india www.autocarindia.com Rs 180 MAY 2020 india VOL.21 NO.9 l May 2020 All-Electric Showdown First Look

249 VOLUME 21 War of the

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9 New A3 rival A-class and 2 Series Volts sales The MG ZS EV takes on analysis The industry reels from a the Electric tough year

Cover Story MG ZS EV vs Hyundai Kona Electric |

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BMW S 1000 XR Absurdly fast and new 911 turbo S still practical to drive PLUS Nissan Magnite Compact SUV » BMW S 1000 XR » Buying Online » Tribute Sir Stirling Moss Lumileds_NS_ACI_April'19.indd 1 18-03-2019 PM 06:31:41 comment Issue No 249 | Volume No 21 | No 9 EDITORIAL Editor Hormazd Sorabjee Deputy editor Shapur Kotwal Managing editor Sergius Barretto Assistant editor - Bikes Rishaad Mody Production editor Aswathi Nair Sub-editors Sanket Chaukiyal, Prakrit Dhondiyal Senior correspondent Saumil Shah Motorsport correspondent Unnatee Gidithuri Manager - Special projects Rahul Kakar Road tester Jay Patil Art editor Ellared D’Souza HOW TO CONTACT US Assistant art editor Pralhad Kusuma Senior designers Mohan Ghag, Rajesh Rathod, Editorial Jagdish Bari, Sukhdeep Singh Image editor Yogesh Padte Raheja Xion, 4th/5th floor Photo editor Gaurav S Thombre Opp Nirmal Park Head - Photography Paul Dewars Dr B Ambedkar Marg Chief photographer Ardeshir Ashley Baxter Byculla East Photographers Kuldeep Chaudhari, Omkar Dhas WHEN WILL IT END? Mumbai 400 027 Image archive coordinator Prashant Kumbhar Tel: 022-23787500 Digital When this end? No one really knows, and Email Editor – Digital Nikhil Bhatia there’s no credible answer to the only thing that all [email protected] Assistant editor – Web Akbar Merchant Senior digital manager Amaan Ahmed of mankind, gripped with uncertainty and anxiety, Advertising Correspondents Rivan RS, Firoze Irani, Soham Thakur, Shirish Gandhi, Jaiveer Mehra, Nishmanya Bahadur wants to know. For the moment, we can only hope Mumbai Raheja Xion, 4th/5th floor Video and Television (and pray) there will be some cure for the COVID-19 Opp Nirmal Park Executive editor – Video Renuka Kirpalani Editor – Video Gavin D’Souza virus that has devastated the world, and that a better Dr B Ambedkar Marg Assistant editor Cyrus Dhabhar life will return. Byculla East Mumbai 400 027 Administration For the auto industry, the crisis couldn’t have come Production manager Prasad Gangurde Tel: 022-23787500 Senior editorial executive John Fernandes (Mumbai) at a worse time. Sales were already in free fall before Manager - Administration GK Singh (Delhi) Haryana Finance head Hital Vyas the pandemic, and now, with a prolonged lockdown Veritas Business Suites, Manager - Finance Amol Mahadik that has shuttered factories and showrooms, Unit 104-105, Sales, Marketing and Distribution automakers have to face the terrifying reality of a period with no sales at all. Golf Course Road, Cluster head Amit Jha, Anitha Ajay Sector-53, Regional heads - Ad Sales Jaidev Wadhwa (North), Another shock was the Supreme Court’s unreasonable order in response to Gurugram, Raghavendra (South) FADA’s plea to extend the last date for the sale of BS4 vehicles. Instead of giving Haryana 122002 Senior managers - Ad Sales Chaitanya Pai (West), Tel: 0124-6445100 Amlan Mukherjee (Mumbai) a simple and logical extension of a week - to compensate for the loss of sales from Senior Manager Vipin Arora (Delhi) Managers - Ad Sales Unnati Joseph, March 24 (the day the lockdown was enforced) to March 31 (the last date for BS4 Chennai Coordinator - Ad Sales Sonal Jain M H V Pinnacle General manager - Circulation Gilbert D’Souza sales) - the top court allowed only 10 percent of the leftover BS4 stock to be sold 1st Floor 8/27 Head - Circulation P Vijaykumar (South) beyond the deadline. Why the court tossed a figure of 10 percent and not 20 or Govindu Street, T Nagar Regional manager – Circulation Vimal Sharma (North) Chennai 600 017 Manager – Circulation Ashok More (Mumbai), 5 is explicable, but for dealers who have to figure out what constitutes this 10 Tel: 044-4212 3230 Saravana D (Bengaluru) Assistant manager – Circulation Anil Raghav, percent, this conditional relaxation has brought more pain than relief. Yogesh Sanap, Tapan Halder (East) And relief is not something the auto industry should expect from the courts or Bengaluru No. 811, ‘A’ Wing, Manager – Subscription Mahesh Malusare the government. Pleas for a reduction in taxes and a more pragmatic approach to subscriptions 8th Floor, Mittal Towers, Subscription rates regulation changes (to keep costs in check) have always fallen on deaf ears. The M.G. Road, 1 year Rs 1260; 3 years Rs 3240 plus Rs 50 for cheques auto industry is on its own, dependant wholly on the consumer who will have to Bengaluru 560 001 not drawn on a Mumbai bank. Cheques to be drawn in Tel: 080-40954311 favour of ‘Haymarket SAC Publishing (i) Pvt Ltd’. be wooed like never before. Nothing short of a sharp and quick market recovery Email: [email protected] will be needed for some companies to survive in the long run, and the hope is Hyderabad International subscription rate: US$110 for one year C/O A M News Agency The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the that there will be some pent up demand when the lockdown lifts. Also, social H. NO. 11-4-138, Central Bank , magazine’s contents are correct. However, he can accept no responsibility for any effects from errors or distancing norms will drive the need for personal mobility over public transport, Back Side, Bazaarghat, omissions. Unsolicited material – including photographs Lakdikapool, and transparencies – is used in Autocar India, but it is and we expect the two-wheeler market to be the first to bounce back. Hyderabad 500 004 submitted entirely at the owner’s risk and the publisher There are lots of new cars and bikes waiting to be launched once the lockdown accepts no responsibility for its loss or damage. All material published in Autocar India is copyright and lifts, and we can’t wait to throw off the shackles and get our hands on them. News-stand price unauthorised reproduction is forbidden. Rs 180 Printed and published­ by Hormazd Sorabjee on behalf of Haymarket SAC Publishing (India) Private Limited, The nationwide lockdown has meant that the Autocar India team has been Raheja Xion, 4th/5th floor, Opp Nirmal Park, working from home and this entire issue has been produced remotely. Even in Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla East, Mumbai 400 027. Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd, Kondapur Unit, these challenging times, we are committed to entertaining and informing you Survey No 185, Kondapur Village, Serilingampally FIND US AT Municipality RR District - 500 133, Telangana with our regular mix of news, features and reviews. Due to the restrictions, we ­Published at Haymarket SAC Publishing (India), Private are unable to print the May 2020 issue but are happy to offer it for free in digital Limited, Raheja Xion, 4th/5th floor, Opp Nirmal Park, form. For our loyal subscribers who still like the hard copy, we are happy to Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla East, Mumbai 400 027 twitter.com/ Editor: Hormazd Sorabjee extend your existing subscription by two months. Thank you for sticking with CIN: U22120MH1998PTC116780 autocarindiamag ‘Autocar India’ is a trademark under application by us through this crisis. Haymarket SAC Publishing (India) Private Limited This magazine contains 108 pages, including both covers. HORMAZD SORABJEE Editor facebook.com/ [email protected] hormazdsorabjee autocarindiamag

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 3 Photography omkar dhas 4 Turn to page 50 to find out. to find 50 Turn to page choose? you should which and which, is which But fun. and zesty, fast is other the while to drive, relaxing and comfortable spacious, is One cheese. and chalk as different as are they EV. While they may look outwardly similar, clothed in white, Kona Hyundai the and ZS EV MG to the hello … say tunnel the of end the at light is – there features a few and space some inclined to go electric – and are willing to forsake a bit of size, are However,you if prices. to high leading expensive, so being batteries with especially glacial, is though, Progress, there. get will we eventually, and, future the are cars Electric AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 Light a Light t the end of the tunne the of end t the l

EYE OPENER

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 5 This Month

cover COVER STORY story Current affairs COMPARISON TEST 50 The MG ZS EV takes on the Hyundai Kona Electric NEWS Magnite: Nissan India’s make-or-break model 8 India’s automakers join fight against COVID-19 10 Citroen C5 Aircross India launch pushed to 2021 12 ’s Brezza could be called Urban Cruiser 14 Next-gen Merc S-class India-bound in 2021 16 COVID-19 prompts push for digital sales INSIGHT 20 FY2020 sales: Who sold how much? ANALYSIS 22 FIRST LOOK New Audi A3 28 Nothing entry level about Audi’s junior sedan TESTED Silent knights: MG and Hyundai EVs put to the test 50 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 30 BMW’s smallest sedan is big on appeal 911 Turbo S 36 As brilliant as you’d expect a 650hp 911 to be FEATURES Getting started post lockdown 61 What to do before you take your vehicle out Where cars go to die 62 The last moments of a car at a scrapyard How a Defender’s put together 64 British legend takes shape in Slovakia OUR CARS Hyundai Aura FIRST REPORT 68 It delivers on the promise of the Turbo badge FIRST REPORT 70 Sharp new A3 revealed 28 Two’s company 30 It’s a great fit in Mumbai Renault Triber 72 Can it haul six people and their luggage? TWO-WHEELERS Bike News 80 BMW R18 coming to India TVS acquires Norton Motorcycles BMW S 1000 XR RIDE 86 More comfy superbike than go-anywhere ADV Farewell 500 FEATURE 92 Bidding adieu to Royal Enfield’s 500cc engine The world is flat EXPERIENCE 96 Flat-track riding with Royal Enfield BMW S 1000 XR rated 86 Farewell SIR Stirling Moss 100 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx OUR BIKES 98 It’s charged past the 40,000km mark MOTORSPORT Get your daily fix at Subscribe today Sir Stirling Moss TRIBUTE 100 Super subscription offer inside! Remembering one of the greatest drivers autocarindia.com Turn to page 76 Red-flagged 102 Coronavirus impact on the motorsport calendar EVERY MONTH Shapur Kotwal The cars that make brands 15 Sergius Barretto Needless needling 17 Avik Chattopadhyay The showroom’s time is up 19 Rishaad Mody Keeping the faith 82 Ask Autocar Anything 73 All your automotive questions answered Buying Used 74 Eyeing a used Tata Hexa? Here’s what to look for

6 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 your letter of the month views Write to Autocar India, Raheja Xion, 4th/5th floor, Opposite Thriving through the lockdown Nirmal Park, Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla (East), Mumbai 400 027 Autocar India’s decision to make the April 2020 issue freely available on Email [email protected] the official website is a very generous decision indeed. Coming at a time

INDIA of coronavirus, when the drive. God knows when that will be! Autocar India probably have. It was in INDIA www.autocarindia.com entire country is under Prashant Uppal, via email 1999, when I was in the ninth grade Rs 180 lockdown, these small in school, that my journey started acts of kindness makes Five-door appeal with you. But as a boy who didn’t have APRIL 2020 APRIL INDIA a world of difference pocket money, it was very difficult

EXCLUSIVE INDIA DRIVE VOL.21 NO .8 l April 2020 to us hardcore auto- to buy a Rs 40 magazine, just to read

248 enthusiasts. Since about cars, enjoy the posters and the

VOLUME 21 VOLUME -Kodiaq set

to fill niche left shops are shut, this best content.

| SKODA KAROQ o o N

8 by the Yeti seems reasonable, but I was delighted when Autocar I am cognizant of the India uploaded its first video on tremendous cost the YouTube and that’s when I got publisher is taking for this acquainted with Renuka and Shapur.

initiative. Possibly your It would be great if you could develop

| | Skoda Karoq Karoq Skoda Story Cover

ISSN 2250-222X ISSN magazine is generously a series of short YouTube videos throwing away millions from your home, talking about the

Drive Drive of rupees of revenue by Harvinder thinks the 3-door Jimny history of automobiles in India – like | | New Land Rover Defender Defender Rover Land New EXCLUSIVE giving away issues worth all the winners and losers. There are FIRST DRIVE would have limitations in India. NEW CRETA Rs 180 for free. But we are so many motivational stories of the Hyundai has thrown

everything at its living in extraordinary Your news story on a five-door Jimny Indian industry, especially from our

Comparison

new blockbuster times. These extraordinary being developed for India makes own Indian companies including vs vs Tata Harrier Harrier Tata actions will surely never be sense. However, as iconic as the and Mahindra. Even FIRST DRIVE VW forgotten by your loyal and Gypsy was, the three-door body style your friends, like John Abraham and

Jeep Compass Jeep TIGUAN ALLSPACE ALSO INSIDE More seats, but no more diesel »Harrier Auto vs Jeep Compass devoted readership. is bound to have limitations in the Sachin Tendulkar, who are huge car NEW LAND ROVER DEFENDER »MG ZS EV 563km on a single charge! Across Namibia in the reborn icon »Maruti Brezza facelift + petrol Kishore Thomas John, Indian market. The five-door will enthusiasts, can share their stories. »A farewell to the 1.3 Multijet diesel Cochin have a broader appeal and will give Nitin Sharma, via email Maruti the much-needed volumes to justify its production Next stop: Svartpilen Physical vs digital make it to newsstands. I know it will in India. A great move to bring the I’ve never missed an issue of Thanks for not denying me my be out of date, but I want to buy it to Jimny, especially since the Gypsy has Autocar India to date. In fact, it monthly fix of the best automotive maintain my unbroken collection of such a positive legacy in India. counts as one of my joys of life, akin content with your online copy. I must magazines since 20 years. Harvinder Brar, via email to riding to my favourite beach-side say I spent the same amount of time, Shabrish Vasudevan, via email shack. The feeling of getting a fresh 3-4 hours, poring over this issue on Looks like the future copy of Autocar from the newsstand my iPad as I would have with the Karoq of ages I was waiting for the full-blown and ripping the plastic cover open is printed copy. The convenience of In true Autocar style, even your review on the all-new just as refreshing. At the time I got my having it on a tablet is great but it locked down issue has an exclusive and the differences it has with the first copy with the Ford Ikon on the has also proved to me that nothing review of the Skoda Karoq, a cover, I had no cars of my own and beats having the hard copy in car I have been waiting for. As a was learning to drive on a Mark IV your hand. Maybe I am of an older Yeti owner, the Karoq is a logical Ambassador. Over the years, I’ve generation (the first Autocar India replacement for me but I was collected several cars and bikes, issue I read was the January 2000 disappointed to know that there including a Yamaha RX 135 5-speed edition with the white WagonR on won’t be a diesel option. Your and an original 2006 Swift VXi, the cover), but the form factor of print review of the 1.5 TSI petrol suggests which I still keep to date along with is irreplaceable. The Buyers Guide, that performance and efficiency a Beat diesel and a Jeep which I like to pore over, is difficult are good, but I think the torque of a Compass Longitude. to read on a tablet and your stunning diesel (which makes an SUV what it Also being a biker, I now have a photography to is best appreciated is) will be missed. Still, the Karoq’s Royal Enfield GT650, a Vespa SXL on your glossy pages. Please do let us gorgeous interiors and sharp styling Dikshant finds the new Creta refreshing. 125 and a Honda Twister as part know if the April issue will eventually is tempting me to take it for a test of my garage. Looking forward to Seltos. Going by your review, Hyundai adding a Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 as seems to have focused a bit more on soon as the lockdown ends! comfort and features to make it a Philipose Kurian, via email more rounded product. There’s a lot of venom on social media about the Philipose aims to get Creta’s looks, mainly from kids who the Svartpilen 250. are never going to buy the car! As a first-gen Creta owner, I feel the new Creta’s looks are refreshingly different and would be my main reason to upgrade to the new one! Dikshant Arora, via email Reminisce from home I write this mail to bring back your Prashant is tempted to take the Karoq for a test drive post-quarantine. memories, which many readers of

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 7 NEWS News to share? Call: 022-23787500 Email: [email protected] image

Nissan India’s future hinges on Magnite compact SUV Armed with a stunning design, first-in-class features and an ultra-competitive starting price, Nissan’s Vitara Brezza rival could script a turnaround for the company.

issan has been out of the abyss. In fact, the Magnite. The Nissan badge the very capable SUV’s poor that Nissan is relying on to struggling to gain a EM2 is seen as a ‘make-or- on its nose is an opportunity show in the market. With the make the Magnite a winner. strong foothold in the break’ point for the company, for the company to price Magnite, Nissan doesn’t want Its baby SUV is packed with N Indian market for a as it is throwing everything it the Magnite compact SUV a to take any chances and has big-car features, including a while now, and its troubles possibly can into this all-new notch higher, as customers gone against the grain by massive touchscreen and all have only worsened with model to ensure it succeeds. would be willing to pay more committing to an incredibly the connected tech from the the coronavirus outbreak. Though the market for a Nissan than a Datsun. aggressive launch price Kicks. Higher variants of the In March, monthly sales fell name is yet to be formally However, the good news is which sources say will be Magnite will get a 360-degree to a new low of 826 units – a announced, company officials that it will still be priced like “around Rs 5.25 lakh for camera, two-tone paint terrifying 72 percent drop have confirmed that the a Datsun; in fact, that will be the base variant.” options and a premium set of from the same period last ground-up compact SUV, the Magnite’s main weapon. alloys. Company executives year; the industry saw a built on the Renault-Nissan Known for its sharp focus A new who have viewed the car and corresponding drop of 52 Alliance CMF-A+ platform, on the bottom line, Nissan disruption the teaser images suggest percent overall. will be called ‘Magnite’ and has always been reluctant This ridiculously disruptive that the Nissan Magnite’s However, when the carry the Nissan badge. The to get into a price war, and, pricing for a compact SUV design will be its most world comes out of this initial plan was to launch the as a result, its products around the same size as the distinguishing feature. Official extraordinary crisis, Nissan EM2 as a Datsun, until Nissan haven’t offered the same Vitara Brezza is just what sources have also indicated is banking heavily on its pulled the plug on its budget value proposition as their Nissan needs to buy market that the compact SUV will upcoming compact SUV brand late last year. However, rivals. The Kicks is a case share and boost confidence have a crossover stance and (codename: EM2) to mount a the axing of the Datsun brand in point – its uncompetitive in a brand that has steadily won’t look as boxy and upright

D esign P otdar BY ILLUSTRATION COMPUTER-GENERATED strong comeback and pull it could actually benefit the pricing was a large reason for eroded. But it’s not price alone as the Vitara Brezza, but a

8 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 few have voiced concerns for a Diwali launch this year; current global COO Ashwani about it appearing optically but again, that could change Gupta, a Nissan veteran of smaller than some rivals. depending on how this Indian origin, was earlier However, Nissan’s designers pandemic pans out. in charge of the product have worked hard to give the Historically, Renault has development for Datsun and Magnite a distinct identity always had the first-mover knows the market very well. and make it stand out in the advantage within the alliance He is believed to be tracking compact SUV segment. It and this has always been a the Indian operations on a gets lots of design details, like pain point for Nissan. Except daily basis. sharp creases and character for the Pulse and Scala – Guillaume Cartier, who was lines across the bodywork, badge-engineered spin-offs of recently appointed Chairman striking headlight and tail-light the Nissan Micra and Sunny, for the Africa, Middle East and clusters, chunky wheel arches, respectively – Renault has India region is again from the front and rear scuff plates, and always taken the lead when Nissan ranks. Last September, a two-tone finish. it comes to products built on Rakesh Srivastava, another The Nissan Magnite will be common platforms. Both the industry veteran was roped offered in multiple variants Terrano and Kicks trailed the in as Managing Director at launch. The base model Duster and Captur (all built on Top trims to get 360-degree camera and premium alloys. to take charge of Nissan’s will come with the recently Renault’s M0 platform), while commercial operations in upgraded version of the the Redigo remained in the profits, senior management market, which accounts India. The company is banking familiar Renault BR10 engine shadow of the revolutionary shake-ups, declining demand for 0.4 percent of Nissan’s on Srivastava’s experience of that also powers the Renault Kwid with which it shared in key markets like China, and global sales, isn’t a priority. over two decades in Maruti Triber. This three-cylinder, the CMF-A platform. Renault the huge vacuum left behind There are bigger worries for Suzuki and Hyundai Motor naturally aspirated motor was also the first to use by Carlos Ghosn, all of which the beleaguered Japanese India to pull it out of the mess develops 72hp and 96Nm the CMF-A+ platform that have thrown the partnership carmaker, like the Chinese it is in, which many attribute of torque, and is paired to a underpins the Triber. However, with Renault in disarray – and and US markets. Nissan India to a legacy of poor leadership. 5-speed manual gearbox. An in the compact SUV race, all this before the coronavirus has to fend for itself, and that For Nissan India, it is AMT option with the BR10 is Nissan has fought hard to be ripped the bottom out of the is why strong leadership is absolutely critical the also a possibility. the first one out of the blocks. car market. absolutely vital. Magnite succeeds to gain the Higher variants of the In addition to coming first A recent Reuters report The good thing (for India) confidence of the company’s Magnite will get Nissan’s to market, the Magnite is says that the Nissan is looking is that for the first time, true- global management. state-of-the-art HR10 engine. likely to undercut the Kiger’s at cutting 1 million cars from blue Nissan executives are in “The problem is that India This potent and compact price by a substantial margin. its sales target, which will charge of things. “We need operations are no longer 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo- Also, since the HR10 is have big consequences on its our own people, proper Nissan credible in the Nissan world petrol will develop around technically owned by Nissan, global operations, many of guys, and not someone from because every time the 95hp, and will be available Renault may have to pay an which will have to be either Renault joining because you Indian team has promised with two options internal transfer fee to use downsized or shut down. don’t get the same level of something, it has never – a 5-speed manual and a the engine, and this is likely Under the current commitment from them,” delivered,” said a Nissan CVT. Even the top-end CVT to make the higher variants circumstances, the Indian said a source in Nissan. The insider. Future investment in variant is expected to be of the Kiger that much new models and technology very aggressively priced with more expensive. “We are also hinge on the Magnite’s sources indicating it could be successfully present in many success. If it does well and “under Rs 6 lakh.” segments of the market, our  emerges as a glimmer of hope Ironically, it was Renault brand is much stronger, so Nissan is targeting an incredibly in the company’s troubled that first showcased the is our dealer network and world, then India will be back Nissan-developed HR10 our life is not dependent on aggressive launch price, with on Nissan’s radar. engine at this year’s Auto one model. So we don’t need On the face of it, Nissan Expo. Nissan’s alliance to give a desperately low sources saying the Magnite range India has left no stone partner will also use this price for our compact SUV,” unturned and is set to potent engine for future quipped a Renault source. is set to start at Rs 5.25 lakh. launch the Magnite with all variants of the Triber, as well That said, Renault won’t price guns blazing. However, the as the Kiger compact SUV the Kiger out of contention, COVID-19 cloud, which still (code: HBC). However, the and has enough aces up its  hangs heavily across the Magnite will be the first model sleeve to put up a strong fight. world, could be a spanner to get the HR10. The Kiger’s design is believed in the works. A big worry to be brilliant, with clever for the entire auto industry First-mover interior packaging (which is is that weaker dealerships advantage Renault’s forte) that will make won’t economically survive Nissan’s current plan is to it very spacious and practical. a prolonged pandemic. They launch the Magnite this could end up bankrupt and August, in the run-up to Leadership be forced to shut shop. A the festive season, but the is vital depleted dealer network uncertainty surrounding However good the Magnite and crushed consumer the coronavirus crisis could may be, for it to succeed, demand in the aftermath result in a delay. If there is no Nissan’s India operations of the coronavirus crisis will change in plans, Nissan will needs a strong leadership see volumes plunge to new get a jump over partner (and and focus. Globally, the depths. It’s not the best time rival) Renault. The Renault company is facing multiple to be launching a new car, but Kiger compact SUV, which headwinds like tumbling if there is a surprise in store shares the same platform, for us in 2020, it could just as engines and mechanicals with 1.0L, 95hp turbo-petrol to well be the Nissan Magnite. the Magnite, is scheduled power higher trims. HORMAZD SORABJEE

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 9 India Auto Inc unites in fight against COVID-19 pandemic From providing financial aid to manufacturing medical equipment, India’s auto makers have stepped forward to aid Coronavirus-related relief efforts.

Maruti Suzuki has manufactured and Skoda and Volkswagen India are assembling face supplied over 2 lakh face masks. shields, intubation boxes and filtered masks.

t wouldn’t be an it. At a time like this, it is financial aid to providing announced initiatives for the personal protective exaggeration to say that heartening to see that technical and manufacturing fight against coronavirus. equipment to battle the the novel Coronavirus the Indian auto industry support for medical supplies A number of automakers deadly virus. BMW, Hyundai, Ioutbreak has completely has decided to step in and and critical care equipment, have begun manufacturing Mahindra, Ford, Maruti upended life as we know contribute. From extending numerous automakers have medical equipment and Suzuki and the Skoda- ’s Telluride SUV crowned World Car of the Year 2020 Every year, the Telluride beat ’s 3 and 2020 award. announcement of the CX-30 models to the WCOTY title. Another manufacturer winners of the World Car that bagged a double is Awards is a momentous Porsche. Its all-electric occasion, graced by Taycan secured the World representatives of Performance Car of the nominated carmakers and Year 2020 award, and also members of the jury. This went on to pick up the World year, however, with the world Luxury Car of the Year title. grappling with the COVID-19 The Mazda 3 bagged the pandemic, the winners – World Car Design of the Year originally scheduled to be 2020 award. announced at the now- Winners of the World Car cancelled New York auto Awards 2020 were picked show – were declared online. by the 86-member strong Securing the big prize WCOTY global jury, and part this year is the Kia Telluride, of the jury are Autocar India which has been chosen as editor Hormazd Sorabjee, the World Car of the Year and Renuka Kirpalani, 2020. The Telluride is Kia’s made it to the final shortlist vying for the title. Making it is the Soul EV winning the executive editor, the full-size, three-row SUV, and from a list of 29 vehicles a sweeter occasion for Kia World Urban Car of the Year Autocar Show.

