The hardtop three-wheeler runs on battery and petrol engine. After cranking, the vehicle will cover the first 20 kms powered by a 36V 25 AH traction battery and will automatically switch over to the petrol engine after that distance, says an official.

The 175cc engine with slight modifications can be powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG). This avoids the fitting of separate LPG/CNG kits. Compared to conventional engines, the fuel efficiency is said to be 20 per cent higher, while the emissions are lower by the similar figure. The fuel tank capacity is eight litres.

The five-seater (three rear and two at the front) has five gears — four forward and one backward — sports a steering wheel instead of a handle bar. “Unlike a handle bar, there will be no vibrations for the driver. Further, as the steering wheel is compact, sufficient space has been unlocked to have one extra seat at the front,” the official adds. Weighing 335 kg, the vehicle’s body is built of composites and is stronger than steel.

Unlike other three-wheelers, TVS Motor’s hybrid vehicle is fitted with multi-reflector headlight, making it safer during night drives. The only drawback is the price. Though the final price is yet to be determined, it will be Rs 25,000 higher than other brands. A soft-top could reduce the end price.

According to officials, the hybrid vehicle will be launched in June 2003 after extensive testing. TVS Motor will soon launch a new Fiero variant called the Fiero Classic. The Fiero is the company’s premium offering. The five-gear, chrome-plated new variant will have disc brakes as against drum brakes fitted in the original model.

The other major changes in the new model are a high-powered engine and three metallic pots housing the meter gauges. The 147.5cc bike powered by four stroke air-cooled engine has higher power (14bhp) as against the original model’s 12bhp.

The shining pots are visible while in the original version the plastic moulded ones were hidden behind the dust shield. One of them is a tachometer that will measure the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the wheel while running. Similarly, the model will have a big round headlamp while the older version has a rectangular shaped light.

Here again, TVS Motor is yet to decide on the price.