By T Murrali 

Taking much attention to the details to make the car more Indian, Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL), has come out with its fifth generation Honda City in India. It was first introduced in India in January 1998. Now in its new avatar, the car that was launched recently, has retained its original authentic shape of the sedan while reinventing itself according to the needs and aspirations of its customers across India. Available in three grades V, VX and ZX, the price of the ASEAN NCAP 5-star rated car ranges from INR 10.9lakh to INR 14.65lakh.

Developed at Honda R&D Centre located in Tochigi, Japan following extensive market surveys in India, ASEAN countries and other markets for people’s driving needs and lifestyles, the new car has been introduced in both petrol and diesel, powered by ‘earth dreams technology’ range of BS-VI compliant powertrains.

The 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine with VTC delivers 89 kW (121PS) @6600 rpm 145 Nm@1750 rpm torque, with quicker torque increase at lower engine speed. Mated with 6-speed manual transmission and the new 7-speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) the vehicle offers fuel efficiency of 17.8 kmpl and 18.4 kmpl respectively.

Mated with 6-speed manual transmission the 1.5L i-DTEC diesel variant delivers 73 kW [100 PS] @ 3600 rpm power, 200 Nm @1750 rpm torque and fuel economy of 24.1 kmpl. Application of advanced exhaust gas after-treatment system with NSC (NOx Storage Catalyst) and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) has been done to meet the challenging target of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission in case of diesel engines.

At the launch programme the Chief Engineer, Large Project Leader, Honda Motor Corporation, Satoru Azumi, said, failure was not an option as there was pressure of 1.3billion Indians in his mind. Honda equals City in India but the new Indian customers needed something more. “We decided that the new City should be able to stand out in traffic. Therefore, the design has to have presence. What we have created is an interior space that make the user feel more space than what is actually there. Innovation at Honda is about doing and creating things that are yet to be.”

The inspiration for the new City is ‘Standing on the edge,’ which is designed to stand out in the crowd. The character line with advanced lighting and sharp edge, presence of tyres, low centre of gravity and sleek cabin motion.

Child’s View

The process that the Honda team followed to design the car began with asking six year old children to draw their vision of a car; to their surprise all of them drew sedans. So the team started with recreating the child’s understanding of a car. For the exterior the team was guided by the concept of ‘Standing on the edge.’ The entire body is shaped with the sharp edge character line right from the front to the rear. The sharp horizontal character line on the sides of the car is inspired by Katana blade (a Japanese sword) designed on the concept of cutting edge light. The profile creates its signature presence during day and night as well.

The technique of using a lower and longer trunk for large size category sedan was applied to make the car look even longer, eventually making the City a fusion sedan. This was the ambition of the team. “I am really competing with six year old kids,” Azumi said.

Conceptualised to carry forward its legacy, deliver supremacy and exceed the previous benchmark by offering a superior value proposition to its customers, the new City has been expanded making it the longest and widest sedan in its segment. The car is 4549 mm in length (109mm more than earlier generation) and 1748 mm in width (53 mm more). The height of the new model stands at 1489 mm and wheelbase of 2600 mm.

For the interiors the design team followed Sokai (evacuation in Japanese parlance) concept that makes the surroundings easy to see while driving. It creates a cabin more open while being secure. The focus was to minimise visual noise so that there is no distraction for the driver. The front-hood invisible length has been reduced by 42 percent, improving visibility further.

For The Saree Clad Women

The graceful way of sitting by a saree clad woman is usually cross-legged. As the folds of the saree around the feet should not get crumbled, the design team created more legroom in the rear. In addition, it adopted a scooped out frame for the front seats to create additional space. This helped in increasing the foot space width by 26mm and 31mm in the forward direction. By adopting a new frame for the front seat, the rear seat legroom and knee clearance were expanded. Besides, it optimised the torso angle. Considering the hot and humid weather conditions in India the seats have been given breathable fabric.

Connected Services

To make it contemporary it takes a huge leap in Connected Car Services with Next Generation of Honda Connect available as a standard offering across all grades along with a 5-year free subscription. It is India’s first connected car with Alexa remote capability and is equipped with next-generation Honda connect with Telematics Control Unit (TCU) standard across all grades. It has over 32 features to provide a sense of safety, security, convenience and peace of mind for customers. By giving voice commands to Alexa, the cloud-based voice service from Amazon, customers can use 10 key features of Honda Connect to monitor and control their car from home. Hence, they can remotely access features such as car AC on/ off, door lock/ unlock, check fuel status, locate the car, and status from the car dashboard, for unparalleled comfort and convenience.

The new City comes with full LED headlamps with 9-LED array inline shell, integrated LED DRL, L-shaped LED turn signal and distinct Z- shape 3D wrap-around LED tail lamps with uniform edge light. It also has a one-touch electric sunroof, R-16 diamond-cut alloy wheels and shark fin antenna. In addition to the stylish exterior, its interiors are based on ‘Man Maximum Machine Minimum’ philosophy as it has enhanced knee room and legroom, rear-seat shoulder room, an ergonomically designed cockpit, multiple storage spaces and 506 litres of truck capacity.  

