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Sonalika Rhino: India's Lamborghini?
August 27, 2007
But there's nothing worth squealing about the Lotus bit. They truly have made the MUV set very high standards for itself, so high that it might just be the new benchmark in the segment.
On the high speed brake tests on the track, the MUV braked with little or no lock, no fuss and in a straight line. I am willing to wager that it's even better than the other homegrown SUV, the Mahindra Scorpio. And those wider Bridgestones also contribute to its surefootedness.
Equally impressive is the ride quality, and it's only the rather hard seats that make it a bit uncomfortable. Handling is acceptable too, without the dive and pitch of a Qualis, and only a marginal tendency to roll and a numb steering wheel that pushes it down the order.
If dynamics get an A on the score card, interior build quality gets a C. The dashboard feels poorly finished and trim gaps still need attending to. Luckily for Sonalika, they will start making their own dashboards from September (remember, most carmakers outsource plastics!), And that should bring in an increased level of quality.
Something quite crucial especially when they launch the same engine equipped with common rail in a couple of months and a world SUV, three years from now. Yes, you read that right. The manufacturer is aiming to go beyond the Rhino and develop a contemporary SUV for world markets. And it is the learnings from the Rhino which will help them achieve just that.
For a tractor manufacturer getting into automobiles, the Rhino Rx is a very commendable effort. A Euro III version too is on its way, making it ready for sale in metros as well. All ICML need to do is just get rid of the last few gremlins quickly and the world is their stage. Remember, it's something that took Lamborghini took more than 35 years to do. It's nothing to be laughed at.
Also read: New cars at used ones' rates!
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