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      Hyundai Ioniq 7 Spotted Testing – Kia EV9 Counterpart, Ditches Suicide Doors

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      Hyundai Ioniq 7 spotted testingKia EV9’s counterpart is Hyundai Ioniq 7 and has been spied testing for the first time – It is Hyundai SEVEN Concepts’ production versionKia and Hyundai are currently on the verge of carving out quite a chunk in global EV segment. Combined, the South Korean sister brands have developed E-GMP platform that the recently spotted Hyundai Ioniq 7 test mules will be based on. Hyundai Ioniq 7 spotted, is likely to sport similar powertrain as recently launched Kia EV9 flagship.Hyundai Ioniq 7 Spotted TestingRecent test mules of Hyundai Ioniq 7 were captured testing in Germany. Ioniq 7 is Hyundai’s counterpart of Kia EV9 flagship electric SUV and is the production version of Hyundai SEVEN electric SUV concept showcased a couple of years ago.Production-spec Ioniq 7 deviates a lot from what Hyundai showed with Concept. We’re not stressing about the lack of suicide doors (rear hinged doors) for 2nd row. Sure, that is a noticeable miss from Hyundai SEVEN concept. But we’re slightly surprised with the overall design that Hyundai is going for.As seen with SEVEN concept, Hyundai was promising a boxy SUV with a lot of presence. With production-spec Ioniq 7, Hyundai is giving out MPV vibes that seem to be in line with Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan (saloon). Reminds us of Hyundai’s MPVs like Stargazer and Staria. Bonnet is short and A-pillar is quite raked. There’s a sense of swooping effect to this design.Hyundai Ioniq 7 fasciaNot just MPV vibes, overall design is swoopy and curvaceous, something that SEVEN concept didn’t have. Even Kia EV9 has a butch SUV stance and proportions. The test mule spotted in Germany had two different sets of alloy wheels on testing. Both these wheels are likely to be on offer with Ioniq 7, depending on different variants.Front fascia has vertically-stacked headlights that will be studded with pixel-shaped LEDs. These Pixel LEDs will comprise its LED DRL too along with rear LED signature. Side body claddings are chunky and remind us of recently launched Hyundai Kona. Rear was fully camouflaged and not a lot can be deduced.Same powertrain as Kia EV9?On the inside, Hyundai Ioniq 7 is less likely to sport the same flamboyant interiors as SEVEN concept. There is a much greater probability of Ioniq 7 packing similar attributes from both Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. Dual 12.3-inch screens on dashboard along with a few buttons here and there, are probable.Hyundai Ioniq 7 profileHyundai logo will be replaced with the four-dots that this company is going for with past vehicles. Level-three autonomous driving aids, recycled materials on the inside, third-row seating, Hyundai’s latest operating system that powers Kona EV are some of the key highlights. Ioniq 7 might be the last E-GMP equipped global electric vehicle with announcements of next-gen eM and eS platforms.Same set of powertrains as Kia EV9 is highly likely with Hyundai Ioniq 7 spotted testing in Germany. Up to 100 kWh battery, dual motor layout with total system output of 380 bhp from Kia EV9 is logical. Claimed range on EV9 is 350 miles (563 km), while the aerodynamic design of Ioniq 7 can eke out more range. India launch is iffy and company hasn’t officially confirmed it for the Asian subcontinent.Images – Autoexpress More

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      2W Retail Sales Oct 2023 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Yamaha, Ola, Ather, Jawa

