Team-BHP : News https://www.team-bhp.comrss-feed Team-BHP latest news and hot threads Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:01:02 GMT Team-BHP en <![CDATA[Europe: New Audi A3 to have subscription fees to access features]]> Audi recently unveiled the new A3 sedan in the European market. Reports now state that customers of the new compact sedan in Europe will have to pay subscription fees to access certain features of the car. As per reports, customers wanting to access features like adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, automatic high beams, and even dual-zone climate control will have to pay a subscription fee. The exact amount is yet to be announced, although customers can choose varying periods ranging from a three-month subscription to a three-year plan. There is also an option for customers to purchase the feature outright. Once the payment is made, Audi will open access to its App Store from where users can download features like CarPlay and others. Audi is yet to announce whether the subscription plan is specific to Europe or could be introduced in other international markets as well. Source: TheTruthAboutCars]]> news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:43:12 +0530 <![CDATA[22000km with my Creta IVT Adventure Edition: 4 pros & 3 cons observed]]> BHPian vimalvittaladas recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Hyundai Adventure Edition (Petrol) IVT SX(O) . 22000 km review:The Vehicle: Creta AE IVT SX(O) PetrolDate of purchase: 06.10.2023ODO: 22235 as on date(15.03.2024)Every single person have their own hobbies. And here I am who has a passion for driving. All of my road trips after the purchase of my very first vehicle way back in 2009 were meant to enjoy driving. Believe me, I never ever thought of the destinations because, rather than destination, my preference was driving. I spent unaccounted amount of time in driving seat, slept countless number of times in driver's seat in petrol bunks and spent huge amount of money in feeding my vehicles and maintaining them. People call me crazy which I thankfully acknowledge. I started driving at the age of 27 and had been continuously driving for last 10 years(except 5 years of my foreign stay). After the recent trip I am happy to share that I have driven 500000 kms on Indian roads with my 5 vehicles I owned till date. I love all those 5 vehicles the most as each one of them served me the way I was expecting. I treated them as of my own family member with maintaining those as regular intervals, keeping those clean and enjoying every second I sat inside those.A brief history of vehicles used:Maruti Suzuki Wagon R VXI(Petrol) Manual: The very first vehicle I owned was Maruti Suzuki WagonR, way back in 2009 while I was posted in Mumbai. The vehicle was used as a regular commuter in Mumbai from Borivali to BKC on a daily basis. Used the vehicle for 3 years with ODO standing at 134000 kms while I sold it. I did 4 trips to Kerala in those 3 years from Mumbai with my better half and my daughter who was an infant during those days. I sold the vehicle in 2012 as I had to relocate to Hong Kong due to my official obligation. Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI(Petrol) Manual: I returned back to India in February 2017 and the very first thing I done was purchasing of a car for my usage. The swift was my companion during that time. The vehicle again was used extensively during my ownership tenure of 3 years. It took us across all the south states of KL, TN, AP, KA and GA number of times. Whenever there was an opportunity of long weekend or holidays, we used to take it for a spin. As a result the ODO was at 128000 kms when I decided to sell it in June 2020. Hyundai Creta Phantom Black(SX) Manual 2020: The itch to upgrade from Swift ended up in having a black beauty at home. Creta was full of convenience when I upgraded from Swift. The whole driving dynamics changed for me and the passion for driving increased multiple times due to the purchase of Creta. I was posted at Chennai and Creta became my companion on my every drove to Kerala. The personal responsibilities back home ensured that I had to drive once in a month from Chennai to KL. During my ownership period of 2 years, I drove more than 20 times from Chennai to Cochin by Creta. Moreover we have multiples number of trips to Pandarpur, Mumbai and Goa. All these resulted in Creta clocking 145000 kms in 2 years time. Mahindra Thar HT Petrol MT 2022: Jeep was always a dream vehicle for me and as a result I ended up in owning a Mahindra Thar in June 2022. The vehicle was used for all my fun drives. Even though I was situated at Chennai, I had a Thar group back in Kerala who were mostly engaged in off-roading. Whenever I got opportunity, I made myself available for off-roading camps organised by them across Gods Own Country. It took me to remote places in Kerala, gave high level of driving satisfaction and the most importantly abundance of confidence. Unfortunately I sold it in June 2023 as I was transferred to Mumbai and was looking for a BH registration, with ODO was at 72000 kms. Hyundai Creta 2023 Ranger Khakhi (DT) IVT Petrol: The quest for a new vehicle on transferring to Mumbai ended up with Hyundai Creta AE. My wife fell for it at her first sight plus we already had hassle free experience of owning a Creta. So we decided to go ahead with it and we bought the AE of Creta on 06.10.2023 with BH registration. It is my daily commuter to office at Nariman Point from my residence at Seawoods.Now as on date the vehicle clocked 22200 kms . The car was purchased in October 2023 from Sharyu Hyundai, Navi Mumbai. The delivery experience was good with team providing me every update from the date of booking. PDI was done as per Team BHP provided list and ODO was showing 13 kms while doing PDI. I use the car for my office commute and on a daily basis it is covering 80 kms to and fro. In addition I already did two Mumbai to Trivandrum trips and a couple of Mumbai to Goa trips.Pros:Handling: This is the first non manual car I am owning in life. It was a big relief especially in the notorious Mumbai traffic. The auto hold function is an added advantage too. On the highways, since being a NA engine, I was missing the initial punch. But slowly after gaining speed, the car was a fun to drive. Even at triple digit speeds, handling was good. I never drove it above 110 km/hr and I always love sedate driving with some music on.NVH: Very low levels of NVH of petrol engine ensured the driving at 100 km/hr smooth. The stock JK tyre noise was only the exception when the speed exceeded 100 km/hr.Comfort: The sole reason my family is inclined towards this vehicle. It offers sheer comfort for both front and back occupants. The drive was joyful with soft touch suspension, automatic climate control(chills out cabin fast), The cool glove box, the user friendly and hassle free touch screen and panoramic sun roof(kids enjoying the most). The back seat occupants are also having AC vents and arm rests which added to the convenience.Boot Space: Had sufficient boot space which can easily carry two trolleys and a couple of carry bags.Cons:The vehicle felt a bit of lacking confidence in speeds north of 110(only once tried but never exceeded 120 km/hr). The steering was not generating enough confidence at speeds above 110 km/hr.Hyundai could have used more soft touch materials in the cabin for 20 lakh plus vehicle. Most of the parts in the cabin felt of missing in quality.The notorious 3 star rating of the Creta is always there as a negative which is already discussed a lot here.Overall I and more importantly my family is happy with the vehicle, I am planning to keep this for a bit more time than I kept my previous vehicles. The sedative driving nature of mine is making this purchase a good one. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information,]]> news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:05:03 +0530 <![CDATA[MotoGP 2024 to be streamed live on Jio Cinema ]]> This year, MotoGP enthusiasts in India will be able to catch the live action on Jio Cinema. The races will also be telecast live on Eurosport. Last month, Eurosport India announced that it had acquired the broadcast rights for MotoGP in India and the South Asian region. That being said, OTT customers will be able to watch the races on Jio Cinema as well. The 21-race MotoGP season kicked off with the Qatar GP on March 8-10, 2024. The race was won by Francesco Bagnaia on the Ducati. KTM's Brad Binder came second, with Jorge Martin in third place. The Grand Prix of India is scheduled for September 20-22, 2024. It will be held at the Buddh International Circuit.]]> news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:00:13 +0530 <![CDATA[Honda CB350 ownership review: My dad's long-awaited dream comes true]]> BHPian FueledbyFury recently shared this with other enthusiasts. "A Man is not old until regret takes the place of dreams" -John Barrymore Hondas, especially the classics, have been the best motorcycles of all time. The debate on whether these bikes make sense or not has been forever, even though you may find yourself on either side of the fence. But you cannot deny the fact that Honda has managed to create a legacy of not just selling bikes but selling dreams. This is the story of the Honda CB 350 in Mat Marshal Green Metallic - a long-term dream of my dad that came to fruition.Honda CB 350 Pros:Definitely a looker with an iconic classic retro design with minimal chrome elements.Build quality, fit and finish are the best in the segment.Honda's refined 348.36cc engine has a sweet linear power delivery for its highway cruising capabilities.The mileage figures don't burn a hole in your wallet.Honda service rates are so affordable, it's as if they've declared war on expensive repairs and launched a full-scale invasion of savings.Large riders will appreciate the roomier ergonomics for long-distance touring.Honda CB 350 Cons:Service interval of 6 months/5000km will make you well known at the SVC.Low-end torque is not adequate, which is reflected with a lag of 0.5 seconds.Headlights are not the best, throw is wide thus the intensity is a bit off track.The small digital infotainment cluster is cluttered with info as it's hard to read at a glance.For about two decades my dad has been fond of Royal Enfields and has always wanted to own one. Ever since I had grown to understand things in life, I remember every time my dad saw a Royal Enfield on the streets he used to point at them and say to me "This is the bike". He owned a Suzuki Max 100 back then and I never understood his obsession with the Royal Enfield. But being the man of the house, there were a lot of important things to think and worry about (Medical expenses, school fees, monthly bills and all) than an expensive toy that gives you nothing but joy. Years passed, and responsibilities came after others the long-lost extravagant dream was not even close to being a priority until when he reignited his dream when I turned 18. With a quick TR, the vibrations in RE were a concerning factor for my dad to bite the bullet. I turned down the dream of owning an RE as he was working in a distant region and only comes hometown on a weekly basis. Now that my dad will retire on March 24 at this point in life the long-awaited dream of my dad has come into reality. Below is how a Royal Enfield fan was hooked by the classic retro design with Honda reliability. With the help of Bhpians, the bikes needed to be TR were shortlisted and below were the observations.Honda Highness CB 350: Agile, easy to manoeuvre in city traffic, good posture, good build quality, and a sweet-sounding exhaust.RE Hunter 350: Agile, compact bike, upright posture, hard clutch, small vibrations at lower rpms (drove it after riding Honda), and there was always room for improvement for RE.Triumph Speed 400: good torque and power figures, slightly leaned, street-friendly, good posture, and excellent build.Triumph 400X: Height issues(tip-toeing), a bit larger turning radius, and need to take a wide U-turn in roads which he finds a bit difficult for city rides.Honda CB 350: Torque engine, good seating comfort, adequate power, upright riding posture, exhaust not sweet as highness and offers good build quality.Dad always preferred a bike with a good amount of torque and power figure for sedate driving, seating comfort, upright posture, and a big bike feel that must be reliable. As I have stated previously Honda CB 350 won the heart of my dad at the launch itself and it's still strong. Thank you to Bhpians for mentioning the weight of the motorcycle and the issues related to the aspect of age. He found the weight of the motorcycle to be quite balanced and was easy to manoeuvre in the city on our 2nd test ride just as with the highness. Finally, it always comes down to the preference of the rider and he chose the Honda CB 350! BigWing Muvatupuzha is the nearest one to my place