A joyous discovery in a Honda City

Honda's Drive to Discover




Truly, we need to look around our own country to see what it has to offer. And what better way to drive around than in one of the finest cars available? The idea gave rise to Honda's 'Drive to Discover' campaign wherein eight print publications and three television media houses were invited to drive a Honda City from Srinagar to Kanyakumari.



CAR India had the honour to take part in the first leg of the drive from J&K to Punjab. Unfortunately, the recent unrest in Kashmir forced us to shift our starting point to Jammu from Srinagar. A little disappointed, we arrived in Jammu a day before the flag-off and immediately had a taste of the security rules in place there. The entire airport premises are out of bounds for taxi-cabs as well as people waiting to receive passengers unless they have prior permission.



While my Airtel and Docomo refused to catch the network, Sawan's Reliance showed 'emergency calls only'. Pre-paid connections do not work in Jammu. Security reasons once again. Watching men with guns guard the city of temples is an awful sight indeed. What we saw here was that the ordinary man was tired of political feuds and the games played by politicians. All he wants is peace.



Mercifully, the drive thereafter was not all that eventful until Chandigarh, where we had to replace a punctured tyre. Coincidentally, Bhanu, who was driving the backup Honda City, happened to take some other route within the city of Chandigarh and also had a punctured tyre at the same time. It was late evening by the time we reached our destination to finish the first leg of 560 km in the Honda City.

Upcoming bike launches of 2010-11

BMW K1300S



Expected: Nov 2010
Estimated price: Rs 10.2 lakh

German bike maker, BMW Motorrad is set to introduce its flagship bike, the BMW K1300S, very soon. The K1300S is the most advanced bike from BMW stable. In the international market, the bike comes loaded with a 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder, four valves per cylinder and two-overhead camshafts. The displacement of the bike is 1293cc. The power train of the BMW K1300S produces awesome 175 hp of top power at 9,250 rpm and churns out 140 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm. The bike can deliver a top speed of over 200 km/h with the help of a 6-speed manual transmission. Not to mention the sophisticated front 320mm and rear 265mm disc brakes complete with anti-lock braking system.

TVS Rockz

Expected: Nov2010
Estimated price: Rs 50,000

TVS, one of India's two wheeler manufacturer is planning to launch a very classy and stylish moped in the 125-cc segment. The all-new and classy moped will be named TVS Rockz. The USP: 50km/l.

Suzuki Skydrive

Expected: Nov 2010
Estimated price: Rs 45,000

Following the success of the Access 125, Suzuki is planning to introduce more two-wheelers in India. First up is the Suzuki Skydrive, which is also known as Suzuki F1 scooter in the international market.
The Skydrive is an aerodynamic scooter with both kick- and self-start options. It has a 124cc, 4-stoke, air cooled SOHC engine which generates excellent power and torque values.

Honda Interceptor VFR800

Expected: Nov 2010
Estimated price: Rs 8 lakh

Honda intends to launch a couple of sports and sports tourer new bikes in India. The planned bikes are Honda VFR1200R, Honda Interceptor VFR800 and Honda CBX Twister 250cc.

The Interceptor comes loaded with a liquid-cooled 90-degree V4, 4-stroke, DOHC, VTEC power plant with a higher displacement of 781cc. This advanced power train belts out a maximum power of 107bhp at 10,500 rpm and pumps out a top torque of 80 Nm at 8750 rpm. The Honda Interceptor VFR 800 incorporates 6-speed manual transmission for better use of engine power that also ensures amazing acceleration.

Hyosung ST7

Expected: Nov 2010
Estimated price: Rs 10 lakh

The new Hyosung ST7 is expected to be equipped with a 678cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 90 V Twin, 4 valves per cylinder and DOHC valve configuration. Expected to develop a peak power of 60bhp and 63 Nm of top torque at 7500 rpm, the bike comes loaded with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Hyosung ST7 is expected to be packed with array of advanced features that will boost performance. The dynamic and sound braking system of the new Hyosung ST7 is also very classy with a 300mm disc brake at the front and 270 mm disc brake at the rear.

Honda CBR 1000RR

Expected: Nov 2010
Estimated price: Rs 12.5 lakh

The all new Honda CBR is loaded with very powerful and dynamic 999cc engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. The new and stylish Honda CBR is incorporated with dynamic disc brakes and advanced suspension system which absorbs maximum shock. The fuel tank capacity of the new Honda CBR is 17.7 litres with 3 litres of reserve.

