Ford launches 2017 EcoSport at Rs. 731,200

Ford India today introduced its stylish, powerful and connected new EcoSport priced at INR 731,200.Ford India today introduced its stylish, powerful and connected new EcoSport priced at INR 731,200.

The new EcoSport has been comprehensively redesigned with more than 1,600 new parts, featuring rugged new looks, sleek interior makeover, a raft of ingenious technologies and a new engine, offering more power & efficiency.

“The new Ford EcoSport comes with a formidable combination of Fun, Style and Technology,” said Anurag Mehrotra, president and managing director, Ford India. “With its best-in-class power, safety, convenience and value proposition, it delivers significantly more at the same price. It is another game-changing product from Ford that, like its predecessor, raises the bar for compact SUVs.”

Style on your side

The new EcoSport builds on the dynamic appeal of its predecessor, starting with a reshaped front, and a large upper trapezoidal grille and lower grille that make it unmistakably a member of the Ford family of SUVs.

The sculpted hood features a wider central dome for a more muscular appearance. A continuous line running from the beltline along the edge of the hood accentuates sleek new headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

Bold fog lamps complete the face of the EcoSport and give it an edgier, more aggressive look. New Ford EcoSport will feature bigger 17-inch alloy wheels with top-of-the-line Titanium+ variant for better control and even more aggressive stance

The design is both bold and functional: Ford’s design and engineering team spent more than a million hours studying computer fluid dynamics, and more than 200 hours in a wind tunnel refining the aerodynamics of the new EcoSport.

Fun on your side

Delivering Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA in the new EcoSport will be an all-new three-cylinder 1.5-liter Ti-VCT petrol engine that’s smaller, lighter and efficient. The new petrol engine will deliver segment best 123 PS of power & 150 Nm of torque with a 7% reduction in CO2 emissions and outstanding fuel efficiency of 17 Km/L.

In addition to a five-speed manual transmission, Ford is also offering the petrol engine with an all-new six-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth, precise shifts across all powertrain options. A new, sportier steering wheel features first in segment paddle shifters.

For diesel lovers, the new EcoSport will also be offered with Ford’s trusted and reliable 1.5L TDCi diesel engine that delivers best-in-class 100 PS power and fuel efficiency of 23 Km/L. The diesel motor will come strapped with a five-speed manual transmission.

Technology on your side

The new EcoSport features Ford’s in-car infotainment system, SYNC 3, which allows drivers to control their entertainment, climate settings, as well as their connected smartphone, all with conversational voice commands.

This latest edition of Ford’s globally renowned in-car connectivity system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. This allows drivers to make phone calls, access their music, send and receive messages, get directions and more, all while staying focused on the road.

Not just connectivity, the new EcoSport is replete with several technologies to make the drive a lot more convenient, including rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, cruise control, hill launch assist and rear-view parking camera.

Space on your side

The new Ford EcoSport’s interior is emotive and user-centric, inspired by smart devices and tablets in keeping with today’s modern driving habits. It features large and conveniently placed knobs that for adjusting volume, temperature and fan speed.

A broad range of other controls have been integrated into a visually appealing and intuitive eight-inch touchscreen, featured for the first time in EcoSport. With minimal buttons and controls, the floating screen has been placed closer to the driver’s line of sight, helping them keep their eyes on the road.

Ergonomic design contributes to a spacious and premium feel. A centrally located media bin makes it easy to stow a smartphone while charging. Designed to accommodate a phone as large as an iPhone 7 Plus, the bin comes with two illuminated USB ports.

The media bin is one of 27 compartments throughout the EcoSport’s cabin, offering convenient places for coffee cups, bottled drinks, sunglasses and umbrellas. Fold-flat rear seats maximise rear cargo space for urban shopping sprees.

The boot offers flexible cargo space with an innovative adjustable floorboard which can be mounted on two designated slots to split the boot into different compartments, based on a driver’s need.

Across three adjustable positions, the boot space serves from being a load floor for maximum storage to a secure storage area beneath the floorboard to keep valuables, only to end up creating a cargo floor that lines up with the fold-flat second-row seats.

Safety on your side

Continuing its lead on safety, new Ford EcoSport will be the only vehicle in the segment to offer up to six airbags. Dual front driver and passenger side airbags along with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) will be offered as standard equipment across all variants.

