Tracing the history of the Jeep Wrangler

When you think of Jeep, in all probability the first car that comes to mind would be a Wrangler. This can be attributed to the fact that the Wrangler can trace its roots all the way back to the iconic Willys jeep, which many consider as the car that built the Jeep brand. Although the Wrangler is related to the Willys jeep, its lineage more accurately begins with Jeep’s CJ series, which was available for civilians to purchase and was introduced back in 1945. We have traced the Wrangler’s evolution over the years, below.

CJ-2A (1945-1949)

 

Immediately after the Second World War, Willys recognised the need for a simple, rugged go-anywhere vehicle that farmers and ranchers could use. The resulting CJ-2A was a civilianised version of the military Willys MB and was known as the Universal, because of the multitude of jobs it could fulfil. With a power take-off unit fitted, it could run farm machinery, while a speed governor meant it could creep along at about 6km pulling a plough, yet not overheat.

CJ-3A (1949-1953)

 

The bread-and-butter of the Jeep range continued with the CJ-3A that developed the civilian theme further. It introduced such luxuries as a one-piece windscreen and twin wipers. It also came with an opening vent just underneath the screen to help with ventilation. For many of its customers, though, the important upgrades were a stronger gearbox, transfer case and rear axle that made the 3A even better off-road. For farmers, there was also a Tractor model that did away with front shock absorbers, lights, windscreen, tailgate and all but the driver’s seat. However, it did have a three-point tail lift to operate machinery.

The CJ-3A was modified and sold as militarised version to the US Army, known as the M38 from 1950 to 1952.

CJ-3B (1953-1968)

 

In essence, the CJ-3B was an updated version of the CJ-3A and the biggest differentiator between the two models was the bigger ‘F-head’ engine, which made 25 percent more power and 9 percent more torque. This model was produced for a 15-year span. During that duration, Jeep sold around 1.55 lakh units of the CJ-3B.

CJ-5 (1955-1983)

 

A 28-year production span gives a good idea of just how popular the CJ-5 was, and it remains the Jeep many think of when asked about the brand. A longer wheelbase and overall length came with improvements to ride quality and its ability to deal with off-road work. This chimed with growing leisure use of this type of vehicle in the USA and Jeep answered calls for more power with the Dauntless V6 motor in 1965.

Then in 1973, a pair of V8 engines became available and every off-road fans’ dreams were answered. And if you wondered what happened to the CJ-4 that links the CJ-5 to the earlier CJ-3A, it was a one-off military prototype.

CJ-6 (1955-1981)

 

The CJ-6 was a longer wheelbase version of the evocative CJ-5. Adding an extra 20-inches of length (about 510mm) between the axles was in direct response to customer demand and Jeep also offered a rear-wheel drive only commercial model with no rear seats.

Changes to the engine line-up mirrored those for the CJ-5, but the 6 was also offered with a 192cu in (3.1-litre) Perkins diesel engine throughout the 1960s to satisfy business users. A relatively low 50,172 CJ-6s were made, which makes them prized by collectors now.

CJ-5 Renegade (1970-1983)

 

The first Renegade made its appearance in either Wild Plum or Mint Green, both with black stripes running along the side of the bonnet. They also sported eight-inch (20cm) wide wheels for a sportier look and better dirt-busting. The Renegade II followed in 1971 in a similar theme but with different limited edition colours, including the super rare Big Bad Orange.

After that, in 1972, the Renegade became a regular feature of the CJ-5 range complete with 304cu in (5.0-litre) V8 engine, and Trak-Lok limited slip differential.

CJ-7 (1976-1986)

 

The CJ-7 saw the classic Jeep shape reach full pomp. A marginally longer wheelbase helped provide more cabin space and you could now order a moulded plastic hard-top with metal doors to finally make the Jeep fully weatherproof. Despite the greater comfort and many CJ-7s sporting the Golden Eagle package with large bonnet decal, it could still cover ground off-road, as was proved by a 30-day crossing of the infamous Darien Gap led by Mark Smith.

Wrangler YJ (1987-1996)

 

The Wrangler YJ marked the beginning of the Wrangler line, which was a replacement for the CJ line. At first glance, it seemed only the headlights had been changed for rectangular units, but under the skin the Wrangler was much more closely linked to the second-generation Cherokee. That meant this new Jeep came with four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as improvements to the 4x4 system such as Command-Trac and Selec-Trak.

Wrangler TJ (1997-2006)

 

The Wrangler TJ brought back the retro-look and the rounded headlight from the older CJ-7. Though mechanically, around 80 percent of the parts on the TJ had been redesigned when compared to the Wrangler YJ. One of the biggest changes on the Wrangler TJ was the Quadra-coil suspension, which finally replaced the older cars leaf-spring setup. The TJ also got an updated interior, removable doors, a choice of a soft top or removable hardtop and a 4.0-litre straight-six engine from that era’s Cherokee.

Wrangler JK (2007-2018)

 

The Wrangler JK was launched in 2007 and it came equipped with an all-new frame, refreshed interior and exterior styling, new engine, updated safety equipment and more convenience features. Jeep also introduced a four-door version of the car known as the Wrangler Unlimited. The Unlimited had all the features seen on the Wrangler including removable doors, exposed hinges, fold-down windshield, removable and convertible top options.

Wrangler JK Unlimited (2018-present)

 

Jeep was riding high in the charts in 2018, and a good deal of this success was down to its core model, the Wrangler. This is where all that brand credibility stems from and it looks like buyers in the USA cannot get enough of it.

In 2017, 1,90,522 of them were sold in its home country alone and the new Rubicon model helped 2018 see 2,40,032 US sales.

Closer to home, Jeep has launched the 2019 Wrangler in India at a price of Rs 63.94 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India).

Also see:

2018 Jeep Wrangler review, test drive

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Armoured BMW X5 Protection VR6 revealed

BMW has unveiled an armoured version of its X5 SUV, designed to offer protection against explosives, firearms and attempted kidnappings.

The X5 Protection VR6, named in reference to its certified protection rating, is almost indistinguishable from the standard X5, but is clad all over in high-strength steel armour plating, which overlaps at each panel and trim gap to maximise coverage.

Underneath, a thick aluminium splinter shield protects the powertrain and floor from explosive devices such as hand grenades, while the standard X5’s windows have been replaced with 33mm thick, polycarbonate-reinforced glass.

The glazing features what BMW calls ‘post-blast protective technology’, which offers protection against secondary attacks in the wake of an explosion. Only the driver’s window is electric as standard, although an electric passenger window is an option.

The interior mirrors that of the standard X5 but features a number of additional security mechanisms not available on production cars. The luggage compartment partition, for example, is armoured and provides an additional layer of protection for rear seat passengers.

BMW claims the armoured X5 can protect occupants from a range of firearms, including the AK-47, and explosive blasts of up to 15kg from a distance of four metres. The firm has not said how much more the VR6 weighs than the standard X5.

An optional armoured roof panel can be specified as a means of protecting against drone or aircraft attacks.

Equipment fitted as standard to the VR6 includes an intercom system that uses microphones built into the door mirrors and roof, as well as an attack alarm that automatically locks the doors and windows.

Also offered is a list of factory options, including active seat ventilation and a 360-degree camera, with model-specific additions ranging from a roof-mounted light beacon to armour plating for the battery.

The X5 Protection VR6 is powered by the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 found in the new X5 M50i and X7 M50i, producing 530hp and 750Nm. Mechanical changes are relatively minimal, but a self-sealing fuel tank, capable of automatically closing in the event of a puncture, replaces the standard unit.

Despite the weight gain from all the armour protection, BMW claims a 0-100kph time of just 5.9 seconds for the armoured SUV with top speed limited to 210kph.

