Review: 2018 Tata Nexon long term review, final report

As the picture above should tell you, I’ve been rather content with having the Tata Nexon to myself. Despite all kinds of motorcycles and scooters trying their best to tempt me, I chose to spend the wettest part of 2018 commuting in the Tata Nexon – so what if it doubled the time it took me to get to work?

I really do like my SUVs and – an honest confession – I wasn’t an instant fan of the Nexon when I first saw it. To my conservative taste (in cars, at least), the Nexon seemed to be trying too hard to impress. Its extroverted bodywork, coupé-like roofline and that far-from- understated blue was all a bit much for me to handle, but I don’t think you need to consider the aesthetic opinion of someone who has a soft spot for the Mahindra Bolero (ahem!). On stepping inside, I was rather surprised with the layout and use of materials, which have clearly come a long way from the Tatas of yore.

Over the next few weeks, the Nexon began to grow on me. I’d begun setting out for the office earlier just so I could enjoy stretching its legs, and I’d even work longer days just so I could get a more liberating drive back home. On lesser fortunate days, I really didn’t mind being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic thanks to the generous seats, good entertainment package and, most importantly, the fairly light clutch. Cabin space is particularly impressive, even in the second row, and I doubt a family of four is going to need a bigger car for a weekend getaway. Since I didn’t quite take the SUV out of town, (maybe because I was having too much fun getting to work early and leaving late!) for almost the entire duration of the its stint with me, it was driven only in City mode, which kept things peppy enough. Now, I’m not a demanding driver at all, but I do like my overtakes to not last an eternity.

Being a motorcyclist with a strong off-road bent of mind, what I appreciated most was the Nexon’s ability to take on the absolute worst that Mumbai’s monsoon-ravaged roads could have offered. My commute is liberally garnished with cruel potholes – not all of which I can remember, and the Nexon did well to compensate for my unremarkable memory. While the suspension is quite fantastic, what round-off the Nexon’s ability to withstand abuse are the chunky wheels and tyres; they do a phenomenal job apart from looking rather urban chic as well. I also enjoyed the steering feel, which is not over-assisted at city speeds. I did wish, however, the Nexon had a more muscular, SUV-ish steering wheel – this one is common to a few other Tatas, I’m sure of it.

Letting go of it was surprisingly harder than I had initially imagined; and that speaks volumes about not only how good the Nexon is, but also about Tata’s evolution as a manufacturer. For now, it’s back to motorcycles but I think I heard something about an AMT version being available soon...

 

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2PzMMfo
via IFTTT

Royal Enfield V-Twin concept to debut at EICMA

Royal Enfield – arguably the world’s largest mid-capacity motorcycle manufacturer in terms of retail sales – recently shared a teaser image of a motorcycle under covers set to be unveiled at the 2018 EICMA motorcycle show in Italy. The company didn’t divulge any details regarding this mystery motorcycle. However our sister publication, Autocar Professional, has acquired details about the new motorcycle – its first-ever 830cc cruiser.

The Eicher Motors-owned Royal Enfield, which had unveiled its twin-cylinder, 650cc motorcycles – Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 – at EICMA 2017 in Milan, is now geared up for yet another world premiere at EICMA 2018 next week. According to sources, the company will unveil a liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder, 830cc prototype of a cruiser when the motorcycle show opens on November 8, 2018.

“The company will take the covers off an all-new motorcycle powered by the biggest engine any Royal Enfield had in the past couple of decades. It will be a prototype cruiser powered by a liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine with a precise displacement of close to 834cc. The engine is understood to be BS VI-compliant already. The long-wheelbase cruiser is going to be Royal Enfield’s flagship offering for the global as well as home markets in the foreseeable future,” disclosed a source aware of the development who prefers to stay anonymous, at this point.

Meanwhile, Royal Enfield is yet to revert to Autocar Professional, who had written to the company for more details on this development.

The new 834cc powertrain

The all-new liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder (V-twin, DOHC), 834cc engine – which is learnt to have been born out of Eicher Motors’ erstwhile alliance with US-based Polaris Industries – has been developed to produce a peak power output in the range of 81-91hp.

Notably, Polaris Industries is known for manufacturing mid-capacity heavyweight motorcycles in the US. It is globally well-known for its Indian Motorcycle brand and the now-defunct Victory motorcycle brand.

It is already known that in March 2018, the board of Eicher Polaris (a 50:50 joint venture between the two companies) had passed a resolution to close down the operations owing to the failed customer response to the Multix personal utility vehicle purpose-built for small businessmen. Eicher Motors had invested about Rs 290 crore in this JV, which was incorporated in 2012.

“The JV company will design, develop, manufacture and sell a full new range of personal vehicles suitable for India and other emerging markets,” quoted the official communication that was notified by Eicher Motors to the Bombay Stock Exchange in July 2012.

