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    Car and Driver Announces Our 2023 Editors' Choice Winners

    Car and Driver’s annual Editors’ Choice awards honor the top vehicles in their respective segments, as decided by our expert car evaluators and informed by our rigorous and industry-leading testing regimen.Of more than 400 models on sale in the U.S. market this year, only 125 cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans are featured on this year’s Editors’ Choice list, which is intended to help narrow the shopping list for consumers to the best choices in each market segment. Our testing includes real-world analysis of fuel economy, instrumented testing of each vehicle’s on-road performance, and subjective evaluation by our expert staff of car-enthusiast editors.With average transaction prices for new cars skyrocketing and a large number of body styles and powertrains offered throughout the industry, buying a new vehicle has never been more overwhelming. Car and Driver’s 2023 Editors’ Choice list is here to cut through the static to help you find the perfect car, truck, SUV, or van.See the ListMichael Aaron|Car and DriverOf the more than 400 models available for sale today, we’ve narrowed the list down to just 125 honorees, all of which we consider to be among the top vehicles in their respective market segments. We believe there’s something here for every driver and every budget, from subcompact runabouts starting under $20,000 to a high-end hybrid sports car that’s 10 times that price. Not to mention all the trucks, SUVs, luxury sedans, and electric vehicles that fill the gap between them.”For the millions of people shopping for a new vehicle each year, the choices can seem endless– and confusing,” said Car and Driver Editor-in-Chief Tony Quiroga. “Our Editors’ Choice lineup is the automotive honor roll and the ideal resource, whether someone is searching for the safest car for a new teen driver or for a weekend race car, and everything in between.”Michael Aaron|Car and Driver In addition to Car and Driver’s renowned instrumented performance testing, our editors have devised a series of tests to determine which vehicles are the most worthy of your hard-earned dollars. For example, we run a 75-mph highway fuel-economy test to provide a real-life look at efficiency, and we load up every vehicle we test with carry-on suitcases to measure practical, usable space.Winners from Years PastIf you’re shopping for a new vehicle this year, our Editors’ Choice list is meant to be your starting point. In short, we’ve done the hard work for you, and the rest is up to you. As you progress in your new-vehicle search, we recommend individual test drives of your own, since everyone’s preferences and needs are different. We’re confident that any of the models honored this year will offer satisfying driving dynamics, segment-appropriate practicality, and excellent value. Managing Editor, Buyer’s GuideDrew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.       More

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    River Electric Scooter Launch Price Rs 1.25 L – Range 120 Km

    Bangalore based River EV has launched their first electric scooter today – Called Indie, the SUV of scootersRiver Electric Scooter LaunchBengaluru-based EV startup River has launched its maiden vehicle named Indie, at an asking price of Rs. 1.25 lakh (ex-sh). It comes in three colours – Spring Yellow, Summer Red and Monsoon Blue. Bookings are open, deliveries are set to commence in August 2023. It is geared toward practicality as seen by its features list.Deliveries will start in Bengaluru first and then the company intends to expand its presence in 50 cities pan India by next year. At Rs. 1.25 lakh, River Indie seems to be a fitting alternative to Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450X, Hero Vida V1 pro, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak.Design Elements – River Indie EVRiver Indie looks like a hybrid between Yamaha Neo’s EV and Yamaha BWs 125 ICE scooter. Front apron and instrument cluster reminds us of BWs 125 and twin LED headlight shape reminds us of Neo’s. There are a lot of ADV-like elements including ‘Safeguards’ (crash guards), lock-n-load panniers (up to 40L), and a provision for top-box (up to 25L).Sleek tail lights and turn indicators are all LED. River gets clip-on handlebars too. There is a tall windscreen on offer as well, which is likely to be a part of accessories. Just like its top box, panniers and more.River Electric ScooterRiver Electric Scooter gets front-set footpegs too, ensuring maximum use of floorboard. Componentry include 14” alloy wheels, 240mm and 200mm disc (front/rear), twin rear shock absorbers, front telescopic forks and more. Indie comes with CBS system and 165 mm ground clearance too.River Electric ScooterPowertrainRiver has thoughtfully offered 12L storage in the front apron and a massive 43L under-seat storage (with a light and USB port). Other elements include 90-degree valve stems for wheels, USB charging port on the handlebar, and a sturdy hook integrated into its seat.River Indie electric scooter is offered with a large 4 kWh battery pack. A standard charger is bundled with this package, capable of 0-80% in 5 hours. The mid-mounted motor is rated at a peak power of 6.7 kW and 26 Nm. With a belt drive powering its rear wheel, Indie can sprint from 0-40 km/h in 3.9 seconds and touch 90 km/h top speed. Real-world range is pegged at 120 km.River Electric Scooter SpecsPower is regulated via three riding modes – Eco, Ride and Rush. Rider can toggle through these modes with switchgear and is indicated in the colourful LCD dashboard. River Indie EV boasts gradability of up to 18 degrees, more than 15 degrees of Ola S1 Pro and less than 20 degrees of Ather 450X.At Rs. 1.25 lakh (ex-sh, Bengaluru), River Indie poses a unique proposition. It is backed by a 5 year / 50,000 km warranty. Upon launch, it will rival the likes of Ola S1 Pro, Chetak, Ather 450X, TVS iQube and Vida V1 Pro. More

