Why I chose the Maruti Invicto to replace my 10-year-old Safari Storme

BHPian chinkara recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Some of you may know that I have been a proud owner of a Storme VX 4x4 for 10 years now. But with the 10-year rule in NCR, I have also been an enthusiastic participant in the What Car threads for some time, and also discussing the dilemma in theStorme thread (Tata Safari Storme : Official Review). So I thought I'll finally create a thread to discuss the options and the decision process. I will not go through detailed pros and cons but highlight what madeusput a car in / drop a car fromthe shortlist. Choices:XUV 700Scorpio-NJeep CompassJeep MeridianSkoda KodiaqVW TiguanToyota FortunerNew SafariInnova HycrossInvictoThen, the decision criteria. We already have a Tiago EV which is used mainly as a regular office commute by my wife, although I too use it for meetings within Gurgaon when she works from home. So we wanted a vehicle that would double up as a holiday vehicle. Thus a goodcruiserwas essential. Do we need a 5-seater or a 7-seater?We used the 7-seat facility in the Storme well. We have gone on trips with my parents, in-laws, and SIL and her family as well. But now, with both our parents 70+, it is unlikely they would join us for long tours. A 7-seater is good to have but not essential. Do we need a 4x4?As I have said in other threads, we have probably used the 4x4 thrice in 10 years, but those 3 times were fantastic. Also, my long pending Ladakh trip (which I and a friend who is currently in the UK promised to do together) would welcome a 4x4. Thus I would prefer 4x4 but not essential (hence the last 2 were added to the list). Waiting for Godot redux...Last time I waited and waited for the Duster and delayed the Storme purchase by 2 years, only to conclude after the test drive that I liked the Storme more. (probably better as I got a more sorted, niggle free vehicle). This time I really wanted to look at the X-trail. I have driven my friend's vehicle in Dubai and wanted to snap it up if it was available around 40L. But in spite of waiting for 2 years still no sign of it. Now my vehicle was completing 10 years in 2024, so I could not risk further delays and impounding, as happened to a colleague of mine. So started the test drives from Oct 2023.XUV 700:We took a test drive and felt the suspension to be a problem - much like why we rejected the 500 10 years back. It simply did not have the handling, particularly in curves, that we were used to in the Storme.Scorpio N:I was really keen on this (the guy next to me in the parking lot has one, and I have taken it out for a spin). But ruled out by the home office. Scorpio has a bad image problem in the North with politico vehicles having Pradhan ji stickers all around. She felt the same would be the case with the ScorpioN and she refused to drive or ride such a car.Compass:A good friend was buying the compass. I took a test drive and liked it overall, but there was a small doubt about the turbo lag and overtaking from dead slow. Also, a colleague owned a Compass and had horror stories about both fuel efficiency and maintenance after 3 years. However, I overlooked such stories with the Storme and decided to stick the Compass in the list for now.Merdian:We had a good test drive. Kids liked the last row. Wife liked the suspension. I liked the driving ergonomics but gained the nagging doubt about the turbo lag and the overtaking power. We also loved the green colour and decided to stick it on the shortlist.Kodiaq:I have used the Kodiaq a bit in Europe last year and loved the car. The reported transmission problems were ok with me. It is a good car with good suspension as well. However, I had hesitation plonking 50 L plus on a car, similar toPoloman (Want to buy a 45 - 50 lakh SUV | How to get rid of the middle-class guilt?)-so decided to put it on the waitlist.Tiguan:Loved the drive. It is such a smooth car. No turbo lag as well. But we felt it is effectively a 4 seater and overpriced at around 40L. So dropped from the list.Fortuner:It was considered for being a 4x4, but the price, waitlist, and the fact that currently only white and black are available made us drop itNew Safari:Now here comes a rant. Tata completely changed the Safari DNA. Just after they got it right with Storme and Hexa, they decided to vacate the 4x4 space. The new Safari is simply not there for old Safari owners. However, we decided to give it a shot as we were really happy with the Storme, and we decided that we would do without 4x4 if needed (there were no reasonable options except the Jeep duo).So we took the test drive (actually it was the first test drive). And ended up with more frustration. Storme was a brilliant ergonomic car. I have done non-stop 16-hour drives with 2 kids, done Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Kolkata, Delhi-Ahmedabad etc. several times. And drove extensively in hills, forests everywhere. Here, after 20 min, we all felt a lack of under-thigh support and I had a knee fouling problem. So we rejected it. Then the 2023 edition was launched. I sat in the vehicle in the yard, and spent 30 min to find a comfortable driving position, but no luck. So with a heavy heart, dropped it.Innova Hycross:We were thinking of looking at the Thar or the Jimny when my wife spotted the Hycross and wanted to take a test drive. But they have been refusing to take bookings for the variants we wanted. InvictoAs soon as it was launched, we wanted to explore the Suzuki twin. So we took a test drive and we liked it, including the space in the last row.Then the decision. It effectively boiled down to Compass / Meridian vs. Invicto. Invicto was the cerebral choice, but I was not getting the thrill in the heart that I had while buying the Storme. Between the Compass and the Meridian, the Meridian was more refined, but it was also 8L extra. Additionally, I had nagging doubts about the pick-up and turbo lag. This, coupled with the FE were the doubts. We spent a few agonizing days undecided. Both of us agreed that if we had a BS6 Storme available with comparable FE (I get 11-12 in the city, 15-16 on highways) for around 30L, we would simply buy it with our eyes closed. Also, we cursed the NGT ruling - our steed (solely driven by me, well maintained at Arya Tata) was good enough for another 3 years if not more. Finally, we decided to go with the Invicto. The doubts were too much for the Jeep twins and we did not have the unanimity of heart we had with the Storme. Completed the payment on the 31st (year-end billing incentive) and will take delivery on our new year in mid-April. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Uber Lost and Found survey names India's most forgetful city

Uber has released its annual 'Lost and Found Index'. The survey lists the most forgetful cities in India, as well as the items that Uber riders forgot in the cabs. According to the 2024 edition of the Lost and Found survey, travellers in Delhi are the most forgetful, followed by Mumbai and Bangalore. Hyderabad is the 4th most forgetful city, followed by Pune in fifth place. As per the data, phones, bags, wallets, and clothing were some of the most common items that riders forgot, followed by items like water bottles, keys, spectacles and jewellery. Apple devices are the most lost items during festive days and Diwali. Besides the usual items that riders forgot in cabs, there were a few unique ones that stood out. These include a Ukulele, a coin collection, prasad and even a hair trimmer. Some riders also forgot their passports, bank and business papers in the cabs. The survey revealed that riders are most likely to forget their belongings in an Uber on Saturdays and in the evenings at around 7 pm.

RBL reports 30 percent growth in net profit in March quarter

RBL Bank reported a 30% year-on-year growth to Rs 353 crore in the March 24 quarter, with the full-year net profit reaching Rs 1168 crore. The bank's board proposed a dividend of Rs l.50/- per share for FY 2023-24.

India is booming. But you still need international exposure

Theres a fair chance that the rupee will come out as a weaker currency over time. So, every rupee you own will buy you fewer goods and services in dollar terms. Conversely, every dollar will buy you more things in India. And this is why investing in the international market is a smart idea

Importance of RC transfer: Dead man found in my car that I sold in 2021

BHPian PrasannaDhana recently shared this with other enthusiasts. It is our responsibility to check if the car we sold has been transferred to the new owner's name. We have so many apps including Vahaan to check it. Let me share my own experience. I wasn't affected as I very firmly make sure my cars are name-transferred within 15 days of sale. I sold my Celerio in 2021 and made sure it was name-transferred. Later last year, I happened to have a chat with one of my friends who is a Sub-inspector of Police. He was sharing about a peculiar case where a car was spotted in the same place on an isolated river bank for 3 days, and when checked, they found a man dead inside. He was totally inebriated from the state he was found and they ruled it to be a suicide. When he proceeded to show the pic of the car, I was shocked. It was my Celerio. First thing the SI uttered was Luckily you transferred the ownership, else you would have faced problems. News link 1 and link 2 Always make sure your vehicle has been name-transferred, even if you exchange it through a dealer. We should get a delivery note as well as an Aadhar copy of the buyer attested by him. It's the only proof of sale that can legally help if some mishap happens. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

RE shooed me away, instead of fixing a minor issue on my new Hunter 350

BHPian abk98 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hello All, I bought a Hunter 350, Dapper Grey on the 2nd of February replacing my trusty Glamour for my daily commute to work. Booked the vehicle at the end of January and was told about a waiting period of 20 days for the colour, however, received a call 3 days later that the vehicle was ready to be delivered! Went to the showroom, completed all the formalities and ended up taking the delivery. Everything went fine, finished my first service at 500 Km and rode it until 1300 Km when suddenly the Clutch got so hard that during peak Bangalore traffic, my hands would hurt so bad that they would turn red and it took a lot of effort to engage the clutch. On my way back home from work is where the RE Service centre is located. I directly went there and showed them the clutch and to my surprise, the Service Executive told me that this is how a RE bike works and that I'll need to get used to the Hard clutch, even after I showed him a smoother clutch in one of the Hunter parked at the Service Center. Got mad, left the place and went to my trusty local garage where I would get my Glamour serviced, the mechanic held the clutch once and told me that it was abnormally hard for such a new bike and advised me to get the clutch cable replaced, to which I instantly agreed as my hands were shivering with pain from all the riding. This was a 2-minute job as he had the clutch cable in stock and cost me Rs. 250/-. The best 250 rupees I have ever spent! Why weren't the RE Service Center able to help me out with the repair, also shooing the customers away telling them that is how it is supposed to be? If this continues, I don't think RE is putting itself in a good spot in such a competitive market! So, I am still unable to diagnose why my old clutch cable got so hard at just 1300 Km. Currently, I have ridden about 150 Km on the replaced cable and have no issues. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

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Best Dash Cam Deals: Save Up to $95 on Vantrue, Rove and More - CNET

If youve been considering investing in a dash cam, it is a great time to do so with all the great deals happening right now.

Missiles sighted 15 nautical miles SW of Yemen's Mokha: Security firm Ambrey

A Panama-flagged tanker, formerly UK-owned before its ownership changed in November 2023, was the closest vessel to the sighting, Ambrey's advisory note said.

India cenbank lays out roadmap for small lenders to achieve universal bank status

The criteria include a five-year track record of satisfactory performance, a net worth of 10 billion rupees, meeting capital requirements, recent profitability and limited non-performing assets, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said. Existing promoters can continue without new additions and approved shareholding plans will remain unchanged, while diversified loan portfolios are favoured, the central bank said.

Maruti Suzuki registers highest-ever sales in FY2023-24

For the first time, Maruti Suzuki's annual sales surpassed the 2 million unit mark in FY2023-24. The company also registered its highest-ever exports, net sales and net profit. Maruti Suzuki sold 21,35,323 vehicles during the year, a growth of 8.6% compared to FY2022-23. The carmaker sold 18,52,256 units in the domestic market, while exports stood at 2,83,067 units. Maruti Suzuki registered net sales of Rs 1,349,378 million in FY2023-24, a growth of 19.9% over the net sales of Rs 1,125,008 million in FY2022-23. The company's net profit increased by 64% from Rs 80,492 million in FY2022-23 to Rs 1,32,094 million in FY2023-24. The steep rise in net profit can be attributed to higher sales volume, favourable commodity prices, cost reduction efforts and higher non-operating income. Maruti Suzuki's fourth-quarter sales increased by 13.4% compared to the previous year. Domestic sales stood at 5,05,291 units, and 78,740 units were exported. Net sales during the quarter stood at Rs 3,66,975 million compared to Rs 3,08,218 million in the same period of the previous year. Net profit also increased by 47.8%.

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Kia Sonet: 4 lakh sales up in under 44 months

Kia Sonet sales have surpassed the 4 lakh unit mark. The carmaker achieved the new milestone in just under 44 months. 3,17,754 units of the Sonet were sold in the domestic market, while an additional 85,814 units were exported. According to Kia, 63% of customers opted for the variants equipped with a sunroof. The majority of customers chose the petrol version (63%), while 37% of the customers opted for the diesel. The sales figures also reflect consumer preference shifting towards automatic variants. Sales of the 7-speed DCT version of the Sonet have grown by 37.50% since its launch in 2020. Overall, automatic transmissions, which include the 7-speed DCT and 6-speed AT, contribute 28%, while the iMT makes up 23% of the total sales of the Sonet. Recently, Kia introduced new entry and mid variants of the Sonet. The compact SUV is now available in four new HTE (O) and HTK (O) variants in Diesel and Petrol engine options. While the HTE(O) gets a sunroof, HTK(O) offers a sunroof along with LED Connected Taillamps, Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC) and Rear Defogger.

Next-gen digital dashboards: How smart displays are transforming modern cars

Your car has a smart screen that could rival a cockpit sensors, intuitive interfaces, phone integration and infotainment. Fasten your seatbelts

Living with a Mitsubishi Cedia after I broke my knee in an accident

BHPian SunnyBoi recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I had an accident a few days before Christmas this year and broke my knee. This meant I could no longer use my bike and had to use the Cedia for my everyday 50 km commute. I used the car for 6 weeks and racked up a lot more KMs than I did the past 1.5 years easily! Car had some hiccups but nothing critical. Posing in the fiery evening sky Meetup with Viddy and his Jimny at Madhus Tyre Centre Sigh, one of these failed, and changing gears became a massive headache. I somehow got the hang of it, drove it that way for a week, and finally, once I was back in my hometown, swapped over to the stock bushes Fancy an OZ wheel for a M2? No? oh okay... The car gets its first pressure wash in 5+ years. There's a massive stain on the roof thanks to water leakage in my parking spot. Sigh Of course, the paint on my alloys flew off with the pressure washer. I did a horrible job last time so I wasn't surprised. Some odo shots. Currently, the odo is at 1.26L KMs Punctured tyre. Second one in a month, RL first then RR. Got it fixed at Madhus for now. The car definitely needs new tyres soon - the P3STs have more than enough tread but the tyres have become hard. Car among hills ..and trees. By now I fixed that horrible stain on the roof. I've been getting stellar mileage lately, 16+KMPL on the highway and 12KMPL in the city with my everyday commute. I am very impressed! Well, that's it for now. I'll hopefully change the oil tomorrow if I don't get too lazy as I have a small drive coming up on the 25th of this month. That said, Cedia's replacement has been identified and might come home soon. I'm not very sure if I'll be keeping both cars or if the Cedia has to leave. I'm in no hurry though so let's see! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Sudha Murty's Advice To Students As They Begin New Academic Year

Sudha Murty's Advice To Students As They Begin New Academic Year

Imported a high-quality downpipe for my Abarth Punto: 53,000 km update

BHPian sidindica recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Update | 5.4 years | 53500 kms | Stage 2 I always like to add things patiently and slowly, so as to keep interest in the car. Since this car is meant to be kept for a long time, maintenance, periodic replacement of parts and incremental upgrades is the best way to not get bored of it.Changing the brakesThe car crossed 51,500 kms and the factory discs were nearing the end of their life, of course, this is not a car to be driven with light foot so it's always better to check and perform designated replacements along with pads. Replaced all 4 discs with OE replacement Brembo rotors (INR 12,500) and EBC Yellow stuff pads (INR 20k). Still feel this is the best balanced combination for my car.Changing the tyres:The earlier Pilot Sport 4s too were beginning to deteriorate so replaced them with a new set of PS4s (freshly available now) of 205/55 R16 size. Not cheap though at INR 11.4k/tyre.Service with fluids change:52,500 kms service was performed at Landmark, Okhla. Changed the oil (Selenia K), all filters (except air), brake oil, transmission oil with brakes being bled and serviced after my recent trip.Going for Stage 2:For a long time, I have been doing research on the pros and cons of adding a catless downpipe. Since all my parts on the car are international branded which are certified for this very car and platform, I had to take the same route with the downpipe. This was anyways my first car and first experiment with adding a catless downpipe, so TMC Motorsport UK launched their downpipe for IHI 60mm turbo (2.25 diameter) back in December 2023. Their appearance, build and overall quality looked top-class, so ordered the same in the beginning of April. The parcel came, and here was what it looked like: Quality does come at a price, which costed approx INR 34k (cost of DP+shipping+duties). Impressed with the high quality of construction of T304 grade SS, with proper weld marks and excellent finish, this was just what I was looking for. Installation was done at Fiat FNG (Jhalak) and it took 2 hours to do a neat installation by the mechs. As expected, this is a reversible bolt-on mod. The OE heat shield (bottom one) cannot be fitted as there is no provision so I had to go with Kool Wraps Australia Sourced Heat wrapping strip (Photo below) As expected, the O2 sensor error (P0420-CEL) appeared after 50 kms of driving, and I got it cleared by the scanner, though a proper map update by Wolf Moto is pending which will be done once they arrive next in Delhi. I got coolant changed as well since summers are at their peak also.Initial ImpressionsThe ECU took time to adapt to the DP and altered O2 parameters, once it adapted, the mid range grunt of the car improved, and the car felt more addictive with more consistent torque delivery throughout the torque band. Already the car was never meant to be driven with light foot, this will further add to the addiction. Haven't seen much difference in FE, have to do proper logging in days to come for this. I think overall the car feels more complete, just like what it should be, not gunning for just straight line acceleration and numbers, but better driveability, torque, and catalogued high-quality build. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Business buzzwords: Do executives need to outgrow them?

