TVS Wego 110cc scooter coming January 2010.

Wego is a slightly strange name for a perfectly normal scooter. TVS is finally releasing a full-size 100+cc variomatic scooter after years of showing the potential to be really good at it with the Scooty Pep. I was at Chennai to attend the launch and got a short ride on the bike and came away impressed.

The styling talks to the customer and as seems to be the demand from the customers, it's metal bodied, not too aggressive and not too passive in style. TVS has paid attention to the practicality requirements and you get a pretty large underseat storage, a standard moulded front storage and a fuel filler cap that sits outside and behind the seat so you can fill up without getting off. The sole fly in the ointment - and it's a small one - is that the fuel filler cap and seat release with the ignition key. But instead of the all-in-one kind of designs like on the Flyte, the TVS has a ignition/handlebar lock, a separate front cubby lock and a third one on the left side panel which releases the seat and the filler cap. TVS have give the Wego an evolved Scooty Pep style headlamp, position lamps on the front apron and LED tail lamps at the rear to keep it firmly in the current mainstream full-size scooter ballpark.

Under the metal is a all-new chassis with telescopic front forks and the rear suspension is gas-charged. The engine is the 109.7cc top-end from the Jive (or you could say the Jive get's the Wego powertrain's top-end) mated to a variomatic transmission - like the Pep but much more beefy. The 8bhp, 8Nm motor feels pretty crisp to ride and the 105kg (dry) Wego feels like a fun, peppy scooter to ride. What is deeply impressive is the ride quality which heads southwards, gently, only over the very worst kinds of roads. The rest is handled very well indeed. I also liked that light handling feel of the bike and in traffic the Wego should prove fun.

Stay tuned for a comparison test of the TVS Wego in the January 2010 issue of OVERDRIVE when the Rs 42,600 (ex-Chennai) scooter goes head to head with its competition.

TVS Jive

TVS Motors launches a rotary gearbox equipped commuter, the Jive

 It's been a while, come to think of it, since I tested a motorcycle that truly changed the game. Or at least had the potential to. Question is, is the TVS Jive that motorcycle? I don't know for sure. I do know that it's going where no motorcycle has gone before.

It's the gearbox that makes the Jive so different. If you remember the Hero Honda Street stepthrough, it came with a rotary gearbox. That means you can shift from neutral up sequentially into top and then continue into neutral with one shift without having to return downwards. There's a safety device, of course, the prevents you from blowing up the engine when you do this at an inappropriate time, like when approaching top speed. The Jive is similar.

The TVS Jive builds on the manufacturer's experience from making stepthroughs in the Indonesia market with this kind of gearbox and their Indian motorcycle expertise. What you have is a powertrain that has a well-tuned 8.4bhp (at 7500rpm) 109.7cc regular four-stroke single cylinder engine but with a four-speed gearbox with rotary shift capability and two clutches. One of the two is a normal multiplate job while the other one is a automatic centrifugal clutch that prevents the engine from stalling when you're in gear but off the throttle. This is the core of the motorcycle, so I'll quickly dispense with the rest of the bike and then return to it.

In styling terms, the electric-start equipped Jive is good looking but not unusual. There's hints of the Star in the lines and on the short ride I got on it, it felt comfortable though I noticed that the seat felt exceptionally soft. TVS say the bike's meant for people making multiple short trips and in that capacity the seat will definitely work. But on a longer ride, I've a feeling that you might end up intimate with the seatpan. Something to look out for in the road test, then. The 105kg (dry) motorcycle handles in the typically agile fashion that most TVS bikes tend to, and I ran over every bump I could find to discover that it rides well too. In short, it's a likeable, commuter motorcycle. Now to the juicy bits.

 

 

The gearbox takes a bit of getting used to. The torque in first gear is almost too much and of my three launches (in first, second and third gears), I found second to be the smoothest way to do it. It does pull well (uphill!) in third and first is a bit jerky only because the bike seems to produce appreciable amounts of torque at low revs. Once you're rolling, you shift down to select the next higher gear and TVS say that while the right side pod of the twin-pod instruments are taken over by the gear indicator, there's no real need to shift either into neutral or even into first at traffic lights. I found this claim to be disconcerting, but true. The shifts themselves, I must add, are a bit odd initially. You see, the first half of the shifter travel actuates the clutch and the second half actually selects the gear. Which gives the shift a rubbery-springy feel initially, followed by the lighter-notchier feel of a regular shifter. Once you get used to this, of course, you look past it. Because in traffic, the whole combination does really work nicely. You more or less roll on the throttle as a response to all acceleration needs, and the bike takes care of it in practically every gear. That's need. I did find my hand flapping about trying to engage a non-existent clutch lever but that was the sole adjustment I needed to make. 

