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Sadhguru’s 2nd Ducati is here: A Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak Edition

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Jagadish Vasudev popularly known as Sadhguru has bought his second Ducati recently. Ducati India shared a picture while handing over the keys to the Multistrada 1260 to Sadhguru. It also is not a regular Multistrada but the Pikes Peak edition, which is priced at Rs. 21.42 lakhs, ex-showroom.

Sadhguru, the biker!

Ducati Pikes Peak Sadhguru

Sadhguru has always shared his passion for motorcycles. He has been biking for a long time now and has been spotted riding on the roads too. The Ducati Multistrada 1260 is a dream bike of many long-distance touring enthusiasts and it is loaded with features. The Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak edition was launched last year and it is Rs. 5.43 lakh more expensive than the standard edition of the bike.

The special edition bike is powered by the same 1,262cc, liquid-cooled, L-Twin engine that powers the standard version. It produces a maximum power of 158 Bhp at 9,500 rpm and a peak torque of 129.5 Nm. The new engine of the Multistrada gets Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) which combines with the Desmo Valve Actuation and results in a strong low-end torque.

The Pikes Peak version of Multistrada gets a lot of features that are missing from the standard version of the bike. There is Ohlins suspension at front and rear, Termignoni exhaust system, bi-directional quick-shifter and cornering ABS. The top-spec suspension really elevates the bike to a different level.  To keep the weight low, it also gets carbon fibre windscreen, front mud-guard and air intake covers. The Multistrada Pikes Peak also gets an altered chassis that includes a new longer swingarm and an altered front-end geometry. However, the wheelbase, trail and rake remain similar to the regular 1260 Multistrada. The Pikes Peak version is the lightest of all and weighs only 229 kg.

The feature list also gets newly forged aluminium wheels, which are extremely lightweight. It is the most expensive Multistrada version of the 1260 Series and gets back-lit buttons on the handlebars, automatic turn signal cancellation, four riding modes, Ducati wheelie control, cruise control and hands-free connectivity. It also gets a full TFT instrument display, full LED headlamps with cornering lamps. The motorcycle is built for high speed adventure touring, and is the top-of-the-line touring Ducati. It’s unclear if Sadhguru plans to actually tour India on this highly capable and versatile motorcycle.

Earlier Sadhguru was spotted with Baba Ramdev on the Ducati Desert Sled scrambler. Baba Ramdev sat as a pillion behind Sadhguru and went for a ride around the compound. Sadhguru has also been spotted riding the Desert Sled riding during the Rally of Rivers convoy last year. Sadhguru has a range of bikes and has been spotted on a BMW RG1200S too. He has also been seen riding various dirt bikes around the world.

He revealed earlier that he’s a passionate biker and owned a Yamaha RD350 in his college days. He used the RD350 for long distance touring too. You’re not too old for anything if there is a passion about a thing and Sadhguru is perfect example of the same.

Also Read: 7 Road Trip Essentials You Need to Pack for a Hassle free Experience


2019 Skoda Superb Corporate Edition launched: Not everyone’s ‘eligible’ to buy one!

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Skoda Auto India has launched the new 2019 Superb Corporate Edition today. The premium luxury sedan will be available across all the dealerships in India with immediate effect. The company has put a special introductory price of Rs. 23.99 lakhs on the car currently, which is lower than even the base trim Superb. However, not everybody can walk into the dealership and buy the car.

This is because the Superb Corporate Edition is limited only to the existing customers of the company. Therefore, if you don’t own a Skoda vehicle, the company will politely refuse you from giving you one.

20190116 Škoda Superb Corporate Edition 2

The Superb Corporate Edition will be available in two colour options, which are – Candy White and the all new Magnetic Brown shade. The exterior are of the new model get a wide radiator grille, an elongated bonnet, wide headlights, and razor-sharp front fog lights. The rear of the car features the same styling as on the stock Superb. The Superb was already quite a good looking car and with the small touches on this new edition, it’s hard to ignore it when it passes by.

The interior of the Corporate Edition get dark brushed theme with the stone beige leather upholstery. A 20.32 cm floating touchscreen display take sup the centre space on the dashboard, which itself is quite attractively designed. Other features on the car include  three zone climatronic air conditioning, with clean air function, enables different temperatures to be set for the driver, the front and the rear passengers. It’s also fitted with a humidity sensor which reduces the windscreen misting. Then there is the large illuminated and cooled box storage compartment, housed in the front armrest.

The Superb Corporate Edition is fully loaded when it comes to safety. It has 8-airbags, ABS and EBD. The headlamps also come with AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System). There’s ESC to keep the car stable and the reverse camera to help in parking situations. THe car is quite feature rich and comes with all the bells and whistles expected in the Superb.

Talking of engine and transmission , the new variant is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine which produces 179 Bhp of peak power along with 250 Nm of peak torque. This engine comes paired to a 6-speed manual transmission and has an ARAI certified fuel efficiency rating of 14.12 km/l. Though there is no automatic transmission on offer currently, Skoda has confirmed that it will launch an auto box for the Corporate Edition later in 2019.

The Skoda Superb competes with the likes of the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry in its segment. The Toyota Camry too will get a upgrade on the 18th of this month and will come with a host of new features which will bring more competition in the segment. The Camry will be sold only with petrol and petrol-hybrid engine options. A best-seller across the world, the Camry has been a tepid seller in India. Toyota will be hoping that the all-new Camry gives the Superb a stiff fight.

Also Read: 7 Road Trip Essentials You Need to Pack for a Hassle free Experience

2 stroke bikes like Yamaha RX100, RD350 Yezdi to be banned? We explain!

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2-Stroke engined motorcycles have not been in production for many years in India, and the market has moved to four strokes. However, a dedicated band of enthusiasts around India still run two stroke motorcycles. Now, a new reports of two stroke motorcycles being banned on the Indian roads have been spreading like wildfire. This has spread panic among enthusiasts.

According to several news reports, all the 2-stroke engine powered vehicles including the legendary motorcycles like the Yamaha RX100 and the RD350 will be banned from Karnataka roads. It is to be noted that there is no official government statement on the issue. So what’s this ban all about? Will 2-stroke motorcycles really be wiped out from the face of Indian roads? Let’s find out!

Where did it all start?


An image circulating on social media and messaging apps a few days ago claimed that all the 2-stroke two-wheelers will be banned. The image also had the text written “Banned…Banned. All Two-Stroke Vehicles from 01.04.2019 banned”. It also contained a list of two-wheelers like Yamaha RX100, RX135, RX-Z, Kinetic Honda, Bajaj Chetak, Suzuki Shogun, Suzuki Shaolin and so on. The authenticity of the image cannot be confirmed but it definitely does not look like an official document released by the government.

