Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Review and Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Finally Maruti has come up with a car that is jack of all trades. Very rightly calling it as LUV (Life Utility Vehicle) Maruti has managed to pack this car with good price and styling. This offering from Maruti Suzuki is a threat to not only a couple of cars but to a couple of segments. It is priced very closely to the hatchback segment and is also dangerously close to the MUV segment. It is a complete package of power, space, utility, performance, looks and sharp pricing.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

I am sure the sales of Mahindra Xylo are going to be affected by the launch of Ertiga. Ertiga comes with better engine, better handling and very sharp prices. The other car that’s going to be affected is the Innova which is till date the undisputed king of this segment. I will not say that Ertiga is as spacious as Innova and Xylo but it does has enough space to accommodate almost as many people as these MUVs can. It has a gem of an engine which is definitely better than Xylo and is as good as the engine of the Innova. 

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

It has three rows and can accommodate 7 people comfortably though the last row is a little cramped but is good enough for children. If the last row is folded you will get large boot space. Though Maruti Suzuki is not pitching Ertiga directly against Xylo and Innova but it inevitably is going to compete with these due to the amount of space it has, its torque and powerful engine and the sharp prices. Ertiga is a Marutis first offering in the premium Utility segment.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Ertiga is based on Maruti Swift platform and is available in both petrol and diesel variants. Ertiga petrol variant is powered by an all new 1.4 litre 1372cc K series (K14B) petrol engine that churns out a good 95 Ps of peak power at 6000 rpm and a torque of 130 Nm at 4000 rpm. The K series engines of Suzuki are known to be extremely fuel efficient and Maruti claims a mileage of 16.02 km per litre in their petrol variant.
The diesel variant sports the 1.3 L 1196cc DDiS Super Turbo diesel engine that does duty in their SX4 sedan. This engine produces a peak power of 90 Ps at 4000 rpm and a massive torque of 200 Nm at 1750 rpm. This is an extremely fuel efficient engine and Maruti Suzuki claims a mileage of 20.77 kmpl. 

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

While I was driving Ertiga (I got to drive the diesel variant) it impressed me the moment I turned the ignition on. The engine response powerful and zippy and you can feel very little noise inside the cabin. The engine obeys your command and the handling compliments it to make the driving this car a pleasure. Cabin is nicely done with good quality fit and finish. The plastic and upholstery quality is very good.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

This is a front wheel driven car and comes with a five speed manual transmission system and ABS as standard in all variants. The top end variant comes with two airbags, twin AC, 3 spoke tilt-power steering with mounted controls, USB Compatible audio system, multi information display, keyless entry, and many more features to make your drive a comfortable one. I especially find the seats very comfortable with good shoulder and leg support. This is going to be another hot selling product from Maruti and already the delivery for this LUV is around 2-3 months that shows the tremendous response it has got from the buyers.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Technical Specifications

ERTIGA PETROL VARIANT

Engine and Transmission:

Engine Displacement:        1373 CC
No Of Cylinders:              4
No Of Gears:                   5 Speed
Peak Power (PS):            95 PS
Torque (NM):                  130 Nm
Transmission:                    Manual
Kerb Weight:                   1760 Kgs
Drive Type                       FWD

Fuel Economy

Overall (KPL):                 16.02(Claimed)

Brakes and Tyres

Brakes Front:                   Disc
Brakes Rear:                    Drum
Tyre Size:                        185/ R65 17
Wheel Size:                     17

Suspension

Suspension Front:            Independent Mcpherson Struts
Suspension Rear:             Torsion Beam
Fuel Capacity (Litres):      45
Seating Capacity:             7

ERTIGA DIESEL VARIANT

Engine and Transmission:

Engine Displacement:        1248 CC
No Of Cylinders:              4
No Of Gears:                   5 Speed
Power (PS):                     90 PS
Torque (NM):                  200 Nm
Transmission:                    Manual
Kerb Weight:                   1845 Kgs
Drive Type:                      FWD

Fuel Economy:

Overall (KPL):                 20.77(Claimed)

Brakes and Tyres

Brakes Front:                  Disc
Brakes Rear:                   Drum
Tyre Size:                       185/ R65 17
Wheel Size:                    17

Suspension

Suspension Front:           Independent Mcpherson Struts
Suspension Rear:            Torsion Beam
Fuel Capacity (Litres):     45
Seating Capacity:            7

Hyosung GT250R and Hyosung GV250 Ready for India Launch

Hyosung GT 250R

2012 Hyosung GT250R

Hyosung and Garware Motors are all ready to launch their latest offering the GT 250R, and this is by far their most ambitious offering as they are expecting that it’s for sure going to boost their sales if everything went well and will change their fortunes. This is going to be a second inning of sort for the GT 250R in India though the first innings was as a naked V-Twin. This time it’s going to be a sport model identical to the GT650R. The meaning of GT is “Grand Tourer” and the R Stands for “Racer”. The claim here is that it’s a versatile motorcycle that can double as a sports motorcycle apart from being a Tourer.

