The all-new BMW F 850 GS Adventure will be available as completely built-up units (CBU) and can be booked at BMW Motorrad dealerships effective immediately at an ex-showroom price of Rs 15,40,000.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India, said, “For more than ten years, the GS models in the BMW Motorrad F series have embodied the premium range in the middle class travel and adventure enduro segment. With the launch of the all-new BMW F 850 GS Adventure, we are now expanding the premium BMW Motorrad range in this segment. The all-new F 850 GS Adventure offers travel enduro riders, off-road oriented touring riders and globetrotters the perfect companion for exploring the remote corners of the world by motorcycle.”

The all-new BMW F 850 Adventure GS is available only with the Style Rallye package that includes Lupine Blue metallic including tapes in Racing red uni / Light white uni / Blackstorm metallic under paintwork), Windshield sport, Golden anodised rim rings and Golden anodised upper front fork tube.

The design of the all-new BMW F 850 GS Adventure is more dynamic and robust, which clearly signals adventure and travelling the world suitability. The distinctive GS flyline is visible from all perspectives. Iconic design features such as the asymmetric headlamp and the GS typical flyline clearly identify it as a member of the BMW Motorrad GS family. Starting from the front “beak” of the GS, the flyline extends over the fuel tank and seat to the rear.

The LED headlights and iconically designed LED daytime riding light and LED turn indicators illuminate the road ahead and increase active safety. The low double seat, ensures better access to the ground and facilitates handling while standing. With wide enduro footrests, adjustable shift and foot brake levers and center stand, you can tackle any tour in even more relaxed fashion and focus fully on the pure riding pleasure.

High-positioned air intake, ground clearance, functionally designed surfaces and a precise panel alignment underline the robust off-road attributes. The visual appeal is emphasised by equipment features such as engine protection bars and stainless steel luggage rack.

The all-new BMW F 850 GS Adventure feature the powerful two-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 853 cc. It generates 70 kW (95 hp) at 8,250 rpm to deliver supreme level of engine power. An extremely powerful and emotional sound is produced by a crankshaft journal offset of 90 degrees and firing interval of 270/450 degrees.

The all-new BMW F 850 GS Adventure comes with the two riding modes “Rain” and Road” as standard, to allow the individual desires of the rider to be accommodated. Also included in the standard features is the ASC automatic stability control, which ensures a high degree of rider safety. With the riding modes “Rain” and “Road”, the riding characteristics can be adapted to the majority of road conditions.

The standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC) ensures a high level of riding safety due to the best possible traction. Riders can choose optional riding modes – ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Enduro’ along with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and the banking capable ABS Pro. Dynamic ESA opens up new dimensions of rider safety, performance and comfort. The new self-boosting anti-hopping clutch reduces engine drag torque and adds significant riding safety- especially in braking manoeuvres associated with downshifting.

The all-new BMW F 850 GS Adventure is equipped with a completely new instrument cluster design, consisting of an analogue tachometer and a multi-functional display, alongside a number of control lamps. Fast and clear information is available with the optional equipment known as Connectivity, with a 6.5 inch full-colour TFT display. Integrating operation via the BMW Motorrad multi-controller, it gives the rider quick access to vehicle and connectivity functions. Phone and media functions can be used without having to install an app. The rider can easily make telephone calls and enjoy listening to music with Bluetooth connection. In addition, the BMW Motorrad Connected app offers everyday-suitable and practice-oriented arrow navigation directly via the TFT display.

(L-R) Sachin Tendulkar and Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India with the all-new BMW X5

The all-new BMW X5 was launched in India. Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary sportsman unveiled the all-new BMW X5 in Mumbai. Locally-produced, the all-new BMW X5 is available in a diesel variant at BMW dealerships effective immediately. The petrol variant will be available later in 2019.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India said, “BMW established the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment with the launch of BMW X5 in 1999. The BMW X5 has been the best-selling car in this segment for many years and has become one of our most successful models. The fourth generation embodies this model’s typical characteristics – versatility, sovereignty and luxury. The all-new BMW X5 is bound to add another chapter to this success story by introducing a new interpretation of the letter X. Combining an elegant and strong design with supreme on and off-road ability, the all-new BMW X5 has an even greater blend of premium luxury performance, technology and comfort.”

