Volume 6 Issue 10 by AutoLife (Nepal)

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DUCATI PINAGLE V4

A New Opera The new Panigale V4 Speciale completes the range and takes the concept of Italian sports bikes to an extreme. An exclusive and dedicated livery;Â Ducati Performance titanium racing exhaust by Akrapovic for 226 hp of power;Â components in carbon and aluminium worked from the solid. ducati.com 187 NaranchaurMarg, Naxal Kathmandu Email: info@turbomotors.com.np Phone: 4435720, 9842040340 & 9811148959 2

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“

Prior to the Hyundai Creta, I owned an i10 Grand Asta full option. It was from the i10, my journey with Hyundai started which was roughly three years ago. I purchased the Creta by exchanging the i10 and I’m satisfied with the car. As being a 1600cc, the Creta is good for daily commute and deems to be economical as well. Also, when we travel out of the valley, the Creta does the job and till now there is no complain towards the vehicle. The price range of the car is in the lower side of the spectrum which is an additional bonus as well. I’ve been to Bhadrapur and Biratnagar on my Creta and while travelling outside the valley, the Creta feels under control even at a speed of 80-90 Km/h and driving in the city also provides comfort considering the condition of the roads. Rather than driving a higher displacement vehicle or powerful vehicle and burning the unrequired fuel, the Creta consumes less fuel as well. Also, the road condition does not permit us to go above 50-60 km/h so considering everything I feel Creta is a better choice. I had purchased the Creta on December, so I had just reached Narayanghat after my first servicing and I didn’t find any complication. The pre-sales as well as the after-sales service of Hyundai was pretty good. Me and my friends had purchased the Creta at the same time and we previously purchased the i10 at the same time as well. Altogether, we have 5 Creta’s in our group.

Mr. Krishna Lamsal Simrug International Managing Director

ENGINE

Petrol 1.6 dual VTVT

Displacement (cc)

1591 cc

Maximum Power (ps/rpm)

123 / 6,400

Maximum Torque (kg-m/rpm)

15.4 / 4,850

Clearance (mm) Fuel Tank Capacity (l) Boot Space (l)5 Suspension (Front/ Rear)M Type

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Diesel 1.6 CRDi VGT

1582 cc 128 / 4,000 26.5 / 1,900-2,750 190 55 402

McPherson Strut with Coil Spring / Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring

Power assisted (Electric)

AUTOLIFE JAN/FEB 2018 1

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EDITORIAL M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8 VO LU M E 6 I S S U E 1 0 Hello again, We have a well sorted full course menu this time around for you guys. So get ready to devour this month’s issue. For the appetizer we have the middle weight contender hoping to reign over the market with its retro-contemporary design cues, the Benelli Leoncino 500 and we serve it hot to you with its review. After tantalizing your appetite with the Leoncino we move on to the main course and for it we have the highly anticipated Tata Nexon. A reinvigorated Tata wants to entice new prospective buyers with its next gen design language and the Nexon is the culmination of years of research and development by Tata. For a familiar taste we steer you towards the Prado, a workhorse of a machine with a rich heritage in an even meaner avatar. And finally for desserts we have the third iteration of Yamaha’s R15 and a modern take on the popular Thunderbird by Royal Enfield with the new Thunderbird X. Of course, there’s much more in our menu this month and you can go at them in any order. We’ll be back next month with a new set of specials. Until then,

FOUNDER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HEAD OF BUSINESS & OPERATIONS SUB-EDITOR EDITORIAL

Ajay Dhoj Thapa Shraddha Rajbhandari Keyush Shrestha Anmol Shrestha Prashant Manandhar Rupil Joshi Shreya Sangroula Nirveek PPJ Shah

CONTRIBUTOR PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORIAL DESIGNER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Ankit Tuladhar Gaurav Sunuwar Asim Santos Poudel Rupesh Shrestha Biraj Shrestha

INTERN

Ankita Rajbhandari

CTP & PRINT ScanPrint, Pulchowk, Tel: 01-5010801

DISTRIBUTION Kasthamandap Distributors, Tel: 01-4247241

GENERAL ENQUIRIES hello@autolife.com.np

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@autolife.com.np

ADS AND MARKETING ENQUIRIES marketing@autolife.com.np

Cheers.

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CONTENTS T H E H IGH LIGH TS

20 Product Watch

Royal Enfield: Thunderbird X

24 Test Ride

The All New TATA Nexon: To The Next Level

Benelli Leoncino

30 Product Watch YAMAHA: R15 V3.0

34 Feature

Driving Simulators

40 Test Drive

TATA Nexon

46 My Autolife

Rahul Agarwal Co-Owner House Of Palettes

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LTE

the new

moto e4 vibrant 5" HD display and metal design.

unlimited value a your ďŹ ngertips.

ON PHON E

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ON SOFTW AR E

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ON ATTER & CHARGERY

WARRANTY

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Take beautifully sharp photos and selfies, even in low light conditions.

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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Authorized Master Service Center CTC Mall 4th Floor, Bagdurbar-11, Sundhara, Kathmandu. Phone No.: 01-4213004

Quad-core processor and 4G speed Watch videos, play games, and more without having to wait.

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

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018 9

CONTENTS T H E H IGH LIGH TS

36 Product Watch

The All New TATA Nexon: To The Next Level

2018 Toyota Rush

50 Wish-List Acura

Interview

Sujan Roy: Head of International Business, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit for Tata Motors

56 Test-Drive

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2018

62 Evolution

Volkswagen

70 Event

NRM: Nepal Riders Meet

80 Event

Geneva Auto Show

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AUTOLIFE NEWS

2018 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM LAUNCHED IN INDIA Rolls-Royce has launched the 2018 Phantom in India at Rs 9.5 crore for the standard wheelbase version and Rs 11.35 crore for the extended wheelbase version, making it the most expensive car currently on sale in India. Doing duty under the hood is a 6.75-litre, twin-turbo, V12 petrol motor that churns out 571hp at 5,000rpm and a humongous 900Nm of peak torque at 1,700rpm. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The standard Phantom is 5.7m long, while the extended wheelbase version is nearly six metres (5,982mm) in length, with a wheelbase of 3,772mm. Build on the all-new aluminium spaceframe platform, the new eighthgeneration Phantom is lighter and 30 percent more rigid than the previous car. The spaceframe platform will also underpin future Rolls-Royce models including the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first ever SUV,Â the Cullinan. Other creature comforts include the Starlight roof, that can be set to replicate a night sky, a champagne chiller and flutes, buttons to open and close the doors and, of course, extensive use of sound deadening in a bid to make this the quietest car in the world.

NEW MERCEDESMAYBACH S650 LAUNCHED IN INDIA Launched in India, this super luxury sedan is the most luxurious car on offer by the company in the country. It is the first car in India to come with a BS6 compliant petrol engine. Brought into India via the CBU route, Mercedes-Maybach S650 is powered by a 5980cc V12 engine offering 630 bhp peak power and 1000 Nm peak torque mated to automatic transmission. It sits on an extended wheel base which results in added interior space while its opulent interior is dominated by electrically adjustable individual rear seats along with a host of convenience, comfort and infotainment features. Internal heating and cooling, besides massage function, ambient lighting and cabin atomizer are among its interior luxuries while the car itself is fitted with state of the art safety and driver assistance systems. It also gets multibeam LED headlight, new LED taillight, radar based driver assistance systems, magic body control, magic sky control, etc.

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AUTOLIFE NEWS

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE SPEEDMASTER LAUNCHED IN INDIA Triumph Motorcycles has launched the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster in India. The Bonneville Speedmaster is Triumph’s least expensive cruiser and extends the hugely popular modern classic range with the introduction of a cruiser. Powering the cruiser is the same 1,200cc parallel-twin powerplant seen on the Bobber, which delivers 77hp at 6,100rpm and peak torque of 106Nm at 4,000rpm. In comparison, the Bonneville T120’s motor pumps out 80hp and 105Nm of torque

whereas the Thruxton R’s engine produces 97hp and 112Nm of torquw. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Talking about electronics, the Speedmaster features two power modes (Road and Rain), switchable traction control, ride-by-wire, and is also the first Bonneville motorcycle to get Cruise Control. Its fuel tank capacity has also been bumped – from the 9.1-litre tank seen on the Bobber – to a 12-litre tank, for better range, while touring. Suspension duties

are handled by telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock which is adjustable for preload. Stopping power is provided by 310mm twin disc front brakes setup with two twin-piston Brembo callipers and a single 255mm dia disc at the back, while ABS is standard. The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster will compete in the cruiser segment with the likes of the HarleyDavidson Street Bob and even the Indian Scout Sixty.

NEW 2018 FERRARI 812 SUPERFAST LAUNCHED IN INDIA The Ferrari 812 Superfast is the company’s most powerful V12 road car ever and it has landed in India. Visually, the 812 Superfast gets more aggressive bodywork with active aerodynamic aids to boost down-force or reduce drag, depending on the scenario. Inside, the car gets a new dashboard with an updated instrument cluster display, along with upgraded sports seats and tweaked steering wheel controls. The Ferrari 812 Superfast is the replacement for the F12 Berlinetta. The 812 Superfast employs a slightly larger version of the F12’s naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine, apart from fresh styling and new chassis technology. The 812’s engine

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018

displaces just 234cc more than the outgoing F12 Berlinetta’s V12, while producing 789 bhp (800 hp) at 8500 rpm and 719 Nm of torque at 7000 rpm. The 812’s V12 is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 812 Superfast gets a re-tuned chassis that benefits from an evolution of Ferrari’s Slide Slip Control technology that debuted on the 488 GTB, and the second generation of Virtual Short Wheelbase, or a rear-wheel steering system; the firstgeneration of which is used on the F12tdf. Another significant change in the 812 Superfast is the addition of electric power steering. facebook.com/AutolifeNepal

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AUTOLIFE NEWS

2018 KAWASAKI Z900RS LAUNCHED IN INDIA India Kawasaki Motors has launched the Kawasaki Z900RS in India. The Kawasaki Z900RS takes the platform and mechanicals of the popular Kawasaki Z900 naked, packaged into a retro-styled motorcycle that looks straight out of the 1970s. The Z900RS comes powered by the same 900cc liquid-cooled inline-four as a Z900, while most other retro offerings in the category are powered by twin-cylinder engines. The suspension duty in the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS is handled by 41mm inverted forks in the front and gas-charged shock at the rear. The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS also comes with a new steel trellis frame, a new tank design, and a more upright seating position compared to that of the Z900. Compared to the Z900, the handlebar is 30mm wider, 65mm taller and has been positioned 35mm closer to the rider. The overall styling of the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS takes a lot of inspiration from the Z1, which can be seen with the analog cluster pods and tail section. The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS also features traction control and two riding modes, for sporty and comfortable cruising. Brakes include a radiallymounted four-piston monoblock setup in the front. Being a CBU built in Japan, the price is quite high, when compared to the Triumph Bonneville T120 and Triumph Thruxton R.

Royal Enfield has launched its new Thunderbird 350X and 500X. The 350X and 500X are available in four bright colours – Getaway Orange and Drifter Blue on the 500X, Whimsical White and Roving Red on the 350X – and also feature a few other cosmetic updates. There are multiple changes that set it apart from the regular model – such as the new handlebar and seats. The bikes feature 9-spoke black alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. The headlamp and tail-lamp are the same units as the standard model, replete with an LED daytime-running light, as well as an LED tail-lamp. Disc brakes are standard at the front and rear; although without ABS.

ROYAL ENFIELD THUNDERBIRD X LAUNCHED IN INDIA

Both new Thunderbird variants use the same engine and gearbox as the standard Thunderbird range. The 350X employs the 346cc motor from the Thunderbird 350, which makes 19.8hp and 28Nm of torque; while the 500X is powered by the 499cc motor from the Thunderbird 500, which produces 27.2hp and 41.3Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to the same five-speed gearbox. The digi-analogue twin-pod instrument cluster also gets the blacked-out treatment with a chrome garnish around the dials. A major change is the all-new seat, a single-piece unit which looks modern and in tune with the rest of the motorcycle’s appeal. The exhaust and the telescopic fork also have a matte-black finish, as do the top and bottom ends of the dual shock-absorbers.

