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HM's new Ambassador is AVIGO
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Source: Overdrive
Edition : March 04
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| Six months after the launch of the Ambassador Grand, Hindustan Motors Limited (HML) is gearing up to launch another variant of its old warhorse. Last month saw the company take the wraps off a cosmetically revised Ambassador which goes by the Avigo name. HM plans to launch the car selectively in certain cities to begin with in this month before spreading all over the country in a phased manner once the car is accepted and suppliers can ramp up their deliveries. |
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 The Avigo retains the Ambassador's distinctive silhouette, but there are quite a few changes incorporated both in the interiors and exteriors to give the car a more contemporary look. The new grille looks elegant with chrome trimmings, while the bumpers come in body colours. The headlamps are new and so are the tail lamps. The prismatic reflectors in the headlamps offer brighter light. The side indicators introduced in the Grand have been retained. The boot has a new look number plate surround and there is now a new design of tail lamps which has been incorporated.
However the most important style change on the car concerns the new rounded bonnet which dispenses with the fluted crown for the first time in almost half a century! The effect of this along with the new large headlamps is pretty pleasing. Rounding off the exterior treatment is the use of alloy wheels which come as standard fitment.
One look at the interiors and you can make out that there is an entirely new dashboard which is pretty much in keeping with the retro stance of the exterior. The mid-mounted instrument panel is dominated by a centrally placed large dial speedometer which is flanked by a temperature gauge and a fuel level gauge on either side as also the vents for the air con. It is a neat rendition of the original and goes with the character of the car.
The Avigo gets power steering and a five-speed all synchromesh gearbox and a remote shift mechanism. A Kenwood music system with four speakers, cigarette lighter, Visteon AC and reading light at the rear are OE fitments.
The door panels feature ashtrays and glass holders and the customers can also specify the leather PU moulded seats option. A central armrest in the rear seat comes as another option. The new NVH insulation, moulded roof and a superior exhaust system makes for a more silent cabin, says HM.
Another feature instituted in the Grand has found place in the Avigo - the hand brake between the front seats. The petrol version of the Avigo will feature a powerful 1800cc ohc four-cylinder MPFi Isuzu engine while there will also be a 2000cc diesel engine to cater to the Ambassador's most valued clients: the tourist taxi operators. The engines meet the Bharat II emission norms.
The Avigo will be available in seven different colours - Thurston Grey, Kilder Green, Crystal White, Magic Black, Symphony Gold, Symphony Silver and Cherry Red. However in keeping with its slightly upworldly stance, HM has priced the Avigo higher than the Grand. The petrol version with leather seats would be available for Rs 5.10 lakh, while the one without leather seats would be cheaper by Rs 20,000. The diesel version of the Avigo would be priced at Rs 4.96 lakh (with leather seats), while the non-leather seat version comes for Rs 4.76 lakh.
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HM
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