Honda launches the 2021 CB350 RS motorcycle in India at ₹1.96 lakh

By

-

February 17, 2021

Honda India has launched the CB350 based, new 2021 CB350 RS motorcycle in India. It is priced at Rs. 1.96 lakh (ex-showroom price). According to Honda, the RS in the name of the bike stands for Road Sailing. As it claims that the motorcycle has been designed for long journeys. The bookings for this bike have already been started across all Honda BigWing dealerships and the company’s official site.

Coming to the actual bike now, it pumps the same 350CC, air-cooled, with 4-stroke OHC single-cylinder engine. It also enters with the PGM-FI technology. This engine produces a max power of 15.5 kW at 5500 rpm and max torque of 30 Nm at 3000 pm. The engine is filled with features, such as the assist and slipper clutch, advanced digital-analog speedometer. The Honda Selectable Torque Control boosts in maintaining rear-wheel traction by detecting a difference between the front and rear wheel speeds. It calculates the slip ratio, and further controlling engine torque with fuel injection.

Shifting on to the styling, this new motorcycle gets a massive tank, and that also has a bold Honda badge. The round LED headlamp now, comes with a ring design that gives the bike a very retro-modern look.

Honda has also made this new motorcycle, been specially made for the Indian market. And the company also plans to export it to international markets as well. Moving on to the color variants of this motorcycle, it has been made available in two color options. The Radiant Red Metallic and Black with Pearl Sports Yellow.

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on this new Honda motorcycle, by dropping a comment down below.

Renault launches SUV Kiger at ₹5.45 lakh in India

By

Madhav Banka

-

February 16, 2021

Renault has ultimately launched the Kiger in India, it was one of the most awaited cars and has finally been launched. This new SUV is going to compete against the Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 300, and even the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.

In terms of the aesthetics of this car, it accomplishes with split LED headlamps in the front with the DRLs on top. As far as tail-light is concerned, it provides a C-shaped LED to highlight the width of the car with 16-inch alloys or steel wheels depending on the variant users chooses.

On the interior, it gets an 8-inch touch screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is support for Bluetooth and WIFI connection as well. The car moreover gets Multi-sense settings that would authorize the driver to choose different driving modes. There is a sound setup by Arkamys audio system present inside of the car. For the rearview now, a camera with guidance lines for parking is present.

This new SUV by Renault would gaze something similar to the Nissan Magnite. There would be a choice to purchase either a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine. Or even a 1.0-liter three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. The turbocharged variant of the car will be able to generate 98bhp of power and 160Nm of peak torque. Meanwhile, the naturally aspirated engine will put out just 71bhp of power along with 96Nm of peak torque. Apart from the 5-speed manual transmission, the company will also offer both AMT and CVT variants.

Now boils down to price, the new Renault Kiger will start at a price of Rs. 5.45 lakh for the base variant. Whereas the top variant of the car would be priced at Rs. 9.55 lakh. It puts it to a price that is relatively similar to the Nissan Magnite.

This SUV is available in Caspian Blue, Radiant Red, Moonlight Silver, Planet Grey, Ice Cool White, Mahogany Brown colors. With the option for dual-tone options across the range as well. The different choices of dual-tone are also available at an additional Rs. 17,000 on all variants.

The car comes in 3 transmission options – MT, AMT, and CVT and 4 trim options RXE, RXL, RXT, RXZ. The prices start from 5.45L and goes up to 9.55L (ex-showroom).

Jaguar to go all-electric by 2025, Future cars to be exclusively on an electric architecture

By

Madhav Banka

-

February 15, 2021

Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled its plans to go completely electric, by saying that it intends to be net-zero. On carbon emissions by 2039 and has joined the global race that assures the rollout of clean-energy vehicles.

There was an interesting quote mentioned as well, which said “Collaborations and knowledge-sharing with industry leaders, in particular from within the wider Tata Group will allow the company to explore potential synergies on clean energy, connected services, data and software development leadership.”

According to some reports, it is confirmed that Land Rover will add six electric variants in the following five years. And also the future Jaguar models will be built exclusively on an electric architecture, Jaguar said. Further adding, that the first all-electric variant of Land Rover will debut in 2024.

A few days back, we also saw the announcement of Tesla coming to India. And also on how will set up a manufacturing plant in Karnataka, as per Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa. More information on the same can be found from here–

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on Jaguar Electric Cars, by dropping a comment down below.

BMW to soon launch 3 Series M340i in March

By

Madhav Banka

-

February 15, 2021

The BMW 3 Series is all set for a new M Performance model added to the line-up. It is going to be added with the launch of the M340i which is soon to be launching in India on the 10th of March, 2021. Also, BMW according to the manufacturer. This car will be the first M Performance model to be locally assembled in India. While the 374hp M340i will be a sporty version of the 3 Series, it is not to be amazed at the full-blown M3 that makes 480hp.

