Tag Archives: crash

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts crash tests to assess the safety of vehicles during collisions. These tests are performed on all vehicles sold in the US, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. Based on their performance in these tests, vehicles are assigned star ratings. A five-star rating, like the one achieved by the Audi Q8, indicates the highest level of safety.

A video posted on CarPro1993’s YouTube channel shows the NHTSA preparing to crash test the Q8, which is Audi’s premium two-row SUV based on the seven-passenger Q7. The NHTSA tapes black and yellow strips along the roof and doors to measure the impact intrusion on the passenger compartment. They use dummies of various sizes wearing brightly colored shirts and paint to evaluate the severity of the impact and the likelihood of injury.

Side-impact tests involve crashing a barrier directly into the side of a vehicle at its midpoint. This simulates a collision with another vehicle. In the case of the Audi Q8, the barrier strikes the driver’s side at a speed of 38.5 miles per hour, causing the left-hand side wheels to lift off the ground. As a result of the impact, the side curtain airbags deploy and the doors are pushed inward. Inside the vehicle, the dummies are initially pushed against the airbags before rebounding to the right.

After the crash, the Audi Q8 displays moderate damage. The B-pillar absorbs most of the impact, and the doors are visibly deformed. However, the SUV still appears drivable. The wheels remain intact and the windshield is undamaged. Although the side windows pop out of their frames, they do not shatter. Inside the vehicle, the door panels are distorted, but the airbags have successfully redirected much of the force away from the dummies.

According to the NHTSA’s website, the Audi Q8 has received a five-star safety rating for side-impact protection and an overall five-star safety rating. Additionally, it has been awarded a five-star rating for frontal impact and a four-star rating for rollover safety. Apart from these categories, the NHTSA has proposed stricter pedestrian safety tests, including standards for automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

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CFMoto’s 450 SS and 450 SR To Get R&G Goodies

July 16, 2023 David

Riders across the pond may know of R&G, the motorcycle accessory maker specializing in crash protection for naked and sport bikes.

The brand is known for being very receptive when it comes to crash protection for even the oldest of bikes out there, but this time, a specific Chinese manufacturer has made enough waves for the folks over at R&G’s headquarters to notice.

R&G is launching a new lineup of products for the CFMoto 450 SS, also known as the 450 SR in other countries. The super sport enjoyed a launch in the United States earlier this year, and it’s shaping up to be one of the “it” beginner bikes to get. With the 450 SS getting a bit of recognition in the States, and already notable adoption throughout Europe, R&G is stepping in to equip riders with some much-needed crash protection.

Sometimes, it’s the accessories and the support that may make or break a motorcycle purchase, and now CFMoto 450 SS owners and would-be owners will find that the model gets a full laundry list of goodies from the British accessory maker.

Equipped with a 450cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree offset crankshaft, the 450 SS, or SR, is an exceptional bike in its class. Poised against the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and other Japanese rivals, it might as well be CFMoto’s segment from here on out.

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R&G is giving the bike a full lineup of protection parts. The brand has developed a comprehensive range of equipment that will guard the bike from a tip-over or a slide. These include Bar-End Sliders, Fork Protectors, Lever Guards, PRO Radiator Guards, Tank Traction Grips, a Fender Eliminator, Dashboard Screen Protector, Blanking Plates, and a few other bits and pieces.

“We are excited to introduce our cutting-edge range of crash protection and accessories for the CFMoto 450SS,” said Simon Hughes, managing director of R&G. “Owners can now ride with confidence, knowing they have equipped their motorcycles with industry-leading protection and personalized touches that reflect their unique style and preferences.”

Currently, the brand is in the process of stocking up on a bulk of the accessories for the CFMoto sport bike. If you own one, however, and want to rock R&G’s goods, then you may want to add the items to your basket and put your order down.

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April-June 2023 Recap: All The Major Auto Events That Happened This Past Quarter

July 3, 2023 Prafful Singh

We witnessed several discontinuations, new launches, and crash test scores over the last three months.

The second quarter of 2023 was both hectic and exciting, especially considering the Auto Expo 2023 that took place earlier, where many cars were unveiled. This quarter saw a mix of highly anticipated launches and disappointing discontinuations in the Indian auto industry. Here’s a detailed recap of all the key headlines over the past three months:

Discontinuations

Several cars were discontinued due to the implementation of the BS6 Phase 2 norms. Here’s a list of models that are no longer available:

1. Honda Jazz, WR-V, and fourth-generation City: These models were already outdated compared to their rivals, especially the Jazz and WR-V.

2. Maruti Alto 800: After being on sale for over a decade, Maruti has discontinued its entry-level model with the sub-litre engine. However, the Alto nameplate still exists in the form of the K10, which has a 1-litre petrol unit.

