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We don’t know when the lockdown will end but we do know what cars and motorcycles will be premiering in Nepal after this lockdown. Given below is a list of those launching after lockdown, which might just help you make up your mind if you are thinking of getting a new vehicle post-lockdown.

Yamaha Fascino 125 

Yamaha will launch the all-new Fascino 125, the successor of the out-going Fascino 110 scooter. With this Yamaha has shifted its focus from the 100cc segment to the 125cc segment. Design-wise, the scooter follows the same silhouette of the current Fascino 110, but has a more defined form with prominent chrome accents, giving the scooter a more mature and premium look.

On the feature front, the scooter is equipped with larger 21-liter underseat storage, wider seat for better comfort, multi-function key fob with seat opener, and a side stand engine cut-off switch. Upgrading to a larger 125cc motor, which is 30 percent higher than the 110cc model in terms of displacement, the BS6 compliant motor is capable of churning out 8 bhp and 9.7 Nm of peak torque. In terms of efficiency, Yamaha claims the Fascino 125 is capable of returning a mileage of 58 kmpl, 16 percent more than the 110cc version.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 

Jeep is looking to launch one of the most iconic off-road vehicles in the world: The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The Wrangler is Jeep’s wildly popular 4×4, available as a two-door or four-door SUV, the latter known as the Wrangler Unlimited. The two-door model has room for four people, while the Unlimited version seats five. A standard 285 bhp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine pairs with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic. There’s also an optional 270 bhp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 400 Nm of torque with the eight-speed automatic.

A turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6 that works with an eight-speed automatic is new in the Wrangler Unlimited. Four-wheel drive is standard. The Wrangler is all about off-road driving, or at least the image of it. While it has a rugged image, available comfort features include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. 

Tata Altroz 

Tata will be launching its anticipated premium hatchbacks, the Altroz. It is the first vehicle developed on the new ALFA architecture and the second sporting the Impact 2.0 design language. Tata Altroz is also the recipient of the 5-star adult safety rating from Global NCAP, the world’s top global car assessment program.

The Altroz will be available in a petrol engine configuration only. The BS6 compliant 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder Revotron petrol engine produces 86 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The car also comes with Eco and Drive modes as standard. In terms of dimensions, the Altroz measures 3,990 mm in length, 1,755 mm in width, and 1,523 mm in height. It comes with a 2,501 mm long wheelbase and an unladen ground clearance of 165 mm.

Other features include dual-tone alloy wheels, projector headlamps with LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, auto climate control, auto headlamps and rain sensing wipers, multi-function steering wheel, front and rear armrests, and rear AC vents with a 12 volt socket.

Volkswagen Polo & Vento TSI 

The Polo and Vento have been among the best-selling cars from the Volkswagen stable since their introduction in India and in Nepal, and the brand recently introduced the BS6 lineup across the two carlines. Now the company will be launching the TSI variants of the Polo and the Vento. These variants will be powered by the 1.0l TSI BS6 engine and mated to a new 6-speed manual transmission that makes a peak power of 110 bhp and delivers 175 Nm of torque. The TSI editions of the two cars exhibit a stylish honeycomb grille, sporty body side graphics, and bold TSI badge across the passenger doors, as well as stunning black ORVM, and glossy black roof and spoilers.

Suzuki Vitara Brezza Petrol 

The newest Vitara Brezza offers an enhanced design language, bolder looks, stronger stance, upgraded interiors, and a host of new features. The Vitara Brezza shares its 105hp and 138Nm, 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine with its other siblings like the Ciaz, Ertiga, and XL6. The compact SUV will come with a 5-speed manual and advanced automatic transmission with Smart Hybrid.

The Vitara Brezza gets a fresh front-end, there’s new design detail below the chrome grille that extends to the front bumper, the fog lamp housings are larger, and the turn indicators are near the headlight unit. While there isn’t much that has changed on the sides you do get new alloy wheels and the rear also gets a redone bumper.

