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.