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AUTOLIFE NEWS

HARLEY DAVIDSON LAUNCHES THREE MOTORCYCLES IN INDIA

Harley-Davidson expanded their Softail family by launching three new motorcycles; the 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Anniversary, Low Rider and Deluxe. Harley designers have maintained the silhouette of the original (first-generation) bike but, like the standard Fat Boy, the new motorcycle comes with an all-LED headlight, chunky tyres and the drool-worthy solid disc wheels, which Harley calls ‘Lakester’. Powering the Fat Boy Anniversary Edition is a 1,868cc V-twin motor churning out an earth-moving 161.3Nm of torque. The HarleyDavidson Fat Boy Anniversary Edition competes against the Triumph Thunderbird Storm and the Indian Chief Classic in our two-wheeler space. The Harley-Davidson Deluxe is a more traditional take on the Heritage Classic, featuring chrome in abundance. Unlike the Heritage Classic, the Deluxe features chrome wire-spoke wheels and whitewall tyres as well. It also misses out on a windscreen and features a shorter, swept-back handlebar unlike the Heritage’s typical ape hangers. The Deluxe features a single seat, although a pillion seat is available as an accessory. Sharing the stage with the Deluxe is the Low Rider, a popular motorcycle among customisers, and it’s the first time the model has been offered in India. Powering the Low Rider is a Milwaukee-Eight 107 which replaces the High Output Twin Cam 103 engine used previously on this model. The 1,746cc V-twin, oil-cooled engine produces 149Nm of peak torque at 3,000rpm and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. The new motorcycle gets a monoshock unit, which replaces the twin shocks as seen on its predecessor, and it also features a Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) telescopic front fork.

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AUTOLIFE PRODUCT WATCH

new bike is bolder in appearance with a bright color scheme matched to an overall blacked out theme. The colors on choice are Getaway Orange and Drifter Blue for the Thunderbird 500X and Whimsical White and Roving Red for the Thunderbird 350X. Only the fuel tank is recipient of these colors though, as everything else on the bike including mechanicals, mudguards, side panels, exhaust and headlight dome are all blacked out for a cleaner, custom built look.

The Thunderbird lineups of Royal Enfield bikes were not as popular as its other series like the Classic or the Electra. Those who did own the Thunderbird would heavily modify it to their liking. However with the launch of the Thunderbird X and building on the legacy of its predecessor, Royal Enfield knowing its demographic has decided to step in and revamp the look of the bike with a refreshed and more urban focused look.

Thunderbird seats have often been lauded for their comfort over long distances. This time around the seat now is a single-piece unit with a central fabric patch for comfort during long hours in urban conditions, as well as better grip. A nice, if discreet, detail on the seat is the stitching, which is matched with the color of the fuel tank. Though

Speaking at the launch of the bike in India, President of Royal Enfield Rudratej Singh said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Royal Enfield stands for unlocking exploration and we believe that our way of motorcycling has the ability to unlock a hidden explorer. What you see today is another rendition of unlocking the explorer and the Thunderbird has done that for over 18 years. What it did back then was that it had a lot of people who believed in the brand but wanted something more of a definitive highway cruiser coupled with everyday usability.â&#x20AC;? Talking about appearance of the Thunderbird X, it retains most of the features of the previous model however, the 20

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Royal Enfield THUNDERbIRD X RIDE THE THUNDER

SPECIFICATIONS Engine Single Cylinder 4 Stroke, Twinspark, Air cooled, 346cc, 19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm, 28 Nm @ 4000 rpm, 5 Speed, 29mm, Constant Vacuum Carburetor

Chassis

Single down tube, Front suspension: 41mm forks, 130mm travel Rear suspension: Twin gas charged shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload, 80mm travel

Brakes & Tyres

Front Tyre: 90 / 90 - 19” - 52 P TL Rear Tyre: 120 / 80 - 18” - 62 P TL Front Brakes: 280mm ventilated disc, double piston caliper Rear Brakes: 240mm ventilated disc, single piston caliper

Dimensions

2040 mm * 1140 mm * 830 mm Fuel Capacity: 20 litres approx. * Kerb weight: 195 kg Ground Clearance: 135 mm

the seat height is the same from the previous Thunderbird it looks much stylish than before. The handlebar is also changed to a flat, low one in black finish which offers a more upright riding posture. The new Thunderbird X is mechanically identical to the old regular Thunderbird. The new bikes and both of its variants use the same engine and gearbox as the old ones. The 350X uses the 346cc motor from the Thunderbird 350, which makes 19.8 bhp and 28Nm of torque, whereas the 500X is powered by the 499cc motor from the Thunderbird 500 which produces 27.2 bhp and 41.3Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to the same five-speed gearbox. The Thunderbird X also features 9-spoke alloy wheels, for the first time since the Royal Enfield DX 175 Fury of the 1980s, as well as company-first, tubeless tires. These offer a premium look, while also being a clear indication of the motorcycle’s intended use in an urban setting. In India, the Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X are priced slightly above the standard versions that are on sale. The 350cc version is selling at INR 1.56lakh whereas the 500cc is selling at INR 1.98lakh. Hopefully we’ll see the release of these bikes soon in Nepal.

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AUTOLIFE TEST RIDE

BE NE L L I LEONCINO 500 24

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018

A Modern Touch to a Classic Endeavour

G E A R

C O U R T E S Y:

W O R D S

A N D

A L P H A

P H O T O S

A L

R I D I N G

G E A R S

T E A M

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With its mark in the motorcycle industry, being one of the oldest European motorcycle manufacturing brands even more so than Moto Guzzi, Benelli is still going strong with its array of motorcycles. As an Italian manufacturer from Pesaro, established in 1911 AD, Benelli is revitalizing what it stands for in recent years with its rebirth after being a part of QiangJiang Group. And now Benelli is back at storming the market with its new-found vigilance. Benelli has been in the Nepali auto industry for roughly 2 years now. Initially, they had introduced TNT300, TNT25, TNT600i and Zenzero 150 which were widely accepted by the youths for their rideability and premium quality. And now, we have here the Leoncino 500, a much-awaited retroclassic bike with all the modern inclinations; a sure shot product to take the Italian heritage forward. The Benelli Leoncino 500 has a rich history dating back to 1950s. The new model that we have now is a reiteration of a classic 125 model Leoncino, also known as the lion’s cub. A lightweight classic motorcycle in the era of post war Italy became a necessity and the Leoncino was the answer to that. Even now, the Leoncino stays true to its heritage, it is a bike that redefines what Benelli once was but with all the modern updates making it a strong contender in the present market. We, at Autolife, got to get our hands on this retro beauty and take it out for a spin. Here, we review the Benelli Leoncino 500 and tell you about our thoughts on this modern take of a classic.

DESIGN AND FEATURES

A glance is all it takes to see how elegant the Leoncino looks. Styled as a scrambler, the bike has this neo-retro vibe to it that makes it stand out in its own. The shade of red of the tank and front fender gives it a royal look with a sculpted lion figure on top of its short stubby fender. Also, the metallic finish of the Leoncino adds to its elegance, making it look magnificent. The headlight is a classically fashioned round set up but with LED DRLs and projector headlamps giving it a modern touch. The design cues on the motorcycle are very minimalistic and well-integrated, making the bike look very compact. We have to admit that the Leoncino is a definite head turner. As for the features, the Leoncino comes loaded with a switchable dual channel ABS, twin disks at the front, upside down forks and facebook.com/AutolifeNepal

Bosch eFI system and ECU. The instrument cluster is a full digital console with a reverse backlight with a gear indicator as well. The lion’s cub is an overall package that comes with exciting features for this segment and a design that is meant to grab attention.

ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE

The Leoncino comes with a liquid-cooled 2-cylinder, 4 stroke engine that it shares with TRK502. The parallel twin on the motorcycle produces a power output of 47 bhp at 8500rpm and torque of 45NM at 4500 rpm. The engine comes mated to six-speed gearbox with a linear power delivery through out the rev range and comes with a compression ratio of 11.5:1 making it a fun bike to ride at just 170kg of dry weight. The Leoncino is a very elegant highway cruiser as it seems like the engine’s happy zone is

somewhere around 5000 rpm and is very smooth with the engine giving a cruising speed of 120kmph in the 6th gear at just 6500rpm. The best part of how the bike performs is the massive torque that pulls the bike. The torque presence is noticeable as early as 3000rpm and it just gives the confidence that the bike will accelerate well giving the rider a sense of empowerment of some sort. The pull on the Leoncino just gets better up the rev range with smooth initial pick up. Also, with the FI system you feel that the fueling on this bike is on point with no evident lag in throttle response. The engine feels very refined with no evident vibrations that can make the ride uncomfortable. However, the gears did seem a bit stiff and the clutch could have been lighter if it had a Slip and Assist clutch setup. But all in all, the Leoncino is a treat to ride, giving the rider the power of a middle-weight contender with confidence to even be graceful with it. AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018 25

BRAKING AND SUSPENSION

The braking department on the Leoncino is handled by dual 320mm floating discs at the front with four pot calipers and a 260 mm disc with twin piston calipers. The bike comes with a dual channel ABS that is switchable. The brakes have substantial initial bite even with the ABS turned on, giving the rider confidence even at high speeds. The ABS kicks in at the right time, giving the rider adequate control of the brakes while providing the safety at the same time. The front brake lever is a 4-step adjustable lever, making it adjustable to the rider’s preference. Overall, the Leoncino has its braking duties covered. Leoncino has 50mm upside down forks with rebound damping and an offset cantilever monoshock with rebound damping that can be adjusted via a knob on the side and preload adjust. The thick front forks allow the bike to lean into corners with confidence and stability. However, the suspension set up did feel rigid while going on patchy off-roads but most probably it can be managed with a different adjustment set up, both at the front and back.

COMFORT AND HANDLING

The comfort of the bike is all thanks to the Italian made leather seat that gives the rider adequate amount of space to move around. The Leoncino, in no ways, feels cramped. With a seat height of 815mm and surprisingly spacious seat, it’s a joy to ride and it would be the same even for shorter riders. The foot pegs are neutral and aren’t too rear set but still allows to lean into corners. That with the wide handle bars that are set quite upright offer a smooth and relaxed ride. Also, even the fuel tank is set perfectly and isn’t wide but still providing enough contact patch.

THE DESIGN CUES ON THE MOTORCYCLE ARE VERY MINIMALISTIC AND WELLINTEGRATED, MAKING THE BIKE LOOK VERY COMPACT.

The Leoncino gets Benelli Piega Bassa (low lean-over) taper section handle bars. The handle bars are fairly wide and well weighted that it provides a good steering feedback, providing leverage for flicking the bike around. The bike feels well balanced and feels planted through out the corner. Even though the bike has a wheelbase of 1460mm and weighs heavy, once you are on the saddle and start riding, it does not feel sluggish at all. All of this paired with Pirelli Angel ST tires, with 120/70-R17 at the front and 160/60-R17 at the rear, the Leoncino has a perfect blend for an almost flawless handling.

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BENELLI HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR THE QUALITY THAT THEIR BIKES HAVE, WHICH IS ALREADY MADE EVIDENT WITH THEIR TNT SERIES

VERDICT

The Leoncino is a well-balanced machine with a perfect blend of both quality and performance. Benelli has been known for the quality that their bikes have, which is already made evident with their TNT series, and that just proves to the point why Leoncino is without a doubt bang for your buck. Overall, with a refined engine and impeccable styling, this is surely a stunner. If you are into highway cruising and want a laid-back ride at the same but still want the thrill of high speed runs, the Leoncino can be your best companion.

