Hyundai’s new i10

The i10 which is already rocking the small car segment will soon get a boost. Hyundai has fitted the newly developed Kappa engine under the hood of the i10. The new all ali-aluminium 1.2- litre kappa engine pumps out 77bhp of maximum power. The new kappa engine is technically superior compared to the existing epsilon engine. Kappa features DOHC(Double Overhead Camshaft) and four valves per cylinder. The magna variant of the i10 and two new variants of i10 will get this kappa engine which means Hyundai plans to continue the proven epsilon engine for the low end variants of i10. Two new additional variants namely the Asta and Sport of i10 will also be introduced. As the name indicates the sport variant of i10 will get sporty interiors and a sports kit. Hyundai’s new i10 with kappa engine is expected to be priced competitively in the range of Rs4.5 lakhs to Rs 5.5 lakhs.

Along with the Kappa engine Hyundai will also introduce the much awaited Automatic variant of i10. Hyundai borrows the auto box from the santro AT for the i10 AT. The top end variants of i10 – magna,Asta and sport will get the auto box.

Toyota plans diesel corolla and Fortuner for India

Hatchbacks, compact sedans and sedans:

The long silence will be soon over. Toyota will finally break its long silence and join the indian party. The world’s largest automaker is planning atleast six models for indian and the announcement is expected very soon. Toyota is planning a series of models with engines varying between 1.1-1.3 litre over the next two to three years. Toyota would first launch a compact sedan powered by an 1.3L engine to compete with Tata Indigo CS and Maruti Suzuki’s swift Dzire. The other models fitted with 1.1 litre and 1.3 litre engines includes hatchbacks and sedans are expected. The hatchback would be pitted against the likes of Suzuki’s Swift and Hyundai’s Getz. The new product launches are expected to coincide with the start of commercial production at the second plant that is being built adjacent to the current plant in Bidadi near Bangalore. Production of these models is expected to start in the new plant in 2010.

New Corolla in September and diesel corolla in 2010:

Toyota which will soon the next generation corolla in India also plans to roll out the diesel version of Corolla from the new plant.

Fortuner SUV in 2009:

Also in the cards is the much expected Fortuner SUV. The Fortuner SUV is expected to be priced around Rs16 lakh and the launch of this SUV may happen sometime in middle of 2009.

Thunderbird Twinspark Pictorial Review

When tradition meets technology….

As the city so is the maker, the nature of the manufacturer reflects the culture of their location.Bullet landed in chennai in 1950s. Since then both the city and the bullet maker evolved gradually and are making great strides. Chennai a city known for its heritage and its culture has never been in the limelight but has made huge strides in all sectors. It is one of largest software exporter in india and its a detroit of India. Similar to the city, Royal Enfield is silent (forget the thump) bike maker but making records without making lot of news. RE has a huge fan following even in countries like UK, France, Italy and USA.

As the city of tradition embraces modern technologies, Royal Enfield has started incorporating modern technologies for its products. The iron cast engines paved way to the Lean burn engines now RE has come up with an new engine called UCE (Unit Construction Engine).As evident from its name Engine,gearbox and clutch are being made as single compartement in UCE. This new set up results in lesser parts and hence lesser friction. The main architecture of this engine is developed in-house by RE while NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness), internal combustion of the engine is tested by European design consultants. Royal Enfield calls this new engine platform as “engine of future growth”. Let’s check out whether RE finds success in its bid to modernise their products.

1) Thunderbird Twinspark: It is the same Thunderbird in design and styling. Just two twinspark badges on the side flanks and a twinspark decal on the pillion backrest are added. Surprisingly there is no UCE (Unit Construction engine) badge or a sticker in the Thunderbird Twinspark

2) Thunderbird Twinspark: With the UCE, RE wishes to improve the reliability of the Thunderbird and reduce the manual intervention needed for smooth functioning of the engine. The valve clearance of this UCE adjust automatically through the use hydraulic pushrods and thus the vehicle maintains optimal valve timing in all situations.Another notable feature in the new Thunderbird Twinspark is the auto decompressor. The slide switch is gone. The auto decompressor which activates at 250rpm helps the rider to start the engine with ease.The electric motor is placed on the inner side of the UCE engine to reduce the problems usually associated with the sprag clutch.

3) Thunderbird Twinspark: UCE engine cranks out 19.8bhp of maximum power at 5250rpm and 28Nm of peak torque at 4000rpm. The all new 6 plate clutch can be engaged and disengaged with little effort. Credits to the five speed transmission the low end and mid range torque is spectacular. The engine revs upto 6000rpm without any strain but the needle refuses to move after that. The new Thunderbird Twinspark clocks 60kmph from stand still in just 6.2 seconds nearly a second faster than the Lean Burn Thunderbird. We manage to clock a top speed of 102kmph but i still believe some more is left in the engine. However the pickup is not smooth and there is room for refinement.