2 Stroke Ban

Image courtesy Team-BHP

The reports on the 2-stroke ban on two-wheelers started when the Karnataka government banned the two-stroke three-wheelers from 1st April 2019. However, the two-stroke autorickshaws are now allowed till 31st March 2020 and the government has directed the Bengaluru city authorities to renew the fitness certificates of such two-stroke autorickshaws till the new date. Many reports have confused the two-stroke autorickshaw ban as a blanket ban on the 2-stroke vehicles including the motorcycles. Also, comments from top RTO officials added to the confusion.

V.P Hikkeri, RTO Commissioner, Bengaluru RTO said to a news channel,

There is no other option. Many take care of their bikes like they take care of their own children. But, if adequate measures are not taken now, then there will be more problems in the future. Hence, we have planned to ban these bikes.

The same report also claims that the two-stroke bikes will be banned in next three months.

So, is the ban confirmed?

Yamaha Rx100 Ban Featured

NOPE. It is not. Regional Transport Office (RTO) cannot impose a ban on any vehicle. All they can do is make a suggestion to the government who then take the decision. It is not the RTO but the state government that can impose the ban and there have been no statements from the government on the ban on the two-stroke bikes.

Will the government ban the bikes then? We cannot confirm that because we are not sure if the government is even looking at banning two stroke bikes right now. Even after the suggestions made by the RTO commissioner, it would take some time to make a new law to ban such two-stroke bikes.

Even if the proposal of the ban on two-stroke bikes is passed and becomes a law, it will affect the Bengaluru region or the Karnataka state at the most. No other state has talked about banning the two-stroke bikes on the roads yet and it is unlikely to happen for a long time to come.

But, they are not future-proof

It is a fact that two-stroke bikes are more polluting than the four-stroke engines. The sale of two-stroke powered vehicles has been banned world over. With India’s rising problems on the pollution, it is quite possible that NGT bans the use of two-stroke vehicles including the bikes on the roads

. It is also possible that a petitioner goes to a court seeking for a ban on such vehicles and the court passes a judgement to ban the two-stroke bikes. So they are not future-proof but they may not be banned for a long time to come.

Also Read: 7 Road Trip Essentials You Need to Pack for a Hassle free Experience

Volkswagen & Ford announce alliance; Ford Ranger & VW Amarok will share platform

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The companies will develop vans and trucks together by 2022

Ford Ranger 2019

The first auto show of the year, North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2019 has been flagged off in Detroit and is showcasing some of the upcoming models from the automakers around the world. This motor show is not just a platform for manufacturers to showcase their models but also a place for them to build new alliances. One such alliance that is coming up in the backdrop of Detroit auto show is from the German automaker Volkswagen and American giant Ford.

VW and Ford is expected to join forces on commercial vehicles and is likely to expand into joint development of electric and self-driving technology. Herbert Diess, Chief Executive VW group has confirmed that companies have been discussing about the vans and commercial vehicles in recent months. The next generation VW Amarok will be built on an all-new Ford Ranger pickup truck platform.

Vw Amarok

Sources suggest that the framework of the alliance is likely to include the pooling of resources in autonomous technology and VW Investing in that Ford business and, Ford would license MEB, which is Volkswagen’s modular car platform for electric cars. VW’s Chief Executive has also confirmed at the auto show that the alliance will include Volkswagen getting access to Ford’s Ranger pickup truck platform.

The expanding alliance will also highlight the pressure on global automobile manufacturers to manage the costs of developing electric and self-driving vehicles, as well as technology required to meet tougher emission standards for the internal combustion vehicles.

Compared to Ford the Volkswagen group is doing great in terms of global sales. It had recently published the registration figures for the year 2018 and it revealed the VW group delivered 10.8 Million vehicles last year, which is 0.9 percent more than the previous year. It is now neck-and-neck with Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi in the race to be the world’s biggest vehicle manufacturer. Rivals Toyota motors and Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi have not released 2018 registration figures yet.

The VW-Ford alliance would help Ford achieve its goal of doubling global pretax profit margins to 8 percent by 2020, up from 4.4 percent in the third quarter of 2018. Ford had created a separate unit for its self-driving cars in 2018 and expects to launch self-driving vehicles for sale by 2021, when a new architecture designed specifically for autonomous vehicles is expected to be ready.

Also Read: 7 Road Trip Essentials You Need to Pack for a Hassle free Experience

7 Road Trip Essentials You Need to Pack for a Hassle free Experience

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Roadtrips should be about unbundled fun, cascading peels of laughter and some unforgettable memories. But more often than not, when you take a trip down memory lane, you find that your past road trip was not such a pleasant experience due to several reasons! Well, no more!

Road Trip Essential 2

We make lists for everything, so why not have one for what constitutes as road trip essentials. Listed below are 7 such road trip essentials that you need to pack for a hassle-free experience. With this list, you will be able to focus more on the beauty of the scenic route, the exhilarating feel that you get while zipping down on the highway and of course, have smiling (and non-screaming) travel companions!

Road Trip Essential 3

1. Technical Gear

Without our gadgets, we would be totally lost. Therefore, the first thing you should include should be your phones and gadget chargers. Charged power banks, laptop inverters, tablets/iPads loaded with movies, games, and audio books and USBs preloaded with good songs or playlists from Saavn or Gaana. GPS, camera gear, and extra set of batteries and memory cards should be added as well.

Melodious and happy memories are guaranteed with this full-on list of technical gear. Don’t be surprised if your friends and family refer to you as the RDJ (Road trips DJ) from now on!

2. Medical Kit

Nothing trips a road trip more than stopping every few seconds to accommodate diarrhea and puking, courtesy greasy road-side food. That is why, besides the general first aid kit, you should have all the medical essentials like band-aids, over-the-counter or prescribed medications for headache, motion sickness, fever, upset stomach, pain, allergy, etc. for both kids and adults, disinfectants, mosquito repellents, SPF 50 sunscreen lotions, and cold packs.

3. Emergency Kit

It is prudent to be always prepared for the unexpected. That is why, it is never a bad idea to have a small pack outfitted with emergency items like flashlights, first-aid kit, water bottles/hydration tablets, a small blanket, rain coat, hand sanitizer, etc. lying handily in your car.

