Bajaj launches Kawasaki Ninja 300 in India

The Kawasaki Ninja 250R holds a special place in our hearts as it was the model that introduced us Indians to the concept of ‘affordable sports biking’. Though the Honda CBR 250R, the KTM Duke 200 and the Hyosung GT250R came later and stole some thunder from the Kawasaki, the Ninja 250R managed to retain its appeal amongst the competition and achieved a fair amount of success in India.

The Kawasaki Ninja 300, that was launched by Bajaj Auto on Wednesday (Apr 10, 2013), hopes to carry this legacy forward. Priced at INR 3.5 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi, the Ninja 300 is significantly more expensive than the 250R that it replaces.

Trying to justify the price hike is the Ninja 300's thoroughly modern styling that draws a lot of inspiration from the flagship higher-displacement Ninjas. Featuring a 'mass-forward, minimalist-tail' design concept, the Ninja 300 stuns with its dual headlamps, flush-fitted indicators, floating windscreen, thin taillight, skyward-sloping silencer and a sporty, stepped up pillion seat. The 5-spoke alloy wheels look great. Apart from the dual-tone body panels, the engine and the frame of the Ninja 300 are also finished in black. Unlike the dated instrument panel of the 250R, the Ninja 300 sports an analog tachometer and a digital speedometer that also houses an odometer, dual trip meters, clock and an economy indicator.

Powered by a 4-stroke, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, 296-cc engine, the Ninja 300 boasts a maximum power output of 38.5 bhp at 11000 rpm and a peak torque of 2.8 kgm at 10000 rpm. Red-lined at 13000 rpm, this twin-cylinder engine sports a host of technologies including a slipper clutch system that is usually found on bigger-displacement race bikes. Built on a steel-tube diamond frame that offers high strength and durability, the Ninja 300 has a telescopic fork up front and a bottom-link Uni-Trak gas-charged shocks at the rear with a 5-way adjustable preload. Equipped with dual-piston petal discs in both the wheels, the Ninja 300 has the go to match its show. But, the absence of Antilock Braking System (ABS) is a shocker.

There are around 3000 Ninjas running on Indian roads since the 250R and the 650R made its debut in 2009 and 2011 respectively. To add to that, the Ninja 300 is all set to paint Indian roads green. Are you ready to 'go green', fellas? If yes, head straight to the nearest Bajaj Probiking dealership.

Image Courtesy: Ninja 300 India Facebook Page

Honda launches Amaze in India, prices start from INR 4.99 Lakhs

The last few years were not good for Honda for myriad reasons. One, and the most significant, of them was the lack of a diesel engine option in any of its models in India. It not only stagnated Honda's sales here, but also forced many diesel-crazy Indians to ignore the brand altogether. All that is history now, as Honda finally launched the Amaze sedan in India yesterday. Based on the Brio hatchback, the Amaze is Honda's first sub-4m sedan ever. An innovation that was started by Tata has now really caught on the fancy of global brands.

Much to the delight of fans in India, Honda has launched the Amaze with both petrol and diesel engine options. The base petrol variant E is priced at INR 4.99 Lakhs, followed by EX at 5.24, S at 5.62 and the top-end VX at INR 6.60 Lakhs. The S and VX are also available with an automatic transmission and are priced at INR 6.62 and 7.50 Lakhs respectively. The eagerly-awaited diesel variants are priced at INR 5.99 Lakhs for the base E variant, while the EX, S and VX are priced at INR 6.24, 6.67 and 7.60 Lakhs respectively. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi. Contrary to its reputation of commanding a premium for its models, Honda has got it spot on this time around. At these prices, its clear that Honda is gunning for the Maruti-Suzuki Swift Dzire.

Shared with the Brio, the 1.2-liter i-VTEC petrol engine in the Amaze produces a maximum power of 88 PS at 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 109 Nm at 4500 rpm. The big news however is the all-new 1.5-liter i-DTEC diesel engine that churns out 100 PS of maximum power at 3600 rpm and 200 Nm of peak torque at 1750 rpm. Developed under Honda's 'Earth Dreams' moniker, this all-aluminium power-train features a host of weight saving technologies that has enabled the Amaze diesel to return an amazing 25.8 km/l in the ARAI fuel efficiency tests. That makes the Amaze diesel the most fuel-efficient car in India. You didn't expect that from Honda, did you?