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SPECIFICATIONS Displacement – 499.6 cc Engine Description - Inline 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke No. of Gears – 6 Maximum Power – 47 BHP @ 8500 rpm Maximum Torque – 45 NM @ 4500 rpm Fuel System - Fuel Injection Brakes: Dual 320mm Disc @front, 260mm Disc @rear Front Suspension: 50mm Telescopic Forks USD Rear Suspension: Cantilever Monoshock Seat Height – 815 mm Ground Clearance – 185 mm Wheelbase - 1450 mm Front Tire - 120/70-R17 Rear Tire - 160/60-R17 Dry Weight - 170 kg Fuel Tank Capacity - 15 litres Price – Rs 900,000/-

CONTACT: KTM INTERNATIONAL TRADING PVT. LTD. PHONE: 01-4411439 EMAIL: www.benelli.com.np WEBSITE:www.benelli.com.np facebook.com/AutolifeNepal

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AUTOLIFE PRODUCT WATCH

YAMAHA

R15 V3.0 T

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018

The Yamaha R15 has paved a way for young riders to get into sports riding ever since the launch of version 1.0 back in 2008. It has had a cult following among motorcyclists with Yamahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sports racing heritage, which in fact is one of the reasons for the mass acceptance of the R series of motorcycles. Ever since then, the R15 models have seen an evolution and has been growing, more so with the launch of R15 V2.0 in 2011. People have always trusted Yamaha as a premium brand and as of right now they are one of the only motorcycle brands that is offering an entry level sports bike in the 150cc category in India and Nepal. The R15 series hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen any significant upgrades till now after the V2.0. But now, the much awaited R15 V3.0 has been launched at the Indian Auto Expo 2018. The R15 V3.0 is a much sportier and premium looking bike and the introduction of the all new R15 is definitely going to appeal many looking to get into sports riding.

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The all new Yamaha R15 V3.0 gets a bigger single cylinder 155cc liquid cooled fuel-injected engine with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) that comes with a 4 valve SOHC (Single OverHead Cam) setup. The bike comes with a 6-speed gear box. The new 155cc engine on the R15 produces maximum power output of 19bhp at 10,000rpm and peak torque of 14.7 Nm at 8,500 rpm. The new version even gets a slip and assist clutch setup making every day rides easier. The new enhancements are claimed to have improved the throttle response and performance of the bike significantly. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve thought that R15 V2.0 had a sharp and sleek look, the V3.0 gets an even sharper and sportier look. The looks of the R15 V3.0 have been highly inspired by Yamahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flagship models like the R6 and the R1 and it has taken a lot of design cues from its older siblings. The bike gets an all new LED headlight setup and LED tail lights. The new twin headlights are sleek and have helped to increase space for better air channeling from the front. The motorcycle gets a new alldigital instrument cluster with features like instantaneous mileage, average fuel used,

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gear shift indicator, digital tachometer and VVA indicator. Staying true to its light-weight nature, the full faired bike weighs in at 139kgs ensuring nimble handling. However, to keep things on the lighter end, the fuel capacity has been reduced to 11 liters which was previously 12 liters on the V2.0. The motorcycle continues to be based on the proven Delta frame chassis with telescopic front forks and a mono shock in the rear. Even the tire profile has been bumped up to 100/80 at front and a massive 140/70-17 at the rear end. The motorcycle however misses out on USD (Up Side Down) front forks that the Indonesian variant gets. Also, to keep the costs down the Indian model misses out on ABS as well but the brake size has been increased to 282mm at the front and 220mm at the rear.

Specifications Displacement: No. of Cylinders: No. of Gears: Maximum Power:

155.1 cc 1 cylinder 6-speed 19 HP @ 10,000 rpm Maximum Torque: 15 NM @ 8500 rpm Seat Height: 815 mm Ground Clearance: 170 mm Kerb/Wet Weight: 139 kg Fuel Tank Capacity: 11 litres Top Speed: 136 kmph

With a racing sports heritage, the Yamaha R15 V3.0 is doing to take the market by storm when it launches. We can definitely expect the motorcycle to be widely accepted by the new generation of riders. Recently, the motorcycle has just been launched in the Indian Auto Expo 2018 therefore we can expect it to launch in Nepal in late 2018.

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AUTOLIFE FEATURE

DRIVING SIMULATORS COMPILED BY: PRASHANT MANANDHAR

In a world that is rapidly growing in terms of technology, people are opting for doing things in a virtual manner. Simulators have garnered a spot for itself in the world of virtual reality. The simulation technology has been being used for all kinds of purposes; it’s used in many contexts such as simulation of technology for performance optimization, safety engineering, testing, training, education, and video games. Simulation is a process of replication of real world activities and operations. It first requires a model to be developed that represents key characteristics, behavior and functions of the physical or abstract of the real thing that it is simulating. Among such simulation models, driving simulation is one that has been prevalent right now.

Driving simulators are machines that replicate actual driving experience with added mimicry of all the details and aspects of a real car. They are used as additional support to conventional driving training along with actual practical training. These simulations can depict various real time road scenarios and even distraction models to help the learner be more acquainted to driving a real car. They can even replicate driving during various weather conditions and through different terrains. Modern car simulators are capable of replicating up to 300 different models that teach cognitive skills to drivers, making them capable to deal with road traffic and conditions.

Driving simulators come in different forms; some with the purpose of entertainment and some for the sake of education. Some could be just a portable desktop model which come with an acceleration and brake pedal, a steering wheel and a monitor; which is more of a commercial model. Some come in form of actual cars from the perspective of the driving seat. It comes with real auto parts and feels like a well-functioning car and has three huge monitors in front of it so that the driver can see in all direction. Modern car simulators are being accepted; being introduced to the general public for a means of vehicular education. Even in the context of Nepal, Syakar Trading Company Pvt. Ltd. has a riding simulator at the Safety training center to teach how to ride a scooter/motorcycle while promoting safe riding habits. Also, Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd. has a driving simulator at its training center with a purpose to upgrade the skills of drivers. Just like everything has parts that are positive and negative, driving simulator has its own upsides and downsides. We’ve understood what driving simulators are and what its purposes are, now let’s look into some of its pros and cons.

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PROS Unlike real vehicles, driving simulators can offer new learners with various advantages with one of them being controllability of driving situations and scenarios. You can control the whole scenario that shape your driving experience and won’t have to worry much about something going wrong. Also, learners can practice driving maneuvers over and over again on a simulator and perfect executing such maneuvers over time. With a simulated environment, people can even prepare themselves for various kinds of driving and learn how to prepare for dangerous driving conditions without putting themselves

at a point of physical risk. It can also be used for hazard preparation and other skills required at points of complications and risks; which aren’t possible to learn with a real car in real driving environment without putting one’s life at risk. There are simulators that even train learner in the aspects of distracted driving and make them perfect in handling such situations. Another advantage that’s surfacing now is that such simulators are a better choices of training facilities for sports and high performance driving to condition new learners and make them capable for the actual practical training beforehand.

However, driving simulators have their downsides as well. Some of which includes unrealistic driving behaviors that is induced by technical flaws of the machines. This might make learners move away from virtual learning and they sometimes would prefer a real vehicle over such machines. People can even develop a wrong sense of competence, responsibility and safety by learning to drive with the use of simulators. Its like if learners would make a wrong decision and crash their car, they could easily reset their cars and everything would be reverted back to normal. This might make people take their lesson on a driving simulator lightly. Another issue is that the retention of such skills only remains within the boundaries

of the virtual world. If they don’t apply the acquired skills in the real-world practices, the skill set might be forgotten easily. The driver might have perfected a maneuver in the simulator but executing the same in the real-time driving would not be the same, there will be many external aspects that would be affecting the drivability of the vehicle. But the question remains, should you learn on a driving simulator? Obviously, it is a plus point to use such technologies to enhance your skills. But only simulators alone will not be enough, it needs to be accompanied by practical learnings on a real vehicle on a real road.

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AUTOLIFE PRODUCT WATCH

TOYOTA

In the past those who were more inclined towards Japanese vehicles, the Daihatsu Terios was the first in line for their consideration. Though its features were sparse people still flocked towards the Terios due to its reliability and compactness. Daihatsu as a whole may have left our shores but for those who are still craving for the Terios, Toyota is launching its sister car, the all new Toyota Rush. As with many Toyota models, there’s a Daihatsu twin offering of the same car with slightly altered styling and a lower price tag. What many don’t realize is that Daihatsu – now wholly-owned by Toyota takes the lead in many of these projects and manufactures the cars for both the brands. That’s the case with the new Rush-Terios, although only the Toyota badged car will be imported in Nepal.

RUSH

2018

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SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 2NR-VE, In-Line 4 Cylinder, 16 Valves, DOHC, Dual VVT-i Maximum Power: 104PS @ 6000 rpm Maximum Torque: 136 Nm @ 4200 rpm Overall length: 4435 mm Overall Width; 1695 mm Overall Height: 1705 mm Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 Liters Front Suspension: McPherson Strut with Coil Spring and Stabilizer Rear Suspension: 5 Link Lateral Rod with Coil Spring and Stabilizer Electronic Brake Distribution Anti-lock Braking System Electronic Stability Program

The 2018 Toyota Rush has a new look, possessing more of an MPV-SUV style compared to the boxy look of old. One can also see hints of the Fortuner in the new design. The front fascia sees a pair of upswept headlights, which is then complemented by a four-slat grill. Its bumper corners meanwhile has a pair of faux air intakes which serve as the fog light housings for the crossover. The rear on the other hand gets quarter-flanking taillights. The new Rush is tall with a ground clearance of 220 mm which is good for rough roads and pot holes. It measures 4435mm in length and 1695mm in width. The new Rush has also received a big bump in standard equipment that includes LED head and tail lights, 16-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, push-button start and a reverse camera. When it comes to safety features, it has six airbags, VSC, ABS, EBD hill start assist, emergency stop signal and seatbelt indicators for all the seven seats â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all standard across the board. LED headlamps with LED light guides and LED rear lamps are also on every Rush.

The top-spec TRD Sportivo gains a number of aesthetic enhancements. It comes with side-body molding, and 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels on the outside and gets soft-touch materials in the dual-tone cabin. In terms of equipment, the Rush TRD Sportivo features keyless entry, push-button start and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (which doubles as a reversing camera) that comes with USB compatibility, radio, CD player and smartphone compatibility via Miracast and Weblink. The new Rush is powered by a new engine, the 2NR 1.5 litre engine as found in the Toyota Avanza with DOHC Dual VVT-i unit that makes 104 PS at 6,000 rpm and 136 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. The output power goes to the rear wheels (overhauled platform) via a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. However, the Rush does not come with an all-wheel drive option. The Rush is expected to have impressive acceleration and linear power delivery. Its competent engine will have plenty of pickup and deliver fantastic urban drivability, as well as nice highway performance. It is expected to reach the 100 km/h mark in 12-13 seconds. When launched it is expected to go up against the likes of Hyundai Creta, Nissan Terrano, Ford EcoSport and Maruti Vitara Brezza.

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AUTOLIFE TEST DRIVE

O L T E ON NE X T L E V E H T

N O X E N A T A T

WOR DS & PHO T OS : A L T E A M

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It has been quite a while since a new Tata product has seen such hype and buzz in the market. Initially seen as a concept vehicle in the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, the Tata Nexon has finally entered our Nepali market. Tata is embarking on a new aggressive attack plan consisting of cost control, comprehensive supply chain management and filling of the product gaps. While the Tiago hatchback, Tigor sedan and Hexa SUV have helped Tata grow in the aforementioned segments, the Nexon is all set to storm the highly popular compact SUV sector. The compact SUV segment seems to be the most popular segment for manufacturers right now and nearly every company has a contender seeking to be the top dog in this segment. However, Tata has taken its sweet time to introduce its contender in the fighting pit. Tata needed all that time as it was rigorously testing and fine-tuning what would be its first compact SUV and also it’s all new set of engines that it comes equipped with. Now that it has officially launched here, we got an opportunity to spend a day with the diesel XZ + variant of the Nexon and here are our thoughts on it.

