13 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Problems That Only An Owner Can Tell You

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 did manage to convincingly win the hearts of a lot of people and journalists have sung nothing but paeans about this bike. But is it really as great a motorcycle as everyone has made it out to be? I have had the Interceptor 650 for over two months now, and have covered about 2,500 km on it, riding it every single day, without fail. From commuting in the city (crawling bumper-to-bumper traffic in the first gear, half clutch at times), to spirited Sunday morning corners with my superbike-riding buddies, to lazy highway cruising, inter-state touring, to even a dirt track jump session (Yes, that really happened) - it would be fair to say I have spent a considerable amount of time with this motorcycle to notice a few flaws - some really bothersome, some not so much. I would like to share some 13 of them with you.

1) Footpegs - The positioning of the pegs on this bike baffles me. They are placed right underneath the rider, effectively putting them in the way when someone puts their feet down. Due to the crankcase being wide, the pegs sit further apart than a conventional single cylinder bike. That wouldn't have been a problem had the pegs been forward set or slightly rear set, but here, they are positioned in such a manner that you will have to space your feet wide apart to avoid hitting them.

Due to the crankcase being wide, the pegs sit further apart than a conventional single cylinder bike

Scraped shins is not the only issue here (Who all drew blood the first time they tried getting this bike off the side stand?). When crawling in traffic, you will not have your feet on the pegs at all times, especially while stopping or just starting. You will have to place them extremely wide apart and there is always a danger of an autorickshaw or an adventurous car running over your toes, jostling for space. Believe me, it is a disaster waiting to happen. What is the fix? Well, I plan to install the entire assembly of the Continetal GT 650's rearsets. That should move the pegs back and let me stand in traffic, in peace. The assembly costs Rs 6,000 (I'll post a video once I carry out the modification).

2) Seat - The stock seat on the Interceptor looks quite nice but is heavily flawed and in my opinion the second weakest part of the bike after the footpeg issue. The stock seat is too soft and sags after about half an hour of riding, making it uncomfortable. So, I got the Touring Seat option - same design, firmer foam. Did it solve my problem? Not quite.

The stock seat is too soft and sags after about half an hour of riding, making it uncomfortable 

The touring seat starts to sag after about 200 km of riding as well and is strangely narrow from the front (applies to the stock seat too), making it uncomfortable on the inner thighs. On a trip from Delhi to Jaipur (250-odd km), I started to experience fatigue at the 200 km mark. A fair bit of headwind and the seat were adding to it. The seat primarily.

And the seat is too short for two-up riding. It tapers towards the end, leaving little room for a full-sized adult pillion to comfortably sit on. I had a short ride sitting pillion behind my six-foot tall, 95 kg colleague. I stand 5'10.5, weigh 82 kg and I did not have enough room to plant myself down.

What is the fix? I am thinking of going a custom seat route. Need to explore this and I will get back with a video when I find a solution.

3) Headlight - The headlight is just about adequate for night riding in the city when the roads are lit but leave me wanting when the street lights are off. The headlight is also strictly a no-no when it comes to touring. Not that I advocate touring at night. You need a set of dedicated auxiliary lights for touring.

The visibility and the throw of the light isn't good enough when it comes to touring 

My fix for the headlights (Night city riding and light touring): A 3,800 Lumens Cyclops LED bulb. Works like a charm and does not cause problems for oncoming traffic.Another small headlight related issue: I wish Royal Enfield gave a clear lens for the headlight cover. 

4) No Gearshift Indicator - This is not a big omission. It's a luxury, really. But something I wouldn't mind having. Sometimes, when in sixth, I am still trying to upshift, thinking there is another gear to go.

5) No Inbuilt Clock - Time is money. And I really need to be able to tell the time when I am riding. I wear a riding jacket and full gauntlet gloves at all times when I ride which means I can't sport a wrist watch. So, how am I supposed to tell the time? Dear Royal Enfield, please include a clock in the instrument cluster in the next iteration of this bike and let it be an independent, separate one that we don't have to toggle different parameters to get to.

The Interceptor 650 does not come with a gear shift indicator 

6) Fuel Gauge - If you go by the fuel gauge on this motorcycle, for the first 100 kilometres you will think this motorcycle has a minimum 500 kilometre tank range (It does not). The bars indicating fuel level just refuse to drop. And when it does, before you know it, it would be down to half. When it finally reaches the last two bars, it will refuse to drop again for the longest possible time. As soon as you take a break or turn your motorcycle off and then on again, the two bars would be down to a single blinking bar, leaving you looking for a fuel station.

I don't rely on the fuel gauge of this bike anymore. I go strictly tankful-to-tankful now. The least the Interceptor 650 does is 220 kilometres on a tankful and the best it does is about 270 kilometres (this is in about 10.6 litres of fuel). I have fuelled up some eight to 10 times by now and I get a fuel economy in the range of 21.5 to 26. For those who don't get a tankful, predicting range can prove challenging. I intimated Royal Enfield about this issue, they could not find a fix.

7) Weak Electricals - Whenever this motorcycle is washed, for the next day or two, the instrument turns into Christmas lights. Sometimes the Neutral light will stay half lit, other times the Low Engine Oil light or the Battery light will come on. Now, even though these parameters would be perfectly fine, the lights will make you believe there is an error. Why does it happen? I suspect water seeps in somehow while washing. Something Royal Enfield needs to look into.

8) Handlebars - The stock handlebars are positioned too far away from the rider and the position you get is such that your arms are completely stretched out, without any bend in the elbow. That is not a comfortable stance, at least for me. So, I pulled the handlebars back by about two inches and it feels more natural and relaxed. My elbows are slightly bent with this handlebar position and I believe that is the correct way to ride.

The stock handlebars are positioned too far away from the rider 

9) Horn Button - May be this should have been clubbed with the electricals issue. Water plays the devil here too. Ever since the first service, when this bike was washed, the horn button does not operate on a light press most times. You have to dig in for it to work. The issue wasn't there when I first got the bike.

10) Ergonomics (Wide pegs, Narrow Fuel Tank) - Call me crazy but I think the ergonomics of the Interceptor 650 are really messed up. The pegs are wide, and the tank slightly narrow, so when I have to hug the tank with my inner thighs, my knees are angled in, instead of being angled out. The way the hip bone pivots, the natural movement is the knees always go out while sitting. Here, on this bike, my knees are not only angled in, they are also sitting closer than my toes. I don't know if I have been able to convey it properly here, but this illustration should help a bit.

How my legs should be when I sit: \_/ (Thighs moving outwards from the hips)

How my legs are when I ride the Interceptor 650: /__\ (Thighs forced to be hinged inwards)

11) Rear View Mirrors - The left side mirror on this bike gives good visibility but the right side mirror, due to the front brake fluid reservoir, sits about an inch closer to the rider. That ensures that finding a decent angle on the right side mirror is difficult and requires a lot of adjusting. I am still not very happy with the view I get from the right side mirror.

Go for the Touring Mirrors that Royal Enfield sells as accessory.

Besides that, the pasting on the glass that converts it into a mirror keeps coming off. It has happened on both the left and the right side mirrors at different times and Royal Enfield has been kind enough to replace them. However, the problem has cropped up again, a week after the last mirror was changed. This is again something that Royal Enfield needs looking into. My fix is to go for the Touring Mirrors that Royal Enfield sells as accessory.

12) Snatchy Below 2,000 RPM - Now this is a problem that I believe is specific to my bike. Between 1,600 and 1,900 RPM, my bike stutters a lot. As soon as I shift into the second gear in traffic, it jerks and feels it will shut down immediately (since I am in the above mentioned rev range at this point of time), and I have to downshift to first again. The service engineers at Royal Enfield say it could be a Tappets clearance issue and I am waiting for their head service technician to take a look at my bike. I will post a video update once I get to know what exactly happened here.

13) Rusting Issue - Within 24 hours of taking delivery, I noticed rust on the ends of the exhaust. The chrome finish was uneven and rust extremely visible. A phone call to Royal Enfield later, they came to my place, picked the motorcycle up, fixed it, and brought it back.

Within 24 hours of taking delivery, I noticed rust on the ends of the exhaust

But that is not all. The front brake rotor on this bike is made by Brembo, and it is notorious for catching rust. Parked in rain for a day or two, this bike's rotor turned golden. Royal Enfield was prompt enough to replace the front rotor, but a week later, even the new one has started to catch rust. 

