Autox - December 2019 PDF

AWARDS SPECIAL: WE FINALLY CROWN THE TOP-TEN MACHINES OF 2019
DEC 2019
`100
COMPARISON
Maruti Suzuki
S-Presso
vs
Renault
Kwid
BIKES
CB300R
INTERCEPTOR
650
SCRAMBLER
1200
BEST
OF MACAN
VENUE
CARS
SELTOS
330i
KONA
ELECTRIC
PERFORMANCE
HURACAN EVO
FTR 1200 S
10 BEST
GADGETS OF 2019
CROWNED
G E T T I N G S T R O N G E R , E V E R Y D AY ! !
Editor Speak
changing gears
My favourite few days of the year, unequivocally, are the annual World Car
Awards test drives in Los Angeles.
Members of the World Car Awards jury At the other end of the spectrum was the they haven’t bothered to offer a manual
from around the world converge at The 718 Spyder, which is about as bare-bones transmission – which, in a car like this, is
Westin in Pasadena – just a stone’s throw as cars get these days – with its 4.0-litre, downright criminal.
from the Angeles Crest Highway, arguably naturally aspirated flat-six, manual gearbox Meanwhile, the Hyundai Motor Group
one of the best driving roads in the world and hand-operated soft top. And while the was well represented. Both Hyundai and
– to test roughly two dozen of the World acceleration and grip won’t rip your face off, Kia showcased their brand new, full-
Car Awards contenders for the subsequent it was just more fun on this mountain road. size SUVs – the Palisade and Telluride
year. Of course, one of the reasons it's The connection is primal, and the entire car respectively – and both are extremely
great is because you get to pack in a lot of becomes an extension of your body. The impressive while offering exceptional
nice cars – ones that we, in India, wouldn’t magnificence of that NA flat-six engine is value for money. The luxury brands
ordinarily get to drive (American metal the reason why no one wants a 718 with should be very worried about the
naturally, but also cars like the Toyota a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder instead. sustained development by the Koreans.
Supra that will never make it to our shores) Meanwhile, the new 911 is as impressive The new Hyundai Sonata, meanwhile,
– but also because it’s a microcosm of as ever. That being said, it is perhaps too sets a new benchmark in its segment – in
body-types, drivetrains and now propulsion composed, too planted, and too capable to terms of handling, interior styling and
systems. So, it provides a window into explore its limits on anything less than a quality. It’s a great car – if you can get
which manufacturers are on the right path, racetrack. On the track, it’s mightier than over its Martian face that is.
and which appear to be straying off-course. even the current (991.2) GT3, but on the As for which machine I would take
Let’s start with Porsche – one, because road I actually miss the balancing act that home if I had the choice… well, as
I’m unashamedly a fan and, second, you had to manage with previous 911s. impressive as the Taycan is, my vote
because Porsche had a trio of offerings to All sports cars these days, in fact, are would have to go to the 718. Nothing
sample this year – two of which I had never developed on racetracks, and they appear beats steering feel, an NA engine and a
driven. The big one, of course, was the four- to have gotten too fast and too capable to manual gearbox. Yup, I remain guilty as
door Taycan EV. Now, Porsche has always really enjoy them out on the open road. charged – a modern-day Neanderthal…
said that they’ll make an electric sports Which is why one of the cars that I enjoyed
car only if they can make it a Porsche first driving the most was the new Toyota Supra.
and an EV second – and that’s exactly what Its cousin – and the car it’s very obviously
they’ve done. The first thing that strikes you based on – the BMW Z4 was there too,
is that it’s unmistakably a Porsche – it just and while it was more planted and faster,
feels right! The power delivery is simply it simply wasn’t as much fun. The steering
astounding. And the levels of grip were in the Supra felt more connected, as did
such that my neck muscles had to kick into the chassis – which had a tendency to be Dhruv Behl, Editor
overdrive to brace against the g-forces – fidgety and move around more than the @dhruv_behl | dbehl@autox.com
in a road car, on a mountain road! It was BMW. As a result, it was more involving,
otherworldly, there’s no other word for it. and I loved it! But I wouldn’t buy one, even Connect with us:
The Taycan is incredible. Period! if I had the choice or the means, because
4 DECEMBER 2019 / AUTOX.COM

CONTENTS
VOL 14, ISSUE 2, DECEMBER 2019
48
O-M-G!
The newly-launched Mercedes-
Benz G350d is greater than the
sum of its parts.
52
Electrification Challenge
We travel to China to get a
first-hand look at the
upcoming MG ZS EV.
88
62
BEST OF 2019 CROWNED Defending the Legacy
Does saying adios to the ladder
Finally, these are the top-ten machines of the year! Here are the frame mean that it’s the end of
‘Best of 2019’. an absolute legend?
38
82 44
Budget Brawl Retro Resurgence Rejuvenated
Welcome to the battle of the With the entry of the Benelli Imperiale Hyundai’s Elantra has got a mid-
wannabe SUV hatchbacks, 400, the sub-400cc classic retro cycle update, featuring new
technology and a BS-VI engine.
featuring the S-Presso & Kwid. segment just got fiercely competitive.

118
A Streak of Bad Luck

Heartbreak for Citroen as we
shadow Ogier & witness his
never-ending lows at Salou.
131
106 Lo & 4x4!

Shivank ‘crawls’ to the Kingdom of Lo Manthang in the Mustang Valley for an
overland off-road expedition of a lifetime.
2019 was a relatively good year

for the tech and gadget
industry. Now, as it comes to an
40 Better Late than Never
The new Audi A6 has been on sale in
58 Charging Ahead
We spend a few days with the Kona
end, we take a look at ten high-
end gadgets that brought a
the West for the past year-and-a-half, EV to tell you what’s it like living sense of novelty to their
so was it worth waiting for? with an electric car. respective segments.
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CONNE IONS A true visionary
Good interview! Tarun Mehta (MD of Ather
Good or bad, we love to hear
from you — just so long as
you’re not indifferent...
Energy) is a guy who knows what he’s doing.

– Nishchith Narayan
All bases Cover-ed Content is king! Less is more

And they say, never judge a book by its cover… The KTM 790 Duke review was great! I got myself a Honda CB 300R a couple of
What a superb 13th Anniversary issue! Every other video I watched seemed so weeks back, and my love for it is growing
Congratulations and looking forward to more. unnatural, as other reviewers are trying by the day. What an exceptional product
– Rohan Noronha way to hard. But people can upload all this from Honda. Classic example of
flashy stuff, ultimately it’s the way that the committing less and delivering more.
True, never judge a book by its cover… but content is brought forward. Five minutes – Arunabh Awasthi
always judge a car magazine by its cover! are more than enough for someone to tell
Because that’s what sets us apart. me about a motorcycle. Well done, autoX.
Great channel!
– Ragav Das
Cutting lives short?

Are they calling it ‘The Scalpel’ because they
are literally cutting the number of youth riders
in India into half, because of accidents?
– Adi
Keep growing!
You guys are awesome! I pray to god that …counter argument Supercharged controversy
you become the best automobile channel The company is not at fault for riders Kawasaki has screwed themselves with the
in coming years! crashing the bike! To be straight design of the Z H2. I just don’t care about it
– Partha Sarathy forward, the KTM Duke is not made for having a supercharger and 197bhp
amateur riders! anymore. Total disappointment for me!
May your prayers be answered. – Balbir Singh – Holypie
Connect with us via snail mail (shudder the thought), via e-mail at
info@autox.com or through our social media channels.
autoX autoX autoX autoXmag digital magazine @magzter

opinion by SRINIVAS KRISHNAN Twitter: @SriniKay
We tend to engage with inanimate vehicles on the road instead of the humans
in them. Which is perhaps why we are inconsiderate drivers, says Srini.
I
’m going to tell you about a slightly snobby C-Class, but it changed when I that the smaller vehicle is the innocent
embarrassing incident. One day, I was realised there was a decent chap behind one in a collision with a larger one. Or the
driving along at a moderate speed when the wheel, who also owned a classic car. perception that drivers in red cars tend to
a C-Class cut into my lane, causing me to Very often, we attribute personalities to take more chances behind the wheel than
brake sharply. That C-Class was going at a the vehicle being driven without seeing other body colours. ‘It’s true that cars
higher speed, but all he needed was a bit of who’s in it. These preconceived notions can tend to take on personalities,’ he says.
patience to wait for a gap to open up sometimes make us do unpleasant things While driving, perhaps we are not
instead of cutting in front. Now, I’m not that could lead to road rage. We don’t look bothered about things like context, when
usually provoked. But this was blatantly at the human behind the wheel, but at that there are a million cars standing between
irresponsible and inconsiderate driving by vehicle which is behaving like an oaf. While us and our destination. But it’s important to
someone in an expensive car who thinks it doesn’t absolve anyone from aggressive remember that others also feel the same
everyone else ought to make way for him or dangerous driving, our behaviour could way – you are also in one of a million other
because he’s in a hurry. change if we take a closer look at the cars coming in the way of his or her
Incensed, I downshifted and stepped on human inside. Is that a badly driven Duster destination. With a bit of empathy, our roads
the pedal to catch up with this perpetrator. or a stressed-out executive on his way back could be far better places.
The Mercedes-Benz driver sensed he had home? Is the Dzire blocking your way or an In the best-seller 7 Habits Of Highly
rubbed me up the wrong way, and so we exhausted cab driver who is yet to earn his Effective People, there’s the story of a man
started a cat-and-mouse game on public daily wages? Is it an indecisive City or a in a subway train who’s seemingly
roads. He fleeing, me seeking revenge. As harried mother on her way to school? Is it a unconcerned about the noise his children
it happens on Mumbai roads, you cannot jerky WagonR or an anxious relative were making and disturbing others. It’s only
escape. So I caught up with him, ready to heading to hospital? when one fellow passenger angrily points
launch a verbal assault. I spoke to Biju Dominic, a deeply this out to him does he wake up from his
Instead, I blurted out in the nick of time, perceptive man who’s the co-founder and stupor. It’s only later that everyone realises
‘Man, I’ve been trying to catch up with you CEO of a behaviour architecture firm that the father and his children were
to say hello… How are you doing? Where called Final Mile. His day job is to peer returning from the mother’s funeral.
are you off to? Somewhere in a rush?’ The into human minds and figure out why When we understand the context, our
Mercedes driver turned out to be someone people behave the way they do. For behaviour can change. It helps us
whom I knew. He would have obviously example, one of his behavioural empathise and makes us courteous,
been relieved to see a familiar face; as for intervention solutions continues to save considerate and safer drivers. Yes, it’s
me, I think I salvaged the situation by the lives of people who endanger tough. But not impossible.
pretending to chase him to greet him. What themselves by crisscrossing Mumbai’s
could have been a classic road rage busy railway tracks. ‘Context is one of the Srinivas Krishnan writes about classic
situation inadvertently turned out to be a most important factors when it comes to and vintage cars for various publications.
friendly encounter between two behaviour. To understand one’s behaviour, He is the former Editor of Business
acquaintances. I realised later that my it’s important to evaluate the context.’ He Standard Motoring & former Head of
behaviour was influenced by an aggressive, cites examples of how we tend to assume Press, Porsche India.

opinion by JOE SAWARD
Carmakers still issue veiled threats, suggesting that they may leave F1, but Joe
believes it’s just that – a veiled threat or negotiating tactic, and no more.
W
ith the rules and regulations in the course of the contract. It is designed and explain why this is happening and
for Formula 1 post-2020 to stop the carmakers treating the sport as whether it should be taken seriously. You
now formalised, the they have done in the past, using it when will also notice that Ferrari has stopped
attention in F1 circles is they need it and then walking way when it making noises about quitting (which is a
now turning to negotiations for the new suits them to do so. With such a deal, they ridiculous concept in any case, as Ferrari
commercial deal that needs to be become more of a partner in the business. needs F1 as much as F1 needs Ferrari). We
concluded to cover the years ahead. Ultimately, this is what the sport needs and know that Ferrari has got the commercial
Because it’s a commercial contract the currently commercial rights holders – deals it wants, retaining some of its unfair
between the various parties involved (the Liberty Media – are trying to get away from advantages. It is not as unfair as it was, but
Formula 1 Group, the FIA and the individual the confrontational style that marked the the other teams seem to have accepted
entrants), the details of the agreements Ecclestone years and move towards a that the ‘Longest Standing Team’ should be
are supposed to be confidential, but, over sport in which everyone fights on the track, allowed certain advantages.
time, details have emerged. but works together to make sure that the Mercedes, Renault and Red Bull Honda do
We know, for example, that the next deal F1 circus delivers the full potential for not have such deals, and so it’s no great
will be on ‘substantially the same terms’ as everyone involved. surprise that they are now expressing some
the current bilateral agreements, which However, the mentality of the Ecclestone doubts about their future in the sport. This
are based on the original Concorde years remains for the moment, and so one is being done on purpose, in order to create
Agreement. We know also that the new should not be surprised to suddenly be some space to negotiate with Liberty Media,
deal will cover the period from 2021 to hearing lots of stories suggesting that the as it attempts to get everyone to sign the
2030. Thus, it requires a commitment for big players are going to leave. The new deal. Formula 1 needs manufacturers
the next 10 years, and if it’s like the parroting members of the F1 media – the to give it credibility, but it does not want too
existing deal, it will include penalty copiers, rather than the real newshounds – many of them because otherwise they tend
clauses so that if a manufacturer decides happily spread such stories to fill the to get together and try to find ways to get
to withdraw from F1, it will need to pay endless virtual space that the internet commercial control of the business. The
compensation. This reduces year-by-year provides, but few of them take a step back reality is that, as long as they are not

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friendly (at a time when the industry has got
CARMAKERS HAVE RUSHED INTO itself into trouble by cheating emissions
FORMULA E BECAUSE IT PAINTS tests). Formula E was also cheap. But it

gets a fraction of the coverage that F1
THEM AS BEING ENVIRONMENTALLY- enjoys and the cost involved are going up
and not everyone can win, so the number of
FRIENDLY. BUT IT GETS A FRACTION manufacturers in Formula E will inevitably
OF THE COVERAGE THAT F1 ENJOYS & decline as the budgets go up.

I have little doubt that F1 will sort out the
THE COSTS INVOLVED ARE GOING UP commercial agreements without too much
trouble, but then the sport needs to start
performing in an embarrassing manner, F1 deal after all of its success – but it also looking for new leadership. Once Chase
is good for all those involved. Right now, understands that F1 brings huge benefits. Carey finishes the negotiations, his job will
Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Honda all So while Toto Wolff said that it is ‘not a be done and he will step down. F1 needs a
have decent engines, and the longer the given’ that the firm will remain in the sport, new leader to guide it through the 2020s.
rules remain the same, the closer they will Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius told That person needs to be able to work with a
get to one another as knowledge seeps industry analysts that while the company company that is listed on the NASDAQ stock
through the industry and research and needs to make savings of $1.5 billion by the exchange, which must abide by the rules and
development brings diminishing returns as end of 2022, it also understands the value regulations of the Securities and Exchange
the formula matures. of F1. Commission. The candidate must be able to
Renault is in a state of some internal ‘We have won the World Championship deal with top car industry executives, must
upheaval, because of management changes six times in a row,’ he said. ‘That is unique understand the media landscape and how to
and tensions within the Renault-Nissan and has more than paid off in terms of deal with governments. He (or she) does not
partnership, but no-one really doubts that marketing. So it has to be seen as a very necessarily need to be passionate about the
Formula 1 is good for the company, both in worthwhile investment.’ sport… but needs to have as little ‘baggage’
terms of positive publicity but also as a way It would be nice to see more in F1 as possible…
to develop technology, a winning mentality manufacturers come into F1, but it’s still
and to foster company pride. Honda has quite an undertaking. Carmakers have Joe Saward has been covering
always had that same kind of philosophy, rushed into Formula E because it paints Formula 1 full-time for 30 years.
while Mercedes would like to have a better them as being green and environmentally- He has not missed a race since 1988.

opinion by JENS MEINERS
The balance of power between electrics and conventional vehicles ebbs and
flows, but nothing makes headlines like a broken Cybertruck!
‘I
was misquoted,’ said Porsche CEO we’re glad that there are still gas-powered their V6 and V8 offerings. In fact, the
Oliver Blume. I had arrived at the cars around. Especially Porsches! Touareg V8 TDI, with its Audi-developed
company’s headquarters in late Only a few weeks later, I met with Dhruv engine, which I recently tested in Iceland,
October to formally hand over the German at the Los Angeles Auto Show to put the may be the best car I’ve driven this year.
Car of The Year award. The Taycan had Taycan, and a number of other promising In Los Angeles, VW launched the Space
snatched victory against an impressive contenders, through their paces for our Vizzion concept, a surprisingly
field of competitors. Besides the Porsche, World Car of The Year selection. Each and conventional station wagon with a fully
the BMW 3 Series, the Mazda 3, the Opel every entry was impressive, but one of my electric powertrain. Still, it was one of the
Corsa and the Peugeot 208 had made it to favourites was another Porsche – the lookers at the show, next to the
the final round. Blume had just come from Boxster Spyder, with its naturally aspirated unfortunately named Ford Mustang
an automotive conference, where he 4.0-litre flat-six and manual six-speed Mach-E, a portly four-door SUV with a few
supposedly gave an ultra-tight timeframe gearbox. It represents the polar opposite of Mustang cues splashed on, and the
to replace internal combustion engines. As the automotive spectrum, yet its purpose Hyundai Vision T, which hints at the next-
it turned out, he hadn’t. is the same. Pure driving pleasure! generation Tucson.
And that’s a good thing. Despite the One impressive takeaway was the quality But the most stunning car during the Los
impressive qualities of the company’s fully of the Korean entries. Hyundai and Kia have Angeles Auto Show week was shown off-
electric Taycan. The car’s performance and well and truly surpassed the European, site. I’m talking of the much-anticipated
road-holding is nothing short of surreal, and American and Asian mainstream brands in Tesla Cybertruck, a full-size pickup
the execution is flawless. But I found it terms of styling, fit-and-finish. But, then, designed to take on America’s best-selling
curious that the packaging sacrificed VW’s T-Cross proved that Wolfsburg still vehicle, the Ford F-Series. Its unveiling
practicality for style. A Panamera, which is knows how to make a crisp, precise and fun- caused shock and awe, but not necessarily
within centimetres of the Taycan’s size, to-drive car in every segment. in a good way. The pyramidal shape is
offers the rear seat comfort of an S-Class But, in every other respect, VW has a lot incredibly futuristic, but its execution lacks
and almost the utility of a station wagon, yet of catching up to do. A company insider sophistication to a shocking extent.
it packs a longitudinally mounted V6 or V8 told us, ‘The cars drive much better than Judging from the social media reactions,
and an 8-speed automatic. By contrast, the they look,’ referring not to their shape but Tesla has mis-stepped.
Taycan seems to offer the space of a to the perceived quality. We couldn’t agree At least the presentation was
compact sedan. Weren’t electrics supposed more. And with the brands devotion to entertaining. When Tesla guru and
to offer massive packaging advantages? electrics, the future for VW’s powertrains universal genius Elon Musk asked his chief
Moreover, the Taycan’s acceptable range looks bleak. Development is currently designer to smash the window of the
turns abysmal when you use the focused on the 1.5-litre and the 2.0-litre Cybertruck, presumably to show its
powertrain’s potential, especially when TSI – and the 2.0-litre TDI. The 1.0 TSI and strength, Franz von Holzhausen complied –
ascending mountain passes. Sure, it’s an the 1.6 TDI get no more love, and the VR-6 and the window shattered into pieces.
electric, and it can do virtually everything is now virtually dead. Hopefully, Wolfsburg Musk had to finish his presentation in front
better than a Tesla by a magnitude. But will let Audi and Porsche continue to refine of a broken truck.

news
NEWS // LAUNCHES // GREEN NEWS // MOTORSHOWS
Aston Martin DBX

In its 106 year history, Aston Martin has developed an SUV for the first time.
news
All-new Ferrari Roma

coupé revealed
W
e’ve seen quite a convenience of everyday use.
few Ferrari models Powering the Roma coupé is
in the past that the 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 that
shared their names with Italian produces 611.5bhp & 760Nm
cities (Maranello, Modena, of torque. The Roma shares its
Portofino, etc.). And this time 8-speed DCT gearbox with the
too, Ferrari has continued with SF90 Stradale. Ferrari’s data
the tradition, calling its latest shows that the Roma is
front-engine V8 ‘2+’ coupé the capable of reaching a top
Roma, named after the Italian speed north of 320mk/h, with
capital. Ferrari says that the its 0 – 100km/h time pegged
smooth & rather minimalist at just 3.4 seconds. Inside, the
design of the Roma coupé ‘is a Roma features an unusually
contemporary representation high centre console (compared
of the carefree, pleasurable to other Ferrari models) with a
way of life that characterised portrait-style top-mounted
Ferrari’s latest creation is a retro-styled Rome in the 1950s and ‘60s.’ infotainment touchscreen.
The design also indicates that Even the instrument cluster is
front-engined coupé. it’s a Ferrari meant for the fully digital.
2020 Skoda Octavia makes global debut

Skoda’s best-seller is now bigger & brings with it sharp styling and more practicality.
T
he 2020 Skoda Octavia much inspired by the new VW super minimalistic, courtesy of will go on sale with a number of
has finally made its Golf. The integrated infotainment the new shift-by-wire gear engine options to choose from.
debut after quite a long screen has been replaced by a selector (available on the Apart from the 1.4 TSI plug-in
teaser campaign, and the end new tablet-like screen automatic variants). The hybrid, the new Octavia will also
result certainly seems to be (8.25-inches or 10-inches). With instrument cluster (Virtual be available with three petrol
worth the wait. Though the only a handful of buttons set Cockpit) also takes the fully- (two options will offer mild-
major changes are visible only at above the central air-con vents, digital route and is offered as a hybrid tech as well) and three
the front & rear of the fourth- the new centre console looks 10.25-inch unit. The 2020 Octavia diesel engine options.
gen model, the side profile gets
a nip-and-tuck job, courtesy of
new 19-inch alloy wheels. The
styling of the 2020 Octavia is in
line with all of Skoda’s recently-
updated models. However, the
major shift comes in the form of
single-piece LED headlight units
replacing the erstwhile ‘four-
eye’ look. The new headlamps,
available with the optional
Matrix LED tech, bear an
uncanny resemblance to those
found on the latest Audi TT! The
2020 Octavia’s interior is very

news
2019 Hyundai i20 Active launched

Hyundai has silently launched the 2019 i20 Active – with a handful of changes in the
variant line-up and some additional features, like wireless phone charging.
F
or 2019, the i20 Active the base trim, making the S become more expensive by terms of features, the 2019 i20
only gets a handful of trim the entry-level variant. approximately `14,000 & the Active gets a Speed Alert
changes. Perhaps, that’s Consequently, prices for the 1.4 diesel SX by approximately System, as part of the recently-
why the carmaker has gone for 2019 i20 Active start from `16,000. Further, the 2019 i20 mandated safety regulations
a silent launch this time. The `7.74 lakh (1.2 petrol S) and go Active is available with the 1.4 for vehicles, & wireless phone
biggest change comes in the up to `9.93 lakh for the 1.4 diesel only in the top-spec SX charging. Also, the earlier
i20 Active’s variant line-up. diesel SX (all prices are ex- trim (1.4 diesel S variant has Brown interior colour pack has
Earlier, the car was available in showroom, Delhi). Compared to been discontinued). The diesel also been dropped this year,
three trims – the Base, S, & SX. the price figures from May line-up also loses out on the SX leaving Satin Red & Alps Blue
For 2019, Hyundai has dropped 2018, the 1.2 petrol S has Dual Tone variant for 2019. In as the only two interior colour
options. Rest of the car remains
identical to the 2018 iteration
in terms of both the exterior
styling and the engine/
transmission options. The
1.4-litre U2 CRDi motor comes
paired to a 6-speed manual
gearbox and, as before,
produces 89bhp & 220Nm of
torque. The 1.2-litre Kappa
petrol motor, likewise,
continues to produce 82bhp &
115Nm of torque but with a
5-speed manual gearbox.
2021 Aston Martin DBX SUV revealed

After Bentley & Rolls Royce, now Aston Martin takes the wraps off its first SUV – the DBX.
E
ven the best luxury and bonnet with sharp creases. Just
sportscar brands are not like the Vantage, the DBX too
able to resist the idea of will get its firepower from a
venturing into the world of 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo sourced
SUVs. Now, Aston Martin has from AMG. This one produces
joined the bandwagon with the 542 horses and 700Nm of
official unveiling of the new DBX torque. Aston Martin claims that
SUV. Given that Aston Martin the DBX can do the 0 – 100km/h
has been struggling over the dash in 4.3 seconds and record
past few months, it has its a top speed of about 291km/h.
hopes riding high on the DBX. At Aston Martin claims to have
least in terms of the design, worked hard to ensure that the
Aston Martin seems to have got DBX retains the brand’s driving
it right. The DBX retains DNA. The SUV is fundamentally
essential Aston Martin design rear-wheel driven, but a central
cues, like the horizontal slat transfer case ensures that
front grille, pulled back torque is sent to the front wheel
headlamps, and neatly crafted when demanded.

bike news
Ultraviolette F77 e-bike launched
A
s promised, Bengaluru- Ultraviolette claims the F77 can
based EV start-up breach the 100km/h mark in 7.5
Ultraviolette seconds and can go all the way
Automotive has launched its up to 147km/h. With fast-charge
first product, the F-77, in three capabilities, the F77’s 4.2kWh
versions – Lightning, Shadow & Li-ion battery pack (made of 3
Laser. The F77 carries a individual units) can be fully
starting price of `3 lakh (on- charged in 1.5 hours (with a
road) and the range-topping fast-charger) or in 5 hours (with
version is priced at `3.25 lakh a standard charger). On a single
(on-road). Online bookings for charge, the F77 can offer a
the motorcycle are officially riding range of 130 –150kms.
open, with deliveries expected The instrument panel consists
to begin in Q3 2020. Touted as of a TFT-LCD screen and, like
India’s first high-performance many modern EVs, the F77 also
electric motorcycle, the offers a host of connectivity
Ultraviolette F77 brings to the services, courtesy of an
table some impressive figures embedded eSIM. The F77 can
& stats. It is powered by a link itself to an app that
33.5bhp air-cooled motor that provides numerous
Initially, the Ultraviolette F77 will only generates peak torque of 90Nm. performance-centric figures
To add a bit of drama, the F77’s (achieved via a 9-axis IMU), over
go on sale in Bengaluru, and deliveries three riding modes are named and above the basic riding and
are expected to start in Q3 2020. Eco, Sport, & Insane. bike stats.
Jawa Perak launched

J
awa, under the new motor, based on the original
management of Classic 293cc engine, that puts out
After a year’s wait, the Perak has finally Legends Pvt. Ltd. 30bhp & 31Nm of torque. The
(CLPL), had officially launched Perak, like its siblings, is also
been launched in India at `1.95 lakh. the Jawa & Jawa Forty Two on driven by a 6-speed manual
15th November 2018. The third gearbox with slightly altered
model, called the Jawa Perak, gear ratios. Other changes
was revealed on the same date, come in the form of a
but its launch was reserved for redesigned swingarm, a
a later date. Now on its first tweaked chassis (courtesy of
anniversary, Jawa Motorcycles modified frame stiffness), and
officially launched the Jawa signature Jawa twin exhausts
Perak, which is priced at `1.95 that have been ‘chopped’ for its
lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Bobber styling. The Perak also
The price is slightly higher than comes with dual-channel ABS,
the figure announced in as opposed to a single-channel
November 2018 (`1.89 lakh). unit of the Jawa & Jawa Forty
Unlike the Jawa & Jawa Forty Two. The Jawa Perak is
Two, which are modern expected to reach dealerships
classics, the Perak is a true- across the country by mid-
blue bobber and features a December 2019, and online
chopper-style single-seat bookings will open from 1st
configuration. It is powered by January 2020. The first round
a larger BS-VI compliant 334cc of customer deliveries is
single-cylinder liquid-cooled expected to begin in April 2020.

green news
All-electric Ford Mustang Mach E SUV unveiled

Ford’s electric pony has finally been revealed and will make its debut in 2020.
F
or the first time in 55 configurations – Standard- offering a 51.2km driving range marked ‘First Edition’. The
years, Ford’s Mustang Range (SR) & Extended-Range in about an hour (ER, RWD power and torque figures are
family is joined by an all- (ER). Each configuration will configuration) of charging. likely to be targeted at 332bhp
new member – the all-electric further be available with a However, with a DC fast & 565Nm (ER, AWD
Mustang Mach E. The electric choice of either RWD (Rear- charger, the Mach E can gather configuration). The range-
SUV is also Ford’s debut all- Wheel Drive) or AWD (All- enough juice for 75.6km in topping GT version will be
electric model. However, those Wheel Drive). The Standard about 10 minutes (ER, RWD performance-oriented, with
wanting to get one for range version will be powered configuration). There will be another GT ‘Performance
themselves will have to wait by a 75.7 kWh lithium-ion five trim options available for Edition’ in the line-up. While
for quite a while, as the Mach battery, capable of offering an the Mach E. In terms of pricing, both versions will pack close to
E’s commercial availability is approximate driving range of the range will start from the 459bhp & 830Nm of torque,
only expected to begin by the 338km, whereas the latter will base Select variant and will the former GT version is
end of 2020. Further, the full get a more powerful 98.8 kWh continue onwards with the expected to have a 0 –
variant line-up is expected to battery, with an expected Premium, California Route 1, 100km/h time of under 4
be available by the spring of driving range of 483km. The First Edition, & range-topping seconds, making it quicker
2021. For now, Ford has opened Mach E’s battery also features GT version. As the name than a Porsche Macan Turbo.
its order books for the Mach E, liquid-cooling tech to optimise suggests, the First Edition will The GT Performance Edition,
and potential customers can performance & charging. be a limited-production version meanwhile, will target a 0 –
reserve their Mach E against a Through a standard 240V that will feature red-painted 100km/h time of the mid-3
$500 deposit. Coming to the outlet, using the Ford brake callipers, metallic pedal second range, which will be
technical bits, the Mach E will Connected Charging station, covers, contrasting seat comparable to the Porsche
go on sale with two battery the Mach E is capable of stitching, and a scuff plate 911 GTS.

industry news
BMW India begins BS-VI diesel production in Chennai

BMW India has begun assembling BS-VI diesel variants of its 5 Series sedan and 6 Series
Gran Turismo (GT).
I
n April 2018, BMW India became one of only
a few premium carmakers in the country to
offer an entire range of BS-VI compliant
petrol motors. Now, though, with the final BS-VI
implementation deadline of 1st April 2020
closer than ever before, the company has
officially started local production of BS-VI
compliant diesel variants at its Chennai facility.
The move, as per BMW India, comes ahead of
their timeline. To start the BS-VI diesel chapter,
BMW India has started assembling the
corresponding variants of its 5 Series sedan and
the 6 Series Gran Turismo (GT). In the SUV line-
up, the X1 is likely to be the first model to get
the BS-VI diesel treatment. BMW India now has
on sale both BS-IV & BS-VI versions of its new
models. To clear the existing lot, the BS-IV
models are up for grabs with lucrative discounts
& financial offers. Further, the company has
also stated that ‘Beginning next year, BMW India
will increase the prices of BS-VI models by up
to 6 per cent.’ Therefore, buying a BS-VI BMW
model this year can also save you some bucks.
FCA and PSA Groupe to join hands

Together, they will form the fourth largest OEM – with sales of 8.7 million units in 2018.
T
he cat’s finally out of the
bag! After endless
rumours, FCA Group
(Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) and
PSA Groupe (Peugeot S.A.) have
finally announced that the two
companies are working on a 50-
50 merger. The JV makes it
amongst the largest automakers PSA will be able to make the nominated by Groupe PSA would own 50 per cent of the
in the world with a combined most of FCA’s reach in the (including the Senior equity of the newly combined
revenue of $189 billion. Together, American markets, while the Independent Director and the group. FCA and PSA Groupe
the two group companies latter will capitalise on PSA’s Vice Chairman). Carlos Tavares both have their presence in
created the fourth largest OEM hold in Europe. As far as the would lead the group as a Chief India. FCA has Fiat, Maserati,
with sales of 8.7 million vehicles management goes, five Board Executive Officer for the first five and Jeep under its umbrella,
in 2018 – 4.8 million units of the members would be nominated years. Tavares has been the CEO while the PSA Groupe has just
FCA Group and 3.8 million of the by FCA (including John Elkann of the PSA Groupe since 2014. announced Citroen’s entry into
PSA Groupe. With this merger, as Chairman) and five would be Shareholders of each company India for the next year.

