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BSA Scrambler 650 Review: An Acquired Taste

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Nearly two years after Classic Legends brought the reborn BSA brand back to India, the company has introduced a second model. The Scrambler 650 is based on the same Gold Star 650 platform, with some notable changes to make it live up to its name. Mechanically, the bike moves from an 18-inch front to a more scrambler-esque 19. It also gets a new rear subframe to enable its unique stance and seat shape. Classic Legends responded to our query on main chassis geometry changes by stating that the main chassis has been altered, but it did not specify how so. We’re also told that there is a longer swingarm. The effect of these changes is that the weight has gone up to 220 kilos when fully fuelled (The 208kg on the website is dry weight). Seat height also climbs from 783mm on the Gold Star to 820mm here, and this is also because the suspension travel has gone up by around 20mm at both ends. Scrambler 650 Design and Quality - 7/10 There are quite a few visual changes over the Gold Star as wel...

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2026 Audi RS5 review: The best fast Audi in years

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If the recent wave of plug-in hybrid performance sedans and SUVs left you a bit cold and disillusioned, the new Audi RS5 will bring hope. Having perhaps learnt from the fumbles of its peers, Audi Sport’s first crack at a performance PHEV has been handled with care and perhaps even restraint. It’s also been treated to a battery of clever chassis upgrades that effectively tackle the hybrid performance car’s biggest enemy – weight. The result is an accomplished and uncharacteristically wild performance sedan, one that we can happily report will be coming to India. 2026 Audi RS5 exterior design and engineering – 9/10 Excellent proportions, expanded appropriately with the RS body kit. The new-gen ‘B10’ A5 (which replaces the A4 globally) is a well-proportioned liftback sedan and a great starting point for the RS5’s design. It retains recognisable Audi design elements like the single-frame grille and wide headlamps and tail-lamps, while being suitably updated for the modern age. The RS5 i...

Yamaha NMax 155 India launch likely by 2027

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Yamaha has been flirting with the idea of bringing the Nmax 155 maxi-scooter to India for quite some time and it even showcased the scooter at the 2024 Auto Expo. However, it seems that this wait is finally at an end for our sister publication, Autocar Professional, has now learnt that this scooter is likely to be launched by next year. NMax weighs 136kg, has a low 770mm seat height Uses 13-inch wheels, has dual-channel ABS, TFT display Expected to be priced above Aerox (Rs 1.43 lakh - Rs 1.46 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi) The Nmax 155 looks very different to the Aerox but underneath the expansive bodywork, both scooters are rather similar. For instance, the 155cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine making 15hp at 8,000rpm and 14Nm of torque at 6,500rpm is shared between both. Considering both scooters use the same engine and the Aerox is already E20 compatible, expect the NMax to follow suit too. Like the Aerox, the NMax too uses an underbone frame with a prominent spine section so...

Jeep Meridian offers go up to Rs 1.65 lakh in June 2026

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Just like last month, Jeep India is offering benefits of up to Rs 1.65 lakh on the Compass and Meridian in June. The offers include consumer discounts, corporate benefits and other special deals. The Jeep Wrangler is not available with any discounts this month, while the Grand Cherokee is already sold out for 2026. Disclaimer: Discounts vary from city to city and are subject to stock availability. Please check with your local dealer for the exact figures. Jeep Meridian discounts in June 2026 Up to Rs 1.65 lakh benefits Benefits of up to Rs 1.65 lakh are available on the Jeep Meridian in June. MY24 versions of the Jeep SUV get corporate benefits of up to Rs 1.3 lakh for select buyers. Doctors and leasing companies can also avail additional benefits of up to Rs 30,000. The Meridian uses a 170hp 2-litre diesel engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Higher variants also get a 4x4 option. The Meridian is priced between Rs 23.33 lakh and Rs 37.82 la...

2026 Yezdi Scrambler Review: Better Where It Matters

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Classic Legends has comprehensively updated the Yezdi Scrambler for 2026. Priced just Rs 5,000 more than before, the motorcycle now gets revised styling, an updated engine, reduced weight, and an electronics package featuring traction control, three riding modes and switchable ABS. 2026 Yezdi Scrambler Design and Quality - 7/10 It now gets a redesigned fuel tank similar to the one seen on the updated Yezdi Roadster, along with side panels featuring racing-style number boards and a ribbed seat. Combined with the updated engine casing, the motorcycle looks fresher than before. In fact, this is arguably the best-looking version of the Yezdi Scrambler yet. That said, while the styling works well, the motorcycle still feels slightly compact for a Scrambler. 2026 Yezdi Scrambler Performance - 8/10 Classic Legends says the revised 334cc motor is lighter, features improved NVH optimisation through increased structural stiffness, and gets an upgraded cooling system with a redesigned radiator....

