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    New Toyota bZ3 Electric Sedan Spied In Production Ready Guise

    Toyota bZ3 seems to borrow its design inspirations from its elder sibling bZ4X and also Hydrogen-powered MiraiNew Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanbZ series is Toyota’s electric vehicle family that means “beyond Zero”. Toyota has even announced that it will launch fifteen EVs in its global lineup. Out of these fifteen, seven will be launched under this bZ family. Toyota has big ambitions with this new bZ series of EVs.First of the bunch is called bZ4X which could be generalized as an electrified RAV4. It was not a bad thing given RAV4’s immense popularity in North American, South American, European, Middle-Eastern and even Asian countries. Since the crossover part is covered, it was time for a sedan under bZ series.In that regard, we now get the first ever pictures of bZ3 from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Toyota bZ3 electric sedan is based on bZ SDN concept that was showcased last year. The vehicle in the pictures looks production ready and is largely similar to bZ SDN concept. Let’s take a closer look.Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanWhile bZ4X was developed in collaboration with Subaru and sourced its battery from GAC, Toyota has collaborated with BYD for bZ3 electric sedan. For starters, Toyota bZ3 electric sedan can be generalised as an electric version of company’s Corolla sedan like RAV4 was to bZ4X. bZ3’s headlights and LED light bar are somewhat similar to bZ4X. bZ3 also gets large side windows for a spacious and airy feel.New Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanComing to the side, bZ3 gets an interesting window line that rises near its C-pillar. It doesn’t look as neat as a German sedan would. But, okay. bZ3 also gets a lot of design cues from Toyota’s Hydrogen-powered Mirai too, especially with side profile. Highlights include flush door handles and aerodynamic wheels both of which contribute to a low drag coefficient.At the rear, things spruce up quite a bit. Toyota bZ3 electric sedan gets a wide LED bar working as its taillights that runs across the width and ends in a Y pattern at both ends. Some pictures also show a white and black dual-tone paint scheme that looks decent. For now, bZ3 is set to be China exclusive and it is not yet known as to which markets get it apart from China.Powertrain By BYDToyota bZ3 electric sedan sits on the company’s e-TNGA platform. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries for this vehicle are sourced by BYD and its subsidiary Fudi Industrial. This company pioneers the blade-style cells for BYD products. The size of this is not yet known, though. bZ3 is likely to be offered only in RWD configuration. It will be made available with either a 181 bhp motor in lower-spec trims or a 240 bhp motor in top-spec trims.New Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanAlong with battery, interiors are also not known yet. But it is speculated that Toyota bZ3 electric sedan will get a similar portrait-styled touchscreen, a digital instrument console and an optional steering yoke as bZ4X gets. More details will be unraveled when bZ3 will be officially revealed at Guangzhou Auto Show in November. More

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    Mahindra XUV400 Electric Sunroof Spied – New Spy Shots

