Overdrive Jan 2024

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DRIVEN FERRARI 296 GTB RIDDEN 2023 DUCATI SCRAMBLER ICON

Total 100 page issue


India’s Largest Auto Media SUBSCRIBER’S COPY January 2024 `200

HYUNDAI

IONIQ 5 N
DRIVEN

Innovative a
nd shockingly
fast!

2024 YAMAHA

M
RIDDEN

T-0
Same essence, 3 R3
&
DRIVEN

2024 MERCED

C 43 AMG
dual tales ES-BENZ
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EDITOR’S NOTE
India’s Largest Auto Media

VOL. 25 l ISSUE 5

IC OT Y
MEMBER OF
Not just an ‘either-or’
INDIAN CAR OF THE YEAR

MD & GROUP EDITOR IN CHIEF NETWORK18: Rahul Joshi


game anymore
CEO BROADCAST AND MD – AETN18: Avinash Kaul
GROUP EDITOR: Brian Carvalho ‘Either-Or’ seems to be the trend in our industry. Time constraints could be one
EDITORIAL
reason preventing us from getting into details. It could also mean assigning labels
EDITOR: Kranti Sambhav hastily for catchy headlines and provocative thumbnails. Often, there is a rush
ASSISTANT EDITOR - DIGITAL: Rohit Paradkar to appear decisive, caught in a timeline tussle between headline and deadline.
PRINCIPAL CORRESPONDENTS:
Christopher Chaves, Tuhin Guha
Calling it the ‘Year of SUVs,’ or dubbing the nation as a hub of paisa-vasool cars,
CORRESPONDENT: Gajanan Kashikar or forecasting that the future would be 100% electric, are the kind of headlines
NEWS TRAINEE: Kenneth John that simplify complex realities. They aren’t entirely untrue but can be incomplete
or demand a more nuanced view. My hope for 2024 is a shift from this ‘either-or’
GROUP PHOTO EDITOR: Mexy Xavier
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR: Anis Shaikh mindset to an ‘and’ game. It won’t be a story of ICE versus electrics, commuter
versus premium, or ethanol versus CNG. It will be this ‘and’ that.
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR: Balvir Singh
Reflecting on 2023, we now see that, even with minimal numbers, sedans
PRODUCTION MANAGER: Dnyaneshwar Goythale
remain relevant. The debate on whether micro SUVs qualify as SUVs has
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: Preeti Sahni largely subsided. EV makers have realised that the honeymoon period is over,
understanding the challenges that ICE vehicle manufacturers have always faced.
ADVERTISING SALES
NATIONAL REVENUE HEAD: Sanghita Roychoudhury A robust recovery, supply chain improvements, and a variety of launches kept
the market dynamic, keeping us auto journalists busy. Heavy-duty motorcycle
GOVERNMENT SALES TEAM
VICE PRESIDENT: Abhinay Chauhan
maker Harley-Davidson partnered with value-for-money champion Hero. Maruti
appealed to enthusiasts with Jimny, and Hyundai ventured beyond the Rs 40 lakh
BRAND MARKETING
mark with an EV. Safety ratings discussions have quietly replaced the ‘Kitna-deti-
SR. MANAGER - MARKETING: Kunjalik Balwani
MANAGER - MARKETING: Nitin Kunjir hai’ conversation, with BNCAP taking the lead.
ASSISTANT MANAGER: Hitanshee Pednekar 2024 appears to be a year of diversity and a mature Indian car market. Maruti
SR. EXECUTIVE: Jitendra Gujar Suzuki is aggressively testing its upcoming EV, while Mahindra unveils the Thar
COMPLIANCE 5-Door and Tata Motors reveals the Curvv. Hyundai kicks off the year with the
Ratnesh Rukhariyar updated Creta, and we might witness the return of the small SUV segment with the
OG, Duster. This year should finally see the electrified version of Tata Punch and
LEGAL & CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Gautam Dubey Mahindra shifting gears in the EV market. So will be the story in the two-wheeler
market, promising a range of motorcycles and scooters and obviously many e-bikes.
ACCOUNTS & FINANCE
Ketan Ravesia
Just like the auto industry, the automotive publishing sector is looking at a
Dr. Pratik Sangoi similar ‘and,’ not ‘either-or,’ phase. From six-second reels to 59-minute podcasts,
diverse content formats will undoubtedly flourish. Simultaneously, our long-format
SUBSCRIPTION & CIRCULATION SERVICES
reviews, printed in beautiful fonts on the sweet-smelling pages of magazines,
For newsstand, trade and subscription queries,
write to customercare.publishing@nw18.com continue to be read.
or call 8355889925
At Overdrive, enthusiasm fuels our drive. We pledge to bring you every moment
PERMISSIONS: For permissions to copy or reuse material with unwavering credibility, captivating engagement, and profound depth. As I
from OVERDRIVE, write to editorial@overdrive.co.in commence this year, heartfelt gratitude goes out to my esteemed colleagues sharing
this editorial space.
Overdrive remains steadfast in its dedication, promising diligent efforts,
Copyright©2012 OVERDRIVE forthright reviews, and unfiltered opinions that have been instrumental in
Published and printed by Ankit Singh on behalf of shaping the Indian automotive landscape. Here’s to propelling Overdrive to
Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. Editor: Kranti Sambhav
Printed at Indigo Press (India) Private Limited Plot No. 1C / 716, greater heights together.
Off Dadoji Konddeo Cross Road, Between Sussex And Retiwala Happy New Year!
Industrial Estate, Byculla (East), Mumbai - 400027 & published at
Network18 Media & Investments Ltd., Empire Complex, 1st Floor,
414, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400013.
OVERDRIVE is registered with the Registrar of Newspapers of India
under No. 69122. Network18 does not take any responsibility for loss
or damage incurred or suffered by any subscriber of this magazine
as a result of his/her accepting any invitation/offer
published in this edition.

* Ownership of this magazine stands transferred


from Infomedia18 Limited (Infomedia18) to Network18 Media & Investments
Limited (Network18) in pursuance of the scheme of arrangement between
Network18 and Infomedia18 and their respective shareholders and
Kranti Sambhav
creditors, as approved by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi and the necessary
approval of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is being obtained.
Kranti.Sambhav@nw18.com

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UNDER THE HOOD

62 56

72 38

TESTS FEATURES
28 2024 Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG 68 Switch to Plan B:
38 2023 BMW X7 Maruti Fronx Drive to Himachal
50 Ferrari 296 GTB 84 2024 KTM 250 Duke - ride to Goa
56 Hyundai Santa Fe 88 Riding the Waves of Adrenaline:
India Bike Week 2023
62 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
72 2023 Yamaha MT-03 and YZF-R3
78 2023 Ducati Scrambler Icon

GET CONNECTED
ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
FOR NEWS, STORIES, instagram.com/ facebook.com/ twitter.com/ youtube.com/
CONTENT AND MORE! odmag odmag odmag odmag

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28 88

68 50

78

REGULARS

06 Motoring News

22 Motorcycle News

96 OD Garage

97 Product Review

98 Electric Dreams

OVERDRIVE.IN JANUARY 2024 5

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MOTORING NEWS

KIA TAKES
THE WRAPS
OFF THE

SONET
FACELIFT

6 JANUARY 2024 OVERDRIVE.IN

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A
fter a long wait, Kia India has now gets a 6-speed manual gearbox. The turbo-petrol
officially unveiled the facelifted Kia and diesel engines are also available with 7-speed
Sonet. This is the first refresh for dual-clutch and 6-speed torque converter automatic
the popular sub-4 metre SUV since transmissions.
its market debut in mid-2020. The The general dashboard layout of the 2024 Kia
South Korean carmaker is expected Sonet facelift is identical to the previous model, except
to announce the prices of the updated sub-four-metre for a redesigned climate control interface. Higher-end
SUV early in 2024 with pre-bookings for the vehicle set models get new interior colour schemes to update the
to begin on December 20. cabin. The most noticeable alteration to the Sonet’s
The refreshed Sonet will be available in seven trim interior is the adoption of a new 10.25-inch digital
levels: HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+, GTX+, and instrument cluster derived from the bigger Seltos SUV.
X-Line, with 11 exterior colour options. Glacier White It also maintains the big centrally positioned 10.25-
Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Gravity Grey, Aurora Black inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Pearl, Intense Red, Imperial Blue, Clear White, Pewter Kia has added additional features to the Sonet with
Olive, and Matte Graphite are among the monotone this upgrade, including a 360-degree camera and, most
tones. The dual-tone colours, on the other hand, are crucially, select ADAS functions. Forward collision
Intense Red and Glacier White Pearl with a black roof. warning, lane departure warning, forward collision
A somewhat wider grille with new inlays now avoidance assistance and warning, high beam assist,
flanks a pair of redesigned LED headlights with new lane keeping assist, and other functions are included.
DRLs that now reach downwards. Below it is the All trims come standard with six airbags, hill-start
redesigned bumper, which is more minimalist and assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and ESC,
has slim LED fog lights. The 16-inch alloy wheels on while higher trims feature cornering lighting and a
the Sonet facelift are likewise redesigned. The Sonet four-way powered driver’s seat.
facelift has a rear LED light strip that joins the two The refreshed new mini SUV gets creature
vertical, C-shaped taillights. A redesigned bumper and comforts such as ventilated front seats, wireless phone
a roof-mounted spoiler are also notable characteristics charging, a built-in air purifier, 70+ connected car
at the back. features, leatherette upholstery, a Bose audio system,
The existing 83PS and 115Nm, 1.2-litre petrol LED ambient lighting and a sunroof.
engine, the 120PS and 172Nm, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol The pre-facelift Sonet was priced between Rs 7.79
engine, and a 116PS and 250Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine lakh and Rs 14.89 lakh (ex-showroom). We expect the
are set to be retained in the Sonet facelift. new prices to start from Rs 7.99-8.20 lakh and go up
The 1.2-litre gasoline unit will only be available to Rs 15.20-15.60 lakh. Upon launch, it will take on the
with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The turbo-petrol and Tata Nexon facelift, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki
diesel engines maintain the 6-speed iMT, but the diesel Brezza, and the upcoming Mahindra XUV300 facelift.

OVERDRIVE.IN JANUARY 2024 7

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MOTORING NEWS

JAGUAR LAND ROVER OPENS


WAIT LIST FOR THE UPCOMING
NEW RANGE ROVER ELECTRIC

L
and Rover has announced The Range Rover will also be the
they have now opened the company’s quietest vehicle, thanks to
wait list for the upcoming more efficient electric motors.
Range Rover Electric SUV, Global on-road testing has begun in
ahead of formal orders conditions ranging from -40° C to +50°
being made available to C, from Sweden to Dubai. To assure
customers. As the first of its kind, the the robustness of the electric drive
brand will keep its on-road and off-road system, including its underfloor, battery
credentials as the standard Range Rover. durability, chassis integrity, and vehicle
The first completely electric car dynamics tests for thermal derating, the
from Range Rover will reinforce its worldwide physical testing program has
contemporary luxury credentials, been updated for Range Rover’s first
announcing the next milestone in its completely electric car.
modern luxury electrification journey. Geraldine Ingham, Managing
The testing procedure will prove the Director, Range Rover said, “Since going
Range Rover Electric’s capacity to on sale in 2021 the latest generation
withstand high temperatures, all climates Range Rover has set a new benchmark
and terrain, and wade through up to for desirability. Across the globe, we’re
850mm of water. seeing the highest levels of client demand
The electric Range Rover is being in our 53-year history. Because of this
built in JLR’s facility in Solihull, near unprecedented success story, we’re
Birmingham, with many of the same now opening the official wait list for the
tools as the present Range Rovers, which According to JLR, the car will have opportunity to be among the first to place
are hybrids with smaller batteries and a 800-volt charging, enabling substantially a pre-order for the most anticipated
petrol engine. If JLR’s ambitions alter, quicker charging speeds when utilizing Range Rover of recent times. Marking a
the same machinery will allow it to move the network of ultra-rapid chargers, new era for the Range Rover brand: the
more swiftly between electric and petrol which are often positioned on major original luxury SUV is now available as
hybrid variants. roads and highways for longer travels. an all-electric model.”

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MOTORING NEWS

HYUNDAI EXTER WINS


THE INDIAN CAR OF THE YEAR
AWARD AT ICOTY 2024

I
n the 19th edition of the Indian phenomenal cars launched this year Interestingly, the first runner-up was
Car of the Year (ICOTY), the that included the likes of the Citroen C3 Mercedes-Benz GLC, followed by the
Hyundai Exter was announced Aircross, Honda Elevate, Hyundai Exter, BMW X1 as the second runner-up. The
as the winner of the Indian Car Hyundai Verna, Mahindra XUV400, previous winners of this award included
of the Year 2024. It beat its Maruti Suzuki Jimny, MG Comet and the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580, Mercedes-
runner-ups, the Maruti Suzuki Toyota Innova Hycross. Nevertheless, Benz S-Class and Land Rover Defender,
Jimny and Honda Elevate and the Hyundai Exter came out victorious respectively.
Toyota Innova Hycross, to emerge as beating the rest of the contenders and On the other hand, contenders in
the winner. At the same time, the BMW claiming the Indian Car of the Year the Green Car Award by ICOTY 2024
7 Series bagged the Premium Car of the award for 2024. Notably, the winners category included the BMW i7, BYD
Year award, while the Hyundai Ioniq of the ICOTY in the past three years Atto 3, Citroen eC3, Hyundai Ioniq
5 was declared the Green Car of the include the Kia Carens, Mahindra 5, Mahindra XUV400, Mercedes-
Year by ICOTY. A jury of professional XUV700 and Hyundai i20. Benz EQE, MG Comet, and Volvo
automotive journalists from widely The shortlisted contenders for the C40 Recharge. The Hyundai Ioniq 5
recognized magazines and media Premium Car Award by ICOTY 2024 won the 2024 Green Car Award while
houses throughout India, including were the BMW X1, Range Rover Sport, the BMW i7 and MG Comet EV were
OVERDRIVE as a founding member, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Hyundai Ioniq 5, declared the first and second runner-
made their pick and chose the winners BMW 7-series, Lexus RX, Volvo C40 ups, respectively. It is to be noted that
of each of these categories. Recharge and Lexus LX. Meanwhile, the the Kis EV6 won the 2023 Green Car
It was a great year for car BMW 7 Series emerged as the winner Award, whereas the Audi e-tron bagged
enthusiasts as we had quite a few of the 2024 Premium Car Award. the 2022 Green Car Award.

