kwid vs kuv100

First Drive: Renault Kwid

With the Kwid, Renault is targeting the heavily competitive entry hatchback market. Although it has all the makings of a winner, the task of beating Maruti in its own backyard will be extremely difficult if not impossible. Maruti has been ruling this segment for over two decades and even stiff completion from the stylish Hyundai Eon has left the Indian auto giant unflustered. So the Renault Kwid has to be really special to outgun its prime rival. 

Renault is aware of this and they seem to have gone to great lengths to make this car a winner. To make it stand out from the crowd, Renault has gone for an SUV stance which will go down well in the SUV crazy Indian market. The French car maker has added loads of rugged looking bits like the matte grey cladding around the car, faux skid plates and optional chunky roof rails up top. The high 180mm ground clearance further establishes its tall stance. The large upright honeycomb grille, high bonnet and chunky headlamps gives it great presence and the recesses for fog lamps looks stylish. In profile, the flared wheel arches with plastic cladding gives it a mini Duster look. At the rear Renault hasn’t gone overboard and the stylish tail lamps and chiselled boot lid looks modern. The only grouse we have is that with the flared wheel arches and high ground clearance the weedy 13-inch wheels look a bit too small.

How is it inside?

Like its exterior, the Kwid impresses on the inside too. Thanks to the wide opening doors and good seat height, ingress and egress is very easy. Once inside you will be convinced you’ve got more than your money’s worth. The quality of plastics is more than decent and the fit and finish is quite impressive for a budget hatch. Yes, there are some visible low-rent bits but that is expected of a budget car. The dashboard though minimalistic is smartly styled, with the large centre console housing the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This touchscreen system is not only a segment first, but it also gets features like a navigation system which is unheard of in this segment. We also liked the large, easy-to-use knobs for the AC controls and also the convenient placement of the Aux/USB ports on the music system. The digital instruments that include a speedometer and fuel gauge (there’s no rev counter) look sporty and are quite easy to read on the move. The instrument cluster also houses a gearshift indicator to help you be in the right gear to aid fuel efficiency. The Kwid’s cabin is quite practical too. It gets two gloveboxes and a scooped out storage cavity to keep toll tickets or other small items.

Drivers will appreciate the good visibility out of the front windscreen and the high bonnet again gives it an SUV’ish feeling. The front seats are surprisingly good with good bolstering and back support. Even the backseat is very usable with good space and the long squab and well-angled backrest make it a nice place to be in. If we had to nit-pick then we found the back seat to be perched a bit too low which compromises on thigh support.

Another highlight of this hatchback is the large 300litre boot it offers. To put things into perspective, the Kwid’s boot is larger than even the Hyundai i20. With the rear seats folded the figure increases to a very impressive 1115 litres.

The Kwid will be sold in four variants. While the base variant does without basics like air conditioning or power steering, the top-spec RXT model we tested featured a music system with USB and Aux capability, front power windows, keyless entry and navigation system. Sadly features like tilt steering, height adjustable driver seat and a CD player would have been welcomed. On the safety front there is further evidence that this is a budget hatchback. You can only get the top RXT model with driver side airbag but that too is optional. The Kwid will also miss out on ABS altogether even as an option. This is a glaring omission and we would have preferred having these safety bits rather than the fancy touchscreen system. 

How does it drive?

The Kwid comes powered by an all-new three-cylinder, 799cc petrol engine. With 53.26bhp on tap, the Kwid slots right between the standard 800cc Alto and the Hyundai Eon. On paper, this motor is modern too with four valves per cylinder and twin overhead camshafts for better valve control.

Renault’s three-pot motor was never going to be as smooth as a four-cylinder engine, but refinement levels are more than acceptable at this price point. At idle you can feel vibrations filter through but things do smoothen out when you tap the throttle and once on the move. As soon as you let go of the clutch you realise that the engine doesn’t feel very peppy and there are flat spots when accelerating from very low engine speeds, so this motor needs to be revved a bit to gain momentum. But when not in a hurry, the Kwid has enough verve to satisfy most first-time buyers. The Kwid accelerates smoothly for such a small motor and the slick gearshifts and light clutch makes driving in town an easy affair. Out on the highway thanks to clever gearing the Kwid cruises quite well too but the motor doesn’t feel completely at home. It gets a bit thrummy when worked hard and the engines lack of relative torque means you have to downshift more often than you would like to. But overall for a small 0.8- litre engine Renault has done a good job.

