New Hatchbacks for 2016

In 2016, the hatchback segment is expected to see a number of launches, from mainstream models like the Tata Zica and Suzuki Ignis to more premium offerings such as the VW Polo GTI and the new Mini Clubman and Convertible.
Featured here are the hatchbacks – new and facelifted – expected to head to our shores soon.

MARUTI  SUZUKI IGNIS

Here’s a simple formula: hatchback size, a beefy, jacked-up stance, and easy-on-the-wallet price tag. Sounds pretty interesting, right? The Renault Kwid did it first and the Datsun RediGo will soon. So, of course, the king of the small cars, Maruti, has something planned too. The Suzuki Ignis makes for an interesting compact crossover, heavily borrowing styling cues from its concept, the IK-4. Based on a new platform, the Ignis, upon its launch in India, will likely be powered by Maruti’s familiar 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel powerplants.

Coming: End 2016
Est Price: ₹ 4-5 lakh
Engine(s): 1.2 P, 1.3 D
Rivals: Hyundai Eon, Datsun Go

DATSUN REDIGO

After a lukewarm response to the Go, Datsun’s next attempt holds a lot more promise. It’s an Alto 800 rival based on the RediGo concept, and will use the same underpinnings as its capable cousin, the Renault Kwid, as well as its 799cc engine. It will also sport crossover-like styling like the Kwid, but is expected to look sufficiently distinctive, with the Datsun family face, and borrowing significantly from its concept car’s design. Going by Datsun’s lower position in the Alliance hierarchy, expect an even more aggressive price than the Kwid’s.

Coming: Mar 2016
Est Price: ₹ 2.5-3 lakh
Engine(s): 0.8 P
Rivals: Maruti Alto 800, Hyundai Eon, Renault Kwid

MARUTI ALTO 800 FACELIFT

With a strong rival in the recently launched Renault Kwid, Maruti wants to cement the Alto’s top spot with a facelift. The updated Alto 800 will not only offer improved fuel efficiency, but could also add an AMT automatic to the package. Other changes are likely to be minor, with redesigned bumpers and lamps, and a bit more kit too. The big news could be the addition of the Celerio’s diesel engine, which will be a huge trump card.

Coming: End 2015
Est Price: ₹ 2.5-3.8 lakh
Engine(s): 0.8 P, 0.8 D
Rivals: Hyundai Eon, Renault Kwid, Tata Nano

TATA ZICA

Codenamed Kite, this pair of all-new models, designed from the ground up, will replace the ageing Indica and Indigo eCS. Designed by Tata’s European Technical Centre (TMETC), the new Kite hatchback and compact sedan are set to get all-new styling that is a big departure from existing Tata cars. They will also get new engines – a 1.05-litre diesel, a three-cylinder version of the company’s 1.4-litre DiCOR motor, and an all-new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol unit. The Kite hatch will rival the likes of the Maruti Celerio and the Wagon R, while the Kite sedan will be positioned below the Zest in the sub-four-metre sedan segment.

Coming: Jan 2016
Est price: ₹ 3.5-5.5 lakh
Engine: 1.2 P, 1.0 D
Rivals: Maruti Celerio

MINI NEW CLUBMAN & CONVERTIBLE

These days, Minis are getting less and less ‘mini’, and the new Clubman is the biggest Mini yet. It’s the second generation of Mini’s estate car, and this time, it has six doors - the boot is accessed via two conventional hinged doors. Engine options overseas include 135bhp 1.5-litre and 190bhp 2.0-litre petrol motors (the latter for the Clubman S), along with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel motor. As ever with a Mini, the Clubman is high on style and retro charm, but it’s also the most practical Mini ever. Plus, the next-gen Mini convertible could join the India range later in 2016.

