Citroën C4 and ë-C4 have won the ‘Car of the Year’ title in the Driver Power survey 2023.
Citroën C4 and ë-C4 have secured the top spot in the list of 75 most satisfying models to own in the UK.
The model has also been named the ‘Best Compact Family Car’ in this year’s survey.
Citroën ë-C4 can now be purchased with two all-electric powertrains that have a maximum WLTP range of 260 miles.
The Driver Power survey 2023, conducted and published by Auto Express, has crowned Citroën C4 as the most gratifying car to own in the UK. The C4 and ë-C4 have also been declared the ‘Best Compact Family Car’. Auto Express performs the survey each year, and this year more than 60,000 car owners provided their feedback on various aspects, including running costs, performance, and technology. Recognition in the Driver Power survey is valued by industry commentators and media worldwide as a fair and unbiased evaluation of car owners’ opinions.
Citroën C4 and ë-C4 outperformed their competitors according to the scores given by their respective owners. The car owners seemed satisfied with the good MPG or all-electric efficiency, running costs, safety features, and reliability. The quality of ride and handling left an excellent impression on the owners, irrespective of the chosen powertrain.
Both C4 and ë-C4 are beneficiaries of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® Program. Citroën Advanced Comfort® seats are constructed specifically with high-density foam in the core of the seat, providing additional support, along with an additional layer of 15mm memory foam just under the fabric. The Advanced Comfort® suspension system, which is exclusively available in Citroën cars, improves the absorption of imperfections in the road and ensures that passengers experience a comfortable ride, creating a real ‘flying carpet’ consistency. This experience is further enhanced by the serene soundless electric powertrain of ë-C4.
Steve Fowler, auto express editor-in-chief, commented on this achievement, stating that, “We’ve been greatly impressed by this sleek and stylish Citroën from the outset, and it’s clearly making a huge impression on its owners. It’s a remarkable win for the French firm, which has not only transformed its product range in recent years, but has also invested hugely in improvements to quality.”
Citroën C4 is available with a collection of efficient petrol and diesel engines, and the ë-C4 comes with two electric powertrains, one with a 50kW battery that promises a maximum of 222 miles of range (WLTP), and the other with a 54kW battery that ensures up to 260 miles of range (WLTP). Citroën ë-C4 supports 100kW rapid charging, implying that you can charge from 0-80% in only thirty minutes from a public rapid charger.
Citroën UK’s Managing Director, Greg Taylor, commented, “This is a wonderful accolade for everyone at Citroën UK, but much more importantly it’s fabulous news for present and future Citroën customers. An enormous amount of work has gone into our latest products to ensure they’re best in class in terms of quality and ownership experience. And now, the outstanding service delivered by our retailer partners means Citroën can proudly say that we are the maker of the most satisfying car to own in the UK right now.
Maruti Grand Vitara records the largest growth in sales
In May 2023, compact SUV sales dropped by 4.8% compared to April 2023. Out of all the models, the Hyundai Creta was the only one to sell more than 10,000 units, while Kia Seltos had the highest decline of over 40% in monthly sales.
Here’s a breakdown of the compact SUV sales in May 2023:
Suzuki has recently been criticized for being slow to innovate. Many of its models still use technology that is more than a decade old. However, the brand has recently been making waves with its new middleweight lineup. With the GSX-8S and the V-Strom 800DE, Suzuki seems to be reinventing itself.
The GSX-8S has already proven itself as a strong competitor in the middleweight naked bike market in the US and Europe. Meanwhile, the V-Strom 800DE aims to challenge the Yamaha Tenere 700 in the adventure bike segment.
The V-Strom 800DE has been seen being tested in India, and it is expected to be released there by October 2023. Suzuki dealerships have already stopped taking delivery of the V-Strom 650XT, which is built on a platform that is over a decade old.
