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      2023 Honda Vario 125cc Launch Price RM 7k (Rs. 1.3 Lakh)

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      Honda Vario is patented in India and is expected to launch soon – Ahead of that, it has now been launched in Malaysia2023 Honda Vario 125cc scooterWe have seen ADV popularity rising off the roof in recent markets. This has given rise to ADVs across multiple engine displacements and price points as well. Slowly, we have been witnessing this trend carry over to scooters as well. Honda has dived into this as well, with the latest entrant being Vario 125.Honda teased the launch a couple of days ago, and a full-fledged launch has happened now in Malaysia. As its name suggests, it is a 125 cc scooter, launched in Malaysia at RM 7,080, which roughly translates to Rs. 1.3 lakh in today’s currency exchange rates. Price might seem on the higher side, but this seems to be on-road pricing, including insurance.2023 Honda Vario 125cc scooter2023 Honda Vario 125cc Scooter – New Features, ColoursHonda Vario 125 looks like every other Vario scooter in its lineup. We’re talking about Vario 150 and Vario 160, both of which are not on sale in India. Vario 160 is the most expensive of this bunch priced at RM 9,998 (approx Rs. 1.83 lakh). Honda has discontinued the 150cc model, replaced the larger 160cc model, and is sold alongside the newly launched Vario 125.Design-wise, the new Honda Vario 125 gets a large face, which radiates a lot of aggression. It gets dual headlights with eyes-like design language present on its apron. These headlights are lit by LEDs and also contain sharp LED DRL elements along with turn indicators. Handlebar cowl is kept blank and below the headlight, there is a pronounced mudguard almost mimicking a beak of an ADV.2023 Honda Vario 125cc scooterAt the side, we have sporty body panels and complementing them is a large grab handle. Seat looks fairly comfortable offering a lot of support for the rider. Speaking of rider, they will enjoy an upright riding posture with comfortable ergonomics. Rounding off its looks, is a substantial-looking tail light section.Specs & FeaturesThe main highlight of 2023 Honda Vario 125 is that it rides on 14” alloy wheels, lending it a lot of road presence. This is likely to be its main USP as well, giving riders a commanding view of the road with its high seating position. Componentry includes 90/80-14 front and 100/80-14 rear tyres, telescopic front forks with rear monoshock, disc brakes at front with petal rotors and more.The swingarm-mounted 124.9 cc single-cylinder engine makes 11.5 bhp of power at 8,500 RPM and 11.74 Nm of torque at 5,000 RPM. Transmission is handled by a CVT unit. Features include an 18L under-seat storage, a fully-digital instrument cluster with negative backlighting, LED lighting, a USB charger in front storage pocket and an anti-theft key with an immobilizer as we have with Honda Activa in India.2023 Honda Vario 125cc scooterHMSI has not mentioned anything about launching the Honda Vario 125 in India. That said, given how it looks, we hope Honda considers bringing it to India along with Vario 160, which can be a tough competition to Yamaha Aerox 155. Also, Honda has already patented Vario in India too. More

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      BMW Electric Motorcycle Patent Leaks – Gets G310R Styling, More Power