“There was also an agreement between Eicher Motors and Polaris Industries in the past on the front of special cooperation for Royal Enfield motorcycles within their alliance. This special arrangement between the two companies was tightly guarded and was not made public. The powertrain engineers at Polaris and at Royal Enfield had together developed this liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder, engine platform for Royal Enfield during the time their alliance was alive. This project was carried out in the UK between the technical centres of Polaris and Royal Enfield. The 834cc powertrain has spawned out of that arrangement,” revealed another source, aware of the matter.

According to the sources, the yet-to-be-unveiled Royal Enfield prototype cruiser is easily a year (or more) away from its potential production version. While the company is working to launch its 650cc motorcycles in India – soon thereby scheduling its production and backend processes accordingly – the top management at Royal Enfield appears to be carefully evaluating the potential of this new engine platform in the foreseeable future.

Remembering the past

Coming back to the styling of the bike – both teaser images shared by Royal Enfield hint at a Bobber-style motorcycle. In the second teaser, RE mentioned “the spirits of our past slips into our dreams” which hints at a possibility that the styling cues of the upcoming concept bike might be inspired from a bike from an older model from its illustrious past. This bike could be the Royal Enfield KX (the replacement of the Royal Enfield K introduced in 1931) which, upon its launch in 1936, was marketed by the company as ‘the last word in luxury motorcycling.’ The bike was powered by a 1,140cc V-Twin motor and had a claimed top speed of 129kph. On November 6, we shall find out if the Royal Enfield Bobber concept pays a tribute to a renowned classic or adopts a modern approach.

Image source

 

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2PDqFVd
via IFTTT

Sponsored feature: Car insurance policy online - Things to look out for before choosing

For many car owners, buying a car insurance policy is just a formality. They don’t even give it much thought while making a purchase, which is not the appropriate way to select one. Buying a car insurance policy should be given as much importance as purchasing a brand-new car. With car insurance policy, you can cover –

• The car against either loss, or damage due to theft, accident and disasters like an earthquake, fire, floods, etc.
• Family members, with a personal accident policy.
• Damage to a third party’s property.
• Employees, a salaried driver or any unknown passenger.
• Injury or death of another person due to an accident caused by you.

There are several online car insurance policies available in the market. It would be wise to purchase car plan online so as to make the right decision. Buying or renewing a car insurance policy online can be done instantly in just a few simple steps.

So with a little bit of understanding about car insurance, you can optimize your insurance purchase and enjoy greater benefits. Here are a few things you need to look after while making a car-insurance purchase –

• Third-party insurance is mandatory: As per the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, opting for a third-party insurance is now compulsory. So if you are buying a vehicle for the first time, then ensure you get the third-party insurance before driving it on the roads. This insurance would typically be provided by your car dealer and the cost of premium would be factored in the purchase price of your car.

• Know what is covered under third-party insurance: Third-party insurance offers you a protective cover against any damage caused to the third party. A third party in this case could be a vehicle, person or even property. A third party is someone who is neither the insurance company, nor the policyholder. So whether you are driving a car alone or with your family member, friend or hired driver, a third-party insurance will cover claims for damage caused to this third party. This includes claims for severe injury, disability or death. Also, you cannot make any claim for damage caused to your own self or your car under third-party insurance coverage.

• Opt for personal accident cover. Do not overlook personal accident cover, as this ensures that you get adequate protection against any disability or physical loss in the event of a car accident. You can avail this cover for all the passengers in your vehicle, depending on its seating capacity.

• Know the IDV value of your car: Your car insurance policy is linked with the insured declared value of your car. IDV is basically the maximum amount you can claim under a car insurance policy. For example, a new car will have a higher IDV as compared to that of a car of the same model, which is a year old.

• Think twice before making a purchase: Your car dealer may offer you an insurance plan while making a car purchase but that doesn’t mean it would be the best option – or necessarily the cheapest one. Thus, you must think twice before making a car purchase. In fact, it’s advisable to compare quotes and features from several insurance companies before buying an insurance product.

• Go for voluntary deductibles: It’s beneficial to opt for deductibles as it’s the best way to lower your car insurance premium. This option will help you to share the cost of repair in case you make any claim. This results in lower premium for your insurance plan.

• Select correct add-ons: Seek add-ons based on your risk profile. For instance, if you drive long distances or if you drive late night, then choosing quick road-assistance insurance would be an apt choice for you. A Few types of add-on covers are:

o NCB protector
o Depreciation waiver cover
o Windshield glass cover
o Key protection cover
o Loss of baggage cover
o Tyre cover
o Voluntary deductible cover

Remember, applying online requires fewer documents than applying offline. Also, you receive your policy documents on time once you make the payment, so read the documents carefully so as to ensure that your policy covers everything that is in line with your needs.

So, whenever you to plan to buy a car insurance policy online, consider the above mentioned points so as to make your decision easier. Besides, there are several key players like Royal Sundaram that offer a comprehensive package policy with the promise of total protection; which also offers several discounts while buying a insurance for a bike or car online.
 

