Alfa Romeo is one of the most stylish and fast Italian luxury cars. Fiat Alfa Romeo 159 was launched in the year 2005 although Alfa Romeo has been a part of Fiat group since 1986.The car was introduced to have aeronautical design integrated to luxury cars.

Fiat Alfa Romeo was showcased in Delhi at the 9th Auto Expo on Jan 2008. Alfa Romeo was launched in India with 2.5-litre V6 diesel engine that generated a power of 188 bhp and another 1.9-litre multi-jet petrol engine gives a power of 150 bhp. Alfa 159 will have the engines that has the 2.2L JTS and it delivers a power of 185bhp.The two diesel versions deliver power of 150bhp from 1.9L and 200bhp from 2.4L.

Looks of Fiat Alfa Romeo

Fiat Alfa Romeo is considered to be one of the best looking cars. It has a V-shaped grille and bonnet and head light clusters are cylindrical. The waistline is broad upto the C pillar and interior of the car is amazing. High quality material has been used for the seats and instruments are angled towards the driver. The steering wheel is comfortably placed and it allows the driver to have an easy drive in crowded roads.

Fiat Alfa Romeo is a compact executive car with 4-doors and from grille to tail pipe the car measures 4.6 meters. Alfa 159 combines sport ness, technology and elegance in a its design.

Technology and Engine

Fiat Alfa Romeo uses Fiat Powertrain Technologies in the 1.9 JTD engine and it is integrated to Twin Stage Turbo technology that raises power to 140 kW and maximum torque goes to 400 NM from just 1.9 liters of petrol.

The 1.9 LTD engines uses FTP four cylinder diesel engine and it gives a power like a six cylinder vehicle. Fiat Alfa Romeo has low fuel consumption and it delivers a high power and torque.

The new engine of Fiat Alfa Romeo has been integrated to two versions of the motor and as compared to the previous 1.9 liter JTD engines, torque has been improved by almost 50% .The high performance of the car is attributed to the advanced turbo charging technology that works on the Two stage Turbo charging principle and the thermo- structural resistance of the motors has also been increased that allows increased cylinder pressure to 180 abr. The exhaust temperature can go to 800C.

The Two stage turbo charging enables the motor to combine small turbocharger’s response at low speed and it eliminates the Turbo lag and the second stage turbo charging is for deep breathing and it prevents breathlessness in engines.

Security and Comfort

Fiat Alfa Romeo has the TST technology that allows improved gas circulation and reduces fuel consumption. NOX emission is low. The engine has been passed for the Euro 5 emission standards. The compression ratio is lowered from 17.5 to 16.5.An improved EGR cooler has been attached. It has been awarded five-star safety rating by the Euro NCAP.

Features of Fiat Alfa Romeo

• Engine allows front-wheel drive
• JTS – Jet Thrust Stoichiometric the term used for Direct Injection Engine
• 5 – Speed manual Transmission
• Wheelbase: 2700 / 2703 mm (106.3/106.4 in.)
• Length: 4660/4661 mm (183.4/183.5 in.)
• Width: 1828/1830 mm (71.9/72.0 in.)
• Height : 417-1422 mm (55.7-55.9 in.)
• Curb weight: 1,430–1,680 kg
• Fuel capacity: 69 L – 70 L
• Torque = 400 NM from just 1.9 litres of petrol
• Power = 188 bhp

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High fuel efficiency
• Integrated with latest technologies
• Comfortable to drive
• Stylish and elegant Italian design

Cons

• The luxury car Fiat Alfa Romeo is not very comfortable like a Mercedes
• The looks are not like a dynamic sportscar
• The technologies integrated to the vehicle are not improved over Audi
• Its price is high for average Indian buyer.

Cost:

The car has been launched to compete with BMW -3, Mercedes C –class and the Audi –A4 and the car is priced at minimum Rs 25 Lakhs in an Ex-showroom in Delhi.

Fiat Linea is a small family car manufactured by Italian automakers and it is a famous car in Eastern Europe, Middle East and Latin America. In January 2009 the car was launched in India although it was scheduled to be launched in the country in November 2008 but the launch delayed because of the Mumbai Terror Attacks.