On the inside, you have an all-black cabin and a new SmartPlay Studio 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, and automatic wipers. The safety kit remains unchanged, with dual airbags and ABS being part of the package. The compact SUV will be available in three new dual-tone color options: Sizzling Red with Midnight Black roof, Torque Blue with midnight Black roof, and Granite Grey with Autumn Orange roof.

With the repeated lockdown extensions, automobile dealers in Nepal have extended their service and vehicle warranty periods to give customers some relief in aftersales services. 

Addressing the ongoing lockdown, Hyundai Nepal has introduced a service hotline where you can talk about issues regarding your Hyundai vehicle. Further, the company has introduced a new program called the “Hyundai CARE”. In the wake of the current Covid-19 crisis, this program has been initiated to help the Hyundai owners who may face difficulties in vehicle maintenance.

The Hyundai CARE program ensures all original warranties on Hyundai vehicles will be extended by two months. The offers include Free Service, Basic Vehicle Warranty, and AMC Services. Hyundai says it prioritizes the health of its customers in line with the company’s firm commitment to ‘progress to humanity’; the company says it is also committed to providing better service and minimizing inconvenience.

Another Korean manufacturer has also announced an extended warranty program. Kia Nepal has launched the KIA Promise program for its customers whose warranty expires in February-April 2020, plus those who have failed to repair their vehicles due to Kia dealer closure. This group of customers can now repair their vehicles until 30 June 2020. However, extended warranty is limited to customers when they visit and request repair at Kia dealer.

Toyota Nepal has limited services strictly to ‘appointment only’, until further notice, considering the health and safety of their customers and employees. The services are especially for Toyota Ambulances, Health-care service staffs, and essential service providers.

CG Motocorp, the sole authorized distributor of Suzuki vehicles in Nepal, has announced that the company will be running a seven-day check-up camp as soon as the government ends the ongoing lockdown. The camp will provide a special discount on engine oils and other consumables. The company has also announced an increase in warranty period and free service, by two months. Similarly, the company has started Express Service program for emergency vehicles. These vehicles include ambulance and other health care vehicles, vehicles that carry food, and other important utilities, and security vehicles.

As of now, this express service has been started at Suzuki's service center in Dhobhighat, even as the company is preparing to open other service centers. Also, to address the queries of customers about their Suzuki vehicles, the company has brought into operation a hotline number (9801571571) should they need any assistance.

Similarly, if you have a Tata vehicle and its warranty period expired after 15 March 2020, no need to worry. Tata Motors has extended your vehicle warranty period by 60 days, as per the terms and conditions of the standard warranty.

Agni Energy Pvt. Ltd., the official dealer of Mahindra electric cars for Nepal, is providing in-house services to its customers. The group has requested people to contact certain numbers (9801136203, 9801909237, 9801909242) to get this service.

Likewise, Datsun Nepal has introduced emergency servicing facilities for all frontline health workers and government officials. Similarly, Ford Nepal has extended the warranty period till 30 June 2020 along with extension in free service and periodic maintenance schedule service.

Let’s start by saying that we deeply appreciate everyone who is following the government lockdown orders. That said, this lockdown has been one long boring vacation that we wish ends sooner rather than later. Today we have a list of auto movies that will help you pass time and satisfy your inner petrol head during the lockdown. Given below, in no particular order, are some we think are totally worth a watch... or two.

Bullitt (1968)

Bullitt is a 1968 American action thriller directed by Peter Yates and produced by Philip D'Antoni. Legendary Steve McQueen stars as Frank Bullitt, a tough San Francisco police lieutenant assigned to protect a mob witness. The star of the movie, a 1968 Mustang Fastback, was sold at Mecum Auctions for a record $3.4 million ($3.7 million including auction fees) on 10 January 2020.

