स्कॉट्सडेलचा कट्टा: New Cars Launching in India in 2012

Dear All,
Please see below the details of new cars Launching in India in 2012

Tata Safari face-lift

It may be long in the tooth now but Tata Motors hasn’t given up on the Safari just yet. The big Tata is to receive a major update in early 2012 and this model is currently known by its codename Merlin. Styling changes are focused largely on the front and include striking new L-shaped headlights and a more pronounced front bumper. Interior quality should be similar to the more expensive Tata Aria and equipment levels could be enhanced as well. The biggest change though will be under the skin with the new Safari set to adopt Tata’s new X2 platform that debuted on the Aria. Shortened to the Safari’s 2650mm wheelbase, the X2 will change the way the Safari drives and ride, handling and noise insulation should see a marked improvement.
The 140bhp 2.2 DiCOR diesel engine will power the new model but will be substantially worked on to improve refinement. Expect the updated Safari to bear a price tag of around Rs 11 lakh.

Factfile:
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 140bhp/32.6kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 11 lakh

New Toyota Camry

Toyota has played it safe with the Camry’s styling for far too long. However, the 2012 Camry to be launched at the Auto Expo is bolder than ever before. The lines have a hint of Lexus to them and the interiors look more luxurious too. Toyota also claims there’s more space inside. We expect Toyota to replace the current 2.4-litre VVT-i engine with the newer 2.5-litre VVT-i motor. Power output increases by a mere 2bhp to 167bhp though refinement levels should improve further. In addition, the new engine could come mated to new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The big news is that Toyota plans to assemble the Camry from CKD kits at its Bidadi plant which translates to more competitive pricing. The Camry clearly has the Honda Accord in its crosshairs. The lack of a diesel engine will remain the Camry’s Achilles’ heel, though.

Factfile:
Engine: 2.5-litre-petrol
Power/Torque: 167bhp/23kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: January 2012
Price: Rs 20 lakh

Toyota Fortuner face-lift

Big, macho and reliable, the Fortuner has been a runaway success right from day one. Cosmetic updates coming soon will ensure the Fortuner maintains this popularity. Going by changes to the Thai model, the SUV’s chrome front grille will grow in width and the headlights will be new too. A restyled front bumper and larger air-intake scoop on the bonnet add to the new Fortuner’s mini-Land Cruiser looks. Clear-lens tail-lamps will be the only changes to the Fortuner’s rear while the interiors will receive darker faux wood detailing. The trusty 3-litre D-4D diesel will continue but there is a possibility of an automatic transmission being added to the Fortuner line-up. We’ll know soon enough as the updated Fortuner will be launched at the Auto Expo in January 2012.

Factfile:
Engine: 3-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 136bhp/18.6kgm
Kerb weight: 1955kg
L/W/H: 4695/1840/1850mm
Expected: January 2012
Price: Rs 22 lakh

Toyota Innova face-lift

Toyota’s third launch at Auto Expo 2012 will be the face-lifted Innova. The MPV gets a substantially redesigned front with a more upright grille that comes flanked by new headlights that now stretch over the fenders. Heavily modified bumpers, a new rear numberplate section and re-profiled tail-lamps are other elements of the revamp. Only minimal changes can be expected on the interiors which could include the addition of a new audio system and different upholstery. The changes are largely intended to make the Innova more attractive to private car buyers. Much of the Innova’s success so far can be attributed to its popularity in the tour and taxi market. A small upward price revision is likely to accompany this new launch.

Factfile:
Engines: 2-litre petrol, 2.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 136bhp/18.6kgm, 102bhp/20.4kgm
Kerb weight: 1520-1590kg
L/W/H: 4580/1770/1755mm
Expected: January 2012
Price: Rs 10-15 lakh

New Volkswagen Beetle

The latest Beetle has grown up, both in appearance and size. It retains many elements of the previous model and continues to look like an iteration of the original design classic. The interiors lose the flower vase now but the upward-opening glovebox does add a hint of vintage Beetle to the new dashboard. There is more space than before too. India should get the 158bhp, 1.4-litre petrol engine and VW could import the Beetle with the 138bhp, 2-litre diesel too.
The Beetle is more a designer accessory than a rival to conventional hatchbacks, so expect heavyweight pricing for this small car when it’s launched in late 2012.

