Automobz.com Unofficial Blog

Regulatory authorities in the automobile sector has always been a mere puppet and in some cases questions can be raised about their pro activeness while you are watching a plume of smoke from certain vehicles choice words do follow. Especially since most commercial vehicles have no concept of routine checks and environmental courtesy. These vehicles run for long durations too, so their impact on the environment is very harmful. Automobiles too sometimes fall into this bracket where there is no one to check and enforce stringent rules that sadly remain only in theory and paper. But now, SIAM – Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers has thought of some initiatives to bring about a more ecologically friendly environment as the automobile population is only set to grow further and the need of the hour is more stringent laws and their habitual enforcement. SIAM is an apex body that represents 40 leading vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. Most of us recognise SIAM because of the leading role they play in organising the biennial Auto Expo series of trade fairs along with Confederation of Indian Industry(CII) and Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India(ACMA). They also act as a medium between the Automobile Industry and Government and also other national and international automotive related organisations. They have been striving hard to be on par with the international stand and practices in terms of technical capabilities as well as emission standards.

Seeing the rise in the number of automobiles over the years, SIAM has proposed many projects that should kick off soon. One would be the Fuel Efficiency Stamp that was supposed to come into effect from January this year but due to reasons unknown the date now stands at January 2009. An unbiased fuel efficiency figures on every single vehicle manufactured in India and would be made as a mandatory requirement by all vehicle manufacturers in India. SIAM has now been asked to proceed with this initiative. All new vehicles from January 2009 would be expected to have this stamp. Since many countries have adopted this system where a standardised and more importantly unbiased authority would check the fuel efficiency of the vehicle making it easier for the customer. The mileage tests will be carried out by the manufacturers and the data will be certified by a proper testing agency such as ARAI(Automotive Research Association of India), VRDE(Vehicles Research & Development Establishment or NATRIP(National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project). The manufacturers do have the option of getting a second opinion but are liable for that data to be accurate. The manufactures are more than willing to co-operate as the customer will have be the one to benefit the most. The implementation plan is on its way.

There is also a plan to revamp the way the PUC centres function here and exhume out the corruption that is rampant in these centres where the certificates have no significance when it comes to the environment. A pilot project is ensues as we speak with 27 PUC centres being run by SIAM to check the corruption. These centres are connected to a localised server situated in the transport department which has all the correct data on emission norms for all the varieties of vehicles available. The certificate issued at the centre itself while the data is examined at the transport office. A person with the server will be able to spot discrepancies if any in the rendition of data from the PUC centres and can pin point the centre for a random check. This should in a way clean out the possibility of getting false certificates and catch the centres that are encouraging such practices. Emission norms are visibly being flaunted around us and its about time some one takes a stand and what is even better is that an apex body like SIAM is driving forward such initiatives. Everyone wants more and better models to come into the Indian market and they surely will in the coming years increasing the importance of such norms have to be put into working order as a sign of progress and balanced growth of the industry as a whole.

General Motors, celebrating 100 years of its presence, unveiled the much awaited Chevrolet Volt and more importantly a production version was showcased. Even though production is scheduled to begin in late 2010, the anxiety and anticipation surrounding the Volt is one of the main reasons for this unveiling. The first look tells you that it is much different from the concept that was shown at the Detroit Motor Show. This has been done so as to achieve the primary target of the Volt – to reach 65 kilometres without a charge or using other fuel. There was a study conducted to recognise the average distance driven by an American based upon which GM came up with this target. Thus, the designers came up with one of the most aerodynamic designs to complement that target.

The interiors of the Volt is also fitted with cutting edge gadgets such as driver-configurable liquid crystal instrument display and a touch-sensitive infotainment centre with integrated shifter. Then there is the standard seven inch touch screen vehicle information display, touch screen-style climate and infotainment controls, standard Bluetooth for cellular phone and USB/Bluetooth for music streaming and optional navigation system with on-board hard drive for maps and music storage.

The Electric drive in the Volt churns out 150 hp and 370 Nm of torque. The heart and soul of which is the 16 kWh lithium ion battery. The range extenders kicks in when the battery power is low which is automatically done by the on-board thinker, that starts of a gasoline or E85 (ethanol, gasoline combination – widely used in Sweden and fast gaining popularity in the USA and the rest of the world) powered engine generator supplies power to the electric drive while simultaneously charging the lithium ion battery. This cycle enhances the range of the Volt considerably and with a top speed of 100mph, the Volt would be far from sluggish.

There was a time when the Pulsar, during its launch was termed as a stunner and immediately people fell head over heels with the image of bulbous tank and low riding position that finally made the Indian youth feel like what any biker should feel like, one with the machine. The muscular look is all that one can talk about the bike. The CBZ brought out the sporty side of the bike market here and there were a lot of takers. The foot pegs to the headlamp cluster was new but more importantly accepted very well. This made Bajaj, of all the other manufacturers take notice of a new market that was emerging that they could capitalise on, and capitalise they did with the Pulsar. This opened up the 150cc and 150+ segments that now suddenly seemed to emerge out of nowhere and if history has taught us anything it is that the first bite of the cherry is all important. The Pulsar continues to be the one that competitors have to deal with and whose sales figures gives them sleepless nights. But the rival technicians are subjected to slight doses of insomnia because of the shoddy set up of the bike and ponder on its success which to them is as difficult to comprehend as things without nuts and bolts. The clutch and the transmission is not the smoothest, nor is the ride quality. The sorry part here is that it would be wrong to say that the market at that time was nascent and was totally enamored by the bike, since it continues to be the leader, thanks to Bajaj and its regular upgrades and slick marketing strategy. Where is the competition?

Here is the competition, the new Yamaha FZ-16, 150cc street legal monster. But before we dwell into this, lets take a moment to think about the TVS Apache and the Honda Unicorn, since we are debating about competition. One thing that is certain, is that looks play a massive role in the purchasing decision in the 150cc segment. Even though many would deny it and say that the mileage and maintenance does take top priority, the sales chart totally negates their argument. The Honda Unicorn without a shadow of a doubt has the best clutch and transmission in the market whereas the Apache does have the looks and the feel of a poised machine. Needless to say, in the looks department is where the Unicorn loses out. Most of these bikes are driven around in crowded streets and stop and go traffic where there is continues shifting involved. So the best bet would be the Unicorn if you are looking in the 150cc segment. The engine is smooth and responsive when push comes to shove. This reminds me of a conversation, wherein I was playing devil's advocate and defending the Pulsar against the Unicorn and my father nonchalantly waltzes in and says that you cannot have a sane argument that involves the comparison of a Honda engine with that from Bajaj. That was the end of that discussion. Case rested.