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ROYAL ENFIELD
HIMALAYAN 450 WINS
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE OF
THE YEAR 2024 AWARD

T
he Indian Motorcycle suitability for Indian road and riding
of the Year (IMOTY) conditions. This rigorous process
for 2024 has been ensured the recognition of a standout
announced, and the Royal motorcycle in the Indian market.
Enfield Himalayan 450 For this year, the jury for the
secured this prestigious title. The IMOTY 2024 consisted of Bertrand
Triumph Scrambler 400X claimed D’souza, Editor, OVERDRIVE;
the first runner-up position, while Rohit Paradkar, Assistant Editor,
the KTM 390 Duke secured the OVERDRIVE; Abhay Verma, Editor
second runner-up spot. That being and Publisher, Turbocharged;
said, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Kartik Ware, Managing Editor,
was crowned the Indian Motorcycle Motoring World; Aspi Bhathena,
of the Year in 2023. Aspi Bhathena, Editor, Bike India
Competing against six other and Car India; Dipayan Dutta, Senior
strong contenders, including the Special Correspondent, Auto Today;
Triumph Scrambler 400X, Hero Manav Sinha, Digital Editor, AutoX;
Karizma XMR, KTM 390 Duke, Varun Painter, Editor - 2-wheeler,
Harley Davidson X440, Royal Powerdrift; Sirish Chandran,
Enfield Super Meteor 650, and TVS Editorial Director, Evo India,
Apache RTR 310. The decision, made Fast Bikes India, and MotorSport
by a panel of seasoned motoring India; Joshua Varghese, Senior
journalists representing various Correspondent, Bike India; Pratheek
publications and online media, Kunder, Assitant Editor, BikeWale;
involved a comprehensive evaluation. Shivank Bhatt, Road Test Editor,
Factors considered included cost, AutoX; Aatish Mishra, Assistant
fuel efficiency, performance, comfort, Editor, Evo India; and Rahul Ghosh,
For the ICOTY 2024, the list of practicality, design, technology, and Associate Editor, Auto Today.
jury members included Bob Rupani,
Consulting Editor, OVERDRIVE;
Rohit Paradkar, Assistant Editor,
OVERDRIVE; Vikrant Singh, Editorial
Director, CarWale, CarTrade, and
BikeWale; Sirish Chandran, Editorial
Director, Evo India, Fast Bikes India,
and MotorSport India; Ishan Raghava,
Managing Editor, AutoX; Abhay Verma,
Editor and Publisher, Turbocharged;
Arpit Mahendra, Editor Auto, The
Times of India; Kushan Mitra,
Contributing Editor - Automotive, The
Print; Cyrus Dhabhar, Editor-in-Chief,
Powerdrift; Pablo Chaterji, Executive
Editor, Motoring World; Dhruv
Behl, Editor-in-Cheif, AutoX; Ameya
Dandekar, Associate Editor, CarDekho,
BikeDekho, and ZigWheels; Kartik
Ware, Managing Editor, Motoring
World; Aspi Bhathena, Editor, Bike
India and Car India; Joshua Varghese,
Senior Correspondent, Bike India;
Yogendra Pratap, Editor, India Today;
Aatish Mishra, Assistant Editor, Evo
India; and Rahul Ghosh, Associate
Editor, Auto Today.

OVERDRIVE.IN JANUARY 2024 11

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MOTORING NEWS

MERCEDES-AMG
CLE 53 4MATIC+
COUPE UNVEILED

M
ercedes-AMG has leather/Microcut black microfiber,
unveiled the new CLE accentuated by AMG-specific graphics
53 4Matic+ Coupe, and red contrasting topstitching. It
merging the agility of features a 12.3-inch driver display, an
the C-Class with the 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment
stature of the E-Class. This performance- system, and dynamic ambient lighting.
oriented two-door car boasts a six- The availability of Nappa leather
cylinder engine combined with an upholstery with embossed AMG crests
electric gas turbocharger and mild- on the front headrests and AMG
hybrid capabilities, alongside various performance seats with enhanced seat Under the bonnet, the 3.0-litre, inline
AMG-specific features. bolsters adds to the luxury. six-cylinder, twin-turbocharged engine
The AMG CLE 53 Coupe showcases The coupe comes equipped with in the CLE 53 4MATIC+ produces 449PS
a classic long hood, a sloping an AMG Dynamic Select offering and 560Nm of torque, with an overboost
windshield, and an elongated roof five driving modes, AMG 4Matic+ capability of 600Nm for 12 seconds.
that leads to a short and sporty rear. all-wheel-drive system, and an AMG The integrated starter generator (ISG)
It includes distinctive AMG elements, Ride Control chassis with adaptable supplements an additional 23PS and
such as an A-shaped radiator grille and damping and three selectable levels. 205Nm of torque. The car accelerates
angular headlights. Moreover, the new It also offers a three-stage AMG from zero to 100kmph in just 4.2
front bumper has been designed to speed-sensitive steering and rear-axle seconds and has an electronically limited
enhance airflow. Optional packages such steering as standard. Additionally, an top speed of 250kmph, extendable to
as the AMG Optics and Night packages optional AMG Dynamic Plus package 270kmph with an optional upgrade.
allow further customisation. Inside, the includes a Race driving program and Power is managed by an AMG Speedshift
cabin is adorned with Artico man-made active engine mounts. TCT 9G automatic transmission.

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MARUTI SUZUKI
GUJARAT PLANT
ACHIEVES 30 LAKH
UNIT PRODUCTION
MILESTONE

T
he Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private produced at this facility. Commenting on the occasion,
Limited (SMG), a subsidiary of Maruti Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti
Suzuki, has reached a significant Suzuki India Limited, said, “With the acquisition of
milestone by producing over 30 lakh Suzuki Motor Gujarat, we are further enhancing our
units within nearly seven years since production flexibility. The production of our battery
its inception in February 2017. The electric vehicles will also be undertaken at the Gujarat
facility not only caters to the domestic market but plant and is expected to start in FY 2024-25. At
also plays a pivotal role in exports, with export model present, the facility manufactures some of the popular
manufacturing started in March 2018. models like Swift, Baleno, Dzire and Fronx. Aligned to
Situated in Hansalpur, Gujarat, this manufacturing the Government’s ‘Make-in-India’ vision, 50 per cent
plant boasts an annual production capacity of 7.50 of the vehicles manufactured at SMG in FY 2022-23
lakh units, distributed across three sections: plant A, were exported to global markets.”
plant B, and plant C. The initial 10 lakh unit milestone In addition to this achievement, the Maruti Suzuki
was achieved in October 2020, followed by surpassing Board of Directors has recently given the green light
the 20 lakh unit mark in August 2022. Impressively, for the acquisition of Suzuki Motor Gujarat from
the subsequent 10 lakh units were manufactured Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), Japan. Previously,
within just 17 months. Presently, models such as the Suzuki Motor Gujarat operated as a wholly owned
Baleno, Swift, Dzire, Fronx, and Tour S are being subsidiary of SMC.

OVERDRIVE.IN JANUARY 2024 13

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MOTORING NEWS

NEW-GEN
RENAULT DUSTER
BREAKS COVER
Indian debut expected in late 2024

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R
enault’s Hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.6-litre
sister brand petrol engine with two electric motors as the
Dacia has main powerplant. One e-motor produces 49PS,
finally while the other acts as a starter/generator. A
unveiled the 1.2-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid engine will
new Dacia also be available, mated to a six-speed manual
Duster transmission in all models. Dacia will continue
for the European market. to sell the Duster with a ‘bi-fuel’ option that
The Duster has proven to combines petrol and LPG engines.
be a success, with over 2.2 The new Duster remains capable off-road
million cars produced over by providing 217 mm of ground clearance for
its 13-year run. The new- the AWD variant. It has an approach angle of
generation French SUV has a 31 degrees and a departure angle of 36 degrees.
fully redesigned appearance It even boasts a downhill speed control system
and interior and new engine that adjusts speed automatically to ensure a
options. It is scheduled to smooth descent. It operates between 0 and 30
arrive in India in late 2024. kmph and may be used even when in reverse.
The third-generation There are five driving modes available as well:
Duster is built on the CMF-B Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road, and Eco.
platform, which underlies The inside of the new Duster is also being
several Dacia, Renault, and updated. The bulky dashboard is dominated
Nissan cars. Though the by a 10.1-inch floating infotainment system.
new Duster retains its boxy The overall design is clean, with well-defined
dimensions and SUV look, edges all around. There are real HVAC control
it is inspired by the Bigster buttons beneath the central AC vents, as well
concept. as a plethora of storage areas all around.
Its front end has much The dedicated phone holder between the
sharper headlamps than the touchscreen and digital driver’s display is a
previous model, and it has notable addition.
Dacia’s new emblem on the A fully digital instrument cluster, Type
front and back. The Renault- C charging connections, automated climate
branded Duster SUV, on the control, and built-in navigation for the
other hand, will have some touchscreen system are among the features.
cosmetic variations when it It has numerous airbags, an electronic
debuts next year. In terms of styling, it has parking brake, electronic stability control
squared wheel arches and dual-tone alloy (ESC), hill assist, a tyre pressure monitoring
wheels. The rear door handles of the new system (TPMS), and a comprehensive suite of
Duster are mounted on the C-pillar. The third- advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
generation Duster’s body side cladding and When launched in India, the new Renault
roof rails contribute to its toughness. It has Duster will compete in the sector alongside
Y-shaped LED taillamps and a skid plate on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki
the bumper at the back for those days when Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder,
you want to go off-road. The new Duster has MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun,
more efficient engines than before, with a Honda Elevate, and Citroen C3 Aircross.

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MOTORING NEWS

TOYOTA
PREVIEWS THE
URBAN SUV
CONCEPT FOR
EUROPE

T
oyota introduced will be unveiled at some point next year,
the new Urban SUV most likely in concept form first, with
Concept at a recent production versions following later.
European press event in The Urban SUV Concept has the
Brussels, a tiny electric same dimensions as the Maruti Suzuki
SUV that the Japanese eVX, measuring 4,300mm in length,
company expects will 1,820mm in width, and 1,620mm
be production-ready next year. The in height. Because of the born-EV
new vehicle will be the most compact skateboard platform, both models are bumper and tailgate change slightly, but
and accessible of a planned six-model likely to have a 2,700mm wheelbase, the overall appearance is identical to
dedicated BEV line-up, competing in the which will help free up cabin space. The the eVX. Toyota has been tight-lipped
B-SUV class, which Toyota expects would Urban SUV Concept has a hammerhead on any specifics, but we do know that
be one of Europe’s major BEV markets. design with a C-shaped light signature the production Urban SUV will be
This futuristic SUV, known as the Toyota and matching light bar, which has been available with two batteries and either
Urban SUV concept, is the sister car of seen on modern automobiles such as two or four-wheel drive. Toyota claims
the Suzuki eVX SUV. the Prius. Additional lighting strips are it will provide additional information
This Urban SUV Concept which is installed vertically at the front bumper’s about the production Urban SUV
still unnamed will join the Toyota bZ4X borders, which has a row of vertical Concept next year. Toyota Motor
SUV which is currently on sale. The slats at its base. Strong shoulders, sharp Europe’s objective of entirely supplying
remaining 4 EVs on the way include wheel arches, and flush door handles, zero-emission cars (ZEVs) by 2035 and
two crossovers, a bigger SUV, and the the latter of which are located high attaining total carbon neutrality by
Sport Crossover Concept, which was up to the C-pillars for the rear doors, 2040 will be aided by the EVs expected
unveiled at the same event. All five cars can be found along the sides. The rear to be released by 2026.

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TESLA CYBERTRUCK
BREAKS COVER

T
esla has begun deliveries of its long- (RWD) to 2.6 seconds (Cyberbeast) for 0-96kmph
anticipated Cybertruck, available in (0-60mph), with a top speed of 180kmph (112mph)
three versions: Cyberbeast, All-wheel- for both RWD and AWD versions. The dual-motor
drive, and Rear-wheel-drive. The AWD generates 608PS and 10,080Nm of torque,
starting price for the rear-wheel-drive while the Cyberbeast with three electric motors
version is $60,990, expected in 2025, produces 857PS and 13,959Nm of torque. The
while the Cyberbeast and all-wheel-drive trims cost Cybertruck supports 250kW ultra-fast charging and
$99,990 and $79,990, respectively, with deliveries boasts a payload capacity of 1,134kg (2,500 lbs) and
set for 2024. Notably, these prices are higher than towing capacity ranging from 3,402kg (7,500 lbs) to
originally estimated. 4,990kg (11,000 lbs) depending on the version.
The pickup offers three drivetrain options: Its design remains distinctive, offering a
rear-wheel drive, all-wheel-drive with dual-motor minimalist cabin with an 18.5-inch touchscreen
setup, and the top-tier all-wheel-drive with a infotainment system, a rear 9.4-inch touchscreen,
tri-motor system. Range estimates vary, with the and a premium 15-speaker sound system.
rear-wheel-drive offering around 402km (250 Additionally, the Cybertruck can charge electronic
miles) and the all-wheel-drive providing 547km devices or other EVs through its power outlets, and
(340 miles) or 756km (470 miles) with a range it’s capable of supplying power to homes during
extender. Acceleration times range from 6.5 seconds outages at 11.5kW.

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MOTORING NEWS

END
OF AN
ERA The last Audi TT Roadster
Final Edition rolls out of factory

A
udi recently put As mentioned earlier, the last model Brown leather trim with the iconic TT’s
a full stop to the to come out of the production line was baseball stitching on the various parts.
production of its the Audi TT Roadster Final Edition There are also carbon fibre inlays and
popular TT when adorned in Goodwood Greeen Pearl leather package as standard. Plus, the
the last TT Roadster paint job, which was also seen on the TT Roadster’s S sport seats get neck-
Final Edition rolled TT models from 1998. This last-of-its- level heating and include built-in seat
out of the production kind TT convertible will be limited to belt microphones. It also features a 12.3-
line at its facility, Audi Hungaria, in only 50 examples and will be exclusively inch driver display and a 12-speaker
Hungary. Interestingly, the series available in the United States. Part Bang and Olufsen sound system.
production at this plant was commenced of the package, the special edition of Powering the TT Roadster Final
in 1998 with the Audi TT Coupé. The the TT comes equipped with an S-line Edition is the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder,
carmaker made the TT Coupé and package, comprising matte grey inserts, turbocharged petrol engine generating
Roadster models along with the Q3 and S-line badges, convertible roof-top 228PS and 350Nm of torque. It is mated
Q3 Sportback SUVs. Meanwhile, Audi painted in grey (first seen on the 2019 to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
so far sold over 6,62,762 units of the TT Roadster 20th Anniversary edition), transmission. With its Quattro all-
TT moniker over its three generations and 20-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, wheel drive system, the TT can go from
worldwide since 1998. the interior is draped in Palomino 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds.