The VR6 will be produced alongside the standard X5 at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the US, with pricing set to be revealed at its public debut later this year.

BMW launched the current generation of the X5 in India earlier in this year with a choice of 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel engine options. The carmaker has previously offered armoured variants of some of its cars in India including the 7 Series High Security, which was based on the previous generation of the flagship limousine. Therefore, BMW could offer the armoured X5 to customers in India.

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Volkswagen T-Sport budget SUV to get two engine options

Volkswagen has confirmed that it will build an all-new budget SUV that will sit below the T-Cross in the brand’s global line-up. This new SUV will get a coupe-like profile, a fact that that was teased recently via a hand-drawn sketch tweeted by VW board member Jürgen Stackmann. 

This new SUV will most-likely be called the T-Sport and will initially be built in South America. Internally known as the “Urban Coupe”, the new SUV will be engineered in Brazil. While the plan was for the model to be sold only in emerging markets like South America, Russia and China, there are talks now that the SUV will go on sale in Europe as well.

Volkswagen will use the emerging market version of its MQB A0 platform for the T-Sport – this is the same platform that underpins the T-Cross in South America and China. A derivative of this platform, named MQB A0 IN, will underpin the India-bound VW T-Cross and the Skoda Kamiq SUVs. Powering the T-Sport are likely to be a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a 1.6-litre petrol – both will be shared with the latest-gen Polo (it’s not on sale in India). Gearbox choices would include a 5-speed manual and a DSG dual-clutch automatic, along with a 6-speed torque convertor automatic for select markets. 

While there is no confirmation on the T-Sport coming to India, the VW Group has confirmed that it will bring the Skoda Kamiq and the T-Cross by 2020. These SUVs will be previewed in concept form at the upcoming Auto Expo 2020. The company will also launch refreshed versions of the Polo and the Vento on September 4, 2019.

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F2 driver Anthoine Hubert killed in Spa-Francorchamps crash

22-year-old French driver Anthoine Hubert has succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash during the Formula 2 (F2) race at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. Hubert was battling for a points finish when he hit the barrier after going off at the exit of Eau Rouge. His BWT Arden car was then struck by Sauber Junior Team’s Juan Manuel Correa.

The race was halted immediately and the emergency and medical crews attended to the drivers. Unfortunately, a statement released by the FIA confirmed that Hubert passed away roughly an hour after the incident.

Hubert had a promising career ahead of him – he’d moved up to F2 this year after winning the GP3 title last year and had won two races this season in Monaco and France. He was also part of Renault’s junior programme, receiving full backing from the Renault Sport Academy this year.

Tributes started pouring in as the news of Hubert’s passing was announced. In a statement posted on social media, Lewis Hamilton hailed the French racer as a hero and said, “All these drivers put their life on the line when they hit the track and people need to appreciate that in a serious way because it’s not appreciated enough".

“Anthoine is a hero as far as I’m concerned, for taking the risk he did to chase his dreams.”

Correa, who is said to be stable, is undergoing treatment at the CHU Liège hospital. The FIA also confirmed that another driver involved in the incident, Giuliano Alesi, was checked and declared fit at the medical centre.

Autocar India extends its heartfelt condolences to Hubert’s family, friends and team in the wake of this tragedy.

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Review: Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta comparison

If there’s one SUV the Kia Seltos has to beat, it’s the Hyundai Creta. You see, the Seltos is built to the very same formula that’s made the Creta such a blockbuster hit in India. Like the Creta, the Seltos is a decidedly urban SUV and ease-of-use rather than rugged appeal is a common thread on both. In their hardware, though, there’s actually less in common than you’d imagine. As you may know, Kia and Hyundai come under the broad umbrella of the Hyundai Motor Company, and the Seltos and Creta have a familial link too. However, the Seltos is actually a generation newer than the Creta we know. The Kia is built on a new platform and debuts a new range of engines too.

On the face of it, the Seltos has the head start. But is it the better of the two SUVs?

What are they like on the outside?  

There’s not much between the Seltos and Creta in size. The Seltos is marginally longer but it’s the Creta that’s a wee bit taller. The two are similar in silhouette too with an upright shape Indian buyers like. Still, you won’t need more than a glance to tell which one is the newer SUV.

 

The Seltos is well turned out and what makes it really attractive is the level of detailing on the outside. There’s a bejeweled look to its LED headlights and adding a dose of bling to the front is the unique LED strip that lines the top of the grille. Look closely and you’ll even see a very premium knurled finish on the grille’s chrome surround.

The Creta is down on flash value but it’s still a neat looking SUV. Last year’s facelift brought with it a larger grille that links it to the latest Hyundais, and the new bumpers have worked-out well too. LED headlights would have added much to the look but then again, the next-gen Creta isn’t all that far away. 

Dimensions
	Kia Seltos 1.5D HTX+	Hyundai Creta 1.6D SX(O) Executive
Length	4315mm	4270mm
Width	1800mm	1780mm
Height	1620mm	1665mm
Wheelbase	2610mm	2590mm
Ground Clearance	190mm	190mm
Boot Capacity	433 litres	405 litres

What are they like on the inside?

Much like its exterior, the Seltos’ interior is sophisticated and brimming with rich details. The neat dashboard positions the infotainment screen at a comfortable height and, in general, all the controls and buttons are in easy reach. But what elevates the Seltos cabin is the pervasive sense of quality. Right from the knurled buttons on the steering to the padded panel on the dash, everything adds up to give occupants the impression of being in an expensive car. Fit and finish is up there with far pricier cars.

Kia Seltos interior

The Hyundai Creta might lack the Seltos cabin’s richness, but it’s still a very welcoming place to be in. The dashboard is thoughtfully laid-out, the larger materials on the dash have a nice texture to them and you won’t find any ill-fitting panels in the cabin either.

Hyundai Creta interior

Front seat comfort is good on both SUVs but there are some differences when talking of the rear seat experience. Neither SUV is as roomy as an MG Hector or a Tata Harrier but you really can’t complain about the space on offer. Among the two contenders in question, it’s the Seltos that feels a bit more spacious, even if rear legroom is just about more than what you get on the Creta. The Seltos’ larger windows help the cabin feel airier and what’s also nice is that Kia has included retractable sunblinds at the back. An adjustable backrest (reclinable by 6 degrees) is also unique to the Seltos. Where the Seltos rear seat loses points is in the inadequate thigh support on offer. In comparison, the Creta’s rear seat feels more supportive, but what takes away from the experience at the back is that you are sat low and don’t get a typical SUV-like view of the world outside.

Kia Seltos rear seat

How do they compare on features?

We’ve considered the top-spec diesel variants of the two SUVs and both models get quite a few goodies. Powered driver’s seats, ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, sunroof, keyless go and auto climate control are features available on both. However, the Seltos packs in even more with LED headlamps, auto headlights, rear seat backrest recline, rear sunblinds, an onboard air purifier, a tyre pressure monitor and front parking sensors too. The Seltos has the larger (10.25-inch vs the Creta’s 7.0-inch unit) and slicker touchscreen too, and it’s also the only one to get eSIM-based connected tech.

The Creta SX(O) Executive does have more safety kit than the Seltos in HTX+ spec, however. The Hyundai boasts 6 airbags to the Seltos’ 2 and the Hyundai is also the only one with ESC and hill start assist. Only the Seltos gets rear disc brakes.

Do note, Kia will launch the Seltos diesel in GTX+ trim soon. So if you want a Seltos with more safety and convenience features, it’s worth your while to wait for the new top-spec variant.