A fixation with trending topics like AI is discernible among CXOs. Boys with toys spring to mind. For India Incs leadership, its crucial not to let the prevailing buzz detract attention from substantive issues.

Skoda Slavia's rear glass shatters due to metro work; Got compensation

BHPian audioholic recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I just completed the 2yr/30k kms service Apart from some random rattles in the roof liner area and a loose dashboard which was fixed, the car is running pretty flawlessly and does a 50:50 mix of city and highway runs. I had used the car for 12k kms after the last service and was not feeling good about the engine oil being used for so long. Apart from that, there were some updates and campaigns conducted on the car. The car is not very different compared to what it was before the service, so I expect that the oil didn't make a big difference which also proves how finely engineered the engine is. Service cost was covered under SMP so I only ended up paying for some consumables. What I am also surprised by from the last few thousand kms is thatthe FE has improved very much. Gone are the days when I used to get single-digit FE and now it's always in double digits, without much of a change in my driving habits. Even on the last Mysore expressway trip where I was pretty fast due to very light traffic, I ended up getting 16kmpl. My office commute returns between 10.5-12.5 depending on traffic. For statistic's sake, out of the 50-odd times I have done a tankful of petrol so far, I have used 91 octane only once, Shell V power twice, HP power 95 four times, and the rest being XP95 itself. Power 95 is somewhat smoother than XP95 with similar performance, but V power smoothens the drive but also results in a power drop due to it being 91 octane. One issueI have observed is with the tyre deflation warning which has given me false warnings twice with no explainable reason in the last 22k kms. As a reliability record that's pretty passable, but both times, I have had a spirited highway run(with tyre pressures accurately checked) and this warning pops up after I reach my destination town. I can't even calibrate the system and end up getting tyre pressures checked just to find they are not even 1 psi apart. It's almost two years but my Slavia 1.5 DSG has already crossed 22k kms, which was pretty higher than what I expected when I brought the car. But the car just begs to be driven again and again, longer and longer. So thanks to this feature, I have almost left the Crysta for my Dad's sole use and stick to the Slavia all the time.The other reason is that some changes in my personal life have added a drive to Tumkur as a routine in addition to my earlier drives to Kolar. Recently had been to Ooty and loved the car in those hairpin bends and the Mysore expressway as usual. Fantastic handling, braking(1.5), excellent NVH at high speeds and the tyres are keeping up at their half-life without any change in road noise, etc. The rear windshield got shattered due to metro constructiondebris falling on the car when I drove under it. This happened last Monday and was also the reason to advance the service by a month. As I drove back from work, I passed below the upcoming Bellandur metro station where there was construction going on overhead the traffic. There was one portion that did not have safety nets and something fell on the glass and within a second I realised the car got its first actual damage in the last two years. Due to it being a crowded area, I did not get an opportunity to stop right at the spot and create a scene. I parked a few meters ahead and tried to walk back to the place where the incident happened but couldn't find anyone at ground level to speak to. Hence I resumed my commute back home and immediately started working on the next steps. I needed the car by Thursday for an upcoming trip and the guys at Tafe especially Mr. Krishna went beyond their meansto get this fixed in no time and finish the periodic maintenance as well. The glass was not in stock at the dealership and as I called them right after the incident, they had placed an order for the part the same evening even though it was beyond the cutoff time. Kudos to them for a speedy fix. The order for the part was placed on Monday, I left the car on Tuesday, the part arrived Wednesday late afternoon and was immediately fixed that late evening, and I received the car Thursday afternoon which was wonderful. I was not so sure if they would fix it so soon since there was a room for lot of possible delays especially since the part had to arrive and then there was also a curing time required for the adhesive. Another advantage was not claiming insurance, because that would have added to the delays. The replacement cost 9200 and 2500 for interior cleaning since there were glass pieces everywhere in the cabin, boot as well as in the insides of the surrounding trim. The rear windshield itself cost 3800 and the adhesive being some 2500 and labour another 3000 odd. The Metro contractor refunded the entire amountwhich was a good ending to the story after I had reported this matter to BMRCL and had a tough word with them. As soon as I received the car, they had asked me to come to their site office for a meeting and I expected some sort of defense from their end and arguments but it turned out to very apologetic tone and an immediate refund without any bureaucratic or paperwork-related delays. The fact of the matter was that apart from a picture at the site of my car, there was nothing else to prove the entire turn of events. I couldn't even find the actual item that fell on my car due to the infamous Ecospace traffic jam. I am told that safety nets are always mandatory but in this case, one portion had its net removed to lift up something and that caused this issue. But all is well that ends well, and I would like to sincerely thank the Metro officials as well as the contractor for the immediate resolution, even though it would have been a serious incident had the same part fallen on a two-wheeler rider or even a pedestrian. I have a few planned mods on this car now for my own academic purpose - One is to upgrade the camera to a Highline RVC with dynamic guidelines, and then to add direct TPMS. While the latter is to get rid of the false alarms, the former is because I got the Highland RVC for peanuts and both these features are CAN bus-related changes which would be an experiment that would go both ways. Hence, if I am successful with the RVC, then I will be more confident to spend money on the TPMS setup. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar 220F spotted at dealership; priced at Rs 1.40 lakh

Bajaj has launched the 2024 edition of the Pulsar 220F. The bike is priced at Rs 1.40 lakh (ex-showroom). The updated Pulsar 220F has started reaching dealerships. The bike carries forward the same fairing as the previous iteration but gets new graphics. It also has a semi-digital instrument console. The Pulsar 220F gets Bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, new switchgear and a USB charging port. The Pulsar 220F is powered by the same 220cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 20 BHP and 18.5 Nm. It is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Source:Autocar India/Ramaswami120

From 'Laapataa Ladies' to 'Tillu Square': Latest OTT releases to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime Video

Discover the latest in streaming entertainment with a diverse lineup of OTT releases and upcoming shows. From gripping spy thrillers to heartwarming rom-com sequels, there's something for every viewer's taste. These new releases across platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar offer a wide range of content for viewers. Dive into drama, action, and laughter with top picks that promise a binge-worthy weekend experience.

We must ensure ethical use of carbon credits

Indian corporates have led the way in ensuring transparent emission disclosures, but we need to also put in place guardrails that prevent misuse of carbon credits.

A Brezza owner buys the Ertiga VXI BS-6: His unbiased impressions

BHPian jessie007 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Ertiga Vxi Petrol Manual (Mild Hybrid) BSVI 2024 - Features & brief review Colour: Arctic Silver (has a light bluish tinge in daylight) We have a 2019 diesel Brezza (BSIV) & an automatic Nano. We were in a market for a petrol vehicle with an ex-showroom price of under one million rupees. This was due to the fact that BSIV diesel vehicles are not allowed to ply in Delhi few days of the year when pollution level peaks, especially during foggy winters. Even though we were not necessarily looking for a 7 seater, but saw that the price of Ertiga was the same as the new Brezza's, which we were considering. Plus since we already have a Brezza, found the Ertiga to be a good option - since The family was used to having 7+ seaters - Sumos (the original one earlier, & then the Grande Mark II later, before the 10 year diesel ban rule forced us to sell the Grande, & later my Grande Punto too - really sad. Both vehicles were in good running condition & passed pollution norms as laid out by a govt agency itself). Will rant on this arbit govt policy in some other thread. Kia Carens was given a miss based on three factors:It was pricier by almost Rs 2 lakhs on-road (we were not ready to spend much above 10 lakhs). Ertiga already was coming to 11 lakhs on-road.It didn't offer a mild hybrid option which provides a stepping stone to hybrids and EVs, I believe. Plus the added advantage of a slightly better fuel efficiency (Ertiga ARAI is 20.51 kmpl; Carens has 17.9 kmpl for the comparative petrol manual variant) appealed to us, as we have mostly driven diesel vehicles giving decent fuel efficiency, and would shudder to think of driving a big vehicle giving just about 9 kmpl in the city with AC (which runs for atleast 9-10 months in Delhi) & running on the more expensive fuel i.e. petrol. Another point not going for the Brezza - its Vxi (Manual Transmission MT) does ot offer smart hybrid functionality. Only Vxi AT (Automatic) offers, or Zxi MT & AT.Read reviews on Team BHP about AC water leakage in the third row in the Kia Carens. Also we aren't easily swayed by flashy features. In any case our mind was also made-up to go for the Ertiga, so didn't even push for discount from Kia.XL6 was given a miss due to higher price, preference of bench seat (more practical for a family) over captain seats, no issues related to - MUV look or taxi image of Ertiga - used to having taxi image vehicles in the family - Maruti Van, Tata Sumo, Tata Indigo.I personally prefer base & middle variants of vehicles in which one gets 90% of the car & necessary features in approx 75% of the price (debatable %age). The case for base variants has become more compelling after dual front airbags and ABS became mandatory for all variants. For me personally, features like Automatic Climate Control (ACC), Touchscreen Infotainment system, Sunroof, Push button start, Auto headlamps & Wipers, DRLs, ADAS & even features like auto-folding ORVMs are some of the features, I can do without, if it shaves off a couple of lakh off the final price. Plus lack of gaudy chrome work is a plus too. Though miss seat height adjust, that is generally not offered in middle variants (it is there in Brezza Vxi though - more on it later). Price (Delhi)Ex-showroom: ~ Rs 9.85 lakhsOn-Road: ~ Rs 11:15 lakhsEngine: K15C Smart HybridCC / Cylinder: 1462 CC / 4 cylinderPower: 102 BHP @ 6000 RPMTorque: 136.8 Nm @ 4400 RPMWheel Rim: 15 Steel with wheel coversTyre Size: 185/65 R15 (Same size for spare - no cost cutting here)Tyre Make: Bridgestone Ecopia (Like Bridgestones, but these don't have an impressive contact patch. Believe this Ecopia range is geared for less friction & rolling mass, in the interest of marginally better fuel economy)Turning Radius: 5.2 m only (decent for a vehicle almost 4.4 metres long)Fuel Tank capacity: 45 LitresDecent sized fuel tank. Many vehicles are nowadays having smaller fuel tanks in the 37-42 litre range. (Eg. Renault Triber 40L; Honda City & Elevate 40L; Maruti Ciaz 43L). Range is another matter, which is a factor of fuel efficiency. Assuming approx 12 kmpl average in city with AC, we can expect a range of approx 550 kms, which is decent for a 7-seater petrol MUV. Obviously with a mix of highway & city run, the range will increase to almost 650 kms with say 14+ kmpl. (ARAI figure is a generous one for this mild hybrid 7-seater at 20.51 kmpl - higher than most petrol sedans & SUVs) Accessories Installed (MGA)Front Fog Lamps with switch on the inside (with LED indicator) - nicely fills the blank too, between the buttons for auto-start/stop & ESC.Following two accessories, family insisted - am not a fan of adding cosmetic accessories:Door protector strip (for 4 doors) - feels thick and of good quality with a chrome strip (don't know how this chrome part will hold in the long term).Visors for windows. Interestingly there is a neatly designed piece for the third-row fixed (non-openable) side-window pieces too - though don't like these plastic visors at all, as at highway speeds they often flutter, become loose and start rattling eventually. Let us see how these ones cope. Under-hood cladding for noise insulation (not that the engine is noisy in the first place) With all seats occupied, boot can accommodate luggage for 2-3 days trip: a) a medium-sized & a cabin-sized suitcase & perhaps a couple of soft bags. Need to remove lids covering storage area, so that the suitcase can go down further. Attaching image from company brochure for reference. OR b) a couple of cabin bags or haversacks, & some soft bags However with six people travelling, one seat in the last row can be folded and lot more luggage can be accommodated (including a large, medium & small suitcase & some soft bags). Mentioning all the features of this middle variant - some features might be considered common, but some are quite welcome inclusions for a middle variant of a 7 seater MUV with an ex-showroom price south of 10 lacks (lower tax bracket too) Features (has most necessary features & then some) Safety The Ertiga got a 3-star safety rating in NCAP testing. Not a very reassuring rating, would have preferred atleast a 4 star rated vehicle. The Brezza still remains the highest rated Maruti vehicle with a 4-star rating. The Grand Vitara might also get a decent rating. Although I believe as per BSNCAP (India specific) most vehicles, other than some tin boxes (Alto, Celerio, Ignis, Wagon R & the like) will manage a 4 star rating, especially with standard features set including ESP also now, which gives extra points I believe.Twin front airbags with ABSESP (Electronic Stability Program) - earlier available only in automatic variantsHill HoldHeight adjustable head-rests for front & rear seats, and two seats in the middle row (no headrest for middle passenger). Also lap belt only (not 3 pointed) for middle passenger in middle row. 04 rear parking sensors with graphic display in MID Mild Hybrid ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) & Li-ion battery under front passenger seat that aids in idle Start-stop (can be switched off), Torque assist on sudden acceleration, brake-energy recuperation - Maruti claims a higher ARAI of around 20.5 kmpl versus approx 17 kmpl in non-mild-hybrid variants. Torque Boost from the ISG shows in MID Hybrid graphic screen, when boost is being provided. Brake energy regenerationIdle start / stopISOFIX mounts on two seats in the middle rowInfotainment Infotainment system with Electrostatic touch control buttonsTotal 04 speakers installed in the 4 doorsSteering-mounted audio controls (including mute button)Steering-mounted recessed Bluetooth telephony controlsComes with a remote control too Seating Space is a subjective matter - but enough space for 7 average-sized Indians. The middle row can seat three adults, but is not very wide, as compared to say the Carens. Last row though spacious with adequate shoulder, head & legroom for two, but for longer journeys, more suitable for shorter adults or children.Reclining function for all seats (even last row)Fore & aft movement for all seats in the first & middle row60:40 split middle row seats with centre armrest (no cup-holders in armrest) Continue reading BHPian jessie007's ownership report for more insights and information.

Priyanka Chopra, Mona Singh, Rakhi Sawant: 6 Divas Who Froze Their Eggs

Priyanka Chopra, Mona Singh, Rakhi Sawant: 6 Divas Who Froze Their Eggs

Why India loves to hate inheritance tax and estate dutywrongly

Opposition to the inheritance tax defies political and economic logic. It can only be justified on grounds of difficulty of collection and administration.

