TVS Motor’s Chairman - Venu Srinivasan has officially confirmed the launch of new TVS Apache 200, and a couple of other new models like a four-stroke moped and the reintroduction of its commuter brand TVS Victor in India

At the recently held Annual General Meeting (AGM) of TVS Motor, company Chairman Venu Srinivasan confirmed that in the next six months the much awaited new TVS Apache will be launched in India. The 2015 Apache will be the largest capacity motorcycle ever produced by TVS Motor in India, and will be powered by a 200cc motor. Srinivasan also said that TVS Motor will introduce a new four-stroke Moped and would also reintroduce TVS Victor commuter within the above mentioned timeframe.

The upgraded TVS Apache has been anticipated since the company showcased the TVS Draken x21 250 concept during the 2014 Auto Expo. In the meantime, competition took advantage and launched a slew of vehicles in the sporty 150-200cc motorcycle segment of India – such as Bajaj Pulsar AS 150 and 200, Suzuki Gixxer 155, refreshed Yamaha FZ FI and KTM RC 200. This week Honda showcased an interesting new model – Honda CB Hornet 160R during the 2015 RevFest. 

And though it’s not official yet, but the new TVS Apache 200 should be launched during this festive season, simply to make up for the lost ground. Company executives also told the media during the 2015 AGM that TVS will be launching some models in the festive season, which further strengthens the chances of the new TVS Apache 200 being launched before October 2015 in India.

The details about the new TVS Apache 200 is still sketchy, but going by a few pictures of test mules posted online by TeamBHP, it seems that the new model will come powered by a new 200cc single cylinder, air-cooled petrol engine. The motor could be mated with a 6-speed gearbox, come equipped with fuel injection and produce peak power just under 25PS. 

Often the final production tends to vary from the test mules, so we expect the new Apache 200 to come with a sharp but minimalistic design. It will get sporty clip-on handlebar, digital instrument console, headlamp with LED daytime running lights and probably a split seat to complete the sporty stance. Disc brakes in front and rear could be offered as standard.

At the back the TVS Apache 200cc will get a pair of sleek indicators, LED taillight, monoshock suspension and a conventional up-swept exhaust. With the recent tie-up between Michelin and TVS Srichakra we won’t be surprised to see the next-gen Apache to be running on specially developed soft compound performance tyres. In terms of safety features, the 2015 TVS Apache 200 would offer ABS as an option.

Courtesy : Zigwheels

Honda has announced that the CB Trigger has been discontinued from the Indian two-wheeler market. The 150cc bike will be replaced by the soon to be launched Honda CB Hornet 160R

While the Revfest event was all about showcasing upcoming products and launching the Honda CBR650, officials of the Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer also made an important announcement. Honda announced that it has discontinued the CB Trigger from the Indian two-wheeler market. This move really doesn’t come as a surprise because the CB Trigger was positioned as a premium 150cc offering but with the new Honda CB Hornet 160R coming into the picture it was an evident shift by Honda. The Honda CB Trigger was launched as a replacement to the CB Dazzler in 2013 but despite being a good motorcycle, it could never achieve the success attained by the erstwhile Unicorn.

One of the main reasons for the CB Trigger not performing with respect to sales as expected by Honda can be the pricing of the bike and the Japanese two-wheeler giant have to blame themselves for the poor run of the CB Trigger in the Indian two-wheeler market. Another aspect for the withdrawal of the Honda CB Trigger from the Indian market is cited to be the revised emission norm (BS IV) that is expected to come into effect next year. Production of the Honda CB Trigger would be continued as it is still in demand in export markets. Talking about features, the Honda CB Trigger was the first Honda motorcycle in India to offer all-digital instrument console and was equipped with optional CBS, disc brake at front and rear, viscous air filter and tubeless tyres. It was powered by a 149cc, air-cooled motor producing 14.5PS of power and 12.5Nm of torque. The Honda CB Trigger was priced between Rs 68,667 to Rs 78,234 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Courtesy : Zigwheels

To be retailed exclusively through Maruti's Nexa showrooms, the S-Cross is available with two diesel engine options and five trim levels.

Maruti’s latest premium offering, the S-Cross, has been launched starting at Rs 8.34 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It is available with two engine options and in five trim levels, and is the first model to be sold out of the Nexa showrooms – Maruti’s premium dealerships.

The car manufacturer calls the S-Cross a ‘premium crossover’ and rightly so — it looks more butch hatchback than rugged SUV. It gets off-roader elements like skid plates, body cladding and roof rails.

As for the engines, the S-Cross DDiS 320 has a 1.6-litre diesel that makes 118bhp and 32.6kgm of torque, while the DDiS 200 gets a 1.3-litre diesel unit that churns out 89bhp and 20.39kgm of torque. The bigger engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, and the smaller unit to a five-speed manual. Reining the car in are disc brakes both at the front and rear. Both variants are also claimed to be quite frugal – the DDiS 320 is said to deliver 22.70kpl, while the DDiS 200 delivers 23.65kpl.