Factfile:
Engines: 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, 2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 158bhp/24.5kgm,
138bhp/32.6kgm
Kerb weight: 1360kg
L/W/H: 4278/2021/2048
Expected: Late-2012
Price: Rs 25 lakh

New Volkswagen Touareg

There is an understated elegance to the Touareg that Volkswagen hopes Indian buyers will appreciate. The sober cousin of the Porsche Cayenne, the Touareg will be launched at the Auto Expo 2012 and prices are likely to start at Rs 55 lakh. You can identify the Touareg as a VW from a mile away and the styling on the whole is quite handsome. There is an abundance of space inside and quality should conform to VW’s global standards. India is likely to receive a 3-litre diesel engine. Additionally, VW could bring a 3-litre petrol-electric hybrid to promote its green credentials. Question is, will you pay so much for a VW?

Factfile:
Engines: 3-litre diesel V6,
3-litre petrol hybrid
Power/Torque: 205bhp/40.8kgm,
380bhp (including 46bhp electric)/59.1kgm
Kerb weight: 2297-2315kg
L/W/H: 4795/1940/1709mm
Expected: January 2012
Price: Rs 55 lakh

Tata Manza CS

Cropping the boot to get a midsize saloon under the crucial four-metre mark to benefit from the excise duty relief is a successful formula. Ask Tata Motors whose Indigo CS has been a big seller since launch. Tata would want to emulate this success with the Manza too and is said to be developing a sub- four-metre variant. If launched, the CS could use the Vista’s 1.2 petrol and 1.3 diesel engines. Like the Indigo CS, pricing should be competitive.

Factfile:
Engines: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 65bhp/9.8kgm,
74bhp/19.3kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Late-2012
Price: Rs 5 lakh

Skoda Fabia Scout

A rugged, go-anywhere hatchback sounds ideal for India and that’s exactly what the Fabia Scout is. The Scout is in essence a Fabia that uses taller springs to give it more ground clearance. There is no 4x4 system, so off-road ability will be limited to rutted paths at best. The Indian car we have spied testing at Aurangabad will feature gravel and scratch-resistant cladding on the lower portion of the doors, wheel arches and rear bumper. A scruff plate at the rear will also differentiate the Scout from the standard Fabia, though frontal styling will remain identical.
Engines will be shared with the Fabia. The Scout will be a niche product but if priced well could win itself a sizeable fan following.

Factfile:
Engines: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.6-litre
petrol, 1.2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 75bhp/11.2kgm,
105bhp/15.6kgm, 75bhp/18.3kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Mid-2012
Price: Rs 6-7 lakh

Renault L58

Renault’s new midsize car (codename: L58) will be to the Nissan Sunny what the Pulse is to the Micra. The cars will share the same platform, engines and, in all likelihood, the same interiors. However, exterior styling will be quite different. Engine options will include a 105bhp, 1.5-litre petrol and an 86bhp, 1.5-litre diesel. Renault will price the car aggressively, so expect this exciting new saloon to cost between Rs 7-9 lakh when it is launched in September 2012.

Factfile:
Engines: 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 97bhp/13.6kgm,
85bhp/20.4kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: September 2012
Price: Rs 7-9 lakh

Renault Pulse

Auto Expo 2012 will be the venue for the launch of Renault’s first hatchback for India the Pulse, (earlier codenamed B58). The Pulse shares its platform with the Micra and will be built alongside it at Renault-Nissan’s Chennai plant. Dimensions are be near-identical to the Micra and likewise should weigh less than a tonne, which will reap huge dividends in terms of economy. While the two cars will share many components including engines, the Pulse is easily identifiable as a Renault . However, the two cars share the dashboard design as tooling for a new dashboard entails considerable expense. Pricing should be at par with the Micra, so it will be interesting to see if the Renault can eat into Nissan sales.

Factfile:
Engines: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 75bhp/10.6kgm,
63bhp/16.3kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: January 2012
Price: Rs 4.5-6 lakh
Renault hatchback will be similar to the Nissan Micra.

New Porsche 911

It may not look radically different from its predecessor but this is the all-new sixth-generation 911. The car will go on sale in India soon after right-hand-drive sales commence globally. It will initially be sold in rear-wheel-drive Carrera (3.4 litre) and Carrera S (3.8 litre) coupé guises. Cabriolet and four-wheel-drive variants will follow in 2012, and pave the way for a range-topping 523bhp Turbo in 2013. The new 911 will sport a new seven-speed manual gearbox — a first for a series production road car. Apart from increased power and improved emissions, the new 911’s chassis has also been worked on for improved ride and even better dynamics.

