More stories

  • in

    2022 KTM 390 ADV Launched In The US – India Launch Soon

    2022 KTM 390 ADV
    Upon launch, the updated KTM 390 Duke is likely to command a slight premium over the existing model
    KTM has always been known to keep updating its models in order to keep its lineup fresh and attractive. The Austrian bikemaker has launched an updated 2022 version of 390 Adventure in the American market. The latest iteration of the adventure bike has been priced at USD 6600 (equivalent to INR 4.91 lakh) in the USA.
    For 2022, KTM has offered some aesthetic as well as functional updates to the naked streetfighter. The updates are subtle yet noticeable and visually in line with the Dakar winning KTM FACTORY RALLY machines. The updated iteration of 390 Adventure is expected to hit showrooms in India very soon in the coming few weeks.
    2022 KTM 390 ADV – Updated Styling
    In terms of design, the 2022 KTM 390 ADV is identical to the current model flaunting the same rugged styling adventure bikes are known for. It, however, gets two new colour options- a grey-black scheme and a blue scheme, both offered with orange accents and body graphics. These paint options have been inspired by the larger KTM models.
    Other subtle styling updates include new tank shrouds and rear side panels which are slightly wider than the seat to provide better control to the rider. It also reduces wear and tear of the seat. Shape of the fuel tank has also been optimised to ensure freedom of rider’s movement and control. Headlight mask of the new 390 ADV has been reduced to make a lightweight front end.
    2022 KTM 390 ADV
    Updated Features & Hardware
    In addition, the front fender has been set lower which provides better aerodynamics. As far as features are concerned, it gets the same equipment as before. This includes a fully coloured TFT instrument display enabled with smartphone connectivity, an adjustable windscreen, all-LED lighting, optional turn-by-turn navigation and a standard 12V charging port.
    KTM has made some updates to the hardware of the 390 Adventure. The most prominent of those is new cast aluminium wheels which get five spokes instead of six. As a result of this, the wheels are now more resistant to impact and also add to the stiffness of the bike. Suspension setup remains identical and features non-adjustable inverted front forks and a WP Apex mono-shock at rear.
    Braking duties are handled by single disc brakes at both ends aided by a dual-channel ABS with offroad mode. Another crucial update for the new 390 ADV includes new traction control settings for both street and off-road. This setting enables different rear-slips based on the terrain.
    Powertrain Specs
    No updates have been made to the powertrain department of the new 390 Adventure. Powering the motorcycle is the same 373.2cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor that pumps out 42.3 bhp and a peak torque of 37 Nm. This engine is married to a six-speed gearbox which comes with a standard bi-directional quick-shifter. More

  • in

    Suzuki Avenis Is 6 Millionth Vehicle To Rollout Of SMIPL Gurugram Plant

    New Suzuki Avenis deliveries are yet to startSuzuki Motorcycle India rolls out 6 millionth vehicle, a celebratory Suzuki Avenis scooter units from its Gurugram plant
    Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) has rolled out its 6 millionth vehicle at its Kherki Dhaula, Gurugram manufacturing facility. The 6th millionth celebratory unit is a Suzuki Avenis. This being Suzuki’s newest product launch, available at a starting price of around Rs 87k. With a launch in late 2021, deliveries of the 125cc scooter are set to begin anytime now.
    SMIPL sells Access 125, Gixxer 250 and 150 series, and Burgman Street in India. Avenis 125cc scooter being the newest addition to the manufacturer’s product portfolio. Suzuki already enjoys a growing market share in the 125cc segment, and this is expected to further improve with the launch of Suzuki Avenis.
    Suzuki December 2021 sales
    Despite much lower volumes than manufacturers that sit atop the sales chart, Suzuki two-wheelers has been steady at the marketplace. The company considers India an important market considering its contribution to Suzuki’s global motorcycles sales volume.
    Though its product portfolio isn’t elaborate, its products are well thought out when it comes to segment reach. The company retail sales in December 2021 at 42,609 units. YoY decline is reported at 6 percent, down from 45,332 units at volume decline of 2,723 units.
    Suzuki Avenis
    Sales were enough to place Suzuki above Royal Enfield, and Yamaha last month. MoM decline is reported at 13 percent, down from 49k units. It’s sales numbers place it outside of the top 4 two-wheeler manufacturers in the country but above all others on most months.
    Suzuki’s 15 years in India
    Satoshi Uchida, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. said, “This year marks the completion of Suzuki Motorcycle India’s 15 years in the country. It is indeed heartening to also announce the roll out of our 6 millionth Suzuki two-wheeler product in India from our Gurugram plant.
    We are grateful to all our customers for their trust and loyalty that they have shown in the brand. I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our dealer partners and suppliers who have continuously supported us by ensuring and delivering the quality products and services. All these efforts helped us to retain the customers’ long-term belief in the brand, Suzuki two-wheelers.
    This 6 millionth milestone is a testament to our continued commitment to provide superior value to our customers in India. We are delighted that we could reach this landmark despite the challenges thrown by the second wave and the global semiconductor shortage across the world.” More

