New car launches around the corner

A new month is starting and the launches are now starting to pick up. We’ve already seen models like the new Ford Endeavour, all-new Jaguar XE and the new Skoda Superb and a host of other cars launch over the last three months. Now, we are set to see launches from the likes of Maruti, Tata and Toyota along with a host of other manufacturers with offerings ranging from the mass market segments to niche and luxury offerings. Read on to know more about the models you can expect this year.

Tata takes a step towards brand reinvention with the Tiago, as it is the carmaker’s first all-new model since the introduction of the Aria; the Bolt and Zest being heavily re-engineered versions of the Vista. Designed by Tata’s European Technical Centre, the Tiago follows the manufacturer’s newly introduced  Impact design language. Sharing its platform with the Indica, the car is styled unlike any other Tata.The model will be powered by Tata’s all-new in-house developed 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a new 1.05-litre three-cylinder diesel motor. The car will be offered with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard with an AMT unit expected to be introduced sometime in the future.

Datsun Redigo (May)

Datsun is set to launch the Redigo concept-based hatchback in India towards the end of May following the car’s global unveiling on April 14. The production Redigo is expected to carry over much of the styling of the concept that was showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo. The hatchback is based on the CMF-A platform that underpins the Renault Kwid and will be powered by the same 800cc three-cylinder engine. The 1.0-litre engine currently being tested in the Kwid is also understood to make its way under the production Redigo’s hood, but at a much later stage.

Hyundai Tucson (September)

The only Hyundai SUV currently not part of the company’s India portfolio, the Tucson is expected to arrive on our shores by September. Now in its third generation, the Tucson follows the company’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language with styling in line with the larger Santa Fe. Set to sit between the Creta and Santa Fe, the Tucson is expected to launch with a choice of diesel and petrol engines with the petrol motor likely to be the new 1.4-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol unit showcased at the Hyundai pavilion at the Auto Expo 2016.

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai are planning to launch the all-new Elantra in India this year. Based on an all-new platform, the new Elantra moves away from the current model’s fluidic design language for a more grown-up look and an almost coupe-like profile. The interior seems to borrow from the Tucson with a similar design dash with a high mounted touchscreen infotainment system along with revised control surfaces. There are yet no details about the engines.

 

Maruti Baleno RS

Maruti may have shown the Baleno RS as a concept but it has confirmed that it will reach production later this year. The car is set to be equipped with the company’s new 110bhp 1.0-litre turbo-petrol Boosterjet engine. Physically, the Baleno RS is expected to get the addition of a minor body kit to set it apart from the standard model.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
FCA’s off-roading brand Jeep is set to launch its models in India this month. The brand will make its entry with three models, out of which two will be Grand Cherokees. The first of the two is the standard Grand Cherokee diesel SUV powered by a 3.0-litre 237bhp motor paired to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. To be available in top spec only, the SUV will be equipped with features such as panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, sat-nav, parking sensors, reversing camera, an electric tailgate, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps and 20-inch chrome alloy wheels.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
With the launch of the Grand Cherokee SRT, Jeep will be introducing its performance brand, SRT,  in India. The SRT is set apart from the standard model by darkened styling elements across the front fascia, revised bumpers and darkened SRT alloy wheels. On the inside, it gets many SRT-specific tweaks to the cabin such as bespoke leather, flat-bottomed steering and carbon-fibre inserts. The biggest differentiator is the engine, a massive 6.4-litre 475bhp Hemi V8 capable of taking the SUV from 0-100kph in 5 seconds. The SRT also comes equipped with the standard Grand Cherokee’s all-wheel-drive system.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 

Jeep will be introducing the long-wheelbase four-door version of its Wrangler SUV in India. The rugged SUV will be powered by a 197bhp 2.8-litre diesel motor paired to a five-speed automatic gearbox with four-wheel drive. The Wrangler is the most hardcore off-roader model from the brand and will also be the most affordable of the trio.