Factfile:
Engines: 3.4-litre petrol,
3.8-litre petrol
Power/Torque: 345bhp/39.8kgm,
394bhp/44.9kgm
Kerb weight: 1455-1470kg
L/W/H: 4491/1808/1295mm
Expected: September 2012
Price: From Rs 90 lakh

Renault Duster

Renault wants a presence in each segment of the car market and will be ready with its Duster mini-SUV by July next year. The Duster shares its platform with the Logan (now Mahindra Verito), so should be able to take a fair bit of abuse. But this is no off-roader in the true sense and will be sold in India in a two-wheel-drive avatar only. Interior space is impressive and, just like on the Logan, ride quality is nice and supple too. The Duster will have 1.6 petrol (105bhp) and 1.5 diesel (90bhp) engines. A more powerful 107bhp 1.5 diesel with reduced turbo lag will also be on offer. Expect prices to start at Rs 7 lakh for the base petrol-engined Duster.

Factfile:
Engines: 1.6-litre petrol, 1.5-litre
diesel, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 105bhp/15.1kgm,
90bhp/20.4kgm, 107bhp/24.5kgm
Kerb weight: 1205kg
L/W/H: 4315/1822/1695mm
Expected: July 2012
Price: Rs 7-8 lakh

Nissan NV200

With the NV200, Nissan wants to take the Toyota Innova head-on. The NV200 will be the first product of the Nissan and Ashok Leyland joint venture to manufacture minivans in India. An eight-seater, the NV200 seats passenger in a 2+3+3 layout. Styling is more commercial van than MPV and this appearance is not helped by the NV200’s sliding rear doors. It will be powered by the same 105bhp 1.5-litre K9K diesel that also does duty in the Renault Fluence. Pricing is likely to be in the range of Rs 7.5-12 lakh.

Factfile:
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 105bhp/24.4kgm
Kerb weight: 1269kg
L/W/H: 4400/1695/1860mm
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 7.5-12 lakh

Mini Cooper

The epitome of retro cool, Mini is finally coming to India. Indian market dynamics might suggest small cars with premium price tags won’t work here but BMW-owned Mini thinks otherwise. The manufacturer sees a big opportunity in India and is even carrying out feasibility studies for local assembly at BMW’s Chennai plant, so prices will be far more affordable than VW’s fully imported Beetle.
Mini will kickstart its Indian venture with the launch of the Cooper hatchback. The design is classic Mini and the retro interiors with the big dials look the part too. A four-seater only in name, minimal rear seat space makes this three-door hatchback best suited for two occupants.
The Cooper hatchback will be followed by the convertible and also the interesting Countryman crossover. All Minis will come with 1.6 petrol and diesel engines.
Engines: 1.6-litre petrol, 1.6-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 122bhp/16.3kgm,
112bhp/25.5kgm
Kerb weight: 1165kg
L/W/H: 3723/1913/1407mm
Expected: Mid-2012
Price: Rs 12 lakh

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

If the SLS AMG coupé wasn’t extreme enough, Mercedes-Benz has just revealed the SLS AMG Roadster, which is scheduled for an India launch towards the end of 2012. The Roadster loses the coupé’s gullwing doors and instead features new frameless doors with conventional hinges. Its three-layer roof comes with a glass rear window and can be opened on the fly at speeds upto 50kph. Weight gain has been well restricted with the Roadster weighing just 40kg more than its coupé sibling. Performance from the 563bhp 6.2-litre V8 will be staggering. The figures say it all – 0-100kph in a claimed 3.8sec and a top speed of 321kph. The Roadster won’t come cheap though.

Factfile:
Engine: 6.2-litre petrol V8
Power/Torque: 563bhp/66.3kgm
Kerb weight: 1735kg
L/W/H: 4638/1261/2075mm
Expected: Late-2012
Price: Rs 2.4 crore

Mercedes Benz M-Class

To Join Mercedes’ line-up will be the smart new M-class SUV. The lines are softer, the eye-like headlights with their LED detailing are pleasing, and the whole look is less brutish than before. A stylised cabin with Merc-typical luxury bits make the interiors a comfortable place to be in. The dash design in particular is a huge improvement over the staid styling of the old car’s. Ride quality should be a huge improvement and Merc’s Airmatic air suspension could be offered as an option to discerning customers with deep pockets. As with the current car, Mercedes is likely to offer just a single engine – the 3-litre V6 diesel in ML 350 CDI guise. A raft of updates will see the engine improve in both efficiency and power which will see a bump up to 258bhp. Prices are likely to see a rise too when the car is launched in mid-2012.

