Eco-friendly car for the masses!

India's car market leader Maruti Suzuki handed over first lot of Two Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid cars and One 'Eeco Charge' to Mr Arvinder Singh Lovely, Hon'ble Minister of Transport for NCT Delhi on September. The vehicles intended for use at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, were handed over by Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, in the city.

Maruti Suzuki has made ready a lot of 14 future technology vehicles for the use at Commonwealth Games. These include 10 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid Cars and 4 Maruti Suzuki 'Eeco Charge' vehicles. The balance vehicles will be handed over to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee for use by the Officials during the Commonwealth Games.

On the occasion Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi said, "I am happy that engineers at Maruti Suzuki have developed these future technology vehicles. This project has helped our engineers to increase their knowledge and enhance their R&D capability. We are grateful to the Government for their leadership to promote green technology in automobiles. Maruti Suzuki is happy to be associated with the Commonwealth Games national initiative, through these vehicles."

Maruti Suzuki has developed the SX4 Hybrid vehicles and 'Eeco Charge' concept vehicles as a part of the demonstration fleet. The demonstration of the fleet of SX4 Hybrids and 'Eeco Charge' vehicles at the Commonwealth Games 2010, is in line with the ambitious NHPP and MNRE program outline.
SX4 Hybrid and 'Eeco Charge' concept development has been taken up by Maruti Suzuki as a part of the Government initiated and SIAM coordinated NHPP & MNRE National Hybrid Propulsion Program (NHPP) and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Sources (MNRE)'s High Energy Density Battery Development Program.

A look at the emission norms system at Maruti Suzuki

BS-4 or BS-IV (Bharat Stage 4) Emission norms are a set of norms and rules which set the guidelines for the permissible emission levels. The Emission norms are classified under category of vehicles i.e. Commercial Vehicle, Passenger Vehicle, Light Duty , Heavy Duty Vehicle etc. & further classified under Diesel & Petrol (Gasoline) engine.

Maruti Suzuki Estilo has a BS-IV compliant K-series engine. Bharat Stage emissions standards are emissions standards instituted by the Government of the Republic of India (Bharat) that regulate the output of air pollutants (such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), particulate matter (PM), soot, and, where applicable, sulfur oxides (SOx) by internal combustion engine powered equipment, including motor vehicles, or other air polluting facilities or equipment. In many cases they are similar to European emissions standards.

Comparison between Bharat Stage and Euro norms

The Bharat Stage norms have been styled to suit specific needs and demands of Indian conditions. The differences lie essentially in environmental and geographical needs, even though the emission standards are exactly the same.

For instance, Euro-III is tested at sub-zero temperatures in European countries. In India, where the average annual temperature ranges between 24 and 28 degree Celsius, the test is done away with.
Another major distinction is in the maximum speed at which the vehicle is tested. A speed of 90 km/h is stipulated for BS-III, whereas it is 120 km/h for Euro-III, keeping emission limits the same in both cases.
In addition to limits, test procedure has certain finer points too. For instance, the mass emission test measurements done in g/km on a chassis dynamometer requires a loading of 100 kg weight in addition to unloaded car weight in Europe. In India, BS-III norms require an extra loading of 150 kg weight to achieve the desired inertia weight mainly due to road conditions here.

Maruti Suzuki Estilo- The changing taste of consumer

The Estilo represents Maruti Suzuki’s matching pace with the changing taste and lifestyle of 'Vibrant India'. The bolder new Estilo, designed to meet the aspirations of the Indian customer, is a heady-mix of sculpted features, bold designs, new exciting colours.

Leading the advanced technological features on the new Estilo are a new engine and a transmission system. Equipped with the popular 998cc K-series engine, the Estilo delivers a superior fuel efficiency of 18.2 kmpl (ARAI test results). This BSIV compliant engine makes the Estilo the second car in Maruti Suzuki stable that meets the BSIV norms. The new Estilo comes with new efficient transmission technology and advanced 'Detent pin' gear shift mechanism for smooth and precise gear shift feeling for the customers.

Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited say, "The new Estilo, with a new technology engine and a new transmission, is sure to delight the customer. We are confident that the new Estilo with its bolder new design and interiors will add to the competitive edge of Maruti Suzuki in compact car segment."

On the refreshed Estilo, that packages contemporary features and style with next generation technology, he added, "Product upgradation is an integral part of Maruti Suzuki's business strategy and future plans. This is a way to include feedback from the customers and offer better products that match their tastes." The compact hatchback new Estilo is a part of the growing A2 compact segment where Maruti Suzuki is the established market leader with a market share of 58 per cent.

The Maruti Suzuki Estilo houses the K-series 'K10B' engine under the hood. The 998cc three-cylinder engine delivers a power of 68 PS@ 6200rpm and a higher torque of 90Nm @ 3500rpm. The improved engine technology enables more power, low NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) and the lighter weight of the engine helps to increase the fuel efficiency with lower emissions. The Maruti Suzuki Estilo comes with ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 18.2 kmpl.

The all new Maruti Suzuki Estilo: Take a fresh view of life

Life is like a journey. Imagine discovering something new each day. By taking new routes that enliven us. The all new Suzuki Estilo brings to this journey a touch of class and comfort. After all, it is a complete car which has been designed keeping you in mind, so that you keep discovering life afresh each day.

With a bold new styling, aerodynamic contours and smooth curves, the all new Estilo is a perfect combination of sturdiness and class. The rich chrome front grill, creased hood, dynamically designed head lamps and sculpted fog lamps reflect the taste for finesse and style. It is crafted to bring freshness to the daily drive.

The elegant interiors of the all new Estilo are also a fine blend of comfort and sophistication. Just the way everyone likes it. Dual-tone dashboard (Chocolate brown and Beige colour), ergonomically designed seats, roomy interiors with ample leg room and a rear luggage shelf make it chic and spacious. Now that makes every drive a rejuvenating experience.

With an all aluminum K Series Engine, the all new Estilo lets you experience power in a fresh new way. The pleasure of daily driving is all yours with a Detent Pin Transmission Technology and Cable system that offer smooth gear shifting and a great handling. Taking the all new Estilo for an exhilarating spin is something to look out for. Go out and take your driving comfort to a whole new level.

It’s now time to take a break from routines and rediscover life. To leave behind the mundane and go by what the heart desires by doing things in a new way. To make each drive a fresh experience. Go ahead, experience a fresh new drive. And a fresh new life, all thanks to the new way of life given to us by Maruti Suzuki.