May/June 2017 Vol 5 Issue 12 NRs. 125
W W W. AU TO L IF E . CO M. N P
5 TH
S R M E D IA
ANNIVERSARY
: FE ATURENES | MILESTO NIALS TESTIMO AND THINGS NT YOU DID K N OW
I S SUE
H BACK WIT E NC A VENGEA
W E N L L A G O N Y N G SSA O D N A R KO facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
WE DRIVENNOVA CRYSTA TOYOTA I WE RIDE 302R JAN MAN U A S & I A L BE N E L T E E T S H R E S T H RADAR: A , GENESIS CAFE DU 2017 N ACEMAN T YRES A R H : E D G A A R P VER X XIS WN V E NT CO TAN, MA E V KHE LT CARS IN TO W: RISHA AU INTERVIE PAD: NEW RENAUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017 1 H C N U LA
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CONTENTS VO L 5 I S S U E 12 M AY - J U N E 2017
090
FEATURES 34
Test Drive
66
Test Ride
40
Launchpad
64
Interview
58
DIY
Toyota Innova Crysta
Benelli 302R
Renault nepal rolls out two new products
066
Rishav Khetan, Maxxis Tyres
(What to do if your driver loses control of the car)
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CONTENTS VO L 5 I S S U E 12 M AY - J U N E 2017
060
FEATURES 48
Test Drive
44
My Autolife
82
All New Ssangyong Korando
Bhola Bikram Thapa
Feature
The best of our roadtrips
74
Feature
90
Event
The best of both world - Genesis Cafe
044
Racemandu 2017
048
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AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017 9
EDITORIAL
5
th
ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
A
A hundred four-wheelers and seventy-four motorcycles tested, that’s what we’ve accomplished since the establishment of AutoLife magazine. It took us five splendid years to get here, but boy has it been a hell of a ride. We’ve brought to you exotic beauties like the Jaguar XJL and XF, the Hummer H3, the Mercedes GLA, the Ducati Streetfighter 848, and the MV Agusta F3 to name a few. And we agree, life has been good. Five years of this and it still feels like we’re just getting started. We’ve got the same energy, if not more, and that has everything to do with the support and love we’ve been receiving from our readers and well-wishers. And for that we are eternally grateful. Now, to commemorate our fifth year, we have a jam packed issue on our hands. On the cover is the Ssangyong Korando, one of the name plates that put the Korean moniker on the Nepal map; only a better newer version. Also on test are the Toyota Innova Crysta, the people mover, and the Benelli 302 R, the first fully faired offering from Benelli. We look back to the yesteryears of AutoLife in this issue and reminisce the good times that we have had. It has been a tremendous ride. Thank you for your support, and we’ll be looking forward to the years to follow.
Cheers
AUTOLIFE TE AM
VOL 5 ISSUE 12 MAY-JUNE 2017 SR MEDIA GROUP PANIPOKHARI, KATHMANDU, NEPAL TEL: 977-01-4415122 REGD: 84553/068/069
FOUNDER/MANAGING DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EDITOR SUB-EDITOR EDITORIAL, PHOTOGRAPHY & WEB
Ajay Dhoj Thapa Shraddha Rajbhandari Ankit Shakya Saurav Nepal Shreya Sangroula Pritam Chhetri
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@autolife.com.np
Ajay Dhoj Thapa Edward Ale Magar Keyush Shrestha Ashitosh Pokharel Mohit Rajbhandari
AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017
GENERAL ENQUIRIES hello@autolife.com.np
Ayush Dhaubanjar Kalash Ratna Tuladhar
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DISTRIBUTION Kasthamandap Distributors, Tel: 01-4247241
Nirveek PPJ Shah Ankit R Tuladhar
CREATIVE HEAD EDITORIAL DESIGNER BUSINESS & OPERATIONS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
CTP & PRINT ScanPrint, Pulchowk, Tel: 01-5010801
Autolife is an automotive magazine (DAO Regd 213/067/068), published 12 times a year by Softrock Media. All rights reserved in respect of all articles, illustration, photographs, etc published in Autolife Magazine. The content of this publication may not be reproduced on whole or in any part in any electronics or print form, in any language, without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, who cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omission.
ADS AND MARKETING ENQUIRIES marketing@autolife.com.np
Autolife has a dedicated review team for all test drives and rides. We research, study, plan and execute our tests and publish our real experience without any influences. We have our loyalty towards our readership and are not biased or inclined towards any specific brands or services. All advertisement insertions are a part of our marketing campaign, due to their relevance with the magazines content; and published only after authorization from clients or their respective media agencies.
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SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES: TEL: 01-4415122 EMAIL: TNM.MAG@GMAIL.COM FACEBOOK.COM/TNM.MAGAZINE 12
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After five years of reviewing the newest wheels in town, going on road trips to incredible locations all over the country and informing our audiences with all the information from the Nepalese automobile industry, there is little to complain about. We couldn’t have imagined it going any better. Here are the highlights of the best of the past 5 years at Autolife Nepal.
THE BEGINNING
We were invited to GOA to get a first hand experience on the FORD ECOSPORT
NANO EXPEDITION TO JIRI
AutoLife’s NADA AUTOSHOW SUPPLEMENT DEBUTS. The exclusive supplement becomes a regular at the NADA AutoShow with extensive coverage of Nepal’s only autoshow.
Mahindra Adventure invited us to be a part of their historical and first ever epic drive by an Indian four-wheeler manufacturer, from Kathmandu to the Everest Base Camp in Tibet. Fittingly christened as ‘The Summit’, this exclusive media drive was executed by Mahindra Adventure in association with adventure travel company Sacred Summits
AUOTLIFE MILESTONES | AUOTLIFE MILESTONES | AUOTLIFE MILESTONES | AUOTLIFE
NEPAL’S FIRST ENGLISH AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE LAUNCHED
We roughed it up on the Mitsubishi Pajero during our trip to Jomsom-Muktinth
We were absolutely thrilled to announce our all new venture- Autolife Nepal (iOS and Android App) + Complete new website (www.autolife.com.np) “The one stop solution for everything automobile in Nepal”
We went all the way to India to bring you first hand coverage of the 12th Indian Auto Expo 14
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LAUNCH OF OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
TOTAL NUMBER OF MAGAZINE ISSUES 67
We extensively covered THE GLOBAL LAUNCH event of HYUNDAI CRETA in NEW DELHI, INDIA
COMBINED TOTAL MONTHLY AUDIENCE REACH (MAGAZINE + WEB + APP)
THE ONLY NEPALI MEDIA TO REVIEW THE JAGUAR XJL AND 2016 MERCEDES E-CLASS
30,00,000+
MILESTONES | AUOTLIFE MILESTONES | AUOTLIFE MILESTONES | AUOTLIFE MILESTONES
UP UNTIL
NOW TOTAL
APP DOWNLOAD CROSSED 50,000
We went all the way to Udaipur, India to review the Ford Figo Aspire.
This is the journey that took five best friends all the way to the culturally diverse city of
JANAKPUR in a trip of a lifetime
where friendships were renewed and stronger bonds were built. And we did it all in the new
TATA TIAGO.
TEST DRIVES: 100 TOTAL TEST RIDES: 74 TOTAL ROAD TRIPS: 10+
TOTAL INTERVIEWS FROM THE NEPALESE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY: 40+
TOTAL AUTO SHOWS COVERED: 8 facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
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THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT AUTOLIFE APP & WEB DOWNLOAD APP NOW
SCHEMES & OFFERS
(AVAILABLE IN THE NEPALESE AUTO INDUSTRY)
REGULARLY UPDATED
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AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017
LATEST ISSUE OF
AUTOLIFE MAGAZINE UPLOADED MONTHLY
LIVE
NEWS
& UPDATES
ON THE NEPLEASE AUTO INDUSTRY facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
DATABASE OF ALL CARS & BIKES A complete virtual database of all the motorcycle/car brands in nepal with all the necessary details like specifications, variants, showroom, pricing, photos etc. (AVAILABLE ON BOTH IOS & ANDROID)
COMPARE VEHICLES Our website has a built-in custom ‘COMPARE VEHICLES’ section where you can compare up to 4 vehicles on different parameters helping you to ease your purchase needs.
WWW.AUTOLIFE.COM.NP & Autolife Nepal App (Available on both Ios & Android) is your one stop for Exclusive News/Updates from the local and global auto industry, Test Drives, Test Rides, Interviews, Coverages and a complete database of all the cars and bikes available in Nepal. Autolife Nepal is the only English-medium web/ print/app portal in Nepal fully dedicated to the auto industry.
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FACTS IN NUMBERS
100K+ DAILY VIEWS
50K+
30 LAKHS+ MONTHLY HITS
APPS DOWNLOADS
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AUTOLIFE FEATURE
REARVIEW OBJECTS IN THE MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR.. WORDS: AYUSH DHAUBANJAR (FORMER EDITOR, AUTOLIFE)
When I received a call from Ankit informing me about AutoLife Magazine completing its fifth year of publication, I had already figured out that I was being invited to the team’s anniversary celebration’s grand party. You see, being one of the first editorial recruits for the magazine and having sweated it out for a good three years definitely has its perks. But, apparently there were other evil plans as well. I was expected to produce an editorial opinion as well for the 5th Anniversary Special. Now since it’s obviously quite shameful to just walk in at the party, enjoy the free chilled beer and dig into the delicious BBQ platter without having one’s two cents of contribution, I had to greedily oblige
W
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Well, writing an editorial opinion is definitely not easy, especially when you have not written one for the last two years. And now that the magazine is all set to complete its five years of publication, I couldn’t help but reminisce how I turned up at AutoLife? I grew up just like any privileged Nepalese teenager - adrenalin gushing through my veins and always raring to blip past everybody holding on to the motorcycle for dear life. But my passion for wheels wasn’t limited to the riding aspects only. I would spend a lot of my time on the internet, automobile magazines and what not looking up about new bikes and cars, reading reviews, gathering technical knowledge, learning safe riding and driving tips, etc. Of course, even that level of awareness for road safety didn’t stop me from walking away from two possibly life-threatening accidents and a handful of minor crashes on the motorcycle. Well, that’s why shit happens when you let your ego beat your skills. Long story short, over the years I had developed a voracious appetite of feeding through all kinds of reviews and information available on the world of motoring. I enjoyed that a lot. And just as I had begun to fancy the life of an automotive journalist, I was introduced to the founders of SR Media, who already had the ball rolling to begin
the publication of Nepal’s first English automobile magazine. Since this was a first for Nepal, everything from getting in the advertisement endorsements, requesting vehicles for test drives/ rides, producing locally relevant contents to having similarly passionate automobile enthusiasts on the team, was definitely a big challenge. But we took that in our stride, and after almost two months of burning the midnight oil, the first issue hit the stands. We were well received and there was no looking back after that. The rest, as they say, was history! Now if you were to ask me of my three year stint at AutoLife, what followed was definitely an epic adventure. From getting to review every possible twowheeler to four-wheeler available in the country and occasionally being granted the keys to exclusive boy’s toys like the Ducati Streetfighter 848, MV Agusta F3 675, Honda CBR600RR, Hummer H3, Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes GLA, Peugeot RCZ, etc was much more than what an enthusiastic motorhead like me could ask for. Road trips in a variety of vehicles became a regular affair as we hit the highways for travel stories from vibrant places like Kalinchowk, Jiri, Bardia, Mustang, Palpa, Pokhara, etc. Then came by the occasional exclusive invitations to attend media events in India where the members of the press were put up in extravagant locations and taken care of no less than maharajas to have a first-hand impression of the brand new vehicles. Not to forget, the variety of inspirational people from the industry that we had the chance to get acquainted with and bring out their passionate stories on the pages of AutoLife. And of course, to top it all off, how could I forget the mother of all road trips to the foothills of the highest point of adventure in the world! No road trip will probably ever beat that
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epic self-drive expedition with Mahindra Adventure from Nepal to the 5200m high Northern Everest Base Camp in Tibet. Looking back, it was an overthe-top dream experience and I can’t imagine having more fun than that. All in all, working as a motoring journalist has definitely been the most fulfilling decisions of my life. I thank you for reading on so far. Now if you will excuse me, I have beers and BBQ waiting for me. Cheers to this drive past the 5th milestone of AutoLife Magazine and best wishes for many more in the years to come.
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AUTOLIFE FEATURE
READERS’ TESTIMONIALS Through the past five years we have been lucky enough to gain a considerable number of readers who have showered us with love. We are grateful to each and every person who has been with us and supported us; because let’s face it without you all of what we do would be pretty pointless. But because we are really humble people we wouldn’t be comfortable tooting our own horn… but these splendid people were more than willing to do it for us.
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ANUKUL SHRESTHA, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
Congratulations Autolife Nepal on reaching the 5th anniversary. Thank you for keeping us updated on the Nepalese automobile market while we’re abroad. Thank you
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AASHISH NIRAULA , THEBIKERYOGI. COM Autolife Nepal is quietly simply the only place to get expert opinion and genuinely useful articles on automobiles and adventures. Keep it up and Congratulations Autolife Nepal!
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NELSON BHANDARI, CLASSIC WHEELS
We’ve been following Autolife Nepal for more than 2 years now. We have had quite a number of dealings with media groups and in my count I have known Autolife as one of the leading Automobile publications in the country. Also,I have heard about its immense reputation in the Nepalese automobile sector. I am driven by the cover stories that Autolife presents particularly the reviews and photos. Articles and photographs are matched admirably and hence, it makes the readers have the sensation of them experiencing it themselves.
