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2019 Skoda Superb facelift to be launched in India later this year

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Skoda Superb is currently the most flagship model from the brand in the Indian market and it will get a facelifted version later this year. The new version of the car will be first launched in the global markets followed by an official launch in India. Skoda has officially confirmed the arrival of the new Superb during the annual press conference of the manufacturer.

Skoda Superb 4

The Superb will get a few visual changes that will keep the vehicle fresh in the market before a full replacement of the vehicle. The upcoming car has been spotted testing several times in the international market. The exact changes are not known and have not been revealed by the manufacturer officially, however, from the pictures, it seems that the changes include a new front bumper with reshaped headlamps. The rear may also get minor tweaks. On the inside, Skoda may make a few changes to keep the interiors up to date. However, there will no major changes in the vehicle.

The new Skoda Superb will be the first-ever vehicle from the brand to get plug-in hybrid set-up. The details of the hybrid terrain are not known yet but the hybrid powertrain is expected to be offered only with the petrol engine. The current version of Skoda Superb is powered by both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol variants get powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It generates a maximum power of 177 Bhp and a peak torque of 320 Nm. The engine comes paired to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The diesel variants get the 2.0-litre turbocharged unit that generates a maximum power of 174 Bhp and a peak torque of 350 Nm. The diesel variants only offer 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in India. It is not known if the brand will continue to sell the non-hybrid versions in the market. The additional of the hybrid powertrains will make the vehicle very expensive in the market.

Skoda Superb 2

The upcoming Skoda Superb will directly take on the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which was recently launched in India in an all-new avatar. The Toyota Camry is the segment-leader in the market and takes on the likes of the Honda Accord. The Skoda Superb petrol hybrid will offer a phenomenal fuel efficiency, which may attract a lot of customers to the car.

Skoda Superb 3

The Skoda Superb also offers a range of high-end features. It gets adaptive LED headlamps that can adjust automatically on sensing the oncoming traffic, driver fatigue alert that can sense the tiredness by the way vehicle is being driven, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with multi-collision brake, cruise control system, panoramic roof, front and rear parking sensors with automatic hands-free parking feature and many more.

Also Read: Yamaha MT-15 Top speed & brake test: Single Channel ABS enough? [Video]


Yamaha MT-15 Top speed & brake test: Single Channel ABS enough? [Video]

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Yamaha recently launched the much-awaited MT-15 motorcycle in India. The bike has been priced at Rs. 1.36 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) and competes with the likes of the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 ABS (Rs. 1.12 lakh), KTM 125 Duke (Rs. 1.18 lakh), and the TVS Apache 4V ABS (Rs. 1.07 lakh) among others. The bike has been getting mixed responses ever since its launch and according to the masses, the high price of the bike is the dealbreaker in this otherwise almost flawless package. We’ll come to that later though, and before that check out the video below by Dino’s Vault which shows the bike undergoing some rigorous performance tests.

The MT-15 is the streetfighter version of the R15 V3 and is mechanically the same bike. Coming to the top speed test shown in the video, the MT-15 achieves a top speed of 129 km/h in this video. However, that is quite less when compared to the Yamaha R15 V3, which achieves a top whack of around 140 km/h. This is because the engine on the MT-15, though the same unit as on the R15, is tuned for stronger lower-end, which makes it much better to ride in city traffic conditions. The gearing ratios are also different, which makes it accelerate quicker but the top-end speed is lower than the Yamaha YZF-R15. Yamaha has projected the bike as a daily fun ride which can be used easily for commuting as well as having some fun while at it.

Next up is the braking test, which is something many have been curious about. This is because, despite its high price, the MT-15 comes with only a simple channel ABS system unlike its sibling, the R15, that gets double channel ABS and is just Rs. 3,000 dearer than the former. In this video, when brakes are applied at a speed of 62 km/h, the bike comes to a halt in about 1.63 seconds, which we must say is pretty impressive. The single-channel ABS does a decent job at preventing wheel locking. Also, one quirky bit here is the placement of horn and indicators switchgear as mentioned in the video. They have been swapped and it will take some time to get accustomed to.

Mt15 Blue

Talking of the engine, the MT-15 gets powered by the same 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that is found on the R15. It generates a maximum power of 19.2 Bhp and 15 Nm of peak torque. The power output figures are slightly different from the Yamaha YZF-R15. The bike gets a 6-speed transmission with altered gear ratios for the better low end. It has a fuel efficiency of about 45 km/l and is available in black and matt blue colours. As you might know, the Indian spec MT-15 skips on USD forks and aluminium swingarm, something that is present on the international spec model.

Also Read: Yamaha MT-15 Top speed & brake test: Single Channel ABS enough? [Video]

12 most EXPENSIVE cars of Bollywood actresses: Mallika’s Lamborghini to Deepika’s Maybach

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Bollywood loves big, swanky cars and this has been proven over time by various actors. While many of us know about auto enthusiasts male celebrities who own great cars, the fact that many Bollywood actresses too own swanky rides is not that well known. The Bollywood divas here today are the leading ladies of the Tinseltown and charge a hefty acting fee apart from earning from endorsements. Here are all the details of the 11 most expensive cars owned by famous Bollywood actresses.

Priyanka Chopra – Rolls Royce Ghost – 5.25 crore

Priyanka Chopra’s Rolls Royce is the only one in the industry to be owned by an actress. Hers is a Rolls Royce Ghost which is one of the best luxury vehicles in the world, second only to the majestic Rolls Royce Phantom. Her Ghost had a price tag of about Rs. 5.25 crore during the time it was bought. This luxury Saloon is powered by a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 petrol engine that produces a maximum power of 562 Bhp along with a peak torque of 780 Nm. She even got a new Mercedes Maybach recently as a gift from her hubby, Nick Jonas. However, that will not come to India and is a US registered car.

Deepika Padukone – Mercedes Maybach S500 – 1.67 crore

Deepika

Deepika Padukone is among the leading ladies of Bollywood right now and she owns a car fit for her stature. The actress owns a Mercedes Maybach S500, which is said to have cost her Rs 1.67 crore. The S500 Maybach is basically a Mercedes-Benz S-Class with added opulence to justify the Maybach badge. It is powered by a 4.7-litre engine that churns out a maximum power of 453 Bhp along with a peak torque of 700 Nm.

Aishwarya Rai – Mercedes S500 – 1.41 crore

Aishwarya s-class

One of the most beautiful women on earth, former Miss World Aishwarya Rai owns a Mercedes S-Class. Her S-Class is the latest generation model in the S500 trim, making it quite a powerful and luxurious car. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 is powered by a 4.7-litre V8 petrol engine that puts out a maximum power of 453 Bhp along with a peak torque of 700 Nm.

Alia Bhatt – Range Rover Vogue – 1.74 crore

Alia Bhatt is one celebrity who owns a lot of high-end cars. Among the various cars like the BMW 7 Series and Audi Q7, the Range Rover Vogue above is her most recent acquisition, along with being the most expensive too. Alia’s Range Rover Vogue is powered by a big 3.0-litre V6 diesel motor that churns out a max power of 240 Bhp along with a peak torque of 600 Nm. The Range Rover is a very popular car in the Bollywood circuits and it is quite obvious why it became Alia’s choice.

Sonam Kapoor – Mercedes S400 – 1.28 crore

The stylish Bollywood Actress Sonam Kapoor is a proud owner of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This luxury saloon was, in fact, a gift from her father Anil Kapoor. The luxurious S400 variant she owns is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine that churns out 333 Bhp of maximum power along with 480Nm of peak torque and is mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Malaika Arora – Range Rover Vogue – 1.74 crore

Malaika Arora is another famous Bollywood actress to own a Range Rover Vogue. She uses her Rangie very frequently and is often seen arriving in it for events. It is draped in a shade of dark blue and is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine. This engine puts out a maximum power of 240 Bhp along with a peak torque of 600 Nm.