The all-new BMW X5 is available in three design schemes – Sport, xLine and M Sport. Sport celebrates the gust of adrenaline with sporty style and self-confidence. xLine puts on a powerful character that enhances the car’s off-road looks. M Sport enhances the dynamic character distinguishing itself as an elite sports model.

The all-new BMW X5 is available in two diesel models – BMW X5 xDrive30d Sport and BMW X5 xDrive30d xLine. The petrol variant BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport will be available later in 2019.

The ex-showroom prices are as follows :

BMW X5 xDrive30d Sport: Rs 72,90,000

BMW X5 xDrive30d xLine: Rs 82,40,000

BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport:Rs 82,40,000

Sachin Tendulkar with the all-new BMW X5

The all-new BMW X5 is available in the following metallic paintworks: Mineral White, Phytonic Blue and Black Sapphire. The all-new BMW X5 features Fine upholstery Leather ‘Vernasca’ as standard with the following combinations – Ivory White | Black, Coffee | Black, Cognac | Black and Black | Black.

The design of the all-new BMW X5 makes a powerful statement. It has grown in all dimensions compared to its predecessor while retaining its character and proportions. Its design language has become more athletic, with more clearly defined surfaces and even more precise lines. The enlarged one-piece hexagonal kidney grille paired with a sculptured bonnet and short overhangs gives the front an imposing appearance. BMW Laser Light technology with blue X-shaped elements makes a distinctive visual proclamation. The car makes a solid and dynamic impression on the road because of its muscular stance – an effect that is supported by the 3D wrap-around LED taillights that reach far into the sides.

The interior boasts an exceptional level of comfort and functionality in an extremely sporty ambience. Together with an elevated seat position and generously proportioned interior, the front and rear occupants enjoy ample accommodation. Folding down the 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest increases boot capacity from 650 litres to 1,870 litres, making the all-new BMW X5 suitable for all kinds of journeys. The absolute highlight in the interior is the new unique feature – ‘Crafted Clarity’ – which is a host of operational features crafted in exquisite glass that embellish the insert of the gear selector, the iDrive control wheel, the audio control button and the start/stop button. The panoramic glass roof sky lounge with LED light graphics, welcome light carpet appeal to the senses in many ways.

The Comfort Access System remotely detects the key within a 1.5 meter radius and unlocks the doors and the two-section tailgate. The Luggage-Compartment Package includes slide rails for easy loading and an electrical luggage compartment roller blind. Soft close function for doors adds to the increased levels of comfort for the all-new BMW X5.

A host of BMW ConnectedDrive technologies continues to break the innovation barrier in automotive industry – BMW Gesture Control, BMW Display Key, Wireless Charging, BMW Head-Up Display and Wireless Apple CarPlay. The modern cockpit concept BMW Live Cockpit Professional running on latest BMW Operating System 7.0 includes a 3D Navigation, with a high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel with a 12.3-inch screen and a control display also measuring 12.3-inch.

Sachin Tendulkar with the all-new BMW X5

The spread of driver assistance systems is more extensive than ever. Parking assistant plus with surround view camera makes parking in tight spots easier by taking over acceleration, braking as well as steering. The new reversing assistant provides unmatched support in reversing out of a parking spot or through narrow driveways. It keeps a record of the last 50 metres driven and assists by taking over the steering.

Thanks to the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the petrol and diesel engines meld maximum power with spontaneous responsiveness even at low engine speeds. The three-litre six-cylinder diesel engine of the BMW X5 xDrive30d produces an output of 195 kW / 265 hp and a maximum torque of 620 Nm at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 6.5 seconds. The three-litre six-cylinder BS VI compliant petrol engine of the BMW X5 xDrive40i produces an output of 250 kW / 340 hp and maximum torque of 450 Nm at 1,500 – 5,200 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 5.5 seconds.