The annual two-wheeler exhibition at Milan witnessed the
unveiling of some exciting new motorcycles, a few of which will
also come to India. Here are the top 5 newsmakers.
HERO XTREME 1.R CONCEPT

The Hero Xtreme 1.R Concept offers promising insights into the
brand’s future Xtreme series models. Hero MotoCorp was the only
Indian bike maker to unveil a new product at EICMA 2019. However,
this new offering is just a concept called the Xtreme 1.R. The 1.R
looks more like a Sci-Fi movie prop, with its edgy styling and robot-
inspired headlight design. The slick tyres, on the other hand,
indicate that one can expect some serious performance. Hero
MotoCorp has not divulged any hardware details about the concept.
Hero MotoCorp also presented a new Rally Kit for the XPulse 200.
The kit comprises taller, fully-adjustable front & rear suspensions,
a smaller 12/40T sprocket set, an extended gear pedal & a side
stand, handlebar risers, and knobby off-road Maxxis tyres. The kit
is expected to go on sale in India sometime next year and is likely
to be priced at around `50,000. However, the kit has not been
homologated for road use.
SUZUKI V-STROM 1050

The 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 looks sharper, packs more power,
and has a longer list of features than before, including cruise control
and hill hold. As we expected, the overall design looks somewhat
inspired by the DR Big from the 1980s. Upfront, it comes fitted with
a square headlight, an angular front beak, and a tall
windscreen. It gets a large fuel tank, a split seat, and a chunky
grab rail. It also comes with fully-digital LCD instrumentation,
a three-axis IMU with traction control, hill hold, riding modes,
and cruise control. The new V-Strom uses the same engine
as that of the outgoing model – a 1,037cc V-twin motor
that’s good for 106 horses and 100Nm. It comes paired
with a six-speed transmission. The V-Strom comes in
two variants – standard and the XT. Suzuki India has
not yet announced when the V-Strom will make it
here, but we expect it to be launched around mid-
2020. The 2020 V-Strom is likely to demand
around `1 lakh more than the model it replaces.
EICMA 2019 // feature
TRIUMPH THRUXTON RS
The Thruxton RS is powered by the same 1200cc engine as its siblings,
the Thruxton 1200 R and the Thruxton TFC, although it has been further
tweaked, as it churns out 103.5bhp and 112Nm of peak torque delivered at
700rpm lower in the rev range. As a result, the motor is more responsive
and revs harder for longer – 500rpm higher than the Thruxton R. Its
distinctive twin upswept silencer adds an all-new Euro 5 spec catalytic
converter, which delivers lower emissions and offers better fuel efficiency.
Triumph has managed to shave off six kilogrammes off the bike, thanks to
lighter engine components and a lighter battery. The Thruxton RS now
also features new Brembo 4-piston M50 radial monobloc callipers, twin
floating Brembo front disc, and Metzeler Racetec RR super sticky tyres.
The RS also comes with adjustable Showa USD big piston forks and fully
adjustable Öhlins rear shock.
APRILIA RS 660
The Aprilia RS 660 is one of the most anticipated bikes revealed at
the Milan show. According to Aprilia, the RS 660 is fun to ride both
on the road and on the track. It’s powered by a new 660cc twin,
capable of delivering 99bhp. Inspired by the RSV4, the RS 660
features fairings and has dynamic qualities of a refined, fast and
lightweight chassis, combined with the optimum performance of
the engine and complete package of APRC active electronic
controls derived from RSV4 racing technology. The RS 660 is
equipped with an advanced six-axis inertial platform that, thanks
to the accelerometers and gyroscopes it contains, is able to
recognise the condition of the bike with respect to the road.
KTM 390 ADVENTURE

KTM has finally taken the wraps off the 390 Adventure. As the name
suggests, it is the adventurous sibling of the 390 Duke. It uses the
same 373.2cc single-cylinder motor but churns out a marginally lower
42.4bhp. Torque rating, however, remains unchanged at 37Nm. The
390 Adventure also gets a 6-speed transmission and a slipper clutch.
Other things that it shares with the 390 Duke include the fully digital
instrumentation and ride-by-wire throttle. The 390 Adventure gets
longer travel adjustable suspensions. Upfront, it gets a 43mm
upside-down fork with 170mm of travel. This unit can be
adjusted for compression and rebound. At the rear, it gets a
monoshock with 177mm off travel. The rear suspension is
adjustable for preload and rebound. Although the swing
arm of the Adventure looks identical to the one on the
Duke, the former is longer. The 390 Adventure also gets
switchable traction control.
feature // LA AUTO SHOW
2019 LA The Los Angeles Auto Show is one of

the most exciting motoring shows in
the world, and like every year, the
AUTO SHOW 2019 edition was full of new launches.
VW ID. Space Vizzion Concept

After revealing the ID.3 hatchback, Volkswagen has
taken a stab at recreating the wagon of the future by
debuting the ID. Space Vizzion Concept. Built on the
MEB platform, VW’s latest concept is driven
by a single rear-mounted 275bhp electric
motor. Featuring a sleek body, smart
look, and an impressive driving range of
around 560km (based on WLTP test
cycle), courtesy of a rather large 82kW
battery pack, the ID. Space Vizzion
Concept is expected to spawn a
production model sometime in 2022.
HYUNDAI Vision T Concept

The Vision T is the 7th concept from the design sub-themes: Parametric Fantasy
Hyundai Design Centre. It represents the and Transcendent Connectivity. While the
next stage in what Hyundai refers to as the Vision T Concept previews a rather
‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design principle. The handsome design for the Korean
overall exterior design appears to be a carmaker’s future SUVs, some reports
seamless amalgamation of geometric suggest that the Vision T Concept is
angles and deep-cut wedge lines – an actually the first look (conceptually) of the
aspect that can be attributed to the two next-gen Hyundai Tucson.

The all-new 2 Series Gran Coupé is the brand’s 2.0-litre four-pot petrol motor that produces
BMW 2 Series first compact premium four-door coupé. Starting 302bhp & 450Nm of torque. Due to arrive in India
Gran Coupé March 2020, the 2 Series Gran Coupé will go on sometime in 2020-21, the 2 Series Gran Coupé
sale in Europe in three versions – the 218i, 220d, will be positioned below the 3 Series and will rival
and the range-topping M235i xDrive. The M235i the likes of the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz
xDrive will be powered by BMW’s most powerful CLA. However, the M235i is unlikely to arrive here.
MERCEDES-AMG GLE 63 S
Mercedes-Benz took the covers of the performance
SUV based on the GLE at the LA Auto Show. The
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S version is powered by a
4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine generating 603bhp and is
combined for the first time with the EQ Boost starter-
alternator, which provides 21bhp of power and 250Nm
of torque. Mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission,
the S version does 0 –100km/h in 3.8 seconds and
boasts a top speed of 280km/h. The AMG SUV comes
loaded with features like air suspension with adaptive
damping adjustment & active roll stabilization and
seven driving modes.
AUDI e-tron Sportback

The new Audi e-tron Sportback isn’t just a coupe crossover. In
fact, Audi has introduced a bunch of improvements to the
Sportback, ranging from better thermal efficiency of the battery
to a lowered coefficient of drag and, in Europe, the debut of the
next-gen Digital Matrix lighting. Featuring a 1.3 million-pixel LED
projector, the new lighting system offers non-dazzling high beam
lighting. The e-tron Sportback also offers more driving range from
the same 402bhp powertrain that’s used in the standard e-tron.
AUTOX.COM / DECEMBER 2019 37

drive // HYUNDAI ELANTRA
Rejuvenated
I
think it was Heraclitus, an ancient Greek completely redesigned front and rear-end Some of the handy features worth noting
philosopher, who said that ‘The only styling. Consequently, the front bumper is a here include the new rear-view mirror with
constant in life is change.’ This dictum new unit featuring some rather sharp design emergency call buttons (it’s not auto-dimming
couldn’t be more apt in the case of lines, a large grille, an air splitter, and full-LED though), electric driver’s seat with bolster
technology today. You go to bed thinking triangular headlamps. The bonnet has also adjust, front-seat ventilation, front parking
that you’ve just bought the latest smartphone, been recontoured with a mild power dome. sensors, a tyre pressure monitoring system,
only to wake up the next morning and realise The rear of the car tells, more or less, the and wireless phone charging.
that an updated model has hit the market. same story – it gets a new bumper, new
This fluidity of technology hasn’t left the taillights, and a new boot lid with the car’s UNDER THE SKIN
automotive world untouched. It’s no surprise, name splattered across it in big bold Under its new skin, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra
then, that we have so many mid-cycle updates letters. That, along with a new set of alloy is identical to the car it replaces. It has the
and face-lifts every year. So, what we have wheels, pretty much sums up the exterior same underpinnings, suspension setup, and
here is one such example – the updated styling updates. powertrain options. The only difference is
Hyundai Elantra. It’s a mid-cycle update, which Hyundai has revised the cabin by introducing that the diesel model has been axed from
includes a completely revised front and rear beige upholstery and a dual-tone colour theme the model line-up. Hyundai claims that it has
end design, along with an updated interior that for the dashboard and door pads. The been done owing to higher demand for the
brings with it new technology! dashboard, in fact, has mock carbon fibre petrol engine. And the Elantra’s 2.0-litre
The technological highlight of the new styling on the instrument cluster cowl, centre four-cylinder petrol engine has always
Elantra is Hyundai’s Bluelink app, which of the speedometer, and rev counter. offered good driveability.
makes it a connected car of sorts, and it can This aside, there’s a new HVAC panel to And the engine is now BS-VI compliant.
also be used to remotely start the engine accommodate a fan-speed knob for the Power and torque output remain at 150bhp
and cool the cabin. dual-zone climate control. The infotainment and 192Nm respectively. Also, Hyundai
system now features Bluelink connectivity, continues to offer the petrol Elantra with a
WARDROBE CHANGE and is hooked up to an eight-speaker Infinity choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-
For 2019, Hyundai has given the Elantra sound system. speed automatic.

Hyundai’s Elantra
has got a mid-cycle
update, which
brings with it new
technology and a
wardrobe change.
It’s also now BS-VI
compliant.
WORDS: ABHISHEK CHALIHA
PHOTOGRAPHY: KAPIL VASHIST
See the Hyundai

Elantra in action
on our YouTube
channel.
As before, the powertrain feels very There is now a new drive mode called executed. The engine’s note isn’t too bad either.
refined, and rather quiet too at city speeds. ‘Smart,’ which offers a clever balance of Overall, thanks to the rev-happy engine
The torque converter automatic has very Eco and Sport modes, actively based on and smooth shifting gearbox, it’s a car that
smooth shifts and, for the most part, gear throttle inputs. It’s actually quite useful in you’ll enjoy driving both in the city and on the
shifts are absolutely seamless in urban the way it holds gears and manages revs highway. The car’s high-speed stability is
driving conditions. Factor in its light for a more economical drive, even when good too. The only complaint here is that its
steering, and the Elantra automatic truly is you’re on the highway. light steering seems numb at high speeds. A
a breeze to drive in the city. Like any automatic gearbox, there is a delay better steering setup, like the latest Hyundai
The engine offers enough power for high- in kickdown acceleration even in Sport mode, products would definitely make the Elantra
speed runs and delivers strong acceleration but it’s not all that slow. While there is more fun to drive.
when you need it. The car comes with adequate power across the rev range, the
switchable drive modes for different driving engine, under kickdown acceleration, starts ALL-ROUND COMFORT
conditions – for instance, Sport mode is what pulling from 4,000rpm and goes all the way to Overall, the Elantra is a car that’s been set
you need on the highway. 6,500rpm, at which point a smooth upshift is up with all-round comfort in mind. The
suspension setup feels firm at high speeds
HYUNDAI ELANTRA but absorbs bumps fairly well. This,
ENGINE: 1,999cc / 4-Cylinders / 16 Valves / Variable PROS: combined with the light steering and
Valve Timing lSmooth powertrain effortless powertrain, makes it a D-segment
FUEL: Petrol lSpacious sedan worth considering.
TRANSMISSION: 6-Speed Automatic / Front-Wheel Drive lWell equipped It’s fairly practical, with a decent amount
POWER: 150bhp @ 6,200rpm CONS: of ground clearance, a big boot, and a rear
TORQUE: 192Nm @ 4,000rpm Numb steering
seat that offers just right amount space. So,
l
PRICE: `20.39 Lakh (Ex-showroom) Weak LED headlamps

all in all, the Elantra is just as capable in
l
the city as it is on the highway and over

X-FACTOR: A good all-rounder, made even better with this facelift. long-distance journeys.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
control, and, to be honest, I’m not a huge fan
The new A6 has been on sale in the West of this new trend of replacing physical knobs
for the past year-and-a-half, so was it with touchscreens. Sure, it makes the dash
look uncluttered, but it requires you to take
worth waiting for? your eyes away from the road while driving to
operate any of the controls.
E
WORDS: RAVI VED // PHOTOGRAPHY: YASH DHOKA There’s also a third screen behind the
steering wheel, known as Audi’s Virtual
ight years! That’s how long the into its overall design. From the front Cockpit. Now, this one is a lot more useful, as
previous generation of the Audi bumper and bonnet to the rear bumper and it offers you all the information you could
A6 was on sale. Of course, in tail section, the sharp creases are a lot possibly need right in front of your eyes.
between it saw a midlife facelift more prominent. The new A6 has grown marginally in size,
and multiple special editions, The A6’s alloy wheel design echoes that of something that you barely notice – you have
but there’s no denying that in the last few the all-electric e-tron, and I simply love it. The to look at the spec sheet to be made aware of
years it was beginning to show its age – a head and taillights both are LED units, and this fact. While the length has increased by
point highlighted by the launch of the new have also become sharper than before. 7mm, wheelbase is up by 12mm, but unlike
BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Overall, the A6 isn’t quite as striking as the E-Class, the A6 launched here in India
in 2017. But now Audi has finally caught up perhaps Audi was going for, but it’s certainly isn’t the long-wheelbase version.
by launching the all-new A6, so was it worth quite pleasing to look at.
the wait? And while Audi may not have radically SMOOTH AS EVER
changed the overall exterior design of the Audi has only brought in the A6 with the 45
CLEAN CUT new A6, it has certainly done a lot to give the TFSI badge to start with. This 2.0-litre petrol
One look at the new A6 is enough for you to interior a new complexion. The multiple motor develops 241bhp and 370Nm. The
notice that Audi has taken a more layers of the dash, and the use of different power here is marginally less than the 5
evolutionary, instead of a revolutionary, materials, make it looks distinctive and fresh. Series’ but more than that of the E-Class and
approach towards designing it. That being I just love the gloss black panel above the Jaguar XF. The torque rating, however, is
said, the typically clean German design glovebox and the way it blends into the large better than all its rivals.
certainly does look elegant. central touchscreen unit. The engine feels incredibly refined and
The A6 now gets a larger grille, which, The new A6 gets another screen on the quiet. Whether driving in the city or cruising
unlike in the new BMW’s, seamlessly fits centre console for the automatic climate on the highway, the noise inside the cabin is

AUDI A6 // drive
always extremely well contained. It’s only AUDI A6 45 TFSI

when you push the car to its limit that a mild ENGINE: 1,984cc / 4-Cylinders / 16-Valves / PROS:
purr is heard. In terms of outright Turbocharged lImpressive ride
acceleration, the A6 surely doesn’t feel the FUEL: Petrol lClean cabin design
quickest out there, but it isn’t slow by any TRANSMISSION: 7-Speed S-tronic / Front-Wheel Drive
means. In fact, the power delivery is more POWER: 241bhp @ 5,000-6,500rpm CONS:
progressive than eager. Some of this can be TORQUE: 370Nm @ 1,600-4,500rpm lNot engaging
attributed to the 7-speed S-Tronic PRICE: `59.2 lakh (Ex-Showroom) to drive
transmission, which is smooth but isn’t the
quickest to respond to inputs. X-FACTOR: Refined, loaded, and stylish, the new A6 ticks all the right boxes.
Like all other Audis, the A6 also gets
different driving modes. But since this model
misses out on air-suspension, the modes only
alter the engine and steering feel. While there
is a noticeable difference in the way the
steering weighs up, depending on the
selected mode, sadly the engine doesn’t feel
all that different.
Unlike the previous model, which was
fitted with air suspension as standard, this
new A6 sits on steel springs – a move that
has been made to keep the costs in check.
But to give credit where credit’s due, despite
the downgrade in terms of hardware, the A6
ride flattens out the worst roads incredibly
well. Of course, the 225/55 section tyres play
a huge role in cushioning most of the bumps.
The A6 is even high enough to ensure that
you don’t have to cringe every time you go
over a large pothole.
On twisty roads, however, the Audi leaves
you wanting more. For an engine that packs a
decent punch, it feels out of its comfort zone
when pushed hard. The steering is light and
quick, which is great for urban driving
conditions, but around corners it just doesn’t
feel communicative enough.
VERDICT
Although Audi has brought the A6 to India
more than a year-and-a-half after its global
unveil, the A6 remains impressive in terms
of style, refinement and tech. It may be a bit
late to join the party, but it has more than
enough tricks up its sleeve to give its
competitors something to think about. That
said, what the Audi gains in all of these
aspects is somewhat lost in the overall
driving experience. Sure, it doesn’t set a
foot wrong, but it’s very clinical in the way it
operates. So, if you’re looking at something
more emotive or involving, look elsewhere.
But if you want something clean and cutting
edge, this latest model from Ingolstadt has
got you covered.

ride // BENELLI IMPERIALE 400
THE CHALLENGER
The launch of the Benelli Imperiale 400, without a doubt, poses
a challenge to the reign of the Royal Enfield Classic 350. But is
it just an empty challenge or a truly serious threat?
WORDS: RAVI VED // PHOTOGRAPHY: HARINATH GOVINDAN
F
ailure is just an opportunity to together seamlessly to give it an air of composed. We rode the motorcycle for
start all over – a maxim that luxe. In fact, it feels a lot better built than nearly 200 kilometres, enough to stretch
seems to be at the heart of its immediate rivals – the Royal Enfield its legs.
Benelli. Its long history of 100 Classic 350 and the Jawa 42. On the highway, the Benelli could’ve done
years is a cornucopia of tough Swing a leg over it, and you will with a bit more power though. It struggles
times, but the Italian brand has managed immediately notice the extreme level of to gain speed once you’ve touched the
to bounce back every single time it hit comfort. The seat is wide and has enough 100km/h mark, and you need a long straight
rock-bottom. The brand’s history in India support for the back. The forward-set to go any faster than that. The 205kg kerb
offers a similar narrative. It entered India in footpegs ensure that you maintain a weight is a huge disadvantage here. It’s
2015, with a full range of products, but good riding posture, and the tank pads 13kgs heavier than the Classic 350 and
with its Indian partner running into make it easy to grip the motorcycle with 35kgs heavier than the Jawa 42.
financial trouble, Benelli had to temporarily your thighs. In the urban jungle though, the Imperiale
put a stop to its Indian operations. The handlebar could have been a little 400 feels absolutely adequate. All of its
But, as always, it recovered. And now, wider, which would’ve given the bike much 29Nm come into play to ensure that
partnered with Adishwar Auto Ride India better leverage while riding, but more on overtaking is quick and easy.
(AARI), the bikemaker is bullish about its that later. The Benelli Imperiale 400 comes paired
expansion plans. In fact, since its In terms of features, the 400 doesn’t with a 5-speed transmission. Shifting
resurrection in August last year, Benelli has quite have much to flaunt. It gets fuel between gears is smooth and precise, even
introduced four new products in the Indian injection and dual-channel ABS as when riding at high speeds.
market. The latest one to hit the market is standard. The instrumentation comprises
the retro-styled offering you see in the of a clock, a speedo, a tacho, a tripmeter, COMFORT CRUSADER
pictures here – the Benelli Imperiale 400! and a gear indicator. Benelli has done a great job in setting up
the suspension of the Imperiale. Although
NO SCHOOL LIKE OLD SCHOOL REFINED, BUT PORTLY I’m usually biased in favour of a firm setup,
The Imperiale 400’s design has retro- Let’s get the numbers out of the way first. the ride quality of the Imperiale’s soft
classic written all over it. From the round The Imperiale 400 is powered by a 374cc suspension is laudable. Our test route had
headlight, the chrome-finished mirrors, single-cylinder motor that develops a lot of broken and uneven state highways,
and turn indicators to the dual-pod 20.7bhp and 29Nm. Although the power and no matter where we rode the
analogue instrumentation, teardrop tank, and torque come high in the rev range – Imperiale, it just wouldn’t put any strain on
and overall silhouette, everything screams 5,500rpm and 4,500rpm, respectively – your back.
old school. True, the design will not leave the motorcycle feels quite strong in the In fact, it feels reasonably confident
you awestruck, but it’s still something that mid-range too. around corners too. The high ground
you can admire. Moreover, it’s not a design But it’s the refinement of the motor that clearance allows you to lean into corners
that will age badly. pleasantly surprised us. Even when we without any fear. Also, it maintains its
The build quality of the bike is pushed the bike to the limit – shifting up composure even at high speeds – as long
impressive. Everything from the only when the tacho needle hit the red line as the roads are smooth. Hit a pothole mid-
switchgear to the body panels come – the Imperiale felt vibe-free and superbly corner, and it does feel unsettled though.

See the Benelli Imperiale 400 in
action on our YouTube channel.
Braking comes from a 300mm disc

upfront, which is larger than what you get
on the RE and the Jawa. At the rear, it
comes fitted with a 240mm disc. And while
the brakes are effective, they could have
offered better initial bite.
VERDICT
Benelli’s ride in India has been rather
bumpy so far, but under the new leadership
it seems determined to smoothen it out.
The company already has around 20
customer touchpoints across the country,
and it intends to expand it by another 12 to
15 outlets in the near future, and that
should address the reluctance of most
customers to commit to the brand.
Coming back to the motorcycle, at
`1.69 lakh, it is quite competitively priced.
To give you a better perspective, the BENELLI IMPERIALE 400
Classic 350 is priced at `1.53 lakh, and ENGINE: 374cc / Single-Cylinder / Air-Cooled / 4-Valves / SOHC PROS:
the Jawa 42 demands `1.74 lakh (all TRANSMISSION: 5-Speed lSuperior ride
prices ex-showroom). lRefinement
POWER: 20.7bhp @ 5,500rpm
Heavy localisation of parts has allowed TORQUE: 29Nm @ 4,500rpm CONS:
Benelli to price the Imperiale 400
lLacks grunt
PRICE: `1.69 Lakh (Ex-showroom) lHeavy
aggressively. In addition, the build quality,
ride comfort, and the refinement, all work in
X-FACTOR: Comfortable and refined, the Benelli Imperiale 400 is a great alternative to
favour of the Imperiale and make it a great
the RE Classic 350.
alternative to the popular Classic 350.

feature // BENELLI IMPERIALE 400 vs JAWA FORTY TWO
RETRO RE
The sub 400cc classic retro segment just got fiercely competitive!
WORDS: JARED SOLOMON // PHOTOGRAPHY: HARINATH GOVINDAN

SURGENCE
See the Benelli Imperiale 400 & Jawa
Forty Two in action on our YouTube channel.

feature // BENELLI IMPERIALE 400 vs JAWA FORTY TWO
T
he battle for the sub 400cc you’re good to go. Every motorcycle in this Even though it's a single-cylinder bike, the
cruiser retro market has heated segment shares the same design philosophy dual exhaust adds a nice touch, and so does
up a whole lot more than ever – a tribute, no doubt, to their original models. the offset instrument cluster and the
before. For years now, Royal The Jawa is the smallest in the segment, positioning of the ignition key next to the
Enfield has ruled the segment and also the lightest – it weighs just 175 engine, which gives it a proper retro feel.
simply because it was unchallenged – there kilograms. The Benelli Imperiale 400, on the
were no other motorcycle manufacturers other hand, is the largest bike now in the RETRO RIDE
making products for this segment. However, segment. The Benelli is both the biggest in Even though the Jawa gets the smallest
within just one-and-a-half years, this segment terms of dimensions and the heaviest in the displacement engine – 293cc – it still
has now grown from one to three segment, which also means that it has the produces the most power: 27bhp and 28Nm.
manufacturers. Talk about progress! most imposing road presence. Its lightweight and small dimensions, then,
The first was the resurrection of Jawa, If we were to put the Royal Enfield Classic would suggest that it’s also the quickest to
which introduced the 42 and the Jawa to this 350, the Jawa, and the Imperial 400 side-by- accelerate. The Jawa comes with a 6-speed
segment. And now, (Chinese-owned) Italian side, the Italian will likely get the most transmission. In the city, it feels very refined,
manufacturer Benelli has launched the attention. however, on the highway, if you decide to take
Imperiale 400. Now, since RE has had an Jawa has certainly done a great job in things up a notch, you can start to feel the
undisputed reign, we wanted to see which one paying tribute to the original model, and stress of the engine.
of these two challengers is best suited to there’s no doubt that the bike has a certain But, overall, the bike remains calm and
dethroning the King. So, we did what we do charm and will appeal to Jawa enthusiasts. composed on the highway, but it's not the
the best – we rode both the Benelli Imperiale
400 and the Jawa to see which one proves to JAWA FORTY TWO
be the more worthy competitor. ENGINE: 293cc / 4-Stroke Liquid Cooled / DOHC PROS:
TRANSMISSION: 6-Speed lEngine performance
ALWAYS IN FASHION POWER: 27bhp @ 6,000rpm lLight & easy handling
It seems that the classic retro cruiser design TORQUE: 28Nm @ 4,750rpm CONS:
will never go out of fashion. In some sense, PRICE: `1.55 lakh (Ex-showroom) lCramped riding position
perhaps, it’s the purest design available today
– no electronics and no fancy technology, just
X-FACTOR: A great engine and the Jawa badge make it a very attractive proposition.
a teardrop fuel tank, a round headlight, and

most comfortable to ride long distance. The
seat is very firm, the suspension is even
firmer, and ergonomically you do feel a bit
cramped. The bike is light and nimble, but
don't expect to lean into sharp corners,
because it’s likely to scrape the ground if you
lean too much.
The Imperiale, on the other hand, comes
with the largest engine in the segment – a
374cc single-cylinder engine that pumps out
21bhp and 29Nm of torque, which is also the BENELLI IMPERIALE 400
highest in the segment. The engine is mated ENGINE: 374cc / Single-Cylinder / Air-Cooled / 4-Valves / SOHC PROS:
TRANSMISSION: 5-Speed Superior ride
to a 5-speed transmission. The acceleration
l
lRefinement
here is definitely not as peppy as the Jawa, POWER: 20.7bhp @ 5,500rpm
TORQUE: 29Nm @ 4,500rpm CONS:
but the engine is definitely smoother and lLacks grunt
much more refined. PRICE: `1.69 Lakh (Ex-showroom) lHeavy
In city traffic, the engine feels good, but it
takes some time to get acquainted with the X-FACTOR: With a refined motor, comfortable ride and classy looks, the Imperiale 400 has
position of the gear lever. The overall ride all the ingredients to become the segment favourite.
quality is also better, as the engine doesn’t
vibrate. Plus, the seating position is more
relaxed, and the suspension can absorb a experience. But the question is – which one purists and collectors will lean towards this
whole lot more on bumpy roads. should you go for? motorcycle. That being said, the Imperiale
Owing to its weight and size, the Imperiale If we keep brand loyalty and our biases 400 is the newest bike in the segment, which
may seem difficult to handle in city traffic, but aside, then, for me, the clear choice would be brings into the mix beautiful Italian design in a
the fact is that it’s not – it’s very manageable. the Benelli Imperiale 400. The Royal Enfield large retro classic cruiser frame – a
Moreover, the bike also feels better when the bikes have now become very old, and guaranteed recipe for grabbing eyeballs.
road gets twisty. reliability remains questionable. But there’s The Imperiale is also the best of this trio in
no doubt that they’re still the cheapest to terms of build quality and engine refinement.
THREE’S COMPANY maintain and have the largest dealership and Benelli has recently been on a launching
This segment now comprises of the 350cc service network. spree, and they are aggressively expanding
Royal Enfields, two Jawa models, and a Jawa is still struggling to deliver their their dealer and service networks. It's too
Benelli retro classic model – all which claim motorbikes, but it's safe to say that the early to say how reliable the bike will be, but it
to give you a taste of that retro classic product is right on the money. I’m sure Jawa certainly feels and rides the best of the lot.

drive // MERCEDES-BENZ G350D
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:R
ORDS
W

M
ercedes recently brought in a more affordable variant of the popular
G-Class for the first time in India, and it wears a 350d badge. Despite
being the base version, it’s priced at an insane `1.5 crore. With that kind
of money, you could easily get a car that makes twice the power, isn’t
designed with a scale, and is a lot easier to manage. Also, the 350d
makes half the power and weighs almost as much as its AMG counterpart. So, the
important question is this – why should anyone buy one?
STILL NOT OUT OF THE BOX

It’s true that good design is a matter of personal taste. And, yet, if you have millions across
the world drooling over a design, you know it’s right on the money. Although the G-Wagen
is quite far from being glamorous or elegant, it is without a doubt brawny. And therein lies
its beauty.
It’s in the 2019 iteration that the G-Wagen has received its biggest ever update since its
inception nearly four decades ago, and, still, it’s not out of the box – and I mean that quite
literally. The G’s boxy cues continue to have that imposing feel, which syncs superbly with
its go-anywhere attitude. Even after all the updates it has received over the years, the G
gleams with old-world charm. The exposed hinges, turn indicators on the fenders, door
handles, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and rectangular glasshouse are all a nod to the
G-Class of yore.
See the Mercedes-
Benz G350d in
action on our INNER SANCTUM
YouTube channel. Although from the outside, the G350d continues to flaunt the retro design cues of the
original G-Wagen, the interior is ultra-modern. Like some of the new-age Mercedes-Benz
cars, it also gets two large screens – one for the infotainment and the other for the
instrument cluster. That being said, it’s great to see that the German carmaker hasn’t
succumbed to the pressure of replacing the aircon controls with a screen too.

drive // MERCEDES-BENZ G350D
The stubby dashboard ensures that the The G350d doesn’t have the best power- G350d feels supremely smooth. Considering
front seats are closer to the windscreen. to-weight ratio, but its 600Nm of torque its upright design, we were expecting some
Thanks to a ground clearance of 241mm, ensures that it doesn’t feel sluggish. In fact, amount of wind noise, but the silence inside
the seating is pretty high off the ground. it’s quite the opposite. You won’t find yourself the cabin, even at high speeds, was indeed a
Sure, it makes ingress and egress a difficult pushed back into the seat under hard pleasant surprise.
exercise, but, at the same time, it ensures acceleration, but you will definitely be
that the driver has a good view from behind surprised by the eagerness with which this GOBSMACKING DRIVEABILITY
the wheel. 2.5-tonne car surges ahead. When I first drove the new G63 AMG, I was
The G350d is 4,606mm in length, Mercedes claims that the G350d can do somewhat displeased. Given its performance
excluding the tailgate-mounted spare the 0 to 100km/h dash in just 7.4 seconds, aspirations, it was insanely stiff for public
wheel, which makes it shorter than even the and that’s quite impressive for a car of its roads – not something that gels with an SUV
C-Class – even though it may not give you size. What many may not find impressive is with go-anywhere capabilities. The G350d,
that impression. In fact, the 2,890mm its top speed of 199km/h. That being said, however, is quite the antithesis of that – and I
wheelbase of the G is just 50mm more than we found cruising on the highway a lot more just love it.
that of the C. With that in mind, space in the enjoyable than pushing it to its top speed. Of The ride quality is simply remarkable.
rear seat is plenty. It may not be as spacious course, this has more to do with the high Cracks, undulations, and potholes of all sizes
as Buckingham Palace, but it’s certainly not centre of gravity, but more on that later. are tackled with incredible poise. It can make
as cramped as a Mumbai apartment. Coming back to the highway manners, the the worst roads feel (almost) like a German
BOX TROT MERCEDES-BENZ G350D

Providing firepower to the G350d is a
ENGINE: 2,925cc / In-line 6-Cylinders / 24 Valves / PROS:
3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel motor –
Turbocharged Off-road prowess
the same that does duty in the S-Class. For
l
Fuel: Diesel lImposing stance

a car that weighs close to 2.5 tonnes, the G
Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic/ Four-Wheel
only makes a little more than 280 horses. Drive CONS:
Now, that doesn’t quite seem a lot, Power: 286bhp @ 3,400-4,600rpm lMore power would be
especially given the fact that its AMG Torque: 600Nm @ 1,200-3,200rpm welcome
counterpart produces twice as much. But, Price: `1.50 crore (Ex-Showroom)
after driving it for a couple of days, we’re
happy to report that the power is sufficient X-FACTOR: The only car that you could most likely drive through (and post) an apocalypse.
– if not abundant.