Coming: Feb 2016
Est price: ₹ 35-38 lakh
Engine(s): 1.5 P, 2.0 P, 1.5 D
Rivals: Mercedes-Benz GLA

VOLKSWAGEN POLO GTI

India is finally warming to hot hatches, and the biggest punch will come from Volkswagen next year. With 189bhp from its 1.8-litre TSI engine, the Polo GTI is capable of doing 0-100kph in under seven seconds, thanks in part to a quick seven-speed DSG gearbox. It won’t come cheap though, with prices expected around ₹ 17 lakh. Not a car you’d buy with your sensible hat on then, but for true-blue enthusiasts, it’ll be worth it.

Coming: Mid 2016
Est price: ₹ 17 lakh
Engine(s): 1.8 P
Rivals: Abarth Punto

MARUTI WAGON R MPV

Low-cost, sub-four-metre, seven-seaters could be the next big ‘small’ thing in India. We’ve seen the Datsun Go+ and the Mahindra Quanto, and next up, Maruti will likely bring in its seven-seat WagonR. It’s unchanged until you reach the C-pillar, after which it stretches past the rear wheel arch to fit another row of seats. The best part – it will likely still be less than four metres long. Expect the 1.0-litre K10 engine to continue, but don’t be surprised if Maruti plonks the 0.8-litre diesel in there too.

Coming: Mid 2016
Est price: ₹ 4.5-6 lakh
Engine(s): 1.0 P, 0.8 D
Rivals: Datsun Go+

New Sedans for 2016

Its been a long time since I last published an article...I'm back with a list of new sedans that are to launched in India in the upcoming year.
In 2016, the sedan segment is expected to see a number of launches, from mainstream models like the Volkswagen Polo compact sedan and new Toyota Etios to more premium offerings such as the next-gen Mercedes E-class, new Skoda Superb and new BMW 7-series. Featured here are the sedans expected to head to our shores soon.

Volkswagen Polo Sedan

Don’t be confused, this is not the Vento. It is in fact a compact sedan derived by adding a boot to the shorter-wheelbase Polo hatch. Due in April next year, this new sedan could revive the ‘Bora’ name in VW’s line-up. It will borrow its mechanical bits from its hatchback sibling, namely the 1.2-litre MPI and TSI petrol engines, the latter with the seven-speed DSG  transmission, and the 1.5-diesel too. However, it won’t be competing aggressively on price, and you can expect fully loaded versions to be a little more expensive than rivals.

Expected Launch: Apr 2016
Est price: ₹ 6-10 lakh
Engine(s): 1.2 P, 1.5 D
Rivals: Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze, Ford Figo Aspire.

New Toyota Etios

The Toyota Etios hatch and sedan will flaunt an all-new look next year. The cars have been around for five years now and haven’t taken the market by storm, their dull looks being a big deterrent. The new Etioses will get a completely new ‘top hat’ and will bear little resemblance to the robust but boxy shape of the current model. However, it will remain unchanged mechanically.

Expected Launch: End 2016
Est price: ₹ 6-9 lakh
Engine(s): 1.2 P, 1.5 P, 1.4 D
Rivals: Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze

New Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai is all set to up the ante in the executive sedan space with its new Elantra. The sixth-gen Elantra is a good 20mm longer, and 25mm wider, so expect more cabin space. The interiors see improved soft-touch materials all around, besides the new driver-centric cockpit and a more ergonomic dashboard. Like all new Hyundais, the Elantra comes with a host of engine options: a 147bhp, 2.0-litre petrol, and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, producing 130 and 134bhp respectively. Transmission options too include six-speed manuals and automatics, as well as the option of an all-new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.



Expected Launch: Early 2016
Est price: ₹ 14-18 lakh
Engine(s): 1.6 P, 2.0 P, 1.6 D
Rivals: Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta

New Honda Accord

After a brief absence, Honda will bring the Accord back to India as the ninth-generation model. Its strengths of solid mechanicals, strong performance and reliability remain, only now there’s more tech and space on the inside too. It’s still petrol only though, with a more powerful 2.4-litre motor, but a hybrid version could be introduced later on.

