Climate change is real: The world is hotter than its been for two millennia

Global warming is upon us. Long-term global temperature trends revealed by tree rings in a new scientific study confirms tree-life long heat conditions in the northern hemisphere. The Paris Agreement cap sadly lacks a global consensus.

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.

India must raise productivity for sustainable and inclusive growth

We must focus on improving manufacturing processes and capital expenditure deployment to increase productivity. Quick digitization of supply chains and operations can earn significant benefits for companies.

High airfares remain a challenge, says Thomas Cook India's Madhavan Menon

Thomas Cook India's Executive Chairman Madhavan Menon highlighted high airfares and limited airline capacity as significant challenges affecting both leisure and business travelers in India. Despite an increase in scheduled flights, the demand-supply constraints are expected to ease only in the long term with the introduction of new aircraft. Menon outlined the company's plans to expand its physical network through owned and franchise outlets and enhance its digital presence.

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.

Manu Joseph: Alice Munro reported from inside the heads of women

The author and literature Nobel laureate was chiefly interested in the lives of women, but the result wasnt always compassion for women.

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.

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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!

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

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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

Of princess, pastel flowers and homegrown slow luxury brand, 'Akutee'

Akutee, a homegrown slow luxury brand, has unveiled its collection of hand-painted embellishments, mostly in pastel shades, on May 16 at the Four Seasons in Bengaluru. The brand, which focuses on hand-painted embellishments, was inspired by the gardens of the royal Ghatge family of Kolhapur. The brand's name, 'Akutee', is a nod to the Ghatge royal women's lineage and an ode to all the women in her family.

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.

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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.

ARAI conducts first-ever electric 2-wheeler crash tests in India

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has completed a series of crash tests on electric 2-wheelers. It is said to be the first time such tests have been conducted as they are not mandatory for 2-wheelers. According to the ARAI, the tests were conducted for specific customers. The agency did not disclose the identity of these OEMs. The electric 2-wheelers were subjected to the standard rigid barrier and side pole tests. The tests were conducted against standard industry benchmarks, using accelerometers and high-speed cameras. The latest development is seen as a significant step towards establishing safety standards for electric 2-wheelers in India. Safety norms are already in place for EV batteries, which has helped eliminate many cheap and low-quality batteries and components from the market. Source:Autocar Pro

Jagmohan Dalmiya, the man who set cricket on its path to current riches

The ICC will rightfully take credit for extending the footprint of the game to the lucrative American market. But this is a good time to remember Jagmohan Dalmiya, the man whose dynamism and street smarts set cricket on its path to global reach

Best Amazon Memorial Day Sales: Score Big Savings on Home, Tech, TVs and More - CNET

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Philippines to buy 5 Japan-made coast guard ships in $400 mn deal

The Philippines agrees to buy five coast guard patrol ships from Japan to counter Chinese pressure in the South China Sea. Tokyo will provide a loan for the vessels to enhance maritime operations of the Philippine Coast Guard. The deal signifies the strengthening ties between the two countries amid regional security challenges.

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

Indias rural awakening: An economic growth engine

More than half the value addition in the manufacturing sector is now generated in rural areas and about two-thirds of rural income comes from non-farm activities. Rural development can be accelerated to achieve double-digit growth rates and make Indias land distribution less lopsided.

ET Circle: Watch Cyril Shroff of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas unravel his legacy in law and leadership

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.

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.

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.

Biden's Chinese EV tariffs could spark trouble for Tata Motors and opportunity for power industry players

For India's Tata Motors, the fallout appears immediate and challenging, while power industry firms stand on the edge of unexpected benefits

