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      New Tata Safari Review — Better Than Harrier Or Hector Plus?

      pubsub.do.nohost.me / FossBytes · Friday, 26 February, 2021 - 08:17 · 5 minutes

    tata safari 2021 full view

    The new Tata Safari is basically a longer Harrier and is the three-row version that was first displayed at the 2020 Auto Expo. In the Tata range, Safari is the flagship SUV being sold over the Harrier at a premium; thus, for the extra money, you get an updated design plus a longer car along with a more luxurious interior plus the three-row seating, of course.

    New Tata Safari 2021 Review

    How does it look?

    new tata safari 2021 sideview Images: Fossbytes

    The new Safari looks brilliant and has lots of road presence when seen for the first time and also looks longer than the Harrier, which it is. The extra length of nearly 65mm over the Harrier gives it a more elegant design, which adds to the looks, no doubt. Compared to the Harrier, the Safari has been designed to look more premium; hence you get the grille, which is finished in chrome and the same goes for the headlamp surrounds below. However, the side and the rear styling have more differences, and it is where you can see the new look. Unlike the Harrier, the roofline has been increased, and there is now a rear quarter glass being added for the third row.

    Also, notice the nice way the roof-rails look somewhat like the previous Safari, and the “Safari” badge looks well done. Safari also wears bigger shoes as it gets 18-inch alloy wheels. There is not much choice in terms of colors as you get only three options: Royale Blue, Orcus White, and Daytona Grey.

    wheel and ground clearance safari 2021

    What about the interiors?

    The interiors impressed us more than the exteriors; here, the differentiation is more evident, and the execution of the design is amongst the best we have seen from any Tata Motors car. It feels tough — from the solid doors to the big steering wheel, along with chunky switchgear. It feels big and sturdy — something which owners will like.

    The old Safari was outdated, and here we are glad Tata Motors did not see the past. The new Safari cabin looks really premium with a white interior and seats and the classy ashwood used, plus there is leather used on the door pads. The dashboard has soft-touch materials and also has an anti-reflective top-layer that looks/feels classy. This is one of the top-tier cabins for the price.

    Some crucial changes make life easier when compared to living with a Harrier. There is an electronic handbrake for one, and the USP port location is also easier to access. The steering wheel has buttons that are easy to use, while the part digital instrument cluster is also nice, even if not quite as tech-focused as its rivals with a full digital cluster.

    The touch screen at 8.8-inches could have been bigger too as all other SUVs in this segment have vastly bigger screens. We also think the quality of the touch display along with rearview camera graphics could be better.

    That said, the Safari does quite well in the overall features count with equipment like a panoramic sunroof (one of the largest that we have seen in this class), 6-way Powered Driver Seat with adjustable lumbar support, captain seats, auto headlamps, drive modes, electronic parking brake, 9-speaker JBL audio system, Android Auto and Apple Car Play Connectivity plus connected tech, 6 airbags and more. However, wireless charging is missing from the features list.

    Is Safari 2021 spacious?

    Absolutely! Since one of the biggest reasons to buy Safari is the space and comfort on offer. The white color looks inviting, and once inside, the middle row is the best place to be with the Captain Seating layout. The standard is a 7-seater bench, but the 6-seater Captain’s Seats is the better option. The seats are superb and are very comfortable while having the right cushioning. Legroom and headroom are also fantastic in the second row. There are also special features include a boss mode to create even more space by moving the front seats ahead, while the 2nd row also gets a 60:40 Split along with auto climate control, ambient mood lighting, and plenty of storage space.

    The third row is surprisingly good, and access to it is best via the space between the captain’s seats; once in, even tall passengers will not complain. Yes, thigh support is less, but headroom is good and you also get a separate blower control and USB ports.

    What’s the technology on offer?

    The Safari is the second Tata Motors car to get connected technology and it gets various features like location-based services, vehicle diagnostics, remote features (remote lock/unlock etc.), over-the-air updates, and vehicle security services. It also gets Terrain response modes connected to the ESP along with offroad ABS, traction control, hill-hold, electronic stability control, hill-descent control and more.

    How is new Safari to drive?