Ola service centre raised invoices for repairing nothing on my S1 Pro

BHPian bijims recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Update after the service centre visitI visited the Ola Service Centre in Thrissur (Peramangalam) yesterday, and boy were there many scooters waiting to be serviced, repaired and whatnot. I don't know how much pride they put in showing that they have over 30 vehicles waiting outside gathering dust and another 30 or so more inside the service centre. A common sight in what I noticed was that 90% of them were either the OLA S1 PRO GEN 1 or OLA S1, with hardly a couple of OLA S1X+ and OLA S1 Air in the lot. I had booked the service appointment in advance (timing 1 pm to 4 pm) and reached at 2:30 pm but it is of absolutely no use. The security guard displayed ownership of the service centre and said they had over 60 vehicles waiting, and the service centre staff were on a lunch break. I persisted that mine was a panel gap issue and just wanted some service personnel to take a look at it and see what they could do. He asked me to come back after 3 pm, and I could do nothing. I went into the sales section and was greeted by a nice polite lady sales personnel, and I told her my difficulties, she immediately sent me a technician she knew, and he inspected the gaps and told me to come back tomorrow to pick my scooter up. I told them that I was coming from over far away (the service centre in Thrissur town which is just 20 km from my house said they do only small work) just to get these repaired as per the appointment given to me and I am leaving for Muscat tomorrow evening and won't be able to wait and come back. He told me to wait for an hour and let him see what could be done. I showed him the panel gaps and the poor fitting of the mirror the delivery executive in Thrissur had done and asked him to kindly fix that too. He obliged. While waiting I was inspecting the 30-odd scooters gathering dust outside the showroom and noticed every single one of them having a few panel gaps here and there, some were more pronounced while others were subtle. After half an hour, the service personnel came back and told me they could do nothing and it was a manufacturing defect. I sighed and he told me there was nothing to do and I should just accept it. Saddened, I took my scooter and drove away. Afterwards, in the evening I got a call from the OLA backend team who asked me whether I got everything fixed to my satisfaction I told her No, and what had happened. I don't know if it would be of any use but anyway, I conveyed my dissatisfaction. Anyway, while on the ride back home, I tested the scooter quite thoroughly and found most of its functions working as well as they are supposed to. The brakes were on point. Forced regen was working well, Ola Maps were accurate, and the other features like music, party mode, and mobile app connectivity all worked well. Most importantly the range shown was accurate, and even though I was riding with a pillion and some luggage (altogether 150 kg), I was able to extract 120 km from an 85% charge (100 to 15%), which left me quite impressed. Overall, I would say that these panel gaps, fit and finish issues are the major drawbacks of the OLA S1 PRO GEN 2, while most of the other issues plaguing the GEN 1 Scooters have been fixed. However, such inconsistencies in panel gaps, including improper alignment, huge gaps in the mudguard, and panel gaps below the handlebar are unacceptable and should be dealt with by OLA ASAP. So, to all those looking for an OLA scooter kindly look above your front tyre for the huge panel gap between the body and the mudguard as it is a common sight among many scooters. To add to the misery, my scooter comes with a panel gap below the handlebar which no other scooter gets, so I am sad to say I am stuck with a scooter with panel gaps higher than the norm for OLA scooters. Finally, to conclude, I must say that the OLA S1 range of scooters isn't definitely for the ones who prefer build quality and fit and finish and prefer their scooters aesthetics being top notch. For that please have a look at the Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube etc. But for those who prefer function over form (and don't mind the form being poor), you can go for the OLA S1 GEN 2 series (be it the PRO, AIR or X).Update from the Ola customer backend support teamI don't know what the service centre and Ola Backend Team are up to here, but I got a call yesterday asking me whether I had gotten everything fixed to my satisfaction, I told them NO, I had visited the service centre and they had me wait for an hour told me it's a manufacturing defect and there is nothing they could do about it. Earlier I received a couple of text messages telling me that My scooter's repair work had been initiated and then my repair work was completed and Ola Scooter Service was done and delivered back to me. I guess, the backend team raised a call on the response from the service centre team that they had taken the scooter for service and had completed work on it whereas in reality they made me wait for an hour, took my scooter in and after 15 minutes, told me there is nothing to do. Now, the OLA app shows a repair estimate of Rs 265.50 when in reality absolutely nothing has been done. In the meantime, after this thread had gone live, OLA raised a ticket on their own citing a Social Media Escalation along with an Invoice of Rs 225. I don't know what in the hell are they raising these invoices for when there was absolutely nothing done YET on their part to resolve my issues. The service centre personnel have shamelessly raised two invoices (one for Rs 265.50 and another for Rs 225) for doing absolutely nothing on my scooter. I have attached the relevant screenshots. Hopefully, they do something about my issues. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Toyota launches 'T Gloss' car detailing brand in India

Toyota has announced its entry into the car detailing sector with its own car care brand 'T Gloss'. Starting May 1, 2024, T Gloss treatments will be offered at all authorised Toyota dealerships in India. Under the T Gloss brand, Toyota will offer a wide range of services, including ceramic coating, underbody coating, silencer coating, internal panel protection, AC duct cleaning and evaporator cleaning. The services will be undertaken by highly skilled and trained professionals. Mr. Sabari Manohar, Vice President of Sales-Service-Used Car Business at Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, T GLOSS is a one-stop-shop solution aimed at offering customers high-quality car care solutions that are tailored specifically for Toyota vehicles to ensure safety and upkeeping of vehicles ultimately designed to offer a peaceful ownership experience. This launch marks a significant milestone in our journey of delivering Toyota owners an all-encompassing car care solution that seamlessly aligns with our core values of quality, durability, and reliability (QDR).

Got my stolen phone back within 24 hrs: GoPro & Team-BHP to the rescue

BHPian RohanMahantesh recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hello EveryoneTL;DRI was on my bicycle on the way to work, when two thieves on a bike snatched my phone from my backpack. This incident was recorded on a GoPro, using which the vehicle number and the images of the thieves were obtained. With the help of my colleague, a fellow Team BHPian, and a thread on the forum, we were able to obtain the information of the vehicle owner. The owner was contacted, who had lent his bike to a supposed friend when the incident occurred. The vehicle owner cooperated with the police and helped them track down the thieves. The phone was retrieved back in less than 24 Hours! The complete incident is shown in the video above. To start, I am a final-year engineering student from Bangalore. Apart from my love for automobiles, I have a keen interest in photography. This led to me purchasing various camera gear and having read several posts on the forum about the importance of a dashcam in one's car and having been involved in several incidents before, I made it a point to record even the short rides on two-wheeler and bicycle on my GoPro (This was the first thing I bought off of my first stipend at my internship! Best purchase ever!). I also realised that I could upload the footage on YouTube under the POV (Point of View) Driving category, which gave me another reason to drive all the vehicles at home with a GoPro mounted onto me. Oh, and if you are wondering, no I do not intend on making any money off of it on YouTube, it's just for the sheer pleasure of recording the drives, and looking back at it a few years down the lane to relive the moments, the traffic, the roads and the surroundings. The firm that I am interning at, is about 6km from my residence, as a result of which I utilise a scooter or my bicycle to commute. It was about 10:30 am on the 15th of March 2024, when I was on the way to the office on my bicycle. The railway crossing on the way was shut, as a result of which, I took out the phone from my bag and started scrolling. The next thing I knew, the railway crossing was open, and I had to hurry, as a result of which I ended up keeping my phone in the bottle holder of my backpack (A Stupid and Silly Mistake ). As I was crossing the railway track (I was pushing the cycle, rather than riding it to not lose balance), a guy in a blue bike overtook me from the extreme left, which was very suspicious to me at first, but I didn't bother about it, thinking it was normal. After crossing the railway track, I hopped onto my bicycle and started riding it. Amidst this, the guy in the blue bike picked up another person. This seemed completely normal. I didn't think much about the stares that they gave me, as it is very common to have a lot of people look at you driving with a GoPro attached to your head or chest. I was on the extreme left lane of the road, and about 100m later, out of nowhere, the two people on the blue bike overtook me from the left side (A lot of things could have gone wrong during all of this!) the pillion (The guy he had just picked up) took the phone out of the bottle holder of my backpack and before I could realise it, it was too late! I was terrified and almost froze! This was the first time that I had encountered a situation as such. I sped up (on the bicycle!) and tried looking for their bike, but realised that it was already too late and there was no way I could catch up with the thieves. The first thing I had to do, no matter what, was to track/erase data/log out of the phone and I rushed home. Using the other device at home, I couldn't track it, as they had switched off the phone. I ended up signing out of all my accounts and erasing all the data from the phone (All of the data was backed up). I was concerned about my sim, as without it it would be impossible to call people, receive SMS or make payments. I extracted all the footage from the GoPro and saved it for reference to note down the vehicle number and the images of the thieves. I immediately called up my colleague and told him about the incident, and that I would be late to the office as I had to visit the nearest police station. He asked me to calm down and offered to accompany me to the police station. We reached the Gangamma Gudi Police Station (Abbigere) and filed an e-lost complaint on the Karnataka State Police app with all the required details of the phone, This generated a lost e-report for the phone, using which I could obtain the duplicate SIM. Parallely, I blocked the IMEI number using the CEIR website. I met the officers at the police station and made it a point to show them the footage captured, which they gladly circulated among the various WhatsApp groups of which they were part. The police asked us to be rest assured and that they would get in touch with us in case of any updates. My colleague tried to gather information about the owner of the vehicle using mParivahan, but we couldn't get much information. We then got back to the office and went about our day. 20 minutes into the office, my colleague, remembered coming across the Karnataka PUC Website and the loopholes it had in this thread. We obtained the information of the owner and obtained his phone number using the same. My colleague immediately called the owner and cooked up an excuse to have him meet us at the police station. The owner of the vehicle was a person who was working in the Armed Forces and was worried about the consequences of having a police case against him. We met up at the police station, where we explained what happened. He had lent his bike to a friend that morning, and he immediately recognised the people from the footage. He cooperated with the police and provided them with the contact information and address of the thieves. The police were able to catch hold of one of the thieves (In Blue Shirt) on the very same day, and he accepted the theft but did not have any information about the phone. It was about 8 pm and we were assured of getting the phone back. The next morning, at about 11 am, the police contacted me asking us to visit the police station. Me and my colleague visited the police station, and we were handed over the phone by the officer. He narrated the incident as to how the second thief was caught in the wee hours of midnight. The thieves had thrown the SIM card away. The police gave the thieves a taste of their medicine (you know what I am referring to). I immediately unblocked the IMEI. Thank You Team BHP and Bengaluru Police for helping me retrieve my phone! I regretted the absolutely silly mistake of mine which led to all of this, but I am happy that GoPro and Team BHP helped me retrieve the phone back. I urge all of you to please keep your belongings safe when in public. I learnt my lesson the hard way. Hope this was helpful to everyone out there! Cheers! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Volkswagen Tayron SUV unveiled at Beijing Motor Show

Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its new Tayron SUV at the ongoing 2024 Beijing Motor Show. The new Volkswagen Tayron is essentially a 7-seater version of the latest-gen Tiguan revealed in September 2023. The new Tayron carries forward many elements from the 5-seater Tiguan, including the rounded-off styling. Starting with the front, the Tayron gets an aggressive-looking front bumper with a contrasting black finish. It also comes with flared wheel arches, a well-sculpted tailgate, wrap-around LED taillights connected by an LED light bar and a blacked-out rear bumper. The Volkswagen Tayron SUV measures 4,735 mm in length, 1,859 mm in width and 1,682 mm in height. For reference, this is 197 mm longer, 17 mm wider and 43 mm taller than the 5-seater Tiguan. The Tayron also has a 111 mm longer wheelbase than its 5-seater sibling. Inside, the Volkswagen Tayron is identical to the Tiguan. The SUV comes with three screens: a digital instrument cluster, a main touchscreen infotainment unit and a separate display for the front passenger. The car also features backlit physical buttons and switches to control the various functions in the cabin. Other features include wireless charging, 10-point massage seats with heating & ventilation, a 360-degree camera, dual-zone climate control, a head-up display and an ADAS suite; to name a few. Globally, the Volkswagen Tayron will be available in multiple powertrain options, including petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid. The Volkswagen Tayron could make its way to India as well. The India-spec Tayron will get a single engine option - a 2.0-litre TSI unit producing 184 BHP and 320 Nm, paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox as standard. Reports also suggest that the Volkswagen Tayron will be assembled in India via CKD kits from 2025. Once launched, it will take on the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq & Jeep Meridian. Source: AutoHome

Hyundai to launch its first made-in-India EV in 2025

Hyundai has confirmed that it plans to launch its first made-in-India electric SUV by early 2025. It is likely to be the Creta EV. Hyundai's first all-electric model for the Indian market will be manufactured at its Chennai facility. The carmaker has also confirmed that production will begin at the end of this year before it goes on sale in early 2025. The Creta EV has already been spotted testing on Indian roads. It is expected to feature the same design as the ICE version with minor changes, including a blanked-off grille and aero-optimized alloy wheels. Inside, the electric version will have the same dashboard design but will sport a few unique touches as well. Spy images have revealed a 2-spoke steering wheel with a drive mode selector stalk mounted on the steering column. The Creta EV is also expected to get features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS. Reports suggest that the Creta EV will share its electric powertrain with the entry-level Kona EV. It is likely to be powered by a front-mounted electric motor and a 45 kWh battery pack. Source: HT Auto

Visited the iconic Payana Vintage Car Museum: Here's my experience

BHPian Amyth_Prabhakar recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Payana - From Cart to Car - The Vintage Car Museum. This place has gained a lot of popularity ever since it opened for public last week and has become the most admired landmark along the Bangalore-Mysore Expressway, inundated by throngs of visitors including social media content creators who are in fact popularizing it to a greater extent by flaunting their videos and reels on YouTube. This place can be added to the ever-growing list of Places to visit in and around Bengaluru for a Weekend Getaway. This place has now become an ideal destination for a day trip and the new 6 lane highway makes it hassle free to visit and come back. I visited this place last week and here's my share of experience. Here are some videos. Watch them in 4K. Video 1 About the Vintage Car Museum: This museum has decent collection of vintage cars, collected by Dr. Veerendra Heggade and is an extension of the Manjusha Museum located in Dharmasthala near Managalore. Video 2 Location: Payana, is located on the Bangalore-Mysore Express way, and appears approximately about 7-8 kms before Mysore city and can be entered through the service road. Road connectivity is excellent, and the new highway makes it possible to maintain 3-digit speed and it takes about two hours or less to reach from the starting point of Bangalore-Mysore Expressway. Big advertising hoardings, promoting the museum can be seen a few kilometres before the destination along the highway and there is no way one can miss this. Depending on where you stay in Bangalore, it can either be a day trip or a half day trip, as the time to reach the expressway from different parts of Bangalore will have to be factored in. Work in Progress: Note that the work at the museum is still in progress (at the time of penning down this blog) and might take a month or two for this museum to become fully operational along with the restaurants. A small theatre construction was underway inside the museum and soon they might screen some vintage audio-visual shows. Open air amphitheatre was ready but there was no sign of any kind of entertainment . Seeing the demand, things might move even faster than expected and there is a high chance of the museum getting upgraded with more historic and iconic cars for display in future from around the world. The Look and Feel: The eye catchy construction, designed with ramps and a tyre shaped faade is what attracts and welcomes everyone passing by on the highway and makes one to stop over and have a glance or even click photos against the picturesque architectural backdrop. Timings and Entry Fee: The museum timings are from 9 AM to 8 PM on all days with a nominal entry fee of 50 rupees for adults and free for children below 7 years. There is a big parking lot at the entrance and can easily accommodate quite a good number of cars of the floating population. The entire place is very clean and well maintained. Eateries In and Around: The restaurant inside is not functional yet, however, there is nothing to worry as there are good and decent hotels located on the service road in close proximity to the museum and there is also one diagonally opposite to the museum, again on the service road. Visitors for now will have to travel a kilometre or two and take a U turn to get to the hotels located on either side of the highway. Since it is very close to Mysore, visitors can also find a lot of hotels on the Banni Mantap Road in Mysore and can have lunch/dinner at a restaurant of their preference. Photo and Videography: There is no separate fee collected for photography. However, professional videography with tripods and flash photography with pro cameras for commercial use is prohibited and requires prior permission. Shooting with drones also need prior permission. However, filming through cell phones, action cams like GoPro, Insta 360 and Vlogging cameras for personal use are allowed. Still photos with DSLR and Mirrorless cams are also allowed. Our Experience: We started at around 12 PM from Basavanagudi in Bangalore after a heavy brunch, hit the expressway through the NICE road and reached there by 2.15 PM, obviously at the wrong time of the day and it felt very hot. Initially I thought of carrying my gimbal, DSLR and Mirrorless cameras to shoot videos but later decided not to as moving around with heavy equipment in a hot weather is not easy, less flexible, drains energy faster and is prone to dehydration. Finally, we managed to shoot everything with our handy and compact cameras namely Samsung Ultra S24 and Xiaomi 13 Pro. Although it was noon, we decided to pay a visit first and then have some refreshments later as our stomachs were almost full with no complaints. We clicked a few pictures at the entrance and headed to the reception counter, bought the tickets, and began our journey back in time at the museum. It starts off with a Herald car that was used by Dr.Veerendra Heggade during his prime time along with a poster of his alongside the car, followed by the evolution of wheels and a display of Internal combustion engine and its associated parts. Then starts the display of carts followed by cars. Most of the cars looked like big trucks to me. It normally takes about 30-45 minutes to cover the entire museum but if you are a photo freak like me, quite a good amount of time can be spent by taking pictures of cars in all possible angles. This place is not air conditioned and the only source of cool air circulation are from the huge fans attached to the ceiling. Because of the spikes in temperature especially during this summer season, it felt hot and humid inside. The museum is thoughtfully designed as there are ramps to all levels of the museum, making it easier for people having physical disabilities to move around effortlessly and also makes it less strenuous to people of all age groups to visit the entire museum Most of the cars are I guess bought from the descendants of original owners, second and third owners or picked up from scrap car garages. Some of the cars looked like they had been repaired, repainted, and restored. Cars like, BMW, Benz, Chevrolet, Buick, Opel, Datsun, Mazda, MG, Ford, Citroen, Daimler, Willys Jeeps, trucks, Fiat, Hillman, Studebaker were found. I did not come across any Audi's or Jaguar's and a few other popular and expected brands. Along with them were our Indian cars like Standard 2000, Contessa, Ambassador, Maruti Zen, Fiat Palio, Reva, Matiz, Dolphin etc. and I was surprised to see the Hyundai Verna (previous to fluidic generation) and the sturdy old Hyundai Sonata as we grew up seeing them. There were also some placeholders for cars that were yet to come in to the museum. There were some two wheelers (scooters and bikes) as well. Out of all, Hero-Honda-CD-100 is what stood out for me as my father had the same model and most of my childhood and in fact pre university college days were spent on that bike. With heavy heart he sold that bike in 2018. Bonus Section: There is a huge collection of ancient artifacts as well at the basement. Conclusion: Shot this just before I left in the evening at around 5.30 PM with more even lighting. It was around 4 PM by the time we came out. I took a few aerial shots with my drone and finally went to a nearby hotel (Hari Govind, which is on the Bandipur road), had some food and finally headed back to Bangalore.It was fun, informative, and educative in some cases. Overall, it was totally worth visiting it. No more bugging. I will let the pictures to do the talking!! The entrance: A couple of photos taken at the entrance with different zoom lengths! Entrance Ticket: An old double Decker bus can be seen in the parking lot! The Journey Begins: An army truck parked at the entrance: Continue reading BHPian Amyth_Prabhakaran's review for more insights and information.

