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      KTM 250 Adventure Leaks From Dealer Showcase Event – Launch Soon

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      Upon its launch, the KTM 250 Adventure will compete against the likes of Hero Xpulse 200 and Royal Enfield Himalayan

      KTM is all set to make its fans beaming with joy by introducing its entry-level adventure tourer. The Austrian bike maker is expected to launch the 250 Adventure soon around the festive season later this month. Ahead of that, KTM India has showcased the motorcycle to their dealers in India.
      KTM had earlier revealed its plan to launch the 250 Adventure motorcycle in the first quarter of 2020. However, that as not happened. Instead, BAJAJ-KTM launched Husqvarna 250 Twins in February. The launch of KTM 250 was further delayed due to the outbreak of Covid-19. But now it seems the Austrian brand is finally ready to launch its entry-level tourer.
      The company is currently formulating the pre-launch training process of the upcoming 250 Adventure. Although KTM has not officially revealed this upcoming motorcycle, from the leaked video and spy shots plenty of details can be obtained. Below is the leaked video from the dealer showcase event of KTM 250 Adventure in India, giving the first look at the upcoming motorcycle.
      [embedded content]
      Design
      From the images seen until now, it can be said that the 250 Adventure will be an amalgam of 250 Duke and 390 Adventure. Much of its design has been inspired by its elder sibling. However, it is expected to get the single-piece headlamp instead of the split headlamp setup in the new 390 Adventure. Also to keep the cost in check, it is expected to be a halogen unit although it could be equipped with LED DRLs.
      Features
      In KTM’s product portfolio, the 250 Adventure will be placed above 250 Duke at a premium of Rs 30,000-35,000. For this additional premium, the 250 Adventure will get KTM 390 Adventure-like styling and some extra features. This includes a TFT instrument cluster unlike the LCD unit present in its naked sibling.
      This unit will read out essential information but may miss out Bluetooth connectivity present in 390 Adventure. Since being an entry-level bike, the younger adventure tourer is also set to miss other features such as offroad ABS, traction control system, ride by wire and multiple riding modes.
      Mechanical Details
      The 250 Adventure will draw its power from the same 249cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine which also powers its naked sibling. This unit is capable enough to produce 30 bhp at 9000rpm and 24 Nm of peak torque at 7500rpm. It will be paired with a six-speed gearbox assisted by a slipper clutch.
      Hardware used on the bike is expected to be the same as 390 Adventure which means it will be built on the same steel trellis frame. Suspension duties will be carried out by WP Apex 43 mm USD at front and mono-shock at rear. The 250 Adventure is expected to be priced around Rs 2.35 lakh (ex-showroom) which will be about Rs 65k lower than 390 Adventure. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Citroen Plans Rs 8 L Electric Car For India – Tata HBX, WagonR EV Rival

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      Citroen has plans to enter the mass-market entry-level EV segment with eCC21 which is expected to be launched in 2022
      Citroen eCC21 Spied in India

