BMW Motorrad is gearing up to launch around 9 new motorcycles in the next few years. One of them is believed to be the G310 RR Supersport, essentially a racier version of the TVS Apache RR 310. The G310 RR Supersport is the track-focused version of the nimble G310 R and hosts a lot of carbon fiber. The bike was displayed at the BMW Motorrad Days in Japan, and it looks like a baby BMW HP4 Race in the faired avatar.

The BMW G310 RR Supersport gets body panels made from carbon-fiber which is used in race cars and superbikes to add rigidity and save weight. The front fairing of the bike saves the weight by getting a full carbon fiber fairing and stickers sit in place of actual headlights.

The front brake is a 320 mm Brembo unit while the rear gets a 220 mm ByBre brakes, which is a solid giveaway that this is a bike with its origins in India. The front shocks are upside down units, and the rear end gets a single centre mounted spring shock absorber. The extensive use of carbon fiber saves around 30-40 Kgs of weight and adds more to the overall strength of the bike. The rear houses an underbelly exhaust system that exits below the rear seat.

The engine used on the BMW G310 RR Supersport will be similar to the one on the G 310R and Apache RR310. The bikes get power from a 310cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces a maximum power of 34 Bhp and 27.3 Nm of peak torque. The engine comes paired with a 6-speed transmission and a slipper clutch system is also standard.

The bike is based on the same platform as the Apache RR 310 and shares similar chassis and suspension components. The carbon fiber used in the development of G310 RR Supersport is made in-house by BMW. The bike looks quite aggressive and all that carbon fiber gives it an exotic look.

The BMW G310 RR will rival bikes like Kawasaki Ninja 400, KTM RC 390 and Honda CBR 300R in the entry level performance bike segment. BMW is expected to unveil the G310 RR Supersport officially at the EICMA show in Milan in November 2018. The brand could launch this motorcycle in India sometime next year and the prices are expected to start from Rs. 3.5 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Images courtesy Oliepiel

Also Read: This 'vintage-style' Royal Enfield motorcycle from EIMOR Customs will bewitch you

The unparalleled success Hyundai tasted with the Creta has pushed the company to focus more on the SUV segment in India. The company currently has as many as seven SUVs in the works for India, and plans to roll them out one by one within the next two years. The new portfolio will consist of many models, ranging from a sub-4 metre Brezza-rivaling SUV to a full-fledged, 7-seat option. Lets have a look at what the company has planned for in the coming years.

Carlino

The Carlino concept was first showcased during the 2016 Auto Expo and the car has been spotted recently. Hyundai has been readying a sub four metre SUV based on the concept since a long time now. The exterior design is likely to be on the lines of the Creta.

The all-new SUV will be launched with an all-new turbocharged petrol engine. It will take on vehicles, such as the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza and Ford EcoSport. Expect the pricing to be in the Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh range, putting it bang in Brezza territory.

7-seat Creta

Hyundai is also working on a bigger Creta that will take on the likes of XUV500 and Tata Hexa. The next generation Creta will utilize the Kia platform that will also underpin the upcoming SP model. The seven seater could be more feature rich than the current 5 seater version. Even though the all-new Creta has been caught testing already with heavy camouflage, there are no clear pictures of the SUV available.

Kona EV

Amid new government policies to promote electric vehicles in India, Hyundai plans to launch their first-ever electric vehicle in the country. It has been confirmed by the company that it will be the Kona Electric Vehicle. The stylish electric SUV has been available in international markets for some time. It is also available in a hybrid powertrain too. However, the Indian market will only get the electric version of the car and it will be assembled in India to keep the costs low. Hyundai is expected to launch the Kona with the 64 kWh battery that can go up to 480 km on a single charge. Pretty impressive.

Nexo Fuel Cell Vehicle

The futuristic-looking Hyundai Nexo fuel cell SUV was first shown at the Consumer Electronics Show held in January. The SUV is already on sale in the Korean market and Hyundai has confirmed that it will be coming to India. However, there is no official timeline given as of yet. For power, the Hyundai Nexo makes use of a 95 kW fuel cell pushing out a maximum power output of 161 Bhp and a peak torque of 395 Nm. This fuel cell unit is relatively lighter than the standard electric motor. 

All-new Tucson

The new Tucson has got a makeover and will now feature a sharper design language than the current generation model. It will also be more spacious and will feature a seven-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system. The new Hyundai Tucson comes with a newly introduced 1.6-litre diesel unit in two versions. The first version of this engine is mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox and it generates 115 Bhp of power which is delivered to the front two wheels. The second version of this engine comes with an optional 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual clutch transmission which generates 133 Bhp of power and this version gets AWD as an option. However the company might bring in different engine options in India.

7-seat Tucson

The seven seater version of the company’s flagship vehicle Tucson in India will be identical to its five seater counterpart. It is likely to get the same engines as offered in the 5 seat version. This car will be spacious and more comfy than the regular one and will be aimed at a higher segment. As it will be a flagship vehicle, expect it to come with all the bells and whistles expected from such a car.

All-new Creta

The current generation Creta has become a rather old model now. It sure got a midlife facelift, but as the company is launching new versions of most models, the Creta also will be revamped. The new car will be more sharper and could take some styling cues from the striking upcoming Hyundai Elantra. The car is currently the jack of spades for the company and Hyundai for sure would further cash in on the current generation model’s success.

Also Read: This 'vintage-style' Royal Enfield motorcycle from EIMOR Customs will bewitch you

Hero Motocorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has appointed Virat Kohli, the captain of the Indian Cricket team and the world’s No 1 batsman, as its brand ambassador. Kohli’s first campaign as the brand ambassador for Hero will be for the two-wheeler giant’s Xtreme 200R premium motorcycle.

