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      TVS 650cc Motorcycle Under Development – Royal Enfield Rival

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      TVS new flagship motorcycle will have a twin-cylinder engine and a range of hi-tech equipment and connectivity featuresTVS owned Norton MotorcyclesWith lifestyle segment registering strong growth, TVS is looking to aggressively target this space. TVS may be a late entrant, but there’s always space for a good product that ticks all the right boxes. As of now, Royal Enfield 650 twins dominate the lifestyle segment in terms of volumes. RE deserves a pat on the back for its visionary ability to launch products that are future-ready.TVS new 600-750cc bike will also be a great option for loyal TVS customers looking for an upgrade. Presently, choices don’t go beyond the 310cc Apache RR310. It’s sort of a lost opportunity for the company, especially considering the fact that an increasing number of enthusiasts are moving to 500+ cc segment.TVS 650cc Motorcycle LaunchDevelopment of TVS new 600-750cc bike is already underway. However, there is no official confirmation from TVS on such developments. Just like rival offerings, TVS new flagship will have a twin-cylinder motor. Power and torque output could be close to or better than rivals. For reference, Royal Enfield 650 twins produce 47 hp of max power and 52 Nm of peak torque.It remains to be seen what body style TVS chooses for its new flagship. There could be multiple body styles launched simultaneously or TVS could start with a single offering such as a roadster. Based on market response, TVS could consider other body styles based on the same platform. It could include scrambler, cafe racer, ADV, etc.TVS will definitely need multiple products in 600-750cc segment, as rivals like Royal Enfield are consistently expanding their portfolio in this space. After Super Meteor 650, Royal Enfield will add other 650cc bikes such as Shotgun 650, Himalayan 650 and Classic 650. TVS new flagship will also go up against the upcoming 650cc bikes from Jawa and Yezdi.It remains to be seen if TVS will go solo or seek collaboration with another entity for the development of its new flagship 600-750cc motorcycle. TVS had purchased British brand Norton Motorcycles in April 2020. Norton already has many big bikes on offer. It is likely TVS will use Norton expertise for their upcoming motorcycle.Transition to a lifestyle brandTVS has already started taking steps to position itself as a lifestyle brand. This is evident with products like Ronin and increased focus on community-based events. At the recently concluded 2023 MotoSoul, TVS had showcased four fascinating custom builds of Ronin. An updated connectivity platform was also unveiled at the event. Contribution of TVS Racing can be seen in the form of launch of a new type of racing format called Flat Track Racing.TVS Racing Performance Gear division will also have a key role to play in passive promotion of the new bike. All these initiatives will help create a conducive environment for launch of the new TVS flagship. TVS already has 2.5 lakh members in AOG (Apache Owners Group), many of whom may choose to upgrade to the new 600-750cc bike.Source More

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      2023 Hero Super Splendor XTEC BS6 II Launched – New Features, Colour