BMW M340i: Engine details and features-

Powering this sedan is a 3.0-liter, in-line six-cylinder, twin-turbo petrol engine. That will churn out 374hp and 500Nm of torque. The engine will come paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. And the power would be sent to all four wheels via BMW’s X Drive all-wheel-drive system.

Moving towards its features, the M340i brings all the features that were seen in the higher 3 Series. Some of that includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen system with BMW’s latest iDrive system, support for voice commands, and gesture control, with LED headlights and tail-lights. Also, a three-zone automatic climate control, a digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, front and rear parking sensors, and a parking camera, as well.

BMW M340i: Expected Pricing:

The BMW M340i will be a top of the spectrum car, so it will be at the top range. According to some reports, it is expected that this sedan would be priced around the Rs 65 lakh mark.

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on the new BMW M340i, by dropping a comment down below.

You can soon own 1 of the 25 Limited-edition legendary Land Rover Defender Works V8 Trophy

By

Madhav Banka

-

February 15, 2021

The original Land Rover Defender is finally making a comeback, all because of the Land Rover Classic that will be in limited production. The limited production will run for 25 units with off-road upgrades as well. It would come with off-road upgrades and Camel Trophy livery as well.

It is available in both 3-door 90 and 5-door 110 forms. The Classic’s modern tribute to the competition is based on the Defenders that got featured in the event in the 1980s.

The Defender works with the V8 Trophy and shares a 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine. And also an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox with the limited-run Defender Works V8, packing 399hp for a significant performance increase over the original specification.

Commenting on this, Land Rover Classic director Dan Pink said, “The Land Rover Defender has always been more than just a vehicle; its engineering capability and suitability for overland expedition and all-terrain competition means it’s renowned with getting away from it all. The new Land Rover Trophy will bring this to life for a new generation of adventurers.” He then further adds, “We’re looking forward to an exciting and memorable event, full of camaraderie, and continuing the Land Rover Trophy legend for years to come. Seeing the silhouette of these vehicles which you’ll instantly know as a Land Rover, traversing the hills at Eastnor, will be a defining moment of the adventure.”

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on this comeback of Land Rover Defender, by dropping a comment down below.

Tesla to set up electric car manufacturing unit in Karnataka

By

Madhav Banka

-

February 14, 2021

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa had declared on 13 February that Tesla. A US-based electric vehicle will be setting up its production unit there. Yediyurappa said in a statement, that “American car company Tesla will set up its electric car division in Karnataka.” Also, on 12 January, Yediyurappa had tweeted a statement on the same, from his official account. It said that Tesla would start its operations in India with an R&D unit in Bengaluru.

He then broke his silence after the news broke that Tesla will finally be entering India. As it would be registering it as a company in Bengaluru. Eventually, the CEO Elon Musk also said on January 13 that he is on the way to fulfill his promise to let electric cars run on the roads of India. Elon on Twitter also tweeted the following stuff “As promised”.

He also replied to a tweet that was linked to a post on the Tesmanian a Tesla Fan Site. That said, Tesla cars will be expensive for Indians but the cars will become more affordable for the country’s middle class when the company starts production within India.

Well with that said, what do you think about this Tesla coming to India? Do let us know by dropping a comment down below.

Ather Energy offers a glimpse of its 123,000 sq. ft. EV manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu

By

Madhav Banka

-

February 12, 2021

Ather Energy had signed an MoU for a 400,000 square feet electric vehicle manufacturing facility. This partnership is with the government of Tamil Nadu, and now the plant has gone on stream. So, this means that the 450X and 450 Plus e-scooters were all being produced at its plant in Bangalore.

Tarun Mehta, the CEO, Ather Energy, commented at the signing of the MoU, “Ather is rapidly scaling up and we need to expand our production capacity to meet the growing demand. The new unit will help us meet the demand for the next few years across the country. Tamil Nadu has been a hub for automobile manufacturing, and they have been working closely with us in their effort to build an EV ecosystem. A manufacturing facility at Hosur was an ideal choice considering that it is close to our R&D facilities in Bengaluru and most of the existing and potential future supply base is operating in the region. The availability of a built-up option of our desired scale and proximity helped in the decision making.”

Some main highlights from the first and small glimpse include-

90% of Ather Energy’s production are localized in India
Annual capacity 110,000 scooters and 120,000 battery packs
Investment of INR 635 crore over next 5 years

Well with that said, do let us know if you have any questions about this post, by dropping a comment down below

2021 Toyota Hiace price starts for Rs. 55 lakhs

By

Madhav Banka

-

February 12, 2021

Toyota has introduced the 2021 Toyota Hiace in India, and it starts at a price of Rs 55 lakhs. While this is not an official launch, it is yet to take place. The model that is being introduced in India is the outgoing one that has been on sale overseas since 2004. The latest model was introduced in the international markets in 2019.