The Italian Job (1969)

The Italian Job is a 1969 British comedy caper film, written by Troy Kennedy Martin, produced by Michael Deeley, and directed by Peter Collinson. The movie or the job is a plan to steal a gold shipment from the streets of Turin by creating a traffic jam. Using three Mini Coopers, a couple of Jaguars, and a bus, the goal is to bring Torino to a standstill, steal the gold, and escape.

Le Mans (1971)

Le Mans is a 1971 film featuring a fictional 24-Hour Le Mans auto race starring Steve McQueen. Directed by Lee H. Katzin, it features actual footage captured during the 1970 race. In focus is the duel between German Stahler in Ferrari 512LM and American Delaney in Gulf Team Porsche 917.

Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)

Gone in 60 Seconds is an American action heist film starring Nicolas Cage as a retired master car thief who must come back to the industry and steal 50 cars with his crew in one night to save his brother's life. These cars include fast Lamborghinis, precious Ferraris, luxurious Porsches, and Eleanor—a rare Ford Shelby Mustang GT500.

The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift (2001)

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift is a 2006 American action film directed by Justin Lin. It stars Mitsubishi Evo 9, Nissan Silva, Ford Mustang, RX 7, Toyota Chaser, Lucas Black, Bow Wow, Nathalie Kelly, Sung Kang, Sonny Chiba. The F&F franchise has now become no less than a superhero movie where Dominic Toretto and his family save the world from different threats. Tokyo Drift was different as it brought tuner cars and drifting to international exposure. It was a no-nonsense story driven by some of the best cars in the tuner world that created an exclusive car culture.

The World's Fastest Indian (2005)

The World's Fastest Indian is a 2005 New Zealand biographical sports drama film based on the story of New Zealander Burt Munro played by the extraordinaire Anthony Hopkins, who spent years rebuilding a 1920 Indian motorcycle. This helped him set the land speed world record at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967.

Senna (2010)

Senna is a 2010 British documentary that depicts the life and death of Brazilian motor-racing champion and driving legend Ayrton Senna. Directed by Asif Kapadia, it shows Ayrton Senna become a three-time Formula One racing champion and Brazil's national hero before his untimely death at 34.

TT: Closer to The Edge (2011)

TT: Closer to the Edge is a British documentary by first-time director Richard de Aragues. The film is narrated by Jared Leto and charts the Isle of Man TT motorcycle race that takes place on the Isle of Man every year. It follows the leading riders in the 2010 race, most notably Guy Martin and Ian Hutchinson. Motorcycle racers reveal their motivation for competing for the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, after what is the most dangerous and deadly race in the sport.

Rush (2013)

Rush is a 2013 biographical sports film centered on the rivalry between Formula One drivers British James Hunt and Austrian Niki Lauda during the 1976 season. Hunt and Lauda, two extremely skilled racers, have an intense rivalry. Their mutual enmity that pushes them to their limits.

Need for Speed (2014)

Need for Speed is a 2014 sports action thriller film directed and co-edited by Scott Waugh, and written by George and John Gatins. It is the film adaptation of the racing video game franchise of the same name by Electronic Arts. Fresh from prison, a street racer (Aaron Paul) who was framed by a wealthy business associate joins a cross-country race. His purpose: redemption, recognition from the world of racing, and solving his problems. But above all, revenge. This is a story about love, redemption, revenge, and motor oil, all swirled together.

Ford V Ferrari (2019)

Ford v Ferrari is a 2019 American sports drama film directed by James Mangold and written by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Jason Keller. American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and fearless British race car driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics, and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Co. Together, they plan to compete against the race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24-Hour Le Mans in France in 1966.

How will Covid-19 shape the used-car market? Will the second-hand cars capture a larger market share in the post-covid-19 era? And what role should the government play? To get answers to these questions, we reached out to a few industry experts.

