Millennials might not be aware of the name Tata Sierra for the simple reason that this vehicle was introduced in 1991 and was on sale until the Safari was introduced in the year 2000. For what it was, it was far ahead of its times in terms of design at least. A 3-door SUV, the Sierra offered a huge side glass for rear seat passengers to gawk at things outside. Oh, and unlike high heeled things which have become too popular these days, the Tata Sierra was offered with 4WD and self-locking rear differential and front hubs too! Okay, only for export markets, but at least it did.

The Sierra was powered by a Peugeot-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine which cranked out 87 HP and was mated to a 5-speed gearbox. If you thought it was just the design which was ahead of its time, the Sierra offered power windows, an air conditioner, a factory-fitted stereo system and an adjustable steering wheel! At that time, these were luxuries only reserved for the select few. If you scavenge through YouTube, you might even find one of the best car commercials ever made for that time. If you’re lazy, just scroll down a little.

Coming to this customised example here, NYC customs has deleted the front bumper, fixed a massive bash plate and a bull bar, and smoked out the headlamps to fit LEDs which look like this Sierra was mauled by something. There’s a snorkel, the whole thing’s been draped in Jungle Green, and there’s an exoskeleton which will probably help that rear glass from breaking into pieces if this thing tips over. There’s a roof-mounted Cree bar and a spare tyre which looks way different than what this Sierra walks wearing. But the most interesting bit is the exhaust system, which is mounted sideways, Mercedes G 63 style. It behind the wheel though, whereas in the Merc, it is at the end of the wheelbase.

Also Read: Tata H2X Micro-SUV Concept Breaks Cover At 2019 Geneva Motor Show

Tata Motors displayed the H2X concept at the Geneva Motor Show this year. In our opinion, if there’s something modern which could resuscitate the Sierra in the Indian car market, the H2X could do it in style. A production version is expected to be revealed at the Auto Expo 2020. Stay tuned and we’ll tell you all about it.

Marking its debut in the Indian market, Korean car manufacturer Kia will be making a stylish entry with the Seltos SUV. To be launched on the 20th of June, this Kia would be up against the likes of the segment-leading Hyundai Creta and other SUVs including the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV500 and more. Moreover, being a global model, the Seltos would be seen in many other international markets as well. Ahead of its world premiere, Kia has teased this SUV by uploading a 15-second video on their YouTube channel which showcases some design elements of the SUV, read ahead to know more.

The teaser begins with a glimpse of the headlights, which do follow the new design convention we see in SUVs, with the DRLs placed on the upper edge of the bonnet and actual headlights placed a bit lower. The teaser then takes us to the alloy wheels of the car, which gets a red element near surrounding the centre cap, which looks quite sporty and matches with the sporty red brake callipers. One can also have a look at the LED tail lights of the car, which are connected by a chrome applique. Roof rails too, will be offered with this SUV.

Also Read: OFFICIAL: Kia’s Sp2i Based SUV To Be Called The Seltos

Other features expected to make their way in this SUV include a 10.25-inch touch enabled infotainment screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, ventilated seats, ambient lighting and some more. Initial sketches of the interior also revealed, what appears to look like, an off-road button, suggesting that the Kia would also have some hardware to tackle rough roads. Also expected to be offered are safety aids like hill descent control, traction control, parking sensors and much more. Under the bonnet, Kia shall offer a choice of petrol and diesel engines which are expected to be BS – VI compliant. Both these engines would have a capacity of 1.5-litres and will come married with manual gearboxes as standard but expect Kia to offer an optional automatic for both the engines. Stay tuned for more news on this SUV.

What showed itself to the World at the EICMA 2018, the Ducati Hypermotard 950 will go on sale in India on the 12th of June, 2019. What used to be a Ducati Hypermotard 939, the new 950 is an all-new motorcycle. It is powered by a new engine which is mounted on a new chassis and suspended by new components. The electronics have been updated too.

Powering the 2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 is a 937 cc Testastretta L-twin engine that cranks out 114 bhp @ 9,000 rpm and develops 96 Nm @ 7,250 rpm, sending all that to the rear wheel via a 6-speed gearbox. The motor comes with new pistons with a higher compression ratio, new exhaust cam profile, new 53 mm throttle bodies and new engine mapping.

Also Read: Ducati’s Original Hypermotard 950 Concept Wins First Place At The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

Offered in standard and SP form, differentiating the two are suspension bits, wheels, and the seat height. The standard model comes with fully adjustable Marzocchi front fork and Sachs rear monoshock, while the Hypermotard 950 SP gets fully adjustable Ohlins suspension at both ends. The Hypermotard 950 tips the scales at 200 kg and thanks to its forged Marchesini wheels, the SP is 2 kilos lighter. At 890 mm, the SP’s seat height is 20 mm taller than the standard model and it also gets a 2-way quickshifter. However, both variants get a six-axis IMU, cornering ABS< Ducati Traction and Wheelie control, three riding modes-Sport, Touring and Urban and a 4.3-inch colour display for instrumentation.

To be priced around the INR 12 lakh mark, the Hypermotard 950 will be launched as a unique motorcycle which has a different kind of an appeal altogether. The SP variant could arrive at a later date with a sticker price that will ask for more than the standard variant, placing it in space where only serious enthusiasts will be considering it. Ducati India is now also focussing on getting its customers to experience what their machines can do with their DRE program. The bike maker has been organising tours and track day training for its customers as a part of this initiative. At the end of the year, a Ducati Cup will also make its debut in the Indian racing calendar, further engaging fans of the Italian brand.