Another reason for the Pulsar's popularity could be the time at which it was launched. There was this sudden rush of money into the pockets of the anti-fit jeans of the barely 20 something, stretching his vocal chords in a call centre. This purchasing power and acquired accent now needed some wheels that would make him stand out in a crowd and the Pulsar fit that bill completely. It is such a ruthless and superficial world out there!

To those who have a slight hint as to where this is going, I will try and make it simpler. What the Indian audience needs a 150cc bike with the looks of the Pulsar (what a benchmark!) and the performance and refinement of the Honda Unicorn (what a benchmark!). The Yamaha FZ-16 is your answer and not the R15 because the at a price of 65,000 INR it is worth every rupee. What is even better is that we are getting more than we asked for! It looks light years ahead of the Pulsar and one would be a fool to question the engineering standards of Yamaha and especially a 150cc offering! But for those who really want to know, it has a 153cc, 4 stroke, single cylinder engine that has been tweaked for low range torque for city cruising and for the over eager, sorry to disappoint but the torque value is for one to feel. Numericals followed by units do not do true justice. The overall packaging is simply stunning, right from the macho silencer to the unique headlamps. In my opinion the frame is what sets this bike apart from the rest. It blends the design cues with the engine layout perfectly. The best part is the price which makes it even more tantalising and Yamaha has christened this the lord of the streets. I think its time the bike fanatics bow down and also wonder as to why it has taken so long for salvation to arrive! Like all bikers, we have been good, haven't we?

Porsche has revealed a teaser for the Panamera where you would see new car emerging out of the garage with the customary front end of any Porsche with a low profile. Then again it is a side view and if not indicated that it is marketing tool of the new Panamera you would confuse it with any Boxster that is on offer. This Porsche saloon, yes saloon, has generated a lot of interest from Porsche fanatics all over and the German giant has made full use of this anxiety and using it to launch an innovative marketing campaign. The Panamera is expected to seat 4 passengers comfortable with the power and agility of a Porsche sports car. One thing for sure is that it will be sometime before we get to see the complete car since Porsche has decided to bring out another such teaser on October 20th and also a claims that this one will be a sneak preview in selected markets. The Panamera has an interactive on-line magazine which looks very impressive and informative. A few details seem to have leaked with regard to the engines on offer. There would be a 3.6L V6 with 300 hp, a 4.8L V8 with 405 hp, and a 4.8L Turbo model with approximately 520 hp and capable of 300 km/h. The sport sedans market will have to face Panamera sooner rather than later and these teasers will have the competitors too on tenterhooks since the product looks to be a winner.

The Paris Motor Show, from October 4th - 19th will showcase many cars that would interest the Indian Automotive sector, unlike previous motor shows. This shows the growth of the Indian automotive scene and very much a player for the car makers to mull over. The fortnight will showcase the Hyundai i20, which is set to replace the Getz in the global arena, but will continue to flourish in the Indian market continuing the trend wherein manufacturers have two products in the same segment. The Indian launch will follow. More importantly the Kappa platform will continue with the i20. Then there is also the i20 i-blue concept with the all new 1.4 CRDi engine with a CO2 output of just 99g/km. There is also the petrol-electric hybrid on the Santa Fe platform, that has a new 30kW electric motor and a six speed automatic transmission with the existing 2.4L engine. There would be the new Audi A6 and the fifth generation BMW 7 series. The Ferrari California will be on show after its mixed responses that it received when it was first shown in May earlier this year. The classy and versatile city car, the Ford Ka will also be launched with a few changes and will have a lot to do to resserect Ford's fortunes. The new E-class will form a part of the Mercedes-Benz Fascination series which is sure to surprise many.

The hybrid and green brigade will be led by the much anticipated Chevrolet Volt. Honda Insight concept will also be on display along with a fleet of Volvo's showcasing their DRIVe technology with low rolling resistance tyres to gearchange indicators. There are host of changes on offer to increase efficiency. Then there is the new Golf BlueMotion whose figures are startling and Volkswagen is sure to go all out with this Golf, regarded by many as its bread and butter. The new Mini Crossman will also be on show. This 4X4 Mini is unlike any and has been dubbed as a SAV – Sports Activity Vehicle and it is more practical too with the B-pillar on the driver's side being dropped. The headlights too have been beefed up that seem to cringe toward the windscreen. And needless to mention the ground clearance too has increased.

Apart from the i20, for India, the 2008 Honda Jazz will also be showcased and also the Suzuki Alto. This will be known as the A-Star in India and will be contract manufactured by Maruti for Nissan for which it will be called the Pixo. It has been made clear that the A-Star has nothing to do with the existing Alto here and will continue. The Pixo will have a slightly different front end and badge. All of them would have the 1.OL K-series engine from Suzuki, but the European offerings will have the additional four speed automatic transmission. Even though the car would be the smallest premium hatchback here with dimensions of 3,565-mm length, 1,470-mm height and 1,600-mm width, with a 2,360-mm wheelbase but the efficiency of the design will accentuate the roomy interiors, head and leg room and the spacious boot. The car is expected to be part of the market from November and will hit the global showrooms by early next year. Many more cars are expected to create a ripple in the automotive industry in this showcase event, with the global slowdown in car sales and the rising fuel prices it would be interesting to see the strategy of many of the automotive giants and also the responses from the public on what they can expect in the coming months and years. For once the Eiffel Tower will not be the main attraction in the French capital.