The new EcoSport will also feature Ford’s globally-renowned Emergency Assistance, a potentially technology that calls emergency services from a paired phone to ensure help is always within reach.

The compact SUV has been built strong using high-strength steel and will feature a host of safety features including emergency brake assist, traction control system, impact absorbing door panels and steering wheel among others.

The new Ford EcoSport is available in five trims with seven colour options – Lightning Blue, Canyon Ridge, Race Red, Diamond White, Absolute Black, Moondust Silver and Smoke Grey.

Ford EcoSport Price List | Petrol Manual

Variant New Ford EcoSport
Ambiente INR 731,200
Trend INR 804,500
Titanium INR 917,700

Ford EcoSport Price List | Petrol Automatic

Variant New Ford EcoSport
Trend + INR 934,100
Titanium + INR 1,099,100

Ford EcoSport Diesel Price List

Variant New Ford EcoSport
Ambiente INR    801,700
Trend INR    871,000
Trend + INR    910,600
Titanium INR    985,900
Titanium + INR 1,067,300

Royal Enfield unveiled the all new Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650

Reviving its rich twin heritage, Royal Enfield, the global leader in mid-size motorcycle segment (250-750cc), today unveiled its ground-up modern twin motorcycles the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650 at the EICMA Motor Show, Milan.

The Interceptor INT 650 ushers in the idea of the 1960’s fun, relaxed motorcycles from the sun-drenched California beaches. With its classic tear-drop shaped fuel-tank, quilted twin-seat and distinctive wide braced handlebars, the Interceptor INT 650 looks every bit the stunning Roadster that it is. An all-new, dedicated steel-tube cradle chassis makes the Interceptor INT 650 an easy-going, versatile motorcycle which is perfect for riding in the city, as it is for a leisurely weekend cruise. The wide-braced handlebars offer comfortable ergonomics and a confident and commanding riding position, allowing the rider to make the most of the agile chassis. The motorcycle is equipped with classic 18” front and rear Pirelli tyres and twin shock absorbers, along with front and rear disc brakes with ABS. A ground clearance of 174mm and a seat height of 804 mm, ensure that the Interceptor INT 650 gives a superlative riding experience.

The twin motorcycles are powered by the first modern Royal Enfield 650 twin engine. This new platform is a single overhead cam, 8 valve, air/oil-cooled, 648cc parallel twin, producing 47bhp and 52Nm. The engine has a strong low and mid-range performance, retaining the Royal Enfield character of accessible torque through the rev range. Also new to the Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650, is the six speed gearbox, especially developed for this motorcycle. The gearbox is augmented by its ‘slip/assist’ clutch, that facilitates easy riding in traffic with a light feel, and prevents wheel-hop when downshifting gears – also a first for Royal Enfield. The chassis has been developed from the ground up by the team at Royal Enfield’s UK Technology Centre, and Harris Performance. It has been engineered and fine-tuned for enhanced agility that can handle different terrains and speeds with ease while retaining the period classic style.

Introducing the Interceptor INT 650,Mr. Siddhartha Lal, CEO Royal Enfield said, “The Interceptor INT 650 carries forward the Royal Enfield legacy into the 21st century. While in its essence it retains the design and old-school character, it has all the underpinnings of a modern machine. It combines agility, usable power, excellent ergonomics and style in an unintimidating manner. However, the Interceptor INT 650 is more than the sum of its parts; it is great fun to ride and brings a smile on your face every single time that you ride it.”

In addition to the Interceptor INT 650, Royal Enfield also showcased the ground-up, all new Continental GT 650. The motorcycle retains its central cafe racer character while bringing in new engineering and design improvements. It shares its engine, chassis and running parts with its twin, the Interceptor INT 650, while offering completely different ergonomics and style. The motorcycle has an eager, front-leaning stance that gives it a sporty look and a speedy form. The Continental GT 650’s ergonomics offer easy reach to the mid-level handlebars, for an optimum blend of steering feel and comfort with no compromise to its 12.5L fuel tank capacity. Like the Interceptor INT 650, the Continental GT 650 sports disc brakes front and the rear with ABS. The upswept exhaust and rear-set footrests give the motorcycle plenty of lean angle, essential for any true cafe racer. The single seat, sculpted tank, and clip on bars complete the authentic look. The rider feels ‘one’ with the machine, whether commuting on city roads, or scraping knees down their favourite backroads and twisties.

