The 2016 Auto Expo was, in some way, a sort of a damp squib. As the years have passed, manufacturers have used the Auto Expo to only reveal machines, with few details disclosed and tonnes of hype surrounding them. As a result, this has meant more reasons for manufacturers to engage with the same product, but lesser excitement surrounding it during the launch. In a way, the 2016 edition was the inflection point. Save for a couple of motorcycles like the Honda Navi, UM Motorcycles’ range and cars like the Jaguar XE, BMW X1 and 7 Series, Audi R8 to name but a few, the rest continued to follow the same pattern.
In short, there is serious scope for fatigue to set in if the same underlying theme continues. Nevertheless, there were few trends that caught everyone’s eye, like the seriously high number of hybrids on display, which is a sign that manufacturers can work around the diesel ban in Delhi, were it to get extended. SUV coupes from Mahindra and Tata Motors as well as gearless two-wheel wonders like the Navi prove that manufacturers are willing to think out of the box. Over the next 16 pages, you will get a glimpse into the most important and relevant machines at the 2016 Auto Expo, and we hope the 2018 edition tries to make an attempt to become more relevant to the masses.
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
What is it? A sub-4 metre SUV
What’s new? Almost everything! The Vitara Brezza is designed and developed in India, using the knowledge India’s largest selling car-maker has gathered over the years. Even though the Vitara Brezza is sub 4-metre, everything on the car is trying to make this compact SUV look bigger – bold grille, large headlamps with bull-horn LEDs, large bumpers and cladding all around.
What’s under the hood? Power comes from the familiar 1.3-litre DDiS 200 engine, which features in the recently launched S-Cross, delivering 89 bhp of power and 20.4kgm of torque.
Launch date? March/April 2016
Competition check: Ford EcoSport, Mahindra TUV 3OO
Expected price? Rs 6 to 10 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS
What is it? Baleno with a new engine
What’s new? Shown as a concept, the Baleno RS is supposed to be (or so we hope) a hotter version of the current Baleno. Based on a new lightweight chassis, developed specifically for the Baleno RS, the car gets a new lip spoiler, RS logo stitched on the seats in yellow and a body kit.
What’s under the hood? The new meat is here, when it comes to the Baleno RS. A brand new 3-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine which will produce 112 bhp and 17.5 kgm of torque.
Launch date? September/October 2016
Competition check : VW Polo TSI, Fiat Abarth Punto
Expected price? Rs 6 to 9 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
What is it? A compact SUV concept
What’s new? Based on the iM-4 Concept, which was shown at Geneva Motor Show last year, Maruti Suzuki brought the Ignis to India for the first time. This compact SUV also does its bit in looking the part. Squared headlamps with day time running lights, beefed up wheel arches and a large bumper with fog lamps give it the SUV-ish look. Maruti Suzuki plans to load this one up with features, including two-tone interior and a hill descent control.
What’s under the hood? We expect the Ignis to be powered by the 1.2-litre K-series and the 1.3-litre DDiS family
Launch date? September/October 2016
Competition check : Hyundai i20 Active, VW Cross Polo
Expected price? Rs 7 to 10 lakh
Chevrolet Beat Aktiv
What is it? A Beat-based crossover concept
What’s new? This is GM’s idea of a ‘soft-roader’. Based largely on the current Beat, the Beat Aktiv is a crossover which we expect will replace the Beat by 2017. The Beat Aktiv will be built on the same platform, GM’s M300, which is the same as the current generation Beat. The biggest change is the shift in the design language, giving the Beat Aktiv a bolder and fresher look.
What’s under the hood? Though details were not shared, we expect an improved version of the current engines being offered in the Beat.
Launch date? 2017
Competition check : Maruti Suzuki WagonR, Hyundai i10, Maruti Suzuki Swift
Expected price? Rs 4 to 6 lakh
Chevrolet Essentia
What is it? A sub 4-metre sedan by GM
What’s new? Meant only for the Indian market, the Essentia will be GM’s attempt at the growing sub 4-metre sedan segment. The Essentia, like the Beat Aktiv, will be sharing the same platform as the current generation Beat. The platform isn’t the only thing which the Essentia will share with the Beat – the front of the car and the interior also borrow some bits. The Essentia looks well proportioned, though, not something all cars in the sub 4-metre segment can claim.
What’s under the hood? GM is quiet on the engine options but we do expect options which will take the fight to the current competition.
