Porsche Cayenne Electric Breaks Cover; Priced At Rs 1.75 Crore In India

Porsche has expanded its electric car lineup with its flagship SUV being the latest addition to the electrification trend. The Porsche Cayenne Electric is as bonkers as the first-ever Cayenne that came a couple of decades ago. Like its electric siblings - the Taycan and Macan EV - the Cayenne EV is also superlative in numbers and is available to order in India for a starting price of Rs 1.75 crore for the standard and Rs 2.25 crore for the Turbo guise.

 

Also read: New Porsche 911 Turbo S Launched In India At Rs 3.80 Crore
 

Let's talk about those superlative figures first. In its most powerful Turbo state-of-tune, it makes 1,156 bhp and 1500 Nm, and can clock 0-100 kmph in 2.5 seconds in the boost mode. The more “docile” version is no slouch either, with 440 bhp and 835 Nm, and its claimed time is 4.8 seconds.

 

Also Read: 563 bhp Porsche Macan Electric GTS Revealed; Slots In Below The Macan Turbo EV In Global Lineup

 

Both versions have a dual-motor AWD setup and are fed by a sufficiently large 113kWh battery pack. It has a claimed range of 642 kilometres and can support up to 400 kW of fast charging. But more importantly, it becomes the first Porsche to come with “Wireless Charging”. With 11kW of inductive charging, all that the Porsche Wireless Charging system requires is for the car to be parked above a floor plate, and the charging process starts automatically.

Taking inspiration from the Formula E outing, the Cayenne Electric also has 600 kW of recuperative power, wherein everyday use, about 97 per cent of all braking operations can be handled purely by the electric motors. 

 

Also read: Porsche Cayenne EV Interior Revealed: Curved 'Flow' Touchscreen, AR HUD And More
 

In terms of dimensions, the new Cayenne EV is 55mm longer than the combustion-engined version with 4,985mm length, 1,980mm width and 1,674mm height. The wheelbase has grown to 3,023mm, which should mean more space inside the cabin. If the styling of the Taycan and Macan EV is anything to go by, the Cayenne EV is muscular, modern and still characteristically a Porsche. Even the cabin is modern and has a 14.25-inch OLED screen atop the dashboard, which can be joined with a 14.9-inch optional passenger display.

Also read: Porsche Macan EV Review: Sharper, Faster, More Serious
 

With order books open right away, Cayenne EV will exist alongside the internal combustion versions (which is not the case with the Macan anymore). The global deliveries should commence in the second half of next year with an imminent India arrival.

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New Tesla Model Y Achieves Five Star Euro NCAP Crash Safety Rating

The 2025 Tesla Model Y has achieved a five-star safety rating from the European crash test safety rating agency Euro NCAP. The facelifted EV was part of a group of 23 models, including the likes of the Skoda Enyaq, Skoda Elroq, Mercedes CLE, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Volvo EX90 to be put to the test.

 

Also read: India To Get Updated Tesla Model Y LR With Higher Range
 

Starting with adult occupant protection, Euro NCAP awarded the Tesla a 91 per cent score. It noted that the Model Y’s body shell remained stable after a frontal offset collision. The electric SUV also offered good to adequate levels of protection to adult occupants in case of both frontal offset and full-width impacts. In side impact testing, the SYV offered good protection to occupants in the barrier impact test, though the protection to the chest was rated marginal due to the compression reading in the side pole impact test.

 

Also read: Tesla Model Y First Drive Review: Long Time Coming
 

The Model Y also scored well for minimising far-side excursion – the occupant’s body being thrown to the far side of the car during side impact, and the centre airbag performed well by preventing occupants from clashing with each other during an impact. Whiplash protection, too, was rated as good.

Moving to child occupant protection, the Model Y received a higher 93 per cent score, securing full points for occupant protection based on frontal and side impact testing with the 6-year and 10-year dummy. The agency also noted that all recommended child safety seats could be accommodated and properly installed in the vehicle, though the SUV did drop a few points for the types of child restraint safety systems offered.

