Mahindra XUV 500 Coupe revealed.

Now that we have all warmed up to the idea of a coupe-SUV, thanks to BMW's X6 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, the first effort from Mahindra's Design Centre hits the right notes. This will be an extension to the XUV5OO family and its new flagship.

While no date has been announced for its launch, top executives present at the launch were clear on bringing this concept to life. "We will get this on the road", is what they said.

Designed in-house at their facility in Kandivali, Mumbai, the sloping rear roofline looks seamlessly integrated with the rest of the vehicle. Typically, the concept had only 4 seats but expect it to be a proper five-seater when it comes to a Mahindra showroom near you. Headroom at the rear will obviously be lesser than a regular XUV but interiors looked nicely done.

The dashboard sports a new instrument cluster with a large central touchscreen display that's vertically placed, like in the new Volvo XC90. Obviously, this will have all modern communication and entertainment features like Bluetooth Telephony, sat-nav and few mobile apps.

The Coupe concept features four-wheel drive and suspension modes - these are race, off-road, street and sport. A 207bhp mHawk engine, similar to the existing motor, powers the coupe-SUV but features a new turbo boost system which will help improve refinement, performance and efficiency.

Maruti Ignis to launch in India this Diwali

Maruti Suzuki has showcased the Ignis Concept at the 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi. The Ignis, unveiled internationally at the Tokyo motor show 2015, sports a large grille with encapsulated headlights, a clamshell bonnet with vents on the side as on the Vitara, and blacked-out A- and B-pillars. The wheel arches are flared, and the car rides on 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. It gets projector headlamps and some versions get LED units as seen on the concept.

 

The car also gets faux three-slat vents on the thick C-pillar as seen on the concept; they hark back to rear-engined Suzukis of the past like the Suzuki Cervo of the '70s. And while the nose looks modern, the rear is retro, both in the shape of the sloping hatch as well as the shape of the tail-lights that remind us of the original Maruti 800.

 

In international markets, the Ignis is powered by Suzuki’s 1.25-litre dual-jet petrol engine paired with the company’s SHVS mild-hybrid technology and an optional all-wheel-drive system. However, when it reaches our shores, the model is likely to use a 1.2-litre K12 petrol motor and a 1.3-litre diesel engine.

 

Maruti will launch the Ignis in India around the festive season and will retail the new car via Nexa dealerships. At the 2016 Auto Expo, along with the Ignis, Maruti has also showcased the Baleno RSconcept, a sportier version of the Baleno along with its EcoSport-rivalling Vitara Brezza SUV.

Renault duster Easy R AMT unveiled.

Renault has taken the wraps off its facelifted Duster which comes equipped with a new AMT gearbox. The 2016 edition of the popular compact SUV also features cosmetic changes, mainly in the fascia of the car – the headlamps and tail-lamps, the bumper and grille are all redesigned. It also gets newly designed alloy wheels.

 

Additional features on the Duster include restyled roof rails, LED tail-lamps, power folding wing mirrors, navigation system, automatic climate control, rear view camera, auto up/down windows and cruise control. 

 

The styling tweaks have been carried over from the facelifted Duster unveiled in Brazil earlier. This will be the first Renault-badged product to be offered with an automated manual gearbox, globally. 

 

The Easy-R AMT gearbox, which was displayed by Renault’s sister brand Dacia at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, will be offered instead of the DCT auto gearbox. While the DCT would have offered a smoother drive than the AMT, its cost was working out to a price tag higher by around Rs 2 lakh, according to company sources. The Duster Easy R AMT will come only with the Duster 110PS version. 

 

However, the Duster Easy R AMT will be priced significantly higher than the standard manual-gearbox equipped version. Renault will launch the updated Duster and the Duster Easy R this year. 

The all new Maruti Vitara Brezza launched

Maruti has taken the wraps off what's likely to be its most important offering this year, the Vitara Brezza compact SUV. The carmaker's entry to the sub-four-metre compact SUV segment, the Vitara Brezza has been developed from the grounds up in India. In fact, in Maruti Suzuki's own words, if the Baleno was considered a 'Make in India' product, the Vitara Brezza is a 'Create in India' product, and rightfully so with 98 percent of localisation!

Its proportions are what you'd expect from a compact SUV - 3,995mm long, 1,790mm wide and 1,640mm tall, with a 2,500mm wheelbase and an impressive ground clearance of 198mm. Less impressive, however, is its boot capacity, which at 328 litres, is less even than what you get in Maruti's own Baleno hatchback.

While the Vitara Brezza will be available in a number of trims with different levels of equipment, Maruti will also offer it with three different exterior styling themes - namely Glamour, Sporty and Urban - each of which offers different contrasting colours and accessories on the outside and in.

With this compact SUV, Maruti is keen on expanding its Vitara SUV brand, and the Vitara Brezza (Brezza means ‘Fresh Breeze’ in Italian) features styling borrowed from its larger sibling - just called Vitara - sold overseas. This project was spearheaded by C V Raman, executive director, R&D, Maruti Suzuki, who is also the chief engineer of the project.
 