2012 Hyosung GT250R Digital Console

Well Well Well…. now the Kawasaki Ninja 250R the big daddy of the 250cc segment around the world is already here, the most practical and affordable Honda CBR 250R is here and is selling like hot cakes, KTM Duke 200 had made a decent entry into the arena and the most awaited and I am sure one of the most ambitious motorcycle from the stable of Bajaj Auto, the Bajaj 200Ns is about to be launched, how will the Hyosung GT 250R going to fare amongst these.

2012 Hyosung GT250R

It’s going to be a very very tough outing for the GT250R and the price is going to play a vital role in the success or failure of the motorcycle. Along with that, Garware have to match the after sales services and wide spread dealership network of Bajaj and Honda. I am sure by Garware must have thought about it and they will do their best to tackle this as well. Though the exact specs are not known but below are some of the expected specs that GT250R sports around the world.

2012 Hyosung GT250R

Specifications GT250R

Engine    
Type:                                  Air / Oil cooled DOHC 8-valve 75° V-twin
Displacement:                     249cc
Bore x Stroke:                   57 x 48.8
Compression Ratio:            10.2 : 1
Fuel System:                      Fuel injection
Lubrication:                       Wet sump
Chassis    
Overall Length:                  82.28 inches
Overall Height:                   44.49 inches
Overall Width:                   27.56 inches
Whelel Base:                     56.5 inches
Seat Height:                      32.68 inches
Suspension
Front:                               41Ø Upside down Telescopic
Rear:                                Swing arm with Progressive linkage Hydraulic Mono shock absorber
                                       (Preload adjustable)
Tire      
Front:                              110/70 -17 / Rear: 150/70 -17
Fuel Tank Capacity:         4.5gal
Curb Weight:                   416lbs       
Transmission    
Clutch:                           Wet, Multiplate
Gear:                             Constant mesh 5-speed
Final Drive:                    Chain




2012 Hyosung GV250 Aquila

2012 Hyosung GV250 Aquila

Garware and ST motors are also planning to launch their cruiser the GV250 Aquila and it will be its second innings in India like the GT 250R. When it was launched  few years back by Kinetic it did well but at that time the Indian biking scenario was not that developed and people use to look at the price first and then at the other aspects of the motorcycle. But the things have changed now and Indian biking has come a long way and now the bikers are ready to spend a few lakhs on a motorcycle.

Hyosung GV250 Aquila

The GV 250 Aquila is going to be a full fledged cruiser with an Air/Oil cooled 75° V-twin DOHC, 4-valve per cylinder power plant and classic styling. It’s going to look like the ST 7 to a great extent in design and styling. Hyosung’s GV250 is known to deliver the same ride and feel that you expect from a full grown large displacement cruisers. I have ridden the old version of the Aquila that made a small foray in India market and it was good to ride with enough power and handled well. This time I expect things to be even better.

2012 Hyosung GV250 Aquila

The 2012 GV 250 will be equipped with an electronic fuel injection, better ride quality and reliability. The low seating and the retro styling like HD Fatboy can  make it an instant hit this time and there is no doubt that it can become a most preferred entry level cruiser in Indian market as no other company so far has a fully fledged real V-Twin engine cruiser in genuine custom cruiser styling. Of course pricing is again going to be the key to its success as Bajaj may launch their affordable cruiser the Avenger 220 Dtsi using the engine of the Pulsar 200NS.

Hyosung GV250 Aquila

Well now let’s come to the most important question asked in Indian market, the mileage, well it’s expected to deliver a mileage of around 30 Kmpl which is decent enough for a V-Twin cruiser. In every department it is a value for money if compared to any other cruiser in its class, at least on paper it is. The expected specs are as below but the real ones can only be known once the motorcycle is formally launched in India.

