Porsche Cayenne GTS priced at Rs 2 crore in India

Porsche India has listed the new Cayenne GTS and Cayenne Coupe GTS on its official website. The SUVs are priced at Rs 1,99,99,000 and Rs 2,01,32,000 (ex-showroom) respectively. The Cayenne GTS comes with the SportDesign package as standard. It includes cosmetic elements like a gloss black grille, rear diffuser, side skirts and wheel arches. The SUV rides on 21-inch RS Spyder wheels. Inside, the GTS version gets a 3-spoke steering wheel with a digital instrument cluster and GTS Sports seats. The SUV also gets features like a 4-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, sport exhaust and a touchscreen infotainment system with a 14-speaker Bose sound system. The Cayenne GTS is powered by a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine that develops 493 BHP and 660 Nm. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The GTS version gets a specifically tuned chassis with adaptive air suspension that can lower the vehicle by 10 mm, PASM, PDCC, torque vectoring, beefier brakes with optional carbon ceramics and the Sport Chrono package.

Tata Punch EV: How I managed to extract the maximum range possible

BHPian Roadeo recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I recently bought a Tata Punch EV. I used to drive a Creta IVT and a Grand i10 (stick) before getting this and I loved hypermiling on both those vehicles. I used to get an average of 18km/l on my Creta during my office commute (around 55KMs from my home to Kochi) and close to 20km/l on the i10 consistently.This being my first EV I was really excited to try to hypermile on this vehicle cause of the regenerative braking. I've done about 1500KMs on this vehicle in about 2 weeks and I have to say from what I've read about efficiency figures on this forum and elsewhere, the Punch EV seems to be really fuel efficient.Disclaimer: I'm not sure how much I can trust the data from the Tata Z-Connect app but I'm not sure of any other methods to test my real world power usage. The attached screenshots are from drives with the AC on at around 23 degrees. Quick summary of the efficiency numbers over these past 2 weeks.Hypermiling: ~80Wh/KM (Close to 70Wh/KM is definitely possible. Even more with A/C off)Normal driving: ~100Wh/KMSports mode / Driving to enjoy the sheer acceleration of this car: ~120Wh/KMMe being a really defensive driver most of my daily driving could be categorized as hypermiling. If it's any use to anyone, my tips to hypermile on an EV would be these:Safety first. Don't ever sacrifice your control over the car or your safety for hypermiling.Above all, try to conserve the car's momentum. Regenerative braking is nice, but the best way to increase your fuel efficiency is to make sure any energy you've used up accelerating the car is not quickly wasted by slowing the car back down.One pedal driving. This means using regenerative braking to slow down as much as possible without using the brakes. I've build up muscle memory over these past few weeks of driving to change regen levels depending on what's coming up in front of me. I usually start with level 1 and then to level 2 and 3 depending on how much I think I will need to slow down.Slower acceleration. I believe this applies to ICE vehicles too. The one thing I believe which can make the most difference in fuel efficiency in any vehicle is to make sure you don't accelerate (especially from a complete stop) too hard. I've seem my fuel efficiency numbers go way down whenever I do this in my Creta and i10. Always press down the accelerator just enough to make sure you're not slowing down everyone else around you.A tip one of my uncles told me to be a better driver is to imagine the Prime Minister sitting in the back seat of a car with a cup of coffee in one hand and a newspaper in the other, and you're the one driving. How would you drive in this situation?In summary, I really like this car. If driving a manual is fun cause I get to change gears, driving an EV is fun cause I get to see how fuel efficient I can go. My real world range with the Punch EV seems to be about 300KMs with the AC on. Besides a few software issues (which the service center guy said would be fixed with a software update **fingers crossed**) I've faced no other major issues with this car till now. Happy to answer any questions about the Punch EV Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Visited an international car tuning event called Tuning World Bodensee

BHPian hifisharu recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Tuning World, at Bodensee, is sort of the European Version of SEMA, though probably on a much smaller scale. Nevertheless, it is very interesting what the Tuner Market has to offer, everything from basic suspension mods, ECU tuning, to entire engine swaps, body kits, suspension lift kits for Off-Roaders, Air Suspension kits, Body Wraps, LED lighting kits, Sound Systems, you name it. Previously I had visited the show in 2017 and then now in 2024. The layout of the show is there are a number of Halls, sort of vaguely segregated into JDM, Euro and American and then one main Arena, where the Drift challenges happen. This is what we were greeted with when we entered the Exhibition space:JDM: Continue reading hifisharu's experience of the event for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

Mahindra XUV 3X0 vs rivals: Enthusiasts share their choice of car

Mahindra XUV 3XO What you'll like:A truly premium crossover. Nice build, quality & refinement levelsCabin has enough space for 5. Quality-wise, the interior is more like a HyundaiFantastic petrol & diesel engine line-up; they offer fast performance & good driveabilityFinally gets a smooth torque converter automatic with the turbo-petrol enginesWide variant spread ensures there's something for everyoneA compliant ride with sorted road manners5-star NCAP rating & kit. Level 2 ADAS, 6 airbags, ESP, ABS, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS, seatbelt reminders for all & moreLoaded to the gills with equipment (360-degree camera, big sunroof, drive modes, Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone connectivity, auto headlamps & wipers etc.)What you won't:The new edgy & outlandish design may not be to everyone's liking. Some love it, some don't. It is very polarizingTop-end variants are expensive. Not overpriced, but definitely higher than expected295-liter boot is the smallest in the segment. There are cheaper hatchbacks that have a larger bootNo proper diesel automatic option, just a jerky AMT which has no place in a premium crossoverLight & disconnected steering is the biggest drawback in a competent handling packageMahindra's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gambleSome important features missing (ventilated seats, parcel tray, full-sized spare wheel, paddle shifters etc.)First Drive Review AMT Review Tata Nexon Review Link What you'll like:A mini-Creta in almost every way! Same formula, in a smaller packagePrecise build & quality (including interiors) are easily among the segment bestCompetent engines mated to slick gearboxesFast shifting dual-clutch Automatic gearbox availableBalanced road manners. Very easy to drive as wellLoaded to the gills with equipment (paddle shifters, drive modes, sunroof, BlueLink telematics, cabin air purifier etc.)Top safety equipment includes 6 airbags, BAS, ESP, HSA, ISOFIX and moreHyundai's competent after-sales & fuss-free ownership experiencesWhat you won't:Diminutive street presence. Looks more hatchback than SUV from some angles, especially the rearStrictly a 4-seater; the rear bench has very awkward seating for the middle occupantMissing kit (auto wipers, auto-dimming IRVM, steering reach adjustment...)Long term reliability of the DCT is a concernEngine noise is very prominent, more so in Sport modeAT only on the petrol, not the diesel. Kia Sonet gets a Diesel ATReview Link Maruti Suzuki Brezza What you'll like:Good-looking Compact SUV with improved road presence & mass appealWell-rounded product. Takes a successful formula and improves upon itA competent BS6 petrol with Smart Hybrid tech and excellent fuel efficiencySmooth 6-speed torque-converter AT comes with paddle shiftersWell-mannered suspension setup riding on 16-inch wheels and 215/60 section tyresDecent cabin space for a sub-4 meter car. Lots of storage & a powerful air-con tooNow gets a sunroof, 360-degree camera, head-up display, rear A/C vents, wireless charging, ambient lighting, tilt & telescopic steering adjustment, connected car features etcLong feature list includes dual projector LED auto headlamps, LED DRLs & foglamps, auto-dimming IRVM, cruise control and a 9-inch touchscreen HU paired with an Arkamys sound systemSafety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, hill-hold assist and ISOFIX. Built on the same platform as the outgoing car, which had received a 4-star GNCAP safety ratingMaruti's excellent after-sales service, wide dealer network & fuss-free ownership experiencesWhat you won't:Feels more like a significant facelift rather than an all-new productNo diesel option like its rivals! Petrol and CNG only as of now1.5L petrol engine lacks outright grunt. Tuned for fuel efficiency and suitable for relaxed cruising onlyExpensive! AT variants are priced higher than some of the competitor turbo-petrols with more advanced transmissionsAT option commands a stiff Rs. 1.5 lakh ex-showroom premium!Interior quality and fit & finish are underwhelming for the price. The game has moved onShort gearing of the 5-speed MT and lack of 6th cog results in an unusually busy engine at 100-120 km/h328-litre boot is among the smallest in the segmentSome missing features like ventilated seats, leather upholstery, TPMS, drive modes, auto wipers and front parking sensorsReview Link Kia Sonet Facelift Review Maruti Suzuki Fronx What you'll like:Smart looking crossover with sharp & attractive stylingFeels better built than some other Maruti cars1.0L Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine is quick and has minimal turbo lag. Driveability is satisfactorySmart Hybrid system ensures excellent fuel efficiency. ARAI = 20.01 to 22.89 km/lNicely tuned suspension glides over small bumps, potholes and road imperfectionsUser-friendly cabin with loads of space! Can easily seat 5 adults (unlike many competitors)Long feature list includes LED auto headlamps, LED DRLs, cruise control, 9-inch touchscreen HU paired with an Arkamys sound system, 360-degree camera, head-up display, rear A/C vents, wireless charging, footwell lighting, tilt & telescopic steering adjustment, connected car features etcSafety kit includes 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all, ESP, traction control, hill-hold assist and ISOFIXMaruti's excellent after-sales service, wide dealer network & fuss-free ownership experiencesWhat you won't:On the inside, it's almost identical to the regular Baleno. Differentiation should've been moreQuality of some plastic parts and fabric upholstery is mediocre1.0L turbo-petrol although quick, is not exciting enough for enthusiasts308-litre boot is among the smallest in the segmentNo diesel option like some rivalsRear seat's under-thigh support is lacking for taller passengersA few missing features like sunroof, TPMS, rear armrest, drive modes, auto wipers and front parking sensorsLesser height means, despite the smart styling, it doesn't have the road presence of typical crossoversReview Link Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor Launch Discussion Nissan Magnite What you'll like:The Magnite looks really goodthat handsome face is a head-turnerSheer value-for-money pricing. Turbo-petrol with a proper automatic at ~10 lakhs!Peppy performance from the Magnite's 1.0L turbo-petrol engineSmooth well-tuned CVT in a sea of jerky AMTs. Has Sport and L modes tooHealthy legroom for rear passengers. Space packaging is brilliantImpressive kit (cruise control, LED headlamps, rear air-con vents, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay)205 mm of ground clearance is more than enough for any kind of bad roadsSafety kit includes ESP, TPMS, ABS, EBD & hill start assistBase variant also gets reasonable kit, including a rear wiper. It's not poverty-specWhat you won't:Stiff & basic ride quality. You feel each and everything on the roadThe Magnite is built to a cost and it does show, especially in the budget-grade cabinLower variants' 1.0L naturally-aspirated petrol is a boring, unimpressive engineClunky, firm MT gearshift & a clutch pedal that has more weight than it shouldNo diesel option available on the Nissan MagniteCabin is narrower than some competitors. Narrow width makes it best for 4 adultsMissing features such as an auto-dimming IRVM, full-size spare tyreDoesn't have the finesse or quality of premium crossovers like the XUV300, Sonet etc.Nissan's tiny dealership network & lousy after-sales qualityReview Link Magnite AMT Review Link Renault Kiger First Drive Review Ownership Review Mahindra Bolero Neo What you'll like:A 7-seater SUV at a price comparable to 5-seat crossovers & compact sedansRobust, abuse-friendly build & body-on-frame construction. A typical Mahindra UV in that senseLikeable & roomy cabin. 1st & 2nd seat rows are spacious1.5L diesel offers excellent urban driveability & fuel economyTall seating, comfy front seats with armrests, excellent visibility & good presence make city driving easierHealthy boot space with the last row of seats folded. Can drop 2nd row to haul more cargoNew additions such as the mechanical locking differential & cruise controlDual airbags, ABS + EBD, Corner Braking Control etc. are offered on every variantWhat you won't:3-cylinder diesel has no top-end. Expressway performance is mediocre, vibrating gear lever a turnoffRide quality is nowhere as cushy as its car-based rivals. Does get bouncy & bumpySteering is on the heavier side at parking / low speedsNo automatic in a market that loves its ATs. No 4x4 or petrol engine eitherDeletions from the TUV300 = reversing camera, leatherette seats, lumbar support adjustment, underseat storage, roof rails, smaller fuel tank...Side-facing 3rd row seats are very uncomfortableSome important features missing (climate control, Android Auto / Apple CarPlay, rear a/c vents, good speakers, auto-dimming IRVM etc.)Mahindra's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gambleFirst Drive Review Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:This really needs a multiple choice poll! Compact SUV buyers are now spoilt for choice. Thumbs up to the XUV 3XO, Nexon Facelift & evergreen Sonet. All 3 are darn competent and come with some great engines & transmissions (except the AMTs). I love the Fronx 1.0L MT too (but hate the AMT variants with the other engine). The Brezza (too boring), Venue (I much prefer the Sonet) and Magnite (feels very cheap). If I were a customer in the market, I'd have a hard time deciding between the XUV 3XO, Nexon Facelift & Sonet.Here's what BHPian vattyboy had to say on the matter:I like the Kia Sonet in this segment and then the XUV 3X0. The Kia Sonet with its 1.5 L Diesel AT is a joy to drive, smooth and dependable. The XUV 3x0 also offers plenty of features and a powerful diesel engine. The Nexon also catches my eye, but I have some reservations about fully trusting Tata due to a few minor niggles.Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Road trip to Leh in a decade-old Maruti Dzire: Covered 6300 km in total