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      Ergonomics and Economics of BMW Electric Motorcycle, TVS Apache RR310 electric makeover likelyBMW Electric Motorcycle Based On G310R – RenderElectric two-wheelers are gaining popularity, and many manufacturers are working on expanding their EV portfolio. One such company is BMW Motorrad, which is currently developing its first electric motorcycle based on G310R. TVS, an Indian partner of BMW 310 series, could also launch its own version of the electric motorcycle soon after.Last year, TVS MD Sudarshan Venu had stated that they are collaborating with their German partner for developing a sub-15kW electric motorcycle. In effect, TVS could also manufacture BMW’s electric motorcycle, just like the ICE-based G310R and G310GS are made in India.BMW Electric Motorcycle Patent Leaks – Based on G310RBMW G310R electric motorcycle Design and Styling patent leaksPatent design of the electric G310R is similar to its ICE-based counterpart, but it borrows powertrain components, such as the battery pack, motor, and other equipment, from the CE-04. However, fitting all these components within the G310R framework is not an easy task. To make it work, BMW has carried out several tweaks. And has placed the battery pack vertically at an angle under the front section of the bike, where most ICE-based motorcycles have their radiators. This placement will help cool the battery pack, as a significant percentage of its surface area will get direct air.Electric G310R borrows the ECU and charger from the CE-04, and the ECU is placed under the bike’s belly. Due to the middle section of the bike being jam-packed, the only storage space available is where the fuel tank is. This space could be used to store at least a half-face helmet or charger.BMW Electric Motorcycle Based On G310R – RenderThe motor of the electric G310R is placed under the seat at a 90° angle. The shaft runs longitudinally instead of being positioned across the bike, and is also tilted at an angle. This allows for a shorter, taller package. It connects to a bevel gear that transfers power to the front sprocket, which works like a reduction gearbox, increasing torque and gearing down the rotational speed of the motor. Lastly, a belt final drive connects to a large rear sprocket, which is another form of reduction.BMW CE-04 Specs to influence BMW G 310 R Electric performance – Assuming the electric G310R borrows the battery pack and motor from CE-04, it could make 42 hp of max power and 62 Nm of peak torque, which is better than the ICE-powered G310R that makes 34 hp and 28 Nm.Advantages, Sound and Noise Levels of BMW G 310 R ElectricThe electric G310R and BMW G 310 R electric offer several advantages over their ICE-based counterparts. Firstly, they are environmentally friendly, producing no emissions while riding. Secondly, they have a lower operating cost than ICE-based motorcycles, as they require less maintenance, have lower fuel costs, and offer better fuel efficiency. Lastly, they provide a smooth, quiet ride, which is a significant advantage for urban riders.However, the cost of the battery pack and other components could make the electric G310R more expensive than its ICE counterpart. In US, BMW CE-04 is available at a starting price of $11,795 (approx. INR 9.76 lakh). TVS version could be much cheaper though.BMW Electric Motorcycle Patent Leaks – Based on G310RDisclaimer – Design renders presented in this blog are solely for illustrative purposes and have not been commissioned, approved, or endorsed by the manufacturer. Designs presented here may not reflect the final product or the manufacturer’s intentions. The renders are provided as conceptual designs or artistic interpretations only, and their accuracy or feasibility cannot be guaranteed. More

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      This Special Wraith Black Arrow Is Rolls-Royce's Final V-12 Coupe

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      Rolls-Royce has revealed the Wraith Black Arrow, a limited-run send-off to the automaker’s V-12–powered coupe.The Black Arrow is a reference to a 1930s land speed record car that used Rolls-Royce engines, with an etching of that motor appearing on the Wraith’s dashboard.The special edition also features a gradient paint job, going from silver to black, accented by yellow trim.After a ten-year run, the Rolls-Royce Wraith is finally bidding adieu for good. Although the coupe departed the U.S. market in 2021, it had lived on overseas, and the newly revealed Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection represents the end of the line for the company’s V-12–powered coupes. The electric Spectre takes over the mantle later this year, but before then Rolls-Royce will build 12 examples of this special Wraith as a final hurrah.Rolls-RoyceThe car pays homage to Thunderbolt, an eight-wheeled land speed record car powered by two Rolls-Royce V-12 airplane engines. In 1938, Thunderbolt rocketed to 357.497 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, a record that it held for nearly a year. The onset of World War II curtailed efforts to recapture the top spot, but changes in propulsion technology following the conflict mean Thunderbolt has remained the fastest V-12–powered car ever. According to Rolls-Royce, Thunderbolt’s bright aluminum body reflected the glaring Utah sun’s rays so much that it couldn’t be picked up by timing equipment, leading the driver to paint a massive black arrow and with a yellow circle on the side of the car, inspiring the name and design of this limited-production Wraith. Rolls-RoyceRolls-Royce says that the Black Arrow’s snazzy gradient paint finish—with the Celebration Silver front end blending into the Black Diamond rear—took 18 months to perfect. It is accented by bright yellow trim in the front bumper and adorning the wheels. Yellow also appears on struts visible through the grille and on the base of the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament above. Rolls-RoyceRolls-RoyceThe decadent interior continues the color scheme, with yellow leather gracing the seats, steering wheel, and dashboard. The headrests are embroidered with a stylized arrow, while the analog clock set into the dashboard proudly displays Thunderbolt’s top speed. The coach doors feature a dark wood finish consisting of over 320 layered pieces designed to emulate the rough surface of the Salt Flats, while a depiction of the Thunderbolt’s V-12 is etched into aluminum and set behind glass on the dashboard. A small aluminum model of the Thunderbolt also resides under a pane of glass in the center console.Rolls-RoyceRolls-RoyceRolls-Royce also went the extra mile with the starlight headliner, stitching 2117 fiber-optic lights into the ceiling, the most Rolls-Royce has ever fitted to one headliner. The “stars” are arranged to mimic the constellations as they would have looked on the date in 1938 when the Thunderbolt set its record.More on Rolls-RoyceA plaque on the engine cover notes that this is the last V-12 coupe from the automaker. Unsurprisingly, all 12 Wraith Black Arrows are already spoken for. There’s no official price, but we are certain that those lucky owners paid a substantial sum more than the Wraith’s $343,350 starting price.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

