Is Hyundai trying too hard to stand out?

From being a maker of quirky cars for the value-conscious buyers to that of stylish, reliable and feature-loaded cars that are more than a match for highly-regarded Japanese rivals, Hyundai has come a long way over the last decade and half. Words to take note of in that statement are 'quirky' and 'stylish'. That's because design and styling have been the foundation of the Korean brand's transformation in the said period.

With the recent models that are coming out of their gates though, the folks at Hyundai appear to be going back to the old days. Their 'quirky' old days, we mean.

Want proof? Check out the all-new, seventh-generation Elantra that was unveiled at a closed event in Hollywood, California recently.

Hyundai's press release minced no words in stating that the car was deliberately penned with bold design elements that reflect the daring and non-confirming mindset of the next generation. 

In effect, if you're young or young-at-heart, you may think of the new Elantra as a stylish, futuristic-looking automobile that's sure to turn heads on road. Or you may not care at all for what's yet another damn car, like most youngsters do! If you don't belong to one of those two groups, you would categorize the new Elantra anywhere between sharp to brash-looking depending on how you see it.

That's the point, really.

Is Hyundai trying too hard to impress? Are they adding an unnecessary line here and a crease there with the sole intention of making their cars stand out? Have they started rolling out cars that grab attention at launch but will age really fast like most fashion trends do? Most importantly, is all the good work done in transforming the brand's identity being undone?

While answers to those questions will emerge over time, here's the thing. In a span of three generations, the Sonata first and the Elantra now have moved on from the gorgeous-looking sedans they were at the beginning of the decade to the toned-down but still effortlessly elegant cars in-between to the bold, in-your-face models you see now. It's a shame as the current Sonata and the upcoming Elantra look fabulous from certain angles.

Hyundai's crossovers haven't been spared too. From the diminutive Venue to the large Palisade, they are victims of garish grilles and over-styled split light clusters. See what happened to the Creta that's just launched in India and you'll know.

If you're a fan of the current crop of Hyundais, think of this as a rant from an ill-advised auto enthusiast who preaches design conservatism. For the rest of us, there is a collective plea - Bring back the Fluidic Sculptures, Hyundai. Pul-eeezzzz!

Driven: 2020 Yamaha Fascino 125

Variant Tested: Standard (Disc Brake)

Price: ₹ 82,573 (On-road Chennai)

In an attempt to make up for time lost in the growing 125cc scooter space, Yamaha recently unveiled a trio of models that are set to replace the brand's existing 110cc line-up in a surprise strategic shift. 

Armed with fresh styling, an all-new chassis, advanced technology and more power, the Fascino 125 leads the charge. Is Yamaha's newest scooter well-placed to grab a piece of the pie that Honda, Suzuki and TVS are feasting on right now? We rode one to find out.

Fascino 125's swoopy design stands out

The Fascino has always been a scooter aimed at the style-conscious, a strategy that helped differentiate the model from the rest of the pack. The swoopy design language that was at once retro and modern not just gave the Fascino an identity of it's own but also helped the scooter carve a niche for itself. The Fascino 125 treads the same line. 

The neo-retro theme and curvy design elements have been carried over, this time with more bling and appeal. While the triangular headlight looks very similar to the existing Fascino 110, the apron features tall lenses that house parking lamps and indicators. In profile, the long and curvy side panels look impressive as does the large one-piece taillight with integrated indicators. Chrome highlights have been applied liberally with the shiny metal finding its way around the headlight, on the rear-view mirrors, in the front apron and along the sides. 

While most of you are gonna love that, for those rare specimens like us who don't prefer chrome, Yamaha has a 'Deluxe' version in which these inserts are finished in glossy black. Either way, the end result is a stylish scooter that's Instagram-worthy! 

That said, the fact Yamaha has cheaped out on lights cannot be ignored. Forget an attractive lighting signature, the Fascino 125 doesn't even get LED lights!

Fit, finish and attention-to-detail impress

The long and wide seat is spacious enough to fit a normal-sized pillion behind a plus-sized rider. Get astride and the first thing you notice would be the tight build and impressive levels of fit and finish. Yamaha's newest scoot is well put-together with no ungainly panels sticking out. Even the chrome embellishments are well thought-of and integrated with the flow of the body rather than being last minute add-ons. 

The kind of attention paid while designing little details here and there are noteworthy. For instance, the textured plastic surrounding the instrument cluster and the top half of the apron's rear not just look good but are also softer to the touch than the drab hard panels that's generally seen there. The floorboard, too, has it's share of interesting patterns.

Instrument Cluster needs a revamp

You might find it odd we're even complaining about the Fascino 125's instrument cluster. Of course, the analogue unit is clear to read and looks reasonably good, if a bit old. What irks us, though, is the lack of anything but an odometer and dials for indicating speed and fuel level. At a time when the likes of TVS N-Torq have raised the bar with digital MIDs offering a plethora of information and connectivity options, this is plain vannila. Come on Yamaha, you could've done better!

The switch-gear leaves no room to complain. The switches are tactile, well-finished and should stand the test of time under normal usage. There is even a provision to turn the Stop & Start system off, which is quite thoughtful.