Launch date? 2017
Competition check : Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Ford Figo Aspire, Hyundai Excent
Expected price? Rs 5 to 8 lakh
Honda BR-V
What is it? Honda’s representative in the mid-size SUV segment
What’s new? First things first, BR-V stands for Bold Runabout-Vehicle. Well, we agree with the bold part and Honda is confident it will do the running about well. Built on the Mobilio platform, the BR-V carries forward the looks of the CR-V with a Mobilio kind of profile. Equipped to seat seven with familiar Honda interiors, the BR-V might shake things up in the segment.
What’s under the hood? We expect a variation of the 1.5-litre Earth Dream diesel engine and the familiar 1.5-litre petrol engine from the City.
Launch date? Mid 2016
Competition check : Maruti Suzuki S Cross, Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster
Expected price? Rs 7 to 12 lakh
Honda Accord
What is it? Return of Honda’s flagship in India
What’s new? A lot of things, considering an update has been due for quite some time. The Accord, if you may recall, used to be the segment leader until India turned into a diesel loving country. Completely new exterior with LEDs, fog lamps and a luxurious interior with a 7-inch infotainment screen, powered driver’s seat, six airbags, hill assist – the works.
What’s under the hood? A diesel might be what the market wants under the Accord’s hood but Honda had a hybrid on display. We expect it to be the 2.0-litre unit which makes about 141 bhp and 12.2 kgm of torque, which gets boosted to 196 bhp with the hybrid combine.
Launch date? Late 2016
Competition check : Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb
Expected price? Rs 25 to 30 lakh
Tata Nexon
What’s it? A sub-4 metre SUV coupe; a first in its segment.
What’s new? First shown in concept guise at the 2014 Auto Expo, the production Nexon retains most of the lines of the original concept, with the headlamps and the front fascia recipients of the biggest changes (less swoopy, more in your face). The front bumper, too, receives new slats, ensuring it comes across as an SUV rather than a pumped-up coupe. It’s based on the X1 platform that underpins the Tata Zest.
What’s under the hood? A brand new four-cylinder diesel engine will make its way into the Nexon. This 1.5-litre motor produces 108 bhp and a shade over 26 kgm of peak torque, a serious upgrade from the 89 bhp, 20.4 kgm Multijet diesel. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, it will eventually replace the Multijet across the range in coming years. A slightly more powerful version of the 1.2-litre Revotron turbo petrol with about 89 bhp and 14.2 kgm, mated to a 5-speed manual will also be offered.
Launch date? Mid to late-2016.
Competition check: Ford EcoSport, Mahindra TUV 3OO, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
Expected price? Rs 7 to 11 lakh
Tata Kite 5
What’s it? A sub-four metre sedan that will sit under the Tata Zest and replaces the Indigo CS.
What’s new? Essentially a Zica with a boot, the Kite 5 could be the cheapest sub 4-metre sedan in the country when it goes on sale. It’s also probably the best looking of the lot, thanks to the Zica’s shorter dimensions that allow for a better integrated boot. Designed by Salil Kulkarni, a budding young designer and his team under Pratap Bose’s guidance, it’s a nice amalgamation of clean lines and practicality.
What’s under the hood? The tried and tested 1.2-litre Revotron motor with 84 bhp and 11.5 kgm of peak torque will provide motive power if petrol is your choice of fuel. Else, there’s the 1.05-litre three-cylinder diesel from the Tiago with 70 bhp and a healthy dose of torque. Five-speed manuals are standard while the diesel might get an AMT option, too.
Launch date? Second-half of 2016.
Competiton check: Maruti Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, Mahindra KUV100.
Expected price? Rs 4.2 to 6 lakh
Tata Hexa
What’s it? A re-touched up Aria to give it a second lease of life.
What’s new? A thorough facelift of the Aria, the Hexa is an attempt to let go of its MPV image and develop truer crossover cred. First shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015, its flared arches, cladding, projector headlamps with daytime LEDs, redesigned tail-lamps, grille and bumpers enhance its appeal. In fact, some of the additional changes over the Geneva Show car give it a higher road presence. A revised interior with a new instrument binnacle, air-vents, changes to the centre console give the car an air of premiumness.
What’s under the hood? A revised 2.2-litre, 154 bhp/40.5 kgm Varicor diesel motor from the updated Safari Storme, with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed auto option. The latter is likely to be sourced from General Motors. It even gets four driving modes: Automatic, Comfort, Dynamic and Rough Road.
Launch date? March-April 2016.
Competition check: Toyota Innova Crysta, Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and Lodgy.
