autoX Awards 2024: Ather Rizta Performance, Quality and
2024 autoX Awards: The Ather Rizta’s suspension is finely tuned to provide a superior ride on the road and absorbs undulations and bumps better than many other scooters. 2024 autoX Awards: After launching a range of 450 scooters, Ather launches the Rizta - a versatile electric scooter designed for the whole family. The idea is simple – create an electric scooter that’s feature-rich, roomy and practical. Arthur succeeded in turning this idea into reality. While I'm not a fan of the Rizta's design as it looks odd from certain angles, it does have a very long seat - long enough and comfortable enough to accommodate two people and a large bag. If you need more space, there's a roomy 34-litre compartment underneath - one of the largest in the segment and roomy enough to accommodate a full-size helmet. The 7-inch instrument panel does not support touch, and the UI is simpler than that of the 450X. You can navigate the…
2024 autoX Awards: Ampere Nexus ST Performance, Quality and
2024 autoX Awards: Ampere Nexus is powered by a 5.3bhp motor and is said to have a top speed of 93km/h, which is plenty. It accelerates well and riding around the city is a breeze. 2024 autoX Awards: Earlier this year, Ampere launched its most premium model yet, the Nexus electric scooter, which comes in two variants: the base EX, priced at Rs 1.10,000, and the higher-spec ST model, which we tested, priced at Rs 1.20,000 (Ex showroom). Design-wise, the Nexus looks a little boxy, especially around the apron. However, Ampere adds DRL elements to the headlights and taillights, giving it a good aesthetic. The scooter is available in four colours, each with a contrasting black stripe at the centre. The seats are roomy enough for two people, and while the under-seat storage is useful, it's not the largest in the class. The Nexus is powered by a 5.3bhp motor and is said to have a top speed of 93km/h,…
autoX Awards 2024: Mahindra Thar Roxx Performance, Quality
2024 autoX Awards: Mahindra Thar has always been a rugged off-road SUV. Known for its practicality, it has always been the quintessential choice for adventurous driving. However, with the launch of the Thar Roxx, the five-door version of the SUV, Mahindra has elevated the model beyond its rugged roots, making it a more versatile, well-rounded offering. The Thar Roxx not only adds the practicality of an extra pair of doors, but also gets a fresh look with C-shaped LED DRLs, a redesigned grille and stylish 19-inch alloy wheels. Firstly, the Thar Roxx is much larger than the three-door version. The wheelbase has been increased by 400mm and the overall length has been increased by 443mm, improving second-row space and available 644-litres of boot space. Now you can easily take your family or friends with you without compromising on comfort. The expanded dimensions also enhance its road presence. Mahindra has also upgraded the cabin with features and quality of materials that…
autoX Awards 2024: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Performance,
2024 autoX Awards: The updated Royal Enfield Himalayan impressed us whether it was in the majestic Spiti Valley or the bustling streets of Delhi. The original Himalayan marked a bold new direction for Royal Enfield and it proved popular. The Himalayan 450 builds on this heritage with a larger engine, new design and added features. No longer just a solid utility vehicle, the Himalayan now has a rather elegant design and a more curvy tank, which gives it the appearance of a large bike. It even comes with LED headlights and a stylish LED flash that complements its modern design. Despite the significant updates, the ergonomics remain unaffected, making it easy to ride whether you're sitting or riding. Royal Enfield has also launched a more sophisticated digital instrument cluster and updated ADV. Yes, it can be a little tricky to navigate its features, but the display is clear and informative. Once configured correctly, Google Maps' car-style display is actually very…
autoX Awards 2024: Triumph Speed T4 performance, quality and
2024 autoX Awards: The T4 is based on the Triumph Speed 400, with cost-conscious design modifications to make it more affordable. The engine is the same 398cc TR-series engine as the Speed 400, but its power and torque figures are 9bhp and 1.5Nm lower respectively. 2024 autoX Awards: The Indian 300 – 400cc motorcycle market is becoming increasingly competitive and almost all manufacturers want a piece of the pie. Traditionally, Royal Enfield has dominated the market with its classic cruisers. Although Triumph already has a niche in this segment with the launch of two 400cc bikes, this year they have further upped their game with the launch of a new model - the Speed T4. Priced at Rs 2.17 lakh (ex-showroom), it has become the most affordable Triumph model in the country. The T4 is based on the Speed 400, with cost-conscious design modifications to make it more affordable. The engine is the same 398cc TR-series engine as the Speed…
2024 autoX Awards: Kawasaki Ninja 500 Performance, Quality
2024 autoX Awards: If you want a muscular-looking, bulky machine, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is certainly a good choice. That said, the bike only comes in all-black color, which might not appeal to everyone. 2024 autoX Awards: The Kawasaki Ninja 500 has always been one of my favorite machines, both on and off the track. The 451cc parallel twin-cylinder engine has a very friendly and approachable character, and it also has advantages in terms of power. You can easily ride at low rpm without worrying about it stalling, which means you don't have to constantly shift gears. The icing on the cake is the engine's incredible smoothness, which you can feel most of the time. Even though it's a twin-cylinder unit, it has the refined feel and character of an inline-four. Even with a basic telescopic fork up front, the Ninja 500 handles rough roads well. The 41mm upright fork at the front and monoshock at the rear are tuned…
