BSA launches 5 new eScooters

As planned BSA motors today univeiled series of scooters and officially made its foray into the robust electric vehicle market. The new scooters – smile,diva,street rider,roamer and roamer+  will cater to the need various section of the people. The eScooters are manufactured at the BSA Motors new plant in Ambattur, with an investment of Rs.200 million for the first phase. The Ambattur plant has an initial production capacity of 150 eScooters a day which can be ramped upto 300 units per day as and when required. The first batch of eScooters would be rolled out from Chennai on 10th November 2008. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. M M Murugappan, Chairman, Tube Investments of India said, “We see our entry into the electric two wheeler market as a logical extension of our current business, from bicycles to electric two wheelers. The eScooters is presently a Rs.450 crore market in India and the industry is expected to double in a year’s time. BSA’s foray into the eScooters category helps us to expand our portfolio in the two wheeler market. He also added, “BSA eScooters will undoubtedly be the next big success from TII.”
The five models of the BSA eScooters are,

Smile – The most competitively priced e-Scooter in the country for the age group of 13 to 18 years; 250 W, top speed of 25kmph. License and Registration is not required for  riding this eScooter

Diva – First e-Scooter designed exclusively for girls in the age group of 16 to 20 years; 250 W, top speed of 25kmph. License and Registration is not required for  riding this eScooter

Street Rider – Unisex sportz model from teen to twenties; 250 W, top speed of 25kmph. License and Registration is not required for  riding this eScooter

Roamer – For working men and women for the age group of 18 to 25 years; 500 W, top speed of 40kmph, requires license and registration.

Roamer+ – The Family eScooter; 800W, top speed of 45kmph, requires license and registration

Picture of BSA escooters

CNG car short-circuits after crash

Safety of CNG cars??

Three men were burnt alive in an accident due to CNG short circuits when their Wagon R caught fire after being hit by a speeding truck at Kapasheda ,Delhi.Police say the car engine short-circuited after the head-on collision with the truck and the car was in flames within seconds.The upholstery was inflammable as well.

Delhi has roughly about 1.25 lakh private vehicles running on CNG and there is a 250% increase year on year. According to official figures about 4,000 cars are converted to CNG every month but there are no checks to prevent the sale of unauthorised CNG kits.

Hot Pictures – November 2008

1) Hero Honda new Passion Plus Pro: With the launch of new passion plus pro power start, Hero Honda has also added new colours for the bike. The new passion plus pro comes in six colours – Leaf Green Metallic, Sports Red, Black with Sports Red, Vibrant Blue, Force Silver and Black with Frost Blue.

2) Hero Honda new CBZ X-treme in orange and red (side-by-side)

Hero Honda new CBZ X-treme in black colour with red alloy wheels

Hero Honda new CBZ X-treme in sporty orange color

Hero Honda new CBZ X-treme instrument panel

Hero Honda new CBZ X-treme with ATFT engine

Hero Honda new CBZ X-treme with sliver rear cowl

Bajaj Platina 125cc – Pictorial Review

Test Drive report on Bajaj Platina 125cc

Even in the period of tough economic times and sagging sales, Bajaj sticks to its idea of moving customers to the 125cc segment from 100cc. Though you would wonder then why Hero Honda widened sales gap with Bajaj? Whether the Bajaj’s strategy is right or not, the XCD 125cc is a successfull motorcycle and to supplement the bike Bajaj has given the Platina  125cc DTS-Si mill. Can the platina replicate  the success of its sibling. Let’s dig out…….

Pictures of Bajaj Platina 125cc

1) Bajaj Platina 125cc: Designed by kawasaki engineers in 2003 the wind 125 is the parent for the platina. Infact there is no difference between the wind 125 and platina. Long sleek profile with wide handlebars will clearly tell you this is meant for commuters. However to diffrentiate the platina 125cc from the 100cc, Bajaj has given the bike few visual differentiators. All black theme with sporty alloy wheels, refurbished silencer and black pillion grab handle are new in the 125cc platina.  Surprisingly the side cover sheds the chrome bar instead Bajaj has opted for cheaper chrome graphics on body panels and on the tank. Though the looks are pleasant it clearly shows the age.

100cc and 125cc

2) Bajaj Platina 125cc: DTS-SI engine already gained popularity through its frugal nature. The engine which first debuted in XCD is an ultra light weight unit.  Though it displaces more, the 125cc motor is 1.5 kg lighter than the 100cc Platina engine, also the use of twin spark plugs and swirl induction inside the combustion chamber ensures every drop of fuel is effectively used. The engine also boast features such as automatic choke system and proven exhausTEC resonator.

