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.

Audi Q7 Facelift

Audi Q7 Facelift: Preview

Expected Launch: October, 2015

The Porsche Cayenne and VW Touraeg have both got major updates this year so it only seemed obvious that the Audi Q7 be updated too. Now, Audi has taken the wraps off the 2015 Q7 SUV and it appears to have undergone some major cosmetic reconfiguration.

The flagship SUV from the Ingolstadt- based automaker retains an all too familiar shape but is now a whopping 325kgs lighter and roughly 26 per cent more efficient than the outgoing model. The SUV tips the scales at 1995-kgs and has managed to pull off this task thanks to an all-new aluminum-steel chassis and multi-material body composition.

Exterior

The 2015 Q7’s fascia reflects the German automaker’s new design philosophy which now sees its cars moving away from the previous two generation’s rounded edges to much sharper features. The headlights can now be configured in the form of Xenon’s, LEDs or matrix LED headlights. What appears to be standard across all three headlight setups are the arrow- shaped LED daytime running lights with the top-spec models getting the integrated turn signals.

The side profile appears to have been retained from the outgoing model but the roofline has a sharper rake at the rear end and it appears that the whole roof has also been lowered slightly. The bulging wheel arches add to the butch look of the vehicle while there is some contrast coloured moulding on the base of doors. The designs of the alloy wheels too are different now, though we expect that the company is likely to continue offering the older shapes depending on the market.

The rear, like the fascia, gets sharper lines giving a square appearance to the overall design but thanks to the forward rake of the glass does not look out of place. The entire mid-section below the tail lamps has been reworked and thereare two bulge- like design elements on which the badging have been placed. Finally, the exhaust tail pipes have been changed and thanks to the new design philosophy are now flatter and rectangular in shape.

Interior

Less is more seems to be the new philosophy for Audi as it has simplified the cabin design by decreasing the size and number of the elements on the dashboard. The steering, instrument panel and climate control system all appear to be new while the screen has moved from being in the dashboard to the top of it and has now also become larger as well a touchscreen unit. It now uses Audi’s latest MMI system while offering support for Android Auto as well as Apple Car Play. Adding to this package is either a Bose system or a 23-speaker B&O surround sound system.

In conformity with the reducing design, the gear lever is now a smaller unit but other than that all elements look to be carried over and in the same places too. If the front gets so much, then the rear too looks to be a fun place. It can be configured with one or two 10.1-inch tablets that boast of a 32GB memory and full HD camera (for when that car selfie moment happens). Like its predecessors, the 2015 Q7 boasts of three rows of seats and lots of storage spaces.

Engine and gearbox

The Q7 is being offered with the 3.0-litre TDI diesel mill which in higher- spec models produces 272bhp and 600Nm of torque. It is also available in a lower spec config where it produces 218bhp and 500Nm of torque.

On the petrol front, the engine is a 3.0-litre unit that produces 333bhp and 440Nm of torque. There is also expected to be a 2.0-litre petrol engine which will produce 252bhp and 370Nm of torque. This engine will be offered only for the Asian markets. This Q7 also debuts Audi’s new 3.0-litre plug-in hybrid diesel engine that will produce 373bhp and 700Nm of torque. All engines are offered with an 8-speed AT and Quattro system as standard. Audi is now also offering an all-wheel steering on some specific models.

Compeition and Price

The 2015 Audi Q7 will go on sale in Europe and America in the period of June-August 2015 which means that we in India will get it by the end of next year. It is expected to be priced significantly higher than the current model and will compete with the VW Touraeg, Porsche Cayenne and the Land Rover Range Rover.

Mercedes Benz GLE Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Preview

Expected Launch: October, 2015

Mercedes-Benz’s mid-size SUV will also undergo a major change like its larger sibling the GL.

The biggest change is that this car will now be called GLE as compared to the outgoing model which is called the ML-Class. It gets cosmetic updates but no mechanical changes. The vehicle was launched for the European market recently.

Exterior

The Mercedes-Benz GLE retains the overall shape as the current ML-Class but gets new bumpers both in the front and rear. The shape of all the external elements has now moved from a square (ish) design to more angular shapes that give the silhouette a more aerodynamic design.

The creases on the bonnet have become prominent while in some variants the bumper now gets a pseudo bulbar element like the GLA. The headlights are now larger and have LED elements in them as standard.

