Hyundai Motor India on Friday stated that it is looking to close the calendar year 2023 with a personal best domestic sales milestone of six lakh units. The previous best of 5.5 lakh units was achieved in calendar year 2022.
Hyundai Exter has received over one lakh orders since its launch.
Underlining the success of new models launched this year – Ioniq 5 electric vehicle and Exter sub-compact SUV, Hyundai highlighted that it has enhanced production capacity at its plant in Tamil Nadu by 50,000 units to 820,000 units. This number is a combination of units manufactured for both the domestic as well as overseas markets. This combined figure is also eyeing a new personal best for the Korean brand in India, at 7.60 lakh, up from the previous best of 7.10 lakh achieved in 2018.
While the likes of the Venue, Creta and the updated Verna remain strong performers for Hyundai in India, the company specifically points to Exter which was launched in June and has received over one lakh orders since.
Watch: Hyundai Exter SUV: First Drive Review
Hyundai has now completed 27 years in India and has managed to increase its share in the global Hyundai sales pie, from 15.6 per cent in 2019 to 18.6 per cent in 2023 (January-September). The company officials are now targeting a 20 per cent share in the times to come.
After a long wait, the MTHL will be thrown open to the public from December 25, 2023.
Published On Nov 17, 2023 06:06:00 PM
Anyone who travels from South and Central Mumbai to Navi Mumbai should be rejoicing from December 25, 2023 as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) road opens to the public. This important and rather impressive feat of engineering should prove a boon to road users in the Island City and some of its suburbs. We’ve compiled some pertinent and fun facts about the MTHL to gauge just how beneficial it will be.
How long is it?
The total length of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is 21.8km, and 16.5km of that goes over the Thane Creek, making it India’s longest sea bridge. To put that into perspective, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link spans just 5.6km, stretching over Mahim Bay.
There will be around 5.5km of highways on land, which will include interchanges to facilitate connections to the Eastern Freeway in Sewri, Mumbai and Chirle in Navi Mumbai. While most of the MTHL is made of concrete, there is a 4.7km steel span in the middle to allow for ships to pass underneath.
The MTHL will have six lanes – three east-bound and three west-bound – along with an emergency lane on both sides.
How fast can you go?
Commuters will be able to traverse the 21.8km length quite quickly as the MMRDA has assigned a speed limit of 100kph on the highway. In addition, the usual bunch up at toll plazas should be mitigated somewhat by an Open Road Tolling (ORT) system. Keep about Rs 200 available on your FASTag, as the toll amount for a private car should be in that region. The MMRDA has stated that tolls would be collected until 2045.
An India-first
For the first time in India, Orthotropic Steel Decks (OSDs) – seven of them – have been used to build a bridge. An OSD is a fabricated deck that consists of a structural steel deck plate stiffened either longitudinally or transversely, or in both directions, which increases load carrying capacities. The spans of the decks range between 90m and 180m.
Safety and security
There are a number of factors that contrinute to safety, and not just for vehicles on the road. One is that the Rs 17,843 crore project will have sound barriers, mufflers and ecologically sensitive lighting for large sections to protect the movement of flamingos and migratory birds. In addition, there will also be vision barriers – as some parts of the MTHL will go past the sensitive area of BARC – along with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) such as the 130 speed cameras, CCTV cameras, variable message signs (VMS), and more.
Beyond Transport
A 5.6km-long temporary access bridge had been built to transport equipment and workers for construction, but instead of wasting money demolishing it, the MMRDA announced that it would convert the road into a bird-watching platform.
Multi-brand EV platform BLive has deployed 30 Ather electric scooters that will be used for last-mile deliveries in the city of Ahmedabad. The move is a part of BLive and Zomato’s partnership that began in July this year and will see the former electrify the food delivery aggregator’s last-mile delivery needs. The first such initiative was taken in Hyderabad and BLive is looking to expand the same to other cities. BLive aims to expand its EV fleet across 20 cities in the future.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 16 Nov 2023, 19:15 PM
BLive will be using Ather electric scooters for last-mile deliveries for Zomato in Ahmedabad
Not just Ather electric scooters but BLive manages over 40 brands on its digital platform including electric two-, three- and four-wheelers. The company is looking to expand its footprint to 100 premium multi-brand stores by 2024, offering a range of EVs and services. The company also facilitates EV adoption for personal and business use, as in the case of Zomato, by offering charging infrastructure, post-sales service and easy financing options.
Speaking about the announcement, Samarth Kholkar – CEO and co-founder – BLive, “In our ongoing commitment to fostering green mobility solutions, BLive is thrilled to join forces with Zomato and Ather to introduce 30 Ather electric vehicles for food delivery in Ahmedabad. Our objective is to transform the way deliveries are made, setting a new standard in the industry by integrating EVs into Zomato’s operations. We are excited to bring this sustainable initiative to Ahmedabad, a city that is already showing great enthusiasm for green delivery solutions. This partnership marks a significant step towards a cleaner and greener future in the delivery ecosystem, showcasing BLive’s commitment to environmental sustainability and business innovation.”