Engine and Power

Fiat Lines has been launched with three engines1 .4L FIRE, 1.4L 16 V T- Jet and 1.3L 16v Multijet. The maximum power delivered by the vehicle is 78 PS @ 6000 rpm and highest torque is 115 Nm @ 3000 rpm. The car goes from 0 to 100 km / h in just 14.6 seconds and the maximum speed is 220 km / hour.

Looks and Design

The company launched it as a replacement for Marea. Fiat Linea sedan has been launched in color types Tecno Grey, Jazz Blue, Flamenco Red, Fox-Trot Azure, Minimal Grey, Lullaby Blue, Rockabilly Black, Ambient White, Breakdance Green and Indie Ivory. The car is designed by Fiat Style Centre and it is based on Fiat Grande Punto platform. The car has a size to accommodate a family (5 -seats) and it can be compared to saloon cars such as Opel Astra or Renault Mégane. Fiat Linea has a wheelbase of 2,603 mm that is longer than other Fiat models .Its length is 4,560 mm.

Fiat Linea is a perfect stylish car that has a powerful engine and is comfortable to drive on city roads. Some latest technologies like the Blue & Me hands-free system, Mobile system with voice, speech recognition, read SMS aloud and audio controls are integrated to the car and you can even listen to music from a Pen drive in Mp3 or WMA formats that you can connect to the USB port.

Drive and comfort

Fiat Linea is easy to drive and handle. Advanced suspension system has been integrated to Fiat Linea that has an improved shock absorber and it absorbs jerks of the uneven roads. It is comfortable to drive a Fiat Linea because of the steering wheel and the safety features.

The advanced safety features include ABS system (Antilock Braking System) and the EBD system (Electronic Brake force Distribution), roof air bags, driver’s air bags, seat belts and FPS (Fire Protection System) system.

Some of the attractive features are projector like headlights, clear bodylines, muscular grille, clear lens fog lamps and a clear tail lamp. Five passengers can be comfortably seated in the car and interiors of the car are impressive like the exteriors. The interior room is comfortably designed and high class material has been used to design the interiors. The instrument cluster is a well organized segment with a clear dashboard and headrests are present on the rear seats to make it comfortable.

Features of Fiat Linea

• Engine: 1.4L Petrol/1.3, 1.4L Diesel, 4 –cylinders, 5 –speed manual transmission
• Displacement 1368 cc
• Maximum Power: 77 PS @ 6000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 115 Nm @ 3000 rpm
• Wheelbase: 2603 mm
• Ground Clearance: 160 mm
• Fuel Capacity: 45 litres
• Length: 4560 mm, Width: 1730 mm, Height: 1494 mm
• Min. Turning Radius = 5.4m
• Kerb Weight: 1185 kg
• Suspension: Front McPherson independent suspension: Rear Half torsion beam trailing arm axle with rotator
• Brakes: Front Ventilated Disc, Rear Drum Brake
• Steering Type: Rack and Pinion, power assisted
• Tyre: 185/65 R 15

Pros and Cons of Fiat Linea

Pros:

• Fuel Efficiency is high.
• Linea has great looks, music system, digital display and attractive interiors.
• Steering control is good.
• Suspension is improved technologically that makes the vehicle move easily on rugged roads.
• Low speed drive is comfortable
• Fuel efficiency is high

Cons:

Rear seats are not very comfortable (for above 6 ft.)
Cost is high as compared to other models in market.

Cost of Fiat Linea

The car Fiat Linea has been launched in India in the price range of Rs.7 to Rs 8 Lakhs.

Mahindra & Mahindra‘s Bolero model is an advanced multi utility vehicle equipped with the Common Rail Diesel engine (CRDe) technology. It has been launched in colors red, Diamond white and Java Brown and special models have been launched in colors mist silver and golden Sahara beige.

Bolero has been launched in models SLX, SLE, XL, XLS, LX, MDI, DI and VLX CRDe .The previous models of Bolero have been renamed and all the models are equipped with the latest technology. The new CED technology has been incorporated to Bolero that comes with a minimal operating cost and it increases fuel efficiency. CED technology has been introduced in 2-Wheel Drive and in 4-Wheel Drive in Bolero.

