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Old 27th September 2009, 19:27   #16
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I dont see a point in buying this vehicle at any price, its a chinese style effort by a tractor manufacturer, There is not even a single reason to consider this vehicle.
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Old 22nd March 2012, 09:30   #17
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Re: Sonalika Rhino - first impression

Any updates/reviews on the new Rhino? There is a review in today's local Malayalam daily. On road-price from 6 to 9 lakhs, new look exteriors (red and white color), good quality interiors, sedan like dashboard, 15 inch wheels, a/c vents for all three rows, 2000 cc CRDi engine, 130 bhp, mileage of 17 km/liter, worth the money as per the review.
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Old 22nd March 2012, 09:49   #18
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Re: Sonalika Rhino - first impression

The engine has always been its shining point - they lacked the wherewithal to go up against the Innova/Tavera on either quality or price. They better enter with a compelling price! (which wasnt there earlier)

/have a friend who helped developed/test this engine and he knows his job well.
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Old 22nd March 2012, 10:35   #19
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Re: Sonalika Rhino - first impression

The details of the new launch are on ICML's website International Cars & Motor Ltd: SUV MUV RHINO RX DLX Rhino Rx S1 S2 Dlx ICML Hoshiarpur Punjab India

An excerpt from the website.

Quote:
After the huge success of Rhino Rx –DI, International Cars & Motors Limited has come up with a new & upgraded version of its existing Rhino Rx named “Delite” with CRD-Fi technology. Rhino Rx “Delite” is equipped with latest 2.0 L TCIC Common Rail Direct Fuel Injection (CRD-Fi) system developed by “Continental International” having Unique Piezo Effect meeting Bharat Stage–IV standard. This is a New Generation CRD-Fi Engine powered with Advanced Piezo Technology is having extremely Short Response time & Minimum Noise levels.

Rhino Rx “Delite” now delivers a Power of 120 BHP @ 4000 RPM & Torque of 285 NM @ 1750-2500 RPM that too with “Best in class fuel efficiency” Rhino Rx is now available in mainly four versions which are “WINNER”, “XCITER”, “ROYALE” & “DELITE” in refreshing and exciting four new Colours Forest Green, Icy Blue, Purple Silver & Diamond White adding charm to its exterior looks & interiors which are at par with any luxury high end car.
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Old 29th June 2013, 11:33   #20
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Re: Sonalika Rhino - first impression

Let the pics do the talking.
Attached Thumbnails
Sonalika Rhino - first impression-img2013062700088.jpg  

Sonalika Rhino - first impression-img2013062700089.jpg  

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Old 3rd August 2013, 12:45   #21
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Re: Sonalika Rhino - first impression

I had the misfortune to drive this contraption for around 500+ kms (Kollam to Trissur) in a single day.

The things i hate about the Rhino( a.k.a ICML Xtreme):

* Poor braking (my 85 model cj500D has far better brakes)
* Awkwardly placed pedals.
* Driving seats that result in a pain for your thighs.
* Poor wiper blades (the car is just 2 months old)
* Pathetic mileage (approx 8-9 kmpl in highways)
* Noisy A/C
* Difficult for middle aged persons to get in and out.
* No airbags & ABS even for top end model
* A waste Nippon branded ICE.
* Window beading that lets water sweep in between the rubber leading to rust.

I started my journey at 5AM and took 6 hrs to make the journey of 250 kms, which normally takes me 4 - 4.5 hrs. The return trip was even harder due to heavy monsoon and road conditions.
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Old 9th March 2015, 20:03   #22
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Re: Sonalika Rhino - first impression

Hi friends,
The Rhino Rx is a DI Diesel engine, turbocharged, co-developed by MG Rover. The earlier models sported the HM-Avtec petrol engine that had very bad mileage figures.

The car has been designed by Lotus engineering-the same firm that designs cars for Lamborghini. The design process lasted 6 months but the car is not a looker at all.

The DI-diesel unit is powerful. But the interiors are not that good. The engine would certainly last 4 lakh kms. Rover engines have a reputation of lasting lakhs of kms.

So, a good engine and a reasonable price tag-all the elements make the car a good buy.

Even the next-gen Tavera will be powered by the Sonalika engine. So, why not consider a good indigenous product with a very reasonable price tag?(6-9 lakhs for an 8 seater)

Regards,
Ashok.

