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    Citroen C3 Aircross Electric 7 Seater SUV Spied For 1st Time?

    Citroen C3 Aircross Electric Spied?When launched, Citroen eC3 Aircross could pack close to 40 kWh battery, enabling a range of around 450 km on a single chargeThe French brand hatched C-Cubed strategy to tackle the tricky Indian automotive market. This plan involved targeting mainstream segments that generate the most volumes in India and heavy localization of up to 95%. We got C3 Hatchback, its electric derivative eC3 and recently, C3 Aircross 7-seater compact SUV.At the C3 Aircross debut event, Citroen had expressed its intention of launching an electrified version of its 7-seater compact SUV. Now, Citroen seems to have commenced testing of eC3 Aircross. This will be India’s first sub Rs. 20 lakh electric 7-seater.Citroen eC3 Aircross Spied Testing?Automotive enthusiast Venkat Ram spotted this test mule in Chennai recently and shared the same on Rushlane Spylane Facebook group. In the short video, this test mule is fully draped in camouflage despite debuting already. At first glance, it looks like a regular Citroen C3 Aircross test mule.On keener inspection, we can see its battery module jutting out of its skateboard. We saw something similar in our first drive impressions of eC3. But on the eC3 hatchback, a 29.2 kWh battery module is only visible from the side and not from the rear. On the recent test mule, a battery pack is evident from the rear as well.[embedded content]This could be an indication of a larger battery spread out till the rear. So, a 40 kWh battery could be possible, considering the smaller Nexon EV Max gets a 40.5 kWh battery. The test mule dons a temporary registration plate dated 2021, which seems to be in line with Citroen’s product development as the first set of eC3 test mules are believed to be registered in 2020.What will it pack other than an electric powertrain?Everything Citroen offers on C3 Aircross and some more. For starters, Citroen eC3 Aircross will pack the same interiors as its ICE counterpart along with a drive selector and center console from eC3 Hatchback. So, a 10.2” horizontal touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital driver’s display, and steering-mounted controls will be on offer.Apart from these, roof-mounted rear AC vents, an option between seven and five seating layouts, quirky styling, swanky 17” alloy wheels, roof rails, and LED DRLs are highly likely. While at it, we hope Citroen throws in LED headlights, LED fog lamps, cruise control, keyless entry, and probably even a sunroof, considering how trendy it is in India.Launch Price Around Rs 15-20 Lakh?Hyundai is testing an electrified Creta to launch in India. It could share powertrains with Kona EV and will rival Mahindra XUV400, MG ZS EV and to some extent, the smaller Tata Nexon EV Max. Citroen eC3 Aircross will lock horns with these EVs when launched. It can offer a claimed range of about 450 km and a real-world range of 350 km.The Ace in this French car maker’s sleeve will definitely be quirky styling and 7 seats (5+2). Current eC3 hatchback costs between Rs. 11.50 lakh and Rs. 12.43 lakh. Which is around Rs. 5 lakh over its ICE counterparts. If ICE C3 Aircross starts from Rs. 8.5 to Rs. 9 lakh, eC3 Aircross is likely to cost from around Rs. 16 lakh (all prices ex-sh). More

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    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 New Spy Video – Testing Inside City

