Smart drive englsh magazine may issue by Smart Drive

FROM THE PIONEERS IN AUTO JOURNALISM PRICE `25 MAY 2013 VOL1 ISSUE 9

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TEST DRIVEN

VOLKSWAGEN

CELEB'S CHOICE FILM DIRECTOR

KAMAL

PHAETON

TEST RIDE

KAWASAKI

NINJA 300

Premium Class Luxury Saloon

TEST DRIVE

REVA e2o TEST RIDE

BMW R1200 GS

SPECIAL FEATURE

Aircraft Hotels HOT COMPARISON

Maruti Dzire Vs Honda Amaze Entry Level Sedan Shootout

AUTO GUIDE

AIR CONDITIONER

KERALA SUPER STOCKIST (ALL INDIA):

HOT TRACKS, No. 17 Victoria Road, Bangalore-560047 Tel: 080-25361442 Mobile: +91 9886657766/9945131419

THIS MONTH

TEST DRIVE

CELEB'S CHOICE

YATHRA

18. PALACE ON WHEELS VW PHAETON

50. DIRECTOR KAMAL

54. ROADS LESS TRAVELLED

SPECIAL FEATURES

TECH-KNOW

CAREER

40. GROUNDED 46. MODIFIED CARS

65. SMART GADGETS

70. FISAT ANGAMALY

REGULARS

BUYERS GUIDE

COMPARISON

05. EDITORIAL 14. WORLD THIS MONTH 68. BOOK REVIEW

76. PRICE & SPECS

TEST RIDE 32. CLIFF HANGER BMW K1200 GS 36. LET'S PLAY NINJA 300R

22. AMAZING DEZIRES AMAZE & DZIRE

72. MY CHOICE 82. ROADSHOW



SPECIAL FEATURE

WORLD OF LOGOS 44

TEST DRIVEN

P28

Forget the old Reva! The new Reva E2O has come after a stunning makeover. It comes with a hatchback’s interior space.

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The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazines contents are correct. However he can accept no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions. All material published in SmartDrive is copy right and unauthorized reproduction is forbidden. Printed, published and owned by Baiju N Nair, 31/586-B2, Second Floor,Excel Dream Home, Nambikkodathu Road,Vyttila,Kochi 19, published from Smart Drive, Cross Roads Media, 31/586-B2, second ﬂoor, Excel Dream Home,Nambikkodathu Road, Vyttila, Kochi 19, and printed at STR & Sons, Kochi. This magazine contains 84 pages including both covers.

04 smart drive may 2013

smartdriveonline.in

editorial road accidents

Those who passed on

T Baiju N Nair Chief Editor

comment me baijunnair@gmail.com

he other day, a young biker drew an eight figure on the road to scrape against my car. After giving me a fleeting glance, he sped away immediately. I was in no mood to let it go. I chased him for half a kilometer and rounded him up. The kid acted as if he never knew anything. But I laid out my case like a forensic analyst. I pointed out at the paint scraped off his bike and my car. I yelled and screamed at him. He finally gave in. After he gave his guilty submission, I showered him with advice and admonition. After a while, I replayed the scene with me and the chap in my mind. I chuckled to myself, because I was reminded of my own predegree era. I was a constant nuisance on the road for everyone. I dashed around my locality in my Bajaj Chethak and Yamaha RX100. ‘If you want to see your son alive, then ask him to ride properly’, people used to come regularly to my father with similar statements. And I used to ride my bike with more alacrity in front of these people, challenging them. I thought to myself that I must be a stud with the young ladies around. I enjoyed my life with my friends on our bikes. We dashed, bolted, swerved and flew in our two

wheeled machines. Ajeesh, one of those friends, is no more now. So is Kurien. Even Mathews. All of them passed on to the heavens along with their bikes. Then there is Manoj who died being hit by a lorry while crossing the road. Then there is Cheriachen who died squeezed in his car after being hit by a bus. The grim memories were overflowing. Kunjumon, the epitome of masculinity, was killed on his bike after being hit by a bus. He was on his way to see his new born kid in the hospital. Binu had his legs cut off. He was making the usual turn from the main road to the side road on his Yezdi bike. Saju. Lost eighteen years of mental growth and memory, and lives even now like a three year old. After that fateful accident.

Oh God! Those who died are with You happy and content. I thank Thee for not making them go through such an excruciating life. Every Indian is in a mad rush. The pedestrian, the car driver, the bus driver, the biker, the bus passenger, those who cross roads. Even if one is crossing the road to sit joblessly next to a tea shop. If he doesn’t cross and get to the other side on time, probably his ‘spot’ will be occupied. Everyone has one lingering mantra inside their heads: “I’m going first, I’m going first”. Bus and tipper drivers are cannibals. Vampires, even. Even if his own father, mother, wife or child gets squished under his wheels, he will still be happy that he got to the next stop before the next bus. A friend once advised me: “we must always drive on the road thinking that all except oneself are crazy”. But I wouldn’t agree to that. Everyone, including me, is a madman. Everyone wants to wage a war on the road. We speed ahead, we overtake, we take wrong sides, we challenge each other, we become stubborn, we even kill people. Swami Vivekanand once called Kerala a madhouse. I wonder if his vision had extended to the current times. He must have imagined us crazy drivers and must have concluded thus.

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Then there is Manoj who died being hit by a lorry while crossing the road. Then there is Cheriachen who died squeezed in his car after being hit by a bus. The grim memories were overflowing. may 2013 smart drive 05

LETTERS mail/tweets/comments

YOUR SAY Like us on Facebook @ smartdrive

r Malayalee’s dearest Baiju Chettan, The Cambodia trip in the Yathra section in the last volume was really good. It is quite different from other travelogues. SmartDrive has really done it well. Best wishes Santhosh

comment me editorial@smartdriveonline.in

Best mag ever read... Kudoos smartdrive team

r I am a Harley devotee, and my love for it is undying. Other than seeing it directly, I have never been able to ride it at all. After reading the Harley Nightrod feature, I had goosebumps all over. I would really like to know these superbikes up close. I can expect more of these to come, can’t I ? Justin r It was good to read the test drive of the steam car in the April issue. Information about old generation cars are really a treasure for the new generation. Hoping to see more of such features. Emil

car without air conditioning during summer. Especially while being stuck during the terrible r I was destined to be an ardent city traffic. Only after reading the car lover. It was my childhood Beat The Heat car maintenance dream to become an automobile feature did I actually start thinkjournalist. I used to regularly read ing about the air conditioning. As the automotive magazine of far as a car owner is conanother company. Once, while on cerned, I understood how a train trip, I stumbled grave even small defects through the SmartDrive And the of the AC can be. magazine in Thrissur. I winner is... Thanking all the just flipped through the SmartDrive members. pages, and I fell head over John Alunkal heels for your magazine. The new and enchanting r The ‘World of Logos’ articles writing style, and the feawere a completely new experitures which evoke social responence and knowledge for car lovsibility are all really good. The ers. SmartDrive is really different photos are even better. from other car magazines. Steaphen Padiyath Abraham Steaphan r It is unthinkable to travel in a

Anfal Anu

r It was really exciting to read the Marauder article of the April issue. I would like to call the Marauder the father of all indestructible vehicles. It feels so good to see the giant get past all its obstacles. Here’s wishing all the best to the SmartDrive team, and may you cross all your obstacles to become invincible. Sony Joseph r This is the reference to your reveiw of the new Isuzu MU-7 and D-max. These both are good offerings from isuzu, but could do with better styling. Both have boxing design. But MU-7 might be a huge leopard. MU-7's grill project look alike a downmarket image. It might be a huge reason for their possible failure in India. Because we the young Indians love style and looks both. Simon M.T, Kovalam r The last issue features on the vintage car rally was excellent. The restoring side of the classic cars was very excellent and educational. However, after reading it and realiasing the dedication involved in bringing these classics to their original condition, was someone's hard work and it was really appreciational. Anyone from the classic auto enthusiastic will become in adrenaline mode when they saw this feature. Jebastine Das

MAY 2013

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 9

credits Chief Editor

Baiju N Nair chiefeditor@ smartdriveonline.in Chief Correspondent Naveen Bhaskar editorial@ smartdriveonline.in Sub editor Manu pramad Eldho Mathew Thomas Shehnaz Jaffar Haris Ibn Sahir editorial@ smartdriveonline.in Correspondent Jubin Jacob editorial@ smartdriveonline.in Overseas Correspondent Vijo Varghese (Bangkok) Viju Varghese (Sanfrancisco) GM – operations Laila George Chief Photographer Jamesh kottakal Photographer Lalu thirumittakode Art Director Machu Designer Bivin Xavier Sr. Manager Business Development Rakesh Babu

marketing@ smartdriveonline.in smartdrivemag@gmail.com

Officer- Marketing Rajesh K nair Santhosh K.G marketing@ smartdriveonline.in

Circulation Executive Emmanuel Antony Accounts Swarna Sunil Joisy Sony EDITORIAL & ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

SMART DRIVE Cross Roads Media

31/586. B 2, second floor Excel dream home Nambikodath road Vyttila, Kochi- 682019 Ph.048440008559746745163 www.smartdriveonline.in

A Crossroads Media Initiative Distributed worldwide by Mathrubumi ptg & Publishing company Ltd

06 smart drive may 2013

smartdriveonline.in

news updates This Month

honda neo

The delhi exshowroom price of Honda Neo is 43,150 – 47240 rupees.

regional & national

bitz Design award

India Design Mark: Gold Design Award goes to Maruti Swift DZire and Maruti Ertiga. Design, efficiency, value for moeny were the criteria considered. Last year, the same award had gone to Wagon R.

Sunny Automatic Nissan Sunny’s automatic variant to hit the market. The automatic gearbox used in Renault’s Scalia is used here too. The 1.5 petrol engine delivers 99.6 bhp. The Sunny CVD has a mileage of 17.97 litres, the company claims. The price might be 8.90 lakhs.

HONDA DREAM NEO

onda’s commuter bike Dream Neo is out, posing a threat to Splendor. The 109 cc engine delivers 8.2 bhp at 7500 rpm and 0.85 KgM torque at 5500 rpm. The bike’s engine is designed based on Honda’s ultra modern HET technology.

Mini Cooper plant in Chennai

B Vento Style The special edition of Volkswagen’s Vento has come out. The name is Vento Style. It has alloy wheels and floor mats. It also has leather seat covers, chrome trim in the front and both doors have special door seals. The petrol variant is 8.33 lakhs and diesel variant is 9.41 lakhs at exshowroom price. 08 smart drive may 2013

Honda attempts to make a mark for itself in India’s most vibrant entry level commuter bike segment. it is available in spoke, kickstart+alloy and start+alloy variants. The delhi exshowroom price of Honda Neo is 43,150 – 47240 rupees.

MW’s small car Mini Cooper will begin production in Chennai. The first plant outside Europe is the one starting operations in Chennai. The company plans to manufacture Mini Countryman in the Chennai plant. Mini Cooper D Countryman, Mini Cooper D Countryman High are being made locally. The company also says that it will continue the import of other Mini models such as Mini Cooper S and Mini Cooper Convertible. Mini Cooper is a world famous car in the hatchback segment. This small car continues

2015

to be one of the favourites in the world, even in movies. Even though it is a small car, it belongs tot he sports/luxury segment.

Mahanidra & Mahindra will turn into specialised projects of multipurpose vehicles, rumours say. The company presently makes SUVs and other vehicles. smartdriveonline.in

launch launches This Month

national & international

Autoban Benz

Minister PK Kunjalikutty inaugurates Calicut showroom of BaharatBenz. Muhammed Farzad, VRV Shivaprasad, Eric Nesselhoff and Babu Moopen seen around.

bmw

BMW X1 2013 model has come to India

Honda number one dealer award

EVM Honda MD Sabu Johnny receives 2012-2013 award for best Honda dealership from president Kiyata Muramath

 Honda Amaze

 BMW 7 series

BMW 7 series 2013 model was dislplayed at Delhi JW Marriot hotel. BMW India’s managing director Philip Von Sahr nearby.

From the release function of Honda Amaze in Kerala. Honda’s senior vice president Jnaneshwar Sen, and South Zone head Rohit Kumar.

Mahindra Adventure-INRC championship Mahindra XUV500 gets selected as the fastest vehicle in all categories, especially car SUV category, in the South India Rally of the Indian National Rally Championship.

AUDIO SERVICE (SIEMENS) 10 smart drive may 2013

Technology advanced Hearing Aids High Performing Highly Reliable Hearing Aids No More Intrusive Background Noice Feedback & Echo Wireless technology Automatic Adaption Facilities Natural Sound Balance Small and Very Deep in canal technology Speech Enhancement Spectral IQ

smartdriveonline.in

news updates This Month

regional & national

lambo tractor

In the 1960s, Lamborghini started selling sportscars with the help of Ferrari and Masserati.

LAMBORGHINI TRACTORS TO HIT INDIAN MARKETS

taly’s prominent vehicle manufacturer Lamborghini is launching its new Tractor in Indian Market. In fact, Lamborghini first started their business manufacturing tractors. The company started building tractors for the Second

bitz Escort Returns Once upon a time the Ford Escort was a symbol of luxury. But over time, it slid back into oblivion. Factors that led to its decline include price rise in servicing and spare parts and less mileage. Now the company has decided to solve these issues. The Escort is set to enter the compact saloon segment. It’s concept model was displayed at the show.

12 smart drive may 2013

World War when Mr. Ferruccio Lamborghini came up with Lamborghini Trattori brand which became one of the largest agricultural equipment manufacturers during 1950s. The Italian manufacturer is now emphasizing on its range

of tractors and considering the introduction of premium tractors in India. In the 1960s, Lamborghini started selling sportscars with the help of Ferrari and Masserati. The tractor might cost more than 10 lakhs. But if they start

Chevrolet Enjoy

he Indian car market scene is changing. Every car maker is now behind making multi purpose vehicles. Chevrolet’s MUV Enjoy is set to come to India very soon. This vehicle is the right blend os style, space and comfort. Enjoy is strong enough to compete against

2015

Maruti Ertiga, Nissan Evalia and Mahindra Xylo. The joint family culture of India has influenced their decision to make all the seven seats spacious. The main features include dual airbags, seat belt with load limiters, ABS and tubeless tires.

Aventador SV, the prototype model of the Lamborghini Aventador, is set to hit the market in 2015.

locally producing them, it can cap the price at 10 lakhs. SDF Indi a managing director Bhanu Sharma announced the entry of Lamborghini tractors into India and that they had been working on this for quite some time.

New Bullet Classic The new Bullet Classic 500 of the Royal Enfield has hit the market. It’s a perfect blend of vintage and modern styling. The new engine is a change from the old one which was based on fuel injection technology. Since a carburettor is being used, the power is a little less. This engine can deliver maximum torque at lesser rpm. The bike is available in a new colour combination called Forest Green. smartdriveonline.in

news Autoworld

LAMBORGHInI sesTO eLeMenTO

LeADs In neeD FOR sPeeD L amborghini takes on the lead role in the latest Need For Speed movie. The

movie’s main attraction will be the Sesto Elemento. The Lamby leads other cars including Mclaren P1,

Koenigsegg Agera R, Bugatti Super World Record Edition and GTA Spano. The movie is being

produced because the Need For Speed games became a huge hit with youngsters. Tobey Marshall

or 100 feet long. This bus was designed by Fraunhofer IVI and the Technical University Dresden. The Autotram has design which resembles three buses

The Eleanor cars which did the title roles in

eLeanOr FrOM the 1967 Hollywood movie Gone in Sixty gOne in siXTY Seconds have been put up for auctioning. These were the Custom Ford Mustang fastseCOnDs FOr backs which were built in the design of the aUCTiOn original Shelby Eleanor. The Eleanor was

the Ford Mustang variant which found a place for itself in history. These cars were the first products which came into existence even before the word ‘replica’ was coined for the car world. These cars are the main attraction during the 26th Original Spring Classic Auction taking place in Indianapolis. The auction contains a variety of antique objects from every field. Eleven cars were produced for the movie. Only three of these are still in working condition. he world’s longest bus has started running in Germany. 256 persons can travel in the Autotram Extra Grand. The bus is 30 metres

14 smart drive may 2013

smartdriveonline.in

Autoworld news

The older, the costlier A 115 year old motor cycle was sold in an auction for Rs 25 lakhs! British auctioning company Bonhams sold the 1898 model Phebus motor tricycle for this price. Since 2009, this motor tricycle had been in France. Mike Penney, a vehicle modifier, had been responsible for restoring and maintaining this vehicle. Phebus motor vehicles were built between 1899 and 1903 by Noe Boyer & Cie in the Parisian suburb of Suresnes. The motorcycle has a 2.75 bhp engine. Its top speed is 63 kmph. Phebus motorcycles were manufactured by a British company Clement and a French company Gladiator. The engine belongs to the French company Aster. The auctioneer has not made the buyer’s details clear.

Mads Østberg breaks snow jump record The world record for the longest snow jump has been broken. Wolrd rally championship driver Mads Østberg is the one who broke the record. Mads used the Ford Fiesta car which took part in the WRC rally to break the record. The Mads’ record stands at 197 feet or 60 meters over a snow laden way. This news first appeared on WRC’s official twitter page. Travis Pastrana made an 82 metre (269 feet) jump in 2009, but this was not on ice.

will be the main protagonist of the movie and will be played by Aaron Paul. Fresh out of prison, he joins a cross country race to get his revenge on a wealthy business associate who framed him. The former partner finds out about Tobey's intentions and places a large bounty on his head.

Fiat 500 gets a new heart

World’s longest bus attached to each other in a straight line. The vehicle runs on the same technology as a train. The bus has four axles. An electro hydraulic actuator system controls smartdriveonline.in

these. Just like any bus, this can be driven only forward and backwards. The steering of the second and third buses are controlled by a computer.

This new heart transplant bears good resemblance to that in the 1996 movie Dragon Heart. In the movie, a dragon’s heart is placed into a prince’s body to save his life. This time the Fiat 500 has received the mighty Lamborghini Mercilago V12 engine with an output of 580 bhp. A group of engineers from Italian company called Oemmedi Meccanica have created what may well be the most powerful Fiat 500 out there. This is not the first heart transplant the Fiat 500 has accepted. The Fiat has earlier accepted Porsche’s 3.2 litre engine and Ferrari’s V8 engine with open arms. The Fiat has undergone several critical changes to accommodate these engines too. One of the changes is an extremely wide body kit. The vehicle contains many handling difficulties due to the big sized engine. The sound that this monster emits gives goosebumps. The Fiat 500 has other specialities. These include the self raising spoilers, superchargers and the Lamborghini’s tires. may 2013 smart drive 15

preview Benz G 63 AMG 6x6

big lizard Text: Baiju N Nair

ave you ever felt that your off-roader could do with more than four wheels? Then, please take a nice look at the Mercedes Benz G63 AMG 6X6. This six wheeled off-roader, which Mercedes Benz designed along with the Austrian company Magna Steyr, has presented every car buff a truly hair-raising experience. The G63, in summary, has six tyres, low range gearing, 5 differential locks, tyre control system and 37 inch alloy wheels. The company likes to describe this vehicle as ‘the last word in forward thrusting power from a beaten track’. After the Benz SLS this is said to be the most expensive model. The price will be approximately 2.8 crores. The G63AMG will be primarily used for military uses. Australian armymen have already adopted this vehicle. The next delivery is set for the Swedish army. Only after the G63 fulfils its duty towards the army, will it be allowed for civilian purposes. This vehicle has a 5.5 litre V8 engine with twin chargers.