The Hero Xtreme 200R is powered by an all-new 199.9cc single cylinder engine producing 18.1 Bhp and 17.2 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox that sends power to the rear wheel and returns a claimed mileage of 39.9km/l. Hero has also fitted the Xtreme 200R’s engine with a balancer shaft to help keep vibrations down. Prices for the Hero Xtreme 200R start at Rs 88,900 ex-showroom (Delhi).

Speaking about Kohli’s appointment as brand ambassador, Pawan Munjal, MD and CEO of Hero Motocorp, said, “Hero MotoCorp is all about new-age, technologically superior and aesthetically pleasing products which are also fun to ride. Brand Hero stands for trust, excellence and resilience – the qualities that truly personifies the charisma of Virat as a global icon. He represents the youth of today, which ‘Fears Nothing’ and aims for the pinnacle – characteristics that have always defined Brand Hero. It is indeed my pleasure to welcome Virat onboard the global family of Hero MotoCorp and wish him a lot of success and fun in this new innings.”

Virat Kohli also released a statement on his appointment as Hero’s brand ambassador stating, “It is my absolute delight to join the illustrious team at Hero MotoCorp – a truly global brand from India. Millions of young boys and girls of my generation have grown up riding Hero motorcycles and scooters and it is, therefore, a unique and special feeling to associate with this brand. I have known Pawan Ji for long, and I thank him for giving me this opportunity to represent Hero MotoCorp at the global arena. Hero MotoCorp has been one of the largest corporate promoters of sports and sportspersons across various disciplines over the past two decades, and I consider this a huge privilege to be a part of the Hero family. I am eagerly looking forward to an exciting ride ahead.”

The appointment of Kohli to the brand ambassador position comes at a crucial time for Hero MotoCorp as it looks to expand into the 200-300cc segment. According to a report in LiveMint, the two-wheeler manufacturer has 4 bikes planned for the 200-300cc segment, out of which two – the Xtreme 200R and the XPulse – were showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. While the Xtreme 200R is already on sale in India, the launch of the Hero Xpulse has been pushed back to December 2018. The XPulse will be India’s least priced ADV bike. Hero plans to retail these new bikes through new premium showrooms which will also retail a new range of accessories and merchandise.

Also Read: This 'vintage-style' Royal Enfield motorcycle from EIMOR Customs will bewitch you

It’s been a month since we have been driving the Honda City diesel that is currently with us for a duration of three months. Whenever we review a new car, we hardly get to spend a few hours, let along a few days with it. This also doesn’t allow us to understand the car better or divulge into finer details or discover hidden gems. With over 1800km done in the first 30 days, here is my first proper long-term review of the City.

I have primarily been using the City diesel for my long office commutes, 75km to be precise, to and fro. Thanks to Delhi’s ever improving infrastructure, in spite of commuting in rush hour (not peak), the City diesel has been averaging a consistent 21-23kmpl, as per the display. This is about 5% off the actual figure that I achieve via the tankful to tankful basis. The tall 6th gear does come handy at over 65-70km/h and needless to say, the continuous hike in fuel prices has not been of a concern to me. Yet.

Model: Honda City ZX (diesel)
Odo reading at arrival: 16,359 km
Current odo reading: 18,219 km
Date of arrival: 9th August 2018

Next is the engine : while it has been criticised a lot by both journalists and critics alike for its vocal nature, I don’t find a reason to complain. A diesel engine isn’t supposed to be silent and yes, noise filters into the cabin but with the air-con running and music playing, the City’s i-DTEC doesn’t bother you at all. What bothers me is the gear shift quality : it’s notchy and hard, as much as that all other segment rivals fare better in this deal. But all this takes a back seat when you get the low-end torque to play with in moving traffic.

I am a tall and well-built person and I want my car(s) to be spacious and comfortable and this includes the seats – very important. Thankfully, the City scores top marks in this department. Ditto for acres of space at the back! Talking of which, the floor area at the back raises upwards, making long journeys very comfortable for passengers.

Honda is known to make clever cars and the City reflects that. From multiple charging outlets up front and the back, to the cruise control that doesn’t deactivate when you are shifting gears. This is supremely usable when you want to shift down or up a gear as per road conditions while the cruise control is active. As per my understanding, not all cars offer this function wherein the cruise control does not cut-off the moment you push the clutch lever. Likewise, the smart keyless entry works like a charm – you simply walk up and pull the handle. No need to press the black sensor. The back camera also gets multiple viewing modes, namely, normal, top down and wide and this indeed is helpful when you are in a tight spot. Simple solutions to make your daily commutes better and safer!

My dad has a Ciaz diesel as his daily runabout and yes, a friendly comparison will come up soon during the next update after a month. So watch this space for more!

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Japanese carmaker Honda showcased the Civic sedan in India at the Auto Expo 2018. Now, Autocar has revealed that the facelifted version of the Civic will be launched in India in early 2019 with sales expected to start in February.

The Honda Civic that will come to India in February of 2019 will be a facelifted version of the car seen at the Auto Expo 2018. The facelift brings a few cosmetic differences to the new Civic for India both inside and out. The facelifted Civic features a more aggressive front bumper with chrome elements for the fog lamp housings. The rear-end of the car also features a strip of chrome that runs across the boot lid. Also new on the exterior of the premium sedan are the piano black accents and the new alloy wheel design. The interior of the new Civic boasts of a large 7.0-inch infotainment display that offers both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The new Honda Civic for India will be offered with two engine options – a 1.8-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre turbo diesel that will be first seen on the new CR-V SUV that will be launched in India on October 9.

The 1.8-litre petrol engine produces 139 Bhp at 6,500rpm and 174 Nm of torque at 4,300rpm. The petrol engine on the Civic features a balancer shaft and redlines at 6,800rpm. The Civic petrol will be offered with two gearbox options – a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic.