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will rival the likes of KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G310GS and upcoming Hero Xpulse 420Royal Enfield is creating a new 450cc range and the first model to be launched will be Himalayan 450. Later, other models can also be introduced such as Scram 450. Himalayan 450 will be essentially looking to fix the shortcomings of current 411cc Himalayan, all while continuing with the affordable pricing policy.Himalayan 450 was recently spotted inside the city, in what appears to be production-ready format. It indicates that the bike could be launched soon. It can be offered at a starting price of around Rs 2.5 lakh. Latest spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Hanish.Himalayan 450 Testing Inside The CityAs compared to the current model, Himalayan 450 will have improved aesthetics, new equipment and more power and torque to conquer challenging terrains. The bike will have evolved capabilities for urban streets as well. Some of the key features of Himalayan 450 include all-LED lighting, fully digital instrument console and USD front forks. As of now, none of the existing single cylinder RE bikes have these features.Other highlights of Himalayan 450 include raised front beak, a compact windscreen, upmarket switchgear, large radiator at front, rugged engine guard and new brake fluid reservoir. The bike has rally-style foot pegs for improved traction in slippery conditions. Rubber inserts will be available for foot pegs, allowing users to customize based on their riding conditions.[embedded content][embedded content]In terms of ergonomics, the bike has a fairly upright stance. While it looks just as tall as the current model, Himalayan 450 has a scooped seat that will help improve balance and handling. With the raised handlebar and elevated front section, users should be able to ride effortlessly standing up on the foot pegs. Even shorter users should not have any major issues riding Himalayan 450.Himalayan 450 performance, specsWhile official engine specs are not known, it is likely to be a liquid cooled unit. Himalayan 450 can deliver around 35 bhp of max power and 40 Nm of peak torque. In comparison, the existing Himalayan has a 411cc engine that makes 24.3 bhp and 32 Nm.Himalayan 450 can be equipped with a 6-speed gearbox. It can have benefits such as enhanced cruising capabilities, improved fuel efficiency and higher top speed. Existing Himalayan has a 5-speed gearbox and offers fuel efficiency of 33.33 kmpl.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450Himalayan 450 has USD front forks, a first for a single-cylinder Royal Enfield bike. It can get 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, the same setup used with current Himalayan. The bike has spoke wheels, with disk brakes at both ends. Dual-channel ABS is likely and switchable functionality can be available for rear wheel.With Royal Enfield’s focus on affordability, Himalayan 450 may miss out on premium features such as quick shifter, slipper and assist clutch and ride-by-wire tech. Tripper screen may not be required, as Himalayan 450’s digital instrument is likely to be equipped with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. More

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    Hyundai Creta Electric Spied While Charging Battery Pack

    Hyundai Creta Electric spied at a charging station in HaryanaThe same electric powertrain on Kona EV is likely to feature on the Hyundai Electric Creta – 327V architecture, 39.2 kWh battery, 134 bhp and 395 NmConverting ICE vehicles to EV has worked wonders in India. It is cost-effective and negates design, development and manufacturing of new vehicles. Tata follows the same strategy for its entire EV lineup. Mahindra employs a similar strategy with its XUV400, and soon to be launched XUV800.It seems like Hyundai is getting ready to offer us a new EV based on a similar strategy. Spy shots of a Creta EV on test have emerged on the internet. Considering that Creta is the best-selling Hyundai car on offer in India, it makes logical sense for them to launch an EV version of Creta. When launched, Hyundai is likely to price it from around Rs 20 lakh (ex-sh).Hyundai Electric Creta Test MuleLatest test mule of the Hyundai Creta EV was spotted in Karnal, Haryana. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Manpreet for the exclusive spy shots. In these images, we can see a Hyundai Creta EV test mule hooked up to an EV charging station.For starters, there is no camouflage. Also, Hyundai is likely to offer different front and rear bumpers to establish design differences from its ICE counterpart. Creta EV test mule donned outgoing ICE-car bumpers as of now, but the production-spec version will be highly inspired by the recently spied Creta facelift test mule.Hyundai Creta Electric spied at a charging station in HaryanaAs this is a make-shift test model, there is no proper charging port. Hence, the engineers connected the charging cable by opening the bonnet. The production model will come equipped with a charging port, likely to be in the front.Powertrains shared with outgoing Kona EV?Looking at the front charging port configuration, we can’t help but wonder whether Hyundai electric Creta shares its powertrain with Kona EV on offer in India. Hyundai’s E-GMP platform underpinning the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6 gets a charging port around the rear-right fender.If Kona EV’s powertrain is likely, we’re looking at a 327V architecture, 39.2 kWh battery coupled with a 134 bhp and 395 Nm electric motor. Hyundai claims 452 km of range on a single charge with Kona EV. Hyundai Creta Electric could have very similar power output and range specs.Hyundai Creta EV battery pack can be seen protruding in the spy shotOn the inside, it will be feature loaded with tech and safety. We’re talking about a panoramic sunroof, powered driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, a large infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital driver’s display, 6 airbags, ADAS features among others. When launched, it will rival the likes of MG ZS EV, Mahindra XUV400 and Nexon EV Max. More