The Amaze is differentiated from the Brio with a double chrome-lined grille, bumpers with body-colored inserts, fog lamps and a longer wheelbase. Despite the same tipped-forward stance as the Brio, the designers at Honda have done a good job of integrating the boot. Unlike most of its competitors, the boot of the Amaze doesn't look like an afterthought. Having said that, the Amaze isn't entirely pleasing to the eyes, atleast for us. The increased wheelbase has liberated more passenger room inside, which will prove to be a major draw in the Indian market. The rest of the interiors, including the unconventional dashboard, are mostly identical to the Brio.

With air-conditioner, power steering, tilt steering, central locking and front and rear power windows offered as standard, the Amaze has covered the basic requirements of a majority of the general populace. The top-end variant comes fully loaded with alloy wheels, power mirrors, dual front Airbags, front seat belt pre-tensioners with load limiter, an integrated music system with MP3, USB and Aux-in functionality, steering-mounted audio controls, chrome and silver accents in the interiors, fog lamps and a heat-absorbing front windshield amongst others. In a great move, Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is available as standard on all diesel variants. Sadly, only the VX and the two automatic variants of Amaze petrol gets this important safety feature.

Finally, Honda has launched a model that suits the requirements of the Indian car-buying public to the tee. Will this Amaz(e)ing model turn around the fortunes of Honda in India? We definitely think so. Be prepared for a big waiting list for the Amaze very soon!

Volkswagen Golf is 2013 World Car of the Year

Introduced in 2003, the World Car of the Year award program is one of the automotive industry's most prestigious, credible and significant event that combines the attributes and functionality of various other regional, national and continental Car of the Year titles. But, Volkswagen seems to be making a mockery of this award. Don't get us wrong. With all due respect to the title and the esteemed jury, we do not really know how else to express the fact that Volkswagen has won this title 4 times in the last 5 years.

Yes, following in the footsteps of Golf VI in 2009, Polo in 2010 and Up! in 2012, the all-new seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf has been selected as the 2013 World Car of the Year.

Selected by an international jury panel comprising of 66 automotive journalists from around the world, the award winners were announced at the ongoing 2013 New York International Auto Show. From an initial list of more than 40 new models, the candidates were trimmed to a short list of 10, out of which 4 finalists were chosen. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Porsche Boxster / Cayman and the combined trio of Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT 86 were the other cars that fought hard for the title.

Heaping praise on the all-new Golf, the jurors of the World Car Awards commented, "Honed over seven generations since its original launch in 1974, the Volkswagen Golf is as close to the perfect hatchback design as any car company has come yet. Right sized, but spacious, practical and comfortable inside, the latest Golf has been brought up to date with a fresh if evolutionary design, a range of new engines, plus an impressive list of equipment and safety features. What's more, it's fun to drive. If ever there was a car for everyman, the Golf is it."

Obviously pleased with the title, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, said, "We at Volkswagen are all delighted that the Golf has been named 'World Car of the Year'. To win this award again shows that the Golf is and remains in a class of its own all around the world. This car sets new benchmarks again and again, not least in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials. Soon, for instance, the Golf will also be launched as a plug-in hybrid and as a 100% electric car."

* 2013 World Car of the Year - Volkswagen Golf

Previous WCOTY Winners:

* 2012 Volkswagen Up!
* 2011 Nissan Leaf
* 2010 Volkswagen Polo
* 2009 Volkswagen Golf
* 2008 Mazda 2 / Demio

As is the tradition, the World Car of the Year award was accompanied by titles such as World Performance Car of the Year, World Green Car of the Year and World Design of the Year.

Porsche won the 2013 World Performance Car of the Year title for the second straight year with its Boxster and Cayman twins. In the process, Porsche trumped the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and the Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT 86 trio. Having been one among the finalists for all but one year of the existence of this award, Porsche has added yet another jewel to Volkswagen's star-studded crown.

* 2013 World Performance Car of the Year - Porsche Boxster / Cayman

Previous Winners:

* 2012 Porsche 911
* 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia
* 2010 Audi R8 V10
* 2009 Nissan GT-R
* 2008 Audi R8

When the Jaguar F-Type was unveiled last year, we knew that it was one of the most beautiful cars of our time. And we were right, as the Jaguar deservedly won the 2013 World Design of the Year award, beating Aston-Martin Vanquish and Mazda 6, the other two finalists. By doing so, the F-Type has proved to be a perfect successor to the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, that won this award in 2012.

* 2013 World Design of the Year - Jaguar F-Type

Previous Winners:

* 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
* 2011 Aston Martin Rapide
* 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
* 2009 Fiat 500
* 2008 Audi R8

Finally, the Tesla Model S, an all-electric car that has been creating shock waves across North America, has been chosen as the 2013 Green Car of the Year. Ever since its launch, the Tesla Model S has been redefining the term 'electric car', proving to the masses that electric cars are not a compromise in any sort of way. The other two finalists that came close to winning the title were Renault Zoe and Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid.

