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Daniel Gibson 2018-11-29
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We trust you’ll enjoy reading this as much as we enjoyed putting together this battle for ultimate supremacy (and bragging rights).

Yes, after being on such good behaviour for so long, we’re back at the BIC – not merely because we enjoy pounding around in fun cars and bikes, but also because it provides a controlled environment in which to test each new vehicle that was launched in the past year.

Well, all the ones that we were able to get our hands on anyway.

Value for Money is one of the most important aspects in our market, and, therefore, it gets the most points.

Of course, it’s not just a case of giving the most inexpensive machine the greatest points – but also looking at what it offers relative to its competition.

The only purely objective field is Lap Time, which gives us a uniform method to determine virtually all the dynamic factors of a vehicle, such as power, high-speed stability, handling, braking, etc.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-06-18
img

And if the vehicle comes with a car-like ride quality that can embarrass many premium SUVs, then you don’t need to go further to look for your answer.

Kia Carnival Review" height="336" src="/uploads/2018/06/Kia-Carnival-front-three-quarter-low-angle-logo1.jpg" width="642" />

However, after 13 years of undisputed market leadership, it would appear that the Innova is finally about to feel the heat – if Kia actually decides to launch this sleek minivan in India that is!

Certainly, the attention-grabbing characteristic of this vehicle has quite a lot to do with its design.

The powertrain is all packed in at the front, the axles are 3,060mm apart – 2,755mm for Innova – and then there’s that flat floor (thanks to absence of the transmission tunnel).

And, as is apparent from the images here, it has more than enough legroom, kneeroom and headroom for all its occupants – so much so that even our big friendly giant, Jared Solomon (at 6-foot-3), was able fit in the third row with absolute comfort.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-06-06
img

In an official announcement, BMW Motorrad India revealed that bookings for the G 310 R and the G 310 GS will begin on Saturday, 8th June.

Deliveries will be done on a first come first serve basis as per orders.

BMW first took the wraps off the production-spec G 310 R in November 2015.

The naked was soon followed up with an adventure tourer, the G 310 GS.

In fact, the Munich-based firm had also showcased both these motorcycles at the Auto Expo 2018 earlier this year.

This engine comes paired with a 6-speed transmission.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-05-18
img

GP Petroleums Ltd, a lubricant maker that’s a part of the UAE-based GP Global Group (earlier Gulf Petrochem), won the ‘Greatest sales growth award for Repsol Lubricants’ at the Global EMAI Awards 2017 held in Madrid, Spain in April 2018.

GP Petroleums recorded the highest growth of 74 per cent in India for Repsol Lubricants as compared to all the other markets that the Spanish oil major is present in.

Speaking on the occasion, Orlando Carbo, Lubricants Director, Repsol said “We are pleased to note that the growth of Repsol in India is encouraging and this award is a token of recognition.

India is an exciting market and we plan to increase our market presence through GP Petroleums in 2018”.

GP Petroleums launched Repsol’s lubricant business in India in 2016 and has been recognised with this award in just its second year of operations in the country.

GP Petroleums has the exclusive right to manufacture and market Repsol’s line of premium quality lubricants across India.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-06-18
img

The entire intake is more compact, thanks to a reduced plenum volume and shortened runner length.

As one of the Ferrari engineers said, “we always want our engines to make a ‘sound,’ not a ‘noise.”

The only sense that you get that this is a turbocharged engine is because you hear the turbos spooling up every now and then.

As a result of which, the brake pedal has quite limited travel and is very firm.

And the levels of grip are so intense that it’s only really under hard braking that you get some sense of the sheer adhesion provided by the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

After spending a couple of hours pootling through the small towns and villages around Maranello, not to mention racing through the switchbacks in the hills around the Ferrari factory, it was finally time to put the Pista where it belongs – on the track!

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-06-18
img

Well, this one certainly doesn’t fit that description.

It’s washed in black, doesn’t have a roaring exhaust note and is of Japanese genealogy.

Many curves – some good, some bad

While the Vulcan S is definitely distinct from the rest, I personally have mixed feelings about its design.

The linear exhaust looks too geometric to go along with the rest of the bike, and the taillight doesn’t add much to the visual appeal either.

The large grab rails and the saree guard further rob the tail section of much charm.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-06-06
img

The new CLAR platform based X5 debuts with bigger dimensions and more tech.