BHPian unoczar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.1.7.22The idea for such an audacious trip was conceived about 10 years ago. Or more, I don't really remember. This was the time when a certain juggernaut named Tanveer Singh was rolling all over the Himachal and much further north. Much further than a sane mind can imagine. His white elephant and its tarp-covered front end still haunt me to this day, thinking about what would I do if I were in such a position. And we are not even talking about the camps he set up in the middle of nowhere and that too in temperatures where we could make igloos. In 2014, I bought a new Royal Enfield Electra with the thought that I would ride it to the northmost road in India. Thoughts that remain only thoughts and never made their way into reality. Currently, I own a Swift Dzire 2014 which has been a solid companion through numerous trips. Never did it give me any trouble. But still, the thought of taking this compact sedan to the unforgiving terrain of Ladakh never came to my mind. I've been following the Ultimate Guide religiously and reading about Ladakh whenever I find free time. I've read uncountable travelogues of 2 wheelers and 4, YouTube videos - don't even ask!Jump to 2022, I've seen enough travelogues with people doing the circuit in smaller cars to muster the strength to plan a trip and planning I have started. Somewhere I read, The best car to do this trip is the car in your Garage. That was enough motivation for me. If you're thinking that the trip is done, you're wrong. I'm still a month away from the start date and thought of starting this log anyway. Will it be this time?13.7.22Initially, the start date was August 27. It has now been pushed to September 16 owing to leaves and stuff. Planning for the trip is currently on hold as we're yet to finalize the dates. I'm already worried as it would be colder when compared to the earlier dates. This was what my initial itinerary looked like. This will be changed and it is currently WIP. 22.7.22Everywhere I've read about this kind of trip - They all say one thing. Preparation! So with the limited resources I have, I've started the preparation. Mentally and theoretically, I've been preparing for this for years. But physically, the preparations started a few weeks ago. Can one prepare enough for this kind of trip? 18.8.22Exactly a month to go for the trip and today is an important day. Why? Today is the day I spoke to my manager at the office and got the leaves approved. It's a big step indeed. Now to speak to my kid's teacher (which wifey already did) about the days of our trip and the classes he might miss. He actually has an Autumn break in the second half of September which was also the reason for the postponement. Also, the wife has to finalize leaves at her office. But, today the trip seems to be materializing and it has pumped in some excitement to the rather mundane days that are passing by currently. Wish I could go now, but wishes are wishes and reality is almost always different. It is this almost that keeps us going, doesn't it? 8/9/22The trip almost died during the last few days cause my mother is not keeping well. I had almost made up my mind to cancel/postpone it AGAIN! And suddenly a few days ago she says... Don't cancel your trip. It sounded like 'Jaa, jee le apni zindagi'. I was like, are you sure? And she said yes! Yes! It might happen finally. So, the day before yesterday I made a hotel booking for our day 1 of the trip. Hotel on NH44 bypass in Sagar, MP. I'm not making any other bookings due to the unpredictable nature of the trip. Everything will be done on the way. Yesterday, got my car serviced. Engine oil replaced, oil filter replaced, fuel filter replaced, tyres checked, battery checked, lights checked, gear oil, brake oil checked, coolant top up. Other things were inspected and look good to go. Brake pads are at 90% and my mechanic friend says so we're good there too. Air filter only cleaned. I'll put a new one in probably Srinagar or Leh. So, final preparations left and off we go. Start date is fixed at 17 Sep. I'm a bit worried about all the rain around us. How's it gonna be in the hills? Time only will tell. Finally the route plan is finalized just a week before the trip. Here it is: This is something I've learned on this trip. YES! We finally did it! The biggest doubt I had before the trip was that if my car would make it. Well, it did, kind of. I'll tell all about it in the log. If I say that we breezed through all the terrain, I would be lying. Even the Innovas and Scorpios were struggling, such is the challenge posed by the hills. Let me quickly delve into penning down my experiences here - I would like to first write briefly about some things and then we'll get into the daily log. So please bear with me and I do apologise for the picture quality. The DSLR I took along for the trip - its battery gave up as soon as we reached Leh. So we used our good old smartphones for the clicking. True that! We experienced a lot of things on this trip. From around two to three hundred metres above sea level, we went to about five thousand metres above sea level! We saw summer, we experienced snowfall, we were drenched in rain and we also shuddered up in the cold! If we talk about roads, we got the smoothest of tarmacs to the most rugged off-road tracks I've ever seen. The car Did not click many pictures of the battered beast but this will have to do. I have to say it exceeded my expectations. Numerous times, I felt that it would give up. Either the engine will fail or the tyres or any of the hundreds of tiny things that are being attacked by the unforgiving roads. But nothing happened! We did not even have to fill air into the tyres up until we were on our way back near Manali! All throughout I was cursing myself for putting her through this, but after every challenge, every steep climb, every water crossing, every stone crossing, it came out with flying colours. Before this trip, I had thoughts of selling this 8-year-old beauty and buying a bigger one. But now I'm at peace with the car, I feel like I'm a part of it when I'm at the wheel and the thoughts of selling are just thoughts now which are away from me. Far away! She will stay with me for as long as possible and I vow to take good care of it. It still gives me around 24-25KMPL on the highway - what more can I ask?The CompanionsAccompanying me on this trip - my wife and my 8-year-old son. My son, Abdullah was excited at first but soon after experiencing the mountains, he said to me - The mountains keep calling, but I must never go! But kudos to my wife, she was a pillar of support throughout! She encouraged me when I was down. I almost gave up twice during this trip, but she egged me on. She helped me through each difficult water/rocky crossing. Even though breathing was difficult, she got down every time and guided me through it. She was like Sam from LOTR, I can't carry it, but I can carry you! She's so afraid of driving in the mountains and I did 99% of the driving but she was never afraid to get down in the cold and tough conditions to guide us through!The RoadsWe got the best roads in the world, we got the worst roads in the world. We got no roads and we got watered roads and sharp stone roads. We went through mud and sand and slush and rocks. You name it, you got it. I said to my family that this trip would be a trip of a lifetime and you couldn't ask for more when it comes to all the types of terrain we saw.The WeatherStarted cloudy near home and ended cloudy. Between that, we faced hot humid weather, bone-chilling winds, rain, snow everything. This is the beauty of this country, it has everything!The KashmirisI cannot even start to imagine what it is like to be a Kashmiri and to be bang right in the middle of a conflict that has gone on. But one thing I did not like - they love to argue, they just won't give up on anything. I'm sure many have experienced this. The Shikara wala will argue with you, the hotel manager will argue with you, and even the auto wala will argue. They just won't stop talking. Of course, I met many nice people and the old folks I spoke to say that the situation is fine now and more peaceful than it ever was. The youth, however, is a different story.The LadakhisThese people are out of this world. The nicest warmest people I've seen or met. Of course, there are bad apples and many cabbies there, but the normal Ladakhi does not discriminate. They will be nice to you and they are not affected by the outside world. There's something about that place that calms you down probably.The FoodWe carried ready-to-eat stuff, we carried cup noodles, oats, biscuits, chips, dry fruits etc. Only needed a few things out of those on rare occasions. You get normal food almost everywhere now. We usually ate at roadside dhabas and focussed on freshly cooked dal, roti and rice. Only in Srinagar, Leh and Delhi, we indulge in local delicacies and the rest of the time we stick to basics. Of course, basics include Fruits, Lays and chewing gum. Yes, chewing gum, it helps keep your teeth clean, helps you stay focussed and doesn't let you munch unnecessarily. Water, we carried a steel bottle each and filled it up at every RO or similar we found. We even filled them at all rivers we could reach and all waterfalls/streams we could touch. But on a few occasions, we had to buy mineral water when there was no option. In Hunder, we had Nala water, that's what they call the stream of pure natural water!The Things we carriedWe did not take too much of the stuff that's recommended online for Ladakh. We stuck to basics, plus some extra stuff. We carried a puncture repair kit (untouched to this day), 12V air compressor from Woscher (not used on the trip), extra coolant, brake oil, spare tyre, jack etc. Coolant and brake oil we used on several occasions just to top up. No jerry cans, never felt short of fuel, the reason being the economy of the Dzire. We carried zip ties and one of them was used on day 1, more on that later. Plus we had our regular stuff - some normal summer clothes, body warmers, jackets, warm caps and gloves. Enough for this time of the year even in snowing conditions. Then we had our med kit, full of stuff and I had a torch, a hunting knife and a Swiss army knife. My 10-year-old (maybe more) leather gloves were handy while driving in sub-zero temperatures. The woollen ones would probably not give much of a grip. We always carried enough cash to last us at least a couple of days, but we almost always paid online. I can't remember a place where they didn't accept online or card payments. One thing I regretted (only till I found a solution) was that I did not take a postpaid connection. Faced a little difficulty for a day but soon after bought a local Jio SIM and it worked even in Shyok River, LOL! With those things out of the way, let's get down to the Daily log. Some statistics first -Dates - 17/9/22 - 4/10/22Odo - 76240KM - 82613KMTotal KMS on trip - 6373KMDiesel spent - Rs.25446Cheapest Diesel at a pump - Rs.81.xx - Swarghat, HP. Actual cheapest diesel Rs.80 at Whisky Nala tent shop. (more on this later)Dearest Diesel - Rs.99.xx - Nizamabad, TSAverage for the trip - 23.02 KMPL - lowest - 18.3 Hunder to Karu via Pangong. highest - 25.5 Delhi to MPTotal Toll - Rs.7350Underbody hits - 500 or 1000 don't really remember! Apparently, there's an engine cover plate to protect the engine underneath the car. That plate lost a screw and was hanging by one screw, got this fixed in Manali. The mechanic said that if that plate had fallen off, you could have been stranded in the middle of nowhere! eek! Day 1 - 17/9/22Start - 6 amToday's destination - Sagar, MP912KMPreparations were ongoing and quite hectic in the few days preceding the Go day. Car was loaded with fuel our bags and stuff the previous day. We just had to get up and go. I was so tired on Friday itself that I called in sick to work and had no energy even to be nervous. Slept early, got up early and actually we would have started by around 5.15-5.30 but Madam Dearest was a bit busy with something and we finally started around 6 am. Everything went well until we bypassed Nagpur and entered the Pench National Park area. There was a storm warning and we were caught right up in it. Visibility was very poor, it was that bad and suddenly the new Bosch wiper blades I got installed gave way. The right side one broke off or whatever and was dangling up and down and up and down. I looked at my wife and she looked back at me. Is this the beginning of something bad? Visibility was zero now and I had to get out, get wet in the torrential downpour and fix it. Yay! It's fixed, we go on and suddenly it happens again. Why?! Again I pull over and try to fix it, this time wife helps and we're both wet, it stays and we get out of the rain area. As soon as it is dry outside, I pull over again in hopes of fixing it well. Something seems broken as it is not how it's supposed to be. Suddenly, a Eureka moment and I asked my wife to bring out a zip tie we had in the trunk. Quickly, she gets it and I tie it into one of the holes and it's set. She then takes out the scissors we're carrying the cuts of the hanging bit. All set! I say to her - Ab ye naya jab hi lagega jab ye zip tie fail hoga! She smiles, and till this day it's like that. Did not fall or break, all through the hills and back! Magic! After that, it was uneventful and we negotiated some bad roads of MH and a tiny bit in MP and we reached our hotel in Sagar. Hotel Kuber Vatika, big huge place with decent rooms. As soon as I reach the desk -Sir aapne 2 adults ki booking ki hai.Toh aur kya, hum do hi hai.Sir child bhi likhna tha.Bhai, chota bachha hai aur bahut thake huye hai. Kal baat karte hai.Ok sir.He wanted me to pay something extra, not online, but in cash. I waved it off and went to crash. Let's see in the morning.Day 2 - 18/9/22Start 7.25amToday's destination - Sonipat, HR745KMToday we were not in any hurry to start. Took our own sweet time to get ready and start our day. There was only one guy at the reception in the morning. Again he tried to bring up last night's topic, I calmly said that we did not take an extra mattress and we're not paying you anything extra. Bye! Navigating through the cattle we made our way to another Dhaba for some local parathas and Poha. The day after that was mostly uneventful except for how to reach and cross Delhi. My plan was to take the Mathura road (less toll and more fun to drive), but as per Google baba both the Mathura road and YEW have exact same toll. On top of that, it also said that YEW and EPE will be faster. I wanted to avoid UP roads cause of obvious reasons but then seeing the current scenario I thought why should I spend an equal amount and take the NH? I went on towards the Yamuna Expressway. Google baba played a trick on us here, we had to go through a couple of villages as that seemed to be the only road to reach the YEW. That spoiled our moods a bit, but we were soon on the YEW and reached Noida by evening. Then onto the EPE for Sonipat and we were there by around 8.30pm. Again we had problems with our hotel reservation which we made on the way. On reaching this place, we were told that he had no tie ups with anything online. Called up goibibo and asked about this, and they said we'll fix you up with an alternative hotel which turned out to be better than what we had booked. So, on our second night, we stayed in Fair Vacanze, a little south of Murthal. Looks like our luck with our hotel booking is not turning out so good. But wait till you read what happened next!Day 3 - 19/9/22Start 8.30amToday's destination - Jammu, J&K550KMAfter last night's gadbad, we were in no mood to start early. And anyways, we just had to cover 500 odd KMs today. Road from Sonipat onwards is smooth all the way to when you enter J&K. We missed this ramp (9Q9X+89Q) and went towards Chandigarh but then took a left further on to meet the correct road. Same thing happened on our way back and we again went into Chandigarh and lost about an hour. I have no idea how is this possible. Anyways, a smooth drive till Pathankot and the scenery also changed a bit. Now, we stopped at a fuel station and thought to book our hotel for the night. So, I told my wife to book a good hotel so that we wouldn't have problems like we had previously. So we checked on Google etc and booked the Grand Hill in Jammu. Navigated to that place which is atop a hill on the highway we were supposed to take the next day. Hoping for the best, we reach and I go into the place and ask the first person I see -Hi, where's the hotel, we have a reservation online.What hotel sir? This is a restaurant.What? we made this booking see (I show him the voucher)*smiles* this is Grand Hill, your booking is for The Grand Hill, it is 5KM in the reverse direction.We made a mistake by seeing 'Grand Hill' on Google and then booking 'The Grand Hill' on ibibo. *facepalm* Now, since we entered J&K, there was no network on any of our SIMs. Already regretting the idea of skipping the postpaid connection. I applied for it and rejected it at the last moment, thinking 'Jo hoga dekha jayega'. We had offline maps for J&K and Ladakh, so I thought we should be good. Frustrated, we go back thinking, Oh no! Not again! But we had no idea that bad luck with hotels is going to get worse. We reach The Grand Hill, a not-so-good hotel like we saw online. So we're tired and try to check in anyway. The man at the reception drops a bomb on us by saying -Ye kab book kiya aapne?Aaj hi - dopahar mei.Oh sorry sir. We already gave that room to another person.What? How can you take a booking without having the rooms?Sorry sir. But we have another room I can give you which has a single bed. I'll throw in extra mattress and dinner for free.I was like whatever now, just get over with it and we eat the food and go off to sleep. At least the AC was working and Jammu weather at the time was hot and humid like Delhi. Phew!Day 4 - 20/9/22Start 8.00amToday's destination - Srinagar, J&K550KMSo, we get up and get ready to leave. Breakfast was added to the booking and upon enquiry he says Abhi Time lagega. I was like we cannot wait because of all the cut-off times and stuff and we leave. It's time to negotiate our way through the Nagrota check post where absolutely no one stopped us or checked anything. Last night we felt the discomfort of not being able to use the mobile phones and were looking for an alternative. Upon enquiry, I found out that if we buy a prepaid SIM in J&K, it will work here and in Ladakh. So I planned to buy one as soon as we enter Srinagar. Some good luck with that and we found a Jio check post right after we exited one of the tunnels. Purchased a SIM for 300/- and it worked just fine for the rest of our trip. Spent 15-20 minutes there and got it activated and called mom too! Easy peasy! Reached Srinagar by 4pm after seeing thousands of trucks lined up for the cut-off times trying to go down and having authentic wazwan cuisine for lunch just before entering Srinagar. On the way, we also visited a bat factory and spoke to locals. Shopped for some walnuts and saffron too! Through the tunnels Stopped for army convoy coming from the other side - 30 minutes! Buried! One thing was beginning to dawn upon me - You cannot mess with the cabs here in J&K (or Ladakh for that matter). You must let them go as soon as they show up in the RVM or honk. They will just not stay behind you (read out-of-state vehicle). We checked in to Hotel Curio's at Srinagar. Decent property and a nice clean place. But again we had trouble with the booking. After a long discussion with the manager, we were settled in to the room without extra charges. He was initially giving us a double occupancy room (but we had a booking for 3 people) and then relented and gave us a triple room. In the evening, we made a round of the Dal Lake and had some snacks at Makai Point and another one near Nishat Gardens. After that we called it a night.Day 5 - 21/9/22Rest day Today was basically a rest day and I intended to wander around Srinagar. So, in the morning we set off towards Gulmarg hoping to do a Gondola ride. Little did we know what was in store for us. Started early morning and grabbed a few bananas on our way to Gulmarg. As soon as we neared the first check post before the climb started, we were hounded by a group of guides (read thugs). I said NO straightforward! I wasn't entertaining them even for a second. Then an old man from their group pleaded with me to listen.Saab ji, aapne 50 rupay yaha entry ke dene hai aur 300 rupay wapas aane pe300 rupay kis cheez ke chacha?Ham aapko ghumayenge, points batayenge, jaha koi rokega hum dekh lenge.I said nothing doing and moved on and paid the Rs.50 for entry and went on for a toilet stop. They even reached their in their Alto and again started to irritate me. The old man was pleading again that this is their only source of income, and if you're not satisfied, do not pay a single rupee. He even said that he'd take us in his Alto instead of the ponies towards the Gondola ride. I said OK and started to follow them. After reaching the top, they shamelessly hand us over to the ponies group and basically, this whole game was to extort money out of us. I had made up my mind not to shell out a single rupee. We moved away from the groups and had breakfast, parathas and tea. Even the shopkeeper was empathetic towards us and said that these guys are like this only. After all the commotion, we were in no mood for any rides and we wandered around the place and turned back. My wife was saying they'll hassle us on the way back and to pay them. I told her sternly in front of them. Ek rupaya bhi nahi dunga mai! That episode done, we made our way back down disappointed and stopped at an Apple orchard and gave the car a much needed wash. Then we headed back towards Srinagar for lunch. I had heard about a place called Chopstick and we went there. Amazing small little place, serves an amazing soup as a welcome thing for free! I had 2 cups! Then we had momos, noodles and their famous Shafali (paratha type with kheema filling). The place is located in a small Muslim Tibetan colony. Full stomachs and after meeting their owner, we said goodbye with a smile on our faces. Then we made our way back to our hotel and I needed to do some things on the car. Luckily behind our hotel were some mechanic shops and I asked them to change the Air Filter (which was pending from earlier) and check other things. All good and we're good to go towards Ladakh. It was late afternoon now and we really needed to relax in a Shikara. Yes! Walked out on towards the road and grabbed an auto rickshaw and let the car rest in the hotel. Reached Dal Lake and again the same story with the Shikara people. Bargaining on the price for the ride. Settled on Rs.1500 for 2 hours ride and had the most amazing time in the lake. The old man who was rowing us was a very gentle and nice chap. Singing traditional kashmiri songs he told us about how the Char Chinar are now just one or two Chinar after the 2014 floods and how the Prince sometimes comes to the palace in the Lake. How the locals farm on the fields inside the lake and live there itself. I never thought all of that was possible in the middle of a lake!? There was even a masjid in the lake apart from a full-fledged market and not to mention - Houseboats. A whole lot of them. After the ride, we paid them happily and made our way towards Lal Chowk for some woman's satisfaction (shopping) and just to stroll about. Done that, we walked back towards our hotel and had dinner at the hotel and retired for the day. The trip is actually going to start tomorrow, yes, we shall enter Ladakh and we need to get up early and encounter mountain passes and whatnot. Excited and tired, we go to sleep! Big day tomorrow as I have never crossed a mountain pass before and I'm nervous. Continue reading unoczar's road trip experience for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

Richa Chadha: All those auto rides to auditions feel sweeter now

On a high after winning praise for Heeramandi, Richa says she is grateful to have made the journey from B-Town aspirant to successful actor-producer without a Godfather

Five injured in auto accident involving oil tanker

Kakinada: Five people were injured in a road accident near Mirzapur village on Saturday. An oil tanker traveling from Kondapalli to Eluru suffered a tyre burst, collided with an auto rickshaw, and then overturned. The Nuziveedu Rural police report that all five injured passengers from the auto rickshaw were initially taken to the Area Hospital in Nuziveedu. They were later transferred to the government hospital in Vijayawada for further treatment.The Nuziveedu Rural police have registered a case and are investigating the accident.

Autorickshaw driver bites and severs off thumb's tip of a motorcycle rider

A-Thon Ashva 4x4: First made-in-India ATV revealed

Bangalore-based A-Thon AllTerrain Pvt Ltd has revealed what is claimed to be the first made-in-India ATV, the Ashva 4x4. Ashva is one of four all-terrain utility vehicles planned by the company. It is a 2-seater 4-wheel-drive ATV based on a space frame chassis and measures 3,556 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width and 2,010 mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2,600 mm. The vehicle weighs 850 kg and has a cargo capacity of 60 kg. The Ashva 4x4 is powered by a 976cc, liquid-cooled V-twin engine. It is available in two states of tune - the base variant packs 71 BHP @ 6,500 rpm and 85 Nm @ 5,500 rpm. The higher-spec engine produces 85 BHP @ 6,500 rpm and 101 Nm @ 5,500 rpm. Both variants get a 2-step CVT and on-demand 2WD and 4WD with locking differentials. The ATV is said to be capable of climbing up a 65-degree slope and can drive over a side slope of 45 degrees. The Ashva 4x4 is equipped with a double-wishbone front suspension with dual-rated coilover shock absorbers and a trailing arm setup at the rear with camber links. The vehicle gets disc brakes on all four corners. A-Thon has positioned the Ashva 4x4 as a farm utility product. It comes in three variants - V1, which has a fixed front and rear hitch for agricultural attachments and accessories. The V2 version comes with a rear PTO, while the V3 packs autonomous features and data-centric crop management systems. Thanks to the Team-BHP fan (he prefers to remain anonymous) who sent this information in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts via this Team-BHP share page!

Women with no sexual autonomy twice likely to get STIs: study

One in nearly every twelve married women in the age group of 15-49 years in India had experienced at least one sexually transmitted infection or reproductive tract infection over a period of one year

Honda will use F1-inspired tech on its future EVs

During a recent conference, Honda outlined its EV strategy, announcing the rollout of 7 brand-new models globally before the end of the decade. The new models are said to be part of its new '0 Series' lineup and will range from small to large EVs. However, the most interesting part of the announcement was that Honda would capitalise on its Formula 1 expertise to make its next-generation electric vehicles lighter. The company aims to reduce around 100 kg of weight compared to its current electric cars. Honda aims to do this by using lighter body frames and newly developed thinner electric motors (thanks to its F1 know-how). Also, the motors and batteries will be mounted low in the centre of the EV, lowering the centre of gravity and improving handling. With the F1-inspired tech in place, the new '0 Series' EV from Honda claims to have over 300 miles (480 km) of range as per the EPA cycle. In addition to this, Honda also claims that the new-gen EVs will deliver sporty driving that leads to the joy of driving. Toshihiro Mibe, CEO of Honda, confirmed a new fun EV being in development, which, according to him, will have a completely different taste. Coming to the 0 Series lineup, Honda has announced a sedan, a mid-size SUV and an entry-level SUV for 2026. There will also be a bigger 3-row SUV in 2027, followed by a compact SUV in 2028, another small SUV in 2029 and finally a compact sedan in 2030. Source: HT Auto

Is the Tata Punch EV a perfect city car: Owner talks about the range

BHPian TorqueAddict007 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. It's been a week and a half since I bought my Adventure LR variant and the Odo is already at the 350 km mark. I am getting only 210-220 kms of range on my Adventure LR, (extrapolated figures for 0-100), but that's mainly because I think that the AC has to work overtime at maintaining 21 degrees when it's a sizzling 39 degrees outside, and have also used the charge up to stay in the car and run the AC for upwards of ten minutes when parked, which I learned drains a lot of charges. Plus, I have had a bit of fun with it, and have enjoyed the silly acceleration a lot in the first week, so taking all that into consideration, it is a good range. The economy mode makes very little difference to range, all it does is worsen the driving experience in my opinion. Sports though, sucks charge like a battery vampire. When temperatures cooled down to around 24 degrees, and I drove sedately, I used up just 2 percent for 10 kms. I think most folks who aren't hypermiling will at best get somewhere around 200 kms of range from 100 to 20 charge, I'd surely love to be wrong and get more, but the SA himself said 290 is the best possible in ideal conditions. But still, 200 kms of effective range covers me more than enough for one week in the city. But that's the advice for anybody considering an MR variant, don't. I think you'd struggle to even get 150 in this sort of heat, and that's just a little too little of a range. Plus the auto hold on the LR variants is a real blessing in traffic. So if you want something VFM, try to stretch to the Adventure LR, and if you want all the bells and whistles, go for the Empowered + LR. Empowered + LR( without sunroof or ACFC), and at the proper insurance amount is somewhere around 15.2 on the road in Bengaluru. And it's comfortably better than anything else you'd find at that price. If you already have a good main car at home, I'd really suggest the Adventure LR variant. It's a proper 1.5 lakhs cheaper, and driving-wise, there's absolutely no difference. The infotainment is a little smaller but has the same fluidity and functionality, and with regards to the instrument cluster, I frankly like the semi-digital one more. You get auto hold, you get the same driving experience, you get a pretty decent reverse camera, and it's the perfect city car. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Apple's new 'Vehicle Motion Cues' feature helps reduce motion sickness

Apple has announced a number of new features on its future iOS and iPadOS versions. One of them is called 'Vehicle Motion Cues', which claims to help reduce motion sickness in passengers when viewing their devices in cars. Apple stated, Research shows that motion sickness is commonly caused by a sensory conflict between what a person sees and what they feel. The tech giant further went on to mention, [This] can prevent some users from comfortably using iPhone or iPad while riding in a moving vehicle. Reports state that Apple devices will use the sensors inside to overlay animated dots, which will move in the opposite direction to the motion of the vehicle. The feature can either be set to automatically detect when the user is in a vehicle or can even be turned on/off manually. Apart from Vehicle Motion Cues, Apple has also introduced new accessibility features like voice control, colour filters and sound recognition. Source: Car&Driver

Tech With TG: India Automation Industry

, , - , () , ,

2024 Honda City first service experience: Minor issues resolved

BHPian saket77 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Update 2: First Free Service So, after about 35 days, the first free service for the car was done at HASS on 05/05/2024. The service was booked through the Honda Connect App, and also the workshop had called me & booked the same a week back. The car had done about 1111 Kms at the time and there were no such problems to report except a small upholstery-related issue. The back side of the driver's seat upholstery was not fitted properly exposing the inner metal and plastic frame at the seat bottom. This was since the beginning when we got the car and I had noted it to get done at the first service. This was attended to my satisfaction. Also the rubber pad of the wireless charging pad was coming out from one edge and it was a simple pasting job. Apart from these, I checked with the SA if there has been any update for turning off the CMBS issue. Also, checked with them regarding insufficient lights on the ZX (LED headlamps); No solution for both the issues. Mind you, the lights are sufficient for city driving but grossly inadequate for the highways. The first service is basically a wash and inspection service. The car was washed and then lifted on the ramp. The suspension and all underbody nuts and bolts were checked and re-torqued. All fluids were checked. The cabin pollen filter was taken out and cleaned by compressed air. The total bill for the first free service was Rs. 55/- (charged for the windshield washer fluid). The next free service is due after 5 months (6 months after purchase or 5K kms, whichever is earlier). Signing off with a couple of pictures taken during the day. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Tech With TG: The Rise of Automation in India

Automation is an exciting but scary topic for most people as the possibility of easing human experiences also comes with the threat of job cuts. This week on Tech with TG, we discuss the rise of automation in India and how the manufacturing, logistics, and e-commerce sectors have benefitted from these improvements. The education sector is also being infused with artificial intelligence (AI), while robots are making their way to the healthcare sector Find out more about how automation is impacting other sectors like agriculture, finance, and robotics and how people can stay ahead of the curve on the latest Tech with TG episode.

