Automobiles

the-friendly-cousin

Fri Mar 19 12:22:34 IST 2021

The Kiger has an unenviable job—compete with some well-liked vehicles in a segment which has started getting crowded. The Venues and the Sonets are selling like hot cakes; the Magnite has a six-month waiting period in many cities; the Nexon has made a good impression; and the Brezza, despite its age, still leads the pack.

Renault, however, has given enough ammo to its new launch to take on them all. For instance, the price—Rs5.45 lakh for the base model—undercuts not just the competition in the segment, but also some hatchbacks. Then the features—the top variant is equipped with stuff like wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, wireless mobile phone charging and drive modes that are hard to find even in higher segments.

On the outside, the Kiger looks like a beefed up Kwid. And inside, it is a more polished Triber. Neither turned out to be a bad thing. It is a decent-looking vehicle with an agreeable cabin. There is a 7-inch instrument cluster with nice graphics and an 8-inch touchscreen display. The seats and the sitting position are comfortable, and the steering wheel is nice. The gear is a bit notchy and the driver’s leg space is a bit cramped.

The Kiger offers two engine options—both three-cylinder, 1.0 litre petrol—a naturally aspirated unit (72hp) and a turbo (100hp). While the first one just does its job, the turbo version is quicker and more responsive. They are mostly quiet, but some vibrations in the cabin will not go unnoticed. There are three driving modes (normal, eco and sport) that can be selected by a rotary dial. They are no gimmick and make a noticeable difference in the throttle response and steering.

Renault has built the Kiger well, and it shows on the road. It does not shake even in high speeds and is firmly rooted. The flip side is, you can hear all the hard work the car does inside the cabin. A little more refinement would have been great.

The Kiger’s closest rival in the market is its cousin, Nissan’s Magnite. Both share the Renault-Nissan alliance’s CMF-A+ platform. While the Magnite has made full use of its early arrival with strong sales, Renault has used the extra time it got to make the Kiger a slightly better offer. And it costs a few thousand rupees less.

It is not just the fantastic value that it offers, but also the features it has been packed with and the good ride quality that make a strong case to buy the Kiger.

ENGINES: 1.0 litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.0 litre turbo petrol

LENGTH: 3,999mm

WIDTH: 1,750mm

HEIGHT: 1,600mm

BOOT SPACE: 405 litre

PRICE: Starting from Rs5.45 lakh

sound-of-silence

Thu Sep 19 19:09:42 IST 2019

The Kona, Hyundai’s first electric vehicle in India, got its name from the scenic west coast region of the Big Island in Hawaii. It is neither a devastatingly handsome SUV nor one with radical looks, but there will be plenty of takers for its play-safe design and the wide stance. The Kona is more plastic than chrome, and that is the first thing you notice about it.

Hyundai has been quick to bring the global product to India after its launch at the Geneva Motor Show last year, thanks to the government’s EV push. Tata and Mahindra have already been in the four-wheeler mass-market EV space for a while, and other entrants are now upping their game.

The first thing that the Kona gives you is peace of mind—you do not have to worry about the range or charging infrastructure. With 452km a charge (ARAI figures), it is miles ahead of the competition. Also, you get not just the DC quick charger that uses the CCS Type II charging port (charges the battery to 80 per cent in 57 minutes) but also a 7.2 kW Level-II charger (takes six hours and 10 minutes to charge the battery).

Hyundai says that its technicians will help set up the charging infrastructure at homes. It is also working with Indian Oil in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai to install chargers at IOC outlets. It also plans to have a fleet of service vehicles that will have power converters onboard to help customers during emergencies.

The Kona does not compromise on the driving experience at all; well, at least not until you hit 150kmph! Unlike the internal combustion engines, the power build up does not happen gradually. You have all the power you need right from the word go. And it tackles corners beautifully.

This is one helluva silent SUV! No motor sound at all. Also, the clean interiors (no gear lever!) is a beautiful change. Maybe other carmakers could get inspired by the design cue.

One thing that Hyundai needs to work on is the leg room. It does feel crammed, especially at the rear. However, with 17-inch alloys, sporty roof rails, leather seats, a digital instrument cluster that is going to take a while to get used to, a 17.7cm touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a smart electric sunroof, six airbags, all disc brakes and four driving modes, the Kona sure has a lot going for it. Price: Rs25.3 lakh (ex showroom, Delhi).

mg-hector-review-committed-to-safety-connectivity-and-more

Sat Jun 22 12:38:43 IST 2019

The Birmingham-based iconic Morris Garages, now a subsidiary of the Shanghai-based SAIC Motor Corporation, is gearing up for its debut in India with its first SUV, the Hector. Named after a Trojan prince, the Hector sure looks ready for the tough battle ahead as it takes on the likes of the Tata Harrier and the Jeep Compass.

It is the longest SUV in the five-seater segment, and it has gone all the way to ensure that it is a safe one, too. The two combinations of sheet metal thickness, 1.4mm and 0.7mm, make the door panels really heavy, making you feel very secure inside. The B pillar has been hot-stamped for additional strength and the hi-tensile strength steel makes the vehicle structurally safe. At the base of every door is a black strip, which the carmaker calls the ‘sari guard’. It also keeps dust out.

The Hector boasts a 10.4-inch head unit and a 7-inch instrument cluster. There is also a panoramic sunroof that adds to the space inside this already big car. The interiors are in black leather in the top two variants, and fabric in the other two. At the rear, the middle passenger’s comfort has been taken care of—there is an adjustable headrest, a three-point seatbelt, and a reclining feature!

The Hector is a connected car (it comes with an embedded SIM), and with the help of an app called MG iSMART, you can do a bunch of clever things—from getting a complete scan report of your car’s health to geofencing, and remote locking and unlocking (through the phone). With more than 100 voice commands and three ways to activate them, there is never a dull moment in the Hector.

The instrument cluster contains all basic info, and has one not-so-common feature—a fatigue alarm, which can be set depending on when you wish to take a break. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, online and offline navigation, over-the-air updates, fast phone charging at the front and the rear, MG has provided almost every conceivable comfort in the Hector.

The 1.5-litre petrol hybrid I drove delivers 143hp @ 5000rpm and 250Nm of torque @ 1600-3600rpm. It comes with a 48-volt hybrid technology, which, MG claims, improves fuel efficiency by 12 per cent and reduce CO2 emission by 11 per cent. During rapid acceleration, I did experience the 48-volt battery coming into play and providing an additional surge of torque. However, unlike the Toyota Camry hybrid, the Hector cannot be driven only in the hybrid mode because it is more of a support system. The 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine is the same one that powers the Harrier and the Compass, and it belts out 350Nm of torque @ 1750-2500rpm and 170hp @ 3750 rpm.