Changing the sprocket on my CB350RS: Key observations after the swap

BHPian Mr.Sleeper recently shared this with other enthusiasts. This was a time-intensive mod due to the research and trial and error that went into it but was worth it as it could be a possible fix to an issue a lot of CB350 owners face. This issue wasn't discussed much on team-bhp or YouTube either so I'm excited to share my findings. I live in a hill station currently and riding the CB on hilly roads with its tall gearing is really annoying. The higher gears are rarely useful and you have to really push the bike to make quick overtakes. It is almost impossible to cruise sedately at low revs in uphill or city sections. Better low-end power would mean easier riding on uphill roads and quicker initial acceleration. I was checking out possible fixes to make the bike more tractable and read about changing the sprockets to alter the gear ratios. The basic rule of Thumb is: More teeth in the Rear (or) Fewer teeth at the Front = more torque at the wheel, quicker acceleration, reduced top speed Fewer teeth at the Rear (or) More teeth at the Front = higher top speed, better mileage, reduced pick-up There was very little information related to gear ratio altering of the CB online. Came across a thread on the CB350 Owners Facebook Group where a few owners had experimented with various sprocket combinations to improve tractability. After going through the entire thread this is the summary: Stock: Front 14T, Rear 35T, Chain Link 104 Combination 1: Front 13T, Rear 35T, Chain Link 104 Pros:Stock chain and rear sprocket can be usedOnly front sprocket needs replacementNoticeable improvement in low-end powerEasier to ride in city or hilly roads, fewer gear shifts neededCost EffectiveCons:Top speed drops noticeably, while the bike can reach 120, it seems strained, Vibration-free cruising speed has come down to 90-100 km/hrMod not suitable for owners who do a lot of highway riding as the bike seems a little strained while maintaining speeds above 100 km/hrCombination 2: Front 15T, Rear 41T, Chain Link 105 Pros:According to owners' feedback this combination provides good rideability at low speeds without greatly reducing the top speedA more complete mod as it makes the bike tractable in a variety of riding situationsDoes not compromise the highway riding capability of the bikeCons:Expensive as it needs replacement of both front and rear sprocketsCustom 15T front sprocket must be purchased (Rs.1500 from GP Racing Chennai)Rear sprocket is from the CB500X (Rs.1805 from Honda Genuine Parts)Extra link must be added to the chain which requires a skilled mechanicAs my primary usage was city and hilly sections where I rarely cross speeds of 100 km/hr, I chose to go with Combination 1 as it was cost-effective and met most of my requirements.Approach 1:A Mumbai-based CB rider shared on Facebook that he used the front sprocket of the Suzuki Gixxer 250 which is 13T. It was not a direct fit as it does not have the screw holes of the OEM sprocket and he had to use two 24mm outer circlips and a 25mm big dollar washer to lock the sprocket into place. According to the rider, the jugaad works fine and he has been using this setup for quite some time. The Suzuki sprocket cost just Rs.270 therefore I decided to give this jugaad a shot. My mechanic warned me during installation itself that fitting a sprocket this way could be very risky since it is a part that receives significant torque. I contacted the rider who had done this mod and he assured me that it should work fine. Used the washers and spacers to lock the sprocket into place. The mod worked and the desired gearing changes were observed. However, under high revs, there was a loud and noticeable clatter from the front sprocket area. Also, the gear shifting felt completely crude with the gear shifts requiring a lot of effort to slot into place. Overall even though the jugaad worked and the low-end torque issue was solved, it didn't feel like a refined and permanent fix and there was always a fear that it would all break and come loose anytime.Approach 2:Unhappy with the earlier fix started searching for more permanent solutions. Came across GP Racing, Chennai (9841059988), they make custom performance parts for Indian market motorcycles. They make 13T and 15T front sprockets for the CB which are of OEM specifications and a perfect fit. Contacted Mr. Ganesh who was very kind and helpful with the ordering and shipping process. The sprocket cost Rs.1500 and was delivered within a week. The sprocket was well made and had two screw holes just like the OEM sprocket and therefore could be screwed into place perfectly. No more loud clatter or vibrations at higher revs and gear shifts felt precise again. I would strongly suggest anyone looking into a sprocket swap to avoid the jugaad and go for this approach as it provides a better sense of safety and satisfaction. Observations after 13T SwapPros:Noticeable improvement in acceleration at low revs, Quick overtakes are easierCan ride at higher gears in uphill sectionsBike can start off from 2nd gear quite easily, shows improvement of low-end torque at the wheelBike can maintain city speeds at 3rd gear effortlessly, used to experience lugging earlier on the stock setupMinimum speed for 4th gear is 40 km/hr5th gear has finally found its purpose, minimum speed of 60 km/hr, after which you can cruise effortlessly without any hint of engine luggingImproved mileage at lower speedsCons:Top speed has dropped by around 10 - 15 km/hr (speedo indicated 120 km/hr is the new top speed)Engine is strained after crossing 100-105 km/hrReduced mileage at higher speedsPossibility of speedo error (TBhpians I am not sure of this, someone please explain if possible)I know people who like the tall gearing of the CB claiming that it gives the bike a completely unique character in the segment. I myself enjoyed the stock gearing when driving through empty roads and highways. Unfortunately for my use case, it just wasn't suitable. Many owners and Automotive reviews complain about the gearing claiming it requires lot of shifting when driving through busy traffic. I have even read about a few owners selling their CB after getting fed up due to this! The sprocket change has definitely improved the tractability and peppiness of the bike. I am extremely happy with the results and would recommend this mod to owners facing the same issues as me. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The Reserve Bank of India should defy the curve and cut rates

India's central bank needs to show foresight again and cut rates ahead of the US Federal Reserve to make money cheaper and revive private capital expenditure, which is necessary to sustain the post-pandemic growth revival amid fiscal constraints that could stay the governments hand.

Rakhi Sawant reacts to ex-husbands accusation of faking cancer diagnosis, promises

Sawant confirmed that she had indeed been diagnosed with cancer, and a 10cm tumour was found in her uterus. However, the Main Hoon Na star appeared as cheerful as ever and promised that she would soon be back to what she does best - dance, sing and entertain people. She also revealed that she would be undergoing surgery on Saturday.

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

Have Hypertension? 9 Superfood Items To Regulate Blood Pressure

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.

Vijay Mallya condolles 'fordimable competitor' Anita Goyal's death, remembers Jet Airways founder's wife as a 'lovely human being'

Anita Goyal, wife of Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal, passed away after battling cancer. Vijay Mallya expressed condolences, acknowledging her role in Jet Airways amidst ongoing investigations into the airline's financial dealings. Naresh Goyal's legal challenges were also referenced, with his recent bail granted in a money laundering case. Vijay Mallya's own legal situation, stemming from Kingfisher Airlines' financial troubles, remains unresolved as extradition efforts continue.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My childhood dream, my beautiful adventure tourer: Ducati Multistrada

BHPian abhi_tjet recently shared this with other enthusiasts. 5000 kms up! With Pune as hot as some North Indian cities this summer, squeezing riding opportunities is as difficult as teaching traffic sense to most of our people. First major milestone.. came at its own pace Bike is doing well. One unique thing about Multi is it takes quite a lot of time to cool down once you turn off the engine due to V twin layout(IMO). The rear cylinder has not much space to dissipate heat and takes it own sweet time to chill. This was much better in my Triple. I suppose in-line engines will fare better in this regard as compared to V2 and V4's. I planned a ride specifically to clock 5k kms. However, miscalculated some distance and reached home with 4 kms still left for milestone This is supposed to be Morbe lake view point! Only problem - there is no lake Joined the Ducati group ride today. They kept a joint event today for Mumbai-Pune Ducati owners at Radisson Blu, Lonavla. Turnout was huge, might be around 120-150 owners joined overall, despite the sweltering heat. Breakfast and a T-shirt was provided complimentary. Few random pics. 2024 variant of various bikes were unveiled namely, Hypermotard, DesertX, Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V4. Panigale V2 with Multistrada V2 like sticker I am still taking bike out once in 2-3 weeks to keep at least the battery charged Happy miles! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

To AI or not to AI? Why artificial intelligence deciding your loan application makes regulators nervous

AI & ML are now ubiquitous in banks and financial institutions as it helps the companies improve credit assessment and reduce frauds. Though these models have some risks and the regulators are rightfully concerned the good news is these can be resolved without much trouble.