Riding on two wheels on an open road is an experience to cherish. The wind in your face is cliché. There is just something more. It is a balancing act and your skill is tested. While you are on the move, even gravity does not bother you too much. Once you stop you have to respect gravity and rest the bike. Terms like renegade and a rebel have always been associated with the motorbike. There is also a sense of freedom, not political but a poetic freedom that you associate yourself with. Facing the road, head on, you throttle along with pride and among all this sense of high, there is the Harley Davidson marquee that has stood by the biker image for 105 years now and will continue to do so.
Though 1903 maybe the year when this organisation came into being, but 1901 was when the dream was envisioned. At the age 21, William.S.Harley completed the drawing of an engine, designed to fit into a bicycle. Two years later, Arthur Davidson makes available the first production Harley Davidson motorcycle. After this, the word got out that about this extremely reliable motorcycle being produced from a wooden shed in Milwaukee which led to the formation of dealerships and more employees to sustain the demand. 1909 will be the next biggest landmark after its inception. This is the year, the V-twin, 49.5cc engine was introduced that would produce 7 Hp. The two cylinders, at a 45 degree angle has become the hallmark of all Harley Davidson motorcycles. After this the company was straight on its way up, with supplies to the police, which it continues to do so and also producing special motorbikes to assist in the war effort, just a testament to their rigidity and durability. Along with a Harley Davidson motorbike with an image to die for, you also walk out with a sense of assurance and devotion from the dealership. This is something that will continue as the stringent testing standards will never bring about the topic of reliability and you will also become a devoted Harley loyalist once you own one. It would be an understatement to say that this brand is iconic, especially once you come to know that 5-6% of its complete revenue comes from the marketing of the brand, logo and merchandising.
The concept of a tourer and a cruiser was borne by Harley Davidson, along with customisations which bring out the individual and the individuality of each bike. Then there was the origin of the choppers that was again heralded by Harley Davidson. They in turn brought about the differentiation between the riders and the racers in the motorcycling community. The riding community would cruise along the highway. Cruise is such an apt term and anyone who has done so will know. In the ideal setting your speed is secondary and you just coast along, one with the motorcycle and you, and the feeling accentuates your surroundings to the realms of metaphysics.
The bikers also enjoyed a bad boy image, and continue to do so to some extent. Harley Davidson did receive some slack for it and undue attention. A biker was compared to the outlaw. It was easy to get carried away since the rider did evoke some view. They were not associated with a neat and kept image. They seemed like they were on the move, living of the land, without a care in the world, even if they did not do so. It became stereotypical. A bar with a dozen or so Harleys parked outside always warranted for trouble later, in Hollywood. This was inevitable, but never did it deter Harley Davidson and such things are part and parcel of being distinctly American. The V-Rod welcomed brand Harley Davidson into the new era of biking. Overall it was an engineering masterpiece, right from the engine layout to the design. The Japanese manufacturers too, who dominated the motorcycle segment for such a long period, had to take a new look at the way the touring and cruiser markets had progressed with Harley Davidson at the helm. The Hell’s Angels had made their mark. The acquisition of Buell Motorcycle Company in 2003 and the recent purchase of MV Agusta which also includes the Cagiva brand. This might have to do with Harley Davidson trying to install a presence in other categories of motorcycling. These business deals sound as good as the V twin from any of their cruisers. 105 years at the helm is a remarkable achievement. The early 20th century saw many motorcycle manufacturers vying for production status, and many disappeared into oblivion and the smoke of the Harley dominance and as we would like to congratulate Harley Davidson and the bless the culture that they have created, hope it always remains live to ride and ride to live.

A people's car would be one that can occupy two adults and two children comfortably, along with place for a luggage in a boot and the most important feature of the car is that it must be affordable. Apart from easy to buy, affordable also implies that it must be easy to run and maintenance costs have to be at the minimum. Tata Nano? Maybe, but we are going to welcome the first people's car, the Volkswagen Beetle. The new Beetle is far from being a people's car, same as the new Fiat 500 and Mini Cooper. These cars were introduced as a cheap car to run, with cost as the main agenda. They were introduced for the middle class man just when transportation became an important criteria in society
The history of the Beetle is as interesting as its design. The car that was known as the Type 1 faced a lot of mass production hassles in war prone Germany, as it was intended to be priced just as much as a small motorbike at that time. Hitler wanted a car to available at that price and after World War 2 it was set into production as the Beetle. The designer of the car, a certain Ferdinand Porsche hated the official name – Kdf Wagen, it was the public that floated around the name of Beetle for obvious reasons pertaining to its shape and look. Porsche called them the Type 60 and the first production ready Beetle was showcased at the 1939 Berlin Motor Show. The 935cc, flat four rear engine sputtered out 23.5Hp which was deployed by a four speed manual gearbox. Then it was used for the impending was and many thought that it would be lost in obscurity. But post was, Industrial Revolution was heralded by the Beetle.
The new Beetle will be launched here in the middle of next year. It will be here via the CBU route from its manufacturing facility in Mexico. The Bug became an iconic people's car and now the Beetle will probably receive the luxury tag as it will be priced with the extra 113% surcharge as an imported car. The 1.9 TDi Diesel would be the one making its entry here.
The Beetle now will have all the gadgets that would somewhat fit its extravagant bill, which will include ABS, traction control, anti-skid system and front and side airbags, rain sensors and cruise control, along with acoustic rear parking sensors. The scope of such cars is not much in India, and also the launch of the Fiat 500 Cinquecento has not seen much sales. The price factor has played a very huge roll in such offerings, the same reason why BMW has abstained from bringing out the Mini. There are many Beetles still around here reminiscing those hay days with retired cavaliers strolling around the cities. One thing that deserves admiration would be the way they have maintained the opulence of the Type I, without losing the identity of the bug. The Mini, the 500 and the Beetle had been introduced keeping the roots firmly in mind and the looks dated with that slight touch of modernity to garnish the success. The Indian market as such is not yet ready for the new bug to infect the roads, but of the small target that Volkswagen has set, without the shadow of a doubt, the little number too will adorn the streets.

