Upcoming New Car Launches in 2012


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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
 

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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 la
 

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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
 

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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
 

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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
 

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Audi S6/S7/S8

Think of Audi’s ‘S’ cars as the sportier cousins of the normal line-up with the S variant’s more powerful engines and slightly extroverted design details being the key differentiators here. India will get the entire S range that includes the S4, S5, S6, S7 and S8 in 2012. The new S6 that was launched at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show comes with a 414bhp, 4-litre twin-turbo V8. Performance will be entertaining, to say the least. Another new addition to the S line is the S8. Marrying sports car performance to limo-like luxury, the S8 shares its engine with the S6, but power is an even higher 513bhp. Pricing is yet not known, but expect these S cars to cost considerably more than the current range-topping variants for each model. However, the S5 will be a cheaper option to the more powerful RS5. S6 will spearhead Audi’s S line’s entry into India. S8 is sports car and limo rolled into one. . Sportier petrol S7 will join diesel A7 sibling.

Factfile:

Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8.

Power/Torque: 414bhp/ 56.13kgm

Kerb weight: 1895kg

L/W/H: 4931/1874/NA mm

Expected: Mid 2012

Price: Rs 85 lakh
 

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New BMW 3-series

BMW’s big launch for 2012 will be the new 3-series. Codenamed the F30, the new 3-series is scheduled to go on sale in India towards the middle of 2012. The new 3-series is longer and wider than the car it replaces and now bears a strong resemblance to the 5-series. The larger dimensions have resulted in a roomier cabin, which addresses a major shortcoming on the current car. Engines are likely to be carried forward from the current model, albeit with improved efficiency and more power. We have driven the 3-series at its international launch in Spain and came back impressed with its near-perfect blend of performance, driving dynamics and ride comfort. BMW’s plans to set up an engine plant in India also point to a lower price tag for the Three in the future. The BMW 3-series then sounds a whole lot more interesting than ever before.

Factfile:

Engines: 2-litre petrol, 3-litre petrol,2-litre diesel

Power/Torque: NA

Kerb weight: NA L/W/H: NA

Expected: End-2012 Price: Rs 22-35 lakh
 

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Ashok Leyland Stile

Where the Nissan Evalia will target at private car buyers, the Stile from partner Ashok Leyland will be positioned as a commercial people mover. It will get a far more basic interior and will also do without many features like ABS and airbags. The Stile and Evalia will also come with different powertrains and engine’s in different states of tune. However, a cargo version is a possibility and there could be a seven seat CNG version too. But don’t expect to see the Stile on roads any time soon. It will be launched six months after the Evalia that arrives in late 2012.


Factfile:

Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 105bhp/24.4kgm
Kerb weight: 1269kg
L/W/H: 4400/1695/1860mm
Expected: Early 2013
Price: Rs 7.5-9.5 lakh
 

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Chevrolet Captiva

Chevrolet’s versatile SUV has just been given a face-lift and looks all the better for it. An imposing split grille in line with Chevrolet’s new family look and double-barrel headlamps are the most prominent changes to the Captiva’s styling while clear lens tail-lamps complete the makeover.

The seven-seater will also benefit from revised interiors. On the engine front, the 2-litre motor will be replaced by a new 2.2-litre diesel unit. Peak power will see a spike from 148bhp at present to 184bhp on the new engine. Prices are likely to increase by around Rs 1 lakh when the new model is launched in the middle of 2012.

Factfile:

Engine: 2.2-litre diesel

Power/Torque: 184bhp/40.78kgm

Kerb weight: 1878kg

L/W/H: 4673/1879/1727mm

Expected: January 2012

Price: Rs 22-24 lakh
 

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Chevrolet Sail Saloon

The Sail is Chevrolet’s weapon for a fresh assault in the midsize segment. Designed and developed in China by GM and SAIC, the Sail looks every bit a modern Chevy. The proportions are nice and styling is sharp all over. Interior space is a highlight and that should give it an edge over smaller rivals like the Maruti Swift Dzire.

Power will come courtesy a 1.4-litre petrol engine producing 102bhp, and eventually the 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced Multijet diesel. Interestingly, the Sail platform has its roots in the same Opel Corsa that was on sale in India till 2006; so the car should not be too expensive for Chevrolet to produce. Prices are likely to be affordable, ranging from Rs 6-7.5 lakh.

Factfile:

Engine: 1.4-litre petrol

Power/Torque: 102bhp/13.35kgm

Kerb weight: 1070kg

L/W/H: 4249/1690/1505mm

Expected: September 2012

Price: Rs 6-7.5 lakh
 

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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 looks neat 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.

Factfile:

Engine: 1.2-litre petrol

Power/Torque: 79bhp/10.91kgm

Kerb weight: 1070kg

L/W/H: 3947/1690/1503mm

Expected: July 2012

Price: Rs 4-6 lakh
 

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Ford EcoSport


We’ve been tracking the EcoSport for quite some time and can confirm the final few details on Ford’s exciting new mini-SUV. First and foremost is to do with the EcoSport’s length. Ford has been cagey about the EcoSport’s dimensions, but we now know for sure it will be a sub-four metre vehicle. That means the EcoSport qualifies as a small car and will avail of a lower rate of excise duty. We hear Ford is looking at a really aggressive price tag for the EcoSport so we won’t be too surprised if the base model retails for under Rs 6 lakh.



Another piece of good news is that the production model looks very similar to the concept that was first shown at the Auto Expo 2012. Its tall stance and chunky styling are pure SUV and that’s sure to be a huge draw for Indian buyers. Adding brawn to the design is the lagre trapezoidal grille, cladding on the lower front bumper and side sills and fixed spare wheel at the back. However, the large wheel arches also make the EcoSport’s 16-inch wheels look small and we expect the Indian car to get 17-inchers. As on the concept, the roof gets chrome rails and the rear side windows have the familiar Ford upwards kink in the window line.



As expected, the EcoSport will also share many cabin components with the Fiesta and the dashboard is similar in design too. There should be decent space for four occupants but boot space will be no larger than a hatchback’s. Interestingly, the EcoSport’s touch sensitive and electric operated boot release is hidden in the tail light cluster.



Like the Fiesta, the EcoSport is underpinned by Ford’s global B-platform, so excellent dynamics are almost a given on this mini-SUV. The EcoSport will also be sold with the 1.5-litre diesel engine as offered on the Fiesta but the big news is the debut of Ford’s latest 1-litre EcoBoost petrol motor. While its small displacement may suggest otherwise, the engine benefits from turbocharging and direct injection to make it just as powerful as a 1.6-litre motor while being more efficient at the same time. What remains to be seen is if Indian buyers will readily take to such a small capacity motor.



Ford thinks it has the right product for the Indian market. We’ll know when the EcoSport hits Indian roads in early 2013.



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
 

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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
 

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New Honda CR-V

Honda has unveiled the new CR-V and styling is a departure from the current model. The aggressive-looking new model 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
 

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Mahindra-Ssangyong Korando


The Korando will be the second SsangYong to be sold in India. While styling may not break new ground, it is quite smart to look at. Five seats mean the Korando enters the SUV segment with a disadvantage but to its credit it does boast a spacious cabin. 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 last 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 late-2012.

Factfile:

Engine: 2-litre diesel

Power/Torque: 173bhp/36.7kgm

Kerb weight: 1672-1692kg

L/W/H: 4410/1830/1675mm

Expected: Late-2012

Price: Rs 15-17 lakh
 

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