The New Wheels

THUNDERBIRD LT

British bike maker Triumph has launched the Thunderbird (LT), its 12th product since its India launch last year and the third in the cruiser line-up after the Thunderbird Storm and Rocket III Roadster. This 380-kg behemoth actually looks like a cruiser compared to the other two with all the chrome, wire-spoke rims, dual tone colours, auxillary spot lamps, black leather panniers and a windshield. The LT also comes with white-walled tyres, a first for bikes. The seats are ergonomically designed for rider comfort during long road trips and come with lumbar support and, backrest for the pillion. The bike runs on a 1,699 cc parallel-twin cylinder producing 151Nm of torque at 3,550 rpm. This two-wheeled beauty costs Rs. 15.75 Lakh, ex showroom, Delhi. 

INDIAN SCOUT

Indian Motorcycle has introduced its cheapest, leanest and smallest cubic capacity bike in India, the Indian Scout. The styling changes are very visible, such as a liquid-cooled engine (the first in the Indian stable) and, the absence of a valanced fender with the ubiquitous war bonnet. With this, the Springfield, Massachusetts-based motorcycle maker, now owned by off-road major, Polaris Industries has four models in India, the other three being the 1,811 cc Indian Chiefs. The Indian Scout is powered by a 1,131 cc V-twin mill. It costs Rs.11.99 Lakh, ex showroom, Delhi.

The Dynamic q3

German luxury carmaker, Audi, has launched an upgraded version of its Q3 SUV. The top-of-the line Audi Q3 Dynamic comes with the Audi Drive Select, which allows the driver to choose from three drive modes— Comfort, Dynamic and Auto, as well as other best-in-class features, such as an all-wheel drive (quattro), dynamic headlight range adjustment, light and rain sensor, besides the usual stuff that one could reasonably expect from a sub- Rs. 40 Lakh SUV. The Q3 range starts at Rs.25.49 Lakh, but this one will cost you Rs. 38.40 Lakh, ex showroom, Mumbai

New E-Class Entry

Mercedes Benz has refurbished its E-Class line-up with the launch of an all-new E 350 CDI. It boasts of the new design philosophy introduced in the face-lifted E-Class. The sedan is powered by a 3-litre V6 diesel engine and comes with Merc’s Intelligent Assistance Systems that adds to driving comfort. These include variable light distribution with cornering function, adaptive high beam assist, 360-degree camera and, so on. This small lap of luxury will set you back by Rs. 57.42 Lakh, ex showroom, India.

The New Yeti 

Skoda has introduced a new version of the Yeti. It comes in diesel in two versions: a 2-litre 4x2 and a 2-litre 4x4. This SUV comes with loads of features, such as cruise control, Light Assist and the Kessy system, to name a few, that were previously unavailable on the Yeti. The changes are more than visible. These include, a new radiator grille, sharper and wider headlights, LED tail lights, individually removable and adjustable rear seats and, a redesigned rear, among others. Prices are Rs. 18.99 Lakh (4x2) and Rs. 20.05 Lakh (4x4), ex showroom, Delhi.

KTM’s SuperSport Bikes

Austrian motorcycle maker KTM has launched its first bikes in the supersport series, in India, the RC390 (in picture) and the RC200. Though based on the 390 Duke and the 200 Duke, respectively, the changes are very visible, such as a front cowl, clip-on handlebars bolted to the fork, twin projector headlamps, a new seat and, liquid-cooled engines. The 200 Duke is air-cooled. Prices are Rs. 2.05 lakh (RC 390) and Rs. 1.6 lakh, ex showroom, Delhi.

Suzuki’s Gixxer

Suzuki seems to have finally caught up with its Japanese peers and come up with a street sport bike in the 150-160 cc segment. The Suzuki Gixxer is inspired from the GSX-R1000 and can be said to be a direct competitor to Yamaha’s FZ and FZ S models. The major differences from its peers are a dual muffler and a big digital speedometer. That said, it is the first Suzuki bike to feature the Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology. It costs Rs.72, 199 ex showroom, Delhi.

OLMdesk@outlookindia.com