Bajaj Auto has updated its India website and listed all BS6 compliant models with their respective specifications. During the update, Bajaj Auto also removed several motorcycles that did not receive the BS6 upgrade, and among the list was the company’s premium commuter segment product range, the Discover. The Discover 110 and Discover 125 have not been updated to meet BS6 emission norms and now, the Discover tab is missing altogether on the company’s website. 

Bajaj Discover has been one of the oldest motorcycle brands in India that started its journey back in the year 2003. Apart from the Discover 110 and Discover 125, the company used to sell Discover in different engine displacements of 100cc, 135cc and even 150cc. Although it might be too soon to say the discovery range has been discontinued altogether, it seems very likely.

Also READ: Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Discontinued?

The Discover brand name was always known for decent fuel efficiency and ruggedness and add to that, the appealing visuals. The company sold as many as 30 variants of the model during the course. However, in terms of features, the competition offers a bit more at almost the same price and this can be one of the key reasons behind the demise of the said motorcycles apart from the not-so-pleasing sales numbers.

The company has already brought its Pulsar brand to the 125cc segment while the Platina and the CT range compete in the 100cc and the 110cc segment. The Platina series, CT range and the Pulsar 125 have been clocking promising sales. The Bajaj CT 110 BS6 is available at a starting price of INR 46,413 whereas the Bajaj Platina 110 H Gear BS6 costs INR 59,802(both prices ex-showroom). The company launched the BS6 version of the Pulsar 125 a few weeks back. It is available in two variants, at a starting price of INR 69,997(ex-showroom). Hence, the company may well decide to bid farewell to the Discover range for good.

However, Bajaj is yet to make an official announcement regarding the same and the Discover range may well return at a later stage with BS6 compliance although it does seem improbable now. The Pune-based two-wheeler brand may continue to sell the Discover series in the international markets. Apart from the Discover series, Bajaj Auto has also removed the Avenger 220 Street from its India website. The Avenger range currently lists the Cruise 220 and the Street 160.

Kawasaki Ninja 300 was a very prominent motorcycle in the Japanese manufacturer’s portfolio, appealing especially to the riders who were more into sport touring or wanted a motorcycle with that ‘Big Bike’ feel. It might feel dated now because of the onslaught of the well-equipped competition but Kawasaki is buckling up to ‘Charge-up’ the Ninja 300. The idea of an electric sportsbike from Kawasaki based on the Ninja 300 has been floating around for a very long time now with Kawasaki constantly teasing us with frequently released teasers and now they have released a set of videos showing the development of this EV.

Also read: Watch The Kawasaki ZX-25R Gain Some Stage 1 Mods 

The latest addition to this video set showcases the manual transmission of this Ninja 300 based EV where Kawasaki is boasting by saying ‘Shifting your impression of EV bikes’.  The whole video package began with Kawasaki stated to be “developing the high charged thrills of tomorrow”. The video features a fully-faired prototype, which features a conventional gearbox and the bike has been developed according to Kawasaki’s ‘RIDEOLOGY’ philosophy, which focuses on the machine being fun to control, exciting and reflects the bikemaker’s passion to build desirable motorcycles. Throughout the development phase, Kawasaki has been thoroughly studying and patenting several features, which range from chassis geometry and packaging to thumb-brake activated energy recovery systems and transmissions.

Learnings from the development work being carried on the prototype will be infused in the next-generation Kawasaki motorcycles which are currently in the works. The bikemaker promises that these new motorcycles will retain the ‘Fun’ part associated with motorcycling, keep the good times rolling and bring a smile on the rider’s face.

The prototype is equipped with a DC fast charger developed in Japan and it is capable of replenishing back to 100 percent in just half an hour. It bears stark resemblance with the regular Ninja 300 and share most of the mechanical bits like the suspension system, braking unit and even the wheels. It uses a trellis frame though, as opposed to the diamond type frame to accommodate a big battery pack and an electric motor. In place of the six-speed transmission you could find in a regular Ninja, the electric version uses a four-speed unit.

The Chinese automobile industry is notorious for making rip-offs by drawing heavy inspiration from other manufacturers around the globe and the latest testimony to this fact is the newly launched Maple 30x Ev. It draws heavy inspiration from our very own Tata Nexon. One good look at the images of Maple 30x EV and you would definitely find stark resemblance with the Nexon. But apart from this borrowed styling, Maple 30x EV makes a rather appealing case for itself. Read on to find more about this affordable electric vehicle from the land of dragons.

Also read: Tata Nexon EV Outsells The Hyundai Kona EV And MG ZS EV

This Nexon-like EV is developed by Fengsheng Automotive, an affiliate brand to Zheijang Geely Holding (or ‘Geely’) and Kandi Technologies. China too has been promoting the use of EVs and offering subsidies to the manufacturers, the reason why Maple 30x EV is priced so aggressively. Prices, after subsidies, start from RMB 68,800 (approximately Rs 7.33 lakh ) and go up to RMB 79,800 (approximately Rs 8.6 lakh) for the top-spec car.

Some specific details are out in the open like the battery capacity which stands at 70kW (94bhp) motor that can help do a 0-100km/h sprint in roughly 10-12 seconds. It boasts of a respectable range of more than 300 km on a full charge. It also has an option to get charged with a fast charger through which the battery can be charged to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes. Apart from these details, not much has been revealed about the Maple 30x’s cabin but the featured images showcase quite a few details like a fully digital instrument cluster, climate control, the GKUI infotainment system and a flat-bottom steering wheel with inbuilt controls.