    The Safari gets the same 2.0 turbo diesel present in the Harrier along with the same 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox. It is a monocoque chassis-based SUV (For instance, Fortuner is a ladder-frame) and based on the same Land Rover platform. Controversially, it does not get a 4×4, unlike the last Safari.

    While Tata Safari is heavier than Harrier, performance is the same as the diesel engine plus automatic being the best combination rather than manual, requiring more effort. The engine starts with a typical diesel noise but soon settles into a smooth idle. On the go, the automatic gearbox is nice and smooth for city traffic. The steering requires more effort though, since it is a bit heavy but gets better at higher speeds. Speaking of which, the Harrier is pretty responsive and cruises very well.

    It gets drive modes, and Sport mode is very quick and does enough for all those highway overtakes. It is also brilliant in its stability. Unlike the previous Safari, the new one is much better and does not have too much body roll. Braking for such a heavy car is decent but could have been more confidence-inspiring. Superb ground clearance and terrain response modes are also enough to offer off-road capability for most situations other than hardcore off-roading.

    Should you buy Tata Safari 2021?

    Prices for the Safari start at Rs 14.6 lakh while the fully loaded version is Rs 21.4 lakh. That makes it good value on the basis of its design, space and the excellent suspension which makes for a comfortable family SUV. Getting one over the Harrier is a bit of a no-brainer due to the extra space, features and the added road presence. It is also a better packaged product. Over its immediate rivals, the Hector Plus has more features and a petrol engine while the Safari has the looks and the capability.

    Overall, if you want a big SUV with comfort, features and the ability to go over any road surface with ease, then you should look at the Tata Safari. It is a lot better than the earlier Safari too, we might add!

    The post New Tata Safari Review — Better Than Harrier Or Hector Plus? appeared first on Fossbytes .

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      Renault Kiger Compact SUV Review — Mileage, Features, And Pictures

      pubsub.do.nohost.me / FossBytes · Monday, 22 February, 2021 - 11:10 · 6 minutes

    renault kiger on road

    The Renault Kiger is the most “VFM” SUV that you can buy, but as our review says, there are enough reasons to buy one other than its affordable pricing.

    What is the Renault Kiger all about?

    Meet the Venue/Sonet rival from Renault; while they may have taken their time, Renault has entered the subcompact SUV space with a bang. Called Kiger, this is based on the same platform as Triber and is also about both affordability and value. Kiger is in-fact priced a step below the other established SUVs in this segment and aims to lure hatchback buyers into upgrading to an SUV but without hurting their wallets too much.

    Renault Kiger has been developed with keeping our requirements; with the top-end version well below the Rs 10 lakh price-bracket, Kiger surely has a lot of potential to do well. But is it spacious or feature-packed plus how is the engine in terms of performance? We drove the turbo petrol Kiger to answer just that and more!

    kiger front view

    Renault Kiger Review

    How does it look?

    A crucial victory for Renault is the looks of the Kiger as that is half the battle won. It looks different from other subcompact SUVs and has its own style which appeals to us and also a lot of the public judging by the reactions it got on our test drive. Finished in this blue color, the Kiger looks very good and also has a youthful flair along with a sense of style — it is not shy at all. It is, however, less of a proper SUV in terms of lacking the typical boxy appeal. The lines are curvier and it is more like a crossover.

    Still, you cannot miss those LED DRLs at the top along with the cluster of LED headlamps below with the grille also being divided. The grille is big and lends the Kiger a lot of presence on the road. You will also see roof-rails along with the equally good-looking 16-inch diamond-cut alloys. It is when seen from the side that the Kiger looks a bit less like an SUV due to the roof which goes downward but it does give it a futuristic look. Renault has also put in cladding at the sides and rear while the roof is black for a dual-tone look.

    The rear is again more of a raised hatchback but the edgy tail-lamps are again very well executed and the roof-spoiler is also a nice touch. It certainly aims at the younger crowds, but it’s a design that grabs more attention than some of the other SUVs out there.

    What about the interiors?

    We have to say that the interior of the Kiger surprised us and it feels better built than the Nissan Magnite, another SUV which is also built on the same platform as the Kiger. The design is suitably premium, and it goes for an all-black look which is again another hint towards its sportiness. The interior shares more with the Triber but compared to that car, the Kiger is more luxurious! There is gloss black on the steering wheel and center console, and there is an 8-inch touch screen and a digital TFT instrument cluster. Some nice touches are the switches for climate control which are well finished!

