News highlights of the day include Hero, Mahindra, Renault and Maruti Suzuki.
Hero Pleasure Plus 110 – The Indian bike maker has introduced the BS6 version of the Pleasure Plus priced at Rs. 54,800/- for the steel wheel variant and Rs. 56,800/- for the alloy wheel variant. The power and torque output from the 110cc BS6 engine remains unchanged at 8.1 HP and 8.7 Nm. It comes with mild cosmetic changes.
Renault Kwid – The French carmaker has now updated the hatchback with BS6 compliant engines ahead of the April 2020 deadline. The Renault Kwid BS6 version comes with a starting price of Rs. 2.92 lakhs. There is a price difference of Rs. 9000/- over the BS4 model. Power output remains unchanged for both the engines. 0.8-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine continues to produce 54 HP and 72 Nm of torque, while the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol unit makes 68 HP and 91 Nm of torque.
Maruti Suzuki – India’s largest carmaker will showcase 17 vehicles at the Auto Expo 2020. Maruti Suzuki will showcase the Futuro-e electric SUV coupe concept, Vitara Brezza facelift with BS6 compliant petrol engine and Ignis facelift amongst other existing models in the range.
Mahindra – The Indian carmaker is planning to set up a plant for batteries in India. This will help Mahindra cut down on the cost of electric vehicles and eventually offer EVs at attractive price in India. 60 percent of the vehicle cost is dependent on the batteries of an EV.
Motor Trivia – Did you know, the Guinness Book Of World Records gave Tata Nano the title of World’s Cheapest Car in 2009.
Comment of the day – Sandyzen – “C’mon VW… your Transporter Van’s clone has arrived… what’re you doing?”