Hatchbacks, Sedans, SUVs among cars to be launched in 2016

As the festive season approaches, the Indian car market is in for an influx of new models. We have put together a comprehensive list of upcoming cars in 2016 and here is the part 1.

New Audi A4

The new gen Audi A4 which is based on a significantly superior platform compared to the outgoing car is all set to launch in India later this month. The Mercedes C Class rival is expected to be available only with a 1.4L TSI turbo petrol engine in the beginning. A diesel variant with 2.0-litre unit is reported to be available few months later.

A redesigned front and rear fascia, evolved profile and an all-new interior are the product highlights. The car also gets Audi Drive Select and Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument console.

New Chevrolet Beat

Next iteration of the Chevrolet Beat small car for India will be a lot different from the international version when it comes to underpinnings but the design is expected to be pretty close. The new Beat will spearhead GM India’s turnaround strategy as the new products based on the emerging market platform is reported pushed to the back burner for the country.

The next gen model is expected to carry forward the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.0-llitre diesel engines. Manual transmissions will continue to be the standard offering.

New Chevrolet Beat Activ

The Beat Activ is essentially a Beat with rough road package. The concept which was unveiled at the Auto Expo earlier this year shows that the Activ will feature new front and rear bumper, lower body cladding all around, exclusive alloy wheel design, roof rail, spoiler, and new interior color theme.

We expect at least one of the two products (Beat and Beat Activ) to be launched before the end of 2016. The Activ will be positioned well below the existing hatchback crossovers like VW Cross Polo, Toyota Etios Cross, Hyundai i20 Active and Fiat Avventura.

Fiat Avventura Urban Cross

Showcased as a concept at the Auto Expo, the Avventura Urban Cross is a spruced up soft crossover with inputs from DC Design. The primary difference between the Urban Cross and the existing Avventura is the lack of tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

While that interesting chrome grill detailing is expected to make it to the production model, the futuristic LED headlamps may be watered down. The soft crossover will be available with the 90 PS version of the 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine. The 1.4-litre petrol engine is also a likely candidate.

Honda Accord

The Accord is all set to make its rentry into India after a long sabbatical. This time, the D-segment premium sedan will be available only in Hybrid avatar. The Accord Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine which is supported by an electric motor.

The combo is paired with an e-CVT. Combined power output stands at a healthy 196 PS. The Accord Hybrid will be benefiting from the Indian government’s FAME scheme and will be pitted against the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Honda Brio facelift

The Brio hatchback has been neglected by the automaker and there were no significant updates after it received an automatic transmission a few years ago. A facelifted version has already been launched in international markets and Honda is likely to bring it here before the end of this year.

Redesigned headlamps, grille, bumpers and a chrome strip on the hatch door are the exterior changes. The new dashboard is borrowed from the Amaze facelift and is in line with more upmarket Hondas. We don’t see any changes to the powertrain and no, the diesel variant is not in the offing.

New Hyundai Elantra

The all-new Elantra is expected to be launched later this month. The latest iteration witnesses a significant shift in design ideology and looks more matured. The same is the case with the cabin which derives its design from bigger Hyundais. We can also expect several new additional features.

The new Hyundai Elantra is expected to be powered by 2.0-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be on offer.

Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson crossover is a part of Hyundai India’s crossover onslaught. The company wants an SUV in every important segment. The new Tucson with sharp styling and upmarket features will slot below the Santa Fe and above the Creta.

The Honda CR-V rival is expected to sport a 2.0-litre diesel engine which could be mated either to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The crossover is most likely to be assembled locally.

Hyundai Elite i20 AT

The automatic version of the popular Elite i20 hatchback has been in the news for quite some time now. While the launch is slated for this festive season, it is still unclear whether the 4-AT unit will be mated to the existing 1.2-litre petrol motor or the 1.4-litre petrol motor which was available in the previous generation.

Jaguar F-Pace

JLR India has already updated its official Indian page with the details of the F-Pace. Jaguar’s first ever crossover will be available in three variants and two engine options.

The Pure and Prestige variants will be propelled by a 180 PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine while the range-topping R-Sport will boast of a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine with 300 PS on tap.

Jaguar XE

Jaguar XE diesel variant, expected to be priced at INR 43,00,000 will take on the likes of diesel variants of Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class when launched in India. Jaguar XE petrol variant is doing well in India and the company expects the same from its upcoming diesel offering.

New Jaguar XF

2016 Jaguar XF is slated for launch in India later this year. It was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo and is set to replace the current generation model. More cabin space, lighter body weight, state of the art infotainment features and redesigned interiors will be highlights of Jaguar XF. It will be offered in diesel and petrol engine options and will compete against BMW 5-series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. 2016 Jaguar XF will be priced from INR 50 lakhs.

Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee SRT

Jeep India brings the new Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and SRT to India, with Wrangler and Grand Cherokee launching on 1st September while the SRT will come at a later date. The cars will be imported into India in CBU format while local production is also on the cards.

