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Royal Enfield Classic Redditch 350 ABS launched in India

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Royal Enfield has started upgrading their products with the Anti-Locking Braking System (ABS). This comes before the implementation of the new rule that makes it mandatory for the two-wheelers in India to offer ABS as a standard feature. The new rule is applicable for all the two-wheelers which are powered by 125cc or above engine capacity.

The new ruling will come into force on 1st April 2019 and Royal Enfield has already started upgrading their portfolio in India. The newest motorcycle to join the ABS bandwagon is the Royal Enfield Classic 350 Redditch, which was launched in the Indian market last year. The Redditch series remains identical to the regular range in terms of mechanicals but it offers attractive and bright paint schemes to attract the young buyers.

Royal Enfield has introduced dual-channel ABS on the Classic 350 Redditch edition. With the new feature, the Classic 350 Redditch is now priced at around Rs. 1.79 lakhs. There is a non-ABS version of the bike available in the Indian market too and it gets a rear drum brake set-up. That version comes with a price tag of Rs. 1.46 lakhs, ex-showroom, Delhi.

The new bike has started to reach the showrooms and is expected to be available across the country very soon. The Classic 350 Redditch is based on Classic range, which received the safety net sometime back. Apart from the addition of the new feature, the motorcycle remains identical to the non-ABS version. The Classic 350 Redditch even uses the same engine option as the regular Classic model. It gets powered by a 346cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, twin-spark engine that produces a maximum of 19.8 Bhp at 5,250 rpm and 28 Nm at 4,000. It gets a carburettor instead of the fuel injection that is available with the Classic 500 engine.

It gets a 5-speed transmission. The Classic 350 Redditch gets a single disc brake in the front wheel with 280mm diameter. At the rear, there is a 240mm disc brake. The front disc brake gets a dual-piston calliper while the rear one gets a single-piston calliper. Royal Enfield Redditch series is available in three contrasting colours in the Indian market – Red, Green, White, Orange and Blue. However, a few colours are limited to the Redditch 350 while a few others are only available with the Redditch 500 models.

Earlier this year, Royal Enfield introduced the first-ever twin-cylinder bikes in the Indian market. Royal Enfield launched the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 in the market and they are the most affordable twin-cylinder motorcycles in the Indian market. Royal Enfield has also launched the Classic 350 and 500, Himalayan and Thunderbird X with the ABS earlier this year. With the update, almost all the Royal Enfield motorcycles now get ABS in India.

Also Read: First Indian to buy the Rolls Royce Cullinan takes it for a spin


Maruti’s hybrid cars to be Rs. 2.5 lakhs costlier than petrols: Launch timeline revealed

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The Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) emission norms will come into effect from April 2020, and will bring along with it much tighter emission control equipment on both petrol and diesel cars. This isn’t all. The BS6 norms will also spawn hybrid and electric cars from automakers across the spectrum. Industry leader Maruti Suzuki is betting big on petrol hybrid cars, and has revealed that hybrids could be priced about Rs. 2.5 lakhs higher than petrol powered models.

Suzuki Swift Hybrid

In other words, the price of petrol-hybrid cars will be similar to that of BS6 diesel powered cars. Fuel efficiency of petrol-hybrid cars is expected to be similar to that of diesels as well. Expect petrol-hybrid cars to be about 30 % more fuel efficient than equivalent petrol powered cars. R.C Bhargava, the chairman of Maruti Suzuki, made the following comments to MoneyControl about the automaker’s pricing of petrol-hybrid cars,

The hybrids will also have a similar cost (increase) as diesel and we have spoken of a hike of Rs 2.5 lakh over a petrol variant. It depends on customer demand and also on what the government will do on GST. What we are talking about is strong hybrids which is the outcome of Suzuki Toyota alliance. The electric vehicle will be out in 2020 and so (the launch of a hybrid car) has to be around the same time.

As Mr. Bhargava’s comments reveal, the first petrol-hybrid cars in Maruti Suzuki’s range are expected to roll out from 2020. The Maruti Suzuki badged 2020 Corolla Altis sedan is likely to be the first proper petrol-hybrid car from the automaker. Currently, Maruti offers mild hybrids on the Ciaz and Ertiga, and mild hybrids are a lot different from full hybrids, which will offer much more powerful electric motors and heavy duty batteries.

Toyota – Suzuki’s new partner in the Indian market for specific business goals – is expected to help out with hybrid vehicle technology. The 1.5 liter K-Series petrol engine found on the likes of the Maruti Ciaz and the new Ertiga is likely to be the first engine from Maruti Suzuki to get the full hybrid treatment. This motor is expected to find its way into the Maruti Suzuki-badged, badge engineered version of the 2020 Toyota Corolla Altis.

Maruti is also prepping a full-electric version of the all-new WagonR hatchback. Road tests have already begun, and in 2020, the WagonR Electric will be launched in India. Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are said to be aggressively lobbying with the Indian government, pushing for a lower rate of GST on full hybrid cars. Word on the street suggests that these automakers want full hybrids to be taxed at par with full-electric cars. The final decision of the Indian government on this matter will determine the popularity of full-hybrid cars in India.

Automakers such as Tata Motors and Mahindra are opposed to any tax cuts on full hybrid cars. They contend that the government’s push towards electric cars will be diluted by offering sops for full hybrid cars. The coming budget in 2019 will be interesting to watch out.

Also Read: First Indian to buy the Rolls Royce Cullinan takes it for a spin

Maruti Suzuki Ignis modified into a CRAZY low-rider: Ignis Blue Whale mod

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Maruti Suzuki Ignis is one of the better looking tall boy hatch on sale in the country right now. Its unconventional design language has won many fans across the country. It is  also one of the few cars that come with a lot of customization options provided by the manufacturer itself. However, a proper petrolhead is never satisfied by a few paint shades or wraps. Same is the case with the Ignis featured below. It is one of the best mod job we have seen on an Ignis yet and is claimed to be the first fully modified Ignis in Asia by its owner.

Ignis Blue Whale Mod

There is no doubt that the Ignis above looks ravishing. The car is owned by Vinu Chandran and the modification on it is done by 360 motoring and 02 Garage. It gets a host of modifications which make it stand apart from every other Ignis on road. It has been named as the ‘Bue Whale’ by its owner. While we always knew that a custom low rider look would suit the Ignis quite well, this Blue Whale Ignis takes things to a whole different level. Let’s now know in detail what all has been changed on the car to achieve this look.

Ignis Blue Whale Mod Front

Starting from the front, the car gets a new custom bumper which is looks quite good and extends down to give the Blue  Whale a low rider look. It incorporates red LEDs on either sides of the bumper along with centre mounted number plate. The front grille has also been traded in for a new unit  with a Transformers logo at the centre. A white line runs along the right side of the car, from the front to the rear end. The roof features stylish crossbars, which further add to the rugged and sporty look of the vehicle.