10 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 11 news Volkswagen Group have 2 crore to the state’s Chief all started manufacturing Minister’s Relief Fund. and supplying medical German carmaker equipment like ventilators Mercedes-Benz India is LAUNCHES THIS MONTH or other personal protective setting up a temporary equipment like face hospital in Pune, with a masks and shields to 1,500-bed isolation ward for Hyundai Verna Facelift Jeep Compass BS6 medical personnel across COVID-19 patients. The updated Verna In addition to launching the the country. MG India will be providing gets refreshed BS6 versions of the BMW India has pledged 100 Hector SUVs free of exterior styling, 1.4-litre petrol and a donation of Rs 3 crore cost, to personnel involved revamped 2.0-litre diesel and will also help create an in delivering essential interiors, and engines, isolation ward for patients services across the country an equipment Jeep has at the Government General “till the end of May 2020.” upgrade with also Hospital in Chengalpattu, The automaker has also a larger re-jigged near its Chennai plant. pledged to donate Rs 2 crore infotainment the line- The Honda India to government hospitals system, up of the Foundation too, the CSR and health institutions in digital Compass, arm of all Honda group Gurugram, Haryana, and instrument by companies in the country, Halol in Gujarat. cluster and dropping few has earmarked Rs 11 The Skoda-Volkswagen Hyundai’s BlueLink trims crore to support relief Group will be donating connectivity tech. There are including the entry-level efforts during the ongoing Rs 1 crore to the Sassoon 5 new engine-gearbox facelift Sports variant. The styling COVID-19 pandemic. General Hospital in Pune combinations available, The rugged Mahindra and equipment list remain Hyundai has brought in towards establishing a which include a 115hp, Bolero has been given a new unchanged when compared advanced testing kits for dedicated COVID-19 facility 1.5-litre petrol unit with a lease of life with this update to the BS4 counterparts. COVID-19, worth Rs 4 crore with 1,100 beds. 6-speed manual and CVT which brings with it a BS6- Price Rs 16.49-24.99 and said to be capable of Multiple automobile gearbox, a 120hp, 1.0-litre compliant version of the lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi) testing 25,000 people, manufacturers in India turbo petrol unit with a 75hp, 1.5-litre, three- Rivals Tata Harrier, from South Korea and have are also doing their bit 7-speed DCT and a 115hp, cylinder, mHawk75 diesel Volkswagen T-Roc handed them over to the to ensure a hassle-free 1.5-litre with engine. The Bolero has also Indian Council of Medical aftersales experience a 6-speed manual and been made compliant with BMW 3 Series 330i Sport Research (ICMR). The for its customers. torque converter gearbox. the upcoming pedestrian BMW 3 Series 330i Sport carmaker also announced Manufacturers like Price Rs 9.31-15.10 lakh safety norms and there are The base Sport variant that it has donated a sum of Hyundai, Tata Motors, (ex-showroom, India) cosmetic tweaks and which was earlier only Rs 7 crore to the PM CARES , Ford, Rivals Maruti , updates under the skin available with the 2.0-litre Fund, in addition to pledging Volkswagen, Isuzu, Audi Honda City, Skoda Rapid too. There is also no longer diesel, is now a petrol-only another Rs 5 crore to the and Nissan have all and Volkswagen Vento an all-wheel drive variant option. Equipment and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s announced extensions on offer. feature list remains the Relief Fund. of the free services, Maruti Price Rs 7.98-8.99 lakh same as the erstwhile 320d Meanwhile, Kia Motors, warranties and extended facelift (ex-showroom, Delhi) Sport. The 258hp, 2.0-litre which has a manufacturing warranties that were due Rivals Mahindra TUV300 turbo- mated unit in Anantapur, Andhra to expire during this to an 8-speed automatic Pradesh, has donated Rs lockdown period. Tata Nexon XZ+ (S) gearbox are shared with other 330is. Price Rs 41.70 lakh (ex-showroom, India) Rivals Mercedes-Benz Obituary – Rudratej Singh Maruti Suzuki’s compact C-class, Audi A4 and Rudratej Singh, President and Chief sedan has just got a Jaguar XE refresh. Leading the list Executive Officer of BMW Group India, of changes is the new BMW X7 xDrive30d DPE passed away on April 20, aged 46. Singh 90hp, 1.2-litre, four- BMW’s flagship luxury SUV had taken charge at BMW Group India cylinder K12C DualJet Tata has launched a new now has a new entry petrol engine (the sole variant to the Nexon’s rage version – the xDrive30d on August 1, 2019. powertrain on offer now) – the XZ+(S). In addition to DPE, which uses the same Before joining BMW, Rudratej ‘Rudy’ which can be had with the features from the XZ+, 265hp, 3.0-litre, six- Singh was the Global President at manual or AMT gearboxes. this new trim gets an cylinder, turbocharged Royal Enfield. He had over 25 years The updated Dzire can be electric sunroof, tyre diesel engine as the identified by its new grille pressure monitor, auto previous entry model (DPE of experience and held multiple and front bumper. The headlamps and wipers, Signature). The new variant leadership positions in interiors also feature a cruise control and a few gets a host of safety automotive and non- new SmartPlay Studio more features. The Nexon features and equipment like infotainment system, XZ+(S) is available with the air suspension, 4-zone automotive industries. new dual-tone upholstery, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and automatic climate control, Autocar India and more. 1.5-litre diesel engines. digital instrument cluster, a extends its heartfelt Price Rs 5.89-8.81 lakh Price Rs 10.10-12.20 lakh 12.3-inch touchscreen condolences to (ex-showroom, Delhi) (ex-showroom, India) infotainment and more. Rivals Hyundai Aura, Honda Rivals Maruti Vitara Brezza Price Rs 92.50 lakh Rudratej’s family, Amaze, Ford Aspire and facelift, Ford EcoSport and (ex-showroom, India) friends and colleagues. Tata Tigor Mahindra XUV300. Rivals Range Rover

10 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 11 Citroën pushes C5 Aircross India launch to early 2021

Lockdown hits sales in March armakers in India have affected by the drop in sales in R (9,151 units), followed by its been dealing with weak March, falling by 17. 8 per cent stablemate, the Swift (8,575 buyer sentiment and to 27,73,571 vehicles sold units). Fifth on the sales Groupe PSA has implications as the 2.0 Calso trying to seamlessly (FY2019: 33,77,389 units). charts – and the highest- announced that the India engine will be fully-imported transition into the BS6 era, With the lockdown being selling UV – is the Kia Seltos, launch of its Citroën C5 and will push the locally- but the nationwide lockdown extended to May 3, sales in trailed by Hyundai’s all-new Aircross will be delayed assembled SUVs price caused by the spread of the April are likely to fall to Creta, and the Venue compact due to the ongoing novel up. Even so, the fact that deadly novel coronavirus hit new lows. SUV. Sales of Maruti Suzuki’s coronavirus pandemic. The the C5 would be the only passenger vehicle sales hard. Only two models registered popular Vitara Brezza (5,513 SUV was originally planned diesel-powered European In March, sales fell by over 50 five-digit sales figures in units) and Dzire (5,476 units) as a late-2020 launch but SUV in the region of percent with just 1,40,910 March – the Maruti Baleno fell dramatically. The SUV- will now come sometime Rs 30 lakh could play into units sold (March 2019: (11,406 units) and Alto styled S-Presso rounded off in January-March 2021. Citroën’s hands. 2,91,861 units). Cumulative (10,829 units). Third on the the Top 10. Autocar India can also The C5 Aircross will figures for FY2020 were also list is the Maruti Suzuki Wagon AMAAN AHMED confirm the C5 Aircross be followed by made- for India will be offered in a for-India volume models single fully-loaded trim and under Citroën’s ‘C-Cubed’ Top 10 Models — March 2020 will be powered by a 180hp, program, that the French 2.0-litre diesel engine rather carmaker clarified remains Units Sold than the 131hp, 1.5-litre on track. The first model – a diesel that was also under compact SUV – comes in consideration. The choice 2021 and will be followed by Maruti Baleno 11,406 of engine will have cost a and a sedan.

Maruti Alto 10,829 way back when 9,151 Maruti WagonR 20 YearS Ago May 2000 Maruti Swift 8,575 Call it coincidence, but exactly 20 years ago, India’s Kia Seltos 7,466 first EV – the Reva Electric – was our cover car. The issue Hyundai Creta 6,706 was also packed with an in-depth road test of the 95hp, 1.6-litre Hyundai Venue 6,127 MPFI, Astra, and a comparison between the Suzuki Maruti Vitara Brezza 5,513 7,50,000 Fiero, Yamaha YBX Maruti Suzuki has and Honda CBZ. We already sold over 7.5 also took a close look Maruti Dzire 5,476 lakh BS6-compliant at the Ferrari 360 vehicles since April 2019. Spyder and reviewed 5,159 STAT of the month the futuristic Audi A2 and the Aprilia SL1000 Maruti S-Presso Falcosportbike. We also interviewed Jackie Shroff who spoke about his passion for cars and his very special 0 5000 10000 15000 Pontiac Firebird.

12 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 13 news While Ford’s new 2.0-litre ‘Panther’ diesel engine has made its India debut in single-turbo, 170hp form on the BS6 Endeavour, we will not Confidential get the significantly more the automotive grapevine powerful bi-turbo version any time soon. The 210hp bi-turbo variant will be launched only with the all- new Endeavour (code: U704) which isn’t expected before mid-2021.

Audi India to revamp line-up New Q3 and facelifts for A4 and Q7 expected to be launched this year; updated Q5 likely in 2021. According to sources, Chery Automobiles is likely has had a upcoming products will facelifts, Audi is also set to to take a 30 percent stake in Tata Motors’ passenger busy six months, given the either be brought to India bring in the next-gen Q3. vehicle unit by way of launches of the new A6 for the first time, or will The first-gen model was technology and an infusion sedan, Q8 SUV and A8 L be the next generation or quite popular in our market, of funds. Chery is believed . As things stand, facelift at the least. We and the latest-gen Q3 to be in advanced talks with this trio of new models shall be doing this in a should arrive just in time to Tata about investment in will be the only Audis on phased manner.” take on the new Mercedes- the company’s PV business, sale in India for the next Aside from the A3 and Benz GLA, which will be which is in the process of few months. Q3 that are due for a full- launched towards the end being restructured as a Speaking to Autocar generation change, Audi will of this year. The wait for the standalone subsidiary. India, Balbir Singh Dhillon, launch updated versions Q5’s return, however, could Head of Audi India said, of the A4, Q5 and Q7. Of be a long one, as the facelift Mercedes-Benz India’s plan to launch the EQC “With BS6 regulations, we the lot, the models likely hasn’t even been revealed in April had to be scrapped because of the nationwide have decided to revamp to return soonest are the globally, and the ongoing lockdown. Being Audi’s entire product range refreshed Audi A4 and COVID-19 pandemic could the first of all luxury in India. Therefore, all our the Q7. Along with these further delay its comeback. carmakers in India to introduce an all-electric model, Mercedes wants to MG Hector Plus arriving in June conduct a high- profile launch for Owing to the ongoing of captain seats in the The Hector Plus will sport the EQC, and so, COVID-19 pandemic, MG second row, there are talks some visual tweaks but is has decided to push Motor India has confirmed of a 7-seat version with a expected to feature the it to the second half that its three-row Hector regular middle-row bench same engine-gearbox of 2020. Plus SUV will now be also joining the line-up. options as the 5-seat Hector. launched in June, a bit later While the launch of the new 911 Turbo S is than planned. scheduled for later this year, Porsche dealers have already Speaking on the begun accepting orders for it. As always, customer interest model’s launch in a is maximum for the higher-end 911s, and dealer sources #LivewithAutocar session tell us that it is no different this time too, with quite a lot on Instagram, Rajeev Chaba, of interest shown for the new (992 generation) range- President and MD, MG topping Turbo S. Motor India said, “We could have surprised everyone by launching it in April, but now April is ruled out. We are on track to launch it in June. It has been delayed, but we said June earlier, so we are keeping some margin with us.” While the Hector Plus 6-seat variant to get is likely to debut in India captain seats for second row. as a 6-seater, with a pair

12 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 13 Toyota’s Brezza could be called Second Maruti-sourced model to go on sale Urban Cruiser in August at an expected price of Rs 7-10 lakh. oyota will launch its Design changes up front and is widely acknowledged second Maruti Suzuki- will give Urban Cruiser a as an important fuel-saving based product in India clear Toyota identity. measure. As a result the Tin the coming months. image manual version will almost Part of its technical and certainly get an improved fuel product-sharing joint venture economy rating from testing with Maruti, the new model authority ARAI. Interestingly will be based on the Brezza the Brezza’s traditionally and is likely to be called the more thirsty automatic Urban Cruiser. The name with the mild-hybrid tech is has been selected to help rated at 18.76kpl, while the emphasise the company’s non-hybrid manual, normally SUV and Land Cruiser the more efficient engine, heritage, and was also in use is currently only rated at on a crossover sold in markets 17.03kpl. Of course, as on like Europe and the US. the Glanza, there will be no Toyota’s first compact external badging indicating SUV in India won’t however the engine. Toyota refers to just be a exercise the system as the Integrated like the Balneo-Glanza effort. Starter Generator, but as on Whereas the Glanza, the the Glanza, a badge on the first Maruti-based Toyota, outside is unlikely. is identical in every respect Toyota’s Urban Cruiser (except for the badging) expensive to change, are likely interior. The current will be produced by Maruti on Toyota’s Urban Cruiser will be to be only mildly altered, if Brezza’s cabin is a the same line as the Brezza changed in certain areas. It at all. Toyota will also make mass of grey plastic; and is expected to go on will, for example, get a more some small changes to the so to brighten up the sale sometime in August, if Toyota identity up front, rear of the Urban Cruiser, to insides and make it look the current schedule stays with certain key elements help differentiate it from the a bit more upmarket, Urban Cruiser name meant to unaltered. Overall prices changed. Alterations will Brezza. However, there will Toyota will use lighter provide a link to the illustrious will be similar, ranging be made to ‘soft parts’ like be no sheet-metal changes colours and a few fresh Land Cruiser family. from around Rs 7-10 lakh, the plastic bumpers and, to and even the alloy wheels are graphics. Toyota’s version but Toyota will give its a lesser extent, the grille. likely to be carried over on of the Brezza could also SHVS on the manual version. customers an advantage Parts like the headlights and most versions. be the first to come with Hybrid tech is integral to by loading its top trims with tail-lights, which are more Toyota will also tweak the the hybrid tech known as Toyota’s global philosophy more features. Heavily updated Datsun Redigo to be launched soon Datsun will launch certain design elements of design featuring sharper, Datsun logo, with a chrome Redigo will also comply with a refreshed version of the hatchback via teaser slimmer headlamps and a surround. The large L-shaped Indian crash test norms as well the Redigo soon, with images. The images show large octagonal front grille, DRLs are all-new and the as the upcoming pedestrian the company revealing a heavily revised frontal prominently flaunting the updated Redigo might also protection standards. feature alloy wheels. Other In terms of the engines, Fully redesigned face to sport new bits include the outside expect BS6 versions of larger grille and LED DRLs. mirrors, which seem to be the 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre more robust than the ones petrol units with a 5-speed before, as well as a plaque manual. The latter will also with the Datsun badge on the be available with an AMT front fenders. Expect minor gearbox. Redigo facelift changes to the rear design of prices, along with ARAI- the car too - one of the images certified fuel efficiency shows a rear spoiler. figures, will be revealed soon. The interior is also likely It was earlier reported that to get some revisions, and Nissan is planning to gradually going by the trend in its phase out the Datsun brand in segment, a touchscreen India by 2022 or 2023, so the as well as a passenger-side Redigo might just be the last airbag could also make it to heavily updated offering from the equipment list. The new the brand.

14 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 15 news Shapur Kotwal Diary of a petrolhead Hello influencers

Volkswagen Tiguan 5-seater to return Volkswagen has just is not a high-revving unit, launched the Tiguan it’s in possession of plenty Allspace in India. An SUV of pulling power and that that replaces the regular is likely to suit the Tiguan Fun-to -drive cars are also great brand-builders. 5-seat Tiguan, this 7-seater well. The Tiguan that will be is imported and comes with assembled in India will also don’t normally need an already teased, this is the Anyone remember the a 2.0 TSI engine under the look a bit different and will alarm clock on Sunday car that could give Hyundai brilliant gen-one Swift hood. The regular 5-seat come with a mild facelift. morning. I’m normally a big leg up when it comes with the super steering Tiguan, however, will make a New bits include a nose that Iawakened by the howl to India. Hyundai is and ability to dart into just return to India towards the looks similar to the new Golf of supercars, the blare of considering a lower spec about any corner? Well, end of the year. But unlike 8, with closer integration Yoshimuras and the crackle 1.4 turbo model with today’s Swift isn’t a patch the Allspace that come to between the headlights and pop of Akrapovics. around 140hp, but the on it. It still shines when India as a CBU under the and grille. And what’s Then come the loud Bullets 200hp is the right way to go. you drive it hard and the 2,500 car import quota, the nice is that the LED light and KTMs, and by the time Up next, VW’s pioneering potential for more is clearly 5-seater will be assembled surrounds look more three- I’ve taken my first sip of Golf GTI. Why VW has tried there, so how about a 1.5 in India. There will be some dimensional too. The new coffee, the hogs go by, and almost every single import K-series unit under the other changes made over Tiguan will also have a shake the foundation. Ah, it can lay its hands on and hood? It makes 105hp; the earlier Tiguan though. more prominent ‘X’ in the the joys of running with not brought us its world another 20hp, and with While the SUV sold here bumper and VW may also the pack. But where are champion brand-builder, I’ll a stiffer Baleno RS-like from the middle of 2017 was sell the SUV in India with a the affordable enthusiast never know. It won’t come suspension and Swift Sport powered by a 140hp diesel, 48V hybrid system and a cars? While bikers have body kit, this could morph the new one is mostly likely coasting function that plenty of semi-affordable  into a fun car. Yes the small to get a 1.5 TSI motor, the could increase efficiency fun metal to choose from, car tax sops would be gone same as used under the and make up in some way the same can’t be said These cars can with the 1.5 petrol and that bonnet of the Skoda Karoq. for the loss of the diesel about cars. We literally have would mean it would be a While the 150hp engine in the range. nothing. Skoda’s Octavia delight and bit expensive, but it could RS is sold out, BMW has just transform the car and no straight six under the influence brand the Swift brand too. poll hood of a 3 Series. Even Ford is the company that the Abarth Punto is gone. perception. arguably makes the best Should cars do away with Where are the fun cars affordable driver’s cars. The that have the power to Fiesta S was special and physical buttons and only have  delight enthusiasts; the real today’s Figo and Freestyle touchscreen controls? ‘influencers’, the ones that this year – VW’s 2,500 car are still best in class in No, a touchscreen is not intuitive Yes, it is more modern take regular brands and import quota is exhausted – this regard. But with the and takes attention away from the and gives more flexibility turn them into heroes. So but come 2021, this 245hp Mahindra JV on, Ford road – 28% in functions – 9% here’s a sort of wish list. hatch is precisely the needs a brand-builder, one So who’s first? Come model the company needs a bit lower down from the on up Hyundai, someone to make car nuts go ‘wow Mustang. So how about the who has never given us Volkswagen’. It isn’t just Focus ST, a Golf GTI rival, anything sporty in the past. the engine, it’s the whole one with 280hp and Today, however, Hyundai package, the sharp go-kart sportscar-like trick handling has its new sporty N (or like handling, the light but from its e-LSD equipped Namyang) brand, a WRC quick steering, the quality front-wheel-drive chassis. manufacturer’s title under interior, the look of the car . . Want to drive the Ford- its belt and a burning need . . even love those tartan seats. equals-fun-to-drive equation A touchscreen with physical to spread the N word. With And now, with the Octavia into people’s heads? Then buttons for shortcuts and climate the new i20 around the RS selling well at Rs 36 lakh, this is the import the blue control is preferable – 63% corner and the 200hp N what’s the hold up? oval needs. Majority of our readers would like to have a touchscreen with separate buttons as it is more intuitive to use. get in touch Forums at autocarindia.com shapurk

14 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 15 the areas of electrification, Good month safety, driver assistance, E-class facelift, next-gen infotainment and improved comfort. 5 out of 5 As for the E-class, the Hyundai’s flagship S-class India-bound in 2021 mid-life update revealed Palisade SUV secures in March brought quite a five stars in USA’s significant change to the NHTSA crash tests. Big mid-life update for Merc’s bestseller. looks, saw the use of a new electronic architecture E-class facelift gets to integrate the new- many visual updates. gen MBUX infotainment system, as well as updated powertrains with a greater focus on electrification. However, as Iyer explained, the reason it can’t come to our market immediately is because of its unique Drive-through test configuration for India. India’s first drive- “With the E-class, we through COVID-19 generally run delayed test facility set up in by close to a year when New Delhi. compared to the global lifecycle because we’re the only right-hand-drive market in the world to offer a long- E-class, uxury SUVs may be Santosh Iyer, VP (Sales all-new S-class (W223), and these components are finding more and more and Marketing), Mercedes- which will make its global a mixture,” he said. “We takers, but some sedans Benz India, confirmed this debut in September. also need the global supply Lremain as important in a chat with Autocar India, Expect the new flagship chain to get these cars up as ever. The S-class, with hinting also that they might sedan to debut a host and running. The facelift is its pathbreaking tech and have come sooner, if not for of new advanced tech in planned for 2021.” lavish back seat, continues the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. to be Mercedes-Benz’s true “Yes, the launch of the new New S-class (W223) reveal flagship, and the E-class, S-class will be in 2021, but in September 2020. bad month sold in long-wheelbase guise mostly we will see it in India in India, continues to be the only in the second half of brand’s highest-selling model next year. It will take time, No Pebble Beach here. And now we know that more so bearing in mind the The 2020 Pebble Beach the yet-to-be-revealed, next- current situation we’re in,” Concours d’Elegance generation S-class, and the he said. The current-gen cancelled because of comprehensively facelifted S-class has been on sale COVID-19. E-class will be launched in in India since 2014 and is

India in 2021. due to be replaced by the only. representation for used sketch S-Class W222 Base-spec Yaris to be launched for fleet operators Toyota recently pulled we get more segment- the plug on its Etios sedan, associated features added leaving the Yaris to be the or deleted? Maybe make it firm’s only mass-market more attractive for the taxi sedan in the country. In a customer because while ProfitS losT bid to ramp up sales, the the Etios is not there, we 28 vehicle company will introduce a have the Yaris to offer for manufacturers reported new fleet variant of the that customer. Very soon, an 11 percent drop in mid-size sedan in the we should be looking at the profits in 2019. coming months. possibility of a specced- Naveen Soni, senior down Yaris.” vice president (sales and It is also safe to assume customer service), Toyota that Toyota would offer Kirloskar Motor, elaborated this base-spec trim with on the company’s strategies a manual gearbox only to broaden horizons for to keep pricing aggressive. the Yaris. He said, “There And while there’s no are different segments diesel engine in the Yaris, that open up as the market a CNG version for fleet opens up. So, from that operators could also be The Yaris is now Toyota’s point of view, how do on offer. only mass-market sedan.

16 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 17 news Sergius Barretto under the hood Needless Needling Pre-facelift Compass used for representative purposes only purposes representative for used Compass Pre-facelift Compass facelift to lead Jeep’s India range expansion Trying to read the speed is like It has been a quiet few four-metre SUV. We will also finding a needle in a haystack. years for Fiat Chrysler launch two iconic products, Automobiles (FCA) in India. and all this, in addition to f you’ve lamented the the VW Group’s new HVAC touch surface, right? Having pulled the plug on bringing a new Compass”, loss of BMW’s iconic controls, a great example of Then there’s gesture Fiat by discontinuing the he said. twin-dial instrument a bad application of good controls for the stereo, like Grande Punto and Linea, The Compass facelift Icluster, you aren’t alone. technology. Okay, on a sat- on BMWs and the Toyota FCA India is now focusing – due in early 2021 – is Yes change is good and all nav map, zooming around Yaris too. Why would you on strengthening the expected to get a number that, but change for the is great with a touch screen, take your hands off the Jeep brand. The Compass of design changes, along sake of change is pretty and having reading lamps wheel and wave it in the air – which was launched in with a heavily updated much pointless. For me, that are themselves touch to control something you 2017 – received a couple of dashboard featuring a BMW’s new instrument surfaces (to turn on and could just as easily do with important updates recently, larger touchscreen for panel design is exactly that. off) is also just fine. But steering-mounted buttons and Jeep has now confirmed the new ‘UConnect 5’ Gone are the lovely twin do you really want this for or even your voice. that the facelifted model infotainment system. dials and in their place your HVAC controls? The I’m not one of the will lead the company’s Of the two “iconic” are elliptical bar charts traditionalist and all range expansion in India. products Datta described, of sorts with tiny needles  against technology, no, not Partha Datta, president one could be the next- rising to indicate speed and at all. I love the touchscreen, and managing director at generation Grand Cherokee. revs. Oddly enough, these With cars built but it has its place. There FCA India, confirmed the Said to be based on the same needles turn into even is a place for everything company is in the process platform as Alfa Romeo’s smaller and harder-to-see by committee and mindless application of of adding more models to SUVs, it is set to be bigger bars in Sport mode, and tech should be avoided. its lean portfolio. and more luxurious than despite this being a full rather than Honda has of course “We will be adding a the outgoing model and will digital screen, you can’t opt readily admitted to its new, three-row SUV to get a range of powertrain for a circular dial display. individuals, mistake and has stated our line-up, and are also options, including petrol, Yeah, I know, perhaps that it will be returning to actively studying a sub- diesel and hybrid. I’m missing something; pointless stuff buttons for HVAC controls after all, large automobile for the sake of safety and manufacturers can’t get does slip in. confidence. I hope others stuff wrong. But they do. take note soon. In the race to distinguish  Unfortunately Hyundai their products and go one is likely to introduce the up on the competition, trouble is then you have to digital instrument panel manufacturers are take your eyes of the road minus dials and needles constantly trying out and hands off the wheel on the upcoming Elantra, new things, gizmos and and then try and hit the Verna and i20. Perhaps it’s fads, and unfortunately exact surface area. With trying to get us used to a in today’s times with cars buttons you can simply feel tacho-less future, what with built by committee rather around for the right one the advent of EVs – and than individuals, pointless and you are never in doubt maybe this has some merit. stuff does slip in. about wrongly engaging But then again, come on! Don’t believe me? Take anything, as you still have At least let us enjoy it a look at the Honda City or to de-press it. Not so with a while it lasts.

New-gen UConnect 5 touchscreen for Compass facelift. get in touch Forums at autocarindia.com SergiusBarretto

16 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 17 New Octavia launch likely delayed to early 2021 Introduction of next-gen Skoda sedan to be pushed due to COVID-19 crisis. koda India got off to promising start in 2020, revealing the Vision IN Smidsize SUV concept and showcasing the Karoq, as well as a raft of updates to its existing range at 2020. However, like everyone else, the Czech carmaker, too, has been hit hard by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and has confirmed that it has been forced to delay its new model launches, including that of the all-new Octavia, which was originally slated for October 2020. Entry-level Octavia could On the #LiveWithAutocar get 1.5-litre TSI engine. chat on Instagram, Zac Hollis, Brand Director, Skoda 2013 – was not upgraded to be the and the company could look will power the Volkswagen Auto India, said, “Yes, the meet BS6 emission norms, the Honda Civic, now that at offering more engine Group’s upcoming midsize COVID-19 pandemic has as the new-gen model was the Altis has options going forward. Just SUVs too). Abroad, the new had an impact on our plans, due only a few months later. also been discontinued. like the outgoing generation Octavia gets a 1.5 TSI engine and the launch of the new Now, however, it’s certain Responding to a viewer’s – which was launched with mated to a 6-speed manual, Octavia will be delayed; it that a key product will be query during the live chat, a 1.4-litre TSI engine on the and India will likely get the could now happen early missing from Skoda’s India Hollis added that while the base model – the entry-level same combo. The 2.0 TSI, in 2021.” line-up for the rest of the new Octavia will only get the variant of the new Octavia, meanwhile, is paired with a The current-gen Octavia – year. This means the only 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo- is also expected to come 7-speed DSG automatic. which has been on sale since models in this segment will petrol engine at launch, with a 1.5-litre TSI (which Amaan Ahmed Petrosexual

Neville Vazifdar, Director, Royal China

at the Las Vegas Motor What would you do with your Speedway. last litre of fuel? I would drift until it runs out. Favourite / Dream money- no-object car? Your ideal 5-car garage The Bugatti Chiron. would be? Rolls-Royce Phantom Who is your all-time greatest Bugatti Chiron motorsport hero? Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG Ken Block, for his drift 6x6 by Brabus gymkhanas. He is my Ferrari LaFerrari inspiration. Porsche 918 Spyder

Favourite road? What was your first car? The California State Route 1 My first car was a BMW highway that runs along the E46 325i Coupe by Hamann coast of the Pacific Ocean. in 2000.

What are you driving Supra MK4 as it’s a JDM What’s next on your wish list? What’s on your and why? classic, a restomodded A Ferrari 488. Every automotive A whipple supercharged 1962 Chevrolet Impala petrolhead needs to have bucket list? Ford Mustang, a Porsche because it’s a lowrider, a a Ferrari once. To drive around the 911 (991) because it’s a Flying Spur for the famous Nürburgring classic sportscar, a BMW M2 speed, luxury and power it The most fun you’ve had circuit in Germany in because it’s a pocket rocket offers and a Mercedes-Benz in a car? a Porsche 911 GT2 RS and a drift machine, a Toyota G 55 AMG. Racing in a Corvette ZR1 and a McLaren Senna. Neville’s supercharged Mustang puts out 850hp!