Was a disc swap necessary? I don't think so. Rust is common on the disc rotors of all vehicles and it being surface area rust is also superficial. But who wants to see rust on their two month old bike? Certainly, not me. Let's see what solution Royal Enfield provides for this. There's another small part that has started to rust now - the screw on top of the headlight. It has started turning golden and I will ask Royal Enfield to replace it. 

Parked in rain for a day or two, this bike's rotor turned golden and needed to be replaced

While these are the issues I have with this bike, they are still not a deal breaker for me. Remember, at the end of the day, for less than Rs 3 lakh, you are getting a 650 cc, parallel twin, smashing looking retro motorcycle that will put a smile on your face every time you go out and ride. If I were to do it all over again knowing all these problems, I would still only buy this bike at this price range. And that, is my final verdict.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2SS3vfl

Ford Aspire CNG Launched In India, Prices Start At Rs. 6.27 Lakh

Ford has launched the Aspire sedan in India in two CNG variants- Ambient and Trend Plus priced at Rs. 6.27 lakh and Rs. 7.12 lakh respectively. The CNG kit is fitted to the 1.2-litre petrol engine which produces 95 bhp and 120 Nm of peak torque and it features a first-in-segment suspension type cylinder which makes for better cargo space. The Ford Aspire was given a facelift in October last year where this new three-cylinder motor was introduced to the range.

Also Read: 2018 Ford Aspire Facelift Review

Commenting on the addition of a CNG variant to the Aspire range Vinay Raina, executive director - Marketing, Sales & Service- Ford India said, "The New Aspire CNG is yet another fuel-efficient, and eco-friendly alternative for our value-conscious customers. With maintenance cost as low as just 46 paise per km, the New Aspire CNG will offer great peace of mind to customers, without compromising on performance, safety or space."

Additionally, Ford India is also offering two-years or 100,000 km warranty on the Aspire CNG and is claiming a maintenance cost of 46 paise/km. Moreover, with a long-scheduled service interval of one-year/10,000km, owners will be required to get their CNG kits services once every two-years or 20,000 KM. Similar to the standard petrol variant, even the CNG variant will get an equal level of equipment such as embedded satellite navigation, an infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen & Bluetooth connectivity, rear-view camera, remote central locking, automatic climate control, power windows, driver and front passenger airbags along with ABS with EBD.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2tl8zL1

Daimler India Reaches Break-Even In Truck Business; Achieved 35% Growth In 2018

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) today announced achieving a financial break-even in the 2018 business year. The company achieved this feat in just over six years, from the market launch of the BharatBenz brand in India, making it one of the fastest manufactures in this segment to achieve this feat. The announcement was made at the company's Annual Press Conference, which is also where the company officially introduced its new Managing Director and CEO, Satyakam Arya, who also spoke about Daimler's sales performance in 2018.

In 2018, Daimler India also announced achieving a 35 per cent growth last year in the domestic market, with total truck sales reaching 22,532, compared to the 16,717 units sold in 2017. Talking about the company's growth, Arya said, "2018 was the best year in the young history of our company and for BharatBenz - our focus on profitable growth continues to pay off." The company credited this growth mainly two aspects, the strong product portfolio of BharatBenz and to the expansion of the brand's pan-India sales and service network. In fact, in 2018 alone the company introduced 50 new touchpoints, growing from 130 to 180 outlets.

The company is planning new product launches in 2019.

At the event, Satyakam Arya also spoke about the company's plans for the year 2019, during which the focus will be on three key areas - Digitalisation, Network Expansion, and New Product Launches. Elaboration on this, Arya said, "We are talking about digitalising the entire customer ecosystem, which means all interactions they do with us will be digitalised. This will take us to a new level of customer management and satisfaction. When it comes to network, we have a very aggressive plan to further expand our network. We are talking of, in fact, doubling our network in the next 2-3 years, which means, once we do that, customers could find a BharatBenz outlet within 100 km or within 2 hours." Talking about product plans for 2019, Arya added, "At this moment we are working very aggressively on touching each and every model in our portfolio and further looking at how we can enhance value to the customer. This is also driven by axle load norms and preparation for BS-VI)."

Currently, the company is also working on the development of BS-VI vehicles for the Indian market, for which the company says it's combining Daimler's Euro 6 experience and customer and market insight to build products suited for the Indian market. Adding to this Arya said, "Our full attention is on India's transition to BS-VI in just over a year, and we are confident to add the next chapter to our success story." With regards to axle load regulations, DICV is upgrading the entire domestic truck portfolio and will launch models and variants in a staggered approach. In fact, the first vehicle of this new product generation, a 55-tonne tractor, will be handed over to a BharatBenz customer on Rajasthan soon.

In 2018, DICV also reached 1,00,000 production models in the country, and it was the same year that the company exported its 20,000th truck from the Indian market. In 2018 alone, Daimler India exported 7,034 trucks, compared to the 6,553 units exported in 2017, achieving a growth of 8 per cent.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2GI3J2h

Volkswagen T-Roc R To Be Unveiled At The 2019 Geneva Motor Show

At the Geneva International Motor Show Volkswagen will present the new top model for the crossover series which was launched in 2017: the T-Roc R. The Volkswagen R will be the performance version of the T-Roc and yes it holds a lot of promise. The sporting characteristics of the Volkswagen T-Roc R are accentuated by the unmistakable "R"-specific exterior and interior design.

Also Read: Volkswagen T-Roc Review 

Since its market launch in November 2017, Volkswagen has sold round 200,000 units worldwide. The new T-Roc R now expands the broad spectrum of the compact crossover with a sporty variant and appeals to individualists who according to the company 'attach as much importance to a stylish appearance as to outstanding driving performance.'

We recently got a chance to drive the T-Roc andd told you how capable a car it was 

The new T-Roc R was developed and tested by Volkswagen R at the legendary Nurburgring. The development of the vehicle was also supported by the racing driver expertise of WRX World Champion Petter Solberg and Volkswagen works driver Benjamin Leuchter.

We only get to see the sketch for now and no other details have poured out yet, so we wait and watch to know more.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2SQCxoA

MG Motor Inaugurates New Corporate Office In Gurugram

We can safely term Gurugram as the corporate hub of North India. It has also been a top pick for many carmakers which are based in the Delhi-NCR region to set up their corporate offices. SAIC-owned MG Motor which is geared to start operations in India has also joined the party after inaugurating its India headquarters is Gurugram and has invested Rs. 150 crore into the infrastructure. The headquarters will also house the British carmaker's flagship showroom in India along with the brand store. The new HQ will also house various departments such as After Sales, Sales, Marketing, Product Planning, Dealer Development, Finance and Corporate Affairs.

Also Read: Exclusive: MG Hector Compact SUV To Sport Segment's Largest Panoramic Sunroof

Speaking on the occasion, Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director - MG Motor India, said, "India is going to be a key market for the MG brand and the new HQ reflects our long-term commitment to be an integral part of the thriving Indian auto market, in addition to our Halol manufacturing facility, which was inaugurated in September 2017. With a strong foundation and best talent from the industry in our team, we are ready to go full throttle for the Hector SUV, our first launch in Q2 2019."

MG Motor has invested Rs. 150 crore in its India headquarter.

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Also Read: MG Hector: Top Five Things You Need To Know

The headquarter has been designed under the "Queen's Necklace" British design theme and the look and feel of the office will inherit classic British Street. A specially designed "getaway" area will enable employees to de-stress via games like PlayStation, Foosball etc. It is spread in an area of over 46,000 square feet and the new office will be ready in the next two months, to shift the company's Gurgaon employees to the new premises ahead of the launch of its first model- the MG Hector compact SUV. The flagship showroom on the ground floor will be one of the firsts in the country to showcase its vehicles in the NCR region. It will start operations in Q2 2019. Moreover, the carmaker is also planning to operate company-owned showrooms in other metro cities, starting with Mumbai.