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      New Honda 300cc ADV Launch Planned – Based On CB300F

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      Based on outgoing CB300F street naked motorcycle, Himalayan rivaling Honda ADV can soon become a realityImage for illustration purpose onlyEver since the Honda CB300F was launched in India, it has stirred quite a commotion in many. Sales figures reflect the same and almost begs the question, whether Honda should have launched this in the first place. It even got a discount of Rs. 50,000 at dealer level to clear off stock. It sits below Honda CB300R, a much more powerful and sporty offering.New reports suggest Honda might extract more from this platform. How? By making an ADV version of it, of course. We have seen this strategy by Honda with CB200X based on Hornet 2.0 and it hasn’t procured much success either. It is yet to be seen how Honda will execute this and it might be launched by the end of 2023.Honda CB300F Based ADV motorcycle launch plannedWith ADV popularity on the rise, manufacturers are lining up their rugged machines to cater to this highly competitive segment. Sometimes, we also witness pseudo ADVs like Honda’s CB200X with style of an ADV, without any substance of one. We’re talking about the lack of long travel suspensions, wire-spoke wheels, larger front wheel and the likes.Honda is considering taking a similar approach with its recently launched CB300F naked street bike. Going by past encounters with Honda ADVs, we would wager this will just be a styling exercise, rather than a trail and offroad-worthy machine. While at it, we hope Honda bases this upcoming motorcycle on CB300R, instead of CB300F. We say this because Honda CB300R is powered by a 286cc motor making 30.7 bhp at 9000 RPM and 27.5 Nm at 7500 RPM. While CB300F is powered by a 293.52cc motor developing 24.13 bhp at 7500 RPM and 25.6 Nm at 5500 RPM.Honda CB300FWith CB300R, Honda can pit its upcoming ADV against KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G 310 GS and the likes with comparable numbers. That said, the figures of CB300F will limit it to rival against Suzuki V-Strom SX and KTM 250 Adventure, which is not a very hot segment. Not only is the CB300R’s platform more exciting, but it is also lighter as well.Specs & FeaturesGoing by Honda’s previous strategies, we would say this new Honda ADV based on CB300F will be equipped with a handsome looking fairing with a revised seating position. This ensures an upright seating position as opposed to ergonomics on a street bike. It will get design inspiration from its elder sibling Honda CB500X and is highly likely to be named CB300X.It will be powered by the same engine and come equipped with identical componentry like USD front forks, rear monoshock, single disc setup at both ends, same headlight assembly housed in a different cowl, integrated into a bikini fairing is possible. That said, Honda can surprise us and actually offer longer travel suspension, larger front wheel and even wire-spoke rims.Also, we expect Honda to tune the CB300X to suit characters of an ADV, unlike a street bike that it is based on. With CB200X, Honda offered a handsome and upmarket product without offroad-worthy hardware and there is a price increment of around Rs. 12,000. With the larger CB300X, we expect it to be priced Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000 higher than CB300F.Source More

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      Ford Reveals Its VW-Based EV Crossover for Europe, the Explorer

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      Ford has revealed a new EV model for Europe called the Explorer.This compact SUV will be built in Germany and is based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform.There is also an Explorer EV slated for the U.S., but it will likely be considerably larger than this one.Ford has promised that an electric version of the familiar Explorer three-row SUV is coming to the U.S. sometime soon, but this is not that car. Instead, this Ford Explorer is a new, smaller electric crossover built in Germany that’s exclusively for the European market. It uses Volkswagen’s MEB platform as part of a partnership between Ford and VW and is set to go on sale later this year.More on Ford EV SUVsFord hasn’t provided exact dimensions for this Explorer EV, but to us it looks like a compact SUV in the vein of the Escape or Bronco Sport that we get in the U.S. It has a modern-looking grille-less face, a relatively low-slung but still boxy shape, and interesting details including a slatted design element on the C-pillar and chunky wheel patterns. Inside, it has a large 14.6-inch vertical touchscreen and a digital gauge cluster, plus a spacious center console and a lockable compartment behind the screen. It’s a two-row setup with five seats, and Ford claims 17 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat.We don’t know the powertrain specs on the Explorer yet, either, but we figure it will have similarly sized battery packs as the Volkswagen ID.4, which offers 58.0-kWh and 77.0-kWh battery packs. Ford says it will offer rear- and all-wheel drive versions, so we figure outputs will range from under 200 hp for the base version up to over 300 hp for the top models.Ford will produce the Explorer in Cologne, Germany, and it’s slated only for Europe at this point. Pricing starts at the equivalent of $48,000 and Ford is taking reservations now. We doubt we’ll see this model come to the U.S., but it could give us an idea of how the Blue Oval’s future electric SUV models will look. A second larger MEB-based Ford electric crossover is set to arrive in Europe next year, and we’ve previously speculated that that one could end up in the U.S.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