EXTERIOR

The Nexon utilizes Tata’s “Impact design language”. It is built on the company’s X1 platform which is the same to that of the Bolt or the Zest. It is last of the Tata vehicles that utilizes this platform after which a new generation of vehicles will use the new Advanced Modular Platform and L550 platform which is shared with its Land Rover subsidiary. To differentiate it from the crowd, the Nexon uses an unconventional and futuristic design which looks years ahead of its time. Out goes the traditional boxy squared off SUV design and in comes the curvaceous sweeping lines. The front features a sloping hood, sweptback headlamps and a wide black honeycomb grille complete with daytime running lights. On the side, the Nexon features a high waistline with bulging wheel arches and has 16 inch alloy wheels. The window sill gets a unique cladding finished in white for a “ceramic-like” finish. This white

“

TO DIFFERENTIATE IT FROM THE CROWD THE NEXON USES AN UNCONVENTIONAL AND FUTURISTIC DESIGN WHICH LOOKS YEARS AHEAD OF ITS TIME.

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cladding is also present in the rear which while looking interesting can look a bit overdone. There is a gloss black stripe supporting the ceramic white stripe cladding for a tri-color look and a brake light is also provided under the spoiler. The car also gets a rear wiper and one will hardly get an empty space on the tailgate, especially on the upper half. The LED tail lamps are interesting and support the overstyling. Otherwise, the tail-shape is also perfect and flows well with the other design lines. The “ceramiclike “white cladding is either a love it or hate it design element of the Nexon. On the dimension front, the Nexon just squeezes in the sub 4 meter segment with a length of 3994mm. With a width of 1,811 mm, it is wider than its rivals like the Vitara Brezza and the Ecosport. Its height of 1,607 mm puts it behind them however, the ground clearance of 209 mm is class leading. Overall, the Nexon looks part SUV, part coupe and fully unique.

INTERIOR

When it comes to interiors, the Nexon has a black and beige color scheme with silver, piano black and chrome inserts at various places on the dashboard, center fascia and door pads. The dual tone gives the Nexon a touch of elegance. Another elegant touch they have borrowed from the more expensive cars is the umbrella holder in the front doors which will come in handy in the upcoming rainy season. The dashboard of the Nexon has been modernized with a 6 inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Harman. The infotainment system compatible with Android Auto takes care of navigation, music, radio and a display for the rear camera. If you prefer physical buttons, the system can also be controlled by using the switches below the air-conditioner vents. The 8 speakers housed inside also delivers great music experience. The steering wheel is a direct lift from the Zest. Small in diameter, nice to hold and welcoming contours where you’d grip it but sadly, no leather wrapping here. The steering wheel features controls to your audio system, as well as phone call accept and reject. It also has

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“

THE DASHBOARD OF THE NEXON HAS BEEN MODERNIZED WITH A 6 INCH TOUCHSCREEN INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM POWERED BY HARMAN

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button to start Voice Command system. The instrument cluster is also the same one which we have seen in other new Tata cars. It features two analogue pods for showing speed and engine rpm. In between the two pods is the multi-info display screen. It shows your engaged gear, when to change gear, distance to empty, range, average fuel efficiency, fuel level, etc.

blower speed control knob. They also get foldable arm rest along with cup holders. The doors are large and feel solid. These large doors allows for making getting inside or out an easy task. The boot space is 350 liters which is best in class and can be further extended to 690 liters by folding the rear seats. Sadly, the seats when folded, do not make the storage area a flat bed.

The Nexon’s interior space is not cramped for the passengers. Seats are comfortable especially at the rear with enough cushioning and back support and in spite of the sloping roof at the rear one doesn’t feel claustrophobic inside. Rear passengers get their own AC vents with

ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE

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On the engine front, there are two new engine options. There’s a 1.2l Turbocharged Revotron Engine and for diesel, there is a bigger 4 cylinder 1.5-litre for the Revotorq range that also

makes 108bhp but more potent 260Nm of torque which suits much better for this car. The Nexon we tested had the diesel engine. The Nexon diesel’s power and torque figures put it right at the top of the charts in the sub-4 meter SUV segment. It comes with three selectable driving modes – City, Eco and Sport. The diesel engine has been tuned well and it delivers linear power akin to a petrol engine. It’s noisy on the outside, yet sufficiently insulated on the inside. Switching to ‘Eco’ mode makes the throttle response a lot duller. This mode limits the power output and the engine uses less fuel as compared to the other modes. Even so, the low-end

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torque makes Eco mode usable in the city. As the name suggests switching to Sport mode makes the car more responsive to throttle inputs. That said, this mode is not very suitable to use in urban conditions as we felt the car gets just a little too jerky for regular city commuting. The improved throttle response is always welcome when you want to cruise fast or overtake. With class leading ground clearance of 209mm and equipped with an independent McPherson strut front suspension and a twist beam rear suspension, Nexon has all the ingredients to tackle the Nepali roads. The suspension is still stiff enough to provide a planted feel at high speeds and cornering. The steering wheel was a bit small for liking, but the input was always precisely transferred to the wheels, making us want to push harder around tight corners.

SAFETY AND FEATURES

Talking about safety, the Nexon provides dual front airbags and ABS with EBD. There are ISOFIX top anchors and tethers at the rear seats as the standard safety kit on offer, and the body shell of the crossover has been designed to absorb maximum impact in a situation of a crash. Other safety features on offer are engine immobilizer, central locking, three point seatbelt, speed sensing auto lock, day/night inside rear view mirror, etc.

VERDICT

In the past if you asked anyone who belonged to the younger demographic which brand of car they would like, Tata wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be one that was high on their priority list. Tata aims to change all that with the Nexon. The distinctive exterior design and bevy of features is what they are betting would appeal to the younger crowd and looking at the numbers they have sold in India they seem to have a hit in their hands. The Tata Nexon is a game changer for the company and a trump card for them in the crowded segment where it is becoming increasing difficult to differentiate themselves. They have introduced a head turner that is sure to appease the buyers and disrupt the market.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;

WITH CLASS LEADING GROUND CLEARANCE OF 209MM AND EQUIPPED WITH AN INDEPENDENT MCPHERSON STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION AND A TWIST BEAM REAR NEXON HAS ALL THE INGREDIENTS TO TACKLE THE NEPALI ROADS.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 1.2l Turbocharged Petrol Engine/ 1.5l Turbocharged Diesel Engine Max Power: 110PS @5000 rpm/ 110PS @3750 rpm Max Torque: 170Nm@1750-4000 r/ min / 260 Nm @ 1500-2750 r/min Drive modes: Multi-Drive Modes (Eco, City, Sport) Transmission: 6 Speed Manual Transmission Dimensions Length: 3994mm Width: 1811 mm Height: 1607 mm Brakes Front: Disc Rear: Drum Suspension Front: Independent McPherson Dual path Strut with Coil Spring Rear: Twist Beam with Coil Spring and Shock Absorber Fuel Tank Capacity: 44 Liters Price: Rs 34,95,000 to Rs 44,55,000

CONTACT Sipradi Trading Private Limited PHONE: 01-4250610, 01-4250612 EMAIL: sipradi@sipradi.com.np WEBSITE:www.sipradi.com.np

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AUTOLIFE MY AUTOLIFE

H T I W E F I L O T U A MY

L A W A R G A L RAHU S E T T E L A P F O E S U O H F O CO-OWNER

WOR D S

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A NT MAN

HOM P U R AV X TOS: GA O H P | N DH A R

W O R D S

A N D

P H O T O S

A L

NUW AT E S U

T E A M

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One could say that automobiles are a piece of art themselves with creativity and effort required to design some of these beautiful metal sculptures. Rahul Agrawal, one of the co-owners of House of Palettes and other different import and export ventures, is a somewhat rare combination of an art and auto enthusiast. Here we had a chat with him regarding his history of vehicles

HOW MUCH OF AN AUTO ENTHUSIAST ARE YOU? I wake up around 4:30 in the morning and immediately after I wake up I am usually in my car. I drive around in the morning, I drive in the evening, and so most of my time during the day is spent driving around in my car. Also, I enjoy travelling a lot and I guess I am an auto enthusiast in that perspective. What is parked in your garage right now? Right now, I have two cars, three bikes and some other two wheelers. I have an XUV 500 and a Swift, and if you talk about two wheelers I own a Royal Enfield Himalayan, a Yamaha FZ and some other bikes too. How do you like your vehicles? Among the ones that you have mentioned which is your favorite? Among all of my vehicles, the XUV 500 is my favorite. That’s the one that I drive most of the time. I drive the Mahindra XUV almost 95 percent of the time and other 5 percent I am usually on my bike, the Himalayan. The Himalayan is something for me that I can ride rough and have fun with it. So, those two are my favorite vehicles. What are some of the cars or bikes that you have driven in the past? Before, I used to own a Hyundai Santro and something that I regret now is that I don’t have it anymore. And talking about two wheelers, I used to own a Yamaha R15 before my Himalayan. Do you prefer driving yourself or prefer having someone else behind the steering wheel? With me, if it’s a personal commute or if I have to go somewhere with personal business, I prefer driving by myself. But when I am in town and need to go around with family I would prefer having a driver instead of me sitting behind the steering wheel. How often do you change your vehicles? Not really much, the tax policy in Nepal doesn’t allow me to change my vehicles as much as I want to. But yes, I do plan to add more machines to garage soon enough. So, I do not change my vehicles much often but I just want to keep adding to my collection of vehicles. facebook.com/AutolifeNepal

Among the cars that you have driven, which has offered you the most satisfying experience? I have driven almost all of the cars here in Nepal, let it be from Hummers to Santro, many of them have given me a good driving experience. Among all that Hyundai Santa Fe is one that I have loved a lot. Apart from that, I have enjoyed driving a Mahindra Thar as well and as I am more of an off-road guy the Thar does an exceptionally good job. If you have to say, what would you say is your dream car? If I have to say, I have two dream cars. One would be a Ford Mustang for sure; I have driven it and I have to say its crazy and the other one is the Mahindra Thar. I even plan on getting my hands on these in the near future. Have you been on long tours with your vehicles? If you talk about long tours, I have driven from Mechi to Mahakali, all

over Nepal by myself, alone in my car. I had just wanted expore everything that Nepal has to offer. I have owned the for a year now and I have driven it for about 22000 kilometers till now, so yeah, I do drive a lot and keep going on tours here and there. If you talk about two-wheelers, the very next day I bought my Himalayan, I was off to Manang. When it comes to off-roads, I have my two-wheelers to back me up and I have taken it almost anywhere it can possibly go, from Manang to Upper Mustang. If you were given complete authority over the transportation system, what changes would you like to bring about? Firstly, I would like to bring in changes in the traffic system as most of the time its really despicable. I would also have parking lanes for sure. In terms of auto industry, maybe I would like to bring in more branded vehicles to the market and also maybe try to decrease the custom duties on the vehicles. I know that would mean an increase in vehicle population but I would want to control it by scrapping older vehicles and bringing in new ones. AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018 47

NEPALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BIGGEST AUTOMOBILE COMMUNITY

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AUTOLIFE WISHLIST

ACURA

Acura is to Honda, what Lexus is to Toyota. Acura is the luxury vehicle marque of Honda and was launched in March 1986, marketing luxury and high-performance vehicles. Even though they may share similar traits, these vehicles are more than just fancy versions of Civics and Accords. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a certain level of design and refinement that is expected of luxury vehicles, not to mention reliability. Affordability might be less of a concern, but no one wants to pay more and get less even in the luxury segment. In a relatively brief history, Acura has come a long way. WOR DS : A N MOL SH R E ST H A