5.5

litre V8 engine

The engine, which was developed by Benz’ performance division AMG, will deliver 536 bhp. Its maximum torque is 759 Nm. This engine is powerful enough to catapult this 3775 kg vehicle. The 7 speed G-tronic engine automatic gear is suitable for on and off roading. The off-roading transfer case gives a ratio power of 0:87:1. The power is provided by the extra shaft located in the rearmost axle. The five electronic differential locks efficiently lock all the six wheels. Three switches on the dashboard control this. The G63 is a burly vehicle: 5875 mm long, 2110 mm broad, 2210 mm high and 3120 mm wheels base. The ground clearance is 460 mm and the tyres are 12.5 inches broad. This vehicle will be able to traverse any horrendous terrain. It needs just 6.2 seconds to achieve the 100 kph mark. Its top speed has been controlled at 150 kph. Benz expects to sell 20-30 G63 AMGs every year. Will this monster enter India? Let’s all kneel down and pray!

536

16 smart drive may 2013

bhp power

Mercedes Benz comes to the scene with six wheeled offroader 6X6. This monster is called G63 AMG which belongs to the G class. CAR BUFFS ALERT!

3775

kg weight

5875

mm Length

smartdriveonline.in

engine 5.5 l,V8 amg Displacement 5.5 L

spec benz g-63 Amg 6x6

max power 536 bhp max torque 560 lb feet

transmission 7 speed auto length 5875 mm

width 2110 mm height 2210 mm

kerb weight 3775 kg ground clearence

460 mm Price 2.8 cr. (est.)

benz G 63 amg

Will this monster enter India? Kneel down and pray..

 Suits deserts cruising

 Comfortable backseats

 Dashboard similar to G Wagon

460

mm ground clearance

smartdriveonline.in

100

just 6.2 seconds to achieve the 100 kph

 Differential lock switches

 Meter console may 2013 smart drive 17

Palace test drive VW phaeton

on wheels Phaeton is the most expensive Volkswagen model available in India. Only two people in Kerala own this extremely luxurious car. A test drive report.

Text: Prasobh Reji Photo: Jamesh Kottakkal

ometimes perfect engineering gets even perfect. There were times when cars were only known for transportation. Now beyond that cars are considered as a part of life and life signature. The car we drive shows our signature and that is why we become very confused when choosing a car. Volkswagen, the German giant always focused on bringing in products that suits everyone’s life. Volkswagen is a group which has 18 smart drive may 2013

a whole lot of products under different brands; of which Phaeton – a premium luxury model that everyone in India is not aware of because of its limited sales. There are only two cars in Kerala. Today Smart Drive gets a unique chance to test drive and review The Volkswagen Phaeton 3.6 V6. This exclusive luxury moving palace is brought to Kerala by Shri.Monson Mavunkal, Managing Director of COSMO Group, who is a petrol head and likes to own unique

cars. Being just two cars in Kerala, the Phaeton has an exclusive value wherever it goes. The Phaeton competes with the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Merc S – Class and the Jaguar XJ. You might be wondering why I’m keep on saying it as an exclusive car. Volkswagen doesn’t promote the Phaeton through any mode of advertisement because they wanted the customers to feel the Phaeton from its heart. No one can treat this beast as a normal car because it is a real deal and that is why the Chauffer of the

test car that we got – Mr.Aji treats it as the pupil in his eyes. The Phaeton is an expensive car to buy and even more costly one to run. The car’s execution is seamlessly faultless but the VW badge simply isn’t desirable enough to compete in the segment. Let’s see and feel in deep the real fascia of Phaeton’s character.

ENGINE

The Volkswagen Phaeton comes with a couple of engine options in the international market but the Indian market is complemented with only a single engine option. smartdriveonline.in

spec VW phaeton

Engine V6 Displacement 3597 cc

max power 280 Bhp@6250 rpm max torque 370 Nm@3500 rpm

length 5175 mm width 1903 mm

height 1450 mm gross vehicle weight

2200 kg ground clearence 128 mm

price 85 lakhs Ex-show room Delhi

 HID projector lamps

 LED tail lamps makes the scenario picture perfect. There is no much sluggishness in the initial response and gets into the right track in a fraction of second. Even though this car belongs to the premium luxury segment where it is more chauffer driven, the character of this beast changes dramatically as the sport mode is turned on. That makes the speed fanatics thrilled like nothing else. The power delivery is smooth and tactile. It clocks o-100kmph in 8.6 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 250kmph. The drive train is a full time AWD. Since it is powered by a V6 petrol engine, fuel efficiency is a cause of worry. It returns just 4 kmpl and that is why this beast is known to be costlier to maintain.



The 3.6l V6 petrol engine is a real The Phaeton is powered by gem among the petrol heads. 3597cc V6 Petrol engine that This thirsty V6 makes the drive a pumps out 280 bhp of power @ complete fun pack. It is clear 6250rpm and a whopping torque from the very beginning that this of 377nm @ 3500rpm. engine is perfectly engineered. The transmission used in It is so silent that we need Phaeton is the renowned to step on the throttle to DSG Gearbox which is a vw see whether the engine trade mark of the phaeton is running or not. Volkswagen family. the six speed You’ll barely be aware This particular automatic gear of any mechanical pro- box comes with machine uses a 6 a paddle cess under the hood at speed automatic transshifter. all; it’s that quiet. mission that is compleRefinement levels are top mented with paddle shifts. notch and it matches to any other Just as the way its rivals do premium cars in the segment. the job, this transmission also smartdriveonline.in

 Dashboard reminds of a plane cockpit may 2013 smart drive 19

test drive VW phaeton

The Phaeton has Bentley Continental GT’s platform. The stability that this aluminium chassis gives is commendable. LOOKS

Phaeton is not a piece of art work which grabs our eyes on the first sight. It follows the distinguished Volkswagen family styling. The first sight brings in memories of the earlier generation Passat and can be mistaken for a bigger Passat. The Phaeton is 5 meter in length which is really long and will be undoubtedly classified as a limousine. The front has enormous amount of chrome surrounded which is in fact considered as a big deal for the Indian customers. It comes with HID interior is very luxurious, a world of safety and comfort

projector headlamps that deliver clear visibility even in the darkest of dark world. The 14 spoke alloy wheels surrounded by big 17 inch wheels give the Phaeton more muscularity. The side profile, especially when it comes to the C pillar clearly shows in the inner headroom with its edgy roofline. The rear portion is apparently very plain in view which may not appeal to everyone. The Volkswagen logo and the Phaeton badge along with the engine variant name complete the rear styling cues. In order to add Only petrol variants available. The looks don’t kill.

flight with all the switches and levers in it. The steering wheel is smooth and progressive which complements the handling parameter. It helps in manoeuvring this limo easily through the hectic traffic conditions of urban world. The centre console has a large display that gives all the valuable information about the car. It has a Bluetooth enabled 6 CD changer music system that sounds perfect. The suspension settings of the car can be controlled via this display unit. In the cabin, there’s no arguing with the standard kit list, or the levels of comfort. The 18-way adjustable front seats are as supportive and relaxing as ever, the famous draught-free ventilation system (which can keep the cabin at 22deg C when travelling at 186mph in 50deg C heat) is extremely efficient and the execusportiness to the car, Volkswagen tive toys - which now include has given the Phaeton twin Google internet, headlights that exhaust pipes. The recent facelift ‘blank off’ sections of main beam given the Phaeton has brought in for oncoming traffic, and full iPod more styling cues like the day control, will please gadget enthutime running LED lamps. It is a siasts. It’s all beautifully finished fact that Phaeton struggles a lot in with wooden inserts and classic the segment with other competigauges like analog clock. The rear tors like the BMW 7 series, Jaguar seats are the perfect point XJ, Merc S Class and the Audi inside the Phaeton. It has A8 since these beasts are Vw enormous amount of far more stylish. Phaeton leg space and is highly One thing needs comfortable with masINTERIOR to be said. Its ensagers. The central The interior of Phaeton emies are more is a place where everystylish than the arm rest can folded down to access a chiller one wishes to spend for Phaeton. box which is an add-on a long time. It is perfect during these summer days. piece of artistic portrait that Phaeton gets other regular indulge luxury in each nook and gizmos like the electronically concorner. Apart from the new genertrolled sun roof, tilt and telescopic ation premium cars who are trysteering column, satellite phone ing to reduce the number of etc. No matter how the Phaeton switches on board, Phaeton has a performs in the sales chart, the huge some of switches cluttered interior of this moving palace can in it. Volkswagen say that there compete with any other premium are 142 switches incorporated car in the segment. inside the Phaeton. The dash board resembles the cockpit of a

 3.6 V6 petrol engine

verdict

 Boot space is huge 20 smart drive may 2013

 Rear passengers have many facilities

Although it looks like a bloated Passat, keen attention has been given to luxury and performance. Excellent drive. The Rs. 85 Lakh is well justified. smartdriveonline.in

test drive Comparison

Amazing D

Text: Jubin Jacob Photo: Jamesh Kottakkal

ts never too late for surprises. Honda has really astonished all of us by releasing a diesel engine car. We introduced Honda’s diesel car Amaze in the last volume of SmartDrive. The new car is nothing 22 smart drive may 2013

short of amazing. Amaze tries to capitalise on the lesser tax on cars below four metres in length. Lets do a comparative drive between the Suzuki Swift DZire, which came out recently shorter in length.

Looks

glance, I got reminded of my Even though the Amaze is friend’s son’s words: “A the sedan version of the nice candy car!” Yes, the honda Brio, the front grille is Amaze looks overall amaze different. The Amaze’s like a candy. It has an output rear looks exceptionAt the exact time of 98.6 bhp, but does not seem ally beautiful. The extra that we started getting boot doesn’t seem to jut very apparent tired of the DZire’s out at all. The rest of the looks, the same car is design is the same. At the first released with a significant smartdriveonline.in

Comparison test drive

Dezires

Honda comes to make history with its diesel sedan Amaze. A car comparison between the current winner Maruti suzuki dZire and Honda Amaze.

cut in the rear end. Different people have different opinions on the DZire’s which is dentical to the Swift and the modified boot. There are criticisms about apparently unclean attachment of the boot to the end. Instead of the name sedan, the name notchback suits both Amaze and DZire more. smartdriveonline.in

inTErior

The Amaze has more interior space than the Brio due to the increased wheel base. The dashboard is identical to Brio’s. The seats and the door trims are of good quality. Though there are a few differing opinions regarding Amaze’s interior, the design is quite practical and suits the

exterior design well. SmartDrive received the middle version of Amaze. The middle version did not have the top end mode alloy wheels, basic trip computer, electric foldable rearview mirrors and the ‘eco’ mode indicators. The DZire seems ahead of Amaze in terms of interior. The same layout used in the

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Looks Honda Amaze suzuki dzire

engine & Performance

Honda Amaze suzuki dzire

may 2013 smart drive 23

test drive comparison

 Amaze ‘looks’ longer than dZire

Both of them gave us a commendable performance. Both of them have a background in Japanese technology

Swift has been used in the DZire too. The instrument console and dashboard are of higher quality now. The beige and black finish gives a loevely touch. The interior space is commendable too.

 interior borrowed from swift

driVE

Amaze is the first diesel Honda car to come to India. The 1498 cc four cylinder, 16 valve unit engine has an output of 98.6 bhp at 3,600 rpm. But this power does not seem very apparent. The car revs up quite slowly. Honda claims that the fuel efficiency is 25.8 kms. If so, then lets ignore the slightly initial pulling.

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 Good leg space behind 24 smart drive may 2013

 Hawk eyed headlamp

 316 litre boot space

 sturdy ddis engine

 Who’s got better booty? smartdriveonline.in

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test drive comparison Amaze proves Honda’s driveability, DZire proves its power

Legroom, headroom in the Amaze, DZire’s bootspace has reduced

Another problem is the engine even in terms of fuel efficiency. noise which seeps into the cabin. DZire’s transmission gives Honda has conveniently forgotten clearcut shifts. The handling is about the insulation in their better than its previous models. efforts to reduce the production DZire is full of Maruti’s signature cost. The transmission is very trustworthiness. A normal car crisp and suits the engine well. cannot easily defeat this car. The handling and riding comfort underlines Final word maruti Honda’s reputation for After getting the car dzire DZire’s tuning driver’s cars. The steerinto the road track, the would give the ing is very responsive. real things became impression that clearer. The Amaze is a The braking is quite it has more efficient. The AC is effisurefire competitor for power cient too. DZire, which is considered DZire houses the same 1.3 as a trendsetter in Indian litre engine which was there in market. Both the cars stay the Swift. The DDIS engine which abreast each other in terms of fuel uses Fiat technology does not efficiency. Both of them gave us a need a special introduction. Its commendable performance. Both output is 74 bhp at 4000 rpm. The of them have a background in DZire’s tuning would give the Japanese technology. The compeimpression that it has more power tition between them is going to be then Amaze. DZire diesel is good very cutthroat indeed.

 Brio’s interior itself

 Honda’s first diesel car

 400 litre bootspace!

-Vehicle provided by: Peninsular Honda Kochi, 0484 2705547,

Indus Motors Kochi +91 9745997354

sd verdict

 Lesser leg room behind

 Amazing black eyes

Honda’s first diesel car Amaze will surely be a crowd puller. Some people complain that the 1.5 litre engine’s strength is not all that apparent. The DZire’s lesser length has pros and cons. The beauty of its booty is lesser, and the bootspace has reduced to 316 litres.

 Amaze’s ABS and EBD are standard; DZire has optional 26 smart drive may 2013

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iPad

test drive Mahindra Reva e2o

Mahindra Reva The

butter f

28 smart drive may 2013

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spec Mahindra Reva

Engine 3 Phase Induction Motor max power

19 kW @ 3750 rpm max torque 53 N-m @ (0-3400 rpm)

BATTERY 48V Lithium-ion LENGTH 3280 mm

width 1514 mm height 1560 mm

KERB weight 830 kg ground clearence

180 mm price 6.70-7.05 lakhs, (Exshow room kochi)

r fly  Exceptional beauty

Text: Baiju N Nair Photo: Jamesh Kottakkal

hen you look at buyers. Mahindra Reva, you Mahindra has released the will definitely have buffer version called Reva E2O. a laugh for yourself. It looks almost cartoonish. Its Looks smallness makes it look like a Some time ago, a leading vehicle Disney character. designer Dileep Chhabbria had modified the Reva. I You might be amused by the way it looks, but Mahindra had seen the modified in terms of practicality, vehicle, called NXR in Reva Reva is way behind the its plant in Bangalore The body is scale. The main reason when I had visited made of multilayered high is that the space in the there in 2007. The curimpact plastic. rent Reva is almost in rear seats are too less. The vehicle is just too the same look. small. The irony is the high The Reva no longer posprice. The Reva did not perform sesses that old toy car look. well even after Mahindra bought The E2O has really matured in the original company Maini due terms of appearance and has to this reason. what every other car has. But thankfully, Mahindra has The body is made of multilayspotted this weakling and has ered high impact plastic. The decided to buff up the vehicle. front houses a big netted grille. Mahindra will also bless this car The clear lens dual headlamps with awesome marketing. The look pretty. The wheel arches are company knows well that the car bigger. will finally click with the Indian The Reva looks

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forget the old Reva! The new Reva E2O has come after a stunning makeover. The exclusive testdrive... smartdriveonline.in

may 2013 smart drive 29

test drive Mahindra Reva e2o

 Ample glass area on the sides

 Charging socket in the boot

 Small bootspace exceptional from other cars from the side profiles. The doors are just two. But the rear seat passengers are provided with big windows. But these windows cannot be opened. The rear profile looks good too. The rear windows can be opened to find a very small boot space. The older Reva cannot be compared to the new one. The makeover is that mindblowing!

Inside

The lack of space in the older Reva has been solved in the new one. A switch in the front seat can be pressed for a way to appear to get to the back. There is ample leg space behind. The big windows behind eliminates the congested look of the passengers. The black themed dashboard is goodlooking. A huge touchscreen interface takes up the space in the centre. The touchscreen has the options to control media and navigation. The digital meter cluster is really handy. Information regarding the distance that can be travelled with the level of power is 30 smart drive may 2013

available. The air conditioning and power windows are quite good too.