  • in

    Two Wheeler Retail Sales Dec 2021 – Honda, TVS, Bajaj, RE, Yamaha, Jawa, Ather

    Image – Auto EraTwo-wheelers, vehicle registration data shows a 19.89 percent YoY de-growth and a 9.94 percent dip from December 2019 as well
    Even as two wheelers are a much favoured mode of travel in a country like India, the past two years have been seeing declining registrations. This could be due to the regular increase in prices of two wheelers coupled with ever escalating fuel prices. However, there is a new found interest in electric two wheelers and the accompanying list is testimony of the same as every electric vehicle manufacturer has posted a significant growth in retail sales.
    The onset of Omicron variant has had a deep impact on sales last month. Work and education from home has once again resumed and buyers look upon the months ahead with approaching gloom thereby turning them away from company showrooms. Total two wheeler retails last month stood at 11,48,732 units, down 19.89 percent over 14,33,334 units retailed in December 2020 and down 19.94 percent from 12,75,501 retailed in December 2019.
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales Dec 2021 – Hero, Honda and TVS in Top 3
    Hero MotoCorp topped the retail sales charts with 3,96,278 units sold last month and commanding a market share of 34.50 percent. This was significantly lower as compared to 5,61,873 units sold in December 2020 when market share was at 30.20 percent. Considering the high demand for electric two wheelers, Hero MotoCorp is gearing up to unveil its first electric vehicle (EV) in March this year. It will be produced at the company’s production facility at Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh.
    Honda two wheeler retails also dipped significantly on a YoY basis to 2,84,837 units over 3,52,394 units sold in December 2020. Market share however, increased from 24.59 percent held in Dec 2020 to 24.80 percent in the past month. The new Honda CB300R is poised for launch. It was showcased at India Bike Week 2021 festival and is slated to go on sale in India later this month.
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales Dec 2021 vs Dec 2020 (YoY)
    At No. 3 was TVS Motor Company with retail sales of 1,73,993 units last month. This was against 2,05,568 units sold in December 2020. However, despite lower sales, market share increased from 14.34 percent to 15.15 percent YoY. The company has noted outstanding demand for the new TVS Apache RTR 165 RP with the initial lot of 200 units completely sold out in India.
    Bajaj Auto, Suzuki, Royal Enfield
    Also posting a YoY de-growth in terms of retail sales were Bajaj Auto, Suzuki and Royal Enfield. Bajaj Auto retails dipped to 1,43,538 units, down from 1,61,713 units sold in December 2020. However market share increased from 11.28 percent to 12.50 percent YoY. Suzuki retails on the other hand saw a marginal decrease to 42,609 units from 45,332 units sold in December 2020.
    Royal Enfield retails dipped to 40,102 units in December 2021 from 51,489 units retailed in December 2020. Royal Enfield is expected to launch a slew of new motorcycles this year. It is expected to start off with the Scram 411 in February 2022. Others planned for launch are Hunter 350, Cruiser 650 and Shotgun 650. Yamaha Motors also posted a YoY de-growth in retails down to 37,621 units from 43,080 units sold in December 2020.
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales Dec 2021 vs Nov 2021 (MoM)
    Electric Two Wheeler Makers
    Electric Two Wheeler Makers, Okinawa, Hero Electric, Ampere, Ather and PUR Electric have all seen steep rise in retail sales. Okinawa in particular, posted retails at 6,098 units, up from 613 units sold in December 2020. Okinawa offers high speed (Ridge+, Praise Pro and iPraise+) and low speed electric scooters (Okinawa R30, Lite and Dual) and now plans added investment to the tune of Rs 200-250 crores in a new plant in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan with a target of 100 percent localization by the end of this financial year.
    Hero Electric also saw sales past the 6,000 unit mark at 6,058 units, an increase over 1,545 units sold in December 2020 while Ampere retails stood at 3,343 units up from 872 units retailed in December 2020. Hero AE-47 electric motorcycle may launch sometime later this year and is expected to be priced between Rs 1.3-1.5 lakh.
    Ather Energy, another highly successful electric two wheeler maker despite the fact that it sells only two models on offer in India – Ather 450X and 450 Plus. There were other electric vehicle makers in this segment that saw retails at 5,004 units in December 2021, up from 1,534 units sold in December 2020 with market share increasing from 0.11 percent to 0.44 percent respectively. More