There are talks about making the batteries more efficient and then there are talks about how everyone is vying for the spot of Mr. Environment. But can there be such an organisation that can mould everything into one? We have the hybrid cars that seem to be catching everyone’s eye and just as you are reading this and criticising (good or bad) the Toyota Prius, someone has bought one. There are those performance junkies who just cannot come to terms with the fact that they would have to compensate on so much just for the environment. What has the environment done for them anyway? The compromise is too huge and just takes away all the years of progression of the four wheeled companion of many. All those long hours spent trying to tweak the engine, drilling it even to add turbochargers and superchargers, then reshaping the body and the wing mirrors, all to get those extra legs from the horses. All those hours gone and just when we were getting the hang of it and making tyre manufacturers cringe as to what they need to come up with next to harness such ruthlessness subjected to their offerings. Now it’s all about efficiency and gaining that extra kilometer from the fuel so as to make it last just one more day, or maybe if we could make all the roads at an incline so that we could all just ride in neutral. But then you need to climb up a slope for the free fall. For that we have the oil conglomerates that are beginning to invest in many alternate fuel options and stake claim again. So organisations have many new additions lined up for the coming years for us to choose from. Swing out the drawing boards!
Before we start looking at the hybrids that are going to be on offer, it is sad to note that the benchmark has been the Toyota Prius, which in engineering and technological terms nothing to marvel about. Atleast for those who have had the sensation of a little horsepower tingle their backsides. Maybe in marketing and sales terms, the Prius does score but technologically there are many others that have surpassed it. From its inception people have tried to prove as to how it is not what it claims to be – Efficient and Eco friendly. Self proclaimed analysts have gone to the extent of comparing it with normal fuel guzzling cars and also its eco friendly nature to the life time of many heavy bodied SUVs. I would also like to join this elite group by a worthy mention of the sixth generation Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion that is claiming to be more fuel efficient and emits lesser carbon dioxide than the Toyota Prius. The 1.6L CRDi engine thrusts out 105hp and more importantly delivers 26 kmpl compared to the 19.5 kmpl from the Prius. On the green scale, this Golf emits 99g/km of CO2, whereas the claimed green friendly car emits 104 g/km.But then again, Toyota has not made any changes as the product is selling. The downside is that now it is going to create a lineage when Toyota is getting ready to launch the new Prius in 2010, which in all probability will answer these questions. You would find many such trivia seekers and anoraks explaining how it is not what people think it is and can keep going on about it and the only way you could probably shut them up is by showing the sales figures! The shortcomings of the Prius has created a new market that is emerging and going full steam ahead to beat the launch of the new Prius and fill in the gap. One that has caught the attention of many is the Chevrolet Volt, slated to be out in a couple of years. Shocking to many as the people that shut down the production of their hybrid project, after which the market fell right into the hands of Toyota and everything else is history. This time General Motors has gone all the way and the Volt that was showcased at the Detroit Motor Show this year and they are very serious about it, the main reason being the response that they are getting. By response I mean, 34,520 people and counting from 60 countries would by one if they could in August 2008 and why? It is because GM calls the Volt a plug in hybrid.
The Volt will run on Lithium ion batteries and the three cylinder E-Flex engine that can run on hydrogen, petrol, ethanol or biodiesel churns out 160hp. This fuel will not be used to turn the wheels but in turn charge the battery if and when the situation arises. This is the technology adopted in a nut shell but the long hours of testing involved in terms of weight reduction and optimizing the battery usage is something that is delaying production. GM has said that the battery combination has been the biggest hurdle that they are coming across, and they seemed to have found the right combination to achieve their target of 64 km per charge after which the fuel can charge the 53-kilowatt generator. The other hurdles would be the integration of the fuel system with the battery. The Volt’s on board computer will decide when the battery should shut down and the alternate fuel should be used. The battery has been designed to operate within a temperature range of 30 degrees to 80 degrees. If this limit is crossed, it shuts off automatically and switches to other options while maintaining optimum performance. The prototype was sluggish with AC on, dealing with long distances and steep climbs. GM has claimed to have overcome these issues. The fuel tank can hold up to 45 liters of fuel. The batteries can be completely charged in six and half hours. GM claims that the Volt will be able to touch 60mph in 8 to 8.5 seconds. The price of the Volt has not been revealed as yet but it has been made clear that it would be the one for the masses and produced in volumes.
General Motors that originally shut down operations and testing of its eco friendly car in 2000, after trying for 4 years citing the lack of demand for such a car at that point of time. Toyota on the other hand continued and created the market with the introduction of the Prius which has sold really well and also been the standard upon which forthcoming models are being worked upon. The coming years will see the Honda Insight Hybrid, the Ford Escape Plug In, Infiniti Hybrid and of course the new Prius and the Chevrolet Volt. The Tesla group has also proved that performance is not necessarily compromised when we speak about electric cars. But an integration of both will be one to look out for as something that can smother the fuel guzzlers. Yes, smother.

General Motors India (GMI) has launched the Tavera Neo-2, showing an importance to the Indian MUV market with subtle changes, incorporated to increase its appeal. The changes however is not one where it is a complete makeover and you get a ravishing and stunning looking utility vehicle akin to a reality show but more on the lines of functionality. The Tavera, since its inception, has never been in denial with the fact that it is an MUV. It is not screaming out trying desperately to be an SUV. This is where GMI have been very shrewd in their India campaign and have recognised the market well.
The Tavera Neo-2 will have a better looking center console that also betters the ergonomics, captain seats for passengers in the middle row enhancing comfort, leather seats, twin glove boxes in the dashboard and also a three spoked steering wheel. The hand brake also has been shifted to the more universal position, next to the gear lever. The front end is claimed to be redesigned but it’s just that the grille and the logo are more pronounced. It is not something that catches your eye but is definitely different. It will be priced at 9.54 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi.
The MUV market in India was at 94,000 units per year, growing at 20% every year in 2003-04 at the launch of the Tavera, the competition being mostly from the Toyota Qualis and the Mahindra Scorpio. The Scorpio still remains and the Qualis is replaced by the Innova, both strong contenders. Initially the target was at 10,000 units per year but now with the launch of the Neo-2, the figures aimed are at 2000 units per month. The Tavera was an idea drawn out of the Isuzu Panther and has been received well in India. The Qualis was not a great looker but flourished well and this is when the MUV segment, along with contributions from Tata, needless to say that they were not competitors in the looks department, grew. This is when GMI recognised that the Indian market needs a low cost MUV that would be a mover of the masses and not that would attract the upper middle class family, although the percentage of which cannot be neglected. Cost effectiveness and then mileage would be its USP. The Tavera fits these criteria really well. The ruggedness and its performance have been its strong points and this will continue with the Neo-2. The small car from the GM stable is the one that is eagerly awaited here that is expected in early 2010, which in all possibility could be exported to other markets from here.

The economic slowdown has made companies re-think their strategies keeping long term targets in mind. An organization such as Hyundai, the country's largest exporter of passenger cars, has decided to export vehicle kits in the completely knocked down (CKD) condition. This usually means that the final assembly of the car will take place in the country it is exported to either via a local vendor or their own facility (most organisations preferring the former) and then the distribution chain will be carried on. By doing so, high import taxes are avoided and may also be liable for tax preferences since they are providing local employment. This is a common practice among most European nations since they would like to encourage the sale of home grown produce and also to balance out local employment but then the importers find a way by bringing in their products as completely or semi knocked down units. This does help in reducing costs but also requires an initial investment but does benefit the exporter in the long run. Thus, Hyundai is investing Rs 200 crore for the creation of a new press shop at Sriperumbudur. The exports in the form of kits could start by July next year. Last year, Hyundai exported 1.27 lakh cars, and 30,000 kits would be the initial target.

