I am planning to buy a new scooter, but I am a bit skeptical because the government is considering introducing E85/E100 ethanol-blended fuel in the future. What is your advice on this?

autocar.india

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The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is a sporty roadster that is good fun daily, and it's reasonably practical and comfortable for commuting duties too. Whether this is the right choice for you is a question only you can answer, and the way we'd recommend you go about it is to take a test ride of the bike and see if it fits into your orbit. Some points to bear in mind in traffic: the Guerrilla's clutch is a little heavy, and its engine's bottom end is a little weak. But on the flip side, it has a punchy mid and top-end and its handling is very engaging and surefooted too. If you want to consider a more commuter-friendly alternative to the Guerrilla, try out the 350cc Triumph Speed 400, which doesn't have as much outright performance, but it's better suited to commute on and is also more comfortable. A test ride of these two should help you determine which is the better fit for you. Do write back if you think neither is a good fit, and we'll be happy to recommend different options!

autocar.india

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Since your daily running is quite low, we'd recommend the TVS iQube 2.2 for your usage. The base iQube is anything but base in the way it rides, and it has zippy performance, reliable range, a spacious underseat boot and even a pretty quick 650W charger. All of this means that while you are essentially buying the entry-level model in the iQube range, you aren't getting an entry-level end-user experience. In our tests, we found that the iQube returned pretty much the exact range that was shown on the display in both its modes (Power and Eco). And unlike other EVs, which feel painfully hamstrung in big-city traffic in Eco mode, the iQube can comfortably do 40-45kph in its lower mode, meaning you don't have to really compromise on the performance front for more range. This variant of the iQube will also fit in under the Rs 1.20 lakh mark on-road in your city. Take a test ride of the iQube 2.2 to be sure that you and your spouse are comfortable with it, and then make your decision.

autocar.india

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While the 250cc Suzuki bikes are undoubtedly good machines, we'd recommend you hold off on that because Suzuki is readying an all-new Gixxer lineup which will debut at the end of this year and these will be next-gen models which will bring in a host of functional improvements. If you can't wait that long, we'd recommend looking at the Bajaj Pulsar N250, which is a sorted machine and will serve you well. Do bear in mind that coming from your twin-cylinder Interceptor 650, these smaller, single-cylinder 250s will feel like a big step down and you may perhaps wish for something slightly more substantial and premium feeling after a while. Instead of downsizing so severely, you should look at the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 which will be pleasant and comfortable to use inside the city but will still give you a premium, feel-good experience which the smaller bikes won't be able to match. Since you're intimately acquainted with RE ownership, the Hunter will slot in nicely into your life as well. Take a test ride of these bikes to see which one fits your usage better ultimately and then make your decision.