Volume 6 Issue 6

Nov/Dec 2017 Vol 6 Issue 6 NRs. 175

WE TEST

RUNNER KNIGHT RIDER

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INTERVIEW: KUSHAL SHRESTHA & PAWON VERMA, CF MOTO | ROADTRIP: RENAULT G.O.D. ICONIC PASSION DRIVE TO NEPAL | SIMPLIFYING YOUR TAXI RIDE EXPERIENCE WITH SARATHI CABS

WE DRIVE

NISSAN NAVARA NP300

ALL NEW ‘NEXT GEN’ LAUNCHPAD: TATA NEXON | NISSAN TERRANO WISHLIST: GENESIS | HISTORY: INDIAN MOTORCYCLES | FEATURE: BEST OF EICMA 2017 | INTERVIEW : VINAY RAINA, FORD INDIA facebook.com/AutolifeNepal

HYUNDAI VERNA

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CONTENTS VO L 6 I S S U E 6 N OV / D E C 2017

FEATURES 36

Test Drive

56

Test Ride

42

All New Hyundai Verna

Runner Knight Rider

Launchpad

Tata Nexon

28 Interview

Sarathi Cab

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Product Watch Renault Captur

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LTE

Introductory Price

Rs. 20,990/-

Up to 2 days of power with 5000mAh battery 10W Rapid Charger

13 MP rear camera with flash 5 MP front camera with flash

Latest Android™ 7.1.1

12.7cm (5) display

Up to 30hrs of power on a single charge with 4000mAh battery

Latest & Stock Android™ 7.1.1

5 MP rear camera with flash Front camera with selfie flash

8 MP rear camera with flash Front camera with selfie flash

Fingerprint reader

Stock Android™ 7.0

Stock Android™ 7.0

12.7cm (5) HD Display & metal design

Introductory Price

Rs. 10,990/-

Authorized Distributor of Motorola & Lenovo SmartPhones for Nepal LifeCom Pvt. Ltd., G/F, I. J. Plaza, Durbar Marg P.O. Box: 24220, Kathmandu, Nepal E-mail: info@lifecomnepal.com www.motorolanepal.com

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Introductory Price

Introductory Price

Rs. 13,990/-

www.facebook.com/motorolanepal www.instagram.com/motorolanepal www.twitter.com/motorolanepal

Rs. 16,290/-

Authorized Master Service Center CTC Mall 4th Floor, Bagdurbar-11, Sundhara, Kathmandu.

Phone No.: 01-4213004

Smartphone Studio Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Nepal.

Phone No.: 015529625 Sherpa Mall, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu.

Contact No.: 9801821286

Grab it on EMI at 0% Interest

Only Available @ E-space Contact No.: 4221605/4232704

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CONTENTS VO L 6 I S S U E 6 N OV / D E C 2017

FEATURES 20

044 060

Test Drive

Nissan Navara NP300

44 Interview 60 Interview

Vinay Raina, Ford India

Kushal Shrestha & Pawon Verma, CF Moto

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Launchpad

62

History

48

Wishlist

Nissan Terrano

Indian Motorcycle

Genesis

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EDITORIAL Good news, The all-new 5th generation Hyundai Verna is finally here.

We had been yearning for it for a long time and it has arrived.

Dubbed as the sedan loved by the whole world, the Next Gen Verna personifies Hyundai’s Modern Premium Brand and a landmark in Hyundai growth story winning many prestigious accolades worldwide.

This month of Autolife is brimming to the top with exciting content. We also review the Nissan Navara NP300; a tough vehicle with a strong pedigree now comes with premium ride comfort, and sleek, modern styling. More on the reviews, we have the Knight Rider, a commuter motorcycle from the popular Bangladeshi brand Runner Motorcycles. Check out the Tata Nexon on our Launchpad section along with the Nissan Terrano which had us giddy with excitement.

We caught wind of the Indian Motorcycle coming to Nepal. So we thought it’d be nice to know a bit about this historic brand.

Also in this issue, we have the story of Genesis, a luxury brand of Hyundai. We hope the premium marque Genesis cements its place in the luxury segment in the Nepalese auto industry in the near future.

The last month was quite eventful as well. We had a chance to participate in Renault’s Gang of Dusters Iconic Passion Drive to Nepal. The trip provided us a unique opportunity to unwind in serene Pokhara and explore Lumbini’s rich treasures and heritage while it also provided us a chance to meet other Duster owners, experience off-roading across varied terrains, and take part in adventure sports like mountain biking, boat ride, etc.

Finally, with new companies emerging on the mobility sector, we thought the story of Sarathi Cabs couldn’t have come at a better time. Sarathi is all set to kick-start a new trend in the urban mobility sector. In our bid to promote auto professionals from the local auto industry, we have interviewed the Managing Directors of CFMOTO Nepal, the latest brand which has gone all guns blazing to capture the performance segment.

So that’s pretty much it for this issue. Of course, there are quite a lot of other interesting compilations on the regular side like the best motorcycles from EICMA 2017 and the upcoming Renault Captur on our product watch section. The buying guide has been updated too. We hope you enjoy this issue, as we did creating all this.

VOL 6 ISSUE 6 NOV/DEC 2017 SR MEDIA GROUP PANIPOKHARI, KATHMANDU, NEPAL TEL: 977-01-4415122 REGD: 84553/068/069

FOUNDER/MANAGING EDITOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SUB-EDITOR EDITORIAL, PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEO & WEB

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Happy reading!

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AUTOLIFE NEWS

RENAULT UNVEILS THE 2018 DUSTER Having been showcased at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show wearing a ‘Dacia’ badge (a sub-brand of Renault), Renault has finally added its Diamond logo in the second-generation Duster.

It has been revamped seven successful years after its original release. A global success for Renault, the Duster is the company’s best-seller with over 10 lakh customers.

Featuring an even robust and modern styling, the 2018 Duster gets a revised exterior styling with new grille, new headlights, new taillights and bigger 17-inch alloys among many others. The new Renault Duster is expected to make its debut at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo.

Although visually more muscular, the 2018 Duster features the same compact dimensions as the current Duster. It measures 4315 mm long, 1822 mm wide and 1695 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2673 mm and a ground clearance of 205 mm. The new Duster will be available in two engine options: a 1.5-litre Petrol and a 1.5-litre

Diesel. An AMT transmission will be available along with a 5MT, 6MT and CVT. From the sides, the new Duster gets a higher belt line, a steeply raked windscreen to make the cabin look more spacious, new aluminium roof bars, and new 17-inch alloy wheels. On the rear, broad haunches provide the vehicle a modified stance while new rear tail-light clusters and mass-coloured skid plate make the new Duster look more robust. The new Duster comes with extensive changes on the interior with a totally redesigned dashboard, revised seats and clever storage spaces. It also comes with a host of new equipment like Automatic Climate Control, Keyless Entry, Blind Spot Warning and a remote engine start.

Driving aids include a multi-view camera, Hill Descent Control and eco-coaching feature. Safety upgrades include a reinforced vehicle frame, new seat frames, curtain airbags and automatic headlight activation.

Suzuki Two Wheelers India has launched the Intruder 150 in the Indian market at a price of INR 98,340. The 155cc shares the same mechanical and platform with the Gixxer.

Features of the Intruder 150 include Intruder inspired headlamp with LED position lamps, LED tail lamp, twin exhaust, ABS, SEP engine and digital instrumentation.

The four stroke, single cylinder, air cooled engine delivers the peak power output of 14.8 PS comes up at 8,000 rpm while the peak torque of 14 Nm comes up at 6,000 rpm. This engine is paired to a five speed transmission.

SUZUKI ADDS THE INTRUDER 150 TO ITS PORTFOLIO 12

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AUTOLIFE NEWS

ROYAL ENFIELD UNVEILS THE INTERCEPTOR 650 & CONTINENTAL GT 650 The covers are off Royal Enfield’s new 650 Twins. The company has finally unveiled the much-awaited Interceptor 650 and Continental GT650 marking the company’s return to twin-cylinder motorcycles. Both motorcycles will have the all-new 650 cc parallel-twin engine and will be first launched in Europe, sometime in April 2018. Expect them to come to Nepal by end-2018.

INTERCEPTOR 650: The 2018 Royal Enfield Inteceptor marks the return of one of Royal Enfield’s most loved classic motorcycles. Powered by the air-cooled parallel 650 twin, the Interceptor brings back the style of the ’60s with its 7″ headlight, twin clock front and quilted twin seat. The narrow teardrop tank gets a classic Royal Enfield badge and is topped with a Monza-style fuel cap.

Powered by a new 4 stroke, single overhead cam, air-oil cooled, 648 cc parallel twin, the Interceptor makes 47bhp@7100 rpm and 52 Nm@4000 rpm. The fuel-injected engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slip-assist clutch. Sitting on a steel tubular, double cradle frame, the motorcycle gets 41mm front fork with 110 mm travel and twin coil-over shocks with 88mm travel. Braking duties are provided by a 320mm disc upfront and 240mm disc at the rear with dual-channel ABS system. The Interceptor 650 will be available in 3 colours: Orange Cush, Ravishing Red and Silver Spectre.

Toyota is looking to cash in on the seven-seater market once again after revealing the all-new Rush SUV in Indonesia. Billed by the company as ‘Tough and Dynamic’, the 2018 Rush blends SUV styling with MPV functionality in a miniature package.

CONTINENTAL GT650: The new Continental GT650 takes Royal Enfield’s GT-lineage further with an all-new 650 twin. Retaining the classic look like its predecessor, the GT650 makes an authentic cafe racer statement with its classic horizontal split, sculpted tank, clip-on handlebars, upswept exhausts and classic-styled instruments.

Powered by a new 4 stroke, single overhead cam, air-oil cooled, 648 cc parallel twin, the Continental GT650 makes 47bhp@7100 rpm and 52 Nm@4000 rpm and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Sitting on a steel tubular, double cradle frame, the motorcycle gets 41mm front fork with 110 mm travel and twin coil-over shocks with 88mm travel. Braking duties are taken care by a 320mm disc upfront and 240mm disc at the rear with dual-channel ABS system. The Continental GT650 will be available in 3 colours: Ice Queen, Sea Nymph and Black Magic.

TOYOTA RUSH SUV UNVEILED IN INDONESIA

The SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine that makes 105PS and generates 140N, with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Toyota Rush is also available as a 4-speed automatic as an option.

Toyota Rush comes with LED head lamps and tail lamps, along with electronic retractable mirrors with LED indicators, and 16-inch alloy wheels, shark-din antenna, rear spoiler with a ground clearance of 220mm.

It comes with a new steering wheel with controls to operate the infotainment system. The interior gets a dual-tone beige and black finish. The SUV sports a premium fabric seats instead of leather.

Rush MPV gets a 7-inch infotainment screen that also offers reverse park assist camera. As for the safety features, Rush gets 6 airbags as standard along with ABS, EBD, hill start assist and stability control.

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AUTOLIFE NEWS

YAMAHA MT-09 HYPER NAKED MOTORCYCLE LAUNCHED IN INDIA Yamaha MT-09 gets sharper, sexier, naked street fighter than its predecessor with a slight facelift to its features. The refreshed MT-09 gets the same design-based changes. MT-09 now gets LED lights, new fins for the radiator, large scoops, new rear view mirrors, rear fender is mounted onto the singles-sided swingarm and the tail-lamp is integrated into the body, however, the sub-frame is 30mm shorter at the rear.

The new MT-09 is powered with an 847cc, threecylinder, liquid-cooled engine mated with a sixspeed transmission gearbox, which develops 115hp and 87.5Nm of peak torque. The manufacturer has tweaked the front suspension for better damping and has installed a quick shifter and slip clutch to assist the six-speed transmission.

The refreshed MT-09 gets three new color options: Bluish Gray Solid, Deep Purplish Blue and Matte Dark Gray giving it a funky look.

VESPA POWE(RED) FOR AIDS RALLY & FUNDRAISER In order to help raise awareness and support Nava Kiran Plus, Vespa Nepal is organizing a rally on December 16. The Vespa Rally will begin from 1 pm, from Lazimpat through a few major parts of the city, and end at The Malla Hotel. There we will have welcome drinks, food stalls and live performances by Swoopna Suman, Electric Air, Anuj Pradhan, The Element, Sabin Rai and the Electrix, and Manoj KC from 1974 AD. You won’t need a Vespa to have fun at this event, so be sure to join for a good cause.

Registration can be done at Vespa showrooms in Lazimpat, Durbarmarg and Kupondole.

HERO XPULSE ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE INDIA LAUNCH NEXT YEAR The Hero XPulse is an adventure concept bike as showcased at the 2017 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. The XPulse has a new, 200cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which is a slightly bigger version of the now-discontinued 150cc Hero Impulse. The Hero officials have made a slight sacrifice to the performance keeping fuel efficiency as a concern even though they could have made it a powerful machine, wanting to make it a mass market product.

The Hero XPulse is in direct competition with the Royal Enfield Himalayan as an adventure bike. The Himalayan being a 411cc engine delivers a 24.5 BHP and churns out a peak torque of 32 Nm, and comparatively the XPulse promises a light-weighted and fun motorcycle. Offering an agile yet versatile motorcycle despite lower power output, Hero MotoCorp wants to keep the XPulse lightweighted.

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TOYOTA CONSIDERING THE VIOS SEDAN FOR INDIA The new Toyota Vios Sedan could be showcased at the upcoming Indian Auto Expo. The Vios Sedan will be in competition with the Honda City and Maruti Ciaz. Toyota Vios Sedan has a 1.5 litre petrol engine delivering 108 BHP and which is offered with two gearboxes- a 5 speed manual and a CVT automatic. While the CVT automatic gearbox gets 7 shifts, it could also be used in manual mode. Also, the Toyota Vios may offer paddle shifters on the automatic version.