and the SE was very hospitable and explained the specifications, and accessories of the bike. While entering the showroom the most eye catchy thing is the history of Honda Motorcycles from the 50's. The Evolution of Honda! They offered a test ride of the CB 350 multiple times and we were satisfied with their approach. After the test ride, the magic sauce hit my dad with the feeling of "This is the Bike!" Now, it was only a question of what color to pick. Honda's offering was with five color schemes and my dad focused only on matt colors as he was not much of a fan of glossy schemes. The options were:Mat Marshal Green MetallicMat Dune BrownMat Crust MetallicThe advertisements were filled with the posters of CB 350 in Mat Dune Brown but the color scheme doesn't appeal in real life. This goes the same with the Mat Crust Metallic and we strike it off. There wasn't any display piece of CB 350 in Mat Marshal Green Metallic and with the experience with the Dune Brown, we were in a dilemma whether to book the bike. Finally, we went for it and the instincts were too good to be true. It was a looker when it arrived in the showroom the following week. Honda CB 350 comes with 2.15 lakh (ex-showroom) for DLX and 2.18 lakh (ex-showroom) for DLX Pro Honda offers DLX and DLX Pro varients for CB 350 which only comes with a price difference of 3K. DLX Pro comes with Bluetooth connectivity (Honda Smartphone Voice Control system), a chrome element in the headlight cover, body-colored fenders, and a brown seat color. While DLX doesn't have any connectivity features, silver paint scheme in the headlight covers, and both blacked fenders and seat. We have gone for CB 350 DLX Pro in Mat Marshal Green Metallic for 2.70 Lakh OTR price with special discounts of 12.8k. Miles to go before I sleep.Design and styling Simply delicious! The Honda classic design is clear in every aspect even though you see a huge chunk of inspiration from the competitor. When you walk around the bike you should appreciate the level of detail put into making it. The bike is extremely proportioned and well-built stands offer a big bike feel as compared with its siblings. Honda CB 350 weighs 187Kg which sits on par with the competition in the market with a reasonable seat height of 800 mm. It comes with a ground clearance of 165 mm which is good for usual broken roads and the 15.2L fuel tank capacity helps to reduce fueling stops during long-distance touring. The body dimensions are here as below: It is difficult to differentiate CB 350 from its sibling (Highness) at a glance as the major update is given to the rear fender and it catches the eye. The front indicator lamp also functions as a DRL which helps to convey it's a bike at night. The stock guardrails don't give much protection to the rear portion of the bike. Highness is much peppier and has an identity to the sound of the exhaust while CB 350 is primarily for sedate driving, with mile-munching capabilities with room for ergonomics. The exhaust note of CB 350 is mild in comparison with the siblings.Build Quality, Fit & FinishBest in the segment with the build quality. Every component is built up to the cost and has a finer level of detailing in all areas. The manoeuvrability of the switch gears comes with the competitors. Wiring is organized standardly and no other visual elements of wiring are in plain sight. There is a little bit of crowded dressing of wire in the handlebar region which is not a deal breaker.Features and InstrumentationsThe bike comes with all the basic features, Dual channel ABS, Assist slipper clutch, Emergency stop signal (ESS), and traction control. It does not come with any riding modes but has a switchable traction control (Either being in ON or OFF). The switch gear comes with immaculate quality as with the typical Honda. The only throw-off is the integrated kill switch and start, which I am personally not a fan of. The instrument cluster shows the important data which can be toggled through two trip meters, real-time FE, average FE, distance to empty (DTE), and battery voltage. There is always a miss of a tachometer in the cluster and it would be much more appealing if they had gone with the twin dial setup. With the analogue semi-digital setup honda has incorporated Bluetooth connectivity (Honda Smartphone Voice Control system) which works seamlessly with the help of toggle switches. The fuel tank capacity is 15.2 litres and assuming fuel efficiency is in the spectrum of 36 - 38km/l, this should be good for about 480 - 520 km before the bike requires a refill. Slightly frugal highway riding might help it nudge closer to the 42 km/l mark.Wheels & TyresThe bike comes with a 7-spoke black alloy which tremendously enhances the aesthetic. The front wheel is equipped with 100/90-19M/C 57H and disc brakes of 310 mm. The rear comes with 30/70-18M/C 63H with disc brakes of 240 mm. With the initial miles of 1500km, I am satisfied with the performance of the tires, and have adequate braking in all road conditions. Front tire section Rear tire section Tire pressure informationErgonimics and ComfortThe bike comes with a seat height of 800 mm with a roomier seat for the rider that helps in mile munching and touring capabilities. The riding posture is upright and doesn't give strain to any shoulder muscles or lower back. The kerb weight is 187 Kg which feels balanced throughout the bike, once it starts moving it's quite agile in city traffic. There are no stock wind protection visors available but they do come with good after-market options. Rider and pillion seatsRiding the Honda CB 350 Country roads! The engine remains the same as its siblings with slight tuning to meet the dynamics of the bike. It comes with a 4-stroke, 348.36cc, SI engine which produces a max engine output of 15.5kW @5500 rpm and max torque of 29.4 Nm @ 3000 rpm. The bore stroke ratio is 70 mm X 90.519 mm producing a linear torque curve with a compression ratio of 9.5:1 from the engine. There is a small lag in the lower rpm, it can be removed by replacing the stock air filter (experts say so). With the specs on the sheet, it is truly a highway mile muncher, by delivering adequate torque, and the engine is not stressed out in higher RPMs. The bike comes with a transmission having the clutch type of Multiplate Wet Clutch with a 5-gear system. Most of the city riding is with 3rd and 4th gears whereas the 5th gear is strictly for cruising. It has a Half Duplex Cradle frame front Honda with telescopic front suspension and Twin hydraulic rear suspension. The suspension comfort is rightly in the middle of not being too tight and soft, offering moderate comfort in usual unpaved roads. Looks good in chrome! Front with DRL headlights and Indicators The motorcycle is equipped with dual-channel ABS. The brakes are from Nissin and offer good adequate braking. It's pretty Big! It comes with an integrated Ignition and start switch which I'm not a fan of. It comes with pretty good quality switches. The up-down arrows help fiddle through the instrument cluster. ENT and backward switches are used when one is paired with Bluetooth connectivity. And then comes a typical Honda indicator and horn switches! I hope this ownership review assists at least one forum member or reader in making an informed decision and shortlisting or possibly eliminating, the Honda CB 350 from his/her shopping list. I have planned to do a long-term ownership with the steed. So why wait, let's start the journey. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:36:00 +0530 <![CDATA[2025 Audi Q6 e-tron globally unveiled]]> Audi has taken the wraps off its new Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron electric SUVs. The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron is the brand's first model to be underpinned by the latest Scalable Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture from the Volkswagen Group. The new platform also underpins the recently unveiled Porsche Macan EV - also part of the VW Group. The PPE platform features two electric motors with a rear bias for power & weight and is equipped with an 800-volt system. Starting with the design, the 2025 Q6 e-tron features a blanked-off grille at the front, flanked by sleek LED light clusters and an LED light bar at the back. A faux diffuser, tapered roofline and large air intakes at the front add to the styling elements of the electric SUV. Audi states that the new Q6 e-tron measures 4,771 mm in length, 1,993 mm in width and 1,648 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,899 mm. Inside, a single curved pane integrates both an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment. There is also an additional 10.9-inch display for the front passenger. Other features include a head-up display, a 22-speaker Bang&Olufsen audio system, a suite of safety and connected tech and a large spacious cabin using recycled material all around. As mentioned before, Audi has unveiled two variants of the electric SUV - the standard Q6 e-tron and the performance-focused SQ6 e-tron. Both variants are powered by a 100 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed range of 625 km on a single charge. In terms of power output, the standard Q6 e-tron produces 382 BHP while the SQ6 churns out 483 BHP. These power outputs can be increased to 456 BHP and 510 BHP, respectively, with the launch control function. The Audi Q6 e-tron claims a 0-100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds in standard mode and 5 seconds using launch control. The SQ6 version, on the other hand, sprints from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds. Audi also claims that the 2025 Q6 e-tron comes with up to 270 kW DC fast-charging capabilities; allowing for a 10-80% charge up in just 21 minutes. Audi also claims that a 10-min charge can add up to 255 km of range on the Q6 e-tron. Audi will launch the 2025 Q6 e-tron in Europe later this year. The electric SUV will also make its way to the Indian market. Pricing for the Q6 e-tron will be revealed closer to launch.]]> news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:29:58 +0530 <![CDATA[2024 Creta facelift variants breakdown with top features & prices]]> BHPian Ripcord09 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hyundai recently introduced the Creta facelift in India, with a distinct exterior design and improved interiors. (Review Link). The facelifted SUV receives new tech, a lot more standard safety features and the new 1.5L turbo-petrol engine that we've seen on the Seltos and Verna. Hyundai has also restructured Creta's variant line-up. Here's a deep dive into all the variants on offer, which will help you identify the most valuable trim for your preferences. Trims Breakdown1. ETop FeaturesProjector HeadlampsFabric UpholsteryFront Armrest16-inch Steel WheelsDigital MID ClusterRear Reclining 60:40 Split SeatManual ACRear AC Vents6 AirbagsRear Parking Sensors2. EXTop Features Over EElectrical ORVM8-inch InfotainmentAndroid Auto & Apple CarPlayFront & Rear SpeakersSteering-mounted Controls3. STop Features Over EX16-inch Alloy WheelsLED HeadlampsRear-view CameraDRLsRoof RailsRear Wiper & WashRear Window SunshadeCruise ControlCooled Glovebox4. S(O)Top Features Over S17-inch Alloy WheelsPanoramic SunroofDual-zone Climate ControlElectronic Parke BrakeDrive ModesTraction ControlPush Button Start5. SX & SX DTTop Features Over S(O)R17 Diamond Cut Alloy WheelsTelematicsDual-tone ColoursSemi Leather UpholsteryAmbient LightWireless Phone ChargerRemote Start10.25-inch Infotainment6. SX Tech & SX Tech DTTop Features Over SX & SX DTLevel 2 ADAS8-speaker Bose Audio7. SX(O) & SX(O) DTTop Features Over SX Tech & SX Tech DT10.25-inch TFT Cluster360-degree CameraBlind View MonitorLeather UpholsteryFront Ventilated SeatsConclusionJust looking at what all the variants offer and the price difference between them, the S(O) variant seems the most value for money. It's available with almost all the transmission options for you to choose from. It also stands out for its comfort and convenience features, including split rear seats, automatic climate control, an infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a panoramic sunroof and more. The ~Rs. 94,000 jump from the S variant is worth it considering that you get a lot for that money. Also, the jump to the SX variant seems like a considerable jump given that the feature additions are primarily tech-based (e.g. Connected car, bigger touchscreen, etc.). Do let us know what you think is the most value-for-money variant and also if you had to buy the Hyundai Creta in 2024, which variant would you pick? Here's what BHPian DivyanshuDiv had to say about the matter:Voted for SX(O) - that would be my choice as my last pure gasoline car with a turbo engine and DCT before transitioning to electrics or hybrids. However, the most VFM model here as per the spec sheet is Creta S, having a balance of every thing that you need, style as well as substance.Here's what BHPian anshu1101 had to say about the matter:Voted for SX (O). Going for the dual tone is a very personal choice. I always go for the top end while buying a car, given the pace at which technology is evolving in cars these days. Both the cars that I have bought till date have been top-end models only.Here's what BHPian nri2ri had to say about the matter:These days, it's hard to make the VFM argument for lower variants especially if you look at it from the perspective that the variant price difference is not going to make or break the decision. If I'm buying a Creta/Seltos/Hector its top end for me. Only exceptions are superior mechanical packages coming in cheaper (eg:- XUV) or manufacturers continuing to make choices for buyers (eg:- Hycross ZXO not offering the extra seat)Here's what BHPian BayB had to say about the matter:SX Tech & SX Tech DT sounds right to me. It has everything I will need here in Bangalore. Interesting thing is that there was a time when sunroof used to be available only in the top-most variant. Not because of utility value but more for its snob value. Now, its place has been taken by the 360-degree camera.