2012 ZigWheels Readers Choice Award : Car Nominees

  • Dec 3, 2012
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Here are the final nominees for the 2012 ZigWheels Readers Choice Award. Find out which category your favourite car launched this year falls under and make an informed decision before casting your vote on our special poll. This is your chance to pick your favourite car of the year, so go ahead and make it count

Entry-level Hatchbacks:

Maruti Alto 800

Maruti Suzuki Alto 800

An evolution in the making, the new Maruti Alto 800 looks to reinstate its age old domination in the entry level hatchback space. A fresher face, finer interior treatment, a re-calibrated suspension and an intelligently reworked basic floorplan and architecture on the new 2012 model is poised to once again give this iconic small car a much needed shelf life extension.


Technical Specifications

Engine

796 cc, 3-cylinder, 12-valve, Petrol 

Power

48PS @ 6000rpm

Torque

69Nm @ 3500rpm

Efficiency

13.6kmpl (City – 12.2kmpl; Highway – 18.4kmpl)

0-100km/h

17.83sec

80-0km/h

38.71m (3.26sec)

Top Speed

136.27 km/h.

 

Roll-on (40-120km/h)

4th Gear: 37.78sec

Length

3395mm

Width

1490mm

Height

1475mm

Wheelbase

2360mm

Weight

720kg

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 2.40 lakh – Rs 3.55 lakh

 

To read about the two-wheeler nominees click here:  2012 ZigWheels Reader's Choice Award : Bike Nominees

To vote for your favourite car of the year, click here: 2012 ZigWheels Readers' Choice Award Poll


 

Premium Hatchbacks:

Chevrolet Sail UVA


Chevrolet Sail U-VA

The replacement to the Chevrolet Aveo U-VA doesn’t break any new ground as far as styling is concerned though it does look a lot fresher. The interiors are conventional but score high on space and comfort. It also has an impressive 248-litre boot space, making it one of the most spacious luggage haulers in its segment. The Sail UVA is available in both petrol and diesel mills, but it’s the diesel that holds an advantage in terms of performance and mileage.

 

Technical Specifications

 

Petrol

Diesel

Engine

1,199cc; 4-cylinder

1,248cc; 4-cylinder

Power

86PS @ 6000rpm

78PS @ 4000

Torque

113Nm @ 5000rpm

205Nm @ 1750

Efficiency

18.2 kmpl (claimed)

22.1 kmpl (claimed)

0-100km/h

-

-

80-0km/h

-

-

Roll-on (40-120km/h)

-

-

Top Speed

-

-

Length

3946mm

3946mm

Width

1690mm

1690mm

Height

1503mm

1503mm

Wheelbase

2465mm

2465mm

Weight

1134kg

1124kg

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 4.44 lakh - Rs 5.57 lakh

Rs 5.87 lakh - Rs 6.62 lakh

 

Renault Pulse

Renault Pulse

The Pulse is a premium hatchback from Renault. Though, the Pulse borrows several design cues and parts from the Micra and may look like a rebadged Nissan small car, it is totally different to drive. The Pulse is available in Petrol and Diesel engine options that are able workhorses that also power the Micra. Unlike the Micra, the interior in the Pulse is offered in different colour options.


Technical Specifications

 

Petrol

Diesel

Engine

1,198cc, 12-valve, 3-cylinder, DOHC

1,461cc, 8-valve, 4-cylinder, SOHC

Power

76PS @ 6000rpm

64PS @ 4000rpm

Torque

104Nm @ 4000rpm

160Nm @ 2000rpm

Efficiency

18.1 kmpl (claimed)

14.6kmpl (City - 13.8 kmpl; Highway – 17.3 kmpl)

0-100km/h

-

17.67sec

80-0km/h

-

31.17m (3.17sec)

Roll-on (40-120km/h)