Also Watch: Ather 450S review: Worthy of its price tag?
Nikhil Patil, Head – Corporate Sales at Ather Energy, said, “We are delighted to partner with BLive and Zomato to contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for food delivery in Ahmedabad. Electric vehicles are not only known for their performance but also for their environmental impact. Our vision aligns perfectly with this initiative, and we look forward to witnessing the positive change our electric scooters will bring to the delivery landscape in the city.”
Ather Energy presently retails two electric scooters – 450S and 450X. Retail pricing on electric scooters starts at ₹1.30 lakh for the 450S and ₹1.38 lakh for the 450X. All prices are ex-showroom, Bengaluru. The Ather 450S makes do with fewer features and a smaller 2.9 kWh battery pack, while the 450X is available with the 2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh battery pack options.
Roughly 2.5 million to 3 million two-wheelers sold between Navratri and the end of Diwali season.
The Indian two-wheeler market, which posted a flattish sale in the 2022 festive season, is back to a strong double-digit growth inching closer to the previous peak on the back of a growing economy and initial signs of revival at the bottom end of the pyramid. Close to 2.5 million to 3 million units are estimated to have been retailed between Navratri and the end of Diwali season.
The leading players Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company – three of the top four two-wheeler makers – claim to have grown by double digits in the first half of this season, starting from Onam in August till Navratri in October and are estimated to have sustained the strong momentum of Navratri and Dussehra into Dhanteras and Diwali, concluding the season with Bhaidooj.
Hero MotoCorp, the largest two-wheeler maker, had already guided for strong double-digit growth during the analyst conference call. Niranjan Gupta, CEO of Hero MotoCorp, had said the demand momentum has been very strong both from rural and urban markets. “The festive season has started off very well and overall, we do expect momentum building as we move forward. So far, we have grown by 15 percent and we expect that the market will grow in double digits this season,” Gupta said.
Last festive season, Hero MotoCorp had sold over 1.2 million vehicles between Navratri to Diwali, but this time around, assuming a minimum growth of 15 percent guided by the company, it is likely to have retailed about 1.3 million to 1.4 million.
And both its key Indian rivals – Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company – have already outperformed the market in the first half of the season from Onam to Dussehra and both companies had expressed confidence in posting a double-digit growth this season. “We are expecting 12-15 percent industry growth during the festive season as compared to a similar period last year. Our recently launched Pulsar N150 is doing well, and we expect to outpace the industry growth on the back of our strong performance in the 125cc plus segment,” Rakesh Sharma, executive director of Bajaj Auto, told our sister publication Autocar Professional during a quarterly media conference call.
This growth can be attributed to a key segment of entry two-wheeler buyers coming back. Hero MotoCorp has already witnessed a growth in its 100-110cc segment led by the new launches and TVS Motor Company too believes that the rural market is coming back and it will help the overall market.
Federation of Automotive Dealers Association (FADA) in its review of the Navratri-Dussehra season had said that the two-wheeler category saw several positive trends, buoyed by festive cheer and stronger rural demand. Enhanced availability of models, especially those in high demand from the previous year, along with better financial schemes, contributed to a solid market momentum.
“States going into elections also injected optimism into the market, leading to an increase in government spending and improved liquidity,” FADA said in its statement. “Despite a shift in festival dates with Diwali moving to November, the anticipation of the festive season stimulated purchase intent and dealers reported good stock preparation and robust ground efforts that led to an uptick in sales figures, showcasing a resilient and adaptive market.”
The average inventory for the two-wheeler segment was adequate at 40-45 days and there were numerous schemes being rolled out by vehicle makers to woo buyers, especially for the entry segment and in the rural and semi-urban areas.
Jaipur-based electric two-wheeler maker, Hop Electric Mobility ended the festive season on a high. The company announced that it delivered one electric vehicle every two minutes to customers on the festive days with HOP retailing over 500 EVs. The electric scooter and motorcycle maker attributed the success to its special offers and discounts rolled out during this period.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 15 Nov 2023, 19:03 PM
HOP Electric delivered over 500 EVs to customers over the festive days this year
Customers were handed keys to the LEO and LYF e-scooters in both low-speed and high-speed options. Prices for the HOP e-scooter range start from ₹69,000 (ex-showroom). As part of the festive offers, the company offered the LYF e-scooter on an EMI option of ₹1,899 per month, while the HOP LEO e-scooter was available on an EMI of ₹2,199 per month. The OXO electric motorcycle was available on a monthly EMI of ₹3,499 per month.
Hop Electric rolled out special offers and discounts for the festive season that helped boost sales
Ketan Mehta, Founder & CEO of HOP Electric Mobility said, “The festive season has proved to be a turning point for the electric vehicles’ segment, which continued the momentum from the previous month when more than 71,000 electric two-wheelers were sold, according to Govt. estimates. The season presented a unique opportunity for people to join the green-mobility bandwagon, while also taking advantage of these incredible deals. We thank our customers, who expressed their trust in our brand vehicles and aligned with a common goal to contribute to a sustainable future for our planet.”
Furthermore, HOP Electric also offered zero per cent down payment, benefits of up to ₹5,100 and flexible EMIs across its range.