One look at the Vitara Brezza’s styling confirms that it has all the ingredients to achieve the imposing stance of an SUV. Up front, the huge bumper along with a wide air dam takes centre stage. There are prominent housings for turn indicators and round fog lamps in the bumper. There’s a faux skid plate present too. The bold-looking grille is wide and comes with a broad brushed aluminium slat and a large Suzuki logo at the centre. It gets simple headlamps, which will house projector beam units and LED daytime running lights. The model gets a flat bonnet and blackened A-pillar, like the Swift.

Moving on to the sides, the Vitara Brezza sports squarish wheel arches along with BMW-like body cladding which runs along the wheelbase. It gets a strong shoulder line that runs across the sides and top-spec trims will get 16-inch alloy wheels.

The new compact SUV is powered by Maruti’s tried and trusted 89bhp, 20.39kgm 'DDiS 200' 1.3-litre diesel engine from the Ertiga, Ciaz and S-cross, mated to a five-speed manua gearbox. As of now, there's no mention of a petrol engine option, and there won't be one at the time of launch, but the Swift's 1.2-litre petrol and even the all-new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Boosterjet turbo-petrol could be on the cards for later. There are talks of an AMT-equipped version, but that is expected to join the line-up later. The SHVS mild-hybrid system also won’t be offered on the model.

The Vitara Brezza will be available in six variants – LDi, LDi (O), VDi, VDi (O), ZDi and ZDi+. The base LDi gets power steering, folding rear seat, driver airbag, audio system with Bluetooth, power mirrors, front power windows, manual AC, tilt steering and an engine immobilizer. The Vitara Brezza LDi (O) gets dual front airbag, ABS, EBD and front seat belt pre-tensioner with force limiter.
 

The VDi model gets rear parking sensors, floating roof treatment (A-B-C-pillars get blackened trims) all four power windows, keyless entry, roof rails, full-wheel covers, an electromagnetic tailgate and gear shift indicator. The VDi (O) gets dual front airbags, ABS, EBD and front seatbelt pre-tensioner with force limiter.

The higher-spec ZDi trim gets standard ABS with EBD, different lights for speedometer, piano black trim for the centre console, 215/60 R16 tyres, dual front airbags, automatic AC, projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a 60:40 split rear seat, steering-mounted audio control, driver’s seat height adjust, rear wiper with washer, front fog lamps, a rear centre arm rest and faux skid plate on the front and rear bumpers.

The top-spec Vitara Brezza ZDi+ gets a dual-tone exterior paint, cooled glove box, Maruti SmartPlay infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, navigation and reverse parking camera display, push-button start, cruise control, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, power folding wing mirrors and a front arm rest. What this means is that a single airbag is standard across all variants, while a second airbag and ABS are optional on all variants. The equipment level on the whole is on par with its main rival, the Ford EcoSport, though each car has a few unique features the other doesn't.

The Vitara Brezza puts Maruti in one of India's most booming segments, which currently has players such as the Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV300. However, it will not be sold via Maruti’s Nexa dealerships, but rather from Maruti's regular dealership network, as established dealers simply didn't want to miss out on a piece of this pie. With an astonishing 98 percent localisation, as with all Marutis, expect the Vitara Brezza to be an item of great value for money when it is launched.

The new Tata Hexa

Tata Motors unveiled the Hexa SUV at the Auto Expo '16 in production-ready guise.Interestingly, even though the Hexa is based on the same platform as the Aria, it looks more like an SUV rather than an MPV, thanks to an impressive job by Tata’s design team. 

In terms of the exteriors, the Hexa gets a dual-colored front bumper, dual hexagonal patterned front grille with chrome touches,smoked projector headlamps and 19-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle also features body-coloured integrated spoiler and roof rails.

On the inside, the Hexa features a spacious interior. The carmaker counts ample passenger room among its strengths and with the Hexa, their aim was to make the space more useable. The company has also focused on using better quality materials for the interiors. The Hexa gets an entirely new dashboard, a colour multi-info display (a first for a Tata car), a Harman-sourced 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with USB, aux, Bluetooth and SD card connectivity, and a new steering wheel.

The Hexa is powered by the 2.2-litre Varicor 400 turbo-diesel engine making 154bhp and a massive 40.79kgm of torque. Power will be sent to the wheels via an optional six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Hexa is equipped with four driving modes such as Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Rough Road.

Other features include cruise control, eight-way adjustable driver seat, ten-speaker JBL audio system, reverse parking camera and ambient lighting with eight colour options.

In terms of safety, the Hexa comes with six airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), vehicle dynamic control, traction control system and engine drag control system.

The carmaker will intend to secure a strong footing in the SUV-crossover segment in India with the new Hexa, and for that reason, it is expected that  Tata will price the Hexa aggressively.

Apart from the Hexa, the carmaker also introduced a new sporty compact sedan – project code named Kite 5 – and compact SUV Nexon.

