New cars in 2013

We have compiled an array of exciting new cars coming in the next 12 months. Read on to find out what exciting new metal is in store for you.

If you plan to buy a new car, it might be worth waiting for these. Here is our annual list of new cars that you can expect to see in the showrooms near you over the next 12 months. There’s something for everyone — hatchbacks, small saloons, big saloons, MPVs and SUVs of all shapes and sizes.

Chevrolet Beat facelift

 

Its funky design may still be as striking as ever, but the Beat is due to get its first styling update sometime in 2013. As part of the refresh, the Beat will get reprofiled bumpers, a larger honeycomb grille and different wing mirrors, apart from tweaks to the front and rear lights. The mechanicals are likely to remain unchanged though.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 79bhp/10.9kgm, 58.5bhp/15.2kgm
Kerb weight: 965-1027kg
L/W/H: 3640/1595/1520mm
Expected: Mid-2013
 Price: Rs 3.8-5.7 lakh*

Fiat Punto Evo

 

Free from its unsuccessful sales and service tie-up with Tata Motors, Fiat now needs fresh products to get customers back into its showrooms. And the Punto Evo could be just the right model to get the ball rolling. With a new front bumper, different grille and reworked head- and tail-lights, it looks quite different from the Punto on sale today. The European car also gets a new dashboard, though it is not certain whether this will make it onto the India-spec version. All other mechanicals are likely to be carried on from before, though.

FACTFILE
Engine: 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/20.08kgm, 90bhp/21.3kgm
Kerb weight: 1090-1144kg
L/W/H: 3987/1687/1495mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 5-7.5 lakh*

Hyundai New i10

 

Hyundai’s i10 may no longer be the massive seller that it once was, but that could change with the arrival of the new model in September 2013. Spied testing near Chennai, the new car (codename: BA) appears to be both longer and wider than the current i10, which points to a more spacious cabin. The camouflaged test car’s swept-back headlamps, hexagonal cues in the region of the front grille and rising shoulder line also hint that the new i10 will conform to Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language. Engine options will include the variable valve timing-equipped 1.2-litre Kappa petrol motor from the current i10 and also a new 1.0-litre petrol unit from the same engine family. But what will seriously boost the i10’s appeal is the new 1.1-litre common-rail diesel engine currently under-development at Hyundai. A lengthy features list and competitive pricing should mark this out as one of the cars to wait for in 2013. A compact saloon based on the new i10 is also believed to be under development.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol, 1.2-litre petrol, 1.1-litre diesel
Power/torque: NA, 79bhp/11.4kgm, NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: September 2013
Price: Rs 3.5-6 lakh*

Maruti A-star facelift

 

The slow-selling Maruti A-Star is scheduled to receive a fairly comprehensive makeover in 2013.
On display at the recent Chengdu Motor Show in China (where it is sold as the Alto), the updated car looks a lot more grown up than the current model. It gets larger and more angular headlamps that flow into a new grille and also different front and rear bumpers. Changes to the cabin are likely to be restricted to new upholstery only, and the K10 engine will carry on unaltered.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol
Power/torque: 66bhp/9kgm
Kerb weight: 895kg
L/W/H: 3500/1600/1490mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 3.7-4.5 lakh*

Tata Nano variants

 

Tata will follow the Nano 2012 up with further upgrades to the car in 2013. Chief among these will be the option of power steering, which will address one of the Nano’s key weaknesses. A compact electric power-steering unit fitted under the steering column will make the Nano easier to drive. Among other likely additions are a hinged tailgate, alloy wheels and a dedicated glove compartment on the dashboard. You can expect this fully loaded version of the Nano to cost around Rs 25,000 more than the top LX variant. Tata will also launch the Nano with a CNG kit in the coming year, though the hugely anticipated diesel Nano is unlikely to make production before 2014. 