Maruti Ignis
Maruti seems to be planning a slew of new launches this year. The Ignis is another model from the carmaker to be launched around the festive season. The Ignis features a mix of modern and retro styling cues inside, while its large wheelarches and robust stance gives it a pseudo-crossover look. Mechanically, the car is expected to use a modified version of the current K12 petrol engine with the possibility of it being paired to the SVHS system. The 1.3-litre diesel is also likely to do duty in the model. The car will be retailed via Nexa showrooms.

Nissan X-Trail Hybrid
Nissan is set to reintroduce the X-Trail in India in its latest iteration. Discontinued in early 2014 due to lack of sales, the new X-trail is based on the company’s CMF platform and gets styling more in line with Nissan’s current generation of international crossovers like the Qashqai and Juke. Unlike the previous model which was offered with a diesel powertrain, the new X-Trail is set to be launched as a petrol-hybrid only. Power will be sourced from a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired to an electric motor. The car will make its way to India as a CBU import only and as per sources, the pricing could be somewhere around the Rs 35 lakh mark.

Honda BR-V

The BR-V will enter the popular SUV/Crossover segment that currently  features models like the Hyundai Creta and the Maruti S-Cross. Showcased in its production form at the 2016 Auto Expo, the BR-V features plenty of chrome and has a wheelbase longer than the Mobilio’s. It also gets a better-equipped cabin and seating capacity for seven. Powering the crossover from Honda will be the familiar 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines from the Honda City. The SUV will be manufactured at Honda’s Tapukara facility in Rajasthan with production expected to begin in April this year.

Volkswagen Ameo Compact sedan
Volkswagen unveiled the Ameo compact sedan recently. The global debut of the sub-four-metre sedan marks the German carmaker’s long overdue entry into the compact sedan segment. Earlier dubbed Indian Compact Sedan, the Ameo, has been derived specifically for the Indian market and will be manufactured at the carmaker’s plant in Chakan, Pune. Manufacturing is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2016

Nissan GT-R

Expected to launch in September this year, the GT-R is one of the most iconic names from the Japanese automaker. One of the fastest and most sophisticated four-wheel-drive cars around, the GT-R is powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 motor that puts out a stonking 542bhp and 63.53kgm of torque. Expect a sticker price of around Rs 2 crore when launched.

Tata Hexa

Tata is set to launch the Hexa sometime later this year. Based on the Aria – the model it is expected to replace – the Hexa gets more SUV-like styling with muscular bumpers, body cladding and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the Hexa will provide seating for seven with Tata paying special attention to quality and packaging. The car will be equipped with a list of features including cruise control, a 10-speaker JBL audio system and a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system sourced from Harman. Powering the car will be the new 2.2-litre Varicor 400 diesel motor developing 154bhp and a massive 40.79kgm of torque paired to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Tata is expected to price the Hexa more competitively to make a better impact on the segment.

Fiat Linea 125 S

Fiat is readying a more powerful version of the Linea, badged Linea 125 S. The car was showcased as a concept at Auto Expo 2016. It gets 16-inch black alloy wheels, leather upholstery and a 5.0-inch touchscreeen infotainment system to set it apart from the standard Linea. The 1.4-litre T-Jet engine from the standard variant that makes 112bhp, has been retuned to make 125hp (123bhp). The car is expected to launch sometime in mid-2016.

Fiat Avventura Urban Cross

The Avventura Urban Cross was previewed as a concept at the 2016 Auto Expo, and is essentially the Avventura ‘Powered by Abarth’ minus the tailgate-mounted spare wheel, new 17-inch alloy wheels and silver-finished roof rails. Inside, the car will get a touchscreen infotainment system and dual-tone interiors. Power will be drawn from the 140bhp, 1.4-litre T-Jet motor. The production model will additionally feature the ‘Powered by Abarth’ moniker, not seen on the concept.