Honda BR-V showcased at the Auto Expo '16

Honda has revealed the India-spec BR-V at the 2016 Auto Expo. The all-new SUV from Honda shares its platform with the Brio, Amaze and the Mobilio, but gets a more rugged and angular design theme along with a seven-seat layout.

The car is loaded up with a lot of chrome, right from the grille to the tailgate, door frames, door handles and even the wheels, which is bound to go down well in India. Also worth noting is that, in the flesh, it does have some proper SUV presence, and doesn’t look like merely a jacked-up version of the Mobilio. Honda, however, has been careful to brand it a ‘crossover utility vehicle’ or CUV, rather than an all-out SUV.

In terms of design, the BR-V gets SUV styling cues that includes butch cladding that runs around the entire car, a rising beltline, pronounced wheel arch flares and roof rails. At 2,660 mm, the BR-V's wheelbase is longer than that of Mobilio. The new car's interior features a seven-seat layout and an all-new dashboard design, which is more in line with Honda Jazz and City, unlike the cars it shares its platform with. In terms of engine details, the car is expected to use tweaked versions of Honda’s existing 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines.



The BR-V was not launched at the 2016 Auto Expo, and the company says that will only happen later in 2016. The SUV will be manufactured at Honda's Tapukara facility in Rajasthan with production expected to begin in April this year. It will compete with the likes of the Mahindra Scorpio, Renault Duster, Maruti S-Cross and the popular Hyundai Creta. The carmaker also revealed the new Accord at the Auto Expo. The company’s latest generation of the large sedan is set to arrive on our shores in petrol and petrol-hybrid guise, and will be imported into India as CBUs. Also on display are the Honda Project 2&4 concept, the Jazz racing concept and the McLaren Honda MP4-30 Formula 1 car.

Renault Climber and Racer revealed

Two Renault Kwid-based concept cars, the Climber and the Racer, have been unveiled at the Auto Expo and some of their features could make it into future production models.

With a high ground clearance, wide track, short overhangs, and special off-road pattern tyres, the flame-orange liveried Kwid Climber is the more extreme off-roader and aims to show that the original Kwid hatchback’s SUV image can be translated into off-road performance.

The Renault Kwid Racer on the other hand is in an entirely different category altogether, and brings out the world of track motor racing with its low profile tyres shod on 18in alloy wheels, tweaked aerodynamics, four-point harness bucket seats, a digital rev counter and roll cage.

The Renault Climber.

There is a totem display in the centre console that can let the driver track his or her performance in real time, and the interior also features aluminium, carbon and Alcantara, as well as a leather-trimmed steering wheel with an alloy frame.

Laurens van der Acker, Senior Vice President of Corporate Design highlighted the fact that Renault was proud that the concept cars have been largely designed and built in India by Renault’s Mumbai and Chennai design studios.

The Renault Racer.

“Both the Racer and Climber have been developed keeping in mind specific customer needs and cater to very diverse audiences,” van der Acker said. “They reflect our intent to keep pace with global innovations and at the same time make products to suit the local needs.”

The Kwid had its global unveil in India in May 2015 and has gone on to be a hit for the company with 100,000 orders since its launch about four months ago.The success has a lot to do with the Kwid’s unique SUV-like character and the Climber and Racer concepts aim to bring in two more avatars to the Kwid family.

Datsun Go Cross Concept

Datsun has exhibited its latest crossover concept, the Go-Cross, at the 2016 Auto Expo. This concept is based on the same platform as the seven-seat Go+ sold in India, but gets crossover styling such as raised ride height and body cladding. This is the same concept that was unveiled in October 2015 at the Nissan Motor Corporation HQ in Japan.

At the front, the concept sports angular headlamps and high-set fog lamps along with LED lights mounted on the lower portion of the bumper, Datsun’s trademark grille and a prominent faux skid plate. On the sides, the model gets body cladding, roof rails, a rising window line, and large alloy wheels. Completing the crossover look is a prominent rear bumper with body cladding, skid plate and a roof-mounted spoiler. Mechanical details of the concept are yet to be revealed but it could feature the same 1.2-litre motor as the Go+.

Jaguar F-Pace,new XF & new XE debut at the Auto Expo '16

Jaguar has showcased three new models at the 2016 Auto Expo. The line-up includes the all-new XE sedan, the new-gen XF and the carmaker's first SUV, the F-Pace.

 

The new XF will replace the ageing model that is currently on sale in India. It is lighter, more powerful and gizmo-packed than before. The XF’s chassis sees the extensive use of aluminium for weight reduction and improved driving dynamics. It’s equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen that features the latest In-Control Touch Pro infotainment system.

 

The Jaguar F-Pace.

The first SUV from Jaguar, the F-Pace, also made its India debut at the expo and is expected to hit Indian shores very soon. Built on an all-aluminium platform, the F-Pace is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

 

Jaguar has also launched the XE sedan at a starting price of  Rs 39.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The sedan is the most affordable offering from Jaguar, and will compete with the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class. The XE is offered only in petrol guise, powered by a 2.0-litre engine in two states of tune: 197bhp and 237bhp.

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