Anushka Sharma – Range Rover Vogue – 2.27 crore

While Virat Kohli owns a large number of high-end cars, Anushka Sharma is also not completely left out in the competition. The actress owns a Range Rover Vogue SUV. She uses this car on a daily basis and is mostly seen in the Rangie while travelling around Mumbai. Anushka’s Range Rover Vogue is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 diesel engine that puts out a maximum power of 335 bhp along with a peak torque of 740 Nm.

Mallika Sherawat – Lamborghini Aventador – Rs 5.01 crore

Lamborghini Aventador Sv Mallika Sherawat New Car

The most expensive and radical on this list, the Lamborghini Aventador is owned by none other than Mallika Sherawat. It cost about Rs 5 crore when it was bought, which is a huge some by any and all standards. The Aventador she owns is powered by a 6.5-litre V12 engine that churns out 690 Bhp. and can go up till 349 km/h.

Sunny Leonne – Maserati Ghibli – Rs 1.42 crore

Sunny

Probably the only Maserati owned by a Bollywood actress, The Maserati Ghibli is seen above is owned by Sunny Leone. It is a special ‘Nerissimo ‘edition’ car and retails for around Rs 1.40 crore in India. Only 450 units of the Nerissimo Edition have been built in total, which further enhances the value of Sunny Leone’s car.

Kareena Kapoor – Range Rover Vogue – Rs 1.74 Crore

Kareena Kapoor has a range of cars including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi Q7 and BMW 7-Series among others. However, one of the vehicles she uses often is the Range Rover Vogue. The actress owns an earlier generation of the luxury SUV and has been spotted using her Range Rover Vogue on numerous occasions. Currently, the Range Rover Vogue range starts at Rs 1.74 crore.

Jacqueline Fernandez – Range Rover Vogue – Rs 1.74 Crore

Bollywood heartbeat Jacqueline Fernandez is yet another owner of a Range Rover Vogue. Her luxury SUV has been fitted with a sporty body kit, which makes her Vogue look more stylish than the regular version. Even Jacqueline’s Vogue is from an earlier generation.

Katrina Kaif – Range Rover Vogue – Rs. 2.33 Crore

Katrina Kaif Range Rover

Bollywood Diva Katrina Kaif recently bought a white Range Rover SUV. She owned an Audi Q7 prior to this which was her daily drive for many years. Katrina bought the Vogue SE Diesel LWB model, that costs a whopping 2.33 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi). The SUV gets powered by a huge 4.4 litre SDV8 diesel engine that churns out a good 335 Nm of power at 3,500 RPM and a gigantic 740 Nm of torque at 1750 RPM.

 

Image sources – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Also Read: This Honda City wants to be a Lamborghini! [Video]

Check out the Tata Harrier’s roof getting a black contrast wrap for the Range Rover Evoque look

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One of the most popular aftermarket modification on the Tata Harrier has been the contrast black roof wrap. This  simple but highly effective and eye catching modification gives the Harrier a resemblance to the Range Rover Evoque – a luxury SUV that’s a lot smaller but a lot more pricier. Here is a video that shows how the actual wrapping of the Harrier’s roof takes place.

This vinyl wrap costs about Rs. 7,000, which is quite affordable. Also, the modification will not attract the  attention of cops or the RTO authorities as it’s very subtle, and seems like it’s from Tata Motors itself. Another  popular modification for the Harrier is aftermarket alloy wheels. Like the contrast roof wrap, aftermarket alloy wheels won’t really attract the attention of cops/RTO officials if the size of the new wheel is retained as is.

The Tata Harrier is one of the most expensive SUVs produced by the automaker. However, for the kind of size it  offers, and its wide range of features, the SUV features a value-for-money price tag. Prices of the Tata Harrier  start from Rs. 12.69 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi for the XE variant while the top end XZ variant is priced at Rs. 16.25 lakhs.

Tata Harrier Roof Wrap Featured

The Tata Harrier that’s on sale currently is based on the Land Rover D8 platform that also underpins the Discovery  Sport SUV. On the Harrier, this platform is called the Omega – and features an extensive amount of localization  including the swapping of aluminium bits for cheaper, steel parts. The Omega platform will underpin a range of new  SUVs from Tata Motors in the coming years.

The current Harrier is powered by a 2 liter Fiat Multijet turbocharged diesel engine that outputs 140 Bhp of peak  power and 350 Nm of peak torque. A 6 speed manual gearbox is standard, and handles torque transfer to the front  wheels of the SUV. While there’s no all wheel drive on offer even as an option, the Harrier doese get a rough road  mode that varies torque between the front wheels for maximum traction on slippery surfaces.

In the coming months, Tata Motors will launch an automatic variant of the Harrier. The automatic gearbox – a 6 speed torque converter unit – will be sourced from Hyundai. The automaker is also working on a turbocharged petrol engine option for the Harrier. The turbo petrol motor will displace 1.6 liters and is expected to make about 140 Bhp of peak power. It’ll arrive sometime in 2020.

Also Read: This Honda City wants to be a Lamborghini! [Video]

How to lift a fallen Suzuki Hayabusa weighing a MASSIVE 265 Kg [Video]

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Superbikes or sports bikes are dream bike of many bike enthusiasts but in real life situations, they can be challenging to handle. Most superbikes and sports bikes are quite heavy and if not handled properly, they can fall down easily. Lifting up such heavy bikes is not an easy task and this video by Turbo Xtreme shows how difficult or easy it can be to pick up a Suzuki Hayabusa.

The video demonstrates how difficult it is to lift up a heavy bike like Suzuki Hayabusa. The kerb weight of the bike is 265 kg, which is quite heavy. For the demonstration, the critical parts of the Hayabusa get the bubble wrap to save them from any kind of scratches when it touches the ground. The demonstration starts with two guys trying to pick up the Hayabusa individually and both failing to lift up the bike from the ground.

Later, the owner of the bike tries to lift up the bike and shows how much strength is required to lift the motorcycle up. He also mentions lifting the bike by pushing it back is not possible for sports bikes like Suzuki Hayabusa as it rests closer to the ground when compared to the bikes like Harley Davidson, which have big leg guards that make the bike rest at a bigger angle.

He even demonstrates the same method on the Hayabusa and claims that it is difficult to use the lifting method on sports bikes like Hayabusa. The method used to lift up the bike in a regular and common way can hurt the back as all the weight of the motorcycle puts the strain on the back. It is like deadlifting the weight and can cause backache or can seriously injure the back.

The push back method, which is widely recommended by the motorcycle riders and enthusiasts around the world is a much better technique and distributes the weight evenly on the body. This is why much thinner and skinny riders without much muscle power can lift heavy motorcycles through this method without any problem. The same method has been demonstrated on various motorcycles including adventure touring motorcycles, cruisers and even sports bikes on videos but there is a little trick that needs to be followed to successfully lift up the bike using this technique.

The rider needs to rest the back on the seat to the bike and find a strong point in the rear-three quarters to lift up the bike properly through the push back method. Also, the rider needs to go backwards pushing the bike instead of trying to lift the motorcycle. It should be noted that the video made by Turbo Xtreme shows that the rear three-quarter of the Hayabusa does not have a place from where the bike can be held properly to use the push back method successfully. We have put a video by MOTOTREK above which shows other methods that can be used to lift up the bikes easily apart from the push back technique.