Driving

Reva doesn’t have an engine or a clutch or a transmission system. It runs on an electric motor. The 48 volt lithium ion batteries get fully

Ample interior space, increased production quality, beautiful design

charged within five hours. A smartphone with the car. fully charged Reva can Through this facility, one mahindra can switch on the AC, run for 100 kilometers. The battery power is 19 lock/unlock the car reva The spacelesskilowatts at 3750 rpm. and check the car’s ness in the older charge levels. Its top speed is 81 kph. Reva has been The Reva has an Even though Reva solved in the option called ‘revive’ E2O is small, it has 10 on new one which can be availed in board computers. This case the battery charge is over. makes Reva as good as other Via this option, 10 more kilomecars in terms of technology. ters can be covered. The Reva E2O has the facility Vehicle provided by: Tvs Mahindra Cochin +91 9946663121 to connect the driver’s

fully charged Reva runs only 100 kms, price is a tad too high.

sd verdict

 Quality interior

The price of Reva E2O’s two variants in Kerala is 6.7 and 7.05 lakhs. Compared to the previous one, the newer Reva has progressed leaps and bounds in terms of interior space, beauty and production quality. It can be driven without any lag. The Reva can be crowned as a good city commuter. smartdriveonline.in

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test ride bmw r1200 gs

32 smart drive may 2013

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Engine 4-stroke 2cyl. Displacement 1170 cc

spec Bmw r 1200 gs

max power 110 Bhp@ 7750 rpm max torque

120 Nm @ 6000 rpm transmission 6 Speed

wheel base 1495.00 mm fuel tank 20 ltrs

TYre Front 110/80 R-19 TYre rear 150/70 R-17

Kerb weight 203 Kg price Rs 19 Lakhs

(Ex-showroom price, Delhi)

cliff

hanger The Testride of the worlds biggest selling dual sports motorcycle BMW R 1200 GS Saying a prayer in mind, I pulled the gear down. The R1200GS crossed the hump like a feather. Text, Photo: Jubin Jacob which SmartDrive had covered a few volumes ago, belongs to a similar bike segment. The R1200GS has been built to be used on roads and off roads equally.

he other day, I was watching the movie Resident Evil. Suddenly, I noticed the heroine’s bike. It was a BMW, a K Series. My mind blew away seeing the K1200 hit the hot sands of a desert and cascading through the dunes. A short while later, another bike appeared in front of me. It was BMW’s top selling bike R1200 GS. Let’s meet the world’s largest selling dual sport motorcycle. The R1200GS is a dual sport bike. The Ducati Hypermotard,

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BMW badging. The engine is very attractive. This is a flat twin boxer type engine which has cylinders jutting out on either side. BMW has been using this flat configuration on its bikes, a design which is a rarity in the world. This At first glance 1,170 cc air/oil cooled boxer The R1200GS was engine delivers 109 bhp released in 2004. The at 7,750 rpm. The BMW bike is quite different arrangement in the R 1200 GS The R1200GS from the traditional rear is quite simple. came out in looks of sports and Split seats and thick 2004 touring bikes. Recently cast alloy luggage cara friend told me that one rier behind it. The may find many irregulariR1200GS has LED tail ties in the BMW Motorad at first lamps and small flashers glance. Nevertheless, there is an making its rear completely trim. The exhaust pipe, against conincomparable excellence in its design. Its stature on the elonvention, has been provided at the gated forks gives it a majestic rider’s left. The hub behind holds only at one side. This eliminates a look. The ‘hot red lips’ on top of lot of congestion in the design. its mudguard look luscious. The twin headlamps are different in terms of diameters. The big and Testride transparent fairing protects There are very little bikes with against wind. On the fenders on such a high seating position. either side tank contains the The control switches can

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may 2013 smart drive 33

test ride bmw r1200 gs

 the back proﬁle looks hefty

 BMW’s signature headlamps

the technology is based on a spring which is linked to the two sturdy telescopic forks.

cause a little bit of confusion. I started it. The noise that came was a nice deep one, though coming from a twin cylinder. I stepped down on the first gear, and the R1200GS started off with a jerk. The torque is not provided by a final drive chain or a belt; it was a

 digital analog combination

 Final drive shaft 34 smart drive may 2013

 the r1200Gs is quite away from the traditional look

shaft! The R1200GS was surging Build and strength forward like a wild mountain made to conquer any goat, so powerful and strong. I terrain smoothly shifted from one gear to the higher. I reached the sixth gear and the bike tipped 130 kph, and lo! The road ended itself in terrible road conditions. The rear front of a speed breaker. Saying a has what is known as a para-lever prayer in mind, I pulled the gear suspension. This stabilised susdown. The R1200GS crossed pension is not the only one the hump like a feather. I responsible for the stabilBMW was totally mesmerised. ity of this bike. This susR 1200 GS BMW’s very own telepension comes with an since 2005, the lever suspension did electronic adjustment r1200Gs has a the trick. The technolfacility as an option. version called ogy is based on a spring The bike’s brakes con‘Adventure’ which is linked to the two sist of 350 mm disk in the sturdy telescopic forks. This front and 265 mm disk in enables the R1200GS to achieve the back. ABS comes as stability even at high speeds and optional. The bike which I am testing now has ABS. The bike has 150/70 R17 tyres behind, which can be used effectively on road and off road. The front wheel is 110/80 R19. The taller wheels in the front contribute to the majestic stature of the bike. Every globetrotting biker will  1.2 Ltr. ﬂat boxer unit easily fall in love with the magnificent R1200GS. Since 2005, the R1200GS has a version called ‘Adventure’. This model contains many changes which strengthens the bike to endure off road biking. In 2012, BMW released the next model named R1200GS LC. LC stands for the liquid cooled engine it has.  tele-lever suspension (In Remembrance

seating position, weight and pricing are major let-downs

Kevin Ash, one of the most revered auto journalists in the world, died this January in South Africa. He was involved in an accident while riding the BMW R1200GS LC during a media drive there. He died on the spot. I was one of his ardent fan and this test drive brought memories of his death. I dedicate this testdrive to the memories of Kevin Ash.) thanks to: nahas ommer/ faizal

sd VerdiCt

the r1200Gs gives an exceptional riding experience compared to other super bikes. this bike is fully capable and ﬂexible to suit any condition. the high seating position switches and the weight could confuse you.

smartdriveonline.in

LET's test ride Kawasaki Ninja 300

spec NINJA 300 R

ENgiNE Four-stroke, Parallel-twin disPLACEMENT

36 smart drive may 2013

296 cc MAX PoWEr 39 Bhp @ 11000 rpm

MAX TorQUE 27 Nm @ 10000 rpm TrANsMissioN

6 speed WHEEL BAsE 1405.00 mm groUNd

CLEArENCE 140.00 mm FUEL TANK 17.0 ltrs

diMENsioN LXWXH 2015x715x1110 PriCE

rs 3.56 Lacks (ex-showroom price, Kochi)

smartdriveonline.in

s PLAY Kawasaki Ninja 300 test ride

the Ninja 250r carried on for four years. Kawasaki realised that this cannot carry on for long. they decided to tweak their kid this time, and for a different segment: 300cc.

text: Manu Pramad Photo: Jamesh Kottakal

After 2003, we could not see any ong ago, there existed new products from the union. socialism amongst bikes. Years passed by, and finally There was absolutely no Kawasaki stepped into a segment segmentation between it had never ventured before. In sports, commuter and perfor2009, it released the Ninja 250R mance bikes. All of them were identical to each other. During into the entry level sports bike segment. The Ninja ruled over this era, there were no more than the segment. Even though the a few companies competing with other 250cc bikes posed each other for market challenges, the Ninja was share. If it had a modest NiNja always a step ahead in mileage and a good per300 terms of performance. formance, the bike Kawasaki The Ninja carried on buyer was happy. One released Ninja 250r in 2009 like this for four years. of the most prominent Kawasaki realised that bike manufacturers of this cannot carry on for that era was Kawasaki. The long. They decided to tweak Bajaj-Kawasaki friendship was their kid this time, and for a difour pride. The same union proferent segment: 300cc. The latest duced many wonderful bikes Ninja has been released after such as KB 100, KB 125, Calibre, stopping the production of the 4S Champion, Boxer, Wind etc. 250R. Ninja is Kawasaki’s interThere are many who are alive national model. The same Ninja even now. But then, somewhere 300 which is sold in countries like and somehow Kawasaki Europe, Australia and North regressed into oblivion. Even America has been brought to though an occasional KB 100 India as well. reminds us Kawasaki’s heydays.



smartdriveonline.in

may 2013 smart drive 37

test ride Kawasaki Ninja 300

 Ninja 300 looks lively

Look

The main complaint about Ninja’s design is that it is not at all updated. There were many who grumbled that the 250R’s design was not fit for the era. Kawasaki has redressed these complaints in its Ninja 300. It has been given a nice futuristic design. The Ninja is now well prepared to face its main competitors. Let’s start describing its front first. The ensemble of the dual headlights, V shaped front fairings the Ninja 300 has the best gear positions in the entire segment

 Pretty and small tail lamps

 Hexagonal silencer

 296 cc liquid cooled engine

 Simple instrument cluster

look that premium, it certainly does match the bike’s overall look. The side profile is the most breathtaking of all. The side fairings and the engine cowls give the bike a remarkable beauty. Especially the air intake holes in the side fairings add a special and the rear-view mirrors which flair. Even the black colour of the resembles a bull’s horns is the side fairings enhances the beauty. same as other bikes. The side fairThe meter console is very simple ings house the indicator lights. and has analog tachometer Even though the front fairand digital speedometer. ing grants the bike a The fuel tanks look Ninja 300 slightly heightened much chiselled. Ninja The engine is 300 has the same split position, if a six feet a 296 cc liquid seats of the previous tall man gets on the cooled, parallel Ninja. The exhaust bike, it makes it looks twin engine pipes are hexagonal. rather smallish. The Chrome finishings have Ninja 300 has alloy wheels been given here and there. of the latest designs. Even The tail lamps are very though the alloy wheels don’t lovely. Below that lies the rear fairing with the indicators. the seat quality gets tiresome in long rides

Engine

The engine is a 296 cc liquid cooled, parallel twin engine. It has eight valves and six speeds. Its output is 39 bhp at 11000 rpm. The torque is 27 NM at 10000 rpm. The Ninja’s advantage is the crystal clear gear ratios.

Testride

 Headlights look familiar 38 smart drive may 2013

The most attractive factor of the Ninja is its sound. The sound is mature and steady. This kind of sound indicates that the engine is well refined. Even though the performance in the beginning doesn’t seem to be great, from the third gear it brings on its full game. The bike gives good stability and control. The company says that the bike’s top speed is 170 kph. At higher gear ratios, the 300 takes higher speeds. The bike’s

true power is hidden in the high gears. The anti slip clutch also enhances the speed. The seating position is the same as the 250R. The seats could have been better. The riding position is thoroughly sporty. The position is aerodynamically appropriate for the rider. The 300 has been built using a new frame. The new frame awards more ground clearance, more wheel base and better stability. Even though the bike is huge, the handling does not suffer at all. The Ninja can be handled just like a commuter bike. The braking system is new, and its performance is great. Even at high speeds, the brakes never disappoint. Without doubt, the Ninja 300 is capable of putting a firm affront with, or probably is a step ahead of the other bikes in the 300 cc segment.

-Vehicle provided by: KTM VYTTILA +919895805657

sd verdict

The great performance at high gears is the factor which makes the Ninja so irresistible. Lower gears are a small letdown. Even the price might seem a little too high.

smartdriveonline.in

GROUN special feature Aeroplane hotels

e usually ‘ground’ the cars and cycles which have lost their utility for us. They are demoted to the position of ‘scrap’. These vehicle end up as rusted garbage in a scrap seller’s backyard. There are some grounded aircrafts which have lived the life of luxury, even when they have not been used for a long time. These are well protected in different parts of the world. In their former lives they were aircrafts. Most of them have reborn as hotels. Lets meet some of the aircraft turned hotels.

HOTEL PHOENIX Into the hotel

One bedroom

Pheonix

This was once a rusted aircraft in the San Jose airport

he name ,Hotel Phoenix, may give an impression of an ordinary Hotel, but in reality ,it is a 727 Boeing turned into a marvelous property.This Boeing was once the passenger carrier for South African Airways and Avianca Airlines of Colombia. The 1965 model aircraft later was found resting in the corner of San Jose Airport ready for the final verdict by some scrap buyer for the disassembling,decommissioning and dismantling process for scrap. But the aircraft caught the attention of a hotelier who owned ,Hotel Costa Verde in Costa Ricca ,and bought it. He managed to dismantle and transport it to the safety of the jungles in Manuel Antonio in Costa Ricca, in 5 large trucks .The dismantled aircraft was reassembled into an exclusive jumbo hotel suite ,fixed on a 50 ft platform.The aircraft was refurbished well and the interiors, fully panelled with Indonesian Teak wood. Two A/C bedrooms with attached bathrooms and a well contained living room was built inside the aircraft in an unique style and the dinning facility arranged on the wings to enjoy the nature while dining. It is only Rs 7000 for a night to stay and enjoy the lush greenery and the blue sea outside , which is certainly an exquisite treat for a holiday maker who wants to enjoy his holiday in an exclusively different taste

40 smart drive may 2013

Balcony

Welcome room smartdriveonline.in

UNDED Aeroplane hotels special feature

hotel suites

Served in Cuba, China, Vietnam and Russia till 1986

ne can sleep in all types of accommodation but not in an aeroplane in perfect comfort and style. Planning to spent an over night in luxury in a plane grounded ? When in Netherlands your dreams can come true.Close to the airport in Teuge ,you will find a board ,Hotel Suites N.L and you walk in and book a room by paying only euro 350 for a night. There can be nothing left in terms of comfort and design. From the large designer bed to the lounge area, its all in leather, black and white color scheme ,with an

Bathtub in the hotel smartdriveonline.in

Living room

outdoor terrace over looking the air field. It even has a facility to host a conference for 15 people., The interior carries a modern ambiance with retro influences and recurring elements that complement the theme –orals and circles, from whirl pool to separate shower, infra red sauna',blue ray DVD player, 3 flat t.v,s coffee machine and a microwave oven. The cockpit has been kept in tact and one can even sleep in it ,as such is the grandeur inside... llyushin 18 was an aircraft used exclusively for the German government during 1960.

Bedroom

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HOTEL SUITES

may 2013 smart drive 41

special feature Aeroplane hotels

AIRPLANE H

Jumbo hostel

JUMBO STRIP

n Sweden, at the Arlanda airport (Stockholm),the millionaire, Oscar Dios decided to decommission a double decked Boeing 747-200. Jetliner into a luxury hotel, which was grounded at Arlanda airport uncared.. Though he had actually planned for a transit hotel near to the airport, he thought why not turn an aircraft into a hotel.? and the remodelled Jumbo strip has 27 luxury

Restaurant

rooms and can accommodate 79 guests. The cockpit has been converted into super deluxe double bed room with all comforts. Now the jet turbines are being converted into double bed rooms due to the huge demand from the tourists. The converted cockpits with its panoramic view of the airport ,no seat belts, no restricted sittings or jet lags gives the guest an unique experience. This

Living room

450 seats were removed to make the aircraft a hotel

Boutique hotel is the first property made out from a 747 Jumbo flight. A/C,. Jacuzzi, Infra red sauna, Minibar, 3 flats TV, DVD player, Pantry, free Wi Fi, etc enhances the comfort for the money paid.Moreover,the transit passengers need only 6 minutes to reach the airport and breakfast is served early morning at 3 am itself.

bedroom

Plane in the forest

BRISTOL HOTEL

n Waitomo , New Zealand, you can see a 1950 Bristol fighter plane converted into a small beauty hotel. This fighter plane was used as a cargo plane carrying 25 cars and to transfer American soldiers to Vietnam during the Vietnam war time. A living room, 2 bed rooms, besides the cockpit turned bedroom contain all the comforts and the necessary amenities. The room tariff is only 195 new zealand dollar.

42 smart drive may 2013

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Aeroplane hotels special feature

E HOME

SCRAP TO SCRAP-

Inside the house

Cockpit

727 House

rooms have not been built, a new kitchen was added.

Let’s get in

f you happen to fly over Oregon jungles, and look down, you are in for a shock to find a large aircraft within the thick ,green bushes and huge trees of the dense forest. It’s not a crashed aircraft, but a aircraft converted home of a crazy engineer. Olympic Airways Boeing 727284 which commissioned it’s flight in 1967 and flew until 1999 , retired at Hillsboro airport in Oregon.Before being abandoned fully, it was bought by an electrical engineer Bruce Campwell.His

lifetime dream to own a home, had to be one that would be a long lasting piece of architecture, with bare minimum maintenance. The solidness of the building had to ensure strength and safety.And the sturdy body of Olympic Airways 727 aircraft matched his requirements of the dream envisaged ..He did not want any wood ,nails and holes on his building. It took about 4 months to tow the aircraft to reach his 10 acres of land near Laurel. The Boeing cost him $ 1 lac, and another $12,500 as transportation charges

Salvaged from airplane grave yard and recycled in to an unique airplane hotel and returning to the graveyard was the fate of the first Boeing 747 Jetliner. Juan T Tripp, was the inspiration behind the making of Boeing and moreover was the brain behind commercial planes' concept. This unlucky Boeing served PANAM AIRLINES, owned by Juan Tripp, from 1969 to 1999. It flew passengers in large numbers to Nigeria, Somalia, and to different states of USA. ,Once it was grounded ,in 2001, a Korean couple took fancy to it and bought it for $10 lacs, dismantled it into 58 pieces and shipped it to SEOUL,by spending another $10 lacs.They set it up 25 km away from Seoul into a beautiful restaurant expecting to get the returns within a short time. Unfortunately ,even after 10 years of business ,they went bankrupt and had to close down the restaurant and send it for scrap. As an old saying goes every rice grain is written with a name of the consumer on it, may be even on every retired aircraft too it's fate written as "cradle to the graveyard"or "cradle back to cradle" ............

ESTATE HOUSE

s Joan Ussery is a hairstylist,who lived in a wooden house in her own estate quite disillusioned of owning such a house with continuous repairs and maintenance that cost her a fortune and frustrated her.Her brother who was an ex Air Traffic Controller with the Greenwood airport ,suggested her to think of an airplane

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converted house which needed very minimum maintenance. That inspired her to take notice of a red bordered 747 aircraft of Continental Airlines among lots of other aircrafts which found permanent abode after retirement at Greenwood Airport. . She immediately bought it for a price of $30,000 and transported it to her estate and converted it into a magical home with

a fountain overlooking it. She converted the inside into three bedrooms with Jaccuzis, carpet floorings, latest kitchen gadgets

and a stylish living room. Even after 20 years it still stands up in mighty and glory . It was the first Boeing 727224 , which was used for EASTERN AIRLINES, AIR SPAIN AND DOMINICAN AIRWAYS from 1968 to 1993 ,until it was grounded to rest at the Green woods airport and by luck to get a second lease of life to give abode to Ms Juan.

may 2013 smart drive 43

SPECIAL FEATURE World of logos A logo or an emblem is the symbol of a company’s identity. The logo specifies the company’s name, fame and field of business. There are even logos which have no specific stories to tell or which happened by ‘accident’.

The logos of car companies are probably the most noticed in the world. Every car buff knows to distinguish the company by its logo within seconds. That is how prominent a logo is in a vehicle’s identity.

The following pages will introduce you to the stories behind the logos of some prominent vehicle manufacturers. The reason behind the company taking it as the logo and the meaning of the logo is listed out.

