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

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.

Toyota is all set to launch its new compact SUV, the Urban Cruiser. This is essentially the rebadged version of the best selling Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza with Toyota specific cosmetic changes.

Exterior:

    The Urban Cruiser borrows its front grille from the Fortuner but carries forward the LED headlamps from the Vitara Brezza without any changes. The front bumper however is completely redesigned to give the Urban Cruiser a unique look. The sides and rear, however, don't have any changes except for the Toyota and Urban Cruiser branding on the tailgate. The 16” alloy wheels to are the same as on the

Interior:

    The interior of the Urban Cruiser gets even fewer changes when compared to the Brezza. The design, layout and materials are exactly the same and the only differentiation will be Brown colour seat upholstery.

Variants:

Similar to the Vitara Brezza, the Urban Cruiser will be available in three variants; Mid, High and Premium.

    Based on the Vitara Brezza, the new Urban Cruiser MID variant offers the following standard features:

• LED headlamps with DRLs

• LED tail lamps

• Auto climate control

• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel

• Push-button start with the smart key

• 2DIN audio system

• Steering mounted audio controls

• Power windows

• Electric ORVMs

• Reverse sensors

Apart from these, the HIGH variant will include the following additional features:

• 16” alloy wheels

• Auto folding ORVMs

• Roof rails

• 7” touchscreen system

• Android Auto & Apple car play

• Reverse camera

• Cruise control

• Rear wiper & defogger

Additional features on the top-spec PREMIUM variant will include:

• LED fog lamps

• 16” diamond cut alloys

• Auto headlamps & wipers

• Auto-dimming IRVM

• Front and rear armrests

Safety:

       Safety features on the Toyota Urban Cruiser BS6 include:

• ABS with EBD

• Dual airbags

• ISOFIX child seat mounts

• Pretensioner seatbelts

• Engine immobilizer

• Hill hold on AT variants

Powertrains:

       The Urban Cruiser will carry forward the same 1.5L K-series petrol engine from the Vitara Brezza producing 105bhp power & 138nm torque through either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed Torque converter automatic gearbox. The Automatic variants will also receive mild hybrid system with auto engine start/stop and regenerative braking.

Launch & price:

        The new Toyota Urban Cruiser will be priced at a slight premium over the Vitara Brezza with expected pricing from ?8.5L to ?11.5L ex-showroom. When launched the Toyota Urban Cruiser will compete against the Tata Nexon, Ford Ecosport, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300 and the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza itself. Bookings for the Urban Cruiser is currently open. Stay tuned for further details and pricing.

Ford India has officially launched the BS6 Ford Endeavour Sport at Rs35.1L as a new top of the line variant in addition to the existing range. This is a cosmetic upgrade over the existing Titanium plus 4WD variant.

This Sport Variant gets Glossy black replacing the chrome on the outside. The Front grille, Skid plates, Bumper accents, Tailgate strip, fender badges and the 18” alloy wheels are finished in glossy black. A unique Sport badging is provided on the tailgate and the lower part of the rear doors.

On the inside, this new Sport

Other than these changes, the Endeavour Sport carries forward the same specifications as on the regular Titanium plus variant. Standard features will include:

• Bi-LED headlamps with LED DRLs

• Auto folding ORVMs

• Panoramic sunroof

• Powered driver seat

• 18” Alloy wheels

• Dual-zone automatic climate control

• Auto headlamps & wipers

• Cruise control

• 8” Touchscreen system with Sync 3

• 10 speaker surround system with subwoofer

• Android Auto & Apple car play

• Ford pass connected car features

• Reverse camera

• Electric tailgate

• Power folding 3rd-row seats

• Smart key with push-button start

• Terrain management system

• Diff lock & low range

• Auto park assist

Safety:

       Standard safety features on the Endeavour Sport BS6 include:

• ABS with EBD

• All-wheel disc brakes

• Corner braking control

• 7 airbags

• Electronic stability program

• Traction control

• Hill hold control

• Hill descent control

• Tyre pressure monitor

• Rollover mitigation

• Electronic brake prefill

• Hydraulic brake assist

• Perimetric alarm system

• Front parking sensors

• Pretensioner seatbelts

• ISOFIX child seat mounts

• Ford pass tracking with Geo-fencing

Powertrain:

       The Endeavour Sport variant carries forward the very same 2.0L EcoBlue 4 cyl turbo diesel engine producing 170PS and 420NM through the new 10 Speed Automatic transmission. The Sport variant is available only as a 4WD version.

Launch & price:

        The Endeavour Sport competes against the Toyota Fortuner TRD Limited edition and is priced at Rs35.1L ex-showroom. This cosmetic upgrade version demands a Rd65,000 premium over the standard Endeavour Titanium plus 4WD Variant.