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TVS – Norton Partnership. What’s new in the motorcycling scene?

by admin | August 26, 2020

TVS Motors has surprisingly acquired Britain’s popular Norton Motorcycles for a cash deal of Rs. 153 Crores. TVS has acquired certain assets of Norton Motorcycles UK Limited through once of its overseas subsidiaries. Known for its classic motorcycles, Norton Motorcycles is one of Britain’s oldest motorcycle brands that was founded by James Lansdowne in 1898 in Birmingham.

Sudarshan Venu- Joint Managing Director of TVS Motor Company expressed that this acquisition is a big opportunity for TVS to scale globally and that this would help the company cater to the aspirations of discerning motorcycle customers. He also further stressed on the point that TVS

Motor Company would extend full support to Norton to regain its glory in the international motorcycle market space as Norton had been in the news for many wrong reasons like insufficient cash flow, an alleged fraud by Norton’s previous owner Stuart Garner who is still under investigation.

TVS Motor Company would jointly work with Norton Motorcycles to grow and expand further internationally in the coming years by leveraging Norton’s Supply Chain capabilities. But what would this mean for the Indian motorcycle market?

We think the scenario could be quite interesting as TVS has until now not had the expertise in producing cruiser motorcycles. But now though, things have changed. TVS could be eyeing on the cruiser motorcycle market space in India that Royal Enfield has dominated all these years. Norton’s experience with café racers and retro motorcycles, also their 650cc parallel twin engine platform could help TVS develop and manufacture affordable performance motorcycles that would compete with the Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor and the continental GT 650. Norton Motorcycles could also help TVS develop the Zeppelin, a cruiser that was showcased in the 2018 Auto Expo.

This acquisition of TVS could take it to many places in the international market. Here in India, we might just get access to many more exciting motorcycles. This partnership could turn out to be a great win- win situation for TVS- Norton and motorcycle enthusiasts.

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The best looking modified Tata Nano GenX : Megapixel edition

Hello everyone! Y'all may have seen the videos on my 2017 Nano GenX XT. “He” has been a gem of a companion for all of my trips and travels. Fuel costs have been just around? 1600 per month. Mind you he has run more than 33,000kms now without any squeaks or rattles.

Here's my initial 21,000km review of my stock Gen X Nano from 2019:

After running purely in stock condition for 3 years, in 2020 I decided to get my Nano modified to my unique taste. The lockdown meant that I had a

lot of free time too. Here's a detailed summary of my Nano’s transformation.

Buckle up for the journey folks!

I have always been fascinated by the Megapixel concept by Tata motors. Tata was planning an improved “Pelican” (1000cc engine) version of the Nano based on this concept. The GenX was a preview of this model and sported a lot of design elements seen on this concept. So I started to plan on my modifications phase by phase.

First, I bought a red Nano scale model and worked on the body decals. I previously had tried doing Photoshop renderings which looked rather good and made me seriously think of implementing this project. Since the Gen X design was already 70% based on the Megapixel concept, I decided to complete the look.

Phase 1:

90/100 Osram headlamp bulbs
VW type trumpet horn (Hella)
White LED cabin light
Seat covers with improved driver seat comfort
Interior ambient red lighting.

I thought I’d start with the essentials first. After some research, I got to know about the Nano zone, a rather small car modification shop near Lakshmi Mills in Coimbatore. So after enquiring details, I first got the horn and headlamps done. He suggested Osram 90/100 H4 bulbs and Hella trumpet (VW type) horn. Both were fitted with separate relays and the work was done by his boys up to good perfection. So after a few days, I left the car with him for 2 days to get the seat covers and ambient lighting done. I had thought of a custom design for the seat cover keeping in mind the interior theme colors and asked him to get it done. As the driver seat was not providing enough support for my long thighs, I thought of extending the seat base as well. He said it can be easily done, and yes indeed! Everything was done to superb perfection and the workmanship was great. Some extra foam had to be designed to extend the base, that’s all. All this was done for just around? 8750. Till date, the seat is very comfortable and can keep me fatigue-free on any long drive. Satisfied with the work, I started planning the next major works.

I have detailed the first phase of modifications in my Nano’s second 30,000km update review on our Youtube channel.

Phase 2:

As I was already planning for the Megapixel mods since the start of this year, I came across a few Nano images in Sri Lanka, which was running on 13” alloys from the Renault Kwid. So I too decided to get it done. However since I didn’t have the budget for alloys, I was trying to source some used Steel rims of the Kwid. Sadly, no luck. I tried asking the service centers but they too didn’t have 5 rims. At that time in February, a good friend helped me out in sourcing 5 Steel rims in Chennai.

In the month of June, I had ordered a rear fog lamp assembly unit for my Nano from Boodmo. All GenX Nanos have this empty slot on the rear bumper which would perfectly fit the OEM rear fog lamp offered on the Zest, Nexon, Altroz, and even the original Nano LX. Did it cost me just around? 500 was a perfect fit in that slot. I asked the Nano Zone guys to make it work in tandem with the brake lights. Till date, it works perfectly.