      French automaker Groupe PSA is all set to enter into the Indian market through its brand Citroen. The company has already started testing its first product in India- the premium mid-size SUV C5 Aircross. The flagship product of the Citroen is being assembled at CK Birla Group’s facility in Thiruvallur in Tamil Nadu.
      Apart from conventional fuel-powered vehicles, Citroen also has plans to enter into the electric vehicle (EV) segment in India with a small electric car for the mass market, priced at around Rs 8 lakh. Internally codenamed as eCC21, this electric car is expected to be launched somewhere around 2022. It will be a mini crossover UV.
      New Citroen Electric Car India launch will be around the same time when Hyundai brings its first electric car to India. Other manufacturers like Mahindra, Renault, Tata and Maruti Suzuki are eyeing this segment of a mass-market electric car. Mahindra’s eKUV100, Renault’s Kwid EV and Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR Electric, Tata HBX EV all are currently in the developmental phase.
      Citroen eCC21 Electric mini crossover on test by ARAI. Launch price expected Rs 8 lakhs.
      WagonR EV has also been spotted testing on roads and was initially supposed to launch this year. However, things didn’t materialize as planned. There are reports that Tata Motors too is developing an entry-level EV in line of its upcoming small UV HBX. With all these major players vying for the entry-level EV segment, it is sure to pave the path for future EVs in India.
      Other upcoming products of Citroen
      Citroen has set itself a modest sales target of 3,000 units per annum for eCC21 in India with a mid-term plan of selling 1 lakh cars. Although before this electric UV, the French carmaker is slated to launch its flagship mid-size SUV- C5 Aircross in early 2021. This will be followed by a subcompact UV CC21– its first locally manufactured product in India, in the festive season next year. The latter too has already been spotted testing recently.
      As per reports, the CC21 will be based on a flexi-fuel system. It is said to utilise a 1.2-litre petrol engine. Though being a petrol engine, this motor can run on petrol as well as ethanol blends (from 27% to 100%) – making it India’s first biofuel car. Citroen expects that this small UV will be able to give them the edge of being the first-mover in the flexi-fuel segment in India. CC21 is the first product under Citroen’s ambitious smart car platform internally called the C-Cube program.
      Citroen CC21 Mini UV will be India’s first flexi-fuel powered car
      What is this C-Cube program?
      Citroen C-Cube is a program which has been specifically developed for emerging markets like India. Cars under this program are said to be based on CMP (Common Modular Platform), the same which underpins Peugeot 208, although CMP in India will have a high extent of localisation. The CC21 biofuel and electric versions will be followed by other cars in this program which includes a Kia Sonet / Hyundai Venue rivaling compact sub 4m SUV called CC24 in 2022; and a compact sedan the following year.
      Benefits of Ethanol-blended fuel
      The manufacturer has been developing a flexi-fuel system for India as the government has been encouraging the industry to adopt biofuels in order to reduce its fuel import bill. Ethanol-mixed petrol not only reduces CO2 emissions but only improves the octane value of the fuel, thus giving a better performance.
      As of now, oil companies in India have been able to attain only 5-7 percent ethanol blend. For ethanol blend content up to about 10 percent, no modifications are required in the modern internal combustion engines. However, for blends with higher ethanol content, the engine needs to be re-tuned accordingly.
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      Hero Glamour Blaze Edition Launch Price Rs 72k – Cheaper, Yet More Features

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      The Hero Glamour Blaze edition offers more features than top-end variant for less money

      Hero’s onslaught of special edition versions for the festive season has started. The motorcycle stalwart has introduced the Hero Glamour Blaze edition which is priced at INR 72,200. For reference, the regular version is priced at INR 71,000 for the entry level drum brake alloy wheels variant and INR 74,500 for the disk brake alloy wheels variant. All the prices are ex-showroom, Delhi,
      Hero Glamour Blaze Edition – What’s new?
      The Hero Glamour Blaze is finished in a special Matt Vernier Grey paint job with contrasting fluorescent green decals on the side panels, tailpiece and on the bikini fairing. The new colour theme goes well with black finished engine and alloy wheels.
      The Glamour Blaze not only offers alloy wheels and front disc brake just like the more expensive top-end regular variant, but also offers handle-bar mounted USB charger. Either the price is introductory or the Blaze is a special edition with limited production run.

      Hero Motocorp says that the latest Glamour which was launched recently has been enjoying good demand and the special edition which targets the youth is expected to further augment the brand’s popularity.
      Specifications
      The Hero Glamour Blaze continues to employ the regular variant’s 124 cc air-cooled, fuel injected engine which was introduced earlier this year. The BS6-compliant mill is tuned to deliver 10.7 hp and 10.6 Nm of torque. Transmission is a 5-speed unit. The motorcycle receives Hero’s i3S start-stop technology in addition to Auto Sail technology (allows rider to crawl in traffic without having to downshift).

      The recently updated 125 cc commuter motorcycle benefits from longer front suspension travel compared to the BS4 model for improved comfort, digi-analogue instrument console with mileage indicator and brighter headlamp. The motorcycle is equipped with 240 mm front disc and 130 mm rear drum brakes. The 18-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in 80/100-18 front and 100/80-18 rear tyres. The Glamour weights 123 kg.
      Rivals
      The Hero Glamour BS6 competes with the likes of Honda SP125 and Bajaj Pulsar 125. The 125 cc commuter segment offers a good balance of performance and economy, and with other players withdrawing from the market, the existing models enjoy decent demand.

