Machines for the cool generation

The Autocar Performance Show was not just about cars and bikes but also introduced a few technologies that are trending big, globally

Machines for the cool generation

The recently concluded Auto Expo was not just about zippy cars and speed demon bikes, but was a gadget guru paradise as well — right from an electronic vehicle security guard to a GPS-navigation system that can be mounted on a two-wheeler to the latest biking gear or a new air-cooling system for your car.

Although most auto manufacturers stayed away from presenting any new vehicles, except the ones that are already launched, the show, nevertheless, packed a lot of good stuff for the speed freaks.

Here are The Guide’s top three picks from the show that got our attention:

Bayliner’s 175 Bowrider speedboat comes for approximately '20 lakhs. Pic/ Hassan M Kamal

1. Sail with the wind: Those driven by speed should drive this small, yet powerful piece of machine just to get a heads-up on what they might be missing. The 175 Bowrider by Bayliner is quick and comes with plenty of seating. At Rs 20 lakh, this machine isn’t cheap but hey, if you got the money, it’s worth it.

Autoguard’s electronic vehicle security and tracking system. Pic/ Hassan M Kamal

2. Autoguard: There are many ways to prevent a thief from stealing your vehicle — you could put a huge lock on the wheels, assign a security guard to watch 24x7 or keep it hidden in your basement behind tamper-proof walls. An easier, and cheaper option is to invest in an electronic vehicle security and tracking system like Auotoguard. It comes with an inbuilt GPS and simcard dock that tracks the vehicle’s movement — you will get an SMS message about your car’s location, speed, fuel capacity everything. It detects any unauthorised ignition, door opening or movement and prevents the car from ignition. Unless the thief is Superman, there’s no way he could move the car.

Hyundai’s three-door coupe Veloster. Pic / AFP

3. A coupe like never before: After its first India preview at the Delhi Auto Expo, Hyundai finally brought its Veloster coupe to Mumbai, and this three-door (a hidden door for rear seats) car is something to watch out for. We didn’t test-drive it, but looking at the specs (four-valve engine with six-speed transmission offering maximum torque of 160 Nm), the expected price range of R15-18 lakhs and the low coupe style, it’s decent enough to attract young buyers.

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