New car launches in the coming months

Here's a look at some of the new car launches and unveilings in the coming months. 

 

Not even half way through the year and the Indian car market has seen a host of new entries that included cars from the luxury segment such as the BMW i8 to cars in the hatchback segment like the Celerio ZXi AMT. However the year is still far from over for manufacturers with many mainstream launches planned for the months to come.


Audi RS6 Avant launch (June 4)

Audi will be launching the RS version of the A6 in a wagon-body style, called the RS6 Avant. Under the hood, the RS6 will get a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine making 552bhp and get Audi’s all-wheel drive system. Inside, the car will get an all-black interior along with all the luxuries of a standard A6.

 

Ford Figo Aspire (June)

Ford’s compact sedan, the Figo Aspire is expected to launch sometime in June. The Figo Aspire will be powered by a new 1.2-litre petrol engine and Ford’s tried-and-tested 1.5-litre diesel engine from the Fiesta and EcoSport. It will also be offered with the option of a six-speed double clutch automatic gearbox and six-airbags.



New Honda Jazz launch (July)

The Jazz has been facing delays in India for a few months now. Originally expected to launch in March, Honda delayed the launch because of problems in the production process. The new Jazz will be powered by the now familiar 1.2-litre i-VTEC and 1.5-litre i-DTEC and will offer a spacious interior just like its predecessor.



Hyundai small SUV (August - September)

Hyundai’s EcoSport rival has been spotted testing on Indian roads over a few months. The car is expected to go on sale sometime in August or September, featuring the familiar 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines and the 1.6-litre diesel unit. Inside it is expected to offer a feature-rich cabin like with all Hyundais along with the good build quality.



Maruti Celerio diesel DDiS125

Maruti’s first in-house diesel engine debuts under the hood of the upcoming Celerio diesel. The 800cc unit will become the smallest engine offered in the segment and will likely make the new Celerio diesel the most fuel-efficient car in the market. The launch is expected soon with Maruti already stocking up on demo cars in its Manesar plant.

Maruti Across (S-Cross)

The rebadged S-Cross is expected to launch sometime later this year and will rival the likes of the Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. Under the hood, the Across is expected to get a Fiat- sourced 1.6-litre diesel engine. Though sold internationally with a four-wheel drive variant, it is still doubtful if Maruti will offer this variant in India.



Volvo V40 launch (June)

Volvo is expected to launch its V40 hatchback sometime this year. The smaller sibling to the V40 Cross Country, the V40 will rival the likes of the Mercedes A-class in the market.

Volvo S60 T6 (June)

This petrol-powered Volvo is also expected to arrive on our shores this year, with Volvo planning to introduce petrol engines in more cars in the Indian line-up, following the V40 Cross Country.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-class

The facelift of the current M-class, the GLE-class is expected to make its way to the Indian subcontinent by the year end. The GLE-class gets styling more in tune with Mercedes’ new design language as seen in the new C-class and S-class — a similar grille and headlamp units. Internationally it gets new engine options, though for India it will likely carry on with the existing engines in the M-class.



Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG

Another Mercedes coming to India this year is the powerful and luxurious S 63 AMG. Featuring an aggressive AMG kit, lowered suspension, AMG wheels and AMG embossed interiors, the powerful sibling of the standard S-class will be powered by a 5.5-litre hand-crafted twin-turbo V8 pushing out 577bhp and 91.77kgm of torque.