2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift variants & features leaked ahead of launch

Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the 4th-gen Swift in India later this month. Bookings are now open, and the first units have already started reaching dealerships. According to a media report, the new Swift is likely to be offered in five variants - LXI, VXI, VXI (O), ZXI and ZXI+. Features like halogen projector headlamps, rear defogger, ESC, Hill Start Assist, dual front airbags, and curtain airbags could be part of the standard package. The base LXI variant is expected to get power windows, a manual AC, internally adjustable ORVMs, tilt steering, adjustable front headrests and a 12V power socket. The mid-spec VXI and VXI (O) trims are likely to get features like a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted control, height-adjustable driver seat, and electrically-adjustable ORVMs. The VXI (O) will get additional features like telematics, keyless entry with engine start/stop button and power-folding ORVMs. The ZXI variant of the Swift is expected to get LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs, 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control with rear AC vents, a wireless phone charger, a rear washer and wiper and a 60:40 split folding rear seat. The top-spec ZXI+ trim will get additional features like a 9-inch touchscreen with Arkamys audio system cruise control, colour MID and machined alloy wheels. Source: V3Cars

Traded in my 2021 Nexon EV 30 kWh for a Mahindra XUV400 39 kWh

BHPian vickster recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I traded in my 2021 Nexon EV 30kw for a 2024 XUV400 39kw recently hoping to benefit from the longer range. I have run around 1000 km. Here is a summary of the range I have got until now. The first time I charged it up to 100%, I got 196.2kms with 7% remaining. This was mostly in D and L mode in FUN. The driving style was not very aggressive but not conservative either. The second time I charged it to 100%, I ran 214.4kms with 17% remaining. This was in D mode in FUN and mostly slower speeds of 50kmph and very sedate throttle inputs which is quite boring and cannot be sustained. My understanding is that better range is achieved on highways rather than cities. In my Nexon with the 30kw battery, I was averaging 180kms with 10-15% remaining. XUV in comparison so far has not been impressive on the range front. I should try a longer highway trip to truly understand the range. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Attended my first track day at the Sydney Motorsports park with my R1

BHPian Mr.Ogre recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I attended my first track day at Sydney Motorsports Park in Sydney and I am very excited to share my experience. While I am eager to straight away start sharing my pictures, however I think I should write a little about myself and my riding history. Please bear with me and I will try and make it concise. Even though I had been riding motorbikes since 2005 it was not until 2011-12 when I got my Duke 200 followed that by a R15 when I actually started focusing on technicalities of riding. Before that I had been riding Pulsars 150-220 and Karizma and it was just clutch, throttle, brake and gear and surprisingly I survived. Anyways long story short, riding the Duke 200, R15, Ninja 300, Yamaha R3, 650 made me realize how much I wanted to enjoy riding fast but in a controlled environment. Thus began my interest in riding on the tracks. I have been following MotoGP and WorldSBK for more over a decade and always wanted to be able to ride like those riders. As much as I wanted to go to the tracks in India, it was tough to find time to ride to South India. Hence I tried a couple of track days organised by Vortex racing in Kolhapur on my Yamaha R3. It is a small go karting track, but is good enough to get your techniques right. The sessions with Vortex racing turned out to be addictive and I wanted to do more of it. But life happened and I moved here, and ever since I had deep rooted desire to hit the track in Sydney. The Sydney Motor Sports Park is barely 30 minutes from where I stay, however it took me 6 whole years to finally be able to ride a superbike on a track. Never had I ever imagined in my wildest dreams that I would live to experience this moment. Even though I am 40+ it was hard to behave my age when I was at the track. Grinning ear to ear like an idiot and trying to soak up the environment. To summarize the track, it is a venue that is visited very often by motorsports lovers (cars and bikes). The facility is spread across and has very good amenities and facilities (toilets, garages, cafeteria etc.) Also, the track days are open events where you choose the riding group based on your skill and experience. If you select a group faster than your skill level you are automatically demoted. Having said that I chose the slowest group - white. This is not a riding program like CSS. It is an open event where the organizers are more than happy to coach riders and help them come up to speed by working on the technicalities. Before the on-track session you are made to attend a briefing session where they explain to you about various flags and do's and don'ts. And for first timers like me there is an additional 15 minutes session on the track to make you aware of the track layout. Overall for $355 a day I think it is totally worth it, as it gives you a safe and controlled environment to ride your heart out. Since this was my first time there, my main objective was to come back home with my bike in one piece. I was not in a mood to try and break lap records. Having said that I did pretty good times. I started with 2:17 and by the time I ended the day, I was doing 2:00:00. Regular racers clock 1:40 at this track, and as you can see from the pictures I am still very stiff so clearly there is lot of room to grow. I went there with my R1 which I had brought a few months ago when I realized I was ready to start doing track session. I will be visiting the track again this Sunday, however I plan to take my Ninja 1000. Enough of the boring stuff, I hope you enjoy the pictures. Continue reading BHPian Mr.Ogre's post for more insights and information.

BMW drops 'i' from its petrol cars; to be used only on EVs

BMW has officially confirmed that it will drop the i at the end of its petrol-powered vehicles names. The change in nomenclature is to make its model names less confusing in the future. So, instead of BMW 330i, the model will simply be named BMW 330. The i will be exclusively used on BMW's EV offerings. The i suffix at the end of its petrol-powered models was first introduced in the 1970s to denote fuel injection and has been used on every petrol model since. Going forward, it will only be numeric, with the first number indicating the model and the last two indicating the engine. The i in electric vehicles stands for innovation. BMW already has a number of electric vehicles in its product lineup, ranging from the iX1 to the i7. Bernd Korber, Senior VP of Brand Management, BMW, stated, Historically, even though our interpretation of BMW i was always different, it's more innovation, not necessarily only electric, and we historically had injection at the end [of the badge], we said, we would like to keep 'i' as an asset, and we would like to keep it as a signature to indicate you're driving an electric car and that was the logic that we had. Source: BMWBlog

Kia Carens Diesel MT replaces my Ertiga: Booking & ownership review

BHPian kaustavguha recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hello everyone, this is my first ever review/ report on Team BHP so kindly bear with me and correct me where I have made mistakes. I have tried to divide the post into various sections to make It easier to navigate. The needWe were proud owners of a 2016 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI+ which was serving us well, we bought it in February of 2016 just after the facelift for the 1st generation Ertiga was launched, back then our running was quite low because I was still doing my masters and did not need a car to commute to college and my father doesn't drive and did not want to hire a driver to commute to work hence we picked the petrol version(Maruti still sold diesels back then.)Fast Forward to 2020, COVID-19 happened, and both my father and started commuting to work together in the Ertiga after the lockdown was relaxed for obvious fears of travelling by public transport.I am a 1st generation driver in my family so using a car for daily commutes was never something we ever thought of until the pandemic.Our workplace is roughly 50 kms from home and we were clocking close to 2000 kms a month!For the 1st 4 years of the Ertiga, it had run 19 k kms, and the year after it had run close to 25 k kms just in 1 year!The need for a diesel/ car with better mileage began in early 2022 when the Ertiga clocked 45 k kms.The searchAs in most Indian families, no matter how old you are, you need the blessings of your parents before taking any big decision and in June of 2022, we began our search after my parents and better half agreed to a new car.Our requirements were simple, a comfortable 7-seater, preferably diesel within 20 Lakhs.The test drives Mahindra XUV 700The first car that came to my mind was the new XUV 700, in my opinion, it was a really good-looking car with a spacious interior and a premium up-market feel; I went to the Mahindra dealer closest to home and was promptly offered a test drive of the diesel automatic.The drive was really good, the AC was really good (quite an important deciding factor as I live in Kolkata), the boot space was really good with the last row folded down and the car had a great road presence. When asked when I get the car, the SA said that there is a minimum of 6 months waiting for the diesel auto but the wait could be more. Quite disheartened by the wait, I decided to explore some other options.Hyundai AlcazarWent to the Hyundai showroom, and asked for the TD of the Alcazar, the SA said that the diesel TD car was unavailable and I did not want to TD the petrol one because I had no intentions of buying a petrol; however I sat in the display vehicle in the showroom and I have to say, the interiors feel like that from a segment above, but the 3rd row is quite cramped, there isn't much space, although we will rarely need it, I still wanted a spacious 3rd row, after some thought decided to drop the Alcazar.Kia CarensRight next to the Hyundai Showroom is Eastern KIA, this time I took my wife along with me so that I could come to a conclusion.Had already talked to an SA over the phone and he said that the TD cars would be available.After reaching the showroom, we were shown a Diesel Manual Carens, at that point in time I was not even considering the automatic.Drove the car for a good 15 kms and the SA kept explaining the different features to my wife and me throughout the drive and he never asked me to cut the TD short.Returned to the showroom and asked about the waiting period for the Luxury Plus 7-Seater Diesel Manual, the SA said on the booking form it would be 24 weeks but we may be able to get one within 8 weeks.Went home and after a discussion with my parents we decided to book the car, the following Saturday we went to the showroom, showed the car to my parents and the SA offered another TD, we happily went on another TD and now everyone was on board. Came back to the showroom and booked a Carens Luxury Plus 7-Seater Diesel Manual in Imperial Blue. The slight hiccupWe had booked the car in the last week of June and in the 1st week of September our SA called me and asked me to come for PDI, overjoyed I went to the showroom the very next day but I saw that Kia had started providing one smart key along with the cars and the second key would be provided within 6 months, I found this to be unacceptable, in some unfortunate incident if the smart key is lost or damaged, the car can only be unlocked with the second key, but it cannot be started; I told the SA I have no issues in waiting but I want both the keys along with the car; the SA agreed after some back and forth with the GM.The DeliveryIn early November I got a call from the SA and he said that a Carens Luxury Plus 7-Seater Diesel Automatic in Imperial Blue was available and I could have it immediately, I was a bit confused as I had never driven an automatic before, but I also wanted the car and the price difference wasn't that much of a concern, so I asked for a TD of the automatic.After the TD I really wanted the automatic, the convenience it provided in city traffic and it was very smooth in the shifts (it is a torque converter).We finalised the car after PDI and the registration-related formalities were done and the 28th of November 2022 was decided as the D-Day.We arrived at 3 PM at the showroom, and after a quick second PDI, checked all the documents and the accessories requested; we went for the delivery. The LikesVery spacious for a family of 4, being a large individual, space was a priority.The A/C is an absolute chiller; even for the 3rd row occupants thanks to the roof-mounted A/C Vents.The 2nd row type C charging ports.The ventilated seats.The upmarket and premium feel of the interiors, the piano black dash looks like that from a segment above.The torque converter AT box is smooth.The DislikesAt 20 Lakhs+ OTR a 360-degree camera would have been nice.The headlights are good for the city but on the highways, they feel quite dim.A fabulous infotainment system but no wireless Android Auto/ Apple Car Play?At that time the UV Cut glasses were not being offered, a necessity in the era sun-film ban.The gauge cluster is a bit basic for a car at this price.Despite the dislikes, the Carens fit our requirements and budget the best, hence no other cars were given a second thought. The booking and delivery experience was really good at Eastern Kia Newtown, Kolkata; they were courteous and attended to most of my requests.On the day of delivery took a nice pen for the SA and his team leas and a box of sweets for the dealership. The cost break-up:Variant: Kia Carens Luxury Plus Diesel Automatic 7-SeaterEx-Showroom Kolkata 17,99,900.00Road Tax. 1,79,990.00Registration 740.00Insurance 62,605.00Accessories 7,496.0Extended Warranty 26,532.00 (4th and 5th Year, Unlimited km)Fastag 500.00Total 20,77,763.00 No discounts were being offered at all, the showroom provided me with the 3D Mats complementary. I opted for the lifetime road tax, in West Bengal you can choose to pay the road tax at 5-year intervals or lifetime as it made more sense to me. I opted for the Extended Warranty for unlimited kms 4th and 5th year as Kia is still new to the Indian market and I just wanted that peace of mind; unlimited kms because my running right now is quite high; 2000-2500 kms per month, mostly on the highway. The safetyThe car has a lot of safety features as standard like ABS, EBD, Hill Hold, Hill Decent control, and 6 Airbags.It did score a 3-star safety rating which is a bit concerning but I always take GNCAP ratings with a pinch of salt.The Features This is probably the best part, the feature list goes on and on, I will try to list the most prominent ones:Ventilated seats, work really really well.Apple Car play is really difficult to imagine the infotainment without it.The 10.8-inch infotainment system is really smooth.The Bose sound system, for someone like me, who isn't an audiophile is very good.The ambient lights look soothing at night and the brightness and colour can be controlled.The Keyless entry makes everything a lot more convenient.Charging ports in every row.The reverse camera is of very high definition and the adaptive guidelines make life a lot easier.The front parking sensors are a lifesaver on narrow streets, although a 360-degree camera is missed!The front cup holders are cooled and in summer they are quite efficient in keeping a bottle of water cool.The driver's seat is adjustable for everything except the lumbar support.The Steering wheel is tilt and telescopic adjustable.Being an automatic the gear knob is nice and chunky, and the different positions are clearly demarcated and easy to understand.The driving modes do make a difference between throttle response and gear shifts quite noticeably between normal sport and eco.Kia Connect sends and alarm to your phone if you forget to lock your car or if a door boot or bonnet is open.With Kia Connect you can remotely do a lot of functions but most importantly lock, unlock, and start your car along with the A/C.The Automatic headlights and wipers work like a charm, and once you get used to it, it is difficult to remember to turn off the lights.The looksI think the car looks very good for an MPV, especially in imperial blue(when clean).The DRL is large and very bright and they double up as indicators that in LED looks cool!The tail lights have a connected design which makes the car look very premium.Overall a very upmarket look for an MPVThe built quality is good there are no creeks or squeaks anywhere in the car, and nothing shakes or rattles(as of now).The panel gaps are very consistent and the paint finish seems to be very good.The car comes with 16-inch alloys which IMO looks good in with the car, the MRF Wanderers are pretty good although for the next tire change, I will probably go for the Bridgestone B390s.The InteriorThe interior is very well put together the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the piano black finish on the dash all look really good.The front seats provide good adjustment, anyone could be comfortable in this; under-thigh support is also good.The 2nd row is also adjustable and has very good knee and headroom; it is wide enough for 3 adults of average built.The cream colour seats go very well with the navy dash and door cards.The soft-touch part of the doors feels very good.The 2nd and 3rd row both have adjustable recline which is a major plus.Lots of bottle holders and cubbies for your cell phones etc.The 2nd row curtains are a good size and prove a good shield from the sun.It is very easy to find a comfortable driving position and there are not many blind spots. The boot is extremely spacious with the 3rd row folded down but with it up, a few mid-sized bags will fit. The PerformanceWith 250 nm of torque and a smooth auto box, it pulls and pulls, you will reach the speed limit before the engine runs out of power.The torque converter auto box is really smooth, at 80 kmph the engine is at 1700 rpm which is very fuel efficient.If you need to overtake and you floor the accelerator the gearbox shifts down pretty quickly.If you put it in sport mode the car will hold gears longer and also the throttle feels more responsive.The brakes have a good bite to the pedal and the braking performance is also good.The engine is super silent for a diesel, most petrol bunk attendants mistake it for petrol.I have driven the car for 30 k kms at the time of writing this and most of that has been on the highway.The car is reasonably easy to manoeuver in city traffic but on narrow streets, it gets a bit tricky.The NVH levels are good, you hardly hear any road noises or wind noises.The all important kitna deti hain?The mileage in city traffic is 12 kmpl and on the highways, if driven conservatively it will return 16 kmpl.This is with my driving style.The ride quality is very good, feels a lot better than the Ertiga.It absorbs small bumps on the road very well, you will only feel the sharper ones.The serviceFor all the service and body work I went to Eastern Kia.At the 1k kms service it is just a basic checkup and wash, which took around 2 hours, the SA asked me if I had any issues with the vehicle, but I did not.The bill came out to zero and the car was washed very well.At the 10k kms service the usual work like engine oil, oil filter, air filter, ac filter was changed, I asked the SA to get the wheel alignment and balancing done as well. The labour was free on this service.The service took around 4 hours and pick up and drop was available but I decided to go in myself.The bill was Rs. 4,514.At the 20k kms service the same things were done and the SA recommended AC evaporator cleaning, I was skeptical at first but decided to get it done, and it did improve cooling, the route that I travel on has a lot of dust so I thought of getting it done. The labour was free on this service as well.I also got the wiper blades changed.The bill was Rs. 6,814At around 28 k kms there was a whistling noise coming from one of the front wheels, took it to the service centre and the front brake pads had nothing left in them and a small rock had got stuck between the brake pad and disc causing lines on the disc, the SA recommended to change the discs and the brake pads and I agreed.The bill came out to Rs. 16,789.At the 30 k kms I got all the wiper blades changed, the wheel alignment, wheel balancing, and the AC evaporator cleaned as mentioned earlier; this was in addition to the usual service jobs.The bill was Rs. 15,253Overall I am happy with the service experience.The Body Shop ExperienceUnfortunately, in November of 2023, I had a slight graze with another car near home, and the rear right door was dented, sent the car for bodywork and there was a bit of delay due to the Diwali holidays but the work was done flawlessly and the insurance company paid for everything, I only paid the mandatory deductible.A few days after I got the car back, at a signal a Tata ace smashed against the left-side ORVM and broke it completely, thankfully no one was injured. This time as it was just the mirror, I did not want to go through insurance for this because it meant leaving the car with the service center again for 3-5 days, I asked the SA to paint the ORVM cover and let me know when it is ready to be fitted, and 2 days later I went in for around 10 mins and the job was done.Overall I am very happy with the car and would recommended it to anyone looking for a 7-seater in this price range.Thank you so much for reading, if you have any questions please do ask! A few pictures of the delivery and the blessings of the almighty at Adyapeath. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Parted with my 2009 Accord due to the NGT rule: Final thoughts