The nicest part about the Kwid is the manner in which it rides and handles. Taking advantage of the long travel suspension and high profile tyres, Renault seems to have found the ideal setup. Ride quality is particularly impressive at low speeds where the Kwid gobbles up the biggest of potholes with ease. The long travel suspension doesn’t bottom out easily and this small Renault shows impressive poise which is rare to find in this segment. At higher speeds the ride does get a bit bouncy over undulating surfaces but even then you don’t get thrown around too much. In terms of handling the main deterrents are the narrow tyres which tend to lose grip quite easily and the numb steering feel. Other than that the Kwid has a reassuring handling and despite the excessive body roll it feels safe and predictable. Although the braking is more than adequate, the pedal feel is not that linear and it takes some time getting used to them. 

Engine Details
Engine Type – BR-8, 3-cylinder, DOHC petrol
Displacement – 799cc
Power – 53.2bhp @ 5678rpm
Torque – 72Nm @ 4386rpm
Transmission – 5-speed manual

Variant-Wise Features

Std
– Roof spoiler
– Black front & rear bumpers
– Steel wheels
– Grey upholstery
– Dashboard in single-tone
– Digital instrument cluster with gear-shit indicator
– Open glove-box
– Driver-side outside rear-view mirror
– Manual steering

RxE (In addition to features offered with Std )
– Air-conditioner
– Optional music system with Bluetooth and hands-free telephony
– Lockable glove-box
– Engine immobilizer
– 12v charging slot
– Dashboard in silver satin finish
– Foldable rear seat

RxL (In addition to features offered with RxE)
– Body-coloured front and rear bumpers
– Blackened B-Pillar
– Blackened steel wheels
– Passenger-side wing mirror
– Red upholstery
– 1-din audio system with Bluetooth support
– 2 speakers
– Power steering

RxT (In addition to features offered with RxL)
– Fog lamps at front
– Chrome-finished instrument cluster
– Leather-wrapped steering
– Optional driver airbag
– Chrome elements on AC vents
– Trip metre
– Parcel tray for rear passengers
– Central locking
– Media navigation pack
– Front wiper with washer

Color Options – Moonlight Silver, Planet Grey, Outback Bronze, Ice Cool White and Fiery Red.

DimensionsLength – 3680mm
Width – 1580mm
Height – 1471mm
Wheelbase – 2422mm
Ground Clearance – 180mm

Styling Elements• Sweptback headlamps
• Dual-slat grille
• Stylish Fog lamps
• Plastic cladding on sides
• Manually-operated outside rear view mirrors
• Rectangular-shaped black wheel arches
• 13-14 inch wheels
• Rear bumper with a black trim
• Body-coloured tailgate spoiler

Renault Kwid Comfort & Safety Features
• Digital instrument cluster
• Best-in-class ground clearance
• Piano black centre console with a chorme-surround
• MediaNAV with navigation functions and radio and Bluetooth connectivity
• First-in-segment 7-inches touch-screen
• Front power windows, chrome air vents
• Optional driver airbag

Renault Kwid Pros & Cons

Pros– Outstanding design
– Most Spacious Interior in its class
– Highest power-to-weight ratio in its class
– First-in-class touchscreen infotainment system
– Highest ground clearance in class
– Class-leading boot space of 300-litres

Cons– Almost no safety features except the optional driver airbag on top-end variant
– Least torque in its class

KUV 100:

What is it?

A brilliant concept. Take one portion SUV crazed nation. Add a huge middle class to it. And then top it up with bad roads. And what you get is a desperate need for an SUV that is efficient, spacious, rugged and only as expensive as a hatchback. The Mahindra KUV100 is the answer to this need. At least on paper. It starts at Rs 4.42 lakh, comes with a claimed fuel economy of over 18kmpl (for the petrol), is tall and wide in order to liberate good interior room, and because it is a Mahindra, let’s assume, it is also rugged.