  • in

    Volvo's Self-Driving 'Ride Pilot' Technology to Be Tested in California

    Volvo is gearing up for its next generation of electric vehicles with a few interesting debuts: a new electric SUV coming soon, a new highway-only self-driving technology called Ride Pilot that the new vehicle will get, and a new subscription service so drivers can actually use Ride Pilot.Volvo is testing its autonomous tech on roads in Sweden and plans to start testing Ride Pilot in California later this year. California is also where the automaker plans to launch Ride Pilot for its customers.Volvo will be asking owners to pay to use Ride Pilot (costs were not announced).Volvo will debut more than a new model when it reveals an electric SUV later this year. The new flagship will introduce three key items, starting with the vehicle itself. The other two are a new, unsupervised autonomous driving feature called Ride Pilot and a subscription service that enables the use of the self-driving technology. Also of note is that when it launches, Ride Pilot will first be available in California before being “gradually” rolled out to other markets and regions. (Pictured is the automaker’s Concept Recharge, revealed in June 2021.)

    There are a number of steps Volvo needs to take to make Ride Pilot available to drivers, though. First, obviously, the company needs to reveal the new electric SUV, which is planned for later this year. Second, Volvo needs to verify that the autonomous driving technology that makes up Ride Pilot works as promised on highways in the U.S. Volvo is already testing Ride Pilot in Sweden, together with its partner Zenseact, and gathering data in other parts of Europe and the U.S.

    Volvo

    Volvo

    Volvo plans to start testing Ride Pilot in California by the middle of this year because that’s where, it says, “the climate, traffic conditions and regulatory framework provide a favorable environment for the introduction of autonomous driving.”

    Third, and perhaps most controversially, Volvo has to convince people who buy the new SUV to pony up a subscription fee for Ride Pilot to work. Volvo did not provide any insight into how much it will charge for a subscription to Ride Pilot. There’s a hint of how Volvo plans to make its sales pitch in the company announcement this week: “Ride Pilot aims to free up more time for customers and make driving a Volvo even more convenient and enjoyable.” In other words, expect to see arguments that ask you to consider spending money to take advantage of the time you’d otherwise waste driving your car. Mentioning all of the time drivers lose behind the wheel is not a message automakers have been eager to promote in the past, but if the industry is changing to an electric, autonomous future, some of the ad messages are likely to change as well. Here’s another line from Volvo’s announcement: “By using Ride Pilot, drivers will be able to free up time while driving, and spend it on secondary activities like reading, writing, working or socializing. The feature can also help drivers arrive at their destination rested and recharged, by reducing the mental strain that may come with driving, especially in traffic jams or heavy traffic.” The sensor suite Volvo will use in the upcoming electric SUV and other next-generation vehicles is made up of over two dozen sensors, including lidar from another partner in the project, Luminar, as well as five radars, eight cameras, and 16 ultrasonic sensors. Over-the-air updates will also be used to keep Ride Pilot’s software current.