Geely is offering a complete package with respectable numbers for such an affordable price, and that is what makes it a rather compelling proposition, despite the borrowed styling. They are one of the most prominent car manufacturers in China and the Maple 30x is their entry into the EV sphere. Geely is offering the Maple 30x in four trims and five colour options, including a dual-tone paint option, much like the Nexon.

Kia made quite an impact in the Indian car industry when they first stepped in here with the Seltos. The main striking point of Seltos is the way it looks. It won’t be wrong if we say that it is the sportiest than the rest of the competition. Besides the appearance, Kia also loaded the cabin to the gills with features that were never seen in its segment before. To give you an idea, it borrows quite a few features from its elder sibling, Kia Telluride, which is the World Car Of The Year for 2020. And that is quite something because the Telluride is much premium offering than the Seltos. It even packs some serious performance as it uses a 3.8 –litre V6 GDi engine under the hood.

When it comes to technology, the Seltos borrows quite a few gadgets from the Telluride, including a 10.25-inch high-resolution display unit that presents data for navigation, audio, driving rearview monitor and parking guidance. The customizable screen can be split into two views at once. It also offers UVO link Telematics with smartphone remote engine start. The UVO advanced connect feature covers 5 categories – Navigation, Safety, Security, Vehicle Management, Remote Control and Convenience. The futuristic UVO connect system also gets Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered voice recognition service to provide a safer and smarter connected car experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a part of the connectivity options.

Also read: Kia Soul EV And Telluride SUV Win 2020 World Car Awards

Kia has focused on the comfort and convenience of the occupants too as Seltos get ergonomically designed Ventilated front seats, just like Telluride. They also have a wireless Smartphone Charger which allows you to charge a compatible mobile phone wirelessly. Just like the Telluride, the Seltos also gets an electric sunroof which adds a sense of freedom and modernity to your drive with an airy cabin.

Despite the Telluride being a much premium offering than the Seltos, the latter borrows quite a few safety features from the former like the Blind View Monitor (BVM) which presents the driver with a live video of the car’s blind spot inside the instrument cluster from the mirror-mounted camera, when the turn signal is activated. It is also loaded with a Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) which offers the convenience and an added measure of preventative safety by constantly monitoring tire inflation pressures in all four tires. A warning light appears in the instrument cluster should any tire pressures drop below a specified range.

Both, the Telluride and Seltos get Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) which offers an added measure of security when moving from a stop on a steep hill by preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards. It is pretty amusing that the Kia Seltos borrows so many features from the more expensive Telluride despite costing much less in comparison. Acknowledging the above-mentioned facts, one shouldn’t be surprised at the huge success of the Kia Seltos in our country.

More details regarding the 2020 Hyundai i20 have surfaced online, courtesy a set of videos released by Hyundai showcasing the loaded cabin and safety features. We already have a brief idea about the external appearance of the i20, which looks much sharper and stylish than before but these videos confirm that Hyundai isn’t holding back in taking back the throne again. The upcoming premium hatchback from Hyundai’s stable is expected to set a new benchmark in its segment with its looks and features on offer.

Also read: 2020 Hyundai Palisade Scores 5-star Crash Test Rating From NHTSA

We knew that Hyundai will load the cabin with segment-first features and the same has been confirmed as they have showcased a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is the largest unit in its segment. Aesthetically, the dashboard looks more seamless and futuristic the infotainment system merges with the instrument cluster, which is also a 10.25-inch screen. It boasts of a sleek panel for better visibility. Unsurprisingly, it will include Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, along with a plethora of connectivity options like Hyundai Live services, Blue Link app services and cloud-based natural language voice recognition. For music buffs, Hyundai will also offer a Bose audio system with eight speakers, including a sub-woofer.

Hyundai has thoroughly upgraded the 2020 i20 and that includes the safety department. The second video reveals some segment-first safety features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which detects pedestrians and cyclists also in addition to cars. It will automatically apply brakes if the driver doesn’t have a manual response despite an alert in case of a potential collision. Other noteworthy safety feature includes Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LDVA) which will alert the driver when the stopped vehicle in the front starts to move. The safety package will also include Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-traffic Collision Assist (RCCA), Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse (PCA-R), Parking Assist (PA) and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA).

In terms of appearance, the upcoming i20 looks nothing like the outgoing car. Hyundai has revamped the styling extensively. The 2020 i20 looks sportier than the current model due to its lowered roofline, increased width and aggressive styling. The front still continues to get Hyundai’s cascading grille but there are new sportier bumpers up front and at the rear. The fascia also gets new LED headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lamps and the fog lamp housing appears to be borrowed from the Elantra. How many of the aforementioned features make it to the India-spec car can be anybody’s guess. But for being a Hyundai, it will trump all its rivals in terms of features for sure.

The Yamaha WR 155 is a very interesting motorcycle. It shares the same engine as the R15 V3, albeit, in a different state of tune. What has gotten us more excited about this little motorcycle is the performance it has to offer. A video has surfaced online which shows the WR 155 going through a dyno run at Plug and Play Performance Tuning Bureau in Indonesia and it managed to hit a top whack of 151 km/h!