The braced handlebar, hand guards and sump guard mark this out as a member of the CT lineup.
A new Bajaj commuter motorcycle has been spied testing, and a closer look suggests that it could be an upcoming model in the company’s CT lineup of rugged workhorses. While most of the test mule is covered in camouflage, there are certain key details visible which mark it out as a CT model.
For starters, the overall design approach, with a large circular headlight and a tall, wide handlebar, is very similar to the current CT 125X, which we took a spin on last year and were quite impressed by. And then there are a number of smaller elements as well. The presence of hand guards is quite unusual on commuters, but it’s something that we’ve seen Bajaj do on models like the Platina 110 ABS. The same goes for the sump guard and braced handlebar as well, which one doesn’t usually see in this segment, but the CT 125X gets both, as does this test mule. All this further strengthens the theory that what we see here is an early preview of an upcoming CT model.
There are also factors to suggest that this new model will sit above the existing CT 125X, the biggest among them being the more premium split-spoke design for its alloy wheels. It’s also not quite as utilitarian as the smaller 125, missing out on a rear luggage rack. Perhaps this could be a 150cc iteration of the rugged CT platform, called something like the CT 150X. After all, Bajaj recently discontinued the Pulsar P150, meaning that its only 150cc models are the sporty new N150 (which replaces the P150) and the aged Pulsar 150, leaving space for a basic, rugged commuter motorcycle.
KTM 990 Duke uses a new 947 cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces 121 bhp and 103 Nm. It comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 14 Nov 2023, 18:35 PM
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KTM has unveiled the 2024 990 Duke at EICMA 2023. The motorcycle will be going on sale in the global market in the coming months. The new motorcycle will sit above the 890 DUKE GP in the lineup and will be produced at KTM’s main plant in Mattighofen, Austria.
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KTM 990 Duke will be competing against other litre-class naked motorcycles. As of now, KTM has no plans to launch the 990 Duke in the Indian market. KTM used to have the 790 Duke in the Indian market but they weren’t able to sell it.
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Powering the 990 Duke is a new LC8c engine that is Euro 5+ compliant. It is a 947 cc, parallel-twin engine that is liquid-cooled. It puts out 121 bhp of max power at 9,500 rpm and a peak torque output of 103 Nm at 6,750 rpm. It comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox and the rider can also opt for a quickshifter.
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The KTM 990 Duke has been developed around a completely new steel tube frame. The subframe is an aluminium diecast part with an integrated airbox and air intake under the seat.
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Moreover, the swingarm is also new and the triple clamp is made out of forged aluminium. The wheels of the 990 Duke measure 17 inches and are taken from the 1290 Super Duke R but slightly modified to incorporate the double-sided swingarm. They are wrapped in Bridgestone S22 tires as standard.
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The frame is suspended by 43 mm WP Apex open cartridge forks in the front that have 140 mm of travel and at the rear, there is a WP Apex monoshock
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The front suspension setup comes with compression and rebound adjustment that can be done through clickers that are present on top of the forks. The rear suspension can be adjusted through a 5-click setting for rebound and with manual preload adjustment.
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Braking duties are handled by a pair of 300 mm discs with 4-pot calipers, while a single 240 mm disc mated to a single-piston caliper handles the braking duties at the rear.
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The motorcycle also comes with traction control, wheelie control, launch control and even cruise control as part of the package. There is lap timer, switchable ABS and even lean angle data.
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In terms of features, the 990 Duke is equipped with LED lighting, a USB Type C charger and a 5-inch coloured TFT screen. There are five riding modes – Rain, Street, Sport and the Performance and Track mode are optional.
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The headlamp is quite unique and has an industrial design. It still has KTM’s fang-like design language that we have seen on other motorcycles. There are LED Daytime Running Lamps and a twin-projector setup for the main headlight.
The latter is more expensive, but also offers a more premium experience.
Published On Nov 14, 2023 09:00:00 AM
I have a fun-to-drive, 7-year-old Maruti Suzuki S-Cross diesel, which brings a smile every time I drive. However, it’s becoming cumbersome to drive in city traffic due to snarls caused by metro works. Is an EV worth it? My budget is Rs 20 lakh and I can extend it up to Rs 25 lakh.
Ramkumar, Chennai
Autocar India says: EVs are fun to drive as city cars and certainly worth considering if you have a wall box charger at your home. However, do bear in mind that long-distance trips, though possible, need proper planning and can take longer than expected because of charging breaks on highways. If you do decide to go in for an EV, the MG ZS EV is the best option for Rs 25 lakh.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 13 Nov 2023, 15:43 PM
At least one person has lost life and several others were injured in a road accident that took place near Ludhiana in Punjab today morning. According to the police, dense fog led to a massive car pile-up which also involved buses and trucks, on the Ludhiana-Delhi national highway in the early hours of November 13. As of now, there is no exact number of vehicles involved in the accident. However, the police said that more than two dozen vehicles, over 24 in number, piled up against each other in the mishap.
