More stories

  • in

    TVS Ronin SCR Patented – Xpulse 210, Honda CB350X Rival

    TVS Ronin SCR Patented In IndiaThe same 220cc engine will be retained with TVS Ronin SCR with design changes transforming it into an off-road-oriented machineMid-2022, we saw TVS venturing into uncharted territories. We’re talking about Ronin and how the company pegged it to be the Jack of all trades. A motorcycle with a mix of Scrambler, Cruiser and a Street bike in one. Now, there is a new SCR version of the bike in the making and the company has trademarked design as well.TVS Ronin SCR PatentedWhere sales are concerned, Ronin is not a high-performing vehicle. TVS intends to change that by carving out an off-road version. When launched, it will take on the likes of upcoming Hero Xpulse 210 and Honda CB350X. Keen eyes would have spotted that this very motorcycle patented has already been showcased before.At TVS MotoSoul 2023 event, TVS collaborated with renowned custom motorcycle builders to showcase Musashi by Smoked Garage, Agonda by JVB Moto and Wakizashi by Rajputana Customs. However, we’re interested more in the 4th custom bike, TVS Ronin SCR, showcased by TVS Design Team.TVS Ronin Special EditionThere couldn’t be a better venue than TVS MotoSoul to showcase these special motorcycles. But of these four, only the Ronin SCR designed by TVS Design Team has been patented by the company. The demand for ADVs and Scramblers is increasing and TVS currently lacks one altogether.TVS Ronin SCRInstead of just making the motorcycle taller and launching a pseudo Scrambler, TVS seems to be cooking a real off-roader. Fuel tank and engine are the same as Ronin’s. Other than that, there is a major shift in the componentry. For starters, Ronin’s main identity, its headlight and ‘T’ LED signature, has been replaced with a much more stylish Colosseum Laser Tech LED.We don’t know if this laser-incorporated headlight displayed at TVS Motosoul will make it to production. Side body panels are custom and so is the seat. Speaking of, this is a custom leather-clad single-seater unit. Production-spec model might have space for a pillion.A large luggage rack is visible, hinting at its rugged and practical appeal. We can imagine upright and comfortable ergonomics and decent long-distance ability. TVS had showcased twin exhausts with an up-swept approach. Rear tail tidy is appealing and fully displays the rear tyre.TVS Ronin SCRThe USD forks are finished in Gold shade and the beak is large and imposing. TVS is offering wire-spoke rims shod with semi-knobby tyres, as opposed to alloy wheels with road-worthy tyres on Ronin. Wheel size looks like it is 19-inch front and 17-inch rear. We can see massive ground clearance too.Specs & FeaturesStandard Ronin comes equipped with a 220cc single-cylinder engine developing 19 PS of power and 17.55 Nm of torque. With a 1490mm wheelbase, Ronin offers good straight-line stability and cross-wind protection. This engine is suspended on USD forks at front and dual shock absorbers at the rear.[embedded content]Features include a TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, SMS notifications and more. When launched, we can expect a price tag of around Rs. 1.8 lakh (ex-sh). More

  • in

    Honda Stylo 160 Scooter Patented In India – Launch Soon?