    You will also see a round knob for the drive modes. The instrument cluster is basic though but the design is nice and it gives you the information that you need. Also, the image of Kiger on the digital dials is a nice touch. The touch screen is simple in design too and has lesser options as compared to other cars, for example, a Sonet, but is neatly done and has a decent enough touch response. We would also say that the screen showing the rearview camera is of very good quality. The cabin does not feel built to a price as a whole but the lower half of the dashboard does get some hard plastic and more soft-touch materials could have been used.

    What is the technology onboard?

    It all starts with the key which is a hands-free access card and it looks cool along with being different (other Renault cars also have this type of key). Other than that, the reconfigurable instrument cluster gets a TFT screen that changes color according to the driving mode selected via the knob on the center console.

    renault kiger dashboard

    Other features include climate control, steering controls, white ambient lighting, wireless charging, rear ac vents, four airbags plus more importantly a PM2.5 Clean Air Filter. The audio system on the Kiger is an Arkamys 3D unit and sounds fairly good while being better than some of the other sub-compact SUVs. There is, however, no sunroof or connected technology.

    Is it spacious?

    Absolutely! Kiger surprised us how it can squeeze out so much space inside its compact size and it’s all down to the platform it uses. The seats are a bit thin but offer decent comfort but the real deal is the space between them. Renault says that there is a 710-mm Couple Distance between seats while to us the cabin does feel airy. The rear due to the sloping roof feels a bit compact initially but the sheer space inside at the rear seat is very good. Legroom is excellent as is headroom plus you can squeeze in a middle passenger with a flat floor (nearly). The 405l boot is also the biggest! Further on, we liked the center armrest storage which holds 10.5l and the door pockets can hold 1l bottles.

    How was our driving experience?

    The Kiger is going via the petrol-only route with a pair of 1.0 three-cylinder petrol engines. The base spec engine is the same 1.0 petrol found in the Triber which makes 72PS and 96Nm. The turbo petrol 1.0 makes 100PS and 160Nm. For both engines, you get a standard 5-speed manual, while the 1.0 has an AMT gearbox the turbo petrol gets a CVT automatic. We drove the turbo petrol manual and found this engine likable.

    It does not have the best refinement though and some vibrations do creep inside the cabin and overall some noise is there. That aside, the Kiger feels compact and easy to maneuver while the gearbox itself is not heavy along with the clutch. Thanks to the turbo you also do not need to always downshift to lower gears at low speeds as the torque pulls through. That, along with the compact size, makes it an ideal-sized SUV to tackle our cities. The ride at city speeds is also firm but not uncomfortable, however, the 205mm ground clearance makes tackling speed-breakers and potholes an easy task.

    Out in the highway, Kiger also felt reasonably powerful and the engine felt quick — no doubt helped by the lightweight nature of the Kiger. The gearing is also correct and you do not feel it is running out of breath or is lacking extra gear. We would say that most of our driving was done with the Sport mode selected for the Kiger as that is where it performs with the most enthusiasm. Normal mode is decent but lacks punch while eco mode, not intolerable at all, has a throttle response that is blunted quite a bit. You will get 12-14kmpl overall in terms of its fuel economy though.

    Should you buy Renault Kiger?

    There are four trim levels but we say get straight to the top for the turbo petrol manual or CVT since the turbo petrol is much better suited for city or highway driving along with coping with a full load of passengers. The manual top-end turbo petrol is Rs 8.5 lakh and that is great value for the looks, features, and space on offer. Sure the engine is a bit on the noisy side and some features are missing here, but you cannot miss the value for money proposition that Renault brings here. It is a lot cheaper than other subcompact SUVs and makes for a great if you are shopping for your first SUV.

    The post Renault Kiger Compact SUV Review — Mileage, Features, And Pictures appeared first on Fossbytes .