It’s not often that a car manufacturer throws open their doors to see what exactly goes on behind the scenes. And when they do, especially when we are talking about a giant like Toyota, the experience goes on to become an insight as to why they are one of the biggest and most reliable manufacturers in the world. Along with a few delegates from the media, we got an opportunity to visit the Toyota Kirloskar manufacturing plant at Bidadi, Bengaluru. Spread across 850 acres, this plant has an annual production capacity of over 1,10,000 cars. With thorough presentations and detailed explanations, the Toyota team gave us a glimpse of the life behind their doors.

Before we get into the details, let us give you a brief history of Toyota. Kiichiro Toyoda founded Toyota motors back in the early 1930s with the first vehicle being the G1 truck. History has it that one of these vehicles broke down and Toyota and team of engineers went personally to see that the issue was resolved and the customer was satisfied. Ever since, the company has stuck to its motto of customer-first in almost every aspect of the entire sales process. Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM) started off in 1997. After setting up the plant at Bidadi, the company has rolled out some remarkable vehicles. The Qualis came in the year 2000 followed by the all-time popular Corolla in 2003. Then came the Innova in 2005 and the Fortuner in 2009. This was followed by the Etios in 2010 and the Yaris in 2018. There are a total of 359 dealership units lead by 77 dealer principals. Another addition to the Indian market was the luxury brand, Lexus in 2017.

Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) & National Manpower Excellence Center (NMEC)

The first part of the plant visit took us to the TTTI and NMEC. This new facility by Toyota encourages the training of young individuals by a thorough selection of 65 individuals from a total of more than 3000 applicants. The basic idea is to give an opportunity to the underprivileged, 10th pass individuals from Karnataka to a training program which would make them ITI certified and job placement into the manufacturing /production line. This is a rather remarkable initiative by the company to offer equal opportunities to all kinds of people to bring out the complete potential in them. The training that we witnessed looked nothing less and disciplined than a military school.

National Parts Center (NPC)

The second part of the tour was a visit to the NPC. This 30,000 sqm facility is the supply and logistics warehouse for TKM. Interestingly Toyota follows a strict standard of safety. Every person in the facility had to wear closed shoes, a cap, follow a 3 finger point rule while crossing and walk on the green line marked in the facility without using a cell phone. An apt display of discipline and function was followed all throughout the plant. One of the most remarkable attractions of the TKM is the E zone. Spread over 30 acres, this is Toyota’s way of caring for the environment. Beautifully landscaped gardens with different themes are in development with the aim to improvise the quality of the flora and fauna of the facility.

Express Maintenance (EM) and Tech Solutions

The Toyota team took us to one of their dealerships in Bengaluru to showcase customer service. Here we got a glimpse of the EM 60. As the name suggests, Toyota can take your car in and get it out ready and serviced in under 60 minutes, 90 minutes or 120 minutes as per as the job demand. The process is simple, once the car service is scheduled by a customer, a slot is booked. The vehicle enters the facility while the customer relaxes in the lounge and gets the job card made. Parallelly the car is washed and 3 technicians work on the car simultaneously. While the customer is billing the car is re-washed and ready to be dispatched.

For the commercial vehicles, a regular service is scheduled and the dealership even had a restroom/bathroom for the ease of the customers in waiting. A 21-inch digital screen is present like an information kiosk around every single car on display. This tech solution by Toyota enables the customer to pre-customize their car of choice with an option to check all the accessories as well as a real-time comparison with the other car in the segment. This essentially helps the customer by doing the job of a salesman virtually. The dealership had a sophisticated setup of scheduling services/dispatch and CRM’s. Everything we witnessed had a principal and code of conduct to be followed and the entire dealership emphasized the motto of customer first as the top priority.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Baleno Vs Toyota Glanza: Top 4 Differences

The Experience

We’ll be honest with you. One day wouldn’t suffice to experience the sheer size and grandeur of the facility. But with what we witnessed we can be sure to say that Toyota Kirloskar is what every automotive manufacturer in India could use as an inspiration to improvise on every aspect of development. The use of the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen is monumental in making the company what it is today. Leadership and innovation are two pillars which Toyota strives to abide by. The amount of attention and importance to the buyer from their end is unmatched. Each and every vehicle they make is a testament of their reliability, durability, quality, efficiency and value. And at the end of the day, no matter which model it is, they have always fulfilled the expectation on the buyer.

When you’ve got fancy wheels and have also acquired some decent skills, taking it all to a racing track is a thought that’s always on your mind. Because regular streets and highways, especially the ones in India, are so full of hazards and everything else that can pop in an instant, it’s your prayers more than your skills which get you home. In this tiny footage from Hyderabad, it was indeed the former because of which a Ferrari 488 straightened itself just in time and two bystanders are still on their feet.

 

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Ferrari 488 GTB @anindith

A post shared by AMERHADI700 (@amerhadi700) on May 25, 2019 at 1:51am PDT

These days, fancy wheels have their own paparazzi who hop around to capture the hottest wheels in town on their lens. Now, it’s only human to want to look good or do something which gives the photographer a shot worth his/her expensive lens. But in this case, we’re talking about machines which can hit seriously lethal speeds and take no time to start eating its own rubber, throw sideways tantrums and then go wind up on a pole. Sure these things can be controlled, but even the best of skills have a bad day sometimes and it’s not for nothing that such indulgence are only reserved for places like a racing track or a specially carved area.