Shailendra Shrestha

Kathmandu Automobiles

Due to the government’s high taxes, the Nepali automotive sector has always fallen in the premium-price bracket. Moreover, with an expected slowdown in the economy, public expenditure is expected to go down too. This will lead to lower sales and a general stagnation, or a slowdown, in the circular flow of income.

Beyond our borders, automobile sales have gone up due to a greater inclination to use private vehicle compared to public transport. The questions regarding sanitation and social distancing in public transport can be avoided through the use of a private vehicle. Hence in terms of overall public safety, the usage of private vehicles is recommended abroad. This makes private vehicles a necessity, rather than a luxury.

With this in mind, all financial institutions should look at used car financing. While some banks still finance second-hand cars, a supportive policy from the central bank will help all concerned.

While times are uncertain, we, at Kathmandu Automobiles, will continue to provide reliable and trustworthy service. Once the lockdown is lifted, we will do our best to maintain a healthy and sanitary work environment, for our customers and our employees. For now, you can reach out us on Facebook.

Rakesh Khadgi
Baba Basera Auto Group

Safety concerns over public transport, as well as social distancing and hygiene have become the talk of the town. I think people will increasing prioritize these things. In my view, the demand for a cheaper used car will go up. The second-hand car market will capture some portion of the budgeted new car segment. However, the used-car market is unlikely to capture a large market share.

A recession could bring a complete halt to economic activities. This will greatly affect the sales of both old and new vehicles. At the end of the day, automobiles, whether old or new, are still a luxury for many of us because of the exorbitant taxes.

Ambar Khadka

Lucky Autolink

I don’t think the market is going to recover anytime soon, especially the automobiles sector, whether it’s for new or used cars. It is going to take time for the consumers to feel confident. In fact, as coronavirus precautions restrict people to their homes, with travel recommended only for essential works, it is hard for us to be optimistic.

The government should lend a helping hand during this difficult period. Also, financial institutions have a bigger role. By instructing them to decrease interest rates, the government can ease our pressure to an extent.

Sundeesh Bhuju

Real Car Centre

The Covid-19 outbreak has definitely contributed to a difficult market condition. This is destined to continue even in the post-covid-19 scenario. 

Talking about the used-car market, I think the demand will be slow for the first few months. The demand for vehicles in the low price bracket (below 15-20 lakhs) will not be as affected as the demand for higher- bracket cars (40-50 lakhs above). In the lower range, customers usually tend to pay the entire amount up front without any assistance of financial institutions, whereas in the upper range, they usually finance their vehicles.

The good thing about this chaos is that people have started understanding the importance of savings. They will minimize their spending and cut down on unnecessary needs. In my view, they will put off getting a new car and the financial commitments that comes with it for a while, knowing that the depreciation for a first-hand vehicle will be astronomical.

While stuck for a good while, you might be aching to get behind your steering wheel and mash that pedal. We urge you to hold in the urge, hold it in for as long as the country needs you to. In the meantime, we have made a list of racing games that might well be able to satiate your driving craves. Have fun playing all these titles, acquire fantastic cars, and set unbeatable high scores. Stay indoors, wash your hands, stay safe... These troubling days shall be over soon.

Real Racing 3

Real Racing 3 is a racing simulator game, developed by Firemonkeys Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It is one of the best racing sim games to date. The quality of the gameplay is awesome, and the graphics are solid. It’s just the heavy use of in-app purchases that interfere with our enjoyment of the game. Real Racing 3 is not a small game; it is a heavy download that requires Wi-Fi. What you get for that download is a stable of 45 highly-detailed cars from manufacturers like Porsche, BMW, Audi, Nissan, and Ford. Car buffs will be pleased. It is available on both Android and iOS.

Asphalt 9: Legends

Asphalt 9: Legends is a racing video game developed by Gameloft Barcelona and published by Gameloft. Released on 25 July 2018, it is the ninth main installment in the Asphalt series. The graphics on this iteration is a genuine stunner, boasting next-level particle effects, lighting, and realistic weather. The game doesn’t have licensed cars but in its best moments, you can expect the same gleeful sense of speed and violent carnage as the earlier Burnouts, albeit with a much-reduced sense of danger. Available on both Android and iOS.