18 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 19 news Avik Chattopadhyay STraight torque requiem for the showroom

How Tata packaged the Altroz EV’s battery Showroom experiences may soon descend into an all-out song-and-dance routine. With the relative success ride height marginally to of the Nexon EV, and the accommodate some more push to have more electric of the battery,” Bose says. ince William Metzger is this a ‘comfort zone’ – a The B2B buyers need no cars in the range, in coming “The floor you see now is build the first modern ritual kept alive for the showrooms. months (coronavirus delays what you will get in the final showroom way system’s convenience rather permitting), Tata will launch car.” Come launch time, Sback in 1898, it has than the customers’ benefit? What about it’s second mass-market though, the model may even conceptually remained the Nietzsche said, “The the experience? EV. Targeted at regular car get larger wheels and tyres same. Brick, mortar, glass, snake which cannot cast its Digital aids used by a buyers and based on the to help give it even more of wood, chrome, lights and skin has to die.” salesperson and the vehicle. Altroz hatchback, this will a lift. When you go from the signs. The embellishments Use AR/VR, holographic be the first EV off it’s new back seat of an Altorz to an have kept evolving but the What about the projections, magic mirrors ALFA platform. Unlike Altroz EV, you notice that the edifice has remained the current showrooms? and drones creatively. the Nexon SUV, which has floor has been raised. You sit same, while the rest of the Gradually wind them Automakers can also plenty of ground clearance, a bit lower in the back seat of ecosystem has changed create large brand zones packaging of the Altroz EV the EV because the ‘h’ (or hip over a dozen times already.  in key cities, offering truly battery under the floor was point) is lower. Buying an automobile is immersive experiences. a challenge. There’s no compromise a multi-faceted experience. Stop wasting A design model was put in the car’s look or in the Making a purchase What about the together by the engineering apparent ride height; and decision in a static store is money on current manpower? team, but head of design Tata has avoided making it possibly the worst option Re-train and deploy them as Pratap Bose wasn’t happy look like a hatch on stilts. It’s for anyone. The crisis has showrooms. a fully mobile force, armed with the increase in the even built in some battery brought us face to face with the right tools and ride height. “The first time I protection. The question is, with the harsh reality that Now! a test vehicle. Operating saw it, the stance was more how much will it impact ride a physical showroom may from their homes allows a crossover than hatchback, and will it achieve a happy not be enough to sell an  better work-life balance and it was almost an SUV.” This ride-handling balance? automobile. ensures greater productivity. meant there would have to While the launch has been The prospect needs an up. Reallocate part of The backend functions will be some repackaging. So delayed, when it does arrive, experience outside the the money into digital be at the service centre. Tata took up the floor a bit the Altroz EV is expected showroom. The brand interfaces, training, test and took some of the battery sport a price tag between needs to tell its story, drive vehicles and service What of mass-market into what would have been Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12 lakh. around and about the infrastructure. Save the rest, vehicles? the cabin. It then raised the SHAPUR KOTWAL vehicle, woven into the to the benefit of a lower What is mass market to prospect’s life, outside vehicle price. one is premium to another. of the showroom. The Every vehicle can be sold procedural formalities can Where will the sans the physical constraint well be done at a place prospect see of a showroom. It is of the prospect’s choice, the vehicle? presented best at a place, outside the showroom. The For the individual buyer, time and context of the salespeople are scanning for at their place of choice. Or prospect’s liking.The semi- prospects, mostly outside at places with prospect urban/rural Indian is as the showroom. So, why footfalls like malls, savvy as the city one. are the automakers still condominiums, panchayat The showroom may be obsessed with building buildings, educational beyond its shelf life. This these edifices that cost institutions, corporate disruption is the best time a fortune to put up and complexes and many to cast this skin aside, maintain, and then pass more. There are enough for nobody likes a dying it all to the customer? Or to accommodate everyone. automobile brand! Floor raised to accommodate battery and some battery protection too. get in touch Forums at autocarindia.com @Byapok

18 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 19 Will India buy cars online? From online bookings and loan facilitation to contactless doorstep delivery, Amaan Ahmed analyses how carmakers are leveraging digital platforms to ensure sales continue in a world rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

t’s only mid-April, but it feels like betting big on digital platforms to the platform, WS Oh, executive contactless purchase experience, an eternity has passed in 2020. In a keep their businesses ticking. director (corporate planning), where all purchase-related matter of weeks, routine activities A number of major carmakers Hyundai Motor India, said, “There formalities can be completed by such as a dash to the supermarket have refocused their energies and has been a noticeable shift in the coordinating with a sales executive Ior heading out for a Friday dinner resources into designing dedicated recent past, where digital models using email, WhatsApp and video have started to seem impossible. platforms for prospective customers of retail and sales are garnering calls. It also gives the buyer the The nationwide lockdown forced by to be able to purchase a car from the traction amongst buyers. Customers option to have their car delivered to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) safety of their home. And these are are now factoring in convenience their home once the lockdown lifts. pandemic has so far crippled normal not limited to mere online bookings to their purchase journey, even for life as we’ve known it. – companies are now promising a automobiles. With Click to Buy, we MORE BUYERS LOG ON At a time when most people seamless, end-to-end experience will cater to the needs of new-age Toyota, too, is anticipating a rise are having to think twice about that is set to change the car-buying digital customers. It also gives you in digital sales and enquiries as it venturing out to buy essential process as we know it. an option of choosing a personalised enters the BS6 era with a trimmed- items, the thought of buying a car Hyundai India unveiled its assistant during the purchase cycle down line-up. is almost certainly pushed into a ‘Click to Buy’ platform at the of the vehicle, and the customer “Currently, our digital corner for now. However, even start of this year, and the portal can get in touch with the allocated contribution varies product to once the lockdown lifts, it’s hard to – which links over 500 Hyundai representative at any stage during product, in B segment it stands imagine potential buyers flocking dealerships across the country and the purchase. Customers can decide at 6 percent to 10 percent of total to car showrooms like they used lets prospective buyers configure a their preferred delivery options and sales, but after COVID-19, we expect to, mindful of the social distancing model of their choice, view finance even get their vehicle delivered at a drastic change in the customer that will still need to be practiced options, place an order and confirm their doorstep.” buying process with more digital for quite some time to come. With method of delivery – has become Tata Motors has also introduced transactions. Digital interfaces a vast majority now conducting all the more relevant in the present a similar – and similarly named – will become the primary source of meetings and practically living scenario. Initially run as a pilot online sales platform called ‘Click to reaching out to buyers. Customers on their personal computer or project in the Delhi-NCR region, Drive’. In addition to letting buyers can take a virtual tour of the vehicle, smartphone, car manufacturers Hyundai’s Click to Buy website is view all the information about a sitting anywhere, and get a better have grasped the reality of these now available all across India. model and configuring it, Click to understanding to make an informed fast-evolving times and are now Talking to Autocar India about Drive also facilitates a completely purchase decision. We’re already

20 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 21 The future of car sales Insight seeing an increase in digital content consumption,” says Naveen Soni, India’s Gaurav Gupta is of the senior vice president, sales and opinion more buyers will log on for service, . their next purchase. Even MG Motor India – which “Digital is where India is at launched its first model, the Hector, present. It is the most active medium less than a year ago – has designed of engagement and accounts for its website to become a facilitator the maximum time spent by the for online sales and foresees more country’s consumer base across buyers opting to take the digital channels – both in general and route, going forward. during the current lockdown. Digital “At MG, we’ve witnessed great sales, therefore, is an opportunity success with our online bookings. for us to create a direct-to-consumer For the MG Hector, 16 percent of the (D2C) model, wherein the brand total bookings were purely online. Mercedes’ online ‘Shop’ even displays region-wise model availability and exact spec. becomes the face of immersive In the case of MG ZS EV, over 40 engagement that facilitates a virtual percent of the bookings were online. concierge. The platform won’t leave unique, seamless, digital consumer buying experience. We believe The customer has the option to everything up to the customer; experience created for India and will this journey will evolve further configure their MG using the ‘Car there will be consultation available be taken to the world. You will have post COVID-19, as there will be a Configurator’ by shortlisting the for commercial offers, negotiation the options to book test drives and paradigm shift in the consumer model and variants, and choosing and test drive and delivery as well. even purchase a car online. That’s buying behaviour. People will the preferred delivery location based Everything on our sales platform is our new business model.” consider their safety first and will on their city and PIN code. They can transparent – from availability to Being a new entrant in the thereby look to involve themselves also e-book an MG online by paying the spec of the car,” says Santosh market, Citroën is aiming to take in experiences accessible at remote a booking amount of Rs 50,000,” Iyer, VP (sales and marketing) at a different approach to designing locations, their homes, or their says Gaurav Gupta, chief commercial Mercedes-Benz India. dealerships. It says it has an workplaces,” says Gupta. officer at MG Motor India. Citroën – which was supposed advantage as to incorporate a That said, there are those to make its India entry later this greater amount of digitalisation into who believe that while digital LUXURY GOES DIGITAL year but has now delayed it to its buying process, and doesn’t have interactions, enquiries and bookings Even luxury carmakers – who place early 2021 because of the COVID- to invest in reworking an existing will spike, showrooms will still a lot of importance on the buying 19 pandemic – is also focusing on network like most other carmakers. play a key role in customers’ experience – are actively looking going digital, with a majority of “Since we are setting up a overall buying experience. to add new customers to their steps in the car-buying process set “Some customers still prefer family by taking the process online. to be present online. The French touch and the feel of the car, BMW India has rolled out its very carmaker has readied the AnyTime, and the experience of visiting own ‘contactless’ digital purchase AnyWhere, AnyDevice, AnyContent  a showroom before making a programme, and Mercedes-Benz (ATAWADAC) platform, which Carmakers are purchase. So it remains our India – which formerly only retailed will let buyers research products, endeavour to make the online pre-owned models and merchandise select variants, configure options promising a buying process as real- life-like as via its online ‘Shop’ – has now made and accessories, and transact for possible, for this set of customers,” its entire range of new cars available service contracts, finance and seamless and says Mercedes India MD and CEO for purchase on the site as well. insurance online. Martin Schwenk. “Most customers do their research Roland Bouchara, senior VP comprehensive His opinion is echoed by Toyota’s online today. They’ve mostly made (sales and marketing), Citroën India, Naveen Soni, who says, “Car buying up their mind by the time they come says, “Inspired by new-age Indians is an emotional and rationale to the showroom. Our online sales leading digital lives, Citroën has digital purchase decision. While all the services are platform will let customers buy a car developed a whole new car-buying available online, buyers will still online – including documentation and owning experience, powered process. want to experience the vehicle and – and one of the key differentiators by human-centered technology. get more understanding of the car’s for us will be an online sales ATAWADAC is a first-time,  quality by its look, touch and feel. Hence, the online and physical new network, we are proposing experience must go hand in hand. a different business model to our While the primary research can dealers, wherein we will have be done online, the dependency relatively smaller showrooms but on showrooms will never end. In digitized. We can do it because we India, buyers are still evolving, start fresh and have no refurbishing and they are more comfortable in costs for a large existing network,” buying a car offline as it is a lifetime Bouchara adds. investment. However, the buying pattern post the lockdown is likely ARE SHOWROOMS to experience some change and STILL RELEVANT? needs to be evaluated.” While some may decide to put off One thing is clear – bearing in a car purchase due to the financial mind the immeasurable impact of uncertainty India faces today, the COVID-19 pandemic, carmakers, there’s another line of thought too, are having to rethink their that suggests some may prefer strategy. They are ready to go digital the safety of a private vehicle over and make their products easily using public transport, in the hope available in these not-so-easy times. of protecting themselves from the What remains to be seen is if the coronavirus. There will be demand Indian buyer puts head over heart, Tata’s ‘Click to Drive’ site lets buyers complete the full purchase process digitally. from such buyers, and MG Motor logs in and drives off. AI

20 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 21 STEEP DESCENT The prolonged economic slowdown, increased prices due to BS6, and the COVID-19 pandemic hit India’s PV industry hard. UVs, however, deliver an admirable performance.

assenger vehicle (PV) some respite, albeit aided by (UVs) and – fell 17.87 into the UV market share of from 36 percent to 29 sales had lost their discounts and schemes. percent to 27,73,571 units in other automakers at a time percent, while that of petrols sizzle as fiscal year Still, few could ever have the year ended March 2020. when the rest of the industry increased to 71 percent from 2020 opened and imagined a force majeure The hardest blow was felt in continued to feel down in the 64 percent. Among UVs, the Pmost automakers situation at the tail end of the March as volumes plunged 51 mouth. MG ended the year share of diesels dropped to had kept a lid on their fiscal, where the coronavirus percent due to the lockdown. with 21,954 units in sales, 65 percent (FY2019: 83 expectations. It was felt that pandemic sent the country UVs were the sole sub- with a UV market share of percent), while petrols went the customer surge in buying into a lockdown, forcing segment among PVs to buck 2.32 percent, and Kia sold up by 35 percent (FY2019: BS4 models ahead of the BS6 carmakers to halt production the drop in sales. Volumes, 84,903 units, capturing a 17 percent). mandate in April 2020 would and clobbering sales further. however, remained flat over whopping 8.97 percent UV compensate for year-long According to SIAM data, last year (9,46,006 units, up market share in its debut year. MARUTI SUZUKI tepid sales. However, PV sales sales of PVs – cars, 0.48 percent), while those of More on this later. PV market leader Maruti crashed as a result of the utility vehicles passenger cars (16,95,441 Cumulative sales across Suzuki saw its volumes fast-deteriorating consumer units, down 23.57 percent) all vehicle types (PVs, CVs, drop 18.24 percent year- sentiment, sluggish and vans (1,32,124 units, 2W and 3W) declined 17.97 on-year to 14,14,346 units economic growth and the down 39.23 percent) came percent to 21,546,390 units, during FY2020. However, it uncertainty brought under severe pressure. a stark contrast from driving continued to account for one about by the shift Resultantly, the share of UVs past the 25-million-vehicle out of every two cars sold with to BS6. Such among overall PVs increased mark for the first time in a market share of 51 percent, was the slump from 28 percent in fiscal 2019 FY2019. nearly unchanged from the that industry 18% to 34 percent in fiscal 2020. Meanwhile, sales of electric previous fiscal. The carmaker body Society of The heightened appetite four-wheelers declined launched the XL6 (22,117 Indian Automobile for SUVs worked strongly in 200 units to 3,400 units, units), a premium derivative Manufacturers’ (SIAM) the favour of new entrants according to the Society of of the Ertiga MPV, in August own conservative estimates such as MG and Kia, with Manufacturers of Electric 2019, followed by its latest of low single-digit growth their respective debut Vehicles (SMEV). budget model, the S-presso seemed rather ambitious. models, the Hector and Further, the share of diesels ‘mini-SUV’ (56,962 units) in The festive season did bring Seltos, allowing them to eat among PV sales dropped September 2019. ◊

22 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2019 Sales analysis

BUDGET Top 10 Car Companies Maruti 1,90,814 (–26.44%) 1. Maruti Suzuki Maruti S-presso 56,962 (na) 14,14,346 2019-20 Renault Kwid 46,766 (-27.96%) 17,29,826 2018-19 Datsun Redigo 9,400 (-48.56%) 2. Hyundai 50,000 1,00,000 1,50,000 2,00,000 2,50,000 4,85,309 2019-20 Total domestic sales (in units)

Source: SIAM. Source: 5,45,243 2018-19 MID AND ENTRY-LEVEL HATCHBACKS 3. Mahindra 1,86,942 2019-20 1,87,916 Maruti (–16.08%) 2,54,351 2018-19 Maruti Suzuki WagonR 1,56,724 (+274.28%) Hyundai Grand i10 99,592 (-20.98%) 4. Tata Motors Maruti 62,625 (-39.63%) 1,38,238 2019-20 51,614 (+7.76%) 2,31,512 2018-19 Tata Tiago 49,364 (-46.56%) Maruti 20,773 (-42.53%) 5. Toyota Ford Figo 8,348 (+244.39%) 1,14,081 2019-20 Liva 5,580 (-62.96%) 1,50,525 2018-19 Datsun GO 1,964 (-65.26%) 6. Honda Mahindra KUV100 1,803 (-84.59%) 1,02,016 2019-20 Nissan Micra 746 (-75.20%) A sharp fall in Tiago’s sales helped 183,787 2018-19 Mahindra E2O 35 (-90.00%) the Santro drive past the Tata. 50,000 1,00,000 1,50,000 2,00,000 7. Renault Total domestic sales (in units) 89,534 2019-20 Source: SIAM. Source: 79,654 2018-19 PREMIUM HATCHBACKS 8. Kia Motors 1,80,413 Maruti (-15.03%) 84,903 2019-20 Hyundai Elite i20 1,08,091 (-22.92%) — 2018-19 Toyota Glanza 24,380 (NA) 9. Ford Volkswagen Polo 15,085 (-16.87%) 66,415 2019-20 (NA) Tata Altroz 8,458 92,937 2018-19 Ford Freestyle 7,138 (-68.80%) Honda Jazz 5,850 (-61.24%) 10. Volkswagen 25,736 2019-20 50,000 1,00,000 1,50,000 2,00,000 34,859 2018-19 Total domestic sales (in units) Source: SIAM. Source:

may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 23 ∆ Maruti’s entry-level models such as the Alto, Alto K10 (and later, the S-presso) COMPACT SEDANS were the worst impacted, with overall sales falling 33 Maruti Suzuki Dzire 1,79,159 (-29.43%) percent to 2,47,776 units. Its 57,471 (-32.42%) compact segment cars such as the Ignis, Celerio, Swift, Hyundai Xcent 14,140 (-62.77%) Baleno, Dzire and the WagonR together sold 7,87,610 units, Hyundai Aura 13,512 (na) down 9.7 percent YoY. On the UV front, the Tata Tigor 10,049 (-61.06%) Vitara Brezza sold 1,10,641 units, down 30 percent over Ford Aspire 6,568 (-57.46%) FY2019. Maruti concluded Volkswagen Ameo 4,729 (-47.85%) its transition to BS6 shunning diesels, with the diesel-only Tata Zest 3,684 (-66.98%) The Aura and Amaze could be the biggest gainers Brezza receiving Suzuki’s with the Dzire now being petrol only. 1.5-litre petrol in early February. Combined with 50,000 1,00,000 1,50,000 2,00,000 the S-Cross, Ertiga and XL6, Maruti’s overall UV portfolio Total domestic sales (in units) saw an 11 percent drop in SIAM. Source: sales to 2,35,298 units, but the decline was cushioned by a positive response to the Ertiga MIDSIZE SEDANS (90,543 units, up 39 percent). 25,258 Although Maruti insiders Maruti Suzuki Ciaz haven’t completely written (-45.29%) off diesels, as things stand, it drives into the new fiscal Honda City 20,912 (-49.08%) with a petrol-only portfolio, Hyundai Verna 20,894 (-47.19%) even for traditionally diesel- centric segments such as Toyota Etios 12,090 (-43.01%) SUVs. It is positive that the rising preference for petrols Skoda Rapid 8,956 (-12.85%) among new vehicle buyers will work in its favour and – as Volkswagen Vento 4,657 (-20.80%) far as the Brezza diesel goes – even result in a ‘one-to-one 3,602 (-69.55%) replacement’ of its volumes. Nissan Sunny 639 (-39.26%) Hyundai India’s second-largest carmaker by volume recorded 5,000 10,.000 15,0000 20,000 25,000 an 11 percent decline in sales to 4,85,309 units. The Total domestic sales (in units) Source: SIAM. Source: extent of the fall was the lowest amongst all carmakers affected by the slowdown on the back of strong demand for EXECUTIVE AND PREMIUM SEDANS the Venue (93,624 units). In 3,024 fact, the compact SUV helped Honda Civic the Korean carmaker expand (+31.99%) its UV market share to 18.69 percent, up 5.32 percent and Skoda Octavia 2,374 (-12.91%) tantalisingly close to Mahindra (18.96 percent). Meanwhile, Skoda Superb 1,524 (+7.25%) PV market share rose to an all- time high of 17.50 percent. Toyota Corolla 806 (-71.04%) However, Hyundai’s usual front runners like the i20 (1,08,091 units, down 709 (+74.20%) 23 percent), the Grand i10 – including the new Hyundai Elantra 692 (-41.06%) Nios – (99,592 units, down 21 percent), and the Creta Volkswagen Passat 60 (-91.49%) (82,074 units, down 34 percent) couldn’t escape the slump. 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 Launched in the second- Total domestic sales (in units) half of FY2020, the Santro SIAM. Source:

24 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 Sales analysis sold 51,614 units (up 8 of sales, the XUV300 went percent). Although Verna’s home to 37,576 buyers at sales declined 47 percent an average of around 3,100 Chart-toppers to 20,894 units, the recent units per month. launch of the facelift should The underlying slowdown see its prospects improving in the market kept volumes Œ Maruti Alto 1,90,814 ‘ Maruti Eeco 1,17,003 in FY2021. subdued for most part of The Alto remained The fact that the Eeco Hyundai goes into the new the year and the situation India’s highest- ended the fiscal as fiscal 2021 ready to take on worsened in early 2020 as selling model but the sixth-largest the Dzire (the Xcent is now Mahindra couldn’t ramp up its despite Maruti’s selling vehicle in taxi-only) with its brand-new BS6 production as planned best efforts to India and only other Aura. Interestingly, in a stark due to coronavirus-led keep the model fresh Maruti among the chart- contrast to Maruti, Hyundai supplier issues. with a safety upgrade, reworked exterior, toppers to see a growth in volumes is pushing ahead with diesels, The automaker has just factory-fitted CNG kit, and a new top (+27 percent) solidifies its standing among and even has the smallest launched the BS6 Bolero, and variant, volumes dropped 26 percent in a customers as family transport as well as a BS6 diesel in India. It stands has the BS6 Scorpio in the tough market. dependable business vehicle. to gain if Indian buyers, pipeline, both of which could especially of SUVs, are willing prop up numbers once sales to fork out a premium for BS6 resume. The launch of the new  Maruti Swift 1,87,916 ’ Maruti Vitara Brezza 1,10,641 diesels for the promise of Thar and XUV500, and the The Swift gained a spot In a stark contrast lower running costs. rollout of its new mStallion over last year to from a bumper petrol engine family in become India’s FY2019, the Mahindra FY2021 could help generate second-largest Brezza saw Fiscal 2020 was challenging buzz and momentum around selling model the largest for homegrown carmaker the brand. in FY2020. percentage volume Mahindra & Mahindra as However, drop (30 percent) among it posted a 26.50 percent Tata Motors volumes were down 16 percent. Maruti’s the top 10 bestsellers. However, the decline in sales to 1,86,942 Tata Motors recorded the decision to move away from diesels means compact SUV leader goes into FY2021 in units. Volumes of its highest second-highest percentage the Swift will be petrol-only this year a thoroughly revamped form, even as the seller, the Bolero, dropped drop in volumes among the onwards. Venue turns on the heat in the segment. 30 percent to 50,265 units, top 10 automakers, as it while the Scorpio fell 18.83 closed FY2020 with sales percent to 38,826 units. totalling 1,38,238 units, down Ž Maruti Baleno 1,80,413 “ 1,08,091 Mahindra’s UV market share 40.29 percent. Its usual top India’s bestselling Hyundai’s highest-selling shrunk 6 percent, to 18.96 volume grossers such as the premium model recorded a 23 percent, leaving it staring Tiago and Nexon declined hatchback percent drop in at the possibility of being 46.55 percent and 21.35 saw FY2020 sales. The i20 has overtaken by Hyundai (18.69 percent to 49,364 units and sales fall 15 faced increasing percent). In its first full year 43,260 units, respectively. ◊ percent amid competition from the slowdown. But the Baleno and now it drove past the 7,00,000-unit cumulative from the new Altroz. LUXURY vehicle SALES DIVE sales milestone in the domestic market in But the soon-to-be- launched new i20 will February, and remains ahead of key rival give Hyundai some firepower to fight back. For luxury carmakers in India, there was no escaping Hyundai i20 by a huge margin. the slump that had consumed most of the PV market. Rising interest rates, liquidity crunch and high import costs weighed ” Hyundai Grand i10 99,592 heavy on sales. In calendar year 2019, total luxury segment  Maruti Dzire 1,79,159 The popular Hyundai dropped from sixth to volumes dropped to an estimated 35,000 units from 2018’s The Dzire dropped ninth spot as sales estimated sales of 40,688 units. two positions dipped 21 percent, Mercedes-Benz India sold 13,786 units, down 11.27 over last year despite the Nios’ percent, but retained the crown of India’s top luxury carmaker. with sales launch. Thanks to Second-placed BMW (including Mini) sold 9,641 units, down contracting Hyundai’s diesel 13.18 percent over calendar year 2018, and Audi India’s sales 29 percent. push, the Grand fell to 4,594 units, down 28.91 percent during 2019 — its third Maruti i10 will continue consecutive decline. recently introduced a facelifted version with a diesel, and, in fact, have the smallest Porsche bucked the trend, selling an estimated 355 cars, which replaces the 1.2-litre K12B with the BS6 diesel unit in the country. up from the estimated 348 units sold in 2018. JLR and Volvo Baleno’s 1.2 K12C DualJet petrol putting did not reveal their sales numbers for the full year. out 90hp (+7hp). • Hyundai Venue 93,624 The Venue was off to a  Maruti WagonR 1,56,724 strong start from the Maruti’s popular get go, averaging tall boy was 8,500 units per well received month since launch. in its first Hyundai’s compact full year of SUV was a regular sales post its fixture among the monthly January 2019 top-selling UVs. Such has been its popularity launch. The that it even displaced the long-standing third-gen model being spacious, efficient Maruti Creta and became Hyundai’s highest- and reasonably priced attracted buyers. selling SUV.

may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 25 ∆ The Harrier, one of the most anticipated vehicles in its segment, sold 12,856 COMPACT SUVs units during its first full year Maruti Suzuki (17,219 units cumulatively), Vitara Brezza 1,10,641 (-29.92%) logging in a sub-par performance. One of the Hyundai Venue 93,624 (NA) reasons was the lack of an automatic gearbox option Tata Nexon 43,260 (-21.36%) and a sunroof, both of which are becoming must-haves Ford EcoSport 37,844 (-18.20%) for a lot of Indian car buyers. Tata has made amends with Mahindra XUV300 37,576 (+294.21%) the 2020 Harrier which packs in an auto gearbox option Honda WR-V 11,926 (-63.87%) and a largest-in-segment panoramic sunroof. Mahindra TUV300 10,481 (-32.59%) Toyota Mahindra Bolero Plus 8,779 (-26.00%) Like most other carmakers, Toyota also witnessed a drop 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 1,00,000 1,20,000 in sales. Volumes declined 24.21 percent to 1,14,081 Total domestic sales (in units) units in the 2020 fiscal. Sales SIAM. Source: of the Innova, Toyota’s top- selling model in India by a huge margin, shrunk to 53,686 EXECUTIVE AND MIDSIZE SUVs units, down 31 percent. 82,074 With the shift to BS6 Hyundai Creta marking the end of road for (-33.97%) the Etios family, the Glanza, Kia Seltos 81,716 (NA) which sold 24,380 units in its debut year, is now the most Mahindra Bolero 50,265 (-30.46%) affordable Toyota. Despite a drop in sales, the 38,826 (-18.84%) Fortuner (12,963 units, down MG hector 21,680 (NA) 38.68 percent) remained well ahead of its key rival, the Ford Tata Harrier 12,856 (+194.66%) Endeavour (6,470 units, up 11 percent). The Yaris (3,602 Mahindra XUV500 12,602 (-51.41%) units, down 70 percent) had a tough year but the company Maruti Suzuki S-cross 11,721 (-69.01%) is making amends by rolling out finance schemes and Renault Duster 7,837 (-24.05%) even plans to launch a taxi variant, which could boost the Nissan Kicks 3,141 (+16.72%) midsize sedan’s volumes. Tata Hexa 2,160 (-71.38%) Honda 2,151 (-64.71%) Honda suffered the worst drop in PV sales among the top 10 Tata Safari 1,105 (-80.49%) carmakers. Volumes crashed 44.49 percent to 1,02,016 Mahindra TUV300 Plus 1,062 (-71.42%) units, dragged by the weak sales of the Amaze (57,471 Renault Captur 719 (-79.70%) The Creta just about held on to its lead in units, down 32 percent), the Force Gurkha 146 (NA) City (20,912 units, down the face of a dream start by the Seltos. 49 percent), and the WR-V (11,926 units, down 63.87 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 1,00,000 1,20,000 percent), among others. Total domestic sales (in units)

The Civic, in its first full year SIAM. Source: of launch, sold 3,024 units, maintaining its lead over the diesel-CVT combination for back of the new Triber, with such as the Kwid (46,766 with 84,903 units in sales, Skoda Octavia (2,374 units, the first time, and the option sales of 89,534 units, up units, down 28 percent), the and its thumping success down 10 percent). The Civic of a diesel could give it an edge 12.40 percent. In fact, the Duster (7,837 units, down almost made it seem like the might further benefit from the over the Ciaz, whic h will be a Triber (33,860 units) enabled 24 percent) and Captur (719 slowdown that grappled most coronavirus-led delay in the petrol-only model. Renault to grow its UV market units, down 80 percent) other automakers was a myth. launch of the new Octavia. share by 3 percent, to 4.52 dropped due to weak demand. The Korean brand’s debut Honda’s hopes for a volume Renault percent, and jump two spots model, the Seltos SUV, struck model now rest with the soon- Renault was the only to become India’s sixth- Kia Motors a chord and how, with car to-be-launched fifth-gen City. automaker to grow in a largest PV maker. Kia made a smashing entry buyers and critics alike. The The sedan will come with a challenging FY2020, on the Sales of other Renaults, in India ending the fiscal model sold 81,716 units

26 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 Sales analysis

expensive shift to BS6, PREMIUM SUVs automakers might face more 12,963 pain with a drop in showroom walk-ins and uncertainty in (-38.68%) future sales. Jeep Compass 8,453 (-47.43%) Once production cranks back into gear, albeit in Ford Endeavour 6,470 (+11.00%) a phased manner, some automakers might be faced Skoda Kodiaq 1,590 (-23.48%) with a wobbling supply chain, stress on the vendors’ Volkswagen Tiguan 1,205 (+14.33%) side, and, in case of large conglomerates such as Mahindra Alturas G4 1,076 (-26.90%) Maruti, a big rise in unsold stock eating up factory space. Isuzu V-Cross 898 (-13.90%) With launch timelines already out of whack, automakers will Honda CR-V 874 (+3.03%) be forced to revisit strategies once operations resume. 699 (-54.55%) With ‘social distancing’ being the new normal in Isuzu MU-X 587 (-33.75%) India, PV dealers will have to increase their online Hyundai Kona 377 (na) presence substantially. The The Endeavour made some gains in a focus is already on improving MG ZS EV 274 (na) declining market, but the Fortuner the digital purchase remained the undisputed segment king. experience, with carmakers like Tata Motors, Hyundai and 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 Toyota rolling out portals to Total domestic sales (in units) that effect. While consumers

Source: SIAM. Source: might not shift to a complete online purchase immediately, the presence of such platforms could reduce the MPVs and Vans need to visit a showroom. Moreover, the ensuing 1,17,003 financial strain on the (+27.50%) economy and disposable Maruti 90,543 (+38.74%) income of consumers could extend the purchase Crysta 53,686 (-31.10%) timelines and shrink the allocated budget for some Renault Triber 33,860 (na) car buyers. The latter could possibly even see buyers Maruti XL6 22,117 (nA) settling for a lower-segment model than originally 12,693 (-47.40%) planned, potentially shifting 3,187 (na) more demand to the mid/ entry-level segment. 2,072 (-60.54%) With April 2020 being a washout month and May Honda BR-V 1,959 (-62.42%) threatening to be so too, there’s little doubt FY2021 Datsun Go + 1,737 (-65.73%) is going to be a difficult fiscal. However, it could still spring Maruti Suzuki Omni 1,401 (-98.39%) up a surprise or two. With commuters likely to shun 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 1,00,000 1,20,000 shared mobility and public Total domestic sales (in units) transport for some time, the

Source: SIAM. Source: demand for personal vehicles could go up. Also, demand averaging around 10,200 for Kia throughout the year: the popular compact SUV lockdown, the situation has for SUVs, in line with global units per month since its the Seltos was adjudged ‘Car segment in its sights with turned grim for carmakers. trends, is not going to go launch in August and helped of the Year’ at the Autocar the Sonet being primed for Going into FY2021, the auto away very soon either, and Kia grab a robust 8.97 percent Awards 2020. launch later in the year. industry is already staring at with a gaggle of new products of the UV market share and a Kia has further upped a 25-35 percent decline in lined up this year from brands 3 percent share among PVs. the ante by launching the Outlook PV sales initially, according old and new, expect the UV Interestingly, Kia’s overall luxurious Carnival MPV While silent, car-free streets, to SIAM, as the coronavirus segment to again perform volumes peaked to 15,644 (3,187 units) in early clear skies and better air pandemic has brought the sales buffering act. Keep units in February 2020. Good February 2020. Raring to quality are just tiny silver manufacturing to a grinding watching this space. news flowed fast and thick go, the carmaker now has linings of the extended halt. Fresh from a colossally NISHANT PAREKH

may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 27 FIRST LOOK This month’s new cars

New Audi A3 sedan breaks cover The second generation of Audi’s junior sedan drives in with edgier styling and new tech. India-bound in 2021 as a petrol-only model.

he last-gen Audi A3 was the A3 sedan. Of course, Audi’s huge DRLs. A sculpted bonnet and well- The A3 is interestingly done first of the ‘compact luxury single-frame grille is the focal defined flanks add volume to the on the inside as well. The high- sedans’ in India. Along with point at the front and adding an A3, and there are some cool details set vents on either side of the Tthe Mercedes-Benz CLA that extra tinge of sportiness here is at the back as well. The tiny spoiler instrument binnacle and the angled followed only a few months later, its honeycomb mesh. Sharply atop the boot lid can be optioned centre console give the A3’s cabin a it established that there was big cut headlights flank that vast in carbon-fibre, while the tail- youthful look, very different to what appeal in going small. A relatively grille, and, interestingly, different lights get a unique LED signature we’ve seen in the larger Audis. low price might have been the hook versions of the A3 will sport – vertical stripes outside and a As you’d expect, the A3 cabin but what also worked was that different patterns for the LED horizontal pattern inside. is big on tech. There’s a 10.1-inch there was nothing entry-level about touchscreen for the infotainment the way the A3 looked, felt or drove. system, a standard-fit 10.25-inch This second-gen A3 builds on the screen for the Virtual Cockpit successful formula. digital dials and, in a first on the First, the way it looks. The A3, a head-up display has been all-new A3 stays true to the Audi included too. But some changes sedan design template, with might just be a step too far. For slick proportions and a clean-cut instance, there’s a touchpad for shape. There is a gentler flow to volume control that comes in the roofline at the back but this place of a traditional physical dial. remains a classic three-box sedan. And while the A3 automatic gets If not the shape, the styling sure shift-by-wire tech, the pen drive- gives this car away as the latest New A3 gets touchpad for volume control; that’s not the key but the shift lever! sized gear selector appears a bit

28 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 29 Asymmetric dash, high-set driver-side vents and multiple screens lend A3 cabin a youthful look.

