Tag Archives: terrain

10 Cars Under Rs 10 Lakh That Are Ideal for Rainy Season


These cars have sufficient ground clearance to handle various types of terrain and urban obstacles

Driving on the dilapidated roads of India can be a hassle, as you always have to be cautious about your car’s underbody scraping on the road. Add to that the challenges of navigating through flooded streets during the monsoon season, and you’ll find yourself worrying about how to safely and relatively dryly maneuver through such situations. While SUVs are known for their ruggedness and high ground clearance, there are also subcompact cars priced under Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) that offer a reassuring distance from the ground.

Renault Kwid – 184mm

Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid, one of the earliest entry-level subcompact cars to adopt SUV design elements, offers a decent ground clearance that is comparable to some SUVs. The Kwid is equipped with a 1.0-liter petrol engine (68PS/91Nm) and is available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The Renault hatchback is priced between Rs 4.70 lakh and Rs 6.33 lakh (ex-showroom).

Hyundai Exter – 185mm

Hyundai Exter

The recently launched Hyundai Exter micro-SUV offers a ground clearance that is similar to the Kwid. This Hyundai model is positioned high off the ground, ensuring you don’t have to worry about rough roads. The Exter is powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine (83PS/114Nm) that can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. Additionally, there is a CNG variant available with the same engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. The introductory price range for the Exter is between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10.10 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: Hyundai Exter Top-spec AMT vs Hyundai i20 Sportz Turbo-Petrol DCT – Which One To Pick?

Tata Punch – 187mm

Tata Punch

The Tata Punch, a direct competitor to the Exter, surpasses the Hyundai micro-SUV with slightly higher ground clearance and larger 16-inch wheels. The Punch is equipped with a 1.2-liter petrol engine (88PS/115Nm) and comes with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The top variant of the Punch also offers traction modes, making it more capable on rough roads compared to other compact SUVs in this price range. The price range for the Tata Punch is between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 9.52 lakh (ex-showroom).

Maruti Fronx – 190mm

Maruti Fronx

The Maruti Fronx, one of Maruti’s latest offerings, boasts impressive ground clearance, making it easier to navigate rain-affected roads. This crossover SUV, based on the Baleno, is available with two engine options: a 1.2-liter petrol engine (90PS/113Nm) and a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine (100PS/148Nm). Both engines come with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, and the 1.2-liter petrol engine also has a 5-speed AMT option. Additionally, there is a CNG variant available with the 1.2-liter petrol engine. The price range for the Maruti Fronx is between Rs 7.46 lakh and Rs 13.13 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: The “Toyota Fronx” Exists, And May Arrive In 2024!

Hyundai Venue – 195mm

Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue, the first true SUV on this list, offers slightly less than 200mm of ground clearance. Despite this, the subcompact SUV is capable of handling various terrains. It is available with three engine options: a 1.2-liter petrol engine (83PS/114Nm) mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine (120PS/172Nm) paired with a 6-speed iMT or an optional 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic), and a 1.5-liter diesel engine (116PS/250Nm) available only with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Hyundai Venue is priced between Rs 7.77 lakh and Rs 13.18 lakh (ex-showroom).

Maruti Brezza – 200mm

Maruti Brezza

The Maruti Brezza offers 5mm more ground clearance than the Venue, making it more suitable for rough terrains without the worry of hitting the car’s underbody. It is equipped with a 1.5-liter petrol engine (103PS/137Nm) available with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, there is a CNG variant available with the same engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. The Maruti Brezza is priced between Rs 8.29 lakh and Rs 14.14 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: Maruti Brezza Automatic Now More Efficient Than Manual Variants

Renault Kiger – 205mm

Renault Kiger

The Renault Kiger offers the highest ground clearance on this list, surpassing the Brezza by an additional 5mm. With the same wheelbase as the Brezza but a higher ground clearance, the Kiger is even more capable of dealing with bad road conditions, especially during the monsoon. It is available with two engine options: a 1.0-liter petrol engine (72PS/96Nm) and a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine (100PS/160Nm). Both engines are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, with the 1.0-liter petrol engine having the option of a 5-speed AMT and the 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine equipped with a CVT. The price range for the Renault Kiger is between Rs 6.50 lakh and Rs 11.23 lakh (ex-showroom).