Ignis Blue Whale Mod Rear

Moving over to the sides, the main feature here are the gorgeous 16 inch BBS alloy wheels shod with low profile tires. They give the Blue Whale that typical lowrider look and are quite cool too. The wheel arches also get custom, blacked out fenders along with side skirts and cladding on the doors. Stickers and window shades are also present which add up to the detailing of the car.

Ignis Blue Whale Mod Side

The rear looks bonkers with those four exhaust tips. The exhaust tips are fitted onto a custom diffuser with also gives the rear a low rider stance. The tail lights are blacked out to go with the overall look of the car. Overall, the Ignis here looks quite radical and definitely gets a thumb up from us. The total cost of this modification was about Rs. 2.5 lakhs. However, its owner has planned to further customize the car and it is currently undergoing additional modifications.

The Maruti Ignis that’s currently on sale in India is available with a single petrol engine option. The motor in question is the 1.2 liter K-Series unit that makes 82 Bhp-113 Nm. 5 speed manual and AMT options are available with this engine. Prices of the Maruti Ignis start from Rs. 4.74 lakhs.

Also Read: First Indian to buy the Rolls Royce Cullinan takes it for a spin

Mahindra Scorpio Getaway to Renault Duster AWD: Forgotten ‘cool’ cars still on sale

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Indian automotive market is one of the biggest markets in the world. There are plenty of car models on sale in the Indian market and some of them are more popular than the others. Here is a list of forgotten cars that are still on sale and why you should buy them more.

Honda Brio

The entry-level hatchback from Honda India has been on the sidelines on the sales chart for a long time now. Cutthroat competition is one of the many reasons why Brio is not so popular in the Indian market. The Honda Brio’s sales have been on a constant decline and last month, the Japanese brand sold only 10 units of the hatchback. Honda Brio is an enthusiast’s delight and is an extremely good car when it comes to handling. The Brio also gets a unique styling with glass-black hatch door. Even though the space of the Brio has never been a strong point, what really delights the Honda Brio owners is the way it drives. It is extremely fun to drive the Brio and it feels like a grown-up go-kart.

The Brio is powered by a 1.2-litre i-VTEC naturally-aspired engine that generates a maximum power of 87 Bhp and a peak torque of 110 Nm. It gets a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Why you should buy it? Well, if you looking for a car which is extremely fun to drive, there is no other option than the high-revving, sharp-handling Honda Brio in the segment.

Fiat Punto Abarth

The Fiat Punto Abarth is one of the most underrated cars in India. It remains the most powerful car under Rs. 10 lakhs in India years after its launch. The Abarth Punto has been specifically made for the Indian customers and is a delight to drive. The hatchback is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that gets as many as 16-valves. The turbo-petrol engine produces a maximum of 145 Bhp of maximum power at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 212 Nm between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm.

The Abarth Punto is a giant-killer can put most cars from the higher segment in the rearview mirror. The Fiat Punto Abarth gets better handling with the specifically tuned suspension system. It is also the most affordable Abarth that you can buy in India. Why you should buy it? It gets the legendary Abarth badge and more power than you will ever need on the city roads at a much affordable price.

Renault Duster AWD

The AWD vehicles are not very popular in the Indian market as most of the country remains snow-free most of the year. However, there are people who love adventures and take their vehicles off-the-road. The Renault Duster AWD is a perfect car for such people. The Duster AWD is the most affordable, comfortable 4WD car that you can buy in the market.

It gets a part-time 4WD system that disengages above the speed of 60 km/h to ensure that the vehicle returns the maximum fuel efficiency. The AWD automatically senses the loss of traction and engages the 4WD when needed. Why you should buy it? If you’re a traveller and love to explore far-off, challenging places cocooned in a comfortable place, there is no other choice than the Renault Duster in the Indian market. Yes, the 4WD comes with a hefty price tag but it sure is worth everything that the car can do off-the-tarmac.

Renault Captur

Renault launched the Captur in the Indian market to take on the likes of Hyundai Creta but the price tag makes it quite an unpopular choice in the market. The Renault Captur is a gorgeous looking car and gets a very curvy design. It is based on the Renault’s B-Zero platform that also underpins the Renault Duster in the market and gets the same tried and tested petrol and diesel engine options. However, Renault is yet to offer an automatic transmission with the Captur.

Why you should buy it? To look different on the road. The Captur looks extremely premium on the roads and stands out because of its exceptional design. Also, Renault is offering hefty discounts on the Captur and it is priced below the Hyundai Creta in the market.

Mahindra Scorpio Getaway

It is true that the lifestyle pick-up truck segment is not very popular in the Indian market. However, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross changed that. Mahindra also offers the Getaway, based on the pre-facelifted Scorpio in the Indian market and it is a very rugged vehicle. The Scorpio Getaway gets all the bells and whistles including the low-ratio transfer case, on-the-fly shift lever to do hardcore off-roading and the flatbed offers the perfect platform to carry any kind of load.

Why you should buy it? The Mahindra Scorpio Getaway is an off-beat pick-up truck and looks extremely good on the road. It is very practical and carry the house around, if needed.

Also Read: First Indian to buy the Rolls Royce Cullinan takes it for a spin

Difference between Jawa & Royal Enfield exhaust notes EXPLAINED [Video]

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Jawa recently resurrected the brand in the Indian market with the launch of two all-new bikes – Jawa and the Jawa Forty-Two. With the launch of the two new bikes, Jawa is targetting the Royal Enfield brand directly, which is the pioneer in the retro segment in India at the moment.

Classic Legends, the owner of the Jawa brand in India has taken immaculate attention-to-the-details to ensure that it brings the legendary image of the Jawa bikes created in the memories of the enthusiasts in India.

Here is a video made by YouTuber – DCV that shows the key differences in the sound of the Royal Enfield single-cylinder and all-new Jawa bikes. The Royal Enfield bike used in the video is a Thunderbird 350. The difference between the exhaust notes from both the bikes is quite clear.

The Royal Enfield offers the signature thump, which has given it the identity and has made it popular in the market. Even though the newest parallel-twin cylinder engine-powered Royal Enfield bikes do not offer the similar kind of thump, the people notice Royal Enfield bikes on the road because of the thumping sound it makes. The Jawa, on the other hand, produces a very smooth rumble through its twin exhaust set-up. In fact, the Jawa sounds like a twin-cylinder engine with the dual exhaust set-up.

