Tata Kite Compact Hatchback

Tata Kite Compact Hatchback: Preview

Expected Launch: January, 2016 

Tata Indica eV2, a budget hatchback and a no-nonsense commuter, was refreshed in 2012 with additional features. Tata might completely replace this car with its upcoming revamped version under the project name 'Kite'. The revised car is still expected to offer Indian consumers all that they expect from a hatchback but still at an affordable price. We can expect Tata Motors to launch this vehicle by the second half of 2015 or early 2016.

Exterior

The camouflaged test mule of the Kite hatchback shows a tall-boy design and we expect it to be based on an updated version of the Indica’s XO platform. It looks similar to the Bolt and will get new headlamps and restyled bumpers. At the back, revised tail lamps will be placed horizontally unlike the Christmas-tree arrangement on the Indica.

Interior

Expected to be equipped with features similar to the ones in the Bolt, the new hatchback's cabin will boast of a better quality interior than the present Indica. The company might throw in a list of goodies like an upgraded infotainment system with bluetooth to better it from the current car.

Engine and gearbox

The upcoming Kite hatchback is expected to borrow the powertrain from its current siblings. However, there are speculations that the manufacturer might add a new three-cylinder petrol and diesel mill option for this new car. The five-speed manual transmission might be carried over with the availability of the AMT gearbox as well.

Price and Competition

The new Kite hatchback might be placed in between the Nano and the Indica. Priced in the range of Rs 3.9 lakh to Rs 4.5 lakh, it will rival Maruti’s upcoming small car codenamed YRA.

Jaguar XE

Jaguar XE: Preview

Expected Launch: November, 2015.

Jaguar has always been known to produce cars that slot into the higher sections of the premium category and this has been evident since the new look XJ and XF began production in 2009. It has however been missing a contender in the entry-level sports segment which is dominated by cars like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

However, this will now change when it launches the XE sports sedan next year. Aimed at giving the British manufacturer a chance at the volumes game we can expect to see an Indian debut by the middle of next year.

Exterior

The Jaguar XE, in the released publicity material and spy shots, looks exactly like the larger XF and the flagship XJ. This is a common practice among all the manufacturers partly due to economies of scale and partly due to the fact that it is easy for them to adapt a successful design across all their models to retain familiarity of product.

The Jaguar XE will get a smaller version of the XF’s massive chrome mesh grille complete with the leaping cat. Standard features are expected to be projector headlights, LED daytime lights and projector fog lamps. We even expect that the bumper will remain the same but with a higher ground clearance.

The side profile is also similar to that of the XF in terms of roof line, flared wheels arches and the rake angle of the roof line both in the front and back. However, while the boot will have similar design elements as the XF and XJ-like tail lamp cluster and chrome strips, it appears to be far smaller (in relation to the larger cars). The rear bumper is expected to be a little sportier and will be complemented by dual exhausts.

Interior

While the exteriors are clear thanks to the plethora of spy shots and press release images, the interiors are still a mystery. However, given the theme of continuation on the outside, we expect that it will be no different inside. The overall design is expected to be very close to that of the XF and XJ but with the obvious cost cutting measures like fabric/Alacantra seats and shiny but high quality plastic in place of wood for the trim options. 

We expect that the infotainment system, climate control and instrumentation will remain the same but there will none of the Houdini-like hidden vents and rotary dial appearing from hidden crevices. Instead we believe that there will be a standard gear lever and fixed gear selection dial in the cabin. The rear seat space will adequately seat two persons in full comfort thanks to the transmission tunnel and the rear AC unit.

Engine and gearbox

The XE will be the British automaker’s first vehicle to be derived from an all-new aluminium platform and engine family called Ingenium which will comprise units in the capacity of 1.8-litres to 2.5-litres and have power outputs in the range of 184bhp to 300bhp. There is also expected to be a top-of-the-line RS variant which will be powered by the 3.0-litre V6 unit from the F-Type range.

This family has both petrol and diesel engines and will be mated to either a six-speed manual or the ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox which will send power to the rear wheels or to all four-wheels in a 60:40 ratio.

Price and competition

We expect that Jaguar will price the XE in the range of Rs 28 lakh to Rs 45 lakh and launch it in mid- 2015. It will compete with the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The biggest move is expected to be that Jaguar will locally assemble the car in India in a bid to price it as competitively as possible.