Talking about Continental GT 650 as his personal favourite, Rudratej (Rudy) Singh, President, Royal Enfield, said, “The GT has been an iconic motorcycle in Royal Enfield’s portfolio. Since its launch in 2013, the Continental GT has helped the brand strengthen its position in mature motorcycle markets across the world. In its new avatar, the Continental GT 650 is the absolute definitive cafe racer that will be loved by discerning riders across the world.”

“Being authentic, accessible and creating motorcycles that are evocative, is at the core of all things we do. As a brand, we encourage our riders in their journey of self-expression and exploration. It is this idea that they relate to, even before they buy our motorcycles. The new 650 twins will help us strengthen this proposition further”, Rudy added.

Talking about the significance of the new twins in Royal Enfield’s global foray, Siddhartha said, “Royal Enfield aims to lead and expand the mid-weight (250-750cc) motorcycle segment globally. The Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 and Continental GT 650 will help grow this segment. While for our large customer base in India, the new 650 twins will be a compelling upgrade, we believe it will attract customers from other developing markets in SouthEast Asia and Latin America to graduate to the middle weight segment. In addition, the 650 twins will offer a very evocative option to customers in mature motorcycle markets such as Europe, Australia and North America. For us, this marks the beginning of a new chapter at Royal Enfield“

Both the Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor INT 650 will be available in variety of colourways and two distinct styles – Standard and Retro Custom. A total of 11 options have been developed with the objective of appealing to the discerning heritage seeking rider, just as much as the modern rider seeking a classic motorcycle. While the Standard range of colourways take inspiration from the motorcycles of the 50’s and 60’s, the Retro Custom range is a bolder version of graphics and colours. The stunning Interceptor INT 650 in Orange Crush and the Ice Queen Continental GT 650 were displayed at EICMA today

Talking about the development process of the motorcycles Mr Simon Warburton, Head of Product Development at Royal Enfield said,“The new 650 twin engine and the motorcycles have been developed at Royal Enfield’s new UK Technology Centre with collaboration with the engineering and design teams in Chennai, India. The entire platform, including the engine and chassis, has undergone rigorous testing and validation process during the development programme at world-class proving grounds with professional riders. It has been subjected to lab and bench tests, in addition to being tested on race tracks and public roads. With over one million kms of testing prior to production, more than 70 different tests have been conducted on the vehicle and individual chassis components. Modern CAE techniques and CAD systems have been applied during the development of the chassis and comprehensive data logging and analysis have been undertaken. The gearbox has undergone extensive test miles, resulting in an optimum shift feel, reliability of engagement, quiet notch-free selection and perfect ratio spacing. These motorcycles have been tested for real world riding conditions in both Europe and India”

Suzuki Two-Wheelers cruises in with 155cc INTRUDER

A new era of the ‘Suzuki Urban Brotherhood’ is set to begin. Announcing its foray into the cruiser-segment, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL), a subsidiary of one of the world’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers – Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan (SMC); today launched the new 155cc INTRUDER. With a unique luxurious styling that draws inspiration from Suzuki’s legendary INTRUDER lineage, the new INTRUDER is India’s modern cruiser.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Satoshi Uchida, Managing Director, SMIPL said, “The birth of INTRUDER in 1985 gave the world – a modern cruiser. Today, Suzuki is proud to bring the same INTRUDER lineage, revered worldwide for its unique styling and performance to India. We are committed to offering our young customers new premium products that are high on quality and technology, yet retain the inherent sportiness and youthfulness of the brand Suzuki.”

Mr Sajeev Rajasekharan, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, SMIPL said, “The cruiser market in India has been on the path of continuous growth for the last few years. As a modern cruiser, the new INTRUDER offers riders a blend of premium appeal and distinctive-style. With its futuristic features like ABS, the new INTRUDER fulfills your daily commuting needs, while its great road-handling capabilities make the weekend ride with your brotherhood of bikers enjoyable and exciting as well.”

The INTRUDER, true to its modern badge, compliments with futuristic features like a standard ABS, a fully digital instrumentation, SEP engine with superior riding performance. In the looks department, it carries forward the lineage of the legendary INTRUDER with flowing character lines, big-bike like shrouds, and a distinctive twin exhaust that stands-out. Its low and long styling, with a long wheelbase, and a low seat makes both your daily commute and the weekend ride exciting with an attitude!