CSR Racing 2

If you love straight-line speeds that tear up the quarter- or half-mile tarmac, then CSR Racing 2 is the game for you. Like its predecessor, CSR 2 is a drag racing game that is visually stunning and offers enough gameplay improvements to easily hook everyone who enjoyed its predecessor, plus a bunch of new fans. While games like Real Racing 3 and the Asphalt series aimed to bring the full racing experience to mobile phones and tablets, Natural Motion’s CSR Racing has focused on delivering tiny moments of greatness. Every race is a straight shot, steering is never a concern. It’s about coming off the starting line just right and shifting at the perfect moment. If all goes well, 10 to 15 seconds later the player’s got a bit more cash and a bit more rep. Available on both Android and iOS.

NFS Heat

Any racing game list would be incomplete without a Need For Speed title. NFS Heat is a racing video game developed by Ghost Games and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It is the twenty-fourth installment in the series and commemorates the 25th anniversary. The Need For Speed franchise had lost its way but this iteration feels like the series is back on a solid track. The game is set in an open-world environment called Palm City, a fictionalized version of the city of Miami, Florida, and its surrounding area. The in-game map features diverse geography, including mountainous areas and open fields. There are 127 cars from 33 manufacturers, with Ferrari returning to the game after being absent in Payback over licensing issues.

Project CARS 2

Project CARS 2 is a motorsport racing simulator video game developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published and distributed by the Bandai Namco Entertainment group for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Project CARS 2 offers 140 track layouts in 60 different locations and 189 cars to choose from. The game now features off-road driving, including rally-cross tracks and cars. There are new manufacturers in the game, including Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Honda, Acura, and Nissan. In addition, Project CARS 2 supports virtual reality (VR), up to 12K resolution, and triple screen. This is truly a game for the inner car nut.

Forza Horizon 4

Forza Horizon 4 is a 2018 racing video game developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft Studios. It is set in an open world environment based in a fictionalized Great Britain, with regions that include condensed representations of Edinburgh, the Lake District (including Derwentwater), and the Cotswolds (including Broadway), among others, and features over 670 licensed cars. The game even turns our weather into something beautiful. As the season changes, so does the climate and the nature of the light, along with the driving conditions. Only available for Xbox and PC, the Forza Horizon 4 is one of the best, if not the best racing games, made to date. 

We are already over a week into the nationwide lockdown. The SARS-CoV-2 a.k.a Coronavirus (Covid-19) that emerged in Wuhan, Hubei province of China has spread rapidly across the globe. Crisis and casualties aside, the virus has slowed the world economy to a crawl, and one sector that has taken a severe hit is automobiles. Supply chains have been disrupted and manufacturing operations hampered. The most vulnerable auto companies are those that rely heavily or solely on factories in China for parts and materials. Which coincidentally are most of the companies.

The global automotive industry imports more than $34 billion in motor parts from China annually. Automakers—from General Motors and Fiat Chrysler, to Toyota Motor and Tesla—have been scrambling for weeks, if not months, to secure parts for their manufacturing operations in North America and elsewhere following disruptions from Chinese suppliers. While most large-scale production facilities have been completely shut, nearly every other automaker has announced it is closely monitoring the situation and will make decisions based on available products. 

The virus has led to shutdown of factories of major automotive giants in the US, China, India, Italy and so on. In India, with complete lockdown and closure of plants in many towns and cities, the Indian automotive industry is headed towards a massive slowdown. As per reports, the sector would face not only supply side pressure but also demand side and export pressures if the spread of Covid-19 continues for over two months.

The disruption in the availability of Chinese raw materials and the shutdown of plants are hampering production across all segments, namely passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three-wheelers, two-wheelers, and electric vehicles. This situation is expected to only worsen. Although the Indian auto industry had maintained inventory at the beginning of the year, the unfolding events are quickly dwindling the stock.