Aishwarya Rai At Cannes 2024: Actress Stuns In Black And Gold Gown Despite Hand Injury

Aishwarya Rai At Cannes 2024: Actress Stuns In Black And Gold Gown Despite Hand Injury

Bullish on NALCO, IOC & SAIL; Honeywell to touch Rs 1 lakh in future: Sanjiv Bhasin

Sanjiv Bhasin of IIFL Securities predicts Honeywell Automation's share price is going to reach Rs 1 lakh, while he had bought it years ago for Rs 89. Strong market performances by Hindustan Aeronautics and Mahindra indicate stability amidst FII selling worries. Opportunities in PSUs like NALCO, IOC, and SAIL emerge in the current market scenario.

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.

Mint Quick Edit | US elections: Brace for Biden vs Trump debates

Ahead of the US presidential election, Democrat Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trump have agreed to two debates on 27 June and 10 September. The clash may be pivotal if the race tightens. Will ageism play a role?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sues Meta, citing chatbots reply as evidence of shadowban

Presidential candidate believes Metas chatbot can reliably reveal shadowbans.

Memorial Day 2024 Sales: Early Deals to Get Your Hands on Right Now, Plus What to Know for the Big Weekend - CNET

Here is everything you need to know to help you prepare for this year's Memorial Day sales, plus some early deals on tech, home goods, fashion and more.

Happy B'day Vicky Kaushal: From Masaan To Dunki, Some Of His Outstanding Performances

Over 400 properties attached by NIA since 2019, most belonging to terrorists, Naxals

NIA attached 403 properties since 2019, mainly from terrorists, Naxals, and separatists. Ranchi branch attached 206 properties in Bihar and Jharkhand. Jammu branch seized 100 properties, Chandigarh 33 from separatists. Confiscated properties include Khalistani leader's. PFI workers' properties also seized in multiple locations across India.

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

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.

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.

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.

Think it over: What AI does for us versus what its doing to us

Chatting with AI chatbots can leave a neural imprint on us. A friendly bot may make us feel less vulnerable, offering us a sense of comfort, but might an emotional vacuum created by such a relationship also leave us emotionally fragile?

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

Making ChatGPT sexy may not be the best way to make it better

ChatGPTs latest omni version is making waves. But if OpenAI's aim was to make its chatbot more engaging, that could open up a can of worms and put our mental health at threat.

Not fully committing to IT; gung-ho on market infra stocks: Shiv Chanani

Shiv Chanani, Fund Manager at Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund, provides insightful analysis on the IT space, auto sector, and the capital market infrastructure spaces. He further emphasizes the impact of uncertainty in the IT industry, changing dynamics in the auto space, and the growth opportunities in capital market infrastructure.

No reason to sell my 11 year old BMW 530d : Still extremely dependable

GTO recently shared this with other enthusiasts. The 530d is rocking & rolling in its 11th year on the road. Been using her quite a lot around Bombay, and also had 1 enjoyable highway run with her in the last month. The upgrade itch has started a little bit, but the 530d's endearing qualities (looks, reliability, comfortable suspension, deadly engine, deadly gearbox, opulent cabin) are making it tough to justify spending big bucks on an upgrade. So, I'm going to hold that thought for now and focus on investments instead. Other than the fact that she is 11-years old, there is absolutely no reason to sell her off. She is extremely satisfying to drive calmly in the city, extremely fast on the open road and is extremely dependable. Old BMWs that have aged well have a different kind of charm on the road. Plus, I do get my petrolhead fix from driving all the new cars launched in India. On the other hand, with age, some niggles & wear / tear parts are blowing out. In the last one year, the brake warning light came up (brake fluid needed a flush & change), the fuel lid wasn't locking, a rat chewed off 1 small wire, the boot dampers needed to be changed (it was opening at full force with a thud) and the front foglights had completely fogged up (changed both). Nothing too serious & not a single breakdown in 11-years (*touches wood*). The servicing & repair costs of the 530d came up to 1.39 lakhs in the last year...not bad for a 11-year old complex German machine that can still show a thing or two to today's cars. This amount, of course, doesn't include detailing costs which are another 20-24k per year. Big shoutout to Akshay & his company Redline Autohaus for fixing all of these and keeping the car in top shape . I prefer to repair even the small things, else they add up and the car starts feeling old. As of date, my 530d feels 4-5 years old, at worst. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