Expected price? Rs 13 to 18 lakh
VW Ameo
What’s it? A sub-4 metre sedan and more importantly, finally a relevant product from VW in the sub-Rs 10 lakh segment.
What’s new? Actually, not much. It’s a VW Polo with a boot stuck on it and not a shortened Vento as some of us had come to expect. The large boot makes it practical, while the interior space is strictly okay! Rest of it is pretty much the usual Polo/Vento fare, apart from new tail-lamps, although VW insists that a slightly revised front-end might make its way at the time of launch.
What’s under the hood? The staple fair of Polo and Vento motors – a 1.2-litre petrol, the 1.2 TSI mated to the DSG and the 1.5-litre diesel with both manual and DSG variants. Power outputs are identical to the Polo/Vento.
Launch date? Second-half 2016.
Competition check: Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Tata Zest, Hyundai Xcent, Ford Figo Aspire, Honda Amaze.
Expected price? Rs 6 to 9 lakh
VW Tiguan and Passat GTE
What’s it? A premium SUV and a hybrid sedan, neither of which have been offered in India from VW, until now!
What’s new? The Tiguan is completely new and strangely we won’t get the car shown at the Auto Expo. Rather, a new seven-seat version with a longer wheelbase that will make its way to India in 2017. With its production facility in Mexico and an assembly plant in India, the Tiguan is likely to be powered by both petrol and diesel options. The Passat GTE, on the other hand, will be VW’s first hybrid in India and could pave the way for more hybrids from the German manufacturer.
What’s under the hood? The Tiguan is likely to get the 1.8-litre, 177 bhp TSI motor and a 2.0-litre diesel with at least 150 ponies. The GTE’s combined power of 215 bhp is thanks to its 164 bhp, 1.4-litre TSI powertrain being helped by a 113 bhp electric motor.
Launch date? Tiguan – 2017. Passat GTE – End-2016.
Competition check: Tiguan – Hyundai Santa Fe, Passat GTE – Toyota Camry hybrid.
Expected price? Tiguan – Rs 27-35 lakh, Passat GTE – Rs 40-45 lakh
POLO GTI
What’s it? A very fast hatch, a genuine hot hatch with a not-so-eye-watering price tag.
What’s new? It looks the same on the outside, except that it gets three doors instead of five, a dash of red on the grille, a few more accoutrements and GTI badging front and back. On the inside, there’s the usual chequered seats, flat bottomed steering, more GTI badges and just a couple of trim changes. What’s actually changed is what’s right under that bonnet.
What’s under the hood? A 1.8-litre TSI motor with a 7-speed DSG and nearly 200 bhp! A 0-100 kph time of under 7 seconds and a top whack way north of 200 kph. Still thinking?
Launch date? Late-2016.
Competition check: Mini Cooper S, Fiat 500 Abarth.
Expected price? Rs 20-23 lakh
Mahindra XUV Aero
What’s it? Mahindra’s answer to the madness surrounding sports activity coupes.
What’s new? It’s a concept for now, designed in-house, with the concept execution by Pininfarina, its latest acquisition. It gets suicide doors for the rear, but whether it’ll make it to production, we’ll have to see. Sure, Mahindra was out to gauge public response with the Aero and it looks like they may just make it.
What’s under the hood? Expect the usual 2.2-litre diesel (maybe the new 1.99-litre by the time it goes into production) with both manual and automatic boxes. There is a petrol version for the XUV for export markets with an automatic and we think it’ll be offered as well.
Launch date? Sometime in 2017, probably.
Competiton check: None, actually.
Expected price? Rs 17-21 lakh
Toyota Innova Crysta
What’s it? The second-generation Innova that’s bigger and better.
What’s new? The new Innova Crysta (as it’s called now) has grown in proportions, gets a new design language and a host of new features, both inside and out. A wider grille with chrome slats, sharper and slimmer headlamps, Renault Espace-like D-pillar treatment and wider tail-lamps. On the inside, too, it gets a new 7.1-inch touchscreen, faux wood and faux aluminium bits and a ‘waterfall’ design for the dash.
What’s under the hood? A new 2.4-litre motor with nearly 150 bhp replaces the older 102 bhp 2.5-litre unit, replete with 5-speed manual transmission. A new 2.8-litre diesel with a six-speed auto as well as a potential 2.7-litre petrol will also be offered.
Launch date? Second-half 2016.