4. Clothes for unpredictable weather

Warm clothing, flip-flops, blankets, neck pillows, walking shoes, hats, rain gear and swim-wear should also be packed for a road trip. This will allow you to be prepared for the unpredictable weather, as required. Blankets and pillows will give you the warmth and rest you need during a long crammed-like-sardines road trip.

5. Food and Water

Road Trip Essential 1

A road trip is incomplete without food to munch on. Therefore, a cooler stuffed with water bottles, juices, aerated soft drinks, snacks,and assorted packets of chips, cookies, and dry fruits should be packed in for your long journey ahead. Just remember to scoop the debris in the trash bag or you’ll be like the princess from the Princess and the Pea for the rest of the trip.

6. Car Kit

Besides the above mentioned essentials, your car should also be equipped with roadside assistance emergency kit, spare tyre, tool kit, warning triangle, and breakdown cover. Before embarking on a long trip, it is good sense to get your car checked for oil and water, tyre pressure, and brake action. Also get your car’s engine, battery, and air filters checked out.
Nothing puts a brake on a good vacation than a broken-down vehicle in the middle of nowhere, full of accusing stares and unending I told you so’s’!

7. Documents

You never know when you might need important car and personal identification documents while you are out on a road trip. Therefore, it is never a bad idea to create and carry a document kit with you. It should contain your PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate, RC (Registration Certificate), Car Insurance card/document, RSA (RoadSide Assistance) number, important phone numbers, and copies of IDs like passports, driving licence, Aadhaar cards, etc.

Besides the above mentioned 7 essential categories, you can also add the following to be part of your travelling indispensables; car air purifier, shades/sunglasses, sun blinds for windows, wet wipes, garbage/disposal bags, phone holder, headphones, travel mugs, binoculars, quick-drying towels, stain removing wipes, kitchen towels, maps, travel guide, etc.

Get this right and you will be the legend whose road trip planning skills will be recounted over every family gathering for years to come and without whose input, no road trip will be planned, ever!

 

Also Read: 7 Road Trip Essentials You Need to Pack for a Hassle free Experience

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Estate is perfect for big Indian families

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Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift will be launched soon in the Indian market. However, this rendered image is bringing back the memories of the old Baleno Altura, which was a station wagon based on the old-generation Baleno sedan. Meet the station wagon version of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno.

Baleno Estate 1

A few years back, many manufacturers launched the estate versions of their models in the Indian market. Vehicles like Maruti Suzuki Baleno Altura, Skoda Octavia Combi, Tata Indigo Marina, Opel Cora Swing and many more such estates were launched and each of them failed to attract the customers in the Indian market. They are quite popular in the European markets, especially because of their practicality and the acres of space in the rear. SRK Designs has created a rendering image that shows how the current-generation Maruti Suzuki Baleno hatchback would look like in an estate or station wagon form.

Two images have been created based on the new Baleno hatchback. While one of them is a performance version, the other one is a regular version of the estate. The rendered image shows a longer version of the Baleno, which still gets four-seats but loads of cargo space. This will be perfect for the people who want to go on long-distance drives with a lot of luggage.

The regular version of the Baleno estate gets no changes. It has simply been stretched to provide a larger boot space. The performance variant gets lowering springs with aftermarket tyres that add a badass look to the estate. It also gets a few graphics on the body to add the charm. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno estate may not ever become a reality and modifying the hatchback to the estate form will be quite a job and illegal too but it looks quite good in the renderings.

Baleno Estate 2

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the best-selling hatchback in the segment and it sells way more than the closest competitor Hyundai Elite i20. Maruti dealerships have already started taking the bookings for the upcoming Baleno and it will be launched by the end of this month. The facelift version of the Baleno gets a few updates on the outside like the new bumpers. On the inside, the Baleno is expected to become more premium with additional features like rain sensing wipers, updated console and faux wood inserts on the dashboard. The current 1.2-litre petrol and the 1.3-litre diesel engines will continue in the facelifted version of the Baleno while the performance version of the car, which is known as the Baleno RS will continue to offer the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged unit.

Rendering Source

Also Read: 6 Underrated Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List

Tata Nexon JTP: What it’s going to look like

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Tata Motors has launched the JTP versions of the Tiago and Tigor at cracking price tags. The automaker has revealed that the Nexon is the next big launch under the JTP banner. Here is a render that shows what the Tata Nexon JTP will look like.

Tata Nexon Jtp Render 1

Render courtesy Creators Creative Design/Motoroids

The Nexon JTP will have a crucial change though. Instead of taking a turbo petrol approach for high performance, the compact SUV will hit the turbo diesel button. The 1.5 liter turbocharged diesel engine that the regular Nexon uses makes about 108 Bhp-260 Nm, which already places it among the most powerful motor in its segment.

The motor is likely to get a big power and torque boost, with outputs going up to possibly 125 Bhp-300 Nm, or even more. The 6 speed manual gearbox is expected to be retained, with ratio changes to bring the best out of the diesel motor. This is a similar approach Tata Motors and JTP took with the Tiago and Tigor models.

While the engine and transmission will make the Nexon JTP accelerate much more faster than the regular model, the real deal will be handling. Tata Motors has demonstrated that the Tiago and Tigor can be made into lovely handling machines with suspension tweaks and a lowered ground clearance. A similar approach is likely with the Nexon JTP as well, which is expected to lose some ground clearance, and gains stiffer suspension. So, a Nexon that sits lower with sportier handling is what the JTP treatment is expected to offer buyers.

As for design, the Tata Nexon JTP will retain the overall form factor with only minor tweaks, both on the outside and inside. The front bumper and grille will get a different treatment while the alloy wheel design could also be a major revision. Lower profile tyres with better grip levels are other bits that are expected on the new, high performance version of the SUV. On the inside, expect some sporty bits such as drilled aluminium pedals, seat fabric with contrast stitching and revised accents for the AC vents.

As for pricing, expect the Tata Nexon JTP to be priced at par with the top of the line, Nexon Diesel AMT XZA variant. Taking XZA variant prices into consideration,a sub-Rs. 10 lakhs is what the JTP variant could sit at. At that price level, the Nexon JTP will be one of the country’s cheapest high performance SUVs that offers no less than 300 Nm of peak torque.

JTP is a brand that Tata Motors and Jayem Engineering of Coimbatore have formed in order to develop and sell high performance versions of regular Tata cars. The Tiago and Tigor JTP are the first cars under this banner, and the Nexon JTP will be the third model. The JTP branded cars will be sold through select Tata Motors dealerships across the country. They are expected to share a lot of mechanical bits with regular Tata cars to make after sales service both affordable and accessible.