FACTFILE
Engine: 0.6-litre petrol
Power/torque: 37.4bhp/5.2kgm
Kerb weight: 635kg
L/W/H: 3099/1495/1652mm
Expected: Early-2013
Price: Rs 2.2 lakh*

Mercedes-Benz A-class

 

Following the recent launch of the B-class, Mercedes will continue its charge down the price ladder with the introduction of the latest A-class hatchback. The new A-class is free from the ‘tall boy’ stance of its predecessors and, in that sense, looks more conventional. However, the new car seems designed for a younger customer base and looks really sporty and aggressive in the flesh. Its cabin is also far sportier and even space is surprisingly good. Like the B-class, the new A is underpinned by Merc’s new front-wheel-drive MFA platform and thanks to some clever engineering, it is really fun to drive. The electric power steering is the only weak link on the dynamics front really. Mercedes will equip the A-class with a 121bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol and a 1.8-litre diesel, both of which will come mated to seven-speed dual-clutch gearboxes. With prices likely to start from Rs 18 lakh, the A-class will be a stellar entry point to the Mercedes brand.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol, 1.8-litre diesel
Power/torque: 121bhp/20.4kgm, 134bhp/30.55kgm
Kerb weight: 1370kg
L/W/H: 4292/1780/1433mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 18 lakh*

Volkswagen New Beetle

 

Bigger and better than the model it replaces, the latest Beetle could be on its way to India in 2013. The retro-chic styling has evolved, the cabin is more spacious and the new underpinnings promise to make it better to drive too. Engine options could include a 158bhp 1.4-litre petrol and even a 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel. That should give the new Beetle enough ammo to take on the Mini Cooper – its only rival in the niche high-end hatchback market. Cute and cheerful as it may be, the new Beetle will cost serious money, with pricing in the region of Rs 25 lakh.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 158bhp/24.5kgm, 138bhp/32.6kgm
Kerb weight: 1360kg
L/W/H: 4278/2021/2048mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 25 lakh*

Volkswagen Cross Polo

 

Mini-SUVs are the next gold rush for manufacturers, and even Volkswagen has plans to enter the segment in December 2013 with the launch of the attractive Polo-based crossover. As is evident in the picture, the Cross Polo looks like a rugged version of the standard Polo hatch, and much of its appeal stems from the plastic cladding on the lower portion of the bumpers and doors, its smartly finished roof rails and, of course, those 17-inch wheels. On the inside, different upholstery will distinguish this car from the standard Polo. The Cross Polo will be the first VW product to get the new, made-for-India 1.5-litre diesel engine. A 1.2-litre TSI turbo-petrol mated to a seven-speed DSG auto could be an option as well. A Rs 6-8 lakh price-tag seems realistic for this crossover.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 104bhp/24.2kgm, NA
Kerb weight: 1171kg
L/W/H: 3970/1682/1462mm
Expected: December 2013
Price: Rs 6-8 lakh*

Ford EcoSport

 

Ford Sees tremendous potential in the burgeoning mini-SUV segment and its EcoSport is just the product for the job. Striking in the flesh, the production version – due for an India launch in early 2013 – looks very similar to the concept that was premiered at this year’s Auto Expo. That means the car carries an imposing gaping grille, high bonnet-line and attractive wraparound rear windscreen. Most importantly, it looks like a proper SUV despite its sub-four-metre length. Even the cabin is quite funky, and comes with decent space. What’s great is that the EcoSport is just as good to drive as it is to look at. Built on Ford’s global B-platform that also underpins the latest Fiesta, the EcoSport feeds on corners, and the ride quality is quite accomplished. To be sold with the 1.5-litre diesel from the Fiesta, the EcoSport will also mark the Indian debut of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged, direct-injection petrol motor that promises to offer the performance of a 1.6 petrol with the efficiency of a smaller-capacity engine. The best bit? The EcoSport’s length and engine displacement qualify it as a small car, so pricing is expected at a very competitive Rs 7-9 lakh. We can’t wait!

