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Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 EFi

Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 EFi

Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 review, photos and price

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Overview Of Bullet Classic 500

The Royal Enfield Bullet has for decades been the byword for rugged, refined cool and a bike handcrafted to perfection. The Bullet Classic 500 was unveiled by Royal Enfield at Intermot exhibition in Germany. They have already launched this mouthwatering classic version of its legendary motorcycle abroad. Bullet Classic was first launched in Germany followed by European launch. It is expected that it is going to be launched in India on 4th November, 2009.

Looks & Styling Of Bullet Classic 500

The front number plate, the logo, that classic green colour and 1950s looks. Bullet Classic 500 really looks like a post World War II motorcycle. Royal Enfield has carefully tweaked the style of the Bullet Classic, but retains its retro roots. The round headlamps with his young guard, the analog valves, the individual semi with visible steel springs and deep-drawn fenders of the rear tire result in a successful combination of style elements of the’50s. The front and rear mudguards are almost of the same looks including the fuel tank and exhaust and headlight casing as well as the same single seat saddle.

Main Styling Elements Of Bullet Classic 500

- Traditional looking front number plate
- Classic style round headlamp
- Visible steel springs
- Deep-drawn fenders of the rear tire
- 18" Spoke Wheels
- Fuel tank with post war graphics
- Thigh pads and single saddle seat with springs
- Body colored frame

Engine & Technology Of Bullet Classic 500

What is really new in the Bullet Classic 500 is a UCE (Unit Construction Engine). The Bullet Classic will be powered by a 499cc, single cylinder engine which generates maximum power of 27.2 Bhp at 5250 rpm and a monumental peak torque of 41.3 Nm at 4000 rpm. While in the classic Enfield Bulelt motorcycle engine, the clutch and gearbox are situated outside, they are both integrated into the crankcase in the Bullet Classic 500. Royal Enfield claims that the UCE construction gives the Bullet Classic less moving parts, less transmission loss and less maintenance issues.

Bullet Classic 500 EFi comes with contemporary features like electric start and 280mm Disc brake at the front. Additionally, the EFI engine is married to a 5-speed gearbox. Royal Enfield will also dump the traditional carburetor for a modern electronic fuel injection system on the new bike so as to facilitate better air-fuel mixture optimization, smoother operation, better power delivery over a wide range of altitudes, and cleaner emissions.

Main Technical Highlights Of Bullet Classic 500:

- 280mm Front Disc brake
- 5-speed Gearbox
- UCE (Unit Construction Engine)
- 27.2 Bhp of Maximum Power
- Peak Torque of 41.3 Nm
- Electronic Fuel Injection System

11 Unique Features Of Bullet Classic 500

1) Wheels - New 18 inch wheels for better ride and handling. Pagani turn signals, Avon Speedmaster tyres. Improved for higher speeds, better handling.
2) Headlamp - The headlight casing features the "Tiger Eye Lamps" for the bullet look. The headlamp is traditional but with a powerful halogen bulb to provide good illumination.
3) Fuel Tank - Finely crafted tank with post war era graphics and thigh pads make for a vintage look. Hand-polished aluminum castings and hand-lined gas tank
4) Engine - New aluminum alloy Lean-Burn engine. 500cc, single cylinder, 4 stroke, spake ignition, air cooled, OHV engine produces 41.3 Nm of torque. It features the unmistakable Bullet "thump".
5) Toolbox - Toolbox with classic design.
6) Air Filter Box - Air filter box with classic styling.
7) Tail Lamp Assembly - Vintage tail lamp assembly features a classic design.
8) Instrument Cluster - Speedometer and Fuel warning indicator for the EFI system are integrated into the die-cast headlight casing. The speedometer features classic English font.
9) Seat - Single saddle seat with springs provides maximum comfort for a luxurious and relaxing ride.
10) Mudguards - Classic mudguards with stays for that authentic look. Features a deep and wide design for a splash free ride.
11) Silencer - Aesthetically designed for short silencer for that 1950's look. Available as an optional accessory for off-road use only.

Shades Available In Bullet Classic 500

Royal Enfield has launched Bullet Classic 500 in three shades in Germany & Europe - Red, Black & Green. It is expected that Royal Enfield India will also launch Classic 500 in same three shades in Indian market.

Launch Date & Expected Price Of Bullet Classic 500

Though no official launch date and price has been announced for Bullet Classic 500 but it is expected to be launched in India on 4th November, 2009 and is expected to retail for around Rs. 135000.00. More details, specifications, photos and exact price of Bullet Classic 500 after the official launch. Watch this space......

Mini SUV - Rio

Premier Rio LX

Premier Rio LX Review and Images
On Road Price Rs. 6,60,000
* Mumbai. May vary.

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About Premier Autos India

Premier was established in 1944 by industrial pioneer Walchand Hirachand. It was one of the first Indian companies to start manufacturing automobiles in collaboration with Chrysler Corporation U.S.A. The first car rolled out of its factory in Kurla, Mumbai in 1948.

Thereafter, Premier has had several collaborations/joint-ventures with FIAT, Nissan, Peugeot etc. Its most popular model was the FIAT 1100 popularly known as Premier Padmini reputed for its ruggedness and reliability. Premier has also successfully launched several other models including the popular 118 NE, Fiat UNO and various diesel variants.