-

4th Gear: 26.59sec

Top Speed

-

160.09 km/h

Length

3805mm

3805mm

Width

1665mm

1665mm

Height

1530mm

1525mm

Wheelbase

2450mm

2450mm

Weight

-

-

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 4.27 lakh – Rs 5.65 lakh

Rs 6.07 lakh - Rs 6.73 lakh

 

Entry-level Sedans:

Renault Scala
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Renault Scala

The Renault Scala is a three-box sedan best suited for families. It offers loads of cabin space, decent equipment list and a large boot, and even though the Renault Scala and Nissan Sunny appear as twins with similar features, the former commands a slightly higher premium. Overall, the Renault Scala is a decent sedan that offers everything one would expect from an entry-level in this segment.


Technical Specifications

 

Petrol

Diesel

Engine

1,498cc, 4-cylinder

1461cc, 4-cylinder

Power

99PS @ 6000 rpm

86 PS @ 3750 rpm

Torque

134Nm @ 4000 rpm

200 Nm @ 2000 rpm

Efficiency

16.95 kmpl (claimed)

21.64 kmpl (claimed)

0-100km/h

-

-

80-0km/h

-

-

Roll-on (40-120km/h)

-

-

Top Speed

-

-

Length

4425mm

4425mm

Width

1695mm

1695mm

Height

1505mm

1505mm

Wheelbase

2600mm

2600mm

Weight

 

-

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 6.99 lakh - Rs 7.85 lakh

Rs 8.69 lakh - Rs 9.57 lakh

 

 

 

Maruti Swift DZire


Maruti Suzuki Dzire

The second generation Swift DZire is based on the New Swift. Taking its cues from the Kizashi, especially the boot. MSIL's first sedan offering less than four metres length competes with the budget sedans from other manufacturers.


Technical Specifications

 

Petrol

Diesel

Engine

1197cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, VVT

1,248cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, CRDi

Power

87PS @ 6000rpm

75PS @ 4000rpm

Torque

114Nm @ 4000rpm

190Nm @ 2000rpm

Efficiency

12.25 kmpl (automatic)

(City - 11 kmpl; Highway – 16 kmpl)

-

0-100km/h

16.49sec

-

80-0km/h

31.17m (2.76sec)

-

Roll-on (40-120km/h)

26.56sec

-

Top Speed

160.56 km/h

-

Length

3995mm

3995mm

Width

1695mm

1695mm

Height

1555mm

1555mm

Wheelbase

2430mm

2430mm

Weight

-

-

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 4.91 lakh - Rs 6.69 lakh

Rs 5.99 lakh - Rs 7.40 lakh

 

 

Premium Sedans:

Hyundai Elantra


Hyundai Elantra

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra is based on the company's fluidic design philosophy. While this design theme is followed across all Hyundai models, it is best described in the Hyundai Elantra. A well proportioned exterior is complemented by a feature rich and comfortable interior. Unlike some other Hyundai models, the Elantra handles admirably at high speeds without compromising on ride comfort. As a Hyundai, the Elantra is priced aggressively and has a number of variants to choose from in both diesel as well as petrol.


Technical Specifications

 

Petrol

Diesel

Engine

1,797cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC, VTVT

1,582cc, 4-cylinder, DOHC with VGT

Power

149PS @6500rpm

128PS @4000rpm

Torque

177Nm @4700rpm

259Nm @1900rpm

Efficiency

-

13.5kmpl (City – 12kmpl; Highway – 18.1kmpl)

0-100km/h

-

11.54 sec

80-0km/h

-

29.01 (2.57sec)

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

-

4th Gear: 21.48sec

5th Gear: 41.96sec

Top Speed

-

 183.57 km/h

Length

4530mm

4530mm

Width

1775mm

1775mm

Height

1470mm

1470mm

Wheelbase

2700mm

2700mm

Weight

-

-

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 12.56 lakh - Rs 14.78 lakh

Rs 12.96lakh - Rs 15.90 lakh

 

 

Luxury Sedans:

New Toyota Camry


Toyota Camry

The seventh generation Camry packs in all the essential comfort and convenience functionalities while keeping a tab on its overall pricing courtesy its CKD assembly now up and running here in India. Though identical to the previous generation model in its overall dimensions, the 2012 model gets a more dignified look both on the outside as well as the inside.