WHAT THE NEW A3 WILL BE UP AGAINST

BMW 2 series Mercedes-Benz Gran Coupe A-class Limousine Its relatively small size and front- The second-gen CLA will be given a wheel-drive layout differentiate it from miss for India and instead we’ll get other BMW sedans, while the sloping the slightly more practical but equally roof and pillarless windows should give striking new A-class Limousine. There’s it distinction among its German rivals. the promise of more space than the It’s new-age BMW inside so there’s old CLA and like the latest of Mercs, a much to like and space is reasonable high-tech interior will be a big draw. too. India will get the 2 Series Gran Aside from the standard petrol and Coupe with the option of 2.0-litre petrol diesel versions, there’ll also be the New Audi A3 sedan breaks cover and diesel engines. 306hp, A35 AMG. fiddly. Climate control is via handy spec A3 will get a 150hp, 1.5-litre go on sale in India by late 2021. physical buttons. The new A3 is  turbo-petrol engine that drives the Expect the Audi A3 sedan to be almost identical to the outgoing front wheels. Efficiency-enhancing priced in the region of Rs 35 lakh, model in size but Audi says there’s There’s nothing cylinder deactivation tech is in line with the Mercedes-Benz a smidgen more headroom and included and versions with the A-class Limousine and BMW’s 2 elbow room on offer up front. entry-level about 7-speed dual-clutch transmission series Gran Coupe, which are both Markets abroad will get the A3 also feature 48V mild-hybrid tech; waiting in the wings. with the option of a 150hp, 2.0- the new A3 sedan, the system assists the engine under The compact luxury sedan litre diesel; but given Audi India’s hard acceleration and can also segment has been quiet for a long larger move away from diesels, that inside or out. allow coasting with the engine off time. Now things are set to get a engine will likely be given a miss in certain scenarios. Hotter S3 and whole lot more interesting. for India. The India- RS3 versions with Quattro all-wheel Nikhil bhatia  drive are also on the cards. With Audi India having sold Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI out all stock of the outgoing model, there’s presently no Price Rs 35 lakh* A3 on sale in India at the L/W/H 4495/1816/1425mm moment. Sadly, the wait Wheelbase 2636mm for this all-new model Kerb weight 1320kg will be a long one. Audi Engine 4 cyl, 1498cc, has its hands full with turbo-petrol multiple launches over Power 150hp at 5000- the year, including 6000rpm refreshed versions of Torque 250Nm at 1500- the A4, Q5 and Q7, and 3500rpm the new Q3, meaning Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch

the A3 sedan will only ex-showroom *estimated,

28 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 29 XXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXo XXX

Little Deuce Coupe BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe drive

The front-wheel-drive 2 Series Gran Coupe is expected to pop up at a BMW showroom near you, sometime around Diwali. Shapur Kotwal tells you what it’s like to sit in and what it feels like to drive. he 2 Series Gran you soon realise, this is no bottom vents and buttons that surround it rev, pulling it past 4,500rpm is very Coupe is BMW’s most feeder – it feels just as nicely put are shared with the new 3 Series, productive. It’s quick too – 0-100 affordable ‘sedan’. together as a whole raft of BMWs. quality levels are very good. So it comes up in a claimed 7.5sec, and T A four-door, pillarless The cabin is slightly narrower and looks like a BMW from the inside go past that figure and there’s no coupé measuring a bit tighter than the 3, but the and even feels and functions like let-up in performance either. So 4,526mm in length and with a driving position is spot on and seat one, but the question is, does it there’s plenty of performance on Rs 32 lakh estimated starting price, comfort is exceptional. The largish drive like one? tap. BMW has even specified it with the 2 Series will sit comfortably front seats offer generous side an improved version of its 8-speed below the 3 Series. It’s not just support, the cushioning on the thick TURBINE POWER gearbox that’s smooth and quick. BMW’s most affordable sedan, it’s seats is just right, and the best bit The 190hp diesel engine, the same So yes, if it’s a diesel you want, this also one that’s fundamentally is that once you are nestled in the unit under the bonnet of the 320d, engine is unlikely to disappoint. different. Where all BMW sedans seat, it just holds you in place. has a fair amount of grunt; and use a longitudinally mounted What betters the experience is remember, this car is lighter. The Smooth sailing engine and rear-wheel drive (or that everything you touch is of engine is more refined at low and Even the ride is impressive. Now four-wheel drive), this one uses a very high quality. The top grain medium speeds to begin with, you’d think that because this car is transversely mounted engine leather-wrapped steering, with its low-speed grumble is a lot more compact and BMW wants to make and front-wheel drive. This aluminium frame and thick rim, subdued, and what’s nice is that it fun to drive, the suspension will architecture is more affordable, feels delicious to hold, and the the midrange feels muscular when be stiff and the ride hard. This, space efficient and practical, but sintered aluminium paddles behind you flex your right foot; it has a however, isn’t the case. The ride isn’t as fundamentally nice when it the wheel feel beautiful to use. strong 400Nm of torque after all. quality is actually very pliant. The comes to driving dynamics. BMW’s digital instrument panel There’s less of a spike in the power suspension is extremely silent at the front is also tack-sharp, the delivery due to the Euro 6 tuning, (even over poorly paved roads), the HIGH STANDARDS iDrive touchscreen is bright and and combustion is smoother, but springs absorb road shocks without Get into the cabin, however, and slick to use, and since the air-con since this diesel is still happy to tossing you around, and then the

 The ride is very comfy, with the Gran Coupe gliding over most rough patches. 

32 AUTOCARINDIA.COM januaryfebruary 2020 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe drive

Cabin feels just as well built and well equipped as any BMW. damping is superb; there’s no real of heft and feel at low and medium soon miss that rear-wheel- experience you’re after, the 2 Series discernible secondary movement as speeds from the steering without it drive fluidity and balance. Go Gran Coupe works well. the suspension settles very quickly feeling heavy. The 2 Series feels nice hard on the brakes before a after every hit. and stable, and then when the roads corner and it seems to affect back on track It’s no 3 Series when you get to open out and hug the craggy coast turn-in, with the 2 Series taking It even works well if you are sat corners though. But then how can on the outskirts of Lisbon, it feels its own sweet time to do your in the rear, especially considering it be? No front-wheel-drive car can nice and connected. There’s no bidding; you need to wait a bit the cars it is up against. The rear ultimately drive like a rear-wheel early onset of understeer – a and that numbs the experience. doors are small, and you certainly drive, and, in that way, the 2 Series limiting factor on all front-wheel- And then as you begin to add p can’t just ‘walk’ right in, but once Gran Coupe is fundamentally drive cars – and BMW must be ower on the way out of the corner, you settle down, space and comfort different. Still, as long as you don’t commended for that. So this may there’s a bit of a shuffle too, as are pretty decent. It isn’t as wide drive it like you are on a rally ultimately turn out to be the best the torque from the diesel as a 3 Series, but rear legroom is stage, the 2 Series manages a fair driving car in its class. overwhelms the front wheels. sufficient, and headroom is good imitation. There’s a good amount Drive harder, however, and you So if it’s not the ultimate driving enough for even for six-footers. ◊

A bit tight on space but seat comfort is good. ‘Pocket’ holds phone, charges wirelessly too. Vents, quick charging points for rear passengers.

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 33 430L boot will have space-saver spare in India. Pillar-less doors add a sporty look to the car. BMW stand-up grille in chrome looks attractive.

∆ You will make contact with the what you also get are raked-back roof if you are any taller, but what’s headlight units with neat double- nice is that the backrest recline is barrel LED detailing. Lower down comfy, and the rear seat is placed is an aggressive multi-layered slightly higher than the front seats, chin similar to that seen on other so visibility out is good. Thigh recent BMWs like the 8 Series. support isn’t great, however, and Walk around to the side and you despite the car being wider than the are greeted by an interesting A-class limo on the inside, you can’t and flowing roofline that ends sit three abreast in comfort. in a fastback-like rear. Similar BMW has even provided plenty in profile to some of BMW’s GT of kit. There’s wireless charging cars – like the 5 Series GT and the on the centre console, with a clever discontinued 3 Series GT – but ledge to hold your phone in place. not as proportionate or clean- There are strips of funky trim that looking, the 2 Series also gets a light up in bright colours, and the strong shoulder line, a chunky rear, 2 Series Gran Coupe comes with and a variation of the carmaker’s a raft of safety equipment similar ‘L’-shaped LED tail-lights. Must to that on a 3 Series. It even gets say I like the way the BMW logo is gesture control with some new placed on the boot. There’s no real gestures that work nicely once you Hofmeister kink at the base of the get used to them. C-pillar, but then this isn’t a rear- wheel-drive BMW, and that could BMW IDENTITY explain its absence. While some The 2 Series Gran Coupe even looks of the cars ride on large 19-inch like a ‘pukka’ BMW on the outside. wheels, in India, the 2 Series is No outsized grille at the front this likely to get smaller (and more time around (this car isn’t sold practical) 17-inch wheels. in China), but you do get BMW’s But just how big is it? Measuring latest interpretation of the kidney 4,526mm in length, it is 23mm grille. It’s a bit more ‘stand-up’, (2.3cm) shorter than the upcoming looks a bit more aggressive, and

It’s nowhere as nice as a 3 Series to drive, but is pretty good in isolation. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe drive Mercedes A-class Limousine. The its three-cylinder 218i with 140hp quality cabin delivers a genuine Merc is also built on a slightly isn’t suitable for India. The BMW 2 BMW experience, the performance BMW 2 SERIES 220d longer wheelbase (2,729mm Series Gran Coupe’s prices in India of the diesel engine is strong, the versus the BMW’s 2,670mm). are likely to start around Rs 32 lakh, ride is extremely comfortable and Price Rs 32-38 lakh (estimated) It’s the BMW, however, that is going up to Rs 38 lakh for the top- it is pleasant to drive too. Even the L/W/H 4526/1800/1420mm wider at 1,800mm, with a rear of-the-line variants. zingy petrol with 192hp should be Wheelbase 2670mm interior width of 143cm, and a bags of fun. Yes, the cabin is a bit Engine 4 cyl, 1995cc, larger 430-litre boot. WHAT TO EXPECT cramped like the rest of the cars in twin-turbo diesel The 2 Series Gran Coupe is BMW’s 2 Series Gran Coupe this class and not everybody will fall Power 190hp at 4000rpm expected to come to India with works well on many levels. If for its looks, but if you are looking Torque 400Nm at 1750-2500rpm two engine options. The 220d you’ve always wanted a BMW for a more accessible and affordable Gearbox 8-speed automatic driven here will be one of them, sedan but couldn’t stretch your BMW sedan that does most things 0-100kph 7.5sec but then we’ll also get the 220i budget as far up as the 3 Series, right, the 2 Series Gran Coupe could Top speed 235kph with a 192hp, 2.0-litre petrol the 2 Series is sure to have just be it. Just don’t expect it to drive Kerb weight 1580kg engine. Interestingly, BMW feels tremendous appeal. The high- like a 3 Series. AI

 With 190hp, performance is strong, and the diesel engine is smooth too.  Porsche Spice Range-topping version of iconic sportscar gets a host of key technical upgrades, including a new engine that makes it the quickest 911 yet. Greg Kable brings us this report.

36 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo S drive

mong Porsche And yes, it’s wider than ever before enthusiasts – well, – 48mm wider than the base 911 any car enthusiasts, Carrera, to be precise. Although the A really – the 992 is based on the same platform combination of the as its predecessor (with a 2,450mm number 911 and the word Turbo wheelbase) its aluminium body has has long enjoyed a cult status. been widened to further accentuate Back in 1974, Porsche redefined the Coke-bottle form built-up over road-car performance with more recent generations. the original 911 Turbo, fitting The increase is necessitated by a turbocharged engine and an the adoption of a 42mm-wider front oversized rear wing to its signature track and 10mm-wider rear track, model to create the legend that together with, for the first time, the exists today. Ever since, the combination of standard 20x9-inch company has striven to refine front and 21x11.5-inch rear wheels. the fundamental formula, even if All up, the car is 28mm longer and there has been the odd change in 20mm wider than the old Turbo S, at philosophy along the way. a respective 4,535mm and 1,900mm. Almost half-a-century later, we Despite a number of weight-saving now have the seventh-generation measures –including new optional 911 Turbo: the 992. It replaces the composite glass that’s claimed to 991-series 911 Turbo facelift that was weigh some 4kg less than the glass launched in 2016 and comes at a time used before – it has also gained 40kg, when Porsche, with a record number giving it a kerb weight of 1,640kg. of new petrol-engined and electric That’s mainly due to the introduction models in the pipeline, appears to be of a more advanced dual-clutch very much at the top of its game. automatic gearbox and other key In its headlining S guise, the new developments (which include new Turbo looks familiarly purposeful brakes) and the larger wheels needed and muscular in the metal. Its lines to accommodate them. clearly draw from the model it The aerodynamic functions replaces; albeit with new detailing, have been reworked too. Together most notably to the round LED with the active front spoiler ducts headlights and new, full-width tail- brought over from its predecessor light assembly. in a revised form, the Turbo S ◊

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 37

P ormesrccheed es-be911 Turnzb glso S drive captivating as those of Porsche’s naturally aspirated powerplants. The remarkable thing – and this has been a key strength of the top- of-the-line 911 for years now – is just how amenable the car is. Threading through traffic and heading beyond the suburbs onto smooth-surfaced country roads, it really is as easy to drive as your average hot hatchback. Only it’s in a completely different dimension, as far as performance is concerned. The acceleration in lower gears is mind-numbing in its intensity. Porsche claims 0-100kph in 2.7sec, a 0.2sec improvement over the old Turbo S, making this the fastest-accelerating series- production 911 yet. Yes, that means that it’s quicker here than the GT1, GT2 RS and GT3 RS. The savage low-to-mid-range thrust and the ability of the four- wheel-drive system to place it to the  road with outstanding efficiency, both make for explosive forward The remarkable momentum. There’s so much torque available that you can call up higher thing is just how gears and surf the resulting potency well into significant three-figure amenable the car is. speeds in one wonderful unbroken Driving position is excellent and line of surging acceleration, aided there’s luxurous quality all around.  all the while by the stunning straightline stability brought on by 170kg of downforce at the claimed ∆ gets a reworked rear spoiler clutch, four-wheel-drive system. noises. At idle, the pulsating action 330kph top speed. offering Speed and Performance The cabin represents a big of the horizontally opposed six There’s no noticeable turbo lag settings; the latter contributes improvement over the old model, cylinders hung out back drowns out anywhere, just one exceptional to a 15 percent improvement in with a new steering wheel hosting the sound of the exhaust. However, stream of urge from not much more downforce. There’s also a new air- paddleshifters and a driving mode that changes the moment you draw than 1,000rpm, all the way to the brake function to increase drag at controller, a high-definition digital the stubby gear selector backwards 7,200rpm ignition cut-out on a high braking speeds. instrument display, a 10.9-inch and set off down the road. loaded throttle. As before, buyers can choose infotainment touchscreen and a The new Turbo S is typically The smoothness of the delivery a coupé or cabriolet body style, neatly organised centre console. It’s well-mannered around town in and rapid action of the kickdown the former of which we will all of a suitably high quality. Comfort mode. It’s not exactly quiet, from the gearbox mask the improved concentrate on here. Yet, despite its increase in exterior but neither is it ever particularly response of the new engine, but The 992 abandons the 3.8-litre dimensions, the 911 is still a strict raucous. There’s greater intent to it is there. This latest version of flat-six engine that has been a 2+2, with 128 litres of luggage the gravel-toned exhaust note than Porsche’s traditional six-cylinder mainstay of the Turbo since the 996 capacity in its nose. When the rear before, thanks to the availability of unit isn’t rabid in the character facelift was launched in 2009, for backrests are folded down, a further an optional sports exhaust – as fitted of a flat-plane-crank engine, but an all-new powerplant that, despite 264 litres of stowage is available to our test car – for the first time. there’s still added resolve to the giving away 14 percent in overall behind the front seats. However, it’s still relatively subdued. way it goes about its business. capacity, offers greater power and There’s a lovely familiar meshing Until you call up Sport mode and That’s especially true at the upper torque than before. of mechanical clatter as the ignition plant it, that is, at which point it end of its rev range, where it feels There are no official engine fires. This engine may be new, but unleashes a gloriously deep blare stronger and more determined than output figures for the standard it continues to make all the right that’s less guttural but every bit as its predecessor. Turbo just yet. But in the Turbo There’s more to the dynamic S, power has increased by 69hp to appeal of the Turbo S than just 650hp at 6,750rpm, endowing the its straightline speed though, coupé with a 20hp boost at 236hp and that all starts with the per litre and a power-to-weight steering. There’s a lovely slickness ratio of 396hp per tonne. Torque and immediacy to the speed- also climbs by 50Nm, to 800Nm sensitive, electromechanical between 2,500 and 4,000rpm. For four-wheel system. perspective, that’s 51hp less but The weighting remains consistent 50Nm more than the most extreme over a wide speed range, creating road-going 911 to date, the GT2 RS. the sort of engagement that no These added reserves, not recent Turbo S has managed to least the increase in torque, have offer. In a bid to improve agility, brought about an upgraded 8-speed Porsche has revised steering action gearbox as well as a new front-axle Turbo has been widened once again; active wing adds yet more downforce. on the rear wheels, increasing the transmission for the multi-plate- ratio by 6 percent for even sharper ◊

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 39 Turbo S is furiously quick at full chat and sounds suitably menacing.

∆ and more decisive turn-in traits into the mix. well-planted on all but the most absorbent long-distance properties than before. Also on the optional equipment badly pitted surfaces. This is thanks in Comfort mode and a firm but For the first time, Turbo S list is a lift function, which provides in part to the adoption of new helper controlled ride in both Sport and buyers can specify optional sports an additional 40mm increase in springs that provide a preloading Sport Plus modes. suspension with a 10mm-lower ground clearance on the front axle. effect to the main springs for more All this makes the new Turbo ride height and retuned active roll- The sports suspension breathes controlled rebound. S – a car that makes well over compensation system among other nicely over longer-wave undulations If there’s a weakness, it’s the twice the power of the original – detailed changes over the standard and remains superbly controlled incessant road roar on anything but eminently approachable. Yes, it’s underpinnings. This is allied as over higher-frequency bumps super-smooth surfaces, especially absurdly fast, but the calmness of standard to the Porsche Active without the characteristic nose from the rear end. Still, the tuning its ride, and its otherwise superb Suspension Management system, bob that affected previous really is sweetly struck, bestowing resistance to pitch and dive under which brings adaptive damping generations, keeping the Turbo S the new model with adequately acceleration and braking is all the elixir you need to take full advantage of its exceptional grip, which now comes via a combination of standard 255/35-profile tyres at the front and 315/30-profile tyres at the rear. The combination of this new rubber and the latest incarnation of Porsche’s four-wheel-drive system – which uses a lighter and more rigid driveshaft and a single universal joint to the front wheels – delivers huge traction and purchase. Tip the car into a fast corner and it displays exceptional body control, while remaining unflinching in its determination to hold your chosen line. The changes to the four- wheel-drive system now allow up to 500Nm of torque to be apportioned to the front wheels. Latest 911’s interior deftly mixes retro cues with the latest technology. The torque-vectoring effect at the rear has also improved.

40 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo S drive

upgrades small  but significant It feels deliciously The new twin-turbocharged horizontally opposed six-cylinder well-planted from entry engine of the 911 Turbo is based on the 2,981cc unit used by the to apex and beyond. latest 911 Carrera. It has an 11mm increase in bore, at 102mm, giving it a swept volume of 3,745cc –  some 55cc less than the engine it has replaced. Developments include larger, variable-geometry turbochargers operating at up to 1.4bar of pressure. The diameter of the turbine wheels is increased by 5mm to 55mm, while the 61mm compressor wheel is 3mm larger than before. Also new are electronically controlled wastegate flaps; a charge air-cooling system with new routing from the side air intakes and rear spoiler; revised piezo injectors; and a petrol particulate filter. With its increases in power and torque, the new engine is mated to a new 8-speed dual- clutch automatic gearbox that has a shorter first gear, a longer top gear and a longer final drive than the old 7-speed unit. In keeping with other new 911 variants, there’s Torque-vectoring four-wheel drive also now a Wet driving mode for the system makes for splendid handling. range-topper.

Given the 911’s distinctive rear- enthusiast drivers may seek in providing reassuring bite in the biased weight distribution, it feels tighter bends. The limits of adhesion initial degrees of travel and strong deliciously well-planted and neutral are so high, though, that you would but progressive qualities as you from entry to apex and beyond. need to be on a race circuit to really add further pressure to the There’s a trace of steady explore the car’s true ability. pedal thereafter. understeer when you’re really This also applies to the brakes, The strength of the new Turbo S on it, as you would hope for and which now feature carbon-ceramic lies in the breadth of its repertoire: it tactility is more than made up for in expect from something capable of discs of 420x40mm at the front eases and thrills in equal measure. It its speed and ability to swallow big generating such high cornering and 390x32mm at the rear in doesn’t quite deliver the same whip- distances at legal limits in relative speeds. However, unshackling combination with huge 10-pot crack reactions and at-the-wheel comfort without ever needing to the stability control system brings front calipers and four-pot rear sensitivity of some competition- work hard at all. It’s arguably the a degree of adjustability that calipers. They’re incredibly effective, bred 911s, but what it lacks in sheer world’s most complete and versatile all-season supercar. Buyers in India can expect a launch soon, though for now it will most likely be seen here in coupé form only. AI Porsche 911 Turbo S Price Rs 3.10 crore* L/W/H 4535mm/1900mm/1303mm Wheelbase 2450mm Drag coefficient (Cd) 0.33 Engine 6 cyl, 3745cc, twin- K

turbocharged, petrol U Power 650hp at 6750rpm tocar Torque 800Nm at 2500-4000rpm Gearbox 8-speed dual-clutch automatic room Kerb weight 1640kg w

0-100kph 2.7sec o x-sh , e , Front seats are very comfortable but the rear is still best left for luggage. t

Top speed 300kph e s * ARTICLE REPRINTED FROM Au

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 41 The second generation of Hyundai Creta: Hyundai’s champion SUV is inspired by the ancient concept of the panchtatva – about the five elements that make up the Inspired by cosmos. Here’s how it all comes together in the new Creta, the Ultimate SUV. Photography Ardeshir Ashley Baxter the Panchtatva and gaurav s thombre

We are all made up of the elements – and we – a car so well packaged, it changes the paradigm. exist because of them. This knowledge has come Like the first-generation Creta, Hyundai’s new SUV down to us from time immemorial. Ancient Indian has proved to be enormously popular. Its popularity, scriptures, including the vedas, have spoken about of course, is not surprising, considering that it is how life is created and preserved by the panchtatva. perfectly equipped to take the legacy of the original The word ‘panchtatva’ comes from Sanskrit, with Creta forward. If the first-generation Creta set the ‘panch’ denoting the number and ‘tatva’ the elements. benchmark for an SUV, the All New Creta takes it a These five elements are earth, water, fire, air, and step further. Now let’s take a look at how the science sky, and taken together they make up the warp and of engineering behind Hyundai’s champion SUV pays weft of the cosmos. Each of these elements are tribute to this ancient knowledge about the five connected to each other, and yet possess elements; and how Hyundai’s engineers have forged their own embryonic energy. The All New Hyundai the attributes of these five fundamental elements to Creta has been inspired by these five elements create the Ultimate SUV with a veritable Super Metal, and, to its competitors, is akin to a sixth element or the sixth element. Branded Content Branded Content

Fire: The source of all energy

Fire represents energy in all its forms. It is enthusiastic will love the turbo-petrol, which is the sun, it is light. Fire also denotes purity and a remarkably good performer. And it is only apt sustenance. Fire is also a powerful force — just that it has been mated to the quick-shifting DCT as the range of engines that can be found automatic gearbox. Not only does this engine under the hood of the All New Hyundai Creta. shine at low speeds, but it also gets it bang on Customers can choose between five powertrain at high speeds and high revs. Especially fun are options, including a 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally the paddleshifters – a first in class – that deliver aspirated petrol, a 115hp, 1.5-litre turbo-diesel total control over the powertrain and enable and the 140hp, 1.4-litre direct-injection turbo- the driver to exploit the tremendous potential petrol. The former two are available with both of the engine. Fire also gives light, and Hyundai’s manual and automatic options, and the turbo- engineers have paid tribute to it through the All petrol comes with a 7-speed DCT automatic New Creta’s LED headlamps with LED DRLs, a gearbox. All of the New Creta’s engines have digital instrument cluster with drive modes, and come in for much praise. The 1.5-litre diesel ambient lighting, among many others. unit delivers solidity; the naturally aspirated petrol is an all-rounder in many ways, offering The All New Creta’s 140hp, 1.4-litre, direct-injection both mileage and performance, and the truly turbo-petrol motor is a strong performer. Fire:

Air: The force that sustains life

Without air, nothing would be possible. Air These three features, of course, complement represents freedom as well as life. Three of the raft of creature comforts the All New Creta the All New Creta’s several class-leading features is packed with. It starts with auto headlamps, are connected to air. In a country which is largely wireless phone charging, an auto-dimming warm for most part of the year, the ventilated rear view mirror, a powered driver’s seat, a tyre seats add another dimension to comfort. The pressure monitor, an electronic parking brake, a automatic air purifier too, is a feature that will powerful and a sophisticated Bose audio system. be much appreciated by customers; in our cities especially. The air purifier, a feature rarely seen in cars in India, can be operated via touch controls, and customers can even toggle between models and check the filter. And the automatic climate control in the new Creta ensures proper circulation, air flow and air distribution inside the cabin. Game of Thrones: The new Creta’s front seats Need of the hour: The new Creta’s are equipped with a ventilation system Auto Healthy Air Purifier. Branded Content

The All New Hyundai Creta is among the few SUVs at its pricepoint to offer a panoramic sunroof.

