While the first half of 2014 was not as exciting as automakers had hoped for, the new government as well as the change in the buying sentiment in the past two months have been encouraging enough for manufacturers to look forward to a positive year. Moreover, with the festive season all set to commence in the coming weeks, automakers have lined up the launch of a range of new models and upgrades that will keep us very busy and you guys very excited. Here is a quick showdown of the eight upcoming car launches in India that will be taking place in the next couple of weeks. Brace yourselves, auspicious times ahead!
1) 2014 Volkswagen Polo – 15th July
While the exterior updates may not be as radical as one could have hoped; nonetheless, the change is refreshing and also extends to the interiors. There is also the inclusion of the new 1.5-litre diesel engine that will replace the mundane 1.2-litre diesel unit and is being touted to be a powerful performer.
2) Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG – 22nd July
The CLA45 AMG will be the most affordable AMG in the country at a price of around Rs. 80 lakhs and is outright gorgeous. Packing in absolute madness under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 355 HP of power and 450 Nm of torque. The CLA45 AMG will be your ticket to the coveted AMG club.
3) BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid – 23rd July
Sort of a brand builder for BMW in India, the 7-Series ActiveHybrid is for the limited elite who can afford to save the world from global warming. The luxurious sedan packs in a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine coupled with an electric motor, sending power to the rear wheels via the 8-speed automatic transmission. Being brought in as a CBU in the country; expect a hefty price tag of around Rs. 1.75 crores.
4) Honda Mobilio – 23rd July
One of the most highly anticipated car launches of 2014, the Honda Mobilio will finally bow in on 23rd July with petrol and diesel engine options on offer. A 7-seater MPV, the hype following the Mobilio has certainly given sleepless nights to the competition even before launch. There is also an RS version of the Mobilio planned that will be launched later in the year.
5) 2014 Fiat Punto Evo – First week of August
A comprehensive upgrade after several years of launch, the Fiat Punto Evo looks better than the outgoing version and certainly packs in a lot more features. With Fiat having improved their overall sales and service network, the 2014 Punto Evo might just be able to hit the right sales numbers it always deserved in the segment.
6) Audi A3 – 7th August
Audi AG’s most affordable sedan in India, the A3 is a bit of luxury and affordability engulfed into one stellar package. Engine options include the 1.8-litre TSI and the 2.0-litre TDI motors on the A3 and is expected to be priced from around Rs. 28 lakhs (ex-showroom) onwards in the country. If luxury hatchbacks are not your thing, the A3 offers a lot more practicality and value that should please.
7) Tata Zest – mid-August
A heavily re-engineered platform, the new Revotron engine with 3 driving modes and a major interior upgrade; the Zest is a success in the making. Tata Motors’ brand new product after a gap of five years, the Zest compact sedan promises to offer a lot more than the competition and will also define the company’s future growth. With promotional activities in full swing, all the Zest needs is a killer pricing to take on the likes of the Maruti DZire, Hyundai Xcent and Honda Amaze in the segment.
8) 2015 Hyundai i20 – early August
Expected around late August, the second generation Hyundai i20 will get a far more mature and updated styling. The fluidic sculpture design has been toned down for a cleaner appearance, while the interior also gets a smart looking dashboard. Expect to see tons and tons of new features added to the next generation i20, while the engine options are expected to remain the same.