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SUNNY MAHAT, BASSIST – THE MIDNIGHT RIDERS
Congratulations Autolife Nepal on completing your 5 years. I’ve been following this magazine for the last 2 years. You’ve been doing a really good job on your reviews. As someone interested in motorcycles and cars, I think it’s the best magazine in its segment in Nepal.
AAYUSH SHRESTHA, SENI0R MARKETING CONSULTANT AT IMS GROUPS
“
I have been following Autolife since it started; I was working at Golchha Organization back then. Now that I represent an automobile brand, there is a more direct connection with the media house. I think it is one of the best magazines that we have in the Nepali market. I remember back when I was in college I used to go through all the Indian automobile brand and after Autolife I have stopped doing that because all the content published here is up to mark. The buying guide is my favorite, it is a convenient source to get my information on the automarket prices. Also, I hate seeing so many ads on other magazines which totally misses the point of being an informative magazine and I think in that section Autolife is very reasonable in balancing the amount of advertisements and the content. Overall, I think Autolife is great as a client and as a viewer as well.
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TH
GO GREEN
CONGRATULATION TO AUTOLIFE TEAM ON THE
Standard charge less than hrs
5
Fast charge less than min
30
This is the perfect time to be ahead of your time. The future has arrived in style in the new Kia Soul EV, a 100% electric vehicle with a practical driving range and a bold look that builds on the unique dimensions and style of the Kia Soul. As the Soul EV, Kia’s first all-electric, zero-emissions car sold worldwide, rewrites automotive history, let the Soul EV recharge your capacity to dream. Continental Trading Trading Enterprises Enterprises Pvt. Pvt. Ltd Ltd –– Gairidhara, Gairidhara, Kathmandu. Kathmandu.Tel Tel 1-412314/ 1-412314/ 4426465 4426465 Continental KIA Motors Nepal- Dhumbarahi. Tel 012054006, 9841401487, 9851092308, 9851088970
KIA Motors Nepal- Dhumbarahi. Tel 012054006, 9841401487, 9851092308, 9851088970 facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
FOR TEST DRIVE CALL 9841839343AUTOLIFE 9841695705, 9851088970 MAY-JUNE 2017 25
AUTOLIFE READERS’ PHOTOS
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS AT hello@autolife.com.np
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AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017 27
AUTOLIFE NEWS
CRICKET HERO SHARAD VESAWKAR APPOINTED BRAND AMBASSADOR OF YAMAHA FZS FI BRAND IN NEPAL MAW Enterprises, the authorized distributor of Yamaha motorcycles in Nepal, has announced partnership with Sharad Vesawkar, prominent middle-order batsman of Nepali National Cricket team, as Yamaha FZS FI’s Brand Ambassador in Nepal. Now onwards, Vesawkar will appear in a communication campaign of Yamaha FZS-FI across Nepal including print, TV, online advertising and showroom display. The 28 years old righthanded batsman made debut for Nepal against UAE in 2004. ‘I am very much elated and excited to have been associated with Yamaha brand, Vesawkar shared, ‘Yamaha motorcycles have been passion of youth like me. It is matter of pride to represent the sporty, stylish and powerful two-wheeler brand.’ Vesawkar is
HYUNDAI NEPAL WINS 2016 REGIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD 28
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currently the no. 80 ranked T20I batsman in the world, achieving the 250 rating benchmark in July 2015. His batting played a pivotal part leading Nepal to the 2014 ICC World Twenty20. Similarly, Vishnu Kumar Agarwal expressed happiness towards the new partnership with Sharad Vesawkar. ‘We want to thank Vesawkar for being with us. We hope that our journey will establish a new benchmark in automotive sector,’ he said, ‘Through this partnership we want to give message to our valuable customers that Yamaha is as powerful, as reliable and as versatile as Sharad Vesawkar when he is in crease.’
Laxmi InterContinental Pvt. Ltd, the sole authorized distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Nepal, has won the 2016 Regional Excellence Award – Asia & Pacific Region. From May 10th to 13th, Hyundai Motor Company’s Head of Subsidiaries and Distributors from all over the world gathered in South Korea for 2017 Global Distributors Convention. South Korea was chosen as the venue for the event in recognition of 50 years of Hyundai’s Legacy. With the slogan ’50 Years and More’, 284 participants from 132 countries shared Hyundai Motor Company’s glorious past and pledged to build a brighter future. During the CEO Conference, Hyundai Motor Company announced its vision to become a ‘Top Tier Automotive Brand’ by providing the ‘Highest Value’ to our customers worldwide. Laxmi Hyundai’s award was announced during this annual event. Laxmi Intercontinental Pvt. Ltd. would like to thank all their customers for their support without which, it would not have been possible.
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AUTOLIFE NEWS
UM MOTORS ORGANIZES MOTORCYCLE RALLY IME Automotives organized a ‘Motorcycle Rally’ on the occasion of Republic Day. Bikes present at the rally were the bikes under the UM Model of Renegade Sport Series. At the rally, there were almost 50 Riders with Sports, Duty and Commando bikes under the Renegade Sports Model, and were leaded and escorted by UM’s stylish cruiser segment
bikes Renegade Sport S 300 and Renegade Commando 300. Each valued riders were facilitated with 2 movie tickets, UM branded t-shirt, 3 Liters of petrol, lunchbox and certificates of appreciation to the valued rider of UM brand. Similarly, best 5 riders (under discipline & safety norms) of the rally were awarded with each tickets of Chandragiri Hills Pvt. Ltd.
The Škoda Karoq is a completely new compact SUV from the long-standing Czech brand.The Karoq which is a replacement for the Yeti offers exceptional space, new driver-assistance systems, full LED headlights and – for the first time in a Škoda – a digital instrument panel. The Skoda Karoq is a sports utility vehicle with character: The emotive and dynamic design with numerous crystalline elements characterizes Skoda’s new SUV design language. The front is characterized in particular by the geometrically shaped headlights with precise contours. From the Ambition trim level upwards, full-LED headlights in a clear glass design are used. The side is characterised by short overhangs at the front and rear, the sloping roofline that is visually extended by a contour in the D-pillar, and the tapered rear. The wheel arches are framed by wide angular trims – a typical design feature for the Skoda SUV. The flat, raked rear lights are divided into two: their outer section is embedded in the sidewall frames, whilst the inner section is in the tailgate. The reflectors sit below the rear sensors on the outer edges of the rear bumper. The lights at the rear include tail lights, brake lights and number plate illumination with LED technology. The tail lights form the Skoda-typical ‘C’ shape.
SKODA KAROQ - THE SKODA YETI REPLACEMENT IS UNVEILED 30
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Five engine variants – two petrol and three diesel engines – are on offer. The two petrol engines and two diesels are new in the line-up. The displacement ranges are 1.0, 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0 l; the power range is from 115 PS to 190 PS. All powertrains feature turbo-charged direct injection units as well as start -stop- technology and brake energy recovery. With the exception of the most powerful diesel, all drivetrains can be ordered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed DSG. The Karoq offers a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems. New comfort systems include Park Assist, Lane Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. Blind Spot Detect, Front Assist with predictive pedestrian protection and Emergency Assist serve to increase safety. facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
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AUTOLIFE NEWS
THE NEW SUZUKI DZIRE HEATS UP THE SEGMENT The new Dzire sedan, launched by Suzuki, looks set to shake up the Indian passenger vehicle market. Its smooth sedan styling, more plush and roomy interiors, superior overall comfort and advanced safety features make the New Dzire a standout in the segment. Built afresh on the fifth generation HEARTECT platform, the all-New Dzire is able to offer more space, superior safety and better fuel efficiency. The hugely popular Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology is now available on many more variants of the Dzire, starting from the V trim up to Z and Z+. In all, six variants of the New Dzire (in diesel and petrol) now offer the acclaimed AGS technology Customers will also appreciate the superior fuel efficiency of the New Dzire. At 28.4 kmpl* the New Dzire Diesel is India’s most fuel efficient car. The New Dzire petrol has a fuel efficiency of 22.0 kmpl.* The Suzuki Dzire has been the undisputed leader in the subcompact sedan space, but the segment has also gotten a lot more crowded than before. With the third generation model, Suzuki has managed to iron out certain deficits while also offering a lot more now. The new Dzire competes with the new Hyundai Xcent, Volkswagen Ameo, Tata Zest and Tigor, Honda Amaze and the Ford Aspire.
NEPAL AMBULANCE SERVICE COMMENCES ITS SERVICES IN CHITWAN AND POKHARA Nepal Ambulance Service (NAS) has commenced additional ambulance service with experienced health workers in two new locations. The organization has added emergency ambulance service in Chitwan and Pokhara too. Until now, Nepal Ambulance Service has been providing ambulance services in Kathmandu valley and henceforth, it has initiated its services to the new cities. With this addition NAS is providing its international standard emergency health service in Kathmandu, Valley, Chitwan and Pokhara with its fleet of fully equipped 11 ambulances. NAS provides 24 hours emergency ambulance service in all these areas. For emergency ambulance services one can call toll free number 102. The organization is providing emergency ambulance service at the minimal cost as determined by the government. The organization plans to extend its services to Butwal and Bhairahawa of Rupendehi district starting from 1st of Ashad.
RENAULT KWID EASY – R AMT (Automatic) NOW AVAILABLE IN NEPAL Renault Nepal has announced the launch of its all new Renault Kwid AMT range at an introductory price of Rs. 20, 96,500 making it the best-equipped first-in-segment in the price range. The new Renault Kwid AMT features Easy-R Technology – a pioneering 5-speed AMT. The dash-mounted AMT Dial has three modes – R for Reverse, N for Neutral and D for Drive – and is designed to make driving effortless. An advanced control unit automatically optimizes gear shifting in accordance with driving conditions for smooth and regular acceleration. The Kwid AMT comes with 2 variants; Renault KWID 1.0 L AMT RXT O and Renault KWID 1.0 L AMT RXL.
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UNSTOPPABLE WHATEVER THE ROAD BBC TopGear Awards
CNBC TV 18 Overdrive Awards
WHETHER YOU ARE CRUISING ON THE FREEWAY, CARRYING ADVENTURE GEAR OR HEADING UPHILL, THE ISUZU D-MAX V-CROSS EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS THE MOMENT YOU HIT THE PEDAL
Melt-in liner (Anti-friction induction hardened)
Chain driven camshaft
Graphite coated Psitons
Robust cast rocker arm with roller pivot bearings
Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt. Ltd – Gairidhara, Kathmandu Tel 1-412314/ 4426465 KIA Motors Nepal- Dhumbarahi facebook.com/AutolifeNepal Tel 012054006, 9841401487, 9851092308, 9851088970
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AUTOLIFE TEST DRIVE
E H T L MPV A E R A T S Y R C A V O N N I A T O Y O T S R D W O
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Our neighbors down south have loved the Toyota Innova Crysta since it began its distribution in 2005. The fondest, and only, memory I have of the Innova is the drive from the Airport to the hotel. The Innova basically bolted through heavy traffic, weaving and slaloming between speeding vehicles at extremely close quarters; making for some pretty butt clenching moments. I wasn’t really used to it, but for the Toyota Innova it was just another day of the week. It has proven to be a workhorse, putting in the daily grind and still remaining a solid machine. The Innova exemplified itself for its sheer durability and reliability; something the Japanese marque has garnered a reputation for in Nepal’s market as well.
F
It wasn’t until 2016 that the Innova found its way into the Nepali market for MPVs. With not many options in the MPV segment, the Toyota Innova Crysta has been the frontrunner for many potential buyers. As a segment, MPVs have had a very slow progress in terms of popularity. MPVs are large fuel guzzlers, they are a hassle in traffic, and will sear a hole in your wallets if you do decide to purchase it. However, it has its own charm for families that like to travel together, and MPV owners swear by it. I have been lucky enough to experience life growing up with an MPV in the family, and I strongly believe there is more to it than just getting people from one place to another. It etches a place in your life, building memories you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. Long story short, it took little persuasion to get me behind the wheels of the Toyota Innova Crysta.
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THE INNOVA EXEMPLIFIED ITSELF FOR ITS SHEER DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY; SOMETHING THE JAPANESE MARQUE HAS GARNERED A REPUTATION FOR IN NEPAL’S MARKET AS WELL.
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EXTERIOR
The first thing you will notice about the Toyota Innova Crysta is its sheer presence. It is a behemoth of a machine that has been crafted to perfection by the Japanese manufacturers. Dawning sharp, contemporary design cues it is an eye-catcher. Large sweptback headlights flank a bulky double-slated grille that continues inside the headlight. A massive lower air-dam round out the prominent façade. Bulky creases run across the bonnet from where the headlights meet the grille and merges with the A-pillars. Indicators are integrated into the fog lamp housing. Its ungainly front overhang is evident in its profile and it holds a van like appearance. A sharply cut quarter glass adds a touch of style along with the lower character line. Out back the Innova Crysta gets massive tail lamps with vertically arranged indicators. Rear spoilers are neatly integrated and the Toyota badge sits smack dab in the middle.
