Do the Ioniq 5 N's sportscar like sounds satisfy the enthusiast?

GTO recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Other than the Chinese giants like BYD, it is Hyundai & Kia who are making big strides in Electric Cars. Drive their latest range & you'll know why. But that's a topic for another day. This thread is to focus on the amazing execution of ICE-like engine & transmission sounds on the Ioniq 5 N. Yep, we have an existing thread on the car, but this level of sound execution really needs its own thread. Jason Cammisa said it's so convincing that, if you put an everyday person in the car, he won't even know that it's not an ICE car. Really looking forward to cars like these. ~600 BHP on tap (comparable to the Ferrari Enzo), 0 - 100 in 3.5 seconds (faster than the Ferrari Enzo), zero tail pipe emissions & incredibly fun to drive, if the reviews are anything to go by. Luxury cars & Sports cars are going to find it increasingly difficult to justify their pricing. Enjoy the soundsVideo 1Video 2Here's what BHPian electric_eel had to say on the matter:I am not a big fan of EVs simulating ICEs. The engine noise, the power delivery pauses during shifts are all ugs in the ICE drive train that are being sold as features to get enthusiasts to convert to EVs. However I think there might be a point to adding ICE like sound but not the gear shift pauses. Right now while driving, we look at the power meter to get an idea of how much energy is being consumed. The RPM like meter shows the extent of battery drain and is useful to see how efficiently one is driving. An audio feed back would save us from looking into the instrument cluster for this (which is a good thing). Reminds me of my old maruti zen where the drivers ear is the tachometer (or in this case power meter).Here's what BHPian 14000rpm had to say on the matter:Exactly what I said in the Ioniq thread. The Ioniq 5 N indeed seems to add Fun to EV's. Frankly, what Hyundai has made with this car is what I was expecting from the Mustang Mach-E which has, sort of, gone dull.However, the N is pretty pricey which could be challenge for volumes. Fun Fact I discovered in the Camissa video - The former head of BMW M division, Albert Biermann, is the head of Hyundai R&D globally. He conveniently created 'N' as his next chapter from 'M'. Cheeky this.Here's what BHPian Asoon had to say on the matter:I have a very different and may be unpopular take on this, our generation and all the generations before were born in ICE era, so the engine grunt is music to us. 30/40 years down the line things will be very different, upcoming generation will not be conditioned to the music of exhaust. Imagine how you feel if you enter from a AC room to room with large, noisy window cooler, thats what is going to happen to perception of ICE sounds (music to us) in next 30/40 years.Here's what BHPian ferrarirules had to say on the matter:What an implementation!! Sounds so real. I drive an EV and its a pleasure that EVs are silent and vibration free. But that is for daily use cars. But when it comes to sports cars or performance cars, the sound is the essence. I have simple example - Formula E vs F1. The thrill of F1 is the high revving engines going through the motion, you cannot feel the same in the Formula E cars. I have followed the F1 era since mighty V10s to the somewhat muted V6s of today. There was such a hue and cry when V6 engines were introduced as spectators didn't feel as much thrill as before. So much so that F1 introduced rules specifically to make the engines noisier. What makes a Lamborghini a Lamborghini or Ferrari a ferrari or Mclaren a Mclaren, the sound you hear when you take the car through the paces. An electric car like BYD Seal can do everything a M5 might be able to do but M5 will give you the theatre and Seal will just give you the thrill. Recently there was a statement from Ferrari's CEO - it's going to roar just as loud as a combustion engine That is what a Ferrari is. A muted Ferrari is not something that people want. In summary, I think Hyundai is on the right track by replicating the years of feeling which enthusiasts have had when driving performance cars.Here's what BHPian androdev had to say on the matter:I think the road to mimic ICE cars won't go too far. The love of ICE sports cars is deeply rooted in our understanding of the beauty of intricate mechanical synchronisation - similar to a mechanical watch. EVs have to chart new roads and I'm sure we will figure out a way to make EVs also as endearing as old mechanical stuff. The more you democratise, the more it will lose the wow factor. Interesting times.Here's what BHPian dhanushs had to say on the matter:Umm.. Enthusiasts are enthusiasts for a reason. They are so deeply connected to their cars, and enjoy every sound of it. Atleast for me, when I'm in the 'Zone' with the sound of the engine revving up, I try to visualise whats happening inside the engine, from combustion to the crank to the transmission and to getting the raw power on the wheels! Every minute sound is corelated to the vehicle behaviour. To get an enthusiastic following for the EV, they should be doing that, instead of mimicing an ICE car. Every enthusiast will love to know whats happening with their machines. EV Companies should be trying to show off sounds of haptics that showcase their Electric Car, like how when you are pedal to metal the electric motor spools up generating that insane torque, how the battery and the electrical systems are in total sync, how eddy currents are generated during regen etc..etc..Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Honda Aviator: Service update & choke cable replacement at 20,000 km

BHPian NPV recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Long time since I updated this thread.In May 2023, a regular mini service with engine + transmission oil replacement, greasing, and adjustment of the brakesHSRP - In Dec 2023, I ordered the new plates online and got them fixed at the same dealership where I bought the scooter back in 2015. They ended up swapping the front and back plates and when I pointed it out, they swapped them back and the plates have 4 rivets each now!Horn - In Jan 2024, the horn went limp. Took it to the mechanic at Splash Kaggadasapura and he found that connectivity and continuity were fine, and the switch was good too. He then adjusted the tuning screw at the back of the horn and it came back to life!A friend who has owned an Aviator for many years and whose recommendation led to my evaluation and eventual purchase says that the horn issues are recurring in his scooter as well but are usually related to the connectivityChoke Cable - sometime in Feb 2024, the choke lever stopped working - it wouldn't budge!The mechanic at Splash Kaggadasapura (now my regular go-to mechanic for the scooter) told me the cable needed to be replaced and he was unable to source it.April 2024 - After almost a month and a half, found the time to get the Choke cable replacement done. I bought the part from City Honda in Ramamurthy Nagar and had it replaced by the mechanic at Splash.Part Details:Part Name: CABLE COMP, CHOKEPart Number: 17950-KWP-F00Price: Rs.115Labour charge for removing old cable and fixing new cable: Rs.150The Choke Cable Seat assembly removed to access and replace the Choke cable April 2024 - Along with the choke cable replacement, I also had the engine + transmission oil replaced. Motul 10W30, JASO MB this timeOdo is nearing the 20k Km mark now and nearing the 10-year markOverall, the scooter works like a charm, returning 45-50Kmpl FE every time. I usually get the scooter refuelled at the same HP COCO petrol pump. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Audi India to increase prices by up to 2% from June 2024

Audi India has announced a price hike of up to 2% across its model range. The revised prices will be effective from June 1, 2024. According to Audi, the prices havebeen increaseddue to rising input and transportation costs. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, Rising inputs costs are compelling us to increase prices by up to 2% effective June 01, 2024. The price correction aims to ensure sustainable growth for Audi India and our Dealer partners. As always,it'sour endeavour that the impact of rising costs is as minimal as possible for our customers. Audi registered a strong growth of 33% in FY2023-24. The carmaker sold 7,027 units. The brand's pre-owned car business also reporteda growthof 50% compared to the previous fiscal.

Why I chose the Maruti Invicto to replace my 10-year-old Safari Storme

BHPian chinkara recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Some of you may know that I have been a proud owner of a Storme VX 4x4 for 10 years now. But with the 10-year rule in NCR, I have also been an enthusiastic participant in the What Car threads for some time, and also discussing the dilemma in theStorme thread (Tata Safari Storme : Official Review). So I thought I'll finally create a thread to discuss the options and the decision process. I will not go through detailed pros and cons but highlight what madeusput a car in / drop a car fromthe shortlist. Choices:XUV 700Scorpio-NJeep CompassJeep MeridianSkoda KodiaqVW TiguanToyota FortunerNew SafariInnova HycrossInvictoThen, the decision criteria. We already have a Tiago EV which is used mainly as a regular office commute by my wife, although I too use it for meetings within Gurgaon when she works from home. So we wanted a vehicle that would double up as a holiday vehicle. Thus a goodcruiserwas essential. Do we need a 5-seater or a 7-seater?We used the 7-seat facility in the Storme well. We have gone on trips with my parents, in-laws, and SIL and her family as well. But now, with both our parents 70+, it is unlikely they would join us for long tours. A 7-seater is good to have but not essential. Do we need a 4x4?As I have said in other threads, we have probably used the 4x4 thrice in 10 years, but those 3 times were fantastic. Also, my long pending Ladakh trip (which I and a friend who is currently in the UK promised to do together) would welcome a 4x4. Thus I would prefer 4x4 but not essential (hence the last 2 were added to the list). Waiting for Godot redux...Last time I waited and waited for the Duster and delayed the Storme purchase by 2 years, only to conclude after the test drive that I liked the Storme more. (probably better as I got a more sorted, niggle free vehicle). This time I really wanted to look at the X-trail. I have driven my friend's vehicle in Dubai and wanted to snap it up if it was available around 40L. But in spite of waiting for 2 years still no sign of it. Now my vehicle was completing 10 years in 2024, so I could not risk further delays and impounding, as happened to a colleague of mine. So started the test drives from Oct 2023.XUV 700:We took a test drive and felt the suspension to be a problem - much like why we rejected the 500 10 years back. It simply did not have the handling, particularly in curves, that we were used to in the Storme.Scorpio N:I was really keen on this (the guy next to me in the parking lot has one, and I have taken it out for a spin). But ruled out by the home office. Scorpio has a bad image problem in the North with politico vehicles having Pradhan ji stickers all around. She felt the same would be the case with the ScorpioN and she refused to drive or ride such a car.Compass:A good friend was buying the compass. I took a test drive and liked it overall, but there was a small doubt about the turbo lag and overtaking from dead slow. Also, a colleague owned a Compass and had horror stories about both fuel efficiency and maintenance after 3 years. However, I overlooked such stories with the Storme and decided to stick the Compass in the list for now.Merdian:We had a good test drive. Kids liked the last row. Wife liked the suspension. I liked the driving ergonomics but gained the nagging doubt about the turbo lag and the overtaking power. We also loved the green colour and decided to stick it on the shortlist.Kodiaq:I have used the Kodiaq a bit in Europe last year and loved the car. The reported transmission problems were ok with me. It is a good car with good suspension as well. However, I had hesitation plonking 50 L plus on a car, similar toPoloman (Want to buy a 45 - 50 lakh SUV | How to get rid of the middle-class guilt?)-so decided to put it on the waitlist.Tiguan:Loved the drive. It is such a smooth car. No turbo lag as well. But we felt it is effectively a 4 seater and overpriced at around 40L. So dropped from the list.Fortuner:It was considered for being a 4x4, but the price, waitlist, and the fact that currently only white and black are available made us drop itNew Safari:Now here comes a rant. Tata completely changed the Safari DNA. Just after they got it right with Storme and Hexa, they decided to vacate the 4x4 space. The new Safari is simply not there for old Safari owners. However, we decided to give it a shot as we were really happy with the Storme, and we decided that we would do without 4x4 if needed (there were no reasonable options except the Jeep duo).So we took the test drive (actually it was the first test drive). And ended up with more frustration. Storme was a brilliant ergonomic car. I have done non-stop 16-hour drives with 2 kids, done Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Kolkata, Delhi-Ahmedabad etc. several times. And drove extensively in hills, forests everywhere. Here, after 20 min, we all felt a lack of under-thigh support and I had a knee fouling problem. So we rejected it. Then the 2023 edition was launched. I sat in the vehicle in the yard, and spent 30 min to find a comfortable driving position, but no luck. So with a heavy heart, dropped it.Innova Hycross:We were thinking of looking at the Thar or the Jimny when my wife spotted the Hycross and wanted to take a test drive. But they have been refusing to take bookings for the variants we wanted. InvictoAs soon as it was launched, we wanted to explore the Suzuki twin. So we took a test drive and we liked it, including the space in the last row.Then the decision. It effectively boiled down to Compass / Meridian vs. Invicto. Invicto was the cerebral choice, but I was not getting the thrill in the heart that I had while buying the Storme. Between the Compass and the Meridian, the Meridian was more refined, but it was also 8L extra. Additionally, I had nagging doubts about the pick-up and turbo lag. This, coupled with the FE were the doubts. We spent a few agonizing days undecided. Both of us agreed that if we had a BS6 Storme available with comparable FE (I get 11-12 in the city, 15-16 on highways) for around 30L, we would simply buy it with our eyes closed. Also, we cursed the NGT ruling - our steed (solely driven by me, well maintained at Arya Tata) was good enough for another 3 years if not more. Finally, we decided to go with the Invicto. The doubts were too much for the Jeep twins and we did not have the unanimity of heart we had with the Storme. Completed the payment on the 31st (year-end billing incentive) and will take delivery on our new year in mid-April. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Uber Lost and Found survey names India's most forgetful city

Uber has released its annual 'Lost and Found Index'. The survey lists the most forgetful cities in India, as well as the items that Uber riders forgot in the cabs. According to the 2024 edition of the Lost and Found survey, travellers in Delhi are the most forgetful, followed by Mumbai and Bangalore. Hyderabad is the 4th most forgetful city, followed by Pune in fifth place. As per the data, phones, bags, wallets, and clothing were some of the most common items that riders forgot, followed by items like water bottles, keys, spectacles and jewellery. Apple devices are the most lost items during festive days and Diwali. Besides the usual items that riders forgot in cabs, there were a few unique ones that stood out. These include a Ukulele, a coin collection, prasad and even a hair trimmer. Some riders also forgot their passports, bank and business papers in the cabs. The survey revealed that riders are most likely to forget their belongings in an Uber on Saturdays and in the evenings at around 7 pm.

Importance of RC transfer: Dead man found in my car that I sold in 2021

BHPian PrasannaDhana recently shared this with other enthusiasts. It is our responsibility to check if the car we sold has been transferred to the new owner's name. We have so many apps including Vahaan to check it. Let me share my own experience. I wasn't affected as I very firmly make sure my cars are name-transferred within 15 days of sale. I sold my Celerio in 2021 and made sure it was name-transferred. Later last year, I happened to have a chat with one of my friends who is a Sub-inspector of Police. He was sharing about a peculiar case where a car was spotted in the same place on an isolated river bank for 3 days, and when checked, they found a man dead inside. He was totally inebriated from the state he was found and they ruled it to be a suicide. When he proceeded to show the pic of the car, I was shocked. It was my Celerio. First thing the SI uttered was Luckily you transferred the ownership, else you would have faced problems. News link 1 and link 2 Always make sure your vehicle has been name-transferred, even if you exchange it through a dealer. We should get a delivery note as well as an Aadhar copy of the buyer attested by him. It's the only proof of sale that can legally help if some mishap happens. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

2023 superbikes sales in India: Here's the annual report card

BHPian CrAzY dRiVeR recently shared this with other enthusiasts. The low-volume market for Superbikes and Imports in the country doesn't allow for a meaningful monthly analysis of their sales data. However, the same over a longer period of a full year makes for a healthy discussion - and with that goal in mind, below is the 2023 Annual report and analysis of the premium two-wheeler market in India. 3311 premium motorcycles were dispatched in the year 2023 with the market seeing a 11% decrease in dispatches compared to 2022. Note: All data has been compiled from the data presented by Auto Punditz. These manufacturer-reported sales numbers are factory dispatches to dealerships. They are NOT retail sales figures to end customers. Manufacturers like BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Benelli etc are not included because the data is not available.2018 report can be seen here2019 report can be seen here2020 report can be seen here2021 report can be seen here2022 report can be seen hereClick any picture to open a larger higher-resolution version in a new window/tab. A sole Triumph breaks the Japanese monopoly in the Top-5!Kawasaki Z900 is (once again!) India's highest-selling premium motorcycle with 947 units dispatched in 2023. Kawasaki sold more Z900 motorcycles than the manufacturer with the second largest market share - Triumph!Triumph hit a jackpot with the all-new Street Triple 765RS, the motorcycle shooting to second place despite dispatches starting only by August 2023.Suzuki's all-time favourite hyperbike - the 3rd generation Hayabusa retains 3rd place - dispatching 271 units.Two Kawasaki 650 machines take up the 4th and 5th places. Surprisingly, it's their litre-class flagship that beats the sport tourers for a spot in the Top 5 this year - the mighty ZX10R dispatching 238 units.Versys 650 sales picked up last year post the facelift and the run continues this year as well - ends up in 5th spot with 191 units. Kawasaki had their best-ever year in 2023 - and increased their market share well above 50%. Excellent pricing, followed by the availability of most of their international models contributed to these figures.Triumph concentrated more on the launch of the 400s this year and it shows - the numbers are down even though they still retain second place with 29% market share. The Bajaj transition has not been very smooth either!Suzuki can do no wrong with the Hayabusa, even if they can't sell anything else!Harley Davidson continues to decline further, this time under the Hero distribution network - possibly due to the focus on the launch of the X440.Honda had their worst year - and almost no supply of big bikes throughout the year. Ends up with 1% marketshare.Continue reading BHPian CrAzY dRiVeR's report for more insights and information.

Maruti Suzuki registers highest-ever sales in FY2023-24

For the first time, Maruti Suzuki's annual sales surpassed the 2 million unit mark in FY2023-24. The company also registered its highest-ever exports, net sales and net profit. Maruti Suzuki sold 21,35,323 vehicles during the year, a growth of 8.6% compared to FY2022-23. The carmaker sold 18,52,256 units in the domestic market, while exports stood at 2,83,067 units. Maruti Suzuki registered net sales of Rs 1,349,378 million in FY2023-24, a growth of 19.9% over the net sales of Rs 1,125,008 million in FY2022-23. The company's net profit increased by 64% from Rs 80,492 million in FY2022-23 to Rs 1,32,094 million in FY2023-24. The steep rise in net profit can be attributed to higher sales volume, favourable commodity prices, cost reduction efforts and higher non-operating income. Maruti Suzuki's fourth-quarter sales increased by 13.4% compared to the previous year. Domestic sales stood at 5,05,291 units, and 78,740 units were exported. Net sales during the quarter stood at Rs 3,66,975 million compared to Rs 3,08,218 million in the same period of the previous year. Net profit also increased by 47.8%.

Kia Sonet: 4 lakh sales up in under 44 months

Kia Sonet sales have surpassed the 4 lakh unit mark. The carmaker achieved the new milestone in just under 44 months. 3,17,754 units of the Sonet were sold in the domestic market, while an additional 85,814 units were exported. According to Kia, 63% of customers opted for the variants equipped with a sunroof. The majority of customers chose the petrol version (63%), while 37% of the customers opted for the diesel. The sales figures also reflect consumer preference shifting towards automatic variants. Sales of the 7-speed DCT version of the Sonet have grown by 37.50% since its launch in 2020. Overall, automatic transmissions, which include the 7-speed DCT and 6-speed AT, contribute 28%, while the iMT makes up 23% of the total sales of the Sonet. Recently, Kia introduced new entry and mid variants of the Sonet. The compact SUV is now available in four new HTE (O) and HTK (O) variants in Diesel and Petrol engine options. While the HTE(O) gets a sunroof, HTK(O) offers a sunroof along with LED Connected Taillamps, Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC) and Rear Defogger.