This is the fourth-generation of the SUV, which will go on sale globally in November this year.

Blue x-shaped elements split up the hexagonal light sources inside the familiar BMW twin headlights.

The wheelbase of the new model is 42mm longer than its predecessor, while overall the new model is 36mm longer, 66mm wider and 19mm taller.

Inside, the evolutionary design theme continues.

Things like ventilation and massaging seats are optional.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-05-17
img

The limited period offer is available across all Ducati dealerships in India.

To further increase the Multistrada 950’s accessibility on the open road, Ducati India has introduced a limited period offers where every customer who buys a Multistrada 950 will get a set of Touratech aluminium panniers worth ₹1.95 lakh at no additional cost.

The left pannier can accommodate a full-face helmet and features a total capacity at 85 liters.

Both panniers fit in perfectly with the bike without affecting its handling.

The Multistrada 950 draws its power from a 937cc liquid-cooled Testastretta L-twin engine developing 113bhp of power and 96Nm of peak torque.

The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-06-18
img

The angular metal finish front grille looks bold and the LED headlamps are sleek, while the bumper houses LED fog lamps.

Coming to the side profile and the new Outlander is more or less identical to the earlier version except for the black cladding with silver finish on the lower part of doors.

Mitsubishi sticks to the tried-and-tested rear design even and now it's equipped with LED lights and a silver line running between the tail lamp clusters.

This new crossover lacks a commanding stance as it is fitted with minuscule 16-inch wheels.

Even our homegrown SUVs like the Tata Hexa and Mahindra XUV 500 boast bigger sets of wheel.

The Outlander comes with beautiful aluminium finish paddle shifters, but sadly even on manual mode, it doesn’t transform into a roaring beast.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-06-06
img

This refreshed model gets minor cosmetic changes on the outside as well as to the interior

Jeep has given its compact SUV, Renegade a mid-life facelift.

The American carmaker released the first images of the 2019 Renegade at the Turin Motor Show in Italy.

Interior images of the 2019 Jeep Renegade haven’t been released as yet but spy shots of the same have been making their rounds on the internet for a while.

Just like the exterior, the refreshed Renegade has some subtle changes on the inside too.

The European-spec Renegade will also get a new engine option to choose from.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-06-06
img

The two-door coupe will be powered by the same engine that works on the recently launched E63 S 4Matic+

It seems like Mercedes-Benz is going all guns blazing with their AMG models this year.

Just last month, the company brought in the new E63 S 4Matic+ to Indian shores and soon followed it up with the introduction of the GLE 43 OrangeArt, SLC 43 RedArt Editions.

They are not getting ready to bring in the flagship S63 Coupe 4Matic+ for launch in India on 18th June.

The S does get a surplus of 50Nm over the E, bringing its torque rating up to an insane 900Nm.

Power is sent to all-four wheels with the help of a 9-speed automatic transmission.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-05-17
img

The next-generation Volvo S60 saloon - to be revealed very soon - will be the first Volvo to be produced without a diesel engine, the company has confirmed.

Volvo has also confirmed that all of its new models launched from 2019 will be available as either a mild petrol hybrid, plug-in petrol hybrid or battery electric vehicle.

In fact, Volvo was the first traditional car maker to commit to all-out electrification in July 2017.

“Our future is electric and we will no longer develop a new generation of diesel engines,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars.

“We will phase out cars with only an internal combustion engine, with petrol hybrid versions as a transitional option as we move towards full electrification.

Last month, Volvo reinforced its electrification strategy by stating that it aims for fully electric cars to make up 50 per cent of its global sales by 2025.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-06-18
img

It simply owns the compact SUV space with its segment leading sales.

And its equally impressive to note that it has managed to achieve this while offering just a single mechanical version of the car.

For you would imagine that with the lack of a petrol engine and the option of automatic variants (all offered by numerous competitors) would dampen sales.

In fact, this very gearbox is used on every one of them, the five-speed AMT.

That said, this is the first time that the five-speed AMT has been hooked to the more powerful 89bhp version of the 1.3 litre MultiJet diesel engine.

The results as expected are quite good.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-06-06
img

The updated Africa Twin was first showcased in India at the 2018 Auto Expo.

The updated Honda Africa Twin can now be booked at all Honda Wing World dealerships across India.