Safety 

To enhance safety the new car has been designed with Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body for self-protection while mitigating damage to other vehicles in the event of a collision. It offers a host of active and passive advanced safety features like six airbags system, ABS with EBD and brake assist, vehicle stability assist with agile handling assist, hill start assist, Honda lane watch camera, multi-angle rear camera, emergency stop signal, tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX compatible rear side seats with lower anchorages & top tether, and immobilizer with anti-theft alarm.  

For the convenience of the users the car is equipped with an advanced smart key system with the walk-away auto-lock feature, remote engine start (in CVT) and keyless window remote operation, fully automatic climate control with max cool, click feel AC dials with red-blue elimination, rear AC vents with charging ports, driver seat height adjuster, LED map and rear reading lamps.

The ergonomically designed and thoughtfully laid instrument panel sports the 20.3 cm advanced touchscreen display audio which connects with Apple Car Play and Android Auto opening new ways of staying social and digital on the drive. The other features include 17.7cm HD full-color TFT meter with multi-function driver information interface with G-meter, digital speed and cruise control display, weblink smart connectivity, eight-speakers premium surround sound system, ambient lighting and LED interior lamps, steering-mounted paddle shifters for CVT.

Gaku Nakanishi, President & CEO, Honda Cars India, said, “Honda City has been our key pillar of business for more than 22 years, being one of the longest-running nameplates in the Indian automotive history. With cumulative sales of more than four million units worldwide, it has provided joy to almost eight lakh customers in India and many more aspiring to own the model. Each generation of the City has raised the bar on design, technology, quality, driving pleasure, comfort & safety, and has come with several industry firsts or segment-first features.” 

Rajesh Goel, Sr Vice President & Director, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “City customers have always been very discerning and want a car that is a class above the rest. Hence multiple ‘industry-first’ and ‘best in segment features’ for Styling, Connectivity, Safety and Convenience have been offered as standard from the entry V variant of the All-New City, setting a new benchmark for the segment.”

The new City is available five colour options - radiant red metallic, platinum white pearl, modern steel metallic, lunar silver metallic and golden brown metallic. It comes with three years of unlimited kilometres warranty as a standard benefit to the customer. Additionally, customers can opt for an extended warranty for an additional two years unlimited/limited kilometres for extra peace of mind. The car offers a low cost of maintenance with a service interval of one year/ 10,000km whichever is earlier.  

The fifth-generation car also offers a wide array of accessory choices to customers with wireless charger (with smartphone holder), front parking sensor with switch, legroom lamp, trunk spoiler with LED, front & rear bumper protector, Side airbag compatible seat cover, Door visor with chrome among many others. (MT)

AstaGuru will showcase some of the world’s most coveted vintage and classic cars at its upcoming ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction, which will take place from 20 to 22 November 2024.

The auction will offer an exclusive collection of rare and meticulously curated vintage cars, providing a unique opportunity for collectors and automotive enthusiasts to acquire iconic pieces of automotive history.

The auction will feature an impressive lineup of vehicles, including a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Limousine, a 1946 Singer Nine Roadster, a 1946 Bentley Mark VI, a 1947 Lincoln Continental V12 Convertible and a 1948 Jaguar Mark IV, among others. These stunning machines, each a testament to the engineering marvels of their era, promise to transport bidders back in time, celebrating the golden age of motoring.

A Growing Market in India

AstaGuru’s Vintage and Classic Car Specialist, Muzammil Kazi, shared his insights on the evolution of the vintage car market in India. “We did our first auction in 2018, and it was a surprising success,” Kazi noted. “At the time, these cars weren’t available online or marketed in the way they are now. You’d have to go to a dealer or connect with a seller directly, which made it hard to find these rare cars. But our first auction was a hit, with all lots selling successfully.”

The vintage car market in India, according to Kazi, is far from saturated. “The market is 100 percent growing. These cars were imported to India in limited quantities, and you wouldn’t find brands like Ford or General Motors here in the same way as abroad. Cars like the Fiat, Ambassador, or old Maruti SS80 were more common, but the rare vintage gems we are showcasing today are difficult to find.”

Kazi also emphasised that the scarcity of such cars means the market still has significant potential for growth. “The cars we have on display today are curated from various collectors across India, and it’s very rare to see them come together in one auction,” he explained.

Safeguarding Online Bidders

AstaGuru’s online auction platform also ensures that bidders are fully protected throughout the process. “We have a strong set of terms and conditions for the cars we sell,” Kazi explained. “We only auction cars with up-to-date paperwork and in proper running condition. Once a car is sold, we ensure the buyer receives it only after the seller submits a No Objection Certificate (NOC), making the transaction smooth and secure.”

Record-Breaking Bids

The auction has seen some impressive bids in the past. Kazi highlighted one of the highest bids to date: a Mercedes-Benz 111 230S, which was estimated at INR 2.1 million but eventually sold for INR 6.8 million. Another standout was a Rolls-Royce, which had an estimated value of INR 7-8 million but sold for a remarkable INR 18 million.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

For classic car enthusiasts and connoisseurs, the ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction represents an unmissable opportunity to acquire some of the rarest and most beautifully restored vehicles in the world. With its rich history and pedigree, each car in the auction is a testament to the artistry and engineering excellence that defined its era. Whether a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vintage automobiles, this event promises a truly memorable experience for all involved.