Living with a Mitsubishi Cedia after I broke my knee in an accident

BHPian SunnyBoi recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I had an accident a few days before Christmas this year and broke my knee. This meant I could no longer use my bike and had to use the Cedia for my everyday 50 km commute. I used the car for 6 weeks and racked up a lot more KMs than I did the past 1.5 years easily! Car had some hiccups but nothing critical. Posing in the fiery evening sky Meetup with Viddy and his Jimny at Madhus Tyre Centre Sigh, one of these failed, and changing gears became a massive headache. I somehow got the hang of it, drove it that way for a week, and finally, once I was back in my hometown, swapped over to the stock bushes Fancy an OZ wheel for a M2? No? oh okay... The car gets its first pressure wash in 5+ years. There's a massive stain on the roof thanks to water leakage in my parking spot. Sigh Of course, the paint on my alloys flew off with the pressure washer. I did a horrible job last time so I wasn't surprised. Some odo shots. Currently, the odo is at 1.26L KMs Punctured tyre. Second one in a month, RL first then RR. Got it fixed at Madhus for now. The car definitely needs new tyres soon - the P3STs have more than enough tread but the tyres have become hard. Car among hills ..and trees. By now I fixed that horrible stain on the roof. I've been getting stellar mileage lately, 16+KMPL on the highway and 12KMPL in the city with my everyday commute. I am very impressed! Well, that's it for now. I'll hopefully change the oil tomorrow if I don't get too lazy as I have a small drive coming up on the 25th of this month. That said, Cedia's replacement has been identified and might come home soon. I'm not very sure if I'll be keeping both cars or if the Cedia has to leave. I'm in no hurry though so let's see! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Imported a high-quality downpipe for my Abarth Punto: 53,000 km update

BHPian sidindica recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Update | 5.4 years | 53500 kms | Stage 2 I always like to add things patiently and slowly, so as to keep interest in the car. Since this car is meant to be kept for a long time, maintenance, periodic replacement of parts and incremental upgrades is the best way to not get bored of it.Changing the brakesThe car crossed 51,500 kms and the factory discs were nearing the end of their life, of course, this is not a car to be driven with light foot so it's always better to check and perform designated replacements along with pads. Replaced all 4 discs with OE replacement Brembo rotors (INR 12,500) and EBC Yellow stuff pads (INR 20k). Still feel this is the best balanced combination for my car.Changing the tyres:The earlier Pilot Sport 4s too were beginning to deteriorate so replaced them with a new set of PS4s (freshly available now) of 205/55 R16 size. Not cheap though at INR 11.4k/tyre.Service with fluids change:52,500 kms service was performed at Landmark, Okhla. Changed the oil (Selenia K), all filters (except air), brake oil, transmission oil with brakes being bled and serviced after my recent trip.Going for Stage 2:For a long time, I have been doing research on the pros and cons of adding a catless downpipe. Since all my parts on the car are international branded which are certified for this very car and platform, I had to take the same route with the downpipe. This was anyways my first car and first experiment with adding a catless downpipe, so TMC Motorsport UK launched their downpipe for IHI 60mm turbo (2.25 diameter) back in December 2023. Their appearance, build and overall quality looked top-class, so ordered the same in the beginning of April. The parcel came, and here was what it looked like: Quality does come at a price, which costed approx INR 34k (cost of DP+shipping+duties). Impressed with the high quality of construction of T304 grade SS, with proper weld marks and excellent finish, this was just what I was looking for. Installation was done at Fiat FNG (Jhalak) and it took 2 hours to do a neat installation by the mechs. As expected, this is a reversible bolt-on mod. The OE heat shield (bottom one) cannot be fitted as there is no provision so I had to go with Kool Wraps Australia Sourced Heat wrapping strip (Photo below) As expected, the O2 sensor error (P0420-CEL) appeared after 50 kms of driving, and I got it cleared by the scanner, though a proper map update by Wolf Moto is pending which will be done once they arrive next in Delhi. I got coolant changed as well since summers are at their peak also.Initial ImpressionsThe ECU took time to adapt to the DP and altered O2 parameters, once it adapted, the mid range grunt of the car improved, and the car felt more addictive with more consistent torque delivery throughout the torque band. Already the car was never meant to be driven with light foot, this will further add to the addiction. Haven't seen much difference in FE, have to do proper logging in days to come for this. I think overall the car feels more complete, just like what it should be, not gunning for just straight line acceleration and numbers, but better driveability, torque, and catalogued high-quality build. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Skoda Slavia's rear glass shatters due to metro work; Got compensation

BHPian audioholic recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I just completed the 2yr/30k kms service Apart from some random rattles in the roof liner area and a loose dashboard which was fixed, the car is running pretty flawlessly and does a 50:50 mix of city and highway runs. I had used the car for 12k kms after the last service and was not feeling good about the engine oil being used for so long. Apart from that, there were some updates and campaigns conducted on the car. The car is not very different compared to what it was before the service, so I expect that the oil didn't make a big difference which also proves how finely engineered the engine is. Service cost was covered under SMP so I only ended up paying for some consumables. What I am also surprised by from the last few thousand kms is thatthe FE has improved very much. Gone are the days when I used to get single-digit FE and now it's always in double digits, without much of a change in my driving habits. Even on the last Mysore expressway trip where I was pretty fast due to very light traffic, I ended up getting 16kmpl. My office commute returns between 10.5-12.5 depending on traffic. For statistic's sake, out of the 50-odd times I have done a tankful of petrol so far, I have used 91 octane only once, Shell V power twice, HP power 95 four times, and the rest being XP95 itself. Power 95 is somewhat smoother than XP95 with similar performance, but V power smoothens the drive but also results in a power drop due to it being 91 octane. One issueI have observed is with the tyre deflation warning which has given me false warnings twice with no explainable reason in the last 22k kms. As a reliability record that's pretty passable, but both times, I have had a spirited highway run(with tyre pressures accurately checked) and this warning pops up after I reach my destination town. I can't even calibrate the system and end up getting tyre pressures checked just to find they are not even 1 psi apart. It's almost two years but my Slavia 1.5 DSG has already crossed 22k kms, which was pretty higher than what I expected when I brought the car. But the car just begs to be driven again and again, longer and longer. So thanks to this feature, I have almost left the Crysta for my Dad's sole use and stick to the Slavia all the time.The other reason is that some changes in my personal life have added a drive to Tumkur as a routine in addition to my earlier drives to Kolar. Recently had been to Ooty and loved the car in those hairpin bends and the Mysore expressway as usual. Fantastic handling, braking(1.5), excellent NVH at high speeds and the tyres are keeping up at their half-life without any change in road noise, etc. The rear windshield got shattered due to metro constructiondebris falling on the car when I drove under it. This happened last Monday and was also the reason to advance the service by a month. As I drove back from work, I passed below the upcoming Bellandur metro station where there was construction going on overhead the traffic. There was one portion that did not have safety nets and something fell on the glass and within a second I realised the car got its first actual damage in the last two years. Due to it being a crowded area, I did not get an opportunity to stop right at the spot and create a scene. I parked a few meters ahead and tried to walk back to the place where the incident happened but couldn't find anyone at ground level to speak to. Hence I resumed my commute back home and immediately started working on the next steps. I needed the car by Thursday for an upcoming trip and the guys at Tafe especially Mr. Krishna went beyond their meansto get this fixed in no time and finish the periodic maintenance as well. The glass was not in stock at the dealership and as I called them right after the incident, they had placed an order for the part the same evening even though it was beyond the cutoff time. Kudos to them for a speedy fix. The order for the part was placed on Monday, I left the car on Tuesday, the part arrived Wednesday late afternoon and was immediately fixed that late evening, and I received the car Thursday afternoon which was wonderful. I was not so sure if they would fix it so soon since there was a room for lot of possible delays especially since the part had to arrive and then there was also a curing time required for the adhesive. Another advantage was not claiming insurance, because that would have added to the delays. The replacement cost 9200 and 2500 for interior cleaning since there were glass pieces everywhere in the cabin, boot as well as in the insides of the surrounding trim. The rear windshield itself cost 3800 and the adhesive being some 2500 and labour another 3000 odd. The Metro contractor refunded the entire amountwhich was a good ending to the story after I had reported this matter to BMRCL and had a tough word with them. As soon as I received the car, they had asked me to come to their site office for a meeting and I expected some sort of defense from their end and arguments but it turned out to very apologetic tone and an immediate refund without any bureaucratic or paperwork-related delays. The fact of the matter was that apart from a picture at the site of my car, there was nothing else to prove the entire turn of events. I couldn't even find the actual item that fell on my car due to the infamous Ecospace traffic jam. I am told that safety nets are always mandatory but in this case, one portion had its net removed to lift up something and that caused this issue. But all is well that ends well, and I would like to sincerely thank the Metro officials as well as the contractor for the immediate resolution, even though it would have been a serious incident had the same part fallen on a two-wheeler rider or even a pedestrian. I have a few planned mods on this car now for my own academic purpose - One is to upgrade the camera to a Highline RVC with dynamic guidelines, and then to add direct TPMS. While the latter is to get rid of the false alarms, the former is because I got the Highland RVC for peanuts and both these features are CAN bus-related changes which would be an experiment that would go both ways. Hence, if I am successful with the RVC, then I will be more confident to spend money on the TPMS setup. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar 220F spotted at dealership; priced at Rs 1.40 lakh

Bajaj has launched the 2024 edition of the Pulsar 220F. The bike is priced at Rs 1.40 lakh (ex-showroom). The updated Pulsar 220F has started reaching dealerships. The bike carries forward the same fairing as the previous iteration but gets new graphics. It also has a semi-digital instrument console. The Pulsar 220F gets Bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, new switchgear and a USB charging port. The Pulsar 220F is powered by the same 220cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 20 BHP and 18.5 Nm. It is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Source:Autocar India/Ramaswami120

Confused between the Creta N-Line & Seltos DCT: Which one to pick?

BHPian vijay.s recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Need help in choosing between the Hyundai Creta Turbo Petrol DCT Automatic / Creta N-line N10 DCT automatic / Seltos GTX Plus DCT Automatic. The Seltos being relatively old is getting some handsome discounts to the tune of Rs. 40K plus basic accessories kit free. However, there are no such offers for either the regular Turbo petrol Creta or the N-line Creta released just this week. When compared to the Regular Creta Turbo Petrol DCT Automatic, there is a price difference of approx 50K and approx 1L when compared to N Line DCT automatic. Note this difference does not account for any accessories beside the basic kit for 6K being provided by Hyundai. However, In seltos, I am getting 25K worth of accessories free too which the dealer refused to convert to cash in addition to the 40K discount. Is the price difference worth going with Seltos. Reason I am asking this question is primarily from the standpoint of safety being emphasized by Creta. I could personally feel the heaviness when lifting the bonnet too and even in the doors of facelift creta. Anyone else caught up in similar confusion? Heard from the folks at Kia that there is a price rise in the first week of Apr (after FY2023 ends) and hence need to make my decision fast Here's what BHPian contentedbloke had to say on the matter:I have been through a similar confusion. The deciding factor and the deal breaker was the UV cut glass which is available in the Seltos but not in the creta. In Chennai, without this feature, getting into a car under the sun would be very painful. The second factor was ride comfort which based on reviews is better in the Seltos GT rather than the N-Line because of the stiffer suspension. The third criteria is that regular creta has light colour seats which will become dirty under my household usage, and hence I prefer only dark seats. Ruled out regular creta completely due to this reason. While N-Line is preferred due to all black interiors, I prefer the Seltos due to the UV glass and ride comfortHere's what BHPian 07CR had to say on the matter:I guess it's just the mindgames. In a Hyundai showroom the SAs have been trained to emphasize on better build quality because Creta lacks the equipment of Seltos. With repeated such quotes our mind starts thinking on same lines. Cross posting from other thread regarding BHPian's observation on both cars structure. With additional discounts and the additional equipment which Seltos carries over Creta/ Creta N line, it's a no brainer for me.Here's what BHPian crenthu123 had to say on the matter:I do not know, why people are not thinking about the safety aspect of the current Seltos, the car is really unsafe and I have several examples for that. New Creta hopefully will receive a 5 star like Verna as it feels much more solid than the older creta. So, please consider this before making a purchase decision or wait for the next generation Seltos 2025'/26'.Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Ola service centre raised invoices for repairing nothing on my S1 Pro

BHPian bijims recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Update after the service centre visitI visited the Ola Service Centre in Thrissur (Peramangalam) yesterday, and boy were there many scooters waiting to be serviced, repaired and whatnot. I don't know how much pride they put in showing that they have over 30 vehicles waiting outside gathering dust and another 30 or so more inside the service centre. A common sight in what I noticed was that 90% of them were either the OLA S1 PRO GEN 1 or OLA S1, with hardly a couple of OLA S1X+ and OLA S1 Air in the lot. I had booked the service appointment in advance (timing 1 pm to 4 pm) and reached at 2:30 pm but it is of absolutely no use. The security guard displayed ownership of the service centre and said they had over 60 vehicles waiting, and the service centre staff were on a lunch break. I persisted that mine was a panel gap issue and just wanted some service personnel to take a look at it and see what they could do. He asked me to come back after 3 pm, and I could do nothing. I went into the sales section and was greeted by a nice polite lady sales personnel, and I told her my difficulties, she immediately sent me a technician she knew, and he inspected the gaps and told me to come back tomorrow to pick my scooter up. I told them that I was coming from over far away (the service centre in Thrissur town which is just 20 km from my house said they do only small work) just to get these repaired as per the appointment given to me and I am leaving for Muscat tomorrow evening and won't be able to wait and come back. He told me to wait for an hour and let him see what could be done. I showed him the panel gaps and the poor fitting of the mirror the delivery executive in Thrissur had done and asked him to kindly fix that too. He obliged. While waiting I was inspecting the 30-odd scooters gathering dust outside the showroom and noticed every single one of them having a few panel gaps here and there, some were more pronounced while others were subtle. After half an hour, the service personnel came back and told me they could do nothing and it was a manufacturing defect. I sighed and he told me there was nothing to do and I should just accept it. Saddened, I took my scooter and drove away. Afterwards, in the evening I got a call from the OLA backend team who asked me whether I got everything fixed to my satisfaction I told her No, and what had happened. I don't know if it would be of any use but anyway, I conveyed my dissatisfaction. Anyway, while on the ride back home, I tested the scooter quite thoroughly and found most of its functions working as well as they are supposed to. The brakes were on point. Forced regen was working well, Ola Maps were accurate, and the other features like music, party mode, and mobile app connectivity all worked well. Most importantly the range shown was accurate, and even though I was riding with a pillion and some luggage (altogether 150 kg), I was able to extract 120 km from an 85% charge (100 to 15%), which left me quite impressed. Overall, I would say that these panel gaps, fit and finish issues are the major drawbacks of the OLA S1 PRO GEN 2, while most of the other issues plaguing the GEN 1 Scooters have been fixed. However, such inconsistencies in panel gaps, including improper alignment, huge gaps in the mudguard, and panel gaps below the handlebar are unacceptable and should be dealt with by OLA ASAP. So, to all those looking for an OLA scooter kindly look above your front tyre for the huge panel gap between the body and the mudguard as it is a common sight among many scooters. To add to the misery, my scooter comes with a panel gap below the handlebar which no other scooter gets, so I am sad to say I am stuck with a scooter with panel gaps higher than the norm for OLA scooters. Finally, to conclude, I must say that the OLA S1 range of scooters isn't definitely for the ones who prefer build quality and fit and finish and prefer their scooters aesthetics being top notch. For that please have a look at the Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube etc. But for those who prefer function over form (and don't mind the form being poor), you can go for the OLA S1 GEN 2 series (be it the PRO, AIR or X).Update from the Ola customer backend support teamI don't know what the service centre and Ola Backend Team are up to here, but I got a call yesterday asking me whether I had gotten everything fixed to my satisfaction, I told them NO, I had visited the service centre and they had me wait for an hour told me it's a manufacturing defect and there is nothing they could do about it. Earlier I received a couple of text messages telling me that My scooter's repair work had been initiated and then my repair work was completed and Ola Scooter Service was done and delivered back to me. I guess, the backend team raised a call on the response from the service centre team that they had taken the scooter for service and had completed work on it whereas in reality they made me wait for an hour, took my scooter in and after 15 minutes, told me there is nothing to do. Now, the OLA app shows a repair estimate of Rs 265.50 when in reality absolutely nothing has been done. In the meantime, after this thread had gone live, OLA raised a ticket on their own citing a Social Media Escalation along with an Invoice of Rs 225. I don't know what in the hell are they raising these invoices for when there was absolutely nothing done YET on their part to resolve my issues. The service centre personnel have shamelessly raised two invoices (one for Rs 265.50 and another for Rs 225) for doing absolutely nothing on my scooter. I have attached the relevant screenshots. Hopefully, they do something about my issues. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Toyota launches 'T Gloss' car detailing brand in India

Toyota has announced its entry into the car detailing sector with its own car care brand 'T Gloss'. Starting May 1, 2024, T Gloss treatments will be offered at all authorised Toyota dealerships in India. Under the T Gloss brand, Toyota will offer a wide range of services, including ceramic coating, underbody coating, silencer coating, internal panel protection, AC duct cleaning and evaporator cleaning. The services will be undertaken by highly skilled and trained professionals. Mr. Sabari Manohar, Vice President of Sales-Service-Used Car Business at Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, T GLOSS is a one-stop-shop solution aimed at offering customers high-quality car care solutions that are tailored specifically for Toyota vehicles to ensure safety and upkeeping of vehicles ultimately designed to offer a peaceful ownership experience. This launch marks a significant milestone in our journey of delivering Toyota owners an all-encompassing car care solution that seamlessly aligns with our core values of quality, durability, and reliability (QDR).

Got my stolen phone back within 24 hrs: GoPro & Team-BHP to the rescue

BHPian RohanMahantesh recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hello EveryoneTL;DRI was on my bicycle on the way to work, when two thieves on a bike snatched my phone from my backpack. This incident was recorded on a GoPro, using which the vehicle number and the images of the thieves were obtained. With the help of my colleague, a fellow Team BHPian, and a thread on the forum, we were able to obtain the information of the vehicle owner. The owner was contacted, who had lent his bike to a supposed friend when the incident occurred. The vehicle owner cooperated with the police and helped them track down the thieves. The phone was retrieved back in less than 24 Hours! The complete incident is shown in the video above. To start, I am a final-year engineering student from Bangalore. Apart from my love for automobiles, I have a keen interest in photography. This led to me purchasing various camera gear and having read several posts on the forum about the importance of a dashcam in one's car and having been involved in several incidents before, I made it a point to record even the short rides on two-wheeler and bicycle on my GoPro (This was the first thing I bought off of my first stipend at my internship! Best purchase ever!). I also realised that I could upload the footage on YouTube under the POV (Point of View) Driving category, which gave me another reason to drive all the vehicles at home with a GoPro mounted onto me. Oh, and if you are wondering, no I do not intend on making any money off of it on YouTube, it's just for the sheer pleasure of recording the drives, and looking back at it a few years down the lane to relive the moments, the traffic, the roads and the surroundings. The firm that I am interning at, is about 6km from my residence, as a result of which I utilise a scooter or my bicycle to commute. It was about 10:30 am on the 15th of March 2024, when I was on the way to the office on my bicycle. The railway crossing on the way was shut, as a result of which, I took out the phone from my bag and started scrolling. The next thing I knew, the railway crossing was open, and I had to hurry, as a result of which I ended up keeping my phone in the bottle holder of my backpack (A Stupid and Silly Mistake ). As I was crossing the railway track (I was pushing the cycle, rather than riding it to not lose balance), a guy in a blue bike overtook me from the extreme left, which was very suspicious to me at first, but I didn't bother about it, thinking it was normal. After crossing the railway track, I hopped onto my bicycle and started riding it. Amidst this, the guy in the blue bike picked up another person. This seemed completely normal. I didn't think much about the stares that they gave me, as it is very common to have a lot of people look at you driving with a GoPro attached to your head or chest. I was on the extreme left lane of the road, and about 100m later, out of nowhere, the two people on the blue bike overtook me from the left side (A lot of things could have gone wrong during all of this!) the pillion (The guy he had just picked up) took the phone out of the bottle holder of my backpack and before I could realise it, it was too late! I was terrified and almost froze! This was the first time that I had encountered a situation as such. I sped up (on the bicycle!) and tried looking for their bike, but realised that it was already too late and there was no way I could catch up with the thieves. The first thing I had to do, no matter what, was to track/erase data/log out of the phone and I rushed home. Using the other device at home, I couldn't track it, as they had switched off the phone. I ended up signing out of all my accounts and erasing all the data from the phone (All of the data was backed up). I was concerned about my sim, as without it it would be impossible to call people, receive SMS or make payments. I extracted all the footage from the GoPro and saved it for reference to note down the vehicle number and the images of the thieves. I immediately called up my colleague and told him about the incident, and that I would be late to the office as I had to visit the nearest police station. He asked me to calm down and offered to accompany me to the police station. We reached the Gangamma Gudi Police Station (Abbigere) and filed an e-lost complaint on the Karnataka State Police app with all the required details of the phone, This generated a lost e-report for the phone, using which I could obtain the duplicate SIM. Parallely, I blocked the IMEI number using the CEIR website. I met the officers at the police station and made it a point to show them the footage captured, which they gladly circulated among the various WhatsApp groups of which they were part. The police asked us to be rest assured and that they would get in touch with us in case of any updates. My colleague tried to gather information about the owner of the vehicle using mParivahan, but we couldn't get much information. We then got back to the office and went about our day. 20 minutes into the office, my colleague, remembered coming across the Karnataka PUC Website and the loopholes it had in this thread. We obtained the information of the owner and obtained his phone number using the same. My colleague immediately called the owner and cooked up an excuse to have him meet us at the police station. The owner of the vehicle was a person who was working in the Armed Forces and was worried about the consequences of having a police case against him. We met up at the police station, where we explained what happened. He had lent his bike to a friend that morning, and he immediately recognised the people from the footage. He cooperated with the police and provided them with the contact information and address of the thieves. The police were able to catch hold of one of the thieves (In Blue Shirt) on the very same day, and he accepted the theft but did not have any information about the phone. It was about 8 pm and we were assured of getting the phone back. The next morning, at about 11 am, the police contacted me asking us to visit the police station. Me and my colleague visited the police station, and we were handed over the phone by the officer. He narrated the incident as to how the second thief was caught in the wee hours of midnight. The thieves had thrown the SIM card away. The police gave the thieves a taste of their medicine (you know what I am referring to). I immediately unblocked the IMEI. Thank You Team BHP and Bengaluru Police for helping me retrieve my phone! I regretted the absolutely silly mistake of mine which led to all of this, but I am happy that GoPro and Team BHP helped me retrieve the phone back. I urge all of you to please keep your belongings safe when in public. I learnt my lesson the hard way. Hope this was helpful to everyone out there! Cheers! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Volkswagen Tayron SUV unveiled at Beijing Motor Show

Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its new Tayron SUV at the ongoing 2024 Beijing Motor Show. The new Volkswagen Tayron is essentially a 7-seater version of the latest-gen Tiguan revealed in September 2023. The new Tayron carries forward many elements from the 5-seater Tiguan, including the rounded-off styling. Starting with the front, the Tayron gets an aggressive-looking front bumper with a contrasting black finish. It also comes with flared wheel arches, a well-sculpted tailgate, wrap-around LED taillights connected by an LED light bar and a blacked-out rear bumper. The Volkswagen Tayron SUV measures 4,735 mm in length, 1,859 mm in width and 1,682 mm in height. For reference, this is 197 mm longer, 17 mm wider and 43 mm taller than the 5-seater Tiguan. The Tayron also has a 111 mm longer wheelbase than its 5-seater sibling. Inside, the Volkswagen Tayron is identical to the Tiguan. The SUV comes with three screens: a digital instrument cluster, a main touchscreen infotainment unit and a separate display for the front passenger. The car also features backlit physical buttons and switches to control the various functions in the cabin. Other features include wireless charging, 10-point massage seats with heating & ventilation, a 360-degree camera, dual-zone climate control, a head-up display and an ADAS suite; to name a few. Globally, the Volkswagen Tayron will be available in multiple powertrain options, including petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid. The Volkswagen Tayron could make its way to India as well. The India-spec Tayron will get a single engine option - a 2.0-litre TSI unit producing 184 BHP and 320 Nm, paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox as standard. Reports also suggest that the Volkswagen Tayron will be assembled in India via CKD kits from 2025. Once launched, it will take on the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq & Jeep Meridian. Source: AutoHome

Hyundai to launch its first made-in-India EV in 2025

Hyundai has confirmed that it plans to launch its first made-in-India electric SUV by early 2025. It is likely to be the Creta EV. Hyundai's first all-electric model for the Indian market will be manufactured at its Chennai facility. The carmaker has also confirmed that production will begin at the end of this year before it goes on sale in early 2025. The Creta EV has already been spotted testing on Indian roads. It is expected to feature the same design as the ICE version with minor changes, including a blanked-off grille and aero-optimized alloy wheels. Inside, the electric version will have the same dashboard design but will sport a few unique touches as well. Spy images have revealed a 2-spoke steering wheel with a drive mode selector stalk mounted on the steering column. The Creta EV is also expected to get features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS. Reports suggest that the Creta EV will share its electric powertrain with the entry-level Kona EV. It is likely to be powered by a front-mounted electric motor and a 45 kWh battery pack. Source: HT Auto

Ayrton Senna's personal Honda NSX is officially on sale

A 1991 Honda NSX, once belonging to 3-time F1 world champion Ayrton Senna, is up for sale. The car is listed for sale in the UK with an asking price of over 5,00,000 GBP. This Honda NSX was personally driven by Ayrton Senna and housed in Portugal during his ownership. The car is said to have 39,000 miles on the odometer, although it is unclear as to how many of those miles were contributed by Senna. The Brazilian F1 driver stayed in Portugal due to his F1 testing and travel schedule. The NSX was given to Senna by Honda, with whom he had a commercial partnership. The car became famous after being photographed multiple times in Portugal. It was also featured in a 1992 documentary. The car stayed in Portugal post the unfortunate demise of Senna in 1994 before being purchased by the current British owner back in 2013. The owner stated, I first bought the car in 2013 during a trip to the Algarve in Portugal and have owned it ever since, where it has sat proudly at my estate in East Sussex. He further added, It's been a real pleasure owning what is one of the most famous cars belonging to a true sporting legend, and the thrill of driving Senna's car never goes away. The Honda NSX comes with a 6-cylinder 3.0-litre engine producing 271 BHP. Honda claims a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 165 mph. The current owner also confirmed that the car will be on display at the Senna Exhibition at Silverstone in August. Source: AutoSport

Visited the iconic Payana Vintage Car Museum: Here's my experience

BHPian Amyth_Prabhakar recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Payana - From Cart to Car - The Vintage Car Museum. This place has gained a lot of popularity ever since it opened for public last week and has become the most admired landmark along the Bangalore-Mysore Expressway, inundated by throngs of visitors including social media content creators who are in fact popularizing it to a greater extent by flaunting their videos and reels on YouTube. This place can be added to the ever-growing list of Places to visit in and around Bengaluru for a Weekend Getaway. This place has now become an ideal destination for a day trip and the new 6 lane highway makes it hassle free to visit and come back. I visited this place last week and here's my share of experience. Here are some videos. Watch them in 4K. Video 1 About the Vintage Car Museum: This museum has decent collection of vintage cars, collected by Dr. Veerendra Heggade and is an extension of the Manjusha Museum located in Dharmasthala near Managalore. Video 2 Location: Payana, is located on the Bangalore-Mysore Express way, and appears approximately about 7-8 kms before Mysore city and can be entered through the service road. Road connectivity is excellent, and the new highway makes it possible to maintain 3-digit speed and it takes about two hours or less to reach from the starting point of Bangalore-Mysore Expressway. Big advertising hoardings, promoting the museum can be seen a few kilometres before the destination along the highway and there is no way one can miss this. Depending on where you stay in Bangalore, it can either be a day trip or a half day trip, as the time to reach the expressway from different parts of Bangalore will have to be factored in. Work in Progress: Note that the work at the museum is still in progress (at the time of penning down this blog) and might take a month or two for this museum to become fully operational along with the restaurants. A small theatre construction was underway inside the museum and soon they might screen some vintage audio-visual shows. Open air amphitheatre was ready but there was no sign of any kind of entertainment . Seeing the demand, things might move even faster than expected and there is a high chance of the museum getting upgraded with more historic and iconic cars for display in future from around the world. The Look and Feel: The eye catchy construction, designed with ramps and a tyre shaped faade is what attracts and welcomes everyone passing by on the highway and makes one to stop over and have a glance or even click photos against the picturesque architectural backdrop. Timings and Entry Fee: The museum timings are from 9 AM to 8 PM on all days with a nominal entry fee of 50 rupees for adults and free for children below 7 years. There is a big parking lot at the entrance and can easily accommodate quite a good number of cars of the floating population. The entire place is very clean and well maintained. Eateries In and Around: The restaurant inside is not functional yet, however, there is nothing to worry as there are good and decent hotels located on the service road in close proximity to the museum and there is also one diagonally opposite to the museum, again on the service road. Visitors for now will have to travel a kilometre or two and take a U turn to get to the hotels located on either side of the highway. Since it is very close to Mysore, visitors can also find a lot of hotels on the Banni Mantap Road in Mysore and can have lunch/dinner at a restaurant of their preference. Photo and Videography: There is no separate fee collected for photography. However, professional videography with tripods and flash photography with pro cameras for commercial use is prohibited and requires prior permission. Shooting with drones also need prior permission. However, filming through cell phones, action cams like GoPro, Insta 360 and Vlogging cameras for personal use are allowed. Still photos with DSLR and Mirrorless cams are also allowed. Our Experience: We started at around 12 PM from Basavanagudi in Bangalore after a heavy brunch, hit the expressway through the NICE road and reached there by 2.15 PM, obviously at the wrong time of the day and it felt very hot. Initially I thought of carrying my gimbal, DSLR and Mirrorless cameras to shoot videos but later decided not to as moving around with heavy equipment in a hot weather is not easy, less flexible, drains energy faster and is prone to dehydration. Finally, we managed to shoot everything with our handy and compact cameras namely Samsung Ultra S24 and Xiaomi 13 Pro. Although it was noon, we decided to pay a visit first and then have some refreshments later as our stomachs were almost full with no complaints. We clicked a few pictures at the entrance and headed to the reception counter, bought the tickets, and began our journey back in time at the museum. It starts off with a Herald car that was used by Dr.Veerendra Heggade during his prime time along with a poster of his alongside the car, followed by the evolution of wheels and a display of Internal combustion engine and its associated parts. Then starts the display of carts followed by cars. Most of the cars looked like big trucks to me. It normally takes about 30-45 minutes to cover the entire museum but if you are a photo freak like me, quite a good amount of time can be spent by taking pictures of cars in all possible angles. This place is not air conditioned and the only source of cool air circulation are from the huge fans attached to the ceiling. Because of the spikes in temperature especially during this summer season, it felt hot and humid inside. The museum is thoughtfully designed as there are ramps to all levels of the museum, making it easier for people having physical disabilities to move around effortlessly and also makes it less strenuous to people of all age groups to visit the entire museum Most of the cars are I guess bought from the descendants of original owners, second and third owners or picked up from scrap car garages. Some of the cars looked like they had been repaired, repainted, and restored. Cars like, BMW, Benz, Chevrolet, Buick, Opel, Datsun, Mazda, MG, Ford, Citroen, Daimler, Willys Jeeps, trucks, Fiat, Hillman, Studebaker were found. I did not come across any Audi's or Jaguar's and a few other popular and expected brands. Along with them were our Indian cars like Standard 2000, Contessa, Ambassador, Maruti Zen, Fiat Palio, Reva, Matiz, Dolphin etc. and I was surprised to see the Hyundai Verna (previous to fluidic generation) and the sturdy old Hyundai Sonata as we grew up seeing them. There were also some placeholders for cars that were yet to come in to the museum. There were some two wheelers (scooters and bikes) as well. Out of all, Hero-Honda-CD-100 is what stood out for me as my father had the same model and most of my childhood and in fact pre university college days were spent on that bike. With heavy heart he sold that bike in 2018. Bonus Section: There is a huge collection of ancient artifacts as well at the basement. Conclusion: Shot this just before I left in the evening at around 5.30 PM with more even lighting. It was around 4 PM by the time we came out. I took a few aerial shots with my drone and finally went to a nearby hotel (Hari Govind, which is on the Bandipur road), had some food and finally headed back to Bangalore.It was fun, informative, and educative in some cases. Overall, it was totally worth visiting it. No more bugging. I will let the pictures to do the talking!! The entrance: A couple of photos taken at the entrance with different zoom lengths! Entrance Ticket: An old double Decker bus can be seen in the parking lot! The Journey Begins: An army truck parked at the entrance: Continue reading BHPian Amyth_Prabhakaran's review for more insights and information.

Mahindra XUV 3XO could be offered in four variants

Mahindra is gearing up to launch the XUV 3XO on April 29. If the latest reports are anything to go by, it could be offered in four trims, similar to the XUV700. According to a media report, Mahindra is likely to offer the XUV 3XO in MX, AX, AX5 and AX7 with L (Luxury Pack) and Pro versions for the top-spec trims. The XUV 3XO will feature a completely new design. The SUV gets a redesigned front end featuring new LED headlamps, dual-tone alloy wheels and more. It has a totally new rear fascia with C-shaped LED taillights connected by an LED light bar. Inside, the XUV 3XO will feature a larger free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster and other features like a Harman Kardon sound system, automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof. The XUV 3XO will carry forward the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. The SUV will be capable of sprinting from 0-60 km/h in 4.5 seconds and will have an ARAI-certified mileage of 20.1 km/l. Source: Carwale

Plug-in hybrids emit 3.5 times more CO2 emissions than advertised

A new study with a data sample of 6,00,000 cars indicates that the real-world CO2 emissions of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid vehicles are much higher than the indicated official values. The study shows that the real-world CO2 emissions of conventional petrol and diesel vehicles are 20% higher than their indicated value. However, what's surprising is the average real-world CO2 emissions of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which reportedly are 3.5 times higher than their test values. Reports state this could be because PHEVs aren't charged and driven in full-electric mode as often as assumed. While a difference in the test values and real-world emission figures is expected, as a laboratory can't replicate exact real-world conditions, the 3.5 times higher real-world figures are too high. To counter this, the Commission is already said to have introduced changes to the calculations, which will be applied from 2025. Apart from the CO2 emission figures, WLTP tests also found a discrepancy in the fuel consumption figures of vehicles. As per reports, the*WLTP tests overestimate fuel efficiency (WLTP test overestimates ICE cars fuel economy by over 23%, says EU Report)*figures of petrol, diesel and PHEV vehicles by up to 23%. Source: European Commission

Versys 650 owner rides the NX500: Shares 10 observations on Honda ADV

BHPian Legal_Eagle recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I can see a lot many members going gaga over NX500. Rightly so, the product is a Honda. I have a Versys 650 presently, which I feel is heavy in everyday conditions. Was looking for a more manageable bike, ideally for a one-bike garage. So I headed straight to test ride NX500 at Bigwing, Lavelle Road, Bangalore. Had booked an appointment via a phone call before visiting them at 6.15 PM. First things first, I was really disappointed with Bigwing customer service. I was their only customer at that time and nobody was interested in talking (probably because I had been in an Activa wearing simple formals and flip-flops, never mind) I then went to the reception counter after checking out the black NX500 and requested a test drive. I was asked to fill out a form showed them my DL and entered a few details in the form given. I was handed over the keys to a red NX500 parked outside. I took it out for a short spin. Before going further, I would like to state that I have always loved Honda products for their over-engineered engines which can last a long long time.Here is my first impression of NX500:I have owned two CBR250Rs in the past, that being said, the fit and finish are average for a CBU. Especially the plastics are strictly average, and flimsy for a bike that costs an arm and a leg. What I would call top-notch is the build of Transalp which was parked outside, though it costs your kidneys. The plastics on the Versys650 feel like it is built to last.The ride was quite disappointing as well. I felt the suspension on Scrambler 400x to be more plush, H450 is in a different league altogether. The 400x is so sprightly and sorted at city speeds (don't know about highway performance), and the H450 is vibey but it makes up with its beautiful suspension. The suspension on NX500 feels out of sorts at the front especially when exiting sharp ruts on the road, and there is some dive under braking. Adv390 has adjustable WP apex suspension, and Versys has adjustable Showas, I just feel that Honda could have tuned it better.The power on tap is not too exciting, the Adv390 felt more lively as well as the scrambler 400x. No ride by wire. But the NX500 felt much more sorted at low speeds than the H450 and Adv390.The toggle switch is tactile but I guess it will be difficult to operate with gloves. Braking is on par with what you expect from a Honda, with adequate feedback and stopping power.The biggest positive is how easy the NX500 is to ride. It just feels so natural and nimble. You can weave in and out of tight spots in the traffic, very easy to manoeuvre. You don't feel like you are riding an ADV in the city, all the controls fall into place naturally. The clutch is super duper smooth. Comparatively, the Versys650 feels like riding an elephant.The engine is typical Honda, smooth, tractable, very low NVH, linear power delivery. But my point is, that the power delivery is too predictable, boring, and sedate.Honda's record in India with respect to CBU bikes is quite scary. Either the parts are not readily available or they will stop the model abruptly. The bikes from Honda as such do not demand much apart from regular maintenance but in case of a fall or accident, you have a pretty long lead time for spares.The accessories for NX500 are exorbitantly priced, and with not many encouraging signs in the aftermarket accessories space, the owners shall be left shortchanged. I feel there is no point getting the front frame bracket at around 35k when you can actually replace the damaged side of the frame at much lower than half of what the bracket costs.But is the on-road price of Rs.7.53 lakh justified? Let's see what we can get at the same price, you can get two interceptors, two adv390x, two H450s, two scrambler 400x, two Yezdi adventure, a pre-worshipped 2021-22 Versys650, Vstrom 650, etc. Is the NX500 twice as good as any of the above-mentioned bikes? It is ultimately for us to decide. If you ask me, it's an emphatic NO. All the above-mentioned bikes are fairly reliable, simple to maintain, have vast dealer service networks and are comparatively quite affordable.In conclusion, I feel that, for the package it offers, NX500 is rather poorly priced and Honda being Honda, can pull the plug anytime. It may be a logical investment if you are planning to keep NX500 for a considerable amount of time but if you get bored soon which I definitely feel you will, your ROI may go for a toss. I feel that this is not a viable upgrade for those who already own a 40+ HP ADV bike, the only saving grace being refinement from the Honda Twin.Local manufacturing along with price correction will go a long way, maybe Honda should take a leaf out of Aprilia's RS457 pricing, but for those who don't mind paying 7.5 big ones for a 451cc twin, well, I hope that your faith is paid back with interest! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Air India post Tata takeover: An aviaton veteran's blunt feedback

BHPian V.Narayan recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Used Air India for a Delhi-London leg and then two weeks later the London-Delhi leg. The aircraft on both flights was a Boeing 777 leased from I think Delta airline. The seats were in business class and here are my points based on my observations and conversations with the cabin crew. On both sectors the cabin crew of 5 serving a business class of 32 pax took, hold your breath, 4 hours plus from take-off to complete the drinks+lunch service. I spoke to them and understood that all were new recruits with less than 6 months on the job. I quizzed them, in a nice avuncular way, with my grey hair, about the procedures and sequence they have been trained with and in my assessment, they are getting woefully weak training. My background in my ex-business gives me a very strong insight into cabin crew training and these young people in their 20s have clearly not received the training needed to run a galley efficiently and on time. Worst of all they were surprised when I told them that the entire service from drinks and nuts to cheese and crackers should take no longer than 2 hours and 15 minutes at the most. Mind you these were young people, enthusiastic, eager to serve and courteous unlike the rudeness or condescending tones one could encounter on Air France or United or British Airways. But they were clueless. The old more experienced Air India crew from the PSU days were in the first class and economy class cabins with the new raw recruits in the business class with no adult supervision. Training & testing followed by more training and testing is at the heart of aviation which is what makes it not only the safest mode of transport but also the most integrated industry in the world. I think someone forgot to tell Air India this. The seats and space were sub-par but I won't go there as the main point that hit me is the lack of training all around of the new cabin crew. God forbid if this lot had to deal with an emergency!! Two odd years after the Tata takeover Air India is still struggling to find its way out of a brown paper bag. Rather sad. I'm still willing to be patient and give the Air India management time to sort themselves out. But when training curriculum is so weak it tells me all is not well with the new Air India leadership's approach. It is one thing to order 400+ airplanes and quite another to get your working crew upto scratch. Here's what BHPian RunGaDa had to say on the matter:My experience from a big IT company. The company I was working for was taken over by another bigger company. The new company laid down their Do's and Don'ts. It was pretty clear within a month that most if not all the old staff will be replaced. This is required if they want to wash out the old company way of working. Tata should do a complete purge. Set the process right. Have penalties for every violation. Then set benchmarks. No other way.Here's what BHPian handsofsteel had to say on the matter:I travelled to Heathrow in Jan this year for a tournament that my son was participating in. Onwards was a combo of indigo+qatar (with a layover at Doha) and return was via air india as I wanted a direct flight. The Air India flight itself was a nightmare. More than half the screens of the in-flight entertainment were not working. The call button for the cabin crew was not operational in a single seat! People were compelled to walk up to the crewing station and request for basics like water. My son was asked to take extra cups of juice when he went to request the crew to have a look at the in-flight entertainment!! Water was being doled out in 75 ml small styrofoam cups meaning, a person like me would have to make 5 trips just to quench my thirst. Despite being a desi carrier, the food paled in comparison to the meal on the Qatar flight, both in terms of spread and the taste. The clincher? The Air India flight, being direct, was more expensive than the Qatar+Indigo one. The worst part... An aged Aussie couple, seated next to me, was trying their best to navigate the in-flight entertainment, one of which was stuck and the other blank. after a while, they sought my help. Despite my best efforts, when it couldn't be made operational, the lady turns towards her husband and says,I told you, the guide books said that you have to expect these with Air India. My complaint on return elicited the cliched response, We are sorry for your experience, but better days are ahead as we have ordered 400 new aircraft.Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Toyota will spend $1.4 billion to build electric 3-row SUV in Indiana

This is a different new 3-row EV from the one Toyota will build in Kentucky.