BMW xDrive, an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, monitors the driving situation constantly and is quick to respond. Electronically controlled ‘Automatic Differential Brakes/Locks’ (ADB-X), extended ‘Dynamic Traction Control’ (DTC), Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control help to conquer every terrain. Dynamic Damper Control improves ride quality and suspension by stabilizing all irregularities of the surface. The Adaptive 2-Axle Air Suspension enables raising and lowering of vehicle at the touch of button and automatically adjusts the height of the car to suit any given driving situation.

BMW EfficientDynamics includes features such as 8-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission, Auto Start-Stop, ECO PRO mode, Brake-Energy Regeneration, Electronic Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution, Driving Experience Control switch and many other innovative technologies.

BMW safetytechnologies includes six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor, ISOFIX child seat mounting and integrated emergency spare wheel under the load floor.

Jehan Daruvala once again created history, winning in the inaugural round of the all new FIA Formula 3 Championship, in Barcelona, in front of a huge F1 audience. The Indian National Anthem rung out at the Spanish F1 Grand Prix event thanks to the F3 races being one of the support events to F1, along with the FIA F2 races.

The only Indian on the grid started from second and was able to grab the lead into the run down to the first corner. With an accident involving 4 cars at the back of the grid, the safety car was deployed on lap one. At the restart Kari was able to benefit from Jehan’s slipstream during the restart, and Jehan had to defend hard to keep the lead. Over the next 2 laps Jehan quickly opened up a gap of over 1.5 seconds so as to prevent Kari from deploying DRS (Drag Reduction System).

The safety car was deployed a second time negating the advantage of a 2 second gap which Jehan had built up.  During the restart, Jehan was much better prepared and was able to open up a gap of over 1.5 seconds in less than 2 laps. He thereafter controlled the race well and also bagged the fastest lap of the race. Later, Jehan cruised to take the chequered flag 2.121 seconds ahead of Estonian racer Juri Vips, who by then had managed to move upto second.

“During the race I was, let’s say, in control, except for the first restart when I didn’t surprise the guy behind, enough, so I had to defend. After that, I was just managing the pace. I have to thank everyone at Prema Racing for giving me a fantastic car. I did not overdrive it, although if I needed more I could have pushed in the final couple of laps.” said the former multiple International Karting Champion.

The all new FIA F3 Championship was created by merging the erstwhile GP3 Championship and FIA F3 European Championship, resulting in an ultra-competitive 30 car grid. The championship will be the perfect training ground for the world’s best upcoming talents, to race at F1 events and the opportunity to prove themselves to all the F1 teams.

20 year old Jehan began his career in Karting at the age of 10. Since then he has won the Indian National Karting Championship, the Malaysian Junior Yamaha Karting Championship, the FIA CIK Asia Pacific KF3 Championship and the British Superone National Karting Championship. Jehan remains the only Indian on the podium of any FIA World Championship, when he was second runner up of the FIA CIK World Karting Championship. Jehan also remains the only Indian to win a Grand Prix, when he won the New Zealand Grand Prix and later went on to become the only Indian to win a race in the erstwhile FIA F3 European Championship, which used slower cars. Earlier this year Jehan was selected by Prema Racing, one of the world’s most successful Junior Racing teams’ to drive for them in this year’s new, FIA F3 Championship.

Jehan’s next race will be along with the French Grand Prix from 21 to 23 June.

Kia Motors India has revealed the first sketch of its upcoming mid-SUV manufactured in India. Due to be revealed fully in the summer, the new vehicle possesses the space and capabilities of a traditional SUV in a compact package. Based on the SP concept, the illustrations give a sneak-peak into the much awaited and anticipated, mid-SUV from Kia Motors.

Kia’s very first product for India is set to flaunt a bold, distinctive and dynamic design; the mid-SUV will come with a wide Tiger nose grille, one of the unique design elements of Kia Motors global design philosophy. With a modern and urbane design, based on the 2018 Kia SP Concept unveiled at the Auto Expo, the SUV will stand apart from rivals by matching the unique preferences and needs of customers who are young at heart.