A massive car pile-up took place near Ludhiana in Punjab in the early hours of November 13 where more than 24 vehicles crashed due to dense fog.
Initial reports said that no one was seriously injured in the accident, which took place around 40 kms from Ludhiana district headquarters near a village called Libra. Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Khanna), had said that those who were injured in the road accident have been discharged after they received first-aid at local private hospitals.
Police said that some of the victims involved in the crash drove away their vehicles despite being damaged. Police towed away the other vehicles which were badly damaged in the incident. According to police, at least two state transport buses and one truck was involved in the pile-up. Prima facie, dense fog is seen as the key reason behind the road accident.
Road accidents in India have been on the rise in the past few years. According to the report released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), India recorded a total of 4.61 lakh road mishaps last year. The number of people killed due to these accidents has gone up to 1.68 lakh. Nearly 4.45 lakh people were also injured in these road accidents. The number of accidents in India has gone up by almost 12 per cent compared to 2021 while the number of fatalities has increased by 9.4 per cent. Overspeeding, wrong-side driving and drunken driving are some of the biggest reasons behind road accidents in India.
The Centre is planning to introduce new norms in car safety as road accidents continue to surge in India. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has shared a draft policy which proposes installing in-built collision warning signal in passenger cars as well as commercial vehicles to bring down the number of road accidents in the country.
Yohan Poonawalla wins ‘Collector of the Year’ at the Geneva Motor Show in Doha. We look through his magnificent Rolls-Royce and bespoke limo collection.
Published On Nov 13, 2023 09:00:00 AM
1964 Lincoln Continental 4-door Convertible ‘Popemobile’: Imported from the US for the use of Pope Paul VI during his visit to India in 1964. It was later gifted to Mother Teresa
1979 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI 7-Passenger Limo: Built to be a showpiece car for the company, this car was used by Queen Elizabeth II. The number plate reads HMQ 001 – ‘Her Majesty Queen 1’.
1949 Bentley Mark VI 4-light Touring Saloon: Built for the Maharaja of Mysore, the second richest man in the world at the time, the ‘Rhubarb & Custard car’ won the Duke of Marlborough Award at Salon Prive in 2021.
1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Sports Saloon: Bought by Sir Malcolm Campbell, who broke the land speed record nine times, this car was capable of doing 95mph (153kph) and comes equipped with several powerful horns.
Industrialist Yohan Poonawalla has been awarded the title of ‘Collector of the year’ at the inaugural Geneva International Motor Show in Qatar. Held at the same time as the Formula 1 race, the show had both new as well as classic cars on display.
Commenting on being selected as ‘Collector of the Year’, Poonawalla said, “I felt honoured to be recognised, and especially appreciated the attention the Indian historic cars drew.”
1927 Rolls-Royce 20 HP Tourer: This Barker-bodied Rolls-Royce 20 HP belonged to the Nawab of Sachin. It has three spare wheels specially designed for Indian conditions.
Of the magnificent seven that Yohan took to Doha, the 1927 Rolls-Royce 20HP Tourer stands out. Displayed in period-correct livery, along with an interesting collection of photographs from when the car was new, the Barker-bodied car belonged to the Nawab of Sachin. It uniquely has three spare wheels specially included for Indian conditions.
Also ex-Indian royalty, the ’49 Silver Wraith Drophead Foursome Coupe by James Young. This car was delivered to the Maharaja of Mysore in 1949, but was later acquired by the Maharaja of Bharatpur. The car was used by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh when he visited India in 1959.
1962 Rolls-Royce Phantom V: This seven-passenger limo by James Young was a star at the 1962 Geneva Show and belonged to the Ruler of Qatar, HH Sheikh Ahmad Bin Ali Al Thani.
Up next, the 1949 Bentley Mark VI 4-light Touring Saloon by Hooper and Co. Built for the Maharaja of Mysore, this famous Mark VI Bentley is known as the ‘Rhubarb & Custard car’ for its delicious colour scheme. Bought in Mumbai around 15 years ago, this car was restored to its former glory using details from factory build-sheets. It has won the Duke of Marlborough Award at Salon Prive in 2021 and the prestigious Rob Emberson trophy for its ‘Best in Class’ at the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club Concours d’Elegance in 2022.
Another of the stars of the show was the 1964 Lincoln Continental 4-door Convertible ‘Popemobile’. Imported for the use of Pope Paul VI in 1964, the car (incidentally similar to the ’61 that JFK was assassinated in) was later gifted to Mother Teresa. Poonawalla says he uses this car often at night with the top down. “It’s a practical, easy-to-use car with lots of creature comforts, so I tend to take it out a lot at night.”
1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith DH Foursome Coupe: Bought by the Maharaja of Mysore, it was used for HRH Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip’s visit to India in 1959.
Looking back, Poonawalla, also the first Indian to be included in the list of top 100 classic car collectors, seemed very pleased. “It was a memorable night, especially witnessing the world’s press and media appreciating my cars.” The event will return every alternate year to Doha.