50,000 km with my Maruti XL6: Service, part changes, DIYs & more

BHPian Leoshashi recently shared this with other enthusiasts. 50K PMS: The XL6 crossed 50k mark on the ODO and I got the PMS50 done. Nothing except the usual oil change and the amount was Rs. 3433. Paid just Rs. 633 and for the rest amount, I redeemed the accumulated MSR points. Headlamp Assemblies changed: I was noticing very mild deposits/marks inside the headlamp assemblies and it was NOT condensation, although it looked like one. I had never observed fogging/condensation and thus it was something else. It looked like oily deposits on the inner side. It was minor but disturbing enough for me, pushed for a warranty claim and got it approved under Goodwill. I've been told that there has been a revision of PN(72S02) and these are the latest ones with all updates. Apparently, this was a known issue internally and they had made slight updates. Also, the RHS DRL was sometimes flickering and after ascertaining that it wasn't a contact-related issue, they replaced it. Upgraded to Polk Audio Components DB6502 DB+ at Front and Polk audio Coaxials DB652 DB+ for rear: While the rear coaxials were a direct fit, the front components needed a bit of simple wiring for tweeters and crossovers. Also uniquely mounted crossovers. There existed a piece of thermocol on the door pads, and I made grooves in them so that the crossover could sit in snugly. Absolutely hated when installers pasted them on front doors using double-sided tapes or even worse, drilled into the panel. As expected, clarity has gone up significantly and that's what I personally prefer. DIY gear oil change: Got the Suzuki Ecstar 75W gear oil from Japan and replaced the oil at the 50k mark. Since MASS wouldn't undertake this as MARUTI calls it lifetime fluid, decided to do it on my own and I'm glad I did. The old oil had turned black and significantly thick. This 75W grade isn't in supply in India till now from Ecstar, however, an alternate exists in Shell, priced around Rs. 900/L. DIY Spark Plugs, coil and brake system clean: Soaked the plugs in cleaner overnight and cleaned the plugs comprehensively. Also removed the coils, dismantled them carefully and cleaned the insides. The springs had minor rusting and that affects proper energy transfer. Thus it's important to clean them. Tyre Health: The Conti UC6s are now 30K old and have around 5.2-5.3mm of tread left. Excellent experience till now with them. Periodic tyre rotation is also helping. Upgraded wipers to those of Toyota Fortuner: I always loved the Hybrid shape wipers on the Crysta. However, the Crysta used larger size wipers than the XL6. Thankfully the current Fortuner uses the same spec as XL6, 22/16 and I ordered them instantly via Boodmo. Wipe quality is top-notch, and for future replacements, I'll just need to change the rubber element and not the entire assembly. Signing off with few pics of the XL6, along with BHPian Madtiger's White XL6, aka Snow white: Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Vehicle retail sales up by 3.14% in March 2024

According to the data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), vehicle retail sales grew by 3.14% in March 2024 compared to the same month last year. Overall sales for the month of March 2024 stood at 21,27,177 units, compared to 20,62,409 units in March 2023. Tractor sales were down by 3.33%, from 81,148 units in March 2023 to 78,446 units last month. Two-wheeler sales went up by 5.44% to 15,29,875 units from 14,50,913 units in March 2023. Three-wheeler sales were up by 17.13% in March 2024. 1,05,222 units were sold, compared to 89,837 units in March 2023. Passenger vehicle sales went down by 6.17% compared to the previous year. 3,22,345 units were sold last month, compared to 3,43,527 units in March 2023. Commercial vehicle sales also decreased by 5.87%. 91,289 units were sold in March 2024, compared to 96,984 units in the previous year. FADA has also released the vehicle retail data for FY2024, which shows an overall growth of 10.29% compared to the previous fiscal. Passenger vehicle sales stood at 39,48,143 units, up by 8.45% compared to FY2023. The 2-wheeler segment also registered a growth of 9.30% with 1,75,17,173 units of sales. The LCV category saw a nominal degrowth of 1.09%. Team-BHP's detailed analysis of the March 2024 sales figures.

Made-in-India Kawasaki Versys-X 300 launch by year-end

According to a media report, Kawasaki plans to launch a localized version of the Versys-X 300 by the end of this year. A prototype of the made-in-India Versys-X 300 was spotted testing in February. At the time, it was not clear as to what Kawasaki was up to. As per the latest report, it was the localized version that was being tested. The Versys-X 300 will be the third Kawasaki to be manufactured in India, after the Ninja 300 and W175. We can expect a revision in the prices of the Versys-X 300 once it's launched later this year. The Versys-X 300 is expected to be powered by a 296cc parallel-twin engine shared with the Ninja 300. In the Ninja, this motor is tuned to produce 39 BHP and 26.1 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The India-spec bike is likely to feature a conventional telescopic fork at the front and a mono-shock at the rear. The brake setup will consist of disc brakes at both ends supported by dual-channel ABS. The Kawasaki Versys X 300 will compete with the KTM 390 Adventure and BMW G 310 GS, among others. Source: Autocar India

Thoroughly enjoyed driving my BMW 330Li on the twisties of Munnar

BHPian sandygordon recently shared this with other enthusia Had a blast with the 330Li on some hill station roads. The stretch from Munnar to Chinnakanal was one of the best hill station roads I have driven on. It was very good and was a good test for the handling prowess of the 330LI. To tell the truth, I was a bit disappointed with the wallowing the car had on the twisties. It did handle well, steering was precise and weighty in the sports mode, although I had to reduce the speed at the corners due to some body-roll. It did take the corners at fair speeds with some finesse and the rear wheel drive made it a bit sweeter at the hairpin bends. Some rare instances where you would crave for adaptive dampers. I thoroughly enjoyed the car and made me fall in love with the overall versatility. A limousine when you want it to be and a sporty sedan when you want it to be one. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Ordered Showa sequential taillights for my Maruti Jimny from Japan

BHPian ShivC recently shared this with other enthusiasts. A Whimsical Tale of Jimny Showa Sequential Taillights Introduction:In the charming town of Bangalore, with its chock-a-block traffic and concrete structures along with a smattering of some trees for its landscape, lived a peculiar car enthusiast named Shiv. Shiv had a deep love for his trusty Maruti Suzuki Jimny, a compact 4X4 SUV that had faithfully accompanied him on countless adventures. However, he often felt that his Jimny lacked a touch of uniqueness that would truly make it stand out on the road. Little did he know that his quest for individuality would lead him on a whimsical journey involving Showa Sequential Taillights. The Discovery: One sunny afternoon, while browsing through a global website on Jimny products, Shiv stumbled upon a product that piqued his interest. It was the Showa Sequential Taillights, a revolutionary lighting system known for its mesmerizing sequential pattern. Immediately captivated by the idea, Shiv embarked on a mission to acquire these intriguing taillights for his beloved Jimny with a little help from DHL Express. The day of reckoning came - the Showa Tail Lights (which had traversed a long way from Japan to Bangalore ) were delivered by a trusted old friend - DHL Express. The Installation: With the Showa Sequential Taillights in hand, Shiv eagerly set out to install them on his Jimny. However, what was supposed to be a straightforward process turned into a comical escapade. Armed with a toolbox and a can-do attitude, Shiv dove headfirst into the installation, only to find himself tangled in a web of wires and confused by an instruction manual that seemed to be in a language only known to aliens. The Unexpected Outcome: Despite the initial setbacks, Shiv's determination remained unwavering. With the help of his trusty garage CarMed, a trusted lovable bunch of car experts, they ventured into uncharted territory. With each failed attempt, their frustration transformed into laughter, creating a bond that went beyond mere car enthusiasts. The Transformation: After hours of tinkering and tweaking, the moment of truth arrived. As Shiv turned on the ignition, a wave of anticipation washed over him. Suddenly, the Jimny was illuminated by a mesmerizing dance of lights. The Showa Sequential Taillights came to life, casting a spellbinding glow that transformed the ordinary SUV into a magical chariot. The Envy of Bangalore: Word of Shiv's eccentric modification spread like wildfire throughout the town. Curious onlookers would gather in awe as the Jimny gracefully maneuvered through the streets, leaving a trail of enchanting lights in its wake. People couldn't help but smile and wave as the whimsical spectacle brightened their otherwise mundane daily routines. Epilogue:Shiv's Jimny became a symbol of creativity and individuality in Bangalore. The installation of the Showa Sequential Taillights not only added a touch of fun to his beloved SUV but also brought joy and laughter to the entire community. From that day forward Shiv and his Jimny would forever be remembered as the pioneers of whimsy, reminding everyone that sometimes, a little touch of humour can truly make the world a brighter place. The Final Look - The Final Look - 2 The Final Look - 3 Start of Installation Hoisted with Old Tail Lights Work on the bumper including installation of switch for change between normal and sequential lights Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Tesla teases upcoming self-driving ride-hailing services

According to reports, Tesla is said to be working on its own self-driving ride-hailing functionality. The EV carmaker teased the ride-hailing services alongside the release of its Q1 2024 financial results via screenshots. The ride-hailing service will be positioned to rival the likes of Uber & Waymo. The screenshots showcase the app with all the standard features available on a ride-hailing service. However, there are also a few additional features like summons, adjusting temperature and playing music, which are specific to self-driving vehicles. Reports also confirm that Tesla will not have a separate app but rather introduce its ride-hailing functionality into the 'Tesla App' itself. The company stated, We are currently working on ride-hailing functionality that will be available in the future. We believe the Tesla software experience is best-in-class across all our products, and plan to seamlessly layer ride-hailing into the Tesla App. Tesla, though, is yet to announce the timing of the service's release. Company CEO Elon Musk recently took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce the debut of its 'Robotaxi' on August 8, 2024. Source: Electrek

2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon : Our observations after a day of driving

Driving the Jeep Wrangler RubiconThis generation of the Wrangler (JL) is available only with a 2.0-litre petrol engine in India that is shared with the Grand Cherokee, albeit in a different state of tune. Internationally of course there are multiple powertrains including a V6 petrol, a 4-cylinder diesel, a plug-in hybrid and even an all-electric Wrangler. There's also a 6.4-litre hemi-V8 powered Wrangler that has a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. As of now, we have to make do with the 2.0-litre engine that makes 268 BHP @ 5,250 rpm and 400 Nm @ 3,000 rpm. Right off the bat, this engine seems like a perfect fit for Indian driving conditions. It strikes a good balance between on-road and off-road driving. We got to drive the Rubicon primarily off-road and also on regular roads for some time. Let's start with the on-road driving part first and we'll move on to the off-roading part after that, so keep reading. Start the engine and you will notice that the cabin is quieter than the pre-facelift car thanks to the improvements in the NVH package. Release the brake pedal and the Wrangler moves off the line smoothly. The power delivery is smooth and the Wrangler isn't in a hurry to get a move on. With a light foot on the accelerator, the car crawls in a relaxed manner. The throttle inputs are smooth and unlike the Grand Cherokee which feels a bit eager, the Wrangler treads carefully. Driving smoothly at city speeds shouldn't be an issue. The turbo kicks in linearly and you get a strong surge of power which should take care of the quick overtakes in the city. Out on the highway, the Wrangler manages to get by. The strong mid-range means that you will reach highway speeds with ease. We were in the rural areas of Punjab, so we couldn't push the car above 100 km/h. At high revs, the engine sounded strained and not something you'd like to hear. On kickdown, the gearbox is responsive and drops gears instantly to give you a strong surge of power. The claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 8.1 seconds. The 8-speed automatic gearbox is one of the nicer units. The shifts are smooth while driving on the road and also off the road.Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH)The MY2024 Wrangler comes with a noise-reduction cabin package. This includes acoustic laminated front door glass and acoustic front seat carpet area. The dashboard also gets PUR wrap which claims to reduce 50 decibels. Has all of this made a difference in cabin NVH? Yes, it has. In comparison with the pre-facelift Wrangler, the cabin is noticeably quieter. The engine is loud on the outside, especially when in 4L, but a lot of that noise is eliminated in the cabin. The mud tyres on the Rubicon variant make a lot of noise at high speeds.Mileage & Fuel economyIf fuel economy is a priority, then this lifestyle off-road turbo-petrol car may not be for you. Jeep claims that the Wrangler Unlimited has a fuel economy of 11.4 km/l while the Rubicon variant has a fuel economy of 10.6 km/l. The car is equipped with auto start-stop technology to improve fuel economy. 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine makes 268 BHP @ 5,250 rpm and 400 Nm @ 3,000 rpm. It's mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission: SuspensionRide ComfortThe Jeep Wrangler is a body-on-frame off-road SUV that doesn't get an independent suspension setup like most SUVs today. It remains one of the last SUVs to have rigid axles at the front and rear. These are some of the key reasons why the Wrangler is so good at off-roading. Of course, there's a compromise to having rigid axles, which is seen in the on-road driving dynamics of the Wrangler. The ride is not as comfortable as your usual on-road cars. The suspension system transfers most of the bumps and potholes on the road inside the cabin and it can get a little bumpy. On the flip side, the suspension is extremely abuse-friendly. You can go through any pothole without ever worrying about it damaging your car.Handling & DynamicsAs you gain speed, the ride gets slightly better, but it's not exactly planted. We could go only up to 100 km/h on the rural roads and the car stayed fairly stable for a big off-road SUV. There was vertical movement at speeds and we'd suggest staying under the 100 km/h mark especially due to the mud terrain tyres on the Rubicon variant. Twisty roads are also best taken at safe speeds as the Wrangler is no corner carver. There's plenty of body roll and you'll notice the traction control kicking in to cut the power. There's not enough grip from the mud terrain tyres on the road as well.SteeringThe Wrangler is equipped with an electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS). The steering weight is light at slow speeds and weighs up as you build up speed. The turning radius isn't tight and you will end up taking 3-point turns at places. It doesn't feel very connected, but that's something we see quite often with off-road cars. The Wrangler comes with a steering stabilizer which is essentially a small shock absorber on the steering linkage. It helps stabilize the unwanted side-to-side motion of the front tyres up through the steering system: BrakingYou get all-wheel disc brakes on the Wrangler. We drove the Rubicon variant which was equipped with mud terrain tyres and the braking performance on the road wasn't great. If your driving primarily involves on-road driving, do consider the Unlimited variant which gets highway terrain tyres. Braking off the road was much better. The brake pedal feel was progressive, but not too sharp.Continue reading the discussion on theJeep Wrangler Rubiconon our forum.

70% of all cars in Europe will be pure EVs by 2030, says Bosch

Bosch recently concluded its annual press conference for Q1 2024. The automotive company laid out its future roadmap, while also giving its forecast on the future of the global automotive industry. Bosch forecasts that by 2030 nearly 70% of all new cars in Europe will be pure electric. This prediction is slightly lower in America & China, with figures ranging between 40% to 50%. In addition to this, Bosch also anticipates sales volume of hydrogen technology to be worth 5 billion euros by 2030. Stefan Hartung, Chairman of the Board of Management, Bosch, stated, China will likely be leading the market for the time being. We don't expect to see major growth in Europe and North America until the next decade. Bosch is also said to be working on an injection technology for a hydrogen engine, which will be on the road in India as early as this year. Source: JustAuto

Two serious issues I found on our Virtus: Still finding a fix!

BHPian valve_float recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hi All, This is my first post on this forum and the singular issue I'm facing with our 1.75-year-old Virtus warrants my active participation! Background of the car My dad bought the Virtus (1.0 Comfortline) in September 2022 in Chennai when I was working in Mumbai (I transported our Ameo and used it there once the Virtus was bought). A few months ago, I moved back home to Chennai and have since sold off the Ameo since our combined usage of both cars was not more than 200 kms in a month so it didn't make sense having the Ameo sitting in the Sun. The first issue Anyway, so since I started using the Virtus post the Ameo's sale, I've first noticed that the speaker system is faulty since none of the four speakers in the rear doors works and doesn't show up in the balancer/fader settings window as well. I've been meaning to get it checked with the ASS hoping that there would be some solution under warranty if the issue is more than improperly connected wires. On top of it, the Bluetooth connectivity is a pain since the visibility toggle sometimes just gets stuck in Off mode if say I stop at a shop and resume the journey. When this happens, it doesn't connect to any phone including the one which was connected mere minutes ago. The issue doesn't go away until I start the car the next day or so. The second (more serious) issue On top of the two aforementioned issues, I've faced this more serious issue twice so far. The head unit becomes unresponsive to volume controls and power off, and the radio just keeps playing even when I turn off the ignition, remove the key, walk out and lock the car! Have appended a video to understand the issue better. (Note: I was stuck in horrible traffic and was at a red signal so it was safe to take the video since I didn't know if I could replicate the issue again). Whenever I try to mute or adjust the volume, an error pops up that reads Please select valid source. I think it's a serious issue since it has the propensity to drain the battery as it keeps playing music even after exiting the car and locking it! Will visit the ASS soon but in case anyone has faced this or has a solution, please do let me know. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Amazed by Tesla's useful tech integration in its EVs & customer service

BHPian svsantosh recently shared this with other enthusiasts. A senior colleague in my UAE office has a 2023 Tesla Model Y. He has owned it new from the Dubai Sheikh Zayed road showroom for the last 6 months and put in about 10,000 Kms on it. A very happy customer indeed. Last week he got a call on his mobile and the person on the line identified himself as a Tesla Roadside Assistance mobile mechanic and said 'Sir your rear right tail lamp is not working and I need to come to your location now to change it'. Obviously, we are not used to such kinds of calls and my colleague went blank for a few seconds. He agreed to receive him in the next 30 mins and the person arrived in his fully decked-out service van. In 15 mins he changed the full assembly and off we went. Now... See the level of tech integration Musk has pulled off with a few satellites and the internet. Sitting at a laptop in the A.S.S, a mechanic saw a tail lamp failing on his customer's car and came in an hour and gone! I cannot even begin to describe the WOW factor I have as a car owner or petrolhead to imagine this kind of 'useful' integration of tech and cars. Between 2016 and 2022, I was associated with IOT & M2M projects in the conventional mechanical engineering industry, linking large turbines to one's mobile phone and giving real-time data on Pressure, Power, RPM, Kw, Temperature, Oil life, etc. Now I am seeing that kind of tech coming full circle. Now that's called Customer-Centric Service. Kudos to Tesla! Here's what GTO had to say about the matter: Great story, thanks for sharing. That is really exemplary service. Not just the call to fix the light (a safety issue), but also the offer to come to the customer's home / office to fix it. For everyone who is excessively worried about privacy, drive this (or any older non-connected car): Use this phone: And don't ever connect to the internet, or use Google services, or social media, or online shopping: Truth is, privacy is a myth today. Here's what BHPian Night Raven had to say about the matter:Somehow I am more horrified than excited about this. If this happens to me I will be uneasy every time I sit in that car because I don't know what all information the technicians at the service centre can access about my car. If my location can be continuously monitored by some stranger, how safe should I feel?Here's what BHPian Fuldagap had to say about the matter:It's exciting to read this experience. But I'm curious to know how a mechanic 'saw' the taillight is not working. Did the car 'inform' the service guys? Did the owner get a notification too via any app or email that his taillight wasn't working prior to receiving a call from the service personnel? One day a car will 'calculate' it is idle for hours, the owner sleeping at home or working at the office and would say to the owner, hey my tail light isn't working, I'm off to get it done by the time you need me. I'll be back in a couple of hours.Here's what BHPian poloman had to say about the matter:Some one other than you keeping track of your possessions is called creepy behavior. Nothing to get excited about. The fault should be flashed to the owner and he should take a call to fix it or not.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Volkswagen's new design language for its SUVs unveiled

Volkswagen has unveiled its new ID.Code Concept at the ongoing Beijing Auto Show. The new Volkswagen ID.Code concept previews the brand's future design language for its SUVs, especially for the Chinese market. The concept SUV is said to have been designed by teams in China & Europe, keeping the demands of Chinese customers in mind. As seen from the images, the ID.Code concept features clean, minimalistic styling with a sloping coupe-like roofline. The concept though does also incorporate a bit of VW's heritage with the D-pillars inspired by the Golf, while the sculpted fenders seem to be borrowed from the ID2.all concept showcased last year. Other details include slim LED light bars that span the entire width of the car at the front and rear. The lights come integrated with AI, which allows them to interact with other road users. Moving on, the front bumpers conceal a screen, which when activated, displays messages. Moving inside, the ID.Code concept features a full-width display on the dashboard, with a second free-standing screen at the centre. The VW ID.Code concept is said to get Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, which means that the steering wheel can retract and the seat can be rotated 180 degrees to face other passengers. Other details include sustainable materials all around the cabin, ambient lighting and climate control systems and a transparent roof with photovoltaic cells; among others. Thomas Schafer, CEO of Volkswagen, stated, The ID. CODE provides a glimpse into VW's future in China: featuring a new design, cutting-edge technology, and a comprehensive brand experience tailored to the needs and desires of our Chinese customers. We're ushering in a new era of mobility in China, hand in hand with our Chinese partners. Volkswagen also confirmed that the ID.Code concept will eventually enter production in the form of a fully-electric SUV in the Chinese market. The carmaker also hinted that all future VW products in China will take inspiration from the concept SUV. Source: Autoblog