Also read: Affordable Adventure And Dual-Purpose Motorcycles We Would Love To See In India

Though it is pretty clear that the WR 155 won’t be clocking 151 km/h in real-life scenarios because when it comes to on-road performance, many factors come into play like rolling and wind resistance but the performance it has on offer, is still respectable for a 154 cc motor. It is a borrowed engine from its supersport sibling, the R15 V3, but it would be safe to assume that engine characteristics won’t be exactly the same. The Yamaha R15 V3 is more about top-end performance and Yamaha might have given it some low-end grunt by tweaking the engine’s state of tune.

As this dyno test reveals, the WR makes 16.47 horsepower at 10,000 rpm. Peak torque is 14.3 newton-meters. Considering the specs, if it comes to India, it will directly rival the Hero Xpulse 200 as they are both dedicated off-road beginner machines. Yamaha has provided the WR 155 with cycle parts required to take on the trails like 41 mm long-travel telescopic front forks, a Link-type spring with adjustable pre-load at the rear, dual-purpose tyres, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear aluminium wheels, 240 mm front and 220 mm rear petal disc. All these components guarantee that the Yamaha WR 155 will be a capable off-roader. We don’t know the exact timeline that when Yamaha India will bring it here but we can’t wait for it to happen soon!

TVS Motorcycles recently acquired iconic British motorcycle brand Norton Motorcycles. The Hosur based two-wheeler giant now has big plans to get Norton back on track after it went through a not so good phase. In the process to do so, they have appointed John Russell as the interim CEO of the British two-wheeler brand. John Russell isn’t a new name in the automobile industry as he has served as Vice-President and Managing Director for Harley-Davidson Europe from 1998 to 2007. Not only this but back in the day he has also played the role of Managing Director of Land Rover’s commercial division. It would be interesting to see how Norton Motorcycle’s future shapes under the new management.

Also read: TVS Motor Company Successfully Acquires Norton Motorcycles In All-Cash Deal

Intricate details regarding the future of this acquisition are still unsure but there’s one thing, Norton Motorcycles will surely benefit financially from TVS Motors after the former ran into an economic fiasco earlier this year. On the other hand, TVS will look forward to capitalizing on the legacy of Norton Motorcycles. After the acquisition, Sudarshan Venu, joint managing director, TVS Motor Company, had commented, “Norton will continue to retain its distinctive identity with dedicated and specific business plans. TVS Motor will work closely with customers and employees in building the success and pre-eminence of the Norton Motorcycles brand and we look forward to growing together globally in the years to come.”

TVS recently announced that they have no plans of moving production of Norton Motorcycles to India. They are looking forward to retaining the same design and assembly team despite the ownership being transferred to TVS. This decision is not surprising given the fact that TVS respects the legacy that Norton thrives on and they don’t want to fiddle around in that aspect. Mr Venu further said, “In Europe, the location is in Derby, in Donington Hall. We will move to another new location very soon, in the same region. The idea is to continue with this very talented team to get the brand back to its original glory, and take it into the future.”

The current portfolio of Norton Motorcycles includes the Commando, Dominator and the V4 RR. TVS Motors will primarily focus on strengthening Norton Motorcycles’ threshold in international markets.

Maharashtra remains to be leading state in the number of COVID-19 cases with 6,817 reported till April 25. Presently, there is immense pressure on the doctors and medical staff due to increasing positive cases daily. To address this issue, Pune-based automotive major Force Motors in association with the Bhartiya Jain Sanghatan has initiated a mobile doorstep dispensary facility “Doctor Aplya Daari” (Doctor at your doorstep) in Maharashtra.

This initiative started on 1 April, with 30 Mobile Dispensary Vans completely equipped with doctors, support staff, medicines moving to various economically weaker localities in Pune and PCMC as per a pre-intimated schedule. The team of doctors and medics with these vans are fully equipped to identify COVID-19 symptoms and direct suspect cases to the designated hospitals. The citizens, as well as the local administration, have welcomed this initiative and ForceMotors have already extended this initiative to other key markets like Pune, Aurangabad, Dhule, Nashik, Ratnagiri, Sangli, Solapur and others cities across Maharashtra. With close to 73 vans this is one of the largest mobile healthcare initiatives in the country.

Also Read: Tata Motors’ Ten Cars We Can Never Forget

All the medicines that are prescribed or given out on free of charge basis. Mobile units can check 2,500 people every day and can examine the symptoms of around 500 patients in a day. Doctors in the vans monitor patients for cold and flu conditions and also inform patients about preventive measures to be taken against coronavirus spread. Over 95,600 residents have been checked and more than 945 suspected COVID-19 patients were transferred to government hospitals in the last 24 days. This service will continue untilCoronavirus is fully contained.

Speaking on this initiative, Mr Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors said “Maharashtra has become a hotspot in the country, it has created huge pressure on doctors and medical staff. We are proud to be associated with this noble initiative. Apart from this initiative, our group (Dr Abhay Firodia Group) has earmarked Rs 25 Crores to support COVID-19 relief activities. This deployment will be aimed at supporting up-gradation of health care infrastructure, enhancing blood collection capability, facilitating mobile clinic/testing capabilities and providing free food to the needy”.