The diesel engine for the new Civic, on the other hand, is rated for 118.3 Bhp at 4,000rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. The diesel engine on the new Civic, unlike the one on the CR-V, will only be available with a 6-speed manual gearbox as the SUV’s 9-speed automatic would make the diesel sedan a bit too pricey for the Indian market. So don’t expect the fancy button-style gearbox found on the CR-V to be present on the new Civic for India.

The 10th generation Honda Civic will rival the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra and Skoda Octavia when it arrives in early 2019. Another rival for the new Civic will be Maruti’s rebadged version of the Corolla, which is expected to arrive later in 2019. In terms of pricing, we expect the Civic to be positioned towards the more premium end of the segment.

Also Read: This 'vintage-style' Royal Enfield motorcycle from EIMOR Customs will bewitch you

Hyderabad-based customization house Eimor Customs is known for turning Royal Enfields into beautiful vintage icons. The latest bespoke bike from Eimor, christened Allura, is proof of the custom house’s spellbinding work.

The Allura is based on a 2013 Royal Enfield Desert Storm which did not have that many miles on the clock. The owner was having issues with the height of the bike which caused difficulties when manoeuvring the bike. The answer to the problems were smaller wheels and tyres and a redesigned look that bewitches anyone who lays their eyes on it.

The first task tackled was to make the seat height of the Allura more accessible for the owner. To fix the height issue, Eimor Customs fitted the bike with 16-inch spoked wheels that are wrapped in 120-section tyres. To balance out the size reduction of the wheels, Eimor has fitted the custom Royal Enfield with large fenders both at the front and rear, which give it an old-school look. The front fender also features a small plaque that is bolted onto it and features the owner’s name.

Other changes up front on the Allura include a new smaller cycle headlight unit which features a black grille. The speedometer and the fuel gauge sit in a brand new housing and the Allura also features a taller handlebar. Also, the ignition has been moved to the oval box on the right side of the bike.

The sides of the fuel tank have been chopped off that enhance the looks of the custom bike and is finished in a beautiful blue paint scheme that is in a word, alluring. The fuel tank also features gold leaf inlay work which spells out the name of the custom bike – Allura.

The seat of the Allura is mounted on springs which add to the vintage look of the one-off motorcycle. The spring-mounted seats will also improve comfort levels for those riding the Allura. The pillion also gets a grab rail at the rear that can double up as a backrest, though the lack of padding will be an issue.

The Allura’s Fenders, wheels, engine casing and side panels have been given a matte black finish, which provides a good contrast to the blue and gold fuel tank. The suspension setup and the springs for the seats along with the custom exhaust though are done up in chrome.

The blacked-out rear fender also plays host to the custom light for the rear. The custom circular brake light sits above the rear registration plate, while the smoky turn signals sit lower, mounted on either side of the fender. Also seen on the rear-end of the bike is the disc brake mounted on the rear wheel that should improve the Allura’s braking performance.

Finishing off the Allura package for the owner is a custom helmet with a blue, gold and black colour scheme that mimics the colours of the custom bike.

Also Read: This 'vintage-style' Royal Enfield motorcycle from EIMOR Customs will bewitch you

Indian carmaker Tata Motors has launched the Tiago NRG (pronounced energy) crossover in India. Prices for the Tata Tiago NRG start at Rs 5.49 lakhs ex-showroom (Delhi). The Tata Tiago NRG is the crossover version of the Tata’s popular Tiago hatchback and features added visual upgrades along with a raised ground clearance, which give it a more rough and ready look. The Tiago NRG will rival the Celerio X in the Indian market and the petrol variant of the Tiago NRG is offered at the same price as the top-spec manual Celerio X. A similarly specced version of the Ford Freestyle costs over Rs 6 lakh.

In terms of design, the Tata Tiago NRG features a blacked-out front grille and air dam, tweaked headlights and tail lamps along with cladding on the front and rear bumpers. The bumpers also feature faux skid plates in silver which add to the crossover look. Other than the bumpers, the Tiago NRG also features cladding along the side skirts and the wheel arches and on the tailgate connecting the taillights together.

Other visual changes on the Tiago NRG when compared to the regular hatchback include blacked-out ORVMs with integrated turn signals, black roof rails, all new 14-inch 4-spoke alloy wheels and a roof-mounted spoiler also done up in black.

The interiors of the Tata Tiago NRG remain mostly unchanged compared to the standard hatchback except for the addition of silver and orange inserts on the bezels on the aircon vents, centre console, and around the gearbox lever.

The Tata Tiago NRG is longer, wider and taller than the standard hatchback version at 3,793mm (up by 47mm), 1,665mm (+18mm) and 1,587mm (increased by 52mm), respectively. The wheelbase, on the other hand, remains unchanged at 2,400 mm. The ground clearance of the Tiago NRG crossover is 180mm, which is 10mm higher than that of the regular Tiago.

The Tiago NRG retains the standard Tiago’s 1.2-litre petrol and 1.05-litre diesel engines. The petrol engine is rated for 84 Bhp and 114 Nm of torque, while the diesel offering cranks out 69 Bhp and 140 Nm of torque. Unlike the regular Tiago, the NRG is only offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Also Read: 10 ICONIC cars you want back in a sexy new form: Maruti Zen to Tata Sierra

Italian two-wheeler manufacturer Piaggio is offering an attractive festive package to customers who purchase their Aprilia and Vespa branded scooters from September to October 2018. The offer, dubbed ‘5X Fun Offer’, delivers benefits worth over Rs 10,000 and is valid on Aprilia and Vespa’s entire range of 125 and 150cc scooters.

The offer covers Aprilia’s SR 150 Race, the quickest-accelerating scooter currently on sale in India, with a 0-60kph time of under 7 seconds. The new ‘5X Fun Offer’ is also available on the newly launched Vespa Notte Limited Edition which is priced at Rs 68,845 (ex-showroom, Pune) and is the most affordable Vespa currently being sold in India.