As the vintage car market continues to grow in India, AstaGuru is setting the stage for an exciting future for collectors and car lovers alike. The ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction is expected to draw attention from around the world, offering a rare chance to own a piece of automotive history.

Tata Motors-owned British luxury car brand Jaguar has unveiled its new brand identity, which it says recaptures an ethos to Copy Nothing that traces its roots back to the words of its founder, Sir William Lyons. 

The new identify is based on Exuberant Modernism, a creative philosophy, which the company says underpins all aspects of the new Jaguar brand world. 

Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, Jaguar, said, “Jaguar has its roots in originality. Sir William Lyons, our founder, believed that ‘A Jaguar should be a copy of nothing’. Our vision for Jaguar today is informed by this philosophy.  New Jaguar is a brand built around Exuberant Modernism. It is imaginative, bold and artistic at every touchpoint. It is unique and fearless. This is a reimagining that recaptures the essence of Jaguar, returning it to the values that once made it so loved, but making it relevant for a contemporary audience. We are creating Jaguar for the future, restoring its status as a brand that enriches the lives of our clients and the Jaguar community.”

The four symbols of change – Device Mark, Strikethrough, Exuberant Colours and Makers Marks - each representing the future design philosophy for the luxury carmaker.

Device Mark celebrates modernism through the geometric form, symmetry and simplicity.

Strikethrough sees the linear graphic generate a unique presence and an immediately recognisable visual for Jaguar.

The Exuberant use of colours marks a cornerstone of Jaguar’s new brand identity.

Makers Mark consists of the newly reimagined Jaguar ‘leaper’, which the luxury brand said is part of its mark of provenance. 

On 2 December 2024, Jaguar will present its first global public installation under its new brand philosophy at the Miami Art Week.

Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar, said, “To bring back such a globally renowned brand we had to be fearless. Jaguar was always at its best when challenging convention. That ethos is seen in our new brand identity today and will be further revealed over the coming months. This is a complete reset. Jaguar is transformed to reclaim its originality and inspire a new generation. I am excited for the world to finally see Jaguar.”

Nissan Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicles manufacturers, has started exporting the new Nissan Magnite SUV to South Africa, which is part of the company’s bigger export plans from the country.

Since the launch of the refreshed SUV in October 2024, Nissan has exported over 2,700 units of the Magnite to global customers. Till date, the SUV has gone home to over 150,000 customers globally since it was launched in December 2020.

Nissan is also looking to expand its total export footprint to more than 65 international markets now including Left-Hand Drive (LHD) markets.

Frank Torres, Divisional Vice-President - AMIEO Region Business Transformation & President, Nissan India Operations, said, “Ever since the Nissan Magnite’s launch in 2020, we have seen a resounding acceptance and demand from customers in the South African market for the Made-in-India compact SUV. Our focus on the domestic and export market both are crucial parts of our strategy to deliver outcomes in line with ‘The Arc and India remains a key part of the growth strategy for the company. The export of the new Nissan Magnite will further enhance India's position as an export hub and drive Nissan's growth in the AMIEO region, exemplifying Nissan India ‘One Car, One World’ philosophy.”

Jordi Vila, President, Nissan Africa, said, “We are delighted to receive the shipment of new Nissan Magnite SUVs from India and glad that they will be available for the local customers. With its bold aesthetics, enhanced safety and advanced tech features, catering to a wide range of preferences and customer needs, our customers in South Africa and other African markets are sure to like the new Nissan Magnite B-SUV.” 

Škoda Auto India has launched the all-new Kylaq Club, a membership programme designed to engage potential Kylaq buyers throughout their journey, right from discovering to booking and purchasing the SUV. Based on the company’s MQB-A0-IN platform, the Kylaq is India’s first-ever sub-4m SUV, which was announced in February 2024 and was unveiled globally on 6 November. The SUV is slated to go on sale in January 2025.

Kylaq Club members will have the advantage of making reservations at a discounted rate compared to other clients. Additionally, members have access to priority booking, gaining a two-hour edge over standard reservations when it opens on 2 December 2024. They also benefit from extra webcast sessions, factory tours and vouchers for accessories and value-added items. Customers simply need to sign up for the Kylaq Club on the company’s website. The registrations are already open and ends on 30 November 2024.

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “The Kylaq heralds a new era for Škoda Auto in India and is set to democratise European technology on Indian roads. At the world premiere of the Kylaq last week, we committed to introducing some special benefits for our prospective customers of Kylaq. And today is our first announcement – the launch of the Kylaq Club. This is our endeavour to make our customers feel extremely special and privileged and at the same time at home with the Škoda family, with numerous exclusive benefits including exclusive content, special offers and deeper insights, before the Kylaq enters their garage. Only members of the Kylaq Club will have exclusive priority booking for Kylaq, with a limited-time special offer, when it opens on 2 December 2024.”