Although bookings for the new model have not yet opened in India, there is a market for adventure-tourers like the V-Strom. Models like the BMW F 850 GS and the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally are popular among affluent off-road and adventure enthusiasts. The V-Strom is expected to be assembled in India, which should reduce taxes and make it more affordable.
The V-Strom 800DE boasts a brand-new 776cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crankshaft. It produces an impressive 83 horsepower and 53 pound-feet of torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual gearbox. The bike also features modern technology like a bi-directional quick shifter, traction control, and multiple riding modes. It has a full-color TFT display that provides riders with a wealth of information.
The V-Strom 800DE has a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel, which improves its off-road performance. It has Showa suspension both at the front and rear, with a range of adjustability, enhancing its overall off-road capability. The bike offers a ground clearance of 220 millimeters and a tall seat height of 855 millimeters, making it an ideal choice for adventure riding.
The dashboard design is a combination of screens from the Grand i10 Nios and Venue
The Hyundai Exter will be launched on July 10, and bookings are open.
It has some segment-first features, such as a dual dash cam setup and a single-pane sunroof.
Based on the leaked interior images, it will also have a digitised driver’s display (as seen in the Venue) and touchscreen unit.
It will be offered in five broad variants: EX, S, SX, SX (O), and SX (O) Connect.
It features a 1.2-litre engine that comes in both petrol and CNG options.
Its expected price is from Rs 6 Lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.
We are receiving more details about the upcoming Hyundai Exter as its launch date approaches. Leaked images of its interior have surfaced on the internet, showing some of the car’s features. Let’s have a look at what we can expect.
The Dashboard Design
The Exter’s interior design is similar to that of the Grand i10 Nios, especially the layout. It features an integrated housing design for the infotainment unit and instrument cluster, along with central AC vents below the display. Although it is hard to tell from the leaked images, it appears that the touchscreen is smaller than the 8-inch setup offered in the Grand i10 Nios and the 10.25-inch unit found in the i20.
However, the Exter will offer a digitised driver’s display, as seen in other Hyundai cars like Venue and Verna, along with auto AC and cruise control.
Other Notable Features
The Hyundai Exter will have several notable features, including a dual dash cam setup, voice-assisted single-pane sunroof, six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill assist, and 3-point seat belts and reminders for all five seats, rear parking camera, and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
There will be five broad variants: EX, S, SX, SX (O), and SX (O) Connect, with detailed features of each variant closer to the model’s launch.
Powering the Exter
The Exter will have only one 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT in petrol. It will also have a CNG option at launch with the manual transmission option.
Pricing and Rivals
The Hyundai Exter’s expected starting price is around Rs 6 Lakh (ex-showroom), and it will compete with Tata Punch, Citroen C3, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and Maruti Fronx.
Choosing the right riding gear depends on the weather conditions of your region. With summer in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s time to keep yourself cool and comfortable. French manufacturer, Bering has just the right product for you. The Squadra jacket is one of the latest offerings from the brand, boasting a stylish appearance that belies its protective features. The fitted design of the jacket makes it appear like a regular street jacket. However, it is made of Twiltex polyester fabric and features recycled fibers for the interior mesh lining, offering both comfort and protection.
The removable Alpha CE Level 1 adjustable elbow and shoulder protectors make the Squadra jacket a perfect fit for all body types. The jacket also has a dedicated pocket for CE back protectors and is PPE certified in accordance with the EN17092: 2020 standard, classified as class A, thanks to the as-standard elbow and shoulder protectors. The trousers connection loop in the jacket allows for safe and secure attachment of compatible trousers, making it a complete ensemble for riders. The jacket has two external pockets, a shoulder pocket, and a wallet pocket, offering convenient storage. Ribbing at the hips enhances the jacket’s fit and comfort.
Reflective inserts in the jacket improve visibility and promote safety for low-light riding conditions. Available in Khaki and Navy Blue colors, the jacket price is €169.99, or roughly $183 USD. With a wide range of sizes from S to 4XL, the Squadra jacket is perfect for all body types. Lastly, with all these features, the jacket offers competitive value for quality to its riders this summer season.
