Vicky SlideShow

Mercedes Benz Star Drive

admin — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:10:34 +0000

The Star Drive

Bikes launched in 2012

teamvicky — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:07:19 +0000

Bikes & Scooters launched in 2012

Royal Enfield
Bajaj
Honda
Hero
Suzuki
TVS
KTM
Yamaha
Piaggio

Bikes launched in 2012

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500cc
Bajaj Pulsar 200NS
Bajaj Discover 125ST
Bajaj Discover 100ST
Honda Dream Yuga
Honda CBR150R
Hero Ignitor
Hero Passion Xpro
TVS Phoenix
Suzuki Hayate
KTM Duke 200

Scooters launched in 2012

Honda New Dio
Suzuki Swish
Yamaha Ray
Hero Maestro
Piaggio Vespa

Cars launched in 2012

teamvicky — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 13:45:45 +0000

Cars launched in 2012

Hatchback
Sedan
Utility Vehicles
Green Vehicles
Premiun Cars
Facelifts
Limited Editions

Hatchbacks launched in 2012

BMW Mini
Maruti Alto 800
Chevrolet Sail U-VA
Mercedes B-class
Renault Pulse

Sedans launched in 2012

Renault Scala
Hyundai Elantra
Chevrolet Sail
Toyota Camry
Maruti Dzire
Volkswagen Jetta Petrol

SUVs launched in 2012

Mahindra Quanto
Renault Duster
Tata Safari Storme
Nissan Evalia
Maruti Ertiga
Chevrolet Enjoy
Ssangyong Rexton

Premium cars launched in 2012

BMW new 3-series
Rolls Royce Phantom Series II
Audi S4
Mercedes M-Class
Audi Q3
Mercedes B-Class
Audi TT Coupe
BMW Mini
Jaguar XKR Special Edition
Volvo D3 variants S60, S80 and SUV-XC60

Facelift

Facelift List I
Facelift List II
Facelift List III

Facelift List I

Honda brio automatic
Ford Figo facelift
Tata manza club class
Tata indica ev2 facelift
Fiat Grande Punto Absolute edition
Fiat Linea Absolute edition
Maruti Ritz facelift
Volkswagen Polo Highline
Volkswagen Vento Highline
Chevrolet Spark facelift

Facelift List II

Honda City S automatic
Mahindra Verito
Ford classic titanium
Mitsubishi cedia select
Mahindra thar A/C
Skoda fabia scout
Skoda superb ambition
Renault fluence e4
Hyundai next gen i20
Mitsubishi outlander 7 seater

Facelift List III

Volkswagen vento diesel comfortline
Ford fiesta automatic
Mitsubishi pajero sport
Chevrolet tavera BSIII
Mahindra Xylo
Hyundai eon LPG
Premier rio 1.3L diesel
Honda city CNG

Variants launched in 2012

Skoda Superb Ambition
Honda Brio Automatic
Fiat Grande Punto/Linea Absolute edition
Volkswagen Polo/Vento Highline
Tata Manza Club Class

Green Vehicles launched in 2012

Mahindra Maxximo CNG
Mahindra e20
Honda City CNG
Hyundai Eon LPG

Performance cars launched in 2012

Hyundai Elantra
Honda Brio Automatic
Ford Fiesta Automatic
Fiat Punto Sport Diesel
2012 Chevrolet Cruze
2012 Chevrolet Captiva

Limited Editions launched in 2012

Nissan Micra Primo special
Toyota Innova Aero
Toyota Etios TRD Sportivo
Toyota Etios Liva TRD Sportivo
Maruti wagonR Pro
Toyota Corlla Altis Aero
Mercedes C-class sport edition
Mercedes S-class sport edition
Mercedes R-class R350 4Matic