One of the biggest reasons why the Royal Enfield sounds so different from the Jawa is the engine and not the exhaust set-up. The Royal Enfield uses the UCE engine that has a longer stroke than the Jawa’s engine. The longer stroke means that it takes a longer time to complete a full rotation, which gives enough time to hear the thump loud and clear. Also, the longer stroke means more air and fuel mixture and a bigger blast in the chamber causing a louder thump. The Jawa bikes use the short stroke engine that complete the cycle much quicker and create a rumbling exhaust note instead. The all-new parallel-twin engine from Royal Enfield uses the short stroke engine, which is why they do not have the thumping sound. Short stroke engines are more rev-friendly and can build up power quickly while the long-stroke engines are good for low-end torque.

Re Vs Jawa Exhaust Featured

One of the biggest challenges that the manufacturers face while bringing back such an iconic model back to the Indian roads is the exhaust note. The Jawa was originally powered by a two-stroke engine in India when it was discontinued. Most of the memories involving Jawa includes the puttering, smoking and oil-leaking image of the bike. The two-stroke engines are not anymore in play and it is quite difficult to produce an identical sound from a 4-stroke engine.

Royal Enfield also offers after-market exhaust that increases the exhaust sound and Jawa would do the same when the deliveries began next year. Jawa showcased a motorcycle with a modified exhaust system that amplifies the exhaust note. The aftermarket accessory is likely to be sold at the dealerships but Jawa has not officially announced anything on it officially.

Also Read: First Indian to buy the Rolls Royce Cullinan takes it for a spin

Force Gurkha SUV’s most POWERFUL version starts arriving at dealerships

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Indian automaker Force Motors launched the Gurkha Xtreme in India last week. The facelifted and most powerful version of the Gurkha off-roader is priced at Rs 12.99 lakh, ex-showroom and Force Motors has started dispatching the SUV to its dealerships.

Gurkha Xtreme Deliveries Begin

The Force Motors Gurkha Xtreme was spotted in the flesh at a dealership in Maharashtra, images of which were posted on a team-bhp forum page. The images show the large SUV at a dealership with temporary registration number stickered on. The version of the Gurkha Xtreme seen at the dealership seems to be devoid of many of the optional extras most owners bolt on.

The Force Gurkha Xtreme is the most off-road oriented SUV that Force has made available for the general public. The SUV which is only offered in three-door guise is powered by a Mercedes sourced OM611 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that cranks out 140 Bhp and 321 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox that is once again sourced from German automotive giant Mercedes Benz and sends power to all four wheels. The SUV also gets a new transfer case and diff locks on at both the front and the rear along with an upgraded suspension setup which is now multi-link at both the front and the rear.

Gurkha Xtreme Deliveries Begin 1

The Force Motors Gurkha Xtreme also gets a wider front track for better high-speed stability. The front track has been widened by 40 mm. The approach angle for the new SUV stands at 44 degrees, ram over angle is at 35 degrees and the departure angle is now 29 degrees which are increases of 5, 8 and 5 degrees respectively over that of the regular Gurkha. The Gurkha Xtreme has a ground clearance of 205 mm and with its Snorkel, the Force Motors SUV can wade into 550 mm of water.

Other changes include the presence of a high strength C-in-C chassis which along with the coil spring suspension allows for superior ride comfort and on and off-road handling. It is the only SUV in its class to offer a live rigid front axle. The front axle can also be fitted with hub locks on the front locks that Force Motors claims help consume less fuel while also reducing the stress on the drivetrain when in 2-wheel-drive mode.

Gurkha Xtreme Deliveries Begin 2

The Force Motors Gurkha Xtreme is the most powerful Gurkha model around and it brings in a host of cosmetic changes to ensure that all eyes are on its wherever it goes. These changes include a new single slat grille, projector headlamps, LED turn indicators on the bonnet along with large ORVMs. The force Gurkha Xtreme features other design tricks including the graphics depicting the name of the SUV on the sides and chrome work and new revised tail lights.

Also Read: First Indian to buy the Rolls Royce Cullinan takes it for a spin

KTM RC200 gets STUCK off the road: Bajaj Pulsar 220 to the rescue [Video]

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KTM RC 200 is one of the most sought-after bikes by the track-enthusiasts in the Indian market. However, it is not a similar case when it comes to off-roading. KTM RC 200 is not the most ideal bike when it comes to off-roading and here is a perfect example of why you should not do it too.

KTM RC 200 off-roading


The video starts by showing a KTM RC 200 stuck inside an off-road ditch. We do not know how it reached there but the owner must have had a good reason to take the bike to such an area. The video further shows that the rider of the KTM RC 200 is trying to come out of the ditch on his own but is failing to find any grip from the loose surface.

Later, the people standing around the biker tether a rope and try to pull him out of the ditch but the attempt fails. After a few more attempts of pulling out the bike with bare hands, a Bajaj Pulsar 220F comes to rescue. The second end of the rope is tethered to the Pulsar’s rear and then it uses all its power to pull the KTM RC 200 out of the ditch without much problem.

While the KTM RC 200 is adequately powered to come over such challenges on its own, the road-biased tyres offered no grip, which caused the bike to fail on such a surface. The Bajaj Pulsar 220F, on the other hand, was in a better position to get maximum traction and help the KTM to come out of the ditch.

Ktm Stuck Featured 2

The KTM RC 200 is powered by a 199.5cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that generates a maximum power of 25 Bhp and 19.2 Nm. It gets a 5-speed transmission. The bike serves as a perfect platform for people who want to start track-riding professionally. However, due to the good looks and a powerful engine, many non-track enthusiasts also choose the bike over its naked sibling, the KTM 200 Duke. The Bajaj Pulsar 220 has remained one of the most popular bikes in the market since its launch. The Pulsar 220F was first launched as a Fuel Injected model and then was launched as a carburetted version. It gets powered by a 220cc engine that generates a maximum power of 21 Bhp and 19 Nm.

There are two things that this video teaches us. No track-biased bike should be taken to extreme off-roading. Track-biased bikes like KTM 200 Duke, KTM 390 Duke come with sticky, soft compound tyres that do no help at all during the off-roading stints. They are much better away from the dirt and on the tarmac where they get maximum grip. Secondly, never go off-roading without a back-up. Off-roading can be fun but can be equally dangerous. Just like the case seen in the video, one can get stuck and without any help, can remain stuck for a long time. Always ensure that you have adequate help whenever going off-the-road. This stands true for both cars and motorcycles.

Also Read: First Indian to buy the Rolls Royce Cullinan takes it for a spin

Maruti Ertiga vs Mahindra Marazzo vs Toyota Innova Crysta: Which MPV can you get FASTEST!