THE RIDE QUALITY IS SIMPLY REMARKABLE. IT CAN MAKE
THE WORST ROADS FEEL (ALMOST) LIKE A GERMAN
AUTOBAHN – IT’S THAT IMPRESSIVE
autobahn – it’s that impressive. THE ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE twice about taking off-road.
In terms of handling too, the G350d fares The G-Class has been designed to be driven
quite well – especially given its high centre on surfaces that you’d never think that a car IT’S ALL ABOUT CHOICES
of gravity and its ladder frame can conquer. And it has the credentials to do Although the G350d has everything that you’d
underpinnings. Of course, it isn’t as flat as it all. Aside from the 214mm of ground want from a car that bears a `1.5 crore price
some of the performance sedans you can get clearance, it has a 30.9-degree approach tag, it isn’t a car that will appeal to everyone.
for the same price, but it isn’t fair to expect angle, a 29.9-degree departure angle, and a It has a refined motor, comes packed with a
that kind of handling either. 23.5-degree breakover angle. wagon load of features, and is extremely
The G-Wagen does, however, feel planted Its fantastic 700mm of wading depth is practical too. Above all, it’s a car that’s
at high speeds. The quick and precise just what you need to tackle Mumbai in the capable of forging its own path from where
steering further aids it in carving a clean monsoon. The icing on the cake, however, is the tarmac ends.
line in and out of a corner. However, the low-ratio gearbox and the three diff locks True, it isn’t as fast as some of the other
feedback could have been a bit better. The – front, rear, and centre. cars that you can get your hands on with that
G that we got our hands on was fitted with Although we didn’t get a chance to kind of money, but you don’t enter a Mercedes
optional 20-inch wheels, with 275/50 thoroughly test the off-road prowess of the showroom to look at a G-Wagen when
section rubber. The Pirelli Scorpion Zero G-Wagen, we did attempt to climb a hill at a performance is at the top of your priority list.
tyres performed well on the road, but being shoot location, and, believe me, it was an Also true that it has the charm to sweep you
tarmac-focused, they may not be the best absolute walk in the park. In fact, it’s one of off your feet and leave you spellbound, and
bet for off-road duties. the few luxury cars that I wouldn’t think it’ll do anything you ask from it.

drive // MG ZS EV
THE ELECTRIFICATION
CHALLENGE

We travel to the largest electric vehicle market in the world,
China, to get a first-hand look at MG’s next launch in India – the
ZS EV. We also get a first-hand look at just what goes into the
production of the battery packs that power these EVs.
WORDS: ISHAN RAGHAVA // PHOTOGRAPHY: MG MOTORS

drive // MG ZS EV
T
he scale of Shanghai is simply
staggering. Spread over 6,000
square-kilometres, and housing
over 24 million people, it’s the
world’s second-most populous
city. Of course, with such size, and people,
also come hundreds of thousands of
vehicles. So, the government has stepped in
to retain control – but we’ll come back to
that later.
Our first stop was the MG plant, where we
were given a small tour of the current
product range from SAIC. To give you a bit of
perspective, SAIC – the parent company of
MG – is the single biggest manufacturer in
China, with over 24% market share, in the
biggest automotive market in the world.
Here, the highlight of the product range
was the range-topping Marvel X, which is
very luxurious, even though the interior
styling is heavily inspired by the S-Class. The
Marvel X offers a range of 405 kilometres on
a single charge.
MG’S FIRST EV FOR INDIA

But, more importantly, while there, we go the
chance to experience the MG ZS EV, which
will be launched in the Indian market in
December – with deliveries starting in
January next year. Visually, the ZS is a well-
styled car with good proportions. The design,
more or less, is a cross between a raised
hatchback and a crossover, something that
won’t polarise opinions. The quality too feels
competitive, both inside and out. And during car a range of 263 kilometres on a single
our short time with the car, it felt quite sorted. charge in the WLTP test cycle.
Driving on a short gymkhana-like course,
the handling of the ZS seemed decent and WHERE THE BATTERIES MEET THE
the acceleration was quick – a given, MACHINE
considering its electric powertrain. The next day, we visited the CATL-SAIC
Interestingly, to address common Battery Plant in rural China, which was more
misconceptions about the usability of EVs, interesting from an infrastructural
MG had also set up a water wading test. The perspective. Here, we got to witness the
ZS EV was taken through 40cm of standing process of how modern batteries are
water to showcase how it would deal with manufactured. CATL is already the single
our flooded roads during the monsoon. largest manufacturer of EV batteries in the
Of course, I would love to give you more world, and in this brand-new high-tech
information about the ZS EV, but, facility, we saw the complete process of
unfortunately, our test drive time was rather manufacturing – right from the raw material
short. And, as regards to technical being converted into cells, and the cells
specifications, MG India is still working on being installed in a battery chassis, to
the final spec of the car that they plan to making the entire battery pack of a car.
bring to India. In Europe, however, the ZS EV Impressively, a large part of the
features a 44.5kWh battery, which gives the manufacturing process is automated and is a

delight to watch. Sadly, however, since it’s a a lottery system and costs about `8.5 lakh
new-age manufacturing plant, photography per car, whereas electric or strong hybrid
was strictly prohibited. vehicles can be registered for free, and
The more interesting aspects of why there’s no quota limitation for them. Naturally,
electric vehicles are so popular in China was this has done wonders in making electric
explained to us by MG officials. About 15 vehicles more appealing to Chinese buyers.
years ago, the Chinese government felt that From an Indian perspective, while the ZS
to maintain the air quality in their cities, a EV would be a good start and will offer
switch to electric vehicles was necessary. customers more choices, not much is likely
And to achieve that, they started working on to happen in terms of electrification of the
creating the infrastructure for not only Indian automotive market unless the
charging but also manufacturing EVs locally. government takes concrete steps to form a
Naturally, this meant securing the main forward-looking policy.
material for making the batteries – Lithium. Until such a time, it all depends on
Because of their foresight, China now discerning manufacturers like MG and
controls over 50% of global Lithium reserves Hyundai that offer EVs with the latest
and has over 70% of the world’s battery technology and battery capacity in India. But
manufacturing capacity. without a concrete policy encouraging the
Now, in cities like Shanghai, registration of manufacturing of batteries in India, mass EV
internal combustion vehicles is done through adoption will remain a pipe dream.

drive // HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
CHARGING
AHEAD India’s very first truly desirable electric vehicle is here.
We spend a few days with it to tell you what it’s like living
with an electric car in the National Capital of India.
WORDS: ABHISHEK CHALIHA // PHOTOGRAPHY: KAPIL VASHIST
See the Hyundai Kona electric in

action on our YouTube channel.

drive // HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
I’
m driving up a network of flyovers understand what I’m talking about.
onto NH8, leaving the city of New This makes me wonder about the future –
Delhi behind. The road opens up, how will people react to talk of engines and
and so I depress the throttle pedal. exhaust notes, redline gear changes, and the
The next feeling that I have is of power delivery of an exhilarating petrol car.
being catapulted into the horizon! Now, I’m Perhaps folks will just wonder what all the
familiar with this sensation, but normally I’d fuss was about, because everyone will be
associate it with, say, an Audi RS7 or a used to enjoying the uninterrupted,
Mercedes-AMG E63 AMG, but not without
some drama and theatrics involving the mad
relentless acceleration of an electric car!
WITH
howl of an engine and a raucous exhaust note 300KM REAL WORLD RANGE EFFORTLESS
riddled with crackles and bangs. Just the Anyway, back to the Kona for the moment.
memory of it makes my senses tingle! The car comes with a 39.2 kWh lithium-ion CONTROLS &
Today, however, it’s an entirely different
story, for I’m driving an electricity-powered
polymer battery pack. Now, the first thing
you should do is forget about the ridiculous
GENEROUS
Hyundai Kona! And every time you go and unrealistic ARAI-rated driving range. All RANGE,
anywhere near the throttle pedal, the response you need to know is that this car is claimed
is literally electric, accompanied by a distant to have a driving range of 312 kilometres on IT MAKES
soundtrack. What can I say, this thing is
absolutely thrilling to drive, and you truly have
the WLTP cycle, but on the streets of New
Delhi you can expect a driving range of about
FOR A VERY
to experience its acceleration in Sport mode to 300 kilometres on a fully charged battery. PRACTICAL
DAILY DRIVER
But what about charging? Well, Hyundai

sells this car with a 2.8 kW portable charger,
which you can plug into any 15amp power
outlet. It’ll take a claimed 19 hours to fully
charge the battery. And this’s how I charged
the car during my brief stint with it. I would
plug it in after reaching the office, and it would
remain on charge until I left work.
To give you a rough real-world figure, after
4 hours on charge, the battery would gain
about 90 kilometres of driving range. So, on
a standard charger, it’s painfully slow.
Luckily, Hyundai also provides a 7.2kW wall
box charger at the time of purchase, which
they’ll install at your home or office, as per
your preference. This is supposed to fully
charge the battery in a claimed time of 6
hours and 10 minutes.
HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
There is also a third option – a 50 kW CCS
MOTOR: Permanent magnet synchronous motor PROS: Type 2 DC charger, which can fully charge the
ENERGY: Electricity Fast
battery from empty in a claimed 57 minutes.
l
BATTERY: 39.2 kWh Lithium-ion Polymer Practical driving range

Unfortunately, it comes at a price – a rather
l
TRANSMISSION: Single-Speed Reduction Gear / Front- CONS:

Wheel Drive lHandling
steep price of about `9 lakhs.
POWER: 134bhp lCabin space
TORQUE: 395Nm LACKING INFRASTRUCTURE
PRICE: `23.71 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) I used a mobile app called ElectreeFi to find
EV charging stations in Delhi, and I was
X-FACTOR: An uncompromised electric car that excels as a daily driver.
pleasantly surprised to find a great many of
them in the city. The app even tells you if

these stations have a DC Type 2 charger. The Unfortunately, the charging station closed driving range to more than what the distance-
one I decided to visit is located on Malcha at 6pm, which meant that I was only able to to-empty readout will have you believe.
Marg. Since there were no signboards in the charge the car for a couple of hours, at the But if you’re someone like me who makes an
market, I had to ask around for directions to end of which I realised that the pace of intercity round trip of 90-kilometres every day,
the charging station. charging there was identical to that of the the car will consume much more than a
Once there, the parking lot attendant quickly 2.8 kW portable charger that I had been quarter of the charge on a daily basis. And
moved a car parked in the charging station using in office. So, this was definitely not an since you wouldn’t want the car to run out of
zone, and I grabbed a charging cable, only to AC fast-charging station. charge, or be low on battery anywhere, you’ll
realise that the cable port was entirely The next day, I had to go into the depths of have to charge it every day.
different from the fast charging port in the Greater Noida to shoot the Kona – and to test it And this leads to another problem. You
Kona. Now, this charging station doesn’t offer of course. But since I couldn’t fully charge the see, the battery may come with an 8-year or
the option of AC charging, which meant that battery the previous day, I had no choice but to 1.6 lakh kilometre warranty, but in the fine
the entire trip was in vain. abandon the idea of testing it for fear of print it says that its life is limited to around
A quick word with Hyundai India officials draining the battery under heavy acceleration. 2,000 charge cycles. And if you were to
provided me with a google location for a Now, ordinarily, you’re not likely to be charge the car every day, 5 days a week,
compatible charging station in DLF cyber city testing the performance of your EV on a you’re likely to end up with a battery life of
in Gurgaon. This place too had the same DC daily basis with hard acceleration runs, so well under 8 years.
fast charger as the one in Malcha Marg this is an unlikely concern, but that’s not to So, in short, this is a car for someone with
market, but there was also an AC wall box take away from the fact that the EV a limited driving radius. And, in that sense,
charger here. So, I plugged in the Kona without charging infrastructure is woefully the driveability and refinement of the Kona
wasting any time. inadequate in our country. That being said, EV, with its effortless controls and generous
During a chat with the station attendant, I if you own one of these and you charge at real-world driving range, makes it a very
learnt that this Plug N Go charging station was home a couple of times a week, range practical daily driver – which is not only
completing a year of operations on that very anxiety simply shouldn’t be an issue. without tailpipe emissions and noise, but it’s
day. And since EV charging was free for the also quite addictive in terms of the driving
first year, I had to pay nothing at all! As for the A VIABLE OPTION? experience. And quite a bit of fun too.
DC fast chargers at the station, well, they are The car comes with four driving modes – Eco, While the rumble of an AMG V8 is still to die
GB/T Type 2 chargers, which are compatible Eco+, Normal, and Sport. And I can testify to for, the distant electric soundtrack of an EV
with the Mahindra eVerito and Tata Tigor EV. the fact that Eco and Eco+ will extend your motor can be quite entertaining too.

feature // BEST OF 2019
PORSCHE
MACAN
Pavan Shetty, Director,
Porsche India, accepts
the award for the
Macan.
The Macan is priced far more

competitively than ever before. Is
it a challenge to convince potential
customers that a Porsche can be
relatively attainable?
Yes, there is a general perception that
Porsche is, or ‘was,’ expensive, not only in
terms of buying the car but also in terms of
maintenance. With the new pricing, it’s not
just about acquiring the car, but also about
a new maintenance schedule, where, for
just four years of service & consumables,
you pay as little as `1.5 lakhs. And if you
want a full package that covers wear & tear
items, then it’s just `5.5 lakhs for four
years. This goes to show that this car is
really quite comparable to some of other
premium brands out there and you can own
& maintain one quite easily.
Before Porsche, you were the

Head of Lamborghini in India. So,
which marque is your favourite?
First of all, both the brands belong to the
VW Group and, of course, both marques
are great. But, both brands satisfy a
different need. When I look at Porsche
specifically, I think this is a car that you
can really use on an everyday basis, even
in an Indian context. I’ve seen a 911 driven
up to 100,000 kilometres in South India
by a passionate Porsche owner. The more
I meet customers, the more I realise that
owners in India are warming up to the
idea of driving a Porsche as an everyday
car, like they do in the rest of the world.
For me, in the 718 and the 911, the

great thing is that the howl of the

‘OWNERS IN INDIA ARE WARMING UP TO THE
IDEA OF DRIVING A PORSCHE AS AN EVERYDAY CAR,
LIKE THEY DO IN THE REST OF THE WORLD’
on the road, and all I can say is that the electric car into the sports car segment
connection is so direct that you really here. From a consumer’s point of view, we
enjoy it. At the end of the day, you’re already have interest in the car. Our
buying into the character of a car, dealerships will be fully equipped to
something which all Porsches will always charge the car, and we’ll provide charging
have. So, when you throw the Taycan into units to customers – one for the home,
a corner, it’s not different from any other and one for office. Given the size of our
Porsche. To top it off, even when you country, it won’t be possible for us to
press the throttle at 100km/h, you have develop the necessary infrastructure
an immediate response. The only thing everywhere. So, we’ll also rely heavily on
that one might miss is the sound the government to come up with
of the car, but we’ve created our solutions.
intake & the exhaust both come own sweet electric engine
from behind you as the revs build sound for the Taycan, which is What does the future
all the way to the redline. There’s something very futuristic. Once of the 911 look like – in
so much emotion involved. How do you spend some time with the terms of it going down the
you replicate that in an EV like the car, you really warm up to the electric / hybrid route,
new Taycan? idea of an electric sports car. how will its lifecycle play
Whenever something new comes, you out?
have doubts, you have naysayers, then When is the Taycan coming When the current 911 was
you’re okay to experiment and then you to India? developed, we made provisions
fall in love. I’ve gone through this journey Next year. Indian customers are for a hybrid model. But in
myself. I’ve had the opportunity to drive ready to experiment with terms of the future, we’ll have
the Taycan, and what a brilliant machine technology, and we might just to wait and see what to expect
it is! I drove it on a racetrack, as well as be the first ones to bring an from the 911.

HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC & VENUE

Y J Ahn, ED, Corporate Affairs & J H Lee, ED, Production, Hyundai Motor
India, accept the award for the Venue & Kona EV.
The Hyundai factory outside Even in a market that’s difficult,

Chennai is famous for running you continue to gain market share
at almost 100% capacity at all – especially with models like the
times. How are things going at the Venue. So, is it a case of your
production end at the moment – at competitors not providing good
a time when your competitors are enough products? How come
reducing production? you’re still able to gain market
The market situation is difficult, so we share, even in a challenging market
do have to ensure that we plan in order such as this?
to adapt our production volume and We’ve been fortunate to have some very
speed to match demand – but, on the important launches this year. Obviously,
whole, we are still doing well. we’ve launched the Venue and Kona

‘WE WANT TO BE
LEADERS IN THE
ELECTRIC VEHICLE
SPACE IN THE
COUNTRY, AND
HELP DEVELOP
THIS CULTURE
IN INDIA’
supports us and reduces taxes then
there’s a much better chance of
widespread adoption of this technology.
But, without the support of the
government, it will remain very niche.
Do you see incentives coming in for

electric cars?
Yes, I think so, because it’s important for
the environment.
Looking ahead towards next year,

do you see market sentiment
improving?
electric, but also the Grand i10 Nios – I don’t think that we should look at a
and all of these are very important drastic change in one or two years, I think
launches for us, and they have ensured a more realistic timeframe is three to five
that we continue to gain momentum. years.
What kind of market feedback Kia, your sister company is in India,

have you got on the Kona Electric? and they’re doing quite well with
Well, the volume is very small right now the Seltos. Are you feeling any
– just 500 cars per year. And, as you pressure from them?
know, the price is very high. But we were Yes, sure, but we will grow together, and
keen to become the first manufacturer to we will support each other. But, of
launch a world-class electric vehicle in course, we enjoy healthy competition as
the country. We want to be leaders in the well. They are doing well, but we are
electric vehicle space in the country, and better than them – so we will support
help develop this culture in India. them.
Based on your experience with Any chance of getting any ‘N’ high-
the Kona, do you think that there’s performance products into India?
more scope for electric vehicles in The R&D teams feels that the market isn’t
India – is there a bigger market? ready as yet, but perhaps later. However,
As you know, this technology is very if customers demand such products, we
expensive, but if the government will be ready quite quickly.

KIA SELTOS
Yong S. Kim, Executive Director, and the Kia India team accept
the award for the Seltos, while we sit down with Manohar Bhat,
Head, Sales & Marketing.
Are you surprised by the response according to what Indian customers want, meeting demand.
that the Seltos has got from the in a way that exceeds the expectations of That, and
Indian market? the Indian customer. specifically the
I would like to say no. But, yes, it’s done demand for the top-end automatic
even better than we expected. We have a What kind of feedback are you transmission variant. It’s got much more
great team – in terms of the product, getting from customers, in terms traction than what we expected. Having
marketing, dealer development and our of the many trims and options that said that, we are doing our best to meet
sales team – so we were pretty confident you provide? the expectations. Having said that,
that we would succeed, but it’s been even What has exceeded our expectations is perhaps we’ve provided one too many
better than what we anticipated. Having the demand for the top-end variant, which options, in terms of variants, so we’ll look
said that, we’ve designed the car is why we’re having a problem in actually to correct this sometime next year.
‘THE TOP-END AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION VARIANT HAS

GOT MUCH MORE TRACTION THAN WE EXPECTED’

Looking ahead to 2020, you’ve got
the Carnival and a compact SUV
coming up.
We’ve got a very hectic start to next year.
We’ll have the launch of the Carnival in
the first couple of months of the year, and
also the Auto Expo. Then, after that, the
second vehicle to be manufactured here
will come not long after – in the second
half of next year.
Any small car on the horizon?

We have a lot of options, so we’re looking
at it. We have a huge product portfolio
abroad, so we’re looking to see what can
be made to suit the Indian market. We’re
looking at various options, maybe an EV
as well! Let’s see how the market
develops. On our part, we’re ready to
meet any expectations from the customer.
Any other insights that you’ve

picked up from the market in the
past few months?
As I’ve said, demand for the top-end, and
also for the automatics, have exceeded
our expectations. In fact, we offer multiple
automatic transmission options, and
they’re all doing better than we expected.
In addition to this, the demand for diesel
is also more than we anticipated. Perhaps
we should have expected this, since even
our diesels are the most modern, BS-VI
compliant models.
Has there been any challenge

on the BS-VI front, in terms of
running them on BS-IV fuel?
Absolutely not, other than a few fuel government is taking steps to improve the
adulteration problems, nothing at all. situation, so we hope that sentiment is
We’ve done a lot testing across the better at the same time next year.
country, and across various terrains with
BS-IV fuel and we’ve had no issues. And the fact that your entire
range is BS-VI, how much has that
The success of the Seltos helped?
notwithstanding, what’s your view Very much, because we’re confidently
on overall market sentiment? able to tell the customer that we’re giving
See, if you look at the overall numbers, the them the latest and most
market is down. Everyone can’t have a new environmentally-friendly technology. So,
product. As you know, it takes a long time we believe that this has had a lot of
to develop a new product. So, we’re in the traction with the customer. It’s not like
right place at the right time, I suppose. next year we’ll introduce new technology
We’ve got a good product and that’s why and the value of their cars will go down,
it’s selling well, but otherwise customer so BS-VI right from the word go has been
sentiment is not what it should be. The the right decision.

BMW 330i
Rudratej Singh,
President & CEO, BMW
India, accepts the
award for the 330i.
You’ve had over 10 years at

Unilever, what perspective or
different worldview do you bring
to the luxury segment of the
automotive industry?
I actually spent close to 18 years at Unilever.
What Unilever did for me was to give me
insight into the consumer in various
categories. Unilever isn’t just one company,
it’s basically an organization that manages
many companies, in many categories. So, as
I keep saying, from soup to soap and
everything in between! The other thing I
think, which is very important, whether its
food or beverages, or soap, is that it’s all
largely undifferentiated. Therefore, to seek
differentiation, to get consumers to find you
preferred over another brand, you work
harder. And when you come to the auto
sector, you realize that consumers are so
much more involved. They come into your
store! Imagine a toothpaste store, it would
never happen. We still, sometimes, take the
consumer for granted. We assume that they
will transact, and we only engage with them
when we want to transact with them. So I
bring in the ability to serve the customer,
whether in the bathroom, or the bedroom, or
the drawing room or the kitchen, and earlier
in a smaller garage, now a bigger garage
(referring to his position as CEO at Royal
Enfield before taking on his role at BMW) –
but, if you follow the consumer, you will
always remain relevant.
One of the reasons why we’re

such fans of BMW is because they
are great from behind the wheel.
In India as well, do you find that
more of your customers prefer the
driver’s seat when compared with
your competitors?

‘WE ARE FOR ‘SELF-DRIVEN’ INDIA, AND SELF-DRIVEN
HERE HAS A DOUBLE EDGED MEANING. WE ARE FOR
SELF-MADE ACHIEVERS’
fundamental. So it was sort of an epiphany You mentioned the 7 Series and
for me, because I never thought that a car X7. The styling of the new nose,
that is the epitome of luxury and excellence especially in these two models, has
could drive the way it did. So, you’re been somewhat controversial –
absolutely right. Sometimes I feel that we with people saying that the styling
don’t play to our strengths as much as we direction appears very China-
can. Our engineers know our strengths – centric.
they make products that are absolutely Firstly, I love the large kidney grills! It needs
different to anything else out there. We are some adjusting for some people – for the
the ultimate driving machine. We do provide purists maybe. But I think it fits really nicely
joy and sheer driving pleasure. And we have with the design sensibility that has been
to play to these strengths more brought in across the range – and a
You’re absolutely right! I’ll give you an often. I think we’re doing that, as lot of research and engineering has
example of the startling difference of a you can see from our range of gone into it. I don’t think it’s
BMW versus anybody else in the segment. I launches – the 3 Series of course, representative of only one country,
had a 7 Series for five years in my previous which is why we’re here today, but but, really, it’s the direction that
job. And I’m embarrassed to say that I never even the X4, X7, and, of course, the BMW wants to take in terms of our
drove it. Because I was in the two wheeler 7 Series and 6GT. In each case, design philosophy. And it’s not just
business, and I love motorcycles as well – these cars are as nice from behind the grill. If you look at the overall
and I had seven motorcycles in my garage. the wheel as they are when you’re design sensibility, it is more in line
As soon as I came to BMW, I was given a being chauffer driven. We are for with that. And I think there’s been
beautiful, spanking new 7 Series – a 740i. ‘self-driven’ India, and self-driven strong acceptance. But, yes, the
And I said, okay, let me drive it. 15 minutes here has a double edged idea is to polarize rather than be
of driving it, at seven o’clock in the morning meaning. We are for self-made plain vanilla – BMW has never
interestingly, the first thing I said is that it achievers, their first choice is been that, and we don’t intend to
drives like a 3. And I think that’s very, very BMW. be so in future as well.

Lamborghini
Huracan Evo
Sharad Agarwal, Head,
Lamborghini India,
accepts the award for
the Huracan Evo.
India was one of the first markets to
receive the Huracan Evo. So, would it
be safe to say that India is a priority
market for Lamborghini?
Definitely. India is a strategic market for the
future growth of Lamborghini, and this is
something that we’ve showcased with our
actions in the past as well. 2012 is when
Lamborghini decided to create the right setup
and structure in India, because we understood
that we needed to provide the right
experience to our customers and prospects in
this market, at par with international
standards. So, what you saw recently with the
Evo was that India was one of the first
markets in the world where we launched this
car, but we also did this with the Urus in 2018
– when India became one of the first markets
to receive this model. We also got the
Aventador SVJ at the same time as we
delivered it across the world. This shows
how important and critical India is for our
future growth.
If you didn’t have restrictions in terms

of supply, how many units of the Urus
could you sell in India?
The demand for the Urus is very strong, and
the car continues to be on a waiting period of
eight to nine months – but Lamborghini isn’t
about volumes. It’s about exclusivity. We
always want the demand to be higher than
what we supply to any market or customer.
With the Urus, we have a challenge as the
demand remains high in all markets around
the world, and with a similar waiting period.
There are some markets that actually have a
higher waiting period than what we have in
India. Right now, the idea is for us to supply
the right numbers to the market, so that we
can meet customer’s expectations.

the right products at the right time. possible to imagine a ‘Raging Bull’
Secondly, the way that we’re engaging being electric?
with our customers and prospects, and We believe that the technology is still
also the way that we’re working to evolving. It hasn’t evolved to the point
expand this, is helping us to keep the where it can provide the driving dynamics
growth momentum. Despite all the and emotions that a Lamborghini
challenges we’re facing in the market, customer expects from a car.
I’m very proud to share that this year we Lamborghini is all about the sound, the
should grow by 30% over last year. emotion, the vibrations that you feel in
the car and also the true performance of
Do you foresee a change in the car when you drive it on the road or at
customer sentiment looking the track. Right now, electrics
ahead? are not yet ready to provide that
How has the current market I think in the last one or two sort of experience to our
sentiment affected your segment? months, we are seeing some customers. However, having
The market has been quite challenging in positivity coming back. Yes, the said that, we recently presented
2019, and there are various factors that market and the economy are our future electric super-sports
have led to this slowdown. However, we, going through a correction car concept, the Terzo
at Lamborghini, have been able to phase, but I think people are Millennio. It showcases an
successfully beat this trend, and we’ve slowly aligning to the current electric super-sports car for the
been able to do this riding on the launch market. I expect that 2020 will future, but it’s still a concept.
of new models. We launched the Huracan definitely be much more positive. For now, we will continue with
Evo at the beginning of the year. This our naturally aspirated engines.
really helped us create a good order Recently, we’ve seen Maybe, we will introduce a
bank this year and the success of the a lot of electric hyper- hybrid as a first phase, but
Urus is also continuing. We are bringing cars being launched. Is it electric is still far away.
‘LAMBORGHINI IS ALL ABOUT THE SOUND,

THE EMOTION & THE VIBRATIONS. RIGHT NOW, ELECTRICS
CAN’T PROVIDE THAT EXPERIENCE’

HONDA CB300R
Y S Guleria, Senior VP, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle &
Scooter India, accepts the award for the CB300R.
The CB300R is brilliant, both on happy with the response. And thanks to our So, are the
the road as well as on the track. production team, in a very short time, we’ve numbers good
What’s the feedback been like been able to bring this into the market in CKD enough to justify
from the market? form in order to make it more affordable to producing this
Initially, we planned to sell around 500 units, our customers. So, this neo cafe racer bike here?
but we’ve already sold for more than 550 and concept has really caught the fancy of our Yes, but right now our focus is the
we’re holding 125-plus bookings as of today. customers. There have always been a lot of transition of BS-VI. So, only after April
And all this is happening from only the 22 enthusiasts of Honda bikes, who were looking will we consider ramping up production.
outlets from where we’re currently selling for something in the middleweight category, We are also expanding our network to sell
and servicing the product. So, we’re very and the CB300R fits the bill perfectly. and service these bikes. And as the new

Silver Wing network for our premium
bikes takes shape, we’re very sure that
additional demand will follow. But, of
course, we’re studying the idea of mass-
producing the bike in India.
How difficult was the transition to

BS-VI for a model like the Activa?
Seeing the R&D capability of Honda
globally, it’s not difficult as such. The only
thing was that the BS-VI timelines were
preponed, whereas our schedule – in
terms of our tooling, and that of our
vendors, etc. – was lined up for a
particular timeline. But we’re very happy
that the Activa has become the first BS-VI
two-wheeler on the market. And the kind
of response that the Activa 125 BS-VI has
gotten in the market is overwhelming for
us – so we’re completely satisfied.
What is the price implication of the

BS-VI transition?
In the Activa 125 BS-VI, it’s in the range of
11% to 14% from the low-end to the top-
end variant. Our expectation is anywhere
between 10% to 15% for our entire range.
But this is a big opportunity for us,
because not only are we going to meet
BS-VI regulations, but we’re also going to
offer a host of features to our customers ‘ONE THING THAT’S BEEN MADE
as a complete BS-VI package.
CLEAR BY IS THAT THERE IS NO 2025
There’s been a lot of talk on the EV EV DEADLINE. BUT WE ARE
front in the two-wheeler space,
especially in regards to a 2025 DOING A STUDY FOR OUR EXISTING
timeline, what are your thoughts
on that?
ELECTRIC SCOOTERS’
One thing that’s been made clear by the
Government is that there is no 2025 rated as the most trusted two-wheeler
deadline, but, at the same time, EV brand in the country, and we’re proud of
technology is something that is already that. Our customer base is increasing year-
available with Honda in our scooters. So, on-year. It’s already at 45-million-plus
we are planning to do a study for our customers in the Indian market. So, we have
existing electric scooters starting from the to build on this base further. But there is
first quarter of the next financial year, and still a lot of homework that we need to do,
based on the outcome of that we’ll further especially in the rural market – and we will
refine our EV roadmap for the future. As of continue to work more on that. We are
now, there are no plans to launch as such. working very hard to provide the customer
with a totally differentiated experience,
HMSI’s long standing goal has been especially in regards to after-sales, so we
to be number one in India. How expect that not only will they continue to
are you progressing towards that this goal. And yes, as far as the customer rate us as being the most trusted brand, but
goal? mindset and trust in the brand is concerned, this will also translate into realising larger
When you’re a global leader, there is always we are already number one! We have been numbers as well.

RE INTERCEPTOR 650
Vinod Dasari, CEO, Royal Enfield, accepts the award for the Interceptor
650, while we sit down with Siddhartha Lal, MD, Eicher Motors.
Sid, you must be fed up of and it’s come out exactly as we wanted it. So, higher end of Indian specifications, but also at
receiving awards for the we’re delighted about it, for sure. the threshold level of European specifications.
Interceptor? It’s extremely highway worthy. You can go 80
Never, never (laughs). That can never happen! In India as well, but also in mature miles an hour at part throttle, and you’ve still
markets like the UK, you’re getting got a lot more to spare. In the UK already,
But, are you surprised at the rave reviews. Did you expect that we’re the number two naked bike in the mid-
response you’ve got? going in? weight category, which is brilliant, and we’ve
I’m absolutely delighted, but I can’t say I’m It’s all to a plan. This new platform was made got awards there and people are loving it.
surprised because the Interceptor is truly a with an idea that it’ll be Royal Enfield’s first We’ve already crossed some very big models
very special bike. We’ve put our heart, soul proper big global motorcycle. The of other European or American brands. So,
and energies for half-a-decade behind this, specifications, if you look at it, are at the we’re doing well.

BEST OF 2019 // feature
What people love about this bike

is that it goes to the heart of pure ‘THE INTERCEPTOR
motorcycling. Was that the intent?
We really tried to be extremely focussed with IS TRULY A VERY
this motorcycle – so, excel at the essentials
and cut out everything else! Just make sure
SPECIAL BIKE. WE’VE
that what we do, we do really well – that’s PUT OUR HEART,
also part of the reason why the rolling chassis
of the Continental GT and the Interceptor are SOUL AND ENERGIES
exactly the same, because every single
change means a lot more time, attention and
FOR HALF-A-DECADE
energy. So, everything is the same – the tyres BEHIND THIS, AND IT’S
are the same, and so is the suspension. The
end result is that we’ve been able to make COME OUT EXACTLY
something tremendous, but also something
quite accessible. So, yes, that was the idea.
AS WE WANTED IT’
Over the past few years, you’ve So, what you’re going to see is bikes like this – four years to make a ground-up new product.
got a new production facility on the Interceptor. This was our first motorcycle Over time, at best, it’ll become 3.5 years – but
stream, a technology centre in UK, with our all new product development it does take that long. And we’re not going to
and the rollout of these models process, and it’s taken us a long time. It takes cut short that process. We’re going to do the
worldwide. How challenging has all millions of kilometres that we need to do in
that been? testing and validation to get the product to be
If you look at the past, at every point in the absolutely perfect, and all our new models
last fifteen years, there’s been a different are going to follow the same path. And, in
bottleneck. For example, in 2010, we hit a fact, we’ll continue to improve the process.
ramp, and then the bottleneck was So, it’s a totally new world of motorcycles
manufacturing – we weren’t able to make that you’re going to see from Royal Enfield.
enough. So, for the next five years, we worked
on our supply chain and we opened up our Will we see a Himalayan 650 as
first modern plant in Oragadam. And now we well?
really know how to make motorcycles. It’s I’d love one, but, no, not right now – not in the
taken us time and effort, but we’ve got it near future.
underway. Then, and I’m talking about 6-8
years ago, when we foresaw that the gap was
going to be in our new product line-up, we
opened up our technology centre. Today, we
have a UK technology centre with 150
engineers, and our Chennai tech centre has
just opened up, and it’s absolutely fabulous –
and these are the kinds of products that are
coming out of there. So, now we believe that
we really know how to make new products.
It’s exciting, that’s what we live for and that’s
what we enjoy – all the different aspects of a
motorcycle company.
There are a lot of new players

coming into the Indian market to
challenge you. What next from
Royal Enfield?
What next is to demonstrate the absolute
strength that we have in our product
development. Our engineering is absolutely
superlative, at par with anyone in the world.

TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 1200
Shoeb Farooq, GM, Triumph Motorcycles India, accepts the award
for the Scrambler 1200
We absolutely loved the Scrambler be very high, but, within the segment, we feel capabilities, when it’s really put to the test, are
1200 – both on the dirt as well as on we’ve made very positive inroads. simply amazing and one can really go places
the tarmac – and the versatility it with this motorcycle. Also, with the charm of a
brings with it. What kind of response You’ve got the classics on one side and classic-looking bike and the heart & attitude of
has the bike received in the market? the adventure bikes on the an adventure motorcycle, it’s a
Well, it’s a crossover – a classic, with other, but this one’s a cross highly desirable bike.
adventure capabilities. It is our flagship between the two. So, to
product within the Scrambler range, and, to whom does this bike cater to? How easy or difficult is the
be fair, it is a niche segment that isn’t too big. Somebody who’s just getting into the BS-VI transition for the
As you know, we’ve been working very closely whole adventure motorcycling genre Indian market?
with the adventure segment and its may find the whole concept, and As a company, we’re well
development in India. So, this bike is another even the mere presence, of a big prepared. In fact, we’re not going to
way of pulling more customers into this genre adventure motorcycle a bit wait till March for this transition.
of biking. Also, by offering the Scrambler intimidating. So, for those who are I’m looking at as early as January
1200 after the Scrambler 900, we’ve been upgrading from smaller bikes, but 2020 to start the supply of BS-VI
able to offer the right options to our have a strong inclination for models in India, and, at our
customers to upgrade and the Scrambler adventure riding and exploring backend, we’re ready to deal with
1200 has done fairly well in the market. difficult terrain, I think this bike this transition. Also, I’m also
However, we expected that the volumes won’t makes a lot of sense. The bike’s looking at the liquidation of all

BEST OF 2019 // feature
the BS-IV stock in the Jan-Feb window.

Overall, we’re in a very comfortable situation
right now.
How is Triumph fairing in a difficult

market?
The last 12 months have been quite difficult
for the industry, but the past few months have
seen positive momentum due to the festive
season. As a brand, we’ve grown about 10-
12% on the retail front in the past two months,
which is a very positive sign against an
industry that is still registering negative
growth – especially the super-premium
motorcycle segment that continues to
degrow by about 15-20%. The only thing I’m
concerned with is how to keep this
momentum going. Nevertheless, I’m very
positive about the plans that we have in place
for the next few months and, therefore, we
should be able to do much better than the
overall industry. We know December grows ‘THESE ARE PASSION-PURCHASES.
for all of us, because of all the year-end
opportunities. That will be followed by new
SO, IT’LL BE A CHALLENGE TO ENSURE
products in the next quarter. March will also
present a lot of opportunities due to the final
THE SAME THRILL & EXCITEMENT
BS-IV flush-out. So adding all of these IN AN ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE. BUT
opportunities, and combining it with slightly
better customer sentiment, I’m seeing a
WE JUST NEED TO PULL THE SAME
positive push over the next 6-8 months. VALUES INTO OUR FUTURE ELECTRIC
There’s a fair bit of talk in the two- MOTORCYCLES’
wheeler space about electrification.
As a company, are there any
developments on this front?
Yes, we recently tied up with global
industry veterans to develop this
technology. This is a very large-scale
project, with a two-year timeframe. As a
company, we have a lot of intent to be
ready with this kind of a motorcycle sooner
than later. So, we’re heading in the right
direction and preparing for it.
The main challenge, I assume, would

be to retain the essence of your bikes,
while moving towards a new mode of
propulsion?
Yes, after all, these are passion-purchases. So,
it’ll be a challenge to ensure that the same
thrill and excitement is offered in an electric
motorcycle. But since we know our customers
very well, we know what drives them, and we
just need to pull the same values into our
future electric motorcycles.

INDIAN FTR 1200 S

Pankaj Dubey, MD, Polaris & Indian Motorcycle India, accepts
the award for the Indian FTR 1200 S.
This bike is quite a departure started off racing the FTR 750, and it got also use it for sports
from your regular line-up. What a tremendous response. In racing, it was biking. It comes with
brought about this departure and dominant. And so, based on customer three riding modes –
what’s the response been? feedback, our product managers and standard, sports
From 1901 till now, in its various avatars, engineers did a great job of devising the and rain – so if you’re
Indian Motorcycle has been very strong FTR 1200 for the road. riding to the hills in the rain, you just
in the racing community. But, of course, need to put it in rain mode to keep riding.
our bikes are more focused towards So, who does this bike cater to? So, it’s targeted to a wide variety of
touring. So, what you see here is our As a platform, there are a variety of customers who want a versatile
endeavour to go beyond, rather than just things that can be done with this bike. machine. This is a touring bike and a
being stuck in one compartment. We You can use it for touring, but you can sports bike all rolled into one. And, of
.
.
80
. DECEMBER 2019 / AUTOX.COM
course, it attracts younger customers to
our brand.
How challenging is the transition

to BS-VI?
It is quite challenging, because these are
global products and the largest markets
are North America and Europe. And from
an emission perspective, the strictest
norms are in Europe, and Europe is
implementing Euro-VI from 1st January
2021. And we are nine months before
that, so there is a bit of a challenge, but
it’s just a matter of few months and we’ll
be able to work it out.
Does Indian have any plans to go

down the EV route?
As a company, we already have electric
vehicles. We have a wide range of electric
products that we’re already selling in
India, in terms of our Polaris electric
ATVs. We also have a couple of companies
in Europe that we’ve acquired in this
space. So, the work is ongoing, but we
don’t have anything to share right now.
How do you see the economy

playing out going forward?
The last three years have been pretty
tough for the industry, especially the big
bike industry. And the market scenario
is still tough. There were some positive
signs during Diwali, but we’ll have to see
how long that continues. Plus, BS-VI will
have its own impact. So, I think that the
next year will be challenging as well.
There is latent demand in India, so we’ll
sail through. But, yes, these are had an impact, but long term I don’t see
challenging times for all the industry. any challenges.
Long term, we are absolutely fine.
Short term, we are not! The reason for From a business point of view,
this is the economy overall. It’s not just when the situation is challenging,
the automobile sector, but all the sectors does it force you to make your
that have been affected by the banking business stronger?
sector being under stress. As a result, Absolutely. This is the best time to improve
retail and dealer financing are under your efficiencies. Right now, we’re looking
stress. The government has taken some at how we can be efficient so that when the
steps to ensure that the false growth growth happens we’re in a good position.
that we were seeing is not seen today. So, this is the time when the toughest have
And this is good from a long-term to get going, and you have to find ways to
perspective, because when we see manage the situation efficiently. You need to
growth again it’ll be from the right level. penetration of vehicles in the country is compromise on certain things and learn
And we will see growth, because overall still small, that inherent demand is still lean management. Yes, it’s tough, but this is
income levels are increasing. Since, the there. The money crunch has certainly the best time to learn.

feature // MARUTI S-PRESSO vs RENAULT KWID
BUDGET
BRAWL
Welcome to the battle of the wannabe SUV hatchbacks, as
Maruti Suzuki’s budget brew takes the fight to the latest version
of the original hatch-on-steroids from Renault.
WORDS: SHIVANK BHATT // PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUBHAM PANDEY

I
n the old days, buying your first car touchscreen to the segment. No wonder, money, without throwing anymore puns into
was a fairly simple exercise – you’d then, that it was received quite well by the mix. So, here goes…
simply step out of your house, go to the value-seeking Indian customers and has
nearest Maruti Suzuki showroom, and since remained Renault’s cash cow in India. BREWING CONTROVERSY
take a spanking new 800 or an Alto Four years later, Maruti Suzuki has now More often than not, us critics like to play
home. But it all changed dramatically after caught on to Renault’s low-cost-big-hit idea it safe when it comes to the styling of a car
2015, when Renault disrupted the entry-level with the S-Presso – a tall and spacious entry- by claiming that the aesthetic appeal of a
hatchback segment with the Kwid. level hatchback that wants to be recognised product is subjective. And while that’s true
Now, here was a small car that showed as a mini-SUV. Interestingly, a few days after in most cases, today, I’d like to take the
us that entry-level hatchbacks don’t its launch, Renault, too, gave the Kwid a shot liberty to speak for all of us – the S-Presso
necessarily have to be boring or bare bones. of Botox to keep the pot boiling. simply looks awful and there’s no doubt
It looked the part, thanks to its SUV-inspired Now, the obvious thing for us is to find out about it!
styling, and also brought the novelty of a which one is worth your hard-earned If you have a working pair of eyes, you
See the Maruti S-Presso and Renault

Kwid in action on our YouTube channel.

THE S-PRESSO’S BS-VI ENGINE COMES FROM SUZUKI’S
K SERIES & IT’S A REV-HAPPY & EXCITING POWERTRAIN
can’t disagree that the design of the world, and deservedly so! ACE OF SPACE
S-Presso just doesn’t work from any angle. Now, turn your eyes to the Renault, and As controversial as its exterior may look,
The tall profile, narrow track, and bland you’ll notice that it’s conspicuously the interior of the S-Presso leaves you
side & rear profiles seem to lack a sense of different. The Kwid was never really a bad pleasantly surprised. The first thing you’ll
cohesiveness. And that toothy grille upfront looking car, but, with the facelift, it looks notice is how spacious the cabin is – it’s
– well, it reminds me of the ‘bad piggies’ even more handsome and contemporary. almost as spacious as the WagonR at the
from Angry Birds. The new front fascia is, of course, its party front and back, if not more. The tall-boy
On top all of this, the extra-loud paint piece, as it features a futuristic design, with stance also allows you to sit higher up, and,
options don’t seem to soften the blow split headlamps, a huge grille, funky looking as a result, you do get a mini-SUV-like
either. You see, bright orange is a shade DRLs, and a muscular bumper. commanding view.
that works very well on Lamborghinis and Around the sides, and the back too, it The centrally stacked instrument cluster,
KTMs, but I’m not entirely convinced that looks quite proportionate and smart. The along with a 7.0-inch touchscreen
it’s the right choice on an entry-level LED light guides on the tail-lamps give it a infotainment system, is a neat touch, but
family car. Having said that, I’ve seen a few premium look, while the squared-off wheel the body-coloured surrounds again look a
S-Pressos on the road in ‘boring’ shades, arches, coupled with faux alloy wheels, are bit kitschy – it looks like a poor man’s Mini,
like good ol’ white, and I think it looks all very neatly done. to be honest. Having said that, the textured
quite acceptable. The Kwid’s design, yet again, proves that plastic on top of the dashboard, and the
However, if you still choose to be brave entry-level cars needn’t be unimaginative. plenty of cubbyholes, give it a more
and opt for a bright coloured S-Presso, be So, in terms of sheer aesthetic appeal, the upmarket and practical appeal. However,
prepared to be brutally judged by the S-Presso simply fails to match the Renault. there’s no central locking button, and rear-

The S-Presso’s
cabin feels a size
bigger than the
Kwid, as there’s
acres of space. The
quality and fit-and-
finish levels are
also better. Plus, it
gets steering
mounted controls.
seat passengers don’t get the luxury of MARUTI SUZUKI S-PRESSO VXI+
power windows even in the top-end variant. ENGINE: 998cc / 3-Cylinders / 12 Valves / SOHC
PROS:
Step inside the Kwid after the S-Presso, FUEL: Petrol lSpace
and you can’t help but feel a little TRANSMISSION: Front-Wheel Drive / 5-Speed Manual lRefinement
claustrophobic – the Kwid’s cabin is really POWER: 67bhp @ 5,500rpm
CONS:
cramped in comparison to the S-Presso’s. TORQUE: 90Nm @ 3,500rpm
lAwkward design
The Kwid truly feels like a small car, with PRICE: `4.48 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
just about enough room at the front, while,
at the back, it can’t hold a candle to the X-FACTOR: If you can look beyond its oddball looks, the S-Presso is a refined, spacious and
S-Presso’s spacious rear bench. practical entry-level hatchback.
Sure, the Climber variant does get an
armrest at the back for added comfort, but digital instrument cluster, but with a rev cars come with Android Auto and Apple
full-size adults will feel claustrophobic over counter. Plus, with blue backlit and colour Car Play, and during the test both units
long drives. The Kwid also loses marks for coordinated bits and bobs, it looks youthful, worked flawlessly.
its plastic quality, which is hard, scratchy without trying too hard. In terms of equipment, the Kwid gets rear
and feels cheap. The Kwid’s larger 8.0-inch touchscreen power windows as optional, as well as a
However, the design and layout of the also feels a bit crisper than the S-Presso’s. central locking button. However, compared
cabin brings it back in the race – to my eyes, Plus, the Kwid also gets a rear parking to the S-Presso, the Kwid misses out on
it looks smarter and in tune with the times. camera and sensors, whereas the steering controls, and it doesn’t even have
Like the S-Presso, the Kwid also gets an all- S-Presso only has parking sensors. Both internally adjustable ORVMs!

The Kwid’s cabin feels more youthful and is
tastefully done. The 8.0-inch touchscreen
infotainment is crisp and intuitive, while it also
packs a rear parking camera and sensors.
Weirdly, the ORVMs can’t be adjusted from inside!
THE KWID HAS SIGNATURE

RENAULT TRAITS IN TERMS OF
ITS RIDE & HANDLING, WHICH IS
PLIANT & COMPOSED
What’s really surprising is that both cars ratings – 67bhp/90Nm (S-Presso) and make the S-Presso a breeze to drive in
miss out on a day-night rear-view mirror. In 67bhp/91Nm (Kwid). Power transmission traffic. The motor does tend to wheeze at
this day and age, that’s simply unacceptable duties in both cars are carried out by high revs, meaning you can hear its protests
– both in terms of safety and convenience. 5-speed manual gearboxes, while AMTs are once you go past 100km/h. Overall, though,
Speaking of safety, ABS and a driver optional. For our test, we used the manual the driving experience is quite effortless
airbag are standard in both cars, while both versions. thanks to its motor.
also offer an optional passenger airbag. The Now, while both engines sound similar, The moment you crank up the Kwid’s
structural integrity of both vehicles is they couldn’t be more different on the engine, things start going downhill for the
unknown at the moment, but both Maruti move. The S-Presso’s engine comes from little Renault. Not only does the engine
Suzuki and Renault claim that these models Suzuki’s K-Series and is BS-VI compliant. In sound rough at idle, but also shakes as if
meet India’s latest crash test norms. typical Suzuki style, it’s a rev-happy and it’s possessed. As the revs climb, it
exciting powertrain. It feels eager at low becomes even noisier, and the three-pot
SAME, BUT DIFFERENT revs and comes on strong as you step on motor starts whining like an old lady! The
The Kwid’s and S-Presso’s powertrains are the gas. Mild vibrations are present at idle, best way to keep it calm is to shift up at
neck-and-neck on paper. Both are powered but, overall, it’s a very refined motor. 3,000rpm.
by 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines The light clutch action and short-throw However, there’s a catch. The Kwid’s
with near-identical power and torque gearbox, clubbed with this peppy motor, motor lacks the low-end punch of the
S-Presso’s brilliant K Series engine, and, as
RENAULT KWID CLIMBER (O) a result, it doesn’t have any juice in the
ENGINE: 999cc / 3-Cylinders / 12 Valves PROS: lower part of the rev range. In fact, you’ll
FUEL: Petrol lContemporary design find yourself slipping the clutch over speed-
TRANSMISSION: Front-Wheel Drive / 5-Speed Manual lInfotainment system breakers and in slow-moving traffic just to
POWER: 67bhp @ 5,500rpm CONS:
keep the motor spinning.
TORQUE: 91Nm @ 4,250rpm lWhiny engine The mid-range is fairly strong though,
PRICE: `4.62 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) lCramped rear seat and, if you ignore the noise, it feels
marginally quicker than the S-Presso in the
middle part of the rev range. Having said
X-FACTOR: Funky looks, feature-packed cabin, and mature dynamics demonstrate that
budget cars needn’t be bare-bones. that, the engine feels gruff all the time.
Since this is still a BS-IV motor, we’re

its tall height and narrow track.
There’s also a lot of wind noise that
filters into the cabin when you’re doing
triple-digit speeds. On the positive side,
the handling is pretty neutral, and it’s an
interesting – if not exciting – little car to
throw around corners. However, body roll
is quite evident when pushed harder. The
electric steering lacks any feel
whatsoever, but it is direct and
responsive.
The Kwid, on the other hand, has
signature Renault traits in terms of ride
and handling. Compared to the S-Presso,
its ride quality is a tad stiffer at low
speeds, but once you speed up, it’s more
pliant and glides over undulations and
bad roads more confidently. It also feels
more natural and more planted because
of its lower height.
Again, the steering is lifeless and
doesn’t even pretend to self-centre.
However, it’s light to twirl and does the
job fine for commuting in daily traffic.
Around corners, thanks to its wider track
and low ride height, the Kwid feels more
composed than the S-Presso. It’s a similar
story on the open road too, as the Kwid
feels more stable at high speeds.
VERDICT
As we’ve established by now, both the
S-Presso and Kwid are evenly matched
for the most part. In terms of equipment,
engine specifications, and pricing, they’re
neck-and-neck. However, after driving
these two back-to-back, you’ll realise that
they are actually worlds apart.
You see, the Kwid – with its funky looks,
jazzy interior, and upmarket features – is
more suited for the first-time buyer,
probably a millennial for whom
practicality isn’t the primary concern. The
S-Presso, well, is trying to woo
youngsters as well, but it’s trying too
hard. However, it is, without a doubt, the
hoping that the refinement levels will go up been modified. All told, the ride quality of more rounded package of the two – it’s
with the BS-VI upgrade, which is due by the S-Presso is pretty impressive, thanks to spacious, more refined, frugal, and, most
April 2020. the rigid chassis. importantly, has Maruti’s immaculate
The suspension is softly sprung, and, as a network backing it up.
COMFORT VS COMPOSURE result, the ride quality is very supple at low In the end, it all boils down to what you
The S-Presso is underpinned by Suzuki speeds. When the speed builds up, the relate to more. For me, it’s the Kwid that
Heartect K platform, which forms the base vehicle wavers a bit. At triple-digit speeds, gets my vote, but if you’re a more practical
for the company’s ‘kei’ cars in Japan. you need to be a wee bit careful, as it family man, the S-Presso is for you. Just
However, for its application in India, it has doesn’t feel as stable as the Kwid, owing to don’t buy it in orange, please!

feature // QUATTRORUOTE
The new Defender kicks up the dirt on a

muddy track in Kazakhstan. Built on a
monocoque for the first time ever, the
new Land Rover has been subjected to
very intense and exacting off-road tests
in various parts of the world, including
Moab – a paradise for off-roaders – in
the Utah Desert of the USA.

DEFENDING
T H E L E G ACY
Does saying adios to the ladder frame mean that
it’s the end of the road for an absolute legend? In
Gaydon, they are convinced that it’s not – they
insist that the off-road ability of their most iconic
car remains uncorrupted.
WORDS: ROBERTO LO VECCHIO
I
t begins quietly – the criticism of the new owned English manufacturer – to go fishing in a
Defender – usually with a compliment. ‘It’s bigger lake rather than the small (niche) one afforded
beautiful, no doubt.’ And then comes the kill to it by the original model.
shot, ‘But it’s not really a Defender!’ It’s However, despite the larger target audience, there
becoming increasingly common to come is something that Land Rover can’t afford – and that’s
across such comments on social media, and in jeopardizing the legendary off-road ability of its most
automobile forums. iconic model. Moreover, it’s also a question of image –
It’s been over a month since the official if word were to spread that their toughest and purest
presentation of the most iconic of Land Rovers, and off-roader has now become a fashionable car,
suitable only for the urban jungle,
THE ENGLISH 4X4 QUEEN it would put an end to the

reputation of the entire brand.
HASN’T BEEN DOMESTICATED. But we’ll reserve our judgment
regarding its off-road abilities
MUD & DUST ARE STILL HER until such time that we get our
STAPLES hands on the new Defender. In the

meantime, we can tell you all
about the numbers at hand, what
the discussion surrounding it doesn’t seem to cease. it’s made of, and everything that’s underneath its
Gerry McGovern, the design head of the Land Rover, shell. After all, a bit of rationality in the discussion
who fought really hard for new design innovation, never hurts, does it?
jumped into this so-called controversy when he said, Now, we know that it’s not easy to completely
‘those who were die-hard fans of the old Defender discount emotion when talking about a model that
probably won’t buy the new one,’ revealing an coincided with the very foundation of the brand. We
important aspect of the strategic game of this Tata- all know the story. Born from the idea of Maurice

Wilks, technical director of Rover, who, in ULTRA-RIGID SHELL

1947, thought that a vehicle, not unlike Jeep, With the same name and essentially the same
rugged and economic, could meet the mechanical layout, although partially evolved,
demands of the British rural class exhausted the Defender continued its journey until three
by the war. And the result was a basic vehicle, years ago, when the regulations put a stop to
which was presented at the Amsterdam its production, except for a special limited-
Motor Show in 1948 – and, of course, quickly edition series in 2018 – the Defender Works
went on to become a commercial V8 – that was launched to celebrate the 70th
phenomenon. anniversary of its birth.
The reason behind its phenomenal success However, the name remains today, even
was simple – it could literally take you though a lot has changed. A new skin, but not
anywhere and get you out of any difficult without respecting its tradition, and
situation on any terrain. A combination of its underneath – something that, in the eyes of
ladder frame chassis, two rigid axles with enthusiasts, was completely untouchable –
semi-elliptical leaf springs, a body with the ladder-frame has now been replaced by a
aluminium panels, a four-cylinder 1.6-litre monocoque chassis.
engine, producing 50bhp, combined with a The last old-fashioned English off-road
four-speed manual gearbox, and all-wheel vehicle couldn’t resist the modern influence
drive, it was simply called the Series 1 – but it and now belongs to a family of vehicles – the
had all the foundations of the legend it went Discovery and Range Rover (except the
on to become after assuming its current Evoque) – that share the D7 aluminium
name in the 1990s. monocoque architecture, called D7x – ‘x’
The spartan rawness of the old

Defender is just a memory, kept alive
by details such as visible screws and an
exposed magnesium crossbeam in the
cabin. For the most part though, the
cabin, dominated by a 10-inch touch
screen, is refined and hi-tech.

THE ABILITY TO GO ANYWHERE
REMAINS. BUT NOW IT HAS A
WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF COMFORT

TECHNICAL
ANATOMY OF AN OFF-ROAD VEHICLE

Unlike the path chosen by its high- degree of robustness – 6.5 tonnes of new Defender is built, in the classic 90
profile competition – the Jeep Wrangler breakout load on the anchor points, 7 and 110 versions (three and five doors,
and Mercedes-Benz G-Class – the tonnes of vertical load on the suspension, respectively), on a dedicated line in the
Defender abandons the ladder-frame 300kgs of static maximum load on the Slovak factory in Nitra, where the
chassis and adopts a modern self- roof, and 168kgs of dynamic load. The Discovery is also assembled.
supporting aluminium body, with
independent suspension – double-
wishbones at the front and a multi-link at
the rear, with coil springs in the standard
version (air springs are optional). The
latter offers greater travel and increases
the off-road ride height by 75mm, but the
adaptive dynamics system also improves
handling on the asphalt, monitoring and
analysing the movements of the body 500
times per second. Land Rover claims that
the D7x platform offers a very high
MULTILINK
It features a sophisticated
suspension, with double-
wishbones in the front
ENGINES and multiple links in the
At the time of the launch, back. Two options are
it will be available with the TRANSMISSION available – the base with
four-cylinder 2.0-litre of The new Defender's coil springs and the top
the Ingenium series, petrol permanent all-wheel model with air suspension
(296bhp and 400Nm) and drive features a lockable (ideal for off-road), which
diesel (197bhp and centre and rear improves ride height and
237bhp, 430Nm for both), differential, controlled by suspension travel.
and the new 3.0 mild Terrain Response 2.
hybrid 395bhp in-line six. E-SUPERCHARGER
On the 3.0L MHEV, the
electric compressor
flanks the twin-turbo
scroll to reduce turbo-lag.
SHORT WHEELBASE AND LONG

The Defender 90 is 4.58m long (with an The 110 measures 5.02m (with the
external spare wheel) and has a wheelbase external spare wheel) and has a wheelbase
of 2.59m. The weight starts at 2,065kgs. of 3.02m. Its weight starts at 2,186kgs.

stands for ‘extreme,’ indicating the demanding maximum ascent/descent gradient of 45° as
and exacting tests that the machine has had the old one. Meanwhile, the maximum side-
to go through. slope gradient of the new Defender is 45°
Well, according to Land Rover, this new against the 30° of the older one. The Defender
platform has a torsional rigidity of 29kNm/ 2020 is 30mm wider (a total of 2,100mm) and
degree, which makes it three times more rigid a few millimetres lower, which also reduces
than a traditional ladder-frame chassis. the vehicle’s tendency to tip-over.
The new Defender has a maximum The repositioning of a few components,
suspension articulation of 500mm (in the including the battery and cooling circuits,
version with air suspension). However, it made it possible to keep the overhang short
would be interesting to know the vehicle’s for the benefit of the characteristic angles.
Ramp Travel Index or RTI, which is a measure Here are the claimed numbers for the
of a vehicle’s ability to flex its suspension, or Defender – 38° approach angle, 40° departure
to put it simply, the extent to which a vehicle angle, and 28° ramp breakover angle (31° in
can advance with one wheel on a ramp before the Defender 90), which are on par with the
the other one breaks off the ground – a value Jeep Wrangler’s 44° approach angle, 37°
that Land Rover hasn’t revealed yet. departure angle, and 28° of ramp breakover
What Land Rover, however, has revealed is angle. What’s worth noting here is that the
that the Defender 2020 has the same new Defender loses out to the old Defender’s
THE DEFENDER IS EXPECTED TO

COME TO INDIA IN LATE 2020

49° approach, 35° departure (47° for the 90), response, steering and traction control, A NEW RECORD
and 30° ramp breakover angle. and to manage the locking of the central The new Defender even has a Wade mode – it
and rear differentials. can be selected from the Terrain Response
ALMOST AUTONOMOUS Of course, the Defender 2020 comes menu – which assists the driver in crossing a
To compensate for a few small physical with an Auto setting, suitable for novice fjord by locking the differential and increasing
limitations of the Defender 2020, the vehicle off-road drivers, which allows the Terrain the ground clearance, while the Wade sensing
comes with the state-of-the-art Advanced Response System to recognize the surface shows the depth of water.
Driver Assistance System or ADAS, which is a of the ground, using cameras and sensors, The maximum depth it can tackle, and rest
true innovation for an off-road vehicle. It also and automatically choose the most assured it’s the last number that we’ll cite, is
gets Terrain Response 2, which is the off-road suitable off-road mode, without any input 900mm, a record in itself, which the Defender
gear management software package from the driver. In short, it democratises shares with the Discovery. To put things in
developed by Land Rover that now comes off-road driving. perspective, the Jeep Wrangler has a
with new functions. The Defender also comes with maximum wading depth of 750mm.
A touchscreen sits on the centre of the ClearSight Ground View, which offers a So, in the end, despite all the changes, will
dashboard, which allows you to select clear view of the ground in front of the car the new Defender do the same things the old
various modes, depending on the surface on the screen, using front cameras – as if one did? At Gaydon, they claim, ‘it will do even
(gravel, snow, rock, sand, etc.). The the hood is transparent – allowing you to more.’ But the kicker is that it’ll be a lot more
touchscreen also offers three settings to see exactly where the wheels are civilized on the surface in which it’ll spend
adjust throttle and transmission positioned on the ground surface. most of its time – the tarmac!
FROM THE SNORKEL TO THE EXTERNAL

LADDER, THE DEFENDER IS PACKED
WITH DOZENS OF ACCESSORIES FOR
ADVENTURE SEEKERS
The Defender democratises off-road
driving. Terrain Response 2 allows
even rookie adventurers to experience
real off-road driving. Above, the
screens of the ClearSight Ground View
©Riproduzione riservata
(left) and the Wade sensing (right).