Coming: Mar 2016
Est price: ₹ 28-30 lakh
Engine(s): 2.4 P
Rivals: Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb

New Skoda Superb

Skoda’s flagship luxury saloon, the Superb, will soon be back in an all-new avatar. The third-gen Superb builds on the strengths of its predecessor, which stood out for its segment-defying rear legroom. The Superb is now based on the more advanced MQB platform and will come to India with an updated set of familiar four-cylinder engines – the 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI. The top-of-the-line Laurin & Klement trim is likely to come here, with bi-xenon headlights, an electronic tailgate, leather-heated seats, keyless entry and an even larger 8.0-inch touchscreen system.

Coming: Feb 2016
Est price:₹ 27-30 lakh
Engine(s): 1.8 P, 2.0 D
Rivals: VW Passat, Honda Accord

New Volkswagen Passat

The last Passat, though incredibly capable, proved too expensive for the badge it wore, and was discontinued. Oddly enough, the new car will be even more expensive when it launches next year, but it will also pack in loads more luxury. The eighth-gen Passat is bigger, more luxurious, more stylish and more capable. Expected in India with a 187bhp, 2.0-litre diesel unit, married to a six-speed DSG gearbox, VW shall once again pit the Passat against fancier-badged luxury rivals. Truth be told, it could give any of them a run for their money.

Coming: Feb 2016
Est price: ₹ 30-35 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 D
Rivals: Skoda Superb, Audi A4, BMW 3-series

New Audi A4

It may not immediately look it, but this is the all-new Audi A4. Look closely and you’ll note sharper styling that’s in line with Audi’s crisp new design language. Interestingly, the new A4 is lighter than the model it replaces, despite being larger than it. As with all new Audis, the A4’s tech-loaded interior is the talking point. The cabin looks cutting edge but it will be interesting to see if Audi launches the A4 with the ‘virtual cockpit’ high-res digital instrument’s display in India. Audi’s 2.0-litre TDI engine will be the mainstay of the range, though the 2.0 TFSI turbo-petrol and 3.0 TDI diesel engine could also be headed our way.

Coming: Mar 2016
Est price:₹ 35-42 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 P, 2.0 D, 3.0 D
Rivals: BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-class, Volvo S60

Volvo S60 Cross Country

SUVs are the ‘in’ thing, so much so that even budget hatchbacks try to emulate them. Bet you’ve never seen a cross sedan before, right? Meet the S60 Cross Country – a jacked-up sedan that can go off the beaten track. When it comes to India, it will get a 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine and AWD. So not quite Dakar material, but you’ll be quickest through the monsoon potholes.

Coming: Early 2016
Est price: ₹ 45 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 D
Rivals: None

Jaguar XE

The XE will make Jaguar a lot more accessible in a sea of German competitors. The muscular-looking sedan balances sporty and luxurious deftly and also packs in loads of new tech. At its core is an all-aluminium chassis, a segment first, and at its heart is a brand new, very refined 2.0-litre diesel motor. You’ll also get a 2.0-litre petrol and hopefully V6 petrol, and diesel options will follow. And it will be assembled here from day one, so you can expect a competitive price. The entry luxury sedan segment is no longer a three-horse race.

Coming: End 2015
Est price: ₹ 38-40 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 P, 2.0 D
Rivals: BMW 3-series, Audi A4

New Jaguar XF

While the current XF is really showing its age now, the new one promises a tough challenge to Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.  The second-generation XF is roomier, lighter and more frugal than its predecessor. It is also far more technologically advanced than the earlier car. Inside, the XF features a far more contemporary design language. It comes with a 10.2-inch ‘dual-view’ touchscreen and JLR’s latest multimedia system, known as InControl Touch Pro. A 50:50 weight distribution allows the XF to be more driver-focussed without sacrificing comfort and ride quality. Jaguar will use the XE’s 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol motors, both mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. There is also a tweaked version of  the familiar twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel, now offering a solid 296bhp. Topping the range for now is the F-Type’s 375bhp supercharged V6, but a V8-powered XFR can’t be too far down the line.

