Four electric sports cars. Saving the planet can be fun.

Tesla Roadster- Made in USA. 

Rear-mid engine, rear wheel drive 248 bhp/ 270nm 

Range 320 kms

0-96 km/hours in 3.7 seconds

Price US$101,500

Fisker Karma- Made in Finland

Front engine, Rear wheel drive  201 bhp (each motor)/ 1300 nm (combined)

Range 80 kms (all electric)

0-96 km/hrs- n/a

Price US $87,900

Lightning GT- Made in England

161 bhp  motors
0-96 km/hrs- 4 seconds
Range- 300 kms
Price- €155,000

Venturi fetish- Made in Monaco
250 bhp / 220nm rear mid engine, rear wheel drive
Range 250 kms
Price- US$400,000
0-96 km/hrs- 5 seconds

Maruti shifting its focus on CNG from LPG

The race for the alternative fuel vehicles is still in its first phase as far as the operations in the Indian market are concerned but that is absolutely not stopping the market leader Maruti Suzuki to bring considerable changes to its strategy.



While the company was banking on LPG to bring more volumes under its umbrella as far as the alternative fuel segment was concerned but the company has recently announced its plans to launch CNG vehicles. Sources confirmed that the company expects to launch a CNG empowered vehicle in every segment in the next 6 months.

Notably, the company has so far launched the WagonR in the LPG version in the Indian market. However, with the new WagonR launched in the Indian market, the duo version will not be sold in the 13 metros.

It may be noted that the company used to garner around 12-14% of its total WagonR sales form the rural markets and it is believed that after the company will shift to CNG, its sales from alternative fuel sales will increase considerably in the long-run.

when boots matter. Best sedans upto 6 lacs.

Seventh Place- Hindustan Ambassador- The car still the best rear seat in business. The build is still rock solid but quality levels have fallen drastically. Best for taxis. CNG/ LPG/ Petrol and two diesel options make for a wide choice. A CRDI is planned. HM is planning to sell the Ambassador well into the 22nd century and make it the longest selling car.

Hindustan Ambassador Petrol
ARAI certified Fuel efficiency- 11.9 kmpl cost per km- Rs 4.34
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 4,51,715 cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 12038.10

Hindustan Ambassador Diesel 1.5
ARAI certified Fuel efficiency- 14.6 kmpl cost per km- Rs 2.71
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 4,64526 cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 10454.42

Hindustan Ambassador Diesel 2.0
ARAI certified Fuel efficiency- 14.1 kmpl cost per km- Rs 2.80
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 5,10,229 cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 11312.32

Hindustan Ambassador CNG
ARAI certified Fuel efficiency- 11.9 kmpl cost per km- Rs 2.07
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 4,68,343 cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 9877.14

Hindustan Ambassador LPG
ARAI certified Fuel efficiency- 12 kmpl cost per km- Rs 2.84
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 5,25,000 cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 11595

Sixth Place- Ford Ikon- Ford's signature car Once upon a time has aged well. Design looks dated and the face lift is not exactly well executed. 1.4 Diesel engine makes a good buy but avoid petrol. I am yet to hold a better steering wheel in the Indian market than Ikon's and the car is fun to drive. Running costs and spares are an issue with the car.

Ford Ikon DuratorQ Diesel
ARAI certified Fuel efficiency- 20.6 kmpl cost per km- Rs 1.92
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 5,53,000 cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 11138.99

Ford Ikon Rocam Petrol
ARAI certified Fuel Efficiency- 14.4 kmpl cost per km- 3.58
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad - 4,92,000 Cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 11788.88

Fifth Place- Maruti Dzire- The best selling Dud(you read it right) from Maruti. The bootjob is the worst carried out on a hatch. The ride is mediocre but handling suffers a lot. The engines are the saving grace and so is Maruti's service and spares network. I cant get over the boot. Maruti doesnt hold the price advantage anymore. Did I mention about the boot being an ugly stickup job?

Maruti Swift Dzire Petrol
ARAI certified Fuel efficiency- 17.94 kmpl cost per km- Rs 2.88
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 4,96,225 cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year-11151.13

Maruti Swift Dzire Diesel
ARAI certified Fuel efficiency- 21.7 kmpl cost per km- Rs 1.82
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 5,81,978 cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 11524.51

Fourth Place- Tata Indigo CS/XL Dicor-Tata's mainstream sedan or the masses is one of the best sellers in the history of Indian motoring. What lacked in quality and technology was made up by tata with luxuries and price. Space is good compared to competition and so is comfort. Not a driver's car. The new e-series CS sedans get updated treatment from the XL series. It should be a surprise to most on how Tata pips Maruti here but the combination of features, price and space gives Tata an unbeaten advantage.