What’s curious, however, are the
choice of wheels – the smallest is
255/70R18. But we think that the
255/75R17 could have been better
suited to certain off-road conditions.

special feature
With winter upon us, we head to the Himalayas for the second leg
of the Great India Drive in the search for snow. Himalayas; winter;
snow – sounds straightforward, doesn’t it? Well, not quite!
WORDS: ISHAN RAGHAVA // PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUBHAM PANDEY & VINEET YADAV

See videos of our Great India
Drive on our YouTube channel.

special feature
POOH
KARSOG
CHITKUL
ROHRU CHANSHAL
PASS
CHANDIGARH
NEW DELHI
H
oping to fulfil this prophecy, idea was to start early towards the
I decided to head to the Karsog valley, and from there to Rampur
Himalayas for the second Bushahr. Instead of taking the usual
leg of our Great India Drive. Shimla-Narkanda route, we decided to go
In the first leg, you might off the beaten path and went through
remember that we drove from Gujarat Chindi instead.
through Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Now, with winter almost here, this
where we discovered many surprises and decision turned out to be a double-edged
enjoyed some great sights – and food sword. Because of the lack of traffic and
(what’s a road trip without culinary commercialisation, these roads offered
delights?). some gorgeous views, but, at the same
time, the road conditions changed
OFF THE BEATEN PATH frequently – from fantastic to non-
In the second leg, we were expecting to existent – every few kilometres. This
find even more beautiful surroundings, meant capturing some beautiful shots,
and, of course, more challenges too. For but only at the expense of an
instance, we were aware that, for the excruciatingly slow pace.
most part, road conditions were pretty Nevertheless, we continued our journey
bad, which indeed was a big challenge. towards Rampur. And little did we know
Our first stop was Chandigarh. The that there was something rather nice

IF YOU GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH, THE BACK
ROADS OFFER SOME GORGEOUS VIEWS
waiting for us – the final 40 kilometres border. It was a beautiful setting, driving
before Rampur was an absolute dream! along the Sutlej river – a long stream of
Wide, well surfaced, and fast, which clear green water that really looked
meant that I could really push the Venue stunning under the sun. But the road here
and revel in its excellent handling. There can be quite treacherous, so caution was
is, it seems, light at the end of the tunnel the order of the day.
after all… On the way to Chitkul, then, we were
Now, Rampur is a town with some averaging around 20km/h. In the end
historical significance of its own, mainly though, Chitkul was a bit of a
due to the strategic position of its disappointment. You see, during this time
location. It shares its borders with Spiti, of the year, you hardly find any tourists
Tibet, and Garhwal, which made it a very here, which meant that most locals had
important trading town – a status that it already closed their establishments for
enjoyed for many hundreds of years. the season and moved to lower altitudes
for the winter.
THROWING CAUTION TO THE And since, like us, Chitkul was also
WIND! WELL, NOT REALLY waiting for snowfall, the village looked
The next day, our hunt for snow began in kind of barren. Of course, owing to its
earnest. Our destination was Chitkul – the proximity to the border, you can’t go much
last Indian village next to the Tibetan further, as there’s an ITBP camp after the

AFTER RAKSHAM, THE ROAD
IS PEPPERED WITH SIGNS
MENTIONING THAT YOU’RE ON
THE ‘MOST TREACHEROUS
ROAD IN THE WORLD!’
village – access to which, of course, With both Chitkul and Pooh not serving as we climbed to Chanshal. But, don’t
is prohibited. our purpose, the next day we backtracked look at me – I lay the blame squarely on
With our quest being unsuccessful, we to a Pass that I’d visited before. Located the road conditions, or the lack of a road
decided to head back to Raksham and next to Rohru, the Chanshal Pass is a bit whatsoever.
towards the town of Pooh. Situated at of a mystery for most people. We started The view from Chanshal, though, made
over 8,700 feet, Pooh is a lovely little from Pooh quite early in the morning, and me forget my defeat very quickly. Against
town that offers a stunning view of by the time we reached Rohru, we had the stark white backdrop of the snow on
the mountains around it, as well as already spent 8 hours on the road. top of the pass, the sky looked amazing –
some fantastic opportunities to stargaze lit with a fiery sunset that contracted
at night. TAKING ON GOOGLE, AND LOSING nicely with the Lava Orange paintwork of
However, with the temperature falling Rohru is a typical small town, narrow, the Venue. And, finally, at 12,800 feet, not
below 0 at night, the star gazing was crowded, full of people, and with broken only had we finally found snow but also
limited. An interesting bit about the road roads. But we didn’t have any time to the temperatures to go along with it –
from Rampur to Pooh – after Raksham, a spare. minus 4 degrees to be exact.
large section of the road is peppered with Now, a quick confession. It was here After completing our mission,
signs by the Border Roads Organisation that I discovered that you can’t defeat the discovering some remote regions of
mentioning that this is the ‘Most predictions of Google Maps. Let me Himachal, facing off against non-existent
Treacherous Road in the World!’ explain. You see, every time I search for a roads and inclement weather, it was
Now, while the road isn’t quite that destination for a road trip on Google finally time for us to get the Venue back to
dangerous, I think the secret lies in the Maps, my sole aim is to beat the time home base.
fact that these signs make the motorist estimated by Google – a quirk that many A final word about our steed – from the
more careful and respectful of the of us, I think, can relate to. Now, plains of Gujarat to the peaks of the
conditions. After all, the high altitude and according to Google, it would take 2 hours Himalayas, it performed flawlessly
the shooting stones – and I mean huge to traverse the 28 kilometres to Chanshal, throughout both legs of this journey. Its
boulders – can really be very dangerous. and I was determined to prove it wrong. driving appeal remained intact no matter
So, I guess its BRO’s way of asking you to Alas, despite pushing the Venue to its what the conditions, and it proved to be a
be a better guy. limits, Google finally got the better of me perfect partner for the Great India Drive.

special feature
A large part for the

sustainability of this
region depends on
the Armed Forces
and the Border
Roads Organisation.
Without them, Spiti
and many other
regions like it, would
find it difficult to
maintain basic
necessities of life.

travel // MODERN CLASSICS TO GOA
Two modern classics, the open road, winding

ghat sections, and beautiful beaches – the
recipe for a perfect motorcycle ride to Goa?
WORDS: SHIVANK BHATT
A
road-trip to Goa may sound engines and ride into the sunset…
cliched, but not for a first-
timer (yes, that’s me). So, of HITTING IT STRAIGHT
course, when I saw an From Mumbai to Kolhapur, the roads are
opportunity to ride down to wide and traffic is moderate, meaning we
the Goan shore, I grabbed it immediately. To could both open the taps on our bikes and
make it more exciting, I decided to do it on a cruise comfortably at three-digit speeds.
motorcycle and asked Jared to tag along - The Benelli’s liquid-cooled 500cc parallel-
on a different motorcycle, that is. So, we got twin is a peach of an engine and delivers
ourselves a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 47bhp and 46Nm of torque in a very
and Benelli Leoncino 500 - two very similar smooth manner.
motorcycles - so that we could also do a And out on the open road, it feels even
comparison story alongside. more relaxed – there are mild vibrations
Now, of course, the Interceptor is above 6,000rpm, but, overall, it’s a very
much more affordable, and tractable powertrain. Oh, and
has turned out to be a I love the ‘big bike’ in-line-
phenomenon ever since its 4-like noises that it makes.
launch – not to mention, it’s However, what I didn’t find as
one of our ‘Best of 2019.’ suitable was its suspension
However, the idea behind the setup – the ride quality was
comparison was to see which super firm, and, that means at
one of these is an ideal long- high speeds your spine feels all
distance cruiser and more fun the thuds and undulations that
to ride on Indian roads. The next you encounter on our roads. The
thing to do was to fire up the 50mm front fork is rebound

travel // MODERN CLASSICS TO GOA
adjustable, and the mono-shock at the back

is adjustable for both rebound and pre-load.
However, whatever adjustments you make,
the ride is always choppy.
After our lunch stop at Kolhapur, we
switched bikes. Now, while I’ve ridden the
Interceptor before, I’ve done so only for very
short durations. As a result, I was curiously
eager to spend more time with the
Interceptor and to see the reason behind all
the hype surrounding this modern classic.
The 47bhp 648cc parallel-twin motor here
is a gem in the true sense of the word. There
are absolutely no vibrations, and it feels very
sophisticated right from the go. Unlike the
Leoncino, which makes angry noises as
it pops and crackles, the Interceptor
produces a deep and refined rumble of a
typical old-school twin motor.
On the move, the Interceptor offers more
grunt too – its engine delivers more torque
(52Nm) and has a wider powerband. The
suspension setup is well calibrated for our
roads, but it also errs on the stiffer side,
meaning your spine does get occasional
thumps. However, its ride doesn’t feel as
unforgiving as the Benelli’s.
What really makes the ride uncomfortable
is the Interceptor’s soft and narrow saddle.
After a couple of hours of riding, the seat
tends to sink in and your back starts hurting.
Also, compared to the Benelli, which has before he completely disappeared from smoothest of smooth stretches, there’s a
Scrambler-like tall handlebars and a low- sight! After 20 minutes or so, I saw him constant vertical movement to the wheels –
seat, the Interceptor has slightly front-biased again, waiting by the roadside for me. As the ride never settles down.
and aggressive ergonomics, which can get soon as he saw me, he kind of exclaimed, The Interceptor, on the other, does
exhausting after 3 to 4 hours of riding. ‘The Benelli is so bloody awesome on these everything a bit better and is a more rounded
roads, man!’ And it must be, because Jared package. And that’s before you consider the
GHAT IT OUT never misses an opportunity to grumble and huge price gap between the two – `2.56 vs
Once out of Kolhapur, Jared suggested that call me ‘slow,’ if I happen to fall behind for `4.79 lakh (both ex-showroom). Of course,
we take a detour from Nipani towards some reason. So, it was a refreshing change, the Benelli comes with a number of modern
Sawantwadi and Amboli, as it’s a more thanks to the Benelli. bells and whistles like LED headlamps, but
scenic road. Plus, this section has some even that doesn’t justify its high premium.
amazing ghats of Amboli. Now who needs a BEACHED And, so, if I had to pick one of the two, it’ll
second invitation when you’ve got a setting After nearly 10 hours on the road, we made it undoubtedly be the Interceptor.
like this and you’re on a fast motorcycle? to Goa. It was a gruelling ride – well, every However, that said, after our long, long ride, I
Jared and I were absolutely loving these road trip on Indian roads is, that goes without realised that neither of these bikes is meant
bikes on this stretch of road. And it was quite saying – but this one as filled with immense for long-distance riding – they just aren’t
a revelation, because our bikes weren’t really fun nonetheless. As for the bikes, I absolutely comfortable if you have to ride 8 to 10 hours
meant for corner carving, but, still, we were loved the Leoncino when I first tested it in in a day. And if I have to do a long-distance
having so much fun! Delhi, however, on this road-trip, I realised haul from Mumbai to Goa again, I think I’ll be
However, while I was absolutely gob- that my first encounter with the Benelli was much happier with a sports-tourer – the
smacked by the composure of the a bit of a holiday romance. Yamaha R3 or TVS Apache RR 310, perhaps.
Interceptor around fast corners, I couldn’t Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great bike for And, with that, you are now allowed to throw
really ignore the fact that Jared was getting short rides, but its ride quality is simply brickbats at me for wasting your time with
farther and farther away after every corner, unacceptable for our roads, and even on the this story.

N
T IO
U C
O D
T R
IN
W
NE
travel // MAHINDRA AUTHENTIC MUSTANG
LO &
4x4!
Shivank ‘crawls’ to the Kingdom of
Lo Manthang in the Mustang Valley
for an overland off-road expedition
of a lifetime.
WORDS: SHIVANK BHATT // PHOTOGRAPHY: NEPAL DRIVES & SHIVANK BHATT

‘W
hat? Who the hell goes to Nepal for a
drive?’ This was my reaction to a
friend a couple of years ago, when he
proposed the idea of a road-trip to
the Mustang Valley. Frankly, Nepal
never really caught my fancy.
Perhaps the fact that it’s so close to us North Indians that it doesn’t
seem like a ‘foreign’ land. Also, there’s nothing there but Mt. Everest
– isn’t it?
So, why would anyone like me – who even dreads the thought of
walking to the nearest grocery store – ever go there? There was
absolutely no incentive for me, or so I thought. So, just like our
present government, I made the mistake of taking Nepal for granted!
But, in October an invite for the Mahindra Adventure Authentic
Mustang 2019 expedition arrived. I’d be lying if I said that I was dying
to go on this expedition, but since it promised 12 days of ‘extreme
terrain driving’ and, more importantly, an opportunity to escape
Delhi’s toxic air, I quickly reserved my seat for this drive. Shortly
afterwards, I found myself on a flight to Nepal.
Upon landing in Kathmandu, I was greeted by the sight of an
overcrowded airport, thanks to trekkers and backpackers from all
over the world, who come here because of – drumroll – Mt Everest.
However, beating every single one of them, I exited the airport
swiftly since we Indians get preferential treatment there – there’s a
separate immigration queue for us.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Kathmandu is at a height of 1,400m or 4,600ft, and located in the
foothills of the mighty Himalayas – just like the country itself. At
first, it feels like a typical hill-station – hordes of tourists, narrow
roads, a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains, and courteous
people. However, since it’s the capital of Nepal and the largest city in
the country, the general upkeep, infrastructure, and traffic
management is five times better than any hill-station in India.
That said, people tend to be quite reckless and unpredictable on
the road – be it pedestrians, drivers, or motorcyclists – something
that they share in common with us. Peak hour traffic can be
maddening, but there are traffic cops everywhere. What really
surprised, or rather impressed, me was that almost everyone on the
road follows lane discipline. They, at least, understand that those
markers on the road are there for a reason.
As soon as I reached the hotel, I met Nidhi Salgame – the ‘lead’ of
this extreme overland expedition. And she has quite a CV. In fact, you

Lomanthang is the former
capital of the ‘Kingdom of Lo’.
At over 12,000ft above sea
level, it’s a cold and barren
desert highland. The good, or
bad, thing about the Upper
Mustang Valley is that it’s a
restricted area and you require
a special permit, which costs
upwards of 500 US dollars, to
enter the region.
could say that she’s a bit overqualified for and requires one to be extra alert – it’s in bonkers in Nepal, as people have to shell
this job. Nidhi is an extreme terrain driver, the top 3 treacherous roads in the out nearly 300% duties on cars and bikes
outdoor educator, and overland adventurer, Himalayas for a reason! This meant that here! To give you a reference, an XUV500
with a specialisation in extreme there were certain protocols to be followed costs 90 lakh NPR (Nepali Rupee) – which is
overlanding. She runs an off-road self-drive – like taking care of our vehicles, a health approximately `56 lakhs, after conversion!
firm called Wander Beyond Boundaries check-up, and checking the vehicle’s fluid Pokhara is also known as the ‘tourism
(WBB) – not to mention the fact that she’s levels and air-pressure every morning capital’ of the country. That’s because the
the first Indian to drive to the Pole of Cold before the start. city serves as a base for trekkers heading
and Road of Bones in Siberia, amongst Now, you may think that you could have to the Annapurna range of mountains,
other extreme expeditions. In short, she’s a easily escaped this drill, but then you which has three of the ten highest peaks in
total badass! couldn’t have escaped Nidhi’s fury if you got the world – and they are all within a 25 to
Last year, Nidhi came up with the idea caught. At times, she reminded me of my 50-kilometre radius from here. This makes
of Mustang Overland, and she and a team favourite teachers from school – fun to be Pokhara quite a happening place. The main
of women drivers became the first group around, but, at the same time, never ones to market is upbeat, with numerous bars and
of women to drive to Lo Manthang in shy away from rapping your knuckles if you cafés, and you’ll find scores of tourists
Upper Mustang. Mahindra Adventure failed to follow orders! everywhere. It’s super clean too, and gives
supported the activity with its vehicles, On day 1, we hit the road to Pokhara – the you a mini-Thailand-like vibe.
but given how amazing and challenging second largest city of Nepal. The
this trail is, Mahindra opened it up to its 200-kilometre drive was pretty uneventful, 4X4 LOW COUNTRY
customers and added it to its already not unlike the Chandigarh-Manali drive, as From Pokhara, it was quite an early start,
expansive list of expeditions. the views were similar and the roads, which, at first, seemed surprising because
And, so, there were 20 odd-customers, although wide, were congested with our night halt was only 120 kilometres
including an 8-year-old kid, in 8 Mahindra commercial vehicles and other cars. I was away. However, soon the reason became
Thars and 2 Scorpios in this first edition of also surprised to see a vast number of clear. The condition of the road
this extreme overlanding experience. private cars on roads here. Why? Well, if deteriorated after about 80 kilometres,
Before we began the journey, we were you thought the duty structure on cars in which we covered in 4 hours. We stopped
clearly told that this drive is really extreme India is unreasonable, it’s borderline for lunch in a town called Beni, and

MAHINDRA AUTHENTIC MUSTANG // travel
THE UPPER MUSTANG IS AN UNTOUCHED HARMONY OF

UNREAL COLOURS AND DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS VIEWS – A
MAGICAL CANVAS CREATED BY NATURE ITSELF
continued with the journey. sight of Kali Gandaki river, with its raging better, though, as it was more of a gravel
After 10-odd kilometres, Nidhi relayed rapids coursing through the narrow rock trail. On the way, we passed Jomson, which
a message over the radio, ‘please, engage bed, wasn’t comforting either. The whole is a quaint little town famous among
4x4 Low.’ Now I’m not an avid off-roader, drive felt like a natural obstacle course, trekkers and tourists, so it had a lot of
but I know for a fact that low-ratio is with the difficulty level set to ‘extreme.’ interesting cafes and eateries – its apple pie
something that’s only needed for extreme The only difference being that a mistake is particularly famous.
ascents and tricky areas. Little did I know here would cost you disqualification from Jomson also has a small airport that’s
that we’d be stuck in 4x4 Low for the next life altogether! connected to Pokhara. However, flights
5 days! Now, we were literally crawling at a speed only operate in the morning because the
With 30 kilometres to go in the day, the of 8 – 10km/h, and only reached our night wind gets stronger in the second half of the
tarmac gave way to boulders and rocks. halt at Kalopani after a long 12-hour drive. day. Above everything else, though,
The track became narrower, and after every The next morning was an early start, Jomson is where you get your first glimpse
corner, we seemed to climb up even further. somewhat marred by a bone-chillingly cold of Mustang – Lower Mustang, to be precise.
And then to make things a little more and windy morning. However, since And it’s quite visible from here, as lush
interesting, the rain gods decided to shower Kalopani sits bang in the middle of the green pine trees are replaced by vast desert
us with a heavy downpour. At least we had Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range, the view highlands of absolute nothingness. On the
a rainbow to follow. from the hotel window was quite way to Muktinath, we also came across a
As great as it all was, it did little to ease motivating. That day, we were headed to wide and spectacular bit of tarmac in
our minds, for the track was now super Muktinath via Jomson – a 55-kilometre between – where we disengaged 4x4 briefly
slippery and the drop on the right was drive that would take us around 4 hours. – showing signs of development.
getting steeper by the minute – and the The condition of the road was much We reached Muktinath by 3pm. Now, if

travel // MAHINDRA AUTHENTIC MUSTANG
you don’t already know, the temple of

Muktinath or Lord of Salvation is a relatively
busy pilgrimage site, as it’s of great
significance to Hindus and Buddhists. And
because of its religious value, some
members of our group were quite excited to
get there. However, irrespective of whether
you’re a believer or not, it is, without a doubt,
quite the spectacle. It’s at a height of over
12,000ft, where the air – or the lack of it –
can really get to you if you’re not careful.
THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM

From Muktinath, we started for a
completely new dimension – onwards and
upwards to Upper Mustang. The great thing
about going to Upper Mustang is that not track gets even narrower, the boulders are reached Lo Manthang, the very next day it
every wannabe adventurer can turn up even bigger, and you find yourself scaling received the first snowfall of the season –
here. You see, it’s a restricted region and heights so steep that it’s enough for a the temperature dipped down to -8
was only opened to travellers in 1992. And, normal person to develop severe degrees – meaning it was the icing on the
one has to shell out over 500 US dollars for acrophobia! The terrain is absolutely cake, quite literally.
a special travel permit to enter the region. unpredictable – it goes from rocky to slushy As for Lo Manthang, it’s a curious case,
The whole region is in the rain shadow of to sandy within the span of a few as it’s torn in the geopolitics of Tibet and
the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range, and is kilometres. You really have to be deliberate Nepal. It may be a part of Nepal, but
cut-off from the world because of its harsh with your throttle inputs, and where you people in Lo Manthang are mainly Tibetan
environment. Not to mention the fact that place the wheels. Touching the clutch pedal Buddhists and have strong links to Tibet.
Upper Mustang is right on the Himalayan is not an option, for the result could be as As a result, the Chinese forces at the
edge of Nepal, where it borders China disastrous as pulling a grenade pin! Nepal-Tibet border keep a close eye on
annexed Tibet. So, it’s a sensitive area for The drive was so excruciating and scary them. Despite that, the place has a
obvious reasons. that even the atheists amongst us started peaceful history and some interesting
Our final destination was Lo Manthang – praying! However, like they say, it’s only historical sites – including a palace with a
the walled capital of the ‘Kingdom of Lo,’ or difficult roads that lead to beautiful king, although Nepal’s government
Mustang. Now, the drive to Muktinath destinations. And Upper Mustang is abolished the Mustang monarchy in 2008.
wasn’t easy at all, but from Muktinath to Lo simply gobsmacking. It’s an untouched If you go further, you’ll come across
Manthang, it’s even more daunting – in fact, harmony of unreal colours and drop-dead Jhong Cave, which is an ancient five-
its heart-in-your-mouth daunting. gorgeous views – a magical canvas storey building with over 40 rooms and is
The road is under construction, so the created by nature itself. Plus, when we believed to have been built around 1,000

BC. The view of the stunning landscape of Happy to be one of the handful of people in
Chhoser valley from the windows here is the world to go to the Mustang Valley.
simply astonishing! Happy to experience the untouched
To top it all, our convoy went even wilderness of this part of the world –
further to say hello to our Chinese friends something that I may never experience
at the Nepal-Tibet border through the again, given the fact the region is
Kora La Pass. Of course, the Chinese were developing so rapidly, with new roads being
a bit alarmed on seeing a convoy of 17 built and an increasing number of tourists
Mahindra Thars approaching the border, flocking to the region.
but, thankfully, they were told that we’re It’s fair to say that when I look back at
just a bunch of enthusiasts and not an this trip, I feel jealous of my own former self
army battalion from India. for being able to experience it all – it was
Kora La pass is at a height of close to truly a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
17,000ft, and at the top it’s flat – And, last but not least, the Thar. As a
signifying that we were indeed at the roof driving enthusiast, I’ve never really been a
of the world. And the surroundings? Well, fan of off-roading per se, and, frankly, I’ve
always thought that the Thar was a
they were jaw-droppingly gorgeous. pointless vehicle. But, today, I simply can’t
sing enough praises of the Thar. It took to
I’M HAPPY! the unforgiving terrain of Mustang like a
On the first day, during the orientation, Nidhi duck to water – crawling over rocks, gliding
had asked everyone about our expectations over obstacles, and taking it all in without
from the trip. I remember everyone, breaking a sweat.
including me, waxed lyrical about the I have to say that I now have a newfound
prospect of a challenging and enjoyable respect for this machine, and I kind of love off-
drive, and the adventure that lay ahead. road driving as a result. Fair to say, then, it is
However, what I remember even more true that travelling changes your perspective.
clearly was the answer from the 8-year old What can I say, I’m a convert now!
girl who said, ‘I’m expecting to be happy at Also, if you still somehow make the
the end of it.’ mistake of taking Nepal for granted, I hope
And when I come to think of it, I guess and pray that you get to learn about its
that’s what I felt on the last day. Happy! beauty the ‘hard’ way, just like I did.
Got
Grip?
To verify if the Apollo Alpha H1 tyres are as good as they’re
cracked up to be, we put a pair to the test.
M
ore often than not, we treat tyres Metzeler. So, to clear things up, I decided to with the H1s on-board, the braking
as these round, black, irrelevant test a pair of new Alphas from Apollo performance has definitely improved.
things on an automobile. Truth myself. So, are they really that good? Under really hard braking, the front tyre
be told, tyres are easily the most important For this test, we used a TVS Apache RR does tend to squirm though. And there is a
component of a vehicle. Why, you ask? 310, because the H1s are a direct fit for this slight drop in fuel economy – around 2km/l
Well, they’re the only part of a vehicle that bike – 110/70 ZR17 (front) and 150/60 ZR17 – given the fact that the bike now has better
has contact with the road, which truly (rear). Interestingly, as compared to the traction than before.
makes them a matter of life and death. bike’s stock ‘H’ rated Michelins, the Apollos I also had the opportunity to take the bike
And, so, it becomes very important to are ‘W’ rated tyres, which means that they on a short road-trip to the hills, where these
choose the right tyres for your vehicle. In have a speed rating of 270km/h! tyres really impressed! Around corners, the
fact, it becomes even more critical if you Apollo says that the H1 has three edge grip is far superior to that of the
ride a performance motorcycle, for the primary goals – better high-speed grip and Michelin tyres, and they are very
‘right’ set of tyres can help you extract the stability, increased tyre life, and good wet communicative when the bike is leaned.
maximum performance from your machine. grip. So, how true is this claim? Well, thus Quick directional changes, however, feel
Enter the Apollo Alpha H1 tyres. These far, I’ve only done 1,100 kilometres with a bit more lethargic than before, as the
have been around for a while now – they’re these tyres, and I must say that the Alpha tyres have slowed down the steering a bit.
the company’s first radial tyres for H1s easily overshadow the stock Michelin Overall, though, I’m very happy with the
performance motorcycles, such as the KTM Pilot Streets of the RR 310. way the Apollo tyres perform – I’m always
390s and TVS Apache RR 310. The H1 tyres give the bike a new level of happy to trade fuel economy for better
Ever since the Alpha series’ market grip and make it feel more planted. And traction, which inspires more confidence,
launch, I’ve only been hearing good things because of more grip, there’s even more allowing you to extract more from the bike.
about these tyres. However, I wasn’t quite feedback from the front brake lever – Moreover, the Alpha H1s are priced quite
convinced of the fact that Apollo’s first something that was lacking in the case of aggressively and offer great value.
crack at performance tyres could be as the stock rubber. Of course, the RR’s
good as products from Pirelli, Michelin, or overzealous ABS still kicks in hurriedly, but PRICE: `5,500 (Front); `7,000 (Rear)

motorsport
NEWS // OPINION // F1 // WRC
A Bridge too far

Rally Catalunya might have been marred by errors for Citroen, but we also witnessed
Image Courtesy:
Tissot
history in the making as Tanak became the first Estonian to win a WRC title.
A NEW EXPERIENCE
To prepare for a
completely different
driving experience,
Fernando Alonso started
a test programme,
ranging from the special
stages of the Baja
Poland to the Harrismith
400, a race of the South
African cross-country
championship. The
Spanish driver will be
joined by experienced
navigator Marc Coma.

GREAT RIVAL
Alonso's teammate at
Toyota will be two-time
Dakar winner, and
reigning Dakar champion,
Nasser al-Attiyah.
MINI BUGGY
Piloting the Mini x-Raid team
machines will be top drivers,
such as Peterhansel, Despres
and Carlos Sainz Sr (right).
edition with Nasser al-Attiyah.

Thoroughly transformed compared to the
standard version, the Hilux in competition
spec is equipped with a Lexus-derived
naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine
producing 500bhp, in a tubular trellis frame,
covered with carbon bodywork.
Alonso will be joined by Marc Coma – five-
time Dakar rally winner in the motorbike
class, and head of KTM in Spain – as his
navigator.
Fernando, as usual, has taken this very
seriously and has committed himself to it. He,
along with Marc, began a series of tests in
August with the Hilux in places like Poland,
Fernando Alonso decided to compete at the South Africa and Namibia. The driving
Dakar Rally 2020. Incidentally, in addition to technique required here is drastically different
his two F1 world titles, he has also won the from that of the track cars that have allowed
24 Hours of Le Mans twice and the 24 Hours him to excel so far.
of Daytona once. He also won the World There’s no doubt that the competition will
Endurance Championship title 2018–19. be fierce. In fact, the Mini buggies of the
For his Dakar commitment, Fernando x-Raid team will also be there, relying on big
remains faithful to Toyota, with whom he names like Carlos Sainz, Stephane
©Riproduzione riservata
achieved his Endurance successes, and not Peterhansel, and Cyril Despres, along with
by chance – the Hilux pick-ups, developed Nani Roma, who will, for the first time, be
by the South African subsidiary of the driving the Borgward BX7 SUV – a new
Japanese manufacturer, are very rendition of a historic German brand by
competitive and helped them win the 2019 Chinese investors.

motorsport // WRC EXPERIENCE
A STREAK
OF BAD LUCK
Heartbreak for Citroen as we shadow Ogier &
witness his never-ending lows at Salou.
WORDS: ARUP DAS // PHOTOGRAPHY: KARTIK SADEKAR & CITROEN INDIA

O
ne man’s loss is another another if you want to shadow rally cars.
man’s gain! Now, I’m sure After landing at Stage 6 and taking our
we’ve all have heard this positions for the cars to pass us by, we
phrase before – and it’s one received a message saying that Citroen’s
that most adequately sums Esapekka Lappi was forced to retire in
up the 2019 Rally de Catalunya for the Stage 5 due to engine problems, and was
Citroen Racing Team, and even more so for out of the rally. Wow! Talk about rotten luck.
defending champion Sebastien Ogier. Sadly, the day didn’t end as planned for
But before we get into the details of how Citroen.
lady luck refused to smile on the six-time After heading back to the service park,
World Rally Champion, let’s take a moment we eagerly waited for Ogier’s car to arrive
to breathe in the fresh air, admire the clear at the maintenance bay, where the
blue skies, and enjoy the view of the sun- engineers would convert the car to suit the
kissed beach of this quaint town of Salou, next two days of the rally – which was
roughly 100 kilometres away from changing from dirt to tarmac. All teams get
Barcelona, where all the WRC action was 1 hour and 15 minutes for this.
taking place. The moment the car entered, the
After entering the town, we headed engineers went about their work flawlessly.
straight to the Citroen service park. The air It was quite extraordinary to see how
was charged with excitement and tension, effortlessly they changed the suspension,
we could literally feel it. Ogier had to win removed the extra plastic layers from the
the rally to keep his championship hopes chassis, which are there to protect it from
alive, and then also win the final rally of the stones and gravel, adjusted the mechanical
season in Australia. differentials, changed the brakes and tyres,
After being introduced to the Citroen and checked the power steering before
Racing team, we all gathered in front of an shutting shop for the day.
LED TV screen to see how Ogier was The next day began with a lot of action
progressing. The Frenchman looked like a for us, as we drove straight to a helicopter
man on a mission, as he clocked the fastest landing zone to be whisked away to another
time on the opening stage, which certainly stage. Starting from 17th position, Ogier
made the team hopeful. Sadly, Ogier’s lead managed a good start – even though
barely lasted, as bad luck led to a hydraulic retaining his title now looked like an
pipe error in his car, causing the car’s power impossible task – and gained some pace,
steering to stop working. something that has been a problem for the
While we were still coming to terms with team on the tarmac. With each stage, Ogier
the news, the Citroen WRC team was inched towards the top 10. The day ended
already working on contingency plans to with him holding 8th position.
salvage the situation. Sure, it was a tall After another long day, we had a
order, but the team wasn’t ready to give up chance encounter with the Citroen Racing
– because, in motorsport, if you give your Team Principal, Pierre Budar. Even after a
competition an inch, they will certainly frustrating Day 2, Pierre took some time
take a mile. out for us. During our chat, he revealed
We made our way to the helicopters that that the hydraulic pipe in Ogier’s car got
were waiting to take us to Stage 6. This is punctured, causing the power steering to
the only way to travel from one stage to malfunction. What surprised the team

motorsport // WRC EXPERIENCE
was that nothing had hit the pipe and that Day 3 saw Neuville bag the rally and
they had never encountered such a Tanak create history by becoming the first
problem before. He spoke a bit about their Estonian to win the World Rally Driver’s
Achilles heel – performing on the tarmac. Championship. And as we were all set to
He acknowledged that in Germany their say adios to Salou, some news was
performance was subpar, but in Spain, coming in thick and fast about Ott joining
there were some improvements. Hyundai next season. There were also
Before he left, we were able to squeeze in some rumours that Sebastien will jump
one more question about the synergy ship and race for Toyota in 2020, but
between WRC cars and their mass before there was any confirmation, we
production counterparts. He said that the met up with the champion driver and had
aim is, of course, to promote the brand and a quick chat with him. (To read Ogier’s
the product, in this case, the C3. interview, please turn the page.)
He also, rather cheekily, added, ‘well it’s As it turns out, we can now confirm that
not really the same car, but it’s not like Ogier will be a Toyota driver next year and,
Formula One either.’ One also has to keep in in part due to his decision, Citroen Racing
mind that the customer wants a has called it quits from the WRC with
comfortable, practical, technologically immediate effect. Sadly, the hits just kept
advanced car, and not a racing car, which on coming for the most successful team in
we are offering. WRC this season…

‘You need to be with a strong team’
Before news broke of Ogier parting with Citroen, we sat down
with the six-time WRC champion.
This year was quite challenging for
Citroen! Would you say that this
was one of the toughest seasons
you have faced so far?
We had worked really hard like we always
do. But it’s a sport, and there can only be
one winner in the end. Like last year, this
year too, we faced tough competition, but
sadly, we couldn’t retain the drivers’ title.
Still, it’s not a bad season, we had a lot of
podiums and victories.
What do you think held you back this

year? Was it that the car was not
being able to adjust to the tarmac?
For sure, it was surprising for us, as it used
to be our strength – the car used to be very
fast on the tarmac. One also has to keep in
mind that most rallies happen on gravel,
but yes to win the championship, we have to
do well on both surfaces.
become a champion without talent. I think As a rally driver, what would you like
What problems did the car WRC at the moment is very competitive, as to see in the 2022 regulations?
specifically face on the tarmac? there are many capable drivers like We have to follow the social trend. We all
We had a big problem with the balance, and Neuville, Tanak, and us, who can win rallies know that the world is facing a major
the car also suffered from understeer in some and are very fast and consistently so. problem, and we have to act accordingly.
rallies. This weekend, we did improve a bit – The automobile industry has started doing
the balance was better, but the pace was still How difficult was it for you to shift these changes, and motorsports will have
not great. When we were trying to catch up from a championship-winning to do the same. We are running a bit
with the competition, we did get close at factory-owned team to a privateer behind, but the new rules should make
times but not close enough. squad in 2017? things clear for us.
Honestly, it felt like a setback when it In case of going electric or hybrid, I’m not
After winning six championship happened. I thought the world was falling sure that electric is the key for the future,
titles, do you feel that your urge to apart when you leave a team where but that’s one of the elements we need to
win has become less intense? everything is working for you, and you also use right now. But I think that the future
When you’re chasing your first have a lot of success. But at the end of the holds for us better technology than what
championship title, you definitely feel an day, it gave me a new experience. I really we have today.
intense urge to win. But as someone who had a good time with this private team as
doesn’t like to lose, I like to maintain this well. It also gave me an opportunity to What does it take to be so dominant
intensity. Rally is like wine – with transform a bad situation into a good one. in this sport?
experience and time, you have a better First of all, it’s a team sport. So, you need to
chance of winning more titles while When you joined Citroen again, did it be with a strong team that will give you the
maintaining your calm. take you some time to adapt to the needed support to win. I believe that neither
new car? a team nor a driver alone can achieve
Currently, who do you think are the Yes, it took some time to get used to the anything. Like I say, it’s important for you to
best drivers in WRC? car. And, we had a good start in the season ask yourself – how can you be better than
Of course, you have to mention Tanak, as he too. Sadly, we didn’t improve after that as you are? This has always been my way of
is the world champion, and you don’t I’d hoped. going forward.

motorsport // WRC
Triumphant Tanak
Ott Tanak became the first Estonian to win a WRC title, earning Toyota
Gazoo Racing their fifth-ever world title.
WORDS: DIVYANK KUSHAGRA BANSAL // PHOTOGRAPHY: RED BULL CONTENT POOL & TOYOTA GAZOO RACING
T
oyota’s Ott Tanak & co-driver Martin maiden WRC constructors’ title with 380
Jarveoja made history as they points – 18 points clear off erstwhile
secured their maiden FIA World champion Toyota.
Rally Championship (WRC) title with a hard- As many may be aware, Rally Spain is
fought second-place finish in this year’s considered to be the only true mixed-
Rally Spain (RallyRACC Catalunya – Rally surface round on the entire WRC calendar.
De Espana). With this, Toyota’s title drought Day 1 consisted of six stages (SS1-SS6) on
came to an end after a long wait of 15 gravel, while the remaining two days &
years, with its last championship win eleven stages were on asphalt. Day 1 came
scored in 1994 by Didier Auriol (Toyota to an end after Hyundai firmly held the top
Celica Turbo 4WD ST185). Tanak also put to back with a fourth-place finish. With all three three positions after SS6. Toyota drivers,
an end to the 15-year French domination by Hyundai drivers securing a finish in the top- however, maintained constant pressure in
the sport’s most successful drivers – five, the team had strengthened its hold on fourth, fifth, & sixth. A determined run in
Sebastien Loeb & Sebastien Ogier. this year’s constructors’ championship. the final La Mussara 2 Power Stage on Day
Meanwhile, Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville & However, with the final round of the 2019 3 saw Tanak & Jarveoja secure stage
Nicolas Gilsoul scooped up a win at this year’s season – Rally Australia – cancelled due to a victory by an impressive 3.6 seconds that
Rally Spain and their teammates, Dani Sordo tragic bushfire incident in northern New not only earned them five bonus points but
& Carlos Del Barrio, clinched the final spot on South Wales, Hyundai, by default, sealed its also pushed them up to second place in
the podium. Hyundai’s remaining pair, the overall final classification, allowing
Sebastien Loeb & Daniel Elena, also bounced them to take the championship title.
Adios, Jorge…
Hello, Alex
Three-time MotoGP champion, Jorge Lorenzo, announced his

retirement at Valencia. And while it came as a great surprise, his
replacement at Honda was an even bigger one.
WORDS: SHIVANK BHATT // PHOTOGRAPHY: RED BULL CONTENT POOL
O
n 14th November – a day before the horrific crashes this year made him ask BROTHERS IN ARMS
final race weekend of the 2019 himself if it really made sense to continue With Lorenzo’s sudden departure, Johann
MotoGP season kicked off at Valencia, racing in MotoGP. Plus, he wasn’t making Zarco and LCR Honda’s Cal Crutchlow
Spain – Jorge Lorenzo held an ‘exceptional’ any strides with Honda, making it more and were the favourites to replace him at
press conference. He announced his more difficult for him to produce decent race Repsol Honda. However, Honda surprised
retirement. There’s no denying that ever since results. At the same time, his teammate everyone by appointing Marquez’s
Lorenzo quit Ducati to join Honda for 2019 Marquez single-handedly got the team the younger brother and current Moto2 world
and 2020, it was going to be an uphill task for ‘triple crown’, winning rider, constructor, and champion Alex Marquez for 2020. Of
him to try and tame Honda’s difficult RCV team championships by taking 12 wins along course, it raised a few eyebrows, but
that’s tailor-made for Marc Marquez. And with six more podium finishes! Honda insists that Alex got the seat on
that’s exactly what happened – forget race However, with five world-championships – merit and not because of his surname.
wins or podium finishes, Lorenzo struggled to including three in the premier MotoGP class – Now, obviously, Alex is a proven winner
even finish in points this year! under his belt, there’s nothing left for Lorenzo with two world championships in the
However, not many expected Lorenzo to to prove. And don’t forget, he’s the rider who lower classes, but he will be under
call it quits before the end of the season forced Yamaha to show Rossi the door in immense pressure – he will be compared
because we all know that he’s a fighter. So, 2010, while also beating him and the likes of to his brother regularly, and given the
what made him quit? Lorenzo cited that his Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa in their prime. fact that he is paring up with the best
inability to adapt to the difficult Honda RCV Till date, he’s the only rider who’s beaten motorcycle racer of this era wouldn’t
and the fact that the bike never really felt Marc Marquez to a world championship. It’s ease the pressure either. In any case, it’ll
natural to ride is what pushed him towards an end of an era, and Lorenzo will forever be be interesting to see how things pan out
retirement. Multiple injuries and some remembered as one of the greats of MotoGP. in 2020.

motorsport // FORMULA 1
Lewis Hamilton clinched his sixth driver’s title in United States.

