Maruti Suzuki today launched another version of Brand Alto, equipped with a K-series, 998 cc engine. This version, called 'Alto-K10', comes with improved suspension, new cable-type transmission, superior brake system and more knee-room for rear seat passengers.

The existing Alto clocks average sales of over 20,000 units every month. Maruti Suzuki expects the Alto-K10 to bring in additional customers. Fuel efficiency: 20.2 km per litre - the highest among petrol cars in A2 segment and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 13.3 seconds.

On the occasion of Alto-K10 launch, Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said “The Alto's package of performance, fuel efficiency and attractive cost of ownership have together made it India's most popular car. The Alto-K10 will take this forward. There are a growing number of first time buyers who seek more power, performance and attitude in their car, without having to stretch all the way to buy a higher segment car. The Alto-K10 is meant for them”.

Alto-K10 LXi Delhi 3.03 lakh

Alto-K10 VXi Delhi 3.16 lakh

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) Ltd. launched a new variant of Honda Jazz named as Jazz X with great exterior styling, enhanced interiors and several new value-added features.

The new variant is an addition to the Jazz line-up, which boasts of premium styling, interior comfort, versatile utility and remarkable performance. The Honda Jazz becomes even more stylish and sporty with the new blue black interiors and this sporty look is further accentuated with the addition of Alloy wheels. In line with the preferences of the customers, the audio system of the new Jazz now comes equipped with a USB port.

Price of the Honda Jazz X Grade: 7.53 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

The Honda Jazz X will additionally feature a Rear Parcel Shelf for added customer convenience & safety of the luggage and Front & Rear mud guards. It will also include Fog lamps for enhanced styling and better visibility and Driver seat height adjuster for a comfortable and smooth drive.

The new Jazz X will now be offered in one new colour-Rallye Red, apart from the existing colours-Tafetta White, Alabaster Silver, Crystal Black Pearl, Sherbet Blue and Deep Sapphire Blue.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, Director Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. said, “We are delighted to expand the choice of variants for our customers of Jazz with the new Jazz X Grade. The new variant is a result of extensive customer feedback and will offer sporty looks, enhanced interior and exterior styling, and exhilarating driving experience.”

Honda Jazz was adjudged the ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Small Car of the Year’ at the NDTV Profit – Car India and Bike India Awards 2010. Introduced in the Indian market in June 2009, the Jazz comes with a 1.2 L i-VTEC engine in 5-speed manual transmission and has all the Honda attributes, such as global design, great drivability, fuel efficiency and safety.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) today announced the launch of the Corolla Altis Diesel in India. The latest offering from TKM has been developed keeping in mind the distinctive requirements of the Indian customer with the basic concept of 'optimum balance of performance and economy'. India is the first Asian country to get the BSIV Corolla Altis Diesel.

The Corolla Altis is available with a newly developed 1.4L in-line 4-cylinder D-4D Common Rail Diesel Engine that generates a peak power of 88.4 PS and a peak torque of 205 Nm. Toyota's D-4D technology also used in the Innova, Fortuner, Prado and Land Cruiser 200 has earned a reputation the world-over for its high quality, durability and reliability.

The D-4D engine in the Corolla Altis is complemented by a 6-Speed Manual Transmission - a 'first-in-segment' offering ? to provide flat torque that would mean lesser gear shifting, leading to better fuel efficiency. The car has registered a best-in-class mileage of 21.43 km/l as certified by a test agency.

The Corolla Altis Diesel gets a differentiating sporty mesh grille, better aerodynamic characteristics, and the lowest NVH and best ground clearance in its segment. The car is available in seven colours - Silver Mica Metallic, Champagne Mica Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic, White Pearl Mica, Light Blue Mica Metallic, Super White and Black Mica.