BHPian ritedhawan recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Last Chapter: Final thoughts Well, it's been more than five years, and one has driven the car to 58K km and there has not been a single reason ever, when I regretted this purchase. It was a handed down purchase but the single reason it refused to give up ever whether on our relatively open highways, or on the hills, or on the plains, etc was pre-emptive or preventative maintenance! Without which the car would have left us stranded. We never solicited the services of car cleaner who would pick up the keys in the morning and then use his used car cloths to clean our car, the thought of someone applying the same car cloth which he already used on someone else car and then applying the same on our car would give me sleepless nights! I have been assiduously following a regimen of car cleaning on my own, which included use of three 3M cloths and all one needed was less than ten litres of waters to clean this car inside out. Once a year, the car went to a 3M car care where one asked for the rupees 2000 cleaning which included vacuuming the inside of the car, engine bay cleaning, and applying a single coat of semi-solid polish. That would have been suffice for a few months until one intervened and performed the same job on my own, and yes it took two to three hours of laborious effort, but then again it felt equivalent to a good workout done in the gym! As I type this post, a week prior to it, one did the same job and let me share some pictures, that should do the talking: I had purchased the 3M car kit which has been of good quality in terms of the results. I never applied the Dashboard dresser which came along with the kit and yet lets look at some pictures without it: The chuckable steering wheel and the all too dependent paddle shifters which are indispensible on the hills: Everything works just the same on the center console, although I never used the CD player. Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Hyundai Alcazar facelift India launch delayed

Hyundai Alcazar is all set to get a major refresh later this year. The carmaker initially planned to launch the updated SUV by mid-2024, but according to a recent media report, the launch has now been postponed by a few months. The Alcazar facelift is expected to go on sale in India during the festive season. It could arrive in showrooms around September-October 2024. The updated Alcazar will get a redesigned exterior, replete with a new front fascia inspired by the new Creta, a reworked rear with L-shaped LED taillights and twin chrome exhausts. Inside, the Alcazar facelift is likely to get the all-new dashboard from the updated Creta, replete with features like the dual 10.25-inch screens for the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. The SUV will also get dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and ADAS. The Alcazar facelift is expected to be offered with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 158 BHP and 253 Nm and a 1.5-litre diesel that puts out 114 BHP and 250 Nm, paired with manual or automatic transmissions. Source: Autocar India

Are you happy with your turbo-petrol car? Owners share pros & cons

BHPian 1LR-GUE recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hi all, I drive a Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI AT since December 2020. Of late, I have been thinking about this particular engine and here are my observations after driving around 50% in the city, 20% on highways and the remaining 30% in mixed road conditions: LikesGood performance.DislikesAbsurd running costs.NVH is not as great as an NA petrol.Turbo lag in low RPMs is difficult to manage in mixed driving conditions.Unknown maintenance costs.Mileage is very sensitive to throttle inputs.Mileage is very sensitive to outside temperature ( I get better mileage at night than afternoon with the same driving style).Conclusion - My next purchase is NOT going to be a turbo-petrol. I will consider EVs, hybrids or a simple NA petrol + AT only. So my question to all members of Team bhp will you buy a turbo petrol as your next car? Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:I own two turbo-petrols and am extremely happy with both of them. These are 2.0L turbo-petrols mated to ATs in the Superb & Thar.Fast performanceExcellent torque & driveabilityPunchy mid-rangeDSG / AT that makes great use of the torque.I am NEVER going back to a naturally-aspirated petrol. Once you get used to the torque & punch of turbo-petrol, NA engines feel very boring (sole exception = City 1.5L petrol). Drive the Fronx 1.0L turbo-petrol & 1.2L NA back to back and I can assure you, you won't touch the 1.2L NA with a barge pole. Power delivery is more effortless with turbo-petrol, unlike NA petrol where you have to rev & wring the necks off, for speed. The Superb has a decent FE for its size. The Thar is a royal guzzler, but keeping its weight + bricklike aerodynamics + power + fatter tyres in mind, I guess 6 km/l is alright. I also drive my cars with a heavy right foot, so FE has never been a priority. The Rapid 1.0 TSI is a w-i-l-d car! It's a 3-cylinder turbo-petrol and is known to be full of noise, vibrations & feel. We mentioned as such in our review of the Rapid 1.0 TSI. However, you cannot paint all turbo-petrols with the same brush. The 4-cylinder turbo-petrols I have are so smooth, you can't even tell the motor is running! Again, something specific to the VW 1.0 TSI. This is the no.1 downside to turbo-petrols. Drive a turbo-diesel hard and you'll still get great FE. Drive a turbo-petrol hard and you'll get 5 - 7 kmpl. That being said, keep in mind that you are driving a torque-converter AT and 90% of torque-converter Petrol ATs offer poor efficiency. Most of the cons you have mentioned in the Rapid 1.0 TSI AT were already mentioned in our Official Review. I think you bought the wrong car, and not the wrong engine type (i.e. turbo petrol) per se.Here's what BHPian Maky had to say on the matter:I drive a Turbo Petrol in my VW Tiguan. Mine is the 2.0 TSI gem of an engine mated to the excellent 7-speed DQ381-7A gearbox. I am extremely extremely pleased with it. Right from when I first drove it in the Octavia, one of the many other vehicles I TD'd before the final purchase. ProsExplosive PowerExcellent fuel economy, for what it is.ConsWhile the turbo lag is very well contained, being someone who has driven NA all his life. I do miss the instant acceleration of the NA.You kind of need to learn driving all over again when switching to a Turbo unit after a lifetime of NA driving, I felt.Here's what BHPian Dr.AD had to say on the matter:I am very happy with the turbo-petrol engine in my Thar. It is a lovely engine, and in fact, this engine is one of the highlights of the car. As @GTO pointed out, most of the issues OP mentioned are specific to that 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol engine. A very small displacement, 3-cylinder engine is bound to have some issues even if it is turbocharged. It is understandable to a large extent. But in general, 4-cylinder turbo-petrols are great! I will never go back to a naturally aspirated engine now. Both my cars are turbocharged (one turbo-diesel and one turbo-petrol), and both the engines are fantastic! There is no going back to NA once you get used to a good turbo engine! Yes, the fuel economy in turbo-petrol engines can be poor when driven hard. But that is a well-known thing and that is the price one has to pay for everything else that a turbo-petrol engine offers that is good. Further, it is not always the case that naturally aspirated petrol engines give great mileage when pushed hard. For example, my previous car was a Maruti SX4 with a 1.6L NA petrol engine with a 5-speed manual. Whenever I drove that car hard on a highway or through the hills, it returned about 9km/l to 10km/l. Compared to that, my Thar (with a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine and 6-speed AT) gives about 8km/l to 9km/l in similar conditions. I do not think the difference is that big. Overall, yes, I am absolutely happy with the turbo-petrol engine in my Thar.Here's what BHPian Rajeevraj had to say on the matter:Voted Yes. 10+ years and 85000 km with the 1.2 TSI DSG and I am extremely happy with it and am fairly sure my next cars have to be turbo petrols. Several of your negatives are definitely specific to the 3-cylinder TSI. The 1.2 tsi is extremely quiet and has a nice sing to it when you rev. Mileage can fluctuate as you mentioned, but for me, that has not been a big criterion.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Over regulation has led to increase in two-wheeler prices: Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj

NEW DELHI, May 3 : Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj on Friday asserted that over regulation in the two-wheeler segment has led to increase in the prices of vehicles which are mainly used by the masses. While acknowledging the benefits of the latest emission norms for the society, he noted that the government should consider reducing GST rates on two-wheelers from the current rate of 28 per cent. This kind of dramatic change in price owes itself to many [] The post Over regulation has led to increase in two-wheeler prices: Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Dubizzle steps into automotive sector by acquiring Drive Arabia

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Tightened regulations drive up two-wheeler prices: Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj

Tightened regulations drive up two-wheeler prices: Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj on Friday asserted that ''over regulation'' in the two-wheeler segment has led to increase in the prices of vehicles which are mainly used by the masses. While acknowledging the benefits of the latest emission norms for the society, he noted that the government should consider reducing GST rates on two-wheelers from the current rate of 28 per cent. ''This kind of dramatic change in price owes itself to many things, but most of all to what I have openly called as over regulation of the market,'' he said, while speaking at a product launch event. The two-wheeler industry has been seeking a cut in GST on two-wheelers from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, saying the segment, being essential for millions, should not be categorised as a luxury item. ''Why is it that in India, vehicles like this... have to pay a GST of 28 per cent? You look at all the ASEAN countries... you talk to our friends who have come from Latam, look at Brazil, typical equivalent to GST is between 8 and 14 per cent,'' Bajaj stated. He further said: ''So, on one hand we want regulations at the highest level, in terms of say emission, which is fine as a manufacturer, as a person in society, as a father, I am very happy for clean air. But then, maybe at the same time, the government should reconsider the GST... It should be 18 per or 12 per cent. It should not be 28 per cent''.

Hyundai Invests Nearly $1 Billion in Motional for Autonomous Driving Future

Hyundai has announced around $1 billion in investment support for Motional, its autonomous driving joint venture with Aptiv PLC. This investment will provide Hyundai with a []

Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj urges for lower GST on commuter bikes

Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj urges for lower GST on commuter bikes

Bengaluru Woman Helps Auto Driver Plan For Daughter's Exams

Bengaluru resident shares delightful conversation with auto driver on X, centered around entrance exams like CET and NEET.

Mahindra XUV700 Blaze Edition prices start at Rs 24.24 lakh

Earlier today, we shared details of a new limited-edition version of the XUV700 called 'Blaze Edition'. According to the latest reports, the SUV will be offered in three variants, with prices starting at Rs 24.24 lakh (ex-showroom). The XUV700 Blaze Edition is said to be based on the AX7 L variant. It will be offered in Petrol AT, Diesel MT and Diesel AT versions. Reports also suggest that the production is likely to be capped at 2,500 units. The XUV700 Blaze Edition will be offered in a single Matte Blaze Red exterior colour with a Napoli Black roof. The SUV will also feature a black grille, black ORVMs and alloy wheels. The Blaze Edition gets an all-black interior with red highlights. These include red stitching on the seat upholstery, red trims around the centre console and AC vents. Powering the SUV will be a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 197 BHP and 380 Nm. It will be paired with a 6-speed automatic. The Blaze Edition will also be offered with the 2.2-litre diesel engine with a choice of either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.Mahindra XUV700 Blaze Edition ex-showroom prices:AX7 L Petrol MT 7-seater - Rs 25.54 lakhAX7 L Diesel MT 7-seater -Rs 24.24 lakhAX7 L Diesel AT 7-seater - Rs 26.04 lakhSource: Autocar India

5000 km road trip in my Tata Altroz iTurbo: Mumbai to Kolkata and back

BHPian Mgdoodler recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Blue Rocket had plans for 2023, which 2023 decided were not to come to fruition. On charts was to travel to Khar Dung La and Kanyakumari sometime between June and Sept 2023 but due to some personal circumstances all long-distance plans were abandoned. Or so we thought. Thanks to my cousin, who was marrying the love of his life in her city in Dec 2023. Invitations were issued and the plan initially was to make a quick visit to Kolkata for a couple of days for the event itself which then turned into a week's solo drive to Kolkata and back and in the end, turned into a 15-day holiday with Blue Rocket travelling through 6 states and the rest of my family flew to Kolkata for wedding festivities. As per my usual practise Blue Rocket was serviced and a checkup done 15 days before my travel and I drove it for a couple of short excursions around Mumbai. Plan was to take the Mumbai - Nagpur - Sambhalpur - Keonjhar - Kolkata route through central India while going and return via Konark - Vishakhapatnam - Chhattisgarh - Hyderabad - Mumbai. This was my first time driving any of these routes and my first time meeting the Bay of Bengal. As with most of my long-distance drives, this was just Blue and me all the way. FYI Blue Rocket is a petrol, manual i-turbo Altroz.Day 1- 1/12/2023 FridayThis was a day I was looking forward to the most, the opportunity to drive on the Samruddhi Mahamarg. I have already driven on the Trans Haryana and enjoyed it and was looking forward to a similar experience. Left home at 6:45 am - much later than the planned 5:30 am, but I was ok with it as there was a mild fog and starting later allowed better visibility. Travelled across Mumbai via the SCLR and eastern express highway leaving the city behind at Thane, but not the traffic, roads were jammed due to diversions and the first couple of hours were tedious. First stop was to fill fuel at Padgha. Tank filled and the drive started towards Kasara ghat which I would be driving on for the first time and it was a good drive. Stopped for a quick breakfast at 10:30 at a restaurant after Ghoti Bhudruk at 150 kms from Mumbai and 7 kms before Bharvir entry into the Mahamarg. The mahamarg is wide, well planned and mostly a comfortable drive. Speed Limit for cars is 120 Kmph and it is possible to maintain the same comfortably. Heavy vehicles are few and keep to the middle and left lane. It was a pleasure to drive on this route. I stopped at approximately halfway at around 3 pm for a fuel refill and bio break. I also stopped at about 1.5hrs of driving on the mahamarg for a quick photo session with Blue being the model. As you can see the weather was lovely with blue skies and fluffy white clouds - a perfect winter day for a drive and the road is practically empty. Road surface could be better and more functional rest stops are required. Hopefully, these requirements will be fulfilled soon. It was later in the day after 4:30 pm and as we neared Nagpur, I encountered some truck traffic in the fast/overtake lane and middle lane at the same time blocking the road. But it was not for long. Crossed Waifal toll naka at 5:30 PM, having covered 600 kms in approx. 6 hours with a 20 min break. Winter and travel towards the east meant that the sun set earlier and it was already dark as we exited the Expressway and made our way to the night stay - Hotel Pride near the airport metro. Reached and checked in at 6:30 pm. Covering 814 kms in little less than 12 hours. The day had not ended though. After a quick catch-up with work, I headed towards the nearest Haldirams at Ajni Square. Travelled by metro for 4 stops and exited just outside Haldirams. My last meal had been a protein bar along with a yoghurt smoothie at 3 pm and now I feasted on Dahi Puri and hot Rajma Chawal. Dinner done I took the metro back to my hotel and turned in for an early night. Continue reading about Mgdoodler's road trip for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

Bajaj Auto unveils sports model Pulsar NS400Z

The Pulsar NS400Z has a 373.27 cc engine and is equipped with ride-by-wire technology for smooth handling

Selling two vintage cars to an enthusiast who plans to restore them

BHPian Jeroen recently shared this with other enthusiasts. My good friend Berndt had decided to sell a few of his oldtimers. Berndt had asked me and two other friends, Marco and Kees, to come and help extract them from his garage. Those of you who follow this thread will be familiar with Berndt's garage. It is not easy to find anything in there, let alone get anything out. The new owner showed up with his son and his granddaughter Mila, who was very excited about it all. They already owned an Austin. They acquired it some 40 years ago and have restored it themselves. Both of Berndt's cars are going to require some major work too. But nice to see these two cars go to an enthusiast who will restore them and make them road-worthy again. We had the first car out and on the trailer within 25 minutes. They drove off to take it home, we went for another round of coffee. Next, we started extracting the second car from the garage. It was parked all the way, stuck in a corner. We had to use a trolley jack to swing the rear out. I was surprised to see the tyres still held their air when we pumped them up. Even more surprising, the brakes were still working. I had expected them to be completely seized. British engineering at its best! After about an hour and a half the new owner returned with the trailer for oldtimer number 2. As we were about to load up on the trailer, a bunch of one-HP vehicles came pass! Nice old registration plate. Look carefully, it is mounted on a contraption that can swing. So if you lower the boot, the registration plate will swing and remain vertical and visible. Myla insisted she would winch the car all the way up onto the trailer! Strong little girl, she just kept on going! On it goes Berndt has a couple of lockups where he keeps more cars. We are going to move some more of his cars. One of these currently hidden cars needs a new gearbox. Berndt being Berndt doesn't have a new gearbox, but he has several old ones. So we will be doing some swapping to see if we can find one that fits and works. In the Netherlands cars over 50 years of age do not require an annual inspection APK (MOT) anymore. This last car still has its Dutch registration so as soon as it is road-worthy, all it needs is insurance, and can be driven once again. It will take some work as the head gasket was blown a couple of years ago. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Himalayan 450 & 411 go on a trip: KTM 390 ADV owner shares observations

