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Gaana – Now on Android Auto

By
Nikhil
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Gaana, the music streaming app, has released an Android Auto version that will allow users to stream their favourite music via Android Auto compatible phones, vehicles and aftermarket radios.

Android Auto allows anyone with an Android phone (running 5.0 or later) to use a driver friendly interface to access the key stuff needed on the road ― directions, communications, music, etc. ― without the distraction of things that aren’t essential while driving.

Gaana is the first Indian music streaming that allows users to experience a non-stop, distraction-free and safe music experience using Android Auto.

Prashan Agarwal, COO, Gaana says, ‘Music is the biggest stress buster when driving, but access to just the right song or station, while simultaneously dodging traffic is not just frustrating, but downright dangerous. Gaana has brought the solution with its Android Auto integration. Allowing you access to your favorite music in a safe and delightful driver-friendly interface – So you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands up on the wheel,” laughs Prashan Agarwal, COO, Gaana.

Users can now access their favorite Gaana songs and playlists from their Android Auto app, with a simplified interface, large buttons, and powerful voice actions.

With full access to their personal music library on Gaana, users can play a song, personal playlist and even search for a song using voice commands. With voice enabled search, users can access over 15 million songs, 16 radio stations & 1000 other non-stop radio stations based on their mood, driving time, duration, etc.

In the last one year, Gaana has released several new enhancements such as localization, recommendation engines, dual color themes, and added more payment option such as Citrus, Freecharge to continuously improve the music experience of its 50 million plus users.

Music streaming is the 3rd most used service on the Internet and the Indian car market will become 4th largest automobile market in the world by 2020. Therefore, adding Android auto functionality is key to drive engagement amongst car users who largely listen to FM radio today. Gaana’s Android Auto integration will provide a safe alternative to such listeners and will further strengthen Gaana’s dominance in the music streaming space.

2017 Mercedes E-class goes for the ‘E’xtra all-new long-wheelbase

By
Nikhil
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The latest Mercedes E-class comes to India with a long-wheelbase for that extra comfort for the rear passengers. Before we open the doors of the new luxury chariot my Mercedes, here are few things you should know:

  • Make  Mercedes-Benz
  • Model  E-Class
  • Edition  E 350d LWB
  • Generation: 5th Genenration (In India)
  • EngineFuel Petrol/Diesel
  • Type 1991cc, four-cylinder/ 2987cc, V6
  • Power 184hp at 5500rpm/ 258hp at 3400rpm
  • Torque 300Nm at 1200-4000rpm/ 620Nm at 1600-2400rpm
  • Transmission Gearbox 9-speed automatic
  • Dimensions Length 5065mm 2065mm 1467mm Wheel base 3079mm

It’s a given that E-class and above from the Mercedes stable are more likely to be driven by a chauffeur in India. Henceforth, the 2017 E-class comes with a new long-wheelbase, which has been specially developed for Indian buyers. But that doesn’t mean the owner won’t be driving himself/herself, hence the 258hp diesel V6 under the hood. And for the ones who prefer gasoline/petrol, there is 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder petrol that offers 184hp. A sub 2.o-litre diesel engine will also be launched later this year to evade the governments restriction of over 2000CC diesel engines.

A photo posted by Siddhartha Sharma (@sidnchips) on

Moving on to the design of the car, first thing you would notice is the long-wheelbase and its uncanny resemblance to the Maybach. The design is a continuation of what we have seen in the last E-Class or the C and S-Class. It’s a perfect amalgamation of luxury and sporty, making it a great car to drive or to be driven around. Have a look as Siddhartha Sharma, Editor Technology & Automobiles, CNNNews18 zips past in it.

A video posted by Siddhartha Sharma (@sidnchips) on

This long-wheelbase version of the E-class, gets a lavish 3,079mm between the wheels, making for opulent cabin space. That’s not it, the top-of-the-line 350d also gets air suspension all round with three-chamber design for the struts, inspired from the S-class. The Ground clearance is 120mm in the lowest setting, but this can be raised by a further 15mm if you use the ‘lift’ feature. The highest being 135mm after the lift, which seems to be less than what you would need ideally on Indian roads. The ground clearance of a car with such long wheelbase should be 140 + 15 mm on lifting.