Only 50 units of the bike are up for booking currently, each carrying a price tag of ₹13.23 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

For the 2018 model year, the Honda Africa Twin now gains Throttle-by-wire technology that gives the rider the ability to manage engine output as well as traction at the rear wheel.

Furthermore, it gets an update to the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which offers seven levels as compared to three levels of the outgoing model.

Powering the 2018 Africa Twin is the familiar 999cc parallel-twin motor that’s good for producing 88bhp of max power and 93.1Nm of peak torque.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-05-18
img

Ford has revealed the facelifted version of the Endeavour (called Everest in global markets), which is set to go on sale in Australia very soon.

It’s not your fault if you’re struggling to figure out the changes made to the new model, because they indeed are very subtle.

On a closer inspection, you’ll find a new grille with thinner chrome slats, a lightly updated bumper and new alloy wheels.

On the inside, the SUV will now feature the latest version of Ford’s latest Sync infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, navigation, and Apple CarPlay & Android Auto integration.

The cabin also gains a new all-black scheme and more soft-touch surfaces.

An interesting addition to the Australian-spec Endeavour is availability of the new 2.0-litre, bi-turbo diesel engine that’s borrowed from Ford’s Ranger Raptor pickup truck.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-05-17
img

Kia Motors Global will introduce its first 48V diesel mild-hybrid powertrain in the second half of 2018.

The new powertrain, called EcoDynamics+, reduces CO2 emissions by supplementing acceleration with electric power from an additional 48V battery and extending combustion engine off time using a new mild-hybrid starter-generator unit.

By electronically controlling the mild-hybrid starter-generator using the inverter, the system switches between two modes - Motor and Generator.

In Generator mode, the system harvests kinetic energy from the vehicle during in-gear deceleration and braking and uses the power to recharge the batteries.

Kia claims that the compact nature of the EcoDynamics+ means the technology can be integrated into existing vehicle and powertrain architectures without impacting practicality or packaging.

The system is paired with Kia’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) active emissions control technology, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 4 per cent on WLTP.

collect
0
Daniel Gibson 2018-11-29
img

We trust you’ll enjoy reading this as much as we enjoyed putting together this battle for ultimate supremacy (and bragging rights).

Yes, after being on such good behaviour for so long, we’re back at the BIC – not merely because we enjoy pounding around in fun cars and bikes, but also because it provides a controlled environment in which to test each new vehicle that was launched in the past year.

Well, all the ones that we were able to get our hands on anyway.

Value for Money is one of the most important aspects in our market, and, therefore, it gets the most points.

Of course, it’s not just a case of giving the most inexpensive machine the greatest points – but also looking at what it offers relative to its competition.

The only purely objective field is Lap Time, which gives us a uniform method to determine virtually all the dynamic factors of a vehicle, such as power, high-speed stability, handling, braking, etc.

Daniel Gibson 2018-06-18
img

The angular metal finish front grille looks bold and the LED headlamps are sleek, while the bumper houses LED fog lamps.

Coming to the side profile and the new Outlander is more or less identical to the earlier version except for the black cladding with silver finish on the lower part of doors.

Mitsubishi sticks to the tried-and-tested rear design even and now it's equipped with LED lights and a silver line running between the tail lamp clusters.

This new crossover lacks a commanding stance as it is fitted with minuscule 16-inch wheels.

Even our homegrown SUVs like the Tata Hexa and Mahindra XUV 500 boast bigger sets of wheel.

The Outlander comes with beautiful aluminium finish paddle shifters, but sadly even on manual mode, it doesn’t transform into a roaring beast.

Daniel Gibson 2018-06-18
img

And if the vehicle comes with a car-like ride quality that can embarrass many premium SUVs, then you don’t need to go further to look for your answer.

Kia Carnival Review" height="336" src="/uploads/2018/06/Kia-Carnival-front-three-quarter-low-angle-logo1.jpg" width="642" />

However, after 13 years of undisputed market leadership, it would appear that the Innova is finally about to feel the heat – if Kia actually decides to launch this sleek minivan in India that is!

Certainly, the attention-grabbing characteristic of this vehicle has quite a lot to do with its design.

The powertrain is all packed in at the front, the axles are 3,060mm apart – 2,755mm for Innova – and then there’s that flat floor (thanks to absence of the transmission tunnel).