The benefits include three years of extended warranty, in addition to the two years of standard warranty and five years of insurance. The insurance being paid for the company is actually four years of third party insurance, though customers will still have to fork out the cash for the first year of comprehensive insurance. In addition to this, customers can avail free service for the first year and two years of ‘On-Road Assist’ – Piaggio’s on-road assistance programme.

The third part of the offer is actually a choice between three different payment options. Customers can choose between Rs 5,000 in benefits through PayTM or opt for zero-cost EMI or a low down payment of Rs 3,999.

Speaking about the ‘5X Fun Offer’ Mr Diego Graffi, CEO and MD, Piaggio India, said,

Piaggio welcomes the festive season with its prime and inclusive offer on Vespa and Aprilia range of scooters. Consumers value both the brands for their stylish looks, sturdy designs and Italian elegance. Our unique festive offer has been launched as a step in that direction and it celebrates the spirit of choice for customers.

Mr Ashish Yakhmi, Head – Two -Wheeler business, added,

Consumers can own our legacy and celebrate the spirit of life and freedom. Our ‘5X Fun Offer’ is not only a lucrative package that adds value to the cost of ownership but also provides financial benefits to the customers. Piaggio will be absorbing the insurance cost for five years and will also additionally provide five years warranty at no extra charge, making it a one-of-a-kind offer.

Also Read: 10 ICONIC cars you want back in a sexy new form: Maruti Zen to Tata Sierra

It has been known for quite some time that French auto manufacturer Renault is developing a compact MPV based on the Kwid platform. Folks at Team-Bhp have gotten their hands on a few spy shots of the Renault MPV’s test car. Code-named RBC, the car will strengthen Renault’s position in the people mover market and will go up against the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. The test car has been spotted in Oragadam near the Renault-Nissan manufacturing facility in Chennai. The spy images don’t reveal many details apart from the unmistakable MPV side profile.

Heavily camouflaged, the test car appears to have wraparound headlamps and a new grille that seems to be protruding towards the front. Though the rear profile is not clear due to the heavy camouflage, the car seems to have wraparound tail lamp clusters with a high-mounted stop lamp at the top of the tailgate. The MPV is running on blacked-out steel wheels and tires. They look quite small compared to the overall size of the vehicle, but they could be swapped on the production versions.

Word is out that the Renault RBC is likely to be based on the company’s CMF-A+ platform.The car is likely to get an updated version of the Kwid’s 1.0 litre petrol engine. In its current form, this 3-cylinder engine produces 68 Bhp of power and 91 Nm of torque but expect it to churn out more power when used on the MPV. A diesel is unlikely to happen as the company doesn’t have a suitable powertrain for a low-cost car yet. The new MPV could have an AMT option in addition to the manual gearbox, just like the Kwid.

Safety features like dual front airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors will be available as standard on the whole range to comply with the new safety regulations coming into effect from October 2019. As of now, no word is out yet on pricing but expect Renault to place it near the Rs. 6 lakh bracket in order to be competitive. Currently, the only other people mover that Renault sells in India – the Lodgy MPV – is a poor seller, and the brand will be hoping that the RBC reverses this.

Also Read: 10 ICONIC cars you want back in a sexy new form: Maruti Zen to Tata Sierra

Tata Nexon is a comfortable family SUV and serves daily needs quite admirably. The SUV has a tall body structure and is one of the best-sellers in the compact SUV segment. Ever wondered how a loud exhaust would sound on a car like this? Well, the Nexon Petrol with an aftermarket exhaust sounds real sporty. Don’t believe us? Check out this video and hear that 3-cylinder make a symphony yourself.

In this video we see a Tata Nexon XT petrol variant accelerating hard. The vehicle is fitted with a loud valvetronic exhaust which gives pop-up sounds during gear-shifts. The rumble is very linear and soft with good bass at higher RPMs and the loud pop-ups are like the icing on the cake.

The Nexon XT petrol is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged Revotron engine which produces a maximum power of 108 Bhp and 170 Nm of peak torque. The engine comes paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard while an AMT option is also offered. This engine gives the Tata Nexon perky acceleration. It’s quick off the line and sprints from 0-100 in just 11.6 seconds. The top speed of the Tata Nexon is 154 kmph, and the SUV returns a fuel economy of 17 kmpl.

The Nexon is also offered in diesel variants too, which are powered by a 1.5-litre Revotorq diesel engine, which produce a maximum power of 108 Bhp and 260 Nm of peak torque. The engine comes paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard while an AMT is an option. The diesel variants are a bit slower than the petrol motor, with an overall 0-100 timing of around 13.2 seconds. The diesel is a lot more fuel efficient though, and returns a fuel economy of 21 Kmpl.

The SUV is also quite well-built, and has managed a 4 star rating in the Global NCAP crash test.  The Nexon comes with standard safety features like dual front airbags, ABS and EBD as standard across the range. The SUV rivals the Maruti Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport in the segment. It is priced at Rs. 6.16 lakhs (ex-showroom) for the base model, while the top-end model costs around Rs. 10.59 lakhs (ex-showroom). Tata is currently offering festive season offers on the Nexon, which include attractive discount schemes.

Also Read: 10 ICONIC cars you want back in a sexy new form: Maruti Zen to Tata Sierra

The festive season is just around the corner and big discounts and offers have already started coming in from the manufacturers. Brands are in a race to offer maximum discounts to customers to boost sales. SUVs are preferred by people who have large families and prefer long road trips. Brands are offering big discounts on SUVs this festive season. Here are some such discounts.