Also Read: 6 Underrated Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List

Toyota to launch all-new Camry in India tomorrow

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Toyota Kirloskar will launch the all-new eighth-generation of the Camry tomorrow in the Indian market. It is based on the all-new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that also underpins the luxurious Lexus ES300h. Mechanically, the all-new Camry will carry forward the same engine and other parts.

Toyota Camry 1

The all-new Camry made its global debut in 2017. It is 35mm longer, 15mm wider and 35mm lower than the current version of the Camry, giving it a very aggressive and sporty look. Toyota has increased the wheelbase of the all-new sedan by 50mm, which increases the cabin space. The all-new Camry will be the first Toyota-branded vehicle that will be launched on the TNGA platform in India as the Lexus ES300h is already on sale.

The design of the all-new Camry is quite different from the current version. It gets a flowing design and looks much more premium than the current version of the car. It has become much sleeker than before and gets design cues from the Lexus vehicles. It gets all-new LED headlamps that look extremely sharp and get DRLs too. It most eye-catchy part of the all-new Camry’s design is the new grille, which gets a busy design. It also gets newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels.

On the inside, the all-new Camry will get a long list of new features. There is a new 10-inch head-up display that displays an array of information straight on the screen. It gets 9-speaker Dolby audio system from JBL. There are also premium features like Qi wireless phone charging system, dual USB charging ports and a capacitive touchscreen-based infotainment system. The 8.0-inch touchscreen system is quite advanced and gets the ‘Human Machine Interface’, a name given to the new interface by Toyota. It also gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The 2.5-litre engine that powers the current version of the Camry will be carried forward in the new version too. But the specifications have been updated. The all-new Camry produces a maximum power of 176 PS of power and 221 Nm of torque. Since it is a hybrid model, it gets an electric motor that generates a maximum of 118 PS. Combining both the electric motor and gasoline engine, the Camry gets a maximum power of 208 PS of maximum power. Since it is a full hybrid vehicle, it returns a phenomenal fuel efficiency of 23.27 km/l.

The current version of the Toyota Camry Hybrid is priced at Rs. 37 lakhs. The all-new version will get an updated price, which is likely to take to close to the price of Honda Accord, which is priced at Rs. 43 lakhs. However, Toyota is expected to undercut the Honda Accord’s price by a couple of lakhs.

Also Read: 6 Underrated Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List


Maruti Launches Nexa Music and Talent Hunt With AR Rahman

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Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer has launched one of kind of talent hunt for music lovers across the country. The talent is called ‘Nexa Music’ and will provide aspiring Indian musicians a platform to compose original music.

Nexa Music

The best part about this talent hunt would be this that participants of this talent hunt will get a chance to be mentored by the legendary musician A R Rahman, supported by Musician Clinton Cerejo. Nexa Music invites entries from budding musicians across country to participate in it.

Nexa Music is based on the brand philosophy ‘Create. Inspire’ and wants to harness potential to create original music and promote original international compositions that can be presented globally. Nexa Music will kick off with the launch of four original tracks sung by Anushka Manchanda, Nikhil D’souza and Uday Benegal and A R Rahman himself.

During the event Rahman said, “NEXA and my company Qyuki share a common goal. We want to provide independent artists creating original English music a real opportunity to be discovered and promoted on a global stage. With NEXA Music, any deserving artist stands a chance to collaborate with some of the best bands in the industry to produce music that reaches audiences across the world.”

Maruti Suzuki sells its car via Nexa showrooms and Arena Outlets. Nexa sells premium models like S-Cross, Ciaz, Baleno and Ignis whereas Arena deals in models like Vitara Brezza, Swift, Dzire etc.

How To Participate?

In order to be a part of this one of kind talent hunt, contestants will have to share their original music composition at the Nexa Music website. Then a jury comprising of A R Rahman and Clinto Cerejo will evaluate the entries and shortlist 24 participants for the talent hunt. They will further be a part of the mentorship program at Nexa Music lab to enhance their vocal skills.
As the show proceeds the jury will again shortlist the best four and they will be mentored by the celebrity mentors and will create four more additional videos. The four shortlisted candidates will also get a chance to perform live in 12 events along with Nexa Music mentors across the country.

Also Read: 6 Underrated Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List

Kia SP SUV goes turbo petrol: Hyundai Creta next?

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Korean brand Kia is all prepped up to start its Indian journey soon. The car maker will be bringing in a slew of models in many segments of auto sector. However, the first one to roll out of the company’s factory will be the SP compact SUV, which is slated for an August launch. Autocar has reported that Kia will also bring in a more sporty version of the SP SUV sometime in 2020. It will be powered by a much more powerful 1.4 litre turbo petrol engine with power outputs in the range of 140 Bhp. We expect that the same engine will also make it to the next generation Hyundai Creta.

Hyundai Creta Exterior 127803 2

Now Kia will use Hyundai’s expertise in India for getting an initial boost. This means that they will be sharing engines and platforms among other things to keep the cost low and maximize profit. Therefore, if the upcoming Kia SP compact SUV will get the 1.4 litre unit in future, it is very likely to be found under the hood of the Creta too, albeit a little bit later. The SP and next generation Creta will also share their platform with each other along with many other bits. To let you know, Hyundai owns a 33.88 stake in Kia wile the latter too holds quite a bit of stake in 22 of Hyundai’s companies.

Kia Sp Featured

The Kia SP compact SUV will be available with two engine options other than the sporty 1.4 litre turbo unit. The other engine options will be a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Also, there is a possibility that Kia would launch the car with BSIV emission norms compliant engines rather than rather than BSVI compliant form. The sportier model we were talking about earlier will also get a body kit as well as a racier trim on the inside. This means that Kia will giving the whole car an overhaul and will target it towards enthusiasts. All of that, however, is not expected to happen before 2020 as the company will first focus on building the brand and launching other models.

Coming back to the Creta, it is also expected to come with the sportier engine later in 2020. Since Kia will be the first one to use the 1.4  litre engine, the Creta will get the engine after it. Whether it will also get a whole sports trim upgrade is not known as of yet. However, a body kit on the Creta along with other sporty enhancements will definitely look good. The Hyundai Creta is popular among the modification circuits across the country and the new engine would definitely plaster a smile on the faces of enthusiasts.

 

Also Read: 6 Underrated Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List

Volkswagen agrees to deposit Rs. 100 crore of Rs 171 crore fine

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recommended a minimum fine of Rs. 171.34 crores on Volkswagen for the Dieselgate scandal earlier this week. In a fresh ruling, NGT has asked Volkswagen India to deposit Rs. 100 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) by 5 PM tomorrow (Friday). NGT has said if Volkswagen fails to submit the amount, it will take stringent action on the German manufacturer. VW has agreed to deposit the amount in a new official statement.

