www.autocarindia.

com Rs 180
i ni n
ddi ai a

india
MAY 2020

VOL.21 NO.9 l May 2020

All-Ele ctr ic Sho wd ow n First Look

249

War of the
Volts
VOLUME 21 | No 9

Next-gen Audi sedan to s

N ew A 3 rival A-class and 2 Serie

sales
The MG ZS EV takes on analysisry
The indust
the Hyundai Kona Electric reels from a
tough year
Cover Story MG ZS EV vs Hyundai Kona Electric | Drive BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe | Ride BMW S 1000 XR

ISSN 2250-222X

driven
2 Series Gran Coupe
BMW’s smallest four-door is India bound

new 911 turbo S Absurdly fast and

still practical to drive

» » »
PLUS Nissan Magnite Compact SUV BMW S 1000 XR Buying Cars Online Tribute Sir Stirling Moss
 co m m e n t
Issue No 249 | Volume No 21 | No 9
EDITORIAL
Editor Hormazd Sorabjee
Deputy editor Shapur Kotwal
Managing editor Sergius Barretto
Assistant editor - Bikes Rishaad Mody
Production editor Aswathi Nair
Sub-editors Sanket Chaukiyal, Prakrit Dhondiyal
Senior correspondent Saumil Shah
Motorsport correspondent Unnatee Gidithuri
Manager - Special projects Rahul Kakar
Road tester Jay Patil
Art editor Ellared D’Souza HOW TO CONTACT US
Assistant art editor Pralhad Kusuma
Senior designers Mohan Ghag, Rajesh Rathod, Editorial
Jagdish Bari, Sukhdeep Singh
Raheja Xion, 4th/5th floor

WHEN WILL IT END?

Image editor Yogesh Padte
Photo editor Gaurav S Thombre Opp Nirmal Park
Head - Photography Paul Dewars Dr B Ambedkar Marg
Chief photographer Ardeshir Ashley Baxter Byculla East
Photographers Kuldeep Chaudhari, Omkar Dhas Mumbai 400 027
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Digital When will this end? No one really knows, and Email
Editor – Digital Nikhil Bhatia there’s no credible answer to the only thing that all editorial@autocarindia.com
Assistant editor – Web Akbar Merchant
Senior digital manager Amaan Ahmed of mankind, gripped with uncertainty and anxiety, Advertising
Correspondents Rivan RS, Firoze Irani, Soham Thakur,
Shirish Gandhi, Jaiveer Mehra, Nishmanya Bahadur
wants to know. For the moment, we can only hope Mumbai
(and pray) there will be some cure for the COVID-19 Raheja Xion, 4th/5th floor
Video and Television Opp Nirmal Park
Executive editor – Video Renuka Kirpalani
Editor – Video Gavin D’Souza
virus that has devastated the world, and that a better Dr B Ambedkar Marg
Assistant editor Cyrus Dhabhar life will return. Byculla East
Mumbai 400 027
Administration For the auto industry, the crisis couldn’t have come Tel: 022-23787500
Production manager Prasad Gangurde
Senior editorial executive John Fernandes (Mumbai) at a worse time. Sales were already in free fall before
Haryana
Manager - Administration GK Singh (Delhi)
Finance head Hital Vyas
the pandemic, and now, with a prolonged lockdown Veritas Business Suites,
Manager - Finance Amol Mahadik that has shuttered factories and showrooms, Unit 104-105,
Sales, Marketing and Distribution automakers have to face the terrifying reality of a period with no sales at all. Golf Course Road,
Cluster head Amit Jha, Anitha Ajay Sector-53,
Regional heads - Ad Sales Jaidev Wadhwa (North), Another shock was the Supreme Court’s unreasonable order in response to Gurugram,
Raghavendra (South)
Senior managers - Ad Sales Chaitanya Pai (West), FADA’s plea to extend the last date for the sale of BS4 vehicles. Instead of giving Haryana 122002
Tel: 0124-6445100
Amlan Mukherjee (Mumbai) a simple and logical extension of a week - to compensate for the loss of sales from
Senior Manager Vipin Arora (Delhi)
Managers - Ad Sales Unnati Joseph, March 24 (the day the lockdown was enforced) to March 31 (the last date for BS4 Chennai
Coordinator - Ad Sales Sonal Jain sales) - the top court allowed only 10 percent of the leftover BS4 stock to be sold M H V Pinnacle
General manager - Circulation Gilbert D’Souza 1st Floor 8/27
Head - Circulation P Vijaykumar (South) beyond the deadline. Why the court tossed a figure of 10 percent and not 20 or Govindu Street, T Nagar
Regional manager – Circulation Vimal Sharma (North) Chennai 600 017
Manager – Circulation Ashok More (Mumbai), 5 is explicable, but for dealers who have to figure out what constitutes this 10
Tel: 044-4212 3230
Saravana D (Bengaluru)
Assistant manager – Circulation Anil Raghav,
percent, this conditional relaxation has brought more pain than relief.
Yogesh Sanap, Tapan Halder (East) And relief is not something the auto industry should expect from the courts or Bengaluru
Manager – Subscription Mahesh Malusare No. 811, ‘A’ Wing,
the government. Pleas for a reduction in taxes and a more pragmatic approach to 8th Floor, Mittal Towers,
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Subscription rates regulation changes (to keep costs in check) have always fallen on deaf ears. The M.G. Road,
1 year Rs 1260; 3 years Rs 3240 plus Rs 50 for cheques auto industry is on its own, dependant wholly on the consumer who will have to Bengaluru 560 001
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The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the that there will be some pent up demand when the lockdown lifts. Also, social H. NO. 11-4-138, Central Bank ,
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Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd, Kondapur Unit, these challenging times, we are committed to entertaining and informing you
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MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 3

 L i g h t at t h e e n d o f t h e t u n n e l
Electric cars are the future and, eventually, we will get there.
Progress, though, is glacial, especially with batteries being
so expensive, leading to high car prices. However, if you are
inclined to go electric – and are willing to forsake a bit of size,
some space and a few features – there is light at the end of
the tunnel … say hello to the MG ZS EV and the Hyundai Kona
EV. While they may look outwardly similar, clothed in white,
they are as different as chalk and cheese. One is spacious,
comfortable and relaxing to drive, while the other is zesty, fast
and fun. But which is which, and which should you choose?
Turn to page 50 to find out.
Photography omkar dhas

4 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020

 EYE OPENER

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 5

This Month
COVER STORY cover
Current affairs COMPARISON TEST 50 story
The MG ZS EV takes on the Hyundai Kona Electric

NEWS
Magnite: Nissan India’s make-or-break model 8
India’s automakers join fight against COVID-19 10
Citroen C5 Aircross India launch pushed to 2021 12
Toyota’s Brezza could be called Urban Cruiser 14
Next-gen Merc S-class India-bound in 2021 16
COVID-19 prompts push for digital sales INSIGHT 20
FY2020 sales: Who sold how much? ANALYSIS 22
FIRST LOOK
New Audi A3 28
Nothing entry level about Audi’s junior sedan
TESTED Silent knights: MG and Hyundai EVs put to the test 50
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 30
BMW’s smallest sedan is big on appeal
Porsche 911 Turbo S 36
As brilliant as you’d expect a 650hp 911 to be
FEATURES
Getting started post lockdown 61
What to do before you take your vehicle out
Where cars go to die 62
The last moments of a car at a scrapyard
How a Land Rover Defender’s put together 64
British legend takes shape in Slovakia
OUR CARS
Hyundai Aura FIRST REPORT 68
It delivers on the promise of the Turbo badge
Hyundai Venue FIRST REPORT 70 Sharp new A3 revealed 28 Two’s company 30
It’s a great fit in Mumbai
Renault Triber 72
Can it haul six people and their luggage?

TWO-WHEELERS
Bike News 80
BMW R18 coming to India
TVS acquires Norton Motorcycles
BMW S 1000 XR RIDE 86
More comfy superbike than go-anywhere ADV
Farewell 500 FEATURE 92
Bidding adieu to Royal Enfield’s 500cc engine
The world is flat EXPERIENCE 96
Flat-track riding with Royal Enfield BMW S 1000 XR rated 86 Farewell SIR Stirling Moss 100
Triumph Tiger 800 XCx OUR BIKES 98

Get your daily fix at Subscribe today

It’s charged past the 40,000km mark
MOTORSPORT
Sir Stirling Moss TRIBUTE
Remembering one of the greatest drivers
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100
102
autocarindia.com Super subscription offer inside!
Turn to page 76

Coronavirus impact on the motorsport calendar

EVERY MONTH
Shapur Kotwal The cars that make brands 15
Sergius Barretto Needless needling 17
Avik Chattopadhyay The showroom’s time is up 19
Rishaad Mody Keeping the faith 82
Ask Autocar Anything 73
All your automotive questions answered
Buying Used 74
Eyeing a used Tata Hexa? Here’s what to look for

6 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020

 yo u r

letter of the month v i e ws

Write to Autocar India, Raheja Xion, 4th/5th floor, Opposite
Thriving through the lockdown
Autocar India’s decision to make the April 2020 issue freely available on
Nirmal Park, Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla (East), Mumbai 400 027
Email editorial@autocarindia.com
the official website is a very generous decision indeed. Coming at a time
of coronavirus, when the drive. God knows when that will be! Autocar India probably have. It was in
Prashant Uppal, via email
INDIA

entire country is under 1999, when I was in the ninth grade

www.autocarindia.com
INDIA

Rs 180
lockdown, these small in school, that my journey started
acts of kindness makes Five-door appeal with you. But as a boy who didn’t have
IND IA a world of difference pocket money, it was very difficult
APRIL 2020

EXCLUSIVE INDIA DRIVE to us hardcore auto- to buy a Rs 40 magazine, just to read

SKODA KAROQ
VOL.21 NO.8 l April
2020

248 enthusiasts. Since about cars, enjoy the posters and the
Mini-Kodiaq set shops are shut, this best content.
VOLUME 21 | No 8

to fill niche left

by the Yeti seems reasonable, but I was delighted when Autocar
I am cognizant of the India uploaded its first video on
tremendous cost the YouTube and that’s when I got
publisher is taking for this acquainted with Renuka and Shapur.
initiative. Possibly your It would be great if you could develop
magazine is generously a series of short YouTube videos
Cover Story Skoda

ISSN 2250-222X

throwing away millions from your home, talking about the

of rupees of revenue by history of automobiles in India – like
Karoq | Drive New

Harvinder thinks the 3-door Jimny

E XC L U S I V E
FIRST DRIVE
giving away issues worth would have limitations in India. all the winners and losers. There are
Land Rover Defende

NE W CR Rs 180 for free. But we are so many motivational stories of the

Hyundai has thrown
ETA living in extraordinary Your news story on a five-door Jimny Indian industry, especially from our
everything at its
times. These extraordinary being developed for India makes own Indian companies including
r | Comparison Tata

new blockbuster
actions will surely never be sense. However, as iconic as the Tata Motors and Mahindra. Even
FIRST DRIVE
forgotten by your loyal and Gypsy was, the three-door body style your friends, like John Abraham and
Harrier vs Jeep Compass

VW TIGUAN ALLSPACE ALSO INSIDE

More seats, but no more diesel » Harrier Auto
NEW LAND ROVER DEFENDER vs Jeep Compass
» MG ZS EV 563km on a single charg
Across Namibia in the reborn »Maruti
icon
»A farewellBrezzto thea faceli ft + petrol
1.3 Multijet diesel
Physical vs digital
Thanks for not denying me my
monthly fix of the best automotive
content with your online copy. I must
say I spent the same amount of time,
3-4 hours, poring over this issue on
my iPad as I would have with the
printed copy. The convenience of
having it on a tablet is great but it
has also proved to me that nothing
beats having the hard copy in
your hand. Maybe I am of an older
generation (the first Autocar India
issue I read was the January 2000
edition with the white WagonR on
the cover), but the form factor of print
is irreplaceable. The Buyers Guide,
which I like to pore over, is difficult
to read on a tablet and your stunning
photography to is best appreciated
on your glossy pages. Please do let us
know if the April issue will eventually
devoted readership.
e! Kishore Thomas John,
Cochin
make it to newsstands. I know it will
be out of date, but I want to buy it to
maintain my unbroken collection of
magazines since 20 years.
Shabrish Vasudevan, via email
Karoq of ages
In true Autocar style, even your
locked down issue has an exclusive
review of the Skoda Karoq, a
car I have been waiting for. As a
Yeti owner, the Karoq is a logical
replacement for me but I was
disappointed to know that there
won’t be a diesel option. Your
review of the 1.5 TSI petrol suggests
that performance and efficiency
are good, but I think the torque of a
diesel (which makes an SUV what it
is) will be missed. Still, the Karoq’s
gorgeous interiors and sharp styling
is tempting me to take it for a test
is bound to have limitations in the
Indian market. The five-door will
have a broader appeal and will give
Maruti Suzuki the much-needed
volumes to justify its production
in India. A great move to bring the
Jimny, especially since the Gypsy has
such a positive legacy in India.
Harvinder Brar, via email
Looks like the future
I was waiting for the full-blown
review on the all-new Hyundai Creta
and the differences it has with the
refresh ing.
Dikshant finds the new Cre ta
Seltos. Going by your review, Hyundai
seems to have focused a bit more on
comfort and features to make it a
more rounded product. There’s a lot
of venom on social media about the
Creta’s looks, mainly from kids who
are never going to buy the car! As a
first-gen Creta owner, I feel the new
Creta’s looks are refreshingly different
and would be my main reason to
upgrade to the new one!
Dikshant Arora, via email
Sachin Tendulkar, who are huge car
enthusiasts, can share their stories.
Nitin Sharma, via email
Next stop: Svartpilen
I’ve never missed an issue of
Autocar India to date. In fact, it
counts as one of my joys of life, akin
to riding to my favourite beach-side
shack. The feeling of getting a fresh
copy of Autocar from the newsstand
and ripping the plastic cover open is
just as refreshing. At the time I got my
first copy with the Ford Ikon on the
cover, I had no cars of my own and
was learning to drive on a Mark IV
Ambassador. Over the years, I’ve
collected several cars and bikes,
including a Yamaha RX 135 5-speed
and an original 2006 Swift VXi,
which I still keep to date along with
a Chevrolet Beat diesel and a Jeep
Compass Longitude.
Also being a biker, I now have a
Royal Enfield GT650, a Vespa SXL
125 and a Honda Twister as part
of my garage. Looking forward to
adding a Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 as
soon as the lockdown ends!
Philipose Kurian, via email
Philipose aims to get
the Svartpilen 250.

Reminisce from home

I write this mail to bring back your
Prashant is tempted to take the Karoq for a test drive post-quarantine. memories, which many readers of

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 7

 NEWS
N e ws to s h a r e ?
Call: 022-23787500
Email: editorial@autocarindia.com

image

Nissan India’s future hinges

on Magnite compact SUV
Armed with a stunning design, first-in-class features and an
ultra-competitive starting price, Nissan’s Vitara Brezza rival
could script a turnaround for the company.

N
issan has been
struggling to gain a
strong foothold in the
Indian market for a
while now, and its troubles
have only worsened with
the coronavirus outbreak.
In March, monthly sales fell
to a new low of 826 units – a
terrifying 72 percent drop
from the same period last
year; the industry saw a
corresponding drop of 52
percent overall.
However, when the
world comes out of this
extraordinary crisis, Nissan
is banking heavily on its
upcoming compact SUV
(codename: EM2) to mount a
strong comeback and pull it
out of the abyss. In fact, the
EM2 is seen as a ‘make-or-
break’ point for the company,
as it is throwing everything it
possibly can into this all-new
model to ensure it succeeds.
Though the market
name is yet to be formally
announced, company officials
have confirmed that the
ground-up compact SUV,
built on the Renault-Nissan
Alliance CMF-A+ platform,
will be called ‘Magnite’ and
carry the Nissan badge. The
initial plan was to launch the
EM2 as a Datsun, until Nissan
pulled the plug on its budget
brand late last year. However,
the axing of the Datsun brand
could actually benefit the
Magnite. The Nissan badge
on its nose is an opportunity
for the company to price
the Magnite compact SUV a
notch higher, as customers
would be willing to pay more
for a Nissan than a Datsun.
However, the good news is
that it will still be priced like
a Datsun; in fact, that will be
the Magnite’s main weapon.
Known for its sharp focus
on the bottom line, Nissan
has always been reluctant
to get into a price war, and,
as a result, its products
haven’t offered the same
value proposition as their
rivals. The Kicks is a case
in point – its uncompetitive
pricing was a large reason for
the very capable SUV’s poor
show in the market. With the
Magnite, Nissan doesn’t want
to take any chances and has
gone against the grain by
committing to an incredibly
aggressive launch price
which sources say will be
“around Rs 5.25 lakh for
the base variant.”
A new
disruption
This ridiculously disruptive
pricing for a compact SUV
around the same size as the
Vitara Brezza is just what
Nissan needs to buy market
share and boost confidence
in a brand that has steadily
eroded. But it’s not price alone
that Nissan is relying on to
make the Magnite a winner.
Its baby SUV is packed with
big-car features, including a
massive touchscreen and all
the connected tech from the
Kicks. Higher variants of the
Magnite will get a 360-degree
camera, two-tone paint
options and a premium set of
alloys. Company executives
who have viewed the car and
the teaser images suggest
that the Nissan Magnite’s
design will be its most
distinguishing feature. Official
sources have also indicated
that the compact SUV will
have a crossover stance and
won’t look as boxy and upright
as the Vitara Brezza, but a

8 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020

few have voiced concerns
about it appearing optically
smaller than some rivals.
However, Nissan’s designers
have worked hard to give the
Magnite a distinct identity
and make it stand out in the
compact SUV segment. It
gets lots of design details, like
sharp creases and character
lines across the bodywork,
striking headlight and tail-light
clusters, chunky wheel arches,
front and rear scuff plates, and
a two-tone finish.
The Nissan Magnite will be
offered in multiple variants
at launch. The base model
will come with the recently
upgraded version of the
familiar Renault BR10 engine
that also powers the Renault
Triber. This three-cylinder,
naturally aspirated motor
develops 72hp and 96Nm
of torque, and is paired to a
5-speed manual gearbox. An
AMT option with the BR10 is
also a possibility.
Higher variants of the
Magnite will get Nissan’s
state-of-the-art HR10 engine.
This potent and compact
1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-
petrol will develop around
95hp, and will be available
with two transmission options
– a 5-speed manual and a
CVT. Even the top-end CVT
variant is expected to be
very aggressively priced with
sources indicating it could be
“under Rs 6 lakh.”
Ironically, it was Renault
that first showcased the
Nissan-developed HR10
engine at this year’s Auto
Expo. Nissan’s alliance
partner will also use this
potent engine for future
variants of the Triber, as well
as the Kiger compact SUV
(code: HBC). However, the
Magnite will be the first model
to get the HR10.
First-mover
advantage
Nissan’s current plan is to
launch the Magnite this
August, in the run-up to
the festive season, but the
uncertainty surrounding
the coronavirus crisis could
result in a delay. If there is no
change in plans, Nissan will
get a jump over partner (and
rival) Renault. The Renault
Kiger compact SUV, which
shares the same platform,
engines and mechanicals with
the Magnite, is scheduled
for a Diwali launch this year;
but again, that could change
depending on how this
pandemic pans out.
Historically, Renault has
always had the first-mover
advantage within the alliance
and this has always been a
pain point for Nissan. Except
for the Pulse and Scala –
badge-engineered spin-offs of
the Nissan Micra and Sunny,
respectively – Renault has
always taken the lead when
it comes to products built on
common platforms. Both the
Terrano and Kicks trailed the
Duster and Captur (all built on
Renault’s M0 platform), while
the Redigo remained in the
shadow of the revolutionary
Kwid with which it shared
the CMF-A platform. Renault
was also the first to use
the CMF-A+ platform that
underpins the Triber. However,
in the compact SUV race,
Nissan has fought hard to be
the first one out of the blocks.
In addition to coming first
to market, the Magnite is
likely to undercut the Kiger’s
price by a substantial margin.
Also, since the HR10 is
technically owned by Nissan,
Renault may have to pay an
internal transfer fee to use
the engine, and this is likely
to make the higher variants
of the Kiger that much
more expensive. “We are
successfully present in many
segments of the market, our
brand is much stronger, so
is our dealer network and
our life is not dependent on
one model. So we don’t need
to give a desperately low
price for our compact SUV,”
quipped a Renault source.
That said, Renault won’t price
the Kiger out of contention,
and has enough aces up its
sleeve to put up a strong fight.
The Kiger’s design is believed
to be brilliant, with clever
interior packaging (which is
Renault’s forte) that will make
it very spacious and practical.
Leadership
is vital
However good the Magnite
may be, for it to succeed,
Nissan’s India operations
needs a strong leadership
and focus. Globally, the
company is facing multiple
headwinds like tumbling
1.0L, 95hp turbo-petrol to
power higher trims.
Top trims to get 360-degree camera and premium alloys.
profits, senior management
shake-ups, declining demand
in key markets like China, and
the huge vacuum left behind
by Carlos Ghosn, all of which
have thrown the partnership
with Renault in disarray – and
all this before the coronavirus
ripped the bottom out of the
car market.
A recent Reuters report
says that the Nissan is looking
at cutting 1 million cars from
its sales target, which will
have big consequences on its
global operations, many of
which will have to be either
downsized or shut down.
Under the current
circumstances, the Indian

Nissan is targeting an incredibly
aggressive launch price, with
sources saying the Magnite range
is set to start at Rs 5.25 lakh.
 COVID-19 cloud, which still
market, which accounts
for 0.4 percent of Nissan’s
global sales, isn’t a priority.
There are bigger worries for
the beleaguered Japanese
carmaker, like the Chinese
and US markets. Nissan India
has to fend for itself, and that
is why strong leadership is
absolutely vital.
The good thing (for India)
is that for the first time, true-
blue Nissan executives are in
charge of things. “We need
our own people, proper Nissan
guys, and not someone from
Renault joining because you
don’t get the same level of
commitment from them,”
said a source in Nissan. The
current global COO Ashwani
Gupta, a Nissan veteran of
Indian origin, was earlier
in charge of the product
development for Datsun and
knows the market very well.
He is believed to be tracking
the Indian operations on a
daily basis.
Guillaume Cartier, who was
recently appointed Chairman
for the Africa, Middle East and
India region is again from the
Nissan ranks. Last September,
Rakesh Srivastava, another
industry veteran was roped
in as Managing Director
to take charge of Nissan’s
commercial operations in
India. The company is banking
on Srivastava’s experience of
over two decades in Maruti
Suzuki and Hyundai Motor
India to pull it out of the mess
it is in, which many attribute
to a legacy of poor leadership.
For Nissan India, it is
absolutely critical the
Magnite succeeds to gain the
confidence of the company’s
global management.
“The problem is that India
operations are no longer
credible in the Nissan world
because every time the
Indian team has promised
something, it has never
delivered,” said a Nissan
insider. Future investment in
new models and technology
also hinge on the Magnite’s
success. If it does well and
emerges as a glimmer of hope
in the company’s troubled
world, then India will be back
on Nissan’s radar.
On the face of it, Nissan
India has left no stone
unturned and is set to
launch the Magnite with all
guns blazing. However, the
hangs heavily across the
world, could be a spanner
in the works. A big worry
for the entire auto industry
is that weaker dealerships
won’t economically survive
a prolonged pandemic. They
could end up bankrupt and
be forced to shut shop. A
depleted dealer network
and crushed consumer
demand in the aftermath
of the coronavirus crisis will
see volumes plunge to new
depths. It’s not the best time
to be launching a new car, but
if there is a surprise in store
for us in 2020, it could just as
well be the Nissan Magnite.
HORMAZD SORABJEE
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 9
India Auto Inc unites in fight
against COVID-19 pandemic
From providing financial aid to manufacturing medical equipment, India’s
auto makers have stepped forward to aid Coronavirus-related relief efforts.
Maruti Suzuki has manufactured and
supplied over 2 lakh face masks.
I
t wouldn’t be an
exaggeration to say that
the novel Coronavirus
outbreak has completely
upended life as we know
Kia’s Telluride SUV crowned World Car of the Year 2020
Every year, the
announcement of the
winners of the World Car
Awards is a momentous
occasion, graced by
representatives of
nominated carmakers and
members of the jury. This
year, however, with the world
grappling with the COVID-19
pandemic, the winners –
originally scheduled to be
announced at the now-
cancelled New York auto
show – were declared online.
Securing the big prize
this year is the Kia Telluride,
which has been chosen as
the World Car of the Year
2020. The Telluride is Kia’s
full-size, three-row SUV, and
10 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020
it. At a time like this, it is
heartening to see that
the Indian auto industry
has decided to step in and
contribute. From extending
made it to the final shortlist
from a list of 29 vehicles
financial aid to providing
technical and manufacturing
support for medical supplies
and critical care equipment,
numerous automakers have
CX-30 models to the WCOTY title.
vying for the title. Making it
a sweeter occasion for Kia
Skoda and Volkswagen India are assembling face
shields, intubation boxes and filtered masks.
announced initiatives for the
fight against coronavirus.
A number of automakers
have begun manufacturing
medical equipment and
Telluride beat Mazda’s 3 and
is the Soul EV winning the
World Urban Car of the Year
personal protective
equipment to battle the
deadly virus. BMW, Hyundai,
Mahindra, Ford, Maruti
Suzuki and the Skoda-
2020 award.
Another manufacturer
that bagged a double is
Porsche. Its all-electric
Taycan secured the World
Performance Car of the
Year 2020 award, and also
went on to pick up the World
Luxury Car of the Year title.
The Mazda 3 bagged the
World Car Design of the Year
2020 award.
Winners of the World Car
Awards 2020 were picked
by the 86-member strong
WCOTY global jury, and part
of the jury are Autocar India
editor Hormazd Sorabjee,
and Renuka Kirpalani,
executive editor, the
Autocar Show.

Volkswagen Group have
all started manufacturing
and supplying medical
equipment like ventilators
or other personal protective
equipment like face
masks and shields to
medical personnel across
the country.
BMW India has pledged
a donation of Rs 3 crore
and will also help create an
isolation ward for patients
at the Government General
Hospital in Chengalpattu,
near its Chennai plant.
The Honda India
Foundation too, the CSR
arm of all Honda group
companies in the country,
has earmarked Rs 11
crore to support relief
efforts during the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic.
Hyundai has brought in
advanced testing kits for
COVID-19, worth Rs 4 crore
and said to be capable of
testing 25,000 people,
from South Korea and have
handed them over to the
Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR). The
carmaker also announced
that it has donated a sum of
Rs 7 crore to the PM CARES
Fund, in addition to pledging
another Rs 5 crore to the
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s
Relief Fund.
Meanwhile, Kia Motors,
which has a manufacturing
unit in Anantapur, Andhra
Pradesh, has donated Rs
2 crore to the state’s Chief
Minister’s Relief Fund.
German carmaker
Mercedes-Benz India is
setting up a temporary
hospital in Pune, with a
1,500-bed isolation ward for
COVID-19 patients.
MG India will be providing
100 Hector SUVs free of
cost, to personnel involved
in delivering essential
services across the country
“till the end of May 2020.”
The automaker has also
pledged to donate Rs 2 crore
to government hospitals
and health institutions in
Gurugram, Haryana, and
Halol in Gujarat.
The Skoda-Volkswagen
Group will be donating
Rs 1 crore to the Sassoon
General Hospital in Pune
towards establishing a
dedicated COVID-19 facility
with 1,100 beds.
Multiple automobile
manufacturers in India
are also doing their bit
to ensure a hassle-free
aftersales experience
for its customers.
Manufacturers like
Hyundai, Tata Motors,
Maruti Suzuki, Ford,
Volkswagen, Isuzu, Audi
and Nissan have all
announced extensions
of the free services,
warranties and extended
warranties that were due
to expire during this
lockdown period.
LAUNCHES THIS MONTH
Hyundai Verna Facelift
The updated Verna
gets refreshed
exterior styling,
revamped
interiors, and
an equipment
upgrade with
a larger
infotainment
system,
digital
instrument
cluster and
Hyundai’s BlueLink
connectivity tech. There are
5 new engine-gearbox
combinations available,
which include a 115hp,
1.5-litre petrol unit with a
6-speed manual and CVT
gearbox, a 120hp, 1.0-litre
turbo petrol unit with a
7-speed DCT and a 115hp,
1.5-litre diesel engine with
a 6-speed manual and
torque converter gearbox.
Price Rs 9.31-15.10 lakh
(ex-showroom, India)
Rivals Maruti Suzuki Ciaz,
Honda City, Skoda Rapid
and Volkswagen Vento
Maruti Suzuki Dzire
facelift
Mahindra Bolero
facelift
The rugged Mahindra
Bolero has been given a new
lease of life with this update
which brings with it a BS6-
compliant version of the
75hp, 1.5-litre, three-
cylinder, mHawk75 diesel
engine. The Bolero has also
been made compliant with
the upcoming pedestrian
safety norms and there are
cosmetic tweaks and
updates under the skin
too. There is also no longer
an all-wheel drive variant
on offer.
Price Rs 7.98-8.99 lakh
(ex-showroom, Delhi)
Rivals Mahindra TUV300
Tata Nexon XZ+ (S)
news
Jeep Compass BS6
In addition to launching the
BS6 versions of the
1.4-litre petrol and
2.0-litre diesel
engines,
Jeep has
also
re-jigged
the line-
up of the
Compass,
by
dropping few
trims
including the entry-level
Sports variant. The styling
and equipment list remain
unchanged when compared
to the BS4 counterparts.
Price Rs 16.49-24.99
lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
Rivals Tata Harrier,
Volkswagen T-Roc
BMW 3 Series 330i Sport
BMW 3 Series 330i Sport
The base Sport variant
which was earlier only
available with the 2.0-litre
diesel, is now a petrol-only
option. Equipment and
feature list remains the
same as the erstwhile 320d
Sport. The 258hp, 2.0-litre
turbo-petrol engine mated
to an 8-speed automatic
gearbox are shared with
other 330is.
Price Rs 41.70 lakh
(ex-showroom, India)

Obituary – Rudratej Singh Maruti Suzuki’s compact

sedan has just got a
Rudratej Singh, President and Chief refresh. Leading the list
Executive Officer of BMW Group India, of changes is the new
passed away on April 20, aged 46. Singh 90hp, 1.2-litre, four-
had taken charge at BMW Group India cylinder K12C DualJet
petrol engine (the sole
on August 1, 2019. powertrain on offer now)
Before joining BMW, Rudratej ‘Rudy’ which can be had with
Singh was the Global President at manual or AMT gearboxes.
The updated Dzire can be
Royal Enfield. He had over 25 years identified by its new grille
of experience and held multiple and front bumper. The
leadership positions in interiors also feature a
automotive and non- new SmartPlay Studio
infotainment system,
automotive industries. new dual-tone upholstery,
Autocar India and more.
extends its heartfelt Price Rs 5.89-8.81 lakh
(ex-showroom, Delhi)
condolences to Rivals Hyundai Aura, Honda
Rudratej’s family, Amaze, Ford Aspire and
friends and colleagues. Tata Tigor
Tata has launched a new
variant to the Nexon’s rage
– the XZ+(S). In addition to
the features from the XZ+,
this new trim gets an
electric sunroof, tyre
pressure monitor, auto
headlamps and wipers,
cruise control and a few
more features. The Nexon
XZ+(S) is available with the
1.2-litre turbo-petrol and
1.5-litre diesel engines.
Price Rs 10.10-12.20 lakh
(ex-showroom, India)
Rivals Maruti Vitara Brezza
facelift, Ford EcoSport and
Mahindra XUV300.
Rivals Mercedes-Benz
C-class, Audi A4 and
Jaguar XE
BMW X7 xDrive30d DPE
BMW’s flagship luxury SUV
now has a new entry
version – the xDrive30d
DPE, which uses the same
265hp, 3.0-litre, six-
cylinder, turbocharged
diesel engine as the
previous entry model (DPE
Signature). The new variant
gets a host of safety
features and equipment like
air suspension, 4-zone
automatic climate control,
digital instrument cluster, a
12.3-inch touchscreen
infotainment and more.
Price Rs 92.50 lakh
(ex-showroom, India)
Rivals Range Rover

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 11

 Citroën pushes C5 Aircross
India launch to early 2021

Lockdown hits sales in March

C
armakers in India have
been dealing with weak
buyer sentiment and
also trying to seamlessly
transition into the BS6 era,
but the nationwide lockdown
caused by the spread of the
deadly novel coronavirus hit
passenger vehicle sales hard.
In March, sales fell by over 50
percent with just 1,40,910
units sold (March 2019:
2,91,861 units). Cumulative
figures for FY2020 were also
T o p 10 M o d e l s — M a r c h 2020
Maruti Baleno 11,406
affected by the drop in sales in
March, falling by 17. 8 per cent
to 27,73,571 vehicles sold
(FY2019: 33,77,389 units).
With the lockdown being
extended to May 3, sales in
April are likely to fall to
new lows.
Only two models registered
five-digit sales figures in
March – the Maruti Baleno
(11,406 units) and Alto
(10,829 units). Third on the
list is the Maruti Suzuki Wagon
Units Sold
R (9,151 units), followed by its
stablemate, the Swift (8,575
units). Fifth on the sales
charts – and the highest-
selling UV – is the Kia Seltos,
trailed by Hyundai’s all-new
Creta, and the Venue compact
SUV. Sales of Maruti Suzuki’s
popular Vitara Brezza (5,513
units) and Dzire (5,476 units)
fell dramatically. The SUV-
styled S-Presso rounded off
the Top 10.
AMAAN AHMED
Groupe PSA has
announced that the India
launch of its Citroën C5
Aircross will be delayed
due to the ongoing novel
coronavirus pandemic. The
SUV was originally planned
as a late-2020 launch but
will now come sometime
in January-March 2021.
Autocar India can also
confirm the C5 Aircross
for India will be offered in a
single fully-loaded trim and
will be powered by a 180hp,
2.0-litre diesel engine rather
than the 131hp, 1.5-litre
diesel that was also under
consideration. The choice
of engine will have cost
implications as the 2.0
engine will be fully-imported
and will push the locally-
assembled SUVs price
up. Even so, the fact that
the C5 would be the only
diesel-powered European
SUV in the region of
Rs 30 lakh could play into
Citroën’s hands.
The C5 Aircross will
be followed by made-
for-India volume models
under Citroën’s ‘C-Cubed’
program, that the French
carmaker clarified remains
on track. The first model – a
compact SUV – comes in
2021 and will be followed by
a hatchback and a sedan.