The robust design character of a traditional SUV co-exists with sophisticated exterior design details, such as its long hood, a strong character line on the front bumper, and sharp lines pressed into the bodywork. Its strong shoulder line, matched with a glasshouse which tapers towards the rear of the car, as well as rear bumper with a metallic muffler effect, lends the compact SUV an air of understated sportiness.

The new compact SUV brings a sense of style to its exterior design with LED headlamps which extend over the radiator grille. The lamps feature a three-dimensional light graphic and a technical diamond pattern at their trailing edges. The design is also echoed in the rear LED lamps.

Byung Chul Juh, Head of Kia Styling at Kia Motors Corporation, comments: “We have created a car which stands out everywhere, from the city to the countryside. Its robust yet sporty design will be matched by a wide range of features and technologies that are universally suited to younger buyers in markets around the world. Our new mid-SUV is a proposition that no other car in its class will match.”

The 85th anniversary of four Popular vehicles’ long-distance journey from Prague to Calcutta commemorates Skoda’s impressive tradition in India. The country soon became the seventh largest export market of the automobile manufacturer from Mladá Boleslav. In 2001, Skoda became the second European manufacturer to enter the Indian market and since then has steadily strengthened its position in the region. Under the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, the company has been responsible for the Volkswagen Group’s model campaign on the Indian market since 2018.

In 1925, the engineering and defence company Skoda joined forces with the automobile manufacturer Laurin & Klement from the Bohemian town of Mladá Boleslav. The Pilsen-based company was already active in India at the time, and so the high-quality commercial and passenger vehicles with the winged arrow quickly gained acceptance on the roads of the subcontinent. Long-distance trips, especially in the 1930s, were among the most successful types of advertising at that time.

Eighty-five years ago, on Saturday, 12 May 1934, a group of four Skoda Populars set out on a trip from the Prague Automobile Club to India. The semi-convertibles had one-litre four-cylinder engines with an output of 15 kW (20 hp). Skoda’s new entry-level model, weighing in at 700 kg, carried a total load of 800 kg, including passengers. Led by Zbislav Peters, a lawyer and Czechoslovak ice hockey player, the seven participants embarked on a journey to India via the Balkans, Turkey, today’s Syria and Iraq.

One crew even made a detour via Afghanistan. After arriving in Calcutta the Skoda Populars went on to Mumbai, and from there by ship to Trieste. From the northern Italian port, the vehicles headed back to the Czech Republic. By the time they arrived in Prague on 10 September 1934, they had covered nearly 15,000 kilometres, often over rough terrain and in harsh climatic conditions. On this long-distance journey, the new generation of Skoda vehicles proved their quality and reliability just as impressively as their technical standards – the cars featured central tube frames and independent all-round suspension.

In the summer of 1936, Czech globetrotters Břetislav Jan Procházka and Jindřich Kubias circumnavigated the world in 97 days in a slightly modified open-top Skoda Rapid with an output of 23 kW (31 hp) and powerful hydraulic brakes. The journey also took the vehicle through India. Because of the ship’s early departure to Japan, the Quetta-New Delhi-Mumbai stage resembled a car chase: the fast and reliable Rapid made it in just three days.

Not least thanks to the advertising effects of these expeditions, the number of Skoda vehicles exported to what was then British India totalled 90 units per year in the second half of the 1930s. In 1938, India ranked seventh among the Czech automobile manufacturer’s 39 export markets. In light of the global social and economic change after the Second World War, only 150 Skoda vehicles were exported to India between 1947 and 1955, followed by ad hoc deliveries from the 1950s to the 70s. The brand, however, had no permanent representation.

The next chapter in Skoda’s success story in India began in 2001 when the company from Mladá Boleslav became the second European carmaker to operate in the local market with introduction of the Octavia (2001), followed by flagship Skoda Superb (2001) and models Laura (2006), Fabia (2008), Yeti (2010) and Rapid (2011). Currently, Indian customers can choose from four model series: the Rapid, which is manufactured locally in Pune, and the Octavia, the Superb and the Kodiaq, which are manufactured at the Aurangabad plant.