The new INTRUDER is available in two colours – Metallic Oort/Metallic Matt Black No 2, and Glass Sparkle Black/Metallic Matt Titanium Silver; and is priced at INR 98,340 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

Autoform India awarded with Top 10 Innovative Brands In Asia

Autoform receives the prestigious 12th Asia Brand Award for innovation and premium products Asiabrand Research and ABAS, one of the most authoritative and influential brand research, evaluation expert think tank in the region, recognised Autoform India with the ‘Top 10 (Industry) Innovative Brands In Asia’ award at the recently held 12th Asia Brand Award Ceremony in Hong Kong.

Siddharth Gandhi, Director, Marketing and Sales for Autoform India received this prestigious award from Asiabrand. Commenting on the award, Siddharth Gandhi, Director, Marketing and Sales for Autoform India said “Our continued delivery of technologically superior products, in addition to outstanding service, led to Autoform India being rewarded. Such recognitions are a step towards our vision of achieving leadership position in India by 2020.”

About Autoform India
Autoform India, part of RP Group an ISO TS/ 16949 certified company came into inception in 1987 and has since been a trusted name in the business of manufacture and sale of premium quality car and bike seat covers and accessories in India. With corporate headquarters in Delhi NCR, Autoform.
India caters to over a 7 countries and 14 OE’s across the globe.

Piaggio expands its partnership with (RED) to fight AIDS in India

Piaggio and (RED) are proud to announce an expansion of the partnership with the launch of the (VESPA)RED in India. To be launched only in the Indian Market, every sale of the (VESPA)RED will generate money to finance Global Fund grants that support the fight to end AIDS in India.

Vespa, a model born to celebrate the beauty of a mode of transport that has achieved legendary status, was the first (RED) partner to bring an automotive product to market. The partnership was first unveiled at a Global Fund event attended by Bill Gates and Government Minsters in Rome in June 2016.

(RED) has been raising money and awareness for the fight to end AIDS since 2006, generating more than $475 million dollars to date with a focus on supporting Global Fund grants. For the first time, money raised through sales of all (VESPA)RED products in India will go to support Global Fund grants right in India – programs with a specific focus on ensuring that HIV+ women have access to the services they need to ensure their babies are born HIV FREE. Each (VESPA)RED sold can provide more than 165 days of lifesaving antiretroviral medication – medication that can help keep a pregnant mother alive and prevent her from passing the virus to her unborn baby.

Throughout its history, Vespa has been surpassing a bike’s core function as a simple and elegant vehicle and turning it into an extraordinary testament to its time, interpreting societal change and evolving accordingly. As such, funding an international project of such high social sensitivity is wholly consistent with Vespa’s values and DNA.

Vespa is proud to be paving the way in India in support of (RED)’s global fight.

Background on HIV/AIDS in India:

Despite enormous progress, there are still 2.1 million people living with HIV in India – of whom, 40% are women and 7% are children. In 2016, 80,000 people were newly infected with HIV (more than half of whom were women and teenagers), representing a 38% decline in the past decade.

According to the Global Fund, by the end of 2014, 9.7 million pregnant women were counseled and tested for HIV in India. However, 66% of pregnant women were still in need of HIV counseling and testing services.

Global Fund Grants in India, Goals:
• Reduction of new HIV infections with 50% of 2007 Baseline of NACP III; and
• Provide comprehensive care and support to all PLHIV and treatment services for all those who require it

Royal Enfield introduces two new variants of Classic 350 and 500 in contemporary colours – Gunmetal Grey and Stealth Black

Royal Enfield, the global leader in mid-size motorcycles, today introduced two new colour variants of its bestselling motorcycle variant, Classic – Gunmetal Grey in 350cc and Stealth Black in the 500cc variant. Sporting these contemporary shades in stylish matt finish, the aesthetically designed motorcycles come equipped with both front and rear disc brakes, adding to the responsiveness and manoeuvrability.

These two new variants will resonate with the new-age riders’ sense of style, while they continue to embrace the pure motorcycling experience. Carrying the rich legacy forward, Royal Enfield continues to refresh its flagship classic series which has witnessed phenomenal success since its launch. Being the pioneers in the mid-sized motorcycle segment, Royal Enfield, with its authentic British pedigree, has the biggest market share in this space.