And, as is apparent from the images here, it has more than enough legroom, kneeroom and headroom for all its occupants – so much so that even our big friendly giant, Jared Solomon (at 6-foot-3), was able fit in the third row with absolute comfort.

Daniel Gibson 2018-06-06
img

This refreshed model gets minor cosmetic changes on the outside as well as to the interior

Jeep has given its compact SUV, Renegade a mid-life facelift.

The American carmaker released the first images of the 2019 Renegade at the Turin Motor Show in Italy.

Interior images of the 2019 Jeep Renegade haven’t been released as yet but spy shots of the same have been making their rounds on the internet for a while.

Just like the exterior, the refreshed Renegade has some subtle changes on the inside too.

The European-spec Renegade will also get a new engine option to choose from.

Daniel Gibson 2018-06-06
img

In an official announcement, BMW Motorrad India revealed that bookings for the G 310 R and the G 310 GS will begin on Saturday, 8th June.

Deliveries will be done on a first come first serve basis as per orders.

BMW first took the wraps off the production-spec G 310 R in November 2015.

The naked was soon followed up with an adventure tourer, the G 310 GS.

In fact, the Munich-based firm had also showcased both these motorcycles at the Auto Expo 2018 earlier this year.

This engine comes paired with a 6-speed transmission.

Daniel Gibson 2018-06-06
img

The two-door coupe will be powered by the same engine that works on the recently launched E63 S 4Matic+

It seems like Mercedes-Benz is going all guns blazing with their AMG models this year.

Just last month, the company brought in the new E63 S 4Matic+ to Indian shores and soon followed it up with the introduction of the GLE 43 OrangeArt, SLC 43 RedArt Editions.

They are not getting ready to bring in the flagship S63 Coupe 4Matic+ for launch in India on 18th June.

The S does get a surplus of 50Nm over the E, bringing its torque rating up to an insane 900Nm.

Power is sent to all-four wheels with the help of a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Daniel Gibson 2018-05-18
img

GP Petroleums Ltd, a lubricant maker that’s a part of the UAE-based GP Global Group (earlier Gulf Petrochem), won the ‘Greatest sales growth award for Repsol Lubricants’ at the Global EMAI Awards 2017 held in Madrid, Spain in April 2018.

GP Petroleums recorded the highest growth of 74 per cent in India for Repsol Lubricants as compared to all the other markets that the Spanish oil major is present in.

Speaking on the occasion, Orlando Carbo, Lubricants Director, Repsol said “We are pleased to note that the growth of Repsol in India is encouraging and this award is a token of recognition.

India is an exciting market and we plan to increase our market presence through GP Petroleums in 2018”.

GP Petroleums launched Repsol’s lubricant business in India in 2016 and has been recognised with this award in just its second year of operations in the country.

GP Petroleums has the exclusive right to manufacture and market Repsol’s line of premium quality lubricants across India.

Daniel Gibson 2018-05-17
img

The next-generation Volvo S60 saloon - to be revealed very soon - will be the first Volvo to be produced without a diesel engine, the company has confirmed.

Volvo has also confirmed that all of its new models launched from 2019 will be available as either a mild petrol hybrid, plug-in petrol hybrid or battery electric vehicle.

In fact, Volvo was the first traditional car maker to commit to all-out electrification in July 2017.

“Our future is electric and we will no longer develop a new generation of diesel engines,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars.

“We will phase out cars with only an internal combustion engine, with petrol hybrid versions as a transitional option as we move towards full electrification.

Last month, Volvo reinforced its electrification strategy by stating that it aims for fully electric cars to make up 50 per cent of its global sales by 2025.

Daniel Gibson 2018-06-18
img

The entire intake is more compact, thanks to a reduced plenum volume and shortened runner length.

As one of the Ferrari engineers said, “we always want our engines to make a ‘sound,’ not a ‘noise.”

The only sense that you get that this is a turbocharged engine is because you hear the turbos spooling up every now and then.

As a result of which, the brake pedal has quite limited travel and is very firm.

And the levels of grip are so intense that it’s only really under hard braking that you get some sense of the sheer adhesion provided by the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

After spending a couple of hours pootling through the small towns and villages around Maranello, not to mention racing through the switchbacks in the hills around the Ferrari factory, it was finally time to put the Pista where it belongs – on the track!

Daniel Gibson 2018-06-18
img

It simply owns the compact SUV space with its segment leading sales.