Maruti Alto 10,829

w ay b ac k w h e n
Maruti WagonR 9,151
20 YearS Ago May 2000
Maruti Swift 8,575 Call it coincidence,
but exactly 20
years ago, India’s
Kia Seltos 7,466 first EV – the Reva
Electric – was our
cover car. The issue
Hyundai Creta 6,706 was also packed with
an in-depth road test
of the 95hp, 1.6-litre
Hyundai Venue 6,127 MPFI, Opel Astra,
and a comparison

Maruti Vitara Brezza 5,513 7,50,000 between the Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki has
already sold over 7.5
Maruti Dzire 5,476 lakh BS6-compliant
vehicles since April 2019.
Fiero, Yamaha YBX
and Honda CBZ. We
also took a close look
at the Ferrari 360
Spyder and reviewed

Maruti S-Presso 5,159 STAT of the month the futuristic Audi A2 and the Aprilia SL1000
Falcosportbike. We also interviewed Jackie Shroff who
spoke about his passion for cars and his very special
0 5000 10000 15000 Pontiac Firebird.

12 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020


Audi India to revamp line-up
New Q3 and facelifts for A4 and Q7 expected to be
launched this year; updated Q5 likely in 2021.
Audi India has had a
busy six months, given the
launches of the new A6
sedan, Q8 SUV and A8 L
limousine. As things stand,
this trio of new models
will be the only Audis on
sale in India for the next
few months.
Speaking to Autocar
India, Balbir Singh Dhillon,
Head of Audi India said,
“With BS6 regulations, we
have decided to revamp
Audi’s entire product range
in India. Therefore, all our
MG Hector Plus arriving in June
Owing to the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic, MG
Motor India has confirmed
that its three-row Hector
Plus SUV will now be
launched in June, a bit later
than planned.
Speaking on the
model’s launch in a
#LivewithAutocar session
on Instagram, Rajeev Chaba,
President and MD, MG
Motor India said, “We could
have surprised everyone
by launching it in April, but
now April is ruled out. We
are on track to launch it in
June. It has been delayed,
but we said June earlier, so
we are keeping some margin
with us.”
While the Hector Plus
is likely to debut in India
as a 6-seater, with a pair
upcoming products will
either be brought to India
for the first time, or will
be the next generation or
facelift at the least. We
shall be doing this in a
phased manner.”
Aside from the A3 and
Q3 that are due for a full-
generation change, Audi will
launch updated versions
of the A4, Q5 and Q7. Of
the lot, the models likely
to return soonest are the
refreshed Audi A4 and
the Q7. Along with these
of captain seats in the
second row, there are talks
of a 7-seat version with a
regular middle-row bench
also joining the line-up.
6-seat variant to get
captain seats for second row.
facelifts, Audi is also set to
bring in the next-gen Q3.
The first-gen model was
quite popular in our market,
and the latest-gen Q3
should arrive just in time to
take on the new Mercedes-
Benz GLA, which will be
launched towards the end
of this year. The wait for the
Q5’s return, however, could
be a long one, as the facelift
hasn’t even been revealed
globally, and the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic could
further delay its comeback.
The Hector Plus will sport
some visual tweaks but is
expected to feature the
same engine-gearbox
options as the 5-seat Hector.
news
While Ford’s new
2.0-litre ‘Panther’ diesel
engine has made its India
debut in single-turbo,
170hp form on the BS6
Endeavour, we will not
get the significantly more
Confidential
t he au tomot i v e gr a pe v ine
powerful bi-turbo version
any time soon. The 210hp
bi-turbo variant will be
launched only with the all-
new Endeavour (code: U704) which isn’t expected before
mid-2021.
According to sources, Chery Automobiles is likely
to take a 30 percent stake in Tata Motors’ passenger
vehicle unit by way of
technology and an infusion
of funds. Chery is believed
to be in advanced talks with
Tata about investment in
the company’s PV business,
which is in the process of
being restructured as a
standalone subsidiary.
Mercedes-Benz India’s plan to launch the EQC
in April had to be scrapped because of the nationwide
lockdown. Being
the first of all luxury
carmakers in India
to introduce an
all-electric model,
Mercedes wants to
conduct a high-
profile launch for
the EQC, and so,
has decided to push
it to the second half
of 2020.
While the launch of the new 911 Turbo S is
scheduled for later this year, Porsche dealers have already
begun accepting orders for it. As always, customer interest
is maximum for the higher-end 911s, and dealer sources
tell us that it is no different this time too, with quite a lot
of interest shown for the new (992 generation) range-
topping Turbo S.
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 13
Toyota’s Brezza could be called
Urban Cruiser
T
oyota will launch its
second Maruti Suzuki-
based product in India
in the coming months.
Part of its technical and
product-sharing joint venture
with Maruti, the new model
will be based on the Brezza
and is likely to be called the
Urban Cruiser. The name
has been selected to help
emphasise the company’s
SUV and Land Cruiser
heritage, and was also in use
on a crossover sold in markets
like Europe and the US.
Toyota’s first compact
SUV in India won’t however
just be a rebadging exercise
like the Balneo-Glanza effort.
Whereas the Glanza, the
first Maruti-based Toyota,
is identical in every respect
(except for the badging)
Toyota’s Urban Cruiser will be
changed in certain areas. It
will, for example, get a more
Toyota identity up front,
with certain key elements
changed. Alterations will
be made to ‘soft parts’ like
the plastic bumpers and, to
a lesser extent, the grille.
Parts like the headlights and
tail-lights, which are more
Heavily updated Datsun Redigo to be launched soon
Datsun will launch
a refreshed version of
the Redigo soon, with
the company revealing
Fully redesigned face to sport
larger grille and LED DRLs.
14 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020
image
expensive to change, are likely
to be only mildly altered, if
at all. Toyota will also make
some small changes to the
rear of the Urban Cruiser, to
help differentiate it from the
Brezza. However, there will
be no sheet-metal changes
and even the alloy wheels are
likely to be carried over on
most versions.
Toyota will also tweak the
certain design elements of
the hatchback via teaser
images. The images show
a heavily revised frontal
Second Maruti-sourced model to go on sale
in August at an expected price of Rs 7-10 lakh.
interior. The current
Brezza’s cabin is a
mass of grey plastic;
so to brighten up the
insides and make it look
a bit more upmarket,
Toyota will use lighter
colours and a few fresh
graphics. Toyota’s version
of the Brezza could also
be the first to come with
the hybrid tech known as
design featuring sharper,
slimmer headlamps and a
large octagonal front grille,
prominently flaunting the
Design changes up front
will give Urban Cruiser a
clear Toyota identity.
nt to
er name mea
Urban Cruis to the illustrious
k
provide a lin family.
Land Cruiser
SHVS on the manual version.
Hybrid tech is integral to
Toyota’s global philosophy
Datsun logo, with a chrome
surround. The large L-shaped
DRLs are all-new and the
updated Redigo might also
feature alloy wheels. Other
new bits include the outside
mirrors, which seem to be
more robust than the ones
before, as well as a plaque
with the Datsun badge on the
front fenders. Expect minor
changes to the rear design of
the car too - one of the images
shows a rear spoiler.
The interior is also likely
to get some revisions, and
going by the trend in its
segment, a touchscreen
as well as a passenger-side
airbag could also make it to
the equipment list. The new
and is widely acknowledged
as an important fuel-saving
measure. As a result the
manual version will almost
certainly get an improved fuel
economy rating from testing
authority ARAI. Interestingly
the Brezza’s traditionally
more thirsty automatic
with the mild-hybrid tech is
rated at 18.76kpl, while the
non-hybrid manual, normally
the more efficient engine,
is currently only rated at
17.03kpl. Of course, as on
the Glanza, there will be no
external badging indicating
the engine. Toyota refers to
the system as the Integrated
Starter Generator, but as on
the Glanza, a badge on the
outside is unlikely.
Toyota’s Urban Cruiser
will be produced by Maruti on
the same line as the Brezza
and is expected to go on
sale sometime in August, if
the current schedule stays
unaltered. Overall prices
will be similar, ranging
from around Rs 7-10 lakh,
but Toyota will give its
customers an advantage
by loading its top trims with
more features.
Redigo will also comply with
Indian crash test norms as well
as the upcoming pedestrian
protection standards.
In terms of the engines,
expect BS6 versions of
the 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre
petrol units with a 5-speed
manual. The latter will also
be available with an AMT
gearbox. Redigo facelift
prices, along with ARAI-
certified fuel efficiency
figures, will be revealed soon.
It was earlier reported that
Nissan is planning to gradually
phase out the Datsun brand in
India by 2022 or 2023, so the
Redigo might just be the last
heavily updated offering from
the brand.

Volkswagen Tiguan
5-seater to return
Volkswagen has just
launched the Tiguan
Allspace in India. An SUV
that replaces the regular
5-seat Tiguan, this 7-seater
is imported and comes with
a 2.0 TSI engine under the
hood. The regular 5-seat
Tiguan, however, will make a
return to India towards the
end of the year. But unlike
the Allspace that come to
India as a CBU under the
2,500 car import quota, the
5-seater will be assembled
in India. There will be some
other changes made over
the earlier Tiguan though.
While the SUV sold here
from the middle of 2017 was
powered by a 140hp diesel,
the new one is mostly likely
to get a 1.5 TSI motor, the
same as used under the
bonnet of the Skoda Karoq.
While the 150hp engine
S h o u l d c a r s d o away w i t h
p h ys i c a l b u t t o n s a n d o n ly h av e
t o u c h s c r e e n c o n t r o l s?
No, a touchscreen is not intuitive
and takes attention away from the
road – 28%
Majority of our readers would like to have a touchscreen
with separate buttons as it is more intuitive to use.
is not a high-revving unit,
it’s in possession of plenty
of pulling power and that
is likely to suit the Tiguan
well. The Tiguan that will be
I
assembled in India will also
look a bit different and will
come with a mild facelift.
New bits include a nose that
looks similar to the new Golf
8, with closer integration
between the headlights
and grille. And what’s
nice is that the LED light
surrounds look more three-
dimensional too. The new
Tiguan will also have a
more prominent ‘X’ in the
bumper and VW may also
sell the SUV in India with a
48V hybrid system and a
coasting function that
could increase efficiency
and make up in some way
for the loss of the diesel
in the range.
poll
‘influencers’, the ones that
Yes, it is more modern
and gives more flexibility
in functions – 9%
A touchscreen with physical
buttons for shortcuts and climate
control is preferable – 63%
Shapur Kotwal
D i a ry o f a p e t r o l h e a d H e l l o i n f l u e n c e r s
don’t normally need an
alarm clock on Sunday
morning. I’m normally
awakened by the howl
of supercars, the blare of
Yoshimuras and the crackle 1.4 turbo model with
and pop of Akrapovics.
Then come the loud Bullets
and KTMs, and by the time
I’ve taken my first sip of
coffee, the hogs go by, and
shake the foundation. Ah,
the joys of running with
the pack. But where are
the affordable enthusiast
cars? While bikers have
plenty of semi-affordable
fun metal to choose from,
the same can’t be said
about cars. We literally have
nothing. Skoda’s Octavia
RS is sold out, BMW has
no straight six under the
hood of a 3 Series. Even
the Abarth Punto is gone.
Where are the fun cars
that have the power to
delight enthusiasts; the real
take regular brands and
turn them into heroes. So
here’s a sort of wish list.
So who’s first? Come
on up Hyundai, someone
who has never given us
anything sporty in the past. the engine, it’s the whole
Today, however, Hyundai
has its new sporty N (or
Namyang) brand, a WRC
manufacturer’s title under
its belt and a burning need . . even love those tartan seats.
to spread the N word. With
the new i20 around the
corner and the 200hp N
get in touch Forums at autocarindia.com
Fun-to -drive cars are also great brand-builders.
already teased, this is the
car that could give Hyundai
a big leg up when it comes
to India. Hyundai is
considering a lower spec
around 140hp, but the
200hp is the right way to go.
Up next, VW’s pioneering
Golf GTI. Why VW has tried
almost every single import
it can lay its hands on and
not brought us its world
champion brand-builder, I’ll
never know. It won’t come
 into a fun car. Yes the small
These cars can
delight and
influence brand
perception.
 Fiesta S was special and
this year – VW’s 2,500 car
import quota is exhausted –
but come 2021, this 245hp
hatch is precisely the
model the company needs
to make car nuts go ‘wow
Volkswagen’. It isn’t just
package, the sharp go-kart
like handling, the light but
quick steering, the quality
interior, the look of the car . .
And now, with the Octavia
RS selling well at Rs 36 lakh,
what’s the hold up?
news
Anyone remember the
brilliant gen-one Swift
with the super steering
and ability to dart into just
about any corner? Well,
today’s Swift isn’t a patch
on it. It still shines when
you drive it hard and the
potential for more is clearly
there, so how about a 1.5
K-series unit under the
hood? It makes 105hp;
another 20hp, and with
a stiffer Baleno RS-like
suspension and Swift Sport
body kit, this could morph
car tax sops would be gone
with the 1.5 petrol and that
would mean it would be a
bit expensive, but it could
just transform the car and
the Swift brand too.
Ford is the company that
arguably makes the best
affordable driver’s cars. The
today’s Figo and Freestyle
are still best in class in
this regard. But with the
Mahindra JV on, Ford
needs a brand-builder, one
a bit lower down from the
Mustang. So how about the
Focus ST, a Golf GTI rival,
one with 280hp and
sportscar-like trick handling
from its e-LSD equipped
front-wheel-drive chassis.
Want to drive the Ford-
equals-fun-to-drive equation
into people’s heads? Then
this is the import the blue
oval needs.
shapurk
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 15
 Good month E-class facelift, next-gen
S-class India-bound
5 out of 5
Hyundai’s flagship
Palisade SUV secures
five stars in USA’s
NHTSA crash tests. Big mid-life update for Merc’s bestseller.
Drive-through test
India’s first drive-
through COVID-19
test facility set up in
New Delhi.
L
uxury SUVs may be
finding more and more
takers, but some sedans
remain as important
as ever. The S-class, with
its pathbreaking tech and
lavish back seat, continues
to be Mercedes-Benz’s true
flagship, and the E-class,
bad month sold in long-wheelbase guise
in India, continues to be the
brand’s highest-selling model
No Pebble Beach here. And now we know that
The 2020 Pebble Beach the yet-to-be-revealed, next-
Concours d’Elegance generation S-class, and the
cancelled because of comprehensively facelifted
COVID-19. E-class will be launched in
India in 2021.
Base-spec Yaris to be launched for fleet operators
Toyota recently pulled
the plug on its Etios sedan,
leaving the Yaris to be the
firm’s only mass-market
sedan in the country. In a
ProfitS losT bid to ramp up sales, the
28 vehicle company will introduce a
manufacturers reported new fleet variant of the
an 11 percent drop in mid-size sedan in the
profits in 2019. coming months.
Naveen Soni, senior
vice president (sales and
customer service), Toyota
Kirloskar Motor, elaborated
on the company’s strategies
to broaden horizons for
the Yaris. He said, “There
are different segments
that open up as the market
opens up. So, from that
point of view, how do
16 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020
the areas of electrification,
safety, driver assistance,
infotainment and
in 2021
improved comfort.
As for the E-class, the
mid-life update revealed
in March brought quite a
significant change to the
looks, saw the use of a new
electronic architecture
E-class facelift gets to integrate the new-
many visual updates. gen MBUX infotainment
system, as well as updated
powertrains with a greater
focus on electrification.
However, as Iyer explained,
the reason it can’t come to
our market immediately
is because of its unique
configuration for India.
“With the E-class, we
generally run delayed
by close to a year when
compared to the global
lifecycle because we’re
the only right-hand-drive
market in the world to offer
a long-wheelbase E-class,
Santosh Iyer, VP (Sales all-new S-class (W223), and these components are
and Marketing), Mercedes- which will make its global a mixture,” he said. “We
Benz India, confirmed this debut in September. also need the global supply
in a chat with Autocar India, Expect the new flagship chain to get these cars up
hinting also that they might sedan to debut a host and running. The facelift is
W222 S-Class sketch used for representation only.
have come sooner, if not for of new advanced tech in planned for 2021.”
the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
“Yes, the launch of the new New S-class (W223) reveal
S-class will be in 2021, but in September 2020.
mostly we will see it in India
only in the second half of
next year. It will take time,
more so bearing in mind the
current situation we’re in,”
he said. The current-gen
S-class has been on sale
in India since 2014 and is
due to be replaced by the
we get more segment-
associated features added
or deleted? Maybe make it
more attractive for the taxi
customer because while
the Etios is not there, we
have the Yaris to offer for
that customer. Very soon,
we should be looking at the
possibility of a specced-
down Yaris.”
It is also safe to assume
that Toyota would offer
this base-spec trim with
a manual gearbox only
to keep pricing aggressive.
And while there’s no
diesel engine in the Yaris,
a CNG version for fleet
operators could also be The Yaris is now Toyota’s
on offer. only mass-market sedan.

Compass facelift
to lead Jeep’s India
range expansion
It has been a quiet few
years for Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles (FCA) in India.
Having pulled the plug on
Fiat by discontinuing the
Grande Punto and Linea,
FCA India is now focusing
on strengthening the
Jeep brand. The Compass
– which was launched in
2017 – received a couple of
important updates recently,
and Jeep has now confirmed
that the facelifted model
will lead the company’s
range expansion in India.
Partha Datta, president
and managing director at
FCA India, confirmed the
company is in the process
of adding more models to
its lean portfolio.
“We will be adding a
new, three-row SUV to
our line-up, and are also
actively studying a sub-
New-gen UConnect 5 touchscreen for Compass facelift.
Pre-facelift Compass used for representative purposes only
Sergius Barretto
under the hood Needless Needling
four-metre SUV. We will also
launch two iconic products,
I
and all this, in addition to f you’ve lamented the
bringing a new Compass”, loss of BMW’s iconic
he said. twin-dial instrument
The Compass facelift cluster, you aren’t alone.
– due in early 2021 – is Yes change is good and all
expected to get a number that, but change for the
of design changes, along sake of change is pretty
with a heavily updated much pointless. For me,
dashboard featuring a BMW’s new instrument
larger touchscreen for panel design is exactly that.
the new ‘UConnect 5’ Gone are the lovely twin
infotainment system. dials and in their place
Of the two “iconic” are elliptical bar charts
products Datta described, of sorts with tiny needles
one could be the next-
generation Grand Cherokee.
Said to be based on the same
rising to indicate speed and
revs. Oddly enough, these
needles turn into even
platform as Alfa Romeo’s
SUVs, it is set to be bigger
smaller and harder-to-see
bars in Sport mode, and
and more luxurious than
the outgoing model and will
despite this being a full
digital screen, you can’t opt
get a range of powertrain
options, including petrol,
for a circular dial display.
Yeah, I know, perhaps
diesel and hybrid. I’m missing something;
after all, large automobile
manufacturers can’t get
stuff wrong. But they do.
In the race to distinguish
their products and go one
up on the competition,
manufacturers are
constantly trying out
new things, gizmos and
fads, and unfortunately
in today’s times with cars
built by committee rather
than individuals, pointless
stuff does slip in.
Don’t believe me? Take
a look at the Honda City or
get in touch Forums at autocarindia.com
the VW Group’s new HVAC
controls, a great example of
a bad application of good
technology. Okay, on a sat-
nav map, zooming around
is great with a touch screen,
and having reading lamps
that are themselves touch
surfaces (to turn on and
off) is also just fine. But
do you really want this for
your HVAC controls? The
 against technology, no, not
With cars built
by committee
rather than
individuals,
pointless stuff
does slip in.
 Unfortunately Hyundai
trouble is then you have to
take your eyes of the road
and hands off the wheel
and then try and hit the
exact surface area. With
buttons you can simply feel
around for the right one
and you are never in doubt
about wrongly engaging
anything, as you still have
to de-press it. Not so with a
news
Trying to read the speed is like
finding a needle in a haystack.
touch surface, right?
Then there’s gesture
controls for the stereo, like
on BMWs and the Toyota
Yaris too. Why would you
take your hands off the
wheel and wave it in the air
to control something you
could just as easily do with
steering-mounted buttons
or even your voice.
I’m not one of the
traditionalist and all
at all. I love the touchscreen,
but it has its place. There
is a place for everything
and mindless application of
tech should be avoided.
Honda has of course
readily admitted to its
mistake and has stated
that it will be returning to
buttons for HVAC controls
for the sake of safety and
confidence. I hope others
take note soon.
is likely to introduce the
digital instrument panel
minus dials and needles
on the upcoming Elantra,
Verna and i20. Perhaps it’s
trying to get us used to a
tacho-less future, what with
the advent of EVs – and
maybe this has some merit.
But then again, come on!
At least let us enjoy it
while it lasts.
SergiusBarretto
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 17
New Octavia launch
Introduction of next-gen Skoda sedan to be pushed due to COVID-19 crisis.
S
koda India got off to
promising start in 2020,
revealing the Vision IN
midsize SUV concept
and showcasing the Karoq, as
well as a raft of updates to its
existing range at Auto Expo
2020. However, like everyone
else, the Czech carmaker,
too, has been hit hard by
the coronavirus (COVID-19)
pandemic, and has confirmed
that it has been forced to
delay its new model launches,
including that of the all-new
Octavia, which was originally
slated for October 2020.
On the #LiveWithAutocar
chat on Instagram, Zac
Hollis, Brand Director, Skoda
Auto India, said, “Yes, the
COVID-19 pandemic has
had an impact on our plans,
and the launch of the new
Octavia will be delayed; it
could now happen early
in 2021.”
The current-gen Octavia –
which has been on sale since
Petrosexual
N e vi lle Vaz i fdar , Direc tor , Royal China
What are you driving
and why?
A whipple supercharged
Ford Mustang, a Porsche
911 (991) because it’s a
classic sportscar, a BMW M2
because it’s a pocket rocket
and a drift machine, a Toyota
18 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020
likely delayed to early
Entry-level Octavia could
get 1.5-litre TSI engine.
2013 – was not upgraded to
meet BS6 emission norms,
as the new-gen model was
due only a few months later.
Now, however, it’s certain
that a key product will be
missing from Skoda’s India
line-up for the rest of the
year. This means the only
models in this segment will
Supra MK4 as it’s a JDM
classic, a restomodded
1962 Chevrolet Impala
because it’s a lowrider, a
Bentley Flying Spur for the
speed, luxury and power it
offers and a Mercedes-Benz
G 55 AMG.
2021
be the Hyundai Elantra and
the Honda Civic, now that
the Toyota Corolla Altis has
also been discontinued.
Responding to a viewer’s
query during the live chat,
Hollis added that while the
new Octavia will only get the
190hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-
petrol engine at launch,
What’s next on your wish list?
A Ferrari 488. Every
petrolhead needs to have
a Ferrari once.
The most fun you’ve had
in a car?
Racing in a Corvette ZR1
the company could look
at offering more engine
options going forward. Just
like the outgoing generation
– which was launched with
a 1.4-litre TSI engine on the
base model – the entry-level
variant of the new Octavia,
is also expected to come
with a 1.5-litre TSI (which
at the Las Vegas Motor
Speedway.
Favourite / Dream money-
no-object car?
The Bugatti Chiron.
Who is your all-time greatest
motorsport hero?
Ken Block, for his drift
gymkhanas. He is my
inspiration.
Favourite road?
The California State Route 1
highway that runs along the
coast of the Pacific Ocean.
What’s on your
automotive
bucket list?
To drive around the
famous Nürburgring
circuit in Germany in
a Porsche 911 GT2 RS
and a McLaren Senna.
will power the Volkswagen
Group’s upcoming midsize
SUVs too). Abroad, the new
Octavia gets a 1.5 TSI engine
mated to a 6-speed manual,
and India will likely get the
same combo. The 2.0 TSI,
meanwhile, is paired with a
7-speed DSG automatic.
Amaan Ahmed
What would you do with your
last litre of fuel?
I would drift until it runs out.
Your ideal 5-car garage
would be?
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Bugatti Chiron
Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG
6x6 by Brabus
Ferrari LaFerrari
Porsche 918 Spyder
What was your first car?
My first car was a BMW
E46 325i Coupe by Hamann
in 2000.
Neville’s supercharged
Mustang puts out 850hp!