Factfile:
Engine: 3-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 258bhp/63.2kgm
Kerb weight: 2175kg
L/W/H: 4804/1926/1796mm
Expected: End-2012
Price: Rs 60 lakh

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

The latest B-Class is an important model for India. Why? It is the first car to be launched off Mercedes-Benz’s new front-wheel- drive (MFA) platform which will form the basis of a new generation of smaller (read cheaper) Mercs. At 4.3 metres long, the B-class is part- large hatch and part-mini-MPV. Interior packaging is good, so there will be ample space inside. The dashboard borrows elements from the SLS AMG and the CLS, adding to the luxurious cabin ambience.

A 1.8-litre diesel and a new 1.6-litre turbo-petrol will power the B-class and the transmissions could include a seven-speed dual-clutch ’box. Priced from around Rs 18 lakh, the B-class will be the most affordable Merc in India. But will choosy Indian customers take to the car’s unusual body style?

Factfile:

Engines: 1.8-litre diesel, 1.6-litre turbo-petrol
Power/Torque: 135bhp/30.5kgm, 156bhp/25.5kgm
Kerb weight: 1395-1475kg
L/W/H: 4359/1786/1557mm
Expected: Late 2012
Price: Rs 18-22 lakh

Maruti Ertiga

Maruti’s first crack at the MPV segment will be in the form of the all-new Ertiga, with badging on this spied car revealing the name. Viewed from the front, the Ertiga looks similar to the Ritz hatchback while the peeled-back headlights that stretch to the pronounced wheel arches are reminiscent of the new Swift. The front bumper styling is quite sporty with a large air inlet and enclosures for the fog lights.

Tail styling looks rather generic though. The Ertiga brief was to seat seven people, which explains this mini-MPV’s 4.2-metre length and 2740mm wheelbase. An interesting detail worth a mention is the corrugated roof for added strength. Maruti has made all efforts to make its new mini-MPV as car-like as possible and in fact the dashboard and steering wheel have been carried over from the Swift. Lighter materials do their part in giving the interiors a more premium look. The Ertiga won’t have Innova levels of space but middle and last row occupants will get roof-mounted AC vents for improved cooling. Oddly, climate control will not be offered even on the top-end ZXi and ZDi variants.

Engine options will include the popular 1.3-litre Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) diesel from the SX4. Suzuki will also debut its latest and largest engine from the K-series family on the MPV. Called the K14, this 1372cc VVT engine delivers a decent 95bhp. We expect this front-wheel drive MPV to exhibit almost car-like manners which will be integral to its appeal. The Ertiga will be competitively priced in the Rs 6-9 lakh range when launched at Auto Expo 2012.

Factfile:

Engines: 1.3-litre diesel, 1.4-litre petrol
Power/Torque: 90bhp/20.39kgm, 95bhp/13kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: January 2012
Price: Rs 6-9 lakh

New Maruti 800

Say hello to the successor to the iconic Maruti 800. Maruti’s low-cost car and answer to the Tata Nano and Hyundai Eon is in the final stages of testing and should go on sale within the first half of 2012.

To keep costs down, the new car is based on the existing Alto platform and will share a lot of running gear with its sibling. Powering the car will be the 796cc three-cylinder motor from the old 800, although it will be thoroughly updated to meet Bharat Stage V emission norms that will come into effect in 2015. A new 800cc engine could replace this motor post-2015.

The car’s design is fairly basic and there are a lot of flat panels as these are cheaper to make. We expect the interiors to be quite basic too though the slightly taller proportions of the Alto should make the car marginally more spacious and comfortable than the original 800. Maruti is aiming for a sub-Rs 2 lakh price for the base version of the car. Tata should be worried.

Factfile:
Engine: 0.8-litre petrol
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 1.9-2.5 lakh

New Maruti Swift Dzire

Maruti hit the bull’s-eye with the exclusive-to-India Swift Dzire. The next-generation Dzire that is based on the new Swift could go on to become an even bigger success, thanks to an estimated Rs 30,000 reduction in prices. The price reduction will be courtesy the car’s length being trimmed to just less than four metres to qualify it as a small car and take advantage of a lower rate of excise duty.