Government to allow all automakers benefit from Indias new EV import duty policy

The government has clarified that existing automakers will have the opportunity to take advantage of lower import duties outlined in India's new electric vehicle policy. As per a senior official, details on allowing existing automakers to make new investments for electric vehicle production will be included in guidelines currently being finalized. The new policy aims [] The post Government to allow all automakers benefit from Indias new EV import duty policy appeared first on Northlines .

Converted my Amaze EX variant to the V variant: Here's how

BHPian Daewoo1995 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. In 2019, I decided to buy a car that was pocket-friendly, reliable, had the basic features, and looked good. Initially, I was more inclined to buy a used vehicle which would help me improve my driving skills without giving me mini heart attacks in case of minor crashes and also help me save some cash. However, I found that the second-hand market was not a sensible option since most popular hatchback vehicles were sold for a very high price. For example, I found a dealer selling a used Swift in decent condition for a price of over 4.5 Lacs, whereas I could buy a new Swift LXI at that time for about 6 Lacs. So, I decided to spend a bit more and get a new vehicle instead. After visiting multiple showrooms, reading all the brochures, and going through hundreds of YouTube videos, I decided to go for the Honda Amaze. At the time, the new Amaze had been launched just a few months back. This was India's first compact sedan which was not a poorly designed hatchback with a boot (IYKYK). The design of the car is proportionate and the front of the car is very aggressive. While choosing the variant, I decided to go for the EMT variant as I had already increased my budget when I moved away from used vehicles and hatchbacks. At the time, the additional features that the SMT variant offered seemed gimmicky to me, but over the period, the car started feeling dated and I started missing those features. Fast forwarding 4 years - I decided to make a list of all the major features that were lacking in the car and add those features one by one, preferably through Honda Genuine Parts if possible, or some good quality alternatives. 1. Infotainment System When I bought the car, I asked the dealer to provide me with the Honda Genuine 2 DIN Infotainment System which was preinstalled in the Amaze SMT Variant. He told me that he would try to get this for some other customer who would opt to get the stock system removed for a touchscreen. He did arrange the system and the fitment looked good too since it was built for this dashboard. However, since it was paired with Sony speakers and not the stock speakers, the sound output wasn't really great. Moreover, I also wanted a reverse parking camera and Apple Carplay (mainly for Navigation, Calls, and Siri). So, I did some research and shortlisted two Infotainment Systems - Blaupunkt San Andreas 970 and Honda Digipad 2.0. The Honda Digipad was my first choice, but I had a major problem with it. The Amaze EMT Variant did not have a built-in stereo, so it also didn't have a USB port on the center console. The solution was to pull out the USB cable into the glove box. Since the Digipad 2.0 only supported Wired Carplay, it would have been very inconvenient to plug the USB Cable from the Glove Box and keep the phone in the same at all times while driving. Therefore, I resorted to Blaupunkt San Andreas 970. This is a 9-inch touchscreen system which is a non-Android system. I wanted a non-android system to ensure that it does not slow down over time. Since it had Apple Carplay for my Music and Navigation, I won't require the Android system anyway. The system is fast, Apple Carplay runs smooth and the audio output is good too. It even has a USB C port on the front of the player, so I didn't have to pull out cables in the glove box. Bonus feature - The Apple Carplay runs on both wired and wireless connectivity! I also installed a Blaupunkt rear camera which was mounted above the number plate for the OEM look. The accessories shop also installed the B Pillar Black Tape, which was also missing in the EMT Variant. (I got this one removed later on for Honda's Genuine Black Tape due to poor adhesion in the case of local tape). He also installed an aftermarket Shark Fin antenna in the same shade as that of the car. 2. Body Coloured Door Handles and ORVMs The Amaze EMT had a black plastic finish on the outside door handles and ORVMs. Honda did this to make the variant look ugly so that no one would buy this variant. Honda launched this variant just for the advertisements where they could display the lower price of the car. I negotiated the price of this paint job in the Honda Workshop and got it done from there to ensure that the color matches and the paint lasts for a long time. 3. Wheel Covers The EMT variant, just like all manufacturer's base variants had steel rims which were painted in silver color to look ugly. I decided to get the rims painted in black and got the original Honda Wheel Covers installed. 4. Steering Wheel Audio Controls This was the most hectic step. I didn't require these buttons earlier when I had the Honda Infotainment system since it had buttons for every function. The buttons were large and I didn't have to look at the system to change the volume or change the song track while driving. However, after installing the Blaupunkt touch screen, I started facing issues while driving as even changing the volume was a task as even the buttons on the side were touch screen based. So, I procured Honda's genuine Audio control button assembly along with the cable only to find that the clock spring in the steering wheel does not support this (none of the Amaze steering button installation videos on YouTube explain this)! With a heavy heart, I had to buy a new Clock Spring as well from Honda. Once this was done and installed, I connected the infotainment system with the clock spring - but surprisingly, the buttons did not work! The infotainment system was not receiving any signal. After a lot of RCA, it was concluded that the infotainment system was faulty. I went to the Blaupunkt service center and they tried repairing the system but it didn't work. They had to eventually replace the entire motherboard after which the buttons started working. While setting up the buttons, I set the function of the mode button as speech - This activates Siri very conveniently. 5. Auto Foldable and Adjustable ORVMs One last major upgrade that was left was the Auto Foldable and Adjustable ORVMs. These didn't just look good but were also quite useful while parking or taking sharp cuts as I could adjust them according to the view. I found someone who had all the original parts and was ready to install these without cutting or splicing any wires. He installed the mirrors and mounted the Maruti Suzuki ORVM control switch next to the Power Window controls on the driver-side door. Additionally, I also installed Honda Fog Lamps, Honda Floor LED Lights, and Honda Front Armrest. All the above modifications did not just enhance the car's look and feel but also made the car's driving experience better. If I had an option to go back in time, I would have chosen the SMT Variant for sure. But at the time, the EMT Variant felt more VFM. Final Look: Let me know if you guys like the mod! Peace out! Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Why I feel my Yamaha R15 V4 is the perfect bike for youngsters

BHPian sasta_rider recently shared this with other enthusiasts. 20,000 km update As of 12-May-2024, it was 2 years and 22 days with my R15 v4. The journey (ownership) with R15 has been a lot of ups with a little bit of downs. After all, life is full of ups and downs, right! In this post, I will pen down few positives and negatives (which can be subjective) about this beautiful machine which is engineered for perfection and youngsters like me. Positives:Fuel economy: Considering the purpose of this machine, it has returned me on average of 42-45 kmpl since Day 1, except during the break-in period during which I even got a higher fuel economy on a full tank. The drop in fuel economy is in decimals with continuous revving the engine on highways at triple digit speeds, still it returns good FE.Refinement: Encountered a speed bump? R15 can easily come out in 2nd gear without much fuss around. Crusing on a good highway at triple digit speeds? The handlebars, visor and footpegs does not give you the fatigue on any part of your body. Every part is neatly placed where it is supposed to be. No jiggles or rattles on any body part (except for the tail light in my case).Range: With a 11 L fuel tank and an average FE of 45 kmpl, you can easily travel long distances without worrying about frequent fuel breaks.Capability to perform long rides: This aspect is a positive side for me because I have made this a reality on a faired bike. The Modpacs can be fit in a way that you won't need any extra bungies. Slick handling comes in handy at intersections where the locals are in their own world: riding/driving slowly, not giving way and being rude at times. On highways, the bike sticks on to the ground with ease.Negatives:Logistics of Yamaha Parts: This is a negative because I have seen how worst the Yamaha service centers in smaller cities deal with acquiring a part. It is due to the norms set by Yamaha India or the service center, I do not know! To give you an idea, I had ordered one of the dual horns in the month of Nov-2023 (before the India Bike Week Ride) to replace my defective horn under warranty. Surprisingly, the Yamaha Kasaragod service center calls me in Jan-2024 saying that the part has arrived. However, just before the IBW ride, I had already paid 220/- for the part and got it fixed from Yamaha Mangaluru because horn is very much required during long rides.Stock MRF Tires: Stock 100/80 (F) and 140/70 (R) MRF Zapper tires are the worst IMHO. I never had the courage to lean when on stock tires. Why should I risk myself with a product which I am not at all comfortable!? If you have the budget, go for Apollo Alpha H1 or Michelin Road 5 during the delivery day for added ride quality & wet road grip.Rust & Wiring: The quality control by Yamaha India on a premium motorcycle like this should be of Japanese standard! There should be no signs of rust and exposed wires. If not, then reduce the price by a certain amount. I hate rust, especially if its on any vehicle that I own.Lack of beans (power): This is since recent few months where-in the bike runs butter smooth for the initial 2000 km after any periodic service involving oil and filter change. After this, my R15 has started to give sluggish attitudes upon opening the throttle. I feel like it is the time to replace the spark plugs with new ones. Need to check this with the Vinayak Yamaha folks at Bangalore, who just takes care of my R15 like its their own!What a wonderful 155 cc segment machine this is! Since I have crossed 2 years of ownership, I am getting the urge to Stage 1 (or 2) tune my R15 from reputed place like Race Dynamics or Code6 Racing. For this, I need to start allocating a separate budget which I need to think about. Also, need to learn more about how tuning can effect the bike, especially the pistons, crankshaft and the exhaust. Suggestions or feedbacks from an expert on this regard is very much appreciated! Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Honest feedback on using RE's touring screen worth 5K on my Interceptor

BHPian raiuday recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I've always been eyeing the recently launched touring screen as part of RE's GMA catalogue for the Interceptor. There weren't any reviews nor images of the screen installed, for reference, either from RE or anyone. So, I was initially holding up thinking it would impact the aesthetics of the bike and gave the tall flyscreen a try which is just about fine. But during my first service, I pulled the plug and ordered the touring screen to give it a try and the same arrived in a week. Kudos to RE Company service centre, Hyd who promptly ordered and communicated on arrival of the same.Cost: INR 4750/- for the part. Installation was free of charge.GMA Code: 1990479.InstallationThe process was similar to installing a tall flyscreen, requiring the opening of the headlight, disconnecting indicators and sliding the frames in, then popping in the rubber gourmets, washers and screws through the windscreen into the windscreen support frames. Also, the screen in itself is similar in size to that of an SM650's for reference. I did notice a noise while riding back home. Stopped to check and noticed that the right side frame of the windscreen was touching the tachometer. Reached home, unscrewed the screen, adjusted the right side frame by pulling it slightly and maintaining similar gaps on either side, screwed it back in.Wind protectionI'm 5' 9 for reference and when I sit on the bike, the windscreen doesn't interrupt the vision and a good 4-5 inches below the field of view. I did go on a night run of about 50 kms and tested the wind protection but was disappointed with the amount of resistance at the front and buffeting on the helmet. The front felt like a swaying shield against wind while accelerating moderately or at constant speeds between 90-120 kmph. Didn't really feel confident to maintain these speeds continuously due to the above factors. Tall flyscreen though wasn't providing much protection against wind wasn't causing buffeting or resisting wind but deflecting the same and was easier on the helmet. I think the upright position of the touring screen with an outward curve at the top, and no adjustment option to incline towards the rider causes a wind swirl at the tip of the screen causing resistance and buffeting. Similar screen could work on SM650 due to the lower seating and inclination towards the rider on the same but not a good design for Int 650 in my opinion. I'd still give it a try sometime later with any of the adjustable windscreen extenders possibly tilting the same towards the rider and share an update. Sharing pictures of the bike for reference and for anyone interested to know how it looks on the Inty. Please note that all the images were taken on the centre stand and the screen might appear as if it's too tall but it isn't. Once the rider sits on and with the compressed front, it does not come in the line of sight. Can compare the touring screen height with the tall flyscreen for reference below. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin trademark filed

Royal Enfield is working on six new motorcycles for the Indian market. These include two new bikes based on the 650cc platform. Royal Enfield has recently filed a trademark for the 'Classic 650 Twin' nametag for the upcoming Classic, powered by the 650cc twin-cylinder engine. The Classic 650 Twin has already been spotted testing on public roads. Spy images reveal a familiar design with a circular headlamp and position lights, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a split seat and dual peashooter exhausts. The other 650cc model could be called the Interceptor Bear 650. It is believed to be an off-road-oriented bike based on the 650cc platform. Both models are expected to use the same 648cc, twin-cylinder engine producing 47 BHP and 52 Nm. The engine is likely to be paired with a 6-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch.

2,100 km & 3 months with my Taigun 1.5L DSG: My honest experience

BHPian omranga98 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Took delivery of my Taigun GT+ 1.5 DSG in silver yesterday. Have driven about 400 kms till now and it's lovely! Was pleasantly surprised during the delivery to see:Updated and improved headliner! It was one of the sore points for me. Now it's 10 times better IMO.Now only the red exterior in GT model comes with red interior inserts. Earlier, both red and silver had red inserts which i did not like.ORVM folding is back again!During the test drive, i found the horn to be lame. I don't know why would they fit Taigun with a horn that sounds like you're choking a duck. So i got it swapped with the Tiguan's unit and boy oh boy, it's the best 1.5k addon i've spent on any car Just a quick update on my 1.5 DSG. It's about 3 months old and has clocked 2100 kms. Average fuel economy using tankful is about 12.8 kmpl. This is from 100% city driving, mostly sedated. Car has been pretty lovely generally. Don't want to go through this since the pros have been covered many times here. The couple of issues i am facing are:Driver side window which has auto up/down feature will stop going up mid way and roll back down. It's very annoying sometimes. The fix for this is to do a soft reset by holding the window switch down for 10 seconds and up for 10 seconds. This fixes it for sometime, but the issue crops back. I have read somewhere that the service guys will replace the window winder(?) don't have the time right now for this but will get it checked and update here.The rear left door's hinge is creeking when we open or close it. This seems like a simple fix. Just a little lubrication and done.Rear right side door rubber beading has come loose from one socket. It's not causing any issues when the operation but just noticed this. Will get it fixed during the next visit. Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