Step into the real world though, and the KUV100’s styling is the first dampener. Yes, we know looks are subjective. And we know we are more grease monkeys than style critics. Even so, we can still tell a visually appealing design from an oddball one. And the KUV100 borders on the latter. It has the detailing, the cuts and creases, and some nice design touches. But, it is the proportions and the randomness of these elements coming together that leaves a lot to be desired.

But, where credit is due, the Mahindra KUV100 does offer buyers a whole range of choices. On CarWale for instance, we have listed 23 different variants for the KUV from diesel and petrol, to trims that range from K2 to K8 with some ‘plus’ variants thrown in. And it is the only car in its class to offer airbags as options on all trims and in fact, seating for six.
Our test KUV is a petrol, six seater in K8 trim.

How is it on the inside?

It’s pleasing with the variety of shades, textures, finishes and surfacing. There’s gloss, matte, dull and metal finishes, and lots of geometrical shapes as well. And it looks good in the photographs. The gloss and textured plastic all round looks upmarket but the dull plastic used for the aircon vents and the door opening latches on the inside look downright tacky. The satin silver finish is passable. The quality, the fit and finish and the operability, also isn’t great. There are roughly cut edges, loose fittings and an overall lack of finesse in the way the buttons, knobs and stalks work.The KUV doesn’t score high on ergonomics either. From the uneven pedal positioning to the way the central armrest gets in the way of shifting gears to the large steering, the KUV isn’t one of those modern day cars that make you feel at home instantly. It will need to grow on you. Plus, the floating central console digs into the knee; the dead pedal is cumbersome to use; and the cup holders on the foldable armrest are too far back.

What we did like on the KUV100, however, is the all round room. The car measures less than 3.7 metres in length but even so, the kneeroom is very good. As is the head and shoulder room. And the seats are large and comfy. The rear one also gets adjustable headrests for all three passengers. In fact, in this class of cars, only the KUV can seat three adults in the rear in genuine comfort. As for the front, we’d recommend not to use the third seat for it simply doesn’t work. The height of the KUV in the meantime makes it a breeze to get in and out of.And because the KUV100 is a Mahindra, it’s not short on features either. On the K8 we are driving, there’s ABS and dual front airbags. There’s also a Bluetooth enabled infotainment system (sans touchscreen though), mood lighting, height adjustable driver’s seat and keyless entry. It also gets puddle lamps, a gear indicator, electric ORVMs, and a cooled glovebox as well.

How does it drive?

The Mahindra KUV100 feels and drives like an SUV. Which isn’t a compliment because the whole idea of doing a monocoque SUV (take the Duster or the EcoSport for instance) is to have something that looks butch, has good clearance but behaves like a car on the road. Plus, it feels inconsistent. Take the steering response or the gearshift quality or even the throttle response, not to mention the handling and ride quality, and the KUV lacks crispness, predictability and surefootedness of its hatchback counterparts like the Maruti Suzuki Swift and the Ford Figo.The steering is vague and has too may turns lock to lock. The gearshift, though short throw, is notchy. And as far as ride is concerned, it’s quiet but unnecessarily jumpy. There’s also constant kickback from the steering over poor roads. It lacks that all-crushing ability we liked so much in the TUV. Handling isn’t the KUV’s forte either. It rolls, and when it stops rolling, it understeers. It’s not the most stable under braking either. ABS is standard on all variants – and thank god for that – because the KUV does move around with its rear wanting to overtake its front under hard braking.The KUV100 we have here is the petrol, which uses Mahindra’s own all-aluminium engine. It’s a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine that gets variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust sides. It makes 82bhp and the torque at 115Nm is commendable. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox and because it is a monocoque with a transverse engine, it’s also only front-wheel-drive.Now here’s the surprise. On the road, the KUV is almost as quick as the Swift to 100kmph taking a little under 15 seconds to hit the mark. But that’s not all; it completely destroys the Swift when it comes to driveability. It is 3 seconds quicker in the 20-80kmph run (in 3rd gear) and almost 10 seconds faster in getting to 100kmph from 40kmh in 4th. And it’s only 8kmph down on top speed with the KUV maxing out at 156kmph (true speed).