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    Hero Passion XPro Spied During TVC Shoot – Is It For India?

    Global offering Passion XPro spotted shooting commercial in IndiaHero Passion XPro on sale in Bangladesh is powered by a 109.15cc engine – Different from India-spec Passion’s 113.2cc engine
    A new Hero motorcycle has been spied in India, while it was out for a TVC shoot. It is a Hero Passion XPro. This motorcycle is on sale in a few global markets like Bangladesh. There, Hero offers two colours, Techno Blue and Sports Red. Base coat is grey and gets Blue or Red decals depending on its colour.
    The one spotted in India is in a Techno Blue shade. Hero offers Passion XPro the exact same front fascia of India-spec Passion XTEC. Even its ‘H’ shaped LED signature is identical too and lends a modern and techy appeal.
    Hero Passion XPro Spied
    Hero has offered extended tank shrouds. Design is sleek and slender, lending it an athletic appeal. At the rear, there is an all-new tail light which has no similarities with the Indian 110cc lineup. Hero’s proprietary XTEC suite with a fully digital instrument console and Bluetooth connectivity are notable elements.
    We can spot similar componentry between Hero’s 110cc lineup in India and recently spotted Hero Passion XPro. Except for its engine. Which is a 109.15cc unit, completely different from India-spec 113.2cc motor. The same 109.15cc engine was on offer on Passion XPro on sale in India, which didn’t make the BS6 P1 transition in 2020.
    Top – Passion XPro, Middle – Passion XPro Bangladesh-spec, Bottom – India-spec Passion Pro
    In the picture, we can see that the India-spec 113.2 cc engine (below) has a larger heat jacket and even looks more substantial and fuller than Passion XPro’s 109.15cc engine (above). The recently spotted Passion XPro in India is equipped with the older 109.15cc engine which didn’t make the BS6 P1 transition and not the BS6 P2-compliant 113.2cc engine.
    Hero Passion XPro spied in India during TVC shoot
    Also, Hero offers older engines in a few markets. For example, Hero still makes a 150cc Hunk and exports it with an identical engine we used to get close to a decade ago. It is likely that Hero MotoCorp is shooting an advert for Passion XPro in India to market it in another country. This is a common practice and many India-spec vehicles get their adverts shot elsewhere too.
    100cc Motorcycles rule the market
    Analysing the Indian budget commuter segment, most action lies in 100cc space. Hero’s own 110cc motorcycles don’t make as much buzz as their 100cc offerings. For example, Passion is exclusively (as of now) a brand for 110cc offerings in Hero’s lineup.
    In March 2023, Passion line sold just 4,640 units, while Splendor range accounted for 2,88,605 units (most of them 100cc) and 56,290 units of 100cc HF lineup. Even the 125cc Glamour line sold 8,512 units. As we recently saw with Passion Plus 100, Hero is actually diversifying its 100cc portfolio. Which is where all the action is currently lying. Even Honda recognised this and has launched Shine 100.
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    New KTM Duke 390 Fully Spied – LED Headlight, Tail Light, Alloys

