In a video by DDS, a Hyundai Casper owner recounts nearly buying a Tata Punch instead until a last-minute call from Hyundai officials.
The man had sold his i20 and was headed to book the Punch. However, Hyundai informed an Casper was in transit and could be delivered in days. Having test driven both models, he instantly chose the Casper once available.
He found the Punch’s performance in BS Phase 1 tune “atrocious” versus the “much smoother and engaging” Casper. Notably, he loved the Casper’s paddle shifters enhancing the AMT convenience.
Moreover, the Casper’s cabin layout and luxury feel edged out the Punch for him. Overall, the owner slightly preferred Tata’s customer service yet found the Casper the clear winner on driving dynamics and features.
This real-world account provides valuable perspective on the Hyundai-Tata micro SUV matchup. For this buyer, the Casper’s superior driving experience and unique amenities outweighed the Punch’s popularity and Tata’s customer care.
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2023 Hero Karizma XMR 210 Review
The overall design of the Karizma XMR is quite fresh, with tons of modern equipment on offer. This includes sleek LED DRLs inside the headlamp cluster, an adjustable visor (first-in-segment), an LCD panel with lots of info, turn-by-turn navigation, sporty clip-on handlebar, switchgear, a compact fuel tank with Karizma badging, sporty fairing, split seats, grab rails, stubby exhaust pipe and elegant alloy wheels.
In summary, the XMR has a fresh modern design and is loaded with high-tech features like LED lighting, an LCD display with navigation, sporty ergonomics like clip-on bars, and premium details like branded tank badges, fairing, grab rails, and alloy wheels.
Riding Impressions
We rode the Karizma XMR around Gurugram in urban conditions and did an acceleration test. The riding position is quite sporty compared to the previous Karizma. Hero strikes a great balance between comfort and sporty feel. The exhaust note is adventurous and the ride smooth from the linear power delivery. You always feel there’s enough power. Gearshifts are smooth and well-spaced. We hit around 136 km/h.
The ride leans more toward the sporty side for nimble handling. The tires offer decent grip for a spirited ride.
In summary, our test ride of the XMR revealed a sportier but balanced position, smooth power delivery, adventurous exhaust, smooth shifts, nimble handling and enough acceleration to hit 136 km/h – making for an engaging and capable ride.
Specs
The 2023 Hero Karizma XMR 210 arrives with a robust 210cc liquid-cooled 4V DOHC engine, delivering impressive peak power of 25.5 PS at 9,250 RPM, and max torque of 20.4 Nm at 7,250 RPM. A 6-speed gearbox with slip-and-assist clutch handles transmission duties. Dual-channel ABS enhances braking control.
Construction features a sturdy Trellis frame with high-tensile steel. Braking comes from a 300 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc.
Front suspension is a 37 mm telescopic fork with anti-friction bush, while the rear has a 6-step preload-adjustable gas-charged monoshock for comfort across terrains. Further aiding performance, the front tire is 100-section and the rear is 140-section.
Dimensions include a 1,351 mm wheelbase, 810 mm seat height, and 160 mm ground clearance. At 163.5 kg, it fits an 11L fuel tank for ample range.
Overall, the new XMR is well-positioned to challenge the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 with its capable 210cc engine, ABS, advanced suspension and chassis, ample tank range and competitive specs.