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 123bhp/17.2kgm, 88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1243kg
L/W/H: NA/2060/1670mm
Expected: Early-2013
Price: Rs 7-9 lakh*

Maruti mini-SUV

 

As the interesting XA-Alpha concept from the Auto Expo made quite obvious, Maruti is developing its own mini-SUV, which could go on sale in the latter part of 2013. To be built on the Swift platform, the SUV will be a clean-sheet design and will come with lots of butch SUV elements. For starters, the SUV will have very short front and rear overhangs, which are also essential to keep length under the four-metre mark. The concept’s high-set five-block grille, heavy frontal cladding, oversized wheel arches and thick C-pillar are some of the other interesting design elements we expect to see on the production model. To keep costs in check, the new SUV could come with the Swift’s dashboard. Maruti will offer the production XA-Alpha with its range of K-series petrol engines and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine and there will be a four-wheel-drive version too. It will be interesting to see how Maruti prices its own mini-SUV vis-à-vis the Ford EcoSport.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 86bhp/11.6kgm, 88.7bhp/20.4kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 7 lakh*

Nissan SUV
 

Nissan’s model range is set to receive a fillip with the introduction of a new Renault Duster-based small SUV. Remember, Renault and Nissan are alliance partners and have succesfully badge-engineered each other’s products in India. The Pulse and Scala are, in effect, Renault’s versions of Nissan’s Micra and Sunny respectively. While the new Nissan SUV will adopt the Duster’s broad-shouldered basic design, it will differ from its Renault sibling with a restyled front-end, a new tailgate and possibly even some changes to the sheet metal. Changes to the cabin are likely to be minimal to keep costs in check and even the engines will be the same as on the Duster. The good news is, as per Renault-Nissan’s pricing structure, the new SUV will be cheaper than the Duster by a few thousands at the very least.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 102.5bhp/14.8kgm, 84bhp/20.4kgm, 108.5bhp/25.3kgm
Kerb weight: 1160-1308kg
L/W/H: 4315/1822/1695mm
Expected: August 2013
Price: Rs 7.5-11.5 lakh*

* Estimated, ex-showroom, Delhi

Ford New Endeavour 

 

The Endeavour that sells in India is essentially an SUV version of Ford’s Ranger pickup from the Thai market. With the new Ranger already on sale overseas, it’s only a matter of time before the new Endeavour breaks cover. In terms of design, the new Endeavour will look far more modern than the current model and even the cabin will benefit from a smarter design and better materials. Ford could also use the Endeavour as a launchpad for its new 148bhp 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine in India, and this motor could be offered with six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes. What is all but certain is that with the new model, the Endeavour will lose the current price advantage it has over its rivals. 

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 148bhp/38.2kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Late-2013
Price: Rs 22 lakh*

Hyundai New Santa Fe

 

Hyundai’s latest Santa Fe is out and it’s headed to India by mid-2013. Edgier, sharper and sportier, the new SUV’s design is a big departure from the current model’s tepid styling. It’s more of the same on the inside as well, with the new layered dashboard design among the highlights. The Santa Fe for India will sport an identical 2700mm wheelbase as the current model, but thanks to a larger rear overhang, space for third-row passengers will see an improvement. As before, the Santa Fe will be powered by a 2.2-litre diesel. While power and torque figures remain unchanged, the engine comes with tweaks for better efficiency and emissions. Hyundai could also bring in a smaller, 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel engine to try and give the SUV a better entry price-point. With an estimated price of Rs 24-25 lakh, the new Santa Fe looks set to build on the outgoing car’s strengths. 

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 194bhp/42.9kgm
Kerb weight: 1820kg
L/W/H: 4902/1885/1690mm
Expected:  Mid-2013
Price: Rs 24-25 lakh*

Jeep Grand Cherokee

 

Given the huge popularity of SUVs in India, it was only a matter of time before American SUV icon Jeep took the plunge into our market. The manufacturer, that is part of the Chrysler Group (now owned by Fiat), is studying the possibility of bringing in its line-up of SUVs to the country – starting with the attractive Grand Cherokee. Exterior styling carries the tough and rugged ethos of the Jeep brand, while its spacious cabin is quite attractive too. Powering the model for India will be a 3.0-litre common-rail V6 diesel engine that will come mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. In keeping with its go-anywhere appeal, the SUV will also get a low-ratio transfer case as well as Jeep’s Selec-Terrain off-road electronics. Interestingly, the Grand Cherokee is built on the same monocoque platform as the Mercedes M-class owing to Daimler’s earlier ownership of Chrysler, and this should translate to good on-road dynamics too. Jeep officials are aware that importing the Grand Cherokee could price it out of contention, so don’t be surprised if it is assembled in India by Fiat and launched under Rs 40 lakh.