Bajaj Discover 125 ST – Review

teamvicky — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:04:29 +0000

Introduction

In recent years, Bajaj has spawn out lots of variants of Pulsar and Discover. Though many are successful its little confusing for the end customers. Thats’y every Bajaj dealer has tough job in explaining each motorcycles to customers. Discover ST may lookalike current gen discover 100cc, 125cc and 150cc but its unique. Its a next gen bike made to keep the Bajaj successful in the commuter segment marathon for the next decade. Honda push of Dream Yuga and CB Twister has made the Hero nervous but the immediate threat is for the Bajaj as Honda is inching closer to the second positioned Bajaj in terms of market share. Can the Discover 125 ST bulldoze the new threats and upoming 125cc motorcycles during the next few years. We check it out

Styling

Unlike the pulsar 200NS which is radically different from its predecessors, Discover 125 ST is not revolutionary. Its evolved over the current gen discover series. Going by the Bajaj standards, we expected a better one on the likes of Pulsar 135ls or the Pulsar 200NS. The discover 125ST is mediocre and may not attract much eyeballs. Discover ST retains the typical discover styling which we have seen over the years. Blackened cowl and pilot lamps on both sides of elegant headlamp. Stylish alloys,exposed chain and silver garnish provides much needed oomph to the side profile of discover ST. The rear is simple with usual tyre hugger, full grab rail and led tail lamp (single strip).

Engine

Bajaj discover features an 125cc engine pumping out 12.8bhp of peak power at 9000rpm and 10.78Nm of peak torque at 6500 rpm. It is marginally higher to current gen discover 125cc. Yet what makes the discover 125ST truly next gen is the newer technologies it carries. It borrows the 4-valve design from its elder sibling pulsar 135Ns and CV type carburetor for better performance. The fuel cock made of a paper filter prevents fuel contamination. Pent roof combustion chamber and exhaust-tec also makes the Discover 125 ST hi-tech. 1-down 4-up gear box is mated with this power mill. Out on the road, clutch and efficiently spaced gear ratios makes the discover st drive a breeze on the road. Power deliver is linear and refined. With a top speed of little over 100kmph. Bajaj has armed Discover ST to its best to knockdown its peers.

Ride and Handling

Surprisingly, Discover ST runs on TVS tyre. It sports disc brake at the front and drum brake at the rear. Discover ST features the telescopic fork suspension at the right. Come to the rear, Bajaj surprises you with the first-in-class nitrox filled monoshock suspension and engine as stressed member. The monoshock suspension at the rear lowers the centre of gravity and offers greater stability even at higher speeds. Result, discover st is more nimble than ever.

Quality

Paint quality is excellent. Fit and finish is top notch. Yet plastic and rubber quality could have been better.

Features

Instrumentation is simple as well with analogue speedometer, odometer, trip-counter and fuel gauge. Discover ST also features multi-spoke alloy wheel, led tail light and exposed chain.

Colours and Variants

Discover ST is available in four colours – blue,red, blue-black and red-black.As of now, discover ST comes in a single variant. In coming days, discover ST may come low spec variants with attractive price tag.

Verdict

Discover ST has no non-sense styling, spirited engine and excellent ride and handling as well. It is priced well too. With little over Rs.62,000 (on-road price, Chennai). Bajaj is sure to enhance the discover ST with new features like digital in future variants. With everything set well, Bajaj has a winner in its hands. But when look over the price list again, i could hardly resist Pulsar 135NS which is only Rs3000 higher than Discover 125 ST. Really, Bajaj faces a problem of too many!

Chevrolet Sail U-VA – Review

teamvicky — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:55:48 +0000

Introduction

Till 2006, manufacturers were hesitant to launch best selling global models in the hatchback segment. Suzuki launched the swift and changed the perception. Eversince India has witnessed more than 10 premium hatchbacks (call it as B segment). While Hyundai and Ford managed to taste the success, others did not. Chevrolet is looking to make a mark in this segment this time with Sail U-VA. Sail U-VA – first product from GM-SAIC partnership replaces the aveo U-VA. Lets find out the best and worst of Sail U-VA.