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      Jawa 42 Bobber Black Mirror profile2W sales saw a YoY de-growth of 12.60 percent while MoM sales grew by 14.91 percent in October 2023Two wheeler retail sales, as announced by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), for the month of October 2023, saw sales dip by 12.60 percent. It was however, a MoM growth of 14.91 percent when compared to sales in September 2023. Festivities during the month of October 2023 failed to stir up sales in the two wheeler segment, retail sales of which dipped 12.60 percent YoY in the said month. Sales fell to 15,07,756 units in October 2023, down from 17,25,043 units sold in October 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 2,17,287 units.2W Retail Sales Oct 2023 – Hero, Honda, TVS post YoY degrowthThe segment made up on a MoM basis with a 14.91 percent growth from 13,12,101 units sold in September 2023. During the 10 day Navratri period there were 5,40,325 units sold, up 21.75 percent when compared to 4,43,796 units sold during the same 10 day period of 2022. While Hero MotoCorp once again led the segment, the company reported a YoY de-growth in October 2023. Sales dipped to 4,17,750 units, down from 5,67,122 units sold in October 2022. It was a MoM growth of over 3,15,781 units sold in September 2023.At No. 2 was Honda that has also seen sales dip YoY in October 2023 down to 4,02,138 units when compared to 4,46,897 units sold in October 2022. Market share however, increased to 26.67 percent from 25.91 percent YoY. MoM sales improved over 3,48,899 units sold in September 2023. In 3rd spot was TVS Motors also reporting a YoY de-growth in October 2023 down to 2,51,435 units when compared to 2,65,894 units sold in October 2022. Market share improved to 16.68 percent from 15.41 percent YoY. TVS iQube has seen increased demand while the XL100 moped has also been a hot favorite while in the premium space, TVS X and Apache RTR 310 launched recently also gained some traction.Bajaj Auto sales improved YoY to 1,78,717 units in October 2023 up from 1,72,106 units sold in October 2022. YoY sales growth was also reported by Suzuki Motorcycle India, which grew to 79,782 units in the past month, up from 67,555 units sold in October 2022. Market share improved to 5.29 percent from 3.92 percent YoY.2W Retail Sales Oct 2023Sales de-growth was reported by Royal Enfield, which fell to 68,151 units in October 2023, down from 73,763 units in October 2022. It was also a MoM growth from 63,084 units sold in September 2023. Royal Enfield has recently revealed details of the Himalayan 452 slated to launch soon. Once launched, it will compete against the Triumph Scrambler 400X, KTM 390 Adventure, 390 Enduro and Hero Xpulse 440. It was Yamaha Motors that saw sales increase significantly to 55,289 units in October 2023 from 50,201 units sold in October 2022 taking up market share to 3.67 percent from 2.91 percent YoY.Ola and Ather Energy Post YoY Growth in October 2023In the electric two wheeler segment, Ola Electric maintained its dominance and also posted a healthy YoY growth in sales. Retail sales stood at 23,783 units in the past month, up from 16,357 units sold in October 2022. This took market share up to 1.58 percent from 0.95 percent YoY. It was also a MoM growth from 18,647 units sold in September 2023.Ather Energy, another leading electric two wheeler major in India, has seen sales grow to 8,346 units in October 2023 up from 7,358 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales growth was also significant from 7,123 units sold in September 2023. Greaves Electric, formerly known as Ampere Electric Vehicles, sales jumped to 4,169 units in October 2023 from just 39 units sold in October 2022 and was a further MoM increase over 3,605 units sold in September 2023.Lower down the sales list, each of the two wheeler makers have reported sales de-growth. Piaggio sales dipped to 3,284 units in October 2023 from 3,881 units sold in October 2022. Classic Legends (Jawa / Yezdi) also saw retail sales fall to 2,689 units from 3,769 units on a YoY basis while Okinawa sales fell significantly down to 1,474 units in the past month from 14,953 units sold in October 2022. There were others in this segment that also included electric two wheeler manufacturers that contributed 10,749 units to total retail sales. This was down from 35,148 units sold in the same month last year. More

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      Kia EV5 Launched In China At Rs 17.30 Lakh – XUV.e8, Harrier EV Rival

