Auto Expo 2023: We had a lot in store for us on Day 1 of the mega auto show, including much-awaited announcements, debuts, and launches. Day 1 was packed with several significant launches such as the new MG Hector and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 as well as major debuts like the Maruti Suzuki eVX EV SUV concept and the internal combustion engine Tata Curvv concept along with new motorcycles and scooters both production and concept. There was still much to look forward to as we geared up for the second day of the event. Day 2 also had some key reveals in store, despite being less extensive than Day 1. Two new SUVs from Maruti Suzuki, including the much awaited 5-Door Jimny, were unveiled for the Indian market in addition to the new model introductions from MG. Besides, a wide variety was witnessed in the two-wheeler and alternative mobility markets. Let's take a closer look at the major two-wheeler debuts and launches from the expo.
Keeway SR250
The SR250, a new motorcycle by Keeway India, priced at Rs. 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom), was launched in India at the expo. The SR250 is powered by a 223cc, single-cylinder engine that generates 16bhp and 16Nm. When its 14.2-litre gasoline tank is fully fueled, the motorcycle weighs only 120kg. Like its smaller twin, the SR125, the SR250 sports a circular headlamp, a ribbed pattern on the brown seat, fork gaiters, and spoke wheels. Telescopic forks and dual shocks are part of the suspension system, while a 300mm front disc and 210mm rear disc are utilised for braking. The feature list includes a dual-channel ABS system and a semi-analogue instrument cluster.
Keeway India has extended its motorcycle range even further by introducing the SR250, which will go on sale in April 2023. Bookings for the model have begun at a nominal fee of Rs 2,000, and it will soon join its twin, the Keeway SR125, in India. It is expected that the deliveries for the motorcycle will commence in February 2023. It will most likely compete with the TVS Ronin, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, and the Kawasaki W175.
2023 TVS iQube ST
TVS showcased the 2023 iQube ST with an extended range at the Auto Expo 2023. For 2023, the TVS iQube ST receives voice assistance and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System). Apart from that, the e-scooter appears to be relatively unchanged from the model revealed last year. As a result, it gets the same design with a modern twist. A single-piece seat, a grab rail, and all-over LED lighting are included. It is propelled by a 4.56kWh battery and a 3kW motor. The iQube ST has a top speed of 82km/h and a maximum range of 145 kilometres, according to TVS. A standard charger can charge the battery up to 80% in four hours and six minutes.
In addition to the newly added features, the ST trim still boasts Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port for charging, geo-fencing, a theft alarm, turn-by-turn navigation, riding modes, phone alerts, audio control, incognito mode, park assist, and more. All of these functions are available on the e-TFT scooter's interface. The braking system is assisted by telescoping front forks and twin rear shocks, and it comprises a single front disc and a rear drum unit. The latter is mounted on alloy 12-inch wheels with 90/90-sized front and rear tyres.
Also Read: Auto Expo 2023: Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV Launched in India at Rs 44.95 lakh
New Kratos X and Updated Kratos R E-Bikes
The Kratos X, a brand-new e-bike, and the Kratos R, an updated model, were unveiled by Tork Motors, an electric bike manufacturer at the event. The Tork Kratos X, as stated by the bikemaker, is a feature-rich model with an aluminium swingarm and a 7-inch touch-compatible TFT dash. The e-bike is expected to have a more potent motor than the Kratos R, which will produce more torque and accelerate more swiftly, although Tork Motors hasn't provided details about the specifics of its power. Additionally, a new FF (Furiously Fast) mode is anticipated. The company will reportedly stop selling the standard Tork Kratos S and only the updated Kratos R and the new Kratos X would be available in India.
Tork Motors has also introduced an updated version of the Kratos R e-bike in addition to the new Kratos X e-bike. Along with new decals and other aesthetic modifications, the electric motorcycle now sports a battery and engine that are completely black. A quick-charging port, better front, and rear turn indicators, and an updated live dash are added. The most advanced model of the Tork Kratos R has a 9kW electric motor that generates 12bhp and 38Nm. The acceleration from 0 to 40km/h stays the same, but the top speed is now 105km/h.
Liger Self-Balancing Electric Scooters
On Day 2 of the Auto Expo, the Mumbai-based startup Liger Mobility unveiled the Liger X and Liger X+, two revolutionary self-balancing electric scooters. The lithium-ion battery pack is the same in both products, although the Liger X has a removable one while the Liger X+ does not. For the Liger X, a replaceable lithium-ion battery pack can be fully charged in 3 hours. According to the manufacturer, it can travel 60 kilometres on a single charge and has a top speed of 65km/h. In contrast, the Liger X+ boasts a range of 100 kilometres and uses a non-removable battery pack that charges completely in 4.5 hours.
Interestingly, both use the company's unique AutoBalancing technology, which allows the e-scooters to stay upright even at slow speeds and from a standing start without the rider moving their feet to stabilise it. This holds true for the scooters' ability to turn around. The rider has the option to manually disable the AutoBalancing function once the scooter reaches a particular speed.
Ultraviolette F99 Electric Motorcycle
The brand-new F99 electric motorcycle has been officially introduced by Ultraviolette in India. With the unveiling of the F99 Factory Racing platform on Day 2 of the expo, Ultraviolette entered the world of fast racing. This is also expected to encourage ground-breaking innovation in the EV motorbike and broader mobility sector.
As per the firm, to develop technology and features for electric motorbikes that push the boundaries of inventiveness, the F99 Factory Racing Platform, which is slated to be India's first electric motorsports-oriented vehicle, draws influence from both the aviation and racing industries. The manufacturer also claims that the F99 Factory Racing Platform was created to wring the maximum power possible out of the powertrain while passing all mandatory safety tests. This led to a peak power output of 65bhp and a top speed of more than 200km/h.
Also Read: Auto Expo 2023: Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-Door unveiled in India
MBP M502N and C1002V
Another Chinese-owned Italian brand, Moto Bologna Passione (MBP) made its India debut at the expo. MBP introduced the M502N naked motorcycle and the C1002V at the auto show yesterday. The new MBP motorcycles will be available alongside Benelli and Keeway models.
The C1002V initially debuted in November 2022, at the EICMA. The bike boasts a relaxed riding triangle, a blacked-out and brawny body, and fat tyres on both ends. The engine is a 997cc V-Twin with 80-degree cylinders that produce 94bhp and 102Nm. These stats are comparable to those of the competitors, but its feature set distinguishes it. The MBP C1002V includes switchable engine maps as well as a cruise control system. A 5-inch TFT display is also incorporated, which may be Bluetooth-connected to a smartphone. Internationally, the M502N naked motorbike by the Italian bikemaker is driven by a 500cc twin-cylinder engine delivering 47bhp. KYB suspension and Pirelli Angel GT tyres are among the high-end components. Furthermore, it features full-LED lighting and a 4.2-inch TFT display.
Write your Comment