Indian auto ancillaries and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have about 27 percent import dependence on China for key parts and accessories. The extended production halts in China have created supply-side risks for domestic auto companies. Further, the transition to Bharat Stage-VI vehicles has increased the reliance of OEMs on the import of technologically advanced products. As the deadline for sale and registration of BS IV-compliant vehicles is April 1, 2020, the Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Associations (FADA) in India has filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking a deadline extension till May-end. Around 720,000 BS-4 vehicles are yet to be sold in the Indian market.

The fight against the coronavirus is posing an enormous challenge for public health authorities across the globe. And shortages of respirators and other medical equipment has gotten national governments requesting non-medical device manufacturers for help in a wartime-like effort.

Ford and General Motors are evaluating the possibility of making ventilators amid fears the life-saving devices might become scarce in the US amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Ventilators are devices that deliver oxygenated air to the lungs while helping carbon dioxide escape. This technology is vital to saving lives, but there are right now only a limited number of ventilators in hospitals.

Similarly, car companies in the UK are also offering to produce ventilators should the need arise. Recently, the British government had reached out to firms including Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, and Vauxhall to discuss the prospect of manufacturing ventilators.

Addressing these incredibly tough times amidst the Covid-19 lockdown, a few Nepali automotive companies have come forward to join hands with the government to help combat the spread. Laxmi Group and Vishal Group have announced a contribution of Rs 1 crore each to the government-established Coronavirus Prevention and Control Fund. Similarly, Syakar Trading Company in collaboration with the Nepal Medical Association has initiated the ‘Corona Helpline Center’.

The SUV title is tossed around so carelessly it gets difficult to differentiate between pretend SUVs and proper ones, mainly because while both definitely look like SUVs one definitely doesn't work like one. There are small SUVs which are basically taller, wider hatchbacks. But they are not SUVs ...deep down you know it.

They range in sizes, forms, and functions. Yes, they give you the sense of practicality and utility of an SUV but they’re all the same: efficient front-wheel-drive cars, driving on tires as small as 185mm without any on-road or off-road prowess. Because of this haphazard labeling, larger and proper SUVs are having a hard time. Not only do they have to compete with their direct rivals, they also have to better the smaller pretend SUVs at their own practicality and utility game.

Today I have one such SUV that comes from the land of the rising sun. It holds the SUV torch high and takes on both the real deals and the pretenders of the segment. Welcome to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Exterior

Presence. This is the first word that comes into your head when you look at the 2020 Pajero Sport. Just look at it! Mitsubishi has brought all its current models up-to-date with its trademark design language and the 2020 Pajero Sport. With its signature Dynamic Shield grille on the front, it is one of the best looking cars from the company, second only to the 2020 L200 pick-up truck.

The massive front end is dominated mostly by the dynamic shield grille and headlight combination, higher bonnet, and new running lights and bumpers. The headlights are a tad smaller and the fog lamps bigger with both the units getting an all-LED treatment. All of which makes the SUV look tougher and more athletic than the outgoing model.  

The rear of the 2020 Pajero Sport looks boxy with subtle curves where the roof falls into the boot lid. The taillights have not deviated a lot from the outgoing model but the vertically-arrayed tail lights have been reduced in size and the bumper made larger which makes the tail end more appealing. The 2020 Pajero Sport is a complete package and an attention grabber on the road and also oozes off-road capabilities even when parked.

Interior

The seats are comfortable and come with loads of electronic adjustment. The front seats are comfy but are set too high even in its lowest limit; while shorter drivers will find their driving position rather easily, things might not be the same for taller individuals.

Yes, the second row can easily accommodate three adults with utmost comfort. But you can’t help but wish for a couple more inches because at the end of the day the Pajero Sport is a big SUV, which raises a bigger question: where did all that space actually go? The answer… a third row! And a rather spacious one at that. Don’t expect the second-row level of space; the third row is just enough to take two adults on a fairly long journey.