How Tata packaged
the Altroz EV’s battery
With the relative success
of the Nexon EV, and the
push to have more electric
cars in the range, in coming
months (coronavirus delays
permitting), Tata will launch
it’s second mass-market
EV. Targeted at regular car
buyers and based on the
Altroz hatchback, this will
be the first EV off it’s new
ALFA platform. Unlike
the Nexon SUV, which has
plenty of ground clearance,
packaging of the Altroz EV
battery under the floor was
a challenge.
A design model was put
together by the engineering
team, but head of design
Pratap Bose wasn’t happy
with the increase in the
ride height. “The first time I
saw it, the stance was more
crossover than hatchback,
it was almost an SUV.” This
meant there would have to
be some repackaging. So
Tata took up the floor a bit
and took some of the battery
into what would have been
the cabin. It then raised the
Floor raised to accommodate battery
and some battery protection too.
ride height marginally to
accommodate some more
of the battery,” Bose says.
“The floor you see now is
what you will get in the final
car.” Come launch time,
though, the model may even
get larger wheels and tyres
to help give it even more of
a lift. When you go from the
back seat of an Altorz to an
Altroz EV, you notice that the
floor has been raised. You sit
a bit lower in the back seat of
the EV because the ‘h’ (or hip
point) is lower.
There’s no compromise
in the car’s look or in the
apparent ride height; and
Tata has avoided making it
look like a hatch on stilts. It’s
even built in some battery
protection. The question is,
how much will it impact ride
and will it achieve a happy
ride-handling balance?
While the launch has been
delayed, when it does arrive,
the Altroz EV is expected
sport a price tag between
Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12 lakh.
SHAPUR KOTWAL
Avik Chattopadhyay
straight torque requiem for the showroom
Showroom experiences may soon descend into an all-out song-and-dance routine.
S
ince William Metzger
build the first modern
showroom way
back in 1898, it has
conceptually remained the
same. Brick, mortar, glass,
wood, chrome, lights and
signs. The embellishments
have kept evolving but the
edifice has remained the
same, while the rest of the
ecosystem has changed
over a dozen times already.
Buying an automobile is
a multi-faceted experience.
Making a purchase
decision in a static store is
possibly the worst option
for anyone. The crisis has
brought us face to face
with the harsh reality that
a physical showroom may
not be enough to sell an
automobile.
The prospect needs an
experience outside the
showroom. The brand
needs to tell its story,
around and about the
vehicle, woven into the
prospect’s life, outside
of the showroom. The
procedural formalities can
well be done at a place
of the prospect’s choice,
outside the showroom. The
salespeople are scanning for
prospects, mostly outside
the showroom. So, why
are the automakers still
obsessed with building
these edifices that cost
a fortune to put up and
maintain, and then pass
it all to the customer? Or
get in touch Forums at autocarindia.com
is this a ‘comfort zone’ – a
ritual kept alive for the
system’s convenience rather
than the customers’ benefit?
Nietzsche said, “The
snake which cannot cast its
skin has to die.”
What about the
current showrooms?
Gradually wind them
 in key cities, offering truly
Stop wasting
money on
showrooms.
Now!
 better work-life balance and
up. Reallocate part of
the money into digital
interfaces, training, test
drive vehicles and service
infrastructure. Save the rest,
to the benefit of a lower
vehicle price.
Where will the
prospect see
the vehicle?
For the individual buyer,
at their place of choice. Or
at places with prospect
footfalls like malls,
condominiums, panchayat
buildings, educational
institutions, corporate
complexes and many
more. There are enough
to accommodate everyone.
news
The B2B buyers need no
showrooms.
What about
the experience?
Digital aids used by a
salesperson and the vehicle.
Use AR/VR, holographic
projections, magic mirrors
and drones creatively.
Automakers can also
create large brand zones
immersive experiences.
What about the
current manpower?
Re-train and deploy them as
a fully mobile force, armed
with the right tools and
a test vehicle. Operating
from their homes allows a
ensures greater productivity.
The backend functions will
be at the service centre.
What of mass-market
vehicles?
What is mass market to
one is premium to another.
Every vehicle can be sold
sans the physical constraint
of a showroom. It is
presented best at a place,
time and context of the
prospect’s liking.The semi-
urban/rural Indian is as
savvy as the city one.
The showroom may be
beyond its shelf life. This
disruption is the best time
to cast this skin aside,
for nobody likes a dying
automobile brand!
@Byapok
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 19
Will India buy cars online?
From online bookings and loan facilitation to contactless doorstep delivery,
Amaan Ahmed analyses how carmakers are leveraging digital platforms to
ensure sales continue in a world rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic.
I
t’s only mid-April, but it feels like
an eternity has passed in 2020. In a
matter of weeks, routine activities
such as a dash to the supermarket
or heading out for a Friday dinner
have started to seem impossible.
The nationwide lockdown forced by
the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
pandemic has so far crippled normal
life as we’ve known it.
At a time when most people
are having to think twice about
venturing out to buy essential
items, the thought of buying a car
is almost certainly pushed into a
corner for now. However, even
once the lockdown lifts, it’s hard to
imagine potential buyers flocking
to car showrooms like they used
to, mindful of the social distancing
that will still need to be practiced
for quite some time to come. With
a vast majority now conducting
meetings and practically living
on their personal computer or
smartphone, car manufacturers
have grasped the reality of these
fast-evolving times and are now
20 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020
betting big on digital platforms to
keep their businesses ticking.
A number of major carmakers
have refocused their energies and
resources into designing dedicated
platforms for prospective customers
to be able to purchase a car from the
safety of their home. And these are
not limited to mere online bookings
– companies are now promising a
seamless, end-to-end experience
that is set to change the car-buying
process as we know it.
Hyundai India unveiled its
‘Click to Buy’ platform at the
start of this year, and the portal
– which links over 500 Hyundai
dealerships across the country and
lets prospective buyers configure a
model of their choice, view finance
options, place an order and confirm
method of delivery – has become
all the more relevant in the present
scenario. Initially run as a pilot
project in the Delhi-NCR region,
Hyundai’s Click to Buy website is
now available all across India.
Talking to Autocar India about
the platform, WS Oh, executive
director (corporate planning),
Hyundai Motor India, said, “There
has been a noticeable shift in the
recent past, where digital models
of retail and sales are garnering
traction amongst buyers. Customers
are now factoring in convenience
to their purchase journey, even for
automobiles. With Click to Buy, we
will cater to the needs of new-age
digital customers. It also gives you
an option of choosing a personalised
assistant during the purchase cycle
of the vehicle, and the customer
can get in touch with the allocated
representative at any stage during
the purchase. Customers can decide
their preferred delivery options and
even get their vehicle delivered at
their doorstep.”
Tata Motors has also introduced
a similar – and similarly named –
online sales platform called ‘Click to
Drive’. In addition to letting buyers
view all the information about a
model and configuring it, Click to
Drive also facilitates a completely
contactless purchase experience,
where all purchase-related
formalities can be completed by
coordinating with a sales executive
using email, WhatsApp and video
calls. It also gives the buyer the
option to have their car delivered to
their home once the lockdown lifts.
MORE BUYERS LOG ON
Toyota, too, is anticipating a rise
in digital sales and enquiries as it
enters the BS6 era with a trimmed-
down line-up.
“Currently, our digital
contribution varies product to
product, in B segment it stands
at 6 percent to 10 percent of total
sales, but after COVID-19, we expect
a drastic change in the customer
buying process with more digital
transactions. Digital interfaces
will become the primary source of
reaching out to buyers. Customers
can take a virtual tour of the vehicle,
sitting anywhere, and get a better
understanding to make an informed
purchase decision. We’re already

seeing an increase in digital content
consumption,” says Naveen Soni,
senior vice president, sales and
service, Toyota Kirloskar Motor.
Even MG Motor India – which
launched its first model, the Hector,
less than a year ago – has designed
its website to become a facilitator
for online sales and foresees more
buyers opting to take the digital
route, going forward.
“At MG, we’ve witnessed great
success with our online bookings.
For the MG Hector, 16 percent of the
total bookings were purely online.
In the case of MG ZS EV, over 40
percent of the bookings were online.
The customer has the option to
configure their MG using the ‘Car
Configurator’ by shortlisting the
model and variants, and choosing
the preferred delivery location based
on their city and PIN code. They can
also e-book an MG online by paying
a booking amount of Rs 50,000,”
says Gaurav Gupta, chief commercial
officer at MG Motor India.
LUXURY GOES DIGITAL
Even luxury carmakers – who place
a lot of importance on the buying
experience – are actively looking
to add new customers to their
family by taking the process online.
BMW India has rolled out its very
own ‘contactless’ digital purchase
programme, and Mercedes-Benz
India – which formerly only retailed
pre-owned models and merchandise
via its online ‘Shop’ – has now made
its entire range of new cars available
for purchase on the site as well.
“Most customers do their research
online today. They’ve mostly made
up their mind by the time they come
to the showroom. Our online sales
platform will let customers buy a car
online – including documentation
– and one of the key differentiators
for us will be an online sales
Tata’s ‘Click to Drive’ site lets buyers complete the full purchase process digitally.
Mercedes’ online ‘Shop’ even displays region-wise model availability and exact spec.
concierge. The platform won’t leave
everything up to the customer;
there will be consultation available
for commercial offers, negotiation
and test drive and delivery as well.
Everything on our sales platform is
transparent – from availability to
the spec of the car,” says Santosh
Iyer, VP (sales and marketing) at
Mercedes-Benz India.
Citroën – which was supposed
to make its India entry later this
year but has now delayed it to
early 2021 because of the COVID-
19 pandemic – is also focusing on
going digital, with a majority of
steps in the car-buying process set
to be present online. The French
carmaker has readied the AnyTime,
AnyWhere, AnyDevice, AnyContent
(ATAWADAC) platform, which
will let buyers research products,
select variants, configure options
and accessories, and transact for
service contracts, finance and
insurance online.
Roland Bouchara, senior VP
(sales and marketing), Citroën India,
says, “Inspired by new-age Indians
leading digital lives, Citroën has
developed a whole new car-buying
and owning experience, powered
by human-centered technology.
ATAWADAC is a first-time,
The future of car sales Insight
unique, seamless, digital consumer
experience created for India and will
be taken to the world. You will have
the options to book test drives and
even purchase a car online. That’s
our new business model.”
Being a new entrant in the
market, Citroën is aiming to take
a different approach to designing
dealerships. It says it has an
advantage as to incorporate a
greater amount of digitalisation into
its buying process, and doesn’t have
to invest in reworking an existing
network like most other carmakers.
“Since we are setting up a

Carmakers are
promising a
seamless and
comprehensive
digital purchase
process.

new network, we are proposing
a different business model to our
dealers, wherein we will have
relatively smaller showrooms but
digitized. We can do it because we
start fresh and have no refurbishing
costs for a large existing network,”
Bouchara adds.
ARE SHOWROOMS
STILL RELEVANT?
While some may decide to put off
a car purchase due to the financial
uncertainty India faces today,
there’s another line of thought
that suggests some may prefer
the safety of a private vehicle over
using public transport, in the hope
of protecting themselves from the
coronavirus. There will be demand
from such buyers, and MG Motor
India’s Gaurav Gupta is of the
opinion more buyers will log on for
their next purchase.
“Digital is where India is at
present. It is the most active medium
of engagement and accounts for
the maximum time spent by the
country’s consumer base across
channels – both in general and
during the current lockdown. Digital
sales, therefore, is an opportunity
for us to create a direct-to-consumer
(D2C) model, wherein the brand
becomes the face of immersive
engagement that facilitates a virtual
buying experience. We believe
this journey will evolve further
post COVID-19, as there will be a
paradigm shift in the consumer
buying behaviour. People will
consider their safety first and will
thereby look to involve themselves
in experiences accessible at remote
locations, their homes, or their
workplaces,” says Gupta.
That said, there are those
who believe that while digital
interactions, enquiries and bookings
will spike, showrooms will still
play a key role in customers’
overall buying experience.
“Some customers still prefer
touch and the feel of the car,
and the experience of visiting
a showroom before making a
purchase. So it remains our
endeavour to make the online
buying process as real- life-like as
possible, for this set of customers,”
says Mercedes India MD and CEO
Martin Schwenk.
His opinion is echoed by Toyota’s
Naveen Soni, who says, “Car buying
is an emotional and rationale
decision. While all the services are
available online, buyers will still
want to experience the vehicle and
get more understanding of the car’s
quality by its look, touch and feel.
Hence, the online and physical
experience must go hand in hand.
While the primary research can
be done online, the dependency
on showrooms will never end. In
India, buyers are still evolving,
and they are more comfortable in
buying a car offline as it is a lifetime
investment. However, the buying
pattern post the lockdown is likely
to experience some change and
needs to be evaluated.”
One thing is clear – bearing in
mind the immeasurable impact of
the COVID-19 pandemic, carmakers,
too, are having to rethink their
strategy. They are ready to go digital
and make their products easily
available in these not-so-easy times.
What remains to be seen is if the
Indian buyer puts head over heart,
logs in and drives off. AI
may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 21
 STEEP DESCENT
The prolonged economic slowdown, increased prices due to BS6,
and the COVID-19 pandemic hit India’s PV industry hard. UVs, however,
deliver an admirable performance.
P
assenger vehicle (PV)
sales had lost their
sizzle as fiscal year
2020 opened and
most automakers
had kept a lid on their
expectations. It was felt that
the customer surge in buying
BS4 models ahead of the BS6
mandate in April 2020 would
compensate for year-long
tepid sales. However, PV sales
crashed as a result of the
fast-deteriorating consumer
sentiment, sluggish
economic growth and the
uncertainty brought
about by the shift
to BS6. Such
was the slump
that industry
body Society of
Indian Automobile
Manufacturers’ (SIAM)
own conservative estimates
of low single-digit growth
seemed rather ambitious.
The festive season did bring
22 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2019
some respite, albeit aided by
discounts and schemes.
Still, few could ever have
imagined a force majeure
situation at the tail end of the
fiscal, where the coronavirus
pandemic sent the country
into a lockdown, forcing
carmakers to halt production
and clobbering sales further.
According to SIAM data,
sales of PVs – cars,
utility vehicles
18%
(UVs) and vans – fell 17.87
percent to 27,73,571 units in
the year ended March 2020.
The hardest blow was felt in
March as volumes plunged 51
percent due to the lockdown.
UVs were the sole sub-
segment among PVs to buck
the drop in sales. Volumes,
however, remained flat over
last year (9,46,006 units, up
0.48 percent), while those of
passenger cars (16,95,441
units, down 23.57 percent)
and vans (1,32,124 units,
down 39.23 percent) came
under severe pressure.
Resultantly, the share of UVs
among overall PVs increased
from 28 percent in fiscal 2019
to 34 percent in fiscal 2020.
The heightened appetite
for SUVs worked strongly in
the favour of new entrants
such as MG and Kia, with
their respective debut
models, the Hector and
Seltos, allowing them to eat
into the UV market share of
other automakers at a time
when the rest of the industry
continued to feel down in the
mouth. MG ended the year
with 21,954 units in sales,
with a UV market share of
2.32 percent, and Kia sold
84,903 units, capturing a
whopping 8.97 percent UV
market share in its debut year.
More on this later.
Cumulative sales across
all vehicle types (PVs, CVs,
2W and 3W) declined 17.97
percent to 21,546,390 units,
a stark contrast from driving
past the 25-million-vehicle
mark for the first time in
FY2019.
Meanwhile, sales of electric
four-wheelers declined
200 units to 3,400 units,
according to the Society of
Manufacturers of Electric
Vehicles (SMEV).
Further, the share of diesels
among PV sales dropped
from 36 percent to 29
percent, while that of petrols
increased to 71 percent from
64 percent. Among UVs, the
share of diesels dropped to
65 percent (FY2019: 83
percent), while petrols went
up by 35 percent (FY2019:
17 percent).
MARUTI SUZUKI
PV market leader Maruti
Suzuki saw its volumes
drop 18.24 percent year-
on-year to 14,14,346 units
during FY2020. However, it
continued to account for one
out of every two cars sold with
a market share of 51 percent,
nearly unchanged from the
previous fiscal. The carmaker
launched the XL6 (22,117
units), a premium derivative
of the Ertiga MPV, in August
2019, followed by its latest
budget model, the S-presso
‘mini-SUV’ (56,962 units) in
September 2019. ◊
 Sales analysis
BUDGET HATCHBACKS T o p 10 C ar
C o m pa n i e s
Maruti Suzuki Alto 1,90,814 (–26.44%)
1. Maruti Suzuki
Maruti S-presso 56,962 (na)
14,14,346 2019-20
Renault Kwid 46,766 (-27.96%) 17,29,826 2018-19
Datsun Redigo 9,400 (-48.56%)
2. Hyundai
50,000 1,00,000 1,50,000 2,00,000 2,50,000 4,85,309 2019-20

Source: SIAM.
Total domestic sales (in units)
5,45,243 2018-19

MID AND ENTRY-LEVEL HATCHBACKS 3. Mahindra

1,86,942 2019-20
1,87,916
Maruti Suzuki Swift (–16.08%) 2,54,351 2018-19
Maruti Suzuki WagonR 1,56,724 (+274.28%)
Hyundai Grand i10 99,592 (-20.98%) 4. Tata Motors
Maruti Suzuki Celerio 62,625 (-39.63%) 1,38,238 2019-20
Hyundai Santro 51,614 (+7.76%) 2,31,512 2018-19
Tata Tiago 49,364 (-46.56%)
Maruti Suzuki Ignis 20,773 (-42.53%) 5. Toyota
Ford Figo 8,348 (+244.39%) 1,14,081 2019-20
Toyota Etios Liva 5,580 (-62.96%) 1,50,525 2018-19
Datsun GO 1,964 (-65.26%)
6. Honda
Mahindra KUV100 1,803 (-84.59%)
Nissan Micra
1,02,016 2019-20
746 (-75.20%)
Mahindra E2O 35 (-90.00%)
A sharp fall in Tiago’s sales helped
the Santro drive past the Tata.
183,787 2018-19

50,000 1,00,000 1,50,000 2,00,000 7. Renault

Source: SIAM.

Total domestic sales (in units) 89,534 2019-20

79,654 2018-19
PREMIUM HATCHBACKS 1,80,413
8. Kia Motors
Maruti Suzuki Baleno (-15.03%) 84,903 2019-20
Hyundai Elite i20 1,08,091 (-22.92%) — 2018-19
Toyota Glanza 24,380 (NA)
9. Ford
Volkswagen Polo 15,085 (-16.87%)
66,415 2019-20
Tata Altroz 8,458 (NA)
92,937 2018-19
Ford Freestyle 7,138 (-68.80%)
Honda Jazz 5,850 (-61.24%) 10. Volkswagen
25,736 2019-20
50,000 1,00,000 1,50,000 2,00,000
Source: SIAM.

Total domestic sales (in units)

34,859 2018-19

may 2019 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 23

 ∆ Maruti’s entry-level
models such as the Alto, Alto
K10 (and later, the S-presso)
were the worst impacted,
COMPACT SEDANS
with overall sales falling 33 Maruti Suzuki Dzire 1,79,159 (-29.43%)
percent to 2,47,776 units. Its
compact segment cars such
Honda Amaze 57,471 (-32.42%)
as the Ignis, Celerio, Swift, Hyundai Xcent 14,140 (-62.77%)
Baleno, Dzire and the WagonR
together sold 7,87,610 units, Hyundai Aura 13,512 (na)
down 9.7 percent YoY.
On the UV front, the Tata Tigor 10,049 (-61.06%)
Vitara Brezza sold 1,10,641
units, down 30 percent over Ford Aspire 6,568 (-57.46%)
FY2019. Maruti concluded
its transition to BS6 shunning
Volkswagen Ameo 4,729 (-47.85%)
diesels, with the diesel-only The Aura and Amaze could be the biggest gainers
Brezza receiving Suzuki’s
Tata Zest 3,684 (-66.98%) with the Dzire now being petrol only.
1.5-litre petrol in early
February. Combined with 50,000 1,00,000 1,50,000 2,00,000

Source: SIAM.
the S-Cross, Ertiga and XL6,
Maruti’s overall UV portfolio Total domestic sales (in units)
saw an 11 percent drop in
sales to 2,35,298 units, but
the decline was cushioned by a
positive response to the Ertiga
(90,543 units, up 39 percent).
MIDSIZE SEDANS
Although Maruti insiders 25,258
haven’t completely written Maruti Suzuki Ciaz (-45.29%)
off diesels, as things stand,
it drives into the new fiscal Honda City 20,912 (-49.08%)
with a petrol-only portfolio,
even for traditionally diesel-
Hyundai Verna 20,894 (-47.19%)
centric segments such as
SUVs. It is positive that the
Toyota Etios 12,090 (-43.01%)
rising preference for petrols Skoda Rapid
among new vehicle buyers
8,956 (-12.85%)
will work in its favour and – as Volkswagen Vento 4,657 (-20.80%)
far as the Brezza diesel goes
– even result in a ‘one-to-one Toyota Yaris 3,602 (-69.55%)
replacement’ of its volumes.
Nissan Sunny 639 (-39.26%)
Hyundai
India’s second-largest
carmaker by volume recorded 5,000 10,.000 15,0000 20,000 25,000

Source: SIAM.
an 11 percent decline in
sales to 4,85,309 units. The Total domestic sales (in units)
extent of the fall was the
lowest amongst all carmakers
affected by the slowdown on
the back of strong demand for
the Venue (93,624 units). In
EXECUTIVE AND PREMIUM SEDANS
fact, the compact SUV helped 3,024
the Korean carmaker expand Honda Civic (+31.99%)
its UV market share to 18.69
percent, up 5.32 percent and Skoda Octavia 2,374 (-12.91%)
tantalisingly close to Mahindra
(18.96 percent). Meanwhile, Skoda Superb 1,524 (+7.25%)
PV market share rose to an all-
time high of 17.50 percent. 806 (-71.04%)
However, Hyundai’s
Toyota Corolla
usual front runners like the
i20 (1,08,091 units, down Toyota Camry 709 (+74.20%)
23 percent), the Grand
i10 – including the new Hyundai Elantra 692 (-41.06%)
Nios – (99,592 units, down
21 percent), and the Creta Volkswagen Passat 60 (-91.49%)
(82,074 units, down 34
percent) couldn’t escape
500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000
Source: SIAM.

the slump.
Launched in the second-
half of FY2020, the Santro Total domestic sales (in units)

24 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2019

 Sales analysis
sold 51,614 units (up 8 of sales, the XUV300 went
percent). Although Verna’s home to 37,576 buyers at
sales declined 47 percent an average of around 3,100 C hart-t o p p e rs
to 20,894 units, the recent units per month.
launch of the facelift should The underlying slowdown
see its prospects improving in the market kept volumes Œ Maruti Alto 1,90,814 ‘ Maruti Eeco 1,17,003
in FY2021. subdued for most part of The Alto remained The fact that the Eeco
Hyundai goes into the new the year and the situation India’s highest- ended the fiscal as
fiscal 2021 ready to take on worsened in early 2020 as selling model but the sixth-largest
the Dzire (the Xcent is now Mahindra couldn’t ramp up its despite Maruti’s selling vehicle in
taxi-only) with its brand-new BS6 production as planned best efforts to India and only other
Aura. Interestingly, in a stark due to coronavirus-led keep the model fresh Maruti among the chart-
contrast to Maruti, Hyundai supplier issues. with a safety upgrade, reworked exterior, toppers to see a growth in volumes
is pushing ahead with diesels, The automaker has just factory-fitted CNG kit, and a new top (+27 percent) solidifies its standing among
and even has the smallest launched the BS6 Bolero, and variant, volumes dropped 26 percent in a customers as family transport as well as a
BS6 diesel in India. It stands has the BS6 Scorpio in the tough market. dependable business vehicle.
to gain if Indian buyers, pipeline, both of which could
especially of SUVs, are willing prop up numbers once sales
to fork out a premium for BS6 resume. The launch of the new  Maruti Swift 1,87,916 ’ Maruti Vitara Brezza 1,10,641
diesels for the promise of Thar and XUV500, and the The Swift gained a spot In a stark contrast
lower running costs. rollout of its new mStallion over last year to from a bumper
petrol engine family in become India’s FY2019, the
Mahindra FY2021 could help generate second-largest Brezza saw
Fiscal 2020 was challenging buzz and momentum around selling model the largest
for homegrown carmaker the brand. in FY2020. percentage volume
Mahindra & Mahindra as However, drop (30 percent) among
it posted a 26.50 percent Tata Motors volumes were down 16 percent. Maruti’s the top 10 bestsellers. However, the
decline in sales to 1,86,942 Tata Motors recorded the decision to move away from diesels means compact SUV leader goes into FY2021 in
units. Volumes of its highest second-highest percentage the Swift will be petrol-only this year a thoroughly revamped form, even as the
seller, the Bolero, dropped drop in volumes among the onwards. Venue turns on the heat in the segment.
30 percent to 50,265 units, top 10 automakers, as it
while the Scorpio fell 18.83 closed FY2020 with sales
percent to 38,826 units. totalling 1,38,238 units, down Ž Maruti Baleno 1,80,413 “ Hyundai i20 1,08,091
Mahindra’s UV market share 40.29 percent. Its usual top India’s bestselling Hyundai’s highest-selling
shrunk 6 percent, to 18.96 volume grossers such as the premium model recorded a 23
percent, leaving it staring Tiago and Nexon declined hatchback percent drop in
at the possibility of being 46.55 percent and 21.35 saw FY2020 sales. The i20 has
overtaken by Hyundai (18.69 percent to 49,364 units and sales fall 15 faced increasing
percent). In its first full year 43,260 units, respectively. ◊ percent amid competition from
the slowdown. But the Baleno and now
it drove past the 7,00,000-unit cumulative from the new Altroz.
LUXU RY v e hicle SA LE S D I VE sales milestone in the domestic market in But the soon-to-be- launched new i20 will
February, and remains ahead of key rival give Hyundai some firepower to fight back.
For luxury carmakers in India, there was no escaping Hyundai i20 by a huge margin.
the slump that had consumed most of the PV market. Rising
interest rates, liquidity crunch and high import costs weighed ” Hyundai Grand i10 99,592
heavy on sales. In calendar year 2019, total luxury segment  Maruti Dzire 1,79,159 The popular Hyundai dropped from sixth to
volumes dropped to an estimated 35,000 units from 2018’s The Dzire dropped ninth spot as sales
estimated sales of 40,688 units. two positions dipped 21 percent,
Mercedes-Benz India sold 13,786 units, down 11.27 over last year despite the Nios’
percent, but retained the crown of India’s top luxury carmaker. with sales launch. Thanks to
Second-placed BMW (including Mini) sold 9,641 units, down contracting Hyundai’s diesel
13.18 percent over calendar year 2018, and Audi India’s sales 29 percent. push, the Grand
fell to 4,594 units, down 28.91 percent during 2019 — its third Maruti i10 will continue
consecutive decline. recently introduced a facelifted version with a diesel, and, in fact, have the smallest
Porsche bucked the trend, selling an estimated 355 cars, which replaces the 1.2-litre K12B with the BS6 diesel unit in the country.
up from the estimated 348 units sold in 2018. JLR and Volvo Baleno’s 1.2 K12C DualJet petrol putting
did not reveal their sales numbers for the full year. out 90hp (+7hp).
• Hyundai Venue 93,624
The Venue was off to a
 Maruti WagonR 1,56,724 strong start from the
Maruti’s popular get go, averaging
tall boy was 8,500 units per
well received month since launch.
in its first Hyundai’s compact
full year of SUV was a regular
sales post its fixture among the monthly
January 2019 top-selling UVs. Such has been its popularity
launch. The that it even displaced the long-standing
third-gen model being spacious, efficient Maruti Creta and became Hyundai’s highest-
and reasonably priced attracted buyers. selling SUV.

may 2019 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 25

 ∆ The Harrier, one of the
most anticipated vehicles
in its segment, sold 12,856
units during its first full year
COMPACT SUVs
Maruti Suzuki
(17,219 units cumulatively),
Vitara Brezza 1,10,641 (-29.92%)
logging in a sub-par
performance. One of the Hyundai Venue 93,624 (NA)
reasons was the lack of an
automatic gearbox option Tata Nexon 43,260 (-21.36%)
and a sunroof, both of which
are becoming must-haves Ford EcoSport 37,844 (-18.20%)
for a lot of Indian car buyers.
Tata has made amends with Mahindra XUV300 37,576 (+294.21%)
the 2020 Harrier which packs
in an auto gearbox option Honda WR-V 11,926 (-63.87%)
and a largest-in-segment
panoramic sunroof. Mahindra TUV300 10,481 (-32.59%)
Toyota Mahindra Bolero Plus 8,779 (-26.00%)
Like most other carmakers,
Toyota also witnessed a drop 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 1,00,000 1,20,000

Source: SIAM.
in sales. Volumes declined
24.21 percent to 1,14,081 Total domestic sales (in units)
units in the 2020 fiscal. Sales
of the Innova, Toyota’s top-
selling model in India by a huge
margin, shrunk to 53,686
units, down 31 percent.
EXECUTIVE AND MIDSIZE SUVs
With the shift to BS6 82,074
Hyundai Creta (-33.97%)
marking the end of road for
the Etios family, the Glanza, Kia Seltos 81,716 (NA)
which sold 24,380 units in its
debut year, is now the most Mahindra Bolero 50,265 (-30.46%)
affordable Toyota.
Despite a drop in sales, the Mahindra Scorpio 38,826 (-18.84%)
Fortuner (12,963 units, down
38.68 percent) remained well
MG hector 21,680 (NA)
ahead of its key rival, the Ford
Endeavour (6,470 units, up
Tata Harrier 12,856 (+194.66%)
11 percent). The Yaris (3,602 Mahindra XUV500 12,602 (-51.41%)
units, down 70 percent) had a
tough year but the company Maruti Suzuki S-cross 11,721 (-69.01%)
is making amends by rolling
out finance schemes and Renault Duster 7,837 (-24.05%)
even plans to launch a taxi
variant, which could boost the Nissan Kicks 3,141 (+16.72%)
midsize sedan’s volumes.
Tata Hexa 2,160 (-71.38%)
Honda Mahindra Thar 2,151 (-64.71%)
Honda suffered the worst drop
in PV sales among the top 10 Tata Safari 1,105 (-80.49%)
carmakers. Volumes crashed
44.49 percent to 1,02,016 Mahindra TUV300 Plus 1,062 (-71.42%)
units, dragged by the weak
sales of the Amaze (57,471 Renault Captur 719 (-79.70%)
units, down 32 percent), the
The Creta just about held on to its lead in
City (20,912 units, down
Force Gurkha 146 (NA) the face of a dream start by the Seltos.
49 percent), and the WR-V
(11,926 units, down 63.87 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 1,00,000 1,20,000
Source: SIAM.

percent), among others. Total domestic sales (in units)

The Civic, in its first full year
of launch, sold 3,024 units,
maintaining its lead over the
Skoda Octavia (2,374 units,
down 10 percent). The Civic
might further benefit from the
coronavirus-led delay in the
launch of the new Octavia.
Honda’s hopes for a volume
model now rest with the soon-
to-be-launched fifth-gen City.
The sedan will come with a
diesel-CVT combination for
the first time, and the option
of a diesel could give it an edge
over the Ciaz, whic h will be a
petrol-only model.
Renault
Renault was the only
automaker to grow in a
challenging FY2020, on the
back of the new Triber, with
sales of 89,534 units, up
12.40 percent. In fact, the
Triber (33,860 units) enabled
Renault to grow its UV market
share by 3 percent, to 4.52
percent, and jump two spots
to become India’s sixth-
largest PV maker.
Sales of other Renaults,
such as the Kwid (46,766
units, down 28 percent), the
Duster (7,837 units, down
24 percent) and Captur (719
units, down 80 percent)
dropped due to weak demand.
Kia Motors
Kia made a smashing entry
in India ending the fiscal
with 84,903 units in sales,
and its thumping success
almost made it seem like the
slowdown that grappled most
other automakers was a myth.
The Korean brand’s debut
model, the Seltos SUV, struck
a chord and how, with car
buyers and critics alike. The
model sold 81,716 units

26 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2019

 Sales analysis
PREMIUM SUVs expensive shift to BS6,
automakers might face more
pain with a drop in showroom
12,963
Toyota Fortuner (-38.68%)
walk-ins and uncertainty in
future sales.
Jeep Compass 8,453 (-47.43%) Once production cranks
back into gear, albeit in
Ford Endeavour 6,470 (+11.00%) a phased manner, some
automakers might be faced
Skoda Kodiaq 1,590 (-23.48%) with a wobbling supply
chain, stress on the vendors’
Volkswagen Tiguan 1,205 (+14.33%) side, and, in case of large
conglomerates such as
Mahindra Alturas G4 1,076 (-26.90%) Maruti, a big rise in unsold
stock eating up factory space.
Isuzu V-Cross 898 (-13.90%) With launch timelines already
out of whack, automakers will
Honda CR-V 874 (+3.03%) be forced to revisit strategies
once operations resume.
Hyundai Tucson 699 (-54.55%) With ‘social distancing’
being the new normal in
Isuzu MU-X 587 (-33.75%) India, PV dealers will have
to increase their online
Hyundai Kona 377 (na) presence substantially. The
The Endeavour made some gains in a focus is already on improving
MG ZS EV 274 (na) declining market, but the Fortuner the digital purchase
remained the undisputed segment king. experience, with carmakers
like Tata Motors, Hyundai and
2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000

Source: SIAM.
Toyota rolling out portals to
that effect. While consumers
Total domestic sales (in units) might not shift to a complete
online purchase immediately,
the presence of such

MPVs and Vans platforms could reduce the

need to visit a showroom.
Moreover, the ensuing
1,17,003 financial strain on the
Maruti Suzuki Eeco (+27.50%) economy and disposable
income of consumers
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga 90,543 (+38.74%) could extend the purchase
Toyota Innova Crysta 53,686 (-31.10%) timelines and shrink the
allocated budget for some
Renault Triber 33,860 (na) car buyers. The latter could
possibly even see buyers
Maruti XL6 22,117 (nA) settling for a lower-segment
model than originally
Mahindra Marazzo 12,693 (-47.40%) planned, potentially shifting
more demand to the mid/
Kia Carnival 3,187 (na) entry-level segment.
2,072 (-60.54%) With April 2020 being a
Mahindra Xylo washout month and May
Honda BR-V 1,959 (-62.42%) threatening to be so too,
there’s little doubt FY2021
Datsun Go + 1,737 (-65.73%) is going to be a difficult fiscal.
However, it could still spring
Maruti Suzuki Omni 1,401 (-98.39%) up a surprise or two. With
commuters likely to shun
20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 1,00,000 1,20,000 shared mobility and public
Source: SIAM.

transport for some time, the

averaging around 10,200
units per month since its
launch in August and helped
Kia grab a robust 8.97 percent
of the UV market share and a
3 percent share among PVs.
Interestingly, Kia’s overall
volumes peaked to 15,644
units in February 2020. Good
news flowed fast and thick
Total domestic sales (in units)
for Kia throughout the year:
the Seltos was adjudged ‘Car
of the Year’ at the Autocar
Awards 2020.
Kia has further upped
the ante by launching the
luxurious Carnival MPV
(3,187 units) in early
February 2020. Raring to
go, the carmaker now has
the popular compact SUV
segment in its sights with
the Sonet being primed for
launch later in the year.
Outlook
While silent, car-free streets,
clear skies and better air
quality are just tiny silver
linings of the extended
lockdown, the situation has
turned grim for carmakers.
Going into FY2021, the auto
industry is already staring at
a 25-35 percent decline in
PV sales initially, according
to SIAM, as the coronavirus
pandemic has brought
manufacturing to a grinding
halt. Fresh from a colossally
demand for personal vehicles
could go up. Also, demand
for SUVs, in line with global
trends, is not going to go
away very soon either, and
with a gaggle of new products
lined up this year from brands
old and new, expect the UV
segment to again perform
the sales buffering act. Keep
watching this space.
NISHANT PAREKH

may 2019 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 27

F I R ST LO O K
T h is m o n t h ’s n e w c a rs

New Audi A3 sedan breaksThe second generation of Audi’s junior sedan drives in with edgier
styling and new tech. India-bound in 2021 as a petrol-only model.