According to NGT, the Managing Director (MD) of Volkswagen India can be arrested and all his properties can be seized. NGT formed a panel of four members in November 2018 to submit a report on the Dieselgate scam that broke out in 2015. Volkswagen Group’s diesel vehicles were found to be using a cheat software that detected the emission norm testing and lowered the emissions. The cars emitted up to 40 times more Nitrous Oxides (NOx) when they were testing on the roads.

The report on Indian Express claims that NGT has estimated that a total of 48.678 tonnes of harmful NOx was released by Volkswagen cars in India in 2016. The panel has estimated their calculations based on the Volkswagen Group cars in Delhi. The Volkswagen Group is an expansive conglomerate of Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Skoda and many other luxury and mass segment brands. The penalty of 171.34 crores was decided after counting the number of cars with cheat device in the Indian market. As per an estimate, as many as 3.27 lakh Volkswagen Group cars have the cheat software installed in the Indian market.

The German automaker has faced a massive backlash in the international markets for installing deceit software in the cars. In USA and Canada, the Volkswagen group has paid $2.8 billion to an environmental trust. In the USA, Volkswagen was also ordered to buy back the affected cars from the customers at the full price. NGT mentioned the rulings of the USA and Canada courts in its report and had also said that Volkswagen pleaded guilty in North American countries.

In India, Volkswagen earlier submitted a strategy to update 3.23 lakh affected cars. The Volkswagen submitted the roadmap to fix the emission software after ARAI conducted the on-road tests and a few models were found flouting the emission tests. Even though Indian rules are much more relaxed when it comes to the emission, the tests by ARAI revealed that a few models emit 1.1 times to 2.6 times higher NOx than the BS-IV norms, which are the current emission norm in India.

The NGT mentioned in its report that higher concentrations of NOx can develop asthma and potentially increases the susceptibility to respiratory infections. The NOx also reacts with the atmosphere to form acid rain and smog. The panel reached the final figure of fine by using various estimates of the cost of treatment and other related expenses and disability-adjusted life years from World Health Organisation (WHO).

Volkswagen India spokesperson said,

“The Volkswagen Group reiterates that all cars from the group are compliant with the emission norms in India. The order of the honourable NGT is already under challenge before the honourable Supreme Court. However, the Volkswagen Group India will comply with the order of honourable NGT and deposit the money, as directed,”

As per the latest report, Volkswagen has agreed to comply with the new order and deposit Rs. 100 crore with the CPCB before the Friday deadline set by NGT. The NGT order has been challenged by the German carmaker in the Supreme Court and the final decision is pending.

Also Read: 6 Underrated Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List

Bajaj Pulsar NS200 modified into BMW GS series adventure tourer lookalike [Video]

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The Bajaj NS200 is one of the best value for money performance oriented bikes currently on sale in India. It’s comparatively high power output combined with low weight makes it a blast to ride. The aggressive styling is another pus point as it makes the bike even more desirable. Down below is a video which shows a modified NS200. However, this time it has been turned into a proper adventure tourer and gets a whole lot of modifications done on it. Let’s now checkout the video before getting into details of all the changes made on the motorcycle.

The once a Bajaj NS200 now looks like a cheaper alternative to the BMW R 1200 GS. The BMW GS series is one of the biggest names in the adventure tourer segment and most of the professional riders prefer it over any other bike. Therefore, it does not comes as a surprise that the NS200 here is inspired by it. The Royal Enfield Himalayan is another example of a adventure tourer bike that is on sale here. Let’s now know in detail about the changes made on the bike.

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The whole front fascia of the bike has been revamped and now looks quite different. The LED headlight assembly is a twin pod unit, which is somewhat similar to what is found on the BMW GS series. The front forks have been lifted and now provide the much needed ground clearance an adventure tourer needs. The engine gets a full metal skeleton around it to protect it in case of a crash. The instrument cluster has been ditched in favour of full digital unit placed in the same place. The bike also gets a huge windshield which would prove very useful while riding at high speeds.

The rear of the bike gets full size panniers and a top box too. These additions definitely add up to the practicality of the bike as they provide good storage space when going for extreme long rides or interstate tours. A custom exhaust has also been placed on the bike which would provide it with better sounding exhaust not along with a slight spike in power. Done in a mix of red and black, this modified NS200 looks pretty good too.

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The Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS is powered by a single-cylinder, water-cooled, 199.5cc engine that generates 23.2 Bhp of power and 18.3 Nm of torque. The bike gets a 6-speed transmission. With a kerb weight of 152 kg, the NS200 is a pretty sporty bike to ride. It is priced at Rs. 1 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) which makes it among the most affordable 200 cc bikes with such power output in India. Though the whole modification shown above would cost a lot, it is a good option if you want a adventure tourer in a budget. Until the time KTM and Hero launch their 390 Adventure and XPulse respectively, we have got no other options other than a custom mod like this or the Royal Enfield Himalayan.

Also Read: 6 Underrated Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List

New BMW 7 series revealed with 40% larger grille

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BMW has revealed the facelift of their sixth-generation flagship luxury sedan 7-Series in the ongoing Detroit Auto Show. The first change? A massive, enlarged, humungous kidney grille, which is similar to the one seen on BMW’s X7 SUV. According to BMW the grille on the new 7-Series is 40 percent bigger than before. Public reaction has ranged from morbid fascination to horror.

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Why? It is not like BMW is new to surprising and shocking their fans – and often they have turned out to be right. Older enthusiasts would remember the halcyon days of the Bangled-up cars.

But there is no doubt that this grille is a shoker. It reminds some of the Maserati, while some others flash back to childhood nightmares. Photoshops and memes around the new BMW grille has already started online.

However, we won’t be surprised if in a couple of months time, everyone gets used to it. And massive grilles become as common as the hexagonal grille was in 2017 and 2018.

BMW also claims that the new 7-Series is 22mm longer than the old car. Other changes in exteriors include a blatantly vertical chrome vents behind the front wheels, new bumpers, taillights and a number of aero tweaks. The new 7-series also gets new paint schemes and alloy wheel designs.

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Changes in the interiors are more subtle. It gets an updated software system and its driver assistance tech has also received a boost which includes the parking assistance. Just like previous generation 7-Series, The new car is also available in both normal and long wheel base variants.