The Corolla Altis Diesel comes in three manual transmission grades D-4D J, D-4D G and D-4D GL with competitive price tags between 10, 95, 000 and 13, 75, 000, ex-showroom Delhi. Bookings open today.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Nakagawa (MD, TKM) said, "The Corolla DNA that has been handed down for 40 years is now in its 10th Generation with over 35 million happy customers worldwide. The car made its debut in India in 2003, and now has more than 60,000 satisfied owners in the country. As part of our long-term commitment to bring the best of Toyota's technology to India, we are very proud to introduce the Corolla Altis Diesel. The Corolla Altis Diesel has Toyota's proven D-4D technology, and I am happy to say will have the best fuel efficiency in its segment. "

Mr. Sandeep Singh (Deputy Managing Director-Marketing, TKM) said, "Apart from the spacious interiors and luxury features of the Corolla Altis, the diesel variant has the best fuel efficiency, lowest NVH and the best ground clearance in its segment. Our target customers are individuals who are business professionals, in the 35 to 45 age group looking for a perfect balance of performance and economy. The launch of the Corolla Altis Diesel has enhanced Toyota's line-up in India, and we are looking at consolidating our leadership position in the C-segment with a sales target of 10,500 units for the Corolla Altis in 2010."

Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd., India’s largest multi-brand pre-owned car company, today inaugurated its authorized dealership in Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi. JKM Auto, located at B-Block, Lajpat Nagar IV is spread across 1,800 sq. ft with an additional parking area of approximately 2,500 sq – ft. The showroom was inaugurated by Mr. Rajeev Dubey, President (HR, After-Market & Corporate Services) and Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

“I am delighted to inaugurate our newest dealership in Delhi, where Mahindra FirstChoice has already established itself as a leading pre-owned car company. The pre-owned car market in Delhi is growing at a rapid rate and the car market has immense scope of growth. JKM Auto Pvt Ltd is well poised to tap the potential of this market with its extensive infrastructure and the array of services it offers customers,” said Mr. Dubey.

“We are delighted to partner with Mahindra FirstChoice. JKM Auto will function as a one-stop shop for all those wishing to either buy or sell a car. The showroom will display all varieties of car brands. Customers can avail of an array of services under one roof, including purchase and sale of pre-owned cars, insurance, car finance, etc.” said Mr. Pankaj Nagpal, JKM Auto Pvt Ltd.

The Mahindra FirstChoice value proposition

Mahindra FirstChoice is the country’s preferred pre-owned car mart and is India’s only organized multi-brand player, with 125 outlets in 80 towns across India. The company plans to expand this number to 300 outlets in the next three years. This implies that customers will soon be able to choose from a range of certified pre-owned cars throughout India, including the metros and tier-2 towns and cities.

Tremendous attention to detail is required to ensure that each pre-owned car meets a high level of quality. Before purchasing the car, a trained engineer thoroughly inspects the vehicle and also sees to it that all papers are in order. After purchase, every car is refurbished and undergoes an extensive 118 point quality check by a trained engineer, as part of the company’s robust certification process. The objective behind the care and diligence exercised is to present the customer with a car in mint condition.

In short, buying a pre-owned car from Mahindra FirstChoice offers several advantages, including quality assurance, safety and a hassle-free driving experience.

Mahindra FirstChoice also offers 24x7 Road Side Assistance and warranty on certified pre-owned cars. The warranty, subject to specific terms and conditions, covers the important parts of the car. The 24x7 Road Side Assistance, subject to specific terms and conditions, assures the certified used car buyer that should the car break-down, he will be provided assistance. This warranty and road side assistance gives tremendous peace of mind to buyers.

Mahindra FirstChoice also has retail finance relationships with major banks and NBFCs in the country. As an industry first, Mahindra FirstChoice has recently partnered with Syndicate Bank to offer consumers finance rates comparable to those for new cars.

Mahindra FirstChoice also has a website – www.mahindrafirstchoice.com – which offers consumers the luxury of buying and selling pre-owned cars from the comfort of their own homes.