INTERIOR AND ERGONOMICS
We had on our hands the basic model of the Innova, which did not have much to brag about. What it did have going for it, however, were the ergonomics and space. The seven seater can easily accommodate a large family with luggage and the family dog. Rest assured, it is truly a spacious affair inside the cabin. Providing a nice, tall, driving position the Crysta is a comfortable vehicle to drive. The dashboard runs very long, making a long distance between where it starts and the windscreen. The steering wheels are chunky and feel good in your hands and they get tilt and telescopic adjustment.
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IT IS A BEHEMOTH OF A MACHINE THAT HAS BEEN CRAFTED TO PERFECTION
The full option however is fully decked out and gets a plethora of features and functions. The captain seats in the back give insane comfort. Back & thigh support are excellent and the seats are very comfortable over long distances. The third row seats can seat two people comfortably and squeeze in three.
SAFETY
In terms of safety, the Innova could be one of the safest ways to travel in Nepal. Toyota takes safety very seriously and it is evident when you look at what
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it features. It gets driver knee airbag as standard across the range, along with dual front airbags, ABS and EBD. All variants get rear parking sensors, 3-point seatbelts for everyone onboard and 2 ISOFIX-ready seats for the little ones. In the ASEAN NCAP, the Indonesia-built Innova Crysta with ESP scored a full 5 stars on safety (variants without ESP got 4 stars).
PERFORMANCE
The Toyota Innova Crysta gets a 2.4L diesel mill; it is smaller than the 2.5L older version but it makes nearly 50% more power & 70% more torque from the 2.4. Power is rated at 148 BHP
@ 3,400 rpm and 343 Nm of torque starting from 1,400 rpm which is evident once you get in the driver’s seat. You get a choice between the eco and power modes and if we’re being completely honest we were hooked on the latter. The power mode brings an enhanced sense of urgency to the engine and the massive frame preps up to bolt forward effortlessly. Even for an engine as big as this, in city driving is very good. There is no turbo-lag and the 343 Nm of peak torque is made at a low 1,400 rpm. That means there is plenty of pull even in second gear. This driveability
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& enhanced power will be appreciated when you are carrying a full load of passengers. In the city, you’re better off using eco mode or normal mode. In the highways you’re better off switching to power mode for best results. Eco/normal mode will work as well but it’s like they say, once you go power mode you never go back. It is just more effortless when pulling away from crawling speeds (compared to eco). Because the throttle is sharp in PWR mode, the drive will be very jerky. Power mode is aggressive not only while accelerating, but even when you lift off the accelerator (passengers will lunge forward). Cruising capabilities are top notch in the Innova Crysta, a great asset when you’re out with your family on road trips. The ride quality is supple and sturdy which gives immense highway driving comfort.
VERDICT
I grew up travelling around
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the country with my family in a classic Volkswagen camper that my uncle owned, sliding door, spring curtains and all. I remember very little of it but they were good times. He later bought a Toyota LiteAce because that is what vans and MPVs do to you. They get you hooked to the utility and functionality and whatever else the MPV has to offer. We go on family road trips in it still. However, not everyone is immediately attracted to MPVs for different reasons. For one thing, it is not an easy vehicle to purchase or sustain and people not looking to travel with their families a lot might not see the point. But for the ones that do, you will rarely find a better option. And to add to that it is a workhorse that is more durable than almost anything else in the market. The Toyota Innova Crysta, like most MPVs, isn’t just a people mover. They bring families closer together and help build memories that will last a lifetime. And that is what you get when you buy an MPV such as this.
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CRUISING CAPABILITIES ARE TOP NOTCH IN THE INNOVA CRYSTA, A GREAT ASSET WHEN YOU’RE OUT WITH YOUR FAMILY ON ROAD TRIPS.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Type: 2gd-ftv, diesel with intercooler,variable nozzle turbocharger, 4-inline cylinder, dohc 16 valve, common rail Displacement (cc): 2393 Max. Power: 150 PS@ 3400 RPM Max. Torque: 343 NM@ 14002800 RPM Transmission: 5-speed Manual Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres Suspension Front: Double wishbone with torsion bar Suspension Rear: 4-link with coil spring Overall Dimensions (L/W/H): 4735mm/1830mm/1795mm Wheelbase (mm): 2750mm Brakes (Front/Rear): Disc/ Drum PRICE: Rs 69,50,000
CONTACT: United Traders Syndicate Pvt. Ltd Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu 01 4008801-5 facebook.com/toyota.nepal facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
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AUTOLIFE LAUNCHPAD
RENAULT NEPAL ROLLS OUT TWO NEW PRODUCTS
over the 800cc version currently available. The engine continues to be paired with a 5-speed manual transmission borrowed from the Kwid 800cc version. Talking about exterior changes, the Kwid 1.0 looks largely identical to the regular version, except the new chequered flag 1.0 decals that replace the mouldings on the side profile of the car. In fact, even the ORVMs are now slightly larger and are finished in contrast silver. Other features remain the same on the model with the 180mm ground clearance, SUV inspired
design and the 300-litre boot capacity making it to the more powerful model as well. Renault has also worked to improve the overall NVH levels on the hatchback, which comes courtesy of the reworked timing chain, clutch, as well as engine mounts. Built with slight enhancements to the exteriors and interiors of the Lodgy MPV (available in the Indian market), the new Lodgy Stepway edition has been launched at an introductory price of Rs.39, 95,000 making it the bestequipped MPV in the price range.
After the tremendous success by selling 1000 units of Renault KWID and Duster in just 8 months, Advanced Automobiles Pvt. Ltd, the authorized distributor of Renault automotive in Nepal, has introduced two new offerings – Kwid 1.0 hatchback and Lodgy Stepway MPV, in the domestic market.
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The Kwid 1.0 is now available with a new powerful 1.0L Smart Control Efficiency (SCe) engine at an introductory pricing of Rs 20, 98,000. The new 1.0-litre i.e.1000cc three-cylinder petrol engine is capable of churning out 67bhp and develops a satisfying peak torque of 91Nm. The motor is a significant upgrade
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The Lodgy Stepway range will be available in both 85 PS & 110 PS and in 4 variants: Lodgy Std, Lodgy RxE, Lodgy RxL and Lodgy RxZ (available in 7 & 8 seat options) and six colors – Planet Grey, Royal Orchid, Slate Grey, Fiery Red, Moonlight Silver and Pearl White. The MPV comes with new studded front grille, brushed aluminium finish skid plate, fog lamp bezels and black plastic cladding around the wheel arches and lower portion of the car. The model also gets upgraded to 16-inch gunmetal finished alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin gets updated with new brown and
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beige leather upholstery with diamond stitching and a two-tone dashboard with a piano black finished centre console. The MPV also comes with a touchscreen infotainment system same as the Duster, steering mounted phone and audio controls, 12 volt charging sockets for all three rows along with flight trays, bottle holders and a sunglasses holder.
to its comfort and tourist preference. The Company expects the same response from travel agents and tour operators in Nepal too.
For more information, contact: Renault Nepal Thapathali, Kathmandu 01-4256377 facebook.com/renaultnep
Apart from several safety equipments, the Lodgy Stepway also comes with the safety airbags, engine immobilizer, central locking, auto door lock, seat belt reminder, rear wiper & washer and rear defogger. In India, many tours operator and travel agents preferred this vehicle due facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
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OWNER’S REVIEW
I was thinking of buying a car for quite some time. I didn’t have a car before this but I have been riding a bike since the last 7 years. Tata being one of the most popular and trusted brand for a long time, I went to visit their showroom and I saw the Tata Tiago and found it to be a nice investment. The marketing staff were very convincing as well. The thing I like the most is that it is very open and visually pleasent due to its striking build. I really do think that the Tata Tiago has the best look in the hatchback market. Its interior space is extremely versatile and the scooped out front seat backs for more leg room maximizing comfort. I also like that Tata Tiago provides a very good mileage range. The car is very comfortable to drive on the roads of Kathmandu as well. I have taken the Tata Tiago, up to Khurkot of BP highway and the performance was definitely the best in terms of power and safety. The milage added up with a very good spring power makes the performance unbeatable. The after sales service is up to mark and remarkable as well. I would and have recommended it to my friends because the thing about this car is that it exemplifies comfort. And if anyone wants that quality, the Tata Tiago is the best option to choose.
Er. Dipendra Kumar Jha
Managing Director Pertinent Engineering Consultancy Pvt.Ltd Chakupat ,Lalitpur
CONTACT SIPRADI TRADING PVT. LTD. Teku, Kathmandu Tel. No. 4250610, 4250612 www.facebook.com/ tatamotorsnepal
SPECIFICATIONS Engine Type: Revotron, 3 cylinder, MPFi with MULTI DRIVE Displacement (cc): 1199 cc Max. Power (PS): 85 PS @ 6000 RPM Max. Torque (NM): 114 Nm @ 3500 RPM Transmission: 5-speed manual Ground Clearance: 170mm Fuel Tank Capacity: 35 litres
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AUTOLIFE MY AUTOLIFE
MY AUTOLIFE WITH
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Just seems like yesterday we were geeking out over the Jaguars coming to Nepal. We would consider it one of the most exciting of recent times when it comes to the auto industry of Nepal. Mr. Bhola Bikram Thapa, President at President Group of Companies, was one of the few who hold the keys to these Jags in Nepal. A man passionate about his cars and for driving fast, we talked about his love for automobiles and the crazy times he’s had in them.
TELL US WHAT’S PARKED IN YOUR GARAGE AT THE MOMENT? Because of what I do (President of President Groups of Companies) I have a lot of cars around which I use for my personal as well as professional use. At the moment, I have a Skoda Laura parked in my garage which I use most frequently for my daily use. And I also have the Jaguar which I drive around in to attend professional events and meetings. I would have loved to take it out more often but looking at the condition of the roads in Kathmandu even taking it out becomes a hassle. But otherwise we also have more cars like the land rover ,the land cruiser to name a few. WHAT DO YOU PREFER MORE? SEDANS OR SUVS? I prefer sedans because it is more comfortable compared to SUVs but if I have to go on long rides I would opt for SUVs. Having said that, my leniency towards sedans is directly related to the conditions of the roads I will be traveling on. Of late it has been terribly difficult to root for sedans thanks to our roads. Then again, SUVs have trouble maneuvering in traffic and tight spaces. HOW DID YOU FIRST LEARN TO RIDE/ DRIVE AND WHICH IS THE FIRST CAR/ BIKE YOU HAD A GO ON? From when I was a young boy I was interested in riding or driving vehicles and I remember my brother had one of those Russian scooters when we were growing up. So, that scooter was the first vehicle I tried on the roads. I learned without anyone’s help because back then that was how everyone usually learned. IS THERE A DRIVER BEHIND THE WHEELS OF YOUR CAR OR IS IT YOU WHO TAKES CHARGE? I rarely drive myself. But don’t get me wrong, I love driving. I always have loved it but I want to get some pleasure out of driving. Every time I sit behind the wheels I end up in a bad mood thanks to all the traffic and the roads and the pedestrians who have no regards for traffic rules. But I do drive on Saturdays when I take my wife out somewhere or if I go on long drives. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAVE BEEN THE PROS AND CONS OF OWNING AN EXOTIC SET OF WHEELS IN NEPAL? Well, the only positive thing is that you
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have a car and you have the comfort of going to places in it. But even then, driving in Nepal is a big hassle. However, when I go to my farm I drive my Land Rover and that is always a fun driving experience. That is rare nowadays; driving isn’t as fun as it used to be. For instance, I used to reach my farm which is in Nawalparasi in about 3 hours but now it takes about 4 to 5 hours that too if I leave very early in the morning. If I leave in the afternoon it takes at least 6 hours or more to reach there. TILL DATE, ON WHICH CAR HAVE YOU HAD THE BEST EVER RIDING/DRIVING EXPERIENCE? The best I have ever driven was a convertible car which I wanted to buy very badly. It was a red convertible car which I think was a Peugeot that I drove for 2 days. I really liked the car but when you lifted the hood all the dust came inside the car. My wife was not agreeing to buy it because of that reason which I think was reasonable. It was about 5 years ago. It was a very beautiful car. I always had an eye for convertibles. I love buying new cars because I don’t like to drive any car over 5 years, mainly because of the road conditions. I go for SUV now, I would have preferred a sedan but I have to choose an SUV now for that reason. And since the parking is so cramped there is a huge possibility of getting your car scratched. So, the worth of an exotic car gets diminished because of the infrastructure here in Nepal. I used to have a BMW before I bought the Jaguar. I had to sell the BMW since I have a diplomatic number plate and if someone came over from abroad it was too small for them. ONE WICKED OR CRAZY THING THAT YOU HAVE DONE ON WHEELS? There are a few to choose from, not all intentional though. Like this one time, when I was driving an old Mercedes, it was raining, I had to slam on the brakes, which caused the car to spin 360degrees, and I almost hit the footpath. It was an accident to be honest and I didn’t do it intentionally. Fortunately no one was hurt and I had the liberty of feeling pretty badass afterwards.
one time a car was stuck in a ditch and he left that there overnight. The next morning I got up and started the car with my keys and managed to get it out. I was ecstatic about it, but one thing led to another and I ended up toppling the car over. No one was badly hurt but I had to shift into a clandestine lifestyle for 3 days because my father was furious. It could have been so much worse and I’d never put myself in that sort of position again. IS THERE AN ULTIMATE DREAM CAR THAT YOU’D LIKE TO HAVE PARKED IN YOUR GARAGE? My ultimate dream car would be a two-seater convertible BMW. But that is going to be really difficult because of the tax duties on vehicles in Nepal. No one can choose to buy a car on a whim and also my age wouldn’t allow it, more than luxury I prefer comfort these days. IF YOU COULD WISH FOR ONE AUTOMOBILE MARQUEE TO HAVE A SHOWROOM HERE IN NEPAL, NOT YET PRESENT, WHICH WOULD IT BE? There are new types of brands and new models coming up very often but I would love if BMW came into Nepal. Soon. WHERE DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST DESTINATION TO DRIVE/RIDE TO IN NEPAL? Well, some of the highways are pretty nice in Nepal but there are lots of twists and turns. I would prefer a long stretch of straight roads because I like driving fast but there is no destination as such. IF YOU WERE GIVEN COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE COUNTRY, WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU BRING ABOUT IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SCENE OF NEPAL? In our country everything is considered a luxury because of the high tax rates. I agree that one time it was a luxury in the past but now it is a necessity. I think the government should consider that and make a reasonable tax amount in the vehicles. Yes, in actual luxurious cars like a Jaguar the taxation is okay but looking at the whole scenario I think cars should be taken as a necessity rather than a luxury.