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      Citroen C5 Aircross Review – India Specs, Features, Mileage, Images

      pubsub.do.nohost.me / FossBytes · Monday, 22 February, 2021 - 08:26 · 6 minutes

    citroen C5 Aircross

    Meet Citroen, a new car-maker that is the latest entrant to the Indian market. It may be new to us but Citroen is more than 100 years old and has been a mainstream car-maker hailing from France. It makes premium as well as mass-market cars. In India, it will compete with the likes of Hyundai, Kia, MG, and others. It is taking a top to bottom approach and first giving India a feel of what this brand is all about with the C5 Aircross. The C5 Aircross is a premium 5-seater luxury SUV that will rival Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass amongst others, and Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace.

    Citroen C5 Aircross Review

    How does Citroen C5 Aircross look?

    Unlike anything, right? The C5 Aircross stands head and shoulders above other SUVs for its unique design and styling. That is a very French way of doing things by the way! Other than the Tiguan All-Space, the C5 is bigger than all other SUVs with a length of 4500mm, width of 1969mm, and also has a healthy ground clearance of 230mm. It sits on 18-inch wheels which would be standard.

    There’s no doubt that you would be giving the C5 Aircross a second glance when you see it for the first time with that huge grille which is brilliantly executed, and that massive Citroen logo that connects the headlamps to the grille. The grille is divided into two layers — even the front bumper gets colored red inserts. There is also a healthy amount of cladding and the obligatory skid plate.

    Move your eyes to the side and the surfacing is sleek while the roof gently flows in. There is a floating roof that wraps around the car while the A/B pillars are black for a sporty dual-tone effect. Speaking of which, there are seven color combinations on offer, including three dual-tone ones. Rounding off the overall design is the rear, which has interesting-looking tail-lamps which give the C5 a “crossover” look while the cladding along with the neat-looking exhausts adds a touch of SUV-like presence. You will note the C5 has roof rails and yes, these are functional ones!

    What about the interiors?

    The French know style well and the C5 Aircross interior is stylish all right along with being well put together also. However, that is the least you would expect from an SUV with an estimated price-tag of nearly Rs 30 lakhs! The design is welcoming and the quality is amongst the best in class. The dashboard and other areas that you regularly touch are all soft and high quality while even below the dashboard you will see uniform quality everywhere. The intelligent use of leather and wool is also another area where the C5 cabin gets good marks.

    The steering wheel is thick and big in size but is nice to hold while behind that is a 12.3-inch TFT display. The center console is very well executed with an 8-inch touch screen along with multiple air vents stacked alongside. Notice the touch surfaces below, which have some important shortcut buttons while even the volume knob is high in quality. The gear lever is on the other side of the driver which is a bit of a hassle to reach out but there is the traction mode knob taking space elsewhere.

    Is it practical or spacious?

    There are plenty of storage options including cup holders, multiple storage places in the centre console and big enough door pockets to store a large water bottle. The boot space is 580l while removing the rear seats will get you 1630l of space. Another area where the C5 impressed us is the seats!

    The front seats are broad and cushioned very well which offer superb comfort and the same goes for the rear seats which are soft plus set at a nice angle to relax.

    The space at the rear is not huge despite the size but the fact that these seats can be reclined and moved individually, gives it additional flexibility.

    Is Citroen C5 Aircross feature-packed?

    You get nearly everything including some “must-have” features like dual-zone climate control, cruise control, touch screen with Android Auto/Apple Car Play, rear view camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, panoramic sunroof, powered driver’s seat, electronic parking brake and more.

    Some features which stood out were the hands-free parking, cool puddle lamps, front plus rear parking sensors, a hands-free boot release, blind spot monitoring system, an on-board air quality system, and a “coffee break alert”.

    How’s the technology on-board?

    The digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel is neat and comes with three display modes — all are easy to read and contain a ton of information. When it comes to the central touch-screen, the infotainment system is nice and easy to use with neatly stacked icons along with a responsive touch. The coffee alert system activates when you are driving for more than two hours above 65 km/h while the blind spot assist does help you navigate the car through traffic with constant alerts. We also liked the audio system in terms of its sound quality — it’s among the better audio systems in its class.

    How does it drive?