The new 7-Series will continue to get turbocharged petrol and diesel engines along with a petrol plug-in hybrid variant. The petrol engine will be powered by a 4.4L V8 producing 530 Bhp & 750 Nm torque and an M trim 6.6L V12 producing 585 Bhp and 849 Nm of torque.

The Diesel engine uses a 3.0L in-line six cylinder motor in all the three diesel variants, but they all produce different power figures because of different turbocharging charging configuration and states of tune. It produces 264 Bhp and 620 Nm torque in 720d, 320 Bhp and 679 Nm torque in 740d and 398 Bhp and 759 Nm torque in 750d variant.

An updated plug-in hybrid variant is also available, it gets a 3.0L in-line six-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor to produce a maximum of 393 Bhp and 599 Nm of torque. The plug-in hybrid is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

The new 7-Series will face a tight competition in the segment from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The BMW 7-Series and their flagship SUV X7 are pitched directly to high-end buyers. The updated 7-Series is expected to be launched in India this year and the launch of the X7 SUV is scheduled for September this year.

Also Read: 6 Underrated Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List

2020 Hyundai Grand i10 spied testing

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Hyundai Grand i10, which is known as the i10 in the international markets will soon get a full model replacement. The all-new i10 has been caught testing under heavy camouflage in Europe and it will get an all-new platform. Hyundai is expected to launch the new model in the international markets by the end of this year followed by a launch in India.

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The all-new i10, which is expected to retain the Grand i10 name in the Indian market has been caught testing in Sweden. The vehicle is being tested in the cold conditions. This would be the second-generation of the Grand i10. It should be noted that internationally, the Grand i10 replaced the i10 but due to the popularity of the i10 in India, Hyundai continued to sell both the vehicles in the market. However, the i10 has been discontinued from the Indian market now but Hyundai is expected to continue the use the Grand pre-fix as it has made its brand value in the Indian market under the same name.

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The all-new Grand i10 will get major visual updates. The front of the vehicle will get the new cascade grille, in accordance with the new family design of Hyundai. The headlamps have become larger than the current model. The bumper has been updated too and so are fog lamp housings and air dams. In the international-spec i10, Hyundai offers circular DRLs, which seem to be looking larger.

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From the side, the all-new Grand i10 seems to be similar to the current model. Even the window line remains similar to the international-spec models. It should be noted that the Indian-spec model gets larger rear windows to give an airy feeling to the passengers. The upcoming Indian-spec model is expected to carry forward the design changes meant for the domestic market.

At the rear, the all-new Hyundai Grand i10 will come with similar tail lamps but with LED treatment. The rear bumper will also get minor updates and the overall design is expected to grow more aggressive than the current one.

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The all-new Grand i10 will also get all-new interiors. It gets new seats, new upholstery and an armrest. The cabin gets an all-black theme and there are many new features expected. The all-new Hyundai Grand i10 will most-likely remain powered by the same set of petrol and diesel engine options in the Indian market. Hyundai offers a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.1-litre diesel engine. Both the engine will be updated to become BS-VI compliant in the future.

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In India, the Hyundai Grand i10 competes with the Maruti Suzuki Swift. While the all-new Swift was launched in the market last year, the Grand i10 has been pushed further down the sales charts. However, the all-new model is expected to bring back the sales of the model.

Also Read: 6 Underrated Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List

6 Underrated Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List

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“The freedom of an open road is seductive, serendipitous & absolutely liberating”, said Aaron Lauritsen. If you are the one who is nodding in affirmative after reading this with a glint in your eye, we know what you have been looking forward to in 2019. Since being different from others is in your DNA, we asked experts H V Kumar & Bunny Punia who shortlisted some underrated road trips that should be on your bucket list:

1. MSH4: Mahasagari Marg; Maharashtra State’s Coastal Highway
Mumbai – Alibaug – Harihareshwar – Guhagar – Ratnagiri – Malvan – Tarkarli – Terekhol

The length and breadth of the MSH4 is a sensory cocktail that overwhelms not just your senses but your innermost soul as well. While traveling alongside the roaring sealine, you get to recce virgin beaches, meet the deities of your belief in their temples, visit the silent custodians of our country’s history in their forts, pass through the majestic Ghats, and gorge on some of the most sumptuous vegetarian and non-vegetarian food that our country has to offer.

The more than 500-Km journey gives you a chance to whip out the inner Christopher Columbus in you and explore the as-yet unchartered waters of Harihareshwar, Jaigad, Vijayadurg, Achara, and more, along the way.

2. India’s most beautiful road
Kochi – Chalakudy – Athirapally Falls – Sholayar – Malakkapara – Valparai

The rambunctious Athirapally fall is a national celebrity. But what lies beyond, is nature’s splendor in all its unexplored glory. The almost 150 Km westwards drive from Kochi along the Chalakudy river to Valparai on mostly one track roads, is filled with green lushness, boisterous towns, deafening waterfall, sleepy villages, aromatic tea, teak and cashew nut plantations and interconnected dams and powerhouses.

The looming bamboo trees of the secretive rainforest, accompanied by the talkative Giant Cicadas caution you to be careful towards the inhabitants of the jungle.

3. Easternmost Part of India
Tezu – Hayuliang – Hawai – Walong – Kibuthu

Image source: BCMTouring

With your ILP (Inner-Line Permit) in place, you can now catch the first rays of sun fall on India in Dong, a tiny hamlet in Walong district of Arunachal Pradesh, nestled sleepily between China and Myanmar, at an elevation of 1,240m. On this 200 Km long journey through the clouds, winding serpentine Lohit and Chayu rivers will accompany you as you make your way through mesmerizing mountain passes, checkpoints, hair-raising hanging bridges, and healing natural hot water springs.

You can salute the Walong war martyrs along your way to the top, where our Tiranga proudly declares our border from China.

4. Towards Mythology and History
Madurai – Ramanathapuram – Rameshwaram – Dhanushkodi

Image source: Tollfreetraveller channel on YouTube

A ghost town since the 1964 cyclone, Dhanushkodi hosts Palk Strait, the Setu that Hanuman Ji built to free Sita Ji from Raavan. While covering the almost 180 Km of the shallowest coastline of the world nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, you can enjoy the calm serenity of the holy coastline, historic Pamban bridge, and the mystical temples.

5. The Far Away Desert
Ahmedabad – Barmer – Jaisalmer – Ramgarh – Tanot

Image source: Bikaner to Jaisalmer Road trip – mo’s musings

Travelling with you on this 657-Km stretch from Gujarat to Rajasthan will be the effervescent sand dunes of Thar. Enroute to Pakistan border post-BOP 609 in Tanot, you will encounter legendary temples, informative museums, and camels. The silence of the desert and the roar of your ride will make for a most unlikely combination, which will serenade your senses!