All that space allocation has also gone into the boot of the Pajero Sport. Lift up the powered tailgate and what you find is a space large enough to accommodate a week’s worth of luggage for all seven passengers on board. Fold down the second and third rows and the cabin would probably be roomier than the room Harry Potter had growing up in Privet Drive.

Performance

Weighing over two tons, getting the Pajero Sport moving is no simple task. To do just that, the 2020 Pajero Sport is powered by a 2.4-liter turbo engine that guzzles diesel like my non-alcoholic-self guzzles juice. The SUV produce 178 bhp and peak torque of 430 Nm.  

On the tarmac the Pajero Sport is planted as all big SUVs should be, but it turns in rather quickly and with pinpoint precision. Once the smooth tarmac ends and the tough terrains begin, the Pajero Sport casually pulls out a large crate labeled “Heavy Artillery”, and tanks along, making you feel way more relieved than you ever were when on the tarmac. The 2020 Pajero Sport comes with a Super Select 4WD-II system that electronically switches between drive modes and splits engine torque 40 percent front and 60 percent rear when in full-time 4WD mode, and that’s just one weapon on its arsenal.

You have a two-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel-drive modes. Using the drive mode selector dial, you can switch between 2WD (2H) and 4WD (4H, 4HLc, 4LLc). When the going gets rough, you can lock the center differential by entering the 4HLc setting for rugged terrain or the 4LLc setting for inclines, mud, and snow. You can also lock the rear differential which minimizes differences in rotation between the rear wheels to ensure robust traction even on sand, mud and rocky surfaces.

Other weapons to help the Pajero Sport off-road better are Hill Descent Control (HDC) which automatically applies the brakes to maintain your current speed when traveling downhill. This lets you concentrate on steering and travel downhill with greater safety without having to manually apply the brakes. Going uphill, on the other hand, is managed by a Hill Start Assist feature that keeps you from rolling backward while you release the brake by maintaining the braking force for up to two seconds until the accelerator is applied. With a 30-degree approach angle, a 24-degree departure angle, and a 45-degree lateral travel angle combined with all the weapons at its disposal, the 2020 Pajero Sport is easily one of the best off-roaders in the country. It is one of those SUVs that encourages you to take the more unconventional path towards your where you are going and I quite love that.

Verdict

In a sea of pretend SUVs with equally pretentious off-road capabilities printed in their brochures, the 2020 Pajero Sport is a proper SUV that is more than equipped to handle anything that comes in its way. Its big, it is practical, it’s a comfortable place to be in and is a handsome looker.

It is shockingly powerful on the tarmac and is an absolute tank off-road, cruising over everything without breaking a sweat. To top it all off, it comes with an equally hefty price tag that is befitting of what it offers. And if you happen to have that much money lying around… I’d say you’d be making good investment.

Long ago, in a different car magazine far-far away, I had reviewed the old Pajero Sport and had named it, “The Beast from the East”. Today, driving it again after all these years I can say that the 2020 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has proven itself to still be worthy of that title.

Price: Rs 16.5 million onwards

This is how we figure the meeting at the Renault Headquarters must have gone when they came up with the Renault Triber.

“Here is what this car has to achieve,” someone at the meeting must said. “It has to be able to seat seven people comfortably. It also has to be an MPV that comes in the price bracket of a B-segment hatchback. We can’t skimp on the equipment and features, and it has to be under the four-meter mark.
Good luck.”

Surely, a stunned silence must have followed as the fellow walked out of the room, leaving the rest to figure out a way of achieving this task of boiling the ocean.

As impossible as it seems, Renault have achieved more or less everything they set out to with the Renault Triber… at least on paper. We thought it sounded too good to be true, so we asked the good folks at Advanced Automobiles Pvt Ltd (distributors of Renault Cars in Nepal) to give us the keys so we could test it out for ourselves.