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TOYOTA HILUX CHAMP SITS
ON THE IMV 0 PLATFORM AS
AN AFFORDABLE PICK-UP

T
oyota has officially the Thailand debut. Toyota provides
unveiled the all-new Hilux eight categories, with an emphasis on
Champ in Thailand, over providing a wide range of corporate
a year after revealing types and applications. There are short
the IMV-0 prototype. and long-wheelbase models, three
The new IMV series engine types 2.0-litre petrol engine,
model dubbed ‘IMV 0’ is significant 2.7-litre petrol engine, and 2.4-litre
not just for Thailand, but also for the diesel engine, and an unequipped
whole ASEAN area. The Hilux Champ variant with a flat deck.
is available in both long and short- The base 2.0-litre petrol engine
wheelbase configurations, with three produces 139PS and 183Nm torque
engine options. Toyota Motor Thailand and is mated to a five-speed manual
displayed the new pickup truck in a gearbox. Then there is the 2.7-litre petrol
variety of configurations to highlight the engine that is good enough for 166PS
flexible base of the Hilux Champ. and 245Nm torque and is paired with
The Hilux Champ’s short wheelbase a six-speed torque converter automatic
variant is 4,970mm long, 1,785mm wide, transmission. Finally, there is the
and 1,735mm high. It has a wheelbase of 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine which is
2,750mm with truck bed measurements lower on power at just 150PS, but its
of 2,312mm x 1,711mm x 327mm. The 343 Nm torque (with a 5-speed manual)
extended wheelbase variant, on the other is almost 100Nm more than the petrol
hand, extends the vehicle to 5,300mm in motor. That number jumps up to 400Nm
length and has a wheelbase of 3085 mm. of torque when paired with a 6-speed
The truck bed is 362 mm longer than automatic transmission.
the SWB Hilux Champ, indicating the Inside, the Hilux Champ keeps things
additional length. simple with flat panels and hard plastic
The Hilux Champ keeps many trim. The Hilux Champ is available in a
of the design characteristics of the cab and chassis type, a single-cab pickup
IMV-0 Concept on the exterior. The with a long bed, and speciality bodywork
manufacturing version retained the like delivery trucks, medical vehicles,
boxy body and front fascia of the Land small business trucks, camping trucks,
Cruiser 70 and FJ Cruiser. Eleven and even RVs. Short- and long-wheelbase
customized versions were featured at variants meet a variety of cargo needs.

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MOTORING NEWS

SAIC MOTORS AND JSW


JOIN HANDS TO ACCELERATE
MG MOTORS IN INDIA

S
AIC Motor, China’s alliance aims to capitalize on both forefront of their shared vision. Both JV
largest manufacturer, entities’ strengths and resources in the partners are committed to remaining
signed a Joint Venture automotive and technological sectors involved in the Indian market in order to
(JV) deal with the JSW to pioneer initiatives promoting local achieve long-term success.
Group on Thursday, which sourcing enhancement, infrastructure According to Wang Xiaoqiu,
would aid MG Motor development for electric vehicle (EV) President of SAIC Motor, “The
in India with much- charging, production capacity expansion, automobile business is a global industry,
needed resources and expansion funds. and the introduction of a broader range and like in any other similar industry,
According to the deal, JSW will own of vehicles with a strong emphasis on access and collaboration are crucial for
35 percent of the Indian JV activities. eco-friendly mobility. its healthy growth. SAIC has always
SAIC will continue to provide technology SAIC Motor’s substantial automotive adhered to the ‘win-win cooperation’
and products to the joint venture in experience and technological skills will approach while steadily improving our
order to bring mobility solutions to the be leveraged in this JV. It will also use core capabilities and expanding our scale
Indian customer. JSW Group’s substantial footprint in the of production and sales. In the growing
The relationship was established in Indian economy’s B2B and B2C sectors Indian automotive market, both partners
the MG Office in London by SAIC Motor, to supplement local sourcing and develop shall work closely to bring in the best
a worldwide Fortune 500 firm, and the a stable supply chain. of innovation, in creating greener and
JSW Group, an Indian conglomerate SAIC and JSW Group will collaborate smarter mobility products and services
with diverse enterprises. The JV, led by to build a smart and sustainable for our consumers, seizing market
SAIC Motor President Wang Xiaoqiu automotive ecosystem in India by opportunities, continuously expanding
and JSW Group’s Parth Jindal, intends accelerating the development of NEVs the brand influence and market share
to accelerate MG Motor’s transformation and ICEs with Carbon Neutrality, of our products, and achieving greater
and development in India. This strategic Sustainability, and Green Mobility at the success for MG in India.”

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MOTORCYCLE NEWS

THE

IS BACK
With fresh aggressive styling, a more
potent engine and refreshed electronics,
the big naked brute is brawnier
than ever before

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A
fter unveiling the new 990 but also increase down force while riding at
Duke at the EICMA 2023, high speeds. Further, KTM says that it has
KTM has now pulled the reworked every panel for optimum thickness
wraps off the new 1390 and minimised where possible.
Super Duke R, bringing in KTM has bestowed the 1390 Super Duke
a fresh aggressive styling, R with coming home light function, a new
more potent engine, and a host of electronic WP Apex open cartridge USD forks, a new
rider aids compared to its predecessor. The fully adjustable WP Apex rear monoshock,
streetfighter will be available in two trim levels: Michelin Power GP tyres with dual compound
1390 Super Duke R and 1390 Super Duke R technology, ride modes (inclduing two new
Evo. Interestingly, the next year will mark 40 Performance and Track modes), optional
years of Duke nameplate. engine brake control, five-inch colour TFT
As the name suggests, the increased display, USB Type-C port, TPMS, traction
capacity is the major talking point with the control system, wheelie control, dual-channel
2024 Super naked from KTM. The new ABS, launch control, and among others.
engine actually measures 1,350cc, in terms of The 1390 Super Duke Evo stands out
displacement capacity and since the existing with its new WP Semi-Active Technology
‘1290’ is in actuality a 1,301cc V-twin, the suspension setup featuring electronically
increase from old to new is a modest 49cc, controlled magnetic valves for variable
achieved via a 2mm increase in bore, while damping and electronic adjustability. In this
retaining the previous 71mm stroke. case, the SCU (Suspension Control Unit)
The all-new 1390 Super Duke R features adapts the damping rates in real-time with
similar muscular and sporty design language. the inputs from magnetic valves, analysing
There is a new headlight unit comprising two the road condition and rider’s style to
vertically stacked projector lamps and split automatically adjust the suspension on the go.
daytime running lights. The new 17.5 litres fuel The updated suspension pro pack for the Evo
tank now gets spoilers and winglets. Not only model comes with anti-dive function, which
they make the 1390 Super Duke R look meaner keeps the front end stiff under hard braking.

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MOTORCYCLE NEWS

BMW UNVEILS
THE R12 NINET
ROADSTER AND
R12 CRUISER
Both the R12 nineT roadster and R12 cruiser share the
same boxer engine but with a different tune to suit the
unique character of the corresponding motorcycles

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I
ntroduced in 2023, the original R distinctive interchangeable tank shapes, Torque Control. The R 12 nineT has
nineT marked a departure from allowing for greater visual individuality ‘Rain,’ ‘Road,’ and ‘Dynamic’ modes,
the conventional classic-style and seat and fly line design freedom. while the R 12 offers ‘Roll’ and ‘Rock’
roadster. Combining vintage The R 12 nineT has an aluminum tank modes, allowing riders to customize
motorcycle aesthetics, modern with brushed and clear-coated side their riding experience. The chassis
technology, craftsmanship, and panels, while the R 12 gets a steel tank also includes adjustable front forks
extensive customisation options, it laid in a classic teardrop shape. and rear suspension. For safety aids,
the foundation for the BMW Motorrad The design language of the R 12 the R 12 models come with standard
Heritage line of roadsters. models showcases a true-blue retro BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, offering
Featuring a 1,170cc, twin-cylinder styling with several modern touches, ABS-assisted braking when leaning, as
boxer, air/oil-cooled engine, the R 12 featuring classic round instruments, USB well as optional Hill Start Assist Pro
nineT produces 109PS at 7,000 rpm and Type-C and 12V sockets, and optional for ease of starting on inclines. Keyless
115Nm of torque (85 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm, digital TFT displays. LED lighting is Ride is standard, while Intelligent
while the R 12 offers 95PS at 6,500 rpm standard, with the option for adaptive Emergency Call ensures prompt
and 110Nm of torque (81 lb-ft) at 6,000 Headlight Pro for improved night-time assistance in emergencies.
rpm. Both models come mated to a six- safety. Both models offer optional The new R 12 nineT and R 12 are
speed transmission with a drive shaft. Connected Ride Control, enabling available in three colour options each,
Notably, the bikes boast a left-hand smartphone connectivity via the BMW providing riders with a range of choices
exhaust system with double mufflers Motorrad Connected app. to suit their preferences. These models
and conical end caps, along with a Additionally, the bikes feature celebrate the century-old legacy of
new under-seat airbox. The chassis of riding modes, standard DTC (Dynamic BMW’s two-cylinder boxer engine and
the new R 12 models is built feature Traction Control), and Engine Drag shaft drive.

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MOTORCYCLE LAUNCHES

HONDA CB350 ORXA MANTIS


Though it gets the same underpinnings as the H’ness, its The Mantis gets a liquid-cooled motor and boasts a range
appearance alone bears an uncanny resemblance a certain of 221 IDC. However it, does not qualify for the FAME 2
rival who hails from Southern India. Comes in two variants. subsidy, but the cost does include a standard 1.3kW charger.

348cc, single-cyl, 21PS 20.5kW motor

Rs 2 lakh - 2.18 lakh 8.9kWh battery


(ex-showroom) Rs 3.6 lakh (ex-showroom,
Bengaluru)

ROYAL ENFIELD
HIMALAYAN 450
Yup, pricing for the the new-generation
Himalayan 450 was finally revealed.
It’s the same bike that makes the older
411 look and feel like a dinosaur. Prices
mentioned are introductory.
452cc, single-cyl, 40PS
Rs 2.69 - 2.84 lakh KAWASAKI W175 STREET
(ex-Showroom) The simplistic bike now gets alloy wheels, tubeless tyres and
a small heat shield to protect your right foot a lot better.
Costs 12k less than the standard model.
177cc, single-cyl, 13PS
Rs 1.35 lakh (ex-Showroom)

APRILIA RS 457 2024 TVS APACHE RTR 160 4V


The first ever made-in-India motorcycle that was showcased The latest model boasts a bigger 240mm disc with dial
at the India’s first ever MotoGP race finally has a price tag channel ABS standard, Smartxonnect tech and two new
attached to it. colourways.

457cc, parallel-twin, 48PS 159.7cc, single cyl, 17.6PS

Rs 4.10 lakh (ex-Showroom) Rs 1.35 lakh (ex-showroom)

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India’s Largest Auto Media
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FIRST DRIVE

ES-B ENZ
2024 MERCED

Type 1,991cc, Max power Max torque


inline 4-cylinder 408PS @ 6,750rpm 500Nm @ 5,000rpm

0-100kmph Top speed Transmission 9-speed


4.6s (claimed) 250kmph (claimed) automatic with AWD

LxWxH (mm) Price `98 lakh OD Rating


4,791x1,824x1,450 (ex-showroom)

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THE NEW C 43 IS THE BEST
TRANSFORMATION OF
THE ‘IN-BETWEEN’ MODEL

WORDS ROHIT PARADKAR


PHOTOGRAPHY ANIS SHAIKH

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T
he C-Class AMG models have engine’s purr almost fades to silence, making it a
played pivotal roles in the comfortable cruiser for daily use.
evolution of the Mercedes-Benz The power from the engine is sent to the
and AMG collaboration. While the wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox,
C 36 AMG marked the inception which incorporates AMG’s wet clutch instead of
of this partnership, the C 63 has a traditional torque converter. While it’s refined
etched its name into the annals in standard Drive mode, it has a minor quirk
of automotive legend. Yet, in the midst of these when you manually downshift using the steering
powerhouses, the C 43 AMG often lingered in the wheel-mounted paddles. There’s a slight pause of
shadows, serving as a bridge between the standard about half a second before the downshift happens.
C-Class and the ferocious C 63. It humbly wielded Mercedes engineers have indicated that this will be
a V6 engine sourced from Mercedes-Benz and fine- addressed with a software upgrade ahead of sales.
tuned by AMG. Now, with the arrival of the new To draw a parallel, the C 43 AMG competes
C 43, a transformation is on the horizon, one that with the BMW M340i, which offers a more
could reshape the perception of this remarkable traditional inline-six engine. The AMG, however,
‘in-between’ model. takes a different approach with its smaller but
electrified powerplant. It’s a trade-off between
Design the charismatic sound of a six-cylinder and
The new C 43 AMG doesn’t scream ‘AMG’ like the innovative technology of the C 43. Both are
some of its siblings. It maintains a subtle yet involving driver’s cars, but the BMW feels wild
sporty appearance with vertical slats on the while this AMG feels more focused.
radiator grille, sill extensions, and a small wing
on the bootlid. However, what stands out are the Ride and Handling
four exhaust tailpipes beneath the rear bumper, And that focus isn’t just straight-line speed. It excels
hinting at its performance potential. in providing a balanced driving experience that
combines agility and comfort too. At lower speeds,
Engine, Transmission, and Performance you’ll notice that the ride feels firm, especially
And performance is what makes the Mercedes- with these 19-inch wheels. However, as you pick
Benz C 43 AMG tick. Under the hood, this up pace and encounter larger road imperfections,
model introduces a significant shift in the AMG the suspension reveals its suppler side. It manages
philosophy. While previous C 43 models were lumps and bumps with impressive poise, even in the
powered by a V6 engine, the new one features a sportier Sport Plus mode, which remains compliant
downsized turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. I for everyday road use.
know. Frown. Raise eyebrows. But it’s not your One of the standout aspects here is the
garden-variety four-cylinder. It’s a powerhouse, steering. It gives you real-time feedback, allowing
cranking out a substantial 402 horsepower. That’s you to feel even subtle changes in the road’s
around 55 horses down from the first C 63 AMG, texture. What’s more, the steering responses
which had three times the displacement. And yet, are balanced and offer just the right amount
the C 43 will go just as quickly with a 0-100kmph
sprint of 4.6 seconds!
What sets the C 43 apart is its innovative 48V
electricals and an electric turbocharger derived
from AMG’s Formula 1 learnings. This isn’t just
about reducing turbo lag; it’s about enhancing
performance. The compact motor directly acts
on the turbocharger’s shaft, providing an extra 8
horsepower when needed. It can even harvest up
to 4kW of energy from exhaust gases, contributing
to its overall efficiency. The result is linear power
delivery throughout the broad rev range, ensuring
that there’s always plenty of power on tap when
you need it.
The acceleration is impressive, especially
when engaging the race-start mode, which enables
consistent and brutal launches.
The sound, unlike the roaring symphony of its
larger engined siblings, produces a more refined
note, but it’s not lacking in character. Even in its
quieter mode, it retains some of that AMG charm,
with occasional pops and gurgles when you lift
off the throttle. Some of these sounds are digitally
enhanced through the speakers, adding to the
overall experience. At cruising speeds, though, the

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of resistance, which adds to the overall to fiddle with controls on the humongous
pleasure of the driving experience. infotainment system.
The C 43’s traction is indeed impressive,
and its grip is tenacious. Although it’s quite Infotainment and Connectivity
willing to turn and hold a line, especially The MBUX software interface allows for
thanks to the reduced mass of the new voice activation, and there’s support for
engine, pushing it too hard into the slowest Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A high-
and tightest of corners may provoke a hint end Burmester stereo and a full-color
of understeer. And that’s despite the strong head-up display add further to the
69% rearward power-delivery bias. luxurious experience.
It feels like it was benchmarked more
closely against Audi’s Quattro system than Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
BMW’s xDrive. That said, it offers a decent In terms of safety, the C 43 comes with a
balance between agility and comfort, range of standard driver-assistance features.
making it a versatile companion for both,
spirited drives and daily commutes. Verdict
With the downsized engine, the new
Cabin Comfort Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG 4MATIC eases
Moving inside, the C 43’s cabin mirrors off some of the guilt by offering a more
most of the C-Class elements but with environmentally friendly powertrain
sporty touches like optional carbon fiber without sacrificing performance. While it
trim, metal inlays, and a flat-bottom sport may not have a growling exhaust note of
steering wheel. The red stitching and the V engines, it’s a modern take on the
seatbelts add contrast. A dedicated AMG successful AMG formula. And proper four
switch simplifies access to the dynamic doors and four seats mean that your family
or performance functions without having can enjoy some of it too.

