The Hindu Business Line : Bajaj Avenger is underpowered

My dilemma nevertheless continues, and I am wondering whether to opt for the new cruiser or not. I liked the bike when I test rode it, but reviews say that this bike is unwieldy in heavy traffic.

Everything else about the Avenger seems to be good. The only problem highlighted is its manoeuvrability. Is the bike's handling in traffic really such an issue? Should I go ahead with this or opt for the Pulsar DTS-i 150 cc?

Anurag Mohanty

The Bajaj Avenger is a new cruiser from the company, but the only difference really between this bike and its predecessor — the Kawasaki Eliminator — is in the engine, which is the same as Bajaj's other popular bike, the Pulsar 180 DTS-i. While several users of the Eliminator appreciated its finish, material quality and genuine cruiser experience, they felt that the bike, with the 125cc engine, was underpowered.

The change to a bigger engine was partly driven by this need and, of course, the other reason was to make the bike more affordable.

The Avenger has also been put through a few other changes that makes it a little different from its predecessor, especially in terms of riding position and comfort, both of which have now made it more suitable for city riding conditions.

But the Avenger, like its predecessor ( which it has replaced), continues to be inherently a cruiser, which means that it will have the same essential characteristics of extra long wheelbase and laidback riding position.

The Avenger's wheelbase is a massive 1,475 mm, compared to the Pulsar's 1,330 mm, which is oversized vis-à-vis the ones in the commuter and executive segment bikes. The front wheel in the Avenger is set out and the longest stroke (140 mm) front forks enable it to accommodate such a long wheelbase. The Avenger's kerb weight is also a high 154 kg. These features lend the bike its cruiser characteristics.

With a wheelbase that long and for a bike that heavy, nimble handling in crowded roads will be difficult. But compromising manoeuvrability (in a comparison with the standard commuter bike) is inevitable owing to the Avenger's cruiser characteristics.

So, choose the Avenger if its relatively lower level of manoeuvrability is not that much of an issue with you.

I had test driven the Maruti WagonR VXi and planned to buy the car later this month. Now, however, the dealer tells me that Maruti has launched a new model of the Wagon R called Primea with better interiors, and so on.

I don't know much about the new features and since this is going to be our family's first car, I am reluctant to experiment. But, at the same time, I don't want to miss out if the new model is really good and offers more value for money.

Which one should I choose, the WagonR VXi or the WagonR Primea?

Asheesh Tewari

The new Wagon R Primea is the result of the high competition in the small-car segment and is Maruti's attempt at offering more value for buyers in the category.

The new variant comes loaded with features and has a few exclusive add-ons to go with its limited edition image.

At an affordable Rs 3.9 lakh (ex-showroom), the new special limited edition Primea comes with an interesting two-tone interior colour plan and colour co-ordinated beige upholstery for seats and door inserts. The special edition is available in two new colours — Champagne Gold and Midnight Black.

The other features include beige dashboard finish, premium fabric, a two-tone, two-spoke, leather covered steering wheel and coordinated fake wood centre console garnish to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle's interior.

Some of the other exclusive features — alloy wheels, front fog lamps, chrome muffler cap, stylish body graphics and body coloured door-handles — give the exterior a more premium finish.

The Primea also comes with a new design speedometer with a halo effect. A new watermark on the instrument panel cover attempts to reiterate the distinctiveness of the special edition. Keyless entry is also being provided for increased convenience.

The features missing in the Primea compared to the VXi variant are the left hand side outside rear-view mirror, power windows for the front two seats, boot lamp and an accessory socket.

The WagonR Vxi, in the meanwhile, also features a two-tone leather steering wheel, central locking and keyless entry as part of standard fitment. It also comes with an anti-lock braking system and dual SRS airbags as optional fitment.

Despite some of the missing features, the Primea appears to be a better value for money proposition than the Vxi, and some of the exclusive features may boost its resale value in the long run.

(Queries may be sent to: q&a@thehindu.co.in or by post to Q&A, Business Line, 859/860, Kasturi Buildings, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.)

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