The Vios Sedan could also be offered in the 1.4 litre D-4D turbocharged diesel engine as similarly found in the Corolla Altis Sedan. The diesel engine makes 89 BHP and 200 Nm on the Corolla Altis, and the same is expected to be in the similar state for the Vios Diesel.

Also, a 6 speed manual gearbox could be offered in the diesel engine however, there has been no confirmation about the diesel engine.

Also, the Vios recently got a facelift, which makes the looks quite fresh and appealing.

2018 FIAT CRONOS; FIAT LINEA’S SUCCESSOR REVEALED Fiat Cronos, an Agro hatchback style sedan, is replacing Punto and Linea from the Fiat lines of motors. The sedan appears much sharper and premium looking compared to the outgoing Fiat Linea and will compete against the likes of upcoming VW Virtus (Polo Sedan), Honda City and Hyundai Verna.

Fiat Cronos draws power from its 1.3-litre Firefly unit delivering 109 hp and 135.35 Nm torque and 1.8-litre eTorq Evo delivering 135 hp of power and 184.37 Nm of peak torque. The sedan has a 5-speed manual transmission and as an optional 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Fiat Cronos sports sharp headlamps with eyebrow LED pilot lamps, unique front bumper with bigger air intake and lip spoiler. The sedan has a ten-spoke alloy wheels, turn indicator integrated ORVMs, blackened glass area and chrome finished door handles.

In the rear, the sedan sports a sculpted appearance along with sleek wraparound LED taillights and sporty bumper with plastic inserts.

Also, touchscreen infotainment system capable of navigation, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity is featured in the new Fiat Cronos.

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AUTOLIFE TEST DRIVE

STRONG STILL GOING

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WORDS: ANKIT R. TULADHAR | PHOTOS: AL TEAM

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The Nissan Navara is quite the staple name when we talk about pickup trucks in Nepal. The older generations of the Navara were known for being rugged and reliable. There were only a few options available in the past when it came to tough pickups in Nepal with the Toyota Hilux and the Nissan Navara sharing the limelight. With the arrival of next generation of pickups in the market, the timing was ripe for Nissan to re-introduce the Navara NP300 in the Nepali market. Let’s find out how the Navara NP300 stacks up against its major rivals.

EXTERIORS Pickup trucks are huge vehicles and the new Navara is no different. The tough looks of the Navara matches its macho attitude. The striking visual expression is highlighted by its box shape with sweeping lines and flared wheel aches. There are two raised body panels on the bonnet of the truck which provides the Navara a menacing look. The new bold front gets an aggressive looking chrome grille with LED projector headlamps. The sleek aerodynamic shape is carried through to the very end. This huge truck rides on small 16inch rims. One thing that I noticed right away is that the Navara was missing fog lights, which is quite important if one plans to take it off tarmac.

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INTERIORS The moment you climb into the truck you will notice generous amount of space inside the cabin. The double cab pickup can comfortably accommodate 3 people at the back with adequate leg and head room. Even though the ground clearance stands at 228mm, ingress and egress is easy, thanks to the comfortable, sedanlike seating. The interior quality gets high-quality materials but the Navara misses out on modern entertainment options like Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen infotainment system & steering wheel mounted at such a hefty price tag. However, the Navara provides plenty of space and comfort. Convenient storage and cup holders, multiple 12-volt power outlets and Rear AC vents make the stay relaxed and comfortable.

You get a feeling of superiority while driving the truck because of the superior seating positioning which provides a good command of the road. The steering is not very light but it results in more feedback and driving confidence.

Reversing the truck is another story though, the heavy steering and the

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absence of parking sensors and the reversing camera makes it quite a tough task. Nevertheless, the Navara provides a first class ride.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE Under the hood sits a 2.5L turbocharged diesel engine which produces 163hp @ 3600 RPM and 403 Nm of torque @ 2000 RPM. The moment you push the pedal to the ground it is ready to pin you to the seat as the RPM needle surges past the 2000 RPM. The truck didn’t have any issues with whatever terrain we threw at its way. There wasn’t a lot of turbo lag, as a matter of fact at times you would forget that this vehicle is actually turbo charged because the torque kicked in quite soon.

The wheel to change for 2WD to 4WD (H) or 4WD (L) on the fly (up to 100km/h) is very convenient as you don’t have to stop the vehicle to change the driving mode as stopping in the middle of a difficult terrain is the last thing that you’ll want to do.

“

The Navara also comes equipped with downhill assist system; if you turn this feature on then the car will automatically apply the brakes while going downhill so that you can focus more on tackling the terrain coming ahead. It is also equipped with a hill start assist system; if you have to climb up from a stop, it makes sure that the vehicle doesn’t roll backwards. The Traction Control System (TCS) is turned on as standard every time you start the vehicle and you can manually turn it off when required. However, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and the Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) cannot be turned off. With power comes great responsibility and the Navara inspires you to gear up for any job with a host of active and passive safety features.

THE TRUCK DIDN’T HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH WHATEVER TERRAIN WE THREW AT ITS WAY.

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VERDICT The Navara NP300 is a true blue offroader that is engineered to excel on the road or off. Although at a price tag of Rs 72,99,000 it misses out on several modern features, it is jam packed with off-roading features that will make most off road junkies happy. This machine has set its priority straight into how it’s meant to be driven and it is very good at it with its tested and proven fully boxed frame, a world-class engine and go-anywhere 4x4 command.

If you need a serious partner that’s up to the biggest challenges, then there’s hardly any other vehicle in this segment comparable to the Navara NP300.

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IF YOU NEED A SERIOUS PARTNER THAT’S UP TO THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES, THEN THERE’S HARDLY ANY OTHER VEHICLE IN THIS SEGMENT COMPARABLE TO THE NAVARA NP300.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Type: In-line 4-cylinder DOHC 16 Valves VGS Turbo Intercooler Displacement (cc): 2488 Maximum Power: 161 BHP Maximum Torque: 403 Nm Gearbox: 6 Manual Brakes (Front/Rear): Ventilated Disc / Drum Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres Overall Dimensions (L/W/H) mm: 5255 x 1790 x 1760 Wheelbase (mm): 3150 PRICE: Rs 72,99,000

CONTACT: Pioneer Moto Corp Pvt. Ltd. Kamaladi, Kathmandu 01-4427871

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AUTOLIFE LAUNCHPAD

RENAULT CAPTUR

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Renault says the Captur creates a unique vehicle class, led by its stunning expressive design, premium & classleading features, innovative technology, offered at an outstanding price enabling an unmatched value proposition.

The crossover design of the Captur reflects Renault’s new design DNA. Together with its global styling cues, the designing of Renault CAPTUR also accounts for Indian conditions and consumers’ preferences, with Captur being the widest and longest offering in its category, with best-in-class ground clearance of 210mm.

The expressive design is accentuated by its Innovative Lighting Systems (ILS), which combines iconic design with cutting-edge technology, providing high impact illumination while being highly energy efficient. Renault will offer several premium design enhancements on Captur including the iconic Sparkle full LED headlamps with unique floating indicators, Ripple Tail Lamps which perfectly complements the LED ambient lighting inside the car and R17 Crystal Cut alloys, amongst others.

Inside, the crossover comes loaded with more than 50 premium features as

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standard offerings from the starting variant onwards. These include projector headlamps, C-shaped Sapphire LED DRLs, fully automatic temperature control with rear cooling vents, integrated audio system with USB & Aux-in and Bluetooth®, steering wheel controls, pushbutton start with remote central locking, dual airbags, AntilockBraking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist and rear defogger with wiper.

It also gets Renault’s OneIntegration concept that seamlessly connects car and driver along with other features like smart access card, Infinity Instrument Cluster, a user-friendly new generation Intelligent ULC 3.0 multimedia navigation system with a seven inch display, voice recognition (for iOS), maps along with temperature and time display.

The Captur will be available with both

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petrol and diesel powertrain options. For the petrol option, it will be powered by the 16 valves 4 cylinder 1.5L H4K petrol engine mated to a 5 speed manual gear box, producing 106 PS at 5,600 RPM and 142 Nm of torque at 4,000 RPM. The diesel version will be powered by the 1.5L K9K diesel engine (common rail injection), mated to 6 speed manual gear box, delivering a maximum power of 110 PS at 3,850 RPM and peak torque of 240 Nm at 1,750 RPM. The SUV will be available in 3 variants with both petrol and diesel powertrain options.

seat-belts and speed sensing auto door lock. Additionally, Renault will offer side airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Start Assist, Cruise Control with Speed Limiter, LED front fog lamps with cornering function, auto head lamps and rain sensing wipers.

With a reinforced body for optimum safety, the Captur is equipped with a host of active and passive safety features across all variants including dual airbags, Antilock-Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist, rear defogger, rear wiper & washer, 2 lateral ISOFIX – child seat anchor, height adjustable

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AUTOLIFE INTERVIEW

PRAKASH NEUPANE

SARATHI CAB SIMPLIFYING YOUR TAXI RIDE EXPERIENCE Location: Durbarmarg Kathmandu, Nepal Phone: 981-0100600 Web: http://www.sarathi.cab/

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RAVI SINGHAL

If you go back in time two years ago and you needed a taxi to go from one place to another, you would be annoyed: no transparency in prices, lesser availability and useless bargaining. Although it’s moreover the same today, the rise of technology-enabled taxis has disrupted the transport industry by offering a simple and elegant solution to address this ageold problem for reliable mobility solutions.

One such company is Sarathi Cabs, an emerging cab booking service which looks set to transform “taxi:mobility” in the country.

We caught up with Ravi Singhal and Prakash Neupane, the dynamic cofounders of Sarathi Cab, to better understand how technologies are helping to meet growing demand for urban mobility in Nepal.

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How did you two come together to start Sarathi Cab? We were both working in tech communities while pursuing our studies. Prakash was an open source community member whereas I (Ravi) was involved with Microsoft Community. Hence, we often met at various events held for students and partners. So, after a few discussion sessions and an extensive research, both of us realized the need of Sarathi Cab in Kathmandu City and we came to a conclusion to bring together our individual strength and form Sarathi Cab.

(Ravi is an expert on customer acquisition, digital marketing and branding. Prakash, on the other hand, is an entrepreneur who experiments on consumer focused tech ventures and social enterprises and has experience of working on value driven enterprises) What is the main purpose of Sarathi? What are the facilities provided?

Nepal has the potential to benefit from strong growth in global travel mostly driven by neighbors China and India.

While the cab industry standalone gathers NRS 12 Billion of transaction every year in Kathmandu, green plate (tourist) vehicles hold intercity rental business with decent transaction.

Considering the increasing demand for booking, leasing and carpooling, there is an opportunity for cab service industry in Nepal to position itself as a new industry.

It is expected that all operation and marketing activities will involve a systematic change in the way of booking, leasing, service handling and sharing is coordinated. Sarathi Cab operates within a multiple stakeholder environment where liaison with players from different industry is essential in providing mobility solutions.

The company which was established on 2016 started its operation from 2017. We have a vision to build a technology driven transportation management service company and bring diversified revenue stream ensuring economic stability, sustainable development and profitable growth. We hope to uplift the life of individual drivers and cab entrepreneurs while providing a reliable service to the customers.

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The facilities provided by Sarathi are as follows: For Drivers: 1. Socially – Sarathi is focused on uplifting the drivers life by making it a respectful job in Nepal 2. Economically – Sarathi secures every driver financially by working closely with their personal and family needs 3. Psychologically – Sarathi provides a stress free environment from pressure of searching a customer 4. Capacity Building– Sarathi conducts various trainings and workshops For Cab Owners: 1. Financially– Sarathi ensures timely payment via bank transfer in each owners accounts on term basis 2. Secure – Sarathi helps the owners track their vehicle at any point of time and assures them the security of the vehicle 3. Hassle Free– Owner does not need to find a driver to run his/her cab, Sarathi makes the process hassle free and Sarathi repairs the car 4. Documentation– Sarathi takes care of all legal hassles like Insurance, Tax, Clearance etc.

For Customers: 1. Economical and secure 2. Hygienic and clean Cars 3. Cash/Card/Wallet Payments 4. 24*7 available, easy to find and assured ride 5. Book via call or apps 6. Offers, discounts, coupons, referrals 7. Multilingual support How do you come up with the name Sarathi?

We believe our drivers are employees who do not only drive well but also guide our customers and share their knowledge; the same as Bhagwan Krishna did in Mahabharata for Arjun.

Hence, the name Sarathi.

Were there any obstacles in the initial phase or even right now while its operation?

There are many hurdles in the cab industry but we believe Sarathi will be able to solve those problems because we are not providing competition for any existing taxis but simply becoming a platform for them. If we have to pin-point one obstacle, then it has to be a lack of trust by cab owners and drivers. We do not blame them for this because there are many examples of similar failures in the past. However, we have been successful enough to clear those doubts and are ready to

establish a stronger relationship in future.

How is the response? Is it what you expected?

The response to Sarathi Cab has been tremendous and we are overwhelmed by the responses we have received from the customers, drivers and cab owners. The most important thing is that we have been able to get that trust in such a short span of time.

What are your future plans?

What can we expect more from Sarathi Cab? We first aim to stream line all 10000+ cabs in Kathmandu and then expand the services to multiple cities. We will also bring many more services like apps and app-based payments in the near future. We also plan to diversify our operations beyond Nepal and challenge few big players like Uber/ Ola/Lyft etc.

What is the end goal of Sarathi Cab and how do you ensure the quality, or the safety issues that comes with it?

We as a team practice being: Professional: Proficient and earnest in what we do, while showing genuine respect in dealing with our customers, partners, vendors, and teammates.

Process Oriented: Ensuring a consistent experience for our customers, and an efficient completion of drive Passionate: Devoted to a job well done in a fun and outgoing culture Collaborative: Focused on teamwork and on helping, encouraging, and valuing each other’s opinions and contributions Communicative: Engaging customers and teammates through timely communication that provides clarity, reassurance, and a personalized touch Caring: Care about our customers’, their business, and their experience with us Strategic: Follow best practices without sacrificing innovation when it comes to serving customers.