Over the past 18 years, Skoda has steadily consolidated its position in the Indian market, both in terms of the number of vehicles delivered and in brand awareness among Indian customers. The potential of the Indian market is immense: with currently more than 1.3 billion inhabitants, the country has the second highest population in the world, and GDP is growing at an annual rate of around seven per cent.

This makes the Indian market an important pillar of Skoda Auto’s strategy. As part of the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, the car manufacturer has been responsible for the Volkswagen Group’s model campaign on the Indian market since 2018. In January 2019, the technology centre was opened in Pune where vehicles that are tailored to the needs of customers on the subcontinent are being developed. These are to be manufactured 95 per cent locally based on the localised MQB A0-IN platform. This means that almost all vehicle components will be made in India. The car manufacturer will be presenting its first design study next year at the Delhi Motor Show. In the next phase of the project, the Volkswagen Group will examine the possibility of exporting the vehicles manufactured in India.

The Motor Sports Association of Eastern India (MSAEI) along with the Calcutta Motor Sports Club (CMSC), has observed the 5th UN Road Safety Week, 2019 from May 6 – 12, 2019 in Kolkata.

Since last four years United Nations Road Safety Week has been observed throughout the world. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is continuously supporting this programme through FIA Road Safety Grant and encouraging automotive and motor sporting clubs throughout the world to take the initiative to lead this Road Safety activities in their respective countries/cities. This year FIA has granted the responsibility in India to MSAEI through FMSCI (The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India).

During this entire week several road shows, digital campaigns and seminars has been conducted by their women leadership in accordance with this year’s UN theme to identify the main problems that people face on the roads and its probable solutions.
The roadshows were conducted in various places like Ultadanga-HIDCO crossing, Nagerbazar crossing, Shovabazar crossing, Ariadaha crossing (Dakhineshwar), Shakherbazar crossing. Along with road shows, seminars were also being held in places like East Calcutta Girl’s College, Airport English Medium Higher Secondary School, The Rotary Club of East Calcutta, Urbane School etc. where a wide cross section of road users shared their opinion about the major road safety issues and some probable solutions were also sorted out.

Through this campaign MSAEI have recorded approximately 25,000 responses from people throughout the city. These concerns are being forwarded to and discussed with the police department and government authorities for their appropriate action.

With the country getting ready to support India colours at the upcoming Cricket World Cup, Ford India has launched a Special ‘Blu’ Edition of its compact-sedan Aspire. Available in the manual transmission of Titanium variant, the Aspire Blu is priced at Rs 740,900 (1.2-litre petrol) and Rs 820,900 (1.5-litre diesel) and available in three complementary shades – White, Moondust Silver and Smoke.

“The Ford Aspire Blu Edition celebrates the spirit of style, power and performance,” said Vinay Raina, Executive Director, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford India. “Thanks to the 5-year warranty on offer, the Ford Aspire Blu will deliver complete peace-of-mind to consumers, enabling them to enjoy the game as much as the car ownership experience.”

So what’s different the in The Aspire Blu?

The Aspire Blu features an absolute black grille mesh encased in a black front grille surround, and the dual tone roof which makes the car stand apart and make a statement.

The fog lamps in the new Aspire are integrated into the front bumper and comes with a blue touch. The Aspire Blu also features a premium black finish alloys and 15-inch tyres to deliver confidence and planted drive dynamics.

The cabin of Ford Aspire Blu features stylish blue themed interiors including a leather-wrapped steering wheel to add to the premiumness. The cabin also remains well-equipped with several convenience features including push-button start/stop, rear parking sensors, USB slots among many others.

Like all Ford’s, Aspire Blu also makes safety a top priority and will offer two front airbags as standard. Going beyond airbags, Ford Aspire Blu will offer several features to enhance occupant safety such as Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), helping drivers with better grip, while keeping the drive smooth.

High on technology and convenience, the Aspire Blu will offer a host of convenience features, including embedded satellite navigation, an infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen & Bluetooth connectivity, rear-view camera, remote central locking, automatic air-conditioner and power windows among others.

