Bajaj launches Kawasaki Ninja 650R in India

If there ever was a better time to 'Go Green', it is right now, as Bajaj has launched the Kawasaki Ninja 650R in India at an astonishing price of Rs 4.57 Lakhs. At this price, the Ninja 650R will not just blow away the competition from the likes of Hyosung GT650R, but will also cannibalize the sales of the smaller Ninja 250R.

This internationally-acclaimed bike is powered by a 649cc, liquid cooled, parallel twin engine with a power output of 72 PS and a torque rating of 66 Nm. The stand-out features of the Ninja 650R include twin petal discs upfront, digital instrument console (which was shockingly missing in the Ninja 250R) and an unique-looking shorter exhaust that ends before the pillion rider's leg-rest.

The bike is available in India in only the Kawasaki Racing Green color. But, I don't see people complaining for this as the Ninja lovers will go for nothing but green anyway. The gorgeous looking twin headlamps, the side fairing, the contoured seats, the long grab-rails and the small but powerful taillamps together ensure that the bike turns heads whereever you go.

The Ninja 650R is the perfect transition for a rider from 220 cc bikes before going in for the liter class super bikes. And at just Rs 4.57 Lakh, Bajaj has brought a truly international sports bike experience with full sales and service backup within the reach of a majority of young Indians. Way to go Bajaj! Now, start saving to go green!

Audi celebrates 40 Years of Vorsprung durch Technik

Let us be clear. This is not an usual milestone that we get to see often like a 'n' millionth number of a particular car being produced by a particular company. But this is no less significant either. This is about an ad caption that was created way back to signify the common values of a brand that was having a diverse line-up of models and trying to grow beyond its German horizons.

In 2011, 40 years down the line, the caption still takes prime place in the company's ads and signifies the value of the brand just as perfectly as it did in 1971 when it was first created. The brand in question is Audi and it's caption 'Vorsprung Durch Technik'. Translated in English, the phrase means 'Advancement Through Technology' which is precisely what Audi is doing in its models.

That the caption was formed in its native German language did not make it any less popular outside Germany. In fact, in India where anything foreign catches the attention of the public, it became a style statement whenever someone has to refer to the brand. When Audi was introduced in our market, the caption was as much of a rage as the cars themselves.

With a global lineup extending from the sub-compact A1 to the R8 supercar, some of the recent technological innovations of Audi include aluminium spaceframe construction, all-LED lighting, the award-winning 2.5-liter 5-cylinder TFSI engine and the MMI Interface with Google mapping functionality. I just have a humble request to Audi - Lassen Sie die Innovationen weiter!

Force Motors SUV spotted testing in Pune

What you see in these spy shots would probably carry the entire hopes and future of  Force Motors in the passenger car segment. Though the company is doing moderately well in the commercial vehicle space, their passenger car lineup is in total shambles. But, this vehicle may change the scenario completely.

This all-important model is believed to be closely based on the Chinese Guangdong Foday Explorer III. But if you are already writing it off, better don’t. The powertrain and drivetrain of the vehicle is touted to be from Daimler and the world-renowned Lotus has worked in getting the handling of the vehicle right. Will Force Motors get the act of mix and match right this time?

At first glance, the vehicle looks like it could indeed carry the burden of the entire company on it's shoulders. It’s so big and massive that it commands an imposing road presence. But if it ends up looking similar to the Chinese SUV that it is based on, the inoffensive but dated design would ensure that it isn't a head-turner on road. Compared to modern rivals, the design sure lacks flair and some curves.

The interiors are sure to be extremely spacious with enough room to accommodate three rows of passengers and their luggage as well. Quality and durability of the interiors would be a big question though. Hopefully, the mechanicals with inputs from stalwarts like Daimler and Lotus should be one positive aspect of this vehicle. But, if Force Motors wants to project this as a luxury SUV as they claim it to be, they really need to spruce up the interiors and the exteriors.