Understanding car suspension: From simplest to sophisticated

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A car’s suspension system is crucial for providing comfort, improving the ride quality and stability across different surfaces and vehicle speeds. Automakers choose suspension systems based on their cost, real-world application and packaging constraints. While there have been several suspension types over the years, we break down those that are primarily used in cars sold in the market right now, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each. 1. Non-independent suspension Commonly known as a solid axle or rigid axle suspension The front and rear live axles of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. A non-independent suspension – also known as a solid axle or rigid axle suspension – is one of the oldest and simplest suspension designs still in use. The setup consists of a solid metal axle connecting the wheels, which acts as the primary load-bearing member. It’s then paired with coils or old-school leaf springs to absorb bumps and maintain stability. The inherent simplicity and no-nonsense cons...

Honda ADV160 India launch imminent, likely in next two quarters

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Some time ago, we had exclusively reported that the Honda ADV160 maxi-scooter is going to be launched in India and now we have a confirmed timeline to corroborate the same. Our sister publication, Autocar Professional , has learned that Honda is actively working on localizing the ADV160 for India and the scooter will be launched in India in the next two quarters - which means either later this year or perhaps by early 2027. Honda ADV160’s engine makes 16hp, 14.7Nm of torque Weighs 133kg, 780mm seat height and 165mm ground clearance Will be localized and fully made in India, for local and global markets both The sub-200cc maxi-scooter space in India has very few contenders, especially if you consider models available with liquid-cooled engines only, which includes the Yamaha Aerox 155 and Hero Xoom 160 . Similar to these two, the ADV160 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 157cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 16hp at 8,500rpm and 14.7Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. Like the Xoom and Aero...

How carmakers are using recycled materials in modern cars

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As carmakers look to reduce the environmental impact of vehicle production, recycled materials are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles. Plastic bottles, fishing nets, discarded textiles and recycled metals are now being used in seats, carpets, interior trims and even parts of the vehicle structure.  However, recycling automotive materials is not always straightforward. In many cases, materials recovered from scrapped vehicles are downcycled into lower-grade applications rather than being reused in new vehicles. Ahead of World Environment Day on June 5, here's a look at how manufacturers are putting these materials to use. Plastic bottles are being turned into seats and carpets Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the plastic commonly used in beverage bottles, is now widely used for seat fabrics, carpets, floor mats and headliners. Mahindra uses recycled PET-based materials in the BE 6 and XEV 9e , while Mercedes-Benz incorporates them into upholstery and interior trim i...

All you need to know about E85 and E100 fuels

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Over the past few years, the government has been increasingly eyeing ethanol blending as a relief from steep fuel import bills, exacerbated by the West Asia conflict in recent memory. There's already 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol (E20) as the baseline, but the government is planning to soon start distributing E85 and E100 fuels for flex-fuel vehicles. Below, we've answered every question you may have surrounding E85 and E100. What are E85 and E100 fuels? Ethanol comprises the overwhelming majority of the blend As the name suggests, E85 and E100 are fuel blends with very high percentages of anhydrous (zero water) ethanol. E85 is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent petrol, while E100 is 93-95 percent ethanol mixed with 5-7 percent of petrol and other solvents – the latter helps during cold-starts (especially at low temperatures), prevents freezing, and should there be a fire, the petrol gives the flame a visible colour. While their nomenclature is similar, E20 and E85/E1...

5 things to know about the Hero Splendor+

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The Hero Splendor is India's and, by extension, arguably the world's best-selling motorcycle. The Splendor+ sits at the entry point of the Splendor range and is built around a simple, proven 97.2cc engine built for efficiency and reliability. Over the last three decades, the motorcycle has evolved to meet stricter emission norms and changing regulations, but the fundamental formula has remained largely unchanged. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Hero Splendor+. What is the price of the Hero Splendor+? The Hero Splendor+ is available in four variants with prices starting at Rs 77,557 and go up to Rs 80,331 for the ‘125 Million Edition’. Hero also recently introduced a Flex Fuel variant of the Splendor+, priced at Rs 82,710, which can run on ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E85. For now, that bike will only be available in Delhi and select regions of Maharashtra, with a nationwide rollout to follow.  What engine does the Hero Splendor+ us...