L F D L R W LOTUS Birth: 1954 Birthplace:England

ips s sports cars. Though Lotus won 79 championsh otus has been the manufacturer of world famou into severe ran ,it of proud be to ts emen achiev able in Grand Prix--F1 races and many other credit and Chapman ,The Chairman , founder, designer financial crisis by 1980. Mr Antony Collin Bruce any suddenly died of cardiac arrest. comp the to ations innov much in ht broug builder of Lotus, who al Motors, itself.Though many car companies like Gener The company had to find alternate ways to save be in the safe to seems Lotus , tly Presen ted.. expec as well do Toyota, Bugatti tried to salvage Lotus,it did not hands of the Malaysian car company Proton. the logo, are circle with yellow color within;The initials in The logo of LOTUS is quite an unusual one.A A,B,C,D above the letters of e jumbl and lotus a of hood the on larger than the word LOTUS. The badge which is ular lozenge is colored British Racing Green, company name Lotus forms the logo.The triang founder the of name the in s initial the are ,D Cars. A,B,C the officially designated color for British Race given within the circle ,is a sign of sunny later was ,which color yellow e Th an. Antony Collin Bruce Chapm days ahead for LOTUS.

r Scuderia ich stand fo ry, h w SF s er d with lett feel of luxu backgroun ng horse gives us a n a yellow ci o n e ra rs p o e H g Ferrari.Th Prancin go. founder of g of this lo s repthe makin Ferrari, the d and race cars. orses. Stud e d h f in o eh ll b fu es ee ri rm th o sp fa n st e, d g se u ig o in st st st ch pre ree intere d owned a on to have There are th passion for horses an have been one reas War I , mily had a d this could ring World bol of 1. Ferrari fa power and speed an r plane du m te sy gh , e fi h th gt ed g n h n es it bei on a cras resent stre ose it ,besid e emblem, goes as , th spired Ferrari to cho logo. ry o st d sed by a n orse was u 2. The seco cing horse ,which in prancing h e during world war n e ra th p f o is l o th b f was o many. ter plan the sym ntess city, in Ger enticity as ,on his figh other Cou Stuttgart, a d carries more auth t Francesco Baracca ational hero.. His m to use this ir n n d 3. The th d suggeste r pilot Cou war to become the ari in 1923 an n ace fighte logo of Ferr the young Italia the age of 19 during rrari during a car race e the world famous at Fe becam 1. He died ened to meet Enzo ries.It later happ more victo a r n I fo li l R ao o A P b R m FER m as a sy lucky char e. 47 at d ll Birth 19 ti st la to ce Italy Birthpla

44 smart drive may 2013

FORD Birth date:1903 Birth Place:USA smartdriveonline.in smartdriveonline

World of logos SPECIAL FEATURE

MITSUBISHI Birth date:1870 Birth Place:Japan

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he name Mitsubishi is the union of two words. Mitsu meaning"Three" and Bishi meaning '"Rhombus- Diamond" or even a water chestnut which is a Chinese food ingredient. The logo means ''Three diamonds''. The shape of the logo denotes reliability, success and integrity and hence is the seal of the deal to it's customers.The logo has a red and elegant font which signifies excellence,trust, safety and superior performance. Mitsubishi company was established as a Shipping company in 1870 and later 25 other companies were incorporated under it. The company which declared a commendable profit returns in 2010 and still extends it's growth into wider business spectrum such as Real Estate to Mining and much more. Yataro Iwasaki, the founder of Mitsubishi has the sign of the 3 rectangular shape of the water chestnut plant in his family legacy. He chose this for his company logo which was aesthetically designed into the three diamonds logo.

L G S

3 A

MERCEDE

S BENZ Birth date : 1886 Birth Plac e:German y

M in the middle represents Mazda with the image of wings on both sides, showing agility, speed and growth.

ercedes is the na me of the beautif ul daughter of W named after the illiam Mebeck, beautiful car, wh o along with Da Benz n Cie crea imler Motoren an ted the name M ercedes Benz wh d hearts of billions ich has swept th in the world. The original log e o of Benz was a point star too an 4 d got both the log point star. Later the company ha d os registered un Mr Gottlieb Daim der trademark rig a 3 star ler who created hts. th made on this log o such as, a circle is logo. Since then many variatio It was ns a circle and a ra around the logo, ised 3 point star the words Merce were without a circle des Benz in hue colored log .Th o embodies the company's dom e three sided metallic grey inance over sea, land and air.

h after 11 years gets concompany in Hiroshima in Japan whic n 1920,Jujiro Matsuda starts a cork name Mazda was born and the 1931 In . pany com g turin manufac verted into an exciting automobile represents the golden age lem emb bold e Th d. cially announce in 1959 only ,the Mazda logo was offi da logo depicts the calm Maz the in es iles.Blue and silver shad of style and innovations in automob Persian God's name. and ent anci pany. Mazda means God of Light ,an and composed features of the com y. , showing agility, speed and God of Wisdom in Indian mytholog with the image of wings on both sides logo, with reshaping M M in the middle represents Mazda OWL an like light of with wings,sun and a circle growth. In 1991,it was redesigned the center, denoting V for victory. to look in a distinctive V shape in

MAZDA

Birth date:1920 Birth Place: Japan

the logo over the 120 years , could be not made much make over, pany. has ch com whi the of logo ry only tena the cen robably made in 2003 to honor the was nge 100 cha the ht e slig orat a e mem tim com of Ford. The only stood steady. To l shape trade mark of the logo Blue Oval. ial tenn Cen as More than 50 years, the ova med rena s. When ed to the logo which was then by designing and printing card years , the blue color was add Wills earned his livelihood his own old on d Har use man d had he han t face righ 's Mr Ford y, he used the type design a logo for his compan r was added in 1927 line blue the and 2 Ford asked him to urgently 191 in d l of FORD which appeare e logo reflects visiting card. That was the ova ated by many car lovers. Th change as it is much appreci any out with ains rem still which ipher. out any complications to dec in advertising career, Mr simplicity and openness with h over 40 years of experience Wit ory. hist ue uniq an y his pride says that before to s Every logo carr logo 500 than e designer, who has mor to endure for decades' and logo 'A self Gernsheimer, the famous logo y in his mind a promise to him carr ld wou he , be it a century or a day logo a car, ng the designi and reflect the ancestry of tain con s logo the ers, mak for many auto before it is born....

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may 2013 smart drive 45

special feature Modified Cars Text: Eldho Mathew Photo: Jamesh Kottakkal

few days ago, Vin Diesel’s Hollywood movie Fast Five was released in theatres in Kerala. Theatres were jam packed with young people, and the

movie was a huge hit the Malayalee youth. Some people wondered, what was so special in this movie. The movie’s central theme revolves around modified cars. The audience were left with

cars belong to the members of goosebumps at the sight and the sound of these outthe group SXE Crew. It was landish cars. But one is sxe crew like watching Fast Five left to doubt, how pop- the group has 16 all over again. The ular is car modification owners of modi- entrance of the crew fied vehicles members reminded us in Kerala? The doubt had to be of the entrance of the characters in the movie. cleared. We reached Each crew member is a car Chalakkudy to see a fantabeccentric. Each of their cars ulous array of 16 such cars. These

sxe cre w

46 smart drive may 2013

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Modified Cars special feature was the epitome of modification. They fished out new generation cars and modified them into superb cars. These cars don’t run on the streets, the flow on the streets. The cars have been customised as such. Skirtings which almost touch the ground, shock arm lowerings which resemble a stalking cheetah and spoilers

which look like plane wings. This crew is made up of young men from Kottayam and Ernakulam. It was Tom Ambukkan, from Mala, who put forward the idea of forming such a team. The name SXE Crew has been used for other car lovers group in other countries as well.

Even though these individual have participated in various autoshows, they always wanted a team of their own. It was three months ago that the group was formed. They had kept team meets twice till now. The first one was in Cherai, and second time they went for an

Ernakulam-Athirappilly trip. More than a few members have more than one car. The group has 22 customised vehicles on the whole. Cars like Honda Civic, Honda City, Ford Figo, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi Sedia, Hyundai Verna, Maruti SX4 and Mahindra Thar.

Toyota Innova, one of the leading multi utility vehicles, has undergone modification. This car belongs to Arun Kumar Kavitha. It has 17 inch 10 J alloy wheels. It also has a Pete’s tuned engine. The owner spent Rs 5 lakhs on this car.

Tom Ambukkan has modified Ford’s small car Figo. He has used 16 inch 8J alloy wheels to lower the car. The engine output has been upped to 93 bhp. Expense: 1.5 lakhs Many foreign countries have modified car lovers groups. There exists a similar group in our own little Kerala. Presenting.. SXE Crew!

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Earlier this was a Honda Civic. The owner is Vimin Varghese. The vehicle has been lowered using 17 inch 10 J alloy wheels. Pete’s engine tuning has been used here too. Expense: 5 lakhs. may 2013 smart drive 47

special feature Modified Cars This Verna has fully customised body skirts. 17 inch alloy wheels. The owner Nezin has applied lowered suspension and designed lights. Expense: 2.5 lakhs.

This Swift, which uses low profile tires, belongs to Manu Pidiyan. 17 inch alloys used. The Galaxy tuned audio system is notable. Expense: 1 lakh.

A Mugen kit has been used for body widening in this Civic. 17 inch alloy, Galaxy audio. Owner’s name Sharan. Expense: 4 lakhs.

Stock Honda City finds customised body skirtings, lowered suspension, 17 inch alloys. Nihas is the owner. Expense: 3.5 lakhs.

Hyundai Verna’s modified version. Specifics include 16 inch alloy wheels and tuned audiosystem. Belongs to Shebil. Expense: 60,000

sxe crew

though there are only 16 members, there are 22 cars

Vaishakh’s Mitsubishi Sedia is replete with tweaks. 17 inch 9 J alloy wheels, automech exhausts, Sparko rally seats, imported Lancer Evo steering wheels. Expense: 1.5 lakhs

The original is a Honda Civic. Using the Mugen kit, the skirting grille and spoilers have been changed. 17 inch alloy wheels and audio system present. Owned by John Thomas. Expense: 4 lakhs 48 smart drive may 2013

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Modified Cars special feature Tibu Mathew from Changanassery owns this SX4. It has 18 inch alloys, tuned audio system and automech head exhausts. Expense: 2.5 lakhs

Rupesh Krishnan owns this magnificient Thar CRDO. It has offroading tires, Hella fog lamps, customised grille and an Alpine audio system. Expense: 1 lakh

tdknMv kvss{S¸v D]tbmKn¨v kpµcam¡nb Cu em³kÀ kRvPp sskaWnsâbmWv. IÌssakvUv t_mUn kvIÀ«vkv temthUv kkvs]³j³ IÌssakvUv FIvkvtlmÌv Fónh {]tXyIX. sNehmb XpI 1.5

lancer

customised body skirts, lowered suspension, customised exhausts

Fiat Palio. The special edition colour has been used. It contains automech exhausts and Sparko rally seats. Owner’s name is Siyad Razdan. Expense: 1.5 lakhs Vimin Varghese got his Hyundai I20. Specs include 17 inch custom painted alloys and lowered suspension. Expense: 1 lakh

Nihas owns this tiny Micra. It has 17 inch alloys, tuned audio system and bumper splitter. Expense: 1 lakh

This modified Skoda Rapid belongs to Rahul George. Includes 17 inch alloys and lowered suspension. Expense: 1 lakh smartdriveonline.in

may 2013 smart drive 49

celeb's choice Kamal

sceNe 1 : D R Director Kamal is shining bright with his new state and national awards. Another important even in Kamalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life: he bought a new bMW 3series car.

50 smart drive may 2013

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D RiVe

Kamal celeb's choice

Text: Jubin Jacob

accident. I still have the scar on my he man who reminded us hand (Kamal beams with pride). That Malayalees of the subtle was my first road accident. For quite memories of yesteryears sometime after that I couldn’t muster with his movie ‘Cellluloid’, is the courage to ride. Only after my here now with a similar story to tell. predegree did I finally learn to ride a A story about the cars that came and scooter. went from his life over the years. A Later when I got involved in the good storyteller that Kamal is, he film business in Chennai, I really felt serves up a beautiful tale for us. So the need to learn driving. Both natural is his narration that we feel as though we have been there Sathyan Anthikaad and Sreenivasan went for driving ourselves. lessons at that time. Once I Scene One: The first KAmAL saw Sreenivasan gripping ever memory I have about recently, Kamal onto the steering wheel of a vehicle is when I visit bought himself a his driving learner’s car in my ancestral home, bMW 320 D the rush of Chennai. I also where I would see a giganlearnt driving then; but I tic Plymouth car there. never acquired a license. By Even though I have no vivid memories of travelling in it, I still mid eighties, Maruti 800 began selling like hot cakes. I started hold the image of that car close to my aspiring for a car for myself. If I were heart. It belonged to my grandfato book a Maruti, I would have to ther’s younger brother. After sometime, my father bought a Lambretta wait a long time. So I dismissed the thought of buying a Maruti. I ended scooter. Once I crossed my childhood, and entered my adolescence, I up buying Edavela Babu’s elder brother’s Premier Padmini. It was a took the scooter for a ride with my relative. My adrenaline rush was paradise of modifications. Even though I brought the car back on a high, and the next thing home, I wasn’t brave enough to that happened was an



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may 2013 smart drive 51

celeb's choice Kamal

bought a Skoda Octavia. The Octavia ran 1 ¼ lakh kilometers within seven years. That is the The most scary travel experience was when I travelled with Mamlongest ever with any of my cars. The rest have run for a maximum of 50,000 kilometers. mooty. It was decades ago while we were travelling from KodaikaRecently, I bought a Mercedes 320 D. nal to Thrissur. Even though so many cars have come and gone, I still have that ole aerodust colored Maruti 800. I have a slight partiality towards it because it was my first car. were four people, I asked the driver not to drive it. (Kamal typically never complains about come. When we reached Chavakkad, Sibi In one of the next few days, I went along that the comfort is not enough or the coolMalayil replaced me on the driver’s with my assistant to Ramanilayam in Thrissur ing is too less. He says that the safety is seat. Hariharan and S.N. Swami were to see Ranjith for the discussions of the movie bmw 320 d always the most important. If a man Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal. At that sound asleep in the backseat. On of his calibre, who gifted us with Kamal sold his the road between Puthuponnani moment, love for driving a car had bloomed in more than forty movies, the new Skoda Octavia, which ran 1 and Ponnani, the car went off his my heart. In Ramanilayam’s compound, I generation might feel surprised. ¼ lakh kilomcontrol somewhere. The car decided to drive my Premier Padmini for the Even though he repeatedly says that eteres, to buy careened and somersaulted after hithe doesn’t know much about cars, he first time. Sadly, I lost control and hit a wall the BMW with it. But I never lost hope. I got into an ting somewhere. The car was comexplicitly points out at a vehicle’s prime Ambassador car which was lying there. Before pletely destroyed. All four of us miracupurpose: safety.) lously survived alive from the accident. Only, I The most scary travel experience was the movie was released, I had mastered the art had a small fracture in my hand and a steel rod when I travelled with Mammooty. It was decof driving. I got a driver’s license too. had to be surgically placed in my hand. ades ago while we were travelling from Not long after, I bought an aerodust colored Maruti 800. For a long time, this was my freBarely a week before this accident, Shaji Kodaikanal to Thrissur. Not yet an independKailas’ Lancer was involved in an accident. ant director at that point, I prayed to God to quent commute. By the mid nineties, I bought direct atleast one movie before dying. After my incident, the film industry started to a Maruti Zen. Before long, I switched to the believe that the industry artists have a bad (God’s plan indeed was to make Kamal live beautiful Mitsubishi Lancer. But one fateful night I had to bid adieu to her. zodiac compatibility with the Lancer. I always longer to give us some of the most memorable try to reduce travelling alone by night. and meaningful movies to the Malayalee audiOnce, after attending an award night in ence. The man is the epitome of simplicity, To replace the Lancer, I bought a Hyundai Kochi, I was waiting to travel to Kozhikode for Accent. For three years that followed, the one would say. His talks and demeanours are a film festival. Sibi Malayil, Hariharan and S.N. Swami came along and joined me. Since there Accent was my trusty ride. After the Accent, I as lucid as a beautiful Ghazal song.) 52 smart drive may 2013

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MALAYALAM

ENGLISH

MALAYALAM

ENGLISH

FROM THE PIONEERS IN AUTO JOURNALISM

To read the digital version, Log on to

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dealer's Profile Archana motors

 Inside the showroom

commercial

success Text: Manu Pramad Photo: Lalu Thirumittakodu

rchana Motors is one of Tata’s comJob from Kunnamkulam, Thrissur is behind mercial vehicle dealers in Thrissur. the success of this establishment. Shibu was Within a very short span of time, already the CEO of a leading passenger car Archana Motors came into the best dealership in Thrissur. In 2009, he stepped into books of Tata Motors. They possess an car sales by starting a Bajaj dealership of his achievement which probably cannot be own. This was part of his dream to start a busiclaimed by any other dealer in India. It is the ness of his own, he says. Shibu started his number of cars it has sold. Archana career in a banking institution where he archana very soon claimed a spot of his own in Motors began operations in 2011. In motors that year, it sold 85 cars. A number the director’s board. He undertook In its first year, the car selling unit of the same instiwhich is good performance for a beginner. But in the second year, the more than 2800 tution. His father in law, who was Tata commercial sales became manifold. Archana vehicles were leading in the hospitality and electriMotors sold 486 vehicles in two discal field, gave him full support. sold tricts. This is a historical event, one would Archana Motors offers a complete say. There might not be another dealer in array of Tata commercial vehicles from South India to have sold so many cars in just the truck Prima to the tiny Magic Iris. The two districts in one year. company first took in charge of dealerships Arachana Motors began in 2011. It is the based in Palakkad and Thrissur. Later, they sheer hard work of a young man name Shibu started outlets in Kodungallur and Paliyekkara 54 smart drive may 2013

 Heavy vehicle service centre in Thrissur district and Mannarkad, Pattambi and Ottapalam in Palakkad district. Shibu says that Archana Motors has won due to team work and hardwork. Archana Group has well trained personnel who know very well about the vehicle they are selling and how to sell it smartdriveonline.in

Archana motors dealer's Profile

Archana Motors becomes the most successful Tata commercial vehicles dealer in South India. Thrissur based Archana Motors have gained popularity. Within just two years, it sold more than 2800 vehicles.

ď ˝ Heavy vehicle workshop

best. Archana Group arranges the best service to its customers. This dealership has an ultramodern, hi tech service centre. The customers are completely satisfied with the sales, services and spares available at Archana Motors. smartdriveonline.in

ď ˝ Ample yard

ď ˝ Archana motors MD Shibu Job C. may 2012 smart drive 55

YATHRA North East India-7 Sisters states

motorcycle

diaries

56 smart drive may 2013

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North East India-7 Sisters states YATHRA

Text&Photos: Swaroop K / Throttlers.net

he Seven Sisters: Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya. These seven constitute what is known as North Eastern India. This area is one of the most strategically important areas for the Indian Army. It shares its borders with China and Myanmar.

The sprawling terrain is one of the most dreadful ones in India itself. It has had its fair share of insurgency and political unrest. Though the people are generally are quite peaceful, it is clear that antisocial elements are always waiting on their heels to create a ruckus somewhere. Well, ‘the more terrible it gets, the better’ we

thought. Myself and my friend Nithin Vettom decided to take our bikes and tour this formidable terrain. We have the KTM Duke and the Pulsar 220 as our commutes. We started our journey from Howrah, Kolkata. We packed our litters and began slowly and steadily. Those 16 days were indeed the most unforgettable days of our lives. Here is a detailed day-wise itinerary of our awesome trip.



To young men from Kerala, Swaroop and Nithin Vettom traverse seven states of India. The most dreadful terrains of the Northeast. A travelogue of 6000 kilometers of swashbucklin’ action!