Equipment
	Kia Seltos 1.5D HTX+	Hyundai Creta 1.6D SX(O) Executive
Headlamp	LED	Halogen
Sunroof	Available	Available
Keyless entry and go	Available	Available
Touchscreen	10.25-inch	7.0-inch
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay	Available	Available
Connected tech	Available	NA
Wireless phone charger	Available	Available
Cruise Control	Available	Available
Automatic headlamps	Available	NA
Automatic wipers	NA	NA
Leatherette seats	Available	Available
Powered driver's seat	Available	Available
Ventilated front seats	Available	Available
Rear seat recline	Available	NA
Rear window sun shades	Available	NA
Auto climate control	Available	Available
Rear AC vents	Available	Available
Air purifier	Available	NA
Powered tailgate	NA	NA
Safety Features
Airbags	2	6
Parking Sensors	Front/rear	Rear
Tyre pressure monitoring system	Available	NA
Parking camera	Rear	Rear
Hill-start assist	NA	Available
Hill-descent assist	NA	NA
ESC	NA	Available
Rear disc brakes	Available	NA

What are they like to drive?

As mentioned, the Seltos is powered by the latest-gen 1.5-litre diesel engine from the Hyundai-Kia combine. This engine will not only find use in the next-gen Creta but will also go on to power other Hyundai models like the Venue and Verna in the future. A talking point on this engine is that it’s BS6 emission norms-compliant from launch.

 

Clean and green as it may be, the 1.5-litre unit isn’t particularly powerful, at least on paper. Its 115hp power and 250Nm torque figures are down on the Creta 1.6 diesel’s 128hp and 260Nm. Still, you’ll like the Seltos engine for the performance on offer. The build of power is linear and very friendly and the engine’s low speed responsive reflects in the numbers. It’s significantly quicker than the Creta from 20-40kph in third and 40-60kph in fourth, and the Seltos’ early lead also manifests into better 20-80kph in third and 40-100kph in fourth timings. You can feel a step-up in power on the Kia around 2,000rpm, and the engine will also breach 5,000rpm without feeling out of depth. Of course, you can’t talk of this engine without talking of refinement. The Seltos’ engine is remarkably quiet at idle and feels smooth at all revs. The slick six-speed gearbox and well-weighted clutch round off the experience.

 

After a go in the Seltos, the Creta doesn’t feel quite as special as it once did. You hear more of the Creta’s 1.6 engine, for one. What’s also different is the power delivery. The Creta takes time to get into its stride which explains why it’s actually slower through gears three and four. However, once in the wide powerband, the 128hp engine becomes free-revving and feels enthusiastic. Bragging rights come in the form of a best-in-class 0-100kph time of 10.81 seconds. The smooth-shifting 6-speed gearbox also makes it easy to execute quick shifts.

In town, the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta feel easy to drive. Their relatively small dimensions make them easy to place, their steerings don’t need much effort to twirl and low-speed ride comfort is good too, with the Creta feeling the more pliant one of the two. It’s when you up the pace that the Kia distinguishes itself with a better feel at the steering and superior body control. There’s fair weight at the steering, the suspension does its bit to flatten the lumps and bumps and in the corners too, it feels like a well set-up SUV. Overall, the Seltos’ high-speed ride and handling manners are more mature than the Creta’s whose steering doesn’t feel consistently weighted and suspension feels overly soft and soggy. 

Engine and Performance
	Kia Seltos 1.5D HTX+	Hyundai Creta 1.6D SX(O) Executive
Engine	4 cyl,1493cc, turbo-diesel	4 cyl,1582cc, turbo-diesel
Power	115hp at 400rpm	128hp at 400rpm
Torque	250Nm at 1500-2750rpm	260Nm at 1500-3000rpm
Power to weight	87.45hp per tonne	94.81hp per tonne
Torque to weight	190.11Nm per tonne	192.59Nm per tonne
Gearbox	6-speed manual	6-speed manual
Fuel economy (kpl)	21	19.67
Performance	Acceleration (from rest)	Acceleration (from rest)
20kph	1.05s	1.14s
40kph	2.65s	2.50s
60kph	4.65s	4.40s
80kph	7.62s	7.24s
100kph	11.21s	10.81s
120kph	16.30s	15.33
140kph	-	22.88s
Acceleration in gear
20-80kph (in 3rd gear)	9.91s	11.52s
40-100kph (in 4th gear)	11.99s	12.42s

Which one should you buy?

The reasons to buy the Hyundai Creta stay the same. It’s an easy-to-drive and user-friendly SUV that’s instantly likeable. Comfort is good too and it’s got its share of convenience features as well. That said, at Rs 15.67 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Creta 1.6 diesel in SX(O) Executive trim is pricier than it ought to be. What makes the Hyundai feel pricier still is that the newer Seltos (in diesel HTX+ form) is actually the one with the lower price tag of Rs 14.99 lakh.

The Kia is also the better all-rounder. It’s just as convenient to live with as the Creta but the Seltos is quieter, quicker where it matters and generally offers a more sophisticated driving experience. The Kia also gets a whole lot more comfort and convenience features and what seals the deal is its superior cabin quality. Add everything up and it’s the Kia that takes your money a whole lot further, easily making it our pick of the two SUVs.

Price and Verdict
	Kia Seltos 1.5D HTX+	Hyundai Creta 1.6D SX(O) Executive
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)	Rs 14.99 lakh	Rs 15.67 lakh
Rating	9/10	8/10
Verdict	Superbly rounded Kia Seltos sets the new segment benchmark.	Sales Champ suddenly feels last-gen with Seltos' arrival

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Mercedes C-class gets more features, priced from Rs 46.50 lakh

Having introduced a facelift for the current-gen C-class just late last year, Mercedes-Benz has now increased the equipment available on the diesel offerings - the C 300d AMG Line and C 220d Progressive - which are now priced at Rs 49.50 lakh and 46.50 lakh, respectively (ex-showroom India). Prices have gone up by Rs 1 lakh for the C 300d AMG Line and Rs 2.25 lakh for the C 220d.

Starting with the C 300d AMG Line, it now features Mercedes’ ‘Night Package’, which essentially adds high-gloss black inserts on the louvre on the front bumper and an AMG specific front apron and rear bumper. The pack also includes 18-inch AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels finished in black. Other new features include a wireless phone charger in the central console, a Midline sound system with 9 speakers paired with a 225 W amplifier, and lastly a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster with three display styles – Classic, Progressive and Sporty.

Coming to the new features added to the C 220d Progressive, these include a wireless phone charger, a Midline sound system, a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster and a memory package for the driver and front passenger’s electrically adjustable seats, which can be programmed to store up to three different seating positions.

In terms of engines, both the C 220d Progressive and the C 300d AMG Line come with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder BS6-compliant turbo-diesel engine. However, the engine produces 245hp and 500Nm of torque in the C 300d while making 194hp and 400Nm of torque in the C 200d. Both cars have Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox as standard.

The Mercedes C-class rivals the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and the Jaguar XE in the Indian market.

Also see:

2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300d India review, test drive

2018 Mercedes-Benz C220d review, test drive

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Ford EcoSport BS6 road testing begins

Ford India has begun testing BS6-compliant engines for its EcoSport compact SUV. A test mule was recently spotted on the outskirts of Chennai by our reader Manav Ramchandran. The current-gen EcoSport received a price and variant update in June this year. The Ford EcoSport range in India is powered by a 100hp, 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that’s paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox; a 123hp, 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol that can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox; and a 125hp, 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol that’s coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox only. Ford will be updrading the 1.5-litre Dragon engine and the ubiquitous 1.5-litre diesel motor to meet BS6 norms. However, as the cost of updrading the 1.0-litre Ecoboost to BS6 norms are not justified by its sales, Ford will discontinue the motor in the India-spec EcoSport. This engine will be replaced by Mahindra's 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine that also sees duty on the XUV300 compact SUV as part of the collaboration the two auto brands that was first announced back in 2017. The current-gen EcoSport is one of the oldest models in the segment and now faces stiff competition from the likes of the newer entrants like the Hyundai Venue, Mahindra's XUV300, Tata Nexon and the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza in the Indian market. Expect Ford to introduce BS6-compliant EcoSport range closer to the April 2020 deadline.