It does NOT look like an abomination.

Consider for a while the task the designers had at hand with the Renault Triber. Creating an MPV that seats seven people while staying under the four-meter mark and still making an aesthetically appealing car could not have been easy. Let’s give credit where it’s due: Renault have done a great job with the Triber in achieving a good design.

The Triber is based on a modified version of the CMF-A platform which underpins the Kwid. When you view its profile, you will notice two things. The first being the steeped roof that adds headroom for the rear passengers. You will also notice that the wheels have been pushed as far out towards the bumper as possible in order to extend the wheelbase, thereby improving the legroom for the occupants of the car. And the side cladding, well, those are just stickers.

Once you decide to get into the car, the car unlocks automatically.

That’s provided you approach it with the keys in your pocket. It also locks itself when you walk away from the car after you’ve parked it. The good thing about the cabin is that it’s spacious. There is plenty of legroom and headroom. We reckon there will be slightly less usable space in the third row (the seats weren’t provided), however, Renault promises it will be usable for adults.

It is clear that the Renault Triber is built to be practical. The second row is very comfortable for two adults and you can slide them forwards or backwards to your liking as well as fold them individually. You also get aircon vents on the B-pillars which will be very welcome once summer comes along in full swing. You can control the rear aircon vents via a nob that’s placed behind the handbrakes. Even the third row gets roof mounted a/c vents.

To further the cause of practicality, there is plenty of useful storage space. You get a storage bin under the front seat that can hold up to 1kg. Also very useful is a deep 4.3L storage space in the center console that gets cooling. And there is plenty of boot space on the Triber, 625 liters of it. But that’s because the Triber comes as a five-seater in Nepal. You do, however, get the option to put in the third row yourself. With the third row installed, the boot space shrinks to 84 liters.

Here is how it is to drive…

Powering the Triber is a 1.0L 3-cylinder petrol engine, a tweaked version of the one that you get in the Kwid. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to tell that it isn’t a powerhouse. Nevertheless, the 71BHP@ 6,250rpm and 96Nm@3,500 rpm gets the job done. You’re not going to get anywhere fast, but it will get you there. If you really ask a lot from the engine you will be met with a lot of noise and vibrations.

Driving in the city is adequate, but on the highway you will be working the engine hard. The light clutch doesn’t make things a lot of fun, but the 5-speed gearshift is decent. You’ll make the best of it if you’re driving it at a passive speed like the MPV that it is, and not like a maniac. This will also help keep the body-rolls in check.

The ride quality is decent and the Triber soaks up minor bumps and potholes well. However, it isn’t always a cushy ride. The suspensions did better with passengers in the rear seat as compared to the seats being vacant. The electric power steering is decent and is great for in-city driving or when you find yourself in a tight parking spot. Even on the highways the steering wheel weighs up nicely.

In terms of safety, all variants of the Triber get ABS + EBD as standard. You also get four airbags in higher variants, however it is still far from the safest offering in the market. The brakes work as expected and will get the job done well.

So where does this bring us with the Renault Triber?

Once again, the Renault Triber is focusing on making the Triber as practically usable as possible. So we understand why the performance plays second fiddle to utility. The possibility of transporting seven people from one place to another in relative comfort, with a bit of luggage, will always win against corner carving and/or an exhilarating driving experience. But the experience you get when you’re driving it is nothing to write home about.

The Renault Triber does not feel like it’s trying to compete against any existing product; at least not directly. What Renault has done with the Triber is create a differentiator and filled a void in the market that they discovered. A better engine would have been great but that can be said of almost any car in the market today. But the moment they fit a better motor, the Triber will no longer be available at this price point. This car is for the average income level family that has to accommodate an above average number of family members in a car that comes under a budget.

The distributors in Nepal offer the Renault Triber as a 5-seater but we still see the Triber filling the unique needs of a large family.