50,000 km with my Honda Jazz CVT: An honest list of likes & dislikes

BHPian pappyrohit recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I own a Honda Jazz V CVT (Model Year 2017) which has recently crossed the 50k km milestone. I would like to share my thoughts about its ownership. A brief history of ownership Jazz was our first family car, which we purchased in Bengaluru, back in 2017, a few weeks before my 18th birthday. Back in late 2016, we were on the lookout for a small family hatchback, with the main priority being automatic (comfort in BLR traffic). We looked at Suzuki Celerio, but were disappointed with the jerky AMT transmission and lack of space in the back seat for a 6ft 1inch tall person like me. We moved onto the next segment, and the next car was Ford Figo, which we really liked and considered. It was compact, had better space than Celerio and had a solid build quality. While window shopping at Magnum Honda Showroom, we came across Jazz, and were impressed with the roomy cabin. We decided to stick to premium hatchback segment and looked at other contenders. The first was Hyundai Elite i20. It had better build quality and interiors than Jazz, but the automatic variant was pricey (costed over 11.5L OTR). We then moved to Suzuki Baleno. Baleno was as roomy as Jazz, had better features and being a Suzuki, we expected low maintenance. We skipped Baleno as it had a huge waiting period of 6+ months (according to Kalyani Nexa) and we couldn't wait that long, as we needed a car immediately. We took delivery of Golden Brown metallic Jazz on Republic Day, 2017, right after my first semester in college. During the first few years, till the end of 2019, the Jazz was barely used. It was parked during the weekdays as my parents preferred public transport to commute to work (convenient) and would take the car out only on weekends for short road trips. I would occasionally take the car for a spin, when I would go home during semester breaks. By the end of 2019, it had barely crossed 20k km mark, most of which was due to highway runs. Between 2020-2022, I was at home, due to Work From Home, and we got more opportunities to drive the car in city and longer roadtrips. By mid 2023, Jazz had clocked 42000kms on the odometer Post inheritance In September 2023, I inherited the Jazz, from my parents after they upgraded to a new car, Grand Vitara Mild Hybrid. Since it was our first car, I am pretty emotionally attached to it. I drove the car, to Hyderabad, where I was posted for work. In the past six months, it had clocked almost 9000kms. The roads in the areas, where I live are pretty smooth and wide, and driving is a joy. It recently crossed 50000km mark on it's 7th birthday, and here are the issues we faced with it, over seven years of ownershipHad to fix engine wiring twice as rats chewed their way through, while it was parked in our basement parking. Weirdly, Honda does not have engine guard for Jazz, but does provide one for all other models like City and Amaze.Had to change entire set of tyres once at around 25000km mark and another two tyres, as they were brutally damaged when we kept taking it to our farmland. The roads were filled with sharp stones and the tyres were weak after getting punctured multiple times.Had to get the catalytic converter replaced once, as it was damaged when the car scraped over a monstrous bump on the roadHad to replace the front bumper twice (once when I hit the curb to avoid a drunk guy on the street), (second time, when our driver misjudged a stone on an unpaved road and scraped over it, damaging the bumper)Had to replace the rear fender once after an autorickshaw rammed it, in Hyderabad.Had to replace front left suspension's arm as the ball joint was broken. Weirdly this was missed by our regular third party garage during three services, but was caught by Honda service. According to Honda service, the ball joint was broken a while ago, and wasn't a recent issue. The car still ran like a charm, even with a broken suspension arm.Apart from these issues caused by accidents, our Jazz never had any issue. Legit, fuss free ownership. Characteristics of the carEngine: Peppy engine mated to CVT transmission. Faced no issues in city. Really smooth and silent drive, as long as you go easy on the gas pedal. CVT taught me how to drive patiently and I manage to squeeze good mileage too. On an average, I get 14-15kmpl in city and around 19kmpl on ORR or expressways. Sport mode unlocks a different characteristic in this car. The engine runs at a higher rpm, and there's more than enough power to pull the car to triple digit speeds from city speeds quickly. It's fun using sports mode on expressways with light traffic like ORR in Hyderabad. Managed to touch 150kph without breaking a sweat.Handling: The suspension isn't particularly extra ordinary. At city speeds it's fine and does its job well. Potholes are usually absorbed but a mild thud is usually felt in the cabin. At high speeds, it doesn't wallow much and you can drive with confidence. You wouldn't feel confident pulling through a corner at high speeds though.UX: The interiors are slightly driver oriented. - The dashboard is slightly inclined towards the driver. Perks of it- driver can feel all the airflow, very beneficial when driving alone during summers. The sad part is, co passengers might not get enough AC.There are no rear AC vents and it does take time to cool the large cabin.Major pain point with AC controls is that they are touch screen and not physical controls. It's very distracting to set the controls while driving.The V variant comes with a 5 inch non touch screen infotainment. It serves my purpose well. I use it to attend calls (no issues with call quality) and for listening to music (audio quality is good enough). I do not miss CarPlay Android Auto for Navigation due to the next pointCup holder at driver AC vent : I find this to be a convenient phone holder, with added cooling. I pair my phone via Bluetooth and can quickly glance at directions. My phone tends to get hot with navigation on, especially on a hot summer day, and the AC vent keeps it cool. Really nifty hack.Power windows work even after turning off the engine off. As long as, none of the doors are opened yet, you can use the power windows for a few minutes. Miss this feature on other cars.No speed sensing locks: For some weird reason, a 10.5L car lacks this basic safety mechanism. The doors don't auto lock themselves whatsoever while driving. There were times, when I had to centrally lock the car while driving at moderate city speeds, because I forgot to lock the doors in the start.Spacious interiors : not gonna lie, but they are actually quite roomy. My cousins (6ft 5in, 6ft 3in, 6ft) and I (6ft 1inch tall) can comfortably travel without compromising on legroom. The rear bench does lack some under thigh support, but so far none of my rear passengers have complained.Rear seatbelt's: The buckle lock for the seat belts is recessed and sometimes get lost beneath the covers, especially for the middle passenger. It's been 7 years and I still haven't figured out a way to pull it back in place without unzipping the covers.Photoshoot The Jazz parked in our farm 50k kms mark right before it's 7th birthday Jazz parked outside Telangana Secretariat Rear three quarters LED detailing in the tail lamps Spotted it's doppelgnger in Orlando, Florida, USA At the end of nearly 7.5 years of ownership , I am pleased with it. I plan on continuing to use it as my daily driver for at least another 6 years. I am sure my Jazz will soldier on for the next years. Signing off. Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Aim high: Industry-academia ties could catapult Indias biopharma industry

We must combine all our skills to boost innovation. An incentive scheme like Chinas talent programme could be used to recruit overseas Indians from top global institutes, while domestic universities ascend the biotech learning curve.

BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport Shadow Edition launched

BMW has launched a special edition of the X3 in India. The new X3 xDrive20d M Sport Shadow Edition is priced at Rs 74.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The X3 M Sport Shadow Edition features a blacked-out kidney grille flanked by BMW Laser Light, gloss black exhaust tips and 19-inch Y-spoke M alloy wheels. Customers can also customize their X3 with the Black Edition Package, which includes an M Performance rear spoiler, M Side Strip in Frozen Black & M side logo in high-gloss black. Besides this, the Carbon Edition Package adds a carbon fibre gear lever and door sill. On the interior, the special edition X3 gets Sports Seats, an M leather steering wheel, Vernasca leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof and a Welcome Light Carpet. The SUV is also equipped with a 3-zone automatic climate control system, a head-up display and ambient lighting with six settings. The X3 xDrive20d M Sport Shadow Edition is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 188 BHP @ 5,200 rpm and 400 Nm @ 1,750-2,500 rpm. The engine is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive 4-wheel drive system.

BYD Shark pickup truck globally unveiled

BYD has globally unveiled its first-ever pickup truck called the 'Shark' - named as part of its 'Ocean Series' lineup of vehicles, which includes the Seal sedan, Seal U SUV and Dolphin hatchback. The new BYD Shark pickup truck features a conventional double-cab design with bold styling elements. The pickup truck measures a massive 5,457 mm in length, 1,971 mm in width and 1,925 mm in height. The front comes with a large 'BYD' lettering on the grille, flanked by C-shaped LED DRLs connected by a light bar. The rear taillights also feature a light bar running across the width of the truck. The rear also gets the BYD logo embossed on the tailgate. Inside, the BYD Shark features two large screens, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Other details include vertical AC vents, plenty of open storage areas, a 12-inch head-up display, wireless charging, rear AC vents, a karaoke function and a surround-view monitor. The BYD Shark comes powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain featuring a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor. The powertrain produces a combined output of 435 BHP, with BYD claiming a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds. The pickup truck is also capable of travelling 100 km on electric power alone, with the batteries taking 20 mins to charge from 30-80%. The truck has a payload capacity of 835 kg. The BYD Shark pickup truck will go on sale in the international market in the coming months. Once launched, it will rival the Toyota Hilux.

2024 Maruti Swift : Our observations after a day of driving

Driving the Maruti Swift 1.2L Petrol MT1.2L, 3-cylinder Z-Series petrol engine makes 81 BHP @ 5,700 rpm and 112 Nm @ 4,300 rpm: The fourth-gen Swift is powered by a 1.2L, 3-cylinder petrol engine. This unit is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and puts out 81 BHP and 112 Nm. These numbers are lesser than the outgoing car (4-cylinder, 82 BHP & 113 Nm). With a kerb weight of 920 kg, the power-to-weight ratio & torque-to-weight ratio are 88 BHP/ton & 122 Nm/ton respectively. These are considerably lower than the outgoing car. This means that the new Swift is not as fast a performer as the previous generation car. It can be termed as brisk at best. Maruti claims that the 1,197cc, Z12E unit has improved low-end torque delivery. It is equipped with an electric water pump for better engine cooling and a Lambda air-flow sensor for up to 12% lower CO2 emissions and higher fuel efficiency. Start the engine by pressing the light clutch and hitting the engine start/stop button. Ease off the clutch and the Swift moves off the line smoothly without any throttle input. Throttle response is good and power delivery is linear. Driving about at city speeds, the car feels smooth. Good driveability is the key here. The car can pull from as low as 500 rpm without any clutch input albeit with a judder. The engine doesn't struggle at low revs and the car can keep up with the traffic without the driver having to shift down too often. This trait combined with a small footprint and light controls makes the Swift very easy to drive around in the city. The engine starts feeling comfortable at 1,500 rpm. The car is relaxed doing 50 km/h in 4th gear with the engine spinning at 1,500 rpm. It starts pulling well above 2,500 rpm. On the open road, the Swift can be described as a brisk performer. It is not as fast or exciting as the outgoing car. The power delivery is linear and doesn't feel urgent at all. Enthusiastic drivers won't be very impressed by the performance. However, it's not slow and with proper use of the gears, good progress can be made. There is decent mid-range delivery, but in order to facilitate quick overtaking manoeuvres, it's advisable to shift down to a lower gear. The engine revs up to 6,000 rpm, which is where the redline starts. At this point, the fuel cuts off, which can catch you out in the middle of an overtaking manoeuvre. This, coupled with the lack of power means that passing slower vehicles needs some careful planning. In terms of cruiseability, in 5th gear, 100 km/h is seen at 2,500 rpm while 120 km/h is achieved at 3,000 rpm. The engine note needs a special mention here. While the typical 3-cylinder thrum is present, the engine sounds very sporty when revved. It's genuinely one of the best-sounding motors out there. It's extremely addictive and enjoyable, which urges you to rev hard and drive fast. The 5-speed manual transmission is an absolute joy to operate. The throws are short and the shift action is very smooth. With well-defined gates, the gearbox is sure-slotting and it's very hard to miss a shift. The clutch is very light and the travel range is medium.Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH)Straight off the bat, the 3-cylinder Z12E lacks the refinement of the K12 motor that we've been so used to. It is not terrible by any means and there is a slight shake of the body as the engine cranks and at idle. You will feel mild vibrations coming in through the floor and on the seats. But, there is no engine noise heard at all. If it were not for the vibrations, one would be hard-pressed to tell if the engine is running. While driving around calmly, the engine sound doesn't bother the cabin. However, as the revs climb, the engine makes itself heard a lot more in the cabin. While it's a likeable sound for enthusiasts, other occupants might complain as things get louder at higher revs. There is a hint of wind noise above 100 km/h and gets louder with speed. Even so, it's not excessive at 100-120 km/h. Road noise and tyre noise are average.Mileage & Fuel EconomyMaruti claims that the fourth-gen Swift is the most fuel-efficient hatchback in its segment with a 14% improvement over its predecessor. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol has an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 24.80 km/l for the MT and 25.75 km/l for the AMT. Maruti has equipped the Swift with an idling start/stop function to improve fuel efficiency. This feature worked seamlessly on our test drive and was not intrusive. It can be turned off by pressing a button on the centre fascia. Bonnet gets insulation underneath and helps keep the noise levels low: Sufficient insulation on the firewall: Suspension Ride ComfortThe Swift comes with a McPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. The setup is on the firmer side and the slow-speed ride is stiff. The car feels jiggly on concrete surfaces with joints. Even small bumps on the road are noticeable. As the speed increases, the ride improves. At highway speeds, most bumps and undulations won't bother you. Large potholes do register themselves in the cabin though. What is impressive is how silently the suspension goes about its duty. The ZXi and ZXi+ variants of the Swift ride on 15-inch wheels with 185/65 section tyres and the recommended tyre pressure is 29 PSI. Lower variants come with 14-inch rims fitted with 165/80 section rubber. These should provide a better ride. Torsion beam suspension at the rear: Handling & DynamicsThe Swift's stiffer suspension setup shows its true worth in the handling and dynamics department. Straight-line stability is very good for a car in this segment and occupants won't even know that the car is cruising at triple-digit speeds. Expansion joints on the highway do not unsettle it. On long curves, the car holds its line well. Push the car on twisty roads and you will experience some body roll, but it's very well-controlled. The car changes direction without fuss and feels very sure-footed. Our test car came with 185/60 R15 Bridgestone Ecopia tyres, which provided enough grip for the power on tap. Good dynamics along with precise steering and a sporty soundtrack make the Swift a fun car to drive. But we couldn't help thinking that a more powerful engine could have taken the experience to a whole new level.SteeringThe Swift gets an electric power steering, which is very user-friendly. It's light in the city and most owners will appreciate that. The compact dimensions of the car, light steering and a tight turning radius of 4.8 metres make the Swift very easy to drive in the city. At higher speeds, the steering weighs up well. There's no nervous feeling or twitchiness at all while cruising on the highways. On twisty roads, you will find that it is quick and precise. That being said, it doesn't relay much feedback. One point to note is that the steering has a stronger return to centre action than some of the Maruti cars we have driven in recent times. It does need some input from the driver while taking on switchbacks, but still, it's a big improvement over the outgoing car.BrakingThe Swift is equipped with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The performance is as expected and the car comes to a halt without much drama. Under hard braking too, the car doesn't lose its composure. The pedal feel is good too and there is a little bit of travel before the brakes bite.Niggles & ProblemsThe Swift is likely to be trouble-free like most offerings from Maruti. We did not face any problems in our test car and do not expect owners to do so either. However, as is always the case, we strongly recommend extended warranty coverage. Continue reading the discussion on the 2024 Maruti Swift on our forum.