Alse see:

Click here for Ford India models, prices, reviews, images, videos and more

Click here for Ford EcoSport, prices, reviews, images, videos and more

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Harley-Davidson Battle of the Kings 2019 winner announced

The Battle of the Kings is a custom bike build-off organised by Harley-Davidson, giving dealers the opportunity to take a stock motorcycle and modify it. The only restriction is a budget no more than half the cost of the original model. The second season has just concluded in India and the Grand Trunk Harley-Davidson dealership in Punjab has won it with their custom Iron 883 called the Goliath.

The selection process

This year’s event saw 12 dealerships across the country participate with their own custom projects, with the winner selected by means of a public online vote. A similar selection process is conducted in various countries across the globe and the winners from each region are subject to another round of selection, also via an online public vote. The top picks from that lot will be sent to EICMA 2019, where the final winner will be picked by a selection panel.

The Goliath

The Goliath started off as an Iron 883, but in its current form, looks little like the original bike. We spoke to a representative from the Grand Trunk Harley-Davidson team and some of the changes made to the bike include a Screamin' Eagle Stage IV conversion kit that bumps up power and torque. The Harley-Davidson website states that the kit includes Sportster High-Flow air cleaner kit, XL1200 cylinder heads, XL1200 cylinders, XL1200 pistons and rings, a heavy duty clutch spring, and a top-end gasket kit, essentially converting it to 1200cc spec. The bike also underwent changes to its chassis in the form of a longer swingarm to accommodate the wider larger tyres and a lowered suspension.

Also see:

2020 Harley-Davidson Pan America, Street Fighter images leaked online

Harley-Davidson LiveWire unveiled in India

 

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Suzuki, TVS gain scooter market share in April-July 2019

The scooter market, not too long ago the darling of the two-wheeler industry, has not been spared the trials and tribulations of a sales slowdown. In July 2019, the segment saw total dispatches of 5,26,504 units (-12.10 percent) and in the April-July 2019 period, a total of 2,040,706 units (-15.58 percent). Its overall share of the two-wheeler market remains a good 31 percent though.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) remains the unassailable scooter market leader due to the powerful brand presence of the Activa, but the fact of the matter is that its sales are slowing sharply. In the first four months of FY2020, HMSI sold a total of 11,48,794 units, down 21.18 percent (April-July 2018: 14,57,537). In the process, its scooter market share has reduced by about 4 percent to 56.29 percent from 60.30 percent in April-July 2018.

In the opening month of FY2020, Honda's best-seller sold 2,10,961 units, a far cry from the year-ago sales (April 2018: 3,39,878) and down 38 percent year-on-year. In May 2019, it saw 2,18,734 units go out to showrooms, down 19.7 percent (May 2018: 272,475) and in June 2019, a total of 2,18,734 scooters were sold, down 19.72 percent (June 2018: 272,475). Clearly, the ball is in the Honda's court to do something quickly to arrest the fall in the Activa's sales. The Japanese major, which is readying for the BS6 era, unveiled its – and India's first – BS6-compliant product, not surprisingly, the Activa.

But HMSI is aggressively working on new growth strategies, and is targeting semi-urban and rural India to drive up sales. Earlier this year, it tied up with Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Co for offering retail finance. Cholamandalam’s strong nationwide presence with over 1,000 branches, most of them rural and semi-urban areas, and a base of a million consumers should help.

Another sizeable market share drop is with Hero MotoCorp, which sees its share drop to 7.59 percent from 10.02 percent a year ago. The company sold a total of 1,54,922 units in April-July 2019, which marks a sharp YoY decline of 36 percent.

Hero MotoCorp is looking to cash in on the growing demand for 125cc scooters. In May this year, the company launched the Maestro Edge 125 in three variants – a carburettor drum brake variant priced at Rs 58,500, a carburettor disc brake variant at Rs 60,000 and a fuel-injected variant at Rs 62,700 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Hero’s other offering in the 125cc segment, after the Destini 125, faces competition from other similar scooters like the TVS NTorq (Rs 59,900) and the Honda Grazia, for which prices start from Rs 60,723.

The two other scooter makers that are benefiting from the slowing sales of HMSI and Hero are TVS Motor Co and Suzuki Motorcycle India. TVS Motor Co sold a total of 3,81,762 units in April-July 2019, down a marginal 1.52 percent YoY, which can be put down to the poor consumer sentiment stress in the market. However, the company saw its market share grow by 2.67 percent to 18.71 percent from 16.04 percent a year ago.

On June 7, TVS launched two variants of the Jupiter ZX – drum and disc. While the drum-brake model has been priced at Rs 56,093, the front disc brake-equipped version costs Rs 58,645 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Both come equipped with TVS’ version of combined brakes, called SBT, as standard. The ZX variant now gets many new features, including an LED headlight and a digi-analogue instrument cluster.

With the Jupiter and NTorq 125 maintaining good sales traction in the market, the company would be looking forward to the festive season to notch higher numbers.

The biggest market share gainer is Suzuki Motorcycle India, with a sterling performance in April-July 2019. With 2,25,741 scooters sold, it is the sole scooter maker to post positive numbers and notches a robust 26.34 percent growth YoY. This performance sees the company make the highest gains of 3.67 percentage basis points in the April-July period to take 11.06 percent market share, compared to 7.39 percent a year ago.

The Access 125 has turned out to be a game-changer for the company. This popular buy, which is also Suzuki's best-selling scooter, seems to be closing the gap with the Jupiter and is a consistent No. 3, after the Activa and Jupiter. On July 16, Suzuki launched a refreshed version, the Access 125 Special Edition (SE) equipped with a disc brake variant. It is powered by the same all-aluminium, four-stroke, single-cylinder 124cc engine that develops 8.7hp and 10.2Nm of torque.

TVS Motor and Suzuki were the two OEMs which, due to their Jupiter and Access scooters respectively, made smart gains in scooter market share in what was a tough FY2019. Bajaj Auto though, despite not being in the scooter market, was the biggest market share gainer last fiscal. Will they continue to maintain that growth trajectory in FY2020 or will Honda and Hero spring some surprises to rev up their sales? Stay tuned.

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Maruti Suzuki XL6 accessory list revealed

Just a few weeks ago, Maruti Suzuki launched the premium iteration of the Ertiga, the XL6, in India. Priced from Rs 9.80 lakh and going up to Rs 11.46 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the XL6 features a more crossover-inspired look as compared to the Ertiga, along with featuring added kit and, crucially, a six-seat layout.

Available solely with the 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine from the Ertiga, the XL6 is available in only two trim levels – Zeta and the fully-loaded Alpha – and can be had with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox with both trim levels.

Maruti has now released a list of accessories that customers can use to customise their XL6. The entire list can be accessed via the manufacturer’s online configurator that is available on the Nexa website.

For the exterior, the configurator allows for the addition of trim along the lower door padding, along the window line and the lower lip of the number plate housing. Prices range from Rs 750 for the number plate garnish to Rs 2,850 for the window frame kit. Also available are door visors for an additional Rs 3,450 and a tailgate-mounted rear spoiler at Rs 4,500-4,900 (the higher price is for a spoiler that is not finished in black).