Also Read: Novitec’s N-Largo Ferrari 812 Superfast Is A Bigger Monster Than The Original

For those interested in the car in the frame here, the Ferrari 488 GTB is the successor to the 458 Italia. The former is now succeded by the F8 Tributo. The 488 was launched in India in 2016 at INR 3.88 Crore a pop and if you’re wondering what’s with the numerology? The number was derived after dividing the cubic capacity 3902 cc by the number 8, which is the number of cylinders that help to complete the motor.

This prancing horse from Maranello is powered by a turbocharged V8 engine that produces 661 bhp, 99 bhp more than its predecessor, the 458 Italia, while the peak torque stands at 760 Nm. This engine sends power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed  gearbox and the car accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph just 3 seconds while 0-200 kmph takes it about 8.3 seconds. The top speed of this stallion stands at a staggering 330 km/h.

Post credits: amerhadi700 on Instagram

TVS has a range of scooters on offer in the Indian market right from the Pep+ to the 125 cc Ntorq. Bridging the gap between these two scooters is Jupiter, which was launched quite some time ago, back in 2013. Back in October, TVS tried to boost sales of this scooter by launching a new Grande Edition of the same. However, that limited edition scooter is now discontinued and TVS has brought in a new variant of the same. Called the ZX, TVS will offer two models of the same, one equipped with a disc brake up front and one with a conventional drum unit. Prices of these models are INR 58,645 and INR 56,093 respectively.

One would think that TVS has merely renamed the Grande edition to ZX, however, that is not the case. The ZX variant does come with LED lighting, a digi-analogue instrument cluster and a new adjustable monoshock which was also seen in the Grande edition. However, the ZX variant does not come with the seat covers and chrome treatment seen on the Grande edition and uses differently designed alloy wheels. Complying with the new safety regulation, TVS does offer Synchronised Braking Technology as a standard feature on this 110 cc scooter. The single cylinder motor is tuned to produce 8 bhp of peak power and 8 Nm of peak torque. For the 2019 model year, TVS will offer this scooter in two shades – Starlight blue and Royal Wine.

Also Read: Paper Fight: Aprillia Storm 125 vs TVS Ntorq vs Honda Grazia

In other news, on the other side of the TVS spectrum, the RR 310 has been given a minor update. This faired machine from TVS now comes with a number of small changes, the most important one being the inclusion of a slip and assist clutch. This new system would not only reduce the effort required to operate the clutch lever but also prevent the bike from hopping during aggressive downshifts. TVS has also added a new colour for customers of this faired machine – Phantom Black which replaces the matte black that was on offer earlier. To know more about the changes and additions to this bike, do read our first ride review of the same.

Ford launched a new Thunder Edition for the Ecosport, as currently, the compact SUV segment is facing a lot of competition from some newly launched cars like the Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV300. However, with the Thunder Edition, Ford expects to attract more customers by providing a load of new and advanced features. So, let’s have a look at what’s new in Ford’s latest Ecosport Thunder Edition:

Engine Options

Ford offers the Ecosport Thunder Edition with both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol variant gets a 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine which is tuned to produce about 123 PS of power and 150 Nm of peak torque. The diesel variant gets a 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine which can produce over 100 PS of power and 205 Nm of peak torque. The petrol variant provides a mileage of 17 kmpl, while the diesel variant returns about 23 km for every litre. Both these engines are paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

New Highlights

The exterior of the car now includes a couple of dark inserts in the headlamp cluster along with a blacked-out fog lamp bezel. The front grille, outside rearview mirrors and the roof, are all blacked out for a stealthy and sporty look. The bonnet also gets a dual tone scheme, enhancing the aggressive look of this sporty SUV. The Thunder Edition also gets a set of black body decals on the sides, a Thunder badge at the rear and set of new 17-inch black alloys.

Features

This Edition of the Ecosport is fitted with most features which are included in the top-end variant of the Ecosport. These features include a sunroof, a new dual tone interior design and a new 9-inch infotainment screen which comes with an in-built navigation system. However, the new edition also misses out on some features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Rain-sensing Wipers, Automatic Headlamps, Rear Cup Holders, Sunglass Holder, Glove box illumination, Cruise Control, ISOFIX mounts, side airbags and some important display information (distance to empty, average fuel consumption and outside temperature sensor).

Also Read: Ford Ecosport Thunder Edition Launched At INR 10.18 Lakh

Price

The Ford Ecosport Thunder Edition is only available on the Titanium trim level. Prices for the 1.5-litre petrol variant starts from INR 10.18 Lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the 1.5-litre diesel variant gets a price tag of INR 10.68 Lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).

With advancements in technology, almost every car manufacturer offers an online configurator for their car models. The MG Hector is no different and its online configurator is now live on the MG website. A look at this configurator reveals the wide number of accessories MG will be offering with their first SUV for the Indian market. With this configurator, potential customers can have a 360-degree look at the vehicle, and check out how the aesthetics of the car are enhanced with the addition of these accessories. The configurator, however, currently does not display the prices of these accessories. Read ahead to know more about these accessories.