2012 Hyosung GV250 Aquila

Specifications GV250 Aquila

Engine    
Type:                               Air / Oil cooled DOHC 8-valve 75° V-twin
Displacement:                  249cc
Bore x Stroke:                 57 x 48.8
Compression:                  10.3 : 1
Fuel System:                    Fuel injection
Lubrication:                     Wet sump
Chassis      
Overall Length:                89.84 inches
Overall Height:                 43.15 inches
Overall Width:                 34.45 inches
Wheel Base:                    59.65 inches
Seat Height:                     27.95 inches
Suspension      
Front:                              Conventional Telescopic
Rear:                               Swing arm with Hyeraulic Double shock absorber (Preload adjustable)
Tire
Front:                             110/90 -16 
Rear:                              150/80 -15
Fuel Tank Capacity:        3.7ga;
Curb Weight:                  388lbs
Transmission    
Clutch:                            Wet, Multiplate
Gear:                              Constant Mesh 5-speed
Final Drive:                     Chain


My Suggestion to Hyosung.... Give these motorcycles sharp price and these are going to sell like hot cakes. 

© All Rights Reserved

Copyright © Vikas Singh

Bajaj Avenger 220 DTS-i

Bajaj Avenger 220 DTS-i

When it comes to naming a top and affordable Indian cruiser there is only one name that comes to our mind and that is Bajaj Avenger 220 DTS-i. This beauty from the stable of Bajaj is an affordable alternative for those who are fond of cruiser motorcycles. I will not say that it can compete with the international brands but it is for sure an affordable cruiser that is fuel efficient, cost less and is easy on pocket when it comes to maintenance cost as compared to the imported motorcycles.

Bajaj Avenger 220 DTS-i

Bajaj Avenger 220 DTS-i houses a powerful 4-stroke, single cylinder, DTS-i, air cooled with oil-cooler power plant. This mill churns out a 19.03 Ps of power at 8400 rpm and a good torque of 17.5 Nm at 7000 rpm. This allows it enough power to take you through anything. The refined DTS-i motor is smooth and fuel efficient and can cruise above the speed of 100kmph but the engine does feel a little the stressed above 100 kmph and you can feel some vibration coming your way. To have the best result I will advice to ride it between 70-90 kmph as this is what I felt while testing it. It is equipped with 5 speed gear box which I found creamy smooth and you can navigate to any gear without any problems.

Bajaj Avenger 220 DTS-i

The styling and design is taken from its predecessor the Kawasaki Eliminator which was a brilliant machine as I owned this one and was a delight to right, especially its ignition was a class apart and it needed a feather touch to the ignition switch to fire the 175cc mill. Eliminator was in the league of its own and I still rate it as one of the best entry level cruiser ever graced Indian roads. Coming back to our homebred Avenger… the styling is almost perfect. It has that true cool yet aggressive stance of a typical cruiser. It got perfect forward foot riding posture for complete comfort while riding on long drives. The low saddle height, pillion backrest with Bajaj Avenger logo, broad seating wide tires and a large fuel tank with fuel gauge give it looks of a world class cruiser.

Bajaj Avenger 220 DTS-i Speedometer

The speedometer comes with an odometer and trip meter. It would have been better had the odometer and trip meter display been digital. It would have given it a premium look.The bike performs great on smooth roads but when on bumpy roads the bike does have some issues but I still say that the suspension is decent enough to make your ride a comfortable one and negotiate the bumps effectively. To give a better control to the rider on its brakes Bajaj has equipped Avenger with 260mm Disc brake at front and 130mm drum brake at rear.

Bajaj Avenger 220 DTS-i

I found Bajaj Avenger 220 DTS-i a good investment for those who want to own an affordable cruiser.

