New compact SUV from Premier Auto. EDIT: Rio quick testdrive on page 10

rajeev k · 23rd September 2009, 15:39

Tried the link but could not catch on. The HT article could be the repeat of the similar article that appeared in the Autocar India September edition.

shankar.balan · 23rd September 2009, 16:34

hey the pictures are available earlier on this thread itself

Quote:

Originally Posted by allana13

Will await the pictures. Can wait to seel the PAL logo again in action.

shortbread · 23rd September 2009, 17:49

From the pictures available on the thread, this looks like a reworked Daihatsu Terios (older model). This is not a full sized SUV and is actually much smaller than the Armada. Its more or less like a jacked up hatchback car.
But what is Premier going to power it with, It is licensed to make the TUD5, which was a decent engine perhaps in its heyday but thoroughly outdated now. It was underpowered in an Esteem and wont figure any better in a pseudo SUV.
Premier should either make proper efforts in coming up with a credible product for the market rather than assemble outdated chinese crap or just kill of any dreams of becoming a carmaker once and for all.
They had an enviable position in India for decades. Even when the market was opening up Premier held a huge advantage over rivals by being present in India for so long, steady flow of customers with very little choice, established sales service network, two collabrations with small car experts (Peugeot & Fiat) and yet never made it. They had their chance and they FVCk£D it up. Time to put the gun to the head.

sarba · 24th September 2009, 10:09

Just saw a news flash on CNBC
SX4 production has been stopped. New model with BS4 engine to start after a couple of months.
Scoop gurus, any insight into the new model ?
Sorry if this has been discussed already,

harishF1 · 24th September 2009, 16:46

The mini SUV is 1 segment that has not yet opened up in the Indian context. We had the Gypsy in this category, which looks like an ageing horse waiting for the last shot!! Is anyone aware if Maruti would revive the Gypsy with a BSIV compliant diesel engine? When I say this, we all know that the vehicle needs an A/c, PS, PW and a comfortable suspension system default!!! Wonder when.

Coming back to this thread, I love SUVs and considering the space available in metros, a mini SUV makes a lot of sense. An optional 4X4 is a welcome feature for the occasional off-roaders like me. I have no option (in this price bracket) but to get my hands on the new PAL SUV!!! Hope it comes with a decent engine/ fit and finish/ with atleast basic level of comfort.

Can somebody throw light on the possible launches in this category over the next year or so?

mohandas · 8th October 2009, 10:44

"Nine years after it exited the business, Premier Auto is making a comeback in passenger cars. The Doshi family, promoters of one of India’s oldest car companies, known for the once-ubiquitious Premier Padmini, are set to launch a compact sports utility vehicle (SUV).

The rollout of the mini-SUV, called Rio, will also mark the entry of a Chinese four-wheeler company into India. Zotye Auto, a little-known Chinese manufacturer, will partner Premier in the venture. Zotye will supply vehicle kits to Premier to be assembled at Premier’s Pune facility which has a peak annual capacity of 20,000 units.
Zotye will export completely knocked down (CKD) kits from China and Premier will provide a diesel power plant for the vehicle along with its assembly line at Chinchwad, near Pune. Zotye Auto will be paid by Premier for providing the CKD kits.
Although the vehicle won't be fully built in India, both companies are keen to make it the cheapest SUV in the country. It is understood that the base variant of Rio will be priced at Rs 5 lakh, making it 30 per cent cheaper than its nearest competitor, Mahindra Scorpio.
The top-end variant, expected to be priced at around Rs 7 lakh, will have safety features like air bags and anti-lock braking systems, said people with direct knowledge of the company’s plans. The launch will take place this month after Diwali, they added.

Premier is expected to fit its own four-cylinder, 1.5 diesel engine, which produces peak power of 65 bhp into the Rio with a five-speed manual gearshift. The compact vehicle will be smaller than the Mahindra Scorpio in terms of length and width.
The Mumbai-based company is not keen to use its existing dealership set-up, which primarily sells a 1.4 tonne light commercial vehicle (LCV). Premier has already put in place 20 new dealers to serve the new vehicle and another 30 will be added by the end of the year.
Chinese two-wheeler manufacturers have been trying to foray into India, but all had to withdraw due to inadequate demand. For example, the Lifan Group tried to sell motorcycles and automatic scooters but failed to make much headway.
Premier Automobiles Ltd (PAL, the erstwhile name of company) manufactured the Premier Padmini from 1968 to 2000. The car ruled Indian roads for three decades before it made way for new–generation cars led by Maruti.
The company had forged alliances with France's largest car maker, Peugeot (now Peugeot-Citroen) and then with Italy's popular car company, Fiat.
But labour unrest that forced a lock-out for three months at the Kurla plant in Mumbai and the subsequent devaluation of the rupee, increased the cost of imports from France for Peugeot. PAL-Peugeot faced mounting losses as a result and ultimately decided to terminate the joint venture in 1999.
Fiat, meanwhile, got into a technical arrangement with PAL to make the Uno from the same plant through CKD units. Subsequently, Fiat took control of the plant when its automotive division was spun off as a separate unit."