Tata Indigo 1.4 DOHC 100 bhp Diesel(XL)
ARAI certified Fuel efficiency- 17.97 kmpl cost per km- Rs 2.87
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 5,60,073 cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 12210.62

Tata Indigo Dicor Diesel
ARAI certified Fuel effiiciency- 23.03, Cost per km- 1.71
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 6,41,7644 cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 12415.76

Tata Indigo TDI diesel
ARAI certified Fuel efficiency- 19.61 kmpl cost per km- Rs 2.01
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 5,23,392 cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 10742.57

Tata Indigo CS Dicor diesel
ARAI certified Fuel efficiency- 23.03 kmpl cost per km- Rs 1.68
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 4,98,241 cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 10023.51

Tata Indigo CS Petrol
ARAI certified Fuel efficiency- 15.64 kmpl cost per km- Rs 3.30
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 413882 cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 10202.38

Third Place- Hyundai Accent- One of the best selling sedans of its time and Hyundai's trump card along with the Santro. 1500 cc engine not the best in class but doesnt dissapoint either. Looks have aged gracefully. Makes a decent buy for the price. Hyundai's sales and service network is an asset. Ride comfort is good too but not a drivers car. Gear box feels good to hold but not fun to operate.

Hyundai Accent GLS executive petrol
ARAI certified fuel efficiency- 16.36kmpl cost per km- 3.15
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 5,11008 Cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 11675.72

Hyundai Accent GLS Executive CNG
ARAI certified Efficiency- N/A 14 kmpl estimated cost per km- 1.76
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 5,66,008 Cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 11194.18

Hyundai Accent GLS Executive LPG
ARAI certified Fuel efficiency- 11.26, Estimated cost per km- 3.03
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 5,47,948, Cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 12164.43

Second Place- Mahindra Logan is currently the cheapest sedan in the market(not considering the Indigo CS, Logan CS is in the making). Ride is good and comfortable and so is the space(widest sedan in its segment). For a change Logan is the only car to give compay to Ikon in being a fun to drive car and handles really well. Both engines from Renault are decent but a third 1.6 petrol engine is not available anymore. Mahindra's sales and service network is strong. Logan play and Tourer bring some flair and features such as bluetooth and usb car audio, alloy wheels, smoked headlights and graphics.

Mahindra Logan Petrol 1.6
ARAI certified Efficiency- 12.9 cost per km- 4.00
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 5,54,696 Cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 13251.13

Mahindra Logan Petrol 1.4
ARAI certified Efficiency- 13.87 cost per km- 3.72
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 4,70,388 Cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 11565.82

Mahindra Logan Diesel
ARAI certified Efficiency- 20.77 cost per km- 1.90
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 5,80,000 Cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 11573.26

First Place-Tata Manza- India's pride, world's envy. Tata manza is undoubtedly the best Offering from the company and makes the world sit up and take notice. The sedan gets as much space as the Indigo XL and is full of features from bluetooth and USB supported audio and steering wheel controls to rear seat lights. For the price it's the best sedan in the segment. Engines from Fiat help Tata make a better offering to the consumers. Quality niggles do exist and the alignment in panels is below par. Still makes the best buy.

Tata Manza Petrol
ARAI certified Efficiency- 13.7 cost per km- 3.77
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 508627 Cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 12249.37

Tata Manza Diesel
ARAI certified Efficiency- 20.04 cost per km- 1.97
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad- 600859 Cost over 5 years driving 12000 kms a year- 11990.36


PS; Toyota Etios India launch 2010 is pending at the moment and hence not covered under this article. Also the Nissan Sedan for India is enroute and will be launced in a few months. Review and opinion on these cars is hence not available.

Mahindra makes you reconsider the Logan again at a lower price

Looking for an entry level sedan? Time to rethink your options once again. That Mahindra Logan sedan you just cancelled of the list is back. Mahindra recently bought out the JV partner Renault's stake and has slashed the priced by up to 80,000 rs to make it a more delicious deal than the Swift Dzire, Ford Ikon, Hyundai Accent and Indigo Manza.



While the Indigo Manza makes more sense the Logan easily uproots Swift Dzire, Hyundai Accent and Ford  Ikon with its Superb ride, space and exclusive features such as USB and Bluetooth enabled music system, driver information system, parking sensors, fog lamps and alloy wheels.