Ssangyong Rexton

Discount: Rs. 8.0 lakhs

Ssangyong Rexton is the most premium SUV from the manufacturer and sells through Mahindra dealerships in India. The Rexton did not sell too much in India because of the relatively unknown badge and expensive price tag. Mahindra is clearing out the stock of this SUV and offering a huge discount of Rs. 8 lakhs as an all-new model is coming in next month.

Mahindra XUV500

Discount: Rs. 1 lakh

Mahindra XUV500 is the most premium and fastest SUV from the manufacturer. The XUV500 offers premium features like sunroof and touchscreen infotainment system which are not available on most of Mahindra models. Mahindra is offering discounts of Rs. 1 lakh on the pre-facelift model. There are no discounts on the AT variants though.

Hyundai Tucson

Discount: Rs. 1.5 lakhs

Hyundai Tucson is the premium SUV from the Korean brand and rivals Jeep Compass in India. The Tucson is offered in both petrol and diesel variants with 4X2 and 4X4 variants. This Hyundai SUV is not a great performer in its segment in terms of sales. The automaker is offering huge discounts of Rs. 1.5 lakhs to boost the sales this festive season.

Honda BR-V

Discount: Rs. 1.0 lakh

The BRV is a 7-seater compact SUV offered from the Japanese brand. The Honda BRV shares a similar interior to the Honda City and offers the same level of refinement, including petrol and diesel engines. Honda is offering discounts of up to Rs. 1.0 lakh, which includes an exchange benefit of Rs. 65,000. The BR-V rivals the Hyundai Creta and Renault Duster but offers an extra row of seats.

Nissan Terrano

Discount: Rs. 75,000

Nissan Terrano is a forgotten warrior of the compact SUV segment and offers good level of refinement with cabin comfort. The best part about this SUV is its ride quality, which is sublime. Nissan is targeting good sales this festive with offering discounts of Rs. 75,000, which includes an attractive exchange bonus. The Terrano is sold with petrol and diesel engines. The diesel engine even gets an AMT option.

Mahindra Scorpio

Discount: Rs. 70,000

Mahindra Scorpio is one of the best-selling SUV from the manufacturer. The Scorpio is offered in 4X2 and 4X4 drive systems. Mahindra Scorpio is powered by a 2.2 litre mHawk diesel engine across most variants except the base model, which gets a 2.5 litre M2DICR motor. The automaker is offering discounts of Rs. 70,000 on all variants of the Scorpio.

Mahindra TUV300 and TUV300 Plus

Discount: Rs. 65,000

The Mahindra TUV300 range from the manufacturer sells in decent numbers in the compact SUV segment. While the TUV300 is a 5-seater SUV, the TUV300+ is a 7-seater iteration of the same. While the TUV300 is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine, the TUV300 Plus is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine. Mahindra is offering benefits of Rs. 65,000 on the TUV duo.

Tata Hexa

Discount: Rs. 70,000

Tata Hexa is the most premium 7-seater SUV in the segment. The luxury crossover offers premium features like JBL 16- speaker music system and mood ambience lighting. The Hexa comes in both manual and automatic variants. A 2.2 litre turbocharged diesel engine is standard, but with two engine outputs. Tata is offering discounts of Rs. 70,000 on the Hexa.

Renault Duster

Discount: Rs. 80,000

The Duster is a compact SUV from the manufacturer and is also offered with an all wheel drive layout. The Renault Duster comes in two engine tunes – an 85 Bhp tune and a more powerful 110 Bhp tune. The French automaker is not offering any official discounts on the 85 Bhp-tuned Duster while the 110 Bhp-tuned one is getting benefits of Rs. 75,000, in the form of 1^st year free insurance and other benefits of Rs. 65,000.

Also Read: 10 ICONIC cars you want back in a sexy new form: Maruti Zen to Tata Sierra

The recently launched Mahindra Marazzo MPV has just received a brand new TV commercial. Bookings of the MPV are on, and so are customer deliveries. The MPV’s commercial continues the design theme, which is a shark-inspired one. Here’s the video of the new ad.

The MPV is a cheaper alternative to the best-selling Toyota Innova Crysta, and is a lot larger than the Maruti  Ertiga. In fact, it’s got the biggest footprint for a Mahindra car, with a 2,700 mm wheelbase. Developed by Mahindra’s North American research and development center, the Marazzo is a three row, 7-seater.

It’s a global vehicle that will eventually be sold in multiple countries. For now though, India is the Marazzo’s primary market. The MPV’s prices start from Rs. 9.9 lakhs for the base M2 variant, and Rs. 13.9 lakhs, for the top-end M8 variant. M4 and M6 are the mid-variants that are also available.

The Mahindra Marazzo is powered by a 1.5 litre-4 cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that has been newly developed by the manufacturer. This motor makes 121 Bhp-300 Nm, and is paired to a 6 speed manual gearbox. The east-west (transverse) mounted motor drives the front wheels of the Marazzo, making the MPV the world’s first body-on-ladder vehicle with such a layout.

An all wheel drive variant of the Marazzo will be offered in specific export markets. Mahindra has also revealed that the Marazzo will get automatic and petrol variants in 2020, at the same time when the new Bharat Stage 6 emission norms come into effect.

Mahindra also offers a range of dealer-fitted accessories on the MPV. These accessories span exterior, interior and utility changes. The automaker has also tied up with leading car customizer DC Design for a completely revamped lounge interior for the Marazzo. This lounge layout brings airline style reclining seats for the MPV, and this is the first time in India that a mainstream car maker has directly tied up with an aftermarket customizer such as DC  Design. The lounge kit from DC Design totally elevates the look and feel of the MPV.

Also Read: 10 ICONIC cars you want back in a sexy new form: Maruti Zen to Tata Sierra

The Tata Harrier SUV will be the lead car for the Mumbai Marathon to be held on the 20th of January, 2019. What this means is the SUV will be officially revealed to the world on or before the 20th of January, 2018, and a launch is expected to follow soon after.

