ICML Rhino

ICML Rhino

ICML Rhino Overview

Sonalika Group, an Indian manufacturer of farm equipment including tractors diversified its business and entered the MUV segment. Its group company International Cars & Motors Limited (ICML) was established to manufacture passenger vehicles. International Cars and Motors Limited, ICML's only car Rhino is a Multi-Utility Vehicle (MUV). Designed to carry people and luggage comfortably, ICML Rhino car is gaining popularity day-by-day.

MG Rover from United Kingdom assists ICML in manufacturing its Rhino. The car is manufactured Kala Amb in Himachal Pradesh. Owing to the tax-free nature of the area where the plant is located, ICML Rhino car is sold at low prices.

ICML Rhino RX is a comfortable multi-utility vehicle that has been designed according to the Indian conditions. Rhino was launched around 5 years back by International Cars and Motors Limited (ICML) in order to compete with well-established cars like Tata Sumo, Mahindra Bolero and Chevrolet Tavera. ICML Rhino in India has a competitive advantage over these brands owing to its exceptional fuel efficiency nature.

ICML Rhino Launch History

First launched in 2006, ICML Rhino car has been upgraded twice. Rhino Rx was launched in 2007 with a new engine and several changes in the design. This new engine was a 2-litre Turbo Charged Intercooled Direct Injection (TCIC DI) engine. Unlike the first engine that was offered in ICML Rhino cars initially, this engine is still available. Recently, the company has introduced a new engine that is more powerful and is Bharat Stage IV compliant. It is the Common Rail Direct Injection Turbo Charged Intercooled CRDFi engine.

ICML Rhino Variants (Models)

New Rhino cars are available in the following variants (models):

ICML Rhino Pricing

New ICML Rhino price ranges from Rs. 5.5 lacs to Rs. 8 lacs across the country. The price depends upon which variant is bought as Rhino is available in 7 different versions. Among these versions, there is option for emission norms compliant such as BS II, BS III or BS IV. Moreover, the buyer has to make a choice from multiple available seating arrangements for ICML Rhino car. This factor is also very crucial and affects the final price of Rhino. Apart from these, ICML Rhino price in India varies due to the difference among tax regimes of states.

ICML Rhino Review

Ever since it was launched, ICML Rhino car has received positive reviews. Its spacious interiors are appreciated and these add to the charm of the car. In addition to that, Rhino is praised for its rugged nature and ability to handle all types of weather conditions. Critically acclaimed are the multiple seating arrangement options available in ICML Rhino cars. Moreover, the availability of numerous features in Rhino makes it a car of wide demand.

ICML Rhino Used Car Market

Owing to its utilitarian nature, ICML Rhino has excellent reputation in the used car market. The popularity of Rhino among commercial passenger car operators results in a higher demand for the car in the used car market.

ICML Rhino Specifications

The specifications for the new Rhino cars are specified below:

ICML Rhino cars are also available with the Turbo Charged Intercooled Direct Injection (TCIC DI) G1 series engine. It is a 2-litre capacity diesel engine with a displacement of 1994 cc. This 4-cylinder engine has a compression ratio of 19.5: 1. This engine churns out 100 bhp of power at 3600 rpm and torque of 240 Nm at 2000-2500 rpm. Rhino is available in three variants with this engine such as Winner (non-AC), Winner (Single AC) and Xciter (Dual AC). The 'Winner' variants of Rhino car are available in two seating capacity options such as 9(8+1) and 10 (9+1). On the other hand, the 'Xciter' variant of ICML Rhino car is available as an 8 (7+1) seater or a 9 (8+1) seater. However, this older engine complies with Bharat Stage II and Bharat Stage III emission norms.

ICML Rhino Exterior

ICML Rhino Exterior Appearance

At first sight, ICML Rhino car looks quite similar to Toyota Qualis. The simple and plain boxy look might not be exciting but it has a robust design. Clear lens headlamps with twin-pod bulbs look quite neatly designed. The radiator grille is adorned by the prominent ICML badge. The side profile includes turn indicators on the outside rear view mirrors. The roof rail and useful yet stylish side foot step makes Rhino a true Multi-Utility Vehicle (MUV). The rear profile of ICML Rhino includes clear lens tail lights with vertical twin pod arrangement.