Kia Motors won big at the 2020 edition of the awards with the Telluride named ‘World Car of the Year’ and the Soul EV ‘World Urban Car’. The Kia Telluride was rewarded by the judging panel for its distinctive design and impressive practicality. Available across North America and in many of Kia’s global markets, the Kia Telluride merges a strong exterior design presence with a spacious, practical and high-quality cabin, which can seat up to eight passengers. Equipped with an array of advanced technologies, all-wheel drive, and driver-assistance systems, the Telluride is ideal for family adventures on and off the beaten track. Here are five interesting facts about the good-looking SUV:

• The Telluride concept was first showcased at the 2016 North American International Auto Show and was based on Kia Sorento’s platform. The car’s suicide doors swung open 90 degrees in opposite directions, revealing a pillarless design. Some of the interior components were 3D printed, marking Kia’s first usage of 3D printing technology

Also Read: Kia Soul EV And Telluride SUV Win 2020 World Car Awards

• The first public debut of the Kia Telluride production version was a customized one motivated by fashion designer Brandon Maxwell’s Texas-inspired collection, at New York Fashion Week in September 2018. Kia launched the Telluride in 2019

• A full-sized front grille of the Kia Telluride with the use of wide-spaced capital letters spelling out “Telluride” on the leading edge of the hood is the widest grille ever fitted to a Kia product

• Regardless of trim level, the Telluride is equipped with various luxury-oriented features (standard) that are otherwise optional in some of its competitors, such as “Sofino” (leatherette)-trimmed or leather-trimmed seating surfaces, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and Kia’s suite of “Drivewise” advanced driver assistance technologies

• TheTelluride (5.0 Meters) is the second-largest vehicle ever produced by Kia. The largest vehicle by Kia crown is owned by the Carnival (5,115 Meters)
• One of the interesting features Kia Telluride has is the Driver Talk. The feature uses a microphone to enhance communication of driver with Second and third-row passengers

• The Telluride sports ventilated seats even in the second row and a reclining third-row seats
• 12 ADAS (Advanced Driving Assist systems) features make the Telluride one of the safest vehicles on the road
• The SUV is named after the city of Telluride in state of Colorado, US

Apart from spearheading a multi-dimensional organization like Mahindra, Anand Mahindra is also known for his contributions to the society. Twiterratis however, are familiar with another side of Anand Mahindra. He often gains the limelight for his wit and also for sharing innovative things happening around the world. In one such video shared by Anand Mahindra on Twitter, an e-rickshaw driver is shown practicing social distancing as he divided his vehicle into four separate compartments to accommodate passengers.

The capabilities of our people to rapidly innovate & adapt to new circumstances never ceases to amaze me. @rajesh664 we need to get him as an advisor to our R&D & product development teams! pic.twitter.com/ssFZUyvMr9

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 24, 2020

Also read: Mahindra Develops Face Shields At Pithampur Plant

The main takeaway from the current global pandemic is social distancing, which has gradually become the norm now. It would be safe to assume that we will keep practicing it even after the pandemic is over. Indians have a way to come up with a creative and innovative outlook even towards the most critical things. We always figure our way around things. This particular e-rickshaw driver is a testimony to the above-mentioned fact. The driver has divided the seating area into four separate compartments so the passengers cannot come in contact with each other, therefore, successfully practicing social distancing. If we look closely at the video, it is most certainly a 6-seater but has been turned into a 4-seater version now.

Anand Mahindra lauded the efforts put in by the humble e-rickshaw driver and also asked Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director – auto and farm sector to onboard him as an advisor for the R&D as well as product development teams.  Appreciating someone on Twitter is respectable but going ahead and pulling off what Anand Mahindra did, is something else entirely. He wrote on Twitter, “The capabilities of our people to rapidly innovate and adapt to new circumstances never ceases to amaze me.”

And we do agree with what Anand Mahindra has to say here. Such efforts surely need some recognition and when people like Mr Mahindra back them up, these efforts transform into inspiration. It is likely that even after the lockdown is lifted, we will still have to practice social distancing and other preventive measures. In the meantime, we should too appreciate the efforts put in by the humble e-rickshaw driver.

Jawa motorcycles are known for their classical and retro design. The Jawa Forty Two, one of the most loved Jawa bikes, has similar classical design elements. However, a Mumbai-based automotive customization shop called ‘Bombay Custom Works’ has transformed a Jawa Forty Two into a scrambler-cum-adventure tourer, and the end result looks way better than what anyone could have expected.

The modified Jawa Forty Two looks neither classical nor retro.  In fact, it’s a bike that looks completely ready for some adventure touring. The completely blacked-out exterior lends somewhat a ‘badass’ character to it. As one would have guessed by the name, Bombay Custom Works (BCW) is located in Mumbai. These guys deal in customizing motorcycles and cars. One of their latest creations is a modified Jawa Forty Two which can certainly scare off the stock motorcycle.

Also READ: Remembering Yamaha India’s Laid-Back Enticement

The BCW’s Jawa Forty Two has gone through some serious modifications to be what it looks today. The bike has a more adventure and scrambler feel to it. It features a set of dual-purpose tyres, custom and raised handlebar with knuckle guards, large metal bash plate and a custom-made exhaust. In order to make it a more practical touring bike, the dual-seat setup has been replaced with a single-seat setup. The bike gets customized front and rear fenders, along with a saddle bag mounting kit. 