    Honda Stylo 160cc Scooter Patented In IndiaUpon launch in India, Honda Stylo 160 will take on rivals such as Yamaha Aerox 155 and upcoming Hero Xoom 160Honda recently expanded its scooter portfolio with the Stylo 160 neo-retro scooter. It is available for sale in Indonesia. More markets will be covered in the near future. Honda Stylo 160 is expected to be launched in India as well.Honda Stylo 160 design patent filedIn terms of volumes, the scooter segment in India is largely dominated by 110cc and 125cc models. As the market evolves, many users will be looking to upgrade to more powerful machines. Yamaha already offers the Aerox 155, whereas Hero MotoCorp is readying the Xoom 160. It appears that Honda has also sensed an opportunity, evident with the recent design patent filed for Stylo 160.Honda Stylo 160cc Scooter Patented In IndiaOne of the key highlights of Honda Stylo 160 is its neo-retro profile. The curvy body panelling seems familiar to iconic Lambretta scooters. Some of the key highlights include hexagonal LED headlamp, circular rear-view mirrors, C-shaped LED DRLs, edgy LED tail lamp, comfy seat and a robust grab rail.While Stylo 160 has an attractive design, the quirky colour options make the visuals even more appealing. It makes the scooter a lot more fun for young consumers. A total of six colour options are available for Stylo 160. It includes Royal Green, Royal Matte White, Royal Matte Black, Glam Red, Glam Black and Glam Beige. While the first three are ABS versions, the latter three are equipped with CBS.Honda Stylo 160cc Scooter Patented In IndiaRoyal versions of Stylo 160 have a more eye-catching profile, as evident with the contrasting brown shade on the seat, handlebar and floorboard area. Royal variants also have the front forks and grab rail in silver finish. Glam variants of Stylo 160 have standard black seats and black floorboard area. Front forks and grab rails are also done in black finish.2024 Honda Stylo 160cc Scooter featuresHonda Stylo 160 features, performanceTech kit onboard Stylo 160 includes a new full digital instrument panel. It displays a range of information such as digital clock, fuel consumption, tripmeter, speedometer, battery indicator, smart key, oil change status and ABS indicator. Users also benefit from Honda Smartkey System, a fully electronic ignition and handlebar locking key. The smartkey also comes with Answer Back System and Anti-Theft Alarm.Talking about hardware, Honda Stylo 160 utilizes an underbone eSAF (enhanced Smart Architecture Frame). At rear, the scooter has a swing arm with single suspension. There are 12-inch wheels at both ends, shod with 110/90 front and 130/80 rear tubeless tyres. The scooter weighs 118 kg (ABS) / 115 kg (CBS) and has ground clearance of 151 mm. Seat height of 768 mm is appropriate for optimal control and handling.2024 Honda Stylo 160cc Scooter featuresPowering the Honda Stylo 160 scooter is a 156.9 cc, liquid cooled, 4 Valves, eSP+ engine. It generates 15.4 PS of max power and 13.8 Nm of peak torque. Rated fuel efficiency is 45 km/L. Honda Stylo 160 is expected to be launched in India later this year. Prices could start at around Rs 1.50 lakh. More

  • in

    1965 Lincoln Continental Limo From the LBJ White House Up For Auction on Bring a Trailer

    Most White House limousines end up in museums, but this is a rare exception.This 1965 Lincoln Continental is one of 500 limousines converted by Lehmann-Peterson in Chicago between 1964 and 1970.The Federal government bought 15, and this one saw duty during the Johnson Administration.For the last half-century, ex-Presidential limos have been locked up, destroyed, or donated to a museum. But this 1965 Continental, all 21 feet of it, is up for auction right now on Bring a Trailer.Bring a TrailerUnlike the standard-grade Continental that LBJ drove at his Texas ranch, and which also sold on BaT not too long ago, this is one of 500 Executive Limousines that were stretched and strengthened by Lehmann-Peterson in Chicago between 1964 and 1970. The federal government bought 15, and of those, the Lincoln here is likely the only one that’s in private hands. The seller, John “Bugsy” Lawlor, has stewarded this timepiece for 22 years and, with a Massachusetts “LBJ” plate, comfortably driven it several thousand miles. There’s but 37,000 and change on the clock.”The car goes down the road like it’s carved out of a block of stone,” Lawlor says. “It’s pretty peppy, too.”Bring a TrailerA “red carpet car” that whisked foreign dignitaries and special guests around Washington, this Lincoln is unarmored, so its 7.0-liter V-8 doesn’t shoulder thousands of extra pounds. It is, however, equipped with a booze cabinet with original crystal decanters and a White House phone with button presets above the rotary dial. A few modern conveniences, such as a Sony CD player and Panasonic speakers, added by a previous owner date from the Clinton administration and are tucked out of sight. Bring a TrailerWhen Lawlor bought the Lincoln in 2002, he thought he had purchased a normal Lehmann-Peterson limo. But the delivery driver showed up with a special box, including a gold keychain and pen from Johnson’s 1965 inauguration. “He asked me, ‘Where did you get Lyndon Johnson’s limousine?’ and I said, ‘I didn’t know I had Lyndon Johnson’s limousine.'”Bring a TrailerLawlor, who operates a media fleet for most major automakers, was the “Technical, Spiritual, and Menu Advisor” to Car Talk. Let’s hope the next caretaker preserves this piece of history and keeps it in the public eye. Remember: All the way with LBJ!The auction ends on March 24.Clifford Atiyeh is a reporter and photographer for Car and Driver, specializing in business, government, and litigation news. He is president of the New England Motor Press Association and committed to saving both manuals and old Volvos. More