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      New Super Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II gets LED headlamp, new colour, full digital instrument cluster and a range of cosmetic touch-ups2023 Hero Super Splendor XTEC BS6 II2023 Hero Super Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II has been launched. First units have started arriving at dealerships. Users can expect an improved overall experience, as the bike packs in a comprehensive range of premium updates.New Super Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II is expected to be priced higher than the outgoing model. The updates should allow for improved competencies against rivals such as Honda Shine, TVS Raider and Bajaj CT 125X.2023 Hero Super Splendor XTEC BS6 IISuper Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II – what’s new?Among the most noticeable updates are the LED headlamp and LED DRL. It’s a 2-level LED headlamp with integrated low beam and high beam. The two sections of the headlamp are separated by the LED DRL placed in between. The LED DRL has an always-on feature, which means it is activated as soon as the keys are turned on. The engine is not required to be turned on for the LED DRL to work.Other lighting pieces such as turn indicators and tail lamp continue to have halogen bulbs. With the updated lighting at front, the headlamp cowl and visor have also been updated. Another big improvement comes in the form of a full digital instrument console. It appears to be the same unit, as seen with Splendor Plus XTEC variant. Take a look at the detailed walkaround by Biker Mjk 2.[embedded content][embedded content]The digital speedometer has Bluetooth connectivity and can be used for call and SMS alerts when paired with the user’s smartphone. Users can see a range of information such as real time mileage and indication for side stand, low fuel, high beam and i3S.With the change in lighting setup and new full digital speedometer, the wiring has also changed on the new Super Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II model. Spaces around the digital speedometer have been updated and there’s a USB charging port as well.In terms of cosmetic updates, there’s a new colour and updated graphics and stickering. The Super Splendor logo on the fuel tank has a 3D design. Exhaust pipe has been updated and it is now a slimmer unit in comparison to the earlier model. Aural experience also seems to have been improved.2023 Hero Super Splendor XTEC BS6 IISuper Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II performanceEngine is the same as earlier, with the only difference that it has been updated to comply with BS6 Phase II emission norms. The bike is powered by a 124.7cc air-cooled motor that generates 10.7 bhp of max power and 10.6 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. New Splendor XTEC supports E20 ethanol-blend fuel, which makes it future-ready. It is likely that relevant tweaks have been incorporated in the engine to make it E20 ready.While official details are not available right now, Hero Super Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II could deliver mileage of around 60+ kmpl. In heavy-traffic usage, mileage could be around 50+ kmpl. Prices will be announced in coming days. More

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      Citroen C3 Electric Launch Price Rs 11.5 L To 12.43 L – Vs Tiago EV

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      The 29.2 kWh battery pack on Citroen eC3 is coupled with a electric motor developing 56 bhp and 143 Nm, enough to eek out 320 km of rangeCitroen C3 Electric Launch PriceAfter Citroen’s innings began in the entry segment with C3 hatchback, the French brand is now expanding its lineup to include an EV as well. This is Citroen’s maiden EV in India and the first French EV to hit our shores. Specs were out long ago and bookings had commenced too. Now, prices have been revealed.The affordable EV space is still quite young and Tata Motors has the most prominence. With Tiago EV, Tigor EV and Xpres-T, Tata Motors seems to have captivated both PV and CV segments. Citroen eC3 has to offer quite a lot to carve a piece of this pie.Citroen eC3 PricesCitroen eC3 has been launched with a price tag starting from Rs. 11.5 lakh (ex-sh) for base Live trim. Top-spec Feel trims with dual tone colour and Vibe Pack cost Rs. 12.43 lakh. When compared to its ICE counterpart, C3 hatchback, eC3 costs Rs. 5.52 lakh more with base variants and Rs. 5.23 lakh more with top-spec variants.Specs & features are almost identical with its ICE counterpart. We’re talking about the same design along with dimensions. This helps Citroen to reduce development costs and help price its products aggressively. But is it aggressive enough? Let’s take a look.Citroen C3 Prices – Petrol, Turbo, ElectricCitroen C3 Electric Prices vs Tiago EVIt primarily rivals Tata Tiago EV starting from Rs. 8.69 lakh (ex-sh) for 19.2 kWh battery pack variants, Rs. 10.19 lakh (ex-sh) for 24 kWh variants with 3.3 kW AC charger and Rs. 11.49 lakh (ex-sh) for 24 kWh battery pack variants with 7.2 kW AC charger. Tiago EV has four trim levels to choose from as opposed to two with eC3.Powertrain options are two along with two charger options. In total, Tiago EV spawns 7 variants. Whereas eC3 gets just one powertrain and two trim levels with cosmetic choices like dual tone and Vibe Pack. Right off the bat, it is immediately noticeable that Tiago EV comes with more options to choose from.  Tiago EV’s top-spec trim XZ+ Tech LUX with 24 kWh battery and 7.2 kW charger is just Rs. 49,000 more than Citroen eC3’s base variant.  Citroen C3 Electric vs Tata Tiago EV – PricesSpecs & FeaturesIt is safe to say that Tata has got the pricing right. Does Citroen eC3 offer more style and substance? Design is objective and hence depends on the buyer. But spec-wise, Citroen seems to be offering more. For starters, eC3 is 212mm longer, 56mm wider, and 50mm taller. It has a 140mm longer wheelbase, 4mm more ground clearance and a 75L larger boot than the Tiago EV.It has wider 195-section tyres wrapped to 15” wheels as opposed to 175-section with 14” wheels on Tiago EV. Powertrain-wise, eC3 offers 5.2 kWh more battery capacity and 29 Nm more torque than Tiago EV’s larger 24 kWh offering. Tiago EV hits back by making 18 bhp more and sprinting 1.1s quicker to 60 km/h. Tiago EV can hit 120 km/h as opposed to 107 km/h of eC3.Citroen C3 Electric vs Tata Tiago EV – SpecsRange tips slightly towards eC3’s favour with just a 5 km difference over Tiago EV’s 315 km. Citroen eC3 offers a larger 10.25” touchscreen as opposed to 7” unit on Tiago EV and also gets wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay system. There is decent competition between the two. It is yet to be seen how the market responds to this duo.Saurabh Vatsa, Brand Head, Citroen India, remarked, “We are excited to launch the New Citroen eC3 All-Electric for the young and progressive customers who will  enjoy the CLEVER, COMFORT & COOL product propositions. The vehicle was developed keeping in mind the Indian audience and their unique needs and preferences.Citroen C3 Electric vs Tata Tiago EV – SpecseC3 delivers a certified driving range of 320 km per charge (MIDC cycle), 100% DC fast charging capability, and a plethora of intuitive technology-driven features. With the famed Citroen Advanced Comfort on board combined with an efficient e-powertrain, we are certain that the New Citroen eC3 All-Electric will meet the expectations of both private customers’ and fleet operators.” More