Mahindra XUV 3XO could be offered in four variants

Mahindra is gearing up to launch the XUV 3XO on April 29. If the latest reports are anything to go by, it could be offered in four trims, similar to the XUV700. According to a media report, Mahindra is likely to offer the XUV 3XO in MX, AX, AX5 and AX7 with L (Luxury Pack) and Pro versions for the top-spec trims. The XUV 3XO will feature a completely new design. The SUV gets a redesigned front end featuring new LED headlamps, dual-tone alloy wheels and more. It has a totally new rear fascia with C-shaped LED taillights connected by an LED light bar. Inside, the XUV 3XO will feature a larger free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster and other features like a Harman Kardon sound system, automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof. The XUV 3XO will carry forward the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. The SUV will be capable of sprinting from 0-60 km/h in 4.5 seconds and will have an ARAI-certified mileage of 20.1 km/l. Source: Carwale

2023 Tata Nexon: My not-so-great buying experience

BHPian kskumaraxa1660 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. The power of TEAM BHP: Two days into this post, I got a call from the sales head of Key Motorrs about the post and collected the info. It was surprising that they were actually looking into Team-BHP posts as her team hardly showed any interest in resolving the problems when I visited them more than 6 to 8 times before this. Anyway, I am thankful to her for that and TeamBHP through which I could reach her. Immediately, was assured that a different vehicle would be allotted and get the vehicle to their Kanakapura Road branch for inspection. 2 days passed by, and she kept her word and brought the vehicle to the branch for PDI. Finished the inspection. We were fine with this unit. The same day, we also met the VP of sales with whom the areas of improvement were discussed. He assured us to improve the processes for better. Cut to the day of delivery, we went to the branch at the designated time and found that the fuel lid had some sort of heat damage which is very evident. The team lead and CRM tried to brush aside initially stating it was not polished properly etc. but eventually took photos and said it would be replaced by the service center. We took delivery and left. Within 2 km from the branch, we stopped to fill the tank. The filling station guy brought it to our attention that the front left side wheel well cladding came off. So much for the quality controls of Tata. The plastic hinge which should keep it in place was not locking correctly. Called and messaged the team lead and CRM but they were off duty by then. Though we pushed it back, it will come off within 200 meters of running. Onlookers kept honking and drawing our attention to it. Frustrated, my brother found a piece of wire on the road and tied it. Imagine the expression on friends' and neighbours' faces who wanted to check out the new vehicle and they see this wire jugaad. This become a trending topic in my apartment and I a laughing stock for spending lakhs for a vehicle whose parts are tied together with wire. As I got tied up, couldn't visit their service centre for 3 days. In the meantime, CRM or TL haven't made any progress. Third day, went to their service centre, and they again took pictures of the fuel lid and wheel well cladding to get a replacement. Assured that they will call once it's received. I am still waiting to hear from them. For the wheel well, their body shop mechanic put a couple of screws in to fix it into place. Overall my buying experience hadn't been great. In fact, I am already dreading the first service. All the posts here are pointing to more trouble ahead. As I said earlier, though I really appreciate the sales head's involvement after looking at my post in TeamBHP, it's a shame that she had to in the first place. Customers shouldn't bear the cross for inefficiencies of dealerships and write about their misery online to get a VP or sales head to step in for the crisis mgmt. Hopefully, TATA will pay attention to gaps in their quality controls at the manufacturing stage and have stringent measures to ensure customer experience is good at dealerships. The same goes for Key Motorrs as well. It's not as easy as adding an extra alphabet to the name per numerological calculations. Now they are riding the boom in the PV segment, however, to sustain and improve their overall brand, quite a lot more needs to be done. As an Indian, nothing pleases me more than if an Indian company achieves higher standards in products and customer service. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Indias defence production is $13 bn and growing, and MSMEs are providing the tailwind

The governments push for indigenisation in defence has encouraged smaller players to get into the game and reduce Indias dependence on imports.

Plug-in hybrids emit 3.5 times more CO2 emissions than advertised

A new study with a data sample of 6,00,000 cars indicates that the real-world CO2 emissions of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid vehicles are much higher than the indicated official values. The study shows that the real-world CO2 emissions of conventional petrol and diesel vehicles are 20% higher than their indicated value. However, what's surprising is the average real-world CO2 emissions of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which reportedly are 3.5 times higher than their test values. Reports state this could be because PHEVs aren't charged and driven in full-electric mode as often as assumed. While a difference in the test values and real-world emission figures is expected, as a laboratory can't replicate exact real-world conditions, the 3.5 times higher real-world figures are too high. To counter this, the Commission is already said to have introduced changes to the calculations, which will be applied from 2025. Apart from the CO2 emission figures, WLTP tests also found a discrepancy in the fuel consumption figures of vehicles. As per reports, the*WLTP tests overestimate fuel efficiency (WLTP test overestimates ICE cars fuel economy by over 23%, says EU Report)*figures of petrol, diesel and PHEV vehicles by up to 23%. Source: European Commission

Versys 650 owner rides the NX500: Shares 10 observations on Honda ADV

BHPian Legal_Eagle recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I can see a lot many members going gaga over NX500. Rightly so, the product is a Honda. I have a Versys 650 presently, which I feel is heavy in everyday conditions. Was looking for a more manageable bike, ideally for a one-bike garage. So I headed straight to test ride NX500 at Bigwing, Lavelle Road, Bangalore. Had booked an appointment via a phone call before visiting them at 6.15 PM. First things first, I was really disappointed with Bigwing customer service. I was their only customer at that time and nobody was interested in talking (probably because I had been in an Activa wearing simple formals and flip-flops, never mind) I then went to the reception counter after checking out the black NX500 and requested a test drive. I was asked to fill out a form showed them my DL and entered a few details in the form given. I was handed over the keys to a red NX500 parked outside. I took it out for a short spin. Before going further, I would like to state that I have always loved Honda products for their over-engineered engines which can last a long long time.Here is my first impression of NX500:I have owned two CBR250Rs in the past, that being said, the fit and finish are average for a CBU. Especially the plastics are strictly average, and flimsy for a bike that costs an arm and a leg. What I would call top-notch is the build of Transalp which was parked outside, though it costs your kidneys. The plastics on the Versys650 feel like it is built to last.The ride was quite disappointing as well. I felt the suspension on Scrambler 400x to be more plush, H450 is in a different league altogether. The 400x is so sprightly and sorted at city speeds (don't know about highway performance), and the H450 is vibey but it makes up with its beautiful suspension. The suspension on NX500 feels out of sorts at the front especially when exiting sharp ruts on the road, and there is some dive under braking. Adv390 has adjustable WP apex suspension, and Versys has adjustable Showas, I just feel that Honda could have tuned it better.The power on tap is not too exciting, the Adv390 felt more lively as well as the scrambler 400x. No ride by wire. But the NX500 felt much more sorted at low speeds than the H450 and Adv390.The toggle switch is tactile but I guess it will be difficult to operate with gloves. Braking is on par with what you expect from a Honda, with adequate feedback and stopping power.The biggest positive is how easy the NX500 is to ride. It just feels so natural and nimble. You can weave in and out of tight spots in the traffic, very easy to manoeuvre. You don't feel like you are riding an ADV in the city, all the controls fall into place naturally. The clutch is super duper smooth. Comparatively, the Versys650 feels like riding an elephant.The engine is typical Honda, smooth, tractable, very low NVH, linear power delivery. But my point is, that the power delivery is too predictable, boring, and sedate.Honda's record in India with respect to CBU bikes is quite scary. Either the parts are not readily available or they will stop the model abruptly. The bikes from Honda as such do not demand much apart from regular maintenance but in case of a fall or accident, you have a pretty long lead time for spares.The accessories for NX500 are exorbitantly priced, and with not many encouraging signs in the aftermarket accessories space, the owners shall be left shortchanged. I feel there is no point getting the front frame bracket at around 35k when you can actually replace the damaged side of the frame at much lower than half of what the bracket costs.But is the on-road price of Rs.7.53 lakh justified? Let's see what we can get at the same price, you can get two interceptors, two adv390x, two H450s, two scrambler 400x, two Yezdi adventure, a pre-worshipped 2021-22 Versys650, Vstrom 650, etc. Is the NX500 twice as good as any of the above-mentioned bikes? It is ultimately for us to decide. If you ask me, it's an emphatic NO. All the above-mentioned bikes are fairly reliable, simple to maintain, have vast dealer service networks and are comparatively quite affordable.In conclusion, I feel that, for the package it offers, NX500 is rather poorly priced and Honda being Honda, can pull the plug anytime. It may be a logical investment if you are planning to keep NX500 for a considerable amount of time but if you get bored soon which I definitely feel you will, your ROI may go for a toss. I feel that this is not a viable upgrade for those who already own a 40+ HP ADV bike, the only saving grace being refinement from the Honda Twin.Local manufacturing along with price correction will go a long way, maybe Honda should take a leaf out of Aprilia's RS457 pricing, but for those who don't mind paying 7.5 big ones for a 451cc twin, well, I hope that your faith is paid back with interest! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Air India post Tata takeover: An aviaton veteran's blunt feedback

BHPian V.Narayan recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Used Air India for a Delhi-London leg and then two weeks later the London-Delhi leg. The aircraft on both flights was a Boeing 777 leased from I think Delta airline. The seats were in business class and here are my points based on my observations and conversations with the cabin crew. On both sectors the cabin crew of 5 serving a business class of 32 pax took, hold your breath, 4 hours plus from take-off to complete the drinks+lunch service. I spoke to them and understood that all were new recruits with less than 6 months on the job. I quizzed them, in a nice avuncular way, with my grey hair, about the procedures and sequence they have been trained with and in my assessment, they are getting woefully weak training. My background in my ex-business gives me a very strong insight into cabin crew training and these young people in their 20s have clearly not received the training needed to run a galley efficiently and on time. Worst of all they were surprised when I told them that the entire service from drinks and nuts to cheese and crackers should take no longer than 2 hours and 15 minutes at the most. Mind you these were young people, enthusiastic, eager to serve and courteous unlike the rudeness or condescending tones one could encounter on Air France or United or British Airways. But they were clueless. The old more experienced Air India crew from the PSU days were in the first class and economy class cabins with the new raw recruits in the business class with no adult supervision. Training & testing followed by more training and testing is at the heart of aviation which is what makes it not only the safest mode of transport but also the most integrated industry in the world. I think someone forgot to tell Air India this. The seats and space were sub-par but I won't go there as the main point that hit me is the lack of training all around of the new cabin crew. God forbid if this lot had to deal with an emergency!! Two odd years after the Tata takeover Air India is still struggling to find its way out of a brown paper bag. Rather sad. I'm still willing to be patient and give the Air India management time to sort themselves out. But when training curriculum is so weak it tells me all is not well with the new Air India leadership's approach. It is one thing to order 400+ airplanes and quite another to get your working crew upto scratch. Here's what BHPian RunGaDa had to say on the matter:My experience from a big IT company. The company I was working for was taken over by another bigger company. The new company laid down their Do's and Don'ts. It was pretty clear within a month that most if not all the old staff will be replaced. This is required if they want to wash out the old company way of working. Tata should do a complete purge. Set the process right. Have penalties for every violation. Then set benchmarks. No other way.Here's what BHPian handsofsteel had to say on the matter:I travelled to Heathrow in Jan this year for a tournament that my son was participating in. Onwards was a combo of indigo+qatar (with a layover at Doha) and return was via air india as I wanted a direct flight. The Air India flight itself was a nightmare. More than half the screens of the in-flight entertainment were not working. The call button for the cabin crew was not operational in a single seat! People were compelled to walk up to the crewing station and request for basics like water. My son was asked to take extra cups of juice when he went to request the crew to have a look at the in-flight entertainment!! Water was being doled out in 75 ml small styrofoam cups meaning, a person like me would have to make 5 trips just to quench my thirst. Despite being a desi carrier, the food paled in comparison to the meal on the Qatar flight, both in terms of spread and the taste. The clincher? The Air India flight, being direct, was more expensive than the Qatar+Indigo one. The worst part... An aged Aussie couple, seated next to me, was trying their best to navigate the in-flight entertainment, one of which was stuck and the other blank. after a while, they sought my help. Despite my best efforts, when it couldn't be made operational, the lady turns towards her husband and says,I told you, the guide books said that you have to expect these with Air India. My complaint on return elicited the cliched response, We are sorry for your experience, but better days are ahead as we have ordered 400 new aircraft.Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Snag Two Anker USB-C Fast Chargers and Cables for Only $13 With Amazon Prime - CNET

Two reliable USB-C chargers for less than $7 each is an excellent deal, but you'll need to be an Amazon Prime member to get it.

Call centres will be outmoded by AI : What next?

TCSs CEO reckons that call centres will be rendered redundant by customer call-taking chatbots within a year. Lots of Indian jobs will be hit. Will firms like TCS create new ones?

Best 4K TV Deals: Save Up to $1,000 on Top TVs From Samsung, LG and More - CNET

Whether you're ready to upgrade your old television or you want to create a mini-home theater, these deals will help you get there.