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YATHRA North East India-7 Sisters states

Day 1 Howrah to Siliguri. We started our journey by 7am in the morning from Howrah and ended at Siliguri by 11pm. We travelled 700 kms in the first day. It was filled with some fun filled and exciting biking moments.

happening day in our ride. We started a little late that day by around 10am, very excited with our new found friends. Compared to the previous days, we had scheduled lesser kms to cover that day. We were to pass the worlds 2nd highest motorable pass, the Sela Pass day 4 that day. A bike in our Day 2 \memw Zn-\-am-Wv group had got puncSiliguri to bm-{X-bn-se G-ähpw tured and this slowed Guwahati. The kw-`-h-_-lp-eam-b the rest of us down a roads were not as Zn-hkw. bit. We reached Sela bad as we expected. pass by around 4pm. But we wouldn’t say it Suddenly, the climate was the best either. We changed and snow started to reached Guwahati by 7pm. fall. All eleven of us bikers got stuck at this point. To add to our Day 3 misery, it was steely cold and not Guwahati to Tenga. Another a single soul was there in sight. biking group awaited us at While we passing the entrance of Guwahati – Ryders@50kmph Sela pass, we saw a broken down joined us for the Arunachal Army truck and some houses. We ride. We had planned to cross asked for help and directions Assam border to enter from the Army men. They said Bomdila by that day. But the that there is a wireless station adverse weather conditions base camp situated 800 meters forced us to stop in Thenga ahead. We went to the base camp that day we had too settle that to report and from there we had day, 40kms away from to go 5kms to another camp for Bomdila. A sumptuous dinner halting. We planned to walk the was served for us. five kms in that sub zero temperature. Thankfully, a lorry appeared Day 4 in front of us and army talked to Tenga-Sela Pass. The fourth day was probably the most

 Swaroop and Nithin

the lorry men to drop us at their camp. We reached the camp at 10 am. After having food, we were told that we had to go back around 1 km for sleeping. We got on our feet and reached there by 1 am, slept well. Day 5 Our bikes were covered with last night’s snow. After cleaning our bikes, we started for Tawang.

When we reached the Jaswantgarh War memorial, we bought some thermalwear for ourselves. And we reached Tawang by 3pm. Day 6 This day was reserved for exploring the beauty of Tawang. Day 7 Tawang to PTSO Lake to Bomdila The seventh day was

 The rainiest region, Chirapunjee 58 smart drive may 2013

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North East India-7 Sisters states YATHRA in the afternoon. To eliminate the wear and tear of the journey so far, we gave our bikes for service and stayed at Jorhat for that day.

 Assam Arunachal border scheduled for travelling from Tawang to the PTSO Lake and then to Bomdila from there. We started at 7 am and reached the lake at 9 am. After spending some time there we started off to Bomdila. We reached Bomdila by 7pm, settled a hotel in the city itself for our budget. Day 8 Bomdila to Kaziranga The riders that accompanied us from Guwahati left us as we reached Kaziranga. The rest of our journey was completed by just the two of us on our bikes. We started by 9am from Bomdila and reached Kaziranga by 7pm. Day 9 The ninth day was reserved for travelling from Kaziranga to Jorhat. We started from Kaziranga by 10am and reached Jorhat by 2

Day 10 Jorhat to Kohima. We started by 7am and reached Dimapur by 10am. We went to our friends’ house and from there they joined us to Kohima. We reached Kohima by 2pm. We visited a World War II cemetery, and settled down for that day. Day 11 Kohima to Imphal. We started by seven in the morning and reached Imphal by 11 in the noon. We took rooms and unpacked our luggages. Later, we went to Loktak lake, the world’s largest fresh water lake. Day 12 Imphal to Aizwal via Silchar. Started the day’s journey by 7am. As we expected, the roads were terrible. We travelled around 80kms off the road. The railway tunnel construction at certain points made the journey very laborious. On the way, we met a few Malayalee CRPF employees and they welcomed us to their camp. They served us a wonderful breakfast with sweets. On the way to Silchar, we had to cross some bridges which were in dangerous conditions. Only one vehicle at a time could pass these bridges. The roads had hundreds of lorries parked in a queue waiting to cross. Before reaching Silchar, we were faced with heavy rain and wind and became a barrier to our journey. After we reached Silchar by 6pm we took some rest and had food. Later, we started for Aizwal. That was our 1st night ride to one destination from another. We reached there by 11pm and were searching for a hotel. We didn’t know that all the hotels will close by 9pm. A security guard from a hotel told that he can arrange accommodation for us. But the rate he said was too high. Then a taxi driver came to our help. He called his friend's hotel and arranged a room for us in our budget rate. Day 13 Aizwal to Mamit. We serviced our bikes and by afternoon after having lunch we began for Agarthala. We expected a good national

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 Ice lake in Sela Pass

 Welcome to Nagaland highway; Google Maps indicated a NH44/44A. But all we found were single lane Ghat roads. We took some hours to cover 100 kms. After covering around 120kms, we reached a place called Mamit. We took a break there and had some tea with snacks. Later, we started off to Agarthala. We enquired to the locals about the route to the Mizoram-Tripura border. They informed us that there are two routes. We took the first route but it ended in a landslid area. By night

We expected a good national highway; Google Maps indicated a NH44/44A.

 Bikers who joined us from Assam may 2013 smart drive 59

YATHRA North East India-7 Sisters states

 Buddha statue in Tawang

 Traveller’s paradise, Chirapunjee we came back to Mamit for accommodation. We got a single room for two at the Mamit Tourist Lodge They provided us good food and tea. DAy 14 Mamit to Agarthala. We started from Mamit by 8am after having breakfast. We took the 2nd route as the police suggested. The road wasn’t that bad though. We reached the border by 2pm, had lunch and started our journey to Agarthala. The Tripura Ghat roads were filled with peril. Small Army huts were visible above the hill. By 7.30pm, we reached Agarthala and settled at a hotel nearby the palace compound. DAy 15 Agarthala to Khliehriat. As always, we started off by 7am. We went to a petrol pump. The employees there gave us a warm welcome with tea and biscuits after getting to know that we were two Keralaties on a North East tour.

 Tawang war memorial 60 smart drive may 2013

We started our journey in rain and after covering a 50kms, the rain seemed to have pulled back. Before reaching Khliehriat it started again raining. We had to halt at Khliehriat for the day because of the rain and road conditions. DAy 16 Khliehriat to Shillong to Cherrapunji to Guwahati We started early in the morning at 6am and we reached Shillong by 10am. There our friend Jean Daniel was waiting for us. After having breakfast from his oﬃce canteen, we all started off to Cherrapunji. Reached there by 2pm, went to a waterfall, washed our bikes and came back because we had to reach Guwahati on that day itself. We started by seven o clock in the evening and reached Guwahati by 11pm. We took a room nearby the railway station for catching our train next day to Kerala. 16 days of long and tiring

journey now come to an end. But it was like a dream come true. our journey back to Kerala strarts in the morning. we thank our partners Motul India, Spartan Progear Co, Biking Spirit touring Equip, Autoqueen, Our Friends - Utpal Hazirika, Ethan Hustan, Anjuman Handique, Jean Daniel Jdan, Pansui, James, Pintu, Drupa, Ranjith Murali.

 Terrible road to Tawang

 On the way to Tawang

 Cold snow

 Kaziranga National park smartdriveonline.in

North East India-7 Sisters states YATHRA

 Tank used in Indo china war

 Eternal Lamp in monastery

 Channels Interviewing the riders

 Arunachal border

 Assam Arunachal border

 Elephent ride in Kaziranga

7 states of India. 7 different cultures.6000 Kilometers. Two youths from KeralaSwaroop and Nithinstarted an epic journey to visit these magnificent 7sisters. a visual travelogue

 Skull of a Rhino

 A sight from Tawang war memmorial

 On the way to Arunachal smartdriveonline.in

 A Buddhist monk

 A Buddhist monk infront of Tawang monastery may 2013 smart drive 61

career & study FISAT

Perfect Professionalism

Text: Eldho Mathew Photo: Lalu Thirumittakkodu

ost engineering colleges are run by private management institutions. But the FISAT engineering college located in Karukutty is different from them. The Federal Institute of

Science and Technology is run by a prominent trade union in Kerala. FISAT has the title of being India’s first professional college to be run by a trade union. FISAT was established in 2002 by Kerala’s own banking

62 smart drive may 2013

institution Federal Bank. The motto was to nurture a sense of responsibility towards public good. This institution is based in Mookkunur, the birthplace of Federal Bank’s founder KP Hormis. Approximately 2,500 students study here in courses including BTech, MTech, AMA and MCA. The college is situated

in a very green area in forty acres of land. The best environment that SmartDrive has seen so far exists right here in FISAT. It took just six years for FISAT to join the big league of the best engineering colleges in India. The college received a commendable victory from the first batch which passed out in 2006. Even last year, smartdriveonline.in

FISAT career & study

 students with ‘shift assist’, a manual to automatic gear facility

Precision farmingvThe precision farming proves that FISAT loves the environment. The Green FISAT-Clean FISAT plan is being pursued to encourage love for farming, soil and trees among the youth. The various empty spaces in the campus have been filled with trees and small farms by the students and teachers here. The whole ‘green effect’ has been supervised by a teacher name Gigi.

 students with their project

FIsat was established in 2002 by Kerala’s banking institution Federal Bank. the motto was to nurture a sense of responsibility towards public good. this institution is based in Mookkunur, the birthplace of Federal Bank’s founder KP Hormis.

 cNc machine cost 21 lakhs FISAT has ensured a good place for itself in several ranking lists. The college not only grants good educational excellence but also helps in terms of the student’s career. The placement and training centre conducts special training programmes for making the students better equipped. The professors are the best and the smartdriveonline.in

most experienced. Very good class-language-lab facilities are provided here. The college library is one of the most comprehensive engineering libraries. It contains 50,000 books, more than 200 journals, more than 5000 electronic journals and other digital facilities. The campus has a good wifi connectivity,

internet and medicare facilities at every inch. There are many research centres which work here to hone the research skills of the students here. Mumbai IIT has selected FISAT as one of its remote centres. The FISAT students give undivided attention to extra curricular activities apart from studies. FISAT also has plans

to build houses for homeless people and training centres for disabled children as part of its tenth anniversary. FISAT is the first college to put in to practice the MICTI’s plan to financially help students who secured high scores in entrance exams.



may 2013 smart drive 63

career & study FISAT

 The design and fabrication of hovercraft project, waiting for its patent students and to reach the latest technological developments to the students. In the beginning, this department had just 60 students. But this year, 120 students are making an entry. The department itself provides CAD design, after knowing that those students increases the students’ expewho are interested in engirience. In most other colneering design are relying fisat leges the CNC machine on other private CAD College got a is just used for training design centres. The commendable the students. But the mechanical departvictory from CNC machine used in ment students associthe first batch FISAT is worth rupees ation Metrics organise passed out in 21 lakhs and is a profesvarious project exhibi2006. sional machine. tions and tech festivals. The head of the mechanical department is Prof Jose Cherian. FISAT College of Engineering, Mookkannoor, Angamaly. In the same department, there Ph: 0484 - 2616267, 2616403, are sixteen other expert teachers. Website: www.fisat.ac.in The department takes heed in providing exposure to the

The Mechanical department’s support is needed for any engineering department’s operation. The labs are an indispensible part of the mechanical department. Mechanical department

The mechanical department is considered the cornerstone of all the other departments. The Mechanical department’s support is needed for any engineering operation. The design, development, production and management have to undergo the various levels of the mechanical department. Mechanical engineering is omnipresent in construction, automobile, robotics, aerospace, chemical and even

pharmaceutical fields. The labs are an indispensible part of the mechanical department. These labs are facilitated with modern technology which assists experiments and further study. The labs include hydraulics, heat engine and mechanical engineering labs, CAD camps, heat transfer labs and production engineering labs. Even the workshop facilities are very much valued by the students. The CNC machine in the mechanical department

 Ultra modern labs

 Student’s project on his own bike 64 smart drive may 2013

 Convectionary power for home

 College’s vegetable garden smartdriveonline.in

Smart G

tech AUTO

The Google Glass, which is said to overturn the world of mobile computing, might come by the end of this year.

Prepared by: Anoop Chandran

Google Glass

Logitech Mini Boombox

fter you start listening songs in the new Logitech mini boombox, you will realise that the stuff lies not in the size. The sound quality is tremendous coming from this tiny speaker. The Logitech boombox can play songs via Bluetooth and cable from

your phones and Apple iPods. The microphone which comes with the boombox can be used as wireless speakerphones as well. The mini boombox has two speakers of 3 Watts. The rechargeable battery can be charged using a mini USB outlet. Price: rupees 4,999.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

Sony has released an entry level photographer’s camera called the Cybershot DSC-RX100. The speciality of this model is the 28-100 mm Carl Zeiss lens. This lens can take really good wide and close up photographs. The 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, ISO of 80-6400 which allows photography in low light scenes, 1080p HD video are all contained in the camera. The 3 inch wide screen shows pictures quite well. The manual control setting present for video taking is present in this camera, which is usually missing in other professional cameras. The design is very lovely. Facilities such as GPS and wireless technology is missing. It costs rupees 34,990.

The Google Glass, which is said to overturn the world of mobile computing, might come by the end of this year. This invention has paved the way for a new generation of body attachable gadgets. The Google glass consists of a small computer, camera, GPS facility and battery inside one side of an eye glass frame. Android, Google’s mobile operating system, is used in the Google Glass. The gadget requires just seconds to take photos and videos using a voice activated command system and upload these on social networking sites. By connecting the device to a phone via Bluetooth, one can talk, text and browse the internet. Google claims that the digital voice assistant on this device enables the user to send emails and find directions through Google maps. it will be available for less than rupees 50,000.

Hiriko Fold Eletcric Car The Hiriko is a car which is able to navigate easily through small side roads of the city and park in any nook or cranny. The Massachussets Institute of Technology (MIT) in America is responsible for its design. The designers have taken into consideration the problems smartdriveonline.in

increased traffic can create. The Hiriko which can seat two people is 100 inches high. Once a switch is pressed, the car shrinks itself and becomes just 54 inches. The wheels can turn in any direction too. This enables the driver to park the car in a very small space. The car has

apower of 20 bhp and its top speed is 35 kph. The manufacturers claim that the Hiriko can travel for 120 kms for just 15 minutes of charging. The Hiriko is expected to cost 7 lakhs may 2013 smart drive 65

2013 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Formula 1

2013 FIA F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

CIRCUIT DE MONACO

This track requires attention while driving than any other tracks

Braking

Speed Kmh

150 3

1.5

Gear

Lateral G-force

0.0

Timing Sector

185 4

280 6

-0.5

35.3

1:26.7

1.5

-2.2

260 6

Sector Time

213 5

140 3

133 3

0.1

22.7

3.0

Lap Time

Sector 1

Sector 2

Sector 3

Circuit

30.7 PIT LANE

Safety Car

14 15

Light Panels

Marshals

Medical Car

28.4

Run-off Areas Gravel Traps Start

DRS DETECTION

DRS ACTIVATION

1:21.8

200 4

-1.5

140 3

-2.0

260 6

305 7

-4.0

0.0

Finish

CIRCUIT STATS

4.655 km 1991 1:21.670 TRACK LENGTH First Grand Prix

LAP RECORD K Raikkonen (2008)

MOST WINS Michael Schumacher

66 16 307.104km TOTAL LAPS

TOTAL CORNERS RACE DISTANCE

66 smart drive may 2013

SPANISH GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT DE CATALUNYA BARCELONA 12 MAY 2013

arcelona's Circuit de Catalunya becomes the sole Spanish stop on the Formula 1 calendar this season after Valencia's withdrawal owing to the country's precarious financial climate. For the first decade or so, the race was little more than a footnote on the schedules of Spain's bike-mad motor racing public. But the rise of Fernando Alonso changed all that and fans now flock to the circuit in massive numbers. The venue's mix of corners makes it an ideal proving ground for the grid's new cars and the F1 adage is that any car which is fast at Barcelona will invariably be fast everywhere else. The introduction of a DRS

zone down the long main straight has gone some way to adding the opportunity for overtaking to the mix, with the first corner remaining the most feasible scene for a pass - although the speed cars travel through turn one is said to be a hindrance. Another opportunity is at the Turn Ten hairpin following the back straight. The corner was modified in 2004, tightening the apex, whilst creating room to run the car wide on the exit. Other changes have not proved so successful, however. Tasked with making the circuit more overtaking friendly, Hermann Tilke's solution was to redesign the final two corners and create a chicane to try and keep the cars closer together

heading onto the pit straight. Alas, the tweak proved both a failure and arguably a detraction from the circuit's flow, with fans since denied the sight of the cars operating at the peak of their capacity as had taken the sweeping two corners flat out. 2012 PODIUM

1.Pastor Maldonado WilliamsRenault 1:39:09.145

2.Fernando Alonso Ferrari +3.1 secs

3. Kimi RĂ¤ikkĂśnen LotusRenault +3.8 secs

smartdriveonline.in

Formula 1 2013 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

This month’s F1 scenes. Every driver’s nightmare, the Monaco circuit. The Barcelona Circuit.