Hyundai has set itself a production and sales target of 5.3 lakh vehicles this year which would increase to 6 lakh the following year. Currently, Hyundai can produce 6 lakh engines in a year which has to increase by next year as there is a demand for the engines from Kia Motors, its sister concern. This would be possible as its second unit will join the first unit for a third shift from October 1st this year. Hyundai plans to export 25,000 engines to Korea this year which will increase to 70.000 next year. They would be relying completely on their exports to achieve the set targets as the domestic market seems to have hit a roadblock. The initiation of the kits for exports as come at the ideal time as the expected launch of the i20 and its successive exports could also play a huge part in the decision. Hyundai also said that they would launch the LPG fitted Santro in the next month and the LPG Accent in October. HMIL is currently sourcing the CNG and LPG kits from two Korean based companies – CEV and Motonic. These companies have been asked to set up manufacturing facilities in Chennai with an initial number of 2000 a month.

The new Toyota Altis is getting more than enough help from its not so subtle marketing campaigns that has been doing the rounds. Even the official website seems to have a countdown ticking down to the 5th September launch date. It is now all but clear that I would be the replacement to the Corolla. It would be premature to say that it would start a new lineage and the Corolla name itself will be removed or for many it’s the Corolla Altis. I would not blame them as you would not let go of a badge that is the highest selling in the world and now you would rubbish it all when it is nearing its 10th avatar? The Corolla is a proven performer all over the world and even in India it has proved its mettle. Toyota is known well over for its increasing customer base because of its fine products that appeal to the regular buyer, a family man that is looking for attention to detail which the Japanese giant is all about. The attractive styling coupled with great value for money is always the strongest combination while targeting the masses.

The Altis has retained the Corolla bloodline but also has certain changes to make it look distinctive and new. The headlights are now separated from the grille with an extension of lines from the hood and the headlamps seem to reaching out towards the side mirrors. There is not much of a change in the rear. It is 10mm longer, 60mm wider and 20mm lower than the present model and even though these numbers are small they give the engineers and designers just a little more room to play. Also the cabin space will also improve. The lower center of gravity and the wider track, even though the wheelbase remains the same will improve the handling dynamics considerably. A four spoked steering wheel, similar to the Camry is expected along with other changes in terms of interior that it would borrow from the Camry. Another important feature is that the floor for the rear passengers is almost flat giving a more comfortable foot position for the passenger in the middle seat. The wheel arch intrusions into the boot will be minimized because of the use of a Torsion beam for the rear suspension. Toyota has worked on a new 6 speed manual transmission with a new clutch plate structure to reduce noise vibration and harshness (NVH). The door handles seemed to have been borrowed from the Vios. The Altis launched in Thailand had the old engine when it was launched whereas the Japanese and American versions have the new Dual VVT-I engines. The 1.6L 3ZZ-FE and 1.8L 1ZZ-FE, could be ones making it to India even though everyone is hoping for the Dual VVT-I engines.

With 30 million Corollas produced till date according to the company the 10th generation of the best selling car in the world is being awaited with much anticipation here. If not for its strong points it will ride heavily on its reputation built on great build quality and value for money that includes low maintenance costs. Be ready with your payment options on the 5th of September and you could be part of a Corolla culture that is 40 years old and still going strong.

The West Bengal Chief Minister tried to instill confidence to a group of industry leaders that the Nano will stick to its October schedule and everything will resolve soon as he is going to convince the opposition on his decision and arrive at a consensus. Earlier the opposition had demanded the returning of 400 acres of land for the ancillary units which was ruled out, as returning the land would mean that the project would be abandoned. He also explained that as the land is for public purpose, the law does not allow the land to be returned to its original owners. There are certain special schemes that are going to be put in place for those farmers who have become unemployed. He also assured the gathering that the Singur drama was a one off issue and the general economic climate in the state is good. Apart from the Singur plant being a key factor in revitalising the industrial setting in West Bengal, the Nano in itself is going to put India firmly on the world map. Such bottlenecks are part and parcel of the development stage which would subside and be diluted in the long term memory of the Indian public. With the bigger picture in perspective, strides have to be taken forward.
The Nano plant has seen continued protests on the land acquisition row from the opposition and the farmers with fresh protests hampering work. It is now all but certain the launch of the Nano will be delayed. Production was supposed to commence on the Nano. Ratan Tata has indicated that other avenues are on the cards. But this could just as well be a threat to the current government since they are hell bent on cleaning up the mess outside the production facility. The Rs 1500 crore investment will be on the back of Ratan Tata’s mind even though he claims that they would not hesitate to look for avenues elsewhere.
Offers have been pouring in from nearby states such as Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Orissa and even Punjab and this is just to name a few. But then again to get the logistics in order along with all the processes and a changed production model will completely put the Nano out of gear, which is apart from the cost implications that Tata will have to incur in case of a change in location. They have set a two week deadline after which they will come to a conclusion. In other words, the West Bengal government has 14 days to resolve the issue which now has gained even more momentum with the involvement of Medha Patkar into the scenario. With 500 Nanos ready from the Pantnagar and Pune plants, the official release will not be delayed. What will be affected though is the delivery dates. Ratan Tata has dismissed the option of operating the plant under police protection which clearly says that the problem has to resolved or Singur will return to its agricultural background.

With the arrival of the Yamaha R15, and the response it is garnering the motorcycle fanatics can expect many more such sporty offerings in the future and one of them expected in the coming months would be the Yamaha FZ-150 that was also showcased at the Auto Expo earlier this year. There has been a nice change towards the sport and performance bike segment as the young brigade begin to enjoy the thrills offered by two wheeled performance machines.
The FZ, will house the same engine that is on the R15. The only difference would be in the fact that this one will be air cooled. This also could mean that it would be cheaper than the liquid cooled R15. Typical to Yamaha, just as the 80% of the design cues of the of the R15 have been taken from the R1, the FZ150 has borrowed its frame work from its elder cousin, the FZ1000. The FZ series of street bikes have been received well over because of their agility and stunning road presence. As said earlier they do share the same engines, but for the street series, it has been manipulated and tuned to give a better low end and mid range grunt therefore compromising a little bit on the top speed. Finally, Yamaha is getting back to what the Indian consumers know them for – performance and unmatched acceleration. They are getting into their stride after overcoming the nightmare that lasted for the last 2-3 years where they were not even competing. With high credentials everyone knew that they would bounce back. Even during the years while they were down in the dumps and each and every bike they introduced bombed, the large collection of ardent Yamaha aficionados always knew that they would just get everything together and bring out the performance bikes rather than 4 stroke, fuel efficient bikes with a saree guard. Performance is in the soul of Yamaha and that can never be eliminated. It is the essence of all Yamaha bikes. Ask anyone who has stretched the RX100 or the RD350 on an open road.
The curved tank and the muscular forks make the FZ150 look like an athlete, waiting on the starting line for the gun to fire. It’s at the Ready, Set position ala Usain Bolt. Everything looks compact and extensions of the body rather than being fitted on the frame. The wide tyres add to the stance. This proven performer is expected this Diwali and so will overshadow all the fire crackers on display and steal the show. The price would not exceed 75,000 INR.