To flaunt the ruggedness, BCW has painted the motorcycle in matte black, but it has kept the Jawa logo and pinstripes on the fuel tank and side panels. Apart from that, the Jawa Forty Two’s stock exhaust has been replaced with a custom unit. BCW has also slapped on an aftermarket LED tail light, a headlight guard and extremely powerful auxiliary lights mounted on either of the bike’s crash guards. Overall, BCW’s modified Jawa Forty Two appears to be ready to tackle any kind of terrain.

No changes have been made to the bike’s motor as it continues to draw power from a BS4-compliant 293 cc, single-cylinder, 4 stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC motor that belts out 27 bhp of max power and 28 Nm max torque. The transmission duties are handled by a constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox. The stock motorcycle is available in four matte paint schemes, namely Galactic Green, Halley’s Teal, Starlight Blue; along with two glossy colour options including Comet Red and Nebula Blue.

The custom Jawa Forty Two was shared by Jawa on its official social media handles itself, as an inspiration for an online contest being organised by the two-wheeler manufacturer called ‘Jawa Kommuniti Kustoms’. The company has asked its fans to upload sketches or 3D renders of customised Jawa bikes on their official social media accounts. The contest ends on 30 April 2020 and the winner will be decided by online voting. Bombay Custom Works’ modified Jawa Forty Two certainly looks like a tough contender to beat.

Mahindra revived brand Jawa back in 2018 and received a huge response from motorcycle enthusiasts across the country. So much so that bookings piled up in no time and the waiting period of getting one increased further and further. Jawa had a huge cult following back in the day and when Mahindra revived it back under its Classic Legends subsidiary, people went berserk seeing the same old retro styling fused with modern elements. Jawa is all set to enter International markets and they have confirmed that they will begin exporting Jawa motorcycles to European countries this year.

Also read: Jawa Forty Two Modified Into An Adventure Tourer

Jawa has currently three motorcycles in their portfolio: Jawa Forty Two, Jawa Jawa and Perak. Jawa Forty Two and Jawa Jawa share almost similar specs and are powered by a 293cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine that produces 27 brake horsepower and 28 Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. Jawa recently upgraded all the motorcycles in their line-up to be BS6 compliant. With some minor tweaks to the engine, everything remains unchanged as compared to the BS4 versions. While the Jawa Forty Two is sportier of the two and has many funky colour options to choose from, the Jawa Jawa looks more retro. The latter has chrome garnishing all around which intensifies the retro touch even further. On the other hand, sits the Jawa Perak which features some performance upgrades over the two and comes out as more of a lifestyle product.

Jawa Motorcycles has already completed the homologation process and is all set to launch the complete line-up in Europe this year. Czech Republic has already become the first country to receive Jawa motorcycles. Not just India, Jawa also enjoys a cult following in European countries. Riding on the success they experienced in India, Mahindra is surely excited for this venture to be introduced in international markets.

Volkswagen’s entry-level hatchback, Polo, made the transition to the stricter BS6 emission norms last month. While some carmakers have upgraded both petrol and diesel engines to meet the BS6 emission norms, others have done away with the diesel versions of their offerings. Volkswagen is one such brand. It has now officially revealed the claimed mileage figures of both the petrol engines offered on the hatchback.

The 1.0-litre MPI engine returns 17.75 kmpl while the newly added 1.0-litre TSI unit which powers the Polo GT and Highline variants is rated at 18.24 kmpl (both figures ARAI). This means the mileage figures have seen a slight drop in the BS6 era as compared to the BS4 emission norms. The 1.0-litre MPI petrol engine, in its BS4 guise, offered a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.78kmpl, 1.03kmpl more than its mileage figure in the BS6 form.

Speaking of engine output, 1.0- litre MPI petrol mill generates an output of 75 bhp of maximum power and 95 NM of peak torque, which is the same as to the BS4 model whereas the more powerful 1.0-litre TSI petrol unit makes a generous 108.4 bhp of power against 175 Nm of peak torque. However, the powerful engine is limited to the Highline+ and GT variants only. The earlier BS4 compliant version of the Polo had a 105hp 1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DCT. The 1-litre MPI engine comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox whereas the powerful petrol engine is clubbed with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed torque converter is optional. 

The 1.5 litre TDI engine is discontinued

The Volkswagen Polo BS6 stands against the Grand i10 Nios, the Maruti Suzuki Swift and the Ford Figo in the Indian market. The MPI version of the VW Polo has the lowest power figures if we compare it to the competitors and has got the lowest fuel economy figure as well. The efficiency figures for the Nios turbo are yet to be revealed but the naturally aspirated engine on the Nios gives out 20.7kpl of mileage. 

Also READ: Bookings Open For BS6 Mahindra Scorpio

The company launched the BS6 iteration of the Polo and Vento last month. Both the models share the same 1-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. However, the company hasn’t revealed the exact fuel efficiency of the 1-litre Vento BS6 yet but it is expected to claim similar figures as that of the Polo GT. 

New 1.0-litre TSI petrol unit

Speaking about the price, in its BS6 avatar,  the Volkswagen Polo is the most expensive hatchback in the above comparison with the Nios, the Swift and the Figo. The Polo starts at Rs. 5.83 Lakhs and goes up to Rs. 8.02 Lakhs for the top-end petrol manual. The Polo TSI AT, however, comes at a price of 9.13 Lakhs ( all prices ex-showroom). In comparison, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is the most affordable of the lot at the lower end while the Ford Figo is the most wallet-friendly at the top-end. 