Honda Global has pulled the wraps off the new NX500 adventure tourer and CB500 Hornet streetfighter motorcycles at EICMA 2023. The Honda NX500 ADV may seem a bit too familiar for many readers because this is the CB500X adventure motorcycle in an all-new avatar. Honda says that the new term ‘NX’ stands for “New x-over.” Meanwhile, the CB500 Hornet is the new name for the CB500F.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 12 Nov 2023, 17:56 PM
The 2024 Honda NX500 is essentially the comprehensively updated CB500X with a new name
The 2024 Honda NX500 gets a major redesign over the outgoing model. The update includes a brand-new face with an LED headlamp cluster and a larger windscreen. The fairing has been redesigned as well and is now much larger, giving the model a stronger road presence. Changes at the rear include a new taillight, as well as the new and lighter alloy wheels. The bike also sports a 5-inch TFT digital console with Bluetooth connectivity.
The 2024 Honda NX500 uses an updated 471 cc parallel-twin engine that develops 47 bhp
Power comes from the comprehensively updated 471 cc parallel-twin engine. The motor gets new internals with a crank counterweight and balancer shaft to make the unit smoother. Power output remains the same at 47 bhp. Honda has also re-tuned the suspension setup for better on-road and off-road ability.
Coming to the 2024 Honda CB500 Hornet, the streetfighter now packs a new single-piece LED headlamp with a DRL. The styling has been revised for a more modern and muscular appeal. The fuel tank gets more bulbous on the motorcycle, while there’s a new and larger side-slung exhaust on the motorcycle. On the feature front, the bike gets all-LED lighting and a 5-inch TFT digital console with smartphone connectivity.
The 2024 Honda CB500 Hornet gets a redesign, updated mechanicals and new colours. It is unlikely to come to the Indian market though
The new Honda CB500 Hornet also uses the 471 cc twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor tuned for 47 bhp and 43 Nm of peak torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and an optional quickshifter. Suspension duties are carried out by 41 mm Showa front forks with a monoshock at the rear. Braking performance comes from dual 296 mm at the front and a single 240 mm disc at the rear with dual-channel ABS. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Honda CB500X had been previously on sale in India and could return in the form of the new NX500 sometime in 2024. Meanwhile, the CB500 Hornet is unlikely to make it here due to low demand and will be sold in international markets.
Opting for the extended warranty cover is an assured way of staying out of trouble.
Published On Nov 12, 2023 09:00:00 AM
I am planning to buy a Volkswagen Virtus, and most reviews have mentioned that the DSG transmission on the 1.5-litre engine has reliability issues. I am confused. Is that true?
Sandeep Gonam, Bengaluru
Autocar India says: The Volkswagen Virtus scores high on the grounds of safety and comfort, as well as the fun-to-drive experience, particularly in its 1.5-litre TSI engine guise. While the company has had issues pertaining to the reliability of the 7-speed DSG transmission – codenamed the DQ200 – in the past, most of these have been resolved in the Virtus and Taigun.
The DQ200, which is a dry clutch dual-clutch transmission, used to encounter premature failures owing to the torque surge, particularly in some diesel models like the Vento. The gearbox used to also develop issues related to its mechatronic unit, which is an electro-mechanical control system of this complex technology, and is learnt to get affected across models.
However, the company has addressed these too in the Virtus and Taigun GT variants that come with the DSG drivetrain. While Volkswagen has tuned the 1.5-litre TSI engine to offer a linear torque delivery, well within the gearbox’s engineered limits, the DSG unit has also been thoroughly sealed to prevent any water-related damage to the mechatronics.
Moreover, the company is now also offering an extended 7-year warranty coverage on the Virtus GT, ensuring peace of mind for the buyer. Given that it is undoubtedly a satisfying experience to be behind the wheel of a Virtus 1.5, we would advise you to go ahead and buy the car.
We would still strongly recommend opting for the extended warranty cover, and being prepared for any untoward repairs, if at all, during the ownership cycle.
Royal Enfield 650 Twins have been in the market for quite some time now. One of the biggest gripes that owners of motorcycles have reported over the years is the absence of tubeless tyres. Considering that the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 weigh over 200 kg, it is quite cumbersome to get a puncture fixed. Many shops won’t even consider touching the motorcycle because of the rear disc brake. Even if they do, finding the right-sized tube is another different issue. Now, all of this comes from personal experience. Yes, there are a few after-market alloy wheels and some tubeless conversion kits as well. However, not all of them have been successful.
By: Paarth Khatri | Updated on: 11 Nov 2023, 13:48 PM
The Interceptor 650 is currently the most affordable 650 cc motorcycle in the Indian market.
With the 2023 update, Royal Enfield finally decided to add alloy wheels but they are available only on the Blacked-out edition of the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. Moreover, Royal Enfield is still not offering alloy wheels as an accessory that existing owners can buy and retrofit to their motorcycles. Some people might argue that spoked wheels are better as their ability to take a hit against a bad pothole is better. However, once my motorcycle had faced a couple of punctures, the idea of alloy wheels started feeling better and with alloys, I would finally be able to ride with peace of mind. After all, even if the tyre gets punctured any shop would be able to fix it or I would be able to fix it with a puncture repair kit.