Also Read: This Honda City wants to be a Lamborghini! [Video]

Hero Splendor outsells the Honda Activa in a BIG way

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In January 2019, the Hero MotoCorp Splendor commuter motorcycles outsold the Honda Activa automatic scooter by over 10,000 units. This gap has widened much further in February 2019, with the Splendor selling 244,241 units while the Activa managed just 205,239 units. This is a nearly 40,000 unit gap between the two wheelers, and is quite telling. The Hero Splendor is taking a solid lead over the Activa and if this continues for the next few months, it’ll  indicate that commuter motorcycles are now back in a big way, and are now outselling automatic scooters.

Also, the Splendor re-taking the lead could be due to the fact that rural demand for motorcycles going up and urban  demand for automatic scooters going down. Generally, automatic scooters are bought mainly in urban areas with commuter motorcycles dominating the rural landscape. There’s a worrying factor though. Overall sales of automatic scooters have shown a fall of over 10 % in February 2019, when compared to sales numbers from the same month last year. However, the commuter motorcycle segment is showing decent growth.

The Hero Splendor, for long has been India’s best selling two wheeler, with the Honda Activa managed to push the  commuter motorcycle down from its perch on a few occasions. The Splendor is bought by buyers both in urban and rural India for its high fuel efficiency, bomb-proof reliability, affordable maintenance cost and vast service network. The motorcycle is used mainly for commuting, and in rural areas, it’s not uncommon to see the Splendor carry more than 2 people almost always.

The Honda Activa on the other hand, is India’s most popular automatic scooter, with demand originating mainly from urban areas. The Activa is bought by both men and women for the sheer convenience it offers. Being a commuter Honda, it’s extremely reliable, delivers high fuel efficiency, costs little to maintain, and also gets an all metal body in the 5G variant. The all-metal body of the Honda Activa 5G is a big draw among buyers, who consider fiber bodied scooters inferior to metal bodied ones.

The Splendor is available in multiple variants – Splendor Plus, Splendor Plus i3S, Super Splendor 125 and Splendor  iSmart . The lowest priced variant – called the Splendor Plus – starts from Rs. 49,060 while the highest priced model  – the Splendor 125, starts from Rs. 58,800. The Splendor also gets 3 engine options – 98.2cc, 110cc and 125 cc. All  three engines are paired with 4 speed manual gearboxes. Like the Splendor, the Honda Activa also gets multiple  variants and engine capacities. The entry level model is the Activa-i while the Activa 5G is the mid variant (and  also the best selling one). The Activa 125 is the top-end variant. Prices of the Honda Activa start from Rs. 51,804 and go up to Rs. 61,539.

Also Read: This Honda City wants to be a Lamborghini! [Video]

Used Audi, BMW & Mercedes luxury sedans for less than a Maruti Dzire

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The used car market is a double-edged sword. You can get the best of the cars at the best rates but at the same time, things can go way south than you ever wondered. The idea of owning a good car at a fraction of its original price is tempting and if treated with caution, the path is not bad at all. Among the most sought after car brands in the used luxury market are the Holy Trinity from Germany, i.e., Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW. However, even in the used car market, they can be quite expensive most of the times. For the same, here are three luxury saloons from each brand mentioned above that can be had yours for even lesser than the base model of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. Check out the video below by My Country My Ride, to watch the cars in full glory.

To let you know, the base LXi variant of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire retails at 5.69 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). All three cars here cost much less than that and are proper luxury saloons. The original price for these German beauties was in the range of Rs. 40-50 lakhs but are now available at a fraction of that price. However, the maintenance and running cost of these cars will be much higher than the Dzire. Therefore, if you plan to keep your running costs low, buying a used Mercedes or any such car is not recommended. With this, let’s move on and know the details of these cars.

BMW 5-series

Asking price – Rs. 5.25 lakh

Bmw 5 Series

The BMW 5-Series here is the E60 generation model, which is among the most controversial 5-series ever due to its love it or hate it design. The one here was registered in 2007 and is the 525d variant. It is a diesel powered model and has completed 96,064 km according to the video. Talking about the diesel engine, it is a 2,993cc straight-six unit that churns out around 195 Bhp of power along with 400 Nm of torque. Being a 5-Series, it comes with all kinds of creature comforts on the inside you could ask for. Draped in all black, it looks pretty well maintained too. Despite being a 2007 made car, this 5-Series does not feel much outdated and in fact, for the asking price, it is a steal deal.

Audi A6

Asking price – Rs. 4.90 lakh

Audi A6

Next is the Audi A6, which is available at for Rs. 4.90 lakh. The A6 here is a 2006 model which makes it around 12 to 13 years old. Compared to the BMW 5-series above, this A6 feels a bit old fashioned. The exterior design is pretty plain and has an understated luxury feel around it. the interiors of the car are all built from high-quality materials. However, it is again a bit short on features and may look a bit dated when compared to the Beemer above. It has been priced appropriately though and has an odo reading of about 59,000 km according to the video. It is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that produced around 290 Bhp of power and near about 440 Nm of torque. At that asking price, it is even cheaper than the base model Maruti Suzuki Swift, which makes it an alluring deal.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Asking price – Rs. 3.40 lakh

Merc E Class

Last on the list and also the most affordable one, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class here is probably the most popular car among the three here. That is because of its signature twin pod front headlights, which made it a sort of an icon back in the day. The one here is a 2005 made model and E200 K model. According to the video, the odometer reading of this E-Class is about 93,000 km, which is not much considering it is a 2005 made model. The E-Series E200 is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine that churns out 156 Bhp along with 221 Nm of torque. It has an asking price of Rs. 3.40 lakh, which is the best you can get even if its quite an old model. The condition of the car seems alright in the video too.

Contact details :

Dealership Name – BABA Luxury Cars

Phone number – 8510830242, 9354487187, 8750000217

For more, refer to the video description in YouTube

Also Read: This Honda City wants to be a Lamborghini! [Video]

Hero XPulse 200 & 200T: Production versions leaked ahead of launch

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The Hero XPulse 200 is lined up for launch in India in the next few weeks, and the on-off road motorcycle will be  offered in two variants – a full blown off road machine and a tourer. The XPulse 200 will be the on-off road machine  with steel spoked wheels, tubed tyres with an off-road pattern and a taller stance while the 200T will be the touring  version with alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. Both the Hero XPulse 200 and 200T are expected to be priced at a little  under Rs. 1 lakh each. Both motorcycles will get single channel ABS as standard. Here are some pictures of the  production versions.

Hero Xpulse 200 & 200t 1

Images courtesy MotoPixelTV

As the pictures reveal, the XPulse 200 has a taller stance and rides on a 21 inch front wheel and an 18 inch rear  wheel. Ground clearance is an impressive 220 mm. The motorcycle also gets knuckle guards, a proper bash plate, a high set mudguard, fork gaiters and a high set exhaust. All these bits are aimed at off-road riding, and the Hero XPulse promises to be India’s cheapest ADV motorcycle. Coming to the XPulse 200T, the motorcycle gets a taller headlamp fairing to offer good wind protection to the rider, a exhaust that’s placed lower, a fiber engine cover, 19 inch front and 18 inch rear alloy wheels, road biased tubeless tyres, and mounts for panniers and a top box.

Both motorcycles use an identical 200cc, four stroke single cylinder engine. The air cooled, fuel injected motor puts  out 18 Bhp of peak power at 8,000 rpm and 17 Nm of peak torque ay 6,500 rpm. A five speed manual gearbox is standard. Both bikes get high travel suspension: Telescopic front forks with 220 mm travel and a rear monoshock with 180 mm of travel. A full digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation is likely to be standard on both bikes. A USB mobile phone charging socket is also likely to be offered on both motorcycles as standard fare.