Upgrading wheels:

The wheels were received on 22nd June by paying a transport charge of? 500. Meanwhile, I had enquired about the cheap and best tire brands for 13-inch wheels, shortlisting CEAT, and Firestone. Did Firestone seem the cheapest? 2600 per tire whereas a CEAT would cost? 2750. After considering the fact that Firestone indeed was owned by Bridgestone and is the OEM tire offered on the Jeep compass, I decided to go ahead with it. However, after a couple of days when I went to get the new wheels fitted, Firestone was out of stock. I had to go ahead with CEAT, with a bargain of? 2700 per tire.

The larger wheels and 155/65 R13 tires were a perfect fit on the hubs. However, I had to remove the front mud flaps as they were rubbing on the tires every time I turned the wheel. Since there were only 4 tires in stock, I had to return a couple of days later for the spare tire. Every Nano owner, including the Nano Zone shop owner, warned me that the 13” tire wound never fit in the small bonnet of the Nano. However, it was an easy cakewalk. The new spare tire was fitted to the new wheel and in no time was inside the bonnet of the Nano. The old tires were almost worn out and were given as exchange for? 700 only.

Fitting these larger wheels drastically improved the feel of the Nano. Here are the observations after a few days running:

Road noise is non-existent
Ground clearance increased by 15mm approx
Grip is excellent
Braking feels improved, although needs slightly more effort.
Ride quality significantly improved
Feels confident at higher speeds

On the flip side, there were a few down points:

Increased body roll
Front mud flaps can’t be fitted
Fuel economy reduced by approx 0.2kmpl
Speedo error of -3kmph

Overall, I was happy with the modification and so was my mother. I sold and couriered the stock 12” rims and wheel covers to another Nano owner in Bangalore for? 3550 including shipping. (The courier service idea was a mistake as the transport charge itself was 70% of the total cost of the wheels) The next thing the Nano needed was good looking wheel covers. However, I wasn’t able to find the right design suitable for my future modifications.

I asked the Nano Zone owner to help get the right design. One of the available designs from PRIGAN seemed to impress me. Though it was a plain design, it seemed ideal for the re-design I had in mind. So I started working on a custom design based on the plain one.

This was the custom redesign I had rendered.

Since repainting was not a good idea on the plastic surface as suggested by the Nano Zone owner, I asked him to do it using stickers. Gloss black and red reflectors were used to create this design and after a couple of days, on the 1st of July I got them ready my Nano was ready to cruise.

These custom wheel covers cost me? 1000. Impressive?

I also got the Probus mobile holder for Rs.650 from Amazon and did some DIY to get that stuck on the steering column panel. It doesn’t hamper road visibility and also works like a jugaad version of the Digital cluster navigation screens seen on premium cars.

Phase 3:

I was planning on a few exterior modifications:

LED DRLs with 3 way switch
Black roof and door sills
Megapixel front makeover
Dashboard leather wrap
Flip key

I don’t prefer overtly flashy modifications, however, I wanted to have unique looking LEDs.

With black roofs being the trend, I wanted to get that done as well along with black on the running board door sills.

I was never a big fan of the thin French mustache of the stock Gen X, so decided to give it a larger, grille-like cohesive look as seen on the Megapixel concept.

A Nano club member had wrapped the gloveboxes in tan leather. I loved the idea and wanted to get something done on my Nano, but in line with the interior color theme. I decided to get red and black again.

I still had the stock key with the separate central locking buttons dangling on the rings. I wanted the keys to match the modifications carried out. So decided to get flip keys similar to other Tata cars.

On 10th August I decided to get the LEDs done. Initially, I had planned the LEDs in the lines of the Nano Europa concept, but that seemed too simple. So after a lot of head-scratching, based on the suggestion of Mr. Nano Zone, I finalized this Feline-eye design. Nano Zone has some good quality options of flexible LED DRLs and the Cyan Blue seemed very cool and unique to me. So finalized on that.

I wanted these LEDs and the ambient red lighting to be connected to a 3-way switch:

The first point will keep them always ON irrespective of locking the car.
The second point is the total OFF position.
The third point is connected to the Nano’s central locking and doors and they work like follow me lights. Unlocking the car/opening the door turns them on and locking the car/starting the engine turns them off. Since they are connected to the interior cabin lamp, they too have a theatre dimming function which looks absolutely cool! I loved it!

The work quality and fitment were genuine and the end result was simply WOW! No matter where we go, they make a statement and turn heads. Here are some glimpses:

The next thing in line was the black detailing. I left the car with them the whole day of 13th August and took delivery in the evening. The work was again impressive and the Nano started to look more mature and sporty.

The gloveboxes and the speakers had to be removed from the dashboard to get the wrapping done. So had to drive without music and storage boxes for 2 days. On the final day when the boxes were ready, I decided to get the flip keys done. Left the car with them on the 20th morning and got the keys done by evening. Since the gloveboxes needed a bit more time, I got them fitted the next day afternoon. Though there is a bit of misalignment with the stitching line of the wrap and the gloveboxes take a bit more effort than before to open and close, the overall look is very premium and modern. Additionally, I also got noodle mats for the floor.