40,000 km with my modified warm hatch: i20 N Line ownership verdict

BHPian Sidchh recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Chapter 1: The Hunt and The DecisionThe search for a new addition to the garage began when the youngest member of the house, yours truly, was inching closer and closer to being a government-certified driver. At the time, the garage had a relatively new two-year-old Suzuki XL6 and a Renault Kwid. It was time to buy a first car for me and my parents and I set foot in the market with a budget of thirty lakh rupees, and then, finally settled on a car worth half that. So, why? Well, initially, at the time the three options we were considering were an i20 Asta (O) 1.0 DCT, a Kia Seltos 1.4 GT Line DCT and a Skoda Octavia Style. Having test-driven the Seltos and the Octavia, both from different segments (we were very indecisive, don't judge) we decided to go ahead and book the Seltos thanks to our obsession with buying a top variant as the top variant of the Octavia was 5 lakhs out of budget on road Delhi. At that time, the beginning of 2021, a chip shortage plagued not just the Indian, but the global electronics market. As a result, the booking of the Seltos would have us waiting six months as per the dealer, and the horror stories of dealers exploiting customers surfacing online only made matters worse. On booking the Seltos, I had a certain attraction towards the smaller i20. I would watch YouTube videos of the Asta (O) (The N Line was not out yet) and would question if a crossover was the car I wanted to drive as a college student as this car was going to become mine as promised by my parents (I know I sound super spoilt right now). That (and also the impatience, we just could not wait 6 months) made us take a test drive of the i20 turbo automatic. My father called for the test drive and we booked it for 6 PM, their last slot as per the dealer. Our experience with Hyundai began with disappointment, but as they say, all is well that ends well. The customer service executive (let's call him H, customer service executive is quite a mouthful) was supposed to arrive around 6. Come 5:45, he stopped picking up his phone which was quite irritating as I had just been on a call with him at 5:30. The clock struck 6:00, 6:30, and 6:40, no response. Suddenly at around 7:15, having given up on the test drive and this product, the phone rings. H calls and tells us about how the police had pulled him over and harassed him for a solid half hour followed by tons of trouble for the showroom and H himself (I still do not know if H was lying, but I like to think he wasn't since he seemed pretty genuine). He pleads with us over the phone to give him a chance, promises that he will not let us down and informs us that he is waiting outside our house. My father and I decided to give him a chance and go for the drive. On driving it, coming from a history of Suzukis, the car immediately impresses us. A small car with a punchy engine and TONS of features, along with decent-ish driving dynamics was something unimaginable at the time. On returning home, my father reminisces about how it reminded him of his 1.6 OG Baleno which he used to drive in his 30's. We decide to still go for the Seltos due to us having the budget for it as well as the appeal of a big car. We decide to then let the Hyundai be, and go for the bigger Hyundai. A few weeks later we get a call from H. By this time, we have grown tired of waiting for the Kia and my interest in the i20 is growing. H informs us of this new variant of the i20, the N Line, the shipment of which he will be getting in a month which comes at a very attractive price increment over the Asta (O). On careful consideration, we decide to go for it. Since we had already driven the Asta and were quite impressed by it, we decided to go ahead and book the N Line and cancel the Seltos. The process up to the delivery was not very smooth. The dealership forced us into buying the insurance from them, or risk being denied delivery. They also could not deliver when promised and took a week extra. No issues there, we were still very eager to take delivery. The day comes, the 13th of October 2021, my mother and I head to the showroom to pick the car up and are given delivery of the car. Nothing notable, the delivery was quite well executed and the experience was nothing notable, but nothing to complain about either. Chapter 2: The ReviewFor a while, things remain new, and then the fascination dies and we as individuals become used to them. That is not to say that fascination takes with it the admiration, which I doubt will ever die. For me, the fascination died after the car crashed for the first time. At around 8,000 kms, the N Line met with its first crash which was a front-end collision at the speed of 30-40 which ended up damaging the condenser, bumper and bonnet, but luckily, the headlights were unscathed and the airbags, unopened. After coming home post repairs, the car to me became something I loved, but not something new, and after that, I began to truly use the machine. From here, starts the real review of the vehicle. The i20 N Line to me is the ultimate driver's car on a budget. In today's market, there is nothing available at the price of the N Line (14 lakhs on-road). The car has one of the best driving dynamics I have ever experienced, and it has honestly spoilt me. Cars that are much more expensive now feel bland and lacklustre to me, having daily driven the N Line. In fact, I have driven it about 40,000 km on the 13th of October, 2023, just two years since its delivery. The Kit Hyundai loves loading its cars with features, in fact, that is what sold us on the i20 and the recently bought Seltos in collaboration of course, with the punchy drivetrains. The i20 comes loaded with features that no car had at the time below 15 lakh rupees, and no car seems to come close to even now in 2024 in the price range. It comes with BlueLink (I find that very useful living in Delhi where the summers hurt and the winters bite, and in general as well. Tracking the vehicle proves to be useful more often than you'd expect), a sunroof (mother's requirement for a car), rear AC vents, a rear armrest (removed in the facelift unfortunately), LED DRL's and projector headlamps and much much more. This is a major plus point for the N Line with most of the features still feeling utilitarian, even after extensive usage. The only thing I found gimmicky in the feature list was the voice activation of the sunroof and the driver's side window which is cool to have but it is simply faster and simpler to use the buttons. The Aesthetics Inside and outside, the car has been designed very differently than what you would expect from a Hyundai. The interior is complemented greatly by the N Line steering (the quality of which is better than the models that get steering wheels unique to the Indian market) which is straight out of the European market (However, one thing to note is the common issue with all Hyundai products where the leather wrap on the steering wheel does not last for too long. After a mere two years of ownership, you can see the steering wheel wrap is starting to show its age, to put it mildly). Another perk that the N Line gets over the Asta (O) is the all-black interior, including a black roof liner, which minimises maintenance and leads in the interior looking as good as new, no matter how careless you are with it. To me, the interior seems perfect with the tastefully done red highlights and the premium fit and finish Hyundai is well known and praised for. The interior is missing soft touchpoints (again, improved in the facelift), but, all the driver touchpoints feel premium, and even after soft touchpoints are absent, it does not feel budget, especially at first glance. The wear and tear on the steering isn't looking too good! The exterior was quite polarising when the product came out. I see many people on social media who prefer the Elite i20 to the current generation, but, I am more of a modern design guy (generational gap at work) so it looks just fine to me. The rear of the car feels quite polarising in the initial days of ownership, but it definitely grows on you within a few weeks, and there are plenty of elements that make up for it. The dual exit exhausts along with a high-mounted spoiler, exclusive to the N Line, only add to the sporty look and make the car feel closer to being an N Line. The front bumper also has gotten the N Line treatment with a faux splitter mounted on the bumper and red accents. On the sides, the car has red accents and N Line-specific alloys which are a downsized (17s to 16s) version of the same alloys that the European N Line gets owing to our road conditions. All these touches make the car look much nicer than the regular Asta, and make it a handsome product overall. The Drive The drive is planted. The car grips like anything, thanks to its stiffened suspension in comparison to the Asta, and feels stable and planted at highway speeds. It is very easy to drive, yet is engaging and the steering and dynamics are better than even a VW Polo, which used to be the benchmark of a sporty hatch at the time of purchase. The car's in-line acceleration is not the quickest and the DCT gearbox is to be blamed for that as it simply does not let you launch or brake boost. The 1.0L TGDi is a punchy motor making 118 bhp which in no way feels inadequate, in the city or out on the highway. The motor does not feel like a 3 cylinder unless you're idling. At that point, there are vibrations, but that also is something you will only notice if you are used to a 4-cylinder and not if it is your first car, or if you daily it. In comparison to the other 3 cylinders on the market, namely those offered by Tata and Renault, the 1.0L TGDi is a polished and refined motor. The stock rubbers (CEAT Securadrive) do not belong on this car. They limit it and are a lapse by Hyundai, but it is nothing close to a deal-breaking flaw as getting new tyres really isn't a hassle.Chapter 3: The UpgradesMy N Line has seen a few upgrades throughout its life. For the first 30,000 kms, nothing was upgraded except the horn which was upgraded to a Hella Chrome Trumpet horn which is basically an essential upgrade in Delhi traffic. At the 30,000 mark came the time to get rid of the sub-par Ceats, at which point I also upgraded the tyre size from 195/55/R16 to 215/45/R17 and said goodbye to the stock alloy wheels, for a set of heavier, but much better looking Infinity alloy wheels. My rubber of choice was the Michelin Pilot Sport 4, but since that is quite difficult to obtain, I went for the Primacy 4's and boy do they impress. The grip increased tenfold, and with that, so did the confidence. At around 35,000 kilometres, I decided to get Cobra lowering springs for the N Line and take it to the next level. The drop was 30/30 and the increment in looks and fitment is immeasurable.Chapter 4: The VerdictIn my opinion, the N Line is the perfect car for someone who is looking for a secondary car that will only be used to transport two people at max. While the rear seat comfort is not bad at all, it isn't the best if we are talking about a family car. The Asta (O) with its softer suspension is definitely more family-friendly. The N Line is a great highway car with its punchy engine and power on tap thanks to the quick shifts by the DCT which is further complemented by the paddles. To sum up, go for it. Even after 2 years and 40,000 kilometres with it, I still fall in love every single time I get in the driver's seat and the omissions are things you stop noticing very quickly. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Two held for attacking auto driver, woman over previous enmity in Tamil Nadu

THOOTHUKUDI: Two persons were arrested by the Kovilpatti West police and a search is on to trace another for allegedly attacking an auto driver and a woman over previous enmity. According to sources, auto driver Gnanaprakasam (55) of Nadarajapuram was brutally hacked by a three-member gang on the AKS Theatre road late on Wednesday. His relative Punitha Mary, who attempted to shield Gnanaprakasam, also sustained injuries in the attack. Preliminary investigation revealed that the attack was carried out by B Karthick (26) of VOC Nagar, and his friends S Sangili Pandian (30) and Petchimuthu over personal enmity. Around a month back, Karthick, who was allegedly in an inebriated condition, rammed his vehicle onto Gnanaprakasam's car, leading to heated arguments between the duo, which escalated to enmity, sources said. On Wednesday, Karthick along with Sangiili Pandian and Petchimuthu attacked Gnanaprakasam and Punitha using sharp weapons and fled the scene. A police team, led by sub inspector Senthil Kumar, arrested Pandian and Karthick on Friday, while a search is on to nab Petchimuthu, who is at large. The trio has been booked under sections 341, 294(b), 307, 506(2) of IPC. Meanwhile, Gnanaprakasam and Mary were taken to Kovilpatti government hospital, and the former was later shifted to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital owing to severe injuries, sources added.

Roborock Q7 Max+ robot vac and mop with auto-empty dock now $480 ($390 off), more from $240

As part of its early Memorial Day sales, Amazon is taking up to 45% off a collection of Roborocks vacuums and mops both robotic and stick models. The biggest price cut is on the Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum and Mop with Auto-Empty Dock Pure for $479.99 shipped. Down from its $870 price tag, this is the second-lowest price we have tracked for this model, with the new $460 all-time low appearing in March and repeating again last month. It comes in as a 45% markdown that gives you $390 in savings, making this as good an opportunity as ever to upgrade your homes cleaning needs to a more automated system. Weve also curated a list of other notable Roborock discounts below. more

Hit the road with PlayAIBoxs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Adapter down at $90

No one can debate the convince and value of Roku. Its made the home TV viewing experience more accessible than ever. While Roku hasnt yet entered the vehicle space, PlayAIBox has created a comparable device for motorists with its Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support. Its available for $89.99 (Reg. $129.99). more

Tesla to build China data center to power global autonomous driving

If youre seeing this message, that means JavaScript has been disabled on your browser. Please enable JavaScript to make this website work.

Constable closed for beating auto-rickshaw driver

A constable was closed over beating up an auto-rickshaw driver with a rod in Savar today

'One Chip Challenge' death autopsy report reveals 14-year-old had a heart defect what experts say

Auto Round up | Dive into the week's latest vehicle launches, enticing discounts, dividend disclosures, global premiers and more

Explore the latest developments in India's automotive sector, ranging from the introduction of new electric scooter models by TVS iQube to the debut of the latest variant by Maruti Fronx. Additionally, delve into Mahindra's investment plans and dividend announcements. Stay informed about the noteworthy events shaping the automotive landscape as we analyze the highlights of the week

NFO Alert: SBI Mutual Fund launches automotive opportunities fund all you need to know

SBI Automotive Opportunities Fund is a thematic mutual fund that aims to generate long-term capital appreciation for unit holders by investing in a portfolio of companies engaged in automotive and allied activities. The scheme opened for subscription on May 17 and will close on May 31.

Embedded finance is still trendy as accounting automation startup Ember partners with HSBC UK

Ember has partnered with HSBC in the U.K. so that the bank's business customers can access Embers services from their online accounts. 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Mahindra to launch 16 new SUVs in India by 2030

Mahindra has announced that it has lined up as many as 16 new SUVs for India. The carmaker plans to launch 7 EVs and 9 ICE models by 2030. Let's start with the ICE models. Mahindra plans to roll out three mid-cycle updates of existing models during this time. These include the recently launched XUV 3XO. The remaining 6 are said to be all-new SUVs. This year, Mahindra is gearing up to introduce the 5-door Thar, which is likely to be called the Thar Armada. Next up, is the Scorpio pickup truck that was revealed in concept form last year. Mahindra is also said to be working on the next-generation Bolero. It will be based on an all-new U171 platform and will spawn a 7-seater vehicle, a pickup truck and more. Mahindra's BEV range is set to expand with born-EV SUVs, based on the INGLO platform. Models like the XUV.e8, which is an electric version of the XUV700, XUV.e9 coupe and BE.05 electric SUVs, are already being tested out in the wild. The carmaker is also working on the Thar EV, which was showcased in concept form last year. Source: Autocar India

My rollercoaster journey from a Ford Fiesta to Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

BHPian sudiptaadhya recently shared this with other enthusiasts.PrologueBackground As a kid, I have always loved cars. Every time I saw a nice car - I would instinctively say ig car or ed car, even before I could speak complete sentences. At school and while growing up, I would look at the fancy cars of my schoolmates or family friends and drool over them with the feeling mera number kab aayega. Back in those days, a new Maruti 800 or new Santro was perfectly within the definition of a fancy car for me. Talk about the theory of relativity! Go Fida After I started working, I had to get a car. And damn - Ford's advertisements were just so out of the world. The Go Fida ad was something that I would have seen hundreds of times, always dreaming how I would zoom in on a Ford Fiesta like Abhishek. So in 2010, when I saw an ad on the office board about someone selling their Fiesta 1.4 ZXi to relocate abroad, I went and bought it immediately. However, the itch of getting a bigger and better car continued, so in 2011 I upgraded to the more powerful next-generation Fiesta 1.6 ZXi, and then in 2013 to the all-new global Fiesta 1.5 TDCi Titanium with the kinetic design. This one was such a hoot to drive - and when Ford announced its plans to exit India, I was heartbroken. In 2017, I decided to upgrade again, this time by leveraging the lease plan from work. With Ford on the way out, I decided to bite the bullet and get a Skoda Rapid, despite the after-sales nightmare stories. Unfortunately, it turned out to be precisely how people said; every time it went to the service center - it came back with a new problem. When the lease ended in 2020, I was happy to return the car. Bitten by the SUV Bug In 2020, when it came to selecting a new car, I was busy looking for another sedan. Few cars were as thrilling to drive as the last Fiesta. However, suddenly, I happened to see a red Jeep Compass, and it was love at first sight. The silent yet powerful petrol engine, combined with a fantastic DCT transmission, and luxurious interiors was enough to ensure that I booked it right away. And boy - did it make me completely forget the Fiesta - this car gave me so much happiness munching miles endlessly. Life Throws a Curveball In 2021, certain events were happening in my personal life, and I was hitting rock bottom. It was challenging to accept what had happened, so I spent a lot of time trying to erase memories, both physically and mentally. Suddenly in mid-2022, without any warning, during an evening drive, the Compass threw up a myriad of errors and slowed to a crawl. Somehow I managed to crawl back home - all of this was due to a single malfunctioning ABS sensor. Jeep, in the meanwhile, suddenly decided to dishonor the warranty, as there was one delayed service during Covid. It was ridiculous, but a good excuse to also erase the memory of the Compass - I called Cars24 and in 2 days the car was gone. Bringing Home the Tucson Selecting a new car was a whole new challenge - there were very few cars in the 40L space. I fell in love with the Skoda Superb and was almost about to book the car, but in comes the news of Skoda retiring the Octavia and the Superb. One day, a colleague suggested taking a look at the Hyundai Tucson. The Tucson usually looked like a small car in photos, so I wasn't interested, but still decided to go and take a look. And it was once again, very surprisingly, an Ah My God moment. The car looked enormous in the flesh, was so much fun to drive, and so incredibly luxurious. Once again - I took the plunge and booked the car, only to know that delivery would probably take 6 months due to the considerable demand. A few days later, suddenly another Hyundai dealer called, as I had been enquiring about the Kona. When they heard about my Tucson booking, they said that they had a blue car arriving in 2 days that they could allocate to me as the intended buyer was facing issues with the loan. Lo and behold - in September 2022, I had my Tucson, and it was delivered faster than anyone else! Driving the Tucson was always a happy moment, and we did some outstanding drives with our extended family to the Nilgiris, and countless fond memories! Life Throws Another Curveball In November 2022, I had to travel to New York for an assignment for 3 months. Post Covid, this was the first time I was traveling, and so I was very excited. Additionally, it would also be a good break to forget about the last curveball or so I thought. However, on the second day of my trip, I had a significant Medical Incident, which was suspected to be related to long-covid or the vaccine. It took me 5 months to get back on my feet before I could return to India. Life happens ------------------------------------In Comes the BlizzardThe New Life In March 2023, after 5 nightmarish months, I was finally back home. My perspective on life had changed - I was no longer willing to wait patiently for what I wanted in life. In August 2023, I decided to quit my job at one of the world's most well-known banks to take up another offer. In doing so, I had to relocate to Chennai, leaving behind my home of 14 years. Fast-forward to November 2023, while Pandal hopping during Durga Puja in Chennai, I saw a Merc on display. And suddenly, it dawned on me that I had to experience that too, especially when life gives no guarantees. Very soon, I decided to sell my Tucson (which was not an easy decision - I loved her) and get the German beauty. The Ultimate Driving Machine So I decided to visit the BMW showroom on OMR, and immediately fell in love with the 6GT. Oh boy - what a looker she is! The long curvy silhouette, the leather seats and the air suspension just blew me off my feet. But that's where the fun ended - everything went downwards from there: Customer Treatment - We went to their main showroom on GST Road, and we took my father's i20. We were made to wait for a long time, it seemed that everyone's attention was focused on an iX delivery. Then they said that the 6GT signature version was out of stock. We wanted to see the x5 - we got a very brief feature review, and no one wanted to tell us the price. Peasant treatment? Inconsistent Discounts - While the 6GT was getting very attractive discounts in Bengaluru and Mumbai, the Chennai dealership, due to their monopoly, refused to match them at all. Bargaining for me is like rubbing nails on a blackboard or going to the dentist for scaling - I just can't! And it seemed very unfair that I would pay around 10 lakhs more for the same car! Final Nail in the Coffin - For a while they kept on saying that they would give me a very attractive price for my Tucson. One Wednesday, I was ready to book and had my chequebook ready, when the BMW sales people came to my office. They quoted 50% for the Tucson. When I shook my head in dismay, they asked me to wait while they called someone on the phone. After 15 minutes of waiting, they offered 25,000 more. Seriously? I walked out Side note: BMW finally agreed to match the best price I received for my Tuscon, but it was too late. The last episode left such a horrid feeling that I was unwilling to go back to the dealership! Burmester Blows My Mind In between all this, I decided to visit the Merc showroom, and I was surprised at how welcome they made us feel. The security person rushed to help us come out of our i20, and the sales consultant Mr. Vinoth, patiently showed us all the cars. He continuously kept on saying - sir, you don't have to buy from us, just experience all our cars and then decide. The car that I liked best in the showroom was the GLC. It was a brand-new model (not a lifecycle impulse / LCI) on a new global platform, looks like a mini S class from the inside, has the best-in-class tech, and is as fast as the six-cylinder 6GT 630d (despite having 4 cylinders). However, what blew me off was the Burmester music system - it is just out of the world and no other German car comes close. I have a Bose, Sony, and Samsung home theatre at home(s), and this was way better. Additionally, one of the interesting things that I learned about Mercedes was that the pricing and discounts are controlled centrally and dealers cannot decide. Therefore, everyone pays the same for the car and all bookings must be made online directly with the brand. My aged parents were also with me, and they were immediately taken to the Mercedes Cafe and treated to amazing beverages and snacks. The warm welcome was very impressive, but at that time we were still leaning towards the 6GT or the x5. After the horrid haggling experience with BMW, I called up Mr. Vinoth the same evening and asked him how much he would offer for my Tucson. He quoted a price that, I thought, was fair, and I booked my GLC 300 online immediately. Here Comes the Blizzard - GLC 300 The next day, Mr. Vinoth (the sales consultant) and Ms. Sheeba (showroom head) came over to our house to complete the paperwork and give another test drive. They brought the GLC and the C-Class, and were very generous that we could drive any or both cars and for however long we wanted to. I took the car to ECR, floored the pedal, and was floored myself. The crazy acceleration (0-100kmph in 6.1secs), confident braking and straight-line stability were impressive. Moreover, it's an All-Wheel-Drive SUV that one can confidently take to the hills, rough patches, off-roads, and not break a sweat. In less than a week, the car arrived from Pune, and we did a quick PDI followed by registration formalities. Bringing Her Home The delivery was a very regal event at the iconic VST Titanium Showroom at Thousand Lights in Chennai. We had a wonderful cake cutting, along with professional videography and lots of fun with the entire crew. Star Trail Events We were invited to 2 Star Trail events over the following months. The first one was a lunch event at **Intercontinental Hotel, ECR, Chennai** followed by the unveiling of the new A class. The second one was an off-roading expedition at **The Farm, OMR, Chennai** where we were treated to some outstanding food and got to drive some expensive cars off-road. I got a chance to drive the GLS through the rocky terrain, and it climbed steep slopes with more agility than a tiger. Even for a moment, one wouldn't feel the massive size of the car while navigating the peaks, which was beyond impressive. A feat of engineering! After Sales Service While purchasing the car, I had also included Star Ease Compact Plus package for 4 years and an extended warranty for the fourth year. In the past few months, the car had 2 trips to the service centre - one for the 30-day service and the other for the 80A fuse box replacement (as a part of the recall campaign). Both the times, the car was picked up from home, and washed and returned like new after the service. The entire process was coordinated extremely well by Mr. Satish (CRM) and Mr. Agasiya (Service) with continuous updates and accommodating any requirements. Needless to say - everything (including the car detailing) was free of cost. Of all the brands that I have owned - the after sales service of Mercedes has been the best, by a long shot! Unintentional Testing of the Build Quality On the first day of the new year, we went out towards ECR but were caught in a long traffic jam, where people were trying to squeeze into every gap possible. In between all of this, a Polo GT decided to suddenly speed up and rear-ended me. As the car shook violently from the impact, in my mind, I was already picturing the rear bumper and tail lights breaking and requiring a long stay at the service centre. I will let the video describe this. When I reached home, I was surprised to see that there wasn't even a scratch on the car. I checked 5 times over to make sure that I was missing nothing - and indeed there was nothing! Build quality 10/10 Pondicherry Trip We decided to do a weekend trip to Pondicherry and see the sun and sands. We decided to take the GST Road to allow the car to stretch its legs and also use the advanced DISTRONIC cruise control system. The car is indeed a hoot to drive, and getting 13kmpl despite occasional hard acceleration was easy. As a side note, the recommended fuel is 95 Octane and the ideal is 97 Octane, as this is a high-compression engine. I was initially using Shell Premium (which is 91 Octane) but then started using XP100 / Speed97 and the smoothness and acceleration impact is night and day. Other Interesting PointsADAS: All my ADAS functions (emergency braking, lane keep assist etc) are always switched on and kept on the **_medium_** setting. I did the same in my Tucson and I feel it makes me a better driver - I always keep sufficient gap from the vehicle in front. I believe I would prefer being rear-ended rather than hit a vehicle or pedestrian myself - there have been numerous instances when people and kids dash in front of the car out of nowhere.Kitna deti hai: I get around 9kmpl in the city under normal driving conditions, and around 13kmpl with occasional hard accelerations.------------------------------------EpilogueSpecial Thanks To The VST Titanium Crew: This is the same group that meets film stars and other celebrities (you can see plenty of videos on YouTube) as they deliver cars like Maybach, AMG, and other expensive vehicles. Yet, they gave us (i.e., Hyundai i20 guests) the same warmth and welcome as they do to the stars - this amply demonstrates the maturity of the brand and the incredible culture of the group. Through the sales process and for the Star Trails events after that, they were very inclusive with my aged parents, sparing no opportunity to make them feel welcomed and comfortable. Special thanks to Ms. Sheeba (head), Mr. Vinoth (the most fantastic and talented sales consultant), Mr. Vignesh (Insurance), Ms. Shanti (CRM), Mr. Satish (CRM), and Mr. Agasiya (Service). Mercedes India & Mr. Santosh Iyer, CEO: Thank you for building the brand for the last 15 years, the aspirational value and recognition of the star are unparalleled. I grew up seeing so many Mercedes videos that made me dream and build a future, that I probably couldn't have, without all that inspiration. We are proud to be called different names... Rebels, Radicals, Renegades! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Kia launches leasing options for Sonet, Seltos & Carens