The world finds its way to restore things the way they were, no matter what happens. While the battle against the global pandemic is still raging on, Humans, apart from surviving amidst this pandemic, are also getting back to doing things they used to do before Covid-19 made us lock ourselves in our respective homes. Several automobile manufacturers have started resuming operations at their manufacturing facilities by taking preventive measures so as not to give this pandemic a boost. Ducati too, announced that they will gradually return to normal, with the steady resumption of production in its Borgo Panigale factory, scheduled to begin today.

Also read: The Latest Lego Technic Model Is A Ducati Panigale V4 R

With the lockdown in place in Italy too, Ducati temporarily suspended production in its Bologna plant on Friday 13 March to reorganize production schedules. Then came the decree that suspended all non-essential activities and therefore, despite the organization being ready, production did not restart. The gradual improvement in health conditions has allowed the government today to enable companies deemed strategic for the national economy, whose activity is mainly aimed at exports, and for which a prolongation of the suspension would risk losing their country’s additional market shares, to resume production.

This is the first phase of return, which at the moment will only involve a part of the workers working for the production lines. Workshop staff will begin first, then engine assembly workers and, from Tuesday 28 April, motorcycle assembly workers. As for employees, the use of smart working will remain mandatory, only those who are not in a position to carry out their work from home will be allowed to access the factory. All designers, project managers, and those in the calculation department will work remotely. This will ensure the deliveries of Ducati motorcycles and the development of new products.

“We are ready to go, we have worked hard over the past few weeks to minimize any risk,” said Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO. “Despite this we will have to be extremely cautious and rigorous. The virus is still in circulation and we must, therefore, be careful to combat any possible form of transmission. This is the reason why all the people present in the factory will wear masks, we must protect the population from the presence of asymptomatic positives who, although in a very small percentage, are present today and will not be identified by the mandatory temperature test.”

Despite the reopening of the production lines, Ducati confirms that visits to the Museum, Factory and Fisica in Moto continue to be suspended until further notice, in addition to entry into the factory being prohibited for suppliers, dealers, external contracted companies, and external staff in general, unless proven and unavoidably required for the continuity of production activities, product development and general services.

How we interact, transact and travel in the coming days will very different from how we used to. Buying our cars will be different too. Joining most others, Honda Cars India Ltd. announced its ‘Honda from Home’ online booking platform through its corporate website https://www.hondacarindia.com/honda-from-home. With this digital solution, backed by a robust sales process of the dealership, customers can manage their car purchase from the comfort of their homes without having to visit the dealership. In the coming days, Honda will unveil the all-new City along with BS6 Jazz and WR-V.

The platform allows customers to browse through the product options, select their preferred dealership and proceed to book their car online. Designed to simplify the booking process by offering round-the-clock access from any location, this digital booking platform will soon integrate HCIL’s pan-India dealerships. Customers can now book their car online by following a simple process:

Also Read: Five Unique Features Of The Upcoming New-Generation Honda City

Interested customers can visit the Honda Cars India’s website and select Book Now option. After customer information validation, they can select the car model of their choice along with its variant/ fuel type, transmission (AT/MT) and colour. Customers can then select their city and dealership where they intend to make the purchase. After verifying the information summary page, the customer can proceed to the payment gateway, choose a payment option and book online.  A booking confirmation id is generated which is sent to the customer via SMS/ Email and the selected dealer receives the customer details including booking id. The next stage involves a sales executive – from the chosen HCIL dealership – who will contact the customer to work out further documentation and discuss finance or payment options. Once the formalities regarding documentation and payment are done, the car will be home-delivered to the customer at a later date.

Commenting on this initiative, Mr Rajesh Goel, Senior Vice President and Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Cars India Ltd said, “At Honda, providing ‘Joy of Buying’ to our customers is at the core of our corporate philosophy. Our newly introduced ‘Honda from Home’ facility offers a simplified and secure booking experience for the ever-evolving digital consumer who makes his purchase decisions online. Customers can now conveniently book their Honda car from the comfort of their homes. This platform is part of Honda’s digitalization efforts in car retail experience that not only drives convenience but also efficiency.”

Nissan India today released teaser images of the upcoming Datsun Redi-GO facelift in the domestic market. The Japanese brand claims the new Redi-Go will offer “bold, progressive, and sporty exteriors to offer a strong road presence.” The updated Redi-Go will feature new styling and will come with upgraded engines to meet the new BS6 emission norms. Nissan India has said that the Redi-Go will be launched soon, however, has not confirmed an official date.

As the teaser image reveals, the headlamp has been updated along with the front bumper. There are L shaped LED daytime running lights at each end of the front bumper. Also, the front grille appears to have received an update and it looks bigger than the outgoing model. Tweaking the image we also found that the wheel design will also be new but it is unlikely to offer alloy wheels in this segment and the design change will likely be on the wheel cover only.

Overall, the hatchback is expected to carry the same silhouette as the current model. The tall stance of the hatchback is retained and structural changes have been implemented to meet the latest crash test standards and the forthcoming pedestrian safety regulations. The overall silhouette of the car will remain the same, but the tail lamp may feature some revision. What is new is a small emblem that Datsun has now included on the front quarter panel in front of the front doors.