 

The Model Y secured an 86 per cent score for Vulnerable Road User protection, with the bodyshell offering marginal to good levels of protection in most collisions with pedestrians, with only the stiffened A-pillar and windshield base showing poor results. The agency noted that the autonomous functions of the vehicle also performed well, including in recognising and mitigating collisions with other road users, including cyclists and motorcyclists.

 

Also read: 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance Debuts With 460 bhp, 580 km Range
 

As for the safety systems on board, Euro NCAP awarded the updated Model Y a 92 per cent score, with the agency noting that all systems were working well.

 

Also read: Rohit Sharma Adds Tesla Model Y To His Garage
 

The facelifted Model Y made its global debut at the start of 2025, with sales of the EV now happening across the globe. The EV also became Tesla's first model for the Indian market with the company launching the Model Y in India in July this year, following years of speculation over an India entry. The Model Y in India is offered in a fully-loaded RWD spec in either standard or long-range guise. The former is priced at Rs 59.89 lakh, while the latter costs Rs 67.89 lakh (ex-showroom).

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Bajaj Auto Takes Charge Of KTM With Full Buyout; Pierer Group Exits

Bajaj Auto has officially taken the driver’s seat at KTM’s parent company, completing a deal that gives the Indian manufacturer full control of the European group. Bajaj has confirmed that its Dutch subsidiary, Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV, has acquired 100 per cent of Pierer Bajaj AG, the holding firm that owns the majority stake in Pierer Mobility AG, the umbrella company for KTM and several other premium motorcycle brands. With the transaction wrapped up on November 18, KTM and the wider Pierer Mobility network now fall directly under Bajaj Auto.

 

Also Read: Bajaj Working On Sub-350 cc KTM & Triumph Motorcycles

The takeover also kicks off a round of major rebranding. Pierer Bajaj AG will soon carry the name Bajaj Auto International Holdings AG, while Pierer Mobility AG is set to be renamed Bajaj Mobility AG, subject to the usual approvals. Leadership changes are on the way, too, with boards and management teams across the involved companies, including KTM, lined up for restructuring. This effectively marks the end of the Pierer Group’s long-standing stewardship of the brand.

 

Before the deal, Bajaj Auto owned 49.9 per cent of Pierer Bajaj AG (PBAG), while the majority stake was held by Pierer Industrie AG. PBAG itself owned nearly 75 per cent of Pierer Mobility AG (PMAG), which meant Bajaj indirectly held about 37.5 per cent of KTM.

 

Also Read: New Bajaj Chetak Spied With Hub Motor

After the transaction, Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV (BAIH) took full ownership of PBAG by acquiring the remaining shares. This made PBAG a wholly owned subsidiary of BAIH, and therefore a step-down subsidiary of Bajaj Auto. Since PBAG holds 74.9 per cent of PMAG/KTM, both companies have now become indirect subsidiaries of Bajaj as well.

 

Bajaj and KTM have worked closely for years, and Bajaj has been a key financial backer for the Austrian brand during tough times. But this is the first time the Indian manufacturer has taken complete control, giving it a direct say in everything from future product planning to global manufacturing and brand strategy.

 

Also Read: KTM 390 Adventure, Adventure X Prices Hiked By Up To Rs 27,000

Stefan Pierer has been steering KTM since the early ’90s, stepping in when the company was in trouble and gradually turning it into a global performance-bike brand. Bajaj Auto entered the picture much later, picking up its first stake in KTM in 2007 and strengthening the partnership over the years as both companies grew more closely linked. What began as a minority investment eventually evolved into one of the industry’s strongest cross-continent alliances, laying the groundwork for today’s full shift in ownership.

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All-New Jeep Recon Electric SUV Revealed; 2.7 Tonne EV Gets Removable Doors, 400 KM Range

Jeep has unveiled its third all-electric SUV in the form of the all-new Jeep Recon SUV. Based on the STLA Large platform – the same as the Wagoneer S, the Recon looks to target the lifestyle buyers wanting an off-road capable SUV while still wanting to drive an EV.