Here’s a look at how he and Mercedes made it happen, and why
arch-rival Ferrari couldn’t step up to the challenge…
PHOTOGRAPHY: MERCEDES-AMG F1
H
ere’s a familiar sentence to start It’s obvious that Hamilton’s championship Vettel’s silly errors didn’t help the case
the piece – Lewis Hamilton is the win this year was again a combined result of either. He has only taken one win this
F1 world champion, again! You his stellar consistency, a fast car, and his season, which explains the team’s and his
might be bored of seeing him clinch the immaculate driving skills. However, what poor form.
driver’s title over and over again, but the really played in his favour was the lack of any Of course, you could also say that there
simple fact is that he’s unbeatable and real competition, which wasn’t the case in the was an internal tussle at Ferrari because of
arguably the best F1 driver of this era. If previous years. Sure, teammate Valtteri young Charles Leclerc joining them. Leclerc
that’s not convincing enough, here are two Bottas was on top form in the beginning of won two races this year, which obviously
stats that speak for Hamilton’s the season, but with each race, he was left in meant Ferrari was in a fix as to who should
achievements – 6 world titles and 83 wins. Hamilton’s wake and could never really be given preferential treatment within the
And this means that he’s the second-most match his consistency. team – the veteran or the promising
successful driver in the history of F1. Only As for other teams, well, no one could newcomer. And while Ferrari was solving
Michael Schumacher with 7 world titles and challenge the invincible combination of this riddle, Mercedes took advantage of the
91 wins is ahead of him. Mercedes and Hamilton yet again. In 2017 situation beautifully with their spot-on race
Come 2020, there’s a very good chance and 2018, Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari strategies and driver management. If
that Hamilton will surpass Schumacher to regularly fought with Hamilton and Ferrari wants to get back into the
become the most successful driver in F1! Mercedes, but in 2019, the duo contention, let alone win a championship
You may even say that he’s approaching the completely lost the plot. Most of Ferrari’s next year, they surely need to take a leaf
best-of-all-time status. races were full of poor strategy calls, and out of Mercedes’s yearbook.

Bikes, beers, and beaches! TVS Racing’s maiden biking festival hits
the Goan shore with full fanfare.
Y
ou, I, and, perhaps, everyone in this That wasn’t all though. At MotoSoul 2019,
country know for a fact that if you TVS Racing also announced the arrival of its
want to party hard, then there’s no performance riding gear. The newly
better place than Goa. And because of its launched range includes motorcycle riding
magnificent beaches and tasty beers, the jackets, riding pants, riding shoes, helmets,
place has become a paradise for people of TVS Racing merchandise, and riding gloves.
all ages. We couldn’t test the performance gear
And, over the years, it’s also become a properly, but based on first impressions,
hub for bikers from across the country. You the quality and fit-and-finish felt very good,
see, there aren’t many things that come and, more importantly, the entire range is
close to riding a motorcycle on kickass acres of space and uncountable booths. priced very well.
coastal roads, and then relaxing with some The event kick-started with TVS Racing The event faced a serious impediment in
chilled beer and lip-smacking seafood at giving us a brief presentation about its past what ultimately became a heavy downpour.
the end of the day – a biker’s idea of a and present achievements. The company There were delays, but the organisers still
perfect day, if you ask me. also took the platform to announce its managed to cover everything – there were
Now, with all that in mind, TVS Motors 2020 Dakar line-up. stunt shows, off-road endurance races for
decided to come up with its very own The exhibition area near the stage also owners and media folks, and, in the evening,
biking festival this year. The company displayed TVS’s racing machines, both past live band performances.
organised a two-day motorcycle themed and present, commemorating over 35 years Of course, the event didn’t really witness
festival in Goa called MotoSoul. This was of TVS Racing’s legacy. Among the hordes of bikers coming it, but it shall pique
the first-ever biking festival by TVS, and machines on display, the TVS 50 Moped the interest of TVS loyalists and hardcore
suffice it to say it was big! from 1982 stood apart. No wonder that this bikers in due time. After all, can anyone
The setup for the event was at the Hill 10bhp pocket-rocket was the genesis of the really resist the idea of attending a full-
Top area in Vagator, meaning there were TVS racing division. fledged biking festival in Goa?

motorsport // NEWS
Yuva Kumar wins Karthikeyan wins 2019-20 Formula

inaugural Red Super GT x DTM E season kicks off
Bull Ace of Dirt Dream Race in Saudi Arabia
I
ndia’s first-ever F1 driver, Narain
Karthikeyan, scored his first victory
since 2013 in the second round of
the inaugural Super GT x DTM Dream
Race at Fuji. The 2019 season was his
debut campaign in the Super GT series,
driving a Honda NSX-GT for Modulo
Nakajima Racing. Joining him on the
podium were DTM drivers Marco
Wittmann (BMW M4 DTM) & Loïc Duval
T T
(Audi RS5 DTM). Karthikeyan’s win was
he inaugural Red Bull Ace of ‘hard-fought’, as he had to overcome he sixth season of the ABB FIA
Dirt race in India witnessed three safety car restarts to win the Formula E world championship
participation from 32 riders, second race. For those not aware, the started off in Saudi Arabia with the
with Yuva Kumar taking the win. The Super GT x DTM Dream Race is a Diriyah E-Prix double-header. The 2019-20
event was held at Big Rock Dirtpark in crossover event that brought together season marks the debut of two new
Bengaluru, with specialised course two international Touring Car manufacturers in Formula – Mercedes &
including motorcross and dirt tracks, championships – Japan’s Super GT & Porsche. This year, Mercedes-Benz EQ
along with enduro sections. The winner Germany’s DTM (Deutsche Formula E Team (coming in exchange for
will get the opportunity to train with Tourenwagen Masters) – for two races HWA Racelab) is fielding Stoffel Vandoorne
India’s renowned rallyist and Dakar over a weekend, running 55 minutes & Nyck de Vries as its drivers, while the
regular, CS Santosh. In fact, the track plus one lap, each. The concept, after carmaker from Stuttgart has roped in ex-
for the Ace of Dirt was designed by years of deliberation, finally got a green DS Techeetah driver Andre Lotterer & 2016
Santosh himself. The competition light to make its debut this year. Le Mans winner Neel Jani for its debut
kicked off with competitors taking part season. In round 1, both teams ended on
in the eliminations rounds with their podium, with Vandoorne finishing in 2nd
own motorcycles. The next round saw and Lotterer taking 3rd place. Sam Bird
eight riders compete on modified Hero (Envision Virgin Racing), however, was the
XPulse 200s, whereas the final round winner of the first race of the season. In
had four riders battling it out for the race 2, Alexander Sims (BMW i Andretti
victory. Yuva Kumar won the final round Motorsport) scored a dominant victory
with a lead of 12.7 seconds and was from pole position to the finish line. Lucas
also awarded a brand new XPulse 200. di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler)
Completing the podium were Naresh VS finished in the 2nd spot, while Vandoorne
and A Sathyaraj. scored yet another podium, as he was 3rd.
F1 to get major rules overhaul in 2021
F
1 will go through a major overhaul in loss of downforce that the current cars
2021, with new rules and regulations experience while following another car.
coming into force. F1 will introduce a Currently, it’s around 40%, but it’ll drop to
number of changes, such as a radical new around 5 – 10% in 2021. There will also be
design philosophy with simplified front budget restrictions on teams – it will be
wings, bigger rear wings, increased capped at 175 million US dollars – to
underbody aerodynamics, wheel wake make the sport fairer for all teams. F1 will
control devices, simplified suspensions, and also limit the number of upgrades on cars
low-profile tyres with 18-inch wheels. during the season, and there’ll be more
Another key change will be to reduce the standard parts.

living in
We spend months with these
machines to tell you what they’re
really like to live with...
HONDA HERO MARUTI SUZUKI HYUNDAI

AMAZE XPULSE 200 CIAZ VENUE
living in
Honda Amaze
words: ABHISHEK CHALIHA
I n the past few reports, I'd

rambled about just how well
the Amaze diesel automatic
drives. But now, let’s look at
what makes it so successful on
sales charts – Honda does sell
about 5,000 units every month
after all. Well to put it simply, the
Amaze may be a compact sedan,
but it does not compromise in
terms of offering a wholesome
A COMPLETE PACKAGE
experience. So, despite being a LOGBOOK
sub-4 meter car, it still offers When it came: August 2019 | Current odo reading: 14,856kms | Mileage this month: 1461kms
more than an ample amount of Fuel efficiency: 19.88km/l | Faults: None | What’s good: Fuel efficiency, space and comfort
cabin space for all occupants. In What’s not: Rear-end styling could be better
fact, get into the rear seat and
you will be ‘amazed’ at just how So where does it fall short? April this year when it would I like the Amaze to be
much legroom there is. And Well, at the time of the launch, introduced the petrol and diesel improved? Truth be told, apart
under thigh support is good too. the automatic model was only automatic models in the VX from a better rear-end design,
Over and above this, you get a available in the second-to-top V variant. As it turns out, you there is nothing else that I can
very decent sized boot as well. variant, which means you didn’t really can have it all now. But think of. Perhaps, a soft leather
And to top it off, the ride quality get a touchscreen infotainment as they say, there is always wrapped steering wheel would
is fairly decent. system. But Honda fixed that in room for improvement. So, how be a nice touch.
LOGBOOK
When it came: November 2019
START Current odo reading: 1,037kms
OF Mileage this month: 95kms
TERM Fuel efficiency: 37km/l
Faults: None
What’s good: Ride quality
What’s not: Braking feel
suspension setup ensures a

body-rattling jolt. The gear &
EXCITING clutch operation is smooth as

well, but some might feel the
TIMES AHEAD gear lever is set a tad bit too

high, resulting in awkward
ankle movements. One area
Hero Xpulse 200 roads despite being a thorough and since I have the top-spec where the Xpulse 200 can
adventure motorcycle. While Fuel-Injected (FI) version, cold improve is braking. While the
words: DIVYANK KUSHAGRA BANSAL
I’ve only had the bike for a few starts are not an issue at all. brakes have plenty of bite, the
T he Hero Xpulse 200 FI is

the latest entrant into our
two-wheeler long-term fleet,
days, a short ride in and
around the city has made it
clear that the Xpulse 200 can
Thanks to the large wheels &
long-travel suspension, the
Xpulse 200 glides over uneven
feel of both the front & rear
brake levers is really numb
that detracts from the overall
and I must say that the bike easily become an everyday surfaces. However, go over a riding experience. More details
offers a surprisingly good riding companion. The 199.6cc deep pothole or a sharp speed on the riding comfort & engine
riding experience on regular motor has a smooth thrum, bump, and the rather firm performance coming soon!

living in
LOGBOOK
When it came: October 2018
Current odo reading: 16,169kms
Mileage this month: 1,612kms
Fuel efficiency: 19km/l
Faults: None
What’s good: Fuel efficient,
refined engine
What’s not: Needs more power
on the highway as the mid-
range of the engine is flat
FUEL MISER efficient, the 1.5-litre powerplant

is refined. It offers power from as
low as 1,800rpm, making it a
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz the fuel economy it was hybrid petrol version. hoot to drive in the city, although
words: ARUP DAS returning. According to the fuel So, how did I manage to its highway mannerism does
A s mentioned in our last

report, the Ciaz has now
become the Honda City’s
economy meter, it returned 19
kmpl for almost the entire
month. So, even if I consider an
achieve this? It’s very simple
really. You just have to ensure
that you change the gears when
need some improvement. Once
nearing 6,000rpm, the power
becomes flat, and then you’re
nemesis, for this Maruti sedan error in the reading, the Ciaz still the rev needle is approaching the forced to downshift to get any
beats its rival in terms of length, realistically returned around 17 – 1,500rpm mark and avoid juice out of the motor.
which translates into the most 18kmpl. We achieved all this mashing the pedal. If you manage There’s no doubt, the Ciaz
space, and has the same boot with the air conditioner on, of to do this, then you’ll feel the still remains a reliable, and a
space as the City. Keeping all course. And just to jog need run to a fuel station less fuel-efficient sedan, and the
this in mind, its dimensions I everyone’s memory, we are frequently than you do right now. one that offers the most value
mean, I was really impressed by driving still the 1.5-litre mild- Apart from being fuel- for money in the segment.
Hyundai Venue
words: KAPIL VASHIST BACK TO START
W ith the sub-4m SUV
space having exploded,
SUVs OF
and the success of various TERM
products in that segment, I can
safely say that I can be a really
good critic of the Hyundai
Venue. You see, a couple of
years ago, I had run its chief
rival, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza
as a long-term car, and was
quite happy with it. However,
the minute you look at the
Venue and enter the car, you
LOGBOOK
can see why it is selling like hot
When it came: October 2019 | Current odo reading: 8,100kms | Mileage this month: 2,500kms
cakes as it has completely Fuel efficiency: 16km/l | Faults: None | What’s good: Number of features, seats
changed the customer What’s not: None
expectations in its segment.
Even when you look at its futuristic. Similarly, the interior diesel and while it is exceedingly was averaging over 16.5km/l,
design, the Venue looks cutting too is class leading and I’m efficient – Ishan has recently which I expect to increase
edge and I have to say the big particularly fond of the intuitive driven the Venue for thousands further. Needless to say, I’m
front grille has been very well touchscreen multimedia system of kilometres on the Great India looking forward to spending
integrated and the three-tier and the BlueLink technology. Drive – and even with his some time with the latest
headlight setup looks quite Our test car is the 1.4-litre deranged driving, the Venue smash hit from Hyundai.

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autoX autoX autoX autoXmag www.autox.com
2019 was a relatively good year for the tech and gadget industry.
Now, as it comes to an end, we take a look at ten high-end gadgets
that brought a sense of novelty to their respective segments.
horology
SHATTERING
RECORDS!
At the annual Only Watch auction this year,
the bidding broke all records and the
organization raised over 35 Million Euro for
research on curing Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy. We take a look at four of the most
expensive watches from this year’s auction.
WORDS: ISHAN RAGHAVA
PATEK PHILIPPE
GRANDMASTER CHIME
For ages now, some of the most expensive
watches sold in the world have come from the
Patek Philippe brand. A combination of classic
design, technological wizardry, standard-
setting quality and the image of the brand has
all contributed to this. Naturally, then, at most
auctions, avid watch collectors line up for the
Patek Philippe lots in the hope to acquire what
almost always becomes a family heirloom. This
year at the Only Watch auction, the
Grandmaster Chime was special – because, like
all the other watches in the auction, this is a
one-of-a-kind piece – and is the only
Grandmaster Chime in the world produced in
Stainless Steel. Featuring two dials, a
reversible case and 20 complications, this
Patek Phillipe creation finally sold – after a
prolonged bidding war – for over 28 Million
Euro (31 Million Swiss Franc). Possibly
contributing to this astronomical price is the
fact that Patek Philippe primarily produces
timepieces in precious metals and a Steel
Patek is as rare as hen’s teeth. No wonder,
then, that this watch set a new world record –
and for a worthy cause too.

horology
AKRIVIA CHRONOMÈTRE
CONTEMPORAIN
One of the coolest looking watches at the Only
Watch auction, the Chronomètre Contemporain
from Akrivia is a stunning design. This timepiece
features a classic design, with modern touches,
is crafted from Platinum and features a unique
dial. The dial is a hand hammered grand feu
enamel dial in a distinctive blue grey colour,
accented with white enamel numerals. Given its
stunning looks, it was no surprise that the Akrivia
sold for 327,000 Euro (360,000 Swiss Franc).
F.P. JOURNE
ASTRONOMIC BLUE
Speaking of records, complications from F.P.
Journe have always done very well at Only Watch
and this year was no different. With its case
made out of rare Tanatalum, the Astronomic
Blue grand complication watch features a
tourbillon and minute repeater, equation of time,
sidereal time, sunrise and sunset, moon phases,
2nd time zone and annual calendar, and is
dedicated to recalling a long-forgotten art – that
of losing oneself in the stars to better find one’s
way on Earth. This unique piece sold for over 1.6
Million Euro (1.8 Million Swiss Franc).
AUDEMARS PIGUET CODE 11.59

A unique piece from Audemars Piguet’s Code 11.59 collection, the Only Watch
edition is a stunning looking watch. Its dual tone Pink and White Gold case, as
well as the rhodium-toned openworked plate, highlights the multi-layered
composition of the watch. Powering the Code 11.59 is a Pink-Gold toned
Titanium Tourbillon, which gives the timepiece has a power reserve of 80
hours. At the auction, it brought in a cool 910,000 Euro (1 Million Swiss Franc).
10
feature
Best Gadgets
of 2019
From camera-centric phones to the best-in-class noise cancelling
headphones, here are 10 best high-end gadgets of 2019.
WORDS: ANUJ SHARMA
1. SAMSUNG QLED 3. DELL ALIENWARE Fitbit has recently announced the Versa 2 –
the latest generation of its best-selling
8K TV A51M smartwatch, Fitbit Versa. The Versa 2
Setting a new benchmark in TV technology Sporting the new Legend design, the comes with a swim-proof design and
and design, Samsung has decided to bring Alienware Area-51m is the world’s most includes sleep features, like sleep score
the world’s first QLED 8K TV to India. The powerful gaming laptop that reaches the and smart wake. Sleep score allows you to
QLED 8K TV comes with a real 8K performance level that was previously know more about the quality of your sleep
resolution, 8K AI upscaling, a quantum possible only on desktops. It’s the first and by using your heart rate – while sleeping
processor 8K, and quantum HDR – all come only laptop with a 9th generation 8-core and resting – restlessness, awake time,
together to provide a stunning 8K desktop processors and also the world’s and sleep stages. The Versa 2 is the first
experience to the viewer. The QLED 8K TV first gaming laptop to support upgradeable Fitbit smartwatch with built-in Alexa,
features 33 million pixels, four times the NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics with 64GB which can be used to start an exercise, find
resolution of 4K UHD TVs and 16 times that of memory and 2.5Gbps Ethernet the nearest gym, and even learn the caloric
of a full-HD TV, redefining the very technology. value of an avocado.
definition of an immersive display. Price: `2,99,590 Price: `20,999
Starting Price: `10,99,900
(75-inch)
4. APPLE WATCH 6. SAMSUNG
2. GOPRO HERO 8 SERIES 5 GALAXY NOTE 10+
The Apple Watch Series 5 comes with an This year, Samsung has introduced some
BLACK always-on Retina display, allowing you to very interesting features in the Note 10+,
The Hero 8 Black comes with a see the time and other important which sports a 6.8-inch display – the
Hypersmooth 2.0 video stabilisation, which information, without waking the device or largest display in a Note device ever. The
is a significant improvement over tapping on the display. Additional health S-Pen that comes with the Galaxy Note
Hypersmooth 1.0. Hypersmooth 2.0 works and fitness features of the WatchOS 6 10+ has a range of added functionality
in all resolutions and frame rates and include the new Cycle Tracking app, which called ‘Air Actions’. In simple terms, you
comes with a new Boost mode and has in- allows women to log important information can now control your camera with the
app horizon levelling. The Hero 8 Black related to their menstrual cycle, based on S-Pen. The Note 10+ comes with a quad-
features four digital lenses to easily select which the app predicts the timing of their camera setup, which includes a 12MP
a field of view, improved audio with next period and fertile window. primary sensor, a 12MP sensor with f/2.1
enhanced wind suppression, customisable Starting Price: `40,900 52mm telephoto lens, a 16MP sensor with
mode pre-sets, and a lighter frameless f/2.2 & 12mm ultra-wide lens, and a Time
design featuring folding mounting fingers. of Flight (TOF) 3D VGA camera.
Price: `35,990 5. FITBIT VERSA 2 Price: `79,999

feature
4 5

feature
8. ONEPLUS 7T
In a nutshell, the OnePlus 7T combines the
best features of the OnePlus 7 Pro with the
affordability of the OnePlus 7. The phone
7 8 sports a 6.55-inch AMOLED panel with a
waterdrop notch and a 90Hz refresh rate,
which makes navigation and scrolling a
considerably smooth operation. The
smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm
Snapdragon 855+ chipset. Given the flagship
hardware, decent design, stunning display,
and clean Android interface, the OnePlus 7T
is the best deal you can get if you don’t have
a budget that exceeds ` 40,000.
Price: `37,999
9. LENOVO SMART
CLOCK
The Lenovo Smart Clock is not simply a
digital clock that tells time. Armed with a
4-inch IPS touch screen and Google
Assistant, it has been specially designed to
9
help users begin their day by allowing them
to access all relevant information from the
comfort of their bed, control smart devices,
and listen to their favourite music. And
when you’re not using your Lenovo Smart
Clock, the screen acts as a digital photo
10 album, displaying pictures from your
Google Photos account or featured photos
from Google.
Price: `5,999
10. APPLE IPHONE 11

7. SONY WH- PRO MAX
1000XM3 The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a textured
The Sony WH-1000XM3 benefits from a matte glass back with a polished stainless-
newly developed HD noise cancelling steel band and carries an IP68 rating,
processor called the QN1, which offers which means that it can stay up to 30
approximately four times greater minutes under a maximum depth of 4
performance than the previous processor. metres in water without any damage. The
The WH-1000XM3 is designed to deliver smartphone comes with a triple rear-
great high-resolution audio and comes with camera setup, comprising a 12MP sensor
a 40mm driver unit with a Liquid Crystal with a wide f/1.8 lens, a 12MP sensor
Polymer (LCP) diaphragm, which can paired with an ultra-wide lens that has an
reproduce a full range of frequencies up to f/2.4 aperture and a 120-degrees field of
40kHz. Like its predecessor, the WH- view, and a 12MP sensor with an f/2.0
1000XM3 is also equipped with Quick aperture telephoto lens. The smartphone
Attention Mode, which allows you to listen is powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip,
to the sounds of your surrounding without which is claimed to be the fastest CPU and
taking off the headphones. GPU in a smartphone.
Price: `29,990 Price: `1,09,900

news
APPLE MACBOOK
PRO 16-INCH
WITH MAGIC KEYBOARD
The new 16-inch MacBook Pro comes with a Retina Display, up
to 64GB of memory, up to 8GB of VRAM, and a new advanced
thermal design. The MacBook Pro features a new Magic
Keyboard with a redesigned scissor mechanism and 1mm
travel. The keyboard also features a physical Escape key and an
inverted-T arrangement for arrow keys. The laptop comes with
an option to choose between the latest six- and eight-core 9th-
generation processors with Turbo Boost speed up to 5.0 GHz.
Price: `1,99,900
FOSSIL GEN 5
FEATURE-LADEN
The Fossil Gen 5 touchscreen smartwatch
comes with smart battery modes, and
twice the storage of the previous generation
model. The smartwatch is powered by the
Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100
platform and runs on Wear OS by Google.
The Gen 5 comes with pre-installed apps,
including Spotify, Noonlight, Nike Run Club,
and Cardiogram. Cardiogram analyses your
heart rate and displays it as interactive
charts, which can be tagged according to
your activities from the day.
Price: `22,995
TISSOT
HERITAGE 1973
THE RACING LEGACY
The Tissot 1973 is a 43mm wide chronograph,
sporting a silvery-grey dial with matte black
counters, which is a tribute to the racing timepieces
of the 70s. To power this racing machine, Tissot
has fitted a reliable, powerful, and tested engine –
the ETA Valjoux 7753 self-winding movement. The
overstitched black calfskin strap, characterised by
large perforations, is a reproduction of the one
Tissot had invented and patented in the 1960s – an
allusion to the driver’s steering-wheel of the time.
Price: `1,42,100

review
T
he year 2019 marked the launch of foldable
WELCOME
smartphones. And while consumers were still
coming to terms with this wonderful
technology, they were taken by surprise by
another piece of tech – dual-screen laptops.
While the dual-screen technology isn’t entirely new, ASUS
AGE OF DUAL!
TO THE ZenBook Duo takes it to a whole new level.
The ZenBook Duo is a more practical take on dual
screen-laptops. It offers users a primary 14-inch full-HD
NanoEdge display and a touch-sensitive secondary display
that has the same length as the chassis, making it a true
Take your productivity to the next multitasking monster.
level with the technological innovation PERFECT EXECUTION

The moment you set your eyes on the ASUS ZenBook Duo,
of the ASUS ZenBook Duo. you can’t help but be amazed by the engineering innovation
that has gone into making the secondary display a reality –
WORDS: ANUJ SHARMA
something that also gives the laptop its name. True, it’s not
the first dual-screen laptop, but the brilliance of ASUS is in its
PRICE | `89,990 aesthetic and technologically innovative execution, which is a
whole lot different than any other rival manufacturers.

review
THE SCREENPAD PLUS CAN BE VERY HELPFUL
FOR TASKS LIKE VIDEO EDITING, GAMING,
PROGRAMMING, AND 2D GRAPHIC DESIGNING
ASUS calls the secondary display
ScreenPad Plus, which can be used as a
standard second display to show visual
content. Consumers can also take advantage
of many time-saving features and functions
built into the ScreenXpert control software to
simplify multiscreen window and app
management.
SCREENPAD PLUS
Unlike ScreenPad of the ZenBook Pro 15,
which measures 4.8 x 2.6-inch, ScreenPad
Plus of the ZenBook Duo runs along the
chassis. Located at the top of the keyboard
deck, ScreenPad Plus offers much more
functionality than its predecessor. You can
use it to open websites and apps that are less
useful, such as Twitter, Facebook Messenger,
Spotify, or Gmail, leaving the main 14-inch
display for primary productivity tasks.
You can simply drag and drop websites
and windows from the primary display to
ScreenPad Plus. The company has also fined There are also physical hardware buttons that allow for quick swapping of contents between the
tuned its software, which offers a drag-and- primary and the secondary displays or to disable the latter entirely.
drop hot spot when you want to move a
window around to automatically send it to on the secondary screen. palm rest makes typing quite uncomfortable.
the lower display. The ZenBook Duo offers a lot of raw power, The company has added a detachable palm
ScreenPad Plus also acts as an app thanks to the i7 chipset and up to 16GB of rest, but it is only useful while typing on a
launcher and features MyASUS and Spotify RAM, which are more than enough to run level surface.
apps, along with utilities like Number Key, your day-to-day tasks – they are even enough
Handwriting mode, and Quick for professional-level CAD CONCLUSION
Key. With Task Group, you can rendering, video editing, or Overall, the ZenBook Duo is a great laptop.
create custom app groups that handling massive spreadsheets. The secondary display is surprisingly useful
would launch at the touch of a PROS: However, more power demands once you get used to it. The secondary display
button. You can add up to five lVibrant display more battery. During our test, the enables you to quickly access hot keys,
apps (two on the main screen ScreenPad
l
device delivered nearly three launch several apps at once, and access Task
and three on ScreenPad plus) in a Plus hours of battery life while Group feature, and you are still left with the
group. ScreenPad Plus can be browsing and streaming videos. entire primary display, allowing you to be
CONS:
very helpful for tasks like video And if you are a professional more productive without any distractions.
Battery life
l
editing, gaming, programming, Lack of a

l
photo or video editor, you will
and 2D graphic designing. most likely experience a shorter DESIGN
palm rest
battery life than that.
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE And while the laptop has a
While the primary display isn’t X-FACTOR: raised-up design, the 1.5kg FEATURES
touch-sensitive, the secondary The dual screen weight makes the ZenBook Duo
display is. And with the bundled implementation uncomfortable to use on your
is surprisingly
stylus having 1,024 pressure good. lap. The Duo features a chiclet-
levels, it does a fairly good job of style keyboard with great tactile RATING
imitating the writing experience feedback, however, the lack of a

review
Featuring a gamer-oriented design, the ROG Phone II is tailor-made

for hardcore gamers.
WORDS: ANUJ SHARMA PRICE | Starts from `37,999
A
SUS’s first ROG gaming
phone was considered by
many a revolutionary step in
the world of gaming phones,
so it was highly likely for the
company to follow it up with a new model
to stay competitive in the market. So, here it
is – the ASUS ROG Phone II, which looks
more like a spec bump instead of another
revolutionary step, especially in terms of
design. However, in terms of specifications,
it certainly is a better offering.
First off, the ASUS ROG Phone II has
received a massive upgrade in terms of
display. It features a 6.59-inch 1080p
OLED panel that supports 10-bit HDR and
comes with a refresh rate of 120Hz,
meaning its screen refreshes 120 times
per second, delivering smoother
animations and graphics.
DESIGN AND DISPLAY

It’s impossible not to be impressed by the
levels of engineering that has gone into
making the ROG Phone II what it is – for
instance, just look at the RGB-lit ROG logo
on the back. The phone completely stands
out and doesn’t look like any other
Android phone on the market. It features a
glass/metal sandwich design, sports a
matte, aluminium frame, and is resistant
to fingerprints.
Weighing 240 grams, the ROG Phone II
is heavy compared to other big phones,
such as the Galaxy Note 10+, which
weighs 196 grams. However, the phone’s
body is well-balanced, and it doesn’t feel
awkward to hold.
The RGB-lit logo can be activated

review
manually, and I especially like the way it
changes colour. The smartphone comes with
three USB Type-C ports – one at the bottom
and two aligned side by side on its left side.
While you can use two of them to charge the
phone, the one marked with orange is
exclusively for ASUS’s accessories.
You can switch the refresh rates of
the screen between 60Hz, 90Hz, and
120Hz, but during my test, I used the
device at 120Hz. Why? Because 120Hz is
a visual treat and offers an immersive
smartphone experience.
PERFORMANCE PLAYING PUBG ON THE PHONE