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      Kia EV5 Launched In ChinaAs part of its plan to make EVs available to everyone, Kia has launched the brand new EV5 mid-size electric SUVKia has aggressive plans for the EV segment at the global scale. It has the blueprint of a dedicated lineup of new electric vehicles, from EV1 to EV9. Some of these like EV6 and EV9 are already on sale. And now, Kia has launched the EV5 in China. EV5 is Kia’s first global strategic model to be introduced in China.Kia EV5 launched in ChinaKia has announced the launch of EV5 at the ongoing 21st China Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition. EV5 prices start at 149,800 yuan, which is approximately USD 20,800 or Rs 17.30 lakh. The prices are around 10,000 yuan (1,400 USD) lower than the pre-sales prices. Kia had opened pre-sales for EV5 in China earlier this year in August.At that time, starting price was announced at 159,800 yuan (22,100 USD). It makes sense, as China is a safe bet for any EV manufacturer. The country has emerged as the largest electric car market in the world. With leadership in battery production and related technologies, China has witnessed faster adoption of electric vehicles in comparison to other regions of the world.Kia EV5 will play a key role in helping the company achieve its EV goals. Kia has set a target of selling one million electric vehicles per year by 2026. This number will increase to 1.6 million units per annum by the end of this decade. EV5 is affordably priced and is expected to generate significant sales volumes. It will soon be available in other markets as well. EV5 is positioned as a family-oriented SUV, offering an optimal mix of performance, range and hi-tech features.Kia EV5 specs and featuresKia EV5 is underpinned by the E-GMP platform. This is a dedicated EV platform that has spawned several of Kia and Hyundai’s new-gen models. EV5 in China has a 64.2 kWh battery pack that supplies power to a 160-kW motor. The battery pack has LFP chemistry and is supplied by China-based manufacturer BYD. Variants with the 64.2 kWh battery have a certified range of 530 km.EV5 long-range version is equipped with an 88-kWh battery pack. The motor is the same 160 kW unit with both models. Certified range extends to 720 km. Kia has yet to reveal the price for the long-range model. Earlier this year, Kia had also announced a long-range AWD model. However, it is not certain if that variant will be introduced in China. EV5 is fitted with a dedicated heat pump system that reduces the risk of battery-related fire incidents.Kia EV5 has an attractive visual styling and packs in a comprehensive range of features. Interiors follow a minimalistic design language, which enhances the sense of space and comfort. Features that instantly grab one’s attention include the integrated dual screens and the four-spoke steering wheel with a gear lever.Kia EV5 DashboardUsers can feel confident about safety, as EV5 is offering a comprehensive range of features including ADAS. Safety kit includes 7-airbags, L2+ level assisted driving, remote control smart parking and semi-automatic lane changing. More

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      MG Cyberster Launched – Electric Sportscar Costs Less Than Fortuner