Maruti has done well to equip the S-Cross with a long list of features. While there are five trims to choose from — Sigma, Sigma (O), Delta, Zeta and Alpha – the top trim gets fitments like projector headlamps, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, climate control and Maruti’s SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system. It's good to note that safety kit like dual front airbags and ABS is standard across all trims.

Considering that the S-Cross is only going to be retailed through the Nexa channel - which according to the company will have around 100 dealerships in the next six to eight months - the model may not be able to achieve the sales volume that Marutis are usually associated with, but in combination with the Nexa experience, the S-Cross is likely to aid the carmaker in taking another big step towards achieving a premium brand perception.

The Maruti S-Cross rivals the likes of the Renault Duster, the Nissan Terrano and the recently launched Hyundai Creta.

Courtesy : Autocar

Stunning styling n All-new 1.6 turbo-diesel and 1.4 turbo-petrol n Spacious cabin n Rs 12-15 lakh n Early 2017 launch

The all-new Chevrolet Cruze, globally unveiled in Detroit in June 2015, is a big deal for General Motors and there will be a lot riding on its well-sculpted shoulders when it goes on sale internationally in 2016. The Cruze is the best-selling Chevy in the world and is sold in more than 40 markets. It’s a different story in India, where the current Cruze has sold around 1,200 units a year of late and competes in the niche executive sedan segment, which has been shrinking over the years.

It possibly explains why GM India is taking its own sweet time bringing it to our market. Whilst an India reveal is expected at the 2016 Auto Expo next February, the all-new Cruze won’t go on sale till early 2017. The delay is possibly because of the lead time needed for localisation to achieve a competitive price, but the more likely reason is that India isn’t a high priority in the global rollout of the car. So, is it worth waiting for then? It’s actually got all the makings of a winner, provided GM India can breathe some life into the Chevrolet brand by the time it’s launched.

The styling is simply top class and we can’t think of an executive sedan that looks better. The chiselled exterior, replete with creases, gives the Cruze a sharper look. The front looks particularly good, with the creased bonnet, two-part grille, especially the pouty hexagonal lower half that really stands out. The sharp headlights come with LED daytime-running lights and neatly sweep up near the grille.

Not many cars look great in side profile but the Cruze is stunning even from this angle. The proportions are spot-on, the swooping roof gives a sporty coupé-like look and the 17-inch wheels nicely fill up the wheel wells, giving the car a superb stance. There are lots of nice details in the rear as well, and the sharply cut bumper and two-part tail-lights look great. A big thumbs up for the styling then, which is a huge battle won.

The interiors don’t disappoint either. Drop down past the low roof and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels quite luxurious and upmarket. Like the current car, the new Cruze’s interior gets a ‘dual-cockpit’ design and comes with a piano-black or brushed-aluminium finish, along with multiple soft-touch surfaces on the dash and other parts. A large screen sits at the centre of the dash and is surrounded by two vertical air-con vents. In terms of quality and fit-and-finish, although the new Cruze is a big step in the right direction, it still doesn’t quite match the likes of the Jetta and Octavia.

Thanks to the Cruze’s larger dimensions, there’s more space on the inside, especially at the rear, where you get an extra 51mm of knee room. Overall legroom is very impressive, even with the front seats pushed back to accommodate a six-foot driver. The rear seat is also more generous, with increased thigh support, but to compensate for the swooping roof line, the rear seats are set a touch too low. You have to contort a bit to slip under the low roof, but once you’ve settled down, headroom is surprisingly generous. Look closely and you’ll notice an indent in the roof liner above the passenger’s head, which liberates precious extra inches. Hence, six-footers at the back won’t have much cause to complain, except that the windows are a touch too small.

The front seats are supportive and heavily contoured, which keeps you snug, but again, are also set low. However, the low dashboard allows for a good line of sight and all-round visibility is pretty good.

If the US model is anything to go by, we expect Chevrolet to pack the new Cruze with lots of features and equipment when it comes to India. At the unveil, the car came equipped with features like GM’s MyLink infotainment system that employs a seven-inch touchscreen and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also available was the MyLink radio with a larger eight-inch display that also gets navigation and Apple CarPlay. Other features include wireless phone charging, heated rear seats, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The last few items certainly won’t come to India but the rear-view camera is likely. The India car might get a localised version of GM’s popular OnStar communications system which boasts 4G connectivity along with a Wi-Fi hotspot feature for higher trims.

There are big changes under the skin of the new Cruze, which is an amazing 100kg lighter than the older car. According to GM, it features one of the most mass-efficient chassis systems currently available in the market and it also gets a 27 percent stiffer body than its predecessor. So we expect the ride and handling to be much improved too.

