13 new launches expected during the festive season
The months of September and October have special importance for the Indian automobile market. We Indians have a number of national, as well as regional festivals during this time, and needless to say, this is the harvesting season for automobile companies. We can expect a flood of new launches, facelifts and limited editions to woo customers. We have compiled some of them…
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
Forget the miserable story of the Kizashi, the Ciaz is all set to write a success story which Maruti Suzuki has mastered with their hatchback models. Replacing the SX4 in their stable, the Ciaz has a big responsibility to make its own space in a segment which is the domain of the Honda City and Hyundai Elantra. Maruti Suzuki has already started accepting bookings and the launch is expected in mid-September with prices expected in the Rs 9–11 lakh bracket. The car will be equipped with petrol and diesel mills. The petrol engine is the same 1.4-litre K14 from the Ertiga with 91.2bhp at 6000rpm and 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm while the diesel motor is the 1.3-litre DDiS that makes 88.8bhp at 4000 rpm and 200Nm of torque at 1750rpm. Click to read our review here.
Renault Duster AWD
Renault has finally offered a four-wheel drive system with their popular compact SUV. Its USPs were a good diesel engine that offered performance and efficiency, great space and comfort, and an affordable price tag. The four-wheel drive version will be offered with the 1.5-liter K9K diesel engine in a higher state of tune, 108bhp, while the price is expected to range between Rs 12 to 13 lakh. We expect the launch next week. Already popular in the segment, it is expected to boost sales as off-road enthusiasts will now also have the Renault Duster AWD on their radar. Click to read our review here.
Skoda Yeti
Unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo, the new Yeti comes with Skoda’s modern design principles though the design is more angular and the lines, sharper. The striking fog lamp placed near the headlamp has been repositioned to the bumper in the new Yeti. The facelift will be available in two-wheel-drive and four wheel drive versions. The technical department will remain untouched with the same 2.0-litre TDI engine in two states of tune, delivering 109bhp for 4x2 version, and 138bhp for the 4X4 version. The official launch is expected on September 10th and a slight price increase can been be expected. TOD’s quick drive can be found here.
Mercedes-Benz E 350 CDI
Mercedes-Benz will expand their E-Class range with new E 350 CDI model scheduled to launch on September 11, 2014. The vehicle will be powered by a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine developing 262bhp and 620Nm of torque. The E 350 CDI will be positioned below E 63 AMG, the flagship E-Class. The engine will be mated a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The vehicle will be priced in the range of Rs 55- 60 lakh.
Lamborghini Huracan
The replacement for the largest selling vehicle for the Italian manufacturer, the Huracan, has already reached dealerships in India. The supercar manufacturer also conducted an event to display the Huracan to prospective customers recently. All this points to the launch being imminent. The supercar is powered by a 5.2 litre V10 engine developing 602bhp and 560Nm of torque mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Huracan needs just 3.2 seconds to zoom to 0–100kmph and reaches a top speed of 325kmph. Industry reports say the Lamborghini Huracan will have an ex-showroom price tag of nearly Rs 3.60 crore.
Fiat Avventura
Unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo, the rugged crossover version of the Punto is expected for an October 2014 launch. The Avventura will be priced between Rs 6–7 lakh and will be available with petrol and diesel engines. The diesel version will be equipped with the 1.3-litre MultiJet four-cylinder engine that develops 92bhp and 209Nm, while the petrol version is fitted with 1.4-litre FIRE naturally aspirated engine developing 89bhp and a peak torque of 115Nm. The Avventura, that competes against the Toyota Etios Cross and the Volkswagen CrossPolo, will boast an increase in ground clearance to 205mm from the Punto’s current 195mm. Further, the new roof rail, diamond-cut alloy wheels, and nudge guards accentuates the crossover’s off-road feel.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Another model showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo, the GLA will plug a hole in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, that of a small SUV. The GLA will be the fourth product to use the versatile MFA front-wheel drive platform after the A-Class, B-Class, and CLA, though this will have the option of all-wheel drive. It sports the brand’s new aggressive design language. The GLA possesses an A-Class style face, muscular shoulder line, and an aggressive rear end. Overall it exudes a rugged appeal with the high ground clearance. We expect engines to be borrowed from the A-Class, a 1.6-litre petrol producing 122bhp and a 2.1-litre diesel making 107bhp, both mated to 7-speed automatic twin-clutch transmissions. The launch is expected at the end of September and prices should be in the region of Rs 30 lakh.