Fixing a puncture on the spoked wheels with tube-type tyres is no less than a nightmare.
However, first I needed to find a new set of tubeless tyres as my current Ceats were worn out and tube-type. There are not a lot of options for 18-inch wheels in the Indian market. Fortunately, Vredestein launched the Centauro STs with the 2023 Continental GT 650. I have ridden the GT 650 with these tyres and they were significantly better than the Ceats. Fortunately, I was able to find a set that cost me around ₹11,500 in Delhi. Yes, some sellers are selling and even shipping the same set for less. However, I was in a hurry as my motorcycle started wobbling because of the bald tyres.
One needs to put up an order with the RE workshop for the alloy wheels as spare parts. This is where the process was quite time-consuming for me. It took almost a month for the shop to acquire the alloy wheels whereas I was told it would take a week to ten days.
Fitting alloys can take some time but it needs to be done only once.
Cost of the alloy wheels
The front wheel costs ₹7,500 while the rear one costs ₹9,000. Apart from this, there will be a fitting charge as well depending if you get the alloys fitted through the service centre or a tyre shop. Speaking of the tyre shop, make sure that the new tyres are fitted on the alloys in the correct direction. This will set you back by a few hundred bucks.
What’s next? We will be riding the motorcycle with the new setup and report on how the new tyres perform. Apart from that, the Interceptor has clocked almost 10,000 km so we will be doing an ownership report on it. So, stay tuned for that.
We recently brought you the news that the international pricing of the Aprilia RS 457 had been revealed. Now, we can give you an informed estimate of how much the bike will cost in India.
At the sidelines of the EICMA 2023 motor show, we got to meet Diego Arioli – Head of Product Marketing Motorcycles, Piaggio Group and he gave us some insights on Piaggio’s intentions with the RS 457 in India.
“In my opinion India is a market with a class of customers looking for what’s the next chapter. Seeing what’s currently on offer with affordable fully faired bikes, I noticed the proposition is all about single cylinder bikes. In my opinion, the next big story could be moving to the twin and that’s why we wanted to launch the bike in India”
Diego tells us that the main idea is for it to be available not at CBU prices. That being said, he confirmed that Aprilia will stick to its positioning as a premium company and will not get into price competition with other players. With the RS 457’s parallel twin motor, aluminium chassis and premium electronics, Arioli believes that Aprilia is justified to have an ambitious price.
It was always expected that the RS 457 would be priced at a premium, but the concern was by how much. We finally have a clear idea as Arioli tells us that the company is contemplating a price between Rs 3.75 lakh to 4 lakh. He goes on to say that the price needs to be ambitious and not for everyone, but still at a reasonable price.
This philosophy goes with the fact that Aprilia has a big task on its hands with dealership expansion and training in order to offer the right experience for such an expensive product. This will be the first time Piaggio is selling a locally made motorcycle in India and it will cost two to three times that of the existing Aprilia and Vespa scooters.
The RS 457 is a global product and it will be sold in the same spec in Europe. For now, India is the only production base, but CKD assembly might commence at a later date – Aprillia has 6 production facilities worldwide – India, Vietnam, Indonesia and three plants in Italy. To make an entry in India, local production was the only way and that’s why the Baramati plant was selected for this project.
In other good news, Arilio suggests that the advent of the RS 457 in India could have positive effects on the big bike business as well. With the opening of more premium Motoplex outlets in large cities, the sales and service network for big bikes could also be increased. This is something that is currently very limited for the Aprilia and Moto Guzzi CBU motorcycles.
The Aprilia RS 457 India launch is likely to happen early next year and we expect to be riding the bike around that time as well. Is a sub Rs 4 lakh price tag appealing for the premium technology, equipment, design and brand value that the Rs 457 brings? Let us know in the comments section below.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 10 Nov 2023, 15:07 PM
The Odd-Even rule in Delhi will not be implemented from November 13. Gopal Rai, Environment Minister of Delhi confirmed plans to postpone the scheme on Friday after the Supreme Court came down heavily against the vehicle rationing system. The apex court criticised the Odd-Even rule questioning its efficacy in bringing down pollution level. It said that the scheme will have minimum impact in efforts to curb pollution amid very poor to severe air quality index (AQI) in the national capital. The court has asked the Delhi government to take a call on whether to implement the Odd-Even rule at all.
Delhi government had announced that it will implement Odd-Even rule in the national capital from November 13 to help reduce pollution. However, it later said that the scheme’s implementation will depend on Supreme Court’s review of the vehicle rationing system. (HT Archive) (HT_PRINT)
On Monday, the Delhi government had announced that it will re-introduce the Odd-Even rule in the national capital after four years. The city is currently under grip of severe pollution and smog ahead of Diwali festivities. Anticipating that the air quality will worsen further, the state government had planned to relaunch the vehicle rationing system a day after the festival. However, while addressing a press conference today, Gopal Rai said, “Due to the rainfall last night, the AQI which was 450+ has now reached around 300. In view of this, the decision to implement the odd-even rule has been postponed. The situation would be analysed again after Diwali,” he said while addressing the media.”