BHPian Jaggu recently shared this with other enthusiasts. So after a long wait, I finally got my hands on the New Himalayan Sherpa over the weekend. Thanks to ex-mod Khan_Sultan who has picked up one, so along with his Gen 1 Himalayan we did a ride of Uttarakhand hills. Starting from Noida > Abbott Mount > Munsiyari > Almora > Noida. This gave a good mix of all terrains and roads that one would encounter during ownership. These are my notes and the easiest comparison would be with the 390 Adv I own, comparing it to the GSA 1200 (my other bike) would be unfair I guess.Chassis and handlingThis is one area where the bike has really trumped the cards, compared to the old bike, the new Sherpa is leagues apart. Though the bike may feel top-heavy (which it is), it is just a brilliant handler. Almost as nimble as the KTM, but more mature Vs the hooligan nature of the KTM. Personally, I prefer this, slightly heavier feel which gives it a big bike feel. Yes, it will need a little more effort during prolonged curve carving but what a bike! I would give 8.5/10 for this. Even in city use the handling is very friendly as long as you are moving. The larger size of the bike helps with longer visibility and respect from other fellow commuters.SuspensionAgain one of the good things, it's sprung on the stiffer side but kind of takes on any kind of terrain without a fuzz. The bike was running slightly higher pressure since Khan had done a tubeless conversion and wanted to put some buffer during the testing phase. Still, it was pretty good, though at higher highway speeds bike did float a bit, just like the KTM's. Crosswinds were high, so I really can't blame the bike, plus higher pressure. All day sitting at 100-120 Kmph should be a breeze for this suspension.BrakesLook Ma I finally have brakes! We were swapping bikes and moving from new to old Himalayan is outright scary. The new one brakes on the dot, very precise. Add rear brakes and it can be quite grabby also for those emergency stops. Fortunately, we did not have any panic brake situations, but am sure they will work just fine. Regarding the feel of the brakes I would rate the New Himalayan better than the KTM Adv 390.Engine & GearboxThis is one major upgrade, but honestly apart from the power I was not really impressed. The said bike has upgrades done that include 1) Fuel X piggy back 2) exhaust expansion box delete on stock end can and 3) free flow air filter. These mods are 100% recommended! Stock map (at setting 3) bike feels vibe like hell, left pegs vibrate more than the right, so it is not even vibed lol. Even a 20-30 kms on the stock map was downright irritating on the plains. Move the setting to 8 and the bike just transforms, not only does the initial response improve by two fold, but the vibes reduce to a very very acceptable level. I think it is the new BS6 norms that are the culprit here. If they sort this, the engine would be a lovely one. Mind you, it is not a high-revving 12k rpm motor like KTM. Just let the revs goto about 6-7 k RPM and work through that smooth gearbox for a fun-filled ride. People who are used to Gen 1 Himalayan gearbox would take some good time to get used to the nature of the new 6-speed box. One has to really work it and keep the engine in the right revs to have some good pace.Side standYes, this needs a special mention under the flops! Thanks to the design of the central stand and placement, the side stand is weirdly bent. It looks cool, but the bike ends up being too low on the side. Add the top-heavy nature, and the bike is a real pain in the arsu, rather than legs and hands to lift up. If there is a slight incline to the left, then you are done! with some luggage on top, well you can dial a friend for help. One of the worst designs one can have on a touring bike. Khan is contemplating removing the central stand and designing a longer more upright side stand, which is the level of pain. For me being used to the big fat cow, could manage. But trust me if you are of small build and for fellow lady riders, this could be a real downer while making the purchase decision.Rider fittingRoyal Enfield really needs to learn here. This bike has a riser fitted so the handlebars were kinda sorted. But hello if you need to adjust the switch gear to sync up with new handlebar position or even lever positions, you can't! The switch gear has a small plastic locator stub, that goes into a corresponding hole at the bar end. Smart Alecs in RE never thought that people actually need to adjust levers and switch gears for comfort and safety. Yes, one can file off the plastic stub and then tighten the switch console back while adding some 3M tape, but how lame can this be??!! Next is the gear lever, the lever end is almost 1/4 inch taller than foot pegs (with rubber), with riding boots one has to lift legs and kick the lever down More impressive is the way in which the lever is attached to the shifter rod. The adjustment is as old school as it can be, one has to remove the whole pedal off the splines and reinsert it. Which is fine, but once you remove the bolt the lever just refuses to come out. You will need a lever or thick screwdriver to be shown inside the clamp side and spread the hole to get it off. We did not have this, so had to put back the bolt and ride on with that awkwardly positioned lever. Compared to this the old Himalayan has a nice adjustable link which can be used to set the lever position by undoing the bolt with an open 10 mm spanner! Seats though they are firm (my liking), are not comfortable over long rides. Not even as comfy as the bare bench 390 adv. The reason being 1) the seat is tilted and one will land up sliding down. 2) The bigger issue, the rear part of the front seat which is wide and where your bum should be... the scoop of the plastic base pokes the bum hard exactly there. The cushion just doesn't have any place to flex and the plastic eventually leaves its mark on your bum. This can be fixed by a good seat guy, and Khan is planning for something.Overall verdictI loved it minus the engine! but what Khan has done has kinda made it good. This can be a good one-bike solution for 200-400km/day touring and city use. I would not dare say, it can compete with 800 to 1200 cc bikes, that would be just Khayali pulao (wishful thinking), but is a good ead economical alternative... if you don't want to spend a fortune, procuring even preowned big bikes that cost more. Is it a KTM Adv killer? Not really, coz the character is very different. This bike may not really be to the liking of younger or a real fast rider if you ask me. KTM is much more refined and polished overall and a hoot to ride. Will I trade my KTM Adv 390 for this? Well yes if someone offers a flat exchange to my bike with this. But I will definitely get those tweaks copied from Khan's bike. PS: A big thanks to Khan_Sultan for letting me ride this beauty and his old Himalayan! Love you bro and this was yet another awesome ride. Classic example of side stand, the old Himalayan wouldn't park proper at this incline if it's facing the other way around like Sherpa. Which is the way it should be. Where as Sherpa nicely sitting down even with raised road bank on that side. Also to lock the steering to opp side to lift the bike off, you will need some serious muscle thanks to the front and top heaviness of the bike. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 service & engine oil change at 5,000 km

BHPian aviator1101 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Ownership Update: Bagheera crosses 5000 kms Second Service done All inspections are as per schedule. Following additional activities were also carried out:- Chain slack adjusted Engine oil (2.1 litres) was changed though it was not part of the second service schedule. When the oil was drained, it was found in very bad condition. RE recommended oil change interval is 10000 kms. However, the condition was pretty bad even at 5000 kms, which even the technicians checked and agreed to. Thankfully, there were no metal shavings or sludge deposition in the suction filters. Though my bike ran mostly in hilly terrain, ie low gears, low speeds, and more loads, the condition of the oil was not expected to be this bad in just an interval of 4500 kms. After seeing the quality of the OEM liquid gun oil, even in plains and cruising on highways or normal city use,I would prefer to change the oil to a max of 6000-7000 kmsfor preserving engine health and peace of mind in the long run. The footpeg rubbers also came off in view of the upcoming rides amidst the onset of monsoons. The total amount for the second service Service Kit = 250.00 Engine oil = 1,150.00 Total = 1,400.00 The service centre gave me a separate bill for the engine oil and the oil change wasn't entered in the service record either. Strange ways of RE Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Took my Jimny to Himachal with 4 adults & luggage: 10 observations

BHPian prateekswarup recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I've almost completed 6k in my Jimny MT Alpha White. Hence, I thought it was a good time to write in a mini-review of the same. My previous vehicles have included a Grand Vitara 2.0, Polo GT TSI and currently a Mitsubishi Outlander. Prologue I have followed the Jimny launch with keen interest but did not bite the bullet once the prices were announced. However, with the Thunder Edition and yearly discounts, I finally took the plunge and bought one on 24th Dec'23. Usage Till Now As soon as I bought it, I took it with 4 adults and 1 kid to Mashobra in Himachal for 5 5-day trip. Post that it has been my daily driver for the office commute in Gurgaon (~11kms one way). In the last week of Mar'24, I recently completed a 2,000km road trip to Spiti Valley from Gurgaon. We were 2 adults and a boot full of luggage along with water, petrol jerrycan, the works. Initial Impressions My Jimny is stock - no changes in tyres, no accessories except the rear defogger wire protectors. I wanted to have a pristine driving experience for a bit before I started looking at mods. The one change that I have made is adding a GAN tuning chip to the OBD port that gives better performance & drivability. Putting down a few points after 6k of drivingInitially, I felt that the gears were a little hard, but the gearbox-clutch has smoothened out post 3.5kThe suspension setup is lovely and is a boon in Gurugram's pot-holed roads. In the hills, it has taken the bad roads with aplomb. At high speeds, on speed breakers or cornering you do feel the rear step out a bit and initially it was a bit unnerving but now I've understood it better.Engine braking is really good and the more one drives this in the hills, the more you begin to start using the same.The high-rev nature of the engine puts a smile on your face. I kept the revs above 2k on my hill drives and hardly ever felt the loss of power. There were patches and steep inclines where you needed to shift to 1st to get momentum, but almost all the other cars in our convoy also struggled. This is where I feel a little more torque would make the Jimny outstanding.The stock tyres are adequate. On rough roads around Kaza, I did get sidewall puncture. Other Jimny's in the convoy had 215s Contis and 235 Yokos and they fared better. But for now, even with river and snow off-roading, the stock tyres felt adequate. An upgrade to 215s is on the cards in the near future.Cabin storage for small items is abysmal. I managed to put some soft foam sheets on the front door pockets to help slide in a phone without rattling and damage. Cupholders get used. The front grab handle with the leatherette wrap also helps in holding the passenger phone. Apart from these changes, I do feel the need to add more storage options to the front.The rear seat belt warning is a pain. I do not want to tamper with airbags deployment and keep them buckled in when not in use.Boot storage is adequate and swallows up 2 mid-size suitcases and 2-3 duffle bags with ease.Traction control is quite aggressiveAuto-start-stop in the hills can get intrusive. In city traffic, it's easy to use.I love the size and footprint along with the commanding view of the road. It is small enough to get through most gaps, narrow hill roads and offers a very old-school SUV experience. I learnt my driving on a Gypsy and it has a similar feel.Letting a Few Pictures do the talking: Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Why I got my 5th-gen City bumper repainted instead of replaced

BHPian ndp88 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hello everyone, update here. Not a happy one. Got delivery today and as we were bringing home a brand new car making the last turn, some underage kid dashed it from behind tearing apart the rear bumper. He was without a licence, driving without headlight in his XUV700. The panel is broken. Taking it to the Honda Service Centre tomorrow. I think Replacement is the only option here. Any idea how much this will cost? Repair update: Since this Car was a gift, we wanted to drive it down over the weekend and present ourselves to father in our hometown. That is why Delivery on Gudi Padwa was critical (which took a different fight altogether with the dealer). And so after the whole ordeal of the accident late into the night, I was convinced that now I needed to get the Panel replaced by checking with ASC tomorrow. We were thoroughly disheartened and kept wondering why this happened to us. But I was confident in my heart that the decision to forgive the kid was correct. In the morning, I took a look at the car in full daylight. Fortunately, only the rear bumper was damaged and broken. No impact on the underbody guard quarter panel or wheel assembly body. My biggest worry was structural integrity and not the cosmetic look. Again by god's grace, there was no serious damage to the structure and only the Fibre Plastic part was damaged. In my assessment, the kid was at speed and tried to control impact at the last moment by breaking, a steep right-turn to the steering wheel. Had it been a full 180-degree impact, maybe the car would've been pushed ahead and damage would have been everywhere from the Boot panel to the entire back body. Maybe airbags might've also been deployed. I felt grateful that no major accident happened both of us were safe, no injury to anybody else either. I called Viva Honda (where I purchased) for Service centre contact before I actually drove down, in case of appointment is required. Perhaps it was too early for them, and nobody called back after promising a call-back. Then I called another Honda ASC, the girl promptly directed the call to the Service site head who took down the details. I sent photographs etc. He reached out immediately after 10-15 minutes, saying the Panel needs to be replaced which costs 15k+ GST including painting, labor, and everything. The only catch is the part is not available, and would take 3 days for stock availability. I called another Centre and they also said part is not available in Mumbai altogether. Strange. So in meanwhile, I had already registered an Insurance claim late last night. Now I was confused mind, what to do. It was important to me the panel be fixed immediately as our travel plans were aligned accordingly. But good repair was also extremely important. Another factor was claiming Insurance, this would've meant letting go of the No Claim Bonus and adding accident history to the Car within the first 24 hrs. While I am not averse to claiming insurance and have done so in past, the above factors were important as well. One may disagree, but avoiding the claim was my personal preference. I decided to bring my local garage guy just to get an opinion on repair. He examined it and showed readiness to fix it. I quizzed him for half an hour as to how the process would go and to what extent he could fix it. He showed me a few example videos of past jobs. He assured me that if the progress is not up to satisfaction, I can withdraw and go for full panel replacement. It seemed like a good idea to try at least. I was worried about the broken patch of the bumper, even though the damage was limited to only a small area. I made up my mind and gave go-ahead. Since the damage was limited to fibre plastic, I thought this could be fixed. What followed was 8 hours of gruelling job, which I personally sat throughout with each technician till the Car was fixed. It became good as new. Nobody could tell (except me) if there was any damage to the bumper. These chaps did amazing work, must appreciate their skills. Such a job typically takes 2-3 days to complete, but guys were willing enough to put aside other tasks and focus on this one car alone. Only polishing work was pending, which I got done a day later since you need to let the surface dry a little more and settle. I was overall satisfied with the repair, there was no sign of damage or shoddy fix. The whole thing cost me 6.5K, I didn't take compensation from anybody. By looking at the result of the repair, I had already forgotten the whole unpleasant experience of last night. I was happy again. I was looking forward to weekend and driving this beautiful baby on the Samruddhi Expressway. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Brought home my Virtus 1.5L GT DSG: Impressions post 2,000 km

BHPian adith97 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Choice of car I was looking to buy my first new car as my old car, which was my father's Duster, had become too old. I wanted to buy a sedan because growing up, we had City & Verna in our family which I absolutely loved driving. Comfort & performance wise, I feel sedans are the best. Plus I just got married & it is a small family, just me & my wife. This is the best time to have a sedan. I can always upgrade to an SUV once my family grows.Unfortunately today there aren't many options in the C segment. We only have Virtus, Slavia, Verna and City. I shortlisted Verna & Virtus after the first round of test driving. I am 6ft 3in height & I was worried sedans won't fit me. But except City, both Virtus & Verna were quite comfortable. I had to keep the seat at its lowest position. Verna feels a lot more spacious inside & has a ton of features like ADAS, lane keep assist, collision warning etc etc, which honestly I don't care for. Virtus, on the other hand, is a lot less spacious. Two people can sit comfortably in the second row, not more than that. Three for short distances only. I selected the 1.5L turbo petrol engine in both the cars. I did two more test drives on both the cars. I requested for a long test drive the third time on a highway & that sealed my decision. Virtus on highways is an absolute beast! Once you hit that sport mode, the car just pulls you like anything. Pair that with the DSG gearbox with almost instantaneous shifts, it makes you want to reach illegal speeds. The car asks you to press more. The handling, cornering, brakes are top class. Verna is almost equally good but Virtus was a level above. My only concern was the DSG DQ200 gearbox which has had a lot of issues in the past but it seems they have refined it to make it more reliable. My driving use was 60% highways, mostly trips to Chennai from Bangalore & 40% city, office commute 2-3 days a week. So it made sense to go for 1.5L TSI engine & DSG automatic because I was fed up of driving a manual in Bangalore traffic. Variant Virtus has two lines- one for the 1L TSI engine called Comfort line & one for the 1.5L TSI engine called Dynamic Line. Within these two lines, they have variants. In Dynamic Line, there are primarily two variants - GT & GT Plus. The only important difference is that GT comes with 2 airbags while GT Plus has 6 airbags. Apart from that, GT Plus also has sunroof (I don't like them), ventilated seats, electric adjustable seats, rain sensing vipers, automatic headlamps, cruise control etc. Virtus has 5 star safety rating with 2 airbags itself. So I went ahead with GT variant itself as I don't care for any of the other features. Dealership Experience I bought the car at KUN Volkswagen dealer, JP Nagar. The experience was decent. They were not very proactive in following up. I always had to call them up & follow up for everything.I bargained a lot with them to get discounts. I told them that I would take insurance outside, after which they reduced it significantly all the way from around 80k to 40k. This included bumper to bumper zero depreciation, Engine protect, Cost of consumables, Return to invoice, NCB etc.I also sold my Duster to KUN motors, for which I bargained too & got a 20K exchange bonus. I thought the price was a little low compared to if I had sold outside in Cars24 or Spinny. But the process was smooth & hassle free, the amount directly went as downpayment. So I just did it.I also got extended warranty & standard accessories free as well.Another thing I checked was the road tax between KA & TN. I thought if it was significantly less, I would get it registered in TN. But turns out, it is pretty close to KA & the difference was a mere 10K. It wasn't worth it, so I did it in KA itself.The car was in stock already & was handed over to me in two weeks. I had told them that I would buy only if the car was in stock & that I would go to another dealer if I had to wait. I didn't like waiting for the car.I requested for a PDI before the car was sent to registration, which they allowed. The sales person rushed me during the PDI as he had other work but I took my sweet little time to do it.The delivery was done smoothly with no issues, with a cake & the car reveal.Driving/Ownership Experience - 2000kms It has been one month since the delivery & I have driven almost 2000Kms. ProsVehicle performance is amazing. It is a joy to push this 1.5L beast of an engine. As mentioned above, it clocks high speeds without breaking a sweat. Handling, cornering is amazing. I keep wanting to take it out for a drive.Gear shifts are instantaneous with DSG gearbox.Amazing brakes. Gives you confidence to go at high speeds.Silent cabin.Good steering control.Amazing ground clearance for a sedan. Never had to worry about the bottom hitting the road.5 star safety rating. You can feel the build quality with the door thud.Decent mileage. Better than expected really. As an experiment, I drove light footed & maintained 100Km/hr through one long drive. I got 17kms/l. Generally I get around 10 in highways, which is mainly due to the speeds I go at.Huge boot space is very practical.Looks gorgeous. I think this is the best looking car in this segmentAC is very effective. Looks like they have fixed the AC issues now. It is effective even in Chennai.Fabric seats are really comfortable.Red themed interior looks classy. Ambient red lighting looks cool as well. Lot of space is nice.Warning sound after 120 is not that intrusive. With music, you won't even hear it.Infotainment system with Android auto is good & useful.Volkswagen app is nice. Tells the location of the car as well as if the engine is switched on or off. Has a theft informing system too.Music system is good.Vehicle has built a reputation as an enthusiast car. Whenever I tell anyone that I have bought Virtus, they are always surprised & say what a good car it is.ConsDSG gearbox in bumper to bumper traffic is a pain. There is the known DSG lag at low speeds plus it gets real confused between 1st & 2nd gear. It is also known to heat up a lot in such traffic. I think people who primarily drive inside cities should think a lot before getting DSG.Transitioning to automatic has been frustrating at times. This is a personal issue. After being a manual driver for the past 10 years, with the DSG issues mentioned above, I feel like I have no control over the car. It is just driving itself. I guess, with time, I will get used to it.Automatic start stop system is absolute rubbish. I always switch if off as soon as I start. It is tuned so aggressively that the engine switches off even for speed breakers.I feel the suspension is a little stiff. Not sure if it is just me.There is a small noise that comes from the brake pedal when I disengage it. I asked the service person at VW & they said that it is expected. But I am pretty sure it wasn't there initially.My wife calls this car he kidnap car. It is because the lock/unlock functionality for all the doors is with the driver. The passengers can't unlock their doors themselves.Boot door doesn't stay put. You have to open it all the way up for it stay put. Have gotten hit a couple of times already.Occasionally android auto gets disconnected. But this has been very very rare.Overall, I am very satisfied with the car so far & I can't wait to keep driving it. Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Bajaj launches the Pulsar NS400Z at Rs 1.85 lakh; A sneak peek into its features

Bajaj Pulsar NS400offers a fresh headlight design and muscular fuel tank extensions, while maintaining the iconic silhouette of the Pulsar NS series. Notably, the motorcycle is expected to sport a colour LCD display integrated with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.