On the side, the GLE retains the overall shape of the ML-Class including the prominent C-pillar which signifies the third row. The rear profile too has been retained from the ML-Class right down to the prominent lower lip that sits between the bumper and the boot door.

Interior

The interior of the GLE seems to have elements from the new C-Class as well as the MFA models. However, the overall layout as well as some of the control surfaces has been carried from the older vehicle. There are some updates in terms of features like ambient lighting, rear seat entertainment package as well as the COMAND infotainment system. Interior trims are expected to vary between leather and alacantera depending on the variant.

Engine and gearbox

While the GLE is globally offered with four engine options, the India-spec GLE will continue to be offered with the 3.0-litre V6 diesel which produces 258bhp and 619Nm of torque and the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel that produces 203bhp/500Nm. The standard version gets a seven-speed AT and 4MATIC AWD system. The standard GLE will be followed by the GLE63 AMG which will make use of the 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 525bhp/700Nm and is mated to the 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT transmission.

Price and competition

We expect a minimal price change from the current model. It competes with the BMW X5 and the Audi Q5 in the Indian market.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno 2015

Maruti Suzuki New Baleno: Preview

Expected Launch: October, 2015

Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming premium hatchback has been revealed in the form of the all new Suzuki Baleno – a car which made its debut as a concept earlier this year in Geneva. Labelled iK2 previously, Suzuki recently announced that it will sell this model in Europe, next year, as the new Baleno. Here in India, Maruti Suzuki is expected to launch this vehicle next year with a new identity in the premium hatchback segment.

Exterior

The new Baleno retains the standard Suzuki fascia but uses a number of modern design touches like the new y-shaped grille and sweptback headlights with daytime running lights. The fascia, in fact, is reminiscent of the Swift hatchback and the old Kizashi.

The side profile is one that is common with most premium hatchbacks. It is characterised by a long and low roofline that ends at a rather steeply raked C-pillar. Looking at the official pictures, the car appears to have a flat stance albeit with muscular wheel arches and a strong base line. Lastly, the minimalistic rear-end features a boot lip spoiler and an impressive looking circular taillight assembly.

Interior

The exterior may look vividly different from the current crop of hatchbacks from Suzuki but on the inside, the new Baleno is expected to borrow parts from the brand’s parts bin. We expect to a see a familiar layout for the dashboard and all the bits and pieces. However, this car will have a new instrument panel which is expected to have a rather cool looking blue-back lighting and in higher- spec models a colour display between the gauges. On the feature front, we expect a capacitive touchscreen, 2-DIN music system and drivers aids like ABS+EBD and two airbags at least. Suzuki may even offer rear AC vents for improved comfort levels at the rear.

Engine and gearbox

Globally, the new Baleno will be available with Suzuki’s newly developed 1-litre BOOSTERJET direct injection petrol engine. Armed with a turbocharger, this new petrol engine will be highly fuel efficient while offering a respectable amount of grunt with a claimed output of around 120bhp. Paired to it will be either a five-speed manual gearbox or an AMT on select variants.

For India, Maruti will probably use the Swift’s naturally aspirated, 1.2-litre K-Series, alongside the 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine in 90bhp form.

Competition

The new Suzuki Baleno will compete with the Volkswagen Polo and Hyundai i20, both in India and overseas. Although here in India, Maruti expectedly will sell it at a competitive price albeit with a new identity. Given its premium placement, this new model, in all probability, will be sold in the brand’s new high-end line of Nexa dealerships.

Chevrolet Trailblazer

Chevrolet Trailblazer Preview

Chevrolet recently announced that it would be bringing the Trail Blazer [FV1] SUV to the Indian market. It had shown the car at the 2014 Auto Expo and is believed to have got a positive response for the display car.

It will slot in above the Captiva and is expected to be their first premium offering for the Indian market.

Exterior

The facia has the standard Chevrolet SUV look thanks to the split design and mesh grille. The headlights sit firmly at the edges of the bonnet while there are fog lamps as well as daytime LEDs. To add to the muscular stance, Chevrolet has also included a pseudo bull bar-like element to the bumper and has painted it black to give the grille a floating effect.

The side profile is typical SUV with three visible rows, a high roofline and sharply raked front windscreen and very softly flared wheel arches. We expect that the roof rails and 17-inch wheel will be standard across all variants. Chevrolet has designed the rear section in a boxy manner but has given it wrap-around tail lamps with chrome surrounds, a move that gives the SUV a premium look.