This is partly down to the engine’s flat torque curve that peaks at 3,600rpm and to the KUV’s shorter gearing. The engine pulls well in the low and mid range but only comes on song past 4,000-4,500rpm. However, when it does, it sounds more like Altaf Raja than Sonu Nigam. It’s noisy, a bit vibey and it’s not one of those petrol engines you want to redline. In fact, the refinement levels all round need a relook on the KUV100.

Engine Options

1.2-litre mFalcon G80 Petrol
Power – 82bhp @ 5,500rpm
Torque – 114Nm @ 3,500rpm

1.2-litre mFalcon D75 Diesel
Power – 77bhp @ 3,750rpm
Torque – 190Nm @ 1,750rpm – 2,250rpm

Transmission – 5-speed manual
Drivetrain system – 2WD (two-wheel drive)

Mahindra KUV100 Seating Capacity – 5-seats (2 + 3) variant and 6-seats (3 + 3) variant

Mahindra KUV100 Colours – Pearl White, Fiery Orange, Designer Grey, Aquamarine, Dazzling Silver and Midnight Black

Dimensions
Length – 3,675mm
Height – 1,635
Width – 1,715mm (with door side cladding)
Wheelbase – 2,385mm
Ground Clearance – 170
Turning Radius – 5.05m
Fuel Tank Capacity – 35-litres
Boot Space – 243litres (473-litres)

Suspension
Front – Independent McPherson strut with dual path mounts
Rear – Semi-independent twist beam with coils spring and hydraulic gas charged shock absorber

Braking System
Front – Disc
Rear – Drum

Tyre Size
Front – 185/65 R14
Rear – 185/65 R14

Mahindra KUV 100 Key Features

Exterior
Aggressive front fascia
Wrap-around headlamps with LED DRLs
Sculpted bonnet
Wide stance
Square wheel arches
High shoulder line
Short overhangs
XUV500-inspired front grille
Curvy roofline
Wrap around rear
15-inch wheels

Interior
Dual-tone theme with piano black finish dashboard
Steering mounted audio controls
Power windows
Touchscreen audio system
Climate control buttons on the central console
Foldable centre seat
Leather upholstery
Faux wood and silver finishing
Sliver accents on steering wheel, centre console and instrument cluster

Mahindra KUV 100 Safety Features
Dual airbags
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
ISOFIX child seat mounts
Automatic hazard lights on panic braking
Speed sensing door locks

SUV'S 2016 & 2017

WHICH IS TO BE PREFERRED AS THE BEST SUV IN 2016?

The current generation Toyota Fortuner, which was launched here way back in 2009, has attained almost a cult status and has been a great sales success. However, the Fortuner is fast inching close to the fag-end of its career and will be soon replaced by an all-new model that was unveiled in Thailand this year. The next generation Fortuner is features a much more flashy exterior styling, comfortable cabin and the bulletproof reliability that is a characteristic of every Toyota product. The upcoming model is likely to feature a host of new features and will be powered by a new-age diesel engine. Here, in this post, we’ve come up with all there’s to know about the next gen Fortuner.

The India-spec model of the SUV will be powered by an all-new ‘GD’ diesel engine lineup – a 160bhp, 2.4-litre and a 177bhp, 2.8-litre. Both the 2WD and 4WD drivetrain systems will be on offer. Similar to the Australian model, the India-bound model will be available in three trim levels – GX, GXL and Crusade – and two transmission options – a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. With premium styling, up-market interior and more efficient engines, the SUV’s new model will surely be a lot better product than the current model. Expected to be priced around Rs. 23 lakh – Rs. 25 lakh (ex-showroom), this premium SUV will take on the likes of New Ford Endeavour, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Exterior 

Based on the company’s all-new platform, the SUV’s new model is claimed to more robust and safer than the outgoing model. Referred as the FIRM (Frame with Integrated Rigidity Mechanism), this technology improves the front and side impact structure of the vehicle, and also aids to its handling and ride quality. The front fascia of the vehicle looks aggressive with elements like a slimmer twin slat front grille, dual projector headlamps with LED elements and daytime running lights, modified front bumper with integrated reflectors, prominent bonnet and chromed fog lamps.