3) Bajaj Platina 125cc: With the host of proven technologies, platina 125cc offers satisfying performance atleast in city roads. Platina 125cc reaches 60kmph in 9seconds and can be pushed hard to 90kmph. Surprisingly the bike is vibe free even at higher speeds. But the important part is driveability in the traffic. It manages chug along at 15kmph without thudding in the fourth gear (top one). Also the bike returns an impressive of mileage 68kmpl in our combined city and highway drive (most part in the city)

4) Bajaj Platina 125cc: The long slender profile, upright handlebar position and wider seats are ideal for city commuting not just for rider but for pillion too. The SNS suspension at the rear abosrbs road shocks with ease and offers comfortable ride.  But the leaner tyres and light steering does not help you while cornering at high speeds

5) Bajaj Platina 125cc: As typical of any Bajaj product, Platina boasts plenty of usable features like electric start and ride control switch. The dials are analogue and the instrument panel tells all except the engine rpm. The switches works with crisp and paint quailty is impressive. But after using Bajaj’s products for past many years, i’m still apprehensive about the build quality of few parts.

6) Bajaj Platina 125cc: comes only in one variants -Platina 125cc power start and  is priced Rs47,524 (on-road, Chennai). Platina 125cc is available in four Colours – cocktail wine red,black,silver grey and long reach blue.

Verdict: When XCD is considered as the cheapest 125cc bike, Bajaj has complimented the XCD with the much cheaper platina 125cc. Without no doubt, i can assue you platina 125cc is the best VFM bike over the 100cc bikes, but it has to still evolve to compete with other 125cc bikes. While the platina is cheaper than XCD by Rs2200, XCD is build on an all new platform plus it boasts features like LCD console and LED tail lights. If you don’t like the short silouhette and ugly looking tail of the XCD and look for a VFM bike in the 100-125cc segment then it is time to visit your nearby Bajaj showroom and ride away the platina 125cc.

Nissan march 2009 spy photos

As we earlier reported you that Nissan will launch the next generation march in 2009, spy photographer have caught the car during testing.  Remember, Nissan will also launch the next generation march in India too. Nissan’s Indian march will come with two engine options 1L and 1.2L. Both the engines are gasoline one. Nissan will launch the new march in 2009 in global markets and in India by 2010.

Here are pictures of Nissan’s new march (micra)

Source: autoscoop

Bajaj to launch Pulsar 200cc Fuel Injection and Upgraded Pulsar 220cc

Till October 2008, we have not heard anything big from Bajaj. Bajaj should have come out with a performance especially when Yamaha is surging ahead with YZF R15 and FZ-16. Atleast in the end of 2008 or early 2009, we can expect Bajaj to come back strongly. Yes, Bajaj will do by launching upgraded version of Pulsar 200cc and Pulsar 220cc DTS-FI.

Bajaj Pulsar 200cc FI:

The success of pulsar 200cc is really underrated. Even though you will come across more pulsar 200cc than pulsar 220cc DTS-FI’s the later filled our minds. To further boost the sales of Pulsar 200cc and to take on the new rivals like apache RTR FI, Yamaha FZ-16 and upcoming rivals like TVS apache RTR Menace, Bajaj will equip the 200cc DTSi mill with Fuel Injection technology. Expect satisfying performance and improved fuel economy from new pulsar 200cc FI.

Bajaj’s new Pulsar 220cc DTS-FI:

Unlike the serious upgrade Bajaj would make for the pulsar 200cc, the changes in the pulsar 220cc DTS-FI will be cosmetic. Bajaj’s new pulsar 220cc DTS-FI will embrace the contemporary all black theme adn get new body graphics. New Pulsar 220cc DTS-FI will also get carbon fibre exhaust which will surely improve the masculinity of the pulsar but also unique exhaust beat.

Bajaj XCD Sprint 150cc

You read it first at vicky.in

It’s one of the biggest scoops we ever informed you. Sources close to Bajaj Auto tells us that to meet the new competetiors like Apache RTR FI, Yamaha FZ16 and Suzuki GS150R, Bajaj is planning a new 150cc motorcycle. The new bike would be called XCD sprint, yup, you read it right! the same one which was showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo. But the only difference from what showcased at the Delhi Auto expo and actual XCD sprint is the engine. Seeing the new arrivals, sources tells us Bajaj has changed the strategy. and will launch the XCD sprint with the 150cc engine not the 125cc one. According to Bajaj, “It is determined to accelerate the growing popularity of 125cc+ motorcycles.  Towards this purpose Bajaj will launch a new sport motorcycle in December, the third of four products off the XCD platform.”

XCD sprint will be fitted with a 150cc DTS-Si engine developing max power in the range of 14-16bhp. XCD Sprint’s modern styling will help the bajaj to take on the new arrivals especially the Yamaha FZ-16. Pulsar 150cc will co-exist with the new XCD sprint 150cc. XCD sprint 150cc will hit the market in December 2008 and is expected to be priced around Rs65,000.

Update: Few media reports claim Bajaj will soon come out with a 135cc version of XCD sprint which is developed under the codename ‘L1’. The media report further claims that Bajaj is working jointly with its Austrian partner KTM for XCD sprint 135cc. Anyway, expect a performance bike from pulsar maker this december 2008.

Bajaj plans ultra low cost bike steel

Really the Nano is making every one to think, few months back we reported about the Hero Honda’s low cost product. Hero Honda is believed to be working working on a ultra low cost product. Whether its a moped or a bike is not known.