The current Dzire is 4160mm long and the new one has to be 160mm shorter at the least. To manage this, the new Dzire will get an incredibly short boot. While the rear section does not sync all that well with the rest of the car, the execution is far better than the original Dzire’s. However, boot space, a highlight on
the current Dzire, will be significantly less than before. Engines are likely to be shared with the new Swift. A full-size saloon is also understood to be under development.

Factfile:
Engines: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 86bhp/11.6kgm,
74bhp/19.4kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: January 2012
Price: Rs 5-7 lakh

Mahindra Mini-Xylo (sub-4 metres)

The government’s small car excise rebate regulations have seriously brought out the creative side of Indian engineers. The Mini-Xylo illustrated here is a fine example of this ingenuity. Built on a shortened Xylo chassis, the UV gets a redesigned tail with a shorter rear overhang to help keep length under the crucial four-metre mark. As a result, the Mini-Xylo will almost definitely lose the third row of seats. Elements like the dashboard and interior trim are likely to be carried over from the standard Xylo. With an engine cap of 1.5 litres for diesel small cars, the Mini-Xylo will use a three-cylinder version of the larger Xylo’s 2.5-litre engine. Bore and stroke will also be reduced to keep displacement under 1500cc. Four-wheel drive will be an option too on the Mini-Xylo.

Likely to be priced between Rs 4-5 lakh, this car could give hatchbacks a run for their money.
A lot depends on how it’s positioned, though.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 4-5 lakh

Mahindra Verito (sub-4 metres)

Another addition to the sub-four-metre brigade will be the shortened Mahindra Verito. To do so, Mahindra engineers have chopped off a large chunk of the boot section but we hear that the redesign works well. Spacious interiors, solid build and a proven diesel engine come together to make this a sensible ‘small car’ to buy. Expect keen pricing when the smaller Verito goes on sale this December.

Factfile:
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 65bhp/16.3kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: End-2011
Price: Rs 4.8 lakh

Mahindra-Ssangyong Rexton II

Mahindra will follow up the Korando with another SUV from the Ssangyong stable — the Rexton II. Briefly put, the SUV is based on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz M- class and can seat seven passengers.

Power is courtesy a 161bhp, 2.7-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. An old-school body-on-frame chassis means it won’t be the most exciting car to drive but permanent all-wheel drive and a high ground clearance should give it good off-road capabilities.

M&M will assemble the Rexton at its Chakan plant and is likely to price the big SUV close to rivals like the Toyota Fortuner.

Factfile:
Power/Torque: 161bhp/34.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1966-2101kg
L/W/H: 4720/1870/1760mm
Expected: Late-2012
Price: Rs 19-21 lakh

Mahindra Reva NXR

The Reva NXR seems to have become a permanent fixture on our annual new car list. We expect the car to finally hit Indian roads this year. A three-door, four-seater family hatchback, the car will be sold in two versions – the NXR City and the NXR. The cheaper NXR City that comes with a lead acid battery has a range of 80km per charge while its 80kph top speed should help it keep up with traffic. More powerful lithium ion batteries, a range of 160km per charge and a claimed top speed of 104kph makes the NXR the more practical of the two, but it will also be the more expensive variant. Trouble is where are the charging points?

Factfile:
Engine: Electric motor
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: 900kg/850kg (NXR)
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Mid-2012
Price: Rs 3.5-4.5 lakh

Mahindra-Ssangyong Korando

The Korando is the first SsangYong product Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) will be launching in India after its acquisition of the Korean company earlier this year. The Korando may not break new ground in terms of styling but it is quite a smart SUV. Although strictly a five-seater, its spacious interiors will work to its favour. Interior quality is far superior to all Mahindras so far, and rightfully the Korando will be positioned above M&M’s own SUV line-up.

The Korando features a monocoque chassis (a first for SsangYong) but from our drive earlier in the year (January 2011) we can tell you the SUV’s dynamics are just about average.

A 173bhp, 2-litre turbo-diesel will power the Korando. Pricing will be competitive with an expected base price of Rs 15 lakh when the car goes on sale in early-2012.

Factfile:
Engine: 2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 173bhp/36.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1672-1692kg
L/W/H: 4410/1830/1675mm
Expected: Mid-2012
Price: Rs 15-17 lakh

New Hyundai Sonata

The current-gen Sonata Transform failed to strike the right chord with customers. Hyundai wants to change that with this all-new car that is also known as the i45 in some markets.