Also Read: MG Motors India Christens Its First SUV Hector

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2GsWD29

Mahindra XUV300, Triumph Street range, TVS Star City+ Kargil Edition

The top automotive news of the day- Mahindra has launched the XUV300 in India with prices starting from Rs. 7.90 lakh and going up to Rs. 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It is the newest model in the subcompact SUV space and will rival the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon and Ford EcoSport. Triumph Motorcycles India has launched the 2019 models of the Street Twin and the Street Scrambler in India at Rs. 7.45 lakh and Rs. 8.55 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) respectively. And finally, TVS has launched its 110 cc Star City + commuter motorcycle in 'Kargil Edition'.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Videos http://bit.ly/2DDBVca

Hyundai Styx Subcompact SUV Spotted Testing

The subcompact SUV segment is getting spruced-up every year with the entry of new models. Mahindra had launched its subcompact SUV- the XUV300 yesterday and Hyundai is all set to introduce its contender soon. carandbike had reported earlier reported that the Hyundai Styx which was formerly known as the QXI will make its world debut in April this year at the New York Auto show. Prior to its debut, the Styx has been caught testing nearing its production stage.

The Hyundai Styx gets projector headlamps up front.

Also Read: Hyundai Styx Subcompact SUV World Debut In April at New York Show

Unlike before, the Styx is wearing comparatively less camouflage this time and the upper segment of the body shell is visible. The A and B pillars of the Styx are finished in black and the test mule spotted painted in arctic silver along with silver roof rails, which can be made out from the uncovered roof. The earlier spy pictures have given the impression of the wide cascade grille. This latest ones in-turn reveal a bit more like the lower positioned projector beam headlamps surrounded with black fringes and a sleek LED Daytime running lamp strip which is positioned just near the hood line. On the side, the fancy looking dual-tone alloy wheels which we speculatively could be 17-inchers are there and the Creta like broad C-Pillar comes quite apparent. At the rear, the only obvious element is the squarish LED taillamps while the rest of the design is covered with pseudo claddings.

At the rear, the Hyundai Styx gets LED taillamps.

Also Read: Hyundai QXi Subcompact SUV Cabin Spied For The First Time

The Hyundai Styx is based on the Carlino concept which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2016. It will have multiple powertrain options ranging from 1.2 petrol to 1.5 diesel. Gearbox options will include an AMT for the Indian market. The Styx is based on the same platform that underpins the Grand i10 and Xcent and Kia will also use the same for its own subcompact SUV that will come to global markets by 2020.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2TNGgjO

Tata Motors Sells 2 Lakh Units Of The Tiago In India

Tata Motors today announced that it has sold 2 lakh unit sales of Tiago hatchback in India. It was back in October 2017, that the company rolled out the 1 lakh units of the Tiago from its Sanand plant in Gujarat and the car hasn't looked back since. It's been two years since the launch of the Tiago and in this time the Tiago family has grown from strength to strength and has witnessed the introduction in several avatars. The year 2017 witnessed the introduction of not one but 2 AMT variants - the XZA and the XTA along with the launch of a special festive edition - The Tiago Wizz. Following this in 2018 we saw the introduction the Tiago NRG - and even the performance version of the car the Tiago JTP.

Also Read: Tata Tiago JTP Review

Tata Motors recently launched the performance oriented Tiago JTP in India

Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors said, "The Tata Tiago is a testimony to the strong connect we have established with our customers by offering best in class features at a great value proposition. The Tiago continues to be one of the few models in the hatchback segment that is still registering positive growth despite being in its third year of production. With 18 renowned accolades, the Tiago is the country's most awarded compact hatchback. I would like to express my gratitude to all the customers who have contributed to this milestone. We are confident that the Tiago will continue to win the hearts of customers across India and thrive as a successful offering in the hatchback segment."

The Tiago was built with inputs from the Pune, UK and Italy design studios and is available in both petrol and diesel variants. Given the success the Tiago has received over the years, Tata Motors is all set to introduce a facelift of the car very soon which will come this year as we kick start the countdown to BS6 norms in India.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2Eb0LBD

Honda Reveals Cabin Of The EV Prototype

Ahead of its reveal at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, Honda has revealed the cabin of the electric vehicle prototype. There's just one interior image but it shows the design direction Honda is going in for. It was back in 2017, that the company first showcased the Urban EV concept and back then it said that the car would enter production. We had a broad smile on our face back then too because, even though the design language was futuristic, it still brought back fond memories of the 1970's Honda Civic.

The Honda electric vehicle concept gets two touchscreens and even a digital instrument cluster

There's just one image which shows just the dashboard and the steering wheel. The dashboard gets an expansive digital screen on the right and a digital instrument cluster as well which sees the company moving towards the next generation of cars and following its competitor's footsteps to bring in tech-laden cars to the world. It's no surprise that the big digital screen is a touchscreen but there are steering mounted controls too which are likely to give you the option of toggling through the menu on the go.

The design of the Honda Urban EV brings back fond memories of the Civic from the 1970s 

From what we can notice, there are two touch screens, one enabled for the driver and the other for the passenger. The uncluttered dashboard looks great and the only buttons that you see there are of the climate control unit. There's no dual-zone climate control system, but below it is something that the new-gen loves, charging points, 2 USB ports and even an HDMI plug-in.

The car will be unveiled that the 2019 Geneva Motor show which kick starts on March 5

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2Ie6lav

Mahindra XUV300 Automatic Caught Testing For The First Time

It was just yesterday that Mahindra launched the XUV300 subcompact SUV in India with prices starting from Rs. 7.90 lakh (ex-showroom India). The XUV300 was launched in both petrol and diesel variants which came with a 6-speed manual transmission. When asked the company about the chances of an automatic making its way into the car, it said that a variant was in the works. But we think the launch might be sooner than we think. Carandbike reader, Ashwin Rajwade, spotted the automatic variant of the XUV300 doing the rounds of Mumbai a day after the launch of the car in the country.

The Mahindra XUV300 gets the AMT unit sourced from Magnetti Marelli

The car spotted with the automatic transmission is the W6 variant, so clearly, the company will make it available on the W6 and W8 variant of the XUV300. The automatic transmission on the XUV300 looks like an AMT, something similar to what we've seen on the TUV300. So we can conclude that AMT gearbox will be sourced from Magnetti-Marelli. The only two cars to get an AMT in the subcompact SUV segment are the Tata Nexon and the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. Now, Mahindra plans to make the AMT available in both the petrol and diesel engines; a strategy that's only been adopted by Tata as of now.

The Mahindra XUV300 AMT spotted here is the W6 variant

However, when it comes to pricing, we expect the XUV300 with the AMT to start above Rs. 9 lakh and that will make it more expensive than the Nexon for sure but will probably make it cheaper than the Ford EcoSport automatic. The fact that the car is ready with the automatic transmission is a good sign and Mahindra is probably waiting for the initial response to the manual transmission variant, as it clearly sees that the automatic variant will see the demand surge for the XUV300.

Image Courtesy: Ashwin Rajwade via Twitter

 

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2TPDlHx

Royal Enfield Workers Resume Strike At Oragadam Plant In Chennai

Workers at the Royal Enfield Oragadam plant in Chennai have struck work for the second time, three months after the strike was originally called off. The Working People's Trade Union Council had issued a strike notice on February 12, but the strike only began a day later at 3 pm at the manufacturing facility. It's been reported that the workers were unhappy with the lack of progress of the negotiations over wage hike, and re-designation of certain employees as permanent staff. Previously, the employees union had announced a strike late 2018, which extended for a period of 50 days, affecting production at the facility.

In a filing to the national stock exchange, Eicher Motors, the parent company of the motorcycle maker said, "Royal Enfield remains deeply committed, as always in the past, to maintaining respectful relationships with all employees. We believe an engaged workforce and cordial industrial relations, create a culture of excellence where all employees are proud of their contributions to the organisation. It is unfortunate that a certain section of our workforce has resorted to an illegal strike at our Oragadam plant in Chennai despite the company's best efforts and positive intentions. We have been working
closely with our workforce and have undertaken various constructive and confidence-building initiatives."

Royal Enfield further elaborated that the Oragadam plant was only affected by the strike with a majority of its workforce still reporting to work; while the plants at Vallam Vadagaland and Tiruvottiyur, continue to remain fully operational.

"We are focused on resolving all issues in an amicable manner while keeping the best interests of the organization and our workforce in mind," the company added in the statement.