Styling

Sail U-VA is not fluidic neither sporty yet it looks attractive. It is typical chevy, Sail U-VA is looking bigger than actually it is. Looking from the front, Sail is attractive with larger grille and headlamps. It grows on you. The side profile is more of MUV than hatchback. The C-pillar is nicely integrated with the roofline but the tail lamp reminds you of Maruti Ritz or Fiat punto at some angles.

Engine and Transmission

Unlike the Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet has given the sail U-VA the much needed diesel motor. Both the petrol and diesel U-VA uses 4-cylinder mills. The petrol sail produces 85bhp at 6000rpm and 115.2Nm of peak torque at 4400rpm. The diesel sail generates a healthy 77bhp at 4000rpm and 209Nm at 1750rpm. Sail U-VA is a paper on the tiger, lets find out how it pans out in the real world

Obviously, we jumped to diesel U-Va first. Under the hood is the India’s most popular 1.3L multijet diesel engine. The austrian imported 5-speed gearbox is mated with multijet mill. Slot it in the first, U-VA picks up decently. The digital tacho would be really helpful for those who love to extract as much kilometers for every litre of fuel. There is little turbo lag evident. Also inside the cabin, diesel clatter is well insulated. Possibly the best sound protection in this segment. We managed to push the sail U-VA to 130kmph but the top end tails off post 4000rpm.

After our diesel stint, we drove the petrol U-VA. Its not underpowered but offers a decent pick-up. Though its not exciting as Maruti’s K-series it offers quicker in-gear acceleration. With a top speed of 145kmph, U-VA petrol is nothing short of it diesel sibling.

Ride and Handling

The long traveling suspension and 175/70 R14 tyres makes the sail U-VA best suited for Indian potholed roads. it absorbs the shocks (large or small) easily. Push it to higher speed range, sail U-VA stays silent except for the tyre noise which creeps-in. The steering is tight and directs the U-VA well. Sail U-VA is positioned as a family car though it has little bit of fun element. But if you are looking serious sporty hatch, U-VA may fall short of your requirement. Its meant of comfortable family outing but not to vent out your racy dreams.

Quality and Comfort

Quality is as good as any chevy. But still Chevy has lots of room to catch up to meet the German peers. Fit and finish is good but the quality of plastics is not top notch. Paint quality is good (though we seen only red and silver U-Va’s). Seats are bolstered well. But the rear back rest is too firm.

Driver seat is much comfortable with enough space around and controls are accessible at the stretch of your hands. For a taller car, you could expect a higher headroom but its just about adequate only thanks to the sloping roofline. However, chevy engineers has done a great job by moving the fuel tank to the front and frees up foot space at the rear. The result is excellent legroom with some storage space. 248 litres of boot space on offer is similar to any other hatch in the segment. 60:40 foldable rear seat amplifies the boot space for your weekend outing But the high boot lip could be an issue.

Interiors and Features

The interiors are nor plush neither upmarket but commendable. Chevy has carefully chosen a lighter colour (beige) interior to give the sense of more space. The flowing central console offers useful storage space and sports power window switches at the front. The door pockets are limited.

Top end variants of diesel and petrol sail U-va comes with ABS, two front airbags, Integrated music system, rear wiper, rear demister, internally adjustable ORVM and remote locking (no boot open). Chevrolet will offer a whole range of accessories including in-dash navigation system and rear view camera for those who love to spruce up the car.