By practicing these things, we make sure that the quality is not only unique and satisfying but also same for all customers. We are here to create a change in the market and for that we make sure that our values are practiced within our company first.

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NISSAN TERRANO TO FINALLY MAKE ITS WAY INTO NEPAL Although the Nissan Terrano has been Nissan’s flagship SUV in India since 2013, the compact SUV was yet to be introduced in the Nepalese market.

However, with the recent ownership change for Nissan in Nepal, Pioneer Moto Corp is all set to launch the new Nissan Terrano in the domestic market.

The 2017 Nissan Terrano offers a more refined interior space and smart features than its predecessor. It now comes with 22 brand new features and a host of optional new equipment for added style and convenience. The array of features available on the New Nissan Terrano augments its convenience for occupants and accentuates its brawny road profile to stand out in the competition.

The 22 new features include new Premium Dual Tone Interior, Cruise

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Control, 7.0 Touchscreen Navigation systems, Steering Mounted Audio/ Phone Control, One Touch Lane Change Indicator, Anti-pinch Driver Side Window, and new Steering Wheel Design. Together, all the new features enhance the amenities for the driver and occupants, rendering a more pleasurable driving experience.

Under the hood, there are two engine options on offer – a 1.6-litre unit that makes 103 BHP and 145 Nm of maximum torque with a 5-speed gearbox. The diesel engine is available in two states of tune, 84 BHP – 200 Nm and 108 BHP – 243 Nm. The 84 BHP version gets 5-speed manual gearbox while the more powerful engine option gets either 6-speed manual or an AMT Designed with precision, the Terrano

demonstrates refined engineering and muscular good looks. This goes handin-hand with its capable handling, enabling the driver to stylishly navigate any on-road situation. The New Terrano maintains the model’s high ground clearance of 205mm, low turning radius of 5.2 m and fuel efficiency of 19.87km/L.

For more information, contact: Pioneer Moto Corp Pvt. Ltd. Kamaladi, Kathmandu 01-4427871

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“

OWNER’S REVIEW

Tata Zest is a car that’s ahead of its competition. What I really love about this car is that its interiors are far better than any other cars in its segment. I used to own a Tata Indica with a diesel engine, and I must say that Zest performs way better. I love how one can just switch on the Sports Mode and enjoy having their breath taken away. I thoroughly enjoyed this on my trip to Sindhuli.

My father in law drives an Indica, and we use Tata’s pickups at work. In a way, you can say that we are a Tata family. We just have a deep bond with the brand. That is why I have never been to any other brands. Another thing I love about Tata is their service.

For instance, they have acknowledged my servicing needs even though I mistakenly reached them without any prior booking. I do, recommend Tata, and their Zest, to everyone.

Ranjan Ghosal

Managing Director Annapurna Bakery Lalitpur

CONTACT SIPRADI TRADING PVT. LTD. Thapathali, Kathmandu Tel. No. 4250610, 4250612 www.facebook.com/ tatamotorsnepal

SPECIFICATIONS Engine Type: 1.2 T Revotron, Petrol, turbocharged MPFi with Multi-Drive Mode (Sport, City, Eco) Displacement: 1193 cc Max Power: 90 bhp @ 5000 RPM Max Torque: 140 Nm@1500-4000RPM Fuel Efficiency: 17.57 kmpl Transmission: 5-speed Manual Ground Clearance: 175mm Kerb Weight: 1115kg Fuel Tank Capacity: 44 liters facebook.com/AutolifeNepal

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2017 FORD ECOSPORT FACELIFT NOW AVAILABLE

Ford Nepal has introduced the 2017 Ford EcoSport in the Nepalese market. Pricing is fixed at Rs 33,90,000 for Petrol Manual Transmission variants, Rs 42,90,000 – Rs 48,90,000 for Petrol Automatic Transmission variants and Rs 38,90,000 – Rs 49,90,000 for Diesel Manual Transmission variants.

The EcoSport facelift now gets rugged new looks, sleek interior makeover, a raft of ingenious technologies and a new engine,

offering more power & efficiency. It is built on the dynamic appeal of its predecessor, with a sculpted hood for a more muscular appearance, new sleek headlamps with LED daytime running lights along the edge of the hood. The 17’’ alloy wheels with Titanium variant and bold fog lamps presents it with an edgier and more aggressive look.

The new 1.5L Ti-VCT petrol engine is smaller, lighter and efficient delivering a 123PS of power and 150Nm of torque with a 17Km/L of fuel efficiency and 7% reduced CO2 emissions. Along with a five-speed manual transmission, Ford is also offering the petrol engine with an all-newsix-speed automatic transmission for smooth and precise shifts across all powertrain options and a paddle shifter, first in the segment.

The Infotainment system of the new EcoSport is rendered by SYNC®3 and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Along with the connectivity, the new EcoSport has improved in its technological sphere as well, where it has included rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, cruise control, hill launch assist and rear-view parking camera to provide the owners with more consolation.

The new EcoSport features large and conveniently placed knob that for adjusting volume, temperature and fan speed. A visually appealing and intuitive eight-inch touchscreen and a floating screen is integrated. The compact SUV has a segment offering up to six airbags, dual front driver and passenger side airbags along with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Additional to the looks, the new EcoSport hosts emergency brake assist, traction control system, impact absorbing door panel and steering wheel as a safety feature.

For more information, contact: Ford Nepal Thapathali, Kathmandu 01-4258717 facebook.com/fordnepal

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AUTOLIFE TEST DRIVE

ALL NEW ‘NEXT-GEN’

HYUNDAI VERNA WORDS: ANKIT R. TUL ADHAR | PHOTOS: AL TE AM

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With over 8.8 million customers in 66 countries, the Verna is one of the most loved brands globally.

A landmark product in Hyundai’s growth story, the Verna has won many prestigious accolades worldwide. Although the mid-size sedan segment is yet to take off properly in the Nepalese market, the timing was perfect for Hyundai to introduce the all new 5th generation Verna and create a stir in the market.

Hyundai says the new Verna is engineered to deliver in all core areas of Styling, Performance, Technology, Safety and Ride & Handling creating a new benchmark in the sedan segment. With the difficult task of improving a car that already was very good, what have Hyundai managed to do with their highly anticipated 5th generation Verna? We find out.

EXTERIOR

The new Verna excels in styling and that’s where the major changes are. The 5th-gen Verna has been completely redesigned to look sporty, aggressive and modern. It gets Hyundai’s signature chrome Cascade grille with LED Day-time Running Lamps (DRLs) with swept back projector headlamps. This combination is working wonders for Hyundai as most of the latest Hyundai cars are winning accolades from critiques and the consumers for their visual dynamics. It’s not only from the front that the Verna looks good but also from the rear. The design of the LED tail lights have been borrowed over from its elder sibling, the Elantra. The LED tail lights of the new Elantra look stunning and that’s the same case with the Verna. It looks equally good if you are following it from the back or looking back at it in your rear view mirror. The

WITH OVER 8.8 MILLION CUSTOMERS IN 66 COUNTRIES, THE VERNA IS ONE OF THE MOST LOVED BRANDS GLOBALLY.

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THE NEW VERNA OFFERS A WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF RIDE COMFORT WITH SMOOTH AND PRECISE HANDLING.

side profile of this car looks very coupe-ish due to the sloping roofline and the 16-inch diamond cut rims that come standard on the SX version. The aerodynamic profile is further accentuated with Shark fin antenna.

INTERIOR:

The interior of the new Verna creates a perfect blend of premiumness and convenience. The modern and driver oriented interior makes the interior feel more comfortable and spacious. In the centre of the dash lives a 7- inch TFT-LCD touchscreen infotainment system that offers all the useful information with outstanding visibility, which is integrated with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. This infotainment system has the option of navigation too. For that you will have to download the city map into a SD card from which the car will do the navigation. Additionally, the new Verna also comes with voice recognition system and with a push of a button on the steering wheel you can command the car to do various actions like call someone or change the music, etc. all without having to take your hands off the steering wheel.

The dual tone interior of black and beige go well together and the proper placement of button and other controls give the centre console a very neat look. It is convenient to use as well. It also has a cooled glove box for you to keep your drinks cold. The availability of a rear ac vent also makes the stay comfortable.

However, the slopping roof line does come with a trade-off; it limits the head space quite a bit and might be a problem for taller passengers.

Leg space is not an issue though. Practical in-cabin storage space and enhanced boot capacity of 480 litres ensures that there is ample luggage space for comfortable trips.

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SAFETY

Beyond active safety technologies, the new Verna is built to comply with Hyundai’s strict safety standards, helping it to meet the safety requirements. Dual Airbags and Antilock Braking System (ABS) come as standards across all variants. It also has the ISOFIX mounts in the rear seat to mount a child seat securely in the back. The New Verna also features the Headlamp Cornering feature which automatically illuminates the corner while taking a turn to improve the visibility and thus making it safer. The sedan also gets reverse parking camera with steering adaptive guidelines and rear parking sensors.

In addition, it features the First-inSegment Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock feature in which the car automatically unlocks the door when it senses an impact while moving.

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PERFORMANCE:

Built on All New K2 platform similar to Hyundai’s Global Bestseller Elantra, the new Verna offers a whole new level of ride comfort with smooth and precise handling. Hyundai have opted not to tamper with the 1.6L engine as it was already producing class leading 121 BHP of power at 6400 RPM and 151 Nm of torque at 4850 RPM. The engine is quite punchy, hence you don’t necessarily need to rev the engine to produce maximum power, but in case you want to rev it, the engine won’t disappoint you. The sixspeed manual transmission gearbox is very well sorted as the shifts are very smooth and it provides you the driving confidence with seamless operation and a smoother ride. The new Verna also gets a new six-speed automatic transmission for those who want to be

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WITH LOOKS THAT COULD KILL AND AN ENGINE THAT DELIVERS, THE NEW VERNA EXCELS IN ALL THE CORE AREAS

lifted off the daunting task of frequently changing gears in the traffic and enjoy the ease of an automatic transmission.

The sedan also features cruise control feature which will make highway travelling a lot easier as this feature holds the speed that you set. The speed can be increased or decreased with a toggle present on the steering wheel.

However, one needs to be careful while using the cruise control in traffic as it holds the same speed until you disengage it, which can be done with a light press on the brake pedal. All in all, the new Verna offers powerful performance with high fuel efficiency and durability for exceptional city and highway driving pleasure.

VERDICT

With its closest rivals like Suzuki and Honda yet to introduce their new updated models in this market, the new Verna looks set to capture the mid-sized sedan segment. With looks that could kill and an engine that delivers, the new Verna excels in all these core areas with its new design, connectivity features, plush interiors, superior dynamics and super body structure for new age customers.

The Verna is priced at Rs. 42, 96,000/for the EX version Rs. 44, 96,000/- for the SX and Rs. 49, 46,000/- for the EX automatic. You dare not forget to put the Verna in your list if you are in the market looking for a mid-sized sedan.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Type: 1.6L Dual VTVT Displacement (cc): 1591 Maximum Power: 121 BHP / 6400 RPM Maximum Torque: 151 NM / 4850 RPM Gearbox: 6-speed Manual Drivetype: FWD Brakes (Front/Rear): Disc / Drum Fuel Tank Capacity: 45 litres Bootspace: 465 litres Suspension Front: McPherson Strut with Stabilizer Bar Suspension Rear: Coupled Torsion Beam Axle Overall Dimensions (L/W/H) mm: 4440 x 1729 x 1475 Wheelbase (mm): 2600 PRICE: Rs 42,96,000 – Rs 46,96,000

CONTACT: Laxmi Intercontinental Pvt. Ltd. Thapathali, Kathmandu 01-4101556 facebook.com/hyundainepal

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T

The Tata Nexon comes as the 4th product under Tata Motors’ IMPACT design philosophy, reflecting a dynamic and sporty design. The sub-4m compact SUV flaunts an appealing exterior design with a dual tone exterior color scheme. The Nexon is a short form of “NEXT-ON” which according to Tata Motors signifies the inspiration of Nexon from the next level of things.

The Nexon looks sleek and proportionate, with an aerodynamic silhouette with raked rear to enhance its sporty design. The front fascia of the vehicle appears athletic with the stylish projector headlamps with feline-eye shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRLs).

Similarly, a silver dual tone roof at the back lends the Nexon a stylish appearance.

The stylish exterior is well complemented with plush & premium interiors featuring first-in-segment grand central console with a sliding tambour door. Convenience features on the Nexon include a remote key with electric tailgate unlock & approach lamps, passive entry & start, a reverse camera with dynamic guideways, reverse parking sensors, power adjustable & retractable outside mirrors to provide a better support while parking and automatic climate control with rear air vents.

available: a torque 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine and a 1.5L turbocharged Diesel engine. The 1.2L 3-cylinder turbocharged Petrol from the Revotron series, delivers a power of 110PS @ 5000 RPM and 170 Nm @ 2000-4000 RPM of max torque and the 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel from the Revotroq family delivers a power of 110PS @ 3750 RPM and 260Nm @ 1500-2750 RPM of max torque. Mated to these powerful engines is the advanced 6-speed TA6300 synchromesh with overdrive transmission ensuring better power transfer and quick take-off characteristics.

Like other new Tata cars, the Nexon offers a 3 Drive Modes- ECO, CITY & SPORT, making the engine performance adaptable as per the driver’s preference. Eco mode

TATA NEXON GEARS UP FOR ITS NEPAL DEBUT

Under the hood, two engine choices are

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provides a relaxed drive experience with a better fuel economy, the city mode ensures optimum balance between power and torque and the sport mode permits a superior throttle response.