2024 autoX Awards: Kawasaki Ninja 500 Performance, Quality
2024 autoX Awards: If you want a muscular-looking, bulky machine, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is certainly a good choice. That said, the bike only comes in all-black color, which might not appeal to everyone. 2024 autoX Awards: The Kawasaki Ninja 500 has always been one of my favorite machines, both on and off the track. The 451cc parallel twin-cylinder engine has a very friendly and approachable character, and it also has advantages in terms of power. You can easily ride at low rpm without worrying about it stalling, which means you don't have to constantly shift gears. The icing on the cake is the engine's incredible smoothness, which you can feel most of the time. Even though it's a twin-cylinder unit, it has the refined feel and character of an inline-four. Even with a basic telescopic fork up front, the Ninja 500 handles rough roads well. The front 41mm upright fork and rear mono-shock are tuned to soak up bumps…
autoX Awards 2024: Tata Curvv performance, quality and value
autoX Awards 2024: Tata has positioned the Curvv very competitively in terms of price, making it an attractive option for those who think the electric version of the Curvv is a bit too expensive. 2024 autoX Awards: Today, Tata Motors has become a popular choice among those looking for a safe and stylish car, and the Curvv in its internal combustion engine avatar is no exception. Curvv features a futuristic, clean design that immediately catches people's attention with its stylish LED light strip and DRLs on the front. The Curvv also has similar lighting elements on its rear end, which together with the sloping roofline create a look straight out of a sci-fi movie. Staying true to Tata's reputation, Curvv has also received a five-star rating in the Bharat NCAP safety assessment. Inside, most of the Curvv's layout and features are the same as the EV version. It comes with features like a large touchscreen, JBL sound system, and ventilated…
Kawasaki KLX 230 review: more powerful than Hero Xpulse 200
Look up at the sky and you'll likely see an airplane flying by. Staring at you in wonder, you might think it takes a lot of effort to get you airborne and floating across the sky. Of course, this is true, but not always. The first manned airplane built by the Wright brothers only had a 12-horsepower engine. It's a far cry from today's large, complex engines. But that doesn't stop humans from reaching heaven and feeling what it's like to be alive. This just goes to show that you don't always need the most advanced technology to get the best results. It's a balance between strength, physics and courage. Recently, with the onslaught of ADVs on the market, they are powerful but often large and bulky and are considered to be the best tools for off-road travel. However, Kawasaki hopes to break convention with the KLX 230, a lightweight, low-capacity dual-sport bike. We got to ride it on an…
BYD eMAX 7 review: A new choice for families?
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsizT2tg6G0[/embed] BYD eMAX 7 review: Design and dimensions BYD eMAX 7 review: Interior space and features The front seats are ventilated and power-operated (6-way for driver, 4-way for passenger) which is great. There is also a large cushion on the center console that can hold two mobile phones, one of which can be charged wirelessly. I also like the new shifter, which replaces the e6's knob. This traditional shifter is easier to use and looks better too. I was a little disappointed to see that the second-row experience was a bit bland in comparison. Thankfully, the air conditioning vents have been moved from the floor console to the roof. The MPV has a vent on each side that directs air towards the upper body of the passengers. There are blower controls on the console as well as a pair of USB ports. However, apart from the door pockets, there is no other storage space available for passengers. You don't get…
MG Comet EV Long Term Review, September 2024 Report
Life is slow sometimes and crazy sometimes. Life has been a little crazy for me over the past month, which means running around and not having a lot of free time. While I prefer to keep my right foot light, I haven't had that luxury the last few days. Life is slow sometimes and crazy sometimes. Life has been a little crazy for me over the past month, which means running around and not having a lot of free time. While I prefer to keep my right foot light, I haven't had that luxury the last few days. The good thing about all this running around is that I was able to see how the Comet and its batteries responded to greater pressure. Also read: Kia Tasman pickup truck launched globally with two powertrain options, triple screens, ADAS and more Early on, I stuck almost entirely to Eco mode and easily got a real-world range of nearly 150 kilometers per…
KYT Striker Helmet Review: World-Class Safety, Affordable Price
You may have seen MotoGP riders wearing KYT helmets and thought, “One day, I’ll save enough money to buy one too.” Maybe you’ve even read our review of the brand’s NZ-Race or R2R Pro helmets. While these are cheaper than those worn by professionals, they are still a bit out of reach for those just starting out riding. Don’t worry, KYT has solved that problem with the Striker – their entry-level helmet designed to bring smart, stylish protection to the masses. First off, the forward looks, well... striking (pun definitely intended). There are a variety of colors to choose from - my review unit was black and blue, mostly black with blue and neon green highlights. I can't overstate how sharp and aggressive it looks. Full marks for graphics, material quality and paint finish. In addition to the English KYT logo, the Japanese brand name is printed on both sides of the helmet. The dark visor complements the overall design…
Triumph Speed T4 review: A better deal than the Speed 400?