    Volvo

    Volvo

    From the preliminary information Volvo is releasing, Ride Pilot sounds like an enhanced version of self-driving technologies such as GM’s Super Cruise. The car is able to drive itself in limited situations without input from the driver and will be limited to use on highways, at least at the beginning. Volvo said the software and sensors used to enable Ride Pilot will be standard and that the car will be able to benefit from safety features that use the sensor suite, but Ride Pilot’s actual self-driving capability “will only be made available to customers once it has gone through Volvo Cars’ rigorous verification and testing protocol. This includes validation of the technology as safe for use on highways in a number of varying conditions.” And, of course, once you pay your subscription fee. The new electric SUV will also come with a new type of name for a Volvo model. Volvo Cars’ CEO Håkan Samuelsson told Automotive News Europe in July 2021 that the new EV will use a name that one would give to a child, not an alphanumeric designation like XC60 or XC90, and he later added that the name will start with a vowel.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    Top 10 Two Wheeler Exports Nov 2021 – Boxer, Pulsar, Star City, Apache, Gixxer

    New TVS Apache 160Two-wheeler exports stayed buoyant in November 2021 at 3,56,473 units, which is YoY gain of 9.79%
    In November 2020, two-wheeler exports were at 3,24,694 units. MoM export growth is negative, as compared to 3,72,536 units exported in October 2021. In top ten, three two-wheelers have negative YoY growth. In top twenty, four products have negative YoY growth.
    Bajaj continues to dominate with four of its bikes in top 10 list. These four alone command a share of more than 50% in export pie. TVS has two bikes, whereas Yamaha, Hero, Honda and Suzuki have one product each in top 10.
    Two Wheeler Exports Nov 2021 – Boxer leads
    Bajaj Boxer tops the list with exports of 1,25,128 units in November. YoY growth is down marginally by -0.13%, as compared to 1,25,286 units exported in November 2020. Boxer percentage share in exports is at 35.10%. Boxer was earlier sold in domestic market, but was discontinued due to stricter emission norms and the company’s focus on performance-oriented bikes such as Pulsar.
    At number two is TVS Star City with exports of 56,885 units in November 2021. YoY growth is up by 27.79%, as compared to 44,514 units exported in November 2020. Share in exports is at 15.96%. In domestic market, TVS had launched a new variant of Star City in March last year. It came with roto petal disc brakes and was priced at Rs 68,465 (ex-showroom).
    Two Wheeler Exports Nov 2021
    Pulsar is third with exports of 23,850 units in November 2021. YoY growth is down by -26.71%, as compared to 32,540 units exported in November 2020. Share in exports is at 6.69%. After expanding Pulsar range to include two new 250cc motorcycles, Bajaj is working to update other Pulsar bikes. Volume generators like Pulsar 125 and 150 could be among the first Pulsar bikes to be launched in their new-gen avatar.
    At number four is Bajaj CT with exports of 20,224 units in November 2021. CT has made impressive YoY gain of close to 50%. In the corresponding year-ago period, CT exports were at 13,566 units. Share in exports is at 5.67%.
    Next in the list is TVS Apache with exports of 11,025 units in November 2021. YoY growth is 20.95%, as compared to 9,115 units exported in November 2020. Share in exports is at 3.09%. In domestic market, TVS recently launched Apache 165 RP at Rs 1.45 lakh. It’s around Rs 30k costlier than Apache RTR 4V base variant. The limited-edition bike has already been sold out.