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:33:00 +0530 <![CDATA[MG to launch Wuling Cloud EV-based MPV by March 2025]]> MG has lined up two new models for the Indian market, with a focus on electric vehicles. The carmaker is reportedly planning to introduce a compact MPV and a 5-door SUV based on the E260 EV platform. According to media reports, MG is likely to launch the electric MPV by March 2025. It is said to be based on the Wuling Cloud EV, which is currently sold in the Indonesian market. The Wuling Cloud EV is a compact MPV measuring 4.3 meters in length and has a wheelbase of 2.7 meters. It uses a 50.6 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 460-505 km on a single charge. A 5-seater electric SUV based on the same architecture is expected to be introduced later. It will be based on the Baojun Yep Plus. With the new pure-electric offerings, MG plans to bridge the gap between the Comet EV and the ZS EV. Source:Autocar India]]> news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:32:08 +0530 <![CDATA[Researchers achieve 100 kW wireless EV charging capabilities]]> According to reports, researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have managed to achieve the world's highest power density for a wireless charging system for a vehicle in the light-duty passenger EV segment. Reports state that the researchers were able to wirelessly charge a light-duty passenger EV at 100 kW with 96% efficiency. The wireless charger was developed using polyphase electromagnetic fields by scientists at ORNL - a US Department of Energy organisation. The patented system reportedly transferred power to a Hyundai Kona EV using electromagnetic fields across a five-inch air gap. Omer Onar from ORNL, stated, "We've achieved the highest power density in the world for a wireless charging system for this class of vehicle." Onar further mentioned, "Our technology reaches power densities 8-10 times higher than conventional coil technology and can increase battery charge state by 50% in under 20 minutes." The patented polyphase coils are said to be small and lightweight - with a diameter of just 14 inches. Also, the rotating magnetic fields generated are said to boost the power. Onar stated, "This breakthrough achievement opens the door to fast and efficient wireless charging for passenger electric vehicles." Source: Electrek]]> news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:24:09 +0530 <![CDATA[Volvo XC40 Recharge Single bookings open in India]]> Earlier this month, Volvo launched a single-motor variant of the XC40 Recharge in India. The carmaker has now announced the commencement of bookings. Customers can book the EV via Volvo's official website by paying a sum of Rs 1 lakh. The EV is priced at Rs 54.95 lakh (ex-showroom). The XC40 Recharge Single comes with a 69 kWh battery pack that has a claimed maximum range of 475 km on a single charge. It powers an electric motor that has an output of 236 BHP and 420 Nm. It enables the car to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and to a top speed of 180 km/h. The XC40 Recharge is also available with a dual-motor configuration. This variant uses a 79 kWh battery pack that offers a range of 418 km. The electric motors have a combined output of 402 BHP and 660 Nm and help accelerate the SUV from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.]]> news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:23:25 +0530 <![CDATA[BYD cars & SUVs: A detailed look at the EV maker's global portfolio]]> BHPian Kevinrevvz recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Introduction:BYD is one of the most mysterious brands to enter India in recent times where their legacy and background is unknown to most. In fact, BYD themselves don't have a website displaying their global portfolio in a single space. However, they have been making serious headwinds in their global expansion and are rapidly breaking down apprehensions about buying Chinese Products. Let's take a deep dive into BYD's legacy and their current global lineup.Who is BYD?BYD is one of the more recent companies in the grand scheme of things. Its founder, Wang Chuanfu noticed an impending rise in demand for batteries around the world and wanted to steal the thunder from the Japanese as electronic giants. Soon enough, he established the company in Shenzhen in 1995 and went to become one of the world's largest battery makers in just around half a decade by ingenious utilisation of China's cheap labour costs and manufacturing prowess. Till date more than half of the consumer electronics we use are powered by BYD batteries. While BYD experienced success in several fields of electronics they entered into, in 2003 they acquired Qinchuan Auto and began their foray into the automobile industry. They introduced their first car, the F3 in 2005 followed by the first PHEV, F3 DM in 2008 and the first BEV in 2009, the E6. Although their initial offerings were average at best with heavily Toyota inspired designs, they soon began to use their experience in electronics to develop really advanced new energy vehicles and began transitioning into original designs. Today, they stand as the world's number one new energy vehicle manufacturer and number two electric vehicle manufacturer.The amusing history behind the name:While most of us know BYD as "Build Your Dreams", that's far from the name they started with. The company was initially called "Yadi Electronics" based on the street the company was based on. This left them at a disadvantage as they appeared towards the end on trade shows arranged in alphabetic order. Thus they added a prefix "B" to be called "Biyadi" or "BYD" when simplified into English. They later back-formed the expansion "Build Your Dreams" as they grew and gained more international clients.Today's Lineup:Today, BYD has a massive portfolio of vehicles in their home market from $10,000 to $230,000 while a few of them are sold globally. While all of BYD's vehicles features class leading powertrains at their respective price points, the luxury quotient and material quality drastically varies across their lineup from Average i.e. E6 to German luxury car level i.e. SEAL to Ultra luxury segment level i.e. YangWang. While BYD position themselves as a pure BEV marque abroad, they sell an equal amount of PHEVs in their home market. Their BEVs are offered with several competent battery and motor combos at very value for money price points leading them to gain significant traction in all markets. Their PHEVs called "DM-i" or "DM-p" are very different to global PHEVs wherein they're EV first and offer a very large battery pack from around 15-49kWh usually paired to a 1.5L Turbo Petrol Engine mostly used as a range extender, combined to produce upto 1200hp (yes you read that right). BYD comprises of 4 sub-brands namely, BYD (core), Denza (luxury), YangWang (ultra luxury) and FangChengBao (adventure).Blade Battery:The LFP Blade Battery is the single defining factor of all BYD vehicles. While other OEMs opt for NMC chemistry for better power density, BYD sticks to LFP even for their largest batteries. LFPs tend to perform better in warmer climates like ours and have a far longer shelf life with less degradation. They can also be charged to 100% regularly which is detrimental to traditional NMC batteries. BYD's LFP cells are arranged in thin strips called blades. This setup leads to much better thermal efficiency and safety and even pass the famed nail penetration test. These factors combine to ensure that BYD Blade Batteries are some of the most efficient, safe, usable and longest lasting batteries in the world. Multiple OEMs around the globe buy BYD batteries for their cars.BYD:Under the BYD brand there are 3 series of cars such as the E Series (commercial), Dynasty Series (core) and Ocean Series (modern/global). Different models slot in at different levels of premium-ness ranging from "commercial", "mainstream", "premium" and "luxury".E Series:These are pure electric, back to basics products meant for commercial use and are well known for their reliability and longevity. They often offer a warranty unheard of in the industry to the tone of 500,000Km. E2 (BEV), From $12,000 Compact Commercial Hatchback E3 (BEV), From $12,000 Compact Commercial Sedan, based on the E2 \ E6 (BEV), From $18,000 Mid Size Commercial MPV, watered down version of the BYD Song Max E9 (BEV), From $28,000 Executive Commercial Sedan, watered down version of the BYD Han Dynasty Series:These comprise of the core model lineup of BYD and are the best selling models. They are named after several dynasties from China's vast and rich history. These range from basic mainstream cars such as Qin to truly luxurious, high quality products such as the Han and Tang. Qin (BEV), From $12,000 Mainstream Compact Sedan, one of China's best selling vehicles Qin Plus (BEV/PHEV), From $15,000 Premium Compact Sedan Tang (BEV/PHEV), From $35,000 Luxury Large SUV, sold in Europe as well. Song Pro (BEV/PHEV), From $15,000 Mainstream Compact SUV Song Plus or Seal U (BEV-E Platform 3.0), From $23,000 Premium Compact SUV Sold as the Seal-U abroad but not to be confused with the Seal Sedan which is a completely different, significantly more upmarket product. Song L (BEV-E Platform 3.0), From $27,000 Luxury Coupe SUV Song Max (BEV/PHEV), From $20,000 Premium MPV, more upmarket version of the BYD E6. Han (BEV/PHEV), From $30,000 Luxury Large Executive Sedan, sold in Europe as well. Yuan Pro (BEV), From $13,000 Mainstream Subcompact SUV Yuan Up (BEV), From $16,000 Premium Subcompact SUV Yuan Plus or Atto 3 (BEV-E Platform 3.0), From $17,000 Premium Compact SUV, sold as the Atto 3 abroad with considerable success. Ocean Series:These comprise of BYD's modern take on cars with upmarket Ocean inspired designs. Most of these are aimed at the global market and have experienced success in South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand as well as UK and Europe. Seagull or Dolphin Mini (BEV-E Platform 3.0), From $10,000 Mainstream Subcompact Hatchback One of the entry level models of BYD that provides significant value for money and is slated to be the world's first car featuring a Sodium-ion battery pack. Sold as the Dolphin Mini abroad. Dolphin (BEV-E Platform 3.0), From $14,000 Premium Compact Hatchback One of the most popular models which is a more compact version of the Atto 3 featuring the same battery and motor options. Seal (BEV-E Platform 3.0-Cell to Body), From $26,000 Luxury Mid Size Sports Sedan BYD is betting large on this car for their global success. This car was solely designed to beat the Tesla Model 3 at their own game with a much more upmarket build and material quality, high performance as well as very potent chassis dynamics (a trait not common in other BYDs or Chinese chars). Sea Lion 07 (BEV-E Platform 3.0-Cell to Body), From $28,000 Luxury Mid Size Sports SUV The SUV version of the BYD Seal featuring the same platform and powertrain options. Destroyer 05 or Chazor or King (PHEV), From $17,000 Premium Compact Sedan, sold as the Chazor or King abroad. Seal DM-i originally Destroyer 07 (PHEV), From $22,000 Luxury Mid Size Sedan Not to be confused with the Seal BEV as they are completely unrelated. The Destroyer 07 was renamed to the Seal DM-i at the last minute owing to the success of the Seal BEV nameplate. Frigate 07 (PHEV), From $29,000 Luxury Mid Size SUV Denza:Denza was a 50-50 venture between BYD and Mercedes Benz in an attempt to establish a new luxury brand. Daimler AG lowered their stake to provide BYD the reigns since 2021. N7 (BEV-E Platform 3.0), From $42,000 Luxury Mid Size SUV N8 (PHEV), From $45,000 Luxury Mid Size SUV D9 (BEV/PHEV), From $47,000 Luxury Large MPV YangWang:YangWang was recently established as a technology showcase for BYD and to compete with ultra high end brands