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2Jx4PNA
via IFTTT

New Mercedes-Benz CLS India launch on November 16

Mercedes-Benz India is set to launch the CLS coupé on November 16. The third-gen CLS features a sharper design and shares a lot with the E-class, from the underpinnings to a few interior bits.

The new CLS is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. It measures 4,940mm in length, 1,880mm in width and 1,420mm in height; and the wheelbase is 61mm longer. Where the old CLS was available with both petrol and diesel options, Mercedes will only offer a diesel engine with the new CLS mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox.

The interiors of the new CLS features a tweaked version of the E-class’ interior. The dashboard consists of Mercedes’ Widescreen Cockpit with twin-12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, and a multi-function steering wheel, lifted off of the S-class.

Powering the previous-gen CLS diesel was a 2.1-litre, four-cylinder motor putting out 204hp and 499Nm of torque. However, the new CLS is likely to come with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged diesel. The Mercedes-Benz CLS will rival the Audi A7 and the BMW 6-series GT in our market.

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2PAS8qF
via IFTTT

Bajaj Pulsar 150 limited edition spied

Spyshots have surfaced of a new version of the Bajaj Pulsar 150 at a dealership in Tamil Nadu. Believed to be a special edition model, the motorcycle gets red-coloured details which set it apart from the standard Pulsar 150.

Instead of the body decals which feature on the standard 150, the special edition gets contrasting red accents. The Pulsar logo on the fuel tank, grab rails, wheel rims, headlamp housing, centre panel and the ‘150’ decal are all finished in red. There are no other visible changes on the motorcycle.

Apart from these cosmetic changes, the special edition is expected to remain mechanically unchanged. The Pulsar 150 is powered by a 149cc, single-cylinder motor developing 14hp at 8,000rpm and 13.4Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. Transmission duties are handled by a five-speed gearbox. The standard Pulsar 150 features front and rear disc brakes while the affordable 150 Classic variant gets a drum unit at the back. Bajaj is also expected to update the Pulsar 150 with ABS soon in order to comply with the ‘mandatory ABS for two-wheelers above 125cc’ rule.

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 special edition is expected to be priced slightly higher than the standard variant. In the tightly contested 150cc segment, the Pulsar 150 takes on the likes of the Honda CB Hornet 160, Hero Xtreme Sports and the TVS Apache RTR 160.

Source

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2RuCb2r
via IFTTT

Castrol subsidiary Nexcel eyes potential in India

Nexcel, a new business venture within Castrol’s lubricants business, is looking at India as a potential location for its oil management technology. By reducing the volume of oil in the engine, Nexcel, which is a plug-and-play ‘oil cell’ system, allows faster warm-up of the engine oil, thereby reducing tailpipe CO2 emissions.

So exactly how much could the reduction in CO2 emissions really be? The company’s tests indicate that Nexcel can reduce tailpipe emissions by 2g/km. One way to visualise it is that for a small well-used family car, the weight of the CO2 Nexcel saved each year is equivalent to one-third of the weight of the car.

The Aston Martin Vulcan was the first production model to be equipped with this technology, while a 2018 Toyota Prius was the first hybrid to be showcased with the sealed oil cell technology. The system occupies the space taken in the engine bay by the battery, which is relocated under the rear passenger seat. This also means that the company needs to be involved with a vehicle manufacturer from the concept stage of a model.

In an interview with Autocar India, David Goosey, Managing Director, Nexcel said, “There is potential for this technology in India since the country has the ability to leapfrog to new technology easier than other nations. Moreover, anything that can improve the environmental performance of automotive transport has got to be a good thing for India. So I am really hopeful that we can establish a partnership with an Indian manufacturer and bring Nexcel to the Indian public.”

He said the company’s goal at the moment is to see the first full-scale production application of this in 2020, “that’s likely to be an off-road application”. Its first passenger car application would likely be in 2024.

 

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2DitsNO
via IFTTT

Made-in-India Hyundai i20 scores three stars in Global NCAP test

Vehicle crash-test body Global NCAP, as part of their 'Safer Cars for Africa' project, conducted tests on the made-in-India Hyundai i20 sold in South African market. The model secured a three-star adult occupant rating and a two-star rating for child occupancy.

According to Global NCAP, the made-in-India Hyundai i20 received a three start rating for adult occupant protection in the front crash test rated at 64kph. The i20 secured 10.15 points out of the total 17 in this test.

The vehicle’s structure and footwell area was rated as unstable. The model comes with seatbelt pretensioners for both front passengers and seatbelt reminder for the driver.

Using the child seats recommended by the manufacturer, the i20 achieved a two-star rating for child occupant protection explained by the limited protection offered to the 3-year-old dummy, along with a lack of Isofix anchorages. The model secured 18.16 points out of a total of 49 in this test.

The report further states that the made-in-India Hyundai i20’s structure is different to that of the European model and the car does not come with electronic stability control, side airbags and side curtain airbags which are standard on the Euro-spec i20.

The Hyundai i20 is available in the South African market with a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.4-litre diesel motor.
 

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2CYmvkc
via IFTTT