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      2023 Honda CB350 Cafe Racer Showcased To Dealers – New Launch Soon

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      After CB350 and CB350 RS, Honda will add 3rd motorcycle in their 350cc range next month2023 Honda CB350 Cafe RacerHonda launched the CB350 back in Sep 2020. In the initial months, it had registered good response from bike enthusiasts. Later in Feb 2021, Honda launched a scrambler version based on the CB350, called CB350 RS. Despite two motorcycles on offer in the 350cc range, Honda has not come anywhere close to sales numbers registered by Royal Enfield.In Jan 2023, Royal Enfield registered sales of over 26k units for their Classic 350. While sales of Honda CB350 range was 1,086 units. To bring a boost to their sales in the 350cc range, Honda is getting ready to launch a new motorcycle next month.Honda CB350 Cafe RacerTo provide more options to customers in the 350cc segment, Honda will soon launch a new cafe racer motorcycle based on CB350. Honda has chosen to challenge Royal Enfield and this new motorcycle is expected to improve its prospects in this space.Likely to be called Honda CB350 Cafe Racer, the motorcycle has been showcased to dealers. Launch is expected next month. It will come with Cafe Racer style single seat, revised headlamp cowl, black alloys, black engine with chrome Honda logo, etc.2023 Honda CB350 Cafe RacerSpeaking of the new Honda CB350 Cafe Racer, the motorcycle sports a neo-retro look. Some key features include round headlamp, sculpted fuel tank, single piece seat, chrome finish exhaust, alloy wheels, an all-LED setup and semi-digital instrument cluster. It also has a smartphone charging USB port.2023 Honda CB350 Cafe RacerCB350 Cafe Racer powertrainHonda’s 350 cc Cafe Racer will use the same engine as that of CB350. It is rated to deliver 21.07 ps @ 5500 rpm and 30 Nm @ 3000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The motorcycle will also be sharing a number of other components with CB350. This will help Honda to reduce costs and improve production efficiency.Just like CB350, its cafe racer version could be equipped with assist and slipper clutch, dual channel ABS, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS).2023 Honda CB350 Cafe RacerThe instrument console could also be the same, which displays a range of information such as average mileage, real time mileage, gear position indicator, distance to empty, and battery voltage. Expect prices to be in the Rs 2.2 lakh to Rs 2.3 lakh range, ex-sh. More details to be revealed at the launch event next month. More