    Mahindra XUV400 is likely to get high-energy-dense NMC cells from LG Chem to rival LFP cells on Nexon EVMahindra XUV400 Electric SpiedMahindra is on the rise to establish itself as India’s leading EV manufacturer. They unveiled 5 electric SUV concepts last month. Each one is set to make a lot more bang than the other. Mahindra basically wants to rain EVs with its strategic partnership with VW to license their proprietary scalable MEB EV architecture.The fruits of this partnership though, will maybe ripen in 2023 and later. But in the meantime, Mahindra can’t just let Tata eat the EV cake by itself as Nexon EV accounts to 85% of 4W EV segment. In that light, we will see the reveal of XUV400 Electric based on SsangYong Tivoli’s original dimensions of 4.2m. Latest spy shots confirm the presence of a sunroof.Mahindra XUV400 Electric SunroofIn the previous teaser, we got to see a brief glimpse of XUV400 Electric’s front fascia. That’s it. As we said, it was brief. But looking at that teaser, it could be instantly deduced that it was similar to XUV300 Electric concept that was showcased at 2020 Auto Expo. It has a similar headlight design and also gets boomerang-shaped LED DRLs that look nice.The main highlight of this teaser is XUV400’s profile. It retains Ssangyong Tivoli’s original 4.2m length which was reduced to fit a 4m constraint to fit it into B-segment. But EVs don’t benefit from this hack at all. Hence, the retained dimensions. With a 4.2m length, XUV400 Electric comes off as a much more proportionate and handsome design.[embedded content][embedded content]This length also allows Mahindra to offer a larger boot which was the Achilles Heal of XUV300. 17” wheels are also likely to be carried over from XUV300. Another missing feature on XUV300 was rear AC vents which is also likely to be offered with XUV400 Electric. Latest spy video from PowerStroke PS confirms the presence of a sunroof in the new Electric XUV400.Specs & PricingThe MEB platform sourced from VW named INGLO will not be offered with XUV400. But all five EVs that Mahindra showcased on August 15th, will be based on this new platform. XUV400 Electric is likely to get NMC cells sourced from LG Chem and are considered superior to LFP cells that are used on its stark rival Nexon EV Prime and Nexon EV Max.We can expect around 150 bhp of power along with 400 km of claimed range and 300 km of real-world range from around 40 to 45 kWh battery pack. But Mahindra being Mahindra, we can expect a tonne of features too. We’re talking about a large touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a sunroof, wireless phone charger, ADAS features, dual-zone climate control, 7 airbags and a lot more.There are also speculations about two battery pack options like we have with Nexon EV. XUV400 is likely to slot between Nexon EVs and MG ZS EV. Pricing can be in the ballpark of Rs. 15 to 20 lakh (ex-sh). Nexon EV Max is priced from Rs 18.34 lakh to Rs 19.84 lakh. Whereas, MG ZS EV is priced from Rs 21.99 lakh. More details will be unveiled on 8th September. More

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    New Volkswagen Electric Car Spied Near Pune – 2023 Launch?

    VW ID.4 could get different powertrain options with a RWD or an AWD variant when launched in IndiaNew Volkswagen Electric Car Spied – ID.4 GTXVolkswagen was in the news recently as it is providing a license to Mahindra for its proprietary MEB platform. Mahindra calls it the INGLO platform and the five electric cars that were showcased on August 15th, will be based on this platform. Mahindra is the second customer for Volkswagen for their MEB platform after Ford.But Volkswagen also seems to be eyeing the growing EV popularity in India. If they are supplying Mahindra with MEB components in India, they might as well launch a vehicle with that very platform in India that might set a precedent for future OEMs that might source MEB platforms from Volkswagen Groups.In that regard, we have seen Skoda Enyaq iV 80X variant with 77 kWh battery undergoing testing on road in Pune, Maharashtra. But now, we also have spotted VW ID.4 GTX that also gets the same 77 kWh battery too. Let’s take a look.New Volkswagen Electric Car SpiedRecently spotted, the ID.4 GTX is the high-performance variant. ID.4 looks just like the rest of Volkswagen’s ID lineup. It is based on VW’s ID Crozz concept that was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. It is currently manufactured in Chattanooga, USA and also in China outside Germany.New Volkswagen Electric Car Spied – ID.4 GTXThe GTX variant that is spotted in India is instantly recognisable with its red shade with its interesting dual-tone alloy wheels. These wheels are 20” though which is a size larger than Skoda Enyaq’s 19”. Volkswagen always positions itself as the premium offering above Skoda and below Audi. Speaking of Audi, Q4 e-tron is also the same car underneath too along with Skoda Enyaq.New Volkswagen Electric Car Spied – ID.4 GTXBoth VW ID.4 GTX and Skoda Enyaq iV 80X are spotted testing in India completely undisguised. Imports are generally not camouflaged while testing, as we saw with the ID.4’s rival Kia EV6. But that generally doesn’t mean that a launch is imminent. Manufacturers might also be testing only some of their components or their powertrain.Mahindra’s INGLO platform is based on VW’s MEB global scalable platform. This platform also underpins VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq too. It is likely that they are testing this platform for Indian conditions with both these test mules.New Volkswagen Electric Car Spied – ID.4 GTXSpecs & PricingBecause they’re imports, we’re likely to only get top-spec trims like GTX on ID.4 and 80X on Enyaq. VW ID.4 GTX gets a 77 kWh battery pack that is capable of dishing out 302 bhp. Claimed range is 418 km for North American markets and 522 km in WLTP cycle. ID.4 is 4,584mm long and has 2,765mm of wheelbase. Which makes it roughly the size of Harrier and the likes. ID.5 is a coupe variant of ID.4 and is slightly longer.Volkswagen Electric Car ID.4 GTX is likely to get the same set of features that the global model gets. When launched, ID.4 GTX will rival Kia EV6, recently launched Volvo XC40 Recharge and upcoming Ioniq 5 along with ID.4’s Czech cousin Enyaq (if launched). Right now, we have Tata Nexon EV that tops the charts while XUV400 Electric is set to debut on September 8th.  More