* 2013 World Green Car of the Year - Tesla Model S

Previous Winners:

* 2012 Mercedes-Benz S250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
* 2011 Chevrolet Volt
* 2010 Volkswagen BlueMotion Cars
* 2009 Honda FCX Clarity
* 2008 BMW 118d Efficient Dynamics

Stripped-down variant of Nissan Micra spotted in Chennai

Renault-Nissan might have went on a new model rampage in India over the last few years, but only a couple of them have went on to become big success stories. Nissan Micra, sadly, isn't one of them. Ever since its launch in 2010, Micra's sales numbers in India can best be termed average. Its a different story in international markets though, as the Chennai plant keeps churning out Micras in significantly bigger numbers to cater to the export demand. Now that three years have passed since it went on sale, Nissan is planning to launch a mid-cycle facelift of the Micra in India and abroad. But, it looks like Nissan is not going to discontinue the existing Micra altogether.

 
The company is planning to launch a stripped down variant of the car that will be priced significantly lower than the current model. These pictures of the Micra hatchback caught testing in Chennai are proof of that. If reports in other automotive websites are to be believed, this variant will be called the 'Micra Active' and will continue to sell alongside the face-lifted Micra.

To reduce costs, Nissan is planning to cut down on many features like, for instance, the Driver Airbag that is currently standard across the Micra range. We also expect the stripped-down Micra to lose out on some of the NVH material and chassis safety structures that are currently designed for stricter European norms. Though the thin camouflage at the front hints at a subtle change for the Micra Active, the rear end is exactly same as the existing model. Expected to be launched within the next few months, the Micra Active is said to be targeting models like the Hyundai i10 and Honda Brio, which means it might end up priced significantly lower than the existing Micra.

Will this move work out for Nissan and help increase Micra's sales in India? Let's wait and watch.

Ford still testing the Ecosport, official launch date not announced yet

Sports Utility Vehicles might have become a rage in India, a few thousands of potential customers might be waiting for its launch ever since it was unveiled more than a year ago at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi and the media might be carrying all sorts of speculations on the expected date of launch of this hugely-anticipated model. But, it looks like Ford is silently continuing with its work without giving a damn about these things. Neither has Ford confirmed the date of launch of the Ecosport nor is it done with the testing formalities. Three top-end diesel variants of the Ecosport caught testing yesterday in the busy Chennai-Trichy Highway (NH 45), some 50 km from Ford India's manufacturing facility, proves that.

Spy shots of the Ford Ecosport have become the most common thing on automotive websites these days. We at Anything On Wheels have shot the Ecosport testing in and around Chennai on two separate occasions before. While the first spotting was of a fully camouflaged model, the second set of spy shots gave us a clear glimpse of the base petrol variant. This time though, all three Ecosports caught testing were top-end diesel variants, as proved by the 'TDCi' and 'Titanium' badges on the rear door. As such, features like body-colored door handles and rear view mirrors, chrome-lined front grille, fog lamps with chrome surround and roof rails that were not available in the base variant earlier, have found their way into this variant.

Ever since its unveiling, the Ford Ecosport has been attracting people just by virtue of its looks. That is clearly evident on the road, more so in that bright shade of orange, that adds a lot of character to the Ecosport. The multi-layered, chrome-lined grille up front and the pillarless rear windscreen steal the show, as does the rear door-mounted spare wheel. The compact dimensions of the Ecosport will be a boon inside the city while the high stance will prove its worth on potholed country roads. Three engine options, a 1.5-liter TiVCT petrol engine, a 1.5-liter TDCi diesel engine and a 1.0-liter 'EcoBoost' petrol engine are expected to power the Ecosport. Being a Ford, we can safely expect the Ecosport to sport a superb ride and handling characteristics too.

All in all, the Ecosport looks to be perfectly armored to succeed in the Indian market. For that to happen though, the model should first go on sale in India. Of late, Ford has started a lot of marketing initiatives to keep the Ecosport in limelight ahead of its official launch. Apart from displaying the Ecosport at select malls in Delhi and Mumbai and releasing a schedule for public displays in other Indian cities, Ford is running an "Urban Discoveries" campaign to promote the Ecosport amongst the general public. The launch is expected only after the conclusion of these events, which means the Ecosport is not set for launch until end of May. So folks, let the wait continue!