India to see a flurry of new car launches

A slew of new cars, across vehicle categories, are set to roll into showrooms this year. Here’s looking what’s coming your way soon. 

Halfway into April and there have been already been two exciting launches with the aggressively priced Tata Tiago and the new Vitara Brezza, one of the most-awaited  Marutis this year. High-segment cars like the Jaguar XE and the Mercedes GLE 450 AMG Coupe had set our pulses racing. The next few months are going to be action-packed with the Innova Crysta MPV, the Honda BR-V SUV and the Datsun Redigo hatchback (which had its global reveal on April 14). That is not all. Here is a look at other metal set to arrive in showrooms in India.

New Toyota Innova Crysta (May 3, 2016)

The next-generation Innova has already been launched in international markets, and is expected to arrive in India this year. Positioned as a more premium model than the previous generation model, the new car is larger than its predecessor. It will be powered by a smaller but more powerful 2.4-litre diesel engine developing 147bhp – a power gap of 45bhp from the current model’s 2.5-litre unit that develops 102bhp. A larger and more powerful 2.8-litre diesel will also be offered. This motor will be paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox. A 2.7-litre petrol engine may also be offered.

The styling is more in line with the new Corolla Altis and Camry with a large front grille, LED daytime running lamps and sculpted bumpers. Inside, there’s a more upmarket dashboard, more equipment and more thanks to its larger dimensions more space.

Honda BR-V (May 5, 2016)

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 Cars India's Tapukara facility in Rajasthan.

Datsun Redigo (May 2016)

Datsun is set to launch the Redigo hatchback in India towards the end of May following the car’s global unveiling on April 14. The production Redigo, which looks very similar to concept showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo, is based on the CMF-A platform that underpins the Renault Kwid and will be powered by the same 800cc three-cylinder engine. 

Hyundai Tucson (September 2016)

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.

Slotted between the Creta and Santa Fe, the Tucson is expected to be launched 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 plans 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 Suzuki India may have shown the Baleno RS as a concept at the Auto Expo 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. 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 Suzuki India 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.

VW 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 be launched 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 Motors 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 Motors 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 touch-screen 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.

Tata Nexon

Tata Motors showcased a near-production version of the Nexon compact SUV at Auto Expo 2016. Based on the same platform as the Zest and the Bolt, the Nexon follows the company’s new Impact design language and has borrowed styling cues from JLR’s Range Rover Evoque. The compact SUV gets a cab-forward stance and a spacious interior because of its long wheelbase and wide cabin. The SUV will also mark the debut of Tata’s all-new 1.5-litre diesel engine and a turbocharged variant of the Revotron motor seen in the Zica.

Ford Mustang

Ford showcased the iconic Mustang to India at Auto Expo 2016 in February. The current car is the sixth-generation model, unveiled in 2014 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The new-generation model will be lighter and stiffer, with more space in the cabin that benefits from a major quality upgrade.

Internationally, the Mustang is available in three engine options – a 306bhp 2.3-litre, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, a 296bhp 3.7-litre V6, and a 437bhp 5.0-litre V8 – and two body styles, coupé and convertible.

The Mustang headed for India is expected to be the hard-top coupé avatar powered by the 437bhp 5.0-litre V8 mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Expect prices to be somewhere around Rs 80 lakh.