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    New Bajaj Electric Rickshaw, Electric 3W Cargo – Spied Testing

    Bajaj Auto has a wide range of products in its portfolio like 2W, 3W, electric scooters and a lot moreBajaj Electric Rickshaw SpiedIndian automotive giant, Bajaj Auto is one of the largest 3W manufacturer in the world in terms of sales volumes. In India though, Bajaj is the undisputed champ in 3W segment. If we look at sales charts, Bajaj sold 13,016 units in July 2022 while Piaggio which is currently the second highest-selling 3W manufacturer in India, only sold 4,164 units in the same time.But a new breed of 3W rickshaws are on the rise and Bajaj being the absolute giant of this segment, can’t ignore its potential. We’re talking about electric 3W rickshaw segment that is gaining popularity by the day, owing to rising fuel prices. So, what is Bajaj’s answer to this demand? Let’s find that out.Bajaj RE EV 283 Electric RickshawWe have seen multiple test mules of Bajaj’s electric rickshaws dating as far as 2018. While players like YC Electric Vehicle and Mahindra have been clocking over 2,000 unit sales each per month as seen in sales charts, Bajaj is taking its sweet time to bring out RE EV series of electric 3W.Bajaj RE EV had also received type approval by NCT Delhi in 2020 but its launch was delayed due to Covid-19-related delays. But new test mule for rickshaw has EV 283 sticker on it suggesting that this is an updated model to RE EV. While the same sticker is not visible on RE EV Cargo. Spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Bhargav Mhatre.Bajaj RE EV 283 Front2020 NCT-approved Bajaj RE EV measured 1,714mm in length, 1,350mm in width, 1,772mm height and has a wheelbase of 2,010mm. RE EV has a gross weight of 732 kgs and the rickshaw can seat four people including the driver while Cargo will only seat the driver.Newly spied Bajaj RE EV 283 seems like the same vehicle and might retain the dimensions. But 283 badging on spotted rickshaw suggests that it gets a new battery with a longer range than RE EV from 2020. Bajaj RE EV gets power from a 4.3 kW electric motor. A top speed of 42 km/h can be maintained for 30 minutes. Also, the company is testing a cargo version of the same that is likely to be called Maxima Electric. It is likely to launch alongside its rickshaw counterpart.Specs & LaunchWhile exact battery specifications are not known, RE EV 283 seems to get a larger battery than 2020’s RE EV. It is still placed in driver’s compartment, though. Driver still has to sit on this battery like on RE EV 2020.Bajaj Electric Three Wheeler CargoLooking at the competition, YC Electric Vehicle products top the charts. But are not proper rickshaws and get a barebones platform for cost efficiency. Mahindra Treo Electric, however, is a proper electric rickshaw and has a claimed range of 141 km on a single charge. If Bajaj electric rick delivers higher range on a single charge, it would be better for inter-city operations. Higher range also benefits the cargo version of RE EV too.Pune and Bengaluru might be the first cities to get Bajaj RE EV 283 and RE EV Cargo as earlier RE EVs test mule spottings were more frequent there. But now, Bajaj might launch it nationwide in 2023. Pricing might see a slight jump from Mahindra Treo if it has a longer range. More

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    RE Bobber 650, Himalayan 450 Spied Together – Cruising At 100+ Kmph