Hero Xpulse 200 & 200t 2

While Hero is yet to reveal the kerb weight of the XPulse 200 and 200T, we expect it to be about 140 kilograms, which will make it light enough for everyday use, and also proper trails. In fact, the light weights of the motorcycles  will ensure that the performance is more than adequate for daily riding. A cruising speed of 80-100 Kph is likely,  with a top speed of about 125-130 Kph. These motorcycles won’t be bought for 0-100 Kph sprints though. They’re meant to be ridden at a high pace even over bad roads, where other motorcycles will have to slow down significantly.

Hero Xpulse 200 & 200t 3

In urban environments, potholes and speed breakers are likely to be simply dispatched with disdain, and on the whole, the Xpulse 200 and 200T promise to be the most fun bikes that Hero MotoCorp has ever produced. As for competition, there’s no direct competition for both these motorcycles presently. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 400, which costs about Rs. 2 lakhs on-road, is the next cheapest ADV bike that’s sold in India presently.

Also Read: This Honda City wants to be a Lamborghini! [Video]


Tata Safari vs Honda Civic in a drag race: Butch SUV vs sporty sedan face-off [Video]

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Honda might have launched the new 10th generation Civic in India this month but it is yet to be seen if it attains the cult status of the older 8th generation Civic. The older Civic is one of the most sought after sedans by the enthusiasts in the used car market. Another well-known SUV in India is the Tata Safari, which was the dream SUV of many during its initial years. The Honda Civic and the Tata Safari are poles apart in almost every aspect. One is a proper sporty sedan while the other is a big butch SUV. However, what happens when they are pitted against each other for a drag race. The video below by SKD autocracy shows the same scenario. Let’s check out the video now before discussing about the outcome.

As seen in the video, the Honda Civic beats the Tata Safari by quite a margin in this drag race, something which was expected and has not surprised us a bit. The Safari is quite a powerful SUV and can pull up real fast but it is still no match for the Honda Civic, which is known for its sporty nature. Had the Tata Safari won this race, it would have been something to be astonished at but that’s not the case here. Both the car had a nearly equal start in the video but after a couple of seconds, the Civic pulls away like a ghost and moves much ahead of the Safari.

Civic Vs Safari

The Tata Safari seen in this video gets powered by a 2.2-litre VTT DiCOR diesel engine. This engine churns out a good 138 Bhp along with 320 Nm of torque. However, it tips the scales at around 2.2 tonnes, something which had a major role in the outcome of this race. Comparatively, the Honda Civic tips the scales at just 1210 kg, which is quite less than Safari’s weight. Talking about the Civic, the older generation Civic shown here gets a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine which churned out 130 Bhp of maximum power along with 172 Nm of peak torque. The power and torque output of the Civic may be lower than the Safari but its kerb weight is much lower than the SUV, which helps it win this race by a mile.

While Honda has already launched the new Civic in India, the fate of the Tata Safari is not known yet. Tata will launch a new 7 seater SUV in India, called the Cassini (Buzzard), which will be its flagship vehicle in India. The Safari would probably be discontinued or the badge may be brought back to life at a later stage. With the long stint it had in India, most of the people are appealing Tata to not discontinue the Safari badge and bring it back in a newer form later.

Also Read: This Honda City wants to be a Lamborghini! [Video]

Tata Tiago back in top-10 selling cars of India

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The Tata Tiago hatchback is now back in the top-10 selling cars of India after nearly 14 months. In February 2019,  Tata Motors dispatced 8,286 units of the Tiago to dealers across India, propelling the hatchback to 10th place in  sales charts. The Tiago pushed out its arch-rival – the Maruti Celerio – from the 10th spot.

Tata Tiago Xz+ 1

The Tiago’s excellent  sales in February 2019 represent a massive 23 % jump in numbers when compared to those from February 2018. TheTiago  has been around for over 3 years in India, and each passing year, the hatchback has been getting stronger and stronger in terms of sales.

The Tata Tiago started out slow, averaging less than 5,000 monthly units initially. Buyers were slow to warm up to a  Tata hatchback given the fact that the likes of the Tata Bolt and Indica were fresh in their minds. The Tiago started  off with an exceptional value-for-money price tag. The base variant was priced at just Rs. 3.2 lakhs, and the Tiago  rubbed shoulders with the likes of the Maruti Alto and the Renault Kwid – cars from a segment below. The Tiago’s  actual rivals – the likes of the Maruti WagonR and Celerio – were Rs. 1 lakh pricier than it, and this eventually  made buyers understand the great price at which the Tiago was selling at.

Tata Tiago Xz+ 2

The rock-bottom starting price brought more buyers into Tata showrooms, and most of them drove away with the Tiago after checking out the car in the flesh, and test driving it. Now though, the Tiago has become an established brand in the entry-level hatchback market, and to this day continues to be Tata Motors’ best selling car. The price has also taken a upward trajectory. Currently, prices of the Tata Tiago start from Rs. 4.27 lakhs, which is a far cry from the Rs. 3.2 lakh price tag at which it was originally introduced. This price isn’t affecting demand though as buyers have now realized that the Tiago is not just larger than the WagonR/Celerio but is also more powerful and feature-rich.

Over the last 3 years, Tata Motors has also introduced a range of new variants, and this has served to keep the  hatchback quite fresh. For those who want a crossover-ish hatchback, there’s the Tiago NRG, and for those wo love  speed and power – the Tiago JTP ticks all the right boxes. As of now, the Tiago has an eyewatering 27 variants, which  offer great choice to the entry-level hatchback buyer. Talking of the Tiago JTP – the flagship variant in the  hatchback’s line-up, it’s a hot hatch with a 1.2 liter turbocharged petrol engine borrowed from the Nexon. The Tiago  JTP gets 112 Bhp-150 Nm outputs, giving it a 0-100 Kph timing of under 10 seconds. The car is India’s cheapest hot  hatch, with a price tag of Rs. 6.39 lakhs.

Tata Tiago Jtp 1

The Tiago JTP not only has a more powerful engine under the hood, but also gets revised styling on the outside that  looks quite racy. The suspension has been firmed up for better handling, and the car also sits lower than the regular  version. The interiors also get a once over with aluminium control pedals and contrast stitching. To sum it up, the  Tiago JTP is the fastest hatchback money can buy in India for under Rs. 8 lakhs. Rivals for the Tiago JTP include the  Maruti Baleno RS and the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, both of which are priced much higher.

Also Read: This Honda City wants to be a Lamborghini! [Video]

Dangal girl Fatima Sana Shaikh hitches a ride in the Tata Harrier in a new TVC

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Tata Harrier, the latest product from Tata Motors has gained a lot of attention in the Indian market. The all-new SUV is currently available on a huge waiting period of around five months depending on the variant and colour. Last month, Tata dispatched close to 1,500 units of the Harrier in the Indian market. Here is a brand new Television Commercial (TVC) of Tata Harrier with the Fatima Sana Shaikh.

The TVC shows Fatima Sana Shaikh stranded on a secluded country road looking around for a lift in any passing vehicle. An SUV stops for her and as soon as she starts moving to get inside the SUV, a Tata Harrier from the opposite crosses the vehicle and stops for her too. Fatima then looks at the Harrier and goes for it showing the attractive design of the vehicle and how it is unavoidable on the road to ignore.

The Harrier has received a lot of appreciation when it comes to design. It is designed uniquely and gets bright LED DRLs as an extension of the front grille. The main headlamp cluster is positioned below. It gives a very modern and youthful look to the Harrier. The SUV gets the latest IMPACT 2.0 design language that gives it sharp looks. From the side, the swooping-down roof of the Harrier gives it a feeling of a vehicle from the luxury segment. The Harrier also gets large tail lamps and a thick black stripe joining them.