The previous strike at the Oragadam plant saw a production loss of about 28,000 units for Royal Enfield between the period of September 24 and November 12, 2018. At the time, the new Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 were yet to be launched in the Indian market. However, both motorcycles are on sale in India and internationally at present, and a production loss will only add to the delivery time on the bikes. The 650 motorcycles currently command a waiting period of about six months. With the demand rising, it needs to be seen if production will be affected due to the strike.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2TPaenL

KIA Motors Inaugurates First Dealership In India In Noida

South Korean automaker KIA Motors has inaugurated its first dealership in India in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The automaker's first dealership is called Allied Motors and appears to be spread in a massive space. The images also reveal the KIA Rio and Stinger to be parked inside the company's very first outlet. The company recently the commenced trial production at its newly built manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, while its first product for India codenamed SP2i is scheduled for launch around the festive season.

Also Read: KIA SP2i Compact SUV Launch Details Revealed

Curtains being lifted on the first Kia Motors India showroom during its inauguration! Proud moment!! pic.twitter.com/hMvQIaHutg

— Manohar Bhat (@bhatm1) February 14, 2019

KIA is already in the final stages of establishing its dealer network across the country with the first outlets set to appear in all the major cities and towns. The company's first product is a Hyundai Creta rivalling compact SUV that will be produced at Anantapur. The SP2i is in fact underpinned by the same platform as the Creta but will get a host of additional features and possibly different engine options too. KIA though is yet to confirm the details on its first car for India, which evolves from the SP Concept that was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo.

The KIA Rio hatchback and the Stinger are on display at the new dealership

The new showrooms will act as brand builders for KIA ahead of the SP2i's market launch. The Hyundai sister concern is a brand that not many know in India, and the dealerships will help familiarise prospective customers with the automaker, as it plans to launch sedans, hatchbacks, MPVs and even electric vehicles in the future.

Also Read: KIA Starts Trial Production Of SP2i Compact SUV At Anantapur Plant

For now, KIA Motors India is working towards the production version of the SP2i that will be revealed by mid-2019. The car will be produced at the Anantapur facility that has been built at a cost of $1.1 billion (around Rs. 7050 crore) over a space of 536 acres. A vendor and supplier park has also been established around the facility, which will have an annual production capacity of 300,000 units per annum, which can be further expanded based on the demand.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2BD6A9s

2019 Triumph Street Twin First Look

We take a close look at the all-new 2019 Triumph Street Twin, the most popular Triumph motorcycle in India. The new Street Twin gets significantly updated, with more power, two riding modes, updated suspension, Brembo brakes and more. The 2019 Street Twin is priced at Rs. 7.45 lakh (ex-showroom).

from NDTV CarAndBike - Videos http://bit.ly/2S0Jz5G

2019 Triumph Street Scrambler First Look

A close look at the new Triumph Street Scrambler - what is new, what has changed, and how different it is from the outgoing Street Scrambler. Priced at Rs. 8.55 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Street Scrambler gets three riding modes- Road, Rain and Off-Road, a larger 19-inch front wheel and slightly different and upright riding position.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Videos http://bit.ly/2toQBr4

2019 Honda Civic Launch Details Revealed

The Honda Civic first arrived in India over a decade ago and while it was one of the most loved sedans of its time, the automaker decided to discontinue the model in the country, as the sedan moved to the next generation globally. Nevertheless, the Civic is now set to make a comeback to the Indian market in the latest tenth generation avatar and will go on sale on March 7, 2019. The all-new Civic is a major departure over its predecessors in both performance and tech wizardry, while the big update is the addition of a diesel heart on the sedan. We first saw the tenth generation Honda Civic at the 2018 Auto Expo in India, and anticipations have been high ever since as the legendary nameplate comes back to the Indian roads.

Also Read: New Generation Honda Civic Bookings Open At Rs. 31,000

India will get the 10th generation Honda Civic, having skipped the 9th generation model

India gets the facelifted version of the tenth generation Honda Civic. The sedan gets a new and bolder looking design language that includes the chrome-induced front wing grille, angular bumper and all-LED headlamps. Compared to the eighth generation Civic that was sold in the country, the new model is a complete overhaul in design and looks nicer too. This version is also slightly raised, making for easier ingress and egress. The rear styling has completely transformed with the new C-shaped LED taillights and the fastback roofline that converges into the boot. The new Civic is a lovely looking car like that and certainly commands presence on road.

With respect to features, the 2019 Honda Civic is equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 8-way adjustable driver's seat, electric sunroof, dual-zone climate control and smart key engine on and off feature. The instrument cluster is digital as well with a 7-inch unit, while you also get a push-button start system. On the feature front, the new Civic comes loaded with six airbags, ABS, EBD, Agile Handling Assist, stability control, hill start assist and electric parking brake.

Also Read: New Gen Honda Civic: Key Features Explained

Honda Civic comes with a pair stylish C-shaped LED taillights at the rear

Engine options on the 2019 Honda Civic include the 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol motor that is tuned for 139 bhp at 6500 rpm and 174 Nm of peak torque available at 4300 rpm. The Civic is also offered with a 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel heart in India for the first time and the motor is tuned for 118 bhp at 4000 rpm and 300 Nm of peak torque at 2000 rpm. The petrol version is only offered with a CVT unit, while the diesel gets a 6-speed manual transmission. Honda claims an ARAI certified fuel efficiency figure of 16.5 kmpl on the petrol and 26.8 kmpl on the diesel model.

Prices for the 2019 Honda Civic will be announced on March 7 and the sedan is expected to be priced in the vicinity of Rs. 18-24 lakh (ex-showroom). The D-sedan segment may not be as popular as it was a decade ago, but India does get a host of capable cars in this space. The new Civic will lock horns against the Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla Altis and the Hyundai Elantra in the segment.

 

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2TOQe4F

Upcoming Harley-Davidson Designs Revealed In Patent Filings

Design drawings of the upcoming Harley-Davidson bikes filed with the European Union Intellectual Property Office have emerged and the images reveal what are certainly to be upcoming models to be introduced in the next couple of years. Last year, Harley-Davidson announced several future models, including a new adventure touring model called the Harley-Davidson Pan America with a 1,250 cc v-twin engine. In all, images of three upcoming Harley-Davidson models have emerged, including the Pan America, Streetfighter and the Custom 1250. And at least two of these patent images show the bikes sporting saree guards, hinting that these will be primarily targeted at the Indian market, and maybe even assembled here.

(The Harley-Davidson Pan America will be the American brand's first adventure tourer)

Now, the latest patent images reveal that the Pan-America will follow the same design language as revealed by Harley-Davidson last year, but these seem more evolved than the prototype illustrations revealed last year. There are small, but obvious changes, like cast wheels for the Pan America, radiator crash guards, a large, probably adjustable windscreen, and off-road style handlebar guards. Towards the rear of the bike, just under the pillion seat also reveals what seem to be pannier mounting points.

The Harley-Davidson Streetfighter will be a naked roadster

Images of all three bikes revealed in the patent filings show v-twin engines, but it's still not clear how much displacement the other two bikes will have. A naked roadster which seem to be an evolution of the Street series is also revealed, with a saree guard, and the engine displacement could be anywhere from 500 cc to 1200 cc. This could well be the Streetfighter design which was unveiled last year, and the patent images bear quite a bit of similarity to the original concept picture. This model also sports fat upside down forks, and also gets a deep belly pan under the engine.

The Harley-Davidson Custom 1250 will have a flattrack style cruiser with fat tyres

The third bike seems to be a flat-track style cruiser as revealed in the original concept pictures last year, and gets Bobber-style fat tyres and a futuristic front end, reminiscent of the Fat Bob. So far, there are no more details of the bikes, and Harley-Davidson had already announced that the new models will be introduced in 2020. One thing's for certain - India is in Harley-Davidson's radar to pick up some volumes and development of these three models is full-on underway. It's only a matter of time till we start seeing some spy shots and maybe some pre-production prototypes later this year.

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New-Gen Honda Civic Bookings Open; Launch In March 2019

Honda Cars India has officially commenced the bookings of the new 10th generation Honda Civic. Slated to be launched on March 7, 2019, customers can pre-book the new Honda Civic for a token of Rs. 31,000, starting, February 15. The previous and only Civic India got was the eight generation model and the car is widely appreciated by the Indian enthusiast. While Honda did skip a generation before bringing, looking at a new car we have no complaints. The new-gen Civic is based on Honda's new advanced platform and employs the company's latest design language making the car more stylish, smarter and aggressive. In India, the new Civic will be rivalling the likes of the Skoda Octavia, Hyundai Elantra, and Toyota Corolla Altis.