    New products like Bobber 650 and Himalayan 450 will help Royal Enfield maintain its dominance in middleweight motorcycle segmentRoyal Enfield Bobber 650 and Himalayan 450 spied togetherEven with more than 85% market share in middleweight segment, Royal Enfield doesn’t seem to be infected by a complacency bug. On the contrary, the Chennai-based manufacturer is working aggressively by launching new products at regular intervals. This approach has become all the more necessary with availability of new rival products such as those launched by the likes of Honda, Jawa, Yezdi and TVS. In the future, Royal Enfield is likely to face new challengers from Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj as well.Over the next five years, Royal Enfield will be launching an average of one new product every quarter. Things seem to be going as per plans so far, as Scram 411 and Hunter 350 have already been launched this year. Other upcoming Royal Enfield bikes include Himalayan 450 and Bobber 650, which were recently spotted on road test by happinessperkm.Himalayan 450 featuresHimalayan 450 has undergone some major transformations, helping achieve a design that’s a lot more pleasing to the eyes. As compared to the sharp profile used for Himalayan 411, new Himalayan has a more rounded appearance. While Himalayan 411 is hard to miss on the streets, new Himalayan 450 has a more agreeable design that can easily blend in the crowded streets.Another key change can be seen in the design of racks, which also get a rounded appearance. Rear racks seem to be missing on the test mule, which indicates that some of these components could be made optional. They could be offered as an accessory via the company’s MIY personalization platform. It makes sense, as not everyone may be planning long-distance touring on Himalayan 450.[embedded content][embedded content]Other changes that are evident include new fuel tank design, single-piece saddle, compact exhaust and longer front beak. Retro bits are largely the same such as round headlamp and rear view mirrors and wire-spoke wheels. Most significant upgrade will be the new 450cc motor, which is likely to generate around 40 bhp of max power and 45 Nm of peak torque.Bobber 650 featuresFor wide open roads, Royal Enfield Bobber 650 seems like the perfect cruising machine. Its large size exudes powerful vibes and the bulk keeps it firmly planted on the tarmac. Even when cruising at high speeds, absolutely no turbulence or vibrations are noticeable. Some key features of Bobber 650 include round headlamp and rear view mirrors, classic tear-drop shaped fuel tank, single-piece seat, dual chrome exhaust, broad rear mudguard and circular tail lamp and turn signals.Bobber 650 is equipped with dual instrument dials, something similar to that of Meteor 350. The smaller unit on the right is likely to be Tripper navigation screen. The bike has a comfortable riding stance with pulled back handlebar and forward-set footpegs. USD forks at front will make the rides a lot safer. While the test mule does not have a visor, it could be offered as an accessory.Powering Bobber 650 will be the 648cc parallel twin motor that makes 47.5 PS and 52 Nm. It is mated to a constant mesh 6-speed transmission. It is possible that some engine retuning may be done in line with Bobber 650’s cruising needs. The bike is expected to be launched at a price of around Rs 3 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh. More

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    2023 TVS Apache 160cc Spied For First Time – New Exhaust, Features