The Nexon also comes with a 209mm ground clearance, 16’’ machinecut alloy wheels, a dual path suspension & sculpted bucket seats for superior ride comfort, lowest turning circle radius with EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering), 350L of boot space which is expandable up to 690L. Similarly, convenience features on the Nexon include a remote key with

electric tailgate unlock & approach lamps, passive entry & start, a reverse camera with dynamic guideways, reverse parking sensors, power adjustable & retractable outside mirrors to provide a better support while parking and automatic climate control with rear air vents.

To provide an additional safety for the occupant, the Nexon has a ISOFIX child restrain system, dual front airbags, antil-ock braking system with corner stability control standard across all variants, and brake assist feature for shorter stopping distance in emergency brake.

For more information, contact: Tata Motors Nepal Thapathali, Kathmandu facebook.com/ tatamotorsnepal 01-4230340

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AUTOLIFE INTERVIEW

W ORD S & P HO T O: A L T E A M

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“The Made in India Ford EcoSport is not only for this market but for America as well” Vinay Raina, Executive Director – Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford India Pvt. Ltd, speaks to Autolife Nepal on the importance of the Nepalese market and the new EcoSport.

How do you see the Nepali market? Has the perception changed as compared to when you started?

We have been in the market for about 7 years now and through all these years the reception and the recognition we have had for our products has been exemplary. It is a necessity to us that we deliver what we have promised.

What we also found is that the taste and preference of the Nepalese market is very dynamic and brand focused.

People appreciate quality but at the same time they value ownership at the highest. The mindset here may be quite different from the Indian market but we have learned from it. We are confident that we will be able to grow in this market consistently.

As a brand we have put in a lot of work to give the market what it deserves. Customers will have easy access to information because of the transparency we provide. We have ensured that we are spreading ourselves all over the country. We have made it an aim to give our customers all the satisfaction from our products.

How dynamic is the portfolio of Ford in Nepal? How is Ford embracing the changing customers’ preferences?

If you look at our product range, you can see that we have products that cater to almost every segment. We have the Figo for individuals who want their first car to be impressive, energetic and well-equipped; then there’s the Ford Endeavour for individuals who have a liking for brawny SUVs with sheer road presence and comfort; and between this range, we have specific models that satisfies every individual’s needs.

I would say that we will be involved in catering to every category in the market and non-participation is not an option. You will continue to hear from

us in the future as well and the new EcoSport is one of the first products that we have put in the market, so many more is yet to come.

In a competitive compact SUV segment, how does the new Ford EcoSport stacks up?

First things first, the Ford EcoSport has been a cult brand since its launch having cemented a top position in the competitive compact SUV segment.

So, it was very important for us to be careful about all the changes, even the minor ones. The pressure was on us to further elevate the customers’ expectations while changing the dynamics of the vehicle. So, what we did was we upgraded the technological aspects of it. To give a number, more than 1600 parts have been upgraded to fit the market here in Nepal. You see a lot of visual changes but hundreds of non-visual aspects of the new EcoSport have also been modified to make the vehicle even better. You can feel it when you drive the car because these are significant changes.

What it does is that it gives a stance of a much bigger vehicle than it already is. The interiors are made better by upgrading to wider and softer seats to cushion the road situation in Nepal and to make travelling much comfortable.

Also, the suspension has been tweaked to give customers a better experience.

Will the EcoSport help Ford to further penetrate in other markets?

We build EcoSport in six locations around the globe. We sell it in 100 markets. The Made in India Ford EcoSport is not only for this market but for America as well. The technology and the safety aspects have been modified differently for each market individually. It gives you a sense of quality delivered straight from the factory, a quality that’s found all around the world.

AS A BRAND WE HAVE PUT IN A LOT OF WORK TO GIVE THE MARKET WHAT IT DESERVES. CUSTOMERS WILL HAVE EASY ACCESS TO INFORMATION BECAUSE OF THE TRANSPARENCY WE PROVIDE. facebook.com/AutolifeNepal

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NEPAL’S BIGGEST AUTOMOBILE COMMUNITY

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AUTOLIFE WISHLIST

GENESIS

The name ‘Genesis’, which also means new beginnings, hints at the new values and standards that the brand will bring to the global luxury car market.

I near future.

Initially on sale in the Korean, Chinese, North American and Middle Eastern luxury car markets, the Genesis brand, we hope, will expand its reach to Nepal in the

Since the launch of its first cars in 1967, Hyundai Motor has grown quickly to become one of the world’s leading automakers. The strategic decision to create an all-new luxury car brand is recognition of the company’s strengths and its global ambitions. By introducing new customers to Hyundai Motor and elevating its competitiveness, the new Genesis brand will enable more people to experience the premium value of Hyundai Motor.

Created for a new generation of discerning consumers, Genesis is a stand-alone brand that operates alongside the company’s popular Hyundai marque. Capitalizing on its

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success in the fast-growing global car market, Hyundai Motor will launch six new Genesis models by 2020 and will compete with the world’s most renowned luxury car brands.

The Genesis brand seeks to create a new definition of luxury, one that will provide a new platform for future mobility centred on people. Genesis models will boast outstanding driving dynamics and design, with innovations tailored to closely-meet the needs of customers.

The model line-up will distance itself from the traditional technological overload of brand-focused competitors, concentrating instead on a personalized, hassle-free customer experience. To elevate and differentiate the Genesis brand from Hyundai, a distinct design identity, emblem, naming structure and customer service offering has been established.

Genesis models will be badged with a new wing-type emblem, redesigned from the version used on the current Genesis model to create an even more luxurious

look. This emblem firmly cements the Genesis models as a collective family of luxury models under the Genesis nameplate. The Genesis brand will also adopt a new alphanumeric naming structure. Future models will be named by combining the letter ‘G’ for Genesis with a number, 90, 80 or 70 etc., representing the segment.

To develop a distinctive and differentiated design for the new Genesis brand vehicles, Hyundai Motor has created a Prestige Design Division. From mid-2016 Luc Donckerwolke, who was previously responsible for the design of Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, SEAT and Skoda models at the Volkswagen Group, will lead this new division alongside his role as Head of the Hyundai Motor Design Centre. The work of the new Prestige Design Division will be overseen by Peter Schreyer, as part of his group-wide design responsibilities as President and Chief Design Officer (CDO) of Hyundai Motor Group.

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GENESIS G70

been stretched to the end of the rear to convey a wide and dynamic stance.

The Genesis G70 is the newest, and smallest of the Hyundai’s luxury brand’s cars. It is an athletic sedan characterized by its graceful and dynamic exterior styling; elegant and intuitively designed interior; choice of three different powertrains.

The G70’s interior is configured to prioritize an excellent user experience, with superb fit and finish throughout.

The interior packaging reflects the thoughtfulness that drives the Genesis brand, with a priority on simplicity and an emphasis on genuine functionality instead of gimmickry. Genesis designers employed premium materials throughout, including aluminium door handles, quilted leather door panels, metal speaker grills and high-quality soft touch surfaces.

The Genesis G70 is properly handsome and distinct enough to aesthetically hold its own. From the front and side, the G70’s prominent crest-type grille, character lines extending from the hood emblem, and pronounced air intakes communicate the muscular performance that the car is capable of. Two distinctive linear LED DRLs on each side of the large crest grille foreshadow the future Genesis signature quad lamps. In the rear, the LED rear combination lamps continue the quad lamp theme, while the raised trunk lid and compact bumper designs give the G70 a poised character. The rear lamps, evolved from the G80, have facebook.com/AutolifeNepal

Coming to the mechanicals, the Genesis G70 is offered in three engine options -a 202PS 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, a 252PS 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and the top-spec 370PS 3.3-litre turbo-petrol V6 in the G70 Sport. Dynamic performance features include Launch Control, Rack-mounted, motor-driven power steering (R-MDPS) and multi-link rear suspension, Dynamic torque vectoring system and Mechanical limited slip

differential (M-LSD).

The G70 offers the most comprehensive levels of safety in its class. Overall body stiffness and rigidity have been dramatically strengthened. An unparalleled suite of advanced driver assist systems such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Blind spot Collision Warning (BCW), Driver Awareness Warning (DAW), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), best-in-class safety with nine standard airbags and active hood function, and a high level of connectivity with server-based voice recognition technology, using Kakao Corp’s artificial intelligence platform, have been added as part of the ‘Genesis Active Safety Control’ to offer the highest level of safety and convenience in its class.

The compact size and a competitive price tag, along with the raft of luxury features the Genesis will get should make the G70 a good seller.

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GENESIS G80 The Genesis G80 mid-luxury sedan delivers an unprecedented combination of refined performance, human-focused technology and segment-leading safety features. The G80 expresses a truly modern design through distinctive exterior styling with a sleek, upscale appearance. The G80 features a striking hexagonal front grille as a key geometric element, an elegant crease accent running along the flanks of the car, and a dynamic rear design. Design surfaces convey a kinetic elegance, relying more on voluminous body sections than surface details to create dramatic forms.

The front end of the Genesis G80 is not only striking, depicted in semi-gloss chrome, but also encompasses standard Bi-Xenon HID headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and available LED fog lights. The profile of the G80 is expressive, with fluid lines and blended surfaces, and a sleek C-pillar helping to emphasize the sporty styling. The rear of the vehicle benefits from a sculptural

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aesthetic with jewelled and full-LED wrap-around taillights that provide a sense of visual width and feeling of stability.

The user-centric interiors of the G80 displays an ultra-precise fit and finish, with ergonomic seat design and a generous, natural feel. Particular design attention has been paid to the storage of practical items such as mobile electronics of many shapes and sizes, along with the flexibility of the cup holders. Driver and passenger posture are optimized using enhanced seat pad density, improved seat support technologies, such as adjustable driver’s seat power bolsters and seat cushion extension. The G80 offers standard 12way power front seats, including 4-way power lumbar, heated front seats with available ventilation, as well as heated rear seats on HTRAC AWD models.

The heart of the Genesis G80 is the award-winning 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine producing 420 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 520Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. The Tau V8 engine family has been named

to Ward’s prestigious Ten Best Engines list three times. Similarly, the G80’s 3.8-liter direct-injected Lambda engine is optimized to deliver a flatter overall torque curve at low rpm for superb drivability. This engine utilizes directinjection and produces 311 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 398 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm, delivering the most standard horsepower against key segment competitors.

It delivers an unprecedented combination of refined performance, human-focused technology and segment-leading safety features. The G80 standardizes advanced safety technology with a suite of active safety features for superior passenger and vehicle protection including Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Detection.

Taking inspiration from aircraft technology, an available Head’s-Up Display (HUD) projects a virtual image onto the windshield, enabling the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road using a system of mirrors combined with a TFT LCD display.

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GENESIS G90 The Genesis G90 flagship sedan competes at the top of the premium luxury car segment with worldclass technological innovations and the highest levels of refinement, convenience and dynamic performance.

It redefines the luxury experience at every level shaped by consumer-focused values, and delivers a vehicle grounded in performance engineering, innovative technology and premium comfort.

Under the oversight of Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, the G90 expresses the first interpretation of this design identity, which will be found in future Genesis vehicles. From the front, the G90 identity is easily distinguished by its bold ‘CREST’ grille, and crowned with the winged Genesis emblem. Available full-LED signature headlights (V8 model) flow from fascia to fender – a key design element of the new Genesis brand. On the lower fascia, standard LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) add a distinctive illumination signature. In the rear,

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chrome dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated in the lower bumper balance the vertical LED taillights providing a modern luxury feel.

characteristics while offering luxuryclass refinement levels and exceptional passenger comfort, true hallmarks of the Genesis brand.

Effortless ergonomics, interior design harmony, convenience and luxurious comfort are seamlessly combined to craft the Genesis G90 interior design.

Virtually every element of the interior focuses on the passenger’s needs, from the intuitive horizontal layout of driver controls to meticulous craftsmanship with precision stitching, and a premium material selection perfectly complimented by an elegant interior colour palette.

‘Safety without compromise’ summarizes the passenger-centred philosophy that has directed the development of the Genesis G90.

Its world-class safety technologies accompanied by outstanding structural rigidity combine to increase its overall safety quotient. The G90 features an uncompromised level of standardized safety technology, unrivalled in the premium luxury class. This comprehensive suite of standard safety features works to minimize risk and maximize protection for the driver, passenger and other road users. These advanced safety features include: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Blind Spot Detection (SBSD) with Rear Crosstraffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Dynamic Bending Light with High Beam Assist, and a 360-degree Multi-view Monitor.

Tuned for maximum driving confidence, the Genesis G90 offers a choice of two gasoline engines: a responsive all-new 3.3-liter direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 engine with a 365 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (with premium fuel), or the powerful 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 engine producing 420 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (with premium fuel). With either powertrain, G90 delivers impressive performance

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Owner’s Review Before anything, I would like to say that the safety features of the Skoda Rapid are top notch. The main reason for riding a car is for the safety it provides, and Skoda has accomplished this in my opinion. This is actually my second Skoda car and it’s admirable on their part to have returning customers like me. It just shows that their cars are of uncompromised quality.

Bikesh Shrestha Sindhu Surgical

I love how it handles. I have taken it to Pokhara various times and have not come across any issue. I think it’s due to the ground clearance, and the added height the larger wheels provide. Every ride has been comfortable, as expected from a luxury car as the Rapid.

The customer service has been pleasant as well. But above all of these, the car is really safe. This is the point I emphasize whenever I recommend it to others, and I have recommended this car to many.