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With a decade of research, Honda opened 60 new dealerships in North America in 1986 to support its Acura automobile division. Its first offerings included two models: the executive class Legend and the compact class Integra, available as a five door and three door hatchback. The Legend was the result of Project XX, a joint venture Honda entered into with UK’s Austin Rover Group. It was mechanically related to the Rover 800 series, while the Integra was an improvement of the Honda Quint hatchback. In the first year of sales Acura sold 52,869 vehicles resulting in more 90 dealerships to submit their applications for Acura sales, totaling 150 dealerships. The success of these models, particularly the Legend, led to competition with Japanese luxury brand ventures. Toyota’s Lexus that began development in 1983 as the F1 project, and Nissan’s Infiniti who began development in 1985 by revising their Japan-only flagship Nissan President; in the late 1990s Mazda planned but never launched its own Amati luxury division. The goal of the Legend was to compete with rivals such as Toyota Crown and the Nissan Cedric and Gloria, but due to its 1986 introduction worldwide, Toyota, Nissan and other companies like Lincoln took notice of the market’s reaction to the Legend and later the Vigor and offered vehicles that addressed the executive size car. Toyota introduced the Lexus ES, Nissan introduced the Infiniti J30 and Ford utilized the Taurus platform and named their new sedan the Lincoln Continental. In 1987, Acura would introduce its Legend Coupe that would receive several accolades as well as the Legend sedan and Integra. Acura sales for 1987 would more than double over the previous year as 109,470 Acura vehicles would be sold through a continually growing network of dealerships which was now over 200. This would place Acura as the highest selling luxury import brand in the nation. As Acura’s sales continued to be class leading the company was working on introducing a flagship sports car that would utilize all the company’s technology in order to produce a reliable sports car that would compete against other foreign sports cars such as Porsche. The engine would utilize the company’s technology for electronically controlled variable valve timing. The vehicles chassis was an industry first as it utilized an all-aluminum construction. The vehicles starting price of $65,000 would make the Acura NSX the most expensive

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Acura is the luxury vehicle marque of Honda and was launched in March 1986, marketing luxury and high-performance vehicles

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018 51

Japanese car in history. In 1991, Acura sales would once again hit an all-time record of 143,708 vehicles being sold that year. Through the years to come, Acura would continue to receive many accolades for their vehicles and would continue to prosper until the mid-90s when sales of Acura vehicles would start to slowdown. The slowdown of Acura sales was due to several different variables throughout the company. With the rise of Lexus and Infiniti causing more foreign luxury competition would play a role in affecting Acuraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall sales. Acura would also discontinue naming its vehicles with names such as Legend and Vigor and then resort to naming them by an alphanumeric nomenclature. The design of the time was also deemed by some to be less attractive than previous models causing fewer individuals to choose an Acura for their next vehicle. In the fall of 1998, Acura would introduce its redesigned TL model which would quickly become a popular model and would help to boost Acura sales figures. Since its inception, Acura has been involved in American motorsports, specifically in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and IMSA GT Championship series. Starting in 1991, Acura reached an agreement with Comptech Racing to use the V6 motor of the all-new Acura NSX in Comptechâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Camel Lights Spice prototype. Acura would go on to take the Lights championship in its initial year, including a class win at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Acura and Comptech would take the Lights championships again in 1992 and 1993, as well as another Daytona class win in 1992 and a

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“Since its inception, Acura has been involved in American motorsports, specifically in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and IMSA GT Championship series” class win at the 12 Hours of Sebring for 1993. For the new millennium, Acura revamped its product range. An all-new SUV called the MDX debuted, sporting numerous family-friendly features, including a third-row seat. The Integra was replaced with the RSX sport coupe, and an all-new entry-level sport sedan called the TSX was introduced after that. A complete redesign of its most popular model, the midsize TL sedan, followed, as did a redesign of its flagship RL luxury sedan. The RL would also be the first vehicle to offer real-time traffic information as well as handsfree operations. These models would prove to be successful sellers for the company. In the mid-2000s, Acura as well as other luxury automotive manufacturers had been affected due to the American and global financial recessive period. Acura has also had to go up against rising competition from Lexus as well as other luxury automotive manufacturers. Right now Acura offers six models in its vehicle lineup. These models include the RLX, TLX, ILX, RDX, MDX and NSX.

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With these models Acura is working to reclaim its hold as being able to deliver cutting-edge technology to the general public.

ACURA TLX

The Acura TLX offers front-wheel drive with rear-wheel steering or torquevectoring all-wheel drive to enhance its agility. The base powertrain is a 206-hp 2.4-liter inline-four with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic while a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with a nine-speed automatic is optional. The TLX has LED headlamps and electronic driving assistants such as road-departure mitigation, collision-mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist.

ACURA RLX

The RLX Sport Hybrid is the most significant change the brand has made to its refreshed all-wheel drive sedan. It’s old bleak grille has finally been replaced by a more handsome pentagonal nose, and a sharp 10-speed automatic now pairs to the standard 310-hp V-6 engine. The Sport Hybrid model, which uses a 377-hp powertrain derived from the one used in the NSX

and has Acura’s SH-AWD system to aid handling is the better choice than the P-AWS model.

ACURA RDX

The RDX is the luxury crossover for people who value features such as comfort, safety and technology over gratifying driving dynamics. The 3.5-liter V-6 makes 279 horsepower; front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Both powertrains feature a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Fuel efficiency is decent and the ride is tuned for relaxed cruising. Available active safety features such as forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control help keep the RDX on the road.

ACURA MDX

To blend comfort, technology and great handling into a three row crossover is a difficult task. However the MDX manages to pull it off with ease. A 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 drives the front or all four wheels through a quick-shifting nine-speed automatic. Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and dual infotainment screens are standard; navigation and rear-seat entertainment are optional. A hybrid, powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 and a trio of electric motors is also available.

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AUTOLIFE INTERVIEW

SUJAN ROY IN CONVERSATION WITH

Head of International Business, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit for Tata Motors WOR DS : A N MOL SH R E ST H A | PHO T OS : G AU R AV X HOM PAT E SU N U WA R

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On the eve of the launch of the much-awaited Tata Nexon, we had a chance to have a chat with Mr. Sujan Roy. Here, we can get some insights from him regarding the Nexon and what the future holds for Tata. WHAT WERE THE CONSUMER INSIGHTS BEFORE DESIGNING THE NEW NEXON?

Firstly, it doesn’t matter if you have a small budget or a big budget, people want a stylish, feature loaded car which is economically cheap to buy, maintain and own with good fuel efficiency and one that can go over rough-roads and terrains. We have seen that people when asked what type of vehicle you want regardless of budget? They will usually say that they want a European SUV. We can see that trend in India and we see that trend in Nepal too. But our budget is such that, only a few people can afford a European SUV whether it’s a top-end German brand or one of our own brands like Jaguar and Land Rover. So, we thought, “Wait a minute, this dream is with everybody, let us take the aspirations of our customers and help them attain it within a budget.” Taking these insights into consideration we developed a vehicle that suited the environment of the sub-continent but had European styling. And we created the Nexon, a compact SUV that is styled in Italy, engineered in UK and manufactured in India.

ANY LESSONS OR LEARNINGS THAT YOU INCORPORATED FROM THE RECENT LINEUP OF YOUR VEHICLES?

From the very beginning with the Bolt and Zest, we have always tried to incorporate some amount of European styling which was slightly contemporary. But what we saw is that the customers wanted it to be much more European, they wanted something that would be cuttingedge even on the streets of Milan, the fashion capital of the world. That is why we got our Italian designers to develop something which is cuttingedge, which if I drove into a European club today, people would say “Oh! That’s a nice car”. Second thing that we learned is that people want a same particular vehicle to perform different roles. Sometimes when they are on an empty road or in the middle of the night, when they can drive very fast they want their car to be a sports car, sometimes they are within the city and they need to drive in a normal pace and want to be economical, they want to watch their budget and want to consume less fuel, so the same car they want to perform different roles which is why we have introduced, from the Zest onwards, multiple driving modes. facebook.com/AutolifeNepal

So, you can select the mode that you want and it can either be a sports car or an economical car which it is great to drive in the city. Lastly the third thing that we learned is that people want cutting-edge features in terms of infotainment technology. They look at the best European cars, and their infotainment technology and say “Hey! I want that in my car, it’s okay that my budget is small but I want it”, and that is why when you look into the NEXON you’ll see a Harman Kardon designed infotainment system, which is absolutely cuttingedge. The interior of the NEXON, feels very European, very stylish and very NEXT-GEN. Even three years, four years from now, when you look at the NEXON you will still feel like it’s a new car.

HOW WILL THE NEXON BE POSITIONED IN YOUR PORTFOLIO OF VEHICLES?

In our portfolio of the new generation of vehicles that we sell in Nepal, TATA Motors’ entry level is the Tiago. It’s for the young people who have a modest budget and for people who need an economical but spacious car. On top of that we have the Bolt, then we have the Tigor, and the Zest which are both sedans. The Nexon is positioned on top of the Zest and it is meant to be a younger alternative to the Zest. It is much sportier and it is meant for younger customers, who have a little more budget that can afford more than the Tiago but are of the same profile in terms of age and outlook. It’s even quite possible that they are over forty-five but keep themselves fit and dress stylishly. These are people who are young at heart, for such people the Nexon is a perfect vehicle, and for a twentyyear old, who has got the resources, whose dad is a generous man and willing to give the money, the Nexon is a perfect fit. One level above the Nexon, we have the big SUVs like the Safari Storme and Hexa. Also we have future models that we have showcased at the Indian Auto EXPO 2018, which will come into that space.

AS YOU KNOW THE COMPACT SUV SEGMENT IS QUITE CROWDED RIGHT NOW, HOW DO YOU THINK THE NEXON WILL PERFORM?

The people who worry about the crowding are the people who come with “me too” products. If you look at our competitors, it is very difficult

to distinguish one SUV from the other. But I can guarantee you this, whenever you see a Nexon on the street, you will turn and look at it because it will be totally different from any other car and that is the biggest strength of the Nexon. It stands out from the rest and it has a certain road presence to it. We often notice that we go to a party and there are hundreds of people there, but we can almost always notice this one man or one lady who stands out from the rest, that person need not be very tall, or very outspoken, or be very well dressed. But you look at that person in the crowd and say “This person looks very different, looks of a different level” and that is what we define as level NEX. Nexon is level NEX, whenever you see the car, in a crowded street of Kathmandu, wherever you see a Nexon you’ll always be able to point out and you’ll say “Sujan had told me that level NEX will stand out”.

LASTLY TALKING ABOUT NUMBERS, ARE THERE ANY FORECASTS FOR THE NEXON?

Of course we have a forecast. Right now, we have over 180 bookings in our hands but please understand that the Nexon is a car which is in very high demand in every market that we have launched it in. We have sold nearly 20,000 cars in India within 4 months of its launch. There is a huge waiting list so even though we would love to sell larger numbers in Nepal, we are held back by the shortage of more units. We should be able to do 50-80 units firstly, that’s what we are hoping and we are sure we can do more. We are certain that the demand will be grow but at the moment, unfortunately, we are constrained by the availability of the cars.

WE DEVELOPED A VEHICLE THAT SUITED THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE SUB-CONTINENT BUT HAD EUROPEAN STYLING. AND WE CREATED THE NEXON, A COMPACT SUV THAT IS STYLED IN ITALY, ENGINEERED IN UK AND MANUFACTURED IN INDIA. AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018 55

AUTOLIFE TEST DRIVE

CRUISING TO THE

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PRADO

premium spot

WOR DS : A N K I T T U L A DH A R | PHO T OS : G AU R AV X HOM PAT E SU N U WA R

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THE NEW PRADO IS A FACELIFT VERSION OF THE ONGOING MODEL WITH SOME SUBTLE CHANGES MAINLY ON THE AESTHETIC SIDE

When the name Toyota Land Cruiser Prado comes up, there is hardly anyone who hasn’t heard of this iconic name. Having a 65 year long heritage and being sold in over 190 countries, the Land Cruiser Prado has become a living legend in the off-roading scene. Just like the name Toyota has become synonymous with reliability the land cruiser name is synonymous to hardcore off-roader. Pairing the combination of reliability and hardcore off-roading capability and what you get with it is known today as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. We spent a day with the Prado to find out whether Toyota’s latest offering still lives up to its Land Cruiser name or not.