Sky: Above and beyond everything else

Space is supposed to be the very first Status Information, Auto Healthy Air Purifier I( n- The All New Creta is equipped with Advance Blue element in creation, and the blue dome under car air quality information), and Vehicle Alerts Link featuring the new In-Car Voice Command technology. With a smartphone and smartwatch, which everything rests. The sight of blue (Geo-Fence, Speed, Time Fence, Valet, Vehicle customers can take advantage of features such over us uplifts our spirits, and it is a special Status and Stolen Vehicle) and owners can as Remote Engine Start/Stop, Remote Air Purifier, experience to be able to gaze at it when we are receive notifications via smartwatch. and Stolen Vehicle Tracking, among others. travelling. That is where Hyundai’s enormous panoramic sunroof comes in. It is a feature that is not too common in cars. Quite naturally, we reckon there will be several Creta fans out there who just won’t get enough of the panoramic sunroof – a feature that lets them behold the great blue dome over all of us. ‘Blue’ also reminds one of Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car tech that comes with its own Smartwatch app. Several functions such as, for example, ‘Sunroof Open/Close’ can be activated by simply saying ‘Hello Blue Link’. The Smart Watch Integrated Blue Link will also provide seamless access to other connected services such as Engine Start/Stop, Door Lock/Unlock, Vehicle Branded Content

The many forms of water

The many forms of water

Flowing or still, water is as integral to smooth flow of water: from streams, creeks existence as air. We are mostly made up of and rivers. Hyundai’s engineers have done On the move, like flowing water, and it is around us in the form of the that, and you can experience the results once water, the All New Creta is a oceans, rivers, lakes and rain. It is life-giving, you drive the All New Creta. Right from the study in smoothness. too.There is a lot that can be learnt from the moment you step into the cabin to the time you exit it, everything around you is designed to ensure smooth going. The new Creta’s cabin has a classy black-and-beige interior theme, the compact steering wheel is equipped with controls for audio, telephony and cruise control. Features like a full-digital, 7.0-inch full-colour display in the instrument cluster and remote engine start take the game away from the rest of the SUV pack, delivering a stress-free experience inside the cabin. On the move, too, the All New Creta is a study in smoothness. It feels very well put-together and is immensely stable at high speeds. The suspension absorbs everything our roads can throw at it and the handling of the car inspires great confidence. Branded Content

Solid to its very core, like earth

The All New Hyundai Creta is a 74.3 percent of the All New Hyundai Creta’s bodyshell is made of robust car that makes one feel safe, advanced high-strength steel. irrespective of the terrain one is tackling. While it is equipped with a host of passive and active safety features, the SUV is also solid at its very core. 74.3 percent of the All New Hyundai Creta’s body shell is made of advanced high-strength steel and, as importantly, it weighs just 297kg. The bodyshell is put together by over 650 industrial robots at Hyundai India’s plant near Chennai. What that means is stability and strength, which, alloyed with nimbleness, make the SUV in a league of one. Branded Content Hyundai has once again changed the SUV paradigm with the All New Creta. Its engineers have forged the attributes of the five fundamental elements to create the Ultimate SUV with a veritable Super Metal or sixth element. comparison test no 902 Range Rovers In this first-of-its-kind comparison, Saumil Shah tests two premium all-electric cars to find out how practical and usable they are in the real world. p hy omkar dhas Photogra

50 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 comparison TEST

model tested

MG ZS EV Hyundai Kona Electric Price Rs 20.88-23.58 lakh Price Rs 23.72-23.94 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) (ex-showroom, Delhi) On sale Now On sale Now 0-100kph 8.53sec 0-100kph 9.09sec Top speed 152kph Top speed 158kph Range (overall) 317km Range (overall) 250km FOR FOR Range Sporty character Spacious cabin Well equipped AGAINST AGAINST Misses several features Cramped cabin Interiors don’t feel premium enough

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 51 MG ZS EV rom once being mere ‘green’ statements, electric vehicles (EVs) F today have evolved into everyday cars that can be as practical as their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, if driven within a limited range. Hyundai was the first to enter the electric space in India with its premium offering in the shape of the Kona Electric priced at Rs 23.72 lakh (ex-showroom, India). We have extensively tested this car and opine that it’s an impressive EV that’s set the bar for future entrants. To rival the Konal Electric, MG has launched the all-new ZS EV. After tasting success in India with the Hector, MG has incorporated some of its learnings of the Indian consumer into the ZS EV as Interiors feel quite premium and have a German design influence. Several soft-touch surfaces all around. well. It carries a battery pack that’s larger than the Kona’s; its prices range between Rs 20.88 and 23.58 lakh (ex-showroom, India), so it caters to a wider set of buyers; and with connected car tech and a panoramic

MG’s cabin has Analogue dials look dated for an EV. Rotary drive selector easy to use. AC vents well-built and have solid feel. more space,

Hyundai Kona Electric but the Kona has better seats.  sunroof, it is in tune with present-day buyer demands. And just like the Hyundai, the ZS EV also comes with an eight-year warranty on the battery pack and motor to boost buyer confidence. So it all seems very promising, but is it better than the Kona? We put these two all-electric cars to the test to answer this question as well as address some common concerns relating to travel range, daily usability, as well as crucial bits like charging times and running costs.

Design Simple dashboard but free-standing touchscreen stands out. All-black cabin and shiny plastics lower feel-good quotient. To start with, both the EVs are based on heavily modified platforms of their respective ICE versions that are currently on sale in international markets. What’s reassuring is that the MG ZS EV secured a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating; and even though the Kona Electric hasn’t been crash- tested yet, its ICE version did secure a 5-star rating in the test. There’s a lot to like about the ZS EV’s no-nonsense design. Its Digital instrument cluster looks modern. Useful wireless charging pad. Paddles adjust intensity of regen. flat bonnet, upright stature and ◊

52 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 comparison TEST

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 53

MG ZS EV ∆ conventional ‘SUV’ styling cues are likely to garner wider acceptance, especially among ‘SUV’ lovers. For starters, the chrome-studded front grille housing the large ‘MG’ logo looks bold and distinctive. What’s unique is that it cleverly conceals the charging socket that can be accessed by pressing the logo and raising the ‘flap’. While this concept is neat, the touch and feel of the flap is quite plasticky. The turbine-inspired 17-inch alloys look rather stylish but the ‘Electric’ badge on the fenders and the ‘Internet Inside’ badge could have been more tastefully executed. Charging slot neatly concealed by chrome-studded grille. ‘Electric’ fender badge looks a bit low-rent. The Kona, on the other hand, stands out in a crowd thanks to its unconventional front grille, and some distinctive elements like the split headlamps and the striking alloy wheels that nicely fill the wheel arches. The thick plastic body cladding all around conveys its SUV pretensions, but it’s still more crossover than an imposing SUV. It is smaller than the MG in nearly every way and only boasts a longer wheelbase. Also while both these cars weigh a little over one-and-a-half tonne due to their heavy battery packs, the Kona is heavier by 17kg.

Gets in-built music app among other connectivity features. Toggle switches for driving modes and regen intensity. INTERIORS & EQUIPMENT Getting into the MG’s cabin is rather easy, given its upright stance and high Hyundai Kona Electric seating. There’s an uncanny German design influence on the inside, with several parts resembling those on Volkswagen vehicles, and the quality of materials and tactility of switches feel very premium. All the touchpoints are padded and these lift the cabin’s appeal, as does the panoramic sunroof that floods the interiors with light. The driver’s seat has electric adjustment, but the front seats lack lumbar adjustment, and due to the short seat base, thigh support is inadequate. While there isn’t any reach- adjustment for the steering, getting into an ideal driving position is fairly Screen is small but it’s user-friendly with shortcut buttons. Well-contoured, supportive seats with lumbar adjustment. easy, and most drivers will appreciate the fact that visibility all around is very good and the bonnet lies in their field of vision. The ZS’ backseat is the more spacious of the two and the cushioning is softer, but it isn’t too comfy as the passengers are seated in a knees-up position (due to the battery placed beneath the floor), and thigh support is also lacking. Coming to the Hyundai Kona, its cabin feels rather underwhelming as the all-black interiors and small glass area affect the sense of space. Also, the hard plastics and several bits shared with other Hyundais don’t feel special enough in this Rs 23.74 lakh car. The free-standing touchscreen looks LED lights indicate when the car is plugged in and charging. Smaller 332L boot, but gets flexibility of 60:40 split seats. rather dated, but the large shortcut

54 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 comparison TEST what you get for your money  MG ZS ev hyundai Kona Exclusive electric Premium The Kona’s seats are a lot more Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) Rs 23.58 lakh Rs 23.72 lakh comfy, with plenty of support. Equipment checklist ESP n n  buttons make it very convenient to use standard safety kit like hill-start assist, Hill-start assist n n on the move. The best part about the six airbags, ESP and all-wheel disc All-wheel disc brakes n n interiors are the front seats; they are brakes to name a few. Both get way comfier, and offer more equipment such as a tyre pressure Sunroof Panoramic n adjustment and support than the monitor, auto headlamps, electric MG’s. What’s more, the seat-cooling driver’s seat, sunroof, 17-inch alloys, n n 17-inch alloys function really elevates the drive cruise control, touchscreen with Auto climate control NA n experience. Visibility, however, is poor and Apple CarPlay, and due to the small rear windscreen. Like driving modes. MG has packed in a Cooled/heated seats NA n the MG, the Kona’s floor is also raised, panoramic sunroof as well as Cruise control n n so passengers in the rear are seated in SIM-based connectivity features, a knees-up position, and space, which have caught the fancy of buyers SIM-based connectivity n NA especially knee- and foot-room, are lately. Those aside, the Kona gets even Tyre pressure monitor n n pretty tight. The backseat is better more premium kit like LED shaped here and comfier, and it gets headlamps, wireless charging, Wireless charging NA n an armrest as well as a third cooled/heated front seats, Electric parking brake n n (adjustable) neck restraint, both of paddleshifters, auto-dimming inside which are missing in the ZS EV. mirror, automatic climate control and Airbags 6 6 Both cars have ample storage areas a rear armrest, all of which are in the front and rear. While it is the missing on the ZS EV. n LED headlights NA MG that leads when it comes to boot Driving modes 3 4 space (359 litres vs the Kona’s 332 performance litres), the Hyundai offers the Android Auto/Apple CarPlay n n flexibility of 60:40 split rear seats to MG has deployed a larger 44.5kWh n =Available, NA=Not Available accommodate more cargo. battery pack to power the ZS EV’s For the money, these cars offer motor, which makes 143hp and ◊

Using a 3-pin portable charger, both EVs recharge their batteries at roughly 10 percent every two hours. Both support DC fast-charging too.

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 55 56 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 comparison TEST ∆ 353Nm of torque. The Kona uses a Range and charging smaller 39.2kWh battery to power its Let’s get to the most crucial factor of good bits / bad Bits MG ZS EV motor which makes 136hp but a this comparison – range. For our whopping 395Nm of torque. The way tests, we drove the cars back to back these perform in the city are quite in Eco mode, with the similar, and both are extremely air-conditioning and infotainment responsive to inputs – a mere flex of system switched on. your right foot is enough to zip past Electric cars behave quite traffic with very linear power delivery. differently compared to ICE cars, so Even in Eco mode, both the cars have while in stop-go traffic ICE cars enough pep to keep you entertained. consume more fuel, the regenerative Nice Flat-bottomed steering wrapped not so Nice Auto climate control These cars have a regenerative function in EVs recharges the in perforated leather feels high quality. among several other features missing. braking function wherein each time batteries more often, thus you lift your foot off the accelerator, maximising their range. On the other the motor uses the kinetic energy hand, while cruising, EVs consume (deceleration forces) of the vehicle to energy to maintain a constant speed, recharge the batteries. So, each time hence they’d be less efficient on the you lift your foot, the car begins to highway than in the city. decelerate due to this function. Both In a mixed driving cycle (city and cars offer three levels of regeneration, highway), the MG ZS’s range with level one being the least intrusive equated to a respectable 317km, Nice Massive sunroof lifts cabin’s not so Nice Cushioning is soft but and three being the most aggressive. while the Kona Electric delivered a premium appeal and makes it feel airy. seats aren’t supportive enough. To adjust the regen levels in the ZS EV range of only 250km, on the same you have to toggle a switch on the cycle. That’s a huge difference and centre console. The Kona gets paddles the ZS EV’s ability to go an extra behind the wheel to increase or 67km without the need for a MG ZS ev hyundai Kona Electric PERFORMANCE Acceleration  Kph Sec Sec 0-20 1.18 1.21 Instant torque makes both EVs 0-40 2.39 2.44 0-60 3.79 4.00 0-80 5.82 6.16 very zippy, even in Eco mode. 0-100 8.53 9.09 0-120 12.38 12.92 20-80 4.56 4.92  40-100 5.96 6.52 decrease the regen levels and that’s charging point could be a deciding braking DISTANCE nice because clicking the left paddle factor for many prospective buyers. 80-0kph 24.79m 26.97m mimics downshifting as it increases In our earlier test, the Kona achieved Overall range the regen levels and hence the a maximum figure of 309km but this Tested 317km 250km electrical braking, which is test was conducted in more particularly strong here. In max favourable conditions. NOISE LEVEL (dB ) regen mode, you don’t need the While it doesn’t come as a Idle 27.2 28.5 brakes to slow the car down; the surprise that the ZS EV travels At 50kph 64.2 65.9 strong electrical braking can bring it farther on a single charge in the AT 80kph 67.8 68.9 Idle with AC at half 42 44.7 to a stop. Driving both cars in max real world, due to its larger battery Idle with AC full 61.5 55.7 regeneration isn’t particularly smooth pack, the official Modified Indian because every time you lift your leg off Driving Cycle (MIDC) test conducted the accelerator pedal, it feels like by ARAI, it was the Hyundai Kona you’ve dabbed the brakes. that achieved a staggering range good bits / bad Bits Hyundai Kona Electric Shift to Sport mode and the of 452km, while the MG managed difference in performance becomes a merely 340km in the same testing lot more noticeable, with the MG’s cycle. True, the MIDC cycle, which larger battery proving its mettle. has a top-speed limit of only 50kph, Flat-out, the MG out-accelerates the can skew results, but what it also Kona from 0-100kph, and even proves shows that in no way are the MIDC to be quicker during roll-on figures representative of real-world acceleration runs from 20-80kph conditions and they should be taken and 40-100kph. It is only beyond with a pinch of salt. Nice Ventilated front seats elevate not so Nice Rear seat comfort is 120kph that the Kona begins to reel At the end of the day, what the drive experience. hampered due to limited space. the ZS EV in, and it goes on to reach a matters is that if your daily usage higher top speed of 158kph – 6kph is around 40-50km, you can drive more than the MG. either car for five days in a week Being all-electric, there’s no sound on a single charge. on start-up or on the move, but the Hyundai and MG provide a motor emits a faint whine at higher three-pin portable charger as well as speeds. While ambient and road a 7kWh wall-box unit with the cars noises do filter through, the ZS EV’s (Hyundai’s is 7.2kWh). In our tests, cabin is the better-insulated one here, using a three-pin socket, both cars Nice Drive selector buttons are not so Nice Hard plastics and certain and this has been authenticated by recharged roughly 10 percent of their convenient and very easy to use. interior bits don’t feel premium. our sound level meter. battery every two hours, and while ◊

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 57 DATA LOG

MG ZS EV technical layout si g n

Width 1809mm D e POWERTRAIN Rear interior width 1370mm

Battery 44.5kWh Ground clearance 161mm r Potda Motor Permanent Magnet Boot capacity 359 litres Synchronous Power 143hp Torque 353Nm

Power to weight 94.2hp/tonne 930mm Torque to weight 232.5Nm/tonne 940mm TRANSMISSION 640mm (max) Type Single-speed reduction 620mm (max) 890mm (min) gearbox 850mm(min) 1644mm CHASSIS & BODY Construction Monocoque Weight 1518kg Tyres 215/50 R17 SUSPENSION Front Independent, McPherson strut, coil springs Rear Non-independent, torsion beam, coil springs 2585mm STEERING Turning circle 11.2m 4314mm

Kona Electric technical layout

Width 1800mm si g n D e POWERTRAIN Rear interior width 1350mm Battery 39.2kWh Ground clearance 172mm Motor Permanent Magnet Boot capacity 332 litres r Potda Synchronous Power 136hp Torque 395Nm Power to weight 88.5hp/tonne Torque to weight 257.3Nm/tonne 940mm

950mm TRANSMISSION 570mm (max) Type Single-speed reduction 610mm (max) 810mm (min) gearbox 820mm(min) CHASSIS & BODY 1570mm Construction Monocoque Weight 1535kg Tyres 215/55 R17 SUSPENSION Front Independent, McPherson strut, coil springs Rear Independent, multi-link, coil springs 2600mm STEERING Turning circle 10.6m 4180mm

∆ the Kona took 19 hours to reach a Kona will set you back by Rs 280 Ride & handling suspension that cushions you better full charge, the ZS EV did the same in per charge. And purely considering Riding on 17-inch wheels and hard- from road shocks at low and city around 20 hours. Using the wall- the cost of electricity, their running compound, low-rolling resistance speeds. The Kona, on the other box charger, however, does the cost is Rs 1-1.12 per kilometre, tyres, both these cars feel a bit harsh hand, with its stiff suspension, feels job faster – Hyundai claims the which is 5-7 times cheaper than initially over sharp potholes. Get a lot more composed and planted Kona’s batteries will fully charge a petrol or diesel car at the same past that initial layer of firmness at higher speeds. These cars have a 39.2kWh from zero in around six hours, while price point. though and it is the MG’s softer low centre of gravity as their heavy the MG should take about eight battery packs are placed beneath hours. Both these cars support DC the floor, so they change directions fast-charging too, but this form of rather well and feel nicely planted. charging infrastructure is still scant But it is the Hyundai which feels in the country.  sportier to drive due to its multi- And how much does it cost The MG’s longer range makes link rear suspension and tauter to run these cars? Considering the chassis. And while neither car’s cost of electricity at Rs 7 per unit, it the more practical EV here. steering offers the ‘connected’ which is on the higher side, it feel, it is the Kona’s unit that would cost you around Rs 320 to is a touch weightier and imparts recharge the ZS EV, while the  more confidence. 58 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 comparison TEST

Test scorecard

COMFORT MG ZS EV HHHHHHHIII Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHHII The MG gets the more spacious cabin of the two, especially at the rear, but it is the Kona that has the comfier and more supportive seats. PERFORMANCE MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHHI Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHIII The Kona is a decent performer, but the ZS EV, with its larger battery pack, is not only quicker, it also runs further on every charge than the Hyundai. REFINEMENT MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHII Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHIII Be it at idle or on the move, the MG proved to be the quieter EV here. Even the cabin’s sound insulation is better than the Kona’s. Verdict VALUE MG ZS EV HHHHHHIIII Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHIII For the money, the MG gets MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHII you a larger battery pack and a large sunroof, but the Hyundai Kona Electric HHHHHHHIII Hyundai offers a lot of premium features, as well as a multi-link suspension. he Hyundai Kona is an impressive car – it is smooth to drive, and with SAFETY MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHHI a range of 250km on a single charge, it’s fairly practical too. Then Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHHHI T Both cars are well-loaded consider all the premium kit it packs in, as well as the more with identical levels of safety kit, and the international sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, and there’s a lot it delivers for the versions of both (ICE for Kona) have scored very well in crash money. Its sportier driving dynamics, comfier seats and Hyundai’s strong tests too. backing further strengthen the Kona’s case. What works against it though is its RIDE MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHII cramped rear seat, and the fact that its interiors don’t feel special or premium Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHHII At low and city speeds, the enough. It is also the pricier of the two. MG’s softer suspensions does a better job of cushioning you The MG ZS EV outperforms the Kona when it comes to two crucial factors from road shocks, but at higher speeds, it is the Kona that’s – range and interior space, and that makes it the more practical of the two. A more composed. real-world range of 317km on a single charge could be reason enough to sway HANDLING MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHII the comparison in its favour, but the MG has a lot more going for it to make Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHHHI The MG is light and easy to drive, it a more complete, everyday EV. MG’s five-year standard warranty is very while the Kona feels the sportier reassuring since long-term maintenance costs on an EV is still unknown. of the two. BUILD & QUALITY Yes, it misses out on several features, including something as basic as MG ZS EV HHHHHHHHHI automatic climate control, but MG has compensated for that by offering Hyundai Kona HHHHHHHHII Both cars feel solid and fit-finish a panoramic sunroof and connectivity features. Tally up the pluses and and quality levels are good too. The MG’s cabin feels plusher, minuses and you’ll find that the MG ZS EV wins this all-electric comparison with several soft-touch and high-quality bits. test quite convincingly. AI

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 59

Car SanitiSation Feature

the clutch, and the engine should kick in. If this doesn’t work (or if it’s an automatic), you may have to jump-start it, or simply call for help if possible. To jump-start a car, find another car with a healthy battery, connect the positive terminals of both batteries, then connect the negative terminal of the healthy battery to a metal surface of your car, like the inside of the fender. Start the healthy car, and then after a few minutes, try cranking yours. Remember to remove the cables in reverse order when you’re done. Keep it clean Remember the virus is still out there – and even otherwise, maintaining personal hygiene is only a good thing. Remember to wash your hands before heading out for a drive and wash them afterwards too. Keep a box of tissues in the car, and do not cough or sneeze with your face uncovered. Another good practice is to sanitise A fresh start The COVID-19-related lockdown restrictions have kept us indoors, and that’s also meant no driving around. Soap water is a cheap Sergius Barretto tells you what to keep in mind before and effective cleanser. you take your vehicle out once the lockdown lifts. hen we head out into a world that’s before you crank up. Scan all the visible wires the door handles (both outside and in), the slowly limping back to normalcy, and hoses for any rodent bites; and if you find steering wheel, switches, and other areas that we must continue to follow social damage, get professional help. While modern you are likely to touch. Make sure you use mild w distancing as well as carrying a cars are very reliable under the bonnet, it would cleaners. As for alcohol-based sanitisers, minimise bottle of sanitiser with us. Another be prudent to check the engine oil, brake fluid, their use, as some materials may discolour; good area to pay some heed to is our vehicle; having coolant, and other fluids like the power-steering old soap water is a good alternative. Avoid bleach, been parked for an extended duration, there are a fluid (in hydraulic-assist cars). Check the engine hydrogen peroxide and ammonia-based products, few simple things you should bear in mind before oil level with the dipstick, visually inspect the as they could harm the materials. Also vacuum- you get your car out. other liquids, and also top-up the windshield- clean the insides and dispose any leftover trash. washer fluid. Look under and Vent the interiors around the bonnet Starting trouble As soon as you get in to your car, open all the Before getting in to your vehicle, do a small If you’ve followed precautions like starting your windows and allow the stale air to vent out. You walkaround to check that everything is fine – no vehicle up every week to 10 days, you shouldn’t can do this by keeping the windows open and broken lights, worn-out wipers, etc. Also, having face any trouble starting the car. If there are running the AC for about a minute when on the been parked for long, it’s possible that small issues, do not crank continuously. After a few move. This is a good habit you can follow daily. animals and creepy-crawlies could have made tries, if you still have to, try push-starting it; get their home under your car or in the engine bay. some help to push the car while you let it roll TO a Halt So do a careful visual inspection (or even simply in first gear, or even second, with the clutch in. The brakes may squeal as you drive off or when blow the horn a few times to scare them away) Once there is some momentum gained, engage you apply them; so set off slow and test the brakes first. Keep dabbing them a few times to free things up. In case you left your parking brake engaged through the lockdown and it has jammed, try shimmying the lever around a bit, or disengage and engage it a few times rapidly. Driving the car around for a while can also help it disengage. tyre pressure CHECK Before setting off, make sure you check the car’s tyres are inflated properly. Even if they look fine to you, get them examined Not just fluid levels, check for Starting trouble? Do at a fuel pump or a tyre shop with a proper creepy-crawlies too. not crank continously. gauge – and don’t forget to give your spare the same treatment. AI

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 61 What happens when a car reaches the end of its life? John Evans drives a Vauxhall Zafira on its final journey to the crusher and winces at its last moments. PHOTOGRAPHY luc lacey

s an Autocar reader, it around south Oxfordshire, out of the graveyard to its you’ll understand how mindful of its engine and ‘low final destination: ASM Auto it felt to be the last fuel’ warning lights blazing Recycling, near Thame. ASM A person to turn off the away. It reminded me of the is one of the country’s busiest Zafira’s engine for the Y-reg Zafira 1.8 Comfort auto and most advanced vehicle final time. I thought of the countless I’d owned years ago. That car recyclers, processing hundreds occasions it had been turned off over was a faithful and much-loved of end-of-life vehicles every the past 99,000 miles and 18 or so family chariot. My wife cried week, auctioning write-offs years, but always with the certainty when we part-exchanged it to the repair industry and of being restarted. Turned off after for a Zafira 2.2 Design auto. stripping, checking and taking the kids to the theme park, on I cried, too, when, some years reselling used parts to the trade holidays, to the shops, to Grandad later, the 2.2’s timing chain and the public. and Grandma’s on the weekend. tensioner failed to the tune introduced it last year. That being On arrival, our first stop was Turned off after the drive to work of £2,000. so, the engine warning light could the company’s prepping centre. each day, to the airport from time to Back to today’s Zafira, Luc and only have come on since. An oxygen Here, cars are cleared of personal time, and to the garage for routine I were looking for a graveyard. It sensor issue, perhaps? The car’s effects and anything that might and not-so-routine work. was Luc’s idea. He thought the old rumbly drop links – a Zafira/Astra cause a fire. ASM’s prep team And now, it’s turned off for Vauxhall framed by tombstones weak spot – must have escaped the showed me a whose floor was the very last time – at a ve hicle would make a great shot. tester’s attention since the bushes littered with spent nitrous-oxide recycling centre, where a car goes to Eventually, we found the perfect had clearly perished years before. cartridges. Less dangerous personal be stripped, crushed and recycled, spot – a huge, 20,000-plot cemetery Otherwise, it bowled along without effects are bagged up and held but with no previous keepers with good sight lines. It was in complaint, causing us to reflect yet for six months, awaiting possible present to pay tribute to its faithful Cowley, a mile or so from the Mini again on the pleasures of banger collection by their owners. These service. Instead, that duty fell to me. plant. Being the first working day of ownership, at least until the thing filled one wall of the prepping I’d grown quite fond of it over a post-Brexit Britain, we tried not to goes pop and you wish, instead, centre. Among them were child car the past 20 or so miles when, in read too much into their proximity. you’d put down what it cost as a seats and buggies. the company of Lensman Luc, I The Zafira is registered on Jersey deposit on a PCP. The Zafira’s personal effects drove it from ASM Auto Recycling plates, so it has had an MOT test Pics taken, I started the Zafira extended only to a novelty (which lent it to us) and coaxed only once in its life, when the island for the last time and we headed strawberry dangling from the rear-

62 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 WHERE CARS GO TO DIE Experience

why we should use more dead cars as ‘organ donors’

As its name implies, ASM Auto from used cars over new ones when Recycling doesn’t just crush cars: repairing vehicles. Doing so would it recycles them too. With the bring the UK in line with France, rest of the salvage industry, it’s where the use of recycled parts is encouraging insurers and garages now mandatory, and the US, where to favour the parts it recovers (and the practice has been widespread inspects, tests and guarantees) for decades. The industry reckons increasing the use of recycled parts by 10 percent could save almost 1,90,000 tonnes of CO2 to make the switch, the Vehicle emissions every year produced Recyclers’ Association, a trade body, from the manufacture of new is developing a certification scheme parts and, if insurers can be for vehicle recyclers to ensure persuaded to use them, help avoid greater consistency and reliability write-offs and perhaps even lower of service, including the quality and the cost of insurance premiums description of parts, and to allow and excesses. buyers to distinguish professional To encourage customers sellers from ‘all the rest’.

the glass doesn’t explode when it’s grabbed outside”, and removing the  fuel cap, wheels and battery. Behind him were bins full of wheel nuts, ASM Auto Recycling is one of the UK’s alternators, air-con compressors, space-saver spares, and even busiest, most advanced vehicle recyclers. jump leads, all harvested from scrapped vehicles. Now the Zafira was ready for its  date with Simon, elsewhere in the swooped on it, picked it up, dropped and rolling over to the crusher into prep centre, who attached its vitals it and nudged it over. The car was which it placed the Zafira’s battered to a large suction pump that drained by now almost unrecognisable carcass. The crusher’s huge doors them of all fluids. To empty the fuel and ready for the attentions of the closed and, 30sec later, opened to tank, he perforated it with what second, which plunged its snout allow the grabber to retrieve the looked like a large, hollow drill and through the roof and ripped out the former MPV, now a tangled bale of the fuel was sucked out through a dashboard complete with trailing compressed steel, seats and interior hose attached to its side. Finally, he wiring loom. Then it turned the trim. During the course of a single K

tapped off the brake discs and the car over and tore off the back axle. day, this trio of mechanical manglers U Zafira was ready for the crusher. Flipping the car around, it now rips, tears and crushes its way view mirror, so the prep team waved Outside, a pair of mechanical spied the engine. Its pincers deftly through 125 cars. it through to the next stage – but grabbers, each controlled by a snipped through the mountings and And that was our Zafira, reduced not under its own steam. Instead, a skilled operative, were flinging end- hoses and lifted it out, depositing it from a once-faithful family servant forklift approached it from the side, of-life cars around as if they were on a pile in the corner of the yard. to a 6x3ft metal cube. At least it was picked it up and carried it down the Corgi models they’d grown tired The other grabber now took over, quick. Some end-of-lifers are given hall to Paul, who set about lowering of. We watched, appalled, as our picking up the car by an A-pillar to the fire service to practise on. It AI its windows for the final time “so Zafira was offered to them. The first before raising its steel stabilisers doesn’t bear thinking about. tocar Au FROM REPRINTED ARTICLE

Zafira is left crushed by the experience. Zafira has windows lowered, its battery, fuel cap and wheels removed and the fluids drained before the smash-and-grab mob step in.