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    Firm (GM) directed to refund cost or replace defective electric scooter

    Case Study on OLA Electric Scooter (Pro Midnight blue, 3.975KWH) and Consumer Protection and Redressal MechanismsOla Electric ScooterThe Consumer Protection Act, 2019 was introduced to safeguard consumers against unfair trade practices, defective products, and deficient services. Let’s analyze a case study that involves the purchase of an OLA Electric Scooter (Pro Midnight blue, 3.975KWH) and the complaint filed against OLA Electric Technologies Pvt. Ltd. The case highlights the importance of consumer rights, redressal mechanisms, and responsibilities of businesses towards their customers.Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provides legal remedies to consumers who have been affected by unfair trade practices, defective products, and deficient services. In this case, the complainant purchased an OLA Electric Scooter from OLA Electric Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and faced charging problems from the date of delivery.The complainant approached the servicing centre, but they did not respond properly. Forty days before filing the complaint, the servicing centre took the vehicle for repair and did not rectify the defect. The complainant filed a complaint seeking refund for scooter costs of INR 1,93,000 and INR 3,00,000 towards damages, pain, suffering, and mental agony.Complaint and Response; Legal ProceedingsComplaint filed under Section 35 of Consumer Protection Act 2019, seeking redressal for the problems faced with the OLA Electric Scooter. The opposite party, General Manager, OLA Electric Technologies Pvt. Ltd., did not appear before the District Consumer Redressal Commission at Khammam, despite being served notice. The complainant stated that they suffered a lot of pain and mental agony due to the attitude and conduct of the opposite party.According to the job record, the complainant’s vehicle was held in the service station for over five months. The complainant submitted a memo stating that despite the prolonged period of time, the issues with the vehicle such as charging, starting, and Bluetooth and sensor functionality were not resolved, and the vehicle was only returned to the complainant on 11-12-2022.The District Consumer Redressal Commission at Khammam analyzed the case and passed an order. The Commission directed the opposite party to either provide a genuine and appropriate replacement for the faulty vehicle, or issue a refund of the sum of Rs.1,63,549. And to pay Rs. 10,000 for deficient services, damages, and mental agony, and another Rs. 10,000 for litigation costs to the complainant.Analysis of the CaseThe case highlights the importance of consumer rights and the responsibilities of businesses towards their customers. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provides a legal framework for consumers to seek redressal for unfair trade practices, defective products, and deficient services. In this case, the complainant had a legitimate grievance against the opposite party, and the Commission passed an order in favour of the complainant.The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 empowers consumers to seek legal remedies against unfair trade practices, defective products, and deficient services. The case study involving the purchase of an OLA Electric Scooter and the complaint filed against OLA Electric Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (General Manager) highlights the importance of consumer rights and responsibilities of businesses towards their customers.Businesses must ensure that products and services meet the expected quality standards. And they must address customer grievances promptly. In conclusion, the case emphasises the need for businesses to be accountable and responsible towards customers. And the legal system provides consumers with the necessary tools to seek redressal for their grievances. Consumers are now well-informed and have the necessary legal framework to seek redressal for grievances. More

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    Jimny Styled Mini Electric SUV Spied Testing – Launch As MG?