The Hector’s steering is grippy and precise. It is also light, which may not appeal to many drivers as it does not inspire confidence while driving an SUV this size on the highways. However, it does well in cities. Also, the Hector’s 360-degree camera is configured to work up to the speed of 15kmph, which is a thoughtful touch. The gearboxes on both the petrol hybrid and the diesel feel slightly notchy, especially while slotting them from the second to the third gear. Also, despite the premium cotton felts, insulation on the dash, and MEL sheets on the floor, there is some tyre noise and engine whine that is audible inside the cabin.

With ABS, EBD and ESP as standard safety features even in the base variants, the best-in-segment stopping distance of 45 metres from 100-0 (thanks to all four dual-ventilated disc brakes), and six airbags, the Hector shows MG’s commitment to safety. Then there is all the tech and all those great features that make a pretty strong case for it.

HECTOR VS HARRIER VS COMPASS

■ SIZE

The Hector is the longest and the tallest of the three, and it has the biggest boot as well. The Harrier is slightly wider than the Hector. The Compass is the smallest in all aspects.

■ POWER

Only the Hector and the Compass have petrol models, and the Compass has a more powerful engine among the two. The Compass is also the most powerful among the diesels.

■ FUEL EFFICIENCY

The Hector petrol version’s hybrid technology makes it more fuel efficient than the Compass. Among the diesels, the Harrier is the most fuel efficient.

■ FEATURES

All three have well-finished cabins, though the Compass has an understated styling. The Compass and the Harrier are no match for the Hector’s connectivity features. Its large infotainment system is miles ahead. The Harrier does not have a sunroof, the Compass has a small one and the Hector a panoramic one.

bang-for-the-buck

Thu Jul 18 11:49:34 IST 2019

The compact SUV segment is big in India’s passenger cars business today, with large volumes and tough competition. Hyundai has entered this lucrative segment late, but with a bang. Its latest offering, the Venue, got more than 1 lakh inquiries and 20,000 bookings within days of its launch.

The Venue has a bold look thanks to its chrome grill and diamond cut alloys that ride on 16” tyres. The twin headlamp design and projector fog lamps add to its appeal, but what stands out in the front are the projector headlamps with LED daytime running lamps. The DRLs look stunning, especially after dusk.

The LED tail lamps come with lenticular lenses for a crystal effect which is best seen at nighttime. These are especially useful in warning the drivers behind you when visibility is low. The shark fin antennae and the roof rails add to the sporty look.

The Venue, being promoted as a “third space” for consumers after their home and office, is packed with every conceivable comfort. The interiors—available in black, khaki dual tone and denim dual tone—are surprisingly spacious. The upholstery comes in two variants: fabric, and fabric and leather combo.

The car also has Eco Coating, a technology which eliminates bad odour. One thing that is missing, though, is an auto dimming inside rear view mirror. The technology, which helps to eliminate glare, is non-negotiable for most drivers these days.

The biggest add-on is Hyundai’s BlueLink Connectivity Technology, which does a bunch of things from starting the engine to controlling the air conditioning. It can even immobilise your car, if it is stolen, from anywhere in the world, through an application on your mobile phone. However, the best features are limited to the top end model.

The Venue offers three engine options. A 1 litre turbo petrol engine (120ps at 6,000rpm; 17.5kgm torque at 1,500-4,000rpm and 18.27kmpl claimed fuel efficiency), a 1.2 litre petrol engine (83ps at 6,000rpm; 11.7kgm torque at 1,500-4,000rpm and 17.5kmpl claimed fuel efficiency), and a 1.4 litre diesel engine (90ps at 4,000rpm; 22.4kgm torque at 1,500-2,750rpm and 23.7kmpl claimed fuel efficiency). It has five-speed and six-speed manual transmissions and a seven-speed DCT (automatic).

The 1L Turbo GDI (DCT) turned out to be a gem of an engine. It is refined, noise-free and if you keep it in the 60-80kmph power band at around 2,000 rpm, you are going to enjoy every moment of driving. We also drove the 1.4 L U2 CRDI diesel engine (six-speed manual), which was in the Hyundai Creta, and came away hugely impressed with its performance in the Venue. However, it would have been nicer if Hyundai had offered tilt and telescopic steering, instead of just tilt, which is being offered by its competitors.

The Venue is available in seven single-tone colours and three dual-tone colours. It also matches the safety features that its competitors are offering. With extremely competitive pricing (16.5 lakh to 111.10 lakh), Hyundai has definitely produced a winner.

toyota-camry-review-elegant-efficient-and-expensive

Sat Mar 30 12:11:51 IST 2019

Chauffeurs may just find themselves with too much time on their hands. The Camry, in its new avatar, manages to shake off its image as a car that needs to be ‘chauffeured’ around, rather than being driven by owners themselves. Toyota’s premium offering, which takes on the Honda Accord, is longer and wider than its predecessor. A sleek corporate sedan that offers a distinct driving experience.

A brand-new grille with slats in the front gives the Camry its definitive bold look. The car also comes with “dusk-sensing” LED projector headlamps that have an auto-levelling feature—a big asset, especially while driving on poorly-lit roads. The car also has LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps and 18-inch alloys, which add to its looks.

Inside, the beige leather upholstery and the light-coloured wooden finish make the car look airy and spacious. There is enough leg, head and shoulder room, and there is no cabin noise. The car is loaded with tech. Besides a JBL audio system with nine speakers, it has three-zone automatic climate control and a touch control armrest in the rear, adding to its luxe quotient.

The Camry comes with a fourth-generation hybrid electric engine, basically a four-cylinder, 2.5-litre (2,487cc) petrol engine with a self-charging electric motor which Toyota calls a ‘gasoline hybrid.’ This eight-speed e-CVT, which also gets different driving modes, belts out 221Nm of torque at 3,600-5,200rpm, and has a maximum output of 178PS at 5,699rpm. The Camry also makes use of a 245V NiMh (nickel-metal hydride) battery, which does a fairly good job of belting out a max torque of 202Nm and delivering a total output of 120PS.

When the Camry’s very silent engine kicks in, it takes over seamlessly from battery power. You do not feel the engine whine, nor do you feel the slightest twitch. It brakes well, too, and keeps Toyota’s promise of a great combination of fuel efficiency (23.27kmpl) and emission performance.

The heads-up display shows the car’s speed and direction, and has an Ecometer. A drawback is that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are missing. That is a pity; even cars in lower segments offer them. The slats on the front appear intimidating, because they are low-slung. The bottom of the slats may graze speedbreakers if you are not careful. But then, if you are not a novice, you would know how to negotiate those bumps.

At Rs37.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Camry is expensive. But, if you have the money, there are two reasons to shell it out with your eyes shut: Toyota’s bulletproof reputation for reliability and a cleaner and greener environment.

fully-loaded

Sat Mar 16 14:15:33 IST 2019

Mahindra's new kid on the block, the sub-four-metre XUV300, is a direct competitor to the Ford EcoSport, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, the Tata Nexon and even the Hyundai Creta. It is based on SsangYong’s X100 platform (renowned for the Tivoli that sold more than two and a half million units globally) and offers excellent refinement and safety features.