 

Also read: Jeep Meridian: Your Most Asked Questions, Answered!
 

On the design front, the Recon follows the same design philosophy as the Wagoneer, Grand Cherokee and Avenger before it, with boxy and upright proportions along with some of Jeep’s trademark design elements. Unveiled in the off-road-ready Moab spec, the Recon gets the Jeep hallmark seven-slat grille – closed off and illuminated here, flanked by squared-out headlights with integrated daytime running lamps and a chunky bumper replete with recovery hooks and fog lamps.

Also read: Jeep Compass Track Edition Launched At Rs 26.78 Lakh

 

Moving to the sides, the Recon gets squared out, exaggerated fender flares filled out by 33-inch all-terrain tyres wrapped around 18-inch rims in the MOAB trim. The doors feature exposed exterior hinges – à la the Wrangler – and there’s a large rear quarter glass too. Round the back, the Recon features a side-hinged tailgate with a mounted spare wheel and a chunky rear bumper.

The party piece for the Recon, however, is its promise of open-air off-roading, something only offered by the Wrangler in Jeep’s stable. Jeep says that the doors can be removed without the need for specialised tools. The rear quarter windows and windscreen can be removed too, and depending on how the vehicle is specced, buyers can either get a panoramic sunroof or a powered soft-top in its place – the latter opening all the way to the rear for a more open-air feel.

The Recon isn’t small either by any metric – it measures 4,911 mm in length, 1,900 mm wide and 1,875 mm tall. It also sits on a 2,868 mm wheelbase and features 232 mm of ground clearance. This makes it not only larger than the Wrangler but also marginally larger than the Toyota Land Cruiser 300. The Recon isn’t light either, with a kerb weight of 2,772 kg.

 

Also read: 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Review: Brute Domesticated For Civilised Duties
 

In this off-road spec Moab trim Jeep says that the Recon has an approach, ramp breakover and departure angles of 33.8, 23.3 and 33.1 degrees.

Moving to the cabin, the dashboard design is quite symmetrical. The co-driver side features a large grab handle while the centre console houses a large 14.5-inch touchscreen – the nerve centre for a majority of the in-car controls - under which sit the central air-con vents and a wireless charging pad. The floor console between the seats features a floating design with storage space in the lower section, while the upper unit houses a gear selector dial and toggle switches for the Selec-Terrain system and electronic locking rear differential. The driver gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as standard.

Moving to the powertrain, the Recon gets a 100.5 kWh battery pack paired with two electric drive modules (EDMs) - one on each axle. The two EDMs develop a combined 670 bhp (500 kW) and 840 Nm, enabling the SUV to hit 96 kmph from a standstill in 3.6 seconds. The Recon gets active four-wheel drive as standard, with the MOAB getting an improved 15:1 final drive ratio for the rear axle for better off-road capabilities. The front axle features an 11:1 final drive ratio as well as an auto disconnect feature at each wheel to prioritise range during typical on-road driving. Jeep claims a range of up to 370 km for the Recon MOAB and up to 400 km for the remainder of the range.

 

The Recon will go into production in early 2026 with initial market launches planned for North American markets. The MOAB trim will also remain exclusive to the North American market.

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Ultraviolette F77 SuperStreet, F77 Mach 2 Launched In The UK

Ultraviolette Automotive has made its official entry into the United Kingdom with the commencement of sales of the F77 electric motorcycle lineup. The brand has partnered with Netherlands-based MotoMondo for distribution in the region. At the Motorcycle Live show in Birmingham, Ultraviolette launched the F77 Mach 2 Recon and F77 SuperStreet in its top-spec Recon variants, respectively.

 

Also Read: Ultraviolette X-47: Variants, Features, Prices Explained

Alongside its current range, Ultraviolette also showcased several other products, including the X-47 Crossover, which was launched in the Indian market recently. The company also displayed the Tesseract scooter, Shockwave dirt bike, and the F99 concept motorcycle.

