India is a very important market for any two-wheeler manufacturer, and it’s not an easy nut to crack. But we think these two brands – Moto Morini and Zontes – have got what it takes to stick around. So, here’s a history lesson.

Italian Marvel
Moto Morini was founded in Bologna, Italy, way back in 1937. It has a pretty interesting history too. At one point, Moto Morini was owned by the legendary Cagiva, later the Texas Pacific Group took control – who also owned Ducati at the time. Until fairly recently, Moto Morini was manufacturing really cool V-twin powered motorcycles, before going into liquidation. Now though, it’s owned by China’s Zhongneng Vehicle Group, with its headquarters in Milan. Moto Morini’s India range includes powerful, well-finished motorcycles that pack a lot of kit, including the X-Cape 650X featured in our track test.

Feature Packed
Zontes’ history is a little less chequered. Founded in 2003 under Guangdong Tayo Motorcycle Technology Company’s umbrella, Zontes is known for offering a lot of features on their products. The ones in India are no different, with electronic fuel filler lids, electronic windscreen adjustment, keyless operation, and more. These motorcycles aren’t super refined, or very well finished, but they are loaded to the gills with equipment.

Suzuki vs. Ducati. Japan vs. Italy. Blue vs. Red. Retro vs. Contemporary. Sake vs. Wine. Inline-4 vs. V2. They may have 150bhp apiece, but these two couldn’t be more different. Horsepower count aside, there’s no common thread between the Katana and Streetfighter V2. And yet they both tug at your heartstrings in equal measure.

You see, the Katana’s appeal lies in the fact that it’s a neo-retro naked motorcycle that pays homage to the original Katana from the 1980s. And it does that so damn well, for it’s one of the most stunning-looking naked motorcycles out there. On the tech front, the Katana’s a simpler machine, too. It’s a no-frills motorcycle – a pure thoroughbred that relies on its silky-smooth superbike firepower.

On the contrary, there’s nothing sedate about the Streetfighter V2. It’s got a barking-mad V-twin motor that’s got character in spades. And even though it’s supposed to be a practical ‘street’ motorcycle, Ducati has peppered it with all the latest tech and rider aids that are available with the company’s racier Panigale range.

The Katana and Streetfighter V2, then, are two different paths that lead to the same destination. One goes about its business in an understated manner, while the other does it with sheer brutality. 

When it comes to the upper echelons of luxury, it doesn’t get much better than this duo. Both the Range Rover and Maybach are the flagship vehicles for their respective brands, and both have a long and illustrious history.
The Range Rover created the genre of the luxury SUV and was a radical idea when it was first launched over fifty years ago – in 1970. On the other hand, the Mercedes S-Class has long been regarded as one of the best luxury cars in the world and has dominated its segment right from the day Mercedes started making them. And the Maybach is at the top of that totem pole!

if you were to choose, which would it be?
Well, to be honest, the Maybach is a very, very tempting proposition. With the added space, the ultra luxurious materials, the seats, all the technology, and the Maybach customization, all of it really makes you feel like you’re inside a private jet. On top of that, the turbocharged V8 provides scathing performance. But, all the chrome means that it’s clearly the more flashy of the two, and, being a low-slung sedan, it is less practical on our broken roads.

Meanwhile, the cabin of the Range Rover, while impressive, doesn’t feel as special as the Maybach. But it’s spacious, very well finished and does provide a sense of occasion. However, what really pushes the scales in favour of the Range Rover is that it’s better looking than the Maybach – the stately design and uninterrupted heritage are advantages – and, being an uncompromising SUV, it gets extra points for its go-anywhere ability. In reality, though, if you’re fortunate enough to choose between what are two of the very best automobiles ever produced, you can’t really go wrong – now can you?

The Toyota Glanza and the Maruti Suzuki Baleno used to have differences beyond their badges, particularly in the form of their mild-hybrid tech and gearboxes, but these new-gen cars are more similar than ever before. Identical engines, identical performance, (near) identical looks, but different pricing! Yes, the Glanza costs between `10,000 – 20,000 more than the Baleno and, while you get a slightly sharper design (in our eyes) and a slightly longer warranty for that money, we can’t justify spending more for the same car!

The Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus have a similar story. While the Kushaq and Taigun differed significantly in terms of their on-track handling – the Taigun being much sharper – the India 2.0 sedans are identical. The Virtus may look racier than the slightly mature Slavia, but you wouldn’t be able to tell one apart from the other from the way they drive. And, surprise-surprise, here too there is a difference in price – the Virtus costs anywhere between `3,000 – 40,000 more than the Slavia, depending on the variant. At least Volkswagen bundles some cool cosmetic bits for the extra cash they charge for the top-spec GT trim though.

AMG Sound Experience
The EQS 53’s sound system uses special loudspeakers, shakers, and a sound generator to create a unique sound experience in two versions – ‘Authentic’ or ‘Performance.’ In addition to the driving sounds, the latter version also includes ‘event sounds’ – suitable notes for all vehicle functions that emit a sound, such as vehicle unlocking / locking, starting / stopping the drive system, or vehicle entry. The program even simulates the click of the indicators.

MBUX Hyperscreen
8 CPU cores, 24GB RAM, 46.4GB per second RAM bandwidth, and seven individual profiles! The EQS 53 AMG marks the India debut of the revolutionary MBUX Hyperscreen. Three screens sit under a glass cover and appear to merge into one, extending from A-pillar to A-pillar. As a result, what you get is the largest infotainment screen ever mounted in a series-production car, measuring 56 inches.

AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
Five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual – allow the driver to alter the EQS 53’s driving characteristics at the touch of a button. Important parameters, such as drive and performance characteristics, suspension settings, steering, AMG Dynamics and AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE, are modified to suit the selected driving mode.

1. AERODYNAMICS
Ferrari has gone to great lengths to enhance the underbody aerodynamics, exaggerating the front downforce and ground effect to ensure that the 296 GTB remains glued to the road at speed.

2. DRIVE MODES
The eManettino on the 296 GTB has four positions: eDrive (electric power only), Hybrid (H), Performance & Qualify (max performance).

3. POWER UNIT
The 296 GTB has a combined output of 818bhp from its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 and integrated rear-mounted electric motor, powered by a 7.45kWh high-voltage battery.

4. EXHAUST NOTE
This V6 earned itself the nickname ‘piccolo V12’ (little V12) during the development phase, thanks to its sonorous exhaust note.

5. WHEELS
Each of the five main spokes is twinned with a second, dynamic, curved element, which improves air extraction from the wheel arch.