And its equally impressive to note that it has managed to achieve this while offering just a single mechanical version of the car.

For you would imagine that with the lack of a petrol engine and the option of automatic variants (all offered by numerous competitors) would dampen sales.

In fact, this very gearbox is used on every one of them, the five-speed AMT.

That said, this is the first time that the five-speed AMT has been hooked to the more powerful 89bhp version of the 1.3 litre MultiJet diesel engine.

The results as expected are quite good.

Daniel Gibson 2018-06-18
img

Well, this one certainly doesn’t fit that description.

It’s washed in black, doesn’t have a roaring exhaust note and is of Japanese genealogy.

Many curves – some good, some bad

While the Vulcan S is definitely distinct from the rest, I personally have mixed feelings about its design.

The linear exhaust looks too geometric to go along with the rest of the bike, and the taillight doesn’t add much to the visual appeal either.

The large grab rails and the saree guard further rob the tail section of much charm.

Daniel Gibson 2018-06-06
img

The updated Africa Twin was first showcased in India at the 2018 Auto Expo.

The updated Honda Africa Twin can now be booked at all Honda Wing World dealerships across India.

Only 50 units of the bike are up for booking currently, each carrying a price tag of ₹13.23 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

For the 2018 model year, the Honda Africa Twin now gains Throttle-by-wire technology that gives the rider the ability to manage engine output as well as traction at the rear wheel.

Furthermore, it gets an update to the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which offers seven levels as compared to three levels of the outgoing model.

Powering the 2018 Africa Twin is the familiar 999cc parallel-twin motor that’s good for producing 88bhp of max power and 93.1Nm of peak torque.

Daniel Gibson 2018-06-06
img

The new CLAR platform based X5 debuts with bigger dimensions and more tech.

This is the fourth-generation of the SUV, which will go on sale globally in November this year.

Blue x-shaped elements split up the hexagonal light sources inside the familiar BMW twin headlights.

The wheelbase of the new model is 42mm longer than its predecessor, while overall the new model is 36mm longer, 66mm wider and 19mm taller.

Inside, the evolutionary design theme continues.

Things like ventilation and massaging seats are optional.

Daniel Gibson 2018-05-18
img

Ford has revealed the facelifted version of the Endeavour (called Everest in global markets), which is set to go on sale in Australia very soon.

It’s not your fault if you’re struggling to figure out the changes made to the new model, because they indeed are very subtle.

On a closer inspection, you’ll find a new grille with thinner chrome slats, a lightly updated bumper and new alloy wheels.

On the inside, the SUV will now feature the latest version of Ford’s latest Sync infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, navigation, and Apple CarPlay & Android Auto integration.

The cabin also gains a new all-black scheme and more soft-touch surfaces.

An interesting addition to the Australian-spec Endeavour is availability of the new 2.0-litre, bi-turbo diesel engine that’s borrowed from Ford’s Ranger Raptor pickup truck.

Daniel Gibson 2018-05-17
img

The limited period offer is available across all Ducati dealerships in India.

To further increase the Multistrada 950’s accessibility on the open road, Ducati India has introduced a limited period offers where every customer who buys a Multistrada 950 will get a set of Touratech aluminium panniers worth ₹1.95 lakh at no additional cost.

The left pannier can accommodate a full-face helmet and features a total capacity at 85 liters.

Both panniers fit in perfectly with the bike without affecting its handling.

The Multistrada 950 draws its power from a 937cc liquid-cooled Testastretta L-twin engine developing 113bhp of power and 96Nm of peak torque.

The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

Daniel Gibson 2018-05-17
img

Kia Motors Global will introduce its first 48V diesel mild-hybrid powertrain in the second half of 2018.

The new powertrain, called EcoDynamics+, reduces CO2 emissions by supplementing acceleration with electric power from an additional 48V battery and extending combustion engine off time using a new mild-hybrid starter-generator unit.

By electronically controlling the mild-hybrid starter-generator using the inverter, the system switches between two modes - Motor and Generator.

In Generator mode, the system harvests kinetic energy from the vehicle during in-gear deceleration and braking and uses the power to recharge the batteries.

Kia claims that the compact nature of the EcoDynamics+ means the technology can be integrated into existing vehicle and powertrain architectures without impacting practicality or packaging.

The system is paired with Kia’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) active emissions control technology, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 4 per cent on WLTP.