VR Tech Times

When Maruti Suzuki introduced its first factory-fitted CNG models in 2010, the fuel had little acceptance among private buyers. Availability was largely restricted to Delhi-NCR, Mumbai-Pune and Gujarat, while the filling network was small and uneven. CNG penetration remained at just 1-2 percent until 2016-17, but Maruti continued to improve the technology and expand its range. It began with affordable cars such as the Alto and Eeco before taking CNG to the WagonR, Swift, Baleno, Dzire and Ertiga. Today, its portfolio includes SUVs such as the Brezza, Fronx, Grand Vitara and Victoris. Fixing what buyers disliked In the late 1990s, buyers who wanted a CNG car usually had to convert a petrol model using an aftermarket kit. Most kits were imported, often from Italy or Argentina, and a conversion cost around Rs 30,000-32,000. As demand grew, some dealers began tying up with local retrofitters. But when these cars developed problems, owners often returned to Maruti workshops even though th...

Okay, first, a clarification: that’s not me hooning around in the Audi Q3 Sportback . That’s a certain Mr Saumil Shah, who borrowed the car from me for ‘work’ – in the biggest air quotes imaginable. The Q3 Sportback was the support car for our Lamborghini Sterrato shoot at Nanoli Speedway. And, naturally, a muddy track with acres of runoff was an opportunity that proved far too tempting for him to resist. Fun cars do have a way of making you do slightly silly things when the right opportunity presents itself. And I’d definitely put the Audi Q3 in that category. It’s got a peppy engine, neat handling and even good ground clearance, all wrapped within a compact footprint. As someone who loves smaller cars, the Q3 is right up my alley.  It might not look cutting-edge, but buttons and knobs make the dash very user-friendly. I’ll admit, life with a luxury car can be a little stressful on Mumbai’s congested roads, where you’re sharing whatever road space is left after all the constructi...

After months of anticipation on the buyers’ part and teasing on Yamaha ’s part, the R2 was finally launched on August 27 . The brand-new supersport, meant as a step up to the famed R15 , does not mean to replace it. Yamaha has packed quite a lot into their first 200cc category entry with the R2 getting three variants with varying levels of features. Here’s a breakdown of what each variant has to offer, so you can decide on which one makes the most sense for you. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom, Delhi. Yamaha R2 variant breakdown Base Just to set context, all three variants get the new 204cc liquid-cooled engine with 26.5hp at 10,000rpm and 19.1Nm of torque at 8,000rpm. They also share most of the features, including the 5-inch TFT instrument cluster, traction control, an assist and slipper clutch, three riding modes, 37 mm USD front fork and a rear linkage monoshock, and dual-channel ABS. Each variant gets its own colour choices with no overlap. The base variant gets two colours...

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While both models here are hybrids and have 7 seats across three rows, they offer different hybrid technologies. With the ADAPT platform-based JSW MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV , India has its first-ever mass-market plug-in hybrid vehicle making its entry in the hugely popular SUV segment. On the other hand, the TNGA-C platform-based Toyota Innova Hycross is an MPV and offers a strong-hybrid powertrain. Here’s how they stack up in their fully loaded trims. Explore full specs, features and a price breakdown in our Hector Tomahawk PHEV and Innova Hycross Hybrid comparison. MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV Essence vs Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid ZX (O): Dimensions The Innova Hycross is larger and offers a slightly bigger boot with all seats in place MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV Essence vs Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid ZX (O) dimensions   MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid Length (mm) 4,745 4,755 Width (mm) 1,850 1,850 Height (mm) 1,770 1,790 Wheelbase (mm) 2,810 2,850 Boot space (litr...

Yamaha has just launched the YZF-R2 , making their supersport line-up become plural once again. Although they sound closer to each other, the established YZF-R15 and its new big brother are further apart than you might think. So how does Yamaha ’s new entry on the 200cc class compare to the tried and tested KTM RC 200 ? Let’s find out. All prices mentioned here are ex-showroom, Delhi. Yamaha YZF-R2 vs KTM RC 200: Engine and output The Yamaha makes marginally more power and torque   Yamaha YZF-R2 KTM RC 200 Engine 204cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled 199.5cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled Power 26.5hp at 10,000rpm 25hp at 10,000rpm Torque 19.1Nm at 8,000rpm 19.2Nm at 8,000rpm Transmission 6-speed 6-speed Power-to-weight ratio 176.76hp/tonne 156.25hp/tonne From the get go, the Yamaha pulls ahead by making 1.5hp more power than the KTM with a 0.1Nm less torque; both bikes deliver peak power and torque at the exact same range in the revs. However, the R2’s biggest advantage is in its ...