Skoda Rapid SPECIFICATIONS

Engine type: 1.6MPI/77KWMT Displacement:1598 MAX Power-77(105)/5200-5250 Max Torque-153/3750-3800 Transmission: 5 speed.fully synchronized Tank Capacity- 55 CONTACT: ŠKODA M.A.W., Thapathali, Ktm Dial: 01-4216835 Fax: 01-4266105 Email: skoda@mawnepal.com

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SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES: TEL: 01-4415122 EMAIL: TNM.MAG@GMAIL.COM FACEBOOK.COM/TNM.MAGAZINE WWW.TNM.COM.NP

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AUTOLIFE TEST RIDE

commuter friendly

Runner Knight Rider 56

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WORDS & PHOTOS: AL TEAM

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The Runner Knight Rider carries a commuterfriendly DNA

T

The commuter segment is a competitive segment which accounts for more than 80% share in the Nepalese motorcycle market. Almost all major manufacturers have their own hold of share in this highly cut-throat segment.

Following suit, Raman General Pvt. Ltd has introduced Runner brand of motorcycles in Nepal.

The Bangladeshi motorcycle company is a mass-selling manufacturer with affordable pricing and good service facilities. We had a chance to spin the Runner Knight Rider inside the capital. This is how the motorcycle fared.

STYLING The Runner Knight Rider carries a commuter-friendly DNA which is highlighted by a broad headlamp cluster, two-piece handlebars, a big 15L fuel tank, blacked-out engine, faux aerodynamic vents, inverted triangle shaped muffler with steel highlights, and a chiseled rear with LED taillamps, split seats and split grab rails.

Other visual highlights include 17” five spoke alloy wheels with tubeless tyres and a semi-digital instrumentation panel. The instrumentation panel provides all the relevant information. It contains a digital speedometer, gear shift indicator, odometer, and service indicators.

To sum it up, overall quality, fit-finish and attention to detail are all good on the Knight Rider.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE Runner says the engine provides low vibration, less noise and fast acceleration for a race like experience. Let’s find out. facebook.com/AutolifeNepal

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the ride quality is good and the Knight Rider handles with a light feel.

The Knight Rider is powered by a 4-stroke, SOHC, dual valve, single cylinder, 150cc engine which delivers a maximum power of 11.93 bhp @ 7500 rpm and a maximum torque of 12.2 Nm @ 5500 rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox.

Start the ignition and the motor comes to life with a throaty note. Although power delivery is relatively low as compared to other motorcycles in the market, it builds up after you reach 5000 RPM. Spin it harder, the engine won’t disappoint you. However, play through the gearbox and you will get disappointed. Although gearshift is precise, the motorcycle clutch feels heavy. You need to pull revs higher than required on a commuter bike because of the poor power band. This can be a problem when you are climbing roads with a pillion. Performance could have been decent if not better, considering it is a commuter bike.

ERGONOMICS & SUSPENSION The Knight Rider is a comfortable machine to

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ride with its commuterfriendly upright position.

The seating geometry is relaxed and comfy for both the rider and the pillion.

But the suspension setup is hard. Suspension is telescopic at front and a monoshock at rear. The hard setup can be uneasy in potholes or broken tarmac.

However, maneuverability is surprisingly good with no complaints in heavy traffic or tight spots. Braking duty is provided by a 240mm disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear.

Overall, the ride quality is good and the Knight Rider handles with a light feel.

VERDICT Runner, being a new brand, can fit smartly into the commuter segment. The Knight Rider could have been a worthy package if the motor was slightly powerful. Nevertheless, it can be a good motorcycle for people whose purpose is to move from place A to B in a comfortable manner.

Besides, the pricing falls on the lesser side of the spectrum. www.autolife.com.np

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Type: Single Cylinder SOHC 4 Stroke, Air-cooled Petrol Engine Displacement (cc): 150 Maximum Power: 11.3 BHP / 7500 rpm Maximum Torque: 12.2 Nm / 5500 rpm Gearbox: 5 Brakes (Front/Rear): Disc/Drum Suspension (Front/Rear): Telescopic / Mono Overall Dimensions (L/W/H): 2050 x 740 x 1065 Wheelbase: 1360 mm Minimum Ground Clearance: 165mm Fuel Tank Capacity: 15 litres PRICE: Rs 2,35,000

CONTACT: Raman Motors Pvt. Ltd. Bagdole, Lalitpur facebook.com/ ramanmotorspvtltd 01-5533054

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AUTOLIFE INTERVIEW

Kushal Shrestha

Pawon Verma

WORDS & PHOTOS: AL TEAM

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We sat down with Kushal Shrestha and Pawon Verma (CFMOTO Nepal) to discuss the booming and lucrative motorcycles segment in Nepal. The motorcycle company, which has embarked on an aggressive marketing strategy, is targeting a bigger slice of pie of the performance segment.

“ CFMOTO IS A STYLISH VALUE FOR MONEY PROPOSITION FOR PERFOMANCE ENTHUSIASTS” HOW HAS THE RECEPTION BEEN FOR CFMOTO IN NEPAL? Since we started campaigning for CFMOTO on social media, we have had an amazing response from the riding community. Although we were slightly worried about the reception in reality, motorcycle enthusiasts loved our products. We are grateful that our products have been warmly received by the customers. Also, the interest for owning an international brand has gone up drastically in the recent years.

WHICH SEGMENT, ACCORDING TO YOU, IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR CFMOTO IN NEPAL? There is no one such particular segment which we deem important. We have a product line-up from 125 to 650 cc.

But at the moment, the most important segment for us is the 150cc segment as it appeals to the people due to the design, cost, performance and affordability.

The 400NK and 650NK have also been well appreciated. We are also coming with two new products in 2018 that shall fill the needs of many.

HOW MANY UNITS ARE YOU PLANNING TO SELL IN A YEAR? We have already sold 29 units since September and we still have a decent number of bookings for the next lot. The numbers could have increased had the custom procedures been hassle free.

Our target is to sell a total of 90 units by December.

SOME OF YOUR COMPETITORS ARE DOING EXCEPTIONALLY WELL IN THE NEPALESE MARKET. HOW DIFFICULT IT IS FOR YOU TO CREATE A TOTALLY NEW BRAND IDENTITY AND INFORM CUSTOMERS? The 2-wheeler market in Nepal has drastically improved in the past couple of years for which KTM deserves much appreciation. The Austrian manufacturer played a major role in uplifting the local motorcycle community not only in terms

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of riding but also in wearing proper gears, using good quality lubricants, moto-vlogging and being well informed about parts and service terms.

We have riders who now compete in International circuits. Also, the success of local platforms like Racemandu, Enfield Rendezvous & Poker Run, Saturday Rides, Stunt Shows, Crossmandu and Himalayan Roadies etc. speaks the craze and passion for motorcycle related activities. In recent years, the acceptance for International brands in Nepal has also grown up.

Brands like Benelli, CrossFire, CrossX, Ducati and now CFMOTO have matured the local motorcycle community.

Having said all of these, we are very happy that people have appreciated us.

All thanks to social media, people were already aware about our products even though the actual products touched down. To sum this up, it has been fairly comfortable for us to establish a totally new brand identity in Nepal.

WHAT ARE THE UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF CFMOTO AS COMPARED WITH OTHER BRANDS? Every brand is unique with distinct characteristics. However, CFMOTO takes this proposition a little forward with the following best-in-class attributes: • It is designed by KISKA GmBH, the company is amongst the top design companies of the world who have been majorly appreciated for bring KTM back to life from the verge of bankruptcy. The curves and edges in the CFMOTO design clearly makes it stand out amongst the most appealing naked motorcycle.

• The engine is a responsive single/ twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with SOHC/DOHC electronically fuel injected by Bosch EFI. The brakes are from JJUAN and are supported by Dual Channel Continental ABS. Similarly, all our bikes come equipped with CST Radial

Tires, Dual Mode Riding Options and KYB Suspension.

• CFMOTO NK650’s participation and finishing in top 4 at the ISLE OF MAN has been a landmark for our 650cc motorcycle competing with other leading brands in the segment.

In a nutshell, CFMOTO is a stylish value for money proposition for motorcycle enthusiasts.

IS THE NEPALESE MARKET A CHALLENGE BECAUSE IT’S COSTSENSITIVE? Earlier it was cost-sensitive, but today the perception has changed. Customers now want to own a quality product as long as the cost is justifiable. The shift from 125/150 cc to higher displacements explains about the elevated purchasing behavior of buyers.

FROM A CUSTOMER’S POINT OF VIEW, HOW EASILY AND READILY ARE THE SPARE PARTS AVAILABLE? Speaking from a customer’s point of view, we realize the importance for quick availability of spare parts with a reasonable price tag. The fast moving and accidental spares both need to be available with acceptable time duration depending on their nature. We already have a complete inventory of spare parts from simple oil- filter to the motorcycle frame.

Apart from sales, our topmost priority is to develop as many authorized service centers as we can throughout the country. Also, we greatly realize the importance of an excellent after sales service. In fact, a well-equipped service center is our first requirement for authorized dealerships which has already been accepted in Butwal, Narayghat, Nepalgunj, Itahari and Pokhara.

CFMOTO is already an internationally recognized brand, so there is a massive responsibility upon our shoulders to introduce and sustain the brand in Nepal.

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AUTOLIFE TIMELINE

THE STORY OF

In 1897, George M. Hendee founded a bicycle production company called the Hendee Manufacturing Company. The bicycles carried brand names such as Silver King, Silver Queen, and American Indian, which was shortened to simply “Indian” and became Hendee’s primary brand name.

Hendee then hired Oscar Hedstrom in 1901 to build gasoline engine-powered bicycles to pace bicycle races. In February, Hedstrom began work on the motorized pacing bicycle in a shop in Middletown, Connecticut. He completed the first motorized bike in May and shipped it the 38 miles to Hendee in Springfield, Massachusetts. The machine, and the other two bikes Hedstrom built this year, proved to be powerful and reliable, establishing the company’s reputation for outstanding performance. Later that year the company’s first factory was established on Worthington Street in downtown Springfield.

The first Indian Motorcycle was sold to a retail customer a year after. It had chain drive and a single-cylinder engine built by the Aurora [Illinois] Automatic Machinery Co., the company with whom Hendee and Hedstrom contracted for engine production. In its public racing debut, an Indian Motorcycle® won an endurance race from Boston to New York City.

company introduced a deep red called Vermillion later on, which eventually became to be known as “Indian Red.” Two years after, the first V-twin factory race bike was built, and Indian Motorcycle models continued their impressive string of racing success. A version of the racing engine was introduced

in consumer models for the 1907 model year, making the 39-ci (633 cc), 42-degree V-twin the first American V-twin production motorcycle engines.

A year later, the company moved from the Worthington Street facility to a new factory at State Street and Wilbraham Road in Springfield. The larger plant

In 1903, Hedstrom rode one of his motorcycles to a new world speed record of 56 mph. The same year, he also won an endurance race from New York City to Springfield and back.

Up until 1904, the earliest bikes were Royal Blue or the optional black paint. However, the

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and expanded workforce let Indian Motorcycle begin producing its own engines, ending its contract with the Aurora company.

By 1909, the brand had introduced the “loop frame” that was more similar to racing motorcycle design than the previous “diamond frame” that originated with bicycles.

Then they proceeded to introduce several advancements on their 1910 models, including a leaf-spring front fork and an automatic oil pump.

Some models also had a 2-speed transmission, floorboards, starter hand cranks, and the script logo. 3 years down the road in 1913, it was a year of record sales as 32,000 motorcycles were sold.

The Hendee Special was introduced in 1914 and it featured the first electric start on a motorcycle.

However, there was no generator, and batteries of the time were not always reliable, so the model was only in the lineup for one year. This model line also featured electric lights on every model.

These units sold well, however, Hendee resigned as the company’s president in 1916. But it didn’t stop Indian from progressing. The same year, they introduced the Powerplus, one of its most legendary engines.

The 1000cc engine was a 42-degree V-twin flathead with side-valves. The valves on the side resulted in cleaner and quieter operation, and the engine produced more power than its predecessors, giving selected models a top speed of 60 mph.

When the United States entered into WW I, Indian dedicated much of its production to the war effort.

As a result, dealers had limited inventory and retail sales dropped significantly. The company provided the U.S. military with nearly 50,000 motorcycles from 1917-1919, most of them based on the Indian Powerplus model. This durable, dependable, and powerful model served the troops well.

In October 1919, the company introduced the first Indian Scout, a mid-sized model with a 606cc sidevalve V-twin engine. It was reliable,

fast, and highly maneuverable, and it enticed many people to start riding. The Indian Chief was introduced two years later.

Considered a “big Scout,” it had a 61ci, 1000cc engine based on the Powerplus. The Powerplus, meanwhile, was renamed the “Standard” so buyers wouldn’t think it had more power than the new Indian Chief.

Up until 1923, the company had been functioning as the Hendee Manufacturing Company.

This changed in November of the same year. The company changed its name to The Indian Motocycle Company – no “r” in motocycle when the word was used with the name Indian.

The single-cylinder, side-valve, 21.35-ci, 350cc Prince was introduced in 1925.

However, due to a steep increase in motorcycle tariffs virtually eliminated sales to Great Britain, it didn’t sell well. The Standard was dropped from the lineup that year. Furthermore, in 1933, the nation’s poor economy depressed motorcycle sales, including those of Indian Motorcycle, which produced only 1,667 units.

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Coming to the second Great War, Of the 10,431 units the company produced, 5,000 were built for the French government for use in the early stages of the war. The company was producing the Model 841 for the U.S. Army. The Model 841 was powered by a 45-ci, side-valve V-twin, with cylinders longitudinally at a 90-degree angle. The engine was air-cooled and the bike used shaft drive. With its focus on production of military motorcycles, for the United States and its allies, the company provided very few units for consumers.

In 1946, the first post-war lineup consisted only of the Indian Chief as design and production were ramped up for consumer models after being focused on military bikes during the war.

The Company President at this time was Ralph B. Rogers, who, along with a team of executives, toured the country to introduce new vertical twin, 440cc Indian Scout models and vertical single, 220cc Indian Arrow models. These were viewed as sporty, lightweight models that could compete for sales against the growing number of lightweight foreign imports.