It is a good-looking SUV—there are projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps and diamond-cut alloys. And it packs in some segment-first features—front parking sensors, seven airbags, disc brakes on all the wheels instead of the usual disc-drum combo, not to mention heated ORVMs. There is also a tyre position display, which means when you are seated inside the car, you know exactly which direction your tyres are facing. It is a real boon in crowded cities such as Mumbai where every inch of the road matters. ABS and EBD are standard on all models. There is also hill start assist.

The seven-inch touchscreen comes with GPS navigation as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get to choose the colour on the instrument cluster display. Some of these colours, however, are a bit too loud and may be distracting while driving at night. The sunroof, cruise control, steering mounted-audio and telephone controls and the Blue Sense app that gives smartwatch connectivity make a very strong case for the Mahindra XUV300.

Available in petrol and diesel, the XUV300 comes in three variants (W4, W6 and W8). The 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine offers 115 bhp and 300 Nm of torque, whereas the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine offers 110 bhp and 200 Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to six-speed gearboxes.

The XUV300 does not disappoint when it comes to ride and handling. What you get is a punchy performance with the slightest tap of the throttle and it offers a very pliant ride. The steering is precise and comes with three different driving modes. Based on the driving mode, the steering weighs up as you increase the speed. The brakes have sufficient bite, too.

This compact SUV comes with the longest wheelbase in the segment (2600mm), claims Mahindra, and the fact that the transmission tunnel does not protrude in the rear gives it the flat-floor advantage, ensuring that the middle passenger in the rear seat is also comfortable.

The XUV300 starts at Rs7.90 lakh (petrol) and Rs8.49 lakh (diesel).

Jaguar-F-Pace-petrol-review-Put-it-through-the-paces

Tue Mar 12 22:32:10 IST 2019

It has been a little over two years since the Jaguar F-Pace arrived in India and set tongues wagging with its sheer performance, handling and luxuriousness. Now, the petrol variant is here. We drove the Jaguar F-Pace 2.0L Petrol Prestige variant, (the only variant that is available in petrol) and which is now made in India, and we were rather impressed!

The Jaguar F-Pace is a handsome SUV with not just a beautiful design but with very good proportions as well. And when you get inside and start driving it, at no point in time you feel its bulk weighing you down. On the contrary, it is quite a sprightly SUV—a delight to maneuver—even in city traffic. Put it through the paces and you will be even more pleasantly surprised, not a groan or a whimper from what is evidently a well-calibrated engine. And at no point you feel that the engine is overworking or stretching itself beyond its limits.

The Jaguar F-Pace 2.0L (1997 cc) petrol Prestige variant is packed to the gills with features. Once you are seated inside, you will definitely appreciate the creature comforts that the SUV comes with. Starting from the 12.3 HD touchscreen infotainment centre to its four-zone climate control, to its air quality sensor to cabin air ionization—small steps towards healthier living—and to its 360-degree parking sensor, you will appreciate the thought that has gone into providing F-Pace owners with these technological features that allows them to enjoy their SUV to the fullest. However, the 360-degree parking sensor can be slightly cumbersome in our densely populated country with every square centimetre of the road (especially in metros) occupied by two and four-wheelers. The seats are well-designed and supremely comfortable, and make the F-Pace’s interiors seem really plush. Even the large instrument cluster adds to its luxe feel.

The F-Pace is powered by a 4-cylinder, 2.0L turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine that is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission producing 247bhp. Besides being a 7-second car (0-100 in 7 seconds), this super-fast SUV belts out 365 Nm of torque and has a top speed of a whopping 217 kmph! That’s quite incredible, really, given its footprint but all this is largely made possible thanks to its all-aluminum engine which gives it its lightweight body structure, not to mention its aerodynamic design, which gives it a decent fuel economy too.

Ride and handling are very good and the steering is precise too. There is something in the F-Pace that sort of reminds you of the F-Type, especially the manner in which it is so eager to lunge forward. If you haven’t driven any other Jaguar F-Pace before, you are bound to love this one, have no doubt about it. If you’re looking for something different from the Porsche Cayenne or the Mercedes Benz GLE or the Audi Q7 or even the Volvo XC60, this may well be the answer!

Priced at 63.17 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), this isn’t out of bounds for many SUV-enthusiasts with deep pockets and considering the Jaguar F Pace is a great combination of tech, comfort, design and build quality it does have a lot going for it!

just-for-kicks

Sat Feb 16 11:18:01 IST 2019

The Kicks is Nissan's latest offering in the crowded compact SUV segment. Since it has taken its time to arrive, it has a slew of tricks up its sleeve. Little wonder Nissan calls it the “intelligent SUV”. With the Japanese carmaker setting up a digital hub in Thiruvananthapuram, its India strategy seems to be well on track.

The Kicks has not just been Indianised inside out, as claimed by Nissan engineers, but also been developed and tuned to ensure that it meets the needs of Indian roads and drivers. Take, for instance, the ground clearance of 210mm, which Nissan says is class leading. Nissan has introduced global technologies in the Kicks such as the 'around view monitor' or 'smart card' for keyless entry.

The Kicks looks muscular. “It has dynamic expressions that convey energy and passion,” says Yasuhiro Tani, India design head of Nissan. With robust bumpers and the V-motion grille, it has a solid road presence. The floating roof and the functional roof rails add to its appeal. Then there are the signature boomerang tail lamps and the shark-fin antenna. Its two-tone body graphics make it stand out.

Inside, the ‘gliding-wing' layout of the dashboard is refreshing. There is a high-quality matt-chrome finish on the steering. The SUV’s door pockets can easily hold one-litre water bottles. The cabin is roomy and there is ample luggage space. There is an 8-inch floating touch screen that comes with Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

The Kicks comes in petrol and diesel. The 1.5-litre H4K petrol engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and the 1.5 Intellitune K9K dCi Diesel engine to a 6-speed manual gearbox. While the petrol engine produces 142 Nm of torque and claims a fuel efficiency of 14.23 kmpl, the diesel engine produces 240 Nm of torque and claims a fuel efficiency of 20.45 kmpl.

It ticks all the boxes. The steering has a precise feel; there is hardly any body roll and the cruise-control is great on highways. There is hardly any outside noise filtering into the cabin.

The Kicks may not be an emotional buy, but it makes a lot of sense. It has distinct styling and good road presence. And it is worth the money.

Price: Starting from Rs9.55 lakh (ex showroom)

tata-harrier-the-highway-star

Fri Jan 04 18:04:48 IST 2019

The much-awaited Tata Harrier will be launched on January 23, 2019. The product from the Tata Motors stables had wowed guests at the Auto Expo last year with its design, and within a year of being displayed, the SUV has begun rolling off the Tata Motors production plant in Pune. The bookings, both at the Tata Motors showrooms as well as online, commenced a few weeks back.