    Citroen is keeping things simple with just one engine option and one standard automatic gearbox. The engine in question is a 2.0l diesel which develops 175BHP and 400Nm torque. There is no 4×4 but it does get the Grip control which is connected with the Hill Descent control. To us more impressive than the engine is the 8-speed automatic which is smooth in its nature and is suited to the C5. The thick steering wheel may seem large but it is very light and driving it in stop-go traffic is next to no effort and the same goes for the gearbox or engine. For typical everyday traffic, the C5 is very well suited with its good visibility and light steering.

    When taken out on the highway, the engine sounds a bit gruff and gets loud when driven hard. There are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and there are drive modes of course but you get the feeling that the engine does not like being hurried. At slow speeds, you get some diesel noise and it gets increased at high speeds. That said, the stability is very nice and it is also a good handling SUV with body roll kept in check. Even though C5 is a big SUV, it does not feel so when driving it. In terms of fuel economy, the official figure is 18.6 kmpl while we got 13-15 kmpl.

    How is the suspension?

    The C5 promises “comfort” above other things and the main reason for that is the suspension which uses hydraulic cushions. We drove the car over rough surfaces and uneven roads plus some off-roading to find that the C5 Aircross does live up to some of that promise as this suspension absorbs the impact but does not transmit it to the cabin. It is quite stable over bad roads while the suspension is tuned to be soft for a comfortable feel. Yes, it is not as agile as a Compass but you get a softer and a better ride, which we think will appeal more to customers in India.

    Should I buy Citroen C5 Aircross?

    The C5 Aircross will not be cheap with an expected price-tag starting from Rs 30 lakh but we think it has what it takes to justify that on the basis of its looks and the comfort that it provides along with its luxury quotient. It will be first sold through special dealerships in only ten cities known as the “La Maison Citroen” dealership concept, and it’ll slowly expand its footprint to more cities. However, there is also a showroom on wheels concept for places where there isn’t a proper showroom. Overall, the C5 Aircross is the perfect brand builder for Citroen and will appeal to those who aren’t seeking a run-of-the-mill luxury SUV.

    The post Citroen C5 Aircross Review – India Specs, Features, Mileage, Images appeared first on Fossbytes .

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      BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Review [Comfort, Features, Images]

      pubsub.dcentralisedmedia.com / FossBytes · Thursday, 18 February, 2021 - 06:46 · 8 minutes

    BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Review

    BMW has changed itself and its latest version of its 3 Series happens to be for the ‘back seat driver’. Let’s take a look at what it’s all about.

    BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Review

    What is the 3 Series Gran Limousine all about?

    BMW has always been about driving pleasure before anything else, and its 3 Series is perhaps one of its most iconic cars worldwide. Despite SUVs gaining popularity, the 3 Series continues to hold ground for its design, performance, and also having that quality plus driving appeal, which makes it different. The new Generation 3 Series, launched last year, was a shift since, along with being bigger than its predecessor; it was also tuned to be a bit more comfort-oriented.

    The steering and ride were changed, which was not a bad thing since that is what the segment demands. However, in some ways, BMW also managed to keep the basic driving pleasure DNA embedded in it via the excellent new 330i and also the diesel. However, this move to launch the 3 Series Gran Limousine is surprising at first, it does make sense when thought after some time. This BMW is meant for the owner who would like to be driven around and not drive it themselves. And on top of that it is a 3 Series which has always been about its driving!

    The reason for the shift is the changing requirements and the success of its arch-rival Mercedes. Mercedes launched its E-Class with a long wheelbase some years back, and since then, it has completely dominated this segment. It has space that no other car in its class has due to its longer wheelbase over its rivals.  BMW has done the same, but instead of choosing to launch the 5 Series with a long wheelbase, the 3 Series has been chosen due to its cheaper cost and higher sales potential. As a result, we have the 3 Series Gran Limousine or in other words a 3 Series with a longer wheelbase. Along with that, BMW has also changed the positioning and made the 3 Series a more appealing car for those who would look at a chauffeur-driven car. It is the only car in its class to have a longer wheelbase.

    How does it look?

    The 3 Series Gran Limousine is fitting a gap between the 5 Series and the 3 Series. It is the replacement for the 3 Series GT that has been discontinued worldwide. The 3 Series Gran Limousine is defined by numbers as the wheelbase plus length has been increased plus some small tweaks. From the front, the 3 Series Gran Limousine can be mistaken for the regular 3 Series with the same kidney grille, plus the front is the same as the BMW 3 Series Luxury line.

    front view BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Images: Fossbytes

    It is a sporty-looking car with the kidney grille nicely stretched out and a nice shape for fog lamp enclosures. There are also 3 Series design details, including the short overhangs plus the long bonnet.