Source

emkay456 · 8th October 2009, 10:58

Another news report at :

The cheapest SUV from Premier Auto, at Rs 5 lakh: Rediff Business News, Latest India business news, India Economy news, World Business, Finance news, Latest business headlines, business videos and business articles.

aaggoswami · 8th October 2009, 11:07

A thread for SUV from Premier automobiles already exists :
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...ssibility.html

EDIT :
Posted this after the threads were merged.

DriveTrain · 8th October 2009, 11:27

This came out today
The cheapest SUV from Premier Auto, at Rs 5 lakh: Rediff Business News, Latest India business news, India Economy news, World Business, Finance news, Latest business headlines, business videos and business articles.

anujmishra · 8th October 2009, 11:57

It is great to see how the market demands tends for this baby SUV. Sure because of price factor many of young generation would like to ride it. But Chinese tag with this SUV would be show stopper for some case.

I hope this will work in Indian market and if it is, it is yet another milestone in Indian automobile industry. This is place which was vacant for years and now someone came forward to fill it.

Mahindra, Tata are you listening?

Ym-enjn · 8th October 2009, 17:14

No mention about 4x4 and why five-speed manual gearshift and not six, does it means four forward and one reverse?

ranc · 8th October 2009, 18:15

I was just wondering since people have been criticising the Peugeot engine and that it cannot be peted does it confirm to the Bharat IV norms and if it doesnt does PAL have the resources to make it confirm to the norms.

Jimmy_u · 9th October 2009, 09:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by ranc

I was just wondering since people have been criticising the Peugeot engine and that it cannot be peted does it confirm to the Bharat IV norms and if it doesnt does PAL have the resources to make it confirm to the norms.

Guys ,

are we talking about the Peugeot TUD-5 Engine !1

If so this is the same engine that works in my Esteem Diesel, though this engine is old school i vouch by it.

Our Experts can shed some light !

GTO · 9th October 2009, 17:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by mohandas

It is understood that the base variant of Rio will be priced at Rs 5 lakh, making it 30 per cent cheaper than its nearest competitor, Mahindra Scorpio.

Quote:

The compact vehicle will be smaller than the Mahindra Scorpio in terms of length and width.

These press guys really need to get their facts right! Sure, add some colour but how is a hatch SUV a competitor to the Scorpio! I don't believe they are benchmarking against the Scorpio.

Quote:

The top-end variant, expected to be priced at around Rs 7 lakh, will have safety features like air bags and anti-lock braking systems

7 LAKHS! That can get you a Dzire or a Ford Fiesta!

Quote:

Premier is expected to fit its own four-cylinder, 1.5 diesel engine, which produces peak power of 65 bhp into the Rio with a five-speed manual gearshift.

No word on the emission norms, yet they seem to have worked on the engine. The original TUD5 had what, 57 / 58 BHP?. I expect this vehicle to start selling in non-metros.

Ironmarine · 20th October 2009, 16:14

Source: Premier Rio Review, Premier Rio Price, Premier Rio India, Finance Premier Rio, Comparison, Images & Videos, Models, Variants | Autos at MaxAbout.com

Premier Rio

Prices & Review
Expected Price
Rs. 4,90,000
* Mumbai. May vary.

Expected In November 2009

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name : Rio
Car Body Type : UV
Segment : C Segment
Top Speed : 145
Fuel Consumption Highway : 17.00 kmpl.
Fuel Consumption City : 13.00 kmpl.

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

Displacement : 4 cylinder inline,SOHC,
Engine Type : Diesel
Maximum Power : 98 Bhp @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque : 133 Nm @ 3000 rpm

DIMENSIONS

Length : 3900 mm
Width : 1555 mm
Height : 1670 mm

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS

Seating Capacity : 5
Tyre Size : 205/70 R15
Suspension : Front: Mcpherson Rear: 5 rods
Turning Circle : 4.70 mtrs.
Steering : Power
Brakes : Front Disk, Rear Drum
Gears : 5 Manual
Ground Clearance : 190.00 mm
Kerb Weight : 1145.00 kgs.
Fuel Tank : 46.00
Body Color Bumpers : Yes
Tachometer : Yes
Alloys : Yes