    This new Mini eSUV from China draws inspiration from Maruti Jimny and Land Rover DefenderJimny Styled Mini Electric SUV SpiedBaojun brand is a subsidiary of SAIC-GM-Wuling JV, just like MG. They offer a lot of cars under these brands; including the newly launched Hector and Hector Plus. Same cars are shared between brands of GM, SAIC and Wuling. For example, Baojun 530 is rebranded as Wuling Almaz, Chevrolet Captiva and MG Hector.Last year Baojun showcased a new mini electric SUV concept. We are talking about KiWi mini crossover. It is a three-door electric mini SUV with incredibly cute looks. This small EV SUV has now started testing. First spy shots has leaked online.New Mini Electric SUV – Jimny InspiredNew KiWi EV is smaller than the Maruti Jimny. It retains much of its design attributes from concept. Speaking of design, LED headlights and tail lights are retained from concept car. Overall proportions and design details on the outside are retained as well.Sure, the test mule is rolling on steel wheels, but top-spec models will get alloys. If the Maruti Jimny is a miniature Mercedes-Benz G-Class, KiWi EV new crossover is a miniature Land Rover Defender 90, except for its iconic round headlight elements.Jimny Styled Mini Electric SUV SpiedEven on the inside, the twin horizontal display and dashboard layout remain true to its concept. This new mini EV would look like a fitting proposition to rival Jimny, even without a 5-door layout.It is smaller and is likely to be more city-friendly too. Internally codenamed E260S, It is not yet named. But it will bear KiWi branding instead of Baojun’s like we saw on concept vehicle. If launched in India, it will come under the MG brand.India Launch?With its retro-futuristic design and its smaller dimensions, it is likely to take the Chinese market by storm. Specifications are not yet known including battery size and range. There will be pooled components from similar Kei cars including Chinese highest-seller Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. In effect, this vehicle is the world’s first ‘electric Kei car UV’.Jimny Styled Mini Electric SUV SpiedLaunch is likely to happen in China in the first half of 2023. After that, it will be marketed by Wuling in other ASEAN markets like Indonesia. There is no official word regarding India launch under the MG brand. But we hope that it does. MG Motor India is getting ready to launch AIR EV later this year. Air EV is sold under the Wuling brand in China. It is one of the best selling electric cars in China today. More

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    2023 Bajaj Pulsar 220F At Dealer Showroom – First Walkaound

    Bajaj Pulsar 220F was discontinued last year – But thanks to popular demand, it has now been relaunchedImage – The Sameer VlogsFirst launched in 2007, the Bajaj Pulsar 220 semi faired sport bike marked its foray into the entry level sports bike segment. It was a game changer for the company as well. It ruled the segment for close to 15 years following which it was pulled out of production in April 2022 once the new Pulsar F250 was launched in the country.2023 Pulsar 220F comes in with the same 220cc oil-cooled SOHC engine offering 20.4 hp power mated to 5 speed gearbox. Pulsar 220F was priced at Rs 1.25 lakh prior to it being discontinued. In 2023 avatar, it is priced from Rs 1.39 lakh, ex-sh.2023 Bajaj Pulsar 220F WalkaroundBajaj Pulsar 220F has entered production, initial examples have moved into company dealerships and deliveries are likely to commence soon. Ahead of that, we now have a first look walkaround of the 2023 Pulsar 220F, thanks to Biker Prakash Choudhary.Positioned below the NS200 and N250 in the Pulsar lineup, the new 220F will come in with some feature updates. Overall design remains akin to that seen on its earlier counterpart. This semi-faired bike sports a distinctive headlamp and engine cowl, shoulder fairing, large windscreen and clip on handlebars.[embedded content][embedded content]It gets projector headlamp, halogen turn indicators along with LED tail lamps. There are decals which give the look of carbon fiber to some parts. Split seats, upswept exhaust and colour combinations of black-blue / black-red are also seen.Engine BS 6 Phase 2 CompliantAs a major part of the updates, the re-launch of Bajaj Pulsar 220F will see its engine now compliant with OBD2 on board diagnostic technologies, a feature that is being made mandatory from 1st April 2023. The 220cc, fuel injected engine will make 20.8 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 18.5 Nm torque at 7,000 rpm mated to a 5 speed gearbox.It will receive telescopic forks in the front and dual shocks at the rear while braking will be via front and disc brakes with single channel ABS offered as standard. Dual ABS is not on offer yet.It will ride on 17 inch alloy wheels fitted with 90 section front and 120 sector rear tubeless tyres. Like its predecessor, the new Pulsar 220F will continue its rivalry against the likes of TVS Apache, Suzuki Gixxer SF and others in this price segment. More

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    Florida May Ban Dogs Sticking Heads out of Car Windows