    No
    Two Wheeler Exports
    Nov-21
    Nov-20
    Growth % YoY

    1
    Boxer
    1,25,128
    1,25,286
    -0.13

    2
    Star City
    56,885
    44,514
    27.79

    3
    Pulsar
    23,850
    32,540
    -26.71

    4
    CT
    20,224
    13,566
    49.08

    5
    Apache
    11,025
    9,115
    20.95

    6
    Discover
    10,448
    12,792
    -18.32

    7
    FZ
    9,426
    8,101
    16.36

    8
    Hunk
    9,070
    3,866
    134.61

    9
    Navi
    7,748
    4,684
    65.41

    10
    Gixxer
    6,294
    4,572
    37.66

    11
    Sport
    5,535
    4,392
    26.02

    12
    HF Deluxe
    5,006
    3,022
    65.65

    13
    Dio
    4,595
    2,248
    104.40

    14
    Platina
    4,485
    3,578
    25.35

    15
    Ray
    3,709
    1,939
    91.28

    16
    Ntorq
    3,528
    3,017
    16.94

    17
    Splendor
    3,120
    4,139
    -24.62

    18
    CB Shine
    2,960
    2,505
    18.16

    19
    Crux
    2,628
    1,766
    48.81

    20
    Meteor 350
    2,605
    251
    937.85

    21
    Burgman
    2,211
    512
    331.84

    22
    X Blade
    2,080
    2,796
    -25.61

    23
    650 Twin
    1,893
    1,779
    6.41

    24
    Raider
    1,779
    0

    25
    Dominar 400
    1,734
    2,190
    -20.82

    26
    Glamour
    1,662
    653
    154.52

    27
    BMW 310
    1,419
    512
    177.15

    28
    Classic 350
    1,375
    727
    89.13

    29
    Husqvarna 401
    1,362
    72
    1791.67

    30
    SZ
    1,336
    684
    95.32

    31
    Dream
    1,308
    1,588
    -17.63

    32
    H’Ness CB350
    1,272
    92
    1282.61

    33
    Gixxer 250
    1,264
    463
    173.00

    34
    Xpulse 200
    1,255
    1,434
    -12.48

    35
    Grazia
    1,240
    640
    93.75

    36
    KTM 125
    1,146
    378
    203.17

    37
    CB Unicorn 160
    1,104
    1,248
    -11.54

    38
    Dominar 250
    1,104
    2,100
    -47.43

    39
    Livo
    1,100
    3,300
    -66.67

    40
    KTM 200
    1,041
    942
    10.51

    41
    KTM 390
    1,036
    1,756
    -41.00

    42
    Victor
    960
    800
    20.00

    43
    Himalayan
    918
    1,004
    -8.57

    44
    KTM 250
    794
    1,123
    -29.30

    45
    CB Hornet 160R
    724
    696
    4.02

    46
    R15
    692
    280
    147.14

    47
    YD125
    600
    0

    48
    Saluto
    500
    689
    -27.43

    49
    Avenger 160
    384
    0

    50
    Husqvarna 125
    378
    0

    51
    Wego
    369
    138
    167.39

    52
    Maestro
    338
    574
    -41.11

    53
    FZ25
    220
    1,304
    -83.13

    54
    Avenger 220
    204
    192
    6.25

    55
    Alpha
    168
    112
    50.00

    56
    Vespa
    144
    359
    -59.89

    57
    Husqvarna 251
    130
    168
    -22.62

    58
    Aprilia SR150
    121
    642
    -81.15

    59
    Jupiter
    110
    12
    816.67

    60
    Vespa
    97
    221
    -56.11

    61
    Intruder
    96
    64
    50.00

    62
    MT 15
    81
    120
    -32.50

    63
    Hero Destni 125
    80
    120
    -33.33

    64
    Radeon
    80
    120
    -33.33

    65
    Husqvarna 201
    72
    114
    -36.84

    66
    RR 310
    47
    68
    -30.88

    67
    Hayate
    40
    1,032
    -96.12

    68
    CB Unicorn 150
    40
    40
    0

    69
    Hornet 2.0
    40
    0

    70
    Classic 500
    33
    828
    -96.01

    71
    Aprilia SR 125
    22
    251
    -91.24

    72
    Fascino
    1
    3
    -66.67

    73
    Duet
    0
    1,326
    -100.00

    74
    SR 50 MT
    0
    912
    -100.00

    75
    Typhoon R 50
    0
    559
    -100.00

    76
    Aviator
    0
    520
    -100.00

    77
    Activa
    0
    208
    -100.00

    78
    Lets
    0
    152
    -100.00

    79
    Bullet 500
    0
    94
    -100.00

    80
    Aprilia SR160
    0
    39
    -100.00

    81
    Saluto RX
    0
    36
    -100.00

    82
    Electra 350
    0
    15
    -100.00


    Total
    3,56,473
    3,24,694
    9.79

    Hero Hunk registers strong growth
    At number 8, Hero Hunk has registered YoY growth of 134.61%. This is the highest in top 10 in percentage terms. A total of 9,070 units were exported in November 2021, as compared to 3,866 units in November 2020. Hunk share in exports is at 2.54%. Hunk exports can grow further, as the bike was recently launched in Argentina.
    Other bikes in top 10 export list include Bajaj Discover (10,448 units), Yamaha FZ (9,426), Honda Navi (7,748) and Suzuki Gixxer (6,294). All of these have positive YoY growth in November 2021. Navi has the second highest YoY growth in top 10. Exports are up from 4,684 units in November 2020 to 7,748 units in November 2021. More