FACTFILE
Engine: 3.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 237bhp/56.1kgm
Kerb weight: 2272kg
L/W/H: 4821/1943/1760mm
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 40 lakh*

 Volvo V40 Cross Country

 

Among the many international launches at last month’s Paris Motor Show was the Volvo V40 Cross Country, a model that will go on sale in India in March 2013. Volvo’s weapon against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, the Cross Country crossover is based on the Swedish carmaker’s V40 hatchback. However, ground clearance has been raised to 173mm and the car has also been given a beefier body kit for a tough look. When it comes to India, the Cross Country is likely to feature the 163bhp 2.0-litre diesel D3 engine in a front-wheel-drive format. Internationally, all-wheel drive will only be offered with the petrol T5 engine that may make it here at a later stage. Volvo could price the V40 Cross Country at around Rs 30 lakh but is likely to brim it with equipment to make it more attractive than its German competition.

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 163bhp/40.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1578kg
L/W/H: 4369/1802/1420mm
Expected: March 2013
Price: Rs 30 lakh*

* Estimated, ex-showroom, Delhi

Mahindra Verito Vibe

Mahindra’s recent updates to the Verito have made it a far nicer car, and with the launch of a new sub-four-metre variant in March 2013, it is all set to become a lot more affordable too. As you’d have guessed, the length reduction is to qualify this variant of the Verito for excise duty sops offered on small cars. A truncated boot section and possibly a different front bumper will differentiate this car from the standard Verito. While luggage space will not be as generous, the new mini-saloon will inherit the Verito’s spacious cabin, tough build and excellent ride quality. Mahindra will sell the sub-four-metre Verito with the Renault-sourced 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine only. Pricing will be aggressive and could undercut the Maruti Dzire’s, which would make this a seriously well-rounded value proposition.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 65bhp/16.3kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: March 2013
Price: Rs 6 lakh*

Tata Manza CS

 

Tata knows all too well how successful a formula it is to chop a mid-size saloon’s boot to bring length under the crucial sub-four-metre mark to avail of the consequent excise duty benefits on small cars. Its sub-four-metre Indigo CS has been selling well since its launch, and Tata will hope to emulate this success with the Manza CS too that arrives in late 2013. In its CS form, the Manza will feature a substantially smaller boot section and is likely to get the Vista’s 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines. Pricing will be competitive and will allow Tata to plug the gap between the Indigo CS and the regular Manza. 

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 65bhp/9.8kgm, 74bhp/19.3kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 6-7.5 lakh*

* Estimated, ex-showroom, Delhi

Fiat Linea facelift

 

The turkish market received the updated Linea earlier this year and Fiat is planning to bring it to India in 2013. As part of its mid-life makeover, the Linea will get a new grille and a completely redesigned front bumper with lots of chrome embellishments. The tail is quite different too, with the most notable changes being the respositioning of the number plate from the bumper to the bootlid and the addition of a thick strip of chrome lower down. While the update also brings with it a new dashboard overseas, this is unlikely to make it to India. Expect the refreshed Linea to be accompanied by a small bump up in prices.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol, 1.4-litre turbo petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 88bhp/11.7kgm, 112bhp/21.1kgm, 92bhp/21.31kgm
Kerb weight: 1180-1230kg
L/W/H: 4560/1730/1487mm
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 7.5-10 lakh*

Ford Fiesta facelift

 

Last month’s Paris Motor Show saw the unveiling of the facelifted Ford Fiesta hatchback. We expect many of the styling updates to trickle down to the saloon version as well. Leading the list of changes is a larger hexagonal grille, in keeping with Ford’s new global design language. The headlights are slightly different too, while new creases give the bonnet more definition. This visual makeover could also be accompanied by the fitment of the tech-laden 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol motor that will eventually be offered on all of Ford’s small and mid-size cars.  