Mercedes Benz AMG-GT

Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT: Preview

Mercedes-Benz globally launched the AMG-GT last year after teasing fans and enthusiasts with photos and videos of the car through its official website and Facebook page.

After the SLS AMG which is now not on sale, the AMG-GT is the second model developed entirely in-house by Mercedes-AMG to come with a V8 mill. Since Mercedes-Benz India has brought almost all of its performance cars in India, it doesn't come as a surprise that they will soon launch the sports coupe for the Indian market.

Exterior

The automaker had initially released the pictures of the eight stunning colour options of the AMG-GT without giving out any details then. The new two-door coupe comes in black, yellow, two shades of red, silver, grey, white and blue.

Coming to the car's body work, the German automaker's craftsmanship and design philosophy can be clearly seen from the design of the AMG-GT. Right from characteristic styling, thoroughbred motorsport technology to the optimum weight distribution, Mercedes-Benz has brought in everything that a Merc fan would expect from an authentic Mercedes-AMG sports car.

The AMG-GT is derived from the SLS AMG and borrows most of the styling cues from the larger siblings, the SLS as well as the SLK55 AMG. Nevertheless, the sports car is a more compact and agile concept in comparison to its successor- the SLS AMG. While the elder sibling was fitted with gullwing doors earlier, the GT comes with a pair of conventional doors. The carmaker has also redesigned the aerodynamics to enhance performance and cooling.

Interior

Continuing with the fantastic artwork on the outside, Mercedes-Benz has made sure they replicate the design philosophy in the cabin. With the extensive use of leather, the interior gets a dual tone colour scheme. The red and black colour scheme with contrast red stitching can be seen on the dashboard, central console, door panels and seats. The carmaker has made use of a lot of chrome and aluminum inserts can be seen on its center fascia. Similar to the dashboard, the large central console gets round shaped control buttons with red illumination. This also houses the gear box and ergonomically positioned control switches. There is a high-end infotainment system with integrated control switches for audio, calls and other functions.

The three spoke flat bottomed steering wheel is the main highlight of the coupe, which is leather-wrapped and gets controls for various functions. The car's instrument cluster also gets a stylish driver information system featuring analog meters with sporty red dials. Standard features like a dual zone climate control unit and an advanced music system are expected to continue. On the safety front, airbags, three point seat belts with pre-tensioner and load limiter, anti-theft device with alarm, engine immobilizer and numerous other advanced aspects are expected to be offered as standard. Additionally, the sports coupe might come equipped with the PARKTRONIC parking assistance system along with COMAND online function.

Engine and Gearbox

The AMG-GT gets a front mid-engine layout and will be available in two states of tune for the engine. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine under the hood of the GT-S version is tuned to produce 510bhp of power at 6,250rpm and 650Nm of torque between 1,750 rpm and 4,750rpm. This model does the 0 to 100 kmph run in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 310kmph. The standard GT is powered by a brand new 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine which churns out 462bhp of power. This motor is Euro 6-compliant and is the latest member of the BlueDIRECT engine family. This mill claims high levels of performance and efficiency. The engine in the AMG-GT is placed behind the front-axle and delivers power to the rear-wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Price and Competition

The Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT will be the successor to its flagship SLS AMG and will come to India via the CBU route. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 2 crore to Rs 2.5 crore and will rival the high-end versions of the Porsche 911 and the Audi R8.

Skoda new SUPERB

Skoda New Superb Preview

Expected Launch: November, 2015

Sharp is the new cool seems to be mantra for VW and all the brands under its umbrella. This philosophy has found its way into the external and internal language of not just VW cars but all the other manufacturers as well.

While it has left them looking very similar, what we have got are sharp and modern designs. One car that appears to reflect this well is the 2016 Skoda Superb which has now been seem sans camouflage. It is expected to be launched next summer which means that it will come to India by the end of 2015.

Exterior

The pictures reveal that the 2016 Skoda Superb is longer and wider than the current car. It has a design influenced by the Vision C concept which was unveiled earlier this year.