The quiet Hoogly district in West Bengal comprises mainly of farmers who have been in the cultivation business for generations. They have owned land, cultivated on them and sold the produce, overcame droughts, and changing governments with the same unfulfilled promises and sustained their double digit family members. They do not know any other way of life. Enter the Tata Nano, the cheapest car on offer for just 1 lakh INR. The manufacture of the cheapest car requires 1000 crore for production to commence, which includes the cost of land. Tata is a reputed organization that can raise funds for their dream project in a jiffy but then what about the space? The Tatas received six sites as proposals for this plant and chose Singur, after a lot of satellite study, its adequate elevation, good water supply and its close proximity to Kolkata.
The 935 acre production site and the adjacent 290 acre vendor plot has seen a lot of hurdles since its inception with the CPM creating havoc in June and disrupting work. Then there was the problem of water logging. Of course you would expect so since it is agricultural land. Those farmers who owned single crop land were paid Rs.8.4 lakhs per acre and Rs.12 lakhs for double crop land. But then there are issues cropping up on whether the acquisition was with the consent of all the farmers, with forged and forced signatories.
Singur is in the Ganga delta. Need we say more? This land is blessed with perfect agricultural properties. Is it really that difficult to find land less favorable for agriculture, thus suited for industry? Adjoining Orissa, Jharkhand and other states do have such sites. But then the Tatas themselves chose this land. The sheer size of the project scared the other states away. Such land would mean the removal of agricultural or forest land. Maruti requires 300 acres to produce a little more than 3 lakh cars a year but only 1 lakh Nanos will be built from a 900+ acre plot. Clearly I am not aware of the manufacturing process but this does seem odd. We are all for industrial growth and are proud to share the same nationality with the Tatas and their contribution to our country and the launch of the Nano would be on the same list as Abhinav Bindra’s gold at the Olympics, but then we are not here to supplement agricultural land with industrial sites, especially if it is rich and fertile land, the scarcity of which is known to all. The industrial township of Jamshedpur is beautifully managed and self sufficient and the Tatas deserve all the credit. The township apart from creating employment, has managed to form a fully functional society. Do we expect the same in Singur? This is something we need to wait and watch. The dynamic leaders of Bengal need to find a way to supplement the farmers for their loss or give them a wider understanding of the outcome. They need to be exposed to other areas of wealth creation.
The homegrown Nano is expected to shake up the automotive industry (or not) and also the lifestyle (or not) of the middle class man. There has to be fine balance maintained with the expansion of the industrial sector and the neglected agricultural community as they seem to be at logger heads with the advent of the SEZs here. The Nano should be in the aspirations of the wider Indian community which will include our friends that till the fields. In a few years, we will have Wi-Fi enabled townships and cities, whereas certain rural sectors have never come across the concept of electricity for more than 5 hours at a time. Only if the developments move hand in hand will we have a better India or else the industrial revenue would go into importing food. Coming back to the original topic, if Tata decides to move out of Singur the repercussions would be hard to imagine. The inhabitants of Singur, the Nano project and the people waiting for it, all of them will be affected. More importantly it will highlight once again the incompetence of our so called leaders that are in fact the biggest obstacles towards India’s growth.

The second generation Tata Indica, called the Indica Vista was launched today. The design cues remain the same as showcased at the Auto Expo in Delhi and will be slightly bigger than its predecessor.The new Indica Vista has extended petal shaped headlights and customary tall tail lights to complement the slightly wider look. It was about time the Indica, launched in 1998, received a face lift since the most important segment in the Indian segment has seen a gradual change with the onset of the Swift and the Hyundai i10. The Indica Vista will be hoping to achieve the success and customer base as the previous model.
The engines on offer are the ones manufactured in association with Fiat from the Ranjangaon plant.The 1.3L, Quadrajet CRDi Diesel will produce 75bhp whereas the 1.2L CVCP Safire MPFi petrol version will churn out 65bhp. The Indica Vista is 325mm longer and 335mm wider, increasing the wheelbase by 70mm. This would certainly add to the overall dynamics and appeal of the car.Another notable addition is the instrumentation cluster now in the center of the dashboard, a common practice among the European compact cars, giving a slight indication of the growth of Tata Motors and their international aspirations. Prices commence from 3.49 lakhs to 4.88 lakhs. It will come with 24 month warranty and an option of 7 colours to choose from. The first generation Indica will continue to be manufactured, thereby maintaining a strong presence in the compact car segment. With Toyota bringing in an additional 1,400 crore to source in special equipment for the manufacture of its small car, the compact car segment will now leave the Indian consumers spoilt for choice. Many analysts consider the Indian market to relatively more stable than the others in the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) economies. Further testing will reveal more on this new Tata offering with obvious comparisons being made to its strong competitors, mainly the Hyundai i10.

The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show will have the new E class with a new look. The dual oval, senior and junior headlamps customary to the E class since 1996 will now have an edgier and less of a geometric pattern. If you would have to split the headlamps of the S-class you would more or less see the E class. The oval headlamps had completed their cycle of evolution and there was nothing much to do there, only if they would have to play around with the grille which Mercedes never seems to mess with. Also, the most honest and common answer you would receive from the darker sex on the most evoking feature on a woman would be the eyes. In any case, it seems to be working for Mercedes even though it completely throws common genetics and evolution of the male psyche completely out of gear.

