Suzuki 150cc bike has finally landed!

The Japanese auto major finally ventures in to the 150cc segment by launching GS150R and it just might 'Drive you crazy' or maybe not! The looks strictly for plain-Jane city commuting but boast features like an electronic speedo, LED tail lamp and integrated rear indicators. The Pulsar-meets-Unicorn tank can accommodate 15.5 litre of fuel or air depending on the rising petrol price :P

The bike boasts of a super reliable 149cc engine that can produce 13.8 BHP at 8500 RPM. One nice aspect of the bike is a six-speed transmission, thats one down five up. The GS150R is equipped with Engine Balancer Technology, and 'balancer driven gear fitted with a rubber damper', which helps in reducing vibration...though some naughty girls might not be too happy with this feature, pun intended!

Aptly priced at Rs 59,000 ex-showroom because honestly there are very few other aspects that can sway a buyers decision towards the 'GS' because the Uni, CBZ and Pulsar more or less offer everything mentioned above and below. Talking about offers, the Jap-giant will be offering the 150 in four electric...BUZZZzzz...colours – blue, orange, grey and black.

Some more info:
Length: 2095mm
Width: 775mm
Height: 1120mm
Ground clearance: 160mm
Wheelbase: 1340mm.
Tyres front: 2.75 x 18
Tyre rear: 100/90 x 18

Suzuki gears up for motorcycle price war

The war is hotting up. And Suzuki India is gearing up for the competitive pricing war in the two-wheeler market. The auto-biggie is already selling its 125cc 'Heat' motorcycle with a competitive price tag closer to that of a 100cc.
The firm is now planning to target volumes by debuting the 100cc domain and is working on strategies to squeeze out profits from the extremely competitive entry-level segment. Atul Gupta, VP Sales & Marketing – Suzuki said that the company is planning to launch three new two-wheelers in the next two years and at least one of them will be a 100cc vehicle.

Gupta also believes that contrary to predictions, the 100cc segment still accounts for 70% of the overall market so entering this segment would make sense for the auto major. He further adds that analysis has shown that over the last several months, the pricing in the 100cc space have narrowed down and the trend will continue.
But the biggest challenge according to Gupta will be to find out how to remain profitable, while operating in the mass motorcycle segment. Industry gurus claim that Suzuki might seek support from its well-established sister-concern Maruti Suzuki India to rationalise the cost factor.

The other launches scheduled in the near future is a premium bike, which will be unveiled later this month, and which we presume could be the Hayabusa . Also industry sources say that another new bike, which would be in the market by March next year could be the much talked about 150cc bike. While, the 100cc bike would take over a year and half to hit the Indian roads.

The A-star rolling out in October

Time for some garma-garam news. India's leading car company, Maruti Suzuki has just confirmed that it is set to launch the A-star in India right on scheduled – that's October '08. The Jap auto giant will start exports by January next year. The firm also announced that car will be priced between Rs 3-4 lakh.

The A-star will introduce Suzuki's revolutionary next-gen 'K-series' engine in India. The new star-car , if I may say so, is targeted to fight back Hyundai's i-10 assault as the i-10 has not only dented the Waron-R and the sad Zen Estilo, but the Kappa engine has kicked Swift sales below the belt.

Meanwhile, the parent of the Indian company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, has asked its subsidiary to boost its research and development (R&D) for small car engines, according to news reports.

Pics: Team-bhp.com

Hyundai’s new 800cc car on its way

Hyundai Motor India is developing a small car to compete in the Maruti dominated 800cc segment. The new car is expected to hit the Indian roads in another three to four years - that’s around 2012. Hope it’ll be worth the wait.

Mr. H S Lheem, Director - Hyundai Motor India said, a model smaller than Santro is being researched and developed jointly by Indian and Korean engineer teams at Hyderabad and Namyang. The car would compete in the 800 cc segment and would be catered to the domestic and International markets.

This ain’t great new for Maruti Suzuki, as there are just two models in the popular segment and the Indian car leader offers both of ‘em. Maruti had been comfortably selling the age old 800 car and the Alto in this segment. Guess it’s time for Maruti honchos to jump out of their comfortably warm beds and rush for an urgent meeting with the marketing and design teams.

When Mr. Lheem was asked whether the 800cc car would be pitted against Maruti 800, he quipped, "the Maruti car is an old one."

The other anticipated car by Hyundai is the ‘i20’, which the company plans to unveil at the Paris Motor Show next month. The ‘i20 would be introduced in India by December.

Diesel - Hyundai i10 early 2009

In the wake of 2009 Hyundai may launch their weapon of mass destruction targeting the Maruti Suzuki Swift which is already dented by the super popular i10. The i10 loaded with a diesel engine would mean no 'Swift' sales for Maruti Suzuki.

The Korean car maker is planning to launch a 1.1 CRDI, 80 horse powered i10 early next year. If they price it sensibly and pack it with goodies like all round discs, ABS, airbags etc. this could well be the last nail for Swift.
Time can only tell and we shall continue speculating...

Suzuki Lanza 150cc to land soon!

Its showtime for Suzuki India now. Like all Japanese companies Suzuki thinks ten years in advance. So the sad model line up was Suzuki's way of testing waters in India. The Jap giant will soon launch an 150cc bike with a six speed transmission with a toe and heel gear lever, a rear feature now a days as bikes trying the sporty avatar!

Sadly though it's not exactly a Gixer sibling but this could be the new power packed bike to take on the likes of Unicorn and Pulsar. Well, not really a R15 killer but this bike will target buyers who are looking for performance with mileage.

Speculations have it that the bike will be called the Suzuki Lanza 150. It does resemble the Pulsar a lot, with it's wolf-eye like headlamps. The engine reminds me of the TVS Suzuki Fiero unit. The handlebar comes with weight on both sides which might be borrowed from the Suzuki’s 125cc zeus. The bike will also boast a digital, LCD console.

This could be a blockbuster bike with Suzuki's dependable engine and smooth six speed transmission.
BIKE LAUNCHED...Read here

A-star is born!

Come September and Maruti will spice up the hatchback segment with it's much awaited A-star. The A-star better known as new-age Alto in European countries, will be unveiled at the upcoming Paris auto show this October. In India the Maruti Suzuki A-star will have to live along with the Alto and Wagon-R.

The Maruti Suzuki A-star concept was showcased earlier this year in India at the Auto Expo, though the production car will not be as futuristic in designed as the concept car. With a low slung front grill like the Audi accompanied by high bonnet line and the vertically stacked headlights make the car distinct yet its not over the top. The tall-boy design assures roomy interior and legroom.

The A-star will sport a 1 liter K-series engine which can produce 65 BHP and we can expect better fuel economy. This family car will be price around Rs 4 lakh... Beware Hyundai i10!