Gaming is the only reason for which you
would want to buy the Asus ROG Phone II.
WAS A TRUE MOBILE GAMING
And since everything about the phone is EXPERIENCE. THE 120HZ REFRESH
tailor-made for it, let’s first talk about its
gaming performance. To put it simply, it is RATE WAS A REAL GAME-CHANGER,
just brilliant.
I tested the phone by playing PUBG
AS IT ALLOWS FOR FAR BETTER
Mobile Game. Here, the 120Hz refresh MANOEUVRING OF CHARACTERS
rate was really a game-changer. It not
only made everything about the game a industry is changing, the ASUS compete with the OnePlus 7T or
lot smoother but also helped in ROG Phone II is unlikely to pose even the Google Pixel 3a.
PROS:
manoeuvring characters and controlling a problem in keeping up with
120Hz
l
the camera. Other graphic-intensive titles advancements in mobile CONCLUSION

refresh rate
such as Asphalt 9 and Dead Trigger 2 also graphics in the near future. lBattery ASUS’s ambitious ROG Phone
ran wonderfully smooth. Apart from gaming, I also ran II offers a lot of horsepower,
In X Mode, the phone makes sure that all a couple for daily productivity CONS: thanks to its high-end specs.
the power from the Snapdragon 855 Plus is tasks on the phone, and it all lHeavy The phone’s support for
used to run the game, which allows for the ran seamlessly. Since it’s a gaming accessories is
best gaming performance it can offer. gaming-centric phone, the ROG X-FACTOR: certainly one of its highlights.
Speaking from a technical perspective, Phone II has extraordinary With the Overall, it is really far more
and while considering the way the gaming battery life. The 6,000mAh incredible capable than any other phone
battery easily lasts for two days design, high- on the market.
end specs,
or more on mixed usage, even If you are committed to
and powerful
when you set it at 120Hz. battery, gaming, look no further, for it’s
However, the results would vary the ROG II the one for you. But, if you
if you use it exclusively for is a dream want an Android phone with a
gaming. But considering come true fast refresh rate and capable
for hardcore
everything, it lasts for a specs, you are better off with
gamers.
surprisingly long time. the OnePlus 7T.
CAMERA
While the ROG Phone II is a performance DESIGN
powerhouse, its cameras are its weakest
point. The smartphone comes with a dual- PERFORMANCE
lens camera system on its back, comprising
CAMERA
a 48MP primary sensor and a 13MP
125-degree wide-angle lens. The image
quality is decent in both day and night
The X-Mode transforms the icons with more shots, however, in terms of camera RATING
aggressive styling. capabilities, the ROG Phone II can’t

Powered by
FIND YOUR
DREAM
MACHINE
FIND YOUR
DREAM CAR
* All prices in lakhs
Price (Ex-showroom)* Engine No. of Power Torque

Gears Fuel Type Wheelbase Weight
Delhi Mumbai Chennai (cc) cylinders (bhp) (Nm)
AUDI
A3
35 TFSI 28.9-30.9 28.9-30.9 28.9-30.9 1395 4 148 250 7A P 2637 -
35 TDI 29.9-31.9 29.9-31.9 29.9-31.9 1968 4 141 320 7A D 2637 -
Cabriolet 50.3 50.3 50.3 1395 4 148 250 7A P 2595 1430
A4
30 TFSI 41.4-45.0 41.4-45.0 41.4-45.0 1395 4 148 250 7A P 2820 1450
35 TDI 43.3-46.9 43.3-46.9 43.3-46.9 1968 4 188 400 7A P 2820 1595
A5
40 TDI 60.3 60.3 60.3 1989 4 188 320 7A D 2824 1670
Cabriolet 69.2 69.2 69.2 1989 4 188 320 7A D 2765 1875
S5 Sportback 72.4 72.4 72.4 2995 6 348 500 8A P 2825 1790
A6
35 TFSI 50 50 50 1798 4 187 320 7A P 2912 1610
35 TDI 51 51 51 1968 4 187 400 7A D 2912 1735
Q3
30 TFSI 34.7 34.7 34.7 1395 4 148 250 6A P 2603 -
30 TDI 36.5 36.5 36.5 1968 4 138 340 7A D 2603 -
35 TDI 39.7-43.6 39.7-43.6 39.7-43.6 1968 4 174 380 7A D 2603 -
Q5
40 TDI 55.8-60.5 55.8-60.5 55.8-60.5 1986 4 187 400 7A D 2807 -
45 TFSI 55.8-60 55.8-60 55.8-60 1984 4 248 370 7A P 2807 -
Q7
45 TFSI 73.8-82.1 73.8-82.1 73.8-82.1 1284 4 248 370 8A P 2994 2240
45 TDI 78-86.3 78-86.3 78-86.3 2967 6 237 550 8A D 3002 2375
RS
RS5 Coupe 111 111 111 2894 6 443 600 8A P - -
RS7 Sportback 156 156 156 3993 8 553 700 8A P 2915 1995
RS7 Performance 170 170 170 3993 8 597 750 8A P 2915 1995
R8
V10 Plus 272 272 272 5204 10 601 560 7A P 2650 1555
BENTLEY
Continental GT
4.0 V8 311 311 311 3993 8 500 660 8A P 2746 2295
4.0 V8 S 335 335 335 3993 8 521 680 8A P 2746 2295
6.0 W12 337 337 337 5998 12 567 700 8A P 2746 2350
Continental Flying Spur
4.0 V8 341 341 341 3993 8 500 660 8A P 3066 2417
6.0 W12 393 393 393 5998 12 616 800 8A P 3066 2475
Mulsanne
6.75 V8 525 525 525 6752 8 505 1020 8A P 3266 2685
Bentayga
4.0 V8 375 375 375 3996 8 542 770 8A P 2995 2395
6.0 W12 459 459 459 5950 12 600 900 8A P 2995 2440
BMW
3 Series
330i 47.9 47.9 47.9 1998 4 255 400 8A P 2851 1660
320d 41.4-46.9 41.4-46.9 41.4-46.9 1995 4 188 400 8A D 2851 1660
3 Series GT
320d 47.7-50.7 47.7-50.7 47.7-50.7 1995 4 188 400 8A D 2920 1595
330i 50.7 50.7 50.7 1998 4 248 350 8A P 2920 1595
5 Series
530i 53.8 53.8 53.8 1998 4 248 350 8A P 2975 1699
520d 59.8 59.8 59.8 1995 4 188 400 8A D 2975 1560
530d 66.8 66.8 66.8 2993 6 261 620 8A D 2975 1695
6 Series GT
620d 64.4 64.4 64.4 1995 4 188 400 8A D 3070 1720
630i 64.4 64.4 64.4 1998 4 255 400 8A P 3070 1720
630d 74.5 74.5 74.5 2993 6 261 620 8A D 3070 1720
7 Series
730Ld 122-135 122-135 122-135 2993 6 261 620 8A D 3210 1950
740Li 135 135 135 2998 6 335 450 8A P 3210 1845
745Le xDrive Hybrid 165 165 165 2998 6 389 600 8A P (H) 3210 -
FIND YOUR
DREAM CAR

X1
20i 38.3 38.3 38.3 1998 4 189 280 7A P 2670 -
20d 35.2-45.7 35.2-45.7 35.2-45.7 1995 4 188 400 8A D 2670 -
X3
20d 56.0-58.8 56.0-58.8 56.0-58.8 1995 4 188 400 8A D - -
30i 58.8 58.8 58.8 1998 4 248 350 8A P - -
X4
20d 60.6 60.6 60.6 1995 4 188 400 8A D 2864 1740
30i 63.5 63.5 63.5 1998 4 248 350 8A P 2864 1820
30d 65.9 65.9 65.9 2993 6 262 620 8A D 2864 1820
X5
30d 73.3-82.9 73.3-82.9 73.3-82.9 2993 6 262 620 8A D 2975 -
40i 82.9 82.9 82.9 2998 6 335 450 8A P 2975 -
X7
30d 90.9-98.9 90.9-98.9 90.9-98.9 2993 6 262 620 8A D 3105 -
40i 104 104 104 2998 6 335 450 8A P 3105 -
Z4
20i 64.9 64.9 64.9 1998 4 194 320 8A P 2470 -
M
M2 Competition 81.8 81.8 81.8 2979 6 405 550 7A P 2693 -
M760Li 242 242 242 6592 12 601 850 8A P 3210 1950
M5 Competition 155 155 155 4395 8 617 750 8A P 2982 -
Z4 M40i 78.9 78.9 78.9 2998 6 335 500 8A P 2470 -
DATSUN
Redi-GO
0.8 2.8-3.6 2.8-3.6 2.8-3.6 799 3 54 72 5M P 2348 876
1.0 3.9-4.3 3.9-4.3 3.9-4.3 999 3 67 91 5M/5AMT P 2348 -
Go
1.2 3.7-6.1 3.7-6.1 3.7-6.1 1198 3 67/76 104 5M/5CVT P 2450 913
Go+
1.2 4.1-6.8 4.1-6.8 4.1-6.8 1198 3 67/76 104 5M/5CVT P 2450 950
FERRARI
Portofino
V8 GT 350 350 350 3855 8 591 760 7A P 2670 1664
812
V12 Superfast 520 520 520 6496 12 789 718 7A P 2720 1630
488
GTB/Spider 367-393 367-393 367-393 3902 8 660 760 7A P 2650 1370
GTC4Lusso
V12 520 520 520 6262 12 680 697 7A P 2990 1920
V8 T 420 420 420 3855 8 602 760 7A P 2990 1740
FORCE
Gurkha
Xpedition 9.7-9.9 9.7-9.9 9.7-9.9 2596 4 85 230 5M D 2750 1430
Xplorer 10.7-12.5 10.7-12.5 10.7-12.5 2596 4 85 230 5M D 2400/2750 -
Xtreme 2.2 12.9-13.3 12.9-13.3 12.9-13.3 2149 4 140 321 5M D 2400 -
FORD
Figo
1.2 (P) 5.2-6.6 5.2-6.6 5.2-6.6 1194 3 95 120 5M P 2490 1016
1.5 (D) 6.1-7.5 6.1-7.5 6.1-7.5 1498 4 99 215 5M D 2490 1046
1.5 (P) 8.1 8.1 8.1 1497 3 121 150 6A P 2490 1078
Aspire
1.2 (P) 5.9-7.5 5.9-7.5 5.9-7.5 1194 3 95 120 5M P 2490 -
1.5 (D) 6.9-8.5 6.9-8.5 6.9-8.5 1498 4 99 215 5M D 2490 -
1.5 (P) 9 9 9 1497 3 121 150 6A P 2490 -
Freestyle
1.2 (P) 5.8-7.4 5.8-7.4 5.8-7.4 1194 3 95 120 5M P 2490 1026
1.5 (D) 6.6-8.2 6.6-8.2 6.6-8.2 1498 4 99 215 5M D 2490 1062
EcoSport
1.0 (P) EcoBoost 10.8 10.8 10.8 999 3 123 170 6M P 2519 1275
1.5 (P) 7.8-11.2 7.8-11.2 7.8-11.2 1497 3 121 150 5M/6A P 2519 1269
1.5 (D) 8.3-11.3 8.3-11.3 8.3-11.3 1498 4 99 205 5M D 2519 1304
FIND YOUR
DREAM CAR
Endeavour
2.2 (D) 28.2-31.3 28.2-31.3 28.2-31.3 2198 4 158 385 6M/6A D 2850 2204
3.2 (D) 33.7 33.7 33.7 3198 5 197 470 6A D 2850 2394
Mustang
5.0 (P) GT 74.6 74.6 74.6 4951 8 396 515 6A P 2720 -
HONDA
Amaze
1.2 (P) 5.9-8.7 5.9-8.7 5.9-8.7 1199 4 89 110 5M/CVT P 2470 942
1.5 (D) 7-9.8 7-9.8 7-9.8 1498 4 99/79 200/160 5M/CVT D 2470 1031
Jazz
1.2 (P) 7.4-9.3 7.4-9.3 7.4-9.3 1199 4 89 110 5M/CVT P 2530 1064
1.5 (D) 8.1-9.4 8.1-9.4 8.1-9.4 1498 4 99 200 6M D 2530 1139
WR-V
1.2 (P) 8.1-9.3 8.1-9.3 8.1-9.3 1199 4 89 110 5M P 2555 1084
1.5 (D) 9.1-10.5 9.1-10.5 9.1-10.5 1498 4 99 200 6M D 2555 1168
City
1.5 (P) 9.8-14.1 9.8-14.1 9.8-14.1 1497 4 118 145 5M/CVT P 2600 1080
1.5 (D) 11.1-14.1 11.1-14.1 11.1-14.1 1498 4 98 200 6M D 2600 1175
Civic
1.8 (P) 17.9-21.2 17.7-21 17.7-21 1799 4 139 174 CVT P 2700 1275
1.6 (D) 20.5-22.3 20.5-22.3 20.5-22.3 1597 4 118 300 6M D 2700 1325
BR-V
1.5 (P) 9.5-12.8 9.5-12.8 9.5-12.8 1497 4 117 145 6M/CVT P 2662 1235
1.5 (D) 11.8-13.8 11.8-13.8 11.8-13.8 1498 4 99 200 6M D 2662 1306
CR-V
2.0 (P) 28.2 28.2 28.2 1997 4 152 189 CVT P 2660 1545
1.6 (D) 30.6-32.7 30.6-32.7 30.6-32.7 1597 4 118 300 9A D 2660 1666
Accord
2.0 Hybrid 43.2 43.4 43.5 1993 4 212 315 E-CVT P (H) 2776 1620
HYUNDAI
Santro
1.1 (P) 4.2-5.7 4.2-5.7 4.2-5.7 1086 4 68 99 5M/AMT P/CNG 2400 -
Grand i10
1.2 (P) 4.9-7.1 4.9-7.1 4.9-7.1 1197 4 82 114 5M/4A P 2425 -
1.2 (D) 6.1-7.6 6.1-7.6 6.1-7.6 1186 3 74 190 5M D 2425 -
Grand i10 Nios
1.2 (P) 5-7.1 5-7.1 5-7.1 1197 4 82 114 5M/AMT P 2450 -
1.2 (D) 6.7-8 6.7-8 6.7-8 1186 3 74 190 5M/AMT D 2450 -
Elite i20
1.2 (P) 5.5-9.1 5.5-9.1 5.5-9.1 1197 4 82 113 5M/CVT P 2570 -
1.4 (D) 6.9-9.3 6.9-9.3 6.9-9.3 1396 4 89 220 6M D 2570 -
i20 Active
1.2 (P) 7.7-8.8 7.7-8.8 7.7-8.8 1197 4 82 115 5M P 2570 -
1.4 (D) 9.9 9.9 9.9 1396 4 89 220 6M D 2570 -
Xcent
1.2 (P) 5.8-7.8 5.8-7.8 5.8-7.8 1197 4 82 114 5M P 2425 -
1.2 (D) 6.7-8.8 6.7-8.8 6.7-8.8 1186 3 74 190 5M D 2425 -
Verna
1.4 (P) 8.1-9.3 8.1-9.3 8.1-9.3 1368 4 98 132 6M P 2600 -
1.6 (P) 10-12.8 10-12.8 10-12.8 1591 4 121 155 6M/6A P 2600 -
1.4 (D) 9.4-10 9.4-10 9.4-10 1396 4 89 220 6M D 2600
1.6 (D) 11.7-14 11.7-14 11.7-14 1582 4 126 260 6M/6A D 2600 -
Elantra
2.0 (P) 15.9-20.4 15.9-20.4 15.9-20.4 1999 4 150 192 6M/6A P 2700 -
Kona Electric
Premium 23.7-23.9 23.7-23.9 23.7-23.9 Electric - 134 395 - E 2600 -
Creta
1.6 (P) 10-14.1 10-14.1 10-14.1 1591 4 123 151 6M/6A P 2590 -
1.4 (D) 10-11.9 10-11.9 10-11.9 1396 4 90 220 6M D 2590 -
1.6 (D) 13.3-15.6 13.3-15.6 13.3-15.6 1582 4 128 260 6M/6A D 2590 -
Venue
1.0 (P) 8.2-11.1 8.2-11.1 8.2-11.1 998 3 118 172 6M/7DCT P 2500 -
1.2 (P) 6.5-7.2 6.5-7.2 6.5-7.2 1197 4 82 115 5M P 2500 -
1.4 (D) 7.7-10.8 7.7-10.8 7.7-10.8 1396 4 89 220 6M D 2500 -
Tucson
2.0 (P) 18.7-23.7 18.7-23.7 18.7-23.7 1999 4 153 193 6M/6A P 2670 -
2.0 (D) 20.7-26.9 20.7-26.9 20.7-26.9 1995 4 183 400 6M/6A D 2670 -
FIND YOUR
DREAM CAR
Price (Ex-showroom)*
o Engine No. of Power Torque
ISUZU
MU-X
3.0 (D) 27.3-29.3 27.2-29.2 27.2-29.1 2999 4 174 380 5A D 2845 -
V-Cross
2.5 (D) 16.5-18 16.5-18 16.5-18 2499 4 134 320 5M D 3095 -
1.9 (D) 20 20 20 1898 4 148 350 6A D 3095 -
JAGUAR
XE
2.0 (P) 40.6-46.5 40.6-46.5 40.6-46.5 1999 4 237 340 8A P 2835 -
2.0 (D) 41.3-47 41.3-47 41.3-47 1999 4 177 430 8A D 2835 -
F-Pace
2.0 (D) 64.6 64.6 64.6 1999 4 177 430 8A D 2874 -
2.0 (P) 64.2 64.2 64.2 1997 4 247 365 8A P 2874 -
XF
2.0 (P) 54.4-60.7 54.4-60.7 54.4-60.7 1999 4 237 340 8A P 2967 -
2.0 (D) 49.7-61.3 49.7-61.3 49.7-61.3 1999 4 177 430 8A D 2967 -
XJ50
3.0 (D) 111.3 111.3 111.3 2993 6 302 689 8A D 3157 -
F-Type
2.0 (P) 90.9-104 90.9-104 90.9-104 1997 4 296 400 8A P 2622 -
5.0 (P) 221-236 221-236 221-236 5000 8 543 680 8A P 2622 -
5.0 (P) SVR 265-280 265-280 265-280 5000 8 567 700 8A P 2622 -
JEEP
Compass
1.4 (P) 15-21.6 15-21.6 15-21.6 1368 4 161 250 6M/7DCT P 2636 1457
2.0 (D) 15.5-23.1 15.5-23.1 15.5-23.1 1956 4 171 350 6M D 2636 1537
2.0 (D) Trailhawk 26.8-27.6 26.8-27.6 26.8-27.6 1956 4 171 350 9A D 2636 1654
Wrangler
2.0 (P) 63.94 63.94 63.94 1998 4 268 400 8A P 3008 1905
Grand Cherokee
3.6 (P) 75.1 75.1 75.1 3604 6 285 347 8A P 2915 2955
3.0 (D) 78.8-89.3 78.8-89.3 78.8-89.3 2998 6 239 570 8A D 2915 2955
6.4 (P) SRT 114 114 114 6398 8 468 624 8A P 2915 2949
KIA
Seltos
1.5 (D) 10-17 10-17 10-17 1493 4 114 250 6M/6A D 2610 -
G 1.5 (P) 9.7-14 9.7-14 9.7-14 1497 4 114 144 6M/IVT P 2610 -
G 1.4 (P) 13.5-17 13.5-17 13.5-17 1353 4 138 242 6M/7DCT P 2610 -
LAMBORGHINI
Aventador
LP 700-4 479-532 479-532 479-532 6498 12 720 690 7A P 2700 1575
Huracan
Huracan 351-407 351-407 351-407 5204 10 602 540 7A P 2620 1422
Huracan RWD 324-355 324-355 324-355 5204 10 580 540 7A P 2620 1422
Huracan Performante 376 376 376 5204 10 631 600 7A P 2620 1402
Huracan Evo 373-410 373-410 373-410 5204 10 631 600 7A P 2620 -
Urus
V8 300 300 300 3996 8 650 850 7A P 3003 -
LAND ROVER
Discovery Sport
2.0 (P) 51.3-55.8 51.3-55.8 51.3-55.8 1999 4 237 340 9A P 2741 -
2.0 (D) 44.6-61.9 44.6-61.9 44.6-61.9 1999 4 148/177 382/430 9A D 2741 -
Discovery
3.0 (P) 76.9-89.4 76.9-89.4 76.9-89.4 2995 6 335 450 8A P 2922 -
3.0 (D) 88.8-108 88.8-108 88.8-108 2993 6 255 600 8A D 2922 -
2.0 (D) 75.1-87.9 75.1-87.9 75.1-87.9 1999 6 237 430 8A D 2922 -
Range Rover Evoque
2.0 (P) 52-69.5 52-69.5 52-69.5 1999 4 237 340 9A P 2660 -
2.0 (D) 52-62.9 52-62.9 52-62.9 1999 4 177 430 9A D 2660 -
Range Rover Velar
2.0 (P) 72.47 72.47 72.47 1998 4 246 265 8A P 2470 -
2.0 (D) 72.47 72.47 72.47 1999 4 177 430 8A D 2470 -
Range Rover
3.0 (P) 192-211 192-211 192-211 2995 6 335 450 8A P - -
FIND YOUR
DREAM CAR

5.0 (P) 260-405 260-405 260-405 4999 8 543 680 8A P - -
3.0 (D) 182-195 182-195 182-195 2993 6 244 600 8A D - -
4.4 (D) 237-393 237-393 237-393 4367 8 335 740 8A D - -
Range Rover Sport
2.0 (P) 86.7-100 86.7-100 86.7-100 1997 6 296 400 8A P 2923 -
3.0 (D) 104-137 104-137 104-137 2993 6 289 600 8A D 2923 -
3.0 (P) 113-130 113-130 113-130 2995 6 335 450 8A P 2923 -
4.4 (D) 147 147 147 4367 8 335 740 8A D 2932 -
5.0 (P) 177 177 177 4999 8 503 625 8A P 2923 -
LEXUS
NX
300h Hybrid 58.2-60.6 58.2-60.6 58.2-60.6 2494 4 194 210 CVT P (H) 2660 1785
ES
300h Hybrid 59.9 59.9 59.9 2494 4 202 213 CVT P (H) 2820 1705
RX
450hL Hybrid 99 99 99 3456 6 308 335 CVT P (H) 2790 2100
LS
500h Hybrid 182-187 182-187 182-187 3456 6 349 350 CVT P (H) 3125 2300
LX
570 (V8) 233 233 233 5663 8 362 530 8A P 2850 -
MAHINDRA
Verito Vibe
1.5 (D) 6.5-7.5 6.5-7.5 6.5-7.5 1461 4 65 160 5M D 2630 -
Verito
1.5 (D) 7.4-8.4 7.4-8.4 7.4-8.4 1461 4 65 160 5M D 2630 1140
e Verito 7.5-8.4 7.5-8.4 7.5-8.4 Electric - 42 91 Direct Drive E 2630 -
e2o
Plus 8.8-9.5 8.8-9.5 8.8-9.5 Electric - 25 70 Direct Drive E 2258 -
KUV100 NXT
1.2 (P) 4.9-7 4.9-7 4.9-7 1198 4 82 115 5M P 2385 -
1.2 (D) 5.9-7.9 5.9-7.9 5.9-7.9 1198 4 77 190 5M D 2385 -
TUV300
1.5 (D) 8.5-10.5 8.5-10.5 8.5-10.5 1493 3 100 240 5M/5A D 2680 2225
TUV300 Plus
2.2 (D) 9.9-11.4 9.9-11.4 9.9-11.4 2179 3 120 280 6M D 2680
Marazzo
1.5 (D) 10.3-14.7 10.3-14.7 10.3-14.7 1497 3 121 300 6M D 2760 -
Thar
2.5 CRDe 9.6-9.9 9.6-9.9 9.6-9.9 2498 4 105 247 5M D 2430 1750
Bolero
2.5 (D) 7.7-9.4 7.7-9.4 7.7-9.4 2523 4 62 195 5M D 2680 1575
1.5 (D) 7.4-8.8 7.4-8.8 7.4-8.8 1493 4 70 195 5M D 2680 1575
Scorpio
2.2 (D) 12.2-16.6 12.2-16.6 12.2-16.6 2179 4 120/140 280/320 5M/6M D 2680 2510
2.5 (D) 10 9.9 10.1 2523 4 75 200 5M D 2680 2510
XUV300
1.2 (P) 8.1-11.6 8.1-11.6 8.1-11.6 1197 4 110 200 6M P 2600 -
1.5 (D) 8.7-12.7 8.7-12.7 8.7-12.7 1497 4 115 300 6M/AMT D 2600 -
XUV500
2.2 (D) 12.3-18.5 12.2-18.4 12.2-18.4 2179 4 155 360 6M/6A D 2680 -
Alturas G4
2.2 (D) 27.7-30.7 27.7-30.7 27.7-30.7 2157 4 178 420 7A D 2865 -
MARUTI SUZUKI
Alto
800 (P) 2.8-4.1 2.8-4.1 2.8-4.1 796 3 46 62 5M P/CNG 2360 720
K 10 (P) 3.6-4.4 3.6-4.4 3.6-4.4 998 3 67 90 5M P/CNG - 735
Celerio
1.0 (P) 4.2-5.4 4.3-5.5 4.4-5.5 998 3 67 90 5M/5A P/CNG 2425 810-830
CelerioX
1.0 (P) 4.7-5.5 4.8-5.6 4.8-5.6 998 3 67 90 5M/5A P 2425 810-830
FIND YOUR
DREAM CAR

Wagon R
1.0 (P) 4.3-5 4.3-5 4.3-5 998 3 67 90 5M/5A P 2435 805
1.2 (P) 5.1-5.9 5.1-5.9 5.1-5.9 1197 4 82 113 5M/5A P 2435 830
Ignis
1.2 (P) 4.7-7.1 4.7-7.1 4.7-7.1 1197 4 82 113 5M/5A P 2435 -
Swift
1.2 (P) 5.1-8 5.1-8 5.1-8 1197 4 82 113 5M/5A P 2450 855
1.3 (D) 7-8.8 7-8.8 7-8.8 1248 4 74 190 5M/5A D 2450 955
Dzire
1.2 (P) 5.8-8.7 5.8-8.7 5.8-8.7 1197 4 82 113 5M/5A P 2450 895
1.3 (D) 6.6-9.5 6.6-9.5 6.6-9.5 1248 4 74 190 5M/5A D 2450 990
Ciaz
1.5 (P) 8.2-11 8.2-11 8.2-11 1462 4 103 138 5M/4A P 2650 -
1.3 (D) 9.2-11 9.2-11 9.2-11 1248 4 89 200 5M D 2650 -
1.5 (D) 9.9-11.4 9.9-11.4 9.9-11.4 1498 4 94 225 6M D 2650 -
Baleno
1.0 (P) RS 7.8 7.8 7.8 998 3 100 150 5M P 2520 950
1.2 VVT (P) 5.6-8.9 5.6-8.9 5.6-8.9 1197 4 83 115 5M/CVT P 2520 910
1.2 Dual Jet (P) 7.2-7.8 7.2-7.8 7.2-7.8 1197 4 89 113 5M P 2520 910
1.3 (D) 6.6-8.6 6.6-8.6 6.6-8.6 1248 4 74 190 5M D 2520 960
Vitara Brezza
1.3 (D) 7.6-10.4 7.7-10.4 7.9-10.6 1248 4 89 200 5M/5A D 2500 1170-1195
Ertiga
1.5 (P) 7.5-10 7.5-10.1 7.5-10 1462 4 103 138 5M P 2740 1135
1.5 (D) 9.8-11.2 9.8-11.2 9.8-11.2 1498 4 94 225 6M D 2740 1220
S Cross
1.3 (D) 8.8-11.4 8.8-11.4 8.8-11.4 1248 4 89 200 5M D 2600 1180
XL6
1.5 (P) 9.8-11.4 9.8-11.4 9.8-11.4 1462 4 103 138 5M/4A P 2740 1190
S-Presso
1.0 (P) 3.7-4.9 3.7-4.9 3.7-4.9 998 3 67 90 5M P 2380 726
MASERATI
Ghibli
3.0 V6 138-147 138-147 138-147 2987 6 271 600 8A D 2998 1875
Levante
3.0 V6 150-158 150-158 150-158 2987 6 271 600 8A D 3004 2205
Quattroporte
3.0 V6 171-183 171-183 171-183 2987 6 271 600 8A D 3171 1925
Quattroporte GTS
3.8 V8 256-258 256-258 256-258 3799 8 530 710 8A P 3171 1900
GranTurismo
4.7 V8 225-251 225-251 225-251 4691 8 454 520 6A P 2942 1880
GranCabrio
4.7 V8 269 269 269 4691 8 454 520 6A P 2942 1980
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA
200 36 36 36 1991 4 183 300 7A P 2699 1510
200d 31.7-37 31.7-37 31.7-37 2143 4 136 300 7A D 2699 1570
C-Class
200 40.1-45.1 40.1-45.1 40.1-45.1 1497 4 181 280 9A P 2840 -
220d 42.1-46.7 42.1-46.7 42.1-46.7 1950 4 191 400 9A D 2840 -
300d 49.7 49.7 49.7 1950 4 241 500 9A D 2840 -
300 Cabriolet 65.2 65.2 65.2 1991 4 255 370 9A P - -
CLS
300d 84.7 84.7 84.7 1950 4 241 500 9A D 2939 -
E-Class
200 61.8 61.8 61.8 1991 4 181 300 9A P 3079 -
220d 58.8-62.8 58.8-62.8 58.8-62.8 1950 4 192 400 9A D 3079 -
350d 73.6 73.6 73.6 2987 6 255 620 9A D 3079 -
E-Class All Terrain
220d 75 75 75 1950 4 192 400 9A D 2939 -
FIND YOUR
DREAM CAR

S-Class
350d 135 135 135 2987 6 282 600 9A D 3165 -
450 139 139 139 2996 6 362 500 9A P 3165 -
Maybach S 560 198 198 198 3982 8 463 700 9A P 3365 -
Maybach S 650 273 273 273 5980 12 621 1000 7A P 3365 -
GLA
200 34.4-34.8 34.4-34.8 34.4-34.8 1991 4 181 300 7A P 2699 1525
200d 32.3-37.2 32.3-37.2 32.3-37.2 2143 4 134 300 7A D 2699 1585
220d 38.6-41.5 38.6-41.5 38.6-41.5 2143 4 168 350 7A D 2699 1585
GLC
300 56.8 56.8 56.8 1991 4 241 370 9A P 2873 1871
220d 52.4-56.4 52.4-56.4 52.4-56.4 2143 4 168 400 9A D 2873 1954
GLE
250d 67.1 67.1 67.1 2143 4 201 500 9A D 2915 2150
350d 77.8 77.8 77.8 2987 6 255 620 9A D 2915 2175
400 78.2 78.2 78.2 2996 6 333 480 7A P 2915 -
GLS
350d 88.2 88.2 88.2 2987 6 255 620 9A D 3075 2455
400 87.8 87.8 87.8 2996 6 329 480 9A P 3075 2455
G-Class
350d 150 150 150 2925 6 282 600 9A D 2890 2453
V-Class
Expression EWB 68.4 68.4 68.4 2143 4 160 380 7A D 3430 -
Exclusive 81.9 81.9 81.9 2143 4 160 380 7A D 3200 -
AMG
C 43 Coupe 75 75 75 2996 6 385 520 9A P 2840 -
GLC 43 78 78 78 2982 6 362 520 9A P - -
E 63 S 150 150 150 3982 8 612 850 9A P 2939 -
GLE 43 99.2 99.2 99.2 2996 6 367 520 9A P 2915 -
C 63 S 139 139 139 3982 8 510 700 7A P 2840 -
G 63 219 219 219 3998 8 577 760 9A P 2850 -
AMG GT Roadster 227 227 227 3982 8 469 630 7A P 2630 -
AMG GT-R 232 232 232 3982 8 577 700 7A P 2630 -
MG
Hector
1.5 (P) 12.5-17.2 12.5-17.2 12.5-17.2 1451 4 141 250 6M/DCT P 2750 -
2.0 (D) 13.5-17.3 13.5-17.3 13.5-17.3 1956 4 168 350 6M D 2750 -
MINI
MINI 3-door
Cooper D 29.9 29.9 29.9 1496 3 114 270 6A D 2495 -
Cooper S 34.2 34.2 34.2 1998 4 189 280 7A P 2495 -
MINI 5-door
Cooper D 36 36 36 1496 3 114 270 6A D 2567 -
MINI Convertible
Cooper S 38.3 38.3 38.3 1998 4 189 280 7A P 2495 -
MINI Clubman
Cooper S 41.2 41.2 41.2 1998 4 189 280 8A P 2670 -
MINI Countryman
Cooper S 34.9 34.9 34.9 1998 4 189 280 8A P 2670 -
Cooper S (D) 37.4 37.4 37.4 1995 4 188 400 8A D 2670 -
Cooper S JCW 41.4 41.4 41.4 1998 4 189 280 8A P 2670 -
MINI JCW
3-Door 43.5 43.5 43.5 1998 4 228 320 8A P - -
MITSUBISHI
Outlander
2.4 (P) 27 27 27 2360 4 165 222 CVT P 2670 1602
Pajero Sport
Select Plus 29.5 29.5 29.5 2477 4 176 350 5A D 2800 1935
FIND YOUR
DREAM CAR