The car is likely to come to India with two new engine options. The current 2.0-litre diesel will be replaced by a smaller, state-of-the-art, 1.6-litre variable-geometry turbo-diesel. This advanced powertrain, which features latest injection technology and new, low-friction components, is expected to be much more fuel efficient too. Power and torque figures haven’t been revealed yet, though we expect it to be a bit down on power compared to the current 164bhp 2.0-litre motor. GM engineers have hinted that figures will be in the ballpark of 135bhp and 32.6kgm.

GM also claims that this new engine will set a benchmark as far as refinement is concerned, going so far as to say that it will be ‘whisper-quiet’. With demand for petrol coming back, Chevrolet, for the first time in India, will offer the Cruze with a petrol option – the 1.4 ‘Ecotec’ with direct injection and a turbo, developing 153bhp and 24.47kgm of torque, which should offer strong performance and decent fuel efficiency too.

The new Cruze will sport the same suspension set-up as the current car – MacPherson struts up front and non-independent torsion beam at the rear. We also expect it to get larger 17-inch rims compared to the 16-inchers in the current car.

Overseas, the Cruze gets safety features such as 10 airbags, ESP, rollover mitigation and ABS, along with disc brakes on all four wheels as standard on all trims. There are also advanced safety features like Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert. If not all, we expect most of these safety gadgets to make it here.

There’s no doubt that the new Cruze, which is improved in each and every area, will be a quantum leap ahead of the car it replaces, but what remains to be seen is how effectively GM India can price it. Can this car turn GM India’s fortunes around? Not quite. But its stunning looks, state-of-the-art engine and feature-packed cabin could change the perception of Chevrolet in India.

Courtesy : Autocar

The performance brand will offer three models – the Abarth 595, Abarth Punto and Avventura ‘Powered by Abarth’.

With the launch of the high-performance Abarth 595, Fiat has introduced its performance brand, Abarth, in India. The 595 is the halo car for the performance brand, with two other models slated to be positioned below it as mass-market offerings. The first of the two models to be launch is the Abarth Punto, and the second, the Fiat Avventura ‘Powered by Abarth’.

Founded in 1949 by Carlo Abarth, the Abarth brand was created to build cars as well as modify and improve existing road and race cars. The scorpion badge was derived from Abarth’s zodiac sign – Scorpio. The brand worked on several models for the road and race track before creating the original Abarth 500 way back in 1958 with a 26bhp 479cc engine. The Abarth 595 was born in 1963, by increasing the existing engine capacity of the Abarth 500 to 595cc.

In India, the Abarth 595 is the essentially a more beefed-up version of the Abarth 500. Though looking almost like the standard car save for a different body kit, the 595 has a completely different mechanical set-up. Under the hood is a 158bhp 1.4-litre turbo-petrol motor, developing up to 23.45kgm of torque as per the drive mode, mated to a five-speed AMT gearbox with paddle shifters. The suspension has been lowered and stiffened to add to the car’s racing feel.
Inside, there are race seats up front and an Abarth-badged flat-bottomed steering wheel. The instrument cluster is an all-digital affair while a boost gauge sits atop the dashboard in a separate pod with a shift indicator light incorporated at its centre.

The first of the more mass-market offerings from the brand is the Abarth Punto. Though at a first glance it can be mistaken for the standard Punto Evo 90HP, the car does get mechanical and styling modifications. The biggest change is the engine. The comparatively tame standard engines have been replaced by a 145bhp 1.4-litre T-Jet motor. The suspension has been lowered so that the car sits 20mm closer to the ground, and has also been stiffened. The stopping power has also been enhanced with disc brakes now at the rear as well.

On the styling front, the Fiat badge has been replaced by Abarth badge inside and out, while the wheels too are now ‘scorpion’ styled alloys. Other changes include colour-contrast inserts on the front grille, both bumpers and wing-mirror covers, along with Abarth decals on the outside and the use of sportier steel pedals on the inside, and red and yellow contrast stitching on the all- black interior. The Punto is expected to go on sale sometime around Diwali with prices likely to be under Rs 10 lakh.

The second of the models to be launched is the Fiat Avventura ‘Powered by Abarth’. The Avventura, unlike the Abarth Punto, isn’t a proper Abarth. In the styling department, the car is likely to remain untouched by the performance brand, while mechanically only the 145bhp 1.4-litre T-Jet unit is to be introduced under its hood. The Avventura would also become the first model ever to wear the ‘Powered by Abarth’ badge rather than the iconic scorpion badge itself.

Speaking at the launch of its halo model, Fiat India CEO, Kevin Flynn said that the introduction of the Abarth brand was much needed to spice up the company’s offering in India. He also said that with this performance brand, Fiat was now looking to achieve a four percent market share in the coming years.

Courtesy : Autocar