Though the Tata Harrier is based on the Land Rover’s D8 architecture, which went on to sell one million of them worldwide, the challenge for the design team as well as the engineering team at Tata Motors was to make it as distinct as possible, both in terms of looks as well as drivability, giving it the Tata Motors’ famed DNA, but ensuring that it was more Tata Motors than Land Rover, said Pratap Bose, head, Design, Tata Motors.

At the outset, the first thing that grabs your attention is the Tata Harrier’s distinct design which follows the Impact Design 2.0 philosophy, adding not just oodles of appeal but also ensuring that the Harrier doesn’t fail to impress when it comes to road presence. Everything on the 5-seater Tata Harrier seems to be well-proportioned. Though the Harrier looks best from the side angles, the front is rather impressive with its muscular bulging bonnet, flared wheel arches and its Xenon HID Projector headlamps, which sit below the sleek LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights). The 205 mm of ground clearance and its five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels complete the Tata Harrier’s macho look.

Inside, the Tata Harrier has an extremely premium feel. The signature oak brown interiors with perforated leather upholstery and door pad inserts, soft touch dashboard, brushed aluminum finishes on the doors, the 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 9 JBL speakers, eight-way adjustable driver seats and the aero-throttle styled piano black lever which is actually the parking brake, are all pretty impressive! The Harrier gets a push button start, cruise control and a tilt, and telescopic steering, which is a leather wrapped one. It also feels nice and chunky in your hands while driving.

The Tata Harrier comes only with the Kryotec 2.0-liter (1956cc), Turbocharged diesel engine, that is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, which belts out 140 PS @ 3750 rpm and 350 Nm of torque @ 1750-2500 rpm (The automatic transmission will soon be here too). Though the engine seems eager, it is also a tad bit noisy, and that is something that buyers need to pay heed to. However, with three different terrain response modes (Normal, Rough and Wet), the Tata Harrier doesn’t disappoint. In fact, it is quite the Highway Star, as we discovered, while driving it on the highways of Jodhpur and Khimsar in Rajasthan. The suspensions, both front and rear, have been specially tuned for Indian driving conditions, claims Tata Motors. And true to their claim, the ride, we thought, was pliant. With disc brakes for the front wheels and drum brakes for the rear wheels, they have enough bite to come to a halt in a satisfactory manner, on demand, and it is also a safe place to be in, God forbid, one is involved in an accident. With six airbags, ESP, Roll Over Mitigation, Corner Stability Control as well as Hill Descent Control, the safety features list is pretty impressive, too.

The rear seat lacks thigh support and cannot be reclined, taller and heavier set people may find that ever-so-slightly inconvenient; however, the seats are plush and feel very upmarket. We felt that the rear armrest with the cup holders is a nice touch but it would have been nicer, had it had been slightly longer. But having said that, the inside of the Tata Harrier is overall, a very swanky place to be.

The Tata Harrier should sell well, once launched. At Tata Motors, not only have they tested it extensively for 2.2 million kms on various terrains but they have also come up with a well-designed product that doesn’t disappoint in terms of its performance. Not to mention, there is a dearth of 2.0-litre diesel engine vehicles in the Indian market at present. However, the crucial thing will be the price tag, and if only Tata Motors can get that right, there will just be no stopping this Highway Star!

Length: 4598 mm

Width: 1894 mm (Without Mirrors)

Height: 1706 mm

Ground Clearance: 205 mm (Unladen)

Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 Liters

feline-grace

Tue Nov 27 23:11:13 IST 2018

This Jaguar is on steroids! The F-Type I drove was the handsome 2.0-litre Coupe R-Dynamic, in red, which got me red-carpet treatment just about everywhere I went! And, I am not complaining!

The first thing that will grab your attention on this iconic car is its massive 19-inch, seven-split-spoke set of wheels. They give the car a solid road presence. The re-designed front bumper, the LED headlamps, the rear spoiler and the shark-fin antennae further add to its sporty appeal.

It must be said right away that the ingress and egress are not the best we have seen because of the deep foot well of the car. Unless you have the fitness levels of Novak Djokovic, you are going to find it a tad bit difficult to get in and out of this car, especially if you will be using it a lot in the city for quick runabouts. Having said that, a great deal also depends on the seating position you have programmed in the car’s 12-way electric front seats with memory.

Once inside, you will certainly appreciate the clever details and loads of equipment and features that the car comes loaded with. Whether it is just seeing the way in which the steering (it comes with an electrically adjustable steering column with memory) and the seat adjust to your body position, or the manner in which the air con vents slide up (and go back in, when you turn off the engine), it is all pure drama, to say the least. The Meridian sound system isn’t too bad, and the car’s auto dimming ORVMs will definitely take some getting used to.

Sheer exhilaration is felt even at the slightest press of the throttle thanks to the loud 2.0-litre (1,997cc) four-cylinder petrol engine. The car belts out a maximum power of 221kw at 5,500rpm. It comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The handling and performance are just what every sports car ought to be like thanks to the well-balanced aluminium chassis. Whether you are throwing it into corners or simply driving on a straight road, you are certainly going to enjoy every bit of your driving experience because of the splendid manner in which the car responds. At times, I did find the seats slightly stiff, but usually they provided adequate support.

The Jaguar F-Type is both a looker and a performer. The pressing question, though, is will we see Agent 007 driving this one? James Bond’s last outing, Spectre, had a Jaguar C-X75 chasing him around in Rome.

Length: 4,482mm

Width: 2,042mm

Height: 1,311mm

Fuel tank: 63 litres

Seating: 2

Price: Rs93.67 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai)

quiet-comfort

Sat Oct 27 17:49:28 IST 2018

Don’t kick yourself because you thought you forgot to press the ‘start/stop engine’ button in the Lexus ES 300h. The car, which is a hybrid electric, is so silent that it makes you wonder, again and again, if it really is off, or on. And, it barely allows any outside noises to filter in—the windshield is made of an acoustic glass that has excellent sound-insulating properties.

The ES 300h’s cabin is luxurious and elegant, with a good mix of leather and wood. The cockpit is snug with well-proportioned buttons that can be easily accessed. There is also a remote touch interface for the seven-inch colour, multi-information display, and a wireless charger for Qi-compatible phones.

The ride comfort is outstanding. It is a wide car and it has generously-sized seats. There is a 14-way adjust driver seat and a four-way driver and passenger lumbar support. The car also boasts a Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System with 17 speakers.