T
he last-gen Audi A3 was the
first of the ‘compact luxury
sedans’ in India. Along with
the Mercedes-Benz CLA that
followed only a few months later,
it established that there was big
appeal in going small. A relatively
low price might have been the hook
but what also worked was that
there was nothing entry-level about
the way the A3 looked, felt or drove.
This second-gen A3 builds on the
successful formula.
First, the way it looks. The
all-new A3 stays true to the Audi
sedan design template, with
slick proportions and a clean-cut
shape. There is a gentler flow to
the roofline at the back but this
remains a classic three-box sedan.
If not the shape, the styling sure
gives this car away as the latest
A3 sedan. Of course, Audi’s huge
single-frame grille is the focal
point at the front and adding an
extra tinge of sportiness here is
its honeycomb mesh. Sharply
cut headlights flank that vast
grille, and, interestingly, different
versions of the A3 will sport
different patterns for the LED
New A3 gets touchpad for volume control; that’s not the key but the shift lever!
DRLs. A sculpted bonnet and well-
defined flanks add volume to the
A3, and there are some cool details
at the back as well. The tiny spoiler
atop the boot lid can be optioned
in carbon-fibre, while the tail-
lights get a unique LED signature
– vertical stripes outside and a
horizontal pattern inside.
The A3 is interestingly done
on the inside as well. The high-
set vents on either side of the
instrument binnacle and the angled
centre console give the A3’s cabin a
youthful look, very different to what
we’ve seen in the larger Audis.
As you’d expect, the A3 cabin
is big on tech. There’s a 10.1-inch
touchscreen for the infotainment
system, a standard-fit 10.25-inch
screen for the Virtual Cockpit
digital dials and, in a first on the
A3, a head-up display has been
included too. But some changes
might just be a step too far. For
instance, there’s a touchpad for
volume control that comes in
place of a traditional physical dial.
And while the A3 automatic gets
shift-by-wire tech, the pen drive-
sized gear selector appears a bit

28 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020


cover
fiddly. Climate control is via handy
physical buttons. The new A3 is
almost identical to the outgoing
model in size but Audi says there’s
a smidgen more headroom and
elbow room on offer up front.
Markets abroad will get the A3
with the option of a 150hp, 2.0-
litre diesel; but given Audi India’s
the new A3 sedan,
larger move away from diesels, that
engine will likely be given a miss
for India. The India-
Asymmetric dash, high-set driver-side vents and multiple screens lend A3 cabin a youthful look.
W H AT THE NE W A3 W ILL BE UP AG A INST
BMW 2 s eri es
G ra n Cou p e
Its relatively small size and front-
wheel-drive layout differentiate it from
other BMW sedans, while the sloping
roof and pillarless windows should give
it distinction among its German rivals.
It’s new-age BMW inside so there’s
much to like and space is reasonable
too. India will get the 2 Series Gran
Coupe with the option of 2.0-litre petrol
and diesel engines.

There’s nothing
spec A3 will get a 150hp, 1.5-litre
turbo-petrol engine that drives the
front wheels. Efficiency-enhancing
cylinder deactivation tech is
entry-level about included and versions with the
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
also feature 48V mild-hybrid tech;
the system assists the engine under
hard acceleration and can also
inside or out. allow coasting with the engine off

in certain scenarios. Hotter S3 and
RS3 versions with Quattro all-wheel
drive are also on the cards.
With Audi India having sold
out all stock of the outgoing
model, there’s presently no
A3 on sale in India at the
moment. Sadly, the wait
for this all-new model
will be a long one. Audi
has its hands full with
multiple launches over
the year, including
refreshed versions of
the A4, Q5 and Q7, and
the new Q3, meaning
the A3 sedan will only
M er ced es- Benz
A- cl ass L i m ousine
The second-gen CLA will be given a
miss for India and instead we’ll get
the slightly more practical but equally
striking new A-class Limousine. There’s
the promise of more space than the
old CLA and like the latest of Mercs, a
high-tech interior will be a big draw.
Aside from the standard petrol and
diesel versions, there’ll also be the
306hp, A35 AMG.
go on sale in India by late 2021.
Expect the Audi A3 sedan to be
priced in the region of Rs 35 lakh,
in line with the Mercedes-Benz
A-class Limousine and BMW’s 2
series Gran Coupe, which are both
waiting in the wings.
The compact luxury sedan
segment has been quiet for a long
time. Now things are set to get a
whole lot more interesting.
Nikhil bhatia
Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI
Price Rs 35 lakh*
L/W/H 4495/1816/1425mm
Wheelbase 2636mm
Kerb weight 1320kg
Engine 4 cyl, 1498cc,
turbo-petrol
Power 150hp at 5000-
*estimated, ex-showroom
6000rpm
Torque 250Nm at 1500-
3500rpm
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 29
 XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXo XXX

Little
Deuce Coupe
 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe drive

The front-wheel-drive 2 Series Gran

Coupe is expected to pop up at a BMW
showroom near you, sometime around
Diwali. Shapur Kotwal tells you what it’s
like to sit in and what it feels like to drive.
 he 2 Series Gran
T
Coupe is BMW’s most
affordable ‘sedan’.
A four-door, pillarless
coupé measuring
4,526mm in length and with a
Rs 32 lakh estimated starting price,
the 2 Series will sit comfortably
below the 3 Series. It’s not just
BMW’s most affordable sedan, it’s
also one that’s fundamentally
different. Where all BMW sedans
use a longitudinally mounted
engine and rear-wheel drive (or
four-wheel drive), this one uses a
transversely mounted engine
and front-wheel drive. This
architecture is more affordable,
space efficient and practical, but
isn’t as fundamentally nice when it
comes to driving dynamics.
HIG H STANDARDS
Get into the cabin, however, and
32 AUTOCARINDIA.COM january
february2020
2020
you soon realise, this is no bottom
feeder – it feels just as nicely put
together as a whole raft of BMWs.
The cabin is slightly narrower and
a bit tighter than the 3, but the
driving position is spot on and seat
comfort is exceptional. The largish
front seats offer generous side
support, the cushioning on the thick
seats is just right, and the best bit
is that once you are nestled in the
seat, it just holds you in place.
What betters the experience is
that everything you touch is of
very high quality. The top grain
leather-wrapped steering, with its
aluminium frame and thick rim,
feels delicious to hold, and the
sintered aluminium paddles behind
the wheel feel beautiful to use.
BMW’s digital instrument panel
at the front is also tack-sharp, the
iDrive touchscreen is bright and
slick to use, and since the air-con

The ride is very comfy, with the Gran Coupe
gliding over most rough patches.

vents and buttons that surround it
are shared with the new 3 Series,
quality levels are very good. So it
looks like a BMW from the inside
and even feels and functions like
one, but the question is, does it
drive like one?
TURBINE POWER
The 190hp diesel engine, the same
unit under the bonnet of the 320d,
has a fair amount of grunt; and
remember, this car is lighter. The
engine is more refined at low and
medium speeds to begin with,
low-speed grumble is a lot more
subdued, and what’s nice is that
the midrange feels muscular when
you flex your right foot; it has a
strong 400Nm of torque after all.
There’s less of a spike in the power
delivery due to the Euro 6 tuning,
and combustion is smoother, but
since this diesel is still happy to
rev, pulling it past 4,500rpm is very
productive. It’s quick too – 0-100
comes up in a claimed 7.5sec, and
go past that figure and there’s no
let-up in performance either. So
there’s plenty of performance on
tap. BMW has even specified it with
an improved version of its 8-speed
gearbox that’s smooth and quick.
So yes, if it’s a diesel you want, this
engine is unlikely to disappoint.
Smooth sailing
Even the ride is impressive. Now
you’d think that because this car is
compact and BMW wants to make
it fun to drive, the suspension will
be stiff and the ride hard. This,
however, isn’t the case. The ride
quality is actually very pliant. The
suspension is extremely silent
(even over poorly paved roads), the
springs absorb road shocks without
tossing you around, and then the
 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe drive

Cabin feels just as well built

and well equipped as any BMW.

damping is superb; there’s no real
discernible secondary movement as
the suspension settles very quickly
after every hit.
It’s no 3 Series when you get to
corners though. But then how can
it be? No front-wheel-drive car can
ultimately drive like a rear-wheel
drive, and, in that way, the 2 Series
Gran Coupe is fundamentally
different. Still, as long as you don’t
drive it like you are on a rally
stage, the 2 Series manages a fair
imitation. There’s a good amount
of heft and feel at low and medium
speeds from the steering without it
feeling heavy. The 2 Series feels nice
and stable, and then when the roads
open out and hug the craggy coast
on the outskirts of Lisbon, it feels
nice and connected. There’s no
early onset of understeer – a
limiting factor on all front-wheel-
drive cars – and BMW must be
commended for that. So this may
ultimately turn out to be the best
driving car in its class.
Drive harder, however, and you
soon miss that rear-wheel-
drive fluidity and balance. Go
hard on the brakes before a
corner and it seems to affect
turn-in, with the 2 Series taking
its own sweet time to do your
bidding; you need to wait a bit
and that numbs the experience.
And then as you begin to add p
ower on the way out of the corner,
there’s a bit of a shuffle too, as
the torque from the diesel
overwhelms the front wheels.
So if it’s not the ultimate driving
experience you’re after, the 2 Series
Gran Coupe works well.
back on track
It even works well if you are sat
in the rear, especially considering
the cars it is up against. The rear
doors are small, and you certainly
can’t just ‘walk’ right in, but once
you settle down, space and comfort
are pretty decent. It isn’t as wide
as a 3 Series, but rear legroom is
sufficient, and headroom is good
enough for even for six-footers. ◊

A bit tight on space but seat comfort is good. ‘Pocket’ holds phone, charges wirelessly too. Vents, quick charging points for rear passengers.

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 33

430L boot will have space-saver spare in India.
∆ You will make contact with the
roof if you are any taller, but what’s
nice is that the backrest recline is
comfy, and the rear seat is placed
slightly higher than the front seats,
so visibility out is good. Thigh
support isn’t great, however, and
despite the car being wider than the
A-class limo on the inside, you can’t
sit three abreast in comfort.
BMW has even provided plenty
of kit. There’s wireless charging
on the centre console, with a clever
ledge to hold your phone in place.
There are strips of funky trim that
light up in bright colours, and the
2 Series Gran Coupe comes with
a raft of safety equipment similar
to that on a 3 Series. It even gets
gesture control with some new
gestures that work nicely once you
get used to them.
BMW IDENTITY
The 2 Series Gran Coupe even looks
like a ‘pukka’ BMW on the outside.
No outsized grille at the front this
time around (this car isn’t sold
in China), but you do get BMW’s
latest interpretation of the kidney
grille. It’s a bit more ‘stand-up’,
looks a bit more aggressive, and
Pillar-less doors add a sporty look to the car. BMW stand-up grille in chrome looks attractive.
what you also get are raked-back
headlight units with neat double-
barrel LED detailing. Lower down
is an aggressive multi-layered
chin similar to that seen on other
recent BMWs like the 8 Series.
Walk around to the side and you
are greeted by an interesting
and flowing roofline that ends
in a fastback-like rear. Similar
in profile to some of BMW’s GT
cars – like the 5 Series GT and the
discontinued 3 Series GT – but
not as proportionate or clean-
looking, the 2 Series also gets a
strong shoulder line, a chunky rear,
and a variation of the carmaker’s
‘L’-shaped LED tail-lights. Must
say I like the way the BMW logo is
placed on the boot. There’s no real
Hofmeister kink at the base of the
C-pillar, but then this isn’t a rear-
wheel-drive BMW, and that could
explain its absence. While some
of the cars ride on large 19-inch
wheels, in India, the 2 Series is
likely to get smaller (and more
practical) 17-inch wheels.
But just how big is it? Measuring
4,526mm in length, it is 23mm
(2.3cm) shorter than the upcoming
It’s nowhere as nice as a
3 Series to drive, but is
pretty good in isolation.

Mercedes A-class Limousine. The
Merc is also built on a slightly
longer wheelbase (2,729mm
versus the BMW’s 2,670mm).
It’s the BMW, however, that is
wider at 1,800mm, with a rear
interior width of 143cm, and a
larger 430-litre boot.
The 2 Series Gran Coupe is
expected to come to India with
two engine options. The 220d
driven here will be one of them,
but then we’ll also get the 220i
with a 192hp, 2.0-litre petrol
engine. Interestingly, BMW feels
its three-cylinder 218i with 140hp
isn’t suitable for India. The BMW 2
Series Gran Coupe’s prices in India
are likely to start around Rs 32 lakh,
going up to Rs 38 lakh for the top-
of-the-line variants.
WHAT TO EXPECT
BMW’s 2 Series Gran Coupe
works well on many levels. If
you’ve always wanted a BMW
sedan but couldn’t stretch your
budget as far up as the 3 Series,
the 2 Series is sure to have
tremendous appeal. The high-

With 190hp, performance is strong, and the
diesel engine is smooth too.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe drive
quality cabin delivers a genuine
BMW experience, the performance
of the diesel engine is strong, the
ride is extremely comfortable and
it is pleasant to drive too. Even the
zingy petrol with 192hp should be
bags of fun. Yes, the cabin is a bit
cramped like the rest of the cars in
this class and not everybody will fall
for its looks, but if you are looking
for a more accessible and affordable
BMW sedan that does most things
right, the 2 Series Gran Coupe could
just be it. Just don’t expect it to drive
like a 3 Series. AI
BMW 2 SERIES 220d
Price Rs 32-38 lakh (estimated)
L/W/H 4526/1800/1420mm
Wheelbase 2670mm
Engine 4 cyl, 1995cc,
twin-turbo diesel
Power 190hp at 4000rpm
Torque 400Nm at 1750-2500rpm
Gearbox 8-speed automatic
0-100kph 7.5sec
Top speed 235kph
Kerb weight 1580kg
 Porsche
SpiceRange-topping version of iconic
sportscar gets a host of key technical
upgrades, including a new engine
that makes it the quickest 911 yet.
Greg Kable brings us this report.

36 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020


mong Porsche
A
enthusiasts – well,
any car enthusiasts,
really – the
combination of the
number 911 and the word Turbo
has long enjoyed a cult status.
Back in 1974, Porsche redefined
road-car performance with
the original 911 Turbo, fitting
a turbocharged engine and an
oversized rear wing to its signature
model to create the legend that
exists today. Ever since, the
company has striven to refine
the fundamental formula, even if
there has been the odd change in
philosophy along the way.
Almost half-a-century later, we
now have the seventh-generation
911 Turbo: the 992. It replaces the
991-series 911 Turbo facelift that was
launched in 2016 and comes at a time
when Porsche, with a record number
of new petrol-engined and electric
models in the pipeline, appears to be
very much at the top of its game.
In its headlining S guise, the new
Turbo looks familiarly purposeful
and muscular in the metal. Its lines
clearly draw from the model it
replaces; albeit with new detailing,
most notably to the round LED
headlights and new, full-width tail-
light assembly.
Porsche 911 Turbo S drive
And yes, it’s wider than ever before
– 48mm wider than the base 911
Carrera, to be precise. Although the
992 is based on the same platform
as its predecessor (with a 2,450mm
wheelbase) its aluminium body has
been widened to further accentuate
the Coke-bottle form built-up over
more recent generations.
The increase is necessitated by
the adoption of a 42mm-wider front
track and 10mm-wider rear track,
together with, for the first time, the
combination of standard 20x9-inch
front and 21x11.5-inch rear wheels.
All up, the car is 28mm longer and
20mm wider than the old Turbo S, at
a respective 4,535mm and 1,900mm.
Despite a number of weight-saving
measures –including new optional
composite glass that’s claimed to
weigh some 4kg less than the glass
used before – it has also gained 40kg,
giving it a kerb weight of 1,640kg.
That’s mainly due to the introduction
of a more advanced dual-clutch
automatic gearbox and other key
developments (which include new
brakes) and the larger wheels needed
to accommodate them.
The aerodynamic functions
have been reworked too. Together
with the active front spoiler ducts
brought over from its predecessor
in a revised form, the Turbo S ◊
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 37

Driving position is excellent and
there’s luxurous quality all around.
∆ gets a reworked rear spoiler
offering Speed and Performance
settings; the latter contributes
to a 15 percent improvement in
downforce. There’s also a new air-
brake function to increase drag at
high braking speeds.
As before, buyers can choose
a coupé or cabriolet body style,
the former of which we will
concentrate on here.
The 992 abandons the 3.8-litre
flat-six engine that has been a
mainstay of the Turbo since the 996
facelift was launched in 2009, for
an all-new powerplant that, despite
giving away 14 percent in overall
capacity, offers greater power and
torque than before.
There are no official engine
output figures for the standard
Turbo just yet. But in the Turbo
S, power has increased by 69hp to
650hp at 6,750rpm, endowing the
coupé with a 20hp boost at 236hp
per litre and a power-to-weight
ratio of 396hp per tonne. Torque
also climbs by 50Nm, to 800Nm
between 2,500 and 4,000rpm. For
perspective, that’s 51hp less but
50Nm more than the most extreme
road-going 911 to date, the GT2 RS.
These added reserves, not
least the increase in torque, have
brought about an upgraded 8-speed
gearbox as well as a new front-axle
transmission for the multi-plate-
amenable the car is.
clutch, four-wheel-drive system.
The cabin represents a big
improvement over the old model,
with a new steering wheel hosting
paddleshifters and a driving mode
controller, a high-definition digital
instrument display, a 10.9-inch
infotainment touchscreen and a
neatly organised centre console. It’s
all of a suitably high quality.
Yet, despite its increase in exterior
dimensions, the 911 is still a strict
2+2, with 128 litres of luggage
capacity in its nose. When the rear
backrests are folded down, a further
264 litres of stowage is available
behind the front seats.
There’s a lovely familiar meshing
of mechanical clatter as the ignition
fires. This engine may be new, but
it continues to make all the right
Turbo has been widened once again; active wing adds yet more downforce.
Porsche 911 TurboglsS drive
mercedes-benz

The remarkable
thing is just how
 line of surging acceleration, aided
noises. At idle, the pulsating action
of the horizontally opposed six
cylinders hung out back drowns out
the sound of the exhaust. However,
that changes the moment you draw
the stubby gear selector backwards
and set off down the road.
The new Turbo S is typically
well-mannered around town in
Comfort mode. It’s not exactly quiet,
but neither is it ever particularly
raucous. There’s greater intent to
the gravel-toned exhaust note than
before, thanks to the availability of
an optional sports exhaust – as fitted
to our test car – for the first time.
However, it’s still relatively subdued.
Until you call up Sport mode and
plant it, that is, at which point it
unleashes a gloriously deep blare
that’s less guttural but every bit as
captivating as those of Porsche’s
naturally aspirated powerplants.
The remarkable thing – and this
has been a key strength of the top-
of-the-line 911 for years now – is just
how amenable the car is. Threading
through traffic and heading beyond
the suburbs onto smooth-surfaced
country roads, it really is as easy to
drive as your average hot hatchback.
Only it’s in a completely different
dimension, as far as performance
is concerned. The acceleration in
lower gears is mind-numbing in its
intensity. Porsche claims 0-100kph
in 2.7sec, a 0.2sec improvement
over the old Turbo S, making this
the fastest-accelerating series-
production 911 yet. Yes, that means
that it’s quicker here than the GT1,
GT2 RS and GT3 RS.
The savage low-to-mid-range
thrust and the ability of the four-
wheel-drive system to place it to the
road with outstanding efficiency,
both make for explosive forward
momentum. There’s so much torque
available that you can call up higher
gears and surf the resulting potency
well into significant three-figure
speeds in one wonderful unbroken
all the while by the stunning
straightline stability brought on by
170kg of downforce at the claimed
330kph top speed.
There’s no noticeable turbo lag
anywhere, just one exceptional
stream of urge from not much more
than 1,000rpm, all the way to the
7,200rpm ignition cut-out on a
loaded throttle.
The smoothness of the delivery
and rapid action of the kickdown
from the gearbox mask the improved
response of the new engine, but
it is there. This latest version of
Porsche’s traditional six-cylinder
unit isn’t rabid in the character
of a flat-plane-crank engine, but
there’s still added resolve to the
way it goes about its business.
That’s especially true at the upper
end of its rev range, where it feels
stronger and more determined than
its predecessor.
There’s more to the dynamic
appeal of the Turbo S than just
its straightline speed though,
and that all starts with the
steering. There’s a lovely slickness
and immediacy to the speed-
sensitive, electromechanical
four-wheel system.
The weighting remains consistent
over a wide speed range, creating
the sort of engagement that no
recent Turbo S has managed to
offer. In a bid to improve agility,
Porsche has revised steering action
on the rear wheels, increasing the
ratio by 6 percent for even sharper ◊
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 39
Turbo S is furiously quick at full
chat and sounds suitably menacing.
∆ and more decisive turn-in traits
than before.
For the first time, Turbo S
buyers can specify optional sports
suspension with a 10mm-lower
ride height and retuned active roll-
compensation system among other
detailed changes over the standard
underpinnings. This is allied as
standard to the Porsche Active
Suspension Management system,
which brings adaptive damping
Latest 911’s interior deftly mixes retro cues with the latest technology.
40 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020
into the mix.
Also on the optional equipment
list is a lift function, which provides
an additional 40mm increase in
ground clearance on the front axle.
The sports suspension breathes
nicely over longer-wave undulations
and remains superbly controlled
over higher-frequency bumps
without the characteristic nose
bob that affected previous
generations, keeping the Turbo S
well-planted on all but the most
badly pitted surfaces. This is thanks
in part to the adoption of new helper
springs that provide a preloading
effect to the main springs for more
controlled rebound.
If there’s a weakness, it’s the
incessant road roar on anything but
super-smooth surfaces, especially
from the rear end. Still, the tuning
really is sweetly struck, bestowing
the new model with adequately
absorbent long-distance properties
in Comfort mode and a firm but
controlled ride in both Sport and
Sport Plus modes.
All this makes the new Turbo
S – a car that makes well over
twice the power of the original –
eminently approachable. Yes, it’s
absurdly fast, but the calmness of
its ride, and its otherwise superb
resistance to pitch and dive under
acceleration and braking is all the
elixir you need to take full advantage
of its exceptional grip, which now
comes via a combination of standard
255/35-profile tyres at the front and
315/30-profile tyres at the rear.
The combination of this new
rubber and the latest incarnation of
Porsche’s four-wheel-drive system –
which uses a lighter and more rigid
driveshaft and a single universal
joint to the front wheels – delivers
huge traction and purchase.
Tip the car into a fast corner and
it displays exceptional body control,
while remaining unflinching in its
determination to hold your chosen
line. The changes to the four-
wheel-drive system now allow up
to 500Nm of torque to be
apportioned to the front wheels.
The torque-vectoring effect at the
rear has also improved.

Given the 911’s distinctive rear-
biased weight distribution, it feels
deliciously well-planted and neutral
from entry to apex and beyond.
There’s a trace of steady
understeer when you’re really
on it, as you would hope for and
expect from something capable of
generating such high cornering
speeds. However, unshackling
the stability control system brings
a degree of adjustability that
Front seats are very comfortable but the rear is still best left for luggage.
It feels deliciously
well-planted from entry
to apex and beyond.
enthusiast drivers may seek in
tighter bends. The limits of adhesion
are so high, though, that you would
need to be on a race circuit to really
explore the car’s true ability.
This also applies to the brakes,
which now feature carbon-ceramic
discs of 420x40mm at the front
and 390x32mm at the rear in
combination with huge 10-pot
front calipers and four-pot rear
calipers. They’re incredibly effective,
Porsche 911 Turbo S drive


Torque-vectoring four-wheel drive
system makes for splendid handling.
providing reassuring bite in the
initial degrees of travel and strong
but progressive qualities as you
add further pressure to the
pedal thereafter.
The strength of the new Turbo S
lies in the breadth of its repertoire: it
eases and thrills in equal measure. It
doesn’t quite deliver the same whip-
crack reactions and at-the-wheel
sensitivity of some competition-
bred 911s, but what it lacks in sheer
upgrades small
but significant
The new twin-turbocharged
horizontally opposed six-cylinder
engine of the 911 Turbo is based
on the 2,981cc unit used by the
latest 911 Carrera. It has an 11mm
increase in bore, at 102mm, giving
it a swept volume of 3,745cc –
some 55cc less than the engine
it has replaced. Developments
include larger, variable-geometry
turbochargers operating at up to
1.4bar of pressure. The diameter
of the turbine wheels is increased
by 5mm to 55mm, while the
61mm compressor wheel is 3mm
larger than before. Also new are
electronically controlled wastegate
flaps; a charge air-cooling system
with new routing from the side air
intakes and rear spoiler; revised
piezo injectors; and a petrol
particulate filter. With its increases
in power and torque, the new engine
is mated to a new 8-speed dual-
clutch automatic gearbox that has a
shorter first gear, a longer top
gear and a longer final drive than
the old 7-speed unit. In keeping with
other new 911 variants, there’s
also now a Wet driving mode for the
range-topper.
tactility is more than made up for in
its speed and ability to swallow big
distances at legal limits in relative
comfort without ever needing to
work hard at all. It’s arguably the
world’s most complete and versatile
all-season supercar. Buyers in India
can expect a launch soon, though for
now it will most likely be seen here
in coupé form only. AI
Porsche 911 Turbo S
Price Rs 3.10 crore*
L/W/H 4535mm/1900mm/1303mm
Wheelbase 2450mm
Drag
coefficient (Cd) 0.33
Engine 6 cyl, 3745cc, twin-
ARTICLE REPRINTED FROM Autocar UK
turbocharged, petrol
Power 650hp at 6750rpm
Torque 800Nm at 2500-4000rpm
Gearbox 8-speed dual-clutch
*est, ex-showroom
automatic
Kerb weight 1640kg
0-100kph 2.7sec
Top speed 300kph
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 41
 Hyundai Creta:
Inspired by
the Panchtatva
We are all made up of the elements – and we
exist because of them. This knowledge has come
down to us from time immemorial. Ancient Indian
scriptures, including the vedas, have spoken about
how life is created and preserved by the panchtatva.
The word ‘panchtatva’ comes from Sanskrit, with
‘panch’ denoting the number and ‘tatva’ the elements.
These five elements are earth, water, fire, air, and
sky, and taken together they make up the warp and
weft of the cosmos. Each of these elements are
connected to each other, and yet possess
their own embryonic energy. The All New Hyundai
Creta has been inspired by these five elements
and, to its competitors, is akin to a sixth element
The second generation of
Hyundai’s champion SUV is
inspired by the ancient concept
of the panchtatva – about the
five elements that make up the
cosmos. Here’s how it all comes
together in the new Creta, the
Ultimate SUV.
Photography Ardeshir Ashley Baxter
and gaurav s thombre
– a car so well packaged, it changes the paradigm.
Like the first-generation Creta, Hyundai’s new SUV
has proved to be enormously popular. Its popularity,
of course, is not surprising, considering that it is
perfectly equipped to take the legacy of the original
Creta forward. If the first-generation Creta set the
benchmark for an SUV, the All New Creta takes it a
step further. Now let’s take a look at how the science
of engineering behind Hyundai’s champion SUV pays
tribute to this ancient knowledge about the five
elements; and how Hyundai’s engineers have forged
the attributes of these five fundamental elements to
create the Ultimate SUV with a veritable Super Metal,
or the sixth element.
Branded Content
 Branded Content
Fire: The source
of all energy
Fire represents energy in all its forms. It is
the sun, it is light. Fire also denotes purity and
sustenance. Fire is also a powerful force — just
as the range of engines that can be found
under the hood of the All New Hyundai Creta.
Customers can choose between five powertrain
options, including a 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally
aspirated petrol, a 115hp, 1.5-litre turbo-diesel
and the 140hp, 1.4-litre direct-injection turbo-
petrol. The former two are available with both
manual and automatic options, and the turbo-
petrol comes with a 7-speed DCT automatic
gearbox. All of the New Creta’s engines have
come in for much praise. The 1.5-litre diesel
unit delivers solidity; the naturally aspirated
petrol is an all-rounder in many ways, offering
both mileage and performance, and the truly
enthusiastic will love the turbo-petrol, which is
a remarkably good performer. And it is only apt
that it has been mated to the quick-shifting DCT
automatic gearbox. Not only does this engine
shine at low speeds, but it also gets it bang on
at high speeds and high revs. Especially fun are
the paddleshifters – a first in class – that deliver
total control over the powertrain and enable
the driver to exploit the tremendous potential
of the engine. Fire also gives light, and Hyundai’s
engineers have paid tribute to it through the All
New Creta’s LED headlamps with LED DRLs, a
digital instrument cluster with drive modes, and
ambient lighting, among many others.
The All New Creta’s 140hp, 1.4-litre, direct-injection
turbo-petrol motor is a strong performer.
 Fire:

Air: The force

that sustains life
Without air, nothing would be possible. Air These three features, of course, complement
represents freedom as well as life. Three of the raft of creature comforts the All New Creta
the All New Creta’s several class-leading features is packed with. It starts with auto headlamps,
are connected to air. In a country which is largely wireless phone charging, an auto-dimming
warm for most part of the year, the ventilated rear view mirror, a powered driver’s seat, a tyre
seats add another dimension to comfort. The pressure monitor, an electronic parking brake, a
automatic air purifier too, is a feature that will powerful and a sophisticated Bose audio system.
be much appreciated by customers; in our cities
especially. The air purifier, a feature rarely seen in
cars in India, can be operated via touch controls,
and customers can even toggle between
models and check the filter. And the automatic
climate control in the new Creta ensures proper
circulation, air flow and air distribution inside
the cabin.
Game of Thrones: The new Creta’s front seats Need of the hour: The new Creta’s
are equipped with a ventilation system Auto Healthy Air Purifier.
Branded Content

The All New Hyundai Creta is among the few SUVs

at its pricepoint to offer a panoramic sunroof.