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

R O A M I
T H E
I
MARUTI SUZUDKITION
JIMNY’S EXPE ZIRANGA
THROUGH KA
PARADKAR
WORDS ROHIT
RA PH Y SUMIT GAIKWAD
PHOTOG

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NG
W I L D

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A
s the first light of dawn breaks inhabitants. In the spirit of
over the vast expanse of adventure, the Jimny commands
Kaziranga National Park, attention and respect, echoing the
nature awakens to the untamed spirit of its surroundings.
distant sounds of wildlife. A robust companion for those
Against seeking the thrill of the unknown, the
this serene Jimny is not merely a vehicle; it’s a
backdrop, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny testament to endurance. With a ground
fits in like none other, casting a clearance of 210mm and a robust 4x4
rugged silhouette against the canvas system standard across the range, the
of untamed beauty. I couldn’t have Jimny is engineered to conquer obstacles
thought of a better car to explore the with grace, mirroring the determination of
magnificence of Kaziranga, where the the wildlife it encounters on its journey.
rhinos reign supreme. Inside the Jimny, a cozy yet comfortable
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is an world unfolds. The interior, crafted over decades
icon with a lineage spanning over of evolution, accommodates four passengers
50 years. It’s predecessors are seen with ease. Versatile seating and advanced
aplenty around such sanctuaries in technology make every journey an experience,
India and everyone watches in awe as creating a harmonious blend of strength
the newest avatar confidently navigates and tranquility that mirrors the heart of the
the challenging terrains like the ones sanctuaries.
in Kaziranga or any other jungles than Do watch our video story which captures
span across our nation. On its rugged exterior draped the essence of the Jimny’s journey through Kaziranga - a
in the eye-catching colour, splattered mud of the wild place where over 2,400 rhinos roam freely, making it
becomes a badge of honour, symbolising the strength and their largest habitat in the world! The rhino, a symbol of
resilience that define both the car and the sanctuary’s strength and resilience, finds its automotive counterpart

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in the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. Much like the diverse
sanctuaries dotting our planet, the Jimny embodies the
perfect blend of toughness and serenity, preserving the
spirit of adventure for generations.
Each time the Jimny passed the Kaziranga logos or
milestones, there was a symbolic connection that was forged
between the sanctuary’s commitment to preservation and
the car’s dedication to adventure. The sanctuaries around the
India safeguard various species, and with a car like the Jimny,
adventure possibilities to such destination become boundless.
In India, the Jimny, with its versatile 5-door design,
finds a fitting home. With over 10,000 of them on the road,
it becomes not just a vehicle but a cultural phenomenon.
A tribute to a country boasting more than 570 wildlife
sanctuaries, each contributing to the conservation of diverse
species. The Jimny becomes a catalyst for exploration, urging
enthusiasts to plan their next thrilling journey with the
confidence that this tough companion will always be ready.
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny serves as a reminder that, just
as these sanctuaries preserve the essence of the wild, the
Jimny is engineered to preserve the essence of adventure.
In a world where unique encounters are rare, driving
the Maruti Suzuki Jimny is an invitation to embrace the
extraordinary. So, go ahead, seize the wheel, and let the
spirit of the wild guide your next unforgettable journey
through the heart of India.

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ROAD TEST

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BMW

THE REVISED BMW


X7 SHOWS THAT
PRACTICALITY AND FUN
CAN GO HAND IN HAND

WORDS TUHIN GUHA


PHOTOGRAPHY NEEL PARADKAR

Type 2,993cc, Max power Max torque 720Nm


Inline-six twin-turbo 352PS@4,400 rpm @1,750-2,250 rpm
diesel MHEV (e-motor: 12PS) (e-motor: 200 Nm)

LxWxH (mm) Price `1.58 crore OD Rating


5,181 x 2,000 x 1,835 (on-road, Mumbai)

Engine performance, handling, comfort Looks, certain 2nd


row features absent

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T
he X7 is the ultimate form of
what a BMW SUV should look
like. So you should expect an
uncompromised experience in
terms of the space and practicality
of a three-row SUV and the very
best in tech and creature comforts.
So how does the X7, now notably
updated as part of its mid-cycle refresh, deliver on
these counts while still having to maintain the good
driving character that is a must when you have a blue
and white propeller on the bonnet?

Styling
BMW says that the split headlamp design is meant to
differentiate its top-most offerings from the rest of the
line-up. This works quite well in the case of the new 7
Series which was always designed to carry this look.
But we think some of that effect is lost with this new
X7. Sure, it’ll still draw glances like you’d want it to
but the shiny grille and less sculptural bodywork don’t
fully gel with this.
Still, there’s a definite dose of aggression with
the new blacked-out sections in the bumpers(with
functional intakes) which continues to the sides too
with the 21-inch wheels M Sport wheels in their simple
but athletic look. We also like the way the bodywork
widens from below the glass area onwards, giving the
X7 quite a committed stance for a large practical SUV.
The mildly revised rear section of the X7 is its
best angle in our books. The wide lighting has been
lightly revised to carry the new 3D L-shaped light
signature while there’s a more aggressive bumper
design highlighted but a chunky set of exhaust tips.

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The split-boot lid design remains. It adds quite some this operating system we’ve seen. Practicality is well
functionality, considering there’s a fair amount of taken care of too, aside from some small spaces in the
space for small bags with all rows up. The powered central tunnel, you have deep door pockets and well-
functions make it especially simple to fold down the placed cup holders.
third row to carry larger items. But you fully start to realize that you are spending
the extra dough over an X5 in the second row of the
Interiors X7. This top xDrive40d M Sport version comes in a six-
The updated interiors of the BMW X7 follow the theme seater configuration. These captain seats are especially
set by what we’ve seen in other BMWs recently. The big comfortable with their soft cushioning and good
change is the new curved iDrive 8 display with its 14.9- support all around. The bolsters are not too aggressive
inch central touchscreen and the 12.3-inch driver’s either so occupants of all body types should be
display. This new setup fits quite cleanly into the comfortable. There’s quite a bit of knee and legroom,
existing layout of the X7, adding a more modern sense and headroom too is good despite the sunroof. The
to the luxurious ambience inside. A slight miss is that seats also recline to quite a substantial angle so a quick
the dashboard is nearly identical to that of the lesser nap will be easy here.
X5 but that also means that you have a space that is Having been spoilt by very competitively equipped
finished as well as anything at this price point. The soft mainstream cars, we missed a seat ventilation function
surfaces, metallic and crystalline accents, and textured and thigh rests but otherwise the X7 is generous in
wood all feel of the highest grade with the typically the second row. You have full powered adjustment,
solid BMW build. motorized sunblind and sunroof controls for both
Also like we noticed with the X5, the new vent passengers as well as a four-zone climate control. We
arrangement creates a sense of minimalism that would have liked the cupholders to have been easier to
complements the new screen setup. But the new vent reach otherwise there are numerous charge ports.
controls could have been better finished here too Third-row passengers are also well-treated.
lacking the tactility of the rest of the switchgear. The Getting in is slightly tricky since the second row
arrowhead light motifs accompanying this are a touch doesn’t fold away completely, but the powered
loud but gel well with the cabin lighting in the dark. movement makes it convenient. Once inside, you
The iDrive 8 carries on with its smartphone-like have enough room for adults but like with most such
widget-based layouts. You still have to deal with the arrangements in SUVs, you compromise slightly in
slightly convoluted menus and climate controls in this thigh support and leg room, especially if you are taller.
particular but the updated iDrive 8.5 will eventually The softly cushioned and well-designed seatbacks
roll out to these SUVs via software updates. That said, cover this to a small extent. But this space should be
this older setup with its rotary dials and hard buttons great for children. Also, BMW doesn’t want you to
for the major menus is still the best interpretation of compromise on amenities here. A great party trick,

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that seems to feed our sunroof obsession, is a separate you notice first isn’t the performance but the impressive
smaller one just for this row. There’s also a separate refinement. Here too, there’s barely a way to tell that
climate zone here as well as neatly arranged charge this is a diesel. It’s nearly silent on the inside at idle
ports and storage spaces for passengers. and very little is felt in terms of vibrations. There’s also
a deep, V8-like piped-in engine note that adds to this
Features and safety sensation. Among other measures, the X7 uses double-
Notable features include soft-close doors, double- glazed windows and windscreen to control noise.
glazed glass, five-zone climate control, three-part We also said this for the new X5, but the X7 further
panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats moves the post forward in terms of the excitement
with 24-way adjustment, power-folding and adjusting you can expect from a diesel. The electrical assistance
second and third-row seats, ambient lighting, makes for a flat, progressive supply of torque in
three-part sunroof, powered sun-blinds, 14.9-inch any situation, but more impressive is this motor’s
touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple responsiveness. It’s quite eager to rev out which helps
Carplay, 12.3-inch driver’s display, HUD 16-speaker extract even more of the torque available. Needless
Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting. to say, the X7 is brisk by any standard as the 0 to 100
There’s a good deal of safety equipment too like nine kmph time of 5.7s suggests, but you will especially
airbags, hill-descent control, 360-degree cameras and like the way it seems to not run out of steam well past
a parking assistant. ADAS functions include emergency triple-digit speeds.
braking, lane departure warning and prevention. As always, the 8-speed ZF automatic complements
the engine well. With the 48V system filling any gaps
Driving impressions in power delivery, you barely notice its function.
Start driving the BMW X7, and you are greeted with Usually, there’s enough torque to not need too many
a suitably commanding view out of the front seats. downshifts but in the sportier modes, the gearbox
The high, bulged bonnet flows out in front of you to becomes quite responsive to heavier throttle inputs.
drive this point home. You sit high enough for an SUV Maybe even too much so in the Sport Plus mode, this
but with the dash top also fairly high, there’s a fairly drivetrain adds over the 30d iteration of this motor,
sporty cocooned sense for the driver. The immensely where the gearbox will choose the lowest possible gear
adjustable and support seat and the well-placed wheel and then snap through gears quite aggressively for
drive this point home further. what is still a family SUV.
A significant change with this update to the X7 is Pairing with this is a similarly impressive ride
the new engine. The 3.0-litre inline-six diesel is now at and handling character. The air suspension in the X7
a higher state of tune making a significant 340Ps and is a touch more firmly set up than in the X5 but the
700 Nm. There’s now also 12PS and 200 Nm of mild- good damping still covers this up well. So at lower
hybrid assistance. But as we noted with the X5, what speeds, you do notice larger imperfections a touch

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more but in isolation it isn’t uncomfortable, especially
considering the large rims this SUV runs. But this
trait smoothens out the faster you go, making for a
flat composed ride as speeds build. That said, the
slight bobbing over an extended rough patch that you
can expect in our conditions with cars running air
springs is still mildly present.
You do notice the X7’s sizeable dimensions in
tight traffic, but past this, it does that likeable BMW
thing of shrinking around you. This trait is especially
impressive when you show the X7 a set of corners. It
turns confidently and predictably, there’s a good deal
of grip on offer so you can keep pushing harder than
you might expect in something this large. The well-
balanced chassis with the AWD also makes this kind
of driving predictable. You hardly ever notice the long
wheelbase here and the X7 makes for clean, fluid and
exciting progress. The steering also plays a part with
its being just direct and just hefty enough to keep you
connected to the road. In calmer highway driving,
this translates into great high-speed stability. The
long wheelbase and wide tracks make the X7 feel rock
steady on a cruise.