    When seen from the side, you can see the difference between the standard and the long-wheel version. A long wheelbase means the wheelbase or the space between the wheels have been increased. Hence it is the same with the 3 Series Gran Limousine where there are longer doors now being added to the rear of the GL.

    As a result, the new BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is now the longest car in its class, with a length of  4,819 millimeters. That makes the difference with the 3 Series Gran Limousine having a much more classy appearance, whereas the standard sedan is much sportier. Thanks to its length, it’s more about elegance, while the appearance is of a much bigger car or a car from a segment higher.

    Move to the rear, and it is a classy but sporty look with the three-dimensional L- shaped LED taillights along with two large tailpipes. This is the Luxury Line, whereas the MSport trim gives it a much more aggressive appearance, however, we think this version suits the 3 Series Gran Limousine more. The build quality plus the paint finish is, of course, brilliant. Speaking of which, there are four colors available with the BMW 3 Series GL namely – Mineral White, Melbourne Red, Carbon Black, and Cashmere Silver.

    What about the interiors?

    The 3 Series Gran Limousine is all about the interior since that is where the extra space has gone to. However, before that, let us take a look at the interior design. The design itself is simple and somewhat less flashy than rivals or sporty, but the quality of materials with the leather to the chrome or metal used is all top quality.

    The new 3 Series is a lot more appealing and luxurious than the earlier one, plus there are some nice details like the glass gear-lever. There is a big 10.25-inch touch screen which is intuitive to use and it also has a high-quality display. Move to the steering wheel and it is a sporty looking one, true to BMWs but behind it, the old dials are changed with new digital dials which is 12.3-inch in size.

    Is it spacious?

    Now let us talk about the rear seat since this is what the car is all about. In plain numbers, the 3 Series Gran Limousine has an extra 110 millimeters of wheelbase being added to it, which automatically also means that the rear doors are now 110 millimeters longer when compared to a standard 3 Series sedan.

    In terms of plain rear seat space, there is an extra 43 millimeters of legroom now in the rear seat, which means it has the most space in its class here. Upon testing the rear seat, we have to say that it is by far the most spacious sedan as you can really stretch out with so much legroom and a good amount of headroom.  You relax after a long day at work and the extra space makes all the difference. However, the big central tunnel means that this is best for two persons at the back.  The seat itself is more comfortable plus the angle is set at a more relaxed angle. Also changed is the Vernasca leather upholstery being given here plus there is a newly designed headrest along with a new central armrest between the rear seats.

    Is it feature rich?

    In terms of features, the 3 Series Gran Limousine is very well equipped and even gets more features than a standard 3 Series. It all starts with a bigger panoramic sunroof, which is crucial as it adds an airy feel to the cabin. Then you have ambient lighting with six colors while new here is the illuminated strip on the back of the front seats. Other features include a three-zone automatic climate control with active carbon filters (which cools the cabin down quickly), a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system with 16 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (useful and convenient), wireless charging, parking Assistant with rearview camera, etc.

    There is also the MSport which gets Gesture Control which recognizes hand gestures and there are six of them, including turning up the volume or answering/rejecting a call. Another important feature is the heads-up display which brings more information to the drive without the need to look down at the instrument cluster. In terms of safety, you get features like six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), electronic parking brake with auto hold, and ISOFIX child seat mounting.

    What engines are offered?

    The 3 Series Gran Limousine is available with two engine options. The petrol is the 330Li which is a two-litre four-cylinder turbocharged making 258hp and 400Nm. The diesel is also a two-litre four-cylinder, which makes 190hp and 400Nm. Standard is an eight-speed automatic transmission while you also get paddle shifters which give you manual control. There are also launch control and drive modes like Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.

    How does it drive?