 

The F77 models launched in the UK will be offered solely in the top-spec Recon guise. The duo sports the same mechanical setup as the Indian version: a peak output of 30 kW, 100 Nm of torque, a claimed top speed of 155 kmph and a 10.3 kWh battery with an IDC-rated range of up to 323 km. Prices reflect the premium positioning abroad, with the F77 Mach 2 set at £8,499 (Rs 9.91 lakh) and the F77 SuperStreet at £8,799 (Rs 10.26 lakh).

 

Also Read: Ultraviolette X-47 Crossover First Ride Review: Sense & Sensibility

 

Earlier this year, Ultraviolette began its overseas rollout by sending the first shipment of 100 F77 motorcycles to the UK and nine other European countries, including France, Germany, Ireland, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The motorcycles are exported from the company’s Bengaluru plant as fully built units. 

 

For its European presence, Ultraviolette has set up a network of regional distribution partners. MotoMondo oversees the UK and Benelux markets, Zero Centre handles Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, while Pink Mobility manages operations in France.

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Kawasaki W230 Announced For The UK: Does It Make Sense For India?

Kawasaki has announced a new retro-styled roadster, the W230 for the UK market, to go on sale in 2026. With 1960s inspired styling, particularly inspired by the 1965 Kawasaki 650 W-1 model, the new W230 promises to take on other modern classic models in Europe, like the Honda GB350S, BSA Bantam 350 and Royal Enfield Classic 350.  On paper, the Kawasaki W230 seems to make for a good candidate for the Indian market as well, with growing popularity in the sub-350 cc modern classic segment. 

 

Also Read: Kawasaki KLX230 First Ride Review

But will it be launched? And if it is, will Kawasaki be able to make the cut and make the W230 a success, unlike the similar-styled W175? We take a look at what the W230 offers and if it has a chance to make Indian retro-styled roadster loves warm up to this new Kawasaki modern classic.

 

The W230 is based on a 233 cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 17.3 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 18.6 Nm at 5,800 rpm. With a kerb weight of just 133 kg, and a 745 mm seat height, the W230 looks to be a promising entry-level modern classic, with 150 mm ground clearance and 12-litre fuel capacity. Suspension set-up consists of 37 mm telescopic front forks and twin shocks with adjustable preload. Braking duties are handled by front and rear discs, with a 265 mm front disc with a dual-piston caliper and a 220 mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper.

 

Also Read: Kawasaki KLX230 Prices Reduced To Rs. 1.99 Lakh

 

On the styling front, the Kawasaki W230 seems to nail the modern classic design look, and the overall dimensions and key specifications also look promising. If Kawasaki does consider introducing it in India, what will be a deciding factor will be localisation and pricing. If Kawasaki India manages to chalk out a similar India strategy for the W230 as it did for the KLX230 dual-sport, the W230 could be one single-cylinder Kawasaki model which could make the Japanese brand more widely known.

 

In the end, the Kawasaki W230 promises to be a lightweight modern classic alternative to bestsellers in India, like the Royal Enfield 350s, Honda CB350, Jawa and Yezdi models, even though on paper, power and torque figures of the W230 look to be lower than others in the sub-350 cc modern classic segment. What goes for it, is its lightweight design, which should make new riders and even first-time owners feel comfortable with its compact size and easy dimensions.

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Hyundai Crater Concept Previewed; To Preview Upcoming Off-Roader

It was only last month when Hyundai confirmed that the Indian market would receive a new off-road SUV by FY2030 as part of seven all-new nameplates for the market. Now the carmaker has previewed an ‘extreme off-road show vehicle’ that will debut at the soon-to-commence LA Auto Show 2025. Called the Crater Concept, Hyundai has provided a first glimpse of the concept via design sketches showcasing a boxy and muscular SUV in a similar vein to the Ford Bronco and the Land Rover Defender.

