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New launches galore at Nada Auto Show
Eight new four-wheelers and half a dozen two-wheelers have been rolled out at the ongoing Nada Auto Show.Eight new four-wheelers and half a dozen two-wheelers have been rolled out at the ongoing Nada Auto Show. The fair has been increasing in size every year in terms of participation, new launches and debuts. This year, the expo witnessed the unveiling of four more cars, and there are two new brands of two-wheelers, 20 more stalls and a larger exhibition area of 9,000 square metres compared to 8,000 square metres last year. The organiser Nepal Automobile Dealers Association (Nada) said that huge crowds thronged the venue on the second day of the expo to view automobiles of their choice. The exhibitors were visibly excited by the bookings and enquiries they were getting for their vehicles.
There are 14 four-wheeler brands, namely Tata, Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen, Ford, Datsun, Daihatsu, Fiat, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Skoda, Toyota and Sangyong. Similarly, a total of 15 two-wheeler brands, namely Bajaj, Hero, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, MV Augusta, Hero Electric, KTM, Mahindra, Royal Enfield, TVS, UM Bikes, Vespa, Benelli and Aprilla are participating in the expo.
Ashok Leyland, Bharat Benz and Escorts, among others, are participating under the heavy commercial vehicle segment. There are a dozen stalls of banks and financial institutions. Auto parts, lubricants and accessories are also on display. Here are some of the vehicles that were launched during the show.
Datsun GO limited edition
Pioneer MotoCorp, the authorised distributor of Datsun in Nepal, has launched the limited edition of GO hatchback priced at Rs2.199 million. The 1200 cc hatchback comes with features like air bag, front and rear power windows, remote lock, reverse parking sensor, seat cover, rain visor, body style moulding and roof rail. The limited edition of the GO also features alloy wheel, CD player, back door chrome, bumper protector, mud flap, foot mat and parcel tray. Gaurav Sarda, director of the company, said, “The GO hatchback which was launched at last year’s Nada Auto Show was one the successful models from the company in the domestic market. So we have launched a limited edition for customers who are seeking more safety and features.” According to him, the company has already received 11 bookings for the limited edition GO. Pioneer acquired the Datsun dealership last year. The company has sold 400 units of the GO hatchback and GO Plus seven-seater vehicle, it said.
Suzuki S-Cross, Dzire facelift and Alto K 10
The much awaited Suzuki S-Cross crossover made its Nepal debut at the auto show. The 1.3-litre diesel engine model costs between Rs3.899 million and Rs4.89 million and the 1.6-litre diesel engine mode is priced between Rs5.59 million and Rs6.19 million. CG has also launched the Suzuki Dzire facelift and Alto K10. The Dzire compact sedan is priced between Rs2.949 million and Rs3.249 million while the K10 VXi is available for Rs1.999 million. Honda Jazz and Civic
Syakar Trading Company, the authorised distributor of Honda cars in Nepal, has launched the all-new Honda Jazz hatchback. The Jazz is available in six variants priced from Rs2.83 million to Rs3.92 million. The hatchback is fitted with a 1.2 litre i-VTEC petrol engine that provides a maximum power 90 PS. The company claims that the vehicle provides a mileage of 18.7 kmpl. Syakar also unveiled the Civic sedan which has a starting price of Rs6.8 million.
Skoda Octavia and Yeti
Similarly, MAW Enterprises, the authorised distributor of Skoda in Nepal, has launched the Yeti compact SUV and the Octavia premium sedan. The Skoda Yeti comes with a 2.0 TDI CR diesel engine which is mated with a 6-speed or 5-speed manual gear box. The vehicle has been priced at Rs8.499 million. Likewise, the Octavia is equipped with a turbocharged petrol engine or a turbocharged diesel engine of several capacities. The other features of the Octavia are Bi-xenon AFS headlights, retractable headlight washer, six airbags, front and rear park distance control, remote control closing of electric sunroof, panoramic electric sunroof with bounce-back system, cruise control, lumbar support for driver and a 590-litre boot space.
Toyota Etios Cross Diesel
Toyota’s authorised distributor United Traders Syndicate has rolled out the Etios Cross Diesel with a starting price of Rs4.5 million. The Etios Cross is marginally longer compared to the Etios Liva hatchback and has a relatively better shoulder room and height, according to the company. The crossover is powered by 1.5-litre diesel engine and comes with a thick black plastic cladding.
Suzuki Gixxer SF and Gixxer Dual Tone
VG Automobiles has unveiled the Gixxer SF and Gixxer dual tone motorcycles during the auto show. The Gixxer SF is priced at Rs271,900 while the Gixxer Naked Dual Tone costs Rs249,900. Adhir Shrestha, general manager of the company, said, “The addition of these two new bikes to our Gixxer family will help us strengthen our already successful position in this segment of motorbikes. The new bikes will be a definite success in its segment and carry on the Suzuki legacy.” The bike’s additional features include telescopic front suspension and monoshock suspension and swing arm at the rear. The new Gixxer SF is available in three different colour options including metallic triton blue, pearl mirage white and glass sparkle black.
Yamaha Saluto and YZF-R3
Yamaha’s authorised distributor in Nepal, MAW Enterprises, has launched the Saluto and YZF R3 motorcycles during the event. The 125 cc machine will be available in two options, disk brake and drum brake, and are priced at Rs178,900 and Rs174,900 respectively. The YZF R3 is powered by a 320 cc, twin-cylinder engine which is basically a bored out version of the R25’s engine. Mated to a 6-speed transmission, this engine delivers a maximum power output of 41 bhp at 10,750 rpm and 29.5 Nm at 9,000 rpm, according to the company.