    UPDATE 2/22/23, 7:00 p.m.: In response to our request, the legislation’s sponsor, Florida State Senator Lauren Book, issued a statement accompanied by this photo of her own dogs:Sen. Lauren Book’s family pets.Courtesy of Florida State Sen. Lauren Book”Our family has three dogs—two of which are almost 175 pounds each and love sticking their heads out the window—so I welcome and appreciate all public comment on this issue, which is only one piece of a complete proposed overhaul of the state’s animal welfare system as brought to me by veterinarians and advocates. We can easily amend this piece out of the bill while protecting the intent of the animal welfare community and vets who proposed the policy because of unintended injuries they’ve treated—and we will. In the meantime, let’s all invest in a good pair of ‘doggles’ to keep our furry friends safe.”Lately, Florida’s been full of ideas for bannin’ stuff, and the list might soon expand from books and driving in the left lane to unrestrained dogs in cars. Florida state senator Lauren Book is sponsoring a bill, SB 932, which concerns animal welfare and covers a lot of ground. It includes language restricting animal testing for cosmetic products, prohibiting the declawing of cats, and creating a public registry of animal-abuse offenders. All of which sounds hard to argue with, no matter how many times a cat has shredded your draperies. But there’s also a provision that will likely rankle dog owners, not to mention dogs. Specifically, the part of the bill that concerns “prohibiting a person from taking specified actions relating to the transportation of dogs on public roadways.” What, do they want to outlaw your dog sticking his head out the window? Well, yes, actually. Let’s take a look.No Dogs on Laps, No Dogs on MotorcyclesThe first part of the dog-transport section (and there are several) says that you can’t have a dog on your lap while you’re driving. That, we agree with. Mostly because the people who drive with dogs on their laps don’t really have dogs, per se—they have cats who like to go for rides. Because if a dog is on your lap while you’re driving, chances are it weighs less than 10 pounds, is wearing a designer hat, and would lose a fight to a moderately combative chipmunk. And if that’s not the kind of dog on your lap—as in, a large, slobbery, rambunctious creature that’s capable of barreling through a closed screen door—then that dog should not be between you and the controls of your motor vehicle. Fair enough. Dogs in cargo area, and unrestrained, and heads out the window: would also be illegal.Ezra Dyer|Car and DriverPart B says basically the same thing, but applied to motorcycles—you can’t let your dog ride in front of you on a motorcycle, even if he wears goggles and puts his paws on the handlebars like he’s driving and everyone loves it. Dog in a backpack on a motorcycle? Evidently OK. And as for a cool dog in a motorcycle sidecar, why, we’re pretty sure that’s the Florida state flag.We asked our dogs about this, and they said that if you criminalize dogs sticking their heads out the window, then only criminal dogs will stick their heads out the window.Now for the third rule of dog transport: You cannot “allow a dog to extend its head or any other body part outside a motor vehicle window while the person is operating the motor vehicle on a public roadway.” Yes, it would be illegal for your dog to stick its head out the window. We asked our dogs about this, and they said that if you criminalize dogs sticking their heads out the window, then only criminal dogs will stick their heads out the window. We pointed out that the penalty would actually only be a non-criminal moving violation (our dogs clearly hadn’t read the full text of the bill).Ezra Dyer|Car and DriverThe anti-head-out-the-window rule is almost a moot point given SB 932’s subsequent rules around dog restraints in cars. It says that dogs in motor vehicles must be either in a crate, or restrained with a harness or pet seatbelt, or physically restrained by somebody who isn’t the driver. And any dog in the bed of a pickup would have to be in a crate, period—and the crate itself secured to the truck. (Human Floridians would still be allowed to ride uncrated in the bed of a pickup.) There’s also some wording about not driving around with your dog on the roof or standing on the hood of your car, no matter how rad your dog is.Dog SittingWe’re guessing that there was some kind of incident that spurred these proposed rules around restraining dogs, and we contacted Senator Book’s office to ask if that’s the case. If we find out more, we’ll let you know. In the meantime, who wants to go for a ride?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 EditorEzra Dyer is a Car and Driver senior editor and columnist. He’s now based in North Carolina but still remembers how to turn right. He owns a 2009 GEM e4 and once drove 206 mph. Those facts are mutually exclusive. More

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    Royal Enfield Sales Breakup Jan 2023 – Bullet, Meteor, Himalayan