EXTERIOR

The New Prado is a facelift version of the ongoing model with some subtle changes mainly on the aesthetic side. The main noticeable part of the Prado is the front end of this mammoth vehicle. The headlight is the most obvious change with the new one looking more like the bigger Land Cruiser L200 series. It gets LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) under the bi-xenon projector headlight. In between the redesigned headlight sits a bold new grill that makes the Prado look a lot more aggressive. Moving above the grill

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is a new scoop in the hood that aids in the visibility department, with the Prado being such a huge car it is beneficial to extract every bit of added visibility possible. Not much has been changed on the side profile of the vehicle except the redesigned 18 inch alloy wheels. The 12 spoke wheel finished in gun metal grey looks quite attractive. Moving to the back portion of the vehicle most of the design has been carried over from the previous generation Prado, only the tail lights have been updated slightly. The tail gate still opens up horizontally which can prove to be a hassle when parked in tight spaces.

INTERIOR

Toyota have opted not to tamper too much with the interior of the Prado, leaving it as close to the previous generation as possible

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with only some new features added to the list. The front seats are power operated and the driver side seat has the memory function to save your preferred seating position. The model we tested had the heated and ventilated seats to make sure you are comfortable in all weather conditions. The infotainment system is placed just above the climate control, it is very intuitive and easy to use. The cabin is very big and spacious but it lacks a little in terms of outright quality considering the price of the car. It competes with vehicles from big brands such as Land Rover and Mercedes to name a few and when comparing the interiors to those models it does look a little too dull. But from the very start Land Cruisers have always been thought as function over form which is quite true. While its interior may not be as fancy as some of its rivals yet it has a comparable facebook.com/AutolifeNepal

list of features to them. The second row seating space is very generous with a lot of leg, head and shoulder room present making it comfortable even with three people in the back. The Climate controls of the back seats are separate and are mounted on the back of the glove box. From there you can adjust the temperature as per your wish and don’t need to battle with what the person in the front row has set. The glove box is cooled so if you want to keep your drinks cold then the Prado can do it for you. This being a seven seater vehicle we had to check the third row as well. While you can fit an adult in the 3rd row it will prove to be difficult in a long haul and it best for the kids. The third row of seats can be electrically operated for the convenience of putting it down to enlarge the boot space.

PERFORMANCE

Under the hood of the Prado sits a 3 liter 4 cylinder turbo charged diesel engine producing 170 bhp @ 3400 RPM and 410 Nm of torque starting as low as 1600 RPM. You can feel the instant rush produced by the 410 Nm of torque but the auto gear seems to upshift fast so you don’t get to experience your body being pinned to the seat due to the immense pull of the vehicle. In order to do

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that you will have to switch it to manual mode and push the pedal to the floor. Since the torque is produced very low in the rev band it is quite capable while going off road even in the auto mode but you will experience the fact that sometimes the auto miscalculates the gear and will need a little more effort to get over the obstacle. This isn’t the case when you put it in manual mode, it easily powers over anything put in its path. It features a classic ladder frame chassis which adds rigidity in the handling of the Prado and it has excellent wheel articulation to get over most of the difficult obstacles. While driving this huge vehicle you tend to forget how big it is due to the fact that it drives so effortlessly. However if you are stuck in some tight

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THE HEADLIGHT IS THE MOST OBVIOUS CHANGE WITH THE NEW ONE LOOKING MORE LIKE THE BIGGER LAND CRUISER L200 SERIES

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situation then Toyota have you covered with its 360 degree camera view. There is a camera placed at all four sides of the car and with the help of those cameras you get a bird’s eye view on the screen. This comes in quite handy coupled with the parking sensors while parking a vehicle of this proportion but it can also come in handy while you going off road. Think of it this way, you have a very difficult obstacle to overcome and you have to have your car in the perfect position to get over it, but you are alone and no one is there to help you navigate your way. You can turn the 360 degree camera on and use the bird’s eye view to line up as needed. You don’t have to worry about the vehicle getting dirty as there is a headlight washer that cleans the headlight with a jet of water just at a push of a button. There are other host of features that help in your off road experience such as multi terrain ABS (Antilock Braking System.), Down Hill Assist Control, Hill-start Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Control and Adaptive traction control. The Prado is a permanent four wheel drive vehicle with 4 High and 4 Low and when the going gets tough you can also lock the differentials to power your way through the toughest of obstacles.

THE VERDICT:

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a vehicle that needs little to no introduction and is one of the bestselling models in its category. With its go anywhere attitude you have a vehicle that is very well rounded off. While most owners might not opt to take such an expensive vehicle off-roading, but that is where the Prado truly excels! The model in question in this review is the Land Cruiser Prado VX priced at Rs. 2, 33, 00,000 while the base model Prado starts from Rs. 1,84,00,000.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 4-Cylinder, Inline, D-4D Diesel with Intercooler Turbocharger Displacement: 2982 cc Transmission: 5-speed Automatic Max Power: 170bhp @3400 rpm Max Torque: 410 Nm @ 1600 rpm Drivetrain: Four Wheel Drive (4WD)

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Brakes (Front/Rear): Disc/Disc Front Suspension: Double Wishbone Rear Suspension; 4-Link with Air Spring Dimensions Length: 4780mm Width: 1885mm Height: 1880mm Wheelbase: 2790mm Ground Clearance: 220mm

Fuel Tank Capacity: 87 Liters Price: Rs 1,84,00,000- Rs 2,33,00,000

Contact United Traders Syndicate PHONE: 01-4478301, 01-4478003 EMAIL: vsd@voith.com.np WEBSITE: www.toyota.com.np

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AUTOLIFE FEATURE

VOLKSWAGEN Evolution: Volkswagen, translated to “People’s car” in German, is a world renowned German automaker which was founded in 1937 by the German Labor Front under Adolf Hitler and is headquartered in Wolfsburg. In addition to his ambitious campaign to build a network of autobahns and limited access highways across Germany, Hitler’s pet project was the development and mass production of an affordable yet still speedy vehicle. To provide the design for this “people’s car,” Hitler called in the Austrian automotive engineer Ferdinand Porsche and thus Volkswagen was born. COM PI L E D BY: RU PI L JOSH I

In the early 1930s, Adolf Hitler sponsored the state-owned factory in order to produce an inexpensive means of transportation. The prototype became known as the KdF-Wagen and was one of the first vehicles used for wind-tunnel testing. By 1939 only 30 Volkswagen KdF-Wagens were built before the factory was converted to produce military vehicles to assist the German Military. The Second World War saw about 20,000 concentration camp prisoners, prisoners of war and laborers forced to work at the Volkswagen GmbH plant. During this time, the company focused on manufacturing armaments instead of cars. In 1945 Allied forces seized control of the Wolfsburg plant and although damaged and in disrepair an engineer with the name of Ivan Hirst who was a Major in the British Army saved the factory and began production of Volkswagen Beetles for applications such as the German postal service. In 1947 Volkswagen began exporting the Beetle to other countries as an inexpensive alternative to other cars. By 1949 Volkswagen produced 50,000 vehicles with 15% of its production being sold in the surrounding European market. During the same year under the hands of the British military government and the ordinance 202, Volkswagen was handed over to GmbH. At the time of the handover Volkswagen employed 10,000 individuals and produced four thousand vehicles monthly. In the 1950s Volkswagen introduced itself into North American markets and sales quickly took off. Also in the same year the company increased its range of products, and the decade also saw the introduction of the popular Volkswagen Bus, which soon became affectionately known as the VW Bully. Its ability to perform different functions led to an increasing demand for the van, with the result that a separate manufacturing

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and front wheel drive. The following year Volkswagen introduced several new models including the Scirocco, Golf and soon after the Polo.

plant was built for it in Hanover. Volkswagen soon started to introduce the Type II commercial vehicle that could be used in various platforms such as a van, pickup, or camper. In 1953 the Volkswagen trademark was created by a Porsche engine designer, Franz Xaver Reimspiess. The millionth Volkswagen Beetle rolled off the production lines in 1955, which led to celebrations in Germany and around the world. The beginning of the 60s led Volkswagen to begin diversifying its product lines with the introduction of the Karmann Ghia (Type III). In 1964-1965 the subsidiary of Daimler-Benz by the name of Auto Union GmbH was taken over by Volkswagen which went on to become Audi. The late 1960s and early 70s would see the introduction of the Volkswagen Type IV which came in various different models such as a coupe, sedan and wagon. The world car production record was broken in February 1972 when Volkswagen announced that 15,007,034 units had been assembled. This milestone surpassed another important milestone in auto history – the production of the Tin Lizzy, or Ford Model T, between 1908 and 1927. In 1973, the company’s use of the modular strategy allowed rationalization to be achieved by the use of standard components in several different models. At this time, the company introduced the Volkswagen Passat, which was a successor to the VW 1600, which featured a powerful engine and could produce up to 110 bhp, with water cooling, facebook.com/AutolifeNepal

In 1973 the oil crisis affected auto manufacturers around the world and Volkswagen was also among them. The following year Volkswagen took effort to downsize its workforce and by October 1975; 32,761 employees no longer worked for the company. The positive side for Volkswagen was the fact that they were producing small, affordable vehicles which would help maintain the sales more than nearly all competitors. In 1976, another legendary car was introduced, the Golf GTI, and drivers all over the world appreciated the power of its 110 bhp engine. In the 1980s Volkswagen sales continued to slump in the United States and Canada which led the company to redirect its interest into developing countries and they ended up closing its Pennsylvania factory in 1988. 1983 saw robots being used to make cars for the first time ever, when Volkswagen introduced automation to the assembly plant known as Hall 54. The mainly automated production process was ideal for the company’s second generation Golf cars. By the 1990s Volkswagen was starting to see gains in the company as well as some more vehicles in the North American markets. The Volkswagen CEO at that time Ferdinand Piech started rapidly acquiring auto manufacturers such as Lamborghini, Bentley, and Bugatti. It

IN THE 1950S VOLKSWAGEN INTRODUCED ITSELF INTO NORTH AMERICAN MARKETS AND SALES QUICKLY TOOK OFF. AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018 63

wasn’t until 1998 that Volkswagen decided to go back to its roots, releasing the New Beetle, a design which was based on the Golf chassis but retained some similarities to the original, providing a huge boost to the brand. In July 1999, Volkswagen was again making automotive history when the Lupo 3L TDI was introduced. Its economical fuel consumption of just three liters for each 100 km was a first for a production car.

SINCE THE EARLY 60S VOLKSWAGEN HAS HAD A ROLE IN COMPETITIVE AUTO RACING AND CONTINUES TO COMPETE IN SUCH RACES AS THE WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP AND DAKAR AND WHILE THE COMPANY HAS RECENTLY PULLED OUT OF WRC, IT HAS DOMINATED WORLD RALLYING IN RECENT YEARS WINNING FOUR CONSECUTIVE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

During the new millennium, Volkswagen moved into a new area of the market, when they introduced the Touareg. The off road yet luxury car was produced at the company’s Bratislava, Slovakia facility. Production of a compact van called the Touran started at the Wolfsburg facility in late 2002. The production of the Volkswagen Touran was notable for its use of a collective pay model in its production, which focused on flexible working hours, flat hierarchies and leaner production, as well as a more team oriented approach and the use of more expertise during production. More dynamic changes and improvements in engineering and design were implemented in 2003, when the company began production on the 5th generation of the now classic Volkswagen Golf. Since the early 60s Volkswagen has had a role in competitive auto racing and continues to compete in such races as the World Rally Championship and Dakar and while the company has recently pulled out of WRC, it has dominated world rallying in recent years winning four consecutive championships. From a company born as Europe descended into war, to a modern corporation with increasing business in electric and hybrid technology, Volkswagen has had its fair share of controversies. But it remains one of the most enduring brands on the planet, and a mainstay of European manufacturing.