Also Read: New-Gen Honda Civic: Key Features Explained

Honda Civic employs the company's latest design language making the car more stylish, smarter and aggressive

Rajesh Goel, Sr Vice President & Director, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, "Civic is an iconic brand with a rich legacy of 10 generations and is currently our largest selling model globally. We are extremely excited to bring the latest 10th Generation All New Civic to the Indian market."

Also Read: 2019 Honda Civic Engine Details, Fuel Efficiency Figures Revealed

The India-spec 2019 Honda Civic will be offered in both petrol and diesel version. The former gets the 1.8-litre iVTEC engine offering 139 bhp and 174 Nm of peak torque, while diesel model gets a 1.6 i-DTEC oil burner from the Earth Dreams Technology series, which makes 118 bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque. The petrol motor only comes mated to a CVT automatic transmission, while the oil burner is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox only.

Honda Civic comes with a pair stylish C-shaped LED taillamps at the rear

Also Read: 2019 Honda Civic: All You Need To Know

Visually, the car has a bold aggressive stance that is accentuated by the LED headlamps, a new piano black upper fascia wing, restyled lower fascia, bumper and lower grille, a full-width front splitter, and chrome side pod accents. The car runs on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels and gets a pair stylish C-shaped LED taillamps, with a well-sculpted boot-lid, and black styling elements on the bumper that house the reflectors. Inside, the new Civic comes with a fully-digital 7-inch TFT instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with premium ivory leather seats and an 8-way power adjustable function for the driver's seat. Other features include dual-zone automatic climate control, smart entry, and engine start-stop button and a remote engine starter.

On the safety front, the car comes with ABS with EBD, brake assist, electric parking brake, automatic brake hold, vehicle stability assist with traction control, hill start assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts, dual front airbags, and side and curtain airbags.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2UWAvR9

Triumph Motorcycle India Announces Extended Warranty For Complete Range

Triumph Motorcycle India has announced extended warranty schemes for its complete bike range. The extended warranty can be availed over and above the standard 24-month warranty available and is relevant for an additional two years. The British manufacturer announced the extended warranty on the sidelines of the 2019 Street Twin and the Street Scrambler launch. The new bikes are also included under the extended warranty scheme that covers unlimited kilometres on all Triumph motorcycles in a bid to offer hassle-free ownership to the customers. The warranty is globally applicable at all of Triumph's global dealerships and is transferrable too, in case of a new owner.

The Triumph extended warranty ensures the motorcycles are looked after the brand and by company trained technicians using genuine OEM parts. The warranty covers the engine parts, electrical components, sensors, cooling circuit, gearbox parts, suspension system, frame assembly, swingarm components, lubrication system and more. The exact list of parts though needs to be checked for each motorcycle.

The extended warranty can be purchased anytime between the date of purchase of the bike and till the standard warranty is valid. Customers obtaining the extended warranty within the first three months of purchase can get it at a more affordable price, which increases marginally once the initial 90 day period is over.

Triumph introduced the 2019 Street Twin and the Street Scrambler with prices starting at Rs. 7.45 lakh (ex-showroom). The bikes are based on the same platform as the older version, but get comprehensively upgraded engine with power, improved torque delivery, and throttle response, as well as cosmetic tweaks. The motorcycles also come with multiple riding modes this time including Rain and Road, while the Scrambler also comes with an Off-Road mode. Bookings for the new Street Twin and the Street Scrambler are now open.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2IaDrIg

Triumph To Launch Four More Motorcycles This Year

The Triumph Speed Twin will be launched in March 2019, Carandbike has learnt, followed by the Scrambler 1200 and two more launches - possibly variants of existing models. The Speed Twin is based on the Triumph Thruxton R, and is the latest, all-new addition to the Triumph Bonneville family. The Speed Twin combines the performance of the Thruxton R, with the easy ride-ability of the Bonneville T120. It gets an upright riding position, but has sporty handling combined with contemporary custom styling. The Speed Twin will be the next introduction to Triumph India's Bonneville family and is expected to be priced at around Rs. 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: 2019 Triumph Speed Twin First Ride Review

The Speed Twin has dollops of pulling power and the meat of the bike's performance is in the low and mid-range

"We have a very busy calendar from here onwards. Every month, we will be launching a new product, going forward for the next 2-3 months. Of course, Speed Twin is next on the cards, and then the Scrambler 1200 is part of the plan," Shoeb Farooq, General Manager, Triumph Motorcycles India told Carandbike on the sidelines of the new Street Twin and Street Scrambler launch in New Delhi.

The Speed Twin shares the high power Bonneville 1200 cc engine with the Thruxton R. The engine makes 96 bhp at 6,750 rpm and 112 Nm of peak torque kicking in at 4,950 rpm. What is different is that the Speed Twin gets lighter engine components, including a magnesium cam cover, and revised clutch assembly. The chassis has been revised as well, and gets lighter downtubes and a new sub-frame, and there are lighter body components including lighter cast alloy wheels, and brushed aluminium body parts. The Speed Twin's engine is lighter than the Thruxton R's by 2.5 kg and overall, the new Speed Twin is lighter than the Thruxton R by 7 kg.

"I think modern classics are well represented, currently we have seven offerings in the classic segment, lot of people won't realise that there are seven models from one brand in one segment, but I think we are very well placed in the modern classic segment. With these additions and the new products coming in, that should be good enough for this segment."

"The focus perhaps is to have all the three broad segments gunning for us, so the Street Triples on one side, the urban segment, and the adventure segment coming together. So, I think we'll have something or the other happening across all segments," added Farooq.

Also Read: Triumph Scrambler 1200 First Ride Review

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 will be launched after the Speed Twin

The Triumph Speed Twin will be followed by the Triumph Scrambler 1200, and Triumph India is also expected to extend the Tiger range in the adventure segment. The next Tiger to be introduced will possibly be the top-spec variant of the Tiger 800 model, the Triumph Tiger 800 XCA. What could also be introduced is another addition in the roadster segment, possibly the mid-spec variant of the Street Triple, the Street Triple R, which has so far not been introduced in India.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2DC95cd

Mahindra XUV300 Vs Rivals: Price Comparison

The subcompact SUV segment is one of India's most lucrative car segments which has gained immense popularity in past few years. Mahindra which was once the leading SUV maker in India had lost its crown to Maruti Suzuki which dethroned it just with the popularity of one product- the Vitara Brezza. The homegrown UV maker has been finding success for long in the subcompact SUV and finally with the launch of the all-new Mahindra XUV300, it looks like it finally has a strong contender to rival the likes the segment leader- the Vitara Brezza along with the Tata Nexon and Ford Ecosport which are its successive competitors.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300 Launched In India: Prices Start At ₹ 7.90 Lakh

The Mahindra XUV300 has been priced higher than the competition. That said, it pack-in quite some segment-first features and gets the most powerful engines in the segment. The Mahindra XUV300 is offered in both petrol and diesel iterations. The petrol motor is a 1.2-Litre, three-cylinder unit which produces 110 bhp and 200 Nm of peak torque and the diesel engine in a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit which produces 115 bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque. Both the engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission and an AMT gearbox is expected to be added to the range at a later date this year.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300 Launch Highlights

Let's see how it stands against the competition in terms of pricing.

Variants	Petrol	Diesel
Mahindra XUV300 W4	Rs. 7.90 lakh	Rs. 8.49 lakh
Mahindra XUV300 W6	Rs. 8.75 lakh	Rs. 9.30 lakh
Mahindra XUV300 W8	Rs. 10.25 lakh	Rs. 10.80 lakh
Mahindra XUV300 W8 (O)	Rs. 11.44 lakh	Rs. 11.99 lakh

In a variant-to-variant comparison, we're comparing the prices to the base W4 variant to the respective base variants of all other models. Similarly, the top-end W8(O) variant which is priced Rs.1,19,000 higher than the W8 variant is being compared to the top-spec trims of the competitors. However, in terms of features and fit and finish, it's the W8 variant which technically competes with the top-end variant of other models. The W8(O) variant is comparatively premium with all the segment-first features and leather upholstery it has on offer.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300 First Drive Review

Also See: Mahindra XUV300 Image Gallery

Also, all the other three competitors already have automatic variants on offer, we will be comparing the price only of the manual variants as the Mahindra XUV300 doesn't have any automatic variant at present.