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The launch of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has once again rekindled the MPV sales in the country. Up till now, the MPV baton was being help high by the Toyota Innova which sold in good numbers as always. However, it was way too expensive for many and for the same, Mahindra released the Marazzo MPV in September.

The demand for MPV is growing more everyday because most of the people have realized that they don’t need a SUV to get 7 or 8 seats as the same is offered by MPVs too. Additionally, MPVs offer car like dynamics, better fuel efficiency and take up comparatively lesser space. If you are planning to buy an MPV soon, here are the waiting periods of three most popular MPVs in market, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Mahindra Marazzo and Toyota Innova.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

New Maruti Ertiga12

The waiting period of the Ertiga, which was launched just a month back, has already reached around 3 months and the demand does not seem to slow down anytime soon. According to company representatives, Maruti is receiving around 800 bookings per day. So if you want one for yourself, rush to the showrooms now before the bookings close down due to heavy wait periods. Prices for the Ertiga start at Rs. 7.44 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base LXi variant.

Talking of the car, the all-new Ertiga is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre multijet diesel engine. The SVHS mild hybrid petrol engine produces a maximum power of 104 Bhp and peak torque of 138 Nm. The diesel engine, on the other hand, produces 89 Bhp of power along with 200 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is available with both the engine options along with a 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission on the petrol variants.

Mahindra Marazzo

Mahindra Marazzo 1

The Mahindra Marazzo is the most worked and researched model by the company in recent times and features a unique ladder frame chassis with transverse mounted engine with front wheel drive. Mahindra claims the Marazzo is the first car in the world to make use of such combination. The MPV is doing quite well too and has touched about 18,000 bookings since its launch in September this year.

The exact waiting period for the Marazzo is around 1 month to 1.5 months, which is much less compared to the Ertiga. The MPV is powered by a brand new 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine that’s been jointly developed by Mahindra and Ssangyong under a new engine family. The diesel motor produces 121 Bhp of power along with 300 Nm of torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. However, the Marazzo neither has a petrol engine nor an automatic gearbox as of now. Prices for the Marazzo start at Rs. 9.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base 7 seater M2 variant.

 

Toyota Innova Crysta

2018 Toyota Innova Crysta

The Toyota Innova has been a strong seller ever since its inception in India. Though it is the most expensive vehicle on the list, Toyota stil manages to sell a pretty good number of Innovas every month. The current generation Innova Crysta has a waiting period ranging from 1 month to 2 months across India. In some regions like Gujarat, the petrol variants can even take 3-6 months to deliver. Prices for the Innova Crysta start at Rs. 14. 65 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base 7 seater GX petrol manual variant.

The Innova Crysta comes with 3 engine options which consists of a petrol engine and two diesel engines. The 2.7 litre petrol unit produces 164 Bhp of power along with 245 Nm of torque and is mated to 5 speed manual gearbox. Diesel options include a 2.4 litre engine and a 2.8 litre engine, producing 148 Bhp-343 Nm and 172 Bhp-360 Bhp power outputs respectively. While the smaller diesel gets only a 5-speed manual, the bigger diesel engines gets a 6-speed torque converter automatic gear box too.

Also Read: First Indian to buy the Rolls Royce Cullinan takes it for a spin


First Indian to buy the Rolls Royce Cullinan takes it for a spin

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The Rolls Royce Cullinan was announced earlier this year and it became a major talking point among the enthusiasts. The first-ever SUV from the British luxury car maker has received a massive reaction from the markets around the world. The car was earlier launched in the Indian market priced at Rs. 6.95 crores, ex-showroom, Delhi. But the first Indian to buy the Rolls Royce is not from India but from the Middle East.

Abhini Sohan Roy 1

Abhini Sohan Roy, an Indian woman living in Dubai became the first-ever Indian customer of the Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV in the world. They booked the SUV in June earlier this year. She received it as a gift from her husband Sohan Roy, the founder of the Aries Group in Dubai, UAE. The couple was expected to take the delivery of the Rolls Royce Cullinan on December 12, 2019, but for some reason, they have not received the SUV yet. It is a gift from the husband on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary.

Abhini Sohan Roy 3

Instead, they have got the taste of how the car feels in real life through an official Rolls Royce event held in Dubai. The couple was invited as a part of customers and prospective customers who have booked the SUV in the Dubai market. All the people spent time with the Cullinan and got to know the vehicle in a much better way.

Rolls Royce makes bespoke cars and it is said that no two Rolls Royce are ever the same because of numerous customisation options. It is quite possible that the couple has gone for elaborative customisation, which is why the delivery is taking time. Rolls Royce handcrafts their vehicles and the delivery of the car can take close a year in some cases.

Abhini Sohan Roy 2

The chances that they have given a long list of customisation is quite evident as the couple also owns a fully customised Rolls Royce Ghost. Sohan Roy and his wife Abhini Roy received the delivery of the Ghost earlier this year. The Ghost is finished in the brilliant Arabian Blue colour. There is no list of customisations that went inside the vehicle but it gets a number of customisations as mentioned by Mr Sohan Roy in the caption of the picture.

Coming back to the Rolls Royce Cullinan, it gets powered a 6.75-litre V12 engine that generates a maximum power of 563 Bhp and 850 Nm of peak torque. It gets a long list of equipment including full leather seats, multi-driving modes, self-levelling suspensions, 360-degree camera, birdseye view camera, heated armrests, seat massager, starlit roofline, wooden inserts, acoustically sealed cabin, customised tyres, and many more such luxury features.

It is not known when the couple will get the delivery of their Rolls Royce Cullinan yet but it is expected to happen sometime early next year. The Cullinan chose by the couple is finished in the signature red colour.

Also Read: First Indian to buy the Rolls Royce Cullinan takes it for a spin

Tata Harrier shows off its street presence next to a Jeep Compass

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Tata Harrier is the next big launch from the manufacturer and the bookings for the all-new SUV has already started. Tata has officially unveiled the SUV to media journalists and the official price announcement will happen in January 2019. Post the price announcement, the deliveries would begin.

Harrier Compass

Tata Harrier has been spotted on the road without any camouflage multiple times as they are currently being showcased in different cities for the prospective customers. A latest picture posted on ACI forum shows the Tata Harrier and the Jeep Compass in the same frame and the comparison is quite surprising. Even though the picture has been taken from the rear, the Harrier looks much taller and much more intimidating. It has a much bigger road presence than the Jeep Compass on the road.

The upcoming Tata Harrier is much bigger in dimensions when compared to the rivals like Hyundai Creta and Jeep Compass. Even the Mahindra XUV 500 is smaller in dimensions. The Tata Harrier measures 4,598 mm in length, 1,714 mm in height and 1,894 mm in width. It gets a wheelbase of 2,741 mm. The Jeep Compass measures 4,395mm in length, 1,818 mm in width and 1,640 mm in height.