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 63 They don’t make them like they used to The Land Rover Defender has finally been reinvented for the 21st century – and so has the way it’s built, discovers Rachel Burgess at JLR’s new plant in Slovakia.

8 Number of hours it takes to finish a Defender, from painted bodyshell to final quality checks. BUILDING THE DEFENDER Behind the scenes

hen production of the of supplier factories. The figures Defender ended in back it up: local unemployment 2016, it felt like the has fallen drastically. JLR employs W end of an era. Never 2,800 people, more than a third of before had such an them women – unusually high for impressive send-off been organised, a vehicle plant. Its processes were as the world’s press gathered at ergonomically designed, the brand ’s Solihull plant says, so 97 percent of people can do to watch the last example roll off the the job. line after 68 years of production. Nitra has an annual capacity of Four years later, and following 1,50,000 cars; last year, around 38,000 much hype, the all-new Defender is Discoverys came off the line, plus here, billed to be as tough as ever but up to 2,000 Defenders. JLR won’t with on-road comfort too. And it’s comment on volume predictions, but being built at a new plant in another the fact the site is at just a quarter of country: Slovakia. its capacity, suggests there’s an awful The factory in Nitra has been lot resting on the new Defender. up and running since October Leslie says, “We always build 2018, when it began building the facilities with a three-shift capacity Discovery, which also relocated [there are two shifts, at present]. You from Solihull. A bit like Nitra’s have to design a facility to enable a operations director, in fact: Russell certain jobs-per-hour rate. We have Leslie is a friendly Brummie who what we believe we need for both moved to Slovakia after 26 years today and tomorrow.” working around the world for JLR; As well as the Discovery, Nitra is and that included managing the set up for the 90 and 110 Defender line. He explains that alone, but a family of Defenders is getting production moving at Nitra coming. Due in the next few years was easier than usual, because the is a Mercedes-AMG G63-rivalling Discovery already had an established luxury model, the 130. This will be engineering process, but now the crucial in creating a cost-effective and real challenge begins. “The eyes of profitable model line – a feat that the the world are on us. We’re hugely previous gen failed to achieve. proud to be building the Defender,” The Discovery and Defender run he says. on the same line, back to back, and Of course, some purists cried there’s total flexibility on how many foul that the new model isn’t being of each is built. Leslie explains, built in Britain. Leslie comments, “There are nuances of the cars being “We’re on a global expansion slightly different. For example, we journey. We’re committed to the purchase the Discovery’s tailgate and UK as our design and engineering make the Defender’s tailgate. But base. We needed to find space in in general, we drive for a standard the factories in the UK for future process in order to drive efficiency products and therefore there was on the manufacturing lines. We put a need to move. And actually this the seats in both cars in the same [plant] gives us access to markets station, for example.” we didn’t have before, and it helps This high-tech site is a world with currency fluctuations.” away from the line in the West At around 1.9 lakh sq m, the Midlands, but what are the main purpose-built facility is almost differences in producing the old twice the size of the Solihull plant and new Defender? “The technology and has clearly been a boon for is significantly different,” explains the area; miles of perfectly smooth Leslie. “We build both Defender new roads lead here, passing a host and Discovery in a bodyshop with ◊

There are 642 robots at work in the bodyshop alone. ∆ 642 robots. I don’t know how belt running through the bodyshop, The system helps to transport to put a bodyshell together.” many we had in the Defender that’s most easily explained as using 400 parts that together form the To achieve the required stiffness bodyshop back in the day, but it was similar technology to a maglev train. shell of the car. The first major in the aluminium structure (and this probably single figures. This marks the first European use step is assembling the underbody, Defender is claimed to comfortably “There’s a highly technical paint of the Kuka Pulse, which is claimed bodysides and roof header, creating be the stiffest Land Rover yet) 3,600 shop now, with environmentally to move parts 30 percent faster than a box that’s instantly recognisable rivets are used, plus 170m of glue. friendly kit and the trim hall is traditional set-ups, able as it is to as the Defender. Bodyshop director Classon comments, “The beauty worlds apart from the one I used run at a hasty 3.7m per second. Christian Classon says, “Everything of building an aluminium structure to run back in here has to be perfect, to half-a- is that it’s cleaner and quieter Solihull. All in all, millimetre of accuracy. It takes 2min than welding shops. But riveting [the old and new is very sensitive; it’s not production lines] as forgiving as the are almost like welding process.” chalk and cheese.” The only human-led Among a number part of the bodyshop is the of firsts for JLR cladding line, on which in Nitra is an the doors, fenders, bonnet innovative conveyor and boot door are applied.

Nitra is run by Birmingham boy Russell Leslie. JLR’s other factories are all a fair way away. 10,000 Tons of steel make up the bodyshop building at Nitra – the same weight as the Eiffel Towerr.

The new Defender’s bodyshell comprises some 400 parts.

66 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 BUILDING THE DEFENDER Behind the scenes Finally, the car goes to be checked. “There are three stations to rectify any issues,” says Classon. “In the UK, the line is much longer, so we’re proud because we have to get it right first time.” Bypassing the paint shop, it’s time to head to the trim and final hall – easily the largest, at 1,34,000 sq m The first job here is removing the vehicle’s doors so that workers can easily fit the interior. But far more mesmerising is a glass-fitting robot that lifts, glues and places a sunroof in less than a minute. Trim and final director Ulas Bagci walks us through the major stages, including where

Nitra is able to build 1,50,000 Defenders and Discoverys per year.

The automotive impact on Slovakia

What comes to mind when state aid, the unemployment rate Slovakia is mentioned? Maybe has dropped from 11.2 percent in beer or castles, but probably not December 2015 to 2.1 percent in the car industry. Yet, remarkably, December 2019, making it the lowest since 2007, this Central European in the land. country has been the world’s biggest Once an agricultural country, producer of cars per capita. Last year, Slovakia can now thank vehicle 202 cars were produced per 1,000 makers for half of its total industry. inhabitants, with a total of 1.1 million vehicles built. Alongside Jaguar Land Rover, other big players include Kia, Groupe PSA and the Volkswagen Group – which builds the Volkswagen Up and luxury SUVs including the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne there. The overwhelming The car industry is estimated to majority of workers generate around 2,75,000 jobs. In at Nitra are Slovak. Nitra, an area eligible for regional

the engine and radiator are fitted. you go. The Defender was designed “This is where the body finds its and engineered in the UK, but this soul,” he says. is the first time we’ve put a new At each of the 250 stations in car into a new factory. But we’re on his hall, there’s a subtle yellow target; we’re on the ramp-up curve cord. Pull it once if you need help exactly where we should be.” from your team leader, twice to As our tour ends, hundreds stop the line. “Stopping a line of workers arrive for the shift when you have 2min per change, fresh off seven buses job is very serious,” warns Bagci. paid for by JLR. There’s not yet K

But the biggest challenge of the build public transport to get workers U process, he says, is “bottlenecks in to the site. Conversations are electronics, because of its complexity. ongoing with the local council Everything is electronic.” to rectify that, but having witnessed Leslie concludes saying, how perfectly choreographed the “Launching a new car is always an whole production process must experience. Launching it in a new be, you’d hope Slovakian public country with a new team? It’s a transport is more punctual than AI bumpy road. You learn lessons as our own. tocar Au FROM REPRINTED ARTICLE

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 67 OUR CARS A MONTH IN THE LIFE OF AUTOCAR’S FLEET

first Report HYUNDAI AURA An unexpectedly fun compact sedan joins the Autocar India fleet and takes one tester by surprise.

or the most part, the running a midsize sedan – the 8.0-inch touchscreen and the looks a bit discordant. But I also Hyundai Aura is just simple but incredibly competent instrument cluster, which is a very don’t care, because I spend my a mild rehash of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz – it was premium touch. time in the driver’s seat, and that F Xcent – the compact time to switch back to a compact I don’t care much for the way experience is top-notch. They’ve sedan it effectively sedan. The size of the car wouldn’t the car looks on the outside. really upped the material quality replaces in the brand’s line-up. It be an issue since my usage is Though the proportions are this time, and there’s a richness has the same basic shape and mostly alone, and in the stifling pretty good (by the low standard to this interior that belies its price more or less the same dimensions. bustle of Mumbai’s rush-hour, of compact sedans) and there and segment. Knurled switchgear, It has, of course, been updated the smaller the better. I was are some dramatic details, it all rotary air-con vents that twirl with all the modern trappings our more concerned that moving a ever-hungry (at times segment lower might see me give unreasonably so) market up some creature comforts. But  demands, but there’s one thing we this is Hyundai so, apart from didn’t expect to find in a compact perhaps auto headlamps, the Aura 100hp, 1.0 turbo-petrol engine makes sedan, and it’s something I suspect matched up and then some. It no potential customers would’ve even has a wireless phone charger. the little Aura an absolute rocket. asked for either. Stay with me. Particularly impressive is the ASHLEY BAXTER p hy ASHLEY Photogra First, though, after a year of single-piece binnacle for the large  68 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 Love it

ROCKET POWER 100hp turbo engine is a firecracker.

Well kitted Equipment matches a class above; typical Hyundai.

loathe it

What you see Styling is a mishmash of too shut, rich fabric upholstery; it’s this unit in as many cars as should look into in the long run. many radical elements. got the lot. Plus, this version has possible, thus helping broaden It’s exciting at best, but a little red accents in all the right places, its acceptance. unsettling at worst. which signals its sporty intent. It’s a risk I’m happy they took Due to the lockdown, my And that brings us on to that one because this incredible little motor time driving the car has been unique item. It’s a 1.0-litre, direct- turns this shrew of a sedan into an brief, but suffice it to say, I plan injection turbo-petrol engine absolute rocket. The best part is to put many memorable miles that makes 100hp and 172Nm that it’s really smooth and docile on this unexpectedly interesting of torque! Other carmakers had crawling off the line; so you don’t little Hyundai. (admittedly expensive) engines get a sense of the power until you gavin d’souza like this but reserved them for a really floor it. And this being my single halo performance model, first time driving the Aura Turbo, test data not wanting to risk negative you can imagine my pleasant Hyundai aura perception of a displacement that surprise when I did. The rest of the Odometer 1391km was too low or cylinders (three) car struggles to keep up, actually Get going Price Rs 8.55 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) Too soft and loose dynamics that were too few. And now those – the front tyres scrabble for grip Fuel efficiency 9kpl (this month) engines are gone. Hyundai, and there’s loads of torque steer, Maintenance costs None Faults None for the performance. instead, is making sure it offers which is something Hyundai

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 69 first Report hyundai venue Thanks to the lockdown, the Venue’s had an unusual start to its long-term tenure.

70 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 71 OUR CARS . love it

Screen guild award 8.0-inch screen is easy to read on the go. Touch responses are good too.

Weekly round of apartment complex, essential to keep car (and driver) going.

f the 8,190km on our interesting company. The engine, as I bottom ends and, suffice to say, it Hyundai Venue’s learn, doesn’t deliver the sudden rush took the wind out of the Venue. To odometer, a grand total of power turbo-petrols are known be fair, few cars with small-capacity O of 15km have been for. Rather, what you get is a more petrol engines make the trek without added over the past genteel experience. Another point of warranting a downshift. Then there was light month. Two outings for groceries note is that the unit is at its happiest The Venue has taken to city life Illuminated USB ports are one and supplies and a few loops around above 2,000rpm. Cruising in sixth at fairly well. Yes, I’ve learned to be among many nice features of my apartment complex is all the 80kph is comfortable, but to overtake mindful of the gear I’m in, especially the well-thought-out interior. action the Venue has seen of late. it’s almost imperative to shift down. when things slow down, but, on the This report is more a flashback reel to Steady cruising does have its benefits whole, performance is satisfactory. the Venue’s initial days with us. though, with the instant economy What primarily gets my vote is that loathe it The Venue started life in the screen reading out 16.1kpl. from behind the wheel, the Venue Autocar India fleet as my choice of It’s when I turn off the expressway feels smaller than it is. The elevated wheels for a quick weekend trip out on to winding country roads that driving position, the good visibility of town. Back then, it had been a make up the latter part of the route (the high-res reverse camera also few months since I’d last driven a that the Venue starts to make an plays a role here), and the light Venue, so I expected it would take impression. There’s fun to be had steering make the Venue easy to park me some time to get reacquainted rowing through the gears to keep the and manoeuvre in tight confines. with the cabin. Surprisingly, the engine on the boil, and as an added I don’t think I’ve ever found prime re-familiarisation session didn’t plus, it’s also reasonably nice around parking in Mumbai’s crowded take all too long. One scan of the corners. The steering is light and Bandra suburb as many times as I dashboard was enough to get my isn’t the last word in feel but there’s have in the Venue. bearings, and even hooking up my enough connect to keep you engaged. Things haven’t been perfect phone to the touchscreen system was The Venue isn’t an EcoSport but though. The audio system’s mic a non-affair. No idiosyncratic button it’s miles ahead of older Hyundais has malfunctioned and it’s a big positions to remember. No laggy in this department. Also, while that irritant because I can’t take calls Uphill struggle screens to struggle through. Seat, firmness to the suspension setup on the go or use any of Android 1.0 engine’s limited bottom- steering and mirrors adjusted, I was can be felt over broken patches, Auto’s voice-activated features. end pulling power becomes good to go. Ease of use is something if it brings in a degree of dynamism, It’s something I’ll have looked into apparent on long inclines. the Venue scores big on, I can tell so be it. once the lockdown ends. I just hope you that. The journey back is uneventful, it’s not a long-drawn job because a Our Venue is a 1.0-litre turbo- but the last half-kilometre proves lot of driving time has been lost to petrol with a 6-speed manual to be quite revealing. The long coronavirus already. I can’t wait to gearbox, and on that early morning climb to the entrance of my complex make amends soon. drive out of Mumbai, it sure made for catches out engines with weak nikhil bhatia

test data Hyundai Venue 1.0  Turbo MT SX(O ) From behind the wheel, the Venue feels Odometer 8,190km Hello! Hello? Price Rs 10.85 lakh(ex-showroom, Mumbai) The mic has stopped working. Economy 10.3kpl (overall, this month) smaller than it is, which is a boon in town. Resultantly, I can’t use Android Maintenance costs None hy NIKHIL BHATIA og rap Auto’s voice functions. t Faults Mic malfunction  Pho 70 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 71 OUR cars . love it

Cool air for all Separate AC vents, even for the third row, a welcome addition. e tto s Barr ap hy SErgiu

4,000km Report Photogr Renault Triber Pinch me The Triber activates its full MPV mode by seating For a car screen, pinch- to-zoom works surprisingly well. six and carrying around their luggage too.

he last time my parents the driver who’s uncomfortable. The larger ones. Nevertheless, loaded or loathe it came to visit us, I made 1.0-litre engine puts out a modest not, the overall ride is good. sure I had the Ertiga. A 72hp and 96Nm of torque, and while it No complaints with the seating too T spacious 7-seater and a can haul a load, its performance when and the six of us were quite comfy, well-sorted ride meant doing so is underwhelming. When with my kids (15-year-old son and the six of us would be very comfortable. starting, you have to gas it more than 12-year-old daughter) in the third Also, its interiors were sufficiently you typically would, and when I found row. The only complaint from there plush to make a good impression. This myself stationary on the many flyovers was the lack of retractable seat belts, time, the only 7-seater in Autocar’s fleet in Mumbai, it would threaten to stall which took some time to adjust. was the Renault Triber. I had hoped for when trying to get going. Also, the airport run to drop off my something more upmarket but I was You’d think a small engine parents was hassle-free. We folded also keen to see what my folks thought wouldn’t be an issue in the city but one of the rear seats and that space of the Triber. Would its low price point power delivery at the bottom-end easily held two cabin suitcases and be obvious? Would they find it is jerky, and with a full load and the one handbag, while my daughter sat comfortable? Also, how would it cope AC on, you have to give it some extra comfortably in the middle; it was what Weak low end with a full load of people and some throttle to keep things smooth. I called ‘full airport send-off mode’. When fully loaded, low speeds and luggage too? It was time to find out. Also, overtaking often requires Having seen how practical the Triber’s starting off needs more gas to In terms of first impressions, it did a downshift, and with the engine been, Gavin has asked for the keys as keep it smooth. well. My folks were surprised with getting vocal at high revs, passing cars he’s just rented a new place. So stay its price, and with the equipment on seems like a panicked manoeuvre, tuned for ‘moving house’ mode. board, my dad liked the remote locking much to the concern of my backseat- SERGIUS BARRETTO and the reverse camera. driver mum. All in The Triber’s packaging is superb. all, the engine It seated the six of us with nearly does cope but everybody being comfy. I say ‘nearly’ you have to drive This is what I call the because funnily enough, with a full it consciously. ‘full airport send-off mode’. complement of passengers, it’s only In every other aspect, however, test data the Triber was just fine. The Renault Triber RXZ suspension Odometer 4094km Shiny objects absorbed the Price Rs 6.82 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) Dashboard silver trim looks Economy 11.77 kpl roads bumps good but reflects sunlight Faults None with ease, but it right at you. Previous report February 2020 did bottom-out quite loudly on

72 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 motoring

The Seltos 1.5 CVT petrol is far more efficient than the 1.4 DCT. ADVICE Will it be the small mid-sizer or the big small car? And is that a ghost in your engine or an actual problem? AAA (Ask Autocar Anything), the guru-cum-agony uncle, has all the answers. Email [email protected]

Is it safe to do so? Is there any chance In the lockdown, it is difficult to take of the tyres rubbing against the inner delivery of your car, but while you are walls under load? at home, you can browse several sites, Sumit, Ludhiana especially ours (www.autocarindia. The 205/60-R16 would be a touch com) to narrow down your choice. We too large for the Altroz in lieu of the feel that if you are set to buy an SUV, 185/60-R16s. You could upgrade to the you should do it as soon as the lockdown 205/55-R16s or the 195/55 R16s as a opens because then there will be a good Mileage matters the older Innova and a Fortuner. safe upgrade option. level of discounting from dealers and I read your Kia Seltos road test and However, I am interested in buying a manufacturers to kick-start sales. For found it to be very well-written and too, and wanted White Elephant your budget, we would recommend the informative. I noticed you did not to know if the new edition will come I have my eye on a 2011 Chevrolet Hyundai Venue 1.0 DCT, which is really mention the mileage figure of petrol to India. It’s my dream to own Cruze. Should I buy it? nice to drive and fairly efficient too. 1.5 CVT or manual. What’s the that model. Sidak Grover, Malout mileage difference between them? Keshav Mittal, Ajmer We would not advise you to buy the Tyres for City Annoy Ghosh, Haveli The current-gen LC has been taken off Cruze for several reasons. Firstly, being For my 2017 Honda City, which tyres The Autocar India fuel-efficiency test is the shelf as it won’t comply with BS6 nearly 10 years old, the Cruze, which is would be best for city and occasional very stringent for which we need to have norms and Toyota will not upgrade the essentially a Daewoo, isn’t particularly highway driving: Bridgestone, the car for around a week to test it in model as its most likely at the end of its well-put together and is likely to start Michelin or Good Year? Is it advisable different driving cycles and conditions. life cycle. The next-gen Land Cruiser giving trouble. Also, with GM having to put oversized tyres? Unfortunately, we did not have the will see a global unveil sometime later exited India, and the fact that the Cruze Vishal, Mumbai 1.5 CVT long enough for us to do our this year. There is no news of that has long been discontinued, spare parts You could upsize the tyres from the detailed mileage test, which is why the model making it to India as of now. availability will be an issue. You could Honda City’s original 175/65-R15 to the fuel consumption figures are missing. Meanwhile, the LX570 petrol has end up buying a white elephant; so it’s 185/60-R15s. The increased width will However, we estimate the CVT version been upgraded to BS6 and is expected to best to stay away from it. give you better road-holding capability to be around 10-15 percent less efficient be available for sale in India. and comfort. You could consider than the manual version, and far more Matching it right Michelin as it is a good option for city efficient than the 1.4 DCT. Safe upgrade For my 2013 Mahindra Xylo, can I drives with occasional highway use. I have recently booked a Tata Altroz shift from the standard (alloy) rim of Dream Toyota XZ diesel. As per the spec sheet, the 215/75-R15 100T to 215/55-R17 100V? ONLY CVT I am a regular subscriber of your petrol model comes with 195/55-R16 Shriram Patki, Pune I am impressed with the Honda magazine and also a car enthusiast. I tyres, while the diesel is shod with The 215/55-R17s are primarily WR-V’s performance even though it have a great interest in Toyota SUVs 185/60-R16 units. I was hoping to passenger vehicle tyres that would wear is underpowered. However, living in and I already own an Innova Crysta, upsize my diesel to 205/60-R16 tyres. out much faster on the Xylo. You could Mumbai, I am not in favour of using fit the 215/70-R16s as a safe upgrade a stick shift. Are there any plans option. You need to select the rims with by Honda to bring in an automatic THE SHOPPER the same PCD (Pitch, Circle, Diameter) transmission version in the form Not sure which new vehicle to buy? Autocar India points you towards the right one. as the original wheels of the Xylo. of a CVT or torque converter, and not an AMT? Manisha Patel – KIa Seltos GTX+ Lockdown advantage Bharat Malkani, Mumbai Manisha Patel was in the market for a brand-new SUV. “I want something I am looking forward to buying a It is unlikely that Honda will bring that’s bigger, more spacious and luxurious than my fourth-gen Honda City, mini-SUV within a budget of an automatic version of the WR-V, as but still looks good and is very feature-rich,” she had said. Rs 12 lakh. Due to the current the model is likely to be replaced with Considering her preference for an SUV and the fact that most of her lockdown, I am confused whether to another compact SUV sometime next commute would be on the highways around Surat, Gujarat, we suggested buy one now or later? Also, should I year. Honda doesn’t favour AMTs and she look at diesel variants of the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta (the all-new wait for new launches? future compact Honda automatics will model hadn’t gone on sale yet) Tata Harrier and the MG Hector. As neither Xavier John, Changanacherry all have CVTs. AI the Tata nor the MG had the convenience of an automatic with their respective diesel engines (though the Harrier does get one now), they were The Hyundai Venue 1.0 DCT is discarded from her shortlist. nice to drive and efficient too. Manisha took an instant liking to the Kia Seltos, and as she was willing to stretch her budget slightly, we recommended she buy the range- topping Seltos GTX+ diesel-automatic. “It’s really good-looking and even with all the segment-first features packed in, the Seltos still fits in my budget,” she gushed when she bought it.

Even after covering over

ks c Cli Ali - ni a 10,000km, she has no complaints

and is completely satisfied with our z Anj z

a recommendation and her purchase.

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a Aln PB AUTOCARINDIA.COM NOVEMBER 2016 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 73 WHY you need a used tata hexa Rs 13 lakh IN YOUR LIFE For the price of a new Nexon, you can get a much bigger, more powerful and comfortable 7-seater.

THE BIG SHOW Spacious, hugely comfortable and very practical SUV at a bargain price. Jay Patil points out what to look out for. GOOD FOR Comfy ride, spacious cabin LOOK OUT FOR Poor fuel economy, interior trim wear

Factfile now discontinued might be a on the top-spec XT trim, while the highly recommend. The 6-speed Years Produced 2017-2020 negative, but this helps a lot with automatic is available only with two- auto ‘box is smooth, refined and Price when new From Rs 11.99 lakh negotiations. You can haggle for a wheel drive on the mid-spec XMA works in perfect tandem with the Engine 4 cyl, 2179cc turbo-diesel significantly lower price and get a and top-spec XTA trims. So if you engine. The interior is one of the big Power 156hp great deal. What’s more, the high want all-wheel drive, the manual highlights of the Hexa, as it offers Torque 400Nm depreciation rate means the asking gearbox is the only option. However, good levels of quality and materials. Ground Clearance 200mm price is already quite low. In fact, the manual here is not the one of The seats for one, are fantastic and Boot Space 128-671 litres used Hexas in top-spec trim are the best transmissions around. The very comfortable, and the overall priced around Rs 13-14 lakh, which gearshifts are notchy and the lack cabin build is good too. That said, is equivalent to a new Nexon – a of well-defined gates make it there are some niggles. The all- he Tata Hexa never much smaller car in comparison difficult to engage the gear. Then really set the sales to this large 7-seater. There aren’t there’s the clutch, which although T charts ablaze, but it too many options in the market, light, is inconsistent and lacks Used Car Index has a lot going for it. but you can easily find low-mileage progression, resulting in jerky shifts. High Also, just before the BS6 emission units in good condition. Other flaws include the absence of a norms were enforced, it even made The Hexa is powered by a 2.2-litre dead pedal on the manual version Medium it to our list of ‘Cars to buy before diesel engine and is available with and a rather small footwell for the Low they die’ list. manual and automatic transmission driver, which could make a long As a used buy, it offers options. The 6-speed manual is drive cumbersome. Depreciation Spares Running costs terrific value. The fact that it’s also available with all-wheel drive The automatic is the one we’d

74 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 used cars

HOW TO GET ONE IN YOUR GARAGE

Big 19-inch alloy wheels and chrome accents give it a premium appeal. Buyer, beware… n LOW ECONOMY The Hexa is known to be a thirsty SUV, especially with the automatic transmission. Even in Eco mode, the economy hovers around the 6-7kpl mark in city traffic and goes just a shade above 10kpl on the highway. owners have also reported issues with the subwoofer. Also worth knowing The Hexa was also available in a base variant with no frills and lesser torque (300Nm). These examples can be fetched for as little as Rs 11 lakh. However, for the higher The cabin is well-built and gets a lot of quality materials. n FIDDLY INTERIOR versions, you could also choose Some poorly fitted bits in an overall between a 6-seater variant, with black dashboard heats up a fair will set you back by approximately well-built cabin do stand out. The captain seats for the middle row. bit on a hot day and some plastics Rs 15,000 annually. Tata offered a power window switches and door down low aren’t up to the standards 3-year/1,00,000km warranty on the locks tend to malfunction. of the ones up top, and tend to rattle Hexa and most cars on the market How much to spend on older cars. The door lock pins are still well under that mark, so Rs 13-14 lakh tend to wear out early, and even look for these models specifically. Given that the Hexa is out of malfunction in some cases, so make The Hexa is a well-built, practical production and there aren’t many sure you check those. Also, the and comfortable SUV, and at these on the market, you can be on the rather small, 7.0-inch touchscreen prices, it’s a great deal. front foot of the negotiations. tends to freeze quite often. Get that Offer no more than Rs 13 lakh, that checked too. DEAL OF THE MONTH too for a top-spec trim. If it is an n Though this is a Tata product, Tata Hexa XTA 7-SEATER Infotainment automatic version, the maximum since it’s priced higher up in its Price Rs 13 lakh The touchscreen offers only basic offer should be Rs 14 lakh. A low- portfolio, maintenance and spare Price when new Rs 23.45 lakh infotainment functions and tends to spec version can even go for as little parts prices are expectedly on the (on-road, Mumbai) hang and freeze quite often. Some as Rs 11 lakh. higher side. A basic service every Savings Rs 10.45 lakh 1 year/10,000km will cost you Where Pride Car, Mumbai Cars we found anywhere between Rs 7,000-9,000 Call 9773126522 and insuring a three-year-old model

All prices are in Rs lakh for Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, USED CAR PRICES — tata hexa Kolkata and Bengaluru VARIANTS 2017 2018 2019 Min Max Min Max Min Max XE 8.5 8.75 9.7 10.3 11.8 12.5 ASKING PRICE: Rs 13.75 LAKH ASKING PRICE: Rs 13.50 lakh XM 9.5 10.5 11 11.7 13 13.8 This 2017 model is a manual version This top-spec automatic version has XMA 10.2 10.9 11.9 12.7 14.1 14.9 in XT trim and has only 42,000km only covered 25,000km and has the XT 11 11.7 12.9 13.7 15.3 16.3 on the odometer. 6-seat configuration. XTA 12 12.75 13.7 14.6 16.3 17.4 Car courtesy Elite Motors, Mumbai Car courtesy Govind, Chennai XT 4x4 12 12.6 13.9 14.7 16.5 17.5 Call 9819240402 Call 9884824090 If you would like to see your used car featured here, please e-mail pictures and details to [email protected] to and details e-mail pictures please here, featured car used your see to like would If you

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 75

Experience Royal Enfield Slide School RE wants to teach you how to ride flat-track!

Ride

The XR Factor! Also inside BMW’s road-going l TVS buys Norton rocket ship, the Motorcycles S 1000 XR is all new l KTM evaluating for 2020, and it’s 890 Duke R for India heading to India. l Triumph Tiger 800 XCx long-term review

first look

FIRST RIDE 2020 Goodbye BMW R 18 All the RE 500 information on BMW’s A look back at gorgeous and the rich history unique R18 of Royal Enfield’s cruiser. 500cc, single- cylinder engines.

may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 79 Stunning BMW R18 coming to India 1,802cc engine is the biggest BMW boxer engine to date, with 150Nm available from as low as 2,000rpm.