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

AC : AC without Climate Control
Power Windows : Yes
Central Locking : Remote
Remote Boot : Yes
Remote Fuel Filler : Yes
Rear Wiper : Yes
Rear Defogger : Yes
Rear Armrest : With Cup Holder
Driver Seat Adjustment : Manual
Door Mirror : Driver Side Manual
Tinted Glass : Yes
Folding Rear Seats : Yes

23rd September 2009, 15:39	#91
rajeev k Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Emerging Metro Posts: 3,352 Thanked: 1,947 Times	Tried the link but could not catch on. The HT article could be the repeat of the similar article that appeared in the Autocar India September edition.
	() Thanks

23rd September 2009, 17:49	#93
shortbread Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: KL 7 Posts: 2,396 Thanked: 6,314 Times	From the pictures available on the thread, this looks like a reworked Daihatsu Terios (older model). This is not a full sized SUV and is actually much smaller than the Armada. Its more or less like a jacked up hatchback car. But what is Premier going to power it with, It is licensed to make the TUD5, which was a decent engine perhaps in its heyday but thoroughly outdated now. It was underpowered in an Esteem and wont figure any better in a pseudo SUV. Premier should either make proper efforts in coming up with a credible product for the market rather than assemble outdated chinese crap or just kill of any dreams of becoming a carmaker once and for all. They had an enviable position in India for decades. Even when the market was opening up Premier held a huge advantage over rivals by being present in India for so long, steady flow of customers with very little choice, established sales service network, two collabrations with small car experts (Peugeot & Fiat) and yet never made it. They had their chance and they FVCk£D it up. Time to put the gun to the head.
	() Thanks

24th September 2009, 10:09	#94
sarba Newbie Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 16 Thanked: 7 Times	Just saw a news flash on CNBC SX4 production has been stopped. New model with BS4 engine to start after a couple of months. Scoop gurus, any insight into the new model ? Sorry if this has been discussed already,
	() Thanks

24th September 2009, 16:46	#95
harishF1 BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 72 Thanked: 22 Times	Pal Suv The mini SUV is 1 segment that has not yet opened up in the Indian context. We had the Gypsy in this category, which looks like an ageing horse waiting for the last shot!! Is anyone aware if Maruti would revive the Gypsy with a BSIV compliant diesel engine? When I say this, we all know that the vehicle needs an A/c, PS, PW and a comfortable suspension system default!!! Wonder when. Coming back to this thread, I love SUVs and considering the space available in metros, a mini SUV makes a lot of sense. An optional 4X4 is a welcome feature for the occasional off-roaders like me. I have no option (in this price bracket) but to get my hands on the new PAL SUV!!! Hope it comes with a decent engine/ fit and finish/ with atleast basic level of comfort. Can somebody throw light on the possible launches in this category over the next year or so?
	() Thanks

8th October 2009, 10:44	#96
mohandas BHPian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 266 Thanked: 27 Times	FYI: SUV in 5 Lacs "Nine years after it exited the business, Premier Auto is making a comeback in passenger cars. The Doshi family, promoters of one of India’s oldest car companies, known for the once-ubiquitious Premier Padmini, are set to launch a compact sports utility vehicle (SUV). The rollout of the mini-SUV, called Rio, will also mark the entry of a Chinese four-wheeler company into India. Zotye Auto, a little-known Chinese manufacturer, will partner Premier in the venture. Zotye will supply vehicle kits to Premier to be assembled at Premier’s Pune facility which has a peak annual capacity of 20,000 units. Zotye will export completely knocked down (CKD) kits from China and Premier will provide a diesel power plant for the vehicle along with its assembly line at Chinchwad, near Pune. Zotye Auto will be paid by Premier for providing the CKD kits. Although the vehicle won't be fully built in India, both companies are keen to make it the cheapest SUV in the country. It is understood that the base variant of Rio will be priced at Rs 5 lakh, making it 30 per cent cheaper than its nearest competitor, Mahindra Scorpio. The top-end variant, expected to be priced at around Rs 7 lakh, will have safety features like air bags and anti-lock braking systems, said people with direct knowledge of the company’s plans. The launch will take place this month after Diwali, they added. Premier is expected to fit its own four-cylinder, 1.5 diesel engine, which produces peak power of 65 bhp into the Rio with a five-speed manual gearshift. The compact vehicle will be smaller than the Mahindra Scorpio in terms of length and width. The Mumbai-based company is not keen to use its existing dealership set-up, which primarily sells a 1.4 tonne light commercial vehicle (LCV). Premier has already put in place 20 new dealers to serve the new vehicle and another 30 will be added by the end of the year. Chinese two-wheeler manufacturers have been trying to foray into India, but all had to withdraw due to inadequate demand. For example, the Lifan Group tried to sell motorcycles and automatic scooters but failed to make much headway. Premier Automobiles Ltd (PAL, the erstwhile name of company) manufactured the Premier Padmini from 1968 to 2000. The car ruled Indian roads for three decades before it made way for new–generation cars led by Maruti. The company had forged alliances with France's largest car maker, Peugeot (now Peugeot-Citroen) and then with Italy's popular car company, Fiat. But labour unrest that forced a lock-out for three months at the Kurla plant in Mumbai and the subsequent devaluation of the rupee, increased the cost of imports from France for Peugeot. PAL-Peugeot faced mounting losses as a result and ultimately decided to terminate the joint venture in 1999. Fiat, meanwhile, got into a technical arrangement with PAL to make the Uno from the same plant through CKD units. Subsequently, Fiat took control of the plant when its automotive division was spun off as a separate unit." Source
	() Thanks