Best Cheap TV Deals: Nab Fire TV, Roku, TCL and More for Less - CNET

Looking for a budget-friendly TV? We've gathered deals to help you upgrade today without overspending.

Best iPad Deals: Save on iPad Air, iPad Mini and More Ahead of 2024 Refreshes - CNET

Rumors of new iPads for 2024 are swirling, but you don't have to pay full price to get your hands on one of Apple's current models.

School athletic director arrested for framing principal using AI voice synthesis

Police uncover plot to defame principal with AI-generated racist and antisemitic comments.

EPA issues four rules limiting pollution from fossil fuel power plants

Coal to be hit hard, natural gas plants will have to capture carbon emissions.

The best VPN routers of 2024

We found the best Wi-Fi routers on the market with built-in VPNs or easy VPN installation to combine privacy, security, and speedy Wi-Fi.

Who Is Neha Sharma? Actress Rumoured To Have Political Debut, Once Acted With Ram Charan!

Vehicle retail sales up by 3.14% in March 2024

According to the data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), vehicle retail sales grew by 3.14% in March 2024 compared to the same month last year. Overall sales for the month of March 2024 stood at 21,27,177 units, compared to 20,62,409 units in March 2023. Tractor sales were down by 3.33%, from 81,148 units in March 2023 to 78,446 units last month. Two-wheeler sales went up by 5.44% to 15,29,875 units from 14,50,913 units in March 2023. Three-wheeler sales were up by 17.13% in March 2024. 1,05,222 units were sold, compared to 89,837 units in March 2023. Passenger vehicle sales went down by 6.17% compared to the previous year. 3,22,345 units were sold last month, compared to 3,43,527 units in March 2023. Commercial vehicle sales also decreased by 5.87%. 91,289 units were sold in March 2024, compared to 96,984 units in the previous year. FADA has also released the vehicle retail data for FY2024, which shows an overall growth of 10.29% compared to the previous fiscal. Passenger vehicle sales stood at 39,48,143 units, up by 8.45% compared to FY2023. The 2-wheeler segment also registered a growth of 9.30% with 1,75,17,173 units of sales. The LCV category saw a nominal degrowth of 1.09%. Team-BHP's detailed analysis of the March 2024 sales figures.

Made-in-India Kawasaki Versys-X 300 launch by year-end

According to a media report, Kawasaki plans to launch a localized version of the Versys-X 300 by the end of this year. A prototype of the made-in-India Versys-X 300 was spotted testing in February. At the time, it was not clear as to what Kawasaki was up to. As per the latest report, it was the localized version that was being tested. The Versys-X 300 will be the third Kawasaki to be manufactured in India, after the Ninja 300 and W175. We can expect a revision in the prices of the Versys-X 300 once it's launched later this year. The Versys-X 300 is expected to be powered by a 296cc parallel-twin engine shared with the Ninja 300. In the Ninja, this motor is tuned to produce 39 BHP and 26.1 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The India-spec bike is likely to feature a conventional telescopic fork at the front and a mono-shock at the rear. The brake setup will consist of disc brakes at both ends supported by dual-channel ABS. The Kawasaki Versys X 300 will compete with the KTM 390 Adventure and BMW G 310 GS, among others. Source: Autocar India

Thoroughly enjoyed driving my BMW 330Li on the twisties of Munnar

BHPian sandygordon recently shared this with other enthusia Had a blast with the 330Li on some hill station roads. The stretch from Munnar to Chinnakanal was one of the best hill station roads I have driven on. It was very good and was a good test for the handling prowess of the 330LI. To tell the truth, I was a bit disappointed with the wallowing the car had on the twisties. It did handle well, steering was precise and weighty in the sports mode, although I had to reduce the speed at the corners due to some body-roll. It did take the corners at fair speeds with some finesse and the rear wheel drive made it a bit sweeter at the hairpin bends. Some rare instances where you would crave for adaptive dampers. I thoroughly enjoyed the car and made me fall in love with the overall versatility. A limousine when you want it to be and a sporty sedan when you want it to be one. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

How a Tata Nano came into our lives in 2014: Long-term ownership review

BHPian cheeku recently shared this with other enthusiasts. This review is of our *now-sold* Tata Nano 2013 LX - nicknamed Mooshak since this was one of the first cars that I had learnt driving in and I spent a long long time behind the wheel as well as maintaining it during a ~10-year period. Somewhere on the country roads of Kolar where the nano felt right at homeHere is a quick summary of the ownership tenure:Year of birth at the Tata factory: 2013Year of Welcoming It Home: 2014Year of finding a new home and bidding goodbye: 2023Variant: LX (The 2012 facelift that was officially reviewed by Teambhp over a Lonawala drive) - Non-power steeringKMs driven at the time of being sold: ~25,000Prelude to the purchaseWe were on the lookout for a second car for the household starting in 2012 since there was a need for a car that could do the in-city runabouts with fair ease and be light on the pocket as well.RequirementsSmall footprintGood mileage, preferably ~15 in the city with the AC onPetrolHad to be available in whiteThat was about it, and we had begun our search.Showrooms visitedTata Motors for the Nano - Test driving the Nano was an underwhelming experience, the test drive vehicle didn't have its AC functioning and had rattles. We understood this may have been a one-off but we continued the search.Maruti Suzuki - The Alto 800 didn't impress us with its looks and it was rejected right there without a test-drive. I didn't mind it though but it was vetoed.Enter Hyundai, Residency road for the i10, Eon - We loved the way Eon looked, felt and drove, the D-lite model was booked right away with the awareness that it lacked a power steering. We just needed a car, and I was okay with anything that was new and drove.A couple of days passed by after the booking and after some good long family drama over the lack of power steering, instead of upgrading to a higher variant, the booking was cancelled. The search continued for another car that fit just right both to our budget and requirements (but we did end up buying an EON a few years later and it has been a joy to own) After the unsuccessful search in 2012, came a 2 year period when there wasn't really a need to have a second car around due to low usage and changing work commitments. Come 2014, I was preparing for my entrance exams when suddenly I noticed momentum in the automobile discussions at home with the word Nano being thrown around often. I didn't think much of these discussions until one fine day my father randomly asked for the keys of the Nano from my brother's friend to test-drive it. It was a yellow colour one from the very first batches and he had driven it for more than 50,000 kilometres by then. He came back happy from the drive but we didn't know that smile would transpire into a purchase in the next few weeks. The only statement I remember hearing was Iss gaadi mein toh power steering ki zaroorat hi nahi hai (There is no need for power steering in this car at all!). In the next month or so, when I was innocently preparing for my exams, doors closed in my study room, the decision had been made and I was informed that a new Tata Nano was on the way already. Wait, where was it bought from? Neither had anybody visited the showroom, nor any finance-related discussions took place at home. As it turns out, this was from unsold dealer inventory of December 2013, a few months old by then and we had received word of this deal via someone who was known to handle the vehicle fleet at my parents' workplace. Questions I asked at home when I helplessly heard this purchase taking shape: Q: How will it arrive home? Will we have the ribbon to cut? That big key handover like in the Girias / Pai newspaper ads, do I get to be part of it? A: It will be driven home by the fleet owner, he is driving it from a far away yard, you can cut the plastic covers from the seats and take the keys directly from him. Q: Wait, what about the smell of a new car? A: We have told him to clean the car, and since this has been in the yard for a few months, there may not be any of that lucrative new car odour. * My heart sank here * Q: Which colour? Not yellow, please? Top-end right? A: It's white, and yes it's the LX. * A bit happier * The car arrives in a few days and the usual formalities are completed in the next few weeks. This was a direct delivery from the dealer and was more of a spinny-type delivery of recent times when the car was handed over at home.Initial ownership period of 2014-2017Accessories addedICEBlaupunkt audio system - single DINFront speakers - BlaupunktRear speakers - SonyConvenienceSunfilm within the legal limit of visibility (I was told that ) for a completely glass area since the Nano had the steering right under the windscreen and I didn't want to use up all the sun-screen at my home every day protecting my arms.InteriorLeatherette seat covers, pre-stitched and fitSteering coverThings that impressed us during this timeThe mileage - Owning it alongside a WagonR F10D that returned 8-10kmpl in the city, this was a surprise, it returned a steady 15-18 kmpl with the AC on during our normal usage conditions.The footprint and manoeuvrability - Could fit in anywhere without a sweat.The suspension - We were regular users of bad roads in the city, and the Nano's suspension handled them well every day. The faster over those uneven patches, the better it handled.Things that didn't impress us much during this timeThe brakes - good in the city but beyond 60, braking to a halt needed a heavyweight press and the brake bite felt wooden, got them checked and it was diagnosed to be a brake cylinder issue. The part was changed.The ergonomics : Power button windows needed a bend down to be operated, the wiper stalks had a weird order of control, the passenger side seat adjust was towards the driver consoleThe small fuel tank of 15 litres - We realised the importance of a large fuel tank once we used the vehicle more often in the city, a usual week's drive sometimes consisted of 300-350 kms and it needed a refuel stop mid-week.Things that fell apart during this 2-year periodThe hazard light switch - It had the weirdest design where one had to pull the knob up, it fell apart in a few months and when we requested the service centre to fix it, they mentioned they needed to change the whole assembly. This was fixed later.The rubber clamps that held the parcel shelf at the back.Things that went really wrong during this timeOil pump failure and radiator malfunctioningLeft us stranded mid-way home at a traffic signal. We had to let the car cool down every couple hundred meters, covered the last 4 kms in moderate traffic with many stops. There were symptoms of failure earlier during a drive to Nandi Hills in September 2014, when the car switched off during a bumper-to-bumper jam uphill and refused to start. Luckily, there was a parking space right behind the spot where it had stopped and used the downhill momentum, we could parallel park it. 2 hours later, it started up just fine and we drove 70 kms without a hiccup. Looking back, it would have been a good idea to record the symptoms and show them to the service folks. The oil pump assembly was replaced along with a few other parts.AC malfunctionThe AC had its own mind, the compressor would sometimes switch on and sometimes it wouldn't. After a couple of ignition cycles, it would start working and would stop. This issue could never be fixed by Tata's service centre, the folks just failed to diagnose it. This was fixed much later in 2019 (covered in the later part of this review)Some pictures during this period Enroute to Nandi Hills On a rainy day in traffic ( Oh, how I miss the rain in Bangalore now! Continue reading cheeku's ownership review for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

Kotak Mahindra Bank faces RBI curbs: Will you be affected? Is your money safe?

The RBI on Wednesday prohibited Kotak Mahindra Bank from accepting new clients through its online and mobile banking channels and from issuing new credit cards with immediate effect

Ordered Showa sequential taillights for my Maruti Jimny from Japan

BHPian ShivC recently shared this with other enthusiasts. A Whimsical Tale of Jimny Showa Sequential Taillights Introduction:In the charming town of Bangalore, with its chock-a-block traffic and concrete structures along with a smattering of some trees for its landscape, lived a peculiar car enthusiast named Shiv. Shiv had a deep love for his trusty Maruti Suzuki Jimny, a compact 4X4 SUV that had faithfully accompanied him on countless adventures. However, he often felt that his Jimny lacked a touch of uniqueness that would truly make it stand out on the road. Little did he know that his quest for individuality would lead him on a whimsical journey involving Showa Sequential Taillights. The Discovery: One sunny afternoon, while browsing through a global website on Jimny products, Shiv stumbled upon a product that piqued his interest. It was the Showa Sequential Taillights, a revolutionary lighting system known for its mesmerizing sequential pattern. Immediately captivated by the idea, Shiv embarked on a mission to acquire these intriguing taillights for his beloved Jimny with a little help from DHL Express. The day of reckoning came - the Showa Tail Lights (which had traversed a long way from Japan to Bangalore ) were delivered by a trusted old friend - DHL Express. The Installation: With the Showa Sequential Taillights in hand, Shiv eagerly set out to install them on his Jimny. However, what was supposed to be a straightforward process turned into a comical escapade. Armed with a toolbox and a can-do attitude, Shiv dove headfirst into the installation, only to find himself tangled in a web of wires and confused by an instruction manual that seemed to be in a language only known to aliens. The Unexpected Outcome: Despite the initial setbacks, Shiv's determination remained unwavering. With the help of his trusty garage CarMed, a trusted lovable bunch of car experts, they ventured into uncharted territory. With each failed attempt, their frustration transformed into laughter, creating a bond that went beyond mere car enthusiasts. The Transformation: After hours of tinkering and tweaking, the moment of truth arrived. As Shiv turned on the ignition, a wave of anticipation washed over him. Suddenly, the Jimny was illuminated by a mesmerizing dance of lights. The Showa Sequential Taillights came to life, casting a spellbinding glow that transformed the ordinary SUV into a magical chariot. The Envy of Bangalore: Word of Shiv's eccentric modification spread like wildfire throughout the town. Curious onlookers would gather in awe as the Jimny gracefully maneuvered through the streets, leaving a trail of enchanting lights in its wake. People couldn't help but smile and wave as the whimsical spectacle brightened their otherwise mundane daily routines. Epilogue:Shiv's Jimny became a symbol of creativity and individuality in Bangalore. The installation of the Showa Sequential Taillights not only added a touch of fun to his beloved SUV but also brought joy and laughter to the entire community. From that day forward Shiv and his Jimny would forever be remembered as the pioneers of whimsy, reminding everyone that sometimes, a little touch of humour can truly make the world a brighter place. The Final Look - The Final Look - 2 The Final Look - 3 Start of Installation Hoisted with Old Tail Lights Work on the bumper including installation of switch for change between normal and sequential lights Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Jack Welchs CEO factory has stopped production: Good riddance.

Yes, GE offloaded its fabled Crotonville CEO incubator. The idea of assembly-line CEOs doesn't work anymore.

Tesla teases upcoming self-driving ride-hailing services

According to reports, Tesla is said to be working on its own self-driving ride-hailing functionality. The EV carmaker teased the ride-hailing services alongside the release of its Q1 2024 financial results via screenshots. The ride-hailing service will be positioned to rival the likes of Uber & Waymo. The screenshots showcase the app with all the standard features available on a ride-hailing service. However, there are also a few additional features like summons, adjusting temperature and playing music, which are specific to self-driving vehicles. Reports also confirm that Tesla will not have a separate app but rather introduce its ride-hailing functionality into the 'Tesla App' itself. The company stated, We are currently working on ride-hailing functionality that will be available in the future. We believe the Tesla software experience is best-in-class across all our products, and plan to seamlessly layer ride-hailing into the Tesla App. Tesla, though, is yet to announce the timing of the service's release. Company CEO Elon Musk recently took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce the debut of its 'Robotaxi' on August 8, 2024. Source: Electrek

70% of all cars in Europe will be pure EVs by 2030, says Bosch

Bosch recently concluded its annual press conference for Q1 2024. The automotive company laid out its future roadmap, while also giving its forecast on the future of the global automotive industry. Bosch forecasts that by 2030 nearly 70% of all new cars in Europe will be pure electric. This prediction is slightly lower in America & China, with figures ranging between 40% to 50%. In addition to this, Bosch also anticipates sales volume of hydrogen technology to be worth 5 billion euros by 2030. Stefan Hartung, Chairman of the Board of Management, Bosch, stated, China will likely be leading the market for the time being. We don't expect to see major growth in Europe and North America until the next decade. Bosch is also said to be working on an injection technology for a hydrogen engine, which will be on the road in India as early as this year. Source: JustAuto

Two serious issues I found on our Virtus: Still finding a fix!