The carmaker’s newest flagship offering is to be unveiled on July 5 and might go on sale on the same day
The Invicto will be placed at the top of Maruti’s MPV lineup.
It will feature a new design that includes tri-piece LED lighting and a fresh grille.
Maruti might provide the interior with a new theme in contrast to the tan color scheme of the Toyota MPV.
Premium features will include a panoramic sunroof, 10-inch touchscreen, and ADAS.
The same petrol and strong-hybrid petrol engines from the Innova Hycross will be offered.
The Invicto is likely to be priced from Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom).
Earlier rumored to be named Maruti Engage, the Toyota Innova Hycross-based MPV is officially named Invicto, and will become Maruti’s new flagship offering. The new Maruti Invicto MPV will debut on July 5, and the company is expected to launch the vehicle on the same day.
What Will It Look Like?
The Maruti Invicto will mostly resemble Toyota Innova Hycross, while recent undisguised spy shots confirm that it will have some brand-specific changes to distinguish it from the Toyota model. These changes include tri-piece LED headlights and taillights, a new grille design with two chrome strips connecting the headlights, and a fresh set of alloy wheels.
The Invicto’s dashboard layout will be identical to the Toyota model, but it will most probably have a new cabin appearance.
Features Equipped In The Maruti MPV
The Invicto is expected to have an identical features list as that of the Toyota Innova Hycross. Premium equipment that comes with the model includes a 10-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a digital driver’s display, and a powered tailgate. It’s designed with up to six airbags, vehicle stability control (VSC), front and rear parking sensors, and will be the first Maruti to provide advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for passenger safety.
The Maruti Invicto will have the same powertrain options as the Toyota Innova Hycross. The MPV will come with a standard 2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (174PS/205Nm), mated to a CVT automatic. The model does not feature any manual options. The Toyota MPV has a strong-hybrid powertrain possibility, utilizing a combination of a 186PS 2-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, paired with an e-CVT, to have a claimed efficiency of over 21 kmpl.
What Will Be The Cost?
The Invicto is expected to be priced from Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom). Its only direct contender will be the Toyota Innova Hycross, and it will be positioned between the Kia Carens and Carnival.
Land Energy, an electric motorcycle start-up based in Cleveland, Ohio, has seen significant growth in recent years. The company was founded by Scott Colosimo, who previously co-founded Cleveland Cycle Werks, and has now doubled its workforce. The electric bike project called Falcon, which Colosimo started, helped him realize his interest in electrification. Consequently, he started Land Energy to manufacture and assemble electric motorcycles in Cleveland. In 2022, Land Energy launched its flagship bike, the District, and in January 2023, it released the District Scrambler.
According to Chris Davis, Land Energy’s production manager, the team has grown from five or six to fourteen people in just four months. The company has also increased production to building three bikes a week from one bike a month and plans to produce thirty bikes a month in the next few months. Land Energy offers its customers a range of options on its website, such as different battery capacities, paint colors, and wheel types.
The price of the base model of Land Energy’s electric motorcycles starts at $7,800 for the District Scrambler and $8,200 for the District. Depending on the customers’ preferences, the cost can escalate with additional features such as more massive battery setups and accessories such as bash guards, rear racks, and top boxes.
Colosimo originally founded Cleveland Cycle Werks, which started as a small business in Ohio in 2009. Today, Cleveland Cycle Works has partnerships all over the world, including in the UK, Switzerland, Poland, India, and Vietnam. Its mission is to make affordable yet stylish motorcycles for everyone.
Land Energy currently has a 60,000-square foot plant in Cleveland and aims to manufacture 15,000 units a year in the factory. It intends to perform final assembly in Cleveland, capitalizing on the city’s rich manufacturing history. Land Energy’s growth plans will create new manufacturing jobs and help revitalize Cleveland.
