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The Statesman | Kolkata | 2 December 2007
Hindusthan Motors has introduced the
eco-friendly Harit L 1800 E2 and Harit L 1500 E2 with an eye on
burgeoning environment pollution. Most people are not aware of
the hazards of pollution and as a result the car has yet to gain
popularity. Most people do not like the shape and the design of
the Ambassador and are reluctant to listen to anything said in
praise of the time-tested car.
For the middle class, I feel, the Ambassador is the best sedan
available in the market. Low maintenance cost, plenty of space
and easy maneuverability have contributed to the popularity of
the car. Because of the large space inside passengers get enough
elbow space and can stretch their limbs freely. Getting into the
vehicle and coming out of it is hardly a problem as is the case
with other vehicles and it is a very successful commercial
vehicle for it accommodates at least six people. The vehicle is
used in several government offices and by VIPs including the
Prime Minister, union cabinet ministers and the speaker of the
Lok Sabha.
The car is ideal for security reasons. Over the years certain
changes have been introduced in the Ambassador. After Nova and
Regent, Ambassador cars with diesel engines were introduced. The
diesel car is excellent for middle class Indian families. The
engine emits minimum noise and the car is extremely easy to
handle. Improved quality seats and upholstery have been
introduced. There’s hardly any other vehicle as stable as the
Ambassador on highways. Various cars have been introduced that
provide better luxury and driving comfort but these cannot take
to the craggy roads in the rural areas for their ground
clearance is simply not good enough. The Ambassador is equally
brilliant on potholed roads.
Ambassador’s new addition to its stable is the eco-friendly
Harit cars. It runs on LPG. A large number of car owners think
that vehicles fitted with LPG are high on risk as cars might
explode if the gas cylinders start leaking. Another objection
they commonly raise is that LPG filling stations are few and far
between and drivers might well be in a spot in case the cylinder
is exhausted in the middle of a journey. It may be mentioned in
passing that in Delhi, CNG is used in commercial vehicles and as
a result environment pollution has gone down considerably.
Because of the high demand of CNG, filling stations have come up
and the owners of vehicles using CNG refilling are no longer in
problem.
Ambassador Harit is an excellent vehicle and is highly
economical. The vehicle is available in 1500cc and 1800 cc
variants. The factory fitted LPG kit is safe and is low on risk.
It is approved by the ARAI. The safety features include LPG
cylinder with multi-valve protection system. There is backfire
protection system and high pressure safety release valve. There
is an excess gas flow protection system as well and a
multi-valve seal box for protection from gas leakage.
The 1800cc vehicle is fitted with powerful suspension and brakes
for the comfort and safety of the passengers. Independent
suspension with torsion bar springs and anti-roll bar with
hydraulic telescopic double acting shock absorbers in the front
and semi-elliptical leaf springs with hydraulic telescopic
double acting shock absorbers in the rear have been installed
for better road grip. Powerful headlamps, sensitive steering and
bigger wheels have made driving much more enjoyable.
The Harit will be ideal for those who love the environment and
believe that it should be protected at all costs.
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