This makes the Harrier much bigger in every dimension. The all-new Harrier is based on heavily modified version of the Land Rover Discovery Sport platform. The Discovery Sport also measures similar to the Harrier when it comes to length. However, Tata has replaced the aluminium with high tensile steel to keep the cost affordable.

Tata Harrier 19

It is also interesting to know that the Jeep Compass and the Tata Harrier both use the same diesel engine. Tata sources the 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine from Fiat and calls it the Kryotec. The engine produces a maximum power of 140 Bhp and a peak torque of 350 Nm. Tata will not offer an automatic transmission at the time of the launch of the Harrier and it will only be offered with a six-speed manual transmission. However, at a later stage, Tata will offer the 6-speed torque convertor automatic transmission sourced from Hyundai with the Harrier.

The Tata Harrier also misses out on certain features like AWD system. Instead, Tata offers Terrain Response System that modulates the power to the front two wheels. The Terrain Response System is quite effective and enables the Harrier to reach challenging places. However, it is not as effective as a 4WD system. The Harrier also does not offer a sunroof, which is quickly becoming a common feature in the segment. However, there is touchscreen system with 9-speaker surround sound and sub-woofer from JBL. The Harrier also gets standard ABS+EBD as safety feature. The higher variants get 6 airbag system.

As always, Tata is expected to price the upcoming Harrier very competitively in the market. The prices would be announced on 23rd January. Word on the street suggests that the Harrier would be priced in between Rs. 16-20 lakhs. Don’t be surprised if Tata decides to play the value card, and price the SUV lower. Stay tuned for all the live updates straight from the event.

Also Read: Elephant blocking a Hindustan Ambassador is not what it seems like

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Hear the first Indian aftermarket exhaust ROAR [Video]

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Almost every other Royal Enfield motorcycle owner in India opts for an after market exhaust. So, it was only a matter  of time before the recently launched Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 twins got aftermarket  exhaust options. While folks abroad have the option of buying S&S exhausts for the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650, in India, Red Rooster Performance is the brand that has made the first move.

Instagram Photo

Red Rooster Performance has come up with an after market exhaust for the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and  Continental GT 650. The exhausts are slip on type, stock replacement units. For now, there’s no information regarding the exact price at which the after market exhausts for the Royal Enfield twins will sell at. Going by Red Rooster’s historic pricing though, expect an affordable price tag, but slightly on the premium side.

What also remains to be seen is whether the Red Rooster aftermarket exhaust for the Royal Enfield twins is legal. In  most cases, any exhaust that’s not ARAI certified for on-road use is illegal, and cops can potentially flag down a  motorcycle equipped with such exhausts. This is especially true in case of loud aftermarket exhausts but if the  exhaust isn’t loud enough, cops are unlikely to flag down such motorcycles.

Re Interceptor 650 Red Rooster Exhaust Featured

Red Rooster Performance is also expected to put out dyno charts, detailing the power and torque gains that the free- er flowing after market exhausts offer. We expect the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 to gain at least a couple of horses from these aftermarket exhausts. Currently, both motorcycles make 47 Bhp-52 Nm from their 650cc twin cylinder engines.

The 647cc parallel twin engine is a newly developed unit, and is based on a clean sheet design. Royal Enfield claims  to have tested this engine extensively for reliability and performance. In fact, reports suggest that Royal Enfield  has put this engine through more than a million miles of testing in order to ensure that it’s a robust unit – capable  of sustained performance for years.

The initial impressions of the new parallel twin engine from owners and reviewers alike have been positive.  Particular praise has been accorded to the refinement levels of this engine, and most people seem to agree that it’s  the smoothest motor that Royal Enfield has ever produced. In fact, many Youtubers have even compared this engine’s refinement to that of the Yamaha R3 – which is high praise indeed.

Royal Enfield has priced both the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 exceptionally well. Prices of the Interceptor start from Rs. 2.49 lakhs while those of the Continental GT 650 start from Rs. 2.69 lakhs. The motorcycles are now being delivered to customers although the bulk of deliveries will happen from January 2019.

 

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How DSG technology leads to a better driving performance in automatic cars?

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Indians have been increasingly vouching for automatic cars leading to their astounding growth in the last 2-3 years. Blame it on the stress of driving in choked cities or the increasing disposable incomes, automatic cars have become the default choice of the consumer. But, have you ever wondered which technology you should go for while choosing an automatic car?

Dsg 300x250

DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) is one groundbreaking technology from Volkswagen that has managed to combine the best aspects of both conventional transmission designs in one gearbox perfectly reconciling driving pleasure & efficiency. And, if you are wondering what’s the hoopla all about DSG making driving automatic cars easy, stress-free & fun – here’s everything you wanted to know.

How DSG Works

The DSG gearbox works as a dual clutch as opposed to a single clutch system. Each of the clutch units have their own shafts but share a common ECU that controls the shifting of gears. The DSG (direct shift gearbox) creates a dynamic driving experience that allows gear changes to be executed without any reduction in traction.

when the ECU senses that throttle input is constant and that the car is accelerating steadily, the next higher gear is preselected and when the shift point arrives, one clutch disengages and the other engages. This happens within 8 milliseconds making it one of the fastest gearboxes. When the ECU senses that the driver has lifted off the throttle, the inactive clutch preselects the next lower gear and downshifts as soon as the shift point arrives.

Consumer Benefits

Since the transition happens in split-seconds, it’s hardly noticeable to the occupants & gives an excellent driving performance with unbroken acceleration. With no interruptions in traction, the driver feels more control especially traversing through high traffic. DSG has made VW cars even more fuel efficient as there is no time spent in neutral between changing gears. No wonder the consumers will DSG technologies in their automatic cars don’t find long hours of driving as taxing or stressful. No unwanted jerks or lags, driving is absolute fun. The moment a driver steps down on the pedal, downshifts happen in a split of a second. This is a serious advantage over conventional automatics that take their own sweet time building up the momentum.

DSG Options for You

Volkswagen is the only car marker to offer an optional DSG gearbox across every single model in its Indian portfolio. Right from the Polo to the Ameo and even the Vento. The Vento offers the DSG with both petrol and diesel engine options. Beat that!

But this is just the tip of the iceberg as the German automaker is inviting customers to experience this technology by giving a never before offer – owning an automatic at the cost of a manual. This only means that in the current infra scenario, DSG equipped automatic cars are the go-to cars not only for ease of driving, but also overall driving satisfaction.

To know more about DSG, click here.