The Indian audience loves chrome, keeping that in mind, MG offers a number of accessories coated in the shiny material, this includes –

• Chrome Window Frame Kit
• Chrome Wheel Arch
• Chrome Surrounds for the Taillamp
• Chrome surround for the bumper
• Chrome Door Handle
• Chrome ORVM
• Chrome surrounds for the lower front area
• Chrome Tailgate
• Chrome Wind deflector

Apart from the additional chrome, MG also will offer a number of accessories to enhance the appearance of this SUV, these accessories include –

• Stainless Steel front liner
• Hood Scoops
• Side Scoops
• Stainless Steel Rear glass sill
• Stainless Steel Rear entry sill plate
• Tailgate spoiler

The tailgate spoiler mentioned above is available in multiple shades, to match with the various colour options on offer with the car. These shades include – Candy White, Aurora Silver, Starry Black, Burgundy Red and Glaze Red.

Finally, MG will also offer some accessories to enhance the functionality of the car, these accessories include –

• Roof Carrier
• Bumper Corner Protector (In chrome and black)
• Side Step Board
• Mud Flaps
• Door Protector

A connected car, the Harrier would come with a built-in eSIM that will help it perform a number of functions. Also included in the package is the iSmart technology which can be controlled using the 10.4-inch vertically aligned screen or even by voice commands. The voice commands of the car use a complex AI algorithm which gets better with regular use.

Also Read: MG Motor To Launch The All-Electric eZS SUV In December

Under the Bonnet of this SUV, MG will offer a 1.5-litre petrol motor tuned to deliver 143 PS power at a peak torque of 250 Nm and will be available in both manual and automatic transmissions. This engine can also be paired with a mild hybrid system powered by a 48 Volt battery. The other engine option is a 2-litre oil burner tuned deliver 170 PS at a peak torque of 350 Nm. To be launched soon, one can expect a price tag of between INR 15 Lakh to INR 20 Lakh.

French carmaker, Renault, recently announced that its flagship car, KWID has now crossed the 3 lakh sales milestone in India. Being one of the most popular entry-level hatchbacks in the country, the Kwid is a car that is loved by many first-time car buyers. This means that the Redi-GO and Alto 800 rival continues to be a major challenger in India’s mini-car segment. The Kwid has not only played an important role in the growth of Renault-India but has also become one of the most successful ‘Make in India’ stories. The car is also Renault’s highest-selling model, as it is the most affordable vehicle in Renault’s India lineup.

The KWID gets a host of features, like a 7-inch touchscreen Media NAV system, a digital Instrument cluster, one-touch lane change indicator, speed dependent volume control, a set of pro-sense seat belt pretensioners with load limiters and a boot capacity of about 300 litres. The high ground clearance of 180mm also adds to the Kwid’s ability to tackle rough Indian roads. However, the most fascinating aspect of Renault KWID is that it does not just look like an SUV from the outside but also offers compelling and practical benefits like a high seating position, which gives the driver a clear view of the road ahead making it easier to manoeuvre.

In terms of safety, Renault India has specifically enhanced the safety features in the KWID to match up to the new advanced safety regulations. The standard safety features in the new Kwid include a pedestrian safety system, Anti-Lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (ABS with EBD), a Driver airbag, Driver and Co-Driver Seat belt reminder and a speed alert system. Renault has also added some practical features to the KWID such as a Rear-view camera assist through sound warning and colour guidelines which are also standard across all variants. While the Kwid Climber gets an additional Rear Armrest for extra comfort and convenience.  In addition to these features, the AMT variants of the new Kwid are also equipped with some essential Traffic assists, which help the vehicle to crawl forward in slow moving traffic and also prevent it from rolling back on slopes.

Also Read: Is the Alto 800 Finally as Good as the Kwid or the Redi-Go?

The KWID is available in 2 engine options: a 0.8-litre petrol engine and a 1.0-litre petrol engine. These SCe (Smart Control Efficiency) engines are specially designed for stimulating performance and best-in-class fuel efficiency. Both these engines are available with 5-speed manual transmissions. However, Renault recently launched a 1.0-litre powertrain that includes an AMT transmission in the funky new KWID Climber. The Kwid is available in 6 exciting colour options: Fiery Red, Planet Grey, Moonlight Silver, Ice Cool White and Outback Bronze, while the Kwid Climber is available in Electric Blue. Prices for the Kwid start from INR 2,86,000 (ex-showroom, Mumbai).

From the 1st of April, 2020, all car and 2-wheeler manufacturers in the country would have to comply with the more stringent BS – VI emission norms. With less than a year to go before this new emission standard is enacted, we already see a number of car manufacturers comply with these norms. However, the world of 2-wheelers has not yet got a BS – VI compliant offering until now. Hero MotoCorp’s Splendor iSmart becomes the first 2-wheeler in the Indian market to comply with these new norms.

Out of the three government approved test agencies, ICAT, ARAI & GARC, Hero got submitted the prototype model to ICAT. With this step, Hero has reaffirmed its commitment to be ready for the BSVI transition much ahead of the April 1, 2020 deadline and man more BS – VI compliant 2-wheelers are expected to be out in the near future.

Mr Dinesh Tyagi, Director – ICAT said, “We congratulate Hero MotoCorp for becoming the country’s first two-wheeler manufacturer to get the BS-VI certification. The Type Approval Certificate was issued to the Company’s Splendor iSmart motorcycle that has been developed and manufactured indigenously by Hero MotoCorp. Last year ICAT issued the country’s first approval for BS – VI norms for Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) segment also. The BS-VI emission standards are much more elaborate in their scope and integrate substantial changes to existing emission standards ensuring cleaner products to the consumer.”