Technical Specifications

Engine

2,494cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC, dual VVT-i

Power

181 PS @ 6000 rpm

Torque

233 Nm @ 4100 rpm

Efficiency

10.3kmpl (City – 9kmpl; Highway – 14.2kmpl)

0-100km/h

9.43 sec

80-0km/h

35.61m (2.78sec)

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

12.45sec (Automatic transmission)

Top Speed

205.42 km/h

Length

4825mm

Width

1825mm

Height

1480mm

Wheelbase

2775mm

Weight

1475kg

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 23.80 lakh

 

New BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3-Series is an entry-level premium sedan that has been on Indian shores for quite sometime. In its sixth-gen avatar, the BMW 3-Series become a more formidable machine with an aggressive exterior, high-quality and spacious interiors, and retuned engines. Performance on the BMW 3-Series has also been tweaked with an eight speed automatic gearbox that delivers a more fun-filled drive while being frugal, especially the oil-burner.


Technical Specifications

 

Petrol

Diesel

Engine

1997cc, 16-valve, Inline 4-cylinder, TwinPower Turbo

1995cc, 16-valve, Inline 4-cylinder, TwinPower Turbo

Power

245PS @ 5,000-6,500rpm

184PS @ 4,000rpm

Torque

350Nm @ 1,250-4,800rpm

380Nm @ 1,750-2,750rpm

Efficiency

7.25kmpl (City – 6kmpl; Highway – 11kmpl)

12.25kmpl (City – 11kmpl; Highway – 16kmpl)

0-100km/h

6.65sec

8.11sec

80-0km/h

29.39m (3.06sec)

40.32m (3.83sec)

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

7.65sec (Automatic Transmission)

10.82sec (Automatic Transmission)

Top Speed

213.19 km/h

216.50 km/h

Length

4624mm

4624mm

Width

1811mm

1811mm

Height

1429mm

1429mm

Wheelbase

2810mm

2810mm

Weight

-

-

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 37.90 lakh

Rs 28.90 lakh - Rs 36.90 lakh

 

 

 

Audi A4


Audi A4

The Audi A4 has always been a driver's delight and it comes as no surprise that this sedan has been the bread and butter model for Audi across the globe. In fact it has been Audi's best-seller for 39 years now and has sold over 10 million units since it made its debut way back in 1972. Now in its eighth generation, the new A4 not only has a lot to live up to, but a heritage that is worthy boasting about.


 

Petrol

Diesel

Petrol

Diesel

Engine

1,798cc, 16-valve, 4-cylinder, exhaust gas turbocharging

1,968cc, 16-valve, 4-cylinder, exhaust gas turbocharging

2,995cc, V6, direct fuel injection,

2,967cc, V6, common rail injection, exhaust gas turbocharging

Power

170PS @ 3,800-6,200rpm

143PS @ 4,200rpm

333PS @ 5,500-6,500rpm

245PS @ 4,000-5,000rpm

Torque

320Nm @ 1,400-3,700rpm

320Nm @ 1,750-2,500rpm

440Nm @ 2,900-5,300rpm

500Nm @ 1,400-3.250rpm

Efficiency

15.64 kmpl (claimed)

16.55 kmpl (claimed)

10.34 kmpl (claimed)

14. 94 kmpl (claimed)

0-100km/h

8.3sec (claimed)

9.1sec (claimed)

5.0sec (claimed)

5.9sec (claimed)

80-0km/h

-

-

-

-

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

-

-

-

-

Top Speed

225 km/h (claimed)

210 km/h (claimed)

250 km/h (claimed)

250 km/h (claimed)