Bajaj Avenger 220 DTS-i Technical Specifications

Type     4-stroke, single cylinder, DTS-i, air cooled with oil-cooler
Displacement (cc)     219.89
Max. Power (Ps @ rpm)     19.03 @ 8400
Max. Torque (Nm @ rpm)     17.5 @ 7000
Starting     Electric
Suspension
Front     Telescopic
Rear     Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Brakes
Front     Disc, Dia. 260 mm
Rear     Drum, Dia. 130 mm
Tyre
Front     Tubetype Unidirectional – 90 / 90 x 17″
Rear     Tubetype Unidirectional – 130 / 90 x 15″
Fuel Tank
Total litres(reserve, usable)     14 liter full (3.4 liter reserve)
Electricals
Battery     12V, 9Ah
Head lamp     60 / 55W
Horn     12V, 30W
Dimensions
Wheelbase     1475 mm
Ground Clearance     169 mm
Kerb Weight     154.5 kg

PICTURES AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CURTSEY BAJAJ AUTO WEBSITE

© All Rights Reserved

Copyright © Vikas Singh

2012 Honda CBR 250R, Review, Test Drive and Specifications

Honda CBR250R

Right from the day Honda has launched CBR 250R it has become a serious player in the entry-level sports motorcycle or sports tourer category. I would rather say that it has created a sport tourer category in the 250cc segment around the world. It’s the most versatile 250cc motorcycle till date by any company. It has the power, the speed, the styling, handling, the comfort, fuel economy, durability and above all a very good resale value. Pegged against the Kawasaki Ninja 250R (which is my favorite any day no matter what) has carved a niche in the market and has set the standards high for the upcoming 250cc motorcycles.

Honda CBR250R

Ninja being known for its true sports DNA and race course performance is the dominant playing in the market and sports a twin cylinder engine and is much more powerful than the Honda CBR250R, but it does lack so many other aspects that make a product a hot selling one. The biggest chink in the Ninja’s armor is its price that is almost double than the Honda.  When it comes to single cylinder motorcycles I think Honda CBR 250R is the best in the market and even the KTM duke lacks the refinement and ride quality that Honda CBR 250R possess.Though the 2012 Honda CBR 250R doesn’t come with any technological upgrades but that doesn’t matter as it already have one of the best single cylinder engine in 250cc segment.

Honda CBR250R Console Panel

The only change that the 2012 Honda CBR250R has is the introduction of a new White/Pearl Blue/Red color scheme while rest of the features remains same. The CBR 250R comes with a super efficient 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder, four-valve DOHC cylinder head power plant that generates a decent 25 bhp of peak power at 8500 rpm and a whooping 22.9Nm of peak torque at 7000 rpm. It comes equipped with PGM-FI fuel injection and engine counter-balancer which ensures top end performance and efficiency. The motorcycle holds great aerodynamics and its sporty full cowling gives it great looks and make it Honda VFR 1200 look alike. The instrument panel has a futuristic look with its beautiful silver coated panel and beautiful blue LCD back light display which is another feature that is missing in the Ninja.

Honda CBR250R

Black color coated stainless steel muffler is a striking feature in the motorcycle and add to the overall looks of the bike. The 5 spook aluminum cast wheels with 110/70 17 front and 140/70 17 rear wheel inspire confidence while riding on high speeds. The ABS in the top end model comes handy while riding in difficult conditions by preventing wheel locking during sudden braking. Engine performance is smooth and free from all type of vibrations. Even if you open full throttle the motorcycles stays calms and you hardly feel any vibes from the engine.

Honda CBR250R

The best part that makes any motorcycle a delight to ride is its comfortable riding position and this is one thing that appeals a lot to me. The riding position of Honda CBR 250R is very comfortable and as I was riding this motorcycle right after getting down from the KTM, I can say that KTM Duke 200 has to pull up socks as its riding position as compared to the Honda is not up to the mark. The other feature that makes the ride comfortable is Honda’s Truss Structure and Diamond Frame which is rugged yet flexible.

2012 Honda CBR250R (ABS) Specs:

Engine
* Engine Type: 249.4cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
* Bore and Stroke: 76mm x 55mm
* Compression ratio: 10.7:1
* Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
* Induction: PGM-FI
* Ignition: Digital ECU Based
* Transmission: Six-speed

Suspension
* Front: Telescopic fork
* Rear: Pro-Link

Brakes
* Front: Single 296mm disc
* Rear: Single 220mm disc
* Optional ABS

Tires
* Front: 110/70-17 radial
* Rear: 140/70-17 radial

Dimensions:
* Wheelbase: 1367mm
* Length: 2032mm
* Height: 1127mm
* Width: 720mm
* Ground Clearance: 145mm

Fuel:
* Fuel Capacity: 13 Litres

* Fuel Economy: Around 30-35 (depending on the riding conditions)

2012 Honda CBR250R New Color Options:
* White/Pearl Blue/Red


© All Rights Reserved

Copyright © Vikas Singh