Creating small-scale clay prototypes is a fairly simple process of shaping foam, covering it with clay, and then meticulously adding and carving the mold until it’s finished. Once the appearance based on the designers’ initial sketches is narrowed down, the larger version is made. Full-scale clay models work on a similar principle but are larger and more intricate.
Usually, a rough interior frame or skeleton is constructed using metal and then filled with foam, followed by a several-inch layer of clay on the exterior. Sculptors and designers then meticulously work on the exterior, making a multitude of changes—some significant, some almost imperceptible—until it looks the way they want. This process involves thorough inspection and further adjustments until the model is considered finished.
In some cases, a surface may need to be reshaped, requiring the addition and smoothing of more clay into the model’s contours. Other times, a line or curve may be slightly off, and sculptors will carefully remove the excess material. Overall, the journey from concept sketch to full production can take several years, with a significant portion devoted to the ongoing refinement of clay models.
Twitter now offers three subscription tiers: Basic, Premium, and Premium+. Let’s take a look at the features included in each tier:
Basic ($3 per month or $32 per year) provides the features of the original Twitter Blue, along with some additional functionalities. This includes the ability to edit and publish longer posts exceeding 280 characters, an undo post option, posting longer videos, a “Top Articles” shortcut, reader mode for threads, background video playback, offline video viewing, a “small reply boost,” SMS two-factor authentication (which is less secure than the authenticator-app-based option available to free users), encrypted direct messages (limited to paid users), and various customization features such as highlighting the best posts on your profile and hiding your likes and subscriptions.
Premium ($8 per month or $84 per year) includes all the features of Basic and reduces the number of ads displayed in the “For You” and “Following” feeds by half. It also provides a “larger reply boost,” access to the Creator Hub for revenue sharing and page subscriptions, the blue checkmark and ID verification badges (if you choose to verify your ID), and the option to hide the blue checkmark. ID verification also comes with “prioritized support from X services.”
Premium+ ($16 per month or $168 per year) offers everything in the Premium tier, along with the removal of all ads.
The Honda Elevate’s entry-level variant has basic equipment but lacks infotainment
The Honda Elevate is a new compact SUV available in four variants: SV, V, VX, and ZX. It comes with a single petrol engine option, available with both manual and automatic transmissions. However, the base variant only offers the petrol-manual combination. So, is it worth considering if you’re on a tight budget?
Variant
1.5-litre MT
1.5-litre CVT
SV
Rs 11 lakh
–
V
Rs 12.11 lakh
Rs 13.21 lakh
Difference
Rs 1.11 lakh
Rs 2.21 lakh
Why Consider the Elevate SV?
The Elevate SV offers more than just the basics. It comes with features like all-LED lighting with DRLs, height-adjustable driver seat, keyless entry, push-button start/stop, and power windows. It also includes basic safety equipment such as dual front airbags, electronic stability control, 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. These features make it the recommended variant if you’re on a tight budget and want a modern Honda SUV that you can accessorize later on.
Here’s what it offers:
Exterior
Interior
Comfort and Convenience
Infotainment
Safety
Highlight features
Voice recognition
Other features
Upgrade to V if you want
Why Skip the Elevate SV?
Although the Elevate SV variant comes with more than basic comfort and safety features, it lacks some useful and essential items like an infotainment system and a reversing camera. These features, along with a few more convenience features, are available on the V variant. The main reason to choose the V variant would be if you want the most affordable automatic option for the Elevate, at a premium of over Rs 2 lakh.
Variant
Verdict
SV
The variant of our choice if you wish to buy the petrol-MT option. Accessorize it and skip upgrading to the V variant.
V
Only pick if you want the Elevate with an automatic gearbox on a budget. Else, go to the next variant.
VX
Offers more tech at a reasonable premium. Can be skipped if you want the full premium Honda experience.
ZX
Choose this variant for a better cabin experience, more tech, safety features, and dual-tone paint option.
All prices are introductory, ex-showroom pan-India
We have mixed feelings about the Suzuki DR650S. On one hand, we appreciate the fact that Suzuki has kept this model in production for over 32 years. On the other hand, it is still a motorcycle that is essentially 32 years old. However, despite its age, the DR650S has its merits and continues to be offered in the market.
The Suzuki DR650S is a big, air-cooled single-cylinder motorcycle with a carburetor. It is priced at $6999, which is the same as a Yamaha YZ125 motocross bike. What’s interesting is that the DR650S is still manufactured in Japan, while most other motorcycles in this price range are made in countries like China, Thailand, or Vietnam. As a result, the DR650S stands out as one of the last remaining models of its kind.
LOOKING BACK The roots of the DR650S can be traced back to the 1978 Suzuki SP370, the company’s first four-stroke off-road bike. Over the years, it evolved into the present-day DR650S with various updates and improvements. In 1993, the electric starter was introduced, which was a major step forward. Today’s DR650S remains fundamentally similar to the initial version. In the late 90s, the DR650S was considered one of the top dual-sport bikes in terms of performance and handling.
THE DR TODAY Despite the DR650S remaining largely unchanged, its role in the market has shifted. It is no longer considered a high-performance bike or a traditional dual-sport model. Instead, it serves as an entry-level adventure bike. The bike’s design and layout reflect its 90s heritage, with a thick seat and handlebars that sweep back towards the rider. Vibration is minimal thanks to rubber-mounted footpegs and handlebar weights. The power delivery of the big single-cylinder engine is torque-oriented, offering a distinct and satisfying acceleration experience. While it lacks the rev-happy nature of modern bikes, the DR650S produces more torque than many of its rivals. Its tall gearing allows for cruising at low RPM, making it comfortable for long rides on dirt roads. However, the bike may struggle on fast trails due to its street-oriented tires and limited suspension adjustability. It is also relatively heavy compared to its competitors.
The 2023 Suzuki DR650S is still around. It sells for $6999.
WHERE WE STARTED The Kawasaki KLR650 remains the closest competitor to the Suzuki DR650S. While the KLR650 has received updates and now features fuel injection, the DR650S remains unchanged in terms of its carbureted engine. Fuel injection is seen as an added complexity and expense in a bike like the DR650S. Despite its age, the DR650S still finds its place in the modern world and has an enduring appeal. We believe it deserves to continue being produced indefinitely.
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