Introducing the new motorcycles, Mr. Rudratej (Rudy) Singh, President, Royal Enfield said, “We try to stick to doing things that are authentic. In that spirit, the new Gunmetal Grey and Stealth Black variants of the Classic are an ode to our riders and their journeys. It is an authentic expression of self and a celebration of the dark and the spirit of the various shades of night when a rider reminisces the day gone by and the day that is to unfold. We are confident that this will resonate with riders and aspirants who believe in what we believe. Pure Motorcycling. With these new Classic additions riders have more ways to tell their story”

Introduced in 2008, the Royal Enfield Classic is designed on the lines of the J2 and it is a tribute to the retro look of British motorcycles in the post-World War II era. The Classic retains the quintessential classic British styling of the 1950s; simple, harmonious, proportioned and finished. Powered by Royal Enfield’s 350cc unit construction engine (UCE), front & rear mudguards, the headlight casing, the fuel tank, the oval tool box, the exhaust fins, the speedometer dials, the single-seat spring saddle, tail light assembly and the headlamp cap, all these conform to the native imagery of British motorcycles in the aftermath of World War II

The motorcycle will be available at an on-road price of Rs.1, 59,677 for Classic 350 cc Gunmetal Grey and Rs. 2, 05,213 for Classic 500 cc Stealth Black in Chennai.

Volkswagen welcomes the festive season with Volksfest 2017

Volkswagen, Europe’s leading car manufacturer today announces the commencement of Volksfest 2017, a month long carnival for its existing and prospective customers. Welcoming the festive season and also marking 10 years of Volkswagen in India, the brand introduced 4 new limited edition models for its most loved carlines: Vento ALLSTAR, Polo GT Sport, Ameo and Polo Anniversary Edition. During this period customers can avail a range of attractive offers, exciting service benefits and assured gifts across all Volkswagen dealerships in India.

Commenting on the special initiatives, Mr. Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Welcoming the festive season ‘Volksfest 2017’ will be celebrated with added customer benefits. This year the celebrations are a notch higher with the introduction of the anniversary edition of Polo and Ameo, Vento ALLSTAR and Polo GT Sport thereby offering a variety of options for our customers to choose from. With this we offer a bouquet of added services for our existing customers and welcome new customers to the Volkswagen family.”

The customer benefits include assured gifts on test drive and booking and value added benefits on select accessories. The celebrations will also include complimentary service offers on parts and other attractive customer benefits across services at the Volkswagen dealerships.

To double the festivity Volkswagen commemorates India’s most loved hatchback, Polo, with the introduction of its anniversary edition with 15’’ dual colour Razor alloy wheels and premium diamond design black seat covers. The Made-In-India, Made-For-India Ameo celebrates a year in the country and the anniversary edition will feature Tosa 15” Alloy wheels as factory fitment and honeycomb design seat covers along with special graphic designs as dealer fitments. Volkswagen Vento, the brands first Made-In-India model will come equipped with Linas alloy wheels, aluminum pedal clusters and suave black and grey interiors, front centre arm-rest with rear AC vents and the coveted ALL STAR badge.

SKODA INTRODUCES THE OCTAVIA RS 230: the fastest and most powerful SKODA produced in India

Months after introducing the exciting New Octavia, Czech automobile manufacturer SKODA AUTO India introduces its most exciting product –OCTAVIA RS 230. The OCTAVIA RS 230 will follow SKODA’s philosophy of ONE NATION, ONE PRICE and will be available at an Ex-showroom price of Rs 2,462,542/-.The new SKODA OCTAVIA RS 230 delivers 169 kW (230 PS) from its 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine. The powerful engine and innovative chassis technology including the XDS+ limited-slip differential offer the ultimate driving experience. The OCTAVIA RS 230 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds; its top speed is limited to 250 km/hmaking it the fastest series-production model in the history of SKODA in India. As is usual for a SKODA, the OCTAVIA RS 230 features a spacious interior and luggage compartment. Numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features are further testimony to the car’s practical talents. The new front end, attractive rear design and new Alcantara sporty interior gives the OCTAVIA RS 230 a distinct and dynamic character and will be available in four exciting sporty colors of Race Blue, Steel Grey, Corrida Red and Candy White.