On the inside, the Tata Harrier offers a premium cabin with wooden inserts and floating-type steering wheel. It also gets an aircraft styled handbrake and leather-wrapped steering wheel and the gearshift lever. The Tata Harrier looks stylish inside out and its rising popularity in the market tells us the same story. It gets a value-for-money price tag too and the base version of the SUV is priced at Rs. 12.69 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.

Tata Harrier gets powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine sourced from Fiat. Tata calls it KRYOTEC engine and it generates a maximum power of 140 PS and peak torque of 350 Nm. It gets a 6-speed manual transmission. However, the Harrier misses out on certain features like the sunroof and AWD system. However, there are plans to launch a new top-end version that will get the sunroof and Tata is even working on the AWD system for the Harrier. However, it gets various modes that work perfectly to ensure that the Tata Harrier can do light off-roading. It also gets various engine modes that change the power output according to the situation.

It is the first vehicle that is based on the OMEGA Arc platform. Tata will soon launch the Buzzard in India, which is the seven-seater version of the Harrier.

Also Read: This Honda City wants to be a Lamborghini! [Video]

This Honda City wants to be a Lamborghini! [Video]

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How else do you explain the sharp-looking scissor doors on this modified Honda City, and of course the matte orange paint scheme that seems borrowed straight from the Lamborghini Aventador. The work of an enthusiast, this modified Honda City is a third generation example. Apart from the modifications on the outside, the interiors also get a big splatter of orange everywhere. Dive right into the video we’ve lined up for you, and check out this modified Honda City, inside out!

As the video indicates, the car gets a slew of other changes. The roof gets a contrast black paint scheme while  there’s a boot spoiler at the rear. There’s a new custom muffler that gives the car a fruity exhaust note but apart  from this change, the engine and other key mechanicals is bone stock.

The motor in question is the silky smooth 1.5 liter i-VTEC unit with 117 Bhp of peak power and 145 Nm of peak torque on offer. The gearbox is a five speed manual. Notably, Honda used to offer a 5 speed torque converter automatic gearbox as an option with this engine.

Other changes on the outside include a custom number plate, front disc calipers and the rear drums finished in red  paint, smoked headlamps and tail lamps, and custom LED DRLs up front. For those interested in this kind of Honda  City, the cost of modifications come to under Rs. 2 lakhs, which is quite affordable indeed.

The Honda City of this generation is currently selling for around Rs. 3-4 lakh in used car markets of Delhi and  Mumbai. For about Rs. 5-6 lakhs (including a long list of modifications), a Honda City that will turn heads on the  roads is guaranteed.

Currently, Honda sells the 4th generation City in the Indian market. The car uses the same petrol engine as the one  detailed above but gets a CVT automatic gearbox option in addition to the 5 speed manual. Also, for the first time in  the Honda City’s history, a diesel engine is available. The 1.5 liter i-DTEC turbocharged diesel engine makes 98.6  Bhp-200 Nm, and is paired to a 6 speed manual gearbox.

In 2020, Honda is expected to bring in the 5th generation City sedan to India. The 5th-gen model will get a slew of  changes in terms of design, and also mechanicals. The car is expected to host a petrol-hybrid powertrain  internationally, and the diesel motor is likely to be dumped in the face of tightening emission norms. Notably, India  is likely to get a mild-hybrid petrol engine for the Indian market and a full hybrid for international markets.

Also Read: This Honda City wants to be a Lamborghini! [Video]

9 Upcoming Hyundai Cars in India: Grand i10 to all new Creta 7-seater

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India’s second-largest automaker by sales volume, Hyundai has planned to revamp its model lineup soon. Along with bringing in newer generation model and facelifts of the existing cars, the Korean manufacturer will also bring in a few new names that will complete its product portfolio in India. Hyundai is pitching aggressively this year and the one to follow so as to gain some lead over Maruti Suzuki, which is its chief competitor in India. Without any delay then, here are 9 upcoming cars from Hyundai’s stable.

Grand i10 

Approx. Launch timeline: Mid 2019

2019 Hyundai Grand I10 Render

The all-new Hyundai Grand i10 will be launched in India by mid-2019, although it could be shifted to a later date too. I will come with several changes and enhancements both on the inside as well as the outside. Talking of which, the exteriors will get a hexagonal front grille and wider headlamps and tail-lamps. The new Grand i10 will get a wider stance and a lower height than the ongoing model. On the interiors front, the car would get a larger touchscreen infotainment system  and probably a sunroof. The 1.2 litre petrol and 1.2 litre diesel engine to be carried without any major change However, the current torque converter automatic transmission will be replaced by a new AMT gearbox.

Xcent 

Approx. Launch timeline: Mid 2019

Hyundai Xcent

The popular subcompact sedan from Hyundai is all set to get an all-new version this year. The all-new Xcent has been caught testing on the Indian roads and it is expected to be launched by the mid or end of 2019. The new car will have better and more spacious interiors along with a refreshed exterior design to boot.  It will come with many new features which could include a floating infotainment system along with fast charge USB socket. Unlike the current generation car, the new Xcent will be designed as a separate vehicle and not like a hatchback with boot strapped on it.

Styx 

Approx. Launch timeline: Q3 2019

hyundai carlino cartoq render

The Hyundai Styx (codenamed QXi) will have its world premiere at the upcoming New York Auto Show in April. It will be launched here by the third quarter of this year and will rival the likes of the Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Tata Nexon among others in the segment. Based on the new Santro platform, it will come with three engine options. The first among them would be a 99 Bhp, 1.4-litre petrol unit, second would be an 89bhp, 1.4-litre diesel engine and lastly, the third option will be 100 Bhp, 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol.

Kona EV

Approx. Launch timeline: Q3 2019

Kona India

The long-awaited Kona EV will also be launched this year by the company. It will be the first electric vehicle by Hyundai here and will be brought via the CKD route and later on will be developed locally, in order to keep prices in check. From what we know till now, the company will bring it with 2 battery pack options. One will be a 39.2 kWh battery pack that will have a range of about 310 km while the other will be a 64 kWh battery unit with a range of 480 km. It will receive some competrtion for the upcoming Tata Altroz EV, though the Konda EV will be postioned higher than it.

Verna 

Approx. Launch timeline: Mid 2020

2020 Hyundai Verna Facelift Render 1

Hyundai will launch the mid-life facelift of the Verna in India by the second half of 2020. The sedan will sport major changes both in terms of design as well as performance. The facelifted Verna will see the arrival of new 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. The new diesel engine will be slightly less powerful than the current 1.6-litre unit but will meet the more stringent BS-VI emission norms that go into effect in 2020. The petrol engine is expected to be future proofed for the arrival of a hybrid setup, which could arrive a few years later down the line.

Creta

Approx. Launch timeline: 2020

2020 Hyundai Creta New Render Featured 1

The Hyundai Creta is the current best selling compact SUV in India and to maintain the lead, the Koran manufacturer will launch an all-new version of the SUV next year. It will be larger, more powerful and better equipped than the model it replaces. The new Hyundai Creta will be powered by 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines which will be BSVI compliant. The SUV is also likely to be made ready for a hybrid and all-electric future. The new Creta is expected to be feature-rich, just like the current model and the exterior design will be influenced by the new Santa Fe SUV.

Elantra facelift

Approx. Launch timeline: Mid/End 2019
2019 Hyundai Elantra Facelift 1
The facelifted Hyundai Elantra has been launched in the international markets since some time now. The company will launch the sedan in India by mid-2019. Design wise, it gets a new grille, new headlamps, revised bumper, new sharp tail lamps along with new fog lamp housings. On the inside, the new Elantra will come with a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, updated upholstery and rearview camera with cross traffic alert. The new sharp design language will surely attract some attention to the new Verna

Creta 7 seater

Approx. Launch timeline: End 2020

2020 Hyundai Creta New Render Featured 1

Apart from the new Creta, Hyundai is also planning to launch a seven-seater version of the SUV. It will be priced higher than the five-seater Creta and will utilize the Kia platform that will also underpin the upcoming SP model. The interiors and features will be better than the five-seater variant so as to justify the price. Not much detail is available about the seven-seater Creta at the moment but it is expected to launch by the end of next year.