The newly developed 2.5 l L4 engine is best known for its dynamic performance and remarkable fuel efficiency. And it is big on environmental friendliness, too. Lexus says that on the EV Drive Mode the car can be driven only on its motor power at low speeds. The company claims that the car is designed to minimise disturbance for people while passing through residential areas, especially at night. Also, the emission levels are kept in check while in indoor car parks and closed garages. While decelerating and braking, the car’s regenerative braking system activates the motor as a generator, thereby converting the moving car’s kinetic energy into electric energy and using it to charge the battery.

Driving the Lexus ES 300h is effortless—acceleration is unbelievably smooth and cornering, even on Mumbai’s congested busy roads, barely seemed like a task. The electric power steering offers precise responses. Slot the car into reverse gear and the rear windows’ sunshade automatically goes down. How intuitive is that!

At a little over Rs60 lakh, the Lexus ES300h is a beautiful, luxurious and refined sedan, and it will have plenty of takers. But, in most cases, it will be their chauffeurs who will have all the fun driving it.

party-planner

Fri Sep 07 16:34:54 IST 2018

The brief to the designers and engineers was to make a “pa and pal’s car”. And the Mahindra Marazzo turned out be exactly that. “It is not just for your family; it is for your family and friends,” says Ramkripa Ananthan, head of design at Mahindra and Mahindra.

Mahindra developed the Marazzo with an engineering collaboration between Mahindra Automotive North America, Detroit, and Mahindra Research Valley, Chennai, and a design collaboration between Pininfarina, Italy, and Mahindra Design Studio, Mumbai. The total cost of the project was $200 million.

The Marazzo sits between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Innova, and comes with the options of 7- and 8-seaters. The 7-seater offers captain seats and the 8-seater bench seats in the second row. The seats are well-contoured and there is plenty of legroom, headroom and shoulder room. There is also a 7-inch touchscreen and a new ‘Surround Cool Technology’, which gives you both direct and diffused airflow. The second and third rows also get sunshades. The aircraft inspired brake lever is a nice design touch.

The newly developed 1.5 litre (1497cc), 4-cylinder engine (weighing just 141.13kg with 52 per cent high-strength steel), has an east-west engine placement, which helps in better space utilisation. Says Ananthan, “For a designer, it is great because we get this wide, low, sporty stance.”

The six-speed manual transmission is really smooth, and the suspension settings are so good that bumps make little impact inside. Thanks to the disc brakes on all four wheels, not once did the vehicle feel jittery upon braking. The M8 variant, which is the top trim, comes with 17-inch tyres; the other variants have 16-inch tyres.

Available in six colours and four variants, the Marazzo comes with a three-year/100,000km warranty and an annual maintenance contract which is renewable. Starting at Rs 9,99,000, this is undoubtedly one of the best offerings in recent times from Mahindra.

range-rover-velar

Sat Jun 30 16:15:32 IST 2018

If you believe in the adage “money is not about the noise it can make but about the silence it can buy,” then the Range Rover Velar, which sits between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport, should be on your radar.

Besides the fact that clean lines blend seamlessly into surface design, (take a look at the waistline), even the Premium LED headlamps with signature DRL (Daytime Running Lights) seem nothing less than a work of art.

The clean and futuristic design of the dash and central console, perforated grained leather seats, panoramic sunroof, air quality sensor, 360-degree parking aid and navigation pro add to the luxury quotient. In fact, it also offers 10-way seats (8 ways electric and 2 ways manual) with driver memory and a powered gesture tail gate.

At 4797 mm, the Velar is not exactly compact, but its 1997cc engine that is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, makes it a breeze to manoeuvre. And, overtaking is frankly a hassle-free experience, especially in ‘Dynamic’ mode. This is certainly not a punchy engine, but that does not mean it is unexciting. It can deliver some insane speeds when occasion demands. However, it seems more suited for straight-line driving rather than racing up and down mountains with hair-pin bends.

One of the most remarkable things about the Range Rover Velar is its cabin, which filters out all unwanted noises making it incredibly silent, thus offering one of the finest luxury touches we have experienced so far.

Starting at Rs 78.33 lakh, the Range Rover Velar is not cheap, but then luxury CBUs (completely built units) always command a price! In this case, buyers can also rest assured in terms of safety as Velar checks all the boxes and you also get 24/7 road side assistance. Can it seriously get better

the-all-new-bmw-x3

Sat May 12 16:45:57 IST 2018

The all-new BMW X3 (third generation) was launched in Gurugram, and from the looks of it, this made-in-Chennai mid-size sports activity vehicle (SAV) is out to steal hearts. Not only does it sport a beautiful design, with fluid lines, muscular curves and the trademark BMW kidney grille in chrome, but it also happens to be 55kg lighter than its predecessor.

Available in two diesel variants—the petrol variant will be launched later this year—named Expedition and Luxury Line, the BMW X3 comes with opulent interiors coupled with generous space, giving you the feeling of luxury. The panoramic sunroof adds to the effect. The SAV also comes with some noteworthy technology such as BMW display key, wireless charging and a range of BMW ConnectedDrive features such as the navigation professional and the 12.3-inch multifunction instrument display.

The BMW X3 can go 0-100kmph in eight seconds. Its 2.0 litre 4-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 190hp and has a maximum torque of 400Nm at 1,750-2,500rpm is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. It also boasts 19-inch light alloy wheels and comes with a plethora of safety features, making it a truly desirable SAV. And, with the X3 priced between Rs 49.99 lakh and 056.7 lakh (ex-showroom), this may be a sweet deal for those looking for an SAV that is not only handsome, robust and spacious, but also highly refined.

toyota-yaris-2018

Mon Apr 30 12:06:47 IST 2018

Although late to arrive in India, Toyota Yaris, the latest offering from the Japanese carmaker, offers a neat little package for all those wanting to upgrade to a budget sedan. All set to take on rivals like Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City and Hyundai Verna, Toyota Yaris should find takers on account of two major factors—safety features and technology.

The Yaris’s 1496cc engines are available in both manual and automatic transmissions. The manual has a six-speed transmission, whereas the automatic is a seven-speed CVT-i offering. Toyota claims a fuel efficiency of 17.1kmpl on the MT, and 17.8kmpl on the AT. We prefer the MT to the AT, because the engine whine in the latter penetrates into the cabin once you hit 80kmph. Despite slight sluggishness, the Yaris is an able performer.

The two-tone interiors look fresh and appealing; the fit and finish are top quality, whether it is the leather seats or the hard plastics. Innovative thinking from Toyota has resulted in roof-mounted air vents that cool the cabin rapidly. This is a big plus, because several carmakers offer it at knee position, which is not of much use. Cruise control, paddle shifts and power driver seats ensure comfortable rides. There is also the gesture-controlled audio—which when used will seem, to outsiders, like you are honing your mudra skills.

What really impressed us were the safety features. From seven airbags—even one to protect your knees—to hill start assist control that prevents the car from rolling backwards, to the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, the Yaris is big on safety. The best feature, however, is its braking prowess—it gets disc brakes on all four wheels. We tried some hard braking manoeuvers at some really high speeds, enroute to Nandi Hills, Bengaluru, and were blown away by the car’s impeccable response.