Earlier today, the Supreme Court refused to entertain Delhi government’s submission that it will finalise the Odd-Even rule and its modalities, including vehicle exemption and timings, after the court’s order. “Don’t try to not perform and then shift the burden on the court,” the Supreme Court said today. “As per the report from amicus curiae, advocate assisting the court on the issue, odd-even does not help; it will have a minimal impact,” the Supreme Court bench added. The Supreme Court had earlier termed Delhi government’s move to introduce Odd-Even rule as an ‘optics’.
The Odd-Even rule was first introduced back in 2016. It was implemented in 2016, 20017 and 2019. Several studies have been published to determine the efficacy of the Odd-Even rule in effectively bringing down pollution levels. While the scheme helps to reduce vehicular traffic, especially passenger vehicles, it also promotes public transport. However, none of the studies show that Odd-Even rule has helped improve air quality by much in the previous instances.
The Odd-Even vehicle rationing system restricts private vehicles to operate on alternate days based on their registration numbers. For instance, registration numbers ending with odd numbers will be allowed to ply on odd dates. Cars and two-wheelers which have registration ending with even numbers will be allowed to ply on even dates.
XUV400 facelift and EVs based on its INGLO platform are next in line for the carmaker.
Mahindra continues to enjoy a strong demand for its brand and is garnering an average of 51,000 units booking every month over the last few months.
Speaking to the media post Q2 FY24 (April 2023-March 2024) earnings call, Rajesh Jejurikar, ED and CEO of Auto and Farm business at Mahindra & Mahindra said that the company is sitting on an order book of 2.86 lakh units as of November 1, and the cancellation rate continues to remain in single digits – 8 percent.
Mahindra SUVs pending orders
The company currently has a backlog of 10,000 bookings for the XUV300 and XUV400, 70,000 for the XUV700, 76,000 units for the Thar, 11,000 units of the Bolero and 1,19,000 of the Scorpio (both N and Classic). The company has ramped up production for all its key models, including the XUV700, Thar and Scorpio.
Jejurikar stated that the company is keen on delivering more cars in the future and will look to bring down the waiting period.
Between July and September 2023, Mahindra & Mahindra sold 1,14,742 SUVs, which is more than double the volume it used to do a couple of years ago. The company has ranked as the second best SUV maker in the country for five consecutive quarters.
Mahindra revenue market share increases
Mahindra’s market share in the SUV space has increased to 19.9 percent by the end of September, and Jejurikar said that the company is confident of holding on to revenue leadership in the SUV space.
To sustain the product excitement, Jejurikar stated that the company will be coming out with an updated version of the XUV400 with improved interiors, and the company is well on track with its EV plans on the Inglo platform – the first model is scheduled to be launched in December 2024.
Hero MotoCorp’s electric two-wheeler arm Vida has unveiled the Lynx and Aero electric dirt bike concepts at EICMA 2023. The Vida Lynx is an electric dirt bike concept that promises quick acceleration with its light weight, while the Vida Acro is a modular electric dirt bike concept targeted at children between the ages of 3-9 years.
By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor | Updated on: 09 Nov 2023, 17:27 PM
The Vida Lynx Concept is an electric dirt bike that weighs just over 80 kg with a 15 kW (20.1 bhp) motor
The Vida Lynx electric dirt bike’s design has been inspired by the lynx spotted wild cats, which are known for their agility in climbing. The company says that the Lynx e-bike mimics those qualities with the focus on having the best “ride and handling characteristics with the lowest possible weight.” Being an electric offering gives riders access to instant torque and silent operation, bringing more possibilities to the model.
The bike gets a suspension geometry for better weight distribution, allowing it to tackle rough terrains, while the new frame allows better front-to-rear weight distribution to optimise handling. Vida says that parameters like regenerative braking and traction control can be customised on the bike using a mobile app. The Lynx weighs a little over 80 kg and gets a 3 kWh battery pack that can last for about an hour. The electric motor churns out about 15 kW (20.1 bhp), promising an incredible power-to-weight ratio.
The Vida Acro concept showcases a modular frame that can be adjusted in three sizes to suit kids between the ages 3-9 years
Up next is the Vida Acro concept electric dirt bike that’s targeted at children. The electric mini bike for kids is scalable with its three-point adjustable frame that allows the chassis to increase or decrease in size within two minutes, depending on the child’s size and age. The adjustable mechanism allows the user to adjust the seat height, length of the bike and handlebar position, to ensure the ergonomics and ride remains uncompromised. The mini bike can be adjusted in three sizes.
The Acro comes with power tool battery packs that allow for easy swap and intra-compatibility. These batteries will be able to charge home appliances as well as the mini bike, helping users save costs. The mini electric dirt bike also comes with parental controls allowing parents to add a speed limiter, geofencing, remote ‘disable’ button to prevent mishaps and more.
Vida has not confirmed production plans for the Lynx and Acro just yet but is gauging customer interest at EICMA. Enough interest should help green-light the project, which is likely to make it to Europe first, where the company begins operations by mid-2024. India could also get the electric dirt bikes making them for a very interesting proposition.
