Top reasons to own a car this festive season

New Delhi, Oct 20: The car market is once again abuzz with activities this festive season as quite a few companies have launched new models, face-lifted and limited edition versions of their existing models to drive up sales. Some of these models include Tata's new Safari Storme, Maruti Suzuki's Alto 800, M&M's SsangYong Rexton, Ford Figo facelift, Tata Indica eV2, Tata's sedan Manza variant, Toyota's limited editions of Etios, Corolla & Fortuner and M&M Quanto. After a dull first half, the automotive industry in the country is banking a lot on the festive season sentiments to boost sales. Let's take a look at some of the reasons why an individual can opt for purchasing a car. PowerA lot of new engines and transmissions had made new car more powerful. For instance, the 2.2-litre DiCOR engine of new Safari Storme delivers better refinement and response. Although its engine churns out 140 BHP of power and 320 Nm of torque, which is same as the old Safari, driveability has improved comprehensively. Tata Motors claims the Safari Storme will do 0 to 100 km/hr in 15 seconds. Also, the new Ford Figo facelift now comes with over 140 small and big changes, both cosmetic and performance-oriented. The 1.2-litre petrol motor produces 71 PS of power at 6250 RPM and 102 Nm at 4000 RPM. While the Duratorq diesel engine delivers 69 PS @ 4000 RPM and 160 NM at 2000 RPM. Both these engines matted to a 5 speed manual gearbox. According to Ford, the models deliver better performance due to improved engine calibration. The company states the pickup and pedal response has improved.The new Tata Indica eV2 is equipped with the CR4 Common Rail Diesel engine, that offers displacement of 1396 cc delivering 70 PS @ 4000 RPM. With a higher torque of 140 NM at a lower 1800-3000 RPM, the Tata Indica eV2 comes with improvements in the gear ratios, starter motor protection and reduction in the weight of the car by around 10 kg.M&M's compact SUV Quanto is powered by a 1.5 litre mCR100 engine, which is the newest Common Rail Diesel engine in Mahindra's SUV portfolio. The mCR100 engine delivers a power-packed 100 bhp and torque of 240 Nm. The 1.5 litre engine is fitted with a twin stage turbo – India's first, which delivers maximum power and excellent torque. SafetyThe new Ford Figo comes with power door locks, power windows, day and night rear view mirror, passenger side rear view mirror and central locking that further improves safety and security. The model also has engine immobilizer. This basically means that it'll take more just a properly cut key to steal the car. When someone tries to start it with duplicate key or other equipment, the high-tech security system ceases the mill. Seat-belts are added at front and rear seat with seat belt warning and door Ajar warning. Moreover, in the top-end variant, side and front impact beams are fitted along with all the above features.The refreshed Tata Indica eV2 offers advanced reinforced steel in the sub-frame, thus giving the body shell has added strength and muscle. The car is available with child Safety locks, anti-submarine seats, collapsible steering column, side intrusion beam on all 4 doors, Provision for Rear Fog Lamps, Head lamp leveler. In addition, the model is more stable on highways and can negotiate all driving conditions with ease. Tata Indica is also packed with Dual Circuit, Diagonal Split Hydraulic Brakes through Tandem Master Cylinder brakes that decelerate this car quickly.The Tata Safari Storme has build upon the various strengths of the Safari like the terrific road presence and comfortable ride. The SUV comes equipped with safety features such as BS with EBD, Engine Immobilizer, Disc brakes and two airbags. Tata has also added a reverse camera mounted into the inner rear view mirror, a-la-Hyundai Verna.Fuel economyMaruti claimed a fuel efficiency of 22.74 kilometre per liter in the new Alto 800 which is 15 per cent more than the older models. The rise in fuel efficiency has been achieved by higher compression ratio and improved volumetric efficiency. What will attract Indian buyers is the fact that the model is being offered in three petrol and three CNG variants as well. In addition, the CNG version, branded 'Green', comes with the patented intelligent Gas Port Injection (i-GPI) technology, which offers a fuel efficiency of 30.46 km/ kg on the new Alto 800 Green, an improvement of over 13 per cent compared to the outgoing Alto Green. The i-GPI technology also offers more power along with reliability.The refreshed Tata Indica eV2 promises a mileage of 25 kilometre per litre (Automotive Research Association of India certified), that makes it the most fuel-efficient car in its class.M&M Quanto comes with the company's revolutionary micro hybrid technology which enhanced its mileage – certified by ARAI at a class leading 17.2 kmpl. The company claims range of over 900 km in one tank of fuel.Refreshed interiorsThe interiors of new Safari Storme are well designed. The interior quality has been considerably enhanced as compared to the previous model. To ensure fatigue free driving the model now comes with tilt-adjust (collapsible steering column), reclining front bucket seats with fore/aft adjustment position and lumbar support. Storme also gets new rotary AC dials and music system. Also, there are electrically foldable mirrors and even ABS comes as standard across all Storme models. The vehicle is equipped with a dual-AC with a separate integrated roof mounted blower for rear passengers. Other enhancements include an ergonomically shaped gear knob with chrome highlights, wooden accents on the dashboard and door trims, a new instrument cluster, chrome-lined speaker grills and inside door handles. It also has vacuum assisted independent hydraulic, ventilated disc brakes on all four-wheels and a 4-channel ABS with EBD, that helps in keeping the vehicle under control in emergency braking conditions.The new Tata Indica eV2 comes with refreshed interiors. Its new four spoke steering wheels add more style to its interior. The model comes with utility tray with coin holder, spot (reading) lamps, all four door operated cabin lamp, new internally adjustable outer rear view mirror (ORVM), molded roof lining & door trims, internal antenna, fabric lined seats, parcel shelf, 4 spoke steering wheel, new horn pad for steering wheel, lamp in luggage compartment, etc. Tata Indica is a spacious hatchback that has a seating capacity of five passengers.The inside cabin of the new Alto 800 has been designed to give it contemporary looks. The insides have been refreshed tastefully and are now looking more refined. The new Alto 800 has become a roomier model with enhanced head room, shoulder room and utility space. A significant change comes in form of an ergonomic positioned dashboard. The new Maruti Alto 800 also gets some new accents and also a complete new shade of interiors. There has also been significant improvement in plastic quality and in comparison to the outgoing version. The cabin has been bestowed with quite a few chrome elements to make this small car look elegant.