Verdict
Priced at Rs 1.58 crore, the BMW X7 is about as
complete a package as you might find at this price.
Surprisingly, it’s no less agile or exciting than its OD Rating
smaller siblings. The diesel powertrain is efficient but
still exciting enough to extract the most out of this
package. But this big BMW also does the luxury bit
very well. The looks may not sit with everyone but the SPECIFICATION
plush cabin and the space and practicality on offer in
the second and third rows are hard to argue with. DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-six twin-turbo diesel MHEV
Valvetrain 4 valves/cylinder
Displacement 2,993cc
Max power 352PS@4,400 rpm (e-motor: 12PS)
Max torque 720 Nm@1,750-2,250 rpm
(e-motor: 200 Nm)
Gearbox 8-speed torque converter
Suspension (f/r) Double wishbone/multilink,
adaptive dampers & air suspension
Brakes (f/r) Disc, disc
Tyres (f/r) 275/40 R21
LxWxH (mm) 5,181 x 2,000 x 1,835
Wheelbase 3,105mm
Boot space 300l

PERFORMANCE
0-100kmph 5.7s
30-50kmph kickdown 1.2s
50-70kmph kickdown 1.4s
60-80kmph kickdown 1.5s

BRAKING
100-0kmph 41.7m, 3.1s

EFFICIENCY
City 8.54 kmpl
Highway 14.71 kmpl
Overall 10.08 kmpl

PRICE `1.58 crore


(on-road, Mumbai)

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

Z O O M I N T O
‘EX T E R ’

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OR D I N A R Y

HYUNDAI EXTER’S
EXPEDITION TO
TIPESHWAR WILDLIFE
SANCTUARY

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I
n the pursuit of capturing nature’s
most elusive moments as a part of
Hyundai’s Great India Drive, the
Exter took us on a thrilling journey
through the untamed landscapes of
the Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, a
184 Km drive from Nagpur.
Expeditions - a harmonious
blend of planned and spontaneous,
lead us into the heart of the
unexpected wonders we are
destined to explore. The aim of OVERDRIVE and
Hyundai’s Great India Drive is to embark on such
expeditions every year. Over the last few GIDs we
have explored artistic and architectural nuances
of our country with some of the best cars Hyundai
has on offer and this year we set out to explore the
wild with the versatile Hyundai Exter. The latest
compact SUV from Hyundai is up for a challenge
which its city car image doesn’t quite recognize.
With an estimated 8.7 million species on
Earth, and a huge number of species available
at Tipeshwar itself, our mission focused on the
apex predator—the mighty Tiger. Hyundai, in
collaboration with us at OVERDRIVE, planned this
venture as a commitment to responsible tourism
and eco-friendly practices, ensuring that we
preserve these magnificent species in a living form
for our future generations to witness. We set forth
on this adventure with the compact and capable
Exter and accompanying us was Lionel Falcao, a
veteran wildlife photographer, adding a seasoned
perspective to our expedition. He opened up to us
about his experiences about the diverse wildlife of
India over the last decade and the technology and
equipment that assist him in his art.
Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to
approximately 20 Tigers, unfolded before us as a
hidden gem. Offering a unique safari experience,
Tipeshwar allowed us to drive our own vehicle
under supervision, which is an exclusive factor
here. However taking your own car comes with
a series of strict inspections and identification
scrutiny upon the advance approval of which
you get to enter the jungle. The set rules and
regulations by the government are absolute and
attracts heavy penalties if violated. Going there
driving your own car sounds like fun for sure but
be rest assured that your driving skills are going
to be challenged under intense conditions. The
terrain at Tipeshwar is as diverse as its flora and
fauna, filled with bamboo and teak forests and
hilly undulations the ‘track’ presented itself as
an intense challenge for the Exter. However the
185mm ground clearance and the tractable 1.2-litre
engine on the Exter navigated the challenging
terrains with agility, proving its mettle.
As Lionel guided us through the key pillars of
wildlife photography—patience, responsibility, and
adherence to the animals’ rules—we embarked on
four 4-hour safaris of these dense forests.
This sanctuary, sprawling over 148 sq kms,
boasts of a diverse ecosystem with tigers, leopards,

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hyenas, sloth bears, and an array of bird species.
Our encounters ranged from peacocks to sloth
bears, creating a canvas of diverse wildlife. This is
where Hyundai steps in as a constant promoter of
wildlife conservation, a reason which they chose
the Exter for such a trip which stands as a tough
yet efficient vehicle perfect for a trip such as this.
Despite elusive moments with the big cat,
the Exter’s size advantage and Lionel’s expertise
allowed us a vantage point for the most awaited
shot. The last morning safari unveiled the alpha
male by the pond, showcasing the Exter’s prowess
even in such terrain.
Witnessing a Tiger in the wild has its own
charm and excitement attached to it, being at
one with the wild animals is a feeling which is
unmatched and deserves the respect we give to
other special experiences in life and hence deserves
to be preserved as well. This calls for eco-friendly
tourism practices which are actively exercised by
the government personnel working there and also
by resorts available around Tipeshwar. All efforts
towards wildlife conservation converges to one
point and that is responsible behavior which is an
irreplaceable aspect. Tourism shall grow hand in
hand with preservation and no tourism practice
shall harm the natural ecosystem these wild
animals are thriving in and disturb the balance,
that is the aim.
The Exter, matching steps with the jungle’s
giants, delivered a quick, comfortable, and rugged
ride—an unforgettable experience, a true testament
to Hyundai’s excellence in crafting vehicles for
every terrain.Our journey with the Hyundai Exter
to Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary epitomised the
essence of responsible exploration, capturing the
delicate balance between man and nature. A balance
sprawling generations which now requires special
attention in order to keep it intact and striving for
the future generations to witness.

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FIRST DRIVE

FERRARI

THE 296 GTB IS A HYBRID, WORDS TUHIN GUHA


PHOTOGRAPHY SUMIT GAIKWAD
SO IT SHOULD WORK IN
TRAFFIC TOO RIGHT?

Type 2,992cc twin-turbo Max power 830PS Max torque


V6 + electric motor (ICE 663PS + EV 167PS) 740Nm @ 6,250 rpm

0-100kmph Top speed Transmission 8-speed


2.9s (claimed) 330+ kmph (claimed) dual-clutch auto

LxWxH (mm) Wheelbase Price `5.4 crore onwards


4,565 x 1,958 x 1,187 2,600mm (ex-showroom)

Performance, driver engagement, looks OD Rating


Heavy touch-based controls

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I
t’s not very often that someone hands you
the keys to a Ferrari and just lets you go
for a spin. If you happen to like cars, this
is a dream coming true. It’s exciting and
intimidating in equal measure, you’re well
aware of the aura around these cars and
don’t want to mess up your first rodeo. A
sense that becomes amplified when the
Ferrari in question is a 296 GTB and you are trying
to see what it’s like in peak Mumbai traffic.

Interiors
To be honest, you can’t help but feel a bit dissatisfied
that the first Ferrari you drive doesn’t have a
shrieking V8 in it. But this is a fleeting emotion at
best as you contort yourself over the 296 GTB’s sill
and into the low, cossetting seats. It’s quite an event
now, in the way that you slightly reach out for the
wheel and tuck your feet in deep for the pedals. It’s
not the most perfect supercar driving position, with
the way the wheel is aligned slightly left of the pedal
box. But there’s no beating it for the anticipation and
occasion it creates. A sense enhanced by the focused
but still well-crafted feeling that comes from this
cabin, the optional carbon trim on this example and
the unique vent controls being the standouts.
You hear so much about new Ferrari steering
wheels being a handful but you eventually get your
head around this. The capacitive touch panels
are intuitively placed so finding buttons is easy.
The Manettino switch though gives off a sense of
occasion, with its crisp toggle action. The smaller
panels flanking the wheel could have done with
larger buttons. But then again, you have quick access
to functions like the climate control, nose lift and
screen layout.
In keeping with this heavy driver focus, the
driver’s display also doubles up as the 296 GTB’s
main screen. You get the camera feed, and phone
projections here aside from all of the driving data
but it’s never overwhelming. It even manages a good
replication of the traditional yellow-backed Ferrari
rev-counter. But the passenger isn’t completely left
out, the small screen here lets them control the audio production car engine in its 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6,
and navigation functions and will even show the is that the 296 GTB starts out in electric power at
gauge cluster’s data so that everyone is fully involved most times.
in the experience. The 296 GTB’s 7.45 kWh battery pack, nestled
But really the highlight for us is the hefty, right in the middle of the car gives it up to 25 km of
lacquered key fob with the bright Ferrari insignia. It’s electric range while still reaching speeds of up to 135
crafted almost to the level of an ornament and can be kmph. So it’s not quite as dramatic as you’d want a
placed as such in the slim central tunnel. Here you’ll Ferrari to be on start-up, but it’s so sensible in a tight,
also find a modern nod to Ferrari’s legendary gated crowded place like Mumbai. You have 167PS from the
shifter, where the gearbox functions are placed in a e-motor which lets the 296 GTB be a handy traffic
chrome H-pattern motif. A bit trickier is the fact that machine. Yes, you’ll experience that odd sensation
there isn’t a P mode, so you’ll need to do some mental of being towered over by regular hatchbacks but
rearranging when you first start driving a Ferrari. the 296 GTB has a fair bit of ground clearance for a
You shift to drive or neutral via the crisp carbon committed sportscar. The nose-lift is a must-have
paddles so at first parking manoeuvres can leave you for our ramps and speed breakers but this system
feeling out of depth. too is easy to engage and works quickly enough. In
any case, visibility out front is good with the wide
Driving Impressions windscreen and haunches helping place the car easily.
Also a bit of a shock, considering the 296 GTB makes But commuting in traffic isn’t at the top of every
830 PS and 740 Nm and has the most power-dense Ferrari driver’s list. So thumb to the performance

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mode, and the 296 GTB completely transforms sense of this thing’s relentless performance comes
itself. The engine growls into life, and there’s a raw, from the 0 to 200 kmph time of 7.3s.
angry energy running through the cabin as the quite The ride and handling package is again a touch
highly-strung engine starts to build revs. Even at edgy. Be a bit trigger-happy with the throttle and
these low speeds, there’s a sharp wail filling the you will notice the 296 GTB shimmy a little over
cabin as you work through the powerband. Quite our uneven roads trying to put all its power down
unlike the turbo-engines you know, there’s little via just the rear wheel. It’s exciting in all the good
in the way of hesitation with this motor. There’s ways, adding some spice even in the urban settings
an uninterrupted supply of power, which seems to we drove the car in. The quick variable-ratio steering
keep rising in volume as you get nearer to the red is another great trait that seems to bring some true
line. The responses are especially sharp, helped driving sparkle to the Ferrari 296 GTB. You might
by the quick-witted 8-speed DCT that seems to think of this being a handful in tight space but in
fade away in the background in the best possible reality, the directness makes it intuitive to use and
way. In effect, Ferrari seems to have managed to while it’s not brimming with feel, there is a good deal
recreate the sensation of driving a large naturally of engagement to be had.
aspirated engine, helped by the electrical assistance The 296 GTB will make you notice most of the
and the high 8,500 rpm redline. This also happens patched road surfaces and cats’ eyes you go over, but
to be before you unlock the full outputs in the top there’s a pliant edge to this that makes it endurable
Qualifying mode. We didn’t get a chance to try this for everyday use. Around smoother, faster roads
out, but here the Ferrari will go from 0 to 100 kmph is where we truly expect this to come into its own.
in 2.9s and reach a 330 kmph top speed. A better Ferrari has tuned the ABS and other sensors to
ensure braking and handling functions remain
unaffected by the switch to a hybrid powertrain. The
296 GTB also sits on a 50mm shorter wheelbase than
the F8 Tributo it replaces.

Styling
Make a list of the best-looking cars around right
now, and it’ll be difficult to leave the 296 GTB out
of this. Even in this off-beat deep blue shade, the
aura around this quite compact supercar is striking.
The smooth, soft bodywork hides a fully functional
aerodynamic package which seems to be heavily
F1-inspired. There are air channels to reduce drag
and aid downforce but a big departure from Ferrari
mid-engined is the free-standing roof design that
now acts as an aero-element in itself. Similarly, the
spoiler is now meant to increase downforce at low
speed and reduce drag as you go faster.
A few touches further enhance the sense of
wonder that you feel around this car. The plaque in
the quite usefully deep frunk that lists all the options
you’ve picked, or the Scuderia Ferrari badges on the
fenders are a must-tick option. But still, the star of
the show is the engine block that’s presented under
a glass cover. This new motor’s flat construction and
compact size means it’s placed deep inside the 296
GTB’s chassis which seems to further add to the aura
around this car.

Verdict
To answer the question that we set for ourselves, yes
the Ferrari 296 GTB can handle some heavy Indian
traffic about as well as anything this committed
should be able to. But that’s just scratching the
surface of something that belies its specs of being a
downsized hybridized modern supercar. The 296 GTB
is stunning to look at, feels like an event to be inside
despite some eccentricity and is brimming with the
kind of exciting, connective driving experience that
we all seem to think will soon be lost.

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THE SMOOTH, SOFT
BODYWORK HIDES A FULLY
FUNCTIONAL AERODYNAMIC
PACKAGE WHICH SEEMS TO
BE HEAVILY F1-INSPIRED

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FIRST DRIVE

HYUNDAI

SANTA
WORDS TEAM OD | PHOTOGRAPHY HYUNDAI MOTORS

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FE

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T
he one thing about ends of the wing mirrors its 1.9 metres Full marks to Hyundai for upping the
Hyundai that is wide and head to toe its 1.8 metres tall. luxury quotient to the level that you can
grabbing my attention Massive. That size though is cleverly easily consider this as an alternative to
is just how rapidly disguised with some very strong the Germans. Being Hyundai however
they are transitioning character lines, and stylized elements you get lots more that what you bargain
from one design like the front grille and the H-pattern for. Take for instance the dual wireless
language to another. LED lamps much like what we have seen charging pads in the centre console. Yup
This leaves little room for what the on the smaller Exter, the half octagonal you heard that right, not one, but two
industry calls a cohesive family look, wheel arches that jut out brazenly, phones can be fast charged wirelessly.
which is just corporate speak for drab! the exposed door handles and a thick And just in case you have more devices,
What Hyundai’s vehicle lineup have is blacked out C-pillar. The 21” wheels and there’s two Type-C ports. Its got ample
called character, and I believe this has its Kumho rubber also fill the wheel wells storage bins too, two of them on the
advantages. There are very few bits that comprehensively. dash, one under the armrest, gigantic
are shared, and from the smallest to the Step inside the cabin and you door pockets that hold full size water
largest Hyundai, each has a very distinct immediately confirm the fact that the bottles. Its all practical and how!
appearance. This philosophy is what the Santa Fe does draw inspiration from the There is another advantage to the
Santa Fe subscribes to, and this makes it Land Rover Discovery and Defender. Santa Fe, the large size of this SUV allows
a head-turner. There is no denying that the steering for three rows of seating where all three
There are other elements that wheel is heavily inspired by what is rows can fit full size adults! The middle
further enhance the appeal of this 5th seen on the LR range of SUVs. Even row seats can be adjusted forward and
generation SUV. One of them is its size. the dashboard has that narrow band back for more knee rom in the third row,
The Santa Fe is huge, from nose tip to housing the air-con vents, but this is a and when not required, the third row
tail its 4.83 metres long, between the tastefully appointed and finished cabin. folds into the floor for added luggage

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OVERALL THEN THE
SANTA FE HAS ALL THE
INGREDIENTS TO BE A
STRONG MOVER FOR
HYUNDAI IN INDIA

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space. Even when the third row seats are this SUV. This powertrain is for those can control the automatic braking
opened up, there is enough space for a times you just want to cruise, enjoy a response by changing the distance and
long weekends worth of luggage. silky drive to somewhere far away or braking effort.
Now to get to the part where be chauffeured around in solitude. On Overall then the Santa Fe has all
the Santa Fe isn’t standing still. the flip side this is not a full time AWD the ingredients to be a strong mover
The SUV we drove in South Korea configuration, this comes as optional for Hyundai in India. Fantastic size,
is a hybrid, not the full ICE or the equipment. So the new Santa Fe does practicality, features, and premium
plug-in variety. This is a 1.6-litre have certain limitations. quality. But it comes with certain riders.
turbocharged petrol combined with a Ride comfort is one of the key One of those is that Hyundai will have
electric powertrain to deliver 235PS highlights here. The Santa Fe feels plush to get into an assembly operation at the
and a decent 265Nm of peak torque. and the suspension is setup to enhance very least. As a CBU, the price could go
We think it’s the configuration that comfort over dynamics. Given the tallish north of INR 70 lakh, and that would
makes the most sense should Hyundai stance and the higher centre of gravity strangle any growth prospects and dim
consider bringing this to India. Its you can feel the body roll and tumble customer appeal for this very fine SUV.
got strong green credentials, decent through corners, though the steering Presently the SUV is under consideration
performance and noise and vibe feels controlled and precise and a slew for India, and I do hope the decision
free refinement. Don’t go expecting of traction assistance systems will keep makers at Hyundai Korea find enough
explosive performance and you wont be things in check. Level 2 ADAS systems reason for the Santa Fe to make a
disappointed, that is how you approach bring in a stronger safety net and you comeback in India.

