Ford launches new Fiesta

Ford India launched its global sedan, the all-new Fiesta in India. The Fiesta will boast a 1.5 L Ti-VCT 108bhp petrol engine and a 1.5 L Duratorq TDCi 90bhp diesel engine and will come with a 5-speed manual transmission. Initial impressions of the car suggest that it isn’t as roomy as its looks but it’s got the new age looks going for it.

The Fiesta will be available in four trims; Style (base model), Trend, Titanium and Titanium Plus (top-end model). Standard features on the Fiesta include ABS, EBD, Steering mounted controls and airbags among others. The car comes equipped with features like an intuitive human-machine interface, Bluetooth Voice Control that allows for hands-free control over six functions such as phone, radio, CD, USB, iPod and electronic climate control while Cruise Control too finds its way into the top-of-the-line model.

The new Fiesta will fight against established rivals like the VW Vento, the Honda City and the newly launched Hyundai Verna. The feature list of the Verna (engine options included), the build quality and reliability of the Vento and the long standing popularity of the City will pose stiff competition to the Fiesta. The price for the 1.5 L Ti-VCT Style is Rs.8,23,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and for the 1.5 Litre Duratorq TDCi Titanium Plus is Rs.10,42,200 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The new look, some new features and a new beginning to a steady run throughout last year, might just see the scales tip in the favour of Ford.

Toyota launches Liva; price-range 4-6 lakhs!

This marks the entry of Toyota Kirloskar Motor into a segment that the Japanese giant has ignored for long enough in India. Finally in the thick of action in the small car space, Toyota has launched its much-awaited hatchback – Etios Liva (or just Liva, if you’d like). First impressions are rather pleasing – it’s got more than sufficient cabin space and the interior is a carbon copy of the Etios, only garnished with small sporty elements, keeping in sync with the lively nature of the car, as is being advertised.

The basic variant of the Liva – priced at Rs.3.99 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi – is really quite basic and comes sans power steering, power windows and even tilt steering! Other variants are priced between 4.59 and 5.49 lakhs, while the top end VX retails for 5.99 lakhs.

There’s a 1.2 litre, 79bhp petrol engine that drives the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. The positioning of Liva puts it bang in the middle of the the B-segment war, and will have popular models like the new Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, Fiat Punto, Ford Figo and Volkswagen Polo for competition.

The Liva looks rather attractive – especially with the aero kit that comes in the top end variant – and, coupled with spacious interiors, killer pricing and Toyota’s brand equity – should make for a smart option for consumers shopping for a premium hatch.

A Volvo veteran of 17 years, Tomas Ernberg, has taken over from Paul de Voijs – who set up Volvo cars in India four-and-a-half years ago. On his way out, Paul mentioned that if he had the choice, he would do it all over again in a heartbeat. He echoed the sentiments of many of the other heads of luxury car manufacturers in India, which is that this is a very exciting time in the country, and no one could have predicted the explosive growth a few years ago.

Tomas, meanwhile, has only been in India for a few days, but seems well acquainted already. He was last posted in Dubai as the Regional Managing Director for Volvo, where he managed 13 markets in the Middle East and North Africa. He’s extremely bullish on Volvo globally, having seen the company through several ups and downs over the years. He was keen to point out that Volvo is a completely independent company with very strong financial backing and a long term commitment. After a period of struggle, Volvo has posted consistent quarterly profits since the start of 2010.

Tomas also pointed to the increased focus of the management in Sweden towards the Indian market, and their long term commitment. In the foreseeable future, Volvo’s will be imported and sold as CBU’s, especially since they’re price competitive – although that scenario could change in future based on the macro environment. Volvo surpassed its 2010 sales (of 130 units) in the first 3 months of the year, and while the actual numbers are still small Volvo is poised for as much as a 300% growth for the year.