— SPONSORED —

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Yamaha FZ16 V3 SPIED testing: Launch soon! [Video]

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Yamaha had updated its popular R15 bike some time back and since then, we have been expecting the company to update the FZ too. The muscular naked 150 cc FZ range was a good seller but due to rising competition, has lost some of its sheen. The current generation model was updated about in 2014, which is about four years from now. Now for the first time, the third generation of the motorcycle was spotted testing by YouTuber Saurabh_Vlog.

The video below reveals the changes and updates made on the bike and gives a good picture of how the production ready version will look.

 

As for the visual changes,  we can see a new muscular tank along with redesigned air scoops. The new FZ, in all probability, will sport a LED headlamp unit. Talking of which, the headlamp unit now seems to be placed lower as is the norm with the current lot of naked bikes. The headlamps will sport a similar housing as found on the bigger FZ25. However, some changes like a pilot lamp among others are evident on the bike from its bigger sibling. The instrument cluster will also be updated and will be larger than the sleek unit found on the outgoing model. Other changes which match their profile with the FZ25 are the exhaust canister along with the silver heat shield on it.

Fz Spyshot Side

The rear design seems to be the same as on the outgoing model, though the final production version may carry some changes. The large tyre hugger along with pointed tail light are the same as found on the current FZ. Then there are a set of new alloy wheels which seem to have been taken from the new R15 (V3). There is a rear disc brake on the test mule and the bike will be equipped with ABS upfront, however, it is not yet confirmed whether it will be a dual channel system or a single channel one. Going by the current market trend of equipping less displacement bikes with single channel ABS, the FZ will also probably get a single channel unit.

The FZ is a very sweet handling bike with an able chassis. However, one of the major improvement buyers wanted was a slight bump in power, which would make the bike a much better product. With this update, we expect the company to do the same and also tune power delivery. About the launch, there is no specific date as of yet confirmed by the company. However, word has it that Yamaha can launch the new FZ in the second half of January next year. If that is true, then Yamaha fans are in for another good bike by the Japanese manufacturer.

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Next-generation Tata Safari Storme: What it could look like

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Tata Motors is churning out beautiful cars. The new design story from Tata Motors began with the Tiago, progressed to the Nexon, and now we have the Harrier all set to hit Indian roads. Called Impact 2.0, the new design language from Tata Motors seeks to build visually appealing cars that will actually make heads turn.

Impact Tata Safari 1

We got out rendering artist Vipin Vathoopan to put together a speculative render of the next-generation Tata Safari  Storme based on Impact 2.0 design language. Here’s what he came up with.

As the render indicates, the all-new Tata Safari Storme will be an evolutionary design that builds upon the ample  proportions of the current Safari Storme, but with more contemporary cues. Tata Motors’ design team led by Mr. Pratap Bose is likely to take this direction for the all-new Safari in order to ensure that the SUV looks futuristic enough while retaining some of the traditional looks.

Tata Safari Render 1

LED headlamps up front with a narrow swept back design, a large grille that seems inspired by the current  Safari, large wheels set in equally ample wheel wells, butch body cladding and a long body that can seat seven adults  are the various design cues on the all-new Tata Safari Storme. The SUV will have to meet stricter safety norms under the BNVSAP regime, and allowances for this are expected to be made across the body structure.

The next-generation Tata Safari Storme is expected to retain its body-on-ladder chassis, offering ruggedness for both on and off road use. Considering that the Indian armed forces have placed a large order for the current generation Safari Storme, don’t be surprised if Tata Motors designs the next-generation model keeping army compatibility in mind. What this means is a four wheel drive layout, tough body and hard wearing interiors.

Emission norms are set to get a lot tigher in April 2020, with the onset of the Bharat Stage 6 emission norms. While  the new Safari Storme is expected to arrive well after 2020, a turbocharged diesel engine is expected to be offered  as the main powerplant. Both manual and automatic gearbox options are likely. With the auto industry rapidly moving towards electrification, the new Safari Storme is likely to be designed with an electric future in mind.

SUVs in the Tata Safari range, including the Storme, have always been heavy. While this was acceptable in a more relaxed emission norm regime, the BS6 norms could radically alter how designers approach new SUVs, especially the heavier 7 seat ones. We expect the new Tata Safari Storme to use lighter but stiffer high tensile steel to get weight low.

While Tata owned Land Rover extensively uses aluminium in its SUVs to keep weight low, such an option is unlikely for the new Safari Storme considering the cost targets that it will have to meet. Tata Motors is expected to keep the new Safari Storme relatively affordable, with the SUV likely to continue challenging SUVs in the Mahindra Scorpio segment. With the Scorpio set to get a full model change in 2020, the all-new Tata Safari Storme can’t be far behind.

 

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Maruti WagonR to Tata Harrier: 5 new cars set to launch in the next 2 months

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The year 2018 has finally come to an end. It was a good year for the automobile industry, with the Delhi Auto Expo kickstarting the year. It was filled with launches and after a very long time, the government acted upon imposing some safety and emission norms. With 2019 just days away, manufacturers have geared up to start 2019 with a bang and many of the most anticipated vehicles will be launched in the initial two months. If you plan to buy a car early on in 2019, here’s a list of all the upcoming cars in January and February of 2019.

Maruti Suzuki WagonR

Expected launch by: 23rd January

The WagonR will be the first launch by Maruti Suzuki in January and will set the pace for the rest of Maruti’s upcoming launches. The current generation WagonR is quite a successful product by the company but of lately, it has been losing its sheen due to cut throat competition. The new WagonR will be a larger and better than the model it replaces in every way and will come with many new features. The current 1 litre engine is expected to make an appearance again but with modifications to make it BSVI compliant. It will be launched sometime in late January and will rival the likes of Tata Tiago and Hyundai Santro upon launching.

Mahindra XUV300

Expected launch by: 15th February

Xuv 300 1

The latest entrant from Mahindra is the sub compact SUV XUV300. After an eventful 2018, the company will look forward to make 2019 even bigger and is therefore starting with its first seriously competitive offering in the segment. The XUV300 will have the biggest wheelbase in its segment and will also come with first in class features like steering modes. The SsangYong Tivoli based SUV will be powered by a new 1.2 litre engine along with Marazzo’s 1.5 litre diesel engine. Expect the pricing to be between Rs. 7 to Rs. 9 lakhs and the SUV will the rival the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Tata Nexon upon launching.

Nissan Kicks

Expected launch by: January 

Nissna Kicks India9

Nissan is betting heavily on Kicks to bring back its fortune on track in India. The SUV has already been unveiled and will be launched in the first month of 2019 itself. The compact SUV is based on the same platform as the Renault Captur and Nissan Terrano. It comes with similar engine and transmission options as found on the same platform SUVs by Renault-Nissan, albeit without an automatic transmission option. The SUV will be well specced and will come with features like 360 degree camera and will be larger than the Hyundai Creta in dimension.