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OWNER’S REVIEW

It’s not been long that I have purchased the Tata Zest. The reason I opted for a Tata car is considering the road condition of Nepal. It hasn’t been long since Tata introduced small cars, as they had a name for heavy vehicles earlier in Nepal. Tata has earned itself a name in a small amount of time and has introduced its small lineup of vehicles. This was one of the reasons that I opted for Tata Zest. As heavy vehicles like Tata’s buses and truck have a strong built, I assumed the small car lineup were also built the same way. My experience while driving the zest has been quite good and I feel that it can stand its ground while facing the competitors. Overall, all the aspects and features of the Zest are good. I chose the Tata Zest because of the safety features it has compared to other Tata cars, and it grabbed my attention. I have found the car to be quite comfortable as well. Even though I have not been to any long trips but have driven the Zest inside the valley and I have been satisfied with the car. I think the true performance of the vehicle can be known by driving it inside the valley rather than going outside due to the present road conditions and even the ground clearance also seems good. Currently its functioning well as its only been 5-7 months that I’ve purchased it. The car has not been serviced since it has not been long that I’ve purchased it. But regarding the presales service, it was good so I had purchased it. I believe if Tata can provide the same type of service on the post-sale service, similar to the pre-sales service, it will be the best and I presume they do provide the same service. In today’s generation of car manufacturers, I don’t think TATA would make any unsatisfactory vehicle because of the fierce competition in the market. What I’ve seen is, people go for the looks of the cars rather than their features that the car provides. But I went for the Zest because of the smoothness, engine performance, as well as other features, and I found it to be more than satisfactory.

DIG Diwakar K.C. (Deputy Inspector General)

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

SPECIFICATIONS Engine: Revotron 1.2 T Petrol, turbocharged MPFi Displacement: 1193cc, 4 cylinder, BS IV Max Power: Revotron : 90PS@5000RPM Max Torque: 142Nm@1500-4000 RPM Transmission: 5 speed Manual Tank Capacity: 44 Liters

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VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the oldest names in automotive history and has been an American roadway icon for 67 years. In the U.S., the Beetle, often affectionately called “The Bug”, was sold between 1950 and 1979, with sales resuming again after a newly designed model was released in 1998. Eventually 21 million Beetles would be sold worldwide—and the legacy is still going strong to this day.

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

DURING THE NEW MILLENNIUM, VOLKSWAGEN MOVED INTO A NEW AREA OF THE MARKET, WHEN THEY INTRODUCED THE TOUAREG. THE OFF ROAD YET LUXURY CAR WAS PRODUCED AT THE COMPANY’S BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA FACILITY. PRODUCTION OF A COMPACT VAN CALLED THE TOURAN STARTED AT THE WOLFSBURG FACILITY IN LATE 2002

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In 1974, Volkswagen decided to introduce the first Volkswagen Golf as a replacement for the dated version of the Volkswagen Beetle. The first model of the Golf gave drivers all around the world access to a comfortable, roomy, yet compact vehicle to suit the needs of all sorts of people. With a series of important landmark redesigns and upgrades, the Golf has become the vehicle that we know today, and it has no intention of stopping.

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

The year is 1974, and Volkswagen introduced the Polo Mk1 (Type 86), built on the same platform as the Audi 50 but with a different badge and name. Otherwise, the Polo was essentially the same car. In 1978, the Audi 50 was shut off - the cheaper Polo outsold it - and that coincides with the moment we can start talking about a stand-alone Polo. The third-gen polo introduced GTI badge on its boot lid and front grille in 1998.

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

The Volkswagen Jetta extends back to 1979 when it was created to fill a niche above the German carmaker’s Golf hatchback. It has had many different names that include the Vento, Fox, Atlantic, City Jetta, Bora, Jetta City, Clasico, GLI, Voyage, and Sagitar. It originally had the trunk of the Golf hatchback but added some distinctive styling. It has evolved throughout the year as a four and a five-seater, sedans, and station wagons, and it has had different styles.

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AUTOLIFE INFOGRAPHICS

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AUTOLIFE EVENTS

NEPAL

RIDERS MEET 2018

Riding off to nowhere with a group of motorcyclists and partying all out for a couple of days is a dream for many motorcycle enthusiasts. Taking pride in your ride and showcasing who you are and representing where you come from, is definitely a statement that a person wants to make. The experience, thrill and freedom of exploring unknown places with a motorcycle is unparalleled to any other kinds of transport. This passion for riding now has a platform and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been called NRM (Nepal Riders Meet). A platform to share with different people from all over the country and some even from different countries.

THUNDER IN THE EAST WOR DS : PR A SH A N T M A NA N DH A R | PHO T OS : G AU R AV X HOM PAT E SU N U WA R

NRM is a concept to bring together Royal Enfield riders from different places, background and culture and have an event where they all come together interacting with each other and party hard for 3 days and 2 nights. The idea of NRM was initiated by FORE Nepal (Friends Of Royal Enfield). NRM is set to be an annual event that will be hosted by different Royal Enfield Clubs in Nepal under the umbrella of FORE Nepal. The idea is to draw in Enfield riders who share the joy of riding to an annual event that promotes motorcycle culture and lifestyle, and supports local tourism. FORE Nepal has been a household name among Enfield 70

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Riders. It was established in 2009 with a motive to promote the brotherhood between Enfield riders from throughout the country. Ever since then, FORE Nepal along with Sacred Summit Pvt. Ltd. have been organizing Enfield Rendezvous and Poker Run every year on the Nepali New year. FORE Nepal is a united motorcycle club promoting twowheel adventure tourism in Nepal. Till date it has recognized 20+ motorcycle clubs in Nepal and has been organizing biker events, joy rides and charity rides, and has also actively participated in awareness campaigns throughout the country. Ravi Thapa, president of FORE Nepal, told us that with the formation of FORE Nepal, a group of riders used to go on various rider events and meets in India such as Rider Mania and NERM (North East Riders’ Meet). After being part of such few events FORE Nepal wanted to bring something as such to Nepal as well. They had initially thought of bringing in NERM to Nepal and even started a campaign in India, “Chalo Nepal 2015”. But due to some circumstances they were not able to bring NERM to Nepal so they decided to come up with their own Riders’ Meet in Nepal. This is how NRM was initiated and the first installment was organized at Bardia in 2017. NRM 2017 saw 150

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FORE NEPAL HAS BEEN A HOUSEHOLD NAME AMONG ENFIELD RIDERS. IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2009 WITH A MOTIVE TO PROMOTE THE BROTHERHOOD BETWEEN ENFIELD RIDERS FROM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.

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total participants and turned out to be a huge success. But NRM 2018 turned out to be an even more grand event with over 200 participants from 26 different clubs from all over Nepal and India. In previous years, Autolife had always been a part of Enfield Rendezvous and Poker Run. Even this time, Ravi Thapa had called us on board for the second edition of NRM that took place at Rajsaha National Park, Sunsari from 16th-18th February 2018. He had handed us a Royal Enflied Classic from Sacred Summits. The bike would be our companion for the next three days for the trip to the east. Even the costs for accommodation, participation and bike rental was waived off for us. For the trip, we got together with Royal Enfieldersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hub (RE Hub), a recently formed motorcycle club. On 16th February, we had joined them for the ride to Sunsari. Everyone gathered at Gatthaghar where RE Hub had opened a Coffee Shop at 6:30 in the morning. Riders started coming in and one by one we reached to a total of 13 motorcycles. RE Hub was generous enough to offer everyone there with breakfast. After everyone were done with their breakfast, we were briefed by the members of RE Hub on the rules of group riding and ride safety. We all got on our motorcycles and everyone started revving up their motorcycles proudly boosting their loud exhausts. We headed out from Gatthaghar in a single file of motorcycles led by the president of RE Hub, Chandra Bokkhim. One after another, all the Enfields were thundering through the long Bhaktapur Highway. The feeling of being a part of a riding group and looking at the pride and 72

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passion of other riders was something spectacular. Our first stop was at Dhulikhel to top up our bikes fuel tank and then moved on towards Sindhuli. The excitement only got better and better with curves winding through the pitched roads of Sindhuli. We got through the twist and turns and we had come to our next stop, but this time was not to refuel our tanks but our tummies. It was already late afternoon by the time everyone was done with lunch so we decided that we wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop again till we reached our destination. After a short while we reached Bardibas and the straight stretch of the East-West highway began. We started devouring the straight road with our bikes, keeping in mind that we need to reach the venue in time for the event as we were already behind schedule. But we had to come to a stop yet again, some of the bikes that coming along us were faced with some problems and they were stuck far behind us. We came to know that two of the bikes had punctured tires and waiting for them meant that it would be nightfall by the time we reached Sunsari. So among the 13 bikes with what we started out we were left with 5 bikes riding together. We set out on the open road with beautiful fields on the side, cruising at high speeds with insects smashing on the windscreen of our visors. Finally, after a long day of riding we had come close to our destination around 7:30 PM.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

WE SET OUT ON THE OPEN ROAD WITH BEAUTIFUL FIELDS ON THE SIDE, CRUISING AT HIGH SPEEDS WITH INSECTS SMASHING ON THE WINDSCREEN OF OUR VISORS

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018

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AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018 75

Leaving the open road, we had to take a turn signaled by huge hoarding board that read Nepal Riders Meet. Everyone felt a sigh of relief as we were finally arriving to the venue. Then after that we had to go through a rough patch of road through a jungle, finally arriving at our venue, which was in the middle of nowhere. We were greeted by members of FORE Nepal with a shot of local alcohol as a gesture of greeting. As we stepped inside the venue, there was already a show going on. A local band from Dharan was playing live on stage and the MC was welcoming every rider from different clubs as they arrived at the venue. It was indeed a sight to behold after the long tiring day. Riders from each club would enter the field where the stage was set up as though they were thundering through an arena with their beasts, proud like theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d just come back from winning a battle. They would stop right in front of the stage and showcase their bikes, revving them proudly. You could see the passion in them that they have for riding. This was a spectacle on its own that made the night more extravagant. The first night was all about welcoming all the participants. There were stalls put up in the field; one was a goody bag stall of the event from where they were distributing t-shirts and hoodies, other were food and drinks stall and one was a riding gear and apparels stall from Lone Ranger. We could even see a whole pig being roasted in one of those stalls. We could see everyone setting up their tents and cozying up that night. It was indeed a loud and proud moment for all the bikers present there. The live band was followed by a DJ and there was buffet dinner set up for all the participants. The first day of NRM was more of a ride day for everyone and the night had ended just there. 76

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018

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AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018 77

On the second day, however, FORE Nepal had planned activities for the whole day. The day began with call for registrations for games that would go on throughout the day. First off, right after everyone was done with breakfast, a moderatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; meet was conducted by the core members of FORE Nepal. It was a general meeting between FORE Nepal and representatives from each club participating in NRM 2018. The meeting discussed on how to take NRM ahead in years to come and how it can be bigger and better each year from now.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

THIS IS DEFINITELY A STEPPING STONE TO PROMOTE THE RIDING BROTHERHOOD. IT HAS SET A STATEMENT IN THE BIKING COMMUNITY AND WE CAN SURELY SAY THAT THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING FOR NRM AND IT DEFINITELY GROW MORE IN TIMES TO COME.