Sky: Above and beyond

everything else
Space is supposed to be the very first Status Information, Auto Healthy Air Purifier (In- The All New Creta is equipped with Advance Blue
element in creation, and the blue dome under car air quality information), and Vehicle Alerts Link featuring the new In-Car Voice Command
technology. With a smartphone and smartwatch,
which everything rests. The sight of blue (Geo-Fence, Speed, Time Fence, Valet, Vehicle customers can take advantage of features such
over us uplifts our spirits, and it is a special Status and Stolen Vehicle) and owners can as Remote Engine Start/Stop, Remote Air Purifier,
experience to be able to gaze at it when we are receive notifications via smartwatch. and Stolen Vehicle Tracking, among others.
travelling. That is where Hyundai’s enormous
panoramic sunroof comes in. It is a feature that
is not too common in cars. Quite naturally, we
reckon there will be several Creta fans out there
who just won’t get enough of the panoramic
sunroof – a feature that lets them behold
the great blue dome over all of us. ‘Blue’ also
reminds one of Hyundai’s BlueLink connected
car tech that comes with its own Smartwatch
app. Several functions such as, for example,
‘Sunroof Open/Close’ can be activated by
simply saying ‘Hello Blue Link’. The Smart Watch
Integrated Blue Link will also provide seamless
access to other connected services such as
Engine Start/Stop, Door Lock/Unlock, Vehicle

On the move, like flowing
water, the All New Creta is a
study in smoothness.
The many
forms of water
Flowing or still, water is as integral to
existence as air. We are mostly made up of
water, and it is around us in the form of the
oceans, rivers, lakes and rain. It is life-giving,
too.There is a lot that can be learnt from the
Branded Content
smooth flow of water: from streams, creeks
and rivers. Hyundai’s engineers have done
that, and you can experience the results once
you drive the All New Creta. Right from the
moment you step into the cabin to the time
you exit it, everything around you is designed
to ensure smooth going. The new Creta’s cabin
has a classy black-and-beige interior theme,
the compact steering wheel is equipped with
controls for audio, telephony and cruise control.
Features like a full-digital, 7.0-inch full-colour
display in the instrument cluster and remote
engine start take the game away from the
rest of the SUV pack, delivering a stress-free
experience inside the cabin. On the move, too,
the All New Creta is a study in smoothness. It
feels very well put-together and is immensely
stable at high speeds. The suspension absorbs
everything our roads can throw at it and the
handling of the car inspires great confidence.
Branded Content

Solid to its very

core, like earth
74.3 percent of the All New Hyundai
Creta’s bodyshell is made of
advanced high-strength steel.
The All New Hyundai Creta is a
robust car that makes one feel safe,
irrespective of the terrain one is
tackling. While it is equipped with
a host of passive and active safety
features, the SUV is also solid at its
very core. 74.3 percent of the All New
Hyundai Creta’s body shell is made
of advanced high-strength steel and,
as importantly, it weighs just 297kg.
The bodyshell is put together by
over 650 industrial robots at Hyundai
India’s plant near Chennai. What
that means is stability and strength,
which, alloyed with nimbleness,
make the SUV in a league of one.
 Branded Content
Hyundai has once again changed the
SUV paradigm with the All New Creta. Its
engineers have forged the attributes of
the five fundamental elements to create
the Ultimate SUV with a veritable Super
Metal or sixth element.
 comparison test no 902
Range Rovers
In this first-of-its-kind comparison, Saumil Shah tests two premium all-electric
cars to find out how practical and usable they are in the real world.
Photography omkar dhas

50 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020

 comparison TEST
model tested
M G ZS E V H y u n d a i Ko n a E l e c t r i c
Price Rs 20.88-23.58 lakh Price Rs 23.72-23.94 lakh
(ex-showroom, Delhi) (ex-showroom, Delhi)
On sale Now On sale Now
0-100kph 8.53sec 0-100kph 9.09sec
Top speed 152kph Top speed 158kph
Range (overall) 317km Range (overall) 250km
FOR FOR
Range Sporty character
Spacious cabin Well equipped
AGAINST AGAINST
Misses several features Cramped cabin
Interiors don’t feel premium enough

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 51

 MG ZS EV
Interiors feel quite premium and have a German design influence. Several soft-touch surfaces all around.
Analogue dials look dated for an EV.
H y u ndai Kona E l e c tri c
Simple dashboard but free-standing touchscreen stands out. All-black cabin and shiny plastics lower feel-good quotient.
Digital instrument cluster looks modern.
52 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020
Rotary drive selector easy to use.
Useful wireless charging pad.
AC vents well-built and have solid feel.
Paddles adjust intensity of regen.
rom once being mere
F
‘green’ statements,
electric vehicles (EVs)
today have evolved into
everyday cars that can
be as practical as their internal
combustion engine (ICE)
counterparts, if driven within a
limited range.
Hyundai was the first to enter the
electric space in India with its
premium offering in the shape of the
Kona Electric priced at Rs 23.72 lakh
(ex-showroom, India). We have
extensively tested this car and opine
that it’s an impressive EV that’s set the
bar for future entrants. To rival the
Konal Electric, MG has launched the
all-new ZS EV. After tasting success in
India with the Hector, MG has
incorporated some of its learnings of
the Indian consumer into the ZS EV as
well. It carries a battery pack that’s
larger than the Kona’s; its prices
range between Rs 20.88 and 23.58
lakh (ex-showroom, India), so it caters
to a wider set of buyers; and with
connected car tech and a panoramic

MG’s cabin has
more space,
but the Kona has
better seats.

sunroof, it is in tune with present-day
buyer demands. And just like the
Hyundai, the ZS EV also comes with
an eight-year warranty on the battery
pack and motor to boost buyer
confidence. So it all seems very
promising, but is it better than the
Kona? We put these two all-electric
cars to the test to answer this question
as well as address some common
concerns relating to travel range, daily
usability, as well as crucial bits like
charging times and running costs.
D esign
To start with, both the EVs are based
on heavily modified platforms of their
respective ICE versions that are
currently on sale in international
markets. What’s reassuring is that the
MG ZS EV secured a 5-star Euro
NCAP safety rating; and even though
the Kona Electric hasn’t been crash-
tested yet, its ICE version did secure a
5-star rating in the test.
There’s a lot to like about the
ZS EV’s no-nonsense design. Its
flat bonnet, upright stature and ◊
comparison TEST

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 53

 MG ZS EV
Charging slot neatly concealed by chrome-studded grille.
Gets in-built music app among other connectivity features.
H y u ndai Kona E l e c tri c
Screen is small but it’s user-friendly with shortcut buttons.
LED lights indicate when the car is plugged in and charging.
54 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020
‘Electric’ fender badge looks a bit low-rent.
Toggle switches for driving modes and regen intensity.
Well-contoured, supportive seats with lumbar adjustment.
Smaller 332L boot, but gets flexibility of 60:40 split seats.
∆ conventional ‘SUV’ styling cues are
likely to garner wider acceptance,
especially among ‘SUV’ lovers. For
starters, the chrome-studded front
grille housing the large ‘MG’ logo
looks bold and distinctive. What’s
unique is that it cleverly conceals the
charging socket that can be accessed
by pressing the logo and raising the
‘flap’. While this concept is neat, the
touch and feel of the flap is quite
plasticky. The turbine-inspired
17-inch alloys look rather stylish but
the ‘Electric’ badge on the fenders and
the ‘Internet Inside’ badge could have
been more tastefully executed.
The Kona, on the other hand,
stands out in a crowd thanks to its
unconventional front grille, and some
distinctive elements like the split
headlamps and the striking alloy
wheels that nicely fill the wheel
arches. The thick plastic body
cladding all around conveys its SUV
pretensions, but it’s still more
crossover than an imposing SUV. It is
smaller than the MG in nearly every
way and only boasts a longer
wheelbase. Also while both these cars
weigh a little over one-and-a-half
tonne due to their heavy battery packs,
the Kona is heavier by 17kg.
INTERIORS & EQUIPMENT
Getting into the MG’s cabin is rather
easy, given its upright stance and high
seating. There’s an uncanny German
design influence on the inside, with
several parts resembling those on
Volkswagen vehicles, and the quality
of materials and tactility of switches
feel very premium. All the touchpoints
are padded and these lift the cabin’s
appeal, as does the panoramic sunroof
that floods the interiors with light. The
driver’s seat has electric adjustment,
but the front seats lack lumbar
adjustment, and due to the short seat
base, thigh support is inadequate.
While there isn’t any reach-
adjustment for the steering, getting
into an ideal driving position is fairly
easy, and most drivers will appreciate
the fact that visibility all around is very
good and the bonnet lies in their field
of vision. The ZS’ backseat is the more
spacious of the two and the
cushioning is softer, but it isn’t too
comfy as the passengers are seated in
a knees-up position (due to the battery
placed beneath the floor), and thigh
support is also lacking.
Coming to the Hyundai Kona, its
cabin feels rather underwhelming as
the all-black interiors and small glass
area affect the sense of space. Also, the
hard plastics and several bits shared
with other Hyundais don’t feel special
enough in this Rs 23.74 lakh car. The
free-standing touchscreen looks
rather dated, but the large shortcut
 comparison TEST

w h at you ge t for your mone y
MG ZS EV Hyundai Kona

The Kona’s seats are a lot more
Exclusive Electric Premium
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) Rs 23.58 lakh Rs 23.72 lakh comfy, with plenty of support.
Equipment checklist
ESP n n
buttons make it very convenient to use
 standard safety kit like hill-start assist,
Hill-start assist n n on the move. The best part about the six airbags, ESP and all-wheel disc
interiors are the front seats; they are brakes to name a few. Both get
All-wheel disc brakes n n
way comfier, and offer more equipment such as a tyre pressure
Sunroof Panoramic n adjustment and support than the monitor, auto headlamps, electric
MG’s. What’s more, the seat-cooling driver’s seat, sunroof, 17-inch alloys,
17-inch alloys n n
function really elevates the drive cruise control, touchscreen with
Auto climate control NA n experience. Visibility, however, is poor Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and
due to the small rear windscreen. Like driving modes. MG has packed in a
Cooled/heated seats NA n the MG, the Kona’s floor is also raised, panoramic sunroof as well as
Cruise control n n so passengers in the rear are seated in SIM-based connectivity features,
a knees-up position, and space, which have caught the fancy of buyers
SIM-based connectivity n NA especially knee- and foot-room, are lately. Those aside, the Kona gets even
pretty tight. The backseat is better more premium kit like LED
Tyre pressure monitor n n
shaped here and comfier, and it gets headlamps, wireless charging,
Wireless charging NA n an armrest as well as a third cooled/heated front seats,
(adjustable) neck restraint, both of paddleshifters, auto-dimming inside
Electric parking brake n n
which are missing in the ZS EV. mirror, automatic climate control and
Airbags 6 6 Both cars have ample storage areas a rear armrest, all of which are
in the front and rear. While it is the missing on the ZS EV.
LED headlights NA n
MG that leads when it comes to boot
Driving modes 3 4 space (359 litres vs the Kona’s 332
litres), the Hyundai offers the
performan c e
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay n n flexibility of 60:40 split rear seats to MG has deployed a larger 44.5kWh
n =Available, NA=Not Available accommodate more cargo. battery pack to power the ZS EV’s
For the money, these cars offer motor, which makes 143hp and ◊

Using a 3-pin portable charger, both EVs recharge their batteries at roughly 10 percent every two hours. Both support DC fast-charging too.

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 55

56 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020

∆ 353Nm of torque. The Kona uses a
smaller 39.2kWh battery to power its
motor which makes 136hp but a
whopping 395Nm of torque. The way
these perform in the city are quite
similar, and both are extremely
responsive to inputs – a mere flex of
your right foot is enough to zip past
traffic with very linear power delivery.
Even in Eco mode, both the cars have
enough pep to keep you entertained.
These cars have a regenerative
braking function wherein each time
you lift your foot off the accelerator,
the motor uses the kinetic energy
(deceleration forces) of the vehicle to
recharge the batteries. So, each time
you lift your foot, the car begins to
decelerate due to this function. Both
cars offer three levels of regeneration,
with level one being the least intrusive
and three being the most aggressive.
To adjust the regen levels in the ZS EV
you have to toggle a switch on the
centre console. The Kona gets paddles
behind the wheel to increase or

Instant torque makes both EVs
very zippy, even in Eco mode.
decrease the regen levels and that’s
nice because clicking the left paddle
 charging point could be a deciding
mimics downshifting as it increases
the regen levels and hence the
electrical braking, which is
particularly strong here. In max
regen mode, you don’t need the
brakes to slow the car down; the
strong electrical braking can bring it
to a stop. Driving both cars in max
regeneration isn’t particularly smooth
because every time you lift your leg off
the accelerator pedal, it feels like
you’ve dabbed the brakes.
Shift to Sport mode and the
difference in performance becomes a
lot more noticeable, with the MG’s
larger battery proving its mettle.
Flat-out, the MG out-accelerates the
Kona from 0-100kph, and even proves
to be quicker during roll-on
acceleration runs from 20-80kph
and 40-100kph. It is only beyond
120kph that the Kona begins to reel
the ZS EV in, and it goes on to reach a
higher top speed of 158kph – 6kph
more than the MG.
Being all-electric, there’s no sound
on start-up or on the move, but the
motor emits a faint whine at higher
speeds. While ambient and road
noises do filter through, the ZS EV’s
cabin is the better-insulated one here,
and this has been authenticated by
our sound level meter.
comparison TEST
R ange and c harging
Let’s get to the most crucial factor of good bits / bad Bits MG ZS EV
this comparison – range. For our
tests, we drove the cars back to back
in Eco mode, with the
air-conditioning and infotainment
system switched on.
Electric cars behave quite
differently compared to ICE cars, so
while in stop-go traffic ICE cars
consume more fuel, the regenerative Nice Flat-bottomed steering wrapped not so Nice Auto climate control
function in EVs recharges the in perforated leather feels high quality. among several other features missing.
batteries more often, thus
maximising their range. On the other
hand, while cruising, EVs consume
energy to maintain a constant speed,
hence they’d be less efficient on the
highway than in the city.
In a mixed driving cycle (city and
highway), the MG ZS’s range
equated to a respectable 317km, Nice Massive sunroof lifts cabin’s not so Nice Cushioning is soft but
while the Kona Electric delivered a premium appeal and makes it feel airy. seats aren’t supportive enough.
range of only 250km, on the same
cycle. That’s a huge difference and
the ZS EV’s ability to go an extra
67km without the need for a MG ZS EV Hyundai Kona Electric
PERFORMANCE
Acceleration
Kph
0-20
0-40
Sec Sec
1.18 1.21
2.39 2.44
0-60 3.79 4.00
0-80
0-100
5.82 6.16
8.53 9.09
factor for many prospective buyers.
0-120
20-80
40-100
braking DISTANCE
12.38 12.92
4.56 4.92
5.96 6.52
80-0kph 24.79m 26.97m
In our earlier test, the Kona achieved
a maximum figure of 309km but this Overall range
Tested 317km 250km
test was conducted in more
favourable conditions. NOISE LEVEL (dB )
While it doesn’t come as a Idle 27.2 28.5
surprise that the ZS EV travels At 50kph 64.2 65.9
farther on a single charge in the AT 80kph 67.8 68.9
real world, due to its larger battery Idle with AC at half 42 44.7
Idle with AC full 61.5 55.7
pack, the official Modified Indian
Driving Cycle (MIDC) test conducted
by ARAI, it was the Hyundai Kona
that achieved a staggering range good bits / bad Bits Hyundai Kona Electric
of 452km, while the MG managed
merely 340km in the same testing
cycle. True, the MIDC cycle, which
has a top-speed limit of only 50kph,
can skew results, but what it also
shows that in no way are the MIDC
figures representative of real-world
conditions and they should be taken
with a pinch of salt. Nice Ventilated front seats elevate not so Nice Rear seat comfort is
At the end of the day, what the drive experience. hampered due to limited space.
matters is that if your daily usage
is around 40-50km, you can drive
either car for five days in a week
on a single charge.
Hyundai and MG provide a
three-pin portable charger as well as
a 7kWh wall-box unit with the cars
(Hyundai’s is 7.2kWh). In our tests,
using a three-pin socket, both cars Nice Drive selector buttons are not so Nice Hard plastics and certain
recharged roughly 10 percent of their convenient and very easy to use. interior bits don’t feel premium.
battery every two hours, and while ◊
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 57
 DATA L O G

MG ZS EV technical layout

POWERTRAIN
Battery 44.5kWh
Motor Permanent Magnet
Synchronous
Power 143hp
Potdar Design
Width 1809mm
Rear interior width 1370mm
Ground clearance 161mm
Boot capacity 359 litres

m
Torque

m
353Nm

930
Power to weight 94.2hp/tonne

mm
Torque to weight 232.5Nm/tonne

94 0
TRANSMISSION 640mm (max)

1644mm
Type Single-speed reduction 620mm (max)
gearbox 890mm (min)
850mm(min)
CHASSIS & BODY
Construction Monocoque
Weight 1518kg
Tyres 215/50 R17
SUSPENSION
Front Independent, McPherson
strut, coil springs
Rear Non-independent, torsion
beam, coil springs
2585mm
STEERING
Turning circle 11.2m 4314mm

Kona Electric technical layout

POWERTRAIN
Battery 39.2kWh
Motor Permanent Magnet
Synchronous
Power 136hp
Potdar Design
Width 1800mm
Rear interior width 1350mm
Ground clearance 172mm
Boot capacity 332 litres

mm
Torque 395Nm
Power to weight 88.5hp/tonne

94 0
mm

Torque to weight 257.3Nm/tonne

95 0

TRANSMISSION 570mm (max)

1570mm
Type Single-speed reduction 610mm (max) 810mm (min)
gearbox 820mm(min)
CHASSIS & BODY
Construction Monocoque
Weight 1535kg
Tyres 215/55 R17
SUSPENSION
Front Independent, McPherson
strut, coil springs
Rear Independent, multi-link, coil
springs
2600mm
STEERING
Turning circle 10.6m 4180mm

∆ the Kona took 19 hours to reach a
full charge, the ZS EV did the same in
around 20 hours. Using the wall-
box charger, however, does the
job faster – Hyundai claims the
Kona’s batteries will fully charge
from zero in around six hours, while
the MG should take about eight
hours. Both these cars support DC
fast-charging too, but this form of
charging infrastructure is still scant
in the country.
And how much does it cost
to run these cars? Considering the
cost of electricity at Rs 7 per unit,
which is on the higher side, it
would cost you around Rs 320 to
recharge the ZS EV, while the
Kona will set you back by Rs 280
per charge. And purely considering
the cost of electricity, their running
cost is Rs 1-1.12 per kilometre,
which is 5-7 times cheaper than
a petrol or diesel car at the same
price point.

The MG’s longer range makes
it the more practical EV here.
R ide & handling
Riding on 17-inch wheels and hard-
compound, low-rolling resistance
tyres, both these cars feel a bit harsh
initially over sharp potholes. Get
past that initial layer of firmness
39.2kWh
though and it is the MG’s softer
suspension that cushions you better
from road shocks at low and city
speeds. The Kona, on the other
hand, with its stiff suspension, feels
a lot more composed and planted
at higher speeds. These cars have a
low centre of gravity as their heavy
battery packs are placed beneath
the floor, so they change directions
rather well and feel nicely planted.
But it is the Hyundai which feels
sportier to drive due to its multi-
link rear suspension and tauter
chassis. And while neither car’s
steering offers the ‘connected’
feel, it is the Kona’s unit that

58 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020

 is a touch weightier and imparts
more confidence.
 comparison TEST
T est
s c ore c ard
CO M FO RT
MG ZS EV HHHHHHHIII
Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHHII
The MG gets the more spacious
cabin of the two, especially
at the rear, but it is the Kona
that has the comfier and more
supportive seats.
PE R FO R MAN CE
MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHHI
Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHIII
The Kona is a decent
performer, but the ZS EV,
with its larger battery pack, is
not only quicker, it also runs
further on every charge than
the Hyundai.
R E FI N E M E NT
MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHII
Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHIII
Be it at idle or on the move,
the MG proved to be the quieter
EV here. Even the cabin’s
sound insulation is better
than the Kona’s.

V erdi c t VALU E
MG ZS EV HHHHHHIIII
Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHIII
MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHII For the money, the MG gets
you a larger battery pack

Hyundai Kona Electric HHHHHHHIII and a large sunroof, but the

Hyundai offers a lot of
premium features, as well
as a multi-link suspension.
he Hyundai Kona is an impressive car – it is smooth to drive, and with SAFE T Y

T a range of 250km on a single charge, it’s fairly practical too. Then

consider all the premium kit it packs in, as well as the more
MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHHI
Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHHHI
Both cars are well-loaded
with identical levels of safety
sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, and there’s a lot it delivers for the kit, and the international
versions of both (ICE for Kona)
money. Its sportier driving dynamics, comfier seats and Hyundai’s strong have scored very well in crash
tests too.
backing further strengthen the Kona’s case. What works against it though is its RIDE
cramped rear seat, and the fact that its interiors don’t feel special or premium MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHII
Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHHII
enough. It is also the pricier of the two. At low and city speeds, the
MG’s softer suspensions does
The MG ZS EV outperforms the Kona when it comes to two crucial factors a better job of cushioning you
from road shocks, but at higher
– range and interior space, and that makes it the more practical of the two. A speeds, it is the Kona that’s
more composed.
real-world range of 317km on a single charge could be reason enough to sway HAN D LI N G
the comparison in its favour, but the MG has a lot more going for it to make MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHII
Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHHHI
it a more complete, everyday EV. MG’s five-year standard warranty is very The MG is light and easy to drive,
while the Kona feels the sportier
reassuring since long-term maintenance costs on an EV is still unknown. of the two.

Yes, it misses out on several features, including something as basic as BU I LD & Q UALIT Y
MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHHI
automatic climate control, but MG has compensated for that by offering Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHHII
Both cars feel solid and fit-finish
a panoramic sunroof and connectivity features. Tally up the pluses and and quality levels are good too.
The MG’s cabin feels plusher,
minuses and you’ll find that the MG ZS EV wins this all-electric comparison with several soft-touch and
high-quality bits.
test quite convincingly. AI
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 59

A fresh start
The COVID-19-related lockdown restrictions have kept
us indoors, and that’s also meant no driving around.
Sergius Barretto tells you what to keep in mind before
you take your vehicle out once the lockdown lifts.
hen we head out into a world that’s
w
slowly limping back to normalcy,
we must continue to follow social
distancing as well as carrying a
bottle of sanitiser with us. Another
area to pay some heed to is our vehicle; having
been parked for an extended duration, there are a
few simple things you should bear in mind before
you get your car out.
Look under and
around the bonnet
Before getting in to your vehicle, do a small
walkaround to check that everything is fine – no
broken lights, worn-out wipers, etc. Also, having
been parked for long, it’s possible that small
animals and creepy-crawlies could have made
their home under your car or in the engine bay.
So do a careful visual inspection (or even simply
blow the horn a few times to scare them away)
Not just fluid levels, check for
creepy-crawlies too.
before you crank up. Scan all the visible wires
and hoses for any rodent bites; and if you find
damage, get professional help. While modern
cars are very reliable under the bonnet, it would
be prudent to check the engine oil, brake fluid,
coolant, and other fluids like the power-steering
fluid (in hydraulic-assist cars). Check the engine
oil level with the dipstick, visually inspect the
other liquids, and also top-up the windshield-
washer fluid.
Starting trouble
If you’ve followed precautions like starting your
vehicle up every week to 10 days, you shouldn’t
face any trouble starting the car. If there are
issues, do not crank continuously. After a few
tries, if you still have to, try push-starting it; get
some help to push the car while you let it roll
in first gear, or even second, with the clutch in.
Once there is some momentum gained, engage
Starting trouble? Do
not crank continously.
Car SanitiSation Feature
the clutch, and the engine should kick in. If this
doesn’t work (or if it’s an automatic), you may
have to jump-start it, or simply call for help if
possible. To jump-start a car, find another car
with a healthy battery, connect the positive
terminals of both batteries, then connect the
negative terminal of the healthy battery to a
metal surface of your car, like the inside of the
fender. Start the healthy car, and then after a few
minutes, try cranking yours. Remember to remove
the cables in reverse order when you’re done.
Keep it clean
Remember the virus is still out there – and
even otherwise, maintaining personal hygiene
is only a good thing. Remember to wash your
hands before heading out for a drive and wash
them afterwards too. Keep a box of tissues in the
car, and do not cough or sneeze with your face
uncovered. Another good practice is to sanitise
Soap water is a cheap
and effective cleanser.
the door handles (both outside and in), the
steering wheel, switches, and other areas that
you are likely to touch. Make sure you use mild
cleaners. As for alcohol-based sanitisers, minimise
their use, as some materials may discolour; good
old soap water is a good alternative. Avoid bleach,
hydrogen peroxide and ammonia-based products,
as they could harm the materials. Also vacuum-
clean the insides and dispose any leftover trash.
Vent the interio rs
As soon as you get in to your car, open all the
windows and allow the stale air to vent out. You
can do this by keeping the windows open and
running the AC for about a minute when on the
move. This is a good habit you can follow daily.
TO a Halt
The brakes may squeal as you drive off or when
you apply them; so set off slow and test the brakes
first. Keep dabbing them a few times to free things
up. In case you left your parking brake engaged
through the lockdown and it has jammed, try
shimmying the lever around a bit, or disengage
and engage it a few times rapidly. Driving the car
around for a while can also help it disengage.
tyre pressure CHECK
Before setting off, make sure you check the car’s
tyres are inflated properly. Even if
they look fine to you, get them examined
at a fuel pump or a tyre shop with a proper
gauge – and don’t forget to give your spare the
same treatment. AI
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 61
 What happens when a car reaches the end of its life? John Evans drives
a Vauxhall Zafira on its final journey to the crusher and winces at its last moments.
s an Autocar reader,
A
you’ll understand how
it felt to be the last
person to turn off the
Zafira’s engine for the
final time. I thought of the countless
occasions it had been turned off over
the past 99,000 miles and 18 or so
years, but always with the certainty
of being restarted. Turned off after
taking the kids to the theme park, on
holidays, to the shops, to Grandad
and Grandma’s on the weekend.
Turned off after the drive to work
each day, to the airport from time to
time, and to the garage for routine
and not-so-routine work.
And now, it’s turned off for
the very last time – at a ve hicle
recycling centre, where a car goes to
be stripped, crushed and recycled,
but with no previous keepers
present to pay tribute to its faithful
service. Instead, that duty fell to me.
I’d grown quite fond of it over
the past 20 or so miles when, in
the company of Lensman Luc, I
drove it from ASM Auto Recycling
(which lent it to us) and coaxed
62 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020
PHOTOGRAPHY luc lacey
it around south Oxfordshire,
mindful of its engine and ‘low
fuel’ warning lights blazing
away. It reminded me of the
Y-reg Zafira 1.8 Comfort auto
I’d owned years ago. That car
was a faithful and much-loved
family chariot. My wife cried
when we part-exchanged it
for a Zafira 2.2 Design auto.
I cried, too, when, some years
later, the 2.2’s timing chain
tensioner failed to the tune
of £2,000.
Back to today’s Zafira, Luc and
I were looking for a graveyard. It
was Luc’s idea. He thought the old
Vauxhall framed by tombstones
would make a great shot.
Eventually, we found the perfect
spot – a huge, 20,000-plot cemetery
with good sight lines. It was in
Cowley, a mile or so from the Mini
plant. Being the first working day of
a post-Brexit Britain, we tried not to
read too much into their proximity.
The Zafira is registered on Jersey
plates, so it has had an MOT test
only once in its life, when the island
introduced it last year. That being
so, the engine warning light could
only have come on since. An oxygen
sensor issue, perhaps? The car’s
rumbly drop links – a Zafira/Astra
weak spot – must have escaped the
tester’s attention since the bushes
had clearly perished years before.
Otherwise, it bowled along without
complaint, causing us to reflect yet
again on the pleasures of banger
ownership, at least until the thing
goes pop and you wish, instead,
you’d put down what it cost as a
deposit on a PCP.
Pics taken, I started the Zafira
for the last time and we headed
out of the graveyard to its
final destination: ASM Auto
Recycling, near Thame. ASM
is one of the country’s busiest
and most advanced vehicle
recyclers, processing hundreds
of end-of-life vehicles every
week, auctioning write-offs
to the repair industry and
stripping, checking and
reselling used parts to the trade
and the public.
On arrival, our first stop was
the company’s prepping centre.
Here, cars are cleared of personal
effects and anything that might
cause a fire. ASM’s prep team
showed me a van whose floor was
littered with spent nitrous-oxide
cartridges. Less dangerous personal
effects are bagged up and held
for six months, awaiting possible
collection by their owners. These
filled one wall of the prepping
centre. Among them were child car
seats and buggies.
The Zafira’s personal effects
extended only to a novelty
strawberry dangling from the rear-

view mirror, so the prep team waved
it through to the next stage – but
not under its own steam. Instead, a
forklift approached it from the side,
picked it up and carried it down the
hall to Paul, who set about lowering
its windows for the final time “so
Zafira has windows lowered, its battery, fuel cap and wheels removed and the fluids drained before the smash-and-grab mob step in.
w h y w e s h o u l d u s e m o r e d e a d c a r s a s ‘ o r ga n d o n o r s ’
As its name implies, ASM Auto
Recycling doesn’t just crush cars:
it recycles them too. With the
rest of the salvage industry, it’s
encouraging insurers and garages
to favour the parts it recovers (and
inspects, tests and guarantees)
the glass doesn’t explode when it’s
grabbed outside”, and removing the
fuel cap, wheels and battery. Behind
him were bins full of wheel nuts,
alternators, air-con compressors,
space-saver spares, and even
jump leads, all harvested from
scrapped vehicles.
Now the Zafira was ready for its
date with Simon, elsewhere in the
prep centre, who attached its vitals
to a large suction pump that drained
them of all fluids. To empty the fuel
tank, he perforated it with what
looked like a large, hollow drill and
the fuel was sucked out through a
hose attached to its side. Finally, he
tapped off the brake discs and the
Zafira was ready for the crusher.
Outside, a pair of mechanical
grabbers, each controlled by a
skilled operative, were flinging end-
of-life cars around as if they were
Corgi models they’d grown tired
of. We watched, appalled, as our
Zafira was offered to them. The first
WHERE CARS GO TO DIE Experience
from used cars over new ones when
repairing vehicles. Doing so would
bring the UK in line with France,
where the use of recycled parts is
now mandatory, and the US, where
the practice has been widespread
for decades.
The industry reckons
increasing the use of recycled
parts by 10 percent could save
almost 1,90,000 tonnes of CO2
emissions every year produced
from the manufacture of new
parts and, if insurers can be
persuaded to use them, help avoid
write-offs and perhaps even lower
the cost of insurance premiums
and excesses.
To encourage customers

ASM Auto Recycling is one of the UK’s
busiest, most advanced vehicle recyclers.

swooped on it, picked it up, dropped
it and nudged it over. The car was
by now almost unrecognisable
and ready for the attentions of the
second, which plunged its snout
through the roof and ripped out the
dashboard complete with trailing
wiring loom. Then it turned the
car over and tore off the back axle.
Flipping the car around, it now
spied the engine. Its pincers deftly
snipped through the mountings and
hoses and lifted it out, depositing it
on a pile in the corner of the yard.
The other grabber now took over,
picking up the car by an A-pillar
before raising its steel stabilisers
to make the switch, the Vehicle
Recyclers’ Association, a trade body,
is developing a certification scheme
for vehicle recyclers to ensure
greater consistency and reliability
of service, including the quality and
description of parts, and to allow
buyers to distinguish professional
sellers from ‘all the rest’.
and rolling over to the crusher into
which it placed the Zafira’s battered
carcass. The crusher’s huge doors
closed and, 30sec later, opened to
allow the grabber to retrieve the
former MPV, now a tangled bale of
compressed steel, seats and interior
trim. During the course of a single
day, this trio of mechanical manglers
ARTICLE REPRINTED FROM Autocar UK
rips, tears and crushes its way
through 125 cars.
And that was our Zafira, reduced
from a once-faithful family servant
to a 6x3ft metal cube. At least it was
quick. Some end-of-lifers are given
to the fire service to practise on. It
doesn’t bear thinking about. AI
rience.
Zafira is left crushed by the expe
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 63
 They don’t make them
like they used to
The Land Rover Defender has finally been reinvented for the 21st century – and so
has the way it’s built, discovers Rachel Burgess at JLR’s new plant in Slovakia.