Two years later, the Indian Chief received new, telescopic front forks, and its V-twin displacement was increased to 80-ci or 1300cc.

Additional lightweight models, the Warrior and Warrior TT, were introduced.

Unfortunately, in 1953, the company ceased operations and discontinued all of it’s models.

Seventeen years later, Alan Newman, acquired the Indian Motorcycle trademark and continued to sell small bikes carrying the Indian brand name.

Most of these bikes were produced in Taiwan and had displacements between 50cc and 175cc. Other units were rebranded Italian mini-bikes.

Sales declined throughout the 1970s and operations ceased in 1977.

Things started to pick up in 1998.

Brand-exclusive production of Indian Motorcycle models resumed in this year. A merger of nine companies formed the Indian Motorcycle Company of America (IMCA), which opened a production facility in Gilroy, California.

The IMCA produced Chief, Scout, and Spirit models powered by engines acquired from S&S Cycle, Inc. Bad luck still seemed to loom around sadly. So in 2003, they went bankrupt

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and ended production.

Finally, in 2008, Stellican Ltd., a London-based private equity firm, purchased the Indian Motorcycle assets and established an Indian Motorcycle Company manufacturing facility in Kings Mountain, N.C. A modest number of Indian Chief units with 105-ci V-twin engines were produced between 2008-2011, when Stellican sold Indian Motorcycle to Polaris Industries Inc., a manufacturer of snowmobiles, off-raod vehicles, small electric-powered vehicles.

As part of the lead-up to the introduction of the new Indian Motorcycle models, the brand displayed and started the powerful new Thunder Stroke 111 V-Twin engine in March at Daytona Bike Week, 2013. “Honoring Our Past. Powering Our Future” was the theme of the event, which included TV star, Mike Wolfe. The Thunder Stroke 111 was unveiled on a stage at a party on Main Street in Daytona Beach, and when it was fired up, the overflow crowd was thrilled. Plus, a replica of the Munro Special streamliner – powered by a Thunder Stroke 111 – was driven into the party. The engine and streamliner were subsequently displayed at the Indian Motorcycle® exhibit at Daytona Int’l. Speedway throughout Bike Week.

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History was made on the night of Saturday, August 3, outside the Sturgis [S.D.] Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame, where the new generation of Indian Motorcycle models was unveiled to an audience filling Main Street and a global audience following the action online. Company officials rode the all-new 2014 Indian Chief Classic, Indian Chief Vintage, and Indian Chieftain onto elevated platforms outside the museum, with TV star and Indian Motorcycle collector Mike Wolfe among those taking part. All three models were powered by the all-new Thunder Stroke 111 V-Twin. As soon as the new models were introduced, a large fleet of the bikes was unloaded from trucks at a demo ride site at the edge of town, and the first Indian Motorcycle Demo Rides were offered the following day.

A fleet of demo trucks began bringing the latest Indian Motorcycle models to riders from coast to coast starting in 2013.

Each year, tens of thousands of riders enjoy the Indian Motorcycle riding experience at demo events held at motorcycle rallies and Indian Motorcycle dealerships.

Indian Motorcycle was in the spotlight throughout Daytona Bike Week 2014. The brand had displays and retail outlets at several locations, had an action-packed display at Daytona Int’l. Speedway, treated thousands of demo riders to their first rides on the 2014 models, and launched the new Indian Motorcycle Riders Group.

Company personnel also connected with vintage Indian Motorcycle enthusiasts at their annual Bike Week gathering, and rode along on a group ride up the coast to St. Augustine. Motorcycle.com named the Indian Chief as its 2014 Cruiser of the Year, and in the process honored both the Indian Chief Classic and Indian Chief Vintage.

The editors praised the brand “for creating such an authentic

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machine. Authentic, that’s the right word for the Indian Chief, the proper blend of history and technology seemingly without compromise.”

Coming to 2016, named after the birthplace of Indian Motorcycle and designed for a pure riding experience, the Indian Springfield was a soulful and versatile new addition to the 2016 lineup. It featured true, authentic American craftsmanship, superior refinement and only the most essential touring features for the ultimate in open road touring without distractions. The Springfield was revealed at the North Turn Resturant in Daytona beach, Florida where the racers of old used to run at breakneck speeds trying to win the famed Daytona 200 race.

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AUTOLIFE ROADTRIP

WORDS & PHOTOS: AL TEAM

RENAULT GANG OF DUSTERS

R

(G.O.D) ICONIC PASSION DRIVE TO NEPAL 2017

Renault Nepal recently flagged off its first drive in Nepal for its adventure driving community, Gang of Dusters (G.O.D). The 9-day international iconic passion drive which covered an approximate distance of 1400kms was flagged off from Lucknow on 10th November and had travelled through Gorakhpur in India and then entered Nepal to enjoy the country’s picturesque landscape and experience its exquisite culture. In Nepal, the G.O.D. travelled to Kathmandu and then drove to Pokhara and Lumbini before ending the journey in Lucknow.

The Gang of Dusters is a special initiative by Renault to bring together Duster owners with a penchant for adrenaline rushing adventures. Traversing across some of the most breath-taking landscapes in the Renault Duster, the Gang of Dusters offers a great opportunity for like-minded enthusiasts to share an unmatched

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experience together.

G.O.D has also crossed the 1,00,000 community members’ milestone and is becoming one of the largest four-wheeler adventure driving communities in India.

This is the first time a convoy of 24 Dusters, consisting of G.O.D members from various parts of India arrived in Nepal. According to Renault Nepal, the company will organize similar initiative in the Nepalese market to bring together the Nepalese Duster owners by organizing similar adventurous drives in the future. The company believes initiatives like these will provide an opportunity to strengthen the position of Duster in Nepal market on its allterrain driving capabilities & ride comfort.

The G.O.D Iconic Passion drive to Nepal promised to be an awe-inspiring adventure drive that www.autolife.com.np

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offered participants a chance to enjoy Nepal’s truly picturesque terrain.

It provided a unique opportunity for participants to explore Kathmandu’s cultural treasures and rich heritage, unwind in serene Pokhara and discover spirituality in Lumbini. The participants of the Gang of Dusters also got the opportunity to meet and share experiences with other Duster owners, visit historic sites, talk to experts, experience off-roading across varied terrains, and take part in adventure sports like Mountain Biking, Boat ride, etc. to satisfy the adventurer within.

The Nepal chapter of Iconic Passion Drive to Nepal commenced from the capital’s Soaltee Hotel. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Nikunj Agrawal, Managing Director of Advanced Automobiles Pvt Ltd (Business Partner of Renault in Nepal) promised about organizing similar adventurous drives in the future for the Duster owners in Nepal.

The supercharged team moved from Kathmandu and made its way through the Prithvi Highway towards Pokhara. The expedition got going once the convoy reached Naubise.

The windy roads called for a perfect driving road and the commanding presence of several Dusters was a sight to behold. The hilly road got the best out of the Duster. The engine is perfectly tuned to generate exceptional power and torque. After having lunch at Dalima Resort in Kurintar, the convoy moved in tandem towards Pokhara. Day 1 concluded

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with fun-filled activities likes games and informal sessions at Atithi Resort & Spa. Day 2 started with a bang. After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, the participants occupied themselves with local sight-seeing activities. Participants were truly mesmerized by the beauty of Annapurna range. Boating in Fewa Lake was, perhaps, the most memorable moment for most participants. Everyone got a chance to unwind themselves in the city basking itself in the shadow of Fishtail mountain.

Great enthusiasm was omnipresent everywhere as we started Day 3. The destination for today was Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Our route for today was the challenging road from Pokhara to Lumbini via Tansen, Palpa.

Despite the semi-challenging road conditions, the Dusters never felt lacking in power or comfort. The optimally spread gear ratios made the long drive drastically more fun. The AWD variant made driving effortless. After the lunch break at Baan Batika Hotel in Tansen, we drove towards the flatlands where we were greeted by profusely green lands. The Duster excellently adapted to any terrain, be it slick flat roads or the toughest terrains.

Lumbini is one of the world’s most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Blessed with the various sites, instruments and shrines of various stages of Buddha’s life, Lumbini offers a variety of attractions related to the different occurrences in Buddha’s life. The Maya Devi temple is one of the major attractions of Lumbini.

The Lumbini Garden is another important attraction if you wish to contemplate spiritually. You can walk around the garden or find a peaceful meditative spot or visit the various monasteries. Many Buddhist temples and shrines from various nations are scattered around the holy site itself if

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you wish to interact with monks.

Day 3 came to an end.

The last day of the Iconic Passion Drive to Nepal chapter started with a farewell of G.O.D. members who departed to Lucknow. The Nepal team headed back towards the capital with a brief stop at Chaudhary Group’s Shaswatdham in Dumkauli of Nawalparasi.

Spread over 12 acres land, this architectural marvel has a Shiva temple, gurukul, a heritage store, a manuscript resource centre, a pure vegetarian restaurant and a meditation and yogic sciences centre. Truly mesmerized by the beauty of Shaswatdham, we moved towards Kathmandu.

Our last pit-stop for the trip was Mugling where we were greeted with a delicious lunch before driving non-stop towards Kathmandu. The short but memorable trip concluded after reaching Kathmandu.

The G.O.D Iconic Passion drive to Nepal promised to be an aweinspiring adventure drive that offered participants a chance to enjoy Nepal’s truly picturesque terrain. It provided a unique opportunity for participants to explore Kathmandu’s cultural treasures and rich heritage, unwind in serene Pokhara and discover spirituality in Lumbini.

The participants of the Gang of Dusters also got the opportunity to meet and share experiences with other Duster owners, visit historic sites, talk to experts, experience off-roading across varied terrains, and take part in adventure sports like Mountain Biking, Boat ride, etc. to satisfy the adventurer within.

Although we hardly get time for any long drive trips like these, we would like to thank Renault Nepal for providing us this amazing opportunity to unwind ourselves and interact with Duster experts and other Duster owners.

Escaping the city was never so stylish.

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AUTOLIFE FEATURE

THE BEST OF

EICMA 2017

EICMA, the largest and most important motorcycle show of the year has just finished up in Milan, Italy and it seems like every manufacturer previewed their latest innovations in biking for 2018. So here is the list of ten fines machines which will be rolling into showrooms soon.

DUCATI PANIGALE V4

EICMA 2017 visitors awarded the Ducati Panigale V4 “Most Beautiful Bike of Show” 61.17% of voters deem the new Ducati superbike the “queen” of the show. This is the thirteenth time the popular vote has been held and the ninth time it has been won by Ducati.

It is the company’s first mass produced bike to receive a four cylinder engine from the MotoGP Desmosedici.

It arrives with a new 90-degree V4 Stradale engine that produces 214 horsepower and 91.5 ft. /lbs. of torque, and is based on the same design used by Ducati’s MotoGP prototypes. This includes the counter-rotating crankshaft that aids in handling, and a twin-pulse ignition that helps reproduce the firing order of a V-twin.

The Panigale V4 is fitted with Showa and Sachs suspension, while the upgraded S and Speciale editions are upgraded with Ohlins suspension components.

The bike receive the latest evolution of the Brembo M50 calipers, Stylema, and has the latest in Ducati electronics, including Quick Shift, Slide Control, and Cornering ABS.

HONDA CB1000R

Honda’s 2018 CB1000R is the production version of the NeoSports Café concept, with the most obvious difference being the replacement of the burgundy colour on the flangeless gas tank and front spokes with black, plus a swing arm-mounted rear mudguard, a first for Honda.

The CB1000R maintains 4-cylinder liquid-cooled engine now empowered with 145 hp. Electronics has gained a new Throttle

By Wire system equipped with 4 Riding Modes (Rain, Standard, Sport and User, which can be personalized), that manage on power delivery, engine braking and traction control. Anti-slip clutch as well as a lighter exhaust system is also included. Its lightweight and rigid cast aluminium frame holds together a chassis including new Showa adjustable suspension, which contributes to restrain its weight (wet), now about 212 kg (-12 kg).

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Benelli 752S

Benelli returns to the medium-large naked segment with its new 752S. Benelli says the 752S is a compact and dynamic bike, capable of captivating at first glance The tube trellis frame with steel plates envelops the new Benelli four-stroke 750 cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine. Maximum power and torque are respectively 81.6 hp at 9000 rpm and 67 Nm at 6500 rpm. Double overhead camshaft timing, 4 valves per cylinder and electronic fuel injection with double throttle body complete the engine’s technical specifications.

The attention to safety and performance is confirmed by the characteristics of the braking system, with a double 320 mm diameter disc on the front and four-piston floating calliper, and a 260 mm diameter disc on the back with a single-piston floating calliper. As usual, it is equipped with ABS. The 17” aluminium alloy rims mount 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 tyres. The tank has 15 litres of capacity.

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HUSQVARNA SVARTPILEN 401 & VITPILEN 701:

HUSQVARNA’S Vitpilen 701, first revealed as a concept two years ago, has been unveiled in Milan as a 2018 production model.

The Vitpilen (Swedish for white arrow) is a café racer while the Svartpilen (Swedish for black arrow) will be a Scramble Both use the 692.7cc engine from Husqvarna’s 701 Supermoto and 701 Enduro, and originally from KTM’s 690 Supermoto and 690 Enduro.

Husqvarna confirmed that the Vitpilen 701 would be available to buy in the first

quarter of 2018, along with Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401, similarly-styled smaller models using the 373.2cc single-cylinder engine from KTM’s 390 Duke.

The Vitpilen 701 gets a ride-by-wire throttle and switchable ABS with a four-piston radial mounted Brembo caliper on a 320mm front disc and a single-pot on a 240m disc at the rear. It also gets a slipper clutch to reduce back-torque on downshifts. Suspension is from WP, consisting of an upside-down 43mm fork and monoshock.