Kawasaki KLX 230 S dual-sport bike caught testing in India

Kawasaki seems to be working on the KLX 230 S dual-sport bike for the Indian market. It is expected to be locally manufactured alongside the Versys-X 300. The KLX 230 S is currently sold in several overseas markets. Kawasaki has made a few modifications to the Indian version though. The test bike is equipped with a saree guard and a front number plate, which is required by law. This also means that the bike will be road-legal. The KLX 230 S is based on a steel perimeter frame suspended by a long travel fork at the front and a mono-shock at the rear. The bike rides on 21-inch and 18-inch wire-spoke wheels at the front and rear, respectively. It offers a ground clearance of 210 mm and the seat height is 830 mm. The KLX 230 S is powered by a 233cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. On the non-road-legal version, this unit puts out 19 BHP @ 8,000 rpm and 20.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm. Source:@hekpomaht_

M&M leads Indian auto-pack with record-breaking 674 patents in FY24

Mahindra & Mahindra, the automotive and farm equipment flagship of the Mahindra Group, has received a record 674 patents in

New car launches in India in May 2024

4th-generation Maruti Suzuki SwiftEarlier this week, Maruti Suzuki opened bookings for the fourth-generation Swift in India. Dealer dispatches have now commenced as the carmaker gears up for the launch in the coming days. The 2024 Swift will be offered with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine that produces 80 BHP @ 5,700 rpm and 112 Nm @ 4,300 rpm. The engine is expected to be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and an AMT. Related ThreadTata Altroz RacerThe Tata Altroz Racer, a sporty version of the Altroz hatchback, was unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo. Latest reports suggest that the car might be launched soon. The Altroz Racer is expected to use a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine from the Nexon. It produces 118 BHP and 170 Nm and is likely to be paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Related ThreadMercedes-Benz C200 PetrolMercedes-Benz will be introducing the C 300 petrol in the Indian market later this year. The new petrol variant will replace the C 300d in Q2 of 2024. The C 300 will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a mild-hybrid system and a 9-speed automatic gearbox. This engine produces 254 BHP with an additional 23 BHP provided by the mild-hybrid system. Peak torque is rated at 400 Nm, which is 150 Nm less than the C 300d. Like the C 300d, the upcoming C 300 petrol might also be offered in a single, full-loaded AMG line variant. Related Thread3rd-gen Porsche PanameraPorsche revealed the prices of the third-generation Panamera back in November 2023. However, the carmaker is expected to commence bookings and deliveries this month. Related ThreadMahindra XUV700 Blaze EditionMahindra is likely to introduce a new limited-edition version of the XUV700 called the 'Blaze Edition'. The Mahindra XUV700 Blaze Edition comes in a unique exterior colour called 'Matte Blaze Red'. The SUV gets a Napoli Black roof, along with black ORVMs and black alloy wheels. You also get the impression of a floating roofline thanks to the blacked-out B, C and D pillars. Related ThreadForce Gurkha 5-DoorForce Motors has announced the prices for the updated Gurkha. The off-roader is available in 3-door and 5-door body styles priced at Rs 16.75 lakh and Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. The Force Gurkha receives several updates for the 2024 model year. The Force Gurkha is powered by a 2.6-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 138 BHP and 320 Nm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4x4 system. The company claims that the improved power and torque enable it to cruise on expressways at triple-digit speeds. Related Thread2024 Isuzu V-Cross pick-upIsuzu has launched the 2024 V-Cross pick-up truck in India. The updated model is priced from Rs 21,19,900 (ex-showroom). Isuzu has made several changes to the V-Cross for the 2024 model year. The new V-Cross is powered by a 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that makes 163 BHP and 360 Nm. The engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic. The pick-up truck is also available with a 4-wheel drive system. Related Thread2024 BMW M4 Competition M xDriveBMW has launched the 2024 M4 Competition M xDrive in India. The updated sports coupe will be imported via the CBU route and is priced at Rs 1.53 crore (ex-showroom). At the heart of the M4 Is the S58 turbocharged 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine that produces 523 BHP @ 6,250 rpm and 650 Nm @ 2,750-5,370 rpm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic and BMW's xDrive four-wheel drive system. BMW claims the M4 can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. Related Thread

Bajaj Auto unveils new Pulsar NS400Z at Rs 1.85 lakh. Check complete features

Bajaj Auto has unvield its latest marvel, the new Pulsar NS400Z. With a potent 373cc engine under its hood, delivering an impressive 40 PS of power and 35 Nm of torque, this machine is poised to redefine the standards of performance in its segment.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z launched at Rs 1.85 lakh

Bajaj Auto has announced the launch of the Pulsar NS400Z, the most powerful Pulsar ever. The bike is priced at Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom). The Pulsar NS400Z has a sporty design with a striking headlamp that features thunderbolt-style LED DRLs and an LED projector light. The muscular fuel tank has extensions on either side with the 'NS' decal, a 2-piece stepped seat and a tiny chin fairing with a '400' decal. The NS400Z comes with a digital instrument console that offers Bluetooth connectivity. By pairing their smartphones, riders can access features like turn-by-turn navigation, incoming calls, missed calls and SMS alerts. It also gets four riding modes - Road, Rain, Sport and Off-road, switchable traction control and dual-channel ABS. The Pulsar NS400Z uses the same 373cc single-cylinder engine that powers the Dominar 400. It produces 39.4 BHP @ 8,800 rpm and 35 Nm @ 6,500 rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox via an assist and slipper clutch. The NS400Z is equipped with a 43 mm upside-down fork and a gas-charged mono-shock with adjustable preload. Braking is handled by a 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm disc at the rear.

Bajaj Auto unveils most powerful, feature-rich Pulsar NS400 at Rs 1.85 lakh

The motorcycle boasts features like a ride-by-wire throttle, aswitchable traction control system, and four ride modes Sport, Rain, Road, and Off-road. It also gets full LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster with a separate display for turn-by-turn navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Toyota, Tata Motors Positioned To Benefit From Hybrid Auto Boom

Fading EV demand and popularity of hybrid models prompted Tata to separate its luxury and electric cars business from commercial vehicles.

Ferrari 12Cilindri globally unveiled

Ferrari has taken the wraps off its latest front-engined V12 supercar, named '12Cilindri'. The new Ferrari 12Cilindri (Italian for 12 Cylinders) is a direct replacement of the 812 Superfast. The newest supercar from the Italian brand will be offered in Coupe & Spider versions, both of which were unveiled at an exclusive event held in Miami Beach. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is powered by the brand's 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine producing 819 BHP and 678 Nm. The engine has been updated, allowing it to rev up to 9,500 rpm, and comes paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Ferrari claims the 12Cilindri Coupe is capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, while 200 km/h comes up in 7.9 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 340 km/h. The spider is slightly slower, with 0-100 km/h taking 2.95 seconds and 200 km/h coming up in 8.2 seconds. The 12Cilindri Coupe weighs in at 1,560 kg, while the spider is slightly heavier at 1,620 kg - both dry weights. In terms of design, the Ferrari 12Cilindri features a sharp front end with sleek headlights & DRLs. The overall design feels more sophisticated than its predecessor, featuring clean lines and muscular proportions. Ferrari has also integrated plenty of active aero elements all around the car. Inside, the Ferrari 12Cilindri features three screens, a massive 15.6-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch central infotainment display and an 8.8-inch display in front of the passenger. The car carries forward the capacitive buttons on the steering wheel like in other Ferrari models. The Ferrari 12Cilindri comes with a starting price of 395,000 euros for the Coupe and 435,000 euros for the Spider version.

Driving an NA petrol car after 16 yrs: Our new Hyundai i20 Asta (O) iVT

BHPian biplab3110 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I brought home an i20 Asta (O) iVT on the 20th of April. Here is some background to the purchase and my experience with the car so far.BackgroundI had a Kia Seltos GTX DCT bought in September 2019 (prebooked, from the first lot). This was followed by two years of complete inaction due to Covid. Once Covid was in the past, routines have changed. I now travel to the office not more than two days a week. In the meantime, I also bought an Audi Q3, in October last year. So, the Seltos was reduced to a car for doing daily rounds of the market, and other chores around an 8km radius of Thane City. It was also not feasible to take the Q3 around for these trips, so a second car was needed. Hence, I was looking for something smaller. The idea was to sell the Seltos (4.5 years, 23,000km on the ODO), buy a small car and save some money. But things turned out a little differently. The question was what to replace the Seltos with? Criteria - it has to be less than 4m, and it has to be an automatic. There is no way I am driving an AMT. A DCT would be expensive (the discontinued i20 DCT, the Venue, or the Sonet). Plus, the car is primarily for driving within Thane City where the internal roads have a speed breaker at every 100m. Hence my preference was for a CVT which will be easy to drive around. There were four choices - Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Honda Amaze and Hyundai i20. The first two were not even considered due to their poor fit and finish and doubtful future. The Amaze was in consideration, but the current generation Amaze seems like a decade old. Waiting for the next generation seemed waiting for uncertainty. Hence the choice was limited to just the i20 iVT. Did a test drive and it seemed to tick the necessary boxes for my requirements. I was waiting for a deal on my Seltos to book an i20 Sportz iVT. However, it is the selling experience of the Seltos that made me change my mind and book the Asta (O) iVT. I value five features of the Asta (O) over the Sportz (Keyless entry, Push button start, wireless charger, rear washer and wiper, alloy wheels), which does not add up to the price difference, but still I booked the Asta (O) iVT for the sunroof (which I personally don't value). Must say, the BOSE speakers are a bonus!Booking & DeliveryBooking experience was mostly uneventful. Took a quote from two dealers. Both dealers were keen to push the SPORTZ variant in Starry Nights colour, for which they had stocks. However, I was not willing to compromise on my choice of colour - Titan Gray. Both quotes came with hefty insurance. However, one was willing to remove it and let me buy my own insurance, the other was willing to match the price and features of any quote that I share. The bigger and more renowned dealer said the car will be delivered in 3 months and offered a lower discount. The other dealer assured me of a delivery in one month and offered a higher discount. So, the decision was made easy. As promised, the car was available for PDI in a month, and delivered in two days after PDI. This is a car manufactured in April 2024. This car is going to be with me for some time. Hence bought it with 7 years Extended Warranty and 5 years Shield of Trust which covers parts not covered by warranty. A horror story about CVT Failure on Team-BHP also triggered this decision. I gave some specific instructions for delivery:No polishing the car, internal or external, since the car would immediately go for ceramic coating.No dealership stickers on the car.Car to be delivered with a full tank. I would pay Rs 3500 for fuel at the time of delivery (else the car would be delivered with less than 5L of fuel and I would have to run to a pump immediately after delivery).33PSI pressure to be maintained.First three were followed. There was no way to verify the fourth at the time of delivery. The moment I took delivery and went out on the road I could sense something was wrong. The ride felt very stiff, I could feel every undulation on the road as if I was driving on solid tires. I checked the TPMS and all tyres were showing a pressure of 48PSI!! I immediately took the car to my regular garage where I fill Nitrogen, deflated the tyres completely and filled them with Nitrogen at 33PSI (later on I reduced it to 32 and the ride feels much better now).DriveI am driving a car with an NA Petrol engine after 16 years. Last one was an Alto 800 which I sold in 2008. Since then, I have driven the Ford Fusion (Turbo Diesel), Skoda Rapid (Turbo Diesel) and Kia Seltos (Turbo Petrol) and hence used to driving with both power and torque being available at lower revs. I don't remember revving the engines beyond 2500RPM during regular drives. However, this car would rev to 3000+ RPM with the gentlest tap on the accelerator, with no delivery of power or proportional increase in speed. For the first few days, I was almost regretting the purchase and felt I should have gone for a used Turbo Petrol with DCT. However, after a few days, I got the balance. Exactly how much pressure on the accelerator will deliver what kind of results - mental calibration started to form. I must say, it is still a work in progress. However, I am being able to get to 50kmph (which is the max I may be able to drive at in my city drives) at 1500 rpm. I am also getting realistic with my ambitions - this is not my Q3 in which I can do sudden overtakes. Moreover, where is the space to overtake in city drives? I have heard and read a lot of observations about the low bonnet and it not being visible to the driver. However, since I am used to driving cars with much longer bonnets, it is not an issue for me. There is one aspect of the drive that I did not anticipate at all. I don't know if this is the normal nature of any CVT - the concept of engine braking seems to be missing!! I observe this every day. As I go down the ramp from the parking in my building the car just picks up speed even when not accelerated at all!! Every time I have to apply brakes to slow it down. How does someone drive this downhill? The brakes would wear off in one trip to the Ghats!Likes & DislikesThese are a few things I like about the car:Looks! This is the best-looking hatchback in the market, beyond any doubt.Fit and finish.Back Seat space - almost at par with sedans.Seating position - not too low.The BOSE Speakers - simply awesome in a car of this size.The audible reminder to turn on headlightsThese are a few things I dislike:No auto-dimming IRVM. This is expected in a car at this price.The armrest is too low and hence almost useless.Only driver's window button is backlit.The AC is always at very high fan speed in Auto mode.Here are a few photographs of the carAt the time of PDI Soon after delivery After detailing Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Mahindra XUV700 Blaze Edition details leaked!

Mahindra is likely to introduce a new limited-edition version of the XUV700 called the 'Blaze Edition'. The Mahindra XUV700 Blaze Edition comes in a unique exterior colour called 'Matte Blaze Red'. The SUV gets a Napoli Black roof, along with black ORVMs and black alloy wheels. You also get the impression of a floating roofline thanks to the blacked-out B, C and D pillars. The Blaze Edition gets an all-black interior with red highlights. These include red stitching on the seat upholstery, red trims around the centre console and AC vents. The XUV700 is available with two engine options. These include a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 197 BHP @ 5,000 rpm and 380 Nm @ 1,750-3,000 rpm. The second option is a 2.2-litre diesel that puts out 153 BHP / 182 BHP and 360 - 450 Nm depending on the transmission. Both engines are offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Thanks to BHPian RavenAvi for sharing these images with other enthusiasts!