4) Thunderbird Twinspark: The new UCE features superior gerotor – rotary oil pump which pumps oil at higher pressure and ensures better cooling. This results in efficient burning of fuel and thereby increasing the fuel efficiency or mileage when compared to the previous engines. Thunderbird Twinspark returned 42kmpl in our combined city and highway drive.

The twin-pod instrument cluster is intact with odometer, speedometer, RPM meter, fuel gauge, resettable trip meter, and tell-tale lights for neutral, high beam, turn signal indicators. The blue back instrument panel is readable even in bright sunlight but the rear view mirrors shows more the pillion rider than the vehicle at the rear.

5) Thunderbird Twinspark: Even at high speeds the bike remains stable though the vibrations are heavy. Thunderbird Twinspark vibes heavily when you keep pressing the clutch and crawling in the traffic. Even while hard braking it remains stable. Thunderbird Twinspark uses disc at the front and drum at the rear. The brake offers sufficient bite and the bike comes to halt from 60kmph in just 3seconds.

6) Thunderbird Twinspark: Ride quality has never been the favourite for the bullets. Thunderbird Twinspark is no exception. The wider seats and comfortable riding postion ensures a fatigue free riding. But all is not well the kick lever is very hard and is awkwardly positioned. The 19″ tyres and gas charged suspension transmits little vibration to the rider. But when you take the bike to off-road it starts transmitting shocks heavily.

7) Thunderbird Twinspark: Along with the new engine, Royal enfield has upgraded few features. Halogen lamp replaces conventional lamp and hence you can expect increased life. To facilitate the easy parking of this 168kg machine Royal Enfield has made foot rests (rider) of the Thunderbird twinspark foldable. To reduce the metal, rear brake cable and chain sprocket is moved to the right side of the bike. Also, an oil window is provided to check the oil level.

8) Thunderbird Twinspark: The new Thunderbird twinspark will be available in three colours (monotone) – silver,red and black. Thunderbird twinspark is priced Rs1,03,000 in (Ex-showroom) Chennai.

Verdict:

The objective of UCE is to make Thunderbird a reliable bike. The UCE is a strong leap in that direction. The new Thunderbird never made us to left stranded i enquired a friend who has already clocked 2000kms with the new Thunderbird and he told the same. But in the pursuit of reliability has Royal Enfield diluted the man-machine relationship? yes to a little extent.

Plans for India: Royal Enfield has showcased a 500cc UCE EFI engine in the 2007 Birmingham auto show and is test maketing the Electra EFI there. It plans to incorporate EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) technology in Thunderbird as well. Royal Enfield also plans to rollout Machismo, Electra and the Bullet 350 with twinspark engines before 2010.

Here’s caution for the Bullet maker, never led the technology to dominate the biking. Few sports bikes maker tried this and bite the dust in the recent past. Never ever use the technology for technology’s sake. When you develop new technologies, its aim must be only to enhance the man-machine relationship. Instead improve the quality of the material used and earn more hearts.

Honda CBF Stunner – Pictorial Preview

To read the our latest test drive report on Honda CBF Stunner visit
http://www.vicky.in/blog/honda-cbf-stunner-pictorial-review/

Though the Indian market is yet to mature to accept premium bikes like R1 more indian customers love its styling. The success of Apache RTR, Hunk and the intial response to Yamaha’s R15 shows the new trend. This new trend has also started making inroads into the 125cc segment. Manufacturers wants to ride this wave and the result is the more and more bikes coming with racing elements. The advent of TVS Flame and new Gladiator are clear examples. TVS made a stride with its Flame and the facelifted Gladiator is also clocking good sales figures. Because of this new trend, the sales of conventional bikes like Honda Shine takes a beating. To arrest the downside and bring more customers under its fold Honda will soon launch the new CBF stunner 125cc.

* Honda CBF Stunner: Honda showcased the CBF stunner concept at the Auto Expo and since then the enthusiasm of bike lovers have raised anticapting its launch. With the CBF stunner, Honda wishes to lure the young customers who look for exclusivity and unconventional styling. The much expected Honda’s new 125cc bike the CBF stunner is all set to hit the indian roads on June 30th.

* Honda CBF Stunner: Inspired by other CBF models, this new 125cc CBF stunner comes jaw dropping styling. The razor sharp styling elements includes a elegant visor, larger tank shrouds,aircraft type fuel lid and forged rear cowls and a new tail lamp.

Attention has been given to every part to make the CBF stunner to lookalike race ready. The instrument cluster is offsetted from the handlebars and nicely placed in a separated compartment. The new scoops on both the side of the tank extends all the way to end just before the turn indicators. CBF stunner comes with a stepped seat. Honda has also raised the suspension and rearranged the foor pegs to make the CBF stunner sporty. The exhaust mouth of the new CBF stunner also gets a new styling. Complementing the new clothing is the contemporary all black theme of the CBF stunner.

* Honda CBF Stunner: The new CBF stunner would come with a 125cc engine producing power in the range of 10-12bhp. CBF stunner is mated with a five speed transmission. But the CBF Stunener gets a new gear shift lever which is designed specifically to place the control on your toes. The other specifications are expected to be remain the same. The new CBF Stunner will not feature Fuel Injection engine ( CBF Stunner FI will be launched later). The other notable absents are the mono-suspension, aluminum foot pegs, Digital Instrumentation and LED tail lamp.