Available in six colors, the Toyota Yaris is definitely the new kid on the block whose arrival was much awaited in India. If Toyota gets its pricing right, it should sell like hot cakes.

mercedes-benz-s-class-2018

Wed Apr 11 17:08:13 IST 2018

Remember Miranda Priestly’s (Meryl Streep) entry in The Devil Wears Prada, where she steps out of a silver Merc, in a pair of beautiful red pumps, and proceeds towards Runway’s office? That Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always been associated with power and luxury. It has been the automatic choice for many, over other luxury cars on the market, because, quite frankly, nothing defines luxury and refinement better.

The new variant only upped the ante by adding several exciting features, at a starting price of Rs 1.33 crore. The biggest change in both, petrol (S450; 2,996cc) and diesel (S350d; 2987cc), is that the V6 engine has been replaced by the inline-six engine. The car also comes with a 25-litre tank that contains Adblue, an exhaust fluid that cuts diesel emissions.

Externally, three louvres and vertical bars in a glossy black finish adorn the radiator. The bumper that now sits lower adds to its frontal appeal, so do the multi-beam LED headlamps with three striking light torches that resemble Adidas’s three stripes. The rear bumper comes with an integral tailpipe trim and new LED tail lights, while the 18-inch light alloy wheels add a dash of sportiness.

Inside, the beautiful three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel has cruise control. The Active Distance Assist or Distronic, when activated, controls the distance to vehicles in front, up to a speed of 210kmph. The eucalyptus wood trim of the dashboard has been replaced with open-pore ash wood, is a flat, matt finish. We really prefer the former.

The ‘Widescreen Cockpit’, that looks like an elongated iPad, boasts an HD display with real-time content and extended graphical representations that give the new S-Class a technological edge. What make this S-Class a real luxury saloon are the comfortable and spacious rear seats and the big remote control for the two 12.3-inch displays that make you feel like you are at home in your recliner. These features, combined with a highly efficient and pleasantly silent engine, make a really strong case for the new S-Class.

ferrari-812-superfast

Wed Apr 11 17:09:08 IST 2018

While there are several English, German, American and Japanese sports cars that come with V12, 6.0-plus litre engines, Italian manufacturer Ferrari stand out for making the most powerful and extraordinarily handsome cars, owned by some of the world’s elite. Ask anybody who owns a Ferrari or has driven one what appeals most to them, and nine out of ten will tell you it is the roar of the engine and its sheer performance.

And, now, from the stable of the Prancing Horse comes its fastest street car to India. The 812 Superfast comes with a 6.5 litre, 800hp, naturally aspirated, petrol V12 engine. The ‘8’ in the 812 is 800 (789) hp and ‘12’ refers to the car’s V12 front engine. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, it can go from 0-100km in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 340kmph.

The Ferrari 812 Superfast debuted at the Geneva Motor Show last year, and was unveiled in Delhi recently. It is designed on their famous sporty coupe, Berlinetta, meaning “little saloon” in Italian. Ferrari popularised the Berlinetta back in the 1930s, and several other carmakers famously followed suit. You may also remember the Berlinetta from the 1984 Hollywood teen comedy, Ferris Buller’s Day Off, where the lead plays truant and convinces his friend to borrow his father’s rare Ferrari 1961 California GT.

Boasting an aggressive and aerodynamic design, the two-seater 812 Superfast is wide and beautifully long-nosed. This appeals to some because it is great fun throwing such cars around corners and testing their agility. Ferraris, always eager for driver input, behave beautifully even at the slightest throttle response, and going by the engine specs of this car, we just cannot wait to get behind the wheel. The interiors of the Ferrari 812 Superfast, also seem clean and non-fussy.

Available in India for a cool Rs 5.2 crore (ex-showroom), it would be a sin to buy it in any other colour except the rosso corsa or racing red. Maybe, it is also time for Ferris Buller’s Day Off Redux. This time with an 812 Superfast, perhaps?

bajaj-avenger-street-180-the-budget-cruiser

Tue Mar 13 18:04:15 IST 2018

Kawasaki Eliminator was one of the first bikes to offer a low-slung cruiser to the Indian market and when it was rebranded as Bajaj Avenger, the bike became more accessible to the masses. A low-slung bike with a sporty engine made a great combination and Bajaj kept giving it engines from the Pulsar range to provide a wide range for customers to choose from. Thus, the Avenger came in 150, 180, 200 and 220 variants. Now, Bajaj has re-jigged the line-up and offers only the 220 (Cruise and Street) and 180 (Street), with the 180 making a comeback after 13 years. The Street 180 replaces the 150 and also gets some new styling upgrades apart from the bigger engine.

Let’s start with the engine. The 180cc engine is borrowed from the Bajaj Pulsar 180 but has been tuned down to suit the cruiser character for a more relaxing experience. Where the Pulsar 180 produces 17PS and 14.2Nm, the Avenger Street 180 makes a maximum power of 15.5PS and a peak torque of 13.7Nm. Difference between the aggressive Pulsar and the relaxed Avenger immediately comes to the fore. The detuned engine feels more relaxed and refined with a linear power delivery when compared to the Pulsar 180. The five-speed gearbox makes no problem and the light clutch helps in effortless gear shifting.

Set the speedo between 90 to 100km/h and the Avenger Street 180 will take you to places in comfort with minimum stress. The vibes from the engine are well controlled till this point, beyond which conditions start getting harsh. Strong mid-range power delivery helps in cruising the highways and despite the drop in performance figures, the engine feels quick enough for a spirited riding. The Street 180 is built on the same platform as the Street 220 and there is no change in suspension setup. The bike handles bad roads smoothly without any major undulations. Braking too is the same as the 220 variant with a 260 mm single disc to the front and 130 mm drum to the rear. Now, there’s no problem with the bike’s braking capabilities but a rear disc should have been included.

Street 180 follows the Street 220 in design mostly. There’s the same roadster design headlamp with DRLs with a mini windscreen, Street control handlebar, single piece seat and alloy wheels. Missing out on the all-digital console of the Street 220, the 180 gets a single pod console with an analogue speedometer and a small digital display for other information. Fuel gauge and other lights are positioned on the fuel tank.

The Street 180 is a great addition to the Avenger family, one that offers good balance of power, displacement and price. If you consider the competition, there’s Suzuki Intruder 150, which is less powerful and pricier, the Avenger Street 180 will make a strong impression.

yamaha-r15-version-3-sharper-faster-better

Tue Mar 13 17:22:16 IST 2018

Yamaha R15 holds a special place in redefining the Indian two-wheeler industry. The first generation R15 made performance-oriented bikes more affordable and started a trend that many other manufacturers are following now. R15 was a runaway hit and being a ready-for-track tool, the bike was lauded and celebrated on racetracks over the weekends. But it’s been more than a decade since the launch of the first R15 and the competition has caught up. Yamaha needed to do more than just a refresh.