3. Skoda Octavia and Superb: The new emission norms also affected the Skoda Octavia and Superb, leading to their discontinuation. The Superb might make a comeback in a new avatar, while the Octavia is rumored to return as an imported version at a higher price.

4. Other discontinuations include the Mahindra KUV100 NXT, Nissan Kicks, and Kia Carnival. The Mahindra and Nissan offerings were axed due to poor sales, while the Kia MPV was outdated compared to the global model.

Launches

MARUTI JIMNY

The highlight of this quarter was the long-awaited launch of the Maruti Jimny. This compact SUV was announced for the Indian market three years ago and is now priced between Rs 12.74 lakh and Rs 15.05 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes in two trims – Zeta and Alpha – and offers features such as LED headlamps, a 9-inch touchscreen system, cruise control, six airbags, and a rear camera. The Jimny is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine with manual and automatic options, and it comes with 4X4 as standard.

MARUTI FRONX

Prior to the Jimny, Maruti launched the all-new Maruti Fronx, a compact SUV based on the Baleno. The Fronx has a unique SUV-crossover design inspired by the Grand Vitara and is priced between Rs 7.46 lakh and Rs 13.13 lakh (ex-showroom). It is available with two engine options: a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1-litre turbo-petrol, both offered with manual and automatic transmissions.

MG COMET EV

The most affordable electric vehicle in India, the MG Comet EV, was launched this quarter. It is a small two-door EV with a four-seat capacity, equipped with a 17.3kWh battery pack that provides a range of up to 230 kilometers. The Comet EV features LED headlamps, dual 10.25-inch displays for the touchscreen system and digital instrument cluster, dual airbags, and a rear camera. The prices for the Comet range from Rs 7.98 lakh to Rs 9.98 lakh (ex-showroom).

TATA ALTROZ CNG

Tata introduced the CNG variant of its premium hatchback, the Altroz. The Altroz CNG is available in six variants, priced from Rs 7.55 lakh to Rs 10.55 lakh (ex-showroom). It is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol-CNG engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The highlight of the Altroz CNG is its dual-cylinder setup, which frees up more boot space. It offers features such as an electric sunroof, wireless charger, rain-sensing wipers, and dual front airbags.

Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun Updates

Volkswagen introduced new variants in the Taigun lineup – GT MT and GT Plus DSG. The Virtus also received an update with the introduction of the GT Plus MT variant, which features a 150PS turbo-petrol engine with a manual transmission. Additionally, two new limited-edition colors – Deep Black Pearl and Carbon Steel Grey Matte – were added to both models.

BS6 PHASE 2 Launches

All the cars were updated with BS6 phase 2 emission norms by April, resulting in a price hike. These updates also led to changes in power figures and fuel economy for several cars.

Crash Test Scores

Maruti Wagon R

The Maruti Wagon R received a one-star safety rating in the global NCAP crash tests. It scored one star for adult occupants’ protection and zero stars for child occupants’ protection.

Volkswagen Virtus / Skoda Slavia

The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia emerged as the safest cars in India, scoring a full five stars for adult and child occupants’ protection.

Maruti Alto K10

The updated global NCAP crash tests awarded the Maruti Alto K10 a two-star safety rating. Although its body shell integrity was rated stable, the overall safety score was not impressive.

Unveilings And Teasers

Citroen C3 Aircross

Citroen showcased the C3 Aircross, its entry into the compact SUV segment in India. Expected to go on sale in August, this three-row SUV features a 10-inch touchscreen system, a 7-inch digital display, dual airbags, and TPMS. It will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and may offer an automatic transmission. The expected price of the C3 Aircross is around Rs 10 lakh.

Honda Elevate

Honda unveiled the Elevate compact SUV, which is set to launch in India soon. It is a petrol-only SUV powered by the 1.5-litre petrol engine from the City, available with manual and CVT transmissions. The Elevate features a 10.25-inch touchscreen system, a digital instrument cluster, an electric sunroof, six airbags, and ADAS. The expected price of the Elevate is around Rs 12 lakh.

Hyundai Exter

The Hyundai Exter, a micro SUV based on the Grand i10 Nios, was unveiled. It comes equipped with an electric sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen system, automatic AC, six airbags, TPMS, and a rear camera. The Exter is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine with manual and AMT transmissions, and it also offers a CNG option. The expected price of the Exter is around Rs 6 lakh.