There's more 'go' to match the 'show' now

The Fascino may have been a stylish run-about all along but the power output and performance from the 110cc engine has always been underwhelming. For a Yamaha, that is! With the all-new, fuel-injected 125cc mill with the brand's 'Blue Core' tech, the Japanese manufacturer is making amends with more power, more torque, more tech and more fuel efficiency too. 

Press the ignition button and the engine comes to life in muted fashion. Yamaha's Smart Generator System is at work here, eliminating the noise of meshing gears during start-up. Twist the throttle and the Fascino leaps forward swiftly with the engine's strong low-end aiding things. Power is delivered in a linear way throughout the mid-range before tapering off.

The Stop & Start system turns the engine off once the sensors detect the scooter being idle for 3 seconds. The motor springs back to life seamlessly at the slightest twist of the throttle, which should help increase fuel-efficiency. Yamaha claims an ARAI-rated 58 km/l for the Fascino 125, which is 16% higher than the Fascino 110.

We like the way it handles ...

The one thing constant with Yamahas, irrespective of the segment, is the way their models handle on-road. The Fascino 125 is no exception. This scooter is flickable at low speeds, impressively stable at high speeds and darts into corners quite eagerly, thanks in part to the long wheelbase and wide rear tire. You can have fun with the Fascino 125 alright, just not Aprilia-levels of fun.

Yamaha's 'Unified Braking System' is standard, as mandated by the regulations now. The front disc offers decent bite and together with the rear drum, ensures adequate braking capability. 

... but would prefer better ride quality

Equipped with telescopic forks up front and unit swing shock at the rear, the Fascino 125's suspension hardware is par for the course. What spoils the show however is the underlying firmness that makes low-speed rides around town a tad uncomfortable. The ride quality gets better as we go faster. In short, this isn't a scooter you can't live with but if a soft ride is what you're after, the Fascino 125 isn't for you.

High on style, just so-so on equipment

With fuel-injection, stop-start and silent start systems available as standard, the new Fascino's engine is as good as it gets. Safety is taken care of too as far as the regulations mandate.

Everywhere else though, we are left wanting. Be it the lack of storage spaces in the rider's footwell, absence of a modern cluster with crucial ride information or latest convenience features like BlueTooth connectivity and USB charger (available as a paid option), the new Fascino could have had more.

Specifications at a glance

> Length x Width x Height: 1,920 x 685 x 1,150 mm

> Wheelbase: 1,280 mm

> Ground Clearance: 145 mm

> Seat Height: 780 mm

> Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.2 l

> Underseat Storage: 21 l

> Engine Type: Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC

> Displacement: 125 cc

> Maximum Power: 8.1 HP @ 6,500 rpm

> Peak Torque: 9.7 Nm @ 5,000 rpm

> Transmission: Automatic (CVT)

> Tire Size (Front): 90/90 R12

> Tire Size (Rear): 110/90 R10

> Brake Type (Front): Disc (190 mm)

> Brake Type (Rear): Drum

To sum up

Yamaha's strategic shift to get out of 110cc segment and focus on 125cc scooters has gotten off to a great start with the Fascino 125. It is stylish, refined, quick enough for those urban runs and handles with poise. The firm low-speed ride and lack of equipment that rivals offer are the only noticeable negatives in what's otherwise an attractive proposition. 

In the end, if you are looking to stand out in the crowd but don't want to spend a fortune in buying the Vespa, the Fascino is a great buy!

Text and Editing: Aravind Ramesh

Photography: Bharath Rengaraj

Ashok Leyland's upcoming LCV (Project Phoenix) spotted testing

When it was introduced in 2011, Ashok Leyland's Dost was a pioneer in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) space in India. With a car-like cabin, power steering and optional air-conditioning, the Dost was a whiff of fresh air in a segment that wasn't known to offer it's drivers much apart from basic load-carrying ability.

Understandably, the Dost was - and continues to be - a reasonable success. But with just a single model offering payloads between 1.25 - 1.5 tonnes, Ashok Leyland couldn't make serious inroads against Tata and Mahindra that offer several models with multiple payloads and configurations. That's set to change with the Chennai-based manufacturer preparing to launch a slew of LCVs, internally codenamed 'Project Phoenix'.

One of those appears to be a pick-up truck that's bigger than the Dost but would still be an option for those seeking 'last mile connectivity' solutions. Caught testing in the busy GST Road on the outskirts of Chennai, the test vehicle was easily recognizable as an Ashok Leyland, thanks to the protruding snout up front. This time, it doesn't protrude as much as the Dost and looks far sleeker. The window-line is steeply raked as well and looks all the more better for it.

In terms of size, this truck is visibly bigger than the Dost, indicating a higher payload. Our sources indicate Ashok Leyland's upcoming truck would compete in the 3.0 - 4.0 tonne category, plugging a big hole in the brand's LCV line-up. While not much is known about this new truck, expect the Phoenix - or whatever this is called - to feature sleek styling and a decently-loaded cabin, just like the Dost.

The Dost is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine that generates 60 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque. Whether the same engine would be carried over to the new offering remains to be seen. There could be a bigger engine or more horses hidden beneath that camouflage. So, watch this space!