Jeep Wrangler will be sold in the 5 door Unlimited variant and will come in powered by a 2.8 liter diesel engine offering 197 hp power. The Grand Cherokee will be on sale in three trims – Limited, Summit and SRT. Limited and Summit will receive a 240 hp 3.6 liter V6 diesel engine mated to an 8 speed automatic gearbox. The Grand Cherokee will be priced from INR 85 lakhs while the SRT will receive a price tag upwards of INR 1 crore.

Mahindra Bolero MINI

Mahindra’s latest compact SUV, new mini Bolero will launch in India in August at a competitive price. It will be powered by a 1.5-liter mHawk three cylinder diesel engine from the TUV300 and NuvoSport which has been detuned to offer better fuel efficiency.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS

Unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo, Maruti Baleno RS will be powered by a new 1.0 liter BoosterJet engine and will be priced between INR 8-9.5 lakhs. It will compete with the VW Polo GT, and Abarth Punto.

Maruti Ignis

Maruti Suzuki India Limited will also bring in the new Ignis compact SUV. It was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo as a concept. It will be positioned below the Baleno and but above the WagonR and Celerio. Maruti Ignis is expected to be powered by a 1.3-liter diesel engine offering 80bhp power and a 1.2-liter petrol engine producing 75 bhp power. Prices should be in the INR 4-6 lakh bracket.

2016 Mercedes E Class

Coming in as a CBU, the 2016 Mercedes E-Class will be launched later this year and will be introduced as a limited edition. New generation E-Class will sport a new design language and both petrol and diesel engine options. The Mercedes E-Class is a part of the 12 new launches promised by the company in 2016.

2016 Mini Clubman

2016 Mini Clubman will enter Indian market through the CBU route and is set to be launched with 2.0L petrol and diesel engines. It will be offer comfortable space for 5 adults, and will be the largest MINI to be on sale in India.

Renault Kwid 1L and AMT

The new and more powerful Renault Kwid 1 liter version will launch in India in second half of August and will compete against the Maruti Alto K10 and Hyundai EON. The company also showcased an AMT version at the 2016 Auto Show with the Easy-R unit doing duty on the new Renault Duster. This AMT variant will also come in with the 1.0 liter engine.

Skoda Rapid facelift

The Skoda Rapid facelift is confirmed for launch this festive season and promises to come in with more on board equipment, fresh exteriors and updated engine. It will come in powered by the same 1.6 liter petrol and 1.5 liter diesel engines tweaked to offer 103 bhp and 153 Nm; 103 bhp and 250 Nm respectively

Tata Hexa

Tata Hexa could be launched in India in October/November and will get a 2.2 liter engine offering 156 PS power and 400 Nm torque. This is the same engine seen on the Tata Safari Storme Varicor400 SUV tweaked for power and performance and mated to a 6 speed manual or automatic gearbox.

Tata Kite 5

Tata Kite 5 has been spied on test in India and will be launched ahead of the festive season. The sub-4m sedan will receive a 1.2 liter Revotron engine and 1.05 liter Revotorq diesel engine mated to a 5 speed manual while AMT option will also be available. It will compete against the Maruti Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, Volkswagen Ameo and Ford Figo Aspire

Tata Tiago AMT

Tata Motors has 2 AMT transmission offerings as on date with the GenX Nano and Zest. The company now plans to bring in their third AMT variant – Tata Tiago AMT, which scheduled for launch later this year. It is expected to receive a price tag of INR 4.50 lakhs. It will be offered with the Tiago Activ variant only.

Toyota Etios facelift

Toyota Etios facelift has already been launched in Brazil ahead of its launch in India. Brazil spec model receives a 1.5 liter Dual VVT-I flex fuel engine offering 107 bhp power mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission while the India version will get 1.5-liter petrol and 1.4-liter diesel engine options.

VW Ameo Diesel

To be launched ahead of the festive season, VW Ameo TDI will receive a 1.5 liter TDI engine offering 108 PS power. The engine will be mated to a 5-speed manual or 7-speed DSG while pricing could start from INR 6.8 lakhs.

VW Polo and Vento

Volkswagen India plans launch special edition of Polo and Vento this festive season. Special edition will feature minor cosmetic updates, while engine and transmission options will remain same as today.

VW Polo GTI

VW Polo GTI was unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo. It will be powered by a 1.8 liter TSI petrol engine offering 189 bhp power and 250 Nm torque commanding acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 235 kmph. Once launched, it will be the most powerful hatchback in the country.

Volvo S90

Volvo India plans launch of 6 new models in the country of which one is the Volvo S90 luxury sedan. It will share the same 2.0 liter diesel engine seen on the XC90. Pricing is slated to fall between the INR 50-55 lakh bracket while bookings have already commenced on a down payment of INR 1-2 lakhs.

This article first appeared on Rushlane.com