    New KTM Duke 390 Spied. Images – MotorradWith refreshed looks and new componentry, next-gen KTM 390 Duke has achieved a sportier profile in comparison to the current model
    Next-gen KTM 390 Duke has been spotted in production-ready format, indicating towards its launch in coming months. The last time the bike had received a major overhaul was back in 2017, when the BS4 version was launched. In the next stage of its evolution, the bike packs in a new colour scheme, more pronounced bodywork and updated cycle parts.
    New KTM 390 Duke is likely to debut first in international markets, before being launched in India. It will continue to rival the likes of Kawasaki Z400 and BMW G310R. With the new equipment, prices are likely to be bumped up. The current model is available at a starting price of Rs 2.97 lakh.
    Next-gen KTM 390 Duke – what’s new
    Visual updates for new-gen KTM 390 Duke include a new colour theme, based on the larger capacity 1290 Super Duke R. Introducing blue shade to the mix ensures a more dynamic profile for the bike.
    The current model is available in colour options of Dark Galvano and Liquid Metal. Both these are largely a mix of black and KTM’s signature orange shade. The blue and white shade used in the new colour scheme helps moderate the bike’s aggressive stance; achieving affable overtones.
    New KTM Duke 390 Spied
    At front, next-gen KTM 390 Duke gets a new LED headlight. It is a leaner unit that does away with the plastic shrouds seen with current model. Switchgear and TFT dash are new as well, indicating that the bike could be equipped with IMU. It will enable new features such as traction control and cornering ABS. Other updates include a reworked swingarm and refreshed tail light. It is wearing orange alloys.
    New KTM Duke 390 Spied
    Design of the fuel tank and tank extensions have been updated for a more muscled look and feel. Tank extensions get cut-outs and refreshed grooves, which are likely there for improving aerodynamics and engine cooling. Change in fuel tank design could result in a change in fuel storage capacity. Existing KTM 390 Duke can store 13.4-litres of fuel.
    Next-gen KTM 390 Duke – New hardware
    Some of the updates that are clearly evident include new design for the engine casing and reworked exhaust routing. The coolant reservoir has been relocated and an O2 sensor has been placed on the exhaust header pipe. What is not known at this point of time is whether the bike’s engine will get a performance boost or if it will come with higher displacement. In its current format, KTM 390 Duke is equipped with a 373.27 cc, liquid cooled engine. It generates 43.5 PS of max power and 37 Nm of peak torque.
    New KTM Duke 390 Spied
    Another significant update is adjustable front forks, as evident with the adjusters attached to fork caps. However, this feature could be exclusively for export markets. Made-in-India smaller capacity KTM bikes are meant for both domestic and export markets. It is possible that adjustable front suspension could be offered as an optional feature with new 390 Duke in India.
    Next-gen 390 Duke has an offset monoshock suspension, which could be adjustable for rebound and preload. Something similar is already available with existing RC 390. Braking hardware for new 390 Duke has also been updated. As compared to the current model, the disc and calliper are mounted on the right-hand side.

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    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Inching Towards Launch – New Spy Shots