Competiton check: Renault Lodgy, Mahindra Xylo
Expected price? Rs 12-20 lakh
Toyota Prius
What’s it? The fourth-gen Prius that’s on its way to India
What’s new? Based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the Prius is lighter and dynamically superior to its predecessor, also helped by the fact that it’s stiffer and has a lower centre of gravity. New front and rear suspension have also helped make the car better to drive and is packed with features like lane-departure warning, pre-collision system, radar-guided cruise control, etc.
What’s under the hood? The same 1.8-litre, four-cylinder VVT-i petrol motor does duty and has been reworked to improve fuel economy by 18 per cent and thermal efficiency by 40 per cent. With 97 bhp from the petrol motor and 73 bhp from the electric motor, performance should be more than adequate.
Launch date? Late-2016
Competition check: Toyota Camry hybrid, VW Passat GTE
Expected price? Rs 35-40 lakh
JAGUAR XE
What’s it?
Jaguar’s baby saloon that is wowing the motoring press and customers alike.
What’s new? It’s Jaguar’s second entry-exec sedan since the X-Type, but with rear-wheel drive and class-leading features like an all-aluminium construction, double wishbone suspension up front, new interiors, a new infotainment system and lots of quality bits.
What’s under the hood? For India, there’s just two petrol motors for now – a ‘pedestrian’ 200 bhp version called Pure and a sportier 25t trim called Portfolio with 238 bhp. Both get ZF’s brilliant 8-speed auto.
Launch date? Already on sale
Competition check: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Volvo S60
Priced at? Rs 39.9-46 lakh
Jaguar F-Pace
What’s it? Jaguar’s first crossover, with more in store.
What’s new? Everything, right from concept to platform. It uses the same new platform as the new XE/XF, with the body-in-white being identical to the XF, right up to the B-pillar. Like them, it’s primarily built using aluminium and is offered with an electronic AWD system with capability of providing 100 per cent power to either front or back. It also borrows all the new bits and bobs from the XE/XF.
What’s under the hood? A new, 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel motor with 178 bhp will form the base of the range, with a 296 bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel and a 375 bhp V6 S supercharged petrol at the very top.
Launch date? Late-2016/early-2017
Competition check: Porsche Macan, Audi Q5, BMW X3
Expected price? Rs 65 lakh onwards
BMW 7 Series
What’s it? The pinnacle of the BMW range, to take on the equivalent Germans.
What’s new? On the face of it there isn’t much new, but there will be incremental design changes for the new 7 series. There’s a bigger grille, and a power dome for the hood as well. The inside is where a lot of new toys will be made available – try gesture control, for one. That means you merely need to wave your hand in front of the screen instead of touching it. There will also be a rear entertainment package with tablets that double up as screens, and they can be used to control certain functions of the car as well.
What’s under the hood? The staple will be the 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine with two power outputs. The 730 will offer 258 bhp and the 740, 300 bhp. Expect the 750Li with the twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine and 407 bhp to hold the fort for the petrol market. The full-fat 760Li with its V12 engine will be brought in as a CBU once it makes its European debut. All variants will feed power to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Launch date? 2016-2017 (760Li).
Competition check : Mercedes-Benz S Class, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ, Porsche Panamera.
Expected price? Rs 1-1.5 crore
BMW X1
What’s it? The entry-level SUV from the BMW brand.
What’s new? Remember the days when we rubbished the X1 for its estate-car looks and lack of interior space? Well, those days are no more. It has changed in every imaginable way – it is primarily a front-drive car now, and it shares its platform with the Mini, so handling is never in any doubt. It has grown wider and taller, but the new engine and drive layout mean that much more space is available within a shorter overall length. Styling is also much more aggressive and it looks like a mini X3, meaning that its styling woes are over.
What’s under the hood? The usual steady diet of a 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel engine with different power outputs and the option of all-wheel drive. Expect a 148 bhp FWD variant, and a 190 bhp xDrive AWD variant. Both will put their power down through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Launch date? Early 2016.
Competition check : Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3.
Expected price?
Rs 30-40 lakh
Audi R8
What’s it? A mid-engined supercar that can be used every day.
What’s new? The evolution of the details – where the outgoing R8 was curves and graceful lines, the new one is sharp angles and creases. It has a lot more aggression than before. There’s a new interior as well, with cleaner lines and an LCD instrument cluster. The same screen displays all the car information via the current gen MMI system, and the steering wheel has sprouted more buttons, including the start/stop button. The shift lever is now an electronic one and takes the shape of a speedboat’s throttle lever.
What’s under the hood? A 5.2-litre V10 motor in two states of tune, depending on whether you choose the regular R8 or the V10 Plus. The former nets you 540 bhp, and the latter, 610 bhp. Top speed is a claimed 323 kph and 330 kph, with the 100 kph mark coming up in 3.5 or 3.2 seconds.