At the launch of the OCTAVIA RS, Mr. Ashutosh Dixit – Director: Sales, Service & Marketing, SKODA AUTO India, said, “The OCTAVIA RS transforms SKODA’s century long motorsports legacy into the fastest ever OCTAVIA produced in India. The OCTAVIA RS 230 boasts of a unique combination of a high performance engine, sporty appearance and driving dynamics along with new technologies and connectivity. The SKODA OCTAVIA RS 230 bristles with emotion and dynamism. It is being reintroduced in the market following an overwhelming response from customers and is targeted at SKODA loyalists.”

Exterior Design

The SKODA OCTAVIA RS 230 features the new face of the brand with particularly sporty details. The bumper is designed with a bold horizontal line, has broad honeycomb air inlets and contributes to the car’s wide and sculpted impression. The redesigned headlight clusters in a crystalline look feature full-LED technology and the AFS adaptive front light system as standard. The fog lights, tail lights and number plate illumination also feature LED technology as well as a crystalline appearance. The radiator grille and the tailgate both sport the RS logo featuring a gloss-black ‘V’ (for victory). Features such as the spoiler at the rear of the tailgate are further elements of the car’s emotive and dynamic design.

Interior with Alcantara sports seats

The predominantly black interior of the SKODA OCTAVIA RS 230 impresses not only with its generous dimensions and great clarity, but also with its high-quality material. With their high sides and integrated headrests, the Alcantara®sports seats provide maximum support in fast corners. The front seats bear the RS logo – as do the front door sills. The front seats feature red topstitching, is electrically adjustable, offers lumbar support and has a memory function (driver’s seat) which saves three seat positions.

The multifunction sports steering wheel, with perforated leather and integrated gear-shift paddles, matches the car’s dynamic ambience. The radio and telephone (Bluetooth) can be operated from the steering wheel. A colour Maxi-DOT display forms part of the instrument cluster. The LED ambient lighting bathes the interior in atmospheric light that can be set to one of ten colours.

Sports chassis and mechanical limited slip

Compared to the Octavia models in India, the sports chassis lowers the body of the SKODA OCTAVIA RS 230 by 15 mm. The standard HawkAnthracite alloy wheels are 17 inches in diameter. The DSG with Sport mode, as well as the electronically regulated XDS+ limited-slip differential are also part of the standard equipment. At corners, by gently braking the inner wheels, the system transmits more torque to the outer wheels, resulting in better cornering. The XDS+ gets activated once the lateral acceleration reaches 0.15 g. The dynamic character of the SKODA OCTAVIA RS 230 is additionally highlighted by the car’s progressive steering. The variable ratio steering enables RS drivers to have sportier control of the car during hi-speed driving as well as comfort control when parking.

The abbreviation RS for the sportiest SKODA models

SKODA used the abbreviation RS for the first time in motorsport in 1974. In 2000, the synonym of sportiness entered the SKODA model range. This marked the beginning of the success story. 200,000 RS models have been sold to date – a whopping 100,000 of which are third-generation OCTAVIAs and have been sold since 2013.

Yamaha introduces Dark Night variant of its motorcycles and scooter

Adding special value and innovation to their existing product line up, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. announced the new ‘Dark Night’ variant of motorcycles and scooter. The “dark night” variant is offered in FZ-S FI, Saluto RX and Cygnus Ray ZR disc brake models.

The Matt black finish in chrome design will bring out its desired luster by enhancing the overall external appearance. The variant launch is an attempt of Yamaha to infuse excitement during the festive seasons and cater to diverse customer demand.

Commenting on the new variant introduction, Mr. Roy Kurian, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd. said, “Well-endowed across popular motorcycling cultures of the world, Yamaha’s affinity to black body two-wheelers is inspired by its DNA of being sporty and stylish. This uniqueness in Yamaha’s style is now available for the two wheeler buyers in its new variants which are sure to rev hearts.”