FACTFILE 
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol, 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 123bhp/17.2kgm, 107bhp/14.2kgm, 88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1117-1157kg
L/W/H: 4291/1722/1496mm
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 7.5-11.5 lakh*

New Maruti Saloon

 

Maruti may have an expansive product line but believes there is still room for another saloon that can slot between the Dzire and SX4. This new saloon will not be under four metres and will come with a full-sized boot. Details about this new saloon are still sketchy but what the grapevine tells us is that this car will be built on a completely new platform and will have a new design language as well. What is safe to assume is that this new saloon will come with the same 1.3-litre diesel and 1.4-litre petrol motors from the Ertiga. A December 2013 launch is possible.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 93.7bhp/13.2kgm, 88.7bhp/20.4kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: December 2013
Price: Rs 6.5-8.5 lakh*

Mercedes-Benz CLA
 

The A-Class hatch may not go on to be a big-volume seller, but its saloon sibling headed here in late 2013 could be. The new CLA's striking looks will mark a radical departure from traditional Merc saloon design. As the CLA concept saloon laid bare, frontal styling is aggressive, while the nicely arced roof and tightly skinned boot make this an attention-grabbing design. This saloon will be significantly smaller than the C-class, but thanks to Merc’s packaging-friendly front-wheel-drive MFA platfrom, space will be decent. The cabin is likely to carry much of the exterior’s sporty theme. Power will be via a 1.6-litre turbo petrol and 1.8-litre diesel, and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox will be standard. With prices likely to range from Rs 20-24 lakh, the CLA could turn the entry luxury car market on its head.

FACTFILE
Engine:  1.6-litre turbo-petrol, 1.8-litre diesel
Power/torque: 121bhp/20.4kgm, 134bhp/30.55kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 20-24 lakh*

Skoda New Octavia
 

Skoda started its Indian innings with the Octavia and the name is all set to make a comeback to India on the Czech carmaker’s new D-segment challenger, which will go on sale in late 2013. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s flexible MQB platform, the latest Octavia will be longer and wider yet lighter than the current-gen model, which is sold in India as the Laura. Styling will also be much sharper and will carry Skoda’s edgier new design language. Like its predecessors, the new Octavia will be a notchback. Thanks to its larger exterior dimensions, the new car’s cabin will be more spacious, which should translate to a better rear-seat experience. The car could feature new engines but the 2.0-litre diesel and 1.8-litre turbo-petrol are likely to be carried forward. What remains to be seen is how Skoda will position the new Octavia, given that the Laura continues to be a strong seller even after all these years.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.8-litre turbo-petrol, 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 160bhp/25.5kgm, 140bhp/32.6kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Late-2013
Price: Rs 16-20 lakh*

Tata Manza facelift

 

Tata is working on a comprehensive styling update for the Manza saloon. The car is expected in mid-2013 and may carry many elements from the Manza Hybrid saloon shown at this year’s Auto Expo. Frontal styling will be completely different, with a new smiling grille, sharp creases on the bumper and hawk-eye headlights. Moreover, the Manza could be the first Indian car to feature bi-Xenon headlights. Changes at the rear will include reshaped tail-lamps, a more angled bootlid and plastic cladding on the lower portion of the bumper to camouflage some of its bulk. The interior could benefit from a revised centre console and improved quality, though the current engine options are likely to be carried forward. 

FACTFILE 
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 89bhp/11.8kgm, 89bhp/20.4kgm
Kerb weight: 1210kg
L/W/H: 4413/1703/1550mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 5.7-8.1 lakh*

Honda New Accord

 

Once the king of its segment, the Honda Accord has lost ground to newer rivals like the Skoda Superb. Things could change when Honda brings in the all-new Accord in mid-2013. As is clear in the pictures of the India-bound US model, the design is a lot more mature than the current car’s, with crisper lines and a more athletic stance. The cabin sees an improvement too with a classier dashboard and even more space than before. Engine options will include a new, and more efficient, direct-injection 2.4-litre petrol (with the choice of a CVT gearbox), but there will be no V6 petrol as on the current car. The sad news is that, like before, there are no plans for a diesel variant, which will invariably limit the big Honda’s appeal in India.