There were, in total, 6 games and an impromptu culture program by the locals in the second day. The games included slow race, carry your soul (a game where a team 4 riders had to carry a Royal Enfield bike through the course), boating, motorcycle gymkhana, beer chug and tug of war. Awards for the winners were handed out right before the closing ceremony. The closing even had a cake cutting ceremony with a huge cake enough for every one there. The second day had more bands performing with 2 local bands from Dharan and a band called Footloose from Kathmandu. Just like the first day, the bands were followed by a live DJ set. The second day came up to a wrap around midnight. The final day had come, the day of the parting. We could see the numbers decreasing as the day went by. All the clubs started heading out in different directions, going home. The NRM 2018 had officially come to an end. Overall, it was indeed an amazing event with over 200 participants. This is definitely a stepping stone to promote the riding brotherhood. It has set a statement in the biking community and we can surely say that this is just the beginning for NRM and it definitely grow more in times to come. 78

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018

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AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018 79

AUTOLIFE EVENTS ASTON MARTIN - VANTAGE

BUGATTI - CHIRON SPORT

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW FOMM - SCOOTER

JEEP - WRANGLER

The Geneva Motor Show is always a pretty big deal. It’s the first major European show on the calendar each year, so we always expect to see a healthy turnout of new and interesting production cars and concepts. That said, 2018 is shaping up to be a banner year, even by Geneva standards. Some of the most attractive cars we’ve seen in a while made their debuts at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, which hosted the reveals of BMW, Hyundai, Lexus, and many more. Here are some of the cars we saw in the show.

KOENIGSEGG - REGERA

ICONA - NUCLEUS BENTLEY MOTORS - BENTAYGA HYBRID

JAGUAR I-PACE FIRST EDITION

MORGAN - AERO GT MCLAREN - MCLAREN SENNA

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018

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NISSAN - FORMULA E RACING CAR POLESTAR - POLESTAR 1 PORSCHE - MISSION E

ZENVO - TSR-S

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ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS - PHANTOM VIII

TOYOTA - GR SUPRA RACING CONCEPT

NISSAN - IMX

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018 81

SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES: TEL: 01-4415122 EMAIL: TNM.MAG@GMAIL.COM FACEBOOK.COM/TNM.MAGAZINE AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018

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AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018 83

NEW CAR BUYERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE

Updated March 2018 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

39,90,000

Brio

1198 cc

27,50,000 to 34,50,000

City

1497 cc

38,75,000 to

Cr-V RVSI

1997 cc

1,07,75,000

Mobilio

1497 cc

38,00,000 to 43,00,000

Civic

1598cc

68,00,000 to

22,39,000 to

Go+ (T)

1198 cc

25,99,000

Redi-Go

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

1198 cc

32,75,000 to

52,75,000

23,99,000

999cc

Amaze

35,75,000

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

WRV

HYUNDAI

1199 CC (Petrol) 1498 CC (Diesel)

75,00,000 41,25,000 to 49,50,000

Laxmi Intercontinental P.L Thapathali Tel: 4101556 | 4101557

Punto Pure

1172 cc

22,89,000 to 24,25,000

Elantra

1591 cc

59,96,000

Punto Evo

1172 cc

31,80,000

Eon

814 cc

18,96,000 to

Avventura

1268cc (Diesel)

40,95,000

Grand I10

1197 cc

Punto Abarth

1368 cc

39,95,000

Santa Fe

2199 cc

Avventura Abarth

1368 cc

43,5,000

Tucson

1998 cc

Veloster

1591 cc

75,96,000

New Verna

1591 cc

42,96,000 46,96,000

Xcent

1197 cc

30,96,000 to 33,56,000

Elite i20

1197 cc

30,96,000 to 36,96,000

22,96,000 26,96,000 to 32,56,000 99,96,000 to 1,22,96,000 81,96,000 to 1,02,96,000

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

FORD Eco-Sport

1499 cc

Ford Endeavour

2198cc 3198cc

All New Figo

Ranger Figo Aspire

31,90,000 to 46,40,000 1,12,00,000 to 1,34,00,000 21,99,000 to

1196cc 1496 cc Petrol 1496 cc Diesel

31,99,000

3198cc

72,00,000

1196 cc (Petrol)

26,90,000 to

1495 cc (Diesel)

i20 Active

25,99,000 to 35,99,000 68,00,000 to

Creta

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

New Grand i10

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

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

SUBARU Forester

2000cc

11,000,000

XV Crosstrek

2000cc

94,00,000 to

KIA Picanto

10,100,000

HONDA Jazz BR-V

1197 cc (Petrol) 1396 cc (Diesel)

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018

Syakar Trading Company P. L Dhobighat Tel: 5549741 | 4225490 |4253522 34,00,000 to 1199 cc 42,25,000 1497 cc

42,00,000 to 54,75,000

Continental Associates Pvt Ltd,Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu Tel: 01-4650794 | 44015653 998cc 24,99,000 to 30,49,000

Rio (Hatchback & Sedan)

1396 cc

Sorento

2199 cc

41, 00,000 to 48,00,000 1,25,00,000

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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 Bolero Maxi Truck

2523 cc

16,95,000 2523 cc

17,95,000

Scorpio

2523 cc

38,60,000 to

2609 cc 2489 cc 2179 cc

Xylo

2489 cc

KUV100

1198cc (Petrol) 1198cc (Diesel)

57,50,000 to

1198cc

25,99,000 to 28,99,000

Navara

2488 cc

72,99,000 to 79,99,000

Sunny

31,45,000 to X-trail

37,85,000 Terrano

XUV500

1796 cc

Micra Active

33,15,000 to

36,65,000 Thar

36,50,000 to 38,50,000

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

NISSAN

37,55,000 Scorpio Pick-Up

1498 cc

61,75,000

59,95,000 1493 cc

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

16,25,000 to

Genio

Quanto

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.

52,50, 000 to

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

38,99,000 to 40,99,000 1,15,00,000

1598cc (Petrol) 1461cc (Diesel)

42,99,000 to 53,99,000

72,95,000 35,35,000 to 43,20,000

TUV300

1493cc (Diesel)

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

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

SKODA

1598 cc (Petrol) 1498cc (Diesel)

36,45,000 to

OCTAVIA

1968 cc

76,44,00O

YETI

1968 CC

72,95,000 to

Superb

1968cc

1,16,00,000

RAPID

45,95,000 Padma Shree Pvt. Ltd, Gyaneshwor Tel: 4435688 | 4435631

MAZDA Cx-5

1998 cc

Bt-50

1600 cc 2499 cc

40,95,000 to 56,45,000

92,50,000 to 1,05,00,000

Mazda 3

50,45,000

79,95,000

67,50,000 55,00,000

Mazda 6

2000 cc

81,00,000

Mazda 2

1498 cc

48,00,000

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 BUYERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE

Updated March 2018 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

XLV

1597cc

Safari Storme

68,99,000

2179 cc

Price 46,75,000 to 61,75,000

Nexon

56,99,000 to 65,99,000 58,99,000 to

Displacement

1198 cc Petrol

32,75,000 to

1498 cc Diesel

45,55,000

United Traders Syndicate, Dhumbarahi Tel: 4008801- 4008805

TOYOTA

79,99,000 to

Korando

1998cc

Actyon Sports

1998cc

61,99,000

Rexton

2157cc

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

23,39,000 to

Land Cruiser Prado

2982 cc

1,84,00,000 -

Rav4

2494 cc

Hiace

2494 cc

Innova Crysta

2393cc 2755cc

26,19,000 1196 cc

Eeco

19,59,000 to

2,33,00,000

19,49,000 796 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

1197cc

35,19,000

20,95,000 to 23,95,000

Hexa

2179 cc

77,95,000

Sumo Gold

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

2956 cc

25,30,000 to

24,95,000 to 32,95,000

Zest

37,95,000 Tigor

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018

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*

32,50,000 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

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 -

Model

ACE MOTORCYCLE Ace British Classic Ace British Scrambler

Displacement

Price

Classic Wheels Export Import Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu Tel: 9801024639

397cc

Model

397cc

SR150

6,10,000

154.4 cc

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

48,00,000

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

APRILIA

Price

Turbo Motors Pvt Ltd Naxal,Tel: 4435720

DUCATI

5,60,000

Displacement

2,54,946 to 2,64,946

42,00,000

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

BAJAJ Discover 150

144.8 cc

2,04,900

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

1,78,9001,87,900

Multistrada

1198.4 cc

40,00,000 to

Platina 100 E/S

99.27 cc

1,54,900

Scrambler Sixty2

399 cc

16,50,000

46,50,000

Pulsar 150 DTSI

149.01 cc

2,40,900

Scrambler

803cc

19,50,000 to 23,50,000

Pulsar 180 DTSI

178.6 cc

2,52,900

Panigale R

1198cc

70,00,000

Pulsar 200 NS

199.5 cc

2,93,900

Xdiavel

1262 cc

44,00,000 to 50,00,000

Pulsar 220F

220 cc

2,91,900

Pulsar RS200

199.5cc

3,99,900

AS 200

199.5cc

2,86,900

AS150

149.5cc

2,51,900

Avenger 150 Street

150cc

2,60,900

Avenger 220 Street

220cc

2,93,900

Avenger 220 Cruise

220cc

3,06,900

Bajaj V 15

149.5cc

2,14,900

Pulsar 160NS

160cc

2,61,900

Dominar 400

373.3cc

4,69,900

Turbo Motors Pvt Ltd Naxal,Tel: 4435720

DUCATI

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 BUYERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE

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

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

2,30,000

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018 87

NEW BIKE BUYERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE

Updated March 2018 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

Displacement

Hansraj Hulaschand & Co. Ltd Naxal, Tel: 4415462

KTM

ACTIVA

109 cc

1,59,900

200 DUKE

200 cc

4,55,900

AVIATOR

109 cc

1,90,900

390 DUKE

373.2 cc

7,14,900

CB SHINE

124.7 cc

1,94,900 to

RC 200

199 cc

5,42,900

RC 390

373 cc

7,04,900

250 DUKE

248.8 cc

5,49,900

2,17,900

CB UNICORN

149.1 cc

2,49,900

RUNNER MOTORCYCLES CBR 250R

249 cc

5,29,900 to

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

AD80S Deluxe

85cc

1,54,000 to

5,99,000 (ABS)

1,57,000

CRF 250L

250 cc

9,90,000 to 12,75,000

Cheeta

95.75cc

1,59,000

DREAM YUGA

109cc

1,64,900

Kite+

98.16cc

1,69,000

DIO

109cc

1,80,900

Knight Rider

150cc

2,25,000

CB Hornet 160R

162.71cc

2,65,900 to 2,89,900

Royal Plus

109.1cc

1,73,000

XR125L

124.7cc

3,90,000

Bullet 125

100.54cc

1,82,000

CB Unicorn 160

163cc

2,49,900

Anna International Pvt. Ltd. Naxal, Kathmandu

CFMOTO Activa-i

110 cc

1,59,900

Activa 125

125 cc

1,98,900 to 2,09,900

CB Shine SP

125 cc

2,17,900

CB 500F

500 cc

13,99,000

CRF 250M

250 cc

9,90,000

MSX

125 cc

5,99,000

XR 150L

150 cc

4,80,000

Navi

109.19cc

1,54,900

Eco

2000 Watt

1,38,000

CBR 650 F

648.72

19,99,000

Acuto

3000 Watt

2,35,000

CB190R

184cc

5,99,000 to 6,14,000

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

BENELLI

Price

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

2,50,000

TNT 25

249 cc

4,50,000

Leoncino

499 cc

4,99,000

AUTOLIFE MAR/APRIL 2018

150NK

149.4cc

2,99,000

400NK

400.4cc

6,40,000

650NK

649.3cc

10,00,000

St. Papio

124.5cc

2,25,000

250NK

249.2 cc

4,60,000

TERRA MOTORS

ROYAL ENFIELD

Fair Auto Pvt. Ltd. Durbar Marg, Kathmandu

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

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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

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

2,95, 946

SWISH

124 cc

1,79,900

Vespa SXL

125cc

3,10,946

Suzuki Gixxer SF

154.9 cc

2,76,900 to

SXL 150

150cc

3,35,946

VXL 150

150cc

3,20,946

Elegante

150cc

3,59,946

SXL Matte Red

150cc

3,49,946

LX 125

125CC

2,49,946

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

VESPA

2,89,900 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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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

CROSSFIRE XZ250RR

Classic Wheels Export Import Pvt. Ltd. Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu Tel: 980-1024639 250 cc 6,10,000

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

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