Nissan Magninte – 205mm

Nissan Magnite

The Nissan Magnite, which shares its platform with the Kiger, also boasts the same ground clearance of 205mm. It offers similar powertrain options, with the difference being that the 1.0-liter petrol engine (72PS/96Nm) is available only with a 5-speed manual transmission. One advantage of the Magnite over the Kiger is the inclusion of a 360-degree camera, which proves helpful when tackling difficult terrains. The price range for the Magnite is between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 11.02 lakh (ex-showroom).

Kia Sonet – 205mm

Kia Sonet

The Kia Sonet matches the ground clearance of the Renault-Nissan duo, providing an impressive 205mm of ground clearance. Despite sharing its mechanical components with the Venue, the Sonet sits 10mm higher than its Hyundai counterpart. It offers the same three engine options as the Venue: a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine (120PS/172Nm) with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT, a 1.2-liter petrol engine (83PS/115Nm) with a 5-speed manual, and a 1.5-liter diesel engine (115PS/250Nm) with a 6-speed iMT or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The price range for the Kia Sonet is between Rs 7.79 lakh and Rs 14.89 lakh (ex-showroom).

Tata Nexon – 209mm

Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon, the best-selling SUV in India, offers the highest ground clearance among the cars under Rs 10 lakh, surpassing its rivals by an additional 4mm. With this ground clearance, the Nexon can easily handle bumpy roads, flooded streets, and even some off-road terrains. It is available with two engine options: a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine (120PS/170Nm) and a 1.5-liter diesel engine (115PS/260Nm). Both engines are offered with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed AMT. The price range for the Tata Nexon is between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 14.60 lakh (ex-showroom).

Honorary Mention

Maruti Alto K10 – 160mm

Maruti Alto K10

The Maruti Alto K10 may only have a ground clearance of 160mm on paper, which is relatively low compared to other cars on this list. However, thanks to its mechanical simplicity, this entry-level hatchback can often handle challenging terrains, including mud, snow, and flooded areas, where larger SUVs may struggle and require towing.

Also Read: Over 87,000 Units Of Maruti S-Presso And Eeco Have Been Recalled

Driving during the monsoon can be risky, and while these cars are better suited to handle broken or flooded roads, we advise caution and only going out when absolutely necessary.

Read More on : KWID AMT

LETTI LEADS ‘BRUTAL’ RED BULL ROMANIACS AFTER DAY TWO

The Red Bull Romaniacs, a 4-day hard enduro race, faced brutal weather conditions on day one. Despite the storm, Manuel Lettenbichler dominated and established a significant lead over his competitors. The organizers considered canceling or shortening the course due to the horrendous weather, but decided to proceed as planned.

Manuel Lettenbichler dominated the wicked storm and brutal conditions on day one, and takes a huge lead after a strong day two into the third Romaniacs day. Photo: Future 7 Media / Red Bull Content Pool

Lettenbichler finished first on day one, but faced several challenges along the way. His KTM teammate, Trystan Hart, lost 20 minutes to Lettenbichler in the closing stages due to the bad weather. Billy Bolt, who had been off the bike for seven weeks, came in third, over 30 minutes behind Lettenbichler.

Trystan Hart sits in second, but lost 15 minutes to Billy Bolt which tightens up the battle for second! Photo: Future 7 Media / Red Bull Content Pool
Day two’s drier conditions were good for Billy Bolt, who finished third on the day and is third overall. Photo: Future 7 Media / Red Bull Content Pool

Day two had less drama, with Teo Kabakchiev winning the day, two minutes ahead of Lettenbichler. Lettenbichler maintains a 37-minute lead over Trystan Hart. Teo had a difficult first day, finishing an hour and twelve minutes behind the Red Bull KTM rider. Behind Lettenbichler, the standings include Billy Bolt, Trystan Hart, and GasGas rider Michael Walkner.