MONACO GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT DE MONACO MONTE CARLO

26 MAY 2013

with maximum downforce and brakes are worked hard. Overtaking is next to impossible so qualifying in Monaco is more critical than at any other Grand Prix. The Portier corner is key to achieving a good lap time around Monaco. It is preceded by the Loews hairpin, the slowest corner in Formula One, and followed by the tunnel, one of the few flat-out sections of the track. Some great names have ended their races in the barriers here, most notably Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. Both Graham Hill, the man nicknamed 'Mr Monaco', and Schumacher have won it five times, Alain Prost took four

he Monaco Grand Prix is the one race of the year that every driver dreams of winning. A combination of precision driving, technical excellence and sheer bravery is required to win in Monte Carlo, facets which highlight the differences between the great and the good in Formula One. The Armco barrier-lined circuit leaves no margin for error, demanding more concentration that any other Formula One track. Cars run

CIRCUIT STATS

3.340km 1950 1:14.439

victories, whilst Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart each won here three times. But the record of wins in the Principality resides with the Senna, who won in Monte Carlo six times. 2012 PODIUM

1. Mark Webber Red Bull RacingRenault 1:46:06.557

2. Nico Rosberg Mercedes +0.6 secs

3. Fernando Alonso Ferrari +0.9 secs

TRACK LENGTH

165 4

First Grand Prix

125 3

19.8

0.2

1.0

LAP RECORD M Schumacher (2004)

275 6

133 3

65 2

-2.5

3.0

275 6

2.0

250 5

1.5

0.5

13 T3

37.4

225 5

280 6

4.0

1:15.7 15

0.5

170 4

0.2

DRS ACTIVATION

105 3

110 3

-1.0

115 3

-1.0

18.5

270 6

0.0

DRS DETECTION

2.0

MOST WINS Ayrton Senna da Silva

78 19 260.520km TOTAL LAPS

TOTAL CORNERS RACE DISTANCE

smartdriveonline.in

CHINESE GP WINNERS

1.Fernando Alonso1:36:26.945 2. Kimi Räikkönen +10.1 secs 3. Lewis Hamilton +12.3 secs

BAHRAIN GP WINNERS

1. Sebastian Vettel 1:36:00.498 2. Kimi Räikkönen +9.1 secs 3. Romain Grosjean +19.5secs

2013 DRIVER STANDINGS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Sebastian Vettel Kimi Räikkönen Lewis Hamilton Fernando Alonso Mark Webber Felipe Massa Romain Grosjean Paul di Resta Nico Rosberg Jenson Button Sergio Perez Adrian Sutil Daniel Ricciardo Nico Hulkenberg Jean-Eric Vergne Valtteri Bottas Pastor Maldonado Esteban Gutierrez Jules Bianchi Charles Pic Giedo van der Garde Max Chilton

2013 TEAM STANDINGS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Red Bull Racing-Renault Lotus-Renault Ferrari Mercedes Force India-Mercedes McLaren-Mercedes STR-Ferrari Sauber-Ferrari Williams-Renault Marussia-Cosworth Caterham-Renault

77 67 50 47 32 30 26 20 14 13 10 6 6 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

109 93 77 64 26 23 7 5 0 0 0

may 2013 smart drive 67

The Edge of Greatness book review The Ford Micheal Schumacher

view of Schuey's personal and career lives, to make the manuscript a fascinating,and exhilarating one for the FI fans. The author clearly substantiates on the truth about how Schuey changed the" ONLY THE RICH MAN'S SPORTS" of FI, to WROOM to the common man's heart, to passionately fall in love with. Schuey never gave himself to others to dissect him,hence the interviewers always drew a picture of controversy,contrary to his simplicity, like his charming honor for Schuey . smile.He never bothered to But''The Edge of contradict on the revealing Greatness'' took me for a comments from his former shock. The high speed of team mates Eddie Irvine and thought of Allan has given an Reubens.It is quite obvious objective,unbiased write up on that in such tough competithis super sports star. His simtions to win,soft strategy may ple language explains to the not be possible,hence ruthless reader the triangular formula manipulations may slip in to of the dynamics between reach the victory stand.One Schuey, circuits and his cars. cannot blame Schuey alone Allan's honest presentation for this. straight from his heart cerThough the book is categotainly created an electrifying rized under Biography, Allan impression in my mind on has also given much informaSchuey,as he is called dearly tion on other famous star FI by his fans and foes. racers like Jim Clark,Ayrton The book is a story about a Senna etc This thought prosagacious man with a rare voking book filled with the blend of driving explored and unexplored side gallantry,ruthlessness and of the charismatic icon of FI incomparable inner circuit could be considered as strength,truthfully portrayed. a serious contribution i n the Allan's first hand information field of GRAND PRIX from Schuey's former FORMULA 1 CIRCUIT team mates Ruebens Schumacher and a delight to the Barichella and Which FI or collection of the Eddie Inrine is bruany sports car reader's library. tally honest. race lover can Comments from resist a book on Allan has to be Michael Schu- applauded for his Mark Webber in this macher? whole hearted enthubook is rather rash siasm in explaining the and ostentatious.A colagony and ecstasy of lection of remarks and memSchuey in this macabre race oirs on this FI fanatic has been sports. penned down in the pages The cover back is designed with the right conviction by to catch the attention of any FI the author.The manipulations, Fan for sure.The presentation using his position to his and language is catchy and advantage in many issues ,disthe photos mind boggling. putes with his rivals,Ayrton Allan has invested enough for Senna and Alonso,the changthe reader to read and see, ing of loyalties from Ferrari to with due obeisance, Mercedes ,the planned exploiaffection,awe and excitement. tations on the circuits during races etc certainly makes the book interesting till the last page like a thriller novel..Allan Words: has sincerely, given a balanced Laila George

The Edge of Greatness F 1 has been described as a "saga of agony and ectasy".To understand this emotional rollercoaster, one has to know about the personal experience from the greatest driver the sports has ever seen, ,Michael Schumacher, the unbeaten champion of many unbroken world records and the only racer to have an entire season of podium finishes,the book The Edge of Greatness by James Allan, is a perfect testimony. I find not much Indians have seriously understood what F1 race is all about. Maybe the common man thinks it is the rich man's sports.So before opening the first page of the book on World's greatest name in F1 Race, Michael Schumacher,,let me explain about F1 for the beginners.The name FORMULA 1 comes from the formula or rules that should satisfy with regards to power,weight and size of the car used for the race. No.1 is the designation for the world's highest form of a sport held only during week ends.F1 is also called GRAND PRIX and drivers need to have the most highly conditioned athletic bodies specifically adapted to jet fighters.Unlike any other sports,this is a spinechilling,exciting race from the starting point itself. Every lap, every corner of the circuit sends chills to the spine of the viewer. Which FI or any sports car race lover can resist a book on Michael Schumacher who is

The Edge of Greatness James Allen Headline Book Publishing. Price: $ 14.95

statistically the greatest driver, the sports has ever seen? He is the fastest of the faster racing drivers in the world.Yet he said ''Every year we find something new,we go more faster and that's what FI is about.'' What an anomaly Schuey sometimes is! The author James Allan is a well known BritishT.V ,Radio commentator for FI races. This die hard fan of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari, would always support and protect Schumacher in his commentaries and interviews. Allan was always criticized by the GRAND PRIX lovers for his unjustified favouritism for this race king. The first book he compiled on Schumacher , '' Driven to Extremes'' was solely a book of praise and

The author James Allan is a fan of Schumacher and Ferrari, would always support and protect Schumacher in his commentaries and interviews smartdriveonline.in

may 2013 smart drive 68

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ME & MY CAR Maruti Ertiga

MARUTI SUZUKI ERTIGA

MY CHOICE SHERIN ALUNKAL STEELBIRD HELMET DEALER

y last car was Maruti Esteem. I wanted to buy a Renault Duster and made a booking. But since it was a five seater, I avoided it. I chose a Maruti Ertiga instead.

My first car was Maruti 800 Deluxe

I had used the office Ambassador for years. The first car I ever owned was the Maruti 800 Deluxe. I used the car for five years.

Why this car?

Mainly because it is a seven seater car. Ample space, and a big family can travel comfortably..-

MY DREAM CAR

I like SUVs more

To prospective buyers:

The Ertiga is a spacious family car.

Dream car

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any dream cars as such. But I like SUVs more. That is why I booked the Duster first.

72 smart drive may 2013

smartdriveonline.in

car care Air Conditioning (part II)

beat the

heat!

If you are ready to give the AC careful and regular treatment, it will perform better and even last longer. One thing to remember: wear and tear on the AC creates a hole in your wallet. So it is better to start loving your AC now. (Continuation from the last issue) Text: Baiju N Nair

aring for the mechanical parts of the AC can increase the cooling and lifespan of the AC. Additionally, attention to certain things can increase its performance even further. Some tips: If the car has been parked under harsh sun, the window glasses have to be lowered after

you get into the car. Then, switch on the AC and select the ‘fresh air’ mode. This mode absorbs the fresh air from outside and directs it inwards. After driving the car four half a kilometer, lift the window glasses and switch the AC to its normal mode (recirculation mode). Doing this effectively releases all the hot air from inside

74 smart drive may 2013

the car to the outside. this increases the efficiency of the AC as well. While parking the car in sun, cover the dashboard and the steering wheel with a thick material. This stops the temperature inside from increasing. Also, this allows maintaining the plastic used on the dashboard and steering wheel. Tinted glasses always increase the efficiency of the AC. Alternatively, tinted films can be

glued on too. It would need 70 percent transparency. This law is applicable for the films stuck onto the car glass. This itself is enough to do the job. Roadside vendors crowd around cars to sell netted shades during traffic stops. Buying this and sticking them on the rear window glasses can prevent the sun’s direct rays from affecting the passengers. During extreme heat, it would be good to pour water in the smartdriveonline.in

Air Conditioning (part II) car care

AC Curbs Mileage The most important thing to remember: switching on the AC reduces the mileage of the car. Also, while the AC is on, the pickup of the car also reduces, especially during city commuting. And if you conduct the aforementioned experiments on the AC, the mileage is bound to dip down even more.

Well, with every good thing there is a bad flipside!

does. These are two modes which are usually available in AC systems. The recirculation mode cools the air within the car again and again. Conversely, the fresh air mode takes in new air from outside. The AC will require more energy in cooling this new air. Also, the dust and smoke from

the atmosphere enters the car. The AC works according to the speed of the engine. So when you crawl through traffic blocks and the city crowds, always use low gears. Since the engine rpm increases at lower gears, the AC will also increase accordingly. This delivers more efficiency.

car a/c

refrigerant of new a/cs need refilling every four years

radiator and condenser of the car. This increases the cooling even on high speed. If there is a passenger only next to the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat, then adjust the blower vents to channels the cooling to their feet as

well. There is no need to lose valuable cooling to the rear where there are no people. Having the AC function in the recirculation mode is much better. Absorbing the air from outside is what the fresh air mode

While Fitting the AC

itting an AC in a car which does not have previously company fitted AC requires a lot of care. Be careful to note that the compressor size, condenser and evaporator etc match the engine capacity of your car. If you fit a big compressor into a car

smartdriveonline.in

with a small engine capacity, you and your car is about to be burnt out. Nowadays, many car companies have started selling compatible AC for their models through their dealerships. This would be a good way to get yours too.

AC mechanics have also discovered many successful ways to increase the efficiency of the AC. For example, two condensers are fitted to increase the ACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efficiency in a Maruti Omni. There also instances where the condenser has been fitted onto the rear of the car and giving it electric fans in small cars like the Maruti 800. This prevents the blockage of the air circulation of the radiator while the AC functions.

may 2013 smart drive 75

2773 2773 1968 2967

V6 V6 4 V6

204 204 177 245

28.5 28.5 38.7 51

82.93 NA

2967 2995

V6 V6

445 296

51 45

127.49 94.69 122.46

4163 2967 4134

V8 V6 V8

372 246 350

45.3 56.1 81.6

34.75

1968

174

38.74

45.01 45.43 50.86

1968 1968 2967

4 4 V6

211 170 240

35.7 35.7 51

NA 56.28 89.60

2995 2967 4134

V6 V6T V8

333 240 340

44.9 56 77.5

30.50 34.59 81.01 102.03

1995 1995 2993 3999

4 4 6 V8

174 174 243 414

35.7 35.7 55.1 55.1

42.95 46.42 42.95 55.60

1997 2993 1995 2993

4 6 4 6

184 202 184 243

27.5 45.9 38.7 55.1

109.07 97.75 120.91

4395 2993 4395

V8 6 V8

407 313 407

612 64.2 61.2

97.79 94.96 106.69 141.47

2993 2979 4395 5972

6 6 8 V12

245 321 407 543

55.8 45.9 61.9 76.5

26.01 28.05 33.56

1995 1995 1995

4 4 4

150 177 177

20.4 35.7 35.7

46.63 53.36

1995 2993

4 6

184 258

38.7 57.1

NA 79.79

4395 2993

V8 6T

407 235

61.2 53

Torque (kgm)

43.24 50.43 36.60 51.95

Bhp/Power

32.6 32.6 32.0 51

No: of Cylinders

168 168 140.8 241.3

X6 x Drive 40 d x Drive 30d X6M CHeVroleT AVeo 1.4 LS (P) 1.4 LT (P) beAT 1.2 PS (P) 1.2 LT (P) 1.2 LT (Lpg) 1.0 (D) 1.0 LT (D) CAPTiVA 2.0 LT (Mlt) (D) 2.0 Extreme (D) 2.0 LTZ (A/T) (D) Cruze LT LTZ M/T LTZ A/T oPTrA MAgnuM 1.6 LS (P) 2.0 TCDI LT (D) SAil u-VA 1.2 (P) 1.2 LS (P) 1.3 TCDi (D) 1.3 TCDi LT ABS (D) SPArk 1.0 LS (P) 1.0 LT 1.0 LS (Lpg) 1.0 LT (lpg) TAVerA Neo 3 (10 seat) Neo 3 ( 7 seat)(C) Neo LS (10 Seat) Neo LS (7 Seat) Neo LT (8 Seat) Neo LT (7 Seat) (C) fiAT grAnde PunTo 1.2 Active (P) 1.2 Dynamic (P) 1.4 Emotion (P) 1.3 Multijet Active (D) 1.3 Multijet Emotion (D) 1.3 Multijet 90 HP (D) lineA Active Fire (P) T Jet Plus (P) Active Multijet (D) Emotion Multijet (D) forCe MoTorS forCe one

98.66 NA NA

2993 2993 4395

6 6T V8

306 235 547

60.0 53 69.3

NA NA

1399 1399

4 4

94 94

12.95 12.95

3.94 4.70 5.05 4.79 6.07

1199 1199 1199 936 936

4 4 4 3 3

79 79 79 58.5 58.5

10.91 10.91 10.91 15.2 15.2

NA NA 25.14

1991 1991 1991

4 4 4

148 148 148

32.6 32.6 32.6

14.09 15.30 16.22

1991 1991 1991

4 4 4

145 145 145

33 33 33

7.61 9.71

1598 1991

4 4T

104 120

15.09 32.10

4.26 4.82 5.38 6.80

1196 1196 1248 1248

4 4 4 4

86 86 78 78

11.3 11.3 20.5 20.5

3.64 3.94 3.92 4.21

995 995 995 995

4 4 4 4

63 63 63 63

9.2 9.2 9.2 9.2

7.35 9.18 8.98 9.11 10.72 10.98

1994 1994 1994 1994 1994 1994

4 4 4 4 4 4

105.3 105.3 105.3 105.3 105.3 105.3

26.8 26.8 26.8 26.8 26.8 26.8

5.18 5.42 6.99 5.89 7.18 7.56

1172 1172 1368 1248 1248 1248

4 4 4 4 4 4

67 67 89 75 75 90

9.76 9.76 11.67 20.07 20.07 21.3

7.29 NA 8.34 9.76

1368 1368 1248 1248

4 4 4 4

88 88 92 92

11.7 11.7 21.31 21.31

Engine

4 4 4 4

Price (Lakhs)

Torque (kgm)

1768 1768 1984 2967

Model

Bhp/Power

29.21 31.31 31.37 51.90

Engine

No: of Cylinders

Audi A4 1.8 TFSI (P) 1.8 TFSI (P) 2.0 TDI (D) 3.0 TDI (D) A6 2.8 TFSI (P) 2.8 TFSI (P) 2.0 TDI (D) 3.0 TDI (D) A7 3.0 TDI 3.0 TFSI A8 4.2 FSI 3.0 TDI 4.2 TDI Q3 2.0 TDI Q5 2.0 TFSI (P) 2.0 TDI 3.0 TDI Q7 3.0 TFSI 3.0 TDI 4.2 TDI bMw 3 SerieS 320 D Base 320 D Luxury New 330 D M3 (Conva.) 5 SerieS 520 i 525 d 520 d 530 d 6 SerieS 650 i Coupe. 640 d Coupe. 650 i Conver. 7 SerieS 730 Ld (D) 740 Li (P) 750 Li 760 Li X1 s Drive 1.8 i s Drive 20 d s Drive 20 d(Exc) X3 x Drive 20 d x Drive 30 d X5 x Drive 50 i X Drive 30 d

Price (Lakhs)

Model

A-Z CAR SPECS

HondA AMAze

rs.5.24 7.85 Lakhs

ex-showroom delhi

kAwASAki ninJA 300 r

rS.3.56 Lakhs

ex-showroom kochi

Ride the wind Bike accessories & gear Rajaji Road, Near Sunny Diamonds, Kochi, Ph: 0484 401 5786 / Mob: +91 99957 54786 76 smart drive may 2013

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2499 2953 2953

4T 4T 4T

143 153 153

33.7 38.7 38.7

7.64 9.34 9.49 10.23 9.49 10.53

1499 1499 1499 1499 1498 1498

4 4 4 4 4 4

107 107 107 107 88.7 88.7

14.28 14.28 14.28 14.28 20.8 20.8

5.86 6.56 7.07 7.54

1596 1596 1399 1399

4 4 4 4

99.6 99.6 67 67

14.8 14.8 16.3 16.3

3.98 5.22 4.98 6.22

1196 1196 1399 1399

4 4 4 4

70 70 68 68

10.4 10.4 16.3 16.3

20.60 21.40 27.74

2354 2354 3471

4 4 V6

177 177 271

22.2 22.2 34.5

4.17 4.66 5.16 5.44

1198 1198 1198 1198

4 4 4 4

88 88 88 88

11.1 11.1 11.1 11.1

7.33 9.10 9.85 9.95 10.69

1497 1497 1497 1497 1497

4 4 4 4 4

114 114 114 114 114

14.9 14.9 14.9 14.9 14.9

12.87 13.92 14.71

1799 1799 1799

4 4 4

130 130 130

17.5 17.5 17.5

23.15 24.65 25.42

1997 2354 2354

4 4 4

143 167 167

19.3 22.2 22.2

6.15 6.40 6.72

1198 1198 1198

4 4 4

89 89 89

11.2 11.2 11.2

5.26 5.64

1495 1495

4 4

95 95

12.7 12.7

Torque (kgm)

20.11 21.60 23.40

Dlite ERA + Magna + Sportz Dlite (lpg) Magna (lpg) elAnTrA VTVT S VTVT Sx CRDi CRDi SX i 10 1.1 Dlite 1.1 Magna 1.2 Magna 1.2 Sportz 1.2 Sportz A/T 1.2 Asta M/T 1.2 Asta A/T 1.1 Era (lpg) 1.1 Magna (lpg) i 20 1.2 Era 1.2 Sportz 1.2 Asta 1.4 Sportz A/T 1.4 Era CRDi (D) 1.4 Sportz CRDi (D) 1.4 Asta CRDi (D) SAnTA fe 4x2 M/T 4X4 M/T 4X4 A/T SAnTro GL non A/C Gl Plus GLS GLS (LPG) SonATA 2.4 GD i M/T 2.4 GD I A/T VernA 1.4 VT VT 1.6 VT VT 1.6 SX A/T 1.4 CRDi 1.6 SX CRDi 1.6 CRDi A/T JAguAr XF 3.0 (D) XF 5.0 portfolio lAndroVer diSCoVery 4 3.0 V6 SE 3.0 V6 HSE rAnge roVer eVoQue 2.2 Pure (5 door)

Bhp/Power

32.7 32.7

No: of Cylinders

139 139

Engine

4 4

Price (Lakhs)

2149 2149

Model

Torque (kgm)

11.99 11.91

Engine

Bhp/Power

Engine: 296 cc, 4stroke Max.Power:39bhp @ 11000rpm TORQUE: 27Nm @ 10000rpm Smartdrive rating

No: of Cylinders

Engine: 1198 CC (p), 1498cc (d) Max.Power:86/98 bhp TORQUE: 109Nm / 200Nm Smartdrive rating

Force One (6 Seat) Force One (7 Seat) ford endeAVour 2.5 L 4x2 (D) 3.0 L 4x2 (D) 3.0 L 4x4 (D) fieSTA 1.5 Ambiete (M/T –P) 1.5 Titanium (M/T-P) 1.5 Style (A/T –P) 1.5 Titanium (A/T-P) 1.5 Style (M/T-D) 1.5 Titanium (M/T-D) fieSTA ClASSiC 1.6 Lxi Classic Solid (P) 1.6 Cxi Classic Metallic (P) 1.4 Lxi Classic Solid (D) 1.4 Cixi Classic Metallic (D) figo 1.2 Lxi (P) 1.2 Titanium (P) 1.4 LXI (D) 1.4 Titanium (D) HondA ACCord 2.4 MT (P) 2.4 AT (P) 3.5 V6 std. brio E M/T S M/T S (O) M/T V M/T CiTy Corporate M/T-P V M/T V A/T V M/T Sunroof V A/T Sunroof CiViC 1.8 S M/T 1.8 V M/T 1.8 V A/T Cr-V 2.0 2 WD (M/T) 2.4 AWD (M/T) 2.4 AWD ( A/T) JAzz Jazz Jazz Select Jazz X HyundAi ACCenT Executive Exe LPG eon

a-z car specs

Vehicle market is down

Price (Lakhs)

Model

in March 2012, the car sales record was broken in the indian market. but in March 2013, sales has reduced by 13%.