Kia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Orix to launch its new ownership program - Kia Lease. As part of Kia Lease, the company is offering monthly subscription plans for the Sonet, Seltos and Carens. In the first phase, Kia Lease has been launched in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru and Pune. Customers can lease a Kia vehicle without any initial down payment for a period of 24 to 60 months. The monthly charges also include maintenance and insurance costs. At the end of the lease period, customers will have the option to return and upgrade to a new car.All-inclusive minimum monthly lease prices:Sonet - Rs 21,900Seltos - Rs 28,900Carens - Rs 28,800

Made in Gujarat! YouTuber modifies Honda Civic into Lamborghini for 12.5 lakh - HT Auto

Made in Gujarat! YouTuber modifies Honda Civic into Lamborghini for 12.5 lakh HT Auto

Indian automotive trends for the future; Petrolheads share predictions

BHPian Omkar recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Recently, we had a thread discussing automotive trends that you find unappealing which produced some very interesting answers. Let's put on our thinking caps once again and predict some of the trends that will be popular in the future. Here are some trends that I would put on my list.More EV manufacturers will come to India The recent EV policy has paved the way for Tesla's entry into the Indian market. This will surely encourage some of the other EV manufacturers to make their debut in India. EVs are currently on the cusp of becoming mainstream, and with the government's push, they'll become a lot more accessible in the future.Popularity of hybrids The benefits of hybrid cars are known to everyone. However, due to the lack of options in the market and the higher entry price point, Hybrids were never accessible. Moreover, the government's taxation hasn't been in the favour of hybrids due to the push towards fully electric. Against all odds, Toyota still focused on Hybrids and the bets paid off. In 2023, Toyota nearly achieved an equal split between conventional and the new option of hybrid (More details). This trend will continue in the future as affordable hybrids will find buyers who are looking for more efficiency and aren't ready to make the switch over to fully electric.Tata & Mahindra will be even stronger Given the momentum that both Tata and Mahindra currently have, without a doubt will be even more prominent in the Indian market. The home advantage and the fact that both have focused on making capable cars at affordable prices is the key to their success. Also, looking at the future roadmap of both these companies will be a force to reckon with.Cars will get even more expensive We're currently in a time where India is a seller's market. Car manufacturers have the upper hand and customers are lining up to buy cars. This is also the reason why we're seeing the car prices soaring and this trend will continue. Also, people are moving away from affordable hatchbacks and cars with heavy cost-cutting. People are preferring SUVs and MPVs in the 15-25 lakh rupee segment. People are willing to pay for a car that is feature-loaded and an all-rounder, so this is where the action will be in the coming years.Doubling down on safety For years, safety was an aspect that was ignored on Indian roads. Be it the infrastructure or the cars themselves. Things have changed considerably now and manufacturers are offering 6 airbags as standard on most cars. Hyundai has even made 6 airbags as standard across its lineup of cars. Also with the Bharat NCAP in place, people will be paying more attention towards the safety rating of new cars. Soon, we'll be seeing some safety features like 6 airbags, ESP, traction control, etc. becoming offered as standard across all variants even in the affordable car segment.Crazy performance figures will be common Not too long ago, a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of under 10 seconds was considered as quick. Nowadays, with the advent of electric cars, that number is the standard norm. Affordable cars like the Mahindra XUV400, Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV have a 0-100 km/h time of under 9 seconds. And these are commuter cars! Won't be surprised if soon we'll start seeing Rs 20 lakh EVs that have 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6 seconds.Artificial Intelligence With artificial intelligence (AI) infiltrating many aspects of our day-to-day lives, it's only plausible that manufacturers will start integrating AI in cars. The most important integration would probably be for improving autonomous driving tech. Apart from that, AI could also be used in a user interface to make the interactive experience more seamless.Minimalist designs The transition from classic & timeless designs to quirky & outrageous designs is what we've seen in recent times. People want something that looks different from the crowd and while I believe this will stay the same, people will start preferring simple and clean designs again. We've seen a similar trend with the logos of car manufacturers who've now started going 2D from 3D. Going forward I do believe we'll be seeing a lot more minimalist designs on cars.Subscription-based features Not something that will be popular among car owners, but it's something that most manufacturers will inevitably adopt. Certain features will be offered on a subscription basis the way Tesla and BMW are doing currently. Although manufacturers will get some flak for this, I feel that this is unavoidable.Sustainable materials Going by the current trend of using materials that are recycled or kinder to nature, the automobile industry will also most likely see an influence. There are some hints already. For instance, Tata's latest EV showrooms focus highly on sustainability. What I predict is that we'll start seeing sustainable materials being used in car cabins.Physical buttons We're currently in the phase where touch-sensitive buttons are being used everywhere and controls are being integrated into touchscreens. I know it's far-fetched, but I do have a feeling that we'll see physical buttons return for various car functions. While touch-sensitive buttons look and feel premium, most of us prefer physical buttons just for the functionality and the satisfying feedback you get from using them.Inbuilt dashcams Just as most accessories are being offered as standard, the same would most likely happen with dashcams. We all know the importance of dashcams and manufacturers like Hyundai have started offering them in their cars so you don't have to shop for them separately. Mahindra had a clever integration of dashcam and ADAS features in the XUV700. We should see something similar and something better being made mainstream sometime in the future.Keyless starting procedure Something that's catching on these days and seems like a well-thought-out feature as well. We've seen this on the Volvo XC40 Recharge and the MG Comet as well where you don't need to press a push start button, but instead, just press the brake pedal, shift the transmission to D or R and off you go. No need to press the button. It's most likely that this feature will be exclusive to electric cars.Online sale of cars Visiting a dealership and buying a car has always been an experience, and there will always be people who will prefer doing that. But with the overgrowing dependency on buying things online, I'm sure most car manufacturers will soon give the option of purchasing a car online. What other trends do you feel will be popular in the future? Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:My take on the points raisedThe new EV policy is a step in the right direction, but who is going to benefit from it? Tesla setting up a factory in India continues to be nothing more than a rumour, just speculation, perhaps even wishful thinking. Which other EV manufacturers are lining up to set up plants in India? The Chinese, and perhaps VinFast.Hybrids have been more noise than substance at this point, where the sole success story has been the Innova HyCross, a monopoly vehicle that doesn't really have to worry about price points + forced discouragement of diesel. Nothing game-changing is going to happen in this sphere unless the government makes a major policy U-turn and actually provides tax benefits on strong and plug-in hybrids. That is again speculation at this point. The policy till now has been clear - EVs, not hybrids. The govt has had its fingers burnt by Maruti's smart hybrid gate, and the transport minister has a history of making lofty statements. Maruti's proposed small car series hybrid system also remains mere words as of now. Proof of the pudding will be if and when they come out with an actual vehicle and the performance, efficiency and driving experience vs price curve can be judged. Could very well be another 1.5 DDiS moment.There is going to be space for all three powertrains - conventional ICE, hybrid and EV. All the more options for the buyer. Let the market forces prevail.I see price rationalisation happening in the short-middle term in the premium segment. It will be a necessity to survive. 50L+ rupee vehicles are terrible value for money, customers are becoming aware that they are being shortcharged and competition from the likes of Hyundai-Kia and the Chinese EVs will only increase.At the same time, I expect to see ever-reducing volumes from the sub-10L rupee segment. Margins are wafer-thin, and hardly anyone can compete with Maruti and Tata here. Already, Punch is the new Alto/WagonR.EVs are going to democratise performance. Already, Nexon EV LR, XUV400 and ZS EV are quicker than all relevant ICE cars at all legal speeds. 500+ bhp and 0-100 in 3.xx seconds is supercar performance. Available at 55L with the BYD Seal, when BMW wants you to buy a 135bhp 1.5liter for more. Anyone who experiences a good EV drivetrain will be a convert for life. This will mostly affect the mass market cars, your 1.0 and 1.2 decades old and super lame NA engines. The difference is just ridiculous.Safety will get more prominence from buyers, which is a great thing. Making a safe mass market is Tata Motor's single biggest contribution to the Indian market. The other brands are being forced to give up the excuses and shape up, or step out.Sustainable materials getting highlighted is more marketing and PR than anything else. Not relevant to any potential buyer. They are just trying to greenwash themselves.There is an increasing demand for a return to physical buttons and knobs, especially for the most commonly used features. This entire trend of touching everything was started by Tesla which basically lives in its own universe. Already, manufacturers are starting to revert back based on customer feedback and regulatory hurdles. Only a matter of time before these changes happen in India also, we are just a few years behind the curve.I don't see online sales of cars taking off in India. Cars are the second biggest purchase most people make in their lives and are a momentous occasion for the entire family. The showroom visits, test drives, touching and feeling, and deliberations within the house, are all an intrinsic part of the car buying experience and will continue to remain so. Indian market is never going to be detached enough to make such a personal and big-ticket purchase online, without seeing and feeling it. The car purchase is not becoming like an appliance purchase anytime soon.Here's what BHPian ampere had to say on the matter:I really hope we see more strong hybrids making their way to the roads. In my opinion, it's the best of both worlds. A full electric always has this doubt of being stuck without juice. But a hybrid will have the answers. But I see strong lobbies for both the camps and India seems tilting to full EV. I do hope the hybrid also finds its foothold in this market. The 30-50L market in my opinion is a huge bracket where many such products can reside.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Hyundai Kona Electric: Ownership experience after 5 months & 10,000 km

BHPian GKR9900 recently shared this with other enthusiasts 10,000 kms UPDATE It has been 5 months since I bought the Kona in December 2023. It has been an enjoyable experience no doubt. The 10000 kms were up and it was time to take the car for service. Service was scheduled for 9 am at Popular Hyundai, Kochi on 10th May. Reached the dealership by around 9.15 am. In spite of making a booking via the Hyundai app and later confirming via call, it took a good 45 minutes to get a service advisor allotted to me though. Guess they were short on staff that day. Anyway, once the service advisor did take up my car, he was courteous and tried to make up for a lost time. The routine checks were done, fluids were topped up, the car was washed, and a BMS update was also done. They also looked into a few minor things that I had mentioned. While waiting, briefly checked out the Ioniq 5 too. These CKD Hyundais ooze some terrific quality. There's no denying that. I also managed to talk with a senior service head about the probable plans Hyundai India has lined up for the Indian EV space. The Kona was never intended to be a seller. It was more of an R&D exercise for Hyundai to test the waters in India. Ioniq 5 was sort of like a halo product. It seems the Creta EV is going to be their next major product, most likely as a replacement for the diesel Creta with the ever-tightening emission norms. Unlike the Kona, the Creta EV is expected to be a volume seller. So they are in the process of upgrading the Maharashtra plant and various service centres across the country to better handle that demand. The next in line is the Exter EV. He also mentioned how Hyundai is considering bringing in the new Kona EV (at a price of ~35L) and Genesis to India. But these might take some time. We also talked about how Maruti's entry into the EV space is going to shake up the entire Indian landscape. Looks like EV fanatics are in for some juicy products in the near future. After the service, I took the car to the nearby tyre shop the get a wheel balancing, rotation and alignment done. While doing this, there was a small screw that was found piercing the front left tyre. No warnings had popped up in the TPMS though. They fixed the tyre. The tyre pressure was set at 36 psi using nitrogen. This was later reduced to around 34 as 36 made the car unnecessarily bouncy. 34 seemed to offer a good balance between ride and handling. So how does the car hold up after 10,000 kms? Simply magical! Truth be told, this car is turning out to be an all-time favourite. I have said this before: The smooth, silent, and explosive EV powertrain has made sure that it is next to impossible for me to consider another ICE car for purchase, but the low centre of gravity, the steering feel (I know I am talking about a Hyundai), the confident brakes, the paddle based regen, the 350 km realistic range, the way the car sticks on to tarmac - except for the times when you unleash all 400Nm of torque in a split second - have made sure that even if I am to consider another EV, it's going to be a very hard exercise upgrading from all this. And I am not even mentioning the fuel cost savings so far! A few things I have noticed:Efficiency changes with outside temperature: The recent heat waves have demonstrated exactly this. When outside temperatures were soaring high, my efficiency for work-home commutes hovered around 6.5-7.5 km/kwh. Earlier I used to get around 8-9km/kwh even with spirited driving. Do note that I was driving mostly in comfort mode so the AC performance was not reduced.However, in the Kona, you can customise the AC to be in a higher setting even while driving in eco mode.Efficiency changes with tyre pressure: The recommended 36 psi on all tyres delivers more efficiency. But on a hot summer day, a bit of driving around takes the indicated tyre pressure to ~38 psi which makes the ride too firm and uncomfortable over poor road surfaces. I played around and have found that 34 is the sweet spot for tyre pressure in the Kona.Utility mode is Godsent: With peak summer scorching the living hell out of our bodies, the utility mode in the Kona - where you can use the car as a giant power bank while the motor is turned off has come off as a lifesaver on more than one occasion. On a few occasions when our local transformer had gone caput, I did manage to get a few hours of sleep inside the car with the AC turned on in utility mode. A little bit of music adds a pleasant ambience inside the cabin.All said and done, it's pretty sad that Hyundai never promoted the Kona to its fullest potential. This is a no-nonsense, semi-aspirational, enthusiast-pampering car that is the first proper fully electric one in the mass-market segment. The car was initially launched in 2018 and there are so many things in the car that still feels well ahead of time. Anyway, I am happy to have lapped one up just in time. This one's a keeper! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The Morning After: Grand Theft Auto 6 is coming fall 2025

One of the biggest, most iconic gaming series is almost back. Grand Theft Auto 6 is apparently on track for a fall launch next year a little more specific than the previous release window of 2025. Theres no new trailer, and GTA publisher, Take-Two, is not quite ready to offer a specific release date. CEO Strauss Zelnick told Variety : I think were going to leave it there for now. The sixth mainline installment will be set in Leonida (Rockstars Florida equivalent) and focused mostly on Vice City (Miami). Compared to GTA Vice City , however, itll be contemporary. So, Im banking on OnlyFans pastiches, vapes, self-driving cars and everything else 2020s. Plus explosions and crime. Mat Smith The biggest stories you might have missed Uber will soon let you reserve a shuttle to get home from a big concert or ballgame Samsungs Music Frame gets its first discount on Amazon The best PC games out there (but we need to add Balatro) You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! AT&T is making all its phones satellite phones A new deal will connect your phone with five commercial satellites. AT&T AT&T subscribers will soon have cell service even in typical dead zones, like deep inside national parks or far-flung rural locations. The mobile carrier has been working with AST SpaceMobile since 2018, testing two-way audio calls, texts and video calls via satellites in space using ordinary smartphones. Now, the companies have entered a commercial agreement, just in time for a rocket launch of five commercial AST satellites this summer. Those satellites will enable AT&T to roll out its service, but theres no start date, yet. Continue reading. OpenAI strikes deal to put Reddit posts in ChatGPT The deal is similar to the one Reddit struck with Google just months ago. OpenAI and Reddit announced, on Thursday, a partnership for OpenAI to surface Reddit discussions in ChatGPT, and for Reddit to bring AI-powered features to its users. The partnership will enable OpenAIs tools to better understand and showcase Reddit content, especially on recent topics, the companies said in a joint statement. As part of the agreement, OpenAI will also become an advertising partner on Reddit. Ugh. Ive resurrected my Reddit habit due to an incredible/accursed game called Balatro . So hopefully, soon, I can just ask ChatGPT what certain cards and terms mean. Continue reading. US House passes act to force event pricing transparency But it doesnt address exorbitant fees or bots. On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives passed a bill that could provide at least some accountability for Ticketmaster and other live-event vendors. NBC News reports the TICKET Act (not to be confused with the Senates separate bill with the same try-hard acronym) would mandate that ticket sellers list upfront the total cost of admission including all fees to buyers. Reforming the ticketing industry became a political point-scoring item in late 2022 after Ticketmasters Taylor Swift fiasco. The Live Nation-owned service, which has a stronghold on the industry, melted down as millions of fans battled a staggering number of bots. Ticketmaster said presale codes reached 1.5 million fans, but 14 million (including those pesky bots) tried to buy tickets. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-grand-theft-auto-6-is-coming-fall-2025-111507383.html?src=rss

Grand Theft Auto 6 Wont Arrive Until Fall 2025, Take-Two Confirms

Take-Two Interactive Software tempered expectations for fiscal 2025 bookings on Thursday, after setting the release of Grand Theft Auto VI in the fall of calendar 2025.

Update on my Alfa Romeo Spider: Driven 1600 km after engine overhaul

BHPian Jeroen recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Yesterday, I took the Spider back to Marc. Since the last engine overhaul, I have driven almost 1600 km. So, it's time to get the oil and filter changed. And a few other small things. As always, there is plenty to see in and around Marc's shop! We put the Spider on the lift. Drained the oil, and replaced the oil filter. The engine has used about 0.75l of engine oil, which is not too bad for a newly overhauled engine. I am still not 100% convinced the problem with the over-fueling is completely solved, but it appears a lot better than last year. When we started the engine, within minutes I noticed a huge black spot of soot and crap underneath behind the exhaust on the shop floor. Marc confirmed it is most likely unburned fuel. This means the cold start and warming up system is not working properly. I will look into it when I get back home. We also investigated the small coolant leak. Most likely it is not the coolant pump seal. With the Spider on the lift, we could have a good long look. Impossible with the Spider just on jackstands in my garage. We concluded that there was most likely a tiny bit of coolant coming from the bleed screw and perhaps also underneath one of the hose clamps. So that was soon fixed. I also felt the Spider steering was a bit on the heavy side. We discussed the option, which is adjusting the front wheel alignment (Toe in/out) or the steering box. As the Spider drives extremely well straight out at high speeds (130-140 km/h) we opted for adjusting the steering box. I have done this once myself a few years ago. It is somewhere in this thread. It is done by placing additional shims on the top of the steering box. And I must say, it made a remarkable improvement. I have already spoken to Peter. Most likely he will come over to help me with checking the cold start system. It is not that difficult, but it is a two-man job most likely. We will need to remove the cold start injector and hold it above a container whilst the other one cranks the engine. I took a nice drive back home, avoiding all motorways. In a few weeks time, we had planned our annual Spider trip to France. Unfortunately, Cees and Annelies, our friends and owners of the B&B Le Paradis had to cancel our booking due to personal circumstances. During that time they need to be in the Netherlands. With the other Spider friends we quickly made different arrangements, so we are going to Daun, Germany instead of Buxurelles France. Cees and Annelies will be staying in our home, so that works out for everybody. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Stock market update: Nifty Auto index advances 1.74%

The Nifty Auto index closed 1.74 per cent up at 23285.65.

Grand Theft Auto maker firms up GTA 6 release date

The latest instalment of the hugely popular series will be released in autumn 2025, its publisher says.