Inside the cabin, Maruti offers an interior styling package costing about Rs 8,200. The kit gets you door handles finished in the same pattern as the inserts on the dashboard. Also available are floor mats for an additional Rs 2,400.

Interestingly, while the stock XL6 gets Maruti’s SmartPlay Studio infotainment system as standard, the configurator does offer a choice of aftermarket touchscreen units with prices ranging from Rs 14,990, all the way to Rs 29,990.

Due to its premium positioning - and features such as LED headlamps and leatherette seat covers - XL6 prices start slightly higher than top-spec Ertigas. With these customisation options, there's another clear difference between the two Maruti MPVs.

Click here for Maruti Suzuki XL6 prices, reviews, images, videos and more details

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Tata Harrier Dark Edition launched at Rs 16.76 lakh

Tata has launched the much talked about Harrier Dark Edition, with prices starting at Rs 16.76 lakh for the top-spec XZ variant (ex-showroom, Delhi). This edition is priced identical to the recently launched Harrier Dual Tone.

As mentioned in a previous report, the Dark Edition features an all-black exterior with a new Atlas Black exterior paint shade, darkened bits – such as the black-finished faux skid plates and grey headlamp inserts – and black finished 17-inch alloy wheels. The model also wears a special badge on the front fender with the word ‘#Dark’.

The cabin too is an all-black affair, with the faux-wood inserts on the dashboard replaced by a new ‘Blackstone Matrix’ insert. The interior trim bits, such as the Humanity line running across the dashboard, are now finished in gunmetal grey. In terms of upholstery, the Dark Edition gets black leatherette seats and door inserts (both have contrasting grey stitching) and a perforated black leather finish on the door handles. Equipment levels are on par with the XZ variant.

As with the standard Harrier, the Dark Edition is powered by the brand’s 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine that is good for 140hp and 350Nm of torque – it comes paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Harrier will see more updates down the line – a more powerful 170hp BS6-compliant model, an automatic gearbox option and a three-row seven-seater sibling are on their way.

The brand recently announced the introduction of a sunroof as part of the official accessories list for the Tata Harrier.

Click here for Tata Motors models, prices, reviews, images, videos and more

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Clearing the air on BS6

In about seven months, India will fully adopt the stricter BS6 emission norms – a transition that can be termed as the biggest technological leap the country’s auto industry has taken towards clean air. The shift, by skipping BS5, has not only happened in record time – around three and a half years – but also under great pressure, as both the oil companies and the auto industry worked relentlessly to prepare in time for the challenging deadline of April 2020.

However, not all automakers have managed to make this transition fast enough, resulting in many models and powertrains being phased out. It has also entailed a significant cost, one that will inevitably be passed on to the consumer. Naturally, the talk surrounding the shift has raised many questions and left many car buyers flummoxed. But we’ll break it down and tell what you need to know.

What are the major types of pollutants?

Internal combustion engines (ICEs) are primarily notorious for the production of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Particulate matter (PM), or carbon soot, is another by-product of diesel as well as direct-injection petrol engines.

 

How will cars be made BS6-compliant?

Automakers generally adopt a two-pronged approach which involves working on the engine and the after-treatment. In terms of the in-cylinder measures, enhanced combustion chamber and fuel injector design will refine the combustion process and result in finer atomisation of fuel. And, on the other hand, the release of pollutants like PM and NOx is arrested using exhaust treatment systems.

 

Direct-injection petrol and diesel engines rely on particulate filters to reduce the emission of PM or soot into the atmosphere. A higher level of NOx – a challenge especially with diesel engines – is tackled either by employing a Lean NOx Trap (LNT) or a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.

As the name suggests, LNT works by filtering out NOx content from the exhaust gases. SCR, on the other hand, injects a water-based urea solution (AdBlue) into the exhaust flow to reduce the nitrogen-oxide emissions into inert nitrogen and water. Though more effective than LNT, SCR’s complex and expensive setup limits its applications. Jeep and Mercedes are two automakers that have introduced SCR-based diesel vehicles in the Indian market. 

What is the difference between BS4 and BS6 emission limits?

Under the upcoming emission regime, NOx levels will go down by 25 percent for petrols and a drastic 68 percent for diesel engines. The latter will also be met with the requirement of a severe 82 percent reduction in PM levels. And for the first time, petrol engines (with direct injection) will attract regulation for their particulate-matter production.

 

An interesting point to note is that while there was a sharp contrast between the pollution levels of petrol and diesel engines under BS4, this difference is set to get diminished significantly with the implementation of BS6.

What will be the impact on performance and fuel efficiency?

Moving to more stringent emission norms posts challenges for automakers in more ways than one. Lowering exhaust emissions generally results in a penalty on performance and fuel efficiency. So not only do car manufacturers have to minimise pollution, they also have to proactively work towards retaining the vehicles’ driveability.

 

Cleaner engines generally employ a slower combustion process. Additionally, exhaust after treatment systems increase back pressure on the engine and some of these systems, like particulate filters and NOx traps, have to periodically undergo regeneration (a process which involves the exhaust material build-up in the filter being combusted by using fuel). It is also understood that the process to reduce sulphur content in diesel can negatively impact the energy content of the fuel. These factors collectively tend to take a toll on the vehicle’s performance and efficiency. Automakers are adopting varied approaches to tackle these challenges. Tata Motors, for instance, has worked on the power and torque characteristics of its engine line-up to refine driveability. Mahindra, on the other hand, has carried out a holistic makeover of its powertrains for the sake of improving performance. It also claims to have achieved a reduction in engine friction by as much as 30 percent; in turn, enhancing fuel efficiency.

What will be the impact on the cost?

Industry experts believe the high cost of upgrading diesel vehicles to meet BS6 norms will certainly make them more expensive but will not push them beyond the reach of customers. Petrol-car prices are expected to go up in the range of Rs10,000-20,000, while diesel cars could get dearer by
Rs 80,000-1,00,000.

 

What is the difference between BS4 and BS6 grade fuels?

The switch to cleaner emission norms will primarily require fuels with significantly lower sulphur content. BS6 grade petrol and diesel are limited to just 10 mg/kg of sulphur, compared to the 50 mg/kg content in BS4 fuels.

 

With regard to benefits, the lower the sulphur content in the fuel, the cleaner it burns. Petrol with lower sulphur emits less NOx, CO and HC, while the advantage of low sulphur diesel is significantly lower PM emissions. For the time being, availability of BS6 grade fuels is limited to Delhi-NCR and Agra. But experts in the petroleum industry have assured availability in other cities beginning 2020, with a nationwide rollout aimed by March end.

Can BS6 cars run on BS4 fuel?

Considering that the upcoming emission norms bear greater ramifications for diesels, these engines generally employ exhaust after treatment techniques like diesel particulate filters (DPF) in conjunction with either LNT or SCR systems. Higher sulphur content in BS4 grade fuel has the potential to poison catalysts in these systems and have an adverse impact on their operation. Thus, running a BS6 diesel engine on the appropriate fuel is all the more critical. However, there are exceptions. Luxury carmaker Mercedes claims to be employing superior catalysts in its emission control devices that permits its BS6 diesel vehicles to run on a diet of BS4 fuel. 

 

For petrol engines, on the other hand, it’s a different case. Generally only utilising better engine component designs for achieving lower emissions, industry experts suggest that sulphur poisoning is not a major concern and as such, BS6 petrol vehicles can be operated safely even with BS4 fuel. 

It is worth mentioning at this stage that while using the correct fuel is crucial, so is using the right type of lubricants. To that effect, it is recommended that only low SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorous and Sulphur) engine oils be used for all types of BS6 vehicles. 