* Honda CBF Stunner: However the CBF stunner will come with standard fitments like electric start,alloy wheels and disc brake. CBF Stunner is expected to be priced around Rs52000 (ex-showroom). As we earlier reported, Honda also plans to launch a FI (Fuel Injection) variant of new CBF stunner (codenamed KWFF).



You read it first at vicky.in

Update: Honda CBF stunner will come in three variants. The variants of CBF stunner – kick start with drum brake and alloy wheels, self start with drum brake and alloy wheels and self start with disc brake and alloy wheels. The top end variant of CBF Stunner might also get tubeless tyres. CBF Stunner will be priced around Rs60,000.

No petrol price hike for six months – Hyundai

Hyundai has announced an offer for the buyers of i10 and santro. Hyundai will take care of the increase in petrol price that might happen in next six months. The offer is valid only for buyers who book i10 or santro between June 20th to June 30th 2008.

Update: A free fuel voucher worth Rs 2,700 comes with every Santro and i10 model purchased between June 20 and June 30, the company said in a statement. “This is our way of helping customers cope with increased fuel costs and to demonstrate that the hike translates into just Rs 2,700 additional fuel bills for a period of 6 months, given the fuel efficiency of a Santro or an i10,” Hyundai Motor India Senior Vice-President Arvind Saxena said.

Avon launches electric bikes

Following the Hero Cycles,Atlas Cycles and TI cycles, Avon has forayed into the ebike market by launching Avon ebike. Avon e-bike comes fitted with a 36 V lead acid, sealed and rechargeable battery. Avon ebike which has a maximum speed of 23kmph can run for 40 kilometers on a single recharge. Avon ebike is priced Rs. 15000. Avon is targeting this product at the urban population, which is in search of a clean, hassle-free solution in personal mobility in the midst of ever-growing road traffic, parking blues, pollution and rising costs. “We plan to target boys and girls in the age group of 12 to 16 years, city folk desiring maintenance-free short commutes in congested areas and office-going ladies. These days children want to own a bike. But their parents as well as their school authorities don’t allow them to drive one. For this e-bike, one does not need a driving license, number plates, registration, pollution check certificate or even a helmet”Onkar Singh Pahwa, managing director of the Avon ebikes said.

TI to launch BSA electric bikes

Cycle major TI cycles plans foray into electric bikes. TI has constructed a factory in Chennai at a investment of over Rs20 crores. The plant will have the capacity to produce 100 bikes a day. TI will sell its ebikes under the BSA brand from  september 2008. Initially TI cycles will launch three low speed models, which will be priced around Rs.25,000 and two high-speed models at a market price of around Rs.36,000. BSA ebikes will marketed only in south india at first and based on the market responses it will be launched across india. TI plans appoint around 70 dealers in the Tier I and II cities in the southern region and hopes to sell 4000-5000 ebikes per month.

Share with us – Swift Dzire

Waitinggggggg for delivery?—Debjani Dasgupta

I have booked a Maruti Dzire VXI model(Petrol)on 13/04/2008 with Jalan
Distributors, Baguihati Branch Kolkata . Till date I have not received any
intimation for delivery

Booking details : V122114 of 13/04/2008
Advance Rs 93000/-

Quality and unavailability of spare parts—-Cherian.P.Mathew

Within one week time, I got a problem with back side door, it was not opening. It was taken one and half week to rectify the problem. When my son was driving, he encountered a situation where inputs of steering and brake failed. The failure had caused threat to his life.These damages has already cost me Rs40000. For last 2 week time Maruthi Suzuki dealer are not able replace the materials that are damaged. They said to me the spares are not unavailable. With door opening problem,Steering and Brake failure, I am not satisfied with Swift Dzire’s performance.I would like to know reasons behind these failures.


Ford launches new Fiesta 1.6S

Along with this facelift, Ford has introduced a new sport variant called Fiesta 1.6S. The styling of this sporty variant is accentuated with unique bumper treatments, a sports body kit which extends from the bumpers through the bodyside rocker moulding, a new rear spoiler and chrome tipped exhaust.Fiesta 1.6S gets five-spoke, 15-inch alloy wheel. The suspension of the new Fiesta 1.6 S has been precisely tuned to provide a higher level of driver-machine interaction. This gives Fiesta 1.6 S the best steering and suspension control in the segment. According to Ford, the new Fiesta 1.6S clocks 0-100kmph in just 11 seconds The Fiesta 1.6 S gets Ebony and Jasper Blue interiors combined with a liquid metal audio surround and central console. Along with the SXI series, Fiesta 1.6 S feature advanced CD audio units with MP3 capability and a dedicated audio input jack for iPods and similar MP3 players. Along with other colours, the new Fiesta 1.6 S is offered in bright, eye-catching Aquarius.