Upgraded the software on my Ecosport's SYNC3 head unit: Here's how

BHPian GautamJ recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Sync 3 Update(Upgrading Sync3 software version from 3.0 to 3.4) A much delayed update from my side . Delayed? Well, I had done a FORScan coding which requires Sync3 software version to be 3.4. Ford never released 3.4 version for a BS-IV EcoSport, so updating the software through official way as mentioned in this thread/post. Also, this is not going to be as crazy as this thread. Disclaimer: I am in no way related to CyanLabs in any which ways. This process can be risky, and in worse situation can brick Sync 3 system. Also, this cannot be done on a FlyAudio. Only applicable for a Sync3 system. Sharing following steps to update Sync3 Software Version through an unofficial way: You need to now the current Software Version of your car's Sync3 System. This can be found by toggling to Settings => General => About Sync. The following screen should show up, take a picture of the same as we will require the software version (red box). In my case it was 3.0 Build 20204. Through this link, download Syn3 Updater on a Windows Laptop. After downloading Syn3 Updater, open the application.The software version as noted down in Step 1 needs to be filed in 'full version' box (In my case it has to be typed as '3.0.20204').Region to be selected from dropdown 'Middle East, Africa, India...'.Navigation should be toggled-off, as in India EcoSport does not get Build-in Navigation.The configuration can be as default (have changed it in the below attached screenshot).Application Option can be ignored.Advanced Options, toggle on the 'Edit Advanced Options?'. If your car is manufactured in 2020 or after 2020, enable the 'MY20 Protection'. If the car is a BS-IV or build before 2020, disable the 'MY20 Protection'.For Install Mode, choose 'reformat' from the drop down menu.Insert a pen drive which has no data, as the same will be formatted. For non-navigation software, 8GB USB pen drive is sufficient, for choosing the exact requirement on pen drive refer the next picture.Now we can apply the settings. The next screen on Syn3 Updater will require to choose the USB Pendrive. For New Verion, choose the same region as before, select the latest version (in my case it was 3.4.23188). Leave the map version, if your car does not have a build-in navigation. The last step is to click on 'Start'. A stable WiFi is required, also the download duration will depend upon the WiFi speed. Upon successful download, it will format and rename the pendrive. Once done, eject the pendrive and hop in to your car. Major work being done, unlock the car, slip into the driver's seat, close the drivers door and wait for the Sync3 display to turn off (do not start the car or put the car in accessory mode). Insert the pen drive in either of the USB port, switch on the car (keep the engine running during the software update process). This step will take time, sharing a few pictures (ignore my ugly editing). Do not remove the pen drive, unless the same is shown on the Sync3 display. Once the process gets completed, it'll request you to remove the pen drive. Now the pen drive can be ejected (simply pull out the pen drive). The Sync3 will reboot, and after this hard work, you'll be rewarded with the similar below screen . After the reboot, it is recommended to format the Sync3 system for minor software glitches. Also, I noticed the bluetooth name has been renamed to 'Ford EcoSport' (earlier it used to be 'Bluetooth') hence, will require re-pairing of devices. Main reason to get 3.4 update on Sync3 was to have turn-by-turn direction on IC, sadly it does not work through Apple Carplay even on iOS 17.4.1 (should work through Android Auto). Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Paid for a fancy number but got a normal one instead: How I got it back

BHPian dmaheshkumar recently shared this with other enthusiasts. As we all know, while buying a new vehicle some people opt for a number either in the running series (next 1000 numbers) or anything beyond that too by paying to the Government. My friend too booked a car (TATA Punch EV) and opted for a fancy number in the next 1000 numbers. He went to the RTO broker directly and booked a number by paying via PariVahaan. However, the receipt was not received and the car dealer was informed about the same. While moving the papers to the RTO, this can be informed and they will process it separately after checking the system with the transaction details. Here TATA showroom normally brings the car to the RTO office for registration and there will be a separate broker from the RTO side who does it for that particular showroom. My friend clearly informed both the sales advisor and the driver who was bringing the car that we booked a fancy number but the receipt was not yet received and he shared the transaction details. But the broker moved the file for normal registration and sequentially the system generated a number for his car. After some time this was informed to my friend and he was shocked to hear this as he had already paid for that number. He was checking with the dealer as to why it was not informed to its RTO broker and there was a huge communication gap. Now my friend was clearly saying that he needed the number which he booked and not the sequential number which was generated. But the sales executive, the RTO broker and even our RTO broker clearly stated that this can't be changed as the vehicle is already registered. He was not interested in taking the delivery with the allotted number and was very furious when he heard that the amount he paid for the number would not be refunded either. He went directly to the RTO office and met the RTO and informed him about this whole ordeal. RTO said it was not informed to him by the dealer and the number can't be changed now. My friend was completely shattered and felt very stressed on hearing this. One of our relatives knows an RTO officer in Coimbatore Central and told him about this entire circus. He clearly understood things and calmly told him that there was an option to change the number even after it got assigned. Every one of us was very happy to hear this as we saw some light in this darkness. Adding to this he called the Unit office RTO and helped with the steps on how to perform it in the system and also informed that these steps can be only done until the card is generated. It may take 2 to 3 days to generate the card and once it's done then nobody can change the number. So finally he got the same number which he paid for and it was a very happy evening after all the issues were sorted out. Here's what BHPian It's Magic had to say about the matter:Thank you for your post. I was also not aware that the number can be changed after registration (till the card is created). Wonder if this information is available in the public domain.Here's what BHPian anjan_c2007 had to say about the matter:It was a sort of nightmare for your friend. Not receiving a receipt even after making payment for the fancy number was the causative factor due to which the misunderstanding happened and a communication gap was created. Had there been a receipt, providing its copy to the dealer and his RTO broker would have not created the issue. But it seems that even after informing the SA and the dealer they had failed to act and help your friend. And it's only because you had a relative who knew an RTO officer that the nightmare of your friend had a happy ending. Wishing you happy driving with your new car.Here's what BHPian raptor_diwan had to say about the matter:I'm glad it's resolved. If not, I can't imagine how your friend would feel driving the car with financial loss or regrets right from the registration day.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

2024 Jeep Wrangler launched at Rs 67.65 lakh

Jeep has launched the 2024 Wrangler in India. The SUV is available in two variants - Unlimited and Rubicon, priced at Rs 67.65 lakh and Rs 71.65 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. The updated Wrangler carries forward the same rugged design, albeit with subtle changes. It features a revised 7-slat grille at the front with circular LED headlights on either side and a chunky front bumper that houses a pair of fog lamps and fenders with thin LED DRLs. The Wrangler now comes with a Gorilla Glass windshield. Inside, the updated Wrangler is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The SUV also has features such as 12-way power-adjustable front seats, TPMS, 6 airbags and ADAS. Powering the Wrangler is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 268 BHP and 400 Nm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and the brand's Slec-Trac 4WD system. The Rubicon variant is equipped to take on extremely rough terrain. It features a Dana 44 HD full-float solid rear axle, Rock-Trac part-time transfer case with 4:1 LOW ratio, Electronic front sway-bar disconnect, Tru-Lok front- and rear-axle lockers and 17-inch aluminium wheels with BFGoodrich mud-terrain tyres. Customer deliveries of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler will commence in mid-May.

Renault-Nissan mulling Creta-sized electric SUV for India

According to a media report, Renault-Nissan is planning to develop a C-segment electric SUV for the Indian market. It could compete with the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV and the Maruti Suzuki eVX. The report states that Renault-Nissan had initially planned to introduce an entry-level A-segment EV in India. However, it has been cancelled in favour of a Creta-sized electric SUV. It is expected to be based on the CMF-B EV platform. The CMF-B architecture will not only be heavily localized to support models like the Renault Duster and its Nissan derivative, but will also be tweaked to support EV powertrains. Localization will be the key as the company has set a target price of Rs 15-20 lakh. Technical details of the CMF-B-based electric SUV are still unknown, but reports suggest that it could be powered by an LFP battery, offering a range of around 300 km on a single charge. Renault-Nissan's new electric SUV is expected to go on sale in 2026-27. It would also ensure that the automaker's future CAF targets are met. Source:Autocar India

Multiple niggles on my Scorpio-N: Mahindra's QC frustrates me

BHPian wooka recently shared this with other enthusiasts. This is the second time I've had the issue of the 4xplore Knob simply failing to be lit up or engage no matter what's pressed. Rebooting the car doesn't help. There seems to be a recurring assembly / harness failure point. Today I drove from Noida to Dehradun with a slightly increased transmission noise, zero acceleration/movement when making a three point turn despite being in drive, and general lethargy. Also the tyres skidded doing 1 kmph while turning on gravel near my destination. And then I just knew. I flipped the fuses for the 4Xplore actuation and the knob, both. No dice. I phoned up MnM and got the COTEK to, very kindly, give me a video of opening the center console 30 minutes later. By then I'd already done so myself and attached the harness. It clicked reassuringly into place. How in the world can this come loose by itself? Video of the 4x4 switch not working Now this is strange. This happened once months ago, previously, and the service guys said it's fixed and that the harness was 'loose'. How? Doesn't it click into place? I had last given the car for a silver box replacement (which has indeed fixed my wireless android disconnection issues), then how did the harness come apart again? Was it engaged by someone, and then physically disconnected? Cause nothing else adds up - why would the car be in 4x4 mode if the module was disconnected? What has been damaged as a result? Driving 300 kms on hard tarmac in a part time transfer case 4x4 at over 100 Kmph? This could have happened to someone else. Once previously my Thar had a broken 4x4 switch on the lever and I got stuck in the sand when I had given the car for a gear shifter boot replacement. And just three days back my Thar refused to crank despite a charged battery after stopping for tea near Udaipur. I flipped every fuse and relay only to disconnect and reconnect the battery, at which point the car cranked. It was simply ignoring the cranking position of the key before that (no reaction from the instrument cluster.) What this makes me worry about is why so frequently, when will things improve, and what QC is performed. Forgot to add, my cruise control is also broken. As is my TPMS. It's beyond me when they'll shore up their act. Their customer service is really good but their QC leaves much on the table. Good engineering marred by a lax overall approach. Video of the cruise control not working Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Review : 8 Pros & 7 Cons

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon ProsA timeless design with loads of characterOne of the best offroaders on the planetGood build quality and abuse-friendly natureHighly customizable. You can go crazy with modificationsPunchy 268-BHP 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is refined and smooth8-speed ZF automatic gearbox is competent and does the job well on / off-roadLoads of off-road tech (locking differentials, sway bar disconnect, full-float rear axle, etc.)Features list includes ADAS tech, front camera, new 12.3-inch touchscreen, 9-speaker Alpine sound system, heated steering wheel & front seats, 12-way powered front seats, and moreJeep Wrangler Rubicon ConsLack of engine options. No diesel engine on offer, nor a larger petrol (available internationally)Ride quality is too bumpy for this Jeep to be your daily driverBackseat isn't comfortable over long distances. Also, best for 2 adults and not 3A 1-star Euro-NCAP safety rating is a dealbreaker for most buyersOn-road dynamics are poor, more so with the stock MT tyres (Jeep should've given AT tyres). Best to stick to safe speedsDriver footwell is cramped and will get uncomfortable over long drivesMissing features like auto wipers, auto folding mirrors, a dead pedal, a 360-degree camera and ventilated seatsRead Team-BHP's detailed Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Review

How the Tiguan puts a smile on my face every time I step inside

BHPian Maky recently shared this with other enthusiasts. It has now been six months since I purchased the Tiguan. Six glorious months. Every single day I've stepped into the car, every single drive has put a smile on my face. Whether a slow daily commute or those wonderful out-of-city blasts. Since I brought her home half a year ago I've put in about ~3,500 kilometres. Not as much as I thought I'd have run by now but life, routine and travels. I've written down the experience thus far in a manner that I hope will be informative and helpful to most.Daily commuteExcellent sound insulation from the hustle and bustle of Bombay's peak hours. I had originally mentioned in my post that T-BHP/others had perhaps gotten it wrong when opining on the stiff suspension of the vehicle, I'll very much take that back. The vehicle definitely rides stiffer than ideal, but not to the point of great discomfort. A last-gen Octavia-like suspension tuning balance though would have been perfect. Factory tints, excellent seating position and cushioning paired with Auto Hold make for effortless bumper-to-bumper days. I would like to mention that the AC has largely been sufficient but during the hottest days I do find myself moving the fan blower speed to the 3rd position out of 7, otherwise it sits in a very silent 1st position.Highway runsFor a raised ride height 'SUV' vehicle the Tiguan sure has felt car-like on the highways. One switches lanes seamlessly accelerates ferociously and brakes with immediacy. I now realise why those big German cars would just blast past me on the highways so confidently, they just don't realise the numbers they're doing. The earlier mentioned slightly stiffer suspension is a non-issue on the highways. Absolutely flat ride, again being an SUV I was surprised by the next to nil amount of body roll in this vehicle's highway manners.Ghat climbsMost of what I've written earlier was to be expected, though what was not expected is what I experienced on the ghats, so I've dedicated a paragraph. One cannot do high speeds on the twisties yet I found myself just effortlessly going past all cars big and small, cheap and expensive even at sedate speeds. On my first ghat run in the Tiguan, I thought perhaps they had been full of people and luggage but on following climbs, I decided to have a look at the cars I was just cruising past, a lot of those vehicles had either two persons or less and presumably similar luggage load as mine. I realised it's the car, the sheer grip with the 4motion system which offers full-time AWD in D1 and D2, following which drive to all 4 wheels offered in any gear if it feels a wheel(s) is losing traction. The 2.0L TSI engine, DQ381 DSG gearbox and VW's 4Motion AWD system is a touring combination made in heaven. Moving on, in the original post I had mentioned that later I'd put a thorough review of the excellent IQ Matrix headlights that came with this car. But now I don't think a review is needed as such so I'll just share some of the pictures. These were taken in certain stretches of Aamby Valley in Lonavala where there were no street lights. The above pictures might not do justice given the limited patch of road where I took them but believe me the I.Q. matrix LEDs on the Tiguan are fantastic. They spread when they see the road widen, narrow and sharpen accordingly on smaller lanes and the throw is great. There are times when the ambient light sensor(?) doesn't calculate the environmental lighting correctly and the low beam throws a much-faded beam than is ideal thinking the road is adequately lit but that's rare. I am considering getting the front camera module retrofit as some Tiguan owners have gotten, after which the lights will automatically dip as an individual/car comes in front of you so as not to blind them. So now that the main ownership experience has been largely covered, I would like to mention a small incident I had on the road. Slow-moving traffic ahead of me, nearly none behind me. An imbecile biker, of the kind who likes to swerve sharply left and right when changing lane to lane was behind me. The vehicle in front of me braked so did I, at this point I imagine the said moron tried to swerve to my adjacent lane expecting me to keep moving even though the car in front had braked and rammed my rear bumper while trying to overtake into a narrow gap on the other lane. The noise I heard was a loud thud. I got out and this was the 'damage' What you see in the first image is the chrome lining in perfect alignment, this is the left side where the biker did not hit my car I was very surprised by the negligible damage. Given the loud thud I heard I figured both holding clips would be gone on either side of the bumper with a nice bend in the middle and I'd have a claim merely 3 months into ownership. While you expect the exterior metalwork and interior plastics to be top-notch for such vehicles, Volkswagen's CKD import products seem to compromise nowhere. Absolute master race.And now finally to some just criticism. The service experienceAfter the 1st service(VW Downtown, Sewri workshop) which wasn't a service I believe but a check-up of sorts post the first month of delivery. No issues with the service/check-up but then they delivered my car unwashed and tobacco spat on. The interiors also appeared not properly vacuum cleaned. After the 2nd checkup/service the past week, they returned my car this time well washed and cleaned although I had mentioned to him in advance my previous experience on that point. However, post drop off no mention verbally over the phone on what checks were done on the car by the service advisor. And unlike the first time when the service advisor(a different person) asked me if I wanted to fill the air in one of the tyres which was showing low pressure which I declined to do as they did not have Nitrogen and only Air. This time around the service person just went ahead and filled my Nitrogen filled tyres with air. I had to completely deflate and reflate with Nitrogen at a pump, safety aside the TMPS readings went wonky showing all kinds of strange numbers because of this mix. Also, after the person dropped the car back home I saw that two sunblinds were just kept in the dickie instead of being placed back on the window and one of the sunblinds, the rear right quarter one was bent. This was a paid-for accessory. I called the service advisor immediately and said he'd get back to me. The next day he got back to me with no desire to replace the bent one with a new one giving laughable reasons. Great buying experience, and ownership experience thus far. But VW really needs to have a look at their post-sale service quality and training. Mr. Ashish no amount of marketing or Ad spend will ever be as good as word of mouth. 6 km/l in Bombay and a respectable 14 km/l on highways are the honest figures. I think I've covered most things of my Tiguan Ownership. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask : ) Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Affordable Bajaj Chetak e-scooter leaked ahead of launch

Bajaj Auto is gearing up to launch a new entry-level variant of the Chetak e-scooter next month. But images of the affordable variant have already leaked online. At first glance, the affordable variant of the Bajaj Chetak looks similar to the standard model. It is likely to be offered in a range of vibrant colours, including the bright blue seen here. It has a black apron, seat and grab handle and rides on black steel wheels. The entry-level variant of the Chetak gets a physical key with open cubbies on either side and a monochrome LCD instrument console. Disc brakes have also been replaced with conventional drum brakes. Interestingly, despite being the affordable variant, this scooter doesn't have a hub motor. That being said, it is likely to offer slightly less power than the Urbane and Premium variants and could use a 2.9 kWh battery pack. Source:Autocar India

Compact SUVs under 17 lakhs: Best options upgrading from 2016 WagonR

BHPian ash22 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Good Day People, One of my extended family members is looking to upgrade his 2016 WagonR AMT with a strict budget is around 17 lakhs, Chennai (on-road). Requirement:C-SUV.Petrol & Automatic onlyEasy on Maintenance.Will keep it for the next 10 years.Use case:Mostly with a daily commute of 20 Kms office commute within the city.Once a month a drive to native around 300 kms to&fro from ChennaiSuggested Vehicles:I suggested Elevate V CVT and Grand-Vitara Delta AT.We did a test drive of both recently which caused more confusion for him rather than conclude..Both look good and drive good for his requirements and driving feedback.Since he is upgrading from his WagonR AMT, He loves both these cars and cannot conclude which one to go with.Need Recommendation: Out of these two cars, What will be that one deciding point that will help him to conclude between the two? However, I suggested Elevate since the latest V CVT comes with 6 airbags too. Decision is still open and Members can also suggest a better car based on this requirement. Planning to book the car in the next 2-3 weeks. Here's what BHPian DCEite had to say on the matter:I would add another option here: Hyundai Creta S(O) IVT. Keep in mind it has the highest waiting periods, so if you want something quicker, strike it out. But personally, I would prefer the Creta. For its proven brand image, a more lively engine (even with the CVT/IVT gearbox), a more refined cabin compared to the GV and Elevate, better fit and finish of the interiors and exteriors, Panoramic sunroof (makes a world of difference to the cabin's sense of space and feel good factor), good safety kit (6 airbags, auto hold et el), and Hyundai's after-sales service which is only next to Maruti. Personally, I would stay away from GV (no offence to any owners) as I find the engine to be too laggy for my liking and the cabin quality of materials is not what you would expect from a 17-lac car. Finally, the Elevate ticks most of the boxes but doesn't have the wow factor and it's just a practical point A to point B machine that gets the job done. I wished Honda provided more creature comforts, for example, a panoramic sunroof, a wider cabin, a more refined driving experience which is missing and did some work on NVH levels, and a better-sounding Music system, and better front seats, to name a few.Here's what BHPian SixPistons had to say on the matter:Seltos IVT drove slightly better than the Elevate CVT in my case, both tested at the nearest dealerships to my place. The only difference is that Seltos is smooth and linear all throughout the power band and additional drive/traction modes to choose from. Both carry the same power more or less, with Elevate being higher by 5 BHP. Elevate sounds slightly more roary when you push it and a lot of sounds make it into the cabin. NVH is better in the Seltos. Handling was better in the Elevate. Ride quality was more or less similar in both. Tech-wise, the Seltos HTK+ IVT is more loaded if willing to consider 18.5 Lacs on-road. The cabin in the HTK+ also feels like a more fun place to be than the V in the Elevate at that price point. Otherwise, like DCEite mentioned above, Elevate ticks most boxes but lacks the WOW Factor, which I find with the Seltos.Here's what BHPian Asoon had to say on the matter:Go for Elevate - It gets the job done without any fireworks. It's a trusted, reliable and smooth IVTEC Honda City engine under the hood, one of the best naturally aspirated petrol engines in the segment. Well put together, the build is better than GV / Hyryder, has more complications than turbo options available with Hyundai and has a better road presence than the competition.Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:I second the initial opinion. The Creta CVT and Seltos IVT are the cars to beat if you want a premium and reliable C-SUV for daily city use. The overall package feels a lot better on the inside than the Honda. Elevate suffers from plenty of obvious cost-cutting, which is not the case with the Hyundai/Kia. GV loses out on account of its weak, insipid engine.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Better road infra, friendly traffic cops, no illegal parking survey reveals solutions that car owners want from their elected representatives

98 per cent car owners demand better roads, 83 per cent of Indian women car owners want more women traffic police personnel on roads, and 81 per cent of car owners demand a more friendly traffic police force (both men and women).