Can BS4 cars run on BS6 fuel?

Operating BS4 vehicles on the cleaner fuel shouldn’t pose any serious challenges as the only major difference between BS4 and BS6 grade fuels is the significant reduction in sulphur content, as mentioned earlier. Moreover, using BS6 fuel can be expected to yield a slight reduction in emission levels even on the older engines.

 

What is the framework for emission regulations post 2020?

Ever since the nationwide introduction of BS1 in 2000, Indian automotive agencies have been using the MIDC (Modified Indian Driving Cycle) for the evaluation of emissions from passenger vehicles. This involves testing cars on a dynamometer at average speeds of 19kph and 59.3kph, simulating urban and highway driving respectively.

 

Incidentally, the MIDC is modelled after the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), albeit with lower maximum speeds. And while the EU itself has already phased out NEDC, India will continue with the MIDC even with introduction of BS6.

However, 2023 will see the introduction of the RDE (Real Driving Emissions) in the country. RDE tests will take place on open roads, which will give a clearer view about the vehicles’ performance in the real world.

Is BS6 emission norms same as Euro 6?

While the emission targets under both protocols are the same, exclusive adaptations are required for Indian driving cycles because the average speed is much lower. Moreover, India has different fuels and oils and the performance, and reliability and robustness requirements are also different. In short, a Euro 6-compliant car need not be BS6-compliant without some technical intervention.   

 

In conclusion

While the auto industry has done its bit to ensure readiness with the BS6 norms, the onus is now on the government to fast-track the vehicle scrappage policy, which will get vehicles that do not comply with current emission and safety standards off the roads. This is the only way to ensure the gains from the latest emissions-norm compliant vehicles aren’t neutralised by crude older vehicles.

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Sub-500cc Norton in the works for India

Norton Motorcycles, the legendary UK-based manufacturer, and the Kinetic Group (they had signed a joint venture agreement in 2017 to create Kinetic Norton) are developing a midsize motorcycle especially for our market. 

The motorcycle could be called the Commando Cub and it will be the most affordable modern era Norton to date. Kinetic Group’s MD, Ajinkya Firodia, said that the bike will be completely made in India and it will be “very attractively priced”. This is a relative term, and keeping with Norton's premium image, we don't expect Royal Enfield levels of pricing. The bike is being developed for the Indian and Asian markets only and is expected to be launched in 2021. 

In India, it will retail through Kinetic’s multi-brand showroom, Motoroyale. The company plans to ramp up its presence by the time the bike arrives, having just opened its seventh dealership in Navi Mumbai. The plan is to have ten outlets operational by the end of 2019. The intended number of showrooms for this year was even higher, but the economic slowdown we're currently facing has hit the premium bike space particularly hard. 

The Norton Commando Cub will look like a typical British classic, says Firodia. A quick glance at the Norton Commando 961 California and Commando 961 Sport MK II on the Norton UK website should give you a fair idea about Norton’s retro design language – the upcoming bike’s styling could be inspired by its larger capacity cousins. 

Speaking of the engine, the Kinetic Group is tight-lipped about the details on the one we’ll see on the Commando Cub. However, we have been told that it will sport an engine between 300-500cc. We believe it will sit very close to the 500cc mark as this will position it neatly under the Norton Atlas, while still being a premium offering. Today, the only other premium offering in that segment is the Benelli Leoncino 500, so Norton will be entering a relatively unoccupied space with the Commando Cub. Of course, where the upcoming Bajaj-built Triumph (link) will slot in also remains to be seen, because that bike should be a reality by the time the baby Norton breaks cover. 

The Kinetic Group expects this new bike to be a big ticket item for Motoroyale, which currently only retails very expensive/niche products. The company expects to sell 25,000 units of the Norton Commando Cub, annually, in India and Asia. 

Before the Norton Commando Cub arrives – if that ends up being its name – the Kinetic Group will be launching the new Norton 650 Atlas in India. This is a brand new product for the company that hasn't been launched in the overseas markets yet. This bike will be localised to about 50 percent, with the frame, silencer, swingarm, plastic parts and wheels being made in India, while the engine, fuel tank, lamps and electricals will be sourced from England. The bike will be fully assembled here and sold in markets in Asia as well. This will make the motorcycle quite affordable with a sub-Rs 10 lakh ex-showroom price tag. It is expected to go on sale in March 2020. 

Also see:

Classic take: 1938 Norton 16H

Norton Superlight sports bike unveiled

 

 

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BMW G 310 R, G 310 GS recalled over brake issue

An issue with the brakes has led BMW to recall the G 310 R (2017-2020), G 310 GS (2018-2020) and the C 400 X scooter (2019). A total of 5,938 units are affected by this recall in the United States.

According to recall information from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), exposure to certain environmental and treatment conditions can lead to corrosion on the surface of the non-anodised brake calliper piston bore. This can affect the piston’s clearance within the bore of the caliper. A corroded brake caliper can freeze up, preventing the brake pads from coming in contact with the disc or from releasing it.

BMW North America has said that it will notify affected owners, and BMW dealers will replace the front and rear brake calipers, free of charge.

BMW India has confirmed that no bikes in the country have been affected by this problem.

Also see:

2018 BMW G 310 R, G 310 GS review, test ride

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Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut

Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division has added to its fast-growing small car line-up with the unveiling of the new GLB 35 4Matic.

Scheduled to make its public debut at the upcoming Frankfurt motor show, the new SUV is the fourth AMG model to receive the 35 treatment, following the recently introduced A 35 4Matic hatchback, A 35 4Matic sedan and CLA 35 4Matic coupe. It’s also the first model with AMG’s 35 bagding, to offer the option of a five- and seven-seat interior layout.

Like its stablemates, the GLB 35 4Matic is powered by an AMG fettled version of parent company Mercedes-Benz’s M270 engine. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit delivers 306hp at 5,800rpm and 400Nm of torque between 3,000-4,000rpm.

This represents an 81hp and 50Nm increase on the existing range-topping GLB model, the GLB 250 4Matic, which uses a less highly tuned version of the same engine. 

Power is sent through an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox with a Race Start function and multi-plate clutch four-wheel drive system capable of apportioning up to 50 percent of drive to the rear axle. Five different driving programs are offered via AMG’s Dynamic Select system: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.

An additional AMG Dynamic system offers two different agility programs: Basic and Advanced. They vary the characteristic of the handling dependent on parameters from the four-wheel drive system, speed-sensitive steering and stability control sensors.

Further upgrades centre around the brakes. The GLB 35 uses 350mm discs up front in combination with four-piston callipers and 330mm discs with single-piston floating callipers at the rear.

Mercedes-AMG is yet to reveal a kerb weight figure, though the brand quotes a 0-100kph time of 5.2sec and an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph.

The new 4,630mm long SUV is underpinned by a McPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. It receives a number of upgrades over the suspension used by standard GLB models, including new steering knuckles and transverse control arms at the front as well as redesigned subframe and revised wheel carriers at the rear. Buyers can also add an optional AMG Ride Control set-up with electronically controlled damping and the choice of three levels of firmness: Comfort, Sport and Sport+.

The latest addition to the AMG line-up is the first of two GLB models. An even more powerful GLB 45 4Matic, packing up to 422hp and 500Nm of torque in top-of-the-line S form, is also under development and should be revealed in 2020.

The GLB 35 4Matic is differentiated from standard GLB models by a Panamericana style grille – the first time it has been used on a 35 model – within an AMG specific front bumper. Additional styling changes are concentrated around the rear end, with a prominent spoiler atop the rear tailgate and a reworked bumper featuring an aluminium look valance, housing two AMG-inscribed tailpipes and an integrated diffuser element. The standard wheels are 19-inch in diameter, with 20 and 21-inch rims available as optional equipment.