 Motorcycle variants:

 FZ-S FI

Saluto RX

Scooter Variant:

Cygnus Ray ZR (Disc brake)

Dark Night variant Price
Yamaha  FZ-S FI Rs.84012/-

(Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs. 84012/-

(Ex-showroom Mumbai)

Yamaha

Saluto RX

Rs.48721/-

(Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs.49021/-

(Ex-showroom Mumbai)

Yamaha Cygnus Ray ZR (Disc brake) Rs.56898/-

(Ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs.58000/-

(Ex-showroom Mumbai)

Tata Nexon Test Drive

Even if you avid auto industry follower, you might have forgot the fact UV segment was once ruled by Tata Motors. I’m not kidding! its true. Tata was favourite with UV lovers with its sierra and then sumo and safari ruled the segment for long time. But its lethargic attitude and competitors like Mahindra pounded every flesh out of it and Tata was pushed to the boundary which it once ruled. However, the picture is very different now. The segment itself has now changed from niche to mainstream. Every other manufacturer in the industry now wants a share in the ever growing segment. Also the love for ladder frame and rugged SUVs are gone, now psuedo and compact SUVs are the favourite. Tata eyes this crowded space with its distinct Nexon. We drive it to find out the Tata Motors can raise from the ashes.

Design

When the Nexon concept was unveiled at 2016 Auto expo, it was clearly one of hottest car discussed. It earns lots of praise for its spectacular design, thanks to Tata designers, Nexon production variant lookalike the concept. Its distinct and jaw dropping from most angles. The chrome runs all through the front of Nexon. The ceramic strip which runs along the belt line and flows in the rear side too. Along with the sloping roof, this gives the Nexon a coupe a like lovable style. But the lighthouse and ceramic accent sometime reminds us of Vitara Brezza.

Interior and comfort

Interior design too is centered around gun metal strip which runs across the dashboard. The upper part of the dashboard is eye catching however the crude plastics on the lower part is not what typical for a compact SUV. The glove box is large and it doesn’t drop but unlocks in two step manner to prevent documents from getting dropped. The instrument panel is quite usual but we would have preferred a slightly larger and chunky steering wheel instead of Tiago lift smaller one. The touch screen ICE system lets you to play songs (compatible with android auto), navigation and reverse camera (you don’t have to slot the reverse gear. Harmaan audio is good but not exhilarating and touchscreen sometimes lags behind if you are in a hurry. Stowage space is low especially the door pockets are shallow to maximize the passenger space. The boot space is large it can almost swallow a washing machine inside it. Ingress and egress is tough especially for rear passengers as the sloping roof demands some yoga from passengers to get out of the car. Also position of start/stop button and aux ports is weird.

Engine

Turbo petrol mill (1.2L, Turbocharged, 110bhp,170Nm) under the hood of the Nexon is quite punchy but it needs lots of downshifts to overtake and to climb up the steep ghats of Idukki. Tata offer three modes (Eco, City and Sport) you can choose as per your driving needs. The modes are not just notional but the engine character changes too. The sport mode is rev friendly and city mode demands more gear shift from you to stay in the power band. Also 6th gear seems strictly limited to 6 ways. Nexon diesel (1.5L is punchy too and its brings loads of torque once you cross little upwards of 1500 rpm. To sum it up, you won’t feel less equal for choosing between two engines. Unlike the engine,the gearbox is not where you like to play, its not slick and passes mild vibrations. Also NVH is very poor on both models you could hear the clatter. Road noise also creeps in disturbing the overall premium feel of Nexon.

Ride and Handling

Since the Tiago, Tata engineers seems to have cracked the balance between ride and handling. Nexon shines with its sharp handling and 209mm ground clearance (unladen) is no deterrent. Body roll is not alarming, you can attack the corners with confidence. The steering gains resistance as your speedo hits higher speeds. You can also move over any potholes/speed breakers without scraping the under body. We driven the Nexon in the ghats in Kerala and within Cochin city. The result, we could test the Nexon ride-ability and handling over sharp corners but couldn’t test its high speed stability.

Features

It comes with fit-bit type unique watch which you can use to operate the car without the hassle of carrying the key. Electrically operated mirrors, touch screen system, DRLs and projector headlamps are some of the key features of Nexon. A 12V power point and rear air-con are really useful for rear passengers.

Verdict

Despite its cons like poor plastics, lack of features and poor NVH. Nexon ticks all the right boxes which this segment consumer will love. Nexon is pleasing to look, features punchy engine, glides over potholes with ease and ride and handling is good. Tata shouldn’t miss the opportunity to make Nexon a winner in the hotly contested segment with a sensitive pricing, good marketing and after sales support. Otherwise, customers could give a miss, in millennials era, a good product alone is not sufficient.