Length

4701mm

4701mm

4701mm

4701mm

Width

1826mm

1826mm

1826mm

1826mm

Height

1427mm

1427mm

1427mm

1427mm

Wheelbase

2808mm

2808mm

2808mm

2808mm

Weight

1545kg

1590kg

1780kg

1755kg

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 27.94 lakh

Rs 30.04 lakh

Rs 44.00 lakh

Rs 38.85 lakh

 

 

 


New Hyundai Sonata


Hyundai Sonata

In its sixth generation, the new Sonata isn’t just a superior product compared to its predecessor, it also stands testimony to Hyundai’s commitment to becoming a world-class automobile manufacturer while putting to rest a number of myths associated with the brand's reputation.The new car comes packed to the hilt with features, comfort, looks and power, thanks to the Gasoline Direct injection that churns out 201PS.


Technical Specifications

Engine

2,359cc GDi, 4-cylinder

Power

201PS @6300rpm

Torque

250Nm @ 4250rpm

Efficiency

8.5 kmpl (City – 8kmpl; Highway – 10kmpl)

0-100km/h

9.78sec

80-0km/h

26.5m (2.59sec)

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

13.25 (Automatic Transmission)

Top Speed

175.05 km/h

Length

4820mm

Width

1635mm

Height

1490mm

Wheelbase

2795mm

Weight

 

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 18.59 lakh – Rs 20.67 lakh

 

 

 

MPVs:

Nissan Evalia


 
Nissan Evalia


The Nissan Evalia is more van than an MPV that drives like a sedan and is loaded with features that enhance both form and function.With massive space for both passengers and luggage,the Evalia makes for an extremely versatile, practical vehicle.


Technical Specifications

Engine

1,461cc, 8-valve, inline 4-cylinder

Power

86PS @ 3,750rpm

Torque

200Nm @ 2,000rpm

Efficiency

153.41 km/h

0-100km/h

17.45sec

80-0km/h

28.87m (2.60sec)

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

4th Gear: 22.4sec

Top Speed

 

Length

4400mm

Width

1700mm

Height

1860mm

Wheelbase

2725mm

Weight

1446kg

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 8.49 lakh – Rs 9.99 lakh

 

 

Mahindra Quanto

Mahindra Quanto

The Mahindra Quanto or the mini-Xylo is a seven-seater compact MPV aimed at urban buyers desiring SUV-like proportions and space with hatchback-like maneuverability and practicality. The Quanto makes perfect sense for those considering an alternative to premium diesel hatchbacks or even entry-level diesel sedans.


Technical Specifications

Engine

1,493cc, 3-cylinder, common rail diesel engine

Power

100PS @ 3,750

Torque

240Nm @ 1,600-2,800rpm

Efficiency

-

0-100km/h

18.97

80-0km/h

28.47 (2.47sec)

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

4th Gear: 25.03sec

Top Speed

145.29 km/h

Length

3985mm

Width

1850mm

Height

1880mm

Wheelbase

2760mm

Weight

1640kg

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 6.00 lakh – Rs 7.58 lakh

 

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

MSIL's venture into the small MPV segment, the Ertiga caters to the passenger MPV space and is a perfect balance between desire and practicality. Fun to drive, yet frugal, good drive dynamics and a host of features make this seven-seater a clear winner.


Technical Specifications

 

Petrol

Diesel

Engine

1373cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, K-series engine with VVT

1248cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, Common Rail Direct Injection

Power

95PS @ 6000rpm

90PS @ 4000rpm

Torque

130Nm @ 4000rpm

200Nm @ 1750rpm

Efficiency

16.02 kmpl (claimed)

13.2 kmpl (City – 11.4kmpl Highway – 18.6kmpl)

0-100km/h

-

14.09sec

80-0km/h

-

25.06m (2.72sec)

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

-

21.93sec

Top Speed

-

164.43 km/h

Length

4265mm

4265mm

Width

1695mm

1695mm

Height

1685mm

1685mm

Wheelbase

2740mm

2740mm

Weight

-

-

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 5.92 lakh- Rs 7.43 lakh

Rs 7.33 lakh - Rs 8.63 lakh

 