All-new Mahindra Thar spotted testing again

That Mahindra is working on an all-new Thar is not news anymore. In addition to the numerous spy-shots floating across the web, the Indian car-maker did a marketing masterstroke by sending off the previous-generation model with the special "Thar 700". Among others, this limited edition - the last 700, to be precise - had an unique Aquamarine paint job, factory-fitted alloy wheels, customized seats and a fender badge signed by Anand Mahindra.

While many expected Mahindra to make a splash at the just-concluded 2020 Auto Expo with the all-new Thar, that was not to be. Instead, the iconic off-roader that enjoys a cult following pan-India is still undergoing what we presume are final rounds of testing before it debuts. Caught in the outskirts of Chennai, this soft-top Thar had a camouflaged KUV1OO for company. While the image isn't clear, is that the electric KUV1OO testing alongside? More on that, later. 

As can be seen, Mahindra isn't fiddling with the Thar's legendary Jeep-inspired design. It makes sense. Why fix something that ain't broken? That said, the fact it looks so close to the real Jeep Wrangler - which, incidentally, is also on sale in India - can't be overlooked. Expect Mahindra to spruce things up nicely with LED lights all around and door handles and hood hinges that don't look antiquated like the current model's. Despite the camouflage, the Thar's stance is undeniably attractive with the relatively smaller steel wheels of the test vehicle - which appears to be a lower variant - being the only downer.

Interiors are expected to be thoroughly revamped with Mahindra finally deeming it fit to equip the Thar with niceties like power windows, multi-function steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment system and forward-facing rear seats. With their focus on safety in recent times, there is a good chance the Thar will continue Mahindra's good run of form in Global NCAP crash tests with dual airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), seat-belt reminders and speed-alert system likely to be standard. 

Under the hood, all-new BS-VI compliant 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine churning out 140 horsepower is expected to be the mainstay. A petrol engine, most likely to be the 2.0-liter 'mStallion' mill showcased at the Auto Expo, is also said to be in the works. Going by the P13 sticker on the test car, it could be this engine that's being given the workout here. With the underpinnings expected to be shared with the TUV3OO, the Thar will continue to feel at home off-road as it does on-road. 

With expectations and interest around the 2020 Thar peaking, Mahindra can't launch this quintessential SUV soon enough. Are you one of those waiting with bated breath to see how the 'desi' Jeep pans out in its modern avatar? You got to wait just that little bit longer!

On the masked KUV1OO accompanying the Thar, is that the all-electric version being tested? The image isn't clear enough to conclude. Let us know if you know more on that.

Hyundai Verna facelift caught testing in Chennai

Mid-size sedans might be running out of favour in the crossover-crazy Indian market but these elegant three-boxes aren't going down without a fight. One such model is the Hyundai Verna which has carved a niche for itself in India over three generations. The current model has been especially popular, often challenging Maruti-Suzuki's Ciaz and Honda's City for sales supremacy in the segment. 

Having been on sale in our country since 2017, the Verna is due for a facelift. While China got a controversial, love-it-hate-it design late last year, images of the Russia-bound Solaris facelift (That's how Verna is called there) that Hyundai released earlier this week made us feel better. Much better, in fact!

Now, we can confirm with authority the Verna facelift that's headed here is inspired by the Russia-spec model. Caught testing in Chennai by Mr. Sai Narayan, here are the clearest spy-shots yet of the soon-to-be-launched Verna, hinting at what's in store for us Indians. 

Beneath the camouflage that's now a bit more revealing than before, an outline of Hyundai's trademark 'Cascading Grille' with a diamond-shaped mesh pattern can be seen. At it's top edges, the grille can be noticed merging with a pair of wraparound headlights. Circular fog lights can be seen on the farther edges of the bumper. The profile hasn't changed much except for the shape of the alloys. Changes to the rear appear minimal with the taillights and boot-lid looking like an evolution of the current model.

So, those of you that have been having nightmares imagining the China-spec Verna on our roads can relax now!

With the Bharat Stage-VI norms coming into effect from April, Hyundai is revamping Verna's power-train lineup. All four engines of the current model - 1.4-liter petrol and diesel and 1.6-liter petrol and diesel - are reportedly on the way out, replaced by petrol and diesel engines displacing 1.5 liters. Both manual and automatic transmissions are likely to be paired to these engines. Zoom in on the window sticker and you will notice this car is the top-spec 1.5-liter petrol with a 6-speed manual transmission. 

We wish Hyundai sweetens the deal by offering the 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission on the flagship variant.

Interiors are likely to get subtle changes as well and, in typical Hyundai fashion, get a plethora of features and creature comforts to keep the occupants happy. Remember, it was the Verna that introduced ventilated seats - an hitherto luxury car feature - to the masses! Expect the South Korean car-maker to continue that tradition.

When it goes on sale shortly, the Verna will face stiff competition from the Ciaz as well as the all-new fifth-generation Honda City. With similarly-priced crossovers out on the kill, this trio's fight to keep the segment alive and ticking is one to watch out for.