While the top-end variant rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and highway tyres, the lower trims are equipped with 17-inch steel wheels with all-terrain tyres. The rear profile of the car features a wraparound rear windscreen, tail light clusters with LED elements and bumper with integrated reflectors. Though, the overall design and dimensions remain unchanged. The SUV’s new model will be offered in 6 color options. The overall length, width and height of the SUV measure 4,795mm, 1,855mm and 1,835mm respectively. It has a wheelbase of 2,745mm, and the ground clearance stands at 225mm. The SUV offers a fuel tank capacity of 80-litres.

Interior and Features

The interior of the Fortuner’s new model looks identical to the Corolla sedan and new-gen Hilux pickup. It’s more spacious and feature-rich than the existing model. The car gets dual-tone beige and black interior with several comfort and connectivity features such as 8-inch touchscreen entertainment system, a new instrument cluster with TFT screen for MID, leather-wrapped multi-function 3-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifter, audio controls and Bluetooth telephony, automatic climate control, electrically adjustable door mirrors with power folding function, rear AC vents and engine start/stop button coupled with Smart key entry.

The SUV also comes with a bunch of advanced safety equipment such as ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), ESC (electronic stability control), cruise control, etc.

Variant-Wise Features

GX: Dot-type MID (multi-information display), urethane steering wheel and gearshift knob, four-way adjustable seat for the front passenger, brown fabric seat upholstery, six-way adjustable driver seat, 17-inches steel wheels with all-terrain tyres, projector halogen headlamps and body-coloured door handles.

GXL (+ GX Features): A 4.2-inch multi-function coloured display, paddle shifters, an intelligent manual transmission (iMT), downhill assist control, keyless smart entry and start, 17-inches alloys wrapped with all-terrain tyres, rear door trims, privacy glass, chrome door handles, fog lamps and roof rails.

Crusade (+ GXL Features): 8-way electrically adjustable driver seat, an infotainment system with satellite navigation, woodgrian cabin trims, digital audio broadcasting and radio, 220V accessory socket, LED DRLs, tailgate with memory function, automatic LED projector headlamps with auto leveling feature and 18-inches alloy wheels with highway tyres.

Engine & Transmission :

For the Indian market, the Toyota Fortuner new model will be offered with an all-new ‘GD’ diesel engine lineup – a 2.4-litre and a 2.8-litre – that is equipped with Economy with Superior Thermal Efficient Combustion (ESTEC) and variable geometric turbocharger technologies. While the former churns out a maximum power of 160bhp and a peak torque of 400Nm, the latter offers 177bhp and 450Nm (MT) and 400Nm (AT). Power will be delivered to the wheels via a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The SUV will come with 2WD and 4WD drivetrain capabilities.

Dimensions :
Length – 4,795mm
Width – 1,855mm
Height – 1,835mm
Wheelbase – 2,745mm
Ground Clearance – 225mm
Fuel Tank Capacity – 80-litres

Suspension System
Front – Double wishbone, stabiliser bar
Rear – 5-link, coil springs, stabiliser bar

Key Features
• TFT Multi-information display
• DVD player with a touchscreen and Toyota Link connectivity, USB and AUX support
• 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat
• One-touch folding for second row seats
• Automatic AC
• A cooled glovebox
• Leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel
• New Optitron instrument cluster
• Paddle shifter
• Push button start
• Bi-Beam LED headlights
• 18-inch alloys
• LED taillights
• Electric tailgate

Safety Features
• 7 airbags
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
• Brake assist (BA)
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
• Traction control system (TCS)
• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Reverse camera and parking sensors
• Hill Start Assist Control
• Smart key with an engine immobilizer system

All New Ford Endeavour 2016:

The India-spec Ford Endeavour new model is made available with two diesel engine options – a 158bhp, 2.2-litre TDCi and a 197bhp, 3.2-litre TDCi, combined with 4X2 and 4X4 drivetrain system. Transmission options on offer are a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. With significant exterior updates, the SUV looks more contemporary and rugged than the outgoing model.