Launch date? Early 2016
Competition check: Mercedes AMG GT S, Porsche 911 Turbo S, BMW i8.
Expected price? Rs 2-2.5 crore
Audi A4
What’s it? The smallest of the premium premium Audis. If that makes sense.
What’s new? The weight. The styling might be evolutionary, but the weight has gone down by up to 120 kg in certain variants. There’s a ‘virtual cockpit’ display as an optional extra, an improved MMI system with a larger screen, a head-up display, and wireless charging for your phone. The styling update also brings it up to the mark with respect to the rest of the range.
What’s under the hood? What’s sure for India is the 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel engine. This generates 185 bhp and should satisfy most owners. For those who want more, the 3.0-litre diesel with 215 bhp should be adequate. There is also a slim possibility of the 1.4 TFSI from the Jetta being launched, to maintain a low starting price point.
Launch date? Mid to late-2016.
Competition check : Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Jaguar XE, Volvo S60.
Expected price? Rs 35-45 lakh
Audi RS7 Performance
What’s it? The fastest way to make your family carsick.
What’s new? The steroid injection that the RS7 has. It has all the requisite RS cues: aluminium mirror housings, large wheels, an electric blue paint job. The real story is under the hood.
What’s under the hood? There’s 553 bhp from a 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine. There’s a performance quattro AWD system that funnels 60 per cent of the torque to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission, and that means 100 kph comes up in a pupil-dilating 3.9 seconds. When you’re just cruising, however, the cylinder-on-demand shuts down one bank, making it a four-cylinder car and saving a lot of fuel in the process. Talk about having your performance and fuel efficiency as well!
Launch date? Late 2016-2017.
Competition check : Porsche Panamera.
Expected price?
Rs 1.5-1.8 crore
Mercedes-Benz GLC
What’s it? The erstwhile ML Class. Go figure.
What’s new? The name, for one. The new nomenclature at Stuttgart is expected to tell you that it is an SUV (‘GL’) that is based on the E Class platform (‘E’). It looks similar to the outgoing SUV, but of course there are new styling elements like the integrated bull bar. The interior is a mix of the outgoing model and the MFA models like the A Class, but the overall standards of quality haven’t changed. There’s different ambient lighting, a rear seat entertainment package and an updated COMAND system.
What’s under the hood? Indian customers can choose between a 2.0-litre four-pot diesel with 203 bhp and a 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 258 bhp. Both engines will lay their power down to all four wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission and Merc’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Expect the AMG version to debut later, with a rip-snorting 525 bhp and the voice of God emanating from the exhaust pipes.
Launch date? Early 2016 – 2017 (AMG).
Competition check : BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60.
Expected price? Rs 60-70 lakh
Mercedes S-Cabrio
What’s it? An S-Class that can go topless.
What’s new? The roof – the cabriolet is essentially the S-Class coupe with an electrically folding soft top. This roof can be folded away in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 60 kph. You can also fold it away using the key fob – a useful party trick!
What’s under the hood? A V8 petrol engine, of course. This engine displaces 4.7 litres, and generates 455 bhp. Power is fed to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission – all these are shared with the other variants of the S-Class, especially the Coupe.
Launch date? Late 2016.
Competition check : Bentley Continental GT convertible.
Expected price? Rs 2.3-2.8 crore
Mercedes G500 4×42
What’s it? A Gelandewagen that’s crazy even without the crazy colour.
What’s new? It isn’t really a G-wagen at all, this. It’s actually the 6×6 (remember that monstrosity?) minus the rear most axle, but it retains all the other features. So you can have yourself 22-inch wheels that’ll make any rapper envious, or 18-inch beadlock ones that if fitted with off-road tyres, will allow you to wade through water that is one metre deep.
What’s under the hood? The same 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 that propels the AMG GT S. Here it makes 416 bhp and a mountain of torque. A seven-speed transmission feeds all four wheels for a 0-100 kph time of 5.7 seconds and the car tops out at 210 kph. That isn’t it: there are three locking differentials on the driveline (including the centre diff) and ground clearance is a truck-shaming 450mm.
Launch date? Late 2016
Competition check : There is none
Expected price? If you have to ask…
Mercedes S-Guard Maybach
What’s it? An exclusive limo that cossets you while you run from the baddies.