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      MG Cyberster Launched in ChinaThe primary rival for MG Cyberster launched in China, is Neta GT, another convertible 2-door electric sportscar with similar specs and performanceWith the rising price wars in China, MG Cyberster prices were supposed to start from as low as CNY 239,800 which translates to Rs. 27.5 lakh. Prior to this, MG Cyberster was supposed to start from CNY 300,000. But MG has finally put a stop to these speculations by launching its all-electric sportscar, Cyberster, starting from CNY 319,900.MG Cyberster Launched in ChinaFirst debuted at Goodwood Festival Of Speed, MG Cyberster is now launched in China. The pricing is the talking point with this all-electric sportscar from the British brand. There are three trim levels on offer – Glamour Edition, Style Edition and Pioneer Edition. These trims get varied powertrain combinations too – RWD 501, RWD 580 and AWD 520 respectively.As per pricing, MG Cyberster Glamour Edition RWD 501 costs CNY 319,800 (approx Rs. 37 lakh), Style Edition RWD 580 costs CNY 339,800 (approx Rs. 39 lakh) and Pioneer Edition AWD 520 costs CNY 315,800 (approx Rs. 41.5 lakh). For context, a top-spec Fortuner costs Rs. 10 lakh more in India than a top-spec Cyberster in China.MG Cyberster launched in China, is a luxurious and sensational 2-door all-electric sportscar that gets up to 77 kWh of battery, 536 bhp dual motor setup with 725 Nm torque, scissor doors (Lamborghini doors), an electrically operated convertible soft top along with performance metrics like 3.2 second sprint to 100 km/h from standstill.MG Cyberster FasciaFor the Chinese pricing, if this ain’t impressive, I don’t know what is. Made by Chinese State-owned SAIC at Ningde plant, MG Cyberster is likely to debut in key global locations including Britain and Europe. Dimensionally, it measures 4535 mm in length, 1913 mm in width, 1329 mm in height and has a 2690 mm long wheelbase.Sensational design pays homage to British heritageSaid convertible roof takes 10 seconds to open at speeds under 50 km/h. The whole design is sensational. Sloping front, air ducts in bodywork, classic headlight design, and timeless proportions are complemented by 4-pot Red painted Brembo brake calipers behind 20-inch aluminium wheels.On the inside, the triple-screen setup behind steering wheel takes centre stage. Outer displays at either end tilt towards driver. Steering wheel is a flat-bottom unit and not the yoke that was showcased before. MG hasn’t butchered the buttons as there are still some of them left, finished to exude elegance. The whole cabin is wrapped in premium materials that feel luxurious and plush, especially with the metallic accents everywhere.MG Cyberster DesignCyberster marks the return of MG to sportscar production. Base RWD 501 model gets a 64 kWh battery pack powering a single motor with 310 bhp and 475 Nm, driving rear wheels only. Range is pegged at 501 km. Mid-spec RWD 580 gets a larger 77 kWh battery but with the same single motor RWD setup. Both models will hit 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.Top-spec AWD 520 gets the same 77 kWh battery but has two motors with a combined 536 bhp, 725 Nm, 520 km range and a 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.2 seconds. We would like MG to launch it in India, but price it around Rs. 80 lakh for top-spec AWD 520 model that costs Rs. 41.5 lahks in China.MG Cyberster Scissor Doors More

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      Royal Enfield Wingman Telematics Suite Launched With Super Meteor 650

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      Royal Enfield Wingman TelematicsThe wingman telematics suite with Super Meteor 650 unlocks a slew of connected tech features accessed via Royal Enfield AppSuper Meteor 650 made its official debut at 2022 EICMA Show. One year since, Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 has climbed up the ranks and is currently India’s best-selling 500cc+ motorcycle. The company is now offering Wingman telematics suite with Super Meteor 650 as standard fitment from November 16th for an additional cost. This can be retrofitted by existing owners too.Royal Enfield Wingman Telematics Suite with Super Meteor 650Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a proper cruiser bike competing with Benelli 502C and Kawasaki Vulcan S along with its stablemate Interceptor 650. The additional cost for Wingman-equipped Super Meteor 650 from November 16th is Rs. 6,500 (ex-sh). This includes a dongle, data plan and RSA for a subscription of 5 years.After 5 year duration, data plan can be recharged at a nominal fee (price not specified). Existing owners can retrofit this via authorised dealerships by placing an order. Price is Rs. 6,500 (excluding GST and fitment charges). With factory-fitted Wingman-equipped vehicles, this additional hardware is included in bike’s standard warranty too.What are the features of Wingman?Wingman unlocks a slew of connected tech accessible by the rider via Royal Enfield app. These functions can be accessed on both Android and IOS devices. Speaking of functions, there are five primary functions – Live Tracking, Last Parked Location, Trip Summary, Vehicle Alerts and Proactive Support by GRID Team.Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650ccThe dedicated GRID Team will be operational between 9AM to 6PM and this team will address any unfortunate situations that cause the vehicle to be immovable. RSA is part of this Wingman package and GRID Team will arrange roadside assistance that is live 24X7. From Royal Enfield App, owners can view trip history from past three months with data like average speed, sudden acceleration and braking, over-speeding, trip route and more.Vehicle alerts include real-time fuel level and battery charge status. GPS Accuracy tolerance for tracking the motorcycle is between 20m to 200m. As of now, Royal Enfield Wingman suite is exclusively designed for Super Meteor 650 and more vehicles will follow soon.Specs and powertrainRE Super Meteor 650 is being presented in three variants – Astral, Interstellar and Celestial. Colour options are distinct to each variant. The base variant receives colour schemes of Astral Black, Astral Blue and Astral Green while the mid variant is in Interstellar Grey and Interstellar Green. Top-of-the-line Celestial trim comes in two colours – Celestial Red and Celestial Blue.Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 ProfileTripper navigation is integrated into a twin-pod instrument console that works with Google Maps and shows turn-by-turn directions also offers Bluetooth connectivity and a USB charging port. This new cruiser bike weighs 241 kgs. It rides on alloy wheels measuring 19 inch front and 16 in rear and is fitted with tubeless tyres measuring 100/90-19 tyre at front and 150/80-B16 tyres at the rear.Engine, Suspension and BrakingBorrowing its engine lineup from the RE 650 Twins, the Meteor 650 gets its power via a 648 cc, twin-cylinder engine offering 47 hp power at 7,250 rpm and 52.3 Nm torque at 5,650 rpm. The engine gets mated to a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox. Noise emission rating is at 76.3 dB(A).It also receives 43 mm Showa USD fork and twin shocks with pre-load adjustability while braking is via 320 mm front and 300 mm rear discs. Dual-channel ABS has been offered as standard. Royal Enfield is offering exclusive accessory kits called Solo Tourer and Grand Tourer which could not only enhance the riding experience of Meteor 650 but will also offer better functionalities. More