Bengaluru auto driver discusses about entrance exams with passenger

Bengaluru auto driver discusses about entrance exams with passenger

Clearing a few PDI queries before taking delivery of my new Kodiaq

BHPian dkaile recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I did the final PDI of the Kodiaq yesterday for final delivery on Monday. I have a few queries regarding the same, if buddies here can comment: They did the following PDI jobs on the vehicle The Battery was checked. Battery Test Report. Seems OK? The Engine Oil was checked and was up to his thumb level in the photo Now this is the L&K kit you get FREE with the car which includes Textile Floor Carpet Mats, 2 Rear Lounge Steps, 1 Blanket, Boot Nets, First Aid Kit, and Warning Triangle; Is is OK? And this is the 23k Accessory Pack items - All Weather Floor Mats+Mat over Tunnel, 4 Mudflaps (installed), Document Holder, USB charger and cable, car care kit, Wet tissue wipe, Microfiber cloth, Tissue Box, Car Perfume, Sling Bag, Body Cover (was a surprise as it was not mentioned initially) and 2 Pillows. Is this all OK? They then attached the car to the laptop and some OBD wireless connectors and scanned for any updates. They said there were none. The technician removed the Transport Mode to get all normal functions going. And scanned the car, removed all previous errors due to transport mode, and scanned again, with no errors. Is that all? The mud flaps were properly fitted. The front mud flaps instructions said to drill a hole to insert a plastic lock, which I avoided and just made a small hole with a screwdriver and drove one of the small OE nuts (that were replaced by longer ones in the kit) removed for support. Seems sturdy to me on checking. Also changed AUTO AC profile to HIGH. It was on Medium from the factory. I think all of us should do that immediately for Indian summers. Sorry, forgot to click a picture, will post soon. The AC was chilling just like my Superb on Auto High after that. 1 important point - Now I asked the technician to switch on the Passenger Airbag. He said that it is switched on by default. But when I later checked, the Passenger Airbag OFF light was ON below the AC control knobs on the centre console, when we switched on the car. I checked the passenger door and the slider key was in the OFF position from the factory (Sorry, forgot to take a picture). I along with the Showroom Manager removed the metal key from our remote and changed it to ON position. Now on restarting the car, the Passenger Airbag light on the console switched to ON. Did we do it right? Is that OK and Normal behaviour? Does that light stay ON or go away while driving? Anything else that needs to be done or checked during PDI? Urgent replies will be most appreciated as we have to pick up the car on Monday. Thanks in advance. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift reaches dealership ahead of launch

Earlier this week, Maruti Suzuki opened bookings for the fourth-generation Swift in India. Dealer dispatches have now commenced as the carmaker gears up for the launch. The new-gen Swift was recently spotted at a Maruti Suzuki showroom, allowing us to take a closer look at the new hatchback. The new Swift features a redesigned exterior with a low-slung grille, a clamshell bonnet and a floating roofline. It has large projector headlamps with L-shaped DRLs and LED fog lamps. The new Swift looks quite familiar from the rear. It has wide haunches with clear lens LED taillights and a wraparound rear windshield. This car is equipped with dual-tone alloy wheels. Moving to the interior, the new-gen Swift gets a more driver-focused cabin with a 3-spoke steering wheel, a twin-dial instrument cluster and an upright touchscreen infotainment system in the centre. The 2024 Swift will be offered with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine that produces 80 BHP @ 5,700 rpm and 112 Nm @ 4,300 rpm. The engine is expected to be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and an AMT. Source: @iammharshvlogs

1 year with M'lore's last delivered Octavia: Pros & cons of ownership

BHPian abaliga recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Having completed 1 year since we welcomed our 2023 Octavia L&K 2.0 TSI, I would like to share my ownership experience of this very special car with the esteemed forum members and viewersHighlights:This was the last Octavia delivered in Mangalore! We purchased this car only because it was being discontinued and were not in a rush as our Ecosport was running trouble-free with only 25k on the odometer, Skoda was selling this without any discounts despite the rumours about the discontinuation! I was hardly able to bargain as I was not ready to walk away from buying the car (I knew it was unlikely to be launched again, even if relaunched getting it as a CKD with 2.0 TSI is a fat chance).Car has run only 6K in its first year! too less for my liking, but I have enjoyed every kilometre I have driven it.Extremely well built and worth every rupee we paid for (despite being priced slightly higher than desired, it is hard to find a car that is as good for a budget of 35-40 lakh on-road today).Though looks are subjective, Octavia has a timeless design with a nice 3 box silhouette, something that cannot be beaten by any of the SUVs/Crossovers.Absolutely no issues to report, has proven to be a reliable companion to date(knock on wood), and hopefully, it remains that way throughout my ownership (I do not plan on selling the car for the next 10-12 years)!Extremely high safety standards, has received 5 Stars from Euro NCAP, L&K has 2 additional airbags for rear seat occupants in addition to the standard safety suite.Service Experience:The 1st-year service was uneventful, I was charged around 12k included Oil change (did not get the car washed and declined the wheel alignment), and I did not let the car out of my sight for the entire 3 hours it was at the workshop and was standing outside the workshop door to respect their rules, I had informed the SA to not go on a test drive without me being present, Tafe Access Mangalore honoured my requests without any hesitation.Likes:Minimalistic dashboard design with high-quality bits that should age well (Notwithstanding the piano black inserts that are impossible to keep scratch-free).Sweet powertrain with 190PS and 320 NM of torque that can keep most enthusiasts happy. The only fly in the ointment is the wheel spin and torque steer raising its ugly head when one floors the gas pedal. RS tune for the engine with an AWD would have given a 330i/li a run for its money.Cushy ride quality at higher speeds, Low-speed ride is a bit stiff though, maybe the stock Goodyears are to be blamed.Decent space for folks with an average build, taller folks will find it a bit cramped in the rear seat that is if a person above 5'10 is seated in the front.Retractable sun blinds for rear windows and rear windshield (missing on 3 series).Well-designed digital instrument console with round dials (I hate the new age angled designs!).Powered trunk lid and an accommodating 600-litre boot.Compact turning radius that is shorter than our previous ride (Ecosport), very manoeuvrable for a 4.7m car.Did I mention good fit and finish inside out already? it's hard to find this level of quality for the price I pay these days.DSG performs very well in most situations (97%), at times one can feel the jerks at speeds below 30 km/h as the box is hunting for the right gear to be in, this can be noticed only by keen observers.Neutral handling characteristics (nowhere as fun as our Ecosport was, but that had a harsh ride), the ride and handling balance on the Octavia is appreciated more than the fun we could have on the Ecosport.Very refined overall, NVH levels are very well controlled even at 3-digit speeds, Motor sounds sweet when revved! This is one reason we had to drop the VAG 1.5 TSI cars from contention, I hate the boomy nature of 1.5 TSIs at revs higher than 3.5k rpm and wish VAG sorted this out (their 1.2 TSIs sounded much better at higher rpm too).Ground clearance at 137mm is more than adequate, as long as one is not rushing through speed breakers/potholes, this is easily manageable and the suspension tune does not let the car scrape its belly easily.Full LED headlights and tail lights that look nice when lit up.Ambient lighting for the dashboard gives the cabin a premium vibe.The well-thought-out dash cam port behind the IRVM is a blessing, no warranty issues stemming out of aftermarket installation!Wireless car play and Android Auto are standard.Wireless phone charger is standard as well.Dislikes:Ingress/Egress is a little tricky for seniors, and not as comfortable/easy as some of the monocoque crossovers.Stitching on the seats and the steering is not consistent, and hard to notice, but keen observers can find minor anomalies (I am nitpicking here).Single-digit fuel economy for the most part, the bumper-to-bumper drive will yield only 7-7.5 km/l, one can get a decent 10-12 km/l if the average speed is above 30 within city limits, Highway economy is decent at 15-16 km/l if one is a saint, although we (myself and my dad) have not been able to fetch more than 10-11 km/l on a highway run where one is driving fast (within speed limits), the car gulps fuel if one is slowing down frequently and picking up speed quickly! Turbo petrols are not meant for high-mileage users.The driving range with a relatively thirsty motor and 50 litres tank is limited to about 500 kms (Tank capacity should have been at least 60 litres).205/55 R17 size tyres are skinny, I find the profile and the diameter to be adequate for our roads, but the width should have been 225mm at the minimum! Will need better rubber next time around.The absence of physical HVAC controls is a trend I hate, however, there is an option to add a widget on the home screen of the infotainment for HVAC controls including the blower speed which makes it easier than navigating across menus.Wheelspin on aggressive launches, a typical trait of a front-wheel drive, I feel this dilutes the premium car experience at times.Low beam on the headlights was awful, and this is despite the upgraded headlights for L&K, I got the beams raised a bit during the first service, but have not been able to test whether there is any improvement as yet.Unacceptable cost-cutting measures like not providing ambient light, and soft feel plastics on the rear door pads (although the general quality of door pad plastics is superior all around).I do not mind the absence of a sunroof, but not providing ventilated seats on a car that costs almost 38 big ones is unacceptable.Requirement of minimum 95 Octane fuel, finding this was tricky on our 2200 kms trip from Mangalore to Shirdi, ended up fueling regular 91 Octane fuel 2-3 times, luckily the motor performed well regardless of the octane rating! Availability of good quality high-octane fuel is always on the back of my mind during road trips as some owners have faced issues with this motor being sensitive to fuel quality. Also, the fuel cap says the car is only E10 compliant, God help us if there is no availability of E10 fuel in the country a few years down the line.It was cheap of Skoda to delete the extremely desirable Canton music system and the child lock controls from the driver door! As if these deletions were not enough, Skoda increased the prices subsequently adding insult to injury, I am an audiophile and greatly appreciate quality music, deletion of the Canton system is something I still can't get my head around after owning the car for a year, the stock music system is alright but not great, I guess I will bite the bullet eventually and upgrade the speakers and install a sub.All in all, I am very happy with the purchase, 4th generation Octavia is an excellent offering that can give the luxury German Marques a run for their money! Brand Octavia has been the default choice for enthusiasts who are on a budget, unfortunately for many of them, the car is discontinued as of today, I am hoping this will be re-introduced soon (has to be in the CKD form as it does not make any sense as a CBU!) as this was the car that had established Skoda in India. I would also like to urge Skoda India to manage the lead time required for procuring parts of their CKD options better, Have heard too many stories of delays over 3 months, this is simply unacceptable in a globalized world with a super fast supply chain. And finally, Here are some pictures I have clicked over the past year, please do not mind the quality as all of them were clicked on my phone, Thank you all. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Stock market update: Nifty Auto index falls 0.02% in a weak market

The Nifty Auto index was trading 0.02 per cent down at 22730.05.

Bajaj Auto, Zydus Life, Century Ply: Trading Strategies for these buzzing stocks

Bajaj Auto formed a bullish candle after the gradual slide and is maintaining above the significant 50 EMA level of Rs 8,540 zone, improving the bias.

Bajaj Auto Share Price Live Updates: Bajaj Auto Closes at Rs 9110.65 with Impressive 3-Month Return of 18.12%

Judge grants autopsy rules requested by widow of Mississippi man found dead after vanishing

A Mississippi judge granted a request Thursday by the widow of a deceased man who vanished under mysterious circumstances to set standards for a future independent autopsy of her late husbands body

From the India Today archives (1985) | Autobiography of a maharani

From the India Today archives Autobiography of a maharani

LTTS bags 45 million order from French auto major FORVIA

Market Trading Guide: Bajaj Auto, Asian Paints among 4 stock recommendations for Friday

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 128 points or 0.17% to settle at 74,611 in a restricted trade.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400 official images leaked ahead of launch

Bajaj is all set to launch the most powerful Pulsar yet on May 3. But official images of the bike have already leaked online. The images reveal a familiar design, adopted from other models in the brand's NS range. The bike has a sporty headlight with lightning bolt-shaped LED DRLs, a muscular fuel tank with extensions on either side with the 'NS' decal and a 2-piece stepped seat. It also has a tiny chin fairing with a '400' decal. The Pulsar NS400 rides on an upside-down fork with a gold finish and a mono-shock at the rear. The bike is fitted with stylish alloy wheels that have a multi-spoke design and a rear tyre hugger. It has disc brakes at both ends. The Pulsar NS400 is expected to use the same 373.3cc single-cylinder engine that powers the Dominar 400, making it the biggest Pulsar ever. It will be paired with a 6-speed gearbox via a slip-and-assist clutch. The NS400 will come with a digital instrument console offering smartphone connectivity and dual-channel ABS, among other features. Thanks to BHPian payeng for sharing these images with other enthusiasts!

Unforgettable moment: Hardeep Singh Puri takes auto ride in Delhi

The News Mill

2024 Force Gurkha launched at Rs 16.75 lakh

Force Motors has announced the prices for the updated Gurkha. The off-roader is available in 3-door and 5-door body styles priced at Rs 16.75 lakh and Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. The Force Gurkha receives several updates for the 2024 model year. These include a single-slat grille with 'Gurkha' lettering, circular LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs and fog lamps with a cornering function. The SUV rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and is equipped with a snorkel, a roof rack with an integrated ladder, a tailgate-mounted spare wheel and a tow hook. Inside, you will find a familiar-looking dashboard. However, it is now equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a digital instrument cluster. The SUV is also equipped with a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, dual airbags, ABS with EBD and TPMS. It can carry up to 7 persons. The Force Gurkha is powered by a 2.6-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 138 BHP and 320 Nm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4x4 system. The company claims that the improved power and torque enable it to cruise on expressways at triple-digit speeds. The new Gurkha offers a ground clearance of 233 mm, which is said to be the highest in the segment. It can drive up a 35-degree incline and can wade through 700 mm deep water. The Gurkha also gets new independent suspension at the front, fully locking mechanical differentials on both the axles and Electronic shift-on-the-fly.

Stock market update: Nifty Auto index advances 1.13%

The Nifty Auto index closed 1.13 per cent up at 22733.5.

Future Mercedes-Benz models to ditch next-gen Apple CarPlay

In a recent interview, Ola Kallenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, confirmed that the carmaker will not offer the next-generation CarPlay in its future models. Instead, the brand has decided to focus on its own Operating System. Apple, which will introduce its next-generation CarPlay later this year, had initially named Mercedes-Benz as one of the carmakers to receive the software. However, the company CEO has confirmed that they have chosen not to adopt the upcoming CarPlay update in its models. Kallenius described Mercedes' proprietary OS as the central nervous system of the vehicle's software architecture. Mercedes aims to offer a holistic approach, integrating all of the vehicle's functionalities seamlessly, to offer a superior experience, which, as per Kallenius, can only be achieved by the manufacturer itself. Having said that, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that it will continue supporting the current generation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on its vehicles. Customers will get the option to choose the platform which best suits their preference. Apple has confirmed that the first carmakers to get the new-generation CarPlay software later this year are Porsche & Aston Martin. Source: TheVerge

Attended a Radio-Controlled Model Tugboat Gathering

BHPian Jeroen recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I thought some of our members might be interested in this: I visited an RC model event. A couple of times a year they organise a tugboat event. Anybody with an RC tugboat can come and sail it at the club's beautiful little lake! Modelbuilding is a huge industry, with many different models, topics, scales and what have you. There are quite a few people who build model boats. Statis and or floating models. From the very small to the very large. Within that group, the tugboat model boat folks take a very prominent position. Tugboats have always been popular in the Netherlands. In the 30-50s ocean-going tugboat skippers were famous.People would follow their adventures. All long before the internet. This was through talks on the radio and articles in newspapers, magazines, and so on. The Dutch have always been BIG on ocean towage and salvage. For decades there was immense competition between two companies, Smit and Wijsmuller. There was never a job too big, too dangerous, too complex, or Dutch salvage teams managed to succeed. There is even an excellent book, considered proper literature, about this fierce competition and how an independent tug boat captain tried to break into the market. The book is called Hollands Glorie. Dutch Glory. Even today Hollands Glorie still stands for whatever outstanding achievement the Dutch have and or do. So many people are interested and there are several model-built boat kits out there. Many builders will not build a kit, but get hold of the original ship's drawings and build everything from scratch!Whatever, pardon the pun, floats your boat. Here you see part of the club's pond. Pretty big. A huge model of a NedLLoyd container vessel. Not sure if this one is made to sail under its own power, or whether it is there to be towed. This is the Smit Rotterdam. One of the last ocean-going tugs Smit was built in 1974. About 75 meters long it packed 22000 HP. Which made it the most powerful oceangoing towing tug in the world. She had a sister ship, Smit NewYork Seen from above: It is a model kit, provided by the famous brand Billing Boats, www.billingboats.com/index.p...smit-rotterdam Billing boats are always wooden boats. The hull is made up of many ribs and bulkheads and you place small wooden planks horizontally across them. People build them as just a nice static model to be displayed. Or like here, put an RC kit into it. These days that means two individually controlled main engines, a rudder, bow thruster. working radar, towing winch, anchor winch, lights, and engine sounds!! Here something quite different. A proper steam tug, with a real steam engine, all Radio Controlled!! There were a few other types of boats on display as well. Next to towing, dredging is the other thing the Dutch are famous for. So there are people who build model dredgers, that fully functioning.To the best of my knowledge, there are no model kits, so this is all completely hand-built, from drawings, or perhaps even just old photographs. The club puts out these market stalls where everybody can display their pride and joy, when not sailing! This is one of the most popular kits around, the SmitLLoyd 109. I have sailed on her twice. The so-called original 100-Series of SmitLLoyd were very famous in their days. They are so-called suppliers/Anchor Handling Tugs. Extremely robust, and capable of handling ice conditions, with about 14000 HP they were far more versatile than the dedicated oceangoing tugs such as the Smit Rotterdam. Notice the big anchor on the deck. This is an anchor used by an oil rig. The oil rig would be anchored to the sea floor with 10-16 of these anchors. It was the job of vessels such as the 109 to run out those anchors and retrieve them if and when the rig had to be moved. Very tough and very dangerous work! I loved it. As one of the engineers, I would work the winches or help out on deck.Working with the massive anchor chains also involved welding and a lot of cutting with acetylene torches and later plasma cutters. Enter little ol me! On a rolling and pitching deck As I mentioned, a very popular model. Many people have built it, in various forms. Some have used a different model, e.g. 112, or 117. Because they sailed on it, or because they liked it better. All these 100 boats had some small differences from one another. SmitLLoyd and Smit were separate companies for a long time. At some point in time, they merged and the typical SmitLLoyd pink chimneys were painted in the Smit colours. Real SmitLLoyd crews hated it. But it got worse as they ultimately merged with Wijsmuller as well, and the company and ships became known as SmitWijs. Here you see the 109 in original Smit-LLoyd colours and the later and short-lived Smit colours. I liked this cute little tugboat. I chatted to the owner. It is a complete fantasy boat. He built it from all kinds of scratch materials. He has three more like this. But the finish and attention to detail is fantastic!! Also a lot of harbour tugs. Very often Smit harbour tugs. There are a few more harbour tug operators, but Smit has always been the biggest and most famous one. These are the sort of tugs that assist the largest container vessels and tankers in Rotterdam harbour. Look at the detailing, under the waterline as well. I did not see any today, but I know there are RC model tugboats that have proper model Voith Schneider propellers. Here is another oceangoing tug I sailed on, very briefly. It was called Happy Hunter at the time. Again, taken over by Smit. Next to the Smitlloyd 109, the Happy Hunter is probably the second most build model kit. Both are plastic or rather polyester kits. The hull comes in one piece. Even so, building a boat like this is very labour-intensive and it will take hundreds and hundreds of hours. A rough estimate says less than half of the model kits bought are ever finished. You can buy many of these kits, half or less finished at online marketplaces! This particular club, the host of this event, has fantastic facilities, you can see the pond, the jetties and so on. But they also have a roomy clubhouse, workshops, and so on! One of the few Wijsmuller boats out there today. Very nice model. The Wijsmuller boats are often very very pretty This size RC model boat can weigh up to 20-25 kilograms. They all take a lot of weights, just to sit low and correctly in the water. The RC equipment and batteries are not heavy enough by themselves. All these boats have a lot of lead on board! For every 10 minutes of sailing your RC model, it takes 20 minutes of fiddling with the electronics and so on. I love these steam-powered tugs! There is entertainment for the kiddies too. They always have some boats that can be sailed by kids! Lots of very proud owners. Most of them have built their own boats. Some buy them ready-made from others. I have been here before and I usually run into old colleagues. Not today though. There were also fewer boats than usual, not quite sure why. Leaving you with another very nice model!! This is a video from last year, all in Dutch I'm afraid but nice images! Video And another video where you can see some huge models of more modern/current AHTs Video Jeroen Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Why are there no company-owned & company-operated service networks?