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.4-litre petrol
Power/torque: 182bhp/25.1kgm
Kerb weight: 1475kg
L/W/H: 4851/1849/1465mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 20 lakh*

Skoda Superb facelift

Skoda will give its cars a new corporate identity and the Superb will be the first recipient of the new look in India. The luxury saloon will get a larger, more angular front grille and the headlights get sharper detailing as well. Daytime running lights are another possibility. The makeover will extend to tail styling as well, with reshaped lights and a new bootlid that will now house the number plate. A slighlty revised dashboard could also be part of the update.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.8-litre turbo-petrol, 3.6-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 160bhp/25.5kgm, 260bhp/35.7kgm, 140bhp/32.6kgm
Kerb weight: 1567kg
L/W/H: 4838/1817/1482mm
Expected: Early-2013
Price: Rs 18-28 lakh*

Mercedes-Benz E-class updated

Originally launched in India in 2009, the W212 series Mercedes-Benz E-Class is set to get its first update shortly. The updates will mainly focus on styling and, going by the spy pictures of the prototypes undergoing testing in Europe, the freshened E will look quite different. The big news is the updated E-class will lose the quartet of headlamps that have identified the car since the W210 model of 1995. In their place, the E-class will possibly get larger, single-piece headlights with square-shaped LEDs outlining the main lights. Other changes will include a lowered grille and restyled front and rear bumpers. The cabin is expected to receive a more comprehensive screen-based menu to replace many of the buttons on the dashboard. You can also expect more power from the improved powertrains.  

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.8-litre turbo-petrol, 3.5-litre petrol, 2.2-litre diesel, 3.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 183bhp/29kgm, 272bhp/35.6kgm, 203bhp/51kgm, 228bhp/55kgm
Kerb weight: 1732kg-1825kg
L/W/H: 4868/1854/1471mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 40-55 lakh*

* Estimated, ex-showroom, Delhi

                                                                        Ashok Leyland Stile

 

If the Stile looks familiar, that’s because it is Ashok Leyland’s version of the recently launched Nissan Evalia MPV. But where the Evalia is targeted at private car buyers, the Stile will be positioned primarily for commercial users and tour operators, and as a result will be sold at a considerably lower price point. The Stile will feature a different nose and, in keeping with its intended purpose, will also come with a toned down cabin. You can also expect the Stile to do without many of the Evalia’s safety features like ABS and airbags. However, the Stile will still be powered by Renault’s 1.5-litre K9K engine, but possibly in a lower state of tune. There could also be a CNG version in the future.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 65bhp/16.3kgm
Kerb weight : NA
L/W/H: 4400/1695/1880mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 7.5-8.5 lakh*

Force Motors New Trax

 

Spurred on by the continued success of the Mahindra Bolero, Force Motors is readying a new version of its long-running Trax utility vehicle. The new Trax will come with smarter styling and updated interiors, and will feature the OM616 diesel engine that uses a two-valve common-rail system. Since it’s BSIV compliant, this engine will enable the new Trax to be sold in the metros as well. Spec for spec, the Trax’s pricing is likely to mirror the Bolero’s. Force Motors is also working on reviving the Gurkha to take on the Mahindra Thar.

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.6-litre diesel
Power/torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 5.5-6.5 lakh*

Force Motors MPV

 

With the soaring popularity of MPVs, Force Motors may have an ace up its sleeve with its own people-mover, which is scheduled for launch in late 2013. The MPV will be a Force Motors-badged version of the Viano that will be built under license from Mercedes-Benz. Larger than the current lot of MPVs on sale in India, the yet unnamed model could be sold as an eight-seater. We expect the MPV to come with the 139bhp Mercedes-Benz-licensed OM611 2.2-litre diesel engine, which also does duty in the Force One SUV. While prices are not known yet, we estimate Force Motors will launch this MPV with a price in the Rs 10-15 lakh band.

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 139bhp/32.7kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: 4763/1338/2253mm
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 10-15 lakh*

Hyundai MPV

 

The concept you see here previews some of the styling cues you can expect on Hyundai’s new MPV for India, which could make production by late 2013. Going by the 4.3-metre-long Hexa Space show car’s design, the production version (codename: HND-7) will have a distinct bonnet section and won’t be a mono-volume MPV like its contemporaries. Details like the peeled-back headlamps, flared arches and boomerang tail-lights could make it to the final version too. Built on an approximately 2.7-metre-long wheelbase, the MPV could be offered as an eight-seater with a unique 3+3+2 seating layout. Likely to sell with the 1.6-litre diesel from the Verna and Elantra, the concept’s turbocharged 1200cc Kappa petrol motor and six-speed automatic gearbox hint at some of the other possible powertrain options. You can expect Hyundai to price this interesting MPV on par with the Maruti Ertiga.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol, 1.6-litre diesel
Power/torque: NA, 126bhp/26.5kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Late-2013
Price: Rs 6-9 lakh*