BHPian valve_float recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hi All, This is my first post on this forum and the singular issue I'm facing with our 1.75-year-old Virtus warrants my active participation! Background of the car My dad bought the Virtus (1.0 Comfortline) in September 2022 in Chennai when I was working in Mumbai (I transported our Ameo and used it there once the Virtus was bought). A few months ago, I moved back home to Chennai and have since sold off the Ameo since our combined usage of both cars was not more than 200 kms in a month so it didn't make sense having the Ameo sitting in the Sun. The first issue Anyway, so since I started using the Virtus post the Ameo's sale, I've first noticed that the speaker system is faulty since none of the four speakers in the rear doors works and doesn't show up in the balancer/fader settings window as well. I've been meaning to get it checked with the ASS hoping that there would be some solution under warranty if the issue is more than improperly connected wires. On top of it, the Bluetooth connectivity is a pain since the visibility toggle sometimes just gets stuck in Off mode if say I stop at a shop and resume the journey. When this happens, it doesn't connect to any phone including the one which was connected mere minutes ago. The issue doesn't go away until I start the car the next day or so. The second (more serious) issue On top of the two aforementioned issues, I've faced this more serious issue twice so far. The head unit becomes unresponsive to volume controls and power off, and the radio just keeps playing even when I turn off the ignition, remove the key, walk out and lock the car! Have appended a video to understand the issue better. (Note: I was stuck in horrible traffic and was at a red signal so it was safe to take the video since I didn't know if I could replicate the issue again). Whenever I try to mute or adjust the volume, an error pops up that reads Please select valid source. I think it's a serious issue since it has the propensity to drain the battery as it keeps playing music even after exiting the car and locking it! Will visit the ASS soon but in case anyone has faced this or has a solution, please do let me know. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Amid the election din, argumentative Indian TV debates stand out

Alas, a representative ringside view of Indian polls is impossible to get from overseas. But loud TV talk suggests that democracy alarmists should calm down and Indias electorate is more aware than it may seem.

Amazed by Tesla's useful tech integration in its EVs & customer service

BHPian svsantosh recently shared this with other enthusiasts. A senior colleague in my UAE office has a 2023 Tesla Model Y. He has owned it new from the Dubai Sheikh Zayed road showroom for the last 6 months and put in about 10,000 Kms on it. A very happy customer indeed. Last week he got a call on his mobile and the person on the line identified himself as a Tesla Roadside Assistance mobile mechanic and said 'Sir your rear right tail lamp is not working and I need to come to your location now to change it'. Obviously, we are not used to such kinds of calls and my colleague went blank for a few seconds. He agreed to receive him in the next 30 mins and the person arrived in his fully decked-out service van. In 15 mins he changed the full assembly and off we went. Now... See the level of tech integration Musk has pulled off with a few satellites and the internet. Sitting at a laptop in the A.S.S, a mechanic saw a tail lamp failing on his customer's car and came in an hour and gone! I cannot even begin to describe the WOW factor I have as a car owner or petrolhead to imagine this kind of 'useful' integration of tech and cars. Between 2016 and 2022, I was associated with IOT & M2M projects in the conventional mechanical engineering industry, linking large turbines to one's mobile phone and giving real-time data on Pressure, Power, RPM, Kw, Temperature, Oil life, etc. Now I am seeing that kind of tech coming full circle. Now that's called Customer-Centric Service. Kudos to Tesla! Here's what GTO had to say about the matter: Great story, thanks for sharing. That is really exemplary service. Not just the call to fix the light (a safety issue), but also the offer to come to the customer's home / office to fix it. For everyone who is excessively worried about privacy, drive this (or any older non-connected car): Use this phone: And don't ever connect to the internet, or use Google services, or social media, or online shopping: Truth is, privacy is a myth today. Here's what BHPian Night Raven had to say about the matter:Somehow I am more horrified than excited about this. If this happens to me I will be uneasy every time I sit in that car because I don't know what all information the technicians at the service centre can access about my car. If my location can be continuously monitored by some stranger, how safe should I feel?Here's what BHPian Fuldagap had to say about the matter:It's exciting to read this experience. But I'm curious to know how a mechanic 'saw' the taillight is not working. Did the car 'inform' the service guys? Did the owner get a notification too via any app or email that his taillight wasn't working prior to receiving a call from the service personnel? One day a car will 'calculate' it is idle for hours, the owner sleeping at home or working at the office and would say to the owner, hey my tail light isn't working, I'm off to get it done by the time you need me. I'll be back in a couple of hours.Here's what BHPian poloman had to say about the matter:Some one other than you keeping track of your possessions is called creepy behavior. Nothing to get excited about. The fault should be flashed to the owner and he should take a call to fix it or not.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Volkswagen's new design language for its SUVs unveiled

Volkswagen has unveiled its new ID.Code Concept at the ongoing Beijing Auto Show. The new Volkswagen ID.Code concept previews the brand's future design language for its SUVs, especially for the Chinese market. The concept SUV is said to have been designed by teams in China & Europe, keeping the demands of Chinese customers in mind. As seen from the images, the ID.Code concept features clean, minimalistic styling with a sloping coupe-like roofline. The concept though does also incorporate a bit of VW's heritage with the D-pillars inspired by the Golf, while the sculpted fenders seem to be borrowed from the ID2.all concept showcased last year. Other details include slim LED light bars that span the entire width of the car at the front and rear. The lights come integrated with AI, which allows them to interact with other road users. Moving on, the front bumpers conceal a screen, which when activated, displays messages. Moving inside, the ID.Code concept features a full-width display on the dashboard, with a second free-standing screen at the centre. The VW ID.Code concept is said to get Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, which means that the steering wheel can retract and the seat can be rotated 180 degrees to face other passengers. Other details include sustainable materials all around the cabin, ambient lighting and climate control systems and a transparent roof with photovoltaic cells; among others. Thomas Schafer, CEO of Volkswagen, stated, The ID. CODE provides a glimpse into VW's future in China: featuring a new design, cutting-edge technology, and a comprehensive brand experience tailored to the needs and desires of our Chinese customers. We're ushering in a new era of mobility in China, hand in hand with our Chinese partners. Volkswagen also confirmed that the ID.Code concept will eventually enter production in the form of a fully-electric SUV in the Chinese market. The carmaker also hinted that all future VW products in China will take inspiration from the concept SUV. Source: Autoblog

Upgraded the software on my Ecosport's SYNC3 head unit: Here's how

BHPian GautamJ recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Sync 3 Update(Upgrading Sync3 software version from 3.0 to 3.4) A much delayed update from my side . Delayed? Well, I had done a FORScan coding which requires Sync3 software version to be 3.4. Ford never released 3.4 version for a BS-IV EcoSport, so updating the software through official way as mentioned in this thread/post. Also, this is not going to be as crazy as this thread. Disclaimer: I am in no way related to CyanLabs in any which ways. This process can be risky, and in worse situation can brick Sync 3 system. Also, this cannot be done on a FlyAudio. Only applicable for a Sync3 system. Sharing following steps to update Sync3 Software Version through an unofficial way: You need to now the current Software Version of your car's Sync3 System. This can be found by toggling to Settings => General => About Sync. The following screen should show up, take a picture of the same as we will require the software version (red box). In my case it was 3.0 Build 20204. Through this link, download Syn3 Updater on a Windows Laptop. After downloading Syn3 Updater, open the application.The software version as noted down in Step 1 needs to be filed in 'full version' box (In my case it has to be typed as '3.0.20204').Region to be selected from dropdown 'Middle East, Africa, India...'.Navigation should be toggled-off, as in India EcoSport does not get Build-in Navigation.The configuration can be as default (have changed it in the below attached screenshot).Application Option can be ignored.Advanced Options, toggle on the 'Edit Advanced Options?'. If your car is manufactured in 2020 or after 2020, enable the 'MY20 Protection'. If the car is a BS-IV or build before 2020, disable the 'MY20 Protection'.For Install Mode, choose 'reformat' from the drop down menu.Insert a pen drive which has no data, as the same will be formatted. For non-navigation software, 8GB USB pen drive is sufficient, for choosing the exact requirement on pen drive refer the next picture.Now we can apply the settings. The next screen on Syn3 Updater will require to choose the USB Pendrive. For New Verion, choose the same region as before, select the latest version (in my case it was 3.4.23188). Leave the map version, if your car does not have a build-in navigation. The last step is to click on 'Start'. A stable WiFi is required, also the download duration will depend upon the WiFi speed. Upon successful download, it will format and rename the pendrive. Once done, eject the pendrive and hop in to your car. Major work being done, unlock the car, slip into the driver's seat, close the drivers door and wait for the Sync3 display to turn off (do not start the car or put the car in accessory mode). Insert the pen drive in either of the USB port, switch on the car (keep the engine running during the software update process). This step will take time, sharing a few pictures (ignore my ugly editing). Do not remove the pen drive, unless the same is shown on the Sync3 display. Once the process gets completed, it'll request you to remove the pen drive. Now the pen drive can be ejected (simply pull out the pen drive). The Sync3 will reboot, and after this hard work, you'll be rewarded with the similar below screen . After the reboot, it is recommended to format the Sync3 system for minor software glitches. Also, I noticed the bluetooth name has been renamed to 'Ford EcoSport' (earlier it used to be 'Bluetooth') hence, will require re-pairing of devices. Main reason to get 3.4 update on Sync3 was to have turn-by-turn direction on IC, sadly it does not work through Apple Carplay even on iOS 17.4.1 (should work through Android Auto). Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Real costs: Why solar and wind energy are not market winners yet

Claims that wind and solar energy are now cheaper than fossil fuel-based energy are misleading as these refer to costs only when the sun is out or wind blowing but dont account for intermittency.

Patanjalis credibility crisis: A knock-on effect on the booming Ayush market?

Patanjali has hurt the industrys credibility by linking Ramdev's reputation with the company's drugs rather than offering sound therapeutic reasons for promoting those. This was not necessary

Paid for a fancy number but got a normal one instead: How I got it back

BHPian dmaheshkumar recently shared this with other enthusiasts. As we all know, while buying a new vehicle some people opt for a number either in the running series (next 1000 numbers) or anything beyond that too by paying to the Government. My friend too booked a car (TATA Punch EV) and opted for a fancy number in the next 1000 numbers. He went to the RTO broker directly and booked a number by paying via PariVahaan. However, the receipt was not received and the car dealer was informed about the same. While moving the papers to the RTO, this can be informed and they will process it separately after checking the system with the transaction details. Here TATA showroom normally brings the car to the RTO office for registration and there will be a separate broker from the RTO side who does it for that particular showroom. My friend clearly informed both the sales advisor and the driver who was bringing the car that we booked a fancy number but the receipt was not yet received and he shared the transaction details. But the broker moved the file for normal registration and sequentially the system generated a number for his car. After some time this was informed to my friend and he was shocked to hear this as he had already paid for that number. He was checking with the dealer as to why it was not informed to its RTO broker and there was a huge communication gap. Now my friend was clearly saying that he needed the number which he booked and not the sequential number which was generated. But the sales executive, the RTO broker and even our RTO broker clearly stated that this can't be changed as the vehicle is already registered. He was not interested in taking the delivery with the allotted number and was very furious when he heard that the amount he paid for the number would not be refunded either. He went directly to the RTO office and met the RTO and informed him about this whole ordeal. RTO said it was not informed to him by the dealer and the number can't be changed now. My friend was completely shattered and felt very stressed on hearing this. One of our relatives knows an RTO officer in Coimbatore Central and told him about this entire circus. He clearly understood things and calmly told him that there was an option to change the number even after it got assigned. Every one of us was very happy to hear this as we saw some light in this darkness. Adding to this he called the Unit office RTO and helped with the steps on how to perform it in the system and also informed that these steps can be only done until the card is generated. It may take 2 to 3 days to generate the card and once it's done then nobody can change the number. So finally he got the same number which he paid for and it was a very happy evening after all the issues were sorted out. Here's what BHPian It's Magic had to say about the matter:Thank you for your post. I was also not aware that the number can be changed after registration (till the card is created). Wonder if this information is available in the public domain.Here's what BHPian anjan_c2007 had to say about the matter:It was a sort of nightmare for your friend. Not receiving a receipt even after making payment for the fancy number was the causative factor due to which the misunderstanding happened and a communication gap was created. Had there been a receipt, providing its copy to the dealer and his RTO broker would have not created the issue. But it seems that even after informing the SA and the dealer they had failed to act and help your friend. And it's only because you had a relative who knew an RTO officer that the nightmare of your friend had a happy ending. Wishing you happy driving with your new car.Here's what BHPian raptor_diwan had to say about the matter:I'm glad it's resolved. If not, I can't imagine how your friend would feel driving the car with financial loss or regrets right from the registration day.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

2024 Jeep Wrangler launched at Rs 67.65 lakh

Jeep has launched the 2024 Wrangler in India. The SUV is available in two variants - Unlimited and Rubicon, priced at Rs 67.65 lakh and Rs 71.65 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. The updated Wrangler carries forward the same rugged design, albeit with subtle changes. It features a revised 7-slat grille at the front with circular LED headlights on either side and a chunky front bumper that houses a pair of fog lamps and fenders with thin LED DRLs. The Wrangler now comes with a Gorilla Glass windshield. Inside, the updated Wrangler is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The SUV also has features such as 12-way power-adjustable front seats, TPMS, 6 airbags and ADAS. Powering the Wrangler is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 268 BHP and 400 Nm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and the brand's Slec-Trac 4WD system. The Rubicon variant is equipped to take on extremely rough terrain. It features a Dana 44 HD full-float solid rear axle, Rock-Trac part-time transfer case with 4:1 LOW ratio, Electronic front sway-bar disconnect, Tru-Lok front- and rear-axle lockers and 17-inch aluminium wheels with BFGoodrich mud-terrain tyres. Customer deliveries of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler will commence in mid-May.

Renault-Nissan mulling Creta-sized electric SUV for India

According to a media report, Renault-Nissan is planning to develop a C-segment electric SUV for the Indian market. It could compete with the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV and the Maruti Suzuki eVX. The report states that Renault-Nissan had initially planned to introduce an entry-level A-segment EV in India. However, it has been cancelled in favour of a Creta-sized electric SUV. It is expected to be based on the CMF-B EV platform. The CMF-B architecture will not only be heavily localized to support models like the Renault Duster and its Nissan derivative, but will also be tweaked to support EV powertrains. Localization will be the key as the company has set a target price of Rs 15-20 lakh. Technical details of the CMF-B-based electric SUV are still unknown, but reports suggest that it could be powered by an LFP battery, offering a range of around 300 km on a single charge. Renault-Nissan's new electric SUV is expected to go on sale in 2026-27. It would also ensure that the automaker's future CAF targets are met. Source:Autocar India

Multiple niggles on my Scorpio-N: Mahindra's QC frustrates me

BHPian wooka recently shared this with other enthusiasts. This is the second time I've had the issue of the 4xplore Knob simply failing to be lit up or engage no matter what's pressed. Rebooting the car doesn't help. There seems to be a recurring assembly / harness failure point. Today I drove from Noida to Dehradun with a slightly increased transmission noise, zero acceleration/movement when making a three point turn despite being in drive, and general lethargy. Also the tyres skidded doing 1 kmph while turning on gravel near my destination. And then I just knew. I flipped the fuses for the 4Xplore actuation and the knob, both. No dice. I phoned up MnM and got the COTEK to, very kindly, give me a video of opening the center console 30 minutes later. By then I'd already done so myself and attached the harness. It clicked reassuringly into place. How in the world can this come loose by itself? Video of the 4x4 switch not working Now this is strange. This happened once months ago, previously, and the service guys said it's fixed and that the harness was 'loose'. How? Doesn't it click into place? I had last given the car for a silver box replacement (which has indeed fixed my wireless android disconnection issues), then how did the harness come apart again? Was it engaged by someone, and then physically disconnected? Cause nothing else adds up - why would the car be in 4x4 mode if the module was disconnected? What has been damaged as a result? Driving 300 kms on hard tarmac in a part time transfer case 4x4 at over 100 Kmph? This could have happened to someone else. Once previously my Thar had a broken 4x4 switch on the lever and I got stuck in the sand when I had given the car for a gear shifter boot replacement. And just three days back my Thar refused to crank despite a charged battery after stopping for tea near Udaipur. I flipped every fuse and relay only to disconnect and reconnect the battery, at which point the car cranked. It was simply ignoring the cranking position of the key before that (no reaction from the instrument cluster.) What this makes me worry about is why so frequently, when will things improve, and what QC is performed. Forgot to add, my cruise control is also broken. As is my TPMS. It's beyond me when they'll shore up their act. Their customer service is really good but their QC leaves much on the table. Good engineering marred by a lax overall approach. Video of the cruise control not working Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Review : 8 Pros & 7 Cons

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon ProsA timeless design with loads of characterOne of the best offroaders on the planetGood build quality and abuse-friendly natureHighly customizable. You can go crazy with modificationsPunchy 268-BHP 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is refined and smooth8-speed ZF automatic gearbox is competent and does the job well on / off-roadLoads of off-road tech (locking differentials, sway bar disconnect, full-float rear axle, etc.)Features list includes ADAS tech, front camera, new 12.3-inch touchscreen, 9-speaker Alpine sound system, heated steering wheel & front seats, 12-way powered front seats, and moreJeep Wrangler Rubicon ConsLack of engine options. No diesel engine on offer, nor a larger petrol (available internationally)Ride quality is too bumpy for this Jeep to be your daily driverBackseat isn't comfortable over long distances. Also, best for 2 adults and not 3A 1-star Euro-NCAP safety rating is a dealbreaker for most buyersOn-road dynamics are poor, more so with the stock MT tyres (Jeep should've given AT tyres). Best to stick to safe speedsDriver footwell is cramped and will get uncomfortable over long drivesMissing features like auto wipers, auto folding mirrors, a dead pedal, a 360-degree camera and ventilated seatsRead Team-BHP's detailed Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Review

AI bot evolution: Agents will be the next big thing in artificial intelligence

As we devolve agency to AI agents for various tasks, we mustnt blow the lid off a Pandoras Box. Tech companies want to keep humans in control of AI actions, but such tech can also give agents autonomy.