In my younger days, I have done things I am not quite proud of. I used to have a key that could start any vehicle and AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017 45
NEPAL’S BIGGEST AUTOMOBILE COMMUNITY
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AUTOLIFE TEST DRIVE
a h t BACK wi
VENGEANCE
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SsangYong as a brand received a resurrection of sorts in Nepal; a struggling company that IMS Motors took under its wings as its first undertaking. The Korean marque is now under the watchful eyes of one of the noted juggernauts in the business industry and it has been rejuvenated with new life. One of the most prominent models in the fleet was the Korando and it has been a very important car to Ssangyong. What started out back in 1983 as a mini SUV with a name that is a contraction of “Korea Can Do” this model from the Korean car manufacturer has over 3 decades of history riding on its shoulders. Korando, a model that started out as a mini SUV has seen major design changes over the course of its lifetime, which also happens to be Korea’s longest surviving nameplate according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Is the 2017 model a worthy enough addition to the lineage of SsangYong? Let’s find out. facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
“ WHAT STARTED OUT BACK IN 1983 AS A MINI SUV WITH A NAME THAT IS A CONTRACTION OF “KOREA CAN DO” THIS MODEL FROM THE KOREAN CAR MANUFACTURER HAS OVER 3 DECADES OF HISTORY RIDING ON ITS SHOULDERS.
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EXTERIOR
The Korando has come a long way from the burly ‘thar-like’ army jeeps. The third generation Korando has modernized itself into a contemporary SUV, one that explores new boundaries of designs. The newest iteration of the SUV comes with a number of updates with its highlight all set to be the new stunningly revised front fascia that seems to give it a more aggressive outlook on the front end. Besides the facelift, the new Korando also offers new design headlamps, radiator grille, air dam grille and fog lamps, stylish bumper and a re-sculpted hood. The honeycombed grille flanked by swept back headlights give it a strong façade. A new set of 18inch diamond-cut alloy wheels complete the stylish exterior of this new model. A sloping roofline gives it a stylish profile despite not having too many character lines to accentuate its looks. The rear curves well into a rounded shape with taillights that sweep over onto its body. It remains a looker from all angles.
INTERIOR
Inside the Korando is nothing but packed with proper luxury and a list of features one can think about. With premium leather in seats, steering wheel, gear knob and window door trims, the interior gives a warm plush greeting as soon as you enter the vehicle. The driver seat is electrically adjustable and also provides ventilation, the headrest is tilting and active and all front and rear seats receive the heating mechanism to warm you up whenever you feel cold. Comfort and convenience has also seen no compromise as the vehicle comes
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loaded with all sorts of goodies. To further enhance the experience, the new model offers a more convenient and smart control of the infotainment system with its 7-inch color display touchscreen that’s set atop the center console, flanked by vertical air con vents. Bluetooth connectivity, Electric Rearview Mirror, Safety Power Window, Auto AC with digital display, Outside Mirror Heating & Folding, Cruise Control and rear view camera come as standard across all models while higher tier variants come equipped with a much longer list. Safety is another ground where Korando has landed a perfect hit, with driver and front passenger side airbags, side & curtain airbags, 2 x ISOFIX child seat anchorage points, child safety door locks, active AWD with Anti Braking System (ABS) and EBD, automatic speed-sensing door locks and Tire Pressure Monitoring facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
System (TPMS) which are only a few from the bucket full of safety improvements in this year’s model.
PERFORMANCE
In the heart of the Korando beats an inline 2.0 liter mill that gets a manual transmission. And it is an engine with oomph that puts it right up there with competition. It happily churns out 147bhp that propels it on the tarmac with vigor and enthusiasm. It receives a surge at medium revs and has enough low-rev shove that you don’t have to change gear too often around town. On the highways it finds its groove and bolts at the whim of your right foot. It also features a 50/50 diff lock as standard, and decent ramp angles and ride height clearance for those wishing to venture off-road. Overtaking maneuvers are a walk in the park for the Korando and the ride quality is supple. The suspension
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THE THIRD GENERATION KORANDO HAS MODERNIZED ITSELF INTO A CONTEMPORARY SUV, ONE THAT EXPLORES NEW BOUNDARIES OF DESIGNS.
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handle road undulations with ease but the body roll around corners are pronounced. Apart from that the ride quality is good and the power output compliments the comfort.
VERDICT
The Korando might not be the most premium offering from Ssangyong but it has definitely remained a prominent name in its fleet. And this SUV we tested explains why. Ssangyong is loved in most other countries for living up to expectations in its price range. However, due to our crappy duty laws the same low priced SUVs turn more expensive. Nevertheless, the Korando meets every expectation you would have with an SUV and proves to be a premium product that is ready for any competition.
“ THE KORANDO MEETS EVERY EXPECTATION YOU WOULD HAVE WITH AN SUV AND PROVES TO BE A PREMIUM PRODUCT THAT IS READY FOR ANY COMPETITION.
The Koreans have been coming with a vengeance in Nepal, and IMS Motors have given it a new life and the Korando exemplifies the idea with authority.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Type: e-Xdi 200 diesel Cylinders: 4 inline Displacement (cc): 1998cc Max. Power: 175 PS@6000 RPM Max. Torque: 360 NM@ 20003000 RPM Drivetrain: Active AWD with lock Transmission: 6 Speed Manual / 6 speed Automatic Fuel Tank Capacity: 57 litres Suspension Front: McPherson Strut Suspension Rear: Multi-link system Overall Dimensions (L/W/H): 4410mm/1830mm/1675mm Ground clearance (mm): 210mm Brakes (Front/Rear): Ventilated Disc / Disc PRICE: Rs 79,99,000 – Rs 95,99,000
CONTACT: IMS Motors Naxal, Kathmandu 01-4251545/4251318 facebook.com/IMS.Motors
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AUTOLIFE PRODUCT WATCH
ISUZU MU-X THE NEWEST CONTENDER
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The Indian market for SUVs is now coming of age with all the major players from the global automobile industry vying for a commendable share of this highly competitive market. The newest player in this market is Isuzu – a globally renowned company for making tough, reliable and fuel efficient vehicles. Isuzu
believes the Indian market is a key market for the Japanese manufacturer, hence, the company has introduced the mu-X premium full-size 7-seater SUV which has been designed to offer the perfect combination of style, power and road presence while also providing excellent space and comfort. On the exterior, the mu-X is styled with a tiger-inspired dynamic and muscular exterior that make it look spectacular and dominating on the road, a must have characteristic for a sports utility vehicle in this class. With its double slat chrome grille, multi-spoke diamondcut alloy wheels, and twotone front and rear bumpers, its dominant road presence makes it a capable onlooker on the road. The full size 7 seater SUV has been designed to provide the best-in-class space inside the vehicle, one of the unique features of the mu-X. Along with space, the mu-X sports other creature comforts, along with superior options for entertainment. All this and much more make the mu-X a formidable entrant in the premium full size 7 seater SUV market.
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ISUZU VEHICLES ARE RENOWNED FOR THEIR TOUGH BUILD AND THE MU-X STAYS TRUE TO THIS REPUTATION
It also features a twin cockpit design with easily accessible controls for both, the driver and the front passenger. In addition to these, the Penta-Link rear suspension provides excellent comfort for all passengers, while the supremely spacious cabin features a number of smart storage compartments. A key aspect of the mu-X is the 3rd row seating which allows full-size adults comfortable seating with ample leg room and foot-well. Another key aspect is the fully folding second row seat with a one-touch fold-and-tumble feature with maximum ingress space. The mu-X is powered by a 3.0 litre Ddi VGS Turbo Hi-Power engine which gives a maximum power output of 174 bhp and a maximum torque of 380 Nm with a superior flat torque curve. The mu-X will be available in both 4x2 and 4x4 variants with a 5 speed sequential shift Automatic Transmission. The 4x4 variant sports a shift-on-the-fly 4x4 select dial for an excellent offroading capability. Isuzu vehicles are renowned for their tough build and the mu-X stays true to this reputation with a high tensile steel body with tailor welded blanks and crumple zones with anti-intrusion bars. Advanced active safety systems like ESC (Electronic Stability Control), TCS (Traction Control System) and ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) and EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) along with a host of passive safety systems provide enhanced safety under unfavourable driving conditions. Featuring a double wishbone front suspension, a heavy duty gearbox and a wide track with long wheel base for extra stability, in addition to the front steel underbody plates for protection, the mu-X has all the muscle needed to take on any adventure.
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AUTOLIFE DIY
WITH DRIVING SHOTGUN COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY S
Sitting right next to the driver in the car is the second best place you could be in, first being behind the steering wheel of course. But being the designated shotgun comes with its own set of responsibilities apart from being the navigator and the air-conditioner and audio system operator. This brings me to my next point, Accidents.
Road accidents can happen anywhere and at any given time; they can be completely unpredictable and out of your control which is why you should always be on your toes while driving. However, there are other types of accidents that don’t have anything to do with the conditions on the road but has everything to do with the condition of your driver. Every man should know what to do as a passenger should the driver lose control of the vehicle. There have been several documented cases of the driver having a stroke or losing consciousness while on the road. There are many situations where car passengers simply do not know what to do, and whether or not they react properly can mean life or death. This is why the person driving shotgun should be ready to save the day anytime, anywhere.
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How though?
Here we will tell you what you have to do to save you, your driver buddy, and the rest of the passengers from meeting a potential disaster.
We are going to start this by giving you the most important advice we can give regarding any kind of accident, DO NOT PANIC, we absolutely cannot stress this enough. This is easier said than done, but it is important to keep calm because panicking prevents you from using your brain, which in return will make situations worse. A shotgun passenger should be ready for the worst-case scenario, come whatever may. Once you have properly assessed the predicament you are in, you can now work on saving your driver and yourself. • First, push yourself over the armrest to get a better view of things. Make sure you’re in a steady position to control the car. Don’t try reaching for the brake pedal, you can’t. Then grab the steering wheel with your hand and keep the car in the lane you’re in while checking as many mirrors as you can for the cars around you. • Turning off the engine isn’t the first choice, either for a medical emergency or for unintended acceleration. When
What to do if your driver loses control of the car? you turn off the engine, you lose your power brakes and power steering. That can make it harder to control the car especially from the passenger seat. • Put the car on neutral and turn on the emergency blinkers. Slowly guide the car to the nearest emergency lane/stop or any clear area off the road if possible. • If you need to slow the car more quickly locate the hand brake of the car which is usually between the front seats, let the car roll on neutral and then grab hold of the handle and push the release and GENTLY pull on the handle upwards until the car reaches a complete stop. You will probably have to push the handle back down and up again periodically depending on the car’s current speed. If you’re going too fast and about to hit something then pull the handle on and off but never to full strength. Jerking/yanking it will only make the car drift out of lane and/or flip. • After reaching a complete stop, turn the car off and pull the key out, unlock the doors, step out and go see to the driver, get medical assistance if necessary. Remember, your calm and alert state of mind and quick and clever thinking can save you from a potential disaster. Now go be a hero.
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AUTOLIFE TRIBUTE
! N O I P M A H C S ’ E L THE PEOP TE TO
N E D Y A H NICKY A T R IB U
Y DE N ICK Y H A 17) N ) E S I AR AD AY 20 IDE IN P 1981 – 22ND M (R .P .I R Y T H J UL #69. (30
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Nicholas Patrick Hayden mostly known as Nicky Hayden or The Kentucky Kid was born on the 30th of July 1981, at Owensboro, Kentucky, USA. He was born in a racing family where both his parents, Earl and Rose Hayden, were dirt track racers. Racing was in his genes. He was part of a family of 7 consisting of two brothers Tommy and Roger, and sisters Jenny and Kathleen. Nicky Hayden started racing when he was only three years old and often had to start from the back of the grid because he was too short to reach the ground on the bike and his parents had to hold the bike to keep it up. Nicky Hayden used the iconic Number 69 ever since he was a child. When asked about the number in an interview the Kentucky kid gave an answer that shocked everyone. Hayden said that his father used to run this number and he had joked once saying that he crashes a lot so he needed a number he could read when he was upside down.