such as Lamborghini and Bentley. They all feature the E4 platform with 4 electric motors producing around 1200hp and feature the BYD DiSus series of advanced suspension that is capable of making the car jump from a standstill, extending ground clearance to a very high degree for off roading or provide a magic carpet ride with active road monitoring. U7 (BEV-E4), From $140,000 Ultra Luxury Full Size Sedan This is built to compete with the likes of Maybach S Class, EQS, Lucid Air and Model S. Highlights are the 135kWh LFP Blade battery, 1300hp Quad Motor Setup and a very low drag coefficient of 0.195 facilitating a claimed range of 800Km. U8 (PHEV-E4), From $153,000 Ultra Luxury Full Size SUV This is built to be the ultimate off-roader to compete with the likes of the Defender and G Wagon. Highlights are the 49kWh battery paired to a 1.5T range extender that combine to produce 1200hp and a claimed range of 1000Km. It features industry first capabilities such as water sailing (not to be confused with water wading), where it can literally transform into a boat, float by vacuum sealing the chassis and sail across a water body. It can also rotate from a standstill, making a tank turn by rotating the wheels on either side on opposite directions. It can also be optioned with a DJI drone that is stored in the roof and can follow you along an off road trail transmitting the live feed to the infotainment system. The drone enclosure can also automatically swap batteries. This car is truly out of a sci-fi movie! U9 (BEV-E4), From $233,000 Ultra Luxury Supercar This is supposed to compete with the likes of Lamborghini, Ferrari and McLaren. It features a quad motor powertrain producing 1300hp paired to a 80kWh LFP Blade battery facilitating a claimed range of 450km.FangChengBao:FangChengBao is an adventure or lifestyle oriented sub-brand. Bao 5 (PHEV), From $37,000 Luxury Off Road Body On Frame SUV This is built for hardcore off-roading evident by its body on frame construction. It features a 32kWh battery and a 1.5T ICE combined to produce 700hp and a range of 1200Km. It features various off-road oriented tech and tricks.Future:After achieving tremendous success in their home market, BYD is on a global expansion spree and has experienced success to various degrees. BYD is starting to break down global stereotypes about Chinese cars by offering various high quality products at very appealing price points. BYD entered India for making electronics and commercial vehicles in 2007 and has finally entered the consumer automobile market in recent years. Despite resistance from the government for allowing Chinese investment, they have been able to offer a fairly competent lineup in our market and are committed to offer several more vehicles in the near future. Hope they find a way to localise more products, ultimately benefiting us consumers and inculcating more competition. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:03:23 +0530 <![CDATA[Honda City hybrid in workshop for 70 days: My car service experience]]> BHPian jacobsam recently shared this with other enthusiasts. As suggested by Kevinrevvz, posting my experiences with Honda Car services. Please do keep in mind that I am a repeat customer for Honda Cars India I belong to a tier 4 city. Buying a hybrid itself is a lot questionable around here but the team-bhp influence keeps ticking you to new things. So with lots of excitement and joy, I bought a Honda City Hybrid ZX e-hev on 19th October 2023. Paid a huge premium over a normal Honda City believing that it's a premium product with premium service availability. Come 27th of November 2023, we met with an accident. Would get into the details of ADAS and its effectiveness later in another thread about it. Immediately contacted the Service team and RSA team from Honda as it was part of the package. The vehicle was picked up by the RSA vendor and taken to the authorized service centre of the same dealership it was bought from on the 29th of November 2023. Subsequently, I received a call from the service advisor about the process and I gave the go-ahead. The insurance company were contacted and the process was initiated. The speculated time frame mentioned to me by Honda was around 25 days and I was ok with it. There was some delay by the insurance company and the dealership asked me to give a go-ahead to start the repair work irrespective of the pending approval which I did. In the meantime, I was informed by the service advisor that since it's a hybrid, the Honda team is also informed about the parts requirement and they are in the loop of the repairs. 25days passed. Again, I started following up with the Abhikaran Honda, Indore and the service advisor told me that some parts were not available and the orders were also pending with the Honda Team. Today 70 days have crossed. The service advisor is saying that the painting and all the requisite work are done except for some hybrid dedicated parts that are not provided by the Honda team. He is clearly saying that we have sort of repaired these parts and checked the car and it's running ok. Since he is still not getting clarity from Honda when the parts would be provided and this would delay the delivery more, he is suggesting to collect the car and use it till the parts are provided by the Honda which he doesn't know when would happen. This is a new car. Not an extinct one. Not an old car which is not under production but a car which is under production for the past year or so. Shouldn't there be a reasonable inventory of parts with the service provider or at least the car manufacturer? I am saddened and frustrated by this kind of behaviour. Have sent an email to the customer service team and waiting for an update from them. Please advise the future course of action. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:33:00 +0530 <![CDATA[Honda NX500 v/s RE Himalayan 450: Which bike to buy for my use case?]]> BHPian nasirkaka recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Just browsed through this thread and interesting to read various opinions and thoughts on the NX500. It's been a while since I bought a new bike and the itch is growing. I had pinned my hopes on the Himalayan 450 but am not yet fully convinced about that bike. It is still very much under consideration but here comes the NX500 to make decisions messier. BACKGROUND: I have been riding a 310 GS (2018, 55k kms), an Interceptor 650 (2019, 30k kms) and an Xpulse 200.310GS is my daily workhorse and does fairly well on weekend rides as well which is a mix of highways, trails, some off-roading, etc. It served well and is still in very good shape, except for the typical single-cylinder issues or vibes, under-powered feeling, exhaust notes, etc. It does not sell in numbers, so the feeling of exclusivity is there. Also, the bike looks good in my eyes.Interceptor 650 is my love rebound for a 650 twin post parting with my Versys 650 due to health reasons. It's a bike which I have modified a fair bit to make it versatile for relaxed long hours on the saddle, and some off-roading as well. But in the end, we can only achieve so much with mods.Xpulse 200 was bought for weekend trails around town where one could try things off the road which one would not dare on heavier and expensive bikes. Xpulse has its limitations in single pot and unrefined engines, highway capabilities, etc.I was looking at the Himalayan 450 as a possible replacement for the 310GS. With the NX500 in offering now, there is a line of thought which says sell the interceptor and the 310GS both and get the NX500. I guess the NX500 would be able to do what both these bikes offer. USE CASE: Most of my weekends are spent riding to places which offer trails, and off-roading opportunities. My riding involves biting more than I can chew and frequently results in dropping the bike or subjecting it to an environment where scratches, dents, bends, and damages are likely. This works with 'not so expensive' to maintain bikes like the GS, interceptor and Xpulse, but I may hesitate to go to such places on the expensive NX500. But I also know that if I do get the NX500, I would be going to such places, dropping the bike on trails and slush, and am not sure how that will turn out to be. DILEMMA:The 310GS will have a poor resale value (mine is the first batch, where it was much more expensive to begin with).Even with combined sales of these two bikes, I may still have to additionally put in more than half the amount of what the NX500 could cost on-road in Bangalore.Some basic assessors would be additional and those are again unreasonably expensive.At present, I have other financial commitments as well which means I am looking at a part loan in case I go with NX500. So it's the fight inside the head for a 'no brainier' Himalayan 450 vs the 'double the cost' of NX500.I have never owned a Honda before so not aware of their after-sales service, spare availability, costs etc.I like how the NX500 looks.Looking forward to other members' thoughts on this tussle. Here's what BHPian b16h22 had to say on the matter:The H450 is the better pick for your use case. You have to consider the availability of spare parts along with the costs involved if you plan on taking the NX500 off-road regularly. If you manage to bend something like a handlebar or damage the bodywork on the trail, the CBU factor might be a drawback.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:33:00 +0530 <![CDATA[Did first service of my Slavia at 15000km: A very satisfying experience]]> BHPian Shanksta recently shared this with other enthusiasts.First Service Experience:I covered 15000 kms in my Slavia on 28-Feb-2024 in just under 6 months of taking delivery. Managed to get an appointment at Gurudev koda this week and dropped the car off for its first service. Reached the service center at 9AM sharp and was attended to in 10 mins. The service advisor did a quick inspection and generated an estimate for 7300 for the parts and wheel balancing and alignment. I did not opt for the service maintenance package while buying the car as I felt it was unnecessary. I had specifically told them not to include any additional unnecessary jobs like AC cleaning, engine coating, etc., Immediately got a system generated message that my car was taken in for service and estimated delivery was 4PM. Went on my way to work at 9:30AM. Around 3:15PM received a call from my service advisor that the service, wheel balancing and alignment and road test were complete and the car was in washing. He told me I could drop by in 30 minutes to pick up the car. Received another system generated message at 3:45PM that my vehicle's service was complete and the final bill was 6497. Reached the service center at 4:40PM and was immediately attended to by my SA. He gave me a detailed walk through on the work done and the various parameters of the car. Everything was good, I took the entire bunch of workshop forms they filled and went through everything. The first service for Slavia includes engine oil(4.7 liters), oil filter, pollen filter, sump plug and washer replacement. He even took the time to explain to me the alignment values. Paid the bill and waited for a few minutes for the gate pass to be generated. The SA then brought the car out and it was spick and span, I was expecting a few grease marks in the interior but everything was spotless. I was extremely happy and left back for my office by 5PM. Overall an extremely satisfying first time experience with koda's service center. They even gave a nice docket with the invoice taking the feel-good factor a notch above. I was pretty worried on how it would go after reading all the horror stories in the forum but was pleasantly surprised. Also the costs are very reasonable with only the wheel balancing and alignment especially the cost of weights per wheel being a bit expensive, having said that I think it was worth it as they even corrected the slight off center in the steering which I did not mention while dropping the car. Received a follow up from the SA the following day enquiring if I was happy with the work done and the driving experience post the service. Kudos to the team at Gurudev koda Guindy, a bunch of prompt and pleasant individuals to interact with. Even with the labor costs included from the next service a total of 7-8k seems very reasonable to spend on maintenance every 15k kms. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:03:46 +0530 <![CDATA[China-spec Volkswagen Tayron interior leaked]]> Earlier this year, the first images of the Volkswagen Tayron surfaced online, giving us a first look at the new 7-seater SUV. Now, new images have leaked revealing its interior. The Tayron is the replacement for the Tiguan AllSpace. It will be sold in the Chinese market as the Tiguan L Pro. The SUV is also expected to be launched in India sometime next year. The interior of the Tayron looks similar to that of the latest-gen Tiguan. It features a sleek, futuristic dashboard with a digital instrument cluster and a large floating touchscreen in the centre. There's also a third screen on the passenger side. The car has fewer physical switches, as most functions have been integrated into the touchscreens. The centre console houses a wireless charging pad, cup holders and a rotary drive mode selector. The Tayron is based on the MQB EVO platform. The SUV is powered by 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines. All powertrains have a 48V mild-hybrid setup, with either 4WD or 2WD. Source:Autohome]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:02:07 +0530 <![CDATA[Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: Observations driving back to Faridabad]]> BHPian Amity recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Recently, I travelled from Faridabad to Jaipur and back on the Delhi-Mumbai expressway. Here are my observations: I completed the onward journey of more than 270 Kms in around 3.5 hours (excluding a break at one of the rest stops and some Google Maps misdirections). The return journey from Nahargarh Fort to Faridabad took almost 4.5 hours due to Google Maps, a jam on the entry ramp from Jaipur and unruly traffic at Ballabhgarh. The entry onto Faridabad bypass from Mathura Road (NH19) is not properly marked on Google Maps and it will just make you go in rounds. Instead of taking the correct exit onto the service road and then a U-turn under the bypass flyover to get onto the ramp, Google Maps takes you in the wrong direction and then asks you to get onto the bypass where there is no ramp at all and it will keep asking you to go in circles. The surface of the Faridabad bypass road is much better than the actual expressway. There are much fewer undulations and it is predictable. However, patrolling is not proper as I saw two-wheelers on this stretch. Though there are street lights on the Faridabad bypass stretch, the majority of them were not switched on. The expressway, though wide and properly marked, does not boast of a good surface. There are a lot of undulations and jolts on the expressway, especially near flyovers or bridges. It is not a completely smooth ride. Already I could see many patchworks in the expressway and repair works were also going on. This doesn't bode well for a flagship project. There is almost negligible patrolling on the whole stretch as I didn't see patrolling vehicles during my travel. I believe there should be round-the-clock patrolling on this stretch as it passes through isolated areas. The boundary wall is already broken in many places and people were grazing goats in the area between the boundary wall and the main carriageway. This makes it risky for everyone and something which could be prevented if there was proper enforcement and regular patrolling. Local people were sitting on the railings of the expressway taking pictures or talking on phones as if it was some community park. It was a common feature throughout the expressway which shows a lack of willingness on the part of authorities to prevent such things. There are some rest stops along the expressway but all of them are not functional. Some have coming soon boards showing for Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Domino's Pizza, etc. at the rest stops. Hopefully, it'll be better by the time the complete expressway opens up. The washrooms at one of the normal rest stops (IIRC 99 km rest stop while going towards Jaipur) were much much cleaner than McDonald's washrooms (coming from Jaipur) on the expressway. NHAI had constructed basic buildings for rest stops and now the same are being brought down/ refurbished by restaurants to bring it to their own designs. This I feel is a waste of time and money as NHAI could've just allotted some open slots to restaurants to bring up their own buildings. By constructing such basic buildings, NHAI must've paid contractors which must have been part of the consideration for deciding the toll amount and now the same is being brought down by restaurants as per their convenience. I believe it would've been much cheaper to just allot blocks and let restaurants construct their own buildings. Alongside those boundary walls, locals have opened shops/ dhabas and truck drivers park their trucks on the shoulder to fetch something or have food. There were many trucks at such stops, sometimes more than 5 also. Such illegal stops are risky for everyone on an expressway and again highlight the lack of patrolling and enforcement on the expressway. I do hope that economical options are made available to truck drivers at the rest stops as it may not be feasible for them to otherwise have meals at eateries at rest stops. I saw trucks making a U-turn in the middle of the expressway and then driving on the wrong side at full speed, likely to one of the illegal shops/ dhabas they missed. There is no lane discipline on the expressway as trucks were there on all 4 lanes and cars had to zigzag through it all. This again shows a lack of patrolling and enforcement on the expressway. The connectivity from the expressway to Jaipur city is not good. It takes you through the crowded parts of the city and wastes a lot of time. I saw that construction has already started on Greenfield Road to connect with Jaipur. I hope it is completed very soon as it will further reduce the time by at least 30 minutes. The entry ramp for the expressway while coming from Jaipur is very small and the toll plaza is almost at the start of the ramp. While returning, most of the toll booths on this ramp were non-functional due to so be technical faults and traffic was already stretching to the highway from the ramp. The staff at the toll plaza was completely clueless about dealing with it. They let us pass after keeping us waiting for more than 5 minutes. One surprising thing I noticed was that there is no separate toll plaza while entering from Faridabad bypass or exiting from the expressway to Faridabad bypass. I am guessing the toll plaza at Faridabad bypass ( which charges INR 50 for every single journey) doubles up as an entry/ exit toll plaza for the Expressway. It appears that our tag was not scanned at the entry ramp at Jaipur and therefore, no amount was deducted from the Fastag account when we exited the expressway onto the Faridabad bypass. Most of the speed cameras were not working on the expressway. Also, the speed shown on the cameras was almost 2 km/h less than the speed shown on the car speedometer. The exit ramp at Ballabhgarh onto NH 19 is very narrow and the service road where the ramp merges, itself is narrow. This was made worse by wrong side local traffic on the service road and caused a jam for at least half an hour, with no police to control it. I believe it's a good effort but needs a lot of support from people and law enforcement agencies to improve its standards. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:30:00 +0530 <![CDATA[Driving on the new Mumbai Coastal Road: GTO shares his experience]]> GTO recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Made a plan for dinner @ Souk, Taj last evening specifically to drive on the new Coastal road. There are two entry points when southbound. One, a right-turn from Worli Seaface (main junction before Piramal-Ambani house). Unfortunately, it was closed off at 5 PM and I got there at 6. No problem, we drove onward and got onto the Coastal road from Worli (junction after Copper Chimney). Man, what a drive! You climb up and have a beautiful view of the sea on one side (including the iconic Haji Ali Dargah) and the tall skyscrapers of this maximum city on the other. Merge onto a wide, well-laid road. Saw an exit for Bhulabhai Desai Road, but we of course proceeded straight into the tunnel. I must say, the undersea tunnel is very long and even has some kind of music playing! Exited on Marine Drive. Worli to Marine Drive in ~6 minutes The Marine Drive -> Worli section will be opening in a handful of months. Proud of India. Proud of this beautiful city. It's so logical to have coastal roads around this Island City for better connectivity. I recently drove on the Atal Setu, India's longest sea bridge. And now, India's first undersea tunnel. The Atal Setu, Coastal Road, Bandra-Worli Sealink, Eastern Freeway, long JJ Flyover & more are true game-changers. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:00:00 +0530 <![CDATA[Hyundai Creta EV continues testing; spotted in South Korea]]> The Hyundai Creta EV, based on the facelift version of the SUV, that was launched in India earlier this year, has been spotted testing once again. This time, the electric SUV was seen in the brand's home market of South Korea. The electric version of the Creta has a similar design to the ICE version. It has the same L-shaped LED DRLs but is likely to get a blanked-out grille. It also has aero-optimised dual-tone alloy wheels. Inside, we can expect the Creta EV to get a dual-screen setup like the ICE version. It could be equipped with features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS. Reports suggest that the Creta EV could use a 55-60 kWh battery pack, having a maximum range of around 500 km. It will power a front-mounted electric motor. Source:Autospy]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:36:20 +0530 <![CDATA[My Chevrolet Trailblazer: Experience buying & owning the mammoth SUV]]> BHPian suryaj1990 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Just bought the Mammoth! I see there have been no Ownership Reviews here. To begin with, this is HUGE! The vehicle dwarfs any Car or Human next to it! Compared to the Fortuner and Endeavour, I find the downside is the efficiency and missing 4x4 gear! Rest the vehicle is great! The Power output is enough to outshine Fortuners and Endeavours on the highway and the gearbox is silky smooth. You would not be able to make out the gear changes. There are no jerks even while slotting the vehicle in "D" as experienced in Fortuner. The ride quality is amazing. Much better than the competition and the sense of space inside the humongous cabin makes one comfortable. Even the third row is accessible and comfortable for adults. The music system is old school as per today's standards but has Bluetooth connectivity which works well and the system is also decent. I find the light throw inadequate. Service parts are easily available and the quality of interiors is good. Built to last. I am having a problem with the seat locks of the second row and trying to source parts. Was hoping to get in touch with like-minded owners to understand this beast better. Unfortunately, I have been told by the Chevrolet Service Station that only 3 of these cars exist in Mumbai! This car shares everything with the ISUZU MUX! Here's what BHPian shankar.balan had to say on the matter:I have seen only one of these ever. And that was a visitor to a clinic nearby. It is indeed huge. And definitely imposing and handsome. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:30:00 +0530 <![CDATA[Virtus GT completes 2600 km: Ex-Jetta owner shares an update]]> BHPian shiv4747 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. 2600 KMS Update - Virtus GT Manual Sorry for the poor picture. Though I enjoy the drive, I forget to take pictures of our car. It's been quite a while since my last update!! After our Bengaluru trip, We did not take it for any long drives. Everything inside the Chennai city. That too in mostly congested areas. The city is too congested these days due to metro work. Mileage City traffic B2B - 12 KMPL Myself and my wife are the only drivers. So either we go alone or together. No extra passengers almost 80% of the time. Ground clearance Great and surprising!! 