And then I pulled a u-turn. Normally, we modulate the engine using the clutch to pull smooth feet-up u-turns. My first one saw the bike nearly run away with the torque in first gear, then freewheel when I closed the throttle and then run off again... and then I was told that the trick was to shift up into second or third for u-turns which made them a cinch. You see, the auto-centrigual clutch takes up the slack and once it does, it's like a idling Kinetic - engine runs, but no power is transmitted. And like the Kinetic, when you roll on the throttle, the clutch engages and starts delivering power.

The point is, TVS are claiming that the Jive is the most convenient of the commuters. It was designed to be that and I can see their point. It's a quiet, refined, torquey powertrain and I've no doubt that had this been mated to a normal gearbox, the Jive would have lined up as another strong contender in a line-up of excellent commuters. What remains to be seen is this. The Jive takes a bit of acclimatisation. You won't climb on and instantly realise how good the idea is. When it goes in sale mid-December for Rs 41,000 ex-showroom Mumbai, the challenge for TVS will be to get the customers to see in the typically short test rides features that will make sense after four days of riding regularly. Automatic for the people? Potentially yes, but we'll see.

 

Tags :

TVS Jive

Frankfurt auto show

    Renault Kangoo EV Picture

    Renault will build a zero-emissions, battery-powered version Kangoo city van, the Kangoo Z.E., in 2011.

  

   Peugeot BB1 Picture

   Peugeot took its BB1 all-electric concept out on the streets of Paris to check out public interest.

   Audi R4 Electric Roadster Picture

   First look at the Audi R4, the new electric roadster to be built off the e-Tron concept.

    Smart Fortwo Electric Picture

    The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive (pictured) will go into limited production next month and full-scale                 production in 2012.

    Audi e-tron Concept Picture

    Audi e-tron Concept

   2012 BMW M1 Picture

   The 2012 M1 is rumored to carry a price tag above $115,000.

 

Upcoming Bikes in India 2010

In India, the two-wheeler industry is flourishing a fast rate. Indian motorbike market is the second largest in the world. Major two wheeler giants have entered into market in 2009. In spite of being really competitive, the bike market has gain a double digit expansion for last 2-3 year, as there is no slow down in sale of two-wheelers. Actor s like John Abraham, have created a craze among the Indian regarding the bike factor. For many international bike manufacturers around the world India has now become a favorite market. Motorbike manufacturers like Hero Honda, Bajaj, TVS and Yamaha are more are lead in India. Now days they are anxious to make available many new powerful and sporty bikes. The year 2010 is going to eyewitness some of the best launches. Only Bajaj has announced to lunch 6 bikes in 2010.

Upcoming bikes are going to be more technological advance in terms of providing comfort and fuel efficiency. Indian motorcycle market mainly makes small and inexpensive bikes for use in basic transport. Besides making traditional 100 cc to 125 cc bikes, they are also focusing to produce more powerful and stylish bikes to tempt young riders. So new lunches are going to include bikes having cost more than lacs and this will really change the theory of Indian two -wheeler Market. Even Harley-Davidson Inc on, United States popular motorcycle maker announced its plans to rush into India’s motorcycle market. It has established a subsidiary in Gurgaon. Royal Enfield owned by Eicher-Motors also is going to lunch its new model soon.

Bikes line-up in 2010

Apache RTR 180

CC – 177.4 cc
Technology – Single Ctlinder, Air cooled, 4 Stroke
Max Power – 17.3 BHP @ 8500 RPM
Max Torque – 1.58 KGM @ 65 RPM
Gear Box – 5 Gear Constant Mesh
Clutch – Multi-Plate wet type
Fuel System – Carburetted

Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Engine Type Parallel – Twin
Cylinders – 2
Engine Stroke – 4-Stroke
Cooling Liquid Valves – 8
Valves Per Cylinder - 4
Valve Configuration – DOHC
Compression Ratio - 11.6:1
Starter – Electric
Fuel Requirements – Regular
Fuel Type – Gas

Suzuki RM-Z250

Engine – 4-stroke
liquid-cooled, DOHC
Bore & Stroke 77.0 mm (3.03 in) x 53.6 mm (2.11 in)
Compression Ratio – 13.4 : 1
Fuel System – KEIHIN FCR37MX
Lubrication Semi – dry sump
Ignition – Electronic ignition (CDI)
Starter – Primary kick
Transmission – 5-speed constant mesh

and many more…

By now if you have made your mind to buy your dream two-wheeler, think again. It seems the two-wheelers are going to come out in new stylish design and passion in 2010. So wait for the best models line-up in 2010.

Top 10 World Fastest cars

1. SSC Ultimate Aero: 257 mph, 0-60 in 2.7 secs. Twin-Turbo V8 Engine with 1183 hp, base price is $654,400. Tested in March 2007 by Guinness world records, The SSC Ultimate Aero takes the lead as the fastest car in the world beating Bugatti Veyron.