Petrol

Variants	Petrol	Diesel
Tata Nexon XE	Rs. 6.36 Lakh	Rs. 7.40 Lakh
Tata Nexon XM	Rs. 7.12 lakh	Rs. 8.05 Lakh
Tata Nexon XMA AMT	Rs. 7.72 Lakh	Rs. 8.61 Lakh
Tata Nexon XT	Rs. 7.73 Lakh	Rs. 8.75 Lakh
Tata Nexon XZ	Rs. 8.20 Lakh	Rs. 9.20 Lakh
Tata Nexon XZ+	Rs. 9.02 Lakh	Rs. 9.90 Lakh
Tata Nexon XZ+ (Dual-Tone)	Rs. 9.22 Lakh	Rs. 10.10 Lakh
Tata Nexon XZA+ AMT	Rs. 9.62 Lakh	Rs. 10.60 lakh
Tata Nexon XZA+ AMT (Dual-Tone)	Rs. 9.83 Lakh	Rs. 10.80 lakh

Prices of the Mahindra XUV300 start at Rs. 7.90 lakh for the base W4 petrol variant and goes up to Rs. 11.44 lakh for the top-spec W8(O) trim. The base XE petrol variant of the Tata Nexon undercuts the Mahindra XUV300 by Rs. 1.54 lakh and the top-end manual XZ+ variant which is priced at Rs. 9.22 lakh undercuts the petrol W8(O) variant of the Mahindra XUV300 by a good Rs. 2.22 lakh.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300: All You Need To Know

While the base petrol Trend variant of the Ford Ecosport which is priced at Rs. 8.56 lakh is Rs. 66,000 more expensive than the base petrol W4 variant of the Mahindra XUV300, the top-end Ford Ecosport S variant at Rs. 11.37 lakh is Rs. 7000 cheaper than the top-end Mahindra XUV300 W8(O) variant. The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, on the other hand, is offered only with a diesel engine.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300: Key Features Explained In Detail

Diesel

Variants	Diesel
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza LDI	Rs. 7.67 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza VDI	Rs. 8.19 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza VDI AMT	Rs. 8.69 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza ZDI	Rs. 8.96 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza ZDI AMT	Rs. 9.46 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza ZDI+	Rs. 9.92 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza ZDI+ AMT	Rs. 10.42 lakh

The base diesel W4 variant of the Mahindra XUV300 is priced at Rs. 8.49 lakh and is Rs. 82,000 more expensive than the base LDI variant of the Vitara Brezza which is priced at Rs. 7.67 lakh. The top-end W8(O) variant priced at Rs. 11.99 lakh is Rs. 2.07 lakh more expensive than the ZDI+ variant Vitara Brezza which is priced at Rs. 9.92 lakh.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300 Receives 4000 Bookings Ahead Of Launch

The price difference between the Mahindra XUV300 and Tata Nexon is even wider. The base Mahindra XUV300 variant is Rs 1.09 lakh more expensive than the base Tata Nexon XE diesel variant which is priced at Rs. 7.40 lakh. The fully loaded W8(O) variant of the Mahindra XUV300 is Rs. 1.89 lakh dearer than the top-end Tata Nexon XZ+ variant which is priced at Rs. 10.10 lakh.

Variants	Petrol	Diesel
Ford Ecosport Trend	Rs. 8.56 Lakh	Rs. 9.16 Lakh
Ford Ecosport Trend+		Rs. 9.56 Lakh
Ford Ecosport Trend+ AT	Rs. 9.76 Lakh
Ford Ecosport Titanium	Rs. 9.55 Lakh	Rs. 10.00 Lakh
Ford Ecosport Titanium+	Rs. 10.52 Lakh	Rs. 11.04 Lakh
Ford Ecosport Titanium+ AT	Rs. 11.36 Lakh
Ford Ecosport Ambiente	Rs. 7.82 Lakh	Rs. 8.41 Lakh
Ford Ecosport Signature	Rs. 10.40 Lakh	Rs. 10.99 Lakh
Ford Ecosport S	Rs. 11.37 Lakh	Rs. 11.89 Lakh

Similar to the petrol, the base diesel Trend variant of the Ford Ecosport priced at Rs. 9.16 lakh is Rs. 67,000 more expensive than the base W4 diesel variant of the Mahindra XUV300 while the top-end Ford Ecosport S diesel variant at Rs. 11.89 lakh is Rs 10,000 cheaper than the top-end W8(O) variant of the Mahindra XUV300.

Note: All mentioned prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2N3KgKo

2019 Triumph Street Twin: All You Need To Know

Triumph Motorcycles India today launched the 2019 Triumph Street Twin in India priced at Rs. 7.45 lakh (ex-showroom, India). For the 2019 model year Triumph has made some considerable amount of changes, and we have already spoken about most of them earlier. In addition to cosmetic changes along with some new and updated features, the new Street Twin also offers more power now, 10 bhp more to be exact. And here we list down everything that you need to know about the 2019 Triumph Street Twin.

Also Read: 2019 Triumph Street Twin First Ride Review

2019 Triumph Street Twin has been launched at Rs. 7.45 lakh

Here Is All You Need To Know About The 2019 Triumph Street Twin:

1. The 2019 Triumph Street Twin continues to be the entry-level motorcycle in the company's Bonneville range. In fact, at Rs. 7.45 lakh, the new Street Twin is Rs. 25,000 cheaper than the older model, which retailed at Rs. 7.70 lakh (ex-showroom Pan India).
   

   2019 Triumph Street Twin gets an increased foam thickness of 10 mm

2. Triumph has also worked on enhancing the rider ergonomics of the new Street Twin with a more comfortable seat-to-foot riding position, while for additional comfort, for both rider and pillion, the seat foam thickness has been increased by 10 mm.
3. Powering the new Triumph Street Twin is the same 900 cc 'High-Torque' parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine gets an 18 per cent bump in power, from 54 bhp to 64 bhp, which comes in at 7,500 rpm and the torque output now stands at 80 Nm, all of which kicks in at 3,800 rpm. This is because the compression ratio of the engine has been upped from 10.6:1 to 11:1 with an increased lift for intake and exhaust valves.
   

   2019 Triumph Street Twin's 900 cc engine makes 10 bhp more now

4. The new Street Twin now comes with two riding modes - rain and road along with switchable traction control with a torque assist clutch. Ride-by-wire brings enhanced rideability, safety and control from a single throttle body and is sensitively incorporated with minimal visual impact.
5. As for cosmetic additions, the bike comes with a new contemporary logo, improved finish and detailing, and three body colour options - Matt Ironstone, Korosi Red, and Jet Black. Furthermore, the Street Twin comes with cast aluminium multi-spoke alloys - 18-inch wheels up front and 17-inch unit at the back.
   

   2019 Triumph Street Twin gets 310 mm disc up front and and 255 mm rear disc

6. The Street Twin comes with 41mm KYB cartridge forks with 120 mm travel and KYB twin shocks with adjustable preload and 120 mm travel. The braking duties are handled by a 310 mm disc up front with 4 piston Brembo caliper and 255 m rear disc with Nissin 2-piston floating calipers, assisted by a dual channel ABS.
7. The new Street Twin offers 140 + custom accessories and is available with 2 inspiration kits - Urban Ride & Café Custom. The Street Twin also gets TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) capability as an add-on accessory.
8. Triumph has also introduced a special warranty scheme, an industry first 2-year or unlimited km manufacturer warranty. Triumph extended warranty will have some key features such as global coverage and transferability along with an unlimited kilometre coverage.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2Sz98Qn

Mahindra XUV300 Launched & Prices

Mahindra XUV300: Mahindra has launched the XUV300 in India. Based on the SsangYong Tivoli, Mahindra has packed the XUV300 with segment first features and offers two engine options. The prices for the XUV300 start at Rs. 7.9 lakh for the W4 petrol variant and go up to Rs. 11.99 lakh for the top-spec W8(O) diesel variant. With its long list of features and value-for-money proposition, it is well-poised to take on rivals such as the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and Tata Nexon.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Videos http://bit.ly/2N6KMHB