ICML Rhino Exterior Measurements

All Rhino cars are 4440 mm long, 1645 mm wide and 1885 mm high. ICML Rhino cars have a ground clearance of 170 mm and is quite enough for all types of surfaces. While the kerb weight of Rhino TCIC DI models is 1710 kg., the same for Rhino CRDFi models is 1738 kg. The Gross Vehicle Weight for TCIC DI models of Rhino car is 2460 kg. and for CRDFi models it is 2510 kg.

ICML Rhino Interior

ICML Rhino Interior Appearance

Entering any ICML Rhino car, the first noticeable thing is the spacious cabin. The seat rows have very good space and look quite roomy. New Rhino car comes with dual tone dashboard, which delivers a premium look. Aerospace inspired 3-spoke steering wheel with company logo provides excellent appearance to the interiors. The Instrument cluster with night angel technology provides a 3-D day-night glow effect to Rhino. The plastic used in the doors is superior in quality. A touch of luxury is also provided in the chrome inner door handles of ICML Rhino car.

ICML Rhino Interior Comfort

Rhino has a very effective air conditioning that provides comfort in Indian summers. The circular air vents at the front can be easily shut upon rotating. Even though, the first row seats are better, all seats are equally comfortable in ICML Rhino cars. Sufficient space is available inside the car to carry luggage.

ICML Rhino Interior Measurements

Depending upon the variant, new Rhino cars have different seating arrangements. All the arrangements are mentioned below:

 
The third row seats in ICML Rhino car can be folded to make it even more spacious for carrying luggage.

ICML Rhino Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

New Rhino cars that come with the advanced CRDFi engine are capable of delivering a fuel economy of 15 kmpl to 17 kmpl. International Cars and Motors Limited (ICML) claims that this excellent average is achievable in actual driving conditions. Rhino cars that are available with the Turbo Charged Intercooled Direct Injection engine have the fuel economy of 16 kmpl to 18 kmpl.

ICML Rhino On-road Drive

ICML Rhino in India has been tested in various driving conditions. The suspension of ICML Rhino is tweaked to provide a decent ride quality on all kinds of surfaces. It easily absorbs potholes and breakers to provide a comfortable ride to the occupants.  Rhino offers excellent handling; however, cornering at high speeds it gives a feeling of being heavy at the top.

ICML Rhino Power

New Rhino in India is available with a powerful engine Common Rail Direct Injection Turbo Charged Intercooled CRDFi engine. This engine of ICML Rhino churns out 120 bhp power at 4000 rpm. On the other hand, the Turbo Charged Intercooled Direct Injection Engine generates 100 bhp at 3600 rpm in ICML Rhino cars. Even though, the two engines have a considerable difference in power output, both are quite enough for Rhino.

ICML Rhino Acceleration and Pick Up

International Cars and Motors Limited, ICML Rhino cars have the Turbo Charged Intercooled Direct Injection engine, which results in decent acceleration and pick up. The Rhino car can reach from 0 kmph to 100 kmph in just 16.5 seconds. On the other hand, new Rhino cars, which are powered by CRDFi engine provides excellent acceleration. As a result, Rhino car has an exceptional pick up capability.

ICML Rhino Safety and Security

The TCIC DI engine models of ICML Rhino car comes with standard safety features. Brakes that are balanced with Load Conscious Regulating Valve (LCRV) are present in three TCIC DI models of Rhino. In addition to these, headlight levelling device and high mounted stop lamp is present in the ICML Rhino car. Dual side impact beam in the doors and cross car beam under dashboard provides safety to the passengers in case of a collision. Rear doors with child safety locks are standard across these models of ICML Rhino. Apart from these, collapsible steering column helps in reducing the risk of injuries in an accident.