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      New Ather Electric Scooter Spied – May Get Under Rs 1 L Price

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      With a steel tubular frame, smaller battery and a less powerful motor, Ather’s new affordable scooter might be priced under Rs. 1 lakhNew Ather Electric Scooter SpiedIn the first phase of EV revolution we saw manufacturers launching loaded, feature rich variants. In the next phase, we are seeing introduction of more affordable variants. Lower pricing is achieved via installing a smaller battery pack, fewer features, etc.Ola has successfully entered step 2 with S1 Air. As announced recently, Ola is offering S1 Air with 2 kWh, 3 kWh and even 4 kWh battery options. Prices range between Rs. 84,999 and 1,09,999 (ex-sh). Ola’s rival, Ather is getting to launch a more affordable version of their electric scooter.Ather’s New Affordable ScooterA new test mule of Ather electric scooter has been spied in BTM Layout, Bangalore. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Thushar for sharing the exclusive spy shot. It is likely to be of the upcoming entry variant of Ather electric scooter. The new test mule is starkly identical to existing Ather 450.Battery size is likely to go down as opposed to the 3.7 kWh unit on existing 450X Gen 3. With Gen 3, Ather promises a 146 km range and a 105 km true range. Ather’s new affordable scooter might promise slightly lesser range, albeit with a less powerful motor. Expect the 7” touchscreen with Google integration will be retained.New Ather Electric Scooter SpiedLast month, Ather launched Gen 3 of their electric scooters. Under this, the 450 Plus is priced at Rs 1.9 lakh while the Ather 450X is priced at Rs 2.13 lakh. These are ex-sh prices excluding FAME-II subsidy of Rs 55,000. With the subsidy, prices come down to Rs 1.35 lakh and Rs 1.58 lakh, ex-sh. The upcoming new Ather electric scooter is likely to get a price tag of under Rs 1 lakh, ex-sh, inclusive of subsidy.Phase II Of Battery Safety NormsPhase II of the new battery norms set by MoRTH will come into effect from April 2023. The enforcement is due to the high number of EV fire incidents reported, likely due to improperly designed batteries. Come April 2023, EV manufacturers have to meet Amendment-3 proposed to AIS 156 and AIS 038 Rev.2 across L, M and N categories.Amendment-3 of the said AIS, as issued by MoRTH, was in two phases. Phase I was in effect from 1st December 2022 and Phase II is set to take effect from 31st March 2023. Electric scooters fall into L category and should meet the new battery norms set forth by a panel under Amendment-3.Ather Electric Scooter Prices – Feb 2023Since the new changes to battery tech will add cost, Ather might strike out some elements on this upcoming budget scooter. Main among those will be 450X’s aluminium space frame. New chassis features a tubular frame that is more economical to fabricate.The chassis has seamless tubes of steel bent and welded to form a simple tubular frame. Battery placement is still in the floorboard. With FAME II subsidies expiring from March 31st 2024, EV manufacturers have to work towards expanding their scale of manufacturing to bring prices down. More

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      Hyundai Creta Electric Spied For First Time – 2025 Launch Plan