Also READ: Volkswagen Polo BS6 Fuel Efficiency Figures Revealed

Inside the cabin as well, the entry-level hatchback is likely to receive a host of changes. The interior of the updated model has not been released, yet. But it is possible that the top model of the Redi-Go will offer the same touchscreen system as the Kwid and feature an updated dashboard layout. Apart from that, it will offer safety features such as dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System, high-speed warning system, reversing sensors and reverse parking camera (in the top-end variants) and so on. It can be expected that the dashboard and premium appeal of the cabin could be improved this time around along with improved fit and finish.

The Datsun Redi-Go is based on the same platform as the Renault Kwid, which is underpinned by Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-A architecture. The car shares the same petrol engines like the Renault Kwid. The 2020 Datsun Redi-Go will come equipped with the same 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre petrol engines updated to meet BS6 emission standards. In their BS4 forms, they produced 54 horsepower and 68 horsepower respectively and the same output figures are expected this time too. The smaller gasoline unit will continue to be paired with a five-speed manual transmission whereas the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine will be offered with the 5-speed manual and the optional 5-speed AMT.

Upon its launch, the 2020 Datsun Redi-Go will continue to rival the likes of Renault Kwid, Maruti-Suzuki Alto and the S-Presso. One can expect the facelifted Redi-Go to be priced around Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 3.9 lakh (ex-showroom) for the 0.8-litre variant and for the bigger powertrain, the price range could be between Rs. 4 lakh and Rs. 4.8 lakh (ex-showroom).

Mavox Helmets from the house of SandharAmkin Industries Pvt. Ltd. has launched protective Face Shields for frontline corona warriors. The shield has been designed to make it handy for the user and can be worn along with other personal protective equipment, such as face masks for complete protection. The shield is developed in the wake of a growing demand for protective gears to fight COVID19. The advantage of this newly launched protective shield is that it is cost-effective and can be used multiple times after proper sterilization.

A greener and cheaper alternative to single-use and temporary shields, Mavox’s Face Shield can be used for a very long period with proper maintenance. Its polycarbonate visor is hard coated to prevent scratches. The shield consists of two parts, an adjustable elastic headband and a visor which is optically approved with ISI certification. The shield is suitable for prolonged use and ensures no eye strain, headache, or any other discomfort.

Also Read: Mavox To Introduce ECE 22.06 Certified Helmets

This Face Shield from Mavox is designed precisely to cover the face completely from the front and both sides ensuring splash protection from every angle. A highly durable, easy to maintain, and designed with a scratch-resistant material, this face shield is designed to offer proper breathing space for the user with its assurance of a comfortable, yet protective fit. Another USP of this product is that it can easily be sterilized by submerging the Mavox Face Shield completely in a disinfectant solution such as soap solution or Isopropyl Alcohol with sanitizer for a minimum of 5 minutes; after this, the shield’s surface should be cleaned with a sterilized cloth/paper towel to ensure proper sterilization.

Commenting on the launch of this new protective face shield, Mr Ayyushman Mehta, Managing Director, Mavox Helmets, SandharAmkin Industries Pvt. Ltd. said, “The world is witnessing an unprecedented and difficult time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are determined to work for our nation in this hour of difficulty and have launched protective Face Shields available for healthcare specialists, Journalist, Municipal workers, Industry Workers, Drivers, Lab technicians, Vendors, delivery boys, etc or Anyone exposed to the high-risk environment, who are the real fighters present on the front line to ensure safety for all. At SandharAmkin Industries Pvt. Ltd., we believe it’s time for all of us to stand together, stay positive and protect humanity by acting responsibly and staying at home to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus.”

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand resumed vehicle production at its Wolfsburg plant today with the early shift beginning at 6:30 a.m. Initially, Golf production will recommence on a one-shift basis — with reduced capacity and longer cycle times. Today, some 8,000 employees are returning to the production halls. Where the first vehicle to be manufactured will be a Golf, production of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Touran models, as well as the SEAT Tarraco, begins on Wednesday. Production will start at 10 to 15 percent of capacity, increasing to around 40 percent the following week.

Multi-shift operation is to get underway again the following week. At the same time, some 2,600 suppliers, the majority of them located in Germany, have resumed production for Volkswagen’s main plant. Measures to protect the health of the workforce have been significantly expanded. Some 1,400 vehicles are expected to have been built by the end of the first week of production at the Wolfsburg plant. Production is to be ramped up to more than 6,000 vehicles in the following week as multi-shift operation recommences. That represents approximately 40 percent of production prior to the start of the corona pandemic.

Also Read: Ducati Gears Up To Resume Production

Dealers will now be able to deliver vehicles to customers – some 70 percent of dealerships have already reopened for business. After Zwickau, Wolfsburg is the second of the Volkswagen brand’s vehicle plants in Germany to resume production following the stoppage that began in mid-March. Production in Bratislava, Slovakia, already recommenced last Monday. Production ramp-up is in line with the current availability of parts given the continuing impact of the corona pandemic, government requirements in Germany and Europe, the development of sales markets and the resulting modes of operation of the plants.

Andreas Tostmann, Volkswagen brand Board member responsible for Production and Logistics, emphasized: “The team is returning to workplaces that provide the maximum level of safety. The company and the Works Council have agreed on a 100-point plan to ensure that.” This plan includes specific rules on distances and hygiene: Employees are called on to measure their temperature at home every morning and to go through a health checklist before they leave for work, preferably already dressed in their workwear. Walkway diversions have been set up to avoid contacts, numerous distance markers on floors act as guides for walking and for keeping distances during meetings. Mouth and nose protection must be worn in areas where minimum distances of 1.5 meters are not possible.