Theodor Kabakchiev had a tough first day and rebounded on day two. Photo:  Future 7 Media / Red Bull Content Pool
Wade Young (Sherco): “It was a fun day. After yesterday’s slog, it was a nicer day. There were plenty of hard sections, but at least it was drier today and a chance to enjoy the mountains.”Photo:  Attila Szabo / Red Bull Content Pool
Graham Jarvis sits seventh overall, but a whopping hour and forty nine minutes behind the leader. Photo: Attila Szabo / Red Bull Content Pool
Sherco’s Mario Roman struggled on day ones miserable conditions yet sits in the top ten (eighth overall). Photo: Attila Szabo / Red Bull Content Pool

Day one- Nasty!

Slippery Secrets: The Keys To Riding In Low Traction

For both new and experienced riders, learning how to ride in slippery terrain is essential. While most riders have a basic understanding of how to navigate low-traction surfaces, there are some trade secrets that can help you conquer them. In a video by Adam Riemann, he shares a few tips and tricks for riding on low-traction dirt.

Riemann, riding a Husqvarna TE300, explains that dirt can be unforgiving when it’s wet. However, these tips can also improve your skills on dirt, whether you’re on a big adventure bike or an enduro bike like the TE300.

So what’s the secret to riding off-road in the wet? According to Riemann, it’s knowing when to do nothing. This means not using the throttle, brakes, or engine braking, but instead just floating on the low-traction surface. It’s all about getting comfortable with your bike and rolling around the turns without accelerating or decelerating.

The next secret is to read the surface and find traction. This requires experience and the ability to identify high-traction and low-traction areas. Knowing when to attack and when to do nothing will make you faster on the dirt.

Being smooth and finding traction during a turn is the third secret. It’s important to remember that the less traction you have, the smoother you need to be on the gas.

Don’t let water deter you. Just like the previous secret, finding traction and being smooth are key.

Lastly, short shifting can also help you go faster in slippery conditions. By riding in a higher gear, you’ll get up to speed slower but smoother.

In summary, the key to riding in low-traction terrain is knowing when to do nothing, when to do something, being smooth, and making the bike ride smoothly as well.

REV’IT! Presents The Outback 4 H2O Adventure Jacket

Adventure riding requires not only the right bike and proper skill to handle the terrain, it also requires the best gear to keep you safe and protected in ever-changing weather. Indeed, when embarking on long-distance rides, the weather can change from one region to the next, and being caught out in the cold and rain without the proper gear can be a recipe for disaster.

Dutch gear and equipment specialist REV’IT! is no stranger to adventure. In fact, a lot of the gear it has in its collection is specifically designed for adventure-touring. Its newest jacket, the Outback 4 H2O, is a good example of this. Now on its fourth iteration, REV’IT!’s Outback jacket has been designed to offer a customizable fit, and more ventilation than before to provide extra comfort. Of course, REV’IT! doesn’t skimp out on protection, offering some of the best technology when it comes to safety in this jacket.

REV’IT! Presents The Outback 4 H2O Adventure Jacket

The all-new REV’IT! Outback 4 H2O is available in both men’s and women’s sizes, giving you plenty of options for a perfect fit. Even the elbow guards are adjustable, and there are several hook-and-loop straps on the lower and upper arm. Because the cuffs are adjustable, you can wear your gloves inside or outside depending on your preference and the season. Furthermore, the jacket’s collar and waist can be adjusted to fit your demands.

As standard, the jacket has SEEFLEX CE-level 2 protection for the shoulders and elbows. It also has SEESOFT CE protection inserts on the back and chest. To round off your ideal travel ensemble, add the Neon Connector vest for visibility or the Challenger cooling vest for comfort. Reflective patches are built into the fabric to enhance visibility in all lighting conditions. These reflective portions are fused to the fabric using a welding procedure, which eliminates seams and improves the overall protection and longevity of the jacket.

REV’IT! Presents The Outback 4 H2O Adventure Jacket
REV’IT! Presents The Outback 4 H2O Adventure Jacket

The jacket’s thermal lining has an interior pocket for keeping personal belongings. There is also an easy-access internal Napoleon pocket, a rear patch pocket, two hand warmer pockets, two internal pockets, two front patch pockets, and one waterproof internal pocket. The integrated ventilation sections offer excellent airflow, efficiently keeping you cool while riding.