The Harrier was first showcased to the world in its concept form as the H5X at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo. In less than a year from its concept reveal, the SUV will hit the Indian market, making it one of the fastest transitions for a Tata concept car, from concept to production. The Harrier will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Jeep Compass.

It’ll be Tata Motors’ flagship offering, sitting over the Hexa in terms of price and positioning. The SUV will be a five seater though, and will be front wheel driven across most variants. The top-end model will have an all wheel drive option.

Tata Motors has confirmed that the Harrier will be powered by a 2 litre Multijet turbocharged diesel engine sourced from Fiat. This engine is the same unit that does duty on the Compass, but on the Harrier, it’ll have a different state of tune – 140 Bhp-320 Nm. A 6 speed manual gearbox will be standard while a Hyundai-sourced 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox will be offered as an option.

The Harrier is the first SUV from Tata Motors to have a major Land Rover connection, in that it’ll use the LS550 platform. This platform has been suitably modified for application in lower cost Tata SUVs, and is now called OMEGA. The Harrier is expected to be priced between Rs. 12-15 lakhs, and will have upmarket looks, interiors and a range of features.

Spyshots reveal that the SUV will have an interior design that’s similar to what the concept version featured. However, the production version of the SUV is likely to lose curves and opt for more straighter lines than the concept. The Tata Harrier will be followed by a longer, more expensive sibling with a 7 seat layout. The larger sibling will follow a year down the line. It’ll be priced a couple of lakh rupees higher, and is expected to be a low-cost alternative to the Toyota Fortuner.

Via Team-BHP

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An NGO has appealed to the Delhi High Court asking for a ban on modified exhausts fitted to Royal Enfield motorcycles. The plea before the Delhi high court, filed by the NGO Justice for Rights Foundation and a law student by the name of Prateek Sharma, claims that Royal Enfields with modified exhaust setups are the biggest cause of noise pollution in India.

The plea before the Delhi High Court also asks for a ban on pressure horns and sub-woofers fitted onto cars. The petitioners are claiming that modified exhausts, pressure horns and subwoofers serve no proper purpose other than to create a nuisance and pose a major health risk to people especially minors, senior citizens and those suffering from other medical conditions. The petitioners have asked for a ban on the manufacture, sale and use of various kinds of pressure horns, amplified speakers and modified Royal Enfield exhausts in the nation’s capital city.

The petition filed a report with the High Court of Delhi stating that pressure horns, woofer and modified silencers exceed a particular decibel level can cause health problems like a headache, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, variations in blood pressure levels, stress, cardiac disease and digestive disorders.

In response to the plea, the two-judge panel hearing the case has issued notices to the central and Delhi governments along with the pollution control authorities and the police asking for a response regarding the petition calling for a ban on the three items mentioned before.

The report filed by the petitioners claims that vehicular noise pollution was especially causing problems in areas situated in or around Delhi University college campuses. The petitioners claim that noise pollution caused by modified Royal Enfield silencers, pressure horns and amplified speakers have seen a marked increase in recent months due to the ongoing Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections.

This plea by the NGO and the law student is quite justified especially in the case of many aftermarket exhaust systems for Royal Enfield bikes that create bangs and backfires and are generally quite a lot louder than the ones fitted on the bikes when they leave the factory. Banning pressure horns and overtly loud music systems is also a positive step as well.

The biggest noise polluters though in impact might be the never-ending festivities that include blasting entire neighbourhoods with everything from DJ music to devotionals, we think. But looks like this is an issue that the courts will consider strongly.

Via – Financial Express

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The Royal Enfield Himalayan should be given the credit for offering India’s first true entry level adventure tourer. At under Rs 2 lakh, the Himalayan was the right tool for those looking at satisfying their adventure fantasies. But, it brought along multiple issues and niggles and this kept buyers away and they had no choice but to wait for the BMW G 310 GS. Which of the two should you put your money on? Hit the play button in the video window below to know more:

There is no denying the fact that at Rs 1.79 lakh (ex-showroom), the Himalayan seems like a steal in front of the more expensive G 310 GS which is priced at Rs 3.49 lakh. Thats almost double the money you would pay! Over time, Royal Enfield has improved the Himalayan a lot, in terms of durability and features. Talking of which, it now comes with fuel injection and ABS, but sadly, you cannot switch off the ABS during off-road stints and this is a huge drawback. And while it handles beautifully well at lower speeds, it lacks the grunt for highway touring.

The BMW G 310 GS on the other is a pure baby 1200GS. It excels in every single parameter over the Himalayan, apart from pricing of course. It is quicker, faster and punchier. It also looks badass and offers far more features like a switchable ABS, comprehensive driver info display, tubeless tyres and a lot more. That said, the high saddle is an issue for shorter riders, routine services are expensive and dealer network is wafer thin.

But, for every tourer out there, who is a looking at an affordable bike for weekend trips, yearly Ladakh saga and a lot more, both these bikes remain in the radar and hence this video. Its a face off between the affordable Himalayan and the well put together GS. Both have their own strengths but do let us know the bike you would pick. And why – do watch the video and leave us a comment!

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India’s automotive market is finally growing up. While many buyers rejected cars that were different in the past, they now welcome them, hoping to stand out from the rest of the crowd. So, in this post, we take a look at 10 iconic cars that should make a comeback into a more accepting Indian car market.

Hindustan Contessa

The Hindustan Contessa was launched in India in 1984. The Contessa brought the posters of muscle cars that hung on every young boy’s bedroom wall to life on Indian roads, with its muscle car-inspired looks. However, despite its muscle car design, the Contessa was powered by small capacity engines, the largest of which displaced just 2.0-litres.