    New Himalayan 450 Liquid-cooled EngineThe 450cc liquid-cooled engine on Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is expected to develop 35 bhp power and 40 Nm torque
    Royal Enfield is expanding its portfolio to include a new 450cc lineup. The first of which is likely to be Himalayan 450, followed by Scram 450 at a later date. Both these motorcycles will sit above the current 411cc Himalayan and Scram lineup. Royal Enfield’s new 450cc platform is likely to be in final testing stages.
    This new 450cc motor will throw powerful jabs against fast-paced rivals like BMW G 310 GS and current 390 Adventure and upcoming 2024 KTM 390 Adventure. Another rival will be the upcoming Hero Xpulse 420. Recent spy shots reveal most of the componentry and hardware offered by Royal Enfield. Let’s take a look.
    The beefy Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
    After Classic 350 Bobber test mules, we get to witness Himalayan 450 testing as well. For starters, Royal Enfield has used hard cladding instead of wraps or soft cladding to camouflage its upcoming motorcycle. It reminds me of creative improv masks from Covid-19 pandemic era. Except for that, there are a lot of firsts associated with this upcoming motorcycle.
    Himalayan 450 is the first single-cylinder motorcycle from the company to get LED headlights, LED turn indicators, USD front forks, and a fully digital instrument cluster among others. Other 350cc and 411cc motorcycles from Royal Enfield miss out on these features. In terms of powertrain-related firsts, Himalayan 450 will be the first single-cylinder bike to get a liquid-cooling setup and rumoured to get a 6-speed gearbox.
    New Himalayan 450 Digital Console
    To keep costs in check, Royal Enfield is unlikely to offer ride-by-wire, slip and assist clutch, quick shifter and the likes. That said, dual-channel ABS with switchable functionality at the rear wheel is highly probable. Allowing fast-paced rear wheel turns and associated fun. The fully digital instrument cluster can get navigation and Bluetooth functionality built-in, negating the need for a Tripper screen.
    A large radiator at front, upmarket switchgear, a new sump guard, grippy off-road foot pegs with removable rubber, and a new brake fluid reservoir are notable elements. Royal Enfield isn’t offering fins on the engine for the retro vibe as Jawa Adventure does. The test mule looks production ready.
    Performance, handling, price, rivals
    Exact figures for the new 450cc engine are not yet out. 35 bhp of power and 40 Nm of torque are likely figures. Rider’s triangle is fairly comfortable with an upright riding position. Standing and riding should be easy as well. The rumoured sixth gear will offer better long-leggedness, sitting at lower engine speeds at higher vehicle speeds.
    New Himalayan 450 USD Forks
    The front wiser looks like it offers decent wind protection, and seats look comfy enough as well. We would have liked wire-spoke wheels with tubeless tires. But that is not the case. Front 19” and rear 17” wheel sizes could be similar to Himalayan 411 as well. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 prices could be around Rs. 2.5 lakh. Launch expected early next year. More

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    Royal Enfield Classic 350 Bobber Spied – Single Seat, White Tyre Wall

    Royal Enfield Classic 350 Bobber SpiedRE Classic 350 Bobber will rival the Jawa Bobber and Perak – Launch expected in coming months
    Royal Enfield has an impressive 350cc portfolio based on their new gen J-series platform. We have the Classic 350, Meteor 350 and Hunter 350 motorcycles. There is scope for portfolio expansion as revealed in Royal Enfield’s annual report. At least two more motorcycles will be launched on the J series platform. These are Bullet 350 and Classic 350 Bobber.
    Royal Enfield already offers a Classic 350 with a single seat. But they are also working on a Bobber 350, based on Classic 350 which will get slightly more changes. The first-ever RE Classic 350 Bobber test mule has now been spied on test in Chennai. Thanks to automotive enthusiast Prabhu for sharing these exclusive spy shots. From the image, we can see almost everything that is different from the current Classic 350.
    Royal Enfield Classic 350 Bobber Spied
    Classic 350 is the highest selling RE. It almost touched 25K units sales mark last month. The main draw for this motorcycle it excels in the balancing act. It has a perfect amount of old-world panache, modern tech and riding dynamics. With the Bobber, Royal Enfield is hoping to retain much of it. As such, there are no changes to design and body panels.
    Wheelbase looks the same as the C350. Thus retaining the ride and handling behaviour of Classic 350. New blackened and beefier exhaust, a new taller handlebar, blackened ORVMs, blackened wire-spoke rims, teal-walled tyres and rear tail lights and indicators from Super Meteor 650 are the only changes we can spot.
    Royal Enfield 350cc platform launch plans
    LED headlight from Super Meteor is expected. The recent test mule was seen wearing emission testing equipment with the new exhaust, which looks like a larger unit as compared to current Classic 350. Exhaust tip is much larger in aperture and could unlock a bass-heavy aural experience.
    Royal Enfield Classic 350 Bobber vs Classic 350 Single seat
    The handlebar is tall and reminds of custom Choppers from the West. It enables an upright seating position and a relaxed rider’s triangle. Single seat looks good enough to provide optimum comfort. The 349cc air/oil-cooled engine will generate 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm, coupled with a 5-speed gearbox. A dual-channel ABS could be standard.
    The Bobber space in India to get a new champion?
    We would have liked an extended wheelbase. Because that is what makes a Bobber, a Bobber. Both Jawa Perak and 42 Bobber perfectly encapsulate this with a 1,485 mm wheelbase. If RE Bobber 350 gets the 1,390 mm wheelbase, which is same as seen on Classic 350, it could come off as a regular Classic 350 with an aftermarket exhaust and handlebar.
    Jawa Bobber price is Rs. 2,09,187 (ex-sh). RE Classic 350 Bobber prices are expected to be in a similar range. Launch is expected later this year. Upon launch it will rival Jawa Bobber and Perak, which offers a more performant engine (30.2 bhp and 32.7 Nm), liquid-cooling setup, 6-speed gearbox, fatter rear tyres and that quintessential Bobber look, among others.  More