Honda NX500 customer deliveries delayed in India

Earlier this year, Honda launched the NX500 adventure bike in India. We have now learnt that customer deliveries have been significantly delayed. The keys to the first bikes are now expected to be handed over in October. The exact reason for the delay is unclear though. Some reports suggest that deliveries have been pushed back due to logistics issues, while others claim that the delay is due to restrictions imposed by the government on imports from Thailand. Whatever the reason behind the delay, it seems those who booked the NX500 will have to wait at least till the end of this year. The NX500 is the replacement for the CB500X. The bike is powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine that makes 47 BHP @ 8,600 rpm and 43 Nm @ 6,500 rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch. In India, the Honda NX500 is priced at Rs 5.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It competes with the Benelli TRK 502 and Moto Morini X-Cape 650. Thanks to BHPian madbullram for sharing this information with other enthusiasts!

Got 2nd set of aux lights for my KTM 250 Adventure: Why I chose HJG-21

BHPian advstreak recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I amvery satisfiedwith the highway performance of the HJG KZ-30 lights. However, due to the headlightbeing fixedon theADVthe spread from the H4 led projector bulb isnot enoughto cover the corner in twisties.Thisled to the wild hunt for the best possible second set of spread aux lights to aid the KZ-30 in hyper-spot mode. There is this excellent video by Diode Dynamics explaining themajorLED optics. Video From this video, one can see that forward-facing reflectors are not the best in terms of throw. They have a lot of light bleeds and don't have a sharp cut-off line. The answer to having a proper spread is to have projector optics. NowideallyI would have wanted to lightwhichhasboth spread and spot functions in one package.It is the HJG-16 model (231209asper their Alibaba page) www.alibaba.com/product-deta...67387728i2XuGI Thisis the low beam spread pattern taken from the above website. And here is the spot beam. Here are some videos showing its real-world performance: Video Video But the problem seems to be that this modeldoes not seem to bein stock anywhere.I even contacted the Chinese people to help out. But it looks like HJG only produces whatever sellsandas there might not be enough demand for thisonethey don't plan to make this further. The other option is the HJG-12 model www.alibaba.com/product-deta...67387728i2XuGI But the low beam pattern brightness tapers off at the corner edges. And the high beam spot is more of a spreadratherthan a spot. This behavior can also be seen in the real-world video here: Video Hencedecidedto continue the search for the HJG-16 model. After a deeper dive, I was able to find something similar opticsnamelythe HJG-21model sarkkart.com/shop-2/riding-g...er-collection/ This model is also on the HJG Alibaba website with a rated power of 36 watts alibaba.com/product-deta...6808609a8SDFO5 From a deeper dive, Iwas able to finda video where both HJG-16 and 22 modelsare shown. Video Thisconfirmed that the low-beam optics are the samealbeitwith lower power. The high beam spot has slightly different optics and is much weakercompared tothe HJG-16 model. Anywayas this was the only optionavailableI decided to place the order anduponreceivingchecked its power consumption.It consumes around 17.25 Watts if the low beam is onandif both low+high beamsare turned onsimultaneouslythenaround 22 Watts. Thismeans these couldbe turned onusing the Maddog harnesswhichis already installed. The total power consumption will be 30+30+22+22=104 Watts. ( If the KZ-30 consumes 30 watts. It could be lower than that). The Maddog harness has a 10amp fusesoit should be able to do 120 watts. So this isexactlywhat I did. Here is how it looks post-installation. Nowcomingto performance, this is how the H4 led projector bulb looks in total dark conditions. One can see the frame edgesare not illuminatedvery well. Thisis how it looks with only the aux lights on and the headlight switched off. The frame edges are illuminated much better with a proper cut-off line. The KZ-30 is also on and in spot mode. Finally, this is how it looks when the headlightas wellauxlights are on. Nowthenext steps will be to head twisties in the night to check these out thoroughly and make anychanges that are required. During the last service, it was apparent that the cone set needed replacement.It was not doneduring the service due to lack of time.Finallygot the time to get it done. The condition of the bearing wasvery badandit's a good thing I did not push the replacement further. After the clutch placement replacement, I noticed the clutch pull lever had become harderwhichcould be due to newer springs. But I was getting the feeling that the clutch cable had also gonebad.When the cone set was being worked uponthedamage to the cableas well themotouren neck brace was noticedandthe clutch cable was promptly replaced. The clutch lever torsion spring has also brokenwhichwas also replaced. After fitting the new clutch cabletheclutch cablepull has become much lighter.But I remember the 250 clutch pull to be even more lighter.I plan to do a pull test on another 250as well asget the exact 250 clutch spring part numbers to see if they are the same as 390or not. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Auto, metal stocks propel Sensex 253 points higher; Nifty above 22,450

M&M was the top gainer, rising 6% as its overall March quarter numbers led to target price hikes and upgrades. JSW Steel, UltraTech Cement, Kotak Bank, ITC, and Maruti also closed higher.

Is this autonomous security guard robot the protection you need?

A robotic security guard stands 5 feet tall and can move at 3 mph while patrolling the workplace and reporting to a call center staffed by humans.

Changing the spark plugs on my 2012 Superb: A comprehensive DIY guide

BHPian dkaile recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I had the Superb's original Spark Plugs lying with me for nearly 10 years now. They were the superior NGK Iridium Platinum variety, Made in Japan, part# PFR6Q which had a service change interval of 90k kms, just like the originals. So even though the originals were working just fine and still had more than half of it's life left in them according to their service schedule, I decided why to take any risk and get these changed anyways, as the car was 12 years old now. So out came the NGK spark plugs. The main tool required to open up the spark plugs is the 16mm spark plug long socket with rubber grommet to catch the spark plug and 3/4 (or 1/2) ratchet and an extension piece This is the alternative Spark Plug part# if the above one is not available nowadays - PFR7S8EG for the 1.8TSI engine First job was to remove the engine cover which is held by just 4 rubber grommets. You just pop them up to release Next disconnect the connectors at the back of each coil pack. Their locks are released by gently pressing the lock tabs as shown in the picture. I did it by hand After releasing the tabs you just gently slide them back as shown in the picture Now you are ready to take the coil packs out. Be careful not to bend them and exert equal pressure on the front and the back and very gently raise them to prevent damaging their insulation. Take the help (very gently) of a long screw driver IF necessary All 4 ignition coils are popped out as shown in the picture A view from the top after the coil packs are removed. The spark plugs are visible inside Now gently put in the Taparia ratchet wrench and the 16mm socket with extension and open anticlockwise to loosen the spark plugs fully. They clipped on to the rubber seal in my spark plug socket and I was easily able to pull them out. Tip - You can also use one of the ignition coils to lift them out if you do not have a rubber seal in your spark plug socket. All the 4 old spark plugs are out. Notice no yellowing or burn out of the white insulator part The old and the new together. Now I checked the resistance of both the old and new spark plugs, which is the best parameter to check the health of your spark plugs (as these are resistance based spark plugs). Here's the resistance of the 12 year old one, which is around 1.3Kohm, which is where it should be as per OE specs. Note the difference between the uncleaned one on the left and the cleaned old spark plug on the right Now the 4 NEW ones were ready to be fitted in the car Now torque wrench may seem to not be needed but is a very good idea. The perfect torque provides optimal heat transfer between the spark plugs and the cylinder heads. Too tight can lead to spark plug breakage and too loose can lead to compression loss and in some rare cases, the spark plug even blowing out of the cylinder block. The torque spec required here is 25Nm, just enough to the crunch the crush washer and I set my torque wrench to the minimum to achieve that Final check was to crank the engine, which it did in half a crank (as earlier) Hope this helps fellow Skoda/VW/Audi/VAG car owners. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

F1 wants to bring back the noise with its 2030 engines

Formula 1 is all set to implement a new set of regulations from 2026. However, the sport is reportedly looking into the future & considering its options post-2030 as well. Speaking to select media, Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, hinted at drastic changes for the sport from 2030, even considering abandoning hybrid powertrains - first introduced in 2014. Domenicali stated that he wants to address the complaints from F1 fans about the lack of engine noise from the new turbo-hybrid powertrains compared to the old V8s. The F1 CEO stated, As soon as the 2026 regulations are defined, we will start to think about what the next steps will be, such as the 2030 engine. He went on to mention, It is a personal consideration of mine, not yet shared with the teams, even if we have spoken about it with the FIA, that if sustainable fuels work, we will need to carefully evaluate whether to continue with hybrid (technology) or whether better solutions will be available. While Domenicali hasn't revealed any details on the alternate options, reports do state that with the introduction of sustainable fuels, the sport could possibly bring back the popular V8s. Talking about the upcoming 2026 regulations, Domenicalli confirmed that they will be ready well ahead of its June 30, 2024, deadline. Source: Motorsport

Frank Sieren und die Ambivalenz des E-Auto-Marktes

Frank Sieren ist ein deutscher Journalist und als solcher Experte fr China, wo er seit 1994 auch lebt. Zuletzt verffentlichte er das Buch Shenzhen Zukunft []

Automatic transmission cars owned by persons with disabilities entitled to tax exemption: Madras High Court

The Court set aside an order passed by the Tamil Nadu Transport Commissioner earlier this year refusing to grant tax exemption, and directed the officer to reconsider the issue

Brought home my MG ZS EV Excite pro: 7 reasons why I am impressed

BHPian Humane_India recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Got the delivery on 10th May 2024 i.e Akshay TritiyaFantastic Car with a spacious cabin, almost like a Creta and SILENT CABIN tooSuspension is very well tuned for the amount of torque the car generates instantaneouslyDriving dynamics are on par with German standards - Steering feedback, Braking, stability are top notch - Just love itGave 340 km range on first Highway Run with 40 degree temperature outside and highway speed within 100 kmph - Eco Mode & Regen 3Thrilling to drive on highways, NEED to have control on your adrenaline & urges !!Excite Pro is THE MOST VFM variant of MG ZS EV out there without a doubtRecommended to anyone with a budget below 22L for an SUV-EV and not just for savings, but for the thrill and pleasure of driving. Switch to an EV asap everyone Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Suzuki Jimny 5-door Heritage Edition unveiled for Australia

Suzuki has unveiled a new special 'Heritage' edition of the Jimny XL in Australia. The new Suzuki Jimny XL Heritage edition will be limited to just 500 units, paying tribute to the SUV's history from the 70s all the way to the 90s. The Jimny XL is essentially the 5-door version of the 4x4 in Australia. The new Heritage Edition features special decals on the body, a unique cargo tray, red mud flaps and a 'Heritage' logo. The special edition Jimny XL will be offered in a range of colour options, which include White, Chiffon Ivory with Bluish Black Pearl roof, Jungle Green, Bluish Black Pearl and Granite Grey Metallic. The Suzuki Jimny XL is built in India and exported to Australia. The Australia-spec Jimny 5-door is powered by the same 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine but offers a slightly higher output of 100 BHP and 130 Nm. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. The Jimny XL also gets features like a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, hill-hold & hill-descent control, auto climate control, LED headlights, 6 airbags and an ADAS suite with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) as standard.

Update on road conditions between Trichy and Namakkal with some pics

BHPian vigsom recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hot off the oven - Good news for all users waiting to see better roads between Trichy and Namakkal!Trichy to MusiriTravel time 01 hr approxMax speed 65 kmphWwinding roads but the road surfacing has become betterMusiri Periyar Bridge to ThottiyamExcellent wide median-less road till approx 30km short of Namakkal - this road would resemble the road surface of the Trichy Karur highway for the most partEasy 80-90 kmphLittle to no speed breakersThottiyam to NamakkalAs good as a National Highway - excellent 4 lane road all the way barring 2 or 3 diversions where the road paving on one side is undergoing finishing touchesCan easily do 100 kmph in this sectorA Toll Plaza will open up at Marachipatti approx 25km short of Namakkal. Just FYI.Net resultEasy reduction of at least 15 mins travel time between Trichy and Namakkal. Some pics of the 4-lane section are here for your viewing Upcoming Toll Plaza at Marachipatti approx 25km from Namakkal Valayapatti - I expect the S-road here to be declared an accident-prone zone and some barriers to come up very soon Barriers appear about 4km from Namakkal Town Centre Here's what BHPian JacksonStorm had to say about the matter:Thanks a lot, sir, for updating the route! But we lost lots of tamarind trees in this section! Namakkal-Thottiyam Stretch had lots of trees on both sides when it was two lanes. I saw some images from your post. They put some saplings on both sides of a 4-lane road. I am not sure how long it will take for it to grow. Our next generation will never see the tamarind trees on the road. But still, the Namakkal-Thuriyur (Route No. 4) stretch is still good until you are not in a rush! It has good scenery, and it will beat the sun because this road has lots of trees on both sides.Here's what BHPian ampere had to say about the matter:Good to see this. Also, note the Rasipuram-Nammakal is also well done now. Same goes for Senthamangalam to Alanganatham via bund (well it was almost done when drove 5 months back). Only part I hope they do plan a good bypass to the east of Namakkal to cover exits to these roads. Today there is none.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Ramgarh Enduro Valley off-roading track opens near Chandigarh

Ramgarh Enduro Valley (REV), said to be the first and only Enduro off-roading track in the Chandigarh-Panchkula area is now open to the public. REV is located 3 km from 'The Fort Ramgarh' on the Panchkula-Yamunagar highway. It is spread across 8 acres and features tracks designed to cater to vehicles of all capabilities ranging from stock SUVs to highly modified off-roaders. Drivers can test their skills over a variety of terrain, starting from beginner-friendly trails to advanced routes with steep includes and rocky patches. The Mud Tracks feature deep mud pits and water crossings, while Rock Crawling Courses feature large rocks and boulders that need careful navigation. Sand Dunes are perfect for dune buggies and sand rails. Similarly, Desert Trails feature sand and hard-packed dirt with steep climbs and deep washes. Slopes require careful manoeuvring, using proper techniques to navigate safely. REV also offers camping facilities and picnic areas with on-site food delivery, snacks and refreshment stalls. Visitors can also rent off-road vehicles, safety gear, and accessories.

Mahindra XUV 3XO customer deliveries to begin on May 26

Mahindra recently opened its order books for the XUV 3XO. The carmaker has now announced that customer deliveries will begin on May 26. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is available in five variants, with prices starting at Rs 7.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The carmaker has received over 50,000 bookings for the new model and has already produced around 10,000 units. The XUV 3XO is the replacement for the XUV 300. It features a completely new exterior design and comes with first-in-segment features like a panoramic sunroof and Level 2 ADAS. Inside, the XUV 3XO gets a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster, a new 3-spoke steering wheel along with features such as dual-zone automatic climate control with rear AC vents, wireless charger, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is available with three engine options. These include a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 109 BHP and 200 Nm, the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol 'mStallion' that makes 129 BHP and 230 Nm and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel that puts out 115 BHP and 300 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and a 6-speed AMT.

Bangalore to Mysore in the KSRTC Power Plus bus: 4 pros & 7 cons

BHPian dailydriver recently shared this with other enthusiasts. We should ideally wait till the end of the journey and then post a review. When one starts typing on TBhp in the middle of the trip, it could either be because he has really good things to say or is about to start a rant! Midway through my travel from Chikkamagaluru to Bengaluru by KSRTC Power Plus bus, I am cursing myself to no end for choosing this mode of transport. Cons:Delay of ten minutes at the starting point.Took one hour forty five minutes to cross Hassan - a distance of barely 60 kilometres.Though it sometimes reaches the upper 90s, average speed even on NH 75 post Hassan is around 75kmph.The legroom, specially with a reclined seatback in the front, is abysmal. My knees kept brushing the hard plastic back.The seat width is visibly lesser than in the regular Volvos. Two decently built adults side by side is a sad squeeze.Most importantly, or should i say, disappointingly, the bus seems to have mistaken the world Power and is using it in all the wrong places. The constant vibrations are reminiscent of the old ramshackle buses that we used to ride in during our childhood. Add to that the inadequate suspension damping - even minor road imperfections and small rumble strips disorient the bus and in turn are clearly felt by the passengers. It is like travelling in/on a non linear, unsynchronised vibrator.The bus is noisy: the whoosh of the electric motor, the racketeering AC and the unsettled suspension are a clear recipe for a disturbing few hours.Pros:Costs lesser than a regular Airavat Club class.The seats, though narrow and tightly spaced, have adequate amount of cushioning, contours and support. The recess for headrest could have been better.Supposedly more environment friendly than the ICE powered alternative.Stops for breakfast at Pakashala. Decent hotel, clean washrooms and some sight Front Back Side profile The clock running six minutes behind The cockpit Sadly, no elevated experience for me Inadequate legroom The midway break(fast)point Speed Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Craftsman Automations FY25 roadmap: Capex of 500 crore and fundraise plans unveiled

Craftsman Automation aims to utilise these funds for the completion of two greenfield factories in Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, targeting growth opportunities in the automotive and industrial sectors

TVS expands its global presence with Italy foray

The TVS Motor Company is expanding its global presence. The 2-wheeler maker has set up TVS Motor Italia, to manage its Italy operations, headed by Dr Giovanni Notarbartolo di Furnari. TVS plans to offer a wide range of electric scooters and motorcycles in Italy. These include bikes like the Apache 310 Series, Ronin 250, Raider and Ntorq and the Jupiter 125 scooter. TVS will also offer three electric models in the Italian market. These include the iQube, the TVS X electric maxi-scooter as well as E-bikes designed for urban commuters and outdoor enthusiasts. TVS is the fourth-largest 2 and 3-wheeler manufacturer, having its presence in 80 countries. According to Sharad Mohan Mishra, President and head of Group Strategy, the move into Italy is a strategic step towards the brand's global ambitions.

SBI Automotive Opportunities Fund opens for subscription. Key things to know

Confusion: Hyundai Verna 1.5 turbo petrol DCT or Creta 1.5 diesel AT

BHPian padukulkarni9 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hello, Please help me choose between:Verna 1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT SX(O) - ~21 Lakh on road, andCreta 1.5 Diesel AT SX(0) - ~24 Lakh on road (Stretched end of the budget)Preferences:Must haves:Safety: Verna has a 5-star GNCAP safety rating with an unstable body shell. Expecting facelifted Creta to score better with the upgrades in facelift body structure.Performance: Both car variants mentioned offer sufficient performance. (I like torquey cars so kept out 1.5 NA Petrol CVT variants.)Boot space: My family loves to carry a lot of luggage on trips. The bigger the better. The Verna trumps here.Resale value: Creta is a popular crossover, and the country moving towards high-ground clearance crossovers, expecting the Creta to fetch more money in resale. However, not sure if that justifies the higher initial price.Nice to have:Ventilated seats: They are a boon in hot Indian weather.Ground clearance: This might be a must-have for many but coming from a sedan right now, I have made up my mind that a sedan might scrape once in a while and it would not be worrisome.Panoramic sunroof: A small sunroof is unusable most of the time due to pollution, and dust. We are hoping that we can take the wiser off from the panoramic sunroof at least a few times when the weather is good.Points leading to the confusion:ReliabilityThis is the most crucial one. With a sea of complaints about Turbo DCT overheating in bumper-to-bumper traffic, I am a bit skeptical about choosing Verna Turbo DCT. Also, I see a few incidences of BS VI diesels choking DPF filters once in a while in heavy traffic. Don't see it as common as heating issues in DCT. Does spending extra for diesel AT on Creta make sense? Hyundai also provides a 7-year extended warranty but not sure if they do anything in case of heating issues.PriceCreta is around 3 lakh expensive with only a few additions like a Panoramic sunroof, blind view monitor camera, 360-degree camera, and slightly premium interiors (better-arranged screens), etc. If I choose the Creta, I would be stretching my budget though.Fuel economyAlthough claimed fuel efficiency figures are better for Turbo DCT, turbo petrol engines are known to be sensitive to driving styles. With my heavy right foot or fondness for quick acceleration, I fear it to be in single digits in the city and below 15 on the highway. Another option: Should I consider the Mahindra XUV700 AX5 Diesel AT at the Creta price with 4 airbags, no ADAS, and non-ventilated fabric seats? Here's what BHPian ssoni.1411 had to say about the matter:It all boils down to which engine is suitable for your driving needs. The Diesel engine has DPF hence if your highway running is high, I would suggest you to buy the Creta. It has an incredible street presence, smart styling and the Diesel engine is an excellent mile muncher. If your running is low, you can go with either of the Creta or the Verna DCT. The DCT issues have been minimized and Hyundai even offers you a 7-year extended warranty program. I have a Venue DCT in the family and we haven't encountered any heating issues as of yet.Here's what BHPian Aniket Verma had to say about the matter:Any specific reasons for not considering the Creta N8/N10 Turbo DCT? N8 comes under Rs 22 lacs OTR (as you are ready to skip ADAS & 360-degree camera). Some important points for your consideration:Extended Warranty: 7 years extended warranty is available only for Petrol models and not for Diesel models.DCT Transmission: Though dry DCT in Korean twins have been relatively reliable, if you are going ahead with DCT, 7 years warranty is a must-have.360 Degree: Camera quality of Creta is best for a car under Rs. 30 lacs. I have found this to be the most useful feature.High Sitting positions: I have also moved from a Sedan to CSUV and am really enjoying the sitting position that Creta offers.N-line specific features: N Line comes with stiffer suspensions (more suited to highway / aggressive driving) and a relatively better steering wheel.N8 vs N10 : N10 comes with ADAS, 360-degree cameras and Ventilated seats. Whereas N8 offers an inbuilt Dashcam and wireless Android Auto / Apple CarplayI have just completed a Delhi-Jaipur-Delhi journey, and driving with a higher sitting position, ADAS (adoptive Cruise control and Lane Assist) & Ventilated seats made this journey more comfortable in 42 degrees, compared to my old Sedan.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Stock market update: Nifty Auto index advances 1.54% in an upbeat market

The Nifty Auto index was trading 1.54 per cent up at 23240.25.