Yamaha BWS

Expected: Nov 2010
Estimated price: Rs 60,000

Yamaha BWS 125 features a 4-stroke, single cylinder, 4-valve, fuel injection SOHC power train - the same configuration which is used in Yamaha bikes the world over. The engine of the Yamaha BWS 125 pumps out a top power figure of 6.7kw at 7,500 rpm and churns out a peak torque of 9.6 Nm at 6,000 rpm. The scooter uses V-belt automatic transmission. The Yamaha BWs 125 comes loaded with front disc brake and rear drum type brake; it has front telescopic shocker and rear unit link fork. The most fascinating feature is its massive 12-inch wheels. In addition, Yamaha BWs 125 sports a 6-litre fuel tank.

Vibgyor Shark

Expected: Nov 2010
Estimated price: Rs 55,000

Vibgyor Vehicles, a Kolkata based bike manufacturer, is planning to launch two new bikes in India. Vibgyor already has a product named Vibgyor Gallop in a few states in India. Now the company announced to launch two bikes - Vibgyor Shark 150cc and Vibgyor Hunter 125cc. These two bikes were launched by Sourav Ganguly at Delhi Auto Expo, January 2010. The Vibgyor Shark has been developed by the company's own R&D team and has used domestic components. The Vibgyor Shark will compete with Bajaj Pulsar 150cc, Hero Honda Hunk, CBZ X-Treme, Honda Unicorn, Suzuki GS150R, TVS Apache and Yamaha FZ16. The bike is equipped with a 4-stroke, single cylinder, SOHC air cooled power train with a displacement of 142.6cc.

Vibgyor Hunter

Expected: Nov 2010
Estimated price: Rs 45,000

The second bike from the Vibgyor stable - the Vibgyor Hunter comes loaded with 4-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC engine with 124.1cc displacement. The power plant of Vibgyor Hunter belts out a peak power of 9.64bhp at 9,000 rpm and pumps out 9.0 Nm of top torque at 8,000 rpm. The bike comes with self- and kick-start options. Vibgyor Hunter sports five-speed constant mesh gearbox.

Kawasaki Ninja

Expected: Dec 2010
Estimated price: Rs 6 lakh

The power mill of the baby Ninja 250 R belts out 33Ps of power at 11,000 rpm and 22Nm of power at 8,200 rpm. Acceleration and pick-up is unmatched with excellent control. It inherits and proudly sports the cutting-edge power, technology and styling of the Ninja Super Sports models. With rider focused ergonomics, styling and a host of features such as fuel injection, liquid cooling and petal disc brakes, it is a bike that never cease to amaze.

Yamaha YZF R6

Expected: Dec 2010
Estimated price: Rs 6 lakh

Yamaha has a number of pure sports bikes in its portfolio and some bigger displacement bikes have been launched in India including Yamaha R1, Yamaha R15 and Yamaha VMAX. The company intends to launch its most popular sports bike in India: the YZF R6. This sports bike has crossed a good number of milestones on the racing track. In fact, this is the dream sports bike for many professional bikers.

Yamaha Fazer 250cc

Expected: Jan 2011
Estimated price: Rs 1.25 lakh

After the huge success in 150cc segment with Yamaha FZ16, FZS, Fazer and Yamaha YZF R15, reports now emerge that Yamaha Motor India will launch the Fazer in the 250cc segment. The all new Yamaha Fazer 250cc is expected to come with a 249cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) petrol engine with five speed manual transmission producing 20PS of maximum power and 20Nm of maximum torque.

Demak DMX R

Expected: Feb 2011
Estimated price: Rs 60,000

Demak is soon going to start its operation in India and the company is also planning to launch two bikes - Demak DMX R and Demak Cougar. The powerful Demak DMX R is a racer bike with the appearance to match. The DMX R is expected to be loaded with a 150cc engine expected to generate a power of 14bhp.

Demak Cougar

Expected: Feb 2011
Estimated price: Rs 1 lakh

The Demak Cougar is expected to be equipped with an engine capacity of 250cc. The 4-stroke engine is expected to generate a maximum power of 19bhp.