Petrolheads share their list of the best-sounding NA engines: Agree?

BHPian Mgup564 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Here in Dubai, there is a guy who has a Ferrari and every morning, he starts it up. It's a V8 but a Ferrari V8 sounds so very different to other V8s. Doesn't have that heavy burble that a V8 usually has. And has a most lovely sound. It's a pleasure to hear it every morning. This got me thinking about what could be the best-sounding engines out there. My personal favourites:180-degree Ferrari V12 from the Ferrari Testarossa/512Ferrari V8 from the Ferrari 360/430BMW NA inline 6Lamborghini V10Porsche boxer 6BMW F1 V10Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:GT350, old and newE46 M3 CSLCountach458V10 from the Carrera GTHere's what BHPian GrandTourer had to say on the matter:Three letters.... LFAHere's what BHPian ashivas89 had to say on the matter:How about we turn this thread into one where people mention their favourite sounding engine for every cylinder cylinder count? Rule:Mention ONLY ONE Engine per cylinder count (to allow others to also chime in)Pick ONE favourite out of all of them and post a video clip of the sameAnoraks can also mention the engine code name to educate us How about we include forced induction too? @ Mods, could we perhaps modify the title of the thread? My list:12 Cylinder: Ferrari 6.5 V12 as used in their latest GT's (812, F12 etc.)10 Cylinder: Porsche 5.7L V10 as used in the Carrera GT - I heard one go past me once. I almost wept. Videos and audio clips don't do it justice.8 Cylinder: Maserati 4.7 L V8 as used in the Quattroporte Sport GT S - One of the most soulful sounding V8s ever6 Cylinder: Porsche 4.0 L flat-six from the Porsche GT3 RS- These surround you at the Nurburgring. Manic, is the word that comes to mind.5 Cylinder: Audi 2.5 L I-5 as used in the TTRS and RS34 Cylinder: Honda 2.0L I4 as used in the S20003 Cylinder: NoneWinner: Porsche 5.7L V10 as used in the Carrera GTCheck out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Mahindra XUV 3XO interior & fuel economy revealed

Mahindra is gearing up to reveal the new XUV 3XO on April 29. The carmaker has released another teaser ahead of the official unveiling, providing a glimpse of the interior. Mahindra has given the XUV 3XO a major design overhaul both inside and out. The latest teaser reveals a more modern cabin with a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster and a new 3-spoke steering wheel. The compact SUV will also get features like automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic sunroof. The XUV 3XO will carry forward the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. According to the latest teaser, the car will be capable of sprinting from 0-60 km/h in 4.5 seconds and will have an ARAI-certified mileage of 20.1 km/l.

17,000 km with my Harley-Davidson Softail Classic; Service update

BHPian dkaile recently shared this with other enthusiasts. So after nearly 8625 km and 8+ years, it was time to once again service the bike. My trusted technician was called in from Delhi and was all ready to get started. The service, as I had mentioned earlier is a 3-hole service...lolz, as it involves draining oil from 3 separate holes. 1st is the main crankshaft or engine oil - which takes in 3 quarts, 2nd is the Transmission or gear oil - 28 ounces or approx 1 quart and 3rd is the Clutch or as is called in Harley terminology - The Primary which again takes in 1 quart (1 quart = 32 ounces = 946 ml). So a total of 5 quarts of oil is needed. I have already attached procedural videos in my previous posts, as to how to do the same. The main engine oil drain plug was cleaned up and the O-ring was changed. The 2nd fuel line attachment was a simple plug-and-play. The Air Filter was also changed with a new one. The new battery was also installed under the seat. Photos of all these I have posted several times in the past. Finally, the bike was serviced and ready to rumble for another few years A 100 km ride was undertaken shortly after to check everything was working OK The technician had mentioned that the Front Brake Master Cylinder had aged and the O-rings inside had deteriorated. The options were either to replace the whole unit at an exorbitant cost or to have it rebuilt at a fraction of the cost (Rs 3278/-). So the Front Brake Master Cylinder Rebuild Kit was called upon by the dealership Now the Service was truly complete and the bike was back to pristine fit and finish. Can you imagine this bike is now 12 years old!! Such was the build quality of the true Harleys of Yolk. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Maiden voyage in my Drammer yacht: Set off for her home port

BHPian Jeroen recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Sirion Maiden Voyage Day 1: We brought Sirion home! Last Sunday afternoon, Mrs D. and I set off for the marina which has been Sirion's home port for the last 13 years. We had decided to stay on board Sirion the evening before her maiden trip. We had to cast off, really early and we wanted to get settled in and put all our gear away. In the end, this turned out to be a good decision. Because this was the first time we would sleep, eat, and live on Sirion for some 60 hours. So we had plenty of time on Sunday evening to unpack all our stuff, store provisions, figure out some stuff, etc. We were pleasantly surprised by how well Sirion's heater works. Very simple, a diesel heater. But it worked well and we were cosy, tied up in the Marina with rain falling on our cabin. We got up at around 06.00 AM and got ready to depart. The first thing is to put to flag out of course. The weather was a bit wet and grey, but was supposed to improve considerably. Very little wind. Navigation lights on, Green on starboard, Red on port, white forward/rearwards I had waited till about 06.30 to cast off, Sun rise was 06.45 so we had sufficient light by then. I did not want to leave and manoeuvre through the marina in the dark. As I showed in the previous post, I had spent hours and hours planning this trip. Pouring over various charts, maps, and of course the Almanac. Because we were so early in the season, several of the bridges on our route were not operational yet. You need to call ahead, 24 hours in advance, to agree on a timeslot when you will be there and they will open the bridge for you. But it also means you need to show up at the agreed time. Our first agreed bridge opening was 14.00 hours. Somewhere along the river Vecht. I had figured we needed to reach the lock in Muiden, entry to the Vecht, by 11.30 latest. The speed at the Vecht is limited to 9 km/h and some stretches only 6 km/h. Which all meant casting off early and running Sirion at an average of 12,5 km/h for the first 3,5- 4 hours. Only one lock, within 10 km of us leaving the marina. I called the lock operator on our VHF radio. As you can see the lights are still red here. He readied the lock for us right away. Green lights in we go!! Mate Mrs D. handling the lines like a pro! Notice the life jacket. We wear them all the time on large waters, lakes, rivers, and in locks! Safety first, always! A little later we encountered our first couple of sailing vessels. They also had AIS. I was keeping Sirion inside the channel of Buyos, starboard side. Which meant the sailing boats had to give us the right of way. These are very wide waters, but they have very shallow parts and lots of weeds. So I stick to being between the buyos, no matter what! Some very sporty types, out in the rain and cold on their rowing boat! There are two entries into Muiden. Both have buyos all the way, but the shortest route takes you across some shallows. According to my channel water depth could be as low as 1,3m. Sirion's draught is 90 cm!! Still, we went ahead because the other entry would have taken 45 minutes extra. So we slowed down, to a very sedate 4-5 km/h and watched our depth gauge continuously. We never saw less than 2 meters in depth. So here we are entering Muiden at 10.50. Ahead of schedule!! I called the lock. This lock is known as the large Sea Lock. More than a century ago, this water was known as the Zuiderzee, (Southern Sea) with an open connection to the North Sea. The afsluitdijk was completed in 1932, which meant this sea turned into a lake. Subsequently, the Dutch put lots more dikes up pumped out the water, and reclaimed a lot of land from the former sea. As far as I know, this is the only inland sea lock in the Netherlands. We passed our very first lock with no incidents, all went very smoothly. Sky was still a bit grey and dull. We passed this old steam pumping station. It is not used anymore, it has been turned into a museum. Believe it or not, we still have an operational steam pump station up in the province of Friesland. Every year during the winter it is used to help pump water into the IJsselmeer. This is how the steering stand looks like during these trips. Paper chart at the ready. My iPad has the wonderful planning app Waterkaarten (nautical chart), I keep track of our progress separately in my log and I also have the Almanac ready. Raymarine radar and chart plotter are on of course. Sky beginning to clear Time for a cappuccino for the crew and skipper! We passed some interesting towns, marinas, and other landmarks. Look at this. These new buildings have been modelled on old traditional Dutch warehouses. I mentioned before to always run the radar, irrespective of the weather and our visibility. I have figured out all the basic functionalities but still lots more to discover on how I can optimize this electronic kit. Everywhere in the Netherlands, you will find ferries or pontjes as we call them. The larger ones will take cars as well. But there are hundreds of what we call voet/fietsveren. (pedestrian/cyclist ferries). Many people use a bicycle to go to work, kids go to school on their bicycles. Getting across a river or a canal by bridge might mean large detours. So we have lots of these little pontjes. They come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. Although you do need proper charts when sailing the Dutch waters, some of the waterway intersections have signs for directions. Did I mention this trip will get us through 46 bridges? The Waterkaart app and the almanac will tell us if we fit underneath, maybe have to put our mast down, or the bridge might have to open for us. This one, I don't need to look it up, we can fit underneath, and it's mast up easily!! Apart from being the first mate, Mrs. D is only in charge of the food and the galley. Yes, I know very traditional, but that is just how things are in our marriage. Which has lasted, well over 40 very happy years! Hot water comes from our boiler. It can be heated electrically by 220 VAC or by the engine cooling water. Still a bit gloomy the weather as we came across our very first barge. This is a fairly small one. I pick them up on my radar/chart plotter as all of these ships have AIS. It is fully loaded. People are often amazed at how deep these vessels are in the water. But that is just normal. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Tesla cheapest to maintain & German brands most expensive, says study

A new Consumer Report study has come up with a list of the cheapest and costliest to maintain car brands, calculated over 10 years of ownership. The overall results show that Tesla has the lowest maintenance cost over 10 years of ownership. However, on the opposite end are German brands like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz & Porsche, which have the highest maintenance costs. Steven Elek, Program Leader for Auto Data Analysis, Consumer Reports, stated, The difference to maintain a car on average between some brands can be thousands over a 10-year time frame. Also, expensive luxury vehicles are often quite expensive to maintain as well over time. The maintenance costs are split between years one to five and six to ten. During the first 5 years, a Tesla car costs just $580 to maintain. This cost though, increases to $3,455 between years six to ten - giving it a cumulative 10-year maintenance expenditure of $4,035. The table shows that 4 of the top 5 carmakers with the lowest maintenance costs are American brands, with Toyota being the only exception in third place. Toyota cars have a maintenance cost of $4,900 over a 10-year period, which is the same as the Buick in second. However, Toyota's maintenance cost during the first 5 years of ownership is slightly higher at $1,125, which pushes it to third place. Similarly, at the bottom of the list, 4 of the 5 most expensive brands to maintain are from Germany. These include BMW ($9,500), Audi ($9,890), Mercedes-Benz ($10,525) and Porsche (14,090). Surprisingly though, none of them occupy the top spot. The brand with the highest maintenance cost is Land Rover, with owners spending $19,250 over 10 years. Elek stated, If you are considering a luxury model, it may be wise to purchase one from a domestic brand that may have lower maintenance and repair costs. He further added, For example, over 10 years, Mercedes-Benz models are more than double the cost to maintain and repair as those from Lincoln. Source: Consumer Reports

Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 launched at Rs 2.99 lakh

Bangalore-based EV startup, Ultraviolette Automotive, has announced the launch of the F77 Mach 2 - an updated version of its high-performance electric motorcycle. It is available at an introductory price of Rs 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 is available in three variants: Airstrike, Laser and Shadow. The first 1,000 customers can avail of the introductory pricing. The F77 Mach 2 Recon has been priced at Rs 3.99 lakh. The F77 Mach 2 uses a 10.3 kWh battery pack to power an electric motor with a peak output of 40.2 BHP and 100 Nm. The bike claims to accelerate from 0-60 km/h in 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 155 km/h, making it India's fastest electric motorcycle. It has a maximum IDC range of 323 km. The F77 Mach 2 comes with a 3-level traction control system and 10 levels of Regenerative Braking. The bike also gets safety features like Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Hold and ABS. 'Delta Watch' is another security feature that can alert riders if someone tries to encroach on their bike. Ultraviolette has introduced two new optional packages for the F77 Mach 2. The Performance Pack includes features such as 10-level Regenerative Braking with Dynamic Regen and advanced 4-level Traction Control. It will be available as standard for the first 1,000 customers. Violette A.I. includes features like Movement, Fall and Towing Alerts, Remote Lockdown, Crash Alert, Daily Ride Stats, and an Anti-Collision Warning System.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400 details leaked ahead of launch

The first images of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400 have leaked online. The latest images reveal some interesting details of what is said to be the Biggest Pulsar Ever. The images seem to have been captured in Bajaj's own yard inside the factory. Fresh off the assembly line, the Pulsar NS400s featured in these images have been wrapped in bubble wrap, ready to be transported to dealerships across India. The images reveal an aggressive design with lightning bolt-style LED DRLs and a single projector headlamp. Tucked behind the headlamp cowl is a digital instrument console and an almost flat handlebar. The bike is also equipped with a USD fork finished in gold. The Pulsar NS400 is expected to use the same 373.3cc single-cylinder engine that powers the Dominar 400 and KTM RC 390, making it the biggest Pulsar ever. It will be paired with a 6-speed gearbox via a slip-and-assist clutch. The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 will be officially revealed on May 3, 2024. Source: The Fat Biker

Riding my Himalayan 450 to the eastern most part of India: Experience

BHPian aviator1101 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Introduction This ride was meant to be undertaken before I finally left this part of the country. Professional commitments kept forcing me to postpone the dates and this was the final window which was available to us before the proper onset of monsoons in the North East. As such, the weather in this part of the country is unpredictable at any time of the year. Initially, five persons were planning to go for the ride. But, due to various commitments and repeated postponing of dates, finally only two of us set course for the Eastern Edge of the country.Self on Bagheera (Himalayan 450)Fellow BHPian dagger80 on his BMW GS850 A day prior, dagger80 also reached Tezpur which was our rendezvous for the main ride. Itinerary This was the original itinerary:Day 1 (13 March): Tezpur to Tezu (461 kms/ 10:00 hours)Day 2 (14 March): Tezu - Parshuram Kund - Hayuliang - Walong (198 kms/ 7:00 hours)Day 3 (15 March): Walong - Kibithu - Kaho - Kibithu - Walong - Hayuliang (150/ 10:00 hours)Day 4 (16 March): Hayuliang - Dinjan (230 kms/ 7:00 hours)Day 5 (17 March): Dinjan - Tezpur (340 kms / 8:00 hours)Day 1 Tezpur - Tezu We started the day early, hitting the Tezpur Bhalukpong highway at around 6:30 am planning to clear the dense traffic patches before proper daybreak. We had planned to reach our destination via the North bank of Brahmaputra, ie via Balipara, Biswanath Chariali, Gohpur, North Lakhimpur and Dhemaji. We decided to cover as many routes as possible before sunset since there was very little sightseeing on this route and it was more of mile-munching and negotiating traffic while crossing the major towns. We stopped for brunch at Subansiri, which has restaurants on either side of the highway and seemed to be a popular meal break on this route. We refuelled at a petrol pump at Dhemaji and also donned the rain gear since light drizzling had started in a few patches. Google Maps showed us a wrong shortcut and sent us on an unexpected off-roading spree through country roads which of course we didn't mind as a warm-up to the main ride, but we would advise people to stick to the main highway and ignore the shortcut to reach the Bogiveel Bridge. After crossing over to the South bank, we took the Tinsukia bypass and after crossing Doom Dooma, as advised by local friends, took the Kakopathar route and entered Arunachal through Dirak and followed Namsai, Chowkham, Alubari route to reach Tezu and finally Lohitpur. Lohitpur is a picturesque hamlet on the foothills at about 12 kms from Tezu town. A friend from the Indian Army arranged our stay at Lohitpur. Almost 70-75% of roads traversed on this day were good to excellent. We could easily cruise at 80-90 km/h on most parts of the route except traffic-congested areas. Day 2 Tezu - Hayuliang The initial plan was to ride from Tezu (Lohitpur) to Walong. However, the rains played the spoilsport. Probably it made up for what it couldn't achieve the first day. The start was delayed by almost 2 hrs. Finally started at 9:30 am. Refuelled at a fuel pump at Tezu since we received inputs about the non-availability of fuel at the fuel pumps ahead of time. After a short halt at Demwe, to enjoy the breakfast hosted by a local friend, we rode through drizzle to Brahmakund after which the drizzle changed to mild and thereafter heavy rains and in no time we were wet to the core. However, despite inclement weather and very challenging road conditions, the urge to reach somewhere ahead and of course some very scenic routes brought us to Khupa and then to Hayuliang when heavy downpours forced us to take an unplanned halt at Hayuliang. This halt was short of our planned destination by almost 3 hours (in the mountains we judge distances by time and not kms/miles) and so we were hoping like hell that the weather would open up the next morning so that we could start early and make up for the delay since the weather prediction was showing an open window of only next two days (though the reliability of weather prediction in these areas is a big question mark). Day 3 Hayuliang - Walong - Kibithu - Meshai - Kaho - Walong. A classic example of fortune favours the brave. Delayed start from Hayuliang due to rains. Started the ride amid mild to heavy drizzle, but 20 kms out of Hayuliang, the weather opened up and by the time we reached Walong, it was completely dry roads. Continue reading BHPian aviator1101's travelogue for more insights and information.

Pics: New York Auto Expo, 2024

BHPian HatchMatch recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Greetings everyone, After a considerable hiatus, I am pleased to be re-joining this platform to share an enriching experience I recently had the privilege to partake in at the New York Auto Expo'24. This event served as a confluence for automotive aficionados and industry enthusiasts alike, showcasing a diverse array of vehicles from established manufacturers to budding enthusiasts. The Expo proved to be an impressive spectacle, featuring an extensive collection of automobiles that captivated attendees with their innovation and design prowess. Additionally, the expo served as a platform for automotive enthusiasts to showcase their passion projects and custom builds. These bespoke creations added a distinct flair to the event, embodying the creativity and ingenuity of grassroots automotive culture. As attendees navigated through the expansive exhibition halls, they were treated to a sensory feast of automotive innovation, with each vehicle offering a glimpse into the future of transportation.There was no shortage of excitement and anticipation in the air. I invite you to join me in reliving this virtual tour and celebrating the passion and innovation that define the automotive industry. Let's embark on a visual journey together as I share snapshots from the event, offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of automotive design and technology. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Brezza stuck in a roadwork hole on a busy lane easily rescued by XUV700

BHPian abirnale recently shared this with other enthusiasts. This happened today. Just another day in #NammaBengaluru. There was this large pothole/under-construction lane and the Brezza front left tire got stuck in it. The car was simply going forward and without any signs, the front tire just sank in - that's what it looked like. It was a very deep hole. The rear-right tire went up in the air. I approached the vehicle in that narrow lane from the opposite side in order to cut the traffic and make it faster to home. The school/college kids walking in that lane for lunch were laughing at the middle-aged stressed driver/owner of the vehicle. The passerby vehicles honked at him non-stop and his co-passenger stuck in the seat as the door could not be opened. How insensitive people can be? A sure-shot moment for getting freaked out for that driver! There was one good soul though who was trying to help the gentleman. He was trying to put some stones, lift the bonnet and whatnot. Though the technique to rescue the stuck car may not be right, that soul's intent was right. As I approached the car, I realised, I could help this car! I didn't want to create a scene - so I pulled over a little further, and gently approached the driver/owner of the car - he without any hesitation, asked for help. Rest is what happened in the video that was captured on the dashcam - rear feed, unedited. A tip for the car that is getting rescued - the driver in the car should put the gear in N, and not use brakes unless about to hit something. And my instructions were disregarded by the stressed driver anyway - can't blame the driver, he was visibly stressed out. So in the hope to pay it forward, TheRedSparkle pulled the Brezza backward! I am sure the person will remember the incident for sure and someday will help someone else and the chain might just come back at me to help me someday when I need it. Long story short, I think I will leave the tow-hook as-is for now. Here's what BHPian Ravi Parwan had to say about the matter:LoL, if a picture is worth 1000 words, a video has to be worth 10,000! My heart was in my mouth seeing the person applying brakes when you are pulling his car. Kudos to you for helping out a person in need.Here's what BHPian swiftnfurious had to say about the matter:That's a great gesture. Kudos to you. Very true! People just love seeing others suffer - how the mobile cameras come out at an accident site shows the level of insensitivity of the current population. I always wonder what do they get doing it. Less said about the current gen, the better. I had once 3 students on a bike indicate that my tyre was punctured when I was waiting at the signal. Parked it a little ahead to check after the signal turned green, only to realise that they were having their fun time doing it.Here's what BHPian Amrit@wheels had to say about the matter:Salute to you, kind sir. As you stated, people just love to watch others suffer and instead of helping someone, they'll just keep shouting and honking to make things even worse. I have a similar story to share, sadly without a dashcam footage. There was a puliya (large pipe under the road) being installed on a nearby road. An old uncle in his Duster couldn't brake on time and the front wheels of the car got buried in the ditch. To make things worse, it was raining non-stop. We were travelling to a nearby gurdwara in our 2010 Fortuner. We had just upgraded the tyres to CrossContact ATs. My father and I looked at each other, and without uttering a word we understood the task. He got down to get the towing rope, I overtook around 3 vehicles between me and Duster via the unpaved side and got the Fortuner in position. We attached the rope and within 2 minutes, the Duster was out. The old gentleman was very grateful and he even tried offering me some money, but we politely declined and proceeded towards our trip to the gurdwara.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Brought home a CL500 jeep instead of a Polo GT: My impressions so far