Interior

The Trailblazer gets an interior layout quite similar to that of the Chevrolet Cruze. The Thailand-spec car was kitted out in a brown and black theme, but we believe the final model for India that will be launched is expected to be offered in beige.

Standard features are expected to include climate control, Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, steering mounted audio controls and jump seats in the third row. It is possible that Chevrolet may also offer a video screen with a remote control for the second row.

Engine and gearbox

The India-spec Trailblazer is expected to be offered with the 2.8-litre four-cylinder mill which produces 200bhp and 500Nm of torque. There will most likely be only two LTZ versions one of which will be RWD while the other will be an AWD variant and both will only be offered with a six-speed AT.

Price and competition

The Trailblazer is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 32 lakh to Rs 40 lakh where it will compete with vehicles like the Volo XC60 and the Audi Q3. It will be brought to India via the CBU route from Thailand.

Ford Figo Hatchback 2015

Ford Figo Hatchback: Preview

Expected Launch: October, 2015

The Ka is the new hatchback concept from Ford, developed under the code name ‘B562’. Like the EcoSport, this hatchback is also developed by Ford Brazil indicating that this product will primarily target emerging markets including India. 

It will be called the next generation Figo in India and has design cues similar to that of the European Ford Mondeo. It is expected to be launched in India after its compact sedan sibling, around the holiday season. The Figo has been spotted on test on multiple occasions in full production guise and has very similar styling cues as its CS sibling.

Exterior

The next generation Figo looks bigger that the current Figo hatchback and this is down to what appears to be a larger wheelbase.

 
The fascia of the next generation Figo hatchback is similar to that of the current generation Ford models, the headlights on the concept cars were projector lamps but on the standard model it will be bulb and reflector units.However, we don’t expect too many other changes in the design of the final product. It gets a bold new grille and the angular headlamps complement the design nicely. The side profile appears to mimic that of the current car but thanks to the perceived extra length it appears to be a longer vehicle. Ford has given the next generation Figo a simplistic design for the rear in the Brazilian market but for India we expect the addition of at least one chrome strip as well and badging to separate the diesel and petrol models.

Interior

The interior of the Figo hatchback mimics that of the EcoSport and the Fiesta in terms of both layout and overall design. The quality of the materials used as well as the feature list is just as good as the other Ford models. Equipment on the top spec diesel and petrol variants is expected to include AC, SYNC music system, auto-folding OVRMs, reversing sensors with camera, rain sensing wipers and auto dimming internal mirror.

Engine and gearbox

The Figo hatchback will be offered with one petrol and diesel engine. The former is the 1.2-litre four-cylinder mill currently producing 68bhp/102Nm. In the new car, we believe that it will produce around 75bhp and 102Nm. The diesel will be the 1.5-litre four-cylinder mill from the Fiesta which produces 89bhp and 204Nm. Gearbox options will include the five-speed manual and six-speed AT.

Price and competition

It will compete with the likes of the Honda Brio, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10 and the Tata Bolt. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 4 lakh to Rs 7 lakh for the top-spec diesel model.

Renault KWID 2015

Renault KWID: Preview

Expected Launch: September, 2015

Renault is currently one of the mass-market/budget car players in the Indian market without a vehicle in the A-segment. Its alliance partner, Nissan, had launched the Datsun budget brand in 2013 and currently has two vehicles with this moniker. Looking to join the fray, Renault has unveiled a hatchback-based crossover called the KWID.

Named after the concept car that it unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo, the KWID, is a five-seater crossover underpinned by the French automaker’s CMFA platform and will be produced at their Chennai factory with 98 per cent localisation.

Exterior

The Renault KWID has lines similar to that of the Datsun GO but now gets body cladding, flared wheel arches and a forward leaning stance giving it a muscular appearance. It is the first car in the Indian market to debut the French automaker’s honeycomb grille and new headlight design. It gets an aggressive front bumper design that extends outwards and in the top spec variants houses the fog lamps.

The side profile reveals the heavily flared wheel arches and forward leaning stance. The windscreen sharply rakes towards the rear. There is plastic cladding at the base of the doors which are the colour of the wheel arches and basically serve the purpose of rub rails.

At the rear, the glass section is small and slopes forward while there is a sharp lip on the middle of the boot door. The plastic cladding sits right below the boot door and houses the number plate. Renault has given the KWID a small spoiler which we believe will be standard across all variants.