Toyota Etios Liva seen testing in Chennai

Of the many things that makes Toyota special, the most important is their policy of committing less and delivering more. Time and again, they have thrived by following this policy and this recent episode in India is a classic example of that. When the Etios sedan made its debut, there were a flurry of bookings which Toyota was obviously not able to meet. Immediately, the company announced that the scheduled launch of the Etios Liva hatchback would be postponed until the pending orders for the sedan are fulfilled.

Now, that is not something which every company would do. Most of them would just be willing to increase the sales and hence their profits irrespective of the plight of the waiting customers. But that is Toyota for you. Now that the flutter created by the Etios sedan has settled down, it is expected that the Liva would finally be launched by June 2011. As we are nearing the launch dates, it seems that the car is undergoing some final test runs before being put into the market.

A couple of Liva hatchbacks accompanied by an Etios sedan were spotted waiting at a toll gate in the Chennai-Bangalore Highway with their badges masked. It is clear that these are the same cars that have been spotted over the past few months by the automotive media. Indians are traditionally known for their strong penchant towards the Japanese automotive brands, especially Toyota. This coupled with an already strong demand for the Etios sedan could well make the Liva a smash hit in India.

If you can get over the conservative looks of the car and some glaring cost-cutting efforts in the interiors, you just can’t go wrong with the Liva. Just like every other Toyota, its bulletproof reliability, powerful yet fuel-efficient engine and good fit and finish will make the Liva an enticing buy. And just like the sedan, the Liva will be terrific value for money too!

Travelogue #3 - Chennai to Trichy

Tiruchirapalli or 'Trichy' as it is often referred to, is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. Located slap bang in the center of the state, Trichy is easily accessible and frequented by travelers all-round the year. If a calm, peaceful place with lots of temples and loads of cultural heritage is what you are looking at for your next weekend trip, then this is the place for you. The city has two prominent landmarks, both of which are extremely popular ancient architectural wonders.

For long, Trichy has been the most conservative and traditional amongst all cities in Tamil Nadu. Just visit the city once and you know why. Almost all the tourist spots in and around Trichy are places of religious interest. Having refused to open up to modern commercialism until a few years back, Trichy has now slowly started accepting modern lifestyle, but without losing an iota of its rich heritage.

Undoubtedly, the pride of Trichy is the Rockfort Temple which has been carved atop an ancient rock. Standing majestically in the heart of the city, this 83m high rock is considered to be one of the oldest in the world dating back to almost 3 billion years ago. The view of Rockfort from the bridge across the river Cauvery is classic vintage beauty. From the top of the temple, you get to enjoy an excellent view of the city.

Towering tall on the other side of the Cauvery is yet another architectural marvel of Trichy, the Srirangam Temple. Nestled in an island between two rivers and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the main temple tower of Srirangam is touted to be the tallest in South Asia. The temple complex is huge and a whole day is required to explore and enjoy it's beauty. These apart, there are a whole lot of religious places in and around the city to totally engulf you in spirituality.

The city as such is quite small and cheerful, with an old-world charm to it. On most weekends, the narrow yet neatly laid roads there will be deserted inviting you to take out your car or bike and enjoy the drive and the beauty of the city. On weekdays though, the roads in the city get really chaotic and messy.

ROUTEMAP:

FACTFILE:

* Total No of Days: 3 (22.04.2011 - 24.04.2011)
* Vehicle Make & Model: Hyundai Santro Xing

* Odometer Start Reading: 59414 km
* Odometer End Reading: 60166 km 
* Total Distance travelled: 752 km
* Total Quantity of Fuel filled: 52.15 l
* Average Fuel Consumption: 14.42 km/l
* Net Worth of Fuel filled: Rs 3226.44

* Destinations Covered: Trichy
* Route Followed: Chennai-Villupuram-Trichy

THE LANDSCAPE:

THE AUTOMOBILE:

Having driven across Tamil Nadu over the past year, I can vouch that the NH45 (Chennai-Trichy Highway) is undoubtedly the best road in the state. Its a pure motoring heaven and you need to experience it to understand what I say. Happy traveling!