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The Kentucky kid has won a lot of races in his illustrious career of motorbike racing. It all started out with Earl’s Racing team, he raced under his father’s racing team with his brothers. He started from the 65cc AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) Amateur National Dirt Track in which the Haydens swept the competition with Nicky on the top step on the podium followed by his siblings jenny and tommy joining on the podium. His first professional win came in the 1997 AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award, then he went on to win the 1999 AMA Ricky Graham Flat Track Rookie of the Year, 1999 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year and the 1999 AMA 600 Supersport Champion all in a years’ time. Injuries halted his progress
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in 2001 but that didn’t stop Hayden and he bounced back even stronger as the 2002 season which was his breakthrough season! He won his first Daytona 200 race and went on to become the youngest AMA Superbike Champion in 2002 on factory Honda superbike.
MOTO GP CAREER
After proving his potential, Honda quickly moved him to their factory team in the Moto GP. His first race was on the 6th of April 2003 at the Suzuka Circuit, Japan. That day, however, was a very sad day for the motorsport industry as a very promising talent in the form of Daijiro Kato passed away after he crashed in the opening race of the
season. Hayden impressed so much in his rookie year that he went on to win the 2003 Moto GP Rookie of the Year title after finishing the season on 5th. Nicky Hayden was known as a very hard working person who was always dedicated in improving himself. He was very open and would socialize with everyone and that was something everyone loved about Nicky. He was very soft spoken and a humble person. The team and the fans had a lot of expectations from Nicky for the next season, but a collarbone injury while training on a supermoto in Italy yet again halted his progress. He still went on to grab a few podium finishes to finish 8th that season. Just like facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
before, Hayden bounced back stronger and registered his first ever Moto GP win in 2005 at the Laguna Seca track on the 10th of July 2005. Some strong performance saw Hayden finish 3rd in the championship and introduced himself to the world as a serious title contender next year. In the 2006 season Hayden was touted to be the one to break Valentino Rossi’s domination in the Moto GP who was aiming for his 6th consecutive title win. The 2006 season was hotly contested with strong performance from both Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi. In the penultimate race of the season with Nicky Hayden leading Rossi on points many thought that this season was Hayden’s for the taking until his own Team mate Dani Pedrosa took Hayden down with him after a mistake in an overtaking maneuver. It seemed like the tie was in Rossi’s favor now but there was more drama in store for the final race of the season. As Rossi crashed out in the first few laps of the final race which meant that if Hayden finished the race on the podium the title was his! And he did exactly that and went on to win the 2006 Championship at Valencia. Now a fan favorite to challenge for the title next season as well there was a lot of expectation on Hayden’s shoulders, but the decision to lower the CC of the Moto GP bikes from 990 cc to 800cc meant that the power of the bikes were greatly reduced. The reduced power affected the performance of Nicky Hayden because it didn’t match his riding style. The difficulty to adapt to the new engine saw Hayden finish on a low 8th. The Kentucky kid could not replicate the form he showed in 2006 and looked a shadow of himself. After Racing Hondas throughout his career he made a switch to Ducati in the 2009 season. He faced a little difficulty in adjusting with the bike and could only manage 13th in the 2009 season. As the season went by he still could not find his pervious form. 2014 saw him move back to Honda but this time not on a factory bike but an open class Honda Aspar team. But moving back to Honda didn’t help either as he finished at an astounding 16th place. The 2015 season went even worse as he finished at his career lowest 20th. After just 2 races in the 2016 season Nicky Hayden bid farewell to his Moto GP career and moved to the WSBK (World Superbike) racing with Honda. Nicky Hayden finished his first season in the WSBK in 5th with a win in Malaysia. There was renewed hope for Hayden and Honda as in the 2017 season Honda had a new much improved bike to compete with. However, in a tragic turn of events Nicky Hayden met with a cycling accident where facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
he was hit by a car in Italy on the 17th of May 2017. He sustained serious brain Injuries and was put under life support. All of the motorsport fans and the racers wished for Nicky’s quick recovery but sadly Nicky Succumbed to his injuries on the 22nd of May 2017. The Entire Moto GP family, SBK Family their respective fans and people related to Nicky poured in their tribute when the 2006 champion passed away. The 2006 championship win was not the only memorable thing that he did as he donated his organs when he passed away! Cal Crutchlow (Current LCR Honda Rider in the Moto GP) went as far as to label Nicky as the best person he has ever met in the industry. One thing that Nicky Hayden was better at than racing motorbikes was creating a space for him in everyone’s heart. He was a person many aspiring racers looked up to and will forever live in the people’s hearts. AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017 61
AUTOLIFE DIY
S ’ T LE ERIZE ! M M SPRUEPARING YOUR E H T R O CAR F . R E M M U S I
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dir ty us e d b y s just ca conditioning e m ti e e air is som y small rs r s or th ur w ipe bin filte to be refilled b o a y c If . ll e ding d as w e gas ne e ove all th installe n’t rem , then o s. w iper s d e r g o a k s lea sec tion e streak a d v h e a c y ip le u tl w s id gr e a n om the o to avo to maintain them. It in the n kno w w ater fr ur e s . S ave bee illreplace g idea h in d to s y o iv n ty re fail e a o r e d g d m h hile m er es s on it is ti r, it is a d pressures w s afety w ess on your ey Hot sum lot of problem dis aste en de pr ove s ce that tr a ti m s v ing you or im e o a s m s n e e o u L c u c a . u o e to c e the r hicles hield. ld. If y n out nd r ed e s o r a v d c o d in in e w e n o w h er r a w e a f r in r o s iddle mainta ty res a ld y a dir ty n m u r b the ty re e o u e d c o th e th y t s r, a n u in a ca ds o e re sses th an de d lo tr t s ay, s a d the trea t more than th e e to r er for m edless g y ou g p e on in N e fr s . b e u le a e ld th b c in ed th sh ou t time to avoida e r e ach otation e b e en e a grea ntr y v r a a h s f y a ty re r the treads hav o a e cou m er d e s h s et If hot sum r ides around th w s and as well. ator s, then a fr in should air e ie r v th a fo ic , l r t d le fu u in r in go o nde well t be w e ar r vehic W ith y the wo handle an olde stem might no stabilit y fetime. t jo li h a n m it a e g th u r W d in s n r im fo e a x u y s a d s hope ty r ie I s m g r , n r o in d io n lled fo s on . condit te mem to keep in min l a conditio a e f r lem o m c ti e be insta monsoon sea p s r at o tips le-p ob e c au e r unning er. It may be b ese few ful vehic have r th e ld d dur ing th u n o o h w m s ea the sum asons and you mechanic. y ou hav re mer. ined m a u tr s f a e v ar ious o e y fr e d o u t b mm o n c au s e s m k c e h c it co te e mos t ning s ys One of th nt air conditio ie c an ineffi s on, y ou a e s n o ld nso indshie g of m o s et of w Speakin w e n a t ge should
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AUTOLIFE INTERVIEW
IN CONVERSATION WITH
RISHAV KHETAN, MAXXIS TYRES W O R D S
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MAXXIS HAS BEEN WORKING WITH ITS PARTNERS WORLDWIDE TO DELIVER 100% QUALITY, 100% SERVICE, AND 100% TRUST, WHICH HAS BEEN THE COMPANY’S MOTTO.
Any one passionate about automobiles knows the importance of investing in a good set of rubbers. You can never underestimate the importance of a good set of tyres, they are the only contact point between you and the road and one of the primary factors in providing a safe and comfortable ride/drive. Thankfully, there are a number of distributors in Nepal that cater to the demands of customers who look for good quality tyres. Bhagwati International are the authorized distributors of Maxxis Tyres in Nepal, and we sat down for a chat with their Director Rishav Khetan. AL: What is the present status of Maxxis tyres in the Nepalese market? RK: Maxxis has been in the Nepali market for over a decade now and we have received a great response owing to the excellent tyre performance and strong built of the tyres, which provides our customers with the best traction and tyre life. Initially we focused more on the light commercial and van segment, but in the past 3-4 years we have expanded our range a lot and are covering motorcycle tyres, passenger car radials, SUV, 4x4/offroad, van, light truck, truck bus radials. AL: What are Maxxis’ strengths as compared to other manufacturers? How technologically advanced and globally competitive is Maxxis Tires? RK: Our Main strength, I would say, is the product itself. Apart from that, Maxxis has extensive sponsorship programs which allows the brand to be represented by sportsmen and women and teams in top sports events around the globe, which helps to promote the company in a positive manner.
AL: What are the major challenges and opportunities faced by a multi-national brand? What are you doing to grow the brand? RK: One of the major challenges about working with a multinational brand is grey market imports from open markets like Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc. which poses a great threat for official dealers like us, because we invest a lot of time and money in promoting the product and creating a strong brand presence. There are a lot of opportunities as well of working with multinational companies. A lot of their resources and know how is passed down to us, there is continuous support from parent companies to dealers whether it is marketing support or promotional offers. And because of the global presence it is easier for us to create trust amongst our customers. We carry out a series of marketing campaigns to promote Maxxis in Nepal. Along with advertising in major auto magazines and televisions we also participate at the auto shows, take forward our branding efforts at points of sales, sponsor motorsport events and teams. We visit our dealers who are outside the valley on a regular basis to check their performance and to help them boost sales. We also provide seasonal sales offers for the customers.
OUR MAIN STRENGTH, I WOULD SAY, IS THE PRODUCT ITSELF.
Maxxis has been working with its partners worldwide to deliver 100% Quality, 100% Service, and 100% Trust, which has been the company’s Motto. In order to do so the company invests heavily in its Research and Development efforts with 5 R&D centers around the world and a 850,000 sq. m. proving ground in Shanghai, which has a state of the art test track, 13 real-world surfaces and Intelligent watering system for precise wet testing. AL: Which segment are you focusing more on? RK: Our number 1 selling segment is still light commercial and van segment where Maxxis is the first preference of most customers. Our main focus has been towards promoting our 4X4 / off roading and Truck Bus Radial (TBR) range. In order to do so we have partnered with Yeti Offroad Club and Huwoma Thar Adventures. For the promotion of the TBR segment we have conducted interaction programs with many fleet owners and retailers to explain them the benefits of switching to radial tyres from nylon tyres and the strengths of Maxxis TBR range.
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AL: What objectives do you aim to achieve in this fiscal year? Also, please explain the company’s efforts to enhance its operations in the Nepalese market. RK: Our main objective in this Fiscal year is to increase our market share in the Motorcycle tyre and Truck Bus radial segments as these are new segments for us as well. After securing a decent market share and acceptance from the Passenger Car segment we entered TBR and Motorcycle tyres market last year. It has been difficult for us to make a strong hold in this segment as it is mostly dominated by Indian tyres which are priced comparatively lower than our products. The main challenge for us is to convince customers to switch from the brand they are currently using. We are working hard to build this trust by offering sales offers, lifetime guarantee schemes and sponsorship programs in related field. AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017 65
AUTOLIFE TEST RIDE
A FULLY FAIRED AFFAIR
R 2 0 3 I L L E BEN
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“ THE MOST NOTICEABLE ASPECT OF THE 302 R IS THE HANDSOME FASCIA THAT GENTLY ARCS TOWARDS THE RIDER, PRESENTING ITSELF AS A MODERNIZED VERSION OF SPORTS BIKES OF THE 90S.
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Benelli, under KTM International Trading Pvt Ltd did what many other new comers couldn’t in the Nepali motorcycle fraternity. While many new entrants in the industry struggled to keep their head above water, Benelli, a global company resurrected from near ashes, heroically waded out of the waters with their head held high. The moniker gained fast popularity amongst motorcycle enthusiasts and it shimmied into a respectable position amongst its peers. In Nepal, much of the success has to be attributed to the TNT 300; a naked sports bike with an engine note so sweet it might as well be the mechanical equivalent of a Chris Cornell ballad (RIP). Benelli, however, have stuck to bringing naked motorcycles into the market with the smaller TNT 135, the TNT 25, and the awe worthy TNT 600i… until now. Benelli have finally come out with their first fully faired motorcycle in the form of the 302 R. Now, times might have changed, but a majority of motorcycle enthusiasts still love full faired motorcycles, especially ones that promise to go fast. This meant the 302 R from Benelli quickly created a buzz. And we were pretty excited too; not only because it was a fully faired affair but also because it wasn’t just a TNT 300 with new clothes on. Yes, it is just a slightly differently tuned engine lifted from the TNT 300 but apart from that it is a completely new machine… a new machine we were eager to push to the limits.
STYLING
The most noticeable aspect of the 302 R is the handsome fascia that gently arcs towards the rider, presenting itself as a modernized version of sports bikes of the 90s. While it may not have an overly imposing demeanor it exudes a glint of aggression that veils a composed character. facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
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That is the design idea that seems to flow through out the entire motorcycle, not overtly aggressive but ready for action at a drop of a hat. The sides get clean lines and inlets and outlets in all the right places. The upside-down fork is borrowed from the TNT 300 but fits in well with the entire design of the 302 R. A completely new trellis has the engine as an integral part of the whole chassis, which gives this Benelli a better 50:50 front to rear weight distribution. Remember how the TNT 300 had an offset shock? Well, the 302 R has opted for a conventional placement. The tucked away exhausts also find their place on the right profile in the form of twin exhaust outlets. A sharply shaped tail gets an MV Agusta styling which accentuates the rear end of the 302 R which by the way, is the best angle from which to view this bike. The instrument cluster is pretty straightforward with an amalgamation of digital and analog console. Overall, this is a beautifully designed motorcycle that gives this motorcycle a big bike feel.