Designed and engineered by Ford’s Australian team, the India-bound 2016 Endeavour model has achieved 5-star safety rating in Australian NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) with a total score of 35.38 out of 37 points, including 15.98 points in frontal offset test and 16 points in the side impact test. While the pedestrian safety is evaluated as ‘acceptable’, the whiplash protection is rated as ‘good’. What help the SUV scoring 5-star safety rating are its advanced safety features such as front airbags, side curtain airbags, driver knee airbags, electronic stability control (EBC), emergency brake assist (EBA), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and seat belt reminders.

Exterior Styling

Based on Ford’s Edge design philosophy, the new Ford Endeavour 2016 model looks more evolved and premium than the existing one. The SUV’s aggressive front fascia features a trapezoidal chrome grille, swept-back projector headlights, LED daytime-running lights, revised fog lamps, aluminum scuff plate and a style studded bumper. On the contrary, the side profile makes bold and stronger appeal with its prominent wheel arches, slightly inclined roofline, raked windows and a complementing body structure. The SUV is assembled with 18-inch alloy wheels and 265/60 R18 tubeless tyres. A sunroof is exclusively offered on the top-end variant of the vehicle.

The rear end, too, looks refreshing with new horizontal wraparound tail-lamps and large chrome bar with the license plate embossed. Coming to dimensions, the Ford Endeavour new model measures 4,892mm in length, 1,860mm in width and 1,837mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,850mm. The vehicle has a ground clearance of 225mm that further aids to its handling and on-and-off road capabilities. It has a fuel tank capacity of 80-litres. The SUV is offered with a choice of 6 exterior colors – Golden Bronze, Panther Black, Sunset Red, Smoke Grey, Diamond White and Moondust Silver.

New Ford Endeavour 2016 Interior and Features

On the inner end, its rough terrain abilities acquire next level with a new ladder frame chassis, an independent coil spring system on rear end, latest ‘Terrano Response’ AWD, adjustable traction control, and a bunch of hi-tech features. Though, the SUV is continued to feature the 7-seats configuration with 8-way adjustable driver seat, power adjustable third row seats (50:50) and second row with sliding and reclining function.

The SUV’s new model is also equipped with the Terrain Management System with four adjustment settings – Snow/ Mud/ Grass, Sand and Rock – for engine torque, four-wheel drive system, traction control and other driving systems. It also gets the Ford SYNC 2 system with voice control, 8-inch display screen and USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth connectivity.

Comfort and convenience features have been borrowed from F-150, a pickup truck. The list of highlighting features that take its appeal to next level include:

Comfort and Connectivity Features

• SYNC2 infotainment system with 8” display screen
• 8-way adjustable driver seat
• 10-speaker audio system
• Power adjustable third row seats
• Terrain management system (TMS) with pre-adjust settings
• Remote keyless entry and central locking
• One touch up/down with anti-pinch
• Rear parking sensors
• Leather upholstery and leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob

New Ford Endeavour 2016 Safety Features

• Dual front airbags
• Driver knee, and side and curtain airbags (top-end model only)
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic stability program
• Traction control system
• Hill aaunch Assist and Hill descent control
• Ford MyKey and Emergency assistance
• Semi-auto parallel parking assist
• Engine immoblizer
• Front and rear parking sensors and rear-view camera
• Driver & passenger seat belt reminder
• Seatbelt pre-tensioner
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Terrain management system

Engine and Transmission

The Ford Endeavour new model’s engine lineup includes two diesel powertrains – a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder TDCi and a 3.2-litre, 5-cylinder TDCi. While the former is coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox with 4X2 drivetrain system, the latter one gets a 6-speed automatic transmission with 4X4 configuration. The 2.2-litre diesel motor belts out a maximum power of 158bhp at 3,200rpm and a peak torque of 385Nm between 1,600rpm – 2,500rpm. Whereas, the 3.2-litre oil burner generates 197bhp of power at 3,000rpm and 470Nm of torque between 1,750rpm – 2,500rpm.