 

Also read: New Hyundai MPV, Off-Road SUV Confirmed For India
 

Speaking of the design, the Crater looks to get acres of ground clearance along with off-road biased tyres. The fascia is characterised by slim lights sitting just below the bonnet and a unique four-dot pattern in the centre. The grille is closed off, suggesting that the concept could be electric, while the main headlamps look to be integrated into a slim opening just above the chunky front bumper.

 

Also read: Hyundai Tucson Discontinued In India: Delisted From Website
 

The sculpted bonnet adds to the rough and ready look with contrast-finished panelling near the A Pillar, likely hinting at a location where the owner could climb up to access the luggage rack. Four auxiliary lights sit just ahead of the luggage rack.

 

Also Read: Hyundai To Launch 8 Hybrid Cars And SUVs In India By FY2030

 

Moving to the rear, the concept gets prominent haunches along with a tail lamp set-up mirroring the front. The rear bumper, too, is chunky with a large skid plate element, and a small roof-mounted integrated spoiler sits atop the rear windshield.

It, however, remains to be seen if the Crater concept could preview a future production model with Hyundai calling the concept ‘a design exploration that captures the spirit of adventure.’ Hyundai last month confirmed that the Indian market would get a new SUV with off-road capabilities in the coming years, though whether it will be inspired by the Crater remains to be seen.

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Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Combat Edition Unveiled; Gets Ride Modes, Cruise Control and More!

Hero MotoCorp has unveiled a new variant of the Xtreme 160R 4V called the Combat Edition. The new variant comes with new features that are unique to the segment. While the company has disclosed the new variant on its social media platforms and website, the prices, however, on the website are only of the existing base variant.

 

Starting with the exterior updates, the Xtreme 160R 4V Combat Edition, the motorcycle gets a new LED headlamp that is borrowed from its elder sibling, the Xtreme 250R. Next, the Combat Edition comes with a new light grey livery with neon highlights which looks sportier and more appealing. Apart from the above, the design for the rest of the motorcycle remains the same.

 

Also Read: New Hero Xtreme 160R Combat Edition Leaked Ahead Of Launch

The main upgrades, however, are for the electronics package which includes three ride modes – Road, Rain and Sport, which can be changed via the mode switch on the new switchgear. Next, the motorcycle now comes with cruise control which was first introduced on the Glamour X. Other updates include panic brake alert, and a new multi-colour LCD display equipped with connected features like turn-by-turn navigation and call alerts. Hero has also mentioned that the seat cushioning has been improved for the single-piece saddle and a slightly wider rear tyre.

 

Also Read: New Hero Xtreme 125R Launched: Gets Dual-Channel ABS, Cruise Control

Powering the Xtreme 160R 4V is the same 163.2cc single-cylinder air-oil-cooled 4-valve engine that is rated to deliver a peak power output of 16.63bhp at 8,500 rpm and peak torque output of 14.6Nm at 6,500 rpm. The motor comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox. For cycle parts, the motorcycle used a tubular underbone diamond type chassis that is suspended by a 37mm USDs sourced from KYB. For the rear, the motorcycle used a 7-step preload-adjustable monoshock. Braking duties are handled by 27 mm disc at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear. The system is assisted by dual-channel ABS as standard.

 

In the 160cc sporty naked streetfighter-styled motorcycle segment, the Xtreme 160R 4V Combat Edition is expected to carry a premium of Rs 5,000 to 8,000 over the base model pricing. Competition-wise, the new Xtreme 160R 4V will go up against the likes of the Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache 160 4V and the newly-launched Yamaha FZ Rave.

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CNG Supply In Mumbai Disrupted Due To Damaged GAIL Pipeline

Mumbai is witnessing an ongoing shortage of CNG following damage to Gas Authority of India’s (GAIL) Main Supply Pipeline. Full details are not known, though a statement of Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) – the main supplier of CNG & PNG to the city, citing ‘third-party damage in the main gas supply pipeline of GAIL.’