Bengaluru: No pre-paid facility at Cantonment railway station, auto drivers loot pax

BENGALURU: With the pre-paid auto and taxi facility at Cantonment Railway Station closed to facilitate massive redevelopment work, passengers alighting here are completely at the mercy of auto drivers. The old cubicle near the main entry (PF-1) for pre-paid service stands partially demolished due to construction work. Its been a month since a small temporary room was built, but is yet to start operations. The back entry (PF-2) does not have pre-paid facility. An average of 55 pairs of trains, including long-distance ones, pass through the station each day, with close to 30,000 passengers using it. Autodrivers appear to have formed a cartel, with a fixed starting rate of Rs 200 for any destination, and have done away with the meter. A family of four from Coimbatore alighted at the station from the Lokamanya Tilak Express and wanted to reach Shivajinagar, just about 1km away. The driver demanded Rs 300. Satish, a businessman, told TNIE, We have always paid only Rs 80. We argued with him and he finally relented and agreed for Rs 150. But for our luggage, we could have walked. They tried booking an Ola cab which would cost them Rs 170, but the cab driver cancelled the ride, and they decided to walk till the main road to hail a regular auto. Mohammed Arif, a painter, had to rush to Gowripalya urgently, and was checking the auto rates. Everyone was demanding Rs 200. Normally, I walk to Shivajinagar and pay Rs 15 for a bus to Gowripalya. I was in real hurry and tried to get an auto, but Rs 200 is a huge amount for me, he said. Navya and her mother, who arrived by the Jolarpettai Passenger, agreed to dole out Rs 200 to go to Vinayaknagar. The actual rate is Rs 120, Navya fretted. Many passengers, on hearing the rates, tried to hurriedly book a trip through any cab aggregator but only some were successful. A Government Railway Police (GRP) cop said, The pre-paid system was closed three months ago. I have been hearing for some time that a new counter will open. I am also waiting for it. Neither Railway Protection Force nor GRP cops showed any interest in helping passengers in the face of such extortion. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Bengaluru Division, Krishna Chaitanya told TNIE, The pre-paid system will be ready in a week. A senior RPF official, too, said steps are being taken to start a new system soon.

How to identify and recognise temporary and trade number plates.

BHPian Senna4Ever recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hello! After my deep dive into defense vehicle registration format, thread (Explained: How to read the number-plates of Defence vehicles), I took up some interest in registration formats for temporary and trade ('TC') registration numbers which I always felt were never much understood or described in detail. To set some context, major reason for lack of any definitive format for temporary and trade numbers have been the lack of any specific guidelines or rules from central government. This led to states and union territories taking matters in their own hand and deciding formats/rules as they deemed fit. This has thankfully changed over past few years, leading to a more unified approach for temporary and trade numbers across India. I compiled as much information as I could get recently for Wikipedia article, but I believe such topics and info have more relevance in our amazing forumTemporary registration numberMinistry of Road Transport (MoRTH) issued a notification in March 2021 introducing a new standardised format for temporary registration numbers. BHPian adigup has already made a good explanation in his thread: (Fixing HSRP number plate on a front bumper that doesn't have a dedicated slot). Lets take a recap:Format for temporary numberT MMYY AA 0123 ZZT: Registration number starts with character 'T' to represent 'Temporary'MMYY: Represents the month and year in which vehicle was purchased e.g. '1223' for vehicle purchased in December 2023AA: The usual state code for state/UT in which purchase is made0123: Four digit number issued sequentiallyZZ: One or two letters, sequence starting from 'A', followed by 'B' and so on, same as in usual registration, but resets every month in this case.Temporary numbers can be valid of upto six months and should be displayed with red text on a yellow background. This is where my gripe comes in with regards to the implementation of these new rules.While most states have adopted to this new format, the pre-existing colour requirement is still either ignored, or states/UTs remain oblivious, or dealers/customers don't want to be conspicuous for police. As a result, in most states, the general practice is to display temporary numbers with standard black-on-white lettering. Very few states have adopted this new format quite fast and correctly (e.g. Kerala) where red-on-yellow format is well adopted.Sharing one example of new format here, image courtesy of EVM Autokraft's (Mini dealer) Instagram page. 'T0424KL' for a vehicle purchased in Kerala in April 2024: Trade registration numberMost of you would be familiar with the red-plated vehicles either being tested by OEMs or test-drive vehicles at dealership. Businesses that can use this form of registration need to hold a trade certificate (hence the characters TC on registration number) e.g. manufacturer, dealer, importer or testing agency. Some background: Registration authority allots a group of trade registration numbers to the holder of a trade certificate. Trade number is not assigned to a specific vehicle directly by the registration authority (like permanent or temporary number), the holder of trade certificate instead assigns a unique number to a vehicle themselves from their available allotment. Up until a notification in September 2022, the central government guideline was very generic and only specified following: Old format for trade numberAB 12 TC XXXXAA: The usual state code for state/UT in which business is located12: Code for RTO which issues the trade registration number, same as in usual registrationTC: Short for 'Trade Certificate'XXXX: As central rules didnt define anything more than above, this could be any series of alphanumeric characters, as decided by respective state or Union TerritoryExample: MH12TC12345Now as per new guidelines, a more standardised format for trade registration numbers has been introduced:New format for trade numberAB 12 Z 0123 TC 0001AA: The usual state code for state/UT in which business is located12: Code for RTO which issues the trade registration number, same as in usual registrationZ: Represents the category of vehicle for which the trade registration number has been issued. Character used for different categories are:A - MotorcycleB - Invalid carriage (vehicle designed specifically for differently abled person)C - Light motor vehicleD - Medium passenger motor vehicleE - Medium goods vehicleF - Heavy passenger motor vehicleG - Heavy goods vehicleH - E-rickshawI - E-cartJ - any other category not covered above0123: Four digit unique number assigned to the holder of trade certificate (e.g. vehicle dealer) by registration authorityTC: Short for 'Trade Certificate'0001: Number of upto four digits to be assigned to one specific vehicle at a time by holder of trade certificate, as allowed by registration authorityCheck out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

US teen dies after taking part in 'spicy chip challenge': Autopsy

Bajaj Auto Share Price Live Updates: Bajaj Auto Closes at Rs 8,871.85 with 3-Month Return of 6.57%

Take-Twos Grand Theft Auto VI Wont Come Until Fall 2025

Previously Rockstar had said the game would come out in calendar 2025. Take-Twos fiscal year ends in March.

US teen died after doing spicy chip challenge: Autopsy

14-year-old Harris Wolobah died of cardiac arrest after participating in the 'One Chip Challenge' with a chip dusted with Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers. The autopsy revealed he ingested capsaicin and had an enlarged heart. California youths were hospitalized, and Minnesota participants fell ill. Paqui removed the product from shelves.

US teen with heart condition died after eating spicy tortilla chip, autopsy finds

Tenth-grader who participated in social media challenge ingested too much chile pepper extract and died of cardiopulmonary arrest A Massachusetts teen who participated in a spicy tortilla chip challenge on social media died from eating a large quantity of chile pepper extract and also had a congenital heart defect, according to autopsy results obtained by the Associated Press. Harris Wolobah, a 10th grader from the city of Worcester , died on 1 September 2023 after eating the Paqui chip as part of the manufacturers One Chip Challenge. Continue reading...

Autopsy finds teen died from ultra-spicy chip and heart defect, report says

The high dose of capsaicin paired with a heart defect appear to have contributed.

Grand Theft Auto 6 will arrive in fall 2025

Grand Theft Auto VI s return to Vice City is officially scheduled for fall 2025. On Thursday, parent company Take-Two Interactive wrote in its Q4 2024 earnings report that its narrowed GTA 6 s previously announced 2025 window to autumn of next year. Our outlook reflects a narrowing of Rockstar Games previously established window of Calendar 2025 to Fall of Calendar 2025 for Grand Theft Auto VI , Take-Two Chairman and CEO Strauss Zelnick wrote in the earnings report. We are highly confident that Rockstar Games will deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience, and our expectations for the commercial impact of the title continue to increase. The sixth mainline installment in the open-world series will be set in Leonida (Rockstars Florida equivalent), focused mostly on Vice City (Miami). The game appears to have a contemporary setting, as opposed to the charming '80s cheese from 2002s Grand Theft Auto: Vice City . You can catch a glimpse of protagonists Jason and Lucia in the trailer below. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/grand-theft-auto-6-will-arrive-in-fall-2025-205513138.html?src=rss

Grand Theft Auto 6 release date gets a little more specific

We havent heard much about Grand Theft Auto 6 since Rockstar Games shared the first trailer for the long-awaited sequel last December. That changed on The post Grand Theft Auto 6 release date gets a little more specific appeared first on BGR .

Teen who ate spicy chip died of high chile consumption and had a heart defect, autopsy says

An autopsy of a Massachusetts teen who died after participating in a spicy tortilla chip challenge says he died from ingesting a large quantity of chile pepper extract

SBI AMC eyes Rs 5,000-crore from the new automotive fund

MUMBAI: The country's largest fund house SBI Mutual Fund, which manages an AUM of over Rs 9.14 trillion, is eyeing Rs 4,000-5,000 crore from the automotive opportunities fund during the primary subscription period that opens Friday. The open-ended equity scheme tracking automotive and allied business activities theme, offers to generate long-term capital appreciation to unit-holders from a portfolio of equity and equity-related instruments of companies engaged in the automotive and allied businesses both in the domestic as well as the international markets, Shamsher Singh, the managing director and chief executive said. Though the fund house did not publicly state the AUM target, an official told The New Indian Express that they have set an internal target of collecting Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 crore during the 15-day new fund offer period. Pointing out that the domestic auto market being the third largest in the world after China and the US, Singh said this itself presents an attractive opportunity for passive investors as domestic demand and auto exports have been drivers of growth. Electric mobility and rise of logistics and passenger transportation also provide inflection points for the industry. DP Singh, the deputy MD and joint CEO, said this fund is for those investors who are keen to add a thematic offering to the satellite portion of their portfolios. The domestic automotive industry is running in top gear now. In addition, manufacturing of auto parts and ancillaries contribute to almost 30 percent of the manufacturing ecosystem providing wealth creation opportunities for investors in the long-term, he added.

M&M gears up for a 26,000 crore investment in auto business

The investment will be made between FY25 and FY27 for developing new vehicles and building up capacity

Teen died from eating spicy chip in social media challenge, autopsy report concludes

An autopsy of a Massachusetts teen who died after participating in a spicy tortilla chip challengesays he died from ingesting a high concentration of a chili pepper extract

M&M reports 32% rise in Q4 net owing to robust auto segment performance

The Groups consolidated profit was impacted due to the decline in the IT services segment

Honeywell Automation India Q4 Results Live : profit rise by 32.29% YOY

Honeywell Automation India Q4 Results Live : Revenue increased by 11.89% YoY & profit increased by 32.29% YoY

SBI MF targets to attract 5,000-crore investment in Automotive Opportunities NFO

The NFO will be open for investors till May 31

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 : First big bike, bought without a test ride

BHPian Freespirit27 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Finally the Shotgun is in my garage! Background and the wait. I just realized, haven't test driven any of the bikes I bought. I did drive a version of them though, like the Yezdi Road King before Monarch, the old 350 Standard before the UCE Classic 350 14'edition and this time around too, it was only the test drives of the Inty and Super Meteor for checking power delivery, foot peg, pedal positions and seating. I will post a longer story some day, but till then it suffices to say that, the Shotgun was chosen over the Inty and SM after sitting and getting a general feel of the static display/ launch bike! I liked the Classic like seating, the pegs did not get in the shins and weight seemed manageable (I'm 5'7 & 70kg but I've always worked out for core, not bulk). I had moved the bike around, the launch bike had the main stand missing or maybe I missed it, so that part wasn't checked! On 27 Apr, when the dealer said bike has come, I took a early escape from work and landed up in the show room. There she was, subdued but looking powerful in sheet metal grey, all the chromes blacked out and engine and gearbox covers in gloss black.A quick check for any major eyesoresGot it on and off the main stand, felt the heft and weight, general walk-around and here are my first impressions/ surprises:-It's a Toe shifter- I'll miss the heel shifter and need to take care of the formal shoes!Brake pedal was looking almost same as gear lever, no flat pad like the Classic.The peashooter silencer cants outwards, but maybe, because of being blacked out, it doesn't seem as wide as the Inty - but that is just a visual illusion!RE could have given it a twin pod on the dash, a rev counter would have complimented the speedo and been useful in riding.Wider than Classic 350 bars and switches it seemed needed a little stretch of my hands and fingers for reach and operation. (note to self - get big hands.)Seats seemed thin, may need change for touring.Not a great job done on hiding wires and securing cables. Even the throttle wire crossover is not too neat.Getting it on and off the main stand has been balanced beautifully and is a breeze, in fact, if you can manage the 350 this is also easy!Horn is squeaky but sharp.The leg guard seemed outsized, so asked for the compact guard as I had customised at the time of booking.Noted 4.3km on the clock and requested the showroom, not to keep that as display bike. Soon after a guy was seen doing a test start on the bike!Payments and deliveryRegistration formalities were discussed and payments assurances given. 5yr RSA is within cost, insurance IFFCO 1st yr comprehensive. The dealer assured delivery with HSP plates,in 5-7 working days. It was falling on a Tue, so I asked for a Wed delivery and it was agreed to. Come Tuesday a Jinx - no one realised Wed was 1st May. The day prior I get a call, Showroom is closed due 1st May sir, can we do the delivery late today subject to plates being received! I did not want a uncertainty so the delivery was postponed to Thurs. No calls received from dealer on Thurs so finally, I called them to get the usual, we tried to reach you excuse, but was relieved that the bike had just reached the showroom and delivery could be done that day itself. Tied up with wifey, got myself off from office, picked her up and reached around 4:00pm, with the 'better half' there for moral support. Here I was ready to ride out a bike 300cc and 60kg over mine but, one which I had never ridden before -butterflies were told to settle down. Got a quick rundown on the Wingman app setup and switches and lo there we were taking over the keys (complimentary helmet - black open face no choices of colour) of my (5th but) first big bike. Gentle does it and I rode out the bike out of the showroom, 3.2 ltr is in the tank but please fill some first, don't top up, was the advise from the friendly dealer. Fuel warning was blinking, so the first stop was the fuel pump. And next for a daylight shot. Mandatory Pooja One at home (the little brother 350 is out of the frame but not the heart) Took (both of!) her to dinner and wife reported the seat is better than the Classic but at the end of the 60 plus K ride, opinion was slightly sore! 1st ride and 200k impressionsThe weight is low to the ground and makes tilting and righting the bike easy.Gear lever is short- it felt ok on regular shoes and I'm still getting used to it on riding boots. It feels too short to angle the boot under or maybe my ride technique is incorrect. On a lighter note, I got into a tizzy adjusting back to the heel shift of the Classic next day.Gear shift throws are short and crisp. No false neutrals. Missed the actual neutral a couple of times. while downshifting.Clutch throw is short but not too light.Power is on the call, and through a wide range, in all gears except in 6th where you feel the engine begin to protest while pulling, moment it drops below 70ish kph. 4th and 5th should get you through most situations on highway and 3rd and 4th in the city traffic - but will wait for the adjustments post first service to form final impressions.Overtakes are a breeze, the weight distribution makes me want to find gaps and zip through, do quick overtakes but I'm older and wiser and the just the potential being there, gives the satisfaction! (with a lot of power and weight comes responsibility!).Biggest surprise, the heat between the legs and along the bike body. Even the tank seems to heat up, not to mention the family jewels. The next drive was a longer one and early in the morning and the heat seemed under control. But the return in the evening and some slow traffic spots it again raised the temperatures. I hope it settles post the running in period.The wheel base of Classic is 1390mm, Shotgun is 1465mm (7.5cm more) and Super meteor is 1500mm(3.5cm more). It seems to be a very minor increase in wheel base but considering that the turning circle of the Classic itself is large, the weight and increased wheelbase make the bikes progressively adept at developing your muscles while manhandling these bikes!Good news, I don't need bigger hands, as I got used to the switch gear. But not being able to switch the headlight to city light or DRL is a big miss (and drain on the battery).Parting shots from the highway Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Uber receives govt. nod to operate buses in Delhi

Uber has received a government nod to operate its bus services in the national capital. The license has been granted under the Delhi government's app-based premium bus aggregator scheme. The app-based bus aggregator scheme aims to encourage the upper middle class to switch to public transport. Under the scheme, aggregators can set dynamic pricing. However, the prices must not be less than the peak fare of DTC air-conditioned buses. The bus service will be integrated into the Uber app, allowing users to book bus rides on select routes. Speaking of routes, Uber plans to connect business districts with residential areas across Delhi. The buses will have a seating capacity of 19 to 50 people. India is the second country after Egypt where Uber operates buses under the Uber Shuttle service. The service is also available in Kolkata. Source: ET Auto

SBI Mutual Fund launches SBI Automotive Opportunities Fund

SBI Mutual Fund has introduced the SBI Automotive Opportunities Fund, an open-ended equity scheme centered around automotive and allied business activities. The New Fund Offer (NFO) for this scheme will be available for subscription from May 17 to May 31.