Tata Harrier

Expected launch by: 23rd January

Tata Harrier 19

The Harrier is one of the most anticipated vehicles to be launched. The big SUV by Tata will come with features that are a notch above the competition and will blow other rivals away. One of the main USP of the Harrier is its size and Design, both of which are quite impressive. The H5X concept based SUV will get powered by 2 litre Kryotec diesel engine derived by Fiat’s engine which is also found in the Jeep Compass. The official date of launch for the Tata SUV has been revealed to be 23rd January and the it will rivals the likes of Mahindra XUV500 and Jeep Compass among others. Expect the pricing to start around Rs. 12 lakhs to Rs. 13 lakhs which will make it a attractive package.

Toyota Camry

Expected launch by: January 18

Toyota’s flagship car in India, the Camry is all set to get a major overhaul next month. The new Camry has already been launched in most parts of the world and going by the reviews, Toyota has done a commendable again with the car. It looks much better than before and will be larger along with being more spacious than the car it replaces. As it will be Toyota’s flagship vehicle, expect it to come loaded with all the bells and whistles. The luxury sedan will get launched on 18th January and will rival the likes of Skoda Superb and Honda Accord upon arriving.

 

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Bajaj Avenger 220 ABS launching soon: Prices to be bumped up

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The Avenger 220 has been one of the most successful and known motorcycle for Bajaj. The motorcycle is known for its classic look and cruiser appeal which it offers in a budget. It among the least expensive cruiser type bike you can buy in India which offers sufficient power to match the looks.

Now, word has it that Bajaj will soon be updating the Avenger 220 Cruise and Street with a single-channel ABS unit. This will further enhance the already good bikes and will provide safety while hard braking.

As for the question of which type of ABS, we expect Bajaj to equip the bikes with a single-channel ABS unit. It will be the same system which the company has employed on many of its bike like the Pulsar NS200 and RS200 among other. Almost all manufacturers are now updating their range and equipping them with ABS. This is because of the new mandate by the government which requires all motorcycles above 125 cc and above with ABS. The rule will be made compulsory by 1 April 2019 and because of the same, manufacturers are rushing to update their lineup before the deadline.

This also translates into a bump in pricing for the Avenger twins, albeit not very big. The bikes are expected to get expensive by about Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000. The current pricing for the Avenger 220 starts at Rs 96,922 (ex-showroom Delhi) for both the variants. So now expect the pricing to cross the Rs. 1 lakh figure.

Apart from the ABS, the rest of the specifications and design will largely the same. The Avenger duo come powered by a 220cc, single-cylinder, DTSi engine. It is the same unit which is also found on the Bajaj Pulsar 220. The engine produces puts out a decent 19 Bhp of power along with 17.5Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm. The Street 220 and the Cruise 220 share the same mechanical parts including the suspension system and brakes.Talking of which, a telescopic fork at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear take care of the suspension duties while a 260mm disc at the front and a 130mm drum at the rear sees towards braking.

The only difference between the two motorcycles is in their design and appeal. Both are meant for different buyer group. While the Avenger 220 Street looks more modern and employs a street smart character, The Avenger 220 Cruise is more relaxed and proper cruiser like in design. The bikes got a facelift just last year which added features like LED DRLs, fully digital instrument console and new paint shades.

The company is also working upon a new version of the Bajaj Dominar 400. The new Dominar will come with upside down front forks and a new exhaust canister design. It will sport many improvements which were missed on the current version of the bike. The new Dominar is expected to launch in early 2019, and Bajaj dealers are already clearing stocks of the outgoing version by offering hefty discounts.

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Riding an ATV on Indian roads in traffic: Public reactions [Video]

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All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are one of the rarest breeds of vehicles that you will spot on the roads. Why? Not because they are very expensive but because they are illegal. Here is a video that shows how a YouTuber known as Born To Ride takes an ATV to the roads of the National Capital.

The ATV shown in the video is probably a made-in-China product that is available through many dealerships in the Indian market. There are many shops that offer such imported ATVs in the Indian market. The person who owns the ATV does not say much about the vehicle but gives information like it is powered by a 250cc engine, which in all likeliness is a single-cylinder unit.

The owner also says that he has added a few accessories to the ATV in the form of a windscreen, a louder horn and an aftermarket exhaust, which increases the sound by quite a much. We are also not sure of the brand of this ATV but the price is mentioned and it is around Rs. 2.5 lakhs.

Atv Indian Roads Featured

The ATVs are not road legal in India and they cannot be registered through the RTO. Which means they cannot be used on public roads. Such off-road vehicles can only be used in private properties like farms or racing tracks but not on public roads.

The person rides the ATV to a popular market nearby his home to record the public reaction and predictably he got a lot of heads turning towards him and also a few questions coming his way. Many asked him about the performance, price and even fuel efficiency of the ATV.

Most of such ATVs get CVT automatic transmission and this one was no different. Along with the CVT automatic transmission, it also gets a reverse gear to help it move it in reverse. Such vehicles are quite heavy and reversing them can be a tough task. The rider also kept on revving the ATV which caused the aftermarket silencer to build back pressure and create loud thuds. For a matter of fact, such aftermarket exhausts are not legal too.

ATVs can be exceptionally fun to ride in off-road terrains. Some of the ATVs also offer low-ratio transfer case that makes them exceptionally capable on the rough terrains. We are not sure if this ATV had any such feature. Because of the extreme capabilities of ATVs, they are used by our Armed forces and even state police forces to patrol on the challenging terrains. They do have the capability to reach difficult spots where the regulars may fail to go. However, using them on public roads can cause a lot of chaos and if police spot you with an ATV on the road, it can get seized.

Polaris Industries is a reputed ATV maker that sells a range of ATVs in the Indian market. While these high quality ATVs from Polaris are powerful and even have four wheel drive systems, they’re quite expensive and are not legal on Indian roads. This makes them very niche vehicles that are rarely seen, and used only by those with large pockets in farm houses and on private roads.

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Home-made Honda Activa Electric Scooter shows the power of Jugaad [Video]

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The Honda Activa is the most popular scooter in the country today. With thousands of these scooters hitting the new roads every day, standing out from the rest of the other Activas on the streets is quite hard. However, a video from Youtuber BLC Biker may just have the most unique Activa in the country today. So just what makes is it that makes this Activa so special? The answer is simple – it’s electric.