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      A 100 kW electric motor and a battery big-enough for a 400+ km range should make for an interesting proposition for our marketHyundai Creta Electric SpiedHyundai India has kick-started its electric vehicle onslaught by launching the Ioniq 5 and showcasing Ioniq 6 at the Auto Expo last month. But the Korean automaker is also working on a more mainstream EV for our market. It was recently reported that Hyundai is working on an electric Creta crossover (codenamed SU2i EV) and an early prototype based on the conventional variant has been spotted for the first time in public.Automotive enthusiast Nitin Tyagi was charging his EV while the Hyundai Creta EV prototype stopped by for a recharge, and he promptly clicked these photos. There were a total of two test mules of the Hyundai Creta Electric. As you can see, the test mules do not have any camouflage but there is an easily noticeable protrusion from the floor pan which appears to be a structural member supporting the battery pack.2025 Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedConverting an in-production IC-engined car into a fully electric prototype is not a walk-in-the-park but Hyundai engineers and technicians seem to have done a pretty neat job. Save for the visible floor pan extension and different body panel colours, there is nothing on the exterior to suggest it is not a regular Creta.The production version is also expected to be based on the modified version of the current IC-engine platform. This approach will allow Hyundai to optimize cost since its almost fully localized. Tata has applied the same formula to Nexon EV, and Mahindra to XUV400.Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedThis will also help the automaker produce the vehicle with minimal modifications and investments to its existing assembly lines. However, in the long term, Hyundai India will localize its fully electric E-GMP architecture for both domestic and export markets.Hyundai Creta EV SpecsNot much is known about the specifications of the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV but we expect critical sub-systems to be derived from the Kona EV. That would mean a 100 kW (136 hp) PMSM electric motor with a peak torque output of 395 Nm of torque.The battery pack is also likely to be derived from the international sibling. With a capacity of 39.2 kWh, the lithium-ion polymer unit should be good for an ARAI-certified range of over 400 km. The Creta EV could be used with some significant aero optimizations over its IC-engined sibling to improve energy efficiency.Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedNew Hyundai Creta EV is expected to be ready for its global debut at the 2025 Auto Expo before going on sale later that year. Interestingly, the debut timeline is similar to its primary competitor Maruti YY8 electric SUV (codename). Expect the pricing to  be somewhere between Rs 20 to 30 lakh.Tata, Maruti, Mahindra and other OEMs will be aiming to position their volume-oriented electric crossovers in the same segment. That should make for an intense competition which will ultimately benefit the customers. We think Hyundai will easily attain its volume target of around 25,000 units per annum with its mid-premium EV offering. More

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      2023 Bajaj Pulsar 220F Bookings Open – 220cc Pulsar Launch Soon

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      Bajaj had discontinued the Pulsar 220F in April 2022 – A few months after the launch of Pulsar 250 series2023 Bajaj Pulsar 220F Bookings OpenFirst launched in 2007, the Pulsar 220 has been the most powerful and biggest Pulsar for a long time. It had its own fan base, which is why after almost 15 years of launch, it managed to generate best in class sales.Ever since ‘The Fastest Indian’ advert video of Pulsar 220 went live, it has made a massive impact on the Indian motorcycle segment. We can say that Pulsar 220 was a runaway success just like the advert suggested.2023 Bajaj Pulsar 220F Bookings OpenWith the launch of new 250cc platform, Pulsar 220 was discontinued. Though Bajaj did not announce it officially, sales were stopped as dealers had no stock. Production officially ended in April 2022, which brought the curtain down on this iconic Pulsar motorcycle.But guess what, in 2023, Bajaj is bringing this legend back. Multiple dealers have announced on social media that 2023 Pulsar 220F bookings are now open. Launch is expected soon, in the coming days. The iconic Pulsar is being re-launched with Black-Red and Black-Blue colour combinations. There might be other colours too.2023 Bajaj Pulsar 220F Bookings OpenIn the grand scheme of things, new replaces old. Pulsar F250 was pegged as the logical successor to Pulsar 220F. If we take sales of Pulsar’s 250 twins (F250 and N250) in the second half of 2022, they sold 391 units in June, 681 in July, 653 in August, 1647 in Sep, 1299 in Oct, 470 in Nov, and 245 in Dec.These numbers are not something to write home about for a mass manufacturer like Bajaj. This seems to be the reason why Bajaj is bringing Pulsar 220 back from the dead. Bajaj enjoyed a lot of footfall in their showrooms when Pulsar 220F was still on sale. Monthly sales within 200cc+ motorcycle sales for Bajaj were significantly higher before. Pulsar 220F sales were more than that of Pulsar RS200, NS200 as well as that of the newly launched Pulsar 250. For example, Bajaj Pulsar 220F alone sold 4108 units in September 2021. Design & SpecificationsSpecifications, design and features of the bike are likely to remain the same as before. The motorcycle as usual sports a semi-faired design with highlights such as a V-shaped LED headlight cluster, split seats and clip-on handlebars.2023 Bajaj Pulsar 220F Bookings OpenAs far as performance is concerned, Pulsar 220F draws its energy from a BS6-compliant 220cc, single-cylinder DTS-i engine which kicks out 21 bhp and 19 Nm of peak torque. This unit is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Its hardware setup consists of a Double Cradle Down Tube frame which is suspended on a telescopic fork at front and twin shock absorbers at rear. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends assisted by a single-channel ABS as standard. Expect launch price to be in the range of Rs 1.35 lakh, ex-sh. More