Enthusiasts to this day keep their Contessas in tip-top shape and some have even modified them, adding more muscles and sometimes more power. While the iconic Mustang is now sold in India, it still remains out of reach for most Indians. Bringing the Contessa back to life with a modern muscle car design and a more powerful petrol engine could just prove to be a hit, provided the price is right.

Hindustan Ambassador

The Hindustan Ambassador was the car with the longest ever production run in India with a run of over 60 years. The Ambassador’s unique looks which are drawn from its Morris heritage was what set it apart. The ample space at the rear made the Ambassador the ride of choice for politicians and cab operators alike.

With French carmaker Peugeot taking over the Ambassador brand from Hindustan Motors, the chance of the iconic name being revived are very high. Hopefully, with a modern design and a powerful French engine, the Ambassador can finally really create a buzz in the Indian car market again.

Maruti Zen Carbon and Steel

The Zen Carbon and Steel were two limited-run versions of the Zen hatchback from Maruti. What made them stand out from the crowd was their three-door design, which has since not been replicated on any mass market car in India.

Although rare, the Zen Carbon and Steel became rather popular with enthusiasts who have kept their cars in immaculate shape and have even tuned them in some cases. If Maruti can make a three-door hatchback once again with a decent amount of power, it could steal the thunder from all the buzz-worthy hot hatches.

Mahindra Classic Jeep

The Mahindra Classic featured a short wheelbase and permanent four-wheel-drive which made it as agile as a mountain goat in rough terrain. The open-top offroader was a big hit with the Indian Army who used it extensively.

The Classic’s iconic looks, lightweight body and off-roading ability mean that many still long for this little Jeep despite the presence of the Thar. If Mahindra were to bring back the Classic as a cheaper alternative to the Thar, it could have a real hit on its hands.

Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevrolet Cruze was the American carmaker’s flagship car on sale in India. The Cruze’s diesel engine cranked out 166 Bhp and 380 Nm of torque and bought a small sliver of American muscle to the average Indian car buyer.

However, when Chevrolet shut down its operations in India last year, the Cruze went with it. If Chevrolet were to ever come back to India, the Cruze is the car they should return with, preferably with even more power under the bonnet.

Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer made its mark in the World Rally Championship, which ensured its success in every market it was sold in. Unfortunately for the Lancer, it was plagued by a poor dealership and aftersales network that made owning one rather difficult, as did the overwhelming response to the Honda City.

If Mitsubishi does bring back the Lancer to India, they should offer it as a more powerful alternative to the likes of the Honda City and Maruti Ciaz, which could really cause some ripples in the Indian car market.

Ford Fiesta S

The Ford Fiesta was known for its brilliant handling characteristics thanks to harder and shorter suspension springs, wider tyres and larger wheels. At Rs 8 lakhs, it provided more fun on the road than almost every car at twice its price point. The presence of the 100 Bhp engine also helped its cause.

If Ford does bring back the Fiesta S, it could really capture the enthusiast market, if the new car handles as well as the old one.

Premier Padmini

The Premier Padmini was manufactured in India from 1973 to 1998 and proved to be a fierce rival to the Hindustan Ambassador. The Padmini was powered by a 35 Bhp 1.1-litre engine.

The unique shape of the Padmini and its sharp handling made it a hit among many enthusiasts who have kept their cars in pristine shape. If the Padmini is brought back, hopefully, with more power and a modernised version of the old car’s design, it could attract a whole lot of buyers.

Tata Sierra

The Tata Sierra was a compact SUV before the term was even coined. It featured a unique three-door design and large rear windows. Powering the Sierra was a 2.0-litre diesel engine borrowed from Peugeot that produced 68 Bhp and later on 90 Bhp when a turbocharger was bolted onto it.

If Tata could bring back the Sierra and put its tried and tested 2.2-litre DiCOR engine under the hood, then it could give rivals like the Mahindra Scorpio a proper run for its money.

San Storm

The San Storm was India’s only affordable two-seat convertible. Designed by a French firm, the car was launched in 1998 and was powered by a 60 Bhp Renault engine. Thanks to its lightweight fibreglass construction, the San Storm was a rather fun-to-drive car.

While the San Storm didn’t storm its way up the sales charts when it was first sold, if it does come back today at an affordable price point, then it could prove to be a big hit among younger buyers looking for a good-looking car to call their own.

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An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) saves lives, not just on motorcycles but even on cars. A Mahindra XUV500 put to test under various hard-braking conditions including an emergency swerve on a wet surface demonstrates exactly why ABS is such a critical safety feature that every automobile needs to have as standard. The good news is that the  Indian government has made ABS mandatory on all two-wheelers sold in India with engine capacity over 125 cc from April 2019. From October 2019, all cars sold in India will have to feature ABS as standard under the Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNSAP). Meanwhile, watch the video. Please forward to 2:00 to directly start watching the XUV500 in action.

As the video reveals, the Mahindra XUV500 is braked under two conditions, once with ABS on and once with ABS off. When ABS is off, the vehicle goes into a skid when braked hard even in dry conditions, and despite the wheels locking, the braking distance is high.

With ABS on, braking distance in the dry reduces under hard braking. In the second maneuver in the wet, the XUV500 goes into a skid and is un-steerable when the ABS is off. Under the same conditions, the Mahindra XUV500 remains quite controllable when ABS is on, and is successfully steered around obstacles even under hard braking in the wet.

How does ABS work?

ABS ensures that wheels don’t lock even under extreme hard braking, irrespective of the surface or weather conditions. This is made possible by a combination of wheel-speed sensors and an electronic control unit that sits in between the brake lever and the the actual brakes of the car.

The wheel-speed sensors constantly monitor the speed of the wheel and relay it to the ECU. When the ECU detects a  wheel or many wheels locking, it automatically reduces braking pressure to the concerned wheel(s) and ensures that  they don’t lock. This prevents skidding and also allows the vehicle to be steered even under hard braking.

