Royal Enfield Launches the Much-Anticipated Himalayan 450: A Game-Changer in Adventure Biking

In a move that shook the motorcycle enthusiast community, Royal Enfield has officially launched the new Himalayan 450, promising riders an exhilarating blend of power, design, and cutting-edge technology. The long-awaited update to the popular adventure touring motorcycle comes with a host of improvements that are set to redefine the standards in the segment of adventure biking.

Design Overhaul

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 boasts of a striking design overhaul, combining the aesthetic elegance with off-road prowess. The bike retains its rugged and practical charm, compatible with the Himalayan brand, but with a refreshed and modern twist. The redesigned front fascia, tank, and tail section contributes to a more streamlined and muscular appearance, while the dual-purpose tires and high ground clearance reinforce its off-road capabilities. The new colour options, including a dark and dim finish, adds a touch of sophistication to the overall look.

Power and Performance

Under the hood, the Himalayan 450 packs a punch with a revamped 452cc engine that delivers an impressive power output of 39.2 bhp @ 8000 rpm. The upgraded 452cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine promises a smoother and more responsive riding experience, ensuring that the riders have ample power at their disposal, whether navigating the city streets or conquering the challenging terrains. The enhanced torque of 40 Nm @ 5500 rpm and improved throttle response makes the Himalayan 450 a formidable force in the adventure biking arena.

Technological Marvels: Elevating the Riding Experience

One of the standout features of the new Himalayan 450 is the incorporation of the advanced technology for elevating the riding experience. The updated instrument cluster now includes a digital display for providing the riders with crucial information such as gear position, trip details, and fuel efficiency. The inclusion of smartphone connectivity has allowed the riders to seamlessly integrate their devices, providing access for navigation, calls, and music on the go. Additionally, the bike comes equipped with an upgraded ABS system, enhancing the safety and control during braking.

Comfort Redefined: Ergonomics for Long Journeys

Recognizing the demands of long-distance riding, Royal Enfield has focused on redefining the comfort in the Himalayan 450. The ergonomically designed seats, together with upgraded suspension, provides a smooth and pleasant ride even on the most difficult terrain. The upright riding posture, which is characteristic of adventure bikes is preserved while increasing the rider comfort on long or extended journeys.

Price Points: Affordable Adventure for All (₹ 2.69 - 2.84 Lakh)

Despite the significant upgrades, Royal Enfield has still managed to keep the Himalayan 450 competitively priced, making it an attractive option for the adventure enthusiasts across the spectrum. The company aims to make the adventure biking accessible to a broader audience without compromising on quality, a strategy that is likely to support its position in the market.

Early Rider Reviews: Positive Vibes Surrounding the Himalayan 450

As the first batch of Himalayan 450 motorcycles hits the roads, the early rider reviews are pouring in, and the response is overwhelmingly positive. The riders are praising the bike's improved power delivery, refined handling, and the seamless integration of technology. Many of them expresses their satisfactions with the design changes, mentioning the perfect blend of form and function.

In conclusion, the launch of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 marks a significant milestone in the world of adventure biking. With its revamped design, enhanced power, advanced technology, and competitive pricing, the Himalayan 450 is assured to set new benchmarks in the segment. As the riders across the globe gear up to experience the thrill of open road on this new offering, the Royal Enfield looks set to continue its legacy as a pioneer in the domain of the adventure biking.

Maruti Suzuki's Grand Vitara SUV might soon make headlines for its safety features. A leaked video suggests that this popular SUV is currently being tested by Bharat NCAP, India's safety rating agency. If the claims are true, the Grand Vitara will be the first Maruti Suzuki car to receive a safety rating from Bharat NCAP.

Testing and Expected Results

The video, which surfaced on YouTube, shows several images of the Grand Vitara undergoing various crash tests. These include frontal impact, pole impact, and side impact tests—key elements that determine a vehicle's safety rating. Though the authenticity of the video hasn't been verified, it has generated significant interest among car enthusiasts.

Launched in 2022, the Grand Vitara had not been subjected to crash tests by any agency until now. Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer, had previously announced that flagship models like the Grand Vitara, Brezza, and Baleno were listed for Bharat NCAP tests. The results are eagerly awaited and could be officially announced soon.

Competitor Comparison

The Grand Vitara competes with other popular SUVs in the compact segment, such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. If the Grand Vitara achieves a high safety rating, it could bolster its standing in the market. The SUV is built on the Global C Platform from Suzuki, which also underpins other Maruti models like the Brezza. The Brezza secured a four-star safety rating at the Global NCAP crash tests, hinting that the Grand Vitara might achieve at least a four-star rating at Bharat NCAP, if not higher.

Maruti’s Safety Commitment

Maruti Suzuki's focus on safety is evident in the Grand Vitara’s features. The SUV comes equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, a 360-degree camera, a Head-up Display, Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control, traction control modes, seat belt reminders for all occupants, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. However, not all these features are standard across all variants. The leaked video indicates that at least two variants of the Grand Vitara have been crash-tested.