  • in

    KTM Sales Breakup February 2024 – Duke, Adventure, RC, 200, 390, 250

    2024 KTM RC 200The company’s 390 range including Adventure, Duke and RC models contributed to the highest numbers in February 2024KTM has sold 11,471 units of their lightweight and high-performance single-cylinder offerings. The detailed breakup of this number reveals 4,626 units sold in the domestic market and 6,845 units shipped globally. The company mostly witnessed a decline in sales numbers last month.KTM Sales Breakup February 2024 – Domestic marketManufactured in partnership with Bajaj, KTM’s single-cylinder portfolio consists of Duke street bike, Adventure dual-sport tourer/off-roader and RC fully-faired motorcycle lineups. Depending on the lineup, KTM sell their motorcycles with a 125, 200, 250 or a 390 platform equipped with high-tech and high-performance powertrains.KTM Sales Breakup February 2024 – DomesticThe 200cc lineup consisting of RC and Duke models took the highest position with 2,598 units and 56.16% market share in the domestic market. There was a 20.16% YoY and 24.7% MoM decline. 250 lineup sold 953 units and accounted for 20.6% of total domestic sales. This platform saw a 42.24% YoY and a 21.69% MoM decline.390 range was at 873 units and it is the only lineup in the domestic market to register positive growth (38.79% YoY and 1.75% MoM). Lastly, we have 125 lineup with 202 units and saw a 34.84% YoY and a 12.17% MoM decline. In total, KTM’s domestic sales stood at 4,626 units. When opposed to 5,843 units in February 2023 and 5,755 units in January 2024, there was a 20.83% YoY and 19.62% MoM decline.ExportsWhere exports are concerned, the 390 range took the top spot with 3,873 units sold last month. Hence accounting for 56.58% of KTM’s total exports. 390 range registered 23.40% YoY decline over 5,056 units shipped last year and a 20.65% MoM growth over 3,210 units shipped a month before. Volume growth MoM stood at 663 units.KTM Sales Breakup February 2024 – ExportsIn 2nd spot, we have 200 range with 1,226 units shipped. This platform saw an 11.8% YoY decline, but registered a 70.51% MoM growth, gaining 507 units in volume. The 125 and 250 lineups from KTM shipped 889 and 857 units respectively. 125 lineup fell into the red completely with a 43.66% YoY and a 48.64% MoM decline.Whereas 200 lineup registered a healthy 33.49% YoY growth, gaining 215 units in volume, but lost 197 units in volume due to the 18.69% MoM decline. In total, KTM exports accounted for 6,845 units and there was a 21.01% YoY and a mere 1.95% MoM decline.Total salesExports and domestic markets combined, it was the 390 lineup with 4,746 units which took the 1st position in KTM’s total sales. 390 range accounts for 41.37% of KTM’s total sales and it registered a 16.52% YoY decline and a 16.67% MoM gain. In 2nd place, we have 200 lineup with 3,824 units accounting for 33.34% of KTM’s total sales.KTM Sales Breakup February 2024 – Total200 lineup registered a 17.66% YoY and an 8.28% MoM decline, losing 820 units YoY and 345 units MoM. Next in line, we have the 250 lineup with 1,810 units and it witnessed a 21.03% YoY and a 20.3% MoM decline and accounted for 15.78% of KTM’s total sales. Lastly, KTM’s smallest displacement lineup, 125, contributed to the least in total sales at just 9.51%.Sales saw a downward trajectory with 42.21% YoY and 44.37% MoM, losing 797 units YoY and 870 units MoM. In total, KTM sold 11,471 units and registered a 20.95% YoY decline over 14,509 units from February 2023 and an 8% MoM decline over 12,469 units from January 2024. More