When Triumph launched its first 400cc bikes, the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X, people were not sure how well the premium brand would fare in the segment. I had the same experience. However, after having the pleasure of riding both motorcycles last year, I couldn’t help but rave about them and recommend them to my friends. First up was the Speed 400, a motorcycle I've been excited about for a long time. So, just a few days before writing this article, I attended a launch event by Triumph where they launched another machine in the same segment, the Speed T4. It's not a variant of the Speed 400, but a new incarnation that shares many of the same components and aesthetics as the former. Once again I was a little concerned about what Triumph was offering, so I got in the saddle with a lot of questions that needed to be answered. Triumph Speed T4 review: Design and styling The…
Tata Curvv petrol vs diesel review: Which engine option is better?
The Tata Curvv is certainly one of the most unique products that the automaker has launched in recent times. And that’s saying something. I remember seeing the concept version of this car about two years ago and I thought it was a bold step for Tata back then. Fast forward to today and we have the production version of this coupe-SUV. It looks very similar to what we saw back then and it looks just as quirky. While you might have seen our review of the battery-powered Curvv, it was time for me to get my hands on the petrol version of this coupe-SUV. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNk3S7WnLzU[/embed] Tata Curvv review: Design Design is subjective but if you ask me what I think about the looks of the Curvv, I would rate it highly. Tata has already succeeded in the design space and the Curvv is another example of that success. It almost reminds me of the vehicle from the game Cyberpunk 2077.…
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri fights for second place
The streets of Baku held many surprises for Formula 1 fans and delivered a series of rather surprising results. In qualifying, Charles Leclerc took pole position by a wide margin, while second in the championship, Lando Norris, was eliminated in Q1. Then, in the race, Oscar Piastri managed to take the lead from Charles Leclerc to take his second win in Formula 1. Since there was no drama surrounding team orders this time around, Piastri won the race through pure speed and racing skill, so it actually felt like a win. A somewhat bizarre collision between Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez late in the race saw George Russell take the final spot on the podium. This weekend was great for Michael, despite a somewhat rocky start. Based on their recent form, they seemed like an unbeatable team. However, Lando Norris failed at the first hurdle in qualifying and could only finish 17th, while Max Verstappen finished sixth. Piastri qualified second…
Ultraviolette issues open challenge to Bajaj Auto: will defeat
It looks like there's some healthy competition brewing in the two-wheeler space. Ultraviolette has issued an open challenge to Bajaj Auto and other two-wheeler manufacturers to beat them in an upcoming sporting event. What's the reasoning behind the challenge? Where will the contest take place? Who will be the contenders? We have some theories. First, we need to understand the context in which this open challenge was launched. In a recent interview, Bajaj Auto CEO Rajiv Bajaj gave his trademark witty response, saying that the sales of the Ultraviolette were not "ultra". The industry veteran said that he believes that scooters, not motorcycles, will dominate the market when it comes to electric vehicles. In response, Subramaniam praised Bajaj for producing disruptive products like the Pulsar, but also mentioned that the same spirit is lacking now. He then went on to challenge Bajaj in their own backyard and invited all other manufacturers to participate. UV Challenge "We will be participating in…
Citroën Basalt first drive experience: unique and interesting
It’s estimated that people spend around 17 million minutes a day watching Instagram videos. What’s even more surprising is that most of the content people watch isn’t original, but rather a parody of something that’s popular – whether it’s the latest dance moves or transition videos. Unique content that doesn’t fit into these trends rarely stands out. So, in a world dominated by trends, does a unique car like the Citroën Baslat stand a chance of success? Why unique, you might ask? Because it’s a coupe SUV – a body style never seen before in a budget car. But if there’s one brand that’s never hesitated to take a chance and try something different, it’s Citroën. So, what does the Basalt have in store for customers? [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAIbjMvk9qI[/embed] Citroen Basalt review: exterior design One of the most talked-about aspects of the Basalt is its coupe-SUV design. Now, I would advise not to get too excited, as the “SUV” part is somewhat…
MG Comet EV long-term review, August 2024 report
MG told us they needed our bright apple green Comet and offered to replace it with another model. This white model, with a more understated look, is now part of our fleet. Regular readers of our magazine (we love you guys) might have noticed that our long-term MG Comet looked different this month. I can assure you that the EV's paintwork has not faded due to the recent monsoon rains. In fact, our review unit was replaced with another one. MG told us they needed our bright apple green Comet and offered to replace it with another model. This white model is much more understated and is now part of our fleet. But it brought not only a new color, but also new problems. It is noticeably noisier than our previous car. This is especially noticeable when you are driving on a flat road with no distractions. Add to that the noticeable vibrations in the steering wheel and brake pedal,…