Looks of Mahindra Bolero

The looks of Mahindra Bolero have been improved to make it stylish and its leather wrapped steering wheel is changed. Even the new instrument cluster is improved. The new Bolero VLX has the integrated electronic computer-controlled engine management system.

New Mahindra Bolero has been equipped with standard equipments and the looks of the vehicle has been improved from the previous models. Mahindra Bolero comes with aggressive grills, clear lens headlamps and a stand out wheels that adds to its style although it is not categorized into stylish car segment and is termed “a forest car.”

The features of new Mahindra Bolero are the new dash panel, electronic shift transfer case and attractive seats that match the interiors. The vehicle has been made available in Metallic colors. The design makes it look muscular and its high ground clearance helps it to move easily on broken uneven roads.

Seats are provided for seven passengers in the vehicle and the cabin is exclusive in looks. Extended wheelbase and increased legroom helps the travelers to have a comfortable long distance drive, even on rugged roads. The roof is raised and an Aluminum footstep on the rear and sides helps the passengers to have an easy entry into the vehicle. The vehicle has provisions for modular seating arrangements (for a large family).

Drive and Comfort of Mahindra Bolero

It is very comfortable to drive a Mahindra Bolero because the injection pressure is not related by engine speed. The driver’s seat is properly placed and there is plenty of space for placing magazines, bottles, a large glove box is present and a mobile holder and a 12V charging point is also present. Bolero is known to be a safe vehicle and the anti roll bars hold the vehicle on tough bends. Brakes are strong and a seat belt and door open warning system is also present.

Fuel efficiency is high that normally ranges from 9.5 on city roads to 13.2 km/l on highways. The performance of the vehicle is good and shifting ears is easy.

Engine and Power

Mahindra Bolero engine is 2.5L I-4 Diesel, 2.5L Inline 4 (Turbo) XD3PU and 2.5L I-4 97bhp.The engine is equipped with technology CRDe and transmission system is 5-speed Manual Transmission.

The Bolero SLX and DI model comes with the Four Wheel Drive option and the engine is 2.5L (Turbo) diesel engine offers 5-speed manual transmission. Power generated is 63-68 bhp and it gives a torque of 180 Nm. Bolero VLX CRDe gives a flat torque in various speed ranges and it has advanced dampers to reduce jerks when you shift gears. The 2.49 liter engine of Bolero VLX produces a power of 97 Hp.

Transmission of the vehicle is NGT 530R and it has been introduced with low NVH levels (noise, vibrations and harshness). Mahindra Bolero has a VAS system that is the sophisticated Voice Assist System that gives warning in case the seat belts is not fastened or the left door is open.

Bolero has been cleared with BS III emission norms and a maintenance cost of Bolero is also low. The models of Bolero have independent front suspension that has a coil spring suspension and leaf spring in the rear. MDI and DI versions have lead springs in the front. Power steering has the SLX and SLE standards.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mahindra Bolero

Advantage:

• Bolero can be easily driven even on rough roads.
• For long distance travel, it is an ideal choice.
• Off roads drive is extremely comfortable and the vehicle has ample space for a big family
• Fuel efficiency is ok.
• Interiors are good.
• Ground clearance is high.
• Bolero is comfortable to drive on Indian roads.
• It is a strong vehicle.
• Service Centers are available in various parts of the country.

Disadvantages

• Looks of Mahindra Bolero be improved.
• Performance and comfort can be improved.
• It is a kind of forest vehicle, good on highways but not easy to drive in metro – city crowds.

Cost of Mahindra Bolero

Mahindra Bolero VLX CRDe is priced at Rs 6.49 in an ex-showroom and the general price of the vehicle is Rs 6.90 lakh.

Maruti Swift Dzire is the sedan version of Maruti Swift and it has been launched in six versions, 3 versions are petrol and 3 are in diesel. The car was launched in March 2008 and the new swift is a mid size vehicle and it is also called the 3- box version of Maruti Swift. Dzire has been introduced in the market in two versions 1.3 liters petrol engine version and 1.3 liters DDiS multijet diesel engine. The car attracts family customers and it performs better on India roads.

Maruti Swift Dzire comes with features such as automatic climatic control and five seater capacity. The new car also has safety airbags and collapsible steering. Maruti Suzuki has planned to produce the car in Indian units only.

