With the festive season just around the corner and the much-awaited Auto Expo 2016 scheduled for early next year, car lovers are sure set for a roller-coaster ride with brand new designs and affordability being key areas of focus for car manufacturers. To spoil you further in terms of choices and help you plan your next car purchase better, we bring to you a list of upcoming cars in India. The list ranges from high-end luxury sedans, to hatchbacks, and SUVs.
Audi A3 hatchback
The new A3 will take on the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The A3 hatchback, will be priced very competitively and will have interiors which will belie its price tag. Don’t expect any more room at the rear than the A-Class though. We expect the Audi A3 hatchback (or the Submissive Special, as it’s nicknamed in 50 Shades of Grey) to be priced around Rs 20-22 lakh.
BMW 3 Series Facelift
The facelifted 3 Series gets new headlamps and tail lamps for which customers can also opt for LED units. LED turn indicators are now placed just above the headlights. At the rear, the lamps get BMW’s distinctive L-shaped LED light bars. According to BMW, the interior is made using high quality materials. New features include cup holders placed on the centre console. The updated 3 Series is expected to be unveiled in India sometime later this year.
2016 BMW 7 Series
The 2016 BMW 7 Series was revealed officially to the internet audience in June before its commercial debut later this year. Like its rivals, the front passenger seat can be now be slid forward by up to 90mm and folded to liberate plenty of legroom for the seat behind it. It also gets a pop-out footrest.The 2015 BMW 7 Series is expected to go on sale globally by the end of 2015 and we expect the car to be revealed to the Indian audience at the 2016 Auto Expo.
Datsun redi-Go
Nissan's smallest car yet in India, the redi-Go, will share the newly developed CMF-A platform with its sister car, the Renault Kwid which will be launched later this year. The redi-Go is rumoured to use the same three-cylinder 800cc petrol power plant used in the Kwid with no news of a diesel yet. This engine seeks to give what the average Indian motorist desires most, good fuel efficiency. With prices expected to be between Rs 3 and 4 lakh, the Datsun redi-Go is expected to arrive in India in March 2016.
Tata Kite
The new set of hatchbacks and sedans codenamed Kite will replace the Indica eV2 and the Indigo eCS, but with a completely new top-hat that reflects Tata’s new design philosophy. The Kite hatchback will feature design elements now characteristic of Tata like the diamond window, rising belt line and the slingshot line that flows through the side profile of the body, into the tail lights and merges into the tailgate, creating a prominent bulge in the bootlid. The Kite sedan, on the other hand, will have its tail section inspired from the Zest and will have a shaper rake angle for the rear windshield to maintain the design proportions.The Kite hatch and sedan are expected to hit production by the third or fourth quarter of 2015.
Renault Kwid
he new Renault Kwid, known as the XBA, or Kayou, so far, is based on the CMF-A platform. CMF-A stands for Common Module Family and the A stands for Affordable.Renault promises that the Kwid has room for five people and talks about an integrated infotainment system, including a 7-inch screen, Bluetooth and more. The engine that will power the Kwid is a naturally aspirated 4-valve, 3-cylinder petrol 800cc unit. Renault refers to the Hyundai Eon and Maruti Alto 800 as the benchmarks for this engine. The price will be between Rs 3 and 4 lakh. Kwid sales will start during the festive period this year.
Ford Figo Aspire
The Figo Aspire is a sub-four metre compact sedan that will take on the likes of the Swift Dzire, Amaze, Xcent and the Bolt. It looks similar to the concept but, expectedly, loses out on the LED headlamps, tail lights and fog lamps. The latest iteration of the Kinetic design philosophy gives it the Aston Martin-esque grille, the sharp swept-back headlights and pronounced character lines.The Figo Aspire will come with two engine options – a 1.2-litre petrol with about 85 to 90PS of max power and a 1.5-litre diesel engine good for 95 to 100PS. It is expected to be launched in India in August.
Fiat Abarth 595
With the popularity of hot hatches like the Mini Cooper slowly growing in India, Fiat will enter the playing field on August 4, 2015 with its Abarth 595 Competizione. Under the cute-looking exterior lies a lethal 1.4-litre turbocharged T-Jet petrol motor that churns out 160PS of power and 210Nm torque, coupled with a 5-speed AMT.