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      2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV Concept Debuts – Future Carens EV?

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      If placed side by side, Kia EV5 concept debuted recently and Carens look very similar in their design and proportions2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptFor a long time now, EV juggernauts like Tesla and BYD have been dominating the market. On the onslaught of EV growth, mainstream manufacturers are jumping into this bandwagon too. We have seen Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia and many more mainstream manufacturers diving into this head first as well.We recently saw Kia EV9 getting unveiled which will be Kia’s flagship EV. Kia seems to be aggressively expanding its EV envelope to include an extensive lineup. Result of which is the Kia EV5 concept SUV, unveiled on Chinese EV day. It has debuted in its design form and looking at it, we can’t help but wonder, whether this will be the electrified Carens that India gets. Let’s take a look at why.2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV Concept2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptFor starters, this will sit below Kia EV6, which was launched in India last year. Kia EV5 concept aims to be an SUV-ish EV with starkly similar design and proportions to Kia Carens. We can see it in its front profile, side profile and rear as well. Even the overall proportions match that of Carens.EV5 is a concept only and production-spec model is likely to retain most of its design elements. On the inside, we get a single wide screen which is part of both Instrumentation and infotainment. There are hardly any buttons. Seats run upwards and double as armrests as well.2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptFront seats swivel and face the rear, creating a lounge area for four people. Behind second-row chairs, there is a table and rear-facing bench seats too. In crevices for cup holders for the third row, we have a literal plant as well. It is an EV concept, why not? Interiors feature sustainable and recycled materials, to boast their eco credentials.2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptSimilarities With CarensIn terms of dimensions, 2024 Kia EV5 concept is likely to be smaller than EV6. The latter is 4695 mm in length and we would wager Kia EV5 to measure around 4600 mm. This is very close to Carens with around just a 50 mm difference. One look at both Kia EV5 concept and Carens from the side, and what we are saying starts making sense.Both feature an almost identical side profile with a mostly similar window area as well. Even belt line for both matches in its approach. Kia has not revealed specifications of EV5. So, there is a grey area regarding battery capacity and motor specifications. One can say that around 60 kWh of battery with 400 km of range from a single motor layout is possible.2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptKia unveiled the EV5 design concept on Chinese EV day. So, it is evident that this will cater to the Chinese market first and maybe even launch later in markets like Russia, India and the ASEAN region. Launch timeline is not yet revealed, but we can expect the production-spec model to debut by the end of 2023. If it is an electrified Carens, it could be manufactured here in India and exported as well. More

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      2023 Polestar 2 BST Edition 230 Has All the Performance Goodies

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      Polestar has added a limited-run BST edition 230 to the 2023 Polestar 2 lineup. The BST edition 230 shares the same chassis modifications as the earlier BST edition 270 and produces 469 horsepower.The new BST edition will be limited to 230 examples for the European and North American markets. Polestar introduced another limited-run version of the performance-inspired BST edition and is assuming buyers wont mind its lack of substantive changes. While a regular Polestar 2 equipped with the Performance pack is quick on its feet, it’s hardly a thoroughbred racer. The BST edition 230 fixes that, but just in the same way that the BST edition 270 before it did.PolestarLast June, the company announced a specialized performance version of the Polestar 2. The special edition would be called the BST edition 270 and would aptly be limited to 270 units worldwide. This 2 came with chassis modifications and extra power at a hefty premium over lesser editions.According to Polestar, the BST edition 230 “puts more focus on the performance design details.” The edition 230 comes in Space Black or a new exclusive Green Nebula exterior paint with the option to add a full-length racing stripe over either color. The unique design elements inside the car are finished in microsuede, with steering wheel inserts made from partly recycled nubuck leather.PolestarPolestarCompared to the standard dual-motor setup, the BST edition 230 adds 67 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque for a total of 469 horsepower and 502 pound-feet. Those figures put the new version toe to toe with the BST edition 270 from last year, which had the exact same figures. The shared specs don’t end there. Underneath the bodywork, the two BST editions have identical chassis modifications. Ride height for both is nearly an inch lower than stock, the suspension springs are 20 percent stiffer, and a front strut bar has been added. The specially tuned Öhlins dampers from the edition 270 are back for the edition 230, as are the Pirelli P Zero tires that Polestar says are specifically designed for the BST editions. In other words, these are basically the same car.Owners of the Polestar 2 BST edition 270 may be tempted to complain since the production numbers of the limited-edition car they bought have effectively doubled. (It has happened before in the world of collector’s editions.) On the other hand, the new edition 230 starts at $80,900—$4000 more than the former. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