    There was a decent growth registered by Royal Enfield sales for January 2023 in domestic market, but exports plummetedImage – Being TechnozzDomestic market is where Royal Enfield shows commendable growth in both YoY and MoM analysis. With 67,702 units sold in the domestic market, Royal Enfield saw a YoY growth of 36.15% over 49,726 units sold a year ago and 13.17% MoM growth as opposed to 59,821 units sold a month before. Volume growth is 17,976 units YoY and 7,881 units MoM.The highest-seller for RE in India is Classic 350 with a 38.60% market share. RE sold 26,134 Classic 350 and saw 26.36% MoM growth. With 5,452 units of volume growth. There was a 2.39% YoY decline, which is better than the 40.44% YoY decline found in December 2022. Hunter 350 secured 2nd place with a 24.48% market share.Royal Enfield Sales – Domestic MarketAs opposed to 17,261 units sold a month before, Hunter’s sales fell short with 16,574 units with a small 3.98% MoM decline. Bullet 350 is next on this list with 9,685 units sold last month. The evergreen Bullet managed to register 31.70% YoY growth and 9.86% MoM growth. Volume gain stood at 2,331 units YoY and 869 units MoM.Bullet was followed by Meteor 350 with 7,622 units sold in January 2023. Even though Meteor sales dropped by 9.91% YoY, there was a 21.02% growth MoM. Electra 350 sold 4,208 units with 58.73% YoY growth and 24.46% MoM growth. Volume gain for Electra 350 stood at 1,557 units YoY and 827 units MoM.Royal Enfield Domestic Sales Jan 2023ADV Himalayan sold 2,499 units which accounted for a 3.69% share of the domestic market. Sales weren’t enough to beat 3,248 units sold in 2022 and saw a 23.06% YoY decline. It fared better in MoM analysis with 10.72% growth. Lastly, we have 650 Twins with 980 units sold. 650 twins saw a 20.84% YoY decline and a 12.97% MoM decline.Royal Enfield Sales – ExportsRE’s flagship 650 lineup might have come last in the domestic market. But it tops in exports as it is the highest-shipped motorcycle from Royal Enfield. With 2,101 units shipped, it registered a 43.46% YoY decline as opposed to 3,716 units shipped last year. But, there is a staggering 516.13% MoM growth as RE shipped 341 units of 650 Twins in December 2022.Due to this, 650 Twins are accountable for 24.49% of RE’s total exports. Hunter 350 is 2nd with 1,810 units shipped with 9.23% MoM growth and 153 units volume gain. Classic 350 is pushed down with just 1,517 units shipped last month. Classic 350 saw a 25.71% YoY decline and a 42.80% MoM decline. Market share went from 30.91% to just 17.68% in just a month.Royal Enfield Exports Jan 2023Himalayan exports were at 983 units last month. It wasn’t enough to beat 1,050 units shipped a year ago and 1,531 units shipped a month before. In effect, Himalayan’s numbers declined by 6.38% YoY and 35.79% MoM. Volume lost was 67 units YoY and 548 units MoM. Lastly, we have Meteor 350 at 633 units.Meteor 350 fell into the red completely with a 72.53% YoY decline and a 73.60% MoM decline. In total, Royal Enfield shipped 7,044 units in January 2023. The company registered a 22.70% YoY decline as opposed to 9,112 units shipped in Jan 2022 and 17.89% MoM decline as opposed to 8,579 units shipped in December 2022. More

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    Bentley's W-12 Engine Will Reach the End of the Line in 2024

    Bentley will end production of the W-12 engine next year, in April 2024.The Batur serves as a sendoff for the engine and has a version with 740 horsepower.The Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga are also currently offered with the twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12.Bentley will stop production of the W-12 engine at its factory in Crewe, U.K., in April 2024, marking the end of the line for the VW Group’s unconventional 12-cylinder powertrain that was introduced more than 20 years ago. Once the W-12 departs the production line, Bentley says it will be replaced with V-8 and V-6 hybrid production as the company continues to transition its lineup towards hybrids and EVs.Essentially made up of two VR6 engines, the W-12 has been around since the early 2000s in various forms. Besides the wide range of Bentley models in which it’s available, including the Continental GT, the Flying Spur, and the Bentayga, it was previously offered in other VW Group vehicles such as the Audi A8 and Volkswagen Phaeton.More on the W-12Bentley views the Batur as the sendoff for the W-12, as that model features the most powerful version of the engine, with a new confirmed output of 740 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque (up from the 729 hp originally claimed). However, it’s already sold out, and the company warns interested customers that few order slots remain for other Bentley models equipped with the W-12.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. More