8
Number of hours
it takes to finish a
Defender, from painted
bodyshell to final
quality checks.
 BUILDING THE DEFENDER Behind the scenes
hen production of the
W
Defender ended in
2016, it felt like the
end of an era. Never
before had such an
impressive send-off been organised,
as the world’s press gathered at
Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull plant
to watch the last example roll off the
line after 68 years of production.
Four years later, and following
much hype, the all-new Defender is
here, billed to be as tough as ever but
with on-road comfort too. And it’s
being built at a new plant in another
country: Slovakia.
The factory in Nitra has been
up and running since October
2018, when it began building the
Discovery, which also relocated
from Solihull. A bit like Nitra’s
operations director, in fact: Russell
Leslie is a friendly Brummie who
moved to Slovakia after 26 years
working around the world for JLR;
and that included managing the
Defender line. He explains that
getting production moving at Nitra
was easier than usual, because the
Discovery already had an established
engineering process, but now the
real challenge begins. “The eyes of
the world are on us. We’re hugely
proud to be building the Defender,”
he says.
Of course, some purists cried
foul that the new model isn’t being
built in Britain. Leslie comments,
“We’re on a global expansion
journey. We’re committed to the
UK as our design and engineering
base. We needed to find space in
the factories in the UK for future
products and therefore there was
a need to move. And actually this
[plant] gives us access to markets
we didn’t have before, and it helps
with currency fluctuations.”
At around 1.9 lakh sq m, the
purpose-built facility is almost
twice the size of the Solihull plant
and has clearly been a boon for
the area; miles of perfectly smooth
new roads lead here, passing a host
There are 642 robots at
work in the bodyshop alone.
of supplier factories. The figures
back it up: local unemployment
has fallen drastically. JLR employs
2,800 people, more than a third of
them women – unusually high for
a vehicle plant. Its processes were
ergonomically designed, the brand
says, so 97 percent of people can do
the job.
Nitra has an annual capacity of
1,50,000 cars; last year, around 38,000
Discoverys came off the line, plus
up to 2,000 Defenders. JLR won’t
comment on volume predictions, but
the fact the site is at just a quarter of
its capacity, suggests there’s an awful
lot resting on the new Defender.
Leslie says, “We always build
facilities with a three-shift capacity
[there are two shifts, at present]. You
have to design a facility to enable a
certain jobs-per-hour rate. We have
what we believe we need for both
today and tomorrow.”
As well as the Discovery, Nitra is
set up for the 90 and 110 wheelbases
alone, but a family of Defenders is
coming. Due in the next few years
is a Mercedes-AMG G63-rivalling
luxury model, the 130. This will be
crucial in creating a cost-effective and
profitable model line – a feat that the
previous gen failed to achieve.
The Discovery and Defender run
on the same line, back to back, and
there’s total flexibility on how many
of each is built. Leslie explains,
“There are nuances of the cars being
slightly different. For example, we
purchase the Discovery’s tailgate and
make the Defender’s tailgate. But
in general, we drive for a standard
process in order to drive efficiency
on the manufacturing lines. We put
the seats in both cars in the same
station, for example.”
This high-tech site is a world
away from the line in the West
Midlands, but what are the main
differences in producing the old
and new Defender? “The technology
is significantly different,” explains
Leslie. “We build both Defender
and Discovery in a bodyshop with ◊
 ∆ 642 robots. I don’t know how belt running through the bodyshop, The system helps to transport to put a bodyshell together.”
many we had in the Defender that’s most easily explained as using 400 parts that together form the To achieve the required stiffness
bodyshop back in the day, but it was similar technology to a maglev train. shell of the car. The first major in the aluminium structure (and this
probably single figures. This marks the first European use step is assembling the underbody, Defender is claimed to comfortably
“There’s a highly technical paint of the Kuka Pulse, which is claimed bodysides and roof header, creating be the stiffest Land Rover yet) 3,600
shop now, with environmentally to move parts 30 percent faster than a box that’s instantly recognisable rivets are used, plus 170m of glue.
friendly kit and the trim hall is traditional set-ups, able as it is to as the Defender. Bodyshop director Classon comments, “The beauty
worlds apart from the one I used run at a hasty 3.7m per second. Christian Classon says, “Everything of building an aluminium structure
to run back in here has to be perfect, to half-a- is that it’s cleaner and quieter
Solihull. All in all, millimetre of accuracy. It takes 2min than welding shops. But riveting
[the old and new is very sensitive; it’s not
production lines] as forgiving as the
are almost like welding process.”
chalk and cheese.” The only human-led
Among a number part of the bodyshop is the
of firsts for JLR cladding line, on which
in Nitra is an the doors, fenders, bonnet
innovative conveyor and boot door are applied.

e.
Nitra is run by Birmingham boy Russell Lesli
JLR’s other factories are all a fair way away
.

10,000
Tons of steel make up
the bodyshop building
at Nitra – the same
weight as the Eiffel
Towerr.

The new Defender’s

bodyshell comprises
some 400 parts.

66 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020

 BUILDING THE DEFENDER Behind the scenes
Finally, the car goes to be checked.
“There are three stations to rectify
any issues,” says Classon. “In the
UK, the line is much longer, so we’re
proud because we have to get it right
first time.”
Bypassing the paint shop, it’s time
to head to the trim and final hall –
easily the largest, at 1,34,000 sq m
The first job here is removing the
vehicle’s doors so that workers can
easily fit the interior. But far more
mesmerising is a glass-fitting robot
that lifts, glues and places a sunroof
in less than a minute.
Trim and final director Ulas
Bagci walks us through the
major stages, including where

Nitra is able to build

1,50,000 Defenders
and Discoverys per year.

T h e au t o m o t i v e i m pac t o n S l ova k i a
What comes to mind when state aid, the unemployment rate
Slovakia is mentioned? Maybe has dropped from 11.2 percent in
beer or castles, but probably not December 2015 to 2.1 percent in
the car industry. Yet, remarkably, December 2019, making it the lowest
since 2007, this Central European in the land.
country has been the world’s biggest Once an agricultural country,
producerofcarspercapita.Lastyear, Slovakia can now thank vehicle
202 cars were produced per 1,000 makers for half of its total industry.
inhabitants, with a total of 1.1 million
vehicles built.
Alongside Jaguar Land Rover,
other big players include Kia, Groupe
PSA and the Volkswagen Group –
which builds the Volkswagen Up and
luxury SUVs including the Audi Q7
and Porsche Cayenne there. The overwhelming
The car industry is estimated to majority of workers
generate around 2,75,000 jobs. In at Nitra are Slovak.
Nitra, an area eligible for regional

the engine and radiator are fitted.
“This is where the body finds its
soul,” he says.
At each of the 250 stations in
his hall, there’s a subtle yellow
cord. Pull it once if you need help
from your team leader, twice to
stop the line. “Stopping a line
when you have 2min per
job is very serious,” warns Bagci.
But the biggest challenge of the build
you go. The Defender was designed
and engineered in the UK, but this
is the first time we’ve put a new
car into a new factory. But we’re on
target; we’re on the ramp-up curve
exactly where we should be.”
As our tour ends, hundreds
of workers arrive for the shift
change, fresh off seven buses
paid for by JLR. There’s not yet
public transport to get workers
ARTICLE REPRINTED FROM Autocar UK

process, he says, is “bottlenecks in to the site. Conversations are

electronics, because of its complexity.
Everything is electronic.”
Leslie concludes saying,
“Launching a new car is always an
experience. Launching it in a new
country with a new team? It’s a
bumpy road. You learn lessons as
ongoing with the local council
to rectify that, but having witnessed
how perfectly choreographed the
whole production process must
be, you’d hope Slovakian public
transport is more punctual than
our own. AI

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 67

 OUR CARS
A M O N T H I N T H E L I F E O F AU TO C A R ’S F L E E T

first Report

HYUNDAI AURA
An unexpectedly fun compact sedan joins the Autocar India
fleet and takes one tester by surprise.
or the most part, the running a midsize sedan – the 8.0-inch touchscreen and the looks a bit discordant. But I also

F
Hyundai Aura is just
a mild rehash of the
Xcent – the compact
sedan it effectively
replaces in the brand’s line-up. It
has the same basic shape and
more or less the same dimensions.
It has, of course, been updated
Photography ASHLEY BAXTER
simple but incredibly competent
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz – it was
time to switch back to a compact
sedan. The size of the car wouldn’t
be an issue since my usage is
mostly alone, and in the stifling
bustle of Mumbai’s rush-hour,
the smaller the better. I was
instrument cluster, which is a very
premium touch.
I don’t care much for the way
the car looks on the outside.
Though the proportions are
pretty good (by the low standard
of compact sedans) and there
are some dramatic details, it all
don’t care, because I spend my
time in the driver’s seat, and that
experience is top-notch. They’ve
really upped the material quality
this time, and there’s a richness
to this interior that belies its price
and segment. Knurled switchgear,
rotary air-con vents that twirl

with all the modern trappings our
ever-hungry (at times
unreasonably so) market
demands, but there’s one thing we
didn’t expect to find in a compact
sedan, and it’s something I suspect
no potential customers would’ve
asked for either. Stay with me.
First, though, after a year of
more concerned that moving a
segment lower might see me give
up some creature comforts. But
this is Hyundai so, apart from
perhaps auto headlamps, the Aura

100hp, 1.0 turbo-petrol engine makes
matched up and then some. It
even has a wireless phone charger. the little Aura an absolute rocket.

Particularly impressive is the
single-piece binnacle for the large

68 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020


shut, rich fabric upholstery; it’s
got the lot. Plus, this version has
red accents in all the right places,
which signals its sporty intent.
And that brings us on to that one
unique item. It’s a 1.0-litre, direct-
injection turbo-petrol engine
that makes 100hp and 172Nm
of torque! Other carmakers had
(admittedly expensive) engines
like this but reserved them for a
single halo performance model,
not wanting to risk negative
perception of a displacement that
was too low or cylinders (three)
that were too few. And now those
engines are gone. Hyundai,
instead, is making sure it offers
this unit in as many cars as
possible, thus helping broaden
its acceptance.
It’s a risk I’m happy they took
because this incredible little motor
turns this shrew of a sedan into an
absolute rocket. The best part is
that it’s really smooth and docile
crawling off the line; so you don’t
get a sense of the power until you
really floor it. And this being my
first time driving the Aura Turbo,
you can imagine my pleasant
surprise when I did. The rest of the
car struggles to keep up, actually
– the front tyres scrabble for grip
and there’s loads of torque steer,
which is something Hyundai
L ov e it
ROCKET POWER
100hp turbo engine is
a firecracker.
Well kitted
Equipment matches a class
above; typical Hyundai.
loathe it
What you see
Styling is a mishmash of too
should look into in the long run. many radical elements.
It’s exciting at best, but a little
unsettling at worst.
Due to the lockdown, my
time driving the car has been
brief, but suffice it to say, I plan
to put many memorable miles
on this unexpectedly interesting
little Hyundai.
gavin d’souza
test data
Hyundai aura
Odometer 1391km
Price Rs 8.55 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Get going
Too soft and loose dynamics
Fuel efficiency 9kpl (this month)
Maintenance costs None Faults None for the performance.
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 69
 first Report

hyundai venue
Thanks to the lockdown, the Venue’s had an unusual
start to its long-term tenure.

70 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020


f the 8,190km on our
O
Hyundai Venue’s
odometer, a grand total
of 15km have been
added over the past
month. Two outings for groceries
and supplies and a few loops around
my apartment complex is all the
action the Venue has seen of late.
This report is more a flashback reel to
the Venue’s initial days with us.
The Venue started life in the
Autocar India fleet as my choice of
wheels for a quick weekend trip out
of town. Back then, it had been a
few months since I’d last driven a
Venue, so I expected it would take
me some time to get reacquainted
with the cabin. Surprisingly, the
re-familiarisation session didn’t
take all too long. One scan of the
dashboard was enough to get my
bearings, and even hooking up my
phone to the touchscreen system was
a non-affair. No idiosyncratic button
positions to remember. No laggy
screens to struggle through. Seat,
steering and mirrors adjusted, I was
good to go. Ease of use is something
the Venue scores big on, I can tell
you that.
Our Venue is a 1.0-litre turbo-
petrol with a 6-speed manual
gearbox, and on that early morning
drive out of Mumbai, it sure made for

From behind the wheel, the Venue feels
smaller than it is, which is a boon in town.

interesting company. The engine, as I
learn, doesn’t deliver the sudden rush
of power turbo-petrols are known
for. Rather, what you get is a more
genteel experience. Another point of
note is that the unit is at its happiest
above 2,000rpm. Cruising in sixth at
80kph is comfortable, but to overtake
it’s almost imperative to shift down.
Steady cruising does have its benefits
though, with the instant economy
screen reading out 16.1kpl.
It’s when I turn off the expressway
on to winding country roads that
make up the latter part of the route
that the Venue starts to make an
impression. There’s fun to be had
rowing through the gears to keep the
engine on the boil, and as an added
plus, it’s also reasonably nice around
corners. The steering is light and
isn’t the last word in feel but there’s
enough connect to keep you engaged.
The Venue isn’t an EcoSport but
it’s miles ahead of older Hyundais
in this department. Also, while that
firmness to the suspension setup
can be felt over broken patches,
if it brings in a degree of dynamism,
so be it.
The journey back is uneventful,
but the last half-kilometre proves
to be quite revealing. The long
climb to the entrance of my complex
catches out engines with weak
OUR CARS
.
l ove i t
Screen guild award
8.0-inch screen is easy
to read on the go. Touch
responses are good too.
Weekly round of apartment complex,
essential to keep car (and driver) going.
bottom ends and, suffice to say, it
took the wind out of the Venue. To
be fair, few cars with small-capacity
petrol engines make the trek without
warranting a downshift. Then there was light
The Venue has taken to city life Illuminated USB ports are one
fairly well. Yes, I’ve learned to be among many nice features of
mindful of the gear I’m in, especially the well-thought-out interior.
when things slow down, but, on the
whole, performance is satisfactory.
What primarily gets my vote is that l oat h e i t
from behind the wheel, the Venue
feels smaller than it is. The elevated
driving position, the good visibility
(the high-res reverse camera also
plays a role here), and the light
steering make the Venue easy to park
and manoeuvre in tight confines.
I don’t think I’ve ever found prime
parking in Mumbai’s crowded
Bandra suburb as many times as I
have in the Venue.
Things haven’t been perfect
though. The audio system’s mic
has malfunctioned and it’s a big
irritant because I can’t take calls Uphill struggle
on the go or use any of Android 1.0 engine’s limited bottom-
Auto’s voice-activated features. end pulling power becomes
It’s something I’ll have looked into apparent on long inclines.
once the lockdown ends. I just hope
it’s not a long-drawn job because a
lot of driving time has been lost to
coronavirus already. I can’t wait to
make amends soon.
nikhil bhatia
Photography NIKHIL BHATIA
test data
Hyundai Venue 1.0
Turbo MT SX(O )
Odometer 8,190km Hello! Hello?
Price Rs 10.85 lakh(ex-showroom, Mumbai)
Economy 10.3kpl (overall, this month)
Maintenance costs None
The mic has stopped working.
Resultantly, I can’t use Android
Auto’s voice functions.
Faults Mic malfunction
may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 71
OUR cars
.
l ov e it
Cool air for all
Separate AC vents,
even for the third row, a
welcome addition.
Pinch me
For a car screen, pinch-
to-zoom works surprisingly well.
l oat h e it
Weak low end
When fully loaded, low speeds and
starting off needs more gas to
keep it smooth.
Shiny objects
Dashboard silver trim looks
good but reflects sunlight
right at you.
72 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020
Renault Triber
The Triber activates its full MPV mode by seating
six and carrying around their luggage too.
he last time my parents
T
came to visit us, I made
sure I had the Ertiga. A
spacious 7-seater and a
well-sorted ride meant
the six of us would be very comfortable.
Also, its interiors were sufficiently
plush to make a good impression. This
time, the only 7-seater in Autocar’s fleet
was the Renault Triber. I had hoped for
something more upmarket but I was
also keen to see what my folks thought
of the Triber. Would its low price point
be obvious? Would they find it
comfortable? Also, how would it cope
with a full load of people and some
luggage too? It was time to find out.
In terms of first impressions, it did
well. My folks were surprised with
its price, and with the equipment on
board, my dad liked the remote locking
and the reverse camera.
The Triber’s packaging is superb.
It seated the six of us with nearly
everybody being comfy. I say ‘nearly’
because funnily enough, with a full
complement of passengers, it’s only
test data
Renault Triber RXZ
Odometer 4094km
Price Rs 6.82 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)
Economy 11.77 kpl
Faults None
Previous report February 2020
Photography SErgius Barretto
4,000km Report
the driver who’s uncomfortable. The larger ones. Nevertheless, loaded or
1.0-litre engine puts out a modest not, the overall ride is good.
72hp and 96Nm of torque, and while it No complaints with the seating too
can haul a load, its performance when and the six of us were quite comfy,
doing so is underwhelming. When with my kids (15-year-old son and
starting, you have to gas it more than 12-year-old daughter) in the third
you typically would, and when I found row. The only complaint from there
myself stationary on the many flyovers was the lack of retractable seat belts,
in Mumbai, it would threaten to stall which took some time to adjust.
when trying to get going. Also, the airport run to drop off my
You’d think a small engine parents was hassle-free. We folded
wouldn’t be an issue in the city but one of the rear seats and that space
power delivery at the bottom-end easily held two cabin suitcases and
is jerky, and with a full load and the one handbag, while my daughter sat
AC on, you have to give it some extra comfortably in the middle; it was what
throttle to keep things smooth. I called ‘full airport send-off mode’.
Also, overtaking often requires Having seen how practical the Triber’s
a downshift, and with the engine been, Gavin has asked for the keys as
getting vocal at high revs, passing cars he’s just rented a new place. So stay
seems like a panicked manoeuvre, tuned for ‘moving house’ mode.
much to the concern of my backseat- SERGIUS BARRETTO
driver mum. All in
all, the engine
does cope but
you have to drive
This is what I call the
it consciously.
‘full airport send-off mode’.
In every other
aspect, however,
the Triber was
just fine. The
suspension
absorbed the
roads bumps
with ease, but it
did bottom-out
quite loudly on
 motoring
The Seltos 1.5 CVT petrol is far
more efficient than the 1.4 DCT. A DV I C E
Will it be the small mid-sizer or the big small car? And is that a ghost in
your engine or an actual problem? AAA (Ask Autocar Anything),
the guru-cum-agony uncle, has all the answers.
Email aaa@autocarindia.com

Is it safe to do so? Is there any chance In the lockdown, it is difficult to take

of the tyres rubbing against the inner delivery of your car, but while you are
walls under load? at home, you can browse several sites,
Sumit, Ludhiana especially ours (www.autocarindia.
The 205/60-R16 would be a touch com) to narrow down your choice. We
too large for the Altroz in lieu of the feel that if you are set to buy an SUV,
185/60-R16s. You could upgrade to the you should do it as soon as the lockdown
205/55-R16s or the 195/55 R16s as a opens because then there will be a good
Mileage matters the older Innova and a Fortuner. safe upgrade option. level of discounting from dealers and
I read your Kia Seltos road test and However, I am interested in buying a manufacturers to kick-start sales. For
found it to be very well-written and Toyota Land Cruiser too, and wanted White Elephant your budget, we would recommend the
informative. I noticed you did not to know if the new edition will come I have my eye on a 2011 Chevrolet Hyundai Venue 1.0 DCT, which is really
mention the mileage figure of petrol to India. It’s my dream to own Cruze. Should I buy it? nice to drive and fairly efficient too.
1.5 CVT or manual. What’s the that model. Sidak Grover, Malout
mileage difference between them? Keshav Mittal, Ajmer We would not advise you to buy the Tyres for City
Annoy Ghosh, Haveli The current-gen LC has been taken off Cruze for several reasons. Firstly, being For my 2017 Honda City, which tyres
The Autocar India fuel-efficiency test is the shelf as it won’t comply with BS6 nearly 10 years old, the Cruze, which is would be best for city and occasional
very stringent for which we need to have norms and Toyota will not upgrade the essentially a Daewoo, isn’t particularly highway driving: Bridgestone,
the car for around a week to test it in model as its most likely at the end of its well-put together and is likely to start Michelin or Good Year? Is it advisable
different driving cycles and conditions. life cycle. The next-gen Land Cruiser giving trouble. Also, with GM having to put oversized tyres?
Unfortunately, we did not have the will see a global unveil sometime later exited India, and the fact that the Cruze Vishal, Mumbai
1.5 CVT long enough for us to do our this year. There is no news of that has long been discontinued, spare parts You could upsize the tyres from the
detailed mileage test, which is why the model making it to India as of now. availability will be an issue. You could Honda City’s original 175/65-R15 to the
fuel consumption figures are missing. Meanwhile, the Lexus LX570 petrol has end up buying a white elephant; so it’s 185/60-R15s. The increased width will
However, we estimate the CVT version been upgraded to BS6 and is expected to best to stay away from it. give you better road-holding capability
to be around 10-15 percent less efficient be available for sale in India. and comfort. You could consider
than the manual version, and far more Matching it right Michelin as it is a good option for city
efficient than the 1.4 DCT. Safe upgrade For my 2013 Mahindra Xylo, can I drives with occasional highway use.
I have recently booked a Tata Altroz shift from the standard (alloy) rim of
Dream Toyota XZ diesel. As per the spec sheet, the 215/75-R15 100T to 215/55-R17 100V? ONLY CVT
I am a regular subscriber of your petrol model comes with 195/55-R16 Shriram Patki, Pune I am impressed with the Honda
magazine and also a car enthusiast. I tyres, while the diesel is shod with The 215/55-R17s are primarily WR-V’s performance even though it
have a great interest in Toyota SUVs 185/60-R16 units. I was hoping to passenger vehicle tyres that would wear is underpowered. However, living in
and I already own an Innova Crysta, upsize my diesel to 205/60-R16 tyres. out much faster on the Xylo. You could Mumbai, I am not in favour of using
fit the 215/70-R16s as a safe upgrade a stick shift. Are there any plans
option. You need to select the rims with by Honda to bring in an automatic
THE S H O P P ER
Not sure which new vehicle to buy? Autocar India points you towards the right one.
the same PCD (Pitch, Circle, Diameter)
as the original wheels of the Xylo.
transmission version in the form
of a CVT or torque converter, and
not an AMT?
Manisha Patel – KIa Seltos GTX+ Lockdown advantage Bharat Malkani, Mumbai
Manisha Patel was in the market for a brand-new SUV. “I want something I am looking forward to buying a It is unlikely that Honda will bring
that’s bigger, more spacious and luxurious than my fourth-gen Honda City, mini-SUV within a budget of an automatic version of the WR-V, as
but still looks good and is very feature-rich,” she had said. Rs 12 lakh. Due to the current the model is likely to be replaced with
Considering her preference for an SUV and the fact that most of her lockdown, I am confused whether to another compact SUV sometime next
commute would be on the highways around Surat, Gujarat, we suggested buy one now or later? Also, should I year. Honda doesn’t favour AMTs and
she look at diesel variants of the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta (the all-new wait for new launches? future compact Honda automatics will
model hadn’t gone on sale yet) Tata Harrier and the MG Hector. As neither Xavier John, Changanacherry all have CVTs. AI
the Tata nor the MG had the convenience of an automatic with their
respective diesel engines (though the Harrier does get one now), they were The Hyundai Venue 1.0 DCT is
discarded from her shortlist. nice to drive and efficient too.
Manisha took an instant liking to
the Kia Seltos, and as she was willing
to stretch her budget slightly, we
recommended she buy the range-
topping Seltos GTX+ diesel-automatic.
“It’s really good-looking and even with
all the segment-first features packed
Clicks

in, the Seltos still fits in my budget,”

she gushed when she bought it.
Alnawaz Anjani - Ali

Even after covering over

10,000km, she has no complaints
and is completely satisfied with our
recommendation and her purchase.

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 73

 W H Y you n e e d a u s e d

tata hexa
Rs 13 lakh
For the price of a new
I N YO U R L I F E

Nexon, you can get a much

bigger, more powerful
and comfortable
7-seater.

THE BIG SHOW

Spacious, hugely comfortable and very practical SUV
at a bargain price. Jay Patil points out what to look out for.
GOOD FOR Comfy ride, spacious cabin LOOK OUT FOR Poor fuel economy, interior trim wear
Factfile now discontinued might be a on the top-spec XT trim, while the highly recommend. The 6-speed
Years Produced 2017-2020 negative, but this helps a lot with automatic is available only with two- auto ‘box is smooth, refined and
Price when new From Rs 11.99 lakh negotiations. You can haggle for a wheel drive on the mid-spec XMA works in perfect tandem with the
Engine 4 cyl, 2179cc turbo-diesel significantly lower price and get a and top-spec XTA trims. So if you engine. The interior is one of the big
Power 156hp great deal. What’s more, the high want all-wheel drive, the manual highlights of the Hexa, as it offers
Torque 400Nm depreciation rate means the asking gearbox is the only option. However, good levels of quality and materials.
Ground Clearance 200mm price is already quite low. In fact, the manual here is not the one of The seats for one, are fantastic and
Boot Space 128-671 litres used Hexas in top-spec trim are the best transmissions around. The very comfortable, and the overall
priced around Rs 13-14 lakh, which gearshifts are notchy and the lack cabin build is good too. That said,
is equivalent to a new Nexon – a of well-defined gates make it there are some niggles. The all-
he Tata Hexa never much smaller car in comparison difficult to engage the gear. Then

T really set the sales

charts ablaze, but it
has a lot going for it.
Also, just before the BS6 emission
norms were enforced, it even made
it to our list of ‘Cars to buy before
they die’ list.
As a used buy, it offers
terrific value. The fact that it’s
to this large 7-seater. There aren’t
too many options in the market,
but you can easily find low-mileage
units in good condition.
The Hexa is powered by a 2.2-litre
diesel engine and is available with
manual and automatic transmission
options. The 6-speed manual is
also available with all-wheel drive
there’s the clutch, which although
light, is inconsistent and lacks U se d Ca r I n d e x
progression, resulting in jerky shifts. High
Other flaws include the absence of a
dead pedal on the manual version Medium
and a rather small footwell for the Low
driver, which could make a long
drive cumbersome.
Depreciation Spares Running costs
The automatic is the one we’d

74 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020

 used cars
H O W T O G E T O NE I N YO U R GA R AG E

Big 19-inch alloy wheels and chrome accents give it a premium appeal.
Buyer, beware…
n LOW ECONOMY
The Hexa is known to be a thirsty
SUV, especially with the automatic
transmission. Even in Eco mode, the
economy hovers around the 6-7kpl
mark in city traffic and goes just a
shade above 10kpl on the highway.
owners have also reported issues
with the subwoofer.

Also worth knowing

The Hexa was also available in a
base variant with no frills and lesser
torque (300Nm). These examples
can be fetched for as little as Rs
11 lakh. However, for the higher
The cabin is well-built and gets a lot of quality materials. n F I D D LY I N T E R I O R versions, you could also choose
Some poorly fitted bits in an overall between a 6-seater variant, with
black dashboard heats up a fair will set you back by approximately well-built cabin do stand out. The captain seats for the middle row.

bit on a hot day and some plastics
down low aren’t up to the standards
of the ones up top, and tend to rattle
on older cars. The door lock pins
tend to wear out early, and even
malfunction in some cases, so make
sure you check those. Also, the
rather small, 7.0-inch touchscreen
tends to freeze quite often. Get that
checked too.
Though this is a Tata product,
since it’s priced higher up in its
portfolio, maintenance and spare
parts prices are expectedly on the
higher side. A basic service every
1 year/10,000km will cost you
anywhere between Rs 7,000-9,000
and insuring a three-year-old model
Rs 15,000 annually. Tata offered a
3-year/1,00,000km warranty on the
Hexa and most cars on the market
are still well under that mark, so
look for these models specifically.
The Hexa is a well-built, practical
and comfortable SUV, and at these
prices, it’s a great deal.
DEAL OF THE MONTH
Tata H e x a X TA 7- SEATE R
Price Rs 13 lakh
Price when new Rs 23.45 lakh
(on-road, Mumbai)
Savings Rs 10.45 lakh
Where Pride Car, Mumbai
Call 9773126522
power window switches and door
locks tend to malfunction.
n I n fota i n m e n t
The touchscreen offers only basic
infotainment functions and tends to
hang and freeze quite often. Some
C a r s w e fou n d
If you would like to see your used car featured here, please e-mail pictures and details to usedcars@haymarketsac.com
How much to spend
R s 13 -14 l a kh
Given that the Hexa is out of
production and there aren’t many
on the market, you can be on the
front foot of the negotiations.
Offer no more than Rs 13 lakh, that
too for a top-spec trim. If it is an
automatic version, the maximum
offer should be Rs 14 lakh. A low-
spec version can even go for as little
as Rs 11 lakh.

All prices are in Rs lakh for

U S E D C A R P R I C E S — tata he x a Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai,
Kolkata and Bengaluru

VARIANTS 2017 2018 2019

Min Max Min Max Min Max
XE 8.5 8.75 9.7 10.3 11.8 12.5
AS KI N G PRI CE: Rs 13.75 L AKH AS KI N G PRI CE: Rs 13.50 l akh
XM 9.5 10.5 11 11.7 13 13.8
This 2017 model is a manual version This top-spec automatic version has
XMA 10.2 10.9 11.9 12.7 14.1 14.9 in XT trim and has only 42,000km only covered 25,000km and has the
XT 11 11.7 12.9 13.7 15.3 16.3 on the odometer. 6-seat configuration.
XTA 12 12.75 13.7 14.6 16.3 17.4 Car courtesy Elite Motors, Mumbai Car courtesy Govind, Chennai
XT 4x4 12 12.6 13.9 14.7 16.5 17.5 Call 9819240402 Call 9884824090

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 75

 E x pe r i e n c e
Royal Enfield
Slide School
RE wants to
teach you how to
ride flat-track!