2016 Jaguar XE
Jaguar will unveil its latest mid-size luxury sports sedan for the Indian audience at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo. The car which features an aluminium intensive construction will debut with the British carmaker’s new Ingenium line of petrol and diesel engines. The XE will rival the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and the Volvo S60 in India.
Figo hatchback
Figo hatchback will continue to rival cars such as the Honda Brio, Maruti Suzuki Ritz and the Hyundai Grand i10, the Figo Aspire will take on the likes of the Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire and the Tata Zest. Along with the Aspire sedan, the hatchback too is expected to be unveiled in India in August.
Honda BR-V SUV
It will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine which will provide enhanced fuel efficiency and performance. The car will come with a choice of two transmissions. Projector headlamps, chunky body cladding like the CR-V, stylish alloy wheels, high ground clearance, LED tail lights, skid plates and roof rails characterise the BR-V’s exterior. Expect Honda Car India to showcase it at the upcoming Auto Expo 2016.
Audi Q7
The second-generation of Audi’s flagship SUV is all set to reach Indian shores later this year. Having lost over 320kg, the new Q7 is more agile, quicker and sportier. The second-generation model is also smaller in exterior dimensions than the outgoing model but boasts a larger cabin. It wears a sharper design and has a poise that is sure to give its competitors a tough time. We can say that because we drove the all-new Q7 recently. Expected to arrive in September – November 2015; it will be priced between Rs 65 – 85 lakh.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Mercedes-Benz ML-Class will now be rechristened the GLE-Class in keeping with Merc’s new nomenclature. The facelifted ML-Class will bear the GLE badge – that’s what we know so far. So while the design largely remains the same, there is some visual distinction in the form of new headlights and tail lights, slightly revised interiors and different engine tunes. We are driving the car soon, so watch this space for our drive impressions and review of the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Expect it to arrive around October- November; priced between Rs 45-65 lakh.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport is first of a new line of vehicles from Land Rover. Eventhough it bears the popular Discovery badge, the Sport will essentially be a replacement for the Freelander 2. It will be powered by a new 2.2-litre diesel engine that will be offered in two states of tune – 150PS/400Nm and 190PS/420Nm. The car gets styling cues from the Evoque, which may or may not work in its favour. Expected to be unveiled in India in September – November with prices starting around Rs 45 lakh.
Tata Hexa
The Hexa is basically an update to the Aria. But Tata Motors likes to call it all-new. While the basic silhouette reminds you of the Aria, there are many changes including the imposing grille and LED tail lamps. Inside the cabin as well, things look plush and gizmo loaded. The 2.2-litre diesel motor now makes 157PS of power and comes mated to a 6-speed manual. To be possibly unveiled in October; it will be priced around Rs 10-15 lakh.
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Chevrolet’s big SUV, the Trailblazer has often been spotted testing in India after the company declared its intent to launch the car here. It is still unclear if GM will bring in the 2.8-litre 200PS engine or the less powerful 163PS 2.5-litre turbo diesel. It is expected to arrive in November priced around Rs 25 lakh.
Mahindra Bolero
Mahindra is readying a refresh for the ageing Bolero and going by the looks of the camouflaged mules testing in India, it definitely will be a shot in the arm for the SUV. This car will be all-new like the Scorpio. It even sits on Scorpio’s modified platform. It will most probably come with new three-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel engines. To be launched in August with price between Rs 5-8 lakh.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
While the launch has been delayed several times before, there is confirmation now from Jeep that the brand will launch the Grand Cherokee out by October this year. This Cherokee boasts a 240PS 3.0-litre V6 engine. Its imposing looks are what we believe will work for Fiat Chrysler. Expect it to arrive in October with prices around Rs 50-55 lakh.
Ford Endeavour
An all-new Ford Endeavour debuted last year in global markets, however its Indian launch will be this year. It follows Ford’s Kinetic design philosophy and gets a host of new technologies and features. At the time of launch, there will be two engine options – a 2.2-litre and a 3.2-litre unit. There will be a choice of automatic as well as manual transmissions. Ford will also offer two- and four-wheel drive on the new Endeavour. Expect the Ford Endeavour to arrive in October – November with price starting Rs 18-22 lakh.
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