Also Read: Hero Electric Plans To Open 15 New Dealerships In The Next 2 Months

Made at Hero MotoCorp’s Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) at Jaipur, the Splendor iSmart has been the first 2-wheeler developed by Hero from the ground up. Powered by a 109.15cc, air-cooled, single cylinder engine, the Splendor churns out 9.38 bhp at 7500 rpm and 9 Nm at 5,500 rpm in the BS – IV avatar. Resting in a double cradle type frame, this engine delivers power to the rear wheels via a 4-speed transmission. Also on offer with this motorcycle is the smart i3s, start/stop system. This system kills the engine, if it is idling for more than 5 seconds in neutral gear. This helps the rider to save fuel, when for example they wait at a signal. The moment the clutch is pulled back in, the engine starts up again, ready to move ahead. Currently, this commuter motorcycle is priced at INR 56,280, ex-showroom, Delhi.

With an appearance not too different from your regular, run of the mill car, sleepers tend to pack quite a punch underneath the bonnet. The popularity of this deception is such that the likes of BMW and Mercedes offer factory fresh examples in the form the M5 and the E63. However, sleepers are rarely made in a factory. Their existence is the courtesy of discretely crazy people who modify their regular cars to suit their own tastes. Our country too has a couple of such hidden gems. Here is one such example, a Maruti Esteem which has received a number of modifications, giving it a claimed top speed of 200 kmph.

To achieve this speed, the car is transformed underneath the skin while retaining the exterior looks of an old, almost forgotten car. The engine gets now uses a standalone ECU, which orders the engine to work much harder than it normally would. Supporting this new software are polished intake and exhaust ports, Ngk Spark plugs, Highlift camshafts and a bigger throttle body. Redlining now at 7,500 rpm, the car is able to breathe better with a custom air intake and custom free flow exhaust system. The additional power is sent to the front wheels via an aftermarket clutch from Exedy which is more apt to handle the additional boost.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Dzire Crosses The 19 Lakh Unit Sales Milestone

The changes do not end there, all this power is of no use unless you have grippy tyres to put it on the ground. This Esteem uses 185/70 section Yokohama tyres wrapped in a 14-inch rim. Anchorage duties are performed by Brembo rotors and brake pads. While exact power figures of this build are not available, it will definitely be much more than the 85 PS and 110 Nm this 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder unit made in its stock form. With all these changes, the owner of this Esteem claims to achieve a top speed of 200 kmph. Moreover, acceleration has improved, with 0 to 100 kmph dismissed in less than 10 seconds. So this Esteem, despite looking being old and analogue, can catch your set of modern wheels for a surprise if you cross its path.

Ever wondered how the Skoda Kodiaq would look like if it was a pickup truck? Well, 35 students from the Skoda Vocational School have done just that. These students worked for over 8 months to create the Kodiaq pickup concept, which is now called the Mountiaq. This new concept pickup truck from Skoda sports a specially designed Sunset Orange paint finish, along with a light bar on the roof and a distinctive front, that also features a winch, a bullbar and some special lighting effects. This is the sixth consecutive time, that a Skoda project has been created using the apprentices’ technical skills.

During the course of this project, the trainees were supported by their instructors as well as Skoda experts from the Design, Production and Technical Development departments. Not only does the Mountiaq carry the spirit of adventure and off-road aptitude, but also combines the appeal and contemporary lifestyle of a pickup. At the rear, the car bears the Skoda wordmark in individual letters, which was a design element introduced in Europe with the new Skoda models: Scala and Kamiq. The trainees started their work on this new Student Concept Car in Autumn 2018.

In terms of exterior features, the Mountiaq gets a raised air intake snorkel, a winch at the front and a bullbar kit. The winch is specially designed to withstand extreme stresses encountered in off-road use. The Skoda Mountiaq’s radiator grille, brand logo on the bonnet and engine bay all feature lighting effects. The front doors also project the Skoda logo on the road, while the front section sports a new set of fog lights. The other standout design features also include a unique light bar on the roof and a special Sunset Orange paint finish developed by the students. This uniquely designed concept car has the ability to command attention. Being a genuine Skoda vehicle, the Mountiaq also gets a new integrated funnel for the windscreen washer tank. While the 320-watt speakers are now complemented by a new 2,000-watt amplifier and a 2,000-watt subwoofer.

The Mountiaq Concept is about 4,999 mm long, 2,005 mm wide and 1,710 mm tall. The wheelbase of this pickup is 2,788 mm, and the vehicle weighs around 2,450 kgs. For enhanced off-road capabilities, the trainees increased the Mountiaq’s ground clearance by about 10 cms, to a full 29 cms. They achieved this improved ground clearance and all-terrain ability, by fitting a set of 17-inch Rockstar II wheels along with a special set of off-road tyres. These new wheels have increased the Mountiaq’s track width by about 3 cms. This pickup is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine which is capable of delivering about 190 PS of power.

Also Read: India-Bound Skoda Superb Facelift Unveiled, Will Get A Hybrid Powertrain

“Building the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ with our own hands was a unique opportunity for all of us, as we were able to use our theoretical know-how in a practical context”, said Petr Zemanec. “We also benefited from the new connections we were able to establish with students on other career paths. We will never forget the over 2,000 hours of work we spent making our unique pickup.”

As Carsten Brandes, Head of the ŠKODA Academy, points out, “Like its predecessor models, the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ highlights the exceptional technical competence and craftsmanship of our students. Year after year, their work demonstrates the superior quality of professional training at our vocational school.”