A photo posted by Siddhartha Sharma (@sidnchips) on

Launch Details

The Mercedes E-Class Extended Wheelbase is coming to India on Feb 28, at an expected price of around Rs 65 to 70 lakh. Not impressed? The Jaguar XF and Volvo S90, and soon to be launched new generation BMW 5-series are your options.

This valentine’s turn your baraat into a SuperBaraat with Droom

By
Nikhil
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Droom has launched a new campaign, SuperBaraat for this year’s romantic season. Couples who are about to get married can register themselves to be eligible for a SuperBaraat. All they have to do is share their love stories which will be read by users on different social media platforms and evaluated by an independent panel of judges. Based on the social media responses and the judges’ review, a couple will be chosen where the groom gets a chance to ride into the wedding and have the vidaai in a supercar!

Couples who have their weddings before 30th April are eligible to participate in this contest.  Whereas nominations are open till the end of February, the microsite will be launched on the 10th of February.

In a further boost to the mood of love brewing in the air, Droom has also announced a mini-version of the campaign for those who have their wedding on 14th February. Process remains the same, couples need to submit their entries by the evening of 12th February, which will then be judged. The results will be declared by midnight, next day and winners will have a supercar at their beck and call during their baraat/vidaai!

Commenting on the campaign, Sandeep Aggarwal, Founder and CEO, Droom said, “Supercars have always been an object of great fantasy, even more so today with their portrayal in movies and other shows. We decided to initiate the SuperBaraat campaign to celebrate this season of love, and gift a lucky couple an experience which they will never forget. Furthermore, the interesting combination of a conventional Indian baraat/vidaai with a flashy supercar is something even the attendees at the wedding will marvel at.”

The SuperBaraat campaign will begin on the 10th of February and hopes to get a huge response from love-struck couples vying for an experience of a lifetime. Whereas nominations are open till the end of February, Droom is already looking towards enabling the first SuperBaraat this Valentine’s Day.

Campaigns such as SuperBaraat transform weddings, which already are special occasions, into memories that resonates for a long time after the ceremonies are over.

Everything you need to know about the new Honda City (2017)

By
Nikhil
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Honda is all set to launch the 2017 variant of its top selling sedan – Honda City in the Indian market. The Japanese car maker has already started taking booking of the new Honda City, the widely popular sedan and it is scheduled to launch on February 14th.

The mid-size sedan is widely popular among young car enthusiasts and takes on the likes of Skoda Rapid, Volkswagen Vento, Hyundai Verna and the recently launched Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.

Here’s everything you need to know about the sedan that has ruled the Indian roads for almost two decades.

Facelift with subtle but prominent changes

The 2017 Honda city gets a reworked front bumper with subtle but noticeable changes that make it more aggressive and bold when seen from the front. There’s a tweaked grille with a honeycomb mesh, new reworked headlamp cluster with integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs), new fog lamps and bigger air intakes on the bumper with a spoiler integrated with LED stop lamp.

Feature loaded cockpit

The new Honda City will bring a feature loaded cockpit. There will be LED cabin lighting, refreshed MID, steering-mounted audio controls even on lower variants, chrome accents, 3 rear headrests with height adjustment and a rear park assist with camera.

New Alloy wheels and ORVMs

The 2017 Honda City will ship with new alloy wheels and new outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs). There will be no change in the dimension of the car but overall we will see some new surface elements, matching the likes of Honda Civic.

Automatic Climate Control with a new 15.7 cm touch screen

The new 2017 Honda City will get an updated automatic climate control system and a new 15.7 cm touch-screen unit.

Cruise Control, Sunroof and an updated Bluetooth system

Besides the automatic climate control, the new Honda city will also feature an updated Bluetooth telephony system, cruise control, updated sunroof, paddle shifts, and more.

No Change in Engine

Contrary to features mentioned above, there will be no change in the engine that powers the sedan. The 2017 Honda City will have the same 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 119 bhp and churns out 145Nm of torque. The 1.5-litre diesel engine will also be the same pumping out 100bhp and 200Nm of torque.

However, a noticeable upgrade will be the 6-Speed Manual Transmission on the Petrol variant.

In addition to above mentioned features, the sedan will also offer a total of eight speakers, rear power outlets, rear ac vents, tail lamps and LED detailing, etc.

The sedan will come in five trims- S, SV, V, VX and ZX for the Indian market

Image Source: Web.PK, giaobao.com

Pioneer Introduces 2016-17 product line-up for India

By
Nikhil
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The latest category has been designed after extensive India focused research and promises to deliver a revolutionary in-car audio experience for discerning customers.

