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Here’s the ‘megaest’ Mega-Test we’ve ever done: 46 new machines, two-and-half days, one Grand Prix circuit, seven evaluators, and two racers. Let the games begin…
As last year, we’re at the BIC for this mammoth task because it’s the perfect venue to test these machines in a controlled environment. Of course, we don’t altogether mind pounding around the racetrack in the name of science. Speaking of which, we’ve tried to be as sensible about this as possible – so pay attention.
Each car and bike has been rated for quality, comfort, ride, refinement, design, drivetrain, and practicality. A big chunk of points are also given to ‘X-Factor,’ which is that special something that’s inherent to a particular machine. An RS6, for instance, has a high X-factor because it’s a wagon that can embarrass most supercars. A Celerio, on the other hand, has high ‘Value for Money,’ because it’s the cheapest diesel around, but not much X-factor. Sure, it gets the job done but its not particularly desirable. On the two-wheel side, the Saluto is great for commuting but really not much else, whereas the Triumph Tiger can take you to the ends of the earth if you so desire – that’s its X-factor!
Value for Money is one of the most important aspects in our market, and, therefore, it gets the most points – both for the cars as well as the bikes. Of course, its not just a case of giving the most inexpensive machine the greatest points – but looking at just what it offers relative to its competition.
The only purely objective field is Lap Time, which is recorded for each machine using the transponders at the track. This gives us a uniform method to determine virtually all the dynamic factors, such as power, high-speed stability, handling, braking, etc. And, well, we all like to drive and ride – so this is important to us.
The fastest car of the bunch was the Mercedes-AMG C 63, while the slowest was the Tata Nano AMT – the two were separated by 77.9 seconds and 15 points, which equates to .19 points per second. For the bikes, the Benelli TNT 1130 and Honda Livo were separated by 81.8 seconds (we dismissed the lap time of the Yamaha Fascino, because it was just too slow) and 5 points, which equates to .06 points per second.
The only car that you see on the cover (and on the facing page) that we didn’t end up including in this test was the Mercedes-AMG S Coupe – because the tyres on our test car weren’t up to doing a lap at full chat in the hands of our professional racing driver, Gaurav Gill. Turn the page to find out more about this hot-shoe and his companion in full leathers. Read More