Ride

The XR Factor! Also inside

BMW’s road-going l TVS buys Norton

rocket ship, the Motorcycles
S 1000 XR is all new l KTM evaluating

for 2020, and it’s 890 Duke R for India

l Triumph Tiger 800
heading to India. XCx long-term review

first look

FIRST RID E 2020

Goodbye BMW R 18
All the
RE 500 information
on BMW’s
A look back at gorgeous and
the rich history unique R18
of Royal Enfield’s cruiser.
500cc, single-
cylinder engines.

may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 79

Stunning BMW R18
coming to India
1,802cc engine is the biggest BMW boxer engine to date,
with 150Nm available from as low as 2,000rpm.
B
MW Motorrad has
introduced its classic-
styled R18 cruiser and
it is headed to India at
an expected price of around
Rs 18-20 lakh, putting it bang
in the middle of premium
Harley-Davidson territory.
What makes the big German
unique is that its design
harks back to the 1936
BMW R5 cruiser.
Parked alongside
the original, the design
inspiration is clearly visible
in the R18’s round LED
headlamp, tear-drop-shaped
fuel tank and swooping
80 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020
rear fender. Details like the
exposed drive shaft, front
fork covers and the rigid-style
tail, which actually conceals
the rear monoshock,
highlight the meticulous
attention to detail. In fact, the
new Boxer engine, in terms
of exterior architecture,
looks strikingly similar to
the R5’s motor. It’s the same
with the fish-tail exhaust as
well. That said, the bulbous
centre – an unavoidable
result of the Euro 5 emission
regulations – is hard to digest.
However, there’s no denying
that the R18 ticks almost
all the cruiser motorcycle
design boxes, except for the
position of the mid-mounted
foot pegs. Given the layout
of the engine, it’s impossible
to fit forward-set foot pegs,
and this could be a deal-
breaker for those looking
for the typical cruiser style
riding experience. The R18,
however, redeems itself with
a swept-back handlebar and a
low 690mm seat height that
should result in a comfortable
riding position.
For those who’d like to
personalise their cruiser,
BMW is offering a wide range
of customisation options.
Replacing standard parts
has been made easy by using
plug-and-play type clutch and
brake lines, and the handlebar
wiring. The rear frame, seats,
side panels and handlebar
can all be swapped as well.
The decorative engine valve
covers and housing covers
can be replaced too and is
quite easy to do so as
they are located outside
the oil chamber.
Stunning design aside,
the R18’s engine is another
aspect that shines, and
we’re talking beyond all that
gleaming chrome. The brand-
new 1,802cc, air- and oil-
cooled engine produces 91hp
at 4,750rpm, which may not
seem as much considering
its size, but crucially, it
produces 158Nm of torque
at 3,000rpm. A fat chunk of
that torque (150Nm to be
precise) is available between
2,000-4,000rpm, and this is
what will dictate the
riding experience.
Unlike chain or belt-type
final drives as seen in most
cruisers, the BMW R18
employs an exposed shaft
drive, similar to the old BMW

R18 design is heavily
inspired from the 1936
BMW R5.
Instrument console is basic, 1802cc unit is the biggest BMW boxer ever, exposed driveshaft may not be practical for Indian roads.
cruisers it takes inspiration
from. The driveshaft and
universal joint are fascinating
bits of engineering left
exposed to marvel at, but
how this works in our dusty
and dirty environment is
yet to be seen. When it
comes to performance,
BMW claims a 0-100kph
time of 4.8sec and a top
speed limited to 180kph.
The bike maker has
also thrown in a fairly
comprehensive electronics
suite. The R18 has three
riding modes, which are
rather amusingly named
Bulbous exhaust a by-product
of strict Euro 5 emission norms.
Rain, Roll, and Rock. In
addition, there’s switchable
Automatic Stability Control
(ASC) and engine drag
torque control (MSR) that
helps prevent rear wheel slip
under hard acceleration or
aggressive downshifts. The
riding modes gradually alter
the power delivery and ASC
intervention, with Rock mode
offering the quickest throttle
response while backing
off the ASC. BMW is also
offering optional extras
such as hill-start assist,
heated grips, cornering lights
and a reverse gear driven
by an electric motor. That
last one could be helpful
considering this bike weighs
an immense 345kg.
Compared to many
modern BMW motorcycles,
the R18’s suspension is
rather conventional. This is
said to be done deliberately
to keep with the retro
theme, and so what you get
is a 49mm telescopic fork
(120mm travel) at the front
and a cantilever strut at
the rear (90mm travel),
mounted directly on the
frame and swingarm.
The rear suspension
also features
travel-dependent
damping and
BIKE NEWS
spring preload adjustment
that allows the rider to set
up the bike depending on
their weight.
As far as the brakes are
concerned, there are two
discs at the front (with fixed,
four piston calipers) and one
at the rear, each measuring
300mm. It uses BMW’s
Integral ABS system that
distributes the brake force
between the front
and rear brakes, according
to the brake pressure and
road conditions.
BMW will be selling the R18
in two trims – First Edition
and Standard, depending on
the market. The First Edition
gets extra chrome elements,
special paint and a badge. In
addition, there’s a welcome
box with exclusive goodies.
The BMW R18 comes
across as a unique and
genuine stab at the cruiser
market, one that’s been
dominated by Harley-
Davidson and also by Indian
Motorcycles to a small extent.
Only time will tell if buyers
will warm up to the idea of a
BMW cruiser.
Rishab bhaskar
may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 81
TVS buys Norton Motorcycles!
The legendary British brand was acquired in a deal worth roughly Rs 153 crore.

T
VS Motor Company
has acquired Norton
Motorcycles in an all-
cash deal worth GBP 16
million (around Rs 153 crore).
Through this transaction,
a newly set-up overseas
subdivision of the Indian
two-wheeler giant has
acquired certain assets and
intellectual properties
of Norton Motorcycles
(U.K.) Limited.
The 122-year-old British
brand faced troubled times for
the majority of its existence.
More recently, insufficient
cash flow is said to be one
of the reasons why it had
trouble fulfilling order books.
The company’s previous
owner, Stuart Garner, is also
reportedly under investigation
for allegations of fraud.
So far, TVS has said that
Norton’s operations will
proceed in the UK with
all current employees to
continue on its payroll. TVS
also states that Norton will
retain its identity with its own
business plans. The focus for
now will be getting pending
bikes delivered; the company
hasn’t commented on much
else just yet. However, there
are a few interesting things
to consider.
What remains a question
right now is what will become
of the Norton deal with
MotoRoyale. The Kinetic-
owned business had partnered
with Norton to retail, and
even manufacture, Nortons in
India. MotoRoyale was in the
process of scaling up its plant
when Norton UK went into
administration. Among the
bikes that were
to be built in India were the
new 650 twin-cylinder models
that were due to significantly
change the British company’s
fortunes. While the TVS
release states that it “is
excited about existing and
upcoming products, including
the Commando, Dominator
and V4 RR”, there is no
mention of the 650s – models
that would have the most
relevance for India.
Kinetic MotoRoyale’s
MD, Ajinkya Firodia tells our
sister publication Autocar
Professional that he is hopeful
MotoRoyale can continue
its bond with Norton. The
company has invested
in the development and
Café-racer-inspired
Norton Dominator.
manufacture of components
for the new 650cc model,
called the Atlas 650. In fact,
Kinetic Engineering was even
supposed to manufacture the
frames for the Atlas 650, and
Firodia hopes to supply these
components, in case TVS goes
ahead with production.
Another point to note is
that Garner very recently
sold the rights and tooling
to the 961 engine platform
to Chinese firm Jinlang just
before the company went
into administration. The
implications of this on
TVS-owned Norton are
unclear right now, but the
961 engine is a huge part of
Norton’s line-up.
Finally, what happens to
all the people who are owed
money by Garner-owned
Norton is another question
hanging in the air.
All these answers will
certainly be provided in due
course, but, for now, it’s simply
a matter of pride that an Indian
company has bought a legend
like Norton, even in such
uncertain times. Under TVS,
Norton has its best chance of
making a thorough and lasting
comeback, and enthusiasts
from the world over have
everything to gain from it.

KTM 890 Duke R under evaluation for India

KTM India is evaluating the
890 Duke R for our market
and it may launch sometime
in the middle or second half
of 2021. Like the 790 Duke, it
will be a CKD and will likely be
sold alongside the 790, which
is being upgraded to BS6. The
890 will be more expensive;
but then again, it also has a lot
more to offer.
Going with the name is
a new 890cc parallel-twin
that’s based on the 790
motor, but with increased
bore and stroke. Compression
ratio is up as well and the net
New 890cc parallel-twin makes 121hp and 99Nm of torque.
change is a jump from an
output of 105hp/87Nm to
121hp/99Nm. Chassis-wise,
the 890 uses the same tubular
steel frame as the 790.
However, the seat height has
risen to 834mm and ground
clearance is now 206mm,
which is more than the 390
Adventure! This will provide
the bike even more cornering
clearance and the 890 packs
exceptional equipment in
the form of fully adjustable
WP suspension at both ends.
The brakes have also been
upgraded to top-shelf Brembo
Stylemas and the bike now
runs sticky, track-focused
Michelin Cup 2 tyres.
Where the 790 Duke used
a 5-axis IMU, the 890 gets
a 6-axis unit, which should
EXCLUSIVE
provide more sensitivity to
the electronic aids. The vast
electronics suite includes all
the other features seen on
the 790 Duke, except for the
up/down quickshifter and the
tuneable Track mode, which
are now optional extras.
In India, we are looking at
an ex-showroom price
between Rs 10-11 lakh.
Considering all the extra kit
you get, the 890 Duke R is
well worth the money, and
it could easily be the most
potent, capable and rewarding
machine in the segment.

LAU N CHE D
BS6 Royal Enfield Bullet 350
Prices for the BS6 Bullet 350 start at Rs 1.21
lakh. Now fuel-injected, the engine makes
0.7hp less (19.1hp), while torque remains
unchanged at 28Nm. The electric start
variant, meanwhile, costs Rs 1.37 lakh.
BS6 TVS Apache RTR 180
At Rs 1.01 lakh, the BS6 Apache 180
is Rs 6,700 more expensive than
the BS4 model. Power and torque
remain nearly the same at 16.7hp
and 15.5Nm, respectively.

82 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020


Honda Aviator to be replaced
Honda India
will be pulling
the plug on its
EXCLUSIVE
premium 110cc
scooter – the Aviator. The
model didn’t make it to the
list of Honda scooters that
were recently updated to
BS6 spec, indicating that the
model will be discontinued.
The Aviator has been around
for years and was positioned
above the regular Activa,
although it shared the same
engine. The scooter’s USP
was its styling and features
such as alloy wheels, a
telescopic fork and a front
disc brake. While the Aviator
was well-received initially, it
was always overshadowed by
the Activa.
The discontinuation of
the Aviator leaves a void in
the premium 110cc scooter
space that the manufacturer
will try to fill with a new
product. It’s almost certain
that the new scooter will
be based on Honda’s new
Two-wheeler industry helps fight COVID-19
Despite being hit hard
by COVID-19, two-wheeler
companies in India are going
out of their way to help
tackle the crisis. The first
wave of help came in the
form of donations where
the Bajaj Group and Hero
Group announced relief
packages of Rs 100 crore
each. TVS also joined the list
by announcing a Rs 30 crore
economic aid package. The
Eicher Group, which owns
Royal Enfield, also pledged an
initial outlay of Rs 50 crore
towards building dedicated
care facilities, and various
immediate relief and support
measures to tackle the
impact of the coronavirus
pandemic.
BS6 Suzuki Intruder
The BS6 Intruder costs Rs 13,000
more than the already fuel-injected
BS4 bike. Power has also gone down
by a considerabe 1hp with output
figures now at 13.6hp/13.8Nm.
scooter platform that has
already spawned multiple
products like the new Activa
6G, the Dio and the Activa
125. The engine will probably
be in a similar tune to the
Activa, maybe with a slight
increase in power. However,
since the scooter will be a
premium offering, it is likely
to feature alloy wheels, a disc
brake and a digital instrument
cluster as well.
The price and positioning
The Bajaj Group has also
said that it’s working with the
Indian Government as well as
its network of 200 NGOs to
ensure that these resources
reach those who are in the
need for aid. Bajaj will also
Sales at a four-year low
The Indian automotive
of the new product will be industry was in a slowdown
higher than the Honda Activa well before the COVID-19
6G, and it’ll be interesting pandemic began wreaking
to see if Honda manages havoc last month. Figures
to keep it from falling into released by the Society
125cc scooter territory. of Indian Automobile
Whether it will actually be Manufacturers (SIAM), show
called the ‘Aviator’ is unclear that wholesale two-wheeler
at the moment, and we sales in FY2020 stood at
believe Honda may use a new 17.41 million units – a 17.7
brand name to create some percent drop, and the lowest
excitement, especially since seen in the past four years.
the original Aviator wasn’t Aside from Suzuki, who
a big seller. reported a 2.46 percent
promised distribution of
masks, sanitisers, gloves, and
100 ventilators. Additionally,
the brand has promised
to distribute more than
10,000 meals every day and
has deployed 60 modified
motorcycles as two-wheeler
ambulances in rural areas.
TVS stated that it will
use the kitchens that its
factories used for the staff
to prepare daily meals for
police personnel, healthcare,
and municipal workers.
work with organisations to The automaker is also
extend immediate support to supplying dry rations to
daily wage workers who daily wage workers in Baddi,
are facing a tough time Himachal Pradesh.
due to temporary closure The Eicher Group will
of businesses. work towards providing food,
Meanwhile, Hero has provisions and sanitation
HD Low Rider S
The Low Rider S has been
launched in Vivid Black at
Rs 14.69 lakh. It uses a 1,868cc,
V-twin which makes a mammoth
161Nm of torque.
BIKE NEWS
annual increase, every
manufacturer who shares
their data with SIAM
(Classic Legends and
Ducati are notable
exceptions) dipped in the
red. Nevertheless, Hero
continues to be the biggest
seller, at 6.2 million units,
despite an 18.14 percent
decrease in sales.
In March 2020, every
company aside from Honda
has recorded a drop in sales
by over 40 percent.
supplies, as well as setting up
sanitation facilities for high-
need groups, underprivileged
local communities in several
states across the country.
To this end, the group has
partnered with NGOs to
assess needs and deliver
the necessary support.
The Mahindra Group is
heavily involved in relief
efforts, including making face
masks at its two-wheeler
manufacturing plant at
Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh.
In the area of customer
service, most companies
have announced an
extension of the free
services and warranties
that were set to lapse during
the lockdown.
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 83
 Rishaad Mody Another Honda recall
the inside line Hope

Honda has announced to vehicle imbalance.” While

its second voluntary recall
in the past few months. The
first was of the new-gen
Activa 125 in February
2020; and this time
around, it’s for three of its
scooter models – the Dio,
the Activa 125 and the
6G – manufactured during
February 14-25, 2020. The
company, however, has not
specified the number of units
Motorcycles used to be a provider of joy but their new role now is to create hope. impacted by this recall.
Honda says it has
the company hasn’t given
any details apart from that
rather vague description, we
believe it’s the rear shock
absorber that’s affected.
The part in question,
if in the defective lot, will
be replaced free of cost,
irrespective of
warranty status
of the vehicle.

W
e’ve all probably
been there; that’s
how easy it’s
become to fall head-
first into the rabbit hole of
depression. By the time
you read this, it would have
been well over a month
since I rode a motorcycle.
Worse still, my wife and I
just bought an exciting new
have to offer. You see, my
favourite part of the day
now involves garbage; and
no, that’s not some poor
attempt at a joke on what
life currently feels like.
Ever since the lockdown
began, the garbage has to
Babu, my society watchman
who still diligently keeps
the bike spotless, even
though it hasn’t moved
in ages. It’s our civic and
moral duty to keep people
like him employed in times
identified “a suspected
quality issue in the rear
cushion, which may
result in oil leakage or
breakage and may lead

motorcycle, and while the
registration was completed
on the very last day that
the RTOs were operational,
the bike lies at a stockyard,
awaiting the lifting of
the lockdown. Hopefully,
you’ll hear more about the
bike next month, but, for
now, such a multi-faceted
deprivation of motorcycles
is no good for anyone
who’s an enthusiast; and
definitely not for someone
whose life revolves around
them. Yet, I should not
complain, as things could
have been a lot worse,
and I fully support the
government’s decision.
Nevertheless, the mind
needs soothing every
now and again, and I have
found a solution that is
far more gratifying than
what Netflix and the like

My favourite
part of the day
now involves
garbage.
 your side until they do.”
be taken out every morning,
and I take a cheeky detour
via my parking spot to
catch a glimpse of a lovely
motorcycle that patiently
resides there. The bike in
question is our long-term
Royal Enfield Interceptor
650, a motorcycle that
I have now stared at so
much that I’m completely
besotted with its classic
muscular lines and
gleaming chrome. The
gleam is thanks to Ram
like these.
What I find fascinating
is that I’m never tempted
to take the key down
Meteor incoming
It’s been rumoured for a reason could be that Royal
with me and steal a quick,
irresponsible ride. Rather
while now that Royal Enfield
will drop the ‘Thunderbird’
Enfield doesn’t have the
rights to the Thunderbird
than taunt me with its name in all countries,
presence, the Interceptor
feels like a warm friend
name in favour of ‘Meteor’–
a name the company
trademarked early last year.
courtesy a rather iconic Ford.
As a result, the Thunderbird
who gently pats me on the
back and tells me to hang in
This has now been confirmed
as the next-generation
(as pictured below) was sold
as the Rumbler in some
there: “The good days will
return, and I won’t leave
Thunderbird, has been
spotted with a ‘Meteor 350’
international markets. In
addition to this, ‘Meteor’ is
badge on its side panels. Why a heritage name for Royal
That stationary change what has become Enfield, and it used to sell
motorcycle has become a strong brand name in the a bike by the same name in
a beacon of hope, and Indian market? Well, one America in the 1950s.
while I fully agree all this
sounds cheesy as hell, I
also know that I always
return to my house with
a smile on my face and a
sense of calm in my head.
It’s common knowledge
that riding motorcycles
can be therapeutic, but I’ve
only just discovered that
they can also do the job
while standing still! What
wonderful things they are.

get in touch Forums at autocarindia.com rishaadmody

84 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020


Arai Tour-X4
An excellent, top-spec ADV helmet with a couple of quirks.
Retractable chin spoiler deflects air, 11 of the 14 vents can be closed; visor removal is tedious.
an ADV helmet is one
that combines the best
attributes of an MX helmet
and a traditional full-face
helmet. In other words,
amazing ventilation and
sun/roost protection,
along with high-speed
aerodynamics, and general
comfort and practicality.
The Arai Tour-X4 does this
amazingly well, at least for
the most part.
Aside from the extended
jaw, its rounded shell
keeps with the company’s
philosophy that a round
shape glances off surfaces,
thereby reducing the
force of impact. As you’d
expect, quality is top level,
particularly the paint
thickness and lustre. The
removable/washable interior
material feels luxurious
against the skin. Arai’s Facial
Contouring System for the
cheekpads ensures a snug,
super-comfy fit and the
5mm ‘peel-away’ pads allow
you to further refine the fit
if needed. Built using Arai’s
proprietary Special Fibre
Laminate material, this is a
hefty thing at 1.64kg, but it
is so well balanced that all-
day comfort is guaranteed.
With a total of 14 intake
and exhaust vents (of which
11 are controllable), the Tour
X-4 is a breezy dream. The
three big jaw vents provide
exceptional airflow, and
they can be fully closed off,
insulating the helmet quite
well in the cold. There’s even
a retractable chin spoiler
for improved air deflection.
Another impressive factor
is that despite its extreme
curvature, the visor displays
no visual distortion, and with
the included Pinlock anti-fog
lens inserted, there’s no
issue with fogging either.
The Tour is extremely
versatile in terms of what
kind of helmet you’d like it
to be. For aggressive off-
road riding you can remove
the visor and use a pair of
goggles. When out on the
highway, you could use
the plastic blanks fitted to
remove the peak and turn it
into a more traditional road
helmet. While the plastic
peak’s aerodynamics are
a lot better than an MX
helmet’s at highway speeds,
the Tour does start to lift a
little once you cross 100kph.
I find that large windscreens
on ADV bikes can mitigate
this to a large extent, but
the peak is certainly not
intended for sustained high
speeds on bikes without
wind protection.
Here’s where the problem
arises: Arai visor removal
has always been a fiddly
affair, but the Tour’s system
is downright tedious.
You have to remove the
two screws on the sides
while being careful not to
remove the thin plastic
screw retainer. This can’t
be done by hand, but a coin
will work. Reinstallation
demands careful alignment
of the visor and peak, along
with an even tightening
of the four screws. Arai
doesn’t sell one of those
fancy transition-style visors
either and a quicker, simpler
solution is much needed for
the next generation model.
Safety-wise, the Tour is
ECE 22-05 rated, but it also
complies with Arai’s own
internal test regimen which
is said to be stricter. Fully
handmade, it goes through
five different inspections
before being deemed fit
for sale and it comes as
no surprise that this is a
very expensive helmet.
Rs 60,000 gets you solid
colours, while most graphic
schemes, like the Catch Red
seen here, cost Rs 66,000.
This is what you have to pay
for a top-tier helmet and
the price is between the
top-spec RX7v and the mid-
level Chaser X.
The Tour-X4 undoubtedly
pairs up well with an
ADV bike, but pure road
riders may find Arais
like the Chaser X or
QV Pro to be the more
appropriate choice.
rishaad mody
Where: www.
performanceracing.in
Price: Rs 66,000
All the gear all the time
Rynox Air GT Gloves
Lightweight, affordable city gloves.
The last five gloves we’ve reviewed in this section
have been high-end gloves that cost nearly 10 percent of
the price of an average motorcycle in India, if not more.
We can’t recommend those premium gloves enough,
because there shouldn’t be a price
attached to safety. That being said,
it’s not easy for everyone to
shell-out that kind of money,
and moreover, not everyone
wants heavy-duty, track-
biased levels of protection. If
you feel that way, this glove
from Rynox should be right
up your street.
At Rs 2,450, these are one
of the most affordable leather
gloves I’ve come across from a
trusted brand. Despite the
price tag, the quality of the Foam inserts provide
goat leather used is really light protection for the
impressive. It’s soft right out scaphoid region
of the box and doesn’t require
breaking in. The leather is perforated as well; something
you’ll be really thankful for in a tropical weather condition
like ours. They obviously aren’t as light and venting as
flimsy cloth gloves, but I stopped noticing the weight
difference within a week.
These Rynox gloves have a single closure at the wrist
and feels adequately secure. The Air GTs are also very
quick and easy to put on, which is great for commuting,
but the same can’t be said about taking them off. You
see, the Velcro wrist strap is very thin and there is no
extendable tab, which makes it hard to get a grip when
you have a glove on your other hand.
As for safety, the gloves have TPU armour for the
knuckles and foam inserts to protect the scaphoid region
and fingers. There’s also a double layer of leather at the
base of the fingers, which is a typically high-use area
where the glove grips the handlebar. Rynox is also claims
that the Air GT is CE certified to standard EN13594:2015.
What this means is that the gloves have been tested for
impact resistance, abrasion resistance, slide time, cut
resistance, tear strength, and seam strength.
The Rynox Air GT are in their element from one city
traffic light to another, where the speeds aren’t high
enough to cause too much trouble. If you are considering
riding out on the weekends though, we recommend more
comprehensive and safer gloves.
firoze irani
Where: rynoxgears.com
Price: Rs 2,450
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 85
Under the radar couple of months ago, we got to

a
ride three new BMWs in Spain.
You read about two of them – the
F 900 R and the F 900 XR – in
our March 2020 issue, and an
embargo meant that we couldn’t talk about this
bike back then. What you’re looking at here is a
brand-new, second generation of the fastest sport-
touring machine from BMW. And yes, that’s what
we’re calling it, despite the fact that BMW terms
the S 1000 XR an ‘Adventure-Sport’ and lists it
under the ‘Adventure’ category on its website.
Truth be told, with 17-inch rims and just 150mm
of suspension travel, it only qualifies as adventure
bike thanks to it being a tall thing with good wind
protection. In fact, at one point along the ride, a
BMW official told me that they’d recommend
taking this bike about as far off-road as you would
an S 1000 R litre-naked. Or in other words, not
very far at all.

New from the outside

This is no crisis because the S 1000 XR has always
been about covering big distances at silly speeds
while offering complete comfort to you and your
pillion. That brief hasn’t changed for the 2020
model; but BMW has redesigned it from the
ground up. The design is completely new, and
this is the second bike, after the new S 1000 RR,
that confirms the bike maker’s intention to leave
behind its trademark asymmetric face design.
I quite like the look of the new LED lights, and
even though we didn’t get to experience them,
an indoor simulation revealed that their clever
cornering function should be quite a joy on a
poorly lit road. Above the headlight sits a two-
step height-adjustable windscreen that does a
wonderful job of insulating you from the wind
blast, and along with the built-in heated grips, the
BMW shielded me beautifully from a biting cold
Spanish morning.
The bodywork is brand-new as well, and it
looks larger and more bulked-up in general,
despite the rather drab Ice Grey colour scheme
our test bikes came with. The bodywork shields
your lower body from the elements well, and I like
some of the smaller touches like the built-in cubby
just behind the keyless start button. BMW has
now integrated pannier mounts into the design
and the higher-spec TE variant gets a luggage
rack as well. However, while it’s all put together
very well, you can’t help notice that there is almost
no metal on display at all; and everything you see
on the expansive bodywork is plastic. This might
just be me, but some exposed metal, at least in
areas like the fuel tank, always makes things feel a
little more premium.
What is a commendable is that BMW has
managed to make this bike a little friendlier for
shorter riders. Seat height remains unchanged
at 840mm, but the seat has been slimmed down
quite a bit where it meets the fuel tank, ◊

86 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020

 2020 BMW S 1000 XR ride
It may look like an ADV, but make no mistake, the
S 1000 XR is a 1,000cc sport bike with a comfortable
riding position. It’s also brand new for 2020 and
Rishaad Mody got to ride one in Spain in better times.

may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 87

 Sleeker, full-LED headlamps on the new XR have a cornering function.
New TFT display is thoroughly customisable.
∆ making it a little easier to get the feet down.
Climb aboard, and you’ll find that the bike feels
big, but not frighteningly heavy. BMW says
they’ve saved 10kg of weight, but the spec sheet
shows a 226kg kerb weight, which is only 2kg
down from the old bike. No, BMW isn’t pulling
a fast one here; they’ve reached this figure by
accounting for all the kit like the pannier mounts
and luggage rack which are now standard, but
used to be popular options that most owners
ended up installing.
New from within
The XR’s engine has been heavily reworked,
and is now based on the motor from the new S
88 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020
Typical BMW switches with a rotary controller.

Think of this as a comfy
superbike rather than a
go-anywhere ADV.
 RR’s top-end performance and that this was not
1000 RR. You wouldn’t guess that from the spec
sheet because it has the same cubic capacity,
the same bore-stroke ratio, and even makes the
same 165hp and 114Nm of torque as before. Then
again, this motor is now Euro 5-compliant, so it’s
a good thing that BMW has managed to keep the
performance figures from dropping. What came
as a disappointment to many was that the XR
misses out on the ShiftCam variable-valve control
technology from the new S 1000 RR. BMW says
that ShiftCam is mainly intended to enhance the
a priority for the road-biased XR. This is a fair
explanation, but the cost-saving benefits can’t be
discounted either.

Nevertheless, BMW’s focus with the new engine
was a linear, yet meatier power delivery. Winding
the throttle open for the first time on a wide
Spanish highway, the one thing that definitely
didn’t pop into my head was, “Damn, wish I
had some ShiftCam”. This is a ludicrously fast
motorcycle, and the only way you can go faster
is by buying a full-fledged sport bike. 180kph is
always just a handful of seconds away, and the
XR will quite comfortably cross 250kph. Power
delivery builds in a completely linearly fashion,
and the bike feels particularly rampant between
9,000rpm and 11,000rpm.
BMW also seems to have sorted out the
previous issue of engine vibration manifesting
in the handlebar, and the bike felt smooth
throughout. The 6-speed gearbox is as precise as
you’d expect and the up/down quickshifter that
comes with the top-spec model is what we’ve
grown to expect from BMW – good enough,
but not fantastic. The gear ratios have been
lengthened in the fourth, fifth and sixth gears
for a long-legged feel out on the highway, and to
improve efficiency and meet emissions targets.
With a 20-litre fuel tank and a wonderfully
comfortable and upright seating position, this bike
will cross entire states at speeds that can easily
land you in prison, or a hospital bed, if not both.
When you consider that this powertrain is now
Euro 5-compliant, the size of the well-designed
2020 BMW S 1000 XR ride
exhaust, as well as the sweet in-line-four scream
it produces at high revs is something worth
appreciating. Nevertheless, as mind-bendingly
fast the XR is, like most BMWs, it can’t shake that
over-engineered sense of perfection. Essentially,
this is not the type of bike with heaps of naughty
character that make you go giddy in your helmet.
It is incredibly effective though, and not just
in a straight line. The XR gets a brand-new
frame, once again derived from the S 1000
RR. The engine is more involved as a load-
bearing member of the structure; and BMW has
managed to save a total of 2.1kg from the frame
and swingarm. The wheelbase has been reduced
by a fairly substantial 26mm, but the steering ◊
may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 89
∆ rake angle has been increased.
How does this translate on the road? Well, the
XR has always been a great handler, and this one
is no different. The steering doesn’t feel razor-
sharp, but the bike leans over without much
effort and when you’re in the zone, you can really
attack a curvy road. The XR offers just over 50
degrees of lean angle, which is proper sport-bike
territory, and with a stickier set of tyres (stock
tyres are sport-touring Bridgestone Battlax T31s),
you’d be able to embarrass quite a few people at
the race track as well. However, it is worth noting
that the suspension plays a significant role in
how the XR rides.

Electronics everywhere
For 2020, the XR gets electronically controlled
suspension damping as standard. BMW tells
us that the new ESA (Electronic Suspension
Adjustment) has a wider range of adjustability
between firm and soft, but there is a small catch.
Earlier, when you specced the optional ESA, you’d
get both Comfort and Dynamic modes for the
suspension. While it is now standard, the ESA on
the base model ships with just the Comfort mode,
while the top-spec model gives you ‘ESA Pro’ that
brings in the sportier Dynamic mode in addition to
‘Comfort’. As press rides generally go, we only got
to ride the top- spec model, but I felt that the bike
Two-step adjustable windscreen. Seating comfort has been a big priority.
was too soft in ‘Comfort’ – great for sailing down new TFT display, another item that is heavily
the highway but not so much for the twisty stuff. inspired by the S 1000 RR. The sheer depth of
That considered, the base model might not be as menus and adjustability for all the riding modes
dynamically impressive as the bike it replaces; and electronics is too vast to list here and is
though we’ll have to ride one to confirm that. something you’ll only fully grasp with time on
As with most new-age bikes, the XR is the bike. BMW even has a new smartphone app
dripping with new-age technology and safety that offers the most in-depth post-ride data I
assists. What you will interact with most is the have ever seen, down to how much throttle, lean-

90 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020

 2020 BMW S 1000 XR ride

Brakes are strong, progressive, but not too sharp. Euro 5-compliant exhaust sings a sweet tune. Indicators double as brake lamps.

angle and brakes you have used at any given

point in a saved ride. It even tells you when you
activated the ABS. Best of all, this app is free to
download, unlike some rivals – I’m looking at
you KTM!


The 2020 S 1000 XR is a little
The XR now comes with four riding modes –
Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. The last
mode offers several customisation options and
allows the rider to individually set up the traction
lighter and a little easier control, wheelie control, engine response, engine,
brake control and Dynamic Suspension mode (if
for shorter riders. you have the top-spec model). Beyond the more
sophisticated suspension, the higher-spec TE

 model also brings in a bi-directional quickshifter,

cornering headlamps, heated grips, cruise
control, keyless ignition, hand guards, a luggage
rack, a centre stand and more. Of course, all the
electronic safety assists gather their information
from a 6-axis IMU, so the traction control and
ABS both have corner sensitivity.

When can I buy one?