Now getting to the character and the essence of the new E class, it will be powered by a 3.5L V6 which would most probably be borrowed from the CLS350. There are also talks of offering V8s with 4.5L and 5.5L. The common feature among all of them will be the use of direct injection. The contours and the lines would remain the same. No one is complaining as the E-class has always been a striking sedan. The tail lamps could be bolstered a bit but not as much as the front. The E63 will in all possibility have its 6.3L V8. The range of diesels will continue but of course with the BlueTec technology and there also talks of a hybrid version of the same by 2010 which has become an undecided norm by all the manufacturers. As through the previous decade it would be pitted against the Audi A6 and the BMW 5 series. Some things will never change but then that’s what we used to say about the headlamps of the E-class and now look what we have made Mercedes do!

Anything that can substitute gasoline is being termed as an alternative fuel option. There are hydrogen fuel cells and hybrids that incorporate two energy sources to drive the motor. Everyone wants to cash in on the opportunity before there is a frantic rush for fuel to power their motors. One thing for sure that is working well for the manufacturers is that there is not even a whisper about people giving up on their engines. It has become so much a part of one’s lifestyle. As of now there is not much of a crisis but it does seem to be looming large around us. The consumption of a litre of fuel is decades quicker than its formation under the ground we walk on. Fossil fuels have served us well and have given us a so many memories. There would be a day when we will be enveloped in nostalgia and remember the fossil fuels. All good things must come to an end and in this case must run out. We should also take a moment to thank the dinosaurs and other Jurassic life for gifting us such a resource and also in the same breath think about the guzzling Hummers, Lincolns and Chevys. Also take a moment to think about the motorcades where the fuel sapping Lincolns and other diplomat carriers would crawl through streets in second gear that are filled with joyful supporters of democracy. Anyways in all seriousness, all these manufacturers are spending the revenue derived from their golden years on replacing gasoline. GM has partnered with low cost ethanol maker Coskata. After countless hours of research this company claim to produce ethanol for under $1 per gallon from any carbon containing natural source and also reduces greenhouse emissions by 84% compared to gasoline. The patented technology can convert carbon sources to yield carbon monoxide and hydrogen and then this will be converted to ethanol by their special ‘microorganisms’ with patented reactors. These microorganisms are the real superheroes that can save the world, not Al Gore or Superman.

The automotive industry and the oil industry combine to form a $3 trillion market. This is just too big to wither away. Ethanol makes up our alcoholic beverages and everyone knows how potent it is and speaking about addiction, there is a rising concern on the addiction to oil. Everyone thought that electricity would supplement the fossil fuels but not many could get it out of their system. So we are going to stick to oil and again in the same breath, biodiesel too has caught the attention of many because of its effectiveness and easy production. Biodiesel from Jatropha has been growing at a steady rate in India and Malaysia. Coskata produces ethanol from solid waste, agricultural and forest residue and other rich carbon sources capable of fermentation. Commercial viability of these products is still under discussion but is going well with the monetary help of the conglomerates. British Petroleum has invested close to $90 million in Verenium, another cellulosic ethanol manufacturing company. When such an oil giant is moving towards the platform of alternative fuels it does question the seriousness of the consumers and their understanding of the gravity of the situation.

India has considerably subsidised the fuel costs, but even then the pinch is felt only by the transportation industry. The average consumer complains but still does shell out that extra rupee or two rather than looking at a long term solution. Aviation industry has been hard hit and so has diesel burners in the mass transport world. Ethanol in every sense is looking towards the common consumers whereas biodiesel will focus heavily on the trucks and trains. Acute power shortage and long hours of darkness had forced many parts of the country to switch on their diesel generators leading to a shortage of the fuel. Such situations must be avoided and here is where alternative fuels can play a major role. Oil, fossil or otherwise will always remain a precious commodity. The focus should shift to sustenance as nothing lasts forever but now we have the resources for a replacement as and when the need arises. My cry out is why not try it out, get used to it and redeem its flaws.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has launched the 1.2-litre version of hugely successful small-car, Hyundai i10. The 1.1-litre engine was essentially the same that powers the Santro, hence, to have a more powerful engine was the need of hour to cater to the domestic as well as the international market. Hyundai also inaugurated the Engine and Transmission plant at its Sriperumbudur facility which coincided with the launch of 1.2-litre Hyundai Kappa i10.

The Kappa engine project was developed over a period of 48 months attracting an investment of USD 421 million. The 1.2-litre Kappa engine is an aluminium block, four-cylinder engine that features double overhead cam shaft (DOHC) and breathes through 16 valves. Peak power is rated at 79bhp with the motor spinning at 5200rpm. Torque figure stands at 111.8Nm@4000rpm. The engine feels more relaxed in nature when compared to the 1.1-litre mill and revs more eagerly. Not surprisingly, the fuel efficiency of the engine will be about the same as that of the 1.1-litre i10 which means, in this world of ever-growing fuel prices, the Hyundai Kappa i10 will be as light on pocket as the 1.1-litre version. Moreover, the Kappa 1.2-litre engine is Euro 5 ready with the CO2 emission level standing at a mere 119g/km which is lowest for compact cars. The new Engine and Transmission plant is a USD 250Mn facility that has a capacity of 250,000 units per annum. The 1.2 Kappa engine will also be offered with a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

Speaking at the launch H S Lheem, Managing Director, HMIL, said, “Efficiencies in fuel consumption and environment are the prerogatives for any automobile manufacturer. And Hyundai, as a conscientious global corporate citizen, prioritizes these with continuous innovation in technology and design. Our new Kappa engine is the best in class today, with more power, less fuel consumption and a lower CO2 and overall emissions. The current 1.1L engine has proved to be one of the very successful engines for Hyundai and it will continue to power both the Santro and the i10 but the new Kappa engine will significantly raise the bar in this segment and redefine the expectation from this class of cars”.

The Hyundai Kappa i10 will be made available in three variants; the Magna, Sportz and the Asta with all top end features like the sunroof, 2-Din audio system, a unique red pack for the Sportz interiors and some class leading safety features like anti-lock braking system (ABS) and dual airbags. The new kappa i10 will be sold along with the existing Epsilon 1.1 litre engine variant and will be available in a range of 10 colours.

Germany has arrived in India, and how! It all started with an organization which flaunted its three-pointed star way back in the mid ‘90s. What it resulted in was a foray by German companies like Audi, BMW and Volkswagen into the Indian market. All these brands have launched cars which are focused towards the high-end spectrum of the luxury segment.

Audi has been doing well, BMW has established solid sales figure and Mercedes has not been behind by a lot. The latest to enter, VW, sold more Passats than was projected by the company. The Volkswagen Group as a whole registered a growth of 69 percent in sales in India between January and June 2008. Combined together; Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen delivered 10,366 cars in the Indian market. This number was 6,131 during the same period last year.