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FIRST DRIVE

IONIQ
HYUNDAI

WORDS TEAM OD | PHOTOGRAPHY HYUNDAI MOTORS

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5N

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A
n electric car, nothing the upshifts, and a little blip when you
as dull as them exist downshift! All the time the sound box
on the planet. EVs accurately reflects throttle position, rpms
are the equivalent and even the gear selected. How is that
of a food processor, for clever trickery! Drive the Ioniq 5 N
you put in some stuff, and you’re going to see a lot of these -
turn the knob and exclamation marks!
watch as it all spins around till you get That in a nutshell is what makes
mush! Then along comes an EV from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N an absolute hoot
Hyundai, who have been trying very hard to drive. It is by far one of the most
to establish themselves as a car maker engaging EVs to drive everyday. So much
that doesn’t just make blenders, but cars so that you’d hardly ever drive it in eco
that evoke passion and excitement. Say mode, in fact Hyundai should have made
hello to the Ioniq 5 N, a hyper hatch the sport mode the default drive mode
that takes the Ioniq 5 and injects all the when you hit the starter button.
goodness of a fuel burner into one highly This is just the Ioniq 5 N getting
potent package. There it is, Hyundai have warmed up. Hyundai in a moment of
made an EV that feels more like an ICE infinite wisdom decided to throw the
powered car. Why? Because as we said kitchen sink at the Ioniq, and what
EVs are dull, desensitised, lacklustre and results are electronic aids that mimic the
drab. To make a car that feels emotional, most fantastic elements of their WRC
you need that one critical ingredient that contender. N Battery Preconditioning, N
gets your hair standing on end, NOISE! Race, N Pedal, N Brake Regen, N Drift
Not rattly suspension and body bits Optimizer, N Torque Distribution, N
falling apart, or a wheezy steering pump Launch Control, N Grin Boost, N Active
or squeaky fastenings. What you need Sound +, N e-shift, and Track SOC, there
is a full bore exhaust note, or the sound is a crazy amount of technology spilling
of an engine hitting and bouncing off over ever end of this crossover.
its peak rpms. Hyundai have cleverly One feature we would have liked
inserted a dummy engine sensation trying out would have to be the N Drift
into the Ioniq 5 N that mimics a high Optimiser. But the DMZ parking lot is
performance internal combustion not where you powerslide your way into
engine. When driven in sport mode with North Korea! That said, its one of the
the N e-shift engaged and the ambient features for which we just have to drive
sound in combustion mode, this car this car yet again. Neither are we going
hits an imaginary 8000rpm redline and to go through what each of those features
bounces off that until you shift up. The raised to the power of N can evoke. What
paddles even mimic an 8-speed dual- we will say is that getting into N Grin
clutch gearbox! It even gives you the Boost, as ridiculous as it sounds, does
veritable head nod with a little kick on exactly what it says. For ten seconds,

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when engaged, N Grin Boost hits you salivating over. Sticking to traditions,
with 40 more horses, taking an already the interiors of the Ioniq 5 N are a far
massive 601HP to 641HP plastering departure from the standard car. You
a grin that extends from ear to ear! N get the full leather treatment in shades
Launch mode also gets you to the ton of black, the displays are different, so is
in 3.25 seconds, after having engaged N the steering wheel. The seats are heavily
Grin Boost and N Launch Control. bolstered and you even get knee pads and
Performance brakes, all wheel drive, shin supports! The on-screen displays
rear axle e-LSD, and a fully customisable project tons of information and the
torque distribution feature rocks the multiple modes and settings you can sift
charts, Hyundai have spared nothing through in the Ioniq 5 N would moisten
in getting this rocket all fired up. The the geeks at ISRO.
interesting bit is that all of this is The big question is if Hyundai India
controlled electronically so it registers, would be able to sell the Ioniq 5 N in
processes and executes what you need in India. This is a visceral crossover, but
the blink of an eye. all that wizardry comes at a steep price
The Ioniq 5 N is a proper firecracker, dominated by the larger battery pack it
but you pay almost as much as you would houses, and all those terrabytes of data
for an equivalent sports car, say the AMG flowing through the multiple controls
A-Class, but with more kit and gadgetry systems. Price would be moot, most
on board. You also get a crossover would question the steep sticker were
that looks very interesting. Ignore all this car offered in India, but don’t knock
the exterior performance and go-fast it till you’ve tried it. If there is one car
accents which anyways give the Ioniq 5 that flips a middle finger to all those
N a bigger buzz than the bog standard performance cars out there, the Ioniq 5
EV. It’s the interiors that we are acutely N is it.

THE IONIQ 5 N IS A PROPER


FIRECRACKER, BUT YOU PAY ALMOST
AS MUCH AS YOU WOULD FOR AN
EQUIVALENT SPORTS CAR, SAY THE
AMG A-CLASS, BUT WITH MORE KIT
AND GADGETRY ON BOARD
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M A R U T I F R O N X D R I V E F E AT U R E

SWITCH TO
PLAN B
A straight forward drive from Delhi to
Himachal doesn’t go as planned

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY


CHRISTOPHER CHAVES

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T
here are parts of North India The hype about our trip increased with each
that I’ve visited before and would passing day while blitzing from Delhi to Manali
do anything to go back again. with a stopover at Chandigarh. We had 10 days to
Himachal Pradesh is one state explore the mountains and no confirmed plan. Play
for starters. Fantastic just before it by ear – we said. Because of work commitments
winter sets in, because you have we had in fact set off on our tour of Himachal early
the liberty to wander about. Make November, which is quite late because some of the
it there too late and you’ll be snowed in, which can roads are shut around this time of the year. Moving
also be quite an experience, but not as exciting up through the Atal tunnel from Manali to Koksar
as wandering through the majestic mountains, village, the men at the police check post told me
breathing in the crisp mountain air while taking that if we went toward Kaza we’d be snowed in for
all the glorious sights and sounds in. My better three days because of an approaching storm. We
half had never had the chance to visit these parts had originally planned to do a loop around the
of the nation before and was mighty excited when Kaza, Hurling, Pooh, Tapri, Rampur and spend a
I told her that we’d be driving there in a Maruti couple of days at Kasol before driving back down
Suzuki Fronx. Explaining that a Fronx was to her to Delhi. But just that conversation with the police
took little time. In short I told her that it’s a good- men at the check post made us revise our POA.
looking, comfortable, fast and blue hatchback-size A quick look at the map on the Fronx’s 7-inch
car with cool features like a heads-up display and infotainment screen, a couple more questions fired
360 degree cameras. She’s not into cars, and that’s the policemen’s way and we opted to head off in
pretty much sums up the Fronx in short. the other direction.

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Time for an impromptu plan B. Delhi rubble-road. Thankfully the Fronx’s suspension
- Chandigarh - Manali -Jispa - Leh - Kargil - made it tolerable even the ground clearance and
Srinagar - Jammu - Amritsar – Delhi. The prime hill-hold came to the rescue in these parts.
loop of things to see along the way. The pristine There were times of sheer delight too when the
and freezing-cold riverbed at Jispa. The stunning crossover hatch stuck to the road like glue through
monasteries around Leh city. The Kargil war the winding roads up past Tanglang La. Even with
memorial at Dras. The alluring gardens and lazy the reduced oxygen level, at the pass at 17,450ft,
boat rides at Dal lake, Srinagar. The temples of the four-pot 1.2-litre engine had enough strength to
Jammu. The aura of the Golden Temple and mouth- power through. But we had to slow down towards
watering delicacies that Amritsar. Amazing how because of ice on the road. I wasn’t sure of what
the plan came together in the matter of minutes. to make of the Fronx at first. An SUV-themed
That’s what happens when you’re in a pleasant, hatchback didn’t seem to make a great deal of sense
comfortable space. That’s what the Fronx has to me. I mean, pick a lane already. It’s mechanically
to offer you. Exposed to all the varying weather, identical to the Baleno, but is an obvious standout
landscapes, cultures and cuisines. What a wonderful on its styling. It is quite easy on the eye though,
trip it turned out to be. It was a brilliant plan. A which is great, and its design language bodes well
more than decent tour of the north. with the bigger fashionable SUVs from the Nexa
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Especially past stable. By the end of the drive, I could tell that it’s
Jispa, where the Manali –Srinagar highway was more than a Baleno on steroids. It’s a stronger mix
an absolutely shambles with tones of truck traffic of power and practicality. A prime example of form
kicking up dust everywhere up the dusty rough meeting function. Perfect for plan B.

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FIRST RIDE

2023
YAMAHA

AFTER A FOUR YEAR HIATUS, THE YAMAHA YZF-R3 IS


COMING BACK TO INDIA, AND THIS TIME IT’S GOT ITS NAKED-
STREET SIBLING, THE MT-03, FOR COMPANY

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WORDS CHRISTOPHER CHAVES
PHOTOGRAPHY MANUFACTURER

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B
ig news from Yamaha earlier this engine, diamond frame chassis and suspension, and
year as they told us that they will have pretty much identical spec sheets, apart from the
be bringing the Yamaha YZF-R3 overall width due to different handlebars and weight
– the fully faired sub-500cc due to the fairing up front and the lack of it.
performance motorcycle – back In terms of hardware, both motorcycles are
into the country after what feels suspended on a bigger non-adjustable 37mm upside
like an eternity. Because the older down fork up front, and the preload adjustable
motorcycle was taken the menu monoshock at the rear. Both 300cc Yamaha models get
in India back in 2019. Not up and the same rather simplistic LCD screen, so no lively TFT
until that point if you were riding something like an screen, and no Bluetooth connectivity option which
R15 and wanted to transition to a higher displacement is a bit of a downer. And the odd bit is that it misses
performance motorcycle, while staying in the Yamaha out on traction control as well, and this is a feature
Family, you had the option of the R3. That option was that’s available with the smaller displacement R-15
taken away in 2019. But now you do have that option and MT-15. These two do feature dual channel ABS
once again. And the Yamaha R3 was a performance though. There’s no slipper clutch on both bikes but the
motorcycle that we loved back in the day. It had the lever is light on the go but things won’t be very stable
power, the agility a proper performance motorcycle while downshifting aggressively. I would have fancied
package. And the best part is that Yamaha is also going having quickshifter on there as well, given the dynamic
to introduce the MT-03 into the country, which marks character of these motorcycles.
the first time Yamaha will have a twin cylinder naked So the best part about the R3 has to be the 321cc
motorcycle on offer in the country. Now of course both liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor. It packs a good
motorcycles share the same underpinnings, from the wallop, throwing down 42Ps of max power and 29.5Nm
engine and chassis to the suspension and wheels. We’re of max torque. All the fun lies at the top end of the
here in the lovely Thailand to check out what both these powerband, not so much so at the bottom end, and
motorcycles bring to the table, so let’s get right to it. once you get this motor in its sweet spot, man, this
Starting with design, both the R3 and the MT- thing really goes!
03 are styled as you would expect, on the aggressive You could easily be cruising at 80kmph with the
side of things, just like their bigger displacement engine in limbo in sixth. If you fancy jumping ahead of
capacity counterparts sold around the world. Each of traffic in a hurry at this point, you’ll have to downshift,
their designs are quite familiar to us because we’ve otherwise you’ll have to be a bit calculative of your
already laid our eyes on the latest YZF R15 and the overtaking manoeuvers. Even at about 100kmph which
MT-15 out here in India. Now these two are obviously comes up at about 6,200rpm, it feels like the engine
bigger in dimension, but not a lot to visually set the is just getting started and waiting for you to give it a
higher displacement models apart. Maybe some new nod. 120 at 7,000rpm, 130kmph at 8,000 rpm and
colour schemes would have help identify them better. there’s way more to go beyond that point because the
Anyway, moving on, the R3 gets a split LED headlamp bike loves to grind all the way to its redline around
unit while the MT-03 gets a single projector lamp. 11,000rpm. And it doesn’t feel at all out of place once
Both motorcycles share the same DOHC liquid-cooled you get there.

