Harley-Davidson India has inaugurated its first concept store in India. Called Warrior Harley-Davidson, located in Kolhapur, the store is part of the bike maker’s sales and service network expansion plan across India. Warrior Harley-Davidson, which houses all Harley-Davidson Customer Experience concepts in small forms, is a platform for the brand to reach out to existing customer base in Tier 3 cities that do not have a retail presence. The concept store is designed to improve accessibility for sales and service requirements of Harley-Davidson customers residing in the city and the outskirts and ensure that they get an opportunity to be part of H.O.G. events. 

Commenting on the launch, Marc McAllister, ‎VP and MD, (International Markets) at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, said: “Our focus has always been on developing the culture of leisure motorcycling in India. We expect the next level of our growth to come in from Tier 2 and 3 cities and expansion to these markets is an important part of our strategy. Our  concept store is a step in the same direction by taking the brand closer to enthusiasts and giving them an opportunity to experience the lifestyle.” Harley-Davidson commenced its operations in India in August 2009 and appointed its first dealership in July 2010. The company offers 14 models in its India line-up, in addition to a full range of genuine parts, accessories, and general merchandise, available through authorised dealerships. The company has an assembly unit at Bawal, Haryana.  

After ten years, Honda’s CB1000R is finally due for replacement.

Naked bikes are fast eating into the sales of supersport machines overseas. Having an up-to-date, modern naked on sale alongside a litre-class flagship goes without saying. For the past ten years, Honda have persevered with the current CB1000R, a sweet and friendly naked bike but one that ultimately looks and feels a little tired next to its newer rivals.

Reports suggest that Honda could have a brand spanking new version of the naked 1,000cc machine at the EICMA show in November. Some international renderings give the bike a retro design theme, but with the presence of the retro, air-cooled CB1100 family, we expect the new CB1000R will carry a sleek, modern theme based on the handsome new Fireblade.

As with most naked litre-class bikes, the next-gen CB1000R should use an engine based off the current CBR1000RR Fireblade, but in a lower state of tune. Given that the current 1000R makes just 125hp, we expect a significant boost in power to somewhere around the 150hp mark, bringing it up to spec with rivals. It’s fair to expect a raft of new electronic assists from the new Fireblade as well as ride-by wire throttle.

The current crop of litre-class nakeds are effectively split into two sections, with bikes like the Kawasaki Z1000 and Suzuki GSX-S1000 occupying the more cost effective spectrum while the Aprilia Tuono 1100, BMW S1000R, KTM 1290 Super Duke R are more powerful, feature higher levels of kit and come at a higher price point. Where Honda will position the new CB1000R remains to be seen and we wouldn't be surprised to see it straddle both sides of the segment like Yamaha’s new MT-10.

Courtesy : Autocar

Refreshed S-Cross likely to continue with same set of engines.

Maruti launched the S-Cross, its flagship crossover for India, in mid-2015. The model is now due for a mid-cycle refresh for our market. The carmaker has begun road-testing for the updated S-Cross in India. 

Speaking to us at the 2017 new Maruti Suzuki Dzire launch, C.V. Raman, executive director - research and development, Maruti Suzuki India, confirmed that “the S-Cross will get refreshed and launch will take place around Diwali”.

Suzuki showcased the updated S-Cross for international markets last year at the Paris motor show 2016. The India-spec model is likely to get similar styling updates too. As reported earlier, the front end of the car features an all-new upright grille with vertical slats, a redesigned bumper with a larger radiator grille and new projector headlamps.

Globally, Suzuki sells the S-Cross with the options of a 1.6-litre petrol and a diesel engine. The updated car also gets Suzuki’s 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine that powers the Vitara which is sold overseas. However, closer home, the facelifted S-Cross is likely to be sold with the same 1.3-litre and the 1.6-litre diesel engines currently used in the crossover. Along with the S-Cross, the carmaker is readying additional new car launches for our market. 

The S-Cross will continue to be sold via Maruti’s Nexa premium dealership channel which also sells models like the Ciaz, Ignis, the Baleno and the sporty Baleno RS. 

Courtesy : Autocar

The new Micra for India will look similar to the European model, but will be based on the low-cost CMF-A+ platform.

Nissan is planning to bring the all-new Micra to India by 2019. The India-bound Micra will get the same design as the one already on sale internationally. However, the car could get a minor facelift by then.

Unlike the Euro-spec hatchback (K14) that is based on Nissan’s V platform, the India-spec Nissan Micra will be underpinned by the far more cost-effective CMF A+ platform.

Heavy localisation will also play its part in keeping costs low. As the CMF platform will also be the base of the all-new Nissan Sunny that is due sometime in 2018, this will help bring down manufacturing costs considerably. In addition, the group’s new 106hp, 1.5-litre petrol unit launched recently on the Duster could also be used on the Micra and the Sunny.

While no diesel engine is expected with the new Micra, the X-Tronic CVT automatic gearbox will be offered as an option to a five-speed manual.

The Micra currently competes in the competitive hatchback segment, along with the Maruti Swift and the Hyundai Grand i10.  

Courtesy : Autocar