A new SUV in the Mercedes Benz line-up has been now unveiled. What was first showcased as a concept at the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year, is now a production ready car. Based on the MFA II platform from Mercedes Benz, the GLB will slot between the GLA and the GLC SUVs offered by the German carmaker. Just like we saw in the concept car, the GLB comes with straight rectangular lines and short overhangs, which seem to be inspired by the larger, G-Class SUV. Read ahead to know more about this brand new Merc, expected to make its way to India soon at a price tag north of INR 40 Lakh.

Measuring 4,634 mm in length, 1,834 mm in width and standing 1,658 mm tall, it is interesting to note that the new SUV is actually longers and taller than the GLC SUV, which is in a segment above. With the additional length, Mercedes will be offering this SUV with a seven-seat configuration, with 2 seats being tucked away in the boot. The would make the GLB one of the more affordable 7-seaters from the three-pointed star. The insides of the car look quite similar to that of the new generation Mercedes models. The driver will have an all-digital instrument console in the top of the end trims which would be flanked by an infotainment screen operating the latest version of the MBUX interface.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz Launch The First Ever ‘Made in India’ BS-VI LWB E-Class

Under the bonnet, the car would come with three engine options – 2 petrol motors and one diesel. The first petrol motor, a 1.3-litre turbocharged unit will be offered in the GLA 200 guise. This engine is tuned to offer 163 hp of peak power. In the GLA 250 guise, Mercedes will offer a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder motor offering 221 hp. The diesel motor will be offered in two states of tune. In the GLB 200d guise, the engine will offer 150 hp and in the top-of-the-line GLB 220d 4Matic configuration, the car will offer 190 hp. As the 4Matic tag suggests, this model will come with a 4-wheel drive system and some additional equipment to tackle off-road trails. All other models will come in a front wheel drive configuration. While the GLB 200 comes with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox, the other models will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

One of the premium sedans on offer by Skoda in the Indian market, the Octavia has been on sale since 2013. Over the years, it received one major facelift in 2017. In this day and age, with developments in the world of automobiles happening at an exponential rate, this model is now nearing the end of its life cycle. To be replaced with an even better model, Skoda will unveil the next generation model at the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show scheduled to take place from the 12th to 22nd of September. The Indian launch can be expected a while later, somewhere around next year. Read ahead to know what one can expect from this new generation model.

Exterior

Do not expect a dramatic change in the looks of the model. Even the third generation model we see today, retains the design characteristics of the models of the past, making the sedan immediately recognisable as the Octavia. The headlights will be new, similar to the ones we see in the larger Superb sedan and even the rear section appears to be inspired from the latter. Apart from the new yet similar aesthetics, expect this sedan to gain a few mm in every direction, making it more spacious than before.

Interior

While not many spy shots of the interior have been seen yet, expect Skoda to take the premium quotient up a few notches with this new generation model. With the introduction of the Scala hatchback, Skoda can now make the Octavia a proper luxurious offering in international markets as well. Expect a similar touchscreen setup, with Android Auto, Smart Link & Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a richer looking MID along with the use of more premium materials all over the cabin.

Engines

Expect a big change in the engine department. Rumours suggest that Skoda would bring the 1.5-litre TSI unit, paired with a mild hybrid system using a 48 Volt battery. This would be a perfect replacement for the 1.4-litre TSI motor the car is currently offered with. Apart from that expect Skoda to retain the 1.8-litre TSI petrol and 2-litre diesel engines but in an updated BS – VI compliant avatar. Satisfying the petrolheads would be the powerful, tuner friendly 2-litre TSI motor that would be offered in the RS guise.

Up against the likes of the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla Altis and so on in the Indian market, the Octavia has been a popular choice for many in the Indian market. With this new generation model, expect Skoda to continue its streak.

Volkswagen India’s premium motorsport event, the Ameo Cup, has now received the National Championship status in India. The Federation of Motorsport Clubs of India (FMSCI) will now officially recognize the Volkswagen Ameo Club winners as National Champions. The premium one-make series will continue to run with the Madras Motor Sports Club, who is the promoter of the MRF FMSCI National Championship, for the 2019 season. Volkswagen Motorsport India has been successfully running this series since 2010, along with the Ameo Cup itself since the last 2 years.

The first round of the Ameo Class will be held at the Kari Motor Speedway, near Coimbatore, however, the second and third round will be held at the Madras Motor Race Track, near Chennai. While the last and final round would be held at the Formula 1 worthy Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. The winner of the Pro and Junior category will be officially recognized as the National Champions in the Ameo Class Category, from this year onwards. The participants will be in for a long season, as there are about 10 races scheduled over four race weekends, in the next five months.

Recently, Volkswagen had also held a 2-day fitness camp, that not only saw the drivers undergo various sessions of posture correction, but they also had to follow a strict diet and consume a limited dose of nutrition. These additional training sessions were specially designed to enhance the performance of the drivers with prehab and rehab training. The Round 1 of the Ameo Cup One-Make series championship will begin on the 22nd of June in Coimbatore.

Also Read: Volkswagen Motorsport Concludes The Ameo Cup 2019 Pre-Season Fitness Camp

Mr Sirish Vissa, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport India said, “We are happy that the FMSCI has recognized the racing series we have been running over the years as a class of the National Racing Championship from this season onwards. We have put in a lot of efforts over the years in building up a racing property that is true of international standards and the recognition of being a National Championship encourages us further to take this to the next level.” He added, “This is a positive step for us as a manufacturer, and the championship, as the winner, will be officially be crowned a National Champion by FMSCI. This will, in turn, help our drivers in developing their racing careers.”