Ensuring complete peace-of-mind, the Ford Aspire Blu will come with a five-year or 100,000 KM warranty, which includes 2-year factory warranty and 3-year extended warranty.

The Ford Aspire Blu is produced at Ford India’s Sanand Factory in Gujarat, for consumers in India and all around the world.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India with the MINI John Cooper Works Hatch

The MINI John Cooper Works Hatch was introduced in India today at an ex-showroom price of Rs 43,50,000.  The MINI John Cooper Works, based on the MINI 3-door Hatch, will be available at all MINI dealerships as a Completely Built-Up Unit (CBU) unit from June onwards.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India said, “A unique combination of heritage, exclusivity and performance, John Cooper Works has always been in a league of its own. Our premium performance models that are named after the legendary John Cooper are the most powerful and exclusive MINI models ever built. John Cooper Works embodies the true essence of motorsport. When you’re behind the wheel of a John Cooper Works, you’re guaranteed thrills worthy of the race track. The MINI John Cooper Works Hatch is the latest addition to our established and highly successful MINI model portfolio in India.”

The MINI John Cooper Works Hatch is available in the following standard paintworks – Chilli Red, Electric Blue, Emerald Grey, Melting Silver, Midnight Black, Pepper White, Solaris Orange, Starlight Blue, Thunder Grey and White Silver and in the exclusive John Cooper Works Rebel Green – a modern take on the classic British Racing Green.

The MINI John Cooper Works Hatch is available with standard upholstery Dinamica Leather combination Carbon Black/Carbon Black and in the following optional upholstery choices – Leather Cross Punch Carbon Black | Carbon Black, Leather Lounge Satellite Grey | Carbon Black, Leather Chester Malt Brown | Black and MINI Yours Leather Lounge Carbon Black | Carbon Black.

The MINI John Cooper Works models are built to thrill. Bold, racing-inspired looks, finest quality materials along with visual enhancements put the John Cooper Works models in a league of their own. Wide, long and low, MINI John Cooper Works sports a silhouette that spells exclusivity and action all at once.

The hexagonal radiator grille at the centre section has a characteristic honeycomb pattern with a cross member at the bottom edge finished in red. Reserved solely for the top athlete, the exclusive John Cooper Works bonnet stripes add a distinctively race-inspired look. LED headlamps are standard and are surrounded by LED daytime running lights incorporating the direction indicators.

A symbol of racing pedigree – the John Cooper Works badge, emblazoned in the front, side scuttles and tailgate sets the pulse racing. The MINI John Cooper Works Hatch enhances its racing genes even further with a contrasting paint finish for the roof and mirror caps in white, black or exclusively for MINI John Cooper Works in Chilli Red.

Aerodynamic features include the front apron with integral air ducts, side sills and the sporty 17-inch JCW Track Spoke Light Alloy Wheels in Black as standard that ensure uninterrupted driving dynamics. Highest performance demands tight control and stability, especially when you’re driving through bends at higher speeds. The 4-piston, fixed-caliper brakes in bold Chilli Red with a John Cooper Works badge, provide all the stopping power needed for tight turns and fast changes of pace.

The sporty John Cooper Works front and rear bumpers as well as rear spoiler give an extra aerodynamic edge. Power is at disposal with the roar of the incredible chrome plated double exhaust tailpipes.

The interior of MINI John Cooper Works exudes its pure racing heritage. John Cooper Works sport seats integrated with headrests in Carbon Black Dinamica Leather and red accents as standard are designed to give full control of the power beneath. The ultimate ‘go-kart’ feeling is enhanced with the John Cooper Works sports leather steering wheel which comes with paddle shifters and automatically adjusted steering sensitivity. John Cooper Works DNA can be found in every detail, like the John Cooper Works stainless steel pedal caps and the the door sills with an integrated John Cooper Works badge.

The MINI Excitement Pack features exterior MINI Logo projection, LED interior and ambient lighting which illuminates the cabin with a choice 12 selectable colours. The optional panorama glass roof allows ample amounts of natural light and fresh air in the cabin.