However, what we can also see is that Skoda is keeping much of the overall design from the current car. The fascia gets a new bumper, revised Skoda proprietary grille and a larger hood which we suspect has been extended for a larger set of engines. The lines have now moved from slightly rounded to completely angular.

Moving over to the side, we can see that the car has retained a lot of the current car’s shape but the roof line has been lowered slightly. When we do a side to side comparison with the B8 Passat, the lines are very similar right down to the flare of wheel arches as well as the larger wheels.The rear end looks slightly different from the Passat and more in line with the current car. The crease around the boot lid now appears to be more prominent and looks to be lacking the chrome strip at the bottom. However, this is likely to be case only for the European markets.

Interior

The Superb is expected to get the same cabin design and elements as the B8 Passat but with the obvious changes in fabric tones, badges and graphics for the touchscreen display. The cabin is expected to have lesser buttons in a bid to de-clutter the look.

Standard features are expected to include-two zone climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, electric adjustment for front seats, rear AC vent and leather upholstery for top-spec models. We also believe that with this model Skoda may start offering a rear seat entertainment package.

Engine and gearbox

The Superb is expected to be offered with the same set of engines as the current car. On the petrol front, the engine will be the 1.8-TSI which produces 158bhp and 250Nm of torque while the diesel on the other hand is the 2.0-litre TDI which produces 138bhp and 320Nm of torque. Gearboxes are expected to include the six-speed MT, seven-speed AT both of which send power to the front wheels. Skoda is also expected to include an AWD option in the higher spec models.

Price and competition

The 2016 Superb is expected to be priced significantly higher than the current model as it is a completely new vehicle and comes fitted with a host of new technologies. When launched, it will rival the VW Passat, Honda Accord, Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Audi A4 Facelift 2015

Audi A4 Facelift Preview

Expected Launch: October, 2016

The 2016 Audi A4 made its official debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and has been spotted testing in Mumbai several times. This is the fifth generation of the Audi A4 that will be launched soon in our country.

Exterior

The new car is based on the second-generation of the flexible MLB platform and looks sharper than the current A4 on sale. The latest iteration will get restyled headlamps, single-frame grille, chrome strip within the waistline, new alloy wheels, compact LED tail lamps and a sloping roofline. The matrix LED headlamps will also be available as an optional extra. Overall, the different changes will bring a fresh look to the car, still following the design language and styling of the existing model.

Interior

Audi has completely redesigned the centre console and the dashboard to give the new A4 a modern look. The seat and the steering wheel have been also revamped while the 12.3-inch virtual cockpit first seen in the Audi TT Coupe is offered as an optional extra. Audi is offering a host of new trims and decorative detailing for the interior.

Engine and Gearbox

Considering the engine options, the new A4 will be available in a host of engines. The petrol line-up includes the 1.4-litre TFSI, 1.8-litre TFSI, 2.0-litre TFSI and the 3.0-litre TFSI while on the diesel front there is the 1.6-litre TDI, 2.0-litre TDI and the 3.0-litre TDI. The carmaker is expected to introduce a new nine-speed automatic gearbox and the AWD via Quattro might be offered as an option.

Price and Competition

The new Audi A4 is expected to be priced between Rs 32 lakh to Rs 41 lakh and will compete with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series in India.

Renault Duster Facelift

Renault Duster Facelift: Preview

Expected Launch: October, 2015

We all love the Renault Duster facelift for various reasons most which seem to be along the lines of it being a small vehicle made to look much bigger than its size. Developed and designed by Renault’s Romanian subsidiary, Dacia, its arrival heralded a new chapter in the pages of Renault India’s history as it set the charts on fire every month since its launch in July 2012.

However, despite the good combinations that it offered, the Duster was no match for the Ford EcoSport which was launched earlier this year and ultimately started dropping off in terms of numbers. With so much to lose, it is now likely that Renault will bring the facelifted version to India sooner than expected. It was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show and features a host of cosmetic changes and a new petrol engine option.