Maruti Invicto

Maruti is set to launch the Invicto MPV, which is a rebadged version of the Innova Hycross. The Invicto MPV will be powered by the Hycross’ 2-litre petrol-hybrid engine, claiming a mileage of up to 23.24kmpl. It will offer features like a panoramic sunroof, a 10-inch touchscreen system, dual-zone AC, a wireless charger, up to six airbags, and ADAS. The expected price of the Invicto is around Rs 19 lakh.

Events That Would Impact The Auto Industry

New Lithium Reserves

In February, India discovered its first lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, and even larger reserves were found in Rajasthan in May 2023. These reserves position India as one of the world’s largest lithium producers, which will support the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

Tesla India Launch Confirmed

Elon Musk confirmed Tesla’s entry into the Indian market during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the USA. The Prime Minister invited Musk to explore investment opportunities in India, including setting up factories for local production of EVs.

Read More on : Maruti Jimny on road price

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Survey Shows Car Buyers Prioritize Safety Ratings and Airbags Over Fuel Economy

June 30, 2023 Prafful Singh

A recent survey conducted among Indian car buyers reveals that 9 out of 10 consumers value crash test safety ratings for all car models.

Skoda Auto India partnered with NIQ BASES to conduct a customer survey on feature preferences in personal car selection. The results highlight the growing importance of vehicle safety ratings and features in car buying decisions.

The survey, consisting of 1,000 respondents from 10 states, asked participants to prioritize the top features they consider when buying a new car from a list of 10 options. According to the results, the highest importance score was given to the car’s crash test rating (22.7 percent), followed by the number of airbags (21.6 percent), and then fuel efficiency (15 percent). Other features included in the survey were roof type, ventilated or non-ventilated seats, electronic stability control, build quality, transmission type, body type, and performance and dynamics.

Including the preference for electronic stability control, 47.6 percent of respondents prioritized safety features above other factors in their car buying decision.

Also Read: How Big Is The Honda Elevate When Compared To Its Compact SUV Rivals?

According to the survey, around 22.2 percent of buyers preferred a car with a five-star safety rating, while only 6.8 percent were willing to opt for a zero-star rated car. Currently, there are eight cars with strong five-star safety ratings from Global NCAP:

Volkswagen Virtus / Skoda Slavia
Volkswagen Taigun / Skoda Kushaq
Mahindra XUV700
Mahindra Scorpio N
Tata Punch
Tata Altroz
Tata Nexon
Mahindra XUV300

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In addition, there are over 10 cars that have scored four stars in GNCAP crash tests, indicating that many manufacturers are actively working towards building safer cars and prioritizing passenger safety in the event of an accident.

The Indian government is also encouraging manufacturers to produce safer and more robust vehicles. Over the years, regulations have been implemented mandating features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belt reminders, speed alert systems, and rear parking sensors in all vehicles. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish a localized crash test rating system named Bharat NCAP, as an alternative to the Global NCAP. While these safety measures may increase the cost of cars, they are considered worthwhile investments.

Wait For It: This Triumph Street Scrambler’s Restoration

June 11, 2023 David

When a motorbike crashes, it often indicators the tip of a experience, however does the identical crash imply the tip of the bike’s life? Accidents occur to the very best of us, however here’s a traditional (fairly actually) instance of “it’ll buff out.”

Jish, on YouTube, makes a speciality of customized bike content material on the platform with some vehicles within the combine in current months. As a content material creator for bikes, he’s gathered expertise from customizing a Suzuki GS250, a Yamaha XJ650, and now this Triumph Street Scrambler 900. After finishing the Suzuki a few 12 months in the past, shopping for a BMW 235i, and asserting new initiatives on the horizon, he’s again to constructing bikes, and this time it is the Triumph’s flip to shine.

Though, it’s not fairly shiny in the intervening time, in order predicted, a motorbike wash was so as, however even with a little bit of grime caked on, it doesn’t take a educated eye to see that the Street Scrambler was fairly roughed up after its encounter with a truck. Stuff just like the exhaust headers was bent in, the mufflers have been nowhere to be seen, the handlebars appeared a bit of worse for put on, and even a aspect cowl was lacking. Luckily, it’s a traditional, and the harm doesn’t look to sign the tip of the street for the Street Scram.

So the primary a part of this video is usually an introduction paired with a brief guidelines of first-orders-of-business, which embody the completely mangled instance of an exhaust pipe on this crashed Street Scrambler. Even if the bike might begin, with a newly-installed Yuasa battery, the exhaust gasses would in all probability have nowhere to go. That, together with the engine cowl was additionally addressed, whereas Jish was at it, a brand new change of oil was given to the Street Scram.

Following that, it was all a matter of beginning it up and letting it rev up after a protracted hibernation. The bike begins, and that’s the inexperienced mild for extra mods. Check out the channel and keep tuned for extra episodes on this restoration from Jish.

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