ICML Rhino RX S1
Maxabout Review
Replacement Of Qualis
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
International Cars & Motors Ltd (ICML) is a venture of one of India's fastest growing automobile companies, the Sonalika Group. Sonalika's strength lies in manufacturing tractors and they currently are ranked third in this segment in India. Rhino’s styling may be out of date but the boxy structure still lures many customers.
Golden ICML logo on the simple chrome grille looks nice along with clear lens wraparound headlamps and ORVM integrated indicators. The front bumper which houses the fog lamps and air dams which would have lend muscular image is spoiled due to slim wheel arches and not so oversized wheels which are very necessary for MUVs.
Top hinged door with a larger tail gate and stepped up bumpers at rear ensures practicality. Interiors looks more upmarket with bright and airy cabin. Instrument panel houses tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauges etc. Silver centre console houses oval air conditioned louvers. Slide side windows at the rear ensures good visibility for rear passengers too.
Leg room is generous for all passengers and the middle row splits to accommodate the last row passengers.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 though 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.Rhino Rx’ comes with a 2000cc Bharat Stage III compatible diesel engine along with four-cylinder direct injection.
It has a maximum power of 100 bhp at 3600rpm with a maximum torque of 220 Nm at 2400rpm. With its fuel consumption rate of 15-17 km a litre, ‘Rhino Rx’ is said to be the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the category. It is available in three different variants S1, S2 and DLX.