The Ride Shop AZ has created another innovative machine, this time for their long-time client Scott Whittington. The “White Knight” is a highly customized 2023 Gas Gas 450 chassis with an early 2000s KTM 380cc engine. The clean execution and attention to detail on the “White Knight” is awe-inspiring.
The bike features a unique color scheme and P3 Carbon skid plate that provides excellent protection against impact and debris. It also has Rocket Exhaust’s carbon fiber Racer Series design silencer.
The “White Knight” boasts Motomaster MXC billet calipers, brake rotors, and steel braided lines on both ends. The swingarm is coated in white, which makes the red accent parts from TM Designworks, Motomaster, and Dubya USA stand out.
Look for an upcoming video on The Ride Shop AZ’s YouTube channel and a complete story in an upcoming printed issue of Dirt Bike Magazine.
Ever dreamt of blending the engine of one bike with the frame of another to create a high-performance masterpiece? John Murray made it a reality by combining the 2023 Honda CRF450R chassis with the powerful 2023 KTM 300SX two-stroke fuel-injected engine.
John Murray, a dirt bike enthusiast who also owns a construction company, took matters into his own hands and designed the conversion. The result was an impressive DIY build that Dirt Bike Magazine couldn’t help but take notice of.
Utilizing available resources rather than working with high-end builders in a factory garage, Murray was able to prove that thinking outside the box could lead to an exceptional outcome. Check out the up-close look at this unique creation in the video below!
In the year 2000, Suzuki released the DR-Z400S, which was a perfect timing as the motorcycle industry was about to go through significant changes. The four-strokes bikes soon took over the market, and most Japanese two-stroke bikes went out of production. The DR-Z was Japan’s second-best dual-sport bike and was considered the best in its category until the release of the Honda CRF450L in 2019. Even now, the Suzuki sells for $7099, which is approximately $3000 less than the Honda, making it an excellent purchase.
AS TIMES CHANGE Time flows, and although the DR-Z was built in a different era, it wouldn’t be that different if it were built today. Of course, the carburetor would have to go, but the motor is a compact, double-overhead-cam four-valve with electric start and a counterbalancer. It is not much different from most modern four-stroke motocross bikes. The DR-Z uses a shim and buckets to drive the valves directly, and there are other old-school design elements like the “right-side up” fork, steel tank, frame, and handlebar.
The DR-Z soon became the Suzuki off-road race team’s primary weapon out west since there were no Honda CRF450R or serious motocross four-strokes from Suzuki or Kawasaki at the time. Mike Kiedrowski won back-to-back WORCS championships in 2001 and 2002 on a Yoshimura-built DR-Z against a field of Yamaha 426s.
Despite being an exceptional bike, it’s challenging to find a dual-sport version of Kiedrowski’s DR-Z. It’s still possible but would cost a lot and still not match the modern 450s. Today, the Suzuki DR-Z400S is more of a trail bike than a competition bike. It performs reasonably well in its stock form, with only two horsepower less than a Husqvarna FE350S at peak performance.
There is a range of aftermarket parts available for the DR-Z400S, including Keihin FCR carburetors and DOT-approved knobbies. However, the main appeal of the Suzuki is its low price. It’s more effective than one might think, and with decent tires, it can keep up with more modern dual-sport bikes on moderately difficult singletrack. It has great handling and suspension, and the ergonomics are almost modern-like, giving the rider a comfortable experience.
The only significant limitation is the stock Bridgestone Trail Wing tires, which are street-oriented and unsuited for rough terrain. It would be best to equip the Suzuki with aftermarket DOT-approved knobbies, but it’s important to note that they wear out faster than stock tires, which aren’t ideal for mostly pavement riding. It might be a good idea to have an extra set of wheels with knobbies set aside for special off-road occasions.
The Suzuki DR-Z400S is an
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