Inside, the new AMG model uses Mercedes' MBUX operating system. It works in combination with standard digital instruments and an infotainment display, both housed within a single panel within the top of the GLB 35 4Matic’s dashboard. The instruments can be altered across three different themes: Classic, Sporty and Supersport – the latter providing AMG specific car data.

As with other GLB models, the GLB 35 comes as standard with a five-seat interior layout. Buyers can also opt for an optional seven-seat layout with a third row of seats that consists of two individual seats and fore-and-aft adjustment of the second seat row.

The GLB 35 4Matic is produced on the same production line as other GLB models at Mercedes' factory in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

While there is no word on this hotter version of the GLB coming to India, though the standard model is likely to arrive in our market during the second-half of 2020, where it will rival taking on higher-end variants of the X1 and XC40, and the new Q3 as well

Also see:

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 image gallery

2019 Frankfurt motor show preview

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Esteban Ocon to return to F1 with Renault

As the 2019 F1 championship resumes in Belgium after the summer break, the grid for next year has already started taking shape. While Mercedes earlier confirmed Valtteri Bottas as part of its 2020 driver line-up, Renault has now announced that Esteban Ocon will be returning to F1 with the team on a multi-year deal, driving alongside Daniel Ricciardo.

Of course, Ocon is well-known to Renault and the team in Enstone, having served as Renault’s reserve driver in 2016 and also being a Lotus junior programme member. "First and foremost, I am very proud to become a Renault driver. I have grown up at Enstone, starting with Lotus in 2010 and then with Renault. I am very attached to this team and everyone who works there; they are the ones who opened the doors of top level motorsport for me. Secondly, I am pleased that a team with big ambitions has entrusted me with the opportunity to once again demonstrate my skills at the highest level of F1. It is a responsibility I take very seriously. The confidence they have in me to help the progression of the team is a very positive pressure and I look forward to giving the best of myself,” he said.

After winning the GP3 title in 2015, Ocon made the move up to F1 with Manor Racing in 2016 before moving to Force India for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Despite securing some impressive results during his stint at Force India, the team – now competing as the SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team under new ownership - opted to sign Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll for this season, leaving Ocon without a 2019 drive. He’s been serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver and was also speculated to be in contention for a seat at the team next year before Mercedes opted to retain Bottas.

"We are very happy to work with Esteban for the next two seasons. Over his F1 career Esteban has experienced the highs and lows of the sport, and fully understood the need to seize every possible chance. In addition to lending his natural talent, Esteban’s aim will be to focus his natural energy and drive, both of which have been intensified by a year away from racing. It is then up to us to infuse them into the next phase of the team’s progress,” said Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal Renault F1 Team.

Ocon will be replacing Nico Hulkenberg at Renault, with the latter expected to sign with the Haas F1 team. In a statement posted on his social media Hulkenberg said “With regard to 2020, I am confident to find a good solution, but there is nothing to announce at the moment.”

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MG ZS EV launch pushed back to early 2020

British automaker Morris Garages made its debut in the domestic market with the launch of the Hector midsize SUV, which despite a downturn in the industry, managed to garner a strong response from the Indian masses. Building on its success, MG had initially planned on introducing its maiden electric vehicle, the ZS EV, in India by end-2019. However, as per a recent communication from the company, the market launch of the all-electric SUV has been pushed back, and is now slated for early 2020.

Furthermore, MG Motor recognises the lack of a robust charging infrastructure as one of the main impediments to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in India. To that effect, the automaker recently announced that it will be collaborating with the domestic arm of Delta Electronics, a Thailand-based major renowned for its expertise in power electronics and automation, for the installation of AC chargers at private vehicle parking locations such as homes and offices. 

Last month, the company had also revealed that it would be establishing the country’s first, 50kW DC fast chargers at select MG dealerships across the country in association with Finnish energy company, Fortum. Through these initiatives, it hopes to fulfill the charging requirements of prospective customers, which could enable the upcoming all-electric ZS to be seen as a viable, zero-emission alternative to conventional midsize SUVs. 

Already on sale in the UK, Thailand and China, the MG ZS EV boasts of a 44.5kWh battery pack capable of delivering a range of 262km on the WLTP test cycle. Charging times are pegged at 7hrs (with 7kW AC supply) and 40mins (up to 80 percent with 50kW DC supply). Power is drawn through a 143hp/353Nm synchronous motor driving the front wheels via an automatic gearbox.

Touted to be available in only five Indian cities to begin with, the ZS EV is expected to be brought to our shores as a CKD and carry an estimated sticker price of around Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom). As such, MG’s maiden electric offering will lock horns with Hyundai Kona Electric and the upcoming Nissan Leaf in our market.

Also see:

Hyundai Kona Electric vs rivals: Specifications comparison

MG electric SUV prototype review, test drive

Click here for MG ZS EV est. prices, details, reviews, images and videos

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Revolt’s incredible pricing strategy explained

The recently launched Revolt electric bikes find their roots in China, but that doesn’t change the fact that they offer a heap of equipment for the price. With things like keyless-start, a world of app-connected features, a USD fork and more, the Revolts are easily the best-specced motorcycles for the money. We knew all along that they would be very well priced, but Revolt pulled a shocker when they announced the pricing structure. 

Taking a leaf out of the world of subscription-based purchase plans for mobile phones (like you find in the USA), Revolt’s EVs are sold on a monthly subscription programme. Essentially, you have to pay a monthly sum for a period of three years. At this point, you probably have some questions and we’re going to address them one by one:

How much do I have to pay?

First off, there’s is no down payment. Instead of one big payment, you pay small amounts as you go along. Rs 3,999 per month is what Revolt is charging for the top-spec RV 400. For Rs 3,499 a month, you can get a lower RV 400 variant that we’re told misses out on the fake exhaust sound and the app-enabled remote-start features. However, Revolt then surprised us with the reveal of a more basic, lower-spec RV 300 model that comes with a 1.5kW motor and a smaller battery as well. The RV 300 will cost Rs 2,999 per month for a period of three years.

Can I buy it outright?

No. At the moment, if you want a Revolt electric motorcycle, you have to follow this purchase model.

Who owns the vehicle?

This is not a lease or a rental system and the ownership of the vehicle will be yours. Revolt tells us that you need to simply walk into the showroom with an Aadhar card as proof. How the company plans to screen potential customers still remains to be confirmed but we understand that the customer’s credit scores will be evaluated as well. However, there is no clarity on what qualifies as the cut off. In simple terms, once the formalities have been completed and the first payment has been made, the bike will be yours and it will be legally registered in your name.

What does the price include?

Revolt says that registration will be free in certain states – including Delhi: the introductory market. As part of an introductory offer, Revolt says it will cover the maintenance costs as well as consumables like tyres (one set) and brake pads for 3 years or 30,000km. Further, introductory offers include a 5 year/75,000kmn warranty on the vehicle, an 8 year/1.5 lakh km warranty on the battery and Revolt will even take care of the government-mandated insurance requirements. However, there isn’t any clarity yet on how long this introductory offer is valid for or what will be offered once it expires. What we do know is that both the RV 400 and RV 300 qualify for these offers. 

The company has also revealed that it won’t be charging customers who use its ‘Revolt Switch’ battery swap feature till December 31, 2019. Revolt Switch essentially allows you to swap your battery for a fully-charged one at a number of locations around the city.

What if I want to sell the bike?