Variants, Colours and Price

With two engine options, Sail U-Va comes in six variants and seven colours. As of now there is no word on automatic. Price are yet to be unveiled at the time of this review

Good bits and bad bits:

Good Bits:

1) Underseat storage
2) Easy access to boot lever
3) Digital tacho

Bad bits
1) High boot lip
2) Small glove box
3) Small Horn pad

Verdict

In the crowded premium hatch market, where every oppurtunity is already exploited by different players. Chevrolet has tried to find a niche of its own with Sail U-VA. Chevy’s new kid comes with a diesel engine,generous space and no nonsense styling. Sail U-VA won’t be polarising like some of its competitors. But can it be compelling? depends on the price. With less than 50% localisation, killer pricing could be tough for GM India. But Chevrolet may bring a shocker. Watch out for Sail U-Va

Nissan Evalia – Test Drive and Review

teamvicky — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 12:15:03 +0000

Introduction

Right from the launch of Qualis, Toyota has dominated the MPV segment like no other manufacturer. Innova has been the best seller even after 7 years of its launch. It commands a premium over other MPVs and in some places it has a waiting period. Xylo and Tavera couldn’t uproot the Innova’s kingdom. Even the mighty Maruti positioned the Ertiga below the Innova. But Innova can longer enjoy the monopoly as it had. Eying the ever growing segment is the Evalia from Nissan. Nissan the
smart manufacturer in the Indian auto industry is now looking to make its mark in the MPV segment. Its sister company – Renault has stormed the SUV segment. Can Nissan do it in the MPV segment.

Piaggio Vespa LX125 – Pictures

teamvicky — Wed, 09 May 2012 07:15:19 +0000

Piaggio has launched its Vespa scooter in India at an ex-showroom price of Rs.66,671 (Maharashtra). It is available in six colours namely white, black, yellow, red, brown and blue.

i) The Vespa delivers 10PS of maximum power at 7500rpm and 10.6Nm of maximum torque at 6000rpm.

ii) The dimensions of Vespa are 1770*690*1140mm.

iii) Its tyre size is 90/100-10 53j.

Ford Ecosport – Interior Pictures

teamvicky — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:50:49 +0000

Ford has released the images of the production model of irs new Ecosport SUV. It features conventional headlight assembly and a spare wheel cover which were lagging in the concept model showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo. The interior resembles the Fiesta sedan of Ford but holds an updated central console along with a blue-coloured background illumination. The engine options of Ecosport include a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Ecoboost engine and the same 1.5-litre Ti-VCT engine of Fiesta. The Ecosport features a lot of goodies including ABS, ESP, SYNC, dual front and side curtain airbags as its safety features. Its comfort features include Smart Keyless Entry, Ford Power Start and a chilled glovebox. The SUV will toughly compete with Renault Duster and the new Xylo of Mahindra. Ford will launch the new Ecosport in India in the later part of this year.

2012 TVS Apache RTR – Technical Specifications

teamvicky — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:01:57 +0000

The new Apache RTR facelift of TVS Motors is to hit the Indian roads soon. The 2012 Apache RTR features new headlamp design and bigger scoops. The styling of the bike looks updated with a new headlight fairing and new decals. The new upcoming RTR features a 4-stroke,single cylinder engine with a displacement of 159.7cc. The engine will churn out a peak power of 15.2bhp at 8500rpm and a maximum torque of 13.1Nm at 6000rpm. The maximum spped of the bike is 118kmph. The other complete details of the technical specifications of the new RTR are given in the upcoming images of this slideshow. The bike will toughly compete with Pulsar 200NS and Honda CBR250R. Sources informed that TVS may launch the new Apache RTR at a price of just Rs.5000 more than its predecessor.

2012 Honda CRF250L – Pictures

teamvicky — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:59:27 +0000

The 2012 Honda CRF250L is just an upgraded version of the CRF230L. It features a 249cc, fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC engine. It is expected that the engine will be same as that of the CBR250R. If so, then it will deliver 22hp of peak power. The new dual-sport powered CRF250L features

i) Muliti-function Digital display

ii) Pro-Link suspension

iii) Upside-down fork

iv) Aluminum swingarm

v) Wave-shaped rotors

Other details and technical specifications of Honda CRF250L are yet to be revealed. Stay tuned……