010 Civic is launched by Honda. Available in the 1.8 L i-VTEC engine, new 2010 Honda Civic will be available in three variants namely SMT, VMT, and VAT.

The new sporty exteriors include curved fog light with garnish, newly designed alloy wheel,5 point metallic front grille, and restyled front sporty bumper. The crystalline octagonal tail lights and restyled dark smokey headlights improve the look of the new Civic.

The interiors of the new 2010 Civic have two tone luxury high quality fabric seats with matching fabric on door panels and armrest. The audio controls for the backseat and auxiliary Jack in the front seat give the machine an urbane feel. In both the VMT and VAT variants, the car has steering mounted cruise control system.

The car also has a range of safety features that ensures the complete safety of the passengers with ABS (Anti – Lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake – Force Distribution System) and Brake Assist, and Dual SRS airbags. There are colouring options including Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Hebanero Red, Tafeta White, and Crystal Black Pearl. The price of the car is not yet available.

Honda Jazz – 2032 bookings in 20 Days

The Jazz from Honda has meet the expectations of the car manufacturer by receiving 2032 bookings in just 20 days

This could be a great news for Honda and a very good testimony as to nothing including the pricing of the car or the financial conditions could adversely affect the sales or popularity of a car. And that the Indian car customers would always go with good class vehicles.

The Honda Jazz is a hatchback which is comparatively higher priced than the other cars in the segment and it made a reason for many to think whether the car will perform good sales at this time of economic slowdown, but all the thoughts and speculations have proved wrong.

The Jazz that has been introduced in India is not from the first generation but from the second generation. The car has a very spacious and classy interior, very trendy exterior, and in the whole is a well designed car.

Around the world in 130 countries the Honda has sold over 28 lakh units. In India the car is priced between 7.15 lakh and 7.90 lakh.

Mercedes Might Quit Formula One

Mercedes Benz would be the next company that is preparing to withdraw from the F1 legion. For now this is just a rumour, but it could soon be a fact. BMW last week announced officially that it is planning to withdraw from F1 and will not remain in Formula One after this season.

Before BMW, Honda had taken the decision to quit from the Formula legion. The depression in the economic situation is affecting most the sectors and this could be one reason why companies backing out of the Formula One. And it could also be because the companies are planning to spending on something else which is more profitable. The many disagreements in the F1 can be a reason for the sudden withdrawal by many companies.

If Mercedes Benz decides to withdraw from the Formula One, it would be a great shock to the F1 management. The decision of Mercedes Benz would affect the McLaren team the most as 40 per cent of the team is owned by Mercedes Benz and both Brawn and McLaren is provided the engine by Mercedes Benz.

Honda Jazz Ready to Roll Out

Honda Jazz is ready to roll out in June this year. The car made its debut at the 2008 Auto Expo held at New Delhi. In the expo the car had received a tremendous response that actually drove the sentiments of Honda.

Now after a year’s time the car manufacturer is all set to roll out the car on Indian roads. It is a premium hatchback with loaded luxuries and functionalities. The Honda Jazz will be driven by a responsive 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine paired to variable valve timing and lift electronic control.

There are speculations that the car will be designed and built on the platform of Honda City. If this speculations are true then like the City, the Jazz will also have brilliant styling and striking design cues to leave onlookers spellbound.

It is priced at around Rs 4.5 Lakh and is expected to compete with leading premium hatchbacks in India comprising Skoda Fabia, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Ford Fusion and Hyundai i20.

Another small car from Honda

Honda’s upcoming car, Jazz is globally considered the smallest car in Honda’s stable. With the raising inflation, the company is thinking of introducing a car smaller than Jazz.

Foreseeing the fuel shortage and as well as aiming greener environment, Honda is also working on small cars that will consume less fuel and will be lower in CO2 emissions. In As a future plan, the company is plans launch small and affordable hybrid engines. Honda also plans to add more number of diesel variants in its product line.

Honda Jazz will be hit the Indian roads by 2009 and in couple of years will roll out another small car.

Looks like Honda is going strong with the range of small cars in India.

Honda to roll out new City

Here is the good news for the Honda lovers; Honda SIEL will be soon rolling all new Honda City to Indian car market by 2008 end. Built on the Honda Civic platform, the new and attractive design with a tint of European flavor will challenge the most dominating sedan Maruti Suzuki SX4.

Enhanced with sporty and striking body panels, the rear gives a touch of BMW 3 series the new Honda City is expected to carry 1.5 liters churning out 118 bhp. The car will be known for its sharper handling and better performance. The price of the car is not yet known but with extra features, it will definitely cost more than the existing Honda City.

So all the would be buyers of Honda City, just wait for some more time to be the proud owners of new Honda City.