Reports suggest that for now, it will be sold in India as a limited import only. With an initial batch of around 50 units. The MPV is currently only available in white and silver, also it will only be available in a single configuration at least for now.

Toyota Hiace Engine and Features:

This MPV is being powered by a 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. It can produce up to 151hp and 300Nm of torque. It is very similar to that of the Fortuner and even the earlier Innova. The Hiace sold in India will, initially, only come paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

This is the fifth-gen Hiace, and the feature list is not as extensive as it should have been. The MPV offers a 2-DIN audio system with CD, USB, and AUX support in the middle, and a space-efficient dash-mounted gear selector. Other features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, power steering, power windows, rear defogger, AC vents for each row, semi-reclining seats, and power-sliding rear doors.

do let us know what you think about Toyota Hiace and if have any questions, drop them in the comment section below or tweet to us @AutomotiveBlog_

Ford Cartesy Survey Highlights: Need for Traffic Rules Awareness to Make Roads Safer

By

Madhav Banka

-

February 11, 2021

The third edition of the Ford Cartesy Survey is analyzing the attitude and the behavior of all road users. And has categorized them into four distinct personality types, which includes: Oblivious, Assured, Pretentious & Idealist.

Commenting on this, Vinay Raina, executive director – Marketing, Sales & Service at Ford India said, “At Ford, we not only offer enhanced safety in our vehicles but believe that small changes we make in our attitude and behavior go a long way in ensuring that our roads become safer,” He further adds, “The Ford Courtesy survey in its third year is not a critique of users, road infrastructure or enforcement authorities but highlights how ‘mindfulness’ demonstrated by every single citizen can help makes roads a safer and saner place.”

Some of the Revelations from the Ford Cartesy Survey highlight are mentioned below-

Lack of Knowledge About Traffic Rules: Most respondents with driving license feigned ignorance of basic traffic rules. Only one in 10 respondents attributed the lack of knowledge about rules as a potential risk to road safety. In a 31-question simulation of traffic rules, less than a third (27%) scored over 40% and an abysmally low 6% of them got more than 50% answers right

Mobile Phone A Real Distraction: While 1 in 3 respondents feel the traffic situation in their city varies between very bad to extremely bad, 97% think ‘Distracted Driving’ (due to use of the mobile phone) and 81% think ‘Aggressive Driving’ are the top causes of accidents in the country

Moment of Truth: On average, nearly half of the commuters admitted to not displaying ideal behavior that adheres to Compliance, Caution, and Compassion. Distracted driving comes up as the most deviant behavior to Compliance, with 58% of respondents admitting to talking on the phone while driving, 63% finding it ok to seat their kids in the front row, and 58% drive even when they are feeling sleepy

Genuine Compassion Is Still A Long Way: 53% of respondents confessed they don’t always make way for emergency vehicles like an ambulance or fire truck. While, 57% do not mind throwing eatables, empty wrappers, and fruit peels on the road.

Well with that said, do let us know if you have any questions by dropping a comment below.

Yamaha launches 2021 FZ and FZS FI in India – Starts at Rs. 1.03 lakhs

By

Madhav Banka

-

February 11, 2021

Yamaha has launched the 2021 FZ and the FZS in India. Both motorcycles feature subtle design changes and also add in few additional features.

Commenting on this launch, Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies said, “FZ is an iconic brand of Yamaha and in India, we want to recreate its excitement every year with additional features and new offerings. Last year, we had launched the Yamaha Motorcycle Connect X Application in Dark Knight & Vintage models as an accessory. This feature was accepted well by our customers & moving forward with today’s launch of FZS-FI, we have decided to make it a mandatory feature for our FZS FI Models.” Further adding, “We are committed to offering something exceptional to the motorcycling customers of India & today we are upgrading our popular FZ series with features like Side Stand Engine Cutoff Switch & Inbuilt Bluetooth Connectivity for FZS-FI.”

The 2021 FZ-Fi now comes in two new colours. They are Racing Blue and Metallic Black, while the FZS-Fi model is offered in a new Matte Red colour. The new color options will be offered alongside the standard colours as well, so buyers can pick whichever colours they want.

Additionally, the new 2021 Yamaha FZS-Fi also comes with a Bluetooth-enabled Yamaha Motorcycle Connect X tech. That offers, some great features, and it includes an answer-back, locate-my-bike, e-lock, and many other awesome features.

No other changes have been made to the motorcycles. Also, both of the motorcycles are powered by the same 149cc BS6-compliant single-cylinder air-cooled engine. The engine produces 12.4bhp at 7250rpm and 13.6Nm of torque at 5500rpm, and it is paired with a five-speed gearbox as well.

Now boils down to the price of these new motorcycles, the 2021 Yamaha FZ-Fi has been priced at Rs 1.03 lakh, while the 2021 FZS-Fi comes with a price tag of Rs 1.07 lakh.