Tucson facelift

Approx. Launch timeline: Q3 2019
Hyundai Tucson 2019 1024 02
The Hyundai Tucson has been long waiting for its facelift launch in India, which is already on sale in the international markets. The Tucson facelift will come with a host of new features and equipment along with freshened up exteriors. The major changes on the exteriors will the new sharp ‘Cascading’ grille, all LED headlights, new fog lamp housing, new alloys and LED tail lamps among others. On the inside, the new Tucson will come with new driver-assistance features like autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. There will also be a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the SUV will continue to be powered by the same set of engines.

Also Read: Maruti Ciaz, Toyota Corolla, Honda City & 3 more cars to go FULL hybrid!

India’s BEST warranty cars: Honda Amaze to Hyundai Creta

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Manufacturers provide warranty on their vehicles so as to give additional peace of mind to the customer. For the same, many auto manufacturers also provide extended warranty packs that can be bought by paying some extra money at the time of buying the car. A car with a long warranty cover means that if it malfunctions in any way, the manufacturer will repair/replace it. However, some companies provide very attractive warranty schemes on their cars which further enhance their value. Today, we are here with 10 such cars which come with the highest warranty on their heads.

Datsun Go

Warranty available: 5 years/unlimited Km

Datsun Go Facelift 1

Datsun updated the Go hatchback a few months back and equipped it with many new features. It is one of the most value for money cars on sale in the market right now. It also comes with the highest warranty provided by any manufacturer in India. Datsun offers a standard warranty of 5 years and unlimited kilometres. It is the only car in the segment to offer unlimited kilometres apart from 5 years of warranty coverage. Talking about the car, the Datsun Go is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that generates 67 Bhp of power along with 104 Nm.of torque.

Hyundai Grand i10

Warranty available: 3 year/1 lakh km

Hyundai Grand I10

Hyundai has been slowly but steadily climbing the customer satisfaction charts and has become the most preferred brand in India according to a survey by JD Power. Its midsize hatchback challenger, the Grand i10, takes on the likes of Maruti Swift and Ford Figo among others. The company offers a warranty of 3 years or 1 lakh Km on the car, which is the same as other Hyundai cars. The Grand i10 is available with both petrol and diesel engine options. It also gets a 4-speed automatic with the petrol version and the car is known for its feature rich interiors.

Honda Amaze

Warranty available: 5 years/unlimited km

All New Amaze

Honda has been giving a good fight to Maruti Suzuki in the compact sedan segment with the Amaze. The sedan is true to its name and comes with several class-leading features along with plenty of space all over. Honda also provides a standard warranty of 3 years and unlimited kilometres on the car plus an additional 2 years/unlimited km extended warranty as a part of a discount scheme right now. Now 5 years warranty with unlimited km is a pretty long time and many owners even sell their cars after 5 years. Such an excellent warranty cover means that owners can drive as much they want without worrying about losing the warranty of the vehicle.

Fiat Punto/Hyundai Elite i20

Warranty available: 3 years/1 lakh km

40444 Hyundai Elite I20 1

The premium hatchback segment has become the hottest hatch segment in India right now. In this segment, Fiat and Hyundai offer a maximum of 3 years or 1 lakh km warranty on the Punto and Elite i20, respectively. They jointly offer the highest standard warranty in the segment. The Fiat Punto is known for its solid build quality apart from its sportiness. The Elite i20, on the other hand, is known for its feature-rich interiors and well put together cabin. It is a regular feature in the monthly top 10 selling cars too.

Honda WR-V

Warranty available: 3 years/unlimited km

Honda Wrv

Honda’s subcompact SUV challenger, the WR-V also gets the same warranty coverage as other cars from the Japanese manufacturer’s stable. The company offers a warranty cover of 3 years and unlimited kilometres. The warranty period can be extended by paying extra charges at the time of buying the car and it will further give you a bit of peace knowing that your car will be under warranty for a long time. The WR-V also became the first car in the segment to offer a sunroof and is known for its well-appointed interiors.

Skoda Rapid/VW Vento

Warranty available: 4 years/ 1 lakh km

Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo 3

The Skoda Rapid and the Volkswagen Vento are identically the same cars, based on the same platform and even share the same engines. Skoda made sure that the latest model of the Rapid looks less like the Vento and more like the Octavia, which is a good thing actually. Without a doubt then both companies are offering the same discount cover of 4 years/1 lakh km on their sedans. Both these sedans rival the Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Hyundai Verna among others in the segment and are known for their solid build quality.

Hyundai Creta

Warranty available: 3 years/unlimited km

2019 Hyundai Creta Suv 1

The Hyundai Creta is currently the best selling vehicle in its segment and has been holding onto that position ever since its launch. Hyundai offers 3 years/unlimited km warranty cover with the car. The Creta SUV comes with many unique features, such as wireless mobile charging, smart band integrated key, sunroof and more. Both the petrol and diesel engine options of the Creta get 6-speed automatic transmission. It has got some new rivals now in the form of the Tata Harrier and the Nisan Kicks and it remains to be seen how they affect Creta’s sales.

Honda BR-V

Warranty available: 3 years/unlimited km

The Honda BR-V is a crossover between an MPV and an SUV but going by the design, it looks more o an MPV. Though the car did not climb up high on the sales chart, it is a pretty decent car nonetheless. Honda offers the 7-seater car with a 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. No restrictions on distance means that you can drive the car as much as you want for 3 years without having to worry about voiding the warranty. The BR-V gets both petrol and diesel engines and paddle-shifter enabled CVT automatic transmission with the petrol variant.

Mahindra XUV 500

Warranty available: 3 year/1 lakh km

Xuv500 Side

Among the most popular and well-known SUVs of India, the Mahindra XUV500 still holds its ground firmly even after the launch of some worthy rivals. It comes loaded with features and electronics, and Mahindra offers a 3 year or 1 lakh km warranty on the SUV. The XUV 500 has remained the best-selling vehicle in the segment for a long time now and is known as a value-for-money product. It challenges the likes of Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass in its segment, though the coming time will see many other rivals being launched.

Hyundai Elantra

Warranty available: 3 years/unlimited km

2018 Hyundai Elantra

Like other Hyundai cars on this list, the Elantra too comes with a segment-best 3 year/unlimited km warranty. Hyundai offers an extended warranty on the car too, which can be bought separately to increase the warranty period of the vehicle. It rivals the likes of Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla and the soon to be launched Honda Civic in the segment. The Elantra will itself receive a generation update next year and the new car will be much more angular, sharper and come with a host of class-leading features.

Also Read: Maruti Ciaz, Toyota Corolla, Honda City & 3 more cars to go FULL hybrid!

Mahindra TUV300 Facelift inspired by the XUV300 compact SUV

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Mahindra recently launched the XUV300 sub-4 meter SUV in India. Based on the SsangYong Tivoli, it comes with several first in class features along with powerful engine options. Though it may be based on the Tivoli, the design language of the XUV300 is like a typical Mahindra vehicle. Moreover, the company applied the design language of the bigger XUV500 onto the XUV300, which is quite evident by its grille, front fascia and the bigger-than-it-is stance. This probably maybe the new design direction for Mahindra and we are not complaining either. However, going by this possible assumption, the upcoming TUV300 facelift could also get a similar exterior design. The same has been rendered by our in-house digital artist Vipin Vathoopan.