Mr Joerg Mueller, President, VW India was quoted as saying “The significant increase in our sales figures in India reflects our growing presence in the Indian automobile market and highlights the mounting interest of the discerning Indian customer in our cars. It also points out to the fact that the various models from Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen are aligned to the demands of the market.”

Volkswagen is going to launch the much hyped Jetta in a couple of days from now which will give it additional thrust towards the sales march. Competing against the likes of Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Skoda Octavia, VW Jetta will offer understated elegance, brilliant drivability and fuel economy – all by a fair margin!

“All brands of the Volkswagen group are moving ahead on the growth curve in India. The sales delivery figures for January to June 2008 have exceeded our expectations. As such, we are confident of meeting our targets for the year. Going forward, our plans to further expand our model range with newe launches like the Audi A4 and the Volkswagen Jetta in the year will also drive this endeavour”, Mr Mueller added.

Audi sold 470 cars in the first half of this year which was a huge 128 percent increase vis-à-vis 2007. Skoda’s sales number stood at 9,556 which marks a 62 percent increase than in the corresponding period last year. Volkswagen has delivered 340 cars between January to June 2008. A robust growth it has been for VW, which will only get complemented by the introduction of Jetta and Golf that is set to follow later this year.

The Chevrolet Optra has been in India for a little over five years now. Having visited the beauty salon a year back, Chevrolet Optra was gifted with a suffix, that being ‘Magnum’. And now, it seems, GM is working on a replacement for Optra Magnum.

The picture (credit: Autoexpress) here shows that a lot of work has gone into the design and from certain angles it looks as if some cues have been taken from the Chevrolet WTCC concept shown at the Auto Expo in Delhi this year, the sloping roof line being clearly and inspired effort. There will be a host of technical changes too. The car will feature a sophisticated suspension and will sport a completely new engine. There can be a 1.8L petrol engine under the hood to compete against the likes of Honda Civic but the mainstay will be the diesel which can be either a 1.7L or 19L four-pot common-rail unit. Even the current 2.0-litre TCDi mill seems like a possibility. We will keep you in the loop as and when we get to hear more of this.

It has been in the news for quite a while now, but the time has finally come. Hyundai, India’s second largest car-maker, is going to launch the 1.2-litre ‘Kappa’ engine in a couple of days from now. The i10 in the current guise sells with a 1.1L engine that has a peak power rating of 66bhp. The 1.2-litre engine will put out about 80bhp and would give the ‘performance’ minded individuals something to cheer about in the small-car segment, we hope!

Hyundai i10 has managed to become one of India’s top selling cars within a short span of time and finds itself regularly clocking sales figure hovering around the 10,000 mark. The company will also be launching the automatic transmission version. The investment of Rs 12,000 crore will enable Hyundai to reach the 3-lakh engines mark.

We will bring you more news on this front when the 1.2L i10 gets launched which will be followed with an elaborate drive report.

We possibly would, and surely could, have done some international car launch for our first story as it would have been a piquant material, but we waited for this. And may I just say that the wait was quite worth it.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) today unveiled its latest offering for the Indian biking community – the CBF Stunner. It surely is what the name suggests, a stunner. If not for the engine size, this bike could easily be mistaken for one belonging to 150+cc segment. Yes, you read it right. The CBF Stunner does not sport an engine that would ideally set an average Indian guy’s mind thinking towards performance aspect. But you’re for a surprise here! The CBF Stunner has a 124.7cc air cooled engine that is capable of giving birth to 11 manic horses.

Allow me to give you the first ride impression in just a while because this bike primarily is about looks. And god damn, it looks sizzling. Especially for a 125cc machine, it does. According to HMSI, the styling is inspired by a “Rushing Wolf” which makes it look sporty and aggressive. HMSI did extensive market study and the response from consumers has led them to offer CBF Stunner. This bike is predominantly aimed at young individuals who want loads of style married to a well-performing mechanical product. I have to confess; at first look, this Honda product brought back the pictures of Kinetic Laser (GF 170) to me.

The CBF Stunner has an integrated front body cowl which gives it a muscular look and allows her to share the space alongside Karizmas and Pulsar 220s on the modelling ramp. The split seat also contributes in making the CBF Stunner look attractive as do the neatly laid out graphics. But it is not “all show no go” situation here.

I took the bike for a spin on the test track (if an arrow-straight road can qualify as a test track!) and the first impressions were rather good. The seating position was spot on, but the comfort factor will be elaborated when we road-test the CBF Stunner comprehensively. I disliked the electric-starter button which seemed like Hero Honda Glamour came along and gifted the same to Stunner. The harsh twist-of-the-wrist treatment was translated into urgent and seamless power delivery. Gearbox is typical Honda; cogs were swapped without any hiccup. The exhaust note sounded not like noise but symphony to ears. The brakes on the bike that I was riding were fantastic, and in conjunction with the grippy 17-inch tubeless tyres (both front and rear; a first in the segment) the bike inspired confidence to push it further. I was doing a 70 odd on the speedo when my heart took on a sinister attitude and egged me to try a late-braking manoeuvre (the only exciting thing on the boringly-straight ‘track’ that happened to me). Braking and downshifting simultaneously, the CBF Stunner’s rear exhibited an ever-so-faint a slide, nothing that you cannot control. Nice... I like!

I cannot tell you, and you better not ask about the ride quality, because frankly, the road surface was far too smooth to give you any hint of what the suspension is capable of. The spec sheet of CBF Stunner speaks about telescopic hydraulic forks at the front and 3-step spring loaded hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear, which is essentially the same as that of the Honda Shine. Having ridden the Shine, and having liked the ride quality, I have high hopes from the CBF Stunner. The bike felt irritatingly smooth. I know, being smooth is a good thing, but I like to feel the machinery working and a few vibrations are always welcome. But (and that’s a ‘but’ with a lot of emphasis on it), it is this vibe-free virtue of the CBF Stunner which will ‘shine’ (pun unintended) above the competition. While in the saddle, the bike felt completely devoid of any harshness or vibrations.

It is a Honda, so one would expect high levels of refinement as a default with the product, and the CBF Stunner delivers the goods by a good measure. So, here it is – a 125cc looker on two-wheels which will go well too. Await a comprehensive road-test review soon.

Ex-showroom price in Delhi is Rs 47,070 for the kick/drum version while the top end self/disc version will retail at Rs 51,655.