Honda, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj, Royal Enfield, TVS Motors motorcycles/scooters to get nearly 10% COSTLIER from September 1st: We explain!
Prices of new bikes and scooters are set to get a whole lot costlier for all new two-wheeler buyers from September 1, 2018. The price hike comes after the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India directed all insurance companies to mandatorily offer third party insurance of five years for all new two-wheelers. The price hike will be applicable to almost every motorcycle and scooter sold in India, which includes ones from leading brands such as Honda, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj, Royal Enfield and TVS Motors.
Bajaj is the first bike maker to have announced price hikes on the on-road prices for its bikes come September 1. MoneyControl is reporting that prices of Bajaj motorcycles on sale in India will rise by at least Rs 3,000 due to the new insurance rules. Honda, Hero MotoCorp, Enfield, TVS Motors and other companies are yet to announce such moves.
Prices for new Bajaj Platina, which currently costs Rs 53,338 in Delhi, are set to get hiked by nearly 9% with the on-road price set to go up by Rs 4,800. Prices for the NS160, Bajaj’s newest addition to the Pulsar line-up, will rise by Rs 8,000, a hike of around 8.6% compared to its current on-road price of Rs 92,978 (all prices mentioned are on-road, New Delhi).
Bajaj will keep its dealerships open on August 30 and 31 till 11 p.m. for customers to avail an offer offering one-year free insurance on the Pulsar 150, Pulsar NS 160, the V range of bikes, Platina and the Discover. Bajaj will discontinue the offer on September 1.
The new price hike will only apply to new motorcycles and scooters bought on or after September 1, 2018. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has not given any details about how this affects the existing vehicles currently plying on Indian roads.
The mandatory 5-year third party insurance order is the result of a recent decision by the Supreme Court of India directing insurers to provide long-term cover to vehicle owners due to a large number of vehicles currently plying uninsured on Indian roads. Third party insurance covers against liabilities if your bike or scooter is involved in an accident that results in death or injuries to someone else other than the owner of the vehicle that caused the accident.
While prices of bikes and scooters are set to go up by a substantial amount, the reason for the hike is something that should be applauded considering the number of accidents that happen on Indian roads every year. Is your nearby Honda, Hero MotoCorp, Royal Enfield and TVS Motors dealer burning midnight oil to clear stock before the price hike? Do let us know!
Unveiled in Mumbai today, the new Skoda Fabia comes with three new engine variants—a 1.2-litre, 75 hp petrol and diesel mills, and a 1.6-litre, 105 hp petrol engine—sourced from its parent, Volkswagen. Skoda offers three trim levels namely Classic, Ambient and Elegant. The Classic offers grey interiors while the other two come with ivory interiors.
The new Fabia gets a large and wide front bumper, elongated headlamps, new fog lamps, signature grille and newly contoured bonnet. The bumper is wider and set lower to lend the Fabia an athletic stance.
Inside, the changes include height and reach-adjustable steering, all power windows, rear air-con vents, dual glove box, coat hooks and all fabric upholstery (no leather). A multifunction display gives details on the distance travelled, average speed, immediate fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, travel distance before refueling, service interval, outside temperature etc.
Safety features include ABS, Motor Speed Regulator, Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Dual Rate Brake Assist. Airbags are standard across all variants. Buyers can choose from five different shades: Cappuccino Beige, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Deep Black and Flash Red.
Skoda says it has achieved 40% localization of the new Fabia from the 15% previously. It also seems to share many parts with the Volkswagen Polo. Skoda India is also working on the possibility of launching S and RS versions of Fabia in the future.
When the Skoda Fabia was first launched in India, it mesmerized us with its European looks and luxurious interiors. But at around Rs 8.66 lakhs for the top-end Elegance model (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Fabia’s price put us and everyone off. By cutting the Fabia’s price tag drastically, the new Fabia is back in the game. Besides, it’s now also armed with Volkswagen’s frugal and reliable engines. Honda, do we see a price correction for the Jazz, please?