Version 3.0 brings in a new generation model with a completely new design, a new engine with more power and new features that definitely stand out. So will the new version take forward the legacy?

With the first R15, Yamaha kept it simple with the design. Although the bike was one of the best handling units in the country and still is, the design got some flak for being too simple, especially at the rear. Yamaha corrected it with the Version 2.0 to some extent, giving it a new tail inspired by the R6. But Version 3.0 is a rebirth in terms of design and it looks a million bucks in the Racing Blue suit. Upfront, the new R15 is sharper and sleeker thanks to the new all-LED dual headlamp design that has an air cowl in the middle. The sculpted tank, side claddings, split seat and the tail all follow the sharp ideology and the detailing on them are great. Materials used on the tank, cowls and mud guard look good and have different textures.

Gone is the analog-digital instrument cluster that gets replaced by a new all-digital unit. We would have liked an analog tacho as there are few things that excite us as a needle that goes around the rpm. That being said, the instrument cluster has loads of information that include gear shift indicator and a USB charger. The split seat feels better on your behind and thankfully, the pillion will not be sitting that high as the V2. Version 3.0 is longer, wider and shorter than V2 but the wheelbase has dropped a few millimetres. Ground clearance is up by 10 mm and the curb weight by 3 kg. At the rear, LED tail lamp finishes off nicely in style with three strips of LEDs. Overall, the R15 is certainly a head turner and now looks more like the R family.

Sitting inside the new deltabox frame is a brand new engine, which now has a capacity of 155 cc and a bigger 58 mm bore. There’s a power bump too with the R15 now producing 19.3 PS (up from 17 PS) at a higher 10,000 rpm. Torque figure remains the same at 15 Nm which now can be pushed till 8,500 rpm. Yamaha has fitted the engine with Variable Valves Actuation that assists in producing torque easily at lower rpm. The new engine follows the previous generation units in terms of performance and loves to be revved around. There’s a good low end response and the fun just elevates as the tacho goes east. Gear changes are smooth and precise thanks to the new assist and slipper clutch. The addition of A&S clutch has made amazing difference in gearshifts and overall performance as it takes the pressure off the engine to a great extent.

True to its name, the R15 handles like a katana through a bamboo, smooth and sharp. The baby R takes the curves and corners like a fish in the water. Changing directions are fast and easy. Riding position is sportier than ever and you have to swoop down more than the V2. City driving will not be easy in heavy traffic. Not the bike’s fault though, as this is not a city commuter. With respect to the handling, the suspension is not too hard for the bike’s objective. Tyres have gone wider with 100/80 profile at the front and 140/70 at the rear (upgrade to Metzeler tyres recommended). Single disc brakes adorn at both front and rear. Braking capabilities are satisfactory with the brakes shed speed with good bite but ABS is still missing, unfortunately.

To conclude, Yamaha R15 Version 3.0 takes all the goodness of the R-DNA and mixes in a generous dose of style, features and a bit more power. The bike is still one of the best handlers irrespective of the segment. New style and feature upgrades make it an amazing package you cannot oversee.

don-the-summer-shades-royal-enfield-thunderbird-500x

Tue Mar 06 17:30:01 IST 2018

While Royal Enfield is now a very popular brand, a decade and half ago it wasn’t as big a brand then as it is now. The Bullet model along with its many variants weren’t good enough. When launched in 2002, Thunderbird was a different breed, targeting the urban audience. The cruiser theme, a new territory for the brand and also us, became a big hit and the gamble paid off. Thunderbird sold in thousands and now Royal Enfield has given it a refresh in the form of Thunderbird X, which comes in two variants – 500X and 350X. Is the X series just a paint job or does the Thunderbird has anything more up its sleeves?

From afar, many could think that the 500X is Thunderbird's Redditch series and we can’t really blame them. Get closer and 500X starts showing its colours, pun intended. In typical RE fashion, the company has decided to make the 500X available in Getaway Orange and Drifter Blue colour options while the 350X will come in Roving Red and Whimsical White. You cannot mix and match. So, the X series get new colours with matching wheel stripes. The colours, though only limited to the tank, do pop beautifully and the rest of the bike is finished in black. New 9-spoke alloy wheels, flat handle bars, new single seat unit and new grab rails make up the new features of 500X. The features may not look much but they do make an impact.

Mount the bike and the flatter handle bar makes for a much sportier sitting position. It’s not just for aesthetics purpose as the low handle bar also helps in better handling in traffic jams. The single piece seat features a central patch of fabric that promises more comfort and won’t leave you with a wet bottom. There are no changes to the instrument cluster.

Mechanically, Royal Enfield didn’t mess around with the engine of the Thunderbird. The power and torque output remain same at 27.2 bhp and 41.3 Nm respectively and as the kerb weight of the bike also remains the same, there’s no change in the performance. The engine has got strong pulling power from the low end and the going is smooth till about 4,000 rpm. Post that, you will feel the tell-tale vibrations in the handlebars and foot pegs that we have come to accustom with REs. Go fast and leave the world in your rear view mirror in a blur; not because of the speed but the vibrations make it impossible to view the world behind. The typical Bullet thump is there, albeit in a muffled manner.

Ride quality is as good as ever and the lower handle bar makes it easier to manage the bike. Though the pillion backrest is missing, the new tail end gives the Thunderbird 500X a neat finish. The grab rails too compliment the rear end with its integration.

So, if you have been thinking of buying a Royal Enfield or a Thunderbird, the 500X offers a good combination of style and stature. The additional features, though not many, has made the Thunderbird 500X sportier, younger and cooler to ride this summer.

range-rover-velar-stylish-utility-vehicle

Sat Feb 24 20:10:16 IST 2018

Land Rover has introduced another model, fourth to be precise, under the iconic Range Rover badge – Velar. The Range Rover Velar comes to fill in the gap between Ranger Rover Sport and Evoque in terms of size. Now, we know when the Sport came to fill the gap between the model topping Ranger Rover and the Evoque. But Land Rover thought there is more space than needed between the Sport and Evoque, hence the Velar. And we are happy about that decision because Velar is one the sexiest looking SUVs in the market now and being a Land Rover, it is equipped with tools too. So is the Velar worth enough to be a Range Rover?

The Velar is based on the Jaguar F-Pace platform but has been designed well enough to have its own identity. Unlike its bigger brothers, RR Vogue and RR Sport that have a boxier design, Velar is more sleek in its profile. The car gets its name from the prototype for the first ever Range Rover that was built in 1969. The company wanted to keep the development a closely guarded secret and gave it the name “Velar”, derived from Italian word ‘velare’ which means veil or cover. From the front, everything sits flush despite of some attractive elements. The signature LED headlamps are worthy of drool and then there’s the grille, bumper and the hood that are neatly integrated without standing out. To the side, the Velar looks fast even at standstill with a rising beltline and a swooping down roof. Everything is clean to keep the styling non-intrusive. Even the door handles pop out only when needed and otherwise blend with the body. At the rear, quad LED tail light finishes off in great style.