2019 Triumph Street Twin & Street Scrambler Launched

Triumph Motorcycle India has launched the 2019 models of the Street Twin and the Street Scrambler in India. Both models have been significantly updated with more power and better electronics. The 2019 Street Twin is priced at Rs. 7.45 lakh while the 2019 Street Scrambler has been priced at Rs. 8.55 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

from NDTV CarAndBike - Videos http://bit.ly/2S1DO7Q

Sponsored - The X-Factor with XUV300: Design

On the X-Factor we are introducing you to the latest from Mahindra - the sexy and stylish new XUV300. Defining the car are its unique stance and attractive looks. But beauty is not just skin deep here as the cabin layout and materials used prove. We take you through the key design highlights of this new car - inside and out.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Videos http://bit.ly/2GHuZOd

2019 Triumph Street Twin and Street Scrambler Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 7.45 Lakh

Triumph Motorcycles India has launched the 2019 Street Twin and the Street Scrambler in India.The Triumph Street Twin is priced at Rs. 7.45 lakh and the 2019 Street Scrambler is priced at Rs. 8.55 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). For 2019, Triumph Motorcycles has updated the Street Twin and the Street Scrambler significantly. Both motorcycles still get the 900 cc 'High-Torque' parallel-twin engine which gets new and lighter components such as the crankshaft, dead shafts and balancer shafts along with a magnesium cam cover and a lighter clutch. Also, the compression ratio of the engine has been upped from 10.6:1 to 11:1 with increased lift for intake and exhaust valves.

Watch Our 2019 Triumph Street Twin & Street Scrambler Review Here

Also Read: 2019 Triumph Street Twin & Street Scrambler Launch Live Updates

(2019 Triumph Street Twin: It gets updated engine, brakes and electronics)

All this technical mumbo jumbo means that the motorcycles gets an 18 per cent bump in power, from 54 bhp to 64 bhp, which comes in at 7,500 rpm and the torque output now stands at 80 Nm, all of which kicks in at 3,200 rpm for the Street Scrambler and 3,800 rpm for the Street Twin. Both motorcycles get a slightly different tuning as far as the power output is concerned. The Street Scrambler offers better torque lower down the rev range than the Street Twin, where torque comes in later, but the curve stays flat throughout.

Also Read: 2019 Triumph Street Twin First Ride Review

(2019 Triumph Street Scrambler: It gets more power, Brembo brakes and better off-road capability)

The Triumph Street Twin also gets two riding mode, which are road while the Triumph Street Scrambler gets and additional Off-road mode as well. ABS and traction control are switched off when you select the off-road mode on the new Street Scrambler.

The overall silhouette of the 2019 Triumph Street Twin remains the same, but there are some changes in the details. There are new alloy wheels as well with polished spokes adding some freshness to the looks. The side panels are updated, with new graphics, as is the fuel tank, which looks neater than before with the minimalistic badges. The headlight shell and brackets get new finishes, as does the speedometer, with a new 'Bonneville' badge.

Also Read: 2019 Triumph Street Scrambler First Ride Review

(2019 Triumph Street Twin: The brakes on the new Street Twin have been upgraded as well)

The 2019 Triumph Street Scrambler too gets small, subtle changes to the looks which are a new 'Triumph' logo on the fuel tank, a new instrument console with a small digital gauge along with a bunch of redesigned bits such as the headlamp bracket, front fender and the triple clamp as well.

A new improvement in the suspension on the 2019 Street Twin is the introduction of cartridge type KYB front fork, promising better stability and handling. New updates also include the introduction of Brembo four-piston calipers, and dual-channel ABS is standard. The handlebars on the 2019 Street Scrambler are now wider at 835 mm and the new cartridge-type front forks too are spaced out wider giving the new Street Scrambler better road presence and an aggressive stance. The front forks are new units but have the same 120 mm of travel as earlier and are non-adjustable. Triumph is now offering a Brembo four-piston calliper for the front brake with ABS as standard.

(2019 Triumph Street Scrambler: The 900 cc, 'high-torque' parallel-twin engine now gets more power and updated components inside)

As far as competition is concerned, the new 2019 Street Twin will go up against the likes of the Ducati Scrambler Icon and possibly also, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, which is almost a third of the price of the new Street Twin. The 2019 Street Scrambler will go up against the likes of the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, as far as pricing and engine specifications go.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2V1lihN

Mahindra XUV300 Launched In India: Prices Start At Rs. 7.90 Lakh

The Mahindra XUV300 is the newest subcompact SUV from Mahindra and has been launched in India with prices starting from Rs. 7.90 Lakh for the base W4 petrol variant and going up to Rs. 11.99 Lakh for the top-spec W8 (O) diesel variant. It will take on established rivals such as the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon and the Ford EcoSport. We have already driven the Mahindra XUV300 and came away impressed. Mahindra has launched the XUV300 in four variants which are W4, W6 W8 and the top-of-the-line W8 (O) variant, which gets all the bells and whistles.

Watch Our Mahindra XUV300 Review Here

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300 India Launch Live Updates

The design of the Mahindra XUV300 has been inspired by the Cheetah which refers to the front end along with the character lines on the sides of the car in this case. The design of the new XUV300 is edgy and stylish! We like the way the front end looks. The slim grille is accentuated by the LED projector headlamps and daytime running lamps give it a sophisticated look. The fog lamps get black housing and are sort of connected to a headlamp by a thin DRL strip. View it in profile and you see the typical crossover stance. The character lines above the wheel arches add muscle to the XUV300 along with the plastic cladding on the lower edges of the car. The rear is characterised by smart-looking tail lamps and an integrated spoiler on the white, contrast roof, which looks good. The chunky, thick C-pillar adds to the solidity of the XUV300.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300 First Drive Review

Also Read: Mahindra Receives 4,000 Bookings For XUV300

(Mahindra XUV300: The cabin on the XUV300 has a two-tone upholstery along with a minimalist design)

With features such as dual-zone climate control with memory function, modes for steering feel, tyre pressure monitoring systems, front parking sensors and so on, the W8 and more specifically, the W8 (O) are packed with first-in-class features. Also, the W8 (O) variant gets 7 airbags which is again a class leading feature. Other features include an electric sunroof, cruise control, LED daytime running lamps and a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which gets smartphone connectivity in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is app connectivity as well where you can connect the Mahindra Blue Sense app and check your driving score.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300: All You Need To Know

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300: Key Features Explained In Detail

(Mahindra XUV300: We drove the 1.5 diesel variant of the XUV300. The engine pumps out a swell of torque in the bottom and mid range )

As far as engine specifications are concerned, the Mahindra XUV300 will get a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine makes 110 bhp and 200 newton metres of peak torque while the diesel engine pumps out 115 bhp and churns out a class-leading torque of 300 newton metres. A 6-speed gearbox is standard and there will be no automatic for now.

Specifications	Mahindra XUV300 1.5 Diesel	Mahindra XUV300 1.2 Petrol
Displacement	1492 cc	1198 cc
Max Power	115 bhp @ 3750 rpm	110 bhp @ 5000 rpm
Max Torque	300 Nm @ 1500 - 2500 rpm	200 Nm @ 2000 - 3500 rpm
Gearbox	6-speed manual	6-speed manual

(Mahindra XUV300: We quite like the character lines on the profile of the XUV300)

The XUV300 is 3990 mm long, 1820 mm wide and 1620 mm tall. Its wheelbase is measured at 2620 mm which gives it the largest footprint in the segment. The XUV300 has a ground clearance of 180 millimetres which is more than enough for the car to sail over all bumps and potholes that you could find in the city but is still less than that of its rivals such as the Vitara Brezza, Nexon and the EcoSport, all of which have a ground clearance of 198 millimetres and more.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2N7lB7I

Mahindra XUV300 Launch Live: Images, Specifications, Features

The all-new Mahindra XUV300 is being launched today and we'll be bringing you all the live updates from the launch here. This is the third sub-4 metre SUV from the home-grown utility vehicle maker and will be positioned above the TUV300 and NuvoSport. The new XUV300 will rival the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, and Tata Nexon in the subcompact SUV space, while also giving some competition to the likes of Hyundai Creta and Renault Captur. The new Mahindra XUV300 will primarily be offered in 3 variants - W4, W6, and W8, along with an optional variant W8 (O) as well, equipped with additional technology and safety features.