      More special editions from Hero are coming
      Hero Motocorp is getting more special edition models ready to take advantage of the positive buyer sentiment around this festive season. The Hero Maestro Stealth and Pleasure Plus Platinum Black editions were introduced recently. More

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      Kawasaki 175cc Motorcycle India Launch In 2021 – Price Rs 1.25 L Expected

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      Kawasaki W175 is already on sale in other Asian markets and will serve as the most affordable retro-style classic motorcycle in India

      Retro-style classic motorcycles have always been liked by a certain section of the biking community. In recent times, these bikes have been in demand for the masses as well. With Royal Enfield, Jawa, Benelli and now Honda, in the market with their respective motorcycles, any new entrant will find it difficult to make a place for itself in this segment.
      However, as per latest reports, Kawasaki is expected to enter this space with its entry-level W175 next year. W175 is set to be launched in India in the first quarter of 2021 (Jan to Apr 2021 period). It is already on sale in other Asian markets such as Thailand and Indonesia.
      Design
      As seen from the images, Kawasaki 175cc Motorcycle is a retro-styled bike with a simplistic design approach. It gets pure classic styling with round headlamp, spoked wheels which are wrapped around by tube tyres and a peashooter muffler. It is offered with a conventional round analogue instrument cluster which reads out information from the tripmeter, speedometer and odometer.
      At the rear it gets similar turn indicators with squared off tail light. Overall, the layout seems quite basic yet very neat and simple thanks to the blacked out components such as the engine, tail pipe and suspension springs. It gets a single-piece seat with easy contours and good cushioning. Its international spec model weighs just 126 kg, however, this figure is set to increase when it has to meet all the mandatory safety and emission requirements in our country.

      Powertrain
      Coming to its powertrain, the W175 draws its power from a 177cc single-cylinder air-cooled SOHC motor which produces a modest output of 13bhp and 13.2Nm of peak torque. However, this unit in its international spec is in carburetted form. Therefore, output figures might slightly alter if it comes to India where BS6 emission norms and fuel injection are a certainty. This unit comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox and also gets a balancer shaft to help reduce vibrations.
      Dynamics
      The bike is built on a semi-double-cradle frame with a simple box-section swingarm. Suspension duties are carried out by conventional telescopic forks at front with normal rubber stockings and a twin shock setup at rear. Anchoring duties depend on 220mm disc at front and 110mm drum at rear. India-spec model will also be equipped with ABS although only single-channel ABS is expected to be on offer.
      Estimated Price
      Kawasaki W175 is said to be more than 90 percent localised if and when it comes to India. This will make W175 the second bike in the Japanese manufacturer’s portfolio to be engineered within the company’s R&D setup in India. The first localised bike being Ninja 300 which was launched in 2018.
      Upon its launch, it will be deemed as a more affordable motorcycle in comparison to Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa and Honda H’Ness CB350. It is expected to be offered at a price of Rs 1.20-1.40 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It will not only be the smallest engine powered Kawasaki road bike to co on sale in India, but will also be the cheapest and most localized.
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      New Royal Enfield Classic 350 Delayed To 2021 – 250cc Project Cancelled

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      The new Royal Enfield Classic 350 will be a very important volume for the brand’s endeavour to neutralize rising competition
      Image – Hriday

      Royal Enfield was originally supposed to enter into the BS6 era with all guns blazing. On test since 2018, the new gen Classic 350 as well as the Meteor 350 were originally planned for launch by March 2020. Its Oct 2020, and none of these motorcycles have been launched yet.
      Delays in product development and capacity expansion has forced the company to take interim measures and introduce updated versions of its older models. Then the pandemic dealt yet another serious blow that has pushed the launch timeline even further.
      New Royal Enfield Classic 350 launch delayed
      The Royal Enfield Meteor 350, the Thunderbird replacement, is not here in time to take full advantage of the festive season. ET reports that the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 will likely be delayed beyond April 2021. This would make volume recovery in the medium term more challenging than anticipated.
      Royal Enfield’s original plan was to introduce one new product every quarter of this financial year and we have already entered the third quarter and nothing happened except multiple leaks of the Meteor 350. With competition stepping up, it is important for the medium-displacement specialist to get its new Classic 350 in the market at the earliest.
      New Gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 has been on test since 2018. Image – Vilvakumar P
      Entry level quarter liter variant axed
      ET also reports that the entry-level volume oriented 250 cc product, internally known as Project V, has been shelved as the company has decided to prioritize profit market over outright sales numbers. The target is reported to be a 25% EBIDTA margin for 50,000 units a month. The company is planning to achieve this by improving its cost structure.
      New Royal Enfield Classic 350 – Specifications
      The next generation Classic 350 will be based on the new modular J Platform that will underpin the brand’s new family of 350 cc models. The test prototypes seemed to be sporting ad-hoc body panels but one can expect the new Classic to wear old-school charm while also offering modern features like LED headlamps, digital instrument console (at least partially digital unit), new paint schemes and so on. We hope that RE retains the spoke wheels and other chrome bits to keep the nostalgia alive.
      The new generation 350 cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine will be shared with the soon-to-be-launched Meteor. The air-cooled motor produces 20.2 hp and 27 Nm of torque on board the Meteor. Transmission is a 5-speed unit.
      We don’t expect the motor to undergo any significant changes on board the new Classic. It is reasonable to assume that the new Royal Enfield Classic will feature front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS and conventional suspension system comprising telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers. Expect prices to be in the range of Rs 1.6 lakhs to Rs 2 lakhs, ex-sh.
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      in Electric Cars

