Aston Martin DB9

The car that began one of the greatest comebacks in recent automotive history. The DB9 remains one of the world’s most desirable cars. Wipe the drool. Wipe it.

There's plenty of space for pilots in the front, and not so much in the rear, but who wants a mistress with children anyway? Makes for supreme fast-attack cruising, but the car feels big on back roads and you'll be forever stopping for fuel.

Some 470bhp makes for a 4.8 second 0-62mph time and 186mph if you've got enough room. The six-speed, paddle-override ZF auto is also supreme at making those shifts work for you and if that isn't enough, it sounds like it's doing 321kph when you start it up.

There's nothing like a bit of raw bamboo/teak/cherrywood to get the pulse racing and a pure crystal starter button is no bad thing when you're out to impress. Suffice to say the DB9 is a pretty special place to spend time. There have been gripes about some electrical issues, so it's not all a bed of roses, but overall the quality is where it should be: stratospheric.

The DB9 was conceived specifically as a GT and you should expect it to handle as such; there's a big V12 hanging out there at the front, so it shades to understeer when you really push. You can cure the tendency with a stab of throttle, but that's not really the point. A bit firm if we're being pedantic

If you want to look like a million dollars, then be prepared to pay for it. Low teens for mpg, huge group 20 insurance and standard (read hefty) depreciation now the sugar rush of newness has worn off the market make the DB9 an expensive car to own.

The price is $189,915 which makes 3 to 4 crores onroad.

Dodge VIPER gets a new Badge !!

Every generation of the Dodge Viper gets a new badge on the front. What's a bit weirder is they all have names too. First we had "Sneaky Pete", then there was "Fangs". And for the latest generation we have "Stryker".

Now, they all may sound like characters from Biker Mice from Mars, but they are a lot more menacing than three anthropomorphic mice motorcyclists. Stryker will take pride of place on the front of the new SRT Viper set to be unveiled this year at the New York Motor Show in April.

We don't know a lot about the new Viper apart from it's being produced by Dodge's high performance SRT arm. But according to Vince Galante, the man who must've watched a lot of snake documentaries as the designer of the logo, Stryker "has some lines that reflect the new Viper".

We're expecting to see the return of the raucous 600+bhp 8.7 litre monster V10 but with some added MultiAir technology when the covers come off. There are also rumors of an entry-level V8 Viper in the not-too distant future.

Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Review

Finally after 10 years we have an all new Bajaj Pulsar, and thanks to its great looks it has made quite an impression from the launch day.

There's clearly no doubt that this is a handsome looking bike. Especially with the yellow paint job, the bike looks like Bumble Bee (from the Transformers films... not the insect) has traded its Chevy Camero exterior for the new Pulsar 200 NS (Naked Street). The dual tonality if the colors second that opinion. Speaking of Transformers, the headlight draws a face which looks like the Bumble Bee (again, not the insect) in battle mode.


The crouched stance, broad fuel tank and the high tail light add to the sporty look of the bike. It carries quite a few signature Pulsar styling elements with a whole lot of new ones and somehow it all fits very well together. What gets us bummed is the grim fact that this bike will get a ‘saree guard’ and a number plate smacked right on top of that beautiful headlight.    

The engine is an all new 199cc motor which shares some of its mechanics with the KTM Duke 200. It makes around 23bhp of power, 18Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. While riding it feels very refined and has a linear power delivery all across the rev-range. It is especially good in the low-end and mid-range where we kept the bike at 35-40kmh on sixth gear and the still it pulled effortlessly. Though we did not push the bike too hard we did manage to get to a 134kph on the straight section of the track. Stopping all that power is done by front and rear disc brakes made by Bybre (Indian arm of Brembo brakes, makes brakes for bikes below 600cc).


Riding the 200 NS is a simple affair, and though the bike might have a sporty stance it does not expect same from the rider, it is more commuter friendly than it looks. The overall seating position is fairly upright, which should be good to manoeuvre the bike in city traffic. The seat height is also higher and coupled with the short wheelbase, it gives better agility to the bike.

It does not shy away from corners, the NS 200 not only handles way better than the older Pulsar, it is right there with the likes of the Hondas and Yamahas. The only thing that we felt that could have been better on this bike is the set of tyres. Mind you, the tyres are good for daily commute but for enthusiast riding we would suggest an upgrade.

The Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS impresses in every way. It's not only miles ahead than the bike it replaces but it also has the performance to match the best bikes in the 200cc segment on sale today in India.

Diesel Bikes by Royal Enfield or Hero???

Royal Enfield, one of the biggest motorcycle makers of India is planning to launch diesel bikes in India by 2012. This will be a new addition to the range of its Bullet bikes. Royal Enfield is having talk with another motorcycle producer in India. Unlike its older version of diesel bikes, obviously you can expect a great changeover.