What’s new? Besides the looks? Every single thing. It needs to be new – with a VR10 ballistics rating, this car weighs so much, you need the stronger door hinges and more powerful electric window motors. You need the large engine. You also need to remain inconspicuous – therefore the sleeper look. Nobody will ever know you’re in an armoured Maybach unless they see the thickness of the window glasses. All this, and if you want better protection, you’ll have to upgrade to a military vehicle.
What’s under the hood? A 6.0-litre biturbo V12 that powers the rear wheels with 530 bhp. It sounds like a lot, but it also has a lot of work to do to shift that much weight. It puts it down via an automatic transmission – and we can assure you, this is one of the few applications where the engine needs to keep running even if people are using assault rifles to stop it.
Launch date? Late 2016.
Competition check
:Private army, infantry carrier.
Expected price?
We can’t think of so many zeroes at the same time.
Jeep comes to India
What is it? The original off road junkie.
What’s new? After a long wait, Jeep officially announced its entry into the Indian market. On sale will be the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Edition, the Grand Cherokee and the smoking Grand Cherokee SRT. Good news is that by 2017, there will be a new model which will be assembled in India. Something affordable for the Jeep enthusiasts, we hope.
What’s under the hood? The SRT comes with a big 6.4-litre motor that will churn out 470 bhp, while the regular Grand Cherokee will get a 3.0-litre CRD motor with 240 bhp. The 3.0-litre V6 Pentastar petrol option might be offered later. The Wrangler will come with a 2.8-litre turbo diesel motor.
Launch date? Mid 2016.
Competition check : The German SUV brigade.
Expected price?
Rs 35-70 lakh; Close to Rs 1 crore for the SRT
Nissan GT-R
What is it? Godzilla is here.
What’s new? Even though this one will be replaced soon globally, Nissan brought the GT-R to India finally. The 911 Turbo challenger comes with all the things that matter – not gadgets and gizmos, but an all-wheel drive, multiple driving modes and a dual clutch transmission. How can we not mention the top speed? Only 315 kph.
What’s under the hood? A hand-made 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 that blows your mind with 545 bhp and 46.3 kgm of torque.
Launch date? Late 2016.
Competition check : Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8.
Expected price? Rs 1.75-2 crore
Nissan X-Trail
What is it? Third generation of Nissan’s soft-roader.
What’s new? Nissan’s previous outing with the X-Trail didn’t exactly make a splash. But this time the X-Trail is well prepared. Featuring Nissan’s new design language, the new X-Trail bears very little resemblance to its predecessors. Exterior and interiors have been refreshed to make the X-Trail look more modern and contemporary. The Hybrid variant will come to India as well.
What’s under the hood? The 2.0-litre hybrid motor is what we are expecting in the X-Trail, which will make 147 bhp and 20.7 kgm of torque.
Launch date? Late 2016.
Competition check : Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V.
Expected price?
Rs 30-35 lakh
Datsun Go-Cross
What is it? A cool concept based on the Go.
What’s new? This one could actually change Datsun’s image of being perceived as a maker of inexpensive cars. Based on the Datsun Go, the Go-Cross was first shown as a concept at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. With the ever increasing interest in the sub 4-metre segment, this could be a good option for Datsun to bring in. The Go-Cross concept featured some cool bits like LEDs, matte black cladding and chunky wheels.
What’s under the hood? We expect different tunes of the current engine options on the Go/Go+.
Launch date? TBC.
Competition check : Ford EcoSport, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
Expected price?
Rs 5-8 lakh
Hyundai Tucson
What is it? Santa Fe’s younger cousin.
What’s new? Everything, if you compare it to the previous generation Tucson which was sold in India. This mid-size SUV from Hyundai seems to have benefitted big time from the Fluidic design language. The Tucson now looks a part of the Hyundai family and even in terms of size, it is very apparent that it sits between the Creta and the Santa Fe.
What’s under the hood? The 2.0-litre turbo diesel is expected in the Tucson.
Launch date? September/October 2016.
Competition check : Mahindra XUV, Ssangyong Rexton.
Expected price?
Rs 16-20 lakh
Ford Mustang
What is it? The iconic pony car.
What’s new? Since 1964, this is the first time the Mustang is being made in RHD and the good folks at Ford India did not waste any time to bring it to India. The latest generation is a great combination of the retro classic looks and modern technology.
What’s under the hood? India will get the real muscle, and not the Ecoboost, which is a 5.0-litre V8 which makes 420 bhp and 52.9 kgm of torque.
Launch date? Mid 2016.
Competition check : Audi TT, BMW Z4.
Expected price? Rs 65-70 lakh