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    2024 KTM 390 Duke Leaks Ahead Of Launch – New Colour, Details

    With new 390 Duke, KTM is eyeing to provide a balance between city commutes, highway rides and the track racing2024 KTM 390 Duke
    With a price tag of Rs. 3.2 lakh, one might argue that KTM 390 Duke is not at all value for money. If you look at it to commute from point A to B, yes. It is not a good value for the price. But motorcycles like 390 Duke are not just about getting to point B, it is all about the way it gets there.
    With exceptional power : weight ratio and price : performance ratio, KTM 390 Duke is in a league of its own. This is the bike’s main draw. For 90% of the world’s motorcycle enthusiasts, this is capable of being the only motorcycle in their garage. KTM has revamped this pocket-friendly rocket and ahead of the official launch, first photos have leaked online.
    2024 KTM 390 Duke Leaks
    This is not the first time a new 390 Duke is spotted. We have seen camouflaged test mules regularly. But this is the first time that an undisguised photo of the new gen Duke 390 has been shared. This sheds new light on the motorcycle allowing us to get a better understanding of the design and equipment on offer.
    Even though the design has seen some changes, it still looks unmistakably like a KTM product. 2024 Duke 390 is sporting orange-coloured wheels with blue colour shade on the tank. KTM might offer white wheel colour, depending on a multitude of colourways. The next obvious design change is the subframe. It looks like it was heavily inspired by its bigger siblings like 790 or 890 Duke.
    2024 KTM 390 Duke
    Alloy wheels and front disc rotors are new. Rotors are now mounted directly to the alloy wheels. Calipers are radially mounted too. WP USD front forks are likely to be retained. Engine casing is new too, which is a clear indication of a new engine architecture.
    Earlier spy shots revealed that the swingarm is new, rear suspension duties are now tasked to an off-set mono-shock unit and there is a new tail light design. Other notable features include an underbelly exhaust, sharper headlight design, and large angular tank shrouds that extend to the front suspension giving it a lot of muscle to flex on its competition.
    2024 KTM 390 Duke – Price & Launch
    The new KTM 390 Duke is expected to displace close to 373 cc as before. It will be a single-cylinder oil-cooled unit making around 45 bhp and 40 Nm of torque as opposed to the outgoing model’s 42.9 bhp and 37 Nm. Weight can go up slightly as opposed to the 172 kg of the outgoing model.
    The 390 Duke is a very popular motorcycle around the world. New 390 Duke is expected to pack in an even more impressive power : weight ratio than before. We also expect improved electronics and driver aids along with a quick shifter, a larger fuel tank, improved traction, larger brakes, new infotainment display with more features, etc. When launched, it will compete with BMW G310R and Honda CB300R. Launch is likely to happen in the coming months. 2024 KTM Duke 390 prices are likely to remain same as current 390 Duke, in the Rs 3.2 lakh ex-sh range.
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