TVS Menace 180 - What to expect!

The Menace on two wheels is arriving and it looks hot too. Considering the sexiness that exists in the current RTR 160 beating all in that exist in its class and a few above too. Even if it manages to keep up with it predecessor it’ll be up there with the best… need I say more.

Design:
The bike will retain the basic lines of the current RTR, retaining the basic look of a naked sports bike. But with no front scoop this time. And for a good reason too, the front is now going to house a semi-full faring that will expose part of the engine and give it that naked bike look too.
The bike will have a digital speedometer with top speed, 0-60 timer, trips, and other extra functionality plus stunning looks.

Engine and Gearbox:
The race developed high reving180cc mill will be one of a kind, developing 18bhp and refined further, more than it is in the current RTR. The engine is expected to have a high compression ratio to deliver more power and will be powered by a fuel injection system.

Ride and Handling:
The current RTR handles like a charm with loads of feedback from both the front and rear end. TVS won’t make a mistake in the handling department, although the company is looking to keep the setup to a slightly sportier side. With front and rear disk brakes and a proposed mono-shock we have a new dream bike in development here.
Rumours are that TVS might be going overboard with the weight distribution and balancing and we might have a surprise exhaust this time.

Price and Competition:
Expect the price to be around 80,000+INR. This is a real good deal, considering the finish and performance of previous TVS products. The bike will compete with bikes above its segment like the pulsar 200 as the RTR is already taking care of the bikes in the 180cc segment.

Our take:
The bike is a bargain for what TVS is offering with the “Menace”. I’m sure TVS will break benchmarks with this 180cc. The bike is due this Oct-Nov (2008) - Those planning for a performance bike any time soon, do try this first.

2008 Honda City

Honda is rolling out the long awaited revised version of the new city. And this time it looks good too.

Design:

Somehow the old City’s styling was way ahead of its time, but the new city has a lot to offer with the tail lights having a bit of the Accord’s look. Though it looks like it’s derived from a hatch it seams to look much better than the older city. Honda won’t compromise on fit and finish, so even if the car is too futuristic for you, there’s a reason for you to buy the city.

Engine & Gearbox:

The City will be powered by the same engines but will be tuned to squeeze out more performance from it. There will be a 1.5L with 3 variants. The V-Tec will follow the herd later on.

There will be both automatic and manual options with revised gearboxes (5Speed) for the new city.

Ride & Handling:

The new City is expected to have a higher ground clearance than the present or the previous lots. Ride will be stiffer, but what remains to be seen is whether this car can live up to the first Gen. City on the handling department.

Price & competition:

It’s will be priced around the same as the current City owing to the stiff competition in this segment and is expected to be priced around 7.2-8.5 lacks.

If you are looking to buy some other cars in this price range you can also look for the Maruthi SX4, Lancer, Hyundai Verna, New Ford Fiesta.

Maruti-Suzuki A-Star - A preview

A Star is Maruti’s first contribution in R&D in the Maruti-Suzuki partnership. This car has been completely developed by Maruti’s R&D division (yes don’t be astonished, there is one!) Maruti’s version of the small car for the world, the A Star will be sold in Europe under the Nissan badge, and Maruti India will be exporting units. The A Star will be a replacement for the Alto in foreign markets, but both cars will co-exist in India.

Design:
This is a perfect example of what Indian designers are capable of. The car is simply fabulous with European looks and a tinge of Indian styling with the essence of
futuristic looks. The car also looks like the perfect affordable family car. The angry, winged dual tone headlamps in conjunction with the Audi-ish grill is nothing like we have ever seen before. The sleek tail-lamps that flow along with the rear windscreen just add to the overall futuristic look. If the body-integrated exhausts make it into production, the car will officially be a drool machine.

Engine & Gearbox:
The car will be available with a 1000cc petrol, Suzuki style and will be Euro V  Compliant (2012) We can expect the fuel efficiency to remain as much as the current Alto, an increase in power and top speed figures can be expected.
The gearbox would be a regular 5 speed, which is redesigned specifically for this car.

Ride & Handling:
The car is expected to have stiff ride, but should be able to neutralize reasonable sized bumps without any issues - more or less like the Swift.

Price & competition:
The car is expected to be priced just above the Alto. Also check out the Chevy Spark which looks like its closest competitor.

Our Take:
Maruti is making a big comeback and the A-star is a major tool in this.

Maruti Suzuki Splash - A Preview

Maruti Suzuki’s next car for India is going to be the Splash, which is a tall-boy car that seems to be the perfect family car. If you liked the Swift, this car is the Swift and more. Since the car is based on the Swift’s platform and follows similar design strategy it’s bound to be an instant hit just like the Swift. The car will be more spacious that the Swift which is a boon to people who are feeling a lack of space in the Swift. The car replaces the Wagon R in other markets but in India it will co-exist along with the Wagon R.