  • in

    BMW Files Odd Steering Wheel Patent for a Yoke-Like 'Steering Handle”

    U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

    With self-driving cars at least on the distant horizon, automakers are thinking of ways to change the steering wheel. BMW’s latest idea is to turn it into a steering handle that you can manipulate with one hand.A wide crossbar with two L-shaped handles on either end is the basic shape of BMW’s idea here, and the outside handles can rotate independently of how the center bar has been turned.The whole idea here is to create a smaller steering wheel, one that would allow riders in an autonomous car the ability to read a newspaper or check emails. Yay?We’ll let you make your own “reinvent the wheel” jokes. The subject is a newly discovered patent filing from BMW describing a “steering handle”—basically, a strange little yoke that feels like the next worst thing to a standard wheel. BMW envisages this new wheel/handle/yoke as something that would be used in an “at least partially autonomously driving double-track motor vehicle.” That’s patentspeak for something like a Level 3 or higher autonomous car, where a standard steering wheel would take up too much space when the car is in autonomous mode.

    BMW knows we will all want to put our books and tablets in that space where the steering wheel is now, and this is one partial solution. Specifically, BMW said in the filing that a handle like this means “as much free space as possible is to be provided for the driver . . . with the result that he/she can read a newspaper, for example, or can manage emails, for example, by means of a tablet or the like with the aid of the display unit.”As the pictures show, the overall design of the steering handle is a thick central section with a free-rotating grip on either side. BMW said in its filing that when the car is being driven autonomously, the central section of the steering handle would stay in a standard, horizontal position, “even when driving around bends.”

    It’s the way that the handle would be used by the human driver, though, that’s most interesting. We’ve seen other unusual yoke designs in cars recently—by Tesla, most famously—but BMW’s is different because of the exterior grips that can be moved clockwise in the steering wheel’s arc while your hand doesn’t change its vertical axis. So, as you move your left hand from the 9 o’clock to 12 o’clock position, it can stay with the thumb pointed upward, for example.

    BMW acknowledges that a person could steer a car that’s equipped with a handle like this single-handedly, and that even if some parts of the handle were folded in, it could still be used to maneuver the vehicle. Overall, despite how strange the grips make this yoke, the main idea here is to shrink down the steering control mechanism, which BMW has unquestionably done. The patent was first reported by CarBuzz, which also notes that the patent has been filed in China and Germany, showing that BMW is serious about claiming this kind of design, even if simply filing a patent doesn’t in any way guarantee that the subject of the patent will ever be produced.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    2022 MG ZS Electric Facelift Spied 1st Time – Tata Nexon EV Rival

    2022 MG ZS Electric SUV Spied. Image – ParthThe facelifted MG ZS EV will feature an updated exterior design in line with the recently launched European model but with different battery pack options
    A few months ago, MG Motor launched a new compact C-segment SUV named Astor which is based on the petrol version of ZS sold internationally. However, Astor is based on the facelifted ZS unlike the pre-facelift ZS EV currently on sale in India. MG Motor has been selling the electric crossover in the country since early 2020.
    MG Motor is now planning to launch a facelifted version of the ZS EV in India. A test mule of the same has been caught on camera for the first time near the company’s manufacturing facility in Halol, Gujarat. The image is credit to automotive enthusiast Parth, who shared the image via Rushlane Spylane. The prototype spotted was heavily wrapped under camouflage.
    2022 MG ZS Electric Facelift – Exterior Updated
    Since the test mule is completely covered by camouflage, it is difficult to decode the exterior design of the SUV. However, the 2022 MG ZS Electric Facelift is expected to be designed in line with Astor and the facelifted ZS EV model which made its debut in Europe three months ago. The updated exterior should feature a new hexagonal closed-off front grille with a celestial pattern flanked by sleeker LED headlamps on each side.
    Another notable difference is the reprofiled front bumper with a larger and wider air dam. That said, a crossover-ish silhouette of the current model will be carried forward to the upcoming model. The test mule is seen standing on the same set of 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels as the current ZS EV. Rear end of the crossover should be more or less similar with slightly revised LED taillamps.
    2022 MG ZS Electric SUV Spied
    Features Expected
    Interiors of the ZS EV facelift are also not likely to boast any dramatic updates. It should feature the same dashboard layout with highlights such as a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display and an updated fully digital instrument console. Other features expected to be on offer include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (both probably wireless) and MG’s i-Smart connected car technology.
    Updated Powertrain- New battery on offer
    There is still no clarity if the 2022 MG ZS Electric will receive an updated powertrain. Currently, ZS EV in India is powered by a 44.5 kWh battery pack which offers a claimed range of 419km on a single charge. This powertrain returns an output of 141 bhp and 353 Nm of peak torque. In international markets, the new ZS EV facelift is offered with two battery options- a 51kWh unit and a 72kWh unit.
    As per recent Type Approval document, MG could offer a smaller battery pack in the 2022 ZS EV which will offer a lower range but will come with a lower price tag as compared to the current model. In all probability, the updated ZS EV will now be equipped with a battery capacity of 40kWh which was revealed in the approval document leaked in August last year.
    2022 MG ZS Electric SUV Spied
    MG Motor will also offer multiple charging options in the new ZS EV facelift. Presently, a 7.4kW AC charger takes six to eight hours to get fully juiced up. On the other hand, a 50kW DC fast charger takes less than 50 minutes to juice up the battery from zero to eighty percent. Current MG ZS EV is priced from Rs 21.5 lakh for base trim and costs Rs 25.18 lakh for top trim – ex-sh prices. More