NISSAN
Micra
1.2 (P) Active 5.2-5.9 5.2-5.9 5.2-5.9 1198 3 67 104 5M P 2450 -
1.2 (P) 6.6-7.8 6.6-7.8 6.6-7.8 1198 3 74 104 CVT P 2450 930
1.5 (D) 7.4-8.1 7.4-8.1 7.4-8.1 1461 4 63 160 5M D 2450 1008
Sunny
1.5 (P) 6.9-9.8 6.9-9.8 6.9-9.8 1498 4 98 134 5M/CVT P 2600 998-1027
1.5 (D) 8.1-9.9 8.1-9.9 8.1-9.9 1461 4 85 200 5M D 2600 1097
GT-R
3.8 (P) 212 212 212 3798 6 561 637 6A P 2799 1737
Kicks
1.5 (P) 9.5-10.9 9.5-10.9 9.5-10.9 1498 4 105 142 5M P 2673 -
1.5 (D) 11.1-13.7 11.1-13.7 11.1-13.7 1461 4 108 240 6M D 2673 -
PORSCHE
Macan
Base 70 70 70 1984 4 248 370 7A P 2807 -
S 85 85 85 2995 6 349 480 7A P 2807 -
718
Cayman 86 86 86 1988 4 295 380 7A P 2475 1440
Boxter 90 90 90 1988 4 295 380 7A P 2475 1440
911
Carrera 162-179 162-179 162-179 2981 6 380 450 7A P 2450 -
Carrera S 183-199 183-199 183-199 2981 6 444 530 7A P 2450 -
Cayenne
Cayenne 119 119 119 2995 6 335 450 8A P 2895 -
Cayenne Turbo 192 192 192 3996 8 542 770 8A P 2895 -
Cayenne E-Hybrid 158 158 158 2995 6 456 700 8A P (H) 2895 -
Panamera
Turbo 212-226 212-226 212-226 3996 8 542 770 8A P 2950 -
Turbo S E-Hybrid 244-257 244-257 244-257 3996 8 671 850 8A P (H) 2950 -
GTS 189-193 189-193 189-193 3996 8 453 620 8A P 2950 -
4 149 149 149 2894 6 326 450 8A P 2950 -
RENAULT
Kwid
0.8 (P) 2.8-4.1 2.8-4.1 2.8-4.1 799 3 53 72 5M P 2422 -
1.0 (P) 4.3-4.9 4.3-4.9 4.3-4.9 999 3 67 91 5M/AMT P 2422 -
Duster
1.5 (P) 8-10 8-10 8-10 1498 4 105 142 5M/CVT P 2673 1740
1.5 (D) 85 9.3-10 9.3-10 9.3-10 1461 4 84 200 5M D 2673 1758
1.5 (D) 110 11.2-12.5 11.2-12.5 11.2-12.5 1461 4 109 245 6M/AMT D 2673 1758
Captur
1.5 (P) 9.5-12 9.5-12 9.5-12 1498 4 105 142 5M P 2673 -
1.5 (D) 10.5-13 10.5-13 10.5-13 1461 4 109 240 6M D 2673 -
Lodgy
1.5 (D) 85 8.6-11.3 9-11.7 9.1-11.8 1461 4 84 200 5M D 2810 1300
1.5 (D) 110 12.1 12.5 12.6 1461 4 108 245 6M D 2810 1353
Triber
1.0 (P) 4.9-6.5 4.9-6.5 4.9-6.5 999 3 71 96 5M P 2636 947
SKODA
Rapid
1.6 (P) 8.8-12.7 8.8-12.7 8.8-12.7 1598 4 104 153 5M/6A P 2552 -
1.5 (D) 10-14.2 10-14.2 10-14.2 1498 4 109 250 5M/DSG D 2552 -
Octavia z
1.4 (P) 16-19 16-19 16-19 1395 4 138 250 6M P 2688 -
1.8 (P) 20-23.6 20-23.6 20-23.6 1798 4 177 250 7A P 2688 -
2.0 (D) 18-26 18-26 18-26 1968 4 141 330 6M/DSG D 2688 -
FIND YOUR
DREAM CAR

Superb
1.8 (P) 26-31 26-31 26-31 1798 4 250 320 6M/7A P 2841 -
2.0 (D) 30.3-33.5 30.3-33.5 30.3-33.5 1968 4 175 350 6A D 2841 -
Kodiaq
2.0 (D) 35.3-36.8 35.3-36.8 35.3-36.8 1968 4 148 340 7A D 2791 -
TATA
Tiago
1.2 (P) 4.4-6.3 4.4-6.3 4.4-6.3 1199 3 84 114 5M/5A P 2400 930
1.2 (P) JTP 6.7 6.7 6.7 1199 3 113 150 5M P 2400 -
1.05 (D) 5.2-6.7 5.2-6.7 5.2-6.7 1047 3 69 140 5M D 2400 1030
Tiago NRG
1.2 (P) 5.8-6.3 5.8-6.3 5.8-6.3 1199 3 84 114 5M/5A P 2400 930
1.05 (D) 6.7 6.7 6.7 1047 3 69 140 5M D 2400 1030
Tigor
1.2 (P) 5.5-7.4 5.5-7.4 5.5-7.4 1199 3 84 114 5M/5A P 2400 -
1.2 (P) JTP 7.6 7.6 7.6 1199 3 112 150 5M P 2400 -
1.05 (D) 6.4-7.9 6.4-7.9 6.4-7.9 1047 3 69 140 5M D 2400 -
Bolt
1.2 (P) 5.3-6.7 5.3-6.7 5.3-6.7 1193 4 89 140 5M P 2470 1095
1.3 (D) 6.6-7.9 6.6-7.9 6.6-7.9 1248 4 74 190 5M D 2470 1132
Zest
1.2 (P) 5.8-7.3 5.8-7.3 5.8-7.3 1193 4 89 140 5M P - -
1.3 (D) 7-9.3 7-9.3 7-9.3 1248 4 74/89 190/200 5M/5A D - -
Nexon
1.2 (P) 6.6-10.2 6.6-10.2 6.6-10.2 1198 3 108 170 6M/6A P 2498 -
1.5 (D) 7.6-11.1 7.6-11.1 7.6-11.1 1497 4 108 260 6M/6A D 2498 -
Hexa
2.2 (D) 13.2-18.8 13.2-18.8 13.2-18.8 2179 4 148/154 320/400 5M/6M/6A D 2850 -
Safari Storme
2.2 (D) 11.1-16.4 11.1-16.4 11.1-16.4 2179 4 149/155 320/400 5M/6M D 2650 -
Harrier
2.0 (D) 13-16.7 13-16.7 13-16.7 1956 4 138 350 6M D 2741 -
TOYOTA
Etios Liva
1.2 (P) 5.3-6.6 5.3-6.6 5.3-6.6 1197 4 78 104 5M P 2460 890-920
1.4 (D) 6.6-7.7 6.6-7.7 6.6-7.7 1364 4 66 170 5M D 2460 980
Platinum Etios
1.5 (P) 6.5-7.8 6.5-7.8 6.5-7.8 1496 4 89 132 5M P 2550 900-930
1.4 (D) 7.6-8.9 7.6-8.9 7.6-8.9 1364 4 67 170 5M D 2550 990-1005
Etios Cross
1.2 (P) 6.5 6.5 6.5 1197 4 79 104 5M P 2550 -
1.5 (P) 8 8 8 1496 4 89 132 5M P 2550 900-930
1.4 (D) 7.6-7.9 7.6-7.9 7.6-7.9 1364 4 67 170 5M D 2550 990-1005
Glanza
1.2 (P) 6.9-8.9 6.9-8.9 6.9-8.9 1197 4 82/89 113 5M/CVT P 2520 910
Yaris
1.5 (P) 8.6-14.1 8.6-14.1 8.6-14.1 1496 4 106 140 6M/CVT P - -
Corolla Altis
1.8 (P) 16.4-20.2 16.4-20.2 16.4-20.2 1798 4 138 173 6M/CVT P 2600 1180-1270
1.4 (D) 17.7-19.4 17.7-19.4 17.7-19.4 1364 4 87 205 6M D 2600 1230-1270
Camry
2.5 (P) Hybrid 37.5 37.5 37.5 2487 4 215 423 CVT P (H) 2825 1665
Innova Crysta
2.4 (D) 15.7-21 15.7-21 15.7-21 2393 4 150 343 5M/6M D 2750 1855
2.8 (D) 17.5-23.5 17.5-23.5 17.5-23.5 2755 4 147 360 6A D 2750 1870
2.7 (P) 14.9-21.7 14.9-21.7 14.9-21.7 2694 4 163 245 5M/6A P 2750 1780
Fortuner
2.8 (D) 29.8-33.8 29.8-33.8 29.8-33.8 2755 4 174 420/450 6M/6A D 2745 2610-2735
2.7 (P) 27.8-29.4 27.8-29.4 27.8-29.4 2694 4 163 245 5M/6A P 2745 2500
FIND YOUR
DREAM CAR

Prius
1.8 (P) Hybrid 45.1 45.5 45.9 1798 4 120 305 CVT P (H) 2700 -
Land Cruiser
3.0 (D) Prado 96.3 96.3 96.3 2982 4 170 410 5A D 2790 2140
4.5 (D) 147 147 147 4461 8 261 650 6A D 2850 2720
VOLKSWAGEN
Ameo
1.0 (P) 5.9-8 5.9-8 5.9-8 999 3 75 95 5M P 2470 -
1.5 (D) 7.1-10 7.1-10 7.1-10 1498 4 109 250 5M/7A D 2470 -
Polo
1.0 (P) 5.8-7.7 5.8-7.7 5.8-7.7 999 3 74 95 5M P 2469 -
1.5 (D) 7.3-9.3 7.3-9.3 7.3-9.3 1498 4 97 230 5M D 2469 -
GT TSI 9.7 9.7 9.7 1197 4 103 175 7A P 2469 -
GT TDI 9.9 9.9 9.9 1498 4 108 250 5M D 2469 -
Vento
1.2 (P) 12-13.1 12-13.1 12-13.1 1197 4 103 175 7A P 2553 1174
1.6 (P) 8.7-10 8.7-10 8.7-10 1598 4 103 153 5M P 2553 1137
1.5 (D) 9.6-14.5 9.6-14.5 9.6-14.5 1498 4 109 250 5M/7A D 2553 1233
Passat
2.0 (D) 26-33.2 26-33.2 26-33.2 1968 4 174 350 6A D 2786 -
Tiguan
2.0 (D) 28-31.5 28-31.5 28-31.5 1968 4 141 340 7A D 2677 -
VOLVO
V90 Cross Country
D5 Inscription 65.3 65.3 65.3 1969 4 232 480 8A D 2941 -
S60
D4 38.5 38.5 38.5 1984 4 181 400 8A D - -
D4 Cross Country 44.2 44.2 44.2 2400 5 190 420 6A D 2774 1776
Polestar 56 56 56 1969 4 367 470 8A P - -
S90
D4 51.9-58.9 51.9-58.9 51.9-58.9 1969 4 187 400 8A D 2941 2962
XC40
D4 39.9-43.9 39.9-43.9 39.9-43.9 1969 4 188 400 8A D 2702 -
XC60
D4 52.9 52.9 52.9 1969 4 190 400 8A D 2865 -
D5 59.9 59.9 59.9 1969 4 231 480 8A D 2865 -
XC90
D5 80.9-87.9 80.9-87.9 80.9-87.9 1969 4 225 470 8A D 2984 -
T8 Hybrid 131-142 131-142 131-142 1969 4 401 640 8A H 2984 -
*Prices are provided by manufacturers. Please contact your local dealer for exact prices as they are subject to change without prior notice.
FIND YOUR
DREAM BIKE
* All prices in thousands
-
Price o
(Ex-showroom)* Engine Power Torque Weight
Gears
Delhi Mumbai Chennai (cc) (bhp) (Nm) (Kg)
APRILIA
SR 150 74.2-81.8 74.2-81.8 74.2-81.8 154.8 9.9 10.9 AT 122
SR 125 69.9-72.3 69.9-72.3 69.9-72.3 124.7 9.3 9.9 AT 122
Dorsoduro 1200 ABS 1736 1736 1736 1,197 130 115 6 212
Dorsoduro 900 1422 1422 1422 896 92.5 90 6 196
RSV4 2129-2605 2129-2605 2129-2605 999 195.5 115 6 184
Shiver 900 1370 1370 1370 896 92.5 90 6 205
Tuono V4 1100 2005-2136 2005-2136 2005-2136 1,077 173 121 6 184
ATHER
450 NA NA 113 E 7.2 20.5 AT 118
AVANTURAA CHOPPERS
Rudra - 2390 - 2,025.7 - - 6 346
Pravega - 2140 - 2,032 - - 6 347
BAJAJ
Avenger 220 96.9 96.9 96.9 220 19 17.50 5 155
Avenger Street 180 87.8 87.8 87.8 180 15.30 13.70 5 150
CT100 32-40.8 32-40.8 32-40.8 99.27 8.10 8.05 4 109
Discover 110 52.3 52.3 52.3 115.5 8.60 9.81 4 117
Discover 125 57-59.4 57-59.4 57-59.4 124.60 10.90 10.80 5 121
Dominar 400 163 163 163 373.30 34.50 35 6 182
Platina 47.4-49.1 47.4-49.1 47.4-49.1 102 8.10 8.60 4 108
V15 65.1 65.1 65.1 149.50 11.80 13 5 135
Pulsar 150 76.8-80.7 76.8-80.7 76.8-80.7 149 15 12 5 143
Pulsar 180 85.5 85.5 85.5 178 17 14 5 147
Pulsar 220F 98.6 98.6 98.6 220 21 19 5 150
Pulsar NS160 81 81 81 160.30 15.30 14.60 5 142
Pulsar NS200 100-112.3 100-112.3 100-112.3 199 23 18 6 145
Pulsar RS200 127.4-139.3 127.4-139.3 127.4-139.3 199 24.50 18.60 6 165
Pulsar 125 64-66 64-66 64-66 125 11.8 11 5 140
BENELLI
302R 370 370 370 300 38.26 26.50 6 198
Leoncino 250 250 250 250 249 25 21 6 162
Leoncino 500 479 479 479 500 47 46 6 170
TNT 600i 620 620 620 600 82.70 54.60 6 231
TRK 502 500 500 500 500 47 46 6 -
TNT 300 350 350 350 300 37.73 26.50 6 196
TRK 502X 540 540 540 500 47 46 6 -
BMW
G 310 R 299 299 299 313 33.5 28 6 159
G 310 GS 349 349 349 313 33.5 28 6 169
F 850 GS 1295-1440 1295-1440 1295-1440 853 93 92 6 229
F 750 GS 1195-1340 1195-1340 1195-1340 853 75 83 6 224
R nineT Racer 1690 1690 1690 1,170 107 116 6 221
K 1600 B 2870-3195 2870-3195 2870-3195 1,649 155.90 175 6 336
K 1600 GTL 2930 2930 2930 1,649 158 175 6 332
S 1000 RR 1805-2075 1805-2075 1805-2075 999 193 112 6 204
R 1200 RT 1835-2055 1835-2055 1835-2055 1,170 124 125 6 274
S 1000 R 1670-1850 1670-1850 1670-1850 999 158 112 6 207
R 1200 R 1505-1565 1505-1565 1505-1565 1,170 124 125 6 274
R nineT Scrambler 1590 1590 1590 1,170 107 116 6 220
R 1200 RS 1555-1655 1555-1655 1555-1655 1,170 121.60 125 6 236
S 1000 XR 1790-2050 1790-2050 1790-2050 999 159.80 114 6 228
R nineT 1780 1780 1780 1,170 110 119 6 222
R 1250 GS 1685-2005 1685-2005 1685-2005 1,254 132 143 6 249
CFMOTO
300NK NA 229 229 292 33 20.5 6 151
650NK NA 399 399 649 60 56 6 206
650MT NA 499 499 649 69 62 6 218
650GT NA 549 549 649 61 58.5 6 226
DUCATI
Monster 821 956 956 956 821 107 86 6 180
959 Panigale 1457 1457 1457 955 148 102 6 176
Diavel 1260 1770-1925 1770-1925 1770-1925 1262 157 129 6 244
FIND YOUR
DREAM BIKE
x (Ex-showroom)*
Price h Engine Power Torque Weight
Gears
Hypermotard 939 1117 1117 1117 937 109 95 6 181
Scrambler 1100 109 109 109 1079 84 88 6 206
Monster 797 808 808 808 803 72 67 6 175
Multistrada 950 1284-1410 1284-1410 1284-1410 937 111 96 6 205
Panigale V4 2057-5181 2057-5181 2057-5181 1,103 211 124 6 198
Scrambler 800 723-945 723-945 723-945 803 73.90 68 6 186
SuperSport 1208-1339 1208-1339 1208-1339 937 109 93 6 183
XDiavel 1653-1921 1653-1921 1653-1921 1,262 150 126 6 220
Multistrada 1260 1595-2138 1595-2138 1595-2138 1262 156 130 6 209
DSK HYOSUNG
Aquila GV250 330 330 330 249 26.21 21.37 5 179
GT650R 509 509 509 647 72.68 60.90 6 215
Aquila Pro650 563 563 563 647 73 62.10 5 240
GT250R 362 362 362 249 28 22.07 5 188
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
1200 Custom 1080 1080 1080 1,202 67.70 96 5 268
Deluxe 1886 1886 1886 1,745 - 144 6 318
Fat Bob 1475 1475 1475 1,745 - 145 6 309
Fat Boy 1841 1841 1841 1,745 - 144 6 322
Fat Boy 114 2049 2049 2049 1,868 - 156 6 322
Forty Eight 1106 1106 1106 1,202 60 96 5 252
Heritage Classic 1991 1991 1991 1,745 - 144 6 330
Iron 883 930 930 930 883 50 70 5 256
Low Rider 1365 1365 1365 1,745 - 144 6 305
Road Glide Special 3299 3299 3299 1,745 - 150 6 388
Road King 2522 2522 2522 1,745 - 150 6 379
Roadster 1115 1115 1115 1,202 - 96 5 259
Street 750 556 556 556 749 47 59 6 233
Street Bob 1274 1274 1274 1,745 - 144 6 298
Street Glide Special 2999 2999 2999 1,745 - 150 6 376
Street Rod 661 661 661 749 70 62 6 238
CVO Limited 4999 4999 4999 1,868 - 165 6 431
HERO
Achiever 150 67-69 67-69 67-69 149 13 13 5 138
Duet 47.2-50.1 47.2-50.1 47.2-50.1 110.90 8.31 8.30 AT 115
Glamour 58.4-68.9 58.4-68.9 58.4-68.9 124.7 11.40 11 4 126
HF Deluxe i3s 48.8-49.3 48.8-49.3 48.8-49.3 97.20 8.20 8.05 4 110
Maestro Edge 51.1-52.5 51.1-52.5 51.1-52.5 110 8.31 8.30 AT 109
Passion Pro 54-57.6 54-57.6 54-57.6 109.15 9.30 9 4 117
Pleasure 45.1-47.1 45.1-47.1 45.1-47.1 102 6.91 8.10 AT 101
Splendor iSmart 110 55.8 55.8 55.8 109.15 9.30 9 4 115
Splendor Plus 50.8-54.1 50.8-54.1 50.8-54.1 97.20 8.20 8.05 4 109
Splendor Pro 49.5-51.4 49.5-51.4 49.5-51.4 97.20 8.20 8 4 109
Super Splendor 58.1 58.1 58.1 124.7 10.90 11 4 125
Xtreme Sports 80.3-82.3 80.3-82.3 80.3-82.3 149 15.60 13.50 5 147
Xtreme 200R 89.9 89.9 89.9 199.6 18.1 17.1 5 148
Xtreme 200S 98.5 98.5 98.5 199.6 18.1 17.1 5 149
Xpulse 200 94-105 94-105 94-105 199.6 18.1 17.1 5 150-154
Maestro Edge 125 58-63 58-63 58-63 125 8.7 10.2 AT 116
Karizma ZMR 108-110 108-110 108-110 223 20 19.7 5 157
Destini 125 54.6-57.5 54.6-57.5 54.6-57.5 124.6 8.7 10.2 AT 111.5
HONDA
CBR 250R 165-194 165-194 165-194 249.6 25.70 22.90 6 167
CB 300R 241 241 241 286 30.4 27.4 6 147
Activa 125 59.9-64.3 59.9-64.3 59.9-64.3 124 8.50 10.54 AT 111
Activa 5G 54.2-56 54.2-56 54.2-56 109.19 8 9 AT 109
Activa-i 50.5 50.5 50.5 109.19 8 8.74 AT 103
Africa Twin 1323 1323 1323 998 85.90 92 6 231
Aviator 55.8-60.1 55.8-60.1 55.8-60.1 109 8 8.77 AT 109
CB Hornet 160R 86.1-91.6 86.1-91.6 86.1-91.6 162.71 15.44 14.76 5 142
CB Shine 57.7-60 57.7-60 57.7-60 125 10 11 4 120
CB ShineSP 63.5-66 63.5-66 63.5-66 124.73 10.57 10.30 5 124
CB Unicorn 150 72.3 72.3 72.3 149.10 13.14 12.84 5 146
CB Unicorn 160 75.5-78 75.5-78 75.5-78 163 14.50 14.60 5 135
CB1000R 1446 1446 1446 999 129 112 6 217
CBR1000RR Fireblade 1643-1928 1643-1928 1643-1928 999 186.30 114 6 195
CB300R 241 241 241 286 30 27.4 6 147
CD 110 Dream 49.1-49.4 49.1-49.4 49.1-49.4 110 8.25 8.63 4 105
FIND YOUR
DREAM BIKE
Price (Ex-showroom)* Engine Power Torque Weight
Gears
Cliq 44.9-45.4 44.9-45.4 44.9-45.4 109.19 8 8.94 AT 102
Dio 52.5-54.5 52.5-54.5 52.5-54.5 109 6 8 AT 105
Dream Neo 52.2 52.2 52.2 110 8.25 8.63 4 105
Dream Yuga 54.2-54.8 54.2-54.8 54.2-54.8 109 8 9 4 108
Gold Wing DCT 2779 2779 2779 1,833 122.90 170 7 379
Grazia 59.9-64.2 59.9-64.2 59.9-64.2 124.9 8.52 10.54 AT 107
Livo 56.9-59.4 56.9-59.4 56.9-59.4 109.19 8.20 8.60 4 111
Navi 45.3 45.3 45.3 109.19 7.72 8.96 AT 101
X-Blade 80-87.7 80-87.7 80-87.7 162.71 13.93 13.90 5 140
INDIAN
Chief Classic 2150 2150 2150 1,811 - 138.90 6 354
Chief Dark Horse 1900 1900 1900 1,811 - 139 6 357
Chief Vintage 2558 2558 2558 1,811 - 138.90 6 364
Roadmaster 3768-4038 3768-4038 3768-4038 1,811 - 138.90 6 421
Scout 1282 1282 1282 1,131 98.70 97.70 6 253
Scout Bobber 1237 1237 1237 1,133 - 97 6 255
FTR 1200S 1499 1499 1499 1203 118 115 6 235
Scout Sixty 1110 1110 1110 999 76.90 88.80 5 246
Springfield 3383 3383 3383 1,811 - 138.90 6 388
KAWASAKI
Ninja ZX6R 1045 1045 1045 636 126 71 6 196
Ninja 300 298 298 298 296 39 27 6 172
Ninja 400 469 469 469 399 47.50 38 6 173
Ninja 650 550-570 550-570 550-570 649 67.20 65.70 6 193
Ninja H2 3450 3450 3450 998 197 134 6 238
Ninja H2 SX 2180 2180 2180 998 194 137.30 6 256
Ninja H2 SX SE 2680 2680 2680 998 194 137.30 6 256
Ninja H2R 7200 7200 7200 998 317.10 165 6 216
Ninja ZX-10R 1430-1698 1430-1698 1430-1698 998 197.30 113.50 6 204
Ninja ZX-14R 1970 1970 1970 1,441 197.30 158.20 6 269
Versys 1000 1069 1069 1069 1,043 116 102 6 250
Versys 650 670 670 670 649 67.45 64 6 216
Versys X-300 469 469 469 296 38.7 25.7 6 184
Vulcan S 548-558 548-558 548-558 649 59.50 63 6 235
Z1000 1510-1610 1510-1610 1510-1610 1,043 139 111 6 221
Z250 308 308 308 249 31.50 21 6 168
Z650 529 529 529 649 - - 6 186
Z900 768 768 768 948 123.30 98.60 6 210
Z900RS 1530 1530 1530 948 108.40 98.50 6 215
KTM
790 Duke 864 864 864 799 105 86 6 -
390 Duke 244 244 244 373.20 42.90 37 6 163
RC390 241 241 241 373.20 42.30 - 6 147
250 Duke 181 181 181 248.76 29.60 24 6 161
RC200 179-188 179-188 179-188 199 25 19 6 147
200 Duke 152-160 152-160 152-160 200 25 19 6 136
125 Duke 118 118 118 124.70 14.30 12 6 148
MAHINDRA
Mojo UT300 150 150 150 295 22.50 25.20 6 163
Gusto 48.6-53 48.6-53 48.6-53 109 8 9 AT 120
Gusto 125 51.1-55.7 51.1-55.7 51.1-55.7 124.60 8.50 10 AT 123
Mojo XT300 180 180 180 295 26.45 30 6 160
MOTO GUZZI
V9 Roamer 1419 1419 1419 850 55 62 6 199
Audace 2275 2275 2275 1,380 94.68 121 6 299
Eldorado 2320 2320 2320 1,380 94.68 120 6 314
MGX-21 2902 2902 2902 1,380 96 121 6 314
V9 Bobber 1417 1417 1417 850 55 62 6 199
Griso 1200 8V SE 1825 1825 1825 1,151 108 108 6 222
MV AGUSTA
Brutale 800/800 RR 1559-1899 1559-1899 1559-1899 798 107 83 6 -
Brutale 1090 RR 2573 2573 2573 1,078 142 112 6 183
F4 2783 2783 2783 998 192.30 110.80 6 191
F3 800 1726 1726 1726 798 145.90 88 6 173
PIAGGIO
Vespa 150 95.5-111.5 95.5-111.5 95.5-111.5 150 11.40 11.50 AT 114
Vespa 125 74-94.7 74-94.7 74-94.7 125 9.76 10.60 AT 114
FIND YOUR
DREAM BIKE
Price (Ex-showroom)* Engine Power Torque Weight

Gears
ROYAL ENFIELD
Thunderbird 500X 199-215 - - 499 27.20 41.30 5 197
Thunderbird 350X 157-163 - - 346 19.80 28 5 195
Himalayan 168-180 - - 411 24.50 32 5 182
Classic 350 147-163 - - 346 19.80 28 5 187
Bullet 350 118-131 - - 346 19.80 28 5 187
Thunderbird 350 150-156 - - 346 19.80 28 5 192
Classic 500 185-212 - - 499 27.20 41.30 5 190
Bullet 500 169-187 - - 499 26.10 40.90 5 193
Thunderbird 500 191-206 - - 499 27.20 41.30 5 195
Interceptor 650 250-270 - - 648 47 52 6 202
Continental GT 650 265-285 - - 648 47 52 6 198
SUZUKI
GSX-S750 746 746 746 749 113 81 6 213
Intruder 150 100 100 100 154.9 14.60 14 5 148
Gixxer SF 90.6-101 90.6-101 90.6-101 155 14.60 14 5 139
GSX-R1000 1981 1981 1981 999.80 196 117.54 6 200
Access 125 56-59.6 56-59.6 56-59.6 124 8.40 10.20 AT 102
Lets 49.2 49.2 49.2 112 8.50 9 AT 98
V-Strom 650 XT 746 746 746 645 71 62 6 216
Gixxer 82.6-88.3 82.6-88.3 82.6-88.3 155 cc 14 14 5 135
GSX-S1000F 1270 1270 1270 999 144 105.75 6 214
GSX-S1000 1225 1225 1225 999 145 106 6 209
Gixxer 250 / SF250 160-171 160-171 160-171 249 26 23 6 165
Hayate EP 53.1 53.1 53.1 113 8.60 9.30 4 107
Burgman Street 125 68.7 68.7 68.7 124 8.6 10.2 AT 108
V-Strom 1000 1345 1345 1345 1,037 99 - 6 228
TRIUMPH
Tiger 800 1189-1389 1189-1389 1189-1389 800 94 79 6 -
Bonneville Speedmaster 1142 1142 1142 1,200 76 106 6 246
Street Triple RS 1113 1113 1113 765 121 77 6 166
Street Scrambler 855 855 855 900 53.50 80 5 206
Scrambler 1200 1073 1073 1073 1200 89 110 6 -
Tiger 1200 1700 1700 1700 1,215 137 123 6 271
Street Triple 765 933 933 933 765 111 73 6 166
Bonneville Bobber 1038 1038 1038 1,200 76 106 6 228
Bonneville T120 1008 1008 1008 1,200 - 105 6 -
Bonneville T100 900 900 900 900 54 80 5 213
Thruxton R 1192 1192 1192 1,200 96 112 6 203
TVS
Apache RTR 160 4V 83.1-92 83.1-92 83.1-92 159.7 16.10 14.80 5 143
Apache RR 310 223 223 223 312.2 33 27.30 6 169
Apache RTR 160 79.3-80.3 79.3-80.3 79.3-80.3 160 15 13 5 137
Apache RTR 180 84-85 84-85 84-85 177 17.30 15.50 5 139
Apache RTR 200 4V 97.3-100 97.3-100 97.3-100 197.75 20.70 18.10 5 148
Jupiter 51.8-60 51.8-60 51.8-60 109 7.80 8 AT 108
Ntorq 125 60 60 60 124.79 9.10 10.50 AT 116
Scooty Pep Plus 41.8-42.4 41.8-42.4 41.8-42.4 88 5 6 AT 95
Scooty Zest 110 49-50.5 49-50.5 49-50.5 110 7.90 8.70 AT 98
Sport 38-40 38-40 38-40 100 7.40 7.50 4 108
Star City+ 46-52.3 46-52.3 46-52.3 109 8.30 8.70 4 109
Victor 53.3-56.3 53.3-56.3 53.3-56.3 109.70 9.46 9.40 4 112
Wego 52.2-53.1 52.2-53.1 52.2-53.1 110 8 8 AT 108
XL 100 30-38 30-38 30-38 99.70 4.30 6.50 1 80
YAMAHA
Alpha 52-55 52-55 52-55 113 7.10 8.10 AT 104
Cygnus Ray ZR 53.6-56 53.6-56 53.6-56 113 7.10 8.10 AT 105
Fascino 54.8-55.2 54.8-55.2 54.8-55.2 113 7 8.10 AT 103
Fazer 25 129-143 129-143 129-143 249 20.30 20 5 148
Fazer FI V 2.0 90 90 90 149 13 12.80 5 137
FZ S FI V 3.0 (ABS) 97 97 97 149 13 12.80 5 132
FZ25 119-133 119-133 119-133 249 20.30 20 5 148
MT-09 956 956 956 847 111.80 87.50 6 193
Ray-Z 51-51.4 51-51.4 51-51.4 113 7 8 AT 104
Saluto 58.8-60.5 58.8-60.5 58.8-60.5 125 8.20 10.10 4 112
Saluto RX 52-53 52-53 52-53 110 7 8.50 4 98
SZ RR V 2.0 69.3-70.3 69.3-70.3 69.3-70.3 149 11.90 12.80 5 134
YZF R1 1816 1816 1816 998 194.30 112.40 6 200
MT 15 136 136 136 155 19 15 6 136
YZF R15 V3 141 141 141 155 19 15 6 139
YZF R3 349 349 349 321 41 29.60 6 169
parting shot
MAVERICK OF MOTORCYCLES
The turbocharged, track-only AMB 001 produces 180bhp and
weighs 180kgs, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 1:1.
U
p until a few days ago, it would’ve Racing colours of Stirling Green and Lime created using carbon fibre, titanium and
been difficult to imagine a context Essence, and featuring matte black wheels, billet aluminium, features a central carbon
to use the terms ‘Aston Martin’ and forks, and brake assemblies, the AMB 001 fibre fin that runs across the length of the
‘motorcycle’ together. But now, things have looks as otherworldly and outlandish as a bodywork, with the serial number of each
changed. And to say that it was a complete machine straight out of a Sci-Fi movie. The unit etched on it. The presence of slick
surprise would be an understatement. Now, perfectly sculpted body, which has been tyres and the absence of mirrors further
before we become even more cryptic, let’s refers to the AMB 001’s track-only nature.
put things in perspective. Apart from its unique suspension setup,
The internet was rife with rumours for the AMB 001 also stands out from the rest
some time that Aston Martin was working in terms of its powertrain, which includes a
with another British icon, and legendary 180bhp turbocharged V-twin motor. This
motorcycle builder Brough Superior to also makes the AMB 001 the first Brough
develop its first-ever motorcycle. So, there Superior motorcycle to be powered by a
was already anticipation for such a product, V-twin turbocharged motor.
which became a reality at EICMA 2019 when With its production limited to just 100 units,
the two British manufacturers unveiled their the AMB 001 will be hand-built and
first joint creation – the limited-edition, assembled at Brough Superior’s factory in
track-only AMB 001 motorcycle. Toulouse, France. The first round of deliveries
Finished in the traditional Aston Martin are expected to begin in Q4 2020.

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