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Born tough

The all-new Rhino. SIDDHRAJ SINGH takes an exclusive drive of the MUV that hopes to storm the market

THE INCREDIBLE BULK The Rhino is not designed to be pretty - its aim is to beat the current crop of utilitarian people movers in the country

Some three hours away from the bustling city of Jallandhar, lies a hilly town called Amb. On the outskirts, a hording displays the latest offing in the MUV market, International Cars and Motors Ltd (ICML)'s Rhino.

When it debuted, the Toyota Qualis kicked up a storm in the MUV segment, one that was once dominated by Mahindra's various stalwarts, Tata's Sumo and various posers such as the Maruti Omni and HM Ambassador. Since its demise late 2005 and the inability of the Innova to fit the bill, the Chevrolet Tavera is ruling the roost. But operators haven't slept the same since the good old Qualis days. ICML hopes to provide the much needed good night's rest each day.

The Sonalika Group, owners of ICML, started small, manufacturing agricultural equipment. They have since grown to become one of the largest tractor manufacturers in India. There motivation to grow has led them to the highly competitive passenger car market, and their first product the Rhino.

Back to basics

The Rhino has been built with certain basic principles in mind, and it shows, both for the good and bad. The vehicle has been styled in-house keeping in mind the positive qualities of a MUV, but we feel that a bit too much emphasis has been paid to previous market dominators, like the Qualis, and the Rhino styling is decidedly out-of - date. Modern bits like full moulded plastic front bumper, wrap-around clear lens headlights and multi-component taillight try and freshen up the MUV, but the boxy body structure mars the efforts. The vehicle also suffers from teething problems, namely poor plastics and body panel alignment/gaps. The rural buyers might overlook these, but they need to be addressed for upmarket segment, especially for the top of the line Deluxe variant, which will come with body cladding in 2007.

Inside, the story is a bit different. A moulded dash, with a silver centre, gives a more modern outlook to the interiors and the plastics are better than those outside. However, smaller parts play Gremlins in the vehicle, as plastic clips holding rubber seals are below par. Door panels are flat and uninspiring, but a moulded one will be available on the deluxe versions. An rpm meter, that's standard on all variants, is a welcome surprise. Seating is basic twin buckets, followed by two rows of bench. The middle row splits to accommodate the last row passengers. Legroom is quite generous, even with the front seats all the way back. Seats are, however, a bit too spongy for our liking, and the benches don't provide the support, proving a bit too flat. What we really liked was the moulded roof lining; it has space to install a/c vents for the rear two rows. This means no messy ducting and ugly screws. A second blower/cooling coil will be available in the 2007 deluxe models. Also on the deluxe model: power windows. The last row passengers get split/slide side windows, providing better ventilation than butterfly hinged ones.

Power to the mass

The Rhino was built with the help of MG Rover, but fortunately their part of the project was over before the British owners pulled the shutters. MG Rover has since been taken over by Nanjing of China. A brace of indigenously built Rover engine is set to star, but initially the Rhino will use a Hindustan Motor sourced Isuzu 2.0-litre Turbocharged intercooled diesel mill. It is essentially the same block as the Ambassador, reworked specially for the Rhino. With forced induction it now produces a healthy 75bhp. Power delivery is smooth, and once the turbo kicks in at about 2200rpm, the car moves along quite well, though the a/c does make it's presence felt. But don't expect to smoke any tyres; it's strictly for the highways. Due next year the premium and export variants will receive the Rover engines - a Euro III 2-litre 100 bhp diesel and a gargantuan 130 bhp 2-litre common rail diesel, that is Euro IV compliant. The HM unit is only Bharat Stage II certified, thus relegated to smaller towns, and will continue there alongside the Rover units. An added attraction of the HM engine is its familiarity; baring the turbo any roadside mechanic can overhaul the engine, and could still remain the preferred choice as rural haulers due to this.

Currently a HM sourced 5-speed `box runs the show, but lacks refinement. This model is meant for the rural, taxis/tour segment and those upgrading from the Amby will feel at home.

No cutting corners

The Rhino's handling was configured under the strict supervision from Rover, and it shows, despite the ladder-frame chassis. The power steering, standard on all versions, provides the right amount of help for a car of this size. But with such a tall profile, body roll is expected thought it handles well under the strain. A large part of this can be attributed to the wide tyres, 205/65 Bridgestones on 15-inch rims. They grip well, but the mileage will suffer. Overall ride is not bad, but rear leaf springs can prove quite a handful on bumps. Braking department has been well cared for, with ventilated discs upfront, followed by drums behind. They are seem ample for now, though a little more bite would be give us peace of mind.

But all good/bad qualities aside, in India the price can make or break anything. Sold through brand new authorised dealerships in the northwest states, baring Delhi (due to Euro III requirement), the Rhino will start form Rs. 5.45 lakh. But expect this to go up when the Rover engined versions are launched countrywide next year.

The Rhino is a decent attempt for a first vehicle. ICML decided to enter into an existing market using a tried and tested method, but they will definitely need to up their game, if they want a sizeable piece of the growing MUV pie. An upgrade in fit-and-finish whilst introducing the Deluxe and Rover versions next year will do wonders. A risqué approach on the proposed facelift would be welcomed in this fickle minded world.

TECHNICAL DATA

ICML RHINO How much?
Rs 5.45 lakh onwards
How big?

Length 4,440 mm
Width 1,645 mm
Height 1,885 mm
W'base 2,541 mm
Weight 1,633 kg
Fuel Tank 50 litres

Engine

4-cylinder inline indirect injection diesel, 1995cc
Installation: Front, longitudinal,

RWD

Power: 75 bhp
Torque: 14.48 kgm
Compression ratio 21.0:1

Specific output 37.59 bhp/ litre
Bore/stroke 84/ 90 mm

Performance

Top speed: 120 kph (claimed)
Power to weight: 45.93 bhp/ ton

Gearbox

5-speed manual

Suspension

Front: Independent double wishbone
Rear: Semi-elliptical leaf spring

Brakes

Front: Ventilated Discs
Rear: Drum

Tyres
205/65 R15

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