Coming: Apr 2016
Est price: ₹50-60 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 P, 3.0 P, 2.0 D, 3.0 D
Rivals: BMW 5-series, Mercedes-Benz E-class, Audi A6

New BMW 7-series

BMW seems to have had enough playing second fiddle to the Mercedes-Benz S-class. It’s given everything and more to make the new 7-series as complete as can be. It’s larger than before, loaded with even more tech (it can be had with gesture-controlled menus!), and is lighter too thanks in part to the use of carbon-fibre in the body. Space and comfort also are a step up from the earlier car. Indian buyers may be most interested in its rear seats, but in true BMW tradition, the new 7-series is designed to be exciting to drive too. The 5.8 second 0-100kph time for the India-bound 730Ld (a 261bhp, 3.0-litre diesel) promises a really fast journey to the boardroom for potential owners. If petrol is your thing, there’s also the silken smooth 444bhp, 4.4-litre V8-powered 750Li.

Coming: Feb 2016
Est price: ₹ 1-1.5 crore
Engine(s): 4.4 P, 3.0 D
Rivals: Mercedes-Benz S-class, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ

New Mercedes-Benz E-class

It’s usually the flagship S-class that spearheads Mercedes’ new tech, but this time, the smaller E-class is packing a host of new stuff too. Automatic evasive steering and automated parking are expected to be just a small part of the package. Sharing its Modular Rear -drive Architecture (MRA) underpinnings with the C-class, the new E-class will be lighter than the outgoing model, and will borrow heavily in terms of styling from that car and the bigger S-class. Today’s engines will continue, but will later be replaced by more advanced new engines. There’s even word that an ultra-luxurious Maybach version of the E-class with a longer wheelbase is on the cards.

Coming: End 2016
Est price:₹ 50-60 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 P, 2.1 D, 3.0 D
Rivals: BMW 5-series, Audi A6

Mercedes CLA facelift with AMG

Except for the front bumper and lights, styling changes on the CLA facelift will be minimal. Bigger changes, like the A-class facelift, are under the skin in the form of better interiors, more frugal engines and more tech. The top-of-the-line AMG CLA 45’s 355bhp output, already one of the most powerful for a four-cylinder car, is now up to a manic 376bhp.The CLA, like all new Mercs, will receive a new badging style for diesel models.

Coming: Diwali 2016
Est price: ₹ 32-37 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 P, 2.1 D
Rivals: Audi A3

Jaguar XJ facelift

The British marque will freshen up its luxury limo for 2016. A few touches to the front bumper, new headlamps and larger alloys on the outside, Jaguar’s all-new eight-inch touchscreen-controlled InControl infotainment system, a 26-speaker, 1300W Meridian audio system on the interiors, and an updated, more powerful 296bhp, 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine are the few notable changes. Also on offer is a new XJ R-Sport version with a rear spoiler, sports seats and special trim on the inside.

Coming: End 2015
Est price:₹ 1-1.4 crore
Engine(s): 2.0 P, 3.0 P, 3.0 D
Rivals: BMW 7-series, Audi A8

BMW 3-series facelift

Three years after its India launch, BMW’s popular luxury sedan will get a very subtle update. There are mild styling tweaks at the front and rear, with the notable change being the optional full-LED headlamps. The engine line-up has been revised, but we’re likely to stick with the tried and tested 181bhp 2.0-litre diesel motor in the 320d. Overseas, however, there are also new petrol motors including a 181bhp or 248bhp four-cylinder and the 322bhp, six-cylinder 340i.

Coming: End 2015
Est price: ₹ 38-45 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 P, 2.0 D
Rivals: Mercedes-Benz C-class, Audi A4, Volvo S60

Skoda Octavia RS

We’ve had RS versions of the Octavia and Laura in India, but the latest one is proving difficult for Skoda. The company is working hard to bring the new Octavia RS to India at a competitive price, but the new 2.0-litre TSI engine that punches out a stonking 217bhp will be quite expensive to bring here.
At an expected price of around Rs 30 lakh, the new Octavia RS will definitely be restricted to a more exclusive set of buyers than before, but for the real enthusiasts, that might be a price worth paying.

Coming: Mid 2016
Est price: ₹ 30 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 P
Rivals: Audi A3