The new Sonata’s swoopy lines make this the best-looking Hyundai to date and give the car real presence. The story is no different on the inside either. The cockpit-themed interiors look really sporty and importantly there is acres of space, especially at the back.

We expect three engine options for the car – a 2-litre petrol, a 2.4-litre direct injection petrol and possibly a 2.2-litre diesel. Enthusiasts may be disappointed by the car’s dynamics but as a comfy saloon, the new Sonata should work just fine.

Factfile:

Engines: 2-litre petrol, 2.4-litre petrol, 2.2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 162bhp/20.2kgm,
198bhp/25.4kgm, 194bhp/44.4kgm
Kerb weight: 1479-1528kg
L/W/H: 4820/1835/1470mm
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 16-18 lakh

New Hyundai Elantra

Remove the Hyundai badge on the grille and you’ll be convinced you’re looking at a European car. It’s this image which the Korean carmaker reckons will translate into strong sales for its stylish Civic challenger. The design is modern Hyundai with the Elantra’s smooth lines flowing into each other yet managing to lend the car an aggressive look. Again, interior styling is far from ordinary with a striking fascia that is dominated by a multimedia screen. Smart packaging means space should be as good or perhaps better than the competition. Engines should include a 147bhp, 1.8-litre petrol and a new 1.8-litre diesel. In typical Hyundai fashion, the saloon should come very well specced so the Elantra will impress on the VFM scale too.

Factfile:
Engines: 1.8-litre petrol,
1.8-litre diesel
Power/Torque:147bhp/18.2kgm,
140bhp/NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: 4530/1775/1445mm
Expected: June 2012
Price: Rs 12-15 lakh

New Honda CR-V

Honda has recently unveiled the new CR-V. As seen from the pictures, styling of the new car is a departure from the current model with the new model looking more aggressive.

The new CR-V is built on an all-new platform which should further improve the CR-V’s renowned car-like handling. Engine details have not been announced but the addition of a diesel engine in 2013 is likely.

The current CR-V is imported in India in fully built up form, which has meant prices have jumped over the years thanks to an appreciating yen. Good then that the new CR-V will be assembled locally, which means prices will be more Honda Accord than BMW 3-series.

Factfile:
Engine: 2.4-litre petrol*
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Late 2012
Price: Rs 20 lakh

New Honda Civic

The latest Civic is out and it’s headed for an India launch in mid-2012. The design is more evolutionary than revolutionary (unlike the earlier car). In fact, the lines have been toned down which should make the saloon appeal to a wider customer base. However, the interiors are just as radical as before and feature a dual level split instrument console.

The new Civic should feature an updated version of the 1.8-litre, SOHC I-4 engine with improved refinement, emissions, economy and performance. Peak power will be around 140bhp. A diesel engine is also on the cards but is unlikely to make it to India before late-2013. Having tasted blood with its aggressive pricing for the Brio and Jazz, expect a surprise sticker price for this model too.

Factfile:
Engine: 1.8-litre petrol
Power/Torque: 140bhp/17.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1198-1254kg
L/W/H: 4503/1753/1435mm
Expected: Mid-2012
Price: Rs 14-16 lakh

HM Ambassador (sub-4 metre)

If you thought the Ambassador was dead, think again. A new pick-up variant for the rural markets has just hit the roads and now Hindustan Motors (HM) wants to cash in on excise benefits extended to sub-four-metre cars. Yes, a sub-four-metre Ambassador is on its way.

The length reduction is courtesy a shorter humped boot section, reminiscent of the original Amby
of the 1950s. The 1.5-litre diesel engine that currently powers the car will be re-tuned for improved performance and to meet newer emission norms. A CNG option will also be offered. Expect the car to cost Rs 30,000 less than the standard Ambassador. Love it or hate it, the Amby is here to stay.

Factfile:
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Early-2012
Price: Rs 4.8 lakh

Ford EcoSport

Ford India has got an ace up its sleeve with the upcoming Eco Sport. Codenamed B515, this sub-four-metre-long mini-SUV will qualify as a small car to avail of a substantial 12 percent saving in excise duty.

The SUV will be based on Ford’s global B platform that also underpins the latest Fiesta, so ride and handling will be nothing short of special. Styling will be pure SUV. Also, as the spare wheel is not considered in the‘small car’ regulations when measuring body length, it will be mounted on the tailgate rather than under the body. This allows luggage space to be used more effectively.