Following Hero Honda, India’s 2 largest two wheeler maker Bajaj is said to be planning a ultra low cost product below its existing entry level bike Platina. Only few days back Bajaj issued a press release denying reports on introducing any new sub-brands of its low-cost bikes.  “There would be no sub-brands and no low-cost bikes or 100 CC bikes,” Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj said when asked about recent media reports regarding the company’s plans to re-focus on lower displacement bikes.

Bajaj Steel:

But today another newspaper reports that Bajaj is making a new low cost product and would be named as ‘steel’. Bajaj has just begun already testing of steel in its export markets like Nigeria. For steel, Bajaj may introduce a new low cost brand to launch low cost products like steel. While Bajaj itself is focussing its attention on higher segment bikes.

Hyundai to launch i10 diesel,i20 and facelifted santro in 2009

Despite the slowdown, Korean auto giant – Hyundai shown its commitment to its Indian market by unveiling its mega plans for next year. Hyundai which started shipping out i20 -the punto competetior will launch atleast three models in the small car segment in India over 2009. Here are details on Hyundai’s new small cars for 2009.

Hyundai i20:

i20 is the getz replacement in european markets but in India Hyundai is yet to make headway in the premium small car segment. reason, Getz is totally eclipsed by swift. But soon this might be the thing of past, following the success of i10, i20 is solely made in India and will be exported to countries across the world. i20 is designed at the company’s European design centre at Russelsheim, Germany, and is designed and engineered to meet the European tastes and needs.Hyundai makes i20 in three variants — 1.2 litre, 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre — in both petrol and diesel versions. European styling, powerful engine, impressive cabin space and quality interiors of the new i20 makes us to believe Hyundai has already a winner in its hands. Hyundai will launch the i20 in January 2009.

Hyundai i10 diesel:

While i10 has been a success story for Hyundai, a diesel would make the car to reach heights. The i10 diesel would come with a 1.1L CRDi engine developing 75PS of peak power at 6000rpm and 155Nm of max torque at 2000rpm. When i10 diesel comes to India, it would take the credit of carrying smallest diesel engine under its hood. i10 diesel is expected to be a fun to drive machine at the same time offering greater mileage. Going by the success of swift diesel, we expect cutomers to make a beeline in Hyundai’s showrooms. i10 diesel would hit the showrooms in 2009.

Hyundai’s new facelifted santro:

Though the santro is put to graveyard in the international market after the launch of i10, it continues to enjoy good response from Indian customers. To make it contemporary and to further boost its volumes Hyundai will launch a facelifted santro sometime in 2009. Expect the changes to be cosmetic as Hyundai is aggressively pushing the i10.

Hyundai’s ultra low cost car:

Ever since the Nano came out, Hyundai has set an eye on this segment. Though Hyundai earlier denied the fact that its low cost car won’t compete with Tata’s Nano. Now it accepts the low cost car would appeal the two-wheeler users aspiring for a car. “We are developing a small car in the entry level range and it should hit the market by 2011,” HMIL Managing Director H S Lheem said. “We have adequate capacity to manufacture (the new car) in the plant. It’s capacity is about 6.5 lakh cars per annum and we are sure that it will accommodate,” Lheem added.

GM Chevrolet to launch Spark 800 and Cruze in India

GM India today said that it would launch two new models in 2009. GM India president and managing director Karl Slym told reporters that the new models would be a small car and a sedan. “The small car may be in the same category like Spark or even cheaper. The other model will be in the Honda Civic segment. For the first time in the history of the company, we have excess capacity. This we will leverage,” he added. Have a look at the upcoming models from GM Chevrolet in 2009

Chevrolet Spark 800cc:

Maruti’s Alto and M800 will soon see a true competetior in the form of spark. Yes, spark will be fitted with an 800cc petrol engine. This is the same engine which powered the Daewoo Matiz. The 795cc, 6valve unit pumps out 38KW and torque of 68.6 Nm@4600 rpm. GM will also drop few luxury features enabling it to price competetively against the likes of Alto and 800. Expect the new spark is priced around Rs2,50,000.

Chevrolet Cruze:

First showcased at the 2008 Paris auto show, Cruze is the first vehicle from GM’s new Global Compact Vehicle Architecture or Delta 2, which is a more global, lower-cost alternative to the current Delta platform underpinning the current Optra. The Cruze features Chevrolet’s new global design language that will continue to be a signature element for future vehicles carrying the gold bowtie. Cruze boasts ample interior space, surprising cargo capacity and comfortable seating for five.  The Cruze will be powered by GM’s new family of direct-injection, turbocharged four-cylinder engines, likely ranging in displacement from 1.4 liters to 2.0. Cruze will take on the mighty Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla altis and Volkswagen Jetta. However Chevrolet will not phase out the optra but will strip down few features and position it in the City and Fiesta Segment.

Apart from the two new launches, GM India will also launch variants of its existing models.