  • in

    2024 Tata Tiago EV Brings New Features – MG Comet EV Rival

    2024 Tata Tiago EV LaunchedAs opposed to pre-update model, 2024 Tata Tiago EV brings added features unlocking more safety and convenience, enhancing user experienceThe prospect of growing Indian auto sector is very tempting for car manufacturers to cater to. There is a growing interest in electric mobility sector as well, drawing Indian buyers. Tata Motors currently leads the electric car industry with almost 70% market share. The company’s most affordable EV, Tiago EV, has been updated for MY2024.2024 Tata Tiago EV Brings New FeaturesFor the year 2024, Tata Motors is updating its most affordable electric car in India. The update is very small and doesn’t drastically change the prospect of Tiago EV when compared to pre-update vehicles. However, this update brings a few conveniences and uplift in-cabin functionality.2024 Tata Tiago EV Added FeaturesThe best part about this update is that there doesn’t seem to be a price increment associated with it. A practice that we don’t get to see in Indian automotive sector very often. Apart from the functional and experience enhancing feature additions, there is one design change with 2024 Tata Tiago EV.Which is the new flat 2D Tata logo. We saw this flatter and more minimal 2D Tata logo on company’s newer launches like Punch EV. Instead of Tata’s usual chrome 3D logo, this is a 2D flat logo finished in white. This change is not immediately evident. But keener eyes will spot it easily.New Flat Logo On 2024 Tata Tiago EVOther changes are on the inside and with top-spec variants only. These include the addition of an auto-dimming IRVM, which is a major convenience factor. This adds to the overall safety quotient too, as this ORVM dims dazzling headlights from the rear automatically, which would otherwise distract the driver.Another feature addition on the inside is a fast 45W charger for smartphones. With the increase in technology, smartphone’s charging speeds have increased dramatically, rated at over 100W+. Even the flagship phones have been jumping to faster charging speeds and 45W straight out of the car’s socket is appreciated.New Flat Logo On 2024 Tata Tiago EVPowertrains remain the sameOther than these feature additions, there are no other significant differences. Trim levels continue as they used to be – XE, XT, XZ+ and XZ+ Tech Lux. Primary rivals include MG Comet EV and Citroen eC3 and Tata’s own Punch EV. Top-spec variants get features like cooled glovebox, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, projector headlights, fog lights, rear washer and wiper, rear defogger, auto climate control, driving modes, 4 Star crash safety rating and many more.Powertrain options are offered in two bundles – 19.2 kWh battery, 60 bhp and 110 Nm motor, 250 km range or a 24 kWh battery, 74 bhp and 114 Nm motor, 315 km range. The latter can be had with a fast charger option bundled with a 7.2 kW AC charger.2024 Tata Tiago EV More

  • in

    2024 Honda CB125R Announced For Europe – KTM 125 Duke Rival

    2024 Honda CB125RWhile 2024 Honda CB125R adds more value for enthusiasts, performance aspects are the same as earlierAcross European markets, Honda has unveiled the new 2024 CB125R model. The bike belongs to the Neo Sports Cafe family and borrows design inspiration from the awesome CB1000R. With the updates introduced for the 2024 model, Honda CB125R has become an even more enticing option for enthusiasts.2024 Honda CB125R – What’s New?One of the key updates is that the 2024 Honda CB125R complies with Euro5+ emission norms. In Europe, the CB125R is primarily targeted at A1 license holders. This license is for riders in the age group of 17 to 19 years. A1 license is meant for bikes with cylinder capacity of up to 125cc.2024 Honda CB125R New TFT ScreenThe upper limit for power output is set at 15 hp. Honda CB125R’s upgrade to Euro5+ hasn’t resulted in any tangible difference in performance. Among the exciting features that make Honda CB125R a popular choice among enthusiasts is the 5-inch TFT full-colour instrument display.The rectangular shape with bevelled edges complements the bike’s overall design and styling. The screen is positioned at an angle, which makes it easier to see all the information while riding the bike. It has a speedometer, RPM, gear position indicator, fuel gauge and clock. To make it easier to operate the TFT screen, a new select switch has been added to the left switch box.2024 Honda CB125REnthusiasts won’t have to make any compromises, as the 2024 Honda CB125R is available in four colour options. For an aggressive road presence, users can probably choose the Matte Cynos Gray Metallic colour option. This shade perfectly captures the compact, powerful design of the bike.For a sportier look, users can choose the Leaf Sea Blue Metallic or the Pearl Splendor Red colour option. The respective blue and red shades have been applied on the fuel tank and under seat structure. The most sober colour option is the Pearl Cool White.2024 Honda CB125R Engine2024 Honda CB125R – Performance, specsPowering the bike is a 124.9cc water-cooled, 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve single-cylinder engine. It churns out 14.95 PS of max power and 11.6 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. As per WMTC standards, fuel efficiency is 45.5 km/L with 1 person on board. The bike is 2,025 mm long, 820 mm wide and 1,055 mm tall. Seat height of 816 mm seems slightly above the comfort zone of 800 mm. Honda CB125R weighs 130 kg and has ground clearance of 140 mm.India launch prospectsWith its sporty neo-retro profile, Honda CB125R has potential for the Indian market. However, mass market deployment will be possible only if the bike is offered at competitive rates. In the UK, the 2023 Honda CB125 is available at an on-road price of £4,249 (approx. Rs 4.48 lakh). Pricing for the 2024 model will be announced in the coming months in Europe. If launched here, Honda CB125R will take on rivals such as KTM 125 Duke. More