Overview Of Premier Rio

Premier India which was once famous for its padmini sedan, has made a bang with the launch of all new SUV - The Rio. Rio is basically the Zotye Nomada which is a mini crossover which is manufactured by leading chinese auto manufacturer - Zotye Autos. The factory of Zotye occupies 500,000 square meters and there are over 6,000 employees. They have the capacity of annually producing 100,000 cars.

Premier Rio is a small city SUV which has been developed on basis of advanced technology from domestic and international autos. The company has tied up with a Chinese auto company Zoyte International. The CKD version of the car will be assembled at premier's Chinchwad facility in Pune, where it currently manufactures Sigma van and Road-star pick-up. Rio is less than four metres in length and has 1489cc engine which is below 1.5 litre engine capacity, so it gets the tax benefit of a small car.

"We will be targeting fun-loving small families for their multi-purpose use with Rio. It is placed between the mid-sized passenger car and larger utility vehicles," Premier Ltd Chairman and Managing Director Maitreya Doshi said here after launching the vehicle. Premier India has inked a five-year component and kit supply agreement with Chinese car maker Zotye Group, which entered into the field in 2005, to assemble Rios in its Pune facility.

Design & Styling Of Premier Rio

In terms of looks Rio looks very familiar and plain jane, there is nothing unique about the design. As this was expected as Rio is based on Zotye Nomada which was once sold as Daihatsu Terios in late 1990s. Rights to the Daihatsu Terios were sold to Chinese car maker Zotye Auto and now Premier has done a deal whereby the entire car sans the drivetrain would be brought into India as a CKD unit.

At the front it features twin parabola headlamps with wire mesh grille having chrome strip on top of it. The turn indicators are integrated into grey finished front bumpers which gives it a bold SUV type looks. At the rear end it features ford fusion type vertical tail lamps in D-pillar. Also the spare wheel is mounted on the tail gate like we have seen in safari and endeavour. With its significantly higher headroom, the Rio also offers more storage space than the large hatchbacks without enlarging its exterior dimensions.

Interiors & Comfort Features Of Premier Rio

Rio is going to be choice of a customer who wants SUV looks in a affordable 5 seater vehicle and for a price of premium hatchback. The base model of Rio comes with air conditioner, front power windows, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, electric adjustment for outside rear view mirrors and cental locking. In addition to all these comfort features the top model of Rio also comes with ABS, EBD & CD Player with AM/FM and premium fabric in different shade.

The front and rear seats of Premier Rio are firm and well bolstered but the overall quality of upholstery is inferior but then Premier had no choice as they wanted to slot Rio in a price range of 5-6 lakhs. As seen in pictures the quality of plastics used in dashboard, steering wheel and centre console is also not up to the mark. But still it is very good in comparison to some Maruti & Tata products including the 800, Alto, Indica V2 and Tata Sumo.

Engine Of Premier Rio

- 64 Bhp Euro III Ready Turbo Diesel Engine

Powered by Premier's own engine that is essentially a downsized Peugeot TUD5 diesel engine, the Rio's engine capacity now measures in at 1490cc and develops 65 Bhp of peak power. The engine is Euro-III ready and the company is taking adequate steps to meet Euro-IV emission norms, come April 1, 2010. The 1489cc Turbo Diesel engine generates maximum power of 65 Bhp at 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 152 Nm at 2250 rpm.

Variants Of Premier Rio

Premier India has launched Rio in three variants - Premier Rio EX, Premier Rio DX & Premier Rio LX. All Variants Of Premier Rio Comes With Following Styling, Comfort & Safetry Features:

- Headlamp leveling device which is now mandatory as per law
- Electrically operated Outside Rear View Mirrors
- Side claddings which gives Rio a rugged and muscular look
- Rear wiper + washer with Rear window demister
- Rear fog lamps, Day-Night rearview mirror
- Cup holder in console with Cigarette lighter
- Remote fuel lid opener
- Power steering, Front Electric windows
- Central door locking, Manual air-conditioning
- Side impact beams, Brake assist

In Addition to all the above mentioned features the top model of Premier Rio comes with 15" Alloy wheels, CD player with AM/FM radio, 4 Speakers, ABS with EBD and Keyless entry.

Shades Available & Price Of Premier Rio

Premier Rio is available in five shades - Brick Red, Tafeta White, Sleek Silver, Royal Black and Sea Blue. Here is the price list of Premier Rio:

- Premier Rio EX - Rs. 5,25,000.00
- Premier Rio DX - Rs. 5,50,000.00
- Premier Rio LX - Rs. 5,95,000.00

Premier Auto has launched Rio in three models - The EX, which is priced at Rs 5.25 lakh, the DX at Rs 5.50 lakh and LX at Rs 5.95 lakh - all ex-showroom, Pune. Premier Rio is going to shake the SUV segment with its killer price as it has got loads of features on offer even in the base model.

What To Expect from Premier Rio....??

With this price it is for sure that it will sell in very good numbers but the only sore point in the deal is overall design and styling of Rio which seems to be very outdated. Also the quality of interiors and paint finish is doubtful as Rio is a chinese product. But am sure Premier Auto will keep this in mind and is not going to disappoint prospective buyers.

Premier Auto hopes to sell 1,000 units of the product initially which seems to be very less but maybe they dont want to take any chances. The Premier Rio will be offered initially at 20 dealerships across the country and it plans to ramp that number up in the coming months. These dealerships will be different from those that sell Premier commercial vehicles - the Roadstar and the Sigma. The investment in this project is just a couple of crores as of now as the company would be using its existing assembly line in Pune.