Design:
Suzuki’s design strategy spells muscularity and boldness which Indians seam to adore. The Swiftish headlamps with softened edges seam to give it a less sporty feel which might appeal to a few. The Splash sports a big front grill with a bold line through it - starting to become synonymous with Suzuki. It’s a very tall car, but what seems to be giving it a sober look is the massive and wide wheel arches. The rear of the car looks a bit deformed, but not ugly - we could get used to the styling over time.

Engine & Gearbox:
The car is expected to have 2 petrol and 1 diesel options. The 1.0L doing rounds on the present wagon R giving 65bhp, a new 1.2L and the present 1.3L DDIS from the Swift giving an output of 75bhp.
The 1.1L might be a little small for of car of this size but, that will just be on the base model.

Ride & Handling:
It’s a family car, so even though it’s based on the Swift’s platform we could expect softer suspensions that could take on bumps a little better that the Swift. The seating position is expected to be slightly less sportier that the Swift as this is meant to be a family car.

Price & competition:
The car will be priced just above the wagon R but will surely be under the 3lakhs tag. They aint any direct contenders to the splash yet but the Hyundai Santro and the Chevy uv-a are worth a look.

Our Take:
Go for the splash if you are interested in a good family hatch with fresh looks.

Bajaj XCD Sprint - A Preview

The Bajaj XCD Sprint was introduced during the 9th auto expo and expected to be launched later this year. If rumors are to be believed, the bike will be launched around August-September, 2008. The XCD that was released a year back was a replacement to the 100cc segment and now Bajaj is back to give us a super upgrade. The market for 125cc bikes is a mean place to be - stiff competition prevails and customers would be looking for perfection.

Design:
Bajaj doesn’t seam to have a problem in any segment. It’s as if they read the customers’ minds. They did it once with the Pulsar and now they are at it again - sharp styling that oozes out quality and durability. The bikes sports a front scoop and a brilliantly sculpted front headlamp that has taken cues from Yamaha (fz-1) and Kawasaki (z1000) naked bikes.

Engine & Transmission:
Engine is the heart of a vehicle, and Bajaj has sorted this out completely with loads of techie bits that would revolutionize the segment. Expect close to 13bhp from this 125cc, thanks to its 4 valves per cylinder and Dts-Si bits. And just to keep a tap on your wallet and rising fuel prices Bajaj has also decided to drop in a 80+Kmpl mileage into the equation.

Hopefully Bajaj will kick in a 5speed gearbox to keep up pace with the completion, which will make the Sprint a capable bike fit for both touring and city riding.

Ride & Handling:
Nitrox based gas shocks, larger wheelbase and Bajaj engineering can only mean one thing - the ride and handling is up the with the best. Also with disk brakes as standard and large MRF zappers for road grip, I wont doubt the capabilities of this bike.

Price & Competition:
The prices haven’t been officially announced by Bajaj but considering the fact that Bajaj bikes are value for money, I would say it would be priced around Rs52000-53000. Which is very reasonable for the kind of technology and equipment Bajaj is providing with this bike.

Other bikes you might want to look at are the Gladiator twins, Glamour Fi, Flame or maybe even a larger capacity bike such as the Discover 135.

Our Take:
Keep an eye out for this bike. It’s worth a wait and will be good value for money.

Bajaj Lite - yet another small car!

Bajaj-Renault-Nissan have come into an agreement to produce a low cost car for the masses. The car is expected to be priced a bit more than the much hyped Tata Nano and is expected to hit roads by 2010. The car was introduced a day before the official launch of the Tata Nano during the 9th Auto Expo. The car will be sold in other markets under the Renault/Nissan tag depending upon the prominence in the respective markets.

Design:
For a small low-cost-car the Lite looks pretty good. But considering the strong competition its facing, the car must surpass standards in all ways to live up to its name. Frankly the design is not very appealing. Now there are two ways to look at this
(a) The car was forced to be launched in a hurry and was designed overnight.
(b) Bajaj wanted to incorporate even Nissan and Renault styling cues to its creation which has ended up a bit alien.
Still, Bajaj has hinted that it won’t be compromising on quality, which is a good sign.

Engine & Gearbox:
According to the partnership with Nissan-Renault, the engine components will be researched and developed by Nissan and Renault, which will then be integrated into the car by Bajaj. Judging by the experience of both car makers, we could expect a good refined engine which would give a good 25kmpl or more powered by a 600-1000cc engine.

Ride & Handling:
For a low cost car, we cannot expect brilliance in handling and suspension characteristics. But all the three companies involved in this project are pretty much the best in the class. So we can expect a decent outing.