2 days back we went to Avadi from Kottivakkam with a fully loaded car. 5 adults, 2 kids(15 year old and 11 year old). I know I thought the car belly would scrape at least once. But surprisingly "never" did. Power Performance Whether it is just 1 person or fully loaded, Virtus never fails to deliver it ultimate pickup in 2nd and 3rd gear. With just one tap, the car jumps ahead of everyone in the traffic. Never felt the lag at all. Eco Mode 90% of the time myself and my wife drive very sedately. Our gear shifting will be usually this way.1st gear - 1000 to 1500 RPM2nd gear - 1500 to 2000 RPM based on moving traffic3rd gear - 2000 RPM4th gear - 2000 RPMWith the above RPM gear shift, the car shifts to ECO mode almost 80% of the time. Brakes The brakes are too sharp. Initially, myself and my wife felt a little discomfort as our Jetta's brakes were soft. Now we are getting used to our Virtus' brakes. Body & Ergonomics Virtus is easy to maneuver in the city traffic. The body is easy to calculate to change lanes and also while overtaking. Mirrors Though nothing to complain about myself, my wife felt Side mirrors and Rear View mirrors could have been slightly larger. Rear & Front lights Braking lights are stylish and visible enough. But the reverse lamps and the indicators could have been slightly bold enough in terms of the visibility for the people. I personally feel it is not sufficient enough. The front lights are classy and powerful. The automatic fog lamps are very useful when turning in pitch-dark areas. Music system I mostly connect my iPhone with the cable to the Virtus music system. The wireless charger is just for the name's sake and the wireless connectivity with the music system gets disconnected once in a while. Hence I prefer the wire. The clarity of the music is good enough. Our model doesn't have Sub or Amp but still enjoying the music. NVH The insulation in the car is done very well. I hear only the mild horn noise in the heavy traffic and the music is pretty much clear. With the perfectly done insulation, I love the calm environment and enjoying the conversation with my fellow passengers. No vibrations felt so far. Ventilated seats & AC Works 50/50. Recently we parked the car under the hot sun till 4 pm since morning. When I turned on the Ventilated seats, it wasn't so effective. Just a very very mild breeze coming out of it. With the fully loaded car, I kept 18 deg with the fan speed 3 bars the car became cooler enough within 10 mins of time. FYI the outside temperature was 32 deg around. Overall myself and my wife are happy with our Virtus GT manual. With the Black roof, it annoys me when the car is parked under the tree and the crow shit. I get restless until I wash it off I will try my best to keep updating the thread. Cheers SHIVA Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0530 <![CDATA[Interceptor 650 major service at an FNG for Rs 9000: List of jobs done]]> BHPian surjaonwheelz recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Interceptor 650, 4th year major service at Pitlane, PuneAnnual service was due and the bike had crossed 20k km. I had certain jobs in mind for the major service:Throttle body cleaningValve clearance checksBrake fluid replacement (flush/bleed)Motowings (MW) air filter cleaningEngine oil, Motul 7100 & RE oil filterMajor service which includes cleaning and lubricating moving parts etc.Brake pads had life in them and fork oils were changed last year. I took quotations from Pitlane and Hyperion and decided to go with Pitlane as it was nearby and was charging less. Hyperion has a sophisticated bike lift and working area but were charging double for throttle body cleaning and valve clearance checks. Now I have an understanding with the Pitlane folks and mechanics, they're available when I mess up with a DIY. They charged me around 9k all-inclusive for the service and spares. Only drawback was that they didn't do the valve clearance checks as there was no noise from them! Later I'll get this done with an oil change. This time I'll share only dirty pics of my bike. Stripped down. Half of the service work is taking out, cleaning, and putting it back. How meticulously it's done is the skill of the mechanic and the SOP of the garage. Dirty oil, 4k+ kms in 6 months, Liquid Gun from RE. Dirty MW air filter, it was very dirty. I'm using the the stage 2 kit, I'm not sure I'll continue with this setup. Should I? Dirty throttle body. Being cleaned in 4 years and 20k+ km As clean as it could be. Air filter cleaning kit from BMC but the mechanic said this filter doesn't need oiling as in the case of BMC filters. I didn't fully agree with the cleaning process as he used compressed air to remove the water after washing it under tap water. I checked the filter, gauge density was not disturbed though. Maybe 6 months later I'll return to a paper filter with a snorkel cover but the intake sound is addictive! Motul 7100 10W50 fully synthetic engine oil They charged for 3.1 litres so I didn't have to buy the the extra 900ml. Out of the block and doing 380kms riding in a day didn't feel any drastic change other than it being a new oil. I believe unless you move to the expensive imported oils, you don't get enough benefits. Oils like Silkolene, LiquiMoly, Putoline, Motorex and Amsoil. In addition, if you change the oil every 6 months with RE Liquid Gun, Motul 7100, Castrol Power1, Total Hi-Perf, Shell Long Ride then you're good too! I had this purchased in the last service from RE, the front master cylinder cover and got it changed. I forgot to collect the old one. For other service work, I didn't stay back.Spark plugs cleaned (fairly new Iridium plugs) - I saw it, no pics.Brake fluid bleeding - I can feel the change. INT650 has an issue with the rear master cylinder as the brake oil gets dirty even without much use. Bad plumbing or poor placement?Brake pads & calipers cleaning and caliper pin greasingWheel axle greasing - a bit too much, seen accumulated at the ends!Chain clean, adjust and lubeLubing moving parts such as footpegs, stand pivots etc.I didn't like them lubing the hand lever pivots, it's not required. I washed/wiped them off! We went for the same-day return beach ride after this service. The bike performed flawlessly. For the past few months, I've noticed that the RHS mirror has a buzz and the view is not clear. Earlier this was not the case. I wanted to post all the parts replaced/upgraded/added in 4 years in this post. Let's try this. Apart from the above, I've changed tyres twice and switched to alloys, that's a big investment! You can find separate posts for both in this thread. What next? Just ride! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:30:00 +0530 <![CDATA[Honda Accord V6: Custom exhaust to reduce sound levels on the go]]> BHPian ImportedlLama recently shared this with other enthusiasts. This post is a short one as I just needed some advice and guidance from the more experienced members of the forum and possible people with some connections in my area. I reside in Bangalore in the JP Nagar area and am having a dilemma. For a while now I've been wanting to unleash my very muffled high displacement V6 accords throaty roar but with that, I have a few concernsI don't want the car to become a cop magnetI want to keep costs as low as possible (not much a 19-year-old can really afford on his own)I want to preserve the quietness of the stock exhaust because who wants a loud roar 24/7With these 3 points in mind, I figured the best way of going about this is a cutout exhaust system. If you are unaware of what this is, it's basically a replacement for a short section of your exhaust system maybe about 12-15 inches in length that has a branch attached to it which is controlled by a valve. What this system allows is the stock exhaust sound when the branch is closed but when the valve to the main exhaust is shut off it opens up the diverging branch and allows for the exhaust to flow freely. This will ideally be placed right before the two heavily restrictive mufflers. The exhaust forms sort of a Y shape and right before it branches into the two mufflers is where I will place this. I will attach pictures for reference to help make this a little less confusing. This is the cutout system. I plan on installing this right after the center box and right before the two mufflers on the small straight section. I've spoken to a Code 6 center and they stated that the first problem that they will face is welding mild steel to stainless steel, which is possible so I don't know why that would be a problem and also the cost if it were possible theoretically is around 30k which is out of my budget. My idea is to get the cutout system from the USA since it's virtually non-existent here and the Valvetronic system available is just muffler replacements so I'd have to get two of them which would make it really expensive. The US cutout part is around 100 USD which I can fit into my budget. Since welding was stated to be a problem finding someone who is willing to weld and more importantly a good price is also tricky. Hence what I plan on doing is using exhaust clamps which I've seen done before in a donut media video, and doing everything on my own. For this, I would first require the part to be brought in from the USA along with the exhaust clamps. Then I would need a shop or a place to work that has an angle grinder and other tools that I would need to do this. Then I would basically do a really sketchy redneck engineering job of cutting out a section of the exhaust and clamping in the cutout valve system. But hey what's life without doing dumb stuff like this every once in a while? The worst-case scenario for this in my head would be that it doesn't work and I'd just have to weld back in the piece that I cut out which I'm sure someone could do for cheap. This is my current thought process. I come to the members of this forum to tell me if this is a good idea and to help me rationalize it. Any other suggestions are welcome and if anyone knows somewhere where I can work on my car nearby that would also be very helpful. And please do let me know if anyone else has a better idea that will fit in my budget it would be very appreciated. Thanks for your time everyone, Cheers! Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:You're sailing in the right direction. Go for it. A BHPian had a similar remote-controlled exhaust on his SX4. Besides, loud exhausts can get tiring on long highway drives.Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:08:33 +0530 <![CDATA[Aprilia RS 457 deliveries to commence in April ]]> Aprilia launched the RS 457 last year at the India Bike Week. Since then, there has been a lot of excitement, especially among bike enthusiasts. Aprilia had initially planned to start handing over the bikes to customers this month, but deliveries have now been delayed. Reports suggest that the Aprilia RS 457 is expected to reach showrooms across India in the next few days, while customer deliveries will commence in April. The RS 457 is powered by a 457cc twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that makes 47 BHP and 43.5 Nm. The engine is mated with a 6-speed gearbox. The bike gets a ride-by-wire system and an optional quick shifter. The RS 457 features a 41 mm upside-down front fork with a mono-shock at the rear. Braking is handled by a 320 mm disc paired with a 4-piston caliper and a 220 mm disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS. The Aprilia RS 457 competes with the KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 in the Indian market. Source:Bikewale]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:51:15 +0530 <![CDATA[BYD EV prices could reduce with new low-cost platform]]> According to media reports, BYD is set to introduce a new EV platform, which will allow them to cut costs even further. Reports state that BYD will introduce updated versions of both its DM-i and e-Platform for PHEVs and EVs, respectively. The updated DM-i platform will allow BYD's PHEV products to offer a range of 2000 km with a full tank of fuel and full battery charge. BYD EVs, on the other hand, could move to the next-gen e-platform 4.0. Currently, the EVs are underpinned by the 3.0 version, which includes eight-in-one integration. The upcoming 4.0 e-platform will have more integrations and fewer wiring harnesses, further reducing costs. BYD recently unveiled its cheapest EV, the Seagull, which has a starting price of under $10,000. As per reports, BYD plans to steal market share from gas-powered cars over the next three years. Source: Electrek]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:35:44 +0530 <![CDATA[2024 Sonet facelift test drive observations: Might book HTX diesel AT]]> BHPian ashvek3141 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I had a look and TD the Sonet FL last weekend and below are a few of my observations in no particular order. I didn't bother to click any pics since our official review has some amazing pictures in all the possible angles. Also, the TD vehicles were in Red Dual Tone. I had a good look at the GTX & HTX variants since I am looking forward to my car purchase and Sonet is on top of that list.Kia has given the GT & Tech Lines their distinct looks and are easily identifiable unlike the pre-FL, wherein it was just the 'red accents' to the skid plates. I personally like the look of the GTX, especially in the White DT paint. Makes the front look wider than it actually is. The HTX(s) look good too but a little 'toned down' than the GTX variants.That rear spoiler adds character and looks quite sporty. The same isn't present in the HTX.A major miss in the HTX are the alloys! The 'styled wheels' are styled well but then you know they aren't alloys. I really feel Kia should have given the alloys. You're paying ~ 15.60 L ex-Goa for wheels caps. Sigh! The GT Line alloys look fab though.All is not bad with HTX though; it now gets much useful ventilated seats, full leatherette upholstery v/s semi-leatherette in pre-FL, Tan interiors v/s the fabric white in pre-FL, front parking sensors, rear disc brakes; which are all value-added features IMHO and kinda make-up for the miss in the alloys. All this keeping the price of the HTX variants the same as pre-FL. Of course, these