Tuv300 Xuv300 2

As seen in the pictures here, the XUV300 inspired model of the TUV300 facelift looks pretty cool. The current generation TUV300 may be a decent vehicle but it wouldn’t be wrong to say that many are not a fan of its look. With this aesthetic upgrade, the TUV300 becomes much more attractive as well as desirable instantly. The sub-4 meter SUV segment has become one of the most hotly competed for vehicle category in India with almost all manufacturers having a model in that segment or are planning to launch one.

Talking about the Mahindra TUV300 render here, It marries the boxy lines of the current gen TUV300 with the modern design bits from the XUV300. The chrome embedded front grille, LED headlamps with DRLs and updated bumper give it a premium look. The grille is reminiscent of the unit found on the XUV300, which itself borrows it from the bigger XUV500. Moving on, the squared-off wheel arches with big black alloys definitely enhance the aesthetic appeal of the subcompact SUV. The low profile tires will not be present on the production model but look cool here nonetheless.

Tuv300 Xuv300 1

The side and rear profile sport the boxy lines and design from the current generation TUV300. However, they have been tweaked so as to make the TUV more contemporary. The window line and the rear quarter glass have been made such as to complement the boxy dimensions of the SUV. No doubt then that this version of the TUV300 looks absolutely mesmerizing.

Talking about the features and changes made on the upcoming TUV300, Mahindra will update it to be BNSVAP compliant. This means that the basic safety features described by the upcoming safety norms will be offered as standard on the Mahindra TUV300. This includes ABS with EBD, rearview parking sensor/camera, dual front airbags, high-speed alert system, seatbelt reminder and ISOFIX child-seat mounts among others. The interiors too will receive some minor tweaks to keep up with the facelift tag.

As for the engines and transmission, the Mahindra TUV300 facelift might receive the new diesel engine which is available on the XUV300. However, this is not yet confirmed officially by Mahindra. Currently, the Mahindra TUV300 uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engine that churns out a maximum power of 100 Bhp along with 240 Nm of torque. Transmission duties are handled by either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The hot looking design showcased by the render might not be the one that is sported by the TUV300 facelift when it gets launched. However, it gives us a good idea of how the SUV might turn out to be if the company decides to follow the XUV series design language on its other cars. As for the launch of the TUV300 facelift, it will happen this year only, possible during the third quarter.

Also Read: Maruti Ciaz, Toyota Corolla, Honda City & 3 more cars to go FULL hybrid!


Ahead of Jawa deliveries, company to auction motorcycles to support Armed Forces Martyr’s children

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Jawa will auction a bunch of motorcycles ahead of actual customer deliveries, which will happen next week. The  proceeds of the auction are meant to support the children of armed forces martyrs. This gesture from Jawa was  announced on Twitter. More details about the Jawa auction will be revealed in the coming days now that the actual  customer deliveries of the Jawa range of motorcycles – Classic and 42 – will begin before the end of March 2019.  Meanwhile, here’s the tweet that Jawa Motorcycles’ official handle put out,

In November 2018, just a day after arch-rival Royal Enfield launched the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650  twins, Jawa launched three new retro motorcycles in India. The three Jawas that were introduced in November were the Classic, 42 and the Perak. While the Jawa 42 is the entry level model, with a price tag of Rs. 1.55 lakhs, the  Classic sits a little higher, at a price of Rs. 1.63 lakhs. The Perak hardtail bobber is the top-end motorcycle in the range, and its prices start from Rs. 1.89 lakhs.

Jawa 42 Galatic Green

However, the actual customer deliveries of the Jawa Perak will happen by the end of 2019. From this week, Jawa  dealers across the country will begin delivering the 42 and Classic to those customers who have already pre-booked  these motorcycles. Notably, bookings have been suspended until September 2019 as Jawa intends to first finish  delivering the backlog of motorcycles whose bookings have already been accepted by dealers across the country. The Jawa 42 and Classic that will be delivered to customers before July 2019 will feature single channel ABS braking.

After July 2019, Jawa plans to introduce dual channel ABS on both the 42 and Classic. This change comes after a lot  of customers demanded dual channel ABS on Jawa motorcycles. For those who are waiting for bookings to recommence, it will be a good idea to opt for the dual channel ABS equipped Jawas as this technology is more safer than single channel ABS. Also, stopping distance are reduced more with a dual channel ABS than with a single channel ABS. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) a life saving safety feature. So, it’s important to go for the best available option.

Meanwhile, the Jawa 300 and the 42 share the engine and gearbox. The motor in question is a 292cc, four stroke single cylinder unit with 27 Bhp of peak power and 28 Nm of peak torque. The engine is derived from the Mahindra Mojo’s motor, but has been reworked heavily for higher low end torque – similar to what the original Jawas used to offer. The engine gets dual exhausts, fuel injection, a four valve head and twin overhead camshafts. The gearbox is a 6 speed unit but there’s no slipper clutch on offer. The Jawa Perak will get a big bore version of this engine,  displacing 334cc, and making 31 Bhp-32 Nm. The gearbox will be carried over though.

Also Read: Maruti Ciaz, Toyota Corolla, Honda City & 3 more cars to go FULL hybrid!

Mumbai Indians’ cricketers check out the famous Ambani exotic car garage at Antilia [Video]

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When talking of riches and wealth in India, some names pop up involuntarily during the conversation – Ambanis, Birlas, Tatas among others. Talking of the Ambanis, Mukesh Ambani is not only India’s but Asia’s richest man. It is said that with wealth comes power and with power comes responsibility. However, we motorheads get it the other way round – with money comes cars, lots of cars ranging from exotics to supercars and uber luxurious cars. With no dearth of money, it is natural for the Ambani’s to ride on some of the most expensive and beautiful cars in the world. Even their security uses Land Rover Discovery and BMW X5 among others. However, what all gems does the private garage of Mukesh Ambani holds? Check out the video below to know the answer.

This video clip is taken from a recent Netflix series called Cricket Fever: Mumbai Indians. The video shows Mumbai Indian players walking around Ambani’s garage in pursuit of a clue. This act is actually a part of a treasure hunt game which led them to look around for clues in the garage. What we saw, however, are some marvellous automobiles which could brighten up anyone’s day. Lined up perfectly in the garage are an array of cars from the biggest names in the automotive world. To let you know, Antilia, Mukesh Ambani’s house, has a capacity to hold around 168 cars.

Ambani Garage

Coming to the cars seen in the video, the first frame shows us various luxury SUVs and saloons lined up on the left side. This includes a Bentley Bentayga, an older generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes G63 AMG, a Bentley Mulsanne finished in white, a Range Rover SUV, a Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, Porsche Cayenne, another Range Rover SUV along with some other vehicles that are not then visible on the video. All of the other mentioned cars were already known to be in his garage, apart from maybe the Bentley Mulsanne. Also, this is not their whole collection but rather a part of it as the video does not show an all-around view of the garage.

Bmw I8 Ambani

However, the real stunner comes later in the video in the form of a BMW i8. This blue i8 is among the most sporty cars that the family owns, the rest of their collection being more biased towards luxury and opulence. Talking about the BMW i8, it is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is combined with an electric motor that produces a total of 357 Bhp and 570 Nm.

It was among the most futuristic cars at the time it was launched and had a very unique exterior design philosophy. Among the hordes of Ferraris and Lamborghinis in Mumbai, the i8 is definitely a fresh car by all standards. Another interesting fact about this sportscar is that it has a fuel efficiency of about 47 km/l, thanks to BMW’s intelligent hybrid technology.

The video proves that the Ambanis have a great taste when it comes to cars. Other super expensive cars that are owned by the family and are not shown in the video include a second Bentley Bentayga, a Mercedes Benz W221 S-Guard and BMW 7-Series High Security. They recently bought a Lamborgini Urus, which was the fastest SUV in the world till last month (title now held by Bentley Bentayga Speed). Also, a Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV is their latest buy, which goes on to show the love for Lucury SUVs they have.