BHPian TorqueMonster recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I've always dreamed of owning a sports car. Playing Forza for the first time, made me decide that if I were to get a car, it would be a Red Ferrari 458 Italia. But with time, common sense and monetary constrains, I had to look into more humble suggestions, and nothing else could catch my eye more than a red VW Polo, specifically GT TSI. Contrary to what I would have wanted, I now have a Grey CL500 Jeep lying around in my garage. Why a Jeep? - My Jeep obsession would start only post my Team Bhp Membership. While I am a big fan of SUV's and Trucks, such as the Endeavor or the Izuzu V - Cross, my goal, was to always get a car, that I can tune, and modify, both visually and performance wise. And this is until I stumble across the 4x4 and Off - Roading Section of Team Bhp. I went on an entire binge - reading session, of most ownership threads, restoration, and long term ownership threads. Something about the fact that such vehicles can go anywhere, and can be modified endlessly, stuck with me. If I were to ignore cars and bikes, travel would be my passion. I always have a plan to overland, to go over the most remotest of places, or travel across the country in my Vehicle, and explore it thoroughly. And then comes a green MM540, as a temporary member of my Garage. My first real experience with owning a Jeep. It was certainly not in the best of conditions, as my first experience with the vehicle was with it breaking down halfway towards Rameshwaram. But the fact that I could take this vehicle up any hill, confortably cruise at 60 - 70, that too open top made all of this a fun experience. Even more than this, I loved the attention it creates every time its parked. From compliments such as nice Jeep, or people already giving out offers for buying it, this vehicle, despite its utilitarian origins, screams looks and attention. Enough reading of the 4x4 thread kick started the inner mechanic within me, determined with the fact that I could, with enough parts, assistance and brainstorming, can make a jeep that suits my needs. The MM540, despite all the positives I had mentioned, was a pain to drive, terribly built, and most importantly, was 2wd. Now my motives were clear. I do need a Jeep. Once I need a Jeep, I needed to modify it, as per my requirements, both with comfort features, and that of looks. Lastly, while purely optional, I also required the vehicle to have alright perfomance, to cruise on the highway, and to tackle any off - road focus. Yes, I know that the ideal suggestion that anyone would give here would be that to get a New Thar. Or a Jimny if I'm not badge conscious. Yes, these are lofty ambitions to keep in mind , for a Vehicle built for off - roading. But I was determined enough, armed with the knowledge obtained under every 4x4 thread, that it could be possible. If people couldn't dissuade me from bringing the KB100 back from the dead thrice, they certainly can't stop me from getting the Jeep. So what car to get ? - I had multiple options to choose from, as there were Jeeps of all types, all shapes and sizes, multiple Engine options. They included - 1. Mahindra MM540/50- This was the primary choice of Vehicle, which was being searched. There are enough threads on this vehicle in this forum, and I was determined about the fact that this vehicle will clearly fit my needs. My search for the MM540 almost led me to getting a red MM540, with a DI Engine. While negotiations were going fine, the travel distance, along with Fitness Renewal being pending, ensured that this vehicle went from top priority to that of out of consideration. 2. 1960's Jeep CJ - Looked good, but my biggest skepticism was that of owning a vehicle this old. For Context, Jawaharlal Nehru was the PM when this vehicle was bought, the first James Bond movie had just dropped, and it was still 7 years for US to put a man on the moon. Despite the appeal in owning a piece of history, I was still skeptical about the maintenance a moving musuem like this would have. Dropped. 3. Used Jeep Compass Trailhawk - Jeep? Yes, 4X4? Yes. While technically being correct for my requirements, the fact that I have to prepone the eventual upgrade to the Dzire I have (I already have plans for getting a better vehicle than the Compass in a couple of years) along with not so good reviews about Jeep Maintenance made me stay away from this purchase. Plus the fact that the only 2 vehicles of this in the used market were running cheaper than a top end Creta, also made me question the possibility of any reliability issues, or that of terrible depreciation on Jeep's. 4. A Mahindra Major, which had been slightly modified - I honestly don't know how old this vehicle is, but considering that the price was decent, and that it was on route to a trip I was going, I decided to give it a shot. While I got welcomed by a very nice owner, who explained in detail about the vehicle, the bodywork needed a lot of work, and as much as I could try fixing things, metallurgy is nothing something I want to put myself into. So despite nice owner, vehicle got rejected. A sojourn to Palakkad, and how I brought Phantom back - With there being enough struggles with that of finding a Jeep, preponing the bigger car purchase for a Trailhawk was looming on the horizon. As I was prepared to uninstall Olx, I decide to give one more search, this time, expanding my search to the neighbouring state, as far as its in a 5 - 6hr radius. And then she appears, Phantom. A Grey Mahindra CL500. In almost cinematic fashion, I cut my ongoing college lecture to give the owner a phone call. And I was sold. The vehicle looked excellent on paper, was a daily driver, and the owner gave a full rundown on the maintenance he does on the vehicle, just on the first call itself. Hence, in a leap of faith, plans were made, a drive to Palakkad, on the trusted Dzire, on board to welcome a new member of the Garage. Bringing along a trusted mechanic, a thorough analysis of every aspect of the Jeep was undertaken. That first glimpse, irl. The vehicle had everything that I would have wanted. A nice color scheme, open top, and most importantly, well maintained and well owned. It had its cons, like that of needing slight paint work, or that there was no spare tire on the vehicle to begin with. While the speedo and tachometer were working, the rest of the gauges were shot. The rear seats also had issues, as they would keep on sliding back, but I have no plans of keeping the rear seats in the first place so not a bother for me. Never has there been a more quicker purchase, the Vehicle was in that good condition. Considering the age of the vehicle, and that the other issues were fixable by myself, it was a done deal. 6hrs later, the vehicle proudly sits at its new home in Madurai, with its garagemate being my trusty Super Meteor 650. Positives 1. The Stance - This Vehicle screams attention, this time, even more than the previous MM540 that I had. It has a very intimidating stance, owing to its Grey and Black Color Scheme, and the massive 31x10.50 r15 tyres. Ive had people give way, the same way they would for a Fortuner. Its a vehicle everyone will notice if they see it. 2. Torque - And by Torque there is a lot of it. The slope leading to my Garage is easy to tackle. Rough Roads, also easy to tackle. Slight off - road and travelling in hills, the midrange of this vehicle makes it the fastest vehicle in the hills. It is literally the car equivalent of my Thunderbird, looks good, and between the speeds of 40 - 60, it is in its true zone, will tackle any roads, any gradient or surface, any slopes, with zero hesitation. 3. Reliability - Yes, an older vehicle, especially bought used will not be the most reliable vehicle, as evidenced by the fact that most restoration or modification builts require a significant time invested in bringing the vehicle to a good condition, be it physically or mechanically. Not for this car. Unlike the Mahindra Major or the MM540 I was previously about to buy, this vehicle, had zero rust. some surface level rust was there, but there was nothing that could not be fixed. Its a jeep, so other than the bodywork, there was nothing else on the car which could break. With regard to the Engine, the MDI engine has been bulletproof. This vehicle has run 50,000km on its present engine, and upon first inspection, done duly by the mechanic we had brought along with us while buying the vehicle, we were told that this vehicle is in perfect condition, and that this is the kind of engine that would fetch a good price, if people were wanting to swap it to their older jeeps. Only issue, and if I were to nitpick, on this vehicle was that of brakes, with an issue where the front left drums were not engaging properly at times. Thankfully, that issue has also been duly taken care of. 4. Practicality - While on paper, this is nowhere close to a practical vehicle, but this is in terms of transport as a personal vehicle. Otherwise, this is the most practical vehicle out there. I can fit my entire KB100 inside the back of my vehicle, and the Vehicle being open top ensures that headroom is no issues. There is underseat storage, a dedicated metal box that can be locked, and the fact that everything from huge saplings to even a young tree, a motorcycle, people, and basically almost any luggage that can be taken can easily fit in the back of the vehicle says a lot about the practicality of the vehicle, and its durability. And all of this is without a single drop in engine perfomance. The vehicle will take almost anything you put to it with zero hesitation. While a Hilux has always been on my bucket list (and it will be in my garage in a couple of years), removing the rear seats has made this practically a pick - up truck of sorts, and I am happy with the dual role it can perform, as a jack - of all trades vehicle of my garage. Negatives 1. Top - End Performance of the Engine - This vehicle struggles to go past 60. It is not meant for long highway drives, even then, considering the fact that I have to navigate the great highways of Tamil Nadu to eventually reach the hills, the most excrutiating part of any drive is the highway. This leads to often awkward situations in highway, where despite the size of my vehicle, every vehicle, even something as small as an XL100 could gap my jeep with an entire buslenght to spare. 2. Brakes - There are some massive gripes I have with the brakes of the vehicle. Because its mostly ineffective. The pedal has a lot of travel, and there is a very fine line between normal braking, and putting your brakes suddently. The vehicle comes to an abrupt stop if I hit the brakes ever so slightly too much, Anything before that, the brakes don't engage, or are ineffective. Another issue with the brakes is that if I am to ever hit the brakes suddently, the vehicle has a tendency to try to steer itself to the left or the right, almost as if the vehicle is struggling to stop. The only rectification for this is to put a set of disk brakes, but once again, the cost and overall time and effort needed for this are complex, so at least for now, it is not feasible. 3. Lack of Safety Features - I don't expect the vehicle to come with airbags or ABS, but at the very least, for an open vehicle with no doors, I'm sure seatbelts should have been a thing. Currently seatbelts are being fixed, taken from a Gypsy, but work is still in progress. 4. Handling - For tough roads, that would totally bottom out any other cars, even SUV's, this vehicle takes all of these roads head on like nothing had happened, the cost of that being that driving dynamics in the city are not idea. The lack of power steering is annoying, to the extent where I find the Dzire feel like a luxury car in terms of ease of driving. A power steering is possible, issue being that the entire power steering set - up is from an older non - specified Mercedes Benz, I'm assuming based on the age could be a W124. The availability, along with labour makes it not feasible at least for the time period. The lack of power steering also ensures that it is almost impossible to go around the small roads of Madurai City, as taking turns is a total hassle in itself.If I were to compare this vehicle to my bikes, I would say that it has the performance of my Thunderbird 350, the size and handling of my Super Meteor, and the feature list of my KB100. The vehicle, sitting next day morning, at the garage, after successfuly driving across the highway to Madurai, its new Home. Once the vehicle was put through a bit more usage, especially mechanical, a table discussion was undertaken. On what to do with the Jeep. Like I had stated earlier, this Vehicle was certainly not going to stay stock. There were 3 options before us - 1. Off - Road Build - The most possible out of all the options, as the tyres and engine related work has already been done to the vehicle by the previous owner, who also used to regularly take it offroad, or if not put it through usage at an estate. The only things required were a bit of bodywork, along with a couple of performance mods. Only issue is that both me and my dad have very different views on what counts as performance. While changing the gear ratio's is enough performance to my dad, my inner tuner is not satisfied. What I want was a 2.6 Crde, from the 1st Gen Scorpio. 10 mins into researcing the possibility, I managed to find out that while possible, such an Engine Swap is not feasible. As stated by Behram Dhabar Sir in a thread, the engine mounts and the overall weight of the 2.6 is too much for the Jeep. While it is possible, I don't think there is any mechanic I can trust to undertake this. Hence, this has been paused. Going through all the Engine Swap threads, for now, all forms of Engine Swaps have been vetoed. Maybe, if required, might consider a DI Turbo. But not for now. Only issue was that, despite buying a Jeep, I can't off - road (I will get to this part soon, I would love to participate in the next possible Off - Road event if it happens anywhere nearby), owing to the fact that the previous MM540 I had used was merely 2wd and also was not in the best of conditions. 2. Confortable Build - Yes, a ladder on frame Jeep, and comfort/luxury are 2 things that do not go hand in hand at all. But still, the idea of new bucket seats, a roof, and a retrofitted AC, especially in the dry and dusty Madurai seemed like luxuries that are good to have. Idea eventually rejected as if I wanted creature comforts, I could walk 5 steps to the right where my Dzire is, which will take me anywhere with zero issues. 3. Fix the vehicle one at a time - After thoroughly analyzing both time and finances available, the sole practical decision was made. Firstly, to ensure that the Vehicle is in 100 percent condition, both with respect to looks, and performance (as much as the Engine would allow for). To ensure this, firstly, there needs to be electrical works undertaken, in the form of wiring being fixed, LED Lights, and taillamps. Before all of this, its best to show photos of the Vehicle, before it eventually goes into the transformation phase The front of the Vehicle. The Timeless Jeep Looks, updated with a new bullbar (welded on as an extension to the stock bumper), along with aftermaket Auxiliary Lamps. Only slight eyesore being that of the blank indicators on the grill of the vehicle, and that long pole which I jokingly refer to as a flagpole. Considering that the vehicle is open top and comes inbuilt with a flagpole, can be a good side hustle in the current election season The side profile of the Vehicle, clearly shows 2 things. Its open top, and has no rear seats. On a much detailed glance, you will also observe that its just a Vehicle and 2 seats. Simple, but also elegant. Once again, there is badge, that says 4wd, despite the Vehicle not being 4wd. Continue reading BHPian TorqueMonster's review for more insights and information.

1,40,000 km & 12 years with my Skoda Yeti: The journey so far

BHPian autoskool recently shared this with other enthusiasts. It's been ages since I've been active on this forum, but I'm happy to see an enthusiastic set of YETI owners holding on to their pride and joy. I vividly remember seeking the help of members of this very forum when I was in the process of getting my example, back in mid-2012. 12 years and 136,000 kms later and I'm happy to report that she still puts a smile on my face, everytime I get behind the wheel. I'm glad that I splurged on the top-spec Elegance 4x4 trim. I have to admit that the car has well exceeded my expectations. The ownership has been trouble-free for the most part. The car is mostly stock. I've carried out some minor upgrades that are mostly cosmetic and have further extended its usability.All LED HeadlightsA new headliner (I saw this one coming)Steering wheel retrimA new gear-shifter coverTire Upsize 215/65/R16I also wanted to upgrade the infotainment head unit, but I found an inexpensive solution in the form of a cigarette-lighter radio tuner that works flawlessly. Mechanically, I've replaced the clutch and flywheel and a full set of suspension and springs on all four corners. Given how rare the Yeti is, Skoda took about a week to source the parts but, they did a great job overall. The car now rides exceptionally on Mumbai's not-so-smooth roads. My only recent dilemma is with a bit of trim that's gone missing on the left rear wheel arch. This is an official Skoda accessory. The sales exec was clueless about it when I bought the car until I provided him with the part number. Not sure if I can source it from Skoda now, considering the Yeti ceased production in 2017. Here are some closing shots after some good ol' elbow grease for about two hours. Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Xiaomi electric car demand 5 times higher than expected, says CEO

Xiaomi recently entered the global electric vehicle industry with its SU7 electric sedan. Deliveries for the Xiaomi SU7 have begun, and as per earlier reports, the EV currently demands a 7-month waiting period. Now, during a recent live stream, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun, stated that the company is overwhelmed with the response to the SU7. The CEO commented that demand for the electric sedan is 3 to 5 times what Xiaomi expected. This seems to be thanks to the fact that the Xiaomi SU7 undercuts the prices of its main rival, the Tesla Model 3, by almost $4000. The deliveries have begun for the standard and Founder's Edition variants of the SU7. The deliveries of the EV's higher variants: Max & Pro, will begin by the end of May 2024. Xiaomi has also accepted that the company expects to lose money on the SU7. As per reports, with an estimated production volume of 60,000 units per year, Xiaomi could face a net loss of around 4.1 billion yuan or an average of 68,000 yuan (US$ 9,385) per car. Source: Autoblog

Honda Amaze scores 2-stars in Global NCAP crash tests

The Honda Amaze has been awarded a 2-star rating by Global NCAP. The car scored 27.85 points out of 34 for adult safety and 8.58 points out of 49 for child occupant protection. In the frontal impact test, the Amaze offered good protection to the head and neck of the driver and passenger. Chest protection was rated as adequate for both front occupants. The driver and passenger's knees showed marginal protection, while their tibias showed good protection. The Amaze offered good protection to the head and pelvis in the side impact test, while protection for the chest and abdomen was rated as marginal and adequate, respectively. The side pole impact test was not performed on the vehicle. The child seat for the 3-year-old was able to prevent excessive head excursion during the frontal impact test. However, the child seat of the 18-month-old was not able to prevent ejection risk during the test, which led to the car receiving 0 dynamic points in the front and side-impact tests.

Troubled Tucson owner strongly advises not to buy CKD Hyundai cars

BHPian LONG_TOURER recently shared this with other enthusiasts. The various issues with the Tucson after the catalytic converter replacement at 21k kms seem to persist even after the vehicle has covered over 51k Kms since its purchase in January 2021. Such experiences coming from a reputable brand like Hyundai with their flagship product have led me to conclude that Hyundai technicians are not competent in diagnosing their CKD products, nor do they keep adequate spare parts in case of malfunctions. Going back to November 2023, the vehicle underwent its 6th service, which went smoothly. All general check-ups were conducted, including changing the Oil Filter, Air Filter, and Engine Oil replacement, at a reasonable cost of around 8,000 INR. During the service, the Service Advisor noted a peculiar issue though. After reviewing previous service records, it was discovered that during the 4th service, only 5.5L of Engine Oil was poured instead of the required 7.7L for the diesel variant. I didn't budge much as the vehicle was functioning normally after the 6th service. After a little bit of research, I found out that the 2.0L petrol engine of the Tucson requires only 5.5L of engine oil, while the diesel engine requires 7.7L of Engine Oil. It appeared that during the 4th service, Hyundai technicians mistakenly presumed the vehicle to be a petrol variant and added petrol engine oil to our diesel Tucson. This highlights the lack of familiarity among Hyundai technicians in servicing the Tucson, which signifies their inadequate training for handling CKD products. On 3rd December 2023, after driving approximately 200 kms post service, the Check Engine light illuminated on the instrument cluster. Since I was often away from home due to work, I instructed my mother, the primary user of the vehicle, to take it to the Hyundai Authorized Service Center, Adabari, Guwahati. The vehicle was taken for diagnosis on December 4th, and I remained connected with the Service Advisor via WhatsApp/call throughout the process. After conducting a test drive, the service team claimed to find no issues with the vehicle and later cleared the error codes using their OBD scanner. However, this left me doubtful of the thoroughness of their inspection as they did not even bother to check the engine or any noise coming from the vehicle. Despite this, the vehicle continued to operate normally for the next 500 kms. However, on 28th December 2023, the check engine light reappeared, which led to an immediate visit to HASS, Adabari, Guwahati for a thorough diagnosis. Initially, technicians refrained from using OBD and instead opted for a test drive with our chauffeur. Approximately 10 kms into the drive, smoke began emanating from under the hood, and the vehicle lost power before coming to a complete halt, leaving it stranded in the middle of the road. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the tappet cover was broken, resulting in engine oil spillage in the engine bay. Smoke Emitting from the engine during the Trial run by Hyundai Technicians The vehicle was towed back to the Hyundai workshop, where it remained unattended for three days due to New Year celebrations, causing considerable anxiety in me as I used to pamper the vehicle a lot. On 6th January 2024, eventually, a technician diagnosed the issue, revealing that loosely mounted injectors had caused all four head gaskets to blow which led to breakage of the tappet cover breakage. I was also told that the head gaskets and the tappet cover needed to be replaced. Therefore, extensive repair work was required which included opening the engine head. However, I was assured that the engine would be fitted to the factory finish after the work was completed. Engine Head Opening in Progress Broken Engine Tappet Cover A very sad sight of the vehicle gathering dust inside the workshop with the windows open. They didn't even bother to keep the interior dust-free Bumper thrown away without any proper handling, I have spotted scratches on the bumper as well A layer of dust accumulated on the bonnet In the meantime, an i20 N Line DCT was provided as a loaner car until repairs were completed. However, the required parts were not readily available at the service centre, because as per Hyundai, they are uncommon failures and, therefore needed to be shipped from South Korea resulting in a 20-day wait time. Orders for the head gasket and blown tappet cover were subsequently placed on January 7th, with assurances of updates on the shipment's status. After the parts finally arrived, I was notified via WhatsApp, and BHPian ChiranjitP and I took the vehicle on a trial run on 28th January 2024 along with a Hyundai Technician. During this test drive, a noticeable abnormal noise at higher RPMs was observed, which was acknowledged by the accompanying Hyundai technician. Therefore, I declined to take delivery until the noise issue was addressed. The vehicle underwent further diagnosis until they found that the turbocharger needed to be changed which again was assured to be covered under warranty. This diagnosis process took another 7 days until I was notified of the failed turbocharger. Despite the subsequent replacement of the turbocharger under warranty, which took another 20 days for parts to arrive from South Korea, the abnormal noise persists. The service team is still unable to provide a definitive timeline for resolving this persistent issue. It has now been nearly three months since the car entered the workshop for repairs, leaving a bitter taste with the brand, particularly considering its reputation for reliability, at least in India. For anyone considering purchasing CKD products like the Tucson, Kona, or Ioniq, I strongly advise against it. Hyundai technicians lack familiarity with these products, and spare parts for replacements are often unavailable. There are undoubtedly better alternatives to these so-called premium Hyundai products. I am left with no choice but to sell this vehicle just 3 years after the purchase as soon as it is repaired. Request your opinion if I should keep the vehicle or sell it as this vehicle is mostly used in inter-state travel and any breakdown in the middle of nowhere might get me and my loved ones in trouble. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Satisfied with my new Ola S1 Pro apart from its one shortcoming