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is an adventure focused motorcycle that uses a solid, single-cylinder motor, along with a split cradle frame. This motorcycle is capable of handling any kind of terrain, which is also the reason why Team MRCE from Kerala has modified a Himalayan for an upcoming event. Have a look at this custom Blue coloured Royal Enfield Himalayan, which will soon be taking on the rough terrains in a rally event in Mangalore.

This bike is called the 410exe and is now a completely new Himalayan, as most of the parts have been changed or tuned up for an enhanced off-road experience. Both the wheel rims have been retained from the original version, however, these spoke rims are now wrapped in a couple of high-tread off-road tyres, which improve grip and manoeuvrability on tough and difficult terrains. The headlight assembly has also been replaced with a new square headlamp for improved visibility. The headlight appears to have a halogen bulb, however, the turn indicators are LEDs and the bike misses out on a traditional tail-light, to maintain the sporty off-road look.

Moving on, the plain black single seat appears to be made of simple fabrics for a subtle appearance, while the pillion seat has been taken off and the rear fender is cut short to make the bike even more attractive. The conventional swingarm of the Himalayan is carried forward in the 410exe, along with the same bash plates, frame, engine and gearbox. The bike is also fitted with an Akrapovic exhaust, to make this beauty sound like a beast.

Also Read: S&S Cycle Introduces 865cc and 750cc Big Bore Kits For The Royal Enfield 650 Twins

As mentioned above, the engine and gearbox seem to be the exact same ones as the standard Himalayan, however, the engine might have been tuned slightly to produce more power at a lower RPM. The technical specifications of the bike are not yet available, but we believe that the Fuel Injection system and 6-speed gearbox will remain untouched and the bike will at least produce a minimum of 24.5 HP. With such a rough and adventurous design, this look of the Himalayan will surely grab your attention.

One of the most awaited SUVs in the Indian market, the Trailhawk variant of the Jeep Compass is finally here. Ahead of its official launch, FCA has announced the opening of the bookings of this extremely capable SUV. Interested customers can now pay a refundable deposit of INR 50,000 and book themselves one of these off-roaders. The booking of the car can be done at any of the 82 FCA all-brand dealerships located across 70 cities in India. Packed with many features that set it apart from the regular Jeep Compass, the Trailhawk sets itself apart from the competition by becoming the first, and only SUV in its segment to offer a 9-speed automatic gearbox with a diesel motor.

Apart from the inclusion of the automatic gearbox, Jeep also took the time to make sure the 2-litre oil burner complies with the upcoming BS – VI emission norms. Making it the first compact SUV to comply with these norms. Other additions include, engine Stop/Start, Cruise Control, Built-in Navigation, Hill Descent Control, Jeep Active Drive 4×4 Low, 7-inch cluster display, steel underbody protection, enhanced water wading height, redesigned bumpers, matte black accents, black leather interiors, Ruby Red rear tow hook and all-terrain tyres. With this additional hardware, the Compass is designed to handle tough terrain and is worthy of the Trailhawk badge, being the first made in India SUV from Jeep to get the badge. Moreover, the SUV also comes with the panoramic sunroof seen in the limited plus variant of this SUV.

Announcing bookings open, Kevin Flynn – President and Managing Director, FCA India said, “The Trailhawk is a product which is developed for customers looking for a hugely capable and exclusive SUV in the compact category. It  is the first compact SUV to be offered with the 2.0-litre 173 PS, 350 Nm BS VI turbodiesel engine, nearly a year before the new emission norms come into effect and, it is the only compact SUV which comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission.”

Also Read: This 1969 Jeep CJ-5 Has Been Restored For More Action On the Road

To know more about this SUV and see what it is capable of, do watch our in-depth review of the car which has been linked below. Also do like, share and subscribe and leave your questions in the comment section.

Today, NEXA Music from Maruti Suzuki India is launching the first song on its platform. The song is titled ‘This Heart of Mine’ and is the latest composition from NEXA’s Music department, which is set to fascinate music enthusiasts, across India. This number is sung by popular singer Nikhil D’Souza and is weaved around love and a young boy’s struggle to keep the love of his life happy. This unique platform is willing to harness India’s potential to create original music on an international level.

Back in January 2019, Maruti Suzuki India had created this platform for music lovers across different genres to produce new music. This unique initiative was originally taken up by NEXA and is specially curated to provide aspiring Indian musicians with a platform to compose their own lyrics. NEXA Music had also invited young musicians from across the country to participate, as later on they would be mentored by the famous music composer and global music icon AR Rahman, along with Clinton Cerejo.

The singer, Nikhil D’souza, is a guitarist, a composer and a songwriter, who is well-known for his eclectic acoustic guitar-based pop. The most unique feature of Nikhil and his songs are the strong emphasis on touching lyrics, melodic vocals and soft music, backed up by an unconventional guitar. The live artist has performed at many programmes in India and abroad.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Announces ‘Nexa Music’; A Platform For Budding Musicians

Talking about his song, singer Nikhil D’souza said, “This Heart of Mine is a love story of a couple that is being prevented from going astray.  A device used for time travel, a young couple and the singer are the key characters of this romantic track. I’m glad to be a part of this latest offering from NEXA Music in association with Qyuki which is a step to encourage young budding music artists to channelize their love for original international music in the right direction.”