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      Top 10 Motorcycle Sales October 2023 – Splendor, Pulsar, Classic 350

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      Bajaj Pulsar N rangeMotorcycle sales improved 28.21% YoY in October 2023 to cross the 10 lakh unit markThe festive period in October 2023 has hugely benefited the two wheeler segment which saw motorcycle sales grow both on a YoY and MoM basis. Having listed out both top 10 two wheelers and top 10 scooters sold during the past month, we now have a look at motorcycle sales, comparing them both year-on-year (YoY) and month-on-month (MoM).Hero Splendor, Honda Shine, Bajaj Pulsar – Top 10 Bestselling MotorcyclesTotal motorcycle sales improved by 28.21 percent YoY to 10,25,250 units, up from 7,99,656 units sold in October 2022. This was a volume growth of 2,25,594 units. MoM sales also saw a 12.98 percent growth from 9,07,433 units sold in September 2023. Out of a total of 10,25,250 units, Hero MotoCorp witnessed total sales of 5,06,985 units during the past month with four of its model lineup contributing to around 50% of market share in this list.Hero Splendor topped the list of best-selling motorcycles last month with 3,11,031 units sold. This was an 18.84 percent YoY growth from 2,61,721 units sold in October 2022 while sales dipped 2.71 percent over 3,19,692 units sold in September 2023. Hero Splendor commands a 30.34 percent share on this list, down from 35.23 percent held in September 2023.Honda Shine was at No. 2 with 1,63,587 units sold, up 24.96 percent from 1,30,916 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales also grew by 1.26 percent from 1,61,544 units sold in September 2023. Volume growth for Shine was 32,671 units YoY and 2,043 units MoM.Top 10 Motorcycle Sales October 2023Bajaj Pulsar was the third best-selling motorcycle last month with 1,61,572 units sold, up 41.89 percent when compared to 1,13,870 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales grew by 34.50 percent from 1,20,126 units sold in September 2023, taking up market share to 15.76 percent from 13.24 percent MoM. Bajaj Auto is actively testing a new 150cc commuter bike which could be a new CT150X.Hero HF Deluxe followed with a 50.77 percent YoY and 39.95 percent MoM growth to 1,17,719 units sold in October 2023. There had been 78,076 units and 84,118 units sold in October 2022 and September 2023 respectively.Motorcycles with sub-1 lakh units soldBajaj Platina sales grew by 28.87 percent to 74,539 units in October 2023, up from 57,842 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales also improved by 53.33 percent from 48,615 units sold in September 2023. It was followed by the TVS Raider with 47,483 units sold last month, up nearly two fold by 96.59 percent over 24,153 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales however, fell by 2.60 percent over 48,753 units sold in September 2023.The top 10 motorcycle sales list also included Hero Passion (40,759 units), TVS Apache (39,187 units), Hero Glamour (37,476 units) and RE Classic 350 (31,897 units) all of which posted YoY and MoM growth except for the Apache, sales of which fell by 4.39 percent MoM. More