  • in

    300cc To 500cc Motorcycle Sales February 2024 – RE350, Yezdi, Harley, Honda, KTM

    Royal Enfield 350 RangeRecently launched Jawa 350 along with upcoming bikes from Yezdi, Honda, Triumph, Hero and Royal Enfield will diversify the segment furtherThe 300cc to 500cc motorcycle segment is currently witnessing a major uproar. A swarm of motorcycle enthusiasts have been upgrading from their first bikes to this segment with upscale aspirations. On top of the motorcycles seen in this list, upcoming motorcycles from Yezdi, RE, and Honda will diversify this segment further.300cc To 500cc Motorcycle Sales February 2024Royal Enfield dominated the segment by selling 64,779 units and accounted for 83.21% of segment’s total sales. In 1st place, we have Classic 350 like clockwork selling 28,310 units and registering 3.09% YoY growth over 27,461 units sold in Feb 2023 and 1.06% MoM growth over 28,013 units sold in January 2024. Classic 350 accounted for 36.36% of the segment’s total sales. Volume growth was 849 units YoY and 297 units MoM.Bullet 350 and Hunter 350 sales were close to each other selling 13,944 and 12,122 units respectively. While Bullet 350 saw 4.52% YoY growth and a 10.56% MoM decline, Hunter 350 saw a 6.21% YoY and a 10.45% MoM decline. However, Meteor 350 sales have been on the rise. RE sold 8,125 Meteors and registered 21.3% YoY and 9.52% MoM growth. Meteor accounts for 10.44% of segment’s total sales.In 5th place, we have Jawa/Yezdi (retail) numbers at 2,556 units sold last month. The company intends to expand its portfolio with recently launched Jawa 350 and upcoming Yezdi Customs. As of now, there was a 20.47% YoY and 8.97% MoM decline. Volume loss stood at 658 units YoY and 252 units MoM. Himalayan stood at 6th position with 2,278 units sold last month.300cc to 500cc Motorcycle Sales February 2024 – YoYNumbers fell into the red completely with 19.82% YoY and an even higher 31.59% MoM decline. Harley-Davidson X440 sold 2,219 units and registered a 33.74% MoM decline. Honda’s sold 2,072 units of H’ness and 1,784 units of CB350. H’ness saw 549.33% YoY growth and 43.80% MoM decline. 9th place was held by Triumph 400 range with 1,855 units sold and saw a 7.94% MoM decline.Motorcycles with sub 1,000 units sales390 range from KTM witnessed a healthy 38.79% YoY and 1.75% MoM growth by selling 873 units last month. TVS Apache 310 range sold 573 units. The company saw 53.21% YoY growth and 17.79% MoM decline. Next in line was Bajaj selling 441 units of Dominar 400 and it fell into the red completely with a 37.09% YoY and a 17.57% MoM decline.Honda has slashed the prices of its CB300 range and sales numbers stood at 308 units with 8.07% MoM growth. Yamaha sold 140 units of its newly launched MT-03 and R3 with 366.67% MoM growth. The 83 Ninja 300 sold brought a 43.92% YoY decline and 6.41% MoM growth. Honda CB500 sold 66 units with 37.50% MoM growth.300cc to 500cc Motorcycle Sales February 2024 – MoMRecently launched Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 saw 64 takers and 178.26% MoM growth. Ninja 500 sold 21 units with 2,000% MoM growth. Kawasaki Eliminator and Ninja 400 sold 11 and 9 units respectively without MoM growth. Aprilia RS 457 saw 5 takers last month and 400% MoM growth. Lastly, there was just one Kawasaki ZX-4R sold last month with a 96.97% MoM decline.In total, the 300cc to 500cc motorcycle sales charts accounted for 77,860 units. When compared to the 68,673 units sold in February 2023 and 82,390 units sold in January 2024, the segment saw a 13.38% YoY growth and 9,187 units volume growth along with 5.50% MoM decline and 4,530 units volume loss. More