The Eco Sport is likely to come with an upgraded version of the Figo’s 1.2-litre petrol engine and the 90bhp 1.5 diesel from the new Fiesta. Pricing will be the key to the Eco Sport’s success and Ford is working towards an aggressive price of Rs 6 lakh for the base model.

Factfile:
Engines: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA, 88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 6-7.5 lakh

Ford Endeavour

Ford Thailand has taken the wraps off the new Ranger pick-up that will form the basis of the all-new Endeavour SUV headed for India in late 2012. The design conforms with Ford’s global design language, so the final SUV version will look a whole lot more modern than the current dated Indian model.

The interiors are a step up too with a smarter fascia and use of better materials. Thai Rangers will be sold with a new 148bhp 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine and this motor could replace the 2.5-litre powerplant currently on the Endeavour. The new engine comes mated to six-speed manual and automatic transmissions which may be India-bound as well. A price hike seems imminent but Ford could offset this by offering the Endeavour loaded with features.

Ford Fiesta hatchback

There has been a lot of interest in the new Fiesta hatchback of late and if our spy picture of a test car is anything to go by, then Ford seems to have finally decided to manufacture the model in India.

The hatchback is identical to the saloon up till the B-pillar. Thereafter, the smartly executed hatch section gives the car better proportions than the Fiesta saloon. The interiors will be shared with the saloon as will the pair of 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. While it will be positioned as a premium hatchback, pricing will still be critical. If priced above Rs 6.5 lakh, the Fiesta hatchback could have the same fate as the Honda Jazz when it was first launched.

Factfile:
Engines: 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 107bhp/14.2kgm,
88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1153kg
L/W/H: 3950/1722/1475mm
Expected: Mid-2012 Price: Rs 6.5 lakh

Fiat Punto Evo

Fiat is ready with a set of cosmetic upgrades for its Punto hatchback. To be called the Punto Evo, the car will receive a new front bumper with integrated foglamps, a new front grille and slightly reworked headlights. The tail-lights will also be tweaked and there will be a redesigned rear bumper too. The European Evo features a new dashboard though it remains to be seen if the Indian car will get this. The current engine options are likely to continue though we expect a small price increment across the range.

Factfile:
Engines: 1.2 litre-petrol, 1.4 litre-petrol, 1.3-litre-diesel, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 67bhp/9.76kgm, 89bhp/ 11.67kgm, 75bhp/20kgm, 90bhp/21.3kgm
Kerb weight: 1090-1145kg
L/W/H: NA/1687/1495mm

New Force Trax

Some numbers first. The Mahindra Bolero sells on average 7,000 units a month. On the other hand, its direct competitor in the utility vehicle market, the Force Trax sells about 700 units each month. Force Motors is now readying a new version which should make the Trax a more serious alternative to the Bolero. Smarter styling and better interiors will lead the list of changes. The new Trax will also get the OM616 engine that features a two-valve CRDi system. This BS IV-compliant motor will allow the Trax to be sold in metros as well.

Factfile:
Engine: 2.6-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Mid-2012
Price: Rs 5.5-6.5 lakh

Force MPV

Force Motors is set to follow up its first passenger vehicle, the recently launched Force One, with a new MPV. The MPV in question is the Viano that will be manufactured under license from Mercedes-Benz.

The MPV will, in all likelihood, be an eight-seater making it an attractive option for large families and tour operators. The Force Motors MPV is likely to feature the same Mercedes-Benz licensed OM611 engine as employed on the Force One. This 2.2-litre common-rail diesel engine produces 139bhp at 3800rpm. Power will be transmitted to the rear wheels (just as on the Viano) via a five-speed gearbox.

Prices are not known yet but we expect the van to sport a price tag between Rs 10-15 lakh.

Factfile:
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 139bhp/32.7kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: 4763/1338/2253mm
Expected: Late 2012
Price: Rs 10-15 lakh

Chevrolet Sail hatchback

Simply put, small cars equal big sales. And this small car has the potential to seriously put the wind in Chevrolet’s sales (pun intended)! The Sail hatchback that will be launched before the saloon looks striking whichever angle you look at it. The design is well executed and, like the saloon, its spacious interiors will be a selling point. It is likely to share the Beat’s 1.2-litre petrol engine and also get the 1.3-litre Fiat Multijet within a year of launch. Costs will be kept low thanks to the car sharing many components with the saloon. A sub-Rs 4 lakh base price would make it a very enticing option.