ABS reduces braking distance, and ensures that the vehicle remains under control, while emergency braking conditions, allowing it to be steered around obstacles. ABS is combined with electronic brake distribution in most modern cars to increase braking efficacy.

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The Suzuki Hayabusa is the superbike that comes to almost anyone’s mind who follows big bikes in India. Now a video by Youtuber Jatt Prabhjot shows the world what the actual experience of unboxing and getting a Hayabusa is like. The Suzuki Hayabusa seen in the video belongs to another Youtuber Beard Bikerr. The Hayabusa in question, like every other superbike, arrives in a crate from wherever it has been shipped from.

In the Hayabusa video, the major wooden sections covering the top and sides of the crate have been removed earlier and have been replaced by a cover with the Suzuki badge on it. Once the cover is removed, the frame of the crate, which holds the superbike in place, is unhooked from the Hayabusa, which is then rolled off into another workstation.

The Hayabusa seen in the video has been ordered with a custom exhaust set-up from Brocks and the mechanics at the showroom set about removing the stock exhaust from the bike. They also remove the fairing to add frame sliders to the frame of the bike. The fairing is then fitted back onto the sides of the Hayabusa.

The owner of the Hayabusa has also ordered a new air filter to help the bike breathe better, which sees the mechanics actually lift up the fuel tank section to reveal the actual engine underneath. Also removed is the instrument cluster to fit in new lights for the Hayabusa’s headlamps unit. Finally, after the windshield is fitted, the custom exhaust set-up from Brock’s performance makes its way onto the sides of the Hayabusa.

Cue a performance from the Hayabusa’s new exhaust set-up and the usual cake in the face celebrations with friends and family, before Beard Bikerr races out of the dealership astride his brand new Suzuki Hayabusa.

So what type of performance can Beard Bikerr expect from his all-new Suzuki Hayabusa, which he has named Zoya? Well, the Hayabusa’s liquid-cooled 1,340cc, 4-stroke inline-four engine produces 197 Bhp @10,100 rpm and 138.7 Nm of torque @ 7,600 rpm which is sent to the rear wheel via a 6-speed gearbox assisted by a slipper clutch. Suzuki claims that the Hayabusa can hit an electronically limited top speed of 299 km/h.

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South Korean auto manufacturer Hyundai has launched a new anniversary edition model of its best selling C-segment sedan in India. Hyundai’s Indian arm, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) marks the completion of its 20 years in the country this month and the company wants to celebrate the occasion in style. Just so you know, Hyundai’s first foray into the Indian car scene was in the form of Santro, which was launched in September 1998. The prices for the anniversary addition Verna will start at around Rs. 11.64 lakh for SX petrol variant, while SX automatic petrol comes at around Rs. 12.83 lakh. The SX diesel variant will be priced at around Rs. 12.85 lakh and the automatic comes in at Rs. 13.20 Lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi and subject to change.

On to the car now, Hyundai is offering many offers and additional equipment in the 20^th anniversary celebration edition Verna. Changes on the outside include silver skid plates both at the front and rear, anniversary edition badging and a stylish boot spoiler. Other minor cosmetic upgrades are blacked-out ORVMs and a shark fin antenna.

Coming to the inside, the car now features a wireless phone charger, and an electric sunroof, both of which are welcomed changes. The interiors have now been done wholly in black with blue trim inserts around the central AC vents.

That’s not all as Hyundai is offering exchange benefits of up to Rs. 20,000 with this car. Also, there is free third party insurance for second and third years up for grabs along with corporate benefits of Rs 20,000.

There have been no changes whatsoever under the hood of this car and it’s only a cosmetic and feature update over the current Verna. The current generation car comes with two engine options on the anniversary edition: a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel.

The 1.6-litre petrol engine makes 123 Bhp of power and 151 Nm of torque. The 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 128 Bhp of power and 260 Nm of torque. Both the 1.6-litre engines are offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Hyundai dealers around India are taking bookings for the anniversary edition Verna. An official announcement about the car is expected to arrive soon.

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Tata Motors will launch the Tiago JTP just ahead of Diwali. Mayank Pareek, the president of Tata’s passenger vehicle’s business, hinted at just this at the Tiago NRG launch yesterday. The Tiago JTP is expected to be India’s cheapest hot hatchback, with a starting price of about Rs. 6 lakhs.

It will be sold as a single variant with a manual gearbox. The main highlight of the car is the engine, which will be a  turbocharged unit that will produce 108 Bhp of peak power and 150 Nm of peak torque. The engine has been borrowed from the Tata Nexon, and detuned for use on the Tiago JTP. The gearbox will be a 5-speed, close ratio unit.

Other changes on the car will include stiffer and lowered suspension for sharper handling, and a bunch of visual  changes on the outside to make the car look sportier than the regular Tiago. Changes on the inside include leather  finish for the seats and steering, aluminium pedals, and a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with an 8-speaker stereo from Harman.

The car has been jointly developed by Tata Motors and Jayem Automotive of Coimbatore, which is why it’s called the  JTP, which expands into Jayem Tata Performance. In a few months, the Tiago JTP will be joined by its compact sedan sibling – the Tigor JTP.

Both cars will be aimed at making high performance affordable. Prices of the Tigor JTP are likely to start from under Rs. 7 lakhs. The Tiago JTP will be the third variant in the Tiago range, which has the regular model and the NRG cross hatchback version already on sale in India.

The range will be further expanded in the coming months with an all-electric variant. So, by the middle of 2019,  expect the Tiago to be offered in four distinct variants, making it one of the most well-rounded hatchbacks in India.  Sales are likely to get a further boost, and we should soon see the car consistently averaging about 10,000 units  each month.

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