MW Motorrad has rear fender. Details like the all the cruiser motorcycle of customisation options. gleaming chrome. The brand- introduced its classic- exposed drive shaft, front design boxes, except for the Replacing standard parts new 1,802cc, air- and oil- styled R18 cruiser and fork covers and the rigid-style position of the mid-mounted has been made easy by using cooled engine produces 91hp B it is headed to India at tail, which actually conceals foot pegs. Given the layout plug-and-play type clutch and at 4,750rpm, which may not an expected price of around the rear monoshock, of the engine, it’s impossible brake lines, and the handlebar seem as much considering Rs 18-20 lakh, putting it bang highlight the meticulous to fit forward-set foot pegs, wiring. The rear frame, seats, its size, but crucially, it in the middle of premium attention to detail. In fact, the and this could be a deal- side panels and handlebar produces 158Nm of torque Harley-Davidson territory. new Boxer engine, in terms breaker for those looking can all be swapped as well. at 3,000rpm. A fat chunk of What makes the big German of exterior architecture, for the typical cruiser style The decorative engine valve that torque (150Nm to be unique is that its design looks strikingly similar to riding experience. The R18, covers and housing covers precise) is available between harks back to the 1936 the R5’s motor. It’s the same however, redeems itself with can be replaced too and is 2,000-4,000rpm, and this is BMW R5 cruiser. with the fish-tail exhaust as a swept-back handlebar and a quite easy to do so as what will dictate the Parked alongside well. That said, the bulbous low 690mm seat height that they are located outside riding experience. the original, the design centre – an unavoidable should result in a comfortable the oil chamber. Unlike chain or belt-type inspiration is clearly visible result of the Euro 5 emission riding position. Stunning design aside, final drives as seen in most in the R18’s round LED regulations – is hard to digest. For those who’d like to the R18’s engine is another cruisers, the BMW R18 headlamp, tear-drop-shaped However, there’s no denying personalise their cruiser, aspect that shines, and employs an exposed shaft fuel tank and swooping that the R18 ticks almost BMW is offering a wide range we’re talking beyond all that drive, similar to the old BMW

80 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 81 BIKE NEWS R18 design is heavily inspired from the 1936 BMW R5.

Instrument console is basic, 1802cc unit is the biggest BMW boxer ever, exposed driveshaft may not be practical for Indian roads.

cruisers it takes inspiration Rain, Roll, and Rock. In heated grips, cornering lights spring preload adjustment from. The driveshaft and addition, there’s switchable and a reverse gear driven that allows the rider to set universal joint are fascinating Automatic Stability Control by an electric motor. That up the bike depending on bits of engineering left (ASC) and engine drag last one could be helpful their weight. exposed to marvel at, but torque control (MSR) that considering this bike weighs As far as the brakes are how this works in our dusty helps prevent rear wheel slip an immense 345kg. concerned, there are two and dirty environment is under hard acceleration or Compared to many discs at the front (with fixed, yet to be seen. When it aggressive downshifts. The modern BMW motorcycles, four piston calipers) and one comes to performance, riding modes gradually alter the R18’s suspension is at the rear, each measuring BMW claims a 0-100kph the power delivery and ASC rather conventional. This is 300mm. It uses BMW’s time of 4.8sec and a top intervention, with Rock mode said to be done deliberately Integral ABS system that speed limited to 180kph. offering the quickest throttle to keep with the retro distributes the brake force The bike maker has response while backing theme, and so what you get between the front also thrown in a fairly off the ASC. BMW is also is a 49mm telescopic fork and rear brakes, according comprehensive electronics offering optional extras (120mm travel) at the front to the brake pressure and suite. The R18 has three such as hill-start assist, and a cantilever strut at road conditions. riding modes, which are the rear (90mm travel), BMW will be selling the R18 rather amusingly named mounted directly on the in two trims – First Edition frame and swingarm. and Standard, depending on The rear suspension the market. The First Edition Bulbous exhaust a by-product also features gets extra chrome elements, of strict Euro 5 emission norms. travel-dependent special paint and a badge. In damping and addition, there’s a welcome box with exclusive goodies. The BMW R18 comes across as a unique and genuine stab at the cruiser market, one that’s been dominated by Harley- Davidson and also by Indian Motorcycles to a small extent. Only time will tell if buyers will warm up to the idea of a BMW cruiser. Rishab bhaskar

80 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 81 TVS buys Norton Motorcycles! The legendary British brand was acquired in a deal worth roughly Rs 153 crore.

VS Motor Company has acquired Norton Café-racer-inspired Motorcycles in an all- Norton Dominator. T cash deal worth GBP 16 million (around Rs 153 crore). Through this transaction, a newly set-up overseas subdivision of the Indian two-wheeler giant has acquired certain assets and intellectual properties of Norton Motorcycles (U.K.) Limited. The 122-year-old British brand faced troubled times for bikes delivered; the company that were due to significantly manufacture of components 961 engine is a huge part of the majority of its existence. hasn’t commented on much change the British company’s for the new 650cc model, Norton’s line-up. More recently, insufficient else just yet. However, there fortunes. While the TVS called the Atlas 650. In fact, Finally, what happens to cash flow is said to be one are a few interesting things release states that it “is Kinetic Engineering was even all the people who are owed of the reasons why it had to consider. excited about existing and supposed to manufacture the money by Garner-owned trouble fulfilling order books. What remains a question upcoming products, including frames for the Atlas 650, and Norton is another question The company’s previous right now is what will become the Commando, Dominator Firodia hopes to supply these hanging in the air. owner, Stuart Garner, is also of the Norton deal with and V4 RR”, there is no components, in case TVS goes All these answers will reportedly under investigation MotoRoyale. The Kinetic- mention of the 650s – models ahead with production. certainly be provided in due for allegations of fraud. owned business had partnered that would have the most Another point to note is course, but, for now, it’s simply So far, TVS has said that with Norton to retail, and relevance for India. that Garner very recently a matter of pride that an Indian Norton’s operations will even manufacture, Nortons in Kinetic MotoRoyale’s sold the rights and tooling company has bought a legend proceed in the UK with India. MotoRoyale was in the MD, Ajinkya Firodia tells our to the 961 engine platform like Norton, even in such all current employees to process of scaling up its plant sister publication Autocar to Chinese firm Jinlang just uncertain times. Under TVS, continue on its payroll. TVS when Norton UK went into Professional that he is hopeful before the company went Norton has its best chance of also states that Norton will administration. Among the MotoRoyale can continue into administration. The making a thorough and lasting retain its identity with its own bikes that were its bond with Norton. The implications of this on comeback, and enthusiasts business plans. The focus for to be built in India were the company has invested TVS-owned Norton are from the world over have now will be getting pending new 650 twin-cylinder models in the development and unclear right now, but the everything to gain from it.

KTM 890 Duke R under evaluation for India EXCLUSIVE

KTM India is evaluating the risen to 834mm and ground provide more sensitivity to 890 Duke R for our market clearance is now 206mm, the electronic aids. The vast and it may launch sometime which is more than the 390 electronics suite includes all in the middle or second half Adventure! This will provide the other features seen on of 2021. Like the 790 Duke, it the bike even more cornering the 790 Duke, except for the will be a CKD and will likely be clearance and the 890 packs up/down quickshifter and the sold alongside the 790, which exceptional equipment in tuneable Track mode, which is being upgraded to BS6. The the form of fully adjustable are now optional extras. 890 will be more expensive; WP suspension at both ends. In India, we are looking at but then again, it also has a lot The brakes have also been an ex-showroom price more to offer. upgraded to top-shelf Brembo between Rs 10-11 lakh. Going with the name is Stylemas and the bike now Considering all the extra kit a new 890cc parallel-twin New 890cc parallel-twin makes 121hp and 99Nm of torque. runs sticky, track-focused you get, the 890 Duke R is that’s based on the 790 Michelin Cup 2 tyres. well worth the money, and motor, but with increased change is a jump from an the 890 uses the same tubular Where the 790 Duke used it could easily be the most bore and stroke. Compression output of 105hp/87Nm to steel frame as the 790. a 5-axis IMU, the 890 gets potent, capable and rewarding ratio is up as well and the net 121hp/99Nm. Chassis-wise, However, the seat height has a 6-axis unit, which should machine in the segment. LAUNCHED BS6 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 BS6 TVS Apache RTR 180 Prices for the BS6 Bullet 350 start at Rs 1.21 At Rs 1.01 lakh, the BS6 Apache 180 lakh. Now fuel-injected, the engine makes is Rs 6,700 more expensive than 0.7hp less (19.1hp), while torque remains the BS4 model. Power and torque unchanged at 28Nm. The electric start remain nearly the same at 16.7hp variant, meanwhile, costs Rs 1.37 lakh. and 15.5Nm, respectively.

82 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 83 BIKE NEWS Honda Aviator to be replaced

Honda India will be pulling EXCLUSIVE the plug on its premium 110cc scooter – the Aviator. The model didn’t make it to the list of Honda scooters that were recently updated to BS6 spec, indicating that the model will be discontinued. The Aviator has been around for years and was positioned above the regular Activa, although it shared the same Sales at a four-year low engine. The scooter’s USP was its styling and features The Indian automotive annual increase, every such as alloy wheels, a scooter platform that has of the new product will be industry was in a slowdown manufacturer who shares telescopic fork and a front already spawned multiple higher than the Honda Activa well before the COVID-19 their data with SIAM disc brake. While the Aviator products like the new Activa 6G, and it’ll be interesting pandemic began wreaking (Classic Legends and was well-received initially, it 6G, the Dio and the Activa to see if Honda manages havoc last month. Figures Ducati are notable was always overshadowed by 125. The engine will probably to keep it from falling into released by the Society exceptions) dipped in the the Activa. be in a similar tune to the 125cc scooter territory. of Indian Automobile red. Nevertheless, Hero The discontinuation of Activa, maybe with a slight Whether it will actually be Manufacturers (SIAM), show continues to be the biggest the Aviator leaves a void in increase in power. However, called the ‘Aviator’ is unclear that wholesale two-wheeler seller, at 6.2 million units, the premium 110cc scooter since the scooter will be a at the moment, and we sales in FY2020 stood at despite an 18.14 percent space that the manufacturer premium offering, it is likely believe Honda may use a new 17.41 million units – a 17.7 decrease in sales. will try to fill with a new to feature alloy wheels, a disc brand name to create some percent drop, and the lowest In March 2020, every product. It’s almost certain brake and a digital instrument excitement, especially since seen in the past four years. company aside from Honda that the new scooter will cluster as well. the original Aviator wasn’t Aside from Suzuki, who has recorded a drop in sales be based on Honda’s new The price and positioning a big seller. reported a 2.46 percent by over 40 percent. Two-wheeler industry helps fight COVID-19 Despite being hit hard promised distribution of supplies, as well as setting up by COVID-19, two-wheeler masks, sanitisers, gloves, and sanitation facilities for high- companies in India are going 100 ventilators. Additionally, need groups, underprivileged out of their way to help the brand has promised local communities in several tackle the crisis. The first to distribute more than states across the country. wave of help came in the 10,000 meals every day and To this end, the group has form of donations where has deployed 60 modified partnered with NGOs to the Bajaj Group and Hero motorcycles as two-wheeler assess needs and deliver Group announced relief ambulances in rural areas. the necessary support. packages of Rs 100 crore TVS stated that it will The Mahindra Group is each. TVS also joined the list use the kitchens that its heavily involved in relief by announcing a Rs 30 crore factories used for the staff efforts, including making face economic aid package. The to prepare daily meals for masks at its two-wheeler Eicher Group, which owns police personnel, healthcare, manufacturing plant at Royal Enfield, also pledged an and municipal workers. Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. initial outlay of Rs 50 crore The Bajaj Group has also work with organisations to The automaker is also In the area of customer towards building dedicated said that it’s working with the extend immediate support to supplying dry rations to service, most companies care facilities, and various Indian Government as well as daily wage workers who daily wage workers in Baddi, have announced an immediate relief and support its network of 200 NGOs to are facing a tough time Himachal Pradesh. extension of the free measures to tackle the ensure that these resources due to temporary closure The Eicher Group will services and warranties impact of the coronavirus reach those who are in the of businesses. work towards providing food, that were set to lapse during pandemic. need for aid. Bajaj will also Meanwhile, Hero has provisions and sanitation the lockdown.

BS6 Suzuki Intruder HD Low Rider S The BS6 Intruder costs Rs 13,000 The Low Rider S has been more than the already fuel-injected launched in Vivid Black at BS4 bike. Power has also gone down Rs 14.69 lakh. It uses a 1,868cc, by a considerabe 1hp with output V-twin which makes a mammoth figures now at 13.6hp/13.8Nm. 161Nm of torque.

82 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 83 Another Honda recall Rishaad Mody the inside line Hope

Honda has announced to vehicle imbalance.” While its second voluntary recall the company hasn’t given in the past few months. The any details apart from that first was of the new-gen rather vague description, we Activa 125 in February believe it’s the rear shock 2020; and this time absorber that’s affected. around, it’s for three of its The part in question, scooter models – the Dio, if in the defective lot, will the Activa 125 and the be replaced free of cost, 6G – manufactured during irrespective of February 14-25, 2020. The warranty status company, however, has not of the vehicle. specified the number of units Motorcycles used to be a provider of joy but their new role now is to create hope. impacted by this recall. Honda says it has e’ve all probably have to offer. You see, my Babu, my society watchman identified “a suspected been there; that’s favourite part of the day who still diligently keeps quality issue in the rear how easy it’s now involves garbage; and the bike spotless, even cushion, which may W become to fall head- no, that’s not some poor though it hasn’t moved result in oil leakage or first into the rabbit hole of attempt at a joke on what in ages. It’s our civic and breakage and may lead depression. By the time life currently feels like. moral duty to keep people you read this, it would have Ever since the lockdown like him employed in times been well over a month began, the garbage has to like these. since I rode a motorcycle. What I find fascinating Meteor incoming Worse still, my wife and I is that I’m never tempted just bought an exciting new  to take the key down It’s been rumoured for a reason could be that Royal motorcycle, and while the with me and steal a quick, while now that Royal Enfield Enfield doesn’t have the registration was completed My favourite irresponsible ride. Rather will drop the ‘Thunderbird’ rights to the Thunderbird on the very last day that than taunt me with its name in favour of ‘Meteor’– name in all countries, the RTOs were operational, part of the day presence, the Interceptor a name the company courtesy a rather iconic Ford. the bike lies at a stockyard, feels like a warm friend trademarked early last year. As a result, the Thunderbird awaiting the lifting of now involves who gently pats me on the This has now been confirmed (as pictured below) was sold the lockdown. Hopefully, back and tells me to hang in as the next-generation as the Rumbler in some you’ll hear more about the garbage. there: “The good days will Thunderbird, has been international markets. In bike next month, but, for return, and I won’t leave spotted with a ‘Meteor 350’ addition to this, ‘Meteor’ is now, such a multi-faceted  your side until they do.” badge on its side panels. Why a heritage name for Royal deprivation of motorcycles That stationary change what has become Enfield, and it used to sell is no good for anyone be taken out every morning, motorcycle has become a strong brand name in the a bike by the same name in who’s an enthusiast; and and I take a cheeky detour a beacon of hope, and Indian market? Well, one America in the 1950s. definitely not for someone via my parking spot to while I fully agree all this whose life revolves around catch a glimpse of a lovely sounds cheesy as hell, I them. Yet, I should not motorcycle that patiently also know that I always complain, as things could resides there. The bike in return to my house with have been a lot worse, question is our long-term a smile on my face and a and I fully support the Royal Enfield Interceptor sense of calm in my head. government’s decision. 650, a motorcycle that It’s common knowledge Nevertheless, the mind I have now stared at so that riding motorcycles needs soothing every much that I’m completely can be therapeutic, but I’ve now and again, and I have besotted with its classic only just discovered that found a solution that is muscular lines and they can also do the job far more gratifying than gleaming chrome. The while standing still! What what Netflix and the like gleam is thanks to Ram wonderful things they are.

get in touch Forums at autocarindia.com rishaadmody

84 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 85 All the gear all the time Arai Tour-X4 An excellent, top-spec ADV helmet with a couple of quirks. Rynox Air GT Gloves Lightweight, affordable city gloves.

Retractable chin spoiler deflects air, 11 of the 14 vents can be closed; visor removal is tedious.

an ADV helmet is one 11 are controllable), the Tour speeds on bikes without that combines the best X-4 is a breezy dream. The wind protection. attributes of an MX helmet three big jaw vents provide Here’s where the problem and a traditional full-face exceptional airflow, and arises: Arai visor removal The last five gloves we’ve reviewed in this section helmet. In other words, they can be fully closed off, has always been a fiddly have been high-end gloves that cost nearly 10 percent of amazing ventilation and insulating the helmet quite affair, but the Tour’s system the price of an average motorcycle in India, if not more. sun/roost protection, well in the cold. There’s even is downright tedious. We can’t recommend those premium gloves enough, along with high-speed a retractable chin spoiler You have to remove the because there shouldn’t be a price aerodynamics, and general for improved air deflection. two screws on the sides attached to safety. That being said, comfort and practicality. Another impressive factor while being careful not to it’s not easy for everyone to The Arai Tour-X4 does this is that despite its extreme remove the thin plastic shell-out that kind of money, amazingly well, at least for curvature, the visor displays screw retainer. This can’t and moreover, not everyone the most part. no visual distortion, and with be done by hand, but a coin wants heavy-duty, track- Aside from the extended the included Pinlock anti-fog will work. Reinstallation biased levels of protection. If jaw, its rounded shell lens inserted, there’s no demands careful alignment you feel that way, this glove keeps with the company’s issue with fogging either. of the visor and peak, along from Rynox should be right philosophy that a round The Tour is extremely with an even tightening up your street. shape glances off surfaces, versatile in terms of what of the four screws. Arai At Rs 2,450, these are one thereby reducing the kind of helmet you’d like it doesn’t sell one of those of the most affordable leather force of impact. As you’d to be. For aggressive off- fancy transition-style visors gloves I’ve come across from a expect, quality is top level, road riding you can remove either and a quicker, simpler trusted brand. Despite the particularly the paint the visor and use a pair of solution is much needed for price tag, the quality of the Foam inserts provide thickness and lustre. The goggles. When out on the the next generation model. goat leather used is really light protection for the removable/washable interior highway, you could use Safety-wise, the Tour is impressive. It’s soft right out scaphoid region material feels luxurious the plastic blanks fitted to ECE 22-05 rated, but it also of the box and doesn’t require against the skin. Arai’s Facial remove the peak and turn it complies with Arai’s own breaking in. The leather is perforated as well; something Contouring System for the into a more traditional road internal test regimen which you’ll be really thankful for in a tropical weather condition cheekpads ensures a snug, helmet. While the plastic is said to be stricter. Fully like ours. They obviously aren’t as light and venting as super-comfy fit and the peak’s aerodynamics are handmade, it goes through flimsy cloth gloves, but I stopped noticing the weight 5mm ‘peel-away’ pads allow a lot better than an MX five different inspections difference within a week. you to further refine the fit helmet’s at highway speeds, before being deemed fit These Rynox gloves have a single closure at the wrist if needed. Built using Arai’s the Tour does start to lift a for sale and it comes as and feels adequately secure. The Air GTs are also very proprietary Special Fibre little once you cross 100kph. no surprise that this is a quick and easy to put on, which is great for commuting, Laminate material, this is a I find that large windscreens very expensive helmet. but the same can’t be said about taking them off. You hefty thing at 1.64kg, but it on ADV bikes can mitigate Rs 60,000 gets you solid see, the Velcro wrist strap is very thin and there is no is so well balanced that all- this to a large extent, but colours, while most graphic extendable tab, which makes it hard to get a grip when day comfort is guaranteed. the peak is certainly not schemes, like the Catch Red you have a glove on your other hand. With a total of 14 intake intended for sustained high seen here, cost Rs 66,000. As for safety, the gloves have TPU armour for the and exhaust vents (of which This is what you have to pay knuckles and foam inserts to protect the scaphoid region for a top-tier helmet and and fingers. There’s also a double layer of leather at the the price is between the base of the fingers, which is a typically high-use area top-spec RX7v and the mid- where the glove grips the handlebar. Rynox is also claims level Chaser X. that the Air GT is CE certified to standard EN13594:2015. The Tour-X4 undoubtedly What this means is that the gloves have been tested for pairs up well with an impact resistance, abrasion resistance, slide time, cut ADV bike, but pure road resistance, tear strength, and seam strength. riders may find Arais The Rynox Air GT are in their element from one city like the Chaser X or traffic light to another, where the speeds aren’t high QV Pro to be the more enough to cause too much trouble. If you are considering appropriate choice. riding out on the weekends though, we recommend more rishaad mody comprehensive and safer gloves. Where: www. firoze irani performanceracing.in Where: rynoxgears.com Price: Rs 66,000 Price: Rs 2,450

84 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 85 Under the radar

couple of months ago, we got to ride three new BMWs in Spain. You read about two of them – the a F 900 R and the F 900 XR – in our March 2020 issue, and an embargo meant that we couldn’t talk about this bike back then. What you’re looking at here is a brand-new, second generation of the fastest sport- touring machine from BMW. And yes, that’s what we’re calling it, despite the fact that BMW terms the S 1000 XR an ‘Adventure-Sport’ and lists it under the ‘Adventure’ category on its website. Truth be told, with 17-inch rims and just 150mm of suspension travel, it only qualifies as adventure bike thanks to it being a tall thing with good wind protection. In fact, at one point along the ride, a BMW official told me that they’d recommend taking this bike about as far off-road as you would an S 1000 R litre-naked. Or in other words, not very far at all. New from the outside This is no crisis because the S 1000 XR has always been about covering big distances at silly speeds while offering complete comfort to you and your pillion. That brief hasn’t changed for the 2020 model; but BMW has redesigned it from the ground up. The design is completely new, and this is the second bike, after the new S 1000 RR, that confirms the bike maker’s intention to leave behind its trademark asymmetric face design. I quite like the look of the new LED lights, and even though we didn’t get to experience them, an indoor simulation revealed that their clever cornering function should be quite a joy on a poorly lit road. Above the headlight sits a two- step height-adjustable windscreen that does a wonderful job of insulating you from the wind blast, and along with the built-in heated grips, the BMW shielded me beautifully from a biting cold Spanish morning. The bodywork is brand-new as well, and it looks larger and more bulked-up in general, despite the rather drab Ice Grey colour scheme our test bikes came with. The bodywork shields your lower body from the elements well, and I like some of the smaller touches like the built-in cubby just behind the keyless start button. BMW has now integrated pannier mounts into the design and the higher-spec TE variant gets a luggage rack as well. However, while it’s all put together very well, you can’t help notice that there is almost no metal on display at all; and everything you see on the expansive bodywork is plastic. This might just be me, but some exposed metal, at least in areas like the fuel tank, always makes things feel a little more premium. What is a commendable is that BMW has managed to make this bike a little friendlier for shorter riders. Seat height remains unchanged at 840mm, but the seat has been slimmed down quite a bit where it meets the fuel tank, ◊

86 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 2020 BMW S 1000 XR ride It may look like an ADV, but make no mistake, the S 1000 XR is a 1,000cc sport bike with a comfortable riding position. It’s also brand new for 2020 and Under the radar Rishaad Mody got to ride one in Spain in better times.

may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 87 Sleeker, full-LED headlamps on the new XR have a cornering function.

New TFT display is thoroughly customisable. Typical BMW switches with a rotary controller.

∆ making it a little easier to get the feet down. 1000 RR. You wouldn’t guess that from the spec Climb aboard, and you’ll find that the bike feels sheet because it has the same cubic capacity, big, but not frighteningly heavy. BMW says the same bore-stroke ratio, and even makes the they’ve saved 10kg of weight, but the spec sheet same 165hp and 114Nm of torque as before. Then shows a 226kg kerb weight, which is only 2kg  again, this motor is now Euro 5-compliant, so it’s down from the old bike. No, BMW isn’t pulling a good thing that BMW has managed to keep the a fast one here; they’ve reached this figure by Think of this as a comfy performance figures from dropping. What came accounting for all the kit like the pannier mounts as a disappointment to many was that the XR and luggage rack which are now standard, but superbike rather than a misses out on the ShiftCam variable-valve control used to be popular options that most owners technology from the new S 1000 RR. BMW says ended up installing. go-anywhere ADV. that ShiftCam is mainly intended to enhance the RR’s top-end performance and that this was not New from within  a priority for the road-biased XR. This is a fair The XR’s engine has been heavily reworked, explanation, but the cost-saving benefits can’t be and is now based on the motor from the new S discounted either.

88 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 89 2020 BMW S 1000 XR ride

Nevertheless, BMW’s focus with the new engine in the handlebar, and the bike felt smooth exhaust, as well as the sweet in-line-four scream was a linear, yet meatier power delivery. Winding throughout. The 6-speed gearbox is as precise as it produces at high revs is something worth the throttle open for the first time on a wide you’d expect and the up/down quickshifter that appreciating. Nevertheless, as mind-bendingly Spanish highway, the one thing that definitely comes with the top-spec model is what we’ve fast the XR is, like most BMWs, it can’t shake that didn’t pop into my head was, “Damn, wish I grown to expect from BMW – good enough, over-engineered sense of perfection. Essentially, had some ShiftCam”. This is a ludicrously fast but not fantastic. The gear ratios have been this is not the type of bike with heaps of naughty motorcycle, and the only way you can go faster lengthened in the fourth, fifth and sixth gears character that make you go giddy in your helmet. is by buying a full-fledged sport bike. 180kph is for a long-legged feel out on the highway, and to It is incredibly effective though, and not just always just a handful of seconds away, and the improve efficiency and meet emissions targets. in a straight line. The XR gets a brand-new XR will quite comfortably cross 250kph. Power With a 20-litre fuel tank and a wonderfully frame, once again derived from the S 1000 delivery builds in a completely linearly fashion, comfortable and upright seating position, this bike RR. The engine is more involved as a load- and the bike feels particularly rampant between will cross entire states at speeds that can easily bearing member of the structure; and BMW has 9,000rpm and 11,000rpm. land you in prison, or a hospital bed, if not both. managed to save a total of 2.1kg from the frame BMW also seems to have sorted out the When you consider that this powertrain is now and swingarm. The wheelbase has been reduced previous issue of engine vibration manifesting Euro 5-compliant, the size of the well-designed by a fairly substantial 26mm, but the steering ◊

88 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 89 ∆ rake angle has been increased. How does this translate on the road? Well, the XR has always been a great handler, and this one is no different. The steering doesn’t feel razor- sharp, but the bike leans over without much effort and when you’re in the zone, you can really attack a curvy road. The XR offers just over 50 degrees of lean angle, which is proper sport-bike territory, and with a stickier set of tyres (stock tyres are sport-touring Bridgestone Battlax T31s), you’d be able to embarrass quite a few people at the race track as well. However, it is worth noting that the suspension plays a significant role in how the XR rides. Electronics everywhere For 2020, the XR gets electronically controlled Two-step adjustable windscreen. Seating comfort has been a big priority. suspension damping as standard. BMW tells us that the new ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) has a wider range of adjustability between firm and soft, but there is a small catch. Earlier, when you specced the optional ESA, you’d was too soft in ‘Comfort’ – great for sailing down new TFT display, another item that is heavily get both Comfort and Dynamic modes for the the highway but not so much for the twisty stuff. inspired by the S 1000 RR. The sheer depth of suspension. While it is now standard, the ESA on That considered, the base model might not be as menus and adjustability for all the riding modes the base model ships with just the Comfort mode, dynamically impressive as the bike it replaces; and electronics is too vast to list here and is while the top-spec model gives you ‘ESA Pro’ that though we’ll have to ride one to confirm that. something you’ll only fully grasp with time on brings in the sportier Dynamic mode in addition to As with most new-age bikes, the XR is the bike. BMW even has a new smartphone app ‘Comfort’. As press rides generally go, we only got dripping with new-age technology and safety that offers the most in-depth post-ride data I to ride the top- spec model, but I felt that the bike assists. What you will interact with most is the have ever seen, down to how much throttle, lean-

90 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 91 2020 BMW S 1000 XR ride

Brakes are strong, progressive, but not too sharp. Euro 5-compliant exhaust sings a sweet tune. Indicators double as brake lamps.

angle and brakes you have used at any given point in a saved ride. It even tells you when you activated the ABS. Best of all, this app is free to download, unlike some rivals – I’m looking at you KTM! The XR now comes with four riding modes –  Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. The last The 2020 S 1000 XR is a little mode offers several customisation options and allows the rider to individually set up the traction control, wheelie control, engine response, engine, lighter and a little easier brake control and Dynamic Suspension mode (if you have the top-spec model). Beyond the more for shorter riders. sophisticated suspension, the higher-spec TE model also brings in a bi-directional quickshifter,  cornering headlamps, heated grips, cruise control, keyless ignition, hand guards, a luggage rack, a centre stand and more. Of course, all the electronic safety assists gather their information from a 6-axis IMU, so the traction control and ABS both have corner sensitivity. When can I buy one? BMW finds that most customers in India go for the higher-spec models, so it’s likely that the S 1000 XR will come in its top trim. Launch is scheduled for mid-2020, but a lot depends on how the COVID-19 catastrophe pans out. We believe pricing won’t change much over the previous model; so you’re looking at something between Rs 20-21 lakh (ex-showroom), which should put it in Ducati Multistrada S territory. Time to start dreaming up a comparison. AI

2020 BMW S 1000 XR

Price Rs 20-21 lakh (estimated) Motor 4 cyl, 999cc, liquid-cooled Power 165hp at 11,000rpm Torque 114Nm at 9250rpm Gearbox 6-speed Wheelbase 1522mm Seat height 840mm Kerb weight 226kg Fuel tank 20 litres Front suspension 45mm USD fork, electronically adjustable Rear suspension Monoshock, electronically adjustable Brakes (f/r) 320mm twin discs/265mm disc Tyre size (f/r) 120/70 R17 190/55 R17

90 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 91 Farewell 500

Last month, production of Royal Enfield’s 500cc single-cylinder engine came to an end. Vishal Venugopal takes you through its legacy.

n March, the oldest motorcycle was a grand success back in the day and laid manufacturer in continuous the foundation for Enfield’s 500cc single. Two production pulled the plug on one years later, the company showcased the Model I of its longest-running engine 505, featuring the manufacturer’s first 500cc platforms. The Royal Enfield 500cc OHV engine, but it was in 1930 that some rather single-cylinder engine came into existence in the monumental steps were taken in engine design. mid-1920s, and now, after multiple generation This year saw the introduction of dry-sump changes, the company has finally put it to pasture. lubrication and an oil pump arrangement that Following its glorious run, the big 500cc single featured on every iteration of the engine for the leaves behind a legacy that won’t be forgotten next 78 years, until the AVL era ended. anytime soon, and with plenty of help from Royal In September 1932, Royal Enfield’s factory Enfield’s historian, Gordon May, we decided to in Redditch came up with the iconic Bullet. take a look back at its journey. It featured the new LF 500, a high-performing unit with a four-valve head that produced 25hp, The early days which is just 2.6hp less than the 2019 Classic The very first Royal Enfield motorcycle went on sale in 1901, but it was only in 1927 that the company launched its first 500cc-single – the Royal Enfield’s first big-single was on the Model 500. Costing £52 (the equivalent of around 1927 Model 500 – a 488cc, side-valve engine £3,290 or Rs 3.15 lakh today!), the Model 500 linked to a 4-speed gearbox.