How the Tiguan puts a smile on my face every time I step inside

BHPian Maky recently shared this with other enthusiasts. It has now been six months since I purchased the Tiguan. Six glorious months. Every single day I've stepped into the car, every single drive has put a smile on my face. Whether a slow daily commute or those wonderful out-of-city blasts. Since I brought her home half a year ago I've put in about ~3,500 kilometres. Not as much as I thought I'd have run by now but life, routine and travels. I've written down the experience thus far in a manner that I hope will be informative and helpful to most.Daily commuteExcellent sound insulation from the hustle and bustle of Bombay's peak hours. I had originally mentioned in my post that T-BHP/others had perhaps gotten it wrong when opining on the stiff suspension of the vehicle, I'll very much take that back. The vehicle definitely rides stiffer than ideal, but not to the point of great discomfort. A last-gen Octavia-like suspension tuning balance though would have been perfect. Factory tints, excellent seating position and cushioning paired with Auto Hold make for effortless bumper-to-bumper days. I would like to mention that the AC has largely been sufficient but during the hottest days I do find myself moving the fan blower speed to the 3rd position out of 7, otherwise it sits in a very silent 1st position.Highway runsFor a raised ride height 'SUV' vehicle the Tiguan sure has felt car-like on the highways. One switches lanes seamlessly accelerates ferociously and brakes with immediacy. I now realise why those big German cars would just blast past me on the highways so confidently, they just don't realise the numbers they're doing. The earlier mentioned slightly stiffer suspension is a non-issue on the highways. Absolutely flat ride, again being an SUV I was surprised by the next to nil amount of body roll in this vehicle's highway manners.Ghat climbsMost of what I've written earlier was to be expected, though what was not expected is what I experienced on the ghats, so I've dedicated a paragraph. One cannot do high speeds on the twisties yet I found myself just effortlessly going past all cars big and small, cheap and expensive even at sedate speeds. On my first ghat run in the Tiguan, I thought perhaps they had been full of people and luggage but on following climbs, I decided to have a look at the cars I was just cruising past, a lot of those vehicles had either two persons or less and presumably similar luggage load as mine. I realised it's the car, the sheer grip with the 4motion system which offers full-time AWD in D1 and D2, following which drive to all 4 wheels offered in any gear if it feels a wheel(s) is losing traction. The 2.0L TSI engine, DQ381 DSG gearbox and VW's 4Motion AWD system is a touring combination made in heaven. Moving on, in the original post I had mentioned that later I'd put a thorough review of the excellent IQ Matrix headlights that came with this car. But now I don't think a review is needed as such so I'll just share some of the pictures. These were taken in certain stretches of Aamby Valley in Lonavala where there were no street lights. The above pictures might not do justice given the limited patch of road where I took them but believe me the I.Q. matrix LEDs on the Tiguan are fantastic. They spread when they see the road widen, narrow and sharpen accordingly on smaller lanes and the throw is great. There are times when the ambient light sensor(?) doesn't calculate the environmental lighting correctly and the low beam throws a much-faded beam than is ideal thinking the road is adequately lit but that's rare. I am considering getting the front camera module retrofit as some Tiguan owners have gotten, after which the lights will automatically dip as an individual/car comes in front of you so as not to blind them. So now that the main ownership experience has been largely covered, I would like to mention a small incident I had on the road. Slow-moving traffic ahead of me, nearly none behind me. An imbecile biker, of the kind who likes to swerve sharply left and right when changing lane to lane was behind me. The vehicle in front of me braked so did I, at this point I imagine the said moron tried to swerve to my adjacent lane expecting me to keep moving even though the car in front had braked and rammed my rear bumper while trying to overtake into a narrow gap on the other lane. The noise I heard was a loud thud. I got out and this was the 'damage' What you see in the first image is the chrome lining in perfect alignment, this is the left side where the biker did not hit my car I was very surprised by the negligible damage. Given the loud thud I heard I figured both holding clips would be gone on either side of the bumper with a nice bend in the middle and I'd have a claim merely 3 months into ownership. While you expect the exterior metalwork and interior plastics to be top-notch for such vehicles, Volkswagen's CKD import products seem to compromise nowhere. Absolute master race.And now finally to some just criticism. The service experienceAfter the 1st service(VW Downtown, Sewri workshop) which wasn't a service I believe but a check-up of sorts post the first month of delivery. No issues with the service/check-up but then they delivered my car unwashed and tobacco spat on. The interiors also appeared not properly vacuum cleaned. After the 2nd checkup/service the past week, they returned my car this time well washed and cleaned although I had mentioned to him in advance my previous experience on that point. However, post drop off no mention verbally over the phone on what checks were done on the car by the service advisor. And unlike the first time when the service advisor(a different person) asked me if I wanted to fill the air in one of the tyres which was showing low pressure which I declined to do as they did not have Nitrogen and only Air. This time around the service person just went ahead and filled my Nitrogen filled tyres with air. I had to completely deflate and reflate with Nitrogen at a pump, safety aside the TMPS readings went wonky showing all kinds of strange numbers because of this mix. Also, after the person dropped the car back home I saw that two sunblinds were just kept in the dickie instead of being placed back on the window and one of the sunblinds, the rear right quarter one was bent. This was a paid-for accessory. I called the service advisor immediately and said he'd get back to me. The next day he got back to me with no desire to replace the bent one with a new one giving laughable reasons. Great buying experience, and ownership experience thus far. But VW really needs to have a look at their post-sale service quality and training. Mr. Ashish no amount of marketing or Ad spend will ever be as good as word of mouth. 6 km/l in Bombay and a respectable 14 km/l on highways are the honest figures. I think I've covered most things of my Tiguan Ownership. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask : ) Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Indias employment paradox of the 21st century: A crackable puzzle

We saw a post-covid reversal of both positive and negative labour-market trends. How and why so? An ILO-IHD report offers clues. Hint: We had a covid backslide and surge in broadly defined self-employment.

Compact SUVs under 17 lakhs: Best options upgrading from 2016 WagonR

BHPian ash22 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Good Day People, One of my extended family members is looking to upgrade his 2016 WagonR AMT with a strict budget is around 17 lakhs, Chennai (on-road). Requirement:C-SUV.Petrol & Automatic onlyEasy on Maintenance.Will keep it for the next 10 years.Use case:Mostly with a daily commute of 20 Kms office commute within the city.Once a month a drive to native around 300 kms to&fro from ChennaiSuggested Vehicles:I suggested Elevate V CVT and Grand-Vitara Delta AT.We did a test drive of both recently which caused more confusion for him rather than conclude..Both look good and drive good for his requirements and driving feedback.Since he is upgrading from his WagonR AMT, He loves both these cars and cannot conclude which one to go with.Need Recommendation: Out of these two cars, What will be that one deciding point that will help him to conclude between the two? However, I suggested Elevate since the latest V CVT comes with 6 airbags too. Decision is still open and Members can also suggest a better car based on this requirement. Planning to book the car in the next 2-3 weeks. Here's what BHPian DCEite had to say on the matter:I would add another option here: Hyundai Creta S(O) IVT. Keep in mind it has the highest waiting periods, so if you want something quicker, strike it out. But personally, I would prefer the Creta. For its proven brand image, a more lively engine (even with the CVT/IVT gearbox), a more refined cabin compared to the GV and Elevate, better fit and finish of the interiors and exteriors, Panoramic sunroof (makes a world of difference to the cabin's sense of space and feel good factor), good safety kit (6 airbags, auto hold et el), and Hyundai's after-sales service which is only next to Maruti. Personally, I would stay away from GV (no offence to any owners) as I find the engine to be too laggy for my liking and the cabin quality of materials is not what you would expect from a 17-lac car. Finally, the Elevate ticks most of the boxes but doesn't have the wow factor and it's just a practical point A to point B machine that gets the job done. I wished Honda provided more creature comforts, for example, a panoramic sunroof, a wider cabin, a more refined driving experience which is missing and did some work on NVH levels, and a better-sounding Music system, and better front seats, to name a few.Here's what BHPian SixPistons had to say on the matter:Seltos IVT drove slightly better than the Elevate CVT in my case, both tested at the nearest dealerships to my place. The only difference is that Seltos is smooth and linear all throughout the power band and additional drive/traction modes to choose from. Both carry the same power more or less, with Elevate being higher by 5 BHP. Elevate sounds slightly more roary when you push it and a lot of sounds make it into the cabin. NVH is better in the Seltos. Handling was better in the Elevate. Ride quality was more or less similar in both. Tech-wise, the Seltos HTK+ IVT is more loaded if willing to consider 18.5 Lacs on-road. The cabin in the HTK+ also feels like a more fun place to be than the V in the Elevate at that price point. Otherwise, like DCEite mentioned above, Elevate ticks most boxes but lacks the WOW Factor, which I find with the Seltos.Here's what BHPian Asoon had to say on the matter:Go for Elevate - It gets the job done without any fireworks. It's a trusted, reliable and smooth IVTEC Honda City engine under the hood, one of the best naturally aspirated petrol engines in the segment. Well put together, the build is better than GV / Hyryder, has more complications than turbo options available with Hyundai and has a better road presence than the competition.Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:I second the initial opinion. The Creta CVT and Seltos IVT are the cars to beat if you want a premium and reliable C-SUV for daily city use. The overall package feels a lot better on the inside than the Honda. Elevate suffers from plenty of obvious cost-cutting, which is not the case with the Hyundai/Kia. GV loses out on account of its weak, insipid engine.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Ethical dilemma of re-selling a lemon car: Is it fair to the buyer?

BHPian MadinMumbai recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Lemons are a part of life. If you are unfortunate enough to get one it can be quite frustrating. Often these are discussed here and invariably the advise is to sell the lemon and move on. I can't help ponder the moral dilemma - when you sell a lemon doesn't the buyer get the short end of the stick? Or does the buyer, because it's a second sale, and possibly a lower set of expectations, factor in the compromised product? Does one tell the prospective buyer about the problems s/he are about to adopt? Of course everyone has their own take on morality, but is there a fair practice or are no rules applicable? It would be fascinating to know how people deal with this particular type of misfortune. Here's what BHPian raptor_diwan had to say on the matter:What's considered a lemon to us may not necessarily be the same for others. Here's my personal experience to this point. Few years ago, I purchased an Interceptor with high hopes, but soon noticed troubling signs such as engine noise and gear issues. Despite consulting mechanics who dismissed these concerns as normal, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Dissatisfied with the vehicle, I found myself avoiding rides and preferring my other bikes ( Dominar ). Eventually, I made the decision to sell the bike. I felt there was an issue with the engine, and I didn't like the vehicle. It always felt like I was riding a repaired product. I posted it on fb Marketplace, and a guy, a college student, reached out. He was passionate about motorcycles and seemed to have a collection of vehicles. I told him engine noise is there like timing chain issue or tappet adjustment kind but it is nothing to worry about, He wanted to test drive. During the test drive, he noticed something off with the engine, and the mechanic he brought along identified the issue and assured him it could be fixed. He relayed the problem to me, and I shared my concerns as well. In fairness, I dropped the price significantly for him. Overpricing a defective product without disclosing its issues would indeed be considered unfair and unethical. In this case, after disclosing the problem and adjusting the price accordingly, the deal was closed fairly. The buyer took the vehicle, fought with the RE service center, and claimed warranty with my assistance and replaced some parts & he fixed the issue ( Which I coudln't do, I didnt have enough time in my hand to visit service centre every now & then ) but for him it was a hobbie and he is happy on working on such issues and He has more and more time on his hands. Now, he's enjoying the bike on numerous long rides, fulfilling the dreams I once had. Riding to the destinations like Chennai to Goa, Mumbai, and Siliguri. His WhatsApp status reflects his genuine love for the bike. However, for me, the situation was quite the opposite. I couldn't find any joy in riding this particular bike; instead, it caused me irritation every time I took it out. This experience taught me a valuable lesson - what may seem like a lemon to one person can hold untapped happiness for another. In the end, fairness and honesty ensure that both parties can find satisfaction in their transactions.Here's what BHPian Asoon had to say on the matter:Every thing has a price and a product at multiple conditions during its life stage becomes attractive to different set of customer cohorts depending on their perceived value vs the price it is offered to them For example - If person X is paying 40L for a used Fortuner (lets say 2022 model) he would expect it to be in pristine condition with not loose ends, but if the price is 30L (2022 fortuner) then torn seats, couple of dents, silencer with holes is ok, if the price is 20L (2022 fortuner) then structural damage from the rear side (dicky) is acceptable (in repaised state), and if the price is 12L then structural damage in A or B or C pillar is ok and you will find buyer who can pay for a Total loss Car. Alteast you will definitely find X, Y , Z buyer at each state and price pointHere's what BHPian anjanc_2007 had to say on the matter:Yes lemons are in many cases inevitable and those cursed owners who feel they own a lemon, can always advertise it on any media as for sale. However, concealing the defects from the buyer is unethical. And a price cut based on how sour the lemon is, for awareness of the buyer should be the norm. Lemon sellers who are unethical and think they have fooled someone could be in for an unpleasant surprise when some upright buyer sends a court's notice for compensation.Here's what BHPian ajmat had to say on the matter:I have owned two lemons A Tata Sierra - kept breaking down. I ensured it was in proper working condition without any faults although anything could happen Sold it via a dealer who was playing dirty so I guess the car took revenge. Skoda Octavia vRS - It had niggles, kept throwing an engine check light now and then. Agreed to a sale which took a while. I actually identified and resolved the fault during this period and it started running sweeter than when I owned it. The only fault was the climate control which would not blow hot air which I disclosed. My take is - selling a lemon in proper working order, disclose all faults if any but dont play fortune teller. If you cannot sell in working order, be upfront and expect a haircut. Ensure you solve or disclose a fault. I also sold a 90k Swift in good condition with full service history. Unfortunately, 3 months later, it needed an engine rebuild. I felt sorry for the person but he accepted it was bad luckHere's what BHPian SmartCat had to say on the matter:Not worth thinking too much about this. Sell to Cars24 or Spinny and just be done with it. Disclose the problems you have faced (they will ask) and take the lower price offered. When we call a car a lemon, it just means the authorized service center could not identify & fix the problem(s). But hypothetically, replacing the correct components will fix any car problem. Now if somebody like Cars24/Spinny is making an offer despite your disclosure, it probably means they have reasonable confidence to fix the problems to a large extentHere's what BHPian DudewithFiat had to say on the matter:I was once sold a lemon by, of all the people, a BHPian and, of all the cars, a 2006 Toyota Corolla. I had bought the car, paid slightly above market rate, without seeing the car for two reasons: 1) It was a BHPian in a respectable profession, with whom I had exchanged lots of messages over WhatsApp, though never met. I trusted the guy. 2) It was a Toyota. The car was dropped to my place by his driver. AC was very weak from Day One of my ownership. The previous owner apparently didn't maintain the car very well. The car itself kept running, but niggles kept appearing (power windows, locks, wiper etc). It wasn't a very enjoyable ownership and finally I decided to sell the car and posted the car in OLX. 1) One young guy had come to buy the car. I told him of the issues, who was okay to buy it, but didn't have the heart to sell it to him because he wouldn't have afforded fixing all the issues. 2) Then, I sold it to a colleague with a full disclosure of the history and issues. It was obviously sold at a price below the ongoing market price of a Corolla.Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Vodafone Idea a national asset: KM Birla

Vi is not just a telecom company. Its a national asset with 215 million users and about 8000 MHz spectrum. That so many marquee investors participated in this equity issuance is a testament to the governments vision of a digital India, Birla said in an official statement following Vis FPO listing on the NSE Thursday.