    TVS Apache RTR 160 is already the most powerful bike in the segment and is very performant with TVS’ racing pedigree2023 TVS Apache 160ccEver since the updates Apache RTR 160 4V received last year, TVS Motor has been quiet for a while. But now, the company seems to be making some noise again in the form of 2023 Apache RTR 4V. It is one of the most performance-oriented machines in this segment and given TVS’ racing pedigree, it is quite a sporty boy in its segment.The 160cc motorcycle segment is one of the hottest right now as we are witnessing more and more entrants. This segment offers a decent balance between 150cc and 180cc segments. Manufacturers are taking advantage of this segment’s potential to the fullest by launching more products. But OG players of this segment have to better themselves to stay in the game.2023 TVS Apache 160cc SpiedStaying relevant in the segment is exactly what TVS seems to be doing. 2023 Apache RTR 160 4V seems to be following this principle and is likely to get minor changes. In terms of design, Apache RTR 160 4V is a good-looking machine except for its face. Headlight design looks like the face of a Decepticon who’s angry at the bottom and happy at the top with smiling eyebrows.Except for that, though, everything else is bang on the money. It has the right amount of funky, sporty and also maturity about it. Same design will be carried over to 2023 Apache RTR 160 4V as well. In terms of changes, not a lot has changed. Okay, nothing has changed apart from a new exhaust.2023 TVS Apache 160cc – New ExhaustBut there are speculations in place that it might be a prototype exhaust and production model will get the same exhaust unit as outgoing model does. But 2023 TVS Apache 160 can also get this exact exhaust which might be more of a free-flow design. The changes likely are in engine. The outgoing model has a screamer of an engine and lacks a bottom-end punch. So, with tuning and tweaking the engine slightly, TVS can easily fix that. Also likely are the same set of colours too, a Matte Black and Racing Red.Specs & Features2023 TVS Apache 160 will get the same features like ride modes namely Urban, Sport, and Rain. It will also get a gear shift indicator, a radial rear tyre, GTT (Glide Through Traffic), a one-touch start and a wave bite ignition key. It’s instrument console is equipped with TVS’ SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity system that offers a wide range of features too.Engine will still be the same 159.7cc single-cylinder engine producing 17.39 bhp and a peak torque of 14.73 Nm. It is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. 2023 model will get a slightly different character, though. Suspension units are the same telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at its rear.With the recent launch of Bajaj Pulsar N160, and incredibly agile Hero Xtreme 160R, this is a tough segment. Apart from the above, 2023 TVS Apache 160cc will also compete with Pulsar NS160, and Honda X-Blade. With new model, we can also expect a slight price hike too. As changes are negligible, a launch is likely in coming months.Source More

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    Upcoming Hero 300cc Motorcycles Spied Up Close – New Spy Shots

    Hero MotoCorp seems to be launching 300 cc versions of all of its current 200 cc bikesUpcoming Hero Motorcycles 300cc segmentHero has been synonymous with budget commuters in India crashing sales charts month after month like a pawn in a chess game. But at the upper end of its price spectrum, Hero doesn’t enjoy much action like say, Royal Enfield enjoys. Currently, Hero has XPulse 200 off-roader, 200T tourer which will soon get a 4V head and Xtreme 200S.It is not that Hero doesn’t know how to make faired bikes or ADVs. Hero had the Karizma ZMR on which Hritik Roshan nullifies a freaking tornado with a 20 bhp bike weighing 157 kg. I mean, it was corny. But hey, we’re Indians and we love corny stuff.Hero also had the brilliant Impulse 150 ADV with 245mm ground clearance. With XPulse 200, Hero has taken its off-roading game literally a notch above with recently launched Rally Edition. So, they have a pedigree and with the upcoming 300cc platform, Hero is likely to shine bright. Also, Hero gets its pricing spot on, pretty much every time and a vast dealer network with maintenance costing peanuts doesn’t hurt either.Upcoming Hero 300cc MotorcyclesWhen Hero launched its 200cc platform, XPulse 200 off-roader rose to fame instantly owing to its brilliance. 200T tourer and Xtreme 200S didn’t receive much love from Indians as they were not as appealing as the former. But with 300cc platform Hero should work on making all three products equally appealing.Upcoming Hero Motorcycles 300cc segmentLast time, we saw three Hero motorcycles on test which was just two before. New set of spy shots also has three test mules and confirms that Hero is set to launch XPulse 300 Off-roader, 300T dual-sport and Xtreme 300S sport bike. Hero’s developments come at a time when mid-size segment is seeing steady growth with Royal Enfield leading the sales charts.Currently, XPulse 200T gets alloy wheels and mostly looks like a naked bike. But looking at the XPulse 300T, it seems to get a bikini fairing like we saw with Bajaj AS series and also a small front beak. It gets spoked wheels instead of alloys on 200T and gets block pattern tyres that are fatter than XPulse 300 off-roader. It also seems to get a stubby exhaust which is a lot smaller than XPulse 300 off-roader.Coming to the star of this show, we have an XPulse 300 off-roader which is what I’d bet my money on. It gets a split seat layout and looks like a much more substantial product in terms of size. It also seems to get a space frame like Himalayan to mount jerry cans. The tyres are skinnier than 300T and are visually a much taller machine. But the front wheel doesn’t look to be 21” as seen on XPulse 200. It might just be the angle in the picture, though. Take a look at the spy video below, credited to Unboxing Oneself.[embedded content][embedded content]Xtreme 300S Sports BikeComing to Xtreme 300S, it seems to embody the spirit of Karizma ZMR instead of 200S. We say this because Karizma ZMR was a thicc boi with a fat fairing. It was disproportionate from most angles too. 300S has a big fairing too, but it doesn’t look disproportionate as the bigger platform gets fatter wheels and other components. It is the only one to get alloy wheels too.When it comes to similarities between all three test mules, they have a few. For starters, let’s cover ‘first for a Hero’ components which are a trellis frame, a 300cc engine with around 30 bhp and 25 Nm, a 6-speed gearbox, liquid cooling, and front USD forks, to name a few. Other notable updates include a larger and squarish display for instrumentation and we can expect slightly better switchgear too. All three of these bikes will lock horns with similar motorcycles from TVS, Bajaj, Royal Enfield, Jawa, Yezdi and more. More