Exterior

The facelifted Renault Duster gets a redone fascia in the form of a new grille, revised headlamp design as well as a new design for the air intake in front. It also gets new front and rear scuff plates, revised tail lamp assembly and 16-inch wheels. However, the overall design of the crossover has not been tampered with as it still retains its squat stance and model-defining flared wheel arches. The rear too remains the same as the current vehicle but now the exhaust pipe has been integrated into the rear diffuser assembly. However, one noticeable change to the Duster is the modified roof rails to increase the amount of support it can provide. For further personalisation, Renault may also offer the adventure exterior design pack which includes a bulbar, satin chrome strips and door sill guard protectors.

Interior and features

The Renault Duster facelift carries over most of the interiors from the current vehicle but what’s new is the instrument cluster, seat upholstery options and power window switches. The European spec car also gets a fire extinguisher, security system and snow chains. India would be getting only the fire extinguisher. The rear seats are likely to remain unchanged as will the boot area. Renault currently offers a navigation pack with the Duster and we expect that this will become a standard feature on the RXZ diesel variant.

Variants and engine line-up

The Renault Duster is currently offered in seven diesel and two petrol variants. We expect that once the Media-NAV system is integrated into the car as a standard feature, Renault will do away with the RxZ and RxL optional variants.The engine line-up stays the same as before; a 1.5-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre petrol. The diesel is available in two configurations 84bhp+200Nm and 110bhp+240Nm, while the petrol engine produces 102bhp and 145Nm of torque. The 84bhp diesel and the petrol engine have been mated to a five-speed manual while the 110bhp diesel has been mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.However, Renault’s new weapon is the 1.2-litre TCe petrol engine that produces 123.3bhp and 204Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels or all four wheels via a six-speed manual and in the case of the latter a four-wheel-drive system. It is their answer to Ford’s Ecoboost engine and will most certainly be launched here in the front-wheel-drive guise.The facelifted Renault Duster, when launched here, will compete with the Ford EcoSport, Nissan Terrano and the Mahindra XUV500 W4 variant.

Datsun Redi GO

Datsun Redi GO: Preview

Expected Launch: October, 2015

The Datsun Redi GO is the third car from the Japanese automaker as part of its re launch strategy for the brand. It was unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo and will join the GO, GO+ and the soon to be unveiled sedan (Russia market only) as Datsun’s budget offerings for various markets. It is a B-segment hatchback and is expected to sit above the GO hatchback in the Datsun hierarchy.

 Exterior

The Redi-GO gets a slightly more futuristic adaptation of the Japanese automaker’s fascia that was unveiled with the GO in July last year. It retains the chrome hexagonal grille from the GO and GO+ but gets sleeker swept back headlights. The fascia also includes a futuristic bumper which is separated from the front grille by a narrow air dam. The headlights and the fog lamps are both LED units but we expect that in the production version, the hatchback will get standard halogen units in a bid to keep the cost of the car down.

The side profile includes flared wheel arches and aerodynamic lines that extend into the boot and then onto the other side. The Redi GO’s roofline slopes at both ends and gives the impression that the car is forward leaning thanks to the little bits of the body work that cover the edge of the A-pillar and the C-pillar.

Despite the quirky design, the Redi GO is a four door but we expect that headroom in the second row will be a bit of an issue if this is the shape adapted in the production version.At the rear, the Redi GO gets a sloping roofline with a smaller rear spoiler. The two-tone bumper is body coloured expect for the number plate holder which has been painted in grey to match the same section on the front bumper. The tail lamp assembly flows from the rear wheel arch to a point near the middle of the boot door. Despite the rest of the car having so many lines and little touches to give it a funky appearance, the rear is little less spectacular than the rest of the car. We already know that it has a wheelbase of 2.3 meters which means the overall length of the Redi GO should be in the range of 3.2-3.6 meters.

Interiors

The interiors of the Redi GO have not been revealed but we expect that it will be a slightly more premium version than the ones found in the GO and GO+. It is expected to get all the standard features like the AUX-

IN with two speakers, mobile charging point, beige upholstery, the dash-mounted gear lever and handbrake.

Engines

It is expected to be powered by the same 1.2-litre three cylinder engine that produces 67bhp and 104Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. It is possible that this car maybe offered with a CNG or an LPG compatible option also.

Price, competition and launch

It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 5.5 lakh and will compete in the B-segment with the Chevrolet Sail hatchback, Tata Indica eV2 and the Hyundai i10. It is expected to be launched in early 2015 for most of the markets where Datsun has a presence.