Presenting the ‘This Heart of Mine’ NEXA Music Video to the audience, Mr Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki said, “We are delighted to associate with Nikhil. This is the second song under our unique NEXA Music platform. This song resonates well with Nexa customers who are trendy, youthful and tech savvy. The song truly echoes with NEXA’s philosophy to create and inspire. I am confident that NEXA customers will enjoy this soulful music video.”

On embarking on the new musical journey, Mr R.S. Kalsi, Senior Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki said, “We are glad to announce this refreshing new initiative “NEXA Music” to create original international music and discover aspiring musicians. The launch of NEXA Music opens new horizons for musicians and aids us to build lifestyle experiences for NEXA customers. This music platform connects to brand NEXA’s core belief to create an exciting new world of mobility that is both inspiring and aspiring. It is a matter of great honour to be associated with global music icon-A R Rahman, the man who has earned prestigious international recognition. NEXA Music stands for originality to connect with people beyond borders and barriers. I am confident that NEXA customers will cherish moments from this musical journey.”

Recently, Suzuki launched 2 of its much-awaited bikes in India, the Gixxer SF and Gixxer SF 250. The SF 250 is Suzuki’s first bike to launch in the premium affordable range in India. However, Suzuki also has plans of launching the naked version of the SF 250, which will be called the Gixxer 250 and would most likely share the same engine and technical specifications as the fully-faired version but will get a lighter, streetfighter look. Suzuki hasn’t given a launch date yet, but we now have a couple of leaked images, which hint at an expected launch in the coming months.

The naked 250cc Gixxer is most likely to launch by the end of this year and is expected to share the same engine, chassis and gearbox with its fully-faired version. While our tipster couldn’t share more details about the product itself, we expect the Gixxer 250 to be powered by the same single-cylinder, oil-cooled motor as in the SF 250, which would produce about 26.5 HP at 9,000 rpm and around 22.6 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. The engine will further be paired with a 6-speed gearbox. It will also include a fuel injection system and a clip-on handlebar, which will help the Gixxer 250 directly rival the likes of the KTM Duke 250 and the FZ 25.

In terms of safety, the Gixxer 250 will be getting Dual-channel ABS, along with front and rear disc brakes for better braking performance. The bike will also be loaded with many features such as a fully-digital tachometer, LED headlamps and taillamps, a rear tyre hugger and a split-seat with grab-rail. The bike is also likely to feature a 12-litre fuel tank and will weigh slightly less than the SF 250. The front might get a 110/70R – 17-inch radial tubeless tyre, while the rear would get a wider 150/60R – 17-inch radial tubeless tyre.

Also Read: Top 5 Unique Features: Suzuki Gixxer SF 250

Despite being a 250cc premium offering, the Gixxer will likely miss out on USD front forks, just like its fully-faired version. However, the bike will also get a seat cover, a DC socket on the handlebar for mobile charging, a wheel rim sticker and a tank protector as optional accessories. Upon launch, expect this Suzuki to be priced near the INR 1.5 lakh+ mark.

Volkswagen recently launched a brand new #GermanyCheersForIndia campaign, to show support for the Indian Team in the ongoing Cricket World Cup tournament. As we all know, Cricket is not just a sport for us Indians, but it’s also an emotion that connects people. Cricket is nothing short of a religion for the Indian audience, as they all unite together to support their national team, and now with the world’s biggest cricketing tournament gaining pace, the cricket fever is spreading across India like wildfire.

The #GermanyCheersForIndia campaign started on the 27th of May when Volkswagen India published a teaser film on its social media pages, that featured the highlights of the Cup Edition along with an exuberant cheer for the Indian team in the background. The campaign was conceptualized and executed by the DDB Mudra Group, along with PHD India and MSL India. This one of a kind, multi-media campaign has not only promoted Volkswagen cars but has also brought Germany and India together over the sport of cricket.

To make this brand campaign viral on social media, DDB Mudra Group and PHD India, involved legendary German football player, Thomas Muller. Muller tweeted a photo of himself in a blue jersey, with his wishes for the Indian cricket team with the hashtag #GermanyCheersforIndia. To further fuel the excitement of the fans, the agencies looped in Indian cricket icons Harsha Bhogle and Shikhar Dhawan, who responded to Muller’s tweet with messages of appreciation. Their acknowledgement and admiration for the support pouring in from Germany made the movement stand out in the eyes of Indian fans, who were delighted at this unexpected support.

Also Read: Top 5 Changes: Volkswagen Cup Edition

Speaking about the campaign, Bishwajeet Samal, Head of Marketing, Volkswagen Passenger Cars said, “World over, Volkswagen has a great commitment towards sports. It plays an integral part of our business as it unites performance, passion, inspiration, excitement and lastly emotion. As a German brand, it is great to witness the support that this campaign has received from Germany so far, with more and more people joining in the cheer. With Thomas Muller catalyzing the #GermanyCheersForIndia movement, we aim to celebrate and bring together sportsman spirit all over.”

Also Read: Volkswagen Introduces Cup Edition Models of the Polo, Ameo and Vento

Rahul Mathew, National Creative Director, DDB Mudra Group added, “At a time when every brand would be doing their bit to support the Indian team, we needed to do something that would not only stand out but also had a strong Volkswagen connect. And what better way to do that than to use its German origins. #GermanyCheersForIndia does the unthinkable – Thomas Mueller in a blue jersey pledging his support for India. The campaign has garnered unprecedented conversation for the brand. And has gotten cricket stars and fans applauding both Mueller and Volkswagen, for this gesture.”