New Looks and Comfort:

Swift Dzire has 5 doors and seating capacity for five passengers. A new grille, a new tail lights having horizontal turn indicators and a fog lamp insert are the attraction of the car. The interiors of the car are improved over Swift and wheelbase is same as you find in previous car. Shoulder room of the car has been raised and head room at the rear is also increased.

Dzire has got better looks and more space as compared to Swift and some luxury features such as Auto Temperature Control, 6 spoke alloy wheel and new integrated DIN stereo is also present in the car. Maruti Swift audio controls are also present on the steering wheel and the height of the steering wheel can be adjusted.The car has most of the security features such as the ABS and the security twin bags.

Engine and Power of Dzire :

The petrol engine of Dzire has improved torque and a 32 bit ECM on board is integrated.3L 1248 cc diesel version has got a direct ignition system and it delivers a power of 75 bhp at 4000 rpm and maximum power delivered by petrol version is 87@6000 Bhp@rpm .The vehicle gives a maximum torque of 113@4500 Nm@rpm in Petrol version and for diesel version the maximum torque is 190@2000. The engine is equipped with an intercooler and a turbocharger that helps it to reduce noise and vibration and clear exhaust.

Maruti Swift Dsire has been incorporated with the 5 step multi injection technology to reduce noise level and efficiency is increased for the presence of Double Overhead DOHC Camshaft. The engine type is MPI petrol – in-line – SOHC in petrol version and for diesel version the engine is made on the technology of Multijet – Ddis –DOHC. There are four cylinders and the compression ratio is 9.0:1(Petrol) and 17.6:1 (Diesel).

Safety and Drive:

Swift Dzire has been tested for BS III emission levels and the interiors of the car is equipped with almost all kinds of luxury features .There are audio controls on the steering wheel, climatic control, tilt posture and multi display functions. The exteriors are impressive and you find powerful lamps in the front for night visibility .Headlamp leveling adjustment is also provided in the car and you can even find a high mounted stop lamp and fog lamps in the rear bumper and in the front.

All – around power windows is present in the car and sound absorbing features has also been added for the driver to have a smooth noiseless drive. Driver’s seat can be adjusted in various ways and on collision airbags are provided as safety of the driver. The steering wheel is collapsible to reduce collision impact on driver and seatbelts have additional features to reduce impact effect.

The brakes of the car have EBD technology, that distributes braking to all the four wheels and ventilated disc brakes with boosters are also present. Other features include the cup holder, child safety locks and tubeless tyres. Automatic climatic controls help clear mist and rear defogger is provided to have a clear rear view.

Front suspension of the vehicle is McPherson strut and coil spring type and rear suspension is Torsion beam and coil spring type. Rear brakes are drum brakes and front brakes are ventilated disc.

Other features of Swift Dzire:

• Displacement: 1298 cc
• Bore: 74 mm
• Stroke: 75.5 mm
• Cylinder Configuration: 4-inline
• Valve Gear Operation: SOHC
• No. Of Valves 16
• Maximum power: 87@6000 (Petrol) Nm@rpm, 75@4000 (diesel) Nm@rpm
• Maximum Torque: 113@4500 (Petrol) Nm@rpm, 190@2000 (diesel) Nm@rpm
• Transmission Type is 5 –speed manual and a reverse 5 speed manual is also present.
• Wheel Base: 2390mm
• Length = 4160 mm
• Ground Clearance: 170 mm
• Turning radius: 4.7
• Wheel type: Steel wheels in Lxi, Vxi, Ldi, Vdi and Alloy wheels in Zxi, Zdi
• Wheel size: 14″
• Tyre type: Tubeless
• Tyre Size: 165/80 R 14 (Lxi, Vxi, Ldi, Vdi) and 185/70 R 14 (Zxi, Zdi)
• Fuel tank: 43 L
• City Mileage 11 kmpl
• Steering Type: Rack and pinion, Pinion type electronic power assisted

Cost: The car has been launched for Rs 4.7 lakh for the base model and for extra additional features cost can go upto Rs 6 lakh. Ex-showroom price of Maruti Swift Dzire ranges from Rs 461,556 – Rs 673,327.