One of the things we look forward to every year is to get together and have a good look at all the four and two-wheelers that were launched (and that we actually reviewed) in the previous year. It’s an entertaining exercise, and something that leads to much discussion, argument, and hilarity — we like to call this our Jury Round. At the end, we’re left with a select set of the very best automotive products — the ones making up the Motoring World Awards. Here, then, are our winners for 2023!
Commuter of the Year
Bajaj Pulsar N160
Bajaj is known as ‘The world’s favourite Indian’ and has been making commuter motorcycles forever, so it knows how to get them right. The Pulsar N160 strikes all the right chords, putting the fun back into commuting – no easy feat.
Premium Motorcycle of the Year
TVS Ronin
The Ronin was conceptualised by TVS as something ‘unscripted’, and we have to say it lives up to that description. The more applications we put it through, the more it shines, never losing a beat. Its design is polarising, sure, but as a package, it’s absolutely superb.
Middleweight of the Year
Moto Morini X-Cape
The Italian manufacturer seems to have landed a knockout blow as soon as it arrived in India, with the X-Cape 650. Built to be very capable on as well as off the tarmac, it strikes the perfect balance between function and design.
Design of the Year
Suzuki Katana
The Katana is a resurrected icon, and what a resurrection. It’s always been a heck of a design and has stood out a mile from other distinctive motorcycles over the years. The new one manages the trick of looking retro and futuristic all at once, and we’d have one in our garage in a flash.
Adventure Motorcycle of the Year
Suzuki V-Strom SX
As soon as Suzuki joined the quarter-litre adventure bandwagon with the V-Strom SX, we were sure it was going to go places. The bike does absolute justice to the V-Strom name, and is a very capable adventure motorcycle at a fantastic price.
Performance Motorcycle of the Year
KTM RC390
Nothing makes speed come alive quite like a faired sports bike, and the KTM RC390 has got bucketloads of speed and precision tucked away in its razor-like frame. It’s not for everyone, but for those who can wring every last bit out of its capabilities, the ride will be epic.
Manufacturer of the Year
Royal Enfield
Having proven yet again that its resurrection is no flash in the pan, with bikes like the Classic 350, the Scram and the Hunter, Royal Enfield is a shoo-in for Manufacturer of the Year. With the new Bullet 350 all set for launch and other bikes in the pipeline, we’re sure its winning streak isn’t going to end anytime soon.
Motorcycle of the Year
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
The Hunter 350 is the Enfield for those who’ve always been intimidated by the firm’s larger, heavier bikes – and what a sweet bike it is. Great pricing, useability, performance and design all intersect perfectly in a machine that’s very hard to dislike. Good stuff, RE!