Interior

The KWID appears to have the same interior from the Pulse which is basically the layout of the Nissan Micra.

However, while the layout is the same, the feature list will have many first in segment items. It gets a fully digital instrumental cluster, Media-NAV infotainment system, front power windows and AC. While the instrument cluster, power windows and AC are expected to be standard across all variants, we believe that the Media-NAV infotainment system will only be offered in the top-spec variants.

Engine and gearbox

The engine is expected to be an 800cc three-cylinder unit that will produce around 50bhp and 90Nm of torque. Power will go to the front wheels via a five-speed manual. We also believe that this car is likely to debut an AMT from the Renault-Nissan stable. There will be no diesel model but a 1.0-litre model with higher power figures will arrive six months later. It is also possible that there may be a CNG model but this will only materialise based on demand.

Price and competition

The KWID is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4.5 lakh and will compete with the Chevrolet Spark, Tata Nano, Datsun Go and the Hyundai Eon. It will be launched during the festive season and most likely with an introductory price.

MARUTI SUZUKI CIAZ HYBRID

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Hybrid: Preview

Expected Launch: September, 2015

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz hybrid will be launched in India soon. The C-segment sedan will get a mild hybrid system called the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) which will further improve the efficiency of the diesel engine.

The sedan will use the same 1.3-litre multijet diesel engine from the current car, but now coupled with an extra lithium-ion battery and larger alternator which can take the load off the engine. This will be one of the first applications of the SHVS technology, which was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

The extra battery uses regenerative braking to recharge and provides power for the idle start-stop. The system also reduces the load on the crank by providing a helping hand in developing torque. While this is the exact system that we expect to see in India, there are also speculations that the Ciaz will use a single larger lead-acid battery to run everything. The Ciaz, on paper, is the most efficient car in the segment with an ARAI efficiency of 26.21kmpl. The new hybrid should improve the efficiency by 10 to 15 per cent, taking it close to 30kmpl.

There won’t be any cosmetic changes to the Ciaz, only the diesel nomenclature might highlight hybrid through badging. The features list is also expected to be the same and the difference in pricing will be to accommodate the new system.

The Ciaz hybrid will cost Rs 80,000 to Rs 1.2 lakh more than the current car. With the revised pricing, it will be positioned on par with the Honda City and Hyundai Verna. The new car should be on sale by the end of August or in the first week of September.

MAHINDRA TUV300

Mahindra TUV3OO Preview

Expected Launch: 10th September, 2015

Mahindra recently unveiled the first sketch of the TUV300, giving us the first glimpse of the upcoming compact SUV. Positioned between the Quanto and the Bolero, this sub-four-metre SUV will be officially launched in India on September 10.

Exterior

Unlike the Quanto, the TUV300 gets balanced proportions, which give it the look of a full-sized SUV. In terms of design, the sketch indicates that the front of the TUV300 will be heavily influenced by the Bolero. It gets a modern, yet utilitarian look thanks to the boxy-design and rugged styling cues like the bash plates, wide grille and roof mounted fog lamps. The headlamps get a swept back design, while the fog lamps are mounted on the lower bumper, right next to the bull bars. The sketch also shows bonnet-mounted mirrors, though these might be a part of the optional accessories. The side profile shows a tall belt line, which perfectly complements the boxy design. It also gets roof rails, 10-spoke alloy wheels and a tail-gate mounted spare wheel.

Interior

Though the company hasn’t divulged any details about the interior, previous spy shots have shown that the TUV300 will borrow quite a few components from the Scorpio and the XUV500. The layout gets a modern look with a black dashboard and faux aluminium inserts, to help Mahindra attract urban consumers. It will be equipped with a touchscreen and a modern infotainment system with USB and Bluetooth support. The multifunction steering wheel will get controls to manage the audio and telephony system. With two individual facing jump seats behind the second row, the seven-seat layout in the TUV300 will be identical to that of the Quanto.

Engine and Gearbox

The TUV300 is expected to be powered by a revised version of the existing 1.5-litre engine from the Quanto, called mHawk 80. The three-pot engine, in its current state of tune, delivers 100bhp and 240Nm of torque through a five-speed gearbox. Though the TUV300 will initially be available only as a two-wheel-drive car, Mahindra might eventually launch a four-wheel-drive version too.

Competition

As a sub-four-metre utility vehicle, the TUV300 will compete against the Ford EcoSport. We can expect its prices to start around Rs 6.5 lakh.