 

Entry-level SUVs:

Renault Duster



Renault Duster


With striking looks, well-appointed and spacious interior, loads of cargo space, and nice ride quality, the Duster makes for a compelling package. The top-end variant with a 1.5-litre dCI engine that pumps out 110PS is definitely more delightful to drive than the detuned 85PS version. The Duster has the mettle and the grunt to handle the urban jungle and a bit of spirited rough road driving with élan. It’s ideal for small-sized families wanting a bigger car.


Technical Specifications

 

Petrol

Diesel

Engine

1,598cc, 4-cylinder, Multi-point Fuel Injection

1,461cc, 4-cylinder

Power

104 PS @ 5850 rpm

110PS @ 3900rpm

Torque

145 Nm @ 3750 rpm

248Nm @ 2250rpm

Efficiency

13.24kmpl (claimed)

12.75kmpl (City – 12kmpl; Highway – 15kmpl)

0-100km/h

-

13.83sec

s80-0km/h

-

27.24m (2.64sec)

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

-

4th Gear: 17.04sec

5th Gear: 23.47sec

Top Speed

-

165.83 km/h

Length

4315mm

4315mm

Width

1822mm

1822mm

Height

1695mm

1695mm

Wheelbase

2673mm

2673mm

Weight

1740kg

1758kg

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 7.49 lakh - Rs 8.49 lakh

Rs 8.39 - Rs 11.69 lakh

 

Tata Safari Storme

Tata Safari Storme

The Tata Safari Storme is the third generation version of the Safari SUV and comes with several improvements all-round. It borrows several features from the Aria such as the monocoque chassis and the responsive 2.2-litre, 142PS DICOR diesel engine that is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Interiors have also been spruced up with additional creature comforts.


Technical Specifications

Engine

2,179cc, 16-valve, DOHC

Power

140PS @ 4000

Torque

320Nm @ 1700-2700

Efficiency

-

0-100km/h

-

80-0km/h

-

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

-

Top Speed

-

Length

4665mm

Width

1965mm

Height

1922mm

Wheelbase

2650mm

Weight

2000kg

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 9.95 lakh - Rs 13.66 lakh

 

 

Premium SUVs:

Ssangyong Rexton


Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton

The SsangYong Rexton is a modern, luxury SUV targeted at a premium audience. With loads of cabin space, a powerful diesel engine and lots of creature comforts, the SsangYong Rexton offers stiff competition to vehicles in its category. Based on the M-Class, the SsangYong Rexton is a rugged, yet comfortable SUV that, despite its behemoth dimensions, offers exceptional ride and handling, great road presence and a high driving stance.


Technical Specifications

Engine

2,696cc,

Power

164PS @ 4000rpm, 186 @ 4000rpm

Torque

340Nm @ 1800-3250rpm, 402Nm @ 1,600-3,000rpm

Efficiency

12.4kmpl/11.18kmpl (claimed)

0-100km/h

10.67

80-0km/h

41.58m (4.32sec)

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

13.9sec

Top Speed

179.94 km/h

Length

4755mm

Width

1900mm

Height

1785mm

Wheelbase

2835mm

Weight

1986kg

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 17.75 lakh – Rs 19.75 lakh

 


New Chevrolet Captiva

Chevrolet Captiva

The Chevrolet Captiva is a good looking soft-roader which has made a mark in the premium SUV segment. Its chiseled bold looks, well appointed interiors and a peppy 2-litre VCDi engine add to its appeal. In sync with its competition, the Captiva also offers seven seats, decent amount of kit and adequate interior space.