A BS-IV Logan petrol now costs 4.89 lacs ex-showroom delhi while the BS-IV Logan diesel costs 5.80 lacs ex-showroom Delhi. This doesnt include the extra bargaining at your end.

It will be totally true to say that Mahindra is the next big thing in Automobiles alongwith TATA with Logan and the upcoming Mahindra Thar. Renault, are you reading this?

Update: Mahindra Logan has reached the 1000 cars a month mark.

Bajaj vs. Bajaj

Bajaj Auto patriarch Rahul Bajaj is dead against son Rajiv Bajaj’s decision to distance the motorcycle maker from the parent brand, another sign that the two are like chalk and cheese in running the company.scooters to focus on motorcycles last year.

On Thursday, it was evident that the dislike for the plan is still fresh in his mind. “There is still lot of demand for scooters with annual volumes at around 1.8 million units. I don’t understand why Bajaj Auto can’t develop a scooter that sells in good numbers.” 

A week after Bajaj Auto managing director Rajiv Bajaj unveiled his plans to focus on five brands and phased out the rest, chairman Rahul Bajaj has made it clear that he is opposed to his son’s strategy. Doing away with the Bajaj brand is a major decision and can be only taken after getting permission from the company’s board of directors, he told ET Now on Thursday. “No such proposal has come to me,” he said.

“I will be involved in any decision on whether to drop the Bajaj brand or not, with Rajiv of course. I give a lot of importance to the CEO and his team, as I believe we should not interfere with their decisions unless there is a strong reason,” he said.

The senior Bajaj’s outburst is the latest instance of his simmering differences with his son’s style of management. He had similarly made public his displeasure after Bajaj Auto under Rajiv’s leadership decided to exit its earlier mainstay

But he added that Rajiv is the managing director and CEO and “it’s finally his decision on what the company should do”.

The differences between the two also came to the fore when a pact was signed with the Renault-Nissan alliance for an ultra low-cost car. Rajiv Bajaj’s plan to ditch the Bajaj brand was at odds with his father’s wishes. “Will Carlos Ghosn (Renault-Nissan CEO) tell me how to run my company,” Rahul Bajaj had said then.

Rajiv Bajaj was unavailable for comment, but his associates say there is no going back on the brand restructuring. “Some people may find false comfort in stretching the brand beyond what’s logical. However, we believe in our strategy and proof is that execution is already underway, as seen on our products in the showroom,” one person said.

Bajaj Auto is looking to style itself, as a “garage of independent brands like Hindustan Unilever” wherein marketing and branding focus is limited to four motorcycles — Boxer, Discover, Pulsar and KTM — as well as the autorickshaw, while the parent brand takes a back seat. The entire organisation will also be realigned, along these brand verticals, as part of the radical change in strategy.

“The Bajaj brand is very diffused, covering everything from heaters and hairoil to insurance and financial services. Correcting that problem is the biggest opportunity for the company,” the junior Bajaj told ET NOW recently.

India 2 wheeler sales march 2010

HeroHonda Motors- Manufactures pleasure scooters, CD series, splendor, Passion, glamour, achiever, CBZ, Hunk and Karizma range of motorcycles.

March 2010 sales- 4,14,638

March 2009 sales-  3,53,342

Modelwise break up not available

Bajaj Auto - manufactures Pulsar, Avenger, Platina and Discover range of motorcycles and sells Kawasaki Ninja under collabration.

March 2010- 244889 units 

March 2009- 132683 units

Model wide breakup not available

TVS motors- Manufactures Apache,Flame, Jive, Star and Sport range of motorcycles and Wego and Scooty range of scooters.

March 2010 sales- 146,736 (motorcycles- 64120, scooters- 28504 units)

March 2009 sales- 118,000 (motorcycles- 59796, scooters- 19054 units)

Modelwise breakup- not available

Honda India- Manufactures Activa,Dio and Aviator range of scooters and Unicorn, Fireblade, CB series, stunner, shine and twister range of motorcycles.

March 2010 sales- 1,44,288 (motorcycles- 65,888 units, scooters- 78,400)

March 2009 sales-    81,865 (motorcycles- 40,360 units, scooters-  41,505)

Modelwise breakup- not available

Yamaha motor India- Manufactures sells R1, R15, Fazer, V-max, MT-01, Gladiator, Libero and crux range of motorcycles.