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      Top 10 Scooter Sales October 2023 – Activa Scores 42% Market Share

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      Ather electric scooter rangeHonda Activa continued to rule the scooter segment even as it posted a MoM decline in salesScooter and motorcycle manufacturers, many of whom have launched new products in the past three months, have seen total sales (scooters + motorcycles) at 15,52,970 units in October 2023, relating to both YoY and MoM growth. Here we look particularly at scooter sales, which have also seen outstanding growth in the past month.Honda Activa at No. 1 with 42 percent market shareIn October 2023, scooter sales grew by 15.86 percent on a year-on-year (YOY) basis to 5,27,720 units, up from 4,55,499 units sold in October 2022. This was a volume growth of 72,221 units. Month-on-month (MoM) sales saw an improvement of 1.70 percent from 5,18,912 units sold in September 2023.Once again it was the Honda Activa scooter that saw the highest sales in October 2023. Sales stood at 2,18,856 units, up 3.91 percent YoY from 2,10,623 units sold in October 2022 to command a 41.47 percent market share. MoM sales however dipped by 6.89 percent from 2,35,056 units sold in September 2023.No other scooter on this list was able to cross the 1 lakh unit mark in terms of sales. TVS Jupiter was at No. 2 with 91,824 units sold last month, up 19.19 percent from 77,042 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales also grew by 10.46 percent from 83,130 units sold in September 2023.Top 10 scooter sales October 2023Jupiter currently commands a 17.40 percent market share, up from 16.02 percent MoM. In October 2023, the company expanded the Jupiter range to include the 125 SmartXonnect. TVS Jupiter 125 is now offered in Drum Alloy, Disc and SmartXonnect variants and are priced between Rs 86,405 and Rs 96,855 (ex-showroom).Suzuki saw 0.23% MoM declineNext in line for scooter sales was the Suzuki Access with 56,909 units sold last month, up 15.69 percent from 49,192 units sold in October 2022. It was, however, a marginal MoM decline of 0.23 percent from 57,041 units sold in September 2023. TVS also had the Ntorq on this list with an 11.04 percent YoY growth to 34,476 units, up from 31,049 units sold in October 2022 while MoM sales grew by 7.39 percent from 32,103 units sold in September 2023.YoY and MoM growth was also seen for the Honda Dio scooter, sales of which went up to 32,385 units last month, up 34.19 percent from 24,134 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales went up even further by 35.06 percent (highest on this list) from 23,979 units sold in September 2023.Ola leads the way in Electric scooter segmentOla S1 (retail) sales improved by 45.40 percent YoY and 27.54 percent MoM to 23,783 units in October 2023. There had been 16,357 units and 18,647 units sold in October 2022 and September 2023 respectively.Another popular electric scooter is the TVS iQube. Its sales saw triple digit growth in October 2023 to 20,121 units, up 148.32 percent from 8,103 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales, however, dipped marginally by 0.76 percent from 20,276 units sold in September 2023. A new electric scooter has been recently spied on test in Bengaluru which, though under heavy camouflage, bears a strong resemblance to the TVS iQube, though it could also be an Ather model.Suzuki Burgman was at No. 8 on this lists of top 10 scooter sales in October 2023 with 18,071 units sold, up 43.19 percent YoY over 12,557 units sold in October 2022. It was also a MoM improvement of 3.23 percent as compared to 17,506 units sold in September 2023. Trailing the list was Hero Destini (17,425 units) and RayZR (13,870 units), both of which have seen YoY growth while sales of RayZR dipped on a MoM basis. More

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      Honda CB350 Launched – Company’s Biggest Dig At Classic 350 Yet!