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      350cc Motorcycle Sales Feb 2023 – Classic, Bullet, CB350, Jawa, Yezdi

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      350cc motorcycle sales list was majorly commanded by Royal Enfields with the Honda CB 350 and Jawa Yezdi adding some numbersRoyal Enfield 350 Meteor ModifiedSales of motorcycles in the 350 cc segment saw a 20.06 percent YoY growth to 63,900 units in Feb 2023 as compared to 53,223 units sold in Feb 2022. It was however a MoM de-growth of 7.23 percent as against 68,880 units sold in Jan 2023.350cc Motorcycle Sales Feb 2023 – Royal Enfield DominatesThe top 5 models on this list were from Royal Enfield stables. The Classic 350 was the best-selling model in this segment despite a YoY de-growth of 8.71 percent to 27,461 units sold in Feb 2023 from 30,082 units sold in Feb 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 2,621 units. MoM sales however improved by 5.08 percent over 26,134 units sold in Jan 2023. Market share also improved MoM from 37.94 percent to 42.97 percent.350cc Motorcycle Sales Feb 2023The new RE Hunter 350, launched in India at the end of 2022 has risen to No. 2 on the sales charts. Sales stood at 12,925 units in the past month, commanding a 20.23 percent share on this list. This was however, a MoM de-growth of 22.02 percent when compared to 16,574 units sold in Jan 2023. Last month, sales of the RE Hunter 350 hit the 1 lakh unit sales milestone in 6 months. Since the time of launch in August 2022, the company has sold an average of 16,700 units of the Hunter 350 each month.The list also included the RE Bullet 350 with a YoY growth in sales of 27.99 percent to 8,232 units, up from 6,432 units sold in Feb 2022. This was a volume growth of 1,800 units with a market share of 12.88 percent. MoM sales dipped 15 percent from 9,685 units sold in Jan 2023.350cc Motorcycle market share Feb 2023Lower sales were seen on a YoY and MoM basis for the RE Meteor 350 with sales down 0.76 percent YoY to 6,698 units in Feb 2023. There had been 6,749 units sold in Feb 2022 relating to a 51 unit volume de-growth. MoM sales fell by 12.12 percent as against 7,622 units sold in Jan 2023. This took market share down to 10.48 percent in the past month from 11.07 percent held in Jan 2023.Royal Enfield also sells the Electra in the 350cc segment. Sales ended positively in Feb 2023 to 5,109 units, up 49.12 percent from 3,426 units sold in Feb 2022. MoM sales also surged 21.41 percent from 4,208 units sold in Jan 2023.Honda CB 350, Jawa Yezdi SalesAt No. 6 was the Honda CB 350 with sales down 89.71 percent YoY and 70.60 percent MoM. Sales which had stood at 3,099 units in Feb 2022 and at 1,085 units in Jan 2023 dipped to just 319 units in the past month. This could be due to the fact that buyers were awaiting the new 2023 Honda CB 350 and CB 350 RS both of which were launched earlier this month. 2023 CB350 and CB350RS are offered in 3 variants of DLX, DLX Pro and DLX Pro Chrome. The CB350 is priced from Rs 2.1 – 2.15 lakh, while CB350RS carries a price tag from Rs 2.15 – 2.18 lakh (ex-showroom). New colour schemes and an engine lineup that now complies with BS6 Phase 2 norms are a part of the updates.There was also the Jawa/Yezdi range of motorcycles on this list of best-selling 350cc motorcycles in Feb 2023 though sales dipped YoY and MoM to 3,156 units. This was an 8.15 percent YoY de-growth from 3,436 units sold in Feb 2022 while MoM sales fell by 11.65 percent as against 3,572 units sold in Jan 2023. More