Bajaj Sonic

Expected: Feb 2011
Estimated price: Rs 40,000

The new Bajaj Sonic is specially designed to target the large volume of young bikers with its sporty and macho looks. The Sonic is expected to be equipped with a 100cc engine with 4-speed transmission. The new 4-stroke engine of the Sonic is expected to be incorporated with a single cylinder and SOHC valve configuration for reduced friction. The bike offers a mileage of around 60 km/l and has a fuel tank capacity of 17 litres.

Hyosung GT 650R

Expected: Mar 2011
Estimated price: Rs 4 lakh

The upcoming Hyosung GT 650R is expected to be a powerful bike which will be equipped with an engine capacity of 650cc. The powerful and dynamic engine of the Hyosung GT 650R is expected to produce a power of 80PS at 10,000rpm and churn out a maximum torque of 67Nm at 7250rpm. The engine of the GT 650R is expected to be loaded with V-twin 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC valve configuration.

KTM Duke

Expected: Mar 2011
Estimated price: Rs 1 lakh

Bajaj Auto and Austrian bike maker KTM are coming together in India with the plan to launch a premium segment bike. Bajaj KTM is expected to produce power bikes with 125cc to 250 cc engines, starting with the KTM Duke 125. The stylish and aggressive bike is specially designed to cater to the racer crowd. The KTM Duke 125 is expected to be powered by a 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC valve configuration with a displacement of 124 cc which will deliver 11KW of power.

Suzuki GSXR 1000

Expected: Mar 2011
Estimated price: Rs 5 lakh

Suzuki GSXR 1000 is a very powerful bike which is packed with a 999cc engine. The powerful and dynamic engine produces an awesome top power of 160bhp at 9,500 rpm and churns out a maximum torque of 110Nm at 8,000 rpm. The iconic super sport bike is loaded with MotoGP type brakes and suspension system.

Yamaha YZF R125

Expected: Mar 2011
Estimated price: Rs 90,000

The Yamaha R125 which is available in the overseas market has been loaded with a 124.66cc displacement, liquid cooled, SOHC, single cylinder power plant. This compact but sporty engine is capable of delivering 15 PS (14.5bhp) of maximum power at 9,000 rpm and 12.2 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. The fuel injected machine incorporates six-speed gearbox. In view to achieve greater performance and rigidity, it is equipped with a Deltabox chassis, aluminium swing arm and five-spoke lightweight alloy wheels. The Yamaha YZF R125 possesses somewhat the same body style and stance as higher R-series bikes like Yamaha YZF R6 and iconic Yamaha YZF R1. The front face and rear view of the bike are also borrowed from the R-series bikes. One can see the copied items such as dual headlights, compact tail side view and the low front face.

Yamaha Nouvo

xpected: Mar 2011
Estimated price: Rs 60,000

The company is going to launch the new Yamaha Nouvo - a strange combination of motorcycle and scooter - in the 135cc segment. This powerful scooter is expected to produce a maximum power of 8.77bhp at 8000 rpm and a torque of 8.62 Nm at 7000 rpm. The scooter is expected to be very fuel efficient and also very good performer.

Suzuki Gladius

Expected: Mar 2011
Estimated price: Rs 7-8 lakh

With the increase in the number of super bikes on Indian roads in the "High Class" segment, buyers have the option of many varieties to choose from. And Suzuki plans to cash in on just that. The Gladius is powered by a 645cc, 2-cylinder, solid V-twin engine. The bike has a great sporty look and its powerful engine expected to generate great power and torque figures.

Bajaj Blade

Expected: Mar 2011
Estimated price: Rs 45,000

Bajaj will launch the 125cc Blade targeted at women riders. With a 4-valve DTS-I engine, the Blade will generate a maximum power of 11.5bhp. The scooter features a light-weight, comfortable ride with good luggage space.

Honda CBR600RR

Expected: Jun 2011
Estimated price: Rs 6 lakh

Honda CBR600RR is one of the most successful racing machines in middleweight section across world. Comfort and performance are well taken care of in the Honda CBR600RR. The bike has won numerous race titles in world racing tracks including World Super Sport and AMA Super Sport. The CBR600RR comes with a liquid-cooled, inline, four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC engine with a displacement of 599cc. The power-packed mill of the Honda CBR600RR pumps out a wonderful 118bhp at 13,500rpm and belts out a stunning torque of 66Nm at 11,250 rpm. The ignition system is computer-controlled digital transistorized with three-dimensional mapping.