Mobile plexiglass partitions are in use in many areas. Material is often no longer transferred from employee to employee but is placed in containers. The teams are being given more time to clean their tools. The cleaning frequency for washrooms and team rooms is being intensified, and several hundred additional handwashing facilities are being installed throughout the plant. The company is converting conference rooms into office spaces, flextime is being extended in offices and, where possible, home office options are being continued. To maximize information and awareness, over 8,000 posters are on display at the Wolfsburg plant alone, every employee has also received a booklet containing detailed information on the precautionary measures.

Volkswagen has shared this 100-point plan with its more than 40,000 suppliers and logistics partners throughout the world. Under normal operating conditions, 2,600 suppliers from 71 countries – a large proportion of them located in Germany – deliver around 21,000 different parts to the Wolfsburg plant every day in about 2,000 trucks and 100 rail cars. Every day, around 180 double-decker rail cars and some 185 car transporters leave the plant.

The ongoing global pandemic has resulted in a major transition in how we perform our usual tasks on a day-to-day basis. Digitization has strengthened its threshold in our lives even more now. People are bound to perform certain tasks virtually, now that we can’t step out of our homes because of the issued lockdown. Chances are that some of the things that are being performed virtually now will be carried forward in the future as well, given the convenience it offers. Keeping the same in mind, Volkswagen is digitizing its sales and service portfolio, enabling customers with the flexibility to choose their preferred Volkswagen at their comfort and convenience. The online retail process is simple, hassle-free and provides an end-to-end contactless experience. From a customer displaying interest, to a conversation with the sales consultant up until the vehicle handover process, it will be conducted virtually.

Also read: Volkswagen Polo BS6 Fuel Efficiency Figures Revealed

Preparing for the future, Volkswagen has integrated its 137 sales and 116 service touchpoints in this process. Thus, enabling customers to choose their preferred dealership while booking online. To book a car or service product, customers can visit Volkswagen India’s website and browse through the range of models on display, gather product details and the relevant pricing information. Similarly, to book service products customers can fill personal details and their requirements online for the service team to deliver the request at the customer’s preferred timeslot. Customers can also opt for pick-up and drop off services basis their convenience to visit a dealership or workshop. For a secured transaction, verification will be authenticated through an OTP generation by the preferred dealership.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India said, “At Volkswagen, digitalization has been the core principle of our strategies. With the launch of our simple, secure and user-friendly online retail platform, we are pushing the boundaries of end-to-end retail sales and strengthening our commitment to customers. We aim to provide our customers the flexibility in choosing their preferred Volkswagen product through a contactless channel.”

To instill confidence in employees and customers, all Volkswagen facilities across the network along with the vehicles will be thoroughly sanitized on a regular basis for their safety.

Mahindra & Mahindra have silently launched the BS6 compliant variants of its premium flagship SUV- the Alturas G4. Prices of the BS6 Alturas start at Rs 28.69 lakh(ex-showroom), which is a premium of almost Rs 1 lakh over its BS4 predecessor. Prior to the subsequent lockdown being instituted nationwide due to COVID-19 infections, Mahindra had been hard at work upgrading its line-up of SUVs to meet the new BS6 emission norms.

Contrary to the reports suggested earlier, the Alturas G4 is continued to be offered in two variants- 2WD and 4WD. The latter, fully loaded top-end trim, now comes with a price tag of Rs 31.69 lakh(ex-showroom). Aesthetically, there are no changes expected in the interior and exterior of the SUV other than the fact that under the hood it will carry a BS6 compliant engine now.

Prices:

In terms of powertrains, the BS6 Mahindra Alturas G4 continues to derive power from the same 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel mill that produces 181 PS of maximum power and 420 Nm of peak torque. The engine comes paired with a Mercedes-Benz-sourced 7-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of dimensions, the Mahindra Alturas G4 is 4850 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, 1,845 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,865 mm. No cosmetical changes have been made on outside, the SUV continues to get the huge 7-slat piano-black grille with some chrome elements. For better illumination, the car features projector headlamps, with LED DRLs and LED foglamps.

Just like the outgoing BS4 model, the updated Alturas G4 is well-packed in terms of features, with the entry-level 2WD version getting features like Nappa leather upholstery, a powered driver seat, cruise control, ventilated front seats, a powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control, heated wing mirrors, a tyre pressure monitor, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and cruise control, to name a few. The Alturas G4 4WD gets even more kits including a 360-degree camera, a memory function for the driver’s seat, a powered tailgate, sunroof and ambient lighting among other features.

Coming to safety features, Mahindra offers the base variant of Alturas G4 with safety tech like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill-Start Assist (HSA), Hill-Descent Control (HDC), active rollover protection, traction control system and brake assist system. The fully-loaded 4WD additionally packs in a total of nine airbags.

The Alturas G4 continues to take on the likes of the BS6 Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. Isuzu is expected to rejoin the fray in the full-size seven-seat SUV space with the MU-X once the SUV is upgraded to meet BS6 emission norms later in the year. It will also rival some of the monocoque SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Skoda Kodiaq, and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.