BHPian Quicksilver85 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I am curious to understand, why are there no company-owned or company-operated service network in India? I see service quality as one of the aspects which could be a hit or miss with many car ownership experiences shared in this forum. Time and again, I see the same repeated even in Official reviews that sub-par service experience or ASS Horror stories with some OEMs. Also, there are so many threads about dealership frauds/mistreatment/poor service quality etc reported on this forum. Similar to how public sector oil companies like Indian Oil, and Bharat Petroleum claim to operate the so-called COCO (Company Owned & Company Operated) fuel stations which presumably deliver better quality and quantity of fuel to motorists. Why cannot there be say a COCO TATA motors service center or Skoda or Hyundai? Or maybe even premium players with low volume such as Audi and BMW? Are there some regulations that prevent OEMs from operating service networks? Or is the quantum of investment & manpower required to operate such a network that OEMs shy away from? Can someone please some light on this if you are from the automobile sector or have knowledge in this domain? Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:It's a dirty businessOEMs would rather hide behind a dealershipA dealership can do things to maintain profitability (overbilling, upselling, scamming) that an OEM never would / could.Push the liability onto the dealership.Of course, one of the biggest reasons is that OEM CEOs, COOs, heads of marketing etc. are used to talking numbers in the hundreds of crores (if not thousands), sales of thousands of cars etc. They have no interest in dealing with 50 cars a month or revenue of 10 crores/month. It's too small for their ambitions.Here's what BHPian SmartCat had to say on the matter:Probably because all car manufacturers know that if they want to generate decent returns from the automobile service business, they have to take the customers for a ride (Eg: brake pad cleaning, door panel anti-rust coating etc) It is best to let somebody else handle the dirty business.Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:Tata pioneered this model with its Concorde range of service stations. Hyundai too had tried this, they had a full-fledged company-owned dealership in Delhi. Unfortunately, the model didn't work out. Wasn't profitable in either case.Here's what BHPian IshaanIan had to say on the matter:The problem in India at least, is that in order to offer superior service they would have to reward their staff with better pay so as to ensure professionalism and quality. This would mean much higher labor costs in comparison and that would lead to fewer customers bringing in their cars for service as well as dealer partners being miffed about the company trying to steal customers away from them considering service is where all the money is made.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Visited the new Payana Vintage Car Museum on the outskirts of Mysuru

BHPian vsrivatsa recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Payana - The Vintage Car MuseumA new Vintage Car Museum opened on the outskirts of Mysuru last week and I had the opportunity to visit this museum along with the family on the way to Mysuru today. This museum has been established by Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade and is now open to the public. The structure itself resembles the silhouette of a tyre! Payana - The Vintage Car Museum A zoomed-out view of the Car Museum Intro Flag The museum hosts a huge set of vintage cars on display from brands such as Fiat, Morris, Austin, Mercedes Benz, Willys, Toyota, Citroen and Hindustan Motors. The timings for the museum are from morning 9-00 AM until 8-00 PM in the evening and there is an entry charge of 50 per head for adults and it's free for children up to the age of 12 years. Guidelines The Ticket Counter The Ticket Right at the entrance is placed a car which was used by Dr Veerendra Hegde himself - the Standard Herald: Standard Herald used by Dr Veerendra Hegde during his College Days At the entrance - Evolution of Wheels The most Rudimentary Wheels Spacious Hall Spacious Hall - Additional View Spacious Hall - Additional View Walk away towards the Lower Level Mysuru Maharaja's car - Daimler DE 36 C V Raman's Car - Studebaker ChampionLocation:Payana is located in Brahmaputra which is about 6.5 kms from Srirangapatna Town. If you are coming from Mysuru, then it's about 14 kms from the Mysuru Palace. Continue reading about vsrivatsa's visit to the museum for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

5 key observations of my Maruti Jimny during a recent Konkan drive

BHPian bj96 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Not a review as enough has already been said about Jimny in this thread. Just a few moments captured from my recent ride to Konkan, and a couple of observations.Small cabin and UV cut glasses helped auto climate AC, set at 25c, to keep us comfortable even at 44-45c ambient temperature in some sections e.g. near Mahad on the Goa Mumbai highway.12.9 km/l despite long ghat sections and the long weekend (city/toll) traffic.Start/stop can be easily controlled by modulating foot pressure on the brake pedal. No need to turn it off using the switch.Small footprint plus high GC meant we didn't sweat when Google directed us through the narrow lanes of Sangameswar bazaar and rural hilly terrains leading to Ganpatipule / Malgund.Enough space and engine grunt for two adults and one 14-year-old plus their weekend luggage. Was easily able to maintain triple digits when roads permitted.Delightful 5.7k kms on the odo so far (in ~4.5 months). Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

USA: All new cars to get automatic emergency braking from 2029

According to media reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has made Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) a mandatory safety feature on all new vehicles, starting in 2029. As per the new regulation, all new passenger vehicles sold in the USA & weighing under 10,000 lbs (4,500 kg) should come fitted with the safety tech. The US government implied that the inclusion of AEB in new cars will potentially help save up to 400 lives per year while preventing thousands of injuries. The legislation also states that the automatic braking system should enable a car to stop and avoid collision with the vehicle in front when travelling at speeds of up to 100 km/h; both in day and night conditions. The system should also apply brakes automatically, even at speeds of up to 145 km/h, if it detects that the car is about to collide with a vehicle in front. Also, the AEB system should spot and avoid hitting pedestrians at car speeds of up to 72 km/h. NHTSA states that the new tech will add $84 to the price of a new car. However, the agency will leave the choice of sensors used up to the carmakers. Automakers have till September 1, 2029, to meet the new regulations. Also, low-volume automakers will get an additional year as a grace period. Source: NYTimes

Pre-facelift Tata Nexon Diesel update: 4th service done at 22,400 km

BHPian rnaduthota recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I completed the 4th service for my Cron last Saturday when the ODO was around 22,400. I called my SA, Vijayakumar, a few days before to ensure he was available on that day. I entered the service station around 9:30 in the morning, and within a minute, Vijayakumar attended to me. Since I had no complaints, they performed a general checkup and washing, and I was billed within 90 minutes.By 11 AM, I was out of the service station. Given the horror stories I've heard about Tata's service, I was worried about getting scratched during the service. However, Classic Motors did a wonderful job, and they returned the car spotlessly clean. The service cost around 2K. Overall, I am very happy with my SA and the service station, and I definitely recommend it to others. Some recent pics of Cron.. :-) Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

EPFO Mulls Massive Digitisation Exercise, Expanding Auto Settlement Scope In Two Months

To reduce the claims that fall under the 'Rejected' category, claims that are returned requiring correction or are incomplete are proposed to be linked with the previous ones.

BMW launches new M4 Competition M xDrive in India at Rs 1.53 crore

Luxury car maker BMW on Thursday launched the new 'M4 Competition M xDrive' in India at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1,53,00,000.

Keyloop completes the acquisition of Automotive Transformation Group (ATG)

Business Wire India Keyloop, a global automotive technology company, has today announced the completion of the acquisition of ATG, an innovative provider of automotive technology focused on omnichannel retail solutions. This follows the announcement of entering into a definitive agreement on 10 th April 2024. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240502903241/en/ Keyloop completes the acquisition of Automotive Transformation Group (ATG) (Graphic: Business Wire) The acquisition is a significant step in accelerating the delivery of Keyloops Experience-First blueprint across the lifetime of vehicle ownership, supporting automotive retailers and OEMs in their delivery of exceptional customer experiences. Tom Kilroy, CEO, Keyloop comments: Together, Keyloop and ATG combine to create an integrated technology portfolio that more completely connects the entire consumer automotive journey, helping retailers and OEMs improve customer experience via innovative solutions. Tim Smith, CEO, ATG comments: The announcement today is a testament to the inspirational and innovative team at ATG and the vision and commitment from Keyloop. Im delighted to be joining the Executive Team at Keyloop and look forward to bringing our businesses together over the coming weeks for the benefit of all our customers. ATG is being advised by Houlihan Lokey and Taylor Wessing. Keyloop is being advised by King & Spalding and Paul Hastings LLP. ATG management were advised by Momentum Corporate Finance. Editors Note: About Keyloop: Keyloop delivers cutting-edge solutions, tailored to the modern needs of auto retailers and OEMs alike. From the showroom to the workshop, and everything in between, its technology facilitates distinctive customer experiences between key systems, tools, and departments. With 40 years of automotive DNA, and a deep understanding of what it takes to drive success, Keyloop solutions are delivered in over 90 countries, and trusted by more than 18,000 retailers and 80 OEMs worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.keyloop.com . Download Keyloops latest whitepaper Revolutionising automotive retail through technology . About Automotive Transformation Group (ATG): As an innovative provider of retailing software to the automotive sector, Automotive Transformation Group (ATG) exists to make car-buying easy. With 20 years of experience, technology deployed across 80 countries, and over 13 billion digital interactions captured to date, they have developed a deep understanding of car-buying behaviour, which allows them to design consumer-first software for Retailers, OEMs, Financiers and Fleet Suppliers across the globe. For more information, please visit: atg.auto . View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240502903241/en/

2024 BMW M4 Competition launched at Rs 1.53 crore

BMW has launched the 2024 M4 Competition M xDrive in India. The updated sports coupe will be imported via the CBU route and is priced at Rs 1.53 crore (ex-showroom). The 2024 BMW M4 Competition gets updated Adaptive LED headlights and new LED taillights inspired by the M4 CSL. The massive kidney grille has been carried over and features a horizontal double slat design with a gloss black finish. An M graphic for the front and rear is available as an option. The M4 is fitted with a carbon fibre roof that helps reduce the centre of gravity. The car rides on M forged double-spoke-style wheels with brake calipers painted in gloss Blue. The M Carbon exterior package includes inserts for the front air intakes, a rear diffuser and a carbon rear spoiler. Inside, the M4 Competition features an M leather steering wheel, M sports seats with Active Seat Ventilation and the BMW Curved Display with OS 8.5. At the heart of the M4 Is the S58 turbocharged 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine that produces 523 BHP @ 6,250 rpm and 650 Nm @ 2,750-5,370 rpm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic and BMW's xDrive four-wheel drive system. BMW claims the M4 can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.

Hero Moto, TVS Motors, Bajaj Auto shares rally up 3% after strong April sales

Shares of TVS Motors gained 2.66 per cent to Rs 2,116.95, while Bajaj Auto rallied 2.58 per cent to Rs 9,138 on Tuesday. Hero MotorCorp was up 1.7 per cent to Rs 4,619.40.

3,000 km with my Virtus 1.0L MT: How it continues to impress me

BHPian neoakshay recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I couldn't stretch for the 1.5 so settled for the 1.0 and it's been fantastic. I recently did Bangalore - Mangalore and on one good stretch the car effortlessly did 160 kmph without feeling strained or nervous. Very stable, planted and comfortable. I'm truly satisfied and now feel the 1.5 would have been dangerous in my hands This car has made me a very smooth and sedate driver and I only let loose on this recent trip just to feel the performance of the car. It really cocoons you with the quiet and comfortable interior and the frankly surprisingly good audio system (without subwoofer). I found that I'm usually driving with very little throttle and a harder input gives a good shove in the right gear. No comparison to the GT's aggressive acceleration, but adequately fun and safer for our unpredictable roads. The only thing I don't like is the slightly metallic rattly sound of this 1.0 engine at lower rpms and the engine honestly doesn't have a soulful sound at all, coming from a NA. I guess it doesn't matter when you're so comfortable and can play your favourite tunes on a long drive. I will hold on to this car for a long time, my previous car Santro lasted 19 years with me and was sold off to a new buyer who was very much happy to receive a car that was cared for in detail and still easily hits 120 kmph without a wobble. Wishing you many happy miles ahead with your GT! My wife finds it funny how excited I still get when I spot a GT and even she now knows how to tell the difference between the 1.0 and 1.5 I'm glad I chose this car and the fact that it's made in India solves the one problem of VW (or most German cars for that matter) - spares availability and cost. This one should be very easy to love and maintain for a decade or more. Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Volvo shows how safe its smallest car is when hit by its largest

According to a media report, Swedish automaker Volvo recently crash-tested its smallest electric vehicle offering, the EX30, by running its largest car, the EX90, into the side of it. The test was conducted at Volvo's in-house crash-test lab to prove a point about the EX30's safety. Volvo stated that the standard of safety in the EX90 is higher than any other model before it. The same was done for the EX30 as well. Talking about the EX30's safety, Volvo stated that the EV protects all its occupants hrough state-of-the-art restraint technology, as well as top-notch structural design that fulfils our ambitious in-house safety requirements - designed to prepare our cars for various real-world scenarios. As per reports, the Volvo EX30 has been designed to disperse all the forces around the structure of the car during an accident. Also, the lower structure on both the EX30 and EX90 are specifically designed to absorb most of the energy in a crash. This results in less damage than you might have expected from the larger car onto the smaller car. Volvo didn't release the interior view of the EX30 either before or after the crash test. However, Lotta Jakobsson, Volvo Cars Safety Centre, mentioned that wo small-sized females sitting on the struck side were well protected in the crash, suffering only minimal injuries. Source: Autoblog

Effect on MG ZS EV's range after 36,000 km and 3.5 years

BHPian doctorjee recently shared this with other enthusiasts. 3 and a half years driving an EV, and at what one might consider the half-life of a typical car in India It started as a gamble, yes, actually a gamble where one gives up the peace of mind of staying with the masses for the peace of mind that comes with driving comfort and saving a few pennies while at it...The biggest question: how will the battery hold up over the years?This is the 2020 Gen 1 model of the MG ZS EV, having a 44.5 kWh battery. At the time of purchase, the car promised 332 km on a full charge. I never really checked if it was true, but a number of online reviewers confirmed that it was very close to the actual numbers (and much better than the Hyundai Kona, which overpromised by a big margin). Also, the mode and style of driving heavily impact the mileage. We typically measure this as km/unit or km/kWh, and I would get anywhere between 5 and 9 depending on how I drive. That equated to a range between 222.5 km and 400.5 km. Some reviewers were even able to extract over 600 km on this model. Lighter EVs can extract much more from the battery, but this vehicle weighs >1600 kgs (for context, an Innova weighs 1730 kgs, a Creta weighs ~1400 kgs). So today I did a practical range test. Home-to-office drive in Mumbai traffic, a mix of city and highway driving. At full charge, the car now promises 324 km (an 8 km or 2% drop since Nov 2020). I started at 8:26 AM (a bit later than usual). It took me ~45 mins to drive from Andheri East to Airoli (21.5 km). Average speed 28 km/h. I drove at ~70 kmph on the entire EEH stretch (that's the speed limit). Efficiency was 8 km/unit. I reached the office with 305 km of range remaining. So, simple math - I was promised 324 km and I will be getting 326.5 km as projected. At an average of 7 Rs per unit of electricity in Mumbai, I have spent