  • in

    New Yamaha FZS FI Deluxe – Detailed In First Look Walkaround

    Image – MRD VlogsIndia Yamaha Motors has launched the new FZS-Fi range under its ‘The Call of the Blue’ initiative
    Yamaha has been regularly updating the FZ motorcycle range since launch in 2008. The most recent update was this month wherein the Yamaha FZS-Fi models come in with refreshed styling along with new colour options for 2022.
    2022 Yamaha FZ-S Fi and FZS-Fi Deluxe get new features and colour options and are priced at Rs. 115,900 and Rs. 118,900 respectively. These updates are a part of the company ‘Call of the Blue’ initiative and the models will be available at company dealerships from mid-January 2022.
    New Yamaha FZS FI Deluxe Variant
    The standard Yamaha FZ-S Fi is presented in two shades of Matte Red and Matte Blue. The more premium Yamaha FZS-Fi Dlx is being offered in three colours of Metallic Black, Metallic Deep Red, Solid Grey. The two new Yamaha models also receive feature updates. On the standard FZ-S Fi, LED tail lamps are the only update.
    The new Yamaha FZS-Fi Dlx gets some added features among which are coloured alloy wheels, new graphics, dual-tone seats, LED turn indicators and tail lamp, all of which play a major part in enhancing its premium appeal. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video below, credit to MRD Vlogs.
    [embedded content]
    The two new Yamaha models also receive Bluetooth enabled Connect-X App by Yamaha offering features such as Answer Back, Locate my Vehicle, Parking Record and Hazard and Riding History. Multi-function LCD instrument cluster, lower engine guard and a tyre hugging rear mudguard are also a part of the updates.
    Yamaha FZS 2022 – Engine Specifications
    Yamaha FZS-Fi and FZS-Fi Dlx see no change in their engine lineup. They continue to get their power via the same 149cc, 2 valve, single cylinder, SOHC Blue-Core engine offering 12.4 hp power at 7,250 rpm and 13.3 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm.
    The engine gets mated to a 5 speed gearbox. Suspension and braking are via telescopic fork in the front and pre-load adjustable mono shock at the rear along with disc brakes on both wheels with dual channel ABS.
    Yamaha Price Hike Jan 2022
    In related news, Yamaha India has hiked prices across range from 1st January 2022. Yamaha has a total of seven motorcycles in India among which are FZ Fi, FZ25, FZ-X, FZ25, MT-15, R15 V4 and R15S V3 and three scooters – Fascino, RayZR and Aerox 155.
    The reasons cited for this price hike is rising cost of raw material and a new safety regulation of foot rest that has been made mandatory. The price hike is at Rs 2,000 on Yamaha R15 V4 to Rs 1,72,800 while Yamaha FZ-X is also hiked by Rs 2,000 to Rs 1,26,300. The new Fascino has received a price increase of Rs 800 to start off at Rs 73,000 while price of the new flagship scooter Aerox 155 has been increased by Rs 2,000. More