Revolt says that you can sell the bike just as you would a normal vehicle and the next customer simply has to pick up where you left off with the payments. We assume a change of ownership will need to be notified to the company so they can update the owner’s payment credentials in their database. This is actually a good thing because it helps accurately keep track of second-hand vehicle ownership details. The second hand database is very unorganised at the moment as far too many people buy second hand bikes and don’t bother changing the registration details to their name. 

What if I don’t make the payments?

If you have a DTH satellite TV connection in your house, you’ve probably experienced this already. The company will send you a couple of notifications following which, the service will be disconnected. Since the electric bike is always connected via the inbuilt SIM, Revolt will send you a couple of warnings before it disables the motorcycle. Functionality will be restored the moment you make your overdue payments. Of course, there will be numerous attempts made to defeat the system and it will be interesting to see how Revolt manages to stay on top of the Indian love for ‘jugaad’.

Sounds like a good deal?

Yes, it almost sounds too good to be true! Simple math will tell you that over a three-year period, the top-spec RV 400 will come to about Rs 1.43 lakh, which is a fair bit more than an Ather 450 (Rs 1.14 lakh on-road, Bengaluru). But the fact the Revolt is covering almost all the service related costs for three years is tempting, although Ather counters this by providing its customers free access to charging stations for some time. There’s also the fact that Ather’s expansion plans are frustratingly slow while Revolt plans to be in seven cities within the next four months.

Where the Revolt strategy really changes the game is that it opens the door to a whole new segment of people for whom the thought of spending this much money is daunting. If this sounds tempting to you and you want to know more about what the Revolt RV 400 is like click the links below.

Also see:

Revolt RV 400 review, test ride

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Renault Triber vs rivals: Specification comparison

The all-new Renault Triber has just been launched in our market with the base trim priced at Rs 4.95 lakh and the top-spec variant coming in at Rs 6.49 lakh. A compact seven-seater, the Renault Triber is only offered with a single engine-gearbox combination, for now. Available in four trim levels – RxE, RxL, RxT and RxZ – the Triber is somewhat uniquely placed. Its sub-4m, seven-seat status puts it in direct contention with the Datsun Go+, while some may see its ability to seat seven as a more affordable option to the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in petrol guise. However, its price point and positioning in the market is such that the Triber will also rival budget hatchbacks such as the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, along with the petrol-powered versions of the Hyundai Grand i10 and Ford Figo. Let’s see how the Triber stacks up against these rivals, on paper.

Dimensions

The Ertiga is the only model here that does not come with a sub-four-metre length and is understandably the largest model on nearly every metric. However, the Triber is wider than even the Ertiga (by 4mm) and stands about 2mm more off the ground. From among the compact cars, the Triber is the longest, widest and has the longest wheelbase – this bodes well for the amount of interior space on offer with the Renault, especially with the flexible seating configuration on offer upping practicality. The model’s boot space is also the largest (at least in five-seat form) when compared to like-size rivals and it comes with a comparable fuel tank volume. The Ford Figo has the thickest tyres and largest wheels here though it is interesting to note that Maruti Suzuki’s Wagon R is the tallest model but has the lowest kerb weight and the smallest fuel tank. The Hyundai’s wheelbase is the shortest here and its boot space is the least. The Datsun Go+ is neither the largest nor the smallest on any metric but holds the middle ground – its tyres are among the smallest here though.

Renault Triber vs Rivals: Dimensions
	Triber	Go+	Figo	Grand i10	Wagon R	Ertiga
Length	3990mm	3995 mm	3941mm	3765mm	3655 mm	4395mm
Width	1739mm	1636 mm	1704mm	1660mm	1620 mm	1735mm
Height	1643mm	1507 mm	1525mm	1520mm	1675 mm	1690mm
Wheelbase	2636mm	2450 mm	2490mm	2425mm	2435 mm	2740mm
Ground Clearance	182mm	180mm	174mm	165 mm	170mm	180mm
Boot capacity	84-625 litres	48-347 litres	257 litres	256 litres	341 litres	209-803 litres
Tyre size	165/80 R14	165/70 R14	195/55 R15	165/65 R14	165/70 R14	185/65 R15
Kerb Weight	947kg	882kg	1026-1078kg	966kg	820-830kg	1160kg (petrol-MT)
Fuel tank	40 litres	35 litres	42 litres	43 litres	32 litres	45 litres

Engines and gearboxes

The Triber’s 1.0-litre motor is among the least powerful models here – the Wagon R 1.0 is the only model that has lower output figures, though the Dastun Go+’s 1.2-litre does make less power. Taking into consideration its relatively higher kerb weight, the Renault also has the lowest power-to-weight and torque-to-weight figures, which could indicate a relative lack of performance in comparison. The Ford Figo easily out-powers all the competition here – even the Ertiga’s 1.5-litre motor loses out in comparison to the Ford’s 1.5 motor – and it has the highest power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios. On paper, it seem like the Wagon R 1.2 should provide peppy performance (our review corroborates this). The Grand i10 matches the Wagon R 1.2 in terms of output and is nearly as efficient, though its higher kerb weight is telling. However, due to its larger fuel tank, the Hyundai can go further on a tank of gas than any of its rivals barring the much bigger Ertiga.

Renault Triber vs Rivals: Engines and Gearboxs
	Triber	Go +	Figo	Grand i10	Wagon R	Ertiga
Displacement	999cc	1198cc	1194cc/1497cc	1197cc	998cc/1197cc	1462cc
Engine type	3 cyls	3 cyls	3 cyls/3 cyls	4 cyls	3 cyls/4 cyls	4 cyls
Power	72hp	68hp	96hp/123hp	83hp	68hp/83hp	105hp
Torque	96Nm	104Nm	120Nm/150Nm	114Nm	90Nm/113Nm	138Nm
Manual gearbox	5-speed	5-speed	5-speed	5-speed	5-speed	5-speed
Automatic gearbox	-	-	6-speed torque convertor	4-speed torque convertor	5-speed AMT	4-speed torque convertor
Fuel Efficiency	20kpl	19.83kpl	20.4kpl/16.3kpl	19.77kpl	22.5kpl/20.52kpl	19.01kpl/17.99kpl
Emission Standard	BS4	BS4	BS4	BS4	BS4/BS6	BS6
Power-to-weight	76.03hp/tonne	77.10hp/tonne	93.57hp/tonne/114.1hp/tonne	85.92hp/tonne	82.93hp/tonne/100hp/tonne	90.51hp/tonne
Torque-to-weight	101.37Nm/tonne	117.91Nm/tonne	116.96Nm/139.15Nm	118.01Nm/tonne	109.76Nm/tonne/136.14Nm/tonne	118.96Nm/tonne
Range	800km	694km	816km/685km	850km	720km/657km	855km/810km

Prices

Besides the Maruti’s Wagon R 1.2 and Ertiga, all other engines here are BS4-compliant and will be upgraded later, which will make a difference to their respective price tags.

For now, it is apparent that the Datsun Go+ is by far the cheapest 7-seater here, with the Wagon R’s price undercutting the Renault Triber and Hyundai Grand i10 by a significant margin. From the sub-four-models, the Figo is the priciest but offers the most in terms of performance and is decently large besides. The Ertiga is in a league of its own in this comparison, especially in terms of price.

Renault Triber vs Rivals: Prices
	Triber	Go +	Figo	Grand i10	Wagon R	Ertiga
Petrol	Rs 4.95-6.49 lakh	Rs 3.87-5.94 lakh	Rs 5.23-7.70 lakh	Rs 5.02-7.09 lakh	Rs 4.34-5.33 lakh	Rs 7.55-10.06 lakh

Also see:

Renault Triber official accessories revealed

Renault sees rural demand boosting Triber sales

Renault Kwid facelift launch next month

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