KAWASAKI Z900RS CAFÉ

Following on from the 1972 Z1-inspired Z900RS Kawasaki unveiled in Tokyo , the Japanese firm unveiled second retro-styled machine at this week’s EICMA show in Milan, called the Z900RS Cafe.

Styling highlights include the bullet fairing, thick cushion seats and that retro green shade.

A step away from standard, the low handlebar creates a sporty body position matched well by a bikini cowling and stylish seat complete with racer inspired rear hump. Making sound sense, the exhaust system is Kawasaki’s first tuned specifically for tone and fits the overall attention to detail of the Z900RS CAFE perfectly with its subtle brushed satin finish.

This new Z900RS Cafe shares the same Z900-based inline-four engine and steel-trellis frame as the Z900RS, which makes a claimed peak power output of 111 hp. Also like the Z900RS, the Z900RS Cafe will get traction control and a slipper clutch.

ROYAL ENFIELD INTERCEPTOR 650 The new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is one of two new motorcycles, other being the Continental GT650, powered by the company’s new parallel-twin engine.

The arrival of the new 650cc parallel twins marks a return to twin-cylinder engines for Royal Enfield after a gap of over four decades.

The parallel-twin on the new Interceptor produces 46.3bhp at 7,100rpm and 52Nm of peak torque at 4,000rpm and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The new Interceptor will be able to cruise at motorway speeds, something RE fans in international markets will appreciate.

The Interceptor 650 is a throwback to ‘60s standards that features an upright riding position, wide handlebars, and laid-back look that seems plucked out of ‘60s California.

It gets a frame designed by Harris Performance and tested on the very same test track that Top Gear uses.

It’s a steel tube chassis designed to work in tandem with the motor for light, easy, and rewarding riding.

Suspension and brakes are traditional up front, with twin rear shocks, and single brake discs both front and rear.

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SCRAMBLER DUCATI 1100

With the popularity of the Scrambler line, Ducati has upped the ante by introducing the Scrambler 1100.

The beefier Scrambler will feature a new 1079cc L-Twin engine derived from the Monster 1100. The new Scrambler will put out around 86 hp at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 88.4 Nm at 4,750 rpm.

The Scrambler 1100 will also feature full technology package from Bosch which will include: ABS, Cornering ABS, and Traction Control systems.

Other notable features will include a full ride-bywire system, three ride modes: Active, Journey, & City. Active Riding Mode provides full engine power (86 hp), a direct throttle connection and a Traction Control level that’s compatible with sport riding.

Journey Riding Mode is perfect for everyday use: full L-twin power (86 hp), a more fluid throttle connection than with Active mode and a Traction Control level developed for leisure riding. The third Riding Mode, City, lowers engine power to 75 hp (and 88 Nm of maximum torque), the same as on the Scrambler 800.

KTM DUKE 790

After showcasing the prototype last year, KTM has finally taken the wraps off the new 790 Duke at EICMA 2017. The 790 Duke employs a steel frame, with the engine as the stressed member, in order to save weight, which stands at 169Kg. The motorcycle features a brand new, 799cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor that develops 105PS at 9,000 rpm and 86Nm at 8,000rpm. Called the LC8c, this is KTM’s first parallel-twin motor and has a DOHC head with eight valves, actuated by DLC-coated finger followers. To help keep the vibrations at the minimum, KTM has employed two balancer shafts. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission.

The 790 Duke gets a bunch of features and electronics too such as cornering ABS, supermoto riding mode, quick-shifter, launch control, customizable track mode, the KTM TFT instrumentation console and a lean-sensitive traction control.

One can also get the KTM My Ride pack for smartphone pairing.

BENELLI TRK 251

The 2018 Benelli TRK 251 looks identical to its bigger sibling the TRK 502 and features a steel tube trellis frame. However, the major highlight of the TRK 251 is its road biased setup than an off-road centric arrangement.

The TRK251 gets a 17-litre fuel tank. The adventure motorcycle gets 41mm upside down forks and a monoshock with a central damping adjustment with a 51mm travel.

Doing braking duties on the Benelli TRK 251 are 280mm single floating disc with 4 piston caliper and 240mm disc with single piston caliper. It runs on 17 inch aluminium alloys with 110/70 front and 150/60.rear tyres.

Powering the bike is a single cylinder 250cc, 4-stroke, liquid cooled motor that makes 26PS at 9,250rpm and generates a maximum torque of 21Nm at 8,000 rpm. This motor is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

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Moto Guzzi V85 concept

The Eagle brand is thirsty for a return to the ADV market. The bike is completely new from top-tobottom and will mark the first time the company has returned to production on adventure bikes since the demise of the Stelvio.

Speaking of the Concept V85 and its 850cc V-twin, which features the iconic transverse 90-degree engine layout, Moto Guzzi says “It is the motorcycle that was needed by an increasingly standardized market dedicated to traveling in its purest form, recalling the epic rally raids of the 1980s, a point of reference from which it inherits style, charm and thus emotion, but which has been designed to take on both everyday routes and long-distance routes, using the most up-to-date requirements.�

Modern technology elements, such as the fully digital instrumentation and the front LED DRL light series on the front headlight, combine classic styling with the off-road world.

Honda CB300R

The CB300R is also based on the Neo Sports Cafe concept and hence look like scaled-down replicas of the CB1000R. The CB300R borrows its singlecylinder motor from the existing CBR300R. The 286cc DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled singlecylinder motor produces 30.9PS of power at 5,500rpm and 27Nm of torque at 7,500rpm. Fuel economy is rated at 30.2kmpl, though this is not the ARAI figure.

Mated to this is a 6-speed gearbox. In terms of features, the Honda CB300R comes with a LED headlight, LCD instrument cluster, and ABS equipped with an inertial measurement unit.

Kawasaki Ninja 400

The all new H2 inspired and an upgraded 399cc liquid cooled, parallel twin engine, which makes 45ps of power and 38 Nm of torque, makes the new Ninja 400 a significant update to the old Ninja 300. The lighter engine and new design cues, combined with the more powerful engine, the new baby Ninja is expected to have amazing acceleration figures for its class. Mated to a 6-speed transmission with slipper clutch, the motor is claimed to offer better performance throughout the range and a higher low-down torque.

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PRINT RUN ULTRAKNIT

ALWAYS IN MOTION

Sherpa Mall, Durbarmarg, T: 4257706 82

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NEW CAR BUYER’S GUIDE

Updated November 2017 Disclaimer: All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm with the showroom for accuracy.

Model

Displacement

Price

Continental Associates Pvt Ltd,Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu Tel: 01-4650794 | 44015653

ISUZU D-Max V-Cross

D-Max S-Cab

1499 cc

2499 cc

Model

1198 cc

Go

39,90,000

Redi-Go

25,99,000

799 cc

15,25,000 to 19,99,000 9,75,000 to 20,25,000

Life Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. Gairidhara Tel: 4004644 | 4004645

FIAT

Brio

1198 cc

24,80,000 to 34,00,000

City

1497 cc

37,75,000 to

Cr-V RVSI

1997 cc

1,07,75,000

Mobilio

1497 cc

37,00,000 to 42,00,000

Civic

1598cc

68,00,000 to

22,39,000 to

1198 cc

999cc

1198 cc

75,00,000

HYUNDAI

Laxmi Intercontinental P.L Thapathali Tel: 4101556 | 4101557

Elantra

1591 cc

59,96,000 18,96,000 to

Punto Pure

1172 cc

22,89,000 to 24,25,000

Eon

814 cc

Punto Evo

1172 cc

31,80,000

Grand I10

1197 cc

Punto Abarth

1368 cc (Petrol) 1248 cc (Diesel) 1368 cc

Avventura Abarth

1368 cc

Avventura

31,70,000 to

53,00,000

23,99,000 Go+ (T)

Amaze

34,50,000

Pioneer Motorcorp Pvt Ltd, Thapathali, Kathmandu Tel: 6203567

DATSUN

Price

Syakar Trading Company P. L Dhobighat Tel: 5549741 | 4225490 |4253522

HONDA

60,90,000 to 72,90,000

Displacement

22,96,000 26,96,000 to 32,56,000

31,45,000 to 40,95,000 37,50,000

Santa Fe

2199 cc

43,75,000

Tucson

1998 cc

Veloster

1591 cc

75,96,000

New Verna

1591 cc

42,56,000

Xcent

1197 cc

28,26,000 to 34,96,000

Elite i20

1197 cc

30,96,000 to 34,96,000

1,03,96,000 to 1,22,96,000 91,96,000

Go Automobiles Pvt. Ltd, Thapathali, KTM Tel: 4244254 | 4257001

FORD Eco-Sport

1499 cc

Ford Endeavour

2198cc

31,90,000 to 46,40,000

3198cc

1,12,00,000 to 1,34,00,000

i20 Active 21,99,000 to All New Figo

1196cc 1496 cc Petrol 1496 cc Diesel

81,96,000 to

Creta

31,99,000 25,99,000 to 35,99,000

New Grand i10

1197 cc (Petrol) 1396 cc (Diesel) 1396 cc (Diesel) 1591cc (Petrol) 1582 cc (Diesel) 1197cc

37,96,000 to 42,96,000 42,56,000 to 61,96,000

26,96,000 to 32,56,000

68,00,000 to Ranger Figo Aspire

72,00,000

1196 cc (Petrol)

26,90,000 to

1495 cc (Diesel)

34,90,000 29,90,000 to 38,90,000

Continental Associates Pvt Ltd,Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu Tel: 01-4650794 | 44015653

KIA Picanto

998cc

24,99,000 to 30,49,000

41, 00,000 to

Syakar Trading Company P. L Dhobighat Tel: 5549741 | 4225490 |4253522

HONDA

84

3198cc

Jazz

1199 cc

30,50,000 to 41,50,000

Rio (Hatchback & Sedan)

1396 cc

BR-V

1497 cc

41,00,000 to 54,00,000

Sorento

2199 cc

AUTOLIFE NOV/DEC 2017

48,00,000 1,25,00,000

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Updated November 2017

Model

Displacement

Price

Continental Associates Pvt Ltd,Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu Tel: 01-4650794 | 44015653

KIA

Model

MITSUBISHI

Displacement

Price

Leon Motors Pvt. Ltd, Shantinagar Tel: 4622074 | 4622485

Soul

1600 cc

55,95,000 to 59,95,000

Asx

1998 cc

Sportage

1998 cc

78,95,000 to

Outlander

2360 cc

1,14,00,000

Pajero

3200 cc

14,400,000 to

Pajero 3 Door

3200cc

95,75,000 to 99,50,000

96,95,000 Carnival

2092cc

75,00,000 to 80,00,000

Kia Soul EV

Electric Motor

56,00,000 to 58,00,000

MAHINDRA Bolero

Agni Incorporated Pvt. Ltd, Uttar Dhoka Tel: 4414626 | 4414628 2523 cc

1,62,50,000

MG MOTORS

29,50,000 to

MG3

35,00,000 Bolero Camper

2523 cc

19,25,000 to

MG6

23,90,000 2523 cc

Genio

2523 cc

17,95,000

Scorpio

2523 cc

38,60,000 to

Quanto

1493 cc

16,95,000

33,15,000 to

Thar

2489 cc

31,45,000 to

2179 cc

Xylo

2489 cc

23,99,000 to 26,99,000

Navara

2488 cc

72,99,000

1498cc (Petrol) 1461cc (Diesel) 1997cc

40,99,000

TUV300

1493cc (Diesel)

52,50, 000 to

34,95,000 to

OCTAVIA

1968 cc

76,44,00O

YETI

1968 CC

72,95,000 to

Superb

1968cc

1,16,00,000

26,95,000 – 31,95,000 31,45,000 – 36,45,000 36,95,000 –

Padma Shree Pvt. Ltd, Gyaneshwor Tel: 4435688 | 4435631 1998 cc

92,50,000 to

1600 cc

67,50,000

Bt-50

2499 cc

55,00,000

Mazda 6

2000 cc

81,00,000

Mazda 2

1498 cc

48,00,000

39,95,000

Vijay Motors Pvt. Ltd, Naxal, KTM Tel: 4414625 | 4425603 Forester

2000cc

11,000,000

XV Crosstrek

2000cc

94,00,000 to

1,05,00,000 Mazda 3

43,45,000

79,95,000

SUBARU

Cx-5

1,15,00,000

1598 cc (Petrol) 1498cc (Diesel)

RAPID

35,35,000 to

45,95,000

MAZDA

38,99,000

M.A.W Enterprises Thapathali Tel: 4216835 | 4268788

SKODA

43,20,000 1198cc (Petrol) 1198cc (Diesel)

57,50,000 to

37,85,000

72,95,000

KUV100

1796 cc

1198cc

X-trail

36,65,000

XUV500

36,50,000 to 38,50,000

Micra Active

Sunny

37,55,000 2609 cc

1498 cc

Pioneer Moto Corp Pvt. Ltd, Kamaladi, Kathmandu, 014427871

NISSAN

59,95,000

Scorpio Pick-Up

SLR Techno & Trade Pvt. Ltd. New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Tel: 01-4783841

61,75,000

16,25,000 to

Bolero Maxi Truck

11,850,000

NEW CAR BUYER’S GUIDE

Disclaimer: All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm with the showroom for accuracy.

10,100,000

PEUGEOT

Shangrila Motors Pvt. Ltd Thapathali, Kathmandu 01-4101655, 4101559

508

1598cc

99,00,000

2008

1199cc

74,99,000 to

3008

1598cc

80,00,000 11,100,000 to 11,700,000

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NEW CAR BUYER’S GUIDE

Updated November 2017 Disclaimer: All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm with the showroom for accuracy.