This electric Honda Activa shows the famous Indian Jugaad at work once again. The electric Activa is the work of a Pathankot based man who goes by the name of Prince. Prince has built the electric Activa to his own specifications, which has ended up costing him a cool Rs 56,000 including the Rs 4,000 spent to purchase the Activa from the scrap heap. The whole process took him around 5 years to do but this included the time taken to bring the costs down.

So what all has this DIY electrification genius done to make this rather unique Activa. The scooter features an 800W hub motor which Prince acquired from Mumbai for around Rs 20,000. With the help of new motors and imported in from China and Japan, Prince refurbished and upgraded the motor to a 2.5kW unit.

The motor delivers enough power to propel the electric Activa to a top speed of 65 km/h. Prince has added a safety feature in the form of a 2 gear transmission which is operated by the old choke unit for the Activa’s old engine. When the choke is pulled open, the Activa goes into a safety mode which limits the top speed to 35 km/h. However, if the choke is pushed down into the closed position, the electric Activa can hit a top speed of 65 km/h.

Battery Activa Featured

The builder of this electric Activa has used Samsung lithium-ion battery packs for his e-scooter. He claims that the battery pack allows the electric Activa to easily travel a distance of up to 85 kilometres on a single charge. The battery is charged using a 3A charger, which can repower the battery range in 6 hours. However, Prince claims that more powerful chargers (up to 50 A) can be used with the battery pack to provide faster charging which can fully top up the battery in around an hour and a half.

There are quite a few mechanical changes done the Activa. These include the removal of the engine and everything else related to the old fossil fuel powerplant. The builder has also fitted a bespoke swingarm and has fitted a disc brake at the rear wheel. This is also where the motor has been fitted onto the scooter. The battery pack sits where the fuel tank used to be on the petrol Activa.

Finally, the builder has made a few cosmetic changes as well to bike as well. Gone are the Activa’s original headlamp and indicators. The headlight unit is now a rectangular LED unit, while the indicators are now fitted to either end of the handlebar. The bike also features a new starting procedure to get it going. This calls for the owner to press the right brake lever after turning the key to get the electric scooter ready to go.

Honda currently does not produce any electric scooters in India but this DIY engineer from Punjab may have just given us a way to give the Activa a new electric life. While the costs are not what you would call easy on the pocket, they do show us that it is quite possible to make an electric vehicle on your own. With the government finally getting behind electrification, who knows maybe these genius DIY builders could show them the way to go forward.

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Elephant blocking a Hindustan Ambassador is not what it seems like

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Scale model collection is one of the most popular hobby among automobile enthusiasts. There are a range of scale model available in the market. From life size models to 1:64 die cast model, there is no dearth of option. Now why we are telling you this is because of the picture you see below, which shows a typical jungle scene. We see a elephant crossing a road, going towards the forest area.

Behind it is a HM Ambassador, which is waiting for the mighty animal to cross before passing. However, the whole scene is actually done on a miniature scale, with a scale model Ambassador. Take a good look of the scene before we go into the details.

The credit for this miniature photography goes to Snaps04 Sujithphotography. Now if you look at the second picture down below, you’ll probably see how this is a magnificent piece of miniature photography. Apart from the amby and the elephant, there are many other elements present in the frame which make the photo look seemingly real. The road markings, mud splattered on the sides, miniature trees and the mountainous cliff on the left side, all give it a realistic look. Now let’s know what all went into making of this frame.

The Ambassador you see here is a scale model. Such Ambassador scale models were quite popular at one time and some companies like Centy toys still manufacture them. The elephant is a common toy which is readily available in the market. The cliff on the left is actually the wall of a well, besides which the setup has been placed. Same for the road, which is actually a doormat.

The mud and stones are of course real, arranged in a way to make the scene more true to reality. Ditto for the trees, which add further character to the scene. The second picture also shows the shadow of the photographer, which is a clear giveaway that all of this is a miniature setup.

However, what is remarkable is the brilliant photography along with the extremely well put setup and placement. Miniature photography is among the most creative areas of photography and it requires patience as well as expertise to get the desired shot. Experienced and talented miniature photography experts are paid surprisingly well and are quite in demand. There are a lot of other areas and fields where miniature photography has many applications. Also, a good sense of aesthetics and scale along with wide perspective is also required to master this art.

While there are many other examples we have seen of such photography in past, this typical Indian jungle scene got us all thinking it is real. Until of course we researched too find we all got duped. So worry not if you got played by the picture initially, we did get played too.

Meanwhile, if you want to buy a similar Hindustan Ambassador scale model, check out FLIPKART. There are a range of such affordably priced Indian car scale models on sale.

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Suzuki Burgman vs TVS NTorq drag race: 125cc Scooter Showdown [Video]

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Scooters have been steadily gaining the market in India. Many people now prefer scooters as their daily city rides as they are easier to operate and sufficiently powerful too. There are a lot of options in the market now with many 150 cc scooters available too which can rival any similar powered bike in terms of city performance.

Among the recent players to join the scooter game in 125 cc category are the TVS NTorq and the Suzuki Burgman Street 125. Both of them are quite able scooters but which is better than the other when it comes to outright performance. Let’s check the video posted by YouTuber Z Techknow to know the same.

There were a total of five rounds of drag race in the video. As many of you might have already guessed, the TVS NTorq came out as the winner in all of them. This was expected, as the TVS scooter has been pitched as a sporty scooter by the company. The Burgman, on the other hand, has been marketed as more of a comfortable and relaxed riding 125 cc scooter by Suzuki. The same is reflected in the results in which the NTorq bets its Suzuki sibling by quite a margin.

Despite making a not so good start in some of the rounds, the NTorq still manages to come as a winner in the end. In terms of power too, the NTorq is more powerful than the Burgman. The TVS scooter comes powered by a 125 cc, 4 stroke, single cylinder, air cooled, OHC engine which produces 9.25 Bhp of power and 10.5 Nm of torque. The Suzuki Burgman, on the other hand, gets powered by the same 125 cc motor that is found in the Access 125. The air and fan cooled single cylinder engine churns out a decent 8.5 Bhp of peak power along with 10.2 Nm of peak torque.

However, the NTorq is also heavier in weight than the other scooter here. The Suzuki Burgman tips the scales at 108 kg, which is about 8 kg less than its TVS counterpart, which weighs 116 kg.As the old saying goes, ‘There is no replacement for horsepower’, the TVS NTorq is the clear winner here.

Also, these results do not define which one should you buy over the other. In fact in real world riding, these difference would not be evident. Finally, it all comes down to your personal preference and requirements when choosing which one to buy. If you ride for long hours in city and want a comfortable scooter with enough storage spaces, the Burgman will do a good job for you. However, if you want a more sporty and tech laden scooter to zoom past the traffic every time the signal goes green, the TVS NTorq will suit you better.

 

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