Last edited by Ashok Naik : 9th March 2015 at 20:08. Reason: additional information
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Old 9th March 2015, 20:12   #23
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Re: Sonalika Rhino - first impression

Quote:
Originally Posted by Roshun View Post

At that price, I asked why this staffer chose a Rhino, over a Sumo, Tavera, Bolero, Scorpio & Innova. His answer: 1. To be different.


Cheers,
When I first read the thread name 'Sonalika Rhino' my initial thought was who in there right minds would name there car this. But then I got the answer person wanted to be different.

Seriously though buying this over so many other options is a complete waste of money.
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Old 9th March 2015, 20:14   #24
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Re: Sonalika Rhino - first impression

But why did we dig up this ages old thread? I don't see even the Taxi sector using this vehicle anymore. Does it really matter as to who designed it?
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Old 10th March 2015, 14:46   #25
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Re: Sonalika Rhino - first impression

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashok Naik View Post
The Rhino Rx is a DI Diesel engine, turbocharged, co-developed by MG Rover
You mean the same MG Rover that went bankrupt, was liquidated and BMW sold for merely 10 pounds?

Quote:
The car has been designed by Lotus engineering-the same firm that designs cars for Lamborghini
Please stop joking. Lotus does NOT design for Lamborghini.

Quote:
The design process lasted 6 months but the car is not a looker at all.
Well, their design objective was to emulate the Qualis. I'm surprised they even spent 6 months on a copy.

Quote:
The engine would certainly last 4 lakh kms
A tall, misleading claim, wouldn't you agree?

Quote:
Rover engines have a reputation of lasting lakhs of kms.
I think you have your facts mixed up. Rover was NEVER the last word in reliability.

Quote:
a good engine and a reasonable price tag-all the elements make the car a good buy.
Luckily, the Indian customer is smarter and there are better options in the market.

I must put my Moderator hat on and give you a firm warning against posting misleading messages on Team-BHP. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for such posts.
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Old 10th March 2015, 19:18   #26
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Re: Sonalika Rhino - first impression

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashok Naik View Post
Hi friends,
The Rhino Rx is a DI Diesel engine, turbocharged, co-developed by MG Rover. The earlier models sported the HM-Avtec petrol engine that had very bad mileage figures.

The car has been designed by Lotus engineering-the same firm that designs cars for Lamborghini. The design process lasted 6 months but the car is not a looker at all.

The DI-diesel unit is powerful. But the interiors are not that good. The engine would certainly last 4 lakh kms. Rover engines have a reputation of lasting lakhs of kms.

So, a good engine and a reasonable price tag-all the elements make the car a good buy.

Even the next-gen Tavera will be powered by the Sonalika engine. So, why not consider a good indigenous product with a very reasonable price tag?(6-9 lakhs for an 8 seater)

Regards,
Ashok.
Ashok,

Sorry, but do you have any first-hand knowledge about the development of this vehicle? I would assume the answer to be no.

Why?

Coz I was in a way part of the associated development in its early days. This also gave me & my colleagues/ friends a very good insight of the process and what had gone in. I also got a chance to test drive the first prototype which was meant for homologation etc. Don't see much of change from that even today.

Since this is a public forum, I cannot get into the details. All I have to say is to take all that "Rover", "Lotus" & related english with a pinch of salt.

Have to admit, it was a very indigenous way of developing a product from scratch at a substantially lower cost. Kudos to ICML The engine & gearbox on the prototype, though crude, was its highlight back then (apart from the space). It could potter around in its top gear with a full load at 20kmph without the engine knocking. And it was diesel engine with a high fuel efficiency as per the test driver.

But still can't agree with "all the elements make the car a good buy" statement at all.

Last edited by vinjosep : 10th March 2015 at 19:23.
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Old 10th March 2015, 19:41   #27
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Re: Sonalika Rhino - first impression

Sorry guys,
Looks like I made some terrible mistakes judging the Rhino. I must have researched a bit more before believing the claims of the Rhino owner.

I would request the Moderators to delete any such misleading posts.

Next time I shall take care before posting. And never believe any car owner who boasts about his vehicle without any solid proof.

Regards,
Ashok.
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Old 10th March 2015, 20:17   #28
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Re: Sonalika Rhino - first impression

Quote:
Originally Posted by jmddis View Post
wasn't the car designed by italian company Pininfarina.they are supposed to be great designers right??

can anybody give the kerb weights of Scorpio,tavera , innova etc
maybe the designers at Pininfarina were designing Ferraris and decided to call it a day quite late . Later while at home, he (the designer) must have got up to get some water and threw some pencil strokes on paper (half asleep) - and whoaaa The Sonalika Project was completed!!!
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