BMW i8
It is quite clear that the i8 is the next big launch for BMW India this year. The manufacturer displayed its flagship offering in their recently launched ‘i’ range of cars, at the 2014 Auto Expo and the launch is likely to happen sometime in mid-October. A price north of Rs 1.5 crore is the estimation as they are being brought to our shores via the CBU route. The hybrid supercar is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-pot petrol powering the rear wheels, producing 228bhp, syncing with a 129bhp electric motor powering the front wheels, the car produces a combined 357bhp. This is good enough to take the hybrid from 0 to 100kmph in 4.4 seconds, all the way up to its electronically restricted top speed of 248kmph.
Audi A3 Cabriolet
Audi surprised everyone with the announcement that the A3 Cabriolet will be coming to India this year, along with the heavily anticipated A3 compact sedan. The sedan version has already been launched and the drop-top version is expected in early October. The convertible is a two-door, four- seater and utilizes the next-generation VW Group MQB platform. The A3 is quite a looker with all the traditional Audi design cues flowing into the A3 Cabriolet’s compact dimensions. The A3 Cabriolet will be available with the 1.8-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel engine sending power to the front wheels via a 7-speed S tronic transmission. Prices are expected between Rs 27 and 37 lakhs.
Volkswagen Vento facelift
Volkswagen’s mid-size sedan is expected to get a styling update akin to the one the new Polo hatchback got recently. Changes in exterior are expected to be minimal though it will give a fresher feel to the car which will compete against the Ciaz, City and Verna. The interior will also equipped with more features. The updated vehicle will feature the new 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine that is currently serving in the new Polo diesel though in the higher 103bhp state of tune. The petrol mills are expected to continue with the current 1.2-litre TSI engine mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox, and the 1.6-litre MPI engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The launch is expected in at the end of September and prices will go slightly north.
Skoda Rapid facelift
We liked the design of the Skoda Octavia which is based on sharp lines, are less curvy, and take styling cues from the VisionC concept. The new Rapid in international markets also comes with same styling and looks like the Octavia’s younger brother. However, it seems we have to wait a bit more to get that Rapid here. The updated Rapid, which is expected to launch, reportedly has no exterior changes compared to the current one. Blame it on badge engineering, though there are changes to the powertrain and the updated Rapid will employ the new 1.5 TDI turbo diesel that VW debuted with the Polo update in India. The engine is expected to belt out a 103.5bhp and 250Nm of torque and may be mated to a VW’s renowned dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox. The launch is expected at the end of September with prices hovering around Rs 10–11 lakh.
KTM RC 200/390
The much-awaited KTM RC 390 and RC 200 will debut on the 9th of September. Essentially full-faired versions of the Duke 390 and Duke 200 naked street bikes, the RC series is expected to be even more mental and track focused. While they will share the same engine parts, the frame has been revised giving the RC series a lithe and mean look. Adding to this race-focused look is the twin projector beams upfront and the seat that is designed to look like a cowl. Prices have not been revealed as yet but going by the cycle parts, we expect it to be priced at Rs 15 to 20 thousand over their naked cousins. This is one bike we can’t wait to get our hands on.
Suzuki Gixxer
Suzuki Motorcycle India’s self professed flagship motorcycle, the Gixxer, boasts of a refined 155cc mill that puts out 14.6bhp (highest in class) and 14Nm of shove, comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox as opposed to the 6-speed unit on their other 150cc offering — the GS150R. To be launched on the 9th of September, the bike is sure to give the competition the jitters. Prices are Rs 84,383 (on-road Mumbai). Expect quality parts coupled with class leading dynamics.