Hop inside and be wowed again. The cabin of Velar is certainly a special place to be. A twin-screen Touch Pro Duo infotainment system forms the centrepiece of the dashboard and that is what makes the interior more special. The top screen offers controls for music, navigation, communication and more while the lower screen displays the climate control with two knobs that have their own displays in them. The climate control screen and the dials can toggle between AC, heating function and massage function for seats, changing the graphics too, which look awesome. The screens, with their edgeless frame and HD resolution, don’t just look great but have intuitive interface too. The instrument cluster too is an all-digital affair and there’s also a heads up display to help you keep the attention on the road ahead.

Dashboard and the doors get a mix of wood and leather of top quality and texture. Seating position for the driver has good height and the view ahead is great. While the front seats offer good all-round support, at the rear, there is a great deal of legroom for two but the middle passenger could find it a bit uncomfortable. The rear seats' backrest can be reclined electrically to up the comfort quotient. Boot space, while not class leading, is enough for your luggage needs most of the time. Though it is loaded with hi-tech features, losing out on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support is unforgivable. You do get the option of a Smartphone pack that, with the help of InControl apps, lets you make screensharing of your phone.

Land Rover is offering the Velar with a choice of three engines – a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder diesel, a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder petrol and a 3.0 litre V6 diesel. The engine in topic here is the 2.0-litre petrol unit that is available in two tunes – 250 PS and 300 PS. Velar is the first car to get this petrol engine in India and will be offered in other cars in the JLR family soon. All the engines get an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard and so are paddle shifts. The petrol unit is very refined, after the slight initial clatter. In its 250 PS tune, the Velar makes a maximum torque of 365 Nm that helps the car quick off the line with a strong low end grunt. From there, the engine builds the power in a strong and linear fashion. Gear changes are quick and using the paddle shifts makes the going easier and sportier.

Setting speed records are not among the objectives of Velar and it wants to caress you with its speed and performance. But it’s not a slouch either with 0 to 100 km/h coming in 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 217 km/h. Suspension comes in the form of all-independent suspension setup with double wishbone in the front and multi-link at the rear. The air suspension is only available in the V6 variants. The ride quality is not as great as the Range Rover Sport but the Velar will take you around comfortably over bad roads and pot holes. If you are driving and want a sportier output, putting to Dynamic will help you control the body roll but get ready to feel the stiffness.

Being a Land Rover, having off-road capabilities is a given. Velar doesn’t disappoint with its 251 mm ground clearance, 600 mm water wading depth, Land Rover Terrain Response System, Active Rear Locking Differential, Hill Descent Control and Low Traction Launch. Using these systems, Velar takes the off-road with ease and proves to be capable of Land Rover badge.

As we had stated earlier, the Velar looks extremely good both inside and out. Instead of just making a car that is smaller than the Sport and bigger than the Evoque, the Velar has much more going for it. From the futuristic cabin to the refined performance, Velar will make sure your decision to buy one is well spent.

tvs-ntorq-125-super-scooter

Sat Feb 24 19:08:40 IST 2018

TVS Motors is on a roll. While they finished 2017 on a high with the launch of new TVS Apache RR 310, they have started 2018 with another product that looks great and promises to be a segment topper, the TVS NTorq 125. The NTorq 125 is TVS Motors’ first 125 cc scooter and it’s most powerful one along with several segment first features. With class leading power and torque outputs, NTorq 125 aims to bring in a new category of riders to TVS, the ‘Millennials’ (a word that is garnering much attention in recent times) who look for a sporty scooter and some features that are unheard of in a scooter. TVS NTorq goes against some of the best scooters in the segment such as Suzuki Access 125, Honda Grazia and the upcoming Hero Maestro 125S and Aprilia SR125. A lot riding on the NTorq then!

This is an all new scooter grounds up from TVS and the designers have worked hard to make it to match the current trend. The NTorq looks slick and gets the cuts and creases inspired from a stealth aircraft. If you think, the cuts and angles are more than necessary, keep it to yourself. Else, you will be branded a non-millennial or just old. The overall colour scheme is dual tone with your preferred colour – you can choose from yellow, white, green or red – mixed with black. The headlamp is mounted on the front apron and gets a bat wing styled daytime running lights, head mounted indicators, diamond cut alloy wheels, T-shaped LED tail lamp with rear vents to support the aircraft inspiration and a stubby muffler. TVS has got the styling part right to attract the younger crowd and the use of different colours and materials further accentuate the millennial objective.

Another major highlight of the NTorq 125 is its features, several segment firsts. The biggest of them all is SmartXonnect, which makes this the first connected scooter in India. By installing the SmartXonnect app, you can connect your phone to the scooter through Bluetooth and avail features like navigation assist, caller ID, last parked location assist, share your ride statistics on social media, call and text alerts, phone battery, signal and more. The digital instrument cluster also displays lap timer, 0 to 60 acceleration recorder, average speed and engine temperature among others. Other features include a USB charger, parking brake, external fuel filler cap, pass light switch and a segment first engine kill switch. The Ntorq 125 also gets a 22-litre under seat storage space that could hold a full face helmet. TVS has taken several pains to pay attention to details such as the double stitched seat, sporty grab rails and 3D logo. Good going so far, right?

Coming to the more important things, the 124.79 cc engine is all new and makes a segment leading 9.4 PS and 10.5 Nm of torque. The engine is new unit and uses a three-valve setup – two intake and one exhaust – for better combination of power delivery, refinement and fuel economy. It’s a personal best for TVS in terms of NVH as the engine feels smooth with vibrations controlled nicely even in speeds around 80 km/h. The throttle response is quick but not lightning quick. That’s not telling the NTorq is not fast. You can hit even 100 km/h if you are committed. And like the Apache 310 RR, the NTorq 125 too gets TVS Racing genes in its blood and it shows in the way it rides.

The NTorq is based on the same frame as the Jupiter but has been tweaked to be stiffer and more dynamic. Handling around the corners is better than most scooters in the segment and the scooter feels comfortable going fast around them. The telescopic front suspension and the gas filled coil spring shock absorber work well in keeping the ride smooth most of the time. Another first in the scooter is 220 mm petal disc brake to the front and it has a great bite on it.

TVS NTorq 125 is another product that says the company is on the right path to launch new products that also appeal to the mass. The NTorq 125 looks sporty, has loads of features and rides without scaring you. The SmartXonnect is a cool feature and has lots of potential to build on. And being a TVS, the NTorq 125 is a great value for money, being priced at Rs 58,750 ex-showroom Delhi.