Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, June 2:

Like old wine in a new, attractive bottle can be an irresistible combination, some existing car brands in new looks have had car lovers shelling out cash for them. In 2004, most Indian four wheeler brands launched already existing brands in new looks. For trusted performance, technical specifications were kept same, whereas interiors and exteriors of the vehicles were redesigned to match the changing taste of customers. Tata came out with Sumo Victa and a revised version of Indica V2 titled ‘refreshingly new’ in 2004. Maruti re-launched Zen in new looks and General Motors India unveiled Chevrolet Optra. Sumo Victa, a Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) was launched in August. Indica V2 was launched in February. Zen introduced its new model in January and Chevrolet Optra hit the market in October. “A new model usually attracts lot of customers, but the market soon gets saturated. This compels automobile manufacturers to keep introducing new features in existing brands,” said Anup K Baral, sales manager at Sipradi Trading Pvt Ltd.

For new buyers, pricing is most important. But people who are upgrading models, look for new features, after sale service, availability of spare parts, resale value and engine specifications, he added. “Easy availability of spare parts, good resale value and relatively cheaper price compared to vehicles from third countries, have buttressed the sale of Indian brands,” said Chandra Dhakal, marketing executive at Vijaya Motors Pvt Ltd. Financial schemes from banks have been key to support the boom in four wheelers sale, Dhakal added.

“With lucrative offers from commercial banks, people who would have purchased a four-wheeler five years down the line, are buying them today,” said Henry Bobby Timothy, senior marketing and sales department at Arun Intercontinental Traders. “Buying is only one-third of the investment, while operation’s cost covers the rest,” said Timothy.

Sumo Victa

Tata Sumo is amongst the top selling MUV in Nepal. The Sumo Victa is available in three engines: a 2.0-litre diesel, a turbocharged diesel and the 3.0-litre diesel. A soft-look dashboard and multi-functional instrument panel, new steering inclination angle, leather wrapped steering wheel, power steering, power windows on all four doors, key-less entry are all new interiors of the Sumo Victa.

Price range: Rs 1.7m – Rs 2.0m

Chevrolet Optra

Chevrolet Optra manufactured by General Motors India takes the entire midsize sedan to a new height with new styling and additional comfort, convenience, safety and luxury features. Among the new safety features are dual front air bags and anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution. The new automatic climate control system on the Optra allows the customer to effortlessly set his desired level of cooling in the passenger compartment. It delivers power smoothly and seamlessly from city to highway cruising speeds. The engine is mated to an equally refined manual transmission.

Price range: Rs 2.31m – Rs 2.45m

Indica V2

Indica V2 comes in two variants, diesel and petrol versions. The redesigned interior of Indica V2 has a fold-split rear seats for more luggage space and trunk access from within passenger

compartment. It is also equipped with high-precision electronic instrumentation with premium dual dial accentuation. Soft push tray compartment, warning low light signals for low level fuel, high engine temperature is its interior changes. The exterior aesthetics are sleek fascia with chrome – lined grill, new clear lens front fog lamps and sporty looks wheel arch flairs.

Price range: Rs 1.16m – Rs 1.45m

Maruti Zen

The Zen is available in two models in petrol versions, LX and VXi. The ergonomic seats with two-tone upholstery and sporty steering with speed sensitive electronic power steering are the newly adapted features of Zen. The exterior of the vehicle has been given new cat-eye clear multi-reflector headlamp and new rear and front fog lights, wheel cover and new body colour garnis on the back door gives it a different outlook.

Price range: Rs 0.9m – Rs 1.35m