All this cost me a total? 7700 which is quite an impressive bargain.

After getting all these done, I made a teaser video of my Nano Megapixel edition for our channel and followers

By the second week of September, I decided to finish the mods and left my Nano at Nano Zone. I had to be with them to direct them with the cutting and shaping since it was not an easy design, to begin with. The badges on the boot were removed and the work was started. The front and rear grille lights too were to be done. After 2 days of work with black and silver stickers, the Megapixel edition was ready. The Nano Zone guys were kind enough to do a full-body wash before polishing and handing over the key to me.

Here's the “angry Bulbasaur” face at night:

All these mods cost me? 36,250 starting with the headlamps, horn, and completing with the body stickering.

Here is the detailed video on my “Tata Nano Megapixel edition”. I have covered all accessory details and drive feedback with the new 13” wheels:

As of now, I have also fit a center armrest for the front seats with a storage box. Due to the unusual size of my Nano's seats, the armrest had to be custom designed in order to fit perfectly. It is a removable unit and works perfectly well. Long drives will be even more relaxing than before!

As of today, my Nano has run around 33,700km and still going strong. Regarding service and repairs, I have spent just around? 6800 till date and hope the maintenance costs stay that way for years to come.

I am loving my Nano and living the Nano life, the Megapixel way!

Skoda Upcoming New Cars and SUVs 2021

Skoda is getting ready for an aggressive 2021. Apart from the new-generation Octavia and Kodiaq petrol next year, Skoda will debut it’s all new ‘India 2.0’ products, starting with an all-new SUV and sedan.

All new mid size SUV (Vision IN):

The most eagerly awaited product is the upcoming Creta fighter that will be a mid-size SUV developed and manufactured entirely for India.

This new mid size SUV was first previewed by the Vision IN concept at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo. The production-spec version will retain most of the design elements from the

concept. This new SUV will be over 4.2m-long and have a 2,671mm wheelbase. It will be based on the India-specific MQB A0 IN platform.

This new Mid size SUV will be available with two engine options. Lower variants are expected to get the 110hp, 1.0-litre TSI engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. Higher variants will be getting the 150hp, 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol motor from the Karoq and will be mated to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Fourth Gen Skoda Octavia:

The launch of the all new fourth-gen Octavia has been pushed to the April-June 2021 period.

The new Octavia has already been spied testing in India and the India spec model ditches the quad-headlamp setup. The new car adopts the brand’s latest design language and looks similar to the facelifted Superb. The interior gets a new dashboard design, a freestanding 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital dials among other features.

The new Octavia will get a 190hp, 2.0 TSI turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic. However, the lower variants are likely to get the 150hp, 1.5 TSI Petrol engine from the Karoq.

Skoda Kodiaq petrol BS6:

The Kodiaq’s 150hp, 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine will be replaced by the 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that is already offered on the Volkswagen Tiguan All-space and Skoda Superb. No exterior or interior changes are expected to the updated model.

All new Generation Skoda Rapid:

The final product for the 2021 year will be the new mid-size sedan that will replace the decade-old Rapid Sedan in India.

Like the production-spec Vision IN SUV, the upcoming sedan will be based on the MQB A0 IN platform that will bring in key improvements in terms of space and technology. The new Sedan will be larger than the current Rapid and will introduce a lot of features to keep up with competition from the New Honda City. The new Rapid is expected to be priced smartly as well. The engine however, will be the same 110hp, 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol motor mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Stay tuned for further updates on the all new Skoda cars.

Jeep Compass Facelift Facelift Revlead - As we know so far!

The first images of the 2021 premium compact SUV Jeep Compass facelift have been leaked online. The leaked images of the new model are from China. The facelifted model is expected to make its world premiere later this month in that country.

Exterior:

At first glance, the headlamps get minor design tweaks, with a slightly more angular treatment. The headlamp inserts too are new and the Headlamps themselves are expected to be full-LED units on most variants.

The seven-slat grille design gets more prominent honeycomb-like inserts. The front bumper is all new with a curvy contrast-black insert placed above the front air-dam

connecting both fog lamp units. The new bumper does not feature separate LED daytime running lamps, which means they will now be integrated into the headlight units.

The new Compass Trailhawk will also come with a unique front bumper design along with an all-black grille, dual-tone hood and the trademark red hooks upfront. The refreshed Compass Trailhawk also gets new-look 18” alloy wheels.

At the rear though, the changes are minimum with the mildly re-profiled tail-lamps and the new inserts.

Interior:

The new Jeep Compass facelift is expected to recieve a much-larger 10.1-inch touchscreen U-Connect5 infotainment system with few connected car facilities as well. It is also likely that the top spec variants will receive a fully digital instrument cluster as well. While the rest of the dashboard will have no design changes, the material quality is expected to be improved significantly.

Engines:

The new Jeep Compass will continue with the current set of engine and gearbox options. The 1.4L Multi Air Petrol engine will be mated to either a 6 speed manual or a 7 speed DCT whereas the 2.0L turbo diesel will be mated to either a 6 speed manual or a 9 speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Stay tuned for further updates on the new Jeep Compass facelift.

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