Jaguar F-Type

Easily one of the stars of the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Jaguar’s gorgeous new F-Type sports car is on its way to India come 2013. A spiritual successor to the 1960s E-type, the F-type will initially be available in convertible form only, while the more India-friendly coupé will make its way here a year later. The F-type is a strict two-seater, and shares a lot of its underpinnings with the XK grand tourer, though it is considerably smaller than the larger Jag and similar in size to the Porsche 911. Buyers will have the option to choose between a pair of supercharged 3.0-litre V6s with power outputs of 335bhp and 375bhp, and also a range-topping 488bhp 5.0-litre V8, all of which will come mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Expect prices to start from Rs 1 crore for this leaping cat.

FACTFILE
Engine: 3.0-litre petrol, 3.0-litre petrol, 5.0-litre petrol
Power/torque: 335bhp/45.9kgm, 375bhp/46.9kgm, 488bhp/63.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1597-1665kg
L/W/H: 4470/1923/1296mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 1 crore onwards*

Audi S5

The S4 has already made its India debut and will be joined by other cars from Audi’s red-hot S performance range soon. Among the models due for launch are the S6 and S7, each of which is equipped with a stonking 414bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The S8 is on its way here too. It gets all the luxury trappings of an A8 and the same twin-turbo V8 as the S6 and S7, albeit with 513bhp on tap. It’s the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing. While the S6, S7 and S8 will cost a sizeable amount more than their current range-topping variants, the S5 coupé will actually cost less than the RS5 already sold here. It will also be less powerful than that car, but with 329bhp on tap, still promises to be an absolute blast to drive.

FACTFILE
Engine: 3.0-litre petrol
Power/torque: 329bhp/44.9kgm
Kerb weight: 1750kg
L/W/H: 4640/1854/1369mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 75 lakh* 

* Estimated, ex-showroom, Delhi

Courtesy: http://www.autocarindia.com

New Bajaj flagship, Pulsar 375 revealed

Biggest, fastest, most important Pulsar yet, the Pulsar 375 breaks cover

India’s most loved sportsbike is about to get bigger, racier and better than ever before. It’s still some months from production ready, with Bajaj presently focussing on introducing the exciting KTM 390 Duke, but it's known that the team at ‘**Ahead’ (Bajaj R&D) is working to ready a neatly faired-in, approximately 375cc all-new Pulsar that will debut across India towards the end of this year.

The big, new and faired-in Pulsar shall aim to be a bold new segment driver when it hits Indian roads, by offering biking enthusiasts here a level of style and performance never previously available with any Pulsar. The new Bajaj flagship is styled to draw eyeballs, its mean Yamaha YZF-R1-resembling dual-headlights peering out in the set of detailed frontal images available with us and our own exclusive rendering. Clip-on handlebars will be standard, as will be plenty of lightweight alloy parts, and expect a sporty, compact cockpit layout, with comprehensive, nicely laid out instruments and Bajaj-typical good quality switchgear. The new Pulsar will make a purposeful and mean-looking sportsbike, as can be seen in its tastefully sculpted tank and body cowls, as well as split seats.

This upcoming larger capacity Pulsar will share its basic, four-stroke and single-cylinder engine platform with the KTM 390 Duke, so expect a full complement of close to 45 aggressive horses, with ample modern technology packed in, including a liquid-cooling system, four-valve equipped head and a six-speed, close-ratio gearbox, apart from an array of other goodies. Final drive will be via an exposed chain running back down the left of the motorcycle, and expect a compact, sporty exhaust system. The big Pulsar’s engine will be tailored to suit its new role and having recently ridden and experienced the 390 firsthand, you can expect a refined, rev happy powerplant that will deliver blistering performance for the class, with urgent acceleration and a top speed in excess of 150kph.  

This sporty new Pulsar will use smart alloy wheels and standard telescopic fork front suspension, while a monoshock will do duty at the rear. The spy pictures imply the bike will deploy a steel, multi-spar frame, supported by an elliptical section steel swingarm at the rear. Single, drilled and petal-type disc brakes will do duty front and rear, offering good heat dissipation, while an ABS brake system will be offered with this bike, as already on the KTM 390 Duke.