2.89 3.33 3.64 3.93 3.46 3.91

814 814 814 814 814 814

3 3 3 3 3 3

55 55 55 55 55 55

7.6 7.6 7.6 7.6 7.6 7.6

12.92 14.17 13.33 15.13

1797 1797 1582 1582

4 4 4 4

148 148 127 127

18 18 26.5 26.5

3.84 4.33 4.52 4.83 5.41 5.59 6.34 4.47 4.66

1086 1086 1197 1197 1197 1197 1197 1086 1086

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

68 68 79 79 79 79 79 68 68

10.1 10.1 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4 10.1 10.1

4.92 6.05 6.51 8.01 6.17 7.29 7.76

1197 1197 1197 1396 1396 1396 1396

4 4 4 4 4 4 4

83 83 83 98.6 88.7 88.7 88.7

11.6 11.6 11.6 13.9 21.4 21.4 21.4

23.86 26.04 27.02

2199 2199 2199

4 4 4

194 194 194

42.9 42.9 42.9

3.05 3.74 3.97 4.17

1086 1086 1086 1086

4 4 4 4

63 63 63 63

9.8 9.8 9.8 9.8

19.11 21.23

2359 2359

4 4

198 198

25.5 25.5

7.35 8.29 10.26 8.60 10.08 11.59

1396 1591 1591 1396 1582 1582

4 4 4 4 4 4

105.5 121.3 121.3 88.7 126.2 126.2

13.8 15.8 15.8 22.4 26.5 26.5

58.43 81.08

2993 5000

V6 V8

271 385

61.2 51.5

NA NA

2993 2993

V6 V6

245 245

61.2 61.2

2179

187

42.8

Biking gear For you and your ride Rajaji Road, Near Sunny Diamonds, Kochi, Ph: 0484 401 5786 / Mob: +91 99957 54786 smartdriveonline.in

may 2013 smart drive 77

2.2 Dynamic freelAnder 2 TD 4 SE SD 4 HE rAnge roVer 4.4 V8 SE 5.0 V8 Super Charged rAnge roVer SPorT 3.0 V8 HSE 5.0 V8 Super Charged MAHindrA bolero SLE SLX ZLX SCorPio LX SLE VLX M/T VLX A/T THAr 4X4 CRDe 4x4 Di VeriTo G2 (P) G4 (P) D2 (D) D6 (D) XuV 500 W6 4x2 W8 4X2 W8 4x4 Xylo D2 D4 E8 E9 reVA Std. E2O T0 Classe QuAnTo C2 C8 MAruTi AlTo Std. Lxi K 10 Vxi K10 AlTo 800 Std. LXi A-STAr LXi ZXi eeCo Std. (5 Seat)

2179

187

42.8

NA NA

2179 2179

4 4

148 187

42.8 42.8

NA NA

4367 4999

V8 V8

309 503

71.4 63.7

NA NA

2993 4999

V6 V8

245 510

61.2 63.7

6.63 7.15 7.31

2523 2523 2523

4 4 4

63 63 63

19.8 19.8 19.8

8.60 9.92 10.89 11.67

2179 2179 2179 2179

4 4 4 4

120 120 120 120

28.5 28.5 28.5 28.5

7.26 5.27

2498 2523

4 4

103.5 63

25.19 18.25

5.33 5.61 6.19 7.20

1390 1390 1461 1461

4 4 4 4

75 75 65 65

11.2 11.2 16.3 16.3

12.34 13.95 15.06

2179 2179 2179

4 4 4

140 140 140

33 33 33

7.50 7.92 9.53 10.87

2489 2489 2489 2179

4 4 4 4

95 112 112 120

22 26 26 28

4.03 6.70 7.50

Ac Elec. Ac Elec. Ac Elec.

13 kw 19 kw 19 kw

5.3 5.4 5.4

6.32 7.89

1493 1493

3 3

100 100

24 24

2.53 3.40 3.53

796 998 998

3 3 3

47 67 67

6.7 9.18 9.18

2.94 3.33

796 796

3 3

48 48

6.9 6.9

4.03 4.62

998 998

3 3

67 66

9.18 9.0

3.36

1196

10.3

A/C (5 Seat) Std. (7 seat) erTigA LXi (P) ZXi (P) LDi (D) ZDi (D) grAnd ViTArA Manual (P) Automatic (P) kizASHi Manual (P) Automatic (P) oMni MPi (8 Seat) LPG (5 Seat) riTz LXi ZXi LDi VDi SwifT LXi ZXi LDi ZDi SwifT dzire LXi ZXi VXi A/T LDi ZDi SX 4 VXi M/T ZXi A/T VDi M/T ZDi M/T wAgon r LX VXi VXi ABS LXi lpg Duo MerCedeS benz C-ClASS C 200 Elegance C 200 Avantgarde C 250 CDi Avantgarde (D) C 63 AMG (P) ClS-ClASS CLS 350 e-ClASS E200 Avantgarde(P) E250 CDi Avantgarde (D) E 220 CDi Elegance (D) E 350 CDi Avantgarde E 350 Coupe

Torque (kgm)

Bhp/Power

No: of Cylinders

Engine

Price (Lakhs)

Model

Torque (kgm)

Bhp/Power

No: of Cylinders

Engine

Price (Lakhs)

Model

A-Z CAR SPECS 3.66 3.53

1196 1196

4 4

73 73

10.3 10.3

6.36 7.91 7.84 9.17

1373 1373 1248 1248

4 4 4 4

93.7 93.7 88.7 88.7

13.2 13.2 20.4 20.4

23.86 25.84

2393 2393

4 4

163 163

23 23

16.92 17.93

2393 2393

4 4

126 126

23.4 23.4

2.79 2.83

796 796

3 3

35 35

6.1 6.1

deAlerS direCTory Audi

0484 2705589

COCHIN

POPULAR HYUNDAI EKM

0484-4147777 bMw

0484 2803500 VTJ HYUNDAI EKM

PLATINO CLASSIC

0484 4230423

0484 4009966 CHeVroleT

MGF HYUNDAI KTM

GERMAN MOTORS CLT

APCO HYUNDAI CLT

0495 2383680/81

0495 2743963

GEEYEM MOTORS EKM

KTC HYUNDAI KANNUR

0484 2703245/46

04972702955

DEEDI MOTORS TVM

ST.ANTONY’S HYUNDAI KOLLAM

0471 3257777 benz

0474 2707980

0481 2564743

KTC HYUNDAI TCR

RAJASREE MOTORS EKM

0487 2381501

0484 2706432

PALAKKD HYUNDAI PKD

RAJASREE MOTORS CLT

0491 2572861

0495 2767155 HinduSTAn

HILTON HYUNDAI TVM

MARIKAR MOTORS TVM

POTHANS HYUNDAI TVM

04712471814

0471 6050500

GEO MOTORS EKM

KTC HYUNDAI CALICUT

0495 2367600 HondA

4.54 5.48 5.63 5.97

1197 1197 1248 1248

4 4 4T 4T

84 84 74 74

11.5 11.5 19.37 19.37

5.13 6.00 5.83 7.12

1197 1197 1248 1248

4 4 4 4

86 86 74 74

11.6 11.6 19.3 19.3

0484 2306411 0491 2572167 fiAT

PENINSULAR HONDA EKM

5.17 6.67 6.99 6.31 7.75

1197 1197 1197 1248 1248

4 4 4 4 4

86 86 86 74 74

11.6 11.6 11.6 19.3 19.3

RF MOTORS EKM

COSMIC HONDA EKM

0484 2555055

0484 6606660

CONCORDE MOTORS EKM

VISION HONDA KTM

0484 6602000

0481 2361150

HYSON MOTORS TCR

PENINSULAR HONDA CLT

7.78 9.27 8.69 10.24

1586 1586 1248 1248

4 4 4 4

103.2 103.2 90 90

14.79 14.79 20.39 20.39

0487 6457777

0495 2462199

3.83 4.34 4.66 4.63

998 998 998 998

3 3 3 3

67 67 67 67

9.18 9.18 9.18 9.18

NA NA NA NA

1796 1796 2143 6208

4 4 4 V8

186 186 204 457

29 29 51 61

3498

306

41.36 45.68 41.82 NA NA

1796 2143 2143 2987 3498

4 4 4 V6 V6

183 203 170 228 272

29 51 40.8 55 36.1

0471 2310745

GEO MOTORS PKD

0484 2705547

KULATHUNKAL MOTORS TVM

MUTHOOT HONDA KLM

0471 6627200 ford

0474 3013333 SIGNATURE HONDA KNR

0484 2551310

0497 2717171 MAHindrA

MALAYALAM FORD EKM

ITL CLT

0484 2304567

0495 3300222

KAIRALI FORD KTM

ITL MOTORS TCR

0481 2566326

0487 3300222

KAIRALI FORD TVM

TVS EKM

0471 2501564 KAIRALI FORD TCR

0484 2537542 0484 2537543

0487 2388797

ITL MOTORS KASARGOD

KAIRALI FORD EKM

PVS FORD CLT

9388396051

0495 2326060 VolVo

0491 3251011

MGF AUTO EKM

TVS ALPY

0484 2666689,2668846 HyundAi

0477 2252082

MGF HYUNDAI EKM

ITL MOTORS PKD

TVS KOLLAM

0474 2731320

Ride the wind Bike accessories & gear Rajaji Road, Near Sunny Diamonds, Kochi, Ph: 0484 401 5786 / Mob: +91 99957 54786 78 smart drive may 2013

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0484 4040404 PHOENIX CARS CLT

KVR TATA KANNUR

0497 2837071 MARINA MOTORS CLT

0495 2436100 KULATHUNKAL MOTORS KOLLAM

0495 3300000 MAruTi Suzuki

0474 2554234

INDUS MOTORS CLT

0471 2554234

0495 2765285 POPULAR TVM

0471 2343493 INDUS COCHIN

0484 2358587 INDUS TVM

KULATHUNKAL MOTORS TVM MOHANDAS MOTORS TVM

0471 2374999 SkodA MARIKAR SKODA EKM

0484 416666 MARIKAR SKODA TVM

0471 2445774 POPULAR COCHIN

0484 2330039 A.M MOTORS MALAPURAM

0483 2734676 BRD CAR WORLD TCR

0487 2424373 POPULAR CLT

0495 2370007 ABT CLT

0495 3929423 HAR CAR KANNUR

0497 2766477 SITARAM PKD

0491 2504211 HERCULES AUTOMOBILES TVM

0471 2720152/53 HERCULES AUTOMOBILES ALP

0477 2265565 POPULAR KTM

0481 2560492 SARATHY KOLLAM

0474 2729618 KVR AUTOCARS PMNA

04933 236000 AVG KTM

0471 3299455 MARIKAR SKODA CLT

0495 323970 ST.ANTONY'S SKODA EKM

0484 2347999 VISION SKODA CLT

8606986652 MiTSubiSHi GEO MOTORS KTM

0481 236325 GEO MOTORS EKM

0484 3202366 GEO MOTORS TCR

0487 3201665 PVS AUTOMOBILES P LTD CLT

0495 2762255 niSSAn EVM AUTOMOBILES EKM

9995066666 MARIKAR TVM

0471 2740505 renAulT RENAULT COCHIN

0484 4141666 ToyoTA AMANA CLT

0481 2560492 SAI SERVICE KOCHI

0495 3000333/111 NIPPON EKM

0484 4445555 TATA

0484 2701533

RF MOTORS EKM

0471 2417733 forCe

0484 2555055 CONCORDE MOTORS EKM

0484 6602000 HYSON MOTORS TCR

NIPPON TVM

POOMKUDY FORCE EKM

0484 2336227

g-ClASS G 55 AMG 134.70 gl-ClASS Grand LX (5 Seat) NA Grand Edition Exe. 71.81 Grand Edition Luxury 76.44 M -ClASS ML 350 CDi 67.04 r-ClASS R 350 CDi 59.86 S-ClASS S 300 L(P) 85.20 S 500 L (P) 111.49 S 350 CDi L V6 (D) 99.96 Sl-ClASS SL 350 NA Mini Mini Cooper NA Mini Cooper S NA Mini CooPer CounTryMAn Mini S Countryman NA MiTSubiSHi CediA Cedia 8.31 eVoluTion X EVO X 50.00 MonTero 3.2 Di – D (A/T) 41.70 ouTlAnder 2.4 MiVEC (5 Seat) 20.73 2.4 MiVEC (7 Seat) NA PAJero SFX DS 4 NA PAJero SPorT 2.5 Di (D) 23.21 niSSAn eVAliA XE (D) 8.85 XV (D) 10.42 MiCrA XE (P) 4.37 XV Primo (P) 5.94 XV (D) 6.18 XV Primo (D) 6.84 Sunny XE (P) 6.18 XV (P) 8.19 XL (D) 8.45 XV (D) 9.86 TeAnA XL (P) 22.01 XV (P) 25.93 X-TrAil LE (M/T) (D) 22.97 SLX (M/T )(D) 25.55 SLX A/T(D) 27.44

507

79.3

V6 V6 V6

224 224 224

52 52 52

2987

255

63.2

3498

272

35.7

3498 5461 2987

V6 V8 V6

272 369 210

35.1 51.5 49.1

3498

316

1598 1598

4 4

1172 181

16.3 24.5

1598

181

24.5

1999

115

17.8

1998

291

37.3

3198

199

2360 2360

4 4

167 167

23.05 23.05

2835

107

2477

175.6

40.8

1461 1461

4 4

85 85

20 20

1198 1198 1461 1461

3 3 4 4

75 75 63 63

10.6 10.6 16.3 16.3

1498 1498 1461 1461

4 4 4 4

97.6 97.6 84 84

13.6 13.6 20.4 20.4

2496 2496

V6 V6

180 180

21.2 21.2

1995 1995 1995

4 4 4

180 180 180

32.7 32.7 32.7

1173 1173

4 4

75 75

10.6 10.6

7.93 8.86 8.66 12.11

1598 1598 1461 1461

4 4 4 4

104 104 85 110

14.5 14.5 20 22.5

14.01 15.12 15.47

1461 1461 1997

4 4 4

105 105 135.4

24.4 24.4 19.3

24.35

1995

150

32.6

6.13 5.71 6.13 6.84

1198 1198 1461 1461

3 3 4 4

75 75 63 63

10.6 10.6 16.3 16.3

5.07 6.89 6.65 6.29 8.20

1198 1198 1598 1199 1199

3 3 4 3 3

75 75 105 75 75

11.2 11.2 15.6 18.3 18.3

14.78 15.79 16.30 19.44

1798 1798 1968 1968

4T 4T 4T 4T

160 160 110 140

25.5 25.5 25.5 32.6

7.18 8.46 9.47 8.47 9.09

1598 1598 1598 1598 1598

4 4 4 4 4

105 105 105 105 105

15.6 15.6 15.6 25.5 25.5

14.86 18.53

1968 1968

4 4

110 140

25.5 32.63

10.26 15.65 14.56 17.37

2179 2179 2179 2179

4T 4T 4T 4T

138 138 138 138

32.6 32.6 32.6 32.6

NA 8.17 8.61 9.35

2179 2179 2179 2179

4T 4T 4T 4T

118 118 118 118

25.4 25.4 25.4 25.4

4.22 NA NA NA

1193 1193 1193 1193

4 4 4 4

64 64 60.9 60.9

10.2 10.2 10.2 10.2

Engine

NA NA

Price (Lakhs)

Model

Torque (kgm)

Bhp/Power

No: of Cylinders

5439 2987 2987 2987

PreMier rio GX GLX renAulT duSTer RxE (P) RxL (P) RxE (D) RxZ (D) fluenCe E2 M/T (D) E4 M/T (D) E4 A/T (P) koleoS 2.0 A/T (D) PulSe RxL (P) RxZ (P) RxL (D) RxZ (D) SkodA fAbiA 1.2 MPi Active (P) 1.2 MPi Scout (P) 1.6 MPi Elegance (P) 1.2 TDi Active (D) 1.2 TDi Scout (D) lAurA 1.8 TSi M/T Active (P) 1.8 TSi A/T Ambition (P) 2.0 TDi M/T Ambition(D) 2.0 TDi L&K(D) rAPid 1.6 MPi Active (P) 1.6 MPi M/T Elegance (P) 1.6 MPi A/T Elegance (P) 1.6 TDi M/T Active (D) 1.6 TDi M/T Elegance (D) yeTi 2.0 TDi 4x2 Active (D) 2.0 TDi 4x4 Elegance TATA MoTorS AriA Pure 4x2 LX (D) Prestige 4x2 (D) Pleasure 4x4 (D) Pride 4x4 (D) grAnde diCor CX LX EX GX indiCA eV2 Le eV2 Xeta GLX (P) eV2 Xeta GLE (LPG) eV2 Xeta GLS (LPG)

Torque (kgm)

EVM MOTORS EKM

0491 6455555

Bhp/Power

0481 2309455/429 VolkS wAgen

VIJAY MOTORS PKD

No: of Cylinders

TVS KTM

0487 6457777

a-z car specs

alto, still the number one

Engine

0471 2490527

Price (Lakhs)

TVS TVM

Model

Maruti alto is the undefeated champion in terms of sales. 27,356 altos were sold in March. sales has dipped by 11.2%. DZire takes the second place at 20,078 units.

Biking gear For you and your ride Rajaji Road, Near Sunny Diamonds, Kochi, Ph: 0484 401 5786 / Mob: +91 99957 54786 smartdriveonline.in

may 2013 smart drive 79

285

170

41.8

134 14.48 114

17.5

140 140 140 140

32.6 32.6 32.6 32.6

168 35.7 168 35.7 168 35.7 278

37.7

74 74 105 75 75

11.2 11.2 15.6 18.3 18.3

104 104 104 104

15.6 15.6 25.5 25.5

163 215 304

40.8 42.8 44.8

163 215

40.8 42.8

215

42.8

215 238

42.8 32.0

Due to space limitations, certain Models and Variants haven't been mentioned here.