    The BMW 330Li is the pick of the bunch as it is smooth and extremely refined. There is barely any sound when you push the start button while compared to the standard 3 Series the ride is less busy and the suspension more silent. The Gran Limousine rides very well plus the refined engine adds to the luxury experience. The softer suspension is the key to the 3 Series Gran Limousine having a better ride over the standard 3 Series. Even if you drive the car does not feel big in its size and it is agile while the engine is superb. It is silent when you want it to be, but lets out a lovely snarl when driven in “S” mode. Overall you can really have some fun driving this car fast. Of course the sharpness and the handling brilliance of the standard 3 Series have been toned down and the soft suspension brings some body roll but for most drivers, this car offers enough thrills behind the wheel. The steering feels light but direct and weighs up with an increase in speed.

    Now when you do sit at the back you will notice how the car rides and the suspension does not make you move around. The tyres and the suspension absorb more of the road, hence making it a very comfortable chauffeur-driven experience. However, the 135mm ground clearance and the longer wheelbase means going over speed breakers requires more caution.

    Is it fuel efficient?

    The 3 Series Gran Limousine is heavier and drinks more than the standard 3 Series but 12kmpl is very much possible while driving it fast will make it around 7/8kmpl for 330Li petrol.

    BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Review: Should you buy one?

    The 3 Series Gran Limousine starts at Rs 51.50 lakh while the top-spec MSport is Rs 53.90 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). In terms of pricing, the 3 Series GL is about Rs 9 lakh more expensive over the standard 3 Series plus is also amongst the most expensive in its class. However, the extra money you pay goes into the longer wheelbase which makes this car stand out amongst its rivals. No other sedan offers this much space while it is still great to drive like any 3 Series. Overall, in short, it is the most complete luxury sedan in its class right now.

    The post BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Review [Comfort, Features, Images] appeared first on Fossbytes .

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      Movim | Basic Review & Beginner's Guide

      Timothée Jaussoin · pubsub.movim.eu / Movim · Sunday, 14 February, 2021 - 11:17 edit

    Thanks for this awesome guide by UbuntuBuzz. With a lot of details and some ideas of improvements for the future. #Movim #review #guide

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      Review of 10 Vahdam’s Assam teas

      Matija Šuklje · blabla.movim.eu / the-tea-room-grab-a-cuppa-and-chat-about-your-favourite-brew · Saturday, 7 January, 2017 - 09:52

    To start off the discussion, here is my review of ten nice Assam teas…

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      Review of 10 Vahdam’s Assam teas

      Matija Šuklje · Saturday, 7 January, 2017 - 09:48 · 6 minutes

    I had the pleasure of sampling 10 Assam teas from Vahdam (a very well chosen birthday gift from my fiancée).

    First a little bit about the company. The company is Indian and according to their website deals directly with the plantations and tea growers for a fairer trade and better quality (plantation to shop 24-72h).

    Once the teas were ordered, they arrived in a timely manner in and were very carefully packed (even the cardboard box was hand-stitched into a cloth) and included two complementary Darjeeling samples. I did have some issues with their (new) web shop, but found their support very helpful and quick.

    All teas were from 2016 (I received them in late 2016 as well), AFAICR all were from the summer pickings / second flush.

    The single-estates had the exact date of picking on them as well as the number of invoice they were bought under; while the blends had the month of blending/packaging.

    Now back to the important part – the teas. All ten I found to be of superior quality and was delighted to sample the surprisingly wide array of taste the Assam region produces.

    I was able to get two steeps (pearly boil, 4 minutes) out of all of them and found most of them perfectly enjoyable without either milk or sugar. Still, for most I prefer adding both as I like the rounded mellowness that (full) milk and (light brown or rock) sugar bring to Assam teas.

    Here are my thoughts on them. If I had to pick out my favourites, it would be the Engima and Royal Breakfast, but all of the single-estates brought something else to the table, so I it is very likely they will be constantly rotating in my tea cupboard.

    Single-estate

    Assam Enigma Second Flush Black Tea

    A brilliantly complex Assam

    Among all the Assams I have ever tasted, this is one of the most interesting ones.

    Initially you are greeted by the sweet smell of cinnamon of the dry leaves, which surprisingly disappears as soon as the leaves submerge in hot water.

    With milk and just a small teaspoon of sugar, the tea produces a surprisingly complex aroma for an Assam – the predominant taste is of quality flower/berry honey with a hint of caramel, followed by an almost fruity and woody finish.