The Mahindra XUV300 comes with two engine options- diesel and petrol. The diesel engine is the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit which powers the Marazzo but it's been detuned for the XUV300. Here it produces 115 bhp at 3750 rpm and 300 Nm of peak torque between 1500 - 2500 rpm. The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged unit which churns out 110 bhp at 5000 rpm and 200 Nm of peak torque between 2000 - 3500 rpm.

The XUV300 gets a host of creature comforts and safety features right from the base model like - dual airbags, ABS, disc brakes on all four wheels, 6 Speed Transmission, LED tail lamps, all 4 Power windows, and more, are standard across all variants. The XUV300 also features a couple of firs-in-segment features like Dual-zone Fully Automatic Climate Control & Front Parking Sensors, in addition to features like 7 airbags, dual LED daytime running lamps, and premium interior for the top-end model.

Here Are All The Live Updates From The Launch Of The New Mahindra XUV300:

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2SNP9MX

2019 Triumph Street Twin & Street Scrambler Live Updates: Price, Features, Images, Specifications

Triumph Motorcycles India is scheduled to launch the updated Street Twin and Street Scrambler in the country later today. The 2019 Triumph Street Twin and the 2019 Street Scrambler get comprehensive upgrades for the new year that are both cosmetic and mechanical. The bikes are based on the same platform but now boast of a new seat, redesigned side panels, brushed aluminium brackets to hold the headlamp and more. The Street Twin also gets a new black shade, while the Street Scrambler gets new graphics for 2019.

Also Read: 2019 Triumph Street Twin First Ride Review

The big update comes to the 900 cc parallel-twin motor that now makes more power on both the bikes. The 2019 Triumph Street Twin now gets an additional 10 bhp from the same motor with power output now rated at 64 bhp. Peak torque remains the same at 80 Nm delivered at 3800 rpm, but gets a flatter torque curve spread wider through the rev range. On the 2019 Triumph Street Scrambler, the high torque motor produces 18 per cent mor power at 64 bhp, while 80 Nm of peak torque is available earlier at 3200 rpm. The compression ratio has also increased from 10.6:1 to 11:1 on the Scrambler.

Also Read: 2019 Triumph Street Scrambler First Ride Review

Upgrades also including improved front braking hardware on both bikes and includes a new 310 mm disc up front, while the rear continues to get a 255 mm disc brake. The suspension has also been revised and the bike now comes with two riding modes - Road and Rain, while the Street Scrambler gets the additional Off-Road mode. Both the Street Twin and Street Scrambler share the same underpinnings but are very different motorcycles. The modern classics are targeted at different sets of customers and also wear appropriate footwear with the Street Twin riding on road tyres, while the Street Scrambler offered with dual-purpose rubber. The latter also gets a taller seat height and higher set exhaust pipes.

Triumph will be announcing prices for the new bikes today and we expect the 2019 Street Twin to be priced around the Rs. 8 lakh mark, while the Street Scrambler is likely to command a price tag of around Rs. 9 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom).

Catch the Live Updates from the 2019 Triumph Street Twin and the Street Scrambler launch event here:

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2Nciw6J

Mahindra XUV300: All You Need To Know

The all-new Mahindra XUV300 is about to launch and it's going to be one potent contender in India's one of the most lucrative car segments. It's the subcompact SUV which can be a game changer for Mahindra and it will be rivaling the likes of India's bestselling SUV- the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza along with the Ford Ecosport and Tata Nexon among others. Moreover, it's also a crucial product for Mahindra as the homegrown UV maker has been trying hard to find success in the segment for long.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300: Price Expectation

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300 First Drive Review

Here's everything you need to know about all-new Mahindra XUV300

The Mahindra XUV300 is based on the SsangYong Tivoli's X100 platform.

1. The all-new Mahindra XUV300 is built on SsangYong's X100 platform which also underpins the SsangYong Tivoli and inherits some of the characters of the Tivoli. However, changes have been made to the underpinnings of the XUV300. For instance, it gets a new suspension set-up along with an entirely new steering mechanism.
2. The XUV300 is 3990 mm long, 1820 mm wide and 1620 mm tall. Its wheelbase is measured at 2620 mm which gives it the largest footprint in the segment. Moreover, it stands 180 mm high from the ground.
   The cabin of the Mahindra XUV300 is finished in off-white and black.

    
3. The cabin of the XUV300 is finished in off-white and black and the materials used are exact same which we have seen on the Mahindra Marazzo. It also gets the silver finish on the dash and central console and piano black touches on the doors' armrests. However, at 308 litres, the Mahindra XUV300 has the smallest boot in the segment.
   The Mahindra XUV300 is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which also supports smartphone connectivity.

    
4. The XUV300 is loaded with features like auto-climate control, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity options (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), cooled armrest box, cruise control, steering mounted audio controls, engine start-stop button, rearview camera and more. 
   The Mahindra XUV300 also gets some first-in-segment features such as sunroof, front parking sensors, auto-dimming mirrors and more.

    
5. The XUV300 is also equipped with some first-in-segment features as well which are the dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, front parking sensors along with rear ones and an auto-dimming inner rear view mirror.  However, it misses out on the rear AC vents.
   The Mahindra XUV300 is offered with two engine options- 1.5-litre diesel and 1.2-litre petrol.

    
6. The Mahindra XUV300 will be launched with two engine options- diesel and petrol. The diesel engine is the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit which powers the Marazzo but it's been detuned for the XUV300. Here it produces 115 bhp at 3750 rpm and 300 Nm of peak torque between 1500 - 2500 rpm. The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged unit which churns out 110 bhp at 5000 rpm and 200 Nm of peak torque between 2000 - 3500 rpm. Both the engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard and Mahindra is planning to add an AMT gearbox too in the range.
7. The Mahindra XUV300 offers up to seven airbags including one for the driver's knees. It also gets other safety features like ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors as standard. Moreover, it is equipped with all the driver-aid features like the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Start Assis, Hill Descent Control and Traction Control. Additionally, it also three different modes to set the weight of the steering according to the traffic situations.
8. Mahindra has started accepting the bookings for the XUV300 in January and has received over 4000 bookings so far.
9. Mahindra is also working on an electric iteration of the Mahindra XUV300 which may be unveiled by the end of this year.

Also Read:  Mahindra XUV300: Key Features Explained In Detail

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300 Receives 4000 Bookings Ahead Of Launch

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2tjXDNt

2019 TVS Ladies One Make Championship Selection Round To Be Held In Mumbai On February 23

TVS Racing has announced that it will be holding the next selection round of the Ladies One Make Championship in Mumbai on February 23, 2019. The championship invites aspiring women racers to be a part of the selection day session that will include a full day training school conducted by national champions of TVS Racing. The racers will be familiarised with the race tuned version of the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Race Edition 2.0.

Commenting on the selection round, TVS Racing - Team Manager, B Selvaraj said, "We are the only manufacturer in India committed to women racing with four consecutive seasons of the TVS Ladies One Make Championship. We introduced this initiative to train and equip talented women riders to enter the mainstream racing arena. With each passing year, I am delighted to see the increasing number of participants, which is a testimony to our effort of creating a gender-neutral space for motorsports in India.  I wish all the women participants the very best and hope to see them excited about professional racing."

15 aspiring racers will be selected from all the applicants based on their best lap timings, physical fitness and racing abilities. The selection round in Mumbai is being held at Island Sports Gokart Track in Wadala, and those interested in trying their skills at motorcycle racing can log on to the TVS Racing website to register for the same. The event charges an entry fee of Rs. 1000. The racers need to bring in their own full face helmets that are at least DOT or ECE certified and have a double D-ring strap.

The TVS Ladies One Make Championship will select 15 racers from Mumbai

The trainers from TVS Racing include Harry Sylvester, K Jagan Kumar, KY Ahmed, S Kannan and Aishwarya Pissay. The final round will be held at the Madras Motor Race Track (MMRT) in Chennai on May 4, 2019.

The 2019 TVS Ladies One Make Championship will see the teams compete in five rounds at the championship astride the race tuned Apache RTR 200. Post the final round in Chennai, the racers will undergo specfiic trainin under the aegis of the national champion riders to improve physical fitness and hony their skills before the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship begins in June, 2019.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2Bvw9sQ