ICML Rhino Comfort and Convenience

The instrument cluster in Rhino consists of a dual line LCD display for comfortable viewing of the odometer. Apart from this, low fuel warning light is also present in the instrument cluster. The inner rear view mirror in new Rhino cars comes with an anti-dizzy function. The dashboard has been designed in an ergonomic and utilitarian manner. Map pockets on doors and several cubby holes are present in the car to store small objects. ICML Rhino cars also come with integrated weather strips for added convenience. Certain variants of ICML Rhino come with power windows for maximum convenience.

ICML Rhino Wheels

All ICML Rhino cars come with wheels of size 15 inches, which deliver robust look. The size of the tyres in ICML Rhino is 205/65 R 15, which helps it in maintaining better grip on roads.

ICML Rhino Stereo and Accessories

Only the Delite variant of ICML Rhino Rx CRDFi comes with a stereo system. This variant is equipped with a DVD player with a LCD screen on the roof. Among the TCIC DI models of Rhino, the Winner (AC) and Xciter variants come with a side foot step. Similarly, except the base variant, all other CRDFi models come with a stylish side foot step. The 'Royale' and 'Delite' variants have vanity mirrors and ash tray in dashboard. These two variants come with a cigarette lighter in dashboard that can be used for charging mobile phones.

ICML Rhino Dealers

In India, ICML has a network of more than 70 dealerships. Rhino car price quotation can be collected from these dealers. The authorised dealers of ICML Rhino are listed below:

ICML Rhino Company Quotes

In January 2008, Mr. L. D. Mittal, Chairman, Sonalika Group, had said, “Fitted with high-calibre MG Rover 2000 cc diesel engine fully compatible with Bharat Stage III emission norms, Rhino Rx has a maximum cruising speed of 160 km per hour. With its mileage of 15-17 km a litre, it is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the category.”

Sonalika Group Chairman, Mr. L. D. Mittal had said in June 2007, that Rhino car had been competitively priced, as it was being manufactured at a tax-free location. This had allowed the company to pass on the tax benefit of more than Rs. 1.5 lacs per vehicle to its customers. He also added, “We are also looking at exporting Rhino Rx to African countries, besides neighbouring Nepal and Bangladesh.”

ICML Rhino Competitor Analysis

ICML Rhino in India competes with Tata Sumo, Mahindra Bolero and Chevrolet Tavera. Tata Sumo has been one of the most successful utility vehicles in India. It is one of the strongest competitors of ICML Rhino car. The large number of service centres of Tata across the country is a huge advantage for Sumo. In addition to these, Tata Sumo has low maintenance cost. On the other hand, International Cars and Motors Limited (ICML) has a small network of dealers and service centres. The maintenance cost of ICML Rhino is also higher.

Mahindra Bolero is also an alternative car to ICML Rhino in India. More popular in smaller cities and towns, Bolero is known as an excellent passenger car. In addition to that, Bolero is cheaper than new Rhino cars. However, Bolero does not provide many options for seating arrangement like ICML Rhino car.

Chevrolet Tavera is quite popular among car buyers due to its spacious interior. However, the left hand drive arrangement of indicator and wiper stalks in Tavera is also a disadvantage. The Rhino has been extensively tested in Indian conditions and is more suited for all types of roads

ICML Rhino LPG/CNG Version

Rhino car does not come in LPG or CNG version.

ICML Rhino Pros

Developed in India, ICML Rhino is well suited for all types of driving conditions. Apart from basic features, advanced comfort and convenience arrangements are also advantage of Rhino. Stylish features previously unseen in this segment are present in ICML Rhino. Manufactured at a tax-free location, ICML Rhino car is competitively priced.

ICML Rhino Cons

Lack of a well-established service centre network is a disadvantage for Rhino. It looks quite similar to the discontinued Toyota Qualis, a factor that keeps certain buyers away from ICML Rhino cars.

ICML Rhino Conclusion

Rhino is a car with spacious interior and is suited for various driving conditions. Availability of ICML Rhino car in various variants provides freedom of choice to the customers. The price tag is quite low compared to other MUV’s in the market.