Pioneer has introduced Android Auto (for Android users) in its latest navigation-cum-entertainment systems. These products also equipped with Apple CarPlay (for iPhone users), gives its users the best of both the worlds. With an interface really simple and purpose built for driving, Android Auto makes the smartphone apps (like Google Maps, WhatsApp, Smartphone music) really easy to use in the cars. The system enhances the Android Auto experience by using the included external microphone and car speakers. With Google’s speech technology, controlling everything with voice is pretty simple. The built-in equalizer, subwoofer Controls and the additional sound quality adjustment options featured in the new Pioneer headunits provide a customizable and truly unique experience. 

Pioneer has also introduced Advance Remote Control (ARC smartphone app) and High Speed charging in some of its new car headunits. The ARC app allows its users to control music and fine tune audio settings of the car stereo directly from the smartphone itself. The key benefit of ARC is that it gives you a Touch and swipe smart control of the basic car stereo.

High speed charging for smartphone is really required now days. With Pioneer new car stereo, you can charge your phone with upto 1.5A current on the go.

 

The TS-R6951S speaker focuses especially on bass and comes with a fully covered Grill for protection from dust and other external elements. The newly introduced subwoofer TS-W306R features higher wattage with 350 RMS and higher durability with VoiceCoil Cooling System. Pioneer also introduced 3 new amplifiers. They come with higher wattage at an affordable price range of Rs 4,990 to Rs 8,990.

 

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Minoru Ogawa, Managing Director, Pioneer India Electronics Pvt. Ltd. said, “Pioneer is an undisputed leader in aftermarket car entertainment industry in India. At Pioneer we innovate and design our products basis the surveys and feedback from the customers so as to cater to the changing needs of the Indian customers.

Our aim is to expand the customer base by spreading awareness for connected features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, AppRadio Mode and removing inhalation concerns and myths related to upgrading the car entertainment system.”

Do let us know if you are happy with the car audio system your car came fitted with or would you like to invest in after market solution like Pioneer? You can leave a comment below or tweet to us @theautomotive_

Suzuki to showcase new IGNIS and SX4 S-Cross face-lift at the 2016 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile

By
Nikhil
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In the past we have seen quiet a few concepts of the Suzuki Ignis compact SUV. But the time has come when we will see the new compact crossover, make its European premiere at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

Last year, we saw a small 4WD concept car, called the “Suzuki iM-4” at the Geneva International Motor Show. Later in 2015, we saw the production version of iM-4, known as the Ignis at the Tokyo Motor Show.  In the beginning of 2016, Suzuki officially announced the launch of the Ignis in the Japanese market.

The other automobile by Suzuki to look forward at the 2016 Paris Motor Show is the SX4 S-Cross face-lift. The crossover gets a revamped front exterior design and further refined interior quality and will be showcased at the coveted Auto Show this year.

While we have the Sx4 S-Cross selling in India under the Maruti Suzuki’s premium badge NEXA. According to our sources, the new Ignis will soon join it’s NEXA counterparts Vitara Brezza, Baleno and S-Cross in India. With the success of Baleno and Vitara Brezza in India the NEXA dealerships are already on a high note. With the new Ignis joining the bandwagon, NEXA could set new records in terms of sales and waiting periods for its cars.

Till then our eyes are glued to the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

Lamborghini India to launch special edition ‘Huracan Avio’ on 22nd September

By
Nikhil
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Lamborghini is all set to launch it’s special edition ‘Huracan Avio’ in India on 22nd September. The company has rolled out invites to the automotive industry asking if they are ready to take off? Below is the invite sans the personal information.

The Air Force inspired supercar was announced at Geneva Motor Show by then Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann. We must say that both the Huracan Avio and Centenario are the best parting gifts by Winkelmann to the automotive industry.


The Avio has all the technical specifications that have made the Huracán a great success: aspirated 610 HP, 5.2 liter, V10 engine; 7-speed gearbox with double clutch; hybrid chassis in aluminum and carbon fiber; a power/weight ratio of only 2.33 kilograms per hp and breathtaking performance: 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.2 seconds and a maximum speed of over 325 km/h.