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It’s just relentless thrills high up the powerband. nicely tucked back here which won’t feel out of place
The brakes bleed speed brilliantly and along with the out on track out on long distance rides. The difference
chassis, which takes speed in its stride, gives you great between the MT-03 is this tank section, because on that
feedback at all times. Just that the R3 felt a lot better motorcycle you get these big tank shrouds so you do get
while riding aggressively, because you’re a lot more a better grip of the tank with your legs.
dynamically compact and tucked in than on the MT-03. As you can see, getting astride the MT-03, no real
It’s not that the MT-03 won’t keep up with the R3, just task there because the seat height, the wheel base, the
that you’ll have to dial in a little more effort to do so. ground clearance, everything is identical to the R3.
It’s a highly tractable engine this, as well, allowing The big differences here are the handlebar which is
you to pull away from about 40kmph in sixth without completely different to what’s on the R3, and the big
you having to use the clutch lever and without the tank shroud, the tank reservoir is of the same capacity
engine knocking. The MT-03 does weigh about 2kgs as that on the R3, but it has a broader more muscular
lighter than the R3, but you don’t really feel it out on aesthetic. It will have your legs further apart while riding,
the road. But it still has the agility, the power and that and the taller you are the more you’re going to feel the
lovely engine that brings it all together as a really nice brunt of it. But the good thing about this model is that
package for the road. It is as you would expect. A lively it will have you seated a lot more upright in comparison
and agile machine! to the R3 with no weight on your palms. But the only
When it comes to the R3, in terms ride posture, downside to this is that with the stiff suspension sharp
well first of all, swinging a leg over the motorcycle not bumps will be felt a lot more on your back.
a real task, and of course, this being a performance Now to sum things up out here, let’s begin with
motorcycle, it will have some of your upper body weight the R3. Well it’s finally back after being taken off the
on your palms, but it’s not too aggressive. It won’t have charts four years ago. It’s still a highly impressive and
you in that overly committed posture. And your feet are capable machine because it packs a real wallop in terms

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of performance. And the ride dynamics and handling – So the R3 is coming back in India after a 4 year
just top drawer in my books because for a motorcycle hiatus and its bringing the MT-03 along. And if you go
in this displacement category, it really works it comes to see what all has changed with the machine in its time
together supremely well. Yes it lacking in terms of of absence, it’s pretty much nothing besides the display,
certain amount of features. I would have loved for the headlights and the USD fork. In a way, it still is an
a quickshifter to have been on there, but hopefully old motorcycle, which hasn’t evolved tremendously.
Yamaha will slap one on there in the future. But the strange part is that the engine, the chassis, the
Coming to the Mt-03, just like the R3 in terms suspension, it still holds up really well in the company
of performance, because it pretty much has the of today, just that I wish it came with more features,
same underpinnings as the R3, of course, different and hopefully Yamaha will start manufacturing them
handlebar, slightly different tank, so it will riding out here soon which will bring down the cost of buying
posture and you’ll have to figure that one for yourself. one of them.
Because once you ride the R3, that motorcycle all Now both these motorcycles are going to come to
comes together in terms of a performance motorcycle India via the CBU route through Indonesia directly,
and when you come to the MT-03 which is a naked which means that they aren’t going to come cheap.
motorcycle, it feels like a bit of a mismatch, but it Don’t expect them to cost below Rs 4 lakh. Given that
doesn’t feel really out of place. price and cost conscious India, you’re going to be
Because you have that lovely engine, all the power thinking, these bikes have to comprise a certain amount
lies at the top end of the band just like the R3, mid- of features, which these bikes appear to be lacking. So
range is so-so, and the bottom end is quite dead if I’m why would you buy either of them? Well for starters,
being honest. But then again a lot more comfortable both these motorcycles stay true to the Yamaha ethos
and upright and if you’re not as aggressive in your of performance. And at that, both deliver in spades.
riding style, you’ll fancy this one over the R3. Purists are really going to fancy either of these bikes.

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FIRST RIDE

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IT’S TAKEN DUCATI ALMOST
EIGHT YEARS TO COME TO
REINVENT THE ICON. HERE’S
WHAT THE SECOND-GEN BASE
800CC SCRAMBLER MODEL IS
ALL ABOUT

WORDS CHRISTOPHER CHAVES


PHOTOGRAPHY ANIS SHAIKH

2023 DUCATI

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W
hen the first generation Ducati Although this is one of the most simple looking
Scrambler Icon, that’s the Ducati motorcycles you’ll come across on Italian
800cc model, came out in manufacturers latest menu, with its impeccable fit
India back in 2015, anyone and and finish, it looks and feels like a proper modern-day
everyone who rode that bike, Ducati motorcycle. But besides their stunning looks,
including me, were completely Ducati motorcycles are known for something else.
blown away by it. Although it was minimalistic in Performance. And just like before, with one flick of
style, it looked like a proper Ducati and rode like one the throttle you’ll find this bike full of character in
too. That awesome power to weight, the handling, the true Ducati fashion.
dynamics, everything was really impressive. Now it’s Now a real treat of this motorcycle has to be its
taken almost eight years for Ducati to come up with 803cc L-twin. It puts down a maximum power figure
the second generation model, and now, it’s time to see of 75PS at a little over 8,000rpm and max torque
what this bike brings to the table. is rated at 65Nm at 7,000 revs. Yes it is air cooled
Now although the second-gen Scrambler Icon so it’s a bit given in Indian traffic conditions, but
may resemble the older model from afar, step closer once you hit that open stretch of highway, whack
and all the changes that Ducati have made on this bike the throttle open, from low as around 3,000 all the
become evident. The Italian bike maker says that it’s way to 7,000rpm, this thing just flies. There’s a great
around 70 percent new, so let’s get into it. amount of power delivery there. Now it gets a ride-
Up front, the LED headlight with its DRLs and by-wire throttle with lovely fueling. And then there’s
that X design smack in the center - all new, the tail that lovely power to weight ratio – this bike weighs
light and the indicators are all LED now as well. about 185kg with all the liquids in, which is around
The bike gets new Kayaba suspension at both ends. the weight of a RE Himalayan 411, so considering
Up front, you have an upside-down fork which is that and the amount of power on tap, this thing is just
non-adjustable, while at the rear you get a preload- ballistic out on the road.
adjustable slightly offset monoshock, both units offer This motor gives you a good taste of Ducati-esque
a good 150mm of wheel travel. The knobby Pirelli MT performance. Revving hard through the gearbox is an
60 RS treads with the Y-design 18 and 17-inch cast absolute delight and the motor can be quite tractable
wheels enforce the rugged, -bare-bones look of the at low speeds as well. There’s a good amount of vibes
bike. The display is now a 4.3-inch colour TFT screen to be felt through the bars and the pegs, but it bodes
which makes the older LCD unit completely outdated.
There’s a ride-by-wire throttle on there now
which gives you two customizable ride modes. You
have two power modes and four levels of traction
control settings to set things up the way you like and
you can even switch the TC off completely. ABS can’t
be switched off at the rear which isn’t really ideal
for when you venture of the beaten path, but there
is cornering ABS thrown in there for good measure
when you’re out on paved surfaces. The Icon also
gets a slipper clutch which makes the left lever nice
and light. Put in some more money and you can also
have the multimedia system on there and even a
quickshifter is available as an accessory.
Moving on, there’s improved switchgear, the
flat bench seat and those quarter panels under it are
all new too. I absolutely love the way the rerouted
exhaust pipe now wraps around the engine and with
that short end can, man not only do these things help
make the bike look brilliant in the flesh, but with the
new heatshields there’s some functional sense to it all
as well. Lastly, the number plate has been relocated to
the tyre hugger compared to the older model. All said
and done it looks a lot neater than the first gen model
with no wires poking out at you. But it doesn’t end
just there. This gen-two model even has neat party
trick up its sleeve. Now a really interesting bit about
this motorcycle are all these yellow plastic panels that
you can see on here - from the mudguard up front,
the small bits around the headlight, the tank and at
the tail section – they can all be interchanged with
different coloured panels that Ducati have in store
and you can mix and match them as you fancy as well.
That’s really cool and quirky, right?

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Type 803cc, Max power Max torque
L-twin, air-cooled 75PS @ 8,250rpm 65.2Nm @ 7,000rpm

Suspension (F/R) 41mm USD Kayaba fork (f), Kerb Weight


pre-load adjustable monoshock (r) 185kg

Wheels Fuel tank


Pirelli MT 60 110/80 – 18 (f); 180/55 17 (r) 13.5-litres

Price `10.39 lakh OD Rating


(ex-showroom)

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well with this bikes character and never feels intrusive
over a long distance ride.
Swinging a leg over the bike isn’t a problem at
all with its 795mm seat height. There are higher and
lower seat options as well for an additional fee of
course. And when it comes to the aspects of ride and
handling, this second-gen Icon being 4kg lighter than
before thanks to the lighter steel trellis frame qith
bolt-on sub-frame, engine and new swingarm, feels
really light and extremely easy to manage as soon as
you set off. It feels quite narrow and compact once
you are aboard, unlike most other 800cc motorcycles
out there and the seating arrangement for two up
feels very adequate. The suspension is slightly on
the stiffer side of things, which isn’t a bad thing at all
considering this bike’s ferocious performance.
Twist the throttle lightly and it isn’t as snatchy as
it was before and if you want to ease off and enjoy a
more relaxed ride, this bike let you go about it very
nicely. The fueling is so spot with the ride-by-wire
system on there, and you can maintain a certain speed
a lot easier than before. Once you hit an open stretch
and let her rip, you’ll hit silly speeds in no time, but
what’s better are the four-pot calipers biting down on
the 330mm single front rotor. Phenomenal stopping
power, and great balance.
Lean into corners the tyres grip the road
surprisingly well considering their pattern but the front
end does feel extremely light, and if you hit a bump
mid-corner, things get a bit unsettling. Encounter some
rough terrain, no problem once you brace yourself
because the current suspension setup isn’t going to give
you the magic carpet treatment. It does give you a real
good feel of the terrain you’re on, quite frankly, that’s
the way this bike was designed to be, and if that’s your
scene and fancy, know that it does this well. Thanks
to the wide handlebar you have a good command of
things when the road gets rough, even standing up on
trails isn’t a problem with the Icon, and if you want to
have some fun off-road, this bike makes it so easy with
all that power and minimal weight.
Though the Scrambler Icon was always seen as
an entry-level motorcycle, to the Ducati brand so to
speak, but still this new bike is a motorcycle that will
welcome you to the true Ducati ownership experience
in laudable style, and this time around, it’s got some
delightful second-gen sprinkles by way of features.
For Rs 10.40 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the
Ducati Scrambler Icon is the most affordable Ducati
bike that you can currently get your hands on in the
country. And for that cost you get a thorough package
in terms of styling, features and performance. This
is the most affordable variant of the Scrambler 800
that we have out here, there is a higher spec Full
Throttle and Nighshift models to choose from as well.
The Full Throttle has a smaller flatter, flat-track style
handlebar, a Termignoni exhaust in addition to some
other features, while the nightshift can be had with
spoke-wheels in addition to some other nice bits on
there. Now both the other models retail for 12lakh
ex-showroom, but this one as a base model package
certainly sets a strong starting point for Ducati
ownership out here.

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2024 KTM 250 DUKE - RIDE TO GOA

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FUN IN
THE SUN
WITH SOME
ORANGE
DELIGHT

HERE’S WHAT THE 2024 KTM


250 DUKE FEELS LIKE ON A RIDE
FROM MUMBAI TO GOA

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTOPHER CHAVES

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A
couple of biking festivals quick-in-a-straight-line company. The chassis
in the southern part of just makes things so effortless while the big
India was plenty enough Piston up front and the discs add strong portion
reason to set off on a solo of predictability to the mix. Just like with the 390
ride from Mumbai. I’d Duke, what doesn’t match up though is the power.
done it last September The 31PS of power on tap just fell way short down
with the 2024 KTM 390 the open NH66 highway from Ratnagiri all the way
Duke, and for a shorter to south Goa. My ride company vanished into the
journey, I thought distance while I was left sitting with the throttle
why not give it a go on the latest KTM 250 Duke. pinned at 140kmph. And the road was completely
The engines on both bikes are different now. It’s deserted in the afternoon.
not simply of a different bore and stroke like the North Goa was really crowded at this time of the
previous gen models. The 250 gets the same die- year. Big loud bikes, morons wringing their throttles
cast aluminum sub-frame that’s bolted on to the needlessly and destroying the peace. The 250
main steel trellis chassis, just like it is on the 390. Duke allowed me to get past all these shenanigans
Sure electronics and fancy TFT aside, I thought I without a whimper. Let’s just say I didn’t disturb the
wouldn’t really miss a thing. Big mistake. quiet little neighborhood in Chinchinim whenever I
Hooking up my trusty tailbag to these new crawled back late at night, while out on the highway
Dukes isn’t a bother. It takes around five minute’s road users would hear me coming if they weren’t
tops with my bungee cords, which is mighty alert using their mirrors.
convenient. Setting off in the dark isn’t a hassle After clocking about 1,300km in total on this
too, the LED headlamp is just about what I would trip, Did I miss the ride modes, traction and launch
term efficient enough. A friend decided to join in on control? Not at all. Switchable ABS and a fuel
his litre-class bike and we opted to take a slightly consumption reading was fitting, although a TFT
longer, yet a twisty scenic ghat road that was screen on there instead of the LCD unit would have
currently in good shape. been nice though. Visibility and toggling through
On setting off, just as before, throttle response the menu with the new switchgear was quick. It’s
with the ride-by-wire throttle is brilliant, not perfect for the city this quarter-litre. It’s definitely
snatchy at all and the slipper clutch and quickshifter one of the easiest KTMs you will ever ride if you’re
makes rocketing in and out past traffic an absolute new to this displacement and power-to-weight
breeze. Handling in a straight line, the cornering category. If you aren’t, you’ll have a real good time
stability is all there. A brisk ride through Anuskura with this one (in the city). Not so much on the
ghat meant I was able to catch up to my otherwise highway though.

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AFTER CLOCKING
ABOUT 1,300KM IN
TOTAL ON THIS TRIP,
DID I MISS THE RIDE
MODES, TRACTION AND
LAUNCH CONTROL?
NOT AT ALL

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RIDING THE
WAVES OF
ADRENALINE
India Bike Week 2023

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY ANIS SHAIKH

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I
ndia Bike Week (IBW) UNVEILING TRIUMPHS AND IBW reached new heights. The
2023, powered by ROARING SUCCESS Arrive and Race feature by
Gulf Syntrac, marked The highlights of this year’s event Harley-Davidson, Hero, and
its triumphant 10th- included the unveiling of the Triumph added an extra layer
anniversary edition with a Triumph Bonneville Stealth Editions of excitement.
roaring success, bringing and the Tiger 900 Rally Pro, the
together motorcycle Kawasaki W175 Street, the Aprilia CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA
enthusiasts from every RS 457’s exciting price launch, and AND MOTO-THERAPY
nook and cranny of the much more. The event showcased the Beyond the thrilling races, IBW 2023
country. Under the resonant theme vibrant motorcycling culture in India offered a cultural extravaganza,
of ‘Everyone as One,’ the event and beyond. including the Howling Dog Bar,
unfolded as a thrilling celebration of BIG Trip & Ladakh tents, and music
motorcycling culture, adventure, TRACKS TAILORED FOR from Project Folk Roads. The event
and unity. THE FEARLESS also embraced “Everyone As One”
For a decade, IBW has been the Embracing the “Bring Your Own through moto-therapy sessions,
epicenter of the motorcycle fraternity’s Bike” (BYOB) culture, IBW featured featuring overlanders like Noor
annual pilgrimage, where routes are tracks designed for motorcyclists (Nomadic Hijabi Rider), Arjun Raina
exchanged, stories from the road are who relish the thrill of powering (MotoExotica India), Juvena Huang
regaled, and tips for keeping those through any obstacle. From the (The Wandering Wasp), and the
two wheels turning are swapped like CEAT-challenging Flat Track to inspiring couple, Simon and Lisa
precious gems. The camaraderie is so the adrenaline-pumping Mud Thomas. The MotoArt Collective
palpable that it hangs in the air, thick Rush and Tivra Action Games Gallery Featured my work into the
enough to cut with a hacksaw. Pandemonium the racing fever at Hall of Fame also.