Addressing Safety Concerns

With new models like the Grand Vitara and Brezza, Maruti Suzuki aims to address safety concerns among buyers. The company is striving to shed its reputation for producing cars with sub-par build quality. Improved platforms and advanced safety features are part of this strategy.

Even the latest generation of the Swift hatchback, launched earlier this year, received a three-star safety rating at the Euro NCAP crash tests. The Swift tested for European markets includes dual front airbags, side head airbags for all occupants, side chest airbags, and side pelvis airbags for front occupants, showcasing Maruti’s commitment to enhancing safety features.

Carbike360 Says

The anticipation surrounding the Grand Vitara’s potential high safety rating at Bharat NCAP highlights Maruti Suzuki’s efforts to improve vehicle safety standards. If the SUV achieves a high rating, it will not only boost its market appeal but also reinforce Maruti’s commitment to safety. Car enthusiasts and potential buyers are keenly awaiting the official announcement of the results.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced a significant milestone for its popular SUV, the new Hyundai CRETA 2024. Launched in January 2024, this SUV has achieved remarkable success, selling one lakh units in just six months.

Sales Success

• Over 550 units sold per day: The new Hyundai CRETA 2024 has seen an impressive sales rate, with over 550 units sold daily in the past six months.

• 1 Lakh sales milestone: The vehicle has delighted one lakh customers since its launch in January 2024.

Official Statement

Mr. Tarun Garg, COO of Hyundai Motor India Limited, expressed his excitement over this achievement: "We are thrilled with the remarkable achievement of the new Hyundai CRETA 2024. Our SUV has achieved another milestone of one lakh sales, reaffirming its strong fan following in its segment. We are confident that the Hyundai CRETA will continue to set new benchmarks in the Indian automobile industry and delight customers.”

Design and Features

The new Hyundai CRETA 2024 is built on Hyundai’s Global Design Language of ‘Sensuous Sportiness’. It offers a bold design that appeals to tech-savvy customers who love to explore.

Key Features:

• Advanced Level 2 ADAS safety suite

• Powerful 1.5-litre Turbo GDI engine

• Panoramic sunroof

• Adaptive cruise control

• Ventilated seats

• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system

• 360-degree camera

These features ensure a superior driving experience, combining comfort, convenience, and cutting-edge technology.

A Legacy of Success

The Hyundai CRETA brand has sold over 10 lakh units since its first launch in India in 2015. The new Hyundai CRETA 2024 continues this legacy, setting new standards in the SUV segment and remaining a favorite among customers.

Citroen has officially introduced its latest SUV, the Basalt, which is set to compete directly with the Tata Curvv in the growing SUV Coupe segment. Both vehicles aim to make SUV Coupes more accessible in India, a segment previously dominated by luxury brands.

Design and Exterior Highlights

The Citroen Basalt boasts a distinctive design, sharing its underpinnings with the C3 Aircross. It features a sleek coupe roofline that extends to the trunk lid, pronounced fender flares, and plastic cladding, enhancing its rugged yet elegant appearance. The front is characterized by chunky bumpers and headlamps carried over from the C3 Aircross, while the rear gets a new set of tail lamps and a faux skid plate. The sides are adorned with new alloy wheels, complementing the overall dynamic look.

Pierre Leclercq, Head of Citroen Design, described the Basalt as a blend of SUV robustness and coupe elegance. He noted, “The New Citroën BASALT combines the strength of SUV codes with the elegance of a Coupe. Its falling roofline nods to iconic models like the CX and the popular C4.”

Interior and Features

The Citroen Basalt promises a well-appointed interior, featuring a vibrant digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It will offer front and rear armrests with cup holders, a phone holder on the rear armrest, and Type-C charging ports. The vehicle will also include wireless charging, cruise control, and automatic climate control. For connectivity, it will support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Basalt will be powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, delivering 109 bhp and up to 205 Nm of torque. It will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission or an automatic torque converter.

Production and Launch

The Citroen Basalt is expected to launch in August 2024. The production model closely resembles the concept version, featuring a coupe roofline and split grille. The SUV Coupe will be positioned as a more affordable alternative to other SUV Coupes in India, with an anticipated starting price of around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

Rivals and Market Position

The Basalt will compete with the Tata Curvv and other compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, and Skoda Kushaq. It aims to offer a stylish and practical option in a segment that has typically been more premium.

Overall, the Citroen Basalt presents a compelling alternative in the SUV Coupe segment, combining sleek design with practical features and a competitive price point.

Yamaha has introduced its groundbreaking Y-AMT semi-automatic gearbox technology on the 2024 MT-09 street naked motorcycle. This innovative system, weighing just 2.8 kg, is set to revolutionize the riding experience in the performance motorcycle segment. The Y-AMT technology, optimized for sporty riding, will debut on the 2024 MT-09 model equipped with the powerful 890cc CP3 three-cylinder engine, producing 120 PS.

The Y-AMT system allows riders to switch between automatic and manual shifting modes via a dedicated toggle on the switchgear. In manual mode, riders can use "+" and "-" paddles on the left handlebar to change gears, similar to paddle shifters in cars. The absence of a traditional clutch lever and foot-operated gear selector simplifies the riding experience.