BMW finds that most customers in India go for
the higher-spec models, so it’s likely that the
S 1000 XR will come in its top trim. Launch is
scheduled for mid-2020, but a lot depends on how
the COVID-19 catastrophe pans out. We believe
pricing won’t change much over the previous
model; so you’re looking at something between
Rs 20-21 lakh (ex-showroom), which should put
it in Ducati Multistrada S territory. Time to start
dreaming up a comparison. AI

2020 BMW S 1000 XR

Price Rs 20-21 lakh (estimated)
Motor 4 cyl, 999cc, liquid-cooled
Power 165hp at 11,000rpm
Torque 114Nm at 9250rpm
Gearbox 6-speed
Wheelbase 1522mm
Seat height 840mm
Kerb weight 226kg
Fuel tank 20 litres
Front suspension 45mm USD fork,
electronically adjustable
Rear suspension Monoshock, electronically
adjustable
Brakes (f/r) 320mm twin discs/265mm disc
Tyre size (f/r) 120/70 R17
190/55 R17

may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 91

 Farewell 500
Last month, production of Royal Enfield’s 500cc single-cylinder engine
came to an end. Vishal Venugopal takes you through its legacy.
n March, the oldest motorcycle
I
manufacturer in continuous
production pulled the plug on one
of its longest-running engine
platforms. The Royal Enfield 500cc
single-cylinder engine came into existence in the
mid-1920s, and now, after multiple generation
changes, the company has finally put it to pasture.
Following its glorious run, the big 500cc single
leaves behind a legacy that won’t be forgotten
anytime soon, and with plenty of help from Royal
Enfield’s historian, Gordon May, we decided to
take a look back at its journey.
The early days
The very first Royal Enfield motorcycle went
on sale in 1901, but it was only in 1927 that the
company launched its first 500cc-single – the
Model 500. Costing £52 (the equivalent of around
£3,290 or Rs 3.15 lakh today!), the Model 500
92 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020
was a grand success back in the day and laid
the foundation for Enfield’s 500cc single. Two
years later, the company showcased the Model
505, featuring the manufacturer’s first 500cc
OHV engine, but it was in 1930 that some rather
monumental steps were taken in engine design.
This year saw the introduction of dry-sump
lubrication and an oil pump arrangement that
featured on every iteration of the engine for the
next 78 years, until the AVL era ended.
In September 1932, Royal Enfield’s factory
in Redditch came up with the iconic Bullet.
It featured the new LF 500, a high-performing
unit with a four-valve head that produced 25hp,
which is just 2.6hp less than the 2019 Classic
Royal Enfield’s first big-single was on the
1927 Model 500 – a 488cc, side-valve engine
linked to a 4-speed gearbox.
 History of the RE 500 engine Feature
The 1927 Model 500 (left) and the
2020 Classic 500 Tribute Black
(right) – the first and the last to
feature Enfield’s 500cc single.

500! However, the company’s experimental

works department knew it was capable of more,
and so a racing kit was offered with a higher-
compression piston and a straight pipe exhaust.
The result – 29hp!
Over the next few years, the LF 500 engine was
tweaked and tuned, each iteration addressing an
issue with its predecessor. For example, in 1934,
it gained larger fins between the exhaust ports to
improve cooling, and had ribs cast into the front
of the crankcase for increased oil-capacity. Two
specially prepared iterations of this motorcycle
also took part in the Isle of Man Senior TT race
that year, but unfortunately, neither managed
to finish. The following year, however, the same
machine, piloted by Cecil Barrow, finished
the race in 8th place, averaging an impressive
73.94mph (119kph).
In 1935, the big-single adopted a unique three-
valve setup, with the engine rockers and valve gear
now fully enclosed, minimising oil leaks. A review
from back in the day remarked that “throughout
the test, the exteriors of the engine and gearbox
remained free from oil.” This is quite the
achievement for even a relatively modern Royal
Enfield engine, let alone one from 1935. Royal Enfield’s final iteration of the big-single was the UCE 500 that came out in 2008.
The 1935 LO was short-lived though, as the ◊

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 93

The ‘Fury’ featured a highly-tuned version
of the ‘Big Head’, the last 500cc single to be
manufactured at the Redditch factory in 1962.
∆ three-valve setup saw power go down from the
previous iteration. So, Royal Enfield brought back
the four-valve mechanism with the 1936 JF 500.
This upright ‘J’ architecture served as the base
of many versions of the 500cc single for over the
next two decades. And the motorcycles that were
powered by these engines evolved substantially
as well, with new double-cradle frames,
better brakes and telescopic suspension. The
J2, an iteration from this period, was also
commissioned by the British Royal Air Force in
the Second World War.
The post-war era
In 1959, the JS engine was redesigned
to deliver better performance, with
test runs claiming that the bike was
capable of 91mph (146kph)! This
engine was also the last big-single
to be manufactured at the
Redditch plant, its production
ceasing in 1962. For nearly
three decades after, Royal Enfield
didn’t have a 500cc single on sale.
By 1956, operations had begun
at the Tiruvottiyur factory in
Madras where the 350cc Bullets
were manufactured and exported.
They were a huge hit locally as well
as in international markets, but
eventually, international demand
moved in the direction of more
The engine from the 1989 Bullet
500, the first Royal Enfield 500 to be
manufactured in India.
94 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020
powerful motorcycles. Enter the 1989 500 Bullet,
the first 500cc Royal Enfield to be manufactured
in India. It featured a re-engineered version of
the Redditch-made 1956 JS 500 and with more
recent technology like coil-ignition and alternator
electricals. The rest of the bike, like the chassis
and even the Albion gearbox, was a straight fit
from its younger 350cc sibling. After 15 years,
in 2004, the powertrain was replaced by a new
‘Lean Burn’ 500 engine that was developed with
powertrain research specialists AVL from Austria.
This move marked the end of the classic engines
and a shift to the modern era for the 500.
A modern-day classic
Royal Enfield wanted to retain the characteristics
of a traditional British-style OHV push-rod
engine, but the advent of stricter emission norms
made this difficult. And this is where the UCE
500 came into existence. Launched in 2008, the
UCE 500 was the most significant step forward
the company made with its big-single, featuring
a gearbox that was now integrated with the
crankcase, hydraulic valve lifters and fuel-injection
– all firsts for a Royal Enfield to do so.
The Classic 500 soon went on to become the
bestselling Royal Enfield 500 ever, and the engine
made its way onto multiple models like the Bullet
and Thunderbird. It’s these motorcycles that
you can see out and about every day, partnering
with the 350cc models in creating an incredible
success story for Royal Enfield. Stories of owners
and their experiences with a Royal Enfield 500
aren’t in short supply and even today, the bikes
come strongly recommended to someone who’s
fostering the passion for riding. So much so,
that I’ve encountered numerous tales where the
 History of the RE 500 engine Feature
‘Mo Powa’, a Royal Enfield Factory
Custom based on the Classic 500,
featuring a turbocharged engine.

RE 500 is considered a conversion was so efficient

go-to option for anyone that it even allowed for one of
who wants to go touring in the two catalytic converters
our country. to be removed, resulting in
During my research better performance. Its success
for the story, a legend in also pushed him to develop a
the old days of the Indian carburettor conversion kit that
racing scene – G Subhash allowed customers to easily
Chandra Bose, aka Bullet replace the fuel-injection
Bose, a name he picked up systems on their UCE engines.
thanks to his domination That, to me, is one of the
while racing an Enfield – had key aspects that made the big-
a couple of interesting tales single so popular. It provided
to share. I sometimes think sufficient performance and
of him as an Indian Burt character off the shelf, but
Munro, having modified his it also gave you the endless
Enfield extensively during freedom to experiment with
the 1970s and ‘80s with the it. No other manufacturer
sole purpose of going faster. encourages it like Royal
his
It’s his technical expertise that G Subhash Chandra Bose and hal Pradesh. Enfield, and you can find the
at Mechuka, Arunac
saw him become a consultant Bullet 500 most daring custom jobs on
with Royal Enfield. Over a a Royal Enfield 500.
fascinating phone call, he told The 500’s demise
me about the role he played ultimately came down to strict emissions
with regard to the 500cc regulations, but also the fact that the Classic
single. He told me that he felt the fuel-injection 500 was priced uncomfortably close to the
system didn’t fully extract the capabilities of new 650s. Royal Enfield is now creating some
the UCE, so, along with his team at UCAL Fuel
Systems, he began developing a carburettor for
it. The end result – the modern-day Bullet. What

Royal Enfield’s big-single
thoroughly well-engineered products and
there is a brand-new 350 platform set to debut
very soon. The 500’s era has finally drawn to
started out as a rather straightforward conversion, a close and we’re unlikely to ever experience
soon saw numerous SuperFlow-bench tests, the
realignment of the carburettor mounting points has left behind an almost another raw, characterful and yes, far-from-
perfect engine like it. As excited as we are to see
and even the fuel tank, to better accommodate
the carburettor. I could sense Bose-uncle (as inimitable legacy. what’s in store next from Royal Enfield, the 500
will always be a significant and dearly beloved


he’s more fondly known) beam with pride as milestone in the company’s 119-year-long journey
he spoke about his work and the fact that the to where it is today. AI

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 95

 going slideways
The Royal Enfield Slide School aims to teach you how to ride on a flat track.
Vishal Venugopal took part in the inaugural edition and here’s what he learned.
Photography Ashley baxter

lat-tracking is the original extreme renaissance. Royal Enfield wants in on this and as possible. I was invited to experience the

f
American motorsport and is
possibly the oldest form of
motorcycle racing still in existence.
When road racing started to gain
popularity there in the mid ‘70s, the numbers that
poured in to watch the older sport diminished but
the last few years have seen something of a
has very recently partnered with American Flat
Track (AFT) to promote itself in the US.
Much closer to home, the manufacturer has
already stepped into action in India with the
Slide School. This is an initiative that gives just
about anyone access to a flat track, as well as
guidance on how to go around one as quickly
inaugural edition of the Royal Enfield Slide
School at the Big Rock Dirtpark in Bengaluru.
Guiding us through the day’s proceedings was
Johnny Lewis, AMA Pro racer and founder of
Moto Anatomy, one of the most reputed flat-
track schools in America.
We started out with a ‘classroom’ session

96 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020


The coaches talk us through body positionin
Race leathers and MX boots: I felt overdres
on the basics of riding a flat-track motorcycle,
which in this case was a modified Royal Enfield
Himalayan developed with input from S&S Cycle
in the US. It sports the 18-inch wheels from
the 650 Twins that have now been shod with
special tyres from Timsun and have a diagonal
tread pattern. Next, part of the subframe has
been chopped off and the stock seats have been
replaced by a minimalistic, yet very efficient piece
of foam atop some custom body panels. It also
benefits from an aftermarket exhaust, a different
sprocket to suit the length of the track at Big
Rock, and has lost all road-going lights and also
its front brake, which is the flat-track way.
The first drill we were asked to work on was
vision and follow the lines shown to us. “Look
where you want to go” is the thumb rule of vision
in any form of riding. To get our attention, there
were smiley-face cut-outs placed along the inner
edge of the corners, and my experience from the
racetrack meant that this wasn’t too hard for me
to do. However, step two wasn’t as simple. It
Royal Enfield Slide School experience
g.
sed.

Keep your eyes on the smiley-face cut-outs, get to the
apex, and throttle out smoothly, but as quickly as you can.

involved rolling off the throttle and immediately
leaning the bike into the corner, with me sitting
almost upright on the outer edge of the seat,
or “crack on crack” as Johnny likes to say. You
know you’ve got it right when your inner arm
is almost fully stretched at the apex. It didn’t
help that, unlike the apex I’m used to, this one
lay towards the centre of the track. Once I got
the hang of that, the next step was to stick my
leg out and use it sort of like a third wheel – feel
the movement of the bike and push down on
the ground to hold the slide. This is easier said
than done, because the longest slide I managed
was only a couple of metres long. Interestingly,
there’s almost no rear brake used to get the bike
sideways. I found out that it’s a combination of
the lean angle and the rear wheel playing catch-
up with the front that causes it to swing around.
The rear brake is mainly there to help you shed
speed, not lock the rear wheel.
Those were the basic actions we had to work
on and Johnny, along with Bhima and Nelly, the
s our coach.
racer Johnny Lewis wa
American Flat Track
though.
! Made for this very cool picture
..until this happened
two other coaches from Big Rock, insisted that it
was a matter of stitching them together perfectly
that constituted the ‘perfect’ slide.
I really enjoyed the format of the Slide School.
One, because the coaches were spectacular;
and two, because of how much knowledge was
imparted thanks to the short loop format. It meant
you’d pass one of the coaches every few seconds
and they’d either pull you out to tell you what to
work on, or just yell it out loud enough for you to
hear it. Mostly, it meant that we got to ride a lot!
The best part though, is that this is accessible
to anyone, and Royal Enfield is working towards
setting up similar facilities in different parts
of the country. For Rs 1,500, you can take any
motorcycle out on the flat track at Big Rock.
Rs 2,000 will let you rent one of the Himalayas
there and Rs 2,500 will get you riding the FT411.
This extremely reasonable fee includes exactly
what we got to experience – a little theory,
lots of track time under the watchful eyes of
Bhima and Nelly, and bucketloads of fun. AI
may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 97
OUR bikes
l ov e i t
Reliability
The Tiger hasn’t given me undue
trouble in all those kilometres.
Exhaust note
Sport-bike-like howl from an
adventure motorcycle.
l oat h e i t
Indicators
The indicators tend to break
easily if you drop the bike.
air filter
Tank needs to be removed every
time the air filter needs cleaning.
98 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020
Triumph Tiger 800 XCx
Ouseph’s Tiger charges past the 40,000km mark,
and it’s still running as well as it always does.
ou won’t believe the
y
numbers I’m getting on
the Tiger! As I write
this, fuel consumption
stands at three weeks
with 19 litres, and the fuel gauge is
still reading full! There’s been
absolutely no expenditure on service
or wear-and-tear parts and my tyres
have never lasted so long. As I write
this, I know I’m going to get the same
super-economical running costs for
more than a fortnight, at least. My
wallet is getting a breather and
though I feel like a caged cat, I realise
there is a bright side to sitting at
home in lockdown mode.
Before the lockdown though,
this was one busy Tiger, with
5,000km added to the odometer in
just two months; mostly because we,
at The School of Dirt, were working
on a new ‘how to powerslide’
course. Finding an open enough
space to serve as classroom and
because figuring out a curriculum
for a powersliding session is an
inherent tyre killer, I’ve worked my
way through another rear tyre and
been through another service but
otherwise had no trouble whatsoever.
In fact, the Tiger’s utter reliability
is one of the reasons I’ve been able
to run it without really troubling my
42,600km report
mostly freelancer-based income.
There haven’t been any surprise
expenditures, even after dropping the
bike on trail rides because generally,
nothing important breaks. Hell,
even the clutch plates still have life
in them, and the original chain will
easily last another 3,000-4,000km.
This reliability is truly impressive,
given the kind of high RPM, slow
speed and pop-clutch abuse that
this bike regularly goes through.
Running it so far has just been a
matter of planning my finances out to
handle scheduled services, insurance
and tyre replacements.
That said, the 40,000km service
did put a bit of a dent in my wallet.
It’s an engine-head-open service
because they need to check and set
the valve shim clearance. I was quite
happy that only two of the twelve
valve shims on my bike had gone
beyond recommended operating
tolerances. All told, spare parts,
service kit and labour put me out by
around Rs 25,000. I was prepared for
it; but then again, I’d be lying if I said
it didn’t hurt. I guess there is a price
attached to all the good times I’ve
had on this bike.
On another note, I went to
Morocco recently to ride the new
Tiger 900 Rally Pro. I fell in love
Photography Ouseph Chacko
with the new bike. It just feels so
much lighter, faster, nimbler and
unintimidating to make mistakes on
when compared to the 800. The only
thing I actually missed on the new
bike was that sport-bike howl that
the 800 has, especially if you’ve
removed the decibel killer on the
Arrow exhaust, like I have on my
bike. The 900’s new firing order
makes it sound more like a big
parallel-twin than anything else
and in my opinion, isn’t half as hair-
raising or as butter-smooth as an
800 nearing 10,000rpm.
That little bit aside, as an 800
owner, I’m dying to upgrade – the
new bike is a huge improvement,
adventure-riding wise, and I hope
I can drum up the money soon
enough. I also hope the 900 remains
as reliable as the 800 – that’s the only
way I’ll be able to truly afford it.
Ouseph Chacko
test data
Tr i u m ph Ti g e r 800 XCx
Odometer 42,610km
Price NA Economy 21 days/
19-litres and counting (overall)
Faults None
Maintenance costs Rs 25,000 for
40,000km service
 mOTORSPORT

Remembering
a racing icon
To understand the true skill and
genius of Sir Stirling Moss, you
have to look beyond the numbers.

M otorsport update
Latest round-up of the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on global motorsport and what the future holds.
 sir Stirling Moss
1929-2020
Legendary English race-car driver Sir Stirling Moss has died at the age of 90.
Shapur Kotwal pays tribute to one of the best drivers of all time.
ir Stirling Craufurd Moss was no

S
ordinary race-car driver. In fact,
merely calling him a highly gifted
driver would be a gross inaccuracy
too. Widely considered by many to
be one of the finest drivers of all time, he was a
true legend, in every sense of the word. Proof of
this, however, isn’t available if you pore over the
racing statistics. Moss never won a Formula 1
world championship – something that seems to
have unfortunately defined him – and he never
won at Le Mans either.
Statistics, however, don’t tell you everything.
They are quantitative and not qualitative. To
understand the true skill and genius of Moss, you
must understand the circumstances in which he
raced, the competition he took on, the relative
pace of the cars he drove, and look beyond the
numbers. But who do we ask? Someone who
knows the sport well, of course; someone who
knew the skill levels of all the top-flight drivers at
the time, and had deep insight into their varied
driving styles and relative pace.
How about Enzo Ferrari? As obsessed with
fast drivers as he was with fast cars, the ‘old man’
actually authored a 500-page book (Piloti, Che
Gente) on only drivers or ‘Piloti’, right from the
dawn of motor racing, all through to Senna,
Prost and Mansell – a book full of amazing
insights. While he clarifies that one cannot lump
together racers who performed at different times,
on different tracks, it’s quite obvious that he
places his fellow Italian racer Tazio Nuvolari,

illustration by Unnatee Gidithuri

right on top. And right next to him sits none
other than Moss.
“Certain parallels may be drawn,” he writes.
“In doing so, we can see that Nuvolari and Moss
had similar styles.” Both drivers were aggressive
on turn-in, both liked their cars to oversteer,
and both, given a car with tidy handling, would
make up huge amounts of time in corners and
win races against much faster competition. Enzo
also liked the fact that both drivers gave their 100
percent, regardless of the car, the circumstances
or the course, and were very quick in all types of
cars: sedans, two-seaters and single-seaters alike. career driving light motorcycle-engine-powered won a non-championship event, the Aintree
Stirling Moss actually got into racing with racing cars, where he learnt not to scrub and 200. Imagine that today. Soon Maserati was
something of an advantage. Motorsport was in his waste speed, even when in a slide. Then he was supporting him officially. He would have won
blood; well, sort of. His father, though a dentist picked up by Jaguar. Even his entry into serious Monza if it wasn’t for a mechanical problem; and
by profession, finished 16th in the Indianapolis single-seater racing was unreal. Unable to find then he was picked up by Mercedes.
500, his mother raced in hill-climbs, and his sister a factory drive on the Formula 1 circuit, he got As his career progressed, he had many
Pat was a rally star. Early in his career, Stirling his own Maserati 250F in 1954 and proceeded memorable wins, the most popular being his
was known as the ‘boy wonder’. He started his to put in a bunch of spectacular drives. He even victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia, or the mad

100 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020

 Stirling Moss tribute
1,000-mile race around Italy. Run on everyday
roads, but with a staggered start, Moss and
navigator Denis Jenkinson had made detailed
pace notes which allowed their car 722 (it started
at 7:22 in the morning) to record average speeds
in excess of 160kph; the big Mercedes 300SLR
pulling all the way to 274kph on the long, open
stretches. Moss even managed to get the car
airborne at its maximum speed, travelling a fair
distance before settling down on its springs, all
four wheels luckily pointing straight. Moss and the
Mercedes finally did the 1,000 miles in 10hr 7min,
averaging a staggering 158kph on everyday roads
– a record that stands even today, as the race was
banned in 1957.
Then in ’61, in a feat that was even more
impressive, Moss fended off a pair of faster
Ferraris and won the Monaco Grand Prix in a
Lotus 18. He actually won Monaco twice; he
won the difficult and dangerous Nürburgring
once in an F1 car, and multiple times in sportscar. Moss was very patriotic; note the Union Jack on the Mercedes W196 F1 car.
And, over the years, he registered wins in all
forms of racing.
In 1958, he could have won the F1 world
championship outright too; but in a selfless act
of fair play, he prevented another competitor
from being disqualified. Driver Mike Hawthorn
was reinstated in 2nd and Moss, as a result, lost
the championship to him. In all, of the 529 races


Moss was the ultimate
all-rounder. He could
drive in any form of
motorsport and win.

he started, he won 212 – which in itself is an
incredible feat, as he very seldom had the best car.
Moss also stood head and shoulders above the
rest in another area – communication. Ever the Moss with Denis Jenkinson before the start of the 1955 Mille Miglia.
car enthusiast, he was an avid reader of Autocar in
the UK, and he absolutely loved cars. His insights
were just fantastic. He explained lucidly why the
Maserati 250F was the best-handling single-seater
he ever drove. I just love how he wrote Maserati
a 100th birthday postcard stating that the 250F
was ‘still the benchmark of perfection’. Another
250, Ferrari’s SWB or Short Wheel Base, was also
a favourite, and that was despite it having a leaf-
sprung rear suspension. “It was the pinnacle,” he
often said.
Back in 2013, I had the privilege of meeting
and interviewing Sir Sterling at the Cartier
Concours d’Elegance in Mumbai. After the official
interaction, I asked Moss about his favourite
driver Fangio – in what way was he different,
and what gave him an edge. Pat came the reply,
“Balance. Driving and F1 car is all about balance.”
When you drive at the limit, every input you make
tends to ‘unbalance’ the car. Braking, turning,
Photo Lat

accelerating, Fangio upset the car the least, he had

explained. Incredible insights, always.
If you put down a list of must-haves for a racing
The 300SLR powering
driver, Stirling sure had them all. He truly was
through a city roundabout –
motorsport’s shining star. AI
note the 7hr 22min start time.
July 2019 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 101
RED-FLAGGED
The coronavirus pandemic has brought the world of motorsport to a screeching halt.
Unnatee Gidithuri explores all the events that have been affected so far
and what the future holds.
Pictures LAT

odern history has the season either cancelled or July. The series has already brought in theory, reduce the burden on the

M
seldom witnessed
events that have
brought the entire
world to a standstill –
and yet here we are, in the midst
of just that. With the coronavirus
pandemic making social distancing
the new norm, it is understandable
to see that motorsport around the
world has taken a back seat. But
how long will we have to wait to
see racetracks once again buzzing
with activity? And what does
motorsport’s post-coronavirus
future look like?
F1
With the first nine races of
postponed, the French GP scheduled
for June 28 seems like the earliest
that the 2020 season will be able to
get underway, at least on paper. But
the volatility of the current crisis
and the resulting travel restrictions
will prove to be a major obstacle as
Formula 1 attempts to get things
back on track.
F1 boss Ross Brawn has already
indicated that this season will likely
kick-off in Europe, with the first
few races being held without any
spectators. While speaking to Sky
Sports, he revealed that it would be
possible to have a calendar with a
maximum of 18-19 races, provided
the season gets underway in early
forward its summer shutdown
period and extended it to three
weeks, so that at least gets the
summer break out of the way.
FIA statutes require a minimum
of eight races to have a world
championship, so there is bound
to be a cutoff point; Brawn reckons
that this will be in October. “We
could achieve eight races by starting
in October. So if you wanted a
drop-dead point, it would be
October,” he said.
The season could also spill over
into next year. The postponement
of the new technical regulations to
2022 and ongoing talks to further
lower next year’s cost cap should,
teams to make this possible. “There
is always the possibility we could run
into next year. That’s being explored.
Can we stray into January to finish
the season? There are all sorts of
complications, as you can imagine,
with that,” Brawn added.
The ongoing crisis does, however,
give Formula 1 the chance to play
around with its long-standing
race weekend format. Brawn has
suggested that the series could
hold two-day weekends to ease the
pressure in a compressed calendar.
So far, the Bahrain, Vietnam,
Chinese, Dutch, Spanish, Azerbaijan
and Canadian GPs have all been
postponed, while the Monaco GP has

102 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020


Brawn believes October will be the cut-off point to salvage F1’s 2020 season.
MotoGP has also frozen tech development for this year.
WRC fans are in for a long wait too.
been cancelled altogether for the first
time in 66 years.
Moto GP
MotoGP organisers were initially
quick to reassign new dates to
postponed races, but they
haven’t issued an updated
calendar in a while.
The postponed rounds in
Thailand, America and Argentina all
found new slots later on in the year.
But since then, the French, Italian,
Catalan and German GPs have also
been postponed. The postponement
of the Catalan GP also means that
fans will have to wait longer to see
Jorge Lorenzo make his one-off
MotoGP return. The retired MotoGP
champion was supposed to compete
in the race as a wild card entry for
Yamaha. Moreover, the calendar,
as it stands, presents a logistical
nightmare, especially in the second-
half where eight races are packed
into just 10 weeks.
Keeping in mind the ever-
Formula E has expanded its suspension till June-end.
This year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans has been pushed to September.
changing nature of this crisis,
MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports
reiterated that its number one
focus will remain to try and run the
2020 season with as many races as
possible and complete the season
within the calendar year. But it
has also admitted that should the
situation worsen, as a last resort it
would consider the cancellation of
the 2020 season.
Some changes have also been
introduced in technical regulations,
with bike development frozen this
year. As a result, all manufacturers
will start the 2021 season on the
bikes that were homologated ahead
of the 2020 season. Thereafter,
normal upgrade regulations will
apply for the rest of 2021.
Formula E
Formula E has extended its
temporary suspension till the end of
June, which means that the Berlin
E-Prix, scheduled for June 2, has
now been postponed. Prior to this,
Motorsport in the time of COVID-19 Feature
the races in Sanya, Rome, Paris,
Seoul and Jakarta had already
been postponed.
The series has been following a
flag-based system, with a red flag
meaning that no races will happen, a
yellow flag indicating a time window
to potentially resume racing, and
a green flag meaning races can be
held. As per a statement released by
Formula E, July is now being treated
as a yellow-flag month.
Additionally, a host of different
scenarios are being explored -
including staging races behind
closed doors using permanent
tracks, double-header races and even
extending the season beyond its
original end date.
Much like Formula 1 and MotoGP,
Formula E has also tweaked rules
to reduce the financial burden
on teams. As part of these plans,
the launch of the updated Gen 2
EVO car has been delayed by a
year, until the 2021/22 season. Car
development costs will also be cut as
Lewis Hamilton
do nn ed a unique face
mask in Australia.
manufacturers will only be able
to alter powertrain components
once over the next two seasons.
Teams can either introduce a new
car for a two-year cycle in season
seven or continue to use existing
technology for the next season
before homologating a new car the
year after for a single season.
WEC
With the iconic 24 Hours of Le
Mans now pushed forward to
September 19-20, the World
Endurance Championship (WEC)
has announced a host of changes to
maintain its eight-race schedule for
the 2019/20 season.
The season will now resume with
the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
on August 15, followed by the 24
Hours of Le Mans. The cancelled
1000 Miles of Sebring, meanwhile,
will be replaced by the 8 Hours of
Bahrain on November 21, which will
close the 2019/20 season.
The calendar next season has
also been completely reworked and
will see the WEC return to hosting
all events in a single calendar year
for the first time since 2017. Since
the start of the new season has now
been moved to March 2021, this
means the introduction of the new
hypercar class has been delayed to
2021 as well.
WRC
The World Rally Championship
has also taken a hit as a result of
the pandemic, and fans are in for
a long wait. The fifth round in
Argentina had to be called off after
the country put a temporary ban
on sporting events, and the rally
in Chile had already been cancelled
due to political and social unrest in
the country.
And now, the rounds in Portugal
(May 21-24) and Sardinia (June 4-7)
have been postponed as a result of
the emergency measures put in place
in both Portugal and Italy. This
means that the 2020 WRC season
could potentially resume with the
Safari Rally Kenya, which will be
making a comeback in mid July. AI
MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 103
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104 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020

Autotrader_ACI_May'20.indd 104 4/29/2020 3:52:08 PM

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pics of the month
Reasons to smile
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic may have stifled
the economy but it hasn’t affected creativity. Quite a few
automakers have been running some innovative social media
2
campaigns that brought a bit of light to an otherwise dreary
situation. The most poignant of messages have come

1
courtesy modified logos that emphasise the need
for social distancing.

Scrap beetle
Here’s a Beetle you won’t find at an annual Beetle meet. Rakesh
Babu of Cherthala, Kerala, made this from scrap using a steel
Pick-up Jimny frame for a chassis, wheels and tyres from a Bajaj rickshaw,
The Australian and New Zealand markets are famous for creating pick-up and a Suzuki Samurai’s 8hp, 98.2cc engine. We wonder what’s
truck versions (also called ‘ute’) of nearly anything and everything, and
the Suzuki Jimny is no exception. This adorable Jimny ute, officially
more remarkable... the fact that Rakesh made the car from a
on sale in New Zealand, is a more utilitarian version of the niche little photograph, or that this Beetle can do 40kph.
off-roader. This version loses out on creature comforts like the leather-
wrapped steering wheel and touchscreen infotainment system, but gains
a flatbed and a towing hook.

jet set GO!

4
Made from an actual Learjet and converted into an 18-seat limousine,
this ‘Learmousine’ is actually street-legal in the USA, despite being
42-ft long and 8ft wide! It doesn’t fly but the jet engine nacelles do

3 have massive speakers in them that play jet engine sound effects.
Power comes from an 8.1-litre Chevrolet Vortec V8 engine that makes
over 400hp, and the tips of the tail plane on the vertical fin fold
inward in tight spaces.

you spy
You snap ’em, we print ’em
CAR Kia Sonet Caught In Hyderabad
Spotted a secret car or bike?
Kia’s upcoming compact SUV for India, the Sonet, has been spied testing by Autocar India reader
Harveen Singh Johar. Scheduled to go on sale in the third quarter of this year, the Sonet will take the
fight to a wide field of sub-four-metre SUVs, including its cousin, the Hyundai Venue. The spy pic
suggests the production Sonet will retain the upright stance of the concept shown at Auto Expo
2020. Some of the concept’s extroverted details, however, will be toned down. As it did with the
Seltos, Kia will go all out with the Sonet’s interior. Top trims will get leather upholstery, ventilated
front seats, a powered sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a segment-first
360-degree camera as well. A wide range of trims aside, the Sonet will also be offered with a number
of engine-gearbox options. There will be a 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol (with just a 5-speed manual), a
100hp 1.5-litre diesel (with a 6-speed intelligent shift manual), and a 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol
(with 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic options). However, the Kia will go one up
on the Venue and offer the option of a diesel-automatic, as well as drive modes for the engines.
Considering the features and choices on the Sonet, Kia is likely to price it towards the upper end of
the segment, somewhere in the Rs 7-13 lakh bracket.

Send your photos to editorial@autocarindia.com; published pics win a subscription to Autocar India

106 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020

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