Even as more details remain under wraps, you can safely expect this Pulsar to offer all and more in terms of a stylish, affordable Indian sportsbike, with a rich specification list and quick turn of performance. 

 

Courtesy: http://www.autocarindia.com

Mahindra's new compact SUV

We unearth the secrets behind Mahindra's upcoming compact SUV which will directly compete with the Ford EcoSport.

                 Mahindra may have repeatedly denied working on a small car, but a good picture, as the saying goes, is worth a thousand words. Caught out in the open with its camouflage partially removed, this is Mahindra’s new compact sub-four-metre car. Looking for all the world like a jacked-up version of a large hatchback, the new S101 (as it is known internally) will join Mahindra’s two other compact offerings, the Quanto and the compact Verito, in the company’s own sub-four-metre club. Who in the Indian government could have dreamt that a sop to encourage sales of hatchbacks would result in a slew of compact utility vehicles, compact saloons and compact crossovers or SUVs like this one? It’s all down to one thing, of course — Indian engineering ingenuity or juggad. Modifying things to fit our requirement is part of our DNA, after all. 

Wide front-end masks compact dimensions of the new S101.

The difference between the Quanto and the compact Verito on the one hand and the S101 on the other, however, is that while the former were ‘chopped’ (as it were) as an afterthought, the S101 has been based on a new monocoque platform that from the outset has been designed to have at least some of its variants duck under the four-metre mark. Look at the profile, especially the length of the bonnet and the rake of the windscreens, and it’s clear that the S101 is very different from something like a Quanto. The ‘A’ pillar starts aft of the front wheel arch, the long wheelbase stretches along almost the entire length of the car and the window line tapers towards the rear. Only the high window line sets it apart. But while the profile is very hatchback-like, Mahindra designers have added bulk to the nose of the car. The front bumper is wide, the grille is mounted high and the designers seem to have gone out of their way to give the S101 plenty of visual bulk. Go around the back and you can see that, like in the EcoSport, a space has been marked out for what looks like a rear door/hatch-mounted spare wheel. The rear-mounted spare makes this hatchback look more SUV-like and since the wheel is not considered as part of the length of the car, it helps in packaging too.

The spare wheel is mounted on tailgate; considered to be outside the lenght of the car.

Mahindra’s unique positioning of the S101 is also clearly visible when you look inside the car. Unlike most conventional cars that have two bucket seats up front, the S101 has a single driver’s seat with a wide two-seat passenger bench sat alongside. Legroom for the middle passenger is created by moving the gearlever up to the dashboard and getting rid of the central console. Mahindra can fit six passengers into the S101 in this manner, we are sure, but we hear a seven- or even eight-seater option is also being worked on. This is because Mahindra has found that although the extra seats aren’t very comfortable and are often barely useable, having an extra set in our market is a huge selling point.

Dashboard-mounted gearlever, no center console allows for three-abreast seating up front. 

Mahindra is likely to launch the S101 with the same three-cylinder 98bhp 1500cc engine that powers the Quanto. Power and torque are likely to be upped for the new car, and for this application the engine will be transversely mounted, like that of the XUV500. While there’s no four-wheel-drive version of the S101 on the cards, there will be a new modular engine family, with petrol and diesels built around the same basic mechanical architecture. Mahindra’s new engine family is, in fact, so flexible, it is said to span from 1.2 to 1.6 litres, and M&M is reputedly spending Rs 4,300 crore on development. The petrol engine seen in the spy shots is most likely the 1.2 turbo motor and, as can be seen from the pictures, comes mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. A new 1.5 diesel, built using the same basic mechanical bits, will form the mainstay of Mahindra in the future. In addition to the S101 compact crossover, there will be other variants built on the platform. These include a more luxurious version, known as the S102, among others. The S101 will be priced aggressively, possibly starting as low as Rs 5 lakh for the base models, and that, yet again, could mean a large order book and months of waiting for eager customers. The S101 could be in the market by late 2014.

S101 is better proportioned and easier on the eyes than the boxy Quanto.

Courtesy:  http://www.autocarindia.com