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12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
With 13 Indian metros upgrading to Bharat Stage IV emission norms, the country's most environment-friendly auto fuels yet, as many as a dozen cars from various comapnies will become outdated in these cities.
While neither the Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers nor the government has announced any particular laws for such cars which are already on the roads in these cities, auto manufacturers have said that they won't be selling these cars in the 13 designated cities, as upgrading the cars for BS IV norm would hike the price of the cars. Also, the low sales volume of these does not make its viable to go in for an upgrade, they pointed out.
The new norms require changes in the engine and exhaust system of cars. These mandatory alterations, and other factors like rising raw material prices and two per cent increase in excise duty have, however, compelled the carmakers to hike prices of their other products.
BS IV emission norms are now prevalent in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Surat, Ahmedabad, Pune and Solapur. Euro IV is India's latest step towards greener vehicles.
The BS IV fuels mean less pollution and better mileage for vehicles, owing to the lower quantity of sulphur in diesel and lower sulphur and aromatic content in petrol.
There will, however, be a marginal hike in fuel pricers. Though the governmnet is yet to announce the new pricing, analysts feel petrol may cost 50 paisa more per litre, and diesel price may go up by another 26 paisa. Prices, however, will vary according to the taxes across states.
According to SIAM, India is about 4-6 years behind the American or European emission norms.
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12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
Maruti 800
The car that used to be the bestselling automobile in India until 2004 will soon be completely out of production. Maruti Suzuki started phasing out Maruti 800 beginning April 2010.
A 55 per cent slump in sales in the 10 months ending January 2010 -- with the company selling only 27,088 cars during the period -- and strict emission norms now in effect in India's major cities forced the company to take this drastic step.
Over 2.5 million Maruti 800's have been sold since its launch in 1984.
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12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
Hyundai Getz
One of the most preferred hatchbacks in the country, Hyundai Getz is being completely phased out.
As a result of the continued slide in sales Hyundai Motor India planned to yank the car from the market.
While Hyundai Motor India managing director, H S Lheem did not give any specific time frame for the final phase-out, he said that the company will focus more on the i20.
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12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
Skoda Octavia
Skoda Octavia available in 3 variants -- Ambiente Turbo, Ambiente and Elegance -- comes in both petrol and diesel engine versions.
All the variants are packed with turbocharged 5-speed manual transmission engine with in-line liquid cooling systems.
The body shape has been designed with the aim of reducing the air resistance coefficient; as a result the fuel consumption is reduced and you get better mileage.
While it will be still available in the cities with BS III emission norm, none of the variants will be available in any of the BS IV cities. The company started phasing it out from April 1 this year in these 13 cities.
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12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
Skoda Fabia (Petrol)
The sleek Skoda Fabia is the first super hatch in India with a huge passenger and cargo space designed with premium looks.
Fabia sets the benchmark for roominess in the small car segment. Its increased height and breadth ensure that you get more head and leg room.
The Fabia has a spacious 300 litre boot space too, that makes the super hatch ideal for family holidays.
The petrol version of this car was phased out from April 1.
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12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
Chevrolet Tavera
It was brought to India after its grand success in Indonesian and Filipino markets. Offering number of utility, comfort and power packed features this Chevy MUV qualifies to become a perfect family car.
It has been designed and engineered by Isuzu, General Motors (GM's) Japanese partner.
In terms of engine performance the 2.5-litre, direct injection, 2499 cc Isuzu diesel engine has four cylinder and delivers an impressive output of 80 bhp @ 3900 rpm.
With its roomy interiors and larger seating capacity of 7 to 10 passengers, the Chevy Tavera scores good to become an option for the cab and large fleet owners.
General Motors has stopped selling Tavera in the BS IV cities.
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12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
Sumo Victa
Another victim of the strict emission norms, Tata Motors discontinued selling this car in the BS IV cities from April.
The Sumo Victa is powered by a 2.0L Inline-4 diesel engine that pumps out 67 bhp @ 4,500 rpm and makes 117.5 Nm of torque @ 2,500 rpm.The Tata Sumo has been enjoying its position in the MUV market since 1994.
It had stiff competition with the Toyota Qualis and now competes with Chevrolet Tavera.
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12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
Palio Stile
Product of the Fiat-Tata joint venture had to bite the dust, as low sale volumes forced the JV against upgrading it to BS IV level.Fiat Palio Stile the first product from the Ranjanagaon plant has two petrol engine variants, Palio Stile 1.1(SL, SLE and SLX variant) and Palio Stile 1.6 sport.
Fiat claims its Palio Stile is equipped with auto intelligence system which includes:
- Double Crank Prevention System - A unique engine guard system which prevents re-cranking of the engine when already on,
- Reverse Gear Lock - A sensible reverse gear lock prevents any accidental engagement of reverse gear and ensures that you always travel the right way,
- An engine Immobiliser - A high security system which ensures the engine start only when your coded key is inserted and acts as a theft prevention device,
- Fire Prevention System, and
- Child safety lock.
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12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
Ford Ikon
The entry level Ford Ikon has lost its josh. It had to make way for the new Ford Ikon Plus. The original Ikon will no more be sold in any of the BS IV cities.
The Ford Ikon is a sedan version of the Ford Fiesta Mark V on the Ford B3 platform. It is manufactured and sold in India.
Ford relaunched its Ford Ikon in November 2008 with diesel engine and better exterior changes.
Ford India introduced its Ford Ikon diesel with iKool edition with features like an iPod compatible music system, rear spoiler, autocop anti theft system and leather seat covers.
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12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
Lancer
Diligently designed for Indian road conditions, Mitsubishi Lancer offers innovative technology combined with economy and performance.
Mitsubishi Lancer is available both in petrol and diesel options. Petrol option comes in two variants-1.5-litre and 1.8-litre engines, while diesel option comes with 2.0-litre engine.
With the launch of Lancer Evolution (simply called Evo), Mitsubishi decided not to upgrade the entry-level car to BS IV level.
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12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
Mitsubishi Pajero
Pajero is a sport utility vehicle manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors. It was loaded with a turbocharged diesel engine, a front double wishbone suspension with torsion bar springs, power steering and suspension seats.
The Pajero, however, failed to appeal to everyone. The company thus decided against upgrading this car.
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12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
Ambassador
The Ambassador is manufactured by Hindustan Motors of India at its Uttarpara plant near Kolkata. It has been in production since 1948 without much modifications or changes and is based on the Morris Oxford III model.
Despite its British origins, the Ambassador is considered as a definitive Indian car and is fondly called 'The king of Indian roads'.
Though still a favourite among the ministers in Delhi, no new Ambassador will ever be sold in Delhi, or any of the other BS IV compliant cities.
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12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
Indica V2
The Tata Group entered the small car market in 1998 by launching the Indica. The first generation Indica had some flaws and thus the improved second version -- V2 -- was launched.
With plenty of interior modifications, it emerged as the bestselling car and a major contender for small cars.
But the car came under the scanner of auto critics as it was underpowered for stop-and-start city driving.
And finally, it was the end of the road for V2. While it will still be available in the cities with BS III norm, it is being phased out in the BS IV cities.