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      2023 Yamaha FZS, R15, MT-15, FZX Launched – Official Prices

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      With cosmetic and functional updates, new 2023 Yamaha FZ-S, R15, MT-15 and FZ-X are now priced higher than before2023 Yamaha FZS V4Yamaha’s strategy to offer optimal value to enthusiasts at a competitive price point continues with 2023 versions of R15, MT-15, FZ-S and FZ-X. All four bikes get a different set of updates, aimed at improving their street presence, convenience and safety aspects.However, performance numbers remain unchanged, as the bikes will continue with the same engines as earlier. New 2023 Yamaha R15, MT-15, FZ-S and FZ-X will be OBD-2 compliant, which comes into effect from April 01, 2023. These bikes will be fitted with on-board diagnostic system that can monitor and report emissions in real-time. Traction control system is now standard.2023 Yamaha Motorcycles – New PricesNew 2023 Yamaha FZ-X and FZ-S V4Safety has been improved with introduction of dual-channel ABS on the new FZ-X 2023 model. Cosmetic updates for FZ-X include a new matte blue colour. It appears to be similar to one of the options offered with existing YZF-R15 V4. Overall styling has been further enhanced with golden coloured wheels.2023 Yamaha FZ-X – priced from Rs 1.36 lakh, ex-shExisting FZ-X has colour options of matte black, matte copper and metallic blue. There are no engine tweaks for 2023 FZ-X. The bike is powered by a 149cc, air cooled engine that makes 12.4 PS and 13.3 Nm. It is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. 2023 Yamaha FZ-S now gets a much brighter headlight, LED blinkers, new colours, traction control system, digital instrument cluster.2023 Yamaha FZ-S Version 4.0 – Priced from Rs 1.27 lakh, ex-shNew 2023 Yamaha R15, MT-15Key updates for Yamaha R15 include LED turn signals. With this, R15 now has an all-LED lighting setup. The existing version already has LED bi-functional headlight, LED position lights and LED brake / tail light.2023 Yamaha R15 M Launch price Rs 1.94 lakhYamaha R15M variant has been updated with a new TFT instrument console that displays a range of information. The resolution seems much better and layout and placement of indicators has also changed. Switchgear has also been improved to ensure easy access to various functions of the instrument screen.Cosmetic enhancements for R15 include a new dual-tone colour theme of matte black and gold. The bike gets golden highlights against a black and light grey body panelling. Overall look and feel is a lot sportier with golden USD forks and golden shaded wheels. The new colour for R15 will be in addition to the existing colour options of dark knight, metallic red and racing blue.2023 Yamaha MT15 V2 Launch price Rs 1.68 lakhUpdates for MT-15 V2 include LED turn signals and dual-channel ABS. The current model has halogen turn signals and single-channel ABS. Visual updates include a new colour scheme of gloss black and red. Golden USD forks create a sporty profile in combination with the red coloured wheels and blacked-out components.Existing MT-15 is offered in colour options of ice fluo-vermillion, metallic black, racing blue, cyan storm and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition. Yamaha R15 and MT-15 share the same 155cc, liquid cooled engine that churns out 18.4 PS of max power and 14.2 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. More