The Jet Fighter-esque car comes with lifting system, cruise control and GPS as standard. The door panels further identify the special Avio version with the logo L63, where L stands for Lamborghini and ’63 is the year the company was founded. The seats also feature an exclusive L 63 embroidered logo and laser-engraved Alcantara®.

Follow us on twitter @AutomotiveBlog_ or on Facebook for live updates from the Lamborghini’s ‘Huracan Avio’ India launch.

ACDelco India a division of General Motors Technical Centre India inaugurates its 9th Warehouse

By
Nikhil
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ACDelco India a supplier of after-market auto components for various vehicle models in India, recently opened a new warehouse in Kochi. The new warehouse was inaugurated by Mr. Markus Sternberg, Vice President Aftersales Chevrolet Sales India Pvt Ltd.

Sharing GM’s vision for the Kerala market, Mr. Markus Sternberg, Vice President, Aftersales Chevrolet Sales India Pvt Ltd said: “ACDelco already has a very strong presence in Kerala and by selecting Kerala for the location of our 9th warehouse across India we will provide “Next Door” availability to our customers here. This has been demanded for quite some time and we are glad to be able to now provide the service demanded by our customers. With this warehouse, we expect an accelerated growth in overall business, faster supplies to the customer, prompt aftersales service and exponential growth of our Battery Business, which requires a responsive service set up.”

The inauguration was attended by esteemed customer & officials namely  Mr. Kamal Prasad, GM, George Oakes; Mr. Rajan, DGM, Madras Auto Service, (TVS group) ; Mr. P.K.Ananthanarayanan, Managing Director, PSN Motors and senior representatives from IMPAL along with other ACDelco distributors MGM and FEDE of Kerala.

Emphasizing on the prominence of the Kerala market Mr. Rajesh Nangia, Director ACDelco Operations said: ”The Kerala’s ACDelco customers are aspirational, demanding and extremely quality conscious With this new warehouse, we expect a new trajectory in our sales efforts and look forward to a new benchmark in our service standards to the discerning Kerala Auto Parts Dealers, Installers and Retail Customers”.

You can have a look at the list of warehouses in India – http://www.acdelco-india.com/acdelco_warehouses.htm

Iconic Jeep launches Wrangler Unlimited And Grand Cherokee In India

By
Nikhil
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The last time I heard about Jeep launching there iconic SUV’s in India, was in 2013. And after 3 long years, Italian-owned American automaker has finally entered the Indian car market. The launch event was held with much fanfare in Udaipur.

The launch started with a Polo match, leading to the grand announcement of Jeep’s launch of it’s Wrangler Unlimited priced at INR 71.59 lakh, the Grand Cherokee starting at INR 93.64 lakh for the Limited variant, and INR 1.03 crore for the more premium Grand Cherokee Summit models.

All the 3 models that launched in India were unveiled during the Polo match.

During the press conference, Jeep officials also stated that they are planning to launch 10 outlets in India by the end of this year. These cities include –

  • Chandigarh
  • New Delhi
  • Lucknow
  • Ahmedabad
  • Mumbai
  • Kolkata
  • Hyderabad
  • Bangalore
  • Chennai
  • Cochin

The most affordable of the lot, the legendary Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will be available in 2.8 Diesel engine and in 8 colours for a starting price of INR 71.59 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Grand Cherokee is powered by 3L V6 Engine with 8 speed automatic transmission and pricing for it starts at INR 93.64 lakh for the Limited variant.

Whereas the top of the line, Grand Cherokee SRT is powered by a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 and is priced at whopping INR 1.12 crore (ex-showroom Delhi).

If the pricing wasn’t a clear indication that Jeep is only targeting luxury SUV enthusiasts India. Then such a royal and luxurious launch instead of a muddy off-road launch made it utterly clear.

Here is a look at the pricing again:

Model Amount (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited INR 71,59,104
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited INR 93,64,527
Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit INR 1,03,39,919
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT INR 1,12,07,825

With such exuberant pricing, Jeep is also providing the following services under its Jeep Assist plan –

  • Return Journey Business Class Air Tickets
  • Hotel Stay
  • Replacement Car
  • Transit Liability Insurance Cover

Currently, all the vehicles Jeep launched in India run on Diesel. Hence, the company also announced that around the same time next year, they will be launching Petrol powered engines. The company has also made an investment of USD 280 million in it’s Indian plant near Pune. According to officials, first India-made Jeep will come in Q4 of 2017.

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