Bengaluru-based Ultraviolette Automotive unveiled the F77 electric motorcycle for international markets at EICMA 2023. A year after its India launch, the Ultraviolette F77 now enters the European market and will be priced between 9,000 and 11,000 Euros in Europe (subject to federal/state government incentives and taxes). The company will commence accepting bookings for the F77 in Europe from November 15 onwards on its website. Apart from the Euro-spec F77, Ultraviolette also showcased the F99 factory racing platform at EICMA 2023.
By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor | Updated on: 08 Nov 2023, 21:18 PM
The European-spec Ultraviolette F77 at EICMA 2023 with co-founders Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan
The Ultraviolette F77 electric motorcycle for Europe will arrive in three variants – Shadow, Laser and Airstrike. The styling remains the same while the electric motor develops 40 bhp and 100 Nm of peak torque, similar to the Indian version. The 10.3 kWh battery pack powers the PMS motor but the range for Europe is yet to be revealed.
Performance figures remain the same with 0-60 kmph coming up in 2.9 seconds and 0-100 kmph in 7.8 seconds. The bike gets three-level regenerative braking. The F77 has been completely designed and developed in India and will be exported from the manufacturer’s facility in Bengaluru. The electric motorcycle also gets three ride modes – Glide, Combat and Ballistic, apart from a host of connectivity features.
The F77 for Europe remains identical to the Indian version but the range is yet to be revealed from the 10.3 kWh battery pack
Speaking on the unveiling, Narayan Subramaniam, Co-Founder & CEO – Ultraviolette, said, We received an overwhelming response from enthusiasts across 190 countries, showing keen interest in the Ultraviolette F77. This energized our conviction to enter the European market, and EICMA 2023 is just the beginning, marking a significant milestone in our journey. As we set our sights on the global markets, the premiere of the F99 Factory Racing Platform further testifies to the passion, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence that started with the F77 and now seamlessly evolves into the F99. In an industry dominated by legacy players, we take pride in our role as catalysts of transformation in the realm of racing.”
Niraj Rajmohan, Co-Founder & CTO – Ultraviolette, added, “The F99 Factory Racing Platform exemplifies our vision to lead the way in global EV innovation. We take pride in driving innovation in the world of racing, providing state-of-the-art technology and unparalleled riding experiences, whether it’s on the track or the open road. Our entry into the European market marks an exhilarating milestone in our journey.”
The Ultraviolette F99 electric racing platform gets a carbon fibre components, liquid-cooled motor with 120 bhp, and a higher top speed of 265 kmph
With respect to the Ultraviolette F99 factory racing platform, the electric race bike builds on the F77 adding a full fairing. The e-bike incorporates carbon fibre in the construction of its active aerodynamics including the panels and winglets. Moreover, the electric motor is now liquid-cooled on the F99 helps take the maximum output to 90 kW (120 bhp) with 0-100 kmph coming up in just 3 seconds. The top speed has significantly increased to 265 kmph.
The Ultraviolette F99 has an aero drag coefficient of 0.45 and a low kerb weight of just 178 kg, which makes it easier to achieve high-performance numbers. The electric race bike platform was first unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo but the EICMA version gets further revisions in design and performance. Ultraviolette anticipates the global launch of the F99 commercially by 2025. The platform can enable an advanced electric racing program in the future. Ultraviolette is currently speaking to European distributors to make their electric bikes easily accessible to customers in Europe.
Ultraviolette Automotive has taken the wraps off the updated F99 electric factory racing platform, which was earlier shown at the Indian Auto Expo. There have been a bunch of changes here now including a liquid-cooled powertrain, active aerodynamics and much more.
F99 racing platform
This platform has been two years in the making and the company says that aerodynamics have played a really important role in maximising the top speed of the F99. The air intakes at the front channel the air and compression behind forms an air curtain over the rider’s helmet at high speed. Carbon-fibre winglets on each side of the bike are activated when leaned over to further reduce drag and have 30 degrees of actuation.
The F99 makes 90kW peak power and weighs 178kg. It can go from 0-100kph in a claimed 3 seconds and has a top speed of 265kph, which is comparable to some Japanese 600cc supersports. The battery is still an air-cooled unit while the motor and controller both are liquid-cooled. The company says that the F99 will be launched globally in 2025.
The F99 uses a different frame to the F77 to handle the performance and has some top-spec components included Ohlins suspension at both ends as well as Brembo monobloc calipers. It uses 400-volt battery architecture as opposed to the F77’s 60-volt and even has an underbraced milled swingarm. The wiring harness and safety protocols have been significantly strenghtened for safety with higher voltage.
European-spec F77
The European-spec F77 e-bike is essentially the highest-spec Limited variant and thus has peak output figures of 30kW and 100Nm. Seeing as it carries forward the same 10.3kWh battery pack, its range should be comparable to the India-spec bike. To see what range figure we got when we put the F77 Recon through its paces in the real world, tap here.
The F77 will be priced between 9,000 – 11,000 Euros subject to federal / state government incentives and taxes. Ultraviolette will begin accepting registrations on its official website from November 15.