March 2010 sales- 27,460 units

March 2009 sales- 21,571 units

Modelwise breakup- not available

Suzuki India- Sells Access range of scooter and  Zeus, GS, Hayabusa and intruder range of motorcycles.

March 2010-21,752

March 2009-  12,350

modelwise breakup not available

Mahindra2wheelers- Manufactures Rodeo, Duro and Flyte range of scooters.

March 2010- 12750

March 2009- 0 (the company has been in operations for 7 months only.)

Modelwise breakup- Not available

LML india- Manufactures NV series of 2-stroke and 4-stroke geared scooters.

March 2009- 10,000 (estimated)

March 2008- N/A

Modelwise breakup Not available

Royal enfield- manufacturers of Thinderbird, Electra and classic range of motorcycles.

March 2009- April 2010- 60000 units (estimated)

March 2008- April 2009- 52000 units

Modelwise breakup not available

Hero Electric- part of Hero motors- sells e-sprint range of high end electric scooters (only higher range scooters mentioned)

April 2009-March 2010 sales- 31000

Modelwise breakup not available

Vibgyor: Makers of Gallop, Shark and Hunter range of Motorcycles.

March 2010- 2500 estimated

March 2009- N/A

Modelwise breakup not available

Yo BIkes- Makers of EXL range of electric scooters (only higher range electric scooters mentioned.).

April 2009- March 2010 sales- 20,000 units

April 2008- March 2009 sales- 17,000 units

Modelwise breakup not available

BSA motors-part of Murugappa group- sells roamer range of electric scooters (only higher range scooters mentioned)

April 2009- march2010 sales- 15000

Modelwise breakup not available

Modelwise breakup not available

Monto Motors: makers of various Chinese motorcycles and scooters.

March 2010- N/A

March 2009- N/A

Modelwise breakup not available

Kanda Motors: Manufacturers of Brave and Mission motorcycles and lovely electric scooter (only high range electric scooters are mentioned)

March 2010- N/A

March 2009- /A

Modelwise breakup not available

Nine Diesel Hatches to choose from

Best Diesel Car: Diesels have come a long way from taxicab options to a mainstream choice over the last decade. Many diesel cars today have a waiting period compared to freely available petrol/cng/lpg alternatives.

Why choose diesel? Diesel is cheaper than petrol, available almost anywhere, diesel cars are frugal compared to petrol and engines are built for higher mileage.

Why avoid? The current range of common rails are yet to be as quick as petrol counterparts. The loss of rattle is a welcome change but those with sensitive ears will still be annoyed. Additionally if your car doesnt cover more than 10,000 kms on an average, you will end up paying more in the long run.

9. Hyundai I20 CRDI: The most expensive hatchback (not considering Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Beetle.) Sunroof is available at an extra cost. Aux-in and USB options along with steering mounted buttons are at par with the competition but at this price Bluetooth should be available. Performance hampered by poor ratios and doesnt feel spirited to drive considering the 90 bhp it makes. Handling prowess nothing to talk about. Base model doesnt offer much and fully loaded Asta too expensive.

Extremely practical and has 5star NCAP rating for safety (curtain airbags are an exclusive option in this segment). Tilt and Telescopic steering along with height adjustment is convenient for fitting all size,shapes and genders behind the steering wheel. I totally adore the cooled glove box which can keep things chilled for the hot Indian climate and so is the addition of rear a/c vents. Multi information display is standard. Auto A/c also wins this car some brownie points keeping the Indian climate in mind. Extremely good ride comfort.

ARAI certified Average: 21.93 kmpl

cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.80

ex-showroom abad: 6,46,064 (base model prices subject to change)

monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually: Rs. 12,573.47 estimated

You can play mix and match with the seats to use the generous space at your will. From a distance it looks like the Honda CR-V and gives impression of being much more expensive. 15-inch Alloy wheels with Indian tubeless tyres (avoid Kanda tyres of Oriental make) gel well with the butched look along with the side steppings, tyre on the tailgate and roof rails. ABS with EBD is a nice addition for a tall car. The only rear wheel drive in this bunch. Trusted Peugeot TUD5 engine is old school but Premier has worked hard to make the engine capable enough for city driving and that occassional off-roading.