  • in

    MG4 and MG5 Electric Cars Showcased In India – Launch Soon?

    New MG5 Electric Showcased In IndiaPost their JV, JSW and MG Motor have chalked out aggressive plans for the Indian market in new energy vehicles (NEVs) segmentTo highlight their automotive prowess and provide a glimpse of upcoming vehicles, JSW MG Motor India Pvt Ltd. recently held a mega event in Mumbai. Among the EV models showcased were the MG4 hatch and the MG5 electric estate car. These are already available across international markets. MG4 and MG5 could be launched in India in the near future.MG4 electric hatch – Key features, specsMG Motor’s first fully electric hatch, the MG4 derives inspiration from the DNA of a sports car. At 4,287 mm long and 1,836 mm wide, MG4 is dimensionally comparable to the MG ZS EV. With its sporty, aerodynamic design, the MG4 has a strong road presence.New MG4 Electric Showcased In IndiaSome of the key highlights include sleek, sweptback headlamps, boomerang-styled fog lamp housings, slatted lower grille and a curvy, chiselled bonnet. Side profile is distinguishable with sporty alloy wheels, door cladding, blacked-out B and C pillars and body-coloured door handles. At the rear, MG4 has arrow-shaped wraparound tail lamps and a full-width LED light bar.Across international markets, a total of four trims of MG4 are on offer. The top-spec MG4 EV Trophy Extended Range is equipped with a 77-kWh battery pack. This variant generates 245 PS of max power and 350 Nm of peak torque. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes approximately 6.1 seconds.New MG4 Electric Showcased In IndiaCharging time varies based on the type of charger. With a standard 7kW fast charger, MG4 can achieve 10% to 100% in 10.3 hours. With a 150-kW public fast charger, 10% to 80% can be achieved in just 39 minutes. As per WLTP cycle, MG4 top-spec variant has a range of 323 miles (approx. 520 km). Take a look at the detailed gallery below.MG5 electric estate car – Key features, specsMG5 has a laidback profile, with signature features associated with a typical, old-school estate car. It is apparent that MG5 focuses on family-oriented aesthetics. Some of the key highlights include trapezoidal headlamps, triangular fog lamp housings, slatted lower grille and a classic bonnet design. Side profile is distinguishable with its slightly sloping roofline, functional roof rails and large alloy wheels. Tail lamps follow the design of the front headlamps and come with arrow-styled LED lighting.New MG5 Electric Showcased In IndiaDimensionally, MG5 is 4,600 mm long, 1,818 mm wide and 1,543 mm tall. It is comparable to upcoming electric versions of Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Harrier. Globally, there are two trims – MG5 EV SE Long Range and MG5 EV Trophy Long Range. Both share the same hardware such as a 61.1 kW battery pack.New MG5 Electric Showcased In IndiaPerformance numbers are 156 PS and 280 Nm. With a 150-kWh public rapid charger, 10% to 80% can be achieved in 35 minutes. The difference between the two variants is in the range. The SE Long Range delivers 250 miles (approx. 402 km), whereas the Trophy Long Range travels 235 miles (approx. 378 km).Both MG4 and MG5 have luxurious interiors and come with a comprehensive range of hi-tech features. While both have ADAS, MG4 gets a higher number of features in comparison to MG5. Users can access a variety of remote functions and connectivity features via the MG iSmart app, available for both MG4 and MG5. More