Price & competition:
The manufacturers are aiming at a US$2500 price tag which would be even more affordable by the time production begins. The car though suffers from stiff competition from the TATA Nano and upcoming Ford and Volkswagen low-cost-cars.

Our Take:
Once the car releases, gone will be the days of a family of four adjusting on a motorcycle.

A Stunner from Honda

Honda CBF Stunner (pre-release review)

The Honda CBF stunner was introduced in the 9th auto expo in January 08. Its primarily a premium 125cc bike. Also in the Honda stands was another 125cc bike based on the stunner - a track version. Honda introduced these bikes as a concept but due to the overwhelming response, its now a reality. The bike is expected to be launched around July-august ‘08. The bike is expected to be called the CBF125.

Design:
For a 125cc bike this is bike is “simply fabulous” any day. It’s got sharp look of bigger bikes of higher capacity. The big bike feel owes its credit to the cool Karizmaish front faring. The Honda CBF 125 abroad sports a full faring, but to keep the costs reasonable the company has decided to impose a quarter faring. It also sports a cut stepped seat which would be a first in the segment. Foot pegs are placed adequately at the rear for a comfortable but sporty stance.

Engine & Transmission:
The engine is a 125cc single mill giving a power output of 11-12bhp which is up there with the best. Engine is expected to be a typical Honda combining refinement, reliability and smoothness.
The bike sports a 6-speed transmission which some might think is a overkill but a properly tuned 6-speed is a bikers dream and a commuters boon. If properly driven, this bike can give awesome fuel efficiency, power and top speed.

Ride & Handling:
The Handling of this bike is expected to rule over the corners but the bike as it seems might not be as agile as the competition especially in traffic. Honda has again disappointed us by depriving us with mono-shocks.
Price & Competition:
The bike is expected to be priced and positioned a bit higher than the regular 125cc category.

The CBF 125 is expected to go against the new gladiator twins. You can also check out other bikes in the segment such as Discover 135 and Glamour FI.

Info on the Track version of the Stunner(concept):

• The track version sports,
• Lower profile tyres.
• High performance shocks at the rear end.
• Aerodynamic engine crowl.
• Carbon fibre bodywork.
• Under seat exaust.
• ventilated rear disk at the rear and massive brembo twincapilar petal disk at the         front end.
• Cool-looking light-weight alloys.

Our Take:
Go for the CBF 125 if you want a big bike feel with low running costs and loads of fun.

That the CBF has the metal to beat existing bikes which rule the segment or maybe even in higher segment is something we need to wait and watch.

Hero Honda Karizma Review

Hero Honda Karizma, touted to be the first ’sports’ bike in India has its engine derived from Honda CRF230F (available in other countries) which has been scaled down for Indian use. The Karizma is a favorite amog the street racers due to its rev frendly engine.Indias India’s first performance oriented premium bike’s only downside is that it hasnt been properly upgraded ever since it debut in 2004.

Design:

Body: The Karizma has very debateable looks. Up close it has very avarage finish loks a bit akward to a few. But from a distance no one can miss the sculpted “big bike look” all owed to the brilliant positioned front-faring and thick Rear panels.The vinyls are have been recently upgraded and seem to give the bike sharper looks.Ceratin noises are known to come out of the front-faring after a respectable amount of usage.

Cockpit: The cockpit features a 3-pod console (tachometer, speedo,and digital trip and odo meter) It has a rich yellow and black design which look good during the day and invert during the night thus giving a stunning look every time you see it. Fit and finish around the speedometer console is not upto the mark as lots of gaps are seen.

Engine & Gearbox:

Engine: The engine is a 223cc which is derived From Honda’s Entry level Dirt bike for beginners-the CRF230F. The compression ratio is scaled down for use with fuel available in india.The engine is rev friendly. Has a lot of oomph in higher rpms(above 5000). It increases and drops revs faster than you can say “i love this bike“. The engine is electronically limited to 9200 rpm but redlined at 7000prm for safety reasons. The fuel efficiency, it avarages 32kmpl which is pretty good considering it is premium bike.

Gearbox: The Karizma has a 5 Speed 1-down 4-up shift gearbox, which has a very clunchy feel to it - just the way I like it. The gears slot into place perfectly and false neutrals occur once in a blue moon. On heavy deceleration the beast doesnt seem to be able to down shift gears with ease.But this is one gearbox that begs you to rev hard and change faster.

Ride & handling:

The bike has a brilliantly sorted out suspension system and takes all bumps with ease. Under heavy breaking the front forks never seem to give away. Front end feel is fabulous. The chassis is so well sorted out that with better tyres we could expect knee scraping motoGP syle bends out of this bike. This bikes a boon to all the 6footers in india. On the other hand smaller riders seem to be just as comfortable.

My take: Karizma lives up to the badge of India’s first premium bike.