Due to third-party damage in the main gas supply pipeline of GAIL inside RCF compound, the gas supply to MGL’s City Gate Station (CGS) at Wadala has been affected.

MGL is ensuring supply to its domestic PNG consumers to be maintained on priority without interruption. However,…

— Mahanagar Gas Ltd. (@mahanagargas) November 16, 2025

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MGL states that the gas pipeline damage has interrupted supply to its City Gate Station in Wadala. The City Gas Station is the main facility that receives gas supply from GAIL’s pipeline before it is sent out/pumped out to locations across the city via MGL’s network of pipelines.

 

Also read: Nissan Magnite AMT Launched With CNG Kit, Prices Start At Rs. 6.88 lakh
 

The supply interruption began on Sunday and continued into Monday, with MGL stating that it was currently prioritising the operation of its domestic PNG (piped natural gas) connections. This could lead to a shortage of CNG at fuel stations across the city, with reports that many taxis and autos were off the roads due to running out of fuel. Lines at filling stations still providing CNG could also be longer than expected.

 

Also read: Most Affordable SUVs With Company-Fitted CNG Kits
 

No clear timeline on the rectification is currently available, though some reports state that the supply was temporarily restored, but pressure remained very low. Some reports state that the connection could be restored by Tuesday, though the after-effects of CNG shortages across the city could likely continue till supply to filling stations is normalised and the long queues at filling stations are cleared.

 

Representational Images

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Maruti Suzuki Recalls Over 30,000 Units Of Grand Vitara Over Faulty Fuel Gauge

Maruti Suzuki has issued a recall for over 39,000 units of the Grand Vitara manufactured between December 2024 and April 2025. The carmaker says that the affected vehicles are suspected of having a faulty fuel level indicator and warning light. A total of 39,506 units are affected.

 

Also read: Maruti Suzuki Achieves 80% Battery Localisation For Grand Vitara Hybrid
 

Maruti says that the faulty fuel level indicator in the instrument cluster could lead to the vehicle displaying an incorrect level of fuel to the driver. While the fault is unlikely to have major safety implications, it could lead to scenarios of vehicles having less fuel than indicated in the instrument cluster.

Maruti says that its dealers and service centres will reach out to all owners of the SUV affected by the recall for a complimentary part inspection and replacement.

 

Also read: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Achieves 3 Lakh Sales Milestone
 

Maruti Suzuki revived the grand Vitara name in India in 2022 as an all-new compact SUV that replaced the S-Cross in the company’s line-up as a rival to the venerable Hyundai Creta. The Grand Vitara was also the first product developed under the Maruti Suzuki – Toyota partnership, with the SUV getting a sister model from Toyota – the Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

 

Also read: Maruti Suzuki e Vitara India Launch On December 2
 

The Grand Vitara is offered with a choice of powertrain options – a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol with manual and automatic gearbox options, and a 1.5-litre petrol strong hybrid powertrain paired with a CVT gearbox as standard. The NA petrol additionally gets the option of a factory CNG kit across multiple variants and optional all-wheel drive on the top variant.

 

Also read: New Hyundai Venue vs Maruti Suzuki Brezza: Size, Features, Engines, Prices Compared
 

The Grand Vitara has been quite successful in the Indian market with sales crossing 3 lakh units earlier this year.

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Opinion: What’s The Big Deal About The Yamaha XSR155?

Forty years is enough time for generations to turn over – for teens to hit mid-life, and for the young to start thinking about retirement. It’s a span in which toddlers grow up – and sometimes grow too old to chase new passions. Why bring this up? Because it’s been a little over four decades since Yamaha first stepped into India with the RD 350, followed soon after by the wildly popular RX100. Through the ‘80s and well into the ‘90s, these machines hard-wired Yamaha's identity in India as a brand built on raw, unapologetic performance.