TVS Neo

Expected: Oct 2011
Estimated price: Rs 48,000

TVS Motors, the third largest two-wheeler maker in India, is planning to launch TVS Neo in India very soon. The TVS Neo is already being sold in Indonesian market and doing well. The company wants to bring the machine in India with a few changes. TVS Neo has different design but will not be new to Indian customers. In India, Hero Honda Street and Kinetic K4 had the same body design.

TVS Neo will have the same power-train that the Indonesian variant has - 110cc, 4-stroke, single cylinder, SOHC engine that generates a peak power of 8.5bhp at 8,000 rpm and delivers a top torque of 8.5 Nm at 4,500 rpm. The moped has self- and kick-start options.
Piaggio Vespa LX

Expected: Jan 2012
Estimated price: Rs 55,000

By the end of 2012, the Piaggio will launch Piaggio Vespa LX125 in India. The Vespa LX125 is expected to be manufactured in a brand new Piaggio production plant which will produce 150,000 two-wheelers every year. The Vespa LX125 will surely be one of the most gorgeous looking scooters on the road. The all new Piaggio Vespa LX will be very stylish, compact and affordable.

Piaggio Vespa LX is expected to be launched with only one model for the Indian market i.e. Piaggio Vespa LX. The single cylinder LEADER 4-stroke engine of the Vespa is expected deliver a power of 7.65 KW at 8250 rpm and torque of 9.6 Nm at 7250 rpm. The scooter is expected to offer a mileage of around 45 km/l.

Source: India Syndicate
Photos: Company websites

Making of Honda Jazz

"How is it made?" The most natural question that springs to everyone's mind after coming across a beautiful piece of engineering. Take Honda's cars, for example. We visit their manufacturing plant in Greater Noida for a dekko at close quarters.





Honda Siel Cars India Limited (HSCI) was incorporated in December 1995 as a joint venture between Honda Motor Company Limited of Japan and Siel Limited with a commitment to provide Honda's latest passenger car models and technologies to Indian customers. The investment made by the company in India to date is Rs 1,620 crore for the Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh) plant and Rs 784 crore for the Tapukara (Rajasthan) plant.



HSCI's first state-of-the-art manufacturing unit was set up in Greater Noida in 1997. This green-field project is spread over 150 acres of land (over 6,00,000 square metres) and has an annual capacity of 1,00,000 units. The Tapukara plant encompasses over 600 acres of land and will have an initial production capacity of 60,000 units per annum at an investment of about Rs 1,000 crore. As reported in CAR India earlier, the first phase of this facility was inaugurated in September 2008.



The company's range of products includes the Honda Jazz, Honda City, Honda Civic and Honda Accord, which are manufactured at the Greater Noida facility with indigenisation levels of 77 per cent, 76 per cent, 74 per cent and 28 per cent respectively. The CR-V, on the other hand, is imported from Japan as a completely built unit (CBU). Honda's models are associated with advanced design and technology, apart from proven qualities such as durability, reliability and fuel-efficiency.



Honda Siel's Greater Noida plant allows the manufacture of various models. However, here we shall concentrate exclusively on the Jazz. Although the installed capacity is for 1,00,000 units, it has the potential to go up to 1,25,000 after taking care of a few bottlenecks. The number this year will be about 70,000 units.



The whole manufacturing process for the Jazz starts from welding. The press is located in Tapukara and backward integration of the parts (such as the powertrain) is also done there.

http://stbjp.msn.com/i/7F/C433F5684E49AF0EC68476CB784DF.jpg" alt="Making of Honda Jazz" />

The Jazz boasts of localisation to the extent of 80 per cent. This has become possible owing to extensive indigenisation of both in-house and outsourced parts and components, the latter being taken care of by the company's purchase department.



One good thing about the Jazz is that, except for the battery wherein lead has to be used due to some technological issues, all its components are lead-free. Although Indian law does not stipulate that all the components should be free from such hazardous elements, it is in keeping with Honda's philosophy and, as such, all the suppliers also have to sign an undertaking that their components do not contain such hazardous elements.

Source: Car India