Upgrading from my Defender 110: Which exclusive luxury car to pick?

BHPian morphin1 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Currently looking to replace my 2023 Defender 110 HSE . I will be keeping the new car for 2-3 years and then getting the new BMW X7 when the model changes. My requirements areWhich of the above two will have a good resale value and ease of sale . (What kind of value hit am I looking at these cars after 2-3 years with about 20,000 kms driving).Which of the 2 have a better luxury perception to the general public .Also is buying a Cayenne considered an upgrade from the defender ? Thanks a lot in advance guys Here's what BHPian Sahil had to say on the matter:Two very different cars. SUV vs Sedan As per your two requirements I would say Cayenne fits I personally would go for the 7 especially if not self driving most of the time. The 7 back seat is in another league compared to CayenneHere's what BHPian Akshay1234 had to say on the matter:Why do you want to sell the Defender this quickly? Is it not luxurious enough? Or some other reason. Both the options you mentioned will require a bit more care in usage than the Defender. The Cayenne is a great all rounder, and the Porsche badge does hold good value today. But the 7 in terms of luxury is something else all together, what a machine it is! I guess you need to take a call whether you want a sedan or an suv. In terms of resale I think the Porsche may hold its own, going by current trends.Here's what BHPian acedriver_9000 had to say on the matter:In terms of resale and badge value cayenne is better than the ugly 7-series. Have a look at newly launched panamera as well if you are interested in sedans. Why change cars so often? Buy a top of the line range rover and keep it for a longer duration. Range rover >> cayenne > x7. In terms of resale value & ease of sale: range rover, range rover sport> x7, cayenne> 7-series, panamera.Here's what BHPian newton_metero had to say on the matter:Defender has a terrific resale value as many Fortuner owners aspire to upgrade to a used or a new Defender. Between the Cayenne and the 7-series, the 7-series is a new gen, fully loaded and feels up-to-date with all the gizmos and luxury. Hence, it should ideally have a better resale. The Cayenne loses out on resale as the price bumps up with options. If you choose a basic spec Cayenne, then the resale would be fine. It's important to note that neither of these cars will be able to hold value like a Land Cruiser or a Defender. Heck, even the current X7 or GLS would hold value better than the two cars in contention. The Cayenne is more usable than the 7-series and can be an all-in-one car. If you self-drive all the times and do a lot of road trips, Cayenne makes sense. However, in terms of value and luxury in this price range, it's hard for any car to beat the 7-series. Happy ShoppingHere's what BHPian Turbanator had to say on the matter:Defender has a very strong resale. If you find a direct customer, you can probably get about the same as you might have paid. If you must sell now or soon, you better do it now, as Tata will start local production. Though I doubt they will reduce prices significantly, the cars can get more loadings. Cayenne, at least in this generation, is glorified Q7, and I won't suggest it. This model also takes a hit on resales. X7 - LCI is good, but only if you want to get driven. Unfortunately, nothing will give you a good experience at both the rear and in the driver's seat except Range Rover. Alternatively, you can add another car for rear seat comfort, like a Vellfire or an X7. If on budget, I will keep that Defender and add a Hycross.Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Tata Nexon spied with a panoramic sunroof; to rival the XUV 3XO

Mahindra recently launched the XUV 3XO with first-in-segment features like a panoramic sunroof and Level 2 ADAS. Rival Tata Motors has responded and will soon offer the Nexon with a panoramic sunroof. Spy images of a Nexon test mule equipped with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof have surfaced online. It is likely to be offered on higher variants of the compact SUV, while lower variants will get a single-pane unit. On the XUV 3XO, the larger sunroof is available from the AX7 variant. Besides the addition of a panoramic sunroof, no other changes are expected. The Nexon will continue to be offered with features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, blind spot monitor, 6 airbags and more. The two engine options will also be carried over unchanged. These include the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. Transmission options will include a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Source:Rushlane

Maldives matters: Indias moving to foil Chinese designs

With China making diplomatic inroads, New Delhis hosting of the Maldivian foreign minister amid domestic elections and despite strained ties is evidence of the strategic importance of nations in the Indian Ocean Region. New Delhi is shoring up its influence for good reason.