92 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 History of the RE 500 engine Feature

The 1927 Model 500 (left) and the 2020 Classic 500 Tribute Black (right) – the first and the last to feature Enfield’s 500cc single.

500! However, the company’s experimental works department knew it was capable of more, and so a racing kit was offered with a higher- compression piston and a straight pipe exhaust. The result – 29hp! Over the next few years, the LF 500 engine was tweaked and tuned, each iteration addressing an issue with its predecessor. For example, in 1934, it gained larger fins between the exhaust ports to improve cooling, and had ribs cast into the front of the crankcase for increased oil-capacity. Two specially prepared iterations of this motorcycle also took part in the Isle of Man Senior TT race that year, but unfortunately, neither managed to finish. The following year, however, the same machine, piloted by Cecil Barrow, finished the race in 8th place, averaging an impressive 73.94mph (119kph). In 1935, the big-single adopted a unique three- valve setup, with the engine rockers and valve gear now fully enclosed, minimising oil leaks. A review from back in the day remarked that “throughout the test, the exteriors of the engine and gearbox remained free from oil.” This is quite the achievement for even a relatively modern Royal Enfield engine, let alone one from 1935. Royal Enfield’s final iteration of the big-single was the UCE 500 that came out in 2008. The 1935 LO was short-lived though, as the ◊

MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 93 The ‘Fury’ featured a highly-tuned version of the ‘Big Head’, the last 500cc single to be manufactured at the Redditch factory in 1962.

∆ three-valve setup saw power go down from the powerful motorcycles. Enter the 1989 500 Bullet, previous iteration. So, Royal Enfield brought back the first 500cc Royal Enfield to be manufactured the four-valve mechanism with the 1936 JF 500. in India. It featured a re-engineered version of This upright ‘J’ architecture served as the base the Redditch-made 1956 JS 500 and with more of many versions of the 500cc single for over the recent technology like coil-ignition and alternator next two decades. And the motorcycles that were electricals. The rest of the bike, like the chassis powered by these engines evolved substantially and even the Albion gearbox, was a straight fit as well, with new double-cradle frames, from its younger 350cc sibling. After 15 years, better brakes and telescopic suspension. The in 2004, the powertrain was replaced by a new J2, an iteration from this period, was also ‘Lean Burn’ 500 engine that was developed with commissioned by the British Royal Air Force in powertrain research specialists AVL from Austria. the Second World War. This move marked the end of the classic engines and a shift to the modern era for the 500. The post-war era In 1959, the JS engine was redesigned A modern-day classic to deliver better performance, with Royal Enfield wanted to retain the characteristics test runs claiming that the bike was of a traditional British-style OHV push-rod capable of 91mph (146kph)! This engine, but the advent of stricter emission norms engine was also the last big-single made this difficult. And this is where the UCE to be manufactured at the 500 came into existence. Launched in 2008, the Redditch plant, its production UCE 500 was the most significant step forward ceasing in 1962. For nearly the company made with its big-single, featuring three decades after, Royal Enfield a gearbox that was now integrated with the didn’t have a 500cc single on sale. crankcase, hydraulic valve lifters and fuel-injection By 1956, operations had begun – all firsts for a Royal Enfield to do so. at the Tiruvottiyur factory in The Classic 500 soon went on to become the Madras where the 350cc Bullets bestselling Royal Enfield 500 ever, and the engine were manufactured and exported. made its way onto multiple models like the Bullet They were a huge hit locally as well and Thunderbird. It’s these motorcycles that as in international markets, but you can see out and about every day, partnering eventually, international demand with the 350cc models in creating an incredible moved in the direction of more success story for Royal Enfield. Stories of owners and their experiences with a Royal Enfield 500 aren’t in short supply and even today, the bikes The engine from the 1989 Bullet come strongly recommended to someone who’s 500, the first Royal Enfield 500 to be fostering the passion for riding. So much so, manufactured in India. that I’ve encountered numerous tales where the

94 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 History of the RE 500 engine Feature

‘Mo Powa’, a Royal Enfield Factory Custom based on the Classic 500, featuring a turbocharged engine.

RE 500 is considered a conversion was so efficient go-to option for anyone that it even allowed for one of who wants to go touring in the two catalytic converters our country. to be removed, resulting in During my research better performance. Its success for the story, a legend in also pushed him to develop a the old days of the Indian carburettor conversion kit that racing scene – G Subhash allowed customers to easily Chandra Bose, aka Bullet replace the fuel-injection Bose, a name he picked up systems on their UCE engines. thanks to his domination That, to me, is one of the while racing an Enfield – had key aspects that made the big- a couple of interesting tales single so popular. It provided to share. I sometimes think sufficient performance and of him as an Indian Burt character off the shelf, but Munro, having modified his it also gave you the endless Enfield extensively during freedom to experiment with the 1970s and ‘80s with the it. No other manufacturer sole purpose of going faster. encourages it like Royal It’s his technical expertise that G Subhash Chandra Bose and his Enfield, and you can find the saw him become a consultant Bullet 500 at Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh. most daring custom jobs on with Royal Enfield. Over a a Royal Enfield 500. fascinating phone call, he told The 500’s demise me about the role he played ultimately came down to strict emissions with regard to the 500cc regulations, but also the fact that the Classic single. He told me that he felt the fuel-injection 500 was priced uncomfortably close to the system didn’t fully extract the capabilities of new 650s. Royal Enfield is now creating some the UCE, so, along with his team at UCAL Fuel thoroughly well-engineered products and Systems, he began developing a carburettor for  there is a brand-new 350 platform set to debut it. The end result – the modern-day Bullet. What very soon. The 500’s era has finally drawn to started out as a rather straightforward conversion, Royal Enfield’s big-single a close and we’re unlikely to ever experience soon saw numerous SuperFlow-bench tests, the another raw, characterful and yes, far-from- realignment of the carburettor mounting points has left behind an almost perfect engine like it. As excited as we are to see and even the fuel tank, to better accommodate what’s in store next from Royal Enfield, the 500 the carburettor. I could sense Bose-uncle (as inimitable legacy. will always be a significant and dearly beloved he’s more fondly known) beam with pride as milestone in the company’s 119-year-long journey he spoke about his work and the fact that the  to where it is today. AI MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 95 going slideways The Royal Enfield Slide School aims to teach you how to ride on a flat track. Vishal Venugopal took part in the inaugural edition and here’s what he learned. Photography Ashley baxter

lat-tracking is the original extreme renaissance. Royal Enfield wants in on this and as possible. I was invited to experience the American motorsport and is has very recently partnered with American Flat inaugural edition of the Royal Enfield Slide possibly the oldest form of Track (AFT) to promote itself in the US. School at the Big Rock Dirtpark in Bengaluru. f motorcycle racing still in existence. Much closer to home, the manufacturer has Guiding us through the day’s proceedings was When road racing started to gain already stepped into action in India with the Johnny Lewis, AMA Pro racer and founder of popularity there in the mid ‘70s, the numbers that Slide School. This is an initiative that gives just Moto Anatomy, one of the most reputed flat- poured in to watch the older sport diminished but about anyone access to a flat track, as well as track schools in America. the last few years have seen something of a guidance on how to go around one as quickly We started out with a ‘classroom’ session

96 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 97 Royal Enfield Slide School experience

American Flat Track racer Johnny Lewis was our coach. The coaches talk us through body positioning.

Race leathers and MX boots: I felt overdressed. ..until this happened! Made for this very cool picture though.  Keep your eyes on the smiley-face cut-outs, get to the apex, and throttle out smoothly, but as quickly as you can. 

on the basics of riding a flat-track motorcycle, involved rolling off the throttle and immediately two other coaches from Big Rock, insisted that it which in this case was a modified Royal Enfield leaning the bike into the corner, with me sitting was a matter of stitching them together perfectly Himalayan developed with input from S&S Cycle almost upright on the outer edge of the seat, that constituted the ‘perfect’ slide. in the US. It sports the 18-inch wheels from or “crack on crack” as Johnny likes to say. You I really enjoyed the format of the Slide School. the 650 Twins that have now been shod with know you’ve got it right when your inner arm One, because the coaches were spectacular; special tyres from Timsun and have a diagonal is almost fully stretched at the apex. It didn’t and two, because of how much knowledge was tread pattern. Next, part of the subframe has help that, unlike the apex I’m used to, this one imparted thanks to the short loop format. It meant been chopped off and the stock seats have been lay towards the centre of the track. Once I got you’d pass one of the coaches every few seconds replaced by a minimalistic, yet very efficient piece the hang of that, the next step was to stick my and they’d either pull you out to tell you what to of foam atop some custom body panels. It also leg out and use it sort of like a third wheel – feel work on, or just yell it out loud enough for you to benefits from an aftermarket exhaust, a different the movement of the bike and push down on hear it. Mostly, it meant that we got to ride a lot! sprocket to suit the length of the track at Big the ground to hold the slide. This is easier said The best part though, is that this is accessible Rock, and has lost all road-going lights and also than done, because the longest slide I managed to anyone, and Royal Enfield is working towards its front brake, which is the flat-track way. was only a couple of metres long. Interestingly, setting up similar facilities in different parts The first drill we were asked to work on was there’s almost no rear brake used to get the bike of the country. For Rs 1,500, you can take any vision and follow the lines shown to us. “Look sideways. I found out that it’s a combination of motorcycle out on the flat track at Big Rock. where you want to go” is the thumb rule of vision the lean angle and the rear wheel playing catch- Rs 2,000 will let you rent one of the Himalayas in any form of riding. To get our attention, there up with the front that causes it to swing around. there and Rs 2,500 will get you riding the FT411. were smiley-face cut-outs placed along the inner The rear brake is mainly there to help you shed This extremely reasonable fee includes exactly edge of the corners, and my experience from the speed, not lock the rear wheel. what we got to experience – a little theory, racetrack meant that this wasn’t too hard for me Those were the basic actions we had to work lots of track time under the watchful eyes of to do. However, step two wasn’t as simple. It on and Johnny, along with Bhima and Nelly, the Bhima and Nelly, and bucketloads of fun. AI

96 AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 may 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 97 OUR bikes love it

Reliability

The Tiger hasn’t given me undue o trouble in all those kilometres. c k p hy Ouseph Cha ogra t

42,600km report Pho Triumph Tiger 800 XCx Exhaust note Sport-bike-like howl from an adventure motorcycle. Ouseph’s Tiger charges past the 40,000km mark, and it’s still running as well as it always does. loathe it ou won’t believe the mostly freelancer-based income. with the new bike. It just feels so numbers I’m getting on There haven’t been any surprise much lighter, faster, nimbler and the Tiger! As I write expenditures, even after dropping the unintimidating to make mistakes on y this, fuel consumption bike on trail rides because generally, when compared to the 800. The only stands at three weeks nothing important breaks. Hell, thing I actually missed on the new with 19 litres, and the fuel gauge is even the clutch plates still have life bike was that sport-bike howl that still reading full! There’s been in them, and the original chain will the 800 has, especially if you’ve absolutely no expenditure on service easily last another 3,000-4,000km. removed the decibel killer on the or wear-and-tear parts and my tyres This reliability is truly impressive, Arrow exhaust, like I have on my have never lasted so long. As I write given the kind of high RPM, slow bike. The 900’s new firing order this, I know I’m going to get the same speed and pop-clutch abuse that makes it sound more like a big super-economical running costs for this bike regularly goes through. parallel-twin than anything else more than a fortnight, at least. My Running it so far has just been a and in my opinion, isn’t half as hair- Indicators wallet is getting a breather and matter of planning my finances out to raising or as butter-smooth as an The indicators tend to break though I feel like a caged cat, I realise handle scheduled services, insurance 800 nearing 10,000rpm. easily if you drop the bike. there is a bright side to sitting at and tyre replacements. That little bit aside, as an 800 home in lockdown mode. That said, the 40,000km service owner, I’m dying to upgrade – the Before the lockdown though, did put a bit of a dent in my wallet. new bike is a huge improvement, this was one busy Tiger, with It’s an engine-head-open service adventure-riding wise, and I hope 5,000km added to the odometer in because they need to check and set I can drum up the money soon just two months; mostly because we, the valve shim clearance. I was quite enough. I also hope the 900 remains at The School of Dirt, were working happy that only two of the twelve as reliable as the 800 – that’s the only on a new ‘how to powerslide’ valve shims on my bike had gone way I’ll be able to truly afford it. course. Finding an open enough beyond recommended operating Ouseph Chacko space to serve as classroom and tolerances. All told, spare parts, because figuring out a curriculum service kit and labour put me out by test data for a powersliding session is an around Rs 25,000. I was prepared for Triumph Tiger 800 XCx inherent tyre killer, I’ve worked my it; but then again, I’d be lying if I said Odometer 42,610km way through another rear tyre and it didn’t hurt. I guess there is a price Price NA Economy 21 days/ been through another service but attached to all the good times I’ve 19-litres and counting (overall) air filter otherwise had no trouble whatsoever. had on this bike. Faults None Tank needs to be removed every In fact, the Tiger’s utter reliability On another note, I went to Maintenance costs Rs 25,000 for time the air filter needs cleaning. is one of the reasons I’ve been able Morocco recently to ride the new 40,000km service to run it without really troubling my Tiger 900 Rally Pro. I fell in love

98 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 mOTORSPORT

Remembering a racing icon To understand the true skill and genius of Sir Stirling Moss, you have to look beyond the numbers.

Motorsport update Latest round-up of the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on global motorsport and what the future holds. 100 was known as the ‘boy wonder’. He started his was knownasthe ‘boywonder’.Hestartedhis Pat wasarallystar. Earlyinhiscareer,Stirling 500, hismotherraced inhill-climbs,andhissister by profession,finished16thinthe Indianapolis blood; well,sortof.Hisfather,though adentist something ofanadvantage.Motorsport wasinhis cars: sedans,two-seatersandsingle-seaters alike. or thecourse,andwereveryquick inalltypesof percent, regardlessofthecar,circumstances also likedthefactthatbothdriversgavetheir100 win racesagainstmuchfastercompetition.Enzo make uphugeamountsoftimeincornersand and both,givenacarwithtidyhandling,would on turn-in,bothlikedtheircarstooversteer, had similarstyles.”Bothdriverswereaggressive “In doingso,wecanseethatNuvolariandMoss other thanMoss. right ontop.Andnexttohimsitsnone places hisfellowItalianracerTazioNuvolari, on differenttracks,it’squiteobviousthathe together racerswhoperformedatdifferenttimes, insights. Whileheclarifiesthatonecannotlump Prost andMansell–abookfullofamazing dawn ofmotorracing,allthroughtoSenna, Gente) ononlydriversor‘Piloti’,rightfromthe actually authoreda500-pagebook(Piloti,Che fast driversashewaswithcars,the‘oldman’ driving stylesandrelativepace. the time,andhaddeepinsightintotheirvaried knew theskilllevelsofalltop-flightdriversat knows thesportwell,ofcourse;someonewho numbers. Butwhodoweask?Someone pace ofthecarshedrove,andlookbeyond raced, thecompetitionhetookon,relative must understandthecircumstancesinwhichhe understand thetrueskillandgeniusofMoss,you They arequantitativeandnotqualitative.To won atLeManseither. have unfortunatelydefinedhim–andhenever world championship–somethingthatseemsto racing statistics.MossneverwonaFormula1 this, however,isn’tavailableifyouporeoverthe true legend,ineverysenseoftheword.Proof a be oneofthefinestdriversalltime,hewas sir S sir Stirling Moss actually got into racing with Stirling Mossactuallygotintoracing with “Certain parallelsmaybedrawn,”hewrites. How aboutEnzoFerrari?Asobsessedwith Statistics, however,don’ttellyoueverything. AUTOCARINDIA.COM may 2020 S Legendary English race-car driver Sir Stirling Moss has died at the age of Moss at age 90. the died has Stirling Sir driver race-car English Legendary ir Stirling Craufurd Moss was no ir StirlingCraufurdMosswasno too. Widely considered by many to too. Widelyconsideredbymanyto driver wouldbeagrossinaccuracy merely callinghimahighlygifted ordinary race-cardriver.Infact, pays to tribute onetime. Shapur Kotwal of of best the all drivers 1929-2020 tirling M tirling

to put in a bunch of spectacular drives. He even to putinabunch ofspectaculardrives.Heeven his ownMaserati 250Fin1954andproceeded a factorydriveon theFormula1circuit,hegot single-seater racingwasunreal.Unable tofind picked upbyJaguar.Evenhisentry intoserious waste speed,evenwheninaslide. Thenhewas racing cars,wherehelearntnotto scruband career drivinglightmotorcycle-engine-powered victory in the 1955 , or the mad victory inthe1955 MilleMiglia,orthemad memorable wins, themostpopularbeinghis then hewaspickedupbyMercedes. Monza ifitwasn’tforamechanical problem;and supporting himofficially.Hewould havewon 200. Imaginethattoday.SoonMaserati was won anon-championshipevent,the Aintree As his career progressed, he had many As hiscareerprogressed, hehadmany oss

illustration by Unnatee Gidithuri Stirling Moss tribute 1,000-mile race around Italy. Run on everyday roads, but with a staggered start, Moss and navigator Denis Jenkinson had made detailed pace notes which allowed their car 722 (it started at 7:22 in the morning) to record average speeds in excess of 160kph; the big Mercedes 300SLR pulling all the way to 274kph on the long, open stretches. Moss even managed to get the car airborne at its maximum speed, travelling a fair distance before settling down on its springs, all four wheels luckily pointing straight. Moss and the Mercedes finally did the 1,000 miles in 10hr 7min, averaging a staggering 158kph on everyday roads – a record that stands even today, as the race was banned in 1957. Then in ’61, in a feat that was even more impressive, Moss fended off a pair of faster Ferraris and won the Monaco Grand Prix in a Lotus 18. He actually won Monaco twice; he won the difficult and dangerous Nürburgring once in an F1 car, and multiple times in sportscar. Moss was very patriotic; note the Union Jack on the Mercedes W196 F1 car. And, over the years, he registered wins in all forms of racing. In 1958, he could have won the F1 world championship outright too; but in a selfless act of fair play, he prevented another competitor from being disqualified. Driver Mike Hawthorn was reinstated in 2nd and Moss, as a result, lost the championship to him. In all, of the 529 races

Moss was the ultimate all-rounder. He could drive in any form of motorsport and win.  he started, he won 212 – which in itself is an incredible feat, as he very seldom had the best car. Moss also stood head and shoulders above the rest in another area – communication. Ever the Moss with Denis Jenkinson before the start of the 1955 Mille Miglia. car enthusiast, he was an avid reader of Autocar in the UK, and he absolutely loved cars. His insights were just fantastic. He explained lucidly why the Maserati 250F was the best-handling single-seater he ever drove. I just love how he wrote Maserati a 100th birthday postcard stating that the 250F was ‘still the benchmark of perfection’. Another 250, Ferrari’s SWB or Short Wheel Base, was also a favourite, and that was despite it having a leaf- sprung rear suspension. “It was the pinnacle,” he often said. Back in 2013, I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Sir Sterling at the Cartier Concours d’Elegance in Mumbai. After the official interaction, I asked Moss about his favourite driver Fangio – in what way was he different, and what gave him an edge. Pat came the reply, “Balance. Driving and F1 car is all about balance.” When you drive at the limit, every input you make tends to ‘unbalance’ the car. Braking, turning, accelerating, Fangio upset the car the least, he had explained. Incredible insights, always. Lat If you put down a list of must-haves for a racing The 300SLR powering driver, Stirling sure had them all. He truly was AI through a city roundabout – motorsport’s shining star. note the 7hr 22min start time. Photo July 2019 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 101 RED-FLAGGED The coronavirus pandemic has brought the world of motorsport to a screeching halt. Unnatee Gidithuri explores all the events that have been affected so far and what the future holds. Pictures LAT

odern history has the season either cancelled or July. The series has already brought in theory, reduce the burden on the seldom witnessed postponed, the French GP scheduled forward its summer shutdown teams to make this possible. “There events that have for June 28 seems like the earliest period and extended it to three is always the possibility we could run M brought the entire that the 2020 season will be able to weeks, so that at least gets the into next year. That’s being explored. world to a standstill – get underway, at least on paper. But summer break out of the way. Can we stray into January to finish and yet here we are, in the midst the volatility of the current crisis FIA statutes require a minimum the season? There are all sorts of of just that. With the coronavirus and the resulting travel restrictions of eight races to have a world complications, as you can imagine, pandemic making social distancing will prove to be a major obstacle as championship, so there is bound with that,” Brawn added. the new norm, it is understandable Formula 1 attempts to get things to be a cutoff point; Brawn reckons The ongoing crisis does, however, to see that motorsport around the back on track. that this will be in October. “We give Formula 1 the chance to play world has taken a back seat. But F1 boss Ross Brawn has already could achieve eight races by starting around with its long-standing how long will we have to wait to indicated that this season will likely in October. So if you wanted a race weekend format. Brawn has see racetracks once again buzzing kick-off in Europe, with the first drop-dead point, it would be suggested that the series could with activity? And what does few races being held without any October,” he said. hold two-day weekends to ease the motorsport’s post-coronavirus spectators. While speaking to Sky The season could also spill over pressure in a compressed calendar. future look like? Sports, he revealed that it would be into next year. The postponement So far, the Bahrain, Vietnam, possible to have a calendar with a of the new technical regulations to Chinese, Dutch, Spanish, Azerbaijan F1 maximum of 18-19 races, provided 2022 and ongoing talks to further and Canadian GPs have all been With the first nine races of the season gets underway in early lower next year’s cost cap should, postponed, while the Monaco GP has

102 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 Motorsport in the time of COVID-19 Feature

Lewis Hamilton donned a unique face mask in Australia.

Brawn believes October will be the cut-off point to salvage F1’s 2020 season. manufacturers will only be able to alter powertrain components once over the next two seasons. Teams can either introduce a new car for a two-year cycle in season seven or continue to use existing technology for the next season before homologating a new car the year after for a single season. WEC With the iconic now pushed forward to September 19-20, the World MotoGP has also frozen tech development for this year. Formula E has expanded its suspension till June-end. Endurance Championship (WEC) has announced a host of changes to maintain its eight-race schedule for the 2019/20 season. The season will now resume with the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps on August 15, followed by the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The cancelled 1000 Miles of Sebring, meanwhile, will be replaced by the on November 21, which will close the 2019/20 season. The calendar next season has also been completely reworked and WRC fans are in for a long wait too. This year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans has been pushed to September. will see the WEC return to hosting all events in a single calendar year been cancelled altogether for the first changing nature of this crisis, the races in Sanya, Rome, Paris, for the first time since 2017. Since time in 66 years. MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports Seoul and Jakarta had already the start of the new season has now reiterated that its number one been postponed. been moved to March 2021, this Moto GP focus will remain to try and run the The series has been following a means the introduction of the new MotoGP organisers were initially 2020 season with as many races as flag-based system, with a red flag hypercar class has been delayed to quick to reassign new dates to possible and complete the season meaning that no races will happen, a 2021 as well. postponed races, but they within the calendar year. But it yellow flag indicating a time window haven’t issued an updated has also admitted that should the to potentially resume racing, and WRC calendar in a while. situation worsen, as a last resort it a green flag meaning races can be The World Rally Championship The postponed rounds in would consider the cancellation of held. As per a statement released by has also taken a hit as a result of Thailand, America and Argentina all the 2020 season. Formula E, July is now being treated the pandemic, and fans are in for found new slots later on in the year. Some changes have also been as a yellow-flag month. a long wait. The fifth round in But since then, the French, Italian, introduced in technical regulations, Additionally, a host of different Argentina had to be called off after Catalan and German GPs have also with bike development frozen this scenarios are being explored - the country put a temporary ban been postponed. The postponement year. As a result, all manufacturers including staging races behind on sporting events, and the rally of the Catalan GP also means that will start the 2021 season on the closed doors using permanent in Chile had already been cancelled fans will have to wait longer to see bikes that were homologated ahead tracks, double-header races and even due to political and social unrest in Jorge Lorenzo make his one-off of the 2020 season. Thereafter, extending the season beyond its the country. MotoGP return. The retired MotoGP normal upgrade regulations will original end date. And now, the rounds in Portugal champion was supposed to compete apply for the rest of 2021. Much like Formula 1 and MotoGP, (May 21-24) and Sardinia (June 4-7) in the race as a wild card entry for Formula E has also tweaked rules have been postponed as a result of Yamaha. Moreover, the calendar, Formula E to reduce the financial burden the emergency measures put in place as it stands, presents a logistical Formula E has extended its on teams. As part of these plans, in both Portugal and Italy. This nightmare, especially in the second- temporary suspension till the end of the launch of the updated Gen 2 means that the 2020 WRC season half where eight races are packed June, which means that the Berlin EVO car has been delayed by a could potentially resume with the into just 10 weeks. E-Prix, scheduled for June 2, has year, until the 2021/22 season. Car Safari Rally Kenya, which will be Keeping in mind the ever- now been postponed. Prior to this, development costs will also be cut as making a comeback in mid July. AI

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104 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020 MAY 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM PB

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Scrap beetle Here’s a Beetle you won’t find at an annual Beetle meet. Rakesh Babu of Cherthala, Kerala, made this from scrap using a steel Pick-up Jimny frame for a chassis, wheels and tyres from a Bajaj rickshaw, The Australian and New Zealand markets are famous for creating pick-up and a Suzuki Samurai’s 8hp, 98.2cc engine. We wonder what’s truck versions (also called ‘ute’) of nearly anything and everything, and more remarkable... the fact that Rakesh made the car from a the is no exception. This adorable Jimny ute, officially on sale in New Zealand, is a more utilitarian version of the niche little photograph, or that this Beetle can do 40kph. off-roader. This version loses out on creature comforts like the leather- wrapped steering wheel and touchscreen infotainment system, but gains a flatbed and a towing hook.

4 jet set GO! Made from an actual Learjet and converted into an 18-seat limousine, this ‘Learmousine’ is actually street-legal in the USA, despite being 42-ft long and 8ft wide! It doesn’t fly but the jet engine nacelles do have massive speakers in them that play jet engine sound effects. Power comes from an 8.1-litre Chevrolet Vortec V8 engine that makes 3 over 400hp, and the tips of the tail plane on the vertical fin fold inward in tight spaces.

y o u s p y You snap ’em, we print ’em CAR Kia Sonet Caught In Hyderabad Spotted a secret car or bike? Kia’s upcoming compact SUV for India, the Sonet, has been spied testing by Autocar India reader Harveen Singh Johar. Scheduled to go on sale in the third quarter of this year, the Sonet will take the fight to a wide field of sub-four-metre SUVs, including its cousin, the Hyundai Venue. The spy pic suggests the production Sonet will retain the upright stance of the concept shown at Auto Expo 2020. Some of the concept’s extroverted details, however, will be toned down. As it did with the Seltos, Kia will go all out with the Sonet’s interior. Top trims will get leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a powered sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a segment-first 360-degree camera as well. A wide range of trims aside, the Sonet will also be offered with a number of engine-gearbox options. There will be a 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol (with just a 5-speed manual), a 100hp 1.5-litre diesel (with a 6-speed intelligent shift manual), and a 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol (with 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic options). However, the Kia will go one up on the Venue and offer the option of a diesel-automatic, as well as drive modes for the engines. Considering the features and choices on the Sonet, Kia is likely to price it towards the upper end of the segment, somewhere in the Rs 7-13 lakh bracket. Send your photos to [email protected]; published pics win a subscription to Autocar India

106 AUTOCARINDIA.COM MAY 2020

RNI NO 71739/99

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