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      New Honda CB350 launched to rival Classic 350The new Honda CB350 is a textbook retro classic motorcycle with timeless design traits that should achieve some disruption in Classic 350’s salesClassic motorcycles are currently all the rage in 300 to 500cc segment. This segment operates in the price bracket of Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 2.5 lakh (ex-sh). Royal Enfield currently aces this segment with over 85% market share. Honda has sharpened the blades of its CB350 platform to rival Royal Enfield’s dominance in this segment. Say namaste to Honda CB350.Honda CB350 LaunchedIf you are wondering where the prefixes or suffixes went, there aren’t any. This is Honda CB350, and that’s it. No H’ness or RS. Just the CB350. Not confusing at all. The company is offering Honda CB350 in two trim levels – DLX and DLX Pro, priced at Rs. 1,99,900 and Rs. 2,17,800 respectively. New Honda CB350 is sold via Big Wing dealerships only.For context, Royal Enfield Classic 350 prices range between Rs. 1,93,080 and Rs. 2,24,755. Up until now, Honda rivaled RE’s slew of 350cc motorcycles with CB350 H’ness and CB350 RS. But couldn’t directly take on them because Royal Enfield was still heavy on timeless Classic-ness.Honda has figured this out, this time around, and is launching its biggest strike on Classic 350 with new CB350. We should say, this is by far the best-looking Royal Enfield rival and is highly likely to draw more customers away from Classic 350. Honda has achieved this feat by offering similar classic timeless design traits that were drawing buyers towards Classic 350.New Honda CB350 retro classic timeless designThe new timeless design is in the form of a new fuel tank, new side body panels, tank grips, new classic split seats with contrasting piping, classic grab rail, retro-looking mudguards at both ends that are larger than on H’ness or RS, shrouded RSU telescopic front forks, and a new retro exhaust. If you can’t bear Classic 350 sales, it looks like one does the trick.More features than a Royal Enfield Classic 350With retro classics, colours can either break or make the product. New classic CB350 gets a total of five colours – Precious Red Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Crust Metallic, Matte Marshal Green Metallic and Matte Dune Brown. Despite Honda going back in time where design is concerned, CB350 is still ahead where features are concerned.Top-spec DLX Pro comes equipped with all the bells and whistles including Honda Smartphone Voice Control System (HSVCS) with Bluetooth support, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC, which is basically Traction Control), Dual-channel ABS, 18-inch wheels, LED lighting, semi-digital instrumentation, double layer exhaust pipe preventing discolouration are notable features.New Honda CB350 new design detailsPower is derived from a 348.36cc single-cylinder engine that generates 20.8 bhp of peak power at 5500 RPM and 29.4 Nm of peak torque at 3000 RPM. There is a 5-speed gearbox along with a slip and assist clutch on offer too. The bold and low-pitched thumping sound should evoke a lot of nostalgia as well.Words from the manufacturerIntroducing Honda’s latest premium BigWing motorcycle, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to expand our mid-size 350cc motorcycle line-up with the launch of All-New CB350. It proudly takes forward the rich legacy of Honda’s CB DNA and will provide the joy of riding to our customers. We are confident that the launch of this retro classic motorcycle will excite new buyers to join the ever-growing CB family.”New Honda CB350 new exhaustCommenting on the debut of All-New CB350, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The introduction of All-New CB350 marks yet another significant milestone for our flourishing premium motorcycle business vertical. Ever since their launch, Honda’s middle-weight 350cc motorcycles have delighted customers across various markets. Together with our widespread network of premium BigWing dealerships, we are confident that the new CB350 will offer an exhilarating experience to buyers. Bookings are now open and deliveries will begin soon.”New Honda CB350 DLX More