      Mercedes EQC Electric SUV India Launch Price Rs 99.3 Lakh

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      Mercedes-Benz India had showcased the all-electric EQC luxury SUV at Auto Expo 2020

      The Indian automotive industry is actively focusing on all-electric and electrified forms of powertrains across a wide price segment. In the ‘relatively’ affordable category, our market has only three desirable choices: Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona. Mahindra Electric is almost ready with the eXUV300 (a direct rival to the Tata Nexon EV).
      On the higher end of the spectrum, luxury car manufacturers are also analysing the feasibility of their successful global EVs in India. Porsche India recently confirmed the launch of the performance-focused Taycan four-door coupe.
      Now, Mercedes-Benz India has launched the new EQC all-electric compact luxury crossover SUV at a starting price of Rs 99.3 lakhs, ex-sh. This is an introductory price, and is only valid for the first 50 buyers.
      The German automaker had showcased the same at Auto Expo 2020, held in early February. The first 50 buyers of the Mercedes EQC will also get the wall charger as well as installation free of cost.

      Introduced to the world at 2018 Paris Motor Show as the production version of Mercedes-Benz’s 2016 Generation EQ concept, the all-new EQC (internal codename: N293) is based on the current-gen GLC. It is one of 10 new ‘three-pointed star EVs’ coming to reality by 2022.
      The new Mercedes-Benz EQC has no direct rivals in India but in foreign markets, it faces strong competition from the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-PACE and Tesla Model X. Indian EV enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for Tesla’s arrival for quite a few years.
      Powertrain and specs
      Available only in EQC400 4MATIC (AWD) avatar, the 2020MY Mercedes-Benz EQC400 is powered by dual asynchronous electric motors (one on each axle) collectively rated at 300kW or 402bhp. Peak torque stands at 760Nm. The EV is able to do a 0-100km/h acceleration sprint in 5.1 seconds. However, top speed is limited to just 180km/h — considerably lower than most cars coming at half its price point.
      The 80kWh battery pack promises a range of 354km on a full charge as per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Interestingly, WLTP (World harmonized Light-duty vehicles Test Procedure) rates it as 417km. Using a DC fast-charger, the electric SUV can attain 80 per cent charge from nearly empty in about 40 minutes.
      On the inside, the Mercedes-Benz EQC400 is as rich as other modern-day ICE products in the portfolio. For starters, the list includes a pair of 10.25-inch screens loaded with the latest MBUX infotainment suite. Drivers can also adjust the amount of brake re-gen via dedicated paddles behind the steering wheel. More

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      BMW G310 GS, G310 R BS6 Launched – Now Cheaper Than KTM Duke 390, ADV

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      India becomes the first country in the world where the updated BMW G310 GS and G310 R motorcycles have been launched

      New BMW G310 R is priced from Rs 2.45 lakhs and the G310 GS is priced from Rs 2.85 lakhs. This effectively makes them cheaper than rivals KTM Duke 390 KTM 390 ADV in India. All prices are ex-sh.
      Updated G310 GS complies with BS6 norms as well as Euro 5 emission standards. In the Indian market, we have the updated BS6 version of the G310 R naked streetfighter. While 310 GS will take on rivals such as KTM Adventure 390 and Royal Enfield Himalayan, the 310 R will go up against KTM 390 Duke. Below is the official TVC video.
      [embedded content]
      New G310 GS and G310 R – Key updates
      New G310 GS and G310 R are better looking than their predecessors and pack in a range of additional features. Among the key updates is an all-LED setup, comprising full-LED headlight, LED flashing turn indicators and LED DRL. The motorcycles also utilize a multi-colour concept, which has been a signature feature of BMW GS family. The MotoGP inspired colour theme comprises various colours such as metallic titanium grey, polar white, red and Kyanit blue metallic.
      A number of features have been borrowed from large BMW R 1250 GS models, for example, the aggressive front fascia, signature windscreen, and a short tail. In terms of functionality, new G310 GS has been equipped with adjustable clutch level and handbrake lever. There are four adjustment levels, which can be customized as per the hand size of the user.