6. Mughal Road; Akbar’s Road to Victory
Jammu – Sunderbani – Naushera – Rajouri – Azmat Bad – Bafliaz – Chandimarh – Peer ki Gali – Shopian – Pampore – Srinagar

Image courtesy: Rishad Saam Mehta on Outlookindia.com

The historically significant 84 Km Mughal Road is a part of the 330-Km picturesque stretch that drives you through the breathtaking as-yet-untouched Kashmir valley taking along snow-capped mountains, gurgling rivers, steep curves, Peer Ki Gali pass, mesmerizing apple orchards, and thunderous Aharbal waterfalls, as traveling companions.
And, if you are feeling more adventurous, you can try the 900 Km Himalayan Highway from Srinagar to Ladakh and feel your worries dissipate among the serene white surroundings.

So, ready for the ride of a lifetime? Let’s go!

Also Read: 6 Underrated Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List


Nissan Kicks video walk around shows the SUV inside-out [Video]

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Nissan will be launching the new Kicks compact SUV on 22nd of this month. The Hyundai Creta challenger has been in the news for quite some time now. The compact SUV is aimed squarely at the Creta and is larger in size than that. To be precise, the Creta has a wheelbase 2,590 mm while the Kicks measures 2,673 mm. Now how the car will fare against the competition will depend on its pricing which is yet to be declared. The video below by B Like BINDU gives a insight on the Kicks before its launch. Let’s take a look to get an idea on how the car will be in real life

The interiors of the Kicks are pretty decent too and sport a dual tone paint scheme. Top variants get brown-black leather upholstery too. One of the good aspect about the interiors are that Nissan has gone with a dark theme rather than the popular beige theme. Indian conditions are not exactly suitable for light beige interior theme but still that seems to be the choice of most manufacturers. Moving on, the Kicks will come with a host of features which includes  a floating 8 inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automatic climate control, USB charging ports, electrically fold-able wing mirrors and powered windows among others.

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Other notable features include a 360 degree camera, cruise control, automatic headlamps, arm rests, driver side seat height adjustment, and rear AC blower. Speaking of safety and convenience, the car has been specced pretty well by the company and comes with, four airbags, ABS+EBD, start-stop button, keyless entry and steering column mounted audio controls among others.

However, Nissan has not given an automatic transmission with the Kicks, even a an option. That for sure will be a dampener for many, as a lot of people now prefer to have an automatic transmission vehicle rather than a manual one. The Terrano and the Duster, on whose platform the Kicks is based upon, come with an auto box and so it could be said that the company will bring the auto option at a later point in its life. For now though, there is only a manual box on offer.

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The Nissan Kicks will be powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine that churns out 104 Bhp of power along with 145 Nm of torque. The diesel engine, on the other hand, is a 1.6 liter-4 cylinder unit which produces 104 Bhp of power along with 145 Nm of torque. A 5 speed manual gearbox will be standard with petrol engine, and will drive the front wheels. The diesel engine will be the 1.5 liter K9K turbocharged unit and will produce 108 Bhp of power along with 240 Nm of torque. Both the engines are a carryover from the Nissan Terrano, which also shares its B-Zero platform with the Kicks.

Also Read: 2019 Bajaj Dominar to be launched later this month

Mahindra XUV300 TVC starring Gaurav Gill released [Video]

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Gaurav Gill, India’s top rally champion and Mahindra’s WRC driver has got his hands on the upcoming Mahindra XUV300. The new official video of the upcoming Mahindra XUV300 reveals the car completely. Gaurav Gill can be seen taking the Mahindra XUV 300 for a spin and doing insane stunts with it.

Mahindra shows how good the XUV300 is on the tarmac and off the tarmac too. Gaurav Gill, the famed rally driver can be seen taking handbrake turns around the corners and later, goes to an off-road patch too. His XUV300 is later joined by another XUV300 and both of them drive around the set-up. Mahindra’s “set roads on fire” tagline reveals a lot about the powerful engines that are expected to be offered with the upcoming compact SUV.

The XUV300 is expected to offer the most powerful engine options in the segment and this video cements the rumours. Mahindra has already officially announced that the all-new XUV300 will get the most-torque rich engine in the segment. However, the engine details have not been revealed. It is being believed that the all-new XUV300 will be powered by an all-new G80 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine which churns about 200 Nm of peak torque. The diesel engine is expected to the all-new 1.5-litre engine that debuted with the Mahindra Marazzo. It generates a maximum power of 120 Bhp and a peak torque of 300 Nm. It is not known if the diesel engine will come with the same tune of power but if it does, it will be the most powerful diesel engine in the segment.

Mahindra XUV300 also boasts about many segment-first features. Mahindra partially revealed the segment-first features while announcing the official name of the XUV300. It gets dual-zone climate control system, disc brakes on all the four wheels, 7-airbags and longest wheelbase in the segment. Other features include a sunroof, 8-inch infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, cruise control and more.

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Mahindra has already started taking the bookings for the all-new XUV300. The price will be announced officially on 14th February and that’s when the deliveries of the car are expected to begin too. Mahindra is expected to position the all-new XUV300 as a premium crossover. It is expected to get a price tag of around Rs. 8 lakh for the base version and Rs. 12 lakhs for the top-end version. The higher-end versions of the XUV300 will also take on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur and upcoming Tata Harrier. Mahindra will initially offer the XUV300 only with a set of manual transmissions but at a later stage, automatic transmissions are expected to be added to the line-up.

The XUV300 will take on the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and Tata Nexon in the segment. It is based on the SsangYong Tivoli but Mahindra has made quite a few changes to give the XUV300 its own identity. The compact SUV will not get 4X4 or AWD system in the Indian market.

Also Read: 2019 Bajaj Dominar to be launched later this month

Yamaha FZ V3 launch confirmed for 21st January, 2019

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Yamaha will launch the FZ V3 on the 21st of this month. The new bike will get an all-LED headlamp unit along with a digital instrument cluster, similar to the one found on the R15 V3. The fuel tank is also a reworked unit and gets more muscular now. The design of the new bike is lifted of the Yamaha FZ-25 in many aspects like the faux radiator scoops among others. It was earlier known that the company had sent invites for an event on the 21st but now it is known that it will be the launch event of the popular naked 150 cc bike’s new version.