Also Read: Maruti Ciaz, Toyota Corolla, Honda City & 3 more cars to go FULL hybrid!

Check out the new Honda CB 300R TVC

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Weeks ago, Honda launched the CB 300R sports naked motorcycle. Now, the Japanese two wheeler major has put out a television commercial that will soon go live on TV screens across the country. Check it out!

The Honda CB 300R was launched at a price of Rs. 2.41 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. At this price, the bike seems pricey  when compared to the likes of the KTM Duke 390 (which offers a lot more performance) and for that matter, even the TVS Apache RR 310 (a fully faired bike that’s cheaper). The higher price of the Honda CB 300R can be attributed to the fact that it’s merely assembled in India through the completely knocked down (CKD) kit route, unlike the other bikes we referred to above, which are fully manufactured in India. If Honda gets around to manufacture the CB 300R fully in India, prices are likely to drop significantly but that’s unlikely to happen given the low volumes at which the bike is likely to sell at.

Cb300r Candy Chromosphere Red

Notably, the initial demand for the Honda CB 300R has been very good, and the motorcycle is sold out until the middle of 2019. It remains to be seen if this demand persists even after Honda reopens bookings for the motorcycle sometime in the middle of this year. Also, Honda is selling the CB 300R through only 22 dealerships across India. This is to ensure a premium buying and service experience for CB 300R buyers, and it seems like Honda is treating this  motorcycle at par with superbikes that it sells from the same 22 outlets. The CB 300R gets a slew of accessories,  which will be made available at these dealerships.

Coming to the motorcycle itself, it’s based on the CBR 250R, with which it shares the frame. Beyond this though,  there are significant differences. The styling is totally different, and so are the ergonomics. The riding position  is upright, and this is meant to make the motorcycle comfortable for everyday commuting. By adding a headlamp  fairing, buyers of the CB 300R can comfortably go on longer tours as well as this move will give good wind protection. As for mechanicals, the CB 300R shares its engine and gearbox with the Honda CBR 300R, which is the  international replacement to the CBR 250R.

The Honda CB 300R is powered by a 286cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces a maximum of 31 Bhp at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 27.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm. A six speed manual gearbox is standard. Front suspension is handled by upside down forks while the rear gets a 7 stage adjustable monoshock. The motorcycle gets dual channel ABS as standard, which also has an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to further improve braking performance by maintaining optimum braking pressure between the front and rear brakes. Petal discs are standard on both the alloy wheels. The motorcycle also gets a full-LED headlamp set-up and a fully digital TFT instrument console.

Also Read: Maruti Ciaz, Toyota Corolla, Honda City & 3 more cars to go FULL hybrid!

You can rent this MASSIVE, super luxurious Cadillac Escalade Limousine right here in India [Video]

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Limousines are not quite popular in India due to the confined road space and strict orders against modification. However, there are quite a few limousines that have been imported and are available for rent for various events and festivals. Here is one such original Cadillac Escalade limousine on TRACTOR FANS channel, which can be rented for personal use.

As per the video, the rent of the vehicle is Rs. 70,000 per day, which seems extreme but due to its rarity, the price is justified. The latest generation stretched Escalade in the USA would cost around Rs. 96 lakh and importing the vehicle to India will mean paying a tax of more than 110% value of the vehicle, which takes the total cost to more than Rs. 2 crores.

The video claims that it is an original Caddilac Escalade limousine that has been imported. It gets an Indian number plate and right-hand-drive set-up, which means the vehicle has been converted. Officially, Cadillac does not sell an extended version of the Escalade in the market but there are many such specialised garages that do such modification job to stretch the vehicles and converting them into limousines.

Cadillac Limo Featured

The Cadillac Escalade seen in the video is also not the latest generation vehicle, it is from the yesteryears but looks like a beast nonetheless. It gets four doors with tinted windows. The cabin of the driver is separated by a partition that ensures complete privacy to the occupants. In the rear, the occupants can enjoy various amenities and luxuries.

The video also shows the interior of the vehicle and it gets leather bench seats that feel like plush sofas. It also gets a fully functional bar with a mini fridge. At the front, it gets a large LCD TV screen that can be used to play various videos through the multi-speaker system in the vehicle. The vehicle also gets ambient light set-up and the roof gets special lights that give the feel of a discotheque.

At the rear, the vehicle gets stickers that say that it is an original Cadillac, which has been imported from the USA. The other side of the vehicle also says “Long Vehicle”, a sticker, which we mostly seen on the long trucks.

It should be noted that many vehicles available in India have been modified into such stretched vehicles too. There are many modified Mahindra Scorpio and old-gen Ford Endeavours that have been spotted on the Indian roads. However, many of such modified vehicles get seized by the RTO department for illegal modifications. Altering the structure of a vehicle is not legal in India and a vehicle will have to get certified by ARAI to be able to legally operate on the road after modifications.

Also Read: Maruti Ciaz, Toyota Corolla, Honda City & 3 more cars to go FULL hybrid!

MG Hector to be priced similar to the Tata Harrier & Mahindra XUV500?

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The MG Hector SUV was revealed last week through a TVC, and it’ll be launched in India shortly. A Team-BHP member, RavenAvi, reports that the SUV will be priced comparably with the Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV500, which means that the Hector could start from around Rs. 14 lakhs, going all the way up to Rs. 18 lakhs. The SUV will be a five seater, but will be larger than both the Tata Harrier and the Mahindra XUV500. The actual launch is expected to happen in India by the end of May, with deliveries slated to commence by the end of June.

Mg Hector Spyshot 1

The Hector will offer both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol engine is expected to be a 1.5 liter-4  cylinder turbocharged unit with about 143 Bhp of peak power and 250 Nm of peak torque. A 6 speed manual gearbox will  be standard with this engine. The diesel will be a 2 liter unit sourced from Fiat. The turbo diesel is expected to  put out 170 Bhp of peak power and 350 Nm of peak torque, numbers that are identical to that produced by the same  engine on the Jeep Compass. A 6 speed manual gearbox will be standard with this engine as well.

The petrol engine is likely to get an in-house developed automatic gearbox right from the beginning while the diesel  engine will have to wait until 2020 for an automatic gearbox. The Hector will be a monocoque, front wheel driven SUV and an all wheel drive layout is unlikely to be offered even as an option. Notably, there’s a 7 seater Hector in the works, but that version will make it to the Indian market only in 2020. For now though, the 5 seat version with plenty of luggage space is what India will get. In India, the Hector will rival the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV500 and the Jeep Compass.

Mg Hector Spyshot 2

The Hector will be sold under the MG badge, and the SUV will be built at General Motors’ Halol factory in Gujarat. The MG brand – originally British – now belongs to Chinese automaker SAIC, which has a major stake in General Motors, and that took over the GM factory at Gujarat after the latter decided to exit the Indian market. The MG brand will be marketed as a British brand in the Indian market, and its Chinese connection is likely to be played down. Notably, the MG Hector is actually based on the Baojun 530, a popular Chinese SUV.

The Hector will be followed by an electric SUV, which MG is likely to launch by the end of 2019, or early 2020.  There’s a Hyundai Creta-sized SUV also in the works for a launch in India. MG Motor is expected to operate mainly in the SUV space in the Indian market given the demand for such vehicles here. The automaker has already begun setting up dealerships across India ahead of the Hector’s launch. We expect MG Motor to launch the Hector with at least 50 dealerships across the country ready to sell the SUV.

Also Read: Maruti Ciaz, Toyota Corolla, Honda City & 3 more cars to go FULL hybrid!

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