Indian car scene: Dearth of all-new mainstream launches in 2024

GTO recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I'd posted this on the Trivia thread in Jan '24:Here's some trivia = I think Q4 2023 (October to December) was the only quarter that didn't see a single all-new car model launch. We only saw facelifts & the like. On the other hand, the motorcycle world has been on fire Unfortunately, Q1 2024 was no different. Other than Facelifts, Variants & EV versions, the all-new nameplates we reviewed last were the Honda Elevate & C3 Aircross back in August 2023!Since then, we've mainly been reviewing variants, facelifts, ATs, EV versions & a bunch of premium cars (BMW X1, BYD Seal)...the last of which carry very low relevance in terms of market reach or sales volumes due to their 50-60 lakh price.Am surprised we've seen no all-new nameplate in the mainstream segments for almost a year!Take a look at our Official Reviews, sorted by date:Gurkha 5-DoorWrangler Rubicon FaceliftBYD Seal (premium, low relevance)Creta N-LineTigor CNGGLA FaceliftC3 Aircross ATPunch EVCreta FaceliftSonet FaceliftBMW X1 (premium, low relevance, not an all-new nameplate)Safari & Harrier FaceliftsMagnite AMTEQE SUV (1.5 crore car)Compass 4x2 ATNexon EV / FaceliftC40 RechargeGloster BlackstormGLCC3 AircrossElevateHere's what BHPian Carpainter had to say on the matter:I think one of the main reasons being manufacturers are busy making EVs these days and are not looking at new models or even new generation for sometime now. Like how the Amaze has been so long in the market but no new facelift or new generation is on the horizon. Same for Compass, Ciaz etc. to name a few. Toyota has stopped making new cars except the Hycross and all their cars are mostly rebadged Suzukis. Same for Honda with only 3 models up for sale and two of which are already looking old now. Some cars that I can think of that will get facelift or new generation are Swift, Dzire and Fortuner. I think our market has stagnated a little here. Even some of the facelifts are carrying polarizing looks like those from Tata, Mahindra, Hyundai etc. I have a sparingly used 9 years old City and I don't see any car today even below 25 lakh bracket that can replace it for another 10 years. I really miss those D segment sedans. I just don't know why atleast Asian companies like Honda and Toyota don't launch their whole south East Asian range of models here. They launch so many variants in countries like Thailand, China, Malaysia etc but only a couple of models here in India with much bigger volume. I don't know how selling say 100 units of 2 models is more profitable than say selling 10 units of 10 different models each. They already share their platform and equipment but multiple models keep the customers happy and help retain a customer longer. I just don't understand their mathematics here.Here's what BHPian CentreofGravity had to say on the matter:You're right. And with upcoming launches like the Toyota Taisor, Mahindra XUV3XO (launched recently), Altroz Racer, Nexon CNG, Thar Armada and Magnite facelift, we're gonna see more variants and facelifts. However, the future isn't entirely bleak. We'll have all new models like the Maruti Swift, Dzire, Citron Basalt and Tata Curvv in the near future and cars like the Maruti EVX, Mahindra BE range, Kia Clavis and EV9, Renault Duster and its Nissan counterpart later on. The period so far may have been boring, but the future seems excitingHere's what BHPian Samba had to say on the matter:My hunch is, manufacturers are not clear about the future of cars. Whether the Indian govt will emphasize higher ethanol petroleum, EV or Hybrid or Hydrogen fuel, or even a diesel engine with some new emission norm! Till they get clarity, they are playing safe and updating the current models and engines rather than investing in a whole new model or engine. The positive part is, that some of the facelifts are worth it, the changes are substantial, not just mere cosmetic changes. Till the manufacturers get clarity about the future these facelifts are welcome.Here's what BHPian smartcat had to say on the matter:Most cars sold by manufacturers have a lifecycle of 6 to 8 years, before being replaced by a new model. Perhaps coincidentally, last year was such that no new model was due for replacement. Or perhaps introduction of new models have been delayed by X months due to internal issues (rather than market outlook). After all, development of a new model has a longish gestation period.Here's what BHPian Axe77 had to say on the matter:Perhaps we should also see this as cyclical? We're a market where we have really have only 5 major / volume manufacturers (Maruti, Tata, Mahindra and Korean siblings) with even Toyota and Honda operating on the fringes and the many others brands sitting below even those two. So first and foremost its a consequence of the market having a relative lack of depth and range to start with in the volumes segment. Seeing the high number of launches in June 2022 - 2023, perhaps its not unusual that there were relatively less number in the following 12 months and its only by 2025 / 26 might see an uptick? I'm referring to mainstream models here of course - the sub 30 - 40 lakh segment - cars need to run their ordinary course life cycle out and maybe we're seeing a bunching up where such updates are not immediately due. My back of the envelope sense is the next wave of launches will come around 2025 - 26, which will see a mix of EVs and strong hybrids being offered respectively. Of course regular end of life cycle updates will continue in ICE too but the former is where perhaps the action will pivot to. The shift in dynamics between EVs and strong hybrids is also relatively recent so I do expect a slight lull before manufacturers figure out how they want to focus their strategy and energy. We're already seeing mainstay players like Hyundai, who had previously declared ambitious EV plans, now also speaking of a parallel strong hybrid strategy too. These kind of strategy shifts will also impact roll out timelines to account for the necessary lead in time.Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Strengthening capacity of Thailand's automotive sector would help build resilience: ILO report

Strengthening capacity of Thailand's automotive sector would help build resilience: ILO report Strengthening the capacity of Thailand's automotive manufacturing sector to adopt responsible business practices would help build resilience and sustainability amid a rapidly changing supply chain landscape, according to a new report launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The report entitled Decent work and responsible business practices in Thailand's automotive manufacturing sector was produced by the ILO's Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Supply Chains (RISSC) project in Thailand, which is supported by the Government of Japan. Thailand's automotive industry is the backbone of the country's economy, accounting for 10 per cent of GDP and employing over half a million workers in manufacturing processes alone. However, despite its high-tech, high-wage status, it faces challenges in ensuring decent work and responsible business practices up and down the supply chain, as well as meeting emerging global requirements. Findings reveal that although the sector is strong in key areas like wages and social protection coverage, there is room for improvement in others, including social dialogue, training and equal opportunity. Similarly, while supply chains globally are being reshaped by new requirements for 'human rights due diligence', there remain gaps in its understanding and application in the Thai automotive sector. The report also highlights disparities in the workforce, with migrant workers and agency-hired workers facing weaker conditions of work and lower wages, on average, than Thai workers and regular employees. Over half of the workers in the sector received some form of formal work-related training, predominantly employer-sponsored vocational courses. However, gaps in access to certified training courses were observed, emphasizing the importance of skills development in career advancement. The report praises the high enrolment in social security schemes but notes a need for improved awareness of compensation programs like the Workmen's Compensation Fund. It also identifies disparities in maternity benefits provision and awareness. Approximately one-third of workers were found to have access to a trade union at their workplace, while a majority of workers would like to join one if available. Unionized workplaces exhibited better social dialogue and negotiation channels between workers and management, underscoring the importance of worker representation in securing safe and productive work environments. The report concludes with stakeholder focused recommendations to strengthen the sector's commitment to decent work and responsible business. These include ratifying key ILO Conventions, improving social dialogue, expanding quality employment opportunities, tackling discrimination, and raising awareness and application of responsible business requirements. We believe this study serves as a vital resource for industry planning in the Thai automotive sector, said David Williams, manager of the ILO RISSC programme. By working together to implement the recommended changes, stakeholders can build a more resilient supply chain that not only guarantees worker rights and productive enterprises, but also unlocks opportunities for industry growth in an ever-more competitive and socially conscious global marketplace.

LTTS wins $48 million deal with European auto parts supplier Forvia

As part of this five-year partnership, approximately 300 engineers from Forvias Augsburg (Germany) and Bangalore (India) sites, have transferred to LTTS

Mahindra XUV 3XO : Our observations after a day of driving

Driving the Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2L Turbo-Petrol GDi 6-speed AT1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with gasoline direct injection (GDi) produces 129 BHP @ 5,000 rpm and 230 Nm @ 1,500-3,750 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission: Mahindra introduced the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol GDi engine back in 2022 with the XUV300 TurboSport Series. The engine was available only with a 6-speed MT and was pitted as a performance variant which, in a way, it was. It was the fastest turbo-petrol car in its segment, but it didn't have a proper automatic gearbox. With the XUV 3XO, Mahindra has rectified that by offering the 3rd-generation 6-speed Aisin-sourced automatic transmission for its turbo-petrol engines. The 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is an all-aluminium unit which has the exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head. The GDI system has an injection pressure of up to 250 bar and the engine also has an over-boost function that gives it a momentary peak torque of 250 Nm. Driving the XUV 3XO petrol AT is a smooth experience. This 1.2-litre turbo-petrol GDi engine is a very likeable motor and packs a serious punch. Direct comparisons will be drawn to the 109 BHP turbo-petrol MPFI engine and the GDi unit is more linear with its power delivery and also packs more punch. The petrol engine with the 6-speed AT is smooth and city-friendly. Off the line, the throttle response is linear and at low speeds, the turbo lag is masked well by the automatic transmission. The driveability at low speeds is good and you'll appreciate it even more while driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic. With a light foot on the accelerator, you can navigate through city traffic effortlessly without any unnecessary spikes in power delivery. We'd recommend being in the Zip (Eco) mode for a smoother driving experience. As mentioned earlier, the turbo-petrol packs a punch and has a strong mid-range. Power comes in strong at just above 1,500 rpm and you can make those quick overtakes in the city. Out on the open road is where you can flex your right leg for the XUV 3XO to stretch its legs. With 129 BHP on tap, you will reach the 100 or 120 km/h mark without even realising it. There's enough power available for overtaking with ease and covering good ground quickly. The engine's marked redline is 5,500 rpm which is low, but something that's not uncommon with turbo-petrols. This is not a high-revving engine and in kickdown mode, you will see the shifts happening at ~5,000 rpm. The engine is also relaxed when cruising at highway speeds and you will see it spin at 1,900 rpm at 100 km/h and 2,200 rpm at 120 km/h in the 6th gear. As we have seen in the past with Aisin gearboxes, the 6-speed torque converter unit in the XUV 3XO is also butter-smooth in its operation. The shifts are barely noticeable while driving in the city with a light foot. You'll have to pay attention to the change in engine noise to pinpoint when the shifts happen. This isn't a fast-shifting gearbox, but it's not slow either. Response times are acceptable for day-to-day driving and even when driving spiritedly, the gearbox manages to keep up well. In certain situations, when driving hard, you might feel that the gearbox is getting confused, but those instances are few. The gearbox does a satisfactory job for the most part. In the city, the gearbox feels eager to drop down gears when off the throttle to make sure that the rpm doesn't drop too low and the engine stays in the power band. There's a manual mode, but it's not very intuitive and most owners would prefer letting the electronics do the shifting for them. Unfortunately, there are no paddle shifters which some enthusiasts would love to have. Like some of the other Mahindra cars, you have 3 driving modes called as Zip, Zap and Zoom (hilarious name selection)- Zip Mode: This is essentially the Eco driving mode in which throttle response is dulled. You can use this mode while driving in the city as it makes the experience smoother. On the highway, you can use this mode for cruising and some overtakes as well. But if you want to overtake quickly, you'll be better off switching to other modes. Zap Mode: This is the Normal mode. It strikes a perfect balance between the other two modes and you can use it for your daily driving in the city as well as on the highways. Zoom Mode: When you're in the mood for some spirited driving, you should switch to this Zoom mode. Throttle response is the sharpest in this mode and the car feels very eager to your inputs. The steering weighs up in this mode, but not as much as enthusiasts would prefer. Using this mode in the city isn't advisable as the driving experience is too jerky.Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH)Mahindra has added panel damping to improve the NVH. They claim that with the improvements in the NVH package, the XUV 3XO's cabin will be as quiet as the XUV700's cabin. The engine is quiet at idle and you don't feel any vibrations in the cabin. On the move, the wind noise is well controlled. Road noise starts to creep into the cabin at 100 km/h. The audio system comes with a feature called as VNC++ that automatically adjusts the loudness to maintain tonal balance against the road noise.Mileage & Fuel EconomyThe Mahindra XUV 3XO comes equipped with Zip driving mode (Eco) and also an idling start / stop system that helps improve fuel efficiency. The claimed fuel economy of the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol GDi engine with the 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT is 20.1 km/l and 18.2 km/l, respectively. The other turbo-petrol engine with 109 BHP (MPFI) has a claimed fuel economy of 18.89 km/l with MT and 17.96 with AT. The 1.5-litre diesel engine has a fuel economy of 20.6 km/l with the MT and 21.2 km/l with the AMT.SuspensionRide ComfortThe XUV 3XO uses an independent MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent twist beam suspension at the rear. There are some changes compared to the XUV300. You get a rebound stopper in the top strut mount to reduce the impact forces. At the rear, the span between the springs is the highest in the segment (1,108 mm) which improves the roll stability. Importantly, the dampers now get Mahindra's MTV-CL technology which stands for Multi-Tune Valve with Concentric Land. Essentially, it fine tunes the damping force by controlling the fluid through piston valves. At low speeds, the ride quality is compliant and mature. There is an underlying stiffness to the ride, but it's not uncomfortable by any means. The 17-inch rims add to this. Small bumps are absorbed well and the suspension does its work quietly. Larger potholes do register themselves in the cabin sharply. Like most Mahindra cars, the setup also feels rugged and abuse-friendly. You can manage to get away with carrying some extra speed over a rough patch or a speed breaker. Overall the ride is compliant and most owners will be happy with the XUV 3XO's suspension setup.Handling & DynamicsA unique aspect of the XUV 3XO is its footprint. It has a long wheelbase and the front & rear tracks are wide too. This gives the XUV 3XO a very stable stance and that is very much evident in the handling of the car. At highway speeds, the ride improves and the car is stable with very little vertical movement. Expansion joints and minor undulations do not make it unstable and passengers are comfortable even in the rear seat. Get into the twisty bits and you will appreciate the handling characteristics of this chassis. The car remains composed in slow and fast corners. Even changing directions from one corner to another is a smooth affair and you won't have any scary surprises. The handling is very predictable and you can carry a good amount of speed into corners without feeling nervous. The 215/55 Goodyear Assurance tyres on our test car provided a good grip.SteeringThe Mahindra XUV 3XO's steering is one of the biggest drawbacks in an otherwise capable dynamics package. It was a weak link with the pre-facelift car and it remains the same on this one. The steering is too vague for any kind of feedback and feels dead in the centre. It almost feels like an arcade steering. It weighs up as you gain speed and in Zoom mode, but it still isn't enough. When pushing the car on twisty roads, you will want more feedback when turning into a corner. On the flip side, the steering is very light and easy to use in the city and while parking.BrakingAll variants of the XUV300 come with all-wheel disc brakes, ABS + EBD. Mahindra has also added the same ESP tech (ESP 9.3) from the XUV700 in the XUV 3XO. Emergency braking manoeuvres are handled well by the car and it comes to a stop without any drama. They perform well in day-to-day driving conditions. That being said, the bite is quite sharp. We would've liked the pedal to be a little more progressive. Continue reading the discussion on the Mahindra XUV 3XO on our forum.

Honda Elevate fuel efficiency on a 1500 km road trip

BHPian akhilshenay recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I recently completed a road trip from Trivandrum to Chennai and back in the Elevate. ODO is now ~6500.Route: Trivandrum - Nagercoil - Tirunelveli - Madurai - Vilupuram - ChennaiThe route has 4/6 lane highway except for a 40km stretch between Parassala & NagercoilDistance: 765km One wayTolls: ~1200 one wayTravel duration: ~13 hrsMileage: 15.6 kmplCan easily get 20 kmpl if driven at 80kmph. I was cruising mainly at 110 kmph. The range of 110-120 kmph felt comfortable, and I occasionally reached up to 130 kmph. However, I became less confident beyond that speed, especially considering I was travelling with a toddler. Attaching some of the pictures from the trip. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

4th-gen Maruti Swift engine & fuel efficiency details out!

Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the fourth generation Swift in India later this month. The carmaker has opened its order books but has yet to release details of the India-spec Swift. While we do know that the new Swift will be offered with Maruti Suzuki's new Z Series engine, a leaked document sheds more light on the technical details of the new engine. The 2024 Swift will be powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine paired with a mild-hybrid system. It produces 80 BHP @ 5,700 rpm and 112 Nm @ 4,300 rpm. The engine is expected to be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and an AMT. In comparison, the outgoing version is slightly more powerful. It uses a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder engine that develops 89 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm @ 4,400 rpm.2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift fuel efficiency:According to the leaked document, the claimed fuel efficiency of the manual version is 25.72 km/l, which is 3.34 km/l higher than the outgoing version. Source: V3Cars

Bajaj Auto posts 17% growth in domestic auto sales for April, exports up 18%

The company achieved 19 percent growth in sales of two-wheelers at 3,41,789 units while sales of commercial vehicles posted a growth of 7percentat 46,467 units.