PERFORMANCE
Powering this beauty is the same engine from the TNT
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300 the 300cc, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled parallel twin. However, a few changes have been integrated. Firstly, the gear ratios have been altered to suit the fully faired nature of the 302 R. Secondly, the engine has also been retuned to match this new character – primarily a new engine map. Swing your leg over the bike and you’ll find yourself in a sporty position that isn’t savagely aggressive nor too laid back like a tourer. It finds a sweet spot in between which makes it a treat in the city and the open roads. The inline twin really comes to life when you step up the revs. We would have loved it if it was a little sprightlier from a standstill but it makes up for it with its higher end power. Although it does not have the throaty rumble of its naked sibling it sounds pretty decent as you build up the revs. The 302 R will eagerly get you to the three-digit mark and happily venture further. Suspension is stiff so you will feel the road undulations,
but that allows the 302 R to command more control over corners along with more predictability. 260mm twin petals undertake the braking duties up front and a 240 mm disc takes the responsibility in the rear. Combined with the grippy Metzellers, the cornering and stopping prowess of the Benelli 302 R is precise.
VERDICT
With an Italian heritage combined with the Chinese production it is a combination that motorcyclists have welcomed with open arms. We loved the TNT 300 and the 302 R does not disappoint. The 302 R is a motorcycle with a sporty personality that still favors ease of riding over outright speed. It doesn’t set out to be intensely athletic, but to provide everyday fashion fused with satisfying speed. Moreover, it is a beautiful looking machine that has a solid build. Benelli have pleased motorcyclists again, especially those that have a penchant for fully faired motorcycles.
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THE INLINE TWIN REALLY COMES TO LIFE WHEN YOU STEP UP THE REVS. WE WOULD HAVE LOVED IT IF IT WAS A LITTLE SPRIGHTLIER FROM A STANDSTILL BUT IT MAKES UP FOR IT WITH ITS HIGHER END POWER. facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
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SPECIFICATIONS Displacement (cc): 300 Maximum Power: 35.5 BHP @ 10,000 RPM Maximum Torque: 27.4 Nm @ 9,000 RPM Clutch: Wet clutch Frame: Steel trestle in steel tubes Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 litres Suspension Front: 41mm Upside Down Forks Suspension Rear: Rear Swing Arm with Central Shock Absorber Overall Dimensions (L/W/H): 2157mm/746mm/1146mm Wheelbase (mm): 1410 mm Brakes (Front/Rear): 260mm Double Floating Discs with 4 Pistons Calliper / 240mm Single Disc with Floating Calliper Single Piston Kerb weight: 180 kg PRICE: Rs 7,20,000
CONTACT: Benelli Nepal Naxal, Kathmandu facebook.com/Benelli.NP
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AUTOLIFE RADAR
É F A C S I S E N GE S D L R O W H T O B THE BEST OF
LING C Y C R O T O M D N A D O O F FOR E V O L E H T R E H T E G O T G BRINGIN
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Much in tune to what it stands for, Genesis Café has truly endeavored to start something new. Genesis Café is definitely a place we can see ourselves hanging out in. Opened by a duo of motorcycle enthusiast with professional backgrounds in cooking, it is a safe haven for like-minded people like us. Genesis has become an easy spot for people to come together and talk about motorcycles, travelling and the lifestyle over some good grub. We sat down with the Co-owners of Genesis Mr. Ateet Shrestha and Mr. Saujan Man Pradhan.
How did you get into this segment? Where did the idea come from? Back in 2012, when we were travelling around Nepal a lot, we wanted to start something that would be a hub for bike enthusiasts and the travelers like us. The whole idea started in Australia and then in Nepal. Being a chef by profession I (Ateet Shrestha) wanted to mix the two and create a place where we could do both. Genesis is the fruition of that very concept. It is the place where people come to talk about things they love and eat. After positive responses from other fellow riders we got the place and got the ball rolling. However, just as we were beginning to take our stride, the earthquake happened and we had to postpone everything. Fortunately we are in operation now. The combination of coffee and bikes draws in a lot of customers. How has the price sensitivity of the market affected you? Yes, we agree that it is a price sensitive market but we cater to a niche. From our point of view, as a business, you cannot please everyone. But having said that, we try to include customers from all walks of life, bikers or nonbikers. Still, the focus of this place was to bring the people who had a passion for travelling to one place and we think we have been successful in doing. And I think we are reasonable enough in the price range as well. There are so many restaurants and bars opening up that this industry has become too competitive. But, we are not just about the food. It is the ambience that we provide that makes things different. We are not denying that we don’t care about the profit at all, after all, we are a business and we have to sustain in the market. But yes, we try to stay within a reasonable price range. How do you describe the people who frequent Genesis Café? Has the footfall lived up to your expectations? The people who come to here are
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mostly motorcycle enthusiasts, travelers and foodies. We talk about trips we have been on, the terrains we explored and the food that we had the chance to eat the way it was meant to be eaten. We didn’t have any expectations as such when we started out but after we did we have had a decent amount of customers. Rather than having extremely high expectations, what we wanted was to do the right things. We believed that over expecting at the get-go would hamper the whole point of Genesis which was to bring in people who share the similar passion of riding and travelling. But yes, things are slowly falling into place. Business is also growing gradually and we are happy with what we are doing now. Genesis is one of the few of its kind in the city—what’s that like? Well mixing food and travelling for us goes hand in hand. Whenever we go on trips we always focus on what is there to explore in terms of food. Having said that, we always try and get more information and the culture behind the food there is. And we have events like that as well. Last time we went to Mustang and we have an event coming up where we try and create the Thakali Khana set from the recipe we got there. It is a proud
moment for us being in this field, we are lucky to be the first one to do it but we are proud of what we are doing. So, we are researching and exploring lots of places in Nepal and coming up with the recipes that we can plate up at Genesis. We basically find inspiration from places that we visit while going on different rides to different places. And this not just about food, this is about tourism. Yes, Nepal is known for its natural beauty but if we look at the food we have in Nepal, we are so diverse and so amazing and that is a segment we can foray into for our tourism industry as well. The feedback we have is very positive and our customers appreciate the food, the ambience and the people here. Did you have any obstacles in mixing your profession and passion together? If so, what would you want to say on that? Yes, there were obstacles but that is just how it is for everyone in the market. BikerzAus Nepal was also a step towards that. Biking or riding as a passion was always frowned upon and it is actually so because it is dangerous if it is not properly done. What we want to do is not change the scenario as a whole but to at least see the good side to it. Travelling makes us socialize with people and it makes us open minded about the cultures and the life style and learn so many things that people can only imagine. It is so important for the youth to visit our country and explore. Nepal is amazing and we must first start by exploring the country ourselves. AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017 75
Authorised Distributor for Nepal:
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Rishav International P. Ltd t : 4102007/8 www.rishav-intl.com
AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017
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I used to drive a Hyundai Santro before switching to the Fiat Punto. The Punto has a powerful engine and I also got a good rate for the exchange.
Murari Lal Sharma PRINCIPAL THE CELEBRATION CO-ED, JORPATI
I chose the Fiat Punto because it looks attractive and the interior also feels very pleasant. The leg space is very comfortable, both for the driver and the passenger. The Punto has a high ground clearance and it does not feel uncomfortable driving in the roads here in Kathmandu. I have been to Jiri recently as well and it is very comfortable on the highways. The hatchback also returns an economical mileage. So, all in all, I have found the Punto Pure to be satisfactory and comfortable. I am also impressed by the aftersales services provided by Fiat. I don’t have any complaints for their teams because they provide a pretty standard service and all the staff members seem eager to listen to your problems. To conclude, I am really satisfied with my purchase and I would definitely recommend it to others as well.
CONTACT Life Automobile Garidihara,Kathmandu PHONE: 01-4004644, 014004645
SPECIFICATION Engine Type: 1.2L Displacement: 1172 cc Max. Power: 68 PS @ 6000 RPM Max. Torque: 96 NM @ 2500 RPM Transmission: 5 Speed Manual Fuel Tank Capacity: 45 litres facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
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AUTOLIFE LEGENDS
0 . 2 I C N I V A D O D EL ONAR D N A H N I D N A H K L A W N A C E C N E I C S D N A T AR
an A mer ic n in the “2.0” te it e r th w (sans t w as a e tl th ti e e s a in th p hr elevant It w as a n named above this quote is r man . ld o s r , on ma yea T he Moving out the v er 5 0 0 ture to. that’s o in an ar ticle ab u live in there. this fea familiar? That g te n o ti u u q ot tr ib as t yo lly a old). It w ll, nice rock tha the man we are ani company. N is actua ub title (not 5 0 0 year s g e r s a w P e fo v l t, e o o ta b th n en If ed T he a Digest of him. m o n um e found Reader’s er y e heard t because it is wouldn’t he, h f y huh… eeps it v issue of ), maybe you’v u y o n e, b r? W h e al co m imself k e e r ia him s h il ic r i e ll n u n b a m a o t c a g c fa s of would un d s cio Pa se it’s r s mu o a e u u r S a w o o c , y i. H e e f n b n o e a y li c au s r o ck not only is Hor acio Pag cur rentl am e b e ith his n 2 models in his . tion s w e r u ia q il in m n ly io On e fa ited edit leased. to not b he is lim e has r e eptable , h c c in s a a r g a is a c f it then um b er o owever, e d . Bu t m the n nesty, h an limit th e In all ho at is evident fro iv s exclu . Th low key
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W O R D S :
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Our story begins in the coastal and scenic town of Casilda in Argentina. Pagani was born in 1955 to parents who were bakers and were immigrants from Italy. Also, they were struggling to make ends meet. Regardless, they were popular with their bread and pastries. While Papa Pagani and Mama Pagani were shoving loaves into the oven, little Pagani was lost in the world of drawing, and they were exclusive to cars. With the passage of time, still in his boyhood however, he evolved from drawings to models which he made from the excess of dough. From here, he evolved to wood. Being no more than 12, he made his first model car out of balsa wood, which he skillfully carved to the likeness of a Porsche 917 without the top. 4 years later in 1971, he brought those wooden models to life, starting with the Mini Moto. He designed and constructed it himself, and still keeps it in mint condition in his garage today. We mentioned Da Vinci earlier and is a good time to mention him now because Pagani is highly influenced by him. Pagani is a fond learner of the man’s life and the whole Renaissance period. He believes that it was all about manual intellect, which he explains as the way how the mind creates and expresses ideas while the hands create those ideas. And when you think about it, this principle is what has made Italy the open air museum that it is today. With the help of his father, he set up a studio in his home where he worked with various materials, namely fiberglass with which he was adept at. This skill earned him recognition and was hailed to rebody the Formula Renault car. Excelling further than what was expected from him, he made the car weigh just 40kgs, way lighter than any of its contemporaries. It wasn’t long before he caught the attention of Juan Manuel Fangio; a countryman and friend of Pagani’s and one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. The legend gave the soon to be legend a recommendation letter to go to Italy and work there. At this point, Pagani hand nothing to his name except for a tent and a bicycle, which he proudly props in his office today. With his famous connections, he got a job at Lamborghini. However, despite all those recommendations and skill, he started out as a third level employee, if not lower. Then again, it doesn’t really take one to find a diamond in facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
a heap of coal. Soon enough, he was promoted to chief engineer and he was the one who built the Countach. Till this day, the Countach is a landmark for the supercar range and one of Lambo’s milestones. At times, creativity gets hindered by not adopting something that’s new. This was the case for Pagani so he went up to the top people at Lambo and told them that they need to get an autoclave to make their own carbon parts. To this, they replied, “Ferrari doesn’t need one, so why do we need one? Why be extra?” This rejection hard. However, it was also fuel for Horacio to go further. Borrowing enough capital to buy his own autoclave, in 1991 Pagani left Lamborghini to start his own business, Modena Design. With the autoclave at his fingertips, Horacio began making carbon fibre components for both Formula One cars and road cars, including Ferrari. Take that Lambo. In 1992, Pagani founded the Pagani Automobili Modena, which was only a matter of time of course. Then, after seven years, came the Pagani Zonda. Pagani named a racing version of the car ‘Zonda F’ after Fangio. From the logo to the design concept, everything was in name of the legendary driver. They were like Ram and Laxman and
it is also believed that Horacio went to AMG as the engine supplier after recommendation from Fangio. This race version was hence armed with an AMG 7-litre V12 engine which produced 650 horsepower, sending the car from 0-100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, and giving it a top speed of 345 km/h. This made this marvel of a machine a hypercar and not a supercar anymore. Pagani has kept the number of Zondas limited to 135 throughout production run till date, ensuring its claim of exclusivity, as well as great appreciation value. But the customers and admires got something new to drool at when the Zonda was followed by the Huayra in 2012. Costing AED 5.8 million each, the Huayra is more like a space rocket than a hypercar with its 6-litre V12 twin-turbo engine. Producing 730 horsepower, we suspect that it gives light a hard time keeping up with it. It was reported back in 2015 that the Huayra had sold out, which is a given since the car run was limited to just 100 units. With that being said, all we can do is either rob a bank and contact a Pagani dealer to get one for ourselves; or just drool and wait for the new hypercars the man will come out with.
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AUTOLIFE ROAD TRIPS
THE
BOFEOSURT
They say life isn’t about the destination, but the journey that gets us there, and we couldn’t agree more. That’s why we’ve always made it a point to explore our country to the best of our abilities. And luckily, we have been able to do just that. Here is a look back at our top road trips that, in a word, were extraordinary.