2. Bugatti Veyron: 253 mph, 0-60 in 2.5 secs. Aluminum, Narrow Angle W16 Engine with 1001 hp, base price is $1,700,000. With the highest price tag, no wonder this is rank #2.

3. Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo: 248 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. Twin Turbo All Aluminum V8 Engine with 750 hp, base price is $555,000. Smooth and bad-ass, will make you want to show it off non-stop.

4. Koenigsegg CCX: 245 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. 90 Degree V8 Engine 806 hp, base price is $545,568. Made in Sweden, it is aiming hard to be the fastest car in the world, but it has a long way to go to surpass the Bugatti and the Ultimate Aero.

5. McLaren F1: 240 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. BMW S70/2 60 Degree V12 Engine with 627 hp, base price is $970,000. Check out the doors, they looks like bat wings, maybe Batman need to order one and paints it black

6. Ferrari Enzo: 217 mph, 0-60 in 3.4 secs. F140 Aluminum V12 Engine with 660 hp, base price is $670,000. Only 399 ever produced, the price goes up every time someone crashes.

7. Jaguar XJ220: 217 mph, 0-60 in 3.8 secs. Twin Turbo V6 Engine with 542 hp, base price was $650,000. Made in 1992, this car still got what it takes to make the list.

8. Pagani Zonda F: 215 mph, 0-60 in 3.5 secs. Mercedes Benz M180 V12 Engine with 650 hp, base price is $667,321. With a V12 motor, this baby can do much better.

 

9. Lamborghini Murcielago LP640: 211 mph, 0-60 in 3.3 secs. V12 Engine with 640 hp, base price is $430,000. Nice piece of art, the design is very round and smooth.

10. Porsche Carrera GT: 205 mph, 0-60 in 3.9 secs. Aluminum, 68 Degree, Water Cooled V10 Engine with 612 hp, base price is $440,000. The most powerful and most expensive Porsche  nearly made the list as #10.

Upcoming Cars

 

 Maruti Kizakhi

Maruti is now planning to enter the D segment of cars with its new offering Kizashi. Expected to be launched in the early 2010, the car is expected to compete with the likes of Honda Civic, Toyota Corrola, Skoda Octavia and the upcoming Volkswagen Jetta. The Kizashi concept car was showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007 and at the Auto Expo in New Delhi in 2008. Expected to be priced around Rs. 10 lakh, it will have many innovative features, and is likely to be powered by a 2 litre turbo diesel engine. Kizashi is also likely to have a six.speed transmission and large 21 inch alloys. The car is likely to be produced at the company's Manesar facility in Haryana.

Maruti Kizashi is expected to be the first all-wheel drive sedan in the luxury D segment. The car will carry an advanced four-valve turbo-fired two-litre petrol, Euro V engine, which will also be premiered at the same time. Kizashi is also likely to boast the first six-speed transmission from the Suzuki stable. A crossover sports sedan, Kizashi, which depicts an athlete in motion, is likely to sport 21” wheels. Maruti Kizashi is expected to roll out from its Manesar plant. Kizashi will be positioned in the Rs 10 lakh-plus price band and will compete with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Sonata, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Jetta besides other cars that will debut in the next three years.

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen is quite bullish about the emerging markets like India and China. In India, the company is likely to launch Polo, a hatchback which is under production. Expected to be launched in the early 2010, the car is positioned in the premium-hatchback segment. Polo will compete against Skoda Fabia and Honda Jazz. Recently Volkswagen inked a pact with the Maharashtra government for producing Volkswagen cars from Pune. The company will get 230 hectares of land in Chakan at Pune for the manufacturing plant. 

The car after its launch in the Indian market, will compete with the likes of Maruti’s Swift, Hyundai’s Getz and Tata Motor’s Indica. According to a Volkswagen official, the company would go for the B segment of the passenger car market, which incidentally is the largest in the country. The company sees further growth in this segment. The car company Volkswagen is also planning to launch its Passat model in India, which will don a price tag of Rs 30 lakh. Passat may be rolled out of the Skoda Auto manufacturing facility at Aurangabad.

Volkswagen Polo is sold in Europe and other markets worldwide in hatchback, saloon, coupé and estate variants. There have been four separate generations of the Polo. Some generations were face lifted mid way through production, with the updated versions known again unofficially by an addition of the letter F to the model number, e.g. Mk IIF. There is considerable variation in Polo model designations, with some sources using Mk as equivalent to Series which causes confusion.

             Key to Volkswagen India plans are two mass-market models that will be produced in large volumes in the company’s upcoming factory in Chakan. The first is the sixth-generation Polo (A06) hatchback that is under development and is expected in 2009.