Why I chose the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI over the Taigun, Creta & Elevate

BHPian Prasad03 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. SEARCH FOR A NEW CAR The search for a new vehicle began in October 2023 when we were keen to replace our ageing Wagon R vxi 2009 which had 1 lakh 20 thousand kilometers on the odometer. The Family wanted to upgrade to an SUV or moreover a car with high ground clearance due to the usage requirements. The budget was roughly around 20-22 lakhs. We took test drives of :Scorpio-N- did not enjoy the handling and driving dynamics, evident body roll being the reason not to go for it. Also had practicality issues for a family of four. Creta- though feature loaded even the 1.4 turbo somewhat felt underpowered and the steering response was not up to the mark which resulted in poor handling, seats were not that comfortable especially the contouring and poor build quality forced us to drop it as an option ELEVATE- It could have been a perfectly packed car but had a concern of low fuel efficiency, wind noise at speeds of above 90, and the 1.5 i-vtec did not feel as punchy as in the city. HYRYDER- performance was not up to the mark though we were getting an advantage of fuel efficiency with an average build quality. TAIGUN- taigun 1.5 was amazing in all aspects. performance, driving dynamics, handling, and build but only felt a bit stiffer on rough patches. KUSHAQThe last test drive We took was of Kushaq 1.0 and were amazed by the combination of handling along with the ride quality. The taigun did offer the same or slightly better handling but felt stiffer on bad patches. Considering the 5-star build quality we finalized the kushaq to be our next car. There was confusion about the engine option between 1.0 tsi and 1.5 tsi. While I was aware of the ACT ( active cylinder technology) which comes with a 1.5 TSI engine the salesperson kept on telling me it comes only with 1.5 TSI DSG. Anyway, that misguidance hardly mattered as I knew what's the fact. Got some good discounts along with an exchange bonus so finalized the Kushaq Ambition 1.5 TSI. Booked on November 28th and got delivered on 25th December 2023. On 21st December we did the PDI as there were some holidays on the following days. Vehcile had 4km on the Odo. The vehicle's paint didn't have a single flaw and not a single scratch or soil mark on the vehicle. However, the infotainment system was not updated. The Android auto/Apple carplay was not there in the infotainment neither did Bluetooth connectivity work. Asked the salesperson to fix the same before the delivery. As 25th December was a holiday the Showroom was partially open only for delivering Vehicles. The salesperson arranged a smooth but not so exciting delivery experience but we hardly complain as there were only 4..5 staff of the showroom. To my surprise, the infotainment system wasn't fixed yet. Asked the salesperson to fix the same which he called us and did after two days of delivery. If Asked to rate the buying experience I would rate a 3 out of 5. DRIVING EXPERIENCE The 1.5 TSI engine producing 150hp and 250 nm torque mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox provides an amazing amount of pulling power when put in the right gear. The engine seems to be in notable lag under 1400 rpm but as it Crosses 1600 rpm it pulls and pulls. In the city drives and in stop-and-go traffic I preferably put 1st gear to pick instead of 2nd or else I end up stalling and the clutch is soft but the travel is on the longer side. On highways, it's absolutely stellar to drive, thanks to the German genes that make it a stable highway cruising car. It holds on to the curves and even lane changes at 80kmph inspire you confidence. The suspension setup is on the stiffer side making it a great highway car but on uneven roads, some of the bumps do travel into the cabin.I have driven Innova Crysta and Creta, what 80kmph feels like in Innova 110 feels in Kushaq. Comfort The seats are designed to hold you in perfect place. The front seats are very comfortable for 600 700 kms journey at a stretch, the rear seats are very much designed for two passengers and very comfortable. Had It been a little more reclined it would have been more comfortable on long journeys the firm seats help in reducing body aches. The kushaq takes on the bumps and undulations with quite ease except for some major uneven roads. A thud noise comes from the suspension sometimes at slower speeds over irregularities of the road. Mileage It returns around 9 to 12 kmpl in the city with mild to heavy traffic in Bhubaneswar. On highways, it completely depends upon your driving. If you wish to cruise sedately with cruise control around 80 to 85 it returns around 19 to 22 thanks to the active cylinder technology which cuts power to two cylinders when not required. But if you constantly pull and rev it will return around 14 to 16 kmpl or even less if you rev more. Air conditioning Ac for me works well, having temperatures of 44 45 C in Bhubaneswar, the A/C chills the cabin in 5 to 7 minutes. When the temp is below 40 it perfectly chills the cabin in 3 to 4 minutes. When set to auto mode it helps in faster cooling of the cabin. INTERIOR QUALITY The interior quality could have been better with the usage of soft-touch materials on the touch points. the plastic quality could have been improved. some premium touches on the steering wheel and the dashboard makes it look and feel good but a lot more could have been improved. the dashboard as a whole is sturdy and it does not rattle but a silver panel on it rattles at times when passing over uneven roads. the top part of the infotainment screen is flimsy and makes a squeaking noise especially when the dashboard heats up when parked under direct sunlight. FEATURES- In the Ambition model, I get a fair amount of features such as LED projectors, cruise control, tpms ( not active), 8-inch infotainment, wired Apple car play, and an android auto. Some basic features that I have missed out on are ventilated seats, a sunroof( not a fan of it), auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, rear fog lamps, electric seat adjustments, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. I have missed 6 airbags as Ambition has only 2 of them ISSUES TILL NOW-Cabin noise - I have been facing some noises in the cabin coming from the dashboard ( not rattling) the screen squeaks sometimes upon heating, I put a towel on the dashboard, and it's gone. Very rarely a noise comes from behind the a/c console, a thud kind of noise. a consistent noise has been there from the right side rear wheel cladding or somewhere from the boot or rear right door, though it's very negligible but is there. Door beadings squeaking noise has come up from last 1000kms on undulations when a car passes slowly over it. Will check these issues with the service center at 7500 KMS at the time of the oil top-up and will update the forum.To date I have not received any E-mail regarding the payment for the Standard Maintenance package and extended warranty. I had made the payment of 60000 to the salesperson for the above two mentioned items combined. I was told within in a month I would be officially notified regarding these, it's already 4 months but no update from their side even after reminding them twice. Will have to meet them physically and take constant follow-ups.OVERALL EXPERIENCE The 1.5 TSI engine is an absolute mile muncher. Just fill the tank and get going. the stability at high speeds, handling, and overall ride comfort make it a perfect highway cruiser. Still have not had a long road trip in this car. Will come up with a detailed review once the road trip is done. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR to be launched in India

According to a media report, Kawasaki is gearing up to launch the Ninja ZX-4RR in India. While the report doesn't mention the exact date, the launch is said to be imminent. The Ninja ZX-4RR is a sportbike with racing credentials. The bike will be imported as a CBU and will be available in limited numbers. The report also claims that some Kawasaki dealers have already started accepting bookings. The Ninja ZX-4RR is powered by a 399cc, liquid-cooled, inline-4 engine that produces 79 BHP @ 14,500 rpm and 39 Nm @ 13,000 rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox via a bi-directional quickshifter and a slipper clutch. The bike is based on a steel trellis frame with a 37 mm Showa SFF-BP fork at the front and an adjustable monoshock at the rear. Braking is handled by dual 290 mm front discs and a 220 mm disc at the rear. The Ninja ZX-4RR is equipped with a 4.3-inch digital instrument console It has four riding modes - Sports, Road, Rain and Rider, two power models and a traction control system with three settings. Source:Bikewale

My first car Kia Sonet after 3 years. Would I be better off with an EV

BHPian Cayenne-8055 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. This is my first ever car review and I'm super glad to be sharing it an INCREDIBLE community of car enthusiasts! We have owned our Kia Sonet for almost 3 years now and have clocked around 16k kms on it, I'm the only driver of the car and it was bought mainly to be used in the city as I migrated to a new state for my job. Before I jump to my ownership experience, pros and cons, service center experience, I want to give a TLDR. TLDR: Would I buy the car again if I was given a second chance in 2021? Hell yes! Would I buy the car again (the 2024 version ICE) if I was given a chance in 2024? No. Why no? While the car entirely delivers on our expectations and needs, I feel (and know) that an EV would much better suited for my commuting requirements. I have access to free charging at office and very rarely do 300 kms+ trips, and even if I do, I take breaks in between to stretch and stay hydrated and explore some nice viewpoint nearby. Hence, since ~90% of my commutes range in the 20-100kms range, I can easily get this out of an EV. Another thing which attracts me to EVs is the quick acceleration, I can't express my desire for having that instant pull at lower speeds to have a quick overtake on the roads. While throttling out does work somewhat, I don't like to revv the car(after 4k RPM) as I feel it makes too much sound and also drops the mileage. 2 of my prime demands are what EVs solve and hence, given an option I'd, no doubt, for a EV on the market today. Plus, its better for the environment, I know, there will be folks who say that the electricity for running the car comes from burning fossil fuels and so on, but I recommend them to watch this video by Nikhil Kamath where he discusses the future of EV in India with some prominent industry leaders and makes significants points to prove that EVs do result in lesser pollution overall. Now let me talk about the pros and cons:Pros:No issues with any parts of the car till now other than the keyfob battery running out of charge! I was a first-time car buyer in 2021 and did not know about TeamBHP and hence did not even ask for a PDI. But nevertheless, it has passed all the quality checks and apart from the issue with the car key (which was minor and I was able to get it resolved in 30 mins at the shop), I've not faced a single failure in any of the components for which I've needed to take the car to the shop till now (Touch wood!)The infotainment system works buttery smooth! I've used both wireless Android auto and Apple Carplay and both seamlessly connect automatically and load up within 5 seconds after I turn on the car! (Provided I have Bluetooth enabled on my phone, which I always keep on anyways)The sound system. I did not get the top system available on Kia Sonet since I selected the HTK+ variant but I must say no complaints about the sound quality at all. It has something to do with the streaming provider too I think, as I've noticed better quality with Spotify than with the radio(probably because of the better bitrate? Not sure.)The engine. The 1.0L Turbo Petrol engine packs a punch and definitely gets the job done. Its smooth and most importantly for me, is fairly quiet (from outside and on the inside the insulation is pretty good so I can't hear much at all unless I listen carefully).The transmission. We got the DCT variant since there was a car in the showroom already available and this meant we could take delivery 1.5 weeks after booking. I didn't really prefer manual or automatic, but was led to presume from few folks I talked to that real men drive Manual transmission!. The transmission is smooth and the lag is minimal in shifting gears. It's not great and I feel it could be reduced but I can live with it.The design. Boy, this is what I fell for. The car is a looker from the outside AND inside. In the price range, we were looking for(10-15L), the Kia Sonet blew the competition out of water (personal opinion, please don't take offence)The brakes. Strong, sturdy and gives plenty of confidence.Cons:The transmission takes too long to shift-up at lower gears, it takes a solid 2-3 seconds for me to shift down to accelerate for a quick overtake in speeds between 15-40 kmph (when fully throttling down). Hence, I said I'd opt for EVs for satisfying this requirement.The turbo doesn't kick in every time. It fails to activate sometimes (it will activate eventually but sometimes not at engine start) and at those times, the car feels underpowered.Some more photos: The service center experienceThe after sales experience has been nothing short of remarkable till now! As a customer, I'm 100% satisfied with their level of expertise, politeness and way of dealing with customers. Kia India, if you're reading this, Kudos to you for nailing the customer experience! They treat customers with respect and properly listen to any woes if at all. (I speak from experience, after having to go through insurance claim process after a minor dent and the service center actively followed up with me and helped me through the process). Same goes with buying experience too, they actively helped me get the loan process completed, explained in detail the variants available, the features and made the delivery experience nothing short of glamorous. Both were done at different locations, and this instills confidence about the uniformity of dealing with customers very gracefully. Signing off, Cayenne-8055 Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Stock market update: Nifty Auto index advances 0.56%

The Nifty Auto index closed 0.56 per cent up at 22886.85.

Truck driver engrossed on phone hits car; Polite owner comes to rescue

BHPian TGDI recently shared this with other enthusiasts. This post is about how I received money from the vehicle owner after a hit-and-run incident. It was a weekday afternoon in the usual Bangalore traffic. I had taken my mother to a hospital on Miller's Road and was returning to our place in Andhra Pradesh after the appointment. We were discussing where to have lunch and what to eat for our late lunch. It was a six-lane road near Mekhri Circle, and there was slow-moving traffic. I was in the extreme right lane following the traffic when suddenly I heard a loud bang and realized that a Mahindra pickup truck had hit my Kia Sonet pretty hard. The driver of the pickup truck was watching videos on his phone and found my car in front of him at the last minute. In a desperate maneuver to escape, the trolley of the pickup truck made contact, leading to the accident. I stopped immediately, and he came to my left-hand side showing the usual symbol of what are you doing? It was then I saw his phone mounted on the mobile stand on the dashboard and some videos playing, probably a video call or some reels. I asked him to stop on the side, and he nodded his head in agreement. I let him pass in the front to avoid losing him. Immediately, before I even realized, he turned on the left signal, jumped lanes, and made a left turn to escape. I was in the extreme right lane and decided to move ahead as there was no way I could cross two lanes in that traffic and made that left turn to catch him. At this point, I still hadn't seen the damage to my car. I didn't expect such a deep cut to my quarter panel. I would have probably reacted differently in panic. I went ahead and found a suitable place to stop and checked. The truck hit my car so hard that the metal of my quarter panel had a deep cut near the petrol tank (see the attached image). This was the first accident involving my car since I bought it exactly a year ago. I had just renewed my own damage insurance for the second year after proudly claiming the NCB, and after just a couple of days, this happened. I proceeded to my place and was lost in deep thoughts about what I could have done and what I should do now to feel better. I immediately complained on Twitter, tagging Bangalore Traffic Police. I checked my dashcam and found the number of the pickup truck. Although the accident was not recorded since the dashcam is only on the front, only the sound of the impact and the pickup truck's image were captured. The police replied, asking me to go to the nearest police station and file a written complaint. Three days later, I went to Bangalore and tried to file a complaint at the police station. They were least interested in this issue and suggested that since there was no damage to a person, claiming third-party insurance for such small damage (according to them, it's small) was not worth my time and effort, and once the complaint is filed, the car should be kept at the police station (not sure how true this is). I then decided to take the matter into my own hands and switched on my inner detective mode. I started searching the number on the Vahan portal and found that the owner's name was mostly masked (attached is the image). I tried contacting the Mahindra showroom in the hope of finding the owner's contact, but they didn't provide any information. I tried contacting the insurance company (as per the Vahan search portal), but they too didn't provide any information. I tried running the masked words through a crossword solver and after some trials found the company's name that owns the pickup truck: South India Agencies. I then tried calling the company and received no response. I then started searching for the owner/CEO of the company and found it to be an elderly gentleman, Mr. P. Das. My next agenda was to get his contact details. I found his LinkedIn profile and using data scraping websites, I found his official email address. I then wrote a detailed email to him, providing the dashcam footage and damage photos, and called it a day. To be honest, I had almost zero hopes of getting a response. But to my utter shock, I received a response from the company's HR in less than 24 hrs requesting for my contact details. I immediately got a call from their logistics manager who was apologetic and promised to settle the matter amicably after some internal discussions. I maintained a calm composure throughout and was never rude in my tone. I saved all the call recordings and emails for my future reference. The logistics manager then transferred the case to another manager who was a soft-spoken gentleman. He initially talked to the driver who refused any such accident until the proof was shown to him, after which he had no option but to confess. The manager then asked about my expectations. My expectations were simple from the beginning: I would show my car to the authorized Kia body shop and get a quote for the repairs, and I expected that to be reimbursed by the company. As per quotations from multiple body shops, the quote varied from 25k-30k. The manager initially tried to settle by paying 15k, which is apparently the limit that he can process without any additional approvals. I, however, expressed my disagreement, and after a week, the manager got those additional approvals and settled by paying 25k to my account. This whole ordeal took approximately 3 weeks. The manager then requested an NOC. Before he could even ask, I had already written a thank-you note to Mr. P. Das, the owner of South India Agencies, thanking him profusely for the maturity with which he dealt with the entire matter. He replied with an apology note for the accident that happened and asked me to call him, providing his personal number, in case I face any more issues in this regard. I was very happy with myself and thankful to all the good persons involved in this ordeal. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Traded in my 2017 Honda City for a Kia Carens Turbo DCT

BHPian Durango Dude recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Took delivery of the Kia Carens 1.5 Turbo/7 DCT Luxury Plus on 26-04-2024, Friday, auspicious day; there were more than 5-6 cars waiting to be delivered. The delivery process was smooth and the number plate was fitted and did a pooja at the local Pillaiyar Temple, Went in with the City, and drove out with the Carens with my family. The RC book was delivered by speed post from the RTO directly arrived two days after delivery. Got the certificate for My Convenience Plus which includes some parts covered with service with 4th and 5th year extended warranty and RSA. Got the Invoice and sale deed of my City and also a promise of getting a cheque for 50% NCB as and when the City is sold by them. Tanked up the van. Early days of driving the car. It's car-like to drive and hardly any road shocks filter through as compared to the 2017 City: which lets in a lot of road imperfections and engine/suspension noise. The dealer has filled up 42-43 psi and has advised me to fill up 35 psi max yet the ride is pretty smooth and don't feel the rough roads and speed breakers. The MID is hovering between 8.4 to 9.8 kmpl (talk of penny-pinching Indians) but must say I'm taking the car out mainly at night in reasonably sparse traffic despite that got caught in jams at 11 pm due to CMRL bottlenecks and breathalyser barricades by the police. Reminded to shift to neutral: keeping in mind that is a 7DCT and doesn't want to strain the transmission. I drive in the Normal mode only and upshifts are lightning quicker than downshifts which are laidback My City felt a lot more sprightly with part throttle responses than Carens. It tips the scales at 1427 kgs unladen according to RC Book. The front passenger seat is much sought after for the ventilated function which keeps the ack sides cool in this sweltering Chennai summer heat. My son, wife, and daughter-in-law take turns. The A/C is a chiller with vents in the roof for the 2nd and 3rd rows good that they didn't give the panoramic sunroof and gave a small one instead. Just got the 3D floor mats, Door protectors, and mud flaps fitted at the dealership. The ambient light is a cool feature and learned to turn off the honking that happens when you lock and unlock the car. Also turned off the Children Ahead warning that comes on for no reason at all. Got the Kia Connect app working so that one can turn on the car, unlock doors, turn on the a/c, etc from the phone. Wow, I saw a lot of iMT's in the previous 3 posts. Was driving manuals till 2017 but being on the wrong side of 60 (almost 65), I think I can excuse myself and have the luxury of an automatic. Adding a few pics from the iPhone 11 Pro Max... Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

10 Reasons why I picked up the Maruti Suzuki Ignis

BHPian aniketi recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Ignis is one of the best car available in the today's costly car market. I was in same boat last year and after considering many cars, I finally got Ignis Zeta AGS in same color (Glistering grey). I am really very happy with the purchase. Ignis is one car which is very underrated. It does many things well over others and provides you best value for money for sure. Ignis is very easy for city drive and feels very planted. Highway manners are surprisingly very good for a car of its size, handling is just perfect and tight. My purchasing price was only 7.92 Lakhs OTR in Pune for Zeta Automatic including exchange bonus. This price includes extended warranty as well for 5 years. Plus I got 10 K accessories free from dealer. I think in current scenario this is the best deal one can get. Points I like about Ignis -1.2 Liter 4 cylinder K series engine is a gem. It's easily the best in the market.It gives very good average, superior engine compared to other manufacturer's. Proper 4 cylinder engine with great NVH.Good ground clearance - 180 mm is more than sufficient in most of the cases.Good features for the price you pay. Zeta variant has true Keyless entry (2 remote keys), Black sporty alloy wheels, Spoiler, functional Roof rails, Infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car play with 6 speakers, Steering mounted controls, Electrically operated adjustable and foldable mirrors, fog lamps, rear wiper with washer too & few more. Nobody is offering all these features within 8 lakhs OTR (Currently good discounts are going on)Funky SUV type styling, I quite like it. This has unique design and easily standout.Not very common on roads, you get uniqueness. It doesn't carry budget car badge for sure like Alto, Wagon R, Celerio, Tiago, etc.Suspension is little stiff but not bad at all.Good space inside. One will get surprised seeing space it offers inside. Boot space is also very good at 260 Liters.AMT is nice, less jerky. It's slow to start but gain pick up soon.On highways, AMT is surprisingly fast.Overall I am very happy and satisfied with what I got for the price. I can say this is a pocket rocket for people having tight budget. Also Maruti gives you best A.S.S. and peace of mind which is very important. At the time of delivery: Somewhere in Lonavala: Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Key ownership observations of my Jupiter after 6 months & 2000 km

BHPian arnav17 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. The Jupiter has clocked 2000 km in the past 6 months and most part of the journey has been flawless and we are quite happy with our purchase. Elaborating on some key points below.HandlingThe handling in comparison to our Access 125 is slightly more difficult due to the weight but in all other aspects, it is easily manageable. Did give shoulder pain for a bit but now it has adjusted.Engine performanceThe initial response of the engine to the throttle is excellent and that really helped us when we were chased by a pack of 6 dogs. The Jupiter's quick acceleration helped us reach around 60km/h quite fast and we managed to escape the dogs. The engine is comfortable at speeds