How to get Android Auto on any car or bike under Rs. 10,000

BHPian dkaile recently shared this with other enthusiasts. DIY: Getting ANDROID AUTO Screen on my Skoda Superb 2012 / BMW R1250 GSA for under 10k - 11-05-2024 Now as I had mentioned on my Skoda Superb Thread (Skoda Superb - A tryst with destiny) - I was looking to upgrade my car with a Android Auto Screen WITHOUT compromising on the OE sound quality of my Bolero Stereo. As I had mentionedSo the problem remains as it is as I am still apprehensive to remove this beautifully sounding stereo. I am doubtful if I will get clear radio reception with the single connector (coming nowadays) that is attached to these twin antenna connectors by a Fakra adapter. So is it the best option for me to keep on using Android Auto on my phone, as I have been doing for nearly a decade now and listen to Spotify through bluetooth? Or is there some practical and high quality but low cost option available? For another day!!In continuation with the above, I found a solution that could work as mentioned in this video I mainly followed instructions of the above video to get WIRELESS Android Auto for my car. But you can also have a look at these 3 video series by YouTuber Akshay Pai which helped me to set Pixel Density to 250, which I found perfect for my setup and also to Disable Audio Sink to make the sound output come directly through my car's stereo / my Samsung Buds on the bike - (Please click on links in the above video to see Part 2 and Part 3 of this series, IF you need to) Now my wife had recently upgraded to S23 FE in the recent Flipkart Sale, from her 4 year old Samsung A71. What a beautiful piece of art this is with all glass and aluminum finish. But now looks like a iPhone though So after transferring the data and formatting the phone, this A71 (on the left) was now lying free with us, at literally zero cost, for this upgrade - Now since I did NOT have a spare Android Tablet lying around, I went ahead and purchased the most basic WiFi one - Samsung Tab A9 (8.7 screen) for Rs. 8431/- (MRP 14,999/-) on zero EMI from the Amazon Sale that was also running concurrently - My wife immediately took to Media Consumption on it and it can be quite good at that, when not in use in the car, as the entire setup is plug and play in a jiffy - Putting it next to the stock Superb Stereo - And a virtual size comparison of this 9 incher vs the 6.5 on the stock - Next important thing needed was a high quality and sturdy Car Mount. I went with this one from Amazon for Rs. 1360/- - Front view. Can accommodate devices from 4 to 11 - The A9 mounted on it - A side view of the mounting structure - Continue reading BHPian Dkaile's post for more insights and information.

Seamless experience with my used Skoda Rapid so far: 5000 km update

BHPian TheGodfather recently shared this with other enthusiasts.5000 km updateI thought of giving you all a periodic update on the ownership and experience. It has been a seamless experience so far, with the car and with the service centre.Overall impressionThe car is working as per the expectations with an audible grunt from the engine. The butter-smooth transmission adds to the experience. Although sometimes the overtakes need to be planned, the power delivery is more than enough for most of the time. Family is happy with the cabin space and boot space while I'm happy with the driving dynamics. The DDPAI Z40 dash cam footage quality is good. Although the first front one stopped working in a month, it was replaced by Nexdigitron free of charge. I'd like to give special mention to the fact that my friends who get severe cases of motion sickness in all other cars, the majority being SUVs, haven't felt so.Major travels:3 trips to Mumbai - all involved the Atal Setu, what an amazing experience it has been.A trip each to Bhimashankar and Trimbakeshwar - The condition of Pune Nashik highway has improved quite a lot with full-fledged bypasses around the major towns.A few trips to Lonavala and around.Have planned trips to Goa and Aurangabad via Samruddhi Mahamarg after summer.Statistics (As of 8th May - Courtesy of Fuelio)Overall distance covered - 5033 kmAverage mileage per month - 1120 kmAverage fuel consumption - 12.87 km/lAverage cost per km - Rs 9.87/km The fuel consumption chart is also attached. The peaks are all highway runs while the rest are either a mix of highways and city or only city. The last 4 fills (April-May 2024) are from Shell normal petrol while the ones in Jan-March 2024 are from HP COCO Power 95. BHPians, please guide me if the statistics look in order or if I need to change anything with my driving style, fuel or anything else. Also, I have a query about which fuel is recommended since the recommended RON is 95 and Min RON is 92 while Shell is 91 RON. A similar query would be for Ethanol blending but I suppose it's not under my control in the same way as RON is. The upcoming change is the wiper blades change. Would anyone suggest something compatible and effective? Thanks in advance everyone. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Mahindra XUV 3XO garners 50,000 bookings in just 60 minutes

Mahindra recently opened the order books for the XUV 3XO. The carmaker has announced that it received over 50,000 bookings within just 60 minutes. It is said that 27,000 vehicles were booked within the first 10 minutes alone. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the replacement for the XUV 300. It is priced from Rs 7.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The compact SUV has been given a major cosmetic update 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.

