India’s automotive market has almost hit a standstill due to the spread of COVID-19. With dealerships remaining closed and public gatherings prohibited, major automakers have opted online platforms to make important announcements or host events. Experts also predict a drastic change in the scenario of car buying in the days to come — know more details.
Amid the Indian government’s COVID-19 lockdown protocols, quite a few brands have introduced updated BS6 versions of their popular offerings. Most of the newly-launched BS6 vehicles are not a major upgrade over their BS4 counterparts. The changes are mostly limited to trim additions, new colours or minor cosmetic tweaks. COVID-19 affected the auto industry at the same time when dealerships were struggling to clear off leftover BS4 stock.
The Supreme Court of India had extended the BS4-sale deadline from 1 April 2020 but on a conditional basis. As of now, the deadline extends by 10 days post-lockdown (or till 13 May 2020). Here are the top BS6 two-wheelers that were launched amid India’s COVID-19 lockdown:
Bajaj Dominar 400 (Starting price: Rs 1.91 lakh)
With a price hike of just about Rs 1,000, the Bajaj Dominar 400 BS6 remains identical in styling and equipment. Its 373.3cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder makes 39.4bhp and 35Nm while mated to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch.
Bajaj Avenger 160 / 220 (Starting price: Rs 94,893 / Rs 1.16 lakh)
BS6 prices of the Bajaj Avenger Street 160 and 220 Cruise have gone by around Rs 11,000. The lesser 160cc air-cooled FI motor makes 14.8bhp and 13.7Nm while the 220cc air/oil-cooled engine is good for Rs 18.7bhp and 17.5Nm. Both engines come with a 5-speed gearbox
Bajaj Pulsar 180F / 220F (Starting price: Rs 1.07 lakh / Rs 1.17 lakh)
The semi-faired Pulsar 180F and 220F models went through a price hike of roughly Rs 11,500 and Rs 9,000, respectively. With a 178.9cc air-cooled FI motor, the 180F makes 16.8bhp and 14.52Nm while the 220F churns out 20.1bhp and 18.5Nm from its 220cc air/oil-cooled FI engine.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Neon (Starting price: Rs 69,997)
Bajaj’s entry-level Pulsar model comes with a hike of Rs 6,300-7,500 across its Drum and Disc variants. The 124cc air-cooled engine makes 12bhp and 11Nm of torque.
Bajaj Platina 100 / 110 H Gear (Starting price: Rs 47,264 / Rs 59,200)
The popular commuter bike variants’ BS6 prices have increased by roughly Rs 6,400 and Rs 2,200, respectively. The 5-speed Platina 110 H Gear’s 115.45cc motor makes 8.44bhp and 9.81Nm. On the other hand, the 4-speed Platina 100 has a 102cc engine packing 7.7bhp and 8.34Nm.
TVS Scooty Pep Plus (Starting price: Rs 51,754)
BS6 prices of the CVT scooter has gone up by Rs 6,400-6,700. Its 90cc engine (the only scooter in that displacement category) makes just 5bhp and 5.8Nm of torque.
TVS Radeon (Starting price: Rs 58,992)
The BS6 TVS Radeon comes in three variants: base, drum and disc. The last two come under its ‘Commuter Bike of the Year’ edition. Prices have gone by almost Rs 9,000. It is powered by a 109.7cc engine with 8.08bhp and 8.7Nm.
Royal Enfield Bullet 350 (Starting price: Rs 1.21 lakh)
Royal Enfield’s ‘STD’ or Bullet 350 model BS6 pricing has gone by Rs 3,500. It continues to use the 346cc ‘air-cooled’ single-cylinder engine good for 19.1bhp and 28Nm, but with fuel injection.
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