Technical Specifications

Engine

2,231cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC, Common Rail Direct Injection

Power

186.5 @ 3800 rpm

Torque

424 @ 2000 rpm

Efficiency

7.75kmpl (City – 7kmpl; Highway – 10kmpl)

0-100km/h

11.62sec

80-0km/h

31.99m (3.31sec)

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

16.66sec

Top Speed

-

Length

4673mm

Width

1870mm

Height

1755mm

Wheelbase

2705mm

Weight

-

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 24.60 lakh

 

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

The second generation Mitsubishi Pajero has been on our market for a while now and it is beginning to show its age. The new Pajero Sport will carry the baton forward with the legendary off-road capabilities of a Mitsubishi SUV. The Pajero Sport comes with loaded with gizmos to meet demands of customers in its segment. The vehicle is designed to be easier to drive in the urban environment. Now available as a Completely Knocked Down Unit (CKD) prices for the Pajero Sport have been slashed severely and now makes for a far more affordable proposition


Technical Specifications

Engine

2,477cc, 16-valve, intercooled turbocharged DOHC,

Power

178PS @ 4000rpm

Torque

400Nm @ 2000–2500rpm

Efficiency

-

0-100km/h

-

80-0km/h

-

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

-

Top Speed

-

Length

4695mm

Width

1815mm

Height

1840mm

Wheelbase

2800mm

Weight

2065kg

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 22.56 lakh

 

 

Luxury SUVs:

Mercedes-Benz ML350 CDI




Mercedes-Benz ML250CDI / 350CDI


In its third generation avatar, the all new 2012 ML has been transformed into a formidable package boasting of upgrades and improvements in just about every department. While its predecessor did face criticism for niggling quality related issues, Mercedes-Benz has obviously not taken the feedback lightly and the new luxury SUV is a testament to the quintessential build that one has come to expect from the three point star

Technical Specifications

 

250CDI

350CDI

Engine

2,143cc, in-line 4-cylinder

2997cc, V6

Power

206PS @ 4200rpm

258PS @ 3,600rpm

Torque

500Nm @ 1,600-1,800rpm

619Nm @ 1,600-2,400rpm

Efficiency

-

-

0-100km/h

9.0sec (claimed)

8.30sec

80-0km/h

-

25.68m (2.61sec)

Roll-on: 40-120km/h

-

10.79sec

Top Speed

-

221.43 km/h

Length

4922mm

4922mm

Width

1926mm

1926mm

Height

1796mm

1796mm

Wheelbase

2915mm

2915mm

Weight

2160kg

2175kg

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 46.50 lakh

Rs 56.90 lakh - Rs 66.00 lakh

 

 

Volkswagen Touareg

Volkswagen Touareg:

The Volkswagen Touareg is a perfect blend of both style and substance. It looks and feels expensive and is a well engineered product that offers a powerful engine, a delightful drive experience, fantastic interiors and immense off-road capability.


Technical Specifications

Engine

3,000cc, 6-cylinder

Power

228PS @ 7500 rpm

Torque

550Nm @ 2,250rpm

Efficiency

-

0-100km/h

-

80-0km/h

-

Roll-on: 80-120km/h

-

Top Speed

-

Length

4795mm

Width

1940mm

Height

1709mm

Wheelbase

2904mm

Weight

-

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 58.75 lakh

 

 

Audi Q3

Audi Q3:

Audi has not only brought in a brilliant product but has also managed to price it as well. Good looks, space, a load of features and an awesome diesel unit is sure to make the Q3 a sure-fire hit.


Technical Specifications

Engine

1,968cc, 4-cylinder

Power

177PS @ 4,200 rpm

Torque

380Nm @ 1,750rpm

Efficiency

-

0-100km/h

-

80-0km/h

-

Roll-on: 80-120km/h

-

Top Speed

-

Length

4385mm

Width

1831mm

Height

1608mm

Wheelbase

2603mm

Weight

-

Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 29.3 lakh – Rs 38.42 lakh

 

To read about the two-wheeler nominees click here:  2012 ZigWheels Reader's Choice Award : Bike Nominees

To vote for your favourite car of the year, click here: 2012 ZigWheels Readers' Choice Award Poll

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