Hindustan Motors Ambassador Encore BSIV

Ambassador Encore BSIV Review

Home grown automaker Hindustan Motors has launched the BSIV compliant diesel variant of the iconic Ambassador in “no-refusal” taxi segment. Interestingly, the company priced this new diesel Ambassador Encore just under Rs 5.0 lakh, as it chose not to pass on the expenditure to the customers. This will certainly help the company to lure customers in the automobile segment. This new BSIV variant is powered by the 1.5-litre OHV, 4-cylinder diesel engine, which is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. This is an iconic four wheeler from the Indian automaker Hindustan Motors, which is also crowned as the world's best taxi award by BBC Top Gear. It is truly a fascinating vehicle that comes with a retro style. This four wheeler offers a great drive comfort to its passengers like no other vehicle in its segment. This sedan comes with some basic and standard features inside to make the drive comfortable. The company incorporated features like power steering, power windows, music system, air conditioner and so on. Considering its top quality engine, comfort features and drive comforts, Ambassador Encore is priced very reasonable in the automobile segment. Now soon this sedan will be sold in 17 metropolitan cities where it BS III version sales were banned in April 2010.

Exteriors:

Hindustan Motors' iconic sedan Ambassador is highly popular for its retro body design that stole the attention of many individuals. Although, it has an outdated body style, it is still a favorite car model in the Indian automobile market. The front facade, side profile and the rear view of this sedan looks completely retro and outdated. The front facade of the Ambassador Encore has got the round shaped headlight clusters with chrome surround. Also there is a large radiator grille fitted just above the bumper and it has been garnished in chrome. The company has used a lot of chrome on the headlight clusters, grille and on the bumper as well. Under the grille, the company fitted the body colored bumper. There is a chrome strip that passes all along the bumper, making it look rich in class. Side profile of the car looks just like its earlier version with beautifully moulded wheel arches along with chrome door handles and old fashioned side windows. The wheel arches have been fitted with steel wheels equipped with full wheel covers and high performance tyres. The rear profile of the car is very curvy and it has been fitted with diamond cut tail lamps. Its boot is extremely spacious where you can store a lot of luggage. The rear bumper too painted in body color, which completes the same old retro style.

Interiors:

One who steps inside the Ambassador Encore will admit the fact that the cabin is spacious as well as luxurious. The company has perhaps not made any compromise in the interior quality of the sedan, which was one of the reasons for its great success. This is one of the reasons why it earned the crown of world's best taxi in the automobile segment. The car offers the drive comforts in extreme level like no other model in its segment. Inside this sedan, the company has incorporated some basic and standard features. The company hasn't made any major change to the interior design and it comes with same old look. The environment inside this sedan comes with premium beige color scheme, while seats are covered in premium beige fabric upholstery. There is a three spoke power steering wheel incorporated inside along with instrument cluster on the dashboard. The car also comes with a factory provided air conditioner with AC vents that keeps the interior fully air conditioned and pleasant. The rear seat passengers will get to experience lavish luxury because of the well cushioned and wide seating arrangement. The legroom space, shoulder-room space and the headroom space is ample, and it promises seating for at least five passengers.

Engine and Performance

The BS IV variant Ambassador Encore is powered by the same old 1.5-litre diesel engine that comes with 4-cylinders and with a displacement capacity of about 1498cc. This engine has the ability to produce the maximum power of about 35.5bhp at 4000rpm and generates 72.96Nm of maximum torque at just 2250rpm. Hindustan Motors has equipped this BS IV compliant diesel engine with a five speed manual all synchromesh with overdrive dry disc clutch type transmission gearbox. Now as the emission standards of this engine has improved, customers can expect for more silent and less carbon emission out of this 1.5-litre OHV diesel mill.

Braking and Handling:

The Ambassador Encore BS IV variant is blessed with proficient braking mechanism, which is better than other models in the segment. The front wheels are fitted with Servo assisted Disc brakes, while the rear wheels are assembled with drum brakes with auto adjusters. Furthermore, the rear wheels are equipped to parking brake, which is helpful while parking the vehicle on a slanting position . On the other hand, its Helical Rack & Pinion power steering system gives better handling and better drive dynamics on the go. Furthermore, handling this sedan is simpler as its robust suspension mechanism helps to keep this sedan stable and agile. Its front axle assembled with Independent suspension with torsion bar springs and anti-roll bar that is enhanced by hydraulic telescopic double acting shock absorbers. The rear axle gets the Semi-elliptical leaf springs with hydraulic telescopic double acting shock absorber & metallic bushes.

Comfort Features:

This sedan comes with decent comfort features including a factory fitted air conditioner, power steering, power windows, moulded door, mobile charger, rear arm rest and a five speed gear box. These features are pretty basic and will take care of the basic needs of the passengers.

Safety Features

Traveling inside this sedan is always safe because of its hard and rigid body, designed for the safety of passengers. The list of safety features given in the car include powerful headlamps, turn indicators, seat belts, high performance brakes, and high performance tyres.

Pros: Improved emission norms, good interior space.
Cons: Engine power should improve, same old body style.