New Ford Endeavour 2016 Specifications, Dimensions, Colours & Features

Engine Details

2.2-litre, 4-cylinder TDCi
Power – 158bhp @ 3,200rpm
Torque – 385Nm @ 1,600rpm – 2,500rpm
Transmission – 6-speed automatic with 4X2 & 6-speed manual with 4X2 and 4X4

3.2-litre, 5-cylinder TDCi
Power – 197bhp @ 3,000rpm
Torque – 470Nm @ 1,750rpm – 2,500rpm
Transmission – 6-speed automatic with 4X4

Dimensions
Length – 4,892mm
Width – 1,860mm
Height – 1.837mm
Wheelbase – 2,850mm
Ground Clearance – 225mm
Fuel Tank Capacity – 80-litres

Suspension 

Front – Independent coil spring with anti-roll bar
Rear – Coil spring, Watts linkage type with anti-roll bar

Braking System
Front – Disc
Rear – Disc

Tyre Size
Front – 265/60 R18 alloy
Rear – 265/60 R18 alloy

Key Updates

Exterior
• Bi-Xenon automated projector headlights
• Skid plates with silver finish
• Panoramic sunroof
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED DRLs and LED taillights
• Rear view camera
• Wing mirrors with turn indicators

Interior
• 8-way adjustable driver seat
• Power adjustable third row seats (50:50)
• Second row with sliding and reclining function
• 10-speaker audio system
• Rear AC with ceiling vents for 2nd and 3rd row seats 

Design

The Trailblazer is a full-sized SUV that looks sufficiently modern and well proportioned. While the Trailblazer carries many design cues that are typical of Chevy trucks, it doesn’t have a sense of boxiness in its design. On the contrary, the Trailblazer oozes street cred and looks as muscular as the Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour. It will also get projector headlamps and LED tail lamps.

Interior

The India-spec Trailblazer comes with a beige-black theme, which is accentuated by piano-black trim on the centre console. The speedo console gets a MID and the highlight of the cabin would be the Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system. The car’s gear-lever also gets some chrome highlights.

Specification

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer is available in most markets with two diesel engine options and a petrol motor. The entry-level diesel engine displaces 2.5-litres while the larger motor displaces 2.8-litres. The petrol engine is a V6 unit that displaces 3.6-litres. The India-spec model is available with only one engine option- the 2.8-litre Duramax DOHC turbodiesel engine that will belt out a maximum power of 197bhp and a peak torque of 500 Nm. The India-spec model will miss out on a 4wd system.

Length x Width x Height	4878x1902x1847 mm
Kerb Weight	2068 kg
Wheel Type and Size	265/60 R18 Alloys
Ground Clearance	231 mm
Engine Type/ Displacement	2776cc, 4-cyliner turbo-diesel
Power	197 bhp
Torque	500 Nm
Top Speed	-NA-
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	-NA-
Transmission (Gearbox)	6-speed Automatic
Mileage	-NA-
Air Conditioner Type	Automatic Climate Control
Airbags	6
ABS	Yes

Features

Here’s a list of some the features that are available on the India-spec Trailblazer –

• Hill Start Assist
• Hill-Descent Control
• Touchscreen infotainment system with CD/USB/aux/Bluetooth
• Keyless Entry and Start/Stop
• 6 Airbags
• Alloy Wheels
• Roof-rails
• Cruise control
• Leather seats

Chevrolet India plans to bring a range of new cars in India. This model onslaught will commence with the advent of the Trailblazer and will be followed by other products such as the new Beat, Spin MPV and more.

MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT:

Specs

The new 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport India could borrow its engines from the Triton pick-up sold internationally. We expect the SUV to be powered by a 2.4 litre, turbo charged diesel motor producing 178 bhp and 430 Nm of torque. There will be a four-wheel drive system on offer and transmission duties will be carried out by either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic.

Features

• Radical new styling based on Mitsubishi’s new design language.
• LED daytime running lights with projector headlamps.
• New X-Shape grille.
• Vertical LED tail lamps.
• Touchscreen infotainment system with GPS navigation
• Dual Zone Climate control
• Keyless entry and push button start
• Roof mounted screen
• Electric parking brake
• Multifunction steering wheel.

ALL THE SUV'S WHICH GONNA SHOW THE CAPABILITY.