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GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS IBW 2023, featuring Nucleya, Gully
Bikers fueled their adventures with Gang, Disco Kid, Gurbax, Nash, Vipin
delectable treats at The Big Forkers Mishra Project, and others, created an
Meat Fest, a celebration of curing, unforgettable sonic journey. Attendees
grilling, and barbecuing meats, were immersed in an eclectic fusion of
featuring culinary talents like Alistair hip-hop, electronic beats, retro tunes,
Lethorn and Arjun Sikdar. From Goan and soulful performances, ensuring a
Chorizo to whole hog roasts and the stunning experience.
Boba Teas from Bub-it india at the In its 10th year, India Bike Week,
event was a feast for the senses. powered by Gulf Syntrac, not only
celebrated the thrill of motorcycles but
RIDING GEAR AND TECH also fostered a sense of unity, adventure,
I also had a chance to sit with the and camaraderie among riders. As the
team Rynox at IBW about their engines roared and the music echoed
upcoming adventure and offroad rally through the air, IBW 2023 left an
gear line up which includes riding indelible mark on every participant,
gears, backpacks, shoes and protective making it a milestone in the journey of
inner liners which we will get our motorcycling culture in India.
hands on in upcoming days. This entire ride from Mumbai to
Goa and back on my Suzuki Katana
SONIC JOURNEY made her maiden long ride memorable
THROUGH GENRES and fun. I will definitely come back to
The electrifying music lineup at the next edition of India Bike Week.

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ROYAL ENFIELD
MOTOVERSE 2023
HIGHLIGHTS

R
oyal Enfield Motoverse The 13th Edition of the Royal Enfield motorcycle was showcased at a stage built
2023 (formally Rider Motoverse unfolded several surprises specially for the unveiling, which bore
Mania) was back for for the motorcycling community, ‘Inspired By Custom for Custom’. In fact,
its latest season this especially the Royal Enfield fans. The the Shotgun 650 revealed at the venue
November 2023. While itinerary for the three-day festival was was the Motoverse Edition model, limited
Rider Mania was packed with an all-day events split into a to 25 examples, which was sold at Rs 4.25
renamed Motoverse, the famous biking variety of areas, catering to the distinct lakh (ex-showroom) to the attendees of
festival is still widely known as Royal motorcycling community. While there the Motorverse 2023 via a contest.
Enfield Rider Mania. More to the point, was a host of thrilling activities, riding After a hiatus of years, the brand
not only thousands and thousands of gear and apparel shops, Royal Enfield’s showcased the new Himalayan 450
Royal Enfield fans but also the true- accessory and clothing stalls, along at the recent 2023 EICMA in Milan,
blue motorcycling enthusiasts rode with loads of food, beer, and music, Italy, alongside the Him-E, an electric
their motorcycles from across India to the crux of the 2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan test bed. On the occasion of
Vagator, Goa, to enjoy the three-day Motoverse were the unforeseen public Motoverse 2023, Royal Enfield took to
event. There is no doubt that the Royal debut of the Shotgun 650, followed by the massive stage at the event to reveal
Enfield Motorverse is the country’s one the price announcement of the new the prices of its ADV for not only the
of the largest motorcycling festivals, Himalayan 450. Indian market, but for also the Europe
similar to the India Bike Week (IBW), Although the Shotgun 650 is based and United Kingdom. Apart from the
that enthral motorcycle buffs of all ages. on the on-sale Super Meteor 650, it said major attractions, the Motoverse
That being said, the festival was held features numerous changes to stand 2023 was a treat to foodies, offering
between 24 and 26 last month. out in the crowd. The bobber-style culinary delights from the Himalayan

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region, while music lovers attended crowd-sourced digital campaign. 2023 were ‘Helmets for India’ initiative,
various artists and bands performances, This season also hosted an action- where kids and young adults were
lapping up the funky beats and local packed activities at MotoThrill, given an opportunity to paint helmets.
brew. For reference, be it ‘A Plate comprising the flagship dirt track, a Similarly, Royal Enfield also allowed
from Kharu’, cocktails inspired by the curated class for the new Himalayan, attendees to hand-paint the fuel tank of
Himalayas at ‘Zing Zing bar’ or artists an obstacle course, and Hunter Hood the Super Meteor 650 and create their
from Arunachal, such as Taba Chake — another first for Motoverse 2023, unique graphics. Close to the parking
and Da Shugs an indigenous band which was an experiential ride through a lot was a temporary service centre
from Ladakh performed a fusion of curated course designed to highlight the by Royal Enfield to check and repair
traditional folk and rock music. agility of the Hunter 350. The riders had motorcycle coming all the way from
Further, Royal Enfield showcased an opportunity to gain and use their skills different corners of the country. This
its new range of apparels, helmets for at the Slide School, Trail School, and Ace centre also prepared bikers with some
children, and eyewear. On top of that, The Hill. The Motoverse 2023 provided a basic repairing techniques via its DIY
attendees witnessed numerous custom- stage for emerging artists at the Culture programme. Here, RE owners were able
built motorcycles at Shed Builds — a stage, featuring various talents from to work on their motorcycles under the
first time for Motoverse. This initiative around the globe. Whereas, the Moto guidance of an expert mechanic. Overall,
gave an opportunity to custom builder to Reel hosted adventure buffs from various the Royal Enfield Motoverse 2023 was a
use their imagination and creativity of fields, such as Ashish Raorane, CS wonderful and fun experience, featuring
the community and display their unique Santosh, and Sajid Chougle, Rizza Alee, various motorcycling-related activities
motorcycle at the event. The 23 custom- and Vijay Menon, and Abhijit Rao. with a touch of delicious food, brew,
built models were selected through a Other highlights of the Motoverse and music.

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TVS
MOTOSOUL
2023
WORDS CHRISTOPHER CHAVES
Exciting unveils, apparel line and bike
launches added to a plethora of fun,
food and music festivities over the
course of two-days

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D
irt track races to moto- Attendees at the 2023 Motosoul make racing series with the RTE, but
crossfit session, obstacle event also witnessed the announcement specifications of the bike were unclear.
races, talks held by of a new collaboration between TVS Until Motosoul 2023, that is. The TVS
TVS racing champions and Alpine Stars for a new range of RTE is powered by a liquid-cooled
and influencers, the co-branded riding gear which includes motor producing a peak power of 80PS
Motosoul2023 had it all. And of course jackets, gloves, boots and tees. This (59kW) at 5,500rpm, and the company
no TVS Motosoul event would be makes TVS only the second Indian claims that it can hit a top speed in
complete without a great line-up of manufacturer to have collaborated with excess of 200kmph. TVS also claims the
stage acts and performances. This time Alpine Stars for a range of riding gear motorcycle can sprint from 0-100kph
around the headlining acts performers after Royal Enfield. faster than equivalent ICE motorcycles
were Farhan Akhtar, KaranKanchan and Day two saw two more by one second, and have a range of five
the Raghu Dixit Project. announcements – first in the form of the laps around the Madras International
Day one began just as in the latest iteration of the RTR 160 4V being Circuit (formerly known as the MMRT).
previous edition of Motosoul, TVS launched at Rs 1.35 lakh (ex-showroom). The RTE is built on a central
unveiled a range of specially customised Changes to the 2024 model include a aluminium frame which uses the battery
bikes that included a scrambler bigger 240mm disc at the rear with and motor casing as stressed members.
based on the Ronin platform built by dual-channel ABS as standard. Also The battery is housed inside two
Rajputana Customs, as well as a custom the bike now boasts SmartXonnect- symmetric packs that are arranged in a
bobber from TVS’s own Factory Custom connected tech with voice assist, three way which makes quick swaps possible.
team and the other was a streetbike ride modes and can be had in two new Suspension duties are handled by a
custom job by Indonesian custom matte paint colourways. Otherwise, the 43mm Ohlins inverted fork and a 36mm
motorcycle house, Smoked Garage. 17.6PS, 159.7cc single-cyl, powered bike Ohlins monoshock, and it rides on 17-
Better than that was a freestyle/ remains the same as the older model inch alloy wheels wrapped in 110-section
stunt motorcycle based on the new on the menu. The second was TVS front and 140-section rear Pirelli
Apache RTR 310 platform, another Petronas merchandise now being made SuperCross SCI tyres. Braking duties are
creation from the house of Smoked commercially available to the public, handled by a 320mm and 240mm disc at
Garage. Called the Trickster, it which means that if you ever fancied front and rear respectively with Brembo
brandished slick tyres, light forged owning any legit TVS Petronas tees, callipers. Basically, the RTE stamps
wheels and stripped-down body work, jerseys, caps and the like, well, happy TVS’ foray into high performance
a high-mount exhaust, and raised bars shopping. electric motorcycles, although it is still
to live up to its name for all intents and The final day of the event also saw in race-spec configuration. The company
purposes. In fact, the motorcycle was TVS shed some more light onto its RTE may take its learnings from the track
actually used in a stunt showcase later electric race bike. prior to Motosoul and implement them to a proper road-
on in the day to showcase the fact that it 2023, the company had stated its ready production model in the future.
wasn’t simply a coy display model. intensions of starting an electric one Good vibes yet again at Vagator, Goa!

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OD GARAGE

10K ON
THE KIGER
TURBO CVT

T
here’s a popular saying of that we have driven this one to interiors aren’t at par with the expensive
all good things come in Lonavala multiple times and also to looking exterior design and makes the
small packages & I’m Mahabaleshwar during the monsoons entire interior experience quite regular
hoping the MG Comet to check how it acts as the SUV it at best, but the music system sure does
is exactly that. I am claims to be. Overall drive quality make up for it. With 10000 Kms added
all for super compact is good and the decent suspension to the odometer there are rattles heard
hatchbacks & at 2.9m helps to soak up the rough roads of here and there which speaks about the
in length it slices through urban traffic Mumbai and a balanced height allows built quality on this one, otherwise
effortlessly. The acceleration is so brisk it to prevent extreme body roll in the driving still remains agile and easy, jst
that it surprises not just an unsuspecting twisties. If I’m to be honest, the Kiger what you need in city traffic.
passenger but onlookers as well. doesn’t disappoint for the offerings it Overall the Kiger makes for a
The Kiger Turbo 1.0 litre CVT has comes with in the price range. good city car for a family and is good
been a regular visitor to our garage. Yes it does come with its enough for those weekend trips nearby.
This time we got our hands on a new shortcomings. I faced heating issues on Mileage figures vary from 9 to 12 Kmpl
car with just about 500 Kms on the a trip to Pune where the engine went in city and 16Kmpl on the highway,
odometer. The first thing that is to into overheating for a short period which seems good and adequate for a
be said about the Kiger is that it is disabling the AC. Although the service 1.0 l turbo.
spacious, has an easy to drive vibe and quality this time looked better as after
comes off to us as an overall good city the service the vehicle drove another
car with adequate offerings. Despite 5000kms without any issues. The ANIRJIT HORE

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GEAR AND GADGETS

REISE
MOTO
TRIPR
SCOOTER
TYRE

R
ather than putting the new set of
Reise Moto tripR tyres on a new
scooter, I thought I’d try the new
tubeless 90/100 10-inch tyres
on an old scooter instead. Enter
my trusty 2012 Activa 110. My
scooter has served me well over the last decade
in and around Mumbai, and I’ve already gone
through a couple of sets of tyres on this one, so
I’d get a good understanding of the difference
these new Reise treads.
After putting on the new tripR tyres, the
Activa now feels slightly better balanced
than before. It feels a lot more grippy in a
straight line and being J rated, I know that
they’re primed to go till about 100kmph. Also
thanks to the angled shoulder blocks feels a
lot more confident in the bends. Turning in
to a corner isn’t as light as before though, but
that’s expected on account of the tread profile.
There were a couple of instances when I had to
venture off into muddy/slushy terrain with all
the work that’s being going on in the city and
that’s where these tyres really stood out for me.
The scooter didn’t feel like things were going
to get out of control at any point, I was even
egged on to pick up the pace a bit, something I
wouldn’t usually do in this circumstance.
So I was running a Ceat Milaze treads before
putting on the Reise tripRs and was glad to
see that no considerable drop in the mileage of
around 41-42kmpl riding the scooter I normally
do. All in all, very impressive tyre that’s in
decent price contention. It looks like Reise Moto
doesn’t just make great off-road tyres for adv
bikes, like the trailR series. The tripR scooter
tyres are great too.

PRICE: `1,445 (single tyre)


WHERE TO BUY: reisemoto.com

Want to send us gear or gadgets for review?


CHRISTOPHER CHAVES
Drop a mail to rohit.paradkar@gmail.com

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Like the rest of the world, India is also getting set to make the transition to electric vehicles.
While not all EVs may charge you up, there are some that can fortunately get your motor going. These electrifying cars
are available abroad, and through this monthly series we hope to generate some high-voltage current that will energise
manufacturers to bring them here. Our charging port is eagerly waiting to get powered with your views!

CADILLAC VISTIQ

C
adillac’s electric car lineup is growing once Vistiq’s wheels reveals a pair of 22-inch wheels.
again. Cadillac has officially unveiled the The Vistiq in these images has a “600E4” emblem
Vistiq, an all-electric three-row SUV that on its tailgate. While we don’t have any official data
will be available in the United States in on the powertrain, it appears to be a dual-motor
2025. According to a press statement from arrangement like the Lyriq 600E4. The Vistiq, like the
Cadillac, the Vistiq will sit between the Lyriq, is built on GM’s Ultium battery technology,
Escalade IQ and the Lyriq. therefore a less powerful rear-wheel-drive version is
Vistiq will be the same size as the existing XT6, with available. Last month, Cadillac confirmed the 2025
three rows and a squared-off body. Cadillac, like the Optiq, which will act as the entry point for the brand’s
recently disclosed Optiq SUV, simply acknowledged the EV lineup in North America and will appeal to global
vehicle’s existence and stated that more information, luxury customers with its spirited driving dynamics.
including possible features and pricing, would be John Roth, Vice President of Global Cadillac said
provided next year. The future three-row SUV appears “Vistiq adds another compelling EV to the Cadillac
to borrow heavily from the design language of the Lyriq lineup, reinforcing our commitment to an electric future.
while providing greater length in the rear. Unfortunately, Our brand now has an EV entry in most luxury segments,
Cadillac did not unveil the inside design of the Vistiq, but offering customers a range of choices, and Cadillac EVs
we expect it to be similar to the Lyriq. will cover most luxury SUV segments across critical
According to the only two photographs Cadillac global markets in the next two years.”
has given of the Vistiq, it has a tall greenhouse that
appears to provide adequate headroom for all three
rows. Its sleek body sides contain pop-out door handles,
a moderate amount of glittering adornments, and its
lighted grille and external lighting elements like those
found on the Lyriq and Escalade IQ. A closer look at the
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