Moto Morini X-Cape 650 prices slashed by Rs 1.30 lakh

Moto Morini has reduced the prices of its X-Cape 650 ADV by Rs 1.30 lakh. The bike now starts at Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The X-Cape 650 was launched in India alongside the Seiemmezzo Retro Street and Scrambler in October 2022. The ADV is available in two variants: Standard and X, with the latter being a more off-road-oriented version. With a price cut of Rs 1 lakh, the X variant now costs Rs 6.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The X-Cape 650 features a semi-faired design with twin headlamps and a tall windscreen up front. The bike has split seats and a small luggage rack integrated into the grab rails. It is powered by a 649cc twin-cylinder that puts out 60 BHP and 54 Nm and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike features an upside-down fork suspension at the front and a mono-shock at the back. Braking is handled by dual 298 mm discs at the front and a 255 mm disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS.

2024 Maruti Swift Review : 11 Pros & 11 Cons

Maruti Swift ProsStylish exterior is unmistakably Swift, although opinions can be polarizingSmart-looking interior with a good-looking dashboard and fine ergonomicsManual transmission with short throws is very slick and a joy to use. Absolutely brilliant MT!Great drivability and light controls, along with a small footprint make it a joy in the citySporty engine sound is addictive. It's the best sounding 3-cylinder I've drivenChoice of sporty MT and convenient AMT - take your pick3-cylinder engine is fuel-efficient; ARAI rating of 25.75 km/l for the AMT (MT is 24.80 km/l)Enjoyable handling & good high speed composure with a precise steeringLong list of features including automatic LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED foglamps, cruise control, 9-inch touchscreen HU paired with an Arkamys sound system, rear A/C vents, wireless charging, footwell lighting, connected car features etcSafety features such as 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all, ESP, hill-hold assist, ABS+EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts etc.Maruti's widespread service network, excellent after-sales support & fuss-free ownership experiencesMaruti Swift Cons1.2L petrol is not fast & exciting enough for enthusiasts. Not as refined as the outgoing 4-cylinder, nor as powerful (power has actually dropped to just 81 BHP)Priced very close to the more premium & spacious BalenoMediocre plastic quality (interiors) is typical Maruti grade; very ordinaryAMT can get jerky & slow. Some competitors offered smoother ATs (e.g. Altroz DCT, Hyundai's AMT, i20's IVT)No CNG or diesel option like some rivalsLow speed ride is jiggly due to suspension tune & 15-inch wheelsBlack interiors and smallish glass area can make one claustrophobic, particularly at the backRear seat's under-thigh support is mediocre for taller passengersSome misses (auto-dimming IRVM, TPMS, sunroof, driving modes, smaller spare tyre on the Z trims...)L & V variants get horribly skinny 165 mm tyres. Please upgrade163 mm ground clearance raises our eyebrows, although Maruti hatchbacks aren't known to scrape speed breakersRead Team-BHP's detailed 2024 Maruti Swift Review.

How I saved Rs 4,500 on a set of wipers for my Skoda Superb

BHPian dkaile recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Passenger Side Wiper Change - 22-03-2024 The Driver Side Wiper was last changed on 04-08-2023 and was working perfectly fine but the Passenger Side Wiper was last changed on 04-06-2015 and was nearly 9 years and still working but though a little long in the tooth... lolz. So it was time to get the Passenger side one replaced. Now it comes as a set from Skoda and they were asking around 5000 bucks for a set, whereas I had just changed my Baleno wipers to Hella ones for just 300 bucks and they were working perfectly!! So why the propensity to ask 5k for these?? Searched in the local market, not immediately available in Meerut a spare parts dealer assured to procure for around 900 bucks for the pair. Searched online and I hit one which was just for 489 bucks for a pair!! with a nearly 4-star rating and with Amazon, I could always return/replace it if it was not worthwhile. So I bit the bullet and ordered and received these ones from Valeo from the seller, which I have heard good things about: They were the exact size needed for Superb 2012 MK2 - 24 and 18 Now there was a difference in the attaching latch, as is visible in the photo, and I was disappointed at first glance. But when I fitted it to the car, it fit like a glove and clicked and locked into place. Relieved!! The quality is 'superb' and both my wipers are now giving a crystal clear wipe of the windshield without any streaks. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Fix food inflation: Quit erratic intervention, adopt a rulebook

The governments approach to taming food inflation has been flawed. Ad-hoc export and other trade restrictions appear to have raised supplier anxiety and worsened shortages of farm commodities. We need a proper framework of rules to address price instability.

How I saved more than Rs 66,000 after buying the Comet EV

BHPian ALTIMAed recently shared this with other enthusiasts. 11K km in one day short of 4 months of ownership. That too considering it was standing still on two occasions comprising of 21 days!! With the price reduction and AC FC option available, it really is a hoot-shoot 4-wheeler. It's my primary car and has a daily running of 75 kms. Service costs I have incurred to date:1,000 km - FOC5,000 km - Rs 920 (rear reducer oil change)10,000 kms- Rs 320 (a/c filter replaced)One could compare the service cost of a similar-priced ICE vehicle With fuel/energy costs the picture is just short of being dramatic For 11K kms considering a mileage of 14 km/l, I would have burnt Rs 75,429/- on petrol. In the Comet, considering a range of 180 km (I am extracting much more), I have just spent Rs 8457.77 A whopping saving of Rs 66,972 using it for just 11K km! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Globalization at threat: US import tariffs have dealt free trade a heavy blow

New American barriers against Chinese imports confirm a US policy rejection of free trade. While watching out for the fallout, India should resist going the US way and letting geopolitics trump economics. We must avoid policy myopia.

Mint Quick edit | Should Indias mixed trade bag prompt a rupee rethink?

Exports edged up a bit in April but were outpaced by imports, widening our trade deficit. Thankfully, capital inflows look sustainable and the rupee is unlikely to weaken muchthough a weaker currency could boost exports.

Americas 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs: bad policy, worse leadership

The global trade system is disintegrating as you read this