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    New Bajaj Pulsar Spied Testing – Is It 125cc Or 150cc ?

    After launching biggest 250cc Pulsar and new-gen N160, Bajaj is in the process of introducing similar design aesthetics across the Pulsar rangeNew Bajaj Pulsar N125 or New 150cc?It is likely that the next in line to get cosmetic updates and possibly some performance boost will be the bestselling Pulsar motorcycles. In that sense, the preferred candidates will be Pulsar 125 and Pulsar 150. As of now, more than 80% of overall Pulsar motorcycle sales are contributed by smaller capacity Pulsar 125 and Pulsar 150. The former is the largest contributor with more than 50% share in Pulsar sales.A test mule spotted recently can be seen with front and rear disc brakes. This increases the likelihood of Pulsar 150. As compared to existing Pulsar 150 that has dual gas filled rear shock absorber, the test mule can be seen with monoshock rear suspension.This feature is already available with NS125. Another key difference can be seen in the underbelly exhaust, as compared to a standard-looking upswept exhaust used with current Pulsar 150.New Pulsar N125 and Pulsar 150 featuresWhile test mules of N125 / new-gen Pulsar 150 have been spotted wearing heavy camouflage, it is easy to notice that the core design language is similar to Pulsar 250 and N160. Some of the key features include aggressive headlamp design, sporty rear view mirrors, beefy tank shrouds, telescopic front forks, prominent engine cowl, sleek turn signals and sharp tail section.New Bajaj Pulsar N125 or New 150cc?While Pulsar 250 and N160 and even NS125 have split-seat design, it is likely that Pulsar N125 and new-gen Pulsar 150 will be getting a single-piece seat. NS125 already has an underbelly exhaust, which will be visually largely the same with N125. Both N125 and new-gen Pulsar 150 will have a comfortable riding stance, with centrally placed foot pegs and ergonomically placed handlebar.Pulsar N125, Pulsar 150 performanceIt is possible that engines for N125 and Pulsar 150 can be updated, as per new architecture used for Pulsar 250. Recently launched N160 also utilizes an updated engine that offers improved reliability and faster acceleration.It has segment-best torque availability and fastest passing acceleration in 3rd, 4th and 5th gear. Gear shifts have been smoothened and noise and vibrations have been reduced. Similar set of improvements can be expected with the Pulsar N125 and new Pulsar 150.New Bajaj Pulsar N125 or New 150cc?When launched, Pulsar N125 will work as a replacement for current NS125. In its current format, NS125 generates 12 PS of max power at 8,500 rpm and 11 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh transmission. In case of Pulsar 150, power and torque output is 14 PS and 13.25 Nm.Sensing more opportunities in 125cc segment, Bajaj is also readying CT125X. It will be a sportier version of the entry-level CT motorcycle, with features like rugged headlamp design with metal guards, V-shaped DRL, fork gaiters, tank pads, quilted seat design and rear rack. Engine could be same as the upcoming Pulsar N125. Launch price of Bajaj CT125X is likely to be around Rs 80k. It will take on rivals such as Hero Glamour, Hero Super Splendor, Honda Shine and Honda SP125.Source More