Key features of the Y-AMT system include:

• Integration with ride-by-wire throttle for optimized performance
• Compatibility with cruise control and various riding modes
• D and D+ modes for relaxed and performance-oriented riding, respectively

This development puts Yamaha in direct competition with other manufacturers exploring semi-automatic transmissions, such as BMW and KTM. However, Yamaha's focus on performance-oriented motorcycles sets it apart from competitors primarily targeting adventure and touring segments.

While Yamaha has showcased several multi-cylinder motorcycles to Indian dealers, including the YZF-R3, YZF-R7, MT-03, MT-07, and MT-09, only the R3 and MT-03 have been launched in India so far. The introduction of the MT-09 Y-AMT in the Indian market remains uncertain at this time.

The Y-AMT technology represents a significant advancement in motorcycle engineering, potentially influencing future developments in the industry. As manufacturers continue to explore innovative transmission solutions, riders can expect more options that blend performance with ease of use in the coming years.

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike has made a remarkable entry into the market, attracting significant interest from two-wheeler buyers across India. Launched by Bajaj Auto, one of India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers, the Freedom 125 CNG is the world’s first motorcycle to feature a CNG powertrain. The bike, which aims to offer lower running costs for its owners, was introduced on July 5 with a starting price of ₹95,000.

High Demand from the Start

Even before its official launch, the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG had generated considerable buzz. According to Bajaj Auto, more than 30,000 people expressed interest in the bike when it first hit the market. The company has now reported that it received around 6,000 bookings within just one week of opening reservations on July 18. Customers can book the bike by paying a token amount of ₹1,000.

Variants and Prices

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is available in three variants:

• Drum Variant: Priced at ₹95,000 (ex-showroom)

• Drum LED Variant: Priced at ₹1.05 lakh (ex-showroom)

• Disc LED Variant: Priced at ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom)

The entry-level Drum variant features drum brakes on both the front and rear wheels, a halogen headlight, and a sheet metal belly pan. It does not include smartphone connectivity features. The mid-level Drum LED variant comes with an LED headlight, drum brakes on both wheels, and an LCD instrument cluster, but still lacks smartphone connectivity. The top-end Disc LED variant includes all the premium features such as a 240mm disc brake at the front, a 130mm drum brake at the rear, an LED headlight, a full LCD instrument cluster, and smartphone connectivity.

Engine and Mileage

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is powered by a 125 cc engine that produces 9.4 bhp of power and 9.7 Nm of peak torque. It features a 2-litre petrol tank and a 16 kg CNG cylinder under the seat, capable of holding up to 2 kg of natural gas. Bajaj claims the bike offers up to 102 km/kg mileage on CNG and 64 km/l on petrol. The total range on CNG is up to 200 km, and when combined with petrol, the bike can travel up to 330 km. According to Bajaj, the Freedom CNG bike can save customers up to ₹1,800 in fuel costs.

Safety Measures

Concerns about the safety of the CNG cylinder, especially in the event of an accident, have been addressed by Bajaj Auto. The company has released several videos demonstrating the bike's crash test results. These tests included a frontal collision with a 1.5-tonne vehicle at 60 km/h and being crushed under the wheels of a 10-tonne truck. In both scenarios, the CNG cylinder remained intact with no leakage. However, independent safety tests are expected to provide a more comprehensive safety rating for the bike.

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike has certainly made a significant impact in the market with its innovative approach and impressive initial response. As the world's first CNG motorcycle, it promises to be a game-changer in the two-wheeler segment, offering an economical and environmentally friendly option for riders.

Highlights

• Ola’s first electric bike teased

• More details likely revealed next month on August 15th

• The battery pack, electric motor, front sprocket, final drive chain, and more are visible

Bhavish Aggarwal, the CEO of Ola Electric, has teased a new electric bike on social media. This teaser image gives us a glimpse of Ola’s first electric motorcycle, which might be unveiled on August 15th, a significant date for the company.

What the Teaser Image Reveals

The image posted by Aggarwal shows some key components of the upcoming electric bike. Here's what we can see:

1. Steel Tubular Frame: The bike has a strong, tubular frame made of steel.

2. Compact Battery Pack: The battery pack is compact and fits snugly within the frame.

3. Electric Motor Placement: The motor is located below the battery pack.

4. Final Drive and Front Sprocket: The bike uses a chain drive with a visible front sprocket.

5. Control Modules: Several control modules are mounted in different locations, indicating a well-thought-out design.

6. Seat and Footpegs: A part of the seat is visible, along with forward-set footpegs, suggesting this is indeed a motorcycle. The seat height appears to be accessible for most riders.

Past and Future Announcements

Last year, on the same date, Ola Electric showcased four futuristic concept models of electric motorcycles. This year, we might see more developments and possibly more details about this new e-motorcycle.

Current Product Line and Future Expectations

Currently, Ola Electric's product lineup includes e-scooters. The addition of an e-motorcycle could take some time, perhaps a year or two, before a production model is ready. However, the company seems committed to expanding its electric vehicle offerings.

Stay tuned for more updates from Ola Electric, especially around August 15th, when we might get more information about their exciting new electric motorcycle.