are 'introductory' prices.Though Kia has kitted the FL models pretty well, they have now started with their cost-cutting exercise or should I say value engineering exercise. The plastic quality, I felt was relatively of lower grade than the pre-FL. Having owned the pre-FL Sonet D AT in the past, I could feel the difference.The horn pad surely has seen a change as the underlying cut out for the airbag is now clearly visible, which wasn't the case in pre-FL. Additionally, that irritating clicky noise has increased when you press the horn pad which is a clear giveaway that the horn pad has changed.Same is the case with the engine start-stop button which now rattles a wee-bit in its position if you just slide your finger over it. There are other buttons showing similar characters. This wasn't the case in the pre-FL models.I felt the doors to be on the lighter side, the pre-FL had heavy doors with a pronounced 3-stage opening.The interiors don't feel 'new' as such, like they do in the Seltos FL. Kia has gone conservative with Sonet's interiors and reserved major changes only to the exteriors. They could have at least reduced the size of that AVN + Speedo console slab which sticks out like a sore thumb. The only welcome change is the tan interiors which are again limited to the Auto & iMT variants only.The GT Line gets 'all-black' interiors with the black roof liner and it makes the already tight cabin look claustrophobic. I don't understand this stupid trend. A black roof is acceptable for cars like Harrier, XUV700, etc.; not Sonet, please! HTX interiors look much more pleasant with tan seats and a white roof.The rear seat sees an improvement and my Mum actually commented on the same, without even me telling her about the change. The under-thigh support has improved, but this is good only for anyone below 5' 7" or so. Taller folks like me will still complain. The recess in the front seat-back is okay-ish and doesn't help much to liberate any legroom. It's just a placebo-effect thing IMHO. The Sonet's rear seat is still tight. No two ways about that.I drove the 7 DCT first and it drives just the way it did before. Though MotorInc mentioned that there's some improvement in the drivability of the turbo DCT, I didn't quite feel any. Maybe it's not a thing for the normal Joe. I found the car to get quite noisy in the SPORT mode when it held onto the gears. This makes me feel that there has been some compromise on the insulation front. I noticed the same in the D AT too.DCT is a delight to drive on the highways at sane speeds, which also helps to yield good FE. But the moment you think of having some fun, the mileage drops like crazy. DCT owners claiming 20 + kmpl mileage is all eyewash IMHO (no offence please). In practical scenarios with mixed driving conditions, it's simply not possible. The D AT returns under 18 kmpl, forget the DCT.After DCT, it was my fav D AT! I know this combo really well so I wasn't expecting anything different. The drivetrain which felt a lil 'lazy' in the elder sibling, the Seltos, is just 'perfect' in the lil Sonet. But like I mentioned earlier, the insulation seems somewhat compromised; the D AT too felt a lil louder than the pre-FL Sonet.Handling is predictable and nothing has been changed in this department. However, the suspension has surely seen some improvement. The earlier model used to sort of crash when you took the speed-breakers or potholes with a little bit of speed. That is not the case with the FL version. I drove this car on good roads to absolutely no roads with even 5 people on-board and I can confirm that the suspension has been improved.The horn sound also intrudes the cabin more than before, even though it has been muted a little now. Maybe the 'new' norms have kicked in already? The Seltos too had this low-sounding horn.I felt the handbrake to have some kinda springy action and was slightly on the heavier side as compared to the pre-FL. Has this got to do something with the rear disc brakes?ADAS 1 is known to all and does the job well. However, I don't find the Level-1 ADAS to be of any significant use. It doesn't even have the Blind-spot warning on the ORVMs. The lane-keep and collision avoidance can hardly be used in day-to-day scenarios. Anyway, maybe it's a matter of getting used to it.Finally, it's a 'decent' FL from Kia primarily focussing on the exteriors and I must say the car looks quite distinct!To me though, an additional premium of 3L for the GTX over the HTX is too steep to justify the feature additions. The moola is primarily for the ADAS tech I feel. HTX still looks quite VFM to me, only if it had those alloys. Sigh! But then - you win some, you lose some.I might end up booking the HTX D AT as I am still not convinced with these turbo petrols and their abysmal FEs. Even worse, the 1.0 L is a 3-cylinder unit and honestly, it sounds coarser than the 1.5 L Diesel. The only issue is the 'unknown' future of diesels in India and the stupid Govt. norms. Some say that 2027 will be the end of Diesel engines! So possibly, I would like to pick my 'last' diesel car and in all probability would like to retain it for 10 years. But then, I doubt there'll be any takers in the resale market a few years from now. It's a gamble, for sure! At the time of the TD, both - HTX & GTX D AT were readily available in stock. Hence, I could have a thorough look at them side by side. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:35:00 +0530 <![CDATA[7 months. & 7000km with my Compass 4x4 AT: What I like & what I don't]]> BHPian Dr_MNC_SK recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Completing 7 months 7000 kms in a JC Diesel Model-S AT 4x4. The Good The Bad The Ugly.Brief Background:I am from the hills. My daily drive is of good roads bad roads and no roads in true sense. Upgraded from a 4x4 Thar.Ergonomics:Ergonomics for driver and passenger I found is perfect as adequate adjustment is possible and the 2 Memory seating helps especially to get back to position from cleaning and all. I am 180 cm and I can seat fairly comfortable behind my own driving position. Nothing very spacious but not to cringe about for its size. Also rear seat is not that small as mostly pointed in reviews unless one is XL in size. 3 average sized individuals or 2 +1 car seat easily can sit. The hump for the rear shaft is present but not very very obtrusive.Driveability:The USP of this car. Can anybody tell another car available in India south of 40 lakhs which feels as close to this.AT in Hills:I was skeptical at first but no more. It doesn't hunt gears and stays perfect for 90+% of the time, for occasional hard braking or sudden deceleration it refuses to upshift when you nudge it to for some time. Hardly have to go to Manual Mode for gear selection. If very steep uphill, then if on Auto 4x4 mode then tries to start on 2nd (like always) which has to be manually overridden to 1st or have to go 4WD Low where it goes to 1st. If you don't want AWD but want to start from 1st gear, then must manually override. The need doesn't arise much except very steep climbs where you have to stop and go. On plain side highways it's a no bummer, it catches the gear 99% of the time.Fuel Efficiency and DEF Efficiency:Hills Highway 9-10 kmpl. Hills Traffic 6.5-8 kmpl Plain Highways 14kmpl. No complaints as I was getting almost same with my Thar 4x4 also. DEF usage was higher for first few thousand kms then have averaged out, Now I guess it will consume around 5 litre for 3000 kms in the hills. Haven't had any DEF issues even on cold winters or anything. Using Standard ADblue from ASS or sourced from Amazon.The Good Points:Ample of steering wheel control buttons ergonomically placed front and back. No accidental presses. Presence of Dedicated Hardware Buttons (plus Touch) for HVAC.360-degree camera is a boon in some tight spots in our hills though overtime with the experience of approximation usage has come down.Music System and U connect is working flawlessly. An occasional software issue with Apple Car Play is there which can be sorted by restarting the phone.TPMS is smart, detects wheel rotation itself, no need to readjust after wheel rotation. Takes around 10 kms of driving and it detects correct placement.Turning Radius and Steering wheel weight is remarkable.One touch Up Windows on all 4 doors.LED Projector Lamps and LED Foglamps are doing a remarkable job. May need a long throw spot beams for highways but not able to figure out where to mount them. The frame is front in front of radiator is aluminium.The specs GC at 178 mm is adequate because its the fully laden GC. It sits above 200 mm with only you in it. Havent hit anything until now running frenzy on our roads.Boot: This is good and bad both. The Auto Tailgate is good to have. No need to touch dirty vehicle on roadtrips to open & close the boot. The placement of the button is good for shorter people but for me I would have preferred it to be a bit outside not buried in. Day to Day grocery shopping isn't that appealing when the boot door is clean cause it takes a few seconds and we are all in a hurry. Also, there is adequate storage underneath the boot floor where vehicle maintenance kits like Tyre Kit Cleaning Kit Inflators and the likewise can be stored. I have some utensils and 2 camping stools also stored underneath. Tie Points are added advantage.The Bad Points:The Start Stop System should have a permanent kill feature. It will work when it wants to and stop when it wants to. Although manual says it will be deactivated on slopes it doesn't most of the time and if you are on Hold Feature then car goes back when engine restarts because it deactivates Hold and doesn't activate Hill Hold in that brief 1 sec period.Auto Headlamps/ Auto Wipers sensitivity is a hit or miss even with adjustment levels in the system. Less concerning as it can be overridden to manual.The door sills are a bit high to my liking. People inadvertently step on it on ingress or egress making it dirty all the while.Wish the fuel inlet could take in a regular diesel pump nozzle and not the narrow ones only. Have to hunt for these specifically while filling. They have provided a converter but the hassle and the dripping of diesel and the smell that lingers on in it is not worth it.The air deflector underneath the front bumper is the lowest point on the car. It grates and squeaks on some rough patches. Although it hasn't broken as of now there is a possibility. I guess it could be deleted.Boot Space: If you know how to pack it will swallow an enormous amount of luggage. Airport Runs with Hard Box Luggage is another story. Road Trips with duffels and soft luggage is not a problem.Mud Flaps: The OEM Mud Flaps (especially the front) kept of breaking as also mentioned by many users. Shifted over to a flexible time universal Mud Flap found dirt cheap in Amazon. Working great ever since.The Ugly::If I could say one thing Ugly, then it is the choice of 18 inches Wheels with a 225/55 tyre which becomes its Achilles heel. The low sidewall height combined with the tread pattern makes it vulnerable. Also the absence of AT availability in this size in India adds to the woes. The Trailhawk 17inchers should have been here too. I would trade my 18 inchers to anyone with 17.]Comparison/ VFM:Unless one owns or regularly drives the JC one cannot understand its driveability, handling and other safety features it has incorporated. There has been a lot of comparison videos and lack of features etc in comparison to other cheaper vehicles available in India but basically its about the gizmos and all. There actually isn't another comparable vehicle here except may be the XUV 500 AWD AT or more likelt the Tuscon AWD AT or the Tiguan AT AWD or Subaru Forester(Not available in India) . Noone compares the robust built quality, the safety features and the driving ergonomics and the handling. Established sedans seems difficult to handle after driving this vehicle. It may be expensive in comparison to many similar sized vehicles available in India, but I feel it is worth the money if you are into serious long distance travelling and want a no nonsense well handling medium sized vehicle which will take you from A to B safely and with less fatigue and has an AWD for those unforeseen events en route . (Not for offroading) Service Centre ASS here at Siliguri (Nearest) and Guwahati have been very cooperative and helpful. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:04:49 +0530 <![CDATA[Mahindra XUV300 facelift spied in production-ready guise]]> New spy images of the Mahindra XUV300 facelift have surfaced online. The latest prototypes appear to be of the production version and have minimal camouflage. The latest spy images suggest that the overall shape of the XUV300 will remain unchanged. The SUV will get a heavily revised front fascia though, featuring a bold new look. It is expected to get U-shaped LED DRLs at the front and reworked LED tail lights. Mahindra has also made a few changes to the interior. The XUV300 facelift will feature a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The free-standing unit can be seen in one of the spy images. The SUV is also expected to get a digital instrument cluster, among other features. The XUV300 facelift will carry forward the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. Currently, Mahindra offers a choice of 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic on all engines. The all-electric XUV400 could also receive similar updates in the future. Source:Rushlane]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:40:34 +0530 <![CDATA[Steering wheels: Enthusiasts share their preffered shape & type]]> BHPian CentreofGravity recently shared this with other enthusiasts. In the recent past, OEMs have been playing around with different designs for the steering wheel. Traditionally, steering wheels have been either round or flat bottomed, which are the most ergonomically sorted designs. The only difference was in the number of spokes in the steering wheel. Cars like the Tata Indigo had a four spoke steering, whereas the Maruti 800 came with a two spoke unit; most other cars had three spoke units. In the last decade or so, manufacturers have showcased radical steering wheels in their concept cars, however, they have now started making their way into production cars as well. Tesla received flak for its yoke in the Model S, and Lexus followed suit and launched the RZ with a yoke too. In 2022, BMW filed a patent for a yoke. More recently, Peugeot have decided to make rectangular steering wheels from 2026. All this makes one wonder, what was wrong with the age old design of the steering wheel in the first place? In this thread, let's discuss the various steering wheel designs and what your preferences are. Let's keep this discussion limited to just the designs and functionality of the wheel, and not steering technology like HPS, EPS, steer-by-wire, etc. Two spoke steering wheel This design is employed by cars like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Verna, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, MG Comet, all Skoda cars, and erstwhile cars like the Tata Nano, Chevrolet Spark, old Maruti cars and many more. As the name suggests, there are two spokes in this type of steering wheel . Three spoke steering wheel This is the most common type of steering wheel and can be seen in most cars like the Volkswagen Virtus, Honda Elevate, Kia Sonet, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if most people vote for this type of steering because it has been the most used type across OEMs for years. Personally, I prefer a good old three spoke unit. Four spoke steering wheel In the earlier days, four spoke steering wheels were generally used in larger and more expensive cars like the Tata Safari, OG Honda City, some versions of the Tata Indigo, and present day models like the Hyundai i20, Creta, Venue and Tucson, Tata Safari and Harrier, all Land Rovers, etc. I associate four spoke units with larger cars and find it odd in smaller cars and jacked-up hatchbacks. Flat bottomed / D-cut steering wheel Here, the bottom part of the steering wheel is flat. Such steering wheels are generally associated with sporty cars. Steering wheels with two, three or four spokes may have a flat bottom. These can be found in the Skoda Rapid, VW Taigun, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, etc. Yoke Yoke of the Tesla Model S Lexus RZ450e's yoke These are unconventional in shape, ditching the round steering for an impractical shape like a rectangle. They do look cool, but they are the perfect example of 'form over function'. Thanks to the criticism, Tesla decided to offer the yoke as an option in the Tesla Model S and Model X, as opposed to it being standard fitment earlier. It remains to be seen how Peugeot executes its 'hypersquare', though I think it won't be as easy to use as a regular steering wheel. Do note, a yoke may not be as impractical if steer-by-wire tech is implemented with it as the turning range reduces drastically. As for my preference, I wouldn't want a yoke or a polygon shaped steering wheel; as long as it's a round steering wheel and the wheel design appeals to me, I don't mind the number of spokes. If I had to choose though, I'd go with three spokes. BHPians, your turn! Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:2-spokes is too less, while 4 is too many. My choice is 3-spoke . From Karan's thread, now this is a steering done right. Here's what BHPian lamborghini had to say on the matter:So a lot of this stems from the cars we were first introduced to with these respective steerings. For instance the 2 spoke is reminiscent of the 800, Alto which the mind perceives as being more budget oriented - of course there are exceptions to the rule (such as the newer Hyundai designs, the good old Zen, etc.) but for most part, it appears as though something is missing. 3 spoke, flat bottom steerings are love and my pick if designed well - sporty, comfortable, and convenient. When driving the flat bottom is convenient for us bigger folk & the feel is much more sportier. On that note, I have nothing against 4 spokes - but again having seen them on old school Germans such as Mercs & Audis - the vibe is more luxury with a little bulky feel but this is fast changing : again as seen on some recent Hyundais.Here's what BHPian MotorDev had to say on the matter:Great thread .I like steering wheels with three spokes.They make the dashboard look nice and complete.Three-spoke steering wheels are better to hold onto because they provide a good grip.Here's what BHPian Sphere had to say on the matter:Personally I like the 3 and 4 spoke steering wheels. I own a Maruti Ertiga and the 2024 Tata Safari which have 3 and 4 spokes respectively. 2 spoked steering wheels look incomplete. The only 2 spoke wheel I like is the one in the Slavia.Here's what BHPian MyLife_MyCar had to say on the matter:Though I drive a car with a 2-spoke wheel, I'd prefer a 3-spoke wheel any day.2 feels incomplete and hollow.4 feels like someone whose limbs are stretched out and tied to the wheel.Just the imagination of driving a yoke type makes me feel uncomfortable.Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:08:35 +0530 <![CDATA[Tiago EV recurring charging issue: Unhappy with Tata's service support]]> BHPian thomahawk recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Went to the service center to get the car serviced (6 months) and fix the recurring charging issue. Since the Tata EV TMSC app did not list the service center I went to last time, I decided to drive in without an appointment. The guy at the service desk reception got my details and asked if I had made an appointment - I said NO. He took out a business card and asked me to call up the number and make an appointment for service. I told him that the Tata app doesn't let me book service at the center; still glued in on his screen he pointed out the dealer's toll-free number printed on the card. Fair enough, I asked him if they could have a tech look at the charging issue as a 'running repair'. He said NO and asked me to get an appointment for a running repair as well. The last few times I brought the car for repairs, I had called the service advisors before driving in, so I guess I didn't need an appointment then. Since there were other issues with the car (window rattles, metal clanking sound from the rear), I didn't want to head home without getting a tech look at the car. I called up the customer relationship manager and complained about this. He came out and we had a chat; a service advisor was assigned, and he noted down my complaint about the charging issue. He handed me a copy of the job card and told me they'd give me a call - I said I'd wait since they were just going to do a diagnosis. Also sent him the video recording from the day before, showing the charging issue just after plugging in. Unhappy with the treatment (this was after all an issue they supposedly fixed), I sent a message to the Sales Manager (who boasted about matching Toyota's service experience - since the group were related); I also tried to reach Tata's regional service manager. Since the regional manager didn't seem to pick up the call, I sent an email to the mail thread about the delay in AC part replacements. Since the issue cropped up after the service team replaced the radiator fan, I think they are related. The mail had the dealer's service managers and Tata's regional service manager looped in. Next, I called up the dealer's service general manager and told him about my ordeal. He said he'll help - once he is back in office. Perhaps I'm acting like a spoiled brat (coming from Maruti and Hyundai) - and decided to keep myself occupied with something else. After waiting for 3 hours, I went back to the service desk since they were just supposed to do a diagnostic. The service advisor said my car is being charged - I told him the car had 94% charge left and you don't need 3 hours to check for an issue that happens when charging is initiated. A technician (DTE or something) came down and the advisor asked him to explain their diagnostic to me. He said the car was fine and asked me to have an electrician look at my home wiring for earthing issues. Perplexed, I asked him why it happens only when the radiator fan must turn ON (the car starts charging immediately if the fan doesn't have to turn on). My home wiring was upgraded recently and the electrician (contracted out) from Tata had checked all this. I asked him about the error code they said they cleared, and instructions were given to me when I last came there for the same issue (to not let the charge go below 20%). He said whoever told you probably had a misunderstanding and told me I had to run the car down once a month. Now this started to get on my nerves, and I asked him about when does the car decide to turn the fan ON while charging? It turns on even after the car has been idle for more than 6 hours and ambient temperatures are low (night at around 27 degrees Celsius). He kept telling me about the battery pack having to cool down etc. - but didn't have a clear answer for reproducing the issue at the service center. The fan had to turn-on, and they just put the car on charge and called it a day. Since I wasn't backing off - he said he would check the car further if I let them keep the car for a day. Since I was not in the mood to have them waste another day - I told them they could look at this when I bring the car for service. Called up the dealer's toll free and took an appointment - the next slot was 3 days later. Told them I'll bring the car back and left. Tata's regional service manager replied to my email that the dealer would help in fixing it - no surprises there. All sorts of thoughts again started going through my head, 'ZS EV price cut', 'Creta Facelift'; Switched to sports mode and floored the car. Just like that, I cut through the traffic and the thoughts - to reach back home with a smile. Tiago EV is a good car - just wish Tata upped the game a bit. The thoughts have now come back as I'm writing this down - guess it's time for another drive. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:39:00 +0530 <![CDATA[2024 Honda Africa Twin design patented in India]]> Honda has filed a design patent for the 2024 Africa Twin in India. The bike maker has also patented the Adventure Sport variant. The 2024 Africa Twin made its global debut a few months ago. The bike gets cosmetic updates along with a slight increase in performance. The patent images showcase the bike's redesigned side panels that give it a sharper look. Honda has also patented the base variant, although it is unlikely to be offered in India. The 2024 Africa Twin is powered by a 1,084cc, parallel-twin engine. A higher compression ratio has resulted in a bump in peak torque from 103 Nm @ 6,250 rpm to 112 Nm @ 5,500 rpm. The bike also features a new airbox, valves and fuel injectors. The Adventure Sport variant is a road-biased version of the Africa Twin. It is equipped with a 19-inch front wheel and lowered suspension. ]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:02:35 +0530 <![CDATA[Pics: Found a rare BMW E46 M3 convertible in my apartment complex]]> BHPian ex-innova-guy recently shared this with other enthusiasts. "These bicycles are wrongly parked in my parking area. I think they are stolen and kept here. I feel I have to report to authorities" A person posted this in our society WhatsApp group. I was least interested on the issue but the picture spoke for itself - a convertible! Only question now was which one? Lo and behold !! An E46 BMW M3 with SMG Transmission! NFS Most Wanted. The lovely wheel arches and exhaust tips. Quad exhaust tips. Lovely Alloys with blue brake calliper. Red interior blending with S-Presso. Check ou BHPian comments for more insights and information.]]> news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:02:01 +0530