The MINI John Cooper Works Hatch comes with high contrast MINI Head-Up Display, which provides information regarding the media outputs, navigation and telephone options directly in the line of sight for the driver. As a standard feature, Harman Kardon Hi-Fi Audio System, featuring 12 high performance speakers and an eight-channel digital amplifier, delivers 360 watts of crisp, natural and powerful sound.

The iconic circular central instrument panel is surrounded by an LED ring offering a brilliant colour display in 6.5-inches. Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity comes as standard. The Radio MINI Visual Boost with touch functionality including AUX-IN socket and USB interface is also a standard feature of the MINI John Cooper Works Hatch.

The optional MINI Wired package offers an 8.8 inch touch screen with Touchpad controller, MINI Find Mate with 2 Bluetooth tags, Navigation System Professional, MINI Connected XL, telephony with wireless charging and 2nd USB interface. Other infotainment options now include Apple CarPlay along with MINI Radio Visual Boost + MINI Navigation or with MINI Wired Package.

Setting new standards in dynamics and efficiency, MINI John Cooper Works Hatch fitted with an 8-speed Sports Steptronic automatic transmission with shift paddles provides an even smoother and sportier drive. The shift by wire technology for automatic transmission comes with an electronic gear selector that is ergonomically shaped for more comfortable handling.

Performance is paramount and keeps adrenaline pumping in the MINI John Cooper Works Hatch. This hot hatch is powered by the 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine that can hit 100 kmph in 6.1 seconds, mobilising a peak output of 231 PS and a maximum torque of 320 Nm.

MINI Driving Modes enable an individualised vehicle set-up focusing on ride comfort, sportiness or efficiency, according to the driver’s preference. In addition to the standard MID mode, there is a choice of SPORT and GREEN modes. Sport Mode sharpens the steering and acceleration for sportier, more agile handling. Driver Assistance Systems include Park Distant Control and Rear View Camera as standard.

The MINI John Cooper Works Hatch is loaded with safety technology. The standard safety equipment comprises of front and passenger airbags, brake assist, 3-point seat belts, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), crash sensor, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), cornering brake control and run-flat tyres as standard.

The standard MINIMALISM technology includes Auto Start/Stop function, Brake Energy Recuperation, active cooling air flaps and electromechanical power steering.

Jaguar Land Rover India announced the start of sale of the locally manufactured Range Rover Velar with ex-showroom prices starting from Rs 72.47 lakh in India. Available in two powertrains, 2.0-litre petrol (250 PS) and 2.0-litre diesel (179 PS), the locally manufactured Velar offers a seamless blend of reductionism and elegance. The Velar’s local manufacturing will now enable Jaguar Land Rover India to gain a competitive edge within the Indian luxury SUV segment.

Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd. (JLRIL), said: “Since its launch in 2018, the Range Rover Velar has received an overwhelming response from customers across the country. Now, with the introduction of the locally manufactured Range Rover Velar, we are able to offer this iconic, award winning product at a very attractive and compelling price than before. This will enable more Range Rover fans in India to own and drive this striking, good looking and distinctive vehicle.”

Honda 2Wheelers India has announced that Dio accomplished 30 lakh sales milestone.

While it took 14 years to achieve the first 15 lakh sales, the latest 15 lakh sales were achieved in last 3 years i.e. almost 5 times faster the former pace. Honda’s Dio retains the position of India’s 4^th largest selling scooter in India.

Noteworthy, Dio is not only catering to young customers in India but enjoys global acceptance as well. With 44 per cent export market share in scooter segment, Dio is the largest exported scooter of India and exported to more than 11 South Asian and Latin American countries among which are the likes of Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Colombia and more. 

Expressing his delight on this landmark, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “With its 17 years of legacy, Dio remains fresh as ever while celebrating the spirit of youthfulness. Convenient features & stylish looks make it a perfect partner for youngsters of today – not just in India but in international markets as well. We thank all our customers who choose to ride on the uber-trendy Dio while living life their own way.”