Yamaha Fz 2

Render courtesy IAB

Yamaha will bring in a total of two variants of the bike. One will the standard FZ while the other wil be the FZ-S. The difference between the two bikes will be purely aesthetic in nature, as is the case with the current generation bike. Changes on the FZ-S will include louder body decals, an engine belly cowl and a short windscreen upfront. The FZ is known for its muscular stance and butch look and the latest iteration will be a improvement upon the same lines. The basic body profile will remain the same though and it couldn’t e mistaken for anything else than the FZ.

Apart from the changes discussed above, the Yamaha FZ V3.0 will get many other changes too. The motorcycle now gets new 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels which are similar to the ones seen on the Yamaha FZ25. The rear tire hugger too seems to be lifted of the FZ-25, which is actually not a bad thing. The FZ-25 itself is quite a looker and if the smaller sibling is sharing some parts with it, that is actually a good thing. The silencer design is also changed and so has the silver metal plate on it.

Talking about engine and gears, Yamaha has not made any changes in the engine and power output of the bike most probably. The Yamaha FZ V3 will be powered by a 149cc, fuel-injected motor that churns out 13 Bhp of power along with 12.8 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission and comes with disc brakes at both the front and the rear. The new bike will also come equipped with ABS in lieu with the recent government safety regulations. However, it is not yet known whether it will be a single channel unit or a dual channel one.

Yamaha recently launched the dual channel ABS version of its popular full fared YZF-R15. However, the company will try to keep the pricing of the FZ much lower than that, possibly near the Rs. 1 lakh mark and so we expect them to employ a single channel unit on the FZ. The bike will rival the likes of Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and TVS Apache 160 in its segment, along with less sporty bikes like the Hero XBlade.

 

Also Read: 2019 Bajaj Dominar to be launched later this month

2019 Skoda Superb Facelift revealed before launch

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The Skoda Superb will soon receive a mid-life facelift and the upcoming car has been revealed in a picture recently. The car has been spotted without any camouflage and it reveals all the details of the facelifted model that will be launched later this year.

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Through the pictures, we can make out that the facelifted Skoda Superb gets subtle changes. It gets a revised grille, which is bigger and sleeker than the current version on sale. It also gets a new front bumper with revised fog lamp positioning and a plastic insert that runs through the width of the bumper. The 2019 Skoda Superb also gets updates in the rear and now there is a chrome strip that runs through the width of the boot and connects both the tail lamps. The tail lamps have been updated too but the changes are not extreme.

The 2019 facelift Superb also gets the Skoda moniker in bold on the boot lid. And just like the premium Audi cars, the Superb will now offer dynamic turn indicators. Skoda Scala, which was revealed a few days back came with these new features.

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Mechanically, the 2019 Skoda Superb has been updated thoroughly but the Indian version is not expected to get all these updates. Internationally, the new Skoda Superb will offer a plug-in hybrid system making it the first-ever Skoda car to get it. The hybrid version of the Superb gets powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that generates a maximum power of 156 PS. The hybrid electric motor generates a maximum of 115 PS. The combined power output is 217 PS. The electric motor gets powered by the 13 kWh battery and will run for about 70 km on a full charge. The other versions are expected to carry forward the same petrol and diesel engine options as before.

In India, the Skoda Superb is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces a maximum power of 177 Bhp and 320 Nm of peak torque. There is a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces a maximum power of 174 Bhp and 350 Nm. The petrol version is offered with both manual and automatic transmission while the diesel engine only offers a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

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The all-new Skoda Superb is also expected to get updated features. The headlamps are expected to be all-LED. On the inside, the instrument cluster will get updated with a 9.2-inch touchscreen system, which will not feature any buttons. Other features like a panoramic sunroof, ABS+EBD, 9 airbags, dual clutch transmission, leather seats, umbrella holder are expected to continue on the new Superb too.

Skoda is currently heading the Indian business strategy for the Volkswagen Group and is expected to launch the updated Superb by the mid-2019. With the new features in place, the Superb is expected to get slightly more expensive than the current version.

Also Read: 2019 Bajaj Dominar to be launched later this month

Suzuki Hayabusa doing 300 Kmph on an Indian highway is totally INSANE [Video]

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Suzuki Hayabusa is one of the most popular bikes in the Indian market. The sports-touring bike is extremely comfortable on the long-distance rides and is very powerful too. During the early days of Suzuki Hayabusa, a rivalry broke out against the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R, which led to the competition of making the fastest bike in the world. As the top speed kept on increasing with each update, safety regulators imposed 299 km/h as the electronically limited top speed for motorcycles. Here is a video of Suzuki Hayabusa tearing off Indian highway and hitting its electronically limited top speed.

The video is from the Hassan Road, Karnataka which is the NH-48. The video has been taken from the helmet-mounted camera of the rider and it shows the bike at some insane speeds. He attempts to reach the top speed a few times and finally reaches the 300 km/h mark. It should be noted that the true top speed of the Suzuki Hayabusa is much higher but it is electronically limited for safety.

The highway looks relatively empty and is a four-lane divided highway. The biker is also doing safe overtakes and can be seen speeding only on the empty stretches. The Suzuki Hayabusa is quite powerful. It gets powered by an in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, engine of 1340cc. The engine produces a maximum power of 197 Bhp at 9,500 rpm and a peak torque of 155 Nm at 7,200 rpm. It gets a six-speed transmission. The Hayabusa is pretty heavy bike and weighs 268kg. Being a sports tourer, it is not as agile as the litre-class sports bikes. However, the Hayabusa is extremely stable to ride on the straight lines.

The bike gets 3 riding modes. Braking duty is taken care by 310mm dual disc brakes in the front wheel and 260mm single disc brake in the rear. It also gets standard ABS.

But it is not safe….

The Indian highways are not the most ideal for high speed runs. Even though many parts of India get exemplary roads and smooth, long highways, Indian highways can throw surprises at the motorists. There have been many cases of jaywalkers or stray animals crossing the highways causing accidents. The highways may seem very safe, but all it takes is one wrong move to get involved in accidents. Most of the Indian motorists also do not follow the traffic rules and change lanes without any indicators or overtake from the wrong side. Highway and road speed limits are set by carefully assessing the situation of the area and every motorist should adhere to the speed limits.

So where should you speed?

There are many racing tracks around the country where one can speed. Now that the automobile culture is becoming popular in India, many enthusiasts organise speed festivals where one can participate in drag races and various other things in a safe environment. We urge the motorists to be safe on the roads and follow the traffic rules and go to the controlled areas like racing tracks for such speed runs.

Also Read: 2019 Bajaj Dominar to be launched later this month

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