BHPian bijims recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Finally got my Ola S1 Pro delivered on the day of Maha ShivaratriDelivery experience & the good, bad & uglyAfter almost 3 months of deliberation, several queries, questions, test rides, and price quotes taken, I finally bought the OLA S1 PRO GEN 2 on my birthday and got the delivery on Maha Shivaratri Day. The Experience Centre staff told me that my vehicle was ready to deliver at around noon, and I told them I would take delivery around 4:30 pm. When I reached there for delivery, the showroom was full of customers, many getting their delivery, others who had come to book and so on, the staff was running around here and there, I was way back in line, and with the demonstration process taking a lot of time for every customer, I told them that I just want the formalities done quickly and I will take my scooter home, they obliged and I was off to my home with my New Matte White S1 PRO GEN 2. The scooter performed well on my trip home with everything working as expected, including the proximity unlocks, OLA App, ride modes, etc, but sadly the OS was still MOVE OS 3 and they hadn't updated it. I updated the scooter once I reached home, and along with it came a dozen more features, including hill hold, hill descent, OLA Maps, Fall Detection, Tamper Detection, Concert Mode, A new Care Mood, Auto cut off indicators, regen-off setting, and many more. I tested all of these features and most of these new features work well, except the Proximity Unlock (which is still in BETA in Move OS 4) which works sometimes. Now coming to the bad and ugly, the fit and finish are mediocre, to say the least with visible panel gaps and a huge panel gap in the mudguard above the tire. This is a serious QC issue and should be taken care of. I immediately reported the same via the OLA app and received a call from the service center (not the one I bought it from as they don't handle these issues) and was asked to bring in my vehicle for panel refitting on 13th March, I obliged. Now coming to my overall experience over the last 3 days, I could say, the scooter gets many things right including range (150 km+), battery, storage, loads of features (Concert Mode, Party Mode, Maps, App-based controls, etc), The ride, handling, etc are good too with it doing well over bad patches of road, acceleration is also brisk and you get varying levels of regen which helps you brake effectively and forced regen as well which works by twisting the throttle in the opposite direction. However, it lacks in one crucial department, quality control. The build is acceptable, but how can you fit panels in such a haphazard manner, I could put my finger through the gap in the front panel above the tire. The other panel gaps however are within a tolerable limit, moreover, there is a slight issue with paint too. As there is a noticeable line on the side of the scooter where there is a slight difference in paint, these issues have more to do with the carelessness and lack of quality control at OLA. Moreover, today, while I was reversing I suddenly noticed an error Scooter Issue, Please restart the Scooter, I don't know what caused this but it went away after a restart. So, I will be updating my observations after the service center visit, but so far, I am satisfied with the scooter apart from this one major flaw. If this is corrected, I can say I will be a happy customer. Hopefully, more issues don't crop up and I am praying for a hassle-free ownership experience going forward. Image of the Front of the scooter before delivery Rear Left Side Right Side Odo at the time of Delivery Now, the gaping panel gap at the front The gap above the left front pocket below the handlebar The increasing panel gaps The difference in paint, notice a line visible The error that popped up today Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Mercedes-Benz Electric G-Wagon globally unveiled

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the all-new electric G-wagon. The new electric G-wagon, officially called 'G580 with EQ Technology', retains the iconic boxy design of its ICE counterparts. The front design gets a gloss black panel with four horizontal vents flanking the three-pointed star at its centre and an LED strip circling the entire panel. Other design elements include a slightly raised hood, air vents on the rear wheel arches, 'EQ' badges, circular LED headlights, LED taillights and a storage box at the rear to carry the charging cables (although a spare tyre is still available as an option) and 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels as standard. Moving inside, the Mercedes-Benz electric G-wagon comes with the brand's latest MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other interior features include temperature-controlled cup holders, wireless charging, keyless entry, Burmester 3D surround-sound system, rear-seat entertainment units and leather upholstery all around; to name a few. The new Mercedes electric G-class will be available in five colour options: South Sea Blue Magno, Obsidian Black Metallic, Opalite White Magno, Opalite White Bright and Classic Grey Solid. Mercedes will also offer the G580 in AMG Line and Night packages. Underneath, the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology retains the ladder-frame chassis with independent suspension and a solid rear axle. Although, Mercedes has reinforced it to support the additional weight. The G580 uses a 116 kWh battery pack, offering 240 miles (386 km) of range. It comes with fast-charging capabilities of up to 200 kW at Level 3 DC charger, allowing 10-80% charge in 30 minutes. The batteries power four electric motors - 2 in the front & 2 in the rear; making it Mercedes' first production vehicle with individual four-wheel-drive. The four motors produce a total power output of 580 BHP and 1165 Nm, allowing it to sprint from 0-60 mph (0-98 km/h) in 4.4 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h). The Mercedes electric G-wagon is as capable off-road as its ICE versions. The G580 gets 5 drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Individual, Trail & Rock. Prices for the new electric G-wagon are yet to be announced.

Involved in accident where it's not my fault: How to handle situation?

BHPian Omkar recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Most of us who spend a lot of time on the road, are aware of the fact that things can be extremely unpredictable. Even if you are a cautious driver and drive defensively, you cannot control how others drive. Getting to the point of this thread, I was recently involved in an accident and wanted to know how BHPians would've handled the same situation. The Accident On the recent Holi weekend, I was driving to Alibaug from Mumbai in my Swift. Since I couldn't get the M2M ferry booking on time, I had to take the road and I was more than happy to drive. Had lunch at Monza Caf in Kharghar and proceeded towards the destination. Crossed Kalamboli and got onto the Mumbai Goa Highway (NH66). About half an hour after crossing Karnala Bird Sanctuary, there was a Hyundai Creta ahead of me and I was maintaining a safe distance. The average speed was ~40-50 km/h and we both moved to the right lane of the 2-lane road to overtake a slow-moving Alto. A few meters after crossing the Alto, the Creta started to slow down because a Dzire had stopped abruptly in the right lane. There was no signal, just that there was no divider on that part of the road, so the Dzire had stopped to take a U-Turn. The Creta obviously couldn't move immediately to the left lane as the Alto was approaching from the left lane. I also stayed behind the Creta as I could see that there was more oncoming traffic on the left lane behind the Alto. The Creta came to a halt gradually and so did I. After coming to a halt, I turned to my friend in the passenger seat, and we were talking about something. It must've been a good 7-8 seconds after coming to a halt when BAM! My Swift got rear-ended by an Ertiga. The impact was strong and it almost felt like I was going to fly out of my seat. I don't remember much, but my right foot was on the brake pedal since I knew that the Creta would soon move. I was a good meter and a half or two behind the Creta, but the impact sent my car into the rear end of the Hyundai. Inside the cabin, me and my friend were talking and facing each other at the time of impact. We both were jolted forward and then both our heads hit the headrests on whiplash. The seatbelts did their job perfectly as I faintly remember coming very close to the steering wheel. After making sure that my passenger was okay, and there were no injuries, I stepped out of the car. Some very ice words came out of my mouth for the Ertiga driver. Looked like he was a hired driver by a family as the car was full of people and the luggage rack was full as well. The driver said that his brakes didn't work at all, which I didn't believe. Most likely he was distracted and couldn't brake on time as the impact was heavy. Meanwhile, the Creta driver stepped out thinking that I couldn't brake on time. Showed him the condition of the Ertiga and he too said some ice words to the Ertiga driver. I checked the damage to the rear of the Creta, and there was a minor scratch on the tailgate. Checked the frontal damage of the Swift, the bonnet had been dented, the bumper had a scratch and the number plate had fallen off. Checked the rear damage, the rear bumper had torn, and the tailgate had a dent. The Ertiga's radiator was punctured and was leaking coolant. At this point, the Ertiga driver was apologizing, and I decided to let him go. Told him to not drive the car for long and to get the radiator fixed or he'll blow up the engine. Clicked some pictures of the cars and the damage for insurance purposes and decided to carry on with the trip. Different views came in from different people:Should've taken Rs. 1,000-2,000 from the driver to cover claim charges.Should've taken his car's papers and made the owner of the car pay for the damages in full (no insurance).Should've taken the driver to the police and made him pay so he doesn't make the same mistake again.I still stand by my decision of letting it go for the following reasons:No mechanical damage - the car was working perfectly fine.Having worked for and with car insurance companies, I knew that the claim process would be straightforward.Didn't want to be on the road creating a scene and ruining the mood of the weekend.What would you have done in such a situation? Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:Do nothing, drive home and let the garage/insurance take care of it. It's exactly why I pay insurance premiums every year. A couple more points:It's a myth that the other party has to pay you. At best, it is his / her insurance company that will pay you and that too, after a court order (meaning = a long legal case). I still don't know anyone who has claimed 3rd party damages from the opposite party's insurance.We share roads with all kinds of creeps & thugs. You never know who is hiding a knife under his seat. Last year, I was on the Lonavla road in a super expensive car and an idiot rear-ended me. I smiled, gave him a friendly thumbs up and drove away. It's not my style to get out of the car to discuss who is at fault, argue or fight. Got more important things in life to take care of.Here's what BHPian ninjatalli had to say on the matter:This depends on the situation and the damage. I had been in a similar situation on the JVLR highway where some random car stopped on the rightmost lane to do a U-turn. This was during evening hours with all vehicles doing 40+ kph, driving bumper to bumper. It resulted in a line of 4 or 5 vehicles hitting each other, my vehicle being #3 IIRC. Not much damage to my car, apart from a broken number plate and iirc a headlight cracked. I just shrugged and moved on, and the other two cars behind and in front of me did the same, with only the last two continuing to argue. In your case, I think you did the right thing. The Ertiga could potentially argue (for argument's sake) that stopping on a highway is wrong etc etc.Here's what BHPian Samba had to say on the matter:Once a drunk driver rear-ended my Figo back in 2016. The repair cost was coming to Rs 25,000. I asked that guy to pay me for the insurance claim charge, and the NCB which I lost due to him. Took 4k from him, and claimed the rest from the insurance. Though letting go the other party who is at fault, and claiming the insurance is the most peaceful way.Here's what BHPian ex-innova-guy had to say on the matter:I am glad your friend and you are safe Omkar. I would not have taken compensation from the party. Last year, when I was involved in an accident that totalled my car, there was no option but to claim insurance, as an ordinary citizen would hardly be able to get money to repair the totalled car from the other party. A couple of months ago, my dad rear-ended an Innova, which stopped suddenly after a toll. Three burly agitated men got out, and my dad just handed his business card, and the issue was resolved then and there. Sometimes it's that simple to handle such situations.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

2024 Jawa Perak gets engine updates for performance & refinement

Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles has introduced several mechanical updates on the Jawa Perak. The 2024 model gets significant enhancements to its engine aimed at improving performance and refinement. The company has made micro geometry modifications to the gear tooth, which is said to have resulted in superior meshing quality, reducing the NVH levels. The new gearbox covers are also said to improve the NVH characteristics of the bike. The 2024 Jawa Perak now features a new crankshaft that is said to reduce engine stress. Other changes to the engine include a new piston skirt profile and cast iron liner in the engine block that reduces friction and improves engine NVH, a larger throttle body diameter of 38 mm and a patented breather canopy that minimizes oil consumption and emissions. The engine is complemented by an 'assist & slipper' clutch. The bike maker has also made changes to the gear ratios and throttle mapping for different usage scenarios, from urban commuting to highway cruising.

How I installed CarPlay & Android Auto on my Crysta's stock head unit

BHPian audioholic recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Our 2020 Innova Crysta pre-facelift did not have Apple CarPlay and a few months after we purchased it, they decided to launch a facelift with a completely new head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Had earlier planned to change the head unit to the facelift version but realised the entire wiring was different and it was not a direct fit. Only one installer in Goa has done this so far and has worked with their own custom connectors. But now, the long pending problem has been solved with this amazing product I found which was popular in other countries with Toyota head units. Turns out my car's head unit came with a similar interface and operating system. Found the supplier in China ordered this product and installed it as soon as it arrived. Was overjoyed by the results. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now on my stock head unit with complete functionality. The control unit is a palm-sized box which has a piggyback interface between the vehicle and the head unit. In addition to that it has a dedicated USB port for wired CarPlay and an optional interface with a rear camera which is not required in my case since the stock camera is used: It comes with a vehicle-specific harness which will connect to the Toyota harness at three T connectors that then head to the stock HU. The connections hardly take time. We remove the three connectors from the stock HU, connect that to the harness provided and then connect the opposite pins on the harness to the head unit. Once that's done, the ignition can be powered up and the head unit takes a while to boot since its power is disconnected. After this, to trigger the CarPlay box, we have two options:Switch to FM and then AuxHold the Voice command button for 2s and release.The CarAbc box immediately fires up with its interface. For the initial setup, we can pair our phone with this box(and have to delete the pairing with the stock HU to avoid clashes). Wired car play will work straight away while wireless needs a connection to the Wi-Fi access point. Turns out, the head unit allows external devices to connect two-way and be able to even access touch screen actions, which allows the Carabc box to offer full CarPlay functionality and for the user to use the Head unit touch screen to navigate. This is common in German cars but given how Toyota electronics is ancient, it was a surprise to me. To summarise Pros/Features:Superb integration and installationSeamless switching between the stock Head unit sources and the CarAbc interfaceThe stock reverse camera can be used as usual and the box switches without any loss of audioVery good sound quality and customisable settingsOffers both wired as well as wireless ACP and AA as well as a host of other functions, typically rendering the stock HU functions redundantTouch screen lag is comparable to the stock head unit and is only noticeable during scrolling or moving mapsACP graphics performance is very good with a good frame rateCons:Screen resolution is slightly lower and since the stock HU does not have very high resolution, ACP somewhat looks low res especially since I am used to crystal clear rendering on my Slavia 10-inch display.The incoming call display on the instrument cluster is lost even though steering calling controls continue to workHere is a short video showing the performance of the interface and the comparable lag between the stock interface and that of the Carabc box. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Global NCAP Rating Latest Data: Mahindra Bolero Neo, Honda Amaze, Kia Carens crash tested under GNCAP | Check ratings

Global NCAP Rating 2024:Global NCAPhas conducted crash test under the Safer cars for India programme and released safety ratings for selected cars from Honda, Kia Motors, and Mahindra & Mahindra. Let's take a look at the safety ratings of these three cars:

Toyota launches Fortuner Leader Edition with enhanced features

Fortuner Leader Edition boasts new black alloy wheels, accompanied by a choice of three dual-tone color options: Super White, Platinum Pearl White, and Silver Metallic, all accentuated with contrasting black elements. Knowmore.

Ola Electric expands network with 500th service centre launch in Kochi

Ola Electric recently ventured into the sub-Rs 80,000 scooter segment, introducing new pricing for its S1 X portfolio. All details inside.

Toyota rolls out Fortuner SUV Leader Edition in India, know price and features

Customers can book the SUV in this new special edition right away through its official website or the authorised dealerships across the country.

Hyundai price cut: Get discount of up to Rs 48,000 on Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, i20, Verna and Aura

Hyundai brings enticing benefits on some of its popular models including the Grand i10 Nios, i20, Verna, and Aura. Let's delve into the details of these exciting deals:

Tesla cuts the price of its 'Full Self Driving' system by a third to $8,000

Tesla Full Self Driving price cut news:Tesla knocked roughly a third off the price of its Full Self Driving system which can't drive itself and so drivers must remain alert and be ready to intervene to $8,000 from $12,000, according to the company website.

MS Dhoni is Citroen's new brand ambassador: Sources

Indian cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been appointed as the brand ambassador for French carmaker Citroen in India, as per sources. The move aims to boost brand recognition for the Stellantis Group company in the competitive Indian market. Dhoni is set to represent the brand for two years, with an annual fee of Rs 7 crore, as revealed by the sources.

Tesla wants to woo China customers with cheaper cars after Musk defers India visit plan

Tesla Inc. has reduced vehicle prices in China amidst stiff competition. Tesla had earlier introduced incentives in China to attract consumers, countering competition from BYD. Musk meanwhile deferred his India visit, which was aimed to tap into a new market amid declining sales and stock prices.

Auto Roundup | Explore car and bike launches, pricing adjustments, collaborative ventures, EV charging alliances and other noteworthy auto updates of the week

This week's automotive highlights in India include the formation of an EV charging alliance by 20 energy firms, Maruti Swift's price hike ahead of its next-gen launch and much more. Lets go through all significant auto update of the week.

The 2024 Mercedes E 350 4Matic is the thriftiest luxury workhorse

We test out the refreshed Mercedes midsize sedan.

Car Price Hike: Maruti Swift prices increased ahead of next-generation launch

The latest adjustment sees the ZXi+ variant experiencing the highest increase, with prices rising by Rs 39,000 for the manual version. In contrast, the VXi, VXi AMT, and VXi CNG variants witness a more modest hike of Rs 15,000. Overall, prices for various Swift models have been raised by Rs 25,000.

Mahindra rolls out new nine-seater Bolero Neo+, know starting price

Bolero Neo+ comes with advanced safety features such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual airbags, child seats, engine immobiliser, and automatic door locks.

Toyota Innova Hycross GX (O) Variant Introduced: Check what's new | Know ex-showroom price, mileage, other details

Toyota Innova Hycross New Variant:Japanese automotive manufacturing company Toyota Kirloskar Motors has introduced a new variant of the Innova HyCross the GX (O) petrol variant. Check out what's new inToyota Innova HyCross GX (O) petrol variant.

Mahindra unveils new nine-seater Bolero Neo+ starting at Rs 11.39 lakh

The new vehicle boasts signature Bolero elements such as X-shaped bumpers, a front grille adorned with chrome inserts, and an X-shaped spare wheel cover, all complemented by side body cladding.

GrowthCap Ventures forays into mobility sector with investment in Advance Mobility

GrowthCap Ventures, a venture capital firm focused in investing in Fintech, SaaS and Deep tech sectors, has announced that it will be foraying into the mobility sector by investing in Advance Mobility

Cybertruck owners allege pedal problem as Tesla suspends deliveries

Owners will have to wait until April 20 for deliveries to resume.

New Jeep Wrangler facelift all set to be launched on April 22

While standing tall with its unique identity, the Wrangler faces competition from the esteemed Land Rover Defender, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the realm of off-road excellence. Know more.

Auto Roundup | Explore cars, bikes launches, discounts, vehicle sales, strategic partnerships and other key highlights of the week

From India's automotive evolution with Ather Energy's Rizta scooter to Hyundai-Kia's EV localization. Witness the surge in electric vehicle sales, Maruti Suzuki's price hike, and Bajaj's revamped Pulsar N250 launch and other key highlights of the week.

Ban Chinese electric vehicles now, demands US senator

China's EV industry benefits from billions of dollars in government subsidies.

Indian automobile industry reports 12.5% sales growth amidst firm economic climate

The Indian automobile industry saw a 12.5% sales surge in the latest fiscal year, driven by robust economic conditions and government support. Read more.

Hyundai launches corporate edition of Grand i10 NIOS in India with enhanced features and affordable pricing

The new vehicle comes available in seven colours -- Atlas White, Typhoon Silver, Titan Grey, Teal Blue, Fiery Red, Spark Green, and the newly added Amazon Grey.

Tata Motors Price Cut: Tata Motors announces discount on Nexon, Tiago and Altroz

With discounts of up to Rs 40,000 on MY2024 units, customers have the opportunity to save significantly on their purchases this month. Additionally, MY2023 units are also eligible for substantial discounts as part of the ongoing promotional offers.

Volkswagen Q1 deliveries up

Volkswagen delivered a total 2.10 million vehicles during the first quarter, representing a 3.1 per centrise compared to the same time period last year.