ARAI certified average: N/A 18.95 kmpl estimated

Cost per kilometer: 2.08

ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 5,25,000 (base model prices subject to change)

monthly ownership cost over 5 year covering 12000 kms annually: Rs.10,839.70 estimated

 7. Maruti Swift DDIS: At this price consumers expect a better build quality. Rear seat space is at a premium and average sized adults will feel cramped. It's a sad decision from Suzuki to not provide climate control on the diesel version. A 3 months waiting period shows resale will be good but the way Maruti is handling the waiting period charging customers a premium is sad. Ride is not the best in the segment. Many important features are lacking compared to competition. Stereo options are also ancient.

The best integration of the fiat engine in an Indian car, the engine feels refined and fun to drive with well mated gear ratios. The car is fun to drive and the turbo surge is exhilirating. Steering compliments the handling and makes good drivers out of an average person. Mostly selling on the basis of word of mouth publicity and brand image but better options clearly out there.

ARAI certified average: 21.7 kmpl estimated

Cost per kilometer: 1.82

ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 4,94,176 (base model prices subject to change)

monthly ownership cost over 5 year covering 12000 kms annually: Rs.10,061.15 estimated

6. Skoda Fabia: Just shy of Hyundai i20's price, Skoda's Fabia has just a puny Pump Deuse diesel engine with only as much as the Premier Rio which is itself outdated, and much less power than the Hyundai. The 1.2 polo diesel engine will be a welcome change. Stereo lacks the necessary features such as Bluetooth or usb but has reverse parking control.

The car is built like a tank and will keep the occupants safe.The interior build quality is the best in the segment. Top end version includes reverse parking indicators, sun roof and projector headlamps. Tilt and telescopic steering coupled with height adjustment make it conveninent for all sizes, shapes and genders. ABS and airbags are standard at this price. The gearshift is the best in business. The a/c is powerful and also has rear a/c vents to keep you cocooned from the outside heat but at this price automatic a/c will be a welcome addition. Cooled glove box to keep things chilled wins brownie points. Mutli function display standard at this price point. Illumination in glove box and luggage compartment a thoughtful touch. Excellent ride and handling will shame some bigger luxury cars such as Accord. One touch automatic and bounce back operation for all windows is an excellent feature.

ARAI certified average: 20.12 kmpl

Cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.96

Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 6,06,892 (base model price subject to change)

Monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually : Rs. 12,083.05 estimated

5. Maruti Ritz DDIS: Maruti-Suzuki needs to cut on that boomerang tail lights first and foremost. Lack of climate control is a sore point and so is the lack of rear a/c vents and glove box chiller. Audio lacks usb or bluetooth options but steering mounted controls keep up with competition.

The 60-40 split rear seat is a nice touch. Waterfall centre console is handy and buttons fall in hand. Seat height adjust and tilt steering standard but lacks telescopic adjustment. ABS with EBD and Airbags are standard for this segment. The proven fiat engine does good job here compared to Palio stile (discontinued), and Fiat punto. Add on tachometer is an excellent feature. Interiors better built than swift.

ARAI certified average: 21.1 kmpl

Cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.87

Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 4,85,871 (base model price subject to change)

Monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually : Rs. 9,974.64 estimated

4. Fiat Punto Multi-jet: The world reknowned diesel engine makes more power than Swift or Ritz but the heavy weight mars performance. light and wiper stalks are interchanged and will take getting used to. Some plastic bits in the cabin need quailty upgrade. steering slightly heavy and lacks telescopic adjustment.

killer looks, 15-inch alloys aid in already excellent handling dynamics. Automatic a/c a standard feature and chills well. 60-40 folding seats a thoughtful feature. Ride is amongst the best in class. ABS and EBD along with dual airbags a standard for the segment. steering mounted audio controls along with bluetooth and usb make for an excellent add on. multi information display is also a standard feature.

ARAI certified average: 19.9 kmpl

Cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.98

Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 5,20,481 (base model price subject to change)

Monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually : Rs. 10,664.63 estimated

3. Volkswagen Polo: It's a close fight between the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Figo with the Polo just falling short. Lacks climate control. Integrated stereo lacks Bluetooth or usb or stereo mounted controls.

Best in class interior build quality and ergonomics. Looks modern and beautiful. Multi function display is par for the course. Tilt and telescopic steering along with seat height adjustment gets you the best seating position as per size, shape and gender. Remote locking system lets you operate the windows too and its a unique feature in this segment. ABS and Airbags are standard safety features for this segment. 64-40 split seats help in added flexibility. 15-inch alloys aid in driving and visual dynamics.