 

Also Read: Yamaha XSR155 Launched At Rs. 1.50 Lakh

 

So, when the XSR155 launched in Thailand and Indonesia back in 2019, Indian enthusiasts immediately wanted it here. After all, it’s built on the bulletproof R15 platform, wrapped in stunning neo-retro design – a more contemporary re-interpretation of classic styling, which has a ready-made fan following in India.  Now, in 2025, the XSR155 has finally arrived. The question now is – will it win hearts like the R15? Or make a mark in Indian motorcycling history like the RX100 and the RD350?

 

 

Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Yamaha XSR155

 

XSR155 Design & Stance: Neo-Retro Win for Yamaha?

 

The Yamaha XSR155’s biggest draw is its design. There’s nothing quite like it in the market right now. Unlike “modern classics” which stay close to their vintage looks (think Triumph Bonneville, or Royal Enfield Bullet), the XSR leans into a fresher interpretation of retro, reimagined with liberal dose of modern elements and details, much like a Ducati Scrambler. It’s a contemporary take that has already won plenty of admirers.

 

Proven Underpinnings: YamahaXSR155 Engine & Platform

 

The XSR155 shares the same platform with the popular R15. The XSR not only shares the same tried and tested 155 cc liquid-cooled engine with variable valve actuation (VVA) and 6-speed gearbox with slip and assist clutch, but also the Deltabox (perimeter) frame and upside-down front forks.

 

With dual-channel ABS, traction control and a retro-styled LCD display with smartphone connectivity, the XSR155 is a modern motorcycle in every sense. The four-valve DOHC, liquid-cooled engine is known for its rev-happy nature and strong usable torque across the rev range – versatile for city, highway and everything in between. For many in India, 18 bhp, 14.2 Nm with a 6-speed gearbox, in a light and sleek retro-styled package is possibly something many have been waiting for. 

 

Also Read: Yamaha XSR155 In Pictures

 

Yamaha XSR155 Dimensions & Ergonomics: Tailor-made for India?

 

Initial impressions at launch suggest a friendly rider triangle; comfortable reach to the bars, and mid-rear set footpegs that strike a balance between relaxed and sporty. At 137 kg kerb weight, the XSR155 promises to be one of the lightest motorcycles available in its segment right now. It’s even lighter than its siblings, the MT-15 (141 kg) and the R15 (142 kg), and significantly lighter than other retro-styled motorcycles in its price bracket like the TVS Ronin (160 kg) and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (181 kg). 

 

However, in a country where the average height of an adult male is 5 feet 7 inches, the XSR155’s seat height of 815 mm could be a challenge for some. Anyone with a height lower than 5’7” could find it a daunting prospect to reach the ground with their toes – not quite ideal for a motorcycle which will be positioned as a product for relatively new riders.  Ground clearance raises eyebrows too – 120 mm laden, 170 mm kerb. On Indian roads where speed breakers and potholes are unavoidable, this is worth noting. Real world testing will tell us more, but for now, it doesn’t sound like a deal breaker.

 

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Yamaha XSR155 – Will it still be a winner?

 

For many of us who grew up around the iconic Yamaha RX100, nostalgia runs deep – the silhouette, the two-stroke reed valve whine, the freedom it symbolised. A glance over the shoulder at a red RX after a thoroughly entertaining spin on the street is something many of us will fondly remember. But the ‘80s and ‘90s are long gone, memories fading into almost forgotten corners of the mind. Yamaha hasn’t quite recreated that magic in the four-stroke era, though the R15 and MT-15 have created strong fan following.

 

The XSR155 feels like Yamaha’s next big opportunity. With proven mechanicals, standout design, and strong brand recall for its retro lineage, it has all the ingredients to hit the sweet spot for today’s riders – especially those who want modern performance wrapped in old-school charm. 

 

Will it be able to evoke the same passion and charm as Yamaha’s two-strokes did many years ago? Time will tell. If the XSR155 makes me turn back for an admiring glance after a ride, it’ll be more than a test ride – it’ll be a sign Yamaha’s magic is back. Great expectations from this one!

 

Watch the Yamaha XSR155 First Look From India Launch Event:

 

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