Tesla faces an identity crisis: carmaker or tech firm?

Elon Musks fiendish conundrum

Markets are embracing India's PM Modi for what he wont do

Unlike 10 years ago, the Indian prime minister isnt promising major economic reforms. And that suits investors just fine.

Redistribution: A Universal Basic Income policy cant turn poverty into history

The politics of redistribution has brought various versions of a UBI into focus. While people in deprivation clearly need relief, a UBI alone cant be relied upon to make poverty a problem of the past.

Kotak must act fast to escape RBIs cyber-risk clamps

RBI has barred Kotak Mahindra Bank from issuing new credit cards and enlisting new customers through its website and app because of tech compliance failures. The private lender should get its house in order quickly.

Shreya Ghoshals Soulmate Cum Husband Shiladitya Mukhopadhyaya Is A Corporate Hotshot!

Shreya Ghoshals Soulmate Cum Husband Shiladitya Mukhopadhyaya Is A Corporate Hotshot!

Save 80% on a New Band for Your Google Pixel Watch - CNET

For a limited time only, you can upgrade the band on your Google Pixel watch for just $10.

Biden signs a $95 billion war aid measure with assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

President Biden signed a USD 95 billion war aid measure, targeting TikTok and providing aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Military assistance includes artillery and vehicles. Political support uncertainty for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts.

Google yet again delays killing third-party cookies in Chrome. Here's what you need to know

Google now hopes to start phasing out third-party cookies in early 2025, instead of late 2024 as previously planned.

Petrolheads share their list of the best-sounding NA engines: Agree?

BHPian Mgup564 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Here in Dubai, there is a guy who has a Ferrari and every morning, he starts it up. It's a V8 but a Ferrari V8 sounds so very different to other V8s. Doesn't have that heavy burble that a V8 usually has. And has a most lovely sound. It's a pleasure to hear it every morning. This got me thinking about what could be the best-sounding engines out there. My personal favourites:180-degree Ferrari V12 from the Ferrari Testarossa/512Ferrari V8 from the Ferrari 360/430BMW NA inline 6Lamborghini V10Porsche boxer 6BMW F1 V10Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:GT350, old and newE46 M3 CSLCountach458V10 from the Carrera GTHere's what BHPian GrandTourer had to say on the matter:Three letters.... LFAHere's what BHPian ashivas89 had to say on the matter:How about we turn this thread into one where people mention their favourite sounding engine for every cylinder cylinder count? Rule:Mention ONLY ONE Engine per cylinder count (to allow others to also chime in)Pick ONE favourite out of all of them and post a video clip of the sameAnoraks can also mention the engine code name to educate us How about we include forced induction too? @ Mods, could we perhaps modify the title of the thread? My list:12 Cylinder: Ferrari 6.5 V12 as used in their latest GT's (812, F12 etc.)10 Cylinder: Porsche 5.7L V10 as used in the Carrera GT - I heard one go past me once. I almost wept. Videos and audio clips don't do it justice.8 Cylinder: Maserati 4.7 L V8 as used in the Quattroporte Sport GT S - One of the most soulful sounding V8s ever6 Cylinder: Porsche 4.0 L flat-six from the Porsche GT3 RS- These surround you at the Nurburgring. Manic, is the word that comes to mind.5 Cylinder: Audi 2.5 L I-5 as used in the TTRS and RS34 Cylinder: Honda 2.0L I4 as used in the S20003 Cylinder: NoneWinner: Porsche 5.7L V10 as used in the Carrera GTCheck out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Mahindra XUV 3XO interior & fuel economy revealed

Mahindra is gearing up to reveal the new XUV 3XO on April 29. The carmaker has released another teaser ahead of the official unveiling, providing a glimpse of the interior. Mahindra has given the XUV 3XO a major design overhaul both inside and out. The latest teaser reveals a more modern cabin with a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster and a new 3-spoke steering wheel. The compact SUV will also get features like automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic sunroof. The XUV 3XO will carry forward the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. According to the latest teaser, the car will be capable of sprinting from 0-60 km/h in 4.5 seconds and will have an ARAI-certified mileage of 20.1 km/l.

17,000 km with my Harley-Davidson Softail Classic; Service update

BHPian dkaile recently shared this with other enthusiasts. So after nearly 8625 km and 8+ years, it was time to once again service the bike. My trusted technician was called in from Delhi and was all ready to get started. The service, as I had mentioned earlier is a 3-hole service...lolz, as it involves draining oil from 3 separate holes. 1st is the main crankshaft or engine oil - which takes in 3 quarts, 2nd is the Transmission or gear oil - 28 ounces or approx 1 quart and 3rd is the Clutch or as is called in Harley terminology - The Primary which again takes in 1 quart (1 quart = 32 ounces = 946 ml). So a total of 5 quarts of oil is needed. I have already attached procedural videos in my previous posts, as to how to do the same. The main engine oil drain plug was cleaned up and the O-ring was changed. The 2nd fuel line attachment was a simple plug-and-play. The Air Filter was also changed with a new one. The new battery was also installed under the seat. Photos of all these I have posted several times in the past. Finally, the bike was serviced and ready to rumble for another few years A 100 km ride was undertaken shortly after to check everything was working OK The technician had mentioned that the Front Brake Master Cylinder had aged and the O-rings inside had deteriorated. The options were either to replace the whole unit at an exorbitant cost or to have it rebuilt at a fraction of the cost (Rs 3278/-). So the Front Brake Master Cylinder Rebuild Kit was called upon by the dealership Now the Service was truly complete and the bike was back to pristine fit and finish. Can you imagine this bike is now 12 years old!! Such was the build quality of the true Harleys of Yolk. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Diljit Dosanjhs former co-star Oshin Brar clears the air regarding her marriage rumours with Chamkila star

Some time back, a video featuring Dosanjh with an unidentified woman circulated widely on social media. Subsequently, it came to light that the woman in question was model-actress Oshin Brar, not his wife. They had previously collaborated in the 2015 film 'Mukhtiar Chadha'.

Maiden voyage in my Drammer yacht: Set off for her home port

BHPian Jeroen recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Sirion Maiden Voyage Day 1: We brought Sirion home! Last Sunday afternoon, Mrs D. and I set off for the marina which has been Sirion's home port for the last 13 years. We had decided to stay on board Sirion the evening before her maiden trip. We had to cast off, really early and we wanted to get settled in and put all our gear away. In the end, this turned out to be a good decision. Because this was the first time we would sleep, eat, and live on Sirion for some 60 hours. So we had plenty of time on Sunday evening to unpack all our stuff, store provisions, figure out some stuff, etc. We were pleasantly surprised by how well Sirion's heater works. Very simple, a diesel heater. But it worked well and we were cosy, tied up in the Marina with rain falling on our cabin. We got up at around 06.00 AM and got ready to depart. The first thing is to put to flag out of course. The weather was a bit wet and grey, but was supposed to improve considerably. Very little wind. Navigation lights on, Green on starboard, Red on port, white forward/rearwards I had waited till about 06.30 to cast off, Sun rise was 06.45 so we had sufficient light by then. I did not want to leave and manoeuvre through the marina in the dark. As I showed in the previous post, I had spent hours and hours planning this trip. Pouring over various charts, maps, and of course the Almanac. Because we were so early in the season, several of the bridges on our route were not operational yet. You need to call ahead, 24 hours in advance, to agree on a timeslot when you will be there and they will open the bridge for you. But it also means you need to show up at the agreed time. Our first agreed bridge opening was 14.00 hours. Somewhere along the river Vecht. I had figured we needed to reach the lock in Muiden, entry to the Vecht, by 11.30 latest. The speed at the Vecht is limited to 9 km/h and some stretches only 6 km/h. Which all meant casting off early and running Sirion at an average of 12,5 km/h for the first 3,5- 4 hours. Only one lock, within 10 km of us leaving the marina. I called the lock operator on our VHF radio. As you can see the lights are still red here. He readied the lock for us right away. Green lights in we go!! Mate Mrs D. handling the lines like a pro! Notice the life jacket. We wear them all the time on large waters, lakes, rivers, and in locks! Safety first, always! A little later we encountered our first couple of sailing vessels. They also had AIS. I was keeping Sirion inside the channel of Buyos, starboard side. Which meant the sailing boats had to give us the right of way. These are very wide waters, but they have very shallow parts and lots of weeds. So I stick to being between the buyos, no matter what! Some very sporty types, out in the rain and cold on their rowing boat! There are two entries into Muiden. Both have buyos all the way, but the shortest route takes you across some shallows. According to my channel water depth could be as low as 1,3m. Sirion's draught is 90 cm!! Still, we went ahead because the other entry would have taken 45 minutes extra. So we slowed down, to a very sedate 4-5 km/h and watched our depth gauge continuously. We never saw less than 2 meters in depth. So here we are entering Muiden at 10.50. Ahead of schedule!! I called the lock. This lock is known as the large Sea Lock. More than a century ago, this water was known as the Zuiderzee, (Southern Sea) with an open connection to the North Sea. The afsluitdijk was completed in 1932, which meant this sea turned into a lake. Subsequently, the Dutch put lots more dikes up pumped out the water, and reclaimed a lot of land from the former sea. As far as I know, this is the only inland sea lock in the Netherlands. We passed our very first lock with no incidents, all went very smoothly. Sky was still a bit grey and dull. We passed this old steam pumping station. It is not used anymore, it has been turned into a museum. Believe it or not, we still have an operational steam pump station up in the province of Friesland. Every year during the winter it is used to help pump water into the IJsselmeer. This is how the steering stand looks like during these trips. Paper chart at the ready. My iPad has the wonderful planning app Waterkaarten (nautical chart), I keep track of our progress separately in my log and I also have the Almanac ready. Raymarine radar and chart plotter are on of course. Sky beginning to clear Time for a cappuccino for the crew and skipper! We passed some interesting towns, marinas, and other landmarks. Look at this. These new buildings have been modelled on old traditional Dutch warehouses. I mentioned before to always run the radar, irrespective of the weather and our visibility. I have figured out all the basic functionalities but still lots more to discover on how I can optimize this electronic kit. Everywhere in the Netherlands, you will find ferries or pontjes as we call them. The larger ones will take cars as well. But there are hundreds of what we call voet/fietsveren. (pedestrian/cyclist ferries). Many people use a bicycle to go to work, kids go to school on their bicycles. Getting across a river or a canal by bridge might mean large detours. So we have lots of these little pontjes. They come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. Although you do need proper charts when sailing the Dutch waters, some of the waterway intersections have signs for directions. Did I mention this trip will get us through 46 bridges? The Waterkaart app and the almanac will tell us if we fit underneath, maybe have to put our mast down, or the bridge might have to open for us. This one, I don't need to look it up, we can fit underneath, and it's mast up easily!! Apart from being the first mate, Mrs. D is only in charge of the food and the galley. Yes, I know very traditional, but that is just how things are in our marriage. Which has lasted, well over 40 very happy years! Hot water comes from our boiler. It can be heated electrically by 220 VAC or by the engine cooling water. Still a bit gloomy the weather as we came across our very first barge. This is a fairly small one. I pick them up on my radar/chart plotter as all of these ships have AIS. It is fully loaded. People are often amazed at how deep these vessels are in the water. But that is just normal. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Tesla cheapest to maintain & German brands most expensive, says study

A new Consumer Report study has come up with a list of the cheapest and costliest to maintain car brands, calculated over 10 years of ownership. The overall results show that Tesla has the lowest maintenance cost over 10 years of ownership. However, on the opposite end are German brands like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz & Porsche, which have the highest maintenance costs. Steven Elek, Program Leader for Auto Data Analysis, Consumer Reports, stated, The difference to maintain a car on average between some brands can be thousands over a 10-year time frame. Also, expensive luxury vehicles are often quite expensive to maintain as well over time. The maintenance costs are split between years one to five and six to ten. During the first 5 years, a Tesla car costs just $580 to maintain. This cost though, increases to $3,455 between years six to ten - giving it a cumulative 10-year maintenance expenditure of $4,035. The table shows that 4 of the top 5 carmakers with the lowest maintenance costs are American brands, with Toyota being the only exception in third place. Toyota cars have a maintenance cost of $4,900 over a 10-year period, which is the same as the Buick in second. However, Toyota's maintenance cost during the first 5 years of ownership is slightly higher at $1,125, which pushes it to third place. Similarly, at the bottom of the list, 4 of the 5 most expensive brands to maintain are from Germany. These include BMW ($9,500), Audi ($9,890), Mercedes-Benz ($10,525) and Porsche (14,090). Surprisingly though, none of them occupy the top spot. The brand with the highest maintenance cost is Land Rover, with owners spending $19,250 over 10 years. Elek stated, If you are considering a luxury model, it may be wise to purchase one from a domestic brand that may have lower maintenance and repair costs. He further added, For example, over 10 years, Mercedes-Benz models are more than double the cost to maintain and repair as those from Lincoln. Source: Consumer Reports

Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 launched at Rs 2.99 lakh

Bangalore-based EV startup, Ultraviolette Automotive, has announced the launch of the F77 Mach 2 - an updated version of its high-performance electric motorcycle. It is available at an introductory price of Rs 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 is available in three variants: Airstrike, Laser and Shadow. The first 1,000 customers can avail of the introductory pricing. The F77 Mach 2 Recon has been priced at Rs 3.99 lakh. The F77 Mach 2 uses a 10.3 kWh battery pack to power an electric motor with a peak output of 40.2 BHP and 100 Nm. The bike claims to accelerate from 0-60 km/h in 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 155 km/h, making it India's fastest electric motorcycle. It has a maximum IDC range of 323 km. The F77 Mach 2 comes with a 3-level traction control system and 10 levels of Regenerative Braking. The bike also gets safety features like Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Hold and ABS. 'Delta Watch' is another security feature that can alert riders if someone tries to encroach on their bike. Ultraviolette has introduced two new optional packages for the F77 Mach 2. The Performance Pack includes features such as 10-level Regenerative Braking with Dynamic Regen and advanced 4-level Traction Control. It will be available as standard for the first 1,000 customers. Violette A.I. includes features like Movement, Fall and Towing Alerts, Remote Lockdown, Crash Alert, Daily Ride Stats, and an Anti-Collision Warning System.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400 details leaked ahead of launch

The first images of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400 have leaked online. The latest images reveal some interesting details of what is said to be the Biggest Pulsar Ever. The images seem to have been captured in Bajaj's own yard inside the factory. Fresh off the assembly line, the Pulsar NS400s featured in these images have been wrapped in bubble wrap, ready to be transported to dealerships across India. The images reveal an aggressive design with lightning bolt-style LED DRLs and a single projector headlamp. Tucked behind the headlamp cowl is a digital instrument console and an almost flat handlebar. The bike is also equipped with a USD fork finished in gold. The Pulsar NS400 is expected to use the same 373.3cc single-cylinder engine that powers the Dominar 400 and KTM RC 390, making it the biggest Pulsar ever. It will be paired with a 6-speed gearbox via a slip-and-assist clutch. The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 will be officially revealed on May 3, 2024. Source: The Fat Biker

Has India recovered from covid? Look at the data.

While most economic indicators looked quite vibrant in the last two-three years, much of it can be attributed to base effects. A more comprehensive view of Indias economic performance before and after covid shows that there is still some distance to be covered.