ARAI certified average: 22.07 kmpl estimated

Cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.79

Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 5,42,000 (base model price subject to change)

Monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually : Rs. 10,827.62 estimated

2. Ford Figo: The verdict is in. Ford Figo is a success with 7210 units sold in march. The interior design is a mixed bag and not everyone will like it. Alloys wheels are sorely missed but then ford has priced the Figo much below the competition. Climate control as an option in top-end model will be a welcome addition. Rear door doesn't have power windows even on top end. dead pedal will be missed.

The proven 1.4 diesel engine does duty on Fiesta and Ikon too and performs much better than what the figures suggest on paper. At higher speeds this engine can outperform even the likes of Hyundai Verna. Like every other ford car this too is an extremely fun to drive car. 60-40 split folding seats are standard for this segment and so is the multi information display. ABS and Airbags at this price range is available in all cars. integrated stereo has Bluetooth integration, usb and aux in.

ARAI certified average: 20 kmpl estimated

Cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.98

Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 4,57,853 (base model price subject to change)

Monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually : Rs. 9,610.883 estimated

1. Tata Indica Vista: Alloy wheels not available even on top-end versions. Tilt steering and height adjustment are present but telescopic option is not present. Climate control is not present which is strongly needed in Indian climates.

Proven and tested Fiat engine from Punto, Palio, Swift and Ritz is also found here. ABS with EBD are standard for this segment. 60-40 split rear seats par for the segment. rear power outlet is a thoughtful touch. Integrated stereo system is a Blaupunkt unit with Bluetooth, usb and aux input.

ARAI certified average: 22.29 kmpl estimated

Cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.77

Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 4,46,637 (base model price subject to change)

Monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually : Rs. 9220.53 estimated

Five unforgettable Indian Motorcycles and five forgettable Indian bikes.

No reviews or road tests will ever do justice to these.

Five Unforgettable Indian Bikes.

5.  Suzuki Shogun/Shaolin: TVS-Suzuki could've survived and made another Kawasaki-Bajaj or Hero Honda with these awesome bikes. The shogun had the potential to dethrone Rx100 but poor marketing and manufacturing led to the sad demise of this bike. Shaolin was a successive dud just like Rx135 and its cousins.

4. Rajdoot: Jaandar savari, Shandaar savari. Rajdoot motorcycles were based on German DKW (AUDI today). The motorcycles still do duty in the villages today signifying Escorts build quality and German engineering. The GTS Bobby shot to instant but short fame with the movie 'Bobby'.

3. Yamaha RX100 would have ranked second if the 135, tiger and 135 5-speed were any good at carrying the success of the Rx-100. Even faired version Rxz and Rx-z were big failures. But the fact remains that RX series were one of the most fun to drive bikes in India.

2. Yezdi motorcycles went by the motto 'forever bike, forever value'.  A tapering seat, twin exhausts, left legged gearbox and kick starter and retro Czech designs are remnants of the history of Soviets Greats. The 350cc Jawa Yezdi is rare just like the Yezdi Roadking. For more information the website is still up even after a decade of the extinction of this brand. www.yezdi.com

1. It will be a serious crime to not rank this bike first. The Yamaha RD350 is rare and prices have sky rocketed. First seen on the silver screen in the super hit movie 'Hero' the bike became an instant cult status. 350cc twin cylinder engine with six speed gearbox was an Indian first. See a Yamaha RD350 on Sale? Buy it right away.

Five Forgettable Indian Bikes.

5.  Kinetic GF125: Kinetic's official foray into motorcycles was a disaster. The GF125 was a gem of a bike but Kinetic never got the opportunity. GF125 has driven itself off into oblivion.

4. LML Graptor: Italian Design and a powerful engine were a perfect recipe for success. LML though wasn't exactly known for its motorcycles. Sales were dud for the Graptor and the successive Beamer. 

3. Enfield Taurus Diesel: The cult Motorcycle maker had tried to cash in on the torque characteristics of diesels. Never really did catch up with the masses. 

2. Bajaj KB100/125/RTZ/SX Enduro- Bajaj also wanted the success of Yamaha and came out with its version of a two stroke stonker. The KB series did well initially but 2-stroke was at the dying end. A pimped motorcycle in the form of SX Enduro was a master plan for success that was a half hearted attempt.

1. Suzuki Fiero: Even TVS and Suzuki never knew this bike existed in their portfolio. Launched to compete with CBZ heads on a lack of fifth cog and relaxed performance killed what was an otherwise awesome bike. Fiero FX styling was mind blowing back in the day but already dead before its birth.