ICML (International Cars and & Motors Ltd), the passenger car division of Sonalika, a company famous in the northern part of India for making tractors and agricultural farm equipment is getting ready to roll out a luxury SUV by sometime next year. The last passenger car to be rolled out f the ICML development centre was the Rhino which was launched in 2006. But sadly the car faced some quality issues due to which it wasn’t a big hit in the market. Also the Rhino has basically inspired from the Toyota Qualis. Added to all these, was the lack of experience the company had in selling passenger cars. But ICML claims that with the “world Car” (as the company likes to call it), the strategy will be totally different.
image credits – image for illustration only
And we kind of believe that too. First of all, the “World Car” isn’t going to borrow design details from any defunct car. Rather ICML has roped in the famous Italian design firm, Pininfarina to provide design inputs to develop the styling of this model. Coming to the underpinnings, ICML has roped in Lotus Auto, the famous handling experts for helping the company with the ride and handling aspects of the vehicle, one key aspect I believe to make a good SUV. Also, the engine has been made very refined. Some claim it is a class best but that we will have to find out. The car is powered by a 2.0 litre common-rail, diesel engine that generated around 120 to 130 BHP of power and between 280-320Nm of torque.
The engine will be BSIV compliant and can easily be set up for BS V norms also. However, the company has ruled out any rolling out of gasoline powered cars initially. Well, this makes sense too given the tremendous demand for diesel cars. Some sources have revealed that the SUV would fit right in between the Chevrolet Cruze and the Honda Accord in terms of space but will be priced cheaper in the bracket of Rs. 12-14 lakhs. More details will emerge with time, we will keep an eye on the updates and keep you posted, stay tuned to us.
via – Top Gear