Apart from this, Hero Group to start working on diesel motorcycle that is already in a certification testing at ARAI. We are expecting that the new 400 cc diesel bike will be available in India within next fiscal. But right, the 400 cc diesel is difficult, so the rumors are it’s a 750 cc bike.

The Hero group will have to go ahead alone after the year 2014 – the year when the technical collaboration will be phased out, it will be interesting to know that who will launch the first diesel bike again in India, either ROYAL ENFIELD or HERO. Let’s just wait and watch the new generation bikes asap.

Hyundai Eon – Review

Hyundai India launched the stupendously awaited small car-Hyundai EON in India on October 13th, 2011. Hyundai EON is the cheapest car from the Korean car manufacturer with its base variant priced very affordably at Rs 2.69 lakh, while the top end variant costing Rs 3.71 lakh to one’s pocket. However, Hyundai EON was launched only in petrol variant and the fuel is no longer the fuel for masses. Therefore Hyundai India is mulling to introduce an LPG variant of the car. The Hyundai EON LPG was spotted near Chennai undergoing the tests and speculations point towards a launch in mid-2012. Hyundai Motors will equip the small car EON with LPG kits with the compatibility to switch between the petrol and the LPG option. Since diesel technology is expensive, LPG is the best way to keep the price of Hyundai EON stable and low. Even maintenance of the hatchback will become easier for customers who will also get better fuel efficiency and a suitable option alongside Maruti Alto which already offers a LPG variant.

The users’ comments about Hyundai EON are mixed. Some say it has got more space than Maruti Alto, mileage, comfort and handling is good. But others say that there is a noise and vibration in the engine at higher speeds. Also be sure that you know it’s a 3-cylinder engine, a user also has given a review that even on a just 15⁰ high road, the car lost its power and he was forced to run the car on the lower gear. Even the plastic quality inside the car is low .

Finally, it’s you who has to decide.. so just take test drive and find yourself what’s in it..!!

Ford Fiesta Automatic - Review

Indians don’t generally get excited by automatic boxes. We love fuel efficiency and anything that comes in the way is considered the work of Satan. So most traditional auto-boxes end up like noise on radar for most car buyers. But Ford hopes to change all that with their Fiesta, which will sport a new six-speed automatic transmission by early next year. Now this isn’t your regular energy-sapping torque converter affair. Ford’s latest slush box isn’t really a slush box, but two manual transmissions in one.

This dry dual clutch gearbox manages its ratios via two computer controlled clutches which preselect gears based on throttle inputs. So while one clutch takes care 1st, 3rd and 5th; the second manages 2nd, 4th,6th and reverse cogs. Ford says the transmission is built for life and doesn’t need extra care unlike regular automatics. You don’t even need to change the oil. They also claim fuel efficiency is almost as good as the manual.

Out on the road, you can tell this isn’t a regular automatic. The shifts are smooth and much quicker than what you might be used to. Ford has also managed to minimise the jerkiness this sort of transmission is known for with clever electronics that monitor clutch engagement ensuring a smooth drive even in stop and go traffic. Acceleration is good, but it doesn’t feel as peppy as the Fiesta manual. There’s also a hill assist which applies brake pressure for 2.5 seconds even after you take your foot off the brake to keep the car from rolling back. Quite thoughtful.

Dynamically, the Fiesta may not be as sharp as the older car, but it still has what it takes to bring a smile on your face. Pity you can’t select gears and ape Michael Schumacher because the Fiesta will play ball when you throw it around.

Currently, the Fiesta automatic is available only with the 108bhp petrol. Ford should definitely consider the diesel because that’s what most of us seem to be buying these days. Prices are yet to be announced, and that will be key to the Fiesta’s success because it goes head to head with the likes of the Honda City automatic which has been doing quite well for itself fuel price hike notwithstanding.

Skoda Yeti 4x2 launched in India

After the success of the earlier launched Yeti 4x4, Skoda has launched a 4x2 variant with a diesel option priced at Rs. 13.2 lakh, ex-showroom Maharashtra.

Just like the earlier 4x4 edition, the new 4x4 Yeti also comes in 2 variants Active and Ambition. Top propositions such as ESP, Hill Hold Control and Vario Flex is offered with the new 4x2 model, with further improvement in the car’s segment-leading fuel efficiency of 17.72kpl.

Under the hood there is a 2.0 liter Diesel engine with maximum power of 108bhp@4200 rpm and maximum torque of 250Nm@1500-2500 rpm. It’s available in five colors – Aqua Mist, Brilliant Silver, Candy white, Cappuccino beige, Magic black and Mato brown.

The new Skoda Yeti Active 2.0 TDI CR 4x2 is available for Rs. 13,20,970 (ex-Maharashtra) and Rs. 13,46,159 (ex-Delhi). The Yeti Ambition 2.0 TDI CR 4x2 is for Rs. 14,05,379 (ex-Maharashtra) and Rs. 14,32,195 (ex-Delhi).