Model

Displacement

Price

Model

IMS Motors Naxal (opposite to Police Headquarter) Tel: 01-4412055, 9802002750

SSANGYONG Tivoli

1597cc

56,99,000 to 65,99,00

XLV

1597cc

58,99,000 to 68,99,000

Displacement

Safari Storme

2179 cc

Indigo

1396 cc

Price 46,75,000 to 61,75,000 26,95,000

United Traders Syndicate, Sinamangal Tel: 4478301-5, 4478003

TOYOTA

79,99,000 to

Korando

1998cc

Actyon Sports

1998cc

61,99,000

Rexton

2696cc

11,199,000 to

95,99,000

Etios Cross

1496 cc Petrol

41,25,000

1364 cc Diesel

43,90,000

Fortuner

2755 cc

1,30,00,000 to 1,36,00,000

Hilux

2755 cc

80,50,000

11,999,000 CG|Motocorp, Jhamsikhel Tel: 5547165 | 5547166

SUZUKI

796 cc

Alto 800

15,49,000 to 17,99,000

Alto K10

998 cc

20,19,000

Land Cruiser

4461 cc

1,73,00,000 to 3,23,00,000

Celerio

998 cc

23,19,000 to

Land Cruiser Prado

2982 cc

1,84,00,000 -

Rav4

2494 cc

Hiace

2494 cc

Innova Crysta

2393cc 2755cc

25,99,000 1196 cc

Eeco

19,49,000 to

2,33,00,000

19,59,000 796 cc

Omni

10,39,000 to

1,30,00,000

14,19,000 1197 cc

Swift

28,49,000 to

1197 cc

Ciaz

1373 cc

New Wagon R VXi

998 cc

Baleno

1197cc

S-Cross Vitara Brezza

34,49,000 to

VOLKSWAGEN

22,59,000

Cross Polo

1598 cc

35,45,000

37,19,000

Amarok

1968 cc

82,00,000 to 92,00,000

1248cc 1598cc

38,99,000 to

Passat A/T Loaded

1798 cc

86,45,000

1248cc

37,29,000 to

Polo

1198 cc

26,45,000 to

Tiguan

99,00,000 to

Touareg

1395 cc Petrol 1968cc Diesel 2967 cc

Vento

1598 cc

32,95,000 to

Ameo

1198cc

29,19,000 to

61,99,000

35,19,000

Hexa

2179 cc

77,95,000

Zest Tigor

AUTOLIFE NOV/DEC 2017

1193 cc (Petrol) 1248 cc (Diesel) 1199cc

2956 cc

25,30,000 to

23,95,000 to 29,95,000

37,95,000 1199cc

24,95,000 to 32,95,000

1,55,45,000

31,95,000 to 35,45,000

Advanced Automobiles Pvt. Ltd, 9851229996 , 9801027012, Thapathali, Kathmandu

RENAULT Kwid

799cc to 999cc

17,20,900 to 21,48,900

Duster

1598cc

35,81,700 to 56,71,300

Lodgy Stepaway

1461cc

39,95,000*

31,75,000 to 31,55,000 to

1,28,00,000

44,45,000

34,55,000

33,25,000 1193 cc

39,45,000

28,89,000 to

20,95,000 to 23,95,000

Sumo Gold

86

1197cc

1396 cc

Tata Tiago

Pooja International Pvt. Ltd, Panipokhari Tel: 4006605 | 4006606

39,49,000

Indica

Tata Bolt

92,75,000

37,39,000

Sipradi Trading Pvt Ltd, Teku Tel: 4250610 | 4250612

TATA

69,50,000 to

30,89,000 to

45,79,000 Ignis

67,00,000 68,00,000

31,49,000 Swift Dzire

1,06,00,000 -

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Updated November 2017

Model

ACE MOTORCYCLE

Displacement

Price

Classic Wheels Export Import Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu Tel: 9801024639

Ace British Classic

397cc

5,60,000

Ace British Scrambler

397cc

6,10,000

Model

SR150

154.4 cc

Price

Turbo Motors Pvt Ltd Naxal,Tel: 4435720

DUCATI

45,00,000 to

1299 Panigale

1285 cc

959 Panigale

955 cc

35,00,000

Diavel

1198.4 cc

41,00,000 to

Hypermotard

937 cc

28,50,000 to 35,50,000

Hyperstrada

937 cc

30,50,000

Monster 1200

1198.4 cc

32,50,000 to

Monster 696

696 cc

20,00,000

53,00,000

D-Lifestyles Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu 01-4423131/132

APRILIA

Displacement

48,00,000

2,46,900 to 2,56,900

42,00,000

Hansraj Hulaschand & Co. Ltd Teku, Tel: 4267759 | 4261200

BAJAJ Discover 150

144.8 cc

1,99,900

Monster 796

803 cc

22,00,000

Discover 100 M

94.38 cc

1,56,900

Monster 821

821 cc

29,00,000

Discover 125

124.6 cc

1,74,9001,82,900

Multistrada

1198.4 cc

40,00,000 to

Platina 100 E/S

99.27 cc

1,50,900

Scrambler Sixty2

399 cc

16,50,000

Pulsar 150 DTSI

149.01 cc

2,29,900

Scrambler

803cc

19,50,000 to 23,50,000

Pulsar 180 DTSI

178.6 cc

2,49,900

Panigale R

1198cc

70,00,000

Pulsar 200 NS

199.5 cc

2,90,900

Xdiavel

1262 cc

44,00,000 to 50,00,000

Pulsar 220F

220 cc

2,85,900

Pulsar RS200

199.5cc

3,99,900

AS 200

199.5cc

2,86,900

AS150

149.5cc

2,51,900

Avenger 150 Street

150cc

2,57,900

Avenger 220 Street

220cc

2,92,900

Avenger 220 Cruise

220cc

3,02,900

Bajaj V 15

149.5cc

2,09,900

Pulsar 160NS

160cc

2,59,900

Dominar 400

373.3cc

4,70,000

Turbo Motors Pvt Ltd Naxal,Tel: 4435720

DUCATI

46,50,000

Nepal General Marketing Pvt Ltd Jyoti Bhawan, Kantipath Tel: 4225377

HERO ACHIEVER

149 cc

1,92,000

GLAMOUR

124.7 cc

1,75,000 to

HF DELUXE

97.2 cc

1,45,000

Hunk

149.2 cc

2,11,000 to

Karizma R

223 cc

2,60,500

Karizma Zmr

223 cc

3,21,500

Passion Pro Tr

97 cc

1,68,000

Pleasure

102 cc

1,57,000

Splendor Ismart

97 cc

1,57,500

Dash

111 cc

1,67,500 to 1,71,500

1,80,000

2,16,500

Scrambler Cafe Racer

803cc

25,00,000

Splendor Pro

97.2 cc

1,56,500

Desert Sled

803cc

25,00,000

Splendor Pro Classic

97.2 cc

1,57,500

Monster 797

803cc

21,00,000

Super Splendor

124.7 cc

1,59,500

Multistrada 950

937cc

29,50,000

X-Treme

149.2 cc

2,19,500 to

SuperSport

937 cc

29,50,000

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NEW BIKE BUYER’S GUIDE

Disclaimer: All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm with the showroom for accuracy.

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2,30,000

AUTOLIFE NOV/DEC 2017 87

NEW BIKE BUYER’S GUIDE

Updated November 2017 Disclaimer: All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm with the showroom for accuracy.

Model

Displacement

Price

Syakar Trading Company Pvt. Ltd, Kantipath, Tel: 4253522 | 4163501 | 4256199

HONDA

Model

Price

Hansraj Hulaschand & Co. Ltd Naxal, Tel: 4415462

KTM

ACTIVA

109 cc

1,59,900

200 DUKE

200 cc

4,52,900

AVIATOR

109 cc

1,83,900

390 DUKE

373.2 cc

7,09,900

CB SHINE

124.7 cc

1,88,100 to

RC 200

199 cc

5,39,900

1,96,900 CB TRIGGER

149 cc

2,29,900

RC 390

373 cc

6,99,900

CB TWISTER

109 cc

1,84,900

250 DUKE

248.8 cc

5,44,900

CB UNICORN

149.1 cc

2,24,900

CBF STUNNER

124.7 cc

1,95,900

CBR 250R

249 cc

5,29,900 to

RUNNER MOTORCYCLES

5,99,900 (AVS)

Raman Motors Pvt. Ltd. Dhobighat, Kathmandu 01-5533054, 5538414

AD80S Deluxe

85cc

1,54,000 to 1,57,000

CRF 250L

250 cc

9,90,000

Cheeta

95.75cc

1,59,000

DREAM YUGA

109cc

1,64,900

Kite+

98.16cc

1,69,000

DIO

109cc

1,75,900

Knight Rider

150cc

2,25,000

CB Hornet 160R

162.71cc

2,65,900

Royal Plus

109.1cc

1,73,000

XR125L

124.7cc

3,90,000

Bullet 125

100.54cc

1,82,000

CB Unicorn 160

163cc

2,45,900

Activa-i

110 cc

1,59,900

Activa 125

125 cc

1,93,900

CB Shine SP

125 cc

2,12,900

CB 500F

500 cc

13,99,000

150NK

149.4cc

2,99,000

CRF 250M

250 cc

9,90,000

400NK

400.4cc

6,40,000

MSX

125 cc

5,99,900

650NK

649.3cc

10,00,000

XR 150L

150 cc

4,80,000

St. Papio

124.5cc

2,25,000

Navi

109.19cc

1,54,900

CBR 650

648.72

19,99,000

CB190R

184cc

5,90,000

KTM International Trading Pvt. Ltd. Naxal, Kathmandu 01-4411439

BENELLI

88

Displacement

TRK 502

499.6cc

12,00,000

TNT300

300cc

7,00,000

TNT600i

600cc

16,50,000

302 R

300cc

7,50,000

TNT 135

134.7cc

3,20,000

AUTOLIFE NOV/DEC 2017

Anna International Pvt. Ltd. Naxal, Kathmandu

CFMOTO

ROYAL ENFIELD

Dugar Brothers & Sons Pvt. Ltd Balaju, Tel: 4362992

Classic 350

346 cc

4,49,000

Classic 500

499 cc

5,41,000

Classic Battle Green

499 cc

5,61,000

Classic Chrome

499 cc

5,81,000

Himalayan

411cc

5,61,000

* Virtual Showroom Of All - Cars, Bikes, Cycles * Free 2nd Hand Buy/Sell * Find The Nearest: Work Shops, Service-Stations, Petrol Pumps, Showrooms, Banks * Live News And Updates * Auto Loan And Insurance www.autolife.com.np

Updated November 2017

Model

Displacement

Price

Classic Desert Storm

499 cc

5,61,000

Continental Gt

535 cc

7,21,000

Electra

346 cc

4,32,000

Thunderbird 500

499 cc

7,21,000

Thunderbird 350

346 cc

5,77,000

Model

Price

Import USA Pvt. Ltd. Gairidhara, Tel: 4004664

UM

3,70,000 to

Dsr 200

198.9 cc

Hypersport

199 cc

Renegade Commando

223 cc

3,75,000

Renegade Duty

124 cc

2,40,000

Renegade Sport

137.8 cc

2,50,000 to

Nitrox LS

124.1cc

1,85,000

Power Max

124.6 cc

1,85,000

Renegrade Sport

180cc

2,85,000

3,99,000 3,66,999 to 3,85,999

VG Suzuki Tripureshwor, Tel: 4233281

SUZUKI

Displacement

ACCESS 125

124 cc

1,89,900

GIXXER

154.9 cc

2,46,900

GS 150R

149.5 cc

2,21,900

HAYATE

113 cc

1,69,900

LET’S

112 cc

1,75,900

SLINGSHOT

124 cc

1,84,900

Vespa VXL

125cc

2,85, 946

SWISH

124 cc

1,79,900

Vespa SXL

125cc

2,99,946

Suzuki Gixxer SF

154.9 cc

2,76,900 to

SXL 150

150cc

3,19,946

VXL 150

150cc

3,09,946

Elegante

150cc

3,49,946

SXL Matte Red

150cc

3,25,946

LX 125

125CC

2,39,946

Gixxer Dual Tone

SCOMADI

154.9 cc

2,51,900 to 2,59,900

Avasha International Narayan Gopal Chowk, Kathmandu Mob:9801067999

TL125 General

124.6 cc

2,80,000

TL125 Chrome

124.6 cc

3,50,000

Jagdamba Motors Pvt. Ltd. Teku, Tel: 4237057

TVS RTR 160

160 cc

2,35,900

JUPITER

109 cc

1,72,900

PHOENIX 125

125 cc

1,83,900

STAR CITY 110

109.7 cc

1,62,900

SCOOTY ZEST

110 cc

1,64,900

WEGO REFRESH

110 cc

1,73,900 to 1,75,900

RTR 180

180 cc

2,45,900

STAR SOPRT

100 cc

1,56,900

VICTOR

109.7 cc

1,67,900

XL 100

99.7 cc

1,12,900

RTR 200 4V

197,75CC

2,83,900

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D-Lifestyles Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu 01-4423131/132

VESPA

2,89,900

NEW BIKE BUYER’S GUIDE

Disclaimer: All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm with the showroom for accuracy.

Morang Auto Works Teku, Tel: 4261160 | 4268252

YAMAHA FZ FI V2.0

149 cc

2,64,400

FZ-16 FI V2

149 cc

2,56,900

FZ-S FI V2 SE

149 cc

2,69,400

RAY Z-R

113 cc

1,89,900 to 1,96,900

SZ-RR

149 cc

2,17,900 to 2,19,900

YZF R15 V1.5

150 cc

3,55,900

FASCINO

113 cc

1,94,900

SALUTO

125cc

1,88,900

FZ25

249cc

3,49,900

Classic Wheels Export Import Pvt. Ltd. Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu Tel: 980-1024639

CROSSFIRE XZ250RR

250 cc

FIND. COMPARE. BUY. SELL. ANY VEHICLE IN NEPAL.

6,10,000

AUTOLIFE NOV/DEC 2017 89

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