8th October 2009, 10:58	#97
emkay456 BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 388 Thanked: 7 Times	Another news report at : The cheapest SUV from Premier Auto, at Rs 5 lakh: Rediff Business News, Latest India business news, India Economy news, World Business, Finance news, Latest business headlines, business videos and business articles.
	() Thanks

8th October 2009, 11:07	#98
aaggoswami Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vadodara Posts: 4,982 Thanked: 2,931 Times	A thread for SUV from Premier automobiles already exists : http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...ssibility.html EDIT : Posted this after the threads were merged. Last edited by aaggoswami : 8th October 2009 at 11:10.
	() Thanks

8th October 2009, 11:27	#99
DriveTrain BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kolkata Posts: 235 Thanked: 943 Times View My Garage	This came out today The cheapest SUV from Premier Auto, at Rs 5 lakh: Rediff Business News, Latest India business news, India Economy news, World Business, Finance news, Latest business headlines, business videos and business articles.
	() Thanks

8th October 2009, 11:57	#100
anujmishra Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,290 Thanked: 492 Times View My Garage	It is great to see how the market demands tends for this baby SUV. Sure because of price factor many of young generation would like to ride it. But Chinese tag with this SUV would be show stopper for some case. I hope this will work in Indian market and if it is, it is yet another milestone in Indian automobile industry. This is place which was vacant for years and now someone came forward to fill it. Mahindra, Tata are you listening?
	() Thanks

8th October 2009, 17:14	#101
Ym-enjn Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jaipur Posts: 1,039 Thanked: 59 Times	No mention about 4x4 and why five-speed manual gearshift and not six, does it means four forward and one reverse?
	() Thanks

8th October 2009, 18:15	#102
ranc BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Lost somewhere on the Leh Manali hway Posts: 516 Thanked: 14 Times	I was just wondering since people have been criticising the Peugeot engine and that it cannot be peted does it confirm to the Bharat IV norms and if it doesnt does PAL have the resources to make it confirm to the norms.
	() Thanks

20th October 2009, 16:14	#105
Ironmarine BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 66 Thanked: 0 Times	Source: Premier Rio Review, Premier Rio Price, Premier Rio India, Finance Premier Rio, Comparison, Images & Videos, Models, Variants \| Autos at MaxAbout.com Premier Rio Prices & Review Expected Price Rs. 4,90,000 * Mumbai. May vary. Expected In November 2009 VEHICLE SUMMARY Name : Rio Car Body Type : UV Segment : C Segment Top Speed : 145 Fuel Consumption Highway : 17.00 kmpl. Fuel Consumption City : 13.00 kmpl. ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS Displacement : 4 cylinder inline,SOHC, Engine Type : Diesel Maximum Power : 98 Bhp @ 6000 rpm Maximum Torque : 133 Nm @ 3000 rpm DIMENSIONS Length : 3900 mm Width : 1555 mm Height : 1670 mm OTHER SPECIFICATIONS Seating Capacity : 5 Tyre Size : 205/70 R15 Suspension : Front: Mcpherson Rear: 5 rods Turning Circle : 4.70 mtrs. Steering : Power Brakes : Front Disk, Rear Drum Gears : 5 Manual Ground Clearance : 190.00 mm Kerb Weight : 1145.00 kgs. Fuel Tank : 46.00 Body Color Bumpers : Yes Tachometer : Yes Alloys : Yes COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE AC : AC without Climate Control Power Windows : Yes Central Locking : Remote Remote Boot : Yes Remote Fuel Filler : Yes Rear Wiper : Yes Rear Defogger : Yes Rear Armrest : With Cup Holder Driver Seat Adjustment : Manual Door Mirror : Driver Side Manual Tinted Glass : Yes Folding Rear Seats : Yes Last edited by Eddy : 20th October 2009 at 19:48. Reason: Removed formats & tags
	() Thanks