Brought home a 2024 Nexon DCA : 4 pros & 4 cons post 1,000 km

BHPian RPRIME95 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Been a while since I wrote my first ownership thread - Lola is home - My TVS Apache RR310 BS6 ownership review That particular purchase was made in August 2020 and brought home in September 2020. Since then, I have completed my P.G.D.M and moved to Pune for a new job opportunity. Within a year, Pune's renowned traffic made one thing very clear. The RR310 was not a bike that should be used daily in stop-go traffic. Add in the dry weather and well, I never would have thought I would miss 'sweating' as much as I did. And so began the itch for something with a roof, that is large enough to house my healthy frame comfortably and be spacious yet compact. Stage 1 - The Deliberation For a quick backstory, my family already owns a car. It is a Tata Tiago XTA (2017). And I love that car. It's peppy when required, the AMT is great and the handling is the crown jewel. Honorable mention to the splendid Tata suspension. The only problem for me, it's small size which makes it uncomfortable for long drives. So I knew I had to go up. The search area was quite clear. Start from Punch/Altroz/i20 and go up to Creta/Seltos if needed. But what I did not anticipate was the seating position and comfort in some of these cars. Let us look at them one by one. Disclaimer: I was looking for an automatic only. No Manual. Any type of Automatic was ok for me. 1. Tata Punch This was a no-brainer at first. Has a newer ALFA platform than the Tiago, is taller, comes loaded with features, and the top automatic variant is priced under 12 lakhs OTR. Looks like the perfect buy on paper, but the reality is quite different. Test drove the top variant with a sunroof and it was not a problem. I had more than sufficient headroom and a good view out of the windscreen. The driving felt pretty similar to the Tiago, just taller. However, it lacked that cohesive feel from the interior. The infotainment looks too small, the center console looks like Tata forgot to add it until very late in the process and the door trim abruptly ending midway looked like an afterthought. Hence the Punch lost its lustre in my mind and I took it off the board. 2. Hyundai i20 N Line Why not the standard i20, you may ask? For the price, it has less overall features than the Altroz and does not look any better. This is where the N Line shines. Smashing paint scheme (especially in Thunder Grey), loaded with features and a fantastic engine-gearbox combination. Only 2 issues here. The price is the same as mid-spec variants of C-SUVs and the center console interferes with the left knee. Deal breaker right there. 3. Tata Altroz Originally, this was my first choice before the Punch. The only reason it is down at number 3 is the absence of an automatic in the iTurbo variants. Test drove a dealer vehicle as well as a colleague's car, recently purchased. Both were 1.2 NA Automatic. Two words, butter smooth. The only issue was the infotainment. But there was hope. Tata had shown the Altroz racer at the Auto Expo with the large infotainment screen. The only reason I need to wait it out. But days turned into months without any indication of a launch date or even spy shots of a test mule. Still held hope until it's bigger brother broke cover. 4. Hyundai Venue N-Line Great car, fantastic engine-gearbox, cool points for ADAS Level 1 and fabulous paint scheme. The downsides? Too much chrome on the exterior, severely lacks features and very cramped interiors. 5. Tata Nexon Facelift Tata just pulled out the rug from under its rivals at the launch. I was following it on Carwale website when a particular detail caught my eye. 10.25inch customizable instrument cluster with Navigation display? Brain immediately went 'Audi'. I know Mahindra already had a version of it on their XUV7OO, but this felt something else. Then the variant list came out. And the top two almost immediately eliminated all consideration of any other car. Only the Sonet facelift was pending. Did not have much expectation from it. Boy, was I wrong. Nevertheless, the Nexon was decided and pre-booked. Adrenaline was high until prices were out. The facelift was almost 2 lakhs pricier than the outgoing Red Dark edition. Yes the DCA was carrying a hefty penalty but this was quite a large sum. Only then I realised, I had to save up. Everything this size was similarly priced, even though less equipped. The plan was shelved. 6. Kia Sonet The launch of the facelift brought me back. By this time, I had saved up more and received a good yearly bonus. Test drove the GT Line and was blown away. This car felt like a segment above. Interiors were amazing, the engine-gearbox was fantastic as before and the overall quality of fit and finish was great. Price was also in the same league as the Nexon with similar features. Space was a bit cramped but something I could live with. Not a deal breaker. This time, the company/dealer policy turned me away. For reference, the actual car costs less than the top spec Nexon. But you have to get about Rs. 25000 accessories as minimum with the actual amount quoted of Rs.40000. I dislike too much chrome and unnecessarily expensive mats, visors and so on. That 40k would have been grudgingly paid and I did not want that. 7. Hyundai Creta/Kia Seltos Great cars with their own minor niggles. I felt the dashboard was too low in the facelifted Seltos and lowering my seat did not help. As for the Creta, my cousin owns one and I have driven it on multiple occasions. Never gelled with the car and the test drive confirmed the same. Add in the fact that the only Automatic variants available were either CVT or iMT, the size and features did not justify the extra investment. Stage 2 - The Decision At this point, it was clear that the 2 best options were the Kia Seltos and the Tata Nexon. Both had the right feature set, were priced within 10-15k of one another and the overall reviews for the service and sales were on par with others. An important thing to remember at this point is that I was not looking to buy the top variant of either car. I was comfortable with an AMT so my initial enquiry was for the Creative+ AMT variant of the Nexon and the HTX DCT of the Sonet. Here the Nexon had better features but the Sonet had the edge on the interior. Test drove both and both were similar. Neither blew me away or let me down. But one thing became clear, it did not feel special. So I started to look at the top variants and their pricing. Here the Sonet was at a disadvantage since the Sunroof was not optional plus the fact that Kia was unwilling to quote me a price without accessories. One point in Kia's favor though, their insurance includes some great add-ons, even if the quoted price is on the higher side. Anyone buying a Kia should try and negotiate there for a better deal. Anyway, the Nexon could be specced without a Sunroof at the top end, so I was leaning towards it although it was sad that I would miss out on the JBL speaker system with the Subwoofer. The only question that remained was finances. A loan was necessary as I am also planning to purchase a home soon. So out came the calculator app. Thankfully the difference in EMI from my original amount for the Creative+ and the new amount for Fearless+ was only around 1.8k since the downpayment was staying the same. That sounded good to me and a quick calculation confirmed it to be within the monthly budget. It was decided. A Tata Nexon Fearless+ would be joining the garage. The only decision remaining, perhaps the most important one, was the choice of color. There are 4 shades on offer - White, Grey, Red and Purple. White was stunning but too common so it was out. The Grey was a bit too dark than what I would have liked plus I had seen a few on the road and it was honestly not that appealing. So it came down between Red and Purple. My RR310 is also Red, so that was a disadvantage from the start and Purple was the halo color, which meant a lot of people would be buying that. Fearless Purple Colour Other colours available for Fearless variants This tumbling went on for a few days until one random moment caught me. My first bike was a Brilliant Blue Bajaj Discover 100T. The second one was a Racing Red RR310. How great it would be to get my car in a color that was an almost perfect mix of the two. Fearless Purple (yes that is what they call it) was set in the heart and soon on the booking sheet. A Fearless Purple Tata Nexon Fearless+ (one too many 'fearless' in there) was coming home. Stage 3 - The Purchase With all decisions done, popped down to the 'good' Tata dealer and made my booking. They offered a test drive once again, which I promptly accepted. They, however, did not have Fearless+ (without a sunroof) with them and upon asking why, all I got was the fact that it is not as popular as Fearless+ S or just Fearless S. Hence Tata refused to send out a TD vehicle. While it would have been good to drive the exact variant, I understand that Tata has to prioritize and not send every variant as a TD vehicle. This however planted a seed of doubt about the manufacturing of the car and what exact car would I be allotted. As soon as the booking was done, the loan guy came up, shared his number, and sent the list of all required documents. The interest rate was between 8.8% and 9.1% depending on the bank and my CIBIL score. I started to research and having informed my parents, they suggested taking the loan with our bank, which we had a banking relationship with for over 30 years now. They were also offering an interest rate of 8.5%, which sounds good on paper but is practically useless as I found out later. But at the time I got swayed and started the loan process. By this time I had already collected and scanned all required documents, so I sent them over. I was hoping that our existing banking relationship would result in a smooth loan process and approval, but boy was I wrong. An important detail here is that I stay in Pune, but the branch local to my family is in Palghar. Logistics became a hassle. Sometimes the bank would accept virtual documents, other times they demanded a physical copy. Not to mention all the stamp papers and forms I needed to sign. This meant an unplanned trip home. I also had to pay the down payment before, since the bank refused to sanction the loan until they saw a payment receipt for the same. It was about this time I regretted not taking the loan from the dealership. Probably would have gotten the car a week early. Signed everything, got it all approved, and came back. Surprisingly, the car had also arrived. And what a huge sigh of relief after analyzing the chassis number. Manufactured in March 2024. Could not ask for anything more. Scheduled a PDI for the next day. As expected, the car was not clean but I could still see all the panels (with a torch of course). The car had no fuel so driving it was out of the question. Carried the TeamBHP PDI checklist with me and everything was in order. I also managed to get a good deal on the insurance. Opted for HDFC Ergo General Insurance with the following add-ons: Zero Depreciation, Engine and Gearbox Protection, Return to Invoice, Consumables Protection, and Roadside assistance. Was originally quoted Rs.74,000 for the same without any add-ons. They gave an Rs.20,000 discount to sweeten the deal. But I managed to get a quote from the HDFC Ergo website and they matched it. The final quote was Rs.46,279 with the add-ons. One new thing I learned was that the instrument cluster cannot be navigated if fuel is below reserve level. Weird quirk but something to keep in mind. I signed off on the car and asked the bank to disburse the loan amount. The dealer started the registration process almost immediately after they received the funds and a tentative delivery was set for 27th March 2024. I also confirmed some accessories. The regular stuff like mats, mud flaps, air freshener, and so on. I also opted for a body coating, engine coat, and 3M underbody coating. All totaled around Rs.18,500 after the discount. The total breakdown is as follows :Ex-showroom price - Rs.14,29,990RTO - Rs.1,78,081TCS at 1% - Rs.14,299Insurance - Rs.46,278Fastag - Rs.600Extended Warranty - Rs.22,000Accessories - Rs.18,500Total OTR Price - Rs.17,09,749Final Stage - Taking DeliveryOriginally I planned to take delivery on 9th April, when we celebrate Gudi Padwa (Marathi New Year) as it is one of the most auspicious days for us. This was based on a timeline of 30 days to delivery from booking. However, the car came to the stockyard in a week which caused a lot of hurry in getting everything cleared. And I did not want to keep the car with the dealer any longer than necessary. So the date was changed to 28th March, which also happened to be an auspicious day for us. But since I had work and could not take a day off, I asked for the earliest possible delivery i.e. 11 am. However, my luck being the great opportunist it is, I was running approximately 30 minutes late. Which delayed everything as other deliveries were also planned in the showroom and since they had only 3 bays, I had to wait. This particular dealer has a unique delivery experience. Their location does not allow them to host grand reveals and rollouts so they do all the fanfare at the showroom along with document handover. Then they take you to the stockyard where they have 3 delivery bays and everything else needed to hand over the car. While this would not be an issue as such, the entry-exit road to the stockyard is smaller than a 1BHK in Mumbai. How they deliver a Safari is a question I have been pondering ever since the PDI. Plus the delivery area, while airy has no lighting to speak of. So inspecting the car was a task and a half. But all looked good except for the missing neck pillows I ordered. They were out of stock so I was told they would be given later. Not a problem as it was an optional item for me anyway. Garland and all was fixed, number plates attached, and pooja done. All within about 30 minutes. Fantastic!! I checked the tire pressures, corrected them, started the car, checked all the displays and functions, took the customary photo with the key (small and large), and off I went. I feel very fortunate to say that both my acquisitions have been painless deliveries and I was in and out within an hour and a half. Dropped off the SA back at the showroom since I had to go there anyway and headed straight for a fuel pump. After a nice helping of Power95 from HP, drove out, pulled over shortly, threw some air punches , and went back home after. Had to return to office so did not have much time to admire the new ride. That duty rested with the next couple of days, a long pleasant weekend. Photos from delivery Photo of the car just after arriving for delivery First delivery photo The 'actual' delivery photo One for the memories The Accessories Game I had a wishlist created on Amazon after I booked the car. Had added some important and some want-to-have items. The ones I would need immediately were a good washer fluid concentrate, screen guards for the displays, and a protective layer for the door handle cavity. I wanted to get a separate tire inflator but since I could not use the bike and car simultaneously, I decided to stick with the same one I already owned. Also grabbed a key skin since I dislike key covers extensively and a custom keychain. I thought of getting a boost pack and jumper cables but with a new car, I could hold off on those for at least a year or two. All of the above was applied to the car early next morning (couldn't sleep). Then my OCD kicked in and I removed all the plastic seat covers and celebratory ribbons. Then folded them up nicely and stowed them away in the boot. If anyone has a link to a good OBD2 scanner tool that they have personally used, do send a private message. I would like to have one for contingencies. Now some of you might be thinking, did he miss buying a dashcam? Well yes and no. I had pre-ordered a dashcam from a company called Woodman. Renowned for their infotainment units. It was dual-channel, FHD front and 720p rear at just Rs. 6500 and they claimed it was made in India. Well, I was bound to make one mistake and this was it. Immediately after it was delivered, I noticed that it was Made in China (not an issue but would like to have known beforehand) and the rear camera was a heavy, metal-bodied external unit designed to be mounted as the sole backup camera. The mount was very flimsy and I was sure it would get dislodged within a few weeks since it used screw hinges on either side for sturdiness. And the worst part, the company claimed that a hard-wire kit was free but failed to mention that it was the only power apparatus you would get. There was neither a 12V car charger nor a spare USB power cable. At this point, I am fuming. Thankfully one of my colleagues wanted this camera and didn't mind the hardwire-only solution. So I sold it to him and ordered a 70mai A500 Pro Plus, which I should've done in the first place. Also got an emergency seatbelt cutter-window hammer combo from AmazonBasics. Preliminary driving impressions (500 km) I had a chance to go up to Wai near Mahabaleshwar for a long drive and the below impressions are based on that LikesBuild Quality - Doors shut with a nice thud and the cabin is cozy enough to make you feel safe yet not claustrophobic.Interiors - Almost every control you need is an arm's length away. The touch points are mostly soft-touch materials and everything else is hard plastic. The seats are very comfy for me (I am over 6 feet tall) and everything is visible clearly. I can also sit behind myself comfortablyFeatures - The infotainment screen is nice and slick, as is the instrument cluster. Speakers are just fantastic and no other car comes close in audio quality. 360 camera is amazing.Powertrain - Smooth, Torquey and Quick. Vibrations are controlled nicely and there is very little noise during normal driving. Road noise is also insulated properly and only concrete roads come through slightly.DislikesTouch Controls - They are incorrectly executed and the lack of a separate display for the AC only exacerbates the issuePowertrain - Turbo lag is evident since you are pulling about 150-200 kg more than the Altroz with the same power. Also the engine revs to just 5,500rpm at redline. Could have been higher. The gearbox complicates matters. It feels like a 5-speed DCT with overdrive gears on both ends. 1st is too short and 7th is lethargically long.Drive Modes - I found Eco mode to be the best for city usage. City mode is great for making a quick getaway from a signal and on mild inclines. Sport mode is too twitchy (probably due to the first gear) and should be reserved only for overtaking.Fit and Finish - It feels as if the QA/QC tested 95% of the car and signed off. While the remaining 5% does not affect the car's ability, it hampers the perception of the car and the brand. When the market evolves to a higher standard, this will become a huge issue.An important detail to note here is that the cluster is actually 9.6 inches across and not 10.25 inches. This might be the reason most reviewers have complained about the font size. Having driven both the new Sonet and Nexon back to back, the font is the same size but the screen is not. It feels okay to me and is as crisp as the infotainment unit. Overall a great place to spend long distances in. Is the performance more than adequate? Yes. Is it smooth? Yes. Will it feel like the Hyundai or Volkswagen twins? No. But at this price point and feature set, it doesn't have to. Now comes the great question, Kitna deti hai?. My SA and everyone else told me not to expect any magic until after the first service. They were somewhat true. Overall my first 500 km gave me a total of 12.1kmpl (City + Highway). Not great not bad. Let's see what the next 500 km has in store. Overall, a solid 9/10 for the car. Deducting one point for the famous Tata niggles and service experience. Why only one point, you may ask? While it is not perfect, I have personally seen worse clown shows in brands regarded highly for service experience and fit-finish. Hence I will reserve final judgment until after the first paid service. For a more detailed review, I would direct you all toward the official Team-BHP review of the Nexon facelift here. Are these problems or just niggles? Let's discuss a few niggles I have observedGlovebox - It takes a royal 53 seconds for the glovebox to fully open on its own. I timed it since it was starting to piss me off. Will have it checked during the first service.Auto Headlamps - Quick to turn on, lazy to turn off. The 'ON' trigger is very low and sometimes the lights come on if you pass under a sufficiently large tree. On the other hand, the 'OFF' trigger is ridiculously high. you could be in direct sunlight but you are facing away from the sun, it takes a while for the lights to turn off. The problem? All the interior lights dim and you cannot see much at a glance since the dim light makes the white lettering illegible under moderate sunlight.Monostable shifter - Needs the safety switch pressed to engage any drive mode. You can return to Neutral without it. But best advised to use the switch at all times. The issue is with the design. While it looks fantastic, one cannot grip it as confidently as a traditional gear stick. Which makes you lose pressure on the safety switch and the car then refuses to shift. Needs some time getting used to.Steering switches - The toggles on the steering are a hassle for anyone who's driven anything else with steering controls. They have square edges, a smooth metallic finish, and a weak center spring. Which translates to accidentally pressing the button more often than toggling it. It is quite frustrating for someone with large hands like myself. Might get used to it, might not.Auto up-down driver window - No idea who wrote this piece of code, but that person was probably angry at Tata. There is no definite pattern as to how it works. If I figure it out, Ill let you guys know.Front passenger wiper - You cannot, and I mean you cannot lift the passenger side wiper without damaging the hood. Firstly, it is blocked by the hood when closed. If you somehow manage to pull it up, it rests on the edge with considerable pressure. I already have some scratches on there. Not sure if this is just with my car or a wider problem but it is outstandingly stupid. Will get it checked in the first service.Aside from point 6, nothing on the list screams bad engineering. Can I live with all of these? Yes. However, the question most people ask is, do I have to? This I feel is a personal choice and most petrolheads choose to look away. But everyone else is fine and the sales numbers show it. The Verdict For me, the Nexon ticked most boxes right. I have established that it is not perfect at all and I presume that I will experience even more niggles over the next 4-5 years of ownership. Does that mean I regret my purchase? Absolutely not. I would still recommend anyone who is shopping within 18 lakhs OTR to have a look at this car. Maybe they like it, maybe they do not. But will it tick enough boxes for them to pull the trigger? Yes it will. Which is exactly what the Nexon is made for. Jack of all trades, master of very few. Tata knows it has a long long road ahead of it to be anywhere near the likes of Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Suzuki. But they also know what Indians value at their core. Hence it should be no surprise when the Nexon sells as much as it does. The modern-day more car per car. For anyone who has decided on the Nexon but is unsure whether to go ahead or not, just do it. I am looking forward to many thousands of kilometers with Ellie and the journeys that will take me through them. If nothing else, it will definitely be invigorating Photo Gallery First wash! Continue reading BHPian RPRIME95's review for more insights and information.

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