    As most of the ten Vahdam’s Assams I have had the pleasure of sampling, it is perfectly fine without milk and sugar, but I do enjoy it more with just a dash of both :)

    …truly an enigma, yet a sweet one!

    Bokel Assam Second Flush Black Tea

    Very pleasant aroma, reminiscent of cocoa

    I made the “mistake” of reading the description before sipping it and cannot but agree that vanilla and cocoa notes permeate the taste.

    As I am used to strong tea, I would be willing to take this even in the evenings. With a good book, some chocolate confectionery, this should be a great match!

    Gingia Premium Assam Second Flush Black Tea

    Light-footed and reminiscent of pu-ehr

    It is a rare occasion that I enjoy an Assam more without milk than with it, but Gingia Premium is one of them.

    What this tea reminds me the most is that basic taste of a pu-erh (but without its typical complex misty aroma). The first sip also brought cold-brew coffee to mind, but the association faded with the idea of the pu-erh.

    Nahorhabi Classic Assam Second Flush Black Tea

    Great, somewhat fruity daily driver

    I find it very enjoyable and surprisingly fruity for an Assam. I usually drink Assam with a bit of milk and one teaspoon of brown sugar, but as some other reviewer noted, this tea is not too bitter to go fine without either as well.

    I could get used to using this as my daily cuppa. Most likely I will come back to this Nahorhabi again.

    Halmari Clonal Premium Assam Second Flush Black Tea

    Very malty, but not my favourite

    The Halmari Clonal Premium has a very round and malty body.

    Whether with or without milk, you can also feel the chocolatey notes. But without milk (and sugar) its sweetness becomes a lot more apparent.

    In the second steep, the malty-ness comes to the foreground even more. Without milk it might even come across a bit like a (Korean) barley tea.

    In a way I really like it, but personally, I associate such malty-ness too much with non-caffeinated drinks such as barley coffee, barley tea, Ovomaltine and Horlicks, to truly enjoy it. As such, I will probably not be buying it often, but if malty is what you are after – this is a really good choice.

    Blends

    Assam Exotic Second Flush Black Tea

    A good representative of its kind

    I found this Assam to be predominantly malty, but paired up with foresty notes. Quite an enjoyable brew and what I would expect of a quality Assam.

    Daily Assam Black Tea

    Good daily driver

    It is not super-strong either in taste or caffeine, but it does have a malty full body. At the very end it turns almost a bit watery, but not in a (too) displeasing way – depending on what you are after it might be either a positive or negative characteristic of this tea.

    Great all-rounder and a daily driver, but if you are looking for something special, for the same money you can get nicer picks of Assam in this shop.

    Personally I would pick almost any other Vahdam’s Assam over this one (apart from the Organic Breakfast), but solely because most of the time I am looking for something special in an Assam.

    But if you are looking looking for a daily driver, this is a very fine choice.

    Breakfast teas

    Royal Breakfast Black Tea

    One of my favourite breakfast teas

    This is so far one of my favourite breakfast teas.

    It is just robust enough, while displaying a nice earthy, woody flavour with a hint of chocolate. Quite enjoyable!

    I usually enjoy mine with milk and sugar, but this one goes very well also without it (I will still usually drink it with both though).

    Classic English Breakfast Black Tea

    A slightly classier spin on a classic breakfast tea

    This spin of the classic breakfast tea is a bit less robust than usual, as this pure Assam version simply is not tart in taste. As such it is enjoyable even without milk or sugar.

    Personally I prefer my breakfast teas to be even stronger, to pick me up in the morning, but this one just about meets that condition. I can very much see it as a daily driver.

    Organic Breakfast Black Tea

    For me personally, too weak

    It is not a bad tea at all, but personally I found it to watery for a breakfast tea..

    That being said, I do like my breakfast tea to pack a punch, so do take my review with that in mind.

    Also whoever reads this review, do take into account that I rated only for taste and feel. I did not assign any extra points for it being organic, as I do not think bio/eco/organic things should be of lesser quality than the stuff not carrying such certification.

    hook out → sipping my last batch of Vahdam’s second flush Enigma and wondering how much of it to order