'C' how it goes

PITSTOP

Look at the concept car, the Hyundai E³ carefully. It gives an idea of how the Korean automaker's C-segment contender will look in the near future. Hyundai's current player in this category is the Elantra, which is expected to make a debut in India in the following months.

The E³ (aka E cubed) was developed at the Hyundai European Design Centre in Germany. It's a proper running prototype and is powered by a modified version of Hyundai's 1800cc petrol engine, which develops 140 bhp.

It's based on an all-new platform and its wheelbase, at 2650 mm, is marginally longer than the Elantra's. The suspension package on offer includes McPherson struts at front and multi-links at rear.

According to Hyundai designers, the E³ has been built inside out. Which is why the interiors are designed to give a soothing effect. A special touch is the mildly tinted, polarised glass roof with a 'floating' opaque panel which carries the courtesy lights and sunvisors, thereby creating a warm effect thanks to filtered ambient light.

The seat mountings offer multiple configurations and a multi-tiered centre console contains large, integrated storage spaces.

Also, conventional dials and gauges have been given the heave-ho and in their place is a multi-function speedometer and a retractable centre console featuring an LCD information screen. To allow better access, the doors can be opened to 90°, thanks to special two-part hinges.

The E³ seems to have been designed to give European and Japanese car makers present in the same segment a run for their money. Expect to see a production version real soon.

Cheerleaders

A special contingent of Royal Enfield riders have set off from Delhi to cheer the Indian cricket team when they take on Pakistan at Lahore on the 21st of March.

A motley group of 23 riders "� including Business Standard Motoring editor, Bijoy Kumar Y "� will ride to Amritsar where they will park the machines and take the train to Lahore to watch the match. At the time of going to press, the riders had already reached Amritsar.

The 'Road to Peace', as it's called, would have led all the way to Lahore, but since permissions were not forthcoming, it stops at Amritsar. No problem, it's all in the game. All the best, everybody!