79.33 220 45.41 94.3 57.73 124.6 52.84 124.6 54.62 144.8 40.87 99.3 61.25 134.6 69.19 149 72.46 178.6 83.99 220 87.77 199.5 117.32 199.5 356.86 249

Bhp/Power

20.4 20.4 20.4 20.4

No: of Cylinders

102 102 102 102

bike BAJAJ Avenger 220 DTSi Discover DTS Si Discover 125 ST Discover 125 DTSi (Disc) Discover 150 DTSi Platina Pulsar 135 LS Pulsar 150 DTSi Pulsar 180 DTSi Pulsar 220 DTSi Pulsar 200 NS KTM 200 Duke Kawasaki Ninja 300R Hero CD Dawn CD Deluxe (Spoke, Self) CD Deluxe (Alloy, Self) Splendor plus Splendor NXG (Self) Super Splendor Passion Pro Passion Pro (Disc) Glamour (Drum, Self) Glamour (Disc, Self) Glamour PGM-Fi Ignitor (Drum) Ignitor (Disc) CBZ Xtreme Hunk Impulse Karizma Karizma ZMR Honda CB Twister (Kick/Drum) CB Twister (Drum) CB Twister (Disc) Dream Yuga (Kick/Spoke) Dream Yuga (Kick/Alloy) Dream Yuga (Self) CB Shine (Drum) CB Shine (Disc) CBF Stunner CBF Stunner PGMI-Fi CB Unicorn CB Unicorn Dazler 51D CB Unicorn Dazler 61D CBR 150R STD CBR 150R DLX CBR 250R STD CBR 250R STD Tri colour CBR 250R ABS CBR 250R ABS Tri colorur Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Electra

Displacement (CC)

Price (1000's)

168

a-z bike specs Model

Torque (kgm)

No: of Cylinders

Engine

Price (Lakhs)

4WS M/T (D) 23.66 2982 4 Innova 2.5 G (7 Seat) 10.80 2494 4 2.5 G (8 Seat) 10.85 2494 4 2.5 VX (7 Seat) 14.43 2494 4 2.5 VX (8 Seat) 14.49 2494 4 LandCruiser LS 200 200 Premium(D) 101.01 4461 V8 LandCruiser Prado 4x4(D) 65.25 2982 4 Prius 1.8 29.75 1798 4 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 (P) 21.24 1984 4 Jetta 2.0 TDi Trendline M/T (D) 15.06 1968 4 2.0 TDi Comfortline M/T (D) 16.55 1968 4 2.0 TDi Highline M/T (D) 18.21 1968 4 2.0 TDi Highline A/T (D) 19.07 1968 4 Passat Trendline(D) 22.25 1968 4 Comfortline(D) 25.56 1968 4 Highline(D) 27.57 1968 4 Phaeton 3.6 V6 (P) NA 3597 V6 Polo Trendline (P) 4.71 1198 3 HIghline (P) 6.29 1198 3 HIghline 1.6 (P) 6.49 1598 4 Trendline (D) 5.84 1199 3 Highline (D) 7.42 1199 3 Vento Trendline M/T (P) 7.39 1598 4 Highline A/T (P) 9.79 1598 4 Trendline M/T (D) 8.65 1598 4 Highline M/T (D) 10.29 1598 4 VOLVo S60 D4 Kinetic (D) 27.96 2000 5 D5 Summum (D) 34.60 2400 5 T6 Summum (P) 36.72 2955 6 S80 D4 Kinetic(D) 35.21 2000 5 D5 Summum (D) 42.00 2400 5 XC 60 D5 Summum (D) 41.43 2400 5 XC 90 D5 Summum (D) 49.05 2400 5 3.2 (P) NA 3192 6

Bhp/Power

eV2 LS (D) 4.21 1396 4 69 14.2 eV2 LX (D) 4.97 1396 4 69 14.2 Indigo e-CS GLS (P) NA 1193 4 64 10.5 GLX (P) 5.09 1193 4 64 10.5 LS CR4 5.76 1396 4 69 14.2 LX CR4 5.97 1396 4 69 14.2 Indigo XL XL (P) 6.12 1396 4 99 12.6 XL (D) 5.93 1396 4 70 14.2 Manza Safire Aqua(P) 5.67 1368 4 89 11.8 Safire Elan (P) 7.25 1368 4 89 11.8 Quadrajet LS (D) 6.08 1248 4 89 20.4 Quadrajet Elan (D) 8.24 1248 4 89 20.4 Nano Std (P) 1.57 624 2 37.4 5.2 CX (P) 1.90 624 2 37.4 5.2 LX (P) 2.15 624 2 37.4 5.2 Safari STORME STORME LX 10.38 2179 4 140 32.0 STORME VX 4x2(D) 13.09 2179 4 140 32.0 STORME VX 4x4(D) 14.41 2179 4 140 32.0 Sumo Gold 3.0 CR4 CX (D) 6.20 2956 4 83 25.5 3.0 CR4 LX (D) 6.60 2956 4 83 25.5 3.0 CR4 EX (D) 6.91 2956 4 83 25.5 3.0 CR4 GX (D) 7.55 2956 4 83 25.5 Vista Safire 65GLS (P) 4.77 1172 4 64 9.8 Safire 65GVX (P) 5.01 1172 4 64 9.8 Safire 90 GZX (P) 5.53 1368 4 89 11.8 Quadrajet LS (D) 5.19 1248 4 74 19.3 Quadrajet ZX (D) 6.50 1248 4 74 19.3 TOYOTA Camry W1 M/T (P) NA 2362 4 167 22.5 W2 A/T (P) 24.44 2362 4 167 22.5 Corolla Altis 1.8 J (P) 11.92 1798 4 138 17.6 1.8 GL (P) 15.01 1798 4 138 17.6 1.4 J (D) 12.56 1364 4 87 20.9 1.4 GL (D) 15.93 1364 4 87 20.9 Etios J (P) 5.62 1496 4 90 13.4 VSP (P) 7.27 1496 4 90 13.4 GD (D) 6.86 1364 4 68 17.3 VD (D) 7.97 1364 4 68 17.3 Etios Liva J (P) 4.74 1197 4 79 10.6 V (P) 5.72 1197 4 79 10.6 GD (D) 6.15 1164 4 68 12.2 GD SP 6.48 1164 4 68 12.2 Fortuner 2WD M/T (D) 22.38 2982 4 168 35 2WD A/T (D) 23.39 2982 4 168 35

Model

Torque (kgm)

Bhp/Power

No: of Cylinders

Engine

Price (Lakhs)

Model

a-z car specs

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2

19 7.7 10.8 10.8 13 8.2 13.5 15 17 21 23.52 25 33

36.92 97.2 1 41.21 97.2 1 42.72 97.2 1 44.74 97.2 1 46.45 97.2 1 51.30 124.7 1 49.38 97.2 1 51.40 97.2 1 53.09 124.7 1 55.11 124.7 1 62.19 124.8 1 56.80 24.7 1 58.81 24.7 1 70.77 149.2 1 69.61 149.2 1 70.29 113.2 1 79.40 223 1 99.67 223 1

7.7 7.7 7.7 7.4 7.7 9 7.8 7.8 9 9 9 11 11 14.4 14.4 14.4 17 17.6

48.85 52.46 55.66 48.79 50.31 52.36 56.08 59.28 NA 60.80 68.77 70.81 71.85 125.34 126.38 155.92 156.95 182.48 183.52

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

9 9 9 8.5 8.5 8.5 10.3 10.3 11 11.6 13.3 14.3 14.3 17.5 17.5 25.8 25.8 25.8 25.8

1 1

19.8 19.8

109 109 109 109 109 109 124.6 124.6 124.7 124.7 149.1 149 149 149.4 149.4 149 149 149 149

98.63 346 110.32 346

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15.2 17.3 17.3 8.2 7.5 8.2 8.4 7.6 7.6 10.8 12.1 12.1 14 14 14 17 7 8.2 8 8 8 8 8 8.1 8 8 10.06 8.6 8.6 5 5 8 7

Due to space limitations, certain Models and Variants haven't been mentioned here.

600 570 600 570 490 570 570 570 530 430

575 700 560 650 512 1020 1014

1250

413 555

600 680

570 540 453 585 660 683 510 550

625 680

560 540 701 690 440 490 405 460 433 490 507 306 530 618 570

700 370 630 10000 650

335 363 648 390 648 390 648 390 300 400 300 400 500 700 320 370 313 360 568 568 460 460

780 780 720 720

Super bikes Aprilia RSV4 Dorsoduro Mana Tuono Bajaj Ninja650 R Bmw Hp2 sports Husqvarna K1300 R K1600 R1200 GS R1200 Adventure S100RR DUCATI 848 1198 Diavel Diavel Carbon Diavel Carbon Red Hyper motard1100 HM 1100 S HM 796 HM 796 S Monster Multistrada 1200 Sports Classic Streetfighter Harley Davidson Fat Boy Nightstar Nightrod Heritage Classic Roadster Sportster Ultra Classic Electra Glide Honda CB 1000R CBR 1000RR VFR 1200F Hyosung GT 650R GT 650N ST7 SUZUKI Bandit 1250S GSXR0.001200 Hayabusa Intruder M 1800 R Intruder M 800 YAMAHA FZ1 MT0.0001 VMAX YZF R1

Torque (Nm)

Model

Cylinder

Ltrs.

Price

Model

Bhp/Power 477 517 477 510 430 510 490 490 525 450

Bhp/Power

8.3 8.3 8.6 8.6 13.8

SUPER CARS Aston Martin DB9 Coupe 2.21 cr 5.9 V12 DBS Coupe 3.08cr 5.9 V12 Rapide 2.55 cr 5.9 V12 V12 Zagato 6.50cr 6 V12 Vantage S Roadster 1.86cr 4.7 V8 Vantage V12 2.25cr 6 V12 Virage coupe 2.55cr 5.9 V12 Virage volante 2.74cr 5.9 V12 R8 Spyder 1.48cr 5.2 V10 RS 5 Coupe 74.59 Lakh 4.2 V8 Bentley Continental GT 1.94cr 6 W12 Continental 1.80cr 6 W12 Mulsanne 3.00cr 6.8 V8 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sports 16.00cr 8 W16 BMW M3 Coupe 81.04 lakh 4 V8 S6 M 1.30cr 4.4 V8 Ferrari 458 Italia 3.09cr 4.5 V8 California 2.68cr 4.3 V8 FF 4.12cr 6.2 V12 JAGUAR XKR Coupe 1.11cr 5 V8 XKR S 1.52cr 5 V8 LAMBORGHINi Gallardo spyder 2.50cr 5.2 V10 Aventador 3.69cr 6.4 V12 Maserati Grand-cabrio 1.76cr 4.7 V8 Grand Turismo 1.60cr 4.2 V8 Quattroporte GTS 1.76cr 4.7 V8 MERCEDES G55 AMG 1.30CR 5.8 V8 SLK 350 68.46lakh 3.5 V6 SL 63 AMG 1.64 cr 6.2 V8 SL 65 AMG 2.40 cr 6 V12 SLS AMG 2.47 cr 6.2 V8 NISSAN 370Z 57.17lakh 3.6 V6 PORcHE 911 Carrera 82.00 lakh 3.6 Bxr0.006 911 Carrera Cabriolet 93.06lakh 3.6 Bxr0.006 911 Targa4 96.53lakh 3.6 Bxr0.006 Cayenne 58.05lakh 3.6 V6 Panamera 1.04 cr 3.6 V6 Panamera Turbo 2.07 cr 4.8 V8 Boxster Spyder 65.11lakh 3.4 Bxr-6 Boxster S 69.03lakh 3.4 Bxr-6 ROLLS ROYCE Ghost 2.50 cr 6.6 V12 Ghost EB 3.88 cr 6.6 V12 Phantom 3.50 cr 6.8 V12 Phantom DC 4.65 cr 6.8 V12

Displacement

19.8 19.8 27.2

super bike specs Price (Lakhs)

Thunderbird 350 127.78 346 1 Classic 350 117.37 346 1 Classic 500 150.21 499 1 Suzuki Hayate 43.60 112.8 1 Hayate (Self) 46.40 112.8 1 Slingshot 49.90 124 1 Slingshot (Self) 54.58 124 1 GS 150 R 69.90 149.5 1 TVS Apache RTR 160 68.65 159.7 1 Apache RTR 180 73.65 177.4 1 Apache RTR 180 ABS 83.40 177.4 1 Max 4R NA 109.7 1 Star sports 38.60 99.7 1 Star City 43.20 109.7 1 Jive NA 109.7 1 YAMAHA Crux 37.80 105.6 1 YBR 110 44.70 106 1 YBR 125 50.95 123.7 1 SZ-X 55.09 153 1 SZ-R 59.50 153 1 FZ -16 70.02 153 1 FZ-S 72.20 153 1 Fazer 77.49 153 1 YZF R15 114.99 149.8 1 Scooter HERO Pleasure 42.57 102 1 Maestro 48.27 109 1 HONDA Dio 48.36 109 1 Activa 51.28 109 1 Aviator STD 51.94 109 1 Aviator DLX 57.35 109 1 Mahindra 2 Wheelers Duro NA 124.6 1 Duro DZ 48.56 124.6 1 Rodeo 49.41 124.6 1 Flyte NA 124.6 1 PIAGGIO Vespa 125 SL 62.44 125 1 Suzuki Access 125 52.20 124 1 Swish 125 53.20 124 1 TVS Scooty Pep + 38.90 87.8 1 Scooty Streak 40.50 87.8 1 Wego 48.40 109.7 1 yamaha Ray 46.90 113 1

Bhp/Power

No: of Cylinders

Displacement (CC)

Price (1000's)

super car specs

17 lakh 12.0 lakh 11 lakh 13 lakh

999.6 1197 839 997

177 130 75 130

115 115 73 101

4.57 lakh

649

25.7 lakh 18 lakh 21 lakh 23.20 lakh 10.81 lakh 17.68 lakh 18 lakh

1170 900 1293 1600 1170 1170 1000

106 100 176 161 111 111 194

118 105 140 175 120 120 112

13.94 lakh 17.35 lakh 17.06 lakh 22.06 lakh 22.43 lakh 12.60 lakh 13.60 lakh 10.28 lakh 9.10 lakh 11.99 lakh 16.83 lakh 11.06 lakh 15.85 lakh

849 1198 1198 1198 1198 1078 1078 803 803 1078 1198 992 1099

135 171.1 163 163 163 96 96 81 81 96 150 92.9 156

96 131 127.5 127.5 127.5 103 103 75.5 75.5 103 118.6 92 115

19.03 lakh 10.26 lakh 19.55 lakh 20.07 lakh 7.74 lakh 7.17 lakh 36.06 lakh

1584 1200 1250 1584 883 883 1803

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

120 107 111 117 70 131 151

10.20 lakh 13.30 lakh 18.60 lakh

998 999 1237

125 125 172

100 100 129

4.75 lakh 4.60 lakh 5.96 lakh

647 647 678

73.6 73.6 62.5

60.9 60.9 57.3

8.80 lakh 13.75 lakh 13.00 lakh 13.25 lakh 8.88 lakh

1255 999 1340 1783 805

99 191 197 125 53

108 118 154 160 68.4

8.70 lakh 10.50 lakh 20.00 lakh 12.50 lakh

998 1670 1679 998

151 90 199.3 189

106 150 166.8 118

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may 2013 smart drive 81

ROAD SHOW

do or die O

people, I ask you one thing: “Is your life or your honour more valuable?” This question can fit perfectly well in every walk of life, but right now I mean it in the name of vehicles. Because the first time this question blazed in front of me when I was travelling with my wife in an Innova on my wedding day. The wedding took place in Thrissur, After the wedding, we were headed towards my village in Pathanamthitta. The Innova stood infront of us newly married couple beaming with pride. As I entered into the car with my beautiful wife, the old MGR song “Raajaavin paarvai raniyin pakkam..” rang in my mind. Anyways, the driver was nothing short of a daredevil himself. At the very precise moment he started the car he got possessed by Evil Kneivel’s ghost. The Innova slipped and careened, and God knows what. It was like marble left to roll on a wet floor. The evil man paid no attention to the road and decided to look back at us and pass some mushy jokes. My heart thumped even more. I was in a dilemma; if I ask him to

Naveen Bhaskar

naveenadoor@gmail.com

over speed

Can’t a citizen speak up against overspeeding in a public vehicle and have a hand in controlling its speed? Doesn’t the Indian law allow a reckless bus driver to be questioned by a passenger?

drive slower all my macho buff would deflate in front of my wife. I thought again. Were my moments of wedded bliss coming to an end? Will this flower covered Innova become my death hearse? I asked the driver, “Chetta, how long have you been a driver?” “I started driving this thing only a month ago. I was a tipper driver before that.” A chill ran down my spine. A scream escaped my mouth, “Driver the damn car slowly, then!”. The people inside the car got a shock. I got my peace of mind back, and my life. Another time, I was travelling with my wife in a private bus. The bus was swerving through a bad road. Pedestrians scampered away with their lives. The same blazing question stood infront of me: “Is my honour greater than my life?” My wife was seven months

pregnant too. This ride might not allow me to become the father to my child, I thought. I went ahead to the driver and requested him to go slower. Ordered him. Begged him. Yelled and screamed. The bus stopped, and the busmen asked me and my wife to get down. We refused. And then what? The bus continued at the same speed itself. The fact that i got out of it allowed is God’s pure blessing. Can’t a citizen speak up against overspeeding in a public vehicle and have a hand in controlling its speed? Doesn’t the Indian law allow a reckless bus driver to be questioned by a passenger? I was prompted to actually think about these clauses after reading a news in the paper the other day. A young man named Vibin (27) from Chemanjery in Kozhikode was assaulted by bus drivers. He was travelling with his wife from Kozhikode to Guruvayoor with his wife Lareena in a bus named Shakthi. He works at the Koodamkulam Nuclear Plant. The bus, like any other, went at a crazy speed. Vibin must have had the same blazing question in his mind. Unlike the rest of the passengers, he decided that his life was more precious. He got up to tell the conductor to slow the vehicle down a bit. The conductor told him to go tell the driver. When Vibin went upto the driver to tell him the same, the driver did not as much as bat an eyelash. The driver went on with his audacity. Vibin got up again. It became an issue, a fight. Atlast when the bus reached Guruvayoor bus stand, all the passengers except Vibin got out. He was blocked by the busmen and assaulted by the group. Vibin has filed a complaint with the police. Whether the assailants will be brought to justice will stay a question mark. After this incident, I found a remedy if I find myself in a similar situation. And I’d like to share the same with you. Buy a music player, preferably a Chinese made one, for a low price. Fill it with songs. Be sure to select only melody songs. Plug your ears with the earphones and close your eyes tightly. When you reach your stop, check all vital functions and get off the bus. If you use this technique, you may escape poor Vibin’s fate. Neither will you be embarrassed. Because I have finally found the answer to the blazing question: My honour is bigger than my life..!

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SMARTDRIVE Magazine English May 2013 Price Rs.25 Reg. No: 47296/12