      New G310 GS and G310 R engine
      The 313 cc liquid cooled, single cylinder engine has been retained, but it now complies with updated emission norms. The engine is capable of generating 34 hp of max power at 9500 rpm and 28 Nm of max torque at 7500 rpm. Transmission is a 6-speed gearbox. Top speed is rated at 143 kmph. Accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph takes 7.17 seconds.
      2020 BMW G310R and G310GS Colours
      Even though the engine is the same as earlier, it has been equipped with new features such as electronic throttle grip. This will improve throttle response and avoid engine stall at low speeds. Another addition is the self-boosting anti-hopping clutch, which improves safety and rider comfort during fast deceleration.
      As may be recalled, these entry-level motorcycles were launched to make the BMW brand name accessible to a wider audience. These have also effectively fulfilled the wish list of many auto enthusiasts with limited budgets, who had wanted to experience track-focused machines. With prices now cheaper than BS4 versions, BMW can expect to see a considerable bump in sales of these two motorcycles. More

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      Hero Maestro Stealth 125, Pleasure Platinum Black 110 – Activa Rivals Launch Soon

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      It is not surprising that the special edition version gets only minor cosmetic upgrades
      The festive season is here and the flood of special edition variants are just starting to gather momentum. Hero Motocorp is gearing up to be one of the first to introduce a special edition in the highly competitive automatic scooter segment. The Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition and Maestro Edge Stealth have been leaked ahead its imminent launch.
      Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition

      Launched in mid-2019 as a premium version of the popular Pleasure nameplate, the Plus variant offers bolder styling. The scooter received a slightly larger engine with electronic fuel injection earlier this year to comply with the BS6 emission norms. The leaked Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition receives a few visual additions to justify its special edition status.
      For starers, the new version of the automatic scooter sports dual-tone black-brown seat and matching brown plastic panels and foot board. The new colour tone goes well with the special edition model’s black paint job. In addition to the default chrome applique on the front apron, the Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition also receives chrome accents on rims, heat shied on silencer, rear view mirror housings and stalks, handlebar end weights and seat backrest mount.
      Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition
      Hero Maestro Edge Stealth Edition
      Just like the Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition, the new Hero Maestro Edge Stealth Edition also gets dark matte grey colour treatment. In addition, it also gets carbon black stripes on exterior, new graphics with matte grey theme, stealth chest badging, dual textured seat and diamond cut alloy wheels.
      Features and specifications
      The feature highlights of the Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition as well as the Maestro Edge Stealth are identical to those of the regular variants. It includes alloy wheels, USB charging port, LED illumination for the undeseat storage space, tubeless tyres, side-stand indicator and integrated braking system.
      Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition
      The special edition Hero Pleasure Plus will continue to be powered by the 110 cc air-cooled, fuel-injected engine which is delivers 8 hp and 8.7 Nm of torque. The company claims that the BS6 motor offers slightly better fuel economy and pickup compared to the old carbureted engine. It rivals the likes of Honda Activa 6G and TVS Jupiter in the 110 cc scooter segment.
      Speaking about the Hero Maestro Edge Stealth, it is powered by a 125 cc air cooled FI engine, which delivers 9 bhp of power and 10.4 Nm of torque. It rivals the likes of Honda Activa 125, Suzuki Access 125, etc in the 125cc scooter segment.
      Hero Maestro Edge 125 Stealth Edition
      Prices
      The Hero Pleasure Plus scooter is priced at INR 56,800 for the entry-level electric start, steel wheel variant. The Platinum Black special edition is likely to command a premium of around INR 2-3k over the top-end variant which is currently priced at INR 58,950. Similarly, the Maestro Edge Stealth 125 is expected to be priced about Rs 2-3k over the top variant, which is priced at Rs 71,450 for the top variant. (prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi).

      Hero Motocorp Sales
      Post lockdown, Hero Motocorp has been witnessing steady growth in sales performance. In September 2020, the company posted strong sales of 7,15,718 units in the domestic market, helped significantly by the Splendor which emerged as the best selling two wheeler in the country again. Motorcycles alone accounted for over 6.60 lakh units last month. More