S P I R T ROAD
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2
MITSUBISHI PAJERO MOUNTAIN MADNESS When the mountains call, we answer. We’re surprised it took us an entire year to finally head for Jomsom. Mitsubishi hooked us up with the sponsorship (along with several other sponsors) and we took Ayush Dhaubanjar’s trusty 1993 Mitsubishi Pajero V44 and we headed for the exotic Mustang district. It was us men vs the mountains, and it’s safe to say there were no losers in that battle. This was the first major trip for us as a team and it would set the pace for how most of our future trips would unfold: filled with an absurd amount of food, scenic views, and camaraderie.
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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 11
EVEREST BASE CAMP
You would think we’d have enough of the mountains, but turns out it was just a matter of time before we ventured even higher up. This time it was an epic 800km drive by Mahindra Adventure that took us from the lush green Nepalese country side, through some of the finest and most thrilling mountain roads, straight up to the scenic barren landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. And eventually we reached the base of the highest point of adventure, Mount Everest Base Camp. Mahindra Adventure invited us to be a part of their historical and first ever epic drive by an Indian four-wheeler manufacturer, from Kathmandu to the Everest Base Camp in Tibet. Fittingly christened as ‘The Summit’, this exclusive media drive was executed by Mahindra Adventure in association with adventure travel company Sacred Summits from 30th September – 5th October, 2014. WHEN TO GO? The normal tourist season in Tibet is from May through till October. The busiest months are usually July and August. HOW TO GET THERE? This is not a trip that you can easily pull off as an individual traveller. A visit to the Everest Base Camp in Tibet requires a permit from the Chinese government, on top of the permit required to visit Tibet itself. Such permits must be arranged via authorized travel companies in Nepal and Tibet who take care of all the overland logistics. THE CHALLENING BIT? – With the route altitude almost averaging at 4000m, acclimatization and standing up to the bone-chilling weather is the primary hurdle. – Food is often very different and you will have to be more on the experimental side and adjust your expectations. – A clean toilet facility is a hard to find luxury here at the roof of the world.
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VOLUME 5 ISSUE 7
THE FANTASTICO ROADTRIP WITH TATA TIAGO
Dropping back down, way down, to the flatlands from the mountains we ventured to the vibrant city of Janakpur. Accompanying us this time was the Tata Tiago that the folks at Sipradi trading Pvt. Ltd. had hooked us up with. This is the journey that took five best friends all the way to the culturally diverse city of Janakpur in a trip of a lifetime where friendships were renewed and stronger bonds were built. And we did it all in the new Tata Tiago. Once again, it was an affair filled with local foods and a lot of kilometers under our tyres. All in all it was a splendid road trip that really helped us escape the daily grind. There might be very few people who would go to Janakpur without any religious intentions, but we were amongst the minority and we certainly made the most of it.
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VOLUME 5 ISSUE 11
INTO THE KINGDOM OF LO
Dropping back down, way down, to the flatlands from the mountains we ventured to the vibrant city of Janakpur. Accompanying us this time was the Tata Tiago that the folks at Sipradi trading Pvt. Ltd. had hooked us up with. This is the journey that took five best friends all the way to the culturally diverse city of Janakpur in a trip of a lifetime where friendships were renewed and stronger bonds were built. And we did it all in the new Tata Tiago. Once again, it was an affair filled with local foods and a lot of kilometers under our tyres. All in all it was a splendid road trip that really helped us escape the daily grind. There might be very few people who would go to Janakpur without any religious intentions, but we were amongst the minority and we certainly made the most of it.
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AUTOLIFE EVENTS
RACEMANDU 2017 EVENT COVERAGE
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The Satdobato Swimming Complex was an exciting place to be on the 6th of May, 2017. Unlike on any other day, the Satdobato complex was laid out to function as a make-shift motorcycle racing track and the entire facility was high on adrenaline energy as the keen racers looked forward to prove their mettle in ‘RACEMANDU 2017’. Organized by Nepal Motorcycle Federation Club (NMF) in association with Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and Nepal Automobile Sports Association (NASA), the fifth edition of the only official open category closed-circuit racing championship in Nepal had a total of 90 participants racing in two categories – National and Novice. NASA is the only automobile sports related organization registered with the National Sports Council and dedicated to the development and management of motorsports in Nepal. facebook.com/AutolifeNepal
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PHOTO CREDITS: SHAISHAB KISHOR SHRESTHA- SKS PHOTOGRAPHY
The Novice class was further subdivided into two categories for bikes upto 199cc and 199- 250cc motorcycles accommodated the rest of the participants. The cash prizes had been set at attractive NRs.30, 000, NRs.20, 000 and NRs.10, 000 along with trophies, certificates and shields. Apart from the prizes, the top winners are also eligible to participate and represent Nepal in invitational international racing workshops and competitions. The organizers had improvised on the layout of the circuit and it had been designed to be more complex and technical than in the previous
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Owner’s Review I got to know about the Skoda Rapid from my friends as I was looking for a new car and they recommended the Rapid to me. So, I went to check it out and found it within my budget and at a reasonable price. Before the Rapid, I used to drive a Hyundai Elantra and Mitsubishi ASX. I am an admirer of Skoda brand. The Czech brand has a rich heritage. Coming back to the sedan, the Rapid is very comfortable. The interior and exterior aspects look deluxe. The look of the car is at par, however, the arm rest at the side disturbs a lot while changing the gear. The Rapid is very worthy of its cost. I haven’t taken the Rapid on long drives so it is too early to judge how it would perform on the highway but I am confident that it is quite smooth.
Bhaskar Narsingh Rana
Branch Manager Nepal Investment Bank Limited, Kalimati
Apart from the sedan, the service provide by Skoda is also amazing. Till date I haven’t taken any after sales service because my Rapid is still fresh. But after judging from the service I got at the showroom, I am sure that the after sales service is up to mark. I definitely would recommend the Rapid to my friends but I would atleast see its performance for a year before doing that.
Skoda Rapid SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Type: TDI in-line, 16V DOHC, turbocharged engine Displacement: 1498cc Max. Power: 104BHP @ 4400RPM Max. Torque: 250NM @ 1500RPM Transmission: 5-speed manual Tank Capacity: 55 litres CONTACT: ŠKODA M.A.W., Thapathali, Ktm Dial: 01-4216835 Fax: 01-4266105 Email: skoda@mawnepal.com
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AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017 93
championship. The whole race was carried out following the standard technical racing guidelines set by FIM, and it was a commendable effort by the organizers to have a safety motorcycle inspect the track before the start of every race. Volunteers and medical team were generously scattered around the race track to monitor and prevent any untoward incidents from happening. But thankfully, there were no serious major injuries to any rider. The racers in every category put out a great show, and the National class riders particularly displayed some promising talents. It was quite a revelation to witness the level of riding skills that most of the racers displayed lap after lap. Bibhas Shrestha grabbed
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the first position in the National category while Pratyush Kuinkel and Nikhil Thakuri bagged the runner-up positions respectively. Similarly, under Novice category A, the top three positions were grabbed by Aashik Lama, Jebak Tuladhar and Roshan Ranamagar. Likewise, under Novice category B, Binod Kathayat, Subhas Shrestha and Nikhil Thakuri secured the podium. Under National category, the racers had to race on the Yamaha R15 as Yamaha was the main sponsor of Racemandu 2017. The Racemandu Championship is indeed a commendable effort by NMF to promote safe motorcycle racing in Nepal, and we really look forward to its continuity with more support from participants, spectators and sponsors in the next season. Motoring events like these specially need more encouragement and support from the auto industry to take the championship to newer heights.
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NEW CAR BUYER’S GUIDE
Updated June 2017 Disclaimer: All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm with the showroom for accuracy. Model
Displacement
Price
Hansraj Hulaschand & Co Pvt. Ltd, Maitighar Tel: 4239641 | 4231985
DAIHATSU
1495 cc
Terios
Model
1198 cc
Go Go+ (T)
1198 cc
25,99,000
Redi-Go
799 cc
15,25,000 to
Life Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. Gairidhara Tel: 4004644 | 4004645 Punto Pure
1172 cc
22,89,000 to 24,25,000
Punto Evo
1172 cc
31,80,000
Punto Abarth Avventura Abarth
1368 cc
Avventura
Brio
1198 cc
24,80,000 to 34,00,000
City
1497 cc
37,75,000 to
Cr-V RVSI
1997 cc
1,07,75,000
Mobilio
1497 cc
37,00,000 to 42,00,000
Civic
1598cc
68,00,000 to
31,70,000 to
53,00,000
19,99,000
1368 cc (Petrol) 1248 cc (Diesel) 1368 cc
1198 cc
22,39,000 to 23,99,000
FIAT
Amaze
34,50,000
Pioneer Motorcorp Pvt Ltd, Thapathali, Kathmandu Tel: 6203567
DATSUN
Price
Syakar Trading Company P. L Dhobighat Tel: 5549741 | 4225490 |4253522
HONDA
54,00,000 to 59,00,000
Displacement
75,00,000
HYUNDAI
Laxmi Intercontinental P.L Thapathali Tel: 4101556 | 4101557
Elantra
1591 cc
59,96,000
Eon
814 cc
18,96,000 to
Grand I10
1197 cc
22,96,000
31,45,000 to 40,95,000
26,96,000 to 32,56,000
37,50,000 43,75,000
Santa Fe
2199 cc
Tucson
1998 cc
Veloster
1591 cc
75,96,000
New Verna
1591 cc
42,56,000
Xcent
1197 cc
28,26,000 to 34,96,000
Elite i20
1197 cc
30,96,000 to 34,96,000
1,03,96,000 to 1,22,96,000 81,96,000 to 91,96,000
Go Automobiles Pvt. Ltd, Thapathali, KTM Tel: 4244254 | 4257001
FORD Eco-Sport
1499 cc
Ford Endeavour
2198cc
31,90,000 to 46,40,000
3198cc
1,12,00,000 to 1,34,00,000
i20 Active 21,99,000 to All New Figo
1196cc 1496 cc Petrol 1496 cc Diesel
Creta
31,99,000 25,99,000 to 35,99,000
New Grand i10
1197 cc (Petrol) 1396 cc (Diesel) 1396 cc (Diesel) 1591cc (Petrol) 1582 cc (Diesel) 1197cc
37,96,000 to 42,96,000 42,56,000 to 61,96,000
26,96,000 to 32,56,000
68,00,000 to Ranger Figo Aspire
3198cc
72,00,000
1196 cc (Petrol)
26,90,000 to
1495 cc (Diesel)
HONDA Jazz BR-V
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AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017
34,90,000 29,90,000 to 38,90,000
Syakar Trading Company P. L Dhobighat Tel: 5549741 | 4225490 |4253522 30,50,000 to 1199 cc 41,50,000 1497 cc
41,00,000 to 54,00,000
KIA Picanto
Continental Associates Pvt 4,49,000 Ltd,Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu Tel: 01-4650794 | 44015653 998cc 24,99,000 to 5,41,000 30,49,000 5,61,000
Rio (Hatchback & Sedan)
1396 cc
5,81,000 41, 00,000 to
Sorento
2199 cc
48,00,000 5,61,000 1,25,00,000
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Updated June 2017
Model
Displacement
Price
Continental Associates Pvt Ltd,Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu Tel: 01-4650794 | 44015653
KIA
Model
MITSUBISHI
Displacement
Price
Leon Motors Pvt. Ltd, Shantinagar Tel: 4622074 | 4622485
Soul
1600 cc
55,95,000 to 59,95,000
Asx
1998 cc
Sportage
1998 cc
78,95,000 to
Outlander
2360 cc
1,14,00,000
Pajero
3200 cc
14,400,000 to
Pajero 3 Door
3200cc
95,75,000 to 99,50,000
96,95,000 Carnival
2092cc
75,00,000 to 80,00,000
Kia Soul EV
Electric Motor
56,00,000 to 58,00,000
MAHINDRA Bolero
Agni Incorporated Pvt. Ltd, Uttar Dhoka Tel: 4414626 | 4414628 2523 cc
1,62,50,000
MG MOTORS
29,50,000 to
MG3
35,00,000 Bolero Camper
2523 cc
19,25,000 to
MG6
23,90,000 Bolero Maxi Truck
2523 cc
16,95,000 2523 cc
17,95,000
Scorpio
2523 cc
38,60,000 to
1493 cc
Scorpio Pick-Up
2609 cc 2489 cc
37,85,000
XUV500
2179 cc
52,50, 000 to
Xylo
2489 cc
March
1198 cc
28,50,000
Navara NP300
2488 cc
67,00,000 to 79,00,000
Sunny
1498 cc
38,50,000
X-trail
1997cc
1,15,00,000 to 1,20,00,000
M.A.W Enterprises Thapathali Tel: 4216835 | 4268788
SKODA
72,95,000
1598 cc (Petrol) 1498cc (Diesel)
34,95,000 to
OCTAVIA
1968 cc
76,44,00O
YETI
1968 CC
72,95,000 to
RAPID
35,35,000 to 43,20,000
1493cc (Diesel)
57,50,000 to
31,45,000 to
Thar
TUV300
1796 cc
33,15,000 to
36,65,000
1198cc (Petrol) 1198cc (Diesel)
36,50,000 to 38,50,000
Dugar Automobiles Pvt. Ltd, Balaju Tel: 4362992 | 4350912
NISSAN
37,55,000
KUV100
1498 cc
61,75,000
59,95,000 Quanto
SLR Techno & Trade Pvt. Ltd. New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Tel: 01-4783841
16,25,000 to
Genio
26,95,000 – 31,95,000 31,45,000 – 36,45,000 36,95,000 –
Padma Shree Pvt. Ltd, Gyaneshwor Tel: 4435688 | 4435631
43,45,000 39,95,000
79,95,000
45,95,000
MAZDA
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.
Vijay Motors Pvt. Ltd, Naxal, KTM Tel: 4414625 | 4425603
SUBARU Forester
1995 cc
93,00,000 to 10,780,000
Cx-5
1998 cc
92,50,000 to 1,05,00,000
Mazda 3
1600 cc
67,50,000
Bt-50
2499 cc
55,00,000
Mazda 6
2000 cc
81,00,000
Mazda 2
1498 cc
48,00,000
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XV Crosstrek
1991 cc
FIND. COMPARE. BUY. SELL. ANY VEHICLE IN NEPAL.
92,00,000 to 10,100,000
AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017 101
NEW CAR BUYER’S GUIDE
Updated June 2017 Disclaimer: All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm with the showroom for accuracy. Model
Displacement
Price
IMS Motors Naxal (opposite to Police Headquarter) Tel: 01-4412055, 9802002750
SSANGYONG Tivoli
1597cc
55,99,000
XLV
1597cc
58,99,000 to 68,99,000
1998cc
Actyon Sports
1998cc
61,99,000
Rexton
2696cc
10,299,000 to
Safari Storme
2179 cc
Indigo
1396 cc
796 cc
Alto K10
998 cc
19,99,000
Celerio
998 cc
22,99,000 to
Eeco
1196 cc
Omni
796 cc
17,49,000
25,99,000 19,19,000 to 19,29,000 9,99,000 to 13,99,000 1197 cc
Swift
27,99,000 to 30,99,000
1197 cc
Swift Dzire Ciaz
1373 cc
New Wagon R VXi
998 cc 1197cc
Baleno
29,99,000 to
United Traders Syndicate, Sinamangal Tel: 4478301-5, 4478003
TOYOTA
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
Land Cruiser
4461 cc
1,73,00,000 to 3,23,00,000
Land Cruiser Prado
2982 cc
1,84,00,000 -
Rav4
2494 cc
Hiace
2494 cc
Innova Crysta
2393cc 2755cc
S-Cross Vitara Brezza
34,49,000 to
21,99,000
38,99,000 to
1248cc
36,99,000 to
61,99,000
Sipradi Trading Pvt Ltd, Teku Tel: 4250610 | 4250612 Indica
1396 cc
Safari 2.2L LX
2179 cc 1193 cc (Petrol) 1248 cc (Diesel) 1199cc
2956 cc
20,95,000 to 23,95,000 44,25,000
22,55,000 to 28,55,000 31,75,000 to 35,15,000
1193 cc
69,50,000 to 92,75,000
Pooja International Pvt. Ltd, Panipokhari Tel: 4006605 | 4006606
Cross Polo
1598 cc
35,45,000
Jetta
1968 cc
64,45,000
Passat A/T Loaded
1798 cc
86,45,000
Polo
1198 cc
26,45,000 to
Tiguan
1390 cc
Touareg
2967 cc
1,55,45,000
Vento
1598 cc
4,49,000 to 32,95,000
Ameo
1198cc
44,45,000 5,41,000 to 31,95,000
39,45,000 72,45,000 to 93,45,000
35,45,000 5,61,000 Advanced Automobiles Pvt. Ltd, 9851229996 , 9801027012, Thapathali, Kathmandu 5,81,000
RENAULT Kwid
799cc
17,20,900 to 5,61,000 21,48,900
Duster
1598cc
35,81,700 to 56,71,300
25,95,000 to 40,75,000
AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017
VOLKSWAGEN
24,95,000 to 33,25,000
67,00,000 68,00,000
28,69,000 to
1248cc 1598cc
1,06,00,000 1,30,00,000
39,49,000
45,39,000
TATA
2,33,00,000
32,99,000
36,69,000
Zest
26,95,000
14,99,000 to
Alto 800
Sumo Gold
46,75,000 to 61,75,000
CG|Motocorp, Jhamsikhel Tel: 5547165 | 5547166
Tata Tiago
Price
95,99,000
11,199,000
Tata Bolt
Displacement
79,99,000 to
Korando Pick up
SUZUKI
102
Model
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Updated June 2017
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
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
48,00,000
2,39,900
42,00,000
Hansraj Hulaschand & Co. Ltd Teku, Tel: 4267759 | 4261200
BAJAJ
45,00,000 to
1299 Panigale
53,00,000
D-Lifestyles Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu 01-4423131/132
APRILIA
Price
Turbo Motors Pvt Ltd Naxal,Tel: 4435720
DUCATI
5,60,000
Displacement
Discover 150
144.8 cc
1,99,900
Monster 796
803 cc
22,00,000
Discover 100 M
94.38 cc
1,56,900
Monster 821
821 cc
29,00,000
Discover 125
124.6 cc
1,74,9001,82,900
Multistrada
1198.4 cc
40,00,000 to
Platina 100 E/S
99.27 cc
1,50,900
Scrambler Sixty2
399 cc
16,50,000
46,50,000
Pulsar 150 DTSI
149.01 cc
2,29,900
Scrambler
803cc
19,50,000 to 23,50,000
Pulsar 180 DTSI
178.6 cc
2,49,900
Panigale R
1198cc
70,00,000
Pulsar 200 NS
199.5 cc
2,90,900
Xdiavel
1262 cc
44,00,000 to 50,00,000
Pulsar 220F
220 cc
2,85,900
Pulsar RS200
199.5cc
3,99,900
AS 200
199.5cc
2,86,900
AS150
149.5cc
2,51,900
Avenger 150 Street
150cc
2,57,900
Avenger 220 Street
220cc
2,92,900
Avenger 220 Cruise
220cc
3,02,900
Bajaj V 15
149.5cc
2,09,900
Pulsar 160NS
160cc
2,59,900
Dominar 400
373.3cc
4,70,000
Turbo Motors Pvt Ltd Naxal,Tel: 4435720
DUCATI
Nepal General Marketing Pvt Ltd Jyoti Bhawan, Kantipath Tel: 4225377
HERO ACHIEVER
149 cc
1,92,000
GLAMOUR
124.7 cc
1,75,000 to
HF DELUXE
97.2 cc
1,45,000
Hunk
149.2 cc
2,11,000 to
Karizma R
223 cc
2,60,500
Karizma Zmr
223 cc
3,21,500
Passion Pro Tr
97 cc
1,68,000
Pleasure
102 cc
1,57,000
Splendor Ismart
97 cc
1,57,500
Dash
111 cc
1,67,500 to 1,71,500
1,80,000
2,16,500
Scrambler Cafe Racer
803cc
25,00,000
Splendor Pro
97.2 cc
1,56,500
Desert Sled
803cc
25,00,000
Splendor Pro Classic
97.2 cc
1,57,500
Monster 797
803cc
21,00,000
Super Splendor
124.7 cc
1,59,500
Multistrada 950
937cc
29,50,000
X-Treme
149.2 cc
2,19,500 to
SuperSport
937 cc
29,50,000
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NEW BIKE BUYER’S GUIDE
Disclaimer: All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm with the showroom for accuracy.
FIND. COMPARE. BUY. SELL. ANY VEHICLE IN NEPAL.
2,30,000
AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017 103
NEW BIKE BUYER’S GUIDE
Updated June 2017 Disclaimer: All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm with the showroom for accuracy. Model
Displacement
Price
Syakar Trading Company Pvt. Ltd, Kantipath, Tel: 4253522 | 4163501 | 4256199
HONDA
Price
Hansraj Hulaschand & Co. Ltd Naxal, Tel: 4415462
KTM
109 cc
1,59,900
200 DUKE
200 cc
4,41,900
AVIATOR
109 cc
1,83,900
390 DUKE
373.2 cc
6,06,900
CB SHINE
124.7 cc
1,88,100 to
RC 200
199 cc
5,26,900
RC 390
373 cc
6,81,900
1,96,900 CB TRIGGER
149 cc
2,29,900
CB TWISTER
109 cc
1,84,900
CB UNICORN
149.1 cc
2,24,900
CBF STUNNER
124.7 cc
1,95,900
249 cc
5,29,900 to 5,99,900 (AVS)
CRF 250L
250 cc
9,90,000
DREAM YUGA
109cc
1,64,900
DIO
109cc
1,75,900
CB Hornet 160R
162.71cc
2,65,900
XR125L
124.7cc
3,90,000
CB Unicorn 160
163cc
2,45,900
Activa-i
110 cc
1,59,900
Activa 125
125 cc
1,93,900
CB Shine SP
125 cc
2,12,900
CB 500F
500 cc
13,99,000
CRF 250M
250 cc
9,90,000
MSX
125 cc
5,99,900
XR 150L
150 cc
4,80,000
Navi
109.19cc
1,54,900
CBR 650
648.72
19,99,000
KTM International Trading Pvt. Ltd. Naxal, Kathmandu 01-4411439
BENELLI
104
Displacement
ACTIVA
CBR 250R
104
Model
TNT25
249cc
4,50,000
TNT300
300cc
6,80,000
TNT600i
600cc
15,50,000
Zenzero 150
150cc
2,65,000
TNT 135
134.7cc
2,50,000
AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017
AUTOLIFE September 2013
MAHINDRA
SG Global Pvt. Ltd Teku, Tel: 4231057 | 4231058 1,51,900 to
CENTURO
107 cc
DURO DZ
124.6 cc
1,45,900
FLYTE
124 cc
1,48,900
GUSTO
109 cc
1,69,900
PANTERO
106 cc
1,48,900 to
RODEO RZ
124.6 cc
1,61,900
RODEO UZO 125
124 cc
1,72,900
Mojo
295cc
5.80,000
1,57,900
1,51,900
MV AGUSTA
Gearventure Bike Nepal Pvt Ltd, Bhatbhateni Tel: 4435790 | 4435990
BRUTALE 1090
1078 cc
32,50,000
BRUTALE 675
675 cc
25,45,000
BRUTALE 800
798 cc
27,50,000
F3 675
675 cc
29,50,000
RIVALE 800
798 cc
29,50,000
F3
798 cc
31,50,000
F4
998 cc
38,00,000
ROYAL ENFIELD
Dugar Brothers & Sons Pvt. Ltd Balaju, Tel: 4362992
Classic 350
346 cc
4,49,000
Classic 500
499 cc
5,41,000
Classic Battle Green
499 cc
5,61,000
Classic Chrome
499 cc
5,81,000
Himalayan
411cc
5,61,000
* Virtual Showroom Of All - Cars, Bikes, Cycles * Free 2nd Hand Buy/Sell * Find The Nearest: Work Shops, Service-Stations, Petrol Pumps, Showrooms, Banks * Live News And Updates * Auto Loan And Insurance facebook.com/AutolifeNepal www.softrock.com.np | fb.me/AutolifeNepal
Updated June 2017
Model
Displacement
Price
Classic Desert Storm
499 cc
5,61,000
Continental Gt
535 cc
7,21,000
Electra
346 cc
4,32,000
Thunderbird 500
499 cc
7,21,000
Thunderbird 350
346 cc
5,77,000
Model
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
SWISH
124 cc
1,79,900
Suzuki Gixxer SF
154.9 cc
2,76,900 to
Gixxer Dual Tone
154.9 cc
SCOMADI
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
facebook.com/AutolifeNepal www.softrock.com.np | fb.me/AutolifeNepal
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
3,66,999 to 3,85,999
D-Lifestyles Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu 01-4423131/132
VESPA
2,51,900 to 2,59,900
TL125 General
3,70,000 to
Dsr 200
3,99,000
2,89,900
Avasha International Narayan Gopal Chowk, Kathmandu Mob:9801067999
Price
Import USA Pvt. Ltd. Gairidhara, Tel: 4004664
UM
VG Suzuki Tripureshwor, Tel: 4233281
SUZUKI
Displacement
NEW BIKE BUYER’S GUIDE
Disclaimer: All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm with the showroom for accuracy.
Vespa VXL
125cc
2,74, 946
Vespa SXL
125cc
2,89,946
SXL 150
150cc
3,10,946
VXL 150
150cc
2,99,946
Morang Auto Works Teku, Tel: 4261160 | 4268252
YAMAHA FZ FI V2.0
149 cc
2,62,900
FZ-16 FI V2
149 cc
2,53,900
FZ-S FI V2 SE
149 cc
2,67,900
RAY Z-R
113 cc
1,86,900 to 1,93,900
SZ-RR
149 cc
2,13,900
YZF R15 V1.5
150 cc
3,51,900
Fascino
113 cc
1,91,900
Saluto
125cc
1,85,900
Hansraj Hulaschand & Co. Ltd Naxal, Tel: 4415462
KAWASAKI NINJA 300R
296 cc
9,99,900
NINJA 650R
649 cc
13,49,900
Versys 650 abs
649cc
18,99,900
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.
AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017 105
AUTOLIFE September 2013 105
刀攀氀椀愀戀椀氀椀琀礀 昀